Messenger, which are branching out into areas like shopping and document storage.
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Meanwhile, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to a world where people navigate their phones through voice-controlled digital assistants such as Apple's Siri, rather than opening individual apps.
To be sure, chat and AI are in their infancy, and their appeal to the masses remains uncertain. But if they take off, they could erase the edge Apple enjoys by virtue of its strong app ecosystem and tip the scales toward Google, which is widely considered to have the lead in AI.
"The current dynamic is very favorable to Apple, and this is a suggestion that we might shift to a different dynamic where Google would have a very strong advantage," said Benedict Evans, a partner at the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.
"No matter what you do to an app store, you always have that underlying problem: It's a list of a million things," he added.
Apple may yet find ways to wield AI to reinforce the App Store. The company has already woven more intelligence into its operating system, which now prompts iPhone users to open certain apps during the day based on their habits.
DEVELOPER GRIPES
On a more basic level, the changes announced this week address some of the loudest complaints from developers, who say it is virtually impossible to stand out in an app landscape dominated by hit games, big media companies and internet giants such as Facebook and Google.
Statistics from Sensor Tower, an app analytics firm, show a stark and widening divide between top earners and low performers in the App Store.
The top 1 percent of app publishers raked in about 94 percent of the store's estimated $1.43 billion net revenue in the first quarter of 2016. The gulf has expanded rapidly since July 2012, the first month for which Sensor Tower has data, when the top 1 percent netted about 80 percent of the revenue in the store, according to data provided to Reuters. The figures cover paid apps and apps that include in-app purchases.
Some developers who carved out a niche early say they doubt success would come so easily today.
"Now the challenge for developers is, if there's an app for everything, how will you create an app people will use?" said Lucas Buick, who founded Hipstamatic, a photography app that was an early hit in the App Store.
TOO LATE?
David Barnard, founder of Contrast, an app development company, applauded the new focus on subscriptions, which he said would encourage developers to invest in their apps. But getting attention in the store remains a challenge.
"It's not like they fixed everything in one fell swoop," Barnard said.
Pete Zed, a 33-year-old Oakland, California developer, thought he had a hit on his hands when reminder app Bump was featured by Apple in January 2015, inspiring thousands of users to install the program. But as soon as the promotion ended, downloads plummeted. Zed discontinued the service this year.
Some developers are banking on the next wave of user interfaces.
In 2014, developer Eswar Priyadarshan founded Tasteful, which aims to guide users with various diets to healthy restaurant dishes through its app. Tasteful's audience, though loyal, is too niche to vault it up the App Store charts, Priyadarshan said.
In a bid to lessen his dependence on the App Store, he recently made Tasteful available on chat platforms such as Messenger and Slack.
"It has been difficult to get the kind of growth we need to sustain an app business," Priyadarshan said.
Analyst Bob O'Donnell of TECHnalysis Research said he doubted the changes will do much to move the needle for small developers.
"At the end of the day Im not sure how much real-world impact its going to end up having for a lot of these apps," he said.
(Reporting by Julia Love; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Bill Rigby)
Its no secret that Apples Steve Jobs was interested in cars, and a new report details the car that impressed the iconic leader. Made of polypropylene and glass fiber, the car was 40% lighter than a conventional steel vehicle, and would cost 70% less to produce. Called the V-Vehicle, the car was actually brought to Jobs house in 2010, where he was given a detailed demo of the concept.
DONT MISS: WWDC 2016 preview: Everything Apple plans to unveil next week
Created by Bryan Thompson, the V-Vehicle is yet to be mass-produced. But Thompson was eager to show it to Jobs, who was acting as an informal advisor to the investors who backed the project. Thompson believed the car could sell for just $14,000, a significant achievement for a petroleum car.
Jobs was very taken with the overall design of the car, which featured unpainted, upgradable body panels and a space frame body, a design technique usually reserved for high-end cars like the Ferrari 360 or Audis line of cars, The Guardian notes. And Jobs had plenty of advice for Thompson, who said he learned more about plastics in a 15-minute chat with the Apple CEO than he did in his years in design school and auto industry combined.
v-vehicle-interior
Above, the original V-Vehicle interior. Below, the redesign that followed the meeting with Jobs.
v-vehicle-interior-2
Its Jobs that told Thompson to emphasize the plastic, rather than hide it. Let the material be honest, he said, admiring the fibre-wood dashboard. He added that it would look better as a single piece that evoked a sense of high precision.
He also told the designer to add surface tension to the interior, just as he did with the exterior. A taut surface has a sense that its full of energy, like an animal ready to pounce. Its a subconscious thing that gives the product an impression of high quality and confidence, Thompson said. He didnt spell out the solutions; thats what I do. But the sensibilities and feeling resonated with me deeply, and I took that moment of high energy buzz to get that sensibility into the interior.
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Jobs was also impressed with the team who came up with the concept, which lacked the corporate resources of a major car firm. The car had soulfulness, Jobs said.
However, Thompson never managed to make a commercial version of the V-Vehicle. The company was later renamed Next Autoworks and bought by LCV Capital Management in 2015. The company still wants to build the car in Italy, and its backed up by the original investors. Tony Bonidy, a former director at Jobs NeXT Computer, runs the company.
Apple, meanwhile, is developing its car (Project Titan), according to a variety of reports, although not much is known about the product and its future design.
The Guardians full story is available at the source link, and its worth a read.
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Mountain View technology startups Zee.Aero and Kitty Hawk are in the business of creating flying cars, and both are backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, according to a new report.
Zee.Aero was founded in 2010, and competitor Kitty Hawk set up in 2015; while neither are part of Alphabet Inc's Google-related family, both have been bankrolled by Google co-founder Larry Page -- Zee.Aero to the tune of $100m.
Kitty Hawk staff originate from not only Zee.Aero itself but also NASA, Boeing, Elon Musk's SpaceX, and the 2013 Sikorsky Prize-winning Aerovelo team.
Company president Sebastian Thrum has been heavily involved in Google's autonomous driving program and research arm.
That's according to a Bloomberg report carried by Business Insider.
Also behind Zee.Aero is Stanford aeronautics and astronautics professor Ilan Kroo, it's said; the company even launched some playful proof-of-concept gliders at the 2013 Red Bull Flugtag in Long Beach, California (youtu.be/KUlZQ3JyrBM).
What do you get when you combine the functionality of Facebook groups, Twitter hashtags, the e-commerce options of a site like PayPal and the communities like those at Goodreads and allrecipies.com, to name a few?
The answer is Imzy, a Salt Lake City-based startup as well as a new whimsically named platform for communities built by a team that includes a band of Reddit veterans. Its CEO, in fact, is Dan McComas, who previously led product at Reddit and who says he was dismissed not long after the user revolt that plagued the site last year.
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So why has he and some of his other former 'front page of the Internet' colleagues got together to try to build a new social platform for communities, with few people knowing as well as they do how tall a hill that is to climb?
To answer that, its probably helpful to rewind the clock to around the time when Reddit put out a company-wide decree in 2014 that mandated all employees base themselves in San Francisco or face a pink slip.
Wed all went through such a tumultuous time at Reddit, says Imzy head of product Kaela Worthen Gardner. All employees had to relocate to San Francisco. We went through three CEOs in less than a year. There was the whole Reddit blackout. We went through this period that was really difficult, and we werent able to do things in terms of policy and product we thought we should be able to do. It wasnt necessarily anything specific - most of us had just stopped enjoying working at Reddit and ended up leaving for various reasons.
Many of them started hooking back up with each other after theyd left. And they started to have conversations around the same basic idea - what do we do next?
You reflect back on what happened during this significant period of your life, says Gardner, who confirmed Imzy has already raised $3 million in funding. We started talking to each other. What if we could do something that isnt just a different Reddit. What could we do about community in general? And how could we build something more amazing than anything else out there?
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The answer was Imzy, which is still in beta at the moment. (Theres no story to the name, by the way. It was chosen for SEO purposes and because it sounded happy. Which, in a way, speaks to the purpose of the platform.)
One of the driving forces at Imzy is the promotion of what the team describes repeatedly as healthy communities. This is not, Gardner stresses, the same thing as saying Imzy wants to be some kind of Safe Reddit."
The difference, as she explains it, is that the structure of the communities is baked into the platform from the start. Thats unlike something like Facebook, which arguably made things up as it went along and added Groups over time, then incrementally added functionality to Groups.
What were doing is thinking about community from the ground up, said Gardner, who points to Imzys early partnership with groups that are already part of the platform, like Lena Dunhams Lenny Letter and Black Girls Talking. Almost all of us have worked in a community capacity before, whether at Reddit or Twitter. Weve talked with experts and done heavy academic research on things like what makes for the best quality community, like letting our users have multiple names so they can choose how theyll appear in each community. Were questioning everything, all in service of - what will make users happiest?
What they want to avoid is having to adjust later or clamp down on users, maybe issue stricter editorial guidelines because things got out of control, which fans the flames even more. Other things in place include requiring users to be a member of a particular section in order to post there, which should cut down on trolls that float in and out.
Imzy already has thousands of users. They include Dan Harmon, creator of the show Community, whose Harmontown Imzy group lets members pay 5 bucks to listen to Harmon record his weekly podcast. That kind of "tipping," by the way, is how Imzy plans to make money, along with the presence of payments that it expects users to figure out over time how theyll incorporate into their groups. One group, for example, might come together around homemade art, and users could be able to buy that art straight from the group, with Imzy taking a cut of the payment.
On the product front, the Imzy team is working on iOS and Android apps now and doesn't plan on launching publicly before those are done.
In a Quora post a few days ago, Gardner put Imzys purpose this way:
Are we trying to create a more civil place on the Internet? Absolutely! Are we trying to censor everyone and everything? Not at all. You can be rude to people. You can definitely get your feelings hurt. We're not protecting people from that. You can have really terrible opinions that I wish didn't exist. Because we don't want to censor ideas at all, and we definitely don't want to censor disagreement. That would kind of defeat the purpose of discussion. Echo chambers are terrible and unproductive. We want diversity of all opinions, because that's a vital part of creating a healthy community. And what you see on a lot of platforms that get really out hand is that they censor in a different way, by completely obliterating anyone with an opinion they don't like in really vicious, terrible ways that can have real, lasting damage. We want to make it possible for people to express their opinions in a civil way.
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When an agreement with the US Commerce Department runs out, ICANN will become a self-regulating non-profit international entity (AFP Photo/Andrew Cowie) (AFP/File)
San Francisco (AFP) - The US administration on Thursday endorsed a plan to cede its oversight of the gatekeeper of Internet addresses to the broader online community.
Commerce Department assistant secretary for communications and information Lawrence Strickling told AFP that the proposal from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) meets the criteria set by the US administration.
The plan aims to maintain Internet governance under a "multi-stakeholder" model which avoids control of the online ecosystem by any single governmental body.
"The Internet's multi-stakeholder community has risen to the challenge we gave them to develop a transition proposal that would ensure the Internet's domain name system will continue to operate as seamlessly as it currently does," Strickling said.
US oversight of ICANN had "irritated" some governments, which used what was Strickling depicted as a mainly clerical responsibility to vie for greater control of the Internet.
The plan comes in response to the US government's March 2014 announcement that it would transition "stewardship" of online domain name system technical functions from the Commerce Department to a body that would fairly represent all parties with interests in a vibrant and healthy Internet.
Motivation behind the transition is to "preserve a free and open Internet," according to Strickling.
- Avoiding fragmentation -
Concern has been expressed over the years that a perception that the United States is holding the reins of the Internet could prompt other countries to form their regional "domains," creating a potential for fragmentation.
The proposal crafted over the course of two years with input from businesses, academia, governments and others was endorsed by ICANN in March.
Strickling declined to call his agency's report endorsing the plan an "approval," referring to it instead as a favorable "assessment."
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The proposed new system is being tested in parallel with the existing one to see if it works on a practical level.
The plan will not affect how users interact online, but will turn over the technical supervision of the online address system to ICANN itself, with a system of checks and balances so no single entity can exert control over the Internet, according to officials involved in the process.
Officials say the US government supervision is symbolic and dates back to the creation of the Internet. Yet ICANN officials maintain the new governance model will instill confidence around the world in the Internet's independence.
If the US government formally approves the plan, then a contract between ICANN and the US government will be allowed to naturally expire on September 30.
ICANN board chairman Stephen Crocker told AFP in an earlier interview that he did not expect Internet users to notice any change.
But some US lawmakers have been less than enthusiastic about the plan.
Last year, Republican Senator John Thune warned at a hearing that a privatized ICANN could become "accountable to no one."
Strickling said his agency is prepared for discussions with lawmakers to get them comfortable with the plan.
"To the extent that people think the US has been the guardian of the free and open Internet, I think, overall, we have relied on the community," Strickling said.
From Popular Mechanics
A new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is being marketed to do dangerous jobs previously taken on by the infantry. The drone's unique design allows it to scale urban obstacles previously inaccessible by other robots and do everything from battlefield surveillance to ambushes.
Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), RoBattle is a six wheeled UGV designed to accompany troops into battle, either mounted or on foot. The system can be operated by an human but is also described as being "autonomous on several levels."
The drone has a fully independent suspension system, as wheels on the same axle appear to move independently from one another. RoBattle has all-wheel drive powertrain, as demonstrated at the 30 second mark of the video below, when the center axle wheels help RoBattle climb a low rock wall. Robattle has large, grippy tires to provide good traction, but can be configured with tracks if necessary.
Unlike many battle bots, which concentrate on sneaking and peaking at the enemy, IAI is positioning RoBattle as comfortable at the pointy end of the spear. Robattle is designed to conduct "armed reconnaissance, decoy, and ambush and attack" missions, in addition to armed reconnaissance and convoy protection.
RoBattle can sling lead downrange via its Pitbull Remote Weapons Station. Pitbull is a hundred pound package consists of package of day and night optical sensors coupled with a remotely fired machine gun. Pitbull's sensors allow it to detect the direction of enemy fire and automatically return fire. Robattle can also be fitted with an articulated arm, or a battlefield sensor package.
Little else is known about RoBattle at this point, with regards to the engine (it appears to be electric) and armored protection. It appears to be very large and top-heavy, although the drone's wide stance will help mitigate rollovers.
Source: Defense Update
iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- A Georgia police officer reportedly shot a man in the neck late Tuesday night after responding to a 911 call, but at the wrong house, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. The bureau will conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Henry County Police responded to a 911 caller who described hearing gunshots and an unknown female yelling for help, the statement said. Three officers were dispatched to the scene in Stockbridge, Georgia near midnight, according to the GBI.
The GBI statement said, "Preliminary review of the 911 call indicates that the officers were at the wrong location," adding that when the officers arrived, the homeowner, William Powell, 63, was armed with a handgun.
"Preliminary information also indicated that officers gave verbal commands for Powell to drop his handgun which he did not comply with," the statement added.
The officer directly involved in the incident has been placed on paid administrative leave, per protocol, the Henry County Police Department said in a statement.
A Georgia police officer reportedly shot a man in the neck late Tuesday night after responding to a 911 call, but at the wrong house, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. The bureau will conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Henry County Police responded to a 911 caller who described hearing gunshots and an unknown female yelling for help, the statement said. Three officers were dispatched to the scene in Stockbridge, Georgia near midnight, according to the GBI.
The GBI statement said, "Preliminary review of the 911 call indicates that the officers were at the wrong location," adding that when the officers arrived, the homeowner, William Powell, 63, was armed with a handgun.
"Preliminary information also indicated that officers gave verbal commands for Powell to drop his handgun which he did not comply with," the statement added.
The officer directly involved in the incident has been placed on paid administrative leave, per protocol, the Henry County Police Department said in a statement.
Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
MASON CITY | A man accused of entering a Mason City home and attacking an occupant faces criminal charges.
Robby Rasmussen, 32, of Grafton, was charged on Wednesday with felony first-degree burglary and domestic assault-strangulation. He's also accused of violating a no-contact order.
Police say Rasmussen entered a home on the 300 block of Second Street Northwest without permission about 7 p.m. Wednesday.
He's accused of assaulting one person and threatening to kill one or more people, according to a Mason City police statement.
Police say the injured occupant declined transport to the hospital.
Rasmussen was arrested at Fourth Street Southwest and North Monroe Avenue.
Police say he was treated at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa for lacerations and taken to the Cerro Gordo County Jail.
In addition to Wednesday's charges, Rasmussen was booked on Worth County warrants for forgery and unauthorized use of a credit card.
Molly Montag
MASON CITY | A Mason City man's federal lawsuit against a deputy with the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office claiming the deputy assaulted him during a traffic stop last year was dismissed this week.
Felix A. Arp, 24, originally filed the lawsuit against Lt. Matthew Klunder in Cerro Gordo County District Court. It was later transferred to U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
Court documents say the case was dismissed because Arp failed to comply with an order issued by U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand.
Strand ordered Arp in April to amend his complaint against Klunder, noting Arp did comply with a previous order to do so but the new petition once again "appears to be frivolous, or, at minimum, fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted."
Strand also ordered Arp to submit to the court the camera footage from Klunder's vehicle, which Arp claimed showed the deputy was "overzealous and out of control."
Arp claimed he was a passenger in a vehicle Klunder stopped shortly after 8 p.m. April 28, 2015, at the intersection of 16th Street Northeast and North Federal Avenue in Mason City.
Arp stated he complied with Klunder's request to get out of the car, but Klunder then grabbed him by the shirt, pointed a Taser at his chest, threatened to shoot the Taser and then did so. Arp then fled the scene.
Arp claims Klunder knew he was not driving the vehicle and made a false accusation in order to harass him.
Arp was found guilty of interference with official acts in a non-jury trial and fined $250.
Arp, who had his probation revoked in June 2015 on a previous conviction of unauthorized use of credit card, is currently serving up to five years in prison.
In his petition Arp stated the traffic stop and his arrest for interference with official acts resulted in his probation officer putting a hold on him, which is why he was sent to prison. He was seeking $1,500 restitution per each day spent in custody.
Arp, who stated he had pain in his left shoulder from the Taser, also was seeking restitution for any medical treatments he receives as a result of the incident.
Strand's order in April stated Arp's complaint contained inconsistent statements, such as his assertion that Klunder missed him when he attempted to shoot him with the Taser but he still had pain in his shoulder.
Strand also noted another individual in the vehicle pleaded guilty to allowing an unauthorized person to drive, so Arp is not able to assert he was not driving and was wrongfully arrested.
OSAGE | An Osage woman has been charged with vehicular homicide and operating while under the influence in connection with a fatal accident in March.
Shannon Henaman, 42, was arrested on a warrant Wednesday by the Osage Police Department.
Henaman was the driver in a single-vehicle accident that took place at 3:19 a.m. on March 4 at the intersection of Kirkwood Avenue and 370th Street, according to Mitchell County Sheriff Greg Beaver.
Theodore McPhail, 50, Osage, a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead after being taken to the Mitchell County Regional Health Center.
Beaver said alcohol was involved in the accident.
The accident was investigated by the Mitchell County Sheriff's Office and the Iowa State Patrol.
Henaman is being held in the Mitchell County Jail on $100,000 cash-only bond.
Vehicular homicide is a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
Duane Merle Hanson
LAKE MILLS Duane Merle Hanson died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on June 7, 2016, in rural Lake Mills, Iowa. He was 87 years old.
A funeral service to celebrate Duanes life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 12. at Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills. The family will greet friends and family members one hour prior to the service at the church. An inurnment of the ashes will take place at North Prairie Cemetery.
Duane was born on May 2, 1929, in Park Rapids, MN to Sarah and Edmound Hanson. He married Leone Oney Bidne on Aug. 9, 1963, at North Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Scarville. They spent most of their married life on the Bidne Farmstead where Duane assisted with milking cows, raising hogs and farming the land.
Duane was always thankful for growing up in a large family. His family lived and worked on several farms in Minnesota including the areas of Kenyon and Cannon Falls. His family later moved to Minneapolis. Duane enjoyed playing guitar and singing with friends and family, especially with his brother Gordon and sister Adeline. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1948 to 1952 as a transportation specialist. He served in many states, Canada, and Greenland. Duane was humbled to serve his country during the Korean War. When he returned from the Army he worked for Gopher Plumbing and Heating in Savage, MN for many years.
Duane met Oney in Bloomington, MN, and they shared the same love of country music. They married and soon after moved to the Lake Mills area where he worked on the family farm. He was a great steward of the land and took great pride in milking Holstein cows and raising Chester White pigs with his father-in-law. He felt very fortunate that they could raise and work with their three children on the farm. Later they were joined by their grandchildren who became the fifth generation to live on the family farm.
After retiring from farming in 1993 he went to work for the Lake Mills Coop Creamery delivering milk to local stores and the Fleetguard Daycare. Farming was always in his blood and he enjoyed helping local farmers during planting and harvesting seasons. In recent years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their many church, fair and school activities.
Duane and Oney enjoyed their travels to Branson to share in their love of country music. They also traveled to Arizona several times to visit family. In recent years they both looked forward to spending their Saturday evenings watching country, gospel and bluegrass music on the television.
Duane proudly served on the Winnebago County Fair Board and was an active member of North Prairie Lutheran Church where he served on the church council.
Duane is survived by his wife, Oney; daughter, Deb (Troy) Heller of Tripoli, IA; son, Mike (Beth) Hanson of Lake Mills, IA; son, Corey Hanson of Eagen, MN,and six grandchildren Kyle (Carli) Heller, Kirstin Heller, Kolby Heller and Keely Heller, T.J. Hanson and Hannah Hanson, and a great-granddaughter, Cayleigh Heller, and a great-granddaughter, Mylah, to be born in July; brother Robert (Charlotte) Hanson, of Hutchinson, MN, and sister Adeline Lindell of Cannon Falls, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and Edmound Hanson, his in-laws, Gilbert and Margaret Bidne, three brothers; John Hanson, Clarence Hanson and Gordon Hanson, and one sister Gladys Neseth.
Iowa officials arent totally dismissing the threat of the Zika virus in the state, and thats wise. It only takes a traveler or two who have been exposed to the virus in southern climes to bring it here.
But with the onset of heat and outdoor activities, those same Iowa officials say theres a much more likely threat to Iowans: contracting the sometimes-deadly West Nile Virus. That threat prompted Dr. Ann Garvey, deputy state epidemiologist, to issue a warning to Iowans to protect themselves against mosquito bites in coming weeks.
Between five and 44 cases of West Nile Virus have occurred in Iowa annually since 2005. Having first appeared in 2002, it has been found in all 99 counties, either in humans, horses or birds, according to a story by our Des Moines Bureau. The last death attributed to West Nile occurred in 2010. About 20 percent of those infected come down with mild to moderate symptoms fever, headache, body aches and vomiting. Fewer than 1 percent become seriously ill.
Its hard to imagine the frail mosquitoes surviving the intense heat purportedly heading our way, but they do in places like standing water in buckets, cans and pool covers. The best defense is to go on the offense and get rid of that water and cut long weeds and brush.
Plus, when outside, use insect repellent (with your sunscreen, of course). DEET provides the best protection against mosquitoes and those aggravating ticks which can carry Lyme disease. Wear long pants and long sleeves when possible and avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are more prevalent.
Of course, it is not wise to dismiss the Zika threat out of hand. It causes certain birth defects in babies, so pregnant women should seriously reconsider any plans to go to Mexico, the Caribbean or South America.
But for the majority of Iowans, the biggest threat will be from West Nile. So in order to maximize your outdoor pleasure, minimize the spots where mosquitoes can breed. And always have your repellant handy as you enjoy Iowas great outdoors this summer.
Hillary Clinton has been the almost-certain Democratic presidential nominee for weeks. But she needed her victory in California anyway to give her a big political boost in forging party unity.
That, and an easy win in New Jersey, added to the majority of delegates she wrapped up by Monday. Of greater significance, it intensifies pressure on Sen. Bernie Sanders to bow to reality and coax his passionate supporters to rally around the campaign to defeat Donald Trump.
The Democrats big guns, starting with President Barack Obama and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, will start right away trying to persuade Sanders to end the nomination fight. Sanders won Montana and the North Dakota caucus but his hopes of winning the majority of Tuesdays contests failed as Clinton prevailed in New Mexico and South Dakota.
Leading Democrats hope the Vermont socialists loss in California, where hed looked for a psychological boost, makes it more likely that hell settle for some progressive planks in the party platform and changes in delegate-selection rules.
They will flatter him by arguing that with his surprisingly strong showing and devoted flock of spirited followers, he can help Democratic candidates in the fall and could have leverage in the Senate during a Clinton presidency.
This wont be an easy sale. Sanders remains bitter about some of the things the Clinton camp has said about him and may need a little time to assess the best course, starting with the long plane ride from California to Vermont on Wednesday.
Sanders sounded confrontational as recently as Saturday, when he talked about a contested convention, and even late Tuesday night, despite the decisive California result, he vowed to keep fighting.
At Sanders request, he will meet with Obama at the White House on Thursday, perhaps paving the way for an accord. Obama is likely to endorse Clinton this week, The New York Times reported.
Another important figure in the diplomacy between the Clinton and Sanders camps will be Warren, the Massachusetts senator who is a leader in the anti-Wall Street Democratic left. She has made some of the most effective criticisms of Trump in recent weeks and, even more than Obama, has credibility with many Sanders supporters.
The Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid, and his likely successor, Chuck Schumer, will weigh in, too, stressing to Sanders that he will have more clout in the Senate if he helps the party this fall. Vice President Joe Biden, popular with almost all Democrats, will be a force, too.
In negotiations, the Clinton camp is likely to give Sanders most of what he wants in rules changes affecting delegates and primaries for 2020. The Vermont lawmaker wants to reduce the role of superdelegates, who are party officials and officeholders not bound to any candidate, and allow independents to vote in primaries.
The platform, though largely symbolic, may be a tougher slog. There are areas of general agreement like paid family leave, campaign finance reform, regulation of Wall Street, the minimum wage and tuition subsidies at public universities.
There could be fights, though, if the Sanders camp pushes hard on foreign policy matters or some more controversial domestic issues like a ban on fracking.
HILLARY' SINS AND THEODORE ROOSEVELT'S QUOTE
After reading the editorial by the Quad-City Times in the Globe Gazette, Clinton must confess her sins, and then, next to it, reading John Skipper's article, Some afterthoughts on a divided community, I had to smile.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her staff blatantly chose to ignore the obligation to use the State Department's email server and system. Even though she broke no law and no serious security breach has come to light, she erred by combining personal and state business on her own server.
Transparency is critical in a democracy and politicians must be acutely aware of it. It should be noted it was Hillary who insisted her hearing on Benghazi that went on for 11 hours be made public and transparent, not any Republicans.
In showing appreciation to those who worked diligently on the Prestage project that failed, Skipper quoted President Theodore Roosevelt.
It's not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, . . . who errs; who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.
But who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement ...
I smiled and thought of Hillary Clinton, the woman voted 20 times the most admired woman in the world, the first woman to be her party's nominee for president of these United States.
Johanna Anderson, Osage
According to past letters to the editor, some conservative Christian Republicans must believe Jesus was a Republican. He wasnt. Actually, if Jesus were here today, I think he would vote Democrat.
First of all, he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, not an elephant. You can look it up.
More seriously, although homosexuality and abortion were common practices in Biblical times, Jesus never spoke a word about them. Even in the more judgmental Old Testament, neither practice made the top 10 list of "thou shalt nots."
Jesus preached mostly against the love of accumulated wealth and went about dispensing free health care. He said to pray quietly and humbly, not in front of TV cameras at political rallies.
He spoke often about bringing peace but not once about the need for military buildups. When he handed out free food like loaves and fishes, he didnt require anyone to pee in a cup or give proof of looking for employment to judge if they were worthy enough for his help.
His central message was to care for the poor, the downtrodden and the unfortunate. He never suggested that would only foster dependence. He said to love your neighbors, not to fear them and build walls.
Jesus had loyalty only to Gods kingdom, not to any nation or state. He did not seek to impose one religion over another but said, There are many paths to my father. He lent support for the separation of church and state when he said, Render unto Caesar what is Caesars and unto God what is Gods.
Jesus had a fine message but conservative Christian Republicans have gotten it all wrong in their attempts to apply Jesus to politics.
David Mansheim, Parkersburg
English German
Clinical data reported from completed phase 1/2a study of BAL101553, with once-weekly 2-hour infusion showing signals of clinical activity
Design of ongoing phase 1/2a study with once-daily oral BAL101553 presented, with four dose cohorts completed
Design of ongoing BAL3833 oral phase 1 study presented, with four dose cohorts completed
Basel, Switzerland, June 9, 2016 - Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) announced today that the final clinical data from the first-in-human phase 1/2a study with the intravenous (i.v.) form of its tumor checkpoint controller BAL101553 were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago, USA, on June 3-7, 2016. The study showed signals of clinical activity at doses associated with a promising safety profile. In addition, the design of a phase 1/2a study with the oral formulation of BAL101553 given once daily as well as the design of the first-in-human phase 1 study with the oral panRAF/SRC kinase inhibitor BAL3833 were presented. Dose-escalation in these studies is currently ongoing.
In the open-label phase 1/2a study, i.v. BAL101553 was administered over two hours on days 1, 8 and 15 of 28-day treatment cycles to patients with advanced solid tumors who failed standard therapy or for whom no effective standard therapy was available. Based on preclinical data and the evaluation of a range of biomarkers, patients with colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic, ovarian, gastric and triple negative breast cancer were included in the phase 2a part of the study.
Across the entire study, out of the 59 patients who were evaluable for efficacy, 39 patients received 30 mg/m2 as starting dose or after adjustment. Of these 39 patients, one long-lasting partial response of more than two years and one prolonged stable disease of six months were observed in two patients with ampullary (pancreaticobiliary) cancers. Nine additional patients presented stable disease lasting between two and eight months. Overall, the drug was well-tolerated in the 15-30 mg/m2 dose groups; these patients were on treatment longer and showed more signals of clinical activity than patients treated at higher doses of 45-80 mg/m2. This may be related to different tumor vascular effects at low versus high BAL101553 doses.
The recommended Phase 2 dose for BAL101553 when given as a 2-hour infusion once per week was therefore determined to be 30 mg/m2. Dose-limiting adverse effects at higher dosages included transient and reversible grade 2 to grade 3 gait disturbance, which occurred together with transient grade 1 to grade 2 peripheral sensory neuropathy, and asymptomatic and reversible myocardial ischemia. These adverse effects appeared to be primarily related to the peak drug plasma concentration (C max ), while preclinical data1 indicate that the anti-proliferative effects are driven by total drug exposure (area under the curve, AUC). This suggests that there may be a possibility to further widen the therapeutic window of BAL101553 through alternative dosing regimens, such as using daily oral dosing. After completion of four dose cohorts, no dose-limiting toxicities have been observed in the ongoing oral study.
BAL1011553 posters at ASCO Annual Meeting 2016 Phase 1/2a trial of intravenous BAL101553, a novel tumor checkpoint controller (TCC), in advanced solid tumors - J. Lopez, T. R. J. Evans, E. R. Plummer, N. Diamantis, H. M. Shaw, I. H. Zubairi, N. R Md Haris, J. MacDonald, A. Greystoke, R. L. Roux, N. Tunariu, L. R. Molife, A. L. Hannah, S. Anderson, H. A Lane, M. Maurer, A. Schmitt-Hoffmann, F. Bachmann, M. F. Engelhardt, R. S. Kristeleit; Abstract 2525, Poster Board #225
A Phase 1 study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and antitumor activities of daily oral BAL101553, a novel tumor checkpoint controller (TCC) in adult patients with advanced solid tumors - R. S. Kristeleit, T. R. J. Evans, J. Lopez, S. Slater, M. D'Arcangelo, Y. Drew, S. Adeleke, J. Brown, D. Crawford, N. Diamantis, P. Gougis, A. Tzankov, A. L. Hannah, S. Anderson, H. A Lane, A. Schmitt-Hoffmann, M. Maurer, F. Bachmann, M. F. Engelhardt, E. R. Plummer; Abstract TPS2594, Poster Board #292b
For further information please visit http://am.asco.org/.
In addition, the design of the ongoing first-in-human open-label multi-center phase 1 study with the oral panRAF/SRC kinase inhibitor BAL3833, also known as CCT3833, in patients with advanced solid tumors including metastatic melanoma, was presented at ASCO.
In the study, after receiving initial single oral doses for clinical safety and pharmacokinetic analysis, patients are administered oral BAL3833 once-daily on a continuous basis over 28-day treatment cycles. In the dose-escalation part, the safety and tolerability profile of BAL3833 will be evaluated and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) as well as the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) will be established. The study further includes pharmacokinetic analyses and assessments of patient blood and tumor samples for drug response biomarkers as well as exploratory patient selection biomarkers. The protocol provides that, once the MTD and RP2D are defined, there will be an expansion phase in patients with locally advanced or metastatic malignant melanoma, such as untreated BRAF-mutant melanoma, variants with progression under conventional BRAF-inhibitor therapy as well as RAS-mutant melanoma.
The study is expected to include 69 patients and is conducted in the United Kingdom at the Royal Marsden and Christie NHS Foundation Trusts in collaboration with The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The CRUK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester. To date, four cohorts have completed enrollment without experiencing dose-limiting toxicity.
BAL3833 poster at ASCO Annual Meeting 2016 A Phase 1 first-in-human trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of CCT3833, an oral panRAF inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumours, including metastatic melanoma - E. J. Dean, U. Banerji, R. Girotti, I. Niculescu-Duvaz, F. Lopes, L. Davies, D. Niculescu-Duvaz, N. Dhomen, S. Ellis, Z. Ali, B. O'Carrigan, L. Carter, L. Chisholm, C. Dive, H. A. Lane, P. Lorigan, M. E. Gore, J. Larkin, R. Marais, C. Springer; Abstract TPS9597, Poster Board #199a
For further information please visit http://am.asco.org/.
About BAL101553
Basilea's small molecule oncology drug candidate BAL101553 (the prodrug of BAL27862)1 is being developed as a potential therapy for diverse cancers, including tumor types unresponsive to standard therapeutics. BAL101553 is currently undergoing clinical phase 1/2a evaluation in patients with advanced solid tumors as an oral dosage form. It has shown evidence of clinical anti-tumor activity in a phase 1/2a study with the intravenous (i.v.) formulation during which the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended phase 2 dose for weekly 2-hour i.v. administration were established. In preclinical studies, the drug candidate demonstrated in-vitro and in-vivo activity against diverse treatment-resistant cancer models, including tumors refractory to conventional approved therapeutics and radiotherapy.2, 3, 4 BAL101553 efficiently distributes to tumors and to the brain, with cytotoxic effects in glioblastoma (brain tumor) cell lines.5 The active moiety BAL27862 binds the colchicine site of tubulin with distinct effects on microtubule organization6, resulting in the formation of the "spindle assembly checkpoint" which promotes tumor cell death.7 Basilea's approach to oncology includes the early evaluation of potential biomarkers, which are already being tested in phase 1/2a clinical studies in order to optimize dose selection and identify cancer patient groups more likely to respond.
About BAL3833
BAL3833 (also known as CCT3833) is an orally available small-molecule panRAF/SRC kinase inhibitor targeting cell proliferation signaling pathways that are associated with tumor growth and resistance development to current therapies. It is the lead compound of a series of kinase inhibitors in-licensed by Basilea in April 2015 under an agreement with The Institute of Cancer Research, London, Cancer Research Technology, the Wellcome Trust, and The University of Manchester. BRAF is mutated in a range of cancers including melanomas, colorectal and serous ovarian cancer. Data from preclinical studies suggest that this class of compounds, targeting the BRAF, CRAF and SRC family kinases, is active in diverse patient-derived melanoma models with intrinsic or acquired resistance to currently marketed BRAF-specific as well as MEK inhibitor therapies.8 Moreover, activity of BAL3833 has also been demonstrated in KRAS-driven cancer models, including non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer.9 BAL3833 has been progressed into a phase 1 study in adult patients with advanced solid tumors including metastatic melanoma. The compound originates from research at The Institute of Cancer Research and the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, by scientists funded by Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust.
About Basilea
Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is a biopharmaceutical company developing products that address increasing resistance and non-response to current treatment options in the therapeutic areas of bacterial infections, fungal infections and cancer. The company uses the integrated research, development and commercial operations of its subsidiary Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd. to discover, develop and commercialize innovative pharmaceutical products to meet the medical needs of patients with serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Additional information can be found at Basilea's website www.basilea.com.
Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For further information, please contact:
Peer Nils Schroder, PhD
Head Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
+41 61 606 1102
media_relations@basilea.com
investor_relations@basilea.com
This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com.
References
1 J. Pohlmann et al. BAL101553: An optimized prodrug of the microtubule destabilizer BAL27862 with superior antitumor activity. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting 2011, abstract 1347; Cancer Research 2011, 71 (8 Supplement)
2 A. Broggini-Tenzer et al. The novel microtubule-destabilizing drug BAL101553 (prodrug of BAL27862) sensitizes a treatment refractory tumor model to ionizing radiation. EORTC-NCI-AACR symposium 2014, abstract 202
3 G. E. Duran et al. In vitro activity of the novel tubulin active agent BAL27862 in MDR1(+) and MDR1(-) human breast and ovarian cancer variants selected for resistance to taxanes. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting 2010, abstract 4412
4 F. Bachmann et al. BAL101553 (prodrug of BAL27862): A unique microtubule destabilizer active against drug refractory breast cancers alone and in combination with trastuzumab. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting 2014, abstract 831
5 A. Schmitt-Hoffmann et al. BAL27862: a unique microtubule-targeted agent with a potential for the treatment of brain tumors. AACR-NCI-EORTC symposium 2009, abstract C233
6 A. E. Prota et al. The novel microtubule-destabilizing drug BAL27862 binds to the colchicine site of tubulin with distinct effects on microtubule organization. Journal of Molecular Biology 2014 (426), 1848-1860
7 F. Bachmann et al. BAL101553 (prodrug of BAL27862): the spindle assembly checkpoint is required for anticancer activity. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting 2015, abstract 3789
8 M. R. Girotti et al. Paradox-breaking RAF inhibitors that also target SRC are effective in drug-resistant BRAF mutant melanoma, Cancer Cell 2015 (27), 85-96
9 G. Saturno et al. Therapeutic efficacy of the paradox-breaking panRAF and SRC drug CCT3833/BAL3833 in KRAS-driven cancer models. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting 2016, abstract LB-212
OSLO, Norway, June 9, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Targovax receives regulatory approval to conduct a study in Spain to assess its ONCOS-102 product in combination with chemotherapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a rare type of cancer in the lining of the lung.
"This approval marks another important step for Targovax, demonstrating that both investigators and regulatory authorities support our strategy to study ONCOS-102 immunotherapy in combination with other therapies", says Charlotta Backman, Director, Clinical Development in Targovax. "In addition to this trial, where we combine ONCOS-102 with chemotherapy, we are preparing three other trials in which ONCOS-102 is combined with either checkpoint inhibitors or dendritic cell technology."
MPM is highly malignant with a 5-year survival of only 5 to 10%. Most patients are diagnosed too late for surgical intervention. Standard of care chemotherapy will provide a median overall survival of approximately one year.
"We will study a patient group which is in great need of better therapies. It will also be the first time to assess ONCOS-102 in combination with chemotherapy. We are eager to see how the combination works in the clinical setting", continues Backman.
In a completed Phase I study, ONCOS-102 induced local immune activation at lesions demonstrated by the increased number of TILs (tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) in 11/12 patients in a mixed population of solid tumors including MPM. In addition, the treatment initiated a systemic tumor specific immune response in two patients, as tumor specific CD8+ T cells were detected in blood samples collected after treatment, but not before the treatment.
The present study is a randomized phase I/II clinical trial of 30 patients, with a phase Ib safety lead-in cohort of 6 patients. Both first and second line MPM patients are included in the trial, if they are eligible for treatment with pemetrexed and cisplatin, the standard of care chemotherapy in this indication. The trials main objectives are determination of safety, immune activation at lesional level and in peripheral blood, clinical response and the correlation between clinical outcome and the immunological activation. Several investigational sites in Europe will participate in this study, which is expected to start during the second half of 2016.
ONCOS-102 has orphan drug status for MPM in Europe and the USA.
For further information, please contact:
Gunnar Gardemyr, CEO
Phone: +46 73 083 77 79
Email: ggardemyr@targovax.com
ystein Soug, CFO
Phone: +47 906 56 525
Email: oystein.soug@targovax.com
Arming the patient's immune system to fight cancer
Targovax is a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing targeted immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients. Targovax has a broad and diversified immune therapy portfolio and aims to become a world leader in its area. The company is currently developing two complementary and highly targeted approaches in immuno-oncology.
ONCOS - 102 is a virus-based immunotherapy platform based on engineered oncolytic viruses armed with potent immune-stimulating transgenes targeting solid tumors. This treatment is designed to reactivate the immune system's capacity to recognize and attack cancer cells.
TG01 and TG02 are part of a peptide-based immunotherapy platform targeting the difficult to treat RAS mutations found in more than 85% of pancreatic cancers, 50% of colorectal cancer and 20-30% of all cancers. Targovax is working towards demonstrating that TG vaccines will prolong time to cancer progression and increase survival.
These product candidates will be developed in combination with multiple treatments, including checkpoint inhibitors in several cancer indications. Targovax also has a number of other cancer immune therapy candidates in the early stages of development.
HUG#2019222
CHATSWORTH, Calif., June 09, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc. ("Provision"), a subsidiary of Provision Holding, Inc. (OTCQB:PVHO), announced today that Danone Waters of America (www.danone.com/en/) has activated a national advertising promotional campaign on Provisions 3D Savings Center kiosks for its evian brand. The campaign will utilize the unique 3D holographic technology as well as in-store promotional coupons provided by Provisions 3D Saving Center kiosks in retail locations across the U.S.
evian is one of the worlds premier water brands. evian water starts as snow and rain on the peaks of the pristine French Alps. Protected deep in the heart of the mountains, each drop filters through layers of mineral-rich glacial sands for more than 15 years. The water springs from the source in Evian-Les-Bains where it's been bottled since 1826.
Danone is an international food and beverage company dedicated to providing high quality, natural food that helps to build health through all of lifes stages. The companys mission is to provide healthy sustenance to young children and vulnerable people as well as to those in good health.
We think the evian brand at Danone Waters of America is a perfect match for our technology and for our national in-store network, said Provisions CEO, Curt Thornton. Our retail partner is also focused on health and we look forward to using our unique eye-catching technology to showcase evians premium brand. Danones commitment demonstrates its confidence in Provisions 3D in-store digital media platform to generate awareness of evian products at the point-of-sale.
Provisions award-winning 3D Savings Center Kiosks generate extraordinary, three dimensional, holographic videos, and have proven to generate a great deal of attention from retail customers. The 3D holographic display projects videos in front of the screen without the need for any special glasses and without any discomforting eye stress.
Each kiosk also has a 2D interactive touch screen that provides consumers access to promotions, rewards, and coupons. The kiosks are also able to print coupon offers, allowing the retailer and other advertisers to offer customers highly effective sales influencers at the point of purchase.
About Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc.
Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of the publicly traded company Provision Holding, Inc. (OTCQB:PVHO), is the leading purveyor of intelligent interactive 3D holographic display technologies, software, and integrated solutions for both commercial and consumer focused applications.
Provision's 3D holographic display systems represent a revolutionary technology that provides the projection of full color, high-resolution videos into space detached from the screen, without any special glasses. Provision is currently the market leader in true 3D consumer advertising display products being implemented by innovative, consumer-focused companies.
Provision Holding, Inc. (OTCQB:PVHO) trades on the OTCQB venture stage marketplace for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies. Companies are current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.
For more information, visit www.provision.tv.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains projections of future results and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in the projections and forward-looking statements included in this press release are described in our publicly filed reports. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to, the acceptance of our products, lack of revenue growth, failure to realize profitability, inability to raise capital and market conditions that negatively affect the market price of our common stock. The Company disclaims any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements unless legally required.
SALISBURY, Md., June 9, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The PERDUE brand has launched new television commercials focusing on the role played by herbs in raising healthy chickens without relying on antibiotics. The commercials, airing nationally, star Perdue Chairman Jim Perdue, a Perdue flock specialist and a Perdue nutritionist, along with a sprig of thyme, a bunch of oregano and a few hundred chickens. The "It's not the easy way, it's the Perdue Way" campaign, which will also reach consumers online, highlights some of the extra, and sometimes surprising, efforts Perdue and farmers take to raise healthy chickens with no antibiotics ever.
"If this were easy, all of our competitors would already be doing it," said Eric Christianson, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Innovation.
The campaign, created by The VIA Agency, uses a chicken house as a setting for the commercials. "We were able to use the playful banter between Jim Perdue and real employees to get across to consumers a few of the many extra steps Perdue takes to raise chickens without any antibiotics," said Dan Balin, group strategy director for the Portland, ME, based agency. In one set of commercials, Jim and one of the company's flock specialists talk about the antioxidant qualities of oregano. In the other, Jim and a poultry nutritionist delve into thyme's potential to help support the chicken's immune system.
"Thyme and oregano are just two of the innovative things we've done so that we don't have to rely on antibiotics," said Bruce Stewart-Brown, DVM, Perdue's Senior Vice President of Food Safety, Quality and Live Production. "We also use things like probiotics. When you take antibiotics out, you do have to put extra work in. We've made changes at every stage, and so have the farmers who raise our chickens. It's takes a commitment by everyone involved, beginning with chicks that grow up to provide eggs to our hatcheries."
The campaign follows previous consumer outreach that supported Perdue's call for clarity in claims and labels related to antibiotic use. "Some of our competitors have responded by saying they're not using certain antibiotics, or using them for one use but not another," said Christianson. "Consumers shouldn't have to be experts in antibiotics to know what they're buying. Our PERDUE No Antibiotics Ever products give them the transparency and assurance that they're feeding their families poultry that never received any kind of antibiotic."
"Consumer questions about antibiotic use is not something new, and neither is our commitment to No Antibiotics Ever production," said Jim Perdue. "We've been listening, and changing the way we raise animals. If it's important to consumers; it's important to us."
Perdue was the first major poultry company to eliminate the use of routine human antibiotics and continues to lead the way in no antibiotics ever production. Learn more about Perdue's record of leadership in antibiotic reduction and No Antibiotics Ever here
The new ads can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/FSD0eBENU2g https://youtu.be/bfxaFJpp8gc
About Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone we touch through innovative food and agricultural products. Since our beginning on Arthur Perdue's farm in 1920, to our expansion into agribusiness and the introduction of the PERDUE brand of chicken and turkey under Frank Perdue, and continuing with our third generation of leadership with Chairman Jim Perdue, we've remained family owned and family operated. We are the parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness. Through our PERDUE SIMPLY SMART, PERDUE HARVESTLAND, COLEMAN PREMIUM and COLEMAN ORGANIC food brands; agricultural products and services; and stewardship and corporate responsibility programs, we are working to become the most-trusted name in food and agricultural products. Learn more about Perdue Farms at www.perduefarms.com.
CONTACT:Julie DeYoung Perdue Farms Media Relations 410-341-2193 julie.deyoung@perdue.com
CHICAGO, June 9, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The John Marshall Law School in Chicago hosts Themi Anagnos, Director of Intellectual Property for the Americas; Deputy General Counsel, Continental Automotive on June 9 to discuss "The Risks and Obligations of Open-Source Software Licenses."
Anagnos, who graduated from John Marshall in 2000, will discuss the types of licenses associated with open-source software and what obligations and risks impact users, including an overview of open-source product development and strategies necessary to protect proprietary technology in those products.
"We are always proud to have our alumni come back and present at John Marshall, but to have someone as accomplished as Themi speaking on such an innovative topic is something we are very excited about," Director of John Marshall's Center for Intellectual Property, Information Technology & Privacy Law Daryl Lim said.
Before serving as director of intellectual property for the Americas and deputy general counsel, Anagnos was director of patents and licenses at Continental Automotive. His areas of expertise are patent litigation case management, due diligence, patentability and patent prosecution.
Anagnos is just one of several notable intellectual property speakers that John Marshall has hosted as part of its IP speaker lineup this year. In November, the Center hosted a conversation with Professor William Kovacic, a former chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Global Competition Professor of Law and Policy and director of the Competition Law Center at The George Washington University Law School, and Professor Hugh Hansen, founder and director of the Fordham Intellectual Property Law Institute. Additional speakers this year include Acting Chief Judge of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Nathan Kelley, Chief Judge Sharon Prost of the Court of Appeals for the Federal District, Chief Judge Ruben Castillo and Judge Edmond Chang of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ken Adamo (LLM '89), a partner at Kirkland & Ellis.
About John Marshall's Center for Intellectual Property, Information & Privacy Law
Continuing to lead the way in IP legal education, John Marshall's nationally ranked intellectual property program is one of a select number of law schools to participate in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Law School Clinic Certification Program. It is the only law school in Illinois whose USPTO program offers both patent and trademark legal services to independent inventors and small businesses on a pro bono basis. With more than 50 specialized IP courses, John Marshall's program draws students from around the U.S. and across the globe. It has partnered with IP lawyers in the People's Republic of China for 20 years. It also conducts an ABA-approved summer program in China directed exclusively to IP issues.
pawanCEO wrote:
Which of the following is an assumption that the argument requires?
(A) The frame was made from wood local to the region where the picture was painted.
(B) Drechen is unlikely to have ever visited the home region of Birelle in France.
(C) Sometimes a painting so resembles others of its era that no expert is able to confidently decide who painted it.
(D) The painter of the picture chose the frame for the picture.
(E) The carving style of the picture frame is not typical of any specific region of Europe.
Show Spoiler Seventeenth-Century Painting
Incorrectly states OA as "B" in the Answer Key. The explanation states that "A" is correct, however
Step 1: Identify the Question
The word assumption in the question stem shows that this is a Find the Assumption question.
Step 2: Deconstruct the Argument
Painting might be by D or B (B sometimes painted like D)
D = Germany, B = France
Picture frame is wood from Germany D is the artist
There are two possible candidates for the creator of a particular painting. Based on where the pictures frame likely came from, the author concludes that the artist came from the same location. Must it be the case that the artist and the picture frame came from the same location ?
Step 3: Pause and State the Goal
On Assumption questions, the goal is to find an unstated fact that would have to be true in order for the logic of the argument to be reasonable. If this statement were false, the argument wouldnt make logical sense.
Step 4: Work from Wrong to Right
(A) CORRECT . This must be true in order for the authors reasoning to be sound. If the frame had instead been made from wood that originated elsewhere, the author couldnt draw any connection between the frames origin and the paintings origin .
(B) Since the painting was framed with German wood, not French, whether Drechen visited France is irrelevant. The argument already makes it clear that the painting was not framed with wood from France, regardless of who visited the area and who created the painting.
(C) This doesnt have to be true in order for the logic of the argument to be reasonable. In fact, in order to accept the argument, its necessary to assume that it is possible to determine who created this particular painting with some degree of certainty.
(D) The artist didnt necessarily have to choose the frame himself. Somebody else in the same geographic area, such as a local buyer, might have chosen the frame.
(E) Its necessary to assume that the carving style wasnt especially typical of France, or the arguments reasoning would be damaged, since it would then be more likely that the frame was created in France. However, the author didnt assume that the carving style wasnt typical of any European region. It could have been typical of Germany, or of some other region in Europe outside of both artists areas, and the conclusion would still have been reasonable.
for GMAT Review, 2015
Practice Question
Question No.: CR 8 CR10671
ID: CR10731
Page: 504 A newly discovered painting seems to be the work of one of two seventeenth-century artists, either the northern German Johannes Drechen or the Frenchman Louis Birelle, who sometimes painted in the same style as Drechen. Analysis of the carved picture frame, which has been identified as the paintings original seventeenth-century frame, showed that it is made of wood found widely in northern Germany at the time, but rare in the part of France where Birelle lived. This shows that the painting is most likely the work of Drechen.Which of the following is an assumption that the argument requires?(A) The frame was made from wood local to the region where the picture was painted.(B) Drechen is unlikely to have ever visited the home region of Birelle in France.(C) Sometimes a painting so resembles others of its era that no expert is able to confidently decide who painted it.(D) The painter of the picture chose the frame for the picture.(E) The carving style of the picture frame is not typical of any specific region of Europe.
Solution
Passage Analysis
A newly discovered painting seems to be the work of one of two seventeenth-century artists,
A painting has been recently discovered. The author tells us that the work could be (not sure) of any one of two 17th century artists.
either the northern German Johannes Drechen
The painting could be the work of a German artist, Johannes Drechen
Or the Frenchman Louis Birelle, who sometimes painted in the same style as Drechen.
Or it could be the work of a Frenchman, Louis Birelle.
The author gives us a fact: Birelle sometimes (note: not always) painted in the same style as Drechen. We are given to understand that the confusion regarding who the artist of the painting is, could be due to this occasional commonality in style.
Analysis of the carved picture frame, which has been identified as the paintings original seventeenth-century frame,
The carved picture frame was analyzed.
Fact: This picture frame is established to be the same 17th century frame in which the painting was originally framed.
showed that it is made of wood found widely in northern Germany at the time,
Fact: The frame is made of a type of wood that was abundant in Northern Germany in the 17th century.
but rare in the part of France where Birelle lived.
Fact: However, this particular type of wood was rarely found in the part of France where Birelle lived.
This shows that the painting is most likely the work of Drechen.
Conclusion: The author makes a conclusion here. Because the original frame of the painting was made of wood found abundantly in Northern German, but rarely found in Birelles part of France, the painting is believed most likely to be the work of Drechen since he was German.
Pre-thinking
Falsification Question
Birelle sometimes (note: not always) painted in the same style as Drechen
This paintings picture frame is established to be the same 17th century frame in which the painting was originally framed
The frame is made of a type of wood that was abundant in Northern Germany in the 17th century
This particular type of wood was rarely found in Birelles part of France
Thought Process
Falsification condition#1
Assumption#1
Falsification condition#2
Assumption#2
A
B
C
D
E
In what scenario Is it possible that the 17th century painting could be the work of Birelle and not Drechen?Given thatLet us look at the authors reasoning. He is unsure of who out of Birelle and Drechen is the artist of the painting. It is difficult to decide the workmanship. And the confusion is because Birelle sometimes painted in Drechens style. So now the author tries to ascertain the workmanship based on the material of the frame. It is the same frame in which the picture was originally framed. The author concludes that Drechen must have painted the piece because the wood of the frame was found abundantly in N. Germany and Drechen was also a German. Birelle was not the artist because that wood was a rarity in his part of France.What if the painting was made in a region but not framed in the same region?In that case, the painting could have been framed elsewhere and the wood of the frame could have come from that region.The painting was framed in same the region to which the artist belonged and where he painted the particular piece.What if the wood (that was not found in France) for the picture frame was imported from some other place (it was found widely in N. Germany)?In that case, the painting could have been painted by Birelle and framed in France using the wood imported from N. Germany.The wood from which the picture frame was made, had not been imported from outside the region where the picture was painted and framed.Observe our pre-thinking assumption#2. It says, The wood from which the picture-frame was made, had not been imported from outside the region where the picture was painted and framed.Or in other words, the wood from which the picture-frame was made was wood that was locally sourced from the region where the picture was painted.This is in-line with our pre-thinking and is the correct answer.Does this option need to be definitely true for our conclusion to hold true? No. Drechen might have very well visited Birelles home region but what does that prove or disprove? We just know the date of the painting not its location, and therefore this option is irrelevant to our consideration.Hence, this is not the answer.This option is anyways out of the way as it is not the basis on which the author draws the conclusion. It is more of a circular argument as the passage already says that the painting could be the work of any one of two artists where one often painted in the others style.Hence, it is not the correct choice.Once again, would my conclusion break down if this option were not true? What if someone close to the painter chose the frame for him? Does that prove who the painter was or was not? Maybe Drechens friend chose the frame for the painting. But we dont know in the first place whether Drechen painted it or not. Maybe Birelles wife chose the frame. But de we know whether Birelle painted it in the first place?Hence, this is not the correct answer.It is the material of the picture-frame that is being analyzed in order to ascertain the artist behind the painting. The carving style of the picture-frame is not the basis for the conclusion and therefore cannot be used to disprove or prove it.Hence, this is not the correct choice._________________
MamtaKrishnia wrote:
In order to save money, some of Company X's manufacturing plants converted from oil fuel to natural gas last year, when the cost of oil was more than the cost of natural gas. Because of a sudden, unexpected shortage, however, natural gas now costs more than oil, the price of which has fallen steeply over the past year. The cost of conversion back to oil would more than negate any cost savings in fuel. So Company X's fuel costs this year will be significantly higher than they were last year.
Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument above depends?
(A) Company X does not have money set aside for the increased costs of fuel.
(B) The increase in the cost of fuel cannot be offset by reductions in other operating expenses.
(C) The price of natural gas will never again fall below that of oil.
(D) The cost of fuel needed by those of Company X's plants that converted to natural gas is not less than the cost of fuel needed by those plants still using oil.
(E) The price of oil will not experience a sudden and steep increase.
OFFICIAL EXPLANATION
(D) CORRECT.
The conclusion of the argument is that "Company X's fuel costs this year will be significantly higher than they were last year. Why? Because some of the company's plants switched from oil to natural gas when the price of gas was lower, and now the price of gas has outstripped the price of oil. We are asked to find an assumption that is necessary for the argument to work.(A) Whether Company X has the money to cover its costs does not affect the amount of those costs.(B) We do not need to assume that the costs cannot be offset by reducing expenditures in other areas in order for Company X's costs to be higher.(C) We do not need to assume that gas will never be cheaper than oil in order for Company X's costs to be higher.The author does not take into account the fact that only "some" of the company's plants converted to natural gas. Some of the plants, then, still use oil, which is now cheaper. So in order to conclude that the company will have to spend more on fuel, the author must assume that the extra cost of the natural gas for the plants that converted is at least as much as the cost of the oil for the plants that did not.(E) We do not need to assume that the price of oil will not suddenly rise in order for the argument to work._________________
Dogged by federal investigations into state deals that seem specially tailored to make his donors rich, and perpetually whiffing on meaningful ethics reforms, Governor Andrew Cuomo boasted yesterday that he is going to slay the Goliath of Citizens United.
"Campaigns have become more and more dominated by money," Cuomo said during a press conference at Fordham University Law School. "Now, not only must a person have money to compete on the political stage, but if you cant afford the price of admission, you cant even get into the audience. Unless you make a significant contribution, your voice is no more than a whisper in the political process."
In flowery terms, Cuomo described a citizenry distrustful of government following the Supreme Court decision that opened the floodgates of corporate spending on campaigns, and pledged to clamp down on supposedly independent campaign funds coordinating with candidates. He proposed to do this through clarification from Governor's Office lawyer Alphonso David for regulators, specifying what actions to look at when considering whether independent campaigns are operating in tandem with candidates, and putting forward legislation to require disclosure of such groups' personnel.
The thing is, this would have very little effect on New York politics. As Politico New York's Jimmy Vielkind wrote, "Governor Cuomo is about to score a routine layup on government reform and sell it as a half-court buzzer beater." The site notes that this is the fourth time in five years that Cuomo has targeted independent expenditure committees, "even though they account for a bit less than 7 percent of the money in state politics."
The limited role of independent campaign groups, according to the site:
[is] likely because of the numerous other avenues donors who want to give a lot of money to can take that are much easier than creating their own committee. The states contribution limits are the highest in the nation among the 38 states that impose any limits at all, and these are easy to circumvent if somebody wants to give through limited liability companies or to political parties housekeeping accounts. Cuomo, for example, benefited from over $2 million from just one donor in the last cycle, none of which went through a registered Super PAC.
Nevertheless, the governor managed to wring a bit of measured praise out of the good-government group Citizens Union. The organization's director Dick Dadey called Cuomo's proposals "a welcome salve," but devoted much of a statement on the proposal to what it leaves out, namely, the substantive anti-corruption measures political observers have been demanding for years.
"While this is a solution that may have resonance with all of us concerned about the corrupting influence of money on our political system, it should not distract from the more immediate task at hand of addressing the crime wave of corruption in Albany," Dadey said in a statement. "In the closing days of the legislative session, greater focus and attention needs to be paid to preventing corruption in our state capital by limiting the outside income of our state lawmakers and closing the LLC loopholes that allow business entities to be treated as individuals, allowing money from one single source to flood our campaign finance system."
With a week left in the legislative session, the prospect of any reform that might have inhibited the kind of pay-to-play corruption that netted prison sentences for Cuomo's former colleagues Dean Skelos and Sheldon Silver seems dim indeed. Term limits, a ban on outside employment, a ban on former politicos working as lobbyists, and limits on contributions from contract-seekers and LLC surrogatesnone are on the table.
Already this year, Cuomo has stepped back from anti-corruption measures he pledged to enact during his January State of the State address. In that speech, he said he would push for closing the LLC loophole, limiting outside income for legislators, strengthening the Freedom of Information Law, stripping politicians convicted of corruption of their pensions, and implementing public financing of campaigns. Numerous LLC bills have died in the state legislature, including one this spring, stymied by Senate Republicans whose leader John Flanagan called focus on the LLC loophole "a red herring that fails to fundamentally address the root cause of the problems that exist within our campaign finance system."
Late last month, Cuomo introduced eight bills that propose various levels of LLC fundraising reform, but they are probably relegated to the same fate in the Republican-controlled Senate. That leaves only pension forfeiture for politicians convicted of corruption, which could actually happen.
And of course, there's what Cuomo proposed yesterday, which his office called the "Nation's Strongest Protections to Combat Citizens United."
"The Legislature wants to say [it] can be trusted," Cuomo said. "Theres no better way to do it than to pass real reform that makes a real difference in ethics and takes on the number one challenge in this nation, which is Citizens United. Until you fix that, you fix nothing."
Overnight, four new Times Square free speech cages "designated activity zones" were brought to life and painted "Techno Teal," as part of the de Blasio administration's push to corral Times Square costumed charactersas well as tour bus ticket sellers, people who want to know if you like comedy, and others. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer said in a statement, "The conversion of Times Square into a pedestrian plaza has made it a truly amazing, special placebut it has needed ground rules."
Those "ground rules" were passed by the City Council in April, worrying the dozens of people who dress as Minions, Hello Kitty, superheroes and villains, and Disney characters and make money off tips from tourists. Lawmakers and business leaders point out that some of those characters have been arrested for allegedly assaulting or intimidated tourists who don't realize they should give a courtesy tip.
Department of Transportation Deputy Borough Commissioner Edward Pincar explained the DOT will deploy "Street Ambassadors" to explain the new designated activity zones"the DAZ's"to the characters and other vendors in both English and Spanish. "The blitz will be next week, with tables" and postcards in different places, he said. Then, on June 21st, the NYPD will start enforcement of the zone.
The DOT's postcard explaining this brave new world
NYPD Times Square Commanding Officer Captain Robert OHare outlined the department's strategy: If an entertainer or vendor is outside the DAZ, then he/she could be issued a non-criminal summons for disobeying the administrative code; if it happens again, then it may become a criminal issue. O'Hare implied it would be a wait-and-see situation, because "we're expecting voluntary compliance" from the characters.
The officials called it a "step in the right direction." Times Square Alliance Executive Director Tim Tompkins, whose group works to promote the area and works with local businesses (from Broadway theaters to the huge stores), said that there would be a "check-in" with the entertainers "after a few months" to see how the DAZ's were working and if it was negatively affecting their ability to make money. "This is a new system," Tompkins pointed out, and suggested the plans could evolve, but ultimately it would be up to the city.
Jen Chung / Gothamist
Captain O'Hare wouldn't confirm whether the promised 100 additional officers would be there. After the press conference, when a reporter asked him if a desnuda could walk outside the DAZ if she wasn't asking for money, O'Hare nodded.
Overall, there will be eight DAZ's along the pedestrian plazas between 42nd and 47th Streets in Times Square. There are also designated "chill zones" with seating as well as "express lanes" for pedestrians to walk in. Note: Only the DAZ's are painted; the chill zones will supposedly have signs while the express lanes will be noted by white stripes.
A few of the costumed characters we spoke to refused to comment on the new rules. We did observe a father being hassled by an Ana from Frozen, Minnie Mouse and a Minion for not tipping and then not tipping enough. The tourist, who was visiting from Alabama with his wife, twin five-year-old girls and two eight-year-old nieces, and he said that the characters approached the children first: "[The kids] see their favorite characters, and what am I supposed to do?" He said he had no idea he was supposed to tip them but the Minion "sure let me know." He ended up giving two dollars before hustling his family to Chik-fil-A.
When the City Council first considered these changes last year, civil rights attorney Norman Siegel said, "I can't imagine this plan wouldn't be challenged in the court. Whether I do it or not, someone's going to do it."
Paranormal activity was rampant in Williamsburg Wednesday night, as hundreds of diehard Ghostbusters fans met up at Villain Ghostbusters HQ to both commemorate the 1984 classic and look ahead to this summer's upcoming reboot. Filled with spot-on recreations of ghost traps, ectoplasm, proton packs, and possessed souls, the event was yet another immersive movie-based production from BBQ Films, who have a history of throwing intricately themed, deeply weird and devilish parties.
Full jumpsuits, ghoulish makeup, physics lessons, a haunted photo booth, classic video games, DIY gif cameras, Slimer masks, '80s memorabilia and new memorabilia (including the real ECTO-1 Cadillac prop used in the new film!) were all on display last night, helping to turn Villain into a temporary "Ghostbusters Headquarters." Fans sipped spiked Hi-C Ecto Cooler, played freaky ghost games, posed for photos, and marveled at each other's costumes before gathering to enjoy a clip from the upcoming Ghostheads documentary about the franchise's legacy and devoted fandom.
(Scott Heins/Gothamist)
(Scott Heins/Gothamist)
That word, fandom, was used by many at Wednesday's party, but BBQ Films co-founder Gabriel Rhoads sees the all-in Ghostbusters celebration differently. "Yes, we're fans of stories who make us who we are. I do love Ghostbusters, but I wouldn't call myself a die-hard fan," Rhoads said outside of the party as the crowd sat watching (and cheering) the original film. "What I do like, though, are these stories that are a common shorthand between people. These little vignettes that make it easier to talk to each other."
"When we come together, that shared resonance is really important to these events. They're not fan events, they're social eventswe use the underlying story to come up with an event that's transportive because of the way people can interact." Rhoads said the challenge with putting on a Ghostbusters party is that so many elements of the film have become iconic. "All of these little pieces have to work together so when you walk into our world, you believe that ghosts are real!"
With the help of an extensive, all-volunteer crew, Rhoads has pulled it off. Ghostubsters HQ is a slightly wicked and joyful party with so many detailed fixtures that even the most casual of fans will have a blast. But more importantly, that "shared resonance" rings true.
"It's about a bunch of mostly-normal guys saving the world. When you don this gear, everyone knows who you are," Lee Burton said. Burton is a member of the Ghostbusters of Connecticut, a fan group that regularly attends events dressed in full Ghostbusters gear to raise money for charity. "For me it was a childhood dream to have a proton packso I built one."
"I wore out my VHS tapes," die-hard Ghostbusters fan (and pro wrestler) Zack Ryder said. "I have a proton pack, all the toys, everything. I love these movie for so many different reasons."
BBQ Films' Ghostbusters HQ party runs Thursday-Saturday, June 9-11th (Saturday June 10th afternoon family matinee) // Villain, 50 North 3rd Street, Brooklyn // Tickets $10-77
The owners of bankrupt Williamsburg nightclub Verboten are auctioning off the lease at 54 North 11th Street in an attempt to pay back some of the club's many debts. And according to legal documents obtained by Gothamist, the high bidder is New York City nightlife impresario Eddie Deanthe longtime owner of NYC's now-deceased bridge and tunnel refuge, Pacha.
According to the lease purchase agreement filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court between Verboten and 54N11BK, LLC, of which Eddie Dean is a managing member, his bid for the lease is $400,000.
In late March, Verboten was seized by the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance for nonpayment of around $360,000 in sales tax. The day after the club's seizure co-owners Jen Schiffer and her husband John Perez filed for chapter 11. A few days later, Schiffer was arrested for allegedly passing bad checks.
The lease purchase agreement states that Verboten has had discussions with at least three other potential purchasers, one of whom made a bid higher than Dean's; however that bid is contingent upon the landlord's agreement to certain modifications to the lease.
According to a letter from one of Verboten's investors dated June 1st, some investors and former employees want to "purchase the assets out of bankruptcy and fund a continuation of the Brooklyn Events business in a new corporation," suggesting that they might also make a bid for the lease.
The deadline to make a bid is July 13th, and the court hearing for the sale of the lease is scheduled for July 20th.
At the bankruptcy hearing on May 6th, Schiffer denied responsibility for the bad checks she was arrested for in April, alleging that two managing employees are at fault. She claimed these employees stole a checkbook from the club's safe and cut checks amounting to thousands of dollars to themselves and other employees, forging Schiffer's signature. The bad checks she issued then bounced, she alleged, because she was unaware of the account's diminishing balance.
Schiffer denied transferring any assets prior to declaring bankruptcy. She also revealed on May 6th that the club had not yet paid rent for April or May, and that it was operating to break even.
When Robert Meloni, an attorney representing some of the club's investors, questioned Schiffer about four bounced checks Verboten issued to Ward Security in October and November of 2015, she denied knowledge of the "random" checks.
Earlier this year, Schiffer and Perez were sued by former employees who accused the couple of operating Verboten "with a complete disregard for the law and have committed a staggering number of unlawful acts against their employees." They also say Schiffer once told employees they "cannot book a Black people party" at the club.
On May 26th, the U.S. Trustee supervising this bankruptcy case, William K. Harrington, made a motion to the court to convert Schiffer's chapter 11 bankruptcy filing to chapter 7 on the bases of engagement in "gross mismanagement," using club funds to finance other business interests and personal expenses, and failing to account fully for the club's cash income.
If granted, the conversion from chapter 11 to chapter 7 would assume that the club is financially beyond reorganization, revoking control of the estate from Schiffer. It would also force the club to close.
Neither Verboten nor Eddie Dean have responded to several requests for comment.
Police are searching for a man who tried to rape a woman early yesterday morning in the College Point section of Queens.
According to the NYPD, the incident took place around 4:45 a.m. near 121st Street and 23rd Avenue. The suspect is believed to have approached the 51-year-old victim from behind as she walked along 121st Street, told her he had a gun and said he was going to rape her. He then dragged her into a yard behind a residential building, where she fought him off while screaming for help.
The suspect, who fled on 121st Street, is described as 23-25 years old, 5'11" and 180 lbs, with a tattoo of a cross and Jesus on his right arm. He was last seen wearing a white tank top, dark colored jeans and yellow work boots. The authorities released surveillance video:
Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
Safe streets advocates and classmates of children who were killed by dangerous drivers gathered in front of City Hall this morning to push Albany to pass a bill that would allow the city to install more speed cameras near public schools.
Currently there are 140 school safety cameras, and they are only in operation during school hours and one hour before and after school. According to the DOT, daily speeding violations have decreased by 60% in areas where the cameras are installed. In 2015 alone the city collected $31 million from the cameras.
The Every School Speed Safety Camera Act, proposed by Assembly Member Deborah Glick, would allow the city to deploy more school safety cameras and be able to use them 24 hours a day.
Yet the bill's proponents haven't found a sponsor for it in the Republican-controlled State Senate, and the legislative session ends on June 16th.
"The notion is that this is nothing more than a revenue raiser. That this is really an attempt to raise revenue from unsuspecting car drivers," said Public Advocate Letitia James. "And the reality is that there's nothing further from the truth. If individuals are concerned about getting tickets, all they have to do is slow down."
City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer called the lack of support for speed cameras in the state capital "a clear indication that Albany has too much power when it comes to laws of the city of New York."
"The plastic bag overturn effort and then this are two instances where in one case, we actually have the power to legislate in our own city, but they then go and try to take that power away from us," Van Bramer said, referring to the State Assembly delaying the enactment of a bill that would require New Yorkers to pay a five-cent fee when using plastic bags at grocery stores.
"This is an instance where we actually need them in order to effect legislation that would save people's lives and they haven't yet done so."
Students, advocates, and elected officials at today's rally (Gothamist)
The students present at today's rally included classmates of third-grader Cooper Stock who was killed by a cabbie making an illegal turn in 2014, and students from MS51, where three students were killed in separate traffic incidents between October 2013 and November 2014.
Assemblymember Glick told Gothamist that she is trying to find a middle ground on the bill, and is willing to increase the amount of cameras but not lift the cap entirely and also have cameras in operation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. instead of 24 hours a day.
"We weren't getting significant movement on the rather major expansion, so as the waning days of the session are approaching, we've taken a second look at it, and are looking at it with the aid of Transportation Alternatives and DOT, a middle ground and hopefully we can get that done in the coming week," she said.
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New York City's school system is the most segregated in the nation, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the city's specialized public high schools, where black and Latino students make up just 11% of the student body, compared to 68% citywide. At Stuyvesant High School, the most competitive of the bunch, just 1% of students admitted for the 2016-2017 school year were black, and across the schools, 54% of currently admitted students are Asian, while 27% are white. Now, the city is putting forth a $15 million plan that it hopes will increase diversity at these schools, primarily focusing on prep for and access to the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test.
At Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, Brooklyn Latin School, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, High School of American Studies at Lehman College, Staten Island Tech, and High School for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at the City College of New York, admissions are based solely on students' scores on the SHSAT. For years, the system's been criticized for offering an advantage to students who can afford test prep, and many have emphasized the need to overhaul the admissions system.
In 2014, Mayor de Blasio was among those calling for change: he said that "the specialized high schools are the jewels in the crown of our school system, but they dont reflect this city," and said that he would create a system "of multiple measures to actually understand who are the kids with the greatest potentialand they come from every zip code, every neighborhoodand thats what our specialized schools will look like in the future." Today, de Blasio joined the Department of Education in championing its new, test-focused initiatives, none of which expand admissions criteria, and called them "an important step forward" in diversifying the schools.
"This is about equity and excellence for all of our high-performing middle school students, regardless of their zip code or background," said Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina. "We're going to increase diversity without lowering any standards; to the contrary, greater diversity will help all our students succeed."
The reforms are as follows:
Hiring new outreach specialists to target low-income, high-achieving students for the SHSAT and the DREAM and Discovery programs (the former prepares eligible students for the test, while the latter offers students falling just below the admissions cutoff score a second chance at qualifying through summer courses).
Running a fall pilot program to administer the SHSAT on a school day, to increase the number of test takers.
Offering middle school afterschool programs that prepare students for the SHSAT.
Expanding the DREAM program, which currently offers free SHSAT prep to 6th and 7th graders. This summer, the DOE will launch a program for 8th-grade students as well.
Expanding the Discovery program at Brooklyn Tech and opening a new Discovery program at the High School of American Studies, serving an additional 100 students this summer.
Requiring all specialized high schools to develop plans to promote welcoming school climates by identifying student ambassadors and alumni of color to reach out to students who have been accepted, with the hopes of improving yield.
Through those six initiatives, the city hopes it'll get more students from historically underrepresented groups both to apply and accept offers to the eight schools. They're partly the result of funding secured by representatives on the state level, who believe that expanding test prep programs for low-income students will level the playing field.
"I strongly believe that the tests to get into the specialized high schools should be preserved as is and continue to be an objective test," said Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who is a graduate of Bronx Science and is one of the legislators who helped secure that state funding. "Having an objective test means that no one's going to get in because they had a political connection, no one's going to get in because their parents have a lot of moneyno one's gonna get in for any reason other than merit...I guarantee you the day you eliminate an objective exam is the day people start calling my office to get their kids into Bronx Science, and that's not how it should be. It should be based solely on qualifications."
Still, Dinowitz said, there's an unmistakable demographic disparity in who's applying and being accepted to these schools, which he thinks can be rectified by expanded test prep and outreach. An ideal reform, he said, though it's not included in this package, would make the test opt-out, rather than opt-in, so that students would take it by default unless they explicitly didn't want to.
But others argue there can't be any meaningful change until the schools change their admissions policies to "something that is nondiscriminatory and fair to all students," as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund said when it filed a complaint with the federal Education Department in 2012, alleging that the specialized high schools' single-test policy is racially discriminatory. In 2013, the fund urged de Blasio to change the schools' policies to have them consider metrics such as middle school grades, class rank, and scores on state-mandated exams, as well as SHSATsbut for now, it seems the test-only policy is here to stay.
"I was very fortunate that I went to Bronx Science, and I didn't take test prep classes, but nowadays you really have to stay on pace with people who do," Dinowitz said. "I wonder what things would have been like if I hadn't gone to Bronx Science. I would hate to see any kid who has that potential miss out on it."
It feels like just yesterday that I got drenched by rain during a 15-minute walk because Brooklyn-bound trains were bypassing my stop for the umpteenth weekend this yearbut lo, here comes the MTA with more subway changes, and once again my beloved downtown platform will be trainless. The rest of you seem to have it pretty good, though, as just nine lines have changes this weekend, and as an added bonus there will be extra service on the 2, 4, 5, 6, and S trains on Sunday to accommodate spectators for the Puerto Rican Day Parade.
Here's what to expect if you're expected to leave your neighborhood:
1 trains will run express from Van Cortlandt Park-242 St to 215 St from 3:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. From 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, they'll run every 16 minutes between 137 St and Van Cortlandt Park-242 St in both directions, and the last stop for some trains headed to Van Cortlandt park will be 137 St.
Crown Hts-Utica Av-bound 4 trains will skip Astor Pl from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, and from 11:45 p.m. on Sunday to 5 a.m. on Monday.
On the 6 line, the 116 St station will be exit only from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday for the 116th Street Festival. Same goes for the 77 St station from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, for the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Also, from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday, Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall-bound 6 trains will skip Astor Pl.
Downtown A trains will run express from 145 St to 59 St-Columbus Circle, from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Downtown C trains will run express from 145 St to 59 St-Columbus Circle from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Jamaica Center-bound E trains will run express from Queens Plaza to 71 Av from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. They'll also skip 75 Av and Briarwood from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 8 p.m. on Saturday. From 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturday, World Trade Center-bound E trains will run local from 71 Av to Queens Plaza.
Jamaica-bound F trains will be rerouted via the M line from 47-50 Sts to Roosevelt Av, from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 8 p.m. on Saturday. They'll also skip 75 Av, Briarwood, and Sutphin Blvd during that time. Also from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Coney Island-Stillwell Av-bound F trains will run express from Jay St-Metrotech to 4 Av-9 St. And from 12:01 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Coney Island-Stillwell Av-bound F trains will run express in Queens.
G trains are not running in either direction between Church Av and Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts from 11:45 p.m. on Friday to 8 p.m. on Saturday. They'll operate in two sections, between Court Sq and Bedford-Nostrand Avs and between Bedford-Nostrand Avs and Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts, every 20 minutes.
Queens-bound R trains will run express from Queens Plaza to 71 Av, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Time Warner Cable is the worst. This is not an exaggerationlast year TWC was statistically ranked the worst American company in terms of customer satisfaction, which should come as a surprise to no one who's essentially had to forge a death certificate to cancel their cable. But soon, TWC will become Charter Spectrum service, and while it's unclear whether that'll actually prevent us from getting surprise price hikes, the NY Attorney General wants to make it clear to the new cable Powers That Be that TWC is a miserable lying piece of shit that should keel over and die.
AG Eric Schneiderman launched an investigation into Time Warner Cable's Internet-speeds last year, finding that users do not believe they're being adequately provided with the "blazing fast" and "super-reliable" speeds for which the company charges such high prices. This is something anyone who's been unable to even access the internet three feet from the router can tell you, but Schneiderman's used early results from his probe to let Charter know they better shape up. Schneiderman's special advisor Tim Wu, the law professor and trailblazing net neutrality advocate, recently penned a letter to Charter citing the investigation and warning the company that TWC "has earned the miserable reputation it enjoys among consumers."
Wu points out that TWC has been failing to take adequate or necessary steps to keep pace with the demand of [their] consumers," and that "[it] appears that TWC has been advertising its WiFi in ways that defy the technologys technical capabilities, and has been provisioning some of its customers with equipment that simply cannot achieve the higher bandwidths the company has sold to them." Basically, while TWC promises premium internet speeds at premium prices, what you're really getting is a crappy Kate Spade knockoff with a stick-on label that peels right off and buffers New Girl every 30 seconds.
Charter issued a statement claiming they've "made significant investments in our core infrastructure which has enabled us to offer high-value products backed by a high-quality service organization throughout our footprint," which is a lot of words that mean very little until proven otherwise. For now, the company promises embattled TWC prisoners will get "greater value and more consumer friendly policies," with bonuses like minimum speeds of 60 mbps, no data caps, and no modem lease fees, but we'll believe it when we see it.
Then again, things could have been worse.
For All U of U Health Patients & Visitors
Authorities say a 34-year-old Helena woman threw a bottle at a police officer, causing injury to his eye.
Jade Anastasia Gardiner faces a felony charge of assault on a peace officer.
Court documents allege Gardiner threw a plastic bottle at the officer as he was attempting to adjust her handcuffs. The officer was stuck above his left eye, causing a cut. He was treated at the hospital and released.
The incident started when police were called to ShopKo, 3101 N. Montana Ave., for a report of disorderly females Tuesday afternoon. Witnesses told police Gardiner had pulled her sister from a vehicle and grabbed her by the throat, according to documents filed in Lewis and Clark County Justice Court.
The witnesses also said Gardiner tried to grab a child from her sister's arms. The documents allege Gardiner defied orders from police as they attempted to investigate.
Gardiner was arrested on the felony along with charges of endangering the welfare of a child, obstructing a peace officer and partner or family member assault, first offense.
For the Upper Missouri River Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited, seeing Montanas fisheries persist for future generations starts with putting rods in young hands.
The chapter held its annual Catch Fishing Fever day at Canyon Ferry last weekend, hosting more than 100 aspiring junior anglers and pairing them with experienced mentors for a day of casting, jigging and trolling.
My generation grew up in the outdoors and watching the next generation so many kids arent taking those opportunities, said Patti Buckingham with the chapter. Also many kids dont have the opportunities so they get that experience with Catch Fishing Fever.
Buckingham was joined by fellow member Roxanne Tubbs and chapter president Jim Gillespie to talk about their passion for fishing, walleyes and the outdoors.
In the last seven years the chapter estimates it has hosted more than 1,500 kids in the program as well as annual days with children at Intermountain. Coordinating boat captains and special tackle boxes for the attendees takes a lot of work, but its something the chapter looks forward to, said Tubbs.
We get a big fat smile and warm hearts, she said. We get a lot out of sharing and particularly the boat captains really absorb it.
And the chapter sees no shortage of interest from parents eager to get their kids on the water. Limited slots were full long before the weekend with nearly 30 hoping for a cancelation.
Without our captains we cant do it to get that expertise and gear its such an amazing experience, Tubbs said.
Walleyes arent the only species young anglers may hook up on.
Its whatever bends the rod -- a lot of these kids have never caught a fish before so theyre excited, said Gillespie, adding that he enjoys catching trout as well.
While Catch Fishing Fever is about fishing from the boat, the chapter emphasizes that plenty of fish can be caught from shore. At the end of the day, kids receive a lesson in preparing fish for the table.
Catch Fishing Fever is only one of several initiatives for the organization.
Visitors to Canyon Ferry boat launches may notice a box marked Kids Dont Float with life jackets available for anyone to borrow. Funding for that program comes from Walleyes Unlimited.
Members from the Upper Missouri and Gallatin chapters support both financially and with volunteer time the annual Pines for Perch program, which places discarded Christmas trees in Canyon Ferry as perch habitat.
Every spring, a DNRC helicopter lifts strings of trees high above the reservoir and places them strategically. Fishing near the trees can mean some great perch action, particularly through the ice.
Its such an amazing combination of FWP, DNRC, the city and the chapters, Buckingham said.
The chapter would like to see even more done to promote Canyon Ferry perch, which are the primary forage fish for the predacious walleye and other species. Innovations such as brush farms and floating islands could be options, but that would take agreement from the fisheries managing state and dam managing feds, and so far that has not happened, they said.
Our concern is theyre not using enough research to find ways to better our forage fish, Buckingham said.
Walleyes Unlimited is also a funder of an FWP study launched last year, examining the relationship between Canyon Ferry and the Missouri River above it to Toston Dam.
Along with on-the-water programs, Walleyes Unlimited is about advocacy that sometimes puts them at odds with FWP and other conservation organizations. The Upper Missouri chapter has been particularly vocal about liberal walleye regulations in Canyon Ferry and no limits in the Missouri River below Holter Dam.
Walleyes appeared in Canyon Ferry in the 1990s the apparent result of an illegal introduction. Efforts to suppress them failed and FWP began managing walleyes as game fish and the reservoir became a destination for avid walleye anglers.
The management shift came with regulations and efforts to promote perch and trout, which FWP says became targets of the walleyes and saw populations slump.
Our challenge with FWP is that they manage the reservoirs as a low-level walleye fishery they treat walleyes more as a predator than as a game fish, Gillespie said.
While condemning any illegal introduction of fish, Buckingham says that walleyes have been a tremendous asset to local economies and a sport fishing opportunity. The annual Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival fishing tournament brings in anglers from across the state and region and launches are full of anglers throughout the warmer months, purchasing gas, ice and groceries.
The reservoir walleyes are self-sustaining while trout populations maintain almost solely through stocking. Gillespie finds that many people believe that rainbow and brown trout are a native species despite the fact they were introduced, and that gets walleyes an undeserved bad wrap.
Gillespie, as do many walleye anglers, would like to see management shift to promote more large walleyes. In the heyday of Canyon Ferry, a 30-inch or bigger fish was not uncommon while today the fishery is largely made up of smaller specimens.
Members spoke out to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission asking for a return to slot limits in an effort to promote larger fish. The commissioners balked when FWP said the smaller size range is largely due to a pulse of one or two age classes and populations are still within management goals.
Despite those concerns over management, Tubbs says the chapter hopes to continue to engage with FWP, particularly with an upcoming revision of Canyon Ferrys management plan.
BILLINGS -- Eight numbers listed in the Protect Montana Kids Commissions report to Gov. Steve Bullock summarize the crisis:
35,182 calls received by the Child Abuse Hotline in 2015.
17,753 reports of alleged abuse or neglect entered by hotline staff.
8,908 investigations.
3,170 Montana children in foster care.
111 percent increase in children in foster care between 2008 and 2015.
2,321 child abuse and neglect cases filed in District Courts.
125 percent increase in abuse and neglect cases filed between 2010 and 2015.
4 percent reduction in Child and Family Services Division staff positions between 2010 and 2015.
The commission Bullock created in December delivered its recommendations to him last week. They include several changes in state laws on child protection and long-term reforms for the staffing and operation of the Child and Family Services Division. However, Montanas child protection system first needs immediate help to increase staffing, improve staff retention and work more effectively with foster parents and other child service providers.
Theres an enormous gap between Montanas current child protection resources and the safety standards recommended by the Child Welfare League of America and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Montana now has 178 child protection caseworker positions, and needs 121 more to meet safety standards for no more than 15 children per caseworker doing investigations and ongoing services.
Montana has just 25 workers assisting foster families and needs 158 more to meet the standard of one worker per 15 children. Additional supervisors are needed, too.
Those numbers actually underestimate Montana needs because they are based on having 8,000 investigations per year and 2,750 children in foster care. In 2015, the understaffed CFSD conducted nearly 9,000 investigations and this spring the number of children in foster care exceeded 3,000 for the first time in Montana history.
The commission recommended that, within 12 months, the CFSD fill all vacancies. Further, the commission said funding must be requested from the 2017 Legislature for additional staff to reduce caseloads and allow the division to begin to develop long-term improvement plans. Better communication within the department and with families, foster parents and other service providers also demands urgent attention, the commission said. It recommends that the governor direct a state advisory council to monitor progress in implementing commission recommendations.
The members of the commission are commended for their determination to present workable solutions. They include District Judge Leslie Halligan, of Missoula, who led the commission; Jani McCall, longtime child mental health advocate and former Billings City Council member; Montana Chief Public Defender Bill Hooks; and Bart Klika, a professor of social work at the University of Montana. Other members work in law, pediatrics and other childrens services.
The commission recognized that Montana must do more to prevent child abuse from occurring, and that solutions must involve people and agencies beyond CFSD.
The commission is under no illusion that there are easy answers to the challenges Montana faces in the ever-growing number of children who have experienced child abuse or neglect. We must, however, come together to stem this tide and fulfill our obligations to the children of this state, the report concludes.
In the commissions last meeting, a conference call to finalize the report, members were adamant that the report is a call to action.
The next steps are up to Bullock. He has received good advice, he must implement the short-term improvements and build adequate child protection funding into his 2017-2019 budget proposal.
This is a Billings Gazette editorial.
BILLINGS -- When serious crimes occur on Montana Indian reservations, the news is often suppressed by the multiple agencies responsible for assisting the victims, investigating and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Lack of public information makes such crimes all the more outrageous. Its as if the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal government leadership are saying: If we dont talk about it, the problem will go away.
This attitude is corrosive to public trust. Crime affects the community, not just the individual who was injured. If an attack on a neighbor, or a schoolmate is hushed up, what confidence can other families have that they will be safe or that an attack on them would be thoroughly investigated?
These worries are top of mind now with bits of information trickling out of the Crow Reservation about an unnamed woman being severely burned in April. No official law enforcement or other governmental official will confirm even the most basic facts of what happened to this woman.
The FBI has refused to provide any information, except for this statement made in response to Gazette calls: The victim is being treated from her injuries. The FBI and the BIA continue to conduct a joint investigation. We cannot release any further information due to the ongoing nature of the case.
A spokeswoman for Montana U.S. Attorney Michael Cotter declined comment.
State Rep. Carolyn Pease Lopez, a Crow tribal member, is correct in saying that information being kept from the public makes it seem like the federal government believes life has less value on the reservation.
We want to know one human being is worth as much on the reservation as off, Pease-Lopez told a Gazette reporter last week.
State Rep. Kelly McCarthy, of Billings, said hes gotten the same silent treatment as tribal members and the press. Federal agencies dont return his calls about issues on Montanas Indian reservations. McCarthy told a Gazette reporter that federal authorities may believe they dont need to share information with a state official.
The result of this lack of communication is to minimize the appearance of crime on Montana Indian reservations and to keep citizens in the dark about efforts (or lack of effort) to prevent violence and to bring offenders to justice.
The story of a woman found severely burned somewhere between Lodge Grass and Busby two months ago is the latest, terrible example of the deafening silence from authorities responsible for protecting people on Montana reservations.
The leaders of both the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and the Crow Tribe have publicly called attention to drug-related crime in their communities, largely fueled by methamphetamine trafficking. The stories of the victims of violence drug-related or not should be part of raising community awareness of that crime. All of us must demand protection for our neighbors wherever they live in Montana.
We are particularly disappointed that U.S. Attorney Michael Cotter hasnt spoken up. As Montanas top federal law enforcement officer, Cotter should set the tone for public information. We call on Cotter to establish policies that will keep communities informed on a timely basis.
The U.S. attorneys office has initiatives for cooperation with Montana tribal justice systems. Public cooperation is a key factor in success of such initiatives, and cooperation wont happen without public trust.
There are sometimes situations in which facts may jeopardize a case if publicly revealed before an arrest. But to keep the community in the dark on all facts of a serious crime for days, weeks, even months erodes trust.
This is a Billings Gazette editorial.
Kathy Macefield, a retired city of Helena planner, was honored for her efforts on behalf of historic preservation.
Macefield was this years recipient of the Herb Jacobson Award for Lifetime Achievement in Historic Preservation.
Plans for the ceremony also included the unveiling of the new National Register of Historic Places sign for the City-County Building.
Creation of a lifetime achievement award was suggested by Macefield more than 20 years ago for a person who displayed a deep and abiding commitment to historic preservation, said Pam Attardo, the Helena/Lewis and Clark County heritage preservation officer who is with the Lewis and Clark County Heritage Tourism Council.
Its really been my pleasure and my privilege to be able to work with this community, Macefield said after being presented with a bouquet of flowers and receiving applause from the more than 50 people who filled the commission meeting room in the City-County Building.
To be able to share my love of the community with all of you in recognizing the importance of our history in how we see our community and how we love our community, Im just blessed, she said.
Attardos introduction described Macefield as one of the most generous, dedicated, selfless and patient people I know.
Despite retirement, Macefield has remained active in historic preservation work and is a member of the Lewis and Clark County Historical Society, Attardo said.
Macefield also and serves on the board of preservation for Forestvale Cemetery and volunteers with the Benton Avenue Cemetery Association.
Macefield was also among those who helped with the renovation of the Unionville schoolhouse a project that was among this years four Helena Tourism Councils annual preservation awards.
The Montana History Foundation, Lewis and Clark County and the countys Historical Society were all acknowledged for their roles in the exterior renovation of the building.
This years ceremony was the 22nd such event. In addition to awards for work on the one-room wooden building that provided a school for Unionvilles children until it closed in 1955, three other projects were honored.
The renovation of the Helena YWCA earned a historic preservation award as did the four people who were instrumental in the planning and creation of the mural pained as part of Helenas 150th anniversary celebration.
Forestvale Cemeterys new entrance was also lauded by the Heritage Tourism Council.
A nearly $2.6 million renovation of the historic three-story brick YWCA building was completed just before the end of 2015. Diamond Construction, SMA Architects and the Montana Department of Commerce, along with the YMCA and city of Helena, were all recognized for their roles in the project.
The award does not go to just one person but to all those who shared in the project, said Kellie Goodwin McBride, the YMCAs executive director who was hired in 2009.
She noted in particular Sharon Haugen, the citys community development director, who a few years ago found the deed restriction that saved the building from a sale.
The restriction limited said the property could only be used in service to women and girls, which was a condition the potential buyer couldnt meet, Attardo noted in her introduction.
Because of that ,Sharon saved the building, McBride said, and we were able to proceed.
This community came together to make the YWCA what it was originally. It was originally a home that had dignity for women who worked in the community. And over the years it became just a very sad, depressed place and now when you walk in its just this vibrant building that is a home. It says that women are welcome, women can make a change in their life and they can move forward and were there for them.
Jason Davis with SMA Architects applauded McBride for being the driving force behind this and Diamond Construction for making possible the renovation of the building that was constructed in 1919.
Helping fund the project were three federal grants amounting to $1.6 million, said a representative of the state Department of Commerce who added, these are your monies at work in your community.
The new entrance to Forestvale Cemetery earned an award and acknowledgement went to Bjerke Architects, Diamond Construction and Big Sky Masonry of Belgrade.
While the historic entrance on Forestvale Road continues to be the main entrance for the cemetery, founded in 1890 as the Helena Cemetery, Attardo said, the Forestvale board of trustees wanted an additional entrance off McHugh Lane to accommodate future expansion.
The new entrance to the cemetery pays homage to the original existing entrance in its design, yet does not give false sense of history that makes the viewer believe that it was always there since the founding of the cemetery, Attardo continued from her prepared remarks.
The new entrance was completed in the spring of this year at a cost of $130,000.
Sarah Elkins, the assistant to the city manager/public affairs specialist, Dennis McCahon, Janet Welsh and Ellen Baumler, interpretive historian with the Montana Historical Society, were all honored for their work in the creation of the mural for part of the citys sesquicentennial celebration in 2015.
McCahon, a retired planner and artist, offered to donate a sketch for the project, Attardo said in her introduction of the project. Welsh, a decorative and mural painted and Baumler created a committee to plan the logistics for a mural and events for its unveiling.
McCahon, his wife, Charlotte, and Welsh sketched the mural and the painting began. Calligraphy for the text panels, drafted by Baumler, and painted by Elkins.
VA Montana Health Care System Director John Ginnity has submitted his resignation, a day ahead of a scheduled hearing on whistleblower protection claims filed by a former top administrator at Helena's Fort Harrison Medical Center.
An attorney for Dianne Scotten, the center's ex-associate chief of inpatient care, on Wednesday confirmed that hearing was open to the public and scheduled to take place 9 a.m. today (June 9) at Fort Harrison's administrative building.
She declined further comment on Scotten's case.
Ginnity, who has helmed the state VAs medical system since March 2015, could not be reached for comment on the hearing or his exit. A Montana VA spokesman failed to respond to questions.
The outgoing director cited his family and his health among "several" contributing factors to his departure. He did not elaborate on the rest of those factors in a Wednesday email announcing the move to Fort Harrison medical staffers.
His last day will be July 8.
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said the Montana VA had failed to meet expectations.
Montana veterans deserve a leader who will ensure their needs are being met, and the Montana VA has not lived up to this commitment, Daines said in a statement. The Montana VA needs a strong leader who understands the mission and will not fail Montana veterans.
U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., agreed it was time for a change and called on the VA to seek out women leaders to promote.
Our veterans deserve the absolute best we have to offer; sadly the VA has fallen tragically short at fulfilling their mission of providing care to our warriors, the first-term congressman and U.S. Navy veteran said. The VA must immediately embark on a thorough search for the right person to lead the VA in Montana.
Its time to shake things up at the VA, and I think every effort should be made to get the right person in that job.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., promised to hold the VA accountable for moving quickly to find and vet Ginnitys replacement.
Statements released Wednesday closely echoed remarks the same lawmakers issued in February 2015, when Ginnity, who was named acting director in June 2014, was removed from that position after exceeding the 120-day cap on interim appointments.
His first day as permanent director came less than a month later, and only weeks after the VA announced it was temporarily closing its acute care mental health unit on the Fort Harrison campus because of chronic workforce shortages.
Tester, a vocal advocate for veterans issues and the top Democrat on the subcommittee that funds the VA, pointed out in a statement the top three leadership positions at VA Montana are now held by someone operating in an acting capacity.
A series of agency-rocking scandals surrounding lethally lengthy wait times, false record-keeping and disease outbreaks has seen a rash of resignations and firings at VA hospitals around the country.
A Tester spokesman on Wednesday blamed the agencys failure to fill some of those openings on a growing pay disparity between the VA and private sector pay scales.
DECATUR -- Jim Masey is part of the growing list of participants at Decatur's annual National Cancer Survivor Day celebration.
Masey, 75, who owned Jim Masey Realtors Inc. for more than 30 years and sold real estate for 43 years, survived prostate cancer -- he had surgery last month -- and was part of an event on Tuesday that drew more than 1,300 people at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel.
There was a dinner; Dr. Thomas Tarter, a urologic oncologist with Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois, was the featured speaker; and all survivors in attendance received a survivor's pin.
"I'm here to celebrate," Masey said. "You go from the day you're sitting across the desk from the doctor and he says, 'I hate to tell you, but you have cancer,' and your life goes by in front of you and you kind of sink at your knees, to pulling yourself up with your attitude and the support you have, to now. It's a good feeling to be a cancer survivor."
Masey had a prostate-specific antigen or PSA, test, and it showed he had aggressive prostate cancer. Masey's surgery was performed robotically on May 2, and he didn't even need the pain medication he was given after surgery.
"You're in the hospital overnight, two nights at most," Masey said. "I'm 30 days out, and I'm doing wonderfully. You want to run the 100 dash with me? Let's go."
Tarter performed Masey's surgery and during his speech highlighted his journey to what he called, "the best job I've ever had," and also the improvements in cancer treatment through those decades.
After moving to Springfield, he helped establish the Simmons Cancer Institute in Springfield in 2001 and began performing robotic surgeries in 2002.
Then, in 2011, after dedicating his life to making cancer survivors through his surgery and research, he became a cancer survivor himself.
Tarter's older brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer that later killed him. After the diagnosis, Tarter got a PSA test, and it showed he also had prostate cancer.
"I was with him a week before he died, and I told him, 'That phone call you gave me saved my life,'" Tarter said. "It made me get a PSA test before I had planned to."
A year later, Tarter joined Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois.
"I've never met a more caring group," Tarter said. "They took a chance on a surgeon, and I'm glad they did. This is the best job I've ever had. It's been a remarkable time to work in cancer research and surgery."
The event was a joint effort between HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur Memorial Hospital and Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois. Valerie Jordan, St. Mary's director of oncology services, has been involved with Decatur's National Cancer Survivor Day celebration for more than 15 years and is currently a member of the planning committee. She said at more than 1,300 people, about half cancer survivors, this year's event was the biggest yet.
"Every year, my heart gets fuller because it means there are more survivors," Jordan said. "We're seeing advancements in treatment, but also in early detection.
"An earlier diagnosis leads to a longer survival time."
MAROA The Maroa-Forsyth school board is once again considering asking voters to decide at what level to financially support the district.
The board could decide Monday whether to draft a referendum question to increase the district's tax rate that would be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot. It held a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the issue and reasons why the district could benefit from increased funding.
The administration, teachers and financial advisory panel have provided the board with recommendations for what to consider priorities.
We have to manage what we need and decide what's a priority, board member James Keith said. We have a menu to choose from. We've been unable to reach a consensus as to our priorities.
Keith said anywhere between a 20-cent and 50-cent rate increase has been discussed. A 20-cent increase would generate an estimated $385,200, costing a $100,000 home $68 more per year or $132 for a $200,000 home. A 50-cent increase would generate $963,000 at a cost of $167 for a $100,000 home or $333 for a $200,000 home.
Residents at the meeting suggested the board stress what the additional tax revenue would be used to support. Voters previously rejected a proposed tax hike in April 2015.
Keith said the need to create a reserve has been discussed, along with reducing the student-to-teacher ratio, especially at the grade school level, providing additional services from a social worker and doubling the number of students attending preschool.
The goal is for students to be prepared to succeed in college or the workplace, one of the two, Keith said. Everything needs to move back from that all the way to pre-K.
Board member Lindsey Wise said she would likely support asking for a tax increase on the higher end of the range to provide students with as many necessary materials as possible.
It sounds like we might be asking for luxury items, Wise said. We need to have some of these things, or we're going to fall behind other districts.
Board member Kristi Harjung said remaining one of the best districts in the area will come at a cost, the amount of which needs to be figured out.
We want to provide what is needed for our kids, board President Russ Corey said.
The board is next scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the grade school in Forsyth.
Superintendent Mike Williams said the board will need to have its legal counsel draft a resolution once it sets the amount of the tax increase. It would need to approve the resolution by Aug. 22 for it to appear on the fall ballot.
Williams said the district faces uncertainty from the state of Illinois not properly funding education. He said decisions are being made to address the situation, with the district receiving about $1 million less per year from the state than it did in 2008.
Williams said the district is concerned about the potential impact of a property tax freeze, potential for school funding reform and pension obligation cost shift, all of which could affect the amount of funding needed from local taxpayers.
DECATUR Over its decades of operation, thousands provided for their families through jobs at Wagner Castings Co.
It was a place where people worked hard, making automotive parts and an honest living. Founded in 1917, it was also a proud part of Decatur's legacy; about a thousand people worked there in 1990.
But business took a turn. The company changed hands, later becoming known as Intermet Foundry, and closed its doors in 2005.
These days, the 34-acre site off of Jasper Street looks like something out of a movie about the dystopian future.
Brush grows wildly. Trees poke up through the concrete floors of buildings, or the places where buildings used to be.
Trespassers have stripped wires and taken anything of value they could find. They leave things, too: broken bottles, broken windows. Utility crews once discovered pit bulls chained to a fence and evidence that they were being made to fight nearby.
Not to mention the obvious environmental issues barrels of unknown substances, piles of material containing asbestos.
How do you even start to fix a mess like that?
Commercial real estate broker Tim Vieweg plans to try. With help from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the city of Decatur, Vieweg wants to clean up the site and develop it for productive use.
The biggest picture, I think is trying to figure out how to bring jobs here, Vieweg said. I think this is a great piece of land to be able to do that, to build some buildings that get added to the tax base as far as the property taxes and bring jobs.
The site was sold in 2008 to a group of Pennsylvania investors called 825 North Lowber LLC. They demolished some buildings and sold materials for scrap, but the property eventually fell into disrepair.
Property taxes were owed. The city performed some maintenance work and placed liens on the property. Now, the city is positioned to take ownership, which it can turn over to Vieweg.
The Decatur City Council voted Monday to accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure on the property. The city will immediately transfer the deed to Vieweg, managing broker of Vieweg Real Estate, who negotiated the deal.
I've been working for two years with (Macon County) trying to figure out how to make this a useable piece of property, and then we got the city and EPA involved, Vieweg said. With everybody's cooperation, we were able to make it happen.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to spend roughly $2 million to remove hazardous materials from the property, a process Vieweg said could begin in the next few weeks. Once they are done, he plans to remove the overgrowth and make the property presentable to potential tenants or buyers.
I think it'll be a work in progress, but I wouldn't be surprised if we're not at least talking with folks within a year, he said. We'll start marketing immediately.
For all its obvious minuses, the property has a lot of pluses, too. It butts up against rail lines. It is already zoned for heavy industrial use. It's in the county's enterprise zone. The utilities and infrastructure are already in place.
Plus, it's big.
This is 34 acres in the center of Decatur. How often can you put together 34 acres? Vieweg said. You'd have to buy 100 houses to put together 34 acres.
The city worked with Vieweg, Macon County, Illinois EPA, U.S. EPA and Central Illinois Title Co. for months to resolve the situation, Assistant City Manager Billy Tyus said.
Tyus described the property, which he has toured, as being in terrible condition and likely to remain that way unless this type of action were taken.
We're excited about the site getting cleaned up, both from an environmental perspective and also the possibility of it being developed into an economic development opportunity that can create job opportunities, that could create economic opportunities, that could help to return that neighborhood to what it once was, Tyus said. This has been an eyesore for a while.
DECATUR A new sculpture park will soon fill the area between Scovill Zoo and the Children's Museum of Illinois, officials announced Wednesday.
The Decatur Parks Foundation will oversee the project with a $250,000 grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and cooperation with the children's museum, Decatur Park District, Decatur Area Arts Council and Neuhoff Media. Twelve sculptures will be installed in July.
We see the Scovill Sculpture Park connecting people to our community through tours, people's choice awards, education, exercise, family pictures and unlimited other uses, said William Van Alstine, president of the foundation board.
The foundation placed a call for submissions online and received 106 proposals from 41 artists from across the country. A committee narrowed them down to 24, from which the final 12 are still being selected, said Jill Applebee, the foundation's executive director.
The sculptures will be on display for two years, with each costing the foundation $3,500 to rent for that time. They will be available for purchase from the artists, with 20 percent of the proceeds going to the parks foundation, Applebee said. In 2018, 12 new pieces will be chosen to replace them.
The foundation will also choose a piece to purchase and display in the sculpture park permanently. That selection will be announced later this summer.
New sidewalk loops through the area between the zoo and the museum where the sculptures will be displayed, and dead trees and brush have been cleared out to provide a more picturesque view of Lake Decatur.
This park has so much more connectivity now. It's just going to be fantastic for recreation, said Brian Byers, a member of the foundation board and vice president of development for Neuhoff Media.
Buffett's donation covered the cost of the new infrastructure, as well as the sculptures. The foundation will likely seek sponsorships of new sculptures in the coming years, Applebee said.
Installation of the sculptures will take place on July 14 and 15. On Saturday, July 16, there will be a community walk with the artists present to share their stories.
Jerry Johnson, executive director of the arts council, said the committee reached out to other communities with similar projects, such as Peoria. The process of choosing the sculptures was complicated but went much smoother than expected, he said.
Decatur is a community that has always embraced the arts in all of their forms, from performing art to visual arts, Johnson said. Public art like the Scovill Sculpture Park brings art to people who otherwise might not have access to it.
Members of the selection committee include: Byers, Applebee, Johnson, Nicole Bateman, Kelli Smith, Patrick Hoban, Rachel Franz, James Schietinger, Lisa Gillen and Ryan Raleigh.
Paul Ryan is a disappointment. That's more difficult for me to write than it should be. My approach to politicians has generally been similar to that of lab researchers to their test animals: Do not get too attached. For scientists, it's a lot easier to stick a guinea pig with a needle if you know it as "test subject 43A" than if you know it as "Mr. Fluffy." For the columnist, it's easier to twist the knife if you don't feel personally invested.
But philosophically and temperamentally, I've long felt that Ryan is my kind of politician, and that judgment didn't change after getting to know him (which is rare, given how most politicians are all too human). His vision for government's role and the kind of party the GOP should be has always resonated with me, even if I didn't agree with him on every policy or vote.
For those reasons I wasn't just pleased that he held the line against Donald Trump, I was proud. And for those reasons, his endorsement of Trump was a true disappointment.
On May 5, Ryan announced that he wasn't ready to endorse. Trump instantly retorted: "I am not ready to support Speaker Ryan's agenda."
Ryan is no naif. His stance was both strategic and principled. We were told that he was giving his GOP caucus "cover" so they wouldn't all have to bend the knee to King Trump at once.
Moreover, Ryan implied that he was holding out in order to push Trump in a more conservative direction; the businessman would have to show good faith and rein in his antics in exchange for party unity. GOP apparatchiks reassured the scattered holdouts, particularly among donors, that Trump would soon stop the scorched-earth insults and histrionics and get on board with the GOP agenda. Even Trump's supporters, such as Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, insisted that the presumptive nominee would "get better."
But Trump never showed signs of improvement. He attacked New Mexico's popular Republican governor, Susana Martinez, for the effrontery of not supporting him. And he vilified the Indiana-born judge in his Trump University fraud case for being a "Mexican."
"You think I'm going to change?" Trump asked reporters at a positively unhinged news conference last week. "I'm not changing."
Yet Ryan endorsed him anyway.
Admittedly, Ryan's endorsement was about as grudging as possible. He announced it on Thursday in a local Wisconsin newspaper. In a video interview with the Associated Press, he showed all the sincerity of a POW muttering into a captor's camera. Ryan said he was "confident" that Trump would help him advance his agenda. Alas, he didn't blink "just kidding" in Morse code.
In throwing his support to Trump, Ryan made two mistakes. The first was tactical.
Because Trump did nothing to earn Ryan's endorsement, the presumptive nominee may conclude that he needn't negotiate with the GOP establishment; he can just count on its eventual submission.
As the Washington Examiner's Philip Klein put it, "If Ryan can't stand up to candidate Trump, why should we expect he'd stand up to a President Trump?"
Ryan also jeopardized the party's long game. Ryan understands better than most that the biggest hurdle for conservatives is how their motivations are perceived. If someone starts out thinking you're greedy, mean-spirited or bigoted, they're not going to listen to your 10-point plan. Ryan has been fighting that perception all his political life.
Trump often embraces that perception, proving conservatism's harshest critics right. For example, the left says conservatives support "wars for oil." Trump says that "taking the oil" of Iraq and Libya should be a top priority. Democrats claim that conservative immigration and national security policies stem from animosity toward Latinos and Muslims. Ryan's honest retort to such claims is that he abhors identity politics. Meanwhile, Trump is perfectly comfortable saying that an American judge's Latino heritage is disqualifying. On Sunday, he said the same might hold for Muslim judges.
From entitlements to trade to the First Amendment, Trump has made it clear that his vision of government isn't Ryan's. And the gulf in temperament and tone between the two men is wider and deeper than the Marianas Trench.
Trump, then, poses an Aesopian challenge to Ryan; the scorpion must sting the frog because that is its nature. The only way to avoid the sting is not to ally yourself with the scorpion in the first place. Trump will fade one day, but even Ryan's halfhearted embrace of Trumpism makes it more likely Ryanism will fade too.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)
Today
Mainly sunny. High 78F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph..
Tonight
Clear skies. Low near 50F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
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ABC News(NEW YORK) -- When Hillary Clinton arrived Tuesday night at the Brooklyn Navy Yard's Duggal Greenhouse after clinching the Democratic nomination, her first glimpse of the celebratory crowd gave the former first lady chills.
Oh my gosh, look at this, Clinton told ABCs David Muir before their interview in a room perched above her screaming and dancing supporters.
So this is eight years ago to the day that you conceded and tonight you will go out there for a very different reason, said Muir.
Thats right, thats right. Its almost hard to take in, it really is, she answered.
Before Clinton stepped on that stage to deliver her first speech as the nominee, Muir asked her whether the history of the moment was sinking in.
This is sinking it in, I can tell you that," she said, gesturing to the crowd. "Its an overwhelming feeling David, really!
The Duggal Greenhouse crowd of over 1,000 couldnt see Clinton, who, moments before, was still editing her speech.
In many ways, a hard speech to give because it is so emotional and all of these people who have worked so hard across our country who believe in a kind of future we want and Im trying to capture that without just completely you know, getting overwhelmed by the emotion of it, Clinton told Muir.
The former secretary of state said she couldnt have imagined this moment eight years ago and looking out at that crowd and thinking of all the volunteers who helped her get here gave her energy.
It has been a long time coming and we really stand on the shoulders of so many women and men, she said.
Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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Five people were arrested in Prairie du Chien for alleged drug activity, following an investigation into drug dealing from a residence during the past month.
The Crawford County Sheriff's Office said Kelly Slavings, 42, Michelle Slavings, 37, both of Prairie du Chien, and Peter Radtke, 40, of Kenosha, were taken into custody at 1108 S. 13th Street early Wednesday morning.
Numerous items of drug paraphernalia, 16 packaged bags of marijuana, cash, scales and methamphetamine were found during the search of the residence.
A day earlier, police searched a vehicle seen leaving from the residence and allegedly found drugs.
"A police dog alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics being in the vehicle," said Sheriff Dale McCullick.
A search of the vehicle found methamphetamine, marijuana and stolen property from Clayton County, Iowa.
The vehicle's owner, Jessica Ott, 23, of Dodgeville, and the driver, Zachary Beinborn, 27, of Prairie du Chien, were arrested and taken to jail.
"Information obtained during the traffic stop led to the search warrant being conducted at the Prairie du Chien residence," McCullick said.
Beinborn was held in jail on tentative charges of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of methamphetamine and several Department of Corrections warrants.
Radtke was held on tentative charges of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and possession of marijuana.
Kelly Slavings was held on a probation hold, with tentative charges of possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and domestic battery being forwarded to the district attorney.
Jessica Ott and Michelle Slavings were released, with information being forwarded to the DA on possible charges.
McCullick said possible charges of maintaining a drug house were also being pursued.
A Madison man was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.
Anthony Johnson, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William Conley in federal court in Madison.
Johnson pleaded guilty in March to a charge of accessing child pornography.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said FBI special agents executed a search warrant at Johnson's home in September, finding a laptop computer containing images of child pornography.
Johnson told investigators he had been viewing child pornography for about two years, and that he also had sexual contact with a child over her clothing, worried he would do something sexually to the child if he didn't get help.
Conley said at sentencing he couldn't imagine the devastation the defendant and family were going through because of the charges, but he also said there was a very disturbing aspect he had to consider in pronouncing sentence, finding it "troubling" that Johnson used a secret network and hidden websites to view child pornography.
Around 3:15 p.m. on Friday, a man asked two girls through a fence at the Randall Elementary School playground if they wanted to see a "cool video," which turned out to be pornography, according to authorities. A detective who was doing surveillance on Wednesday at the school, 1802 Regent St., saw a man who matched the description of the person who has shown the girls the video, police said.
A Janesville motorcyclist seen weaving within a lane of traffic early Thursday morning was arrested for his alleged sixth drunken driving offense, then had other offenses added when a loaded handgun allegedly was found in his possession.
Gustav Mahlum, 30, was taken to the Rock County Jail on tentative charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm, endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon, possession of narcotics, carrying a concealed weapon and traffic-related citations, Janesville police said.
According to police, Mahlum was observed crossing over into oncoming traffic as he turned his motorcycle from West Court Street to Crosby Avenue.
He continued to weave back and forth in his lane, and was stopped by an officer on Crosby Avenue near the Bellrichard bridge.
A disturbance between people who know each other led to shots being fired on the city's Southwest Side Wednesday night, but police found nobody injured or damaged property at the scene.
Two 911 calls were made about shots fired at about 9:15 p.m. in the 2100 block of Leland Drive, Madison police said.
"It is believed to be an isolated incident with no additional risk to the public at large," said Sgt. Minh Duc Tieu.
Several people were stopped by police as they tried to leave the area but nobody was arrested.
"No casings were recovered, and there was no damage to property or injured persons," police said.
Four suspects are in custody following reports of gunfire Thursday afternoon involving people in cars, Madison police said.
Just before 3 p.m., officers responded to reports of a robbery in the parking lot of East Towne Mall. The suspects left in a vehicle and were pursued by the victims in their vehicle. The victims called 911 and continued to follow the suspects, police said.
Someone in the suspects' vehicle began shooting at the victims' vehicle, according to a release from the police department. No one was injured and there was no damage to property.
Officers and deputies began to flood the area, and a deputy noticed the suspect vehicle on Highway 51, police said. The vehicle was parked in the area of Hanson Road and Highway 51, and the suspects were seen fleeing from it, according to the release.
Two of the suspects were immediately taken into custody and two others were taken into custody following a search of nearby woods and a farm field, according to police. An aircraft from the Wisconsin State Patrol helped with the search.
The robbery is still under investigation and more information will be available following interviews, police said.
Wisconsin should add $12.8 million over the next two years to a grant program that helps low-income students afford college, the University of Wisconsin Systems governing board said Thursday.
The UW Board of Regents approved a resolution requesting an additional $6.4 million per year in funding for the Wisconsin Grant program, which provides need-based scholarships to thousands of state college students.
The request, which was approved during the Regents meeting Thursday at UW-Milwaukee, will now be sent to the state Higher Education Aids Board, which administers the Wisconsin Grant.
It will be up to lawmakers to decide in the next state budget whether they will fund the increase. A spokesman for Gov. Scott Walker said he will consider the request.
UW officials say the increase is necessary to ensure college is in reach for students and to reverse a decline in the value of the Wisconsin Grant.
High demand and insufficient funding for the grant has led the aids board to reduce the average award students receive from $2,161 six years ago to $1,773 in the 2014-15 school year. That decrease has come as the cost to attend UW System institutions has risen.
The funding increase UW requested is meant to return the average grant to $2,161.
A Madison commission on Wednesday voted to move forward with a rate increase for Metro Transit.
The Transit and Parking Commission voted 4-3 to pass a proposal that would raise the price for some ride options between 5 percent and about 24 percent.
If the City Council approves the changes, they would go in effect on Aug. 28
All three council members on the commission Alds. Rebecca Kemble, David Ahrens and Ledell Zellers voted against the proposal.
A Daytripper Pass, which allows a round trip for up to 30 school children and three chaperones , would see the largest change in price.
For users of certain unlimited ride passes, such as those for UW-Madison and Madison College, each ride would cost $1.35 compared to the current $1.15 rate.
Single trip cash fares would not be affected.
Metro Transit officials have said increased fares are needed to generate enough revenue to cover their expected operating expenditures.
The commission considered four proposals for rate increases. Member Ann Kovich described the one that was chosen as a middle of the road option.
The increases are being guided for the first time by a fare equity policy that ensures payment methods frequently used by low-income and minority riders are not increased by more than 5 percent more than the lowest percent increase of a non-equity fare.
Equity sensitive payment methods include: single ride cash payments; adult, low-income and senior/disabled 31-day passes; and EZ Rider Passes for school children.
Out of these methods, the adult month passes and senior/disabled month passes would have the largest percentage increase at a little over 12 percent, potentially increasing from $58 to $65 and from $29 to $32.50, respectively.
The membership of Wisconsins new ethics and elections commissions are now set, though key questions remain unanswered three weeks before they become operational.
How those questions are resolved could foreshadow whether the partisans who make up the new bodies can work together as the groups creators predicted or are hamstrung by partisanship and political gamesmanship, as critics warned.
Gov. Scott Walker and Republican lawmakers created the two-party commissions in December to replace the nonpartisan Government Accountability Board, over objections from Democrats.
The GAB was created in 2007 in the wake of the 2001 legislative caucus scandal in which lawmakers from both parties were convicted of using taxpayer resources to campaign. But the agency came under fire from Republicans for its role in assisting prosecutors looking into coordination between Walkers 2012 recall campaign and ostensibly independent political groups.
On Thursday, Walker announced he was appointing former state senator and retired Waukesha County Judge Mac Davis, a Republican, and State Reserve Judge Robert Kinney, a Democrat, as the final two members of the ethics commission.
All 12 members of the ethics and elections commissions have now been appointed.
The ethics commission is still searching for a chief administrator to run its day-to-day operations. The panel met Thursday to review 23 applications for the position.
The hiring will be closely scrutinized. The ethics administrator will be state governments chief watchdog of elected officials, political parties, campaign groups and lobbyists, overseeing laws governing campaign finance, ethics and lobbying.
The elections commission named its lead administrator, Michael Haas, last month. Haas currently oversees elections for the accountability board.
Haas hiring got a mixed reception from GOP state senators some of whom object to his ties to the GAB, according to Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.
The Senate has the power to confirm or reject administrators for the commissions, and it may not vote to confirm Haas, according to Fitzgerald.
Pressure is on
The election commission has little time to get its bearings. It must oversee elections and implementation of the states controversial voter ID requirement during a high-turnout presidential election cycle, starting with the state primary election on Aug. 9.
It was that urgency, said election commissioner Steve King a Republican appointee of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos that contributed to the swift hiring of Haas.
We didnt want to be accused of letting this cycle go by without any real leadership, King said.
But King said he doesnt foresee a status-quo transition from the GAB to the elections commission. He said he expects commissioners to take a a more proactive approach than did members of the GAB.
Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said last month that some Republican senators have concerns with the Haas pick because of his role with the GAB and the boards role in the John Doe probe into Walkers 2012 recall campaign, which was halted by the state Supreme Court last year.
But King, also a member of the Republican National Committee, rejected that rationale in an interview this week, saying Haas involvement with the Doe probe was pretty minimal.
Haas has a background in partisan politics, having run for state Assembly as a Democrat in 1992 and 1994.
King and election commissioner Don Millis, Fitzgeralds appointee, said that doesnt worry them. Both said they have known Haas for years, and their interactions made them comfortable with him administering the commission.
I always found him to be a gentleman, King said of Haas. I found him to be fair.
Said Millis: My personal experience with Mike was always, he was a stand-up guy.
King and Millis said they expect to review Haas performance after the November election. A Senate confirmation vote wont happen until sometime in 2017.
Haas or any other administrator selected by either commission may serve on an interim basis until a confirmation vote is held.
Some GOP lawmakers said they had no objection to Haas hiring.
Rep. Dean Knudson, R-Hudson, the Assembly sponsor of the bill creating the commissions, praised the pick. Vos said Im not going to second-guess the commissioners for hiring him.
Consensus or stalemate?
Finding an administrator for the ethics commission could be more complicated than for its elections counterpart, which had an heir apparent in Haas.
The former chief official overseeing ethics for the GAB, Jonathan Becker, retired last month.
Ethics commissioner Katie McCallum, Fitzgeralds appointee, said commissioners will interview top candidates for the ethics administrator position in the coming weeks.
The election and ethics commissions are equally divided between Democratic and Republican appointees, unless a third-party candidate gains enough of the vote in an election for that party to earn a seat.
But a provision in the law creating the commissions could enable a partisan group of lawmakers to pick their administrators if the commissioners cant agree on whom to hire.
With the ethics post still unfilled, thats a huge concern said Jay Heck, director of Common Cause in Wisconsin, a nonpartisan government accountability group that opposed the creation of the new bipartisan commissions.
If the commissions cannot agree on an administrator, the law requires that the decision instead fall to a partisan legislative committee, the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization, which is controlled by the party that holds a legislative majority.
Ethics commissioner David Halbrooks, Democratic Assembly Leader Peter Barcas pick, said hes impressed with the makeup of the commission.
Halbrooks added that he hopes that bodes well for how it will function.
We will either act by consensus, Halbrooks said, or we will act by stalemate.
A week after securing the Democratic nomination for president, Hillary Clinton plans to visit Green Bay with President Barack Obama on Wednesday.
Highlighting the prominent role Wisconsin could play in November, Clinton will be campaigning in key battleground states Ohio and Pennsylvania on Monday and Tuesday before coming to Green Bay on Wednesday. More details on her visit were not immediately released.
In announcing the visit, Clinton's campaign said she and Obama will discuss "building on the progress we've made and their vision for an America that is stronger together."
Clinton was soundly defeated by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in Wisconsin's presidential primary in April. But her victories Tuesday in New Jersey and California helped cement her place as the party's presumptive nominee. She had previously secured her place in history as the first female nominated for president by a major party with the overwhelming support of the party's so-called "superdelegates," whose votes at the Democratic National Convention in July aren't bound by state primary or caucus results.
Obama endorsed Clinton on Thursday saying in an online video, "I dont think theres ever been someone so qualified to hold this office."
"Shes got the courage, the compassion, and the heart to get the job done," Obama said. "I have seen her judgment. I've seen her toughness. I've seen her commitment to our values up close. And Ive seen her determination to give every American a fair shot at opportunity, no matter how tough the fight thats what's always driven her, and still does."
Responding to news of Clinton's planned visit, Republican Party of Wisconsin spokesman Pat Garrett said "Wisconsin has rejected Hillary Clinton in the past and will do so again in November."
"Hillary Clinton is a dishonest politician who secured the nomination with the help of party bosses over working families here in Wisconsin," Garrett said. "Her record of scandal and the pending FBI investigation into her practices as Secretary of State are a deep concern to voters who want an honest and transparent White House."
It's unclear when Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump might visit Wisconsin.
As Dane Countys juvenile justice services manager, Andre Johnson oversees a staff of 50 people who work with minors who have run afoul of the law or appear at risk of doing so.
The way authorities handle minor offenses has changed greatly in the decades since Johnson was growing up on Madisons South Side. In recent years, it has evolved rapidly as crime rates have fallen and awareness has grown about higher arrest rates and more severe sentences among blacks compared to whites.
Among the programs Johnson oversees is a restorative justice initiative begun in September that diverts all 12- to 16-year-olds ticketed by Madison police for minor infractions such as disorderly conduct, simple assault, marijuana possession and trespassing from the court system.
Dane County TimeBank, the YWCA Madison and Briarpatch Youth Services run the program, which expands on similar efforts in Madison schools based on research indicating that young people can learn to control youthful impulses that get them in trouble.
Police allow minors to face courts made up of fellow students. If they agree to pay restitution to victims or perform community service, they can avoid a court record that can snowball and contribute to reduced opportunities throughout life.
More than 60 percent of the 262 ticketed from September through the end of March were black. Previous studies have found racial minorities in Dane County were treated much more harshly by the criminal justice system than whites and that the disparities were worse than those in the rest of the country.
Johnson, 47, is the UW-Madison-educated son of a painting contractor and a psychiatric nurse. His wife, Maria, works for UW Medical Foundation. His son, Andre Jr., and daughter, Lenai, are students at the university.
Johnson said he loves vacations to warm-weather destinations, watching the Packers and Badgers, fishing near Minoqua, playing volleyball, and enjoying the citys outdoor music festivals.
What drew you to the juvenile justice field?
I was kind of in the L.A. Law era growing up, and I saw myself as the one up there arguing the big cases, and winning, of course. Ive always been sort of an outgoing, social person. Some people will talk about fear of public speaking, but that never was an issue for me. If anything they probably wanted to shut me up whenever they could.
But you decided against law school.
Its really very different, of course, in the field. Very few cases actually go to trial ... I deferred my enrollment for a year and started working at nonprofits with kids who were court-involved. I found my niche, and I never looked back. It wasnt the direction I intended to go, but I think I found what I was supposed to do.
Theres a fair amount of research showing good outcomes from restorative justice programs, but you still hear people say hard punishment is what kids need I got whipped, and it didnt do me any harm.
We grew up in a different time and different era. And Ill say I got plenty of butt whippings in my time and there were probably a few I got by on. Research shows it can have negative effects, too. When I was a kid, you know, youd have two kids fighting on the playground after school, and everybody circled around and five, six punches were thrown and then it was done, and usually the two people became friends after that. Now law enforcement is involved, and its a charge, and kids are going into the juvenile court system for those same kinds of behaviors. So, its definitely different from 40 years ago. And what I try to push, and what we as a system are trying to do, is really look at ways to hold those kids accountable, but do we need to involve them in the juvenile justice system to do that? We still hold a kid accountable, still we recognize that there is a victim involved in whatever that incident was, and we repair that harm rather than just punishing them and having them involved in the system which we know systems dont always do the best for the people that are involved in them.
Interview by Steven Verburg
No one would want to be on this list.
But for Debra Scott and others, the list could be the difference between life and a grim death on the streets.
Scott, 57, survived a traumatic youth and has lived a hard life with medical problems, then later became a caregiver and lived with her elderly mother in seniors housing. After her mother had to move to a nursing home in April 2014, Scott became homeless when her lease expired several months later and lived from her vehicle.
She suffered the daily indignities of the homeless and was also in poor health, needing hospitalization and two surgeries, eventually with no place to recover but her 2006 Dodge Caravan.
After a year on the streets, she placed near the top on a new community list that prioritizes cases based on the length of time being homeless, disability and the risk of serious harm or death.
'Far from cutting edge'
Madison and Dane County aren't national models in the fight confronting homelessness.
But in recent years as the homeless massed to sleep on vacant property on East Washington Avenue and later the "front porch" of the City-County Building the community has made strides, some pushed by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and others homespun.
The decades-old Dane County Homeless Services Consortium is now following federal mandates to organize, using coordinated intake for housing and consulting a single priority list the one Scott appeared on to place the most vulnerable in public, nonprofit and private housing units.
Slowly, the city and county are embracing Housing First, a policy that puts the chronic homeless in permanent housing with support services and no preconditions such as being addiction- or conviction-free. Last spring, Madison-Dane County became the lone community in the state to join Zero: 2016, a national movement to end chronic and veteran homelessness in a couple of years.
'This is home': Madison opens its biggest 'Housing First' project to date The $8 million Rethke Terrace project will provide 60 units of permanent housing with voluntary support services for homeless single adults and veterans.
The city, with county support, is investing local funds to help secure millions of dollars in prized federal tax credits to create 250 units of permanent housing with support services for the homeless and another 750 "affordable" units in five years.
But the consortium is only beginning to realize its potential and has no true political muscle. The community is far behind others on Housing First. Some cities, like Rockford, Illinois, already have effectively ended chronic or veteran homelessness under Zero: 2016. And analysis shows Madison still falling far short on housing.
"We're far from cutting edge," said former Madison Ald. Brenda Konkel, executive director of the Tenant Resource Center and perhaps the community's most relentless advocate for the homeless.
"We have to struggle to push services to reflect new thinking and change the 1980s attitudes and ways of doing things," Konkel said. "The strategy of making shelters uncomfortable so people don't want to stay won't work if we don't have housing for people to move to. Our failure to invest in community services is hurting us in our efforts as the demand far outpaces the need."
* * *
After serving as her mother's caretaker for nearly four years, Scott suddenly faced a void.
Scott, who has struggled with alcohol and drugs and has other ailments including acute post traumatic stress disorder, relies on $900 a month in Social Security Disability Income. When her mother left, she alone could no longer afford the $900 monthly rent plus utilities and food. With limited resources and a minor criminal history, she faced major barriers to housing.
"I carry huge burdens from my former life," she said, her body rocking back and forth as she talked while sitting in a chair with an unlit cigarette and lighter in her hand.
On July 31, 2014, she was homeless.
"I had no idea where to go. Housing is so expensive. Luckily, (my mother) gave me the car."
She and her longtime boyfriend slept in the minivan. She moved it from place to place and lived the punishing rhythms of being on the street. She spent hours in the van filling out paperwork for social service agencies.
"You never stay in the same place more than two and a half days ever," she said. "You can go back to it, maybe, if it's a good place. You always keep everything on you. You never leave it anywhere. That's the rule."
Scott said she never lacked food but other basics, like going to the bathroom and taking a shower, were daunting. "In the middle of the winter, it's not like a guy. I'd have to take off half my clothes in below-zero weather just to go pee. I'm going to open the door to go pee. People see that, too. I try not to be loud because pee is hitting the cement."
One night in early November 2014, she said she began to suffer wrenching pain in her stomach. 911 was called. She was taken to a hospital, but doctors refused treatment because they thought she was faking to get drugs. The hospital covered a cab to take her back to her vehicle. But the pain worsened and she drove herself to a clinic on the East Side.
"I literally fell out of the van and started crawling on the driveway," she said. Scott was taken by ambulance to UW Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. "If they didn't do the surgery, I would have died," she said.
Scott awoke confused, a long incision on her abdomen held closed with staples. She spent two weeks recovering at the hospital, but it was determined she needed another surgery and remained in the hospital two more weeks. She then spent five days in a nursing home, and the sixth day, her boyfriend came to get her.
"I had wounds. I had to change dressings. I'm in the fricking van again," she said.
In late May 2015, while at the Tenant Resource Center on the Near East Side, Scott was asked to fill out a detailed assessment form new to Madison service providers. It was eventually determined she was among the most vulnerable homeless people in the community.
Jon Mack, her case manager at Community Action Coalition, found a landlord on the North Side willing to lease an apartment for Scott a continuing challenge even though CAC is the lessee and guarantees rent payments, covers property damage and provides case management.
"That's what I do," Mack said. "I beg landlords to take people who can pay rent. We really are in a housing crisis."
In September, Scott moved into her apartment, the first time she's ever had her own home. It's a powerful example of how a community adopting new practices can change, even save, lives.
'We should be appalled'
Dane County's Homeless Services Consortium, a collective of agencies and providers, began in the 1980s and grew over the years, with members mostly sharing information.
But in 2012, federal law required communities to have a structured organization with a board of directors that would be responsible for annual homeless counts, goals and outcomes, and a coordinated entry system for shelter and housing.
Since then, the consortium established a board and is moving unevenly on federally mandated tasks. It hired CAC to handle the coordinated entry, crafted standards for giving assistance and created priority lists for singles and families based on vulnerability.
The homeless and those at risk can now call a single number with connections to service providers. Since the spring of 2015, they've been placed on the priority lists, with criteria including length of time homeless, disability and the survey to assess vulnerability.
Before, "It was first come, first served," city community development director Jim O'Keefe said. "Now, it's turned on its head."
In the past year, the community has placed 121 people from the list into housing, but there are still 670 single adults waiting, including 265 people deemed chronically homeless and 73 veterans. The community has moved 94 families into housing, with 487 families still on the list.
The consortium is also leading the effort to create a new Dane County plan to prevent and end homelessness, which will have many specific goals including more housing.
Some believe the consortium board could provide much-needed leadership on homeless issues.
But it needs more diversity, staff, better data and the means to explore cutting-edge practices, and the community must develop a sense of urgency about homelessness, said board president Torrie Kopp Mueller, housing director for the YWCA.
"We should be appalled at the idea of people sleeping outside if they would rather be inside," she said.
City, county making progress
The city and county have made strides, too. Under Mayor Paul Soglin, the city adopted Housing First and hired its first housing initiatives specialist. It joined Zero: 2016 and hired a coordinator responsible for managing the singles priority list.
Under Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, and with advocacy from Sup. Heidi Wegleitner and others, the county also adopted Housing First, boosted funds for support services and created an Affordable Housing Development Fund with a total $4.5 million to be directed to projects in 2015 and 2016.
Soglin has been criticized by many advocates for his tough "compassion with rules" posture in dealing with encampments on East Washington Avenue and at the City-County Building.
"His rhetoric promoting stereotypes is hurtful to individuals and to efforts to solve homelessness," Konkel said. "It's about the worst PR we could get while we are trying to get landlords to rent to homeless veterans and chronically homeless people. His efforts to remove people from the City-County Building and State Street have made it harder for outreach workers to do their jobs."
But Soglin has won praise even from Konkel for an innovative Affordable Housing Plan, which became part of the 2015 budget.
Is Madison a magnet for the homeless? Some say the quality of life here is the main draw, regardless of income, not social services.
"I've got a two-pronged strategy," Soglin said. "One was pushing Housing First and throwing city resources into that objective, and the other was pulling us away from a policy almost solely focused on assuming that homeless people were going to spend the rest of their lives on the street."
Under the strategy, the city finds locations with good access to schools, shopping and transportation and then works with developers on the type of housing for the sites. The city and county put forward money, and the city teams with a developer on an application to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority for federal tax credits. Those can cover more than half the cost of a project containing housing for the homeless or "affordable" units for people making no more than 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), or $44,640 for a family of three.
Before he retook office, "There was no program to build more housing," Soglin said. "I mean, we sat on our goddam hands. WHEDA was shelling out tax credits all over the state, and there was very little going on here. We weren't building. It wasn't a priority."
The first project for the homeless, Rethke Terrace on the East Side, which opened at the turn of the month, will cut into lists for homeless single adults and veterans. A second project for homeless families on the Far West Side will open in 2018.
So far, the city is investing $3 million and the county $2 million to leverage a total $12.4 million in tax credits for the two projects, which cost a total $20 million and deliver 105 units of permanent housing with support services for the homeless.
The city, however, still has no true Housing First units because existing ones have various conditions for residency; even Rethke Terrace can prohibit people with certain convictions in their background. And the units created under the Affordable Housing Plan will take years to build and still wont meet need estimated by a recent study at 16,000 to 31,000 in the next 26 years.
"It's important," Konkel said of Soglin's plan. "But at 1,000 units in five years, it will take us 130 years to build the affordable housing that we need in Dane County. However, and I can't say this strongly enough, at least it's something."
* * *
It took months before Scott could escape a psychological urge to continue sleeping in her van, but with Mack's support, she is comfortable in the apartment, fully furnished by CAC and items she had in storage. She pays one-third of her income in rent; CAC covers the rest.
"I'm trying to shape up and be a good tenant," Scott said, a porcelain angel under her TV, yellow tulips in a vase and scented candles burning. "In my whole life I've never, ever had such a place. I absolutely love it here. It's quiet. People are respectful. There's no drug trafficking going on.
Governor Chris Christie has certainly gone all in behind Donald even being one of the few politicians who recently defended Trumps comments. Marco Rubio has been mentioned by quite a few talking heads as a great selection because he could help carry Florida and reach out to Hispanic voters but his recent statements regarding pulling back his support of Trump is certainly problematic for his being VP.
Rumors abound about who Donald Trump will select as his running mate. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich seems to be the early favorite in on-line polls and betting markets. Certainly the Speaker has the legislative background and knowledge of the legislative process to meet Trumps stated preference that his pick be someone political who can help move legislation through the Congress. His recent criticism of Trumps remarks regarding Judge Curiel have probably taken him out of the mix though, if he ever was in it.
But personally I think all of the above is and always has been noise by the Trump campaign. None of the above are truly being considered. Thats because Trump made up his mind a long time ago. And unless the convention rebels and takes it upon itself to force a VP nominee on Trump as 19th century conventions often did, I am very certain that Donald Trump only has one person in mind for this crucial office and that person is Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama. And this pick, when made, will be greeted with widespread acclaim by the party faithful.
Sessions has been a Senator since when he won the seat vacated by Democrat Howell Heflin in 1996 so he has gravitas and experience in the legislative process. Sessions has also always been a member of the GOP despite being surrounded by Democrats growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. This is in contrast to the senior Senator from Alabama, Richard Shelby who served as a conservative Democrat until the GOP takeover in 1994. So in terms of party loyalty and bona fides Mr. Sessions has it.
Jeff Sessions is also well regarded in the Senate and throughout the country as a true conservative leader. He has steadfastly argued against mass immigration over the last two decades. He has a mixed record on voting on trade deals having voted for CAFTA and the South Korean free trade deal. But he is against the Trans Pacific Partnership and voted against Trade Promotion Authority for President Obama. In the last decade he has been the tip of the spear of the fight against free trade so certainly his views on trade have developed as the effects of free trade have become more apparent. He also has a solid record of voting for tax cuts and against tax increases. He is a fiscal conservative who wants to balance the budget and has served on the Budget Committee. His social conservatism is unquestioned.
But most importantly, Mr. Trump will be looking for someone who is simpatico with his views on trade and immigration. Trump will want someone he can trust when drafting legislation to return jobs and wealth back to the United States. He will want someone who could take over the helm and move the agenda he is pushing forward if the unthinkable occurs and something unfortunate happens to him.
All modern Presidents want this. Some get it and some dont. George W Bush certainly got a trusted consigliore as a VP in Dick Cheney. Obama certainly has a solid ally in Joe Biden. But Reagan most likely would have picked someone other than George HW Bush, who in turn, would have most likely picked someone other than Dan Quayle. Who knows with Clinton and Gore? Clinton couldnt even carry Arkansas for his VP so who knows how they truly felt about each other.
But politics were different back then just twenty years ago. Geographic, experiential, and ideological considerations that expanded the party tent were paramount in most cases. Today, the key issues are immigration and trade and the majority of the party has clearly signaled that it wants action on these issues rather than further parliamentary obfuscation. And picking Sessions would be a clarion call to the party that Trump is absolutely serious about making the changes he has promised. Trumps biggest promise to the American people has been to build a border fence and finally deal with the porousness of our border. If he is to be a champion for the American middle class, he will need a right hand man he can trust.
And Sessions has also led the fight against immigration in general. He has eviscerated the Obama for his executive actions on amnesty and his administrations lack of border enforcement. His speeches detail the effect of tens of millions of immigrants on the wages and living standards of American workers. Sessions endorsement was sought out aggressively by Senator Ted Cruz and other Republican candidates. But ultimately, right before Super Tuesday, Sessions endorsed Trump at a rally in Alabama.
Sessions has also served as an informal advisor to the Trump campaign on electoral strategy and some policy issues. More recently, Sessions was named as his campaigns National Security Advisory Committee. So some pundits feel this might mean that Sessions might serve Trump in a cabinet position like State or Homeland Security. But once again, I think this is chaff. Trump wants people loyal to him in the most important positions in his administration and there really is no more important post than Vice President as it is an elected and not an appointed office but also because the Vice-Presidents duties are pretty malleable and at the discretion of the Commander-in Chief. So, Trump would want someone he could absolutely trust in this position if he is to give his second in command more responsibilities and power.
So, bank on Jeff Sessions as the Vice-Presidential choice of Donald Trump. Loyalty, ideological consistency, and the ability to work together will be the determinative factors in this decision.
In a document with Orwellian overtones titled Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online, the EU announces this unholy alliance. While offering a token commitment to free speech, assuring protection of even ideas that offend, shock or disturb the State or any sector of the population, the dominant commitment is to suppressing hate speech.
A National Review article warns of a troubling new collaboration between the European Union (EU)and social media sites including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Microsoft to police and censor the Internet.
This document makes clear that part of the motivation for global censorship is combatting the use of the Internet to advance terrorism, which is certainly a worthy goal. Unfortunately, the presumptuous progressive project to impose leftist moral and political views on the entire world corrupts even worthy goals.
For clarification of what constitutes illegal hate speech, this new alliance (henceforth referred to as Big Brother) directs readers to a document titled Acts Adopted Under Title VI of the EU Treaty which states that Hatred should be understood as referring to hatred based on race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin. Hatred should be understood as hatred? Say what?
The initial structure of the sentence suggests a definition of hatred is forthcoming, but instead what follows is a list of conditions (i.e., race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin) toward which rhetorical hatred maynot be expressed.
But what constitutes hatred? Does criticism of the tenets of Islammoderate or radicalconstitute hatred? Does criticism of Judaism constitute hatred? Do the vulgar rantings of homosexual bigot Dan Savage who referred to orthodox Christians as bat sh**, a**h*le, dou**ebags constitute ban-worthy hatred? (Read more about Savage HERE.)
The list of conditions that these Internet language police seek to protect from public expressions of hatred is neither exhaustive nor fixed. Big Brothers anti-First Amendment Code of Conduct concludes with this portentous statement:
To this end, regular meetings will take place and a preliminary assessment will be reported to the High Level Group on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and all forms of intolerance by the end of 2016.
Its not just undefined hatred that is being banned from the Internet. Its undefined intolerance as well. And its not just the aforementioned six privileged conditions toward which no Internet-user may express hatred or intolerance, but all other conditions or identity groups toward which intolerance could conceivably be directed.
This sentence is poorly constructed in that a grammatically correct reading suggests that it is condemning the forms intolerance could assume. The forms of intolerance could be, for example, hurling epithets at or urging assaults on members of the six groups. But since the phrase all forms of intolerance is included in a list that alludes to conditions for which persons may be hated (i.e., racism alludes to race and xenophobia alludes to national origin), it is clear that Big Brother is expanding the groups toward which intolerance may not be expressed.
So what might those unnamed groups be? What other groups identifiable by some shared trait might the Internet censors believe must be free from intolerance? Perhaps a speech given by the EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality can help us discern the gerrymandered boundaries of Internet safe spaces.
Here is an extended excerpt from a speech delivered last October by EU commissioner Vera Jourova to the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe):
I am pleased to lend my support to this vibrant space for discussion on LGBTI rights in Europe and beyond.
We have recently seen homophobic statements made by a number of political leaders. At the United Nations General Assembly in September, First Vice-President Timmermans made it clear that human rights are for everyone and LGBTI people must not be an exception. I fully endorse his views and will not hesitate to speak out against homophobia and transphobia.
We are also seeing that a narrative undermining LGBTI rights is quietly spreading, often disguised as so-called religious principles. This is unacceptable.
First Vice-President Timmermans and I recently held a conference in Brussels on antisemitism and islamophobia, where we also discussed online hate speech and how to combat it. It is clear that we must fight all hate speech, online and offline, whatever group of society it targets. We will work with internet providers to ensure hate speech is taken off the web as soon as its reported.
[W]hen it comes to social acceptance of LGBT people in daily life situations, respondents are less accepting. Less than half of respondents (44 percent) say they would be comfortable if their son or daughter had a relationship with a person of the same sex, and only 49 percent are comfortable with gay couples showing affection in public. For transgender people, the levels of acceptance are also low.
What we need is to raise awareness of the benefits of diversity. To this end I will launch an EU-wide campaign to promote LGBTI-equality in 2016.The campaign will be part of Commissions wider effort and actions I plan to implement in coming years to ensure the rights of LGBTI people and their acceptance are enforced.
If we want to move the equality agenda forward, we need a united effort from civil society, businesses, straight allies and national governments.
Lest the naive among us mistakenly believe that Jourova is solely concerned with existential threats against particular groups, take note of one of her concerns: In this speech in which Jourova condemns hate speech and commits the EU to wiping it off the Internet, she offers parental discomfort with a sons or daughters homoerotic relationship as something that society, the world of commerce, and national governments should unite to change.
Another clue as to what constitutes intolerance can be found in an EU document titled Homophobia and Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the EU Member States :
The term hate speech, as used in this section, includes a broader spectrum of verbal acts drawing upon or expressing homophobia and/or transphobia in degrading or disrespectful public discourse. Based on available data, it is possible to identify at least three types of hate speech as having particular importance in a homophobic context: hate speech by public figures, hate speech by public religious figures and hate speech published, often anonymously, on the Internet. [A]nti-LGBT statements are mainly articulated by conservative politicians and religious (Catholic, Lutheran or Evangelical Christian) public figures. These statements draw mainly upon the theme that LGBT persons and ways of living constitute a threat to society.it became clear that certain types of arguments were being used over and over again to speak out against lesbians and gays. Among these are arguments: aiming to preserve the ethnic homogeneity and integrity of the nation and the state by excluding or subordinating gays and lesbians; drawing upon Christian belief to support the exclusion of gays and lesbians from the moral community which is understood as encompassing the entire nation; referring to an unspecified morality, often invoking family values to argue for the exclusion or subordination of gays and lesbians. [emphasis added]
To the EU, any expression of the beliefincluding religious beliefthat homoerotic activity is immoral or contrary to the health and integrity of the family and the larger community constitutes hate speech. Chew on that subversive idea for a while.
What do progressive leaders of Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Microsoft view as evidence of hatred? What do they view as evidence of intolerance? Do they view expressions of disapproval of homoerotic activity or relationships as evidence of hatred or intolerance that should be banned? Do they view condemnation of the legal recognition of homoerotic unions as marriages as evidence of hatred or intolerance of those who believe differently and act in accordance with those beliefs? Do they view criticism of leftist assumptions about gender-dysphoria as hateful and intolerant?
To tolerate means to put up with or endure something objectionable. It does not mean approving of all actions or ideas or refraining from criticism of actions or ideas. And hatred of pernicious ideas does not constitute hatred of persons who espouse those ideas. Will this newly formed alliance of speech vigilantes make these distinctions? Doubtful.
Rather, it appears that in the service of expunging from the global public square ideas leftists dont like, this alliance will, with Comstockian fervor, whitewash the Internet.
What Ford didn't clarify when he made his statement on failure is that the foundational principles for innovation rely on knowing the difference between a setback and a failure so that one might act accordingly. I guess it's because there's no formulaic treatise for knowing when one has exhausted all the options other than to recognize when entropy sets in before it leads to collapse.
American automaker Henry Ford once said, "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." The quote is sublime in that it at once demonstrates an entrepreneurial drive toward innovation through risk while underscoring the need to cut losses and objectively reassess failed attempts so that the next experiment might be more successful.
Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
The answer: It didn't.
Henry Ford began production of automobiles in 1903 with the Model A. He continued experimenting with his product line over the course of five years. Some of these models were available to consumers while others never made it to market. Each new model was assigned a successive letter of the alphabet. This went on until 1908 when Ford broke through with the momentous Model T and with that Model T, Henry Ford helped shape the course of our national history by changing auto production forever.
In 1928, Ford decided that it was time to offer an entirely new concept in automobiles, but he wanted to do so in a way that showed a symbolic break with the, by then, old Model T. He did this by dubbing his new design the Model A.
What's this got to do with the Republican Party? Start with the entrepreneurial question, "What is Republicanism and what is it not?"
The Federalist Party that was founded in the 1780s by supporters of George Washington had disappeared by 1820 after its pacifist opposition to the War of 1812. With the collapse of the Federalists, the Democratic Republicans absorbed the old party and became split into two factions the Democrats and the Whigs.
Amidst this ill-advised period of mergers and acquisitions, traditionalist Whigs faced a quandary. The Democrats were a pro-slavery party that traditionalists could not bear. The Whigs were imploding as a result of the bilateral leadership of Zachary Taylor who was the epitome of a compromise candidate. Taylor won tepid favor from his party by declaring, "I am a Whig, but not an ultra-Whig" which lulled slave states into thinking that Taylor would end any hopes for abolition.
Taylor squeaked through the general election with less than half of the popular vote and will be remembered best for effectively killing the Whig brand before he died in office.
The resulting backlash from Whig Party failures brought the creation of the Republican Party, which began in 1854 in Ripon, Wisconsin where a group of abolitionists gathered to fight the expansion of slavery and federal pork barrel spending. The birth of the GOP came about because neither the Democrats nor the Whigs were representing the needs of those abolitionists who also distrusted big government.
You can read more about the death of the Whig Party on Politico. It's an interesting, albeit self-serving post Politico hopes Taylor can be equated to Donald Trump in 2016 for his crude, vulgar, incompetent behavior and lack of political experience, which they claim will kill the Republican brand. Taylor is actually more analogous to George W. Bush for his compassionate conservative rejection of the party base, which really means the brand was dead before Trump got to it.
Anyway, the Republican Party began in 1854, but it's ideals were present from the founding of the Republic under different titles. Republicanism as a principled struggle between federalism and states' rights has been rechristened and rebranded multiple times over the course of 240 years as the family tree of Federalists and Jeffersonian Republicans experiments with different blends of governmental structure to convey a commitment to inalienable rights.
There are times when the blends are more successful than others, mind you. And these mergers become less true to the original recipe of American governance as influences from Marxism, Fascism and secular humanism get thrown into the mix. What we are learning now is what we learned prior to America's first Civil War. Watered down conservatism cannot stave off encroaching oppression any more than a diluted Whig Party could effectively oppose slavery.
There are now a growing number of prominent political leaders voicing concerns for the Republican Party since Reaganism has been so utterly abandoned with the Trump nomination. We are seeing an enormous conservative diaspora away from the Republican Party as they seek a party that advocates for natural human rights and smaller government.
Diaspora may be a metaphor but it's apt because there really isn't anywhere for conservatives to go anymore, is there?
Seriously, where to then? The Democrat Party?
Uh, no. And that's not just because Hillary shows an increasing predilection for Armani burkas either. Yes, burkas. I wouldn't be surprised if she donned a head scarf before November. Do not underestimate Clinton's choice of androgynous tent dresses. There's more to it than poor fashion sense. (But I digress.)
So then, to the Libertarians? That would certainly be an exhilarating experiment in culture shock as the Evangelical Christian conservatives become refugees in the party of anything but God, but I think given their current nominee that Libertarians would be more comfortable recruiting despondent Sanders supporters in order to obtain majority party status, and I wish them well in doing so.
So that leaves two probabilities in the furtherance of originalism. Conservatives will either go for another helping of neo-con in the year 2020 to reaffirm that the 30-year drought of political failure has just been a quirky coincidence that can be overcome with yet another compromise candidate.
The "don't make waves" methodology has been such a joy thus far. The 2020 election is the most important in the history of the nation, after all. What choice do we have? And what about the Supreme Court?
The other possibility is that conservatives will move for the creation of a new party that will reflect the values which they crave. It's the best of all the possibilities, mind you but it is still riddled with risks and pitfalls.
How, for instance, does one establish a party with no contamination from the political Left? How does one bring forth a candidate that isn't Mitt Romney as National Review would have it or Gary Johnson as John Stossel would have it?
Greg Gutfeld of the Fox News Channel suggests sardonically that conservatives might nominate an IBM computer, so that we might have fewer emotional reactions to our most pressing problems. Naturally, this is just what our computer overlords want Gutfeld to recommend, although I appreciate his forward thinking.
For our literalist readers out there, that was a joke. Obviously, the computer overlords don't care what Gutfeld thinks.
And then there's Mike Reagan who doesn't offer much of a solution, but confirms via Twitter that his father would never have voted for Trump.
Donald Trump immediately denounced Michael Reagan's conclusion with a scathing Tweet of epic proportion, stating that Ronald Reagan most certainly would have voted for him because Reagan voted for FDR.
Such a putz. Ugh. I simply don't know what to do with that putzy, putzy statement other than to reiterate to those who think if you're not voting for Trump then you're voting for Hillary:
"Even if you are voting for Trump, you're voting for Hillary."
I just want you to consider this for a minute. America is a mere ten years away from its Sestercentennial birthday. In ten years, America will be 250 years old. What will Republicanism indeed, what will the Republic look like in 2026? Will it still be a nation that stands for the inalienable rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness?
No. Not with this current trajectory. To be quite candid, conservatives have lost the battle for the soul of America no matter how you spin the election of 2016. We have failed spectacularly and we must now either give up and fade away or we must own that failure, learn from it and begin again more intelligently. Conservatism's "Model A" so to speak.
Here's a little truism to keep under your hijab. In any war, the only battle that actually matters in the grand scheme of things is the last battle, and at the risk of being accused of quoting a fictional comic book character, allow me please to quote a fictional comic book characterand no, I'm not talking about Greg Gutfeld:
"Compromise where you can. Where you can't compromise, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right; even if the whole world is telling you to move, it's your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye and say, "No, you move."
The choice is as simple as it is dreadful. If conservatives plant their feet firmly and force the Left to move, they will have won this war by America's Sestercentennial. If they don't then the Left will be victorious. Either way, the war is upon us. Entropy has set in.
Governor Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly issued the following statement in response, pointing to the Democrats as refusing to address needed "structural changes."
The lower the credit rating, the higher the interest Illinois taxpayers must pay out to investors.
The rating downgrade reflects continuing budget imbalance due to political gridlock that for more than a year has kept Illinois from addressing revenue lost due to income tax cuts that took effect in January 2015, the report said.
CHICAGO - Thursday, Moody's Investors Service downgraded the State of Illinois' general obligation rating to Baa2 from Baa1, affecting approximately $26 billion of debt. The outlook associated with all of these ratings remains negative.
When the General Assembly adjourned without passing a balanced budget, the Administration warned the super majority in the legislature there would be consequences. This report underscores the need for real structural changes to repair the years of unbalanced budgets and deficit spending by the majority party on Illinois finances. Every rank-and-file Democrat who blindly followed the Speaker down this path is directly responsible for the downgrade.
Moody's said the state's structural budget gap equals at least 15% of general fund expenditures, if the state's underfunding of pension contributions is included. If this gap continues into a significant portion of the coming fiscal year, it will put pressure on operating fund liquidity and add to an already sizable bill backlog.
UPDATE x1: Speaker Madigan responded Thursday afternoon:
Governor Rauner has created the crisis he so publicly sought. The crisis he wanted when, shortly after taking office, he said Crisis creates opportunity. Crisis creates leverage and weve got to use that leverage of the crisis Its an outrage that we have gone nearly a year without a state budget. This downgrade is directly attributable to Governor Rauners reckless decision to hold the state hostage for more than a year and to create the crisis he desired. The governors own proposed budgets are billions of dollars out of balance, and, for almost a month, a bipartisan plan to provide emergency funding for human services providers and our most vulnerable has languished on Governor Rauners desk. He refuses to sign that bill because he continues seeking a state of crisis in Illinois. We are committed to continuing our negotiations with the governor on his agenda, but we wont support an agenda that benefits the wealthy and corporations at the expense of middle-class families. The governor needs to work with legislators to pass a budget that ensures we continue to fund education, health care for the frail elderly and persons with disabilities, and other basic services that Illinois families rely on, rather than refusing to allow government to function in order to continue his manufactured crisis.
The investment service projects that the backlog will surpass prior peak levels (about $10 billion) in coming months, in the absence of a consensus on a budget that offsets the loss of revenue from the 2015 tax cuts.
"The potential for economic underperformance or unplanned liquidity demands heightens the risk of further financial weakening. Illinois benefits from a large and diverse economic base, legal provisions that ensure continued payment on debt even with no enacted budget, and powers common to US states, such as freedom to increase revenues or constrain spending," the report said. "However, the long-running partisan standoff is impeding Illinois' ability to exercise these powers or to make progress addressing unfunded retiree benefit liabilities that far exceed those of other states."
A negative outlook is consistent with the potential for additional credit weakening after an extended impasse that has left the state increasingly vulnerable to adverse revenue trends, unplanned liquidity demands, and increasingly underfunded retiree benefit plans.
But there are a few factors that could lead to an upgrade:
Implementation of a realistic plan to provide long-term funding for pension obligations
Progress in reducing payment backlog and adoption of legal framework to prevent renewed build-up of unpaid bills
Enactment of recurring fiscal measures that support expectation of sustainable, structural balance
And a few that Moody's says could lead to another downgrade:
Persistent and growing structural imbalance that leads to reduced liquidity and continuing growth in payment backlog
Failure to enact legislation providing for payment on subject-to-appropriation obligations
Continued increases in unfunded pension liabilities and indications of unwillingness to allocate sufficient resources to retiree benefits
More from Moody's HERE.
When Ms. Mendoza informed Dr. Martell and the administration of her conscientious objections to participating in any way in the provision of abortions, Dr. Martell gave Ms. Mendoza two weeks to either quit or accept a demotion to a temporary job as a food inspector. Mendoza refused the demotion and was forced to resign in July 2015.
In 2015, the Countys new Public Health Administrator, Dr. Sandra Martell, merged the pediatric clinic with womens health services and mandated that all nurses be trained to provide abortion referrals and participate in the provision of abortifacients like Plan B.
ROCKFORD - On Wednesday, Rockford nurse Sandra Mendoza sued the Winnebago County Health Department for forcing her out of her long-time job as a pediatric nurse on account of her refusal to participate in abortion related services. Ms. Mendoza, a devout Catholic, had worked for the Health Department for 18 years providing pediatric care, immunizations, and screenings.
The suit seeks damages under the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act which prohibits public officials from discriminating against a person in any manner because of their conscientious refusal to participate in any way in the provision of abortions.
The suit comes on the heels of the Illinois General Assemblys recent passage of a bill that seeks to weaken the laws protections. Senate Bill 1564, which was passed on May 31, 2016, would force medical professionals to promote and facilitate abortions despite their personal beliefs. Governor Bruce Rauner has yet to indicate whether he will veto the bill or sign it into law.
Mendozas attorney, Noel Sterett, a partner at Mauck & Baker, LLC, in Chicago, says, Ms. Mendoza has spent her life serving children and protecting life. People disagree on whether abortions end human lives, but Id hope we can all agree that pro-life doctors and nurses should not be forced out of employment on account of their faith or commitment to protecting life.
Ms. Mendoza says, Nursing is more than just a job, it is a noble calling to protect life and do no harm. There is something terribly wrong when you are forced out of your job on account of your commitment to protect life.
View Complaint
In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court redefined marriage throughout America by mandating governmental entities to treat same-sex relationships as marriages. The Court, however, did not say that private schools, charities, businesses, or individuals must do so if they disagree. Indeed, there is no justification for the government to force these entities to violate beliefs about marriage. Americans who believe that marriage is the union of husband and wife should continue to be free to live and work according to their convictions.
Accreditation has already been an issue for Gordon College, an evangelical school near Boston that came under fire last year for its beliefs about sex and marriage. Though the school prevailed in its high-stakes battle to preserve its accreditation, and thus its students eligibility for student loans, last years challenge may be merely the first of many for schools that hold fast to their beliefs about marriage.
Do Republicans Really Stand For Religious Freedom?
The way Congress decides to deal with the religious liberty issue, given Republican majorities in both Houses, will indicate their degree of commitment to protecting religious liberty. Refusing to take a stand will only reinforce the way many Republicans already view those on the Republican side of the aisle: 1) That they are spineless and are concerned more about keeping their power and control than fighting to preserve the 1st amendment. 2) That many are perfectly fine in allowing government to discriminate against individuals who still believe what America always used to believe about marriage -- its a union between husband and wife.
It is the 1st Amendment that protects religious freedom and freedoms of speech, press, and assemblyfor the religious and non-religious alike. The Founders rightly understood that all of these freedoms are united, which is why they were all protected in the First Amendment. The constitution protects an ecosystem of freedom and government should not carve it up.
As Ryan T. Anderson, Ph.D. wrote in a research report for The Heritage Foundation:
Government policy should not trample on the consciences of citizens who dissent from political correctness on sexuality. Government policy that discriminates against social service providers that believe marriage is a malefemale union undermines our nations commitment to pluralism and diversity.
Why FADA is Essential
Its a sad state of affairs when a 1st amendment guarantee needs to be spelled out in legislation. FADA, sponsored by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representative Raul Labrador (R-ID), is a measured reasonable commonsense policy -- a First Amendment-sensitive bill -- which would prevent the federal government from discriminating against individuals, organizations, and small business owners who affirm marriage as between a man and a woman.
As local governments are already penalizing those who are refusing to act against their convictions regarding sex and marriage, it is certain that the federal government will soon employ the same tactics should FADA fail.
FADA would prevent the federal government from:
Destroying nonprofit institutions by ending tax--exempt status for religious organization.
Questioning accreditation of colleges (like Gordon College) over its beliefs about sex and marriage.
Withdrawing eligibility for student loans who attend Christian schools.
Discriminating against social services providers that believe marriage is a male-female union.
Denying businesses government contracts if a Biblical belief of marriage exists.
Putting adoption and foster care organizations out of business because they can't in good conscience place children in same-sex settings.
The sooner a vote happens in the House the better it will be. Why not now in June? As religious liberty is too important an issue to delay the best way to draw attention to this crucial issue and rally the American people is swift action designed to generate public awareness and maximize the contrast with the lefts effort to trample over freedom of conscience.
Legislators Spooked by Failures at State Level
Why the ongoing failure in Washington, D.C. for Congress to take up a religious freedom bill which is supported by more than 160 members of Congress? Perhaps part of the failure can be contributed to the inability of the governors of Georgia, Arkansas and Indiana to withstand the threats and bullying they received over constitutionally valid religious freedom bills, even though the bills had garnered support among a significant majority of the people.
Members of Congress must know they will be supported by the vast majority of people in their districts so they do not allow the tactics of fear and intimidation to prevent them from co-sponsoring FADA. Polling commissioned this year by the FRC and performed by WPA Opinion showed that 81% of Americans believe that individuals should be able to live and work in accordance with their belief in marriage as between a man and a woman, yet legislators remain skittish.
Shame on Illinois U.S. Republican Congressmen
Currently there are 169 co-sponsors which includes Rep. Daniel Lipinski, a Democrat from Illinois, and Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL14), who is the ONLY Republican from Illinois on FADA.
Missing are the names of Mike Bost (12th district); Robert Dold (10 district); Adam Kinzinger (16th district); Darin LaHood (18th District), Peter Roskam (6th district); and John Shimkus (15th district).
Regarding John Shimkus (IL-15), when walking his vote back on the Maloney Amendment when accidentally voted 'yea' when he intended to instead vote 'nay', if Shimkus' clarifying vote remarks are to be taken seriously of having "consistently defended religious liberty and always will", then Rep. Shimkus should already be co-sponsoring the First Amendment Defense Act.
Contact the six delinquent Illinois Republican congressmen, even if they don't represent your own district. Phone numbers are found here. Say you support the First Amendment Defense Act and want yours or another congressman to insist that the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee pass FADA without further delay.
Automakers are ramping up recalls after the auto parts maker, under pressure from the U.S. government, agreed last month to declare more of its airbags as defective in the United States.
More than 100 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide over faulty Takata airbags, and Honda's recall is part of a push by Japanese authorities to make sure that Takata air bags without a drying agent are off the road by March 2019.
By Reuters: Honda Motor Co said on Thursday it was recalling around 784,000 vehicles in Japan, part of an expanded recall for potentially deadly Takata Corp airbags.
Automakers are ramping up recalls after the auto parts maker, under pressure from the U.S. government, agreed last month to declare more of its airbags as defective in the United States.
ALSO READ: Honda to recall 21 million more vehicles to fix Takata air bags
Safe Solution?
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Takata's airbag inflators can explode with excessive force in hot, humid conditions, and have been linked to more than 100 injuries and 13 deaths, mainly in the United States.
More than 100 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide over faulty Takata airbags, and Honda's recall is part of a push by Japanese authorities to make sure that Takata air bags without a drying agent are off the road by March 2019.
ALSO READ: 8 automakers recall over 12 million vehicles over faulty Takata air bags
Honda, a major customer of Takata air bags, said it is recalling models including its Odyssey minivan, Fit subcompact model and Civic sedan with production dates ranging between 2003 and 2009 to replace passenger-side air bags.
Rolling Recalls
Facing ballooning recall costs and lawsuits over its faulty airbags, Takata is seeking financial backers. Private equity firm KKR & Co and Chinese auto supplier Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp have expressed interest in investing.
ALSO READ: Honda to recall 20 million more Takata airbags
Separately, Nissan Motor Co recalled some 230,000 Note mini multi-purpose vehicles in Japan over a potential fault with its engine bracket mount, and around 57,200 of its Skyline and Infiniti Q50 sedan models in Japan, North America, Europe and other regions over steering issues.
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Humanities and science courses that were to start in some colleges have been put on hold after the UGC asked them to start on a self-financing mode.
By India Today Web Desk: As the admission process to Delhi University's undergraduate courses began on June 1, over 1 lakh aspirants registered themselves for various programmes within two days of the start of the admission process.
From this year onwards, the university has made the whole admission process online including the submission of documents. Apart from this, there is a recent update that the humanities and science courses that were to start in some colleges have been put on hold after the University Grants Commission (UGC) asked them to start off on a self-financing mode, because of which, no seats will be added in Delhi University this year.
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These courses, which were approved last year by the admission committee of Delhi University are new in around 20 colleges.
Some of these courses approved by the university include:
Political Science in St Stephen's College
BSc (Hons) in Physics at Daulat Ram College
BA (Hons) Sociology and Geography at Indraprastha College for Women
History (Hons) at Bhim Rao Ambedkar College.
Number of candidates registered till now:
Till Sunday, June 5, over 1, 54,026 applicants had registered online on the university's website. Out of the total, 68,316 students have finished the admission process including fee payments.
All the candidates need to fill up the application process latest by June 19 on the official website. Also, as the first cutoff list will be released by June 27. The aspiring candidates can take admission in the college till June 29 only.
Read: Delhi University Admissions: How to apply
Read: Delhi University Admissions 2016: Documents required
Click here for more on India Today Education.
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NIOS is all set to release the class 10 results today, on June 9, on its official website.
By India Today Web Desk:
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), Jharkhand is all set to announce the class 10 results today, on June 9, on the official website.
The students who appeared for the written class 10 examinations will be able to check their results, once it is declared officially.
The candidates should perform the following steps to check their matric results:
Log on to the official website, the link for which is www.nios.ac.in
Click on the live link 'Secondary class 10 Examination Result 2016'
When the new window opens, they should fill in the required details such as roll number and name in the space provided and submit
The results would appear on the screen. The candidates are advised to take a print out of the same for future reference.
About NIOS:
National Institute of Open Schooling holds examinations twice a year, in October and November, for assessing the performance of secondary i.e. Class 10 and higher secondary i.e. class 12 students.
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) was established in November, 1989, as an autonomous organization in pursuance of national policy on education 1986 by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Government of India.
NIOS is providing a number of vocational, life enrichment and community oriented courses besides general and academic courses at secondary level. It also offers elementary level courses through its open basic education programmes (OBE).
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Read: National Institute of Technology Admissions 2016: Apply before June 24
Read: University of Calcutta commences its admission process for Ph.D Home Science programme
Get latest updates on exam notifications and scholarships across India and abroad here.
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Jharkhand Class 12 results for Arts stream will be declared shortly at www.jac.nic.in.
By India Today Web Desk: The results of Jharkhand Class 12, Arts stream will be declared shortly at www.jac.nic.in.
This year around 3.21 lakh students appeared for the examination that was held from February 17 to March 8 across 458 exam centers of the states.
Steps to check the results:
Log on to their official websites, the links for which are jac.nic.in and www.Results.JharkhandEducation.net
Click on Class 12 (Arts) Result 2016
Enter your roll number
Results will appear on the screen
Save the results and take a print out of the same.
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The students can also check their results via SMS:
For getting the Class 12 results via SMS, students need to send the following SMS to 56263:
SMS - RESULT JAC12 ROLL CODE + ROLL NUMBER
Example: If your Roll Code is: 11001 and Roll Number is 1001
SMS: RESULT JAC12 110011001 to 56263
The Jharkhand Class 12 (science and commerce) results were declared on May 20.
About Jharkhand Board:
The state of Jharkhand came into existence on November 15, 2000. The Jharkhand Academic Council was established with an aim of conducting examinations such as intermediate education, secondary education, sanskrit education, madrasa education, and higher secondary examination.
The board also works to prescribe courses of studies for such examinations and for recommendation and recognition of intermediate educational institutions, high schools, sanskrit schools and madrasas to the state government.
Read: Exclusive! Six Indian students awarded at International Science and Engineering Fair, US: Meet the Einsteins
Read: Intel India announces new initiatives supporting Digital India
For exam related news click here.
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These four primary and upper primary schools had also been ordered to shut down by the high court.
By India Today Web Desk: Four unprofitable schools in Kerala, which were on the verge of closing, have recently been taken over by the state government.
Many government and government-aided private schools have already been closed in Kerala because of their failure in making any profit and also because they didn't have enough students. Following the row, these four primary and upper primary schools had also been ordered to shut down by the High Court.
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Schools which were on the verge of closure:
After receiving a petition from the private managements of the Aided Upper Primary school in Kozhikode, the matter was brought to the Kerala High Court, and then to the Supreme Court. According to an online media report, the Supreme Court, in June 2016, struck down an appeal against the verdict.
(READ: Yoga Day celebrations made mandatory in schools)
Protests by parents and general public:
The attempts to close the school, were however, opposed by parents and members of general public and many protests have been carried out in the state, which further lead the courts and the government to change their course of action.
Final action:
The government later ordered that the school, along with others in Kondotty region will be taken over. According to the court, the schools will be first put down to closure and the future action will be taken after furnishing an affidavit.
READ: Schools in India notified to admit not more than 40 students in each class
Click here for more information from India Today Education.
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The killing of 200 Nilgais in Bihar has angered Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi who accused Prakash Javadekar of encouraging animal killing.
By India Today Web Desk: Two of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet colleagues are at war over killing of 200 nilgais or blue bulls in Bihar.
MANEKA GANDHI VS PRAKASH JAVADEKAR
Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has accused Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar of encouraging a regime of "killing animals" across the country.
Maneka Gandhi, who is also a known animal rights activist, said that she could not understand the environment ministry's "lust for killing animals".
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"Environment ministry is writing to every state, asking which animal should be killed and that they will give permission for it," she said.
Commenting on Javadekar's role in giving permission for killing of animals, Gandhi said, "Now you tell me what could be the role? He only has to give permission. This is the first time environment ministry is giving permission to killing animals."
"In Bengal, they have permitted the killing of elephants, in Himachal Pradesh they have ordered killing of monkeys, and in Goa they gave permission to kill peacocks," she stated.
"In Chandrapur, they have killed 53 wild boars and have given permission to kill 50 more. Even their own wildlife department said that they don't want to kill the animals. I don't understand their lust for killing animals," Gandhi told reporters.
JAVADEKAR'S DEFENCE
While rejecting Gandhi's charge, Javadekar defended his ministry and said that "such permissions are given on the recommendation of state governments".
"When state governments write to us about farmers' suffering due to crop damage by animals, then such permissions are given. It is on the recommendation of state governments. This is not a central government programme, as it is an existing law," he said.
WHAT'S THE MATTER
The Bihar government had approached the Centre asking for permission to kill the blue bulls after they destroyed acres of standing crops of in the state.
The Nitish government had hired professional shooters to kill the animals after getting a go ahead from the Centre.
Also Read:
US bids teary farewell to 9/11 canine hero
Animal testing on soaps and detergents banned in India: Some important facts you should know
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By India Today Web Desk: Known for being socially active, and raising pertinent issues actor Aamir Khan has raised his voice in support of the makers of Udta Punjab. The PK actor called Udta Punjab a relevant film conveying a social message about the rising drug abuse among the youth of Punjab and said demanding cuts in the film only reflected badly on the board.
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ALSO READ: Ex-CBFC chief Leela Samson trashes Pahlaj Nihalani, calls him a sham
ALSO READ: Udta Punjab is a well made film, feels Shyam Benegal
As reported by IANS, Aamir Khan addressed the mediapersons at an event and said, "t's a social film which talks about the drug addiction issue of Punjab's youth. It has a good social message. I don't think there's anything that should be cut or not shown to the audience."
Commenting on the 89 cuts demanded by the CBFC in a narrative that raises a current issue reflected badly on the board, Aamir said. He also added, "It's very important that filmmakers have a voice which is not throttled. In any society, the voice of the artiste should be free to speak what he wants to speak."
Aamir went on to wish all the luck to the team of Udta Punjab. The film starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh is slated to release on June 17.
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BJP ward councillor Neeraj Gupta slapped his AAP counterpart Neeraj Kumar during a meeting of all the three units of MCD held at Delhi's Ramleela ground
By India Today Web Desk: The special joint session of the three units of Municipal Corporation Delhi (MCD), which was being held at the Ramleela ground, today witnessed uproarious scenes . AAP and BJP members came to blows following a heated argument over an issue. One of the BJP ward councillors was caught on camera slapping an AAP councillor.
ROW OVER AAP 'TOPI'
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AAP councillor Rakesh Kumar was seen wearing his party's cap to which the some of the councillors objected. Kumar was asked to remove his cap but he refused triggering war of words between him and others. A scuffle broke out when someone in the crowd removed Rakesh's cap. BJP ward councillor Neeraj Gupta was even caught on camera slapping Rakesh.BJP ACCUSES AAP COUNCILLOR OF HURLING ABUSES
The BJP shrugged off accusations of its men getting violent during the meeting and claimed that things went of control when the AAP councillor hurled abuses at some of its workers.
Later, an announcement was made from the stage at Ramleela ground condemning the incident.
BJP IS PARTY OF GUNDAS: KEJRIWAL
Reacting to the incident, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called BJP a "party of gundas."
Moments after the scuffle video was aired on news channels, Kejriwal took to Twitter to label the BJP as an anti-Dalit organisation .
"Utterly shameful. BJP is a party of gundas. Rakesh is dalit. BJP is assaulting Dalits all over India in a systematic way," Kejriwal said.
Also Read:
War of wards: AAP accuses BJP of corruption and apathy
AAP will score a zero in 2017 Goa Assembly Elections: Goa CM
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Varun Gandhi was asked to restrict his political activities only to his constituency.
By Rakesh Upadhyay: All seems not well between the Bharatiya Janata Party and its MP Varun Gandhi. According to reliable sources, Varun's May 1 visit to Allahabad did not go down well with the party top leadership which has ordered the young leader to restrict his political activities to his Sultanpur constituency.
Varun Gandhi's visit came at a time when the party's national executive readies itself to meet at Allahabad to chalk out its strategy for upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh where the party is yet to declare its CM candidate.
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WHAT'S IN THE NAME?
The Sultanpur lawmaker is rated as one of the party's most popular leaders on social media. But his surname and kinship with the Gandhis of the Congress has apparently contributed to his straining relations with the BJP's top leadership and Sangh strategists.
According to a state party leader, many organisational strategists see Varun Gandhi as a symbol of dynastic politics. "He represents the Gandhi family in the BJP. That's something which contradicts the Sangh's ideology," the leader said.
Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, the BJP has vowed to discourage dynastic politics in the organisation. State BJP President Keshav Prasad Maurya had sent his detailed report on Varun's visit to Allahabad to the top brass in New Delhi.
CHANGING EQUATIONS
Sources said when the party sought Varun's reply, he struck a defiant note, saying he would continue to meet farmers. That's when the BJP leadership ordered him not to hold events outside Sultanpur without prior permission from the party.
Gandhi once enjoyed the support of Rajnath Singh, when he was the party chief. He was also in the good books of LK Advani. But, after Modi and Shah took over, equations changed.
ALSO READ:
Young lawmakers bring spotlight on controversial issues through private member Bills
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By Akshaya Nath: It is a time of fear and uncertainty for the people of Manapakkam, a residential area which is also an important link road connecting Mount-Poonamallee Road. The traffic to the area has been restricted with road blockers and a police vehicle blocking entry is into the street. The rain that has been lashing the city in the last few days has brought the limelight to Manapakkam. A huge portion of the road has caved in in the area crippling the bus route.
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The December floods had left the compound wall of the Jain Avantika residential building in a miserable condition. An elevation of the compound wall without strengthening the basement has caused this mishap, allege the residents of Manapakkam. "No one bothered to check the structure or its strength and they just started elevating it. Now when it rained again, the compound wall just collapsed. We haven't had power in this area for the last three days now. My business has been severely affected," said Baskar, a businessman in the area.
Now, the residents of Manapakkam have started questioning the condition of the other structures in the area. However, the residents have been thanking their luck that the incident took place while most of them were fast asleep. "My kids travel in their school van through this area, and I don't even want to think what would have happened if this incident took place during the day," sighed Revathy, a resident in the area.
It is not just the transportation system that has been affected, but this incident has also caused power outage in the area for the last three days. Now, the reconstruction work is on, but a concerned engineer who lives in the area said, "Even earlier the officials did not take into account the condition of the basement, and now the way the structure is planned it is very likely that a similar mishap can happen."
Despite the severe nature of the Chennai floods last November, no lessons seems to have been learnt. While the residents question the action taken by the civic authorities and the measures to prevent such unforeseen events, it is clear that their immediate concern is that their surrounding is very risky to live in.
ALSO READ:
Rains shatter records in Chennai, but the worst is over
Heavy rains batter Chennai: 12 big pictures
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By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) Terming the attack on an AAP-backed councillor as "utterly shameful", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today accused BJP of "assaulting dalits" all over the country and said Aam Aadmi Party will take up the matter with the President.
Delhi Assembly today passed a resolution against the attack on Rakesh Kumar, councillor from Ward Number 82 of Matia Mahal Assembly constituency, directing the Commissioner of Police to initiate strictest possible action against the perpetrators and proceed against them under provisions of SC/ST Act, IPC and all other applicable laws.
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Kumar, a councillor from Kucha Pandit ward in North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) area, was allegedly roughed up by BJP councillors for wearing the AAP cap at Ramlila Ground here during the joint session of all three BJP-controlled MCDs.
The resolution, moved by AAP MLA from Ambedkar Nagar, Ajay Dutt, stated that the House directs that all the assaulters, including the Councilors, who are clearly visible in the videos be arrested immediately.
After the incident, Kejriwal, who is a national convener of AAP, termed BJP as a party of "ruffians" which was targeting dalits.
"Utterly shameful. BJP is a party of gundas. Rakesh is a dalit. BJP assaulting dalits all over India in a systematic way," Kejriwal tweeted.
The Delhi Chief Minister said he has sought an appointment from President Pranab Mukherjee to raise the issue before him.
"From the time the BJP has come to power at the Centre, hooliganism has increased to such levels... the way dalits are targeted. They compelled Rohit Vemula to commit suicide," he told reporters here.
"We warn the BJP to improve or else not only the Dalits, ... the country is made of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, people of different castes. They will all teach the BJP a lesson and destroy it. They will not tolerate castiesm which the BJP is resorting to," Kejriwal said.
Angry over the attack on the councillor, AAP MLAs demanded strict action against the BJP councillors who were involved in the incident. When the ruling-party MLAs demanded immediate action against the "guilty", Delhi Assembly Speaker, Ram Niwas Goel, adjourned the House proceedings for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, senior AAP leader Ashutosh demanded police file a case under SC/ST Act against BJP councillors.
"BJP had again shown its anti-Dalit attitude by beating up AAPs Dalit Councillor Rakesh Kumar in Ramlila ground. "Police should register case under SC/ST act against BJP councillors who beat up Dalit leader of AAP, Rakesh Kumar," he said in his tweets.
The resolution passed in the joint session said, "The CM (Kejriwal) has been intentionally attacking the MCDs and trying to mislead the citizen keeping in view the MCD elections next year."
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It asked Delhi government to release the due funds to the civic bodies as per the recommendations of 3rd Finance Commission and implement the 4th Finance Commission recommendations.
Last week, Kejriwal had announced convening of the special session of Delhi Assembly to discuss the working of the civic bodies. PTI BUN/PR ZMN
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Monirul Islam, the chief of Bangladesh's police counter-terrorism unit who took charge in February, said the investigation into the deaths of bloggers has finally helped them in identifying the two groups- Ansar al-Islam and Jama'atul Mujahedeen Bangladesh-responsible for the recent attacks.
By India Today Web Desk: Bangladesh has identified two radical Islamist groups- Ansar al-Islam and Jama'atul Mujahedeen Bangladesh- for the series of murders of bloggers, atheists and gay rights campaigners in the country since 2013, the New York Times reported.
Monirul Islam, the new chief of Bangladesh's police counter-terrorism unit, in an interview to NYT, revealed the names of two militant Islamic groups are behind the murders- Ansar al-Islam and Jama'atul Mujahedeen Bangladesh.
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HERE ARE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Monirul Islam said these groups choose their targets carefully to gather public support. The groups reportedly want to convert the Muslim-majority secular country into an Islamist one. Ansar al-Islam, led by a fiery cleric and a well-trained operational commander, have about 25 trained killers. Jama'atul Mujahedeen Bangladesh is an offshoot of a group banned in 2005 for setting off nearly 500 bombs. The top cop dismissed claims of involvement of al-Qaeda and ISIS.
TERROR GROUPS TOOK RESPONSIBILITY
Both ISIS as well as al-Qaeda's branch in the country have claimed responsibility for the killings
While the ISIS has claimed attacks on 16 persons so far, al-Qaeda took responsibility for two murders, calling the victims "blasphemers."
Other radical Islamic groups too have claimed that they were behind some of the attacks.
Ansarullah Bangla Team had claimed responsibility for some of the attacks in 2015. The police had arrested few members, but nobody has been persecuted.
Hefazat-e-Islam had publicly sought the execution of atheists who organised mass protests against the rise of political Islam in March 2013. Around 50 people died in a huge counter-protest organised by the group in May 2013.
GOVERNMENT ALSO TO BE BLAMED?
William Mila, former US ambassador to the country, had blamed the Awami League's governance for the rise in violence.
Surprisingly, Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan had said in April that nobody had the right to attack religious leaders and that the government would scrutinize the writings of Nazimuddin Samad, the blogger murdered in April this year.
SURGE IN VIOLENCE
There has been a sudden surge in the number of attacks recently with the latest murder this week of the wife of a police officer pursuing the suspected militants.
As many as three persons have been murdered this month already, four were killed in May and five people were hacked to death in April this year.
The attacks which began in early 2013 have claimed 39 lives so far.
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Also Read:
Wife of Bangladeshi anti-terrorism policeman stabbed, shot dead
Turkey withdraws Bangladesh ambassador after Jamaat-e-Islami leader Nizami's execution
VIDEO LINK
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By PTI: RS polls
Barwani (MP), Jun 9 (PTI) Congress MLA from Barwani, Ramesh Patel was today granted bail in a rape case, which has paved his way to vote in the crucial June 11 biennial polls to the Rajya Sabha.
Patel was granted bail by Justice J K Jain from the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, his lawyer advocate P K Mukati said. The lawmmaker was arrested in connection with an alleged rape case four months ago.
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Congress has got 57 MLAs in the House and it needs just one more MLA to sail through.
Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Kamal Nath will arrive in the state capital today and camp here till the voting on June 11 to ensure that party candidate Vivek Tankha sails through without any hiccups.
BJP has fielded noted journalist M J Akbar and senior party strategist Anil Madhav Dave as its candidates and both are set to win the two seats on the basis of partys strength in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. The partys third nominee Vinod Gotia, who has entered the fray as an Independent candidate with an aim to make things tough for Tankha, may now feel the heat after the court allowed Patel to vote in the RS polls.
The saffron party needs nine extra votes to ensure the victory of Gotia. Presently, it has 49 surplus votes excluding Rajendra Meshram, who has been forbidden to exercise his franchise following a Supreme Court order, an official of the Assembly told PTI.
Bahujan Samaj Party has already issued a whip to its four MLAs to vote in favour of Tankha.
The Assembly has a total strength of 230 MLAs. BJP has 166 members followed by Congress (57), BSP (4) and Independents (3). PTI COR MAS LAL ARS DK SRY RYS
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Santosh Bateshwar Ray got slapped by the star for standing behind him while Govinda was giving media interviews during a film shoot. Now, Ray might be part of this season's Bigg Boss.
By Vidya : Remember Santosh Bateshwar Ray? The young fan of Govinda--then 25 years--who got slapped by the star because he was standing behind him constantly, while he was giving media interviews during the shoot of Money Hai To Honey Hai. He has now apparently been approached by the makers of Bigg Boss Season 10 as a possible contestant. If all goes well he might be seen along with Pakistani model Qandeel Baloch this year.
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The 'slapping incident' happened on January 16, 2008, and Ray went on to file a complaint on February 2, 2009, under sections 323 (Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 506 (1) (Criminal intimidation) of the IPC. In February this year, more than eight years after the incident took place, Govinda tendered an apology to him, as directed by Supreme Court. But Ray claims the actor didn't really apologise. According to Ray, on Holi this year, in furtherance to the apex court's order, "Govinda had called me for the festivities and he got a video shot which has been uploaded on a website to mislead everyone that all is well. I just want him to say sorry for what he did and that he is refusing to say," said Ray. The next date for the hearing is two weeks later in the highest court of India.
Also read: Qandeel Baloch on Bigg Boss 10: Is Pakistan's Poonam Pandey all set to make her Indian TV debut?
Meanwhile, Ray who is currently working in the marketing department of a bank, has been asked to send a self video through mail for participation. Ray has apparently made the video and sent it to the Bigg Boss team.
The upcoming season of Bigg Boss 10--that will for the first time feature common men alongside celebrities--is slated to go on the floors in about three months and the makers are still finalising the contestants.
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Watch the CCTV footage of a man trying to kidnap a teenager inside a store. Girl's mother can be seen trying to stop him as he drags the girl.
By AP: A CCTV footage from a Dollar General Store in Hernando, Florida, shows a man trying to kidnap a teenage girl from inside a store. In the video, the teenager's mother can be seen giving a tough fight to the attacker by holding on to her child.
Craig Bonello, 30, dragged the girl through the store, trying his best to take her out of the store. He is now facing charges of child abuse and kidnapping for attacking the 13-year-old girl.
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The incident happened on Tuesday.
Authorities said the store manager alerted an off-duty deputy outside the store and the deputy blocked Bonello's car and arrested him.
Here's the footage:
Attorney Edward Spaight, the public defender assigned to Bonello said the accused is a veteran with a long history of mental health issues, and in turn accused the 'systems in place' for not being able to help people like Bonello.
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Official sources said the SIT will be headed by Additional Director Rakesh Asthana, a 1984 batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre.
By Press Trust of India: In a move to expedite probe of some high-profile cases, CBI on Thursday formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an Additional Director to investigate important cases like VVIP chopper scam and alleged loan fraud by Vijay Mallya.
Here are details of the SIT:
1. Official sources said the SIT will be headed by Additional Director Rakesh Asthana, a 1984 batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, who headed the state SIT that investigated burning of Sabarmati Express train at Godhra in February 2002. He was also associated with the Fodder Scam probe.
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2. The SIT will initially look into cases like the VVIP chopper scam and alleged bank loan fraud by Mallya.
3. The probe into the chopper scam after conviction of former heads of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland by an Italian court changed "the understanding" of the investigating agency regarding the Rs 3,600 deal which was allegedly clinched after bribing some Indians, the sources said.
4. Sources said the judgement by the Milan Court of Appeals has "made it clear" that bribes were paid by UK-based AgustaWestland, a sister concern of Italys Finmeccanica.
5. The SIT will now try and identify the beneficiaries of the kickbacks and ascertain the chain of fund flow. Responses to Letters Rogatory sent in this regard are awaited.
6. Another case the SIT will probe relates to the alleged diversion of loans of thousands of crores of rupees taken by Kingfisher Airlines to their foreign accounts.
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By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) CBI today questioned Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in connection with its probe into allegations of disproportionate assets amassed by him during his tenure as Union Minister.
CBI sources said the 81-year-old Chief Minister appeared for questioning at the agency headquarters here.
The agency had initiated an inquiry which had allegedly showed that as Union Minister during 2009-2012 (UPA rule), Singh had allegedly accumulated assets worth Rs 6.03 crore (approx) in his name and in the name of his family members which were found to be disproportionate to his known sources of income, CBI has said.
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The FIR filed with a designated court in Delhi under the Prevention of Corruption Act, named Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh, LIC agent Anand Chauhan and Chunni Lal Chauhan.
The allegations have been refuted by Singh.
In a statement, CBI spokesperson had said it was further alleged that Singh had invested his unaccounted income in LIC policies in his name and in the name of his wife and other family members through a private person by showing the same as agricultural income.
"This was done by creation of a MoU purportedly dated June 15, 2008 for maintenance of an apple orchard, with the said private person (Chauhan) for a period of three years. The private person had allegedly deposited Rs five crore cash (approx) in his own bank account and debited the same through cheques for purchasing various LIC policies in their names," CBI had said.
It had said Singh allegedly attempted to legitimize the same as agricultural income by filing revised Income Tax Returns in 2012.
"The agricultural income as claimed by him in his revised ITRs was not found to be tenable. The then Union Minister had allegedly accumulated other assets disproportionate to known sources of income," CBI has alleged.PTI ABS DV
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It was reported that the superintendent had allegedly taken minor girls to an isolated room and tried to physically abuse them.
By Press Trust of India: The superintendent at a children's home in Lajpat Nagar has been arrested after girl inmates of the facility levelled charges of rape against him.
"The superintendent of children home in Lajpat Nagar Ram Sahay Meena was arrested on a complaint received through Delhi government official last evening," a senior police officer said.
Meena was sacked along with another staff of the facility on the orders of Delhi Women and Child Welfare Minister Sandip Kumar.
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"Some girl inmates revealed that they were molested and raped by Meena. They were sent for medical examination and rape was confirmed in a few cases," the officer said.
The Police added Section 376(2)(b) of the IPC (taking advantage of official position and committing rape on a woman) in the FIR registered against Meena, for allegedly taking advantage of his official position and committing rape on the girls in his custody, he said.
HOW THE CASE UNFOLDED
The incident had come to light after Kumar's visit to the home and his meeting with the girls on June 3.
After consulting the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the minister had asked them to lodge a complaint against the superintendent under the provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The minister had ordered termination of Meena and a woman welfare officer who was also allegedly involved in misbehaving with the girls.
During his visit, Kumar was apprised that the agitated children had protested against misbehaviour after which he had directed the women staff to talk to them.
It was reported to the minister that the superintendent had allegedly taken minor girls to an isolated room and tried to physically abuse them.
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China has shown no sign of backing down from its opposition to India joining NSG unless Pakistan becomes a member.
By Reuters: China is leading opposition to a push by the United States and other major powers for India to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) - a club of countries controlling access to sensitive nuclear technology - diplomats said on Thursday as the group discussed India's membership bid.
Opponents argue that granting India membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate Pakistan, which responded to India's membership bid with one of its own and has the backing of its close ally China.
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The 48-nation NSG aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons by restricting the sale of items that can be used to make those arms.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
China has shown no sign of backing down from its opposition to India joining NSG unless Pakistan becomes a member. That would be unacceptable to many, given Pakistan's track record - the father of its nuclear weapons programme sold nuclear secrets to countries including North Korea and Iran. "China, if anything, is hardening (its position)," a diplomat said. Other countries opposing Indian membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) include New Zealand, Ireland, Turkey, South Africa and Austria, diplomats said. India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington, even though India has developed atomic weapons and never signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). "Bringing India on board is a slap in the face of the entire non-proliferation regime," a diplomatic source from one of a handful of countries resisting India's push said on condition of anonymity. A decision on Indian membership is not expected before an NSG plenary meeting in Seoul on June 20. Diplomats said Washington had been pressuring hold-outs, and Thursday's closed-door meeting was a chance to see how strong opposition is. US Secretary of State John Kerry wrote to members asking them "not to block consensus on Indian admission to the NSG" in a letter seen by Reuters. Most of the hold-outs oppose the idea of admitting a non-NPT state such as India and argue that if it is to be admitted, it should be under criteria that apply equally to all states rather than under a "tailor-made" solution for a US ally. Mexico's president said on Wednesday his country supports India's membership bid, but one Vienna-based diplomat said it still opposed the idea of it joining under conditions that did not apply equally to all.
ALSO READ | Exclusive: After Swiss backing, China says NSG still divided on India
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By PTI: Vienna/New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) India today secured Mexicos support for its membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) that controls access to sensitive nuclear technology but as the 48-nation club met in Vienna, China continued to oppose Indias bid.
The NSG began a two-day meeting today in the Austrian capital to consider Indias application which is strongly supported by the US.
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However, reports from Vienna said that China was leading the opposition to Indias membership. Turkey, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa and Austria are said to be backing the Chinese stand.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi got the backing of Mexico during a short visit there after his talks in Washington with President Barack Obama who supported Indias case.
China has been opposing Indias entry into the elite grouping, consistently maintaining that only signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty should be admitted to NSG. China wants NSG membership for Pakistan if NSG extends any exemption for India.
In a letter, US Secretary of State John Kerry has made an appeal to NSG member states which are not supportive of Indias membership bid, saying they should "agree not to block consensus on Indian admission" to the group when it again meets in Seoul later this month.
"India has shown strong support for the objectives of the NSG and the global nuclear nonproliferation regime and is a like-minded state deserving of NSG admission," Kerry wrote, according to Bloomberg.
A joint statement issued after talks between Modi and Obama said the US called on NSG participating governments to support Indias application when it comes up at the NSG Plenary later this month.
Modi on Monday had visited Switzerland, another member of the NSG which is known to have strong proliferation concerns, and it had announced support to Indias candidature.
The NSG looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Membership of the grouping will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
India has been reaching out to NSG member countries seeking support to its membership. The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one countrys vote against India will scuttle its bid. PTI MPB AKJ ZH
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By PTI: Beijing, Jun 9 (PTI) The body of a Chinese UN peacekeeping soldier, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last month, has been brought to northeast Chinas Changchun City.
A Chinese air force plane carrying Shen Liangliangs body arrived at Longjia Airport in Changchun, Jilin Province, where he served in the army for 11 years, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
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The body was brought from Bamako, capital of Mali.
The 29-year-old sergeant first class was killed in a terrorist attack on the night of May 31 in the northern Malian town of Gao, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at a United Nations camp.
Another five Chinese peacekeepers were injured. PTI KJV SAI
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By PTI: Islamabad, Jun 9 (PTI) US President Bill Clinton visited Pakistan in 2000 to save deposed premier Nawaz Sharif from the gallows and tried to take him out of the country, former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has claimed.
"The sole purpose of Clintons visit to Pakistan was to save Sharif from hanging," Aziz said, adding that Clinton was driven by humanitarian objectives and wanted that no personal vendetta be carried out against Sharif after his government was overthrown by General (retd) Pervez Musharraf in a coup in October 1999.
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In April 2000, days after Clintons departure, Pakistani courts had sentenced the deposed Prime Minister Sharif to life imprisonment rather than the gallows.
After intervention by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US, Sharif was sent to exile in Saudi Arabia.
"The final agreement took place after he (Musharraf) came to know through Lebanese business tycoon and the countrys then PM Rafiq-Al-Hariri that the Saudis were angry over Sharifs treatment by the government after his ouster from power," he added.
Aziz, who held the prime ministers office under Musharraf from 2004 to 2007, further claimed that both Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto did not want Sharif to return to Pakistan before the 2008 general elections and tried to keep him in exile.
Talking in a Geo TVs programme about the claims made in his recently published book From Banking to the Thorny World of Politics, Aziz said: "The then US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia Richard Boucher told me that both Musharraf and Bhutto wanted Sharif to stay abroad to avoid competition."
He also claimed that the US also found merit in the preposition and had wanted Benazir to become the prime minister with Musharraf remaining president. PTI SUA SUA
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By PTI: Kolkata, Jun 8 (PTI) Condemning the "nefarious" designs of BJP and "Hindutva forces" in stoking communal passions at Dadri, CPI(M) today said the Uttar Pradesh government should deal firmly with "elements" trying to provoke violence.
It also demanded that UP police file cases against Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Sanjeev Balyan and others for inciting communal hatred over the Dadri lynching incident.
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"We strongly condemn the nefarious designs of BJP and Hindutva communal forces who are once again seeking to raise communal tensions by utilising the so-called beef consumption in Bisara village in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh. The killing of Mohammad Akhlaq and the attack on his family is now sought to be diverted to the issue of cow slaughter and beef consumption," CPI(M) Politburo said in a statement.
It also alleged that the BJP and the Hindutva forces were capitalising on an alleged report of a forensic lab in Mathura that beef was found near Akhlaqs home.
"A minister in the Modi government, Sanjeev Balyan, who was implicated in cases connected with the Muzaffarnagar riots, has made a provocative statement demanding a probe to find out who all had consumed beef besides Akhlaq. Other BJP leaders have demanded that action be taken against Akhlaqs family members," the statement said.
"All these statements are being made with the intention of stoking communal tensions and is part of the wider gameplan of the BJP to create communal polarisation in Uttar Pradesh before the Assembly elections due next year," it said.
The UP government should deal firmly with all those "elements" trying to incite communal passions and provoke violence. There should be no laxity in prosecuting all those accused in the Akhlaq murder case, it added. PTI PNT KK SRY
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By PTI: Rights groups
New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) With Union Ministers Maneka Gandhi and Prakash Javadekar locking horns over culling of animals including nilgai, animal rights bodies today expressed "shock" over the Environment Ministrys stand saying such killings will not help mitigate human-animal conflict.
Noting that more than 500 people lost their lives in human-wildlife conflicts last year, the Environment Ministry, however, said there are standard operating processes laid down in Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and permission for "scientific management" of human-animal conflict has been given to Uttarakhand, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh.
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"We are shocked. Prakash Javadekar is unfit to be the Environment Minister. Since the time he has come, he has only done bad things for environment. Nilgai (blue bull) is a very serious issue. Nilgai is not the problem but the loss of its habitat is. We are challenging the constitutional validity of Section 62 (of Wildlife Act), which is a very arbitrary section.
"It gives power to the central government to declare what it wants to. We have gone to the Environment Ministry and suggested that we should do mitigation and adaptation work. As the Environment Minister, he (Javadekar) needs to understand that he is a trustee of environment and he has to ensure that it is protected for coming generations," N G Jayasimha, member of Animal Welfare Board of India (ABWI), told PTI.
Claiming it is not an issue about management of human-animal conflict, Greenpeace India said killing of animals is not the answer, especially when "you start declaring it as a vermin as it will only change the mindset".
"India is celebrated and recognised worldwide for the tolerance and its ability to live along with nature. Something of this sort will have a huge impact on how the general population would view. It can have all kinds of knock down effect.
"You cannot say that elephant is a national heritage animal and at another level, you say its vermin. (Labelling them as) vermin will deeply affect ethos of Indian population towards biodiversity and nature," Ravi Chellam, Executive Director of Greenpeace India said.
Inspector General of Wildlife, Environment Ministry, S K Khanduri said that last year, more than 500 people lost their lives in human-wildlife conflicts and there are standard operating processes laid down in Wildlife (Protection) Act.
"Therefore, the Ministry has not given any permission to kill either deer, peacock or elephant," he said in a statement.
However, there are other organisations which said that culling or declaring vermin is an ecological management tool and maintained that it was a fact that blue bulls and monkeys are creating problems for farmers.
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"Blue bulls and monkeys are creating problems in a lot of states including Bihar and HP. Declaration of vermin is like a population management tool. Vermin is a general practice in African countries as well where they even kill elephants.
"If you look at it as a animal welfare perspective, it will be wrong but if you look at it from ecological management perspective, its a right move. There is nothing wrong in it," said Ajay Saxena, programme manager (forestry) at Centre for Science and Environment. PTI TDS SMN PAL SMN
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ABC News(NEW YORK) -- Supporters of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are beginning negotiations over the official positions of the Democratic Party -- and the debate is on.
A panel of 15 members -- six people chosen by Clinton, five from Sanders and four from party leadership -- met this week in Washington to kick off discussions, spearheaded by Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings.
Clinton and Sanders have been at odds during the course of the campaign, but many are now calling on the candidates and their backers to unite around a common agenda.
Here are seven potential clashes to watch:
1. Big Banks and Wall Street
Sanders has made pointed attacks against Clinton on the trail for taking money for speeches from Wall Street banks -- but the clashes may not be winding down. I dont know how you can take millions of dollars from powerful special interests and then ... take on those special interests, Sanders said in California last week. Dr. Cornel West, a Sanders-backed panel member continued the case here: Theres not an equal application of rule of law to Wall Street as opposed to Main Street, he told former Attorney General Eric Holder.
2. Israel-Palestine Stances
The Sanders campaign drew attention after naming several individuals to the Democratic National Committee's drafting committee whose views on the Israel-Palestine conflict may challenge the partys current position. The Sanders camp's panel members are more critical of military action and emphasize support for the Palestinians. DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said that in keeping with the partys 2012 platform, President Obama has made clear that the United States will continue to stand strong with our stalwart allies, including Israel, and ensure her security.
3. Boosting The Minimum Wage
Sanders has made a national $15 minimum wage a hallmark of his campaign, but it is up for debate whether that number will make its way into the official position. That will ultimately raise wages for the bottom third of workers, Lawrence Mishel from the Economic Policy Institute told the committee. But Hillary Clinton backs a $12 national minimum wage while the current platform leaves out a specific target.
4. Expanding Social Security
Both Sanders and Clinton have argued that wealthy Americans should contribute more to Social Security than they do currently. But the campaigns disagree on who should benefit from an expanded program: Sanders has argued that everyone should receive increased benefits and Clinton has argued that increased benefits should be focused on specific groups. Nancy Altman, co-director of Strengthen Social Security, a coalition of national and state organizations, credited Sanders for unifying the party behind Social Security expansion, advocating for a plank backing increased benefits across the board.
5. A Split Over Deportations
The main Democratic divide on immigration isnt between Clinton and Sanders: its between the candidates and the White House. President Obama has been criticized by members of his own party, including a notable defection from Clinton, for carrying out raids to deport undocumented immigrants during his tenure. The violence that weve heard from the Republican nominee all lead to the conclusion that this party has an opportunity to lead, set a high ground, Rep. Raul Grijalva, one of the few Sander-backers in Congress, told the panel.
6. Trade: Killing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
Factions of the Democratic Party continue to grapple over the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is championed by the Obama administration: a trade deal that Bernie Sanders has called disastrous. West told AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka that he would like to see a statement in the 2016 platform that leans towards the populist position -- opposing TPP. Warren Gunnels, policy director for the Sanders campaign and another panel member, said Democrats need to kill the TPP.
7. Washington, D.C.: The 51st State?
Pressure is building for Democrats to officially back Washington, D.C. as the 51st state. Our nearly 700,000 residents live in the shadow of the nations capital without a vote in Congress, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told the panel Wednesday. Both Sanders and Clinton had endorsed D.C. statehood during their campaigns. The current platform calls for "full and equal congressional rights," but stops short of "statehood."
Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Top cyber security experts claim to have found a Chinese group which practices cyber espionage. This group has been identified as Danti and it is believed that they could have breached the computer of top ranking bureaucrats in the government.
Russia based company called Kaspersky Labs which is regarded as one of the top cyber security firms, was the first to raise the alarm regarding Danti. They also feared that Danti possibly breached dozens of systems which are used by cabinet-rank Officials in India.
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In an interview to India Today, Kaspersky Labs MD (Southeast Asia) Altaf Halde said ,"Our team which continuously follows such malware and viruses, tracked Danti which has based in China. These hackers have a special focus on diplomatic entities and they are always one step ahead of developers."
DEFENCE AGAINST MALWARE
Danti is a malware which behaves like a Virus but instead of damaging the system, it gathers all the information from System and hence is much more dangerous.
"The Main reason for any system getting infected with such malware is ignorance of the user. If users keep their system updated with the latest updates from Windows, then there is hardly any chance that such malware can infect their systems" Said Altaf.
In 2015, Microsoft had released its update for its Windows which many users ignored. In simple terms , we lock our house door but forget to shut the window. And due to this, Danti started to spread through the government's computer systems.
Cyber espionage groups like Danti usually sends an email which looks like an govt official mail or an email from some govt department. Users tend to open it after which the real work of these malware begins. For days these malware do not attack our system. They work like silent killer as they quietly get installed in system and start their work. These malware gathers all the data in the system and with help of the Internet sends them to the master control room in forms of codes. Malware writers decode these codes and collect the information.
Also read:
Microsoft sets up cyber security centre in Gurgaon
Virtual cops: India, US to jointly combat cyber crime
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As the admission season begins, we bring some popular addas on north and south campus that are a must-visit for students.
By Tanishka Sharma, Tanishka Sharma: When you step into Delhi University, you will have many hangout options to choose from. From shopping for trendy accessories and clothes, to eating out, the area offers a variety of hangout addas that students usually frequently visit. These fun places are mostly known for the delicious food items they offer, such as tandoori momos, bhelpuri and banta.
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They are easy on the pockets, offering the best of every cuisine and most of these places come with a variety of innovative recreational options perfect for whiling away time after classes. We take a look at some popular hangout addas in North and South Campus that are a must visit for the students there. The perfect mix of culture ranges from exotic thupkas to refreshing banta. The famous hangout zones of DU students are here for you.
Also read: Here's looking at you fuccha: An open letter to a college fresher
BIG YELLOW DOOR (NORTH)
After walking down the Hudson Lane, one finds a gem situated at the corner. Big Yellow Door always has a waiting list running as the place is small and is always seen brimming with people. It is one of the best choices if one wants to enjoy food at a reasonable rate.
Cost: Rs 600 for two
Speciality: Nachos baked dish, Butter Chicken Pasta, Mud Cake with Ice Cream, BYD Cheese Bomb Burger.
Location: H-8 B, Near, Opposite Hudson Lane's NDPL Office, Vijay Nagar.
Nearest metro station: GTB Nagar
BILLE DI HATTI
Bille Di Hatti is a popular street-food joint in North Campus. It serves lassi and chole bhature. The place is preferred by students looking for a quick bite without compromising on the taste. For a heavy breakfast, head to Bille Di Hatti for a plate of poori and chhole (Rs 30) with a glass of sweet lassi (Rs 30). From tikkis, golgappe, papdi chaat to tawa aloo, the place has a wide variety to offer.
Cost: Rs 150 for two
Speciality: Aloo poori
Location: 72-D, Kamla Nagar
Nearest metro station: Vishwavidyalaya
CAFETERIA AND CO.
A sister cafe to QD's and Rico's, Cafeteria and Co. was started two months back. Its interior is a blend of modern and quite classy. Serving hours are 11:30 am to 11 pm. It has a wide menu which serves continental with different fusions. The place has been enjoying a vast number of regular clientele since its inauguration. Tiramisu crepe, Pan and Basil iced tea, star shaped burger, accidental fish and shrimp, butter chicken and rolls are widely savoured here.
Cost: Rs 800 for two
Speciality: Star shaped burger, Accidental fish and shrimp
Location: 9-14, Vijay Nagar
Nearest metro station: Vishwavidyalaya
BIG YELLOW DOOR (SOUTH)
Also read: 6 things to keep in mind before you kick-start your college life
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Located in Satya Niketan Market, Big Yellow Door, commonly known as BYD is one of the most crowded and popular hangout places for the students visiting south campus. From creamy baked nachos to delicious shakes, the place offers variety of Italian food at a pocket-friendly price. The interior of the cafe is one thing to look out for.
Cost: Rs 500 for two
Speciality: Nachos baked dish, Butter Chicken Pasta, Mud Cake with Ice Cream, BYD Cheese Bomb Burger
Location: H-8, Opposite Venkateswara College, Satya Niketan
Nearest metro station: Dhaula Kuan
THE HUDSON CAFE
Located in Hudson lane, the cafe is amongst the various cafes which have mushroomed over a period of time. It has a rustic though peppy ambience. The interiors are done up beautifully with unfinished brick walls murals and framed posters. The cafe opens at 11 am in the morning and serves for 12 hours. Being famous for its Italian and Chinese food, it is specially designed to suit the needs of the youth.
Cost: Rs 800 for two
Speciality: Cheese garlic bread and the Mezze platter
Location: 2524, 1st Floor, Hudson Lane, Delhi University-GTB Nagar
Nearest metro station: GTB Nagar
34 CHOWRINGHEE LANE
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As the name itself suggests, 34 Chowringhee has made an attempt to bring the Kolkata experience in Delhi-NCR. The food joint is famous among the students for its variety of rolls on offer: chicken roll, mutton keema roll, paneer roll, vegetable roll, farm fresh egg roll and aloo roll to name a few.
Cost: Rs 350 for two
Speciality: Chicken roll, Mutton roll, Egg Keema Roll
Location: 93, Opposite Venkateswara College, Satyaniketan
Nearest metro station: Dhaula Kuan
QD'S
For all Delhi University students, QD's is one such place they know well about even more than their syllabus. QD's is one of the most popular pocket-friendly places. It has branches in both south and north campus. It serves North Indian food together with Chinese cuisine. Being a pocket-friendly place, they have created their menu as per the student's need. It's most famous and finger-licking item is Tandoori Momos. They have won many praises and awards for their food and hospitality.
Cost: Rs 1,000 for two
Speciality: Tandoori Momos
Location: 294, Opposite Venkateswara College, Satya Niketan
Nearest metro station: Dhaula Kuan
VADA PAV JUNCTION
Founded four months back, Vada Pav Junction has become a hit among students with its street food cuisine. Even though it's not situated on the main road but still it manages to make the best street food point in the market. The Classic Vada Pav has won the hearts of the crowd and attracts customers from various parts of the city. They have a mix of Vada Pav and experiments with options like Chocolate Pav, Corn and Spinach Vada pav, Dabeli, Maggie Pav etcCost:
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Rs 150 for two people
Speciality:Classic Vada pav
Location: Outlet No.1, Ground Floor, Satya Niketan
Nearest metro station:Dhaula Kuan
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Bollywood starlet Alisa Khan, known for starring opposite Emraan Hashmi in a yet-to-be-released film, was seen roaming around aimlessly on the streets of Greater Kailash, after she was allegedly kicked out of her home.
By Arvind Ojha: It has been a riches to rags story for this model-turned-actor, straight from the glittery streets of Bollywood to the bylanes of Delhi. Bollywood starlet Alisa Khan, known for starring opposite Emraan Hashmi in a yet-to-be-released film, was seen roaming around aimlessly on the streets of Greater Kailash, after she was allegedly kicked out of her home.
Alisa, a resident of Ghaziabad, had a lead role in the recently released film My Husband's Wife. She has also been a part of many music videos.
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BOLLYWOOD ROLE
Khan will also be seen paired opposite Emran Hashmi in the film Aaina which is set to be released in August.
When India Today tried to find out from Alisa the reason for her condition, the model claimed her mother and brother had thrown her out of her house after she complained about her ex-boyfriend to the police.
BOYFRIEND TROUBLE?
She had complained to the cops after her ex-boyfriend made a sleazy video of their intimate moments and threatened to post it on the social media. In fact, he even posted one such video on YouTube, which was taken down after she complained to the Mumbai Police.
According to Alisa, the incident didn't go down well with her mother and brother who reportedly abandoned her.
IRONY
Interestingly, Alisa belongs to the family of Wazir Ghazi-ud-din, who was the founder of the city of Ghaziabad.
The actor has now been forced to take refuge in temples or at a friend's house.
In 2007, another popular model, Gitanjali Nagpal was found living off the streets and spending her nights in parks and temples.
Watch video
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The twister of drugs is blowing away the lives of thousands of women in the state. Those who once fought for the lives of their husbands and brothers are now fighting for themselves.
Experts say the exact number of female drug addicts in the state is not known but it runs into the thousands.
By Manjeet Sehgal: Mona (name changed) thought her boyfriend was cool when he spurred her to try cigarettes and alcohol. Soon the kick wasn't enough for the 22-year-old budding doctor and she moved on to hard drugs like heroin.
Months later, her parents realised that their daughter, who was studying in one of Punjab's top medical colleges, had become a full-blown addict. They admitted her at a rehabilitation centre in Amritsar city where she is recovering now, having lost the craving.
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Once a male-only problem, the epidemic of drug addiction has now gripped Punjab's women too. With cracked lips and shrivelled bodies, they are showing up in droves at the de-addiction centres. Those who once fought for the lives of their husbands and brothers are now fighting for themselves.
Be it colleges, universities or homes - women are using hard drugs openly. Shocking revelations were made by inmates of Punjab's first de-addiction centre, built exclusively for women, which was opened this year in Amritsar. The centre is the brainchild of Amritsar-based psychiatrist Dr Jagdeep Pal Bhatia, who has been running a similar facility for men over the past two decades.
Bhatia says most women who come to the centre are between 18 and 40 years of age. Traumatised by acts of incest, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, sex addiction and low self-esteem, they try to find solace in the bittersweet sting.
TREATMENT
The psychiatrist said he noticed that many families deserted addicted women and only chose treatment for male members. Experts say the exact number of female drug addicts in the state is not known but it runs into the thousands. The development comes amid a swirling political tussle in the poll-bound state over the film Udta Punjab, based on the state's drug menace, which has run into trouble with the Censor Board.
"Two big reasons behind a women's drug addiction in Punjab are low-self esteem and upward mobility. The women and girls want to become fashionable and want to show that they are open. The simplest way to reach out to the rich and influential is to join the parties where hookahs, liquor and drugs are served openly," Bhatia said. "The women start with a cigarette or a small peg of wine or liquor. The habit later transcends and they become drug addicts or hardcore alcoholics."
PEDDLERS
Drug addiction pushes women into a bottomless abyss as they largely depend on men for the supply. The men could be their friends or the drug peddlers. As a gram of heroin costs nearly Rs 4,000, women who are unemployed or come from low-income families get pulled into a vortex of sexual abuse.
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"They become slaves when they do not have money to buy heroin. They surrender themselves to the 'friends' or peddlers who exploit them sexually," said Jasbir Singh, a former drug addict who is now a family counsellor in Amritsar.
The 31 drug rehabilitation centres run by the Punjab government are usually avoided by people, especially women, as they are ill-equipped and often lack basic amenities.
Critics say the administration, which continues to deny the state's drug epidemic, seems to have turned a blind eye towards the female addicts.
"This is not true. Our de-addiction centres are open for both men and women. Anybody can come for treatment, which is largely free," said Punjab health minister Surjit Kumar Jyani. "The state government is leaving no stone unturned to eradicate the menace of drugs."
Namrita Gupta who has been counselling drug-addicted women in Amritsar says housewives, students and working women are all in the grip of the menace.
HESITATION
"Addiction is a disease. Politicisation of the drug issue has further traumatised the addicts who hesitate to come for treatment," she pointed out. "Women hide their addiction and their family members are not ready to disclose that they are addicts. They come and say they are being haunted by evil spirits or ghosts."
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ALSO READ:
Tales of women who are fighting drug addiction
A rehab centre only for women
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By PTI: Kuala Lumpur, Jun 9 (PTI) Malaysian authorities today said they will take the operator of a supermarket escalator to court after a horrific accident where a toddlers genitals were injured.
The escalator apparently had been installed without a valid certificate of fitness, officials said.
The operator, who was running the escalator despite not maintaining it or renewing its certificate of fitness (CF), could face up to a 20 lakh rupees fine or two years jail if found guilty, said Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH) director-general Mohtar Musri.
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"We checked the safety devices they had on the escalator and the CF. Based on our investigations, they did not comply," Musri said.
The boy was not supervised at the time and was said to have sat on the escalators steps while riding from the second floor to the third floor of the supermarket on Monday night in Ipoh town.
It caught the fabric of his pants and the tip of his penis. Fire and Rescue Department officers took about half-an-hour to dislodge the boy from the escalator using crowbars.
Mohtar said there was still a high chance the incident could have happened even if the unsupervised boy was on a certified safe equipment.
"He was sitting on the step, which is not a safe way to ride an escalator. You are not supposed to do that," he said. The boy is reported to be recovering.
Last month a toddler was injured after his hand got stuck in an escalator at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
In February, a three-year-old had part of his foot severed after a similar incident.
Authorities have advised parents to pay closer attention to their children while using the escalator. PTI JB AJR AKJ AJR
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Euphoria's vocalist Dr Palash Sen is mad about India's music scene; so should you. We, for sure, are backing him on this one. Are you?
By India Today Web Desk: We wouldn't blame you if at the sound of 'Euphoria' your head started playing 'Dhoom pichuck dhoom pichuck dhoom', because that's just a reminder of the kind of impact Euphoria has had on our lives.
From redefining Hindi Indie-pop music to creating tunes that we just can't seem to get out of our heads (not that we particularly want to)--Euphoria has given us absolute brilliance in the form of music over the years.
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Any follower of the band would know that Euphoria has been out of the public eye for a while. Yes, we've also been wondering about what they're up to, and if they do indeed plan to return, what they would be returning with--usual fan questions, you know.
Now, Dr Palash Sen, the lead vocalist of the band, has gone on video to put in words the reason they've been out of the 'happening scene' for a while.
For those who haven't been following Euphoria on social media, the band has been dropping hints in the recent past about producing another single, followed by an album.
The latest post by the band, on social-media platform Facebook, talks about Indian music being equivalent to Bollywood music, money being the deciding factor behind pretty much all creative decisions in the country, and what Dr Palash Sen calls 'music peddlers'.
The post reads: "Many of you have asked us why don't we take out too much music these days.. Many of you ask us when is our new music coming out..You guys deserve the truth..The answers to both of these questions, are in this video. The fact is, that we never stopped making music.. It's just that it never reaches you like it used to,once upon a time.. For too long, Non film music has stayed in the shadows.. But no more.. With you on our side, we shall claim the light! Palash tells it, like it is.. We won't run, and we won't back down.. A new revolution begins.. Together, we will bring non film music back! Watch the complete video to know the truth and SHARE it because trust us, you are the beginning of the change.. Will you stand by us?"
Watch here what Dr Sen has to say:
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By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) CPI(M) today demanded that the UP government file cases against Union minister Sanjeev Balyan and other BJP leaders for allegedly inciting communal hatred after they reportedly sought to find out who all had consumed the beef found outside the house of the Dadri lynching victim.
"The UP administration should file cases against Balyan and others for inciting communal hatred. The state government should deal firmly with all the elements trying to incite communal passions and provoke violence," party politburo said in a statement.
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According to media reports, Balyan had on Monday sought a probe to ascertain who had eaten the meat recovered from outside the residence of 50-year-old Mohammad Akhlaq, who was lynched by a mob in Dadris Bishada village for allegedly consuming beef in September last year.
The statement from the Union Minister of State for Agriculture had come after a foresic report said the meat sample collected from outside Akhlaqs house belonged to a "cow or its progeny".
CPI(M) questioned the timing of Balyans "provocative" statement and alleged that it was part of BJPs "wider game plan" aimed at polarising the state on communal lines ahead of the assembly polls next year.
"...these statements are being made with an intention of stoking communal tensions and are part of wider game plan of BJP to create communal polarization in UP before assembly polls next year...There should be no laxity in prosecuting all those accused in the Akhlaq murder case," the statement said. PTI ENM GVS RG GVS
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The cost of power produced from these reactors is going to be unsustainable," Sitaram Yechury said, contending that India cannot afford to provide "super profits" to US corporates at the expense of welfare of Indian people.
By Press Trust of India: The CPI(M) today said it suspected that the Narendra Modi government has conceded "more than" the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) without signing it to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in an "exceptional manner".
JUNIOR PARTNER
The party also targeted the government on the joint statement issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Washington, saying the document was a declaration that cemented Indias role as a "junior partner" of the US in its global strategic designs.
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"We are being told that a special exception is being made for India (to become NSG member). But if you were to look between the lines, what has this Modi Government agreed to in the trilateral Indo-Japan-US agreement on nuclear energy ... I think and I suspect very strongly that this government has agreed to more than the NPT in that trilateral agreement," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury told reporters here.
NOT A NPT SIGNATORY
"Unless that is done, I cannot see or the world cannot see how India can be made an exception to (become a member of) the NSG," he said. India is not a signatory to the NPT.
Expressing concern over the civilian nuclear cooperation between the two countries, he demanded cancellation of the purchase of "costly" nuclear reactors from US firm Westinghouse to be set up at Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh.
"It is being done only as a quid pro quo for the nuclear deal with the United States. The cost of the AP1000 reactors are going to be prohibitive, just as the French Areva reactors to be set up at Jaitapur.
"By a conservative estimate it is going to cost Rs 2.8 lakh crore for the six reactors. The cost of power produced from these reactors is going to be unsustainable," he said, contending that India cannot afford to provide "super profits" to US corporates at the expense of welfare of Indian people.
CIRCUMVENTING NUCLEAR LIABILITY LAW
Yechury also alleged that the Westinghouse deal was also being worked out by "circumventing the Nuclear Liability law of India by nullifying the suppliers liability. The insurance risk and liability are to be borne by the Indian public through the nationalised insurance companies."
Yechury, accompanied by Politburo member Brinda Karat, also insisted that these issues must be opened to public scrutiny and debated in Parliament as "such a major shift in Indias foreign policy and independent defence capabilities cannot be allowed".
Also Read: India Inc ready to meet global obligations: Ficci on NSG
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By PTI: Ahmedabad, Jun 9 (PTI) Counsel for the 24 convicted in the 2002 Gulberg Society massacre, which left 69 people including former Congress MP Ehsan Jafrey dead, today sought lenient punishment for those guilty by the court which indicated that it will tomorrow decide on the date of pronouncement of the quantum of sentence.
The special SIT court is hearing arguments made by the defence on mitigating circumstances and other factors before determining the sentence for the convicts.
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On Monday, prosecution had sought death penalty for all the 24 people convicted for the gruesome killings.
Special Judge P B Desai today heard the lawyer for accused Abhay Bhardwaj, who presented lengthy arguments against demands for capital punishment or life sentence till death, made by the prosecution lawyer.
The judge said the date for pronouncement of quantum of sentence will be decided tomorrow after hearing the SIT lawyer, especially on the aspects of compensation to families of the victims, which has been sought by the victims lawyer.
The court had on June 2 convicted 24 people and acquitted 36 others, while dropping conspiracy charges. Out of the total 66 accused, six had died during the trial. Of the 24 convicted, 11 have been charged with murder, while 13 others including VHP leader Atul Vaidya, have been convicted for lesser offences.
While making his submission, Bhardwaj said the court should consider mitigating circumstances for convicts including their prior criminal record, age, socio-economic background, possibility of rehabilitation, and whether they can reform, before pronouncing their sentence.
Citing various judgements of the Supreme Court, he argued that all judgements are on reformative thinking unless prosecution proves that the convicts cant be reformed under any circumstances.
He cited the case of Mohammad Jamaluddin Nasir who was found guilty of killing five policemen and injuring 13 others during attack on American Centre in Kolkata, and whose capital punishment was reduced to life sentence by the Supreme Court.
He also cited the case of Vyas Ram, a member of Ranbir Sena who was found guilty of killing 35 considered to be communist sympathizers in a Bihar village, whose capital punishment was also reduced to life sentence. (MORE) PTI KA PD DK VMN
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While Akil refused to comment on reports that the blast cases in Panipat and Kurukshetra were terror attacks, he clarified that the fourth blast reported in Bhuna in Fatehabad was inadvertently caused by a farmer.
The latest blast reported in Bhuna, Fatehabad on June 7 in a private transport bus had left two people injured. Photo: PTI
By Manjeet Sehgal: Haryana Police today said that it got an 'important' lead in the three blast cases that hit the state this year.
Additional Director General of Police, Muhammad Akil said that the investigations into the cases were in the last leg and the police would soon unravel the truth.
ALL THREE BLASTS INTER-LINKED
"The blasts are nothing but a mischief. Besides the blasts, we have also made some recoveries from a particular place where similar mischief was about to take place. I cannot share the information as it is part of the investigation. There is something which links all the incidents ," Muhammad Akil said.
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While Akil refused to comment on reports that the blast cases in Panipat and Kurukshetra were terror attacks, he clarified that the fourth blast reported in Bhuna in Fatehabad was inadvertently caused by a farmer.
"The blast in Bhuna on June 7 was not a terror attack. It was caused by mistake when a farmer inadvertently put sulphur and potassium inside a bottle. These chemicals are used in Haryana and elsewhere to keep the wild animals away from the fields. We have arrested Mukesh who had bought the chemicals to fan wild animals," Muhammad Akil said.
SAME CHEMICAL POWDER USED
Sources say that police have got vital clues about the mastermind behind the three blast cases. The attackers had reportedly used the same chemical powder for all the three blasts to prepare crackers.
A couple suffered burn injuries in an explosion in a private bus in Fatehabad district on Tuesday morning. In another incident, seven people were injured when a blast took place in a moving bus near Pipli in Kurukshetra on Thursday afternoon.
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From strange sounds to sudden apparitions, these places in Delhi are home to some of the most scariest incidents. Visit them at your own risk.
By Samonway Duttagupta: This one's definitely for the faint-hearted. If several testimonies are to be believed, haunted places do exist. And there are a few of us who consider visiting these places to be adventurous. In fact, there are groups on Facebook where people decide on haunted places, fix a date, and then go on evening or night walks to these haunted places. As far as Delhi is concerned, most of these places are ancient monuments with a deadly past or abandoned spaces that are rumoured to have been hosts to creepy activities.
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Also read: 5 haunted places in India other than Bhangarh Fort
We have compiled the list of some of the most haunted places in Delhi. Take a look, and do visit them, only if you have the guts to.
Sanjay Van, Vasant Kunj
Many would consider it to be a nice place to explore--after all, it's a dense forest right in the heart of the city. Something of great value in a place that is considered one of the most polluted in the country. But those living close to this 10 km-long forest complain of the place being home to several hauntings. Apparently, the numerous mausoleums of the erstwhile Sufi saints are teeming with paranormal energies--people who visited this place complain of hearing unsettling noises of somebody crying and children screaming. Many others say they have seen a lady dressed in white walking around the the old banyan and peepal trees.
Picture courtesy: Facebook/Paranormal Activity: In India
Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
Built way back in the 14th century, this Tughlaq era citadel has been well-known for its hauntings. So much so that renowned author-historian William Dalrymple mentioned it in one of his books and claimed that it is occupied a multitude of Djinns. Well, his claim wasn't baseless, after all. The local folks visit this fort every Thursday and offer incense sticks and other things to please these Djinns--it is believed that these invisible spirits, if angry, can do the worst possible things to a person.
Picture courtesy: Facebook/Delhi NCR
Chor Minar, Hauz Khas
Hauz Khas is the last place you could have expected a haunting. After all, it is one of the most happening places for Delhi's party lovers. You might have even caught a glimpse of this monument when you were in the area. But the nights here are creepy. Built during the reign of Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Chor Minar was used a place to punish thieves, whose heads were hung on spikes protruding out of the monument through the numerous holes on its walls. The evil spirits of these thieves are believed to haunt this place even to this day.
Picture courtesy: Wikimedia/Ramesh Lalwani/Creative Commons Picture courtesy: Wikimedia/Ramesh Lalwani/Creative Commons
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Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal, Jhandewalan
Located within the dense Southern Ridge of Delhi, this 14th century monument can be reached by walking on a serpentine road that starts near the huge Hanuman statue in Jhandewalan. Built during the Tughlaq era, Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal was originally a hunting lodge belonging to the rulers of the period. Nothing more than a under-maintained ruin in the present time, the monument is believed to be the home of several hauntings. The most popular rumours suggest that strange noises are heard in this place, especially after dark.
Picture courtesy: Facebook/Danzil Thomas
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Colonel Purohit is likely to file a fresh bail application in the special court hearing the Malegaon blast case.
By Mustafa Shaikh: The Bombay High Court has refused to grant bail to Colonel Purohit as the new National Investigative Agency (NIA) chargesheet brings forth a material change in the Malegaon blast case.
The issue of Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Purohit's bail was discussed at length today in which an intercept of a phone call between Lt Col Prasad Purohit and former Lt Col Ramesh Upadhyay was shown as evidence against Purohit by Special Public Procesutor, Sandesh Patil.
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While the transcript of the call was shown to Justice Naresh Patil, he pointed out the name of Hindu Jagran Sangathna and asked the Special Public Prosecutor whether the NIA inquired about this organization to which he replied in the negative.
FRESH BAIL APPLICATION
Justice Patil added that the NIA being an independent agency should have inquired about Hindu Jagran Sangathna even if the ATS had ignored it. While passing the order, Justice Patil said that in view of fresh chargesheet filed by NIA on May 13, 2016, there is material change in the matter.
Since the MCOCA has been withdrawn and witnesses have retracted from their statements, a fresh bail application should be filed before trial court. As defense lawyer Shrikant Shivde had pointed out that the accused will be behind bars for seven and a half year without trial, the court directed to dispose the bail within six weeks.
Col Purohit's bail application is likely to be filed tomorrow in the special court. "Our main ground for bail will be the MCOCA being withdrawn from the court and the witnesses turning hostile," said Shivde.
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"I admire him, his vision and what he is doing for the country. I had made the video on his achievements before he was the PM and I am proud of it," he further said.
By Mail Today: Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani openly admitted on Wednesday that he admired Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, "I am a follower of my PM as I am an Indian citizen.
"I admire him, his vision and what he is doing for the country. I had made the video on his achievements before he was the PM and I am proud of it," he further said.
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PROUD TO BE A MODI CHAMCHA
He went on to say, "I am proud to be a Modi chamcha (acolyte). Should I be a chamcha of the Italian Prime Minister instead?" Nihalani is in the middle of a raging storm over the Shahid Kapoor-starrer Udta Punjab. Producers of the film, chiefly Anurag Kashyap, are battling the censorship board which has allegedly demanded 89 cuts in the film, besides asking them to drop the word 'Punjab' from the title and the movie.
Political parties like the Aam Aadmi Party have alleged that Nihalani acted under the direction of the Punjab government. Nihalani retorted, "I do not know Anurag personally. He is getting personal with me (unnecessarily). Because I am working as per rule and not according to their will, they want my ouster and if the government also wants that, then definitely?"
On charges of acting like a dictator, he said, "They are saying that without even meeting me. I have also heard that AAP has sponsored this movie." Explaining the chain of events on Udta Punjab, Nihalani said, "On 1st, they gave the application.
On 3rd, we viewed the film and on 6th, they had to bring it in with cuts which they did not and on 7th, they went to media and now they are producing their own versions."
YOU CAN'(T)PUT THE BLAME ON ME
He questioned, "Balaji had applied, they had the authority to bring in cuts as per the letter which they did not. So why are they blaming the CBFC?"
Commenting on the CBFC's (Central Board of Film Certification) functioning, he said, "The applications are brought to us by the agents. 72 per cent of the film has been passed without any cut in the past one-and-a-half year. So I don't think the concerned people have any issue with CBFC." On the cuts in Udta Punjab, he added, "Scenes passed in promo have been passed in the film too. Nothing has been cut."
AAP has claimed that Nihalani has got the coveted post of CBFC Chief not on the basis of his credentials but for his allegiance to the BJP. "Pahlaj Nihalani's statement makes it amply clear that he has stopped the film on BJP's instructions," Kejriwal tweeted.
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"Udta Punjab Censored. What else could one expect in Modi regime? What will you eat, say, read, see or say, will be decided by RSS and Modi ji. Very scary. Punjab's youth has been ruined due to drugs. Punjab's truth should come in front of everyone," he said.
ALSO READ:
Udta Punjab vs Censor Board: Anurag Kashyap moves Bombay High Court, gets response from CBFC
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By PTI: Chandigarh, Jun 9 (PTI) Haryana Police today said they will be using "less lethal" ammunition like plastic pellets and rubber bullets to counter protests and violence in the state.
The move comes in the wake of Jat quota stir which claimed the lives of thirty people and caused massive damage to property.
"We are going to use a range of less lethal ammunition in violent situations, including protests where violence breaks out. These will be used in future in all 21 districts wherever the need is felt depending on the situation on the ground," Haryana ADGP (Law and Order) Mohd Akil said.
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He said the "less lethal" ammunition which will be used includes plastic pellets and rubber bullets.
Pump-action gun will also be used, which will spray pellets, only to leave a person in mild shock and possibly minor injury, he said.
Besides, Oleoresin (a chilli extract) grenades or chilli grenades will also be used. They are specially designed to disperse protesting mob by causing irritation to their eyes, Akil said.
Apart from adopting traditional methods to control violent or rioting mob, including lathicharge, water cannons and use of tear gas shells, these new methods have been devised to effectively tackle the situation, he said.
To keep an eye on the protesters during agitations, the police will also use drone cameras, he said.
"The cameras will keep an eye and capture the actual scene and anybody indulging in violence or behind it can be easily identified," the officer said.
A fresh phase of Jat quota agitation going on in several parts of the state, entered its fifth day today.
The state has so far remained peaceful with no reports of violence, he said. PTI SUN AYP SK AYP
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By PTI: From Yoshita Singh
United Nations, Jun 9 (PTI) India has expressed concern over the continuous decline in contributions to the UN Development Programme at a time when the agency has to step up its activities and assist member states in their efforts to achieve the ambitious 2030 development agenda.
First Secretary in Indias Permanent Mission to the UN Mohd Noor Rahman Sheikh said at the annual session of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Population Fund Executive Board that nations are entering the phase of implementation of the transformative Agenda 2030 to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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UNDP as the main development UN Agency has to play a key role in assisting member states in their efforts.
"In this context, it is worrying to note the continuous decline in contributions to UNDP while the need of the hour is for UNDP to enhance its activities," he said yesterday.
While India has been contributing to South-South Cooperation, he pointed out that North-South Cooperation is declining and needs to be scaled up to help meet objectives of 2030 agenda.
He said India concurs with the observation made in the UNDP Administrator Helen Clarks report that national ownership remains a key driver of performance for the agencys srategic plan.
Sheikh added that UNDP can focus more on projects relating to achieving greater energy efficiency, anti-corruption measures, basic services and global development financing.
UNDP also needs to continue to address cross-cutting issues and promote long- term growth and development in developing countries.
On Evaluation Policy, he said India has long held that the "independence" of the Independent Evaluation Office should be maintained beyond doubt.
Clark said that ensuring the success of the 2030 Agenda remains one of the organisation?s greatest priorities.
"Supporting roll out of the 2030 Agenda is a top priority for UNDP," Clark said at the meeting.
"UNDP has specific thematic expertise to offer, not least around poverty eradication; reduction of inequalities; democratic governance; the environment, energy, and climate change; disaster risk reduction; gender, health; and our work in fragile contexts," she said.
"We will promote support for programme countries to access finance for sustainable development, and to find the right mix of funding, technology, and assistance to drive national progress on the SDGs," she added. PTI YAS AJR AKJ AJR
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The industry body welcomed the operationalisation of India US Civil Nuclear Deal. Membership of the group will help India access high-end missile technology.
By Press Trust of India: The industry is ready to meet global obligations to ensure that manufacture and trade of dual use items are not diverted or re-exported for unauthorized use, Ficci said hoping that the US will push for Indias membership at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
The industry body welcomed the operationalisation of India US Civil Nuclear Deal.
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It also hailed the initiation of preparatory work on six nuclear reactors in India between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse, saying it is expected to unleash a "USD 150 billion nuclear industry in India thereby creating jobs and ensuring access to clean energy and ensuring our energy security".
The NPCIL and US firm Westinghouse have agreed to begin engineering and site design work immediately for the six nuclear power plant reactors and conclude contractual arrangements by June 2017.
HIGH END MISSILE TECHNOLOGY
"Indian industry welcomes the countrys entry to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) regime and hopes the US will do the heavy lifting to push for Indias membership at the NSG to be decided later this month.
"It will help the India-US collaboration in high technology in critical areas and will enable high value technology embedded trade for Make in India projects. This also opens up opportunities for similar cooperation with countries like the UK and France," Ficci said in a statement today. Earlier this week, India cleared all hurdles in getting membership of the MTCR, a key anti-proliferation grouping, as no member country opposed its entry into it.
Membership of the group will help India access high-end missile technology.
TRUSTED PARTNER
Ficci said the step further cements the strategic relationship between the two nations reaffirming the "trusted partner" status that has been accorded to India in Defence & Aerospace.
The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed Indias case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
"Indian industry is ready to meet international obligations and licensing norms to ensure that technology acquisition, manufacture and trade of dual use items will not be diverted or re-exported for unauthorized use.
NON-PROLIFERATION RECORDS
"Indian industry is ready to work on Internal Compliance Programs and international best practices to ensure the countrys non-proliferation records," Ficci Secretary General A Didar Singh said.
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The industry body said these positive developments in civil nuclear energy sector will send the right signals for the reoperationalisation of the domestic nuclear programme which has been stalled for last two years on the nuclear liability issue.
"The finalisation of the Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP) policy for the operator augurs well in this positive environment, Ficci now hopes that the INIP for the supplier gets IRDA approval at the earliest, so that the domestic program can be reinitiated," it said.
Also Read: Modi, Obama embrace history as India, US ink defence, counter-terror pacts: Highlights
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Indian Naval Ship Trikand from Western Naval Command was in the vicinity and has responded immediately by sending team of 4 personnel including 2 officers and high speed dewatering pump.
By Dhananjay Kumar: At about 7:30 PM on Wednesday, a merchant ship MV Infinity One, approximately 20 NM off Goa coast, reported water ingress and continuous listing to starboard (right hand) side. The vessel had reported that the list is increasing despite ship's dewatering efforts.
Indian Naval Ship Trikand from Western Naval Command was in the vicinity and has responded immediately by sending team of 4 personnel including 2 officers and high speed dewatering pump. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was also informed. Coast Guard Ship Amal and tug from Goa has also been dispatched for assistance and another Naval ship INS Kondul has been placed on standby. MV Infinity One was thereafter anchored and additional pumps being readied for immediate delivery.
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Dewatering by pumps from INS Trikand and CGS Amal continuing operation to keep the vessel safe. Presently, MV Infinity One continues to list and is proceeding to Karwar (with INS Trikhand escorting her) at slow speeds. Vessel is expected to enter harbour later in the day.
The 83-m long vessel with 14 Indian crew (including Master) was transiting from Kandla port in Gujarat and proceeding to Karwar, Karnataka.
The development is being closely monitored by all agencies.
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By Balkrishna: By the time you read this report, someone will be killed in a road accident somewhere in India. Scary as it may sound, the fact is, every 3.5 minutes someone loses his life in India in a road accident. That is 400 hundred deaths per day. With more than half a million road accidents in India every year, in which about 150,000 lives are lost, India's road are one the the deadliest in the world.
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But what is alarming is things are only turning from bad to worse. On Thursday, the road transport ministry released a report called the Road Accidents in India 2015. It details the statistics, reasons and the causes of road accidents in the country. While releasing the report, the Surface Transport Minister grimly admitted that the steps his ministry has taken in last two years to bring down the numbers of road accidents have yielded little results. On the contrary, both the number of accidents and the casualties have only gone up. Compared to 2014, death due to road accidents have increased by 4.6 percent in 2015. There were 5,01,523 road accidents in India in 2015 in which snuffed out 1,46,133 lives and left more than 500,000 injured. To put that in perspective Sweden, had just one accident in 2015.
The report pointed out how road accidents are the killing people in their prime working age. Of all the people who lost their lives in road accidents more than half, 54 percent, were below the age of 34.
Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the situation is alarming because the death figure in road accidents hugely exceeds the total number of death because of terrorism, naxal violence put together.
WHERE,WHEN AND WHY?
Delhi, notorious for road rage and speeding, also topped in the maximum number of deaths on roads. In 2015 alone, 1622 people died in road accidents in the capital. Maximum number of deaths occur in evening time and in the month of May. Road junctions are the spots where half of the accidents occur. Two wheeler users are most prone to road fatalities followed by auto rikshaw. State wise data shows that Uttar Pradesh is has state accounting for maximum number of 17,666 death on roads.
Scrutiny of the data sourced from all over the country revealed that out of every four accidents, three happened due to the fault of the driver and over speeding was the most common cause. Based on the details of the accidents and police records, now the road transport department have identified what they call - black spots. These are the spots on roads where accidents happen over and over again - mostly due to faulty road designs. 726 such spots have already been identified all over the country and efforts are afoot to get them corrected at the earliest . For this the ministry is talking to the various state governments, allocating funds and also roping in the local member of parliaments
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ALSO READ:
Two die in Delhi road accident
Pictures of Chennai train accident
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By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: Almost two years back, the people of Punjab were reading these headlines everyday: Why is Punjab India's narcotic haven? Why Punjab records highest drug-related cases country-wide; Are state elections in Punjab being fought with drug money? Will Punjab become another Mexico?
In those days, producer Anurag Kashyap might not even have finalised his script of Udta Punjab or even cast the lead actors Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Moreover, even CBFC chairman Pahlaj Nihlani may not have dreamt that he would become the censor board chief one day under the leadership of Narendra Modi (his idol). He joined CBFC in January 2015.
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Today, in June 2016, Punjab appears divided in the ongoing row over the censor board's major cuts in film Udta Punjab and its decision that all references to the state (for becoming a den of drugs) be deleted from the film.
The Congress party is blaming the Akali Dal-BJP government in Punjab and is accusing the combine of banning the film with a guilty conscience. Even the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is blaming the ruling government for the problems which the film is portraying. And to counter that, the Akali Dal is pointing fingers towards the Central government (BJP) - as it controls the CBFC and its censorship power.
Amarinder Singh, the Congress leader has taken a religious vow to eradicate the drugs problem from Punjab within four weeks if the Congress is voted to power in the next elections. This is nothing but a cruel joke for the people of Punjab.
THE NUMBERS
On January 2014, Chandigarh's Narcotics Control Board (NCB) Zonal Director, Kaustubh Sharma had put in public domain some shocking data which stated, "During the last year (2013-14), a total 30,000 cases of drug peddling were registered in the country out of which 15,000 were from Punjab alone."
In the same year, former Punjab DGP (prisons) Shashi Kant had claimed that the state elections are fought with the help of drugs and drug money. He was quoted as saying, "last year (2013), the size of annual narcotics trade in Punjab was around Rs 60,000 crore."
In fact, a top secret document prepared by Kant listed the names of more than 80 subordinate and mid-level officers who were suspected to be in cahoots with the cross-border mafia, which "in turn has its tentacles among Punjab's politicians."
FACING REALITY
Today, seeing the political tamasha on the release of Udta Punjab - investigative officers, both in the NCB and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are shocked and surprised to see why the CBFC and political parties are trying to ban the film Udta Punjab - which is nothing, but a harsh reality. A DRI official, requesting anonymity told Indiatoday.in that such films should not be banned in the name of censorship and number of cuts. "How could CBFC ignore the facts? Punjab has become a state with major drug consumption. I am from Punjab and my family stays in the border region. Punjab shares its border with Pakistan which is the major source of drugs. Such films should be made and released to put facts before the people and create awareness among the youth, especially in Punjab itself."
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"The state government and the censor board could not ignore these facts. There is no letup in the drug menace within Punjab as the state has registered 50 per cent of the total drug related cases in the country", an official from NCB, Mumbai said.
In 2014, Indian Express had conducted a comprehensive investigation on 6,598 FIRs - which were made available under the Right of Information Act. These FIRs were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act from January 1 to December 31, 2014, in 152 police stations that fall under 14 of the 28 police districts in Punjab.
In May 2014, stung by allegations of inaction over the rampant abuse and trafficking of drugs, the Punjab government launched an aggressive crackdown declaring that they wouldn't spare anyone. Finally, across the state 17,068 and 11,593 arrests were made in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
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MODUS OPERANDI
While explaining the modus operandi to Indiatoday.in, one NCB official said, "the smugglers in Punjab supply and receive consignments via villages bordering Pakistan. The main drugs either come from Afghanistan or Pakistan. The packets (in various forms) are inserted from the Pakistan side and received on the Indian side by the smugglers."
Sources says, the packet of drugs are stuffed into tractor tyre tubes and filled with air before they are hurled into the rivers and tributaries in Pakistan that criss-cross their way into India. Once the tires cross India, specialised divers swim underwater and guide the consignments, usually in packets of 500 grams, to safety. In addition, the packet of drugs, mostly cocaine and heroin are filled into PVC pipes and are thrust through the fencing.
Not openly, but the investigative officers from anti-narcotics zones are supporting the film, with the hope that it would highlight the real state of affairs of Punjab and the impact of drugs consumption on today's youth. "Kill the menace of drugs, but not the messenger (film)", an official concludes.
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ALSO READ:
Here's why the Censor Board should let Indians watch Udta Punjab without cuts
Udta Punjab vs Censor Board: Bombay High Court asks CBFC for reasons for cuts
Udta Punjab row: Ex-CBFC chief bashes Pahlaj Nihalani, calls current board a sham
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By PTI: Lucknow, Jun 9 (PTI) Ruling Samajwadi Party today said it was "ironical" that BSP supremo Mayawati was demanding a CBI probe into the Mathura violence as she had herself questioned the working of the investigation agency earlier.
"She on one hand is raising demand for CBI probe in the Mathura incident and on the other she herself questions working of the agency. She used to accuse BJP for misusing CBI and is herself afraid of its probe against her in disproportionate asset and other cases," SP spokesman Rajendra Chowdhury said.
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"Its ironical that such a person is raising demand for a CBI probe," he said.
Responding to Mayawatis allegations of poor law and order situation in the state, Chowdury said that she should check the crime data during her regime "when rapes, murders and abductions were on the rise".
"Mayawati is patronising mafias, criminals and corrupt persons. In the four-year reigme of SP, there are no charges against Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and she should be aware of it," he said. PTI ABN BSA RG BSA
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After a major terror attack at an upscale market in Tel Aviv, Israel has suspended entry permits for 83,000 Palestinians granted during Ramazan.
By Press Trust of India: Israel today suspended entry permits for 83,000 Palestinians granted during Ramzan following a major terror attack at an upscale market in Tel Aviv, the deadliest in the recent spate of violence that killed four Israelis and injured 16 others.
The decision to suspend the entry permits, most of them for Palestinians to visit their family in Israel, was taken overnight during a meeting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt Gen Gadi Eisenkot soon after the attack.
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Permits for Gaza residents to pray at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, described by Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) that houses the al-Aqsa mosque, have also been suspended.
ISRAEL PM CALLS IT A SAVAGE CRIME OF MURDER AND TERRORISM
Netanyahu, who visited the scene of the terror attack late last night, called the attack "a savage crime of murder and terrorism" and convened a meeting of the security-diplomatic cabinet at the defence headquarters to discuss possible further steps in response to the terror attack.
"There was a very difficult event here, of cold-blooded murder by heinous terrorists," the Israeli Prime Minister said adding, "We held a discussion on a string of offensive and defensive measures that we will take to act against this phenomenon, the grave phenomenon of shooting. It is definitely challenging us and we will respond to it."
"There will be firm action by other security elements, not only to locate anyone who cooperated with this murder, but also to prevent further actions. We will act firmly and intelligently," he stressed.
Maj Gen Yoav Mordechai, the coordinator of government activities in the territories ordered overnight to also suspend 204 entry permits given to the families of the perpetrators of terror attack.
According to Palestinian reports, the IDF surrounded the South Hebron Hills town of Yatta, the hometown of the assailants, and has declared the area as a closed military zone.
The military is expected to carry out arrests and interrogate the perpetrators' families.
PLO ON RECENT SHOOTING
The Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) in a statement today said the culprits behind last night's shooting attack in Tel Aviv's Sarona complex acted individually, despite belonging to its student group.
The PLO said the youths' actions were a "natural response" to the "violations of an Israeli occupation".
"Israel announces at every given opportunity its opposition to a peace process, and chooses instead the force of its army," the statement said, stressing, "Israel must cease the occupation of Palestinian land".
ISLAMIST GROUP PRAISES RECENT ATTACK
Rival Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, praised the attack but did not claim responsibility for it.
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There has been a wave of Palestinian attacks on Israelis since last year, with a series of shootings, stabbings and car rammings, although the number of incidents had dropped in recent months.
Yesterday's attacks took place in two locations in Sarona Market in central Tel Aviv, close to Israel's defence ministry and main army headquarters.
COP CALLS IT A SERIOUS TERRORIST ATTACK
Tel Aviv Police Chief, Moshe Edri, called the shooting a "serious terrorist attack", saying that two terrorists came to the market and opened fire randomly at civilians.
Eyewitnesses told the local media that the terrorists were disguised as religious Jews and wore Kippot (Jewish skullcaps), but it could not be independently verified.
One of the two Palestinian shooters died in the offensive launched by security forces while the second one is being treated in a Tel Aviv hospital in critical condition.
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A court in Italy ruled in favour of a divorced man who paid alimony with pizza.
By India Today Web Desk: Divorce can be an awfully expensive affair. More often than not, one partner is forced to cough up a ridiculous amount of money as alimony, either a one-time settlement or as monthly payments.
But what happens when they can't afford to pay a large amount of money?
Nicola Toso, a chef based in Padua, Italy, divorced his wife Nicoletta Zuin in 2002 and was asked to pay $335 (approximately Rs 22,000) in monthly child support for 4 years.
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But in 2008 his business suffered a major setback owing to the deep economic crisis that hit Italy.
Tosco, who had since remarried and had three more children with his new companion, was scampering to make ends meet. A pizza chef by profession, he struggled to find an alternative way to pay the alimony.
And so, he decided to pay his alimony with an equivalent amount of pizza.
Unsurprisingly, his wife Nicoletta Zuin, was miffed with the offer and dragged him to the court. At the court, things turned in favour of Tosco.
The judges found his 'pizza payments' completely fair. Judge Chiara Bitozzi said, "Since he does not earn enough to make the full payment it was acceptable to continue paying the alimony with his culinary creations instead."
The case was settled in 2011. Tosco currently has full custody of his daughter, who is now 20, after she had a fallout with her mother.
Italian journalist Lino Lava stumbled upon this case when he was rummaging through records at a courthouse last month.
In a similar incident, a Mumbai family court which granted a Gujarati couple divorce back in 2014, asked the ex-husband to pay his ex-wife an extra alimony of Rs 150 per month - to buy ice-cream!
The ice-cream allowance came along with Rs 85,000 as interim maintenance.
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In a major embarrassment to the BJP-PDP alliance government name of a BJP MLA from Chamb Assembly seat, Dr Krishen Lal Bhagat has surfaced in the BPL beneficiary list prepared for the CAPD department ahead of implementing NFSA ACT in the state.
In a major embarrassment to the BJP-PDP alliance government name of a BJP MLA from Chamb Assembly seat, Dr Krishen Lal Bhagat has surfaced in the BPL beneficiary list prepared for the CAPD department ahead of implementing NFSA ACT in the state.
Following the revelations the government went on back foot and to salvage its reputation went ahead and announced suspension of Tehsildar Khour and other employees, responsible for wrongly incorporating name of MLA Chhamb in the list.
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This information was given by Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Syed Basharat Bukhari today in the House during the discussion on demand for grants of Transport Department.
BHAGAT HAD COMPLAINED WITH THE GOVT
MLA Chhamb, Dr Krishen Lal Bhagat had earlier complained with the government that his name has been wrongly incorporated in the BPL list.
The Minister said that the Deputy Commissioner Jammu has been directed to enquire the negligence and prepare a report within 7 days in this regard.
"Message should go from this House that any body found indulging in any wrongdoing at ground level won't be tolerated," the Minister said adding that it was a continuous process of Government to rectify any misdeeds.
On the occasion Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Ch. Zulfkar Ali announced suspension of concerned employees who are responsible for the error in the list.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu , Dr Pawan Kotwal also set up a inquiry committee under the charge of Deputy Commissioner Jammu Simrandeep Singh to probe the matter and submit a report within seven days.
ALSO READ: Uproar in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Engineer Rashid marshalled out
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Fearing cross voting in the elections, the party issued a directive asking all the legislators to report into a private hotel outskirts of Jaipur. The four independent MLAs supporting the BJP candidates will also join the MLAs at the resort.
By Rohit Parihar : BJP has herded its Rajasthan legislators into a private hotel under the name of 'training' ahead of the Rajya Sabha election on June 11.
Fearing cross voting in the elections, the party issued a directive asking all the legislators to report into a private hotel outskirts of Jaipur on Wednesday evening. The four independent MLAs supporting the BJP candidates will also join the MLAs at the resort.
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The move came after former union minister Kamal Morarka after he announced his candidature for Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan with support from Congress.
Consequently, staunch allegations and counter-allegations began.
ATTACK AND COUNTER-ATTACK
BJP has pulled out a few pages from history books to reveal that Morarka used to speak against Gandhi family and Rajiv Gandhi did not like him either.
Responding to the attack, Morarka has retorted by saying that always stood for principles and the BJP, by restricting its MLAs to a hotel, has accepted moral defeat.
BJP has fielded four candidates, Venkaiah Naidu, Om Mathur, Harshwardhan Singh and Ram Kumar Verma in a hope that it could be a cakewalk given it has 160 MLAs in 200 member assembly. It needs 164 to have 41 first preference votes for each. On the face of it, BJP has backing of four independent MLAs.
Yet, entry of Morarka who too has friends cutting across the party lines and who hopes to get help of a few unhappy MLAs in the BJP has made BJP jittery. It has lodged its MLAs in a hotel in Jaipur on the pretext of training them into who has to given first preference vote to whom and who has to cast second one where.
VOTE GAME
This is the only way to later find out which batch of 41 did not vote as per party whip. But it is not easy to identify the culprit and then there is always a possibility of by error or deliberately cast invalid vote.
While Naidu's victory is certain, BJP high command would like state unit to ensure that Om Mathur, national vice president whom some MLAs won't like to vote for, must win even if anyone else from the other two gets defeated.
A defeat for Mathur would instantly be interpreted as one orchestrated by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje which will seriously strain ties between her and the high command.
However, BJP is confident about winning all four seats given its majoirty. While in case of Morarka, a win will be a feather in cap for PCC president Sachin Pilot and his second in command, Vishvendra Singh. But a defeat won't be any loss.
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ALSO READ:
BJP releases first list for Rajya Sabha polls, party to announce more candidates
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Deputy Superintendent of Police Anupama Shenoy, who was twice transferred by the Congress government following her showdown with Karnataka Labour Minister this year, had remained incommunicado for the last four days after tendering her resignation.
By Mail Today: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his trusted lieutenant, Labour Minister PT Parameshwara Naik, seem worried these days as a lady police officer, who was transferred several times in the past six months, has resigned in haste and is threatening to reveal damaging information relating to the minister on Facebook.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Anupama Shenoy, who was twice transferred by the Congress government following her showdown with Naik this year, had remained incommunicado for the last four days after tendering her resignation.
IF I'M GOING DOWN I'LL TAKE YOU ALONG
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The government is trying in vain to convince her to withdraw the resignation in the wake of intense public criticism. However, Anupama, who is not reachable to her parents too, is posting interesting messages on her Facebook account such as "I have resigned, now minister will you?" Please wait, I will release the CD post midnight."
Her Facebook posts have sent the Congress leaders in a tizzy while the police are trying to verify whether the account is being actually handled by her or someone else. In some of her posts, the officer indicates the involvement of a woman with the minister but just stops short of revealing it.
Naik, who is at the receiving end, meanwhile is trying to put up a brave front on the issue. "How can I comment on what she is posting on Facebook? We are not even sure if the Facebook account belongs to her," he told the media.
Apparently, Anupama was upset with the interference of the minister in her routine work in the Ballari district of which Naik is incharge.
In January, Naik was caught on camera proudly claiming that he got Anupama transferred, as she did not respond properly to his phone calls. Last week, the minister reportedly interfered with her work when she tried to take on the liquor lobby prompting her to tender her resignation.
ALARMING SITUATION
However, Anupama, who is the Kudligi DSP, has not revealed the reason behind her resignation officially so far.
A 2010 batch Karnataka cadre officer, Anupama was transferred to Indi Division in Vijayapura district from Ballari on January 18 following her fall-out with the minister.
However, in February the government transferred her back to Kudgli following massive public outcry. During June first week, she had ordered the preventive custody of three persons, who had allegedly encroached upon land belonging to Ambedkar Bhavan. But Naik allegedly asked her to drop the case.
Naik, however, is maintaining that he was neither involved in the transfer of the officer nor intervened in the latest case. The issue has dented the image of the Congress government, which had to handle snap stirs by the police and the government staff last week. In an effort to put an end to the issue, the government dispatched a police team to her home in coastal Karnataka, but her parents are clueless about her whereabouts.
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Former CM and Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa termed the situation alarming for government servants. "The working atmosphere is so bad within the government that honest officers are quitting service. The government should be ashamed of what the minister has done," he said.
ALSO READ
#RajyaSabhaBazaar: India Today sting shows Karnataka MLAs seeking bribes ahead of RS polls
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While inaugurating a ladies only canteen, Calcutta University Vice Chancellor Sugata Marjit fumbled when students asked if he were taking the 21st century students to early 19th century when women could not freely mix with men in public.
By Romita Datta: A storm is brewing over a ladies canteen within the Calcutta University (CU) campus.
While inaugurating the canteen Calcutta University Vice Chancellor Sugata Marjit fumbled when students asked if he were taking the 21st century students to early 19th century when women would not freely mix with men in public.
GENDER DIVIDE
Majority of the colleges would be either for men or women and in co-educational institutions boys and girls would sit in separate rows and had different common rooms.
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In fact many elderly students, who passed out from CU, recall that it was a practice among the girls to enter the class room along with the professor and leave at once he left.
POLITICAL SAY
Marjit bypassed the question by saying that an exclusive canteen for women was set up on the basis of a proposal, mooted by the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad. There was no proposal for boys' canteen or a canteen without any gender divide and hence it did not happen.
The Left controlled students wing, SFI, however, sees this as an attempt at moral policing and an overall plan to control free mixing. Eyebrows are already being raised by a section of people over Jadavpur University becoming a centre of decadence.
Whatever might have been the reason for the divide, girls have decided to boycott the canteen since they find it demeaning.
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By PTI: From Aditi Khanna
London, Jun 9 (PTI) A new restaurant offering customers the promise of a completely natural dining experience is all set to open as The Buniyadi here.
Based on the Hindi word meaning fundamental, the restaurant will operate on a clothing-optional basis.
"We believe people should get the chance to enjoy and experience a night out without any impurities: no chemicals, no artificial colours, no electricity, no gas, no phone and even no clothes if they wish to. The idea is to experience true liberation," said Seb Lyall, founder of Lollipop, the company behind the restaurant.
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"We have worked very hard to design a space where everything patrons interact with is bare and naked. The use of natural bamboo partitions and candlelight has enabled to us to make the restaurant discreet," he said.
The food will be served on handmade clay plates with edible cutlery and diners would have to leave their mobile phones and other gadgets at the door and will be given to the option to even take off their gowns provided on arrival.
The restaurant, which will open on Saturday, does have a "clothes" section for those who wish to remain dressed while dining.
Customers will be served vegan and non-vegan dished accompanied by organic,preserve-free wine under candle light.
The pop-up style restaurant in the east end of London already has a waiting list of 44,200 people and will be open for three months with a seating capacity of 42 guests. PTI AK NSA
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By PTI: Valley
Srinagar, Jun 8 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today asked farmers to take to high density varieties of fruit trees which could increase the turnover of horticulture in the state from present Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore in next five years.
High density planting means to increase the plant population per unit area for increasing the production of fruit crops.
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"If only 20 per cent of our orchards take up high density farming over the next five years, the Rs 4,000 crore industry will expand five times to a staggering Rs 20,000 crore," she said during the discussion on demand for grants of Horticulture and Floriculture Departments in the Assembly here.
She said fruit growers need to shift to high density plantation as the move will open up new vistas of employment and income generation for nearly six lakh youth over the next 15 years.
"Government will diversify horticulture and floriculture activities by adopting newer techniques and best practices to survive the onslaught of emerging markets in and outside the country," she said.
Asking the farmers to help make Kashmir the "Fruit Valley of the World", Mehbooba said her government was working through a multifaceted strategy to change the dynamics of horticulture and floriculture sectors to ensure quality production and better returns.
The Chief Minister said the new generation of horticulturists and floriculturists should create a unified online marketing facility where they would directly sell their produce to the buyers in any part of the country and the world to earn good returns.
Mehbooba said the sector offers immense economic opportunities for the people, especially the educated youth who, with the help of latest communication techniques, can give a global face to the states horticulture and floriculture produce.
Referring to the "difficult times" the Valley went through in the past two and a half decades, the Chief Minister credited the fruit growers in horticulture sector and craftsmen in the handicraft industry for sustaining the states budding economy.
The PDP leader said as per the official records, 14.79 lakh tonnes of fresh and dry fruit valued at about Rs 6,000 crore were exported from the state during 2015-16 and that the area under fruits has increased from 2.95 lakh hectares in 2007-08 to 3.57 lakh hectares in 2015-16.
The Chief Minister said two Centres of Excellence each on vegetable production and horticulture will be established in the state. (MORE) PTI MIJ SRY PAL SRY
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By PTI: Mexico City, Jun 9 (PTI) India today received crucial support of Mexico in its bid to become member of the NSG ahead of a plenary meeting of the 48-nation bloc whose members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced his countrys support to Indias bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on a range of bilateral and global issues.
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"Mexico supports positively and constructively Indias membership of the NSG," the Mexican President said at a joint media interaction with Modi.
On his part, the Prime Minister thanked Mexico for its support and called the country an important partner for Indias energy security.
"We are looking to move beyond buyer-seller relationship and into a long-term partnership... We have agreed to develop a roadmap of concrete outcomes to upgrade our ties to a Strategic Partnership," said the Prime Minister who arrived here earlier in the day from Washington on the last leg of his five-nation tour.
In their talks, Modi and Nieto explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas including in trade and investment, information technology, climate change and energy.
Mexico is a key member of the NSG and its support to Indias bid for entry into NSG is seen as important. Modi had visited Switzerland, another key member of the NSG, before travelling to the US, and the European country - known to have strong proliferation concerns - had announced its support to Indias candidature for the atomic trading club.
Support of Mexico and Switzerland is seen as important in the wake of China opposing Indias NSG membership arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.
The US and many other NSG member countries have supported Indias inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record. The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one countrys vote against India will scuttle its bid.
India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on May 12.
The NSG looks after critical issues relating to the nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Its membership will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed Indias case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal. PTI MPB SAI AKJ SAI
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By PTI: Mexico City, Jun 9 (PTI) In another crucial backing for Indias NSG bid, Mexico today supported "positively" and "constructively" its membership of the 48-nation bloc as the two countries agreed to develop a roadmap to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
"Mexico supports positively and constructively Indias membership of the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)," Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said at a joint media interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who flew in here from Washington after addressing a joint sitting of the Congress.
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Modi thanked Mexico, a key NSG member, for its support and called the country an important partner for Indias energy security.
"We are looking to move beyond buyer-seller relationship and into a long-term partnership... We have agreed to develop a roadmap of concrete outcomes to upgrade our ties to a Strategic Partnership," he said.
Mexicos support to India is seen as crucial in its bid to become member of the elite NSG, whose members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology, ahead of its plenary meeting. Modi on Monday visited Switzerland, another key member of the NSG, and the European country - known to have strong proliferation concerns - had announced its support to Indias candidature for the atomic trading club.
Nieto announced his countrys support to India after holding wide-ranging talks with Modi, on the last leg of his five-nation tour, on a range of bilateral and global issues.
In their talks, Modi and Nieto explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas including in trade and investment, information technology, climate change and energy.
Support of Mexico and Switzerland is seen as important in the wake of China opposing Indias NSG membership arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.
The US and many other NSG member countries have supported Indias inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record. The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one countrys vote against India will scuttle its bid.
India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on May 12.
The NSG looks after critical issues relating to the nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Its membership will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed Indias case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal. PTI MPB SAI AKJ SAI
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India is emerging from decades of isolation over its nuclear arms programme, and is poised to join the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) after talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington.
Both groups would give India greater access to research and technology, but China has effectively blocked Indias accession to NSG. MEA photo
By India Today Web Desk: Mexico supports India joining non-proliferation body the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Wednesday, and visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked him for his backing. In pics: Mexican President tacos Modi for dinner and walk
India is emerging from decades of isolation over its nuclear arms programme, and is poised to join the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) after talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington this week.
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Both groups would give India greater access to research and technology, but China has effectively blocked India's accession to NSG.
In a very special gesture, President Enrique Pena Nieto personally drives PM Modi to a restaurant for Mexican vegetarian fare
President Enrique Pena Nieto and Prime Minister Modi also signed joint photographs. While thanking Nieto, PM Modi asserted that both the countries should develop and upgrade their strategic partnership.
Here are the highlights: My conversations with you are deeply stimulating. Mexico was the first Latin American country to recognise India: PM in Mexico We have agreed to develop and upgrade our ties towards strategic partnership. Since then the trajectory of our bilateral ties have shown growing intensity We are now looking to move beyond our buyer-seller relationship. IT, Energy, Pharma and automotive are key growth areas. In this regard, President & I agreed to find ways to deepen our co-op in space and science and technology. We will also prioritise concrete projects in agriculture research, bio technology, waste management,disaster warning and solar energy I'd like to thank President for his support for International Solar Alliance. I'll transform the global canvas for solar teach. I thank President for his positive and constructive support for India's membership in NSG.
PM in Mexico: We agreed to develop and upgrade our strategic partnership
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By PTI: Mexico City, Jun 9 (PTI) India today secured Mexicos backing in its bid to become member of the NSG as it aggressively scouted for support ahead of a crucial meeting of the 48-nation nuclear trading bloc in Vienna.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced his countrys support to Indias membership for the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a major focus on further deepening cooperation in a range of areas including trade and investment, information technology, energy and space.
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"Mexico recognises Indias bid to be part of the NSG. As a country, we are going to be positively and constructively supporting Indias request in recognition of the commitment by Prime Minister Modi to the international agenda of disarmament and non proliferation of nuclear weapons," Nieto said at a joint media interaction with Modi.
On his part, the Prime Minister thanked the Mexican President for his countrys support and called Mexico an important partner for Indias energy security.
He said both the countries have agreed to work and develop a "roadmap of concrete outcomes" to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership.
He added: "We both feel that our growing convergence on international issues allows us to join our capacities to strengthen international regimes of strategic importance. I thank President Pena Nieto for Mexicos positive and constructive support for Indias membership of the NSG."
Modi on Monday visited Switzerland, another key member of the NSG, and the European country - known to have strong proliferation concerns - had announced its support to Indias candidature at the bloc that looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology.
Membership of the grouping will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
A meeting of the NSG later today in Vienna is scheduled to discuss Indias membership application which will be followed by another meeting on June 24 in Seoul.
India has been reaching out to NSG member countries seeking support to its membership.
China has been opposing Indias membership at the premier club, arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The US has been strongly supporting India and asked various NSG members to support New Delhis bid.
The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.
The US and many other NSG member countries have supported Indias inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record.
The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one countrys vote against India will scuttle its bid.
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India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on May 12. (MORE) PTI MPB SAI AKJ SAI
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While BJP leaders exulted online, praising the PM and calling him a 'world leader', many just used the occasion to crack jokes, poking fun at the PM's frequent flyer status or mocking his friendship with Obama. | Full text of PM Modi's speech
By India Today Web Desk: US lawmakers may have given Prime Minister Narendra Modi standing ovations at least nine times during his speech at the joint session of the Congress , but the applause on Twitter was even more deafening.
Modi supporters and haters alike tweeted away to glory, and as is the case usually, the memes followed.
Modi in US Congress: Experts rate speech on a scale of 10
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While BJP leaders exulted online, praising the PM and calling him a 'world leader', many just used the occasion to crack jokes, poking fun at the PM's frequent flyer status or mocking his friendship with Obama.
Terror incubated in India's neighbourhood: PM Modi's US Congress speech had strong message for Pakistan
Here are some tweets that caught our eye:
Hon @narendramodi Ji, you made 125 crore Indians feel on the top of the world and won more than 7 billion hearts of the world! #ModiInUS Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 8, 2016
Modi: Sab ek ek kar ke apna order likhva do
Guy 1: Mere 2 pack Thepla
Guy 2: Mujhe 2 kg Khaman
Guy 3 : 1 kg Handvo pic.twitter.com/j7yAozZmib ???? (@FaaduTweets) June 9, 2016
After Modi's speech.. Hillary and Trump - Thank god Modi isn't fighting the US presidential elections..#ModiInUS pic.twitter.com/f2DQ4GCYYC MumBaekar.. (@katamulgi) June 8, 2016
RaGa: Mom, Why did Congress branch of US gave 9 standing ovations to #ModiInUS?
SoGa: Idiot, that is US Congress pic.twitter.com/2oujTjDzpo Gupt Roguey (@DaMadHooker) June 8, 2016
Embarrassing speech by Modi in US Congress. Not a single shoe thrown at him as a gift. My son @ArvindKejriwal gets that every time. Amartya Talks (@AmartyaTalks) June 8, 2016
Usually when Congress people get up in front of Modi, it is usually to walk out. Even Modiji might have been surprised today. Mr Mr Atulya Desi (@amreekandesi) June 8, 2016
#ModiinUS
Oh. So Modi beat Rahul Gandhi in being the first to give an inspiring speech to a Congress. Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) June 8, 2016
That was a pretty good speech. But I was expecting Anurag Kashyap to burst into the hall and say 'Udta Punjab' into the mic. #ModiInUS Akshar (@AksharPathak) June 8, 2016
Pic 1: Jack and Rose (1997)
Pic 2: Modi and Obama (2016)#ModiInUS pic.twitter.com/jWwwtw6o1y ???? (@FaaduTweets) June 9, 2016
Real progress is the fact that Modi moved from no US visa to multiple entry visa. #ModiInUS Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) June 8, 2016
This is the highest number of congressmen Modi has ever addressed. In India he can address to max 44 ?? pic.twitter.com/sm2lWxI8vt Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) June 8, 2016
Modi hasn't developed an American accent? Is he really Indian? Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) June 8, 2016
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By PTI: From Lalit K Jha
Washington, Jun 9 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modis three-day visit to the US this week was "very, very rich and productive" as significant progress was made in wide range of areas from civil nuclear energy to defence and trade, Americas top diplomat in New Delhi has said.
"This is a very very rich and productive visit," US Ambassador to India Richard Verma told PTI after the conclusion of Modis visit, during which the Prime Minister held meetings with US President Barack Obama and addressed a joint sitting of the Congress.
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"I think the takeaway was deepening and broadening of the relationship in so many ways. It was a real testament to our friendship," said Verma, who was present in most of the meetings Modi had with US government officials including with Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
"The Prime Minister said there is a new symphony ready to play," said the top US diplomat of Indian-origin, referring to Modis speech to the Congress.
"Substantively we did so much as well, civil nuclear, defence, climate, energy, new consulates, people-to-people contacts, cyber, trade, across the board," the Ambassador said referring to various agreements reached during and in the run up to the Prime Ministers fourth trip to the US.
Verma said the two leaders spent several hours together at the White House on Tuesday.
"The mood was exceptionally positive. They had very good discussions on regional issues, economic issues, its a whole range. They really had very important set of discussions. I think the mood was quite constructive," he said.
Observing that defence is the "big part" of India-US relationship, he added that "now we have moved well beyond just defence".
"We have so many other areas. Clean energy finance, education, increasing consular, travel, Indias admission into global entry programme, for example. So we are putting into place all those pieces to really make the relationship as the Prime Minister and President said the defining relationship of the century," Verma said.
"I think, this relationship stands on itself," he said when asked about the apprehensions in the Chinese media on a strong India-US ties.
"The Prime Minister said it best that our two countries can have such a positive impact on peace, on prosperity and security. And that such a great result of this friendship is getting stronger," he said.
The President and Prime Minister, meeting seven times in less than two years, he said, is part of their effort "to make sure that we solidify the gains made".
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"I think, they enjoy getting together. And they know that the issues that we confront together are serious and require their personal attention. So just to give you the example of the Paris Climate Agreement, which would not have happened without the President and the Prime Minister coming together.
"Thats the model of global leadership that our two countries can play in the future. And so these meetings are helpful in that regard," he said. PTI LKJ SAI AKJ SAI
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By PTI: Vienna/New Delhi, June 9 (PTI) With the US pushing its case, Indias bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) has received positive indications from most of the member countries but China was still playing the spoiler by persisting with its opposition.
The 48-member NSG, which controls access to sensitive nuclear technology, began a two-day meeting here in the Austrian capital to consider Indias application.
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"Its an ongoing process but most countries appear positive," said diplomatic sources as the meeting got underway.
Indias case is being strongly pushed by the US which has written to the NSG members in this direction.
US Secretary of State John Kerry recently wrote a two-page letter to member countries who are sceptical towards Indias membership of the NSG to "agree not to block consensus on Indian admission" to the group, according to Bloomberg.
"India has shown strong support for the objectives of the NSG and the global nuclear nonproliferation regime and is a ?like-minded? state deserving of NSG admission," Kerry wrote.
Among the countries being sceptical to Indias entry were New Zealand, Ireland, Turkey, South Africa and Austria.
Diplomatic sources said some of these countries had softened their stand.
However, China continues to maintain opposition to Indias entry, arguing that it has not signed Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). China wants NSG membership for Pakistan if NSG extends any exemption for India.
India has asserted that being a signatory to the NPT was not essential for joining the NSG as there has been a precedent in this regard, citing the case of France.
Earlier in the day, Mexico expressed its backing to India during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi there. The Mexican support followed that of the US and Switzerland. Japan too has expressed its support.
The NSG looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Membership of the grouping will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
India has been reaching out to NSG member countries seeking support for its entry. The NSG works under the principle of consensus and even one countrys vote against India will scuttle its bid. PTI MPB AKK VMN AKK
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Naga Chaitanya has reportedly taken a pay cut for roping in Shruti Haasan for the role of Malar in the remake of Malaylam blockbuster Premam.
By India Today Web Desk: Malayalam blockbuster Premam, which is now being remade in Telugu as Majnu, has Naga Chaitanya playing the lead role. But when the actor was roped in, he reportedly wanted Shruti Haasan to essay the role of Malar which was originally played by Sai Pallavi, who won the hearts of youngsters through her debut film.
The makers of the film were a bit reluctant when Naga Chaitanya suggested Shruti's name because they could not offer her. As we all know, Shruti Haasan is the happening actor in Tollywood, who recently made a salary hike after the commercial success of Mahesh Babu-starrer Srimanthudu.
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In order to rope in Shruti, Chaitanya reportedly decided to take a pay cut, which accounts for a whopping amount of 50 lakhs as reported in a Telugu media.
The two other lead ladies, Anupama Parameshwaran and Madonna Sebastian, who gave a splendid performance as Mary and Celine respectfully in the original version are retained for the Telugu version.
While one appreciates Chaitanya's gesture, it's unclear if the gesture was for the character or for the actor essaying the role.
Majnu, which is the first collaboration of Naga Chaitanya with Shruti Haasan, will have its teaser release on June 11.
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By PTI: Kohima, Jun 9 (PTI) Nagalands apex tribal body Naga Hoho and Naga Students Federation today condemned Tuesdays police lathi charge on demonstrators outside Manipur Bhawan in Delhi and demanded an investigation into the "brutal act of the Manipur Rifles and Delhi Police".
Naga Hoho Secretary (Administration), Chitho Nyusou said action must be taken against the culprits for Tuesdays lathi charge on the protestors, most of them tribal student union members and young professionals.
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The Hoho demanded that peaceful protesters lodged in lock ups and jails be released immediately and medical expenses be paid for the injured.
Nyusou said the Manipur Tribals Forum Delhi (MTFD) had gathered outside Manipur Bhavan to register their resentment against the three "anti-tribal" Bills and the All Manipur political party delegates.
NSF president Subenthung Kithan said instead of listening to the grievances of the tribals, they were harassed and tortured as criminals in the national capital.
The barbaric act and the high handedness of the Manipur Rifles and Delhi Police personnel should be condemned by all in the strongest term, the NSF added.
"The barbaric act of the Manipur Rifles and Delhi Police is clear sign of vengeance meted out to the unarmed peaceful protestors of MTFD," he said adding that the lathi charge clearly showed the incapability of the men in uniform and the lack of sincerity by Manipur government which, the NSF said, was lobbying for three "anti-tribal" bills be made into acts.
The students union also alleged that four young mothers who were among the protestors were beaten, slapped, kicked and pulled by their hair. "Taking undue advantage of the havoc created, some personnel even groped and molested some women," it said.
At least 25 persons, including police officials, were injured in the clash between police and a group of protesters who held a demonstration outside Manipur Bhawan at Chakyapuri in New Delhi on June 7 against the three Inner Line Permit system-related bills passed by the state assembly.
A police van was also damaged in the clash outside Manipur Bhawan in Sardar Patel Marg in the national capital.
The three bills were passed in August last year after months of mass movement to protect the indigenous populace from illegal immigrants in the state, including those from neighbouring Myanmar. PTI NBS KK BSA
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By PTI: Geneva, Jun 9 (PTI) Names for the four newly discovered elements - with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 - have been proposed as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine and oganesson respectively, IUPAC has announced.
In December last year, The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) had verified the discoveries of four new chemical elements, and assigned atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 to them.
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The 7th period of the periodic table of elements was complete as a result of the discovery.
The discoverers had been invited to propose names which are now disclosed for public review. A five-month public review is now set, expiring on November 8, prior to the formal approval by the IUPAC Council.
Keeping with tradition, newly discovered elements can be named after a mythological concept or character (including an astronomical object), a mineral or similar substance, a place, a property of the element, or a scientist.
The names of all new elements in general should have an ending that reflects and maintains historical and chemical consistency.
This should be in general "-ium" for elements belonging to groups 1-16, "-ine" for elements of group 17 and "-on" for elements of group 18.
Finally, the names for new chemical elements in English should allow proper translation into other major languages.
For the element with atomic number 113, the scientists at the RIKEN Nishina Centre for Accelerator-Based Science in Japan proposed the name nihonium and the symbol Nh.
Nihon is one of the two ways to say "Japan" in Japanese, and literally means "the Land of Rising Sun".
The name is proposed to make a direct connection to the nation where the element was discovered. Element 113 is the first element to have been discovered in an Asian country.
For the element with atomic number 115 the name proposed is moscovium with the symbol Mc and for element with atomic number 117, the name is tennessine with the symbol Ts.
These are in line with tradition honouring a place or geographical region and are proposed jointly by the scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Russia, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the US.
Moscovium is in recognition of the Moscow region and honours the ancient Russian land that is the home of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, where the discovery experiments were conducted.
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Tennessine is in recognition of the contribution of the Tennessee region, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee to super heavy element research.
For the element with atomic number 118 the collaborating teams of discoverers at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory proposed the name oganesson and symbol Og.
The name honours Professor Yuri Oganessian (born 1933) for his pioneering contributions to transactinoid elements research. PTI MHN SAR SAR
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Keeping with tradition, newly discovered elements can be named after a mythological concept or character (including an astronomical object), a mineral or similar substance, a place, a property of the element, or a scientist.
By Press Trust of India: Names for the four newly discovered elements - with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 - have been proposed as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine and oganesson respectively, IUPAC has announced.
In December last year, The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) had verified the discoveries of four new chemical elements, and assigned atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 to them.
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The discoverers had been invited to propose names which are now disclosed for public review. A five-month public review is now set, expiring on November 8, prior to the formal approval by the IUPAC Council.
NAMING RULES
Keeping with tradition, newly discovered elements can be named after a mythological concept or character (including an astronomical object), a mineral or similar substance, a place, a property of the element, or a scientist.
The names of all new elements in general should have an ending that reflects and maintains historical and chemical consistency.
This should be in general "-ium" for elements belonging to groups 1-16, "-ine" for elements of group 17 and "-on" for elements of group 18.
Finally, the names for new chemical elements in English should allow proper translation into other major languages.
NIHONIUM ORIGINS
For the element with atomic number 113, the scientists at the RIKEN Nishina Centre for Accelerator-Based Science in Japan proposed the name nihonium and the symbol Nh. Nihon is one of the two ways to say "Japan" in Japanese, and literally means "the Land of Rising Sun". The name is proposed to make a direct connection to the nation where the element was discovered. Element 113 is the first element to have been discovered in an Asian country.
MOSCOVIUM ORIGINS
For the element with atomic number 115 the name proposed is moscovium with the symbol Mc and for element with atomic number 117, the name is tennessine with the symbol Ts.These are in line with tradition honouring a place or geographical region and are proposed jointly by the scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Russia, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the US.Moscovium is in recognition of the Moscow region and honours the ancient Russian land that is the home of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, where the discovery experiments were conducted.
TENESSINE ORIGINS
Tennessine is in recognition of the contribution of the Tennessee region, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee to super heavy element research.
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For the element with atomic number 118 the collaborating teams of discoverers at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory proposed the name oganesson and symbol Og.
The name honours Professor Yuri Oganessian (born 1933) for his pioneering contributions to transactinoid elements research.
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The Uttar Pradesh administration had blamed intelligence failure for Mathura violence. However, an India Today investigation has now revealed that the state administration had specific inputs about the impending disaster.
Mathura's largest public park - Jawahar Bagh - turned into an inferno of chaos, fire and devastation on June 2. 24 people, including 2 senior policemen, were killed when the police tried to free the 268-acre park from the followers of the cult - Swadhin Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah. The squatters had been illegally occupying the land since the last two years.
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Almost immediately after last week's violence, the Uttar Pradesh government blamed the local intelligence failure for the bloodbath.
However, an India Today investigation has now revealed that the incident had nothing to do with intelligence failure. Infact, the state administration had specific inputs about the disaster which was waiting to happen but the information was dismissed by the state's top bosses.
Undercover reporters of India Today's Special Investigation Team met some of the people associated with the local intelligence network in Mathura. Shocking details have emerged during our investigation.
Mathura violence: Fallen kingdom of Ram Vriksh Yadav
India Today team firt met Munni Lal Gaur, Chief of Local Intelligence Unit, Mathura. Visibly anguished by the accusations that his department slept over intelligence reports, Gaur revealed that UP's top brass was alerted over the impending danger repeatedly.
Several huts caught fire after clashes between police and encroachers who were being evicted from Jawahar Bagh (PTI Photo) Several huts caught fire after clashes between police and encroachers who were being evicted from Jawahar Bagh (PTI Photo)
Inspector Gaur claimed that he sent his inputs not once or twice but 80 times to the UP government.
HERE'S WHAT GAUR SAID:
Gaur: Everything is in writing. We despatched 80 reports, consisting of demi-official letters and notes. There were 80 such reports of 250-300 pages. They were sent on different dates. Sometimes, we despatched four reports, sometimes five in a single month, depending on the situation. But no one paid any attention.
(Gaur also showed copies of his intelligence dossiers on the Mathura cult)
Gaur: This is one report I'd sent almost daily. This is about illegal weapons (stockpiled at Jawahar Bagh). See... it's tagged. We reported this matter first on January 23, 2015. This is a sox page report.
It is mentioned here that men, women and children linked to the cult carry three-foot bamboo flags and are battle-ready. It's also learned that they are armed with illegal weapons, which they won't mind using when required.
Gaur then pulled out a report he claimed was sent by the local district magistrate and the SSP to the state's home secretary in Lucknow. The document contained his intelligence inputs on Jawahar Bagh.
DGP Javed Ahmed inspecting the arms recovered from the Jawarhar Bagh encroachers (PTI Photo) DGP Javed Ahmed inspecting the arms recovered from the Jawarhar Bagh encroachers (PTI Photo)
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See this... this one... the DM and the SSP sent to the home secretary. The biggest thing here is it quotes the report of the inspector of the LIU.
Mathura cult received financial aid from Naxal-hit zones, claims police
India Today reporter: Does it mention everything date-wise that you reported?
Gaur: Get all that from the DM. The DM will give it. Fifteen reports were sent to the administration, which have our reports attached to them.
Reporter: So, the DM sent them to the administration?
Gaur: All reports were sent daily, with our reports attached to them. This is from September 6, November 10, 2014... now this is of 2015. An incident of assault occurred on January 13 and this is the report about it sent on Janury 25.
The revelations totally destroy UP government's claims of an intelligence lapse at the local level in Mathura.
India Today then went on to meet sub-inspector Sunil Kumar Tomar, who was stationed outside Jawahar Bagh. What Tomar told India Today will is astonishing. The cop said he had zero orders to act despite him observing the cult members roaming freely brandishing guns and arms.
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Tomar said the Mathura police were ordered only to stand guard outside the cult camp at Jawahar Bagh.
HERE'S WHAT TOMAR SAID:
Reporter: So, isn't it your failure if you didn't know weapon supplies were coming in here?
Tomar: What failure? We knew criminals are sitting here. But we had no powers to arrest. We were not allowed to act.
EXPLOSIVE CLAIM
The cop also claimed that plans were afoot to officially lease out entire park to its illegal occupier, cult-leader Ram Vriksh Yadav.
Mathura violence: 11 rioters died in fire set to their own shacks
Tomar: The lease was about to be finalized. It stopped only because the lawyers took the matter to the high court. 270 acres mean a lot. This land is worth billions of rupees. That's why there wasn't any action.
RAM VRIKSH'S BRUTALITY EXPOSED
After Tomar, India Today met constable Manoj Yadav. He had more disturbing story to tell about his first-hand experience with cult-leader Ram Vriksh Yadav's brutality.
Yadav said that a police team was thrashed when it entered the park in 2014 to make inquiries about the cult's illegal occupation.
Manoj Yadav: He (Ram Vriksh Yadav) would give no information. His behaviour was extremely bad. There were three station officers and one circle officer in the team. When they asked why he had built a gate, he shouted at us and hurled abuses. It was 1.30 am... they started beating us with heavy bamboo sticks.
Reporter: Really?
Manoj Yadav: Yes, we were beaten up badly. It didn't happen once. It happened three or four times.
From what police officials and the park's contractor told our undercover reporters it appears clear that Ram Vriksh Yadav, who was killed in the June 2 violence, operated like a fearless king from the Mathura park. It's absolutely certain that he was shielded and protected by higher forces.
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Was it political protection that gave Ram Vriksh Yadav the astonishing impunity to lay siege to a public park, beat up policemen, and then declare all out war on them?
Could the June incident have been stopped had the Samajwadi Party government acted with sincerity to the killer threat from the Jawahar Bagh? Only an independent and thorough probe can answer these questions.
Also Read:
Supreme Court rejects plea seeking CBI probe into Mathura violence
UP govt appoints new DM, SSP for violence-hit Mathura
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Starring Mahesh Babu, the film will be directed by the most promising director of Tamil cinema AR Murugadoss, who has delivered hits like Ghajini and Thuppakki.
By India Today Web Desk: Parineeti Chopra is all set to make her debut in Tollywood with Mahesh Babu's upcoming film. The film will be directed by the most promising director AR Murugadoss, who has delivered hits like Ghajini and Thuppakki.
ALSO READ:Parineeti Chopra in Mahesh Babu-AR Murugadoss's film
In a report published in Deccan Chronicle, it is said that the actor has charged a whopping amount of Rs 3.5 cr for the upcoming yet-untitled film. A source close to the film's unit has said that it will be the costliest Mahesh Babu's film ever made.
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The Mahesh Babu-starrer will be made in a budget of Rs 90 crore, the source further revealed.
The film is a bilingual project shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. The Makers have also plans for dubbing the film in Hindi.
Mahesh will also dub in Tamil since the actor, who has spent few years in Chennai, is fluent in the language.
SJ Suryah will play the villain in the film. The director-turned-actor took the audience by storm with his stupendous performance in his latest film Iraivi, directed by Karthik Subbaraj.
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By PTI: Washington, Jun 8 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Mexico today after wrapping up his three-day US visit during which he held talks with President Barack Obama and addressed a joint session of the US Congress.
Modi addressed the joint session of the US Congress and attended a reception hosted jointly by the Foreign Relations Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate as well as the India Caucus before emplaning for Mexico for the final leg of his five-nation tour that also took him to Afghanistan, Qatar and Switzerland.
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"Thank you again America! A successful visit ends as PM Narendra Modi takes the long way home, via Mexico City," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
"After two days of a fruitful USA visit, PM Narendra Modi emplanes for Mexico," a tweet by the Prime Ministers Office said. PTI LKJ ASK ASK
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This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister after 1986 when then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had visited that country.
We are now looking to move beyond our buyer-seller relationship. IT, Energy, Pharma and automotive are key growth areas: PM Modi
By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived on the final leg of his five-nation tour during which he will hold talks with Mexican President Enrique Pe a Nieto on key bilateral issues. Modi, who arrived from the US, discussed a host of issues with Nieto including India's NSG membership bid.
Mexico's Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu was present at the airport to receive the Prime Minister.
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This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister after 1986 when then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had visited that country. In 2012, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited Mexico to attend the G20 summit.
Here are the highlights: My conversations with you are deeply stimulating. Mexico was the first Latin American country to recognise India: PM in Mexico We have agreed to develop and upgrade our ties towards strategic partnership. Since then the trajectory of our bilateral ties have shown growing intensity We are now looking to move beyond our buyer-seller relationship. IT, Energy, Pharma and automotive are key growth areas. In this regard, President & I agreed to find ways to deepen our co-op in space and science and technology. We will also prioritise concrete projects in agriculture research, bio technology, waste management,disaster warning and solar energy I'd like to thank President for his support for International Solar Alliance. I'll transform the global canvas for solar teach. I thank President for his positive and constructive support for India's membership in NSG.
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By PTI: Kolkata, Jun 9 (PTI) Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today stressed on increasing Railways infrastructure in West Bengal and said his ministry has increased investment for that purpose.
"I had a detailed comprehensive discussion with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She herself was a very successful railway minister. The state government has extended all cooperation. The idea is how to redevelop the existing infrastructure and increase it in the state. We have already increased the share of investment in the state," Prabhu said.
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"The idea is to create a Integrated transport system for the city of Kolkata," he noted.
Banerjee who held a joint press conference with Suresh Prabhu at state secretariat Nabanna requested him to send a central team to expedite the on going railway projects in the state.
Banerjee said the state government will extend all help for the railway projects. "I would request Prabhuji to send a team to see the on going projects so that the work gets expedited."
When asked about the status of the East West Metro project and Joka-BBD Bag project, a senior railway official accompanying Prabhu said the first one would be completed in two parts - one is sector 5 to Sealdah and the other is Howrah Maidan to Sealdah. "The work of tunnelling under the river from the Howrah Maidan part has already started." PTI PNT KK AMS
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By PTI: Kolkata, Jun 9 (PTI) Reacting to ally Shiv Senas jibe asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refrain from "maligning" the country from foreign soil, BJP leader and Union Minister Suresh Prabhu today said Modi is championing the cause of India worldwide and is accepted as a leader in both the East as well as West.
"That is their (Shiv Sena) opinion, the opinion of millions of people in India are different. Mr Modi has been been championing the cause of India globally," Prabhu said at a press conference here.
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Stating that Prime Minister Modi is respected globally, Railways Minister Prabhu, who hails from Maharashtra, said Modi is respected as a leader both in the developed world as well as in the developing world.
"Mr Modi has been given the rare honour of addressing the joint sitting of US Congress," he said.
"Mr Modi has also been given the highest civilian award of UAE. So we should be proud that our Prime Minister is honoured globally," Prabhu said while commenting on Senas remarks against Modi in party mouthpiece Saamna.
"He is accepted in the East, he is accepted in the West, he is accepted in the global family," Prabhu, who quit Shiv Sena in 2014 to join BJP, said.
He said Modi is regarded highly among African nations, the Pacific Islands as also in Latin American countries.
Stressing on Modis importance in the global scenario, Prabhu said US President Barack Obama had called the Indian Prime Minister over phone to seek his views on climate change issues.
Shiv Sena had yesterday said Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks in Doha about India being plagued by corruption "maligned the nations image", and questioned if scams in BJP-ruled Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat can be attributed to the Gandhi family.
Since Modi is the face of the nation, other countries may believe what he says about India which in turn might affect the financial condition of the country, an editorial in Senas mouthpiece Saamna said.
Vowing to root out corruption in India, the Prime Minister had on June 12 said in Doha on the second leg of his five-nation visit that he "faced problems" by depriving many people of their "sweets" and saved over Rs 36,000 crore annually by stopping leakage and theft in government schemes. PTI AMR DKB RG
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By Manjeet Sehgal: The Udta Punjab film controversy has once again thrown light on Punjab's drug problem. At the receiving end, Punjab's Akali Dal-BJP government has termed the film as an attempt to malign Punjab and to show it's youth in poor light.
The state government is also claiming that it had arrested 27,000 drug peddlers besides the kingpins after it launched its 'operation clean' in 2014. The FIRs registered against the so called drug paddlers were however marred in controversies.
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IMPROPER POLICE ACTION
The FIRs accessed by India Today revealed the funny side of Punjab police action. Most of the FIRs seems to have been a 'copy and paste' work as there are various similarities between the hundreds of FIRs.
Surprisingly , the operation clean was aimed at the small peddlers and the addicts. The police did not find any political link in the entire chain. Former DGP Jails Shashi Kant had also named a number of politicians but no political links were found.
ADDICTS INSTEAD OF PEDDLERS
This was a crackdown on the consumers and not on the smugglers and big fish. Despite the corroborating evidences, no action was taken against the influential.The police was on a spree to nab the poor drug addicts to please their political bosses," says former Punjab director general of police (DGP prisons) Shashi Kant .
While the Punjab police heaved a praise for busting the international smugglers network in the state in 2014, questions were also raised on the methods it used to register a number of cases. The drug addicts were picked up as drug smugglers and they crowded the state's jails and de-addiction centres.
The police claims to have arrested 27,000 drug peddlers, including 145 kingpins. The war against drugs was started on May 20 when the Shiromani Akali Dal was routed in the general elections. Interestingly enough, most of the cases were registered against small paddlers and even against the drug addicts.
"The confessional statements of three people- former Punjab cop Jagdish Singh Bhola, Akali Dal leader Bittu Aulakh and synthetic drug supplier Jagjit Singh Chahal had clearly indicated that Punjab cabinet minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia had links with international drug smugglers but no action was taken against him as he was Badal's relative. The police tortured and jailed
poor drug addicts".
Sources say a number of FIRs were registered purely on the basis of inputs and the quantity of narcotics seized was much below the expectations. The sharp difference between the number of smugglers arrested and the amount of narcotics recovered from them clearly speak that the arrested people are either small paddlers or addicts as in some cases the weight of drugs seized is between one to two grams. The local kingpins or the drug lords are still out of the reach of the police. The state police had arrested addicts who are mostly the youth having fallen prey to this scourge.
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Punjab Minister for Health and family Welfare, Surjit Kumar Jyani when contacted refuted the allegations and said hundreds of kilograms of heroin and other narcotics seized by the Punjab police was not recovered from petty paddlers or users but from the smugglers."The allegations are baseless. There may be drug addicts but majority of people arrested by the police are paddlers, couriers and smugglers. Aren't drugs being consumed in other states? Why they are trying to malign Punjab which had already launched a successfull crackdown on the drug smugglers?," asked Surjit Kumar Jyan
ALSO READ :
Anurag Kashyap on Udta Punjab censorship row: Anyone opposing the film is guilty of promoting drugs
The roots of drug addiction that plagues Punjab
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By PTI: Puducherry, Jun 9 (PTI) G Ragesh Chandra has been appointed as Secretary to Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy.
A release from the Chief Secretary to the government said Lt Governor Kiran Bedi issued an order to this effect yesterday, stating that the appointment would come into effect immediately.
Chandra would holdadditional charge of the departments and subjects already looked after by him, the release said. PTI COR APR SRY
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By PTI: Puducherry, Jun 9 (PTI) G Ragesh Chandra has been appointed as Secretary to Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy.
A release from the Chief Secretary to the government said Lt Governor Kiran Bedi issued an order to this effect yesterday, stating that the appointment would come into effect immediately.
Chandra would holdadditional charge of the departments and subjects already looked after by him, the release said. PTI COR APR SRY TRK
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One of the independent proposers P Rajeev, Kudachi MLA, has decided to switch loyalties to the Congress.
By Ankit Tyagi: At a time when the Election Commission (EC) is probing the massive horse trading in Karnataka ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections, there comes another twist in the case.
SWITCHING ALLEGIANCE
According to nomination papers of Janata Dal (Secular) candidate BM Farook, which is available on the website of Karnataka Legislative Assembly, 10 independent MLAs had signed his candidature as proposers. However, one of the independent proposers P Rajeev, Kudachi MLA, has decided to switch loyalties to the Congress.
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Speaking to India Today, Rajeev said that he was not bound by signing the document. "I am an independent MLA and I am not bound being a proposer. My vote is secret," he said.
CM SIDDARAMAIAH PROMISES SUPPORT
Explaining what made him change his mind, Rajeev said that he along with other independent MLAs met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who promised them 'support' for the development of their constituency.
"I accept I did sign the bond but later the government approached us and then we discussed and took out decision," Rajeev said.
RAISING EYEBROWS
While several MLAs are facing the heat of the Election Commission for using money power to influence the Rajya Sabha elections, this act of switching allegiance itself gives rise to several questions.
However, dismissing allegations of possible bribery, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "We didn't offer any bribes".
He further said that the Rajya Sabha polls should not be cancelled.
Though the Congress may put up a brave face after India Today's Rajya Sabha bazaar expose, there are still too many glaring questions for the EC to ignore.
Right after the 10 independents proposed Farook on May 30, 6 of these proposers were allegedly packed off to Mumbai along with other independent candidates on June 4 by the Congress party.
BM Farook said that he was sure that the independent MLAs, who pledged support to him, are now being lured or pressurised by the state government.
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The BJP's chances of securing the third Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh suffered a setback when the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday allowed Leader of Opposition, Congress MLA Satyadev Katare to cast his vote through postal ballot.
By Rahul Noronha: The BJP's chances of securing the third Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh suffered a setback when the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday allowed Leader of Opposition, Congress MLA Satyadev Katare to cast his vote through postal ballot, setting aside the Election Commission of India's (ECI) directive issued earlier on the matter.
Katare is admitted at a private hospital in Mumbai and the ECI had refused to entertain the pleas of the Congress to allow Katare to vote through postal ballot. The Congress meanwhile received a shot in the arm with Barwani MLA, Rajesh Patel, who was in jail and was also refused voting by postal ballot by the ECI, being granted bail from the High Court to cast his vote.
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In another blow to the BJP, the Supreme Court refused to entertain the petition of BJP MLA from Deosar, Rajendra Meshram's plea to allow him to vote in the RS elections slated for June 11.
APPEAL
The Congress had appealed against the ECI decision to not allow voting by postal ballot at the High Court at Jabalpur. The HC had fixed Thursday for the hearing and asked the ECI's lawyers to present their case. After the hearing, the HC allowed voting by postal ballot.
The BJP has fielded Anil Dave and MJ Akbar as the official candidates while the Congress has put up Vivek Tankha as its official candidate in the polls for the 3 vacancies in the RS from MP. The BJP however has also fielded one of its party leaders Vinod Gotiya as an independent for the RS polls slated for June 11.
Amidst the setbacks, the BJP has called a meeting of the legislature party on Thursday evening at the CM's residence. Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar is also expected to attend the meeting. Sources in the BJP said that the MLAs would also be trained on how to vote for the RS elections. MLAs will be told by name which candidate they have to vote for, said sources.
This is how the numbers stack up:
The BJP has 166 seats, the Congress 57, the BSP 4 and independents 3 in the 230 member MP assembly.
With BJP MLA Rajendra Meshram being debarred from voting, the BJP now has only 165 votes. Each candidate needs 58 votes to win his seat.
While the BJP's official candidates will sail through with 116 votes, the BJP has 49 more votes in its kitty. Gotiya needs 9 more votes to win of which 3 are expected to come from the independents.
However with still 6 short of the magic number, horse trading is a very real possibility with the BJP refusing to give up on the contest.
OUTSIDE SUPPORT
The Congress has also received the support of 4 BSP MLAs taking the total votes of the party candidate to 61 thereby having the numbers to make its candidate win.
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Congress leader and former union minister Kamal Nath would arrive in Bhopal on Thursday evening along with general secretary in charge of MP Mohan Prakash. They are expected to stay in Bhopal till voting for the RS elections on June 11.
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Salman Khan and Iulia Vantur might have rubbished the rumours related to their marriage, but their joint appearance at Mumbai International airport proves otherwise.
By India Today Web Desk: Salman Khan and Iulia Vantur's marriage rumours have been catching trends off late. Salman and Iulia might have rubbished the rumours, but their joint appearance at Mumbai International airport proves otherwise.
ALSO READ: Salman Khan to tie the knot with Iulia Vantur on his 51st birthday?
ALSO READ: I will tweet about my marriage, says Salman Khan
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According to reports, they left for Budapest on June 2. And when the paparazzi was busy clicking Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, Salman and Iulia managed to fool the media and were not captured by the lenses.
Salman and Iulia have now returned to India after the Dabangg actor's Budapest schedule, but this time they were clicked by the cameras. While the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor was seen wearing blue and white t-shirt with denims, Iulia chose to wear a white top and printed pants.
The gossip mills are abuzz with the rumours of Salman tying the knot to Iulia by the end of this year. During a press interaction at the pre-event for IIFA 2016, Salman was asked about his marriage plans. The Sultan actor said, "Why should I tell you about my marriage? I don't even know your name. I will tweet about it. Understand?" "I would keep my marriage thing between me and my fans," added the Kick actor.
Salman's entry with Iulia at Preity Zinta-Gene Goodenough's wedding reception sent his fans into a tizzy and further added fuel to the rumours. After the pictures of them went viral, Salman's dear and near one's also started sending him congratulatory messages at his home.
On the work front, Salman Khan will next be seen in Ali Abbas Zafar's Sultan. He will play the role of a 40-year-old wrestler in the film. Sultan is set to hit the screens on Eid this year.
(Photo Courtesy: Yogen Shah)
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SP leader Manish Tiwary was found dead on June 3. The police have arrested a property dealer and his wife in connection with the murder case.
By Abhishek Rastogi: Vineeta Singh learnt early that the Samajwadi Party youth wing leader she fell for was bad news. Not only because she was married, but also because he was a player and not a fair one at that.
He began blackmailing soon after he shot some intimate pictures of Vineeta and him. She knew there was no way out but giving in to his demands - in cash and kind, the worst kind.
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But the day he dragged her daughter into this, Vineeta turned into a ball of fury. That was the end of the affair, and Manish Tiwary.
Tiwary, who would flash his Samajwadi Party status and his connection with top cops, was found dead in Chakeri area of Kanpur on June 3. It took nearly a week to crack the case. Vineeta and her property dealer husband are in police custody now. Accused of murder and attempts to destroy evidence.
Young woman blackmails 70-year-old Meerut man with MMS
THE ARREST
While investigating the sensational murder case, the police stumbled upon some evidence based on Tiwary's phone call details. The evidence led the cops to Sandeep Singh, who is a property dealer, and his wife Vineeta.
THE BLACKMAIL
Vineeta revealed that she met Tiwary at a fair in Kanpur. Soon, the two became good friends. Tiwary started visiting her house frequently. The woman claimed that the Samajwadi Party leader had made a video clip of their intimate moments and started blackmailing her.
THE MURDER
Vineeta told police that Tiwary used to demand money from her and threatened to make the 'dirty' video public. She had already paid him Rs 5 lakh. On the night of June 2, Tiwary visited Vineeta again. They had a bitter fight. When Tiwary threatened to kidnap her daughter and sell her off in a brothel, she had had enough. She attacked Tiwary with a bat she used to wash clothes with. Repeatedly, on the head.
Her husband Sandeep helped her in disposing of the body. They carried it in their car and dumped it in Choker area, hoping they wouldn't be caught. They now have to wait for punishment and justice.
Also Read:
UP family threatened with daughter's gangrape MMS. Now it goes viral
Panchkula girls shoot friend after stripping her, circulate MMS
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By PTI: Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant today slammed the Railway authorities for sending invitations of rail-related events to his party MPs at the "eleventh hour" and registered his protest by wearing a black scarf at a function here.
However, Senas ruling ally BJP taunted Sawant saying that public representatives should keep their ego aside when it comes to larger public good as "providing facilities to people was more important".
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"I have noticed that whenever Railway administration organises such functions, the parliamentarians, especially from Shiv Sena, are invited at the eleventh hour. This is not acceptable...This is why I have donned a black scarf to register my protest," Sawant said.
The Shiv Sena leader was talking to PTI after attending the inauguration ceremony of a platform and booking office at the Bandra Terminus, inaugurated by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu via video conference today.
He also alleged that although the issue has been brought to the notice of Prabhu, no corrective step has been taken in this regard so far. Sawant even warned of launching a "Shiv Sena-style" protest over it.
The first-time MP said, "Nine times out of ten, we are invited at a very short notice. Railway officials have forgotten that we have other social and political commitments and we need to be informed well in advance."
Clarifying that he was not against any railway project per se, Sawant said he was opposed to the way they are being launched with a "well-thought out plan of keeping Sena representatives away" from such functions.
"I have informed Suresh Prabhu about this delay in sending out invites to Sena MPs, but as usual he has done nothing," Sawant said, adding, "If Railway officials do not stop this practice soon, then we will handle it in Shiv Senas trademark style in the near future."
Expressing disappointment over the Sena MPs comments, Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar said nothing was more important than development and such incidents (protest by Sawant) could have been avoided.
Shelar said that providing facilities to people was more important than following protocol or giving respect.
"When public amenities are being inaugurated, then one should set aside personal egos and avoid such unpleasant incidents," he said.
Shelar also taunted Sawant saying that in the past, the elected representatives could be seen staging protests for development works not being done. "But now, when every week a development work is being inaugurated, for the first time one saw an elected representative protesting against it," he said.
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"I had also got the invitation for the Bandra event late, still I managed to attend, albeit a bit late," Shelar added. MORE PTI APM MM VT NP VMN PTP
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Tamannah will be doing many action sequences in the upcoming film, which is the sequel of SS Rajamoul's magnum opus Baahubali The Beginning.
By India Today Web Desk: Tamil-Telugu star Tamannaah, for the role of Avanthika, a guerilla warrior in Baahubali 2, is learning horse riding.
ALSO READ: Parineeti Chopra in Mahesh Babu-AR Murugadoss's film
Many pics of the actor riding a horse is doing rounds on the social media. The actor looks stunning in the white tops and blue jeans. And the riding boots complemented her stylish quotient.
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Tamannaah is being trained by Jeetu Varma, who is known for training leading Bollywood actors Sonakshi Sinha and Kangana Ranaut in horse riding.
Talking about the experience, the Kedi actor said that she took some time to connect with the horse but later she found it as a fascinating experience.
She is also acting in the horror-comedy movie alongside Prabhudheva, who is making his comeback as an actor. Tamannaah will feature as a rural girl and has gone through a complete makeover for the forthcoming film.
Tamannaah in a still from Abhinetri Tamannaah in a still from Abhinetri
Titled Abhinetri in Telugu, the multilingual films will also release in Tamil and Hindi. Bollywood actor Sonu Sood is also playing a pivotal role in the film.
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By PTI: of other state govts
New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) Delhi Government today welcomed the decision of Comptroller and Auditor General to "specially" audit its Publicity Department and the Public Works Department (PWD), but said the CAG should also audit advertisements expenditure of the Centre and other states.
In a letter to the CAG, Shashi Kant Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that the CAG audit will nail the "lies" being spread by vested interests about the amount spent by the Delhi government on advertisements during the entire financial year 2015-16.
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The development comes in wake of a communication from the CAG to the Delhi government, a government official said. Sisodia also urged the Central auditor to audit books of all its departments.
"Various kinds of misinformation are being spread about our governments advertisement expenses. It is an outrageous lie which has been repeatedly stated that this expenditure is around Rs 500 crore, which in reality is not more than Rs 75 crore for the entire year, which I am sure will come out in your audit," Sisodia said in his letter.
The advertisement spending of the Aam Aadmi Party government, since its return to power in Delhi last year, has raised eyebrows with the political opponents questioning the expenditure amount besides the decision of the AAP government to advertise in other states at the expense of public money.
In the letter, the Deputy CM also said that he was disappointed to know that the CAG was only auditing the advertisement expenses of the Delhi Government alone, adding that it is being portrayed as if Delhi was the only government which was placing advertisements in media platforms outside the state.
"CAG is not auditing the advertisement expenses of either the Central Government or any other state government," Sisodia wrote.
Underlining the reported advertisement expenditure of the Centre, Sisodia said that advertisements were placed in all national dailies in addition to TV and Radio campaigns and it ran for more than a week celebrating PM Narendra Modis two years in office.
The Governments of Telangana, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, etc, carried massive publicity campaign across all states in India, Sisodia added.
"Therefore, advertisement expense of all governments is being debated nationally for last few years and thus was dealt by no less than the Supreme Court.
"I would be extremely grateful if you can direct the Principal Accountant Generals of other States which have much larger publicity budgets than the government of Delhi to carry out a comprehensive audit of the government about expense of their respective states," he further said. PTI BUN RG
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BJP MLA OP Sharma had approached the High Court against his suspension from the Assembly after he allegedly passed derogatory remarks on AAP MLA Alka Lamba. Sharma refused to apologise to Lamba.
By Sneha Agrawal: As the Delhi High Court summons AAP MLA Alka Lamba and BJP MLA OP Sharma to resolve the issues among themselves, the former is in no mood to relent. The move comes after Sharma approached the High Court against his suspension from the Assembly after he allegedly passed derogatory remarks on Lamba.
AXING OWN FOOT
Lamba told MAIL TODAY, "By moving to high court, OP Sharma has dropped an axe on his own foot. Till now, the police have not filed the FIR and no action has been taken against Sharma. I am glad I have been called to high court. I shall appraise the court of his deeds. He still thinks that he has done nothing wrong by passing those remarks. He was told to apologise but he did not. The court should also know the kind of harassment I was put through. I will finally get justice which I was not given till present."
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The AAP MLA, however, is not sure if she would resolve the matter. "I will decide based on tomorrow's (Thursday) court proceedings," she said.
Justice Manmohan Singh was hearing OP Sharma's plea to revoke his suspension as the two-day special Assembly session commences on Thursday.
NO REMORSE
Senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, appearing for the Delhi government, told court that Sharma has no regrets. He referred to a report of the Ethics Committee of the Delhi Assembly on the issue.
"Sharma was given chances to express regret on his remarks but he had refused. He had no remorse on what he said.
He had said his intention was not wrong. The Ethics Committee was left with no option. There was discussion on his expulsion from the House as well. The Leader of Opposition of the House had also made efforts to make him regret on this but he refused."
ALSO READ:
AAP-BJP clash over MLA OP Sharma's remark against Alka Lamba
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Over 1 lakh Sri Lankan Tamils had sought refuge in the State during the worst crisis in Sri Lanka between 1983 and 1987 and the decade following that. Presently, 109 special camps in Tamil Nadu house more than 60,000 refugees.
By Akshaya Nath: It was the time of war and unrest. The only driving force for the Sri Lankan Tamils who decided to move out was the hope for a better future for their kids. It was easier to run away from their birth land than to see their children die.
More than 1.34 lakh Sri Lankan Tamils crossed the Palk Straight to India between 1983 and 1987 during the first in flow. In three more phases, many more refugees entered India. The war-torn Sri Lankans sought refuge in southern India with more than 60,000 refugees currently staying in 109 camps in Tamil Nadu alone.
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The migration of refugees into the country had also inspired many filmmakers in India, and have led to the making of memorable films like Kanathil Muthamital.
STORIES STRAIGHT FROM THE VICTIMS
The search for a better future, though, hasn't been so fruitful for most of the refugees in the state of Tamil Nadu.
At the age of 30, it was not an easy call for Arul* to either leave the land that he had always lived in or think of starting his financial situation from scratch. He had three girl children to take care of. In 1998, Arul taking the only choice left for him and his family between the deep sea and the devil started their journey to India. Even after 18 years, many like Arul haven't found peace and doubt about their decision to leave their country persists.
"We have become foreigners to the people of our country and we are foreigners to the people of India too. We have been monitored by the police. For example, in Gummidipoondi camp, one boy was thrashed by the police for no reason. Also, in Madurai Uchipatti camp, one boy committed suicide, another person named Mohan was murdered in Pallikaranai police station. There seem to be no enquiry after these incidents. Nowhere in the world will you see so many people living like us," said a distraught Arul.
"We will just go off from India, it feels like coming to India was one of the biggest mistakes and that is how many officials have made us feel," rued Maliga*, a refugee in the Gummidipondi camp.
MISERABLE LIVING CONDITIONS
While going around the refugee camps in the state, it was noticed that the camps lacked even the basic facilities in terms of sanitation and security. Thatched houses separated using tarpaulin sheets. The refugees are given 20 kg of ration rice per family, Rs 1000 per month for the head of the family, Rs 750 for adults and Rs 400 for children. The children are given free education till class 12 and also provided with all the state benefits that are given to the Indian students. But is that sufficient?
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"Is Rs 1000 enough for your monthly expense? Our life here is much worse than that in the war zone that we fled," said Maliga.
"There are many refugees in India who have been here for three generations and even the third generation after being educated are still working as daily wage labourer. They don't have proper documentation and people are not ready to employ us," said Durai*,another refugee who lives outside the refugee camp.
It is not just a safe environment that the refugees are struggling for, they also fall prey to corporate nexus.
"I have been working in India for the last six years. I have worked in many companies here and have been fooled fot Rs 42 lakhs. They make me work really hard and at the time of giving the payment they talk about how I don't have Pan card and how I am not eligible to be payed because I am a refugee. Which country says a refugee shouldn't work or get payed? Even if we try filing a complaint against those fraudulent companies officials don't really take any case," said Mahesh*, who even tried committing suicide after being cheated.
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POLITICS OVER PLIGHT
Meanwhile, ahead of the State Assembly elections, AIADMK leader and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, promised to implement dual citizenship for Sri Lankan refugees.
However, this move has not brought any hope for the refugees, who term it a political gimmick.
"Our situation is similar to that of a dog. That is how the politicians think and treat us. There is absolutely no support. We feel like a herd of cows and goats in a cattle farm. For example, we were assured dual citizenship for the past 4 or 5 elections, but nothing has happened."
The Opposition in Tamil Nadu is apprehensive about dual citizenship. They are urging the government to provide better facilities. DMK spokesperson Manu Sundaram said, "Jayalalithaa has unilaterally announced that she will seek dual citizenship for Sri Lankan refugees and this is something that only the Central government can make decision on. But what Jayalalithaa must be well adviced to do is ensure that the facilities and arrangement in the refugee camps in are meeting the international standards. The fact that refugees are still trying to flee the country and take a risky route to Australia through middlemen shows that they are unhappy with the camps here."
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Criticising both the Dravidian parties inefficiency, activist Thirumurugan Gandhi said, " Tamil Nadu politicians, be it Jayalalithaa or Karunanidhi, are not champions of Tamils. They call themselves as people fighting for Tamil cause. But they have not moved their finger a bit against the Indian state's oppression of the Tamils. They use this thing as if they are a champion of Tamil to garner vote. Moreover, the condition of refugees from other parts of the world is much better than that of Sri Lankan refugee."
While crossing the high tides of the Indian Ocean and landing in India, despite the sorrow of leaving their birth land their driving force was a better tomorrow, a tomorrow without gun sounds, and bloodshed. But even today most of the refugees in the refugee camps have only one common expression written on their faces - sorrow and regret.
*names changed due to security reasons.
Also Read:
Fear and Exile in Lanka
4 arrested for cheating Sri Lankan refugee
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From blaming alcohol to 'taking things a step further after kissing her'--convicted rapist Brock Turner pens an 11-page letter for the court, and it's not what you'd expect.
By India Today Web Desk: What do you do when you can't justify a ghastly act? Make excuses for it, of course; shift blame, of course; blame the circumstances, of course.
That's exactly what convicted rapist from Stanford, Brock Turner is going. In an 11-page letter published in the New York Times, the rapist has gone on to list the following as his excuses to commit the heinous crime--peer pressure, alcohol, his team captain "told him to have fun", "she said she wanted it", she gave a 'positive response' when he asked her if she was enjoying it. Turner has submitted the letter to the court.
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Brock Turner was given a 6-month sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman near a dumpster on the Stanford campus. His punishment was so light--compared to the maximum 14-year sentence that a case like this begets--that it sparked outrage all over the world, last week onward.
In the letter, published Wednesday, Turner says he is the "sole proprietor of what happened on the night that changed these people's lives forever." He goes on to say "I know I never raped anybody," but apologizes for hurting the victim. It was only when the victim addressed her rapist in court with her emotional letter that the issue gained traction.
"It debilitates me to think that my actions have caused her emotional and physical distress that is completely unwarranted and unfair. The thought of this is in my head every second of everyday since this event has occurred," Turner said in his letter.
In her letter, the victim writes of waking up on a gurney with pine needles in her hair and dried blood on her hands, unable to remember the night before, unable to feel parts of her body. Being told she had been raped, taking a rape test, trying so hard to remember.
"Alcohol is not an excuse. Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked," she wrote.
In Turner's version, the former athlete was walking the victim back to his room after a frat party he had attended with others on the Stanford swim team, but then she fell on the ground and he tumbled with her. The two had both been drinking. He had kissed another girl earlier in the night at the party.
"I idiotically rationalized that since we had been making out where each of us fell to the ground, that it would be a good idea to take things a step further since we were just in the heart of the moment at that location," Turner writes.
In addition to his jail sentence, Turner will serve three years probation. He swears off alcohol in the letter and says he wants to act as an example for college students and warn them against the dangers of over drinking.
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The Santa Clara County Superior Court judge overseeing the case is facing a recall effort, after word of the light sentence he handed down last week caused widespread anger that has only gathered steam since, according to Mashable.
Here's what Brock Turner wrote in his 11-page letter:
Letter images courtesy: New York Times
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By PTI: From Shirish B Pradhan
Kathmandu, Jun 9 (PTI) Over 150 members of a splinter Maoists group were arrested today in Nepal after they vandalised vehicles and hurled patrol bombs while trying to enforce a strike to press for the release of their cadres arrested during previous protests, paralysing normal life.
The CPN-Maoist faction led by Netra Bikram Chand enforced the strike. The protesters vandalised nine public buses and taxis in different parts of the capital for defying their call for the strike.
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A truck driver was injured when Maoist cadres hurled a petrol bomb on moving vehicle in Rautahat district.
There was very thin movement of public and private transport services. Schools and colleges were closed due to the strike.
However, markets remained open in most of the places in the capital despite the strike.
The police arrested 62 protesters from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, according to the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Circle.
Nearly 90 agitators were arrested from Sarlahi, Kaski, Kalikot, Sunsari, Banke and Chitawan districts as they were trying to enforce the shut down.
A large number of security personnel have been deployed on the streets of the capital to prevent any untoward incident.
CPN-Maoist, which is a splinter group of the main Maoist party, that is part of the government.
The Maoists, who staged a ten-year insurgency against the state, entered mainstream politics in 2006.
The main Maoist party suffered a number of splits after many former rebels accused its leaders of betraying their original revolutionary ideals. PTI SBP NSA
--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Shirish B
Pradhan
Kathmandu, Jun 9 (PTI) Over 70 members of a splinter Maoists group were arrested today for vandalising vehicles while trying to enforce a strike to press for the release of their cadres arrested during previous protests, paralysing normal life here.
The CPN-Maoist faction led by Netra Bikram Chand enforced the strike.
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The police arrested over 70 Maoist cadres who were involved in vandalising vehicles in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur.
There was very thin movement of public and private transport services. Schools and colleges were closed due to the strike.
However, markets remained open in most of the places in the capital despite the strike.
A large number of security personnel have been deployed on the streets of the capital to prevent any untoward incident.
CPN-Maoist, which is a splinter group of the main Maoist party, that is part of the government.
The Maoists, who staged a ten-year insurgency agains the state, entered mainstream politics in 2006.
The main Maoist party suffered a number splits after many former rebels accused its leaders of betraying their original revolutionary ideals. PTI SBP NSA
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A student was kidnapped in broad daylight in Patna by on June 7. The whole incident was captured in a CCTV camera installed nearby.
By India Today Web Desk: As clamour about 'jungle raj' in Bihar grows louder, a student was abducted in broad daylight in capital Patna on Tuesday (June 7), and the entire incident was captured on a CCTV camera installed in a nearby building.
Rape and killings on rise in Bihar, is jungle raj taking over?
In the video, a few people are seen coming out of a white sedan, bashing up the student on a bike, and then kidnapping him.
#WATCH: Student abducted in broad daylight in Patna (June 7: CCTV visuals)https://t.co/V2HU4y0GoN ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
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The BJP-led Opposition has alleged return of the jungle raj (lawless regime) in Bihar under Nitish Kumar.
The Opposition has been alleging that CM Nitish Kumar has failed miserably to curb crime after coming back to power in November last year.
Nitish, however, has rubbished the Opposition's charge. "People say there is jungle raj in Bihar. But, there is mangal raj and rule of law in Bihar. Action is being taken in all cases of murders. Guilty, whoever he or she may be, will not be spared at any cost," the Bihar CM had said last month.
Also Read:
Newspaper employee kidnapped, thrashed in Patna
Engineering student kidnapped in Patna, Rs 5 lakh ransom demanded
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After unveiling the second song Jag Ghoomeya sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from Sultan two days ago, the filmmakers have released Salman Khan's version of the song.
By India Today Web Desk: After unveiling the second song Jag Ghoomeya sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from Sultan two days ago, the filmmakers have released Salman Khan's version of the song. The Dabangg actor took to micro-blogging site Twitter to share his version of the song with his fans.
Ek baar maine commitment kar di Toh... So suno jag.... in my voice . #JagGhoomeyaSalmanVersion . Link: https://t.co/wcjfVFpy0D Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) June 9, 2016
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The song has been composed by Vishal and Shekhar. The lyrics have been penned by Irshad Kamil. This song is about Salman's character Sultan Ali Khan expressing his feelings for Anushka Sharma's character Aarfa.
Not just Jag Ghoomeya, Salman Khan has also created his own version to the popular track of his upcoming film Sultan, Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai. And interestingly, Salman's rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur has also lent her voice to the song.
According to a report in DNA, a source told, "He did it all by himself. No one was aware of his plans until he was done. Not even the composers Vishal-Shekhar or the YRF team."
The source also added, "We had no clue that Salman was planning something like this. Before flying to Budapest to shoot the song, he called and informed the YRF team that he had recorded the song on the phone and he was uploading it on Twitter. He had arranged everything himself, from the music to the recording. It was a complete surprise. Salman has added his own touch to the track, adding a few words to the track."
Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Sultan is set to hit the screen on Eid this year.
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As Delhiites choose smart taxis over unruly rickshaws, unions plan protest and to ask the Delhi government to halt the march of Ola, Uber and others.
To end the raging price war, the Delhi government is expected to roll out a new policy for the taxi services.
By Shashank Shekhar: A street fight has broken out in Delhi between the green-and-yellow autorickshaws and the ultra-modern cab-hailing services that have emerged as a smart alternative to teeth-clattering three-wheeler rides on the city's bumpy and choked roads.
Autorickshaw unions are pushing the AAP government to rein in taxi aggregators such as Ola and Uber, saying they are violating marketplace guidelines by influencing the price paid by a consumer through discounts and incentives.
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While the ride-hailing start-ups charge as low as Rs 6 per kilometre, a three-wheeler in Delhi charges Rs 8 a kilometre and the minimum fare is Rs 12.50 for economy radio taxi .
PRICE WAR
"It is a question of our survival. The government has fixed a rate for us and we cannot operate above or below it. When all the autos and taxis in Delhi are following it, then why are app-based taxis exempted?" said Sanjay Chawla, president, of an autorickshaw union, who has written a letter to CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Chawla was earlier the coordinator of the ruling party's auto cell."This is happening at a time when these cab services are not even registered with the government. We want a fair environment for business where everyone plies by government rates," he added. The unions have warned off a protest at Ramlila Maidan if their demands are not met.
However, the app-based cab companies maintain they are keeping their rates within the state mandated upper ceiling.
To end the raging price war, the Delhi government is expected to roll out a new policy for the taxi services. "People prefer Ola and Uber as they are comfortable and have better hygiene. So, travellers have shifted from public transport to air-conditioned cars as this also caters to their aspirations in life," said traffic expert Shailesh Sinha.
"But this has not hampered the business of autorickshaws as they still keep turning away passengers. They need to give a better service."
Ola and Uber, which withdrew the practice of charging higher fares at peak times after the AAP government threatened to cancel licences and impound cabs, have gone back to the mechanism that they have defended saying it is used to lure more cab drivers to offer services during high demand. The move by the taxi aggregators gave ammunition to autorickshaw unions to launch a fresh attack on them.
'DAYLIGHT ROBBERY'
Calling surge pricing "daylight robbery", Kejriwal banned it during the second phase of the odd-even car-rationing scheme in April. Close to 50 cabs were seized by the transport department. The unions say they do not want the government to increase auto fares, which has not been done in the past three years, but have requested that a `1 per minute travel time cost be introduced.
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Officials say the government plans to bring all taxi services on the same platform. "There are no clear guidelines on how much they can charge. So, the Delhi government is planning to set an upper limit for all taxi providers. No cab service provider, including Uber and Ola, would be allowed to surpass the government's rate. This will give a suitable environment for everyone to operate," said a senior official, adding that the transport department is looking at a taxi policy with a citizen-centric approach and strong regulations.
"No service provider will be allowed to fix rates according to demand and supply. The government may also set an upper limit on the number of taxis under one service provider to keep a check on monopoly," he said.
Another transport department representative said "We will put in place the upper cap so that the customer does not end up paying more. However, companies will be allowed to operate at a lower rate as they see fit."
The AAP government and the app-based taxis have been at loggerheads for some time now. The administration wants to regulate them like other transport operators, but Ola and Uber say they just provide technology for taxi drivers and commuters to connect and aren't transport companies.
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ALSO READ:
Ban Ola and Uber, auto drivers urge Kejriwal in open letter
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By PTI: From Yoshita Singh
United Nations, Jun 9 (PTI) A high-ranking Swedish military official will be the new head of the United Nations mission tasked with monitoring the ceasefire line between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
Major General Per GustafLodin, 59, also a logistics expert, was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as the Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission for the United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) in India and Pakistan, the UN said.
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Maj Gen Lodin succeeds Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana, who completes his two-year assignment as Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission for the UNMOGIP on July 2.
India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlivedits utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement andthe consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).
With a military career in the Swedish Army beginning in 1978, Major General Lodin most recently held the position of Director of Procurement and Logistics for the Swedish Armed Forces.
Previous to this, he was the Deputy Director of the National Armaments for Sweden and Deputy Chief of Staff at the Swedish Armed Forces.
According to the Security Council mandate given in Resolution 307 of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control and the working boundary between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.
As of March 31 this year, UNMOGIP has 44 military observers, 25 international civilian personnel and 47 local civilian staff.
The observer group is financed by the United Nations regular budget and appropriations for biennium 2014 -- 2015 are 19.64 million dollars. PTI YAS AJR AKJ AJR
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This new breed of directors is a whiff of fresh air in conventional filmmaking, and with the right kind of support from the producers, it is a foot in the door for the future of Indian cinema in the global market.
By Srivatsan: The biggest problem in Indian cinema is its diversity. With very low production houses and supremely talented filmmakers, Bengali and Malayalam cinema have never ceased to amaze the international audience.
But, most of us are nearly unaware of the existence of Kannada cinema, colloquially known as Sandalwood.
Of late, Kannada films have gained interest from other film industries essentially because of a new brigade of creative directors.
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Here are some of the recent works of these directors which have been lauded enough by the critics for all the right reasons.
Lucia (2013) by Pawan Kumar
Pawan Kumar faced several hurdles before the release of the film. None of the producers were ready to hear the script and hence, Pawan Kumar crowd-sourced the funds for his debut film and the rest is history. With Lucia, Pawan Kumar took a leap of faith and brazenly experimented with his film. He broke the conventional storytelling standards and brought a new wave in the realm of cinema. Post the film's release, some of the filmgoers even compared his work with that of the maverick English filmmaker Christopher Nolan. This non-linear story is about an insomniac who acquires a mysterious pill from a stranger and the events that follow. Throughout the film, Pawan Kumar had shot one particular portion of the story in black-and-white and the other in colour. The director was widely appreciated for the metaphorical implication of the black-and-white effect. The film was screened at the London Film Festival in 2013 and won the Best Film Audience Choice award.
Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014) by Rakshit Shetty
Written on the basis of Rashomon effect, a female journalist is on a mission to uncover the truth behind an incident and through her, we get to see how an anthology of five stories intertwine to one common incident as narrated by various characters in their own perception. Like Lucia, Rakshit faced a similar problem with production since the producers were not like-minded. Critics particularly were in praise of Rakshit, who had also acted in the film with a spellbinding performance as a baddie. The film was screened at the London Film Festival in 2014, where it was rated a 'dazzling epic'. It was also screened in Germany and Texas.
Rangitaranga (2015) by Anup Bhandari
Rangitaranga became a landmark film in the history of Indian cinema. It is a cakewalk for any filmgoer to comprehend the streamlined flow of the film before it hits the saturation point. We have been trained that way. But in Rangitaranga, director Anup Bhandari boggles the mind each time one makes a wrong guess; the plot is that intricate. A reclusive novelist and his wife return to her ancestral village where a set of mysterious events unfolds. Despite being a debut film, Anup explored his creative mettle to the maximum. The stupendous success of Rangitaranga made it eligible for the 88th Academy Awards, but it wasn't nominated.
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Thithi (2016) by Raam Reddy
Thithi has already beaten all records as positive word of mouth has been surfacing from all the corners of the world. Thithi is a dramatic comedy that follows three generations of sons reacting to the death of the oldest in their clan, Century Gowda. It is nothing but a mere reflection of social realities in India, scripted in a distinct yet humorous way. The film won the Golden Leopard in the Filmmakers of the Present category at the 68th Locarno International Film Festival last year and it is believed to have been nominated in three more categories: Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay at Shanghai International Film Festival.
One common streak that is evident in the afore-mentioned films is the quest to deliver content-driven plots without the interest of the producers. This new breed of directors is a whiff of fresh air in conventional filmmaking, and with the right kind of support from the producers, it is a foot in the door for the future of Indian cinema in the global market.
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ALSO READ:Nivin Pauly to act in Tamil remake of Kannada film Ulidavaru Kandanthe
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By Siraj Qureshi: Rashtriya Lok Dal's General Secratery, Jayant Chaudhary has said that he does not believe in Mission-2017 as propounded by the other political parties for the upcoming UP assembly elections in 2017. He said that he is more worried about the fact that political parties are ready to burn the entire state, just in order to win this so-called mission.
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Talking to India Today in Agra, Chaudhary said that those who are trying to throw Uttar Pradesh into chaos for the sake of gaining a few votes, should be thrown into jail.
MATHURA TRAGEDY
He said that the media is making the people aware of what happened in Jawaharbagh in Mathura and it is clear that one political party doesn't want the truth to be relieved and as a result it is trying to portray the facts as lies. He said that it was a well-known fact now that Jawaharbagh was the haunt of 3-4 thousand men, women and children who were hell-bent on throwing the country into a civil war through their demands, but no action was taken on them for almost 3 years, which was enough to indicate that these people did have a political backing.
CASTE-BASED POLITICS
He said that all parties in Uttar Pradesh are presently practicing politics of the Backward Caste and that the Mandal Commissions report is no longer considered a perfect reservation system. The governments will have to adapt the reservation formula suggested by Karpuri Thakur. He also called for a scientific study of the reservation system before any further reservation quotas are given away in the name of backward communities.
He said that those people who worked with his grand father Charan Singh, always seek to form a government of farmers that is focused on farmer welfare and although the RLD is not going to form any pre-poll alliance for the 2017 elections, the government that will give representation to farmers, will always be supported.
ALSO READ :RJD member linked to Shahabuddin detained in Bihar journalist murder case
RLD chief Ajits son Jayant gives police the slip
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By PTI: Ranchi, June 8 (PTI) Tight security arrangements are being made by the state government following the two-day bandh called by the opposition Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) on June 11 and 12.
Issuing directions through video conference to Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of police and Superintendents of police about security arrangements, Chief Secretary Rajbala Verma and police chief D K Pandey asked them to deploy security personnel at sensitive places, video record the bandh days and keep vigil on railways, highways and main roads, an official release said today.
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Police personnel will also be deployed near hostels and universities and be alert about demonstration spots and gatherings of the bandh supporters, the release said.
The chief secretary asked the officials to coordinate with railway divisional managers and Government Railway Force and set up camp jails and lodge people from the same group in different camp jails.
The DGP asked officials to video record incidents during the two-day bandh to identify people damaging properties, the release said.
The DGP also directed the officials to keep watch on social media to prevent rumours. PTI PVR NN RCJ KKB
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By Rohit Kumar Singh:
Patna police has arrested five persons in connection with the tainted topper scam. The arrested persons played crucial role at various level in the entire fiasco. The five persons arrested are Bisheshwar Yadav, Sanjeev Suman, Shambhu Nath, Ranjit Mishra and Shail Kumari.
ACCUSED ROLES
Bisheshwar Yadav is the Principal of Rajendra Nagar Boys High School which was also the evaluation centre where the answer sheets of students from Bishun Rai college were examined. Sanjeev Suman was the officer on duty at the same evaluation center. Shambhu Nath and Ranjit Mishra are officials at Bihar School Examination Board and worked in the confidential branch while Shail Kumari is the Principal of GA Inter College in Hajipur which was the examination center of students from Bishun Rai College.
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BISHUN ROY COLLEGE TOP DOGS
Speaking exclusively to India Today, Patna SSP Manu Maharaj said that SIT had made appreciable progress in the investigations. SSP Manu Maharaj disclosed that BSEB chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh and Director of Bishun Rai College, Baccha Rai played a key role in the scam.
"Lalkeshwar Prasad will be arrested soon and he is absconding. He has been found guilty in this scam" said Manu Maharaj.
MASSIVE DISCREPANCIES
Manu Maharaj informed that initial investigations have pointed towards massive discrepancies in documents which the police has seized till now. He said that these papers were being sent to Forensic Science Lab for thorough investigation. Investigations have disclosed that documents have been changed and tampered with. In some cases documents were received and in some places answer sheets were sent for evaluations both were done without written orders. According to the investigation till now, what has been established is the fact that at the evaluation center the answer sheets were changed and paper tampering used to take place.
" We are sending the papers to FSL for scientific investigation. The basic modus operandi of the network involved in the scam was that the answer sheet of a few selected school was evaluated at selected places intentionally to tamper with answer sheets and mark sheets", said Manu Maharaj.
SUSPECTED SIT INSPECTOR FIRED
Manu Maharaj also responded to news reports of Baccha Rai being caught by the police on Tuesday evening when SIT raided his college and later let off by Shambhu Yadav, an inspector in SIT. He said that though he was unaware of any such reports but maintained that since the inspector's role was suspected, he was being removed from the SIT.
" Some people are saying that Baccha Rai was also present at the college when police raided the college and that the police did not arrest him. There is no case of Baccha Rai having escaped from police net or a police officer having helped him escape. But I will investigate the matter".
On being queried about the close links of SIT inspector Shambhu Yadav with Baccha Rai (Shambhu Yadav has served for long in Vaishali), SSP said that its these kinds of reports that compelled him to remove the inspector from SIT.
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" If there is slightest of rumor or discussion of a police officer in SIT whose role is SUSPECT, he will not be part of the SIT", said Manu Maharaj.
TOP CULPRIT IN SCAM
Top police sources informed India Today that it was Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh who was the real culprit in this scam as being the Chairman of the Bihar School Examination Board, he was involved in the scam. Police sources say conspirators like Baccha Rai which the police believe is not that important in the case as he is a private person and may escape strict and punitive action against him on the grounds that he just acted like a commission agent. According to police sources, Baccha can be tried maximum under Sec 420 or 120B of IPC.
Meanwhile the police have recovered fake answer sheets, laptops, diaries from searches that were carried at Baccha Rai's residence on Thursday. Police are looking into the banks accounts,details and transaction all accused including Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh and Baccha Rai. Call records are also being looked into.
Also Read: Police step up investigation on the Bihar topper scam
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Ex-CBFC chief Leela Samson has spoken out against her successor Pahlaj Nihalani and the current Censor Board regarding the Udta Punjab controversy.
By India Today Web Desk: Leela Samson, ex-chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, took to her Facebook page on Wednesday to express her resentment against Udta Punjab's "slaughter at the hands of the CBFC".
ALSO READ: Censor Board revamp panel chief Shyam Benegal finds Udta Punjab a 'very well-made film'
ALSO READ: Need certification, not censoring, says Big B on Udta Punjab row
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Samson, who resigned as the CBFC chief last year, citing government interference with her job and corruption of panel members, questioned the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's method of appointments to the CBFC in her Facebook post.
"Who appoints the Board? The members of the Viewing and Reviewing committees? The Ministry. Who dictates which officials will be placed in Mumbai? The Ministry. Who makes policy? The Ministry. Who runs the Film Festivals? The Ministry. Who sets up an Enquiry committee as was just done? The Ministry," wrote Samson.
Stating that there are too many parties involved in the Udta Punjab controversy, she wrote that "it should be just the industry" and "an empathetic CBFC board" to sort out the issue.
Leela Samson's Facebook post Leela Samson's Facebook post
The veteran dancer-choreographer called out to Anurag Kashyap, producer of Udta Punjab, and wrote that there should be an internal body within the industry to monitor films instead a government-appointed Censor Board.
"Self regulation is the only regulation that should exist!" she wrote, "This goes for every individual as well. Those who do not like it, should not see it. Art is not compulsory."
Samson ended her post by praising the industry's crusade against the board, calling it a "good fight" and all "boards and committees" a "sham".
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By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) As college and varsity teachers bodies protests continued unabated over the issue of revised Academic Performance Index (API) scores, UGC is likely to accommodate several of their demands including not to increase workload.
Sources told PTI that internal review and external consultations have led the University Grants Commission to consider possible revisions including restoring the direct-teaching hours of Assistant Professors, Associate Professors and Professors to 16, 14 and 14 respectively
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The direct teaching hours will include tutorials, they said. The hours spent on practicals and project supervision will be counted on par with the lectures.
Teachers bodies had been complaining that the new API norms would increase the work load of teachers.
"It is also likely that capping of API scores will be removed," said the source.
Earlier in the week, UGC had held meeting with representatives of teachers bodies over the issue aiming to end the protests. Sources said that authorities are keen that academic activity does not suffer, so these changes are being considered.
UGC has also has notified the Pay Review Committee to look into issues related to service conditions, objective methods of annual evaluation and career progression, they added. PTI ADS RCJ PAL RCJ
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By PTI: From Aditi Khanna
London, Jun 8 (PTI)UK today announced an extension of the voter registration deadline for the European Union referendum until midnight tomorrow after thousands of first time voters failed to register due to a technical glitch in the registration website.
UK Cabinet Office minister Matthew Hancock confirmed that the government will legislate to extend the cut-off date, which was earlier June 7.
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Earlier, British Prime Minister David Cameron had exhorted voters to keep trying to register to vote in the June 23 referendum despite the official website having crashed.
The deadline for registrations was to close yesterday but many potential voters were unable to register due to an online glitch, blamed on record demand.
The UKs Electoral Commission called for legislation to extend the deadline and the UK government plans to rush through such an urgent legislation later tonight to ensure last-minute registrations yesterday and today can also be counted.
"Im very clear that people should continue to register today. The Electoral Commission made a statement today urging the government to consider options including extending the deadline.
"Were working urgently with them to do just that and to make sure those who registered today and who registered last night will be able to vote in the EU referendum," Cameron told the House of Commons during his weekly Prime Ministers Questions.
"Its extremely welcome that so many people want to take part in this massive democratic exercise. Last night there was record demand on the registration website. This caused an overload on the system," he said.
Users had reported a page displaying the message "504 Gateway Time-out" instead of the online registration form.
"Those registrations will be captured by the system - then we have the legal question about whether captured applications can be eligible for the 23 June," Cabinet Office minister Matthew Hancock told Parliament.
In a statement, the Electoral Commission said it was "vital" that everyone who wants to vote on June 23 is able to do so.
It said: "There will be many people who wanted to register to vote last night and were not able to. The registration deadline is set out in legislation and we have said to the government this morning they should consider options for introducing legislation as soon as possible that would extend the deadline. We would support such a change."
The commission said 226,000 applications to register were received on Monday, the second highest single days total since electronic registration was introduced in 2014.
More than 45,000 people in the space of less than an hour signed an online petition calling for the extension of the registration deadline.
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Bex Hay, of petition organiser 38 Degrees, said: "The fact that 15 people per second are signing this petition proves the level of public concern at the prospect of thousands of people losing their vote unfairly."
The deadline for any new or first-time voters to register was set as June 7.
However, most voters already on the electoral rolls have been issued their official polling cards.
Those eligible to cast a vote include British or Irish citizens living in the UK who are 18 or over and citizens of Commonwealth countries who are 18 or over and who can stay in the UK.
Anyone living in the UK who registered to vote ahead of the 2015 General Election or last months local elections in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland did not need to re-register as long as their address remained unchanged.
Levels of turnout is likely to be crucial to the outcome of the referendum, with both sides trying to mobilise their supporters and to warn people of the consequences of staying at home on the big day. PTI AK SUA SUA
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A 36-year-old woman takes 2 hours daily from her shift to lactate for her boyfriend who has a gym membership. And muscles!
By India Today Web Desk:
A woman and her boyfriend are in an 'Adult Breastfeeding Relationship'. Yes, that's a thing!
Jennifer Mulford took some time off her job as a bartender to start an Adult Breastfeeding Relationship (ABR) with her boyfriend Brad Leeson. Jennifer is 36 and has a daughter who is 20.
Jennifer started searching for men who'll be open to the idea of adult breastfeeding. That's when she came across a website about ABR.
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Jennifer said, "When I read about the pure joy it brought others, I was desperate to seek out a partner to share an emotional bond with."
"I used dating sites, put messages on ABR forums and even put an advert on Craigslist, but I drew a blank. I started to think I'd never get to try adult breastfeeding."
Photo Credit: Twitter/TheExposeruk1
Meanwhile, she had already started chatting with her school time boyfriend Brad Leeson. She shared the idea with him. Leeson gleefully complied.
Photo Credit: Twitter/RogerandJP Photo Credit: Twitter/RogerandJP
Both Jennifer and Brad wanted "a magical bond that only breastfeeding can achieve," out of their relationship.
Stop judging, you!
But was it really her best idea to take time off her job? Apparently yes, at least for the couple.
"I've taken a break from my job because I want to devote everything to making 'this' work," she said. Since Jennifer hadn't breastfed for over 20 years now, the couple have to actuate lactation through dry-feeding and pumping Jennifer's breasts every two hours, just as if she was feeding a baby.
That's not just one course of action the couple has taken. Jennifer drinks Mother's Milk Tea, a herbal drink said to imitate female hormones and increase or maintain milk supply. Apart from the tea, she has been taking a herbal pill - Lactiful - which is said to increase her milk supply.
Photo Credit: Twitter/LintasAtjeh
Brad, who is a gym buff, believes that Jennifer's milk is a great source of nutrition for him and helps him stay fit.
The couple hope to get married soon, but they have ruled out having any children together. They both have children from previous relationships and they together enjoy being a family.
"We are content with what we've got, but I can't wait to be Mrs Leeson one day."
Jennifer and Brad had only told a couple of close friends and family about their ABR relationship.
"I'm not opposed to telling people but I don't think many others would understand. I don't think my mother would grasp the idea - but I wish I could tell the world." Jennifer exclaimed.
Well Jennifer, the world knows now!
"This is a lifestyle we have chosen. We look forward to years from now still needing and wanting each other."
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"I can come home from a very stressful day and seconds after Brad latching on I feel a sense of peace and calm. For that time I feel like we become one. I am yet to feel anything more comforting."
Also read: Kangaroo uses woman as airbag, ruptures her breast implants
Also read: Woman with three breasts may be a fraud
Also read: Woman's 4,000-pound breast implants explode
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By PTI: New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) Veteran journalist and former Resident Editor of The Hindu in Delhi K K Katyal passed away here today after a brief illness.
Katyal, 89, came to be known as the face of Delhi Bureau of The Hindu, which had launched its Delhi edition in 1986.
Prior to joining The Hindu, Katyal had worked in The Statesman and Hindustan Times. He had a stint with United States Information Services as well.
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A widely travelled journalist, Katyal had wide contacts in diplomatic and political circles. He was awarded the G K Reddy Memorial prize in 1994 by the then Prime Minister P V Narsimha Rao for his insightful columns and analytical write-ups.
Hailing from Jhang in present-day Pakistan, Katyal worked towards improving Indo-Pak ties and after his retirement in 2004 he was associated with the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA)s India Chapter as President.
Katyal is survived by wife Sudarshan and daughters Anita and Sugita, both journalists.
Congress President, Sonia Gandhi has condoled the death of Katyal.
Describing him as a conscientious chronicler of the Nations evolution over decades, Gandhi said that his contributions will be remembered always. PTI GJS ACB SPG AMS DV AMS
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Late TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee's parents on Wednesday launched a signature campaign to garner support for a CBI probe into their daughter's unnatural death.
By India Today Web Desk: Late TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee's parents on Wednesday launched a signature campaign from 5pm to 8pm in Jamshedpur at BataChowk, Sakchi market to garner support for a CBI probe into their daughter's unnatural death. Over 1,000 people signed in favour of the demand, reports PTI. Pratyusha's parents said during the launch of the campaign that upon failure they would be left with no option but to seek euthanasia.
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"Till now, more than 1000 people have signed on the banner supporting our demand for a CBI probe into the death of Pratyusha," who allegedly committed suicide on April 1 in Mumbai, her father Shankar Banerjee said.
"There is no space left in the banner but people are still putting their signature on it," said Banerjee, who was accompanied by his wife Soma and other relatives.
Also read: Appeal against Rahul's bail order in SC, public prosecutor writes to Maharashtra govt
The campaign was preceded by an online campaign where around 700 people displayed their support for a CBI probe.
"We have lost everything and it is now the people and media support that could help meet our demand. But if it fails to evoke any positive response, we will be left with no option but to seek euthanasia," the father of Balika Vadhu fame actor said.
Also read: Suicide is a very cowardly thing to do: Rahul Raj Singh
He demanded capital punishment for Pratyusha's boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh, who, they alleged, have murdered their daughter in cold blood.
Banerjee said they would meet Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Jharkhand Women's Commission Chairperson tomorrow at Ranchi to seek their support for CBI support to unearth the mystery behind Pratyusha's death.
Also read: SC refuses to cancel Rahul Raj Singh's anticipatory bail
"My daughter can never commit suicide," he said.
Rahul Raj Singh was booked for abetment of suicide and criminal intimidation in connection with her death.
(With inputs from PTI)
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While Android Nutella is the front runner, considering how popular Nutella is, but Android fans from India have tried to prop up Nankhatai and Neyyappam.
By Manish Sain: Android N will have a proper name "in a few weeks", that's what Google tweeted last night after saying that the online name suggestions it was seeking for its next Android was now closed. While, as has happened traditionally, it is certain that Android N will be named after a sweet or dessert, for now it is not clear which one it is going to be.
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In the last several weeks Android users have suggested hundreds of name. Android Nutella is the front runner, considering how popular Nutella is, but Android fans from India have tried to prop up Nankhatai and Neyyappam.
For the last two updates, Indian Android fans hoped for an Indian Android name. Especially since the Google chief, Sundar Pichai, is an Indian. Pichai had teased a video before the launch of Android L, hinting that Android Ladoo could be the name of the next version of the OS. The video showed different desserts auditioning to be the mascot for Android L. It gave hope to the Android fans in the Indian subcontinent as one of the participants was Laddoo, an Indian sweet. But to their dismay, it was finally named Android Lollipop.
Then came the Android M. When Pichai came to India last year and conversed with students at SRCC, Delhi, he said that company would not mind giving Android an Indian name. However, Marshmallow ended up getting a place into the phones.
When Google announced Android N earlier this year reports started coming about its name. It was also suggested that the OS is called New York Cheesecake inside the Google HQ. But Google decided to be playful and Hiroshi Lockheimer, the Android boss, suggested it will be called Android Nutella.
With the Android N name suggestion page, the company gave the users a chance at selecting the name. While we are sure there are thousands of desserts starting with N, our bet, as far as Indian options are concerned, is on Nankhatai or Neyyappam. While Nankhatai is more of a cookie, Neyyappam is a rice-based fritter and is South Indian.
Google is known for reaching out to its fans through animations and comic videos. Along with the tweet, Google uploaded another video of a seemingly incompetent company which names products. The video shows the director of Product Naming Inc talk about how anyone can name a product, even the old lady who lived behind his house.
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Interestingly, this time the video ends with the man talking about soups. Is it possible the next Android will be Android Nettle or Android Nikujaga? The Japanese soup is somewhat sweet as well. Nobody knows yet, but we will "in a few weeks".
Google had launched the Android N earlier this year as a developer preview to select Nexus phones.
The Android N brings some major user interface changes and new features like split screen, night mode, direct reply, quick settings and a more powerful doze feature.
Also read: Clear all, Android N gets new features
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What it means for the common man is that popular, tourist or historic sites in India will not be available for 3D view in Google's Maps.
By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: The Indian Ministry of Home affairs has given a thumbs down to Google's Street View and has rejected the company's application to map Indian cities in the 360-degree view. The service, if allowed, had put Indian cities, hills and rivers in an app through which one can explore 360-degree, panoramic and street-level imagery of places.
What it means for the common man is that Indian cities will not be available for 3D view in Google's Maps.
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Launched in 2007 in United States, the Google Street View expanded to include cities and rural areas across the world. It has gained popularity worldwide.
Also Read: Google and Apple up the ante on app revenue; more money for developers soon
Interestingly rejection of Google street view came just a few hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi left US, what is being touted as a hugely successful visit.
Security establishment has had apprehensions in allowing such image-capturing, especially in wake of 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, where evidence of photographic reconnaissance of various targets by Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley were found.
Official sources said the rejection came after a detailed analysis by security agencies and defence forces which feel that allowing Google to cover India would compromise country's security interest.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that once the proposed Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016 comes into force, issues related to internet-based application would be resolved.
The internet services giant wanted to cover most of the Indian territory through the Google Street View.
Google had on an experimental basis launched Street View for some the Indian tourist sites like Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Varanasi river bank, Nalanda University, Mysore Palace, Thanjavur Temple, Chinnaswamy stadium besides others in partnership with the Archaeological Society of India.
Also Read: Google aims to reduce digital gender gap in India
The company had started its mapping operations for Street View in India a few years ago in Bangalore. However, within days authorities asked the company to stop the operations. Google at that time said that it had taken permission from cops but the mapping exercise was stopped after the government sought some clarification.
Google has not yet commented on Thursday's development in this matter. We have reached out to the company and will update when it provides its statement.
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By Javed Anwer: Motorola, which is now a Lenovo-owned brand, on Thursday launched the Moto Z and Moto Z Force. The two phones, which are the flagship Moto phones, actually replace the Moto X devices from previous years. Both phones are also remarkably different compared to their predecessors, sporting a modular design and features that are unique.
"With the Moto Z and Moto Z Force we are rethinking smartphones completely differently," Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo CEO and chairman said at the company's Tech World in San Francisco where the two phones were launched.
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First the Moto Z. The Moto Z is sleeker and more beautiful of the Moto phones launched today. It has a full-metal body that is 5.2mm thin. The phone has a 5.5-inch screen with 1440p resolution, a 2600 mAh battery that last 30 hours, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB RAM, option between 32GB and 64GB internal storage, a 13-megapixel rear camera with IOS and F1.8 lens. It also gets water-repellent coating, microSD card support and features like NFC and fingerprint scanner.
The Moto Z Force has similar hardware but there is a bit of design change. It is 7mm thick and has a bigger 3500 mAh battery. It also has a 21-megapixel camera. Another big change between the two phones, as the moniker Force suggests, is that the Moto Z Force has a screen that is shatter-proof. It also has, according to Motorola, the "fastest turbo charging we have put in our phone" capable of providing 15-hour battery life with 15-minutes of charging.
Also read: Lenovo launches Phab 2 Pro Tango with 4 cameras, 2 other Phab 2 phablets
Hello Moto Mods
However, the most unique bit about the Moto X and the Moto Z Force is their modular design. The two devices have 16 pins on their back cover that, for now, can be used to connect three modules - a JBL module for better speakers, a battery module and the projector module. The Moto mods are one the reasons why the Moto Z is so thin.
The JBL Moto Mod enhances the audio performance of the phone in a significant way. It also adds a small battery to the device, helping it enhance the battery life by up to 10 hours. The Battery Module, which is a separate standalone Moto Mod, has Incipio Offgrid battery inside it. It adds up to 22 hours of extra battery life to the phone. The projector module, meanwhile, has been named Moto Insta-Share. It can project images as well as videos on to "almost any surface" located within 70 inches from the phone.
In addition to modules, Motorola also launched Moto Shells for the Moto Z. These shells will snap to the phone to change its look and feel.
Motorola says that the modules attach to Moto Z and Moto Z Force using strong magnets.
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Motorola is not the first company to come with a modular phone this year. LG had earlier launched the G5, a phone with modular design. Although, the Motorola's modular design looks slightly more elegant and user-friendly.
While modular phone is something that is a buzzword nowadays, the success of Moto Z or G5 etc will depend on the usefulness of modules. Motorola knows this as well as the fact that three are not going to be enough to woo consumers. So the company has also announced a scheme to woo module makers.
"With the Moto Mods Developer Program, you can develop the next generation of Moto Mods. The Lenovo Capital Fund will be setting aside seed funding to spur innovation on the Moto Mods platform. It has set aside $1,000,000 for the individual or company that creates the best Moto Mods prototype by March 31, 2017," the company said in a statement.
The Moto Z will be available globally in September. For now, no prices have been announced for the phones. Also, Lenovo - read Motorola - has not clarified on the global availability of the Moto Z Force. It will available in the US as Verizon exclusive but the company hasn't specified if the phone will also be launched in countries like India or not. When Motorota launched the Moto X Force earlier, that phone was exclusive to the US initially. However, gradually Motorola introduced it in other countries, including India, and it is possible that the company may follow the same plan for the Moto Z Force.
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By India Today Web Desk: The OnePlus 3 will officially be launched on June 14 in VR. The company will start selling its next-generation flagship from June 15, 12.30 AM IST via open sale, which means no invites required. The company will however offer fans and enthusiasts to buy the device, well before the actual launch date through an e-bidding process that it announced on Thursday in association with online automobile marketplace Droom.
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"This auction goes live from June 9, 4 PM to June 12, 3:59:59 PM and the top five highest individual bidders for the OnePlus 3 smartphones will end up owning the "first-ever OnePlus 3s in India" along with a surprise element attached to the phone, which OnePlus will reveal at the time of handing over the handsets to the winners," the company said in a statement.
Bidders need to head over to the Droom website and register in order to participate in the auction. Bidding will commence from Re 1, "with no cap on the final amount for bids." Every bid will raise the price of the OnePlus 3 by Rs 5. A live leaderboard on the product page will showcase the top 10 bids in real time and the top 5 bidders will be sent a link to purchase the phone, immediately after the auction closes.
The phones will be delivered to the bidders after the global launch date that is June 14.
Also Read: OnePlus 3 to launch on June 14, no invites needed to buy it
"We are excited by the response from the OnePlus community to our latest flagship. Through this unique smartphone auction, we want to offer our loyal fans an opportunity to get their hands on the first few OnePlus 3 smartphones in the country, even before it goes on sale while also contributing to the society," Vikas Agarwal, general manager, OnePlus India said.
The entire proceeds from the auction will also go to the charity chosen by the OnePlus community through voting on OnePlus Forums, the company announced.
OnePlus will launch the OnePlus 3 in VR. Only recently it announced the Loop VR Headset, setting the stage "for the smartphone launch of the year, the OnePlus 3." The visor-style Loop VR Headset seems like a visible improvement over last year's Cardboard (that it introduced to launch the OnePlus 2) and the company is also extending its use beyond just the launch event.
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At present, TRAI can impose fine of up to Rs 2 lakh for a violation and in case default continues penalty of Rs 2 lakh can be imposed till the time of breach of rules.
By Press Trust of India: Seeking more teeth to check call drops, TRAI has asked the government to amend law and allow it to impose penalty up to Rs 10 crore on mobile operators and jail term of up to two years on their executives for any violation of regulatory framework. This follows a Supreme Court judgment quashing the TRAI order that asked telecom operators to compensate subscribers for call drops. The regulator has suggested to the Department of Telecom amendments in various provisions in the TRAI Act, 1997, with a view to be an 'effective sector regulator'.
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"...if a service provider violates any direction, order or regulations made under this Act or terms and condition of license, service provider to be liable for penalty which may extend to 10 crore rupees," TRAI said in its communication to the Department of Telecom (DoT).
TRAI had put in place a new set of rules mandating telecom operators to pay Re 1 for each dropped call, subject to maximum Rs 3 per day, but the order was quashed by the apex court after companies appealed against it. The regulator said that after a detailed examination of the judgment it has concluded the need for seeking greater clarity in protecting interest of consumers, grievance redressal and enforcement of its regulations and orders.
"In order to be an effective sector regulator TRAI needs to be statutorily empowered to enforce its direction, orders, regulations as well as terms and conditions of license issued to service providers through imposition of penalties for contravention of such regulations directions etc," TRAI said.
The regulator has proposed amendment in Section 29 of the TRAI Act 1997 which is about penalty for contravention of its direction and also sought introduction of three new sub-sections 29 A, 29 B and 29 C. TRAI wants the amended section 29 to have provision for imprisonment and fine both for violators.
"Section 29 may be substituted with... If a person violates direction of the authority, such personnel shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may be extended to two years and shall be liable to fine which may be extended to Rs 15 lakh," TRAI said.
In case the violation continues there should be provision of additional fine that can be extended to Rs 15 lakh for every day till the time default continues, it said. At present, TRAI can impose fine of up to Rs 2 lakh for a violation and in case default continues penalty of Rs 2 lakh can be imposed till the time of breach of rules.
At present, disputes between consumers and telecom operators are not taken up by consumer courts as a Supreme Court judgment of 2009 had barred seeking any such relief under the Consumer Protection Act, saying a special remedy is provided under the Indian Telegraph Act.
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Although the ownership of wearables among smartphone users in the surveyed markets has doubled in the past year but it will take at least another year for the current generation of wearables to go mainstream.
By Indo-Asian News Service: Six in 10 smartphone users consider that wearables have uses beyond health and wellness, a new report has said, adding that devices related to personal safety and security such as panic buttons and personal locators get the most interest.
Swedish telecom giant Ericsson in its ConsumerLab report on 'Wearable technology and the Internet of things' said that consumers predict a booming wearables market beyond 2020.
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The report said: "Wearables might replace smartphones and will help consumers interact with physical things and objects in the Internet of Things (IoT) era."
Although the ownership of wearables among smartphone users in the surveyed markets has doubled in the past year but it will take at least another year for the current generation of wearables to go mainstream.
"A more diverse set of wearables, such as personal safety devices and smart garments, will go mainstream beyond 2020 -- but when they do, a booming market can be expected," the report said.
Also, 38 per cent of smartphone users said wearables would be used to perform most smartphone functions within just five years.
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[June 08, 2016] Denali Holding Inc. Announces Pricing of Private Offering of $3.25 Billion of Senior Notes
Denali Holding Inc. (the "Company") today announced the pricing of the previously announced offering by two of its wholly-owned subsidiaries as co-issuers (the "co-issuers") of $1,625,000,000 5.875 percent Senior Notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes") and $1,625,000,000 7.125 percent Senior Notes due 2024 (the "2024 Notes" and, together with the 2021 Notes, the "Notes"). The 2021 Notes will bear interest at 5.875 percent per annum and will mature on June 15, 2021. The 2024 Notes will bear interest at 7.125 percent per annum and will mature on June 15, 2024. Interest on the Notes will be payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2016. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes as part of its financing for its previously-announced acquisition of EMC (News - Alert) Corporation (the "Dell-EMC Merger"). The offering is expected to close on or around June 22, 2016, subject to customary closing conditions. It is expected that the proceeds of the offering will be deposited in escrow, with such proceeds to be released to finance the consummation of the Dell (News - Alert)-EMC Merger subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions. Upon consummation of the Dell-EMC Merger, Dell International L.L.C., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, and EMC Corporation (News - Alert) will assume all of the co-issuers' obligations under the Notes. The Notes will be guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Company, Denali Intermediate Inc., Dell Inc. and each of Denali Intermediate Inc.'s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (including EMC Corporation's wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries following the consummation of the Dell-EMC Merger) that guarantees obligations under the new senior secured credit facilities that will be entered into in connection with the Dell-EMC Merger. The offering of the Notes was made in a private transaction in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), in the United States only to investors who are "qualified institutional buyers," as that term is defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act, or outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any of the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Dell is a trademark of Dell Inc. Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.
Disclosure Regarding Forward Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements, which reflect Denali Holding Inc.'s current expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by such forward-looking words as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "confidence," "may," "plan," "potential," "should," "will" and "would," or similar expressions. Factors or risks that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results we anticipate include, but are not limited to: (i) the failure to consummate or delay in consummating the proposed transaction; (ii) the risk that a condition to closing of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or that required financing for the proposed transaction may not be available or may be delayed; (iii) the risk that a regulatory approval that may be required for the proposed transaction is delayed, is not obtained, or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; (iv) risk as to the trading price of Class V Common Stock to be issued by Denali Holding Inc. in the proposed transaction relative to the trading price of shares of VMware, Inc. common stock; (v) the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction on Denali Holding Inc.'s relationships with its customers, operating results and business generally; and (vi) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions. Denali Holding Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Additional Information and Where to Find It This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law. This communication is being made in respect of the proposed business combination transaction between EMC Corporation and Denali Holding Inc. The proposed transaction will be submitted to the shareholders of EMC Corporation for their consideration. In connection with the issuance of Class V Common Stock of Denali Holding Inc. in the proposed transaction, Denali Holding Inc. has filed with the SEC (News - Alert) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-208524). The Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on June 6, 2016, and a definitive proxy statement/prospectus is expected to be or has been sent to each EMC Corporation shareholder entitled to vote at the special meeting in connection with the proposed transaction on or about June 10, 2016. In addition, each of Denali Holding Inc. and EMC Corporation plans to file with the SEC other documents regarding the proposed transaction. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TRANSACTION FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors may obtain copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and all other documents filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction, free of charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) or from Denali Holding Inc.'s website (http://www.dell.com/futurereadydell). Participants in the Solicitation Denali Holding Inc. and certain of its directors, officers and employees may participate in the solicitation of proxies from EMC Corporation shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction without additional compensation. Additional information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, participate in the solicitation of EMC Corporation shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interest, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160608006408/en/
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[June 08, 2016] Dynamic Imaging Meets Web-to-Print
LiquidPixels, Inc., the world leader in dynamic imaging and content delivery, today announced its partnership with Silicon Publishing, the leader in Adobe (News - Alert) InDesign Server automation and web-to-print. The two companies will offer a combined solution for online editing that provides robust on-canvas editing within web browsers, efficient dynamic server-side imaging, powerful product visualization, and high-quality print output. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160608006452/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) LiquidPixels' LiquiFire Operating System (OS) offers true dynamic imaging that fundamentally re-engineers the way images are processed and delivered on the web. This technology enables precise on-demand imaging for browsers and robust visualization of personalized garments and other dimensional products. It is now offered through integration with the Silicon Designer product, bringing greater imaging efficiency and more powerful visualization. Silicon Designer allows Adobe InDesign documents to be edited through a configurable and customizable user interface and are rendered to high-quality print output. "We found that combining the two technologies will produce stunning results," said Max Dunn, Silicon Publishing CEO. "We can allow users to see the 2-dimensinal images from Silicon Designer editing sessions precisely how they will appear on T-shirts, mugs, or virtually any dimensional product in real time. The dynamic imaging technology of LiquidPixels LiquiFire OS enhances the online editing experience, especially on mobile devices."
Natural Alliance The two companies happen to have both been founded in the year 2000. While they have much in common, their technology trajectories are fundamentally complementary. LiquidPixels is highly focused on dynamic imaging for the web and emails, while Silicon Publishing is InDesign-centric, focused on typography, text flow, and layout. Because both companies build extensible applications, the integration of Silicon Designer and LiquiFire OS will be easy and straightforward. The images edited in Designer will be served by LiquiFire OS, and the results of 2D editing sessions in Designer will feed LiquiFire Image Chains to preview the exact appearance of personalized products.
"Synergy (News - Alert) of dynamic imaging with Silicon Designer showcases the benefits of editing native InDesign documents online," said Marc Spencer, LiquidPixels CTO. "This empowers our customers to further link their Adobe investment with our dynamic imaging solutions." LiquidPixels is exhibiting now at the Internet Retailer Conference + Exhibition (IRCE). To learn more about the new partnership with Silicon Publishing, stop by booth #735. About Silicon Publishing, Inc. The world leader in web-to-print and multi-channel publishing with Adobe InDesign Server, Silicon Publishing has 16+ years of experience delivering best-in-class solutions for top brands including Nike, Google (News - Alert), Amazon, Hallmark, Adobe, and Disney. http://siliconpublishing.com About LiquidPixels, Inc. LiquidPixels is leading the imaging revolution. Built on open standards, its LiquiFire dynamic imaging solutions integrate into existing Web and workflow environments, enhancing product creation and visualization while reducing production costs. LiquidPixels makes its patented technology available as a hosted service or via on-site enterprise servers with solutions that may be tailored to each customer's unique needs.
http://www.liquidpixels.com *Adobe InDesign and Adobe Creative Cloud are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems (News - Alert) Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. LiquiFire Imaging Server is a trademark of LiquidPixels Incorporated in the United States. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160608006452/en/
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[June 09, 2016] Gurucul Named Best Behavior Analytics | Enterprise Threat Detection Platform in SC Awards Europe 2016
Gurucul, the user behavior analytics and identity access intelligence company, today announced that it was named the Best Behavior Analytics/Enterprise Threat Detection platform in the SC Awards Europe 2016. Gurucul Risk Analytics (GRA) was deemed superior to solutions from Exabeam, Interset, Splunk (News - Alert) and Vectra Networks by information security professionals from major European and global brands in the banking, retail, airline, insurance and food and beverage industries, as well as government agencies. Winners were announced this week at the annual SC Awards Europe 2016 event in London. "Being selected by a panel of IT security experts as the Best Behavior Analytics/Enterprise Threat Detection platform in both the US and European SC Awards is a rare occurrence," said Saryu Nayyar, CEO of Gurucul. "This recognition on two different continents validates our unique approach for addressing real customer problems. By combining big data techniques, machine learning and identity access intelligence we are delivering the true promise of user behavior analytics -- uncovering unknown threats without having to 'hunt' for them." Identity has become the primary threat surface for data center and cloud apps. Detecting and preventing these attacks, by insiders or outsiders, requires the convergence of Identity Access Intelligence (News - Alert) (IAI) and User Behavior Analytics (UBA). Gurucul combines IAI to reduce excess access rights and outliers that open the door to phishing and account compromise attacks, and UBA to perform user profiling and behavior anomaly detection to identify account abuse, hijacking and suspicious activity. The Gurucul GRA platform ransforms identity from a poorly managed and often open attack surface to a reduced-risk security perimeter monitored with behavior analytics.
The annual SC Awards are recognized throughout the security industry as the gold standard of excellence in cybersecurity. With the awards, SC Magazine recognizes the achievements of security professionals in the field, the innovations happening in the vendor and service provider communities, and the vigilant work of government, commercial and nonprofit entities. Vendors and service providers which offer a product and/or service for the commercial, government, educational, nonprofit or other industries are eligible for the SC Awards. Gurucul has won several other awards including the SINET 16 (twice), Gartner (News - Alert) Cool Vendor and Cyber Defense Magazine's Infosec Award. The company is the only vendor to meet all five use cases and the compliance and fraud qualifications in the Market Guide for User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) published by Gartner, Inc.: http://gurucul.com/gartner-ueba-market-guide
About SC Magazine SC Magazine provides IT security professionals with in-depth and unbiased information through timely news, comprehensive analysis, cutting-edge features, contributions from thought leaders and the best, most extensive collection of product reviews in the business. By offering a consolidated view of IT security through independent product tests and well-researched editorial content that provides the contextual backdrop for how these IT security tools will address larger demands put on businesses today, SC Magazine enables IT security pros to make the right security decisions for their companies. Besides the monthly print magazine and vibrant daily website, the brand's portfolio includes the SC Congress series (Chicago, London, Amsterdam, New York, Boston, Atlanta, Toronto), SC Awards (U.S. and U.K.), SC Marketscope, and SC Magazine Newswire. About Gurucul Gurucul is changing the way enterprises protect themselves against insider threats, account compromise and data exfiltration on-premises and in the cloud. The company's user behavior analytics and identity access intelligence technology uses machine learning anomaly detection and predictive risk-scoring algorithms to reduce the attack surface for accounts, unnecessary access rights and privileges, and to identify, predict and prevent breaches. Gurucul technology is used globally by organizations to detect insider threats, cyber fraud, IP theft, external attacks and more. The company is based in Los Angeles. To learn more, visit http://www.gurucul.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160609005897/en/
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Periodista egipcia condeno el ataque terrorista en Tel Aviv: \Que hay de heroico en disparar a la gente?\
Prayer vigil for life planned in Mattoon
MATTOON -- Immaculate Conception Catholic church, 320 N. 21st Street, Mattoon, will host a Prayer Vigil for Life on June 20. Father John Titus, pastor, will be celebrant and homilist for the 6:30 p.m. Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Praying the rosary will begin at 6 p.m. The 7:30 p.m. business meeting will be conducted in the Parish Center near the church.
Current pro-family legislation and information on local pro-life events is on the agenda. Pro-life literature, books, letter/bumper stickers, jewelry, and book marks will be available.
Refreshments will be served. All are invited to join the group in prayer to return respect for all life.
Community Worship Service set at Martinsville fairgrounds
MARTINSVILLE (JG-TC) -- A Community Worship Service is scheduled to be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Martinsville Agricultural Fairgrounds.
Rev. John Hobbs will speak at the service. He is president and evangelist for Maranatha Ministries Unlimited, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He also serves as senior pastor of Liberty Christian Fellowship in Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; travels to preach at churches and camps; and hosts conferences, retreats and camps through Maranatha.
The Martinsville Bible Church Worship Team will lead the community worship service and provide music. This service at the grandstands will be held as part of the Martinsville Heritage Days Festival and Martinsville Agricultural Fairgrounds. Food vendors and other activities will be offered at the fairgrounds that day.
Praying for Charleston group to meet Tuesday
CHARLESTON -- Praying for Charleston, a prayer group, will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday again Morton Park in the south pavilion. Praying for Charleston is a chance for all Christians from any and all churches across denominational lines to join in praying for the city, churches, state, military and federal government, said Pastor Tom Skinner of Charleston's Friendship Baptist church.
Buck Grove announces VBS
MATTOON -- Buck Grove Community Church will kick off Vacation Bible School starting at 5:50 p.m. Sunday. Those attending will learn about Noah and the Ocean Commotion each evening from 5:50 - 8:30 Sunday through Thursday. All children ages 3 through junior high school are welcome. For more information, call 217-258-6355.
Community worship service planned Thursday in Neoga
NEOGA -- The Neoga Ministerial Alliance will host a community worship service at 10 a.m. on June 16 at Jennings Park. All are welcome to attend.
East Side Church of the Nazarene to hold VBS
MATTOON -- The East Side Church of the Nazarene will host Vacation Bible School from 6-8:15 p.m. Monday-Friday. Organizers say the theme is Deep Sea Adventure. Participants will visit Shellville and dive into Jesus' love. The church is located at 2129 So. 9th Street in Mattoon. Each evening centers around Bible stories, songs, games, memory verses, and crafts. The children's performance will be held at 10:30 a.m. June 19. Children 3 years of age through fifth grade are welcome. For more information, or for a ride, call 217-258-6519.
Mattoon First United Methodist Church announces new youth minister
MATTOON -- Mattoon First United Methodist Church welcomed a new Minister of Youth and Children this month.
Jordan Thomas joined the church staff on June 1. He is a native of Springfield and is a recent graduate of Greenville College with a double major in pastoral ministries and philosophy.
Thomas has significant experience in ministry. He has been leading worship since age 12 and has served as a worship leader at several churches. He served as both a Childrens Ministry intern and a Youth Ministry intern at Hope Church in Springfield.
He has also performed ministry overseas, spending three months as a missionary intern in South Africa and three months in Romania as an intern for Teen Challenge.
His main responsibility in his new position will be to coordinate youth and childrens ministries.
Mattoon First United Methodist Church is located at 16th and Charleston Avenue in downtown Mattoon. More information is available at www.mattoonfirst.com.
Strasburg St. Paul's telephone ministry turns 35
STRASBURG -- The Pause-for-Peace telephone ministry of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Strasburg completed 35 years of service June 7. There have been approximately 175 people prepare and record the inspirational devotions. Topics have ranged from every day happenings to world events. This 24-hour service is available to anyone wishing to hear the two-to-three minute devotion prepared by local people. A new devotion is prepared each day. The telephone ministry is especially for listeners who are feeling down, those who are ill, those suffering from depression or needing a break from a hectic day. The phone call is intended to give the caller a few minutes of peace. To hear the devotions, call 217-644-3124. For more information call Patsy Lenz at 217-644-2667.
See all our Week 9 Iowa high school football photos
All of our images from Friday night's Iowa high school football games, Week 9 of the 2022 season.
CHARLESTON -- Eastern Illinois University President David Glassman said Tuesday there are no current plans for laying off faculty as the state legislature still has not passed a budget.
The EIU president released a letter Monday saying the university would be open for fall semester, but there would be more layoffs until tuition dollars roll in to the university in the fall.
As reported previously, additional layoffs to civil service employees would be two-week, three-week, or 29-day emergency temporary layoffs if they become necessary. Factoring in recalls, 245 staff and 13 faculty have already been laid off since the start of the layoff process almost a year ago.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the fourth of six stories in the JG-TC series, "Dopesick: The Heroin Epidemic," exploring the wider impact of heroin use on families and local communities.
TUSCOLA -- Heroin was considered to be a "big city drug" when Gregory Dixon started his career in law enforcement with the Illinois State Police more than 25 years ago.
After joining the Douglas County Sheriff's Office as chief deputy in 2014, Dixon said he soon found that reports of this drug in local small towns were occurring in larger numbers than he had ever seen before. He said Douglas County's annual heroin-related arrests increased from none in previous years to one in 2014 and two in 2015, adding that deputies also recorded several overdoses during this time frame.
Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims said his office also has encountered an increasing number of heroin-related incidents during the last couple of years. Sims, who has worked in the sheriff's office for 22 years, said, "That is something that in my early years here we never saw."
Both Dixon and Sims said marijuana still accounts for the majority of their drug-related arrests, but heroin is an especially worrisome illegal drug because it is highly addictive and has a high potential for fatal overdoses.
"There is no doubt in my mind that heroin is here," Dixon said, adding that this illegal drug affects people of all ages and demographics. "It's here. It's a life changer. It destroys people's families and careers. It's like a cancer."
Dixon said said those who begin taking heroin for "recreational use" typically get addicted right away and then feel that they "have to have it to live." He said heroin addicts often go in and out of police custody and rehab in the manner of a "revolving door." He added that users "network" with each other in jail on where to buy heroin.
Sims said heroin users "can get clean" but will always be susceptible to a relapse of their addiction. He said those who chronically use heroin have to keep increasing the dose in order to get the same type of high, which puts them at risk of a lethal overdose.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has encountered overdoses in recent years along country roads, in parking lots of businesses, inside a motel, and at other locations, Dixon said.
In 2015, Dixon said, his agency documented five heroin overdoses and one to two resulting deaths. He said this surge of overdoses was due in large part to an influx of heroin that had been laced with Fentanyl to stretch this illegal drug.
"You never really know what you are getting," Sims said of the substances within a dose of heroin.
Sims estimated that Sullivan area ambulance crews have given Narcan medication to treat heroin overdoses more than a dozen times during the last year in Moultrie County. He said those are "pretty significant numbers" for a small county of approximately 15,000 people, adding that this treatment likely prevented overdose deaths.
The Moultrie County Sheriff's Office in on track to acquire Narcan injectors and get some of its deputies trained to use this medication, Sims said. This will be the first time that Moultrie County's deputies have been equipped to provide medical care in the field, he said.
In Douglas County, Dixon said deputies have been equipped and trained to use Narcan injectors since March 2015 but have not needed to administer this medication yet.
"All of our officers are up to speed on signs of overdose and are carrying Narcan in their squad cars. That is a big stretch for law enforcement to act as medical personnel," Dixon said. He added that the agency's priority during overdose incidents is to save lives first and then pursue an investigation.
Sims said most of Moultrie County's heroin-related calls for service have been for overdose situations. He said they have made some heroin possession arrests, but none for distribution. He said local users typically drive to Decatur and other bigger cities to get their own heroin, which was likely distributed out of Chicago.
Addicts often leave little evidence on themselves or in their vehicle after they drive to Champaign, Danville or another larger city to purchase a half gram bag of heroin for personal use, Dixon said.
"They do their heroin when and where they get it," Dixon said. "Their addictions are so strong they usually do it immediately."
Dixon said he takes part in monthly meetings with representatives from other law enforcement agencies in Douglas County and surrounding counties, and has heard they are all dealing with heroin-related issues. He said they share information about law enforcement issues in their communities and coordinate their efforts.
In addition, Dixon said the Douglas County Sheriff's Office has a deputy assigned to work full time with the East Central Illinois Task Force on cases involving heroin and other illegal drugs.
"The drug task force does a really good job of following up on investigations and creating new cases," Dixon said.
Douglas County's new canine unit went into operation on May 1, Dixon added. The unit is trained to handle drug interdiction cases and assist with tracking and other needs, he said. The unit is comprised of Kuno, a Belgian malinois, and handler Ty Ledbetter, a deputy who was previously assigned to the East Central Illinois Task Force.
Even with additional resources available, Dixon said providing law enforcement services for a county with 417 square miles and approximately 20,000 residents is a challenge for a sheriff's office with about a dozen officers. He said the increase in heroin use has added to this challenge.
"The drug issue is one aspect of the job here, but it is pretty much all consuming," Dixon said, adding that a heroin arrest will tie up an officer for most of a shift. "We are taking the heroin issue very, very seriously."
Sims said heroin-related incidents tie up resources for the Moultrie County Sheriff's Office, which has approximately 10 deputies, and for local emergency medical services.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the fifth of six stories in the JG-TC series, "Dopesick: The Heroin Epidemic," exploring the wider impact of heroin use on families and local communities.
MATTOON -- There are some times Jason Taylor doesn't want people to get in trouble for using illegal drugs.
Since 2012, there's been a law in place in Illinois that Taylor, Mattoon's deputy police chief, called "huge" in helping prevent fatal drug overdoses.
With the law, if someone witnesses an overdose and calls 911, both the caller and the drug user are immune from prosecution in connection with the incident.
Taylor will willingly put aside his typical role as a police officer in order to get people in those kinds of situations to think of police and ambulance crews "as their friend," he said.
It's especially important these days, he added, as local law enforcement are seeing more instances of heroin overdoses, which cause respiratory distress and are often fatal.
"I'm glad the law was put into effect," Taylor said. "It's there to help people."
The more widespread use of heroin is in part a result of guidelines that called for "way too many" doctor prescriptions of opiate painkillers that started several years ago, said John Lauer, medical director of behavioral medicine at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
Heroin use and addiction increased when painkiller users built tolerances for those drugs or could no longer get them and turned to the less costly but more addictive substance, Lauer explained.
It led SBLHC to start a clinic to treat addicts with a drug called suboxone, he continued. He said someone who uses heroin or another opiate after taking suboxone experiences symptoms similar to drug withdrawals.
"The problem with it was people were abusing that drug," Lauer said, explaining that suboxone can be sold to addicts who want it to prevent withdrawals if they have no access to their drugs.
SBLHC deals with drug abuse and addiction in cases such as when it's affecting a patient's mental condition or an overdose victim ends up in its emergency room.
The hospital doesn't have an actual substance abuse program, however, and more long-term treatment is the job of substance abuse treatment facilities. Attempts to get comments about treatment from local agencies were unsuccessful, however.
The Central East Alcohol and Drug Council operates the Hour House in Charleston, which provides residential substance abuse treatment programs. Through a representative, Director Pam Erwin declined to make anyone available, saying the facility's clinicians wouldn't have time to be interviewed.
Also, other treatment facilities in central Illinois that were contacted didn't respond to interview requests.
The behavioral medicine department at SBLHC also has other drugs to treat depression and other conditions related to substance abuse, Lauer said.
"The patients don't like it because they're not getting opiates," he said.
Another drug called naltrexone blocks nerve receptors so heroin has no effect. Lauer said it's now available by injection and lasts longer than the pill form previously used.
"If they use heroin, they're not going to get any kind of high from it," he said.
Rachel Duhamel, SBLHC social worker and substance abuse counselor, is often part of the first line of care for drug patients. She works in the hospital's emergency room, screening patients and helping them coordinate the treatment they need.
A "very frustrating" part of the process is that it often takes a month or more for there to be an opening in a treatment program, Duhamel said. And the "devastating effects" of heroin also hinder a patient's ability to get the needed care, she added.
"They lose everything and that includes a job that has health insurance," she said.
Patients generally go to the treatment program that has the shortest waiting period, Duhamel said, but they often prefer one that's medication-assisted to help prevent relapses.
There is also a program available for people who are charged with drug offenses. Some drug case defendants can be placed in Coles County's drug court program as a condition of their bonds or a part of their actual sentences.
Drug court started in response to the methamphetamine epidemic of around a decade ago but its approach with a heroin user is really the same, explained Megan Weaver, drug court officer with the Court Services Office for the county.
"Essentially, you're treated," she said.
Drug court starts with a period of "really intense supervision" with numerous external controls such as a curfew, weekly court appearances and at least weekly drug screenings, Weaver said.
A committee made up of representatives of probation, treatment agencies, the courts and prosecuting and defense attorneys then decide when a participant's ready for the later phases of the program.
Weaver said there's a minimum of three months before someone in the first phase of drug court is eligible for the next one. At that point, the participant has to have a sponsor, be working or looking for work and attend at least four treatment sessions each week, she said.
As a participant goes up the ranks, the supervision is less intense but still features some restrictions, including drug screenings, Weaver continued.
At the end, participants aren't supervised as closely and, hopefully, get to the point that they don't need the program any longer, she said. In some cases, completing the program successfully results in criminal charges being dismissed.
Nebraska and 20 other states are suing Delaware to give back close to $200 million in uncashed money orders.
The dispute between the 21 plaintiff states and Delaware is about which state is entitled to abandoned and unclaimed official checks sold by MoneyGram, a money transfer services company that operates in all 50 states and internationally.
MoneyGram has been submitting unclaimed money to Delaware, where the company is incorporated. The other states argue that the money should go back to the state where purchased.
The coalition is asking the Supreme Court to declare that the plaintiff states are entitled to the hundreds of millions of dollars already turned over to Delaware and to all future similar abandoned and unclaimed property.
Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said in a news release that Nebraska would be entitled to approximately $1.8 million if the Supreme Court rules in the plaintiff states' favor.
Railroads are feeling optimistic that lower coal stockpiles and a commodities rally led by grain and oil may be hints that a cargo slump has hit bottom.
Farmers, who have stored grain to wait for higher prices, may begin to ship more as prices for corn, soybeans and other crops begin to climb, Frank Lonegro, chief financial officer of CSX said during a presentation at a Deutsche Bank AG conference Wednesday. Since April, prices have risen 22 percent for corn and 29 percent for soybeans.
"The farmers collectively needed to see an uptick in the prices in order to unlock some of the grain that they had in storage," Lonegro said. "So good crop prices are positive in terms of volumes."
Railroads have been cutting costs and storing locomotives as lower shipments of coal, oil and grain cause a decline in freight. Carloads for the five major U.S. carriers fell 6.5 percent in the first quarter and so far have dropped 10.4 percent this quarter, according to the Association of American Railroads, a trade group that reports weekly shipments.
However, grain shipments have started to rise. According to the railroad group, they were up 2.3 percent in the week ending June 4 compared with last year.
BNSF Railway reported that its grain shipments were up 4.6 percent in the same period. Union Pacific did even better, with a 12 percent increase.
Coal traffic continues to be way down from last year, more than 30 percent for both BNSF and UP, but stockpiles have declined in the regions served by CSX, the largest railroad in the eastern U.S., Lonegro said. In the North, there were 87 days of coal stocks and 113 days in the South, he said. That's less than 105 days in the North and about 180 days in the South that Lonegro gave on May 24.
"The fact that coal stockpiles have been coming down is a good data point for people waiting for any inclination of a bottom for coal," said Lee Klaskow, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts on Wednesday appointed a Gage County prosecutor to succeed a retired southeast Nebraska district court judge.
Ricky A. Schreiner will fill the seat Judge Paul Korslund vacated on April 1.
Schreiner has been the Chief Deputy Gage County Attorney since 2007, according to a news release from the governor's office.
Prior to his stint in the county attorney's office, he worked in private practice at Fankhauser, Nelsen & Werts, P.C. in Nebraska City, the release said.
Schreiner has worked in law enforcement as a Nebraska City police officer and Otoe County Sheriffs deputy, and holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice management from LaSalle University and a law degree from Creighton University.
His appointment is to the First Judicial District, which consists Clay, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline and Thayer counties.
By the time the detective sergeant found himself on a state plane headed for Alabama to arrest Joseph White in 1989, four years had passed since he had cleared White of Helen Wilson's brutal killing.
Sam Stevens, then lead investigator on the case for the Beatrice Police Department, said he was bewildered when he got called out of training in St. Louis to meet the Gage County sheriff and two deputies at the airport.
He didn't even know Deputy Burdette Searcey was investigating Wilson's 1985 death, Stevens said Wednesday in testimony at a federal civil rights action filed by six people convicted and later exonerated in the case.
Searcey had never asked Stevens to tell him about the case, Stevens said, or to show him the hundreds of pages of reports the detective sergeant had produced.
"Before we get there, I just want you to know the sheriff's office solved this case," Stevens recalled Gage County Sheriff Jerry DeWitt telling him.
On Wednesday, Stevens found himself testifying in a case where DeWitt, who since has died, Searcey and psychologist and part-time Deputy Wayne Price are accused of a shockingly reckless investigation that put White and five others in prison for another man's crime.
White, Ada JoAnn Taylor, Thomas Winslow, James Dean, Kathy Gonzalez and Debra Shelden spent more than 75 years in prison before DNA testing White fought for identified Bruce Allen Smith as the man who raped and killed the 68-year-old widow in her apartment.
By then, Smith had died in an Oklahoma prison.
In 2009, the so-called Beatrice 6 sued Gage County and the sheriffs and deputies behind the investigation.
The initial trial ended in a hung jury, and Wednesday was the second day of testimony in a second trial.
Back in March 1989, Stevens testified, he already knew that White, the man they were flying to Alabama to arrest, didn't have the same blood type as the killer. He had excluded him as a suspect in 1985 and had given a report to then-Gage County Attorney Dick Smith about it.
"I just didn't understand it," Stevens said.
But he did what he was told, he said, which was to get a statement from White. "A confession would be nice," he remembers being told.
"It was like arresting somebody and then doing the investigation to me," Stevens said.
White didn't confess and never would, but others, including Taylor, lined up to say White killed Wilson and they participated.
A day after White's arrest, Stevens and Searcey went on to North Carolina, where they interviewed Taylor for two hours. They arrested her, Stevens said Wednesday, but he walked away not believing her when she said she was there when Wilson was murdered.
She was wrong about details, big and small, Stevens said.
When he said so, he testified, his relationship with the sheriff's office deteriorated until he was taken off the case, told by DeWitt he was "muddying the waters."
"I never did believe they had the right people," he said.
Stevens said he nearly lost his job over the Wilson case, and when he retired, he said, he mentioned to the employee in charge of evidence at the department to make sure the things gathered from the Wilson crime scene were not destroyed.
"I guess it was just a hunch, knowing these people weren't guilty," he said.
The longer-than-expected search for Lincoln's new fire chief cost the city nearly $37,000, in part because officials had to pick a chief twice.
The city reopened the search for a successor to Chief John Huff, who retired a year ago, after a candidate from Arizona turned down the job in November.
In April, Mayor Chris Beutler selected Micheal Despain from a group of four out-of-state finalists found during the second search. Despain has been a firefighter for 31 years, the past 20 in and near Clovis, California.
Advertising fees, the cost of consultant Prothman Group and expenses related to finding Lincoln's new chief totaled $33,928, according to Lincoln Human Resources Director Doug McDaniel. Travel reimbursement for the seven candidates who came to Lincoln was $3,063, he said.
Washington-based Prothman did not charge more than the agreed-upon $21,500, plus approved expenses, for its services even though the search took longer than expected, McDaniel said.
All of the search costs came out of the city's general fund and the ambulance fund, he said.
Despain's hire marks the only time Beutler has used an outside search consultant to fill a director's position, McDaniel said. Most are filled in-house.
Mayoral Aide Molly Burton said the mayor opted for a search firm in the case of the fire chief because city officials didn't have an established network of contacts to find qualified candidates.
No internal candidates were named finalists, and Burton said Wednesday she didn't know if any Lincoln Fire and Rescue employees applied.
The scope of the search for a new police chief also extended beyond Nebraska, but McDaniel said Public Safety Director Tom Casady's extensive network of contacts made that process different.
Related costs totaled $2,724, and of that, candidate reimbursement accounted for all but the $200 spent on advertising, according to McDaniel.
In April, Beutler tapped Lancaster County's Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeff Bliemeister to succeed Lincoln Police Chief Jim Peschong, who retired in February.
Bliemeister has already started in his new job. Despain starts July 18.
The Lincoln City Council will consider merging two parts of the police and fire pension fund, a first step in reducing the city's long-term liability.
Merging the large pension fund and a smaller cost-of-living fund will decrease the citys cost for funding the plan by $4 million next fiscal year, from $12 million to $7.8 million.
A public hearing on the proposed merger is set for the June 20 council meeting, which begins at 3 p.m.
The merger was one of the recommendations from a pension review committee studying the citys only defined benefit pension plan. It is one of the recommended changes the council and mayor can make without agreement of the two unions.
The firefighters union would prefer city officials work with them on a total resolution of the pension issues, rather than make this one change without union support, said Ron Trouba, president of the firefighters union.
The defined benefit plan, which covers more than 1,100 police and fire department employees and retirees, provides a guaranteed monthly income at retirement (as early as age 50) of 64 percent of the person's final-year salary.
Employees pay about 8 percent of their earnings into the plan each year and do not participate in the federal Social Security plan.
All other city employees have a defined contribution plan, much like 401K plans in the private sector, where employees and employers pay into the plan but have no guarantee of a monthly retirement benefit. These employees participate in Social Security.
The 2008 stock market crash reduced the police and fire pension funds by about one-third, creating a deficit in their long-term financial health and creating the need for higher city payments.
The citys contribution to the police and fire pension went from $3.4 million in 2007 to a recommended $12 million next fiscal year.
The budget demands related to the pension plan will continue to increase unless elected officials and pension participants have the courage to not only acknowledge the problem, but follow through with the necessary and long-term changes to the pension, said City Councilman Trent Fellers, who created the pension review committee with Mayor Chris Beutler.
The proposed merger would save the city $4 million next fiscal year and $208 million over 30 years, based on an actuarial firm's assessment.
The smaller fund, created in 1992, is called the 13th check fund because it provides a 13th monthly check to police and firefighter retirees each year in lieu of a cost-of-living increase. Each retiree received a 13th check for $1,174 in September 2015, according to city records.
The proposed merger is an accounting maneuver that allows the actuarial company, which monitors the pension fund, to increase the assumed rate of return for its future projections. The merger would not eliminate the 13th check.
The proposed merger also would improve the pension plans unfunded liability ratio an actuarial measure of the funds health -- from 64 percent to 80 percent, according to a news release.
Nothing changes in the way the funds are invested, since both funds are already invested together and separated only on paper. The pension fund was valued at almost $177 million last August and the 13th check fund was valued at more than $27 million.
The pension review committee did not recommend creating a defined contribution pension plan for future police and firefighters because that would likely cost more than retaining the defined benefit plan.
The city cannot change the plan for current employees without union agreement.
Other committee recommendations that would need union agreement include requiring employees to share the risk of long-term funding of the plan with the city, requiring them to work longer to get full retirement benefits and tying the retirement benefit to the final three years of pay rather than the last year.
SAN DIEGO -- Disinterest is a first cousin to ignorance. If you're not interested in a subject, don't be surprised if you wind up ignorant about it.
This is how it is with Latinos in America. The largest minority is also one of the least understood. America still operates within a black-and-white paradigm, even though there are several U.S. cities where Latinos outnumber both blacks and whites. See Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami.
You won't find many Latinos in Hollywood, or on the Sunday morning political shows -- even when we're the ones being talked about.
But we're just about everywhere else, living in each of the 50 states and accounting for one in six Americans. Still, oddly enough, millions of our fellow Americans don't know the first thing about us -- or even have the slightest desire to learn.
Most Latinos are fluent in American culture. And why not? In some cases, we've been marinating in it for hundreds of years. Yet by and large, this is a one-way street. Most non-Latinos haven't done their homework on the large and growing tribe living among them.
If they had, they'd know that there is no such thing as "La Raza," shorthand for the mythical organization that many white people fear is busy hatching a plan to avenge past injustices by doing to them in this century some of what was done to Latinos in the last. Those paranoid fantasies are driven less by reality than by a collective guilty conscience.
There is the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, which is a professional organization of mainstreamed lawyers and judges. I've spoken to the group, and I found it perfectly harmless. I saw a bunch of light-skinned Latinos who went to private colleges and speak English better than they do Spanish, some of them married to white people and living in the suburbs. If the nativists are right and there is a revolution afoot, these folks are hardly the tip of the spear.
The group's members include Gonzalo Curiel, a U.S. District Court judge who risked his life to go after Mexican drug dealers while serving as a federal prosecutor and now must contend with a scourge that is arguably even more odious: Donald Trump.
Curiel is hearing a case against Trump University, and the businessman insists that Curiel, a U.S.-born American of Mexican descent, is ethnically predisposed to be unfair to him. According to Trump, the problem is that Curiel is a "Mexican." The presumptive Republican presidential nominee has promised to build a 2,000-mile-long wall between Mexico and the United States. Trump assumes this pipe dream has created hard feelings between him and the judge, even if Curiel's connection to Mexico is, shall we say, rather tenuous. While he was prosecuting Mexican drug traffickers, his life was threatened and he spent a year under the protection of federal agents.
The lawyers group in San Diego is not to be confused with the National Council of La Raza, which claims to promote the interests of Latinos but somehow never gets beyond promoting its own interest. I've spoken to that group, too, and I've written about it for two decades. Here's what you need to know: The NCLR is basically a front for white liberals, and the organization is run by the corporations and foundations that fund its programs. It's not separatist. It's capitalist.
Meanwhile, with many Republicans scurrying away from Trump's comments about Curiel, the offender is going on the offensive. Trump has told surrogates to turn the tables on reporters who ask about his comments regarding the judge and accuse the journalists of being racist for buying into "identity politics." After all, the thinking must go, it takes a racist to see racism where it doesn't exist.
Sadly, though, it does exist in this case. And Trump is the only racist in the room.
Sen. Ben Sasse on Thursday decried the lack of Obama administration action to detain an illegal immigrant who had been charged in a motor vehicle accident in Omaha that killed a woman while he was driving drunk.
After receiving a letter from Daniel Ragsdale, U.S. immigration and customs enforcement deputy director, stating that "Eswin Mejia should be in custody," Sasse said no action has been taken.
"Stonewalling won't protect other families from this kind of tragedy," he said.
Mejia, a native of Honduras, entered the country illegally as an unaccompanied child in 2013 when he was 16 and was transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services refugee resettlement program. He was released to his brother in Tennessee and later moved to Omaha.
Mejia, 19, was street racing in Omaha in January when he crashed into a vehicle driven by Sarah Root, who was killed. He was arrested, charged with motor vehicle homicide while driving under the influence of alcohol and fled after posting bail.
Sasse said recent responses from Department of Homeland Security officials have been "a copy and paste job" that results in nearly identical letters that "say nothing of substance."
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson earlier wrote Sasse that Immigration and Customs Enforcement was "working to locate and apprehend Mr. Mejia" and had added his name to its most wanted list.
Sasse has raised questions about the facts and circumstances regarding the decision not to detain Mejia earlier.
"It is time for President Obama to rethink his disastrous policy and faithfully execute the law to protect the American people," Sasse said.
Republican National Committeeman J.L. Spray and Democratic State Chairman Vince Powers sparred Thursday before an energetic audience of hundreds of Boys Staters and Girls Staters, with Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton looming in the shadows.
Trump does not have "the temperament to have his finger on the (nuclear) button or be commander in chief," Powers told the high school juniors from across the state.
And Trump excuses his attack on a federal judge of Mexican heritage who was born in the United States with a response that essentially says, "I have a right to be a racist," the Democratic chairman said.
Spray raised questions about Clinton's use of a private email server when she was U.S. secretary of state and suggested that the behavior of both Bill and Hillary Clinton prompts questions about "blind ambition (and) people on the take."
Trump, he said, is going to be the next president, partly because "he speaks his mind and tells it like it is."
The two party leaders clashed over the issue of climate change.
After Spray questioned assumptions about man-made climate change, Powers said: "I'm trying to soak in (the thought) that a sophisticated man like J.L. doesn't believe in climate change."
Global change has "happened over billions of years," Spray said.
Powers pointed to recent action at the Republican state convention shelving a proposed resolution that would have opposed derogatory remarks against women or minorities by GOP party officials or candidates, a motion clearly targeted at Trump.
"The truth has come out in the Republican Party through Donald Trump," the Democratic chairman said.
Immigration "probably is the No. 1 issue," Spray said, with the accompanying challenge of "keeping criminals out of the country."
Democrats want the United States to be like Europe, the Republican committeeman said, while Republicans stand for liberty, including freedom of speech.
What Republicans are really saying, Powers said, is "let's go back to the day when this country was run by white males only."
Dear Dr. K: My 8-year-old daughter has expressed an interest in taking a yoga class, but I don't want to waste my money. Can children really benefit from yoga?
Dear Reader: Yes, they can. I spoke to Dr. Marlynn Wei, who is a psychiatrist, certified yoga teacher, and author of the upcoming Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga. She noted that yoga and mindfulness (a related practice) have been shown to improve both physical and mental health in children.
To start with, yoga improves balance, strength, endurance and aerobic capacity in children. A growing body of research has shown that yoga can also improve focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance and classroom behavior. It can even reduce anxiety and stress in children.
Emerging research studies suggest that yoga can help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It may do so by improving the core characteristics of ADHD: inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also boost school performance in children with ADHD.
A growing number of schools now integrate yoga and mindfulness into physical education programs or classroom curriculums. And many yoga studios offer classes for school-age children.
Here are some yoga exercises for kids. You can try these at home with your daughter before signing her up for a class:
Simple yoga breath
* Take in a deep breath and hold it for a count of three.
* Breathe out forcefully, as if you're blowing out a candle.
* Repeat this for five cycles of breath.
Flying bird breath
* Stand tall, with arms at your sides and feet hip-width apart, facing forward.
* Imagine being a beautiful, strong bird.
* Pretend to prepare to fly by inhaling and raising your arms ("wings") until your palms touch overhead. Keep your arms straight.
* Exhale slowly as you bring your arms back down to your sides, palms facing down.
* Repeat in a steady motion with each breath: Inhale as you raise your arms, and exhale as you lower your arms.
Your daughter may also enjoy simple meditation. For example, before bedtime, turn off all electronic devices and reflect on the day with her. Pose questions like, "What are you grateful for today?"
Here's another mindfulness meditation exercise:
* Find a comfortable seated position or lie down.
* Close your eyes.
* Try to listen to every single sound in the room.
Not being a pediatrician, my only experience with yoga for children involves a friend. Her son was struggling with self-confidence, and it was affecting how he did in school, academically and socially. Practicing yoga gave him a sense of self-control that my friend is sure turned him into a popular and gifted student.
MOUNT PLEASANT Dr. Carl Heigl has announced he will close Heigl Chiropractic and Wellness Center, after 35 years in business, to teach chiropractic in Malaysia.
Heigl, whose practice is at 4810 Northwestern Ave., said he will become an associate professor at International Medical University in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. The private medical university has the only complete chiropractic program in Southeast Asia, and also trains in the disciplines of medical, dental, nutrition and Chinese medicine, he said.
Person for person, Malaysia has only one-tenth the number of chiropractors as the United States, Heigl said: So the potential is awesome.
Varied career path
Accepting a job in Malaysia is merely a continuation of a path of sharp career twists and turns Heigl has made during his adult life.
Heigl, 64, is a Horlick High School graduate who grew up in Racine and went to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where he earned his undergraduate degree in education and political science. He then taught eighth-grade American history in the Sheboygan public schools from 1974-78.
Then, with student enrollment declining, Heigl went to UW-Whitewater and earned a master of business administration degree. He joined J.I. Case Co. and worked as a project specialist for three years, then added a fourth year as a consultant.
In 1985 Heigl made another large career change when he started his four-year education in chiropractic at Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa.
When he graduated from Palmer in 1988, Heigl came back to Racine and joined his twin brother, John, who had started the Heigl Chiropractic practice. John died in 2000, leaving Carl as sole owner.
Heigl has made a two-year, renewable commitment to teaching in Kuala Lumpur, where the predominant language is English, he said. He has asked House Speaker Paul Ryans office to try to help speed up the paperwork needed for his international move, which currently appears to be several months away.
Heigls office will continue providing care through June and close June 30. He has not sold his practice but said that is still an option.
For more information, call Heigl Chiropractic at 262-681-2273.
CALEDONIA The villages website and logo will soon get a reboot.
The Village Board this week agreed to pay Image Management Inc. of Racine $15,000 to design a new village website and create a new village logo.
In January, village officials started talking about updating the villages logo, created sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s, and revamping the villages website to make it more appealing and informational.
Image Management will take about two months to develop the new website, said Village Administrator Tom Christensen. Once up and running, the company will train several village employees to maintain the site, he said.
There is no time frame for a new logo, but officials would like to see the new image on several upcoming projects, Christensen said.
I know the CDA (Community Development Authority) wants to see something, we would like to see it on the new Village Hall, and developers of the Deback farm property would like to see the new logo on signs out there, Christensen said. We would like to see it sooner rather than later.
The CDA earlier this year hashed out what it thought was good and bad about the village to help create a succinct and successful brand to lure new businesses, attract more homeowners and energize long-time residents.
Among the strengths: diverse zoning; a well-defined land-use plan; low unemployment; rural settings; plenty of recreational opportunities; access to Lake Michigan; close proximity to airports in Racine, Milwaukee and Chicago.
Among the weaknesses: no separate school system; no defined village center; no uniform zip code; limited public transportation.
We have a balance, Christensen said during that discussion. We have businesses. We have rural settings. We have room to do it all.
The challenge will be to condense all the best attributes and perceived strengths of the village into a single, iconic, memorable brand.
The current village logo is an electric blue, stylized thistle from Scotland, where the name Caledonia originated.
CALEDONIA For the Caledonia Police Department, the dog days of summer start this weekend.
This weekend, the department will hold its first event to raise money to purchase the villages first K-9 unit dog.
The fundraiser will start 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Cham Tap North, 4653 Douglas Ave. The event will feature food, drink and raffles.
Also available will be Caledonia K-9 T-shirts, which were recently delivered. The shirts, $25 each, come in youth sizes small to large, and adults sizes from small to XXXL.
Village police officials in April said they wanted to start a K-9 unit, something the department has never had.
The villages Finance Committee gave approval to the idea and allowed the Police Department to secure donations to purchase, equip, house and train a canine.
Almost every other police department surrounding Caledonia has at least one canine unit, said Village Administrator Tom Christensen.
The village has a chance to get a canine at no additional cost to taxpayers, Christensen said.
I believe it would be a great addition, said Christensen, who served on the Racine Police Department for more than 20 years. Its a resource for tracking people and searching buildings. Its also a fantastic public relations tool to highlight the good works of the Police Department. Police canines are magnets for kids and adults.
Police canines can cost up to $20,000. Most police dogs come partially trained, Christensen said. An officer would be selected to train with the dog. The duo then would receive on-going training together.
RACINE COUNTY Look for lane and ramp closures at Interstate 94 and Highway K starting next week as crews begin a short-term maintenance project.
The state Department of Transportation says the project, which will last about two weeks, will include milling, asphalt paving and base patching.
The DOT has scheduled several closures as a result, including a full interchange shut-down.
Lanes will be closed on Highway K at I-94 on June 14 and 15, with flagging operations in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On June 16, all four ramps and Highway K underneath the freeway will be closed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The I-94 northbound (west) entrance ramp will be closed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 20, while the southbound entrance ramp will be closed during the same time June 21.
The work schedule is weather permitting and subject to change. It has changed once already, with work originally scheduled for late May postponed due to production issues, the DOT said.
While the maintenance project will commence soon, Racine County will not see major I-94 road work this year after heavy construction the past two years on the Highway 20 interchange.
The break comes as lawmakers struggle over how to fund transportation, issues that have surfaced again in recent weeks. DOT Secretary Mark Gottlieb told the Wisconsin State Journal he would propose a budget with no major tax or fee increases, putting road projects throughout the state in question, while Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has called for more transportation revenue.
Gov. Scott Walker will unveil his 2017-19 budget proposal early next year.
WATERFORD The village next week will celebrate the opening of new canoe and kayak launches with dignitaries and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event, which includes an announcement about a bi-state trail system, will be held at 6 p.m. June 16 at the launch site at Village Hall Park, 123 N. River St. A launch is also located at Racine Countys Case Eagle Park in Rochester.
The launches provide safe and easy access around two major impediments to water travel on the Fox River in Racine County the Waterford and Rochester dams, officials said in a news release.
Paddlers will now be able to travel from the headwaters in Waukesha County through Racine and Kenosha counties to the Illinois state line and beyond, according to the news release.
The ribbon-cutting event will include Cathy Stepp, secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources, and Sheila Bugalecki, president of the Racine Community Foundation.
The projects cost was $208,122. A DNR stewardship grant paid for 50 percent of the work and the Racine Community Foundation provided $40,000, officials said. The Village of Waterford and Racine County paid the rest of the costs for their respective sites.
Trail announcement
Officials at the event also will announce the development of a Fox River trail. Waterford has worked with others in Wisconsin and Illinois to develop the 220-mile trail, which will extend from Waukesha County to the confluence with the Illinois River in Ottawa, Ill., according to the news release.
Officials from three counties along the Fox River Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, Kenosha County Board Chairman Kimberly Breunig and Dale Shaver, director of Waukesha County parks and land use will also speak at the event.
Waterfords summer concert series River Rhythms will follow at 6:30 p.m. and will feature the bands Cold Sweat and Brew City Horns.
The Air National Guards Truax Field is in the running for a new generation of fighter jet, a U.S. Air Force spokesman said Wednesday.
Truax is among 18 Air National Guard bases across the country that are being evaluated, said Capt. Mark Graff, an Air Force spokesman in Washington, D.C.
Being chosen for the F-35A jet would be seen as a measure of security for prolonged operation of the field on Madisons North Side. In 2005, Truax was considered for closure but spared in the end as part of a national base realignment effort.
Another round of closures is expected in 2019, and aging F-16 Block 30 fighter jets, like those based at Truax and which can often be heard roaring across northeastern Madison, are among the oldest still in service. They have been retired as part of base closings elsewhere.
In 2005, managers at the adjacent Dane County Regional Airport discussed how they would replace the firefighting services provided by the Air National Guard and concluded that there could be substantial costs to replace specialized equipment if the Guard base closed, said airport spokesman Brent McHenry.
The Air Force announced in April that it was seeking two additional bases for the F-35A. The candidates were released to the Wisconsin State Journal on Wednesday.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Madison Democrat, said in a statement that she plans to continue to advocate for improvements at Truax, including the new jets.
I expect us to be a very strong competitor, Baldwin said.
Spokeswomen for the Air National Guards 115th Fighter Wing couldnt be reached for comment, but Graff said the Air Force will narrow the list of possible bases to four, conduct environmental impact analyses and make a final decision based on projected cost and several other factors this year.
The new jets would arrive in 2022.
The basing criteria are mission (including weather, airspace and training range availability), capacity (hangar, runway, ramp space and facilities considerations), environmental requirements and cost factors, Graff said.
Air Combat Command and the Air National Guard will conduct site surveys at each candidate location as applicable, Graff said.
The Air Force is committed to a deliberate and open process to address F-35 basing, Jennifer A. Miller, the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, said in a statement in April. As we progress through the basing process, we will share information so interested communities are aware of what to expect.
The bases being considered have runways of at least 8,000 feet and operational A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons or F-15 Eagles, Graff said. Currently, three active-duty bases and one Air National Guard base have been chosen for F-35As, he said.
Graff said the other 17 airfields under consideration in the current selection round were Atlantic City Airport in New Jersey; Barnes Airport in Massachusetts; Boise Air Terminal in Idaho; Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado; Duluth Airport in Minnesota; Fresno Yosemite Airport in California; Fort Wayne Airport in Indiana; Jacksonville Airport in Florida; Joe Foss Field in South Dakota; Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility in Washington, D.C.; McEntire Joint National Guard Base in South Carolina; Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama; Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in Louisiana; Portland Airport in Oregon; Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan; Toledo Express Airport in Ohio; and Tulsa Airport in Oklahoma.
University of Wisconsin System officials are refusing to release the details of their proposed operating budget for the coming fiscal year, saying they will only publicly disclose whats in their budget just before the UW Board of Regents plans to vote on it Thursday afternoon.
The Regents are scheduled to discuss and vote on the 2016-17 annual operating budget, as well as tuition and fee schedules, at a meeting Thursday at UW-Milwaukee, according to an agenda.
But less than 24 hours before that vote and days after officials posted meeting materials online providing detailed information about other items on the agenda UW had yet to release the operating budget on its website or in response to a Wisconsin State Journal request for the document under the states open records law.
Open government advocates say theres no legal reason for UW to withhold the documents if they have been shared with the Regents and requested under the records law.
One budget proposal calls for increasing student fees by $59 per student on average Systemwide, a UW System spokesman said, though he did not specify how much fees would rise at each UW campus.
Spokesman Alex Hummel said in an email Wednesday afternoon that officials have not finished drafting the budget, and that it will be released only once the Regents start their discussion of it around 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
UW System staff, along with the Board of Regents office, have continued working on finalizing budget materials so they are ready for board review when tomorrows public meeting, discussion and afternoon webcast take place, Hummel wrote in an email Wednesday.
Hummel said the Regents received initial materials relating to the meeting earlier this week but did not say if they have received the proposed budget.
He did not respond to a question asking whether the Regents would have enough time to review the budget ahead of their vote.
UWs operating budget has become a point of political contention because it reflects a $250 million two-year cut from the Systems funding in the 2015-17 state budget.
Gov. Scott Walker has pointed to the operating budget in recent weeks as he seeks to downplay the impact of state cuts, noting UWs overall budget increased last year despite reduced state funding something System officials say was the result of using reserve funds.
Several Democratic lawmakers called attention to the fee increases on Wednesday, including state Sen. Janet Bewley, D-Delta, who blasted Walker and Republican legislators who backed cuts to UWs funding.
They are responsible for these fee hikes, Bewley said.
Legislators, faculty and UW supporters criticized top System officials in April after they declined to make time at a Regents meeting for chancellors to detail the impacts the budget cuts have had on their campuses, news first reported by the State Journal.
The lengthy and complex budget materials are expected to include the operating budgets of each UW campus.
Last year, before the Regents approved the Systems current operating budget, officials released the proposed budget and discussed it in detail with the media three days before the board met. UW officials finished drafting that budget well before the Regents meeting despite the fact that state lawmakers had not yet passed their budget and had at one point earlier in the year changed the Systems funding allocation.
Hummel said earlier this week that UW officials planned to release the budget materials Wednesday.
Madison media attorney Robert Dreps said government entities such as the UW System are not legally required to publicly post meeting materials, as UW generally does, though he said that practice is customary for many public bodies.
Those documents are public records, though, and should be released if they are requested, Dreps said.
Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council President Bill Lueders said UW officials should not delay in providing the documents.
The Regents records custodian, Jane Radue, acknowledged the State Journals request for the budget and other documents Wednesday afternoon. But Radue did not provide the records, saying she was preparing for the boards meeting and would provide the documents just as soon as (is) practicable.
State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, said he released a statement about the Systems budget and fee increases on Wednesday because he assumed it would be publicly available by then.
Im wondering why theyve departed from the past in making sure the information was provided ahead of time, Erpenbach said.
UW System staff, along with the Board of Regents office, have continued working on finalizing budget materials so they are ready for board review when tomorrows public meeting, discussion and afternoon webcast take place. Alex Hummel
UW System spokesman
Were Katie Couric's Shady Guns
Actually Destroyed By Police?
Katie Couric's producer says the guns she trafficked
were turned over to police and destroyed, but a 2013
Arizona gun law makes that extremely unlikely.
By Alan Korwin. June 7th, 2016
The new claim by Katie Couric's documentary producer Stephanie Soechtig that guns she arranged to purchase in Arizona have been destroyed is in conflict with Arizona law that protects such public property once it is turned over to police.
In a frantic effort to cover her tracks and "make good" on a failed attempt to paint gun owners in an ignorant light, Couric and her producer Stephanie Soechtig and team have apparently committed conspiracy and multiple federal felonies. Buying firearms privately without paperwork or background checks across state lines violates federal statute (18 USC 922 et seq.). Private sales among law-abiding resident adults within a state such as Arizona are perfectly legal under most conditions since no criminal activity is involved. Couric's team reportedly came from outside the state to commit the acts. Some observers believe the laws Couric could be charged under are unjust and should be repealed.
Couric's team has now claimed the firearms they bought, with videotape evidence of the purchase (the exact number of guns purchased is now disputed by the team's own changing accounts), have been destroyed by police. The generic term "police" could refer to numerous state and federal agencies, which have not been clearly identified. But it would appear impossible for these firearms to have been destroyed, as Couric's team claims. .....
It would appear yet again, that anti-gun people or groups will stop at nothing to further their agenda. In the process however, sometimes boundaries get crossed that go beyond being strictly legal, but then perhaps no surprise there, after all the end justifies the means for some! The battle against such duplicity must continue in order to expose it to the full and protect our innate rights.
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Conflict victims call for protection
The conflict victims have called for their security saying that they have been getting several threats in course of registering complaints at the local peace committees in response to the call of Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Commission on Enforced Disappearances.
Flood sweeps away settlement in Doti
A flash flood in the Jijauda, Kinamde, Banne and Khun rivulets on Wednesday night swept away a settlement at Tiltali village of Latamandau VDC in the district.
Japan protests to China over ship in disputed waters
Japan has lodged a protest with the Chinese ambassador in Tokyo, after a Chinese ship sailed close to contested islands in the East China Sea.
Landslide sweeps away five huts
Five huts were swept away by a landslide that struck the Thaladanda settlement in Barhabise VDC-4 in Sindhupalchok district on Tuesday night. Five people were injured.
Maoist Centre in dilemma: Will quitting left coalition be a right decision?
As the governing CPN-UML and its key coalition partner, the CPN (Maoist Centre) continue to bicker over change of guard, several leaders, who were instrumental in forging a deal to instate the current left alliance, say the UML-led government is unlikely to fall anytime soon unless there is a major shift in power-sharing equation.
Missing in Langtang: No headway in search operation
Multiple layers of sand and mud have impeded the task of locating the remains of at least 128 people, including foreign tourists, who were buried after the earthquake-induced landslides washed away an entire settlement in Langtang.
'Nepal 2nd most peaceful country in South Asia
Nepal has been ranked as the second peaceful county among seven south Asian countries though the internal security situation deteriorated, according to Global Peace Index.
Nepal-India IGC meet slated for June 28-29
Nepal and India are scheduled to hold the commerce secretary-level Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) meeting in New Delhi on June28-29.
Nepal-India JC meet likely after mid-August
The Fourth meeting of Nepal- India Joint Commission at Foreign Ministers level has proposed after mid-August in New Delhi and date will be fixed during the upcoming India visit of Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa.
Nepal poised to make big splash at Kunming fair
Nepal is poised to make a big splash at the China-South Asia Exposition and the China Kunming Import and Export Commodities Fair scheduled to kick off in Kunming, China on June 12.
Papua New Guinea moves to block more student protests
The University of Papua New Guinea has obtained an injunction to stop protests after a number of people were hurt when a demonstration turned violent.
Path of mindfulness
Buddhas teachings go beyond the formal concept of education that prevails in universities
Pressure builds on Bernie Sanders to drop out of race
Pressure is building on Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to give up his fight for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Road to nowhere
The violent attack on an INGO office this week is based on a now-defunct ideology
Saarc cabinet secretaries' meeting kicks off
A two-day meeting of the Saarc chief secretary level meeting has kicked off in the capital on Thursday. While inaugurating the meeting, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stressed on making public service prompt and effective for the economic prosperity of the SAARC region.
Shutdown partly affects normal life in capital
General strike enforcers have vandalized the vehicles in different places in the capital on Thursday.
Simplifying forest land acquisition: Govt fails to comply with House panels directive
The government has failed to implement a Parliamentary committee directive on simplifying acquisition of forest land for infrastructure projects.
Suspect extradited for people smuggling 'is wrong man'
Friends of a man extradited to Italy on Tuesday on people smuggling charges say police have the wrong man.
Taplejung businessman found dead
A local businessman was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his residence in Phurumbu VDC on Tuesday.
Tel Aviv shooting: Four killed in shopping centre attack
Two Palestinian gunmen killed four people and wounded six others after opening fire at a popular open-air shopping and restaurant area of central Tel Aviv, Israeli authorities say.
Pramod Mishra is a biweekly columnist for The Kathmandu Post. He is the department chair of English Studies at Lewis University in the United States.
WB slashes Nepals 2017 economy forecast to 4.7pc
The World Bank (WB) has projected Nepals economy growth at 4.7 percent for fiscal year 2016-17, which is 1.8 percentage points less than the government projection and 1.1 points less that the aid agencys own forecast in January.
Woman killed, 26 injured in bus fire
A woman was killed and 26 other passengers injured when a passenger bus burst into flames after a collision with a truck this morning at Golbazaar of Siraha under the East-West highway.
Kendallville, IN (46755)
Today
Light rain early. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. High 56F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%..
Tonight
Mainly clear skies. Low 33F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
CROMWELL In a special meeting June 1, the Cromwell Town Council approved moving forward with the application for a grant that would potentially match funds from its local option income tax distribution that it received from the state for the renovation of Front Street.
Council members met after conducting their second public hearing regarding the application for $650,000 in grant funding from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs for an overhaul of the towns wastewater system. No residents spoke out against the application.
The council also updated residents on its offer to purchase Lake City Banks building on Jefferson Street.
Before council members could discuss the local option income tax funding and its uses, they first adopted an ordinance establishing a separate fund for the 75 percent of the one-time state distribution of $30,613 designated for local road improvements.
Clerk-Treasurer Kayla Pauley presented members with an estimate from Niblock Excavating and Asphalt, Bristol, for work on Front Street between Jefferson and Baker streets that would widen and install new curbs and overlay the street.
With an expected cost of $34,443, Pauley suggested the council approve applying for the Indiana Department of Transportation Local Road and Bridge Matching Account Grant Program, which would match dollar-for-dollar what the town puts in.
That would use $17,221 of the $22,959 in LOIT money designated for local road improvements, leaving more than $5,000 for other projects, said Pauley.
The Town Council unanimously approved applying for the grant.
After discussing how to use the rest of the available funds if the INDOT grant were awarded, council members approved combining the remaining $5,738 with $9,000 from the towns motor vehicle highway fund to renovate two alleys downtown, from Orange to Water streets and Olive to Jefferson streets.
Pauley explained to council members that the alleys couldnt be included in the INDOT grant application because that match funding is specified for road work. The estimate and work will be done by Niblock.
The council also discussed how the town would fund the purchase of the Lake City Bank building after a $40,000 offer was submitted in May. Members approved a resolution stating their interest in purchasing the property.
Pauley said the bank unofficially accepted the offer in an email to Town Attorney Steve Hagen. But with no formal agreement in place, she wanted to make sure council members knew where the funds were going to come from if things continued to progress.
Councilman DeVon Miller was adamant that stormwater funds not be used so that money could go toward potential future projects, such as replacing manholes.
Pauley offered that the council could divide the purchase equally between three funds: water, sewer and riverboat. Pauley said the riverboat fund had never been used, and buying the bank building would leave about $200 in the account.
The next steps in purchasing the property are to obtain two appraisals to verify that the town is purchasing it for less than the average determined value, and to walk through the building to finalize contract details about the banks continued use of the existing ATM.
Before the special meeting took place at the Cromwell Community Center, council members and representatives from DLZ Engineering and Region 3A Development & Regional Planning Commission held the last public hearing before submitting the towns application for a $650,000 OCRA grant that would help fund renovations to the wastewater system.
The plans include relining the sewers, laying a new sanitary sewer line under the railroad tracks, rehabilitating manholes and updating the sewage treatment plant.
Bill Boyle of DLZ said the upgrade would cover the equipment last renovated in 1992, which is at the end of its 25-year life span.
Its exhausted itself, said Boyle.
With only a few residents in attendance, the main concern was whether the renovations would tear up roads in town. Boyle said all upgrades would be done through the manholes, so no roads would be affected.
Region 3A Director of Housing Matt Brinkman said OCRA expects to receive 20 to 25 applications and will award about 12 projects with grants, so Cromwell has about a 50/50 chance.
I feel pretty good about our chances, but if we are unsuccessful, there will be a second round later this year, Brinkman said. The grant application deadline is Friday.
In other business, the Town Council:
Approved purchasing a street sweeper extension for the towns tractor at a cost of $5,700 from Archbold Equipment Co.. The money will come out of the towns motor vehicle highway fund.
Tabled approving a request for $1,265 to help fund Noble County GISs 2017 aerial flight. Steven Hook, geographic information systems coordinator, asked for the contribution after the town had approved the same amount for 2014s flight. Hook said the town would have three years to make the payment.
Approved establishing a cumulative capital development fund. The town currently has a fund labeled cumulative capital development fund, but it has actually just been holding the towns money from its cigarette tax, Pauley said.
She wants to establish the fund before an Indiana Department of Local Government Finance-imposed deadline of Aug. 1. If not, the town will have to wait until next year.
The fund will have to go through the public hearing and publication process before being sent for approval by DLGF.
WASHINGTON When former Sen. Evan Bayhs twins were born Nov. 8, 1995, he could hold both sons at the same time, one in each arm.
Now, as his sons turn 18, Bayh said he would blow out his back if he tried to pick up either one.
Im now the shortest man in my house, he said. Its a metaphor for life. It goes by in the blink of an eye.
Bayh, the first Indiana governor since 1830 to become a father while in office, felt as if the whole state was watching when his wife went into labor.
Television stations ran live updates, including the details of Susan Bayhs dilation and contractions.
Ever since, Bayh wrote in his 2003 memoir, people in Indiana ask him about the twins more than anything else.
Both are seniors at St. Albans college preparatory school in Washington, their fathers alma mater.
Nick, an avid tennis player, hasnt picked a college yet.
Fortunately for him, Bayh said, hes smart like his mother.
Beau has been recruited to play lacrosse for Harvard which his father jokingly referred to as the IU of the East.
Since Indiana and Purdue dont have lacrosse teams, he had to go to Harvard instead, Bayh said.
Only Harvard costs a little more than the $350 a semester that Bayh remembers paying as a freshman in Bloomington.
When Bayh told Susan that Beau had sealed the deal with Harvards lacrosse coach and she would be a Harvard mom, Susan started to cry.
When Bayh looked up Harvards tuition, he said, then I started crying.
Finances aside, Bayh said hes been getting prematurely melancholy about the prospect of seeing them leave home next August.
But could their leaving home clear the way for a return to politics and a possible bid for governor, as some Democrats speculate?
My sons leaving home will clear the way for us to clean their rooms! Bayh responded.
Prosecutors say an Onalaska man accused of beating his infant son cut off his GPS monitor, stole a shotgun, broke into the boys mothers home and confessed days after being released from jail.
Chad Parker, 29, was arrested May 26 after his 3-month old son was taken to the hospital with skull fractures and a possible brain injury. The child had bruises on his chin, neck, chest and back, according to court documents.
Parker told police he had been drinking and passed out with the infant on the couch, and he said he woke up on top of the boy but denied shaking him, according to court documents.
Parker was released from jail May 27 after posting bond.
The boys mother called police early June 2 to report that Parker had climbed through a bedroom window in her residence shortly before 5 a.m., saying he was upset and wanted to talk. He left on foot after giving her a letter, according to a criminal complaint.
Parker wrote that he was feeling overwhelmed and had gotten little sleep when he flipped out and threw the boy on the couch, started smacking him on the butt really hard, and then bit him really hard on the hand," according to the complaint.
After me doing something like that I cant live the rest of my life, I dont deserve to live, Parker wrote.
Police went to the home where Parker had been staying. His parents had found his GPS ankle bracelet and a note saying he couldnt live like this anymore. They later discovered they were missing a 12-gauge shotgun, according to the complaint.
Parker was arrested June 2 in Jackson County with a loaded gun in the back seat of his vehicle. He was charged later that day in La Crosse County Circuit Court with physical abuse of a child, intentionally causing great bodily harm, which carries a maximum 40-year sentence.
Prosecutors charged him June 3 with two counts of felony bail jumping for removing his bracelet and violating a no-contact provision of his bond.
Judge Gloria Doyle ordered his $5,000 cash bond forfeited and imposed a new $50,000 bond, saying Parker is a poor candidate for GPS monitoring. Parker remained in the La Crosse County Jail on Friday afternoon.
Illness, emergencies and end-of-life care are all topics that can be difficult to discuss among family members. Yet selecting a power of attorney and a healthcare power of attorney can ensure a loved ones wishes for their health and personal assets will be honored, even when they are unable to verbally express them. It is a challenging, yet necessary conversation, which ultimately can alleviate stress in the midst of a crisis.
A power of attorney document allows you to appoint another person to make decisions about your finances and assets when you are no longer able to do so. Typically, a trusted family member, domestic partner or other close friend is selected for this vital role. The responsibility should not be taken lightly. The appointed person is not able to override decisions made by the individual; instead the individual (or principal) makes his or her own decisions as long as he or she has the legal capacity.
A healthcare power of attorney is a medical directive that sets forth your wishes for healthcare if you are unable to speak for yourself. This allows you to select a trusted person, often known as a healthcare surrogate or proxy, to oversee your care and make decisions for you. A healthcare power of attorney empowers the proxy to select your doctors and healthcare providers, the treatments to be provided and the facilities where youll be cared for. It also positions your proxy to make end-of-life decisions for you, such as whether to provide ongoing care through a feeding tube when a person is unable to eat or giving a do not resuscitate order, or DNR.
Such heavy topics can be difficult to consider, yet completing these documents helps ensure the wishes that matter most to the individual are seen through successfully.
Powers of attorney combined with a living will and authorization for final disposition make up what are known as an individuals advance directives. Forms for these advance directives, including Wisconsin power of attorney forms for healthcare and finance and property, are available for download, or by mail through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The forms include specific information about what needs to be done for the form to be legal and binding, so your wishes, or the wishes of your loved one, are fulfilled. For more information, go to their website at http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/adformspoa.htm.
The genesis of this article was a conversation with patron Jerry Humm, a Vietnam War veteran. Humm, Army APC (62-64), told me that he watches the TV closely any time there is news footage from the war.
I never know when I might see someone I knew, he said.
It caused me to think about library resources with archival photos. I also spoke with a few other veterans to see if they had book recommendations for Vietnam vets.
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes was a repeated suggestion. Naval officer and veteran Dave Skoloda appreciates its authenticity and claims it is a deeply human portrait of war. Skoloda served three years on USS Halsey with two Vietnam deployments (64-67). Mike Olson, Army MP and sentry dog handler (Nha Trang, 69 & 70), says, It is the most realistic book about combat Ive ever read. Olson cautions veterans with the warning that reading Matterhorn brings back difficult thoughts.
The author, Marlantes, a Rhodes Scholar and decorated Marine veteran of the war, wrote his one and only novel over a span of 30 years. It is the story of Waino Mellas, a platoon commander and Marine lieutenant on his 13-month tour in Quang-Tri province. His company is given the task of building a remote jungle hillside base of operations. Upon completion, they are told to abandon Matterhorn and then months later given orders to reclaim it from the enemy. Skoloda pointed me to this quote from the book. It was all absurd, without reason or meaning. People who didnt know each other were going to kill each other over a hill none of them cared about. Indeed, Matterhorn does not shy away from issues of war politics, racial tension, command versus soldier and the human cost of exposure to constant danger and extreme conditions.
Kirkus Reviews calls it A celebration of the courage and camaraderie of our young men in uniform, and a chilling indictment of the politics of war, Matterhorn is an unforgettable and vital testament that keeps alive the thousands of stories of heroism during what some might consider one of historys darkest and most regrettable moments.
Another Skoloda and Olson recommendation is They Marched into Sunlight by David Maraniss. The war and the 60s are distilled into a few days in 1967 in both Vietnam and Madison, Wis. Olson spoke of his firsthand knowledge of the Madison event and the tear gassing he experienced as he watched the protestors. Skoloda also mentioned a veteran friends recommendation of Vietnam: A History by Stanley Karnow. This book explores the motivations of American leaders as they enter this part of the world with little regard for the realities of the region.
For some more Wisconsin connection, the library also has Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories: Our Veterans Remember by Sarah Larsen and Jennifer Miller. I recognized some local names as interview subjects and there are plenty of photos. One more recommendation I would make is Falling Through the Earth by La Crosse-born author Danielle Trussoni. Although the memoir captures the sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing portrait of a dysfunctional veterans family in the neighborhoods of north La Crosse, it is also quite a tribute to a daughters love that she chooses to see firsthand the Vietcong tunnel system that her tunnel rat father had known so well during the war.
For these and other library items, the staff at the five La Crosse County branches of Holmen, West Salem, Onalaska, Bangor and Campbell are more than willing to assist you.
Leslie Duesenberg is from the Holmen Library.
The Onalaska Board of Public Works on Tuesday voted to initiate the Riders Club Road, Braund Street, and County Road PH improvement projects.
To get the projects going, the city will pay Short Elliot Hendrickson (SEH) $57,000 in engineering fees that includes plat development, land surveying, and title searches to determine property lines.
The $2.5 million improvement project is split into two pieces. The first project on Riders Club Road will be from Hwy. 35 to the roundabout at Sand Lake Road, and will add a center turn lane and a bike lane, effectively removing the parking on the north side of Riders Club Road from Hwy. 35 to Oak Avenue.
The Braund Street and County Road PH portion of the project will improve the roads west of/behind Shopko off of Hwy. 16. A sidewalk and retaining wall will be added at Braund and Hwy PH, and parking will be eliminated on the east side of Braund Street to Hwy. 16.
City engineer Jarrod Holter anticipated construction will start sometime during 2018, once the state bidding process concludes.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportations Surface Transportation Program-Urban (STP-U) uses federal money to provide the city a biennial fund for improving roads and streets. STP-U funds will cover 80 percent of the project on Riders Club Road, leaving the city with just over $300,000 to chip in.
The Braund Street project didnt quite get 80 percent funded the total projects funding cap went mainly to Riders Club Road but being the lesser of the two projects, Holter said the city was pleased with the 50 percent funding Braund Street did get.
Wastewater contract renewal
Discussions have begun on the possibility of renewing Onalaskas regional wastewater contract with La Crosse, which runs out at the end of the year.
Currently, Onalaska, along with La Crescent, Minn. and the towns of Shelby and Campbell, sends its sewage south to the Isle La Plume wastewater treatment plant in La Crosse.
La Crosse allowed these municipalities to hook up to their facilities without a connection fee, a move La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat previously described as a big mistake on La Crosses behalf, given the required upkeep and improvements to the facilities.
Last December, Holmen wanted to get in on the regional connection, but La Crosse told the village it would cost at least $2.2 million to do so. Because of the added hook-up fee, Holmen balked on the full proposal and decided it was more cost-efficient to build and maintain its own facilities.
And now its Onalaskas turn: on Tuesday night, the board of public works pondered what to do in a meeting closed to the public and press, and didnt reconvene in an open session to take any action.
Board chairman Jim Bialecki said this was the first of many discussions to be had on the topic, as they have yet to see what sort of plan La Crosse will propose to them regarding their renewal.
In other news
Bialecki was re-elected chairman of the board of public works, and Barry Blomquist was re-elected vice-chairman at the boards meeting June 7.
The board voted to perform maintenance on Well 10 at 504 Vilas St. Wells require a routine checkup every 10 years, and Well 10 was installed in 2007, so its nearing that time. Worst-case scenario (the maximum amount of repairs are needed), the maintenance to Well 10 will cost the city a little over $27,000. In the best case, it will cost $14,000.
STEVENS POINT, Wis. Delta Dental of Wisconsin, the states largest dental insurance provider, has donated nutritious food and toothbrushes to five food pantries throughout the state, including WAFER in La Crosse.
People often fail to realize the impact of food choices on oral health, but proper nutrition plays an essential role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, said Dr. Fred Eichmiller, DDS, vice president and science officer at Delta Dental of Wisconsin.
The donations to each food shelf will consist of $1,000 of nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy items including cheese and yogurt, in addition to more than 500 tooth brushes. Delta Dental will also provide a $2,000 grant to each food pantry to use to purchase produce in the upcoming months.
The greater public engagement process may be coming to a close, but the communitys work is just beginning.
Once again, the La Crescent City Council and Planning Commission held a special joint meeting on May 31 to update its members, as well as public volunteers and advocates (who have been working for close to a year) on its new city comprehensive plan.
Tonight (Thursday), a community celebration will also include a report on the plan, which has been culled together in a crucible of elected officials, appointed dignitaries, city staff, and active volunteers. The plan will also be available on the citys website, and will be reviewed by the commission on June 14 and July 5.
Jason Valerius, lead consultant with MSA Consultants, was on hand at the May 31 meeting. Valerius, who the city hired to help guide and facilitate the long-term effort, was joined by most of the residents who have served on subject-specific committees, looking at everything from the citys infrastructure to its land use and overall community design.
The comprehensive plan includes sections on policy efforts, survey results, and a compilation of background data, as well as a set of area maps.
Whenever we do a plan of this nature, Valerius said, the point is to take stock of the world around you, have a community conversation, and identify what your priorities are, and what you want to do, both in a reactive sense, as things come your way, but also, and especially, in a proactive sense. What, as a community, do you wish to direct your resources and your energies toward so that you can have the community that you want to have? That, really, is what this plan is about.
The plans value, he reiterated, is dependent upon its frequent use and occasional updates.
It should be used regularly, he said, especially by the planning commission, city staff, and the council itself.
There was also an extended discussion focusing on the plans implementation and how it should ideally occur.
It should, he noted, be considered a living document, one that could change as issues and factors change over time.
So youre not stuck with this as the end-all until you go through a major planning process again, Valerius said. You can do tweaks along the way as conditions change.
Land use was broken out into its own separate category within the plan.
The reason for that, Valerius said, is that land use tends to be the most frequently consulted chapter, or policy content.
Implementation, or what he called a compilation of actions, was also set aside with its own separate chapter.
He also recognized the logistics committee, most of whom were in the room, who were responsible for shepherding the process from the beginning, which began with a public meeting in March 2015. Since then, working groups were formed and have met and reported on their various areas of focus, with the overall aim to acknowledge and leverage the various strengths of the community.
He spoke of La Crescent as a great place to raise a family, with high-quality schools, a small-town character, with access to health care and retail, as well as the urban center that is La Crosse. The need to attract more people to La Crescents business center, especially with the busiest intersection in the county, was also touched upon, as well as the residents collective commitment to the health of the air, water and land. Aesthetic natural beauty, as well as area recreation, has also been a focus of the plan.
Also of concern, the limited number of lots for new housing; at the same time, the need for new housing, which has been discussed in detail, he said.
Theres room to do more rentals, Valerius said, and still be well within the norm.
Mayor Mike Poellinger pointed out that the overall city plan would be closely tied to the regional plan, which is on an eight-year cycle (which they are four years into already), and the regional plan has certain requirements tied to funding that must also be adhered to and updated.
Even annexation was addressed, under the category of collaboration and partnerships, with an entire section devoted to La Crescent Township. Hopes (and language) to invite the township to explore a long-term orderly annexation agreement could be jettisoned from the plan, as it was originally drafted starting in 2015.
Subsequent discussions lead me to believe that the notion of annexation of the entire township in a merger is almost entirely unlikely to occur, Valerius said. We may opt to strip that out. But more importantly, I would point out that the exploration of a long-term orderly annexation agreement is something thats in progress right now.
That, however, comes with Valeriuss role as facilitator with the La Crosse Area Planning Committee. Key officials are already in discussions about the areas long-term visions for parcels of land, and there could be agreement between the city and township on which lands not to develop.
Thats in the discussion, he said.
If any part of that agreement looks eminent, he said, La Crescent could potentially decide to hold off adopting its own comprehensive plan, as it may inform some revisions. That would only seem to indicate a delay of a month or two, the said, with nothing definite at this point.
But, that is only one of the goals of the ambitious plan, with other goals aimed at strengthening the already strong collaboration the city has with its school district, regional organizations and groups, and regional transportation authorities, as well as visitors bureaus.
Your participation in these is really important to your successful presence, and attraction of investment and residents, in the region, he said.
Monitoring of the comprehensive plan is set to be reviewed by the planning commission each August, with the council and the staff then having their collective say and approval.
The planning commission, Valerius said, will have an important role in initiating an annual review of what we are going to try to focus on for the next year, where we can focus our limited resources to get things done in the next year from this comprehensive plan, and to feed that to the council for inclusion in your annual budgeting process.
Planning commission chairman Don Smith added that, while the planning commission has a role in facilitating, staff will prepare whatever is needed so its an act of facilitating, not doing, on the commissions part. He also praised the work of the many people involved in the process.
We didnt have one ounce of discord in this process, he said.
I have followed news of the failed attempts to pass a bonding bill that could have built critical infrastructure projects and created many jobs for Minnesotans.
When work doesnt get done, words of wisdom from my parents and grandma come to mind. My sisters and I were raised with those words.
Moms Many hands make light work taught us teamwork.
Dads Give me reasons, not excuses taught us to be accountable; his Finish what you start taught us to persevere.
Grandma, who left Sweden at 18 for a new life in America, gave us backbone with her youve got to rough it and tough it, and stand on your own two feet.
Sen. Jeremy Miller couldnt bring himself to give the bonding bill the one vote needed for passage, even though it supported worthy projects including WSUs Education Village. Well get it done he said, but May 24s headline said, Education Village Abandoned. People he represents would have benefited from his vote. Talk comes easy, but action is what counts.
Fortunately, Jon Pieper, his opponent in November, gives us a better choice for senator. Hes already been knocking on doors, listening to future constituents. A successful restaurant owner and farmer, hes got backbone. He will work hard for Minnesota. He values education. He knows when to act. Hes got my vote.
As residents of Winona County, we are blessed to live in what is arguably the most beautiful part of Minnesota with the scenic blufflands of the Mississippi and some of the best trout fishing in the state, both right in our backyards. For now.
Driving up Hwy. 61, a friend remarked she was nearly moved to tears at the changing landscape and ugly scars on the Wisconsin side left as a result of the silica sand mining operations. Is this what we want to leave for future generations?
I respect one's right to do what they will with land they own until what they do infringes on the rights of others. We all have the right to breathe clean air; we also have the right to clean water and safety on our roads. Silica sand is a known carcinogen. Frac sand mining operations and the transportation of silica sand introduces this dust to the air; workers at these mining and processing operations wear respirators for protection, but quite often, fugitive dust is spread across roads and communities where residents aren't afforded these protections. Secondly, the amount of water required for processing silica sand drains aquifers at an alarming rate and the waste water isn't recycled. Lastly, who pays for the road repair that increased hauler traffic creates?
What are the benefits? Jobs? The proposed silica sand processing plant outside of St. Charles would have been the largest in the world, and it would have created an estimated 20 jobs 20. And the majority of the sand would have been transported by a rail system with one of the worst safety records in the nation. Our community took a firm stand against this, and it is my hope that we are leading by example.
Junes weed of the month is glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus). Glossy buckthorn is a highly invasive large shrub or small tree native to Europe and Asia. It threatens riparian, wetland and upland forest areas. Glossy buckthorn forms dense stands that crowds out and completely displaces understory habitats.
Glossy buckthorn forms multiple stems as a young plant that develop into a single trunk as it matures. The main stem can be up to 10 inches in diameter, and the cut stem is orange in the center. The leaves are alternate along the branches and do not produce terminal thorns like common buckthorn. The leaves are oval, glossy, toothless and have veins that radiate outward from a central mid-vein. Glossy buckthorn flowers from May to July and the berries transition from green to red to dark purple.
Though a threat to Minnesotas forests, glossy buckthorn can also invade a variety of upland landscapes and urban regions. By forming dense stands, it prevents the natural regeneration of forest tree and shrub species. Ripened berries drop directly beneath the plants and are consumed by birds that then spread the seed. It is also a concern to agricultural producers because it can serve as an alternate host for alfalfa mosaic virus, oat crown rust and soybean aphid.
Management of glossy buckthorn requires a multi-year commitment. A management plan that emphasizes native species restoration will help prevent new populations from developing.
Uprooting small diameter plants can be effective on smaller stands. Reducing soil disturbance is important to prevent new glossy buckthorn seedlings and other invasive plants from emerging.
Prescribed fire can be useful in areas with dense populations. For more information on prescribed burns, contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/questions.html.
Herbicide treatments that move their active ingredients into the root system can be effective. Treatments will need to be administered for several growing seasons until the population is eliminated or under control. If using herbicide treatments, contact your local University of Minnesota Extension office http://www3.extension.umn.edu/county.
BLACK RIVER FALLS The citation against the man who brought methamphetamine paraphernalia to a Black River Falls City Council meeting has been dismissed.
City Attorney Lisa Hirschman said she dismissed the ordinance violation because she didnt want to discourage the public from reporting drug activity.
Brady J. Palmer, 42, put a bag with a glass pipe and baggies into Police Chief Scot Eisenhauers lap at the end of the police departments March report to the citys Committee of the Whole, saying the items werent his and that he cant turn in paraphernalia he finds without police believing he is a meth user.
I talked with Brady about more appropriate ways to deal with the reports that he wants to make. He obviously does not have a great relationship with the police department, and I dont want to discourage people from reporting those types of instances, Hirschman said of the citations dismissal in May.
He did violate the law in that way. However, I didnt feel prosecution was necessary given the circumstances I dont think that the police did the wrong thing I think it was necessary to act that way so that we could shine the light, maybe, on the way to approach these things. I think it had the best possible resolution.
Palmer told meeting attendees he picked up the items across the street and in the 11th Street area, but Eisenhauer said he saw Palmer hours before the meeting and that the BRF resident wouldnt come to the station to discuss his concerns.
Eisenhauer said in March that police issued the citation because of Palmers behavior earlier that day and at the council meeting, and his failure to cooperate.
La Crosse city officials could double the amount the city spends on street and look to fund a La Crosse Center renovation as they enter the 2017 budgeting process, which begins today with the meeting of a special committee to set the parameters of next years budget.
La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat has proposed spending an additional $2.8 million on roads in 2017 in a resolution set to go before the La Crosse Common Council on Thursday, which would increase the miles of road reconstructed per year from three or four miles to about eight miles.
Were going to keep doing the three to four miles our street crews do, but then were going to contract out that additional mileage, Kabat said. This is a good approach to get us caught up eventually.
It will take a few years for the city to get a maintenance schedule more in line with the life expectancy of roads after decades of declining funding and staffing while the miles of roads increased.
In the 1950s, the city had 140 miles of streets and 53 staff working on them. In 2015, the city had 223 miles of road and about 37 employees.
We used to do more miles of streets per year, but when we made those changes, we in essence reduced what we spent, Kabat said.
Kabat intends to fund the increase in ways that will have a minimal impact on the citys tax rate, set at $12.24 per $1,000 equalized value last year. Among funding sources will be the reallocation of tax increment district (TID) financing and public safety radio project savings.
Kabat also intends to use TID funding to continue neighborhood initiatives, including investing in parks, housing projects and floodplain relief.
Once those start generating positive increment, being able to put that money back into the neighborhood makes a big difference, Kabat said.
That allows the city to borrow less for infrastructure projects. The citys current debt is $16.5 million.
Our goal over the last several years is to have our debt service be a smaller percent of our overall operation, and we have been able to do that, Kabat said. It hasnt been big changes, but it has been changes going in the right direction.
That will be a challenge going into 2018 as the city looks to fund $35 million of a $45 million La Crosse Center renovation, assuming the project, which was unanimously endorsed by the La Crosse Center Board and Finance & Personnel Committee, passes muster in front of the Common Council on Thursday.
Our goal is to do that in a way that doesnt have a negative impact on the levy, Kabat said. Were banking on a strong partnership with the state to be able to pull together the overall vision of what wed like to see.
If approved, the project will begin moving forward for funding in 2017 and any bonds issued would begin to be paid back in 2018. The city will ask the Wisconsin Building Commission for about $10 million in funding for the project after the commissions similar contribution to a performing-arts project in Eau Claire.
Kabats main goal is to hold the line on the levy and overall spending, keeping the budget as close to last years $71.7 million budget as possible, while maintaining and improving services, something Kabat said the city accomplished this year.
Ive been very pleased with the fact that weve maintained nearly all of our services, and weve actually been able to enhance several of those services with the addition of some neighborhood resource officers and additional housing programs that weve been able to implement, Kabat said.
The city is limited to a $535,000 increase due to net new construction.
Kabat will also keep an eye on ways to increase efficiency at City Hall, whether by merging positions or departments, or figuring out ways to provide a higher level of customer service to residents. Among possible changes are an information desk in the lobby that could supplement the Coulee Region RSVP volunteers who greet visitors with part-time staff.
The committee also will discuss plans for $1.9 million in excess reserve funds from 2015, and the city also will consider cost-of-living salary increases and health insurance costs as the budgeting process moves forward through the next several months before a final budget is approved in November.
ROCHESTER, Minn. The Mayo Clinic has announced plans to more than double its research capability in Rochester.
The announcement came Tuesday night at a convention of international bioscience companies in San Francisco. Mayo Clinic CEO John Noseworthy and others revealed plans to build a 2 million-square-foot bioresearch campus in downtown Rochester. Right now, Mayo has 1.3 million square feet of dedicated research space in Rochester.
The campus will be the centerpiece of a sub-district called Discovery Square in the Destination Medical Center development district. The DMC is a public-private partnership.
The reveal of plans came at the convention instead of in Minnesota because it sets the stage at the international level, Noseworthy said.
Rochester is well on its way to becoming Americas capital of health, DMC board chairwoman Lt. Gov. Tina Smith told the newspaper.
Mayo Clinic is making a firm commitment to really expand dramatically into the area of bioscience, Smith said.
Mayo leaders say the development will bring together renowned physicians, researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs in a unique and innovative setting.
Smith said that Discovery Square is the cornerstone of DMC. Lisa Clarke, executive director of DMCs Economic Development Authority, told the newspaper that Discovery Square has unparalleled opportunity to really create this dense, mixed-use neighborhood all anchored by this signature space.
Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Ventures and DMC have met with multiple organizations that could be good fits as tenants, but there havent been any firm commitments, according to Mayo spokesman Karl Oestreich.
There will be a lot of interest, Noseworthy said last week, prior to the announcement being made public. A lot of people know about this economic development project that is DMC, which is huge. The fact that Mayo Clinic is developing this research ecosystem with the private sector on the Rochester campus is a big deal.
Construction is expected to begin in 2017 and be completed within two years.
Consultant Erin Healy sympathizes with agencies that serve the homeless, comparing the regulatory hurdles they must clear with a game of whack-a-mole: When they satisfy one rule, another pops up to snag the process.
Homeless individuals often feel the same way, sometimes being transferred from agency to agency to agency, encountering still more hurdles along the way.
Healy, a private New York consultant who was a leader in the national 100,000 Homes Project that helped secure housing for 105,850 people from 2010 to 2014, is working with Coulee Region agencies this week to devise a strategy to whack the moles and clear the hurdles.
Rod and Doug, two formerly homeless men who were spending the day in their old haunts in a semi-clandestine homeless camp Wednesday, wish her well.
Healy has a reputation as a get-it-done taskmaster who helps communities set, and surpass, lofty goals to end homeless, and she is optimistic about the potential for success here.
Healy, who toured the encampment with three Catholic Charities representatives to talk with a few folks there, and one of the formerly homeless men agree on one thing: Plenty of regional agencies are providing good services, although sometimes they are working on parallel paths and/or become mired in governmental or institutional rules.
We are fortunate in this city to have a lot of people who really care, said Rod, a 52-year-old Army Ranger veteran who spent 2 years, off and on at the camp and recently obtained an apartment with a Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Grant.
I definitely have a sense of the mood here to do something more, Healy said during a meeting with Salvation Army leaders and staffers earlier Wednesday. I feel people are ready to try something new.
Sometimes there is too much red tape, said Rod, who served in Panama, suffered leg injuries during two ill-fated jumps and is scheduled for hip replacement surgery at Gundersen Health System today.
Doug echoed the thought, saying, On the surface, the services are great. They all offer different services. But all are pretty much run-around, sending you in a circle.
Rod and Doug declined to have their pictures taken and asked that their last names not be published.
Doug, 55, who lived in the camp along the Mississippi River north of Riverside Park for most of 4 years, works jobs off and on. He recently moved in with a relative and pays rent.
When winter temperatures plummeted to around 30 degrees below zero, Doug would shed his Jeremiah Johnson lifestyle and go to the La Crosse Warming Center for respite.
That is where he met Tristine Bauman, the former warming center director who now is in charge of the Franciscan Hospitality House, a daytime shelter under the auspices of Catholic Charities and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.
Bauman routinely drops by the homeless camps around town to check on people she has served and tell new residents about local resources.
During the tour Wednesday, Bauman, Doug and Rod chatted about how they are doing. She promised to connect Doug with someone about getting new wheels for the bent ones on his bike, which resulted in a tumble that broke his left foot 10 days ago.
When winter conditions are more balmy 20 below zero and above Doug used a propane heater to stay warm, he said, adding, I always had enough money to buy propane, but never enough to get a rent deposit.
He told of obtaining rent vouchers at one point but said they were so restrictive that he could not locate a landlord who would buy into the regulations.
At that time, it would have been a life-changing event for me, and I never would have been homeless, he said.
Rod, whose apartment is in Tomah near the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, said he spent two summers at the camp but opted for nights in the warming center during the winter, observing with a smile, I dont do cold.
Healy, who is compiling information during daily back-to-back meetings with social service, religious and governmental agencies, jotted notes that The Salvation Army and the warming center serve different homeless populations.
The corps shelter, which hosts families and single men and women, will not admit people who have been drinking, while the warming center serves only adults and will accept those who have had a few, as long as they arent disruptive.
Tension sometimes exists for individuals trying to decide which shelter to go to, as well as staffers at each trying to balance supply and demand.
Both agencies, though, already are working toward Healys goal to get homeless people into permanent housing with support services as quickly as possible and her quest to help develop options to accomplish that in La Crosse.
But governmental regulations often impede progress, they noted, prompting Healys whack-a-mole observation.
Healy will make a public presentation about her work from 9 to 11 a.m. today in the Assisi Room of St. Rose Convent at 912 Market St. Sponsoring her visits and research, with a working title of A La Crosse Collaboration to END Homelessness, is Gundersen Health Systems new Population Health and Strategy Department.
Healy spurns iffy targets to end homelessness, telling womens advocates during a meeting with representatives of the YWCA and New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers in La Crosse Wednesday afternoon.
I like a clear goal. Reducing homelessness to us is not a goal. If there are 200 homeless, set a goal that is fair and measurable. If you want to lose weight, you dont set a goal to lose 10 pounds in two years, she said.
If you meet housing needs, people get healthier and you see a drop in ER and police calls, and you save money with supportive services instead of waiting for a crisis, Healy said.
As for Doug and Rod, they were visiting their old digs in part to tidy it up a bit. Both remarked that the encampment is in good shape now, as opposed to periods of disarray last summer.
We also like to check on the new people to share our knowledge, Doug said. Weve been through this and know how to help.
Both say they had good-paying jobs before they lost them for one reason or another. Both have physical and mental health issues.
Rods leg injuries make it impossible for him to stand for any length of time, and Doug acknowledged that he has a spotty work history.
I went to WTC (Western Technical College) and had a 3.4 grade average, he said, so Ive got some education.
The population of the encampment is changing, he said.
Theyre getting a lot younger, he said. There used to be a lot of old people who have gotten housing. The trend is changing.
The encampment of 20 to 30 tents was mostly deserted Wednesday afternoon, with many of the residents working, they said.
I know some people who have full-time jobs but live in storage units until they get back on their feet, Rod said.
The campers are peaceful, as are passersby who see them, Doug said.
Everybody is really respectful, he said. Ninety percent understand the situations people are in down here.
There have been people who didnt get along with others, as might occur anywhere, Doug said. They were kindly asked to leave. Youve got to have community. You live with each other and respect each other.
ABOVE: La Crosse police officer Tyler Rachwal carries the Flame of Hope through La Crosse on Thursday morning as the torch continued its journey to Stevens Point to light the cauldron that kicks off this years Special Olympics Wisconsin State Summer Games. Wisconsins Torch Run has raised awareness of and millions of dollars for Special Olympics in the past 30 years.
A 66-year-old Wabasha man entered guilty pleas in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis to charges of attempting to smuggle elephant ivory carvings out of the U.S.
According to a plea agreement reached Monday, Jay Anthony Anderson admitted to violations of the Endangered Species Act and other federal statutes when he sold a carved ivory figurine to a buyer in Fushan City, China, for $1,356.
The figurine, described as a carved Chinese ivory figure of a elder fisherman, was put in the mail June 10, 2011, with a U.S. Customs declaration describing the content of the mailing as resin carvings with a value of $30. The mailing was not accompanied by a valid Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) export permit, nor did he declare the export of the object to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The package was intercepted at a Chicago postal facility.
In a second incident, on Jan. 29, 2012, Anderson imported a carved elephant ivory crucifix from a Montreal, Canada, auction house without making the required declarations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Less than a year later, he sold the carving for $700, $400 more than his purchase price.
WASHINGTON President Barack Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton as his preferred successor Thursday, arguing there has never been someone so qualified to hold this office.
I know how hard this job can be. Thats why I know Hillary will be so good at it, he said in a video message released by Clintons campaign just after Obama met at the White House with her Democratic primary opponent, Bernie Sanders. I am with her. I am fired up. And I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary.
Obama and Clinton will hold their first joint campaign appearance in Wisconsin next week, the campaign also said.
Together, the announcements trumped what appeared to be a day of careful diplomacy between senior Democrats and Sanders as he made his way around Washington to meet with Obama and other party leaders after Clinton secured the Democratic nomination this week.
After meeting with Obama for about an hour, Sanders struck a somewhat conciliatory tone toward the former secretary of state and thanked the president for his impartiality during the primary but offered no clarity about his plans to either drop out of the presidential race or back Clinton.
Sanders chances of becoming the Democratic nominee are nearly nonexistent, dependent solely on a dramatic swing of support from superdelegates away from Clinton. But he entered Thursdays meeting with Obama and a later one with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., with some bargaining chips, aware of Democrats desire to avoid any whiff of intraparty dissent.
Reading a prepared statement outside the West Wing after his visit with Obama, Sanders cataloged the familiar list of issues that have driven his grass-roots campaign and that he said he would take to the Democratic National Convention next month.
But, in a nod to what Democrats want from him to throw his support to Clinton as she embarks on her general election campaign, Sanders quickly attacked presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump. Sanders said it was unbelievable to him that Republicans would nominate a figure who makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign.
Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that Donald Trump does not become president, he said.
Sanders reaffirmed that he would contest the lone remaining Democratic primary, on Tuesday in the District of Columbia, primarily to argue for the citys right to full congressional representation. He had a rally scheduled in Washington on Thursday night. He also said he suspected that the complete counting of the votes in Californias primary would show a closer margin.
Then he said he looked forward to speaking with Clinton about how to beat Trump and to create a government which represents all of us, and not just the 1 percent, his rallying cry for months on the campaign trail.
The president had already congratulated Clinton for securing the nomination this week.
But he went further in the prerecorded video message, saying she had the courage, the compassion and the heart to get the job done.
Noting their history as political rivals, he said her decision to serve in his administration was a testament to her character.
From the decision we made in the Situation Room to get bin Laden to our pursuit of diplomacy in capitals around the world, I have seen her judgment, Ive seen her toughness, Ive seen her commitment to our values up close, he said.
Clintons campaign has instructed its top surrogates to hold off on public speculation about what Sanders should do next, to give him space to make what they ultimately hope is a decision similar to hers eight years earlier bow out with a full-throated endorsement of the nominee.
But both Obamas and Clintons patience with Sanders will only go so far, and they are prepared to move ahead on their own if Sanders signals he wants to fight on.
Asked in an interview with The Washington Post if she worried Sanders might not be a full partner with her in the fall, Clinton said: I certainly hope he will be.
He and his supporters understand how much is at stake, that we need to join together to defeat Trump. And Im going to really reach out, do everything I can to persuade him, she said.
As Sanders plots his future, an ideological ally is making moves of her own. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., already one of the most effective anti-Trump voices in the party and a hero to progressives, will join Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday night at an event where she intends to make a blistering critique of the GOP nominee.
Donald Trump is a loud, nasty, thin-skinned fraud who has never risked anything for anyone and serves nobody but himself. And that is just one of the many reasons why he will never be president of the United States, she will say, according to prepared remarks released by her Senate office.
Warrens allies have let it be known that she intends to endorse Clinton soon and is even intrigued by the idea of serving as her vice president.
Figures close to Warren told the Los Angeles Times that it was she who was poised to inherit the political power that Bernie woke up in the country.
Warrens positioning offers a clear warning to Sanders, should he overplay his hand.
After his meeting with Obama, Sanders headed to Capitol Hill, where Reid has made no secret of advocating for Warren as a potential Clinton running mate.
At the same time, Democrats are interested in helping Sanders continue the movement he has launched, if he wants their input.
An obvious landing spot for him would be back in Congress, where Sanders could play a more influential leadership role than he did before his presidential run. One opening could emerge at the helm of the Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee, which would provide a substantial venue to develop his proposals for free college, among others.
That could be an even more powerful perch than a Cabinet position, following the model of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, who wielded influence when he held the committees gavel.
But those conversations appear to be driven more by Sanders than perhaps anyone else. Notably absent from his agenda Thursday was a visit to the other key Democratic leader, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco.
He can lead the movement in his direction, or he can let folks like Barack Obama and Elizabeth Warren come lead it for him, said Steve Schale, who led Obamas campaigns in Florida in 2008 and 2012 and served as an adviser to the Draft Biden organization that urged the vice president to run for higher office last summer.
He has to help her get elected, he has to be seen as part of that. And at that point, I think he actually holds a fair amount of political currency with her.
On the heels of his endorsement in the Democratic presidential primary, President Barack Obama will campaign with presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton in Green Bay next week.
Clinton and Obama will campaign in Green Bay on June 15, her campaign announced Thursday. It will be their first appearance together since he endorsed her in a video released Thursday.
"I dont think theres ever been someone so qualified to hold this office. Shes got the courage, the compassion, and the heart to get the job done," Obama said in the endorsement video. I have seen her judgment. I've seen her toughness. I've seen her commitment to our values up close."
Clinton will campaign in Ohio and Pennsylvania on her own before the president joins her in Wisconsin.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders met with Obama on Thursday, before the endorsement was released. Sanders pledged to stay in the race, but also said he would work with the former Secretary of State to defeat presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump in the fall.
The Republican Party of Wisconsin was quick to knock the visit.
"Hillary Clinton is a dishonest politician who secured the nomination with the help of party bosses over working families here in Wisconsin," said WisGOP spokesman Pat Garrett. "Her record of scandal and the pending FBI investigation into her practices as Secretary of State are a deep concern to voters who want an honest and transparent White House. Wisconsin has rejected Hillary Clinton in the past and will do so again in November."
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to seek entries for the inland trout stamp design contest and Great Lakes salmon and trout stamp design contest for the 2017 year stamps.
Artwork for the 2017 inland trout stamp contest and Great Lakes salmon and trout stamp contest must be submitted by July 1. The concurrent contests are open to those ages 18 and older.
Subject matter for stamps must feature species of trout and salmon found in Wisconsins waters or appropriate subject matter relating to trout and salmon fishing. Artists are not limited in their choice of colors or medium, but the medium selected must be of permanent quality such as pen and ink, oil, watercolor etching or pencil.
Once the artwork has been submitted, the DNR will create an online gallery and open the voting through the web and Facebook in July. The top 10 entries from the online voting will then move to a final round of judging by a panel of three to five judges with expertise and interest in trout, salmon and wildlife art.
The top three entries will be ranked and put on display at the 2016 Wisconsin State Fair Aug. 4-14.
To learn more, visit DNR.wi.gov and search Trout Stamp Contest. Entries must be delivered or postmarked by July 1 and sent to the Wisconsin Great Lakes Salmon and Trout Stamp Contest or the Wisconsin Inland Trout Stamp Contest, Attn: Trout Coordinator, Wisconsin DNR (FH/4), P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921.
Japans vice foreign minister issued a protest with Chinas ambassador to Japan early Thursday, after another naval incident in the East China Sea.
A Chinese navy ship sailed close to islands claimed by both China and Japan.
The Senkaku islands, as they are called in Japanese, are uninhabited islands northeast of Taiwan. They are controlled by Japan, but China as well as Taiwan claim them.
The Chinese call the area the Diaoyu islands. China said its navy has every right to sail through the waters near the islands, which it considers Chinese territory.
Japan said it will protect the islands by any means. The Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters the incident is a serious matter.
Patrol ships from China are sometimes seen sailing in waters near areas that Japan considers its territory. But Thursdays incident marked the first time a naval ship had sailed into this disputed area.
A Japanese destroyer confirmed that a Chinese ship entered a protected zone northeast of Kuba island. The island is part of the disputed Senkakus. The Chinese ship remained there for two-and-a-half hours, according to Japans defense ministry.
At about the same time, the Japanese defense ministry said three Russian battleships also came close to what Japan considers its territory.
The Russian ships entered the area around 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday. The ships left around 3:05 a.m. on Thursday, the Jiji Press reported. The news agency also reported that Russian naval ships have entered the waters in the past.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga said Japan is investigating and analyzing whether the two incidents are related.
Japan has warned that any foreign naval vessels entering into its claimed waters for any reason other than innocent passage would be told to leave by Japanese patrols.
The Senkaku island area has a large amount of international ship travel. The islands and rocks are close to major shipping lanes. The islands are near possible oil and gas reserves, as well as good fishing grounds.
Japanese officials say Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has told his government to coordinate with the United States and other countries about the incident.
The Obama administration has confirmed that U.S. forces could come to the aid of Japan if the islands are attacked. That aid comes as part of a security agreement between the countries.
Im Anna Mateo.
Steve Herman wrote this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English and VOANews.com. Ashley Thompson was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section and visit our Facebook page.
________________________________________________________________
Words in This Story
uninhabited adj. not lived in by people
destroyer n. a small and fast military ship that protects bigger ships
zone n. an area that is different from other areas in a particular way
lane n. an ocean route used by ships
U.S. President Barack Obama has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton, his former secretary of state, for president.
Obama gave his endorsement in a video published online.
I want to congratulate Hillary Clinton on making history as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the United States.
In the video, he said he knows how hard this job can be, and that he knows Hillary will be so good at it.
In fact, I dont think theres ever been someone so qualified to hold this office, he said. Specifically, Obama said Clinton has the courage, compassion and heart to get the job done.
I am fired up and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary, Obama said.
Clinton responded to the endorsement in an interview with Bloomberg Politics.
It just means so much to have a strong, substantive endorsement from the president. Obviously I value his opinion a great deal personally, she said. Its just such a treat because over the years of knowing each other, weve gone from fierce competitors to true friends.
With a high approval rating of over 50 percent, Obama is seen as a valuable campaign tool for Clinton. The Clinton campaign said Obama will join Clinton to campaign in Green Bay, Wisconsin next week.
Sanders remains in the race
The endorsement came after Obama met with Clintons Democratic rival, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Thursday at the White House.
In the endorsement, Obama also congratulates Sanders on an incredible campaign and for getting more people involved in the political process.
Obama also thanked Sanders for highlighting important issues such as economic inequality, excessive money in politics and bringing young people into the process.
Clinton received enough delegates to capture the Democratic nomination this week after major primary wins on Tuesday. But Sanders told reporters Thursday he is looking forward to the last Democratic primary of the campaign in the District of Columbia on Tuesday.
He also spoke about the main issues he plans to bring to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia at the end of July. The Democratic Party will officially choose its nominee at the convention.
Sanders said he spoke with Clinton after her victories this week to congratulate her on a very strong campaign.
I look forward to meeting with her in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump. And to create a government which represents all of us, and not just the 1 percent.
Sanders also took the opportunity to criticize Trump, whom he said would be a disaster as president of the United States.
Im Bryan Lynn.
Chris Hannas reported on this story for VOANews.com. Additional information came from the Associated Press and Reuters. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.
Do you think Bernie Sanders should drop out of the presidential race? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.
________________________________________________________________
Words in This Story
presumptive -- adj. something that is more than likely, going to happen
endorse v. declare public support for
courage n. the ability to do something difficult or dangerous
compassion n. to have sympathy or concern for the suffering or others
highlight v. to pick out and emphasize
The militant group al-Shabab attacked a military base in central Somalia early Thursday.
Somali government forces and Ethiopian troops turned back the militants after an attack near Halgan village, according to Somali officials and residents.
The African Union force in Somalia said soldiers killed more than 100 al-Shabab militants who attacked the base.
The base is about 260 kilometers north of Mogadishu.
Al-Shabab's official radio, Andalus, reported different information than Somali officials. Andalus claimed the group killed 43 Ethiopian troops in the attack and destroyed the military base.
Residents said a suicide car bomb first exploded outside the main entrance of an Ethiopian base in the village. That was followed by attacks from militants who were heavily armed.
The village chairman, Guhad Abdi Warsame, said the militants made two attacks. The main attack was against the Ethiopian base housing section of the African Unions AMISOM force. The second attack centered on a Somali government base.
Warsame said troops in both bases fought and forced the militants to retreat. He said militants attempted another attack, but it was also halted.
Residents said at least five civilians were killed during the battle.
During the past year, al-Shabab has attacked and overtaken three main AMISOM military bases. In the attacks, the group has killed 176 soldiers and civilians from Burundi, Uganda and Kenya.
The AU force has been stationed in Somalia since 2007 to fight al-Shabab.
The militant group, which has pledged allegiance to al-Qaida, wants to overthrow the Somali government and turn Somalia into a strict Islamist state.
Im Anne Ball.
This story appeared on VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page.
________________________________________________________________
Words in This Story
retreat v. to move back to get away from danger or attack
In May, retired Hastings actuary Bert Peterson released another round of analysis of several Nebraska school districts.
Peterson previously wrote an editorial in 2015, which was initially published in the Grand Island Independent. His piece praised school districts such as Grand Island and Lexington, because those schools out-perform their expected standardized test scores based on the poverty levels in their districts, in comparison with the 40 largest school districts in Nebraska.
This time around, Peterson looked at six districts: Lexington, South Sioux City, Omaha, Lincoln, Millard, and Grand Island. He charted on an X/Y axis a districts test score performance (on the vertical access) and rate of child poverty (on the horizontal axis).
Peterson said his goal is to combat the narrative that some Nebraska school districts are failing.
He attributed the critiques of some Nebraska schools as failing to proponents of school choice (that is, public vouchers for parents to send their children to private schools or charter schools).
Groups like the Platte Institute of Economic Research and Our Children, Our Schools are advocating for school choice, particularly in Omaha.
They love the term failing schools, and use it over and over until people take it as a fact, Peterson wrote. Its not a fact. It is totally untrue, there are no failing schools in Nebraska.
Lexington is one of the smallest districts Peterson analyzed, and he said it has a 77-percent child poverty rate for its four elementary schools, compared to an average of 50-percent for the 277 large district elementary schools for the rest of the state.
Compounding matters is the high percentage of English Language Learners in Lexington, with 57-percent of elementary students eligible for ELL classes.
Peterson shared the following thoughts on LPS performance:
Reading: In reading Lexington performs about as expected based on its poverty rates, but given Lexingtons high English Language Learner rate that is really stellar performance.
Math: Lexingtons performance in math is slightly lower than it is for comparable other large district elementary schools. Given the performance in other subjects I suspect this may simply be an aberration due to the small number of schools in the sample.
Science: In science Lexington performs about as expected based upon its poverty rates.
Writing: In writing Lexington performs above or about as expected based upon its poverty rates. We may be seeing the benefits of many students there being bi-lingual, but that is pure speculation on my part. In any event it is an interesting result.
When the issue of poverty was removed, and replaced on the horizontal axis by English Language Learner rates, LPS really shines, Peterson wrote.
We see Lexington outperforming other large school districts with comparable ELL rates by a significant margin. This might suggest that there are things that other schools could learn from Lexington in regard to methods of teaching reading to ELL students, he continued.
Nebraska should be very proud of its Lexington school district. They face tough immigrant poverty and English Language Learner rate challenges every day but perform very well in either context. At the same time, it is important to understand that the sample of schools that have comparable ELL rates to Lexington is small and some caution is needed. But this pattern of outstanding performance at Lexington has been seen in previous years, Peterson concluded.
LPS Superintendent John Hakonson said Tuesday hed seen Petersons analysis.
I think what Bert's research shows is that ELL and poverty rates matter when assessing student performance, Hakonson said. When these variables are accounted for, diverse schools like Lex hold their own against less diverse ones.
We appreciate Bert's efforts to shed light on this subject. While our work of helping all students achieve at or above grade level is our top priority and may never be done, it is nice to have someone put test scores into the proper context. There is certainly a lot of good things going on at LPS, a lot of students and staff to be proud of, Hakonson added.
Peterson said the issue is not failing schools, but rather societys neglect of impoverished children for too long and blaming schools for the results.
This neglect is the responsibility of society, he wrote. Expecting schools to change this pattern is a proven waste of time and effort. We have had 50 years of failure under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of schools being held responsible for closing the gap in educational performance. Its long past time to stop doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
Google Fiber offers high-speed internet service to customers in select US markets and when I say high-speed, I mean Google Fiber is one of the fastest internet service providers in the country, with speeds up to 1 gigabit (1,000 Mbps) for both downloads and uploads.
But part of the reason Google Fiber is only available in 5 markets at the moment is because it takes a lot of work to build out a fiber optic network.
In the future, things might be easier though because Googles parent company Alphabet is looking into delivering gigabit internet without wires. Well, without as many wires, anyway.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Alphabet chairman Eric Schmidt says the company is looking into point-to-point wireless internet, and that new technologies are making it cheaper to deliver high-speed internet without wires than it is to bring a wired connection to your home.
He made remarks at the Alphabets annual shareholder meeting this week. You can find a full transcript at Seeking Alpha, although only a small portion of the meeting deals with wireless internet delivery.
Google isnt the only company looking to bring high-speed internet to your home or business using wireless technology. Earlier this year a startup called Starry announced plans to launch a pilot program for wireless Gigabit internet in Boston this summer.
Hi Meredith and crew,
I am almost 24 and have only had one serious boyfriend. I'm totally fine with my dating history, as I am a very independent person. In the past year and a half, I have lived in a couple of states and have been dating a bunch. There have been some short-term relationships, but nothing that materialized, partly due to the timing and location. Now that I'm back in Boston for good, I again have been meeting guys, having fun, and seeing where things take me.
One small dilemma is that I can't stop thinking about my one ex and what it would be like to be with him now. We dated at the end of high school and into some of college. We were each other's first everything. Because we were young and naive, we were convinced for a while that that was it and that we were going to get married, pop out some babies, and live happily ever after.
Obviously, that didn't happen. We broke up for distance reasons (our schools were two hours apart), and for reasons related to future hypothetical careers and hypothetical locations of those careers. Now that those careers have begun, we are randomly both still in Boston. He had one serious girlfriend after me, and a couple longer flings. He broke up with the girlfriend because he didn't see himself with her longer term. Some weird, hidden part of me can't stop thinking about the possibility of being with him again. The few times we have seen each other in group settings, I find myself making eye contact with him a little longer, and smiling a little more when he talks. We don't see each other often at all (every few months when our whole friend group comes back to the area for holidays), and do not ever really talk outside of this group. It would definitely be very weird, but while I haven't had a serious relationship since him, and while I'm still very young, I am so much more mature and capable of being someone's girlfriend than I was four years ago.
I guess my question is, do you think this is something I should casually try to pursue? I have no clue how he feels about me, but would it be horrible if the next time I find myself out with him, I try to maybe bring it up without sounding crazy and ruining the 4.5 years of "friendship" that have followed our breakup? Has anyone dealt with similar situations with exes?
Thinking about him again
Chandigarh: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday asked the opposition to stop spreading canards about a ban on the release of Udta Punjab movie.
"It is absurd even to suggest a governmental intervention at this stage," he said.
"Neither Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal nor I, nor anyone else at political or administrative level in the government or the party has seen the film.
"So how can we take a call on whether or not the film would affect the peaceful atmosphere in the state by hurting the sentiments of Punjabis through a vulgar and humiliating presentation of the present day Punjab and Punjabis," Badal said in a statement here.
"For us, the film in question is one of the countless such films produced for commercial reasons in the country. Whether to allow its release or not is an issue between the producers and the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification). The government has nothing to do with it," Badal said.
"I am not surprised that there has been a strong reaction against the insults allegedly thrown at Punjab in the film by blackening the face of every Punjabi. If true, it is most painful and disgraceful," he said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Akali Dal's alliance partner, also distanced itself from any role in the CBFC's objections to the film's content.
"The government of Punjab and the political alliance of Akali Dal-BJP in the state have neither written any letter nor issued any statement (regarding the film). It is without any reason or logic, or due to vested interests, that our name is being dragged into this controversy," said Vineet Joshi, assistant media adviser to the Punjab government and a BJP leader.
"Those who have become the self-styled champions of freedom of expression in the last 72 hours because their commercial film was delayed by a few hours by the CBFC should introspect as to how much did the Bollywood fight when this country's constitutional values were challenged," Joshi said.
Chandigarh: Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced that he will release uncensored copies of Bollywood movie Udta Punjab in Majitha town near Amritsar on 17 June.
Udta Punjab has run into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over references to Punjab and the drugs racket in the state.
The Congress leader said: "Majitha town, like Mexico, is the epicentre of drugs trade in Punjab. It was decided to release the movie there." The movie's release is scheduled for 17 June.
Amarinder said he has written to the movie's producers Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor, urging them to provide copies of the uncensored movie on compact discs so that he can release it simultaneously with its worldwide premiere.
"The purpose of releasing the movie in Majitha is to tell the (ruling) Akalis and the BJP that no matter to what extent they try to go to gag the truth, I will expose it at any cost," Amarinder said in a statement here.
"Not only do we want to highlight the harsh reality of Punjab, but also assert the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by our Constitution, which is being infringed upon by the BJP at the behest of the Akalis, using the censor board," the Congress leader said in the letter to the producers.
Amarinder also clarified to Udta Punjab's producers that all the legal onus of releasing the uncensored CDs of the movie will be on him only.
"I guarantee you that I will take the entire responsibility of the legal implications, if any, for releasing the uncensored CDs as we want the truth to be told, no matter at what price," he said.
He said Majitha town in Amritsar district had become synonymous with 'chitta' (synthetic drug, in common parlance) that has affected an entire generation in Punjab.
The Congress leader clarified that in order to ensure that the commercial interests of the producers are not hurt, the movie will be shown only on the day of the release at Majitha, as a protest and defiance against what he called was the "dictatorial attitude" of the CBFC, and also in border areas as people there rarely get a chance to watch the movies in theatres.
Complimenting the movie's producers for portraying the harsh reality of Punjab on the big screen, the Lok Sabha member from Amritsar said Udta Punjab depicted the ground reality in the state.
Danny Boyle is all set to direct the sequel to Trainspotting, loosely based on Irvine Welshs follow-up novel, Porno. The movie takes place 20 years after the original, and sees the gang reunite over the backdrop of the homemade pornography industry, coupled with drugs, of course. A few stills of the movie were just released:
Renton and Sick Boy in suits in latest #Trainspotting2 scenes filmed at Scottish Parliament https://t.co/WVnBDoDvqL pic.twitter.com/UZ5ifbM1w5 Edinburgh News (@edinburghpaper) June 5, 2016
Drugs have always been a popular yet controversial topic to make movies on. And since the CBFC doesn't want us to see Udta Punjab in all its uncensored glory, we thought there's no better way to celebrate #tbt than to list out favourite movies on drugs.
Here are a few more vintage movies to watch till Trainspotting 2 is out:
Trainspotting (1996)
Heroin addict Renton (Ewan Mcgregor), goes through his unstable life with a group of unreliable fellow addicts and his (sort of) girlfriend. He attempts to get clean but fails whenever his friends, who are deep into drugs, get in between making things worse for him.
The cinematography moves at a fast pace with seamless cuts to mimic the heroin addled haze of the narrator Renton, and also, the soundtrack of the film brilliantly compliments the narration of the film. Director Danny Boyle also manages to pay homage to The Beatles by constructing a few mis-en-scenes as an ode to the classical pop band. The film still used here is an ode to their Abbey Road cover.
Fear and loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
The 1998 film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Hunter S. Thompson takes us through the first person accounts of Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp), a gonzo journalist, hired by a magazine to cover the Mint 400 motorcycle race in Las Vegas, Neveda. He and his travel partner, Mr Gonzo cruise to Las Vegas in their red convertible, The Red Shark, full of any drug known to mankind.
Set in the early 70s background of the Vietnam war, the movie has gathered a cult following with its representations of two individuals at the brink of dissent. The 60s flower-power, hippie culture was collapsing against the Americas new steel and glass corporatisation and drugs offered an easy escape.
The movie is a masterpiece visually as it is with the story. Nicola Pecorinis cinematography, inspired by Robert Yarber paintings, of random light sources and neon lights adds to the trippy drug-induced haze of the movie. This, coupled with the choppy editing style, add credibility. The dark comedy also has a soundtrack that resonates expertly with the tone of the film.
Scarface (1983)
What goes up, must come down is the age old adage that is at the heart of this movie.
Al Pacino stars in his career defining role as Antonio Montana, a Cuban immigrant who is in pursuit of a very twisted version of the American dream. The movie, based on a 1932 noir of the same name, follows Antonio Montanas rise to the top of the Miami drug empire and his downfall.
The dark, violent movie is ladled with more f-words and violence than the 80s would have liked, and the dark, moody lighting of the film sets the tone of violence and abuse quite well. After all, the film is an ode to the crime noir movies. The cinematographic style, by John A. Alonzo, takes on a simple philosophy of clear wide-angled shots to close-ups. This coupled with the continuity editing style; stand quietly in the background as the plot of the film takes over the audiences mind.
Light Sleeper (1992)
This drama brings us the story of an upscale drug dealer, John LeTour, who is facing a midlife crisis and restless sleep cycles.
William Dafoe brilliantly captures a shell of a man who delivers drugs to his wealthy urban clientele with the expression, White drugs for white people. LeTour starts thinking about his life when his drug dealer, played by Susan Sarandon, decides to quit the business in favour of opening a herbal cosmetics business. The cinematography is in-sync with the study of the alienated uber rich who are on the brink of madness. The myriad shades of colour and look in the downtown city define the film as much as the story does.
When the whole film industry is standing together and protesting against CBFC's repressive 89 cuts for Abhishek Chaubey's next film, Udta Punjab, how could director- producer Karan Johar be left behind? The filmmaker has written a piece for NDTV in which he is "Begging On Bended Knee For Freedom For Films".
The sarcastic piece says that according to the Student of the Year director's therapist, he is suffering from "Censorrhoea. Also known as Censoritus."
Karan says, "Are we supposed to say that drugs aren't being consumed in parts of the country? No, no, everyone's just high on mithai. Is baby powder what's being sniffed by available and interested nostrils? Rarely do mainstream stars step out of their comfort zones to do films that reflect reality, now you're scaring away those that do. And it's back to the drawing board."
The Bombay High Court on Thursday stood by the film and asked CBFC to explain the reasons for the 89 cuts. Questioning the censor board's objection to the film's signboard, HC asked, "Has drug menace never been portrayed on celluloid? Some may be crude, while some may be artistic. How does this signboard insult anyone?"
Amul Co-operative Ltd, India's dairy ambassador, also took a humorous stand on the issue with its ad in which an Amul girl looks puzzled by a pair of scissors.
Earlier, Shyam Benegal gave a thumbs up to the film and said in an interview to IANS, "It's a well-made film. It brings to attention a very serious problem, that of drug use among young people, which can, if we are not careful, become a rampant problem. It's a laudable effort."
Many from the film fraternity have raised their voice against CBFC's proposal including actor Soha Ali Khan, director- producer Mahesh Bhatt and filmmaker Hansal Mehta.
With inputs from agencies
After almost the entire industry came out to support their fight against Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani, regarding cuts made to Udta Punjab, now Shyam Benegal has spoken in its favour.
In an interview with Firstpost, the veteran filmmaker spoke about his views on the film, on censorship and how in India, being a democracy, nobody has the right to force anything on anyone. However, first and foremost, Benegal praised the film.
"It's a very well made film, and it is shot extremely well. Abhishek Chaubey is a good director, and he has made some good films in the past. He handles actors very well," said Benegal, adding, " I am surprised that it has created so much controversy. The film is not denegrating anyone. The problem in Punjab is a serious one."
Benegal then went on to explain how Udta Punjab doesn't show the state in a bad light. "Punjab happens to be a frontier state. It is a doorway to India so a lot of the drug related problems come in via this state. Punjab is particularly vulnerable and they have to be extremely careful. Udta Punjab shows you how young people get destroyed in the process of drug addiction. According to me it's a very important subject for a film to tackle," he said.
So why is there a controversy around the film? Benegal clarifies, "It has created a controversy because a lot of people who have not seen the film assume that it insults the state. The film doesnt hold Punjab responsible for anything. Yes, there may some people in power who are complicit to this, but that doesn't mean all of Punjab is bad. It could have happened anywhere in India or any part of the world. Udta Punjab film has done well by bringing the issue up. It's a serious problem."
When he was questioned about the CBFC's cuts, Benegal said, "I don't wish to make comments on the CBFC regarding this film or any other film. Film making is an artistic exercise and for a film like Udta Punjab, nobody has the right to cut it, except for those who made the film. If a film doesn't fit in constitutionally, sure you can ban it, but you cannot cut out parts of the film."
Watch the interview here:
Amid the raging controversy over the film 'Udta Punjab', the Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Wednesday sought to make it clear that the government cannot interfere in the certification of a film and any grievance on the issue can be sorted out only by the appropriate tribunal.
Top sources in the I&B ministry also said that in view of frequent complaints about censorship vis-a-vis film certification, the central government will soon consolidate a new set of guidelines "if necessary" on the basic film certification process.
However, to the layman, all these bodies and these terms could as well read as Greek.
The process, an unclear as it may have been over all the outrage, is as follows: Films can be publicly shown in India only after they have been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification. The ratings are U (unrestricted public exhibition) and A (restricted to adult audiences) UA (unrestricted public exhibition subject to parental guidance for children below the age of twelve) and S (restricted to specialised audiences).
If there is no consensus on a film within the CBFC, the chairperson can pass it on to a revising committee that watches the film for a second round of analysis. Further, if the makers are still not convinced, they can take their film to Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) headed by a retired judge.
The last step in this process is to approach the law, and in the case of Udta Punjab, the producers have moved Bombay High Court on the suggested cuts.
If you've had enough time to sink all that in, here's another baffling fact. The New Indian Express reports that Anurag Kashyap's directorial Raman Raghav 2.0 has been cleared by the FCAT without any cuts. This is a film that has violence, gore, sex, drugs (the very thing that started the whole Udta Punjab controversy) and a very twisted plot.
This is not to say that we aren't elated about Raman Raghav 2.0 having no cuts, but what's going on? Either the CBFC is really confused, or aren't in the mood for another fight, or there is actually some sort of political pressure on Udta Punjab that nobody is confirming.
Like Anurag Kashyap has said in a press conference on Wednesday, "the CBFC's job is to certify, not censor". Have they taken this all too seriously or too soon? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, we suggest that the number of procedures to get a certificate for a film be reduced by at least half.
(With inputs from IANS)
The Tamil Nadu governments clarification that the information technology employees in the state can form trade unions to redress their grievances by invoking the Industrial Disputes Act 1947 is a bold pro-labour step that not even its Communist neighbour Kerala could take all these years.
Such an announcement that allows employees to join hands for their rights if treated unfairly breaches the invincibility that the IT companies in India have enjoyed for years. Three years ago Karnataka had tried to lift the decade-long exemption from the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act (1946) that it had granted the IT industry for more than a decade; but it had to retreat within a few months under pressure. The CITU in Kerala has been asking for an entry into the IT sector, but the response from successive governments and employees has been less than lukewarm.
Given its potential for wealth creation and employment generation, both central and state governments had justifiably gone out of their way to please the IT industry. The biggest protection, in addition to tax sops and cheap land, they offered was exemption from labour laws.
It has been all hunky-dory all these years with the industry registering double-digit growths in both revenue and employment with practically no retrenchment, except for the voluntary drop-outs, till last year when employees of TCS complained that they had been laid off in large numbers. Although the real figures were never made public, employees and labour unions alleged that about 25,000 people were sent home without adequate notice or compensation by the end of February 2015. Contesting the allegations, TCS had said that there was nothing extraordinary and it was only part of its workforce optimisation.
The retrenched employees and their supporters went to social media with details of the lay-offs and it clearly appeared that in an environment protected by labour laws, things couldnt have been that easy. Had it been in any other industry, there could have been serious unrest.
The law that could have come to the rescue of the retrenched employees was the Industrial Disputes Act (1947) under which both the employer and labour have legal recourse to settle any disagreement between them on wages, working conditions and other issues. The Act stipulates specific procedures to redress grievances and hence offer substantial protection to the employees while not being unfair to the employers. It provides for settlement through collective bargaining, voluntary arbitration and adjudication in a labour court or local and national tribunals. Had the Act been in force in the IT industry, the TCS employees who lost their jobs could have had a reasonable chance of fighting their case.
The present announcement of the Tamil Nadu government arises from the impasse the TCS employees had been in and hence busts the myths surrounding the industry that its labour doesnt need protection. An organisation called NDLF (New Democratic Labour Front) came to the support of employees who had been laid off and petitioned the government, which chose to keep quiet for a long time - probably not to displease the industry. The NDLF then went to the Madras High Court, which asked the government to clarify. In the end, the government had no choice, but to say that the employees do have a right.
The IT industrys reaction to the news is not surprising because it has been operating in an environment that is legally sterile and filled with exemptions and concessions. In many states, the industry indeed needed pampering and protection even as they paid back in terms of not only wealth and employment, but also international glory. For instance, Chennai is the second largest IT exporter in India and has been named as the best destination for offshore services in the country. Its also home to some of the biggest campuses of IT majors. Hence, to say that any labour right protection will discourage IT companies and that they will leave the state is hyperbolic.
A consistent voice against the recognition of labour rights in the industry has been that of Mohandas Pai, the former HR honcho of Infosys. According to him, companies would think twice before expanding in TN. He says that IT companies need exemption from unnecessary regulations because they cater to a global market. If you dont have proper legal protection for work to be done in 24 hours and you are susceptible to several demands from employees, then, it is going to be troublesome.
This sounds like very bad HR and poor labour environment.
What Pai seems to be advocating for are enclaves within India where the countrys rule of law doesnt operate. It might have made sense during the years of incubation, given its potential for growth; but should it be granted in perpetuity? Dont the employees also have a right, now that the industry is mature, stable and rich?
In fact, the plight of the TCS employees was a wake-up call because many of them had put in several years of service and had been suddenly left in the lurch. Pai says that employees dont need protection because there are enough jobs in the industry (his interpretation of the 15-20 per cent attrition rate), but most of the retrenched TCS employees couldnt find an appropriate job immediately because they were laid off in their 30s and 40s.
With automation kicking in, the simple logic of high attrition translating into an abundance of jobs may not be correct. Media reports show that the industry will hire 20 percent fewer numbers than last year because many jobs would be replaced by machines. Wouldnt it lead to some employment volatility that calls for labor protection?
Indias IT industry is worth about $143 billion today and its been co-created by about 25 million employees. So far, they have been relatively untroubled by uncertainty, but forecasts on growth and technology-adaptation do indicate difficult situations. Its time to think about their protection too.
Chandigarh: Haryana Police on Thursday appealed to Jat protesters to end their agitation, saying it will only cause inconvenience to the public and lead to confrontations.
Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Muhammad Akil said efforts were being made to convince Jat
community members not to participate in the sit-ins as "it will cause inconvenience to the public and lead to confrontations".
We appeal to the protesters to maintain peace and end their agitation, he said, talking to the reporters.
The Jat protesters are demanding reservation in government jobs and education institutions under the OBC category.
"At present, Jats are staging sit-ins during the daytime in 12 districts. However, their number has reduced since the start of the second leg of the quota agitation on 5 June.
"Similarly, the number of sit-ins during night has come down to seven and their strength has also reduced significantly," he said.
No incident of violence, road or rail blockade has been reported from anywhere in the state so far. The law and order situation is "proper", he said.
Asked when the internet services will be restored in the sensitive districts, he said police were assessing the
situation and a decision would be taken accordingly.
Full proof security arrangements have been made for the 21 June National Yoga Day event, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be chief guest, he said.
Basant Singh, the Deputy Mayor of Bihar's Arrah town, was on Thursday seriously injured after some people shot at him, police said.
Basant Singh was on his morning walk when some "motorcycle-borne people shot at him from close range," a police officer said.
He was initially admitted to a private clinic in Arrah, the headquarters of Bhojpur district, and later shifted to state capital Patna.
Bhojpur(Bihar): Deputy Mayor Basant Singh shot at, admitted to Patna hospital pic.twitter.com/EeBy2gR1Ec ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
He is said to be out of danger now.
Police said the attack on Basant Singh, who runs a transport business with a fleet of over a dozen commercial vehicles, seems to be the result of business rivalry.
However, Singh told ANI, I dont have any grudges against anyone. But I intervene to get justice for poor. Yesterday (Wednesday) seven to eight people came to my office. I know the people who are being suspected behind this."
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vinod Narayan Jha said the incident was yet another proof of the slide in law and order that the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has allowed.
This is not the first time the BJP has accused Nitish Kumar of letting jungle raj continue in Bihar. On 9 May, several BJP members raised the issue of law and order situation in Bihar in the Lok Sabha during zero hour, particularly highlighting
the fact that Aditya Sachdeva, the teenaged son of a businessman, was allegedly shot dead by Rocky Yadav, son of a legislator of ruling Janata Dal (United) Manorama Devi on the Bodh Gaya-Gaya road in an apparent case of road rage.
BJP member Ashwaini Chaubey also mentioned an incident of rape that was allegedly committed at Sultanganj near Bhagalpur.
Late May, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Sudesh Paswan was murdered in Dumaria district near Gaya. He was campaigning for panchayat elections before he was shot dead.
BJP's Bihar vice-president and prominent Bhojpur leader, Visheshwar Ojha was shot dead at Sonbarsha village in Arrah.
These incidents resulted in Nitish Kumar being heavily criticised for being unable to control the law and order situation in his state.
Data compiled by IndiaSpend and previously published on Firstpost shows that crime in Bihar increased by 42 percent and conviction rates fell by 68 percent since 2010.
Nitish Kumar however, denied the jungle raj allegations. He said last month, "People say there is jungle raj in Bihar. But, there is mangal raj and rule of law in Bihar. Action is being taken in all cases of murders. Guilty, whoever he or she may be, will not be spared at any cost."
With inputs from IANS
Raipur: Naxals fired rockets and opened heavy gunfire at a camp of paramilitary ITBP in Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh in the wee hours on Thursday.
Officials said the attack was launched at the company base of the 41st battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force in Ranapal area after a large number of Maoists surrounded it from three sides.
"The attack was launched at about 1240 hours and ended at 3 am today. Four rockets were fired inside the camp. Both the sides exchanged about 600 rounds of bullets," they said.
Naxals later retreated in the jungles and no casualties were reported on the forces' side.
"It is estimated that about 100 armed Naxals launched the attack," they said.
Ballari (Karna): Surfacing several days after resigning and remaining incommunicado, a senior woman police official who was reportedly at loggerheads with the labour minister on Thursday said she would not go back on her decision.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), Kudligi Sub-Division in Ballari district, Anupama Shenoy had tendered her resignation on 4 June and since then her whereabouts were not known.
A special team was formed to track down Shenoy, whose alleged posts on Facebook levelling accusations against Labour Minister PT Parameshwar Naik, also the district in-charge, had created a flutter.
She was reportedly upset that the minister was interfering in her work.
Speaking to reporters on reaching Kudligi, Shenoy on Thursday said, "I stand by my decision to resign."
Asked about her Facebook posts, she said "I don't know about Facebook; someone might be doing it in my name, it might have been hacked also."
Naik had said he has nothing to do with the officer's resignation and he also expressed doubts about the veracity of the Facebook account and its user.
Following protests by a group of people against her for taking three persons into preventive detention, Shenoy left the office on 4 June after handing over her resignation letter to subordinate officers, instructing them to hand it over to the Superintendent of Police.
Officials said Shenoy was acting on a complaint by Dalit activists against the extension of a liquor shop that was blocking the way to Ambedkar Bhavan nearby.
On the directions from the government, Ballari SP had on Wednesday deputed an officer to go to her hometown Udupi to contact Shenoy and her family.
"We have come to know that she has come to Kudligi. We will see what she will do; we don't have any information on whether she will come and meet us or not. We will send our
staff and try to find out about it," Ballari SP R Chetan told reporters.
"We had messaged her and tried to contact her but contact was not possible. If she comes we will talk to her," he said.
Meanwhile, Shenoy refused to meet Kudligi in-charge DySP RS Patil who went to her official quarters in Kudligi on Thursday.
In January, Shenoy was transferred allegedly at the behest of Naik for putting his call on hold, with the incident triggering a storm. A video footage purportedly showing Naik making a boastful claim about shunting out Shenoy had also gone viral later.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said the government would not take any hasty decision and would want her to continue in the force, but also pointed out that she was bound by rules.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Lokayukta has ordered a probe into a complaint accusing the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of awarding major contracts to two firms with a questionable track record, an activist said in Mumbai on Thursday.
RTI activist Anil Galgali had written to Lokayukta Justice (retired) M.L. Tahaliyani alleging irregularities in awarding fresh road repairs and other major civic works contracts worth Rs 173 crore by the civic body to tainted firms.
Last April, following an uproar over poor quality of road construction and other repairs, the BMC had lodged police complaints against the six contractors.
They were RPS Infraprojects, J Kumar Works, KR Constructions, Relcon Infraprojects, Mahavir Infrastructure and RK Madhani Works. These have been engaged in various civic projects in the city.
Of these six, two companies RPS Infraprojects and J Kumar Works have landed new contracts worth around Rs 173 crore even though FIRs were lodged against them.
"Besides these four projects in different parts of the city, they will also work on the ambitious Rs 1,300-crore upcoming Goregaon-Mulund Link Road project, while blacklisting proceedings are underway against them. This shows the kind of influence they wield on the civic body," Galgali said.
The BMC, which is the richest civic corporation in the country, is controlled by the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party combine.
In his complaint to the Lokayukta, Galgali explained how the BMC was on the one hand lodging FIRs against the rogue firms for messy works and then rewarding them with fresh projects worth crores of rupees.
He claimed that the manner in which the contracts were awarded raised serious suspicions since at the end of shortlisting of the tendering process only two companies were in the fray.
Galgali urged the Lokayukta to seek a report from Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta on this and initiate suo-motu action against the six contractors who are being blacklisted by the BMC.
Earlier this year, following a public outcry, Mehta ordered an inquiry into 34 road repairs works in the city and suspended two senior officials, Ashok Pawar and Uday Murdudkar, for the lapses.
The BJP last month demanded an Anti-Corruption Bureau probe to weed out the corrupt officials allegedly working hand-in-glove with unscrupulous contractors.
Malkangiri (Odisha): Two hardcore Maoist cadres carrying rewards on their head and six other armed activists surrendered before the police in Odisha's Malkangiri district on Thursday.
The eight, mostly from Kalimela area of the Naxal-hit district, were involved in Maoist activities for last few years and named in several cases, Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said.
The two Maoists were identified as Unga Madkami and Adma Kartami from Kalimela Police Station jurisdiction area.
They carried Rs one lakh reward on head each, he said adding both were involved in a number of crimes including murder and blasting of panchayat buildings.
The six other activists also took part in rebel activities but were not regular Maoist cadre, the SP said.
The six were identified as Rama Urami, Padia Urami, Irma Madkami, Naka Madkami, Deba Sodi and Lachu Padiami, all aged 22-26 years.
The ultras stated they decided to surrender as they realised that the red rebels had deviated from their ideology and indulged in activities detrimental to the interests of the poor and tribal, the SP said.
They would now be rehabilitated as per the policies of the government, the SP said.
New Delhi: In a move to expedite probe of some high-profile cases, CBI on Thursday formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an additional director which will exclusively investigate important cases such as the AgustaWestland chopper scam and alleged loan fraud by beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya.
The SIT will be headed by Additional Director Rakesh Asthanaa, a 1984 batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, who headed the state SIT that went into the burning of Sabarmati Express train at Godhra in February 2002. He was also associated with the fodder scam probe.
The AgustaWestland scam was earlier being probed by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the agency under the supervision of Additional Director YC Modi, a 1984-batch IPS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
The Bank, Securities and Fraud Cell (BSFC) of CBI's Mumbai branch, under the supervision of Special Director RK Dutta, a 1981-batch IPS officer of Karnataka cadre, was investigating the alleged loan fraud by Mallya.
The Joint Directors of ACU and BSFC will now report to Asthana about the progress made in the cases and follow his directions, CBI sources said.
The sources said both the probes will be monitored by CBI Director Anil Sinha.
More experts and investigators will be working on these cases in a focused manner, the sources siad.
Asked if the SIT will be probing only these two cases, the sources replied in the negative.
The agency had registered a case against former IAF Chief SP Tyagi and 12 others, including his three cousins and five foreign nationals, in connection with the AgustaWestland scam.
The allegation against the former air chief was that he had reduced flying ceiling of the helicopter from 6,000 m to 4,500 m (15,000 ft) so that AgustaWestland could be included in the bids.
Tyagi had, however, denied the allegations, saying the decision was taken in consultation with the officials of Special Protection Group and the Prime Minister's Office.
The case against Mallya is related the alleged default in repayment of over Rs 900 crore loan from IDBI bank and diversion of these funds.
Tel Aviv, Israel: Two Palestinians opened fire at a popular Tel Aviv nightspot near Israel's military headquarters on Wednesday, killing four people in one of the worst attacks in a months-long wave of violence.
The shooting spread panic, and video posted on social media showed a uniformed officer firing a handgun, though his target could not be seen.
Police said one of the attackers was arrested, while the other was wounded by gunfire and undergoing surgery.
Five people were wounded in addition to the four killed at the Sarona Market in Israel's commercial capital, police said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene of what he called the "cold-blooded terrorist murder" after returning from a trip to Moscow and conferred with senior colleagues, including newly installed defence minister Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu's office said in a statement early Thursday.
"We discussed a range of offensive and defensive steps which we shall take in order to act against this phenomenon," it quoted the premier as saying.
"There will be intensive action by the police, the army and other security services, not just to catch every accomplice to this murder but also to prevent further incidents."
Israeli authorities said the two attackers were cousins from the Hebron area in the occupied West Bank. The market and complex of bars and restaurants is located across the street from Israel's defence ministry and main army headquarters.
The nighttime shooting led police to clear the area. Police said the wounded included those sitting at a coffee shop in the complex. The assailants' weapons had been retrieved, they said.
"We are talking here about a pretty serious terrorist incident," Tel Aviv police chief Chico Edri told reporters. "Of the two terrorists, one was arrested and the other wounded by gunfire," he said.
"We do not know of another terrorist at large and so from our point of view people can return to their normal lives," he added. The nationalities and other details of the victims were not yet known.
The United States called the shooting a "horrific terrorist attack".
"These cowardly attacks against innocent civilians can never be justified. We are in touch with Israeli authorities to express our support," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.
UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Nickolay Mladenov, said "all must reject violence and say no to terror".
"I am also shocked to see Hamas welcome the terror attack. Leaders must stand against violence and the incitement that fuels it, not condone it," he said in a statement.
Washington: India-US ties have transitioned into a "new" era, moving beyond working for only mutual benefit, and it is time that the two countries start working together for the betterment of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.
"I would always want that India and the United States come together, come closer, become stronger and through their shared values do something for the benefit of the world," he said at a Congressional reception on Wednesday hosted in his honour by the Senate and House Foreign Affairs Committees in association with the India Caucus in the two Chambers.
Modi said now India-US relationship has entered a new phase in which the two countries have moved beyond the era of working only for mutual benefit.
"We have transitioned into a new era where we do not think about what we can get from America or what America can get for us. We have gone way beyond that now. Right now what we are thinking about is that how can the United States and India can work together to benefit the world," he said.
Be it the issue of climate change, terrorism, poverty or health sector, India and the US can work together for the benefit of the world, he added.
"We are marching ahead with this commitment. This has been further strengthened in my two day's visit to the US," Modi said at the reception, attended by top American lawmakers and select members of the Indian-American community.
"It's time to take our relationship beyond diplomacy. It is going far beyond that. As I understand that we can join together wherein the United States and India, two big democracies can do a lot together for the world. This is the commitment that I have been feeling," he said.
Modi said earlier in the day, he had the opportunity to address the Congress, which he thinks was a big honour.
"It is not just a personal honour for me, not just for the prime minister of a country. It is an honour extended to 1.25 billion people representing a country with an age-old culture, with a profound respect for humanity and that believes in the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutubmkam', which means the world is one village," the Prime Minister said.
On Thursday, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi lashed out at the Union Environment Ministry headed by Prakash Javadekar for handing out permission to kill wild animals. Maneka's statement comes in the light of the environment ministry submitting a report seeking to legalise killing of certain wild animals which are found in excess in the animal-human conflict areas.
In an interview with ANI, Maneka, who is also an animal rights activist said, "The ministry is writing to each state giving permission to kill animals. In West Bengal, they have issued orders to kill elephants, in Himachal Pradesh they have ordered for monkeys to be killed and in Goa the peacocks are killed. In Maharashtra's Chandrapur, they have killed 53 wild boar and given permission to kill 50 more."
WATCH: Woman and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi slams Enviornment Ministryhttps://t.co/zaRbc8vzYz ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
Accusing the environment ministry of indulging in animal slaughter, she said, "I don't know what kind of lust for killing has taken over the environment ministry."
Maneka claimed that this is the first time a environment ministry has given such a permission to kill animals.
In a move to resolve increasing man-animal conflict, especially those causing damages to crops, environment ministry earlier this week had said that it has sought report from the states to declare certain overpopulated animals as vermin for a limited period of time.
Once declared vermin, that particular species can be hunted without restriction.
"We had issued a circular in this regard earlier also. In areas where farmers are facing huge problems due to animals, there is a procedure to declare them as 'vermin' like blue bull and wild boar for a particular period of time," environment minister Prakash Javadekar had said.
"As soon as we get states' response on this, we will give them permission to declare such animals as 'vermin' for a limited period of time," he said.
If implemented, it will apply to wild animals listed in various Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972. The provisions to declare wild animals as problem animals are already there in the WPA, the Minister said.
It is on the recommendation of state govts, also its an old law: Prakash Javadekar on Maneka Gandhi's allegations pic.twitter.com/nvLpWuDP0c ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
In the past, various tigers have been killed or relocated after they were termed as man-eaters by the state forest departments.
With inputs from PTI
Patna: The JD(U) on Thursday criticised Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi for creating "unnecessary controversy" on the killing of 'nilgai' (blue bills) and supported the move for culling in the interest of Bihar farmers.
"Maneka Gandhi is creating an unnecessary controversy over the issue of culling of nilgai...If she is so much concerned about nilgais, then I would request her to come to Mokama taal area and we will give her warm send off with nilgais which she can keep at her bungalow or in zoo," JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar told PTI.
Gandhi, who is an animal rights activist, should be rather much more concerned about her ministry (Women and Child Development), Kumar said.
In December 2015, the Central government put 'nilgai' in schedule 5 from schedule 3 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, thus allowing the killing of nilgai which destroys crops in large volume.
This is in the interest of the state's farmers, especially areas like Mokama taal, where one crop is harvested in a year, JD(U) leader said while questioning Gandhi for keeping silent since 1 December 2015.
Culling of nilgai is even allowed in BJP ruled states of Rajasthan and Maharashtra, he said and asked why the minister does not raise question on the killing of nilgai in these two states.
On Gandhi's assertion that nilgai (blue bull) belongs to 'Deer' species, JD(U) leader said that nilgai belongs to 'antelope' species.
He said that a PIL had also been filed in the Patna High Court by farmers seeking culling of nilgais besides, farmers of West Champaran had launched an agitation for allowing shooting of the animals.
Even Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, who hails from East Champaran, wants to take credit for allowing to kill nilgai, claimed JD(U) spokesman who termed the incident as lack of cohesion among Union Ministers.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi had expressed her displeasure over the killing of nilgai in Bihar and said it has happened when neither the village head nor the farmers have called for their killing.
Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Environment and Forests, on his part has defended animal culling, insisting it is done on the request of states to protect crops.
Srinagar: Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is the "strength" and "honour" for Jammu and Kashmir and the special status would not be threatened by the New Industrial Policy, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Thursday, even as she promised to review the controversial proposal.
She said that the New Industrial Policy, which is being opposed by various parties as well as separatist groups, is completely in tune with the one promulgated by the then Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1975.
"Article 370 is our strength and our honour," Mehbooba said in the Legislative Council about the provision in the Indian Constitution which grants special status to the state.
"Nobody should harbour any misconceptions that there is any threat to J&K's special status by the Industrial Policy," she said while intervening during the reply to a question on New Industrial Policy.
At the same time, the Chief Minister added, "We have decided to review the policy to remove any misconceptions in this regard."
Her announcement to review the policy comes against the backdrop of a controversy over it. Separatist groups have already declared their intent to launch a "campaign" against it.
"We enter this august House (Legislative Council) by swearing by the State Constitution and it is empowering for all irrespective of the party grouping," Mehbooba said.
She said skill development in traditional arts and crafts of the state would be incentivised to keep these treasured crafts alive and create employment avenues for the youth.
Jammu and Kashmir has to capitalize on its competitive advantage especially in traditional arts and crafts for sustained economic growth and arming the local youth with adequate skills will be the key component of this process, the Chief Minister said.
She said the skill-enhancement in heritage arts like shawls, carpets, paper machie, wood carving, Basohli crafts and Ladakhi craftsmanship would be incentivised so that the new generation of the state's youth is motivated to take up these high-value crafts as a means of livelihood and at the same time contribute towards the state s economic growth.
"We have to develop localised skill strategies so that the skills supply matches the skills demand. It is not just the supply of skills which needs to be addressed, but also the demand for skills and the utilization of skills in the local workplaces," Mehbooba said.
She said the corporate houses like NHPC and various Cellular Companies operating in Jammu and Kashmir have been asked to adopt at least one ITI or polytechnic to train the local youth in specific trades so that they get employment locally.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has asked the Education Department to start part-time skill development courses in traditional crafts in schools and colleges to attract the youth towards distinct heritage arts of the state, the Chief Minister said.
She said the Skill Development Initiative is still in infancy and a lot needs to be done to draw the desired results from this ambitious programme.
Mehbooba said during the first meeting of the Governing Council on National Skill Development Mission (NSDM) held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi earlier this month, there was consensus among the participants that skill development has to be area-specific and need-based to make the initiative productive.
"The time has come to change the mindset and uplift the skilled people. In J&K also, we are working out a model of skill development which will be in sync with the local arts and crafts and the market need," she said.
Mehbooba said the government shall have to intervene to ensure adequate promotion and marketing facilities for the heritage arts of J&K which are otherwise facing severe pressure and competition.
"While we train the youth in traditional crafts, we have to also ensure adequate market facilities to ensure good returns for their products," she said.
"We want to partner with the industry to train people, certify them and offer them jobs," she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech at the US Congress on Wednesday that was dubbed as 'eloquent' and 'with the right amount of humour'. The prime minister referred to Pakistan, Yoga, terrorism, China, Siri and funnily enough, Walt Whitman as Twitteratti expressed their admiration for Modi's oratory skills.
India is already assuming her responsibilities in securing the Indian Ocean region, said Modi, A strong India-US partnership can anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa and the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.
In an indirect reference to China, he also touted Indias "respect for global commons and for international rules and norms."
Modi addressed US concerns on issues like intellectual property rights with humour.
Siri tells us that Indias ancient heritage of yoga has over 30 million practitioners in the US. It is estimated that more Americans bend for yoga than to throw a curve ball, Modi said before landing his punchline.
And, no Mr Speaker (Paul Ryan), we have not yet claimed intellectual property rights on yoga, Modi said drawing laughter.
In a not-so-veiled reference to Pakistan, Modi said that terrorism was incubated in Indias neighbourhood.
Not just in Afghanistan, but elsewhere in South Asia, and globally, terrorism remains the biggest threat, said Modi. In the territory stretching from west of Indias border to Africa, it may go by different names, from Lashkar-e-Taiba, to Taliban to IS.
Modi's speech was applauded in the US Congress, but back home many took to Twitter to laud the speech and express their admiration for Modi.
Hon @narendramodi Ji, you made 125 crore Indians feel on the top of the world and won more than 7 billion hearts of the world! #ModiInUS Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 8, 2016
Superb speech by PM @narendramodi ji at #USCongress really a proud moment to see @PMOIndia getting standing Ovation n Applause. #ModiInUS Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) June 8, 2016
Now thats a good one! India not claimed IPR on yoga! #USCongress Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) June 8, 2016
Brilliantly spoken line in @narendramodi speech #USCongress : "Today, we (India and U.S) have conquered hesitations of history." Will endure Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 8, 2016
Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for making me feel a PROUD INDIAN. Brilliant speech.:) #ModiInUS #USCongress Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) June 8, 2016
When @narendramodi j speaks of democracy, univ franchise and 1947, a word for Nehru maybe? #ModiInUS Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) June 8, 2016
If you ask Modi cheerleaders, they will probably give his speech 11 on 10. I give it 7.5! Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) June 8, 2016
Modi speech is a reminder of why grassroots politicians make the best diplomats. They know how to charm. #ModiInUS #USCongress Sadanand Dhume (@dhume) June 8, 2016
May God be on @PMOIndia @narendramodi_in 's side always. India is being taken to greater heights. Thanku.Jai Hind pic.twitter.com/6F6220j1wz Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) June 8, 2016
However, not everyone took such a positive view of the prime minister's speech:
De-link religion from terror Modi tells US Congress. Practice before you preach Mr Modi. Stop helping RSS activists involved in Terror blast digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) June 9, 2016
1/2 @yogeshdattani It was a very good speech. Imagine if @narendramodi had mentioned his predecessor RajivGandhi's joke at same podium in'85 Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 8, 2016
Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech at the US Congress on Wednesday that stood out as uncommon sense in a world that has largely wallowed in giving Pakistan a free pass when it comes to harbouring a rogues gallery of terrorists.
Modis command performance in the United States shows he doesnt know the meaning of 'jet lag' . By the time he touches down in New Delhi on Thursday packing a full working day in Mexico Modi would have covered 33,000 kilometres, held over 45 meetings across five countries, and spent over 44 hours on Air India One.
There was no sign of jet lag, as an animated Modi, the fifth Indian prime minister to address the US Congress, received a series of standing ovations and thunderous applause from lawmakers who increasingly see in India a democratic counterweight to Chinas rise. It appears Modi has taken note.
India is already assuming her responsibilities in securing the Indian Ocean region, said Modi. A strong India-US partnership can anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa and the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.
In an indirect reference to China, he also touted Indias "respect for global commons and for international rules and norms."
Modi addressed US concerns on contentious issues like intellectual property rights with gentle humour.
Siri tells us that Indias ancient heritage of yoga has over 30 million practitioners in the US. It is estimated that more Americans bend for yoga than to throw a curve ball, Modi said before landing his punchline.
And, no Mr Speaker (Paul Ryan), we have not yet claimed intellectual property rights on yoga, Modi said drawing laughter.
In fact, Modis substantive address had the right blend of humour, generous praise for the US and gravitas. At any rate, the US lawmakers appeared receptive to his message.
In a not-so-veiled reference to Pakistan, Modi said that terrorism was incubated in Indias neighborhood.
Not just in Afghanistan, but elsewhere in South Asia, and globally, terrorism remains the biggest threat, said Modi. In the territory stretching from west of Indias border to Africa, it may go by different names, from Lashkar-e-Taiba, to Taliban to IS.
But its philosophy is common: of hate, murder and violence. Although its shadow is spreading across the world, it is incubated in Indias neighbourhood.
Modi urged the US Congress to send a clear message to those who preach and practice terrorism for political gains.
Refusing to reward them is the first step towards holding them accountable for their actions, said Modi taking aim at generous US non-military aid to Pakistan.
Members of the US House of Representatives recently threatened to block $450 million in aid to Islamabad unless it does more to fight the Haqqani network, which lawmakers see as a major threat to US forces in Afghanistan.
Modi said that the need of the hour was to isolate those who sponsor terrorists and not distinguish between good and bad terrorists as terrorism was not just a threat in Afghanistan, but elsewhere in South Asia too.
Some US lawmakers tend to subscribe to Pakistan's policy of "bad terrorists" (from its Afghan front, who mostly attack Pakistan and American soldiers) versus "good terrorists" (from West Punjab, who mostly attack India).
Modi closed his remarks with an optimistic view of ties between India and the US, which he called an indispensable partner.
He connected with his audience by reminiscing about his early travels to America where he was struck by the countrys creativity and animal spirits.
Long before assuming office, I travelled coast to coast, covering 29 States of America.I realized then that the real strength of the US was in the dreams of its people and the boldness of their ambitions, reflected Modi.
Today, Mr Speaker, a similar spirit animates India. Our 800 million youth, especially, are particularly impatient. My dream is to economically empower them through many social and economic transformations.
Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history. Comfort, candour and convergence define our conversation through the cycle of elections and transitions of administrations the intensity of our engagement has only grown. And, in this exciting journey, the US Congress has acted as its compass, acknowledged Modi.
The prime minister said the two countries relationship is primed for a momentous future. The complaints of the past are behind us, and the foundations of the future are firmly in place.
Honoured & privileged to address a joint meeting of the US Congress. Here is my speech. https://t.co/rEw8uuhhEk pic.twitter.com/HxiEzX0Jbq Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2016
Modi drew on American writer Walt Whitmans line; "The Orchestra have sufficiently tuned their instruments, the baton has given the signal."
And to that, if I might add, there is a new symphony in play.
Washington: The safety and stability of Asia-Pacific will depend to a great extent on India, a top American Senator has said, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a strong Indo-US partnership to anchor peace in the region.
"The safety and stability of the Asia-Pacific region in particular will depend more and more on the safety and stability of India," Senator John Cornyn said on Wednesday.
"And, here in the Senate, we have ample opportunity to work with our friends from India in order to guarantee that goal," he said.
The Republican Senator from Texas took to the Senate floor to describe Modi's address to the joint session of the Congress earlier as a "historic day" in India-US ties.
Modi's comments speak volumes to his commitment to the US-India relationship, said Cornyn, who is Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, the only country-specific caucus in the US Senate.
"When Prime Minister Modi spoke, he talked about his vision for his country's future, including deepening and broadening the relationship with the US. That is really a welcome statement by the Prime Minister," Cornyn said.
"Unfortunately, over the last few years seven or eight years of the Obama Administration many of our friends and allies around the world have questioned our commitment to those friendships and those alliances.
"And conversely, many of our adversaries have become emboldened when they see America retreating from its engagement with the rest of the world," he said.
Cornyn said India joins the US in more joint military exercises than with any other country, and "they have a robust civil nuclear agreement that allows for the exchange of critical information and technology".
"This has been a long time in coming," he said.
In his address to the Congress, the Prime Minister called for a greater Indo-US partnership in the Asia-Pacific region.
"A strong India-US partnership can anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa and from Indian Ocean to the Pacific. It can also help ensure security of the sea lanes of commerce and freedom of navigation on seas.
"But, the effectiveness of our cooperation would increase if international institutions framed with the mindset of the 20th century were to reflect the realities of today," Modi had said.
New Delhi: As Congress seeks to mollify him after his resignation from the party, Gurudas Kamat on Thursday had separate meetings with senior Congress leaders AK Antony and Ahmed Patel but declined to spell out his plans.
The meetings took place at Patel's residence here where several leaders had come to condole the death of his daughter-in-law Zainab Neduo.
Kamat also had a meeting with Patel, who is political secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, on Wednesday night.
However, both Anthony and Kamat declined to comment on their meeting.
Asked whether he was taking back his resignation, Kamat said "no comments". When further probed on whether he would meet the Congress President, he said that would happen "in due course".
On 6 June, the 61-year-old Congress general secretary had announced that he was quitting active politics and resigning from the party.
Kamat had said that he has the "highest respect and regard" for Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi and "my resignation is purely on personal grounds".
Kamat, who had been Mumbai PCC chief for a long time, was reportedly unhappy over the appointment of his known detractor Sanjay Nirupam as the head of the city unit of the party.
The move had come ahead of next year's Mumbai civic elections, where Congress is hoping to dislodge the incumbent Shiv Sena-BJP combine.
Seeking to dispel the notion that he was upset over party electing P Chidambaram to Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra and former Chief Minister Narayan Rane to Legislative Council, Kamat said he had no issues with them and he had worked under the senior Congress leader in the Home Ministry.
Meanwhile, former Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde expresed confidence that the leadership would resolve the issue by addressing the grievances of Kamat.
Shinde had meetings with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi over the last two days.
Ahmedabad: Senior Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela on Thursday said his party will strive to give 20 percent reservation for the Economically Backward Classes (EBC) in the general category, against the 10 percent announced by the BJP government, if his party came to power in Gujarat.
Vaghela, the Leader of Opposition in Gujarat Assembly, made the promise to the jailed Patel quota leader Hardik Patel in a letter, circulated to media by the latter's lawyer Yashwantsinh Vala.
Hardik, in his letter on 11 May, had asked Vaghela to give a definite assurance about the EBC quota after the Congress demanded that government double the quota and raise the income ceiling to Rs 12 lakh from the current Rs 6 lakh.
Last month, the BJP government announced a 10 percent quota for the EBC among the upper castes including the Patels.
The Patel community had launched a violent agitation for OBC quota last year.
Vaghela, in the letter, also accused the BJP government of holding a grudge against Hardik and other Patel leaders who are languishing in jail in a sedition case.
The people will give a fitting reply to such arrogance, he said.
He was putting Congress's support for 20 percent EBC quota demand out of "moral responsibility", said the letter.
The letter also praised Hardik for showing "immense courage".
Congress is out of power in Gujarat since 1995. Assembly polls are due next year. Hardik, in his letter, had hinted that Patels would support Congress if it promised to increase EBC quota.
Beijing: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will undertake his maiden visit to China later this month during which he will attend the first annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and address Chinese investors to scout for investments.
Jaitley will attend the first meeting of the Board of Governors of the China-sponsored AIIB to be held here on 25-26 June, official sources told PTI.
This will be Jaitley's first visit to China after he took over as Finance Minister.
Indian officials said his programme is still being finalised. India is among the 57 founding member countries which have joined the Beijing-headquartered bank.
The bank has started its operations from early this year.India, which is the second largest shareholder after China, has been elected to the 12-member board of governors.
With authorised capital of USD 100 billion and subscribed capital of USD 50 billion, AIIB plans to invest in sectors including energy, transportation, urban construction and logistics as well as education and healthcare.
The World Bank said in a statement recently that that the AIIB expects to approve about USD 1.2 billion in financing this year.
Projects jointly financed by the World Bank accounts for a sizeable share. The projects may be announced during the first governors meeting. China is the largest shareholder with 26.06 per cent voting shares.
India is the second largest shareholder with 7.5 per cent followed by Russia 5.93 per cent and Germany with 4.5 per cent. India's total capital subscription amounts to USD 8.37 billion.
Besides attending the AIIB meeting, Jaitley will address a meeting of Chinese investors to apprise them about investment opportunities in India.
Officials say Chinese investments roughly amounted to USD two billion so far and expected to pick up pace this year.
During his visit to India in 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised USD 20 billion investments from China in the next five years.
India is also pressing China to step up investments to address the mounting trade deficit which amounted to USD 48 billion last year in about USD 70 billion bilateral trade.
Ahead of Jaitley's visit, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will make his second visit to China to mobilise investments.
He will be addressing investors meetings in Beijing and Guangzhou, officials said.
Washington: Under mounting pressure from Democratic leaders to abandon his presidential campaign, Bernie Sanders returned home to Vermont on Wednesday following dispiriting losses to Hillary Clinton. He vowed to fight on for a political revolution but showed signs he would bow to the inevitable and bring his insurgent effort to a close.
For Sanders, as his remarkable White House bid runs out of next stops, the only question is when. Just as important for Sanders is how to keep his campaign alive in some form, by converting his newfound political currency into policies to change the Democratic Party, the Senate or even the country itself, on issues including income inequality and campaign finance reform.
To that end the senator was to travel to Washington on Thursday to meet with President Barack Obama and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and speak at a rally. Obama is expected to endorse Clinton as soon as Thursday after his meeting with Sanders, and Reid is prepared to discuss with Sanders how the self-described democratic socialist might advance his goals back in the Senate.
Neither Clinton nor Republican Donald Trump had public events Wednesday, both preparing for the next big hurdle between themselves and the White House a five-month head-to-head race to November.
Clinton told The Associated Press in an interview, "I think it's time that we move forward and unite the party and determine how we are going to defeat Donald Trump, which is our highest and most pressing challenge right now."
She said of Sanders: "He has said that he's certainly going to do everything he can to defeat Trump. I'm very much looking forward to working with him to do that."
Ahead of Thursday's meetings, Sanders' Democratic colleagues were growing increasingly outspoken in nudging him to wind down his campaign and throw his support behind Clinton. However, most stopped short of calling on him to drop out right away.
"Let him make that decision. Give him time," Vice President Joe Biden said when asked if it was time for Sanders to halt his effort. Biden was arranging calls with both Sanders and Clinton to discuss the race before making a public endorsement of his own.
Sanders promised to continue his campaign to the last primary contest, in the District of Columbia next Tuesday. But about half his campaign staff is being laid off, two people familiar with the plans said Wednesday. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the layoffs.
Sen Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said it was time for the party to unite, "the sooner the better," and Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida said Sanders should "stand down."
Even Sen Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the one Senate Democrat to endorse Sanders, said in an interview Wednesday, "We have a nominee, that nominee is Hillary Clinton, congratulations to her for winning the Democratic primary."
Of Sanders, he said, "I think he's laying the groundwork to make sure that we have a unified party at the convention and go into the November battle shoulder to shoulder."
Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, a liberal hero, also will formally endorse Clinton in coming days, according to two officials who demanded anonymity to speak ahead of a public announcement.
Sanders declined to talk to reporters in Vermont. His campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, declined to identify Clinton as the presumptive nominee, saying it was "a term of art that the media uses."
Some Democrats were disappointed that Sanders hadn't acknowledged Clinton's "milestone," as she described it, in becoming the first woman to be the presumptive presidential nominee of a major party. In his speech following Tuesday's primaries in California and New Jersey, which Clinton won easily, Sanders merely mentioned that they had shared a "very gracious call."
The task of persuading Sanders' supporters to fall in line falls in part to Obama, still one of its most popular figures.
Though the White House has signaled for days that a presidential endorsement is imminent, Obama has sought to give Sanders the space to exit the race on his own terms. He has promised to campaign full-throttle for the Democratic nominee.
One big campaign question is whether the voters who helped elect Obama young people, minorities and women can be counted on to show up for someone else. To that end, aides said Obama planned to place a particular emphasis on young voters who have formed the core of Sanders' support.
That effort started Wednesday, when Obama taped an appearance with "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," and said he hoped Democrats start unifying.
On Tuesday, Sanders ended his final California rally with three simple words "The struggle continues" but his brief address in a Santa Monica airport hangar felt at times like a valedictory as he thanked supporters for "being part of the political revolution."
As the Democratic race was wrapping up, Republicans were unraveling anew. Despite handily winning GOP contests in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota and Montana on Tuesday, Trump was in damage control mode over his ethnicity-based attacks on a Hispanic judge that had party leaders in fits. After one senator rescinded his endorsement and House Speaker Paul Ryan called the comments "racist," Trump sought to calm worries with a rare, scripted speech in which he insisted to voters he "will never, ever let you down."
Despite Ryan's concerns about Trump's remarks, the speaker reaffirmed his support in a closed-door meeting with fellow GOP lawmakers Wednesday.
Beijing: China's propaganda department, tasked with controlling the media and arts, has been given a slap on
the wrist for not being good enough at shaping public opinion, according to a report on a government website.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) posted an article on its website on Wednesday that described findings from its two-month-long probe of the ruling Communist party's propaganda department, which began in February.
Leaders in the department did not feel a sufficient sense of responsibility for undertaking ideological work, the piece cited CCDI member and investigation spokesman Wang Huaichen as saying.
Art was not directed clearly enough towards socialist aims and political thought not emphasised enough in universities, he was quoted as saying.
News propaganda was not targeted or effective enough, especially in the field of new media, where the department had failed to fully implement the principle of "the party controlling the media", the post cited him as saying.
Wang called upon the department to make propaganda appear more valid by enhancing its attractiveness and appeal, it said.
The Communist party tolerates no opposition to its rule and newspapers, websites, and broadcast media are strictly controlled. An army of censors patrols social media and many Western news websites are blocked.
President Xi Jinping reminded top state media outlets to "strictly adhere to the orders of the Chinese Communist Party" during a series of high-profile visits to their headquarters in February.
Xi has also in recent years called for higher education to play a larger role in "ideological guidance" and urged more teaching of Marxism in universities, where curricula remain tightly controlled and liberal scholars report increasing fears of censorship.
Since he came to power in 2012, Xi has overseen a crackdown on dissent, with hundreds of lawyers, activists and academics detained and dozens jailed.
Islamabad: China will invest about USD 8.5 billion to upgrade Pakistan's rail network and to build a key gas pipeline with Iran to meet the country's energy needs, a media report said.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), a Pakistan body to authorise major projects, on Wednesday approved two projects worth USD 10 billion . China will provide loans equivalent to 85 per cent (USD 8.5 billion) of the cost of each project.
The cost of upgrading of Pakistan Railways existing Mainline (ML-I) and establishment of a dry port near Havelian is USD 8.2 billion, which the Chinese government will finance with a USD 7 billion concessionary loan, The Express Tribune reported.
This project is part of a USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) package and is covered under the CPEC Framework Agreement, signed during the April 2015 visit of Chinese president to Pakistan.
The estimated cost of Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG Terminal & Pipeline project, also cleared in principle, is USD 2 billion including USD 1.4 billion Chinese loan. This project is strategically important for Pakistan as it will eventually link the country's gas network with Iranian system.
"The exact costs of both the projects will be firmed up after finalising financing arrangements," CDWP Chairman and Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, said. "After finalisation of the financing arrangements, both the projects will be taken to the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) with firmed up cost for final approval," he said.
At present, Pakistan Railways is picking up less than 4 per cent of the traffic volume of the country, which the government intends to increase to at least 20 per cent by 2025.
The project is planned to be completed in two phases in five years by 2021 on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode. Phase-I will be completed by December 2017 and Phase-II by the year 2021.
The CDWP also cleared Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG Terminal and Pipeline Project at an estimated cost of roughly USD 2 billion or Rs 206.6 billion.
The Chinese Exim bank will provide 85 per cent of the financing under government-to-government mode. The EPC contract will be given to a Chinese company. The pipeline project will be included in the CPEC framework.
The key objective of this project is to overcome gas shortages by importing LNG and its transportation through Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline.
In phase-I, the pipeline will follow the coastal pipeline corridor, which was formally established for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. In phase-II, a 90-kilometer patch will be constructed from Gwadar to Pakistan-Iran border to tie the national network with Iranian system.
WASHINGTON U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Wednesday said she will deliver an economic agenda address soon to contrast her policy differences with Republican Donald Trump, according to an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
In the interview, the presumptive Democratic nominee called her Republican counterpart's statements on the economy "dangerously incoherent," and vowed to propose a tax-cut plan for the middle class.
"It's not hard to see how a Trump presidency could actually lead to a serious global economic crisis," she said.
(Reporting by Alana Wise; Editing by Chris Reese)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Paris: A research vessel with an underwater robot is set to begin searching the Mediterranean "as from Friday" for the wreck of the EgyptAir plane that crashed last month, according to the French aviation safety agency BEA.
Egypt has hired the "John Lethbridge", which is owned by the private Deep Ocean Search company, to comb the ocean floor for the Airbus A320 that went down with 66 people aboard en route from Paris to Cairo on 19 May.
The ship is en route and "should arrive in the area as from Friday," BEA director Remi Jouty told reporters.
A French navy vessel using deep-water listening devices picked up signals from one of the black boxes over a week ago, but so far it has failed to locate either it or the second recorder.
"For the moment we are hopeful of managing to locate these recorders while they continue to emit (pings)," Jouty said, acknowledging "we have to be quick".
The the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have enough battery power to emit signals for four to five weeks.
The area where the plane went down is believed to be about 3,000 metres deep.
The "John Lethbridge" has a side scan sonar that provides digital images of the seabed, as well as a robot that is capable of diving to 3,000 metres.
Some wreckage was retrieved from the Mediterranean last month, along with belongings of passengers on board flight MS804, but no bodies have been found so far.
The plane crashed between the Greek island of Crete and the Egyptian coast after disappearing suddenly from radar screens.
Investigators have said it is too soon to determine what caused the disaster.
While speculation initially centred on a terror attack, a technical fault has also not been ruled out, with automated messages sent by the plane shortly before its demise indicating smoke in the cabin and a fault in the flight control unit.
The crash took place seven months after the bombing of a Russian airliner over Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula in October that killed all 224 people on board.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack. There has been no such claim over the EgyptAir crash.
1. At the invitation of His Excellency Mr Enrique Pena Nieto, President of the United Mexican States, His Excellency Mr Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India paid a working visit to Mexico on 8 June 2016, with the objective to continue the dialogue held by the two leaders on the margins of the 70th regular session of the United Nations General Assembly on 28 September 2015.
2. The leaders recognised the opportunities to define the path of the India-Mexico Privileged Partnership for the 21st Century that allows the growth of bilateral relations in economic field, in science and technology and in the most important issues of the global agenda reflecting a broad convergence of long-term political, economic and strategic goals.
3. President Enrique Pena Nieto elaborated on the structural reforms undertaken in Mexico to promote economic growth and development. On his part, Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi highlighted the initiatives undertaken by his Government for the economic growth and the improvement of standard of living of the people.
In this context, both leaders:
Political Dialogue
4. Instructed the Foreign Ministers of both countries to develop the roadmap of the Privileged Partnership suitable for the 21st Century, in the framework of the Seventh Mexico-India Joint Commission Meeting to be held in Mexico in 2016.
5. Look forward to the results of the Sixth Meeting of the Joint Committee on Science and Technology, and the Fourth Meeting of the High Level Group on Trade, Investment and Cooperation, which will be held in Mexico during the second half of 2016.
6. The two countries will update the bases of cooperation according to a convergent and comprehensive plan, will evaluate the progress made in diverse fields and will set new objectives and themes to strengthen the agenda of bilateral relations.
7. Had a detailed exchange of views on the regional issues of mutual interest, including the political and economic developments in Latin America, the CELAC and the Pacific Alliance, as well as the current situation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Economic Partnership
8. Underscored the increasing importance of diversifying the economic exchanges to promote trade and investment to a level corresponding to their true potential.
9. Stressed the necessity of developing a greater connectivity between the two countries and encouraging cooperation in the infrastructure sector, among small and medium enterprises, in pharmaceutical products, in energy, in the automobile sector, in Information and Communication Technology, in agriculture, in food processing and in other related sectors.
10. Noted with satisfaction the growing interest for investment of the Indian companies in the energy sector - attracted by the structural reforms carried out in Mexico, as well as the opportunities for Mexican companies in the Indian market.
11. Agreed that cooperation is key to promote the investment and the use of solar energy. The two sides agreed to explore ways and means to boost the objectives of the International Solar Alliance.
12. Stressed the importance of promoting increased exchanges between the peoples of the two countries for better understanding and strengthening of bilateral links in the areas of culture, education and tourism.
Bilateral Cooperation
13. Exchanged points of views and welcomed the opportunities offered by the convergence between the National Digital Strategy of Mexico and the Digital India Initiative, which share common objectives.
14. Welcomed collaboration in space science, earth observation, climate and environmental studies, and the efficient use of space-related resources available in India as well as in Mexico for remote sensing, advance warning for disaster prevention and launch of satellites between the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
15. Considering that both countries have huge diaspora communities abroad, the Leaders agreed on exchanging views, information and share best practices with respect to the participation of networks, organisations and individuals in their diasporas in the development of communities of their origin and their residence, as well as for the welfare and protection of their respective nationals in foreign countries.
Dialogue on Global Affairs
16. Pledged to continue promoting the shared goals of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as solutions with multilateral perspective, as well as to continue promoting cooperation on international security issues.
17. Reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
18. Reaffirmed the importance to have an effectivemultilateral system, with the United Nations at its core, and agreed on the importance of continuing supporting the progress in the process of comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council.
19. Noted productive and substantive cooperation in the context of their participation in G-20.
20. Welcomed with satisfaction the successful conclusion of the Climate Change Conference held in Paris in December 2015 and applauded the signing by both countries of the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016. They committed to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, as well as to develop new and renewable sources of energy to meet the developmental challenges of their respective countries.
21. President Enrique Pena Nieto cordially invited the Indian Prime Minister to visit Mexico again on a State visit in the near future. Similarly, Prime Minister Modi invited President Pena Nieto to pay a State visit to India. They agreed that suitable dates would be worked out through diplomatic channels.
Mr Speaker,
Mr Vice-President,
Distinguished Members of the US Congress
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am deeply honoured by the invitation to address this Joint Meeting of the US Congress.
Thank you, Mr Speaker for opening the doors of this magnificent Capitol.
This temple of democracy has encouraged and empowered other democracies the world over.
It manifests the spirit of this great nation, which in Abraham Lincoln's words, "was conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
In granting me this opportunity, you have honoured the world's largest democracy and its 1.25 billion people.
As a representative of world's largest democracy, it is indeed a privilege to speak to the leaders of its oldest.
Mr Speaker,
Two days ago, I began my visit by going to the Arlington National Cemetery -the final resting place of many brave soldiers of this great land.
I honoured their courage and sacrifice for the ideals of freedom and democracy.
It was also the seventy-second Anniversary of the D-Day.
On that day, thousands from this great country fought to protect the torch of liberty on the remote shores of a land that they did not know.
They sacrificed their lives so that the world lives in freedom.
I applaud India applauds, the great sacrifices of the men and women from 'The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave' in service of mankind.
India knows what this means because our soldiers too have fallen in distant battlefields for the same ideals.
That is why the threads of freedom and liberty form a strong bond between our two democracies.
Mr Speaker,
Our nations may have been shaped by differing histories, cultures, and faiths.
Yet, our belief in democracy for our nations and liberty for our countrymen is common.
The idea that all citizens are created equal is a central pillar of the American constitution.
Our founding fathers too shared the same belief and sought individual liberty for every citizen of India.
There were many who doubted India when, as a newly independent nation, we reposed our faith in democracy.
Indeed, wagers were made on our failure.
But, the people of India did not waver.
Our founders created a modern nation with freedom, democracy, and equality as the essence of its soul.
And, in doing so, they ensured that we continued to celebrate our age old diversity.
Today, across its streets and institutions, in its villages and cities, anchored in equal respect for all faiths; and in the melody of hundreds of its languages and dialects.
India lives as one; India grows as one; India celebrates as one.
Mr Speaker,
Modern India is in its 70th year.
For my government, the Constitution is its real holy book.
And, in that holy book, freedom of faith, speech and franchise, and equality of all citizens, regardless of background, are enshrined as fundamental rights.
800 million of my countrymen may exercise the freedom of franchise once every five years.
But, all the 1.25 billion of our citizens have freedom from fear, a freedom they exercise every moment of their lives.
Distinguished Members,
Engagement between our democracies has been visible in the manner in which our thinkers impacted one another, and shaped the course of our societies.
Thoreau's idea of civil disobedience influenced our political thoughts.
And, similarly the call by the great sage of India Swami Vivekananda to embrace humanity was most famously delivered in Chicago.
Gandhi's non-violence inspired the heroism of Martin Luther King.
Today, a mere distance of 3 miles separates the Martin Luther King memorial at Tidal Basin from the statue of Gandhi at Massachusetts Avenue.
This proximity of their memorials in Washington mirrors the closeness of ideals and values they believed in.
The genius of Dr BR Ambedkar was nurtured in the years he spent at the Columbia University a century ago.
The impact of the US Constitution on him was reflected in his drafting of the Indian Constitution some three decades later.
Our independence was ignited by the same idealism that fuelled your struggle for freedom.
No wonder then that former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee called India and the US 'natural allies'.
No wonder that the shared ideals and common philosophy of freedom shaped the bedrock of our ties.
No wonder then, that President Obama has called our ties the defining partnership of the 21st Century.
Mr Speaker,
More than fifteen years ago, Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee stood here and gave a call to step out of the 'shadow of hesitation' of the past.
The pages of our friendship since then tell a remarkable story.
Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history.
Comfort, candour and convergence define our conversations.
Through the cycle of elections and transitions of Administrations the intensity of our engagements has only grown.
And, in this exciting journey, the US Congress has acted as its compass.
You helped us turn barriers into bridges of partnership.
In the fall of 2008, when the Congress passed the India-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, it changed the very colours of leaves of our relationship.
We thank you for being there when the partnership needed you the most.
You have also stood by us in times of sorrow.
India will never forget the solidarity shown by the US Congress when terrorists from across our border attacked Mumbai in November of 2008.
And for this, we are grateful.
Mr Speaker,
I am informed that the working of the US Congress is harmonious.
I am also told that you are well-known for your bipartisanship.
Well, you are not alone.
Time and again, I have also witnessed a similar spirit in the Indian Parliament, especially in our Upper House.
So, as you can see, we have many shared practices.
Mr Speaker,
As this country knows well, every journey has its pioneers.
Very early on, they shaped a development partnership even when the meeting ground was more limited.
The genius of Norman Borlaug brought the Green Revolution and food security to India.
The excellence of the American Universities nurtured Institutes of Technology and Management in India.
And, I could go on.
Fast forward to today.
The embrace of our partnership extends to the entirety of human endeavour-from the depths of the oceans to the vastness of the space.
Our S&T collaboration continues to helps us in cracking the age-old problems in the fields of public health, education, food, and agriculture.
Ties of commerce and investment are flourishing. We trade more with the US than with any other nation.
And, the flow of goods, services and capital between us generates jobs in both our societies.
As in trade, so in defence. India exercises with the United States more than we do with any other partner. Defence purchases have moved from almost zero to ten billion dollars in less than a decade.
Our cooperation also secures our cities and citizens from terrorists, and protects our critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation, as I told President Obama yesterday, is a reality.
Mr Speaker,
Our people to people links are strong; and there is close cultural connect between our societies.
Siri tells us that India's ancient heritage of Yoga has over 30 million practitioners in the US.
It is estimated that more Americans bend for yoga than to throw a curve ball.
And, no Mr Speaker, we have not yet claimed intellectual property right on Yoga.
Connecting our two nations is also a unique and dynamic bridge of three million Indian Americans.
Today, they are among your best CEOs; academics; astronauts; scientists; economists; doctors; even spelling bee champions.
They are your strengths. They are also the pride of India. They symbolise the best of both our societies.
Mr Speaker,
My understanding of your great country began long before I entered public office.
Long before assuming office, I travelled coast to coast, covering more than 25 states of America.
I realised then that the real strength of the US was in the dreams of its people and the boldness of their ambitions.
Today, Mr Speaker, a similar spirit animates India.
Our 800 million youth, especially, are particularly impatient.
India is undergoing a profound social and economic change.
A billion of its citizens are already politically empowered.
My dream is to economically empower them through many social and economic transformations.
And, do so by 2022, the seventy-fifth anniversary of India's independence.
My to-do list is long and ambitious. But you will understand.
It includes:
A vibrant rural economy with robust farm sector;
A roof over each head and electricity to all households;
To skill millions of our youth;
Build 100 smart cities;
Have a broad band for a billion, and connect our villages to the digital world;
And create a twenty-first century rail, road and port infrastructure.
These are not just aspirations; they are goals to be reached in a finite time-frame.
And, to be achieved with a light carbon foot print, with greater emphasis on renewables.
Mr Speaker,
In every sector of India's forward march, I see the US as an indispensable partner.
Many of you also believe that a stronger and prosperous India is in America's strategic interest.
Let us work together to convert shared ideals into practical cooperation.
There can be no doubt that in advancing this relationship, both nations stand to gain in great measure.
As the US businesses search for new areas of economic growth, markets for their goods, a pool of skilled resources, and global locations to produce and manufacture, India could be their ideal partner.
India's strong economy, and growth rate of 7.6% per annum, is creating new opportunities for our mutual prosperity.
Transformative American technologies in India and growing investment by Indian companies in the United States both have a positive impact on the lives of our citizens.
Today, for their global research and development centres, India is the destination of choice for the US companies.
Looking eastward from India, across the Pacific, the innovation strength of our two countries comes together in California.
Here, the innovative genius of America and India's intellectual creativity are working to shape new industries of the future.
Mr Speaker,
The 21st century has brought with it great opportunities.
But, it also comes with its own set of challenges.
Inter-dependence is increasing.
But, while some parts of the world are islands of growing economic prosperity; other are mired in conflicts.
In Asia, the absence of an agreed security architecture creates uncertainty.
Threats of terror are expanding, and new challenges are emerging in cyber and outer-space.
And, global institutions conceived in 20th century, seem unable to cope with new challenges or take on new responsibilities.
In this world full of multiple transitions and economic opportunities; growing uncertainties and political complexities; existing threats and new challenges; our engagement can make a difference by promoting:
Cooperation not dominance;
Connectivity not isolation;
Respect for Global Commons;
inclusive not exclusive mechanisms; and above all
adherence to international rules and norms.
India is already assuming her responsibilities in securing the Indian Ocean region.
A strong India-US partnership can anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa and from Indian Ocean to the Pacific.
It can also help ensure security of the sea lanes of commerce and freedom of navigation on seas.
But, the effectiveness of our cooperation would increase if international institutions framed with the mindset of the 20th century were to reflect the realities of today.
Mr Speaker,
Before arriving in Washington DC, I had visited Herat in Western Afghanistan to inaugurate Afghan-India Friendship Dam, a 42 MW hydro-electric project built with Indian assistance.
I was also there on the Christmas day last year to dedicate to that proud nation its Parliament, a testimony to our democratic ties.
Afghans naturally recognise that the sacrifices of American have helped create a better life.
But, your contribution in keeping the region safe and secure is deeply appreciated even beyond.
India too has made an enormous contribution and sacrifices to support our friendship with Afghan people.
A commitment to rebuild a peaceful, and stable and prosperous Afghanistan our shared objective.
Yet, Distinguished Members, not just in Afghanistan, but elsewhere in South Asia, and globally, terrorism remains the biggest threat.
In the territory stretching from West of India's border to Africa, it may go by different names, from Laskhar-e-Taiba, to Taliban to ISIS.
But, its philosophy is common: of hate, murder and violence.
Although it's shadow is spreading across the world, it is incubated in India's neighbourhood.
I commend the members of the US Congress for sending a clear message to those who preach and practice terrorism for political gains.
Refusing to reward them is the first step towards holding them accountable for their actions.
The fight against terrorism has to be fought at many levels.
And, the traditional tools of military, intelligence or diplomacy alone would not be able to win this fight.
Mr Speaker,
We have both lost civilians and soldiers in combating it.
The need of the hour is for us to deepen our security cooperation.
And, base it on a policy:
that isolates those who harbour, support and sponsor terrorists;
that does not distinguish between "good" and "bad" terrorists; and that delinks religion from terrorism.
Also, for us to succeed, those who believe in humanity must come together to fight for it as one, and speak against this menace in one voice.
Terrorism must be delegitimised.
Mr Speaker,
The benefits of our partnership extend not just to the nations and regions that need it most.
On our own, and by combining our capacities, we are also responding to other global challenges including when disaster strikes and where humanitarian relief is needed.
Far from our shores, we evacuated thousands from Yemen, Indians, Americans and others.
Nearer home, we were the first responders during Nepal's earthquake, in the Maldives water crisis and most recently during landslide in Sri Lanka.
We are also one of the largest contributors of troops to UN Peace Keeping Operations.
Often, India and the US have combined their strengths in science, technology and innovation to help fight hunger, poverty, diseases and illiteracy in different parts of the world.
The success of our partnership is also opening up new opportunities for learning, security and development from Asia to Africa.
And, the protection of environment and caring for the planet is central to our shared vision of a just world.
For us in India, to live in harmony with mother earth is part of our ancient belief.
And, to take from nature only what is most essential is part of our civilisational ethos.
Our partnership, therefore, aims to balance responsibilities with capabilities.
And, it also focuses on new ways to increase the availability and use of renewable energy.
A strong US support for our initiative to form an International Solar Alliance is one such effort.
We are working together not just for a better future for ourselves, but for the whole world.
This has also been the goal of our efforts in G-20, East Asia Summit and Climate Change summits.
Mr Speaker and Distinguished Members
As we deepen our partnership, there would be times when we would have differing perspectives.
But, since our interests and concerns converge, the autonomy in decision making and diversity in our perspectives can only add value to our partnership.
So, as we embark on a new journey, and seek new goals, let us focus not just on matters routine but transformational ideas.
Ideas which can focus:
Not just on creating wealth but also creating value for our societies;
Not just on immediate gains but also long term benefits;
Not just on sharing best practices but also shaping partnerships; and
Not just on building a bright future for our peoples, but in being a bridge to a more united, humane and prosperous world.
And, important for the success of this journey would be a need to view it with new eyes and new sensitivities.
When we do this, we will realise the full promise of this extraordinary relationship.
Mr Speaker,
My final thoughts and words would reiterate that our relationship is primed for a momentous future.
The constraints of the past are behind us and foundations of the future are firmly in place.
In the lines of Walt Whitman,
"The Orchestra have sufficiently tuned their instruments, the baton has given the signal."
And to that, if I might add, there is a new symphony in play.
Thank you Mr Speaker and Distinguished members for this honour.
Thank you very much.
Tel Aviv: Israel clamped down on Palestinian movements and boosted security on Thursday after two Palestinians shot dead four people at a popular Tel Aviv nightspot, the deadliest attack in a months-long wave of violence.
Officials said they were suspending entry permits for 83,000 Palestinians during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan in a move that was likely to further stoke tensions following the shooting last night that shocked Israelis.
The attack saw two Palestinians dressed in black open fire as patrons sat at a cafe terrace at the Sarona Market in Israel's commercial capital, police said.
A witness said it seemed at least one of the gunmen had been sitting at the cafe before standing with a rifle and firing.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld could not confirm reports that the attackers were disguised as ultra-Orthodox Jews, but said they had been wearing black suits.
Five people were wounded in addition to the four killed, and the shooting spread panic, with police clearing the area and crowds running for cover.
Details on the victims were not yet clear.
Police said one of the attackers was arrested, while the other was wounded by gunfire and had undergone surgery.
The market and complex of bars and restaurants is located across the street from Israel's defence ministry and main army headquarters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene of what he called the "cold-blooded terrorist murder" after returning from a trip to Moscow and conferred with senior colleagues, including newly installed hardline defence minister Avigdor Lieberman.
"We discussed a range of offensive and defensive steps which we shall take in order to act against this phenomenon," Netanyahu's office quoted the premier as saying.
"There will be intensive action by the police, the army and other security services, not just to catch every accomplice to this murder but also to prevent further incidents."
Police said the two attackers were cousins from the Hebron area in the West Bank, and one of the Israeli authorities' first moves was to revoke tens of thousands of entry permits.
"All permits for Ramadan, especially permits for family visits from Judea and Samaria to Israel, are frozen," said a statement from COGAT, the defence ministry unit which manages civilian affairs in the occupied West Bank.
Israelis refer to the West Bank by its biblical names, Judea and Samaria.
It said that 83,000 Palestinians would be affected, adding that hundreds of residents of the Gaza Strip who had received permits to visit relatives and holy sites during Ramadan would also have access frozen.
It said it had frozen permits for 204 relatives of one of the alleged attackers.
Lahore: The husband of a 16-year-old Pakistani girl who was murdered by her family for marrying him vowed Thursday to do whatever it took to get justice for his young wife.
Zeenat Bibi was set on fire Wednesday in Pakistan's cultural capital of Lahore, a little over a week after she wed 20-year-old motorcycle mechanic Hasan Khan against the wishes of her family.
Her mother Perveen Bibi has admitted to the killing, though details of the brutal murder remain unclear. Early reports suggested she had been burnt alive though police now say she may have been asphyxiated first, with a post-mortem report not expected until later this month.
Bibi's charred remains were buried by her new husband's family before dawn after none of her relatives sought to claim her body.
Speaking to AFP on Thursday, a visibly distraught Khan said: "I am determined to continue the legal proceedings against the family. I am after them, and my family is supporting me.
"It is my destiny now to bring her justice if the accused are condemned it will bring calm and peace to my soul."
Khan, who said he had met his wife while they were students at high school, also suggested that Perveen had been helped in the murder by her brother and son, and was covering up for them.
The case has drawn widespread outrage even in a country used to so-called "honour killings", which account for hundreds of deaths every year.
It was also the third such case involving burning over a three-month span.
An AFP reporter said Zeenat's family home was closed and locked Thursday, as neighbours expressed their shock.
Zeenat had taught the Koran to local children, and the mother of one told AFP her daughter was frightened after the killing.
"Before sleeping she asked many questions: 'Why was my teacher killed? Why did her mum kill her?'" said Rani Bibi who shared the common last name with Zeenat's family of her 10-year-old Maham.
"I said, 'Don't worry. You are my beloved daughter.'"
Culture of impunity
Pakistan amended its criminal code in 2005 to prevent men who kill female relatives escaping punishment by pardoning themselves as an "heir" of the victim.
But it is left to a judge's discretion to decide whether to impose a prison sentence when other relatives of the victim forgive the killer a loophole which critics say is still exploited.
Leading opposition senator Sherry Rehman, who is also a prominent women's rights activist, called on the government Thursday to pass a long-awaited bill aimed at amending the law.
"What is the reason for the delay? Three girls have been burnt to death this is a scary new trend.
"It's not as though we didn't have thousands being killed before. It's not as though the law will put an end to it but the state must put its full force into addressing the issue," she told AFP.
Rehman added that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had promised to push through legal reform after a documentary highlighting the issue won an Oscar in February, but had failed to act.
"I think they are pandering to the religious parties," she said, referring to Pakistan's Islamist opposition parties who wield considerable influence beyond their representation in parliament, where they hold around five percent of seats.
Those who would kill in the name of honour "have increasing impunity they can see that despite public anger it's the hallowed halls of power are turning a blind eye," she added.
Tokyo: A Chinese naval ship sailed into waters surrounding disputed East China Sea islands for the first time early Thursday, prompting Tokyo to summon the Chinese ambassador to protest, the Japanese government said.
Russian naval ships were also seen in the area around the same time, according to local media.
"Around 00.50 am (1530 GMT Wednesday), a Chinese naval vessel entered our nation's contiguous waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands," the Japanese foreign ministry said in a statement.
Japan administers the uninhabited isles under that name while China also claims them and calls them the Diaoyu islands.
Relations between Japan and China deteriorated in 2012 when Tokyo "nationalised" some of the islands.
Since then, the two largest Asian economies have taken gradual steps to mend fences but relations remain tense.
Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki summoned Chinese ambassador Cheng Yonghua around 2.00 am to lodge a protest.
Saiki "expressed grave concerns and protested, while demanding the ship immediately leave our nation's contiguous zone," the ministry statement said.
Japanese diplomats and defence officials could not be reached immediately for further comment.
During his meeting with Saiki, Cheng claimed the Chinese frigate was allowed to sail in the waters, Kyodo News said, citing an unnamed source.
The frigate left the zone at about 3.10 am, according to major Japanese media, including Kyodo and national broadcaster NHK.
Chinese coast guard vessels routinely travel around the disputed islands, but this was reportedly the first time a Chinese navy ship has been spotted.
Three Russian military vessels were also seen in the waters around the disputed islands around the same time, Japanese media said.
The Russian ships entered the area around 9:50 pm Wednesday and left around 3.05 am Thursday, Jiji Press said, adding that Russian naval ships have entered the waters before.
LIMA Former investment banker Pedro Pablo Kuczynski inched closer to winning Peru's presidency three days after Sunday's election, holding on to a slim but steady lead over rival Keiko Fujimori with just 1 percent of votes left to tally.
Fujimori, daughter of the Andean country's imprisoned ex-president Alberto Fujimori, was trailing Kuczynski by 0.25 percentage point on Wednesday, a difference of about 42,000 votes.
Peru's electoral office ONPE said it would announce results with 100 percent of ballots processed early on Thursday. However, ONPE will not include scores of unclear ballots that regional electoral panels will settle in coming days.
Statisticians said that even if a majority of unclear ballots came out in Fujimori's favour, it would probably not be enough.
"The volume is no longer so big that it would allow her to first of all, close the gap, and on top of that, win enough to claim victory," said Manuel Saavedra, the director of the only polling firm out of three that had put Fujimori ahead of Kuczynski in its exit poll on Sunday.
Fujimori has largely remained out of the public eye since late on Sunday, when she urged her supporters to wait for complete results. Her critics on Twitter and Facebook have started to call for her to concede victory to Kuczynski.
Fujimori's supporters, however, said they were still holding onto hopes that she might come out on top.
"I still hold onto that dream," congresswoman Luisa Maria Cuculiza said in broadcast comments.
Kuczynski's team said it saw victory as likely and had started preparing paperwork needed for a possible transfer of power from President Ollanta Humala.
"But it's all just preliminary, because we're only going to make moves when all ballots are processed," Kuczynski's running mate Martin Vizcarra told reporters in broadcast comments.
Fujimori had been the favourite to win the election a little over a week ago. But Kuczynski, a 77-year-old former World Bank economist and ex prime minister, caught up with her in final opinion polls after Fujimori was stung by scandals involving her close advisors and he was seen as winning the final debate.
The election for many was a referendum on the legacy of Fujimori's father, who was convicted of corruption and human rights abuse but is credited with defeating leftist guerillas.
(Additional Reporting By Teresa Cespedes; Editing by David Gregorio)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Monrovia: Liberia's health ministry said on Thursday the country was free of Ebola, meaning there are now no known cases of the deadly tropical virus left in west Africa.
Liberia was the country worst hit by the outbreak that began in neighbouring Guinea in December 2013, with more than 4,800 Liberians killed by the virus.
"Liberia is again free of Ebola. We have just ended the incubation period following the last case," Sorbor George, chief of communication at the ministry, told AFP.
The west African nation has now passed the World Health Organisation (WHO) threshold of 42 days - twice the incubation period for the virus - since the last known patient tested negative for the second time.
At its peak in 2014, Ebola sparked anxiety about a possible global pandemic and led some governments to threaten or unilaterally enforce travel bans to and from the worst-affected countries - Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
Guinea was declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organisation on June 1 and Sierra Leone on 17 March.
Previous declarations announcing the end of Ebola flare-ups in west Africa have been followed however by the emergence of new cases.
Liberia was until now monitoring for new cases after a woman died of Ebola in the capital of Monrovia on 31 March after arriving from Guinea.
Two of her three children, aged five and two, subsequently tested positive for the virus.
In all, the virus affected 10 countries, including the United States and Spain, with more than 28,000 cases reported.
The Liberian health ministry called on people to remain vigilant in order to avoid another outbreak in the future.
"We have been carrying on a sensitisation campaign. This campaign will continue, and we will still be in readiness to contain any eventual outbreak," George said.
The risk of infection lasts beyond the 42-day period because the virus can survive in certain bodily fluids of survivors, particularly sperm, where it can linger up to a year, according to experts.
In Paynesville, the Monrovia suburb where the most recent spate of cases were registered, residents were glad to be moving on.
"It is good to hear that Ebola is gone again, but from what we saw recently we remain resilient in our preventive measures. We don't want our neighbourhood's name to be attached to the outbreak," said 56-year-old Bubakar Sanor.
"We are happy that our health workers are now up to the task, containing the virus with bravery and professionalism," he told AFP.
TRIPOLI Forces aligned with Libya's unity government battled Islamic State on Thursday in the militant group's stronghold of Sirte, but faced resistance from snipers as they edged towards the city centre.
Brigades mainly composed of fighters from the western city of Misrata have advanced rapidly, driving the militants back along the coastal road west of Sirte before seizing strategic points on the edge of the city.
A separate militia that controls terminals in Libya's oil crescent, the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG), said it had advanced further from the east to reach the town of Harawa, about 70 km (44 miles) east of Sirte.
If the advances are sustained, they could dislodge IS from its most important base outside the Middle East and provide a boost to the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).
Mohamed al-Gasri, a military spokesman based in Misrata, said fighting was underway on Thursday near the Ouagadougou conference hall, where IS holds religious instruction sessions.
"We think that Sirte will be liberated within days, not weeks," Gasri said. "The Daesh (Islamic State) snipers are a concern to us because they shoot from long distances and that has hindered us in the battle inside the city."
The media office for the brigades said in a statement that Libyan air force jets had carried out strikes near the Ouagadougou hall.
The brigades had already claimed control over a number of strategic sites on Sirte's outskirts including an air base, several military camps and a roundabout where IS had previously hung the bodies of executed enemies.
Dozens of brigade members have been killed and hundreds wounded in the past month of fighting. On Wednesday alone, 15 men were killed and 95 injured, a Misrata hospital spokesman said.
The main hospital in Misrata is overflowing and some fighters have been flown to Turkey or Italy for treatment. On Thursday the GNA appealed in a statement for further international medical aid "for our heroes at the front lines".
SETBACKS
Islamic State established a presence in several Libyan cities from late 2014, taking full control of Sirte, hometown of veteran ruler Muammar Gaddafi, the following year. It also seized about 250 km (155 miles) of Mediterranean coastline either side of Sirte.
But the group has struggled to win support or retain territory elsewhere in Libya, suffering recent setbacks in both the east and west of the country.
The GNA is designed to replace two rival governments that have competed for power from Tripoli and from the east since 2014, backed by complex alliances of armed groups.
Both the PFG and key armed groups from Misrata have pledged to support it. Western powers see the new government as the best chance of ending the turmoil plaguing Libya since Gaddafi was forced from power in an uprising five years ago.
At the Pentagon, spokesman Peter Cook said the United States was encouraged by the progress on the ground but said no decisions had been made regarding greater U.S. military involvement in Libya, where teams of U.S. special operations forces have been rotating in and out of the country for months to get to know local fighters on the ground.
"We haven't made any additional decisions about U.S. action at this point. We're obviously watching it very closely and (are) very encouraged by what we see," Cook told a news briefing.
BENGHAZI VIOLENCE
Since arriving in Tripoli in March the GNA has sought to meld some of Libya's key armed factions into a unified security force, even as it continues to face resistance from political and military hardliners in the east.
These include eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar, who has been conducting a campaign against Islamists and other opponents in Benghazi for the past two years. Heavy fighting and air strikes have continued there over the past two days, with at least eight of Haftar's forces killed, medical and security officials said.
Eastern forces have also been engaged in fighting in the eastern city of Derna, where rival Islamists forced Islamic State to retreat. On Thursday, a resident told Reuters that an air strike had hit a residential area, killing a woman and three children.
The GNA appointed another eastern commander, Mahdi al-Barghathi, as minister of defence. He has been trying to peel away support from Haftar, and last week two military units in Benghazi announced their support for the GNA.
For now the common cause of defeating Islamic State and diminishing Haftar's influence has driven Misrata, Barghathi and the PFG to cooperate, said Mattia Toaldo, an analyst at the European Council for Foreign Relations.
"For Libyan standards it's quite a remarkable degree of coordination, and it's coordination between people who have been fighting each other until a year ago."
Any recent gains for the GNA are fragile, however, with Haftar bound to attempt a comeback and current allegiances at risk of dissolving if Sirte is taken, Toaldo said.
(Additional reporting by Aidan Lewis, Ayman al-Warfalli, and Phil Stewart; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Gareth Jones and James Dalgleish)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Mexico City: India on Thursday received crucial support of Mexico in its bid to become member of the NSG ahead of a plenary meeting of the 48-nation bloc whose members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced his country's support to India's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mexico City on a range of bilateral and global issues.
"Mexico supports positively and constructively India's membership of the NSG," the Mexican President said at a joint media interaction with Modi.
On his part, the Prime Minister thanked Mexico for its support and called the country an important partner for India's energy security.
"We are looking to move beyond buyer-seller relationship and into a long-term partnership... We have agreed to develop a roadmap of concrete outcomes to upgrade our ties to a Strategic Partnership," said the Prime Minister who arrived here earlier in the day from Washington on the last leg of his five-nation tour.
In their talks, Modi and Nieto explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas including in trade and investment, information technology, climate change and energy.
Mexico is a key member of the NSG and its support to India's bid for entry into NSG is seen as important. Modi had visited Switzerland, another key member of the NSG, before travelling to the US, and the European country known to have strong proliferation concerns had announced its support to India's candidature for the atomic trading club.
Support of Mexico and Switzerland is seen as important in the wake of China opposing India's NSG membership arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.
The US and many other NSG member countries have supported India's inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record. The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid.
India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on 12 May.
The NSG looks after critical issues relating to the nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Its membership will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed India's case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
New Delhi: The CPM on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making India "a strategic junior partner of the US global strategic designs."
Commenting on the Indo-US Joint Statement issued during Modi's visit to the US, the Communist Party of India-Marxist said it amounted to abandoning New Delhi's independent position on foreign policy.
"The 50-paragraph Joint Statement ... is a declaration that cements India's role as a strategic junior partner of US global strategic designs," it said in a statement.
"The agreement covers almost the entire scope of bilateral relations as well as a global partnership, declaring that India has abandoned its established independent foreign policy and has firmly tied itself to the apron strings of US global strategic designs."
It said the agreement commits India to provide logistic facilities such as re-fuelling of the US Air Force on its adventures of military intervention in any part of the world.
"Given the US/NATO military interventions in West Asia, where there is a large NRI presence, this will have serious consequences for Indian foreign policy as well as Indians working in these countries," the CPM warned. This abandons both our independent foreign policy and our bilateral interests with the friendly countries in West Asia and the Gulf."
The CPM said the agreement also made it clear that India's interests in the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region had now been equated with the US interests and the US strategic objective of "containment of China."
The statement said, "the Modi government has clearly abandoned India's longstanding policy of developing good neighbourly relations and also the 'Look East Policy.' The government has to answer against whom is India becoming a priority partner of the US in the region."
"In this Joint Statement, the US has accorded India the status of its major defence partner. What are the obligations of this partnership? These are all major issues which are being decided without any debate in the Indian Parliament by the BJP-led Modi government," it said.
Way back in March 2000, when US President Bill Clinton finished his address to a joint session of Parliament in New Delhi, and walked down the aisle in Central Hall, a number of MPs cut across party lines from both Houses of Parliament, jumped over benches and jostled for space to somehow shake hands with him.
More than what the visiting dignitary spoke about, the honourable parliamentarians over-enthusiasm and joy to meet the visiting dignitary including those who till the other day had never missed an opportunity to deride America and its leadership made the news.
A decade later, in November 2010, when President Barrack Obama was to address a joint session of Parliament, the MPs were especially told to "behave in a dignified manner" during and after his address. The advisory was official, sent by the parliamentary affairs ministry to leaders of all parliamentary parties to ensure that "decorum and dignity" of India's temple of democracy was maintained.
The decision to send that advisory was guided by the spectacle that was created during Clinton's visit and the leadership in the UPA government keen to avoid that.
It was also the occasion when those sitting in the audience in the visitors and media gallery in Central Hall of Parliament wondered if ever an Indian leader would possess the same oratorical flourish and energy to speak like a world leader at such forums.
It was also informally debated then, among media persons, that whether Obama had spoken extempore or was making a smart use of a teleprompter to read his speech and make it appear like extempore.
Jump to 8 June, 2016, the United States Capitol, Washington DC. The occasion: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to a joint session of the US Congress.
The manner in which Modi spoke, the substance and flourish of it, despite the fact that he spoke in a (English) language which for a long time in his life must have been alien to him, and the kind of rapturous applause he received from the US Congressmen, would make every Indian feel happy and confident of oneself and the nation, whether in India or abroad. On Wednesday, Modi accomplished something that a vast majority of Indians had only dreamed about for long.
The thunderous applause when he finished, continuing for over a minute from all corners of the hall in the Capitol, was comparable to the one Modi received at BJP's National Council meeting at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi in 2013, after then BJP President Rajnath Singh had almost made it clear that Modi was going to lead and be the face of the party in the 2014 parliamentary polls.
A clearly overwhelmed Modi kept waving at the audience in all corners, accepting the cheers with gratitude. The two places were thousands of kilometres apart in two different continents but at both the places, there was recognition that Modi had arrived as a leader and was here to stay; at the national level back then, and now on the global platform.
If over a decade and a half ago, Indian parliamentarians had vied to shake hands with Clinton, a number of American Congressmen and women, or their aides on Wednesday (as Mani Shankar Aiyar claimed that such Joint sessions of Congress are attended not just by Congressmen but by their aides as well) took turns to take Modi's autograph and shake hands.
If something like this had happened during 2000-2010 (in between Clinton and Obamas addresses to the joint sessions of the Indian Parliament) then the Parliamentary affairs ministry in consultation with the Speaker wouldn't have considered issuing an advisory to the MPs to maintain decorum as it did in the year 2010. Full marks to Modi on that count.
One lost count of the number of times Modi received a standing ovation from the US Congressmen. The number of times they stood to applaud him, and the number of times they clapped and cheered could not just have been for courtesy. They felt for him and for what he spoke. All this in a country that had denied him a visa, just two years ago.
Only the now-famous "Modi Modi" chant was missing.
When the chant had begun, first in Ahmedabad after he was elected as chief minister for the third successive time, and subsequently all over the country in the run-up to parliamentary elections, and later at Indian diaspora meets abroad, there were many in the BJP and outside, who suspected that a group of specially-hired and trained youth had been planted to do so.
They could never make out the difference between spontaneous cheers and a rehearsed drill. What would his critics say now, following his reception by the US Congress?
Yes, the key issue here, domestically, is the delivery of goods to people at large in a fair and transparent manner. He spoke of his dream on that count. The fact that his successful five-nation tour has coincided with the two years in office celebrations at home has boosted the morale of his party cadre, and enthused those in the government.
That he did say things that the American leaders would have loved to hear from him is also true: "Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history. Comfort, candour and convergence define our conversations. Through the cycle of elections and transitions of administrations the intensity of our engagements has only grown. And, in this exciting journey, the US Congress has acted as its compass. You helped us turn barriers into bridges of partnership."
He said what millions of Indians wanted to hear him say, on terrorism and Pakistan, without mincing words in front of the US Congress which for long has pampered Pakistan. "Not just in Afghanistan, but elsewhere in South Asia, and globally, terrorism remains the biggest threat. In the territory stretching from West of India's border to Africa, it may go by different names, from Laskhar-e-Taiba, to Taliban to IS.
But its philosophy is common; of hate, murder and violence. Although its shadow is spreading across the world, it is incubated in India's neighbourhood. I commend the members of the US Congress for sending a clear message to those who preach and practice terrorism for political gains. Refusing to reward them is the first step towards holding them accountable for their actions," Modi said.
There were also concerns among certain quarters over whether or not he would reflect on an important issue intolerance, which has been a much debated issue among many in India and abroad.
Broadly, he began with the same theme that he had spoken on at a gathering of Christian priests at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi recently. "India lives as one; India grows as one; India celebrates as one. For my government, the Constitution is its real holy book. And, in that holy book, freedom of faith, speech and franchise, and equality of all citizens, regardless of background, are enshrined as fundamental rights. All the 1.25 billion of our citizens have freedom from fear, a freedom they exercise every moment of their lives."
For those who for long had thought (rightly so) that Indian leaders did not have a sense of humour, Modi went on a different take: "I am informed that the working of the US Congress is harmonious. I am also told that you are well-known for your bipartisanship. Well, you are not alone. Time and again, I have also witnessed a similar spirit in the Indian Parliament, especially in our Upper House. So, as you can see, we have many shared practices."
Speaking on the practice of Yoga, he said, "And, no Mr Speaker, we have not yet claimed intellectual property right on Yoga".
Mexico City: India on Thursday secured Mexico's backing in its bid to become member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as it aggressively scouted for support ahead of a crucial meeting of the 48-nation nuclear trading bloc in Vienna.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced his country's support to India's membership for the elite NSG after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a major focus on further deepening cooperation in a range of areas including trade and investment, information technology, energy and space.
"Mexico recognises India's bid to be part of the NSG. As a country, we are going to be positively and constructively supporting India's request in recognition of the commitment by Prime Minister Modi to the international agenda of disarmament and non proliferation of nuclear weapons," Nieto said at a joint media interaction with Modi.
On his part, the Prime Minister thanked the Mexican President for his country's support and called Mexico an important partner for India's energy security.
He said both the countries have agreed to work and develop a "roadmap of concrete outcomes" to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership.
He added: "We both feel that our growing convergence on international issues allows us to join our capacities to strengthen international regimes of strategic importance. I thank President Pena Nieto for Mexico's positive and constructive support for India's membership of the NSG."
Modi on Monday visited Switzerland, another key member of the NSG, and the European country - known to have strong proliferation concerns - had announced its support to India's candidature at the bloc that looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology.
Membership of the grouping will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
A meeting of the NSG later on Thursday in Vienna is scheduled to discuss India's membership application which will be followed by another meeting on 24 June in Seoul.
India has been reaching out to NSG member countries seeking support to its membership. China has been opposing India's membership at the premier club, arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The US has been strongly supporting India and asked various NSG members to support New Delhi's bid. The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.
The US and many other NSG member countries have supported India's inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record. The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid.
India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on 12 May. Earlier this week, India cleared all hurdles in getting membership of the the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a key anti-proliferation grouping, as no member country opposed its entry into it.
Membership of the group will help India access high-end missile technology. The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed India's case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
In their talks, Modi and Nieto deliberated extensively on expanding cooperation in trade and investment.
Complimenting the Mexican President for his reform initiatives, the Prime Minister said he was focusing on reforming India's economic and governance structures, adding that sharing of best practices can benefit both the countries.
"Mexico is an important partner for India's energy security. We are now looking to move beyond a buyer-seller relationship, and into a long-term partnership.
"Information technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, and automotive industries are among key growth areas of our commercial linkages. But, there is potential to expand our commercial and investment, and Science and Technology partnerships in new areas.
"In this regard, President and I agreed to find ways to deepen our cooperation in Space, and science and technology," said Modi.
He said both sides decided to prioritise "concrete projects" in areas of agricultural research, bio-technology, waste management, disaster warning and management, and solar energy.
"I would like to particularly thank President Pena Nieto for his support to the International Solar Alliance. It will transform the global canvas for solar technology, especially for developing and Small Island Developing countries," said the Prime Minister.
Modi also quoted renowned author Octavio Paz.
He said: "Friends, In his book 'In Light of India', the great author Octavio Paz wrote, 'I can understand what it means to be Indian, because I am Mexican'. Of course, it is true the other way too! I believe we have succeeded today in strengthening this mutual understanding further.
"It has been a wonderful visit," he added.
Later, both sides issued a joint statement which said the two leaders recognised the opportunities to define the path of the "India-Mexico Privileged Partnership for the 21st Century" to promote growth of bilateral ties and cooperation in global issues reflecting a broad convergence of long-term political, economic and strategic goals.
They also reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, said the joint statement.
The two leaders pledged to continue promoting the shared goals of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as solutions with multilateral perspective, as well as to continue promoting cooperation on international security issues.
It said they instructed the Foreign Ministers of both countries to develop a roadmap of the privileged partnership under the framework of the Seventh Mexico-India Joint Commission Meeting to be held in Mexico later this year.
Both sides welcomed with satisfaction the successful conclusion of the Climate Change Conference held in Paris in December 2015 and applauded the signing by both countries of the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, the joint statement said, adding they committed to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, as well as to develop new and renewable sources of energy to meet the developmental challenges of their respective countries.
"The two countries will update the bases of cooperation according to a convergent and comprehensive plan, will evaluate the progress made in diverse fields and will set new objectives and themes to strengthen the agenda of bilateral relations," the joint statement said.
Both sides also reaffirmed the importance to have an "effective multilateral system", with the United Nations at its core, and agreed on the importance of continuing to support the progress in the process of comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council.
It said the two leaders had a detailed exchange of views on the regional issues of mutual interest, including the political and economic developments in Latin America, the CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) and the Pacific Alliance, as well as the current situation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Modi and Nieto stressed the necessity of developing a greater connectivity between the two countries and encouraging cooperation in various sectors including infrastructure, pharmaceutical, energy, automobile, Information and Communication Technology, agriculture, and food processing among others.
It said the two sides agreed to explore ways and means to boost the objectives of the International Solar Alliance.
The two sides exchanged points of view and welcomed the opportunities offered by the convergence between the National Digital Strategy of Mexico and the Digital India Initiative, which share common objectives, said the joint statement.
It said they welcomed collaboration in space science, earth observation, climate and environmental studies, and the efficient use of space-related resources available in India as well as in Mexico for remote sensing, advance warning for disaster prevention and launch of satellites between the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).
President Nieto cordially invited the Modi to Mexico again on a state visit in the near future. Modi also invited Nieto to pay a state visit to India. "They agreed that suitable dates would be worked out through diplomatic channels," the joint statement said.
The Prime Minister arrived in Mexico City earlier on Thursday from Washington on his last leg of the five-nation tour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the joint session of US congress on Wednesday was a remarkable success, not only for its content and style but more for the immense confidence exuded by him in his exposition.
For a leader who was denied a US visa for more than a decade, the enormity of the occasion was overwhelming. Modi betrayed no sense of rancour and humoured Congress members, who gave standing ovations many a times and broke into rapturous applause at his punch lines, calculated to win over the audience.
Those who see his diction as inept not measuring up to the standards of the Oxford-educated Indians would have been certainly surprised to find that an elite political and business audience in US was hardly concerned with such flaws. Back in India, his factual inaccuracies about the dates of construction of the Konark temple may be an object of derision among Modi-baiters.
But Modi has never claimed to be a scholarly prime minister. His strength certainly lies in the ease with which he engages with leaders of the worlds most powerful nations, presenting Indias case. He neither seemed patronising nor allowed himself to be patronised by anyone.
Modi was least affected by his perceived imperfections in English diction, or about matching the syntax of the English-speaking Indian elites. Far from it, there appeared to be an overt admiration for a leader who is confident enough to have a dialogue with the worlds most powerful nation, in a 'language of his own'.
Here, it would be interesting to know how Modi has acquired this confidence, this language of his own. Perhaps behind Modis successful oration at the US congress, lies a decade-long preparation. Those who watched his performances in the lead-up to the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Gandhinagar would testify that the leader had often created a miniature global forum in successive events, and managed to hold dialogues on his own terms.
Though he was denied a visa, Modi never let this issue come in the way of participation of US firms, and invited sympathetic US congressmen in all such events. Similarly, he engaged with Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, to hard-sell Gujarat as a brand and an investment destination. In 2003, when he launched the event, there was a certain degree of scepticism even within his own ranks. The then deputy Prime Minister LK Advani agreed to inaugurate the event, after much persuasion.
Successive Vibrant Gujarat summits organised since then after a gap of every two years, however, have magnified their scale manifold and revealed Modis intent to pursue his agenda single-mindedly. By 2007, the Vibrant Gujarat Summit became a flagship Indian event in which the international political and business class developed a keen interest. Then came a magic moment for Modi, when a respected Indian industrialist like Ratan Tata made a quotable remark by stating, You are stupid if you are not in Gujarat.
Those who have seen Modi slogging to make Vibrant Gujarat a successful showcase of his state would testify that in his series of interaction with international business tycoons and even Indian business houses, Modi would often engage with them in English in an accent of his own.
That he is not a natural speaker in the foreign language has never allowed him to impede his conversation. Over the years, he has developed a style of his own that has found ungrudging traction among foreigners. Prior to the Vibrant Gujarat events, he would organise road-shows in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, engaging with the audience in a manner fit for a global forum.
There is little doubt that he had been preparing himself for the future, though his carefully crafted demeanour evoked derision in a class of the Indian elites. Modi was least bothered as he was adequately advised to insulate himself from such barbs.
There is one interesting anecdote pertaining to the conception of his plan for the future. Immediately after the 2002 Gujarat riots when Modi had won the election he was advised by a close friend, a strategic thinker from Singapore, that he should hard-sell Gujarat as a brand and not bother about India, so long as he was the chief minister of the state.
This was the precise reason that he was able to associate himself with five and a half crore Gujaratis (55 million inhabitants of Gujarat), as his focus till he occupied his chief ministerial position remained untouched. In the Indian context, his strategy worked wonderfully as he emerged as a leader who intends to re-shape India after doing a good job in his own state.
A close look at his utterances at the international forum gives a distinct impression that Modi has been extending the frontiers of his domestic experiment to the global level. And so far, he is not showing any signs of fatigue or failure.
Thanphyuyone: It's as vital to life in Myanmar as cheese is to France or tea to Britain. For millions of people in the Southeast Asian country, the day is incomplete without chewing the juicy, teeth-staining parcels of betel leaf wrapped around areca nut and a slake of lime.
But Myanmar's dedicated legions of red-toothed betel nut chewers are now having to swallow hard at the thought of paying double for what's known as "kun-ya," thanks to extreme weather that has caused a sharp spike in prices of the ingredients for the addictive stimulant.
A severe drought this summer wreaked havoc on betel leaf and areca nut farms, which rely heavily on irrigation. This was followed by violent rainstorms that debilitated the remaining crop.
Nowhere is the poor harvest more greatly felt than in Thanphyuyone, a village where every morning farmers pick mature leaves that are lined inside bamboo baskets and sent to wholesale markets in nearby Yangon, the country's commercial capital.
"Betel farmers usually rely on the water from the village reservoir to grow betel leaves, but as this year brought us drought, we lost a huge amount of betel leaves and there was nothing we could do," said Kyi Lwin, a 42-year-old betel farmer.
The extreme weather variations have been blamed on El Nino, a warming of parts of the Pacific Ocean that changes weather worldwide.
The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.80 to $2.50 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of the shortage, the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. That's as much as the daily wage of a construction worker.
"It has only happened this year," said Myo Lin Tun, a seller in the Thirimingalar wholesale market in Yangon.
Chewing of kun-ya goes back centuries in Myanmar. Every village, town and city in the country has small kiosks that usually sell packs of four kun-ya portions for about 10 cents. In Yangon, 25-year-old construction worker Phyo They Paing grumbles that he now gets only half the usual bang for his buck.
"I used to get four packets for 100 kyats and I was happy with that," he says. "But now I just get two. I'm pretty disappointed with that."
The betel leaf is wrapped around a mixture of areca nuts, lime, spices and sometimes tobacco. Aficionados chew them throughout the day, filling their mouths with a red sludge of betel juice and saliva that they dispose of with abandon in the open. Great red streams of the juice line sidewalks, bus stops, walls, public restrooms and everywhere else.
What's left are teeth and gums stained red.
A recent Health Ministry and World Health Organization survey showed that 62 percent of men and 24 percent of women in Myanmar use smokeless tobacco products such as kun-ya, carrying a serious risk of oral cancer.
Many who sport the giveaway red teeth are bus, truck and taxi drivers who say its stimulant quality helps them stay alert.
Last month, the government issued an order instructing all employees not to chew betel during office hours and not to allow betel vendors inside government facilities.
WASHINGTON U.S. President Barack Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton's White House bid on Thursday and called for the Democratic Party to unite behind her after a protracted battle with Bernie Sanders for the party nomination.
Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, said it "means the world" to her that Obama has her back in a bruising campaign for the Nov. 8 election.
The endorsement increases pressure on Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, to bow out of the race and lend his support to Clinton so that the party can focus on defeating Donald Trump, the Republican candidate.
"It is absolutely a joy and an honour that President Obama and I over the years have gone from fierce competitors to true friends," Clinton told Reuters in an interview.
After an unexpectedly tough battle against Sanders' challenge from the left, former first lady Clinton made history when she reached the number of delegates needed to win the party nomination this week. That made her the first woman to lead a major U.S. party as its White House candidate.
Obama, who enjoys strong approval ratings after nearly eight years in office, will appear with Clinton on the campaign trail next week in Wisconsin, her campaign said.
The pair were opponents in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary race which Obama won but they buried their rivalry and she served as his secretary of state for four years. Clinton is the 2016 candidate who the White House believes will best safeguard Obama's legacy.
"I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office," Obama said of Clinton in a video. "I'm with her. I am fired up, and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary."
Trump assailed the endorsement on Twitter: "He wants four more years of Obamabut nobody else does!
Clinton's campaign tweeted a brash response: "Delete your account."
Sanders, who galvanized young voters with his calls for more social equality and measures to rein in Wall Street, has been reluctant to concede the race, despite concerns among leading Democrats that continuing party divisions could hamper Clinton's efforts to beat Trump.
Obama and other senior Democrats are seeking a delicate balance between the need to unite behind Clinton in the battle against Trump while not alienating Sanders and his supporters.
Sanders met with Obama at the White House on Thursday, and said afterward he would work with Clinton to defeat Trump. Senator Harry Reid, the top Democrat in the Senate, later met separately with Sanders and said the Vermont lawmaker had accepted that Clinton was the nominee.
Sanders told reporters, however, that he would stay in the race to compete in the final Democratic primary vote in Washington, D.C., on June 14.
Obama recalled the party unity that followed his prolonged primary battle against Clinton in 2008.
"Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders may have been rivals during this primary, but they're both patriots who love this country and they share a vision for an America that we all believe in," Obama said in the video.
Nearly half of Americans in a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey approved of Obama's handling of his presidency, a high mark for a president at this point in the job. Among Democrats, his approval rating was 82.3 percent, though 84.3 percent of Republicans disapproved of his leadership.
SEEKING UNITY
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, like Sanders a progressive and fiery critic of Wall Street, is preparing to endorse Clinton in the coming weeks after staying neutral in the Democratic primary, people familiar with her thinking told Reuters.
A Warren endorsement of Clinton could come as early as Thursday night, a Boston Globe reporter said on Twitter, citing a Warren source.
Clinton said she and Warren had similar views about key issues such as economic policy and protecting the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which Warren pushed to start.
"I'm really pleased to have her good ideas and support," Clinton said of the Massachusetts senator.
Trump said in an interview with Reuters last month that he would try to dismantle the Dodd-Frank law.
Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, who competed against Clinton and Sanders earlier in the nomination race, endorsed Clinton, saying it was time to unite the party.
In the interview with Reuters, Clinton said her overall economic package, including plans to rein in Wall Street and cut taxes for the middle class, would come during the first 100 days of her presidency if she defeats Trump.
Clinton has previously said a plan to generate jobs by investing in transportation and other infrastructure spending and immigration reform would be among other early priorities.
"One of the things that President Obama said yesterday is he thought his job was to remind the American people what a really serious job this is, the tough choices, the hard decisions, the high stakes in choosing a president and commander in chief," Clinton said.
"And I know how important it is to get off to a really good start in the White House," she said.
Trump, a wealthy real estate developer who became the party's presumptive nominee last month after seeing off 16 rivals, is well behind Clinton's campaign in terms of fundraising and policy infrastructure.
On Thursday, his top donors were holding their first official meeting in New York.
(Reporting by Emily Stephenson, additional reporting by Ginger Gibson, Steve Holland, Roberta Rampton, Megan Cassella, Doina Chiacu, David Morgan, Susan Cornwell and Alana Wise in Washington; Editing by Alistair Bell and Frances Kerry)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
WASHINGTON U.S. President Barack Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton's White House bid on Thursday and called for the Democratic Party to unite behind her after a protracted battle with Bernie Sanders for the party nomination.
Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, said it "means the world" to her that Obama has her back.
The endorsement increases pressure on Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, to concede the race so the party can focus on campaigning against Donald Trump, the Republican presumptive nominee for the Nov. 8 election.
"It is absolutely a joy and an honour that President Obama and I over the years have gone from fierce competitors to true friends," Clinton told Reuters in an interview.
Obama defeated Clinton in the 2008 Democratic primary and she went on to serve as secretary of state in his first term.
Obama, who enjoys strong approval ratings after nearly eight years in office, will campaign with Clinton next week in Wisconsin, her campaign said.
"I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office," Obama said of Clinton in a video. "I'm with her. I am fired up, and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary," Obama said.
Obama had been expected to support Clinton since she won enough delegates this week to clinch the Democratic nomination and become the first woman to lead a major U.S. party as its presidential nominee.
Sanders, who met with Obama at the White House earlier on Thursday, said afterward he would work with Clinton to defeat Trump.
Sanders said, however, that he would stay in the race to compete in the final Democratic primary vote in Washington, D.C., on June 14.
(Reporting by Emily Stephenson, additional reporting by Ginger Gibson, Steve Holland, Roberta Rampton, Megan Cassella, Doina Chiacu and Alana Wise in Washington; Editing by Alistair Bell and Frances Kerry)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
MEXICO CITY Mexico's main leftist party will weigh tying up with conservative rivals to wrest power in 2018, after their successful alliance handed President Enrique Pena Nieto a beating in state elections, its leader said on Wednesday.
On Sunday, the Party of the Democratic Revolution, or PRD, teamed up with the centre-right National Action Party (PAN) to inflict one of the worst ever electoral defeats on Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
The 12 contests took place in the most fragmented political landscape in modern Mexican history and PRD Chairman Agustin Basave said in an interview no party would be able to win the next presidential elections without doubling up.
"I don't rule out any potential alliance," he said. "What I rule out is going it alone."
For 71 consecutive years the PRI ruled Mexico via a mix of political patronage, corruption and authoritarianism until it was voted out in 2000. In 2012, the party retook the top job under Pena Nieto and will try to hang onto the post in Mexico's 2018 general election.
While sidelined, the PRI still controlled at least half the 31 federal states, and since returning to power, adversaries say it has exploited its advantage to keep the opposition divided.
Basave, who like many other Mexican political leaders once belonged to the PRI, said if the party managed to split the opposition vote in 2018 it could field a "horse" as candidate and still come out on top.
"That's why I say that if you're against alliances in Mexico today, you're pro-PRI," he said.
The PRI started Sunday with 9 of the 12 states but ended up with only five. Three of those losses went to PRD-PAN coalitions while PRD leaders also backed the PAN contender in a fourth.
The PRD's base has been eroded by a new left-wing party founded by its former leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Now a frequent critic of his old party, he accuses the PRD of selling out and has dismissed talk of forging alliances with it.
Basave said he was open to working with both Lopez Obrador or the PAN, but noted that as long as the former remained opposed to the idea, it was "(Lopez Obrador's) problem".
"I'm not saying the PRD has to form an alliance with the PAN, we'll have to think, wait and see," he said.
(Reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Simon Gardner and Andrew Hay)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
New Delhi: BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-nation tour as an "unprecedented strategic and diplomatic success", and said what the country could not achieve in decades was achieved by the BJP-led government in just two years.
"Modi's historic address to the US Congress has brought honour for crores of Indians and his five-nation tour has achieved unprecedented strategic and diplomatic success. A prosperous and strong India is marking its presence on the global stage in the leadership of Modi ji," Shah said in a statement.
Prime Minister Modi left on 4 June on his tour of Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico. He left for home on Thursday from Mexico City.
Shah said it is due to the success of the BJP government's "aggressive diplomacy" that India is poised to become a member of the major multi-lateral export control regime the 34-member Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
"After joining this group, India, for the first time would be able to export weapons. It's the result of the diplomatic success of the Modi government that the country has achieved this feat in just two years, what we could not achieve in decades," he said.
The BJP president also said that on India's call, the world is uniting on the issue of terrorism.
"Prime Minister's call to fight the menace of terrorism is gaining support across the world. Many of the nations of the world were forced to change their strategy against terrorism. The recognition of terrorism as bad and good has come to an end, and political and economical support to terror sheltering nations has been controlled," Shah said.
Shah said that despite obstructions by the opposition, decision-making is the speciality of the Modi government.
"Even during crisis, India has shown its leadership quality and has marked its place in the world," he said.
Warsaw: Pope Francis will meet hospitalised children and survivors of the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz and ride on a tram when he visits Poland next month and is planning a surprise, officials said Thursday.
Francis will be in Poland 27-31 July for the 14th World Youth Day meeting in and near Krakow, in southern Poland, with hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world. The meetings were initiated in 1985 by Polish-born Pope St. John Paul II.
Francis' schedule, released Thursday, includes a visit to the Auschwitz memorial on 29 July, where he will meet with a few survivors in the Auschwitz part of the former vast death camp that was operated by Nazi Germans in occupied Poland. The pope will then pray and speak at the memorial to the victims, located in the Birkenau part of the former camp. Francis will also hold a private prayer at the death cell of Father Maksymilian Maria Kolbe, a Catholic friar who offered to die for another inmate, Franciszek Gajowniczek, who survived Auschwitz.
Later that day, Francis will pay a private visit to a children's hospital in Krakow.
On 28 July, Francis will fly in the morning on half-a-day visit to Poland's holiest shrine, Jasna Gora, in the town of Czestochowa, where he will celebrate a Mass on the occasion of 1,050 years of Catholicism in Poland. In the afternoon he will take a city tram in Krakow to go to a meeting with world youth.
The organisers say that some 570,000 participants have registered so far, but they are expecting up to two million at the peak point, a Mass on 31 July.
Papal Nuncio Archbishop Celestino Migliore also says Francis is planning a surprise, giving no further details.
Washington: US president Barack Obama said that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders' new ideas and energy have helped the Democratic party and made Hillary Clinton, the first woman to clinch the bid for US presidency, "a better candidate".
"It was a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to have a contested primary. I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas. And he pushed the party and challenged them. I thought it made Hillary a better candidate," Obama said on Wednesday night during an interview with comedian Jimmy Fallon.
NBC channel released some parts of the interview, which is scheduled to be aired on Thursday, in which the president goes over some recent aspects of the electoral race.
"My hope is that over the next couple of weeks we are able to pull things together," said Obama, who plans to meet with Sanders on Thursday morning at the White House.
The Vermont senator still refuses to drop out of the race, although Clinton is already the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate.
However, Clinton's campaign, launched in April 2015, has been longer and tougher than many thought and she still has to overcome the obstacle of attracting the millions who voted for Senator Sanders, especially young people, in order to go to the November presidential elections with confidence.
"I think she is whip smart. She is tough. And she deeply cares about working people and putting kids through school and making sure we are growing our economy," Obama described the former first lady, who he will not officially endorse until after his meeting with Sanders.
WASHINGTON Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said on Thursday he would work with his party's presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton to defeat Republican Donald Trump, though he did not immediately drop out of the White House race.
Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, spoke outside the White House after a meeting with President Barack Obama, as Democrats pressured him to end his campaign and support Clinton after a hard-fought primary race.
He said he would compete in the final Democratic primary vote in Washington, D.C., on June 14, thus formally staying in the presidential race.
Clinton, the former secretary of state, won enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination this week and become the first woman to lead a major U.S. party as its presidential nominee.
Sanders said he spoke briefly to Clinton on Tuesday night and congratulated her on her "strong campaign."
"I look forward to meeting with her in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump and to create a government which represents all of us and not just the 1 percent," he said.
"It is unbelievable to me - and I say this in all sincerity - that the Republican Party would have a candidate for president who in the year 2016 makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign," Sanders said, referring to Trump.
Sanders' campaign has previously said he would carry his populist campaign to the Democratic National Convention in July, when the party's nominee is formally chosen.
Obama, who is expected to endorse Clinton soon, welcomed Sanders to the White House, chatting and chuckling as they walked into the Oval Office. Sanders will meet with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, in the afternoon.
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, like Sanders a progressive and fiery critic of Wall Street, is preparing to endorse Clinton in the coming weeks after staying neutral in the Democratic primary, people familiar with her thinking told Reuters.
Republicans, meanwhile, are still grappling with the controversy over Trump's attacks on Mexican-American U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is overseeing fraud lawsuits against the billionaire's defunct real estate training school.
Former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich told reporters on Thursday the Trump situation was "fine." But he suggested Trump change tactics toward making more measured remarks as he did in a speech after primary elections this week.
Trump comes into the general election well behind Clinton's campaign in terms of fund-raising and policy infrastructure. On Thursday, his top donors were holding their first official meeting in New York.
(Reporting by Emily Stephenson; Writing by Doina Chiacu and Megan Cassella; Editing by Bill Trott and Alistair Bell)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
LEETONIA, Ohio When Jennifer Sekerak took son Joshua for his age-one check-up, the pediatrician saw no need to test for lead poisoning. The baby wasnt yet walking, she recalls the doctor saying, so was unlikely to be playing around hazards like lead paint.
Over the next year or so, Joshua was twice hospitalized for mysterious symptoms. He began refusing food and eating dirt. There was violent head-banging, sleeplessness, skin lesions, vomiting.
He stopped talking, he wanted to eat dirt, and he would scream like a banshee, Sekerak said. To be honest, he was like a wild animal.
Once, Joshua was rushed to the hospital in Boardman, Ohio, and diagnosed with severe anemia, a common finding in lead-poisoned children. Hospital staff told Sekerak her son, enrolled in Medicaid, might have lead poisoning. But the hospital, Akron Childrens at Boardman, did not test his blood for lead, she says. Citing federal privacy rules, a hospital spokeswoman declined comment.
At the mothers urging, a new pediatrician tested him at age two. His blood lead concentration was 19 micrograms per deciliter, nearly four times the level Ohio defines as lead poisoning and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers elevated. Had Joshua been tested earlier as Medicaid and Ohio rules required the family could have more quickly removed him from a lead-infested rental house, Sekerak said.
Joshuas case is not unique, a Reuters investigation found. Nationwide, millions of children are falling through the cracks of early childhood lead testing requirements.
Blood lead tests are mandated for all children in 11 U.S. states and Washington, DC. In addition, Medicaid requires that the one-third of all U.S. children enrolled in the program, which provides health care for low-income and disabled people, be tested at ages one and two. Some other states mandate tests for all children in areas with exposure risks, such as housing with lead paint or lead-tainted soil.
Yet, in a review of data in nearly a dozen U.S. states, Reuters found just 41 percent of Medicaid-enrolled one- and two-year-olds had been tested as required. And in some states requiring tests, more than half the children were missing a test.
The full scope of under-testing is impossible to gauge: Data tracking testing rates and results from the CDC, Medicaid and many state health agencies is incomplete and unreliable. The CDC said its own tracking of lead poisoning rates isnt conclusive, citing insufficient data from states and changes in testing patterns that make comparisons over time challenging.
Yet Reuters documented a sweeping testing gap in the data that could be verified.
The shortfalls leave some children vulnerable to prolonged lead exposure, among the most insidious, and preventable, early health risks. Lead poisoning can lead to a lifetime of severe mental and physical ailments.
Some 500,000 U.S. children under age six have blood lead levels of 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher, the CDC estimates, the level at which it suggests public health actions.
When we fail to provide lead poisoning tests to children who need them, its a tragedy, said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, associate professor of pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine. Unfortunately, a lot of pediatricians and health care providers have taken their eye off this ball.
Concerns about lead exposure grew dramatically after news that the water supply in Flint, Michigan had been poisoned.
Michigan does not require universal testing for lead exposure, and state officials only began to acknowledge a serious water contamination problem in Flint months after a local pediatrician showed them evidence: Lead levels in her patients blood were spiking over the CDCs threshold.
If you dont test, you never really know, said Joel Schwartz, an epidemiologist at Harvard Universitys school of public health. You might think you dont have a problem, and you might be wrong.
A NATIONWIDE PROBLEM
Reuters reviewed data from state health departments, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the CDC. Reporters sought testing information from health departments and Medicaid program administrators in each state, interviewed more than two dozen health experts, and spoke with 15 families whose children were poisoned.
Symptoms of under-testing span the country:
Pennsylvania has childhood lead-poisoning rates nearly double Flints. But the state doesnt require universal blood testing, so just 26 percent of children are tested by age three.
At least three states Utah, Kansas and Alaska said they do not recognize or follow a federal requirement to test Medicaid children.
Among the U.S. children for whom two tests are required by age three, millions receive no test or just one. Rates vary widely by state. Top performers test 80 percent of children repeatedly. South Carolina tested as little as 5 percent of Medicaid-enrolled children in 2014.
After lead abatement efforts triggered a decades-long decline in child lead poisoning rates, the trend appears to be stalling. Based on testing results reported to the CDC, the percentage of children with blood lead levels double the agencys threshold has remained steady, about 0.6 percent, the last five years.
The testing shortfall is one reason the CDC is unlikely to achieve its goal of eradicating lead poisoning among U.S. children by 2020, public health specialists say.
There are many causes for the gaps. Surveillance funding and data collection have been cut, and many states rely upon parental questionnaires to identify at-risk children to test. Several leave the testing option to pediatricians.
Testing guidelines, and the questionnaires, mostly target children in areas where older housing can expose them to lead paint. They often do not address another important risk, lead-tainted drinking water.
Ironically, the United States success in reducing lead poisoning is one reason for testing lapses. Lead was banned from most paints in 1978, from gasoline in the early 1980s, and, more recently, from new household pipes and fixtures. Average childhood lead levels have fallen by more than 90 percent since the late 1970s. Since then, however, research has shown that even low levels of exposure can stunt a childs development.
Symptoms of poisoning neurological impairment and behavior disorders can be hard to distinguish at first. Once enough lead accumulates in blood and bone, the damage is irreversible. Negative health impacts of lead can begin at blood concentrations below the threshold used by the CDC, which says no level of exposure is safe.
LIFELONG STIGMA
Ingesting lead can sicken people of any age, but it takes the heaviest toll on small children, whose developing bodies readily absorb it.
By school age, children with a history of lead exposure can exhibit poor attention and impulse control, with lower intelligence and academic performance a stigma that can follow them through life.
The lower your IQ, the more trouble learning, the more likely you are to drop out of school, to be delinquent, to be incarcerated, said Dr. Morri Markowitz, director of the lead poisoning program for the Childrens Hospital at Montefiore in New York City.
Although many exposure impacts are irreversible, poisoned children can benefit from therapy aimed at improving cognitive abilities. A high test result should be followed quickly by informing the family of lead risks, or intervention. Home inspections may spot sources of poisoning to be fixed.
As recently as the 1990s, the CDC recommended tests for all U.S. children. Since then, its guidelines have changed. The CDC still says all at risk children should be tested but now encourages some states to devise a targeted approach.
After a 2012 budget cut, the CDC was forced to slash funding to states for lead poisoning prevention programs by some 90 percent. Though much of the funding was restored, several state health agencies cited dwindling CDC funding for their lead poisoning programs as one reason more children arent tested.
More than a dozen states do not report local testing results to the CDC. In many states using a targeted approach, parental questionnaires help decide which children to test, based on risk factors such as living in older housing.
Around 25 million older U.S. homes or apartments contain lead paint, with most located along the East Coast and in the Midwest.
Yet Flint serves as a potent reminder old paint isnt the only exposure risk. Lead can leach into drinking water from pipes, a problem discovered recently in Mississippi, Ohio and at New Jersey and Oregon schools. Lead-tainted water from unregulated private wells is also a danger for up to six million Americans, Reuters reported in March.
Soil, cookware, and some imported toys, candies and spices can contain lead. Parents with careers or hobbies involving lead items such as oil drilling, hunting or fishing may bring the risks home.
Reuters reviewed the risk-assessment questionnaires health clinics give to parents in a dozen states. None asked about potential water contamination from lead piping or sink fixtures.
Before Flint, lead risks were not being recognized as much, even though the research shows that there is no safe level of lead in blood, said Dr. Jennifer Lowry, a pediatrician at Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Chair of the Council on Environmental Health at the American Academy of Pediatrics, she supports universal testing.
A blood lead test is the only cheap and reliable way to identify a lead-poisoned child. Finger-prick testing at a pediatricians office can provide initial results in three minutes. The tests range in cost, from as little as $7.
ROOTS OF FAILURE
In Ohio, Joshua Sekerak wasnt tested until he was two years old. He should have been tested a year earlier, because he was on Medicaid and lived in a high risk area.
Ohio mandates universal testing for children in ZIP codes where old housing is prevalent. About two-thirds of the states children should be tested under those rules. Ohio also requires tests for Medicaid children.
Actual testing falls short of Ohios guidelines, mirroring the U.S. problem.
Last year, Medicaid recorded payment claims for 41 percent of one- and two-year-olds enrolled in the insurance program in Ohio. The states Medicaid administration said some additional children were screened for free, but did not quantify how many.
Among all Ohio two-year-olds, less than a third got tested in 2014, state data show.
In Cleveland, a staggering 13.7 percent of children tested had lead levels above the CDCs threshold, state data show. Following the contamination in Flint, 4.9 percent of children exceeded the threshold.
California, the nations most populous state, requires tests for all Medicaid children. Medicaid paid for enough lead tests to cover just one in three enrollees, last years claims data showed. Improvements are needed in testing and reporting, the states Department of Health Care Services told Reuters, vowing to redouble its efforts.
In some states, the testing gap is small. Vermont and Massachusetts screen around 80 percent of children repeatedly.
But across all 11 states that require universal screening, millions miss out.
Only a fraction of the children who should be tested are being tested, said Dr. Stanley Schaffer, who runs a pediatric program in industrial Rochester, New York.
New York State law requires testing for all children at age one and again at two. But statewide, only 55 percent of children have received their two required tests by age three, state data shows. Outside New York City, the rate drops to around 40 percent. In some counties, its below 10 percent.
Schaffer pushed measures to test as many children as possible, and the rate at his pediatric ward now reaches 90 percent.
Among the reasons for under-testing: Some doctors dont order the tests or are unaware of the rules; children miss appointments or parents dont follow up on test referrals; Medicaid and health departments do little to enforce testing requirements.
Medicaid has required testing of enrolled children since 1989, a CMS spokesman said. Arizona, the only exception, received a Medicaid waiver authorizing it to test only some enrolled children. To get it, Arizona showed it collects ample lead surveillance data to ensure at-risk children are referred for blood testing.
But health administrators in at least three other states told Reuters they do not require testing or recognize the federal mandate.
There is no requirement in Kansas for Medicaid-enrolled children to be tested for blood lead levels, said the states Department of Health and Environment.
Utah and Alaska also said they dont require testing. In Utah, health official Sam Lefevre said the state has lower than national average lead poisoning rates, and its Medicaid children were not at higher risk.
That several states do not recognize the Medicaid requirement drew surprise from attorney Jane Perkins, a child healthcare advocate at the National Health Law Program.
In the 1990s, Perkins led a successful nationwide class action lawsuit to force laggard state Medicaid programs to comply with testing requirements. Now, Perkins says, her litigation team is investigating whether these states are flouting requirements.
AWAY FROM THE CAMERAS
Flint has become a symbol of mass failure to protect low-income children. When President Barack Obama visited May 4, he urged all Flint parents to have their childrens blood tested for lead.
Less attention has been drawn to regions with higher lead poisoning rates.
A year after Flints switch to corrosive river water, nearly 5 percent of children tested there had blood lead levels above the CDCs threshold. In as many as 11 states, the rates of poisoning surpass that mark, according to the agencys data.
Across Pennsylvania, 9.4 percent of children tested in 2014 had levels above CDCs threshold, a state report said. There are probably a thousand kids in Philly with lead levels over 10 (micrograms per deciliter) and that number should be zero, said Donna Cooper, executive director of the Philadelphia-based nonprofit Public Citizens for Children and Youth.
For at-risk children, testing should continue after age two, experts said.
In the Bronx, a four-year-old named Jaida was only recently discovered to have lead poisoning, with blood levels more than four times the CDC standard. That prompted inspections of the home where she lives with her mother and grandmother. Old lead paint was found on walls.
Jaida, smiley and energetic, has had hyperactivity and therapy for a speech impediment, said her grandmother, who had contractors removing the old paint.
In the meantime, Jaida and her mother lived in one of four lead-free apartments at Montefiore hospitals lead safe house, designed to keep children away from the homes where they were poisoned while lead is removed. The safe house is often full, said program director Markowitz.
In Ohio, after Joshua Sekerak was diagnosed with lead poisoning, weeks passed before a state inspector arrived at the family rental home. It was infested with lead paint, paint dust and contaminated soil.
Before Joshuas diagnosis, his family was unaware of the lead exposure dangers, and their century-old rental house had passed a building inspection. With word of their childs illness, the family moved to a new, lead-free home.
At age four, Joshua has the verbal skills of a child half his age. He uses diapers and drinks from a baby bottle. He needs therapy and psychiatric medications.
The special needs pre-school class Joshua attends recently sent the family a nylon harness device, to prevent injuries, and he is harnessed during the ride to school in the districts van for children with disabilities. His attention span is around 15 seconds.
Shortly after Joshuas lead poisoning was discovered, doctors told Serenak he also qualified for an autism diagnosis.
At home one recent morning, Joshua showed a fascination with railroads. He lay down next to a toy track, repeating choo-choo train. He fixated on a tablet video of a freight train crushing a can on the rails, banged on doors and stared out the window.
When his dad came home from working on a farm, Joshua ran to him with a hug.
The house is several blocks from a busy freight train crossing. Jennifer Sekerak has installed alarms on the doors, but is haunted by the possibility Joshua may find a way out. If that happens, he will go straight for the train tracks, she said.
I wish hed been tested earlier, the mother said. I dont know who to be angry with the doctors, the landlord, myself?
(Edited by Ronnie Greene)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
WASHINGTON U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan unveiled a national security policy featuring stronger defense on Thursday, part of his agenda to unify Republicans after a divisive primary campaign, but softening some of the hard lines taken by the party's presumptive presidential nominee, Donald Trump.
The plan is sharply critical of President Barack Obama, blaming the Democrat for "eight years of broken promises, concessions, and retreat" in the Syrian civil war, nuclear deal with Iran, chilly relations with Russia and dealings with a bellicose North Korea.
It would overturn or back away from what Obama allies see as his foreign policy achievements, including the Iran deal and his moves toward normal relations with Communist-ruled Cuba. And it criticizes efforts to close the Guantanamo detention center.
"It's not too much to say that our enemies no longer fear us and too many of our allies no longer trust us. And I think this is a direct result of the president's foreign policy," Ryan said as he and other House Republicans introduced the plan at the Council on Foreign Relations.
While not providing figures, the plan also calls for an end to military rollbacks and demands "adequate, predictable budgets."
Trump, whom Ryan has endorsed in the presidential race, has made a promise to erect a massive wall along the Mexican border - a centerpiece of his campaign. The plan announced on Thursday includes a range of border security measures such as "high fencing," aerial surveillance and radar, but not a large wall.
The plan echoes some of Trump's concerns about Muslim immigrants, with calls to tighten refugee screening and discussion of ways to prevent the radicalization of youths.
"We must constantly reassess our defenses in order to find and close security gaps so that Islamist militants cannot slip into our country undetected," Ryan's plan said.
Representative Michael McCaul, the chairman of the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, said the intention was not to target followers of any one religion, but to do everything possible to not admit those who would attack Americans.
"What we have to do is target the threat and make sure that they don't come in," said McCaul, one of several Republican committee chairmen who joined Ryan at the report presentation.
NOT ISOLATIONIST
The plan is not isolationist. It takes a strong line on battling militants abroad, saying the United States must keep all options on the table and "eliminate terrorist sanctuaries."
Trump has been critical of some U.S. alliances. Ryan's plan, in contrast, underscores the importance of NATO. It also includes many standard Republican policy prescriptions, such as strong ties to Israel, advocacy of severe sanctions on Iran and an insistence that Washington should stand up to Russia.
It also calls for more trade agreements and says foreign aid programs should make recipient countries self-sufficient.
The plan calls for increased security for diplomats and facilities overseas. In that context, it mentions the 2012 attacks on Benghazi, which many Republicans cite to criticize then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Trump's rival in the White House race.
Several of Thursday's speakers criticized Clinton as they blasted Obama's foreign policy, because she was the nation's top diplomat during the first four years of his term.
Democrats sought to tie the plan to some of Trump's most controversial statements, including his rejection of alliances like NATO, advocacy of waterboarding and calls for attacks on the families of terrorist suspects.
"Perhaps this agenda is light on details because the Republican presidential candidate has offered a truly disturbing vision of America's role in the world," Representative Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement.
Ryan, the country's highest-ranking elected Republican, has described the agenda as a way to offer voters a coherent policy message for 2017. He unveiled an anti-poverty agenda on Monday. Initiatives on regulation, constitutional authority, healthcare and tax reform are expected in the coming weeks.
(Additional reporting by David Alexander, writing by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Bernard Orr)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Washington: Two top US lawmakers have introduced a legislation in the House of Representatives to designate India as a Special Global Partner of America and take steps to ramp up engagement and deepen bilateral collaboration on a host of issues including defence.
Introduced by Congressman Eliot Engel, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and vice-chair of the House Democratic Caucus Joe Crowley, the "Special Global Partnership with India Act 2016" aims to enhance ties between India and the US by elevating the status of the bilateral relationship.
The Special Global Partnership with India Act of 2016 calls for Congress to elevate the India-US relationship by designating India as a Special Global Partner of the US, leading to greater cooperation across sectors ranging from defense and space to entrepreneurship and innovation. It (HR 5387) would also amend the Arms Export Control Act, allowing the president to include India among our closest allies.
This bill would also authorise the US president to give India an exception to allow for strategic trade authority, and codify assistance in all areas that would support key priorities, such as education, growth in the digital sector, and environmental protection.
"This bill would give our relationship the status it deserves by naming India a Special Global Partner and ensuring that our close collaboration continues for years to come," Engel said after he introduced the Act after listening to the Prime Minister addressing the joint session of the US Congress.
"I just had the (honour) to watch Prime Minister Modi address a Joint Meeting of Congress, and it is clear that the United States and India are successfully steering our relationship from contention to cooperation," he said.
"From defence to scientific research, from climate change to economic innovation, we are working more closely with the people and government of India than ever before. Now we need to make those ties even stronger," Engel said.
"The US-India relationship rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties is one of the world's most rapidly growing partnerships, and I believe that a strong US-India relationship should and will serve as a cornerstone of US foreign policy in decades ahead," Congressman Crowley said.
"By naming India a Special Global Partner, we can further solidify our critical, strategic partnership and continue our shared efforts in opening in the next chapter of US-India relations," Crowley said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fourth US visit as India's head of government was marked by two equally well-received speeches delivered with equal amounts of punch, panache and poise.
The first was at a meeting with the US-India Business Council and the second was at a joint session of the US Congress.
You've no doubt heard how well both speeches went down and how they were greeted.
But what did he actually say, you may well ask.
And if you don't want to go through the full texts or watch them in full, here's an 'at-a-glance' recap:
First, there was the USIBC address:
And then, there was the US Congress speech:
Rightly, the prime minister kept India as the focal point of both addresses.
Naturally, the USIBC speech centred on the themes of 'policies', 'growth', 'investment' and those other things that keep the business community interested.
Meanwhile, and equally naturally, the US Congress speech focused on themes like 'freedom', 'democracy', 'partnership' and was littered with adjectives like 'great' and 'distinguished' to bring a smile to the faces of US lawmakers.
All par for the course so far.
What was interesting was the emphasis on the 'new' that emerged during both speeches: New ideas, new policies, new partnerships, new equations, new threats and a new world.
And it's this recognition of new realities that should hold Modi and indeed the country in good stead to deal with a potentially different India-US relationship once the new American president takes office early next year.
WASHINGTON Winning over Bernie Sanders supporters who flocked to his insurgent presidential campaign will be the first and possibly toughest order of business for Hillary Clinton after she became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee this week.
Every time the Vermont senator mentioned Clinton's name at a rally in California on Thursday night, his supporters booed as if she was Donald Trump, the Republican businessman who will face off against Clinton in the Nov. 8 election.
But Clinton is wasting no time in launching her charm offensive. She called Sanders on Tuesday night, and during a celebratory rally in Brooklyn she praised his candidacy, saying their "vigorous debate" during the nominating contest had been good for the Democratic Party.
Democrats in both camps said they expect to see more specific olive branches offered to Sanders in the weeks ahead, including compromises on the issues platform to be adopted at the party's July nominating convention and reforms in a Democratic primary process that Sanders criticized as rigged to favour the establishment.
It may not be an easy sell for all of Sander's supporters, who have helped catapult him from political obscurity into the national spotlight, cheering his message on income inequality, campaign finance reform and Wall Street excesses. Given little chance a year ago, Sanders earned nearly 10 million votes and won more than 20 states during the nominating process.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll in May found Sanders supporters have become increasingly resistant to Clinton in the past few months, with less than half saying they will vote for her if she becomes the partys nominee.
Last month, 41 percent of Sanders' supporters said they would vote for Clinton over Trump in the general election. But that was down from 50 percent in April, and 52 percent in March.
And some groups supporting Sanders plan to ramp up the pressure on superdelegates, prominent party officials who can vote for any candidate, in the last few weeks before Clintons nomination becomes official at the party convention in Philadelphia.
The people behind the Occupy DNC Convention Facebook group, with around 25,000 members, are creating their own web-based app to contact superdelegates, planning daily emails to urge them to switch to Sanders.
CLINTON'S TRUMP CARD
Clinton moved to the left to fend off Sanders during the primary battle, opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an Asian trade pact, and the Keystone oil pipeline from Canada, voicing support for a higher minimum wage and backing Sanders' general goals of reining in Wall Street and reducing income inequality.
Her best move now to win over progressive voters who backed Sanders would be showing she will stand behind those positions.
"One of the biggest points of skepticism that we hear from Sanders supporters and even lukewarm Clinton supporters is the question of whether she really meant the stuff she said in the primary," said Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee.
"The next two weeks are a golden opportunity to make the answer apparent," he said, citing her pledges to seek criminal sentences for financial fraud, break up banks that pose economic risks and expand Social Security benefits.
Several Democrats said Trump may prove to be the chief motivator for Sanders supporters to switch to Clinton.
"Trump has done more than anyone to push the Sanders people toward Clinton for the general election," said Brad Anderson, an Iowa-based Democratic strategist who supported Clinton in the primary and said he has seen signs of a shift in the last few weeks.
Clinton could make specific concessions or overtures to assuage Sanders, particularly by eliminating the superdelegates from the primary process. Sanders has complained about the involvement of superdelegates, who have heavily backed Clinton.
Another easy way to get Sanders' most passionate supporters on board is to simply hire them, says Democratic strategist Steve Schale.
That's what Schale, a Florida-based staffer for President Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, did once the bitter primary fight between Obama and Clinton ended that year. Florida was crucial to Obamas prospects and his campaign need a large operation to work on voter registration, persuasion, and turnout.
Clinton could offer Sanders diehards a similar opportunity to stay involved. "For a lot of these folks, the campaign is as much as social calling as it is a movement," he said.
While there were concerns in 2008 that Clinton's supporters would be too disaffected to support Obama, Clinton endorsed him less than a month after the primary ended and unified the party.
Democratic party leaders may also help ease tensions. Sanders will meet on Thursday with Obama and Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada.
(Additional reporting by Luciana Lopez and Chris Kahn in New York, Ginger Gibson in Washington, James Oliphant in California)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
SB 1350 might just have hooked up Arizona Airbnb hosts all the way. The new bill signed by Arizona's governor, Doug Ducey, outlaws cities and municipalities from prohibiting short-term rentals. His motivation behind the signing is his hopes for making Arizona the sharing economy and benefiting the economy from the tourism industry. As he stated, "Arizona should be to the Sharing Economy, what Texas is to Oil and what Silicon Valley used to be to the tech industry."
This has given Airbnb hosts and Airbnb investment properties the ability to function easily without fearing legal punishments. This doesn't mean no more paying taxes, but it does give anyone the opportunity to try Airbnb for business without the hassle of checking with city laws and regulations.
This law probably breaks barriers for renters living in condos the most. It is generally illegal to sublet or have tenants rent a space for less than 30 or 60 days, depending on your area. Now with Arizona's new law to protect short-term rentals, it's expected a lot more rentals will start to be listed on Airbnb.
It makes sense why Arizona would pass such laws. In Phoenix, only 14 percent of the listings are multi-unit operators, but they generated more than 40 percent ($17 million) of Airbnb's revenue from Phoenix from September 2014 to September 2015.
Based on the CBRE Hotels' Americas Research report released earlier this year, Phoenix was noted as one of the top 10 markets in the U.S. for unit growth. The report compared Airbnb data to hotel data in the critical markets throughout the United States. According to the research, Phoenix saw year-over-year growth of about 175% in the number of Airbnb units in the third quarter of 2015.
For some, this bill is a blessing because it makes hosting and managing investment properties a lot easier. For others, this has caused trepidation because they value zoning laws and aren't in favor of having different neighbors every few days. There also seems to be a fear of partying in these rentals. Based on the reactions to this bill, residents are not happy about being surrounded by people who are and act like they are on vacation.
The concerns of neighbors are valid and should be assessed. Perhaps the new bill will compel landlords and HOAs and hosts to work out an understanding since there is likely to be a growth in the number of Airbnb hosts and Airbnb investment properties. Maybe Airbnb hosts and investors can now include their neighbors and residents in their business by keeping them aware of the booking schedule, visitors' profiles, and their property rules. At this rate, more people are going to have to accept short-term rentals while hosts, investors, and Airbnb now have the responsibility of doing their part to make this transition a smooth one.
How do you feel about Arizona's new bill? Are you an Airbnb host? What kind of expectations do you have with this new bill?
Peter Abualzolof
CEO
Mashvisor
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What's in a tweet? Everything and nothing depending on the sender and the message, as investors in Samsung SDI Co found out this week.
About $US580 million ($777 million) was wiped from the market value of the Samsung Electronics affiliate on Wednesday following a single tweet by Elon Musk.
The billionaire Tesla founder made it clear that Panasonic was Tesla's sole supplier of batteries for its upcoming Model 3 small car, as well as the Model S large sedan and Model X SUV, dispelling recent rumours that Samsung SDI might also supply batteries for the Model 3.
"Would like to clarify that Tesla is working exclusively with Panasonic for Model 3 cells. News articles claiming otherwise are incorrect," Mr Musk tweeted.
Several suicide attacks killed more than 20 people Thursday in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, despite the traditional truce for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Thick clouds of black smoke poured from vehicles that caught fire following the explosion of a car bomb in Baghdads eastern district of al-Jadida. Pieces of metal and other debris littered the normally busy commercial thoroughfare, as stunned residents milled around.
A boy spoke with a policeman, explaining how he had seen a car explode minutes earlier.
Rescue workers pulled victims from the rubble, as ambulances ferried casualties to nearby hospitals.
Al-Jazeera TV reported the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the car bomb attack in al-Jadida.
A second suicide car bomb blew up next to an army checkpoint in the northern Baghdad suburb of Taji, killing seven soldiers, according to Iraqi state TV.
Battle for Fallujah
The car bomb attacks Thursday coincided with the ongoing government offensive to recapture the Islamic State-held town of Fallujah, 40 kilometers west of Baghdad. Government forces and their Shiite militia allies say they have entered a southern district of the city.
Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi insists the morale of government forces is high, during a visit to the front lines. He accused Islamic State militants of placing bombs in buildings, in vehicles and under roads, slowing down government forces. He also accused IS using residents of Fallujah as human shields.
Sunni leaders have also accused Shiite volunteer militiamen of beating and torturing some male residents who have fled the city. Arab media has shown amateur video of young men allegedly being tortured by those militias.
With sectarian tensions running high, government spokesman Saad al-Hadithi urged journalists not to broadcast rumors or other misinformation. He insisted reports of an alleged mass grave of army soldiers in a Fallujah suburb were not true.
Analyst Hilal Khashan, who teaches political science at the American University of Beirut, tells VOA the car bomb attacks in Baghdad may not necessarily be tied to the government offensive against Fallujah, but the group may be lashing out as it comes under pressure.
This is Ramadan and radical movements, especially ISIS, launch suicide attacks on urban centers in Iraq during the month of Ramadan... and the Fallujah offensive is increasingly putting ISIS on the defensive and they are feeling the crunch, therefore they have an added reason to get involved in wanton suicide bombings, said Khashan.
Arab media report that IS carried out 119 suicide attacks in Iraq, Syria and Libya during the month of May.
The United States will have two aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean Sea to support European interests and operations against Islamic State militants.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower crossed Wednesday into Atlantic waters under U.S. European Command on its way to the Mediterranean, while the USS Harry S. Truman remains in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, where it arrived last week, according to Navy Lieutenant Loren Terry.
U.S. defense officials erroneously reported Wednesday that the Eisenhower had already reached the Mediterranean.
The Eisenhower will be arriving in the western Mediterranean in the next three days, a U.S. navy official told VOA Thursday.
The Truman and the Eisenhower will overlap territorial responsibilities for about three weeks before the Truman heads back to the United States, said Pentagon spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Baldanza.
The Eisenhower is deploying to the Navys 5th Fleet, which is responsible for naval forces in the Middle East.
A U.S. defense official told VOA the Eisenhower would be supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalitions operation to defeat IS in Iraq and Syria, but it is unclear whether the Eisenhower would conduct anti-IS strikes from a position in the Mediterranean or from the Persian Gulf.
The strengthened U.S. military presence in the Mediterranean could increase tensions with Russia, which a U.S. defense official said is also operating warships in the Mediterranean.
The Eisenhower will be visiting various Italian ports in the coming days, Baldanza said.
Zambias President Edgar Lungu is still campaigning for re-election, contrary to local media reports that poor health forced him to seek medical attention in neighboring South Africa, a ruling party official said.
Frank Bwalya, deputy campaign manager for the governing Patriotic Front, said the reports of the presidents poor health were a ploy by his detractors to undermine Lungus efforts to win another term in the August 11 general election.
Lungu participated Thursday in a live television show carried by the Zambia Broadcasting Corporation, a state broadcaster.
We are very shocked because President Lungu has been enjoying very good health. ... And these rumors of him being sick are false," Bwalya said. He said stories published by The Post in Lusaka demonstrated that "their intention is not to report the truth, including about the health of the president, but to mislead the world and the Zambian public.
They have one of the funniest headlines I have ever seen in a newspaper. It goes like, 'Lungu sick, not sick and flown, not flown to SA.' What kind of a headline is that?" Bwalya asked. "The whole idea is to raise doubt in the minds of the people that President Lungu should not be voted for because he is unwell, or because he is sick. It is not true, its a malicious statement, and we are very disappointed that the Post newspaper, which is supposed to be the most credible newspaper with the most experienced reporters, is the one that is in the forefront spreading these malicious falsehoods.
Doubts about assets
In other campaign news, the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) questioned Lungus recent declaration of assets, a key demand in the constitution for all aspiring candidates before they are cleared to participate in the elections.
Lungu declared in the nomination papers that he had $4,428 in assets. The UPND said the president was not truthful about his net worth, but Bwalya insisted that he was.
The UPND also said the government was to blame for the high poverty rate in the country. It said Lungu had failed to deliver on his promises to improve the harsh economic conditions.
UPND supporters urged citizens to vote for opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in the August election, saying he is an astute international businessman who knows how to create jobs. They contend that his business acumen is what is needed to meet the countrys many economic challenges.
Bwalya disagreed.
There is nowhere in the world where poverty was eradicated or poverty was drastically reduced within one year, four months. So when they blame President Lungu for the poverty in the country, they decide to deliberately forget that the man has only been in office for one year, four months ... ," he said. " As far as we are concerned, there is no such a thing as acceptable levels of poverty. Poverty is evil, poverty is bad, it should be fought and alleviated."
The Civil Aviation Authority of Macao (AACM) has stated in an email to the Times that they do not have information about the opening of new airports in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.
The emailed statement was in reply to a request from the Times for more information on how three new airports planned for nearby Shenzhen might affect operations and aviation passenger traffic in the MSAR.
The three airports which will specialize in serving commercial airlines, seaplanes and helicopters, respectively are intended to transform Shenzhen into southern Chinas transport hub.
In fact, as AACM pointed out in its statement, the entire PRD region is intended to serve as a major hub for international shipping, logistics, trade and aviation tourism. Therefore the expansion at Shenzhen represents a sharpening of the citys competitive edge within the region, rather than a strategy to surpass other nearby facilities.
Moreover, the Macau International Airport will remain an important spoke and hub center in Asia, wrote AACM, adding that with the convenient express link facilities in our airport, passengers from mainland China can actually fly to their final destinations via Macau International Airport and vice versa.
This is actually quite commonly seen in tourists everywhere in the world who will often fly to the final destination through transiting to and from other points, the organization finished by saying.
While the aviation authority did not comment on the scope of cooperation between itself and counterpart authorities in Guangdong Province, it did stress that a cooperation mechanism known as A5 exists between the various airports of the PRD.
In accordance with this cooperation mechanism, each airport follows its own market positioning in which they carry out their development and marketing.
In Macaus case this means positioning itself as a small- and medium-sized multifunctional airport aiming to serve both local residents and those who reside in the west of Guangdong Province into the future.
With the plans for the renewal and expansion of the Macau International Airport now finalized, the airport can expect an improved passenger terminal in the near future, connected with the Light Rail Transit, leading to it handling up to 7.5 million passengers per year. DB
China is speeding up efforts to design and build a manned deep-sea platform to help it hunt for minerals in the South China Sea, one that may also serve a military purpose in the disputed waters.
Such an oceanic space station would be located as much as 3,000 meters below the surface, according to a recent Science Ministry presentation viewed by Bloomberg. The project was mentioned in Chinas current five-year economic plan released in March and ranked number two on a list of the top 100 science and technology priorities.
Authorities recently examined the implementation of the project and decided to accelerate the process, according to the presentation. Having this kind of long-term inhabited station has not been attempted this deep, but it is certainly possible, said Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Manned submersibles have gone to those depths for almost 50 years. The challenge is operating it for months at a time.
So far there are few public details, including a specific time line, any blueprints or a cost estimate or where in the waterway it might be located. Still, China under President Xi Jinping has asserted itself more strenuously in the South China Sea, one of the worlds busiest shipping routes. Its claims to more than 80 percent of the waters and the creation of artificial islands covering 3,200 acres have inflamed tensions with nations including Vietnam and the Philippines.
It has also led the U.S. to send ships from its Seventh Fleet to ensure freedom of passage through an area that carries USD5.3 trillion of global trade a year.
While Chinas appetite for natural resources remains the driving force behind the project, the recent ministry presentation noted the platform would be movable, and used for military purposes. China has proposed a network of sensors called the Underwater Great Wall Project to help detect U.S. and Russian submarines, say analysts at IHS Janes.
Spearheading the planning for the deep-sea station is the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, according to a statement on the website of the science ministry. Once operational, it would host dozens of crew members who could remain underwater for up to a month, the ministrys presentation separately said.
China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation and the ministry did not reply to faxes seeking comment.
Planning has been under way for a decade and is central to Chinas push to become a global technology superpower by 2030, according to the presentation. Completing it would help China close a deep sea exploration gap with the U.S., Japan, France and Russia on underwater technology. China has already logged successes, with its Jiaolong submersible setting a world record by descending 7 kilometers in 2012.
The ministry presentation didnt give any estimated price tag but Bryan Clark, who formerly served as special assistant to the chief of U.S. naval operations, said the cost could be daunting and its vulnerability to detection would make it less attractive militarily than using a submarine or an unmanned vehicle.
China spent 1.42 trillion yuan ($216 billion) on state and privately-funded research and development in 2015, according to the National Statistics Bureau, while total defense spending this year is projected by the government to increase 7.6 percent to 954.4 billion yuan ($145 billion).
The kinds of systems that make sense for deep sea are sensor and communication systems, said Clark. In the Cold War, the U.S. and USSR spent much effort looking for each others communication cables and sensors to disrupt them in peacetime or attack them in war. We can assume those efforts would continue today and into the future. Bloomberg
A Bollywood film producer took his row with Indias censor board to a court yesterday, challenging dozens of cuts and changes to a film that depicts the menace of drug abuse in the northern state of Punjab.
Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalini said in a newspaper interview that the movie wrongly depicts 70 percent of people of the state consuming drugs and defaming them. He told reporters that the censor board has approved the movie for screening in theaters with the cuts ordered.
He accused producer Anurag Kashyap of whipping up a controversy to create interest in his film.
Compared to Hollywood, movie norms in India are extremely strict. Censorship authorities often order filmmakers both Indian and foreign to chop scenes deemed offensive. Films with graphic content can be barred completely.
Last year, Indias censor authorities ordered that kissing scenes in the James Bond movie, Spectre, be shortened before it was released in the country.
Kashyap asked the Mumbai High Court to overrule the cuts ordered by the censor board. The court is expected to take up the petition later yesterday. It could reject the matter or order reconsideration.
Kashyap said the censor board chief Nihalini demanded 89 cuts to the film and even asked him to drop the name of the state from the title, Udta Punjab, or Flying Punjab.
Bollywood producers and directors rallied behind Kashyap in his fight with the censor board. The job of the censor board is to certify films and not suggest cuts.
Producer-director Kabir Khan regretted that the censor board was putting pressure on the film producer to accept cuts or whatever it suggests 10 days before its release.
Punjab state borders Pakistan, and most of the drugs trafficked in the region originate from Afghanistan and are processed in Pakistans tribal areas. The Taliban control cultivation of opium poppies and smuggling routes, particularly in the south of Afghanistan.
Kashyap said on Twitter: There is no film more honest than Udta Punjab, and that opponents of the film were promoting drugs.
The controversy took a political twist with state legislature elections due early next year. Opposition Congress and Aam Admi Party accuse leaders of the ruling regional group, the Akali Dal, of providing patronage and shelter to the drug mafia in return for money.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party is an ally of the regional group. Modis government appointed Nihalini as the censor board chief last year.
The debate over the referendum that will determine whether or not the United Kingdom remains in the European Union is probably the biggest strategic, political, economic and business decision that will be taken [] for decades and generations, said Andrew Seaton, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce.
Seaton was speaking yesterday during a British Business Association of Macau (BBAM) breakfast meeting to discuss the June 23 referendum, when British voters will decide whether to leave or stay in the EU.
Although Britain has been a member of the EU since 1972, Seaton stressed that it has taken a step back as the country refrained from using the common European currency, and has abstained from taking part in the eurozone or passport-free Schengen area.
Seaton revealed the arguments and key issues in the ongoing debate, mentioning that the advocates of Brexit tend to present a broad set of arguments around national sovereignty.
Currently, Britain pays a net contribution of some 8 billion pounds to the EU budget each year. Some citizens believe the country would be better off using the money elsewhere.
Migration has also been a huge political issue in the United Kingdom in recent years. Since last year, an estimated 330,000 migrants arrived to the country. Of this number, 180,000 came from countries within the EU. The significant impact of this migration wave is emerging as the main argument in the exit campaign. More generally, the EU is seen by some as not dynamic, not going anywhere, not the sort of the body that Brits need to be part of, Seaton added.
Conversely, the arguments for Britain to remain in the EU emphasize economic and business angles, as EU membership allows the United Kingdom to have free access to the EU single market, the biggest market in the world, over 500 million consumers.
The speaker noted they would be massive risks to Londons position as Europes international financial capital if Britain were to leave the EU, mentioning the barriers that would established for Londons financial services, leading to businesses then migrating to Paris or Frankfurt.
Numerous economic studies in the U.K. forecast a significant drop of 5 percent in the countrys GDP if it were to exit the Union.
Seaton revealed that recent polls show that 48 percent prefer to remain in the Union. Younger people, better educated, more affluent people; London, Scotland and Northern Ireland are very, very heavily in favor staying in, he claimed. While those in favor of staying out are disproportionately older and come from the less educated and disadvantaged areas of Britain.
According to him, about 70 percent of over 65 year olds favor leaving, while some 70 percent of those under 25 years of age favor staying within the union.
Meanwhile president of BBAM Henry Brockman claimed that the upcoming referendum, It is indeed the talk of the town.
Brockman admitted that the future societal and economic development in the U.K. is at stake. He affirmed that if the vote is for Brexit, one cannot geographically remove Britains position on the edge of Europe.
These days, the worlds economy and financial sector are extremely interconnected. There is no such thing as national champions anymore, he said.
Although Brockman conceded that a number of the associations members are not eligible to vote in the referendum, he said there are numerous British workers who work in Macaus professional sector who are qualified to vote.
Staff reporter
A Kurdish rebel suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle outside a police headquarters near Turkeys border with Syria yesterday, killing four other people.
An Interior Ministry officia, said two civilians and two women police officers were killed, in addition to the bomber. The attack in the town of Midyat, in Mardin province, came amid a surge in violence in the country and a day after a car bomb hit a police vehicle in Istanbul, killing 11 people during the morning rush hour. It took place as funerals for the Istanbul victims were underway.
The Financial Services Bureau director Long Kong Leong said that the government spent MOP720 million last year on rent for civil service offices. This information was provided to lawmaker Chan Meng Kam, following his written inquiry.
In total, there were 460 rental contracts signed between governmental departments and property owners. Long said that approximately 17 public service departments run all of their operations in rented spaces, and that the majority of the remaining departments are either partially or completely working in spaces that belong to the government.
Long claimed that the government takes a passive stance when negotiating with property owners, since ownerships change frequently and rents consequently tend to surge. If a department has to move to new offices, the ensuing renovations require more money.
Long also claimed that the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT), revealed areas around the Taipa Ferry Terminal have been proposed to house security forces.
The Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong said last year that the government expected to spend about one billion patacas in 2016 to pay rent for office spaces, a year-on-year rise of 38.6 percent.
MGM Resorts International finally reconciled its Atlantic City complications last week, after it agreed to buy Boyd Gamings half of Borgata Hotel for USD900 million. This conclusion comes after almost a decade of difficulties, after Nevada approved the 2007 MGM-Pansy Ho partnership in Macau, but New Jersey did not follow suit.
With Atlantic Citys approval, the last bastion of U.S. regulatory opposition to Macaus junkets has faltered, according to a Forbes report.
New Jerseys Casino Control Commission, concerned over junket connections to illicit activities such as organized crime and the evasion of currency controls, initially refused to recognize the partnership. The commission could not detach Pansy Ho from her father, Stanley Ho, who originally invited junkets to run VIP rooms in his casinos in 1986.
The commission decreed in 2009 that Pansy Ho was an unsuitable partner and required that either MGM Resorts break off its relationship with Pansy Ho, or that the group sells its portion of Atlantic City property, Borgata. MGM Resorts chose to sell its stake in Borgata due to the fact that Macau revenues easily outstripped those within Atlantic City, however the operator failed to find a buyer as the gaming market in Atlantic City collapsed.
Fortunately for MGM, New Jersey eventually relented and gave its green light to the partnership, resulting in MGM instead buying out Boyd Gamings half of Borgata, ending the nearly-decade-long saga.
Casino analyst Muhammad Cohen, writing for Forbes, says that the latest deal makes sense for both Boyd and MGM. It helps Boyd shore up its balance sheet after spending USD600 million on properties in Las Vegas [ and] with those acquisitions and the Borgata sale, Boyd will nearly double to 65 percent its Ebitda from Vegas.
At the same time, full ownership of Borgata Hotel might give MGM the edge in licensing contests as it seeks to enlarge its presence in the U.S. northeast by outflanking [its] rivals.
If New Jersey approves new casinos on the doorstep on New York City, part of a plan to save faltering Atlantic City, the Borgata brand could give MGM Resorts an edge in that licensing contest, Cohen stated, adding that it could provide an advantage to the group as it seeks greater business in the area.
Police in Papua New Guinea fired gunshots yesterday to quell a student protest demanding the prime ministers resignation, the government said. The countrys police commissioner said nearly two dozen people were injured, but denied reports that as many as four people were killed.
Students in the South Pacific nation have been demanding for weeks that Prime Minister Peter ONeill resign because of alleged corruption and mismanagement.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she had been advised by the Australian embassy that police shot students in Port Moresby, the capital, as hundreds prepared to march from the University of Papua New Guinea to Parliament.
I know that students have been shot, but were still trying to determine whether there have been deaths and how many have been injured, Bishop told reporters. We call on all sides to be calm and to de-escalate the tension and certainly call on all sides to respect the peaceful and lawful right to protest.
Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported that a Papua New Guinea lawmaker told Parliament that four students had been killed and seven wounded.
Joe Duhube, personal assistant to lawmaker Gary Juffa, told The Associated Press that Juffa spoke to students after the shooting and was told one of the students got killed instantly and others are in serious and critical condition.
Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner Gari Baki, however, said no deaths had been reported. In a statement, Baki said 23 people believed to be university students were treated at hospitals after the clash. The head of the emergency ward at Port Moresby General Hospital told police that five of the students were in critical condition, Baki said.
ONeill issued a statement saying he was told that a small group of students became violent, threw rocks at police and provoked a response that came in the form of tear gas and warning shots.
Staycey Yalo, a journalism student at the university, said police did not fire warning shots they fired directly at the students. Yalo said she and the other protesters encountered a line of police officers blocking them when they tried to march to Parliament. The police demanded they hand over the student president. When the protesters said no, an argument broke out, she said.
They threw tear gas and amidst the smoke, they started shooting directly at the students, Yalo told the AP by telephone. Thats when we all ran.
Police in vehicles began chasing after the protesters, with officers firing from their cars at fleeing students, Yalo said. While she was running, a student running alongside her tried to jump over a fence to escape an approaching police car. An officer came up behind the girl and bashed her with his gun, knocking her to the ground, where he began kicking her, Yalo said.
A lot of students, they got hurt they got really hurt badly, Yalo said.
The incident caused unrest throughout the area; Yalo said she could still hear gunshots going off outside the house where she was hiding hours after the clash ended.
Waliagai Olewale, a reporter at the local National Broadcasting Corp., said armed police in 20 vehicles clashed with hundreds of students, most of whom were eventually chased back onto the campus late in the morning.
There was a lot of force that was used on students, she told the AP. Students were pushed and shoved. They were beaten up. There were gunshots.
She said National Broadcasting Corp. reporter Rose Amos lodged an official complaint saying she had been assaulted by police while reporting the clash.
She was physically assaulted, she was punched in the stomach, thrown to the ground by police, Olewale said. Rod McGuirk, Canberra, AP
During May, the total number of taxis involved in legal infractions was 302, as announced yesterday by the Public Security Police Force (PSP). 107 cases were related to accusations of overcharging; 112 cases were due to refusals to take passengers; 18 resulted from taxis taking passengers without lining up at the corresponding stops. Overall, cases of overcharging and refusal to take passengers accounted for 75.8 percent of the total number of violations. Regarding unauthorized taxi operations, 91 tickets were issued by the PSP, representing 35 more illegal activities than the total recorded in April.
Chinese Medicine documentary in shooting
A documentary on Chinese medicine is being shot in Macau to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Chinese Medical Doctor Li Shizhen, of the Ming dynasty. The documentary, titled Tao-Materia Medica, is expected to be released in 2018, and is being produced by the Discovery Channel. Zhao Zhongzhen, a Professor in the School of Chinese Medicine of Hong Kong Baptist University, expects a popular trend for Chinese Medicine to pop up after the documentary is released, according to a report by Macao Daily News.
Hillary Clinton declared herself the victor in the Democratic nominating race, becoming the first woman to run as the presidential candidate of a major U.S. political party, and immediately launched her general election campaign with an attack on presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
President Barack Obama sent a clear signal that the Democratic race is over. He called Clinton on Tuesday night (yesterday Macau time) to congratulate her for securing the number of delegates needed for the nomination and agreed to meet challenger Bernie Sanders on Thursday, the White House said. Obama is expected to endorse Clinton in the coming days.
In her address to supporters Tuesday night in Brooklyn, Clinton, 68, savored the historical moment and appealed to supporters of Sanders. But Clinton wasted no time in setting the tone and themes for her race against Trump, who an hour earlier took his own shots at Clinton and promised there were more attacks to come in a major speech as early as Monday.
Thanks to you weve reached a milestone, the first time in our nations history that a woman will be a major partys nominee, Clinton said during a rally in Brooklyn. Tonights victory is not about one person. It belongs to generations of women and men who struggled and sacrificed and made this moment possible.
The win sets up what is sure to be a bitter battle between Trump and Clinton, and the former secretary of state laid out what she said were clear choices in the 2016 election. Clinton called Trump, 69, temperamentally unfit to be president and said his call to make America great again is code for lets take America backwards.
Trump, who won uncontested Republican primaries in New Jersey and four other states, delivered his own campaign preview. In a speech to supporters in Briarcliff Manor, New York, he railed against free-trade deals that he said have stripped the U.S. of jobs. He said Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have turned the politics of self-enrichment into an art form.
While Clinton is looking ahead to November, her biggest immediate challenge remains Sanders. In a defiant speech to supporters in California, Sanders said he would continue the fight through next Tuesdays primary in Washington, D.C., and on to Julys Democratic convention in Philadelphia.
I am pretty good in arithmetic and I know the fight in front of us is a very, very steep fight, Sanders said. But we will continue to fight for every vote and every delegate.
Clinton was buoyed by a victory in California after an aggressive campaign by Sanders in hopes of a signature win there. She also won Tuesdays primaries in New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota. Sanders won caucuses held in North Dakota on Tuesday and the primary in Montana.
At her victory party, Clinton reveled in her status as the first woman to be the nominee of a major U.S. political party. As part of her introduction to cheering supporters, the campaign played a video that combined clips of Clintons speeches with the voices of young girls and of trailblazers including Shirley Chisholm, Rosa Parks and Ann Richards.
Tuesdays results will accelerate the delicate dance involving the two campaigns and the White House as Democrats attempt to close ranks to face Trump. While Sanders is under increasing pressure from his colleagues in the Senate to stand down and give up any notion of fighting further, party leaders are still giving him some deference to avoid alienating the supporters he has galvanized. MDT/Bloomberg
CHINAs State Oceanic Administration said four officers were killed when a marine surveillance plane crashed into a mountain along the countrys east coast. The accident occurred on Tuesday during a routine mission to monitor conditions in Zhejiang province.
THAILAND has become the first country in Asia to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, the World Health Organization announced on Tuesday, but experts warn many other problems still exist including a rising rate of new HIV infections among gay men and transgender people.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA Police fired gunshots to quell a student protest demanding the prime ministers resignation, the government said. Students in the South Pacific nation have been demanding for weeks that Prime Minister Peter ONeill resign because of alleged corruption and mismanagement.
INDIA Prime Minister Narendra Modi was able to burnish his standing as a trusted U.S. partner yesterday, addressing a joint meeting of Congress after years of being shunned in Washington over religious violence in his home state.
AFGHANISTAN Taliban gunmen have killed 12 people they captured in recent ambushes, including policemen and soldiers, in the countrys restive southeastern Ghazni province, an official says.
EGYPT-UZBEKISTAN An EgyptAir plane that made an emergency landing yesterday in Uzbekistan following a bomb threat has resumed its flight to Beijing, Egyptian officials said, the latest in a series of deadly or damaging air travel incidents involving Egypt. The officials said that no bomb was found after the Airbus A330-220 and its passengers were searched by explosives experts.
SOUTH AFRICA People living on communal land owned by a community trust in South Africas eastern KwaZulu-Natal province are set to be given title deeds to their property, a move that could give millions of poor South Africans collateral to raise loans.
PORTUGAL-ITALY A former CIA agent said yesterday that she will be extradited to Italy to serve a prison sentence for her part in the U.S. extraordinary renditions program after Portugals Constitutional Court rejected her final appeal. Sabrina de Sousa said she is waiting to be told when she will be taken to Italy, where she was convicted in absentia and has a four-year sentence to serve.
FAIRFIELD From a truck on the shoulder of U.S. 20, two researchers with binoculars studied a spot in an alfalfa field east of Fairfield.
A very particular spot.
About a quarter-mile away, just to the right of a yellow dot in the alfalfa, wildlife technician Anneliese Washakowski had watched a pronghorn doe bed down its newborn fawn earlier that morning before moving away to feed. Once Washakowski and Brett Panting headed for that mark, theyd need to find the fawn quickly and directly, without disturbing it.
Radio collaring fawns like this one is the key to the Idaho Department of Fish and Games two-year study of neonatal pronghorn survival on the Camas Prairie and two other study sites. Led by Panting, a Utah State University graduate student, the project explores fawn mortality causes, the densities of other small prey, predator numbers and habitat quality in short, the environmental constraints on fawn survival.
Many fawns born on the Camas Prairie in May will die before theyre 6 months old.
They hit about 6 months and they usually live until we have a bad winter, Panting said.
The studys first season, in 2015, recorded about 55 percent mortality among collared fawns on the Camas Prairie. Combined data from here and the two other sites the Big Desert region near Aberdeen and the upper Little Lost and Pahsimeroi valleys showed 60 percent mortality.
Coyotes are a major predator in all three areas, Panting said, along with bobcats in the Big Desert and golden eagles at the Little Lost/Pahsimeroi site; coyotes caused 62 percent of last years pronghorn fawn mortalities across the three sites and about 70 percent on the Camas Prairie. One collared Camas Prairie fawn last year was killed by a domestic dog. And necropsy results from last years unknown mortalities arent back from the states Wildlife Health Laboratory yet.
To get his data, Panting needs to capture and collar pronghorn fawns within their first two or three days.
After that, he said, they usually outrun us.
Beside U.S. 20 on May 27, Panting and Washakowski gathered their gear and their long-handled nets and walked quickly through the quarter-mile of alfalfa. Before going silent, Panting asked a couple of observers to fan out and help look for what might appear to be a dried-out cowpie.
And if I take off running, see where I drop this bag.
A wildlife technician stationed on the Camas Prairie captured and collared the first fawn of the 2016 season on the evening of May 17. That weekend, Daryl Meints, Fish and Games regional wildlife manager for the Magic Valley, set up a base camp and kitchen on the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area.
Fish and Game employees from the agencys Jerome office and elsewhere rotated onto the capture crew. At first light each morning, about 10 people spread out across the prairie around Fairfield and Hill City, looking for lone pronghorn does with fat bellies or ones that looked like theyd just given birth.
The does run in groups, Meints said, but split up to give birth.
When a team spotted a candidate, it called in reinforcements and backed off to wait for the birth. Armed with binoculars or spotting scopes, the researchers kept waiting until the doe stood and licked off the fawn, and the newborn nursed and lay back down. Try to approach while the fawn is standing, and both animals will run.
It could be a long wait.
If we see a birth we always let them imprint, Panting said. I try to let them imprint for two nursings.
This isnt like collaring newborn mule deer fawns or elk calves.
With antelope fawns, you have to be there a whole lot quicker, Meints said. If you dont catch these antelope fawns within 48 hours, youre not going to catch them.
By the afternoon of May 26, the teams had used 26 of the 30 radio collars allotted to the Camas Prairie study site, Meints had pulled the camp and most of the crew had disbanded. Wildlife technicians monitoring the collars radio signals reported that none had yet switched to the mortality signal thats prompted by four hours without movement.
Pantings two Camas Prairie technicians still had four collars to deploy, and theyd reuse any collars from fawns lost to predators, weather or disease during the birthing period.
The morning of May 27, Panting drove to Fairfield from the Little Lost/Pahsimeroi study site to help Washakowski, whose partner was too sick to work.
Panting, a candidate for a masters degree in wildlife biology, speaks quickly and precisely and wears a long beard. Interested in large ungulates and predators, he hopes to land a wildlife biologist job with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game an ambition undeterred by a 2013 grizzly attack south of Island Park.
The bear ripped off 80 percent of his left bicep, Panting said. But its all reattached and Im pretty normal.
Then a wildlife technician for the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Society, Panting was conducting research on bear habitat. He and the volunteers with him were wearing bear bells and being loud. He was carrying bear spray but didnt have a chance to use it.
Stuff just happens, Panting said. And hes not inclined to complain about the injury. For what a grizzly bear can do, it was very minimal.
When Fish and Game awarded its pronghorn project to Utah State for a graduate student to lead, Panting successfully applied for the position. He hopes to finish his masters degree by April.
I love this job so far.
This was the morning for collar 27.
Moving quickly through the alfalfa, Panting and Washakowski passed their visual mark a few yellowed leaves at the top of an alfalfa stem. Panting was the one to spot the fawn indeed the size of a cowpie as it lay with its long legs folded and silently laid his net over it.
Using a childs bright pink sock with the toe cut off, the glove-clad partners gently covered the fawns nose and eyes. Leaving the fawn in its resting position, they eased a mesh bag under its body, moving efficiently but without jerking. Panting lifted the bag briefly with a handheld scale and whispered a weight to Washakowski, who took notes.
In last years data, high weight was the strongest indicator for fawn survival.
This fawn lay calmly as Panting slipped a radio collar over its head. His calipers and yellow tape measured chest girth, hind foot length and a white area at the hoof hairline that grows as a fawn ages. Washakowski recorded each whispered measurement. The doe, not far away, made a blowing sound, signaling her fawn to stay down.
Bloody navel, Panting whispered. Then, softly stroking the fawns back: Its got a little matting on the hair.
They crouched as they worked, avoiding kneeling to minimize the scent theyd leave behind.
Panting placed a pole in the ground beside the fawn, unrolled a 10-meter string, walked the perimeter defined by the string and measured the height of the cover at each cardinal direction. Plant height is fairly consistent in an alfalfa field, but its another matter in sagebrush and grass.
The work was over in minutes, and Washakowski started moving away even before Panting slipped the mask off the fawns head. They avoided eye contact and left quickly in the hope that the fawn would stay bedded down after its strange experience.
Like all the others, radio collar 27 will expand from neonate to yearling size, thanks to pleating in its design. Equipped with antennas and radio tracking receivers, Washakowski and her fellow technician will monitor its signal all summer.
Surgical tubing inside the collar will rot, and the collar will drop off, if this fawn escapes coyotes, dogs and the other hazards of pronghorn life to finish its first year.
ARCO Staff from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Park Service and Idaho State University will host a community day June 16 in Arco and at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve to highlight research taking place at the park.
Activities will include tours of the Mobile Mission Command Center, demonstrations, presentations and opportunities to talk with NASA and ISU science team members and NPS staff. The community day will be 2-5 p.m. at Bottolfsen Park in Arco, and 6-8 p.m. at the Craters of the Moon visitor center.
Two NASA research teams the Field Investigations to Enable Solar System Science and Exploration and the Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains will conduct research at Craters of the Moon this summer. The FINESSE and BASALT teams are working with ISU researchers and are led by NASAs Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif.
These science-driven exploration programs are focused on generating new scientific, operational and technological capabilities to enable and inform the next generation of human-robotic exploration of planetary bodies including our moon, Mars moons Phobos and Deimos, Mars and near-Earth asteroids.
Researchers, planetary scientists and experts in robotics and exploration will study the formation of volcanoes, evolution of magma chambers and the formation of multiple lava flow types, as well as the evolution and entrapment of volatile chemicals and habitability. The team will utilize samples on Earth to study the geology, chemistry and biology of features associated with volcanic processes. Also, NASA is collaborating with the Idaho Space Grant Consortium to bring teachers into the field to work beside NASA scientists.
Craters of the Moon National Monument has been a part of NASAs research and exploration efforts since the Apollo missions, and whats so exciting is that this incredible environment is as relevant and scientifically important today as it was 50 years ago, Darlene Lim, principal investigator for BASALT, said in a release. We are here to figure out how best to support human and robotics missions to the moon, and Mars, and how to enable these future missions to make groundbreaking scientific discoveries as they explore the next frontier.
2-5 p.m. June 16 at Bottolfsen Park:
Tour the NASA Mobile Mission Command Center.
Demonstrations: trashcano simulated volcanic eruption, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle simulator, interplanetary communications demonstration.
Talk to the experts: Scientists and park rangers available to answer questions.
Food available for purchase.
6-8 p.m. at Craters of the Moon visitor center:
View Earths nearest star (the sun) through a solar scope.
Earn a Lunar Ranger patch by participating in fun activities. This 45-minute Ranger-led event begins at 6 p.m.
Presentation by the NASA science team begins at 7 p.m.; 45 minutes.
New Idaho-sponsored
Substance Abuse Center Set to Open
IDAHO FALLS A new state-sponsored substance abuse recovery center is expected to open next month in eastern Idaho.
The Post Register reports that the Center for Hope in Idaho Falls is expected to open in mid-July. Its the eighth such facility created in Idaho.
The effort to open the center began two years ago when the Idaho Association of Counties asked lawmakers to fund the facilities across the state. Along with the Center for Hope, recovery centers have been funded in Bannock, Kootenai and Nez Perce counties this year.
Center for Hope interim executive director Sandy Baiocco says the center aims to fill the gap in services for people just getting out of jail or leaving treatment from the regional behavioral health crisis center. The recovery center has a computer lab, community room and meeting room, and Baiocco says shes already had offers from people interested in hosting job skills classes, Alcoholic Anonymous meetings and other services at the center.
Boise Police Arrest 2 After Road Rage Incident
BOISE Boise police say a man is facing several felony charges after pointing a gun at several people during a road rage argument.
According to police Louis A. Wallace, of Boise, got into a minor collision with another vehicle late Tuesday evening. Witnesses told police that Wallace then brandished a handgun at the occupants of the vehicle before taking off.
Officers eventually found the 31-year-old Wallace, as well as a gun and a crystalline substance hidden in a bush. Wallace was with 27-year-old Elean E. Magee. Police say they found Magee with a syringe and a crystal substance on Magee after searching her.
Wallace was charged with two charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and a probation violation.
Magee was charged two felony drug counts.
Experts: Minor Crimes Can Lead to Lifetime of Consequences
BOISE Being convicted of even some minor crimes can result in a lifetime of collateral consequences, experts say, including trouble finding jobs and housing.
Crimes come with certain punishments spelled out by lawsuch as jail time, fines or court-ordered community service. Collateral consequences are the additional punishments that happen along the way, like facing social stigma or having to change careers because of a criminal record.
Legal experts and attorneys discussed the issue at a conference on criminal justice reform at Concordia University School of Law in Boise on Monday. Samuel Rubin with Federal Defender Services of Idaho, said there are roughly 1,200 federal and 50,000 state laws detailing collateral consequences, and defendants often arent adequately warned about them all.
The consequences include rules prohibiting some people with convictions from hunting or billing Medicaid, or requiring that immigrants convicted of even minor crimes be deported.
2 Former Idaho Lawmakers, Jeff Alltus and Grant Ipsen, Die
BOISE Two former Idaho lawmakers, Sen. Grant Ipsen and Rep. Jeff Alltus, died over the weekend.
Alltus, a 61-year-old from Hayden, died Saturday at a hospice facility after a five-month bout with pancreatic cancer.
Ipsen, from Boise, died at home in Meridian on Sunday. He was 83.
Both men were Republicans. Alltus was known as an outspoken Christian conservative who served three terms after he was elected to the Statehouse in 1994. Ipsen was elected to his first of five terms in the Senate in 1992. Ipsen was a conservative who remained politically active in recent years with anti-gambling causes.
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WASHINGTON A bill named after an Idaho childhood cancer survivor that will allow for tracking of clusters of cancer has passed Congress after seven years of work and delay and now heads to the presidents desk.
In May, Trevors Law was wrapped into the Toxic Substances Control Act, a larger overhaul of the original 1976 law of the same name. It passed the House of Representatives 403-12 on May 24 and passed the Senate by voice vote Tuesday night. President Barack Obama is expected to sign it into law.
Trevors Law is named after Trevor Schaefer. Now 26 and a Boise resident, he was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 13. He believes the cancer was caused by pollution in the drinking water in his hometown of McCall, where several other young adults and children had brain cancer at the same time. In its current form, the law would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to compile data from the states to track cancer clusters groupings of a higher than expected number of people with the same cancer in the same area. Schaefers experience led him to start pushing for the law.
U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, who is a prostate cancer survivor himself, introduced the bill in 2011 along with California Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer. It passed committee that year but didnt make it to the floor. The pair reintroduced the bill in 2013, when Schaefer joined well-known cancer activist Erin Brockovich and others to testify in favor. This year, Crapo worked with Boxer and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, to get Trevors Law in the compromise toxins bill. Boxer and Crapo are also on the committee.
The passage of Trevors Law is a significant milestone in how cancer clusters will be identified, monitored and treated in the United States, Crapo said in a news release and YouTube video announcing the Senate vote. Every American, directly or indirectly, has been affected in some form by cancer and this legislation is another tool to continue fighting against this disease. Further, the passage of Trevors Law is a testament to the determination and commitment of many people including Trevor Schaefer and his mother, Charlie Smith, in never giving up to turn their plans into a law that will benefit everyone across America.
My heart is full tonight knowing that this necessary legislation, Trevors Law, will help so many children and adults who are part of a cancer cluster but have been unable to get the recognition from local, state and federal government that they deserve, Smith said. I am so proud of my son, Trevor for his brave fight to beat back brain cancer and his unwavering belief that good things can happen in politics. I am also eternally grateful to Sens. Boxer and Crapo and their staffs, for their tenacious work to make this law a reality.
Crapo spokesman Lindsay Nothern said the bills passage is significant, both because cancer clusters will now be tracked at the federal level, hopefully leading to a better understanding of their causes and improvements in treatment, and because the larger toxic substances reform is going to become law, which he called a fairly dramatic example of bipartisanship going on in a year when theres not a lot of that happening.
Nothern said the bill will be especially helpful in tracking concentrations of cancer in children, who havent been exposed to as many carcinogens throughout their lives as an adult may have been.
We havent really done a good job of compiling where the concentrations of cancer are, and especially with children, he said.
December 1963 in Vietnam: An emergency call for a medical evacuation unit came in, and no one was available to fly it.
First Lt. James Allred was preparing to go on leave when the call came in, but volunteered to fly the MedEvac chopper into combat on a rescue mission.
The 38-year-old Twin Falls man became one of the first of 251 Idahoans killed in the Vietnam War when his chopper was shot down during heavy fire. Allred was posthumously promoted to major.
In the next few years, more Twin Falls County soldiers were killed in what many considered a senseless war.
Staff Sgt. Brent J. Baumert, killed in 1966 in Vietnam, graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1958. His classmates Marvin Taylor, Bird Golay, Jim White, Larry Motzner and Dale Ford constructed a memorial to Baumert in City Park.
We think Brent ... represented all that is good in a friend, classmate and soldier, Golay told the Times-News at the time. We wanted to show this county and Idaho what kind of men they are raising here its the best kind of man.
Before they were finished, the classmates expanded the dedication to all Twin Falls County men who have been, and those who probably will be, killed in Vietnam, the Times-News said.
Its something we owe them, Ford said.
The first memorial plaque listed Baumert, Allred and two other men: Pfc. David Fairchild of Buhl and Pfc. Elmo L. DeFord of Hansen.
By the time stone monument was dedicated on Memorial Day 1967, more from the county had died, including Spec. 4th Class Billy Gene Smith of Buhl, blown up by a landmine on April 12, 1967. Later, a plaque with 13 names including Smiths replaced the first.
Today, a bronze plaque lists 17 men who served us wisely, well, honorably.
The monument was the first Vietnam memorial in the state, and one of the first in the nation.
It wouldnt surprise me if it was the first, said Tom Mikesell, with Hospice Visions, a We Honor Veterans program partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Volunteers The Fifth Judicial District CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program is seeking community volunteers to become advocates for abused children. Advocates receive training and support to investigate, report, monitor and advocate for children involved in the child protection system. Advocates are needed in all eight counties of the district, but it is critical to the program to recruit volunteers in the Mini-Cassia area. Information: Tahna, 208-735-1177.
Volunteers Hospice Visions Inc. is looking for volunteer handy men and women for light home modifications, Light Touch Massage therapists, hair dressers, volunteers for meal assistance, and to visit with, play music and games with those on hospice services. Volunteers are needed with licensed certified therapy animals to love our hospice patients in their own homes or assisted living centers. Hospice Visions is looking for volunteers interested in doing art projects with our patients or filming and creating a Life Legacy Video, or can take someone to the store, run an errand or out for a drive. Veterans can become a Vet-to-Vet Volunteer and visit with other veterans. Volunteers are also needed to assist with fundraising events and provide office assistance Information: Nora at 208-735-0121 or nwells@hospicevisions.org
Drivers The Twin Falls Senior Center delivers meals to homebound seniors in the Twin Falls area Monday through Friday, and the routes take an hour or less to complete. Commitment is based on your availability; pick a day of the week or drive once or twice a month, pick a week to drive, or be a substitute driver. Volunteers must be 18 years of age with their own car, and have proof of liability insurance. Drivers receive 54 cents a mile fuel reimbursement. Information: Sandee Earl, 208-734-5084.
Drivers The Senior Assisted Services (SAS) program at CSIs Office on Aging is looking for volunteer drivers for their transportation department. The volunteers will transport the programs senior clients to doctor appointments, shopping, and personal necessities. Information: Kathy, 208-736-2122..
Volunteers The Senior Companion Program at the CSI Office on Aging needs volunteers, age 55 and older, to assist homebound seniors by providing friendly visits and transportation as needed. Information: Marisol, 208-736-2122, or toll free, 800-574-8656.
Volunteers St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center is in need of volunteers for a variety of positions from shuttle drivers to care volunteers to gift shop volunteers and more. The medical center is looking for pleasant, and friendly individuals with a sincere interest in voluntary services offered to patients, visitors, employees and guests. Meet new people and learn new experiences and challenges. Information: Kim Patterson at 814-0861 or kimpa@slhs.org, or visit the Volunteer Services Office, lower level at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center; 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls. Applications are available at the Front Information Desk.
Volunteers The Twin Falls Senior Center has a ladies group (The Crazy Quilters), who are looking for individuals to put finishing touches on quilts as a group while socializing at the same time. The group meets from 9 a.m. to noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All quilt project proceeds are given to the Twin Falls Senior Center. Information: 208-734-5084.
Volunteers/drivers Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley and the ReStore are seeking adult volunteers. At the ReStore, volunteers are needed to provide general customer service, receiving, coordinate volunteers, fixing items to be sold in the store, and drivers to pick up donations. Information: 208-735-1233 or the Habitat office, 669 Eastland Drive S., Twin Falls.
Temperatures may cool down sooner than we originally thought. A dip or trough in the jet stream with a weak cold front worked into Southern Idaho on Thursday. After getting back in the 90s for the second time this year, temperatures are cooling down.
Friday will be very similar to Thursday but with less wind. Skies will be sunny and temperatures will reach the upper 80s. Thats a nice forecast to kick off the Idaho State Special Olympics being held here in Twin Falls this weekend.
Speaking of the weekend, changes arrive Friday night with a strong cold front and deeper dip in the jet stream. With this front we will see breezy conditions, cooler temperatures and a chance of a passing shower or storm. Highs on Saturday will be around 75 degrees and Sunday will have a high around 67 degrees.
The following editorial appeared in Wednesdays Washington Post:
Tuesday night, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton became the first woman to claim the presidential nomination of a major American political party. It is a historic momentbut she, and the nation, have little breathing space to savor the milestone.
There is, first, the question of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Sanders has fought hard, and he has won much along the way. The issues that matter to many of his supporters, such as income inequality, financial reform, health-care expansion and campaign finance, have come front and centerwith Clintons campaign paying them more attention than might otherwise have been the case. But Sanders has also lost, by every measure: delegates, primaries, total votes. Its time for him to concede while there is still a chance to do it with grace and to clear the road for Clinton to battle Donald Trump.
Which raises the second question: What kind of campaign will Clinton wage? We hope she will focus not only on the negative. Its understandable for Clinton to run an anti-Trump campaign in the face of his unprecedented ugliness and bigotry. Yet surely one effective antidote to his vacuity would be substance; one answer to his divisiveness, a commitment to civil dialogue and a respect for independents and Republicans who will disagree with many of her views.
Clinton was widely praised, for example, for her searing attack last week on Trumps unfitness to lead as commander in chief. Fine, but as presumptive Democratic nominee, she also will need to fill in the blanks of her own foreign-policy intentions. A day after her speech, 13 military and diplomatic leaders wrote a letter to President Barack Obama pressing him not to withdraw any more troops from Afghanistan during the rest of his term. What is Clintons view on that question? Her foreign-policy speech offered no clue, but voters deserve to know. As we noted recently, her refusal to hold news conferences doesnt help.
Clinton began her campaignlong, long agoon the premise that voters would embrace an experienced leader offering substantive, pragmatic policy proposals. With Trump and Sanders ascendant, the market for substance and pragmatism came to seem limited at best, and Clinton understandably made some course corrections. But her initial judgment about what the nation needs was right. Now she has a second chance to explain how her deeply held convictions would influence her policymaking, and how she would accomplish her policy goals in what will remain, no matter who controls Congress, a deeply divided country.
As the first female nominee in the nations history, Clinton is already a role model of one kind. In providing a positive, substantive platform over the coming months, she could become a role model of another important sortas a leader who respects the art of governing, the fragile beauty of our constitutional system and the prerogatives of its citizens to make an informed choice.
Hillary Clinton has been the almost-certain Democratic presidential nominee for weeks. But she needed her victory in California anyway to give her a big political boost in forging party unity.
That, and an easy win in New Jersey, added to the majority of delegates she wrapped up by Monday. Of greater significance, it intensifies pressure on Senator Bernie Sanders to bow to reality and coax his passionate supporters to rally around the campaign to defeat Donald Trump.
The Democrats big guns, starting with President Barack Obama and Senator Elizabeth Warren, will start right away trying to persuade Sanders to end the nomination fight. Sanders won Montana and the North Dakota caucus but his hopes of winning the majority of Tuesdays contests failed as Clinton prevailed in New Mexico and South Dakota.
Leading Democrats hope the Vermont socialists loss in California, where hed looked for a psychological boost, makes it more likely that hell settle for some progressive planks in the party platform and changes in delegate-selection rules. They will flatter him by arguing that with his surprisingly strong showing and devoted flock of spirited followers, he can help Democratic candidates in the fall and could have leverage in the Senate during a Clinton presidency.
This wont be an easy sale. Sanders remains bitter about some of the things the Clinton camp has said about him and may need a little time to assess the best course, starting with the long plane ride from California to Vermont on Wednesday.
Sanders sounded confrontational as recently as Saturday, when he talked about a contested convention, and even late Tuesday night, despite the decisive California result, he vowed to keep fighting. At Sanderss request, he will meet with Obama at the White House on Thursday, perhaps paving the way for an accord. Obama is likely to endorse Clinton this week, the New York Times reported.
Another important figure in the diplomacy between the Clinton and Sanders camps will be Warren, the Massachusetts senator who is a leader in the anti-Wall Street Democratic left. She has made some of the most effective criticisms of Trump in recent weeks and, even more than Obama, has credibility with many Sanders supporters.
The Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid, and his likely successor, Chuck Schumer of New York, will weigh in too, stressing to Sanders that he will have more clout in the Senate if he helps the party this fall. Vice President Joe Biden, popular with almost all Democrats, will be a force too.
In negotiations, the Clinton camp is likely to give Sanders most of what he wants in rules changes affecting delegates and primaries for 2020. The Vermont lawmaker wants to reduce the role of superdelegates, who are party officials and office holders not bound to any candidate, and allow independents to vote in primaries.
The platform, though largely symbolic, may be a tougher slog. There are areas of general agreement like paid family leave, campaign finance reform, regulation of Wall Street, the minimum wage and tuition subsidies at public universities.
There could be fights, though, if the Sanders camp pushes hard on foreign policy matters or some more controversial domestic issues like a ban on fracking.
This appeared in the Lewiston Tribune:
Revere it, if you choose.
It deliveredin the words of our 16th and greatest president, Abraham Lincolngovernment of the people, by the people, for the people.
It was a work of genius, the worlds first constitution, a model for others that would lay down the social contract between the governing class and those who would be governedand free whole nations from the divine rights of kings.
Was the Constitution inspired?
Absolutely.
It was inspired from some of the most enlightened minds of the age.
From John Locke, it embodied the idea that people gave their consent to an accountable government responsible for safeguarding their rights.
From Montesquieu came the notion of checks and balancescompeting branches of government to stop tyranny from the elites or the mob.
From the practical give-and-take between 13 states came the grand compromisea House of Representatives based on population and a Senate giving equal voice to each state.
But divinely inspired? As in the hand of God?
So said the members of a committee drafting planksor issue statementsto the Idaho Republican Partys platform.
Saturday, the full GOP convention at Nampa failed to agree by a two-thirds majority to suspend its rules and consider the proposed planks. So well never know where the divinely inspired label would have wound up.
But if God had a hand in writing the Constitution, why did the document tolerate the enslavement of African Americans for the next eight decades?
Why did the Constitution regard those slaves as three-fifths persons for purposes of representation in Congress?
Why would a divinely inspired Constitution leave it to four years of bloody civil war to end slaveryonly to allow those citizens to suffer under Jim Crow for nearly another century?
If the Constitution was divinely inspired, why has it been amended 27 times since its ratification at the close of the 18th century?
Some of those amendments covered major oversights in that original document.
Such as the freedom of speech and religion.
Or the right to keep and bear arms.
How about the right to fair trial, to reasonable bail or protection against unreasonable search and seizure or cruel and unusual punishment? Youd think a divinely inspired document would have addressed all of that from the start, wouldnt you?
For 130 years, women could not vote in this country. Would a suffragette consider such an arrangement divinely inspired?
How about the 18-year-old draftee who was asked to risk his neck for his countrybut was denied the vote until ratification of the 26th Amendment in 1971? Would he call that situation divinely inspired?
And if the hand of God was involved, why did the Constitution miss some important details?
Such as not anticipating the Electoral College getting snarled up in a tie between the same political partys candidates for president and vice presidentwhich threw the election of 1800 into the House to decide?
Or how about fixing some gaps in the executive line of succession if the president or vice president either dies or leaves office?
What about the idea of stopping any president from taking office for lifeby running for re-election for as long as his health will permit?
If the Constitution was divine, why did the country embrace Prohibition in 1920or the successful campaign to repeal it in 1933?
Which was divinely inspiredthe Constitution before or after passage of the 16th Amendment in 1913 that imposed a federal tax on our incomes?
The Constitution is a political document, a compromise, a design for governing a sprawling, diverse continental nation. It reflects the people who drafted itpragmatic and flawed men who accepted what good they could achieve when the perfect was beyond their reach.
To say the Constitution is divinely inspired strips away its most compelling elementits humanity.
President Rouhani of Iran and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had a telephone conversation on Wednesday and both leaders expressed their desire to reinforce their ties and broaden their cooperation.
Since his arrival to the presidency in 2013, Rouhani has been trying to ease the tension between Iran and other countries.
He said Tehran is prepared to expand consultations with friendly countries in the region, including Qatar, for strengthening regional stability and security.
Sheikh Tamim, who took over from his father the same year, said Doha favors good and strategic relations between Iran and other countries along the Gulf.
Iran is at odds with most Gulf States especially Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The two Gulf States claim that Iran is seeking to destabilize them by supporting armed criminal groups on their territories. Tehran has always denied such allegations.
In his phone talk with Sheikh Tamim, Rouhani stated that regional issues need to be resolved through negotiations before underlining that Tehran and Doha have common purposes and interests, and can fulfil their goals, which are in line with regional development and stability.
Doha also had a rocky experience with Gulf States after the Sisis coup detat against Mohammed Morsi because of the close ties it had with the latter.
Two Palestinians, allegedly cousins, went on a shooting spree in Tel Aviv killing at least four people and injuring around 16 people on Wednesday night at the Sarona shopping center. Israel has reacted to the attack by freezing the 83,000 entry permits that it gave to Palestinians and is preparing to demolish the houses of the assailants who were apprehended.
The attack was described by Prime Minister Netanyahu who visited the scene as a savage crime of murder and terrorism while President Reuven Rivlin said it is despicable and Israel will not be disheartened by terrorism because it is a difficult and long struggle and they will relentlessly pursue the perpetrators. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
A statement from Fatah stated that the Jewish State was reaping the repercussions of choosing violence against the Palestinian people.
Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip which claimed the gun attacks said the Palestinians perpetrators of the attacks, identified as Muhammad and Khalid Muhamra from Yatta in the southern West Bank, were members of its organization, Israeli Time of Israel reports.
Hamas hailed the attack as heroic and urged the Zionists to brave for more surprises during Ramadan. The spokesperson for Palestinian Islamic Jihad Daud Shahab also threatened more attacks, saying that the Jerusalem Intifada will not end until all of Palestine is restored.
Tel Aviv considers such statements as incitements for more violence against Israelis. The Palestinian Authority is yet to release a statement
Commenting on the attack, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri held Israel responsible saying that the Tel Aviv operation is a natural response to Israeli desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the crimes against the Palestinian people. He claimed that the Sarona attack is evidence that the intifada continues and the occupation has failed to suppress it.
Israel has already begun to increase the presence of security forces in public places as a deterrent measure. A new round of hostilities could be on the horizon.
Physician-assisted death was supported by a majority of California and Hawaii residents, regardless of their ethnicity, who responded to an online survey, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
The study also found that older people were more likely than younger people to believe it is OK to allow physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients who request them, and that the most religious or spiritual people were the least supportive of this idea. But even among those who declared that religion or spirituality was very important to them, a majority still supported the practice.
The study will be published online June 9 in the Journal of Palliative Medicine to coincide with the date that Californias End of Life Option Act takes effect. The act was signed into law Oct. 9, 2015. Physician-assisted death is illegal in Hawaii.
It is remarkable that in both states, even participants who were deeply spiritual (52 percent) were still in support of physician-assisted death, said the study. Both genders and all racial/ethnic groups in both states were equally in support of PAD.
Surprisingly positive
The response was surprisingly positive across all ethnic groups, said VJ Periyakoil, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine, who is the lead and senior author of the study. Those taking the survey marked their ethnicities as African American, Latino, white, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander or Asian.
I was surprised that people who were deeply spiritual were still positive overall, she added.
To conduct the study, researchers developed an online survey that asked participants to respond, true or false, to whether they believed it is acceptable to allow a physician to prescribe medication, at the request of a terminally-ill patient, in order to end that persons life.
We wanted a broad question that didnt specify what kind of medication, that didnt say oral pills or self-administered, none of that, Periyakoil said. Participants were also asked: How important is your faith/religion/spirituality to you? (Unimportant, somewhat important, important and very important.)
Older participants were more supportive of PAD compared with their younger counterparts in both states.
Participants responded to the online survey, which was housed and stored on a secure Stanford server. Data was collected from July through October 2015.
Among the 1,095 responses from California and 819 from Hawaii, the majority both in California (72.5 percent) and Hawaii (76.5 percent) were supportive of PAD.
Older participants were more supportive of PAD compared with their younger counterparts in both states, the study said. Persons who reported that spirituality was less important to them were more likely to support PAD in both states.
For those who said religion/faith/spirituality was very important to them, about 52 percent were in favor of PAD, the study found.
The act of deliberately hastening death is not supported by most religions. Thus it is not surprising that in our study participants who reported faith to be most important to them were least in support of PAD, the study said.
Need for cultural sensitivity
Periyakoil, an expert on end-of-life care and director of the Stanford Palliative Care Education and Training Program, stressed that its important for physicians in California to prepare for the new law. In addition to training in end-of-life conversations and being aware of cultural differences, physicians need to be honest with their patients, Periyakoil said.
Church leaders in Zimbabwe are calling for veteran leader Robert Mugabe to step down, to give the country an opportunity to revive its fortunes.
Mugabe is one of Africas longest-serving leaders, having been in power since 1980. Despite his age, he is still a compelling speaker and recently announced he will stand for election again in 2018.
In a statement published on Tuesday, churches in Zimbabwe [as represented by the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) and the influential Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) among others], said the country deserved leaders who had the interests of the people at heart.
As the church, we represent the voice of the people, especially the poor and the marginalized. We therefore feel that we should periodically convey some of the peoples feelings to assist our leaders in government in decision-making, the statement said.
Over two thousand Zimbabwean opposition supporters have rallied last month in the capital Harare to call Mugabe to step down.
Zimbabwes economy has struggled since a government program seized most white-owned farms in 2000, causing exports to tumble.
Unemployment and poverty are endemic and political repression commonplace. Many Zimbabweans have left the country in search of work in South Africa.
Opposition leader Tsvangirai and his movement say Mugabes policies are responsible for Zimbabwes long-running economic problems and food shortages. Tsvangirai has lost the last three elections to Mugabe and has been charged in the past with plotting to topple the president.
Kenyas president Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somalian counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met on Tuesday to agree on the impending closure of the worlds largest refugee camp complex in Kenya.
Nairobi vowed last month to shut down the sprawling Dadaab camp on the Kenya-Somalia border, home to some 350,000 people, on national security grounds.
The vast majority of the camps residents are refugees who have fled the more than two-decade long conflict in Somalia.
President Mohamud, who is on official visit to Kenya, visited the Dadaab refugee camp on Monday and expressed his gratitude for Kenyas support in accommodating the refugees.
Mohamud said if the refugees must come home, he wants Somalia to be ready to accommodate them.
Let me assure you that we (Kenya, Somalia and the UNHCR) have never discussed and agreed on your quick return to an uncertain future, he told an audience that included camp leaders.
We do not want you to go back forcibly without services such as shelters, education, health services in place. We want you to get at least services similar to what you get here, Mohamud said.
It is unclear who would pay for or provide those services if the Somali refugees return home.
Scientists believe they can now remove disease-causing mitochondrial DNA from human embryos, providing new cures for previously untreatable conditions, but the policy signals coming from Washington DC are in stark contradiction, according to a new Viewpoint essay published in JAMA June 9, 2016.
On Feb. 3, 2016, the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies issued a report on mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) commissioned by the Food and Drug Administration. The division (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) recommended that under certain conditions, MRT clinical trials should be allowed to proceed. But just six weeks before, President Obama signed an appropriations bill that included a bit of language essentially forbidding those trials, the JAMA authors wrote.
"One big step forward was taken by the IOM report when it concluded that it is "ethically permissible" to embark on first-in-human clinical trials of MRT subject to rigorous safety and efficacy imperatives," wrote Dr. Eli Adashi, former dean of medicine and biologic sciences at Brown University and I. Glenn Cohen, professor of law at Harvard University. "However, two steps back were taken with the enactment of a policy rider which precludes the FDA from further consideration of MRT."
In MRT, when a mother has mitochondria with problematic DNA, scientists propose to replace it in an embryo with that of a donor. The reconstituted embryo would then be implanted in the mother. If successful, that replacement procedure would ensure that the nuclear DNA of the resulting child would come from mom and dad, but would be paired with mitochondrial DNA (from a third party donor) that would not carry the risk of disease.
Because males do not pass down mitochondria from generation to generation, the National Academies report recommended that trials proceed only in male embryos. That would prevent altering whole lineages.
Meanwhile in the United Kingdom, the government has approved MRT clinical trials and some might begin this year. But despite the National Academies recommending a similar advance to the FDA, legislation has left U.S. policy at a standstill, wrote Adashi and Cohen.
"Whether or not the eventual births of disease-free children in the UK will change congressional hearts and minds remains to be seen," they wrote. "Failing such, progress in the prevention of mitochondrial DNA diseases will remain the domain of a biomedical enterprise an ocean away."
Explore further Is UK evaluation of reproductive tech a model for US?
The results of a study involving more than 9,000 patients, presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2016) showed that Type 1 diabetes occurs significantly more frequently in patients with Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis (JIA) than in the general population. A better understanding of this link between diabetes and JIA may lead to new preventative and therapeutic interventions in both these diseases.
JIA is the most common chronic rheumatic disease of childhood, affecting between 20 and 150 children per 100,000 at any one time. It is defined as chronic inflammation of the synovial joints, with unknown cause, which may start in children even as young as one year old, and persists for at least six weeks. JIA causes pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints, and sometimes rash and fever. Despite advances in treatment, JIA can cause many children to miss time off school and find it difficult to take part in physical activities.
In the past few years, important advances have been made in understanding the so-called 'susceptibility' genes, which contribute to different autoimmune diseases. It is becoming clear that, despite the apparent clinical differences between autoimmune diseases, they share a number of genetic risk factors. Children and adolescents with JIA are therefore likely to develop other autoimmune diseases.
"We know that there is a clear increase in the prevalence of Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis in young people with Type 1 diabetes compared with the general paediatric population," said Dr Kirsten Minden from the Rheumatism Research Centre, Berlin, Germany. "However, this study shows the reverse correlation that Type 1 diabetes occurs more commonly in patients with JIA. The next step is to explore in detail the factors and mechanisms that link the two diseases, and confirm that these findings are applicable to other geographic areas, where different environmental and genetic factors are at play. By better understanding this link, we may be able to develop new preventative and therapeutic interventions," Dr Minden concluded.
The study included 9,359 JIA patients with a mean age of 12 years and a mean disease duration of 4.5 years, recorded in the German national paediatric rheumatologic database (NPRD ) in 2012 and 2013. Type 1 diabetes was diagnosed in 50 of these children, equivalent to a diabetes prevalence of 0.5%. Compared to an age and sex matched sample of the general population, the diabetes prevalence in JIA patients was significantly increased, with approximately double the prevalence ratio for diabetes in JIA patients compared to controls (1.92 for girls and 2.04 for boys).
More than half of the patients (58%) developed diabetes before JIA. The onset of diabetes was on average five years before the onset of JIA. Patients with JIA before Type 1 diabetes developed their diabetes on average nearly three years after the onset of JIA. The majority of these patients had not received any disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) before the onset of their diabetes. Patients with Type 1 diabetes did not differ significantly in the severity spectrum of their JIA compared to those without diabetes.
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Credit: University of Glasgow
The amount a heart 'bleeds' following a heart attack can predict the severity of future heart failure, according to research presented today by a University of Glasgow academic at the British Cardiovascular Conference, in Manchester.
Bleeding, or bruising in the heart, affects over 40 per cent of people who suffer from a heart attack. The researchers have now found that this injury is associated with a higher risk of developing heart failure in the months following a heart attack.
There are 188,000 hospital episodes attributed to heart attack in the UK each year that's one around every three minutes. But although around 7 out of 10 people now survive a heart attack, many are left with heart failure.
The British Heart Foundation-funded study found that bleeding was linked to a 2.6 times greater risk of adverse remodelling, where the heart muscle changes shape, which is a precursor to heart failure. It is also linked to a six times greater risk of either death or heart failure following a heart attack.
The researchers also validated a test for use at the time of heart attack treatment to rule-in or rule-out heart muscle bleeding, and the likelihood of survival free of heart failure. This information would be useful to doctors to identify patients who are at risk of adverse outcome for more intensive treatment. The findings will pave the way to find new treatments to prevent bleeding following a heart attack and the subsequent onset of heart failure.
MRI imaging, a non-invasive scan, can be used after a heart attack to monitor heart muscle bleeding, which happens in phases. The first phase is in the 12 hours following a heart attack, and the second takes place within 2 to 3 days. This provides a window of opportunity to introduce treatments to prevent the second phase of bleeding, which could reduce or prevent the later onset of heart failure.
Over half a million people in the UK are living with heart failure. The most common cause of heart failure is a heart attack, which causes irreparable damage to the heart and leads to heart failure. The condition can leave people disabled with a poor quality of life, unable to do simple everyday tasks such as climb the stairs or go to the shops.
Professor Colin Berry, from the University of Glasgow, who led the study said: "This research has provided us with a new understanding of heart muscle injury and how it develops. We can now focus our research on developing new treatments to reduce the level of this injury following a heart attack.
"The study has also presented a new way of identifying those at a higher risk of heart failure before the condition develops. This knowledge can be used to identify those most in need of interventions and monitoring earlier."
Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research, said: "Heart failure is an incurable condition which is associated with a reduced quality of life and a lower life expectancy. This exciting research has found a new characteristic related to heart attacks which could be used to treat people following a heart attack, to cut their risk of developing heart failure.
"The British Heart Foundation is committed to funding research to cure heart failure, but this study represents a promising new opportunity to develop new treatments to prevent the onset of heart failure and reduce the burden of the disease."
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Credit: Loyola University Health System
When Aleksandra Pryszczewska was a toddler, she often stumbled and bumped into things because of an eye condition called strabismus, or lazy eye. Her left eye veered to the far right, altering her line of vision causing her sight to be impaired.
While strabismus is traditionally corrected during early childhood, Ms. Pryszczewska's only surgery was unsuccessful.
"Although my family was not able to have my eye corrected as a child in Poland, I never gave up on the possibility as an adult in America," she said. "Every time I went to a doctor, I would ask if I could have my eye corrected. Each time I was told no, it was not possible. Finally, a doctor told me Loyola was the only medical center he knew that would treat adults with this eye condition."
Loyola provides integrated clinical care for eye conditions and disorders, bringing together specialists in ophthalmic, oculoplastic and orbital surgery, otolaryngology, neurology and head and neck surgery to provide adults and children with advanced care in a compassionate environment.
In strabismus, an eye appears to be crossing, drifting or misaligned. Almost two percent of children in America are born with strabismus. Loyola University Medical Center is one of only a handful of academic medical centers that correct strabismus in adults.
For more than two decades, James McDonnell, MD, has been performing eye surgeries in adults and children at Loyola. "I noticed right away that Aleksandra had a very, very large deviation in her eye," said Dr. McDonnell. "She had received an operation when she was five but it was not done properly. Her left eye looked almost straight sideways and also looked down."
Aleksandra Pryszcewska suffered most of her life from strabismus, also known as wandering eye, until she met with James McDonnell, MD, an ophthalmologist at Loyola. He surgically corrected her strabismus which has helped her to become more confident. Dr. McDonnell discusses the physical and emotional difficulties of having strabismus and how it can be treated at Loyola. Credit: Loyola University Health System
As Ms. Pryszczewska grew up, her eye condition caused her to be shy and self-conscious. "Especially as a teenager, I was very aware that my eye drifted and I was not able to control my focus to look directly at anyone," she said. "No one wants to be different and I felt unattractive and had low self-esteem. When I was tired or ill, my eye would be especially off."
Ms. Pryszczewska, a 36-year-old Chicago scientist, recalls feeling a sense of long-lost hope during her initial visit with Dr. McDonnell. "He asked me why I wanted my eye corrected and I told him it wasn't about appearance or looks, it was about becoming confident," she said. "I could tell that Dr. McDonnell totally understood how I felt."
Dr. McDonnell corrected her vision in a two-hour outpatient surgical procedure in which the six extraocular (outer) eye muscles are tightened and/or loosened to achieve alignment.
"Some people are born with strabismus and some develop it, but everyone just wants their eyes to be normal," said Dr. McDonnell. "Research has shown that left untreated, people with strabismus earn lower incomes, attain lower levels of education and have a lower rate of marriage. And it doesn't have to be this way."
Adult strabismus can be corrected. "For people who have been unsuccessfully treated for strabismus and are told they can't have another surgery, that's wrong," said Dr. McDonnell. "If they've been told they've had this condition for their whole life and it can't be corrected, that's also wrong. And if told that it is too big of a deviation, as Aleksandra was told, that truly is wrong. I perform dozens of adult strabismus surgeries each year, with excellent outcomes."
Thanks to the eye surgery at Loyola, Ms. Pryszczewska now feels confident. "I am so happy and so very grateful. It always makes me cry when I think of it and what he did for me," she said. "I can only tell him, 'Thank you! Thank you!'"
As part of an academic medical center, Loyola's expert clinicians perform and teach the latest surgical techniques and medical treatments in numerous locations across the Chicago area. All of Loyola's ophthalmologists and ophthalmic, oculoplastic and orbital surgeons are fellowship-trained and provide training and education to doctors at other hospitals. In addition, Loyola nurses have earned Magnet status, which means they have been recognized for delivering the highest level of care.
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This illustration shows how the AIDS-causing virus normally buds and releases from an infected cell (upper right to middle left) and how a new approach to fighting the virus could render release virus particles noninfectious (upper right, curing back to the left). The blue band in the illustration represents the surface of an infected cell. The process begins at the upper right as a new HIV particle begins to emerge or bud from an infected cell (first two light blue partial spheres), with viral envelope proteins protruding from the emerging virus particle. The budded particle is shown at the center, now with a cutaway view of the inside of the HIV, which includes Gag proteins (yellowish orange) and Pol proteins (blue), which include enzymes needed for the virus to replicate. At this point the virus is still attached to the cell. The last two HIV particles on the left represent the normal budding process, in which the HIV particle or "viron" is released from the cell, with an orange capsid protein inside the virus carrying the enzymes that make it infectious. University of Utah scientists have found that if they can delay the budding process - represented by the three HIV particles extending from the center to the middle right - they can render it noninfectious. In that case, the delay allows the enzymes inside the HIV particle to leak back into the host cell, so that when the virus finally is released, it lacks the enzymes in the capsid protein that makes it infectious. Credit: Saveez Saffarian, University of Utah
When new AIDS virus particles bud from an infected cell, an enzyme named protease activates to help the viruses mature and infect more cells. That's why modern AIDS drugs control the disease by inhibiting protease.
Now, University of Utah researchers found a way to turn protease into a double-edged sword: They showed that if they delay the budding of new HIV particles, protease itself will destroy the virus instead of helping it spread. They say that might lead, in about a decade, to new kinds of AIDS drugs with fewer side effects.
"We could use the power of the protease itself to destroy the virus," says virologist Saveez Saffarian, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Utah and senior author of the study released today by PLOS Pathogens, an online journal published by the Public Library of Science.
So-called cocktails or mixtures of protease inhibitors emerged in the 1990s and turned acquired immune deficiency syndrome into a chronic, manageable disease for people who can afford the medicines. But side effects include fat redistribution in the body, diarrhea, nausea, rash, stomach pain, liver toxicity, headache, diabetes and fever.
"They have secondary effects that hurt patients," says Mourad Bendjennat, a research assistant professor of physics and astronomy and the study's first author. "And the virus becomes resistant to the inhibitors. That's why they use cocktails."
Bendjennat adds that by discovering the molecular mechanism in which protease interacts with HIV, "we are developing a new approach that we believe may be very efficient in treating the spread of HIV."
However, he and Saffarian emphasize the research is basic, and that it will be a decade before more research might develop the approach into news AIDS treatments.
Figuring out the role of protease in HIV budding
Inside a cell infected by HIV, new virus particles are constructed largely with a protein named Gag. Protease enzymes are incorporated into new viral particles as they are built, and are thought to be activated after the new particles "bud" out of infected cell and then break off from it.
The particles start to bud from the host cell in a saclike container called a vesicle, the neck of which eventually separates from the outer membrane of the infected cell. "Once the particles are released, the proteases are activated and the particles transform into mature HIV, which is infectious," Saffarian says.
"There is an internal mechanism that dictates activation of the protease, which is not well understood," he adds. "We found that if we slow the budding process, the protease activates while the HIV particle is still connected to the outer membrane of host [infected] cell. As a result, it chews out all the proteins inside the budding HIV particle, and those essential enzymes and proteins leak back into the host cell. The particle continues to bud out and release from the cell, but it is not infectious anymore because it doesn't have the enzymes it needs to mature."
Budding HIV needs ESCRTs
The scientists found they could slow HIV particles from budding out of cells by interfering with how they interact with proteins named ESCRTs (pronounced "escorts"), or "endosomal sorting complexes required for transport."
ESCRTs are involved in helping pinch off budding HIV particles - essentially cutting them from the infected host cell.
Saffarian says scientific dogma long has held "that messing up the interactions of the virus with ESCRTs results in budding HIV particles permanently getting stuck on the host cell membrane instead of releasing." Bendjennat says several studies in recent years indicated that the particles do get released, casting some doubt on the long held dogma.
The new study's significance "is about the molecular mechanism: When the ESCRT machinery is altered, there is production of viruslike particles that are noninfectious," he says. "This study explains the molecular mechanism of that."
"We found HIV still releases even when early ESCRT interactions are intentionally compromised, however, with a delay," Saffarian says. "They are stuck for a while and then they release. And by being stuck for a while, they lose their internal enzymes due to early protease activation and lose their infectivity."
Bendjennat says by delaying virus budding and speeding "when the protease gets activated, we are now capable of using it to make new released viruses noninfectious"
How the research was done
The experiments used human skin cells grown in tissue culture. It already was known that new HIV particles assemble the same way whether the infected host cell is a skin cell, certain other cells or the T-cell white blood cell infected by the virus to cause AIDS. The experiments involved both live HIV and so-called viruslike particles.
Bendjennat and Saffarian genetically engineered mutant Gag proteins. A single HIV particle is made of some 2,000 Gag proteins and 120 copies of proteins known as Gag-Pol, as well as genetic information in the form of RNA. Pol includes protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase - the proteins HIV uses to replicate.
The mutant Gag proteins were designed to interact abnormally with two different ESCRT proteins, named ALIX and Tsg101.
A new HIV particle normally takes five minutes to release from an infected cell.
When the researchers interfered with ALIX, release was delayed 75 minutes, reducing by half the infectivity of the new virus particle. When the scientists interfered with Tsg101, release was delayed 10 hours and new HIV particles were not infectious.
The scientists also showed that how fast an HIV particle releases from an infected cell depends on how much enzyme cargo it carries in the form of Pol proteins. By interfering with ESCRT proteins during virus-release experiments with viruslike particles made only of Gag protein but none of the normal Pol enzymes, the 75-minute delay shrank to only 20 minutes, and the 10-hour delay shrank to only 50 minutes.
"When the cargo is large, the virus particle needs more help from the ESCRTs to release on a timely fashion," Saffarian says.
Because HIV carries a large cargo, it depends on ESCRTs to release from an infected cell, so ESCRTs are good targets for drugs to delay release and let HIV proteases leak back into the host cell, making new HIV particles noninfectious, he says.
Bendjennat says other researchers already are looking for drugs to block ESCRT proteins in a way that would prevent the "neck" of the budding HIV particle from pinching off or closing, thus keeping it connected to the infected cell. But he says the same ESCRTs are needed for cell survival, so such drugs would be toxic.
Instead, the new study suggests the right approach is to use low-potency ESCRT-inhibiting drugs that delay HIV release instead of blocking it, rendering it noninfectious with fewer toxic side effects, he adds.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health. Saffarian also is funded as an investigator with USTAR, the Utah Science Technology and Research economic development initiative.
A study of emergency department (ED) patients with symptoms of gonorrhea or chlamydia found that three in four patients who were treated with antibiotics actually tested negative for these sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to a new study presented at the 43rd Annual Conference of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
Researchers from St. John Hospital & Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan, examined records of more than 1,103 patients who underwent STD testing in the ED to identify the extent of unnecessary antibiotic use. Genital cultures are commonly collected from patients with signs and symptoms of STDs; however, results are not immediately available, and antibiotics are often prescribed without a confirmatory diagnosis.
Of the 1,103 patients tested, 40 percent were treated with antibiotics for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia; of those treated, 76.6 percent ultimately tested negative for having the STD. Of the 60 percent who went untreated, only 7 percent ultimately tested positive for either or both STDs.
"We have to find the appropriate balance between getting people tested and treated for STDs, but not prescribing antibiotics to patients who don't need them," said Karen Jones, MPH, BSN, RN, infection preventionist, St. John Hospital & Medical Center. "There is a tricky balance between not furthering antibiotic resistance by over-prescribing, but also still getting people treatment for STDs they might have."
The study also examined how certain symptoms were associated with positive STD cultures. For example, in male patients, 60.3 percent with penile discharge and 57.5 percent with inflammation of the urethra tested positive for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. In female patients, 25 percent with inflammation of the cervix and 27 percent with cervical motion tenderness tested positive for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. Thirty-five percent of patients who disclosed they had more than one sex partner also tested positive for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. "Focusing on these clinical predictors may improve unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in patients without true disease," said Jones.
"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly a third of antibiotics prescribed in doctors' offices, emergency rooms, and hospital-based clinics in the U.S. are not needed," said APIC 2016 President Susan Dolan RN, MS, CIC, hospital epidemiologist, Children's Hospital Colorado. "Improving the use of antibiotics is a national and international priority to help prevent antibiotic resistance which would threaten our ability to treat even the simplest of infections."
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Provided by Association for Professionals in Infection Control
Record numbers of tourists flock to Georgia in May 2016
A record number of tourists have visited Georgia in the first five months of 2016, says the head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, Giorgi Chogovadze.Between January and May, Georgia hosted 2,119,275 international visitors (tourists, transit, and others), which was a 15 percent increase year-on-year (y/y).This was slightly less than the amount of tourists who visited Georgia in the whole of 2015.Of the 2,119,275 international visitors so far this year, 782,814 were tourists. This was an increase of 19 percent y/y.Meanwhile, in May 2016 alone, Georgia hosted 522,359 international visitors, which was 15 percent more y/y.The number of tourists who spent more than 24 hours in Georgia last month was 204,714 or 24 percent more y/y.Last month the most international visitors came from: Ukraine 31 percent increase; Russia 19 percent increase; Azerbaijan 18 percent increase; Turkey 7 percent increase; Armenia 4 percent increase.A positive trend was retained regarding visitors from European Union (EU) countries. In May 2016 growing numbers of EU visitors came from: Latvia - 64 percent increase; Poland - 30 percent increase; Germany - 29 percent increase; Lithuania - 21 percent increase.Chogovadze said significant growth in terms of visitor numbers was observed from: India - 319 percent increase; Iran - 300 percent increase; Oman - 149 percent increase; Israel - 122 percent increase; Saudi Arabia - 85 percent increase.Meanwhile last year 2,278,562 tourists visited Georgia, which was 2.2 percent more than in 2014.
Police charges six people
By Messenger Staff
Georgias Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has stated they have charged six people for the clash in Zugdidi during the local council by elections, that left dozens of people from opposing political groups heavily beaten up.The Ministry stated the six individuals had been identified as Giorgi S, Koba S, Giorgi S, Noshrevan S, Grigol T and Vladimer S handed themselves in at police stations and gave testimonies.They will now face charges for hooliganism.The MIA said all sides of the clash have been interrogated.On May 22, a fight involving dozens of people erupted between supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia (GDDG) party and the United National Movement (UNM) opposition faction outside a polling station in Kortskheli village, Zugdidi municipality, during the by-elections for the Sakrebulo (local council).The clash was strongly condemned by Georgias Prime Minister, who called it absolutely deplorable and tasked the Ministry of Justice to draft amendments that would ensure tough punishment for election violations.The UNM says the sportsmen who participated in the clash were GDDG supporters.For his party, many from the ruling coalition stated the clash was staged by the UNM in order to damage the image of the current Government.It is more interesting what the motivation of the sportsmen was, and which party or individual backed them.However, it is a common practice in Georgia when those directly involved in situations are detained while the major figures behind the act remain free.The police must ensure all questions over the incident be answered, as the case affects the Governments image.If the people are really GDDG supporters and if they were responsible for triggering the violence, they must be appropriately punished.It is also no excuse for the Government if some other party staged the clash, as the Government and police failed to timely address and calm the situation.Thus, the Kortskheli incident should serve as a lesson for the Government prior to the upcoming October parliamentary race.
The News in Brief
Tbilisi Zoo receives kangaroos and other new animal species
Tbilisi Zoo received 22 new animals on Monday. The animals were a gift from zoos in Germany and Belgium.
There are seven South American coatis, two Indian porcupines and ten striped mongoose from Germany, while three blue wildebeest were sent from Belgium.
The zoos management explained that the new arrivals are aid from the other zoos that was promised after the flood on June 13 2015, when almost half of Tbilisis zoo was devastated and many animals perished.
In March, the zoo received two parrots, three alpacas, one camel and one pack mule from Rigas zoo.
Director Zurab Gurielidze earlier told DFWatch that they expect more than 100 animals in May and June, including mongoose, kangaroos, spotted deer and monkeys. Some species, like kangaroos, have never been in Tbilisi Zoo before.
The new animals will be sent from zoos in the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, France, Turkey, Belgium, Israel and Latvia.
The management of the zoo told DFWatch that they now are expecting spotted deer, macaques, maned sheep and tapirs.
Many animals in Tbilisi Zoo died as a result of the flood in 2015. Some of the predators were shot in the streets. According to Gurielidze, the flood caused about USD 5 million worth of damage. (dfwatch.net)
Sophia Loren to visit Georgia on 13 June
A famous Georgian mezzo-soprano, Nino Surguladze, claims that legendary Italian actress Sophia Loren is coming to Georgia on 13 June.
The 81-year-old actress will join a charity event organized by Surguladzes Natvris Khe (Wishing Tree) foundation.
The event organized by our foundation will be attended by a world famous legend of cinema, Sophia Loren. She expressed her sincere desire to join and help us to save childrens lives, Surguladze writes.
The Natvris Khe international charity foundation, established by Nino Surguladze in 2014, helps gravely ill children to receive proper treatment. To this end, the foundation organizes concerts with the participation of world-famous stars. (IPN)
Historic Atskuri fortress and church restored in Georgias south-west
Two medieval monuments in Georgia's south-west are undergoing extensive restoration in a bid to preserve their architectural and cultural legacy.
The Atskuri Fortress and Holy Trinity Cathedral, located in a village 100km west of Tbilisi, is being restored in large-scale works led by the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia and National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia.
The two-year project will see significant rehabilitation of the two monuments damaged over many years of neglect and at the mercy of Mother Nature.
Restored in the 14th Century AD after the monastery whichh initially stood there was destroyed by an earthquake, the Atskuri Cathedral represented "one of the most important monument of Georgian religious architecture", said the Culture Ministry while announcing the restoration works today.
Currently, only one third of the building remains intact and most of the monastery was in a dilapidated condition.
Along with the monastery itself, the monument's territory was also significant for scientists and historians, with archaeological work currently underway at the site.
With minor repair works currently underway at the Cathedral, a large-scale restoration project was expected to be launched next year following the conclusion of the archaeological excavation.
The other significant monument of the village the Atskuri Fortress was one of the most significant defensive structures of the Middle Ages in Georgia.
Built on high ground to control the Mtkvari River valley and a major road leading to Georgia's south, the Fortress was built in the 10th Century AD and used for this purpose for nine centuries.
The two state offices involved in rehabilitation works said their 2015 project involved restoration of damaged parts of the construction including its outer wall and main citadel.
Georgia's Culture Ministry and Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation have been involved in several projects to restore medieval and ancient monuments across Georgia in recent years.
Georgia's state program for Cultural Heritage Protection involved monuments such as the 13th Century Skuri church in Georgia's northwest and ancient cave city Vardzia in the country's south. (agenda.ge)
Noisy discussions about so-called German Model
Discussions about the German model of election system proceeded in the form of harsh debates in the Parliamentary Law Committee. Verbal conflict took place between supporters of the project and representatives of the Georgian Dream faction. Six members voted for and two against.
Changes will be made to Article 125 of Election Code. Based on the draft project, the calculation system of election results and the rule of mandates distribution will change.
73 MPs will be elected through a majoritarian (single mandate) system, while 77 will be elected through a proportional variant. MPs of the Georgian Dream party do not support the draft-bill and claim that the proposed changes do not fit with the Constitution.
Vakhtang Khmaladze, a majority MP and a member of the Republican Party, is the initiator of the changes. (1tv.ge)
@ByKristenMClark
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Patrick Murphy's campaign says his primary opponent Alan Grayson should donate to charity any profits Grayson or his children made from previous investments in a company that operated in Eritrea -- an east African country whose government leaders, a United Nations commission now says, have committed "crimes against humanity."
Bloomberg Politics reported back in February that Grayson's children invested in -- and profited from -- a Canadian company called Nevsun that operates a gold and copper mine in Eritrea. The country is accused of using "forced labor via the national service program to help build the mine," Bloomberg reported.
Grayson told Bloomberg at the time: "I didnt know, I couldnt have known, and I did nothing wrong, nor did my children" and that "if I had known, then I would have divested." (The family ultimately did divest from Nevsun.)
Nonetheless, Murphy's campaign chastised Grayson then for the investment and renewed its call Thursday for Grayson to donate the money his family made.
Why now?
On Wednesday, a United Nations commission of inquiry said it found Eritrea's top political and military leaders "have committed and continue to commit" crimes including enslavement, imprisonment and disappearances, torture, rape and murder," The New York Times reported.
The newspaper wrote: "One of the most egregious offenses, the United Nation commission found, was the forced conscription of young people in a never-ending national service program that has driven thousands of young Eritreans to flee, many to Europe."
The Eritrean government denounced the report, saying it was deeply flawed and unsupported by evidence, the Times reported.
"While its barely a surprise to those who know his character, it is truly unconscionable that Alan Grayson refuses to donate this money to charity," Murphy campaign manager Josh Wolf said in a statement. "If Congressman Grayson has any sense of decency, he will donate every penny of his profit from the suffering of innocent people."
Bloomberg said it's unclear how much Grayson's family made from its investments. When asked by the Herald/Times for a response to Murphy's appeal, Grayson's campaign didn't specifically address it; his campaign manager, Michael Ceraso, said "once more Patrick Murphy is trying to distract voters."
"Rep. Grayson has a strong record of professional and legislative accomplishments, and nothing to hide," Ceraso said. "Rep. Grayson will fight to expand Social Security, Medicare and the minimum wage. That's what voters really care about."
Grayson and Murphy -- both U.S. congressmen -- and Miami labor attorney and former naval officer Pam Keith are running in the Aug. 30 primary in the race for Marco Rubio's U.S. Senate seat.
@PatriciaMazzei
An ally of Helen Aguirre Ferre defended the Republican Party's new Hispanic spokeswoman on Miami television Wednesday, asking a group of activists to drop their petition that Aguirre Ferre resign her post as chairwoman of the Miami Dade College board of trustees.
The activists, both undocumented immigrants with ties to the university, refused.
Aguirre Ferre, a former Jeb Bush adviser, is under pressure from immigration activists who argue she will be forced to defend presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump -- who says he wants to deport immigrants in the country illegally and build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Marili Cancio, like Aguirre Ferre a Republican and MDC trustee, told Spanish-language America TeVe that Aguirre Ferre's position as the Republican National Committee's Hispanic communications director shouldn't preclude her from leading the trustees.
"Who better than her" to speak to GOP leaders about immigrants, Cancio said on A Fondo (In Depth). "She has an impeccable reputation when it comes to DREAMers," immigrants brought into the country illegally as children.
But Maria Bilbao, of the Miami Dade College DREAMers, said on the same program that Aguirre Ferre didn't represent immigrants like her when she backed Republican Mitt Romney for president in 2012, "when he talked about self-deportation."
Student Roberto Benavides said he didn't know if Aguirre Ferre, in a paid position for the GOP, would side with immigrants or the party in future matters of policy.
"It's a paid position in which she doesn't have an opinion with the Republican Party -- other than promote the candidate," he said.
Cancio stressed Aguirre Ferre would also be speaking for other candidates who support giving DREAMers a path to U.S. citizenship.
"Attacking her is a grave error," she said.
@PatriciaMazzei
Carlos Beruff last week skipped what was supposed to be the first political forum featuring all five Republican candidates running to replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate. He told a Sarasota TV station the next day that he never intended to show up.
"I was never gonna go, so I don't understand what happened," the Manatee County developer told ABC 7. "I had a conflict, and I didn't go. That's all there is to it."
Except the event organizer said Beruff's campaign had confirmed its attendance back in April.
"'You already committed to me -- in April. And I know you committed to me first,'" Margi Helschien, president of America First, said she told a Beruff staffer when he told her last Tuesday that the candidate had a scheduling conflict.
The staffer didn't tell her what the conflict was -- only that it was a "private" matter (but not one involving his family, according to Helschien).
Beruff's campaign had already paid for a table inside the ballroom of the Boca Raton Marriott. He even had a place setting -- and a table for voters to pick up campaign signs, which had materials but no corresponding staffer.
"I still do not understand why he didn't come," Helschien said.
It's not the first time Beruff backs out of an appearance featuring a competitor, as Beruff rival Carlos Lopez-Cantera has noted. Both men were supposed to speak at a Hernando County Lincoln Day fundraiser, but Beruff ultimately didn't go.
The same thing happened in Brevard Countym, Chairman Barbara Davis said. She invited all the candidates. Beruff and defense contractor Todd Wilcox said they'd attend, but Beruff canceled at the last minute. (Wilcox did go.)
@PatriciaMazzei
Florida labor unions don't usually go out of their way to endorse Republican candidates -- especially when they're running in contested races against Democratic challengers.
But that's what the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees did earlier this week. It backed state Sen. Anitere Flores, a Miami Republican, on Monday.
Flores is seeking re-election to a newly redrawn seat that now leans Democratic. Last time Flores had a contested race, in 2010, AFSCME sat out the race. This time she's facing a well-funded Democrat, Andrew Korge. (A third candidate running without party affiliation, Sheila Lucas George, has also filed to run. Qualifying ends June 24.)
The senator attributed the endorsement to bucking the GOP on issues like Miami-Dade County's wage-theft protection ordinance, which some Republican lawmakers tried to ban in Tallahassee. "I went against party lines because it was the right thing to do," Flores said.
She'll have to try to win over independents and Democrats in a presidential-election year when more liberal-leaning voters head to the polls. The district extends from Westchester to Key West; Flores, who lives in Kendall, said she plans to move to the district.
After months of being vague, Marco Rubio told an Orlando TV station this week exactly why he was blocking the nomination of a South Florida judge to the federal bench.
Politico obtained a portion of an unaired interview that Rubio gave with WFTV in Orlando on Monday.
In it -- Politico reported -- Rubio said he had "concerns" that Miami lawyer Mary Barzee Flores gave, what Politico described as, "conflicting answers" to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and the Florida Judicial Nominating Commission about her previous support for a left-leaning political group, EMILY's List. Rubio was also reportedly troubled that Barzee Flores wasn't candid about her involvement in a 2001 criminal case that resulted in claims of ineffective counsel.
Four years ago, a federal judge found Barzee Flores and then-fellow Miami federal public defender Reuben Camper Cahn had "prejudiced" the case of a client, Yuby Ramirez, when they gave bad advice for her to reject plea deals from prosecutors. The judge threw out Ramirez's life sentence.
President Barack Obama nominated Barzee Flores, a former state circuit court judge, more than a year ago for a vacancy on South Florida's federal bench. Rubio's delay in advancing her nomination in the U.S. Senate has sparked criticism of partisanship.
Rubio told the Miami Herald last week that Barzee Flores was the "wrong person" for the federal appointment but didn't offer specifics.
Read Politico's full story here.
@ByKristenMClark
A progressive blogger in Los Angeles is ratcheting up criticism against Florida Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Patrick Murphy over his ties to political donors who benefit from a visa program that Murphy has supported.
Howie Klein, of the partisan "Down With Tyranny" blog, wrote Wednesday that he'd filed identical complaints with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of Congressional Ethics and the Federal Elections Commission alleging that Murphy "violated federal law and House (ethics) rules by accepting campaign contributions in exchange for co-sponsoring legislation sought by a contributor."
Read a copy of Klein's six-page complaint on his blog.
Klein and contributors to his blog have been routinely critical of Murphy's bid for U.S. Senate and highly supportive of his main primary opponent, fellow U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando -- whose campaign Klein has encouraged his readers to donate to. (Pam Keith is also running in the Aug. 30 primary against Murphy and Grayson.)
In a statement to the Herald/Times, Murphy campaign spokeswoman Galia Slayen didn't specifically address Klein's accusations but said the complaints were politically motivated.
"This complaint, written by one of Alan Grayson's most prominent fundraisers and supporters, isn't worth the paper it's written on. Congressman Grayson and his allies are just throwing mud at the wall and hoping it will stick," Slayen said, noting Grayson himself remains the subject of a congressional ethics investigation over hedge funds he managed.
At issue in Klein's complaints against Murphy is Murphy's support for the EB-5 visa program -- which fast-tracks foreign investors and their immediate family for green cards when they fund projects that create jobs for U.S. workers.
A psychiatrist who will help run a federally-approved study of the use of medical marijuana to treat veterans urged Floridians to pass Amendment 2 in November at a press conference in Fort Lauderdale.
Organizers of the amendment, United for Care, held the event Wednesday with Dr. Suzanne Sisley and two veterans who have used medical marijuana. The press conference was held at a Westin hotel, the site of a Viridian Cannabis conference about investing in the marijuana industry.
You have an opportunity in this state to embrace common sense in November, Sisley said. You have a chance to create a sanctuary where patients can finally get safe, legal access to exquisitely lab-tested cannabis. That would be a huge gift to the citizens of Florida and an important gift to the veterans of this state who desperately deserve that access.
A similar medical marijuana constitutional amendment drew support of 58 percent of Florida voters in 2014, two points shy of passage. Advocates hope that larger Democratic turnout in a presidential year will make the difference this time and that includes in left-leaning Broward where 63.5 percent of voters favored the amendment in 2014.
@PatriciaMazzei
One of the rivals whom state Sen. Gwen Margolis referred to as "Haitian" earlier this week said Wednesday all five of Margolis' opponents should unite to denounce her "ugly rant."
Former state Rep. Phillip Brutus also urged rallies to protest Margolis, who apparently called her opponents "three Haitians, some teacher and some lawyer." He further asked the city of North Miami to consider removing Margolis' name from a local community center.
Brutus wants Margolis to be denounced by Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz -- and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The Miami-Dade County Democratic Party's executive director has asked for Margolis to apologize.
Thanks to her widespread name recognition and robust campaign fundraising, Margolis is well-positioned to hold onto her seat, despite the challenges from Brutus, state Rep. Daphne Campbell, businessman Anis Blemur, teacher Don Festge and attorney Jason Pizzo.
Margolis, who is 81, "needs to take a break and enjoy a well-deserved retirement," Brutus said in a statement.
@ByKristenMClark
Todd Wilcox is fuming that Carlos Beruff said Wilcox and the three other Republican U.S. Senate candidates aren't "worth debating."
Wilcox unleashed a torrent of criticism on Beruff Thursday morning, going so far as to question Beruff's manhood in a lengthy open letter to Beruff entitled "Man up."
"I am a decorated combat veteran who has twice led men into battle in defense of your freedom and liberty. You see, where I come from, real men stand up and face their opponents with honor and integrity," Wilcox wrote. "Next time you want to make excuses for hiding from Florida voters, keep your misguided estimation of my 'worth' to yourself."
The letter is in reaction to comments Beruff made on Sarasota TV last week -- when Beruff explained why exactly he skipped what was supposed to be the first political forum featuring all five Republican candidates running to replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate.
"I was never gonna go, so I don't understand what happened," the Manatee County developer told ABC 7. "I had a conflict, and I didn't go. That's all there is to it."
Reporter Alan Cohn later asked Beruff if it was important for him to debate his opponents ahead of the Aug. 30 primary, and Beruff responded: "When there's somebody worth debating. At this point, I don't think there is any."
Beruff and Wilcox, both businessmen, are painting themselves as the "outsiders" in the contest, which also includes U.S. Reps. Ron DeSantis and David Jolly and Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez Cantera.
Lopez Cantera's campaign was also critical of Beruff's absence from last week's forum.
"Beruff is truly mastering the five D's of political dodgeball every time he continues to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and again, dodge the voters," Lopez Cantera spokeswoman Courtney Alexander said in a statement on Wednesday.
Wilcox said in his letter he's "not afraid" to speak to Republican supporters or stand on stages and take questions about issues. Implying Beruff is, Wilcox said: "You claim to be an outsider. You claim to be different than the guys in Washington, yet you're hiding behind your beltway consultants and your DC-produced political ads."
Beruff campaign spokesman Chris Hartline called Wilcox's letter "just another desperate cry for attention from one of our opponents."
"Carlos has travelled to all 67 counties in Florida meeting with voters, activists and local elected officials to talk about his message of bringing real change to Washington and will continue to do so," Hartline said in a statement.
Here's Wilcox's full "open letter" to Beruff:
GREAT FALLS While art shouldn't be reduced to numbers, the figures in Dana Boussard's most recently completed project beg to be listed.
The stained glass she and architect Dennis Lippert produced for Holy Spirit Catholic Church comprise more than 40 panes and 16,000 individual pieces of glass, which took almost a decade to complete.
The final sections of the piece, titled "And You Are the Branches," were installed earlier this week, as Boussard and Lippert marked the ending of their latest collaboration.
It's the largest glass installation Boussard has ever undertaken, and the most long-running and complex of her career.
Boussard has long worked in public and private art commissions, which are different processes than producing a studio work.
She said these pieces aren't as "selective in viewing. People don't necessarily have to specifically go to find art. The art comes to find you," she said.
It more closely resembles older contexts of art: created in the public square or religious places.
"It's a wonderful way to bring work into the public sphere," she said.
There's also a sense of interaction: they're designed for a specific space, who the viewers are and how they'll engage with the piece.
***
The congregation commissioned the piece and paid for it via parishioners' donations. The first section, a towering set of windows behind the altar that rises 42 feet and 8 feet wide, is flanked by two smaller sets of panes, measuring 22 feet high and 6 feet wide.
After those sections were installed in 2008, the project went on hiatus while the congregation raised more money. Boussard said it was important to her that the windows all have the same design flowing through the room.
"It should have a unity to it that makes you move from here to there and then around to the other side," she said.
High above on the opposite end of the multi-story ceiling is "the rose window," a circular pane 9.5 feet in diameter.
For the second round, they installed pieces on the windows to the side of the alter, plus chevrons on the tops of the windows in the north and south ends of the room. Completing those windows was the final step.
***
Boussard, an award-winning artist based in Arlee, has produced some 60 public art projects over her career, spanning large-scale textile works, drawings, paintings and stained glass.
No matter the medium, they always look like Boussard's work, whether in the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis or the University of Montana's business building.
When the church commissioned the piece, she solicited a few ideas for symbolic imagery to be interwoven. Their suggestions were wind and wheat, which she incorporated with a eye toward graceful movement.
"All of these have wheat that flows and keeps moving, 'cause that's Great Falls for you: Wind and wheat," said Boussard, a Choteau native.
Boussard arranged the wheat at the ground level. In the centerpiece, the composition rises through leaves into ribbons of blue sky and red birds, eventually culminating with a gold and orange chalice and host and a heavily abstracted figure of the Virgin Mary rising into the heavens. She's situated in the skylight, where the background of stars can be illuminated at night for passers-by.
The title comes from a quote from John 15:5, "I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, bears fruity in plenty."
The pieces have a comforting palette of blues, browns, red for the birds, greens for leaves, plus yellow and gold - the effect is anything but stern, old-fashioned stained glass.
The compositions, often paired in mirrored panes, reference the natural world and religious symbols with long flowing curves, occasionally contrasted with triangular forms that narrow to a thin, sharp point.
Reproducing these ideas in the rigid, fragile form of glass fell to Lippert, a Missoula architect who's worked in stained glass for some 40 years.
Lippert enrolled at the University of Montana with the intention of working in stained glass. He traded a Volkswagen van for a stained glass studio that was up for sale, and moved into the shop above Eddie's Club. He worked in glass and furniture for a number of years, and briefly lived in California, where he built a 21-foot stained glass dome for George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch.
Here in Montana, he restored the ceiling piece in the Montana State Capitol Building in Helena and the long-running restoration at St. Francis Xavier Church in Missoula.
Boussard contacted him in 1986, seeking his help on stained glass windows for St. Joseph Parish in Choteau. She grew up there, and designed the piece in memory of her late father, a dentist and prominent community member, after her mother suggested the idea.
Their other projects include public pieces for Big Bend College in Moses Lake, Washington, and Rocky Mountain College in Billings. A free-standing, curving piece for a science lab in Anchorage, Alaska, is another another example of their experimentation.
Lippert said with Boussard's ideas and his techniques, they're "pushing the limits of stained glass."
For Holy Spirit, all those flowing lines pose difficulties on the work table. Some forms curve while gradually decreasing in width until they're only a quarter-inch, and then taper off to a point - a tricky shape to cut without risking a break.
"The tendency is that they'll snap at the end," she said. Indeed, many did snap over the course of the project.
The lines also flow smoothly because the two use copper foil to join the glass instead of thicker, heavier lead.
Another technical trick Lippert developed is placing the Rebar-reinforcement on the backside of the glass. Instead of awkwardly breaking up her lines to make room for the Rebar, Boussard uses a number of strong lines in each pane, then Lippert welds Rebar on the backside of that line, where it's not visible.
From the outside, viewed through the Thermapane windows, the colors and forms are clear and the Rebar isn't - the lines are softened and it seems looser, in the vein of Matisse or Rudy Autio.
The years' worth of cutting and soldering was executed by Lippert and a rotating cast of helpers at Boussard's studio in Arlee, which is large enough to accommodate work tables that could fit the panes.
Boussard and Lippert meticulously measured the panes on site at the church, sometimes more than once to account for the minute, quarter-inch variations in the size of seemingly identical window panes.
Others were challenging on height alone, such as windows in the spire.
"I had to get up on a cherry-picker and go all the way up to measure in the wind," Lippert said, adding that the wind was blowing "full-blast."
After Boussard and the church settled on the final designs, she drew them to scale and then blew them up to life size in black and white.
The color for the drawings was added in next. To cut the pieces, Lippert had to lay the glass on top of the drawing and "trace" the lines just so.
The glass itself, some of it hand-rolled so it has organic-seeming variations, was made in Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Indiana and more locations that the two visited, to make sure the glass looked the way they wanted in large pieces versus small samples.
***
The church requests mostly opaque glass for the earlier sections, but wanted some clear glass incorporated in the final ones to allow more light in.
Boussard maintained the same design style while leaving many of the sections clear, yet intersected with branches and leaves.
These were the panels going in on Tuesday, in preparation for an open house and reception on Saturday. With a project of this size, there's always more details. Reeve Tinnell, one of their assistants, was checking the translucent panes for smudges and clearing them off with a razor blade.
Then TC Class hoisted them up with a scaffolding and put them in place, making sure that lines from separate pieces matched up.
"I felt very good about doing a project of this size," Boussard said.
It was a costly and lengthy project, but strangely enough the investment of time produced another important facet to her: a sense of permanence.
The unbroken blue of the Western skyline and plains filled with cowboys in action are how most people recall the paintings of Frederic Remington, who recorded and mythologized the region at the turn of the 1900s.
Most people in the artist's lifetime never viewed his work that way, said Lee Silliman. "Ninety-nine point nine percent of Americans never saw an original Remington oil in the 1800s. This is how they saw Remington," he said.
The photographer was standing in the Montana Museum of Art and Culture's Meloy Gallery, where he's sharing his collection of engravings by Remington from Harper's Weekly in an exhibition titled, "Dramatic Moments: Frederick Remington's Early Engravings, 1882-1893."
"Artists wanted their paintings reproduced and published to gain notoriety. There weren't art museums everywhere like there are now," he said.
Illustrations like these helped make Remington wealthy, after which he transitioned fully into a fine-art career.
Remington's first art appeared in Harper's in 1882. Four years later, he was hired as a staff artist.
Remington would create sketches and full paintings that would turn over to the magazine's art department, where uncredited artists would meticulously adapt his compositions onto wood-blocks.
As MMAC curator Jeremy Canwell explained, during the time period wood engraving was "an advanced medium" to mass produce images of a painting or drawing. It wasn't until the adaptation of half-tone reproductions based on a photograph of the original, that engraving became obsolete for commercial purposes.
Remington, a New York native, traveled to Montana and Wyoming in 1881. Among the pieces are a few depicting a Blackfeet Indian Sun Dance ceremony.
***
Silliman is a retired chemistry and physics teacher who taught at Powell County High School in Deer Lodge for more than four decades
He's developed a career as a photographer, working with a traditional field camera and bringing his heavy gear out into the Bob Marshall Wilderness by mule.
He began collecting the engravings from Harper's about five years ago. He picked up a copy of the weekly magazine because of a different engraving, but Remington was on the cover.
He's a fan of the medium - he has about a thousand total and some 75 Remingtons, including multiples.
"These are the best of the Remingtons in my collection, mainly because of their size and the date," he said.
He buys many of them up on eBay, or from antiquarian dealers that know he collects Remingtons.
Most of the pieces in the self-curated, traveling show are engravings, but there a few half-tone reproductions, in which tiny dots and not etch marks are used to render the image.
He prefers the "vibrancy of contrast" in the wood-blocks. As a whole, he collects engravings because of their clarity.
The anonymous engravers did a fine job re-creating Remington's compositions, which Canwell described as having "utter cacophony and rambunctiousness" in some scenes, such as "Cowboys Coming to Town for Christmas." He pointed out the way the horses' hooves are all in the air at the same time, a choice he likened to futurism.
"It's supposed to overwhelm you," he said. As a whole, he and Silliman said the engravings were meant to satisfy East Coast audiences' cravings for information about the West.
"They were desperate, thirsty for knowledge about the Western frontier," Silliman said.
"Or pictures of the mythology," Canwell added.
Flathead Audubon has reserved the spacious group pavilion campsite at the Tally Lake Campground on Thursday, June 9, and Friday, June 10, for two or three days of birding and relaxing. Throughout the event, participants will focus on bird identification, birding by ear and photography. Expect to find a wide variety of migrant and resident birds, most notably the warbler species. The cost of camping is free. Call Jill or Mike Fanning at 406-862-8070 with questions.
On Sunday, Flathead Audubon will host a field trip at Tally Lake with the Kalispell West Loon Ranger from Fish, Wildlife and Parks to see recently hatched common loon chicks and adults on several local nesting lakes. Actual destinations will depend on timing and success of this years loon hatch. The trip is ideal for people of all ages and young families. Walking may be necessary for short distances and down hills or trails to observation points. The Loon Ranger intern will provide a spotting scope and information about northwest Montana loons, loon behaviors and loon interactions with each other and humans. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the FWP office, 490 N. Meridian Road, in Kalispell. Bring lunch, binoculars, warm clothes, boots and rain gear. Expect to return will be between 12:30 and 2 p.m. To sign up or for more information, contact ShannanReichenberg at sareichenberg@fs.fed.us or 406-758-3534.
POLSON Two people have been arrested for deliberate homicide in connection with the body of a teenager discovered in a camper near Arlee last week.
Stephen and Kassandra Seese are both in custody, Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said late Thursday afternoon.
The husband and wife were uncle and aunt to 18-year-old Richard Warner, whose body was found concealed in a camper on Coombs Lane near Arlee a week ago, where the three apparently lived at one time.
Warner had not been seen or heard from since February. No missing persons report was ever filed with law enforcement.
The sheriff's office was notified on June 2 that a body had been found in the camper.
Bell said Stephen Seese was already incarcerated in the Shoshone County Jail in Wallace, Idaho, on probation violation charges. He has waived extradition to Montana.
Kassandra Seese was arrested at her mothers house in Springdale, Washington, by the Stevens County Sheriffs Office.
Bell said she was transferred to the Spokane County Detention Center on Thursday.
Warner was beaten to death, the sheriff said.
The Lake County Attorneys Office sought arrest warrants for the Seeses late Wednesday afternoon.
SUPERIOR Striking sheriffs office employees in Mineral County are back at work pending state mediation over failed contract negotiations.
Sixteen deputies, dispatchers and detention officers returned to their shifts starting Thursday morning, ending their Memorial Day walkout after 10 days.
Shawn Fontaine, representative of Teamsters Local Union No. 2, said mediation between the union and the county has been set for 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 15, in Superior with the Montana Department of Labors Board of Personal Appeals and mediator Bill Smith.
The decision to return to work was unanimous.
They want to get back to work. They like their job and like what they do, Fontaine said. We could have stayed out until mediation was over but the members chose to return.
Given the nature of their jobs in the public safety realm, he added, Its the right thing to do.
We needed to select a date in which the state mediator was available as well as the union and the county's labor attorney, Roman Zylawy, chairman of Mineral County board of commissioners, said in an email. The union said that once a date was established they would end their strike and return to work."
Zylawy said after "several back-and-forth possible dates," the June 15 date was settled Wednesday night.
"So today the date ... was announced for mediation negotiations and sheriff employees returned to work at 10 a.m.
Negotiations of return to work conditions hit one snag. Fontaine said the county had canceled the strikers health insurance on May 31, the day after the strike began. Sheriff Tom Bauer said he urged commissioners at their Thursday morning meeting to contact Fontaine to work it out.
During a speakerphone call to Fontaine as he drove to the courthouse, the county representatives agreed to resume paying the premiums.
Everybody goes back to status quo," Fontaine said. "They retain their seniority and there are no negative impacts from them going on strike.
Their return was a big relief, Bauer said Thursday afternoon as he headed home for a rest after the prolonged ordeal. Bauer, Undersheriff Mike Boone and longtime lead dispatcher Roni Phillips ran the show during the strike with the help of a retired dispatcher and three detention officers.
Between running the jail and taking calls, Bauer and Boone worked 16 to 18 hours a day and were called out several times after they'd gone home.
Thankfully, Bauer said, there were "no shootings, no robberies or anything like that" during the 10-day strike.
"Just your typical stuff. We dealt with an assualt last night, but nothing outrageous or real bad."
Five deputies, five dispatchers and six detention officers had worked without a contract since last July 1. They established a picket line on the sidewalk in front of the county courthouse during courthouse hours. A county official said last week that past sheriff's office employee contracts have included no-strike clauses. While union police and fire department employees cant strike in Montana, sheriffs office workers can unless the right has been negotiated out of their contracts.
The Mineral County workers are asking for multi-year contracts and raises higher than the 50 cents and 70 cents per hour county commissioners proposed in what they called their final offer on May 13. Two weeks later the employees voted unanimously to strike and sent commissioners a letter informing them of the decision.
We still dont have a contract, Fontaine said. The county has their proposal, we have our proposal and the deals somewhere in the middle. We just have to find that sweet spot where everybodys satisfied.
A Missoula man charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend allegedly told her,You make people want to kill you.
William Robert Scheerer, 43, made his initial appearance in Missoula County Justice Court on Wednesday following his June 6 arrest. He is charged with felony aggravated assault as well as misdemeanor partner or family member assault, tampering with a communication device and two counts of criminal mischief in relation.
According to a court affidavit, a sheriffs deputy spoke with a woman at Providence St. Patrick Hospital on Saturday regarding an assault. The woman said Scheerer, her ex-boyfriend, had strangled her two days earlier. The pair had been in a relationship for the past year and a half, but the woman said she ended the relationship around two months ago.
The alleged victim said she had awakened from a nap on June 2 and found that her cellphone was locked because someone had tried to open it but used the wrong password, adding that Scheerer was the only other person in the house at the time.
She said Scheerer was lying on the couch, and when she tried to wake him up, he kicked her several times until she fell to the ground, then allegedly climbed on top of her. According to the affidavit, Scheerer proceeded to strangle the woman before turning her over and punching her the in face. When he was allegedly strangling her, the woman said Scheerer told her that You make people want to kill you.
When he stopped, Scheerer allegedly went over to the womans supply of dog food, dumped it onto the floor and poured motor oil on it. She said he also broke one of her windows and her television screen. She said when she attempted to call 911, Scheerer took the phone from her and threw it down a hill before driving away.
When she recovered her phone the next day, the woman said she had voicemails and several text messages from Scheerer, including one that read Im so sorry baby I dont know what to do.
In court Wednesday, chief deputy county attorney Jason Marks asked that Scheerer continue to be held on $100,000 from his arrest warrant, although he said he could be screened for pretrial supervision.
Public defense attorney Ted Fellman asked that bail be set at $10,000 at the most, saying that if he wasn't released, Scheerer was worried he would lose his job.
Orzech set bail at $100,000 and allowed him to be screened for pretrial supervision. She said he is not to have contact with his alleged victim and if released, he will be monitored for alcohol.
Orzech said Scheerer may not have phone contact with the alleged victim, but that he can use a third party to contact her. Marks said the woman has some of his possessions at the residence, Orzech said no.
It's too soon. It's not right. This is a very violent attack. Alleged attack, she said.
The bomb threat discovered in a Sentinel High School bathroom on Tuesday is an assumed hoax, Principal Ted Fuller said Wednesday.
Even though the threat wasnt credible, we still took it seriously, Fuller said.
The threat, which mentioned June 8, was discovered Tuesday. Police increased presence at the school the day of the threat. On Tuesday officials determined there was no credible danger in the threat.
This isn't the only graffiti threat in Montanan schools this year. A school shooting message on the stalls in the boys bathroom at Columbia Falls Junior High in May and a bomb threat forced the evacuation of Bigfork High School on May 12.
Missoula County will have a new commissioner this fall.
Dave Strohmaier has defeated incumbent Stacy Rye in the Democratic primary race for Missoula County Commissioner.
Strohmaier earned 10,129 votes to Ryes 9,317 during Tuesdays election. There are still roughly 1,000 provisional ballots to be counted by the Missoula County Elections Office staff, but Strohmaiers victory is all but guaranteed. He will face Todd James Geery of Milltown in the general election in November. Geery ran unopposed on the Republican primary ticket. Missoula County is historically a heavily Democratic-leaning electorate.
"It was a good night, there's no doubt about it," Strohmaier said as he retrieved yard signs on Wednesday morning.
He added that if he wins in November, he will govern in alignment with the same issues he's been campaigning on.
"I will bring a different voice and perspective to the commission," he said. "Among other things, I currently work in the private sector, so that will be a good perspective. My background in natural resource management, particularly fire management, will be an important asset to bring to the commission as far as an understanding of the landscapes that we live in."
Overall, Strohmaier said one of his top priorities will be to listen to the constituencies across the county.
"It's way to easy for someone to armchair and second-guess others and what I want to do over the course of the next number of months, and when I'm hopefully elected in November, is to reach out to county staff and residents across the county and hear what good ideas they have going forward," he said.
Strohmaier is a professional historian and lists his top priorities as land stewardship and conservation, planning, public safety and justice.
"I plan on making sure we implement the plans we have on the books for various communities, whether it's Seeley Lake or Target Range," he said. "I hear way to often that we just develop plans and then they gather dust and nothing happens."
He said that he thinks the county can do a better job of providing adequate mental health and drug addiction treatment options. He also wants to reach out to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to forge partnerships.
"I want to continue the process of reaching out to folks to hear their concerns and learn more about what we can do better," he said.
Rye was appointed to the commissioners seat last September to replace retiring Bill Carey. She joined Jean Curtiss and Cola Rowley to make it the first all-woman board of commissioners in Missoula County since 1994 and only the second one in state history.
However, Curtiss publicly endorsed Strohmaier earlier this spring, saying that she didnt believe Ryes leadership style was the right fit for the county. Rowley also made a contribution to Strohmaiers campaign.
Both Strohmaier and Rye served together on the Missoula City Council in the past.
As they consider a Bozeman developers appeal of the Historic Preservation Commissions denial of a demolition permit for the Missoula Mercantile building, the members of the Missoula City Council have been told not to consider emotional outbursts as evidence.
The councils Land Use and Planning committee met for the first time Wednesday to discuss an appeal by HomeBase Montana, which has proposed to deconstruct the historic Merc building downtown and build a five-story hotel with ground-floor retail space. HomeBase was denied a permit by the HPC and filed an appeal, and the 12-member City Council now has until July 11 to either approve, approve with conditions or deny the permit.
Dont overthink it, said council member Gwen Jones, an attorney. We will be looking at plain language. Keep it simple and use common sense. Were dealing with property rights, so evidence we use for any analysis needs to be good evidence. Emotional outbursts are not evidence. When dealing with property rights we have to use analysis. This is serious.
Council member Emily Bentley has worked with the city clerk and historic preservation officer Leslie Schwab to organize all the relevant information. Its apparent that during the LUP committee meetings, Bentley wont tolerate anything but a strict adherence to the procedure set forth in city ordinances. She made it clear that she hopes her fellow aldermen and alderwomen will do their homework so that the council can make a decision by the July 11 deadline, if not during a public hearing before the entire city council on June 27.
Its very important over the next six weeks that we have efficiency and organization, so I encourage you to come to these meetings read-up and prepared, Bentley said. We have an obligation to finish in a certain amount of time.
***
City attorney Jim Nugent advised the committee on the importance of remaining neutral during the deliberation process and making sure all comments are made during public hearings.
This is private property, its not public property, Nugent said, referring to the Merc building, which is owned by a Virginia-based real estate investment firm, Octagon Partners. Its currently in compliance with the zoning classification and the proposed use is also in compliance with applicable zoning. In this instance, both land uses are already authorized by zoning that the city council has applied to this property.
Nugent said that a land use case involving Waterworks Hill that went to the Supreme Court many years back found that emotional comment is not actual evidence in most cases.
Jones said that the council members have to separate conjecture and speculation from actual facts.
When someone says something and you ask them how they know, and they say John told me, thats not personal knowledge, she said. Do you have a test or some documentation to prove it? Evidence can be weak or strong. You have to determine whether its credible.
She also tried to hammer home the importance of appearing unbiased, if for no other reason than to deny a legal appeal from either the applicant or an aggrieved citizen.
If your spouse was murdered and the alleged murderer was going on trial, and the judge had a blog where they wrote about it or they liked a Facebook page about it, would you want that judge presiding over the trial? Of course not, she said.
Earlier this spring, four members of the HPC had to recuse themselves from voting because an investigation by the city attorney's office found that they had shown bias by, among other things, "liking" a "Save the Merc" Facebook page. The HPC members denied bias, but refrained from voting anyway.
***
Council member Jordan Hess asked if the council could impose certain conditions such as a requirement to preserve part of the facade on a development agreement between HomeBase and the city.
I could envision that as a voluntary alternative option that the applicant might be interested in, Nugent said.
Nugent also clarified that city ordinances require the mayor to advise the council on certain issues and make recommendations, so Mayor John Engens advocacy for the project does not open up the city to any legal liability. He said the mayor has the option of recusing himself in the event of a 6-6 tie, because although he is technically the tie-breaking vote, he has recused himself in the past. The council would then need to go back and figure out another process if there is a tie vote.
Bentley also asked Schwab to get the committee the structural reports on the Merc building that the Missoula Public Library commissioned when it was looking at moving into the spot.
Its a public agency, and I feel like we should have access to that, she said.
***
HomeBase has asserted that it was not economically feasible for them to preserve the facade of the building or renovate it. They have often pointed to the fact that 20 other potential buyers have also backed out due to the high costs associated with renovating the building and still attracting a tenant willing to pay market-based rents.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted last week to say that Octagon has not made a good faith effort to find an alternative that would result in preserving the building.
HomeBase immediately filed an appeal to the City Council, saying among other things that the HPC failed to support its decision with facts, even acknowledging during the meeting they had stricken all findings which supported approval of the application.
Jones told the committee on Wednesday that she appreciated the fact that they all had other jobs.
This is going to take a lot of time, she said. This is a multi-million dollar building. I know you can, to the best of your ability, prepare for this and we have a responsibility toward that. I know what hard workers you all are for that.
She also reiterated that council members should not talk about the Merc outside of public hearings.
I try to take a walk in my neighborhood and I am tackled by people wanting to talk about it, she said.
As the rhetoric ramps up leading to the election and the next legislative session, so does the finger-pointing at the failure of the past legislature to pass meaningful infrastructure funding in the final form of Senate Bill 416. After passing the Senate by 473, SB 416 failed by one vote of the necessary two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives. The bill had the support of 51 of 88 Republicans, 62 Democrats, and Gov. Steve Bullock. Yet it failed of final passage. Some people now seek to identify the inclusion of the renovation and expansion of the Montana Historical Society facility The Montana Heritage Center as the explanation for the defeat of the infrastructure bill. These people describe The Montana Heritage Center as unnecessary, a pet project and pork. We find that an astonishing claim.
The Montana Historical Society, created in 1865, has faithfully and assiduously collected, preserved and assured access for Montana citizens to the historic documents, newspapers, photographs, artifacts and art of Montanas history for more than 150 years. The current home of the Montana Historical Society, the Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building, stands directly adjacent to the state Capitol. Funded by the 1949 Legislature and opened in 1953, the current structure has long since become dysfunctional for the stewardship and appropriate exhibition of Montanas treasures and for the invaluable research conducted by scholars and citizens alike.
Recognized as The Smithsonian of the West, the Montana Historical Society must severely constrain its service and educational programs to commemorate and celebrate Montanas rich history. The Montana Heritage Center, designed to improve these conditions, has come before every legislative session since 2005, having secured limited bonding authority in that session. However, a small minority of legislators has prevented approval of the necessary changes to preserve and share with all citizens our exciting and important history. In our view, the preservation of the records, artifacts and art of our past represents a duty and responsibility of the current generation of Montanans to succeeding generations. Referring to this generational obligation as pork demeans all Montanans and their heritage.
The Montana Heritage Center project responds to the imperative to protect, expand, preserve and share the growing collections assembled by the Montana Historical Society. As an infrastructure project, construction of The Montana Heritage Center will reduce the risk of losing or damaging the irreplaceable history of past generations so that future generations of Montanans can enjoy and learn from this inheritance. The current facility, quite appropriate for its time, has reached the state that a catastrophic failure looms, given the cramped conditions and the rising demands placed on the Society. The board of trustees has developed the project to assure that The Montana Heritage Center will again allow all Montanans to celebrate our state, our history and our distinctive culture and way of life.
We, the members of the board of trustees, collectively encourage those who remain uncertain about the inclusion of The Montana Heritage Center in the legislative infrastructure package to visit the current historic but inadequate facility to learn of the work, view the collections, investigate the issues and see for themselves the shortcomings of an aging building, the preservation of which we have integrated into the project. We invite them to join the many thousands who visit the facility each year. The Montana Historical Society, as The Montana Heritage Center, belongs to all Montanans, not to those of us charged to oversee the Society and the Center. As citizens of this great state, we all have a stake in our common history, regardless of race, ethnicity, recency of arrival or political philosophy. Without question, our common history and shared culture richly deserve respect and thoughtful consideration, not the derogatory labeling of the past few months.
In the months ahead, we invite all Montana citizens to join us in refuting and rejecting all misleading and inaccurate statements about The Montana Heritage Center and the Montana Historical Society and the impact of their vital work and statewide reach. We, the Society trustees, function as your servants, the stewards of a celebrated heritage and a wonderful collection of records, artifacts and art revealing that heritage. We respectfully urge all Montanans to protect our common legacy.
Character counts. Character matters. Character is an important quality for leaders of anything. Our personal character traits are core values upon which our thinking and actions are based.
How important is personal character in the president of the United States of America and recognized leader of the free world? Is the answer to that question not rather obvious?
We presently have a presidential candidate in Donald Trump whose character should definitely be publically called to question. What character values do I think should be evident in our nation's leader? They are things like honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, courage, humility, and mature and dependable leadership. A dream? Perhaps, perhaps not.
When I was a kid back on our Wisconsin farm, in the summer we loved to lie out in our little ball field and gaze up at the constellations and the moon. It was totally quiet and dark. We murmured to each other and dreamed our dreams. Then one day I was an adult and a man walked on the moon! Dreams do come true.
As Joy Reid said May 11 on MSNBC: "We don't need to examine Trump. We need to examine ourselves. How could we even think of actually electing this man [Trump] as our president?
Character does matter, and perhaps we each need to examine ourselves in this all-important election year and see what traits are motivating our decisions. When leaders use fear-mongering tactics, people tend to crave and accept authoritarian rule and rally around attack on others. When leaders sensibly and realistically advocate for change, people tend to crave and accept logic and positive action. One leads to conflict and divisiveness. The other leads to cooperation and working together for the common good.
The character of a nation is determined by the character of its people and its leaders. The choice is ours.
Bob McClellan,
Polson
Greg Gianfortes remarks about Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks at a February gathering in Malta disqualify him to be our governor.
His honestly stated belief that FWP is at war with the landowners of the state reveals a man who, in his heart, would work hard to bring back an elitism that should have passed with Buttes Copper Kings.
Gianfortes stated views in Malta are consistent with his efforts to block stream access to sportsmen who were using an existing easement on property he owns on the East Gallatin in Bozeman.
What is inconsistent is his dissembling - amateurish and inaccurate to explain away his apparently deeply held belief that Montana is for sale and control by rich folks like himself and the rest of us be damned.
And Montanas Board of Regents accepting his donation and putting his name on a building at Montana State University implicates them in endorsing the behaviors and views of someone who truly does not share our normal views of fairness.
After all, Gianfortes donations to a group that spews hatred against gay people must be seen as a step backward in a country that has moved forward on civil rights in my lifetime.
What you do to the least of these, you do to me, Jesus says.
Why the stench of elitism and bigotry is wafting in the winds of 2016, I do not know. But, more simply, it is clear that Gianfote should not have any more power and influence than he does now. He should not be our governor.
Ed Chaberek,
Superior
HELENA (AP) The Montana Supreme Court has overturned a conviction and ordered a new trial in the case of a former Sidney High School janitor charged with stealing a plasma cutter from the school shop in 2014.
Jeffrey Thomas Weber appealed his felony theft conviction, arguing his attorney failed to prove that the plasma cutter was worth less than $1,500 and the charge should have been a misdemeanor.
In a ruling filed Tuesday, the justices found that Weber's attorney was not properly prepared and failed to lay the foundation to introduce into evidence an inventory list made by the former shop teacher that valued the equipment at $1,500 three years before it was taken.
Police reports
VEHICLE THEFT
A Butte woman reported her gray 1997 Ford Explorer went missing from the 2300 block of Massachusetts Avenue between noon and 3 p.m. Wednesday. Police say tools estimated at $2,000 were in the vehicle. There was no forced entry.
ASSAULT ALLEGED
Clifton Stack, 30, of Butte was arrested for misdemeanor partner or family member assault Wednesday after a 31-year-old woman told police they argued at their residence on the 600 block of South Dakota Street.
The victim alleges she threw Stack out, locked the door and he kicked it in. He grabbed her hair, forced her over the couch and began hitting her. Police arrived and saw the suspect strike the victim with his fists, and then flee the home. He was caught on the property.
DRUG CHARGES
Robert House, 26, of Butte faces charges of felony use or possession of property subject to forfeiture, felony criminal possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor criminal possession of drug paraphernalia after police assisted probation and parole on the first block of West Gold Street on Wednesday.
Police found syringes, .7 grams of meth, a scale, clear plastic bags and an undetermined amount of cash. House is also facing a parole violation.
WANTED MAN
A report of suspicious activity on in the area of Centennial and Excelsior led police to arrest Brian Taylor, 26, of Butte for felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and misdemeanor criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. He was wanted on a $1,000 criminal contempt warrant issued in Butte city court. He was found with a glass pipe and .5 grams of meth.
A Deer Lodge women admitted having sexual intercourse with a Montana State Prison inmate in 2015 at a change of plea hearing Thursday in Butte district court.
Sherrill Dawn Kraakmo also pleaded guilty to charges of felony transferring illegal articles and misdemeanor unauthorized communication before Judge Kurt Krueger.
Kraakmo, who was employed as a business specialist by Montana Correctional Enterprises, is accused of providing a cellphone and charger to an inmate and communicating with him outside her work duties between March 1 and May 6, 2015, according to court documents.
In March and April of that year, prosecutors say she had sex intercourse with the inmate at the prisons Cow Camp. Kraakmo had disciplinary authority over the inmate, the document states.
Powell County Attorney Lewis Smith made a motion to dismiss a second count of felony sexual intercourse without consent, which Krueger granted.
A presentence investigation was waived by Smith and the defendants attorney, Michael B. Grayson.
Kraakmo remains free on her own recognizance. A sentencing hearing was not set.
Two suspects taken into police custody early Wednesday on Interstate 15 near Butte have been charged in connection with a burglary in Helena.
Calvin Veigel, 32, of Helena appeared Thursday before Butte justice court Judge Debra Williams and was charged with felony burglary. His alleged partner in crime, Alexa Olaso, 30, of Box Elder was charged with felony theft.
The arrest warrants were issued in Lewis and Clark County.
Veigel and Olaso were found on I-15 near the Feeley exit by Butte-Silver Bow police, who said the duo appeared paranoid and were flagging down vehicles after reportedly seeing a red vehicle with somebody in the trunk.
Undersheriff George Skuletich said prior to police responding to a report of an accident on I-15, Helena law enforcement had issued an attempt to locate on a vehicle registered to Veigel they believed may have been involved in a burglary.
Veigel is also facing charges of felony criminal possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor criminal possession of drug paraphernalia in Butte justice court.
Olaso and Veigel are being held at the county jail on $25,000 and $75,000 bond, respectively.
A Butte man and woman pleaded not guilty at their arraignments Thursday in Butte district court to charges of identity theft, forgery and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Along with offenses of felony criminal possession of meth with intent to sell meth and misdemeanor criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, Amanda Brooke Davis, 31, faces felony forgery by accountability and misdemeanor identity theft and Boris Argo Barry, 26, faces forgery and identity theft, both felonies, in connection with forged checks at Butte businesses.
Barry and Davis, who says shes homeless, were arrested in late April at the Motel 6 in Rocker after Butte-Silver Bow police were notified by a manager at Murdochs Ranch and Home Supply on Harrison Avenue to respond to the motel due to a callers inquiry about a declined gift card.
According to an affidavit, a motel manager reported that a woman had checked in using a Visa gift card. Police officers knew the woman named was suspected of forging checks using a stolen ID. A Facebook photo of Davis was shown to the manager, who identified her as the woman who registered at the motel.
After a search warrant for the room was obtained, the K-9 unit and investigators discovered crystal-like substances that tested positive for meth, $340 and a variety of drug paraphernalia including glass pipes, scales, razors, rubber tubes, the affidavit states.
According to the affidavit, several plastic bags each weighed and labeled with letters were removed from a black case containing a crystalline substance that also tested positive for meth.
Investigators also found identification cards belonging to other individuals, wallets, checks and various items that were purchased with fraudulent checks, the affidavit states.
Prosecutors allege Davis and Barry forged checks at businesses including Murdochs, the Butte Copper Company and Lisacs Tri-Stop.
On Thursday in Judge Brad Newmans court, public defender Walter Hennessey asked that Davis bond be reduced to $3,000, which Deputy county attorney Michael Clague did not object to, insisting that she not have contact with Barry.
Hennessey said this would be difficult given Davis information that she is pregnant with Barrys child. Undersheriff George Skuletich said Davis was seen by a doctor at St. James Healthcare last week, who confirmed she is in her first trimester.
Barry is being held in the county jail on bond and is due back in court July 14.
ARLEE Arrest warrants are being issued after the body of a teenager missing since February was found in a camper here late last week.
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell says 18-year-old Richard Warner was beaten to death.
No missing person report had been filed, Bell said, but family members told investigators they had not seen or heard from Warner since February.
The sheriffs office was notified on the afternoon of June 2 that a body had been discovered in a camper on Coombs Lane near Arlee. Coombs Lane is approximately a mile southeast of Arlee, off U.S. Highway 93.
Warner had been living in the camper with two relatives, according to Bell.
His body was transported to the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula.
Meantime, detectives and deputies determined the deceased was likely Warner, Detectives traveled to Wallace, Idaho, to speak with the relatives who had been living in the camper with him.
The relatives have been interviewed, and as a result of those interviews it was determined that Richard Warner was beaten to death sometime in mid-late February and his body concealed in the camper, Bell said.
The homicide suspects will be identified after the arrest warrants are issued, Bell said.
As fallout from the primary election settled in Butte-Silver Bow County on Wednesday, many candidates were preparing for a second round of campaigning between now and November.
Jeff Amerman, who will now face Wendy McGrath in the race for county auditor, was busy Wednesday taking campaign signs down around town. Hell be putting them back up in the fall.
The primary race was mostly about getting my name out there, said Amerman, who served as the countys budget director for nine years before taking a private-sector job in 2014.
He did well, getting the most votes 2,634 among seven candidates. McGrath finished second with 2,464 votes, so she advances as well.
Now I will be trying to reach out to the outlying areas more and into the neighborhoods, Amerman said. I want to try to make more direct contact with people and go to any kind of gatherings where there are people.
McGrath said she would continue to run a grassroots campaign trying to reach as many voters as I can.
Chief Executive
Matt Vincent, who is seeking a second term as chief executive, got the most votes among six candidates running for that post this year. Vincent finished with 3,292 votes, or 28 percent, while Commissioner Dave Palmer came in second with 2,889 votes, or 24 percent.
They will face off in November, and though Vincent finished with 403 more votes than Palmer on Tuesday, that might mean little in the end. Commissioners Jim Fisher and Cindy Perdue-Dolan got 18 percent and 16 percent respectively. Thats a lot of votes that did not go to Vincent in round one.
Two-term incumbent Chief Executive Paul Babb finished first in five-way primary race in 2012, getting nearly 900 votes more than second-place Vincent. But Vincent beat Babb in the two-way general election that year by 186 votes, and turnout in November is almost always higher than the primary counts in June.
This years primary for chief executive was civil and Palmer said he expected it would remain that way. It was impossible to tell now, he said, where votes for the other four primary candidates would wind up in November.
Neither Palmer or Vincent offered up bold changes they might make, although Vincent suggested he might be a little more forward-looking on the stump now.
As I move into the November piece of the campaign, I think we will be talking about more things that are to come, he said. I think you will hear a lot more of that.
County School
Superintendent
A three-way primary contest for county superintendent of public instruction is now a two-person contest between two-term incumbent Cathy Maloney and Linda Sorini Granger.
Maloney finished with 4,653 votes, or 41 percent, to 3,697 for Granger, or 33 percent. Tim Norbeck got 25 percent of the vote, so he wont advance.
Im humbled by the support, Maloney said Wednesday. With a three-way split, it's anybodys game, and Im really happy that it turned out this way.
Granger also said she was humbled by the support she got.
I will continue to work hard before the general election because I have my work cut out for me, she said.
Other match-ups
Several contests in Butte-Silver Bow featured only two candidates who, no matter how many votes they got on Tuesday, will go into November with a clean slate. But primary results in some races might be telling.
For example, incumbent Sheriff Ed Lester got 8,060 votes, or 69 percent, to 3,488 for Russ Robertson, a Butte police officer also running for the post. They face off in November.
Another Butte police officer, Jimm Kilmer, got 55 percent of the primary vote for Justice of the Peace. He will face incumbent Ben Pezdark, who got 44 percent on Tuesday.
Incumbent City Judge Glen Granger got 76 percent of the vote to just 23 percent for challenger James Reavis, who faces an uphill fight in November.
The general election also will decide whether Lori Baker-Patrick and Meliena Bumgarner becomes county treasurer; the Commissioner District 4 contest between incumbent John Sorich and former commissioner Terry Schultz; Commissioner District 8 between incumbent Brendan McDonough and second-place primary finisher Walter Parrett; and the open Commissioner District 12 contest between Dan Callahan and Michael Tumulty.
If you were in charge of setting the next budget for Butte-Silver Bow County and had only so much money to spend, how much would you steer toward public safety? How about roads or parks or health programs?
If you could get easier access to local government services, would you want public Wi-Fi, Internet streaming of public meetings or booking seats for events at the Original or Anselmo mine yards?
Once again, county officials are asking residents to weigh in with their priorities before annual budget decisions are made. Chief Executive Matt Vincent and commissioners likely will enact the next budget in August.
People can fill out surveys at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2016-2017BSBBudgetPrioritiesSurvey on the countys website.
Among other things, the survey asks people to rank seven categories of government services, from most important to least, and how a budget of 100 cents should be divided among them.
There are seven categories, including roads and infrastructure, health programs such as suicide prevention and Superfund cleanup, public safety and culture and arts. The latter includes such things as the public library, the Archives and festivals.
Last years survey drew 309 responses and county officials hope at least 500 will come in by the time this survey ends in a few weeks.
Vincent said he and others really do take public feedback into account.
I think the one thing everyone is concerned about is where their tax dollars are going and so we want to have that input before we finalize the budget, Vincent said Thursday.
Last year, respondents ranked infrastructure including roads, sidewalks and sewers as the top funding priority among six categories. Public safety was next, followed by community and economic development.
The survey also showed that 54 percent of the 309 respondents were willing to pay $10 to $25 more for improved roads. Another 25 percent said they would rather pay a 2-cent per gallon gas tax for roads.
The budget Vincent proposed and commissioners approved increased road funding by $627,000 and it was done without raising taxes or road maintenance fees. The budget, which expires June 30, tapped money from a tax-increment financing district to free up more road cash.
It likely will be August before the next spending plan is finalized, but spending can essentially continue at current levels between July 1 and passage of a new budget.
This is one of the things we can use to gauge public opinion, Vincent said.
County officials shaped part of their plan for a public pool on results from online surveys that drew more than 1,000 responses, he said. About 90 percent of respondents favored an outdoor public pool and many of them also wanted water slides and a lazy river, too.
The plan that included those amenities was approved overwhelmingly in a county-wide vote Tuesday.
Vincent said a separate survey will go out to major employers in Butte next week asking how they would like to see services improved at Bert Mooney Airport. Plans are in place for a new $13 million passenger terminal and parking lot there.
SOLON, Iowa Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Rapid Creek Watershed Project and Iowa Soybean Association, will host a cover crop and soil health field day on Thursday, June 16, from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Timber Frame Lodge off the Lake Macbride Trail, in Solon. The event is free and open to the public, and includes a complimentary meal.
The field day will honor the conservation work of the late Tom Wall who farmed corn and soybeans for 33 years, as well as managed wean to finish hog operation near Iowa City. Citing soil conservation and cost savings as the main factors, he used no-till practices for both corn and soybeans. In 2013, he added cereal rye and turnip cover crops to the operation to help with soil conservation and improve soil health.
Speaking at the field day is Matt Liebman, Professor in the department of Agronomy at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUEO) who will discuss incorporating small grains and perennial forage into row crop rotations. Washington County and Iowa Learning Farms farmer partner, Steve Berger will share his experiences with incorporating cover crops into his no-till system. Jason Steele, Area Resource Soil Scientist for Iowa Natural Resource Conservation Service will lead a demonstration and discussion on soil quality and soil health. The Conservation Station rainfall simulator will also be on hand to demonstrate the effects of rainfall on different agricultural and urban land use scenarios.
The field day will be held at the Timber Frame Lodge off of the Lake Macbride Trail east of the Lakeview Elementary School in Solon. From Highway 1 in Solon, take 180th St NE (5th St) west for 0.6 miles. Turn north on Racine Ave and go 0.3 miles, passing the Solon High School. Take the first left past St. Marys Catholic Church and follow the field day signs to the lodge. The workshop is free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. Contact Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.
MUSCATINE, Iowa After deliberating for just over an hour Thursday afternoon, a Muscatine County jury found a former Muscatine police officer guilty of third-degree sexual abuse, a class C felony.
Tomas Tovar, 49, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Muscatine hotel while on duty.
In the wee hours of Feb. 16, 2013, Tovar drove Shari Martin to the Clarion Hotel in Muscatine after her boyfriend, David Faust, was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Faust was pulled over in a routine traffic stop.
Tovar entered Martin's hotel room, and engaged in sexual intercourse with her. Martin testified that she was intoxicated, and had only fragmented memories of the night of the incident.
Under Iowa law, a person convicted of a forcible felony is taken into custody immediately and held in jail until sentencing.
Tovar was stoic as he was handcuffed and lead out of the courtroom, but tears were shed by others in the room after the verdict was delivered.
Denise Timmins and Robert Sand, with the Area Prosecutions Division of the Iowa Attorney General's Office prosecuted the case due to a conflict of interest.
"I'm pleased and feel that justice has been served," Timmins said.
Timmins and Sand said they were grateful for the time and effort the jurors put forth, and Timmins said a guilty verdict in this case could have an effect on women who have had a similar experience.
"Shari Martin is a courageous woman who should be commended for standing up for herself. Her standing up for herself leaves it open for many others out there who may not have their voice yet," she said.
Sand presented the closing statements, and Timmins provided the rebuttal to the defense.
"His duty was to protect and serve...but the only person he served that night was himself," Timmins said.
In their statements, both Timmins and Sand referred to Tovar as predatory.
"The facts fit an experienced predatory police officer preying on a vulnerable woman," Sand said.
In closing arguments earlier Thursday, Murray Bell, a Davenport attorney representing Tovar, said that although Tovar was married when the event occurred that didn't make his sexual act with Martin a crime.
"There may be something Tom did that you don't like, that's O.K. That doesn't make him guilty," Bell said.
Timmins said Tovar used the trust in his position as a police officer invoked to commit the act.
"He used that position to violate her [Martin's] trust to violate her," she said.
Tovar was charged in July 2013, and his last day at the Muscatine Police Department was Feb. 18, 2013. He had been a member of the department for 22 years.
Tovar's sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m., July 26. The case was heard before District Judge Mark Lawson in Muscatine County District Court.
MUSCATINE, Iowa A former Muscatine police officer accused of sexual assault took the stand in Muscatine County District Court on Tuesday.
Tomas Tovar, 49, has been charged with one count of third-degree sexual abuse, a class C felony, for an incident that occurred in 2013.
While on duty on Feb. 16, 2013, Tovar drove Shari Martin to the Clarion Hotel in Muscatine after her boyfriend, David Faust, was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Tovar admitted to then having sexual intercourse with Martin, which he claims was consensual.
The Journal does not normally publish the names of sexual assault victims. But this victim has been public with her experience and so we are using her name in this story.
Tovar was charged in July 2013, removed from duty in February 2014 and resigned later that year after being with the Muscatine Police Department for 22 years.
During the third day of court proceedings in Muscatine County District Court on Wednesday, Tovar's defense attorney, Murray Bell, of Davenport, showed the jury dashcam video from Tovar's patrol car on the night of the alleged incident.
The video showed the arrest of Faust. On the video, Tovar could be heard asking Faust to identify the passenger in his vehicle and how they were related. He then asked where Martin was planning to spend the night.
According to his testimony, Tovar then placed Martin in his squad car and drove her to the Clarion Hotel. At this point, there is no audio on the dashcam video and Tovar's body mic had been turned off. When asked about the lack of audio on the tape, Tovar testified that someone could have removed the audio portion of the recording.
The video shows Tovar pulling up to the hotel, and then the recording ends. Choking back tears, Tovar said he turned off the camera because he thought there was a chance Martin might be willing to have sex with him.
"I didn't want the police department or my wife to know," Tovar said.
Tovar and Martin then entered the Clarion Hotel, went to Martin's room and began to engage in sexual intercourse. Tovar testified that he stopped at one point and radioed the police department to tell them he was available for a call. He then resumed having sexual intercourse with Martin.
He said he also acknowledged a call for a domestic incident, then again continued to have sex.
Tovar testified he later lied to Lt. Tony Kies, telling Kies that Martin was drunk. Tovar said Martin broke the card key to her hotel room, so he had to find her a new one. He said he fabricated the story to explain his absence while he was in the hotel.
During questioning, Bell asked Tovar if the woman was a willing participant in the sexual act.
"She was an active participant," Tovar testified.
The prosecution is being handled by Denise Timmins and Robert Sand with the Area Prosecutions Division of the Iowa Attorney General's Office due to a conflict of interest. Timmins asked in cross-examination what Tovar's job was.
"You were a police officer ... your job was to get Shari Martin safely back to her room," she said.
"Yes," Tovar said.
On Tuesday Martin testified she was too intoxicated to remember the whole evening, except for the image of a police officer on top of her.
Michael Fitzsimmons, who has experience in the Iowa Department of Corrections as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor, testified that one form of blackout from drinking leaves the person with fragments of memory.
He also testified that anyone can suffer a blackout, typically from drinking quickly.
"You don't have to be an alcoholic or drug addict to suffer a blackout," he said.
Proceedings will resume at 9 a.m. Thursday. The case is being heard before District Judge Mark Lawson in Muscatine County District Court.
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GRANDVIEW, Iowa-- The 18th annual McGill/Kemp reunion will be held starting with social hour, at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, June 26 at Academy Park in Grandview followed with a potluck lunch at 12:30 p.m. Meat, drinks and tableware will be provided.
Following a family picture after lunch, family members will be introduced followed by an auction to provide funds for next year's reunion.
There is playground equipment for the children.
Direct descendants of John Lee and Jessie Belle McGill, descendants of Lee's grandparents William and Elizabeth McGill, and descendants of Walter Kemp are welcome, as well as anyone that believes they are in any way related to the family, especially any Anthonys.
MUSCATINE, Iowa Lets face it - Medicare is confusing. Its even more confusing when changes in the law occur. Sometimes those changes are easy to understand. Other times laws are so hard to interpret that everyday Iowans throw their hands up in disgust without getting the answers they need.
Luckily, the Iowa Insurance Divisions Senior Health Insurance Information Program better known as SHIIP is available to provide free, unbiased information about how changes may affect people on Medicare. Recently, SHIIP counselors have been getting many calls regarding a change in Medicare law that will take place in 2020 regarding Medicare Supplement plans C and F.
Medicare Supplement plans are sold by private insurance companies to fill the gaps in traditional Medicare plans (Parts A and B). Medicare plans help pay for things like coinsurance, copayments or deductibles on Medicare-covered services.
If you own a Medicare Supplement C or F plan before January 1, 2020, there will be no need to replace it. You will be able to keep it after 2020. In fact, as long as you were eligible for or enrolled in Medicare prior to 2020, you can continue to purchase Medicare Supplement Plans C or F even beyond 2020. The change in law simply will take these two plan options off the table for those newly eligible for or enrolled in Medicare after January 1, 2020.
At the 18 Iowa Fraud Fighter events the Iowa Insurance Division held around the state, it was discussed that whenever there is a change in law, there is a certain amount of fear of the unknown. Whenever those changes occur, some individuals try to exploit that fear and make a profit by encouraging people to make a switch that may not be the right choice for the consumer.
SHIIP has been seeing items claiming that once 2020 hits, Medicare Supplement Plans C and F will become unaffordable so people should switch now. That is simply not the case. Medicare supplement plans have come and gone over the years but the Iowa Insurance Division has not seen rate spirals in the Medicare supplement market.
Medicare is confusing. Changes to Medicare are confusing. Dont try to understand all the changes yourself. SHIIP has over 350 volunteers all over Iowa to help you get answers and assistance with your Medicare questions. SHIIP counselors do such a great job that they helped save Iowans over $20 million last year. Call your local SHIIP representative at the Muscatine Senior Resources office at 563-263-7292 to leave a message for one of their five volunteer SHIIP counselors to call you. They can answer your questions and even review your policies to make sure you are getting the most from your Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans. You can also visit www.therightcalliowa.gov.
MUSCATINE, Iowa The Muscatine High School and Muscatine Catholic High School Class of 1954 will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 14 at Pizza Ranch, 106 Ford Ave. All class members, spouses and friends are welcome.
COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa Columbus Junction is moving forward with a new subdivision.
The city council approved a development agreement and final plat for New Heritage Village - Phase 2 on Wednesday, after receiving a recommendation from the citys planning and zoning commission to approve the final plat. Council member Phil Kaalberg, the city councils representative on the commission reported that recommendation had been approved during the commissions meeting on Tuesday.
Under the development agreement, the subdivision will actually be developed in two phases. The first phase will contain several parcels, including a large central lot that developer Robert Simmering said a local church is planning to use for a new building. Two smaller parcels would be located to the east and south of the proposed church lot.
Another parcel under this phase would be located to the north of the proposed church site and centered around a cul-de-sac that would be located at the west end of Village Square Street.
The final planned development of this first phase would be located south of the Village Square and New Heritage Trail intersection and run for a short distance along New Heritage Trail.
According to the final plat, around a dozen residential building lots are identified as part of this first phase. Local attorney Steve Sents reported the agreement between Iowa Community Enterprises, LLC and the city would allow the development of the first phase, but require the company to apply to the city again to develop the second phase.
We cant (do the second phase development) until you give us your blessing, he assured the council.
Columbus Junction Community Development Director Mallory Smith explained the city would be establishing a tax increment financing (TIF) district for the first phase development. She said the revenue generated through the TIF would be used to install infrastructure and extend streets.
She said it could cost around $900,000 to extend New Heritage Trail all the way to Colton Street and complete other street work, so that forced the city to break the subdivision into two phases.
Simmering said he hoped to begin work in a few weeks. He also reported his development company was planning to provide rebates to individuals who stepped forward in the first year and took out permits to begin construction. Details on those plans and other efforts still needed to be finalized, he said.
In other action, city librarian Mandy Grimm met with the council and updated it on recent activities at the library. Grimm reported she had recently completed her first certification class and the library staff had re-organized the facility.
Grimm also told the council the library would begin a summer reading program later this year, after other summer activities had ended. She also said the library was providing a basic computer class that would help job seekers to use electronic tools and programs in their job searches.
Smith also updated the council on upcoming events, including the June 11 Swinging Bridge Festival. She said an advance RAGBRAI team would also be traveling through the community that day.
She said the fundraising effort for the new ambulance barn addition was progressing, with around $200,000 raised. Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Huston said the addition was estimated to cost as much as $450,000.
WEST LIBERTY, Iowa The West Liberty City Council is taking a different tack regarding residency requirements for the City Manager.
The council Tuesday night unanimously passed the first reading of an ordinance amendment requiring future city managers to live within city limits. The requirement would not apply to current City Manager Lawrence McNaul, who does not live within the West Liberty city limits.
The council at its May 3 meeting failed to approve action that would have required McNaul to move into town, prompting an overflow crowd at the May 17 meeting. Mayor Robert Hartman tersely and sternly told the crowd discussion or comments about personnel matters would not be allowed, and the crowd dispersed with little comment. On Tuesday night, Hartman offered an apology if his demeanor had made any community members reluctant to speak. "I was focused on not making the meeting a spectacle," Hartman said. "I apologize for being a little bit short."
The council unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance amendment specifying terms for elected officials.
Hartman also announced West Liberty Police Chief Mark Kopf is resigning to take a private sector job. Kopf's last day will be Friday, June 10.
SPENCER STREET
City Engineer Leo Foley briefly outlined plans for resurfacing Spencer Street with asphalt from Fourth Street to Chesebro Road. Foley said the cost estimate is now at $254,000, which he termed high. "We think the contractor will probably come in under that," he told the council.
Foley added he believes the project can be completed by Thanksgiving. Russell commented she'd like to see it done a week earlier in time for the downtown Holiday Open House. "I'll do it," Foley replied.
DOWNTOWN TASK FORCE
West Liberty's Downtown Task Force is in place. Hartman announced to the council five residents had applied to serve on the task force Lisa Browning, Priscilla Haessig, Malcolm Howes, Clifford McFerren, and Becky Vargas. Hartman said Council Member Melody Russell was also interested in serving.
"I told the individuals they should expect something from us within about a week," said Hartman.
IN OTHER BUSINESS:
The council approved payment of claims totaling $691,884.
On a 3-2 vote, the council approved purchasing a new council chambers camera system for $799.
The council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance amendment establishing a TIF district for the Short Street Improvement Project.
The council set a work session for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 to review budget and the Maxson Avenue Improvement Project.
MUSCATINE, Iowa A town hall meeting concerning a lawsuit against seed company Syngenta is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 14 at farmer's Diner, 2300 Park Ave. in Muscatine.
According to an advocacy group's website, midwestcornlawsuit.com, in 2009 Syngenta released a new strain of corn seed into the United States market before receiving import approval from China. Without import approval for this strain, known as Agrisure Viptera, China rejected U.S. corn shipments in 2013 and 2014, causing a global collapse in U.S. corn prices. The export market disruptions with China cost U.S. farmers billions of dollars.
The group has a network of attorneys going out to do town halls with local corn growers to further explain the lawsuit and assist them in signing up if they decide to join the lawsuit.
The town hall is open to the public.
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
Eskom on Thursday launched a key programme aimed at preparing itself in advance for its 9.6GW nuclear build programme.
The Eskom Nuclear Operator Pipeline project at Koeberg nuclear power station in Cape Town is part of the state power utilitys plans to beef up local nuclear resources to support the countrys needs.
On May 1 2016, about 100 young recruits started the flagship nuclear operator training programme.
Eskoms Nuclear Project 100 will provide a platform for developing a robust nuclear operator pipeline for South Africa, Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown said at the launch of the project on Thursday.
The programme, spanning five years, aims to build a path to ensure that there are sufficient local nuclear resources to service the countrys present and future nuclear needs.
After the five-year period, trainees will qualify as nuclear plant operators or will enter related career equivalents.
What is inspiring is that approximately 95% of students are 35 years and younger, and about 40% are black females from various parts of the country, said Brown.
Eskom chairperson Dr Baldwin Ngubane said the new nuclear build will require additional resources for operations.
The nuclear operator training programme is geared towards ensuring that the South African youth who has aspirations to access a career path in nuclear has a chance at realising his or her dreams, he said.
The 100 qualified young artisans will be exposed to world-class nuclear training in the Western Cape for a period of five years before qualifying as nuclear plant operators or a related career equivalent.
Koeberg is the only nuclear power station outside the United States of America whose training programme is accredited with the US National Academy of Nuclear Training, ensuring that the training programme is of the highest standard.
As the only nuclear power station in Africa, the licensed reactor operators that operate the Koeberg reactors hold a scarce skill.
This intake of 100 young people will be trained up and provide a platform for developing a robust nuclear operator pipeline for Koeberg, Eskom and South Africa, Eskom explained.
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Government said in a statement on Wednesday that it is displeased with how the threat of violent extremism and terrorism has been handled.
South Africa as a sovereign, peace-loving country has always adopted a professional manner in engaging with other countries on these issues. We are therefore displeased with the manner in which some countries have reciprocated.
Their actions have been disingenuous and a cause for serious concern to our government, a joint statement from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the State Security Agency said on Wednesday.
At the weekend, the US embassy in South Africa, issued an alert that it had received information that terror groups were planning to carry out near-term attacks in the country.
The attacks would target places where US citizens congregate in South Africa, such as upscale shopping areas and malls in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Britain then revised their travel alert following the US terror alert.
In a statement the British embassy said: There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as shopping areas in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Government said the information provided as a basis for the latest terror alerts on South Africa has been found to be very sketchy.
On closer examination, we have found the information to be dubious, unsubstantiated and provided by a walk-in source based on questionable conclusions.
It is within this context, it said, that the South African government rejects attempts by foreign countries to influence, manipulate or control our countrys counter terrorism work.
We reject attempts to generate perceptions of government ineptude, alarmist impressions and public hysteria on the basis of a questionable single source.
The statement said government is fully capable of securing the country, protecting people and taking care of the safety of foreign citizens on its soil.
We expect foreign embassies on our soil to follow the correct channels when communicating matters of such nature.
To this end, the South African government has demarched the affected embassies to register displeasure with the manner in which the matter was handled.
South Africa values the political, economic and social ties with these countries and will approach any discussion within the spirit of cooperation and international solidarity.
The statement said government takes the threat of violent extremism and terrorism very seriously.
It is a global phenomenon that no nation can claim immunity from, it said.
It added that as part of their work, South Africas security agencies are in constant liaison with foreign intelligence services represented in South Africa.
Their work includes information exchanges on threats presented by violent extremism and terrorism.
Government wishes to reiterate that the security of all people in South Africa remains its top priority. The security services will continue to remain vigilant at all times. Should the need arise, the South African government will be the first to inform the public about any eminent threat.
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The rand has depreciated greatly against the major currencies recently, which has resulted in higher computer equipment prices in South Africa.
A by-product of higher computer prices is that local consumers are purchasing slower computers instead of high-end products.
Over the last two years, the ZAR/USD exchange rate depreciated from R10.35/USD to the current R15.15/USD.
As most computer equipment in South Africa is imported, the higher product prices are passed on to consumers.
The higher prices, especially in the laptop market, have resulted in a shift in consumer buying patterns.
John Geypen, Consumer Lead for PCs at HP, said entry-level Celeron-based notebooks made up 37% of notebooks sales in 2014. In 2015, this grew to 47%.
Towards the end of 2015, this went up to 50%.
Conversely, in the high-end segment HP saw sales declining as more consumers bought entry-level products.
The higher price of laptops and other computing products also means that the overall South African market has shrunk.
Sales of notebooks in December 2014 totalled just short of 60,000 units, while December 2015 unit sales totalled just slightly more than 50 000 units, said Geypen.
While HP does not exclude product offerings because of the weak rand, the company limits the number of different options it has available.
The market currently is not big or strong enough to support every different variation we have available within our product range, said Geypen.
Geypen said HP does its best to compensate for the weak rand by adding value to products, like creating bundles with accessories, software, and printers.
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Israel on Thursday suspended most special permits for Palestinians to visit Israel during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and beefed up police patrols in Tel Aviv, after two Palestinians carried out a shooting in Tel Aviv Wednesday night that killed four Israelis.
Two Palestinians opened fire at open-air market in Tel Aviv Wednesday night
4 Israelis killed; 9 wounded
Israeli defense freezes 83,000 permits for Palestinians in West Bank
COGAT, an Israeli defense body, said 83,000 permits for Palestinians in the West Bank to visit relatives in Israel during Ramadan had been frozen. Israel considers the Ramadan permits a goodwill gesture toward Palestinians.
The special Ramadan permits were also suspended for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including permits to visit relatives in Israel, travel abroad and attend prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, COGAT said.
In addition, the military has frozen Israeli work permits for 204 of the attackers' relatives, and is preventing Palestinians from leaving and entering the West Bank village of Yatta, the attackers' home village. COGAT said entering or leaving will only be permitted for humanitarian and medical cases.
In Tel Aviv, extra police units have been mobilized, mainly around the city's central bus station and train stations, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. Israelis quickly returned to routine: the outdoor cafe area where the shooting took place was open to customers on Thursday morning.
Two Palestinians opened fire near a popular open-air market in central Tel Aviv on Wednesday night, killing four Israelis and wounding nine others, in one of the deadliest attacks in an eight-month wave of violence.
The shooting occurred at the Sarona market, a series of restored buildings that have been transformed into a popular tourist spot filled with crowded shops and restaurants. The complex is across the street from Israel's military headquarters and is often filled with tourists and young soldiers in uniform.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his defense minister and security leaders shortly after the attack and then traveled to the scene. He called the attack a "cold blooded murder by despicable terrorists," according to a statement from his office.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, welcomed the attack, but did not claim responsibility for it. Hamas official Mushir al-Masri called the shootings a "heroic operation" and the group later issued an official statement promising the "Zionists" more "surprises" during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Hussein Mohammed hosted Deputy President William Ruto on Citizen TVs The Big Question, again.
Whenever Ruto gives a TV interview, it is always to Citizen TV, and other talk show kings are not amused.
It started with a tweet by Emmanuel Talam TV journalist turned Deputy Press Secretary, Deputy Presidents Press Service.
Larry Madowo quickly jumped in, asking Talam whether Ruto will start accepting interview requests from other stations.
Almost immediately, Jeff Koinange co-asked.
Not to be left out, ODM politician Mohammed Ali also wanted to know.
It would be unfair to claim that Hussein Mohammed does not ask hard questions, he does, so its a mystery why the Deputy President agrees to appear on his show and not the others.
Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria has been declared a persona non grata by a section of Kakamega County officials over alleged habitual cases of incitement to violence.
In a statement released to media houses, Mahiakalo MCA Cleophas Malala and a group of youth leaders in the county said Kuria has been severally accused of inciting the youth adding that his involvement with the county youth would be detrimental to their welfare.
It has been brought to our attention that a certain meeting between the youth of Kakamega County and Moses Kuria is slated to take place on or about June 10th in Mumias Town. The meeting is clothed in the drapery of Mentorship Talk or Programme, he said.
Kakamega County is not devoid of able mentors. We are not interested in the talk being fronted by Kuria who has in several occasions in the mainstream media been cited as an agent of tribal profiling, ethnic cleansing and youth radicalization.
Malala urged Kuria to focus on initiative empowerment projects and mentorship programmes in his constituency to eradicate cases of alcoholism.
Kurias planned visit to Kakamega county comes just a month after he held another meeting with youth in Kisii County.
OAKLAND Authorities said a man was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl off a street in Oakland, a crime that prompted investigators to launch a human trafficking probe and a search for other young victims.
The girl was located safe and was not physically injured.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Thursday that police spokesman Officer Marco Marquez said a witness Wednesday morning told police that a man grabbed the girl from a North Oakland street. The man was located and arrested. His name and age were not released.
The arrest prompted officers to search a home near where the teen was taken, but police did not find any additional victims.
After nearly two years of debate and resistance from some neighbors a developer has the go-ahead to raise a three-story commercial building at downtown Napas north end.
Tuesday night, the Wiseman Co. LLC of Fairfield gained approval from a divided City Council for the building, which will occupy a vacant lot at 1300 Main St. at the northeast corner of Clinton Street. Completion of the 21,500-square-foot complex, which will include retail and restaurant space at ground level with office space upstairs, is scheduled for April 2017, according to R. Scot Hunter, a Wiseman principal.
The approval came only after prolonged discussions about its size and height nearly 4 feet above the 35-foot cap for buildings immediately to its north and whether the buildings lack of vehicle spaces would shrink a parking supply some residents say already is being strained by fast-growing downtown development.
In the end, Wiseman got the go-ahead to pay into a city fund for a future downtown parking garage but not all agreed that the project was distinctive enough to justify the lack of immediate parking relief, or a greater building height than city codes normally allow.
From the start, Wiseman directors described the roughly 90-foot square lot where city design standards would require space for 57 vehicles as unsuitable for on-premises parking, and instead sought to help fund the same number of slots in a city-owned parking structure.
Napas Downtown Specific Plan, passed in 2012 to guide development in the citys heart, allows exemptions from parking requirements or height limits for buildings of superior design or merit. But two council members declared the Main Street building would fall short of that bar and voted against Wisemans plans, saying the project is not distinctive or useful enough to justify straining parking supplies or overshadowing low-slung houses to the east.
Its a transition zone close to a neighborhood; its an old neighborhood thats flourished, so a less intense use is called for, said Mayor Jill Techel. Its a great-looking building, but I dont think a great-looking building (alone) makes for a superior use. I think sometimes staff gets caught up in the architecture more than the idea of whats going on in there that makes it dynamic and exciting.
I just dont think we do outside-the-box design by expanding the box, and thats what this project has done, added Juliana Inman, saying the project lacks the ambition and visitor appeal of the Copia (and future Culinary Institute of America) complex, Archer hotel and other large-scale projects downtown. I dont believe that, when we are trying to apply a form-based code, that you throw out the form.
Despite such concerns, the other three council members voted in favor of Wiseman, granting it an ordinance releasing it from the on-site parking requirement. A second approval of that ordinance will allow the start of construction.
While the existing temporary lot at the building site will disappear, a larger temporary lot near the former Cinedome theater block will open this summer, months before the Wiseman building is ready, according to Community Development Director Rick Tooker. That new parking supply, together with the developers funding of a future garage, justifies letting the Main Street building move forward, said Councilman Peter Mott.
Parking is not going to be a long-term issue for us in this (neighborhood), he said, joining Mary Luros and Scott Sedgley to approve the building. Its a high enough priority for the city and this council that were going to solve it in the very near future.
After earlier offering to give Napa $15,500 for each of 57 future garage slots, Wiseman officials said they would pay whatever parking impact fee the city has in effect when the Main Street complex opens. Hunter, the Wiseman principal, estimated that figure would likely reach $1 million or more.
City officials are seeking about $3.4 million to fill a funding gap for a downtown parking structure, which would hold 350 to 400 vehicles and is estimated to cost at least $12 million. In March, the council discussed a major boost in the fee it charges developers for each extra space a new building requires, from the current $7,500 to $20,000 or more.
No amount of funding, however, would mollify neighborhood critics such as Linda Kerr. The height and scale of Wisemans planned complex, she told the council, would encourage other builders to challenge development codes especially low-rise areas perched between downtown and residential neighborhoods and render them toothless.
All development standards for all downtown parcels will be fair game, she predicted. The city will have lost any reasonable and legal explanation to reject any and all proposals.
Such disputes over the appropriate scale of new buildings are bound to repeat themselves as Napas land supply dwindles and becomes concentrated into more crowded areas, said Sedgley.
Napa is changing, but other than a moratorium on development, what do we do? We try to fit in the best development we can in the appropriate locations, he said. Its not always going to be accepted by everyone involved.
Napa Valley Pride kicks off on Thursday, bringing events that will unite people in the LGBTQ community as well as their supporters.
Its a fun way to get the LGBTQ community to get to know each other, said Eliseo Rivas, program coordinator at LGBTQ Connection.
This years Pride features seven events a kick-off celebration, a transgender community fair, bonfire night, family picnic, youth dance, brunch and tea dance.
Although Pride events in other communities often feature a parade or some sort of large gathering, Rick Turko, co-chairperson for Napa Valley Pride, said that Napa is going another route.
Weve tried to do more events to not only get more visibility out in the community, but also to give more people an opportunity to participate, he said. By having smaller events at different times and days, Turko hopes that people who work on the weekends will be able to attend a least one or two events.
The Pride celebration, which started as a one-day picnic, is now a multi-day celebration, said Ian Stanley, LGBTQ Connection program director. He remembers seeing information about a Pride picnic in Napa before he came out. That gave him his first glimmer of hope that there was a community here that would accept him, he said.
Turko hopes that by increasing the visibility of Pride events, others who may not be out yet can feel that they are not alone. I think that there are people that arent out, that dont feel comfortable being who they are, and I think the more visible that the LGBTQ community is, the more comfortable they may get in their own skin, he said.
Organizers have tried to promote events across different age groups, towns and ethnic groups, with promotional materials printed in both English and Spanish. We just realized that the LGBTQ community is a diverse community and so is Napa, so we need to make sure that were doing outreach to the different segments of the valley, Turko said.
During the week, Napa Valley Pride usually sees between 200 and 500 different people, he said.
The Trans Community Fair, presented by Lincoln Ave Communi-T, LGBTQ Connections Trans Leadership group, is a new event.
Its the first trans event ever to be a part of Napa Valley Pride, Stanley said. The fair will be a community gathering featuring games, music, activities, food and information about resources, he said.
The kick-off celebration, held at The Q Restaurant & Bar in Napa, will serve as a meet-and-greet as well as a Dine & Donate. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, 20 percent of purchases at the restaurant will benefit PFLAG Napa and LGBTQ Connection, but no purchase is necessary to attend.
The Trans Community Fair is open to everyone and will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the VOICES/LGBTQ Connection Center in Napa.
The third annual Napa Valley Pride Fogata Bonfire Night, also at VOICES, will feature face painting, food, games, music, and HIV testing. A special drag performance will begin at 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite game, musical instrument or shareable snack.
Stanley said that the Fogota is one of the most diverse events in Napa Valley Pride. Its a huge mix of community, he said, with people of different ages, genders and ethnicities. Last year, 140 people attended the bonfire.
On Saturday, families can come together for food, bocce, dancing and a raffle at the Pride Family Picnic held from noon until 3 p.m. at Crane Park in St. Helena.
Later that night, its youths only. The Youth Pride Dance is being held for the first time at the Napa County Library and is advertised as a Neon Blackout: Youth Dance Extravaganza.
This is actually a pretty new thing, Rivas said. It used to be that LGBTQ teens had to travel to San Francisco or Sacramento for something like this, he said. Many Pride Week activities and other LGBTQ events are often geared to adults, he said, so its special for Napa to have this for their youth.
Its sometimes difficult for LGBTQ youth to feel like they can come out to someone and keeping that secret can be heavy, but the dance is a way for everyone to be themselves and have fun, Rivas said.
Im glad we have this, especially because were still growing, said Daisy Zamora, 14. Daisy is one of the youths who have been helping with planning the dance. She said that she didnt even know about it last year, but is happy to be involved this year. Im proud, she said.
Guests, ages 11 to 20, are encouraged to dress in casual attire in white or neon. There will be signature (alcohol-free) drinks, food and music by DJ Rotten Robbie.
On Sunday, the Pride Brunch is from 10 a.m. until noon at Compadres Rio Grille, which will feature special menu items as well as a make-it-yourself Bloody Mary option.
Finally, the adult dance, Its Raining Pride, will be from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Lucky Penny Performing Arts Center in Napa. DJ Rotten Robbie will be playing a variety of tunes, including disco and music from the 1980s, 1990s and today. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on Sunday.
Everybody is welcome no matter which letter of the alphabet you are, even if youre an ally. We want everybody to feel welcome at these events, Turko said.
Donning purple caps, gowns and leis, 90 New Tech High School graduates crossed over into adulthood on Wednesday night at Memorial Stadium, bringing lasting friendships, memories and valuable lessons into their bright and unknown futures.
Prior to the ceremony, students huddled excitedly in groups, posed for photos with family and friends and even scarfed down dinner. Balloons filled the small section of stands reserved for spectators.
Manon Murphy anxiously awaited her turn to sing the National Anthem, more nervous about that than crossing the stage and entering the next chapter of her life, which will take her to the University of Oregon in the fall.
Im really excited, but also really nervous. Ive never sang in front of this many people, she said.
This is the largest graduating class for New Tech High in a couple of years and Riley Johnsons first as Principal, after serving as Assistant Principal the previous school year.
This class is very special to me. They have persevered through many obstacles, as well as accepted me into the New Tech High family with open arms. They have been vital to our growth as a school and have helped me and the staff continue to innovate to make New Tech High the special place it is and will continue to be into the future, said Johnson. I am blessed to call this group of students my first graduating class and honored to see the difference that each of them will continue to make in the community and world.
Isabella Pritchard has been making post-high school plans for quite some time, and can hardly wait to pursue her passion of environmental studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
High school is the time to figure out what youre going to do. But I feel like once you have, the excitement just builds up so much stronger because youre ready to get out, youre ready to go, she said.
Wearing a multitude of pins signifying honors and academic achievements, Valedictorian Benjamin Dougherty said he felt having attended New Tech gives him and his classmates an edge moving forward.
I think New Tech prepared us better than most schools, preparing us to find jobs, getting used to doing presentations, dressing up, putting things together last minute or with plenty of time, he said.
This years other Valedictorians included Signe Olson, Alexander Dolven, Olivia Dom, Ryan Berilla, Kilian Fitzgerald and Emma Harrington. Ami Ambu was the Salutatorian, and chosen by her senior class as Senior Speaker was Annika Jean Erickson.
In her speech, Dom referred to graduation day as a call to action; a time to break out of comfort zones and overcome fears and doubts as she and her classmates enter the real world.
Dolven, who opened with an original poem, took his class back in time through a series of classroom memories from the last four years, while Ambu closed her address with an insightful piece of wisdom.
Let the intense moments of character and morality define you, not a grade, she said.
Regarding Clean energy coming, but cheaper rates?" (May 23): Rate-payers shouldnt have to pay more for clean energy, and bigger government subsidies, funded by taxpayers, are really like making the injured residents of Flint, Michigan pay for the damage a poisoned water system has inflicted on them. The fossil fuel industry, not taxpayers or ratepayers should have to pay for damage their products have caused. Until now those costs have been pushed onto the public.
Carbon pollution from burning oil, coal, and natural gas kills over 45,000 Americans annually (Stanford Universitys solutionsproject.org) and costs us more than $866.5 billion annually in medical bills for carbon-caused illnesses like asthma, lung cancer, etc. (Forbes). Thats 2 percent of our Gross Domestic Product. The human suffering this causes aside, its a tremendous drag on our economy.
Then theres global warming: Its cost taxpayers over $1 trillion for the climate disasters (NOAA). According to Nature, the worlds most highly-cited peer-reviewed science journal, future climate change will cost more than $369 trillion. Were now locked into 20-foot sea level rise in the decades to come (Science, the worlds second-most highly-cited peer-reviewed science journal). Imagine what that will cost.
Thats why the worlds top climate scientists are warming of global economic collapse followed by societal collapse (IPCC) if we keep burning fossil fuels. Every scientific body of national or international standing agrees (NASAs website has the list) and so do over 99 percent of climate scientists publishing in peer-reviewed science journals worldwide (National Physical Sciences Consortium).
The good news is that we have a proven plan to tax fossil fuels out of existence and it wont cost consumers or taxpayers anything. In fact, it will actually give middle-class and lower-income people extra disposable income every month. Its called carbon fee-and-dividend, and for eight years its slashed emissions while lowering taxes and energy bills in British Columbia. Its also created jobs and grown their economy faster than any other Canadian province (The Economist, The Evidence Mounts). It has a whopping 83 percent public approval rating there (World Bank).
Carbon fee-and-dividend is an annually-increasing carbon pollution fee thats paid, not to the government, but to every taxpayer in equal monthly dividend checks. As the fee makes oil, gas and coal more and more expensive than solar and wind, people, naturally use their dividend checks to buy cheaper clean energy and make a profit.
Its projected to create more than 30 million permanent (40-year) jobs in the U.S. better paying jobs than the fossil fuel industry offers. It will also increase GDP $75 billion-$80 billion annually (citizensclimatelobby.org).
So why hasnt Congress passed the Carbon Fee-and-Dividend bill? Its clearly in the best interest of the American people. It will create a long-lasting and massive economic boom, improve the heath of our people and put the breaks on the existential threat of global warming. But our congressional representative dont represent us, the people; They represent the donors who fund their re-election campaigns.
The fossil fuel industry controls the GOP, funding the election campaigns of Republican members of Congress (dirtyenergymoney.org), in return for which they become vocal climate change deniers. The nations biggest fossil fuel corporations also make massive contributions to the Republican National Committee (opensecrets.org) and control energy policies on a state level through the powerful bill mill, ALEC (Sourcewatch.org).
The fossil fuel industry also spends millions to fund a climate change denial operation thats directly modeled on the tobacco industrys decades-long denial that smoking causes lung cancer (Scientific American online, Dark Money and How to Make Friends and Bamboozle People About Climate Change).
Like Big Tobacco, they've clandestinely paid denier-for-hire scientists to create doubt and spread misinformation about climate science. They even use the same front as Big Tobacco to launder the money: The Heartland Institute (desmogblog.org, one of TIMEs Top Ten Blog).
Theres more documentation on this at The Union of Concerned Scientists site Climate Deception Dossiers, and you can watch the professional climate deniers smirk and gloat about how they deceive the public about climate change on Netflix/YouTubes Merchants of Doubt. Every professional climate denier is paid under the table by the fossil fuel industry.
We can transition to a clean-energy economy within a decade with carbon pricing (Newsweek), which is the time frame we need to avoid catastrophic (IPCC) climate change. Within 20 years, solar and wind will be virtually free within 20 years (Washington Post), but we dont have that long.
Thats why the volunteer Citizens Climate Lobby has tens of thousands of members, a chapter in every county in the nation, working to pass Carbon fee-and-dividend. If you really want to do something about climate change, go to citizensclimatelobby.org.
Lynn Goldfarb
Boulder, Co.
Calistogans Jason Correia and Ron Golden each brought bites for a thousand people to the June 3 Napa Valley Barrel Auction held at Robert Mondavi Winery.
St. Helena chef John McConnell brought 1,200 servings of his king salmon in a spiced lemon broth with basil and cucumbers all grown at the Clif Family ranch in Pope Valley.
All three ran out of food as did many of the other 37 restaurateurs and food purveyors who served the 2,000 people who attended the event.
Calistoga Inn chef Jason Correia said it took the better part of a day to prepare the 1,000 bites of hummus with ratatouille and feta cheese on top. He said Calistoga Inns owners, Rosie Dunsford and her son, councilman Michael Dunsford, have been in the Napa Valley for a long time and theyre involved in so many things.
They just naturally participate, he said. They are connected and this is what they do. Additionally, attending and serving 2,000 people is a good presence for the restaurant.
McConnell is the chef for Clif Family Winery. It took him and his staff three days to prepare the 1,200 bites, because the salmon had to be cured. He estimated preparation was seven to eight man hours.
Were here to promote our winery, celebrate in a fun way and raise money for Auction Napa Valley, he said.
Ron Golden, co-owner of three Calistoga restaurants with Mark Young, was serving sausage and pepper sloppy joes to all comers. Why? Because we believe in the Auction Napa Valley and the charities it supports and its always an exciting time to see our local vintners and fellow restaurateurs, Golden said.
The Napa Valley Barrel Auction opened at 11 a.m. and a couple of hours later, it was warm, if not hot, under the white tents on the Robert Mondavi grounds.
Calistoga restaurateur Gayle Keller said she was just trying to stay a little bit cool. She and her husband, Alex Dierkhising, have attended every Auction Napa Valley since it began in 1981, either as participants or donors. They opened their first Calistoga restaurant in 1976 and currently own both All Seasons Bistro, established 32 years ago, and Hydro Grill, which opened 10 years ago.
Keller said their attendance at Auction Napa Valley began because we were in the process of assembling a big wine list for our first endeavor, the Silverado Restaurant. She said they were determined to buy the first releases from various wineries, so they would not leave the Napa Valley.
One of their purchases from one of the first Auction Napa Valley events was a 5-liter bottle of 1969 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon, which sold for $8,000. Keller said when they opened the Silverado Restaurant they started getting aggressive about our wine list. By 1982, we were one of the first recipients of the Wine Spectators Grand Award for our wine cellar. We were only one of two rural restaurants (to win the award), everything else was in the urban area.
Today, Keller said, they participate in the event as a way to see whats out there and support people the way theyve supported us all these years.
On Saturday afternoon, at Meadowood Napa Valley, shortly before the live auction began, Cyril Chappellet said $8,000 was the highest price paid for a bottle of wine for about 15 years. "It's still in the box, still at the winery," Chappellet said. After Alex Dierkhising bought it, he turned around and gave it to my dad and said, 'Leave it where it belongs, I'll call for it,'" Chappellet said. Is it still good? It should be, Chappellet said, as the winery has opened some 750s from 1969, their second vintage, and they were "staggering."
Despite the temperatures outside, where there were some 100 vintners pouring current release wines, inside the To Kalon Cellar, the temperature was a cool 55 degrees. It was there that 100 vintners, including Tim Mondavi, were pouring barrel samples and selling their red wines.
He marveled at the 50 years of Robert Mondavi Winery and nearly 100 years for the Mondavi family. "Even though our family isn't here, I'm still very proud of all the great things we accomplished and we created to help bring California along," Mondavi said. He added that 2015 is his 42nd vintage and added, "I'm delighted to have our own Continuum to carry on at the very highest level."
Continuum is the name of the winery on Pritchard Hill that Mondavi now owns. He said it can been seen from the Robert Mondavi Winery. "If you stand at the arch of Robert Mondavi Winery, look through the crown of Opus One, look high on Vaca Range, ours is the highest vineyard you'll see there. It is in a straight line. That red, rocky volcanic soil gives wines a verve and personality that I think are fabulous."
The top barrel lots included Melka Wines, $62,100, and Shafer Vineyards, $60,050.
Winemaker Ted Edwards said Freemark Abbey has been involved in Auction Napa Valley since it began in 1981. My favorite memory was in the early days when it just got started, he said. Chuck Carpy was chairman the first two years and I worked closely with him to help launch Auction Napa Valley. From then, we participated through the years.
Initially, he brought the winerys chardonnay to pour but now brings a cabernet sauvignon. Thats how the wineries have evolved, he said.
Incidentally, he said Freemark Abbey will have its grand reopening at its Highway 29 location on Saturday, July 9.
Today is the best day of the year, said Michael Beaulac, winemaker and general manager at Pine Ridge Winery. Its a lot of fun seeing your friends, having great wine and raising money for a great cause, he said. His best memory: We used to do the dinner Friday night. Youd walk in with a big bottle, a 3-liter bottle, sit down and it was all about having fun.
Vintner Alan Viader said his mother has been involved in ANV for as long as I can remember. He added he loves the energy and the excitement that the barrel auction brings with its festival-type atmosphere.
Additionally, Viader said, the auction is such a good time, everyone smiling from ear to ear. Its great youre helping so many people. As a winemaker, he said hes tasting everyone elses 2014 cabernets. Its good to see the '14s are showing strong. Its going to be a nice vintage, he added.
Since its founding in 1981, Auction Napa Valley has donated $150 million to Napa Valley nonprofits. In the past few years, proceeds have been directed toward community health and children's education nonprofits.
Caiarossa is a biodynamic winery located in Italy in the quiet hillside town of Riparbella in the Pisa province just north of Bolgheri. Located off the coast of Tuscany, Caiarossa has a strong connection to France as its sister properties are two Grands Crus Classes in Margaux, Bordeaux: Chateau Giscours and Chateau du Tertre.
And overseeing the winery is Frenchman Dominique Genot. I had the pleasure to meet him on a visit to the U.S. a few months ago, along with my friend, Nathaniel Munoz, a sommelier in Los Angeles who also visited the winery recently.
Genot has been living in Italy for 10 years. Originally from Nancy, France, he studied enology and winemaking in Burgundy, and agronomy and viticulture in Bordeaux, receiving degrees from two benchmark schools in winemaking. Following his studies and time working in California at Saintsbury in Carneros, as well as in Marlborough, New Zealand, Genot was looking for work in Bordeaux when he was offered the job in Italy.
Genot began with the biodynamic estate of Caiarossa in 2006. Immediately his main focus was to take what he was given and simply improve each aspect to the best of his ability.
This includes expanding the acreage, as it has grown from 12 hectares to 31. The estate vineyard, which has a direct view of the sea, ranges from 180-300 meters in elevation. And the vineyard is diverse in soil type.
There are striations of calcareous soils mixed with stones and compact clays, while in other areas there is rich argil, which is a mix of clay and oxidized iron giving a reddish hue or caia-rossa (red stone). There is also a very stony limestone area where chardonnay, viognier, and a bit of petit manseng are planted.
Munoz recently visited Caiarossa and spent time with Genot, sending me his impressions.
The winery itself is an inspiring achievement on its own. Feng shui architecture adds to the thoughtfulness of the estate. The outside walls are painted red while the inside are painted yellow. This follows the idea that the yellow will draw the sun into the winery and the red will draw the wine out...
The building is also in an orientation that allows for sunlight early in the morning and later in the evening. While at midday the smallest surface faces the sun, which helps regulate the temperature of the building. The position on the slope was considered as well as it is not the highest on the hill, which would allow for much exposure to the elements and not lowest in the slope so that there were too many elements above the structure.
He also described the biodynamic processes: The winery is gravity fed. There is a philosophy of interacting with the wine as little as possible. Macerations are slow and low, the same idea of braising foods. The most flavor and nuanced textures are possible with these techniques. Wood is only used as seasoning as there is high value placed on growing the best possible grapes. This way, if you start with an amazing initial product, the work is nearly done. Low intervention.
Genot is focused on respecting the territory and the style of the estate. I almost believe the laziest winemakers may be the best, Munoz explained. They initially do a lot of work to make sure the vineyard finds balance. The ideal is to do the least work possible. If done correctly, the vineyard will essentially do all the work for you. The vineyard reflects this as I walked through yesterday. There is an efficiency to the canopy. Each leaf has a purpose. They dont compete with each other to collect sunlight. There is a harmony in the maturation from one plant to the next. You can see an evenness to the height of the shoots and the color of the canopy. No irrigation is allowed, and this struggle is encouraged to help the plant survive and find the resources needed to perform near the end of the growing season when there is less rain. All of this is considered so that when it comes to harvest, Dominique and his team can make their passes through the vineyard efficiently rather than having to harvest in multiple tries.
Caiarossa produces a modest range of wines. White wine is five percent of the production. The single white wine, Bianco, is a neutral-oaked wine made with 60 percent viognier and 40 percent chardonnay. The majority of the wine produced is red blends from merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, sangiovese, petit verdot and alicante (a blend of grenache and mourvedre). The red labels produced are Caiarossa, Aria, Pergolaia and Essenzia.
Genot did not set out to make the wines to be Bordeaux or Chateauneuf-du-Pape but he was looking to do a Left Bank Bordeaux-style wine, a Right Bank Bordeaux-style wine and a Cote du Rhone-style wine. As a joke, he and his team decided to blend all seven grapes together. The team loved it so much that the seven grapes have been blended each year, in varying proportions, in Caiarossa IGT.
Aria is a similar blend to the Caiarossa but from younger vines. Pergolaia is made with a minimum of 80 percent sangiovese, as well as cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. As they purchase a portion of the sangiovese, this is the only wine that is certified organic but not biodynamic.
Essenzia is a special bottling that is not made each year. Always bottled in magnums, this wine is made when something stands out in a vintage, whether a varietal wine or a blend. Caiarossa also producers Oro di Caiarossa, a botrytis-affected petit manseng, and in some years Grappa di Caiarossa.
I hope to visit Caiarossa so that I can experience firsthand Genots intricate vineyard management and minimalistic winemaking approach. But, in the meantime, the wines of Caiarossa can be enjoyed as they are imported into the U.S. by Lyra Imports.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in The Hague on Thursday (9 June 2016) to discuss the Alliances agenda for the Warsaw Summit in July. Mr. Stoltenberg praised the Netherlands for being a committed NATO Ally, making valuable contributions to NATOs collective defence in Europe and helping to project stability beyond the Alliances borders.
During their talks, the Secretary General and Prime Minister Rutte discussed the next steps NATO will take at the Warsaw Summit to respond to a more challenging security environment. Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted how NATO is adapting its defence and deterrence posture and increasing the readiness of its forces. We are going to increase our forward presence in the eastern part of our Alliance. We have agreed that the forward presence will be a multinational presence, said the Secretary General.
The leaders also discussed how NATO can further project stability beyond its borders. Mr. Stoltenberg underscored the importance of enabling local forces to fight terrorism and secure their own countries. We can help them, train them, build local capacity so that they are able to stabilise their own countries, he said.
Highlighting NATOs support to assist with the refugee and migrant crisis, the Secretary General thanked the Netherlands for its contribution to NATOs deployment in the Aegean Sea. He stressed that the number of crossings has significantly reduced and welcomed the broadening of international efforts to stem the flow of illegal trafficking and migration. He added that NATO will continue to step up its cooperation with the European Union. I look forward to the Summit because the aim is to be able to lift the EU-NATO cooperation to a new level, said Mr. Stoltenberg.
The Secretary General also underlined the importance of meeting the defence spending pledge made at the Wales Summit in September 2014. He welcomed the Netherlands efforts to increase defence spending and stressed that this is a first step towards increasing investments in NATOs collective defence and shared security.
Newspaper: Artsakh Public Council establishment caused concern in political arena
India fines Google for $113 million
Mass dedicated to peace in Armenia is celebrated at Vatican
Biden says Russia would make 'serious mistake' if it deploys tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine
Romania plans to intensify talks on Black Sea and military purchases
Karekin II and Aram I refuse to participate in World Armenian Forum
IMF Director: Ukraine's need for external financing could reach $5 billion month
Turkey continues to beat out gas discount from Russia and payment deferral from Gazprom
Alen Simonyan refuses to participate in fifth meeting of Russian-Armenian Lazarev Club
UN Security Council to meet at Russia's request over accusations that Iran is supplying drones to Russia
Leading Wall Street bankers warn of recession in US and Europe
Armenian FM tells Vatican secretary of state about Azerbaijani aggression
Secretary of Armenian Security Council holds telephone conversation with Biden's aide
IEA head: World still needs Russian oil to flow into the market
Norwegian police arrest man on suspicion of spying for Russia
Ambassador-at-Large meets with Personal Representative of OSCE Chairman-in-Office
EU to offer banks to offer mandatory instant payments in euros
Ambassador: Active efforts of Armenian authorities are registering regress in Armenian-Russian relations
Saudi minister: Saudi Arabia and US will overcome unjustified spat
Zatulin: My ban on entering Armenia coincides with trilateral meeting planned in Russia
Rishi Sunak vows to fix 'mistakes' of Liz Truss
MFA comments on information about meeting of special envoys of Armenia and Turkey
Daily Sabah: Armenian, Turkish special representatives next meeting planned in Turkey
The Telegraph: US President Biden mispronounces Rishi Sunak's name
Zelenskyy proposes creating platforms for the 'de-occupation' of Transnistria and Abkhazia
'Armenia' bloc deputy: Nikol Pashinyan and Suren Papikyan are lying
Dollar falls, euro rises
Stanislav Zass discusses with Lavrov situation in CSTO zone of responsibility
New British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife are richer than royalty
Klaar: EU actively engaged in Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process at all levels
Nissan reveals updated Juke crossover
FM briefs Sovereign Order of Malta Grand Chancellor on Armenia position on normalizing relations with Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan prepares for peace with Armenia but dramatically increases military budget
North Korea completes preparations for nuclear test
Azerbaijan manipulates facts, creates information pretext to encroach on Lachin corridor
Azerbaijan military aggression against Armenia is discussed at Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly conference (PHOTOS)
Peskov says details of gas hub with Turkey were being worked out
Konstantin Zatulin on ban on his entry into Armenia: I see it as insulting move
Putin's spokesman says building wall on Russian-EU borders is nonsense
Turkey begins its part of work on gas hub agreement with Russia
Kremlin responds to Macron's appeal to Pope to negotiate with Putin
Millliyet: Turkish and Finnish delegations hold talks on NATO membership in Ankara
Zelenskiy: Ukraine receives not 'a single cent' on $17 billion rapid recovery plan
Rishi Sunak takes office as Prime Minister of Great Britain
Indonesian armed woman tries to break into presidential palace
Pashinyan's family newspaper writes that Konstantin Zatulin is forbidden to enter Armenia from now on
President Raisi accuses U.S. of information terrorism, organizing riots in Iran
AraratBank and 4090 Charity Foundation team up for the education of war participants
Ursula von der Leyen: EU to provide Kyiv with 1 billion for urgent restoration of energy supply
World Bank to provide Armenia with EUR 22.6 million of additional credit funds
Macron asks Pope to call Putin to solve Ukraine crisis
PM: Azerbaijan hinders search of Armenian soldiers' bodies in occupied territories
German president assures Ukraine of his full support
Armenia ruling force MP: Major powers have told us You should sign that agreement by the end of the year
WSJ: Saudi Prince Bin Salman mocks Biden in private talks
OSCE needs assessment mission is briefed on situation in Armenias Jermuk after Azerbaijan military aggression (PHOTOS)
Armenias Pashinyan to Kazakhstans Tokayev: Mutually beneficial cooperation corresponds to our countries interests
Driver, 41, dies in hospital 2 days after Armenia car accident
US: Former student opens fire at school
Turkish Finance Minister says he would seek gas discount from Gazprom
US State Dept.: We are interested in seeing stable Caucasus where we work both with Armenia and Azerbaijan
US plans to allocate $25M to project to strengthen Armenia economy
Copper prices decline
Armenia premier: Italy is friendly country, important partner for us
Pashinyan to Xi: We will succeed in qualitatively raising Armenian-Chinese political dialogue to new level
World Bank allocates Ukraine additional $500 million
Zelenskyy: If Moscow says Ukraine is making dirty bomb, then Russia made it
Newspaper: Anti-CSTO consolidation initiative group of Armenia sends petition to parliament speaker
World oil prices going up
Newspaper: Armenia PM forbids political teammates to say anything about Karabakh
Azerbaijan opens fire at Armenia positions
Largest cruise liner in world 'Icon of the Seas' presented
U.S. police officers mistake pet cat for mountain lion
Joe Biden gets another Covid-19 booster shot
US imposes sanctions on Nicaragua's gold mining industry
Kremlin says Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents prepare to meet
Leading Party Sponsor: Conservative Party is not fit to run Britain
'From Old Memory': Drivers can't see road signs on section of North-South highway under construction in Yerevan
Russian MFA: We are sure that attempts of external forces to split Moscow and Yerevan will not succeed
Yair Lapid: Israel is deeply concerned over Russia and Iran's military ties
Another school shooting in U.S.: 3 dead, including shooter
Azerbaijani Armed Forces shell Armenian positions
Kenyan police shoot and kill prominent Pakistani journalist
OSCE representatives visit villages affected by Azerbaijani aggression in Syunik Province
US presidential adviser calls OPEC's decision to cut oil production political move
Lavrov: Russia and Iran gave comprehensive answers about alleged use of Iranian drones
Netanyahu's comeback dominates Israel's elections
Georgian president complains that she was not informed about Aliyev's visit
S&P Global Market Intelligence: Recession in Eurozone looks increasingly inevitable
Benny Gantz tells his Ukrainian colleague that Israel will not supply weapons to Kiev
Greek Armed Forces can effectively respond to any provocation by Turkey
Qatar urges to depoliticize oil and gas
General Staff of Armed Forces head discusses Ukraine with his British colleague
Zelenskyy: Russia wouldn't cooperate militarily with Iran if Israel had not denied air defense systems to Kyiv
Azerbaijan sends note in connection with 'anti-Azerbaijani statements' on Channel One
Goldman Sachs foretells European business worst year since global financial crisis
Artificial intelligence leads political party in Denmark
Aliyev says Baku-Tbilisi-Kars route should be increased
U.S. State Department official expresses support for Armenia's sovereignty
Iranian MFA: IRGC exercises on borders with Azerbaijan are not directed against any neighboring state
YEREVAN. Armenias delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA) submitted a statement by the Foreign Minister of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh).
Head of delegation Koryun Nahapetyan on Thursday told the abovementioned to reporters at the National Assembly of Armenia, as he commented on the results of the NATO PA session that was convened recently in the Albanian capital city of Tirana.
He noted that the NATO PA Political Committee had decided to provide Armenia and Azerbaijan the opportunity to deliver remarks regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Even though the Armenian delegation opposed this arguing that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group is the sole working effective mechanism for finding a resolution to this conflict, the Azerbaijani delegations proposal was adopted.
And the Azerbaijani delegation listed all the well-known arguments about the occupation of territories, etc.
In its address in response, the Armenian delegation presented facts about the military aggression and hate campaign by Azerbaijan as well as human rights abuses in this country.
In addition, the Armenian delegation to the NATO PA submitted the NKR FMs statement, which proposes the sending of a monitoring mission to the region to investigate everything on location.
COCOA BEACH, Florida Richard Rivera, 49, of Orlando, was arrested around 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, following a brief foot chase with Cocoa Beach Police for stealing a tote bag off of the beach at the Cocoa Beach Pier and subsequently using the victims credit card at a Dollar General store.
Officers later spotted Rivera at a nearby 7-Eleven with the assistance of a Brevard County Sheriffs helicopter. Rivera then fled from Officers and scaled a fence surrounding C&C Auto Body on Manatee Lane where he was taken into custody without incident.
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Further investigation led police to the victims property as well as a black 2008 Cadillac Escalade that was stolen in Orlando, Florida and allegedly used as Riveras mode of transportation to Cocoa Beach.
Our team, along with the BCSO pilot, did a fantastic job locating this individual, recovering stolen property and getting him off the streets, said Chief Scott Rosenfeld.
Rivera is held on a no bond status at the Brevard County Correctional Facility, charged with Grand Theft, Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information, Burglary, and Resisting Arrest without Violence.
KIEV - The Ukrainian government has drawn up a draft decree to ease visa control for businessmen and tourists from China, the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko announced here Wednesday.
"We believe that this move will not only increase the number of tourists, but also significantly boost the budget revenues," Prystaiko was quoted by Interfax-Ukraine news agency as saying during the cabinet meeting.
The draft decree stipulates that Chinese citizens can obtain 15-day Ukrainian entry visas upon their arrival at the Boryspil International Airport in Kiev if they have a document confirming the business or tourist purpose of the visit, Prystaiko said.
He said the new visa issuing rules, which are awaiting the final cabinet approval, are set to take effect on June 20.
Easing visa requirements for Chinese citizens comes as a response to Beijing's move to adopt a 144-hour visa-free entry policy to Ukrainian nationals in some airports, Prystaiko said, voicing his hope that the new travel regime will strengthen the bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, more than 11,000 Chinese citizens visited Ukraine last year, compared with about 5,000 travelers in 2014.
New Delhi, June 9 (ANI-NewsVoir): movingDneedle Enterprise Pvt. Ltd, (mDn) one of the fastest growing B2B Sales Lead Generation Company today announced its relocation to a new office space. This facility accommodates the existing hundred plus employees, and also budgets for rapid growth and future expansion. "movingDneedle has come a long way in these three years. From three employees working in an incubation center for US and UK markets to more than 100 employees working for industries globally. In the last year alone, we have added nearly 50 employees for various Strategic Business Units (SBU's) and have experienced tremendous growth in the business overall," said CEO movingDneedle, Sanju Pillai. With a 100 percent young workforce made of MBA's who are hired from business schools in and around Hyderabad, mDn have developed a pool of strong marketing professionals who have deep interests in sales and entrepreneurship. The company consistently delivers high qualified leads for clients and the young team's skills and expertise have played a vital role in successfully implementing expansion plans and taking the services to new territories. Today, movingDneedle has leading brands around the globe, particularly in the US and the UK, entrusting it with their Sales Process Outsourcing. Traditionally India has been a favorite destination only for tech-outsourcing and it has been mDn's mission to change this perception. mDn's pioneering efforts in this have borne fruit, with MNCs entrusting their sales processes to us. (ANI-NewsVoir)
"I congratulate PM Narendra Modiji for mesmerizing U.S. Congress through his brilliant speech," Singh said in a tweet.
"It's brilliance & scope reminded me of Swami Vivekanand's Chicago address a century ago," he added.
Prime Minister Modi in his historical address at the joint session of the US Congress at Capitol Hill here on Wednesday lauded the bonds between the two nations, saying freedom and liberty were the key elements that strengthened ties between them.
He added that both the countries had overcome the hesitations of history.
In an address peppered with applauses and standing ovations, the Prime Minister emphasised on the successful partnership between 'natural allies' India and the U.S., asserting that the importance of freedom and democracy shared by both nations was key to their respective governments.
Praising the U.S. for turning barriers into bridges of partnership, he said that America had stood with India when the support was needed the most, like when terrorists attacked Mumbai in November 2008 and in other economic endeavours as well.
Prime Minister Modi also said India and the United States should come closer and become stronger, and through their shared values do something for the benefit of the world.
He further said that his dream is to economically empower India's citizens through social and economic transformations by 2022, the seventy-fifth anniversary of India's independence. (ANI)
Singh was out on a stroll around 5 am in the morning, when three men on a bike opened fire on him.
Gravely injured, especially in the hip, Singh was rushed to the nearby hospital, where the doctors decided to send him to Patna for further treatment.
The police has launched a manhunt to nab the assailants, who are on the loose. (ANI)
The apprehended fishermen have been taken to the Mannar Naval Camp. As reported, the fishermen were arrested at around 4 a.m.
Earlier on June 5, the Sri Lankan Navy had apprehended four Indian fishermen and one boat were apprehended at Neduntheevu.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to help release the four Indian fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy earlier on Thursday.
There have been several alleged incidents of Sri Lankan Navy personnel firing on Indian fishermen fishing in the Palk Strait, where New Delhi and Colombo are separated by only 12 nautical miles.
The Sri Lankan Government wants India to ban use of mechanized trawlers in the Palk Strait region and negotiations on the same are going on.
The Indian Government has always taken up the issue of safety of Indian fishermen on a priority basis with the Sri Lankan Government. (ANI)
Deputy Mayor Basant Singh sustained critical injuries after he was shot at by unidentified gunmen here this morning.Police said three motorcycle borne men fired at Mr Singh when he was on morning walk.The deputy mayor has been rushed to Patna for treatment.Further details were awaited.UNI XC-IS AKM SDR SB 1037 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-776662.Xml
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State Secretary V Saminathan will attend the party's National Executive meeting scheduled to be held in Allahabad on June 12 and 13. Mr.Saminathan in a statement here today said that the development of Puducherry, and the party's strategy to be adopted in the local body election to be held here and among others would be discussed in the meeting. Separate memorandums would be submitted to the Union Ministers on the situation prevailing in the Union territory and on its development,he added.UNI PAB CS 1123 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0434-776757.Xml
Special Investigation Division of Crime Branch CID (CB-CID) sleuths have arrested an Islamic fundamentalist, suspected to have involved in the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and planting of a Tiffin box bomb in a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus at two different places, here. Police sources said today the CID team arrested M.Umar Farooq (40), a suspected activist of banned Islamic ultra outfit "Al-Umma" in the city, last evening. He was a close associate of slain Al Umma extremist Imam Ali. He was wanted in a case relating to the planting of Tiffin box bomb fitted with a timer inside a TNSTC bus at Thiruvathavur here on December 7, 2011. The bomb was timely detected by the passengers and was defused by the police. Umar Farooq was also suspected to have involved in the explosion of a low-intensity bi-cycle bomb near "Sri Ram Temple" at Anna Nagar locality in Madurai city on May one, 2012. The explosion was aimed to disrupt the fifth State Conference of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), titled "Thaamarai Sangamam" (Lotus Confluence) held here on May 10 and 11 in 2012, in which senior party leaders L.K.Advani, Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Venkaiah Naidu and others took part. The CB-CID sleuths were investigating a dozen bomb-related cases here since 2010 that included the sensational attempt on the life of Mr.Advani during his "Jan Chetna" Rath yatra. Police recovered a powerful "Pipe Bomb" beneath a Causeway at Alampatti village near Tirumangalam, barely few hours ahead of the Rath Yatra scheduled to pass over it on October 29, 2011. UNI GSM CS 1154 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0434-776793.Xml
A local court of Sonamura in West Tripura today sent a Nigerian national to jail and a minor boy to Juvenile Justice Board for illegally entering into India. Police said, Border Security Force detained two Nigerian nationals, including a minor, at bordering village Srimantapur in Sonamura sub-division yesterday. They were produced before the court demanding seven days police remand. However, the court sent them to jail for two days and directed police to submit case diary.According to report, two detainees have been identified as- Adiah Henry Chinonso (34) of Lagos in Nigeria and a minor boy. Acting on a tip-off, the special team of BSF netted them near the pillar no. 2085/4S of Indo-Bangla international boundary in Srimantapur village.Later, a case was registered against them under Foreigners Act 1964 and section 120 (B) of IPC. Police recovered a passport along with cash from their possession and the passport was valid for visiting Bangladesh from May 16 up to November 15 this year. UNI BB AKM CJ SB1120 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-776729.Xml
As many as 102 polling stations would be set up at 61 designated locations across Anantnag constituency, where eight candidates, including Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, will try their luck in the June 22 bypolls. Ms Mehbooba is seeking to become a member of the state Assembly within the mandatory period of six months of her swearing-in as Chief Minister in April. The Anantnag seat became vacant following the death of the then Chief Minister and Ms Mehbooba's father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in a Delhi hospital in January this year. An official spokesperson here today said that 102 polling stations would be setup at 61 designated locations across Anantnag constituency. He said that 15 polling stations have been proposed as model polling stations, which would have extra facilities besides, adequate arrangements for migrant voters. Initial training to 2017 employees has already been given, while services of only 408 would be required for election day, besides adequate number of EVMs have already been put in order, he added. He said that vulnerability map of the area has already been prepared and adequate security arrangements would be put in place according to the map to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling. Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) J&K, Shantmanu directed concerned Nodal Officer to meet all the political parties involved in the bye-election and sensitise them about various aspects of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and its compliance by them. He directed the Nodal Officer to conduct awareness camps on regular basis to inform people about voting and voting rights. Regarding the security arrangements, he directed SSP Security to ensure adequate security during the polling days, especially to the contesting candidates. The CEO also laid emphasis on webcasting of ten polling stations on priority basis.UNI ABS YSS CJ SB 1114 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-776676.Xml
The Joint Secretary (Northeast affairs) of Ministry of Home Affairs Satyendra Garg is scheduled to visit villages of Western Mizoram in next couple of weeks to oversee the situation of Bru families rehabilitated after repatriation from North Tripura in past occasions. According to a report, MHA has received several memoranda and requests from the Bru refugees to see the sufferings and obstacles in Mizoram after they get back from Tripura camps. They alleged that Mizoram government has been rehabilitating Bru refugees dispersedly in the Mizo dominated villages and they have been under regular threat. After attack in Kashirampur villages of Kanchanpur by refugees burning down 18 houses and destroying huge property and livestock that rendered 96 people homeless since May 17 last, Tripura government persuaded MHA for immediate repatriation of Brus from the state. Accordingly, Garg came last week and held tri-patriate meeting for repatriation and also spoke to Bru refugees. He said, MHA has set a deadline by November this year for the entire process of repatriation Officials here today said that Bru refugees have also raised the issue of insecurity in the meeting stating that Brus were scattered in the Mizo villages and as a result, they are facing serious problems in socio-economic and cultural front Moreover, Mizoram government did not comply with the conditions of repatriation. Meanwhile, the victim families of Kashirampur Bru attack alleged that the state government did not pay the adequate amount of money for re-building their houses and supporting their livelihood. Moreover, police have not also taken any action against the accused for unknown reason. "We have returned the cheque for Rs 10,000 given to each of the families for beginning of the construction of houses, as it doesn't serve any purpose and is rather a trap to put us in further trouble. However, chief secretary Y P Singh said as per government norms in such cases of calamity, each family has to get a house under IAY scheme at the cost of Rs 75,000. We understand this is not adequate for construction of a dwelling unit. But we must follow the guideline. As far as police action against the accused is concern, investigation is going on and it is taking time because it was a mob action," Singh added.UNI BB AKM CJ 1244 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-776743.Xml
In an overnight joint operation, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard successfully salvaged a merchant ship MV Infinity which was on the verge of sinking after it developed a crack in its hull leading to flooding of water inside it. The 83 mt long vessel with 14 Indian crew on-board was transiting from Kandla port in Gujarat and proceeding to Karwar, Karnataka when the incident took place. The ship was carrying approximately 1,750 tonnes of Asphalt, when it started dangerously tilting to the right due to water ingress about 20 nautical miles off Goa Coast, a Navy official today told UNI. "The distress call from the merchant ship was received at about 1930 hrs yesterday. The vessel had reported that the list (nautical term for tilt) is increasing despite ship's de-watering efforts," said the official. Since such emergencies could lead to the ship sinking, Indian Naval Ship Trikand from Western Naval Command was immediately dispatched to the area. Despite heavy seas, the ship managed to reach to the spot at about 2100 hrs and send a team of four personnel, including two officers and high speed de-watering pumps on-board, to the merchant ship in crisis. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was also informed with Coast Guard Ships Amal and Shoor and a tug from Goa dispatched for assistance and another naval ship INS Kondul placed on standby. Helicopters were kept ready for immediate evacuations if needed. MV Infinity was anchored off Goa coast last night and provided with additional pumps by INS Trikand and CG Ships. By early morning at around 0300 hrs the flooding was brought under control and the ship slowly proceeded to Karwar harbour. The ship was being escorted by INS Trikand and two CG Ships. "At the current speed, she is expected to reach Karwar Port late this evening," the official said. UNI MK CJ SB 1339 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-776909.Xml
Heavily armed Naxals today fired rockets and attacked an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp in remote Ranapal village under Mardapal police station limits in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-affected Kondagaon district. Confirming the Maoists attack, Kondagaon Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Singh, however, said there were no reports of any casualty or damage to the ITBP's 41st battalion camp. The camp which was set up to guard an under-construction bridge, came under attack with rocket launcher and indiscriminate firing after midnight by a group of Naxals. There was a heavy exchange of fire between Maoists and the ITBP troopers for nearly two hours before the rebels fled into dense forests, the sources said. A massive combing operation is underway in and around the region since morning after reinforcement reached the spot. According to sources, the ITBP camp suffered no damage as all the four rockets fired from a long distance missed the target. Last month, three Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) personnel were injured in a similar Naxal attack in CAF's Mirtur camp in neighbouring Bijapur district. UNI SS SB 1316 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-776912.Xml
The Madras High Court today directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file its reply in two weeks on a plea by the Opposition DMK seeking a CBI probe into the seizure of Rs 570 crore cash at Tiruppur in the run up to the May 16 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. When the petition filed by DMK Rajya Sabha member and Spokesperson T K S Elangovan came up for hearing, Judge Subbiah directed the CBI to file is reply in two weeks. In his petition, Mr Elangovan said he hadpetitioned the Election Commission and the CBI demanding a CBI probe into the seizureof cash. Since, no action was taken, he filed a pleabefore the High Court seeking a CBI probe into it. It may be recalled that the DMK had on May 31 also submitted a petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to kindly interfere and direct the CBI and Enforcement Directorate authorities to conduct an impartial, independent, thorough and transparent investigation into the case.UNI GV 1305 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-776902.Xml
Incharge District Collector and District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Harjinder Singh said the show-cause notice was issued to tehsildar Amita Singh for violating the Civil Service Conduct Rules. She has been asked to reply to the notice within seven days.
Mr Singh said the notice was issued on the basis of reports concerning her Facebook post published in newspapers as she had deleted her post later.
However, newspaper reports also mentioned Ms Singh had apologised for posting the message. She said that she received a message on cross-platform mobile messaging application WhatsApp. She posted it on her Facebook wall considering it satirical. Still, she is apologising so that it does not hurt anyone.
In her post on her Facebook wall on Tuesday, Ms Singh had praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and taken a dig at the Congress and supporters of their ideology. Later, a former Indian Administrative Service officer made a critical comment on the post that sparked a debate on social media over the matter.UNI XC-PS AE AS1442
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Police sources said here today that police had arrested Mahesh, Sanjeev, Hardev and Shreepal yesterday for their involvement in a land dispute.
Sources said thereafter, 40 to 50 villagers laid siege to the police station last night and attacked police officer Balbeer Singh and released one of arrested accused Sanjeev.
Police have filed a case against 60 people in the incident and are searching for criminals.UNI XC-MB CJ 1418
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Police Superintendent Chhatranil Singh said here that the deputy mayor was on morning stroll when three motorcycle-borne criminals opened fire on him from a close range. He sustained serious injuries in the attack.
"Mr Singh was immediately rushed to a government hospital from where his relatives shifted him to a private nursing home", the police Superintendent said, adding that the injured mayor was later rushed to Patna for better treatment.
Motive behind the attack was being investigated, Mr Singh said and added that raids were being carried out to nab the culprits.UNI XC-KKS AKM CJ SB 1411
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Muslim free India, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati today reiterated her demand for a CBI probe in the Mathura violence and announced that if her party comes to power in Uttar Pradesh after the 2017 polls then all the criminals and mafias of the present Samajwadi Party government would find themselves behind the bar. "We will have a clear cut agenda that all the land grabbers of the present SP government to put them in jail and will initate legal action against them," she told reporters. Ms Mayawati's reaction came on a media statement by UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav alleging that BSP has no agenda before them in the 2017 assembly polls. "The Mathura incident has exposed both the SP as well as the BJP. Both the UP and the Central governments were responsible for such violence after illegal land grabbing by some people. But now both the parties are doing drama to confuse the people, " she said. However, surprisingly, the BSP president demanded a CBI probe into the Mathura violence but on the other hand she charged the BJP-led Central government with misusing the investigating agency in taming the political parties." The centre had tried to misuse CBI in West Bengal and Kerala before the assembly polls but they received a brickbating from the voters for it," she added. When asked about VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi's statement of ' Muslim free India", she said BJP should clarify its stand." Statements by such leaders are creating communal tension and indirectly BJP was supporting the leader," she said. Supporting the controversial feature film' Udta Punjab', the BSP president said, "the film is based on drugs and it make the youths aware of the dangerous aspect of it. BSP totally supports this film and demand that the Centre allow the film to be released on time." UNI MB AE NS1614 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-777185.Xml
Condemning alleged physical assault and detention of an on duty doctor of a government hospital by police in south Kashmir district of Kulgam, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today threatened to go on an indefinite strike if action was not taken against the accused. Expressing outrage, DAK president Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan said that this kind of brutality by police on a doctor who was discharging his professional duties is unacceptable. He alleged that the men in uniform instead of protecting people have become 'goons'. "They (Police) instead of upholding law are breaking and abusing it. The victim doctor Muhammad Maqbool, who was on duty at Sub District hospital Damhal Hanjipora in Kulgam, was physically assaulted by police when he refused to fill an inquiry form which under rules was to be filled by another doctor. "Dr Maqbool was hit by gun buts and dragged from the hospital and was put in lock up," he said. "Later attendants of a sick patient got the doctor released. Police have committed a heinous crime by illegally detaining an on duty doctor, putting the lives of emergency patients at risk. This episode clearly indicates that police believe that whatever they do, no action will be taken against them," he alleged. Alleging that this is not the first time that doctors were beaten by police, the DAK president said they have gone rowdy as they have been let loose and are unchecked. "This has created a fear psychosis among doctors who feel insecure and unsafe because of highhandedness of police. This atrocious attitude of police towards doctors has forced many to migrate and this is the main reason of brain drain," he said. "If the erring policemen are not booked and they are not given exemplary punishment, DAK will be left with no option but to go for indefinite strike," he added.UNI ABS PS AS1706 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-777103.Xml
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today condemned the manhandling of his Dalit councilor by the BJP as shameful and described the saffron party as the 'party of gundas'. The AAP chief on his Twitter handle said, "Utterly shameful. BJP is a party of gundas. Rakesh is dalit. BJP assaulting dalits all ovr India in a systematic way."Mr Kejriwal's reaction came after video showing BJP councillors thrashing AAP councillor Rakesh Kumar went viral today.In the video, the scuffle ensued between a group and the AAP councillor were seen. The decision to organise a joint session of MCDs in Delhi came in response to Delhi government's plan to hold a special assembly session today to discuss the corruption and mismanagement in the MCDs.UNI SHS RSA AE 1852 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-777661.Xml
: Leader of Opposition in Telangana State Legislative Council, Mohammed Ali Shabbir today questioned the silence of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao over the criticism on TJAC Chairman M. Kodandaram by his party members and cabinet colleagues. Talking to newspersons here, Mr Shabbir Ali said Prof. Kodandaram has only repeated what the Congress party has been saying in-and-outside the Assembly and Council on various failures of the State Government. However, almost half-a-dozen ministers and other leaders attacked Prof. Kodandaram with the worst ever language that could be used against a senior citizen, especially the one who played an active role in Telangana movement. The Congress leader said some ministers even questioned the identity of Kodandaram and TJAC. While recollecting an old-video-clip, wherein the Chief Minister, reacted sharply to the comments made by the then minister T.G. Venkatesh against Prof. Kodandaram, Mr Shabbir said, Mr Rao had earlier had said that Prof. Kodandaram was the representative of four crore people of Telangana and threatened to pluck the tongue of those, who criticise the TJAC chief. He said the Chief Minister should either designate a place to execute punishments like plucking the tongues or burying someone alive, as it happens in some Gulf countries or stop airing such provocative statements. Mr Shabbir said Mr Rao has been continuously neglecting the agriculture sector, despite the fact that nearly 70 per cent of population is dependent on it. Four consecutive crops seasons have failed and the farmers were yet to get required relief in the ongoing khariff season, he reasoned. Telangana reached the second top position in terms of farmers' suicides, the Congress leader alleged, adding, the State Government is yet to clear-off the crop loan waiver dues.MORE UNI KNR KVV ADB 1850 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-777531.Xml
Punjab Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh today announced that he will be releasing the uncensored copies of the movie Udta Punjab in Majitha in Amritsar on June 17, the scheduled date of the release of the movie. Capt Singh has written to the producers of the movie, Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor, urging them to provide the uncensored CDs so that he can release it on the scheduled date to coincide with the worldwide premier of the movie on June 17. The former Chief Minister said the purpose of releasing the movie in Majitha was to tell the Akalis and the BJP that no matter to what extent they try to go to gag the truth, he will expose it at any cost. "Not only do we want to highlight the harsh reality of Punjab, but also assert the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by our constitution which is being infringed upon by the BJP at the behest of the Akalis, using the Censor Board", he said in the letter to the producers. Capt Singh also clarified to the producers that all the legal onus of releasing the uncensored CDs of the movie will be on him only. "I guarantee you that I will take the entire responsibility of the legal implications, if any, for releasing the uncensored CDs as we want truth to be told no matter at what price", he said.MORE UNI DB SW AS1851 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-777444.Xml
Dispute with regards to Udta Punjab is between Producer Anurag Kashyap and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Punjab government and the political alliance of ruling SAD-BJP in the state have neither written any letter nor issued any statement, a government official said.Stating this here at an anti-drugs round table conference, jointly organised by the Joshi Foundation and the Punjabi Virsa Sabhacharak Society, Mohali, Punjab government Assistant MediaAdviser Vineet Joshi said, "It is without any reason or logic, or due to vested interests, that our name is being dragged into this controversy.""As this country knows only too well, the Akali Dal and the BJP not only stand for freedom of expression but have also fought fiercely for it. The top SAD leaders as well as the BJP went to jail to safeguard the freedom of expression and were among the front ranking fighters when Emergency was imposed and freedom of expression and constitutional values were murdered in this country", Mr Joshi added.He said those who have become the self-styled champions of freedom of expression in the last 72 hours because their commercial film was delayed by a few hours by the CBFC should introspect as to how much did the Bollywood fight when this country's constitutional values were challenged. The number of people in Bollywood who have tried to bring out the story of massacre of Sikhs sponsored by a political party can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and none of the people who were trying to defame Punjab across various TV channels are among them, he added.The saddest part of the entire controversy is the sense of timing and proportion that Kashyap and his ilk have chosen.On the same day when the joint house of US Congress was hailing India for its robust democracy and liberal values, Anurag Kashyap chose to compare the country with North Korea, he pointed out.Mr Joshi said, "a Bollywood director/producer, his sense of timing can only be called perfect or atrocious, depending upon whether you want to defame Punjab or recognise the bravery of its people and the hard work of its farmers."Incidentally, Anurag Kashyap's productions have always courted controversies. His movie, 'Black Friday' was banned in 2004 during the UPA government, 'Paanch' never got released because of CBFC's objections to violence and abusive language, then came 'Water', with his screenplay, which was initially banned but later released after numerous cuts in 2007, 'Gulaal' in 2009 was initially rejected but later released after numerous cuts, 'Ugly' was released after it remained stuck with CBFC for not including warning about smoking. All the movies were mired in controversy during the UPA government when Sharmila Tagore was the CBFC chief. "I am surprised as to why India didn't turn into North Korea when his movies were questioned by CBFC, with Sharmila Tagore as Chairperson during UPAs regime."Commercial success, failure or frustration can be understood, rubbishing the self-respect of Punjabis and comparing India with North Korea cannot be tolerated," Mr Joshi concluded.UNI DB SW PR1853 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-777482.Xml
In the backdrop of shortage of doctors in government hospitals in the state, Jammu and Kashmir government has directed Public Service Commission (PSC) to fill 116 posts while 96 more posts of doctors were being referred to agency for fast-track selection. Minister of State for Health and Medical Education Asiea Naqash, while replying to a question by MLA Rajesh Gupta, informed the Lower House that efforts are on to meet the shortage of doctors in the hospitals. "Government has already referred 116 posts of doctors to PSC and 96 more posts of doctors are being referred to the recruitment body for fast-track selection," he said. She said the four specialties of Super-Specialty hospitals of Jammu and Srinagar have already started functioning. Ms Naqash said that after fulfilling the requisite formalities, the Medical Colleges in the respective districts would be set up shortly. The Minister said that land for establishment of AIIMS at Jammu and Srinagar has been identified, adding that in Jammu land has been indentified at Samba, whereas for Srinagar, the site has been identified at Awantipora, Pulwama. The Minister said that these projects are to be executed by the Centre and necessary details in this regard are to be intimated by the State Government to the Centre. She said that the funds, amounting to Rs 2000 crore each have been earmarked under PM's Package for setting up of two AIIMS in the State.UNI ABS PS AS1843 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-777400.Xml
Terming Article 370 of the constitution "strength and honour" Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said nobody should harbor any misconceptions that there is any threat to the state's special status by the industrial policy.However, separatists, including both the factions of Hurriyat Conference and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), have already launched agitation against the industrial policy, alleging that it is to change the demography of the Muslim-majority state.Making it clear that nobody will be allowed to fiddle with J&K's Special Status, the Chief Minister said the New Industrial Policy is completely in tune with the Industrial Policy promulgated by the then Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1975. "Article 370 is our strength and our honor. We enter this august house by swearing on the State Constitution and it is empowering for all irrespective of the party grouping," Ms Mufti said while intervening during the reply of a question on New Industrial Policy in the Legislative Council."Article 370 did not belong to any particular party and it is because of this we are in the House as we took oath under State constitution," she said."Nobody should harbor any misconceptions that there is any threat to J&K's special status by the Industrial Policy," "We have decided to review the policy to remove any misconceptions in this regard."She said this will help set up industries in Jammu and Kashmir. Under the new industrial policy, a local can enter into partnership with a non local but majority shares and land will remain with the state subject person, she said.Ms Mufti said skill development in traditional arts and crafts of Jammu and Kashmir would be incentivised to keep these treasured crafts alive and create employment avenues for the local youth."Jammu and Kashmir has to capitalise on its competitive advantage especially in traditional arts and crafts for sustained economic growth and arming the local youth with adequate skills will be the key component of this process," the Chief Minister said.She said the skill enhancement in heritage arts like shawls, carpets, paper machie, wood carving, Basohli crafts and Ladakhi craftsmanship will be incentivized so that the new generation of the State's youth is motivated to take up these high-value crafts as a means of livelihood and at the same time contribute towards J&K's economic growth. "We have to develop localized skill strategies so that the skills supply matches the skills demand. It is not just the supply of skills which needs to be addressed, but also the demand for skills and the utilization of skills in the local workplaces," the Chief Minister said.MORE UNI ABS SW AE SB2000 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-777823.Xml
Six-time Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh was grilled by the CBI sleuths today in the DA case. CBI sources said Mr Singh reached at CBI headquarters at 1030 hrs and reportedly came out of CBI office after seven hours. They said the Chief Minister has been asked to appear before the agency tomorrow. The Chief Minister was quizzed by the CBI in connection with its probe into allegations of disproportionate assets amassed by Mr Singh during his tenure as Union Minister. The sources said the 81-year-old Chief Minister appeared for questioning at the agency headquarters alone and he was not being allowed to accompanied by any legal counsel. The agency had initiated an inquiry which had allegedly showed that as Union Minister during 2009-2012 (UPA rule), Mr Singh had allegedly accumulated assets worth Rs 6.03 crore (approx) in his name and in the name of his family members which were found to be disproportionate to his known sources of income, CBI has said. The FIR filed with a designated court in Delhi under the Prevention of Corruption Act, named Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh, LIC agent Anand Chauhan and Chunni Lal Chauhan. The allegations have been refuted by Mr Singh. In a statement, the CBI spokesperson had said it was further alleged that Mr Singh had invested his unaccounted income in LIC policies in his name and in the name of his wife and other family members through a private person by showing the same as agricultural income. "This was done by creation of a MoU purportedly dated June 15, 2008 for maintenance of an apple orchard, with the said private person (Chauhan) for a period of three years. The private person had allegedly deposited Rs 5 crore cash (approx) in his own bank account and debited the same through cheques for purchasing various LIC policies in their names," CBI had said. It had said Singh allegedly attempted to legitimise the same as agricultural income by filing revised Income Tax Returns in 2012. "The agricultural income as claimed by him in his revised ITRs was not found to be tenable. The then Union Minister had allegedly accumulated other assets disproportionate to known sources of income," the CBI has alleged.UNI ML SW GC2123 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-777988.Xml
Terming the proposal to start yatra to a cave in Beerwah in Budgam district as 'ridiculous and silly', hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani today alleged that it is a deliberate attempt to disturb the peaceful environment of the state. "The proposed yatra is an attempt to disturb the peaceful environment in the state and is aimed to divert the attention of the people from the present serious situations in Kashmir," Mr Geelani said. He alleged that the communal forces in India want hasty implementation of their cultural aggression programmes and the state of Jammu and Kashmir is their prime target in this regard. Mr Geelani said the communal elements have prepared a false and baseless story regarding a cave in the Beerwah area which is far from the reality. "The state High Court in reply to a petition has also made it clear that there is no circumstantial evidence available to prove these claims about this cave. And the revenue department had also denied any such story regarding the cave," he said. Mr Geelani said it is actually an act of cultural aggression by the communal forces, which is aimed to harm the Muslim identity of the state. "These actions are politically motivated and are aimed to divert the attention from the serious situations in Kashmir. They want to disturb the communal harmony of the state so that they can project the genuine struggle of Kashmiris as a communal issue," he said. Mr Geelani cautioned that the fanatic communal forces will not be allowed to succeed in their wicked designs. Appealing to the people to be cautious about such communal forces, the Hurriyat chairman said the Kashmiris are not against the Indian people or their religion, but they are struggling for their birth and basic rights. "We have always welcomed the yatris and tourists from India but we cannot compromise with our Muslim and cultural identity," he added.UNI ABS SW SB2118 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-778008.Xml
Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javedkar today said if the Samajwadi government in Uttar Pradesh was not supporting Ramvriksh Yadav in Mathura incident then why they are afraid of recommending a CBI probe."Goondaraj in UP has touched its peak and the Mathura incident was an eminent proof of their illegal act," he told reporters here.He said arms and ammunition recovered from Jawahar Bagh which showed that Ram Vriksh was preparing for waging a mini war. "The act of the SP government in UP and their silent support shows that they knew everything about it and had indirect support," he further claimed. He said UP BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya have been implicated in several criminal cases by this government and claimed that BJP president Amit Shah would decide whether there would be any CM candidate for UP polls or not. He added that BJP will form the next government in UP. The Minister, however, refused to make any direct comment on Union Minister Maneka Gandhi's statement on shooting down of 250 neelgai in Bihar recently. "I will give my reaction on the matter later", he said.UNI MB PY SW 2314 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-778206.Xml
Madhya Pradesh ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Rajendra Dadu, who represented Burhanpur district's Nepanagar, died tonight after his vehicle somersaulted more than once on the Bhopal-Indore road and landed within a ditch in the vicinity of Sherpura on the outskirts of Sehore district headquarters about 40 km from here. Gunman Arvind and the driver were injured. The trio was rushed to a private hospital in the state capital. A physician at the hospital confirmed the MLA's demise. Dadu (62) is survived by his wife and three daughters. This was his second consecutive term as Nepanagar MLA. He was heading here via Indore to attend a BJP Legislature Party meeting. The gathering, at Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's residence, was curtailed following news of the accident.UNI PKJ-AC PY SW 2326 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-778215.Xml
"Hola Mxico! PM @narendramodi lands in Mexico city for an important evening of diplomacy," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted on Thursday.
Mexican Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu was present at the airport to receive Modi.
Ruiz Massieu was in New Delhi in March this year and in a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, both leaders explored the possibility of taking bilateral relations to a higher level.
This is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Mexico after then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit in 2012 for the G20 Summit.
Modi will hold bilateral talks with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto during which the issue of India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is expected to come up.
On June 6, Switzerland, an important member of the NSG, extended support to India's membership in the group during Modi's stopover in Geneva en route to the US from Qatar.
Bilateral investments will be a major focus during the talks in Mexico.
Two-way trade between India and Mexico stands at around $6 billion.
Within Asia, India is the largest importer of crude oil from Mexico.
India's major exports to Mexico include pharmaceutical products and automobile parts.
According to India's Ambassador to Mexico Muktesh Pardeshi, there are 50 Indian companies in Mexico which have created around 10,000 jobs.
--IANS ab/pgh/
( 249 Words)
2016-06-09-05:10:10 (IANS)
In a statement issued by Pun's Secretariat, the Vice-President will be visiting the northern neighbour to participate in the fourt China-South Asia Expo and the 24th Kunming Import and Export Commodities Fair to be held in Kunming from June 12, reports the Himalayan Times.
He is scheduled to address the inauguration ceremony of China-South Asia Expo and 11th China - South Asia Business Forum in Kunming.
He is also to pay a courtesy call on his Chinese counterpart Li Yuanchao.
Pun will be leading an 11-member Nepali delegation that includes Secretary at the Vice-President's Office Rajendra Kishore Kshatri among others, the statement read.
He is scheduled to return on June 16. (ANI)
The Indian diaspora on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the joint meeting of the United States Congress, where he called for a closer security relationship between both the countries. "It was a very impressive speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He got 65 applauds in an hour and over four standing ovations by the members. There is nothing that was untouched, ranging from economy to terrorism to nuclear deal, everything was there," said an Indian woman. Ajay Banga, the CEO of MasterCard, said the speech of Prime Minister Modi clearly underlined the relationship between India and United States. "I think the speech by Prime Minister Modi clearly underlined the value of the United States in India as a long term partnership and not just a temporary partnership that could change the world for the better," he said. Banga also said the business environment in India has improved under the current regime. Praising Prime Minister Modi's speech, another Indian community member said the address rightfully mentioned the global terrorism. "The speech of Prime Minister Modi mentioned global terrorism and global warming. He also sought India and the United States to come together to fight the menace," he said. Prime Minister Modi in his historical address at the joint session of the US Congress at Capitol Hill here on Wednesday lauded the bonds between the two nations, saying freedom and liberty were the key elements that strengthened ties between them. He added that both the countries had overcome the hesitations of history. In an address peppered with applauses and standing ovations, the Prime Minister emphasised on the successful partnership between 'natural allies' India and the U.S., asserting that the importance of freedom and democracy shared by both nations was key to their respective governments. Praising the U.S. for turning barriers into bridges of partnership, he said that America had stood with India when the support was needed the most, like when terrorists attacked Mumbai in November 2008 and in other economic endeavours as well. Prime Minister Modi also said India and the United States should come closer and become stronger, and through their shared values do something for the benefit of the world. He further said that his dream is to economically empower India's citizens through social and economic transformations by 2022, the seventy-fifth anniversary of India's independence. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and the United States should come closer and become stronger, and through their shared values do something for the benefit of the world. "I understand, we can join together, where the United States and India, two big democracies, can do a lot together for the world. This is the commitment that I have been feeling, and I would always want India and the United States come together, come closer, become stronger and through their shared values do something for the benefit of the world," said Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a Congressional reception jointly hosted by Foreign Relations Committee (House and Senate) and India Caucus (House and Senate) at Cannon Caucus Room at the Cannon House Office Building here. Expressing his gratitude for hosting him together, the Prime Minister said, "I am deeply grateful that you have given me the honour of having or hosting me together, having this reception of both houses together, and I am deeply grateful." "I see a lot of familiar faces here and if I had more time, I would take out time to talk to you, but I am on a tour of five nations so you can understand the time is somewhat limited," he said. Speaking about his address to the Congress, Prime Minister Modi said: "Let me just say that, when I addressed the Congress today, I touched upon all issues that are important to us." "I had the opportunity to address the Congress, which I think was a big honour. But it's not just a personal honour for me, it's not an honour for the prime minister of a country, it's an honour extended to 1.25 billion people representing a country with an age old culture, with a profound respect for humanity and that believes in the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which means the 'world is one village'. And I think it is an honour that has been extended to all of us to this ancient country, to this ancient culture that I am deeply grateful for," he added. Talking about his reception in the U.S., the Prime Minister said, "Whenever I have come here, I have had opportunities to meet Senators, Congressmen, and they always received me with a lot of affection and spoken to me very openly." "I met your Congressmen and Governors, and this I feel an opportunity to take our relationship beyond diplomacy. It's going far beyond, it's going far above that. It is, as I understand, we can join together where the United States and India, two big democracies, can do a lot together for the world," he added. "I have always felt that there has been a lot of curiosity in the United States. People want to know what do they do, how do they think, and this has been there for a long time," he said, adding, "then we proceeded to a phase, where America started understanding India, where they understood that we have a lot of shared values and these values can bring us closer and promote our relationship." "Then we proceeded to a phase, where we started thinking about what we can do for each other, how we can help each other, and we started thinking of what can I do that benefit the other country. And in this way we started coming closer, said the Prime Minister. "But now," he said, "we have transitioned into a new era, where we don't think that what we can get from America, what can America get from us, we have gone way beyond that now." "Right now what we are thinking about is how the United States and India work together to benefit the world can. You have global problems like climate change, global warming, poverty, health concerns; together we can find solutions for the world. We must use our skills, our intelligence, our resources, and with commitment we need to go forward," added Prime Minister Modi. The Prime Minister, who will take off for Mexico this afternoon, concluded: "I think my journey this time, my two day visit to the United States has only reinforced the commitment and with that I would like you thank you very much once again. Thank You." (ANI)
United States Congressmen on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the joint session of the U.S. Congress at Capitol Hill, saying the bilateral relations between the two countries can only get better. Rodney Davis, U.S. Congressman, praised Prime Minister Modi's speech, saying he was impressed with his message of working together to eradicate terrorism. "It was a very good speech by Prime Minister Modi, his points on terrorism was the highlight. I was very impressed by his message of cooperation, his message of working together to eradicate terrorism and helping us to make sure that we free the world from those who want to kill civilians," Davis told ANI. Talking about India-U.S. relationship, Davis said, "Prime Minister Modi came here to talk about the future. "I think the relationship between both the countries bilaterally can only get better," he added. An U.S. Congresswoman, Kathy Castor, said the speech by the Indian Prime Minister was 'inspiring'. "PM Modi's speech was inspiring, talking about the partnerships between our two countries," she said. In an address peppered with applauses and standing ovations, the Prime Minister emphasised on the successful partnership between 'natural allies' India and U.S., asserting that the importance of freedom and democracy shared by both nations was key to their respective governments. Praising the U.S. for turning barriers into bridges of partnership, he said America had stood with India when the support was needed the most, like when terrorists attacked Mumbai in November 2008 and in other economic endeavours as well. Meanwhile, another U.S. Congressman, Brad Sherman highlighted that Prime Minister's speech did not really focus on the current political situation of America. "I think it was interesting. He may not be really focused on the current American U.S. politics, when he describes how wonderful it would be American manufacturers to move their operations to India," he said. He was of the opinion that Prime Minister Modi's did mention about buying of products from U.S. but it was only weapon. "He did mention the possibility of India buying products from the United States but, he mentioned only one products and that was weapons. We would like to think we can offer some more," Sherman said. (ANI)
"President Enrique Pena Nieto @EPN says Mexico supports positively and constructively India's membership of the NSG," tweeted External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup.
Modi thanked the Mexican President for the support.
Modi arrived here from the US on the fifth and final leg of his five-nation tour on Wednesday night.
On June 6, Switzerland, an important member of the NSG, extended support to India's membership in the group during Modi's stopover in Geneva en route to the US from Qatar.
--IANS rn/ksk
( 119 Words)
2016-06-09-08:16:02 (IANS)
Jailed members of the notorious Zetas cartel effectively ran a prison in northern Mexico, even using it to dispose of victims kidnapped by the gang, officials in the state of Coahuila said.Police have detained five suspects over the case, in which victims' remains were doused in fuel and incinerated in drums in different parts of the prison, said Jose Juan Morales yesterday, an official in the state prosecutor's office.The prisoners acted with the complicity of guards, coming and going as they pleased, he added. The remains of seven victims disposed of on the prison grounds between 2009 and 2012 have been identified so far."The guards had knowledge of the facts," Morales told Reuters by telephone. He said the ashes of the incinerated victims were then taken back outside the prison and dumped in a nearby river.Zeta inmates even modified vehicles and manufactured "tactical clothing" for the gang within the prison.The state prosecutor's office identified Ramon Burciaga Magallanes as the ringleader of the operation within the prison, which is located in Piedras Negras, a city along the US-Mexico border.Coahuila has become one of Mexico's most violent states over the past decade. In 2012, more than 130 inmates escaped from the same prison in a massive breakout tied to organized crime.Mexico's human rights ombudsman says as many as six out of 10 prisons in the country are controlled by members of organized crime.Overcrowding, a shortage of guards and corrupt officials are frequently cited as reasons for the poor state of prison security.REUTERS KU 0406 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0348-776572.Xml
After Switzerland and the US, Mexico has also joined to extend its "positive and constructive" support to India's bid for the membership of Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived here in the last leg of his five-nation tour, thanked Mexican President Pena Nieto for lending his country's backing for India's entry into the 48-member nuclear cartel. "President and I recognise the opportunities and challenges of this century. We both feel that our growing convergence on international issues allow us to join our capacities for strengthening international regimes of strategic importance," Mr Modi said in his press statement after holding bilateral talks with the Mexican leader. The support of countries like Mexico and Switzerland is important for India, as both of these nations had traditionally been opposed to the entry of new member into the NSG who was not a signatory of the Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT). China had scuttled India's bid in the last meeting of the NSG citing the precondition of the NPT, to which India was not a signatory as New Delhi calls it a 'discriminatory regime.' A solid boost from Mexico for India's bid for the NSG membership came close on its entry into another important grouping Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Calling Mexico an important partner for India's energy security, Mr Modi said that he is aiming to move beyond a buyer-seller relationship, turning it into a long-term partnership."Information technology, energy, pharmaceuticals and automotive industries are among key growth areas of our commercial linkages. But, there is a potential to expand our commercial and investment and science and technology partnerships in new areas,'' he said. UNI MK CJ ADG 1025 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-776623.Xml
A World Bank inter-agency group report has revealed that the infant mortality rate (IMR) in Pakistan is nearly double that of India`s and indicated that Islamabad`s slide in an important social index is due to falling investments in the healthcare sector. According to the World Bank report, Pakistan ranks towards the bottom among countries in the world when it comes to infant and neonatal mortality. The report developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation - UNICEF, WHO and World Bank, says 66 infants died for every 1000 births in 2015 in Pakistan. This trend has been visible for the past several years with a marginal difference in percentages. Dr. Rehmat Beg of the Government Hospital in Karachi, said, "The economic situation in our country is not good, so, it becomes very difficult for the government to provide adequate medical facilities as compared to other countries. We are backward in facilitating medical aid. The basic health care facility is quite unstable now." Some residents blame corruption in the government to be responsible for the failure in dealing with the cause. Zahida Begum, a resident of Karachi, said, "Who is responsible? They are all corrupt. They all run their private clinics and sell medicines. They don`t provide medicines to the poor and needy." The mortality rates among children are often seen as a proxy for the level of social development in a country, since they reflect the level of nutrition, parents` education, and access to health services. The lack of clean water and sanitation facilities in Pakistan stands out as one of the biggest impediments to reducing child mortality. In India, improving health services and better sanitation facilities have led to a significant decline in infant mortality rate. The number of babies who die before their first birthday for every 1,000live births has improved from 44 in 2011 to 38 in 2015. In many states across India, the infant fertility rate has seen significant improvement because of proactive steps taken by the government. Saleem-ur-Rahman,Director, Health, Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Be it infant mortality rate, maternal mortality ratio, birth rate or death rate in the country all have seen an immense improvement. The reason is that the government of India is very proactive as they have launched many programmes and upgraded many others. There are many programmes child survival, save motherhood, then RCH, RCH1 and RCH2 were introduced. Later NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) was introduced. Now, NHM is continuing. So, it`s a support and funding from the government of India which made us to upgrade the healthcare delivery system, which is pan-India. It helped us to put focus and identify the gaps. The gaps have been identified and were addressed." Several countries in Africa like Ethiopia, Ghana and even Afghanistan have better infant mortality rates than Pakistan. Given the facts mentioned in the World Bank report, it appears that Islamabad has a non-serious approach to the issue of infant mortality, and needs to wake up to deal with it promptly. (ANI)
Somalia's al Shabaab Islamist militant group attacked a military base of Ethiopian soldiers serving with an African Union force today, with both sides saying they had inflicted a heavy toll on their opponents.Al Shabaab said a suicide car bomb rammed the entrance to the base in the central town of Halgan and its fighters overran the site, killing 60 soldiers with the loss of 16 of its own militants."It was a huge blast. It destroyed the gate and parts of the base," Al Shabaab's military operations spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters.The group's fighters exchanged fire with Ethiopian soldiers and repelled a counter attack by Djibouti troops deployed from another base in the area.Al Shabaab regularly attacks AMISOM, which is made up of about 22,000 soldiers and police from African nations supporting Somalia's government and army in the fight against the al Qaeda-linked militants.The group's insurgency aims to drive out AMISOM, topple Somalia's Western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa state.Lieutenant Colonel Joe Kibet, spokesman for the African Union's AMISOM force, dismissed al Shabaab's toll as a "falsehood" but did not give a casualty figure."AMISOM forces killed 110 al Shabaab and captured a large cache of weapons," he told Reuters by telephone.Residents in Halgan, which lies in a region about 300 km north of the capital Mogadishu, said they heard a huge explosion and heavy exchanges of gunfire shortly before dawn. Shots rang out at least an hour after the initial blast, they said."AMISOM has now retaken (the town) after regrouping. But the town is mostly deserted," resident Osman Gelle told Reuters by phone from Halgan. "I counted five civilian dead bodies. Stray bullets hit them in their houses."He said he had seen four helicopters land. AMISOM has said it is starting to deploy helicopters with AMISOM to provide more rapid military support, after several bases came under heavy al Shabaab attack. It also uses helicopters to ferry casualties.Casualty figures cited by officials and al Shabaab are usually wildly different.In January, al Shabaab said it had killed more than 100 Kenyan soldiers in El Adde, a camp in Somalia and near the border with Kenya. The Kenyan military gave no exact toll. REUTERS SZ VN15332 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0441-777163.Xml
Indonesian police have arrested three suspected militants with links to Islamic State, officials said today, saying the men had planned a bomb attack during the fasting month of Ramadan in the world's most populous Muslim nation.The men were arrested late yesterday in the country's second-largest city, Surabaya, with bomb-making material, guns and a suicide-bomb vest, police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said."Their plan was to attack using a bomb during the holy month of Ramadan," Amar told reporters, adding that their target was the police."They had prepared a suicide bomb."Ramadan began this week.Authorities are on high alert after a militant attack in the heart of the capital, Jakarta, in January in which eight people, including the four attackers, were killed.Islamic State claimed responsibility, marking the first time known supporters of the group, which is based in the Middle East, had carried out an attack in Southeast Asia.Amar said the suspects arrested yesterday were believed to have been guided by Islamic State teachings and that officials were investigating where they got their weapons.REUTERS SZ VP1540 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0441-777171.Xml
Defence ministers from Russia, Iran and Syria will discuss ways to enhance their cooperation in fighting the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda during a meeting in Tehran today, Interfax news agency quoted Russia's defence ministry as saying. REUTERS SZ VN1651 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0441-777254.Xml
Australian officials are checking what looks to be debris from an aircraft found on an island off the coast of South Australia to see if it may have come from the Malaysian aircraft MH370, which disappeared more than two years ago, a government spokeswoman said today."We're waiting for further information and we'll examine each component as it comes in. At this stage, there is nothing definitive and we'll follow our normal procedure," a spokeswoman for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau told Reuters."All we know is that there is wreckage."Australian television station Channel Seven reported that the debris was found by a someone searching for driftwood on Kangaroo Island. Footage showed a fragment of white wreckage with a honeycomb symbol and printed words saying, "Caution no step".Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew on board shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur bound for Beijing, in what has become one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries.A first piece of the Boeing 777, a wing part known as a flaperon, washed up on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion in July 2015. Malaysia and French authorities confirmed it was from the aircraft.Two pieces of debris discovered later in South Africa and the Mauritian island of Rodrigues were almost certainly from the jetliner, Malaysia's transport ministry said last month.Investigators believe someone may have deliberately switched off the plane's transponder before diverting it thousands of miles off course over the Indian Ocean. REUTERS SZ VN1652 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0441-777280.Xml
Turkey condemned Russian air strikes on mosques, hospitals, schools and other civilian buildings in Syria today and said such crimes would not go unpunished.Russian strikes had been targeting hospitals in the city of Aleppo since yesterday, the foreign ministry said in a statement, describing such actions as inhumane.REUTERS AKC PR1811 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-777590.Xml
China is leading opposition to a push by the United States and other major powers for India to join the main club of countries controlling access to sensitive nuclear technology, diplomats said today as the group discussed India's membership bid.Other countries opposing Indian membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) include New Zealand, Ireland, Turkey, South Africa and Austria, diplomats said.The 48-nation NSG aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons by restricting the sale of items that can be used to make those arms.India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington, even though India has developed atomic weapons and never signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact.Opponents argue that granting it membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate India's rival Pakistan, which responded to India's membership bid with one of its own and has the backing of its close ally China."By bringing India on board, it's a slap in the face of the entire non-proliferation regime," a diplomatic source from one of a handful of countries resisting India's push said on condition of anonymity.A decision on Indian membership is not expected before an NSG plenary meeting in Seoul on June 20, but diplomats said Washington had been pressuring hold-outs, and today's closed-door meeting was a chance to see how strong opposition is.US Secretary of State John Kerry wrote to members asking them "not to block consensus on Indian admission to the NSG" in a letter seen by Reuters and dated tomorrow.China, however, showed no sign of backing down from its opposition to India joining unless Pakistan becomes a member. That would be unacceptable to many, given Pakistan's track record -- the father of its nuclear weapons programme sold nuclear secrets to countries including North Korea and Iran."China, if anything, is hardening (its position)," another diplomat said.Most of the hold-outs oppose the idea of admitting a non-NPT state such as India and argue that if it is to be admitted, it should be under criteria that apply equally to all states rather than under a "tailor-made" solution for a US ally.Mexico's president said yesterday his country supports India's membership bid, but one Vienna-based diplomat said it still opposed the idea of it joining under conditions that did not apply equally to all. REUTERS SZ RP1720 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0441-777439.Xml
Pakistan has sought the United States's support in its bid to join Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a media report said today. In a letter to the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Pakistan's Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani reminded Congress that Pakistan had taken a series of steps that qualify it for joining the NSG, Dawn newspaper reported. Pakistan had, on May 20, applied to join the NSG, claiming it could meet the nuclear proliferation-reducing body's standards.According to the newspaper, Mr Jilani's letter said "Pakistan's desire to participate in the NSG stands on solid grounds of technical experience, capability and well-established commitment to nuclear safety. Pakistan has operated secure and safeguarded nuclear power plants for over 42 years Pakistan remains ready to continue its constructive engagement with the United States and international community at large as a mainstream partner in the non-proliferation arrangements." Pakistan's membership of the NSG serves nuclear trading countries' interests and will globally promote the non-proliferation goals, the letter further said. Pakistan's move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi successfully ended his five nation tour after garnering support from US, Switzerland, Mexico for India's bid for NSG membership. The NSG comprises 48 nuclear material-producing countries. The body is one of the chief tools to control the exports and proliferation of materials that could potentially be used in making weapons of mass destruction, as well as tackling the black market trade of nuclear technologies. Pakistan is one of the world's nine states that possess nuclear weapons. It conducted its first nuclear test in 1998, and has a stockpile of some 120 warheads, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. UNI XC SHK 1818 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0430-777620.Xml
The United States could turn to Canada to help it establish a new NATO force in eastern Europe as a deterrent against Russia because it is struggling to win support from its European allies, diplomats say.Despite its show of force with a military exercise across eastern Europe this month that involved more than 20 NATO and partner countries, the alliance is moving slowly in its efforts to build a rotating force of 4,000 troops on its eastern flank in Poland and the Baltics.Only Britain and Germany have said they are willing to contribute, by providing a battalion of about 1,000 troops each. The United States will provide a third battalion, leaving NATO requiring one more country to provide a fourth."European allies have reasons why they can't come forward. They're thinly stretched, at home, in Africa, in Afghanistan. They just don't have the money," said a senior NATO diplomat involved in the discussions.The reluctance of some European governments to help the military build-up, the biggest since the end of the Cold War, reflects internal doubts over whether the alliance should be more focused on combating militant groups and uncontrolled flows of migrants, mainly from the Middle East and North Africa."There are divisions within NATO," said Sophia Besch, a European defence expert at the London-based Centre for European Reform think tank. "Some allies feel the focus should be on the south."Unity is crucial for NATO as Moscow and Washington accuse one another of intimidation close to the NATO-Russia border. NATO and Russia feel threatened by each other's large military drills and are at odds over the crisis in Ukraine.Any sense in the United States that Europe is unwilling to pay for its own defence could be damaging. US President Barack Obama has suggested European powers were "free riders" during the 2011 Libya air campaign, and US presidential candidate Donald Trump has accused them of not paying their fair share.A senior Polish diplomatic source familiar with the negotiations said NATO would not allow the build-up to fail as it had already been announced, and because Russia might exploit it as a sign that NATO is unwilling to defend Poland."The summit in Warsaw will be President Obama's last (NATO summit) and the US wants it to be a success. It will ensure that the fourth framework country is found, possibly by leaning on Canada," the source said. "Washington will bend over backwards here.""PERSISTENT" PRESENCEFormer communist states in NATO want to bolster its eastern defences without stationing large forces permanently, worried since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine that Moscow could invade Poland or the Baltic states in days.Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed such an idea this week, saying he saw no threats in the region that would justify the area's militarisation.Russia has also said the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's large-scale military exercise in eastern Europe undermines trust and security, and that it is concerned by the movement of NATO's military infrastructure towards its border.NATO defence ministers will next week formally agree on the plan for four battalions to be involved in the new force, part of a deterrent made up of forces on rotation and warehoused equipment ready for a rapid response force in case of attack.That force includes air, maritime and special operations units of up to 40,000 personnel.While saying they seek to avoid a return to the Cold War, when 300,000 US service personnel were stationed in Europe, NATO generals describe it as a "persistent" but not a "permanent" presence to avoid breaking a 1997 agreement with Moscow limiting the deployment of combat forces.Britain is likely to deploy to Estonia, Germany to Lithuania and the United States to Latvia. The United States will also supply an armoured brigade to rove around the eastern flank. Only Poland appears to be left out at this stage.While the United States is increasing its military spending in Europe to 3.4 billion dollars in 2017, defence cuts in Italy, Belgium and France during the euro zone debt crisis complicate military planning.France says it is focused on fighting militants in Syria and Mali, while there are also tensions with Poland's new right-wing government, which is seeking to rescind on a 3 billion dollars helicopter tender with Airbus, diplomats say. Airbus was provisionally selected by the previous administration.Spain is leading NATO's special "spearhead" force that can deploy in less than a week. Smaller countries such as Denmark say they do not have the resources to deploy a battalion.Italy, a major buyer of gas from Russia -- on which the European Union depends heavily for energy supplies -- is wary of taking a tough line on Moscow.Rome is also upset with central and eastern European states for not showing more willingness to take refugees fleeing North Africa across the Mediterranean and into Italy.That leaves Canada, which has 220 armed forces personnel in Poland."Canada is actively considering options to effectively contribute to NATO's strengthened defence and deterrence posture," said a spokesperson for the Canadian Department of National Defence.Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz told reporters in Warsaw today he expected any problems with the NATO plan to be "resolved in a positive manner." REUTERS SZ BL1902 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0441-777734.Xml
US Senator Bernie Sanders returned to Washington for meetings today with President Barack Obama and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid as Democrats pressured him to end his presidential campaign and support Hillary Clinton after a hard-fought primary race.Clinton, a former secretary of state, US senator and first lady, secured enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination this week and become the first woman to lead a major US party as its presidential nominee.Despite Clinton's commanding victories in California and New Jersey in presidential contests on Tuesday, Sanders vowed to carry his populist campaign to the Democratic National Convention in July, when the party's nominee is formally chosen.Obama, who is expected to endorse Clinton soon, was scheduled to meet with Sanders at the White House today at 11:15 a.m. Sanders will meet with Reid, his Senate colleague, in the afternoon.The Sanders campaign, which waged an unexpectedly strong challenge to a better-known and better-funded Democrat, has decried what it called Clinton's anointment by the party establishment and the media.In an interview taped yesterday for broadcast on the NBC's "Tonight" show today, Obama said he hoped that divisions between Democrats would start to heal in coming weeks now that Clinton has clinched the party's nomination for the November 8 presidential election.At a fund-raiser in New York City yesterday, Obama said he was not too worried about bruised feelings after the primary and said "it was a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to have a contested primary."Obama praised Sanders, the democratic socialist senator from Vermont, for bringing new energy and ideas to the party. "He pushed the party and challenged them," he said. "I thought it made Hillary a better candidate."Democrats are striking a delicate balance between the need to unite behind Clinton in the looming battle against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump and not alienating Sanders and his supporters.US Senator Elizabeth Warren, herself a progressive known as a fiery critic of Wall Street, is preparing to endorse Clinton in the coming weeks after staying neutral in the Democratic primary, people familiar with her thinking told Reuters.REUTERS SZ VN1922 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0441-777808.Xml
The Israeli military today revoked permits for 83,000 Palestinians to visit Israel and said it would send hundreds more troops to the occupied West Bank after a Palestinian gun attack that killed four Israelis in Tel Aviv.There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the assault by two gunmen yesterday in a trendy shopping and dining market near Israel's Defence Ministry, but Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups were quick to praise it.The assailants came from near Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. They dressed in suits and ties and posed as customers at a restaurant, ordering a drink and a chocolate brownie before pulling out automatic weapons and opening fire, sending diners fleeing in panic.Two women and two men were killed and six others were wounded. The attack followed a lull in recent weeks after what had been near-daily stabbings and shootings on Israeli streets. It was the deadliest single incident since an attack on a Jerusalem synagogue in November 2014 that killed five.The Tel Aviv gunmen, cousins in their 20s who security experts said appeared to have entered Israel without permits, were quickly apprehended. One of them was shot and wounded."It is clear that they spent time planning and training and choosing their target," Barak Ben-Zur, former head of research at Israel's Shin Bet domestic security agency, told reporters."They got some support, although we don't know for sure who their supporters are," he said, adding that they appeared to have used improvised automatic weapons smuggled into Israel.The attack, as families were enjoying a warm evening out at the tree-lined Sarona market, took place a few hundred yards from the imposing Defence Ministry in the centre of Tel Aviv, a city that has seen far less violence than Jerusalem.After consultations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the military said it was rescinding some 83,000 permits issued to Palestinians from the West Bank to visit relatives in Israel during the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan.At an emergency meeting, Israel's security cabinet discussed punitive measures against attackers, including destroying their homes more quickly, and efforts to bolster the number of security guards in public places, an official said.The army announced that two battalions would be deployed in the West Bank to reinforce troops stationed in the area, where the military maintains a network of checkpoints and often carries out raids to arrest suspected militants. Israeli battalions are comprised of around 300 troops.Such measures, including restrictions on access to Jerusalem's Aqsa Mosque compound, the holy site in the heart of the Old City that Jews refer to as Temple Mount, have in the past lead to increased tension with the Palestinians.After the attack, fireworks were set off in parts of the West Bank and in some refugee camps people sang, chanted and waved flags in celebration, locals said.Hamas spokesman Hussam Badran called it "the first prophecy of Ramadan" and said the location of the attack, close to the Defence Ministry, "indicated the failure of all measures by the occupation" to end the uprising.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement saying he rejected "all operations that target civilians regardless of the source and their justification".During the past eight months of violence, Israel's government has repeatedly criticised Palestinian factions for inciting attacks or not doing enough to quell them.The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the largest group in the Palestine Liberation Organization after Abbas's Fatah, described the killings as "a natural response to field executions conducted by the Zionist occupation".The group called it a challenge to Avigdor Lieberman, Israel's new defence minister, who must decide how to respond to the violence, possibly with tighter security across the West Bank. Lieberman said he would act, but didn't say how.The United Nations' special coordinator for the Middle East, Nickolay Mladenov, condemned the shootings and expressed alarm at the failure of Palestinian groups to speak out against the violence. The European Union did the same.Netanyahu visited the scene minutes after arriving back from a two-day visit to Moscow. He described the attacks as "cold-blooded murder" and vowed retaliation."We will locate anyone who cooperated with this attack and we will act firmly and intelligently to fight terrorism," Netanyahu said. REUTERS SZ PR1955 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0441-777889.Xml
Stepping off a river ferry onto the soil of his native Ivory Coast for the first time since he fled civil war five years ago, Innocent Weley Nonmah left behind the harsh life of a refugee and an Ebola epidemic that prolonged his family's exile.But coming home he had a new worry: that his five hectares of farmland might have been occupied by members of a rival ethnic group."I need to be close to my fields," said the 33-year-old cocoa and palm oil farmer, who returned last month from exile in Liberia with his pregnant wife and four children."I need to go and see with my own eyes ... that there is something there for me," he said, after a gruelling journey aboard a battered minibus over dirt tracks winding through Ivorian forests.Ethnically charged disputes over land in Ivory Coast's fertile west played a central role in more than a decade of turmoil in the world's leading cocoa producer. When a contested 2010 presidential election erupted into a five-month civil war, those tensions fuelled some of the conflict's worst bloodshed.A post-war economic recovery has made Ivory Coast the darling of investors in Africa. But as refugees from the war trickle back - around 16,000 have returned since December, leaving 22,000 still in Liberia - unresolved disputes over land could reignite violence.Nonmah and his family had carried their few possessions bundled in cloth as they travelled in the bus with "Love and Trust" emblazoned on the rear doors, rattling past cocoa groves and palm oil plantations along Ivory Coast's western border.They were dropped off in the closest major town to their home village of Fete. The UN refugee agency charged with bringing Ivorian refugees home still deems Fete too dangerous to return to, so Nonmah has not been able to check on his farmland.But he said there was no sign of the community he had left behind in surrounding areas. In angry comments pointing to the tensions still simmering in Ivory Coast, he said: "There are people there, but not us. They are foreigners."MIGRANT FARMERSNonmah is a member of the Krou ethnic group, many of whom fled the fighting in 2011 when forces loyal to presidential election winner Alassane Ouattara fought to install him after his rival, Laurent Gbagbo, refused to cede power. The Krou were among the groups that had supported Gbagbo.But the roots of the conflict run much deeper, and include disputes over who is "Ivorian" in a land full of migrant farmers from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.Ivory Coast's first president after achieving independence in 1960 - Felix Houphouet-Boigny, who ruled for three decades - flung open the doors to migrants from across West Africa, seeking labour to develop the nation through agriculture.To encourage people to work plantations, he declared that the land belonged to whomever grew cash crops on it.The plan worked. Today, in addition to its cocoa dominance, Ivory Coast is Africa's leading natural rubber exporter, a major producer of palm oil and a regional player in the cotton sector. Last year it became the world's top producer of cashew nuts.But the economic success came at the cost of a simmering conflict that pits ethnic groups who feel dispossessed of their native lands against migrant farmers.Immigrants make up nearly a quarter of Ivory Coast's population of 23 million inhabitants, according to a 2014 census. In many areas of the fertile west, ethnic groups like the Guere, Bete and Krou - who settled there centuries ago - are outnumbered by immigrants and people who have moved from other parts of Ivory Coast.The main newcomers to the west are President Ouattara's Dioula group, which includes people from Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea as well as from northern Ivory Coast, most who have arrived since the 1970s. During the civil war they were targeted by militias allied to ex-president Gbagbo, who is facing trial in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity.Ethnic violence has occasionally resurfaced since the war. In 2014, two raids by unidentified fighters killed nearly two dozen people in Fete, including prominent members of the immigrant community.The government blamed those attacks on Liberian mercenaries who had fought for Gbagbo. But Fete's village chief Roger Loma Kapet said people from the Dioula community - "foreigners", he called them - used those attacks as pretext to burn the nearby Krou village of Djimane to the ground three days later."It was revenge," said Djimane's village chief Jacques Nemlin Douai, who returned from Liberia last month to discover part of his land occupied by a migrant neighbour.'BAD FAITH'Fengolo is a sprawling village in western Ivory Coast, bisected by a highway and surrounded by cocoa trees. Dieka Issa Ouattara, a leader of the local Dioula community there, still shudders to think of the civil war years."They killed people. They raped women. Their goal was to chase the foreigners off land they'd already sold and to take it back," he said of the pro-Gbagbo militias.To avert further violence, Ivorian lawmakers are trying to resolve the underlying land tensions once and for all. In 2013, they voted to require landholders to officially register property ownership claims within 10 years, or else the land would revert to the state."There is a lot of bad faith in the management of land. It's often hard to determine the true nature of land rights," said Constant Zirignon Deble, director of rural lands at the Ministry of Agriculture. "That is a source of conflict."The law says Ivorian citizens will be granted land titles, while non-citizens will be given leases that can last generations.But, three years on, the process is struggling in a country where land sales have long been subject to traditional customs, contracts are often scribbled on a scrap of paper, if anywhere, and property boundaries are rarely formalised.The government estimates that to cover all of Ivory Coast's land holdings, it will need to issue around a half a million titles. Only 2,500 have thus far been printed.The cost and bureaucracy of registering land is daunting for many farmers. It requires those applying for titles to prove there are no counter-claims to their property, which Fengolo's Ouattara fears could open the floodgates to countless new disputes and lead to migrants being stripped of their rights."I didn't budge from my land during the crisis," he said. "If the state comes to remove us from our land after these 10 years, we won't move. They'll have to kill us all."Sylla Yakouba, a 62-year-old retired government employee, spent several thousand dollars to register his 25 hectares in a process that required two separate land surveys, two rounds of affidavits from his neighbours and repeated trips to the commercial capital Abidjan.But he said the process is impossible for most poor farmers, who are often faced with the choice between buying fertiliser or paying a child's school fees. "Hardly anyone has done their papers," he said.The government has pledged to streamline the process and make it more affordable, and Deble said the law should be seen as a source of security for land claims, not a threat."We are very aware that this is not an easy operation," he told Reuters. "But if we don't do something today, it will be even worse tomorrow."REUTERS SZ PR1957 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0441-777896.Xml
Tents were set on fire, punches were thrown, children cried through the night and families were forced to flee the burning detention camp and sleep in open fields.The tension is palpable on Greece's islands, where about 8,000 asylum seekers feel stranded by a European Union deal with Turkey to stem the arrival of refugees and other migrants on European shores from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond.The deal, hailed a success by its European architects, prevents migrants from going beyond Greece - or even its islands - in their search for a new home in Europe, until their asylum claims are processed and those rejected are sent back to Turkey, from where they arrived.But some European officials say the assessment has been slow, and the wait long for those confined to often overcrowded camps.In June, the most violent month yet, dozens were injured in clashes on three islands, police said. Videos in Greek media showed clouds of smoke rising over the centres on three occasions.In clashes on Lesbos the night of June 1-2, families with young children had to flee and spend the night in nearby fields or Mytilene town, several kilometres away, Amnesty International said. Many returned to burned down tents and destroyed belongings. Women told Amnesty they "live in constant fear" in camps where fights break out in food queues.Journalists are barred from entering the camps on the islands. But humanitarian organisations and police officials on the ground speak of people on edge."They're reacting. They want to leave the islands," said a police official for the northern Aegean region which includes the islands of Lesbos, Samos and Chios where rival migrant groups brawled. "We're bracing for all eventualities."Rumours and a lack of information and legal help made things worse, said Giorgos Kosmopoulos, an Amnesty International researcher and former Greece director. Non-Syrians said they were not given priority and felt neglected, he said."People are left wondering 'what's happening with my application, when will I get an answer, what's going on?'" he said.PROGRESS?Since the EU-Turkey accord was agreed in March, nearly 500 people have been ferried back to Turkey, but none of those who had requested asylum were among them, Greece says. Meanwhile, nearly everyone currently on the islands has expressed an interest in applying.The process - which includes thorough identity checks, interviews and an assessment of whether Turkey is safe or not for a particular individual - can take weeks. Applicants can appeal a negative decision, prolonging the procedure."It is important to recognise that these procedures do take time," said Boris Cheshirkov, a spokesman for the United Nations refugee agency on Lesbos, the gateway into Europe for nearly a million people last year.Greece, also mired in its worst economic crisis in generations, says it is doing its best to accelerate the process but insists each case must be given the attention it requires."It's a sensitive procedure, it's complicated, we make sure we strictly follow the rules," said the government's spokesman for the migration crisis, Giorgos Kyritsis.So far, 726 cases have been heard and 519 of those have been deemed eligible to apply for asylum in Greece, Kyritsis said, while the remaining 207 can appeal the decision.Despite its intention to process all cases, Greece lacks the manpower to deal with the volume of applications. It says it needs more help from EU institutions.As many as 6,656 people applied for asylum in March and April this year, up from 1,899 in those months last year. Even if it could hire more people, they would need to be highly qualified legal experts, government officials say.Brussels acknowledges the process should be in line with international humanitarian law but EU officials and diplomats are pressing Greece to speed things up."We have been telling Greece and will say it again that the vast majority of EU member states consider Turkey a safe country for Syrians to be returned to," one EU diplomat said.Beyond the claims made on its islands, Greece must process claims of some 48,000 refugees and migrants stranded on the mainland by the closure of Balkan borders, which shut the main overland route used last year by migrants headed for Germany.Those at the frontier are eligible for an EU relocation scheme intended to help frontline countries Greece and Italy share the burden, but it too has been moving slowly."We're trying for the best, and we're improving," Kyritsis, the migration spokesman, said. REUTERS RSD SB2138 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-778122.Xml
Bill Gates is launching his latest scheme to help sub-Saharan Africans living in extreme poverty: he's giving them chickens.Gates will donate 100,000 birds vaccinated against common diseases under a programme he said would boost incomes because chickens are inexpensive to care for, a good investment and help provide nutrition for children."If I were living in extreme poverty, I'd want to raise chickens," the Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist said on his Twitter feed today.Gates said a farmer starting with five hens could earn 1,000 dollars a year, compared with the extreme poverty line of 700 dollars a year. Eventually Gates wants to help 30 per cent of rural African families raise chickens, up from 5 per cent now.Gates' wife Melinda, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said breeding chickens can also empower women by giving them a source of income, which they are more likely than men to spend on education and healthcare.Some critics said the programme was a publicity stunt and wouldn't solve the underlying problems of poverty in Africa. "Our father, Who art Uncle Bill, Hallowed be thy whims ..." Nigerian satirist and author Elnathan John wrote on Twitter.Gates acknowledged that some might scoff at the plan, but insisted that he believes it will have an impact. "It sounds funny," Gates wrote on the project's website. "But I mean it when I say that I am excited about chickens."The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest private charities in the world, has invested heavily in Africa, tackling a wide range of issues in healthcare, education, women's rights and poverty alleviation. REUTERS RSD SB2155 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-778148.Xml
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said today he would work with his party's presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton to defeat Republican Donald Trump, though he did not immediately drop out of the White House race.Sanders, a US senator from Vermont, spoke outside the White House after a meeting with President Barack Obama, as Democrats pressured him to end his campaign and support Clinton after a hard-fought primary race.He said he would compete in the final Democratic primary vote in Washington, D.C., on June 14, thus formally staying in the presidential race.Clinton, the former secretary of state, won enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination this week and become the first woman to lead a major US party as its presidential nominee.Sanders said he spoke briefly to Clinton on Tuesday night and congratulated her on her "strong campaign.""I look forward to meeting with her in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump and to create a government which represents all of us and not just the 1 per cent," he said."It is unbelievable to me - and I say this in all sincerity - that the Republican Party would have a candidate for president who in the year 2016 makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign," Sanders said, referring to Trump.Sanders' campaign has previously said he would carry his populist campaign to the Democratic National Convention in July, when the party's nominee is formally chosen.Obama, who is expected to endorse Clinton soon, welcomed Sanders to the White House, chatting and chuckling as they walked into the Oval Office. Sanders will meet with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, in the afternoon.US Senator Elizabeth Warren, like Sanders a progressive and fiery critic of Wall Street, is preparing to endorse Clinton in the coming weeks after staying neutral in the Democratic primary, people familiar with her thinking told Reuters.Republicans, meanwhile, are still grappling with the controversy over Trump's attacks on Mexican-American US District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is overseeing fraud lawsuits against the billionaire's defunct real estate training school.Former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich told reporters today the Trump situation was "fine." But he suggested Trump change tactics toward making more measured remarks as he did in a speech after primary elections this week.Trump comes into the general election well behind Clinton's campaign in terms of fund-raising and policy infrastructure. Today, his top donors were holding their first official meeting in New York.REUTERS RSD PR2301 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-778199.Xml
Donald Trump's national finance team held its first official meeting today amid growing concerns about the Republican presidential candidate's lack of a campaign infrastructure, his attacks on a Mexican-American judge, and the realization that Trump's flame-throwing instincts have yet to be reined in.The meeting at New York City's Four Seasons Hotel took place two years after such a gathering would normally occur in the traditional realm of US politicking.Presidential contenders typically organize their fundraising operations long before they declare their candidacies. Trump, a wealthy celebrity businessman, became the Republicans' presumptive nominee for the November 8 presidential election last month after seeing off 16 rivals in a largely self-funded primary campaign.His late start on fundraising is widely considered a steep structural handicap among top Republican donors, who question whether Trump can achieve his previously stated aim of raising 1 billion dollars before November. On the Democratic side, presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton's well-oiled operation is well ahead of schedule.With Trump at the meeting were his chief strategist, Paul Manafort, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and Republican fund-raisers Ray Washburne and Lew Eisenberg.Already, top donors are saying Trump is unlikely to hit 1 billion dollars.Trump is also pulling back from his earlier statements on his fundraising goal. His campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, told Reuters yesterday he sees no reason why Trump would have to raise that sum and that Trump may very well be able to continue his low-cost style of campaigning.That includes garnering free media - which is estimated to reach a value of 5 billion dollars by November, according to media analytics firm mediaQuant. That is more than double the amount Clinton is likely to get, mediaQuant says.Thursday's meeting kicked off the Trump Victory Fund - his joint fundraising operation with the Republican National Committee that aims to raise money both for his candidacy and for candidates further down the ballot in the November election, whose efforts could be impaired by anemic fundraising by Trump.CONCERNS ABOUT TRUMP'S STYLEWhile Trump shot to the top of the Republican primary with freewheeling rhetoric, sprays of insults to rivals and promises to get tough on issues such as illegal immigration, even his biggest mega donors say they are discouraged by the candidate's attacks in recent weeks on a Mexican-American judge.In comments that have been widely condemened, Trump has suggested that US Federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is presiding over a case against Trump University, has an inherent bias because of his heritage."He needs to stop the campaign infighting, shut up and stop calling an American who was born in Indiana a Mexican," said Texas billionaire Doug Deason, who was invited to today's meeting but who is not attending because he will be at Trump fundraisers in Texas next week. "It's asinine."Added Minnesota media magnate Stanley Hubbard, "Sometimes people's egos are connected to their mouths and it bypasses their brains ... People say dumb things but I just can't believe he did."Four people who were attending Thursday's gathering said beforehand that in addition to Trump's comments about Curiel, they are also concerned about the fundraising effort's late start."We are sort of going from zero to 60 in two seconds," said Texas fundraising co-chair Gaylord Hughey, one of the Republican Party's most prolific fundraisers."Normally, we would have been together for 24 months by now, putting our networks in place, organizing all our contacts. Now, we are starting from a standstill."Also worrying donors is the threadbare nature of Trump's campaign, which has been struggling lately to carry out even the most basic of campaign functions. There are virtually no pollsters, no data team, no policy-writing shop and no communications team. Strategists are also scarce. Trump has largely funded the 50-million dollars affair himself.By contrast, the Clinton campaign operation, which has already spent more than 200 million dollars, has had a large, robust staff filled with seasoned operatives for the past year.But Lewandowski calls Trump's lean operation a virtue, not a handicap."The Hillary Clinton campaign has 732 paid staffers. Donald Trump has 70 and he won against a 17-person field. This is the mindset the American people need for someone as chief executive."REUTERS RSD PR2341 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0435-778222.Xml
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Strategic consideration is behind the frequent meetings between U.S. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the latter is paying his fourth trip to the United States since he took office in 2014.
For Obama, improving U.S.-India ties will help consolidate his diplomatic legacy as seven months are left before he leaves office; for Modi, his visit is aimed at seeking new momentum for developing ties with Washington.
The White House on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to joining the Paris climate change pact as soon as possible this year. India similarly has begun its processes to work toward this shared goal.
"The United States and India recognize the urgency of the threat of climate change and are therefore committed to bringing the Paris Agreement into force as quickly as possible," said the White House in a statement.
In a separate statement, the two leaders welcomed the start of preparatory work on site in India for six nuclear reactors to be built by American company Westinghouse.
Once completed, the project would be among the largest of its kind, fulfilling the promise of the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement, according to the statement.
The two countries also pledged to develop their defense relations into "an anchor of stability" and would work on technology sharing to a level commensurate with that of closest allies and partners.
The text of a logistics agreement, which will allow the countries' militaries to use each other's land, air and naval bases, would be signed soon, a U.S. official said.
Obama said he and Modi also discussed areas where the two countries can cooperate more effectively in order to promote jobs, investment and trade, and greater opportunities for young people in the two countries.
CHANGE IN TREATMENT
Modi arrived in the United States on Monday for a three-day official visit. This is Modi's fourth trip to the Unites States and his seventh meeting with Obama since he became prime minister two years ago.
Such frequency of meetings between Obama and a leader who is not a formal ally is "impressive," Ashley Tellis, an India expert with the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, was quoted by Reuters as saying.
Just a few years ago, Modi was banned from entering the U.S. soil for his role in the anti-Muslim riots that occurred in India's western state of Gujarat in 2002, when he was then top official of the state. Modi denies any wrongdoing.
Now, Modi was greeted by a flag-bearing military honor guard when he arrived at the entrance to the West Wing for talks with Obama.
Modi will also deliver a speech at the U.S. Congress on Wednesday. The speech will be the fifth such address by an Indian premier, and the first in more than a decade.
The change in treatment Modi has received from Washington was viewed by many as the result of a warming India-U.S. relationship, which has seen ups and downs in recent years.
NEITHER STRATEGIC PARTNERS NOR ALLIES
What is behind the veil is strategic consideration from both Washington and New Delhi.
Washington attaches importance to India's strategic value, economic development potential and ideological advantage, said Jin Canrong, vice president of the School of International Studies at Renmin University, adding that embracing India will help consolidate the U.S. "rebalance to the Asia-Pacific."
According to Jin, India is willing to deepen the India-U.S. relations out of the consideration in both strategic security and economic development.
However, there is a long way for the two countries to become what Obama said "best partners" during his visit to India in 2015.
A history of colonial rule followed by decades of nonalignment has made New Delhi wary of an embrace by the United States, according to a Reuters report.
"It is neither a strategic partnership nor an alliance," Nitin Gokhale, founder of Indian defense portal Bharat Shakti, was quoted by the report as saying. "It can be a long-term arrangement, but to call it a strategic partnership would be premature."
The U.S. and India values do not fit each other completely, said Zhao Gancheng, an India expert with Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, adding that India adopts an independent foreign policy and has tried to keep neutral when dealing with major countries.
Modi is also a nationalist leader and he will not blindly follow the United States, Zhao said.
By Ma Zheng, Liu Xiuling
TOKYO, June 8 (Xinhua) -- "The settlement between Mitsubishi Materials and forced WWII Chinese laborers is worth being written into textbooks as it helps the Japanese society face up to history," Lin Boyao, an overseas Chinese, who has been championing the campaign for the rights of the WWII Chinese laborers said in a recent interview with Xinhua.
Hikaru Kimura, senior executive officer of Mitsubishi Materials Corp. signed the deal on June 1, with three Chinese nationals on behalf of the thousands of wartime Chinese forced to work in labor camps in Japan during World War II, and under the agreement Mitsubishi Materials said it would offer an official apology for its heinous actions and compensate each victim 100,000 yuan (15,000 U.S. dollars).
The company also agreed to continue to seek a comprehensive and permanent solution with all of the former laborers and their families and pledged to build a memorial to honor the victims.
Lin said it's an advancement as major Japanese companies like Mitsubishi Materials acknowledged its wartime atrocities and apologized to the victims.
The victims were part of about 39,000 Chinese who were forcibly brought to Japan during WWII to address a growing labor shortage in areas such as coal mining and construction.
Because of rigors of labor, squalid conditions and lack of basic essentials like food and water, almost 7,000 innocent Chinese nationals died during their hellish internment.
Starting from the 1990s, Chinese survivors of forced laborers and their families filed a series of lawsuits in the Japanese court, seeking apologies and compensation from the Japanese government and related companies, but their claims were all rejected by the Supreme Court in Japan.
In 2013, five Chinese civic groups representing aging victims united to begin negotiating with the Tokyo-based company and reached the agreement finally.
This is not the first settlement between former forced laborers and a Japanese company. Two other Japanese construction companies named Kajima Corp. and Nishimatsu Co. have also taken similar steps to compensate the victims.
"It's the first time that a major company's senior member came to Beijing and apologize. This is symbolic as it was not seen in the previous settlements," Hiroshi Tanaka, professor emeritus at Hitotsubashi University told Xinhua.
As the chief negotiator of the settlement, Lin said it is praiseworthy that Mitsubishi Materials could face up to history and admit its mistakes at a time when the Japanese society is inclined to deny responsibilities of its wartime crimes and try to forget its past militarism.
"The issue of forced laborers was one of the major sufferings Japan had inflicted on China and other Asian nations during the war of aggression initiated by Japan. I hope other Japanese enterprises that used forced laborers can learn from Mitsubishi Materials and reach settlements with forced Chinese laborers," said Lin.
"It's also what the forced laborers expected," Lin stressed.
Despite the good gestures of Mitsubishi, Lin pointed out that the content of the company's apology is not all satisfying. The company stated in the apology that it was based on the government's decision in 1942 to accept over 3,700 Chinese laborers. "In fact, the company took the initiative in asking the government to transport labors to Japan," Lin said.
Over 70 years has passed since WWII, Lin said the pain still exists in the heart of the Chinese laborers. "The human rights of the Chinese laborers were trampled on during the war and if the problems can't be resolved, the damage and the pain will continue."
With the number of victims getting smaller and even their relatives aging as well, Lin hoped that both the Japanese and Chinese governments could solve the forced labor issues soon.
"The evidence of the forced laborers is clear and the Japanese government can't shirk its responsibilities," Lin said.
Related:
Japan's Mitsubishi Materials agrees to compensate, apologize to forced WWII Chinese laborers
TOKYO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Mitsubishi Materials Corp. agreed on Wednesday to compensate nearly 4,000 Chinese nationals for forcing them to work in labor camps during World War II, representatives from the company and groups representing the victims said.
The agreement negotiated between both sides marks an unprecedented number of people compensated by a Japanese company since the end of WWII at 3,765 Chinese nationals, and under the agreement Mitsubishi Materials said it would offer an official apology for its heinous actions and compensate each victim 100,000 yuan (15,000 U.S. dollars). Full Story
China urges Japan to properly settle Chinese forced laborers issue
BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- China urged Japan to properly deal with the issue of Chinese forced laborers in World War II as Mitsubishi Materials Corp. has offered to apologize and compensate nearly 4,000 Chinese victims.
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The eighth China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) concluded here Tuesday with fruitful results. Despite ups and downs in bilateral ties, the two countries have tried to seek common ground through such dialogues and promoted the establishment of a new model of major power relations.
Here is what Ma Xiaolin, an observer based in Beijing, has said of the development of China-U.S. relations throughout the eight years.
-- As the world's biggest developed country and the biggest developing country, the United States and China respectively have witnessed a unique course of interactions between them: Competition and cooperation have existed side by side, conflicts often ended with compromises from both sides, and both stuck to their own opinions while effectively navigating risks and crises.
-- In today's world of multi-polarizing and power-reshuffling, the handling of China-U.S. relations will go beyond various existing theoretical frameworks of international relations, and even break the general pattern of the distribution and transfer of power.
-- Despite the significant advance in economic aggregate, military power and global standing, China remains a developing country which is learning how to behave like a rising star. It has neither the capability to replace the United States, nor the desire to be the "world police." That's why China has repeatedly stressed that it sticks to maintaining the existing structure of international relations and global security order, and is also pleased to see the United States playing its role in the Asia Pacific. Such self-positioning and recognition between the two sides are key factors that maintain the stability of bilateral ties.
-- The United States has said it welcomes China's peaceful rise while repeatedly stressing its own role of world leader. Meanwhile, China has tried to adapt to the existing global governance system while proposing to improve the global political and economic order. Such interdependency and compromise have increased China's engagement in international affairs and given it greater say and influence.
-- On the South China Sea issue, despite military presence from both sides, China and the United States have effectively managed crises and avoided -- as some observers predicted -- any military confrontation. This proves that the two sides stick to the strategic bottom line and safeguard maritime safety, which shows stable and mature bilateral ties.
-- The United States has attempted to call upon its Asian allies to confront China on the South China Sea issue, but those countries were caught in a dilemma: They rely on the safety net provided by the United States, while also needing economic cooperation with China. The situation made them hesitate to act against China, thus eliminating on a large scale any pressure from the United States.
-- A "new normal" has been formed in China-U.S. relations: seeking harmony in differences, sometimes quarreling but never starting wars, gaining mutual understanding in stalemates and broadening consensus in divergences. This will long exist in the development path of China-U.S. ties.
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- China is drafting a law that would allow the establishment of special psychiatric institutions under the jurisdiction of law enforcement authorities, to take care of mentally ill offenders.
The draft regulation, published by the State Council on Wednesday to solicit opinions from the public, says that facilities taking in psychiatric patients institutionalized by courts should be managed and supervised in the same way as other police detention centers.
Under China's Criminal Law, offenders deemed not criminally responsible due to mental illness may be exempted from criminal penalties but should receive medical treatment supervised by his or her guardians. If necessary, the government will force them to be institutionalized.
In practice, however, institutionalization is loosely enforced due to lack of facilities and detailed protocols. Mentally ill offenders are sometimes sent to normal psychiatric hospitals. Incidents of assaults committed by such patients, fatal in some cases, have been reported from time to time.
The draft regulation clarifies the responsibilities and power of psychiatric detention facilities.
The facilities are allowed to place patients under confinement or use constraints when they may harm themselves or other people, but it should be done for medical reasons rather than as a punishment, according to the draft.
They are banned from forcing patients to work or conducting surgeries on them.
If the regulation enters law, patients will be reviewed within 30 days after the first-year term at the facilities and reviewed again every six months. If they are considered stable and harmless, the facilities will apply to the court for releasing or transferring them.
If a patient dies during detention, the court and police should be informed along with the patient's guardians. Police will investigate the cause of death, and the guardians and families can go to prosecutors if they disagree with the investigation outcome.
Individuals and organizations can upload their opinions about the draft document at www.chinalaw.gov.cn before July 7. Enditem
by Naim-Ul-Karim
DHAKA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government in collaboration with China Machinery Engineering Corporation ( CMEC) has implemented the country's largest-ever ICT project which brought nearly 20,000 government offices across the country under a nationwide connectivity.
Bangladesh's highest economic policy-making body on July 3, 2013 approved the China-financed 13.33 billion taka project titled "National ICT Infra-Network for Bangladesh Government Phase-II (Info-Sarker)".
After the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshi Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal had then said the Chinese government will provide 10.87 billion taka as a loan for the project and the remaining expenditure would be borne by the government.
Project Director of Info-Sarkar Saiful Islam told Xinhua Tuesday that "the Info Sarker project is the main project for the building of digital Bangladesh. And this is the largest project of the ICT division as well as for the digital Bangladesh building."
"We've done it in collaboration with CMEC," he said, adding the Chinese government has extended all-out support in implementing the project.
"And we have successfully completed our project. As I mention it earlier that this the largest project of Bangladesh," he said on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Info Sarker Project and inauguration of the Nation Wide Connectivity" held in Dhaka's Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel where, among others, ministers, senior government officials and representatives of the local and foreign companies including Huawei Technologies Bangladesh Limited, local Summit Communications, Fiber@Home and state-owned BTCL took part.
At the end of the project closing ceremony, Bangladeshi State Minister for Finance Abdul Mannan and State Minister for ICT Division Junaid Ahmed Palak handed over crests to companies including Huawei and China Machinery Engineering Corporation which supported to make the project a success.
They expressed the hope that China will continue its support to Bangladesh's ICT infrastructure development initiatives and thanked specially China Machinery Engineering Corporation for its leading role in implementing the project.
"It's a matter of immense pleasure for us to have the opportunity to work for such an important Bangladesh project," said Xing Yunfei, general project manager of China Machinery Engineering Corporation.
"Hope in future we'll have more opportunities to contribute to Bangladesh's efforts to make a digital Bangladesh."
Under the project, Islam said, 18,130 government offices at the district and sub-district levels have been brought under an ICT network, paving the way for the prime minister's office and other ministries and departments in Dhaka to establish direct communications around the country.
Apart from this, he said, 800 video conferencing systems have also been installed at different offices, including the ministries, government departments and training centers.
"We have established a digital recovery center as well as huge things for this project. So it is a successful completion for the project," Islam said.
"We are proceeding ahead to the digital Bangladesh. This is the dream of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. And this is basically the dream of our father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He (Mujib) had a dream that he will build a Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal). And this the final product of Sonar Bangla." (1 U.S. dollar equals to 79 taka) Enditem
NEW DELHI, June 8 (Xinhua) -- After a week-long delay, the Southwest Monsoon on Wednesday arrived in the southern Indian state Kerala and the southwest islands of Lakshadweep in the Arab Sea, said meteorological officials.
At least one person was killed in accidents related to heavy showers, according to Press Trust of India.
"Southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala and Lakshadweep," K. Santosh, head of the India meteorological Department's Thiruvananthapuram regional center, told the media.
The monsoon has also advanced into most parts of Tamil Nadu, some parts of south interior Karnataka and remaining parts of south Bay of Bengal, said the meteorological official.
The norm that officials assess the data recorded at 14 weather stations in Lakshadweep, Kerala and Mangalore in Karnataka from May 10 conform to the standard data for the formal arrival of monsoon.
The southwest monsoon normally hits Kerala around June 1. It advances northwards, usually in surges, and covers the entire country by around July 15. Enditem
By Wang Wen and Yang Tianmu
MANILA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Politicians, international relations experts and opinion leaders from the Philippines on Wednesday called on President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to start bilateral talks with China on the South China Sea issue as soon as possible.
They noted that the forthcoming government needs not wait for a decision from an international tribunal in The Hague before talking to China.
The call was made as they gathered here to celebrate the 41st anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.
The call came as the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a statement on settling disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiations.
RESUMING BILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS
Speaking at the gathering, Francisco Tatad, a former senator, said "What we should control at all times is our national interest. Let us remember that the maritime disputes were there when the Philippines and China decided to establish diplomatic relations."
Tatad called on the Philippines to follow India's example to negotiate with China and talk about ways to improve the two countries' economic relations.
He reminded the audience that it was the Philippines who first did reclamation activities such as building airstrips in the South China Sea.
Alberto Encomienda, former secretary-general of Maritime and Ocean Affairs Center at the Department of Foreign Affairs, told Xinhua after the gathering "You don't have to finish that arbitration. Nobody even knows when it will be finished."
He said that the Philippines could even withdraw the case, and a withdrawal does not put the country to shame as long as it is in accordance with the country's vital interest.
"China has been for the negotiations all along, but from the beginning we are not," said Encomienda.
He eyed Durterte's recent meeting with Zhao Jianhua, the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, as a good start for both sides.
Echoing Enconienda, Butch Valdes, former undersecretary of the Department of Education, told Xinhua that the Philippines will not have actual benefits even if the tribunal rules in favor of the country.
He stressed that the situation will be worse because a ruling from an international tribunal will only escalate tension in the South China Sea.
For her part, Aileen Baviera, a professor at the University of the Philippines, said bilateral talks with China "can be an avenue for resuming the confidence-building process" between the two countries.
Bilateral talks can also assure China that there is no intention to use arbitration and there is no intention to harm China's security interests, said Baviera.
FORMULATING INDEPENDENT FOREIGN POLICY
Also on the occasion, they said it is high time that the Philippines formulates its own independent foreign policy.
"During (President Benigno) Aquino (III)'s first state visit to the United States, the phrase 'rule of law' was emphasized. Everything that came up as the Philippines' position on the South China Sea afterwards has something to do with 'rule-based' and 'legal framework.' But these are the rule basis determined by the United States," noted Encomienda.
He said again and again at the gathering that his country is in urgent need of an independent foreign policy.
Valdes, in addition, asked the forthcoming government to review the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which the Aquino administration signed with the U.S. government in April 2014.
He believed the agreement such as EDCA should not have been signed by the president in an "underhanded manner," rather it should have been sent to Senate for ratification.
"In the past three to four years, they (the U.S.) have made the country into a U.S. military base."
Duterte, who will be sworn into office on June 30, has said he will wait for the final decision from the tribunal but also noted that he will pursue bilateral talks with China if current efforts do not progress.
He even said that he might seek possible joint exploration in the South China Sea.
Relations between China and the Philippines have soured during Benigno Aquino III's six-year rule.
The Philippines unilaterally initiated an arbitration case against China in January 2013 over the South China Sea issue with an international tribunal in The Hague.
Related:
Chinese FM statement on settling disputes between China, the Philippines in South China Sea through bilateral negotiation
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a statement on settling disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation. Following is the full text of the statement. Full story
Spotlight: China will not fall into trap of South China Sea arbitration: Chinese ambassador
JOHANNESBURG, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China will not give certain countries the satisfaction of tricking it into the trap of the South China Sea arbitration, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Tian Xuejun, said on Thursday.
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government said on Wednesday that it will accelerate building two more national-level development zones to encourage innovation, as the country seeks to foster new engines for growth.
The government approved the establishment of the two "national innovation demonstration zones" in Fujian Province and Anhui Province, respectively, according to a statement released after the State Council's executive meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Premier Li Keqiang.
The decision was made after similar zones, including Beijing's Zhongguancun, and Shanghai's Zhangjiang high tech zone, have played experimental and pioneering role in the nation, and those models need to be replicated across the country, said the statement.
The government vowed to cut red tape and provide better services to those development zones, making them better serve the nation's economic rebalancing drive.
The government also announced a string of new measures to provide more medical financial aid for residents in the poverty-stricken areas.
Rural residents living in poverty would get more reimbursement when they are hospitalized, and would be covered by the critical illness insurance, according to the statement.
The government also vowed to build a health and medical data platform across the country, which aims to improve healthcare services, and also a key part of the country's supply-side structural reform. Enditem
TAIPEI, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Forty-two of a group of 52 Taiwanese fraud suspects were deported to the island from Turkey on Wednesday, according to local media.
Police confirmed the identities of these people upon their arrival. Prosecutors will investigate them.
Turkish police detained the 52 in May in its western Izmir Province. Ten of them are undergoing further criminal investigation in Turkey.
According to Turkish police, the suspects allegedly installed cameras near cash machines to record people's passwords. They targeted tourists from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan to Turkey. Enditem
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police provided about 746,000 unregistered citizens with household registration permits, a crucial document entitling them to social welfare, in the first five months of this year, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
In China, various social benefits such as medical insurance and access to basic education are based on permits known as "hukou" and are supposed to be in line with long-term places of work and residence.
The move to register unregistered citizens, which are estimated at 13 million, or 1 percent of the entire population, was announced in December. Between January and May, more than 1.09 million unregistered people were confirmed, the ministry said in a Wednesday statement.
They include orphans and second children born illegally under the one-child policy, the homeless and those who have yet to apply for one or who have simply lost theirs. Parents who violated family planning policy often refrained from getting hukou for their children in order to avoid fines.
The ministry also revealed that police across the country have confiscated three million duplicated hukou and more than 1.7 million IDs that have duplicated numbers.
The ministry said last year that some of the duplications were honest mistakes from manual errors or separated police management systems in the past, but others were the result of police officers illegally using professional privilege to seek benefits for their connections. Enditem
KHARTOUM, June 8 (Xinhua) -- A suspected ringleader of one of the biggest human trafficking organizations was arrested in a joint Sudanese-Italian-British security operation, said a joint statement by Sudanese Interior Ministry and Italian and British Embassies in Khartoum Wednesday.
"Medhanie Yehdego Mered, Eritrean, 35, who had been on a wanted list since 2015 for international people smuggling, was arrested in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on May 24 and flown to Italy late Monday," the statement said.
Mered's organization was accused of involvement in organizing trips for migrants toward the coast of Sicily, it said.
The statement said Mered was responsible for packing migrants onto a boat that sank in 2013 off the Italian island of Lampedusa, claiming at least 360 lives.
Sudan has recently been witnessing increasing organized groups active in human trafficking and illegal immigration.
In October 2014, Sudan hosted an international conference on combating human trafficking and illegal immigration with participation of African and European countries.
Khartoum says it is maintaining a high-level coordination with Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia from Africa besides Italy, Spain, France and Britain to face the phenomenon.
Sudan is considered one of the crosspoints for human trafficking and illegal immigration.
Earlier, European countries have vowed to support Sudan to combat human trafficking after Khartoum asked for logistical air and sea supports to pursue the multi-national human smugglers. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations scaled up humanitarian aid to people fleeing the Iraqi city of Fallujah, currently held by the Islamic State(IS), as the humanitarian crisis unfolds there, a UN spokesman said here Wednesday.
"Displacement is dramatically increasing as military operations in Fallujah continue," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here, adding that more than 20,000 people have fled Fallujah, near the capital city of Damascus and its surrounding areas since May 22.
"Humanitarian workers are receiving reports that hundreds more families are trying to flee," he said.
The eight camps prepared in advance have been stretched to their limits. The Iraqi government and the UN and its partners are working to rapidly scale up camps and other assistance in preparation for possibly tens of thousands of more people that could leave Fallujah in the next days.
"But more resources are needed to ensure that assistance is sufficient," Dujarric said. "All of the UN and our partners' resources are directed towards providing assistance to people fleeing Fallujah."
Iraqi civilians who escaped the IS-held Fallujah told UN that there may be up to 90,000 people inside the besieged city.
Thousands of civilians are caught in the crossfire in and around Fallujah as Iraqi government forces and allied militias are trying to recapture the city.
Iraqi government troops and allied militias have currently been fighting for months to reclaim key cities and towns in Anbar from IS militants, who attempted to advance toward Baghdad after seizing most of Anbar province.
Iraq is currently witnessing a wave of violence since the Islamic State controlled parts of Iraq's northern and western regions in June 2014.
The Iraqi government has established a number of camps for the 60,000 people already displaced in Anbar, and in anticipation of movement from the Fallujah area. The United Nations warned that these facilities are overstretched, with little capacity to absorb more people. Enditem
JUBA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's forests, currently covering 33 percent of its total land area, shrink by 1.5 percent annually due to logging and deforestation as the country lacks alternative source of fuels, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said on Wednesday.
UNEP Country Manager Arshad Khan told Xinhua that forests depletion was being fueled by armed conflict, poverty and increased demand for agricultural land.
"Forest is covering almost 33 percent of the total land area in this country, but unfortunately because of lack of alternative fuels and other factors, the deforestation rate in South Sudan is one of the highest in the world," Arshad said in Juba.
"Forests are being cut for personal gains, supporting armed conflict especially the teak and mahogany. The other thing is the changing of forests into agricultural lands that has led to diminishing of forest cover," he explained.
Arshad said there is an estimate that the current rate at which the deforestation is taking place is between 1.2 to 1.5 percent per annum.
"If this trend is continued, there is fear that in the next 50 years there will be no forests in South Sudan," he added.
In May, the Ministry of Trade and Industry announced restrictions on timber and charcoal exports in a bid to prevent depletion of its natural resources and expand the tax base, which have been affected by the more than two years of civil war.
Arshad said the weak legal framework on forests had created a lacuna, in which licensed companies and communities exploit forests without proper regulation.
He said that the most effective way of using and maintaining forests in a sustainable manner was to involve the local population, adding that UNEP was helping the country in forest conservation. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, June 8 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday announced the appointment of Major General Per Lodin of Sweden as chief military observer and head of UN Mission for the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, known as UNMOGIP.
Major General Lodin succeeds Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana, who will have completed his two-year assignment in July of this year. "The secretary-general is grateful to Major General Sakyi for his contribution to UN peacekeeping," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here.
Major General Lodin has had a distinguished military career in the Swedish Army since 1978.
With a distinguished military career in the Swedish Army beginning in 1978, Major General Lodin most recently held the position of Director of Procurement and Logistics for the Swedish Armed Forces. Previous to this, he was the deputy director of the National Armaments for Sweden from 2012 to 2014.
The major general is a member of the Swedish Academy of Military Science. He holds a diploma from the Graduate Institute of International studies based in Geneva and attended the United Nations Senior Mission Leaders course in 2015.
Born in 1956, he is married and has two children. Enditem
TEL AVIV, Israel, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed in shooting attacks in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Wednesday evening, local media reported, quoting hospital sources as saying.
Initial local media reports, which have yet to be confirmed, said that shootings took place in three different places in Tel Aviv, leaving at least nine people wounded.
Three of the wounded succumbed to their injuries in hospital, said the reports. Enditem
CAPE TOWN, June 8 (Xinhua) -- International rating agency Fitch's decision to keep South Africa's outlook stable affords the country "a narrow window to demonstrate further concrete implementation of reforms," the National Treasury said on Wednesday.
These reforms are already underway aimed at turning around the growth path and placing public finances on a more sustainable path, the Treasury said.
Fitch affirmed South Africa's long-term foreign and local currency debt at BBB- and BBB respectively, following the downgrade announced in December 2015. The foreign currency bond rating remains one notch above sub-investment grade whereas the domestic currency bond rating remains two notches above sub-investment grade.
The South African government notes and welcomes Fitch Ratings' decision, said the Treasury.
"Once again, this rating outcome demonstrates that during difficult times, South Africa -- government, labour, business and civil society -- can work together to achieve a common goal," it said.
Referring to a couple of risks highlighted by Fitch, the Treasury said the government is mindful of these and fully aware that the next several months are critical.
"We are stepping up the implementation of the 9-point plan and other measures to boost the economy. We are redoubling our efforts aimed at restoring confidence and boosting investment amongst local and international investors; unblocking obstacles to faster employment growth in key sectors; and undertaking fiscal, State-Owned Company (SOC) and regulatory reforms," the Treasury said.
Fitch's decision is testament to the fact that despite the structural constraints, South Africa remains an attractive investment destination relative to its peers, said the Treasury.
"South Africa continues to play an important role in supporting development in the African continent. These are some of the factors that have enabled the South African economy to demonstrate much greater resilience in the face of exceptionally difficult global and domestic economic conditions," it said. Enditem
(Xinhua file photo)
LONDON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Finance Ministry issued three-year government bond worth 3 billion RMB (about 457 million U.S. dollars) has been successfully listed at London Stock Exchange (LSE).
This is the first ever sovereign RMB bond issued outside China, and also the world's first local currency sovereign bond issued outside the domestic market, said Shi Yaobin, Vice Minister of the Chinese Finance Ministry, here on Wednesday.
"This is the new practice in China's financial opening-up process, and also makes history in the development of the global capital market," Shi said.
Hailing the issuance as a "milestone", he said it represents a new achievement in the China-Britain financial cooperation.
It also demonstrates the new status of achieving progress while ensuing stability in China's economic performance, the official said.
Moreover, he said the issuance injects new impetus into the development of offshore RMB market.
Harriett Baldwin, Economic Secretary to the HM Treasury, said the issue "signals the next step in the internationalization of RMB."
The issuance was announced by the Chinese Finance Ministry on May 25 and orders have been received from a wide range of global investors. The deal was 2.8 times over-subscribed, with final allocations of 58 percent to EMEA (European, Middle Eastern and African) investors and 42 percent to Asian investors.
TEL AVIV, June 8, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Israeli policemen check at a restaurant where a shooting attack took place in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 8, 2016. Three Israelis were killed in an apparent shooting attack at a Tel Aviv restaurant and retail center on Wednesday evening, Israeli police and emergency services said. (Xinhua/Israeli Police Spokesperson)
TEL AVIV, Israel, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Three Israelis were killed in an apparent shooting attack at a Tel Aviv restaurant and retail center on Wednesday evening, Israeli police and emergency services said.
Two Palestinians shot bystanders in several spots around the popular restaurant and shopping center named Sarona at about 9:30 p.m. (GMT 1930), injuring eight people in varying degrees, Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri said in a statement.
Three Israelis died from their wounds at the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, Samri and a hospital spokesperson said. Another Israeli is hospitalized in critical condition, and three others in serious condition.
Israeli police said the two Palestinians have been "neutralized." One attacker has been moderately injured, apparently by shooting, and another was arrested by police, the Tel Aviv bureau police chief Chico Edri told reporters at the scene. He said the attack was nationalistically-motivated.
Some media reports suggested a third suspect was on the run, but police spokeswoman Luba Samri said that information was ruled out.
With that, Channel 2 news reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had just landed back from his visit to Moscow and will shortly convene a security cabinet, a forum of top ministers, following the attack.
The weapons recovered at the scene were Carl Gustav rifles, seen frequently in shooting attacks by Palestinians, Channel 10 news reported.
At least 31 Israelis were killed in attacks in a wave of violence which started in October including Wednesday's attack, while 205 Palestinians were killed either in clashes with Israeli security forces during protests or after carrying out attacks.
ANTANANARIVO, June 8 (Xinhua) -- International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed 310 million U.S. dollars of loan for Madagascar on Wednesday when its delegation ended a 15-day visit in the country.
"The money will be unlocked until end 2019 in the framework of IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Madagascar," the IMF head of delegation Marshall Mills said after meeting with Madagascar's President Hery Rajaonarimampianina.
"IMF noted efforts made by Madagascar in term of development from 2015 to March 2016. That's why it accepted to give the money," Rajaonarimampianina said.
"IMF inspected our development program and agreed it before accepting this loan. Also this step is very important for Madagascar's economic and social development because it will certainly open new opportunities for cooperation with other financial donors and partners of Madagascar," the president said.
While urging the government to Mills said the money will help boost Madagascar's economic growth as well as increase the central bank currency reserves.
"The government should control public expenses, monitor tax and customs revenue," Mills noted.
The delegation also pointed out that the government should renew the national policy on fight against corruption and cleans the justice in the country. Enditem
The images of U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (L) and Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump are seen painted on decorative pumpkins created by artist John Kettman in LaSalle, Illinois, U.S., June 8, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young
WASHINGTON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- More Americans are giving a lot of thought to the elections, but they are split on whether they are more or less enthusiastic about voting this year compared with prior election years, according to a Gallup poll issued Wednesday.
Three in four Americans now are giving "quite a lot" of thought to the elections as the primaries of the two mainstream parties for choosing their presidential nominees will end when Washington D.C. holds its primary on June 14, the poll shows, suggesting this could be a sign of a high voter turnout in the fall.
Among them, 79 percent of Republicans, including independents who lean Republican, now say they have given quite a lot of thought to the election, up from 70 percent in January. Democrats and Democratic leaners who say they are thinking about the election have increased from 63 percent in January to 72 percent currently.
However, 48 percent of voters say they are less enthusiastic than usual about voting, compared with 46 percent who say they are more enthusiastic.
Fifty-one percent of Republicans say they are more enthusiastic and 43 less enthusiastic. But for Democrats and leaners, the situation is reversed, with 43 percent more enthusiastic and 50 percent less, the poll finds.
The new survey of 1,530 adults, including 697 Democrats and 744 Republicans, was conducted between May 18 and 22, with an overall margin of error of 3 points.
During the 2008 presidential campaign that produced the highest voter-turnout percentage in 40 years, a late-May poll showed a level of interest similar to this year's, said Jim Norman, an analyst with the poll company.
In comparison, fewer than half of Americans in May 2000 were paying a lot of attention to that year's presidential election, and the turnout also reflected a lack of interest -- only 51.2 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot, the third-lowest turnout rate since 1924.
The polling comes in a tumultuous presidential election year in which celebrity businessman Donald Trump clinched the presumptive Republican nomination and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday night claimed the Democratic nomination, while her rival Bernie Sanders has vowed to push toward the convention in July.
LIMA, June 8, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Supporters of Popular Force (FP, for its acronym in Spanish) party, gather in front of the headquarters of the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE, for its acronym in Spanish), in Lima, capital of Peru, on June 7, 2016. Peruvian presidential candidate, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, on Tuesday maintained a razor thin lead in the vote count for Sunday's election, with 50.14 percent of votes for him while 97.1 percent of all votes counted, the National Office for Electoral Processes (ONPE) announced. (Xinhua/Luis Camacho)
LIMA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian presidential candiate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski is closing on winning the election as he maintains a slim lead over his close rival with 99.53 percent of votes counted, electoral authority said Wednesday.
According to the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), Kuczynski won 50.12 percent of votes compared to Keiko Fujimori's 49.88 percent, in the tightest presidential election for 25 years.
By Wednesday morning, the ONPE said Kuczynski, the leader of the Peruvians for Change party, had 8,511,059 votes while Fujimori had 8,468,781 votes, giving Kuczynski a slight lead of 42,478 votes.
With the vote count perhaps continuing until Thursday, Kuczynski, the 77-year-old economist, said he will not celebrate until the results are 100 percent confirmed.
The ONPE indicated that the tight race meant that every vote would be counted and checked and that the count could last until Thursday morning.
However, political analysts in Peru are saying that the lead is now unlikely to change and that Kuczynski is all but certain to be the country's next president from 2016 until 2021.
STRASBOURG, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Members of European Parliament (MEPs) gathered for a plenary session here, pressing on Wednesday for the European Council and the European Commission to condemn the decision by Japan to resume whale hunting and to catch 333 small rorqual whales during the 2015-2016 season.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), which had ordered Japan in 2014 to stop the "annual massacre of whales in the Antarctic Ocean," concluded that the country's whale hunting activities "are not practiced for the purpose of scientific research" - contrary to indications from Tokyo - claimed the European Parliament.
Brought to court in 2010 by Australia with the support of New Zealand, the highest judicial organ of the United Nations (UN) has indeed recognized that the Jarpa II research program (Japanese Whale Research Program under Special Permit in the Antarctic), only met with commercial, not scientific, standards.
Despite the CIJ order, the Japanese Fisheries Agency informed the International Whaling Commission that it would resume whale hunting within the framework of a new plan.
This program, which extends over 12 years, would authorize the hunting of 333 small rorqual whales in the course of the 2015-2016 season, and a total of 4,000 whales throughout the full duration of the plan.
Numerous environmental and animal defense associations have severely condemned Japanese policy on whale hunting.
The NGO Sea Shepherd has judged, for example, that "so long as there is not oppositional force present to force the application of law, Japan will continue to violate the decisions of the CIJ."
Commercial whaling has been prohibited since 1986 by the International Court of Justice.
A year after the entry into force of this international moratorium, Japan began, in 1987, what it called "scientific whale fishing." Enditem
ASTANA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said here Wednesday that maintaining regional security is the top priority for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries.
Chang made the remarks when he addressed the 13th conference of SCO defense ministers, which was held in the Kazakh capital of Astana on Wednesday.
Chang said all SCO countries should firmly implement the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other heads of state of SCO countries, upholding "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and pursuit of common development.
The Chinese defense chief said maintaining regional security is the top priority for SCO countries, adding that SCO members should also improve the mechanism construction and enrich and deepen pragmatic cooperation, in a bid to make new contributions to regional peace and stability.
On the South China Sea issue, Chang said China has always been committed to resolving relevant disputes through negotiation and friendly consultation with countries directly concerned on the basis of respect for historical facts and international law.
He said China firmly opposed to the internationalization of the South China Sea issue and outside interference.
He added that no matter what the outcome is, China will not accept the results of the arbitration on the South China Sea.
The Philippines unilaterally initiated an arbitration case against China in January 2013 over the South China Sea issue with an international tribunal in The Hague.
Chang led a Chinese delegation to attend the SCO defense ministers' conference. The other attendees include defense ministers of Kazakhstan, Russia and Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan's Chairman of the State Defense Committee, leader of Uzbekistan's armed forces, SCO secretariat and leaders of regional anti-terrorism organizations.
The conference was presided by the Kazakh Defense Minister Imangali Tasmagambetov.
During the conference, defense leaders summed up the results of cooperation, stressing that as the threat of international terrorism activities continue to rise, the defense departments and armed forces of SCO countries should further enhance cooperation and join hands to safeguard regional security and stability.
The Defense Ministers of SCO Countries Joint Communique and other documents were signed at the conference.
During the conference, Chang met with leaders of defense departments and military leaders from SCO countries and exchanged views on matters of common concerns.
After the conference, the leaders participated in the 3rd "Horn of Peace" military music festival held by SCO countries' military organizations.
Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Hanhui, and Western Theater Command vice-commander and chief of staff Rong Guiqing also took part in the conference and festival. Enditem
LOS ANGELES, June 8, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Residents wait in line to cast their votes during the presidential primary election at Santa Monica City Hall in Santa Monica, California, theUnited States, on June 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong)
By Lu Jiafei
WASHINGTON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Though the Democratic primary season is all but over with Hillary Clinton about to become the first female standard-bearer of a major U.S. political party, the dust is far from being settled.
Clinton on Tuesday claimed the Democratic nomination after decisive victories in California, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. According to the latest New York Times delegate count, Clinton had won 2,184 pledged delegates and garned support of 571 superdelegates, party leaders who are free to vote for any candidate at the national convention in July.
Speaking at a rally Tuesday night in New York, Clinton directly appealed to rival Bernie Sanders' supporters for party unity after declaring herself the first woman to be nominated by a major U.S. political party.
"Let there be no mistake: Senator Sanders, his campaign and the vigorous debate that we've had about how to raise income, reduce inequality, increase upward mobility, have been very good for the Democratic Party and for America," said Clinton.
"It never feels good to put our heart into a cause or a candidate you believe in and come up short. I know that feeling well," said Clinton in an attempt to connect with Sanders' supporters using her loss in 2008 primary race to Barack Obama.
"But as we look ahead to the battle that awaits, let's remember all that unites us," she added.
However, despite his mathematical elimination from the race, Sanders pledged early Wednesday morning to continue the fight into the national convention in July.
"We are going to fight hard to win the primary in Washington, D.C., and then we take our fight for social, economic, racial and environmental justice to Philadelphia," Sanders said to supporters at a rally in California.
At the same time, he acknowledged the "very, very steep" path ahead of him and turned his fire on presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump rather than Clinton.
According to Sanders' campaign website, the senator will hold a campaign rally in Washington on Thursday.
Sanders' pledge to continue his campaign came hours before the final result of California Democratic primary came out, in which Clinton notched an easy victory by two-digit lead.
Sanders had long been eying an upset victory in California where 475 pledged delegates were up for grab.
While a victory there would not change the contour of the race, given the fact that all Democratic nomination races allot pledged delegates proportionally, it would lend Sanders more leverage at the national convention where the party's platform would also been put forward.
A strong performance in California had also for long been one vital part of Sanders' strategies to peel superdelegates off Clinton.
After his defeat in California, it remains unknown what Sanders' next step would be. However, it is certain that he is facing mounting pressure within the party to suspend his campaign and line up behind Clinton.
According to local media report, U.S. President Barack Obama is likely to endorse Clinton very soon, and in a statement issued late Tuesday night, the White House said Obama would meet Sanders at the White House on Thursday.
However, unlike the prompt rapprochement reached between Clinton and Obama in 2008 primary season, reconciliation this time between Sanders and Clinton this time could be elusive.
For one thing, Sanders had for long called himself an independent and democratic socialist, and he joined the Democratic Party only last year to get on the ballot. Therefore, his is less committed to party loyalty than Clinton was eight years ago.
Even more daunting a task this time for party establishment to bridge the Clinton and Sanders divide was the anti-establishment sentiment Sanders had stirred up among disheartened Democratic and independent voters in this chaotic primary season.
According to the most recent YouGov poll released on May 25, half of Sanders' supporters would turn away from Clinton in a matchup between Clinton and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. At the end of April, YouGov poll found that 63 percent of Sanders' supporters were willing to vote for Clinton.
While these supporters were not going to the Trump camp, the poll found that an increasing proportion of them chose either to vote for someone else or to simply opt out of the race.
Related:
Profile: Hillary Clinton poised to be first female standard-bearer of major U.S. political party
WASHINGTON, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Monday reached the number of delegates required to notch the Democratic nomination, according to the Associated Press's latest delegate count. Full story
News Analysis: Deepening split within Democratic Party could pose problems to Hillary Clinton's presidential run
WASHINGTON, May 19 (Xinhua) -- A deepening split within the U.S. Democratic Party amid front-runner Hillary Clinton's ongoing battle with rival Bernie Sanders could be problematic for Clinton in her race to theWhite House.
UNITED NATIONS, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a political declaration to scale up fight against HIV and end AIDS epidemic by 2030.
The 193 UN member states renewed their commitments to reducing the global numbers of people newly infected with HIV to fewer than 500,000 per year and people dying from AIDS to fewer than 500,000 per year by 2020, according to the political declaration.
The document was adopted at a high-level meeting on ending AIDS. The meeting aims to focus attention on a fast-track approach to respond to the epidemic.
UN statistics show that young women and girls, sex workers, prisoners, gay men, transgender people and people who inject drugs are being left behind in the response.
Addressing the meeting, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said there is "a window of opportunity" to radically change the trajectory of the epidemic and put an end to AIDS forever over the next five years.
He called on the international community to reinforce the approach by ensuring funding for AIDS response, removing punitive laws that violate people's dignity, and also making sure that everyone affected have access to comprehensive HIV services.
According to the most recent report published by UNAIDS, declines in new infections among adults have slowed alarmingly in recent years. Every year, the number of new adult infections remained static at about 1.9 million. Enditem
by Rene Quenallata Paredes
LA PAZ, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian lawmakers are mulling a bill to penalize those who sexually harass women in the street, in a bid to curb gender violence.
The bill would make it a crime to make physical contact or catcalls, or flash or masturbate in public, among other types of obscene and aggressive behavior, and impose fines of around 70 U.S. dollars and/or eight hours in jail.
Should the bill pass, Bolivia would join only a handful of countries that have similar laws.
The bill aims to prevent "an invisible, symbolic violence against women," Deputy Shirley Franco, a member of the opposition Democratic Unity (UN) party and one of the proponents of the initiative, told Xinhua in an interview.
"We know that street harassment is the first step towards violence against women, which is punishable by law," said Franco, adding the law would encourage victims to speak up and denounce such behavior.
According to Franco, such laws are already on the books in Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Argentina, though how well they are enforced is another question.
The proposed bill was drafted with the help of Bolivia's Anti-Street Harassment Watch (OCAC), an organization of women activists which has recorded some 372 complaints from 2015 to date. Most of the perpetrators are construction workers and those who drive trucks or other vehicles for a living, the OCAC says.
While men and young boys can also fall victim to this type of sexual harassment, surveys show that women and young girls are the main targets, said Franco.
Awareness campaigns carried out in Bolivia in 2014 and 2015 "have collected 17,000 testaments from women who have experienced this type of sexual harassment in the street, as well as the support of men for the campaign," she added.
The bill basically states that whoever commits public sexual harassment that "consists of staring, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, sexual verbal comments that allude to the body or to having sex (and) which humiliate the victim, will be fined 525 bolivianos (75.4 dollars) and arrested for eight hours."
The penalty increases for violations such as videotaping a woman without her consent, intimidation or stalking, which can be punished with a fine of 121 dollars.
Franco said she expected lawmakers to unanimously back the bill. Enditem
ROVANIEMI, Finland, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese representatives attending an ongoing symposium in northern Finland has delivered a clear message that they are prepared to work with stakeholders to achieve the goal of building a sustainable Arctic region.
"As a country that is geographically close to the Arctic Region and an important stake holder, China is fully prepared to work with countries in the region," said Chinese Ambassador to Finland Yu Qingtai in his keynote speech on Tuesday.
"We fully share the concept of Sustainable Arctic. We are happy to continue to work with all stake holders to achieve this objective," he added.
The fourth China-Nordic Arctic Cooperation Symposium takes place this week in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, a far north area inhabited by a combination of ethnic groups including the Arctic indigenous Sami people.
Yu underlined the importance "to bear in mind that in all Arctic related activities, the interests, traditions, value and concerns of the indigenous communities must be fully respected."
He said "it is also essential that all such activities must be based on relevant international laws and the domestic laws of the Arctic countries."
OPPORTUNITIES VS CHALLENGES
Hosted by the Arctic Center of the University of Lapland, the symposium gathers hundreds of experts, researchers and decision makers and business operators related to the Arctic development from China and Nordic countries.
Themed with "The Sustainable Arctic - Opportunities and Challenges of Globalization," the four-day conference focuses on the challenges and opportunities globalization brings to the Arctic. Hot topics ranging from tourism, fishing, mining, indigenous rights and policy advising are to be discussed during the sessions.
"Arctic issues cover both regional aspects as well as aspects that go beyond regional boundaries," said Yu. He took the climate change as an example: "The impact of climate change on the Arctic region will not be limited to the ecological systems in the area, but will also have environmental, economic and social implications in the region and beyond."
Yu believed that "challenges and opportunities coexist and can be transformed."
He said shipping, the exploration of resources and Arctic tourism have often been viewed as offering good prospects for development, but "if handled inappropriately, there can be irreversible consequences to the fragile ecological environment of the region, and to the unique social-cultural heritage of indigenous communities."
He called for more responsible cooperation at the international level and commitment to "whatever cooperation agreed upon."
EMERGING PARTNER
Analysts believe that the Arctic region is receiving increasing international scientific and political attention for three reasons: climate change, political-economic globalization and research.
The most evident new partners are Asian powers, whose economic and political influence has been growing these days. China, India, Japan and South Korea were among six non-Arctic countries that were recognized as observers of the Arctic Council in 2013.
The new trend saw the creation of China-Nordic Arctic Research Center (CNARC) in Shanghai in 2013, a mechanism grouping four Chinese and six Nordic leading institutes. The purpose of the project is to provide a platform for academic cooperation to increase awareness, understanding and knowledge of the Arctic and its global impacts. It is also supposed to promote cooperation for sustainable development of the Nordic Arctic.
China cooperated with Norway and Iceland in establishing two Arctic observation stations in the Arctic region in 2004 and 2013 respectively, noted Lv Bin, Vice Administrator of China's State Oceanic Administration.
Lv also mentioned in his speech on Tuesday the historic incident that Chinese icebreaker Snow Dragon passed through the Northeast Passage and successfully visited Iceland, promoting the exchanges with the public in 2012.
The role that China has played has won appreciation from Nordic decision makers. Maria Lohela, Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, said in her keynote speech the China-Nordic cooperation "is an excellent example of the share of knowledge and interest."
"China is an invaluable partner for us here in Finland or in the Nordic," Lohela commented when talking to Xinhua. "China being such an important operator in many areas, technological and business areas, we absolutely need China," she said.
While expecting closer cooperation with China, Lohela also voiced her concern that local residents should be involved.
Even though many indigenous people are also involved in modern business life, some people completely follow their traditional life style. Lohela said "we need to make sure that their culture doesn't become a history."
Mentioning Finland has a history of open society, Lohela said "we need to cherish what we have and make sure those livelihood can be still carried out in the future. We have to listen to those people beforehand not afterward." Enditem
TEL AVIV, June 8, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Israeli policemen check at a restaurant where a shooting attack took place in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 8, 2016. Three Israelis were killed in an apparent shooting attack at a Tel Aviv restaurant and retail center on Wednesday evening, Israeli police and emergency services said. (Xinhua/Israeli Police Spokesperson)
TEL AVIV, Israel, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a shooting attack in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv Wednesday night rose to four after a woman died from her wounds at hospital.
Three Israelis were pronounced dead earlier on Wednesday evening following the deadly attack, while the fourth victim was said to be in critical condition.
Deputy director-general of the Sourasky medical center at Tel Aviv Dr. Gil Fire told reporters that the victim, a woman, had "succumbed to her wounds."
Four other people who were hospitalized in serious condition have been stabilized, and they are currently in moderate to serious condition.
Israeli police received reports on a shooting attack outside the Sarona restaurant and retail center in central Tel Aviv, close to the Israeli military's headquarters, at around 9:30 p.m. local time (GMT 1930) on Wednesday.
Two Palestinian attackers, cousins in their twenties from the West Bank village of Yatta near Hebron, started shooting at people sitting in an outdoor area at a cafe in the complex, police spokeswoman Luba Samri said.
Video footage from the Max Brenner cafe where the attack started and aired on Israel's Channel 10 news showed scores of people running inside the restaurant while the shooting took place at the outdoor area.
"I sat inside the restaurant and then two people got up and started shooting," a person working at the Max Brenner cafe, where the shooting took place told the Ynet news website.
"Just before the shooting they ordered food, like everybody else. They had briefcases. Then they just got up and started shooting. They didn't yell anything," he added.
Another eye-witness, Tomer, told Israel Radio many people started running in panic once the shots were fired. "We sat outside and suddenly there was a round of shots. Everybody started frantically running, people yelled at us to get inside the complex. There was great panic. We waited a long while before we realized it was safe to go outside," he said.
Eye witnesses told the Channel 10 news that the two were dressed in suits and wore yarmulkes, assuming the appearance of religious Jews.
A security guard at the scene captured one of the attackers, who was arrested by the Israeli police, while the second one ran several hundred meters away towards a near cinema complex while continuing to shoot as people ran away. He was shot and wounded in serious condition by security guards of the Israel Radio station located there, and is undergoing surgery.
Tel Aviv bureau police chief Chico Edri told reporters at the scene there was no warning prior to the attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency consultation with heads of the Israeli defense establishment at the military headquarters in Tel Aviv, close to the area of the attack, shortly after landing in Israel after a visit in Moscow.
Netanyahu will convene a meeting of the security cabinet, a 10-minister security forum, to discuss possible measures following the attack.
Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said more policemen will be deployed in crowded places in Tel Aviv in the upcoming days, and the Tel Aviv municipality said in a statement it would increase the number of security guards deployed across the city, especially near kindergartens and schools.
The last time a deadly shooting attack took place in Tel Aviv was in January, when 29-year-old Arab Israeli Nashat Milhem shot and killed two Israelis at a Tel Aviv bar, and killed another Arab Israeli taxi driver after fleeing the scene.
Police discovered his whereabouts several days afterwards and Milhem died in a fire exchange with the police.
At least 31 Israelis were killed, including the victims of Wednesday's attacks, in shooting, car-ramming and stabbing attacks performed by Palestinians, since the ongoing wave of violence started in October.
During this period, 205 Palestinians were killed, some in clashes with Israeli security forces during protests in the West Bank, while others were gunned down after trying to or committing attacks against Israelis.
Israel charges the wave of violence is the result of the Palestinian Authority's incitement, whereas the Palestinians charge it is the result of 49 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip territories, where they wish to establish a Palestinian state.
LA PAZ, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales suspended his participation in a meeting with the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, due to a knee operation, Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera said Wednesday.
His meeting with the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America's (ALBA) Political Council in Caracas, Venezuela was also cancelled.
"Travelling for a meeting he had today with ALBA has been suspended as well as his trip to the European Union (EU)," said the government official.
Garcia said during a news conference that Morales had to suspend at least three of his international trips scheduled for the upcoming days due to an operation on his left knee which took place on Wednesday morning.
Since cancelling his appearances at the international meetings, Morales' doctor Jorge Terrazas at the Los Olivos Clinic in the central city of Cochabamba has labeled the operation for torn ligaments and meniscus in his left knee as a "complete success."
The post-operation process will include two days in hospital and then the president will wear a splint for two to four weeks, according to Nils Calderon, another doctor present during the operation.
After the splint is removed, Morales will begin his rehabilitation with physiotherapy that will last between eight and 12 months, added Calderon.
"During this time, the president should avoid the sporting activities that he currently participates in," said Calderon.
The operation took three hours and 15 minutes and was carried out by a team of Bolivian doctors at the Los Olivos private clinic.
Morales had a presentation in front of the European Parliament planned as well as meetings with the European Commission between June 14 and 15.
He was "the only South American president invited" to the European blocs annual meeting, according to Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca.
Bolivia and the EU maintain a complex agenda of cooperation that has prioritized issues related to justice and the fight against drug trafficking over the past seven years.
With this in mind, Bolivia asked the European bloc to eliminate the need for Bolivian citizens to obtain a visa before entering the EU countries. This petition is still being discussed.
Due to the operation, Morales did not head Wednesday's cabinet meeting and will not attend the inauguration of the National Summit for Justice on Friday and Saturday in the southern city of Sucre.
A U.S. powerboat sails in Havana bay, Cuba, on May 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
HAVANA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Havana on Tuesday was officially inaugurated as one of the world's seven wonder cities by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders.
In steady rain, a monument and memorial plaque were unveiled at the entrance of Havana Bay in recognition of the city's efforts to preserve its historical sites.
The Caribbean city has experienced a tourist boom over the past two years, and the new status is widely expected to add steam to the trend.
Havana, the largest Cuban city known for its old architecture and beach scenes, was named a wonder city in 2014 out of a global poll arranged by New7Wonders.
"The Cuban people, the expats, lovers of this city and tourists who love Cuba and Havana are those who voted very strongly," Bernard Weber, president and founder of the Swiss organization, told Xinhua.
Image taken on June 7, 2016 shows the monument that accredits the Havana city with the title of "Wonder City" of the modern world in Havana, capital of Cuba. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez)
The other six cities are La Paz (Bolivia), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Beirut (Lebanon), Vigan (the Philippines) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
"We knew and had a deep conviction that the city is wonderful, but for other people to see it that way and reach consensus to consider it as such is really very important," said Eusebio Leal, a historian of the city.
Leal, who leads the architectural and patrimonial conservation of the city's Old Town, said the award was a recognition of those who have worked hard to revitalize Havana's center.
The competition began in 2011, and after seven selections, the panel of New7Wonders experts announced the verdict in December 2014.
The Swiss foundation said it took into consideration cities that best represent the achievements and aspirations of the global urban society, have potential for sustainable growth and to leave a historical legacy in the future.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clintoncelebrates on stage during her primary night event at the Duggal Greenhouse, Brooklyn Navy Yard, June 7, 2016 in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
By Lu Jiafei
WASHINGTON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Though the Democratic primary season is all but over with Hillary Clinton about to become the first female standard-bearer of a major U.S. political party, the dust is far from being settled.
Clinton on Tuesday claimed the Democratic nomination after decisive victories in California, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. According to the latest New York Times delegate count, Clinton had won 2,184 pledged delegates and garnered support of 571 superdelegates, party leaders who are free to vote for any candidate at the national convention in July.
Speaking at a rally Tuesday night in New York, Clinton directly appealed to rival Bernie Sanders' supporters for party unity after declaring herself the first woman to be nominated by a major U.S. political party.
"Let there be no mistake: Senator Sanders, his campaign and the vigorous debate that we've had about how to raise income, reduce inequality, increase upward mobility, have been very good for the Democratic Party and for America," said Clinton.
"It never feels good to put our heart into a cause or a candidate you believe in and come up short. I know that feeling well," said Clinton in an attempt to connect with Sanders' supporters using her loss in 2008 primary race to Barack Obama.
"But as we look ahead to the battle that awaits, let's remember all that unites us," she added.
However, despite his mathematical elimination from the race, Sanders pledged early Wednesday morning to continue the fight into the national convention in July.
"We are going to fight hard to win the primary in Washington, D.C., and then we take our fight for social, economic, racial and environmental justice to Philadelphia," Sanders said to supporters at a rally in California.
At the same time, he acknowledged the "very, very steep" path ahead of him and turned his fire on presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump rather than Clinton.
According to Sanders' campaign website, the senator will hold a campaign rally in Washington on Thursday.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at Barker Hangar on June 7, 2016 in Santa Monica, California. AFP PHOTO / JONATHAN ALCORN
Sanders' pledge to continue his campaign came hours before the final result of California Democratic primary came out, in which Clinton notched an easy victory by two-digit lead.
Sanders had long been eying an upset victory in California where 475 pledged delegates were up for grab.
While a victory there would not change the contour of the race, given the fact that all Democratic nomination races allot pledged delegates proportionally, it would lend Sanders more leverage at the national convention where the party's platform would also been put forward.
A strong performance in California had also for long been one vital part of Sanders' strategies to peel superdelegates off Clinton.
After his defeat in California, it remains unknown what Sanders' next step would be. However, it is certain that he is facing mounting pressure within the party to suspend his campaign and line up behind Clinton.
According to local media report, U.S. President Barack Obama is likely to endorse Clinton very soon, and in a statement issued late Tuesday night, the White House said Obama would meet Sanders at the White House on Thursday.
However, unlike the prompt rapprochement reached between Clinton and Obama in 2008 primary season, reconciliation this time between Sanders and Clinton this time could be elusive.
For one thing, Sanders had for long called himself an independent and democratic socialist, and he joined the Democratic Party only last year to get on the ballot. Therefore, his is less committed to party loyalty than Clinton was eight years ago.
Even more daunting a task this time for party establishment to bridge the Clinton and Sanders divide was the anti-establishment sentiment Sanders had stirred up among disheartened Democratic and independent voters in this chaotic primary season.
According to the most recent YouGov poll released on May 25, half of Sanders' supporters would turn away from Clinton in a matchup between Clinton and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. At the end of April, YouGov poll found that 63 percent of Sanders' supporters were willing to vote for Clinton.
While these supporters were not going to the Trump camp, the poll found that an increasing proportion of them chose either to vote for someone else or to simply opt out of the race.
WASHINGTON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- A lone gunman was at large after opening fire on four people off North Capitol in northwestern Washington D.C. on Wednesday afternoon, multi TV networks reported.
The wounded have been taken to a hospital and are expected to survive, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier told the NBC News.
A bike officer, trying to respond to the shooting, was struck by a car and is expected to be OK, Lanier added.
by Luis Brito
MEXICO CITY, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Small and medium liquid petroleum gas (LPG) distributors in Mexico faces the risk of being forced out of business due to their inability to compete with large companies under a new model that allows open imports of LPG, said a leading expert in an interview with Xinhua.
President of the LPG Distributors' Association (Adigas) Victor Figueroa said that SMEs in the sector are at a disadvantage in terms of the infrastructure that big companies have to transport and stock LPG imports from the U.S. and Canada.
After bringing the LPG into Mexico by rail, the commodity is then transferred onto railway tankers at train stations to be directly distributed to the cities that need them.
However, the new open market model has left the SMEs out, Figueroa said.
"If we cannot access this imported gas, we are dead commercially, we will not be able to compete," said the president of Adigas, an association which represents 73 SMEs in the sector, which distribute 70,000 tons of LPG a month.
This year, Mexico opened up the importation of LPG to the private sector as part of its unfolding energy peform. Prior to this, Pemex enjoyed a monopoly to purchase, produce, distribute and commercialize fuel for almost 80 years.
About 80 percent of Mexicans use LPG to heat their homes and cook, using around 280,000 barrels a day. Since May, as part of a pivot back to its core oil extraction business and to streamline its activities, Pemex has moved from importing LPG. The company used to import about 105,000 barrels a day, or over 35 percent of the total demand, until 2015.
This makes this sector highly lucrative but Figueroa said big companies will easily dominate, given their access to existing infrastructure or having the budget to build more.
Certain SMEs have managed to import the fuel from Texas or California, meeting the cargoes at border cities at the U.S. border, transferring it onto Mexican vehicles and then distributing it.
However, Figueroa points out that this only benefits smaller LPG distributors located along the border and who do not have to face extra costs of transporting it to the center and south of Mexico.
"Currently, SMEs do not have the capacity to rent terminals, maintain infrastructure or sign the contracts with U.S. companies to buy the fuel," the executive said.
Therefore, faced with a lack of their own pipelines and storage facilities, some smaller companies have for the moment resorted to sharing the cost, by buying LPG, transporting and stocking it jointly.
CANBERRA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Teenage boys who outwardly show empathy attract more female friends than boys who are low in cognitive empathy, a landmark study has revealed on Thursday.
The Australian Research Council, in collaboration with the Australian Catholic University (ACU), studied the extent to which adolescent males and females choose empathic classmates as friends, and found that boys who showed empathy attracted, on average, 1.8 more female friends than boys who were not empathic.
The ACU studied 1,970 Australian high school students aged between 16 and 17, and found girls were more likely to select empathic boys as friends over boys who didn't display empathy, but girls who show empathy were no more likely to attract more friends of the opposite sex.
Professor Joseph Ciarrochi said that adolescents who surrounded themselves with empathic friends were much more likely to feel supported in their relationships, hence why males are often thought of as more independent and closed-off, as they're no more or less likely to choose empathic female friends.
"Empathy was linked to more supportive friendships for both males and females," Ciarrochi said in a statement on Thursday.
Ciarrochi said that surrounding oneself with friends who are likely to develop intrapersonal skills, learning and growth are important for adolescents,
"This research suggests it is critical to identify and teach young people the skills they need to develop supportive friendships," Ciarrochi said.
"Our study provides a contextual understanding of the role of empathy in selecting and maintaining friendships."
MELBOURNE, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The family of an Australian man missing in Rio de Janeiro is "disgusted" that Brazilian media sent them photos of a body for identification.
Rye Hunt, a 25-year-old backpacker, has been missing in Rio since May 21 when he split up with his traveling companion at the airport following a dispute.
Brazilian media reported that authorities had found a body washed ashore on Guaratiba beach in the Marica district, 50 kms west of Rio.
Hunt's family in Hobart released a statement early on Thursday morning condemning the conduct of some Brazilian media following the discovery of the body.
"We are disgusted that photos of the body have been published my media outlets and sent directly via text to family members by Brazilian journalists, asking us to confirm the identity," the statement said.
"It goes without saying that this crosses many professional and personal boundaries."
The discovery of the body at Guaratiba beach follows Brazilian police abandoning a search of waters off Rio for Hunt's body after a fisherman reported spotting Hunt alone on an island a kilometer off shore.
It was revealed last week that Hunt and his traveling partner, Mitchell Sheppard, might have ingested NBOMe, a synthetic psychedelic drug, known to cause extreme paranoia.
Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said there has not yet been confirmation of the identity of the body.
"I'm not in a position to confirm that the reports of the body are indeed Mr Hunt, but as soon as we have any information from the authorities in Brazil we provide it to the families," she said in a press conference on Thursday.
"But this is obviously a very difficult time for them and we are providing the family with consular support."
Hunt's uncle and girlfriend flew to Rio last week to assist with the search.
TEL AVIV, June 8, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Israel i policemen check at a restaurant where a shooting attack took place in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 8, 2016. Three Israelis were killed in an apparent shooting attack at a Tel Aviv restaurant and retail center on Wednesday evening, Israeli police and emergency services said. (Xinhua/Israeli Police Spokesperson)
GAZA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- An Islamic Hamas movement official said Wednesday the shooting attack in Tel Aviv which killed four Israelis is a response to Israeli crimes against the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
Mushir al-Masri, a senior Gaza-based Hamas official, told Xinhua that his movement "blesses the attack which is a response to the Israeli crimes in Gaza and the West Bank."
Earlier on Wednesday night, Israeli media said two Palestinian gunmen from the southern West Bank city of Hebron went into a supermarket in Tel Aviv and opened fire, where four Israelis were killed and three others injured.
An Israeli police spokeswoman said in a press statement that the two gunmen were arrested and one of them was under questioning.
The two Palestinians, who are cousins, came from the village of Yatta close to Hebron, according to the police spokeswoman's statement.
"This operation was carried out after a period of time, where some thought that the Intifada (the Palestinian uprising) ... stopped due to the arrests and the security cooperation, but it shows that the Intifada is going on," said al-Masri.
Hamas said in an emailed statement issued in the West Bank that the two Palestinians who carried out the attack "are members in Hamas movement."
Hamas did not directly claim responsibility for the attack, but said in the statement that the two attackers, Khaled Makhamra and Mohamed Makhamra, are the nephews of two Hamas members who are imprisoned in Israel.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian left-wing Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said in a statement that the attack "is a natural response to the daily Israeli violations, mainly the daily field executions of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza."
"It is a message to the Zionists that armed resistance is the only means for gaining the rights back," it said.
UNITED NATIONS, June 8 (Xinhua) -- UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday condemned a "terrorist attack" staged by Palestinian assailants in Tel Aviv, which killed at least four Israelis.
While conveying his condolences to the families of the victims and the government of Israel, Ban reiterated that "there is no justification for terrorism nor for the glorification of those who commit such heinous acts."
"The secretary-general is shocked that the leaders of Hamas have chosen to welcome this attack and some have chosen to celebrate it," according to a statement issued by Ban's spokesman.
An Islamic Hamas movement official said Wednesday that the shooting attack in Tel Aviv is a response to the Israeli crimes against the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
Hamas did not directly claim responsibility for the attack, but said in a statement that the two attackers are nephews of two Hamas members imprisoned in Israel.
Ban called upon the Palestinian leadership to live up to their responsibility to stand firmly against violence and the incitement that fuels it.
The incident took place as the two attackers opened fire Wednesday night at a popular food and shopping complex near the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, reports said.
QUITO, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The Ecuador office of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said Wednesday that it would launch an assistance program for small farmers affected by the earthquake last April in the South American country.
In a press release, the FAO said this program would be jointly developed with Ecuador's ministry of agriculture, in order to help small farmers get back on their feet as early as possible.
"The government asked for emergency help from FAO's technical cooperation program to help the families of farmers...quickly regain their sources of income," said Pedro Pena, FAO representative in Ecuador.
The program, to be run with a budget of 500,000 U.S. dollars, is expected to benefit 2,010 families in the western coastal province of Manabi that was worst hit by the earthquake, as well as farmers in the neighboring province of Esmeraldas.
Agriculture Minister Javier Ponce said that the program would contribute to the "restoration of community infrastructure for the processing and commercialization" of farm produce.
The FAO will also offer technical support to enhance institutional capacity to respond to emergencies and manage risks in the future.
Last Saturday, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said the severe damage made by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake last April would reduce Ecuador's GDP growth this year from 1 percent to 0.3 percent.
BANJUL, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Gambian police on Wednesday issued a stern warning against music and dance during the month of Ramadan, which begins on June 6 this year.
In honor of the Holy Month of Ramadan, all ceremonies, festivities and programs that involve drumming, music and dance during the day or at night are prohibited, according to a statement from the Office of the Inspector General of Police.
"All those engaged in the practice are therefore warned to desist from such acts, otherwise they will be eventually apprehended and face the full force of the law without compromise," said the statement.
The police also advised the public to report any such persons or groups to the police, as stern actions will be taken against any offenders, the Public Relation Officer of the Police, Lamin Njie, said.
Islam is the predominant religion in the Western African nation, and in December 2015, President Yahya Jammeh declared the Gambia as an Islamic republic.
BANJUL, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Six military officers who were arrested in a failed coup attempt in December 2014 in the Gambia have forwarded to the Court of Appeal their appeal against the sentences meted out on them, a court official told Xinhua on Wednesday.
They previously appeared at the High Court of the Gambia for hearing before transferring their case to the Court of Appeal.
The appellants were convicted and sentenced by the general court-martial to various jail terms for their role in the foiled armed attack on the presidential palace, which happened in the capital of the Western African country at the end of 2014.
On Tuesday, the Gambia Court of Appeal presided over by a panel of three judges adopted briefs of argument of the appellants.
The case has been adjourned to June 30, 2016 for ruling.
MELBOURNE, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Australian state of Victoria could soon become the first state to legalize voluntary euthanasia for people suffering from serious and incurable conditions.
A committee has recommended the Victorian Government legalize assisted suicide. If the landmark recommendations, handed down by the Parliament's Legal and Social Issues committee, are adopted, Victoria would become the first Australian state to legalize assisted dying.
The report handed down on Thursday, which comes after 10 months of investigation by the committee, made 49 recommendations covering assisted suicide.
Included in the recommendations were changes to the Crime Act designed to protect doctors who act within assisted dying legislation.
"The Government should introduce legislation to allow adults with decision-making capacity, suffering from a serious and incurable condition who are at the end of life to be provided assistance to die in certain circumstances," the report said.
The report specified that a doctor must first prescribe a lethal drug which the patient could take without further assistance unless the patient is physically incapable of doing so.
"It is essential that the patient must be experiencing enduring and unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner of which they deem tolerable," said the report.
In giving evidence to the committee, cancer patient Sue Jensen, said that she hoped the report would make recommendations to allow her to make her own decisions about the end of her life.
"I just want people who disagree with this to respect it's my health, I'm the one that has to live this," she said.
"I am coming to the end of my time and (want) to just end peacefully and not with further trauma for myself or my family."
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed in June last year that he does not support voluntary euthanasia but conceded momentum to legalize it was building.
PYONGYANG, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The fourth session of the 13th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will be convened here on June 29, the official news agency KCNA reported Thursday.
The decision was made Tuesday by the Presidium of the SPA, the highest legislative body of the DPRK, the KCNA said in a brief dispatch without further elaboration.
The SPA is convened once or twice a year. The first session of the 13th SPA re-elected top leader Kim Jong Un as the first chairman of the National Defense Commission (NDC) and Pak Pong Ju as the premier of the DPRK cabinet in April 2014.
Kim was absent from the third meeting of 13th SPA convened in April last year. Pak made a report instead, addressing the issue of feeding the population. Personnel adjustment for the NDC was also made at the meeting.
The 13th SPA elected 687 deputies from across the country for a five-year term in March 2014.
The SPA has the power to adopt, amend or supplement enactments to the constitution, determine state policies and budgets, and adjust the country's leadership.
SYDNEY, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Most Australians believe China has more influence than the United States in the Asia-Pacific, a survey released on Thursday revealed.
The survey conducted by the United States Studies Center at the University of Sydney found that Australians overwhelmingly believe that China is the most important country in the Asia-Pacific, and will continue to be for the next 10 years.
United States Studies Center chief executive Simon Jackman said the results show Australians have accepted that a bipolar era has arrived in the Asia-Pacific.
"The Australian public has reached a point that analysts have been predicting would come for decades, that China is the most dominant country in the Asia-Pacific," Jackman said.
"Australians want closer ties with both the United States and China, but are more enthusiastic about strengthening the China relationship."
Around 69 percent of Australians surveyed believed China had the most influence in the Asia-Pacific region, while in contrast only 11 percent thought the U.S. would be the most powerful nation in Asia in 10 years' time.
Only 12 percent of Australians believe conflict between the United States and China is likely.
"Australians sense competitive tension in the U.S.-China relationship but attach little probability to that tension generating a militarised conflict," Jackman said.
"Australia's relative distance from China, coupled with the fact that China is Australia's largest trading partner, may explain why Australians are less concerned by China's rise or by tensions in the relationship with the United States."
MELBOURNE, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Thursday inspected the damage caused by record-breaking floods which have left at least one person dead in the state of Tasmania.
Hundreds of homes have been damaged while at least two Australians are still missing after heavy storms battered the state and caused widespread flooding in and around the state's north earlier this week.
The Tasmanian government has already predicted the damage bill to surpass 75 million U.S dollars, and Turnbull said on Thursday that the federal government would be picking up "75 percent of the cost."
He added that taking precautions to prevent a similar amount of damage being sustained in the future should also be considered when allocating the state and federal funds, but praised the resilience of the Tasmanian people in the wake of the disaster.
"The way the community has pulled together is characteristically Australian," Turnbull said from Launceston.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also flew into Tasmania Thursday to inspect the damage, but local authorities said the full extent still wasn't known, as a lot of places were still at-risk from sustaining further damage.
Tasmania's State Emergency Service (SES) acting director Nick Wilson said the fast-moving water was still dangerous even though the flooding hit its peak on Wednesday, and urged local residents to be wary of getting too close to any running water.
"The dangerous nature of floodwaters and their unpredictability needs to be clearly understood, because this will continue for some days," Wilson said.
The search continues for an 81-year-old man and a 64-year-old man, however Tasmania Police have conceded it is unlikely they'll be found alive.
If they are found to have passed away, the death toll in Tasmania would rise to three, after a 75-year-old woman was found deceased in her house which flooded earlier this week.
Authorities have said the floods are the worst experienced by the state since 1929.
RIO DE JANEIRO, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Brazil is looking to expand its international agreements and cut red tape to boost industrial productivity, a senior official said Wednesday.
President Michel Temer's interim government is currently finalizing some important international deals, said Fernando de Magalhaes Furlan, executive secretary of Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.
Speaking at a congress in Sao Paulo, Magalhaes cited two automotive deals with Colombia and Peru, and spoke of improving an existing similar agreement with Mexico.
Brazil is also "negotiating with Argentina, and that naturally translates into improvements for the steel and iron sector, which is the big supplier," he said.
Meanwhile, the government is seeking legislative reforms to reduce bureaucracy involved in industrial production so as to promote business, said Magalhaes.
Brazil's growth depends on resuming exports, and to do that it is essential to streamline financing mechanisms, he added.
Brazil's struggling economy has been buoyed in recent months by its currency's slide against the U.S. dollar, which makes Brazilian-made goods cheaper abroad.
In May, exports surpassed imports by 6.437 billion U.S. dollars to register the best monthly performance since 1989.
In the first five months of this year, Brazil's trade balance registered a record surplus of 19.68 billion dollars.
by Juan Manuel Nievas
BARILOCHE, Argentina, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Facing the risks of mobility and brain drain, Argentina has started technological innovation two decades ago and is seeking to reserve local talents by "putting on collective projects," a technical company leader told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Vicente Campenni, deputy manager of high-tech company Investigacion Aplicada (INVAP), welcomed Xinhua reporters at the INVAP's base in San Carlos de Bariloche, in the province of Rio Negro.
On Argentina's way to become a technological innovation powerhouse, companies like INVAP play important roles.
With a diversified capacity of producing reactors for research and isotope production, low-orbit satellites for terrestrial observation, radar systems and radiotherapy systems, INVAP works on projects in Algeria, Egypt and Australia as well as with engineering and nuclear technology giants like Russia, the United States and Canada, Campenni said.
The INVAP'S broad diversification began "in the early 1990s with satellites (development), when Argentina created its National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) and signed a deal with the United States for joint development on space technology," Campenni explained.
The expert, a physicist from the National University of Cordoba, added that Argentina was currently developing a satellite platform alongside NASA.
With these efforts, Argentina is seeking to enhance its ability to produce more value-added goods, and move beyond the resource course, the paradox that countries with enriched natural resources tend to have less economic growth and worse development outcomes.
"We are all vulnerable to talent hunters and international recruitment firms. The risk of mobility exists but we constantly work on challenging technological projects," Campenni said.
"Our development plans are very positive," said Campenni, adding that INVAP aims to reverse the Argentinean academic and scientific brain drain by putting on collective projects, which would last years and involve hundreds of people.
The INVAP "supports governmental and industrial areas, which have generated their own (independent) projects, including factories in Argentina and Mexico, and advances in the oil and wind energy sectors," Campenni pointed out.
Argentina also regards cooperation with international counterparts as a beneficial way to promote home innovation. For example, China has been playing an increasingly important role in the Latin American country's modernization of its energy matrix, particularly on wind power development.
In 2015, the government of La Rioja province and Chinese company Hydrochina International Engineering Co. signed a deal to raise Arauco Wind Farm's installed capacity by 104 more megawatts.
The Arauco Wind Farm, first built in 2012 with 12 wind turbines capable of generating 24 megawatts of power and was added with an extra installed capacity of 25 megawatts in 2013, has become a showcase of the Sino-Argentinean wind power development endeavor.
"The idea is that, for all these industries, we can replace imports with a national supply chain, which will produce ever more components in the future," Campenni concluded.
He hoped that Argentina can find new economic growth points in areas of industrial technology, nuclear energy and alternative energies.
LONDON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, one of the most powerful financial institutions in Europe, said on Wednesday that China is moving toward Market Economy Status.
"China is moving toward Market Economy Status. We are seeing a whole load of reform that are opening up the Chinese economy, and we hear this from the Chinese people as much as we do from Western people," Mark Boleat, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation said in an interview with Xinhua.
"So, it is a question of when and not if China has Market Economy Status," Boleat added, ahead of a visit to Shanghai which begins on Friday.
During his three-day visit to Shanghai, Boleat will join a roundtable discussion on "New Opportunities for International Investment under Emerging Pattern."
He is also scheduled to meet with representatives of leading Chinese businesses and Shanghai-based British financial industry figures, as well as to visit the Shanghai Clearing House, Shanghai Stock Exchange and China Financial Futures Exchange.
On Wednesday, Boleat also praised the growing momentum behind the internationalization of Chinese currency the renminbi (RMB).
Noting the issue of a Chinese government renminbi bond in London's financial markets on the day, the chairman said it's an evidence of continued progress for the RMB's internationalization.
The Chinese Finance Ministry issued three-year government bonds worth 3 billion RMB (about 457 million U.S. dollars) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
This is the first sovereign RMB bond issued outside China, and also the world's first local currency sovereign bond issued outside the domestic market.
"Only today at the London Stock Exchange we have had the launch of a Chinese government RMB bond -- the first issue of such a security outside China and that again is just an indication of what sort of progress we are seeing in the internationalization of what is now a really important currency," Boleat said.
"There has been great progress on the internationalization of the RMB, London is the largest offshore center in the Western Hemisphere for RMB clearing; we have seen a big increase in the volume of business," he added.
The European Union parliament earlier this month voted against China getting Market Economy Status, alleging that China's excess production capacity and cheap exports are hurting EU jobs.
JAKARTA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A shallow quake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck off a tourist resort of Bali Island in central Indonesia on Thursday, but no tsunami alert was issued, an official of the meteorology and geophysics agency said.
The quake jolted at 11:13 a.m. Jakarta time (0413 GMT) and the epicenter, with a depth of 10 km under sea bed, was located 308 km southeast of the Klungkung town, an official of the agency told Xinhua by phone.
The intensity of the quake was felt at 3 to 4 MMI (Modified Mercally Intensity) in Denpasar city and 2 MMI in Karang Kates of the island, the official said.
The shakes of the quake were felt strong in Bali Island, but did not cause damage or casualties, Gde Jaya, a senior official of local disaster agency said.
"The situation is normal here, there was no panic when the shakes were felt," he told Xinhua over phone from Bali Island.
Indonesia is prone to earthquakes as it is on a quake-vulnerable zone called "the Pacific Ring of Fire."
WELLINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and Australian forces will soon have trained 7,000 Iraqi troops in the fight against Islamic State (Daesh) insurgents, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said Thursday.
The joint Building Partner Capacity Mission, based at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, helped the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) build the combat power necessary to sustain operations against Daesh, Major General Tim Gall, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said in a statement.
"It has been encouraging to see that our training efforts are paying off. Early this year, some of the Iraqi soldiers we trained were involved in the successful counter-offensive operation in Ramadi," said Gall.
Around 300 non-commissioned officers who had just graduated comprised the fourth group of ISF who had completed the junior leaders course.
Captain Mahmood Mohammed, of the Iraqi Army Junior Leaders School, said the soldiers were keen to apply what they learned.
"The soldiers will pass on their skills when they return to their units and lead their men in the battle against Daesh," Mohammed said in the statement.
The trainees had practiced fighting in squads and trained in urban warfare, as well as learning fire control to maintain a disciplined approach as they fought.
Around 100 NZDF personnel and 300 Australian Defence Force troops are involved in the mission at Camp Taji.
KABUL, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Drone attack against militants has claimed the life of Sirajuddin Khademi, a key commander of Haqqani network in the eastern Afghanistan's Paktika province, a local television channel, Tolo reported Thursday.
The strike took place in Sarwaza district of the province on Wednesday night during which a huge quantity of arms and ammunition had also been destroyed, according to the report.
Sirajuddin Khademi, according to the report was in-charge of providing logistics support to the insurgents.
Haqqani network, which has been operating mostly in Afghanistan's eastern provinces and the capital city Kabul, is regarded as military wing of the Taliban outfit.
Neither Taliban outfit, nor Haqqani network has made comment on the report.
SYDNEY, June 9 (Xinhua) -- When David Gulasi decided to leave Sydney for a teaching role in China more than five years ago, he never imagined that he would become one of China's online celebrities.
33-year-old Gulasi's Weibo account has more than 730,000 followers, and his videos have accrued thousands upon thousands of likes.
Gulasi accepted a teaching role in Hohhot, located in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2010, and hasn't looked back since.
"I was supposed to be here for only three months," Gulasi told Xinhua this week.
He is now the managing director of the New World Language School in the region, and while he is popular with his own students, his viral videos on Chinese social media platform Weibo, have attracted attention from across the nation.
"I've always tried to do something to make people laugh. It's built in my DNA," Gulasi said.
Gulasi said he used to do stand up comedy in Australia at the Sydney Comedy Club.
"You know those dodgy Tuesday night open mic places, the ones where you try to be famous and if you can't you just give up," Gulasi joked.
"I use a lot of comedy, funny style to teach my students because in China education is way too serious."
Gulasi was tipped off about Weibo by a friend in China.
"I wanted to teach students about the word 'play,' because in China two adults look at each other and say 'I want to play with you,' but it sounds really weird, and sexual in a way," Gulasi said about his first viral video.
The first video of Gulasi that attracted immense Chinese attention was posted in January 2016.
Gulasi said that after he had uploaded the video in the evening, he had about 50 followers. By the next morning, he had 120,000.
Gulasi said he made a few other videos and everyone loved them.
"It happened so suddenly. People said they liked my facial expressions."
Gulasi joked that his fame has brought with it some unexpected consequences.
"All over China, people now take my photo."
In a recent video Gulasi uploaded to Weibo, he professed his love for China and denounced foreigners who did not share his passion for the country.
"You get the right to complain but there's so many foreigners here." he said.
Gulasi will join other well-known Weibo celebrities in a concert in Shanghai next week.
SUVA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- China and Tonga signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports on Thursday, a move expected to boost people-to-people exchanges between the two geographically distant countries and inject new vitality into the Pacific island kingdom's tourism industry.
After undergoing respective domestic legal procedures in China and Tonga, the agreement will take effect and enable valid passport holders of both countries to enter or transit through each other's countries without a visa, with a maximum length of stay of 30 days, a Chinese embassy official in Tonga told Xinhua.
The agreement was signed by Chinese Ambassador to Tonga Huang Huaguang and Tongan Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Akilisi Pohiva in the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa.
"The agreement aims to further promote the people-to-people exchanges between our two countries, especially in the sector of tourism and business," Huang said.
"China is now the biggest tourism market in the world... I believe the natural beauty and the colorful culture of the kingdom would attract more Chinese visitors in the near future," the Chinese ambassador added.
Calling the agreement a "milestone", Pohiva said it will further promote "our friendly association," boost tourism and other related sectors, contribute to economic growth and facilitate people-to-people exchanges between Tonga and China.
"On behalf of the government and the people of Tonga, we appreciate this new chapter in our relations and embrace the opportunity for our two peoples to travel, explore, learn and build connections with one another," the Tongan prime minister said.
In 2012, China and Tonga signed a similar visa waiver agreement, which only applies to holders of diplomatic passports, service/official passports as well as passports for public affairs.
YINCHUAN, China, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A regional dragon boat race was held Thursday to mark the Duanwu Festival on the Beita Lake in Yinchuan, capital city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
The race, featuring six events, attracted more than 300 paddlers from 22 teams, who had been offered 15-day free training.
Six athletes from the national team performed motorboat and water stunt shows before the race, winning applause and screams from about 10,000 spectators.
Duanwu Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival, is traditionally celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar.
Racing of traditional longboats originated from the fishermen who raced to save Qu Yuan, an ancient Chinese poet who committed suicide in the Miluo River in central China, and has become the centerpiece celebration of the Duanwu Festival nowadays.
TRIPOLI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Six of Libya's presidential guards were killed and 30 others injured on Wednesday in clashes with Islamic State (IS) militants in the city of Sirte.
The media office of the presidential guards late Wednesday confirmed the casualties, saying that government forces have taken over parts of the IS-dominated Sirte, which is located about 450 km east of the capital Tripoli.
Government troops, backed by the air force, have been fighting IS sites in Sirte, forcing some of the militants to flee, the media office said.
Libya's United Nations-backed unity government formed the presidential guards service in May to strengthen the fight against the increased dominance of IS in the country.
More than 200 have been killed and over 300 injured from both sides since May.
BAGHDAD, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A total of 11 people were killed and about 40 others wounded on Thursday in two suicide bomb attacks in the northern and southern parts of Iraqi capital Baghdad, a police source told Xinhua.
In one of the attacks, a suicide bomber detonated his car bomb at a crowd of people near a cinema building in al-Jadida, a district in southern Baghdad, leaving at least seven people dead and some 30 others wounded, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The other attack occurred in northern Baghdad when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest at the entrance of a military base in Taji area, killing four soldiers and wounding 10 others, the source said.
No group has so far claimed the attacks Thursday, but the Islamic State (IS) militant group has in the past claimed responsibility for similar suicide attacks, targeting the security forces and areas where crowds of people gather, including markets, cafes and mosques, across Iraq.
Government troops and allied paramilitary units have been battling IS militants to recapture territories in northern and western Iraq that were seized by the IS in June 2014.
In May, according to a report by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, 867 Iraqis were killed and 1,459 others wounded in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflicts across Iraq.
BEIJING, June 7, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (5th R) and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (5th L) co-chair the Strategic Dialogue of the eighth round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogues in Beijing, capital of China, June 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)
by Xinhua writer Gao Pan
WASHINGTON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States have made incremental progress in accelerating bilateral investment treaty talks, addressing industrial overcapacity and expanding RMB trading in the United States at this week's annual high-level dialogue, U.S. experts said.
BIT TALKS
Senior Chinese and U.S. officials have agreed to speed up negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) during the eighth China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) that concluded Tuesday in Beijing.
"The two countries will exchange new 'negative list' offers in mid-June," Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang told a news briefing on Tuesday.
"We will try to reach a mutually beneficial and high-level agreement at an early date," he said.
A negative list outlines sectors closed to foreign investment. The last time the two sides exchanged such lists was in early September last year, days ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States.
Xi on Monday urged both countries to strengthen coordination on their macroeconomic policies and reach a reciprocal bilateral investment treaty as early as possible.
"I think this is as good as you could hope for, given how the U.S. has already expressed its view that the Chinese list is too long and needs to be cut for a BIT to become realistic," Jacob Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua.
That will "bode well" for the negotiations if China's new negative list offer is "significantly reduced" in length from the previous offer, said John Frisbie, president of the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC).
China and the United States started to negotiate a BIT in 2008 and 24 rounds of talks were held ahead of the eighth S&ED as both countries sought to increase mutual investment.
STEEL OVERCAPACITY
The two sides held candid discussions on excess capacity in steel and other industries during the two-day dialogue, and both recognized that this is a global issue which requires collective responses.
"The United States and China support ongoing international efforts aimed at identifying effective government policies for addressing global excess capacity and structural adjustment, and achieving greater transparency on industry developments to promote market-driven responses," a joint statement released after the dialogue said, noting that the two countries will attend an OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Steel Committee meeting in September to address global excess capacity.
The statement also said the United States acknowledges China's recently announced plans to close 100 to 150 million metric tons of steel capacity, and to strictly prohibit the expansion of crude steelmaking capacity over the next five years.
Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute, said on Tuesday in a statement that his institute welcomed "the new commitments by Chinese leaders to adopt measures to strictly contain steel capacity expansion, reduce net steel capacity, eliminate outdated steel capacity, and dispose of 'zombie enterprises' through restructuring, bankruptcy and liquidation, as appropriate."
"China's participation in further efforts to address global excess capacity at the OECD Steel Committee is also positive," Gibson said.
Frisbie, the USCBC president, called on the United States to use "internationally-accepted, legally-sound" trade tools to address distortions in the U.S. market caused by overcapacity problems.
The China-U.S. annual strategic dialogue comes at a time when steel overcapacity has become an acute global challenge and U.S. steel producers are increasingly resorting to trade remedies and tariff protection to ride out a sluggish steel market, a practice strongly opposed by Chinese steel producers and exporters.
Kirkegaard said he was convinced that this round of strategic dialogue "will help prevent a much more damaging confrontation later this year over steel and help channel the issue into a multilateral OECD-led process."
RMB TRADING & CLEARING IN U.S.
China has set up offshore RMB trading hubs in Hong Kong, London and Toronto, but the U.S. market remains untapped.
China will grant the United States a quota of 250 billion yuan (38 billion U.S. dollars) under the country's Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor program and appointed one Chinese and one U.S. bank to conduct RMB clearing business in the United States, according to the statement.
"It's very encouraging that both sides have endorsed a framework for facilitating RMB trading and clearing in the U.S. for the first time," said Michael R. Bloomberg, chair of the Working Group on U.S. RMB Trading and Clearing and founder of Bloomberg L.P.
"This will help bring new momentum to the working group's efforts to expand trade between the United States and China by allowing the RMB to be cleared in the U.S.," he added.
S&ED MECHANISM
U.S. experts said the S&ED has become an important venue for promoting cooperation and managing differences between the world's two largest economies, but this mechanism needs improvement to become more effective in the future.
"As we approach the close of the Obama administration, it is important to remember that the S&ED was established in recognition of the need to expand engagement to address the array of issues in the U.S.-China relationship," Frisbie said.
"In the next administration, the mechanisms for dialogue can be tweaked to make further improvements and become more effective, but high-level engagement is now mandatory in the U.S.-China relationship," he added.
Kirkegaard said the S&ED is very much part of the overall process to manage the U.S.-China relations.
"The S&ED is part of the process to 'avoid doing stupid things' and keep small problems from growing into something bigger -- as such, its real value is largely preemptive as well as latent in the sense that if an important issue suddenly needs to be dealt with in U.S.-China relations, in the S&ED the two governments have a channel available," he said.
"This S&ED will surely have been instrumental in paving the ground for any big announcements made when President Xi and President Obama meet later in the year and also for helping avoid large confrontation over 'manageable issues' like steel," he said.
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BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The high-level talk between China and the United States that concluded on Tuesday demonstrates that the world's two largest economies can cooperate when they are capable, and directly address their differences when they can not. Full story
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Investment, together with trade, is a priority for Sino-U.S.cooperation and the two countries should strive to reduce barriers and expand common interests, Zhang Xiangchen, deputy international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), said at a press briefing on the sidelines of the ongoing Eighth Round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogues (S&ED). Full story
U.S. hails annual high-level China-U.S. dialogue as effective, important mechanism
WASHINGTON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government hailed Friday the annual high-level China-U.S. strategic and economic dialogue as an effective and important mechanism to address a wide range of important issues.
NEW DELHI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A senior Swedish military official has been appointed as the head of United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), a statement issued by UN said.
"United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Major General Per Lodin of Sweden as the head of the United Nations mission tasked with monitoring the ceasefire line between India and Pakistan.," reads the statement from Secretary-General's office on Wednesday.
Lodin succeeds Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana.
Sakyi who was appointed in 2014 will complete his two-year term next month.
According to UN, Lodin joined Swedish army in 1978 and recently held the position of director of procurement and logistics for the Swedish armed forces.
The offices of UNMOGIP were set up in disputed Kashmir region in 1949 to monitor the cease-fire line, now known as Line of Control (LoC).
The LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts.
The offices of UNMOGIP are situated in Srinagar and Islamabad. From May to October the headquarters remain in Srinagar, while as from November to April, it is shifted to Islamabad.
The UNMOGIP mission has the mandate to supervise the cease-fire line between India and Pakistan in Kashmir. It also observes and reports on cease-fire violations along the LoC, besides reporting developments that could lead to cease-fire violations.
Cease-fire violations are routinely recorded on LoC. Both New Delhi and Islamabad blame each other's troops for resorting to unprovoked firings and stoking tensions between the nuclear neighbours.
Separatists in the region as part of protests often call for a march to UNMOGIP office in Srinagar. The groups submit memorandums seeking international intervention in the resolution of Kashmir issue and implementation of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions about holding of plebiscite in the restive region.
The UNMOGIP has strength of 44 military observers, 25 international civilian personnel and 47 local civilian staff.
The observer group is financed by the United Nations regular budget and appropriations for biennium 2014 - 2015 are 19.64 million US dollars.
Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.
Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the psyche of majority of Kashmiris seeking end of New Delhi's rule.
A guerrilla war is also going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the restive region since 1989.
CHANGCHUN, June 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Shen Mingming (C), elder brother of Chinese UN peacekeeping soldier Shen Liangliang, escort the coffin of Shen Liangliang to the hearse at Longjia Airport in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, June 9, 2016. The body of Shen Liangliang, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last month, arrived in northeast China's Changchun City on Thursday afternoon. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)
CHANGCHUN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The body of Chinese UN peacekeeping soldier Shen Liangliang, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last month, arrived in northeast China's Changchun City on Thursday afternoon.
Around 3 p.m. Beijing time, a Chinese air force plane carrying Shen's body arrived at Longjia Airport in Changchun, Jilin Province, where Shen served in the army for 11 years.
The plane took off on Wednesday local time from Bamako, capital of Mali. It was sent by China's Central Military Commission to bring Shen's body home.
The 29-year-old sergeant first class was killed in a terrorist attack on the night of May 31 in the northern Malian town of Gao, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at a United Nations camp.
Another five Chinese peacekeepers were injured.
TOKYO, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Police in Okinawa in Japan's southernmost prefecture issued a further arrest warrant on an already detained former U.S. Marine and base worker for the rape and murder of a 20-year old local woman in April as Okinawans are becoming increasingly incensed at the U.S. presence on the island, local media reported Thursday.
According to the report, the accused, Kenneth Franklin Shinzato, 32, was originally arrested on May 19 as investigative sources suspected him of dumping the woman's body and were conducting DNA checks on Shinzato's car and the deceased's body and subsequently located a bar and a knife that have also been implicated as potential murder weapons.
Shinzato had, prior to murdering the young lady, prepared a suitcase to transport the woman's body, in what investigative sources have said indicates Shinzato's plans to murder a girl were premeditated.
He stands accused of raping the deceased in a grassy area beside the road in Uruma in central Okinawa, as the young lady was walking home, before stabbing her to death with a knife on April 28.
Initially, Shinzato told investigators he had struck the women multiple times from behind with a metal bar and stabbed her repeatedly. There were also reports that Shizato also attempted to strangle his victim whom he'd been driving around to search for, for as long as 3 hours, the sources said, adding that the knife, the main murder weapon, has yet to be found.
The accused has not been cooperating with local investigators and has remained silent regarding pertinent information to the murder, such as the location of the knife and his motive, although the metal bar has been retrieved from a water channel. Local sources on Thursday said that Shizato has remained silent duty interrogations since May 20.
A recent spate of internationally-reported crimes committed by U.S base-linked personnel in Okinawa has renewed calls from prefectural officials as well as locals for the tiny island to comprehensively have its base-hosting burdens lifted as the disproportionate number of bases being hosted on the tiny island is thought to be directly attributable to the rising instances of crime.
Anti-U.S. sentiment has been steadily rising on the island and following the murder of the young lady more than 4,000 protesters took to the streets to protest the overbearing U.S. presence in Okinawa and called for both the local and central government to take definitive steps to lessen their base-hosting burden.
Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga is a stanch advocate of lessening the island's burden by at first blocking the planned transfer of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from the crowed area of Ginowan to the coastal Nago region also on the island, and along with other prefectural officials opposed to the move, following recent elections, now comprise a majority in the prefectural assembly.
As such, and in light of crimes committed by U.S. base-affiliated personnel, calls are becoming more vociferous from assembly officials to not only scrap the plan to relocate the controversial marine base, but to see a key agreement made between Japan and the U.S. governing how U.S. servicepeople are dealt with legally, following instances of crime and infraction, reviewed.
The government here wants to swiftly review the archaic Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), with other crimes committed recently also supporting the move and contributed to rising indignation from the locals against the U.S.
A car driven by a member of the U.S. Navy off base recently careened out of its lane and struck at least two other cars recently, injuring two civilians, and a U.S. Navy sailor raping a women after she had passed out in a hotel in Naha City, the capital of Okinawa, earlier this year, has also ensured the international spotlight is now firmly concentrated on the U.S. presence in Okinawa.
The fact that 75 percent of U.S. bases in Japan are in Okinawa, yet the island accounts for just 1 percent of Japan's land mass is no longer being viewed as just a quotable statistic, with the likes of Onaga and other likeminded officials now ramping up their plans to return Okinawa to the islanders, and see the number of bases significantly reduced, despite the U.S.'s plans to pivot to Asia.
The crimes by U.S. servicepeople against Japanese citizens are not just being committed in Okinawa, which has even more serious implication for the SOFA, observers have explained, stating that lesser crimes would almost certainly go unpunished or unreported, meaning the actual scale of the problem is likely far larger than thought and should be dealt with as such.
One case in point was a U.S. Navy officer who was arrested in March after sexually assaulting and repeatedly punching a Japanese woman in the face as he sat next to her on a commercial air flight from the United States to Japan.
The Navy lieutenant, based at the Atsugi Naval Air Facility, Japan, was arrested for assaulting the 19-year-old female college student on a flight from San Diego to Japan. According to testimony, he repeatedly groped her body while she was sat in her seat, before punching her in the head several times, in a brutal assault that lasted 90 minutes.
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he plans to expedite a review of the current SOFA, which was originally inked in Washington between the U.S. and Japan in 1960, with many political watchers also believing it does not work to effectively legislate treatment of U.S. servicepeople here who commit crimes and doesn't reflect the growing instances and severity of such.
Under the current agreement, U.S forces' personnel can be granted a great deal of legal autonomy and while the Japanese court system has jurisdiction for most crimes committed by U.S. service members, if the accused was "acting in official duty," or if the victim was another American, the U.S. justice system is used, not Japan's, despite the location.
In some instances under the SOFA the majority of U.S. military members are exempt from Japan's visa and passport laws and past offenders have dodged the Japanese legal system here by being transferred back to the U.S. before being charged. Another loophole that exists in the agreement is that unless an offender is arrested outside of a base by Japanese police or investigators, then U.S. authorities are allowed to retain custody of that individual.
The U.S. has often invoked its extraterritorial rights and has dealt with crimes committed here by its military members as per U.S. law and out of the view of Japanese investigators or prosecutors; with suspicions constantly aroused about leniency being used by the U.S. in favor of its own nationals in cases that Japanese prosecutors would come down far harder on.
Such issues have further incense local Okinawans who not only live while suffering from noise and pollution from the U.S. bases, as well as accidents, but also in fear of crimes that occur, that may go unpunished and that they may never receive justice for.
Related:
News Analysis: Rising crime by U.S. servicepeople in Okinawa bolsters anti-base relocation moves, SOFA review push
by Jon Day
TOKYO, June 7 (Xinhua) -- A recent spate of internationally-reported crimes committed by U.S base-linked personnel in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan's southwest has renewed calls from prefectural officials as well as locals for the tiny island to comprehensively have its base-hosting burdens lifted as the disproportionate number of bases being hosted on the tiny island is thought to be directly attributable to the rising instances of crime.
Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga is a stanch advocate of lessening the island's burden by at first blocking the planned transfer of the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from the crowed area of Ginowan to the coastal Nago region also on the island, and along with other prefectural officials opposed to the move, following recent elections, now comprise a majority in the prefectural assembly. Full story
Spotlight: Okinawa assembly dominated by anti-U.S. base relocation candidates as tiny island riled by ongoing abuses
by Jon Day
TOKYO, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga has received a huge boost to his tireless campaign to block the transfer of a highly-controversial U.S. military base within Japan's southernmost prefecture, following candidates also opposing the relocation plan gaining a majority in the prefectural assembly election there on Sunday as anti-U.S. sentiment continues to rise on the island.
MOSCOW, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A plane crash killed one pilot Thursday in the Pushkinsky district of Moscow region, local media reported.
The pilot of a MiG-29 dead as the aircraft crashed in a field near the Muranovo village in the Pushkinsky district of Moscow region, RIA Novosti news agency quoted a local emergencies service source as saying.
However, Tass news agency quoted another source saying the crashed plane was a Su-27 fighter aircraft of the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team of the Russian Air force.
Pilot error and engine failure are considered as the main causes of the crash.
JERUSALEM, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Israeli authorities on Thursday suspended measures meant to facilitate Palestinians during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan following a shooting attack that left four Israelis dead in Tel Aviv.
The Defense Ministry announced on Thursday morning it had suspended permits for tens of thousands of Palestinians to travel into Israel during the holiday month.
According to the Coordinator of the Government's Activities in the Territories (COGAT), operating under the defense ministry and handling civil matters in the West Bank, 83,000 permits for Palestinians traveling from the West Bank to visit family in Israel, specifically in East Jerusalem, were retracted overnight Wednesday.
Furthermore, 500 permits for people from Gaza Strip to travel to the East Jerusalem al-Aqsa mosque for prayers were also revoked, according to COGAT.
Permission was also retracted for 200 Gazans to visit relatives in the West Bank during the holiday, and for 500 Palestinians from the West Bank planning to visit family in Gaza.
Furthermore, 500 permits were revoked for West Bank Palestinians planning to travel abroad.
Israel announced the measures last week to ease restrictions on the movement of Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan, and has done so in past years as well.
The suspension of the permits is not the only punitive measure deployed following the attack Wednesday at Sarona center, a dining and shopping area in Tel Aviv. Four Israelis were killed and five others injured in the shooting.
The Israeli military imposed a closure on the Palestinian village of Yatta in the southern West Bank overnight Wednesday, from where the attackers came from.
The siege was implemented "in accordance with security assessment in the defense establishment," a Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson said in a statement.
The Defense Ministry also said it would freeze the working permits of 204 members of the shooters' family.
Palestinian media identified the two attackers on Wednesday as Muhammad and Khalid Mhuarma, cousins in their early 20's from Yatta. One was arrested, while the other was shot and seriously wounded.
Following Wednesday's attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened top security personnel for consultations, shortly after landing from a visit to Moscow.
Netanyahu went to the scene of the attack overnight, close to the military headquarters, and vowed a "decisive action" to track down those responsible for the attack.
Israel and the Palestinians have been mired in a wave of violence since October, killing 205 Palestinians and 32 Israelis.
Israeli leaders accuse the Palestinian authority of inciting violence, but the Palestinians say the unrest was the result of the 49-year Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, where they wish to establish an independent state.
Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East War, home to more than 5 million Palestinians.
Hillary Clinton at the Hillary for New York Primary Night Party in April, 2016. (Photo by Louise Wateridge/Pacific Press)
By Xinhua writers Zhu Lei, Qi Zijian
NEW YORK, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Hillary Clinton declared victory Tuesday night in the U.S. Democratic presidential race after months of battle with an unyielding long-shot challenger, becoming the first American woman to win major party nomination.
Also on Tuesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan, the country's now highest-ranking Republican, called his party's presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump's recent remarks about a Hispanic-American judge as "the textbook definition of a racist comment." But he said he would still back the brash New York billionaire in his bid for the White House.
Looking like a coincidence, the two separate events vividly illustrates the strife in the 2016 U.S. elections between the establishment and outsider candidates in both parties, driving the country to a political crossroad where it is forced to make choices.
As the primary season is coming to an end, Clinton, a big name after nearly four decades in public life, is entering a duel with political outsider Trump, well-known to Americans since being a TV reality show star but never elected to public office.
In the next six months, a more divided U.S. political arena looms in sight as two of the U.S. most polarized figures will wage a war for the White House, extending the division within each party to a national stage.
Notably, anti-establishment candidates are posing unprecedented challenges to the U.S. political elite this year, tapping into the anger of among voters against their own party.
On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist that campaigned with a "fight for social, economic, racial and environmental justice," has sent the establishment a message they can't ignore: a large section of the Democratic electorate is unhappy with and won't settle for the status quo.
His positions against the wealthy on the Wall Street, the corrupt campaign financing and choking student debt have resonated with progressive and young voters.
Sanders and his supporters have complained that the nomination process was in favor of Clinton, including closed primaries in major states such as New York, and the use of super-delegates, the party insiders who can back any candidate at the convention regardless of how people voted in primaries and caucuses.
Arguing that Clinton's lead was largely based on her wide advantage among the 714 super-delegates and that he was in a better position to defeat Trump in a general election, Sanders has defied pressures from party bigwigs on him to bow out, vowing to carry "political revolution" to the Democratic national convention scheduled for July in Philadelphia.
By doing so, Sanders, the longest-serving independent member of Congress in U.S. history who ran as a Democrat in the 2016 race, has inflicted unexpected serious damage on the party favorite Clinton, leaving Democrats with wounds not less deep, if not deeper, than Republicans.
More than 572 super-delegates already endorse Clinton, while only 47 super-delegates support Sanders, who was hardly known to most voters a year ago. A Hillary Clinton presidency is viewed by many as a third term of her husband Bill Clinton and succession of Barack Obama's "political legacy."
On the Republican side, polls showed a majority of Trump's die-hard supporters are blue-collar white voters frustrated and angered by the U.S. status quo. It is the populist Republican base, other than Trump's per se or what he stood for, that has helped him vanquish 16 opponents in the nomination.
Still reeling from Trump's hostile takeover of the party, the Republican establishment is slowly rallying behind Trump whose positions on trade, foreign policy, immigrants and taxes have appalled the party leadership.
It seems that the fractured Republican party starts to heal. However, Ryan's statement that "we have greater likelihood of getting our policies enacted with him than we do with her" when he "absolutely disavowed" Trump's "racist" remarks was indeed a public display of frustration and power struggles within the party.
As the two men represent vastly different visions for the Republican party, Ryan's concerns also reflect confusion and frustration among a large sector of the voters. A CBS/New York Times poll in March found Clinton and Trump were viewed more unfavorably than any front-runner for either party since 1984.
The dust of the primary season is going to settle. However, the tumultuous, ill-tempered primaries, including insulting personal attacks rather than debates about issues, serve as just a preview of what is to anticipate in the general election.
Who will eventually set foot in the Oval Office could somehow hinge on whether the rival party is more divided. But the fight between the elites and the outsiders offers no solution to the anger and frustration in the American society.
Related:
Clinton leads in California primary, Sanders vows to continue
LOS ANGELES, June 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton led in Tuesday's party primary in California with 56 percent of the votes, according to results released after over 92 precincts partially reported as of early Wednesday morning.
Her rival Bernie Sanders got 43 percent and vowed to continue his campaign. Full story
Hillary Clinton projected to win Puerto Rico primary, very close to party nomination
WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was projected to win the 60-delegate Puerto Rico caucuses on Sunday night, leaving the former state of secretary within a foot of becoming the first-ever female nominee of a major political party in the United States, according to TV networks.
ANKARA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 Islamic State (IS) terrorists were killed Wednesday in northern Syria in an operation carried out by Turkish military and the U.S.-led coalition, the Turkish General Staff announced Thursday.
It said 14 IS targets were destroyed in the operation, which was carried out before the militants were preparing to stage attacks on Turkey.
Two armed vehicles, one gun emplacement and one defense building belonging to the terrorist group were also destroyed in the shelling.
Since mid-January, the IS has been targeting towns and cities in southern Turkey with rocket fire, killing and injuring many civilians.
MOGADISHU, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab attacked a military base of the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in the central town of Halgan early Thursday, locals witnessed.
The residents said a car driven by a suicide bomber exploded at the main entrance of the base run by Ethiopian troops serving with AMISOM and the two sides exchanged fire.
Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters have killed at least 60 Ethiopian soldiers at the military base.
AMISOM has denied the Al-Shabaab claim, saying its forces had driven back the attackers and were chasing them who were "on the run."
A cache of weapons has been captured as the joint forces of AMISOM and Somalia overpowered the attackers, it said.
AMISOM, comprising troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, has been helping the Somali government battle Al-Shabaab for years, driving the militants to rural areas in southern Somalia, but the group still stages periodic attacks in the country.
ANKARA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of a bombing attack in southeast Turkey on Wednesday has risen to six, Dogan news agency reported on Thursday.
The victims include three police officers, one of whom died of his injuries in hospital, and three civilians.
About 30 others were injured in the car bombing that hit a police headquarters in Midyat, in the southeastern province of Mardin.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was behind the attack.
"This was not a surprise to us. Their circle is slowly tightening. The fight against terrorism is tough and requires determination," Yildirim told media.
Over 470 members of Turkish security forces and thousands of PKK members have been killed in confrontations inside Turkey and in northern Iraq since last July.
More than 40,000 people have lost their lives in clashes with the PKK since 1984, when the group first started anti-government attacks.
The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and Turkey.
YAOUNDE, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Tens of suspected Boko Haram fighters were captured during a military operation conducted by Cameroonian forces in collaboration with Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin, between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, military sources have said.
The operation which happened about a month since the arrest of Boukar Kaou, one of Boko Haram commanders, with five other Boko Haram leaders as well as over 50 of the group's fighters in Madawaya forest along the border with Nigeria on the night of May 10, helped to dismantle another Boko Haram cell along the Cameroonian border.
The assault comes after the group carried out a deadly attack on Friday last week that killed 30 Nigerien soldiers as well as two Nigerian soldiers in Bosso, southern Niger, near the border with Nigeria.
Although said to be militarily weak, the terror group that is affiliated to Islamic State organization, has multiplied cells within its zones of influence, especially in northeast Nigeria and within Sambisa forest, a natural reserve that the West African nation shares with its Cameroonian and Chadian neighbours.
Still on Tuesday night, a Boko Haram attack against fishermen left "many victims" in Hile Hifa and Darack, two islands on Lake Chad within Cameroonian territory, the same sources told Xinhua on Wednesday.
BRAZZAVILLE, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Eighty nine prisoners in the Republic of Congo have been released following a presidential decree that pardoned them.
Those pardoned included primary offenders as well as those who were imprisoned because of political events that occurred in the country between 2014 and 2016.
According to legal sources, the majority of them were supposed to spend a few more months, or even years, in prison.
"I never knew I could be free today. The decision taken by the president was very important for me. I lack words to tell him thank you, but I promise never to break the law again," said Lydie Moukoko, one of the freed prisoners.
Reacting to the president's decision announced earlier this week, Rene Serge Blanchard Oba who heads the opposition Movement for Solidarity and Democracy, said the presidential pardon should have been extended to other political detainees.
On May 25, the main opposition alliance, Initiative for Democracy in Congo and Republican Front for Respect of Constitutional Order (IDC-FROCAD) issued a statement urging President Denis Sassou N'guesso to unconditionally release all political prisoners, especially Jean Marie Michel Mokoko and Andre Okombi Salissa, two former presidential candidates who have been placed under house arrest since March 3, 2016.
SUVA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister John Key arrived in Suva on Thursday afternoon local time, becoming the first incumbent prime minister of New Zealand to visit Fiji since the Pacific island neighbor's 2006 coup.
Authorities have imposed temporary road closures in parts of the capital and some other places to streamline the much expected two-day official visit. Huge welcome signboards with a photograph of Key as well as Fijian greeting expression "Bula Vinaka" are seen along main roads.
Upon arrival, Key was met by his Fijian counterpart Voreqe Bainimarama at the airport before the two prime ministers inspected a military guard of honor. Key was then accorded a traditional indigenous Fijian welcome ceremony.
Key's visit is seen as a follow-up to New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully, who visited Fiji in February in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Winston, which claimed 44 lives and left a path of massive destruction in the Pacific island country.
The agenda for the official visit includes bilateral discussions which are expected to cover a range of issues including post-cyclone recovery and economic cooperation.
Key is also expected to visit a number of New Zealand funded projects in Fiji, according to the government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.
Prior to the visit, Key signaled that more aid may be in the pipeline for Fiji.
"This will be a significant step forward in the relations between the countries. No New Zealand prime minister has made an official visit to Fiji since 2006," leading local newspaper the Fiji Sun commented late last month.
"Diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Fiji soured after the 2006 takeover. Australia and New Zealand deserted Fiji and were instrumental in Fiji being suspended from Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)," the paper continued.
Relations between Fiji and the two developed neighbors thawed after Bainimarama's FijiFirst party won the 2014 general election, in which Bainimarama was elected prime minister.
After the election, Fiji's suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum was lifted. However, Bainimarama has been boycotting the forum ever since, declining to attend the Pacific Islands Forum's meetings, including one that was held in Papua New Guinea last September.
The Fijian prime minister has repeatedly said that he objects to Australia and New Zealand's "undue influence" -- which the two countries deny -- and said he believes the Pacific Islands Forum no longer serves the best interests of Pacific islands, and that he would not attend the Pacific Islands Forum until Australia and New Zealand become development partners rather than full members.
The Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), whose full members do not include Australia or New Zealand and whose secretariat is also located at Suva, is seen by some to be competing with the PIF, which has been accused by Bainimarama as "dominated only by a few".
During McCully's visit to Fiji as a member of the PIF's Ministerial Contact Group in 2014, he declined to comment when asked by Xinhua about the potential cooperation or interaction between the PIF and the PIDF.
Trying to garner Fiji's support to Helen Clark, who is bidding for the United Nations secretary-general's post and who, as New Zealand's then prime minister, slapped sanctions on Fiji after the 2006 incident, is expected to be one of the objectives of Key's official visit, during which he might ask Bainimarama to forgive and support Clark, Fiji's and New Zealand's media have speculated.
Key also plans to raise the topic of Fiji's blacklisting of some New Zealand journalists, Radio New Zealand International said.
HANOI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A British tourist went missing in Vietnam's northern Lao Cai province since June 4, was found dead on Thursday.
Body of Aiden Shaw Webb, 23, was found at around 2,800 meters above sea level, according to a report by Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA on Thursday.
Initial assessment by rescue team showed that the British tourist died around three days ago, said the report.
Aiden Shaw Webb and his girlfriend from Britain arrived in Lao Cai's Sa Pa town on June 2. In the early morning of June 3, Webb went climbing while his girlfriend stayed at the hotel. He started the journey in Sin Chai hamlet and followed the direction of the cable car system to Fansipan Summit.
During his journey, Webb and his girlfriend maintained contact via phone. Webb told his girlfriend that he had sustained injuries to arms and legs. Contact between Webb and his girlfriend was lost at 6 a.m. local time on June 4.
After receiving information of the missing tourist, Sa Pa authorities have sent rescue teams to the area to search for him.
The path to the 3,143-meter Fansipan Summit, the highest peak in Vietnam, is said to be very dangerous.
FREETOWN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Economic Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone Shen Xiaokai has assured the people of Sierra Leone about China's commitment in the Mamamah airport project.
He said in a press interview at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown recently that the project is among several development projects in Ghana which will benefit from the 60 billion USD funding support for Africa announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the last FOCAC summit held in South Africa.
He said with the 200 million dollars to implement the first phase of the Mamamah project, the new airport, when completed, "would be fully functional in line with international standards."
Following the first phase it will be left with Sierra Leone to apply for further funding support from China for the second phase of the project so as to make the airport fully functional.
He advised the government of Sierra Leone to grasp the funding opportunity for the new airport to kick off as soon as possible.
After the airport project, the government of China would embark on the Rokel River water supply project, another flagship project of the Sierra Leonean government.
Shen said the project would be embarked upon as soon as the Mamamah airport project ends and hoped the project will "definitely and significantly help to solve the water crisis in the capital city".
He went further to state that the Chinese government is also embarking on two other projects , the West African Tropical Disease Research and Prevention Center which he described as "the most significant project for the post-Ebola recovery plan; and the 3.2-km Freetown link from the Limkokwing University to Regent, which will facilitate easy movement of people between the capital and Regent village.
CHANGCHUN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The body of Chinese UN peacekeeping soldier Shen Liangliang, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last month, arrived in northeast China's Changchun City on Thursday afternoon.
Around 3 p.m. Beijing time, a Chinese air force plane carrying Shen's body arrived at Longjia Airport in Changchun, Jilin Province, where Shen served in the army for 11 years.
The plane took off on Wednesday local time from Bamako, capital of Mali. It was sent by China's Central Military Commission (CMC) to bring Shen's body home.
The 29-year-old sergeant first class was killed in a terrorist attack on the night of May 31 in the northern Malian town of Gao, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at a United Nations camp.
Another five Chinese peacekeepers were injured.
Shen's coffin, covered with a Chinese flag, was carried out of the plane by eight honor guards. Another honor guard who held Shen's portrait walked in front of the coffin.
With music played by a military band, the eight honor guards slowly put Shen's coffin on top of a white platform, and two female soldiers laid a white wreath on it.
About 500 officers, civilian officials and soldiers at the airport took off their hats, making three bows to salute the sacrificed soldier.
"Shen's sacrifice showed the heroic spirit and bravery of Chinese soldiers," Yi Xiaoguang, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of CMC, said at a simple ceremony at the airport.
"Peace-loving people around the world will never forget, the motherland and Chinese people will never forget, the whole army will never forget," Yi said, calling on all servicemen to contribute to safeguarding national sovereignty and peace worldwide.
A soldier handed over Shen's portrait to Shen Mingming, Shen's elder brother, and the eight honor guards again lifted the coffin, following Shen Mingming and putting the coffin into a hearse.
Shen will be buried in his hometown in central China's Henan Province.
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces have set free nine abducted passengers from the clutch of Taliban in the northern Kunduz province and the operation goes on to secure the safe release of remaining passengers, an army spokesman in the northern region Nasratullah Jamshidi said Thursday.
"So far nine passengers have been released and operations are underway to secure the safe release of the remaining eight others," Jamshidi told Xinhua.
According to Jamshidi, the militants abducted 17 passengers on the highway in Khanabad district linking Kunduz to the neighboring Takhar province.
Taliban militants, according to some locals and media outlets, intercepted a bus on the highway in Khanabad district on Wednesday morning, dragged out 47 passengers and took them to unknown location.
Immediately after the incident, the security forces launched rescue operations to secure the safe release of the abductees.
Taliban militants haven't commented on the report.
MOSCOW, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A Su-27 military plane crashed in the Moscow region and the pilot was killed, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed Thursday.
"A Su-27 belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces crashed in the Moscow region while returning to the base airfield after a planned flight," the ministry said in a statement.
There is no destruction on the ground and a team of the Defense Ministry is working at the crash site, according to the ministry. ' Earlier, local media reported that the crash occurred in a field near the Muranovo village in the Pushkinsky district of Moscow region, saying pilot error and engine failure might have caused the crash.
The Su-27 is said to belong to the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team of the Russian Air force.
NAIROBI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government on Wednesday backed China's stance of excluding maritime delimitation disputes from the UNCLOS third-party dispute settlement procedures, and suggested that the South China Sea disputes be resolved peacefully through negotiation.
The statement from the Kenyan Foreign Ministry says the government "believes that any disputes over the South China Sea should be peacefully resolved through consultations and negotiations in accordance with bilateral agreements and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, an agreement signed by China and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2002.
The government also respects China's declaration of "optional exception in light of Article 298 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," which was made by China in 2006 to exclude disputes concerning, among others, maritime delimitation from the UNCLOS third-party dispute settlement procedures.
The statement asked the international community to support the efforts made by countries in the Asia-Pacific region in safeguarding regional peace and stability.
Many countries, including Russia, India, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Fiji, Uganda, Sudan, Gambia, Algeria, Comoros, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, have recently voiced support for China's position of dealing with the South China Sea disputes between the direct parties through peaceful negotiations.
MANILA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The research vessel U.S. President Barack Obama promised to give the Philippines arrived in Manila on Thursday, the Philippine military said.
Navy Capt. Lued Lincuna said RV Melville, now renamed BRP Gregorio Velasquez, dropped anchor at the anchorage of Manila Bay around 11 a.m. local time.
The vessel is one of the two oceanography vessels that Obama pledged to donate to the Philippines during his visit to Manila in November last year to attend the APEC Informal Leaders' Meeting.
Lincuna said the Philippine Navy sent a 30-soldier team to a U.S. naval base in San Diego, California in March to man the vessel in its voyage to the Philippines.
"The ship will provide the Philippine Navy the capability for hydrographic survey and will also become a platform for inter-agency collaboration partners from the academe and thus improve awareness of our sub-surface environment," Lincuna said.
Built in 1969, the ship was formerly under the Scripps Institution Oceanography as part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System. The Melville is the oldest active vessel in the academic research fleet known as the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System.
Lincuna said it is the first research vessel of the Philippine Navy.
Aside from the research ship, Obama also promised another Hamilton-class cutter for the Philippine Navy.
The cutter, the third for the Philippines, is the U.S. Coast Guard Boutwell, a sister ship to the BRP Gregogiro del Pilar, formerly the USGC Hamilton which the Philippine acquired in 2011, and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, formerly the USGC Dallas, which arrived in the Philippines in 2013. All had come from the U.S.
Both the Melville and the Boutwell will be transferred to the Philippine Navt as excess defense articles.
KIGALI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Survivors of the 1994 Rwanda genocide under their umbrella association of Rwanda genocide survivors (Ibuka) have condemned a Dutch lawyer for making irresponsible utterances that undermine Rwanda genocide.
Caroline Buisman, a Netherlands-based advocate on Monday told a district court at The Hague that the commemoration of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda is a manipulation by the government and is done to fulfill political agenda of ruling regime.
Buisman made the "alarming comments" during an extradition hearing for Jean Claude Iyamuremye and Jean Baptiste Mugimba, two indicted suspects on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.
In the past, the Dutch prosecution filed a case against the duo, requesting the Netherlands to extradite them to Rwanda for their alleged role in the 1994 genocide.
Buisman acts as legal counsel for Iyamuremye.
The disparaging comments have left genocide survivors and the Rwanda National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) authority enraged and ungrateful.
"We have strongly condemned, without reservations, Caroline Buisman for trivialization of the remembrance of victims of the 1994 genocide. Her comments are mockery to genocide victims, survivors and the rest of Rwandans," said Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu, the president of Ibuka told reporters on Thursday.
He noted that her comment is an insult to the victims and survivors are still in shock that a learned lawyer is capable of saying such a statement in a public hearing.
"IBUKA, and the all survivor of the genocide condemns such comments and demands that she apologize to the survivors," Dusingizemungu stated.
Jean-Damascene Bizimana, executive secretary of CNLG warned genocide deniers and revisionists who are intent on destroying the spirit of those who survived the genocide.
"Remembering innocent lives is not political manipulation but a duty by every nation in this world especially when it comes to a genocide in which more than one million people were killed. We strongly denounce the comments. Every year, the leaders of France and the Netherlands meet to remember the genocide against the Jews. Why has she not called that political manipulation?" He emphasized.
According to CNLG, Buisman used the platform as a revenge ground because she was last month asked to leave Rwandan territory after she lied to immigration authorities to gain entry into Rwanda.
PARIS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande on Thursday strongly denounced the "heinous attack" which claimed four dead and injured many others in Tel Aviv.
Hollande expressed support to help Israeli authorities. He also sent condolences to the families of the victims, his office said in a press release.
Late on Wednesday, two gunmen opened fire on people at a popular shopping and restaurant area in Tel Aviv.
Identified by police as Palestinians from a village near the city of Hebron, the attackers were arrested with one of them injured, according to media reports.
CAPE TOWN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Minister of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown on Thursday launched the Nuclear Operator Pipeline project at the Koeberg nuclear power station near Cape Town as part of plans to beef up local nuclear resources to support the country's needs.
The project will provide a training platform for developing a robust nuclear operator pipeline for South Africa, said Brown.
The programme, spanning five years, aims to build a path to ensure that there are sufficient local nuclear resources to service the country's present and future nuclear needs, according to the minister.
One hundred people have been recruited by Eskom, the country's major electricity provider, to undergo training in the program.
After the five-year period, the trainees will qualify as nuclear plant operators or will enter related careers.
"What is inspiring is that approximately 95 percent of students are 35 years and younger, and about 40 percent are black females from various parts of the country," said Brown.
The Chairman of the Eskom Board Baldwin Ngubane said: "We support national initiatives like the National Development Plan to build skills amongst the youth of South Africa for Eskom as well as the country's needs."
He said the country's new nuclear build will require additional resources for operations and the nuclear operator training programme is geared towards ensuring that the South African youth who has aspirations to access a career path in nuclear has a chance at realizing their dreams.
This intake of 100 young people will be trained up and will provide a platform for developing a robust Nuclear Operator pipeline for Koeberg, the only nuclear power station in Africa, Ngubane said.
South Africa has been pursuing the nuclear program to make up power shortage. Late last year, the South African cabinet approved a 9,600 MW nuclear procurement program to augment its erratic power supply.
ISLAMABAD, June 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong (3rd R) hands over a symbolic key to Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar (2nd L front) during a ceremony in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, June 9, 2016. China on Thursday handed over free assistance of 505 vehicles, including 425 pickups and 80 ambulances, in addition to office equipment to Pakistan. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
ISLAMABAD, June 9 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday handed over free assistance of 505 vehicles, including 425 pickups and 80 ambulances, in addition to office equipment to Pakistan.
China signed an agreement to provide the free assistance to Pakistan during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Pakistan in April Last year.
The handover ceremony was held at the finance ministry building in Pakistani capital of Islamabad, which was attended by Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong and officials from the both sides.
Pakistan's Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division Tariq Bajwa and Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong signed the handover documents.
Later on, the Chinese Ambassador handed over a symbolic key of vehicles to the Pakistani finance minister.
On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said "We hope that these free assistance could support Pakistan for strengthening the capacity building and also for governmental usage. We will always support each other as close partners and dear brothers, and we hope that our friendship and relations will further strengthen in the days to come. "
"This year is the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Pak diplomatic relations, and it should also be the year of implementation for all the consensuses that we have reached during President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan last year. Today's ceremony is part of our efforts to implement our consensus," said Sun.
Expressing thanks to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the aid, Pakistan's Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said "This is the friendship gift from China for Pakistan. We are always obliged and we cherished friendship with China."
According to the finance minister, all the vehicles and equipment have already reached Pakistan, and these will be distributed to different governmental departments across Pakistan, including four provinces Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan, and capital territory of Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan, northwest tribal areas and Pakistan administered Jammu and Kashmir.
SINGAPORE, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Singapore condemns the shooting at Sarona Market, a popular food and shopping complex in Tel Aviv, on Wednesday, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement on Thursday.
The authority extended the deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and wish those injured a speedy recovery, said MFA in the statement.
MFA has contacted most of the registered Singaporeans in Tel Aviv and verified that they are safe.
The shooting incident took place as the two attackers opened fire on Wednesday night at the market near the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, with at least four Israelis killed.
ISLAMABAD, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan will raise the issue of U.S. drone attacks in the United Nations as they are against the country's sovereignty, the country's top foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz said on Thursday.
Aziz was speaking at a news conference weeks after an American spy aircraft killed the Afghan Taliban chief, Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, in Balochistan province.
The attack on May 21 occurred at a time when diplomatic efforts were underway to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiation table.
"The recent drone attack in Balochistan in which the Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed, has breached our sovereignty, caused a serious setback to the peace efforts and intensified hostilities in Afghanistan. The drone strike must, therefore, be condemned by all stakeholders," the adviser said at a news conference in Islamabad.
He said Pakistan will take up the drone issue at the United Nations Human Rights Council later this year as it has become necessary after the last month's drone strike.
Aziz recalled that Pakistan had mustered international support leading to the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2015 against drone strikes.
PHNOM PENH, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank on Thursday signed up to provide a new loan of 130 million U.S. dollars to Cambodia, according to the lender's news release.
It was the 1st loan the bank lent to Cambodia after it had suspended lending to the country for five years in protest over mass evictions by the authorities.
The loan agreement was inked here between Ulrich Zachau, country director of the World Bank for Southeast Asia, and Cambodia's Economy and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth.
The loan would be used for four projects to improve road surfaces, manage fisheries, improve livelihoods from agriculture in targeted rural communities, and increase access to health care, the press release said.
"Today's signing ceremony demonstrates an excellent partnership between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the World Bank," said Aun Pornmoniroth.
Ulrich Zachau said that having better roads, supporting poor villagers who depend on agricultural livelihoods and fishing, and access to better health care, are high priorities for Cambodia.
"The four projects signed today all contribute to improving the lives of poor Cambodians, and we are glad to support them," he said. "We look forward to working together closely and in strong partnership with Cambodia under the new Country Engagement Note, for the benefit of all Cambodians."
by Hamada al-Hattab, Omar al-Othmany
GAZA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Gaza Strip's streets and markets were beautifully decorated with colorful traditional lanterns welcoming the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Sali Kassab, 11, from Gaza City, carefully checked several lanterns in a shop in downtown Gaza, finally choosing one she thought to be the most beautiful, which was made in China.
The fawanees, Arabic for Ramadan lanterns, are an integral part of celebrations marking the arrival of the holiest month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from sunrise till sunset.
Throughout the month, Ramadan lanterns grace markets and shops in the territory run by the Islamic Hamas movement.
Following the sunset breakfast meal, children can be seen outside with their lanterns, singing traditional Ramadan songs.
The fawanees come in different sizes, colors and shapes. In addition to the traditional minaret shape, modern fawanees also take the shapes of rockets, planes, animals and famous cartoon characters.
Previously, fawanees were made of tin and colored glass, with a candle inside, whereas modern models are battery operated to glow.
For Muslims, the fawanees are a source of fun for children and a centuries-old tradition.
"I wait for Ramadan impatiently to buy my fawanees," said Kassab, as her mother bargained over the price with the salesman.
"The fawanees make me and my friends very happy."
Kassab's Chinese-made lantern glitters brightly with colorful hues as it plays traditional Ramadan songs.
The modest prices of Chinese-made lanterns render them affordable to most residents in the poverty-stricken Gaza Strip, which has been subject to an Israeli-imposed blockade since 2007, when Hamas forcefully seized control of the enclave.
The strip's economy worsened further as a result of frequent military confrontations between Palestinians and Israelis.
"Lantern prices are quite affordable. Chinese ones are much cheaper than the local ones," Heba al-Naffar, a housewife, told Xinhua while purchasing lanterns for her two sons.
Al-Naffar said the quality is also good, adding that affordable prices enable poor families to buy lanterns to make their children happy during the holy month.
A media officer at the Palestinian Chamber of Commerce in Gaza estimates that over 50 percent of goods imported into Gaza originate from China.
Before the month of Ramadan, Palestinian toy traders imported large shipments of Ramadan lanterns which, due to their reasonable prices, sell well in Gaza.
"Most of the toys I sell in my store are imported from China," said one shop owner, Said al-Bitar. "Prices are rather reasonable, starting from 1 U.S. dollar."
Al-Bitar complained that the strip's dire economic situation has cut into his business, with many Gazans even unable to buy his already low-priced toys.
According to a Palestinian Chamber of Commerce report, the Gaza Strip's unemployment rate is currently at 42 percent.
Photo taken on May 8, 2015 shows an overlook of Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya. Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeastern Kenya, currently houses some 350,000 people.(Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)
NAIROBI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said his country is ready to receive Somali refugees who will be repatriated from Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp later this year.
After his talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi Wednesday, President Mohamud told a joint news conference that his government had put in place necessary infrastructure to accommodate the more than 300,000 Somali refugees currently living in Dadaab.
Dadaab is the world's largest refugee camp. It was set up more than two decades ago to house people fleeing conflict in Somalia.
Kenya recently announced it will close Daddab and repatriate all refugees living in it by December, citing a "very heavy economic, security and environmental burden".
The two leaders called upon the international community to back the repatriation process by providing adequate support to the Somali government for the receiving of the returnees.
"The two leaders committed to working jointly on the orderly, humane and dignified repatriation of the Somali refugees" under a tripartite agreement signed by Somalia, Kenya and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), said a joint statement issued after the talks.
An elderly refugee woman stands outside her make-shift tent in Dadaab, Kenya, on April 14, 2015. (Xinhua/Stephen Ingati)
The Somali president said refugees who will be repatriated from Kenya had already picked the places where they want to be resettled and thanked Kenya for hosting Somali refugees for over 20 years.
Mohamud visited Dadaab on Monday where he told the refugees that the Somali government was committed to receiving them back home.
He assured the refugees that the repatriation will be orderly, humane and dignified.
Kenya claims Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which has staged bloody attacks in Kenya in recent years, has hideouts in Dadaab.
Kenya didn't act on a previous threat to close Daddab made last April following Al-Shabaab gunmen's massacre of 148 people at Kenya's Garissa University.
NAY PYI TAW, June 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Information Minister U Pe Myint speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, June 9, 2016. The Myanmar new government is carrying out state media reform systematically in a bid to get close touch with the people as part of its 100-day program since taking office, Information Minister U Pe Myint said Thursday. (Xinhua/Wai Yan)
NY PYI TAW, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Myanmar new government is carrying out state media reform systematically in a bid to get close touch with the people as part of its 100-day program since taking office, Information Minister U Pe Myint said Thursday.
In an interview with Xinhua in Nay Pyi Taw, U Pe Myint said under the changing situation, state media not only presents the government's view but also listens to the voice of the people.
He cited the new appearance of some state media such as Myanmar-language Myanma Alin daily and the Mirror Daily and the English-language Global New Light of Myanmar Daily.
He disclosed that reform on state broadcasting and TV media will be carried out gradually.
He also revealed that libraries in townships will be transformed into community centers to enable people to discuss their social affairs .
For the development of literature, he called on to raise the momentum by holding literature forums and book fairs.
The government is also on the path to transforming state media to private media.
As for the print media, he recalled that the previous government has eased some restriction allowing weekly journal, daily newspaper for publication.
He stressed the need to enact by-laws and issue directives to continue enforcement of the TV Law promulgated by the previous government and form the TV Council as prescribed in the law.
In replying to questions raised by Xinhua, U Pe Myint said individual foreign media are restricted to operate but there is no problem for the foreign media to run in joint venture with Myanmar counterparts under Myanmar Foreign Investment Law already in place.
The previous government in August 2012 exempted all private publications from scrutiny before publishing, which was a major step of its media reform to ensure more press freedom in the country.
A Press Council (Provisional) was also established in 2012 to govern the writing of media, he said, reiterating the need for foreign media to write in a correct and balanced manner without siding.
ISLAMABAD, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Progress made in Pakistan's strategic partnership with China has been the most important achievement of the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the country's top foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz said on Thursday.
As the government completed three years of its five year-term this month, the foreign affairs adviser highlighted the three-year achievements of the government and talked about some of the future challenges in a press conference here.
"The most important achievement of the past three years was undoubtedly the path breaking transformation in Pakistan's strategic partnership with China," he said.
"The most visible manifestation of this transformation was the launch, in April 2015, of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) involving Chinese investment of 46 billion U.S. dollars in energy, infrastructure, communication projects and for developing the Gwadar Port," Aziz said.
He was of the view that the CPEC's implementation will lay a solid foundation for enhanced regional trade, integration, connectivity and industrial investment, adding that China has already become Pakistan's largest trading partner with two-way trade at 19 billion US dollars in 2015.
He said formulation of a multi-dimensional implementation plan will be adopted to ensure effective and timely completion of all CPEC projects with full protection to Chinese workers and experts and countering all subversive and negative moves against CPEC.
Aziz said the main focus in the coming two years would be on measures to consolidate the success achieved in eliminating terrorism and extremism through intensify the implementation of a national plan that was launched after the 2014's deadliest terrorist attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
"These gains will be consolidated to ensure that "no armed militias are allowed to function in the country," the adviser went on to say.
He also said Pakistan will continue and intensify engagement with the U.S. at different levels to achieve the common objectives of durable peace in Afghanistan and sustainable stability in South Asia.
Pakistan will be hosting a South Asian summit in Islamabad in November this year, he said, and added that connectivity agreements among the SARRC countries are under active consideration.
SARRC groups Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
CAIRO, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Education Ministry said on Wednesday that it would punish anyone involved in the exam paper leak incident that triggered nationwide debate over educational equity of the country.
The authorities have documented 127 cases of alleged cheating in the general secondary certificate exams on Sunday, as well as a large number of cases related to the English test on Tuesday, Education Minister El-Helali el-Sherbini told reporters.
He said that a religious studies exam would be rescheduled after answers of Sunday's test were leaked online.
The administrators of the Facebook page "Chao Ming Cheats" has been arrested after prosecution officials started to investigate on Sunday. However, the page was still in operation and active on Facebook, Egypt's Ahram Online reported.
The ministry warned last week that those found guilty of cheating or leaking exam papers could be fined up to 50,000 Egyptian pounds (about 5,750 U.S. dollars) and face one to three years in prison.
The two exams, known as Thanaweya Amma in Arabic, are do-or-die for Egyptian high school students as its outcome dictates which college they can go.
MUMBAI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Indian stocks came under a bout of selling pressure on Thursday, as investors chose to book profit amid valuation concerns.
The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex closed at 26,763.46, 257.20 points or 0.95 percent down from previous close of 27,020.66, with a turnover of 495.03 crore rupees (about 74.3 million US dollars).
Supporters of Kenya's opposition party Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) take part in a demonstration along the streets of Nairobi, capital of Kenya, June 6, 2016. (Xinhua/John Okoyo)
NAIROBI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Street protests in the past weeks have become the hallmark of Kenya's opposition leaders' push for radical reforms in the electoral process, putting the east African nation at a perilous political and economic path, analysts told Xinhua.
Since early April, weekly street demonstrations in the Kenyan capital Nairobi and several towns in the western part of the country have dominated headlines, sending disturbing signals to local and foreign investors, international partners and ordinary citizens.
The opposition Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has organized these protests, citing the government's reluctance to engage key stakeholders to fast-track an overhaul of the electoral body, which supervises next year's general elections.
According to CORD's principals, ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and former foreign affairs minister Moses Wetangula, overhauling the current structure of the electoral body to include appointment of new commissioners is an imperative to avoid a repeat of 2007-08 post-poll chaos next year.
Experts who spoke to Xinhua agreed the current stand-off, pitting the ruling coalition against their opposition rivals over disbandment of the electoral body, bodes ill for Kenya's stability and economic growth.
Joshua Kivuva, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi, said that given the rising political temperatures in Kenya, the government and opposition had no choice but to commence dialogue on how to resolve stalemate over electoral reforms.
"Each party in the current dispute over how to reform our electoral machine has legitimate concerns that should be listened to avoid unending paralysis," Kivuva told Xinhua in an interview.
"While I do not support violent protests in our cities, it is incumbent upon the government and opposition to find a middle ground and appoint new commissioners to the electoral body," he added.
The CORD has time and again expressed dissatisfaction with the institutional structure of the electoral body alongside unethical conduct of some of its commissioners.
A Kenyan policeman fires teargas during a protest in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 23, 2016.(Xinhua/John Okoyo)
Since revelations emerged two years ago that several electoral commissioners took bribes from a British firm during procurement of biometric voter register, the opposition has intensified pressure on them to vacate office.
The opposition chiefs alleged the commissioners could have tampered with the March 2013 general elections in favor of the incumbent administration led by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Two months have almost lapsed since the street protests commenced, and despite a brief lull occasioned by a casual encounter between Kenyatta, his Deputy William Ruto and opposition chiefs, the stalemate has once again hit a crescendo.
After the brief encounter, both the government and opposition gave differing narratives on what was agreed upon.
President Kenyatta and his deputy trashed claims that a deal was struck with the opposition to form a 10-member committee to look into institutional reforms at the electoral body.
The opposition, on the other hand, insisted a deal was struck and gave the ruling coalition a one-week ultimatum to sit with them on a table of dialogue, failure to which protests would resume.
Street protests resumed on Monday upon expiry of this ultimatum, and opposition chiefs vowed not to relent until their demands were met.
According to Kivuva and a host of experts who spoke to Xinhua, the street protests, while legitimate, may not offer durable solution to institutional deficiencies in Kenya's electoral body.
"As a country, we have made great strides in expansion of democratic space, liberties and civil rights for the last two decades. We must therefore desist from actions that would erode these gains. Dialogue rather than confrontations is only way to end the current stalemate over electoral reforms," Kivuva remarked.
He lauded a bipartisan initiative launched by lawmakers from both sides of the political divide a fortnight ago to spearhead reforms in the electoral process.
Barrack Muluka, a political commentator, said on the national television that the current anti-electoral body street protests had not reached a level where they would precipitate a civil strife.
"What is abundantly clear as for now is that our opposition is flexing its political muscle to pass a critical message to their rivals in the ruling coalition. We cannot conclude there is total breakdown of law and order because of these protests," said Muluka.
Nevertheless, he warned that hard-line positions adopted by the government and opposition over the disbandment of the electoral body before next year polls bode ill for Kenya's stability, cohesion and growth.
CHANGCHUN, June 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Shen Mingming (C), elder brother of Chinese UN peacekeeping soldier Shen Liangliang, escort the coffin of Shen Liangliang to the hearse at Longjia Airport in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, June 9, 2016. The body of Shen Liangliang, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last month, arrived in northeast China's Changchun City on Thursday afternoon. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)
CHANGCHUN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The body of Chinese UN peacekeeping soldier Shen Liangliang, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last month, arrived in northeast China's Changchun City on Thursday afternoon.
Around 3 p.m. Beijing time, a Chinese air force plane carrying Shen's body arrived at Longjia Airport in Changchun, Jilin Province, where Shen served in the army for 11 years.
The plane took off on Wednesday local time from Bamako, capital of Mali. It was sent by China's Central Military Commission (CMC) to bring Shen's body home.
The 29-year-old sergeant first class was killed in a terrorist attack on the night of May 31 in the northern Malian town of Gao, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at a United Nations camp.
Another five Chinese peacekeepers were injured.
Shen's coffin, covered with a Chinese flag, was carried out of the plane by eight honor guards. Another honor guard who held Shen's portrait walked in front of the coffin.
With music played by a military band, the eight honor guards slowly put Shen's coffin on top of a white platform, and two female soldiers laid a white wreath on it.
Shen's mother Yang Qiuhua, who was too heartbroken to stand up, sat on a wheelchair among high-ranking officers, hiding her face with the left hand, bursting into tears loudly, with Shen's father Shen Tianguo standing beside her.
About 500 officers, civilian officials and soldiers at the airport took off their hats, making three bows to salute the sacrificed soldier.
"Shen's sacrifice showed the heroic spirit and bravery of Chinese soldiers," Yi Xiaoguang, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of CMC, said at a simple ceremony at the airport.
"Peace-loving people around the world will never forget, the motherland and Chinese people will never forget, the whole army will never forget," Yi said, calling on all servicemen to contribute to safeguarding national sovereignty and peace worldwide.
A soldier handed over Shen's portrait to Shen Mingming, Shen's elder brother, and the eight honor guards again lifted the coffin, following Shen Mingming and putting the coffin into a hearse.
Shen will be buried in his hometown in central China's Henan Province.
Yang Zhancheng, one of the five Chinese soldiers injured in the deadly attack, was also brought back to China for further medical treatment on Thursday aboard the CMC plane.
Shen Liangliang was born to an ordinary rural family in central China's Henan Province. His parents, who are both farmers, gave birth to two sons and one daughter. Shen was their youngest.
He gave his parents a surprise during the Spring Festival holiday when he brought his girlfriend home. His mother, Yang Qiuhua, dreamed of seeing her youngest son get married and having a grandchild, until she learned of the deadly attack in the news and feared the worst when Shen did not reply to a message she sent to his phone.
The attack came just 11 days after Shen arrived in the mission region as a member of the fourth batch of Chinese peacekeepers in Mali. He applied for the mission three times.
"I want to voice appreciation for my squad leader, but I cannot do it now," said Qiao Zhi, a soldier in the 16th Corps of the People's Liberation Army, where Shen served. "He helped me overcome many difficulties when I was just enlisted and integrate into the army."
Related:
MINUSMA honors Chinese peacekeeper killed in Mali terror attack
BAMAKO, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) on Tuesday honoured Chinese peacekeeper Shen Liangliang who died in a terrorist attack on May 31 at a UN mission camp in Gao, northern Mali.
"We are here to pay final homage to a UN peacekeeper, who had come to restore peace and stability in Mali. This soldier is First Sergeant Shen Liangliang from the Chinese contingent of MINUSMA. A soldier who was killed on May 31 by people who neither believe in any law or faith, during a terrorist attack at a MINUSMA camp in Gao," Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA said during the memorial ceremony held at the UN mission's headquarters. Full story
UN chief outraged by terrorist attacks on peacekeepers in Mali
UNITED NATIONS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday expressed his outrage at terrorist attacks against the United Nations in Mali's city of Gao, which killed one Chinese peacekeeper and injured a dozen UN personnel.
JERUSALEM, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army said on Thursday it will increase its presence in the West Bank territories, one day after a shooting attack in Tel Aviv killed four Israelis.
"In accordance with situation assessments the Judea and Samaria (the biblical Jewish name for the West Bank) division will be reinforced by two additional battalions," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.
Israel's security chiefs have held meetings since Wednesday night to discuss plans of action after the shooting by two Palestinian gunmen, cousins in their twenties from the southern West Bank village of Yatta, at a cafe in the popular Sarona restaurant in Tel Aviv, which is close to the Israeli military's headquarters.
Four Israelis were killed and five others wounded in the attack. The two attackers were apprehended, one was arrested and another was shot and seriously wounded, and is currently hospitalized.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the security cabinet, a forum of 10 ministers, at noon on Thursday. The forum is expected to make decisions about Israel's upcoming moves.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said he will not be satisfied with mere talks in response to the attack.
"I don't intend to elaborate on the steps which we will be taking and I definitely don't intend to make do with words only," Lieberman, a known hawk, told reporters in Tel Aviv.
On Thursday morning, Israeli authorities announced they had suspended measures meant to facilitate Palestinian during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.
The Defense Ministry said in a statement it had suspended permits for tens of thousands of Palestinians to travel from the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and enter Israel, in order to meet with family members and visit the al-Aqsa mosque in east Jerusalem.
The easing of measures was announced last week ahead of the holy Muslim holiday, as had been done in recent years as well.
The work permits of 204 members of the attackers' family had been revoked as well.
The Israeli military also imposed a closure on the Palestinian village of Yatta in the southern West Bank overnight Wednesday. The two shooters were from Yatta.
More than 200 Palestinians and 32 Israelis have died in the latest surge of violence since October.
Israeli leaders accuse the Palestinian authority of inciting violence, but the Palestinians say the unrest was the result of the 49-year Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, where they wish to establish an independent state.
Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East War, home to more than 5 million Palestinians.
DHAKA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh is making transformational shift to its public procurement environment with exponential growth of electronic government procurement, known as e-GP.
It covers four key government agencies: Roads and Highways Department, Local Government Engineering Department, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board, and Bangladesh Water Development Board.
"The agencies together invited over 55,000 tenders online up to May 2016, up from 8,000 in June 2014, the corresponding value increase is to 5 billion U.S. dollars from 700 million U.S. dollars in the same period," the World Bank said in a statement on Thursday.
These agencies together spend about half of the country's annual development budget, it said, adding that the agencies are also monitoring procurement performance online.
In the last two years, the tender invitations through e-GP in these four agencies increased by seven times, said the Washington-based lender.
In addition to making public contracting more accessible, secure, efficient and transparent, it said the electronic procurement is significantly reducing collusive bidding practices at the local levels.
E-GP has made doing business easier, and reduced the transaction costs for both the procuring agencies and the bidding community. In addition, the system is becoming self-sustainable with its own generated revues, the World Bank said.
A joint World Bank-Government team recently reviewed the project progress and noted the Bangladeshi government's high commitment contributing to more transparency and competitiveness of the public procurement system.
The World Bank also said to keep up pace with the fast growth of e-GP, the Central Procurement Technical Unit needs strengthening further in terms of capacity and e-GP as a business service provider.
The World Bank's total support to the project is 68.10 million U.S. dollars which includes a 10-million-U.S. dollar additional financing to project approved on Monday.
TAIPEI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Residents of Taiwan celebrated Dragon Boat Festival on Thursday with cultural events and races of the traditional longboats as their four-day holiday began.
Dragon Boat Festival is observed on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, June 9 this year. Dragon boat racing originated from the fishermen who tried to save Qu Yuan, an ancient Chinese poet who committed suicide in the Miluo River in central China, and has become the centerpiece celebration of the festival nowadays.
A race held on Thursday in a park along the Keelung River in Taipei attracted 212 teams and more than 5,000 people.
"Dragon boat racing is a Chinese custom, which makes us feel heart to heart and that we are one family," said Jeffrey Lu, a member of one racing team. "We should pass down the tradition."
The event attracted a large audience, including children accompanied by parents. "It is the third time we have come to watch the annual event," said a man surnamed Huang from New Taipei City, next to Taipei. Huang and his wife brought their two kids to watch the race.
In another area of the park, families played a game that involves trying to balance painted eggs on their ends. Locals believe successfully doing so at noon on this day will bring them good luck.
Dance performances and free tasting of zongzi, pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in reed leaves, were held elsewhere in Taiwan.
Taipei Zoo has opened a special exhibition of snakes, scorpions, centipedes, toads, spiders and geckos -- animals traditionally, and often erroneously, considered poisonous in China. There is a Dragon Boat Festival custom of hanging aromatic herbs on doors and window frames to keep them away.
The annual exhibition is designed to raise awareness that these animals are not as dangerous as people might think, said a keeper.
SHIJIAZHUANG, June 9 (Xinhua) -- With the help of DNA test, police in north China's Hebei province have managed to find parents for six children who were abducted more than 20 years ago, local sources said.
They were among the 23 children identified with the technology since 2015, when police in Hebei launched a campaign to give DNA tests to those who were suspected of abduction, said Chen Yuan, a police officer in charge of human trafficking in the Public Security Department of Hebei.
Children were always too young when they were abducted to give a detailed description of their homes, Chen said. While they were growing up, their appearances and accents changed a lot, making it harder for police to find their families of origin.
In 2009, a DNA database of the missing children was established by China's Ministry of Public Security.
Last year the Public Security Department of Hebei ordered local police bureaus to collect DNA samples for the children who came for household registration but certain documents were missing or faked, and check the database to make sure if they were among the missing.
An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2015 from a seaplane of Hainan Maritime Safety Administration shows cruise vessel Haixun 1103 heading to the Yacheng 13-1 drilling rig during a patrol insouth China Sea. (Xinhua file photo/Zhao Yingquan)
by Xinhua Writers Yang Tianmu, Wang Wen
MANILA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government has been behind the intensifying tensions in the South China Sea, a former diplomat of the country told Xinhua on Wednesday.
Alberto Encomienda, former secretary-general of Maritime and Ocean Affairs Center of the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department, said: "China has been for the negotiations all along, but from the beginning we are not."
The Philippine Foreign Affairs Department said it has conducted over 50 consultations and negotiations with China from 1995 to 2012, which did not happen, said the diplomat, who was then in charge of the negotiation "before it exploded."
Encomienda noted that China "has been sending quiet feelers to improve relations."
"Prior to the 2005's APEC (forum summit), China sent two delegations to the Philippines, and invited delegations from the House of Representatives to Beijing. We never gave this much attention. After the summit, China sent feelers to the Philippines again, we never responded," he revealed.
The former Philippine maritime official also said that China should not be demonized in terms of the South China Sea issue, since it was the Philippines who first engaged in reclamation activities in South China Sea, building airstrips on China's Zhongye Island.
"We were the first to do reclamation in South China Sea. So we cannot demonize China for reclamation," he said, revealing that the airfield on Zhongye Island "was built on top of live coral reefs."
Encomienda also lashed out at the United States for its mounting military presence in the South China Sea and its purpose to set the Philippines against China on this issue.
"The U.S. is very against China's reclamation in South China Sea ... Look, how much China is spending to reclaim those reefs? Nothing compared to what the U.S. spent on the Philippines for EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement). In short, China is reclaiming reefs, but America is reclaiming the Philippines," he said.
After President Benigno Aquino III's first state visit to the United States in 2010, "everything that came up as the Philippines' South China Sea position has something to do with 'rule-based' and 'legal framework.' But these are rule basis determined by the U.S.," said Encomienda.
The former diplomat emphasized that the Philippines "is in urgent need of an independent foreign policy."
Related:
Chinese FM statement on settling disputes between China, the Philippines in South China Sea through bilateral negotiation
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a statement on settling disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation. Following is the full text of the statement. Full story
Spotlight: China will not fall into trap of South China Sea arbitration: Chinese ambassador
JOHANNESBURG, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China will not give certain countries the satisfaction of tricking it into the trap of the South China Sea arbitration, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Tian Xuejun, said on Thursday.
ANKARA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened countermeasures against Germany if it does not correct its "mistake" of recognizing the Armenian murders as a "genocide," Anadolu news agency reported Thursday.
Germany's lower house of parliament approved a non-binding resolution on June 2 that accuses the Ottoman Empire of conducting a "genocide" against Armenians in 1915.
High-level government security officials have met to discuss the issue, Erdogan told a press conference on Wednesday at Ankara's Esenboga International Airport, before he departed for the U.S. to attend Muhammad Ali's funeral.
"We specified the steps we will take if Germany does not correct its mistake," Anadolu quoted Erdogan as saying.
Erdogan urged Germany to desist from what he deemed a "wrong" step, Anadolu said.
The president has earlier warned that the German parliament's decision will "seriously affect our relationship."
"If Germany does not cease its wrongdoing, we will take different measures," Erdogan said. "In other words, the current status quo will change."
MANILA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III said Thursday that he remained hopeful of passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the next Congress under the administration of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte.
"There is a long way to go, and many of us who worked so hard for peace are fearful, apprehensive and unsure. It is true that the culmination of our efforts has been delayed. Today, however, I ask you to remember and take strength from the progress we have made," Aquino said in a speech in the launching of the Government of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) Peace Process.
The passage of the proposed BBL is part of the peace agreement signed by the Aquino administration and the Muslim rebel group in March 2014. Its enactment did not push through due to many questionable provisions.
Aquino cited the importance of continuing the peace process with the MILF, including the approval of the BBL.
He said that from 2010 to 2015, total actual investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) amounted to 14.3 billion pesos (310.67 million U.S. dollars) as compared to 87.9 million pesos in 2010 and 6.58 billion pesos in 2015.
ARMM is the core territory for the proposed Bangsamoro region under the draft BBL.
Duterte has said that he would push for a federal government, covering also ARMM. His appointed leader in the House of Representatives said this would make the passage of the BBL moot and academic.
EDINBURGH, June 9 (Xinhua) -- An award-winning show combining puppetry, video and animation about an ancient Chinese sailor Thursday enchanted audiences here with China's exploratory, friendly, and inclusive culture.
The hour-long show tells the tale of the fantastic journeys of the famous Chinese explorer, Zheng He, whose seven voyages took him from Indonesia, India and the Arabian coast to Africa from 1405 to 1433, almost 100 years before Italy's Christopher Columbus set off to America.
The performance by Karin Schafer of Figuren Theater from Austria presents how Zheng's fleet of more than 300 enormous "dragon ships" encounters some of the people he met on his journey: a scholar from an Arabian country, an African fisherwoman, and a businesswoman from Southeast Asia.
The event was organized by the Confucius Institute for Scotland at the University of Edinburgh, in association with Scotland-China Education Network, to improve local knowledge about the great Chinese explorer and the ancient Chinese trade and cultural exchanges. There are three performances a day.
Inspired by the show, Sean Sproull, a high school teacher in Edinburgh, told Xinhua the performance style was helpful to improve local students' knowledge about China's history and culture.
Schafer, the director of the show, said in the past she knew little about Zheng's story, and as such, the show aims to help more foreigners become closer acquainted with China.
Winner of the Austrian Children and Youth Theatre Award "STELLA" 2011 and other awards in China, the production has won many plaudits for its innovative set design, which features interaction between the video and the action on the stage.
The animated films, video clips, shadow images and masks form a poetic space which develops the narrative on a visual level, while the multi-lingual audio and musical score ensure that audience members are fully engaged by the production.
NEW DELHI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Thursday accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making India "a strategic junior partner of the U.S. global strategic designs."
Commenting on the India-U.S. Joint Statement issued during Modi's visit to Washington earlier this week, the CPI-M said it amounted to abandoning New Delhi's independent position on foreign policy.
"The 50-paragraph Joint Statement ... is a declaration that cements India's role as a strategic junior partner of U.S. global strategic designs," the party said in a statement.
"The agreement covers almost the entire scope of bilateral relations as well as a global partnership, declaring that India has abandoned its established independent foreign policy and has firmly tied itself to the apron strings of U.S global strategic designs," it said.
It said the agreement commits India to providing logistic facilities such as re-fuelling of the U.S Air Force on its adventures of military intervention in any part of the world.
"Given the U.S./NATO military interventions in West Asia, where there is a large NRI (non-residential Indians or overseas Indians) presence, this will have serious consequences for Indian foreign policy as well as Indians working in these countries," the CPI-M warned.
"This abandons both our independent foreign policy and our bilateral interests with the friendly countries in West Asia and the Gulf," it added.
The CPI-M said the agreement also made it clear that India's interests in the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region had now been equated with the U.S. interests and the U.S. strategic objective of "containment of China."
"The Modi government has clearly abandoned India's longstanding policy of developing good neighbourly relations and also the 'Look East Policy'," it said. "The government has to answer against whom India is becoming a priority partner of the U.S. in the region."
DAMASCUS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have cut off almost all the routes into the city of Manbej in northern Syria on the borders with Turkey, a monitor group reported on Thursday.
The SDF, a recently-formed group with the participation of Arab and Kurdish fighters and led by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), have reached only 800 meters from the last remaining road between Manbej and the IS-held city of Bab in northern Aleppo, after cutting off all the other routes between the city and other IS-held areas in Aleppo, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The recent development is part of the SDF's aim to capture Manbej from the hands of the Islamic State (IS) group, due to its strategic importance near Turkey.
The SDF unleashed the offensive backed by the U.S. air cover on May 31, with the final goal to minimize the IS sway in northern Syria, particularly in the Aleppo province.
The battles for Manbej have so far killed 190 militants and civilians, said the Observatory.
The UK-based watchdog group said the death toll includes 132 IS militants, 21 SDF fighters and 37 civilians.
The SDF's operation against the IS was not only confined to Manbej. The group also captured several towns and farmlands in the northern countryside of al-Raqqa province, the de facto capital of the IS in northern Syria.
The SDF and the Syrian army seem to have coordinated in some offensives against the IS in a bid to weaken the terror group and stem its momentum.
The Syrian army has advanced into the southern rim of al-Raqqa, after crossing its administrative borders last week.
All those attacks seemed coordinated between Washington, which backs the SDF, and Moscow, which supports President Bashar al-Assad, analysts said.
ANKARA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) claimed responsibility on Thursday for the car bomb attack in the southeastern Turkish province of Mardin on Wednesday, Turkish Haberler News reported.
PKK members stated on a Kurdish news website named ANF, that their friend named Diro Amed conducted the attack against police headquarters in the district of Midyat in Mardin.
Three police officers and three civilians were killed, and around 30 others were injured in the car bomb which targeted police headquarters in Midyat, Mardin.
Thousands of Midyat's residents protested against the PKK on Thursday following the attack which killed six people, Yeni safak reported.
The protesters held Turkish flags and banners denouncing the PKK as they chanted slogans against the PKK.
Over 470 Turkish security forces troops and thousands of PKK members have been killed in confrontations in Turkey and northern Iraq since last July.
More than 40,000 people have lost their lives in clashes with the PKK since 1984, when the group first started its anti-government attacks.
The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and Turkey.
CHANGCHUN, June 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Shen Mingming, elder brother of Chinese UN peacekeeping soldier Shen Liangliang, escort the coffin of Shen Liangliang to the hearse at Longjia Airport in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, June 9, 2016. The body of Shen Liangliang, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last month, arrived in northeast China's Changchun City on Thursday afternoon. (Xinhua/Zeng Tao)
CHANGCHUN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The body of Chinese UN peacekeeping soldier Shen Liangliang, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last month, arrived in northeast China's Changchun City on Thursday afternoon.
Around 3 p.m. Beijing time, a Chinese air force plane carrying Shen's body arrived at Longjia Airport in Changchun, Jilin Province, where Shen served in the army for 11 years.
The plane took off on Wednesday local time from Bamako, capital of Mali. It was sent by China's Central Military Commission (CMC) to bring Shen's body home.
The 29-year-old sergeant first class was killed in a terrorist attack on the night of May 31 in the northern Malian town of Gao, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at a United Nations camp.
Another five Chinese peacekeepers were injured.
Shen's coffin, covered with a Chinese flag, was carried out of the plane by eight honor guards. Another honor guard who held Shen's portrait walked in front of the coffin.
With music played by a military band, the honor guards slowly put Shen's coffin on top of a white platform, and two female soldiers laid a white wreath on it.
Shen's mother Yang Qiuhua, who was too heartbroken to stand up, sat on a wheelchair among high-ranking officers, hiding her face with her left hand, crying loudly, with Shen's father, Shen Tianguo, standing beside her.
About 500 officers, civilian officials and soldiers at the airport took off their hats, making three bows to salute the fallen soldier.
"Shen's sacrifice showed the heroic spirit and bravery of Chinese soldiers," Yi Xiaoguang, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of CMC, said at a simple ceremony at the airport.
"Peace-loving people around the world will never forget, the motherland and Chinese people will never forget, the whole army will never forget," Yi said, calling on all servicemen to contribute to safeguarding national sovereignty and peace worldwide.
A soldier handed over Shen's portrait to Shen Mingming, Shen's elder brother, and the eight honor guards again lifted the coffin, following Shen Mingming and putting the coffin into a hearse.
Shen will be buried in his hometown in central China's Henan Province.
Yang Zhancheng, one of the five Chinese soldiers injured in the deadly attack, was also brought back to China for further medical treatment on Thursday aboard the CMC plane.
Shen Liangliang was born to an ordinary rural family in central China's Henan Province. His parents, who are both farmers, gave birth to two sons and one daughter. Shen was their youngest.
He gave his parents a surprise during the Spring Festival holiday when he brought his girlfriend home. His mother, Yang Qiuhua, dreamed of seeing her youngest son get married and having a grandchild, until she learned of the deadly attack in the news and feared the worst when Shen did not reply to a message she sent to his phone.
The attack came just 11 days after Shen arrived in the mission region as a member of the fourth batch of Chinese peacekeepers in Mali. He applied for the mission three times.
"I want to voice appreciation for my squad leader, but I cannot do it now," said Qiao Zhi, a soldier in the 16th Corps of the People's Liberation Army, where Shen served. "He helped me overcome many difficulties when I was just enlisted and integrate into the army."
Shen was the 11th Chinese servicemen killed in UN peacekeeping missions abroad.
Since 1990, when China began to carry out UN peacekeeping missions, over 31,000 Chinese officers and soldiers have taken part in 24 missions around the world.
Chinese peacekeepers clear mines, build roads and bridges, transport supplies and give medical services to peacekeepers and local people, winning wide plaudits among peacekeepers of other countries and peoples in the mission regions for their professionalism and dedication.
At present, over 2,800 Chinese officers and soldiers are carrying out UN peacekeeping missions in a total of nine mission regions of the world, the biggest number among the five UN Security Council permanent members.
"As a UN Security Council permanent member, China will continue to firmly support UN peacekeeping missions, resolutely oppose terrorism in all forms, and resolutely safeguard the world peace," Wu Qian, spokesperson of China's Defense Ministry, said last week.
TEHRAN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Defense ministers of Russia and Syria arrived in Iran's capital Tehran on Thursday to discuss further cooperation.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and Syrian Defense Minister Fahd Jassem al-Freij will attend a trilateral meeting at the official invitation of their Iranian counterpart Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehqan.
The meeting is aimed at exchanging views on the latest regional development and the ways to strengthen the fight against terrorism.
The visiting ministers will also hold separate meetings with their Iranian counterpart and Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.
Iran and Russia have emerged as the major allies of the Syrian government in its struggle against the militant groups who are seeking the overthrow of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.
Since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began, more than 250,000 Syrians have been killed and millions of the Syrians have been displaced from their homes.
VILNIUS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania is losing its strategic direction with many important decisions and structural reforms being postponed by the country's authorities, President Dalia Grybauskaite warned on Thursday.
"The state is losing its strategic direction -- in many areas we are going round and round, stuck in the same routine," Grybauskaite said during her state of nation address at the parliament.
According to her, Lithuania has developed a great potential to grow and is "filled with expectations for a better life".
"This time seems to be as favourable as never before for Lithuania," the head of state said.
"However, people are asking politicians, quite rightly, why they do not see the results of economic growth in their everyday lives," she added.
The European Commission recently noted that reform progress in Lithuania has been limited recently, Grybauskaite reminded.
She warned that the moment of economic stability "may be lost if we fail to notice troubling signs."
"Entangled in the mire of corruption, we are losing the ability to think and act in the spirit of statesmanship," the president continued.
"Today we cannot afford the luxury to watch how the momentum for national development is slowing down," she stressed.
In her words, strategic decisions are vital for Lithuania's success, however, "only the art of creating working groups has been mastered."
Grybauskaite blamed the politicians for increased spending to finance experts' work and feasibility studies. According to the president, the current Lithuanian government has increased its spending for experts by 35 times.
"Regrettably, even after such investments, we have to admit strategic incompetence," Grybauskaite said.
Among her recommendations for the country, Grybauskaite mentioned reducing poverty and social exclusion, reform of the pension system, addressing demographic problems, improving tax collection, introducing more flexible labour rules, developing innovations.
Social safety is another major challenge in Lithuania, Grybauskaite said, with children abused in their homes, women suffering from domestic violence and dozens of thousands of people "entrapped in the quagmire of addiction" such as alcoholism.
Grybauskaite welcomed Lithuania's efforts in the areas of security, energy independence, and financial responsibility. In her words, energy independence is "already mirrored in decreasing electricity and gas prices."
"We have developed a great potential to grow and we are firmly at the doorstep of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) -- a club of economically strong and reliable countries," the president underlined.
According to Grybauskaite, "neither Brussels nor strategic partners are responsible for the quality of our state governance."
"It is from politicians that we first have to demand sound decisions that meet our national interests," she stressed.
The president called for maintaining direction towards further integration with the European Union and NATO.
"This is what I expect from the next government," Grybauskaite said.
Lithuania faces national elections this fall.
Meanwhile, Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius said the president's address was aimed at the upcoming elections and lacked the overview of the presidential activities.
"I evaluate this as an address aimed at the upcoming election so that the government would be criticized even more and the public would believe in certain untruths that were hereby revealed and would negatively assess the ruling majority during the election," Butkevicius was quoted as saying by ELTA news agency.
He stressed that his cabinet increased the minimum monthly wage several times, while the average wage has been growing rapidly and unemployment decreased twofold.
"These are facts that cannot be denied by anyone," the head of the government said.
Furthermore, Butkevicius added that he expected the president to focus more on Lithuania's foreign policy and its accomplishments.
Meanwhile, Loreta Grauziniene, speaker of Lithuanian parliament, noted that the president highlighted problems people facing in their everyday life.
"Everyone makes a personal assessment but what has to be said must be said; the truth can hurt but it must be heard," Grauziniene told reporters after meeting with the president on Thursday.
FUZHOU, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Three people are missing after a boat capsized during a dragon boat racing Thursday afternoon in east China's Fujian Province, rescuers said.
The boat with 36 people capsized in the Minjiang River of Yuankou village, Minhou county at about 4:30 p.m. when the race was staged to mark the traditional Dragon Boat Festival.
Thirty-three were rescued, while more than 160 people and eight ships were engaged in the search.
Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which commemorates the death of poet Qu Yuan during the Warring States period between 475 and 221 BC.
Disappointed with the government and emperor he served, Qu drowned himself in the Miluo River of central China's Hunan Province. Local people who learned of his death raced in boats to find his body. The tradition passed down to this day.
A student waits to receive his lunch at Red Rose School in Kibra Constituency, Nairobi, Kenya, on June 5, 2015. (Xinhua/Pan Siwei)
by Wu Bo
COPENHAGEN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A few months ago, Denmark's first supermarket selling surplus food opened its doors in Copenhagen, enabling shoppers to buy food that would be otherwise destined for the rubbish bin.
The supermarket, called WeFood, proved to be a big success and was welcomed by local communities.
Now, an international framework, designed to combat food loss and waste, has been launched at the ongoing annual conference of Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) in the Danish capital.
The framework, titled the "Food Loss and Waste Accounting and Reporting Standard (FLW Standard)", is the first-ever set of global definitions and reporting requirements for companies, countries and others to consistently and credibly measure, report on and manage food loss and waste.
"What can be measured can be managed. A new international standard for measuring the loss and waste of food is now a reality," Kristian Jensen, Denmark's Minister for Foreign Affairs, said at a press conference presenting the standard.
"This standard is a real breakthrough. For the first time, armed with the standard, countries and companies will be able to quantify how much food is lost and wasted, where it occurs, and report on it in a highly credible and consistent manner," said Andrew Steer, president and CEO of the World Resources Institute.
The latest figures showed that a third of all food is lost or wasted worldwide as it moves from where it is produced to where it is consumed, while more than 800 million people still do not have enough food to lead a healthy active life.
Furthermore, food loss and waste globally costs up to 940 billion U.S. dollars per year and generates about 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has estimated.
"There is simply no reason that so much food should be lost and wasted. Now, we have a powerful new tool that will help governments and businesses save money, protect resources and ensure more people to get the food they need," Steer said.
Jensen said the new standard will reduce the economic losses for the consumer and food industry, alleviate the pressure on natural resources and contribute to realizing the ambitious goals set out in the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In particular, SDG Target 12.3 calls for the world to cut per capita food waste in half by 2030, along with reductions in food loss.
"We need to push for more solutions like this for the benefit of people, profit and the planet," said Jensen.
Experts at 3GF believe that the FLW standard will also help reduce food loss and waste within the private sector.
In 2015, the Consumer Goods Forum, which presents more than 400 of the world's largest retailers and manufacturers from 70 countries, adopted a resolution for its members to reduce food waste from their operations by 50 percent by 2025, with baselines and progress to be measured using the FLW standard.
Meanwhile, some leading companies, like Nestle and Tesco, are already measuring and publicly reporting on their food loss and waste.
The two-day conference, kicked off on Monday, focuses on three areas in particular: the green transition of energy systems, cities as drivers of green growth, and optimizing the use of natural resources.
At the opening of the event, Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen also called on both the public and private sectors to collaborate on putting the world on a sustainable course.
"Partnerships between the public and private sectors should ensure financing and the implementation of the important agreements that the international community concluded in 2015: the climate agreement in Paris and the agreement of the SDGs in New York," the prime minister said.
More than 250 government and business leaders from all over the world are attending the event, and more than 30 public-private partnerships will be developing solutions that contribute to green growth worldwide.
3GF is a partnership initiated in 2011 by the governments of Denmark, Mexico and South Korea, and was joined later by the governments of China, Kenya, Qatar and Ethiopia.
ISLAMABAD, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz said on Thursday that the most important achievement for the government in the past three years was "undoubtedly the path breaking transformation in Pakistan's strategic partnership with China."
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif assumed office in June 2013 after his Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) won the parliamentary elections.
"The most visible manifestation of this transformation was the launch, in April 2015, of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) involving Chinese investment of 46 billion U.S. dollars in energy, infrastructure, communication projects and for developing the Gwadar Port (in Balochistan province)," Aziz told a news conference.
He said the CPEC's implementation will lay a solid foundation for enhanced regional trade, integration, connectivity and industrial investment, adding that China has already become Pakistan's largest trading partner with two way trade at 19 billion U.S. dollars in 2015.
He said Pakistan also succeeded in enhancing cooperation with Central Asian countries and three important projects with these nations have already been finalized, including CASA-1000, which would bring surplus electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan, and TAPI gas pipeline which would transmit natural gas from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. An Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project is also being pursued.
"Air links with Central Asia are being restored and new road links will emerge with the completion of CPEC," Aziz said.
He said Pakistan's obtaining full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was another achievement in the past three years that is an important milestone for re-balancing Pakistan's place in the global arena.
On Afghanistan, he said Pakistan has been making sincere efforts to deepen its engagement with Afghanistan and address post 9/11 mistrust, by facilitating reconciliation talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
The adviser referred to the creation of a new mechanism, the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) during the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Islamabad in December 2015, describing it as a major step forward.
As for India, Aziz said there was some positive progress in December 2015 to revive the dialogue process with India when he and the Indian external affairs minister agreed to resume the Comprehensive Dialogue on all issues in a meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia conference in Islamabad in December.
"But before the Foreign Secretaries could meet and finalize a schedule for resuming the Comprehensive Dialogue," gunmen attacked the Indian airbase in Pathankot on Jan. 2 that gave India an "excuse" to postpone the resumption of the dialogue, he said.
"Pakistan believes that dialogue is the best way forward to resolve outstanding issues, including mutual concerns related to terrorism," Aziz said.
The adviser said Pakistan succeeded in resuming the Strategic Dialogue with United States in 2013, after the difficult phase in the relationship experienced during 2011-12.
With the European Union, Pakistan succeeded in winning the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) plus status in 2014, leading to significant growth in Pakistan's exports to the EU, he said.
Speaking about relations with Russia, Aziz said Prime Minister Sharif has paid particular attention to the consolidation and expansion of Pakistan's relations with Russia after his ground-breaking meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Ufa in July 2015. Agreement on the construction of North South Gas Pipeline in Pakistan with 2 billion U.S. dollars of Russian investment is a significant milestone.
Talking about the possible challenges, Aziz said the main focus in the coming two years would be on measures to consolidate the success achieved in eliminating terrorism and extremism through the implementation of a national plan that was launched after the 2014 deadliest terrorist attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
"These gains will be consolidated to ensure that no armed militias are allowed to function in the country," the adviser said.
He said Pakistan will continue and intensify engagement with the United States at different levels to achieve their common objectives of durable peace in Afghanistan and sustainable stability in South Asia.
Pakistan will be hosting a South Asian summit in Islamabad in November this year, he said, adding that connectivity agreements among the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries are under active consideration.
SAARC groups Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
NAIROBI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi started a visit to Kenya on Thursday to assess situation at refugee camps following Kenya's decision to close Daddab refugee camp, the world's largest refugee camp.
Grandi is expected to meet with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and attend a meeting on a tripartite agreement signed by Kenya, Somalia, and the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR, over repatriation of Somali refugees in Kenya.
His five-day visit comes after Kenya recently announced it will repatriate the more than 300,000 Somali refugees in Daddab refugee camp in northeastern Kenya.
Grandi will visit Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps to assess the situation, meet refugee representatives and be briefed on the process of voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees.
"He will hold discussions with the donor community on resource mobilization to improve the living conditions in Somalia and give support to the refugee hosting communities in Kenya," a statement from UNHCR Kenya said.
Grandi, after his trip in Kenya, will visit Somalia and meet Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to discuss "efforts that should be made to ensure that Somalia is ready for sustained return of refugees", according to the statement.
During his visit to Kenya on Wednesday, President Mohamud said Somalia was ready to receive refugees from Kenya.He assured Dadaab refugees that the repatriation will be orderly, humane and dignified.
Kenya has cited a "very heavy economic, security and environmental burden" for its decision to close the Dadaab camp.
Kenya claims Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which has staged several bloody attacks in Kenya in recent years, has hideouts in Dadaab.
Dadaab was set up more than 20 years ago to house people fleeing conflict in Somalia.
It is not yet clear when the closure of Dadaab will begin, but the Kenyan government has disbanded its Department of Refugee Affairs, which worked with humanitarian organizations for the welfare of the refugees.
HANOI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- As many as 496 deputies were elected to Vietnam's new parliament, the National Election Council (NEC) said on Thursday.
The new parliamentarians were chosen out of 870 candidates based on the results of the election in late May, the NEC said in a press conference.
On May 22, over 67.049 million voters out of around 67.485 million valid voters nationwide cast their ballots for election of deputies to the 14th National Assembly (NA) and all-level People's Councils for the 2016-2021 tenure.
Among the 496 newly-elected deputies, some 182 were nominated by central organizations, 312 were named by local authorities while the rest of 2 people were self-nominated.
Meanwhile, a total of 86 deputies are ethnic minorities and 133 are female. A total of 21 newly-elected deputies are not members of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), said the NEC.
General Secretary of the CPV Nguyen Phu Trong was elected as a deputy with 86.47 percent of valid votes in his election unit in Hanoi.
President Tran Dai Quang was elected as a deputy with 75.08 percent of valid votes in his election unit in Vietnam's southern Ho Chi Minh city.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc became new NA deputy with 99.48 percent of valid votes in his election unit in northern Hai Phong city.
NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan was a new deputy with 91.46 percent of valid votes in her election unit in southern Can Tho city.
The first session of the 14th NA is scheduled to convene in July when the NA Standing Committee and state leaders will be re-elected.
During the final session of the 13th NA, Vietnamese parliament replaced top leadership positions of the country.
On March 31, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan became the country's first NA chairwoman, while Tran Dai Quang was elected the new president on April 2, and Nguyen Xuan Phuc was elected the new prime minister on April 7.
Image taken on June 2, 2016, of technicians working in the Argentine Satellite of Observation with Microwaves (SAOCOM 1B, for its acronym in Spanish), in the assembly sector of the company Applied Research (INVAP, for its acronym in Spanish), in San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro province, Argentina. (Xinhua/Martin Zabala)
BARILOCHE, Argentina, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Facing the risks of mobility and brain drain, Argentina has started technological innovation two decades ago and is seeking to reserve local talents by "putting on collective projects," a technical company leader told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Vicente Campenni, deputy manager of high-tech company Investigacion Aplicada (INVAP), welcomed Xinhua reporters at the INVAP's base in San Carlos de Bariloche, in the province of Rio Negro.
On Argentina's way to become a technological innovation powerhouse, companies like INVAP play important roles.
With a diversified capacity of producing reactors for research and isotope production, low-orbit satellites for terrestrial observation, radar systems and radiotherapy systems, INVAP works on projects in Algeria, Egypt and Australia as well as with engineering and nuclear technology giants like Russia, the United States and Canada, Campenni said.
The INVAP'S broad diversification began "in the early 1990s with satellites (development), when Argentina created its National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) and signed a deal with the United States for joint development on space technology," Campenni explained.
The expert, a physicist from the National University of Cordoba, added that Argentina was currently developing a satellite platform alongside NASA.
With these efforts, Argentina is seeking to enhance its ability to produce more value-added goods, and move beyond the resource course, the paradox that countries with enriched natural resources tend to have less economic growth and worse development outcomes.
"We are all vulnerable to talent hunters and international recruitment firms. The risk of mobility exists but we constantly work on challenging technological projects," Campenni said.
"Our development plans are very positive," said Campenni, adding that INVAP aims to reverse the Argentinean academic and scientific brain drain by putting on collective projects, which would last years and involve hundreds of people.
The INVAP "supports governmental and industrial areas, which have generated their own (independent) projects, including factories in Argentina and Mexico, and advances in the oil and wind energy sectors," Campenni pointed out.
Image taken on June 30, 2015, shows the windmills of the Arauco Wind Farm in the village of Aimogasta, La Rioja province, 1,320 km from Buenos Aires city, Argentina. (Xinhua/Martin Zabala)
Argentina also regards cooperation with international counterparts as a beneficial way to promote home innovation. For example, China has been playing an increasingly important role in the Latin American country's modernization of its energy matrix, particularly on wind power development.
In 2015, the government of La Rioja province and Chinese company Hydrochina International Engineering Co. signed a deal to raise Arauco Wind Farm's installed capacity by 104 more megawatts.
The Arauco Wind Farm, first built in 2012 with 12 wind turbines capable of generating 24 megawatts of power and was added with an extra installed capacity of 25 megawatts in 2013, has become a showcase of the Sino-Argentinean wind power development endeavor.
"The idea is that, for all these industries, we can replace imports with a national supply chain, which will produce ever more components in the future," Campenni concluded.
He hoped that Argentina can find new economic growth points in areas of industrial technology, nuclear energy and alternative energies.
RAMALLAH, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) said Thursday that it rejects "operations targetting civilians, irrespective of the responsible party and cause."
The statement was made one day after two Palestinian gunmen shot and killed four Israelis and wounded three others in Tel Aviv.
The PNA Presidency said in a statement that it had repeatedly stated its rejection of "all operations that target civilians, no matter who they are, no matter who carried these attacks, and no matter what the justifications are."
The two Palestinian attackers, from the West Bank city of Hebron, were both arrested, with one of them injured.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the shooting, but the Islamic Hamas movement and other militant groups praised the attack, saying it was in retaliation for the daily Israeli violations against Palestinians.
The West Bank's Hamas spokesman said in a press statement that the Tel Aviv attack is a message to Israeli leaders, chiefly the newly-appointed defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman, that the intifada, or the uprising against Israelis, continues.
However, the PNA Presidency's statement said that "making peace and creating a positive atmosphere contribute to removing the reasons of tension in the region between the Israelis and the Palestinians." Enditem
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks to the media outside the Haseki Training and Research Hospital in Istambul on June 7, 2016 after visiting people injured by the blast of a bomb attack that targeted a police bus in the Vezneciler district of Istanbul earlier in the day. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)
ANKARA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened countermeasures against Germany if it does not correct its "mistake" of recognizing the Armenian murders as a "genocide," Anadolu news agency reported Thursday.
Germany's lower house of parliament approved a non-binding resolution on June 2 that accuses the Ottoman Empire of conducting a "genocide" against Armenians in 1915.
High-level government security officials have met to discuss the issue, Erdogan told a press conference on Wednesday at Ankara's Esenboga International Airport, before he departed for the U.S. to attend Muhammad Ali's funeral.
"We specified the steps we will take if Germany does not correct its mistake," Anadolu quoted Erdogan as saying.
Erdogan urged Germany to desist from what he deemed a "wrong" step, Anadolu said.
The president has earlier warned that the German parliament's decision will "seriously affect our relationship."
STOCKHOLM, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Swedish Security Service (Sapo) wants to register individuals who sympathize with terrorist groups.
The Swedish Data Protection Authority will investigate whether the proposed register would violate Sweden's current ban on registering citizens' opinions.
It was Sapo that requested the enquiry, Cecilia Agnehal, a lawyer at the Data Protection Authority, told Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.
Asked why Sapo wants to register certain individuals, the authority's press spokesperson Sirpa Franzen said: "The Security Service receives a great deal of tips and an increasing amount of information which is of intelligence value where specific individuals are named as sympathizers of the Islamic State (IS)."
According to Svenska Dagbladet, Sapo has never before turned to the Data Protection Authority with a query regarding the legality of keeping a register of people who openly sympathize with terrorist groups.
Earrlier this year, Sapo requested full access to the Swedish Migration Agency's database on asylum seekers. Enditem
A man carries Ramadan lanterns, or "fanoos Ramadan", around stalls selling festival lights at Sayida Zienab district market during the first day of Ramadan in old Cairo, Egypt June 6, 2016. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
GAZA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Gaza Strip's streets and markets were beautifully decorated with colorful traditional lanterns welcoming the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Sali Kassab, 11, from Gaza City, carefully checked several lanterns in a shop in downtown Gaza, finally choosing one she thought to be the most beautiful, which was made in China.
The fawanees, Arabic for Ramadan lanterns, are an integral part of celebrations marking the arrival of the holiest month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from sunrise till sunset.
Throughout the month, Ramadan lanterns grace markets and shops in the territory run by the Islamic Hamas movement.
Following the sunset breakfast meal, children can be seen outside with their lanterns, singing traditional Ramadan songs.
The fawanees come in different sizes, colors and shapes. In addition to the traditional minaret shape, modern fawanees also take the shapes of rockets, planes, animals and famous cartoon characters.
Previously, fawanees were made of tin and colored glass, with a candle inside, whereas modern models are battery operated to glow.
For Muslims, the fawanees are a source of fun for children and a centuries-old tradition.
Ramadan is sacred to Muslims because tradition says the Koran, Muslims' holy book, was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed during that month. Ramadan is followed by the Eid al-Fitr festival. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)
"I wait for Ramadan impatiently to buy my fawanees," said Kassab, as her mother bargained over the price with the salesman.
"The fawanees make me and my friends very happy."
Kassab's Chinese-made lantern glitters brightly with colorful hues as it plays traditional Ramadan songs.
The modest prices of Chinese-made lanterns render them affordable to most residents in the poverty-stricken Gaza Strip, which has been subject to an Israeli-imposed blockade since 2007, when Hamas forcefully seized control of the enclave.
The strip's economy worsened further as a result of frequent military confrontations between Palestinians and Israelis.
"Lantern prices are quite affordable. Chinese ones are much cheaper than the local ones," Heba al-Naffar, a housewife, told Xinhua while purchasing lanterns for her two sons.
Al-Naffar said the quality is also good, adding that affordable prices enable poor families to buy lanterns to make their children happy during the holy month.
A media officer at the Palestinian Chamber of Commerce in Gaza estimates that over 50 percent of goods imported into Gaza originate from China.
Before the month of Ramadan, Palestinian toy traders imported large shipments of Ramadan lanterns which, due to their reasonable prices, sell well in Gaza.
"Most of the toys I sell in my store are imported from China," said one shop owner, Said al-Bitar. "Prices are rather reasonable, starting from 1 U.S. dollar."
Al-Bitar complained that the strip's dire economic situation has cut into his business, with many Gazans even unable to buy his already low-priced toys.
BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- All relevant parties should make joint efforts to create positive conditions for the reconciliation in Afghanistan, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
Pakistan's top civil and military leadership on Tuesday condemned a recent U.S. drone strike in the country's southwestern Balochistan Province, saying that the action violated Pakistan's sovereignty, affected the trust between Pakistan and the United States, and compromised diplomatic efforts towards the reconciliation in Afghanistan.
"The Quadrilateral Coordination Group of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States is aiming at creating positive conditions for the reconciliation of Afghanistan, and all relevant parties should make joint efforts to achieve this goal," spokesman Hong Lei said.
Hong said international community should recognize Pakistan's efforts in combating terrorism and supporting the reconciliation process of Afghanistan, and Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Enditem
HARARE, June 10, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping (L, front) and Zimbabwe's Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri (R, front) exchange documents during a handover ceremony in Harare, Zimbabwe, June 9, 2016. Zimbabwe's state weather forecast department has tuned in to signals emitted from polar-orbiting Chinese satellites in a technological makeover aimed to improve the meteorological services of a country which relies on agriculture but has struggled to cope with irrationally changing weather patterns in recent years. (Xinhua/Xu Lingui)
HARARE, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's state weather forecast department has tuned in to signals emitted from polar-orbiting Chinese satellites in a technological makeover aimed to improve the meteorological services of a country which relies on agriculture but has struggled to cope with irrationally changing weather patterns in recent years.
The receiving and processing system to access data from China's Fengyun-3 series of satellites is part of a 1.6-million-U.S.-dollar donation China handed over to Zimbabwe on Thursday.
The southern African country's weather service was blamed for its slow response, inaccuracy, or in some cases, the lack of any information, particularly during last year's abnormal rainy season resulting in a one of the worst drought in decades.
Zimbabwe's Meteorological Services Department Director Amos Makarau told Xinhua the equipment was "revolutionary" and would greatly enhance the capacity of the organization in delivering efficient and timely weather information.
According to Dennis Kapaso, a senior system engineer, the donation help Zimbabwe achieve the migration from analyzing data from only one geostationary satellite to a group of seven polar-orbit satellites, which provide more frequent weather updates and much higher image resolution.
The Fengyun-3 series, currently composed of three satellites, were launched between 2007 and 2013, to provide multi-spectral, tree-dimensional, quantitative and high precision data to be used in medium and long-range numerical weather forecast, climatic prediction, and natural disaster monitoring for droughts, fires, vegetation and water.
"It's going to help us monitor weather even at a smaller scale and with more detail, something which we were not able to do with the satellite images from the previous geostationary Eumetsat satellite. It's a revolution," Makarau said.
Other equipment handed over to Zimbabwe on Thursday includes three automatic weather stations, and a meteorological early warning radio system.
"Right now we have been having problems in making sure our weather forecasts get to all the people in Zimbabwe due to various communication problems. As long as there is a radio station in a neighborhood every person now can be able to be warned of any impending disaster," he said.
He said 1,600 radios will be distributed, one per each village to ensure direct dissemination of warnings and forecasts of extreme weather conditions to the villagers.
Zimbabwe's economy is largely agriculture-based and more than 70 percent of the 13 million population live in rural areas. Without sufficient irrigation facilities, the Zimbabwean farmers are vulnerable to the change of rainfall patterns.
Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri said over the past few years, demand for accurate weather and climate information has increased due to the climate change and the frequent occurrence of extreme weather.
She said the country has not yet recovered from the averse effects of a prolong drought during the past rainy season, which reduced harvest and left millions of people in the country in need of foreign food aid.
She said the donated equipment would help Zimbabwe not only provide farmers with accurate weather information but also monitor forest fires, spot illegal gold panning, and other functions.
Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping said the donation showed the importance that China attaches to meteorological cooperation with Zimbabwe and would help the country "better prepared to cope with climate change."
He also noted that the 24.6 million dollars worth of rice committed by Beijing as emergency food aid to drought-hit Zimbabwe will soon arrive as authorities finalize the logistics details.
HONG KONG, June 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Photo taken on June 9, 2016 shows a dragon boat in a dragon boat race in Tai O, south China's Hong Kong. Tai O held the annual dragon boat race on Duanwu Festival on Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Peng)
BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- People across China are reconnecting with traditions to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on Thursday this year.
A statutory holiday in China, Dragon Boat Festival occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Celebration usually includes eating zongzi, a sticky rice treat with various fillings wrapped in bamboo leaves, drinking realgar wine and dragon boat racing.
The festival commemorates the death of Chinese poet and minister Qu Yuan during the Warring States period between 475 and 221 B.C..
Qu drowned himself in the Miluo River in central China's Hunan Province after he was banished and accused of treason for his well-intended advice to the king.
After learning of his death, locals raced boats to find his body in the river and dropped rice in the water in the hope that it would distract fish from eating Qu's body. These became traditions observed to this day.
Dragon boat races are being held across the country on Thursday. On the Miluo River, dozens of dragon boats crewed by locals compete in a contest that has been held for 12 consecutive years.
Something unexpected also happened during fierce races.
Three people went missing after a boat capsized during a dragon boat racing Thursday afternoon in eastern province of Fujian.
The boat with 36 people capsized in the Minjiang River of Yuankou village, Minhou county at about 4:30 p.m. when the race was staged.
Thirty-three were rescued, while more than 160 people and eight ships were engaged in the search.
During the festival, zongzi is the must-have food for families across China. Some choose to make zongzi themselves while others buy them from supermarkets and restaurants.
At an annual market in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu, people can watch how zongzi are made first hand and buy them hot off the steamer. The market begins roughly a month before the festival, with merchants lining a 600-meter-long street to make zongzi from scratch.
"I heard about how zongzi are made on the street and decided to buy some here instead of from the supermarket," said a woman surnamed Tu.
In Qu Yuan's hometown of Yichang in Hubei Province, local poetry societies host contests and recitals to pay tribute to their local hero.
Qu's loyalty to his state has also been tapped by modern-day poets to express patriotism and love for one's hometown.
"There is a strong spiritual and cultural aspect in Dragon Boat Festival," said Huang Boquan, a professor specializing in intangible cultural heritage study at China Three Gorges University.
"The customs related to the festival go beyond food and other material things to reflect the nation's spiritual yearnings," Huang said.
PARIS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- French military advisers have been helping the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting Islamic State (IS) insurgents in the northern city of Minbej, local media reported on Thursday.
"The offensive in Minbej (northern Syria) is clearly supported by a number of states, including France. The support consists in advising," wrote the daily Le Figaro, citing a source close to French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Le Drian last week said French and U.S. soldiers were alongside the SDF in their operation against IS fighters.
"We are helping by supplying arms, air forces presence and advice," he said.
The SDF, a coalition of Kurdish and different minorities created since December 2015, aims to oust IS from northern Syria.
At the end of May, it launched a military offensive against the IS group with 3,000 fighters.
Officials in Paris said 150 French special forces have been deployed in the Kurdistan region in Iraq, though they did not reveal details on the number of units in Syria. Enditem
THE HAGUE, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A fighter jet of the Swiss Air Force crashed near Leeuwarden Air Base in the north of the Netherlands on Thursday.
The device, a Northrop F-5, ended up in a pond near the village of Bitgum and caught fire, according to images shown on Dutch television station NOS.
The fire was put under control and the pilot used his ejection seat to exit the aircraft, said firemen at the scene.
The fighter plane was from the Swiss Air Force demonstration team, which was practicing for the Leeuwarden Air Force Days air show scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
The event, organized by the Royal Netherlands Air Force, has drawn thousands of aviation enthusiasts to Leeuwarden every year since 2006. Enditem
GUANGYUAN, June 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Divers prepare to carry out underwater searching on the Bailong Lake in Guangyuan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 9, 2016. A leisure boat carrying 18 people capsized on Bailong Lake due to strong gales on June 4. Ten people were confirmed dead and 5 others are still missing as of 8 p.m. Thursday. Rescue work still continues. (Xinhua/Tang Biao)
CHENGDU, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Death toll from a leisure boat capsizing in southwest China's Sichuan Province rose to 10 after more bodies were found, rescuers said on Thursday.
Twelve divers retrieved six bodies from the Bailong Lake in Guangyuan City on Thursday.
So far rescuers have confirmed 10 fatalities, while five others remain missing.
The accident happened on June 4, when a boat with 18 on board capsized in strong gales.
Three survivors are in stable condition.
SHENYANG, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Guo Chunlai will never forget the day when he saw Japanese war criminals repent on a Chinese court 60 years ago.
"I filed lawsuit against these Japanese on behalf of my country and compatriots and I felt proud," the 91-year-old man, then a prosecutor, said on Thursday.
On June 9, 1956, eight Japanese stood open trials at a special military tribunal in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, including Suzuki Keiku.
Suzuki Keiku was assistant commander of the 28th Infantry Regiment and later lieutenant general and commander of the 117th Division in the Japanese army invading China during WWII, who gave orders of slaughtering more than 2,200 Chinese peasants, burning down thousands of houses and luring Chinese and Koreans to serve as "comfort women."
"It was the first time since the Opium War when Chinese people tried foreign invaders independently," Guo said.
Facts of the offense must be supported by five kinds of evidence: records of the trial, accounts of the defendants, witness' accounts, historical files and proof of other defendants.
"All the Japanese pleaded guilty, some repenting, even kneeling down and begging for death penalty," Guo said.
According to Li Minghua, deputy director of the State Archives Administration, there were 1,109 Japanese war criminals in custody in China between 1950 and 1956. Among them, 1,017 with minor offenses were exempted from prosecution and released.
The decision of giving open trials to 45 of the rest in special military tribunals under the Supreme People's Court was made in April, 1956.
Between July 1 and 20 that year, another 28 Japanese were tried in Shenyang, including Rokusashi Takebe who once served as chief of general affairs of the "Manchukuo," a Japanese-backed puppet state in Northeast China and Inner Mongolia between 1932 and 1945.
Nine others stood trials in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi province.
None of the 45 war criminals were sentenced to death. They received jail terms of eight to 10 years.
"The result was beyond their expectation," Guo said. "After they returned Japan, most of these people became advocators of Sino-Japanese friendship. Some spent the rest of their lives promoting peace." Enditem
KATHMANDU, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Senior military officials from China and Nepal agreed on Thursday to further strengthen military ties between the two countries.
Admiral Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, and Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepalese Army Rajendra Chhetri discussed military-to-military ties and bilateral relations.
The Nepalese side has expressed belief that the meeting was helpful to further strengthen the military ties between China and Nepal, the Nepalese Army said in a statement.
Admiral Sun, who arrived here on Monday, had met with Nepalese Defense Minister Bhim Rawal. During the meeting, the two sides pledged to enhance defense cooperation between China and Nepal.
LONDON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The parents of an alleged Islamic State (IS) suspect from Oxfordshire were charged here on Thursday for having provided money to their son, known as "Jihadi Jack."
The couple, John Letts, 55, and his wife Sally Lane, 54, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning where they were accused of funding their 20-year-old son Jack Letts, who used the money to support violent extremism, according to local media reports.
Both Letts, a leading organic farmer, and Lane, a book editor, were charged with three counts of "making money available knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that it may be used for a terrorist purpose."
The mother was also charged with two further counts of "arranging the availability of property or money to another person knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect it could be used for the purpose of terrorism."
The court heard they sent more than 1,700 British pounds (2,459 U.S. dollars) to their son from September last year to January 2016, though knowing it would be used for terrorism, and Lane attempted to send 1,000 British pounds to her son this January.
The two denied all the charges and also denied their son has any involvement with terrorism. The case was sent to the Old Bailey for a pre-trial hearing later this month.
Jack Letts left Britain and traveled to Syria last year and is believed to have joined the IS. He is the first white Briton to have joined the terror group.
TEL AVIV, June 8, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Israeli policemen check at a restaurant where a shooting attack took place in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 8, 2016. Three Israelis were killed in an apparent shooting attack at a Tel Aviv restaurant and retail center on Wednesday evening, Israeli police and emergency services said. (Xinhua/Israeli Police Spokesperson)
JERUSALEM, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Israel's security cabinet approved sweeping sanctions against the Palestinians on Thursday, a day after a deadly shooting attack in Tel Aviv killed four Israelis.
The security cabinet, the government's top forum on security issues, was convened at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, across the street from Sarona, the popular restaurant and shopping center in which Wednesday's attack took place.
A statement by the Prime Minister's Office said that the army has completely sealed off Yatta, a village in the southern West Bank from which the two Palestinian gunmen cousins came. All the exits and entries to the village were closed.
Some 83,000 permits for Palestinians to visit Israel during the Muslim holy month of the Ramadan have been cancelled, according to the statement. Work permits in Israel for members of the assailants' extended families were also revoked.
Additionally, the ministers were informed that works for closing gaps in the Separation Barrier between Israel and the West Bank will start on June 28, the statement read.
Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli army said it will increase its presence in the West Bank territories.
"In accordance with situation assessments, the Judea and Samaria (the biblical Jewish name for the West Bank) division will be reinforced by two additional battalions," a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson read.
Four Israelis were killed in the attack on Wednesday night, and five others have been wounded. The attackers were apprehended as one was arrested and the other was shot and seriously wounded and is currently hospitalized.
It was the deadliest in a nine-month wave of violence, which saw the death of at least 204 Palestinians and 33 Israelis.
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The United States has designated the Syrian group Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade (YMB) as a terrorist organization, the State Department said Thursday.
As a result of this designation, all property subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which the YMB has any interest is blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the YMB.
The YMB was formed in August 2012 in Deraa, Syria and has staged attacks throughout southern Syria, particularly along the Israeli and Jordanian borders, the State Department said in a statement.
The group distinguished itself from other groups in Syria through kidnapping operations targeting UN personnel, including the March 2013 abduction of 21 Filipino UN peacekeepers and the May 2013 capture of another four Filipino peacekeepers from the Golan Heights, it added.
The YMB cooperated closely with al-Nusrah Front through 2014, but it has since pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.
HANOI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A China Studies Program was inaugurated at Vietnam National University on Thursday to enhance the understanding about China and further consolidate the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Vietnam.
Vu Minh Giang, director of Academic Board of the China Studies Program, said the program is supported by the Sunwah Foundation and the Vietnam National University.
Through academic study, the program is expected to promote understanding about China, set up a team of experts in Vietnam who study Chinese issues with international perspective and expertise, said Giang.
The program also serves as a channel for exchanges as well as provide in-depth consultations for the Vietnamese government, he added.
Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha, who is also president of the Vietnam National University, said the first study project of the program will be sharing of experiences in China's education reform. Results of the study are expected to serve as reference for Vietnamese universities.
Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, president of Sunwah Group, said China and Vietnam are two neighboring countries with close relations in economic, education and cultural areas. Only by increasing exchanges, the mutual understanding among countries can be enhanced, thus promoting mutual development.
Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam as well as the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnamese universities attended the ceremony.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) shakes hand with his visiting Jordanian counterpart Nasser Judeh in Moscow, on June 9, 2016. (Photo by Russian Foreign Ministry)
MOSCOW, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday urged the resumption of intra-Syrian talks to broker a political end to the five-year Syrian crisis.
Russia is concerned over the slowdown of the political settlement process in Syria, Lavrov said after meeting with his visiting Jordanian counterpart Nasser Judeh.
"In this regard, a new round of talks should begin as soon as possible," Lavrov said in a released Foreign Ministry transcript.
"With all the importance of the tasks of ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid, a decisive role in the settlement (of the Syrian crisis) should be played by political negotiations ... in the form of an inclusive dialogue without preliminary conditions and interference from outside," he said.
Lavrov also noted the necessity of cutting off the arms smuggling and illegal infiltration of militants into Syria through the Turkish border.
Meanwhile, the minister called on the United States to take joint actions against all forces, no matter terrorist or opposition groups, that have not joined the ceasefire regime imposed in February and excluding terrorist groups like the Islamic State.
There is more than enough time for any armed group to decide whether to join the ceasefire or not, Lavrov said, warning that further waiting would be counterproductive in terms of anti-terrorism missions.
The last round of intra-Syrian talks that ended in April made little progress, while United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said at the end of May that no negotiations will happen in the next two to three weeks.
An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2015 from a seaplane of Hainan Maritime Safety Administration shows cruise vessel Haixun 1103 heading to the Yacheng 13-1 drilling rig during a patrol insouth China Sea. (Xinhua file photo/Zhao Yingquan)
HANOI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials from China and the ASEAN nations vowed on Thursday to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on Conducts of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
The 12th Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC, co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and Singapore's Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry Chee Wee Kiong, was held in Vietnam's northern Halong City.
All parties vowed to continue to fully and effectively implement the DOC, deepen practical maritime cooperation and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The officials discussed the proposal that foreign ministers of China and the ASEAN nations issue a joint statement on the full and effective implementation of the DOC, and agreed to strive to reach a consensus at an early date.
On the consultations of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), the 11 parties promised to implement relevant early harvest measures as soon as possible and speed up the formulation of a guideline for the Hotline Platform among senior officials of ministries of foreign affairs between China and ASEAN nations in response to maritime emergencies.
They also discussed the better use of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the South China Sea.
All parties reaffirmed their aspirations for an early conclusion of the COC on the basis of consensus, and vowed to boost maritime cooperation, enhance mutual trust, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea as well as prosperity and development in the region.
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BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday again urged the Philippines to stop its arbitral proceedings and return to the right track of settling relevant disputes in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation with China.
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders vowed on Thursday to prevent Republican Donald Trump from becoming the U.S. president amid concerns about further damage to party unity deriving from his continued stay in the race.
"Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power, and I will work as hard as I can to make sure Donald Trump does not become president of the United States," said Sanders here after his meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.
"It is unbelievable to me ... that the Republican Party would have a candidate for president who in the year 2016 makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign," he added.
Meanwhile, Sanders said he already talked with Hillary Clinton after Clinton amassed enough delegates needed to notch up the nomination on Tuesday and he said they would speak soon about how to "work together" to defeat Trump.
However, Sanders still declined to endorse Clinton at the moment and insisted that he would take part in the last nomination contest next week.
As the Democratic primary season was all but over, the notion of party unity had become a crucial topic in the Democratic field.
Despite his mathematical elimination from the race, Sanders had earlier on pledged to continue the fight into the national convention in July when party nomination would be formally announced.
However, Sanders later also indicated that he would "assess" his path to victory in the wake of California's primary which was held on Tuesday.
Clinton notched up an easy victory by two-digit lead in California.
Sanders' meeting with Obama in the White House was part of the Vermont senator's busy schedule in Washington on Thursday. He would also meet with Democratic leaders in the U.S. Congress and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
Unlike the prompt rapprochement reached between Clinton and Obama in 2008 primary season, reconciliation this time between Sanders and Clinton could be elusive.
For one thing, Sanders had for long called himself an independent and democratic socialist, and he joined the Democratic Party only last year to get on the ballot. Therefore, his is less committed to party loyalty than was Clinton eight years ago.
Even more daunting a task this time for party establishment to bridge the Clinton and Sanders divide was the anti-establishment sentiment Sanders had stirred up among disheartened Democratic and independent voters in this chaotic primary season.
According to the most recent YouGov poll released on May 25, half of Sanders' supporters would turn away from Clinton in a matchup between Clinton and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. At the end of April, YouGov poll found that 63 percent of Sanders' supporters were willing to vote for Clinton.
DAMASCUS, June 7, 2016 (Xinhua) -- An Syrian man prepares food at Harjelah refugee camp near Damascus, Syria, on the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, on June 6, 2016. (Xinhua/Yang Zhen)
TEHRAN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Defense Minister, Hossein Dehqan, on Thursday urged a "comprehensive"cease-fire in Syria as a preliminary step for resolving the crisis in the Arab state.
The cease-fire, however, should not pave the way for terrorist groups to grow stronger, Dehqan made the remark in a trilateral meeting with his visiting Russian and Syrian counterparts in Tehran, Press TV reported.
Dehqan called for "a decisive fight" against all terrorist groups involved in the Syrian violence, urging a halt in the flow of aid to the those groups.
Such anti-terror battles must go hand in hand with efforts on the diplomatic front with the aim of setting the stage for the Syrian nation to decide its own political future in peace, he was quoted as saying.
The Iranian minister also criticized the United States, Saudi Arabia and some other regional states for what he said "supporting the terrorists" under the guise of so-called "moderate opposition."
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and Syrian Defense Minister Fahd Jassem al-Freij arrived in Iran's capital Tehran on Thursday to discuss further cooperation.
The meeting is aimed at exchanging views on the latest regional development and the ways to strengthen the fight against terrorism.
The visiting ministers will also hold separate meetings with their Iranian counterpart and Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.
Iran and Russia have emerged as the major allies of the Syrian government in its struggle against the militant groups who are seeking the overthrow of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.
Since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began, more than 250,000 Syrians have been killed and millions of the Syrians have been displaced from their homes.
LAGOS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's southwest Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has performed seven successful open heart surgeries, an official said Thursday.
A team of Nigerian and Indian experts carried out the surgeries on six children and one adult, Chris Bode, the Hospital Chief Medical Director (CMD) told reporters in Lagos, the country's economic hub.
The medical expert said the surgeries were carried out in the past weeks under the LUTH Cardiac Project established in 2014 in partnership with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The institution intends to carry out 100 open heart surgeries in 2017, he added.
Bode said the success of the project had brought national pride to the country's health sector and would discourage medical tourism.
Speaking in the same vein, Christy Okoromah, the Head of Pediatric Cardiology Unit, said heart problems were caused by various factors, such as genetic, environmental and maternal diseases.
Okoromah said congenital defects such as holes in the heart, abnormal connections and a sundry of other birth defects could cripple or kill if left uncorrected.
She said adults may also suffer surgically correctable heart conditions such as damage to valves and a host of other conditions.
The expert told reporters that the project would enable the medical team in the country to build capacities in their various fields by engaging in such projects regularly. Enditem
ALGIERS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Algeria's counter-terror units killed 4 militants and captured one another alive in the province of Medea, 150 south west Algiers, Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
"Army troops on Wednesday night killed four terrorists in an ambush set at the locality of Baata, in the upper woods of Medea," the source said, adding "Kalashnikov-type submachine guns and a quantity of ammunition were retrieved, while a bunker and a homemade bomb were destroyed."
Later on Thursday, the troops arrested another terrorist alive in same locality, as the operation is still underway, the source said. A Kalashnikov-type submachine gun, a pair of night binoculars, five magazines, ammunition and seven mobile phones were retrieved, the source concluded.
The region of Medea is known by its dense forests providing safe refuge to terrorist groups since the early nineties. However, the continuous anti-terrorism operations being conducted by the Algerian army troops have enabled to eradicate many militants. Enditem
by Salah Takieddine
BEIRUT, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Suheila Idriss, a Syrian woman who fled her devastated town in Aleppo and took refuge in the plains of Marjeyoun in South Lebanon, feels confused and puzzled every day while preparing the traditional iftar for her family.
Iftar is the meal that breaks the long day of fasting for the Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan that started Monday.
"We cannot prepare the proper iftar because our severe living conditions, and we content ourselves with the minimum required," Idriss told Xinhua.
"We lost the pleasure of family gathering at the iftar after five years of displacement and our Ramadan remains full of sadness and pain due to the loss of relatives and friends in the war," she added.
In the nearby plain of Sarda, Jamila al-Ahmad, displaced from Damascus, told Xinhua "before our displacement to Lebanon, we spent two years in our town being bombed and shelled, and we could not find anything to feed ourselves, but here in Lebanon, we depend on aid we get during Ramadan from the United Nations and the local donors."
She stressed "despite the rationing in the aid given by the donors, our situation here is better than in Syria."
For her part, Ilham Soueidan, who was displaced to Hasbaya in South Lebanon from Damascus, told Xinhua "none of the refugees feels the happiness of Ramadan for years."
Isaaf Aboul Oula was fifty years old. She lost her husband in the devastated city of Idlid.
She recalled how her late husband would "work hard to secure what is needed for the iftar during Ramadan. "But today our lives have turned upside down and I depend with my five children, as most of the refugees in the camp, on the donations of the aid agencies and the locals."
Ahmad al-Oulabi, now taking shelter in the southern village of Rachaya al Wadi in Lebanon, told Xinhua that "during Ramadan, before and after, our main concern remains how to provide our families with the minimum required to secure our living."
According to the United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees, Lebanon hosts more than 1.1 million Syrians, who fled their war-torn country since the uprising against President Bashar Assad erupted in March 2011. Enditem
LAGOS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria has concluded plans to send 100 Niger Delta youths to European countries for a program, a top government official said Thursday.
The government, through the ministry of of Niger Delta Affairs is set to address the major problems confronting the region, Usani Usani, the minister in charge of the ministry told reporters in Abuja, the nation's capital city.
The Niger Delta Avengers, a new militant group have claimed responsibility for recent attacks on infrastructure in the oil rich region, crippling oil production and rendering the energy sector paralytic.
The minister added that the trainees would be readily absorbed and constructively engaged upon completion of their studies abroad.
Usani said the local content office of the Africa House in the United Kingdom had entered into collaboration with the ministry to train the youths on NV Q Model Design.
The minister called on the restive youths of the region to put an end to destruction of national assets and embrace peace.
The Nigerian government is already in discussion with relevant stakeholders from the region on how to stop vandalism of oil pipes and other infrastructure in the region. Enditem
TEHRAN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Thursday that the Islamic republic is ready for closer cooperation with Qatar for regional stability and security, Tasnim news agency reported.
"Tehran is prepared to expand consultations with friendly countries in the region, including Qatar, for strengthening regional stability and security," Rouhani said in a telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Tehran and Doha have common interests in line with regional development and stability, he said, adding that through closer cooperation and consultation both countries can implement their goals.
He stressed the need for strategic talks between Iran and other regional states, including Qatar, to improve peace in the region.
For his part, the Qatari emir said his country is "proud" of its amicable ties with Iran, and hoped for the enhancement of Tehran-Doha relations, according to Tasnim.
Qatar favors "good and strategic relations" between Iran and the Persian Gulf littoral countries, he added. Enditem
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at Barker Hangar on June 7, 2016 in Santa Monica, California. AFP PHOTO / JONATHAN ALCORN
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders vowed on Thursday to prevent Republican Donald Trump from becoming the U.S. president amid concerns about further damage to party unity deriving from his continued stay in the race.
"Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power, and I will work as hard as I can to make sure Donald Trump does not become president of the United States," said Sanders here after his meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.
"It is unbelievable to me ... that the Republican Party would have a candidate for president who in the year 2016 makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign," he added.
Meanwhile, Sanders said he already talked with Hillary Clinton after Clinton amassed enough delegates needed to notch up the nomination on Tuesday and he said they would speak soon about how to "work together" to defeat Trump.
However, Sanders still declined to endorse Clinton at the moment and insisted that he would take part in the last nomination contest next week.
As the Democratic primary season was all but over, the notion of party unity had become a crucial topic in the Democratic field.
Despite his mathematical elimination from the race, Sanders had earlier on pledged to continue the fight into the national convention in July when party nomination would be formally announced.
However, Sanders later also indicated that he would "assess" his path to victory in the wake of California's primary which was held on Tuesday.
Clinton notched up an easy victory by two-digit lead in California.
Sanders' meeting with Obama in the White House was part of the Vermont senator's busy schedule in Washington on Thursday. He would also meet with Democratic leaders in the U.S. Congress and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
Unlike the prompt rapprochement reached between Clinton and Obama in 2008 primary season, reconciliation this time between Sanders and Clinton could be elusive.
For one thing, Sanders had for long called himself an independent and democratic socialist, and he joined the Democratic Party only last year to get on the ballot. Therefore, his is less committed to party loyalty than was Clinton eight years ago.
Even more daunting a task this time for party establishment to bridge the Clinton and Sanders divide was the anti-establishment sentiment Sanders had stirred up among disheartened Democratic and independent voters in this chaotic primary season.
According to the most recent YouGov poll released on May 25, half of Sanders' supporters would turn away from Clinton in a matchup between Clinton and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. At the end of April, YouGov poll found that 63 percent of Sanders' supporters were willing to vote for Clinton.
WARSAW, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Strengthening NATO's eastern flank and terrorism counter measures were among the topics discussed by Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Witold Waszczykowski and his counterparts from Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and Romania, Lazar Comanescu, here on Thursday.
After the meeting, Waszczykowski underlined that the three countries shared common view regarding the need to strengthen NATO eastern flank, especially considering the fact that they constitute three biggest countries in the region.
According to Waszczykowski, the three countries are "connected by common problems and common proposals of their solutions."
"We assume that the eastern flank should be strengthened, and its security increased by locating NATO international forces, as well as American forces," Waszczykowski said.
The meeting was also dedicated to the upcoming NATO summit in Warsaw, which is to be held in July 2016.
All the three agreed on the need for closer cooperation between the EU and NATO as far as regional security is concerned.
Another crucial challenge raised was the terrorist threat. They declared cooperation in fighting against terrorism.
The Polish-Turkish-Romanian three-side formula consultations are to be continued in the following years. The next stage of talks is to be held in Bucharest in autumn 2016, summing up the NATO summit in Warsaw. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will leave New York on Monday for Brussels, Belgium, to participate in the European Development Days organized by the European Commission before attending the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia on June 16 and visiting Greece the following day, a UN spokesman announced here Thursday.
In Brussels, the secretary-general will meet with Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, and a number of Commissioners as well as with other senior officials attending the celebration of the European Development Days, Europe's leading forum on development and international cooperation, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
While in Belgium, the secretary-general will also participate in an Advisory Board meeting of the Sustainable Energy For All (SE4ALL) initiative, and meet with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, who is one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals Ambassadors, he said.
On June 16, the secretary-general will be in St. Petersburg, Russia, for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an annual international conference dedicated to economic and business issues held under the auspices of the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, he said.
The secretary-general is scheduled to meet with Russian President Putin, as well as with other participating senior officials, said the spokesman.
On June 17, the secretary-general will travel to Athens, Greece, where he will meet with President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, among others, he said.
He will then go to the island of Lesvos June 18, to meet with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, as well as local volunteers and authorities, he said.
The secretary-general is expected to be back in New York on June 19. Enditem
LONDON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Children in Britain from lower social groupings miss out on playtime or reading with their parents, compared to kids from higher social groups, a report revealed Thursday.
A new study, released by the Social Mobility Commission, has highlighted a wide division in parenting and children's life chances.
Former Member of Parliament, Alan Milburn, who chairs the Commission, said the report produced by Oxford University's Nuffield College, shows a yawning divide in the life chances of kids.
The study used data from the 1960s to the present day and found some improvements in the early life chances of the least advantaged children in Britain.
But it also uncovered a wide social divide between children from families with high and low socio-economic status (SES) in building the childhood foundations for mobility in later life - such as dads reading to, and parents playing with, their kids.
The report was inspired by "Our Kids", an alarming portrait of growing inequality in the United States in relation to parental time investment.
The Nuffield College report was commissioned by the Social Mobility Commission to replicate the findings in the "Our Kids" report for British kids.
"Overall the picture in the United Kingdom does not look as bleak as in the United States. Families eating their evening meals together do not vary much, and inequalities are not worsening over time," said a spokesman for the commission.
British parents helping with homework increased from 81 percent to 83 percent and the likelihood of mothers reading regularly to their children has increased substantially between 1965 and 2006, from 50 percent to 95 percent.
The amount of time parents invest in developmental activities such as playing or reading with their young children, known as 'Gruffalo' time, saw an average increase from 23 minutes a day in 1975 to 80 minutes a day in 2015.
But the report said worryingly in areas vital to child development and attainment at school, gaps are widening between high and low social economic status families. It highlighted fathers reading regularly to children, with the gap between high SES fathers and low SES fathers increasing by almost three quarters - from 15 percentage points in 1965 to 26 percentage points in 2006.
Very young children with parents from better-off groups receive on average 40 minutes a day more parental engagement in developmental activities, like playing and reading, than lower group parents, a gap that's widened since the 1970s.
Children from higher social groups are also more likely to participate with their parents in sport and physical activity, as well as cultural activities such as visiting art galleries.
Millburn added: "Every parent tries to do the best for their kids and this report shows parental involvement increasing over time. But there remains a yawning divide in children's life chances. The social class make-up of children's behavioral and emotional problems is truly shocking.
"Low incomes and insecure jobs place an enormous strain on family life. It is not right that children from low SES families miss out on the opportunities for play with their parents or reading with their dads that is the norm for their better-off peers. These activities are vital to children's development and provide a platform for improved educational attainment at school and social mobility in adulthood.
"This report makes clear that parenting can no longer be a no-go area for public policy. Parenting has not received the attention it deserves and the government must do more to offer support." Enditem
A file picture taken on July 19, 2013 shows Indian schoolchildren eating a free mid-day meal at a government school in Amritsar. AFP PHOTO/NARINDER NANU /FILES
UNITED NATIONS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Thursday released a major analysis of global school meal practices, which offers guidance on how to design and implement large-scale sustainable national school feeding programs that can meet globally approved standards.
The analysis documented and analyzed a range of government-led school meals programs to provide decision-makers and practitioners worldwide with the knowledge, evidence and good practice they need to strengthen their national school feeding efforts.
Produced by Imperial College London's Partnership for Child Development (PCD), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Bank, "the Global School Feeding Sourcebook: Lessons from 14 Countries" was created in response to demand from governments and development partners, UN officials said here.
The 14 countries are Botswana, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Chile, Cote D'Ivoire, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mali, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria and South Africa.
School feeding programs have been defined by the World Bank as "targeted social safety nets that provide both educational and health benefits to the most vulnerable children, thereby increasing enrollment rates, reducing absenteeism, and improving food security at the household level."
Beyond improvements in access to food, school feeding programs also have a positive impact on nutritional status, gender equity, and educational status, each of which contributes to improving overall levels of country and human development.
With school meals' proven ability to improve the health and education of children while supporting local and national economies and food security, WFP reported that school feeding programs exist in almost every country in the world for which there is data, for a total annual global investment of 75 billion U.S. dollars.
This provides an estimated 368 million children -- about one in five -- with a meal at school daily. However, too often, such programs are weakest in countries where there is the most need, the UN agency warned.
With high-level collaboration with government teams from these 14 countries, the Sourcebook included a compilation of concise and comprehensive country case-studies. It highlighted the trade-offs associated with alternative school feeding models and analyzes the overarching themes, trends and challenges which run across them.
In a joint foreword, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim and World Food Programme Executive Director Ertharin Cousin said that the research showed how school meals programs help to get children into the classroom and keep them there, "contributing to their learning by avoiding hunger and enhancing cognitive abilities."
"Today, national school feeding programs are increasingly embedded in national policy on poverty elimination, social protection, education and nutrition," they said.
Meanwhile, lead Editor and PCD's Executive Director Lesley Drake said the overall message from this research is that there is no "one size fits all" for school feeding and there are many routes to success.
"Context is key," she noted. "This Sourcebook will act as a valuable tool for governments to enable them to make evidence-based decisions that will improve the effectiveness of their school feeding programs."
The Sourcebook follows Rethinking School Feeding and The State of School Feeding Worldwide as the third in a trilogy of agenda-defining analysis produced by the World Bank, WFP and PCD global partnership. These have reportedly shaped the way in which governments and donors alike approach school feeding.
"Helping countries to apply this knowledge [in the Sourcebook] to strengthen national school feeding programmes will contribute to reducing the vulnerability of the poorest, giving all children a chance for an education and a bright future and eliminating poverty," said Kim and Cousin.
While school meals are provided by the governments of most high and middle-income countries around the globe, the children who may benefit most from school feeding programs are in low-income countries that do not have government-provided school meals, reports said.
According to WFP, 66 million primary school age children go hungry every day, with 23 million hungry children in Africa alone. Furthermore, 80 percent of these 66 million children are concentrated within just 20 countries.
Additionally, 75 million school-age children (55 percent of them girls) do not attend school, with 47 percent of them living in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the need to reduce hunger while increasing school enrollment in these children is evident, and school feeding programs have been developed to target this multifaceted problem.
Schools have become a natural and convenient setting for the implementation of health and education interventions. School feeding is just one facet of school health initiatives, as other programs may include de-worming, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, and life and health skills education.
Overall, school feeding programs have been shown to directly increase the educational and nutritional status of recipient children, and indirectly impact the economic and social lives of themselves and their families.
U.S. Democratic presidential candidates Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) pose for photographers prior to the CNN/Los Angeles Times Democratic presidential debate in Hollywood, California January 31, 2008. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo)
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama formally threw his support behind presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in a web video Thursday.
"I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office," said Obama in the video posted on Clinton's Facebook page.
"I'm with her. I'm fired up and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign with Hillary," Obama said.
According to White House spokesman Josh Earnest, the first joint appearance of Obama and Clinton will take place next Wednesday in Wisconsin, one of the crucial swing states in the general election.
Obama's endorsement came just moments after his meeting with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Clinton's rival in the nomination race, and according to Earnest, Sanders "was not surprised" by Obama's endorsement.
Although he still declined to endorse Clinton at the moment, Sanders told reporters after the meeting that he would do everything "to make sure Donald Trump does not become president of the United States."
As the Democratic primary season was all but over, the notion of party unity had become a crucial topic in the Democratic field.
So far, Sanders had offered mixed response as to what his next step would be after being mathematically eliminated from the race.
Sanders had earlier pledged to continue the fight into the national convention in July when party nomination would be formally announced. However, he later indicated that he would "assess" his path to victory in the wake of California's primary which was held on Tuesday.
Clinton notched an easy victory by two-digit lead in California.
Despite the urgency to unite the party, the White House said on Thursday it was up to Sanders to make the decision as to when and how he ends the campaign.
"Senator Sanders has more than earned the right to make his own decision on his own timeframe about the future of his campaign and the president certainly respects the important work that Senator Sanders has done on the campaign trail," said Earnest in the daily briefing on Thursday.
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COLOMBO, June 9 (Xinhua) - Sri Lanka's Finance Minister survived from a no-confidence vote which has been critical of his policies by the opposition in Parliament on Thursday.
The no-confidence motion on Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake was defeated in Parliament by 94 votes.
145 members of Parliament voted against the motion while 51 members approved and 28 members were absent.
The "joint opposition" is consisting by some members of the ruling party and the Marxist people's liberation front voted for the motion.
Karunanayake, who takes up the Finance Minister from January 2015, has been blamed for Sri Lankas economic downfall which forced the country to obtain foreign loans.
The government has defended the Minister saying that the economy suffered from a huge debt owing to policies of the former government. Enditem
LAGOS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Troops are making progress in the ongoing clearance operations across the northeast, the Nigerian Army said Thursday.
Spokesperson for the Army Col. Sani Usman said in a statement made available to Xinhua in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub that more Boko Haram hideouts are being cleared and scores of suspected terrorists killed.
He said the latest successes were recorded by troops comprising elements of 7 Division, Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion and supported by aerial reconnaissance and surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force.
Usman said the insurgents' enclaves in 13 villages in Bama and a village in Abadam Local Government Areas of Borno were cleared during the joint operations conducted between Wednesday and Thursday.
He added that 225 hostages were rescued in separate operations across the state while an undisclosed number of suspected terrorists were killed.
According to him, troops of 26 Battalion, 151 Task Force Battalion, 155 Task Force Battalion and some elements of 21 Brigade have carried out a joint clearance operations.
The army spokesperson said the operations were aimed to destroy remnants of Boko Haram terrorists camps and enclaves in the early hours of today in several villages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Usman added that the rescued hostages comprised women and children who have been screened and transported to the various Internally Displaced Persons camps across the state.
He said troops recovered different cache of arms and ammunition, and other items in the last 48 hours of clearance operations in Borno alone.
According to Usman, troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, on blocking position, encountered a convoy of Boko Haram terrorists on motorcycles, killed one of them and recovered a bag containing money.
He added that troops of 111 Special Forces Battalion and the Civilian JTF have continued to secure the reopened Maiduguri-Damboa road to ease movement of motorists along the axis.
According to Usman, no fewer than 300 vehicles are escorted daily by the units on the Maiduguri-Damboa road.
He said the Nigerian Air Force has also continued to provide air reconnaissance and airlift of commanders to front line troops across the restive northeast. Enditem
LAGOS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Thursday lauded the performance of the nation's telecommunications industry in the first quarter of 2016, which it said would even improve in the subsequent quarters of the year.
Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) told a consortium of international investors led by UBS South Africa in Abuja that the telecom industry has been recording positive growth, while other sectors of the economy is recording negative growth.
He said the commission would soon meet with operators over the recent auction of 2.6GHz spectrum, which saw only MTN Nigeria, bid for 6 out of 14 available slots.
"I think we are happy with the level of compliance to regulatory stipulations in general, minus the MTN incident, which cast some sort of shadow in our regulatory derive to ensure sustainability and stability of the industry," he added.
"I am happy, we are putting that one behind us, and this is attested to by recent statistics by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that the industry recorded a growth of 0.5 percent to GDP in comparison to the same period last year," the expert said.
"In monetary terms this is going to translate to over 1.4 trillion naira (over 70 billion U.S. dollars), only in the first quarter of this year," the NCC chief told his audience.
"I think it is poised to grow even further in the subsequent quarters of the year," he said.
He said the commission incorporates elements of flexibility in its dealing with operators, in order to continue to sustain the growth in the sector, which the NCC chief said, has the potential to provide an alternative to oil and gas. Enditem
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders walks with U.S. President Barack Obama to the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. June 9, 2016. REUTERS/Gary Cameron
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama formally threw his support behind presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in a web video Thursday.
"I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office," said Obama in the video posted on Clinton's Facebook page.
"I'm with her. I'm fired up and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign with Hillary," Obama said.
According to White House spokesman Josh Earnest, the first joint appearance of Obama and Clinton will take place next Wednesday in Wisconsin, one of the crucial swing states in the general election.
Obama's endorsement came just moments after his meeting with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Clinton's rival in the nomination race, and according to Earnest, Sanders "was not surprised" by Obama's endorsement.
Although he still declined to endorse Clinton at the moment, Sanders told reporters after the meeting that he would do everything "to make sure Donald Trump does not become president of the United States."
As the Democratic primary season was all but over, the notion of party unity had become a crucial topic in the Democratic field.
So far, Sanders had offered mixed response as to what his next step would be after being mathematically eliminated from the race.
Sanders had earlier pledged to continue the fight into the national convention in July when party nomination would be formally announced. However, he later indicated that he would "assess" his path to victory in the wake of California's primary which was held on Tuesday.
U.S. Democratic presidential candidates Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) pose for photographers prior to the CNN/Los Angeles Times Democratic presidential debate in Hollywood, California January 31, 2008. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo
Clinton notched an easy victory by two-digit lead in California.
Despite the urgency to unite the party, the White House said on Thursday it was up to Sanders to make the decision as to when and how he ends the campaign.
"Senator Sanders has more than earned the right to make his own decision on his own timeframe about the future of his campaign and the president certainly respects the important work that Senator Sanders has done on the campaign trail," said Earnest in the daily briefing on Thursday.
by Marina Watson Pelaez
LISBON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A well-known Chinese surgeon performed here on Thursday a live laparoscopic and robotic surgery which received applause from the attendees at the European congress of "Challenges in Laparoscopy and Robotics."
Zhang Xu, chief of the Urology Department of the Chinese PLA General Hospital 301 in Beijing, is among some of the world's most prominent urologic surgeons attending the event.
During the three-day meeting they will perform 23 minimally invasive surgeries (MIS), including a right kidney tumor robotic retroperitoneal right partial nephrectomy by Zhang.
The surgeries were screened live in a conference room, and attendees could watch and hear the doctor's comments and answers to questions through their headphones.
Zhang explained that these kinds of surgeries avoided damaging tissue and would improve patients' quality of life.
He also told participants that he changed his strategy depending on which side the tumor was.
Most surgeons around the world didn't know how to use this innovative technique, he pointed out.
"I have my own technique," he told Xinhua after the live performance. "There are many, many advantages of this kind of procedure."
Some of these advantages include that it is easier to find certain tumours that are located posteriorly. Other benefits he mentioned are a shorter operation time and less blood loss.
He was congratulated following the operation by several doctors including Alex Mottrie, from the Department of Urology O.L.V in Belgium.
"I am here to attend this conference because it is one of the biggest meetings in Europe in robotics. I think it is important in Europe for us to collaborate and have our noses in the same direction," Mottrie told Xinhua.
"We see different types of surgery with their own technique and that makes it so interesting," he added.
Mottrie explained that all the surgeries at the conference are minimum invasive and that Zhang's technique was standardized and very precise.
While the United States represents the single biggest market for Laparoscopic surgery, also called minimally invasive surgery, demand is rising rapidly in the Asia-Pacific.
Other urologists who attended the conference include Thierry Piechaud from France, Kris Maes from Lisbon and Aldo Bocciardi from Italy.
The event was organized in collaboration with Lisbon's Hospital Santa Maria.
VANCOUVER, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The province of Saskatchewan is the most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment in Canada, according to the annual global survey of mining executives released by the Fraser Institute on Thursday.
The Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank, rates 109 jurisdictions around the world based on a combination of their geologic attractiveness for minerals and metals and their policy attractiveness. For the second consecutive year, Saskatchewan ranks as the top jurisdiction in Canada and finishes second worldwide behind Western Australia.
"While Saskatchewan is blessed with potash and uranium reserves, miners also appreciate it's approach to mining policy. Compared to other jurisdictions, the province is perceived to have a competitive tax regime, efficient permitting procedures and clarity around land claims," said Kenneth Green, Fraser Institute senior director of energy and natural resources and director of the Survey of Mining Companies.
Quebec ranks second in Canada and is the only other Canadian jurisdiction in the top 10 worldwide for overall investment attractiveness, according to the Survey of Mining Companies, 2015.
Two of Canada's other large jurisdictions-British Columbia and Ontario-improved in this year's rankings. Internationally, Ontario places 15th and B.C. ranks 18th.
Canada's overall investment attractiveness-based on the combined rankings of all Canadian jurisdictions-dropped slightly in 2015. Australia overtook Canada as the number one most attractive region in the world for mining investment, although that's more of a function of Australia improving faster than Canada. Enditem
BRUSSELS, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Since the arrival of the Chinese pandas, Hao Hao and Xing Hui, in February 2014, the number of visitors to the Belgian park Pairi Daiza has increased significantly, said the spokesperson of the park, Aleksandra Vidanovski, during an interview with Xinhua.
In 2015, the number of park visitors rose by 42.1 percent from 2013 to 1.767 million, according to Vidanovski.
On sunny holidays, Pairi Daiza is sometimes found "saturation" to the point of having to close its doors and ask visitors to postpone their arrivals, she said.
On June 2 at 2:02 local time, the giant panda Hao Hao gave birth to a baby panda, a male of 170 grams. The arrival of the baby panda could attract more visitors to the park, according to the spokesperson.
For the owner of the park, Eric Domb, "obviously, we thought about the inconvenience because of too many visitors."
"Our main concern is to anticipate these critical days. We do not want to force people to make kilometers traffic jam or turn back. We believe that online tickets are the best solution," he told the Belgian newspaper Le Soir.
"Not to make money, but as a deterrent. Online sales will allow us to determine in advance the busy days and, if necessary, to limit the tickets," he explained.
Specifically, purchasing tickets on the internet will be more advantageous. At present, the difference between a purchase on-site and online revolves around 1.20 euros. In the coming days, the entry price at checkout (currently 31 euros for an adult) will be increased by several euros, said Eric Domb to the Belgian newspaper.
"We will implement the Road of pandas. This will be a one-way circuit to observe the pandas and the baby," Vidanovski said.
Growing up, the baby panda will want to be separated from his mother. A new enclosure will be installed at the back of the pandas cave, she added. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, June 7, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajcak speaks to journalists after an informal dialogues for the position of the next Secretary-General, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, June 7, 2016. The United Nations on Tuesday kicked off a second round of public audition with another two new candidates for the position of next UN secretary-general. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
Jack threatens Govt with lawsuit
Jack is being represented by a team of attorneys from Freedom House Chambers led by Anand Ramlogan SC.
According to the letter, written by attorney Jayanti Lutchmedial, the THA on April 26, acknowledged that the manner in which the funds allocated to the Assembly have been provided by the Ministry of Finance was not in compliance with the law. The letter quoted the THA Chief Secretary being quoted on the assemblys website.
Usually and legally, the Tobago House of Assembly receives its parliamentary allocation from the Ministry of Finance en bloc and in advance. This did not happen in this particular quarter. In fact, funding was received the middle of this month; we received one month of funding under recurrent and one month and a half funding under the development vote. Lutchmedial quoted Section 141D of the Constitution which establishes the THA Fund and how it is to be serviced.
According to the attorney, in the face of clear statutory provisions, the decision by the Minister of Finance to forward monies in a manner other than that prescribed by the THA Act is unauthorised, illegal and contrary to law. Lutchmedial said that a claim for a construction of the Section 47 will be filed so that it can be clarified whether the law can be interpreted so as to permit or accommodate the actions, conduct and/or decision of the Minister of Finance (the Minister) to: (i) forward monies to the THA Fund for less than the full third quarter of fiscal year 2016 under both the recurrent expenditure and development vote; and (ii) forward the said monies in the middle of April and not in advance of the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. The letter said that the law does not permit such an act as had been done by the Minister of Finance and that the decision of the minister was unconstitutional, ultra vires, unauthorised and contrary to law as neither the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago nor the Tobago House of Assembly Act vests such power in the Minister.
The letter further contends that the minister failed to observe conditions and procedures required by law and his actions and decisions were an irregular and an improper exercise of discretion.
Jack is seeking declarations that Section 47 of the THA Act does not permit the Minister of Finance to act otherwise than in strict compliance with the Act, that is, to credit the THA Fund with the full amount of monies allocated for the quarter in advance, en bloc as well as that the decision of the minister to forward less than the full quarterly allocation to the THA fund was unauthorised, illegal and ultra vires the THA Act.
The TOP political leader also wants the court to declare that the minister acted in breach of Section 47 of the THA Act when the quarterly releases for the third quarter of 2016 was not credited to the Tobago House of Assembly Fund in advance of the third quarter.
Poison accused boy back in court
When he appeared in the same court on Tuesday, the case was adjourned to yesterday as there was no magistrate to hear the case.
The minor stood before Senior Magistrate Sieumungal Ramsaran charged with administering a toxic substance to endanger life. The charge was laid by PC Durant Neaves of the Rio Claro Police Station.
When the case was called, Magistrate Ramsaran ordered the public gallery cleared of all persons not connected to the case, including reporters as the case was heard in-camera (in private). Apart from police and attorneys, only the boys mother was allowed at the hearing. The charge was laid indictably and so the accused boy was not called upon to enter a plea. The Magistrate endorsed the view that the child remain in the custody of his mother as the case continues. Magistrate Ramsaran then adjourned the case to July 29. Attorney Adanna Walker represented the accused boy while Sgt Sanjeev Ramkaran prosecuted.
PC Neaves charged the boy with administering a toxic substance to endanger life. The charge alleges that the minor laced poison (termite killer) in a meal of macaroni, cheese and egg which he fed to his 58-year-old grandmother on Saturday last at their home. The grandmother who was treated at a health facility and subsequently discharged, was not present at yesterdays hearing.
Pathologist: Woman stabbed 18 times
There were 15 areas of bruising on the breast, arm, abdomen, back and thigh.
The brain was congested with blood.
Krysta was stabbed to death in her house at Limefield Road, Cedros on January 20, 2004 after she had gotten home from work. Des Viges who did the autopsy testified before Justice Carla Brown-Antoine and a jury of 12, that there were about 18 stab wounds on the body.
Attorney Rekha Ramjit, defending Hosten, cross-examined Des Vignes and asked if the description he gave of the bruises, was reflective of someone fighting.
He said he could not say precisely but that it could be classified as adrenalin type activity...
either fight or flight. The trial continues today.
Detained weight loss doctor falls ill
Newsday also understands Fraud Squad officers are experiencing difficulty in getting women fitting an almost similar physical description of the doctor to attend and stand in line next to her in the Identification parade.
Sources revealed that the arrest of the doctor came after a report was made to the Fraud Squad by a member of the public who claimed to have paid $25,000 to the doctor for lyposuction surgery. The surgery reportedly never took place prompting the person to make a report to the Fraud Squad. At least six persons have reported to Fraud Squad alleged fraud against the doctor.
Newsday understands that when the doctor is released from hospital and the identification is completed directions will be sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the matter.
Labourers body washes ashore
Lifeguards on the beach front located off Cham Road, Mayaro rescued the teenager, but were unable to rescue Marin. Mitchell remains warded at Sangre Grande Area Hospital. Reports said that shortly after 9 am on Monday, Marin and Mitchell were at the beach when the teenager began experiencing difficulties while in the water.
It was when Marin attempted to save her, he got into difficulties and disappeared under sea waters.
Family members and coast guards spent the past days combing the area in search for Marins body but their efforts were futile.
Yesterday Marins distraught brother McKendell, 30, said that family members were struggling to come to terms with his death.
However, the grieving brother he said that now the family has received some closure with the discovery of Marins body. It is really hard for us, but we are trying to hold it together, he said.
An autopsy was expected to be performed at the Forensic Science Centre yesterday. Investigations are continuing
Auditor General vs BIR over $47B
A Parliament committee yesterday heard that the impasse dating from 2012 has now escalated to the stage where Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi has signalled an intention to table legislation to give auditors express legal powers to conduct checks on records at the BIR. Committee members described the situation as alarming.
The next step is to bring amending legislation to Parliament, Assistant Auditor General Gaitrie Maharaj told the Public Accounts Committee. That would remove any hindrance. She was responding to questions posed by Housing Minister Randall Mitchell. Maharaj said auditors need to check controls in place over revenue collection so as to verify revenue figures in the States books. However, the BIR has been blocking these checks.
We have not been able to access records of individual taxpayers, Maharaj said. Committee chairman Dr Bhoe Tewarie, the Caroni Central MP, noted the BIR has reported $47 billion in arrears due to the non-payment of taxes. This is almost the size of an annual budget, in arrears...that is plenty money, Tewarie said. Legal officer at the Auditor Generals Department Nicole Cockburn, observed, This is one of the things we do not have access to. Mitchell said, I too, am alarmed at the high figure. Does tax amnesty take this down? Cockburn suggested a novel way to deal with the impasse might be to call on President Anthony Carmona. The legal officer said Section 4 of the Income Tax Act allows for a procedure whereby the President can name a person who would have access.
I am thinking the Auditor General could possible pursue this option, Cockburn said. Maybe we can have the option of having the President name someone. However, Tewarie observed the President acts on the advice of Cabinet and it would depend on whether Presidents House is empowered under law to act independently.
In relation to a $33 billion overdraft on the Exchequer Account, the committee heard once more that the State is not treating this overdraft as part of liabilities and therefore, public debt. In response to questions from Independent Senator Dhanayshar Mahabir, Maharaj said the overdraft is not included in public debt but should be.
However, Tewarie said the account had been in overdraft since 2008 and is not included in public debt because it fluctuates on a daily basis.
Top cop: Police doing their best
Responding to a question by Opposition Senator Wade Mark, during a public meeting between the Police Service and members of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee at Tower D, International Waterfront Centre in Port-of-Spain, Williams stated, I would say at this time the releases are not timely. It does impact the functioning of the Service on an ongoing basis. It places some serious challenge on us to deal with the delay in releases. However, he added, In the light of what we receive, we continue to do our best in serving the citizens by way of providing a policing service on a daily basis. The Acting CoP also told PAAC members that the Service continues to benefit greatly from its relationship with Interpol.
Explaining that this relationship allows police access to the global network of information Interpol possesses, Williams said the police have been able to get help from Interpol with respect to persons of interest in other jurisdictions and advanced passenger information. Williams also said Interpols new cyber crime institute in Singapore provides opportunities for local police officers to enhance their skills in this area of law enforcement. Police Service head (finance) Ramdeo Ramesar added that the Service has paid its annual subscription of $158,000 to Interpol. Williams said the Service has a $5M allocation for over 100 police youth clubs and these clubs play an important role in reducing crime.
He indicated that one year after a police youth club was established in Bagatelle, serious crime in that community dropped dramatically.
While there is no direct link that can show what role these clubs played in that instance, Williams said it was clear a signficant role was played in reducing crime in Bagatelle. He expressed satisfaction that the National Gas Company (NGC) has sponsored five youth clubs to date.
Williams also said $23M has been allocated for the Police Training Academy and there are ongoing outreach efforts to the University of TT and the University of the West Indies to support the Academy.
The PAAC was told that of nine new police stations earmarked for construction, three (St Joseph, Maracas and Besson Street) should be ready for delivery by August.
Designs for the new Roxborough and Old Grange police stations in Tobago are currently being reviewed by Udecott. The committee was also advised that contracts for new police stations in Manzanilla and Matelot should be ready by October.
Head of the Police Services internal audit Trevor Boisierre said a lot of his departments resources are dealing with the backpay owed to officers. A June 3 release from the Finance Ministry said the ministrys permanent secretary had instructed all relevant Government Departments and Agencies to immediately process all outstanding payments and not wait on releases before commencing the processing of these payments. Finance Minister Colm Imbert confirmed that the required funding to make the 50 percent payment at the end of June has been sourced.
Give us powers of arrest
One of the amendments he called for is the power to stop and search persons for weapons or evidence relevant to an investigation. If we see a police officer who we believe had a weapon relevant to an investigation, we cannot stop and search him and we need that to further our investigation.
We dont want the officer to slip away and hide or destroy the evidence, West said.
The Director said he wants the PCA to be able to take charge and preserve a crime scene.
The amendment to the Evidence Act would enable them to do so.
This is legislation that has been enforced in Jamaica. In a police shooting we want to be there first on the scene so the police do not contaminate the crime scene. If the police are first on the scene we do not know what they could plan or what they could change. Preserving the integrity of the crime scene is important, he said.
West also called for powers of arrest and to lay charges. We all have the common law power of arrest, but we need the power in statute. Many times we have done the dog work and we send it to the charging bodies and it gets pushed to the bottom, he said. West also said the PCA needs to amend Section 6 (25) of the Firearms Act to include the Director and Deputy Director in the list of persons to have in their possession any prohibited weapon. This included other persons who worked with them.
We do not want to carry a firearm and walk around like a sheriff or police officer. What this is for is when we go to a crime scene and we see a person with a firearm in his hand, we cannot seize that firearm because we are not exempt under the Firearms Act, the police would arrest us. We want to preserve the integrity of the evidence.
If an officer has shot someone he is still at the scene, and so are the other officers in his batch. We dont know whether of not they have changed the firearm or tampered with the firearm and that is why we want to be able to see that firearm to make sure that we know what happened to that firearm. We should be able to seize that firearm and deposit it to the Forensics Science Centre (FSC) ourselves, he said.
He said the Director and Deputy Director should be included in the list of persons authorised to have in their possession dangerous drugs as set out in Section 6(2) in the Dangerous Drugs Act. He said this amendment would enable them to hone in on an officer if they suspected he had narcotics in his possession.
West said the Justice for Protection Act should also be amended to enable them to help people giving evidence in a matter that warranted them having protection.
He said many times witnesses asked the PCA for protection but they were unable to because they were not an approved authority to recommend them under the Justice Protection Programme He also called for the amendment of the Interception and Communication Act. West noted that the PCA did not want to do actual interception, nor did they want equipment to do interception.
All we want to do is approach the director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) to get with phone records of the officer we are investigating.
If he gives it to us now, both of us will be in trouble as it against the law as its stands now, he said.
Dillon acknowledges human, drug, arms trafficking
Dillon gave his views as he spoke during a tour of the Customs and Immigration Sea Port in Cedros.
He said measures are now being put in place to have interception out at sea, of larger vessels on the outer perimeter and also inland, at all ports of entry to tackle human trafficking, drug trafficking and arms trafficking.
Dillon said that two weeks ago he visited Venezuela where he met with his Venezuelan counterpart and part of their discussion was cooperation between both countriess respective Coast Guard. The Commanding officer of the Coast Guard of Venezuela is in Trinidad right now. He arrived on Monday and is having conversations right now with the Commanding officer of the TT Coast Guard, the Minister said.
He said discussions centered around cooperation and coordination between the TT Coast Guard and Venezuelas Guardia Nacional in patrolling the vast Gulf of Paria.
We even went as far as to discuss Coast Guard officers on a Venezuelan vessel and Venezuelan officers on a Trinidad vessel, so we have that cooperation in patrolling. Dillon said this would facilitate coordination on both side of the dividing maritime line.
In August, the nation will see an exercise named VenTri (Venezuela/ Trinidad exercise) in which commanding officers of the Venezuelan and TT Coast Guard will work together in actual patrols to foster a closer relationship between both entities.
He met and chatted with Venezuelan nationals who waited to boarding a passenger boat for the four-hour journey back to their native land. The Venezuelans were in Trinidad to shop and were taking back with them food supplies and toiletries. A return trip from down the main which is located seven miles from Trinidad, by passenger boat, costs TT$1,400.
I know a little Spanish, Dillon said as he laughed. He said it was important for him to pay a visit to the official port of entry given the influx of Venezuelans to the country to ensure the ports are ready to accommodate more passengers.
During the visit he was able to witness both incoming and outgoing passengers and said he was satisfied with the operations.
Central Bank Governor: TT is resilient...but
Financial institutions remain well capitalised, liquid and profitable with relatively low incidence of non-performing loans.
However we cannot be complacent.
(The recession) has implications for the Government, balance of payments, reserves, businesses, consumers and for the financial sector. Hilaire gave his assessment of the economy yesterday during the official launch of the Central Banks Financial Stability Report 2015.
Table One of the 68-page report (available on the banks website), sums up financial soundness indicators of the banking system for the period 2011 to 2015.
Asset quality as measured by non-performing loans to gross loans steadily improved, having fallen from 6.2 percent at the end of 2011 to 3.7 percent at the end of 2015, the report stated.
Referring to this, Hilaire said one way in which financial institutions could be affected by the recession is through a reduction in their credit quality from a possible increase in non-performing loans.
Overall the non-performing loans are quite, quite moderate by any standard but we cant be complacent. We have to look at that and we have to at it in particularly vulnerable sectors, starting with the energy sector...We have been talking to the banks very much about credit quality and (working) with institutions to shore up that aspect, because (if) debtors have a lower income, their debt servicing capacity could be compromised and this would be reflected in credit quality. The Central Bank governor also called for urgent passage of The Insurance Bill (2015) because current legislation has major (regulatory) gaps.
Vasant bats for Lawrence Duprey
He said, Wherever you go, even if at the smallest bars on the smallest beaches, whether it is in Thailand or Singapore, you will find a bottle of Angostura bitters. It is the kind of brand and recognition we as a people of TT should be proud of, and strive to keep it.
On the issue of Clico, Bharath said the Governments intention in 2009 when Clico was bailed out was that Government should never own the assets. It was always that Government would hold them until the debt was repaid. If Duprey claims he could repay all of the monies owed to taxpayers, Bharath said, I think it is an avenue Government should explore, because immediately Government frees up $20 billion or $25 billion, or whatever the figure is.
It was in the countrys best interest, he said, to try to resolve this matter as soon as possible. In April, Finance Minister Colm Imbert told journalists that Duprey had asked, in a letter to the Central Bank in March, for consideration to allow him to recover control of the management of Clico or to have a role in the divestment of its assets. However, the bank had said that because Clico had been taken over by the Central Bank, under the Central Bank Act they were unable to treat with it.
With respect to another letter from Duprey to Imbert in March, the minister had said, That matter is engaging the attention of the technocrats and advisers in the Ministry of Finance and we will arrive at an appropriate response in due course.
Dont pay errant Ministries
Of errant entities that are not getting. things right, a range of options. were explored by the committee.
Maybe read the Riot Act to them,. Ali suggested. Assistant Auditor. General Gaitrie Maharaj suggested. perhaps entities could be fined.
And it also emerged that the fine. was only $150. Ali also told the. committee $107 million was spent. on empty buildings over the last. six years. This issue is likely to feature. in the 2016 accounts, he said.
Ali also said the Auditor Generals. Department currently cannot form. an opinion on the completeness of. the States revenue estimates. The. weaknesses are still there, he said.
.
Marlene calls for audits of State books
McDonald was dismissed by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in March after several issues were raised including questions over employment practices at her constituency office and questions over her former tenure in government, which saw her sign off on grants to entities reportedly tied to her.
However, the Prime Minister to date, has not publicly given a reason for McDonalds dismissal from Cabinet. McDonald yesterday alluded to her former status as minister, as she sought to assist the Public Accounts Committee in examining the Auditor Generals Department.
I recall when I was minister, the permanent secretary made a request, McDonald said. She said this related to a desire for a special audit to be conducted. However, she said, the Auditor Generals Department indicated it was understaffed.
What can we do to assist you to carry out your functions, McDonald asked.
At various stages, she read from Auditor General Majeed Alis report on the States public accounts for 2015, noting irregularities at foreign missions, overpayments by the Ministry of the People and Social Development and non-submission of replies to management letters, sent by auditors to State entities.
What caused the overpayment, McDonald asked in relation to a $8.2 million figure for senior citizen grants. Committee chairman Dr Bhoe Tewarie, said the sum was later recovered, almost entirely.
McDonald questioned if a human resource audit should be done to bolster staff training levels at ministries.
The committee heard of problems with the Parliaments accounts including non-submission of questionnaires in relation to practices at constituency offices. Both Tewarie and McDonald are among MPs across the political divide who have been identified as hiring people related to them, at these offices.
What you need to know about the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday in Ames
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Text of the PM's statement to the media in joint press briefing with President of Mexico (June 08, 2016)
Mexico, Thu, 09 Jun 2016 NI Wire
Your Excellency President Enrique Pena Nieto
Dear Friends,
Muchas gracias, Senor Presidente!
Thank you, Mr. President for your generous welcome.
I am particularly touched by your warmth and hospitality. Although this is my first visit to your great country as the Prime Minister, I had experienced the richness of your culture during my travel in early nineties as a common Indian. We are meeting for the third time in last two years. I have always found my conversations with you deeply stimulating. I truly value your friendship Mr. President.
Friends, Mexico was the first Latin American country to recognize India. Since then, the trajectory of our all round bilateral ties has shown growing intensity. In 2007 we established Privileged Partnership. Today, during our conversations, President and I held productive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations, and on global issues of mutual interests. We have agreed to work and develop a roadmap of concrete outcomes to upgrade our ties to a Strategic Partnership.
Friends,
Ties of business and investment are an important driver of our relationship. Mexico is an important partner for Indias energy security. We are now looking to move beyond a buyer-seller relationship, and into a long-term partnership. Information technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, and automotive industries are among key growth areas of our commercial linkages. But, there is potential to expand our commercial and investment, and Science and Technology partnerships in new areas. In this regard, President and I agreed to find ways to deepen our cooperation in Space, and science and technology. We will also prioritize concrete projects in areas of agricultural research; bio-technology; waste management; disaster warning and management, and solar energy. I would like to particularly thank President Pena Nieto for his support to the International Solar Alliance. It will transform the global canvas for solar technology, especially for developing and Small Island Developing countries.
Friends,
President and I recognize the opportunities and challenges of this century. We both feel that our growing convergence on international issues allows us to join our capacities to strengthen international regimes of strategic importance. I thank President Pena Nieto for Mexico's positive and constructive support for India's membership of the NSG
Excellency,
I see in you a reformer and believer in the destiny of this country. I too am focused on reforming India's economic and governance structures. This is one area where our sharing of best practices can benefit both our societies. Friends, In his book "In Light of India, the great author Octavio Paz wrote, "I can understand what it means to be Indian, because I am Mexican. Of course, it is true the other way too! I believe we have succeeded today in strengthening this mutual understanding further. It has been a wonderful visit. Excellency, I once again thank you for your welcome, your friendship and belief in India-Mexico friendship. And, I look forward to welcoming you Senor Presidente in India at the earliest opportunity.
Thank you, Thank you very much.
Source: PIB
India-Mexico Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister to Mexico (June 08, 2016)
Mexico, Thu, 09 Jun 2016 NI Wire
1.At the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Enrique Pena Nieto, President of the United Mexican States, His Excellency Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India paid a working visit to Mexico on 8th June 2016, with the objective to continue the dialogue held by the two leaders on the margins of the 70thregular session of the United Nations General Assembly on 28th September 2015.
2.The leaders recognized the opportunities to define the path of the India-Mexico Privileged Partnership for the 21st Century that allows the growth of bilateral relations in economic field, in science and technology and in the most important issues of the global agenda reflecting a broad convergence of long-term political, economic and strategic goals.
3.President Enrique Pena Nieto elaborated on the structural reforms undertaken in Mexico to promote economic growth and development. On his part, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi highlighted the initiatives undertaken by his Government for the economic growth and the improvement of standard of living of the people.
In this context, both leaders:
Political Dialogue
4.Instructed the Foreign Ministers of both countries to develop the roadmap of the Privileged Partnership suitable for the 21stCentury, in the framework of the Seventh Mexico-India Joint Commission Meeting to be held in Mexico in 2016.
5.Look forward to the results of the Sixth Meeting of the Joint Committee on Science and Technology, and the Fourth Meeting of the High Level Group on Trade, Investment and Cooperation, which will be held in Mexico during the second half of 2016.
6.The two countries will update the bases of cooperation according to a convergent and comprehensive plan, will evaluate the progress made in diverse fields and will set new objectives and themes to strengthen the agenda of bilateral relations.
7.Had a detailed exchange of views on the regional issues of mutual interest, including the political and economic developments in Latin America, the CELAC and the Pacific Alliance, as well as the current situation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Economic Partnership
8.Underscored the increasing importance of diversifying the economic exchanges to promote trade and investment to a level corresponding to their true potential.
9.Stressed the necessity of developing a greater connectivity between the two countries and encouraging cooperation in the infrastructure sector, among small and medium enterprises, in pharmaceutical products, in energy, in the automobile sector, in Information and Communication Technology, in agriculture, in food processing and in other related sectors.
10.Noted with satisfaction the growing interest for investment of the Indian companies in the energy sector - attracted by the structural reforms carried out in Mexico, as well as the opportunities for Mexican companies in the Indian market.
11.Agreed that cooperation is key to promote the investment and the use of solar energy. The two sides agreed to explore ways and means to boost the objectives of the International Solar Alliance.
12.Stressed the importance of promoting increased exchanges between the peoples of the two countries for better understanding and strengthening of bilateral links in the areas of culture, education and tourism.
Bilateral Cooperation
13.Exchanged points of views and welcomed the opportunities offered by the convergence between the National Digital Strategy of Mexico and the Digital India Initiative, which share common objectives.
14.Welcomed collaboration in space science, earth observation, climate and environmental studies, and the efficient use of space-related resources available in India as well as in Mexico for remote sensing, advance warning for disaster prevention and launch of satellites between the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
15.Considering that both countries have huge diaspora communities abroad, the Leaders agreed on exchanging views, information and share best practices with respect to the participation of networks, organizations and individuals in their diasporas in the development of communities of their origin and their residence, as well as for the welfare and protection of their respective nationals in foreign countries.
Dialogue on Global Affairs
16.Pledged to continue promoting the shared goals of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as solutions with multilateral perspective, as well as to continue promoting cooperation on international security issues.
17.Reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
18.Reaffirmed the importance to have an effectivemultilateral system, with the United Nations at its core, and agreed on the importance of continuing supporting the progress in the process of comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council.
19.Noted productive and substantive cooperation in the context of their participation in G-20.
20.Welcomed with satisfaction the successful conclusion of the Climate Change Conference held in Paris in December 2015 and applauded the signing by both countries of the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016. They committed to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, as well as to develop new and renewable sources of energy to meet the developmental challenges of their respective countries.
21.President Enrique Pena Nieto cordially invited the Indian Prime Minister to visit Mexico again on a State visit in the near future. Similarly, Prime Minister Modi invited President Pena Nieto to pay a State visit to India. They agreed that suitable dates would be worked out through diplomatic channels.
Source: PIB
President of India receives first copy of book 'The Education President'
New Delhi, Thu, 09 Jun 2016 NI Wire
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the first copy of a book titled "The Education President" yesterday (June 8, 2016) at a function held in Rashtrapati Bhavan. He received the book from Vice President, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari who formally released it.
The book published by the International Institute for Higher Education Research & Capacity Building, OP Jindal Global University highlights President Mukherjees contribution to the field of higher education as Visitor to 116 institutions of higher learning in India.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said it was the contradiction between our aspirations to occupy a place at the high table of the comity of nations and the reality of higher education in the country that motivated him to draw attention to the need to improve quality of higher education in the country. The President said India has a large higher education network comprising 757 universities and over 38,000 colleges. However, issues relating to quality and excellence are one of the biggest challenges, yet to be addressed comprehensively. We must keep up with our own past. India could boast of having universities like Nalanda, Takshashila, Vikramashila, Valabhi, Somapura and Odantapuri, which were global leaders in various times between the sixth century BC and twelfth century AD. Students and teachers from around the world attended these institutions. Today, in the absence of adequate number of good quality educational institutions, around 2 lakh students go overseas to study. Similarly, while our teachers and students are both very talented, no Indian since CV Raman in 1930 has won the Nobel Prize from an Indian university. The President said India pays minimum attention to research. Only 0.6 per cent of our GDP is spent on research as compared to 2.8 per cent of Chinas 10.38 trillion economy, 3 per cent in Japan and 5 per cent in USA. If we have to create a knowledge society, we must invest more in research and development.
The President said advanced societies recognize and honour scholars and teachers. There should be cross fertilization of ideas and academic freedom. It is with this purpose that he has taken with him delegations of Vice Chancellors and other heads of educations institutions on his State visits abroad.
The President thanked the International Institute of Higher Education Research and Capacity Building of O.P. Jindal Global University for recognizing the work that has been done in last four years by Rashtrapati Bhavan and publishing it in the form of this informative and analytical book. He said that his interaction with universities, faculty and students has enriched his life and expended horizons.
Source: PIB
Top 7 actors to look out for in 2016!
Bollywood, Thu, 09 Jun 2016 NI Wire
Mumbai: Every budding actor's biggest dream is to find success in the city of dreams. This is no easy feat to achieve for not all of them can be the next King Khan of Bollywood. While some survive the rat race, the rest drift into oblivion..
Survival of the fittest as they rightly proclaim, there are actors who have floored the audience with their performances surpassing all expectations! Here are top 7 upcoming actors to look out for in 2016:-
1.) Vidyut Jamwal: Also a trained martial artist, Vidyut Jamwal is popularly known as the action hero of Bollywood. His first Bollywood outing Force opposite John Abraham got him much notice paving way for all the promising debut awards at the award galas. Having dedicated himself to the martial arts, the actor even went on to earn international acclaim with directors touting him as India's answer to Bruce Lee and Tony Jaa. He is all set to make girls go weak in their knees in his next outing, Commando 2.
2.) Diljit Dosanjh: Diljit Dosanjh who has carved a strong foothold in the Punjabi film and music industry is all set to sway his Punjabi fans all over India in the upcoming movie Udta Punjab. An absolute sensation in Punjab, Diljit has a number of musical hits to his credit from Ishq Da Uda Ada to Mel Karade Rabba, a song which was also pictured on actor Jimmy Shergill. Starring opposite a stellar cast, we will have to see if this kuda charms the girls with his Punjabi antiques in Udta Punjab.
3.) Sandeepa Dhar: The beautiful actress made her acting debut with Rajshri Productions - Isi Life Mein, a performance that earned her best debut nominations from the likes of Filmfare and Stardust amongst others. Noted critic Komal Nahta also took notice of her small but impactful role in Dabangg 2. The actress has now resurfaced after a 2 year long break rejuvenated and ready to floor critics yet again in her upcoming action starrer.
4.) Shiv Pandit: From featuring in television commercials, hosting the 1st edition of the IPL to making a stellar debut in Shaitaan, which earned him his first Filmfare nomination for best male debut, Shiv Pandit has come a long way. The actor made the perfect transition from TV to films earning accolades for his brilliant portrayal of a drug addict in this Anurag Kashyap starrer. He will next be seen throwing in punches and kicks in the upcoming action thriller 7 hours to go.
5.) Vaani Kapoor: Vaani Kapoor won the Filmfare best debut award for her performance in Shuddh Desi Romance. Debuting in a Yash Raj film comes with great responsibility, one that she shouldered perfectly! The actress will be next seen in YRF's most awaited project Befikre opposite the energetic Ranveer Singh. We'll have to wait and watch how she matches up to that level of energy!.
6.) Sudheer Babu: Telugu sensation, Sudheer Babu made his Bollywood debut with Baaghi. While the actor has done a swell job down south playing mostly positive characters, he debuted with Baaghi as the lead antagonist, a role that brought him under the spotlight. Life has truly come full circle for this young lad! Being a professional badminton player himself, he will be next seen playing the badminton player Pullela Gopichand in the upcoming biopic slated to release in Telugu and Hindi.
7.) Pooja Hegde: A former beauty pageant contestant, she was crowned the second runner up in the Miss Universe India 2010 competition before she made her debut in the Tamil superhero film Mugamoodi. This diva has already created waves in the Bollywood industry even before she makes her full- fledged Hindi film debut, for being the actress to romance the actor with the Greek God looks, Hrithik Roshan in Ashutosh Gowariker's next Mohenjo Daro. What more could an actress ask for! With link up rumours already doing the rounds of the media, Pooja is sure up for one hell of a long stint in tinsel town!
Health Minister Shri J P Nadda addresses UNGA High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS
New Delhi, Thu, 09 Jun 2016 NI Wire
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Highlights India's success in containing HIV
Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare addressed the UNGA High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS at New York, yesterday.
Following is the text of the address:
I am happy to join all of you today for this High Level meeting on HIV/AIDS. I also commend the efforts of the Permanent Representatives of Switzerland and Zambia for steering the difficult negotiations of the draft Declaration to a successful conclusion.
We have come a long way in our collective fight against the spread of the AIDS epidemic that had engulfed large sections of population across the world. Strong political will and concerted targeted action over the last decade and a half have contributed to strong achievements in pushing back the epidemic.
The number of HIV affected people living on antiretroviral therapy has increased substantially and the number of annual AIDS-related deaths has gone down considerably. These remarkable successes have demonstrated that the target of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 is realistic. Sustained political commitment and action is necessary to address the scale of challenge that still lies ahead.
India, which faced the specter of disastrous consequences on account of AIDS epidemic 15 years back, has been able to manage the challenge effectively. Deaths due to AIDS have been reduced by nearly 55% since 2007. New HIV infections have been reduced by 66% since 2000 and around 1 million people affected by AIDS are currently on antiretroviral therapy. Targeted interventions based on close collaboration with and empowerment of communities and civil society with appropriate funding from the government have helped deliver key life saving services to the affected population.
These remarkable successes would not have been possible without access to affordable medicines. The low cost generic medicines produced by the Indian pharmaceutical industry have been instrumental in scaling up access to HIV treatment not only in India but in other parts of the world, especially in the developing countries most affected by this scourge. More than 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally are supplied by the Indian pharmaceutical industry. The accessibility and affordability of drugs has helped save millions of lives around the world.
India is proud of being one of the leading partners in the global fight against AIDS epidemic. We are collaborating actively with a range of partner countries and other stakeholders including the UNAIDS.
I, along with a number of African colleague Ministers, discussed various aspects of this issue at a special multi stakeholders event on the sidelines of the Third India-Africa Forum Summit hosted by India last October in New Delhi. Only a few days back at the 69th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, my ministerial colleague on behalf of the BRICS Ministerial grouping hosted a very well attended discussion on the importance of affordability of medicines. Also last October the BRICS health ministers reinforced their commitment to put their countries on the fast track to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
I would like to propose five ways in which the global family can act together in the next five years.
Firstly, we agree that we must adopt the fast-track targets proposed by UNAIDS. Reaching 90% of all people in need with HIV treatment and prevention must be our primary goal. Prevention must not be forgotten, even as we provide treatment for all people living with HIV. This is a time when we must maximize the impact of all known prevention and treatment efforts. HIV service delivery can become a model for expanding health coverage to all aspects of health.
Second, increase investments. The role of international assistance and cooperation cannot be underestimated. This is the time for developed countries to do more, not less, and enhance their commitments. We cannot afford to give the epidemic a chance to rebound.
Third, ensure access to affordable medicines and commodity security. India is committed to maintain the TRIPS flexibilities. We reiterated this commitment last year during the Third India-Africa Summit, responding to call from our brothers and sisters in Africa.
Fourth, creating an inclusive society that values every human life. Our success in targeted interventions comes from our belief in restoring the respect and dignity of individuals. Vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls need protection from sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. Societal change is slow, but we must not give up on the principal value that all men and women are created equal.
And Fifth, global solidarity. We are in this fight together to end the AIDS epidemic. All forms of cooperation including North-South, South-South cooperation, multilateral and bilateral cooperation; and collaboration between governments, private sector and civil society must be strengthened. The multi-sectoral response to AIDS should not be sacrificed in favour of a narrow bio-medical approach. The only way we can decisively finish the epidemic is by being united in our efforts.
Mr. President,
This high level meeting will leave a mark in history. Let it be remembered as a time when the world took bold decisions based on science, and narrow divisions were buried in favour of creating an inclusive society, paving the way to end one of most devastating modern scourges.
Thank you
Source: PIB
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A drone taxi that can carry a passenger has been cleared for take-off over Nevada.
The EHang 184 pilotless passenger drone carries a single person and has been approved for testing this year in the US.
The Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS) and the Governors Office of Economic Development (GOED) have given the green light for the vehicle to take to the skies over the state, with an eye to full approval by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).
The Ehang 184 has eight rotors. It can carry a passenger for journeys of up to 23 minutes, reaching altitudes up to 11,500 feet and speeds up to 100kmph (63mph).
SOURCE- CNET
XpressWest, the private U.S. firm proposing to build a high-speed rail link between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, terminated a joint venture with Chinese companies less than nine months after the deal was announced, citing delays faced by its partner.
Las Vegas-based XpressWest said the decision to end the relationship stemmed from problems with timely performance and challenges that the Chinese companies, grouped under a consortium called China Railway International (CRI), faced obtaining required authority to proceed with required development activities.
XpressWest was started by Las Vegas developer Marnell Companies. It formed the venture with the Chinese consortium in September, infusing $100 million into the project. XpressWest had expected to break ground as soon as this year on the project, which one analyst estimated to be worth $5 billion.
The announcement is a blow to China, which has built the worlds largest high-speed rail network in less than a decade. The XpressWest project was seen as a foothold into a burgeoning U.S. high-speed rail market and an opportunity to showcase Chinas technology.
Chinas CRRC Corp the worlds biggest train maker by revenue, joined the consortium in September.
XpressWest chief executive Tony Marnell said in a statement that his companys ambitions outpace CRIs ability to move the project forward timely and efficiently.
Many startup companies have died waiting too long for money from the Chinese government or companies
After 30 years of reform, Chinas economy remains bound by red tape, which drags down productivity considerably. Anti-corruption efforts have made it more difficult to grease the wheels. So excessive delays in providing funds and making decisions is what is left. Even Chinese Premier Li Keqiang expressed irritation with bureaucracy, asking, Why is it so difficult for ordinary people to get things done?, and Why does the government put up so many obstacles that stop people getting things done?
The Chinese government introduced a seven-day rule for ministries to issue new policies once they had been approved by Chinas cabinet, the State Council.
XpressWest said it will now aggressively pursue other development partnerships and options.
The biggest challenge has been a federal funding requirement that high-speed trains be manufactured in the United States, even though no such trains are produced in the country, Marnell said.
This inflexible requirement has been a fundamental barrier to financing high-speed rail in our country, Marnell said. Is our leadership going to force projects throughout the United States to seek financial support for infrastructure in our country from foreign governments?
XpressWest said it was anticipating the completion of environment work to develop the Southern California portion of the rail line, with environmental approvals expected by September.
SOURCES Reuters, XpressWest, South China Morning Post
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has canceled Wednesday's scheduled Illinois House session so budget talks can continue. "I'm saying this in the hopes that the governor 18 months into his term of office will finally stop campaigning and manage the state he was elected to run".
Of course, Democrats argue Rauner has been doing just that in his refusal to enact a budget without elements of his turnaround agenda. "We have a corrupt government and conflict of interest in our government". They said many schools won't open their doors in the fall without funding and the complex system IL has used to distribute money to schools since 1997 is the most "regressive" in the U.S.
It's kicked off the latest round of a war of words between the state's top political leaders, as IL remains without a budget.
The real hang-up, as always, is that Democrats are not prepared to do what Rauner wants, and he's not prepared to do what they want.
It's a visit we've seen before: Gov. Bruce Rauner touring a school before addressing administrators about the school funding budget battle.
Ald. Harry Osterman said he would be extending an invitation for Rauner to visit schools in Edgewater.
"But again, the governor's vote came back with the same stuff: We won't agree to funding human services, we don't want to support increased funding for Chicago Public Schools, we want to drive funding to other areas, we want to cut higher education, we want to eliminate MAP grants for college students".
"If we get a deal, we'll go to Springfield, and we'll vote on it", Senate President John Cullerton said Wednesday in a news conference called to respond to Rauner.
"I ask Kate Cloonen to take a break from Candy Crush and give her boss, Mike Madigan, a call", she said.
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Libyan forces loyal to the UN backed Government of National Accord (GNA) made some significant progress on Wednesday in their battle to recapture the coastal city of Sirte from the militants of the Islamic State.
According to Brigadier General Mohammed Ghasri, they are only five kilometers away from the city center and Zafrana square, which is used by the extremist group as a public execution ground of those found guilty by its courts.
A bridge on which the group hangs the bodies of its victims is now under the control of the Libyan forces. Another official claimed that the forces are advancing and closing in on the extremist groups headquarters in the Ouagadougou convention center and also towards the port.
However, Libyas ambassador to the UN Ibrahim Dabbashi criticized the world body for using unrealistic and fictitious terms that only complicate the security situation on the ground. He said the armed groups being referred to as forces controlled by the Government of National Accord by special envoy Kobler operate outside the control of the state and have no binding commitment to disarm and join state institutions. He warned that Ansar al-Sharia could replace IS in Sirte after the ongoing offensive if adequate security plans are not in place.
The diplomats comments irked the president of the GNA allied State Council, Abdulrahman Sewehli, who requested that Prime Minister-designate Fayez Serraj sack Dabbashi because he is an insolent employee. Dabbashi has been sacked by the Thinni government twice, in January 2015 and April 2016, but continues to act as Libyas Ambassador to the UN.
Since the 2011 uprising against Gadhafis regime, the situation in Libya degenerated into a rebellion before becoming a full-blown war with three different governments all claiming legitimacy together with their armed groups. The Islamic Group is aspiring to build an Islamic Caliphate.
The European Parliament on Wednesday approved a plan to lend Tunisia 500 million on favorable terms to help it reduce its external debt and consolidate its democratic mechanisms.
The plan was backed by 561 votes to 76, with 42 abstentions.
Rapporteur of the debate Marielle De Sarnez (ALDE,FR) emphasized that it is a loan which Tunisia will have to repay, even though its debt continues to rise.
The North African country will have to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union (EU) Commission pledging structural reforms and sound management of public finances before the money is transferred.
Tunisia will also have to ensure effective democratic mechanisms, rule of law and respect for human rights, all of which are to be monitored by the EU as part of the deal.
When this is done, Tunisia will have the opportunity to take up the loans within a period of two and a half years.
Sarnez stated before the vote on the loan that economic downturn, soaring unemployment, and terrorist attacks are Tunisias major challenges and the situation has been aggravated by the arrival of refugees from Libya estimated at around 20% of Tunisias population. Europe really needs to stand by its side now and make the money available before summer, she said.
Tunisias foreign minister Khemais Jhinaoui said in an interview with UK-based Evening Standard they are trying to build a modern Muslim country espousing international values of democracy, liberty and human rights and that has made it a terrorist target. Tunisia is the anti-model of their system, he said in reference to extremist groups that want to impose something going back to the Middle Ages. He urged the UK to review its travel warning that has seriously affected the arrival of tourists.
The EU has given Tunisia hundreds of millions of euros in loan and aid since 2013 and Sarnez urged the EU Commission to start thinking like France and Germany and convert its debt into investments.
On 1 June 2016, the Council also endorsed the decision to provide a maximum of 500 million in macro-financial assistance to Tunisia.
The latest EU aid to Tunisia will supplement $2.9 billion in International Monetary Fund aid to Tunisia.
A forum on A New Transatlantic Strategy for a Democratic Tunisia was held on Tuesday by the Atlantic Council Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East.
The United States and the European Union discussed at the forum what strategies to adopt to further help Tunisia face up economic and security challenges dogging its nascent democracy.
Experts sitting at the panel discussion indicated that both the U.S. and the EU should have Tunisia as a priority.
The Moroccan government has denounced the car bomb attack that targeted lately a police bus, killing seven officers and four civilians in central Istanbul.
In a statement released Wednesday by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the North African Kingdom expressed its full solidarity with Turkey over this despicable criminal act contrary to the universal human values.
Based on its unwavering stance over terrorism and extremism, Morocco underlines the need to coordinate efforts internationally and regionally to face the threat of extremist groups seeking to sow discord, chaos and violence across the world, said the press release.
It also supports the measures taken by the Turkish authorities to ensure security, protect citizens and preserve the countrys stability.
The Istanbul bombing of Tuesday was the fourth major attack in Turkeys largest city this year. No group has claimed it, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pointed to the involvement of Kurdish militants.
Turkish media said four people had been arrested but gave no details. The banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and one of its offshoots have claimed previous attacks on security forces.
The attack, which left 36 people injured, three of them critically, occurred near the citys historic Beyazit Square neighborhood, a major tourist attraction, and an Istanbul university building.
According to Istanbuls governor Vasip Sahin, the explosives were remotely detonated as the bus passed through the busy Vezneciler district at the morning rush hour.
Turkey has been rocked by a string of terror attacks over the past year as it weathers bombing campaigns carried out both by ISIS and Kurdish militants.
In March, at least 37 were killed when a car bomb detonated near a bus stop in the capital, Ankara, in an attack claimed by a Kurdish militant group.
Six days later an ISIS suicide bomber detonated himself on one of Istanbuls main streets, killing four.
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The intellectual roots of white backlash politics. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Donald Trump has attained his wild popularity among Republicans by tapping into their pervasive feeling of racial victimization. The right-wing view of Obama as a crafty manipulator of racial tension comes through in Ben Shapiros column in National Review. While rejecting Donald Trumps argument that only white men are fit to judge his fraud trial, Shapiro insists that Trump is merely recapitulating Obamas sin of tribalism. Shapiro left his former employer, the right-wing, race-baiting site Breitbart, because of his opposition to Trump. And while his argument is putatively made in opposition to Trumps racism, Shapiros argument is a telling specimen of the very white racial paranoia that enabled Trump to conquer the Republican Party.
[Obama] has used tribalism to grow his own power, writes Shapiro. By cobbling together a coalition of racial and ethnic interest groups, Obama knew he could maximize the power of the government to act on their behalf. It is true, of course, that Democrats do appeal to different members of their coalition on the basis of their interests. If you believe that racial discrimination against white people is as serious a problem in American life as discrimination against racial minorities, as Republicans overwhelmingly do, then youre inclined to view any specific appeal to minorities as the odious dangling of special favors.
That is the standard lens through which conservatives view Democratic policy on any issue with a disparate impact. This Wall Street Journal editorial from the previous election is typical; it accuses Democrats of asking for black votes as a matter of racial solidarity, citing ads denouncing Republican vote suppression and stand-your-ground laws. In reality, stand-your-ground laws have been shown to disproportionately harm African-Americans, and piles of studies find that voting restrictions disproportionately impact racial minorities, and that Republican legislatures tend to propose them in reaction to higher minority turnout. (Every so often a Republican legislator or operative is dumb enough to admit this motive in public.)
The complaint that Democrats appeal to voters fundamentally on the basis of their identity is a strange one. After all, unlike the Republican coalition, which is almost entirely white, Obamas coalition is multiethnic. Whites supplied more than half (55 percent) of Obamas votes in 2012, with nonwhites (African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Americans) providing the rest. The Republican Party relies almost entirely on whites, who provide about 90 percent of its votes. It is bizarre to describe the coalition balancing members of different ethnic backgrounds as appealing to ethnicity and the party consisting of a single ethnic group as not.
But the most bizarre element of Shapiros charge is his insistence that Obama constantly suggests that America has an inborn, unfixable problem with racism. If Obama truly does this constantly, Shapiro would be able to offer up many examples of him doing it, but he offers zero. Its a claim National Review readers would deem so obviously correct it requires no substantiation.
But its a complete fantasy. Obamas account of racism in the United States is just the opposite. Perhaps Shapiro has heard the president talk about the moral arc of the universe bending toward justice. The notion that the United States is capable of racial progress is literally the single most prevalent theme of Obamas rhetoric. It runs through his victory speech in 2008 (that is the true genius of America that America can change. Our union can be perfected.) to his speech commemorating the march at Selma (We do a disservice to the cause of justice by intimating that bias and discrimination are immutable, that racial division is inherent to America.). In his recent speeches this spring, Obama has focused almost singularly and obsessively on rebutting left-wing pessimists who doubt Americas ability to progress on racial justice.
An inborn, unfixable problem with racism is the polar opposite of Obamas actual argument, and a view he has decried over and over and over. Shapiros misread of the presidents view is as egregious as accusing Bernie Sanders of ignoring income inequality. The magnitude of Shapiros error is telling. That the first black president could proclaim over and over that his country can (and has, and will continue to) progress toward racial harmony, and yet be portrayed in the elite conservative media as a hectoring prophet of racial doom, tells you everything you need to know about why Trumpism has prevailed.
All the white stuff. Photo: Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
As of this writing, Hillary Clinton is leading Donald Trump in the RealClearPolitics poll of polls by 2 percentage points. Even factoring in the effect of Sanders Democrats who arent ready to say, Girl, guess Im with her, this lead feels small. After all, isnt Trump despised by virtually every nonwhite voter in the country? This is a presidential election, not Oscar balloting how can winning the votes of old white people possibly get Trump this close?
In the Upshot Thursday morning, Nate Cohn provides one possible answer: The American electorate is much whiter than most analysts have realized.
Unless youre pursuing a political-science Ph.D., virtually every analysis youve read of American elections has been based on data from exit polls the surveys taken at polling places on Election Day that provide a rough estimate of the electorates demographic breakdown. But for more than a decade now, academic political scientists have been calling the accuracy of these polls into question: According to research by the University of Floridas Michael McDonald, exit polls depict an electorate that is younger, better educated, and more diverse than the one that actually exists. When you compare exit-poll results to other data sets like the Current Population Survey and compilations of local voter-registration records profound differences in the composition of the electorate emerge. And political scientists generally agree that these alternative measures are more accurate.
To try and provide a more holistic estimate of the 2012 electorate, the Upshot built a statistical model that integrated census data, actual results, and 15,000 interviews from preelection surveys. According to exit polls, Barack Obama won a mere 25 percent of white voters without a college degree; according to the Upshot model, he won 34 percent.
There's evidence the electorate is whiter, older and less educated than generally believed https://t.co/1EjBWW07Df pic.twitter.com/NJEZu8zYx7 Nate Cohn (@Nate_Cohn) June 9, 2016
One popular narrative around Obamas victories is that they proved the diminishing relevance of white working-class voters to Democrats in national elections. Even with a declining share of blue-collar whites, Democrats could win with the coalition of the ascendant unmarried women, young people, and nonwhite voters. But if exit polls dramatically understated the presidents white working-class support, that narrative becomes less compelling.
The Upshots analysis finds that the first black president did perform historically poorly among whites in the South (for God knows what reason). But throughout the rest of the country, Obama won 46 percent of white voters, more than John Kerry and Al Gore in previous elections.
This suggests Americas changing demographics were not responsible for Obamas reelection. Even if the American electorate stayed as white as it was in 2004, Obama still would have defeated Romney on the strength of his white support in New Mexico, Iowa, and Colorado.
Whoa. This is by far the most interesting thing you'll read today. https://t.co/EW3ffbG1dG pic.twitter.com/H3CaE5aXKQ Eric Stern (@EricWStern) June 9, 2016
Obamas underappreciated dependence on white voters is ostensibly good news for a Republican like Trump, whose appeal appears to be monochromatic. According to Cohn, Trump leads Clinton by 27 points among white voters without a college degree, in an average of recent national surveys. Romney won that demographic by just 19 points.
But viewed from another angle, the Upshots revision of the 2012 electorate could make Trumps task this fall even more difficult: White working-class voters are, apparently, less conservative than previously thought. And if Hispanic voters and young people have been overrepresented in exit polls, theres an even larger turnout gap among these liberal demographics than previously believed. If early reports of an upsurge in Hispanic voter registration prove true and the electorate actually becomes as diverse as it looked in 2012s exit polls Democrats could see a historic landslide.
Of course, none of this demographic hairsplitting will matter much if Trump remains convinced that he can win the White House without a campaign staff or data operation but by merely putting tons of Make America Great Again signs in the front yards of upstate New York.
But you should read the Upshots full analysis anyway. Its implications extend far beyond 2016.
Guntanamo Bay. Photo: Bob Strong/Corbis
Good morning and welcome to Fresh Intelligence, our roundup of the stories, ideas, and memes youll be talking about today. In this edition, released Guantanamo detainees are implicated in the killing of Americans, Kasich mellows out, and Elizabeth Warren will fix everything. Heres the rundown for Thursday, June 9.
WEATHER
Brace yourself for what will be pretty much a nationwide heat wave today, except for near the Great Lakes, where showers throughout the day should take the edge off things, and in New England, where unseasonably cool temperatures will make things actually kind of pleasant. Today should also be a beautiful, if warm, day in New York City, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s. [USA Today]
FRONT PAGE
Released Guantanamo Detainees Implicated in Attacks
U.S. officials have admitted that the White House believes as many as a dozen released Guantanamo detainees have taken part in attacks against American soldiers in Afghanistan. The Washington Post is reporting that the onetime detainees are responsible for six American deaths, including one woman who was an aid worker in Afghanistan the only non-military personnel among the casualties. The public has known that some prisoners who were released from Guantanamo Bay went on to attack American soldiers, but the Obama administration had refused to provide any details. Officials now claim that of the 12 detainees who took part in attacks, 9 are dead or back in custody. The disclosure could have serious political ramifications; Republicans have long claimed the Obama administrations plan to close the controversial Cuban prison complex endangers American lives. [WP]
EARLY AND OFTEN
John Kasich Had Us All Fooled, Does Something Cool
Despite the impression you might have gotten of him on the campaign trail, Ohio governor John Kasich is one hep cat, as the kids say. Yesterday Kasich signed a bill into law making his state the 26th in the nation to legalize medical marijuana. Before you get your tickets for Clevelands next big laser light show, a few things:Patients will only be allowed to vape and eat marijuana, not smoke it; they will only be eligible for a prescription if they have a few specific conditions; they will have to buy their pot from out of state, and even with a prescription they can still be legally fired for failing a drug test. At least this explains all the eating. [Politico]
Without Sanders Endorsement, Clinton Goes for Next-Best Thing
Sanders may be refusing to endorse Hillary Clinton until the convention and beyond, for all we know but it looks like she may have pulled off another big progressive get: Elizabeth Warren. Warren hasnt endorsed anybody yet, making her the only female senator not to stump for Hillary, but shes signaled that her Clinton endorsement will be coming in the next couple of weeks. And not only that, but she said the vice-presidency wasnt necessarily off the table.
Same-Sex Marriage Legal in Alabama! Wait
People say Alabama is backward, but would a backward state legalize same sex-marriage just one year after the Supreme Court said it had to? Thats right, as of today, thanks to a federal judges injunction, Alabama government employees will no longer be able to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Whats next? Separation of church and state? [Reuters]
New Yorks Budget Approved
Next years fiscal budget for New York has been approved. More than $80 billion has been earmarked for the city this year, with big outlays to prop up money-losing enterprises like public hospitals, and enough cash for a raft of social and educational programs. The budget represents the earliest agreement between the mayor and City Council since the budget deal in 2001. Record amounts of revenue certainly helped this year, but at this rate the budget will reach $90 billion by 2020, a 24 percent increase since de Blasio took office. [Bloomberg]
THE STREET, THE VALLEY
A Very Good Day for Samsung
Lots of good news today for Samsung: First, Tesla seemed to go back on an earlier statement that it would only use Panasonic batteries after Elon Musk tweeted that the company might still use Samsung batteries for its non-car products news that sent Samsungs stock up 4 percent. Then, the Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to overturn a recent ruling that favored Apple Apple and Samsung have been battling it out in the courts over smartphone patents for the last four years sending the case back down to the lower courts and granting Samsung a kind of legal second chance. [Reuters]
Morgan Stanley Fined $1 Million Over Data Breach
Morgan Stanley agreed to pay a $1 million penalty to the Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday over accusations that it did not do enough to protect customers private data. Galen Marsh, a former employee, is currently on probation basically the strictest sentence anyone on Wall Street can get after illegally accessing the companys computer system and taking home private customer information repeatedly between 2011 and 2014. [WSJ]
Teens to Return to the Widespread Celibacy of the Pre-2012 Era
Tinder announced yesterday that it was going to stop allowing people under 18 to use its service. If youre like us, you will be surprised to learn that anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 has been able to use Tinder since it launched in 2012, although they were only able to match with people in their age group. [Tech Crunch]
Lending Club Sure Knows How to Spook Em
Lending Club is in the news for the second time this week; earlier in the week, we reported that the peer-to-peer lending services second-largest investor had dumped all of their stock, and that the company called off its annual shareholder meeting just moments before it began. Yesterday with shareholders already jittery, to say the least Lending Clubs website went offline and its phones went unanswered. According to the companys Twitter account, it was just a temporary data outage, but its still not a good look. [Tech Crunch]
MEDIA BUBBLE
Ma Money, Ma Media
Arianna Huffington released details of her new media start-up yesterday. Called Thrive, the company will publish health and wellness content contributed by celebrities, bloggers, and celebrity bloggers. Thrive will also offer wellness consulting services to big companies. The outlet is being made possible by the largess of a fairly new media player, Jack Ma, the Chinese billionaire and recent buyer of Hong Kongs South China Morning Post who has agreed to become the companys benefactor. [Bloomberg]
Facebook Gets Back to Its Roots
Facebook has hired Ricky Van Veen, the founder of omnipresent humor site CollegeHumor, to become the companys first head of global creative strategy. In his new role, Van Veen will try to get read: pay media companies to produce unique content for Facebooks new live video platform. [Recode]
Times Editor Quits Twitter Over Anti-Semitic Bullying
New York Times editor Jon Weisman announced yesterday on Twitter, obviously that he is quitting Twitter because of the many abusive and anti-Semitic tweets hes received. Weismans choice came after he sent a selection of the most egregious tweets to Twitter including tweets with racial slurs and a threats to put him in the oven and Twitter replied that none of the tweets violated the companys rules and refused to suspend any of the users. Twitter seems to have had a late change of heart and began banning the users Weisman pointed out after he announced he was quitting the platform. [CNN]
PHOTO OP
We Will Never Get Enough of Chewbacca Mom
Here she is at the CMT Awards for some reason.
MORNING MEME
Get Up, Get Down
The Cavs surprised everyone, and maybe even themselves a little, by beating the Golden State Warriors in game three in Cleveland yesterday. Anyone who still questions the Cavs ability on the court should take a look at this.
OTHER LOCAL NEWS
Jealous of Gators Attention, Floridas Turtles Try Getting into the Murder Business
Perhaps the recent rash of alligators eating people is actually part of a larger reptile uprising. Just ask this British couple on holiday in Orlando, Florida, who were driving down the road just after she had accepted his marriage proposal when a turtle bounced off of the car in front and destroyed his windscreen, terrifying his fiancee. Incredibly, this article doesnt even attempt to explain how that could have happened. [The Sun]
Vandals Get A for Effort
Police in East Hampton, New York, would like to know if anyone is missing a 12-foot-tall wooden giraffe sculpture. It was discovered duct-taped and chained to a tree at the entrance of a nature trail, giving the workers who discovered it quite a fright, wed imagine. If it is your giraffe, kindly pick it up, as its really getting in the way its too large to fit in the local police impound lot. [UPI]
HAPPENING TODAY
Sanders to Meet With the President in D.C. to Pick Up His Red Ribbon
Things have gone far enough, and now the president is getting involved. President Obama will meet with for-some-reason-still-presidential-candidate Bernie Sanders today in a bid to get him to concede the race to Hillary Clinton and unite the party against Donald Trump. [Politico]
Donald Trump to Bully People in a Fancy Restaurant
Were finally going to see what kind of presidential candidate Donald Trump really is when he begrudgingly begins his first big push to woo Republican donors. Trump will have 70 of the partys biggest potential donors to Trump Tower today, where he will were guessing show off his gold toilets and yell at them for a while. Then he will take them all to lunch at the Four Seasons hotel, where they plan to spend a few hours trying to split the check. [NYT]
The Summers Best Thriller Might Just Be Paul Ryans Security Agenda
Paul Ryan is releasing his security agenda today. So far it looks like a document carefully calibrated to both undo some of the damage of Donald Trumps domestic security pronouncements and terrify everyone as much as possible. Heres just a sample: Extremist groups have opened up new battlegrounds across the world, even turning our own city streets into the front lines. Although were not sure exactly which streets hes talking about, we have been looking for a new beach read. [NYT]
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is under pressure. Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images
On Wednesday morning, the head of the citys 9,000-person correction officers union, Norman Seabrook, was arrested by the FBI and charged with fraud. Seabrook has long been prominent and powerful in city politics and his arrest is a big story in its own right. But Seabrooks downfall is also part of the sprawling, slow-moving, and in many respects mysterious legal drama that is playing out around Mayor de Blasio. The investigation that ensnared the union chief as well as a hedge-fund manager who was allegedly paying him bribes involves Jona Rechnitz, a real-estate developer and de Blasio donor who is also a key figure in multiple inquiries into the mayors fundraising practices. Alongside the news of Seabrooks arrest were reports that Rechnitz had spilled his guts to the Feds in exchange for leniency in the Seabrook case (and potentially others that land in the future). The mayor was already living under a cloud of legal uncertainty and surrounded by brutal media cycles just as he was gearing up to run for reelection yesterday just intensified all of that. But if you are like most New Yorkers, most of what you know about this angry pack of investigations dogging the mayor is that they exist. Thats understandable theres a lot of information to process, and objectively the situation is both complicated and confusing. But were here to help. Heres a breakdown of what we know so far:
How many investigations are there, exactly?
There are five investigations (that we know about) being conducted by at least six different federal, state, and city entities, including the FBI, the offices of the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and the Manhattan district attorney, and the Department of Investigation, a city anti-corruption agency.
And what is being investigated?
Many things, some of them murkier than others. The five overlapping inquiries are mostly related to fundraising by de Blasio or organizations affiliated with him.
Where did it all start?
De Blasios perfect storm seems to have started brewing a couple years ago, when federal investigators took an interest in the since-closed Hudson River Cafe owner, Hamlet Peralta, who was running a Ponzi scheme involving an almost nonexistent wholesale liquor business. (Peralta was arrested in April and charged with duping investors out of approximately $12 million.) The Hudson River Cafe was a popular hangout for top police officials, including former chief of department Philip Banks III (he resigned in late 2014), and the investigation into Peraltas activities revealed that the restaurant received special treatment from the NYPD. Nine cops (four of them high-ranking) were recently disciplined as a result of the inquiry.
At around the same time, investigators were looking into claims made by a former correction officers union board member, William Valentin, who had accused Seabrook (the guy who just got arrested) of making shady investments with the organizations money. Banks and Seabrook are longtime friends.
Banks and Seabrook were also friendly with real-estate developer Jona Rechnitz and consultant Jeremy Reichberg. Investigators eventually discovered that the two police officials accepted expensive gifts and trips from Rechnitz and Reichberg, possibly in exchange for favors like security details for events and deliveries, ticket-fixing, and an NYPD helicopter flyover to impress some party guests.
Heres where Wednesdays busts of Seabrook and Murray Huberfeld, the hedge-fund manager, come in. Seabrook did allegedly funnel millions from the correction officers pension fund to Huberfelds firm in exchange for kickbacks. Sources revealed that Rechnitz introduced the union chief and the financier and acted as an intermediary in that bribery scheme. Rechnitz has now pleaded guilty to fraud in this case and is cooperating with investigators for leniency.
So where do the mayor come in?
Rechnitz and Reichberg were both big de Blasio donors who served on his 73-person inaugural committee. Mr. Rechnitz and his wife each contributed $4,950, the maximum amount allowed, to Mr. de Blasios 2013 campaign, and Mr. Rechnitz also raised about $45,000 for the mayor, according to the New York Times. Through a company he controls, Mr. Rechnitz also donated $50,000 to the Campaign for One New York, a nonprofit that supported Mr. de Blasios agenda. In May 2014, Mr. Reichberg held a fund-raiser at his home for the Campaign for One New York, raising $35,000. Rechnitz also gave $102,000 to de Blasios effort to get more Democrats elected to the New York State Senate (more on that, as well as the Campaign for One New York, in a bit).
It appears that the FBI and the Manhattan DA are now trying to figure out whether Rechnitzs and Reichbergs donations resulted in any favors from City Hall. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, after formally filing charges in the Seabrook case, indicated that Rechnitz is assisting other investigations as well; thats all Ill say. The same team of FBI agents and prosecutors who conducted the inquiry into Seabrook are also looking into de Blasios fundraising, reports the Times.
Meanwhile, de Blasio, who described his relationship with the two men as not particularly close, has returned the money from Rechnitz and his wife. The mayor said again on Wednesday that regretted his association with Rechnitz. I wish I never met the guy, de Blasio said. If we had any inkling that this was the kind of human being he was, we never would have gone near him.
As for the suggestions of quid pro quo, the mayor has said, I hold myself and my administration to the highest standard of integrity. We are very, very careful about doing things in a legal and appropriate manner.
So, thats the first investigation.
Jona Rechnitz, Norman Seabrook, Philip Banks III , and Jeremy Reichberg posing together in Jerusalem.
What was the Campaign for One New York?
The Campaign for One New York was a nonprofit group created to advocate for de Blasios policy goals, including universal pre-K and his affordable-housing plan. From the Times:
The group has raised and spent more than $4 million since its creation in 2014, according to voluntary disclosure forms. Donations included at least $1.3 million from unions, including $350,000 that the American Federation of Teachers gave during the mayors push to create universal prekindergarten, and more than $1 million from real estate interests, including Two Trees Management and others with interests along the Brooklyn waterfront.
According to Politico, More than two-thirds of the donors to the nonprofit had some form of business before the city. In February, the watchdog group Common Cause of New York called for an investigation into the Campaign for One New York, saying, Weve asked the Conflicts of Interest Board to determine whether the mayor setting up a shadow government is actually a violation of specific provisions of the conflicts of interest law. We dont believe that dark money is a necessary function of the modern mayoralty.
In March, the Campaign for One New York announced that it had accomplished its goals and would be shutting down. The work is done. Thats the bottom line, said de Blasio.
That seems a little convenient.
It does, especially when you consider that the Campaign for One New York factors heavily into at least two of the de Blasiorelated investigations.
Which investigations are those?
Heres the first one: In 2014, de Blasio tried to shift the balance of the majority-Republican State Senate by backing three Democratic candidates in Ulster and Putnam counties. (His candidates all ended up losing.) In response to complaints by Republican officials, the New York State Board of Elections launched an inquiry into de Blasios efforts. In April, it was reported that the board had found evidence of willful and flagrant violations of campaign-finance laws, and that the Manhattan DA was looking into whether criminal charges were warranted.
From the Times:
The boards report says that the fund-raising effort was run out of Mr. de Blasios City Hall and involved Emma Wolfe, his top political aide, and Ross Offinger, a fund-raiser for the mayors election campaign as well as the Campaign for One New York, a nonprofit created by Mr. de Blasio to support his agenda. The report also names several union officials and political consulting firms, including BerlinRosen, which has longstanding ties to the mayor. It says that those people worked closely with the candidates and their campaigns in arranging for large donations to be made through the county and statewide committees, and then designated how the money would be spent. Some of the checks to the statewide committee included notations such as Donation per Mayor, the report said.
According to state rules, donations to individual campaigns must be limited to $10,300, but donors can contribute as much as $103,000 to party committees, which can pass as much money as they want to their candidates. Over the course of the 2014 election season, the Democratic committees in the counties where de Blasio was supporting candidates received huge influxes of cash. In the five years prior to 2014, the Putnam County Democratic Committee received an average of about $10,016 a year in contributions. In 2014, the committee received $671,330. Almost all the funds were disbursed within a few days after being received to the campaigns of [Justin] Wagner and [Terry] Gipson, reports the New York Daily News. The Ulster County Democratic Committee received an average of about $37,021 in the five year before 2014. In 2014, the committee received $390,317, most of which was quickly re-routed to [Cecilia] Tkaczyks campaign. Many of the contributions came from people or organizations who had never before donated to those committees.
According to the Board of Elections, the pattern suggested de Blasio and his associates may have been trying to evade contribution limits and to disguise the true names of the contributors, conduct which may violate Election law.
De Blasio, for his part, responded by saying, If theres any kind of investigation going on, well happily participate. Well support it. We want to get everything out. We want every fact uncovered From my vantage point, everything was done legally and appropriately. But the situation became more contentious when he accused the boards head, Risa Sugarman, of leaking a memo on the investigations findings in order to make him look bad. (Sugarman was appointed by Governor Cuomo, and de Blasio and Cuomo have a well-documented not-great relationship.) Last week, an inquiry by New York inspector general Catherine Leahy Scott revealed that the boards spokesperson, former Republican Senate aide John Conklin, was the person responsible for leaking the materials. Sugarman and Cuomo have both demanded an apology. De Blasios office has refused, saying that its leaky Board of Elections that owes the people of New York an apology for such a flagrantly political act.
And thats not the only inquiry involving the Campaign for One New York?
Nope. New York States Joint Commission on Public Ethics is investigating the Campaign for One New York for a possible violation of lobbying rules. The organization came under scrutiny in May 2015 when it failed to register as a lobbyist, as it had the year before.
Groups are required under state law to register with the panel within 15 days if they reasonably anticipate spending more than $5,000 on lobbying activities, explains the Times. At the time, a spokesperson indicated that the Campaign for One New York didnt intend to do any lobbying. However:
In some of their materials, including two fund-raising letters obtained by The New York Times, the group has said it will work to ensure that Mr. de Blasio can retain control of the New York City school system, a goal that requires the approval of the State Legislature. In March, a solicitation letter mailed to potential donors stated, The Campaign for One New York will continue to support the mayor as he works for renewal of mayoral control of schools. The letter also refers to securing fair funding for New York City schools, also a legislative matter, and supporting the mayors affordable housing plan, including approvals at the state level.
The FBI also has some questions about these rat-proof trash bags.
The Campaign for One New Yorks lawyer, Laurence Laufer, recently said that [w]e will no longer cooperate with the investigation, which he called a blatantly political exercise by an agency whose very independence is deeply in question. While he didnt call him out by name, Laufer made it clear that he believed Cuomo was behind the probe.
How many investigations do we have left?
Just two more.
Hit me.
In April, New York State attorney general Eric Schneiderman began investigating the sale of the building at 45 Rivington Street. (Comptroller Scott Stringer and the Department of Investigation are also looking into this one.) The building, known as the Rivington House, was long subject to a deed restriction requiring it to be used as a nonprofit residential health-care center, and had for years been an HIV/AIDS facility. Recently, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services lifted the restriction. From The Wall Street Journal:
In early 2015, the Allure Group, a for-profit nursing care provider, purchased the building for $28 million, and months later paid the city $16.15 million to remove the restrictions that limited the buildings use, records show. About three months after the city lifted the restrictions, Allure sold the building for $116 million to a residential developer that plans to convert it into luxury condominiums, over the objections of some community leaders.
The department claims that it only lifted the restriction because it was misled by Allure, which said the building would remain a hospital (albeit a for-profit one) and did not reveal its plans to turn it into condos. De Blasio has said that he was not aware of the lifting of the restriction when it happened: Someone should have said no farther down the food chain, and if they didnt know how, they should have come to me and I would have said no very, very quickly. I want to know the same answer youre looking for.
This week, Schneidermans office announced that it would try to stop the sale of two more nonprofit nursing homes (one in Harlem and one in Coney Island) to Allure, citing the misrepresentations made by the company in the 45 Rivington deal: Until we conclude our investigation, we will object to Allure buying additional nursing homes. This indicates that the attorney general believes that Allure was, in fact, dishonest with city officials.
And last but not least
The fifth investigation is related to de Blasios weirdest and most never-ending problem: his campaign promise to ban the Central Park horse carriages.
When de Blasio made that ill-fated pledge, the animal-rights group NYCLASS spent a lot of money to attack his rival, Christine Quinn. The two principals of NYCLASS, Steven Nislick and Wendy Neu (both of whom have also donated large sums of money to the Campaign for One New York), are also involved in the real-estate industry. The Times reports that investigators are looking for any favorable municipal treatment granted [to Nislick and Wendy Neu] in exchange for the spending.
Meanwhile, the Daily News reports that the FBI is looking into whether two men who are close to de Blasio (one is de Blasios cousin, John Wilhelm) used NYCLASS to improperly funnel money to an anti-Quinn group, New York City Is Not for Sale, during the mayoral campaign.
Everything weve done, weve done legally and appropriately, said de Blasio when asked about his relationship with NYCLASS. And Ive said we will fully cooperate with any investigation.
So what now?
De Blasio appears to be hunkering down a bit, with some reports suggesting that the investigations have become an understandable distraction for the mayor. A recent Quinnipiac poll said that 52 percent of voters believe that political corruption is a very serious problem in NYC, while 34 percent called it somewhat serious. 55 percent of those polled said they thought that de Blasio does favors for developers who make political contributions to campaigns in which he is involved. With the mayor due to begin his reelection bid soon, potential challengers are likely factoring the scandals into their decisions about whether to run against him.
However, during a press conference last week, the mayor insisted that it was pretty much business as usual at City Hall. When all the facts come out, Im confident that it will confirm things were done the right way, he said. Meantime, what I focus on is what we call the day job.How we are going to keep lowering crime, how were going to create more affordable housing, what were doing to improve our schools. Thats where the focus is. The truth is a very comforting thing.
A political revolution without laughing is not a political revolution worth having. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
On Tuesday night, Bernie Sanders gave a speech that was simultaneously defiant and conciliatory: The Vermont senator refused to concede defeat while subtly reframing his campaign as a crusade for the Democratic platform, rather than the partys nomination. After meeting with President Obama on Thursday, that reframing became less subtle.
Sanders began his post-meeting remarks by thanking President Obama for maintaining neutrality throughout the Democratic primary. This was a significant gesture, ostensibly aimed at quieting Sandersnistas concerns that the president planned to coerce their candidate to drop out. The senator then reiterated his movements commitment to opposing the drift towards an oligarchic form of society where a handful of billionaires exercise enormous power over our political, economic, and media life, and reviewed the policies that would spare us from this second Gilded Age.
These are the issues that we will take to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia at the end of July, Sanders declared.
The issues they will take not the candidacy. Sanders continued to recast his campaign as a crusade for causes rather than a nomination when explaining his decision to contest next weeks Washington, D.C., primary.
The major point that I will be making to the citizens of the District of Colombia is that I am strongly in favor of D.C. statehood, Sanders said. The state of Vermont, which I represent, has about the same number of residents that Washington, D.C., has, except we have two United States senators and one Congressman with full rights, while D.C. does not.
But the senators most unambiguous step toward surrender came when discussing the Republican nominee.
I will do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure Donald Trump does not become president of the United States, Sanders said. He then concluded his remarks by saying of his partys presumptive nominee, I look forward to meeting with her in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump and to create a government that works for all of us and not just the one percent.
Obama may have finally earned that Nobel Peace Prize.
Its a criticism that worked on the campaign trail, but it might not in the months to come. Photo: John Moore/2016 Getty Images
Just hours before he promised to stop his attacks on U.S. district judge Gonzalo Curiel, Donald Trump was still defending his remarks. In an interview with the New York Times conducted Tuesday afternoon and published today, Trump bashed other Republican leaders for showing concern over his claims that Curiel shouldnt preside over a Trump University case because Curiels Mexican heritage was an inherent conflict of interest. Trump blamed their qualms on political correctness and, according to the Times, lack of backbone.
Politicians are so politically correct anymore, they cant breathe, he said. The people are tired of this political correctness when things are said that are totally fine. It is out of control. It is gridlock with their mouths.
He went on to reiterate his well-trodden point that his own lack of political correctness and his nontraditional methods and viewpoints are what got him to the forefront of the GOP in the first place:
I disagree with a lot of things Ive watched in politics over the years, thats why Im running, Mr. Trump said over a meatball lunch he barely touched in the restaurant of Trump Tower. And that may make me less popular with politicians. But I have to be honest. I didnt get there by doing it the way a lot of these people do it. People want people to represent them who are going to stick up for what they believe in, Mr. Trump said. Politicians have been very weak and very ineffective over the last quite long period of time.
The problem, of course, is that the primaries are over, and Trump is now tasked with impressing the very politicians he badmouthed on the campaign trail. Even as he gave the Times interview, Trump was apparently dithering over whether to retract the anti-Curiel statements; he eventually released a statement that was less of an apology and more of a how dare you misunderstand me.
But, somehow, Trump thinks this will all blow over. I think I will get along with the politicians actually, he said. Ive done a lot of work on the other side of politics, and Ive always gotten what I want.
Reality star. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Last month, Donald Trump pledged to raise $1 billion for his general election campaign. Since then, hes held only two major fundraising events. And on Wednesday, he told Bloomberg that he feels no particular urgency to pick up the pace.
Theres no reason to raise that, Trump told the outlet, when reminded of his $1 billion goal. I just dont think I need nearly as much money as other people need because I get so much publicity. I get so many invitations to be on television. I get so many interviews, if I want them.
This is bad news for anyone who wants to make America great again. Donald Trump needs money to win the White House. As MSNBC reported earlier this week, the GOP nominee doesnt really have a campaign yet: Theres no Trump 2016 communications staff, no rapid-response director, no data operation for targeting receptive voters, and a limited roster of campaign surrogates. The candidate appears to be handling most of his own event planning and press relations. Free media will not compensate for these deficiencies; in fact, it can make them more glaring, as it has throughout this past week.
The GOP nominee got plenty of airtime over the last ten days. But he spent nearly all of it reminding voters that:
1. Mexican-Americans dont like him.
2. He is currently being sued for fraud.
Throughout the primary season, the medias saturation coverage of Trump was driven by his penchant for improvising every speech and interview, a habit that produced an endless stream of offensive and/or bizarre pronouncements. But while ramblings broadcast straight from the id of a racist billionaire may please a plurality of GOP primary voters, they dont play that well with the general public. Donald Trump is more unpopular with Americans today than he was before he launched his presidential bid. This is why Republicans have shown so little tolerance for Trumps race-baiting this past week and why Trump spent the final night of primary season chained to a teleprompter.
If Trump becomes a disciplined candidate, hell get less free media. If he doesnt, hell get free media that hurts him. Regardless, even positive cable news coverage is no substitute for a well-funded campaign staff and data operation. Assuming ones goal is to win the presidency, rather than to amplify the visibility of ones brand at minimal personal cost.
Photo: Jann Lipka/This content is subject to copyright.
Should you one day travel to the overlooked desert nation of Djibouti, you will see from the window, as you land, what appears to be a large construction site adjacent to the airport. In fact, its a US military base, Camp Lemonnier: 3,500 people who live and work in retrofitted shipping containers, some stacked, some side by side, a Tetris of unadorned rectangular boxes. Other than the shrubs that grow in the drip from the air-conditioning units, there is no landscaping. Interior decor takes the form of emergency instruction placards (Stop and listen to the Giant Voice ) and framed chain-of-command portraits. In three days on base, Ive seen a single item that one might class as luxury: one indulgent, cushy, costly item shipped here for no other reason than to add a little comfort to a soldier or sailor or airmans life. Captain Mark Riddle requisitions Charmin Ultra Soft for the container that belongs to Naval Medical Research Unit 3. The sign on the door explains it: Diarrhea Clinical Trial.
The word alone makes people want to laugh: diarrhea. Riddle doesnt fight this. On the contrary. He recruits study subjects through GOT DIARRHEA? signs on the backs of restroom stall doors. One of the photographs on the Stool Grading Visual Aid he created for participants in the current study comes from a Campbells Chunky soup ad. (Look closely, hell confide, theres a spoon sticking out.) Nevertheless, for reasons you will come to understand, Riddle takes diarrhea very seriously. As he has put it, intending nothing funny, I live and breathe this stuff. I have heard him use the word sacred to describe a collection of frozen stool samples. Riddle would like military brass to take it seriously, too.
In past centuries, this took no convincing. Dysentery has been more fatal to soldiers than powder and shot, wrote William Father of Modern Medicine Osler in 1892. (Dysentery is an umbrella term for infections in which the pathogens invade the lining of the intestine, causing cells and capillaries to ooze their contents and creating dysenterys hallmark symptom, the one that sounds like British profanity: bloody diarrhea.) For every American killed by battle injuries during the Mexican War of 1848, seven died of disease, mostly diarrheal. During the American Civil War, 95,000 soldiers died from diarrhea or dysentery. During the Vietnam War, hospital admissions for diarrheal diseases outnumbered those for malaria by nearly four to one.
Once germ theory gained acceptance and the mechanics of infection became known, microorganismsand the filth they breed in, and the insects that deliver thembecame targets of military campaigns. Suddenly there were Fly Control Units, sanitation officers, military entomologists. The US military has been involved in most of the major advances in preventing, treating, and understanding diarrheal disease. Cairos NAMRU-3, the parent unit of Mark Riddles humble container lab in Djibouti, has a four-star antidiarrheal pedigree. Its first director, Navy Captain Robert A. Phillips, figured out that adding glucose to rehydration fluids enhances intestinal absorption of salts and water. This meant rehydration could be achieved by drinking the fluids rather than making ones way to a clinic to have them administered intravenously. This has been a lifesaver not only for people who fight in remote, medically underserved areas but for people who live there. A 1978 Lancet editorial called Phillipss discovery potentially the most important medical advance this century.
The full name of Riddles study is Trial Evaluating Ambulatory Treatment of Travelers Diarrhea (TrEAT TD). Travelers diarrhea is another catch-all term. Most of itat least 80 percentis bacterial, with 5 to 10 percent viral (vomit typically joining the waterworks here) and a miscellaneous percentage from protozoa like amoeba or giardia. All of it is caused by contaminated food or water. There used to be a separate category called military diarrhea (military referring to the patients, not the explosive nature of their evacuations), but if you look at the responsible pathogens, the breakdown is almost the same.
Military diarrhea is travelers diarrhea, because service members are travelersin places where you dont want to be drinking the water. A survey conducted by Riddle, David Tribble, and others with the US Naval Medical Research Center revealed that from 2003 to 2004, 30 to 35 percent of military personnel in combat in Iraq experienced situations where they lacked access to safe food and water. In the early days of a conflict especially, combatants are like backwater backpackers, crapping in the dirt and waving the flies off whatever food the locals are peddling. In that same survey, 77 percent of combatants in Iraq and 54 percent in Afghanistan came down with diarrhea. Forty percent of the cases were serious enough that the person sought medical help.
For every person who shows up at morning sick call, four tough it out. Riddle would like to know why. The average bout of travelers diarrhea lasts three to five days. Why endure this, when some of the new antibiotics, Riddles data show, can have you back to normal in four to twelve hours? Hes been asking around, mostly at mealtimes. The tables in the hangar-size Dorie are arranged church basementstyle, in long rows, so theres always a friendly stranger across from you or at your elbow, someone new with whom to chat about loose bowel movements while you eat.
Riddle gets right into it this morning with the man to his left. The uniform identifies the man as a Marine sergeant, last name Robinson. Im in the Navy, Riddle is saying, and were looking at simplified treatment regimens for travelers diarrhea. Were finding that a single dose of antibiotic and an anti-motility . . .
Robinson looks up from his eggs. Anti?
Like Imodium, I offer. Stops you up.
Oh, absolutely not. You do not want to mess with Nature like that. Robinson has the booming vocals and commanding bullnecked air of the actor Ving Rhames. One imagines Riddle going straight over to the lab after breakfast and tossing his data in the trashWhat was I thinking?
You have something bad in you, bad water or what have you? You got to pass it. Its like discussing diarrhea with the Giant Voice. Defeat the purpose if you mess with that.
Weve been hearing this a lot. People think diarrhea is the bodys attempt to rid itself of invaders, or to flush out the toxins they produce. They wont take an antimotility drug like Imodium because they think it interferes with the purge. But diarrhea is not something you are doing to pathogens; it is something they are doing to you. In varied and dastardly ways. Shigella and campylobacter, two common causes of bacterial dysentery, wield a toxin-delivering secretion apparatusa hypodermic-cum-bayonet that injects toxins into cells in the intestinal lining, killing them and causing the fluid inside them to spill out. That spillage is part of the watery-stool scenario, but theres more! With enough of those cells out of commission, the large bowel can no longer perform its duty as an absorber of water. Instead of food waste getting drier and more solid as it moves along the gastrointestinal tract, it stays liquid all the way along.
Sergeant Robinson has nothing more to say about diarrhea, but he would like Riddle to have a word with the people responsible for the packet of toilet paper in the combat field rations, or MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat). Its like this much. He tears off a piece of napkin the size of a drink ticket. To wipe your ass! Riddle volunteers that Navy guys pack baby wipes. He may regret saying this, because Robinson counters that Marines just cut off a piece of their t-shirt. Which possibly sums up the whole Marine CorpsNavy relationship.
During his years at NAMRU-3 headquarters, in Cairo, Riddle regularly got hit with diarrheal infections, a result of sampling the fecal veneer at local eateries. Irritable bowel syndrome is a well-documented, little-publicized aftermath of diarrheal infectionsespecially severe or repeated bouts. If you talk to people whove recently been diagnosed with IBS, about a third of them will say that their symptoms began after a bad attack of food poisoning. Defense Department databases reveal a five-fold higher risk of IBS among men and women who suffered an acute diarrheal infection while deployed in the Middle East. Even the Veterans Administration recognizes IBSas well as a form of arthritis called reactiveas one of the post-infectious sequelae of enteric infections. If patients can show that the condition developed following an infection with shigella, campylobacter, or salmonella during deployment, theyre entitled to benefits. Riddle estimates that the Defense Department could wind up spending as much money on these long-term consequences of food poisoning as it spends on post-traumatic stress disorder.
Why not prescribe antibiotics more widely? First, theres the issue of antibiotic-resistant strains developing, though this is less of a concern with some of the newer regimens that wipe out infections in a single daylikely not enough time for a resistant strain to evolve and thrive. More worrisome, perhaps, is recent research showing that the colons of overseas travelers who treat their diarrhea with antibiotics, particularly in Southeast Asia, tend to become colonized with two species of bad bacteria that they then carry home and can spread around town. Both bugs may inhabit a travelers gut only briefly and cause no problems while theyre there, but they are dangerous to patients with weak immune systems. Here again, with the newer single-dose regimens, it may not be an issue.
These are largely first-world concerns. The week I returned from Djibouti, the World Health Organization released a statistic for annual deaths from diarrhea worldwide: 2.2 million. The estimate for ETEC alone is 380,000 to 500,000 deaths per year. Children especially are at risk because they dehydrate dangerously fast. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the daily toll for deaths from diarrhea in children under five at 2,195more than from malaria, AIDS, and measles combined. (The Gates Foundation is funding the Navys efforts to develop an ETEC vaccine.)
Riddle traveled a lot in his twenties and recalls being hit by a realization. So much of peoples livestheir opportunities, their health and longevitycomes down to where they were born. Its so random, he says. Were over at his office, which is downstairs from his lab, in the same container. It shouldnt be that way. It shouldnt matter where your parents happened to live. He pauses for a jet ripping through a takeoff. At certain times of day, you get this every few minutes. Its like having a desk under the tarmac at Heathrow. The commotion fades and Riddle resumes. I went into medicine wanting to help the greatest number of people. And then, just when I thought hed gone all earnest on me: I happened to fall into diarrhea.
***
Yesterday I convinced the droll and adorable Camp Lemonnier public affairs officer, Lieutenant Seamus Nelson, to put a request in the daily email feed that goes out to everyone on base. ( Mary is looking for individuals who would be willing to share a story about how a case of diarrhea has impacted them while engaged in operations .) Because really, how do you step into that conversation?
The interviews have been scheduled back-to-back, one man coming in as another leaves, the Public Affairs container having taken on the quiet, hangdog air of a Catholic confessional. We just listened to the commanding officer of an inshore boat unit that protects Navy ships from USS Coletype terrorist attacks in the port of Djibouti City. He demonstrated the maneuvers using Seamuss stapler as the high-value asset kept safe by a tape dispenser and a bottle of allergy pills, zigzagging across each others paths. An inopportune bathroom break would leave the stapler vulnerable to attack. Even if crew stick to their posts, their vigilance is compromised; illness preoccupation is an overlooked military liability of diarrhea.
We heard a similar tale from a bombardier. On a long sortie out of Diego Garcia island, the only crew member capable of operating the planes defensive equipment abruptly left his post to use the chemical toiletwhile flying over Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. On the return flight, a faulty seal combined with the pressure differential between the toilets tiered chambers caused the contents to spew into the crew cabin. Be assured, he deadpanned, this blue-brown precipitation affected the navigators ability to concentrate on his duties.
Our 3:30 is retired from Special Operations, now working as a contractor. He was hit with diarrhea every time his team deployed. Because of this, he was never assigned any long-range surveillance, meaning counter-terrorism missions deep into insurgents turf. These missions, he says, entail hiding out in a hole, watching a particular spotsay, an intersection: who comes and goes, how many trucks drive through, at what time of day.
I ask whether he knows of a vital operation that might have been compromised because someone got a vicious case of food poisoning. He dismisses the very idea. The guys they select for this type of work? They dont have these types of problems. Theyre selected for a reason.
After he leaves, Seamus turns to us. Wow, do you think thats part of the screening for Special Operations? Give you some bad food, see how you do? Hes joking, but in fact 20 percent of the population are what Riddle calls nongetters: people who can eat ceviche from street vendors, drink the water, never get sick. It would certainly be an asset. Riddle wonders whether Special Operators take antibiotics or Imodium prophylactically, just in case, before critical missions. Or are they just suffering in silence? The Camp Lemonnier Special Ops doctorthey have their own, natchtalked about the mens reluctance to seek medical help lest they lose their Special Operator status.
Riddle and I have a lot of questions. Alas, no one from Special Operations replied to the diarrhea email.
***
Seamus Nelson is six foot three. When he extends his neck to its full reach, his head is like a periscope. Its up now, surveying a sea of clean-shaven, supper-chewing heads in the Camp Lemonnier dining facility. Hes scanning for facial hair. Only two categories of men here are allowed to wear beards: Special Ops and civilian contractors who want to look like Special Ops.
Theres your guy. The neck now retracted. Far corner by the door.
Riddle and I rise from our seats. We saw this man yesterday, coming out of the tactical shop. Even without the beard, youd know hes one of them. There are men who attempt to broadcast toughness by what they wear or drive or have tattooed on themselves. And there are others, like this man, who do nothing to cultivate or consciously project it, and yet it is obvious. It accretes naturally of the things theyve experienced.
Besides, I saw him go into the secure zone.
Seamus, come with me. Introduce me.
We cross the cafeteria, nervous middle-schoolers at the dance. The man sees us but does not alter his expression. We stop a couple feet back from the table. Some kind of attitudinal concertina wire. Seamus plunges ahead. Mind if we join you for a second?
Im going to assume the man is Special Operations, and that he knows we know. I was wondering whether you might ever have been in a situation where in a critical mission that I back up. Well, because diarrhea is looked on as sort of a silly
Its not.
He speaks softly, and what he says next I cant quite make out. Something about being curled up in a hole in the fetal position. He says that where he just got back from, some unnamed out station in Somalia, it hits everyone. This is probably not exaggeration. In Riddles survey of diarrhea in Iraq and Afghanistan, 32 percent of respondents reported having been in a situation where they couldnt get to a toilet in time. And Special Operators in the field get sick twice as frequently as everyone else.
His name, he says, is Carey. He invites us to sit down. I place my tape recorder in plain viewthat is to say, in plain view of anyone on my side of the table. That is also to say, behind the condiment caddy.
I need Carey to set the scene. What if you I mean, what if someone were a sniper, and theyre in a hide for well, how many hours would it be?
Depends on the mission. Youre watching for something to happen that might not happen.
Right, and most likely youre out in some village, and youve had to be eating stuff thats not prepared as hygienically as
Goat, he says. I had heard a story earlier about a goat meal in rural Afghanistan. It contained the phrases singed hair and otherwise uncooked. Unsanitary conditions, Carey confirms, are a given. Unfortunately, we dont fight in first-world countries.
Carey says he does not, as Mark Riddle had heard some men did, take antibiotics or Imodium prophylactically before the mission or after the goat. He takes one precaution. It is a strict rule among Special Operators. You go to the bathroom before going into a danger situation. There has been no shift from the gravely quiet tone with which Carey has been speaking. Nonetheless, Seamus blurts, Kind of like a road trip with the family, and Dads like, I dont care that you dont need to go.
On a family road trip, no one has you in the sights of a semiautomatic rifle while you squat in the dirt. Historian of military medicine A. J. Bollet quotes a letter written by a Civil War soldier who explained that an unwritten code of honor forbade the shooting of a man attending to the imperative calls of nature. In the war on terror, theres no such etiquette.
Excerpted from Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War, by Mary Roach. Copyright 2016 by Mary Roach. With permission of the publisher, W.W. Norton and Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
Pro-choice activists in Ireland. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
The U.N.s Human Rights Committee determined that Ireland violated a womans human rights by forcing her to choose between carrying a fetus to term, which she knew would die in the womb or shortly after birth, or travel abroad to have an abortion. The committee said the woman should be compensated and that the ban should be lifted in the case of fatal fetal anomalies.
In 2011, Amanda Mellet was 21 weeks pregnant when her doctors discovered her fetus had severe congenital defects and that it would not survive outside the womb. Abortions are allowed when the mothers life is at risk (including from the threat of suicide), but they are not permitted in the cases of rape, incest, or fatal fetal abnormality. And while Irish doctors are permitted to give information about abortion services available in Ireland and overseas, they face criminal sanctions if such advice could be construed as suggesting a woman terminate her pregnancy.
Mellet had to choose between continuing this nonviable pregnancy or traveling outside the country at her own expense to have an abortion something thousands of Irish women and girls do every year. She went to England and returned 12 hours after the procedure since she couldnt afford to stay longer.
She had to leave the fetuss remains behind, but they were unexpectedly mailed to her three weeks later. The panel also found she was denied bereavement counseling available to women who miscarry.
The committee determined that Mellet was subjected to discrimination and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and urged that Ireland provide her with adequate compensation and psychological treatment, as well as take steps to make sure similar human-rights violations dont happen in the future. Specifically, they said:
To this end, the State party should amend its law on voluntary termination of pregnancy, including if necessary its Constitution, to ensure compliance with the Covenant, including effective, timely and accessible procedures for pregnancy termination in Ireland, and take measures to ensure that health-care providers are in a position to supply full information on safe abortion services without fearing being subjected to criminal sanctions.
This is the first time that an international human-rights committee has said that a countrys abortion ban violates a womans human rights. The Guardian called it a ground-breaking judgment that is expected to set an international precedent.
Perhaps the Irish government could find it in its heart to reverse abortion bans in the cases of rape and incest while theyre at it? Maybe at this rate, Irish women will have full reproductive rights by 2086.
He posed as a female porn recruiter on Facebook. Photo: Yiu Yu Hoi/Getty Images
A Seattle tech writer whos written for the likes of Forbes and Gizmodo allegedly posed as a female porn recruiter and catfished multiple women into having sex with him as auditions. He has yet to be arrested.
Freelance journalist and photographer Matt Hickey was named in an investigative report by Seattles alt-weekly The Stranger, which claims Hickey pretended to be a female indie-porn recruiter named Deja Stwalley on Facebook. Posing as Deja, a blonde woman in a blue romper, Hickey allegedly solicited* at least six women (all of whom hoped to break into the porn industry) to have sex with Dejas ex-boyfriend, a photographer named Matt, as an interview for the job.
The Stranger presents several pieces of evidence pointing to Matt Hickey, including this: Three* of the six women claim they had sex with Hickey and identified Hickeys photo as the Matt they were meant to audition with. After one woman shared her story in a private Facebook group for Seattle feminists, one member of the Facebook group posed as an aspiring sex worker, contacted Deja, and received an email address from seattle.talent@gmail.com. Hickey allegedly sent an email to a friend with that same email address in 2010, according to The Stranger. The friend asked about the new email address. Something I use for a clients website, Hickey replied. The Stranger also found a real Deja Stwalley who went to middle school with Hickey. She knew nothing of a porn-recruiter profile under her name but said Hickey was interested in her in grade school: He had a weirdo crush on me.
The six women who claim Deja solicited them* for sex all met one another after one woman shared her story on Facebook. They all believe Dejas profile was fake and consider what happened sexual assault or fraud. The Stranger reports the law is hazy in cases of sexual assault like this (and some officials may be unwilling to help) because the women gave consent under false pretenses. In Washington State, a first-degree rape charge requires forcible compulsion (like threats, harm, use of a deadly weapon, or kidnapping); the state defines lack of consent as actual words or conduct indicating freely given agreement.
Three women have approached the police with varying results; they say theyre not being taken seriously. One woman filed a report with the Bellingham Police Department in May and says a male officer told her it would be difficult to prosecute her case as sexual assault; she was told to wait six weeks for a copy of her report. Another went to the Seattle Police Department on June 3. [The detective] said everything that Im telling him is really fucked up, but that there are no grounds for a sexual assault case, she said. A third woman said the Seattle Police Department turned her away with a business card when she approached them about Deja Stwalley.
The Seattle Police Department told The Stranger it has opened several investigations but hasnt arrested anyone. Hickey refused to comment for the story and mentioned he has a lawyer. His Twitter account has been disabled, and his website reads, Dont believe everything you read, please. Ill have more to say soon when Im able to.
Las Vegas defense attorney Dayvid Figler told The Stranger a prosecutor could try the case as third-degree rape that violated consent via a misrepresentation of facts, meaning the women didnt freely give consent for sex. A prosecutor could also try the case on Washingtons fraudulent-misrepresentation laws.
I think that you would probably have on some level a tough case because there is this stigma attached: Oh, those stupid girls, they got what they deserved trying to get into a sleazy world, he said. Youre dealing with public opinion about this sort of thing. But [allegedly], they were essentially raped. Their consent was based on a false premise.
I can't believe this is only banned in five states.
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i'm surprised new york is not one of the states
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http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/cuomo-announce-ban-conversion-therapy-lgbt-youths-article-1.2522458
ah here it is, public and private health insurance cannot cover it. i think cuomo recently said something about working to get them banned in ny?ah here it is, public and private health insurance cannot cover it.
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I just don't understand how whether a person likes same or opposite sex partners has anything to do with anyone other than that person and their partner. >.>
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fucking texas not even surprised
people like her "parents" should not be called so because they are doing damage to their child for something she cannot control or change.
fuck people like this
op have you seen kidnapped for christ
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the "parents" should be arrested for child abuse and the fucking 20 something white boys who love the power they exert on these victims need a beating so bad it should cripple them
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right??? my aunt who lives in texas and is getting married to her girlfriend at the end of june was outed to everyone by the principal of the school she works at and now she's been having a hard time. i feel bad she had to work so hard to keep her personal life private just for the sake of her job only for this to happen :(
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I'm glad I live in a more progressive area of Texas. Seriously, come to Plano, Denton, and Dallas, because we're probably the most progressive and it's nice because we accept everyone.
I should know, I'm mostly out as pan and a lot of my friends are trans yet we BARELY get any shit for it.
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"Sarah attempted to walk out shortly after being placed in the facility, but was quickly caught by staff and punished for her escape attempt."
Holy shit, can't that be considered kidnapping? I understand that she's a minor and her parents have put her in the program, but I cannot BELIEVE that strangers are allowed to hold a child against their will anywhere..
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The parents basically sign away all of their children's rights and agree to it. The entire industry is incredibly fucked up.
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Ikr isn't that human tights violation?
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I'm just having images of this poor girl having a run in her tights and it being a 'human tights violation.'
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Unfortunately, no, because the US is the only country in the UN not to sign the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which doesn't list gay conversion therapy explicitly, but it is definitely implied by the part that protects children from exploitation.
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Unfortunately in these cases, a parent can transfer rights of guardianship to whoever is in charge. It's a temporary thing and parents can withdraw that guardianship anytime they want, but these types of places can hide the abuse to make it seem like the kid is fine. It happens.
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There have been stories of this happening in extreme religious schools here. parents pretty much sign legal rights over these kids so strangers can do exactly that.
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You should watch Kidnapped for Christ. This student filmmaker goes to one of these camps in Dominica Republic and focuses on the story of one boy who was sent there because he came out to his parents. The people at the camp came in the middle of the night and snatched him from his bed, took him to the airport, and took him to this camp where he experienced abuse and was unable to leave (due to the fact that the camp was holding his passport and they were in a remote area and were unable to leave the camp...they also would pay nearby villagers to capture kids if they escaped and bring them back to the camp).
It is so, so, so fucked up and I really wish this type of shit was outlawed.
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It's funny how the people who are expected to protect these kids (their parents & the law) are using their power to force them into places like this.
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"Conversion therapy" should be banned in every fucking state. Fuck anyone who thinks this kind of shit is OK.
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mte
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In this case, its natural for her to like boys. Its not natural for her to like girls It's going to cost them money that actually harms the young woman from getting the care and treatment she needs
piece of shit
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quack
Edited at 2016-06-08 11:22 pm (UTC) ty to the good sis(WHO NEVER COMES HERE ANYMORE) for bringing my attention to this. she did some sleuthing and it seems like the facility Sarah was most likely sent to is this place . Their blog posts on homosexuality are a trip (an outdated trip).
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oh would you look at that, they have a PO box and phone number...
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welllllll tbf it's not a given that the place is where Sarah was sent to, it's still speculation afaik.
(i mean it's still obviously a shitty place regardless.)
Edited at 2016-06-08 11:28 pm (UTC)
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From the kids Ive counseled Ive learned that a teen will move toward same sex relationships for a number of reasons:
1. Abuse
FFS
And LOL @ "A few years ago three popular music stars named Britney, Christina and Madonna kissed one another on MTV. The ripple effect of their behavior sent a message to teen girls; this type of display is acceptable. Easily influenced or inquisitive young girls may be curious and try it."
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TY AGAIN FOR POSTING SOMETIMES YOU'RE ALRIGHT
btw A+ edits to the posted article lol
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This needs to be banned in every state. It's a hate crime. It's child abuse. It's homophobic.
We can get married now, but now it's time for us to deal with these other issues. This shit needs to go and anyone responsible should be charged accordingly.
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This is disgusting.
Christians have done nothing but disappoint and worry me in recent times.
A bit OT: My very "Christian" country just voted to not have equal rights for women and to be able to continue discrimination based on sex. And people were singing hymns and thanking god when the results came through. It's so depressing.
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bahamas
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The Bahamas sadly. People here also fear 'the sissy apocalypse'..college professors and other high ranking officials use that kinda language without shame.
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you are a really strong person you are a really strong person
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what do they do in those places, like, how do they expect to ..."get the gay away"
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Aw. ): That's awful. How are you doing now?
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I can't even begin to imagine how traumatizing this was for you. I hope life is so much better for you now
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*hugs*, bb. I'm glad you got out.
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I'm so sorry.
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that sounds so dehumanizing wow :(
i'm so glad you were able to get out
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I'm so sorry...glad you got out.
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whoa!! that's awful :(
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I'm so glad you were able to get out <3 So awful that parents would do this to their kids, it's abuse
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I'm so sorry, that's awful :/
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I'm so sorry <3 I'm glad you got out
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I just don't understand people who do that to their children. No offense to your mother but I just don't understand.
I hope you're doing okay considering what happened to you. Nobody deserves to feel like they're lesser because of who they are.
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so glad you came out of it and it was pretty fucking brave to take the risk to escape, so glad to see you're doing much better now bb
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this is fucking brutal- i wish child services could get involved in this bullshit.
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I'm so tired of this bullshit. This is fucking disgusting.
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100% agree
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ia
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yep
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Mte
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it is child abuse.
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THIS
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yes
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It causes me emotional pain to live in a country where it isn't legally considered child abuse
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There could be a growing shortage of skilled workers in the oil industry.
That may seem counterintuitive in an industry that has been rapidly shedding workers, with more than 350,000 people laid off in the oil and gas industry worldwide.
Texas is one place feeling the pain. Around 99,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Lone Star state have been eliminated since prices collapsed two years ago, or about one third of the entire industry. In April alone there were about 6,300 people in oil and gas and supporting services that were handed pink slips. Employment in Texas oil sector is close to levels not seen since the aftermath of the financial crisis in 2009. "We're still losing big chunks of jobs with each passing month," Karr Ingham, an Amarillo-based economist, told The Houston Chronicle.
But the damage to the oil industrys workforce could be exactly why companies could face a skills shortage in the months and years ahead.
North Dakota had nearly 1,000 drilled but uncompleted wells as of March, and more companies are showing some signs that they might step up completions now that oil prices are above $50 per barrel. But they might find it difficult to ramp up the rate of completions if they cannot field enough workers. There are only about eight fracking crews left in the state, down from 45 two years ago, according to Reuters. Fracking crews are brought in to frack and complete wells for oil producers.
A recent survey of oil companies in the Bakken revealed concerns from the industry about the dismantling of fracking crews. Even if prices went to $100 per barrel of oil, you dont have any frack crews available to complete all the wells that need fracking, one survey respondent told Hart Energy Market Intelligence.
One oil worker recently interviewed by Reuters illustrates the problem for places like the Bakken. John Ritchart, a worker that was responsible for heating water for a fracking crew, packed up and left North Dakota, moving back to Washington State after his pay was cut by 30 percent. I can feed two people at home for a month for what it costs me to eat in Williston for a week, Ritchart told Reuters. I cant afford to stay here. The city of Williston, located in the heart of the Bakken, saw its population shrink by 16 percent since the summer of 2015.
At a recent industry conference in North Dakota, a top executive at Hess Corp. said that dismantling crews can be counterproductive. If you just stop your entire operation, you send all your contractors home, you lose all your completion supervisors and you end up in a situation where you have to start all over again, Gerbert Schoonman, Hess vice president in the Bakken, said at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in May. Related: Why Did Natural Gas Prices Just Rise 25% In Two Weeks?
But the thousands of laid off engineers, technicians, geologists, and rig workers wont sit around waiting for oil prices to rebound. Many are moving on to find work in other states and in other industries. In Texas, some laid off oil workers are increasingly finding work in the solar industry, which may not pay as much as working in the oil fields, but does offer more stability. One solar company in San Antonio told Marketplace that about a quarter of the resumes they receive come from workers who lost jobs in the oil and gas industry. The problem for solar companies is finding workers that are truly leaving oil and gas and not just waiting for a rebound.
As thousands of out-of-work oil and gas veterans find other jobs, there could be a shortage of skilled workers if drilling picks back up.
There is going to be within the next, I think, six months to a year a real competitive war for the best and the brightest in this industry, Les Csorba, a partner at the Houston office of Heidrick & Struggles, said in an interview with Houston Public Media. You are seeing the baby boomer generation retiring, so you have an aging population within the energy sectoryou are seeing an increased demand for technical competence and expertise.
But the damage from two years of low oil prices is also doing its part. Obviously we are going to see a number of defections from the energy industry. Young people that came into the business are now leaving because they are afraid of the cyclical nature of the industry, Csorba said.
By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com
More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The troubles that Saudi Arabia has been facing due to the plunge in oil prices have been discussed many times, most recently when Saudi authorities ordered banks to stop allowing speculators to bet against the Riyal. Liquidity worries have also surfaced, as late last month Saudi Arabia indicated that it was considering paying contractors with government issued bonds - read: IOUs.
GDP growth has slowed significantly...
(Click to enlarge)
While debt to GDP has soared relative to prior years
And Riyal forwards have plunged as bets on devaluation soar (despite government bans)
(Click to enlarge)
Against that backdrop, although oil has rebounded from recent lows, budgets are still light and in an attempt to help raise revenues in the short term (and transition away from dependency on oil in the longer term), the government is weighing an income tax on expat workers. As Bloomberg reports, in a proposal released this week for the country's National Transformation Plan, the kingdom is seeking to tax millions of foreign residents.
The tax is only "an initiative that will be discussed" Finance Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf said. However as Bloomberg notes, the fact that the tax was included in the proposal means that Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is considering the idea. Prince Mohammed has already taken steps to reduce spending, recently cutting fuel and utility subsidies and has proposed reducing the public sector wage bill. The kingdom is also joining other members of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council in imposing value-added taxation starting from 2018.
"Deepening the taxation base will be an important step in increasing non-oil revenue, which will likely start with a VAT first, but the discussion of income tax is notable. Introducing the tax could support efforts to create more jobs for nationals, but if it's not done in coordination with the other GCC countries then it will also reduce the competitiveness of Saudi Arabia to attract labor." said chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Monica Malik.
There are nine million foreigners living and working in Saudi Arabia said Mufrej Al-Haqbani, the country's labor minister, and Finance Minister Assaf said that there are no plans to tax Saudi nationals. Related: Shell Unveils New Strategy: Leaner and Deeper
There are varying opinions on whether or not the income tax would be a good idea. Mohammed Alsuwayed, head of capital and money markets at Adeem Capital said "I don't believe it's wise to introduce such a thing at a time when the kingdom is trying hard to attract direct foreign investments and not having income taxes was one of the most attractive prospects here." HSBC Holdings chief economist Simon Williams counters, saying "a 10 percent tax take would be very low by global standards, and wouldn't in itself drive expatriates away given the much greater tax burden they face elsewhere."
Whatever the outcome, it is clear that as Saudi Arabia continues to keep oil production at current levels, hoping to continue to force higher cost producers out of business, something will need to be done in the short term in order to solve the debt levels being used to fund the budget.
By Zerohedge
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The soon-to-be leaner Shell is set to reduce its overall geographic footprint and focus on going deeper, instead of farther.
Shells chief executive Ben van Beurden outlined a mid-term strategy at an investor meeting on Tuesday that will see the company focus on deepwater exploration and petrochemicals, with shale exploration also becoming a priority after 2020.
The $30-billion asset sale program that the company announced after the acquisition of peer BG Group will continue as planned, to be completed by 2018, van Beurden also said. This counters an FT report that the program could take longer if oil continues to hover around $50, but a delay is not out of the question, since the asset-sale program is based on a scenario of $60 a barrel.
The asset sales will entail Shell exiting between five and ten countries, although these remained unnamed at the meeting. In light of the companys new focus on offshore drilling and petrochemicals, its safe to suggest that the exits will be from countries where it has onshore operations, although an exit from Nigeria could also be in the offing after the recent major pickup in rebel activity. Earlier this year, the company also said its putting up some assets in the North Sea for sale, including the Brent field that gave its name to the international crude benchmark.
The company currently has presence in more than 70 countries worldwide. The exits and other asset sales will cut Shells oil and gas production by a tenth. When reports of the asset sale first emerged in February, various sources had it that the assets on the line are in India, the U.S. (some pipeline infrastructure), and Trinidad and Tobago. Fields in Gabon are also among the assets to be sold. Yet, the focus this year, according to CFO Simon Henry, would be on downstream assets, which usually fetch better prices. Related: Iranian Oil Exports Soar As Shipping Companies Return To Iran
Going forward, van Beurden said that Shells geographical focus will be on the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Brazil. That comes despite the new offshore drilling regulation in the U.S. that raised hackles among E&Ps present in the Gulf of Mexico. Brazil, on the other hand, currently has a government that has indicated its much more welcoming to foreign oilfield operators than the previous one. Shell, with its stated focus on offshore oil and gas development, is an obvious partner for embattled Petrobras in the oil and gas-rich pre-salt layer.
The company is also set on growing its presence in renewables, after 2020. New energies as Shell calls them, represent a significant growth opportunity over the longer term, along with shale, in the U.S. and Argentina. Investments in these two areas, however, are low at the moment as Shell feels its way around, and van Beurden cautioned shareholders not to expect any quick and high returns initially. Related: Oil Holds Steady As EIA Confirms 3.2M Barrel Draw
The general idea, in the words of van Beurden, is to make Shell a simpler company. This drive, necessitated largely by the $52-billion acquisition of BG Group as well as by the oil price slump, will also see the oil giant cut spending by a third. Capex is projected at $25 to $30 billion annually by 2020, with $29 billion earmarked for this year. Thats 35 percent less than the combined capex for Shell and BG Group for 2014. In exchange for all these efforts, Shell sees itself as a leaner, more flexible company in the future, and well positioned to take advantage of new opportunities as they emerge.
The Wall Street Journal once compared Shell to ECB president Mario Draghi because of its readiness to do whatever it takes to overcome the challenges it faces a kind of unfortunate comparison as Draghis efforts to prop up the Eurozone economy have not been a major success, at least so far. At the moment, Shell looks like it has a better chance to turn things around and not just survive, but achieve sustainable results in a new energy industry environment.
By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com
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Proved oil reserves remain sufficient to meet more than 50 years of global production; the North American Shale Revolution added 15% technically recoverable oil and gas resources
The substantial decline in the value of crude oil at the end of 2014 had very little impact on the amount of proved oil reserves in the world, BP (ticker: BP) said in its 2016 Statistical Review of World Energy Wednesday. Proved oil reserves fell 2.4 billion barrels, or 0.1%, in 2015, marking only the second time reserves have decreased in the 65 years the company has produced the annual review.
Global proved oil reserves in 2015 were 1,697.6 billion barrels. That number represents a 24% increase over the last decade, and is enough to meet 50.7 years of global production, BP said in its report.
BPs chief economist, Spencer Dale, said investment in oil and gas fell $160 billion in 2015, roughly 25%, and could fall further this year. Dale sees investment declining an additional $50 billion in 2016 as the world oil price continues to slowly recover.
Youll have to go back to the late 1970s to see such a sharp fall in investments, Dale told reporters.
Even with the steep decline in investment, production still increased 3.2% to 91.67 MMBOPD driven by U.S. shale oil production, as well as Iraq and Saudi Arabia. BP estimates that the shale revolution in North America increased technically-recoverable oil and gas resources by 15%.
Brazil recorded the largest decline with proved reserves falling by 3.2 billion barrels, while Norwegian proved reserves grew by 1.5 billion barrels. On a regional basis, South & Central American reserves have the highest reserves-to-production ratio among those included in BPs review at 117 years.
(Click to enlarge)
Source: BP
OPEC countries continue to hold the largest share (71.4%) of global proved reserves, with the Middle East holding 47.3% of total global oil reserves. North Americas share of global reserves has grown to 14% in 2015 from 11.3% in 1995, but is down 2.3% from 2005.
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Source: BP
Natural gas shows the same trend
BPs analysis found that natural gas reserves fell by 0.1% in 2015 as well. Global proved natural gas reserves declined 0.1 trillion cubic meters to 186.9 Tcm. This amount of natural gas is still enough to meet global production for 52.8 years, the company said. The Middle East region holds the largest proved reserves (42.8% of the global total), and has the highest reserves-to-production ratio at 129.5 years.
(Click to enlarge)
Source: BP
This is truly the age of plenty, Dale said.
By Oil & Gas 360.com
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It wasnt so long ago that some of the more famous investor gurus were shrugging off gold as nothing more than shiny trinkets with no investment value. They were wrong. This safe haven is back, the recovery is clear, and there have been some very big changes of heart.
The biggest gold producers in the world have seen their share prices double this year. Not only are gold prices soaring, but producers are cutting costs and slimming down debt as they pave the way for gold to return to the top of the favored commodities list.
Even though gold dropped earlier in May, Thompson Reuters noted that shares outstanding for two major ETFs tracking gold rose 11 percent, and precious metals ETFs enjoyed four straight weeks of inflows in May. A ton of money is moving around here.
And thanks to an overvalued U.S. dollar, gold may have nowhere to go but up.
Gold has no upper limit on its price, and according to Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff, speaking to the Financial Times recently, emerging economies might do well to shift all their U.S. dollar reserves to gold. Gold, he says, could be viewed as an extremely low-risk asset with average real returns comparable to very short-term debt.
Russia, it seems, would agree. Moscow hates the U.S. dollar and craves gold, tripling its gold holdings between 2005 and 2015.
Weak prices, stock market vulnerabilities, and a weakening currency in 2015 also led Chinese investors to buy almost 1,000 metric tons of gold as a safe haven asset.
Major Money, Massive Returns
Billionaires have certainly taken notice. They are dumping massive amounts of money into gold right now and seeing huge returns. They are now ahead of a game that has seen prices rise almost 14 percent this yeareven with the recent correction.
Take George Soros, for instance, who recently invested $475 million into Barrick Gold, which has since doubled in value.
Well-known Canadian mining philanthropist-investor Frank Giustra also appears to be excited about the recovery of gold, buying close to 13 percent of a high-potential junior miner, Sandspring Resources, which is advancing a major gold prospect in Guyana.
Marc Faber, the author of the Gloom, Boom and Doom reportknown to offer dreary outlooks on stocks and investmentstold CNBC last week that he believes gold, oil and gas shares have significant upside potential in 2016 as investors hope to use them as long-term stores of value.
Part of the upside potential is based on the fact that gold has gotten much smarter. Commodities downturns encourage innovation. Gold is surging in part because its miners have become much more efficient, according to Bloomberg. Its not just about more attractive exchange rates for miners outside of the U.S.
The amount companies are spending to produce an ounce of gold today has fallen by around 34 percent since 2012, the news agency says. This is what long-term billionaire investors want to see, and its why they are comfortable putting big cash into gold right now.
In response to particularly weak U.S. job growth rate in May, the price of gold jumped by nearly 3 percent last week, and its still maintaining this bullish attitude.
Bullion may have suffered a price dip earlier in May, but the per-ounce rate remains almost 15 percent stronger than the beginning of the year.
The first few days of June have also seen gold prices spike upward, signaling a swift recovery from mellow May and a continuation of 2016s legacy as a golden year for the namesake commodity.
While all major gold stocks have had an amazing year so far, the top three, according to ProfitConfidential, are Barrick Gold, up more than 160 percent year-to-date, Goldcorp, up more than 40 percent, and Newmont Mining, up 75 percent.
Fundamentally, Gold is Now a Great Junior Game
The first quarter of this year has made it brilliantly clear that junior miners are a good bet. Their fundamentals are stronger than everand this is, after all, where all the initial exploration work is done.
Its not just the major miners who are getting smarter and more efficient. The juniors have been producing at all-in sustaining costs coming in hundreds of dollars lower than the per ounce price. Operating margins have never looked better.
But the best part for the savvy investor is that everyone catches on first to the major miners, while the juniors stay off the radar, which means that while gold prices surge, there is a short window of opportunity when the juniors are selling cheap. Even so, many of them have seen their stocks double since early this year.
Sandspring Resources, for one, is focused on advancing its 100 percent owned, 6.9-million-ounce Toroparu Gold Project in Guyana. It also continues to explore its over 98,000-hectare highly prospective concession.
Toroparu is the fourth-largest gold deposit in South America held by a junior instead of a major, offering great upside with a rising gold price and as a potential acquisition target.
Other juniors could also benefit from the recovery of gold while their shares remain cheap enough to lure in new investors, including GoGold Resources, with its flagship project in Mexico; Pilot Gold, in Turkey, Utah and Nevada; or Lydian International focused on Armenia and Georgia.
What happens with juniors is that they do all the heavy lifting, and then the majors swoop in with the big money once a new discovery is ready to be mined.
While the major miners are already enjoying a stunning revival and the billionaire investors are already raking in the revenues, the juniors are the next spot on this high-speed commodities train, because this is where the real reward will beand it just got a lot less risky.
By Simon Harlow of Oilprice.com
She was sitting in her car at the Target on Miller Park Way last week, signing the birthday cards she had bought in the store. Suddenly guns were pointed at her through both front windows. She got out, gave up her purse and watched as two kids drove away with her car.
My daughter was in the same parking lot when this carjacking occurred. Once my daughter found out what had happened, she posted on Facebook:
"Holy hell, I was IN this Target when this happened. I can't even bring myself to think about this happening to me with the boys (she has two sons) in the car. Stay alert, don't sit in a running car, lock your doors. Sometimes I just want to pull the covers over my head for a really long time."
Just a couple of days later, six people were arrested after a Ford Escape and a GMC Terrain were hijacked. That night, police spotted the Escape and gave chase, before the Escape crashed. Police arrested two 12-year-old boys, a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy. When the police stopped the Terrain, they arrested a 12-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man.
According to the police report, all six had been arrested before and collectively had 31 charges against them. Four of them were on Milwaukee County probation. Both carjackings were conducted with guns.
On Monday, Police Chief Edward Flynn testified before the city Public Safety Committee about the alarming rise in carjackings.
"Since 2014, carjackings have risen 700 percent," he said. "Its complicated. But what happens is that these kids do something and get caught. But their a-ha moment doesnt mean anything because nothing happens to them.
"They are supposed to be supervised, but there is no supervision going on. There is supposed to be GPS monitoring, but we never get real-time information. We're lucky if the county social workers notify us the next day.
"They are back in their community and free to do what they want. Carjacking is kind of a status thing. Kind of a 'I got a Mercedes, can you get an Audi?' kind of thing.
"Its an exciting world of adventure and status."
Flynn read a horrifying litany of children who had records for multiple offenses. He cited the case of one 12-year-old who was arrested after he had previously been arrested six times.
"Everybody we arrest, sometimes it feels like, is already out 'on supervision,'" he said last week. "It's a running joke. Being on county supervision is not being on supervision at all, and the kids know it."
William Jessup, an assistant chief with the MPD, testified that the department doesnt get real-time information on the GPS tracking used to monitor the activities of juveniles. If a kid moves outside the range hes supposed to be in, Jessup said, the police dont know until contact is initiated by the outside contractor hired to track these kids. In addition, Flynn said the ankle bracelets that are used are not tracked at night.
A private non-profit company, Justice Point, is charged with doing the monitoring for these kids, and the contract calls for them to notify the County Department of Human Services.
This is not an easily solved problem. There are a wide variety of actors who are involved in putting a halt to this kind of juvenile crime. The county, city and state all have roles. And the potential for bureaucratic foul ups and obstruction is immense. Much of the difficulty also stems from inadequate funding.
"There are many workers who are great at supervising 20 people," Flynn said. "But they cant supervise 60 people."
Alderman Mark Borkowski spoke for some residents in his district who take a hard line against juvenile offenders.
"There is no sense of urgency (to solve the problem)," he said. "We have not had the political will to spend money for more police officers or to go after the court system for the leniency of these punks. Theyre laughing at us."
Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton urged the chief to come up with ideas for better cooperation between the court system, child welfare departments and the police.
"Sending children back to an environment that couldnt supervise them in the first place doesnt seem to be the wisest course of action," he said.
Flynn said the police arrest five or six juveniles every day of the week. What happens to those kids, most often, is that they get a court date about six months in the future and get sent home "under parent supervision."
You dont have to be a public policy expert to see that the system is broken and its going to take influence, power and money to get it fixed.
On Sunday, June 12, from noon to 2 p.m., award-winning childrens book illustrator Renee Graef will be at the North Point Lighthouse Museum, located at 2650 N. Wahl Ave., for a book signing of her latest book titled "B is for Beacon: A Great Lakes Lighthouse Alphabet."
The North Point Lighthouse is featured in it. Books will be for sale at the lighthouse gift shop.
Graef has illustrated more than 80 children's books, including the "Kirsten" books for the American Girl Collection and many of the picture books based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books. She has illustrated "The Nutcracker" and books for Mount Rushmore and Lidia Bastianich (of PBS's "Lidia's Italy").
Her most recent books are "Therese Makes a Tapestry" (for the Getty Museum in L.A.) and "B is for Beacon: a Great Lakes Alphabet." Renee splits her time between Los Angeles and Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Public Schools' Pulaski High School is one step closer to becoming the eighth MPS school to offer rigorous, college-preparatory International Baccalaureate (IB) programming.
The International Baccalaureate Organization has announced that the school has earned candidate status for the IB Middle Years Programme, which is offered to students in 9th and 10th grade.
Pulaski High School would join MPS' Rufus King International High School, Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School and MacDowell Montessori School, which all offer IB programs for high school students. Two MPS middle schools, Rufus King International and Wedgewood Park International, and two MPS elementary schools, Academy of Accelerated Learning and Lowell Elementary School, offer IB programs.
"This is an exciting time to be at Pulaski High School," Principal Lolita Patrick said. "IB is one of the most popular high school programs in Milwaukee Public Schools and we are excited to be expanding access to it as we prepare our students for success in college, career and life."
Many Pulaski High School staff have already received IB training and more will experience that this summer.
The school's IB application comes as Pulaski High School is partnering with Carmen Schools of Science and Technology to improve academic achievement, school environment and teaching and administrative practices. Carmen, which operates two MPS charter schools, will open its new Carmen High School of Science and Technology - Southeast Campus inside the Pulaski building in the fall, bringing two great schools together on one campus.
Both schools are now accepting new 9th-grade students for fall 2016. To enroll at Carmen: Call Xiomara Ortiz at (414) 758-1044 or visit www.carmenhighschool.org/southeast-campus.html. To enroll at Pulaski: Call the school at (414) 902-8900 or visit mpsmke.com/enrollMPS.
MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver and the entire MPS family congratulate members of the Pulaski High School community on their IB candidate status!
The IB expansion and partnership with Carmen is connected to MPS' Regional Development Plan, which is increasing access to strong programs, as well as the work of MPS' eight Strategic Objectives, which include "Rethinking High Schools." As part of that work, MPS has already grown the number of high school students taking college-level IB and Advanced Placement courses by 25% over the last two years.
Even though old school Milwaukee brands like Boy Blue or Mrs. Howes potato chips are no longer lining streets or packed onto grocery store shelves, soon enough, you might start seeing them around town a little more often. Or at least their classic logos.
Thanks to Bygone Brand, a Rockford-based retro T-shirt company created by husband-and-wife team Keith and Amy Watson, cities across the Midwest are starting to see a bonus splash of nostalgia in their wardrobes. And now Milwaukee can be counted among hem, as the project recently added a line of Milwaukee-themed shirts, each one emblazoned with a gone but certainly not forgotten Cream City brand.
"Milwaukees got such cool stuff," said Keith Watson. "I mean, yeah, theres Miller and Harley-Davidson, but its the little brands that only the locals would look at and know."
The T-shirt collection currently features four old-school Milwaukee brands: Mrs. Howes potato chips, Dutchland Dairy Stores, The Milwaukee Road railroad and, Keiths particular favorite of the bunch, ice cream shop Boy Blue. The line also includes three additional shirts repping non-Milwaukee-exclusive Midwestern and national brands that still left considerable footprints in locals memories, such as Mr. Steak, Sandys Thrift & Swift and Moon Fun Shop.
The Watsons founded their fashionable blast to the past back in 2013, a passion project that chicly combined the couples interests in logos Keiths day job is designing and history. The duo started with a few shirts for some retro Rockford companies, and the idea took off, eventually growing Bygone Brands focus toward other Midwestern cities like St. Louis Amys original hometown Chicago, Peoria, Madison and now Milwaukee.
"(Milwaukee) just seems like a natural fit," Keith explained. "Ive known Milwaukee my whole life although I didnt live there; just going up and around. Its Midwest, cool and got the same values."
Of course, considering their status as Milwaukee outsiders, the two had to do their research to do the shirts right and to do the right shirts. To begin, the Watsons took to the internet to get some basic background on retro Milwaukee logos that have stayed in locals hearts and would look good on the front of their chests as well as to make sure the trademarks have expired so theyre not taking the logos from somebody. The couple then came up to Milwaukee for a weekend to visit the Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear and explore the city for themselves.
After their trip, they compiled and compressed their potential Cream City candidates into a list of about 20 fun possibilities. The pair then turned to who else but Milwaukeeans to help with the next step, pitching the idea out to the popular Retro Milwaukee Facebook page.
"They posted this image of all of these different logos, and we kind of went from there," Keith said. "They got a lot of really good feedback about what people liked and what people remembered and a lot of other ideas that we hadnt even thought of. It was really a good conversation starter for people just thinking about the history of Milwaukee and growing up. From there, we saw what people said the most of and from what we thought looked good, so thats where we came up with the beginning line."
That beginning line printed by the small company itself, where Keith and Amy are currently still the only employees is currently only for sale for $24 a shirt on Bygone Brands website. The Watsons, however, have begun talking to local museums, gift shops and retailers about carrying their shirts in town with the hope of having them available somewhere locally in the upcoming few months. Frill, a shop in Cedarburg, has already gotten on board and plans to have the old school shirts in stock in a few weeks.
While thats all in the works, the Watsons and Bygone Brand are already looking ahead to some more Milwaukee shirts to add to the collection. According to Keith, a Dandelion Park T-shirt is ready to go soon, with the Stone Toad and Pinkys Bowl both leading candidates for the next batch. And theres no lack of suggestions coming in.
"Ive got whole lists I cant wait to go through; I love old logos, so its kind of fun to go in there and do that," Keith said. "But Ive got a list of about 30 or 40 that we could start on."
There would seem to be no end in sight for Bygone Brand and therefore no end to these companies stories as well.
If that headline sounds a bit like "God Is Dead" to you, you just might be from the United States. Only what the people who live in this one country of the American hemisphere call "an American" carries that variety of flag passion. If, on the other hand, you find watching paint dry more engaging than the suspense of waiting for the next Flag Day, you just might be a candidate for citizen of the world.
In fact, I think Flag Day needs to be canceled. It's not a holiday that the government, much less the military, much less the rest of the United States, actually takes off work. It's rumored, in fact, that any socialistic interruption in work schedules would be offensive to the flag herself.
So we can indeed cancel Flag Day just by totally ignoring it, along with the overlapping Flag Week, the simultaneous U.S. Army's Birthday, the mythological tales about Betsy Ross, and the celebration of a war in 1812 that failed to take over Canada, got Washington D.C. burned, and pointlessly killed lots of human beings in a battle we celebrate with bad singing auditions before every sporting event because a colored piece of cloth survived it.
This Flag Day, instead of trying to add, if possible, yet more publicly displayed U.S. flags to those already flying, take down a flag instead. Don't burn it, though. There's no sense in giving flag worshipers martyrs. Instead, I recommend Betsy Rossing it. Cut and stitch that flag into clothing you can donate to those in need of clothing -- a significant section of the public in fact in this incredibly over-wealthy country in which the wealth is concentrated beyond medieval levels -- a situation from which we are distracted in part by all the darn flags.
Here in Charlottesville, Virginia, we have a lovely city with tons of natural beauty, history, landmarks, available imagery, talented artists, an engaged citizenry capable of civil debate, and yet no Charlottesville flag. We do have a huge debate over whether to remove from their prominent positions all the statues of Confederate fighters. Less controversial, costly, and time-consuming would be to add to the local scene a Charlottesville flag that did not celebrate slavery, racism, war, or environmental destruction.
What? Now I'm in favor of flags? Of course, I'm in favor of pretty pieces of cloth waving around when they're not icons of war and separation. In the United States, local and state flags don't create any sense of superiority or hostility toward the rest of humanity. But the flag of war, the flag that the U.S. military has now planted in 175 countries, does just that.
UVA alumnus Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Flag Day the year before pushing the United States into World War I, as part of that propaganda campaign. Congress joined in the year before the war in Korea. Five years later "under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance, an oath originally written by a fascist preacher, originally administered with the pledgers holding their right arms straight, outward and up. This was changed to the hand-over-heart routine during World War II because the Nazis had adopted the original salute as their own. Nowadays, visitors from abroad are often shocked to see U.S. children instructed to stand and robotically chant an oath of obedience to a piece of colored cloth.
To many "Americans" it comes naturally. The flag has always been here and always will be, just like the wars under which it is fought, for which lives are taken and risked, for which lives are even exchanged. Families that lose a loved one in war are presented with a flag instead. A majority of Americans supports freedom of speech in many outrageous instances, including the right of massive media corporations to present us with false justifications for wars. But a majority supports banning the burning of flags -- or rather, of the U.S. flag. You can burn the flags of 96% of humanity. You can burn your state or local flag. You can burn a world flag. But burning a U.S. flag would be a sacrilege. Sacrificing young lives to that flag in yet another war is, however, a sacrament.
But the U.S. military now has robotic drones it can send to war. Robots are also perfectly capable of swearing the pledge of allegiance, although they have no hearts to put their hands over.
Perhaps we should reserve our actual human hearts for things robots cannot do. Perhaps we should liberate our landscape from both Confederate statues and the ubiquitous flag of the still crusading union empire.
Pentagon
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"The White House said Tuesday [June 7] that President Barack Obama will veto the Senate's version of the annual defense policy bill," Richard Lardner of the Associated Press reports. Why? Lardner cites provisions that would prevent Obama from shutting down the prison at Guantanamo Bay and limit the number of "national security" functionaries he can put on the White House payroll.
Deeper in the story, however, we find meatier objections: The $600 billion bill "denies the Defense Department's request for a new round of military base closings" and Senate Armed Service Committee chairman John McCain (R-AZ) "plans to propose an amendment that would add nearly $18 billion to the defense budget to pay for additional ships, jet fighters, helicopters and more that the Pentagon didn't request."
If Obama, who doesn't face re-election, follows through on his veto threat House and Senate Democrats will likely join Republicans in overriding that veto so long as they get their share of that $18 billion and the bases in their districts remain open. What gives? Nothing. It's politics as usual.
In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson asserted that the purpose of government is to secure the rights of the governed to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Jefferson, to put the best face possible on things, was hopelessly naive. The purpose of government is -- and always has been -- to transfer wealth and power from the ruled to the rulers. Politicians crave unearned power; plutocrats crave unearned profit. The two groups, broadly constituting the "political class," prop each other up and assist each other in milking the rest of us.
Since World War 2, the premier American political milking operation of this type has been what President Dwight D. Eisenhower labeled "the military-industrial complex." Politicians receive campaign contributions and golden parachutes as corporate directors. In return, "defense" contractors knock down billions in arms sales, base maintenance contracts, etc. All at your expense, and none of it related to any reasonable conception of "national defense."
It's not just treasure the political class takes from the productive class. It's blood as well. Justifying insane levels of military spending requires the occasional war. Not to worry. The political class considers your sons' and daughters' lives a reasonable price to pay to keep their gravy trains running on time.
Don't expect anything different from this year's crop of presidential candidates. Donald Trump believes the bloated US military needs to be "rebuilt." Hillary Clinton hasn't met a war she didn't love since Vietnam. Even "libertarian" vice-presidential candidate William Weld, running on a second Republican ticket, avers that he and running mate Gary Johnson believe "a bedrock responsibility of the US government is to maintain the most powerful military in the world, by a wide margin." Given that the US is separated from all credible military threats by two oceans, Weld's line is clearly the usual political class pandering.
If voting won't fix the problem this November, what next? Well, the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (nwtrcc.org) has some ideas for next April.
The after election hangover
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How well the candidate from either party satisfies 7 questions from a particular group of people will determine who the President of the United States will be after this election. The winner will be the one that proves they are the most willing to go to war with Russia and China after they are elected. Will you do your part and vote for them?
The only thing we need to agree on at this point is 1+1=2. It can't vary. The simple logic doesn't care how it makes you feel. If the information adds up without any leaps the conclusion presents itself in the simplest form, 1+1 always =2.
The determining factors in the US Presidential election won't be decided in Kiev if that's the direction you think I'm going in. Rather, along with the super-delegates, there is a secret super- majority that has existed for the last 40+ years in the USA and this is the most important election they will ever hijack and decide.
The problem with facts is once you know them, you can't argue with them anymore.
This group has a 50-year history of deciding elections. Included in that history are the deaths of over 100,000 Americans and millions of people in other countries. For them, this is the most important election of all time. This time, they want to bring the war home.
Simple Electoral Mathematics
With over 235 million eligible voters in the US, if you could count on more than 20 million of them to vote en bloc could you win? What if they were concentrated around swing cities in swing states across America? These are the cities with the highest number of electoral delegates. If any candidate could count on more than 15% of ballots cast before counting traditional party voters, could they lose?
In the 2012 election only 54% or 129 million voted out of 235 million eligible voters.
More than 20 million votes get's more mileage with low voter turnout. When you take party affiliation into account it gets even more impressive. According to 2014 data, 39% identify as independents, 32% as Democrats and 23% as Republicans .
This makes it clear that 15% of the electorate beyond your party is not only enough to win a presidential election but supplies a mandate. But whose mandate in 2016?
An easier way to understand this is if your candidate is predicted to win/lose by +-3-5% points in a given state and I can deliver 7%, am I really important to you? Or if I can deliver 5-7 states this way, do you owe me anything?
What if "WE" can deliver 15-18 important states this way in your national election? How about 20 states? Would you go to war for me? Would you sanction my enemies or at the extreme give me diplomatic cover if I commit or support genocide in other countries?
The presidential primaries are where it really gets impressive. Why? No one votes . This is why candidates start with radical positions that after the convention "start to drift toward the center." After all, they need to talk to the rest of us.
When you take the above and apply it to the primaries the math goes on steroids. Only .8% to 5% of eligible voters are needed to win a state. It can translate into 40-80% of the votes cast . Don't believe me?
Let's take a look at Iowa. In Iowa, there were 2,403,229 eligible voters for the 2016 primaries. Only 15% of registered voters showed up at the polls. That translates to 357,283 voters. Or just enough to make up a small city.
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American company to build six nuclear reactors in India
WASHINGTON: An American company will build six nuclear reactors in India under an agreement announced after a White House meeting between Indian and US leaders on Tuesday.
The United States also recognised India as a major defence partner, on a par with Americas closest allies, for defence-related trade and technology transfers.
During their two-hour-long meeting and a working lunch, US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also urged Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terrorist attacks to justice.
Obama, Modi urge Pakistan to bring perpetrators of Mumbai, Pathankot attacks to justice
They asked their officials to identify specific new areas of collaboration against groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and D Company.
The most significant understanding, however, was the deal for an American company to build nuclear reactors in India, the first since the two countries signed a landmark civil nuclear deal in 2008.
Under this plan, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and American firm Westinghouse Electric Company would soon begin engineering and site-design work for the reactors, though the final contract would be signed in June 2017, White House officials said.
The deal marked a significant step in removing obstacles to the sale of nuclear reactors and fuel to India.
Culminating a decade of partnership on civil nuclear issues, the leaders welcomed the start of preparatory work on-site in India for six AP 1,000 reactors to be built by Westinghouse and noted the intention of India and the US Export-Import Bank to work together towards a competitive financing package for the project, the White House said in a statement.
A joint statement released after the Obama-Modi meeting described the US-India defence relationship as a possible anchor of stability, which would lead to technology sharing at a level commensurate with that of (Americas) closest allies and partners.
India would now receive licence-free access to a wide range of dual-use technologies. In return, India committed itself to taking several unspecified measures to advance its export control objectives, the White House said.
The allies agreed also to expand their work to enhance co-production and co-development of technologies under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
The joint statement welcomed the Indian prime ministers offer to host a Summit on Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism in 2018. The United States and India would work together to combat the threat of terrorists accessing and using chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological materials, the statement said.
The leaders acknowledged the continued threat posed to human civilisation by terrorism and condemned the recent terrorist incidents from Paris to Pathankot, from Brussels to Kabul.
They resolved to redouble their efforts, bilaterally and with other like-minded countries, to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism anywhere in the world and the infrastructure that supports them.
Noting that the United States and India were involved in a defining counter-terrorism relationship for the 21st century, the leaders announced further steps to deepen collaboration against the full spectrum of terrorist threats.
They committed to strengthen cooperation against threats from extremist groups, such as Al Qaeda, the militant Islamic State group, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, D Company and their affiliates, including through deepened collaboration on UN terrorist designations. In this context, they directed their officials to identify specific new areas of collaboration at the next meeting of USIndia Counter-terrorism Joint Working Group.
Khawaja Asif issued a letter of apology to NA
ISLAMABAD: Khawaja Asif issued a letter of apology to the National Assembly speaker and also said in a speech that he "felt compelled" to make the remarks.
Asif, tendering an "unconditional apology to the house" for his remarks said, "It was not my intention to ruin the decorum but I was not being allowed to complete my speech, which compelled me to say those things."
"I realise I should not have spoken so much and that is why I issued the apology [letter to NA speaker] on my own initiative and hope it will be accepted."
Right after Asif's address, the speaker allowed Mazari to take the mic. The lawmaker refused to accept Asif's apology, saying: "Asif should apologise to me by name just like he targeted and attacked me by name."
"This apology is not acceptable at all to anyone."
At this Asif stood up and said, "I will not name Mazari in my apology because I had named no one when I made the remarks. If I named anyone, then only would I like to apologise to them."
Earlier in the day, Asif had submitted an apology letter to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, which the latter read out in the house.
But Mazari, not accepting the gesture as an apology, said Asif should come to the house himself and apologise personally.
"Khawaja Asif's vulgar remarks were personal and he should come to the floor of the house to apologise himself," said Mazari.
Khawaja Asif on Wednesday came under fire by opposition lawmakers for referring to Shireen Mazari as a "tractor trolley" and calling her voice 'masculine' after she refused to halt her protest following Asif's brief on the state of loadshedding in Ramazan.
After the volley between Mazari and Asif, other lawmakers were also allowed to give their remarks, during which the speaker intervened and stopped the discussion, saying Asif's apology is enough and that the opposition should accept it "with an open heart". The house moved to discussing budget proposals, during which the opposition walked out.
PPP MNA Nafeesa Shah said "sexism is unacceptable".
"If you continuously insult any colleague on the basis of their appearance, voice or gender, it is not just an insult of that one person but an insult of the entire assembly. As women, we felt insulted."
"He may not have taken her name, but he made clear references towards Shireen Mazari," she said. "He has not just hurt her. As a woman I felt hurt and all our male colleagues are with us."
Nafeesa Shah said she expected the caucus to condemn such behaviour and reminded the speaker of an incident in the British parliament "when a lawmaker called David Cameron 'dodgy Dave'".
"The speaker ordered him to retract his statement and apologise. When he refused, he was suspended and thrown out of the house. We expect you, as speaker, to take similar action in this regard in fact, to go one step ahead."
Senior PTI member Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Asif's written apology will not be accepted by any women lawmakers, adding Asif must "reconsider his behaviour". Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and MQM's Abdul Waseem also rejected the apology.
PML-N MNA Shaista Pervaiz said the "unfortunate" incident "should not have happened" and called on the speaker to take responsibility for the incident. This meeting should be called after Khawaja Asif comes to the NA, she said. "Let's see what he has to say."
Shaista further criticised Asif's absence in the assembly while his apology was read out and the chair for scheduling the meeting so late at 12.30. It should have been called at 10 o' clock so that the business could be conducted properly.
This is not [Asifs] court.
Pervaiz also called for a women's parliamentary caucus to discuss the issue of Asif's remarks between of the women lawmakers of both opposition and the government.
Meanwhile, PPP MNA Shazia Marri said Articles 25, 34 of the Constitution and the fundamental rights of women have been violated with Asif's remarks, and that the onus lies on the chair to resolve the situation.
Pakistan asked USA support to join NSG
WASHINGTON: Pakistan has formally asked the US administration and Congress to support its application for joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama formally endorsed Indias application to join the group.
Pakistan submitted a formal application in Vienna last month, expressing its desire to join the group. But the US administration and Congress are both unwilling to support Pakistan.
In a letter to the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Pakistans Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani reminded Congress that Pakistan had taken a series of steps that qualify it for joining the NSG.
Pakistans desire to participate in the NSG stands on solid grounds of technical experience, capability and well-established commitment to nuclear safety, the ambassador wrote.
Pakistan has operated secure and safeguarded nuclear power plants for over 42 years. Safe and sustainable civil nuclear energy is essential for Pakistans future energy security and its economic development, he added.
The letter, shared with Dawn, expresses Pakistans willingness to accept the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards on all foreign supplied nuclear reactors and nuclear materials similar to the current IAEA safeguards in place on all of Pakistans civilian nuclear facilities.
Pakistan argues that its presence in the NSG is in the interest of nuclear trading countries, as it will further promote NSG non-proliferation objectives by the inclusion of a state with nuclear supply capabilities and its adherence to the NSG guidelines.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that criteria-based, non-discriminatory approach, which treats both Pakistan and India equally, while also simultaneously binding them to appropriate non-proliferation commitments, will not only strengthen the non-proliferation regime but also promote strategic stability in South Asia, the letter explained.
Mr Jilani argued that Pakistans view has been corroborated by incontrovertible evidence and public export analysis that the approach of granting country-specific exceptions, such as the NSG waiver in 2008, has neither benefited the non-proliferation regime nor the objective of regional strategic stability.
The letter warns that publicly available reports on significant upcoming fissile material facilities and build up of unsafeguarded weapon usable fissile material in Pakistans neighbourhood raise larger security and stability concerns for the region.
Pakistan argues that a non-discriminatory and equitable approach by the participating governments of the NSG would help South Asia achieve a safer and more prosperous future.
Pakistan remains ready to continue its constructive engagement with the United States and international community at large as a mainstream partner in the non-proliferation arrangements, the Ambassador said.
Last month, Pakistan and the US held the 7th round of Security, Strategy, Stability and Non-proliferation dialogue to discuss a range of issues in nuclear non-proliferation. Both countries agreed on the value of Pakistans continued engagement, outreach and integration into the international non-proliferation regime.
The US also helped Pakistan develop Strategic Trade Controls. But these engagements did not translate into US support for Pakistans bid to join the NSG.
The US is not only supporting Indias application but is also encouraging other countries, including China, to back the Indian move.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered unconditional support to Indias entry into the NSG but China opposes the move as it discriminates against Pakistan.
Without Chinas support India cannot join the group, as all membership applications need consensus of existing members.
Credit: Santa Fe Institute
Ecologists traditionally attribute population explosions, be they of diseases or animals, to broad environmental conditions. But new data suggest that other factors may drive "synchrony": rapid, widespread rises and falls in populations.
"[Species] that go into synchrony may be more subject to extinction" because a single driver can trigger a collapse, says Alan Hastings, a mathematical biologist at UC Davis. Understanding synchrony would be of great help in agriculture, he adds, as staggered ripening of fruit trees and other produce is best for suppliers
and consumers alike.
To investigate the drivers of synchrony, Hastings, External Professor Jon Machta (UC Davis), and Andrew Noble (University of Massachusetts, Amherst) organized a working group at SFI in 2015. Participants explored variations, measures, and early indicators of synchrony. For consequent research, they chose data from periodical cicadas and larch bud moths. The cicadas spend most of their lives as underground nymphs, emerging after 13 or 17 years. The bud moths feed on larch needles in Europe and, of special interest to the project, their recorded history includes dendrochronological samples gathered in Switzerland that indicate outbreaks dating back 300 years.
Once the group confirmed that the data were robust (or at least "good by ecological standards"), they drew from each species' survivorship, predation of adults, and other factors to develop a nonspatial model one that offers population predictions for a single location.
At this year's followup gathering, Hastings says the group plans to finish the model and search for ties to statistical physics. The researchers also plan to discuss how to expand their model to population spatial dynamics to analyze and predict boundaries between broods throughout a species' range.
The research has prompted intriguing new questions, among them: How did periodical cicadas manage to establish themselves over so much of North America considering the last glaciation was only 10,000 years ago?
Researchers from Stanfords School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences have used satellite data and a new computer algorithm to gauge groundwater levels in Colorados San Luis Valley agricultural basin. Credit: Flickr/Stanford University
A new computer algorithm developed at Stanford University is enabling scientists to use satellite data to determine groundwater levels across larger areas than ever before.
The technique, detailed in the June issue of the journal Water Resources Research, could lead to better models of groundwater flow. "It could be especially useful in agricultural regions, where groundwater pumping is common and aquifer depletion is a concern," said study coauthor Rosemary Knight, a professor of geophysics in the Stanford School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences.
Knight and her colleagues recently applied the algorithm to determine groundwater levels across the entire agricultural basin of Colorado's San Luis Valley. As a starting point, the algorithm uses data acquired using a satellite technology called Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, or InSAR, to calculate changing groundwater levels in the San Luis Valley between 1992 and 2000.
InSAR satellites use electromagnetic waves to monitor tiny, centimeter-scale changes in the elevation of Earth's surface. The program was initially developed in the 1980s by NASA to collect data on volcanoes, earthquakes and landslides, but Knight and her colleague Howard Zebker, a professor of geophysics and of electrical engineering at Stanford, have in recent years adapted the technology for groundwater monitoring.
The Stanford scientists, led by former postdoctoral scholar Jessica Reeves, had previously shown that changes in surface elevation could be correlated with fluctuations in groundwater levels. However, they were only able to do so for a relatively small area because they had to manually identify and analyze high-quality pixels in InSAR satellite images not covered by crops or other surface features that could obscure elevation measurements.
The new algorithm, developed by Jingyi "Ann" Chen, a Stanford postdoctoral researcher in Knight's group, automates this previously time-consuming pixel selection process. "What we've demonstrated in this new study is a methodology that allows us to find high-quality InSAR pixels in many more locations throughout the San Luis Valley," said Chen, who is first author of the new study.
Chen's algorithm also goes a step further by filling in, or interpolating, groundwater levels in the spaces between pixels where high-quality InSAR data are not available. Interpolation is a form of averaging, but it requires high-quality InSAR data from places that are located near monitoring wells where groundwater levels are already known in order to calibrate the link between the InSAR data and groundwater levels. In the previous work led by Reeves, only three monitoring wells were "co-located" with high-quality InSAR pixels. Using the new algorithm, that number increased to 16.
As a result, the team was able to calculate surface deformationsand, by extension, groundwater levelsfor the entire agricultural basin of the San Luis Valley, an area covering about 4,000 square metersor about five times greater than the area for which groundwater levels were calculated in the prior study. What's more, the team members were able to show how groundwater levels in the basin changed over time from 2007 to 2011the years when InSAR data that could be analyzed by the algorithm were available.
"Jessica showed that there was useful information in the InSAR-derived deformation, and Ann has made the technique for extracting that information reliable and practical," Zebker said.
Having a continuous map of deformation in the San Luis Valley led to the team discovering that there is a delay between the time when groundwater is pumped out of an aquifer and when the ground sinks, or subsides, in response to the water removal. These time lags might be useful indicators of the geological properties of an aquifer, said Knight.
"In a sand aquifer, there is no time lag between when the water is pumped out and the ground surface deforms," Knight said. "However, if clay is present, it will take much longer to deform in response to pumping, so there will be a detectable time lag."
The next step, Zebker said, is to take the information about groundwater levels and aquifer characteristics extracted from InSAR satellites and incorporate it with data from other sources to develop improved models of groundwater flow.
"The goal is to take into account the full water budget," Zebker said. "This means accounting for water recharge such as rainfall and for discharge sources such as evaporation and runoff."
Explore further Breakthrough provides picture of underground water
Congregation of hippos in one of the last suitable pools during the end of the dry season in Ruaha National Park (Tanzania). Credit: Claudia Stommel/IZW
Hippos in the Great Ruaha River in Tanzania face a profound loss of their habitat during the dry season. The river has much less water during this season than in previous decades because it is increasingly extracted for human use. As a consequence, the river dries up. Researchers from the German Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) have now examined how this affects the distribution of hippos. Their results reveal extensive and long distance movements, as hippos search for vital daytime resting sites. The study has been published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.
IZW scientists found that hippos move upstream over long distances as the river dries up in the dry season. This forces them to congregate in large numbers in the few remaining areas along the river containing water of suitable volume and depth. "As a result, the hippos are likely to experience higher stress levels, because they have to move longer during daylight hours to find daytime resting sites. The potential for aggression and the competition for food also increase in such large aggregations", explains Claudia Stommel, PhD student at the IZW and first author of the study.
The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is one of the largest African mammals and lives in aquatic habitats, such as river basins and lake districts. Since 2006 it is officially categorised as vulnerable on the "Red List" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Hippos must remain submerged in water during the day to prevent overheating and severe sunburn. One of the main threats to these animals is therefore habitat loss caused by human activities. Thus, the hippo is an excellent species to ask what consequences changes in water availability in natural water courses have for wildlife populations.
The scientists observed hippos in the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. The region of the park is part of one of the largest protected natural ecosystems in Africa. The Great Ruaha River represents the south eastern border of the national park and is the main source of water for wildlife during the dry season. The researchers conducted their study along a 104 km stretch of the river during the 2012 and 2013 dry seasons from June to November. The dry season water-flow of the formally perennial Great Ruaha River has been decreasing severely since 1993. "In many sections of the river, surface water was absent for months during the dry season", says Marion East, IZW scientist and leader of the study. These observations confirm that the river dries up in many locations, a phenomenon most likely linked to the extraction of water for agricultural production, e. g. rice growing, upstream of Ruaha National Park.
"Our findings highlight the vital importance of the Great Ruaha River in providing day-resting sites for the hippos within the Ruaha National Park", Stommel emphasises. The population in the national park is a very important hippo population in Africa. Any further decline in dry season surface water is likely to threaten the population in the long-term and may also affect other water-dependent species in Ruaha National Park. Further investigation is required to examine the resilience of the hippo population to habitat changes. The current findings provide a first basis for future studies and the design of species conservation measures.
Explore further Hippo dung provides important nutrients to river fish and aquatic insects
More information: Claudia Stommel et al. The Effect of Reduced Water Availability in the Great Ruaha River on the Vulnerable Common Hippopotamus in the Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, PLOS ONE (2016). Journal information: PLoS ONE Claudia Stommel et al. The Effect of Reduced Water Availability in the Great Ruaha River on the Vulnerable Common Hippopotamus in the Ruaha National Park, Tanzania,(2016). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157145
Northwest Kenya's Turkwel River runs through ancient lands where many key fossils and artifacts left by early humans have come to light. The region is now inhabited by the Turkana people. Near sunset, three boys frolic on their way to fetch water. Credit: Columbia University
Who were our earliest ancestors? How and when did they evolve into modern humans? And how do we define "human," anyway? Was it when some long-ago ancestor stood and walked; grew a brain of a certain size; or figured out how to make stone tools, control fire, plant crops or brew beer? The possible answers to such questions are themselves evolving, as anthropologists and archaeologists continually discover new fossils and artifacts that upset old theories and push the known dates of evolutionary milestones back ever further into the past.
Most anthropologists believe that east Africa's rift valley played a central role in human evolution. Spanning nine nations from Mozambique to Ethiopia, it has been the site of many key discoveries of fossils and artifacts. Christopher Lepre, a geologist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Rutgers University, has been working in the Lake Turkana region of northwestern Kenya for the last two decades, and has been involved in some of the most dramatic recent finds. These include the spring 2015 announcement of the discovery of the world's oldest stone tools. At 3.5 million years, they long predate modern humans and their closest ancestors, jolting conventional theories of human development.
"This is a good place to study human evolution, because you have all the right kinds of rocks here," said Lepre one day while surveying a rugged stretch of badlands near the shores of Lake Turkana. "Things have built up here. You get the whole human story in this one small place, all the way from apes and monkeys, right down to modern people who made pottery and domesticated cattle."
Further south, at a site called Olorgesalie, professional fossil hunter Bonface Kimeu visits some of thousands of stone axes left by proto-humans who lived here 500,000 to 1 million years ago. Bonface's father, Kamoya Kimeu, has found many of the world's most important fossils; these include a 1.6 million-year-old Homo erectus skeleton dubbed Turkana Boy, still the most complete early human remains ever found. Credit: Columbia University
The rift valley is an ideal storehouse of ancient remains. For the past 30 million years or so, the African continent has been slowly pulling apart here. As it does, the surface stretches like taffy, and sags, creating a depression dozens of miles wide and more than 3,000 miles long. Sediments tend to wash downhill, and cover up objects such as bones and tools. Eventually, old sediment layers may get re-exposed as wind, water and earthquake faults rip the surface, creating deeply dissected badlands and seasonal watercourses. Studies show that past climates here have been wetter and more hospitable for developing humans. Now, the Turkana region is brutally hot and dry, with only a scattering of thorny plants, if anything grows at all. That means objects on the surface don't decay much, and are easy to spot. Towns and roads are almost nonexistent. The region is inhabited mainly by the Turkana, a seminomadic indigenous people who survive mainly by herding camels and goats. Until recently, they had relatively little contact with outsiders. Lepre is fond of pointing out that his work area is about the size of his home state of New Jersey, but after that, there is not much resemblance.
Discoveries have included items left by our own species, Homo sapiens, and many earlier hominids (a general term for great apes, proto-humans and humans). In 1974, researchers in Ethiopia, just to the north, found "Lucy," the 3.2 million-year-old partial skeleton of an upright-walking Australopithecus afarensis; this species is thought to be an important precursor to the Homo genus.
Ethiopia also yielded what was until recently the earliest known Homo fossil: the 2.3 million-year-old jaw of a Homo sapiens predecessor called Homo habilis. In 1984, researchers in Kenya led by Richard Leakey found a 1.5 million-year-old skeleton dubbed Turkana Boy (also known as Nariokotome Boy), a 9- to 12-year-old from a yet more advanced species, Homo erectus. Turkana Boy is still the most complete known skeleton of an early hominid.
Lepre prepares to sample an outcrop of ancient sediments. He establishes the ages of objects found within or near layers using magnetostratigraphy--the study of how earth's magnetic field periodically reverses itself. Changes in polarity can be identified by the orientation of mineral grains. Credit: Columbia University
Recently, other big discoveries have piled up swiftly. In March 2015, scientists announced an even older Homo habilis jaw, going back 2.8 million yearsa potential missing link in the largely blank spot between Lucy and later hominids. In May, another team announced it had identified a new hominid species dated at about 3.5 million years, an apparent cousin of Lucy's lineanother possible ancestor.
Then there was the study Lepre coauthored, the May 2015 announcement of the 3.5 million-year-old stone toolsmakers unknown. Identifiable remains of Homo sapiens go back only 200,000 years. No one knows exactly how all these pieces fit together, and some of the finds seem only to complicate the picture.
Many leading discoveries have been credited to three generations of the Leakey family, who started working in Tanzania during the 1930s. In the Turkana region of Kenya, Richard and Meave Leakey, the second generation, were instrumental in founding Stony Brook University's Turkana Basin Institute, which has two research stations that help researchers stage logistics in remote areas.
Credit: Columbia University
Lepre began working around here as a student in 1997, eventually collaborating with the Leakeys and other researchers on a variety of projects. He has a PhD. in anthropology, but is known mainly for his geologic expertise in dating the fossils and artifacts found by others. He does this using paleomagnetismthe study of periodic reversals in earth's magnetic field. These reversals have been well charted going back many millions of years. By sampling and analyzing magnetized minerals within numerous layers of sediments and rocks, one can come up with ages of objects far too old to be dated using conventional carbon isotopes.
In 2007, a team of French and American researchers working in West Turkana dug up a set of stone hand axes. Nicely sharpened on both sides, they were good examples of so-called Acheulian technology, the first sophisticated stone tools, thought to coincide with major advances in brain development. The oldest ones known went back 1.5 million years, the time of Turkana Boy. However, Lepre analyzed the new finds, and showed that these were older. In 2011, he was lead author of a paper in the leading journal Nature that dated the axes to 1.8 million years. Different, more primitive tools were known to go back 2.6 million years. This new study suggested that modern intelligence had deeper roots than thought. It also raised the question of whether even older precursor tools of some kind might turn up.
The same year that this paper came out, Sammy Lokorodi, a Turkana tribesman working with Stony Brook archaeologist Sonia Harmand, spotted some even more primitive-looking tools sticking from a set of craggy outcrops in the northern Turkana region. Excavations brought up more than 100 objectsbig, clumsy things of unknown purpose that would have taken two hands to hold. They were crudely knapped only on one surface, but definitely shaped by some intelligent creature.
A tuff sample chiseled out for later lab analysis. Lepre has etched an arrow into the sample to indicate which way pointed north before he removed it. Credit: Columbia University
The team called Lepre, who arrived within a week, and he began studying nearby sediment layers. A layer of volcanic ash suggested the tools were around 3.3 million years old. Lepre refined the date using paleomagnetism, showing them to be 3.33 million to 3.11 million years old. The discovery, published by Harmand and her colleagues this year, resets the entire archaeological record back some 700,000 years. They call this newly discovered toolmaking era "Lomekwian," for the site where the find was made.
"Now we have this huge gap between what we know to be the oldest tools, and the second-oldest. That's opening up more questions than it's answering," says Lepre. Harmand says she is confident that even older finds will eventually turn up. This is not the only recent study suggesting that human-like intelligence goes way back. For instance, in June 2015, researchers based at Harvard University published an experimental study suggesting that chimpanzees understand and appreciate the concept of cooking, and would do it themselves if given the tools.
No one knows who made these extremely ancient tools, but the team suspects Kenyanthropus platyops, a contemporary species whose remains were found just a kilometer away on an expedition led by Meave Leakey. She described K. platyops in 2001 as a potential new human ancestor. (It should be noted that the actual finders are rarely the scientists themselves; K. platyops was found by Meave Leakey's employee Justus Erus. Turkana Boy and several other key fossils from separate hominid species were found by Richard Leakey's Kenyan partner Kamoya Kimeu. Kimeu has since retired, but Lepre now works off and on with his son Bonface Kimeu, an accomplished fossil hunter in his own right.)
Earthquakes are also frequent, as evidenced by this erosion-resistant old fault snaking though the landscape. Faults tend to confuse the chronological picture, because they thrust up some sections of land while dropping others down, putting layers out of sequence. Credit: Columbia University
During Lepre's most recent trip, in June 2015, he spent several days near the Turkana Basin Institute's western outpost, on a bank high above the shallow Turkwel River. Here, he knocked out samples of volcanic tuff and sands from the badlands for later lab analysis. Much of the exposed surface around here is thought to be around 3.5 million or 3.6 million years old, but the layout is far from uniform. The landscape presents an often bewildering array of jumbled layers that have been worked and reworked by old rivers, lakebeds, earthquake faults and volcanic eruptions. This could throw researchers off the true ages of objects found within them. Lepre sees his job as reassembling the puzzle pieces in each locale.
One big question: How did past climates affect this area, and how did that in turn affect human evolution? Near the research station lies 180-mile-long saline Lake Turkana, which stores nearly all the region's scant surface water. As judged by old shorelines and lake sediments, 5,000 or 10,000 years ago it was probably some 300 feet higher and covered a much larger area. Lepre and others would like to better understand the timing of when things dried up, what drove the shift, and how it affected people around here.
The wider issue: Was the Turkana region a locus of early evolution, as many sayor is it just a good place for preserving fossils? A November 2015 study by Finnish researchers suggests the former. The team did a deep-time analysis of east African climate, and showed that the wider region became drier 2 million to 3 million years ago, as the genus Homo was emerging. This agrees with earlier research by Lamont paleoclimatologist Peter deMenocal, who argues that the drying and subsequent conversion of humid forests into savannahs helped drive the evolution of the first upright-walking human hunters. The newer study is more specific: it shows that the Turkana region in particular started drying out first, before adjoining regions. This may have created a kind of hothouse for the development of early humans who could then spread out and thrive as wider areas also became arid.
Remains of the past are everywhere. By chance, the researchers spot a projectile point--maker and age unknown. They are careful to leave it in place; such artifacts are the province of archaeologists. Credit: Columbia University
One day, Lepre and Lamont-Doherty geochemist Tanzhou Liu were dropped off by Land Rover to traverse on foot across an area of now-vanished lakebed. The area is deeply riven by seasonal riverbeds and eroding cliffs of rock, sand and pebbles. Liu, or T.L., as he is known, specializes in studying rock varnishesthin metallic deposits that accumulate on exposed desert rocks over hundreds or thousands of years. Their compositions can change, recording changes in humidity. This might allow scientists to chart past lake levels precisely.
Currently, the lake's high point is thought to have been 5,000 to 8,000 years ago; T.L.'s job today is to collect rocks from the apparent highest spots, which will later go back to the lab for dating. Hiking across the sizzling surface, in late morning, T.L. searches for cobbles that look like they have lain undisturbed. Most appear to have been shoved around, but he finds a half dozen nestled in the sand with distinctly different colors top and bottomindicators of useful specimens.
Whenever the water disappeared, it must have had huge consequences for the people who lived here. Along parts of the old shoreline, one can see Stonehenge-like monoliths, finely carved bone harpoons and other remains of a lost civilization, about which very little is known. At one point, the researchers walk across an acre or so of stone roots from a petrified forest that must have grown during a wetter time. Later they spot a thumb-size stone projectile point, then a curved pottery handle, ages and makers unknown. Fossilized animal bones bleed from the fine sand near the bottom of a seasonal riverbedmaybe antelopes, pigs or other mammals, says Lepre. Some of the bones are surrounded by circles of stones; Lepre thinks these might be the leavings of a 1990s dig that turned up a few hominid fragments here of what could be yet another human precursor species.
At noon, T.L. and Lepre lie down in the shade of a thorny acacia tree to avoid the hottest part of the day. About 100 feet away, a half-dozen teenage Turkana goat herders led by an old man lie under a similar tree. When break time is over, the Turkana come over to chat in Swahili. Karibu, says the elder: Welcome. Lepre is not fluent in Swahili, but he can get by. They discuss important things: why the scientists are here; the number of goats the old man owns; and of course the weather. The elder asks if Lepre has any tobacco, but Lepre does not. Lepre offers them some water, but the Turkana are already well equipped; everyone has a plastic jug, along with tiny hand-carved stools for comfort while watching goats, and curved sticks used for herding the animals or hunting game. These traditional tools look low-tech compared to the paraphernalia in the scientists' backpacks, but they are in fact exquisitely wrought, and provide almost everything the herders need for a day's work. Almost: Later that day, nearer the research station, a teen boy strolls by with a cell phoneprobably the latest, but certainly not the last, new tool to enter this ancient landscape.
Production of mesons and antimesons D0 in interactions between gluons g. Left: creation of a single pair, right: two pairs are born. Credit: IFJ PAN
In the range of energies penetrated by the LHC accelerator, a new mechanism of particle creation is becoming more prominent, say scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Krakow. The energy from collisions is now so great that some of the elementary particles, mesons containing charm quarks, are beginning to emerge in pairs as often as single onesand even more often.
A proton-proton collision is an extremely complex physical process of interactions that results in the creation of a variety of particles. Researchers at major particle accelerators including RHIC, Tevatron and now the LHC, have observed D0 mesons appearing singly. Recently, however, the LHC has been accelerating protons to their limits, and an interesting effect has been observed: Where once only solo D0 mesons were formed, they are now appearing in pairs. Scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN) in Krakow have explained the essence of this phenomenon and showed that increasing energy plays a dominant role in the production of charm particles. The latest research, published in the journal Physics Letters B, was carried out in cooperation with Russian physicists from the Samara National Research University.
"A few years ago, we predicted that collisions of protons at sufficiently high energy should result in more charm mesons produced in pairs rather than alone. Our latest publication not only describes in detail why this happens, but it also proves that in the LHC this effect is clearly visible," says Prof. Antoni Szczurek (IFJ PAN).
According to the Standard Model of particle physics, elementary particles perform different functions. Bosons are carriers of forces: Photons are related to electromagnetism, gluons are responsible for strong interactions, and bosons W+, W- and Z0 mediate weak interactions. Matter is formed by particles called fermions. These include leptons (electrons, muons, tau particles and their associated neutrinos) and quarks (down, up, strange, charm, beautiful and top). The first three types of quarks are called "light" while the last three are called "heavy." In addition, each quark and lepton has its antimatter partner. Complementing the whole is the Higgs boson, which gives particles mass (except for gluons and photons).
In our everyday world, heavy quarks are present in small amounts and only appear for an extremely short time, mainly in the Earth's atmosphere. All visible and stable material of which atoms are constructed, including protons and neutrons, consists of up and down quarks. But when it comes to collisions of particles at sufficient energies heavy quarks may arise. The dominant process in the creation of charm quarks (the least massive heavy quarks) is the fusion of two gluons. In the LHC, this occurs during proton-proton collisions, formed by the merger of quark-antiquark pairs. Neither a quark or an antiquark can stand alone, so they quickly form pairs with other quarks. When one of the quarks is a charm quark, the particle is called a meson D; when one of them is a charm antiquark, an antimeson D is the result.
"At lower energies, two particles usually arise from a collision: The D0 meson and its antimeson. We have shown that the energies at the LHC, however, are so high that in the course of a collision, gluons are not scattered only once, but twice or even more. A single collision can give rise to numerous D0 mesons, plus, of course, appropriate antimesons," explains Prof. Szczurek.
Physicists often call quarks and gluons "partons." The phenomenon of multiple parton scattering is already well known, but had previously been unaddressed because it never played a significant role in the investigated processes. Now, scientists at IFJ PAN have shown that the situation has changed. Energies of accelerators are already so high that multiple parton scattering has become the leading mechanism responsible for the production of charm mesons and antimesons. Theoretical analysis of the measurements collected were supported by a group at the LHCb, leading one of the four major experiments carried out at the LHC.
"The data from the LHCb experiment have shown many cases where, instead of one D0 meson, we have two of them. It is precisely the effect that we expected: Production of twins is becoming as likely as the production of single mesons. In future accelerators, such as the Future Circular Collider, the LHC's successor, this phenomenon will play quite a dominant role in the production of charm particles. Perhaps then we will see collisions with a resulting effect of not only two, but three or more D mesons," says Dr. Rafa Maciula (IFJ PAN).
Potentially, multiple parton scattering can lead to the formation of mesons containing other heavy quarks, such as beauty quarks. The calculations of Krakow physicists, however, show that at current energies of collisions in the LHC, these processes are much less likely. It has to do with the masses of the quarks: The greater the mass, the less likely they will be produced, and beauty quarks are significantly heavier than their charm counterparts.
"For now all we can say for sure is that the production of twin charm mesons seems to be much more likely than twin beauty mesons," says Prof. Szczurek with a wink.
The analysis and prediction of physicists from the IFJ PAN are important not only for the future designers of large particle accelerators, but also for contemporary experiments on the registration of neutrinos coming from outer space, such as the famous IceCube detector in Antarctica. Physical and technological limitations mean that neutrino detectors cannot be built in space. Meanwhile, there is a risk that some of the neutrinos registered by the device on or below the Earth's surface are formed by the action of high-energy cosmic rays in the atmosphere of our planet. Colliding with atoms and molecules of the atmosphere, cosmic rays can, in fact, create charm quarks, which are then transformed into short-lived D mesons. The problem is that some of the decay products of D mesons may just be neutrinos and antineutrinos. Research on multiple scattering of partons can therefore help in determining how many neutrinos observed in detectors actually came from the depths of space, and how many are just noise resulting from the presence of the atmosphere.
Explore further Researchers explore the billiard dynamics of photon collisions
More information: Rafa Maciua et al, New mechanisms for double charmed meson production at the LHCb, Physics Letters B (2016). Journal information: Physics Letters B Rafa Maciua et al, New mechanisms for double charmed meson production at the LHCb,(2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.physletb.2016.05.052
Credit: University at Buffalo
As a political issue, climate change splits mostly along ideological lines in the U.S.
Research shows that U.S. liberals and Democrats tend to express beliefs that are consistent with the scientific consensus on climate change, while conservatives and Republicans are less likely to do so.
However, a new study conducted by researchers from the University at Buffalo, University of Maine and Cornell University suggests that tailoring the message might influence opinions toward the scientific consensus, particularly among those on the political right.
"We know that the U.S. is politically divided about climate change, but the results of our study suggest that sharing the right information can bring about a lot of movement in opinions toward this issue, especially among the conservatives," says Janet Yang, an associate professor in the University at Buffalo's Department of Communication and co-author with Cornell's Jonathon P. Schuldt on the study led by the University of Maine's Laura N. Rickard.
The study, published in the journal Global Environmental Change, adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests effectively communicating the threat of climate change should involve strategic messaging for specific audiences.
"You just have to identify the right ingredient when designing the message," says Yang, an expert on the communication of risk information related to science, health and environmental issues.
Researchers used samples in the United States and Singapore that revolved around the concept of "departure dates."
As part of a widely publicized 2013 paper published in the journal Nature, researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa presented an index of departure dates, a catalogued projection for when a region's climate would begin to "depart" from its historic record and begin moving toward a new state of conditions.
Yang and her colleagues contacted the authors of that study. It turned out that both the social scientists involved in the current study and the physical scientists who published the Nature paper were curious about how people would react to this information.
"We all said, 'Let's do this,'" said Yang.
The aim was to get a sense for how the idea of departure dates might encourage greater public engagement about climate change.
"There is a real danger here, yet some people still think abstractly about climate change," said Yang. "To them, it exists, but it doesn't really affect them."
The social scientists used mock-up news articles that manipulated temporal and spatial distance by introducing three different departure dates (2020, 2047 and 2066) for two different locations, New York City and Singapore.
They wanted to gain insight on policy support (how likely are people to support climate change policies), risk perception (is climate change a significant risk to people's well-being) and affective response (do people have positive or negative feelings about climate change).
Overall, the Singaporeans had greater negative affect and greater risk perception, according to Yang. They also generally support climate change policy more than the U.S. participants, which she says makes sense given Singapore's tropical location and limited resources.
"To that audience, climate change is more tangible," says Yang.
But the key to this study, according to Yang, is the comparison between the U.S. liberals and conservatives.
"We think of the U.S. as a divided nation when it comes to climate change, but our results suggest that part of that perception can be influenced," says Yang. "When we think about the different departure dates around the globe, the natural inclination is to alert people of the closest date 2020, which will arrive in tropical regions, such as Manokwari, Indonesia. Based on our study, however, that might not be the best way to communicate the message. Some dates might be too close, too fear-inducing.
"We have some information that to encourage conservatives to support climate policies, perhaps a more effective strategy is to highlight a departure date that is spatially close, like New York City, but temporally far, like 2066."
Yang notes that the current study needs to be replicated, but the potential for effectively communicating the dangers of climate change is promising.
"This is one study," she says. "But if we're able to do this in several different designs, we might then identify a combination of time and location that creates a message that will motivate both liberals and conservatives."
Explore further Public views vary on climate change based on science, political news platforms
A Look At TouchBistro mobile app for restaurants
Traditionally, restaurant software has been delivered and installed on disks, CDs, by Internet. A different approach is used by this company they allow users to download it as an app. Its intriguing, so read on.
The TouchBistro mobile iPad POS concept was initially conceived by Alex Barrotti in 2010 while sitting on the patio of his friends sushi restaurant in the Caribbean. The restaurateur was frustrated about the inconvenience of waiters having to run back and forth between the inside of the restaurant and the outside patio where most tourists wanted to dine. All the back and forth slowed down delivering orders to the kitchen and serving meals to the patrons, and added time to processing payments.
Asked by the restaurateur for a recommended solution, Barrotti came up with the novel idea to utilize the latest mobile technology as the foundation of an entirely new and more efficient way for a restaurant to operate. Waiters could take patron food orders at their tables as usual, but instead of handwriting the orders on an order pad and running back inside to re-enter them into a fixed terminal or hand the paper order slip to the kitchen, they could enter the orders directly into a mobile device at table-side that would instantly transfer the orders wirelessly to the kitchen for preparation. Bills and payments could be processed the same way.
The Apple iPad, just launched as the latest and hottest mobile device, was chosen as the perfect form factor for this model. It was nearly the same convenient size as the order pads waiters used to handwrite orders, so easy to bring to the table and carry around in an apron pocket. It was also big enough to show the menu choices and other key features that would be necessary for waiters to take table-side orders and payments. However, there was no software on the market that would work on the iPad Mini to provide the point-of-sale functionality that a restaurant or bar needed. So Barrotti embarked on the development of a hospitality-focused point-of-sale app with a team of mobile software developers. In 2011 TouchBistro was launched.
Since that time, TouchBistro has become a top food & beverage application in 34 countries on the Apple App Store. TouchBistros goal is to be the best iPad POS app for the hospitality industry.
What makes the app unique is the table-side experience, designed specifically for restaurants and bars
Consider the unique flow at a restaurant made possible with mobile technology. The patron is assigned a table and seated with a menu. The waiter comes to the table and takes the drink order, maybe an appetizer order too, and enters those into the tablet right at the table-side. The order is transmitted wirelessly to the bar and kitchen, eliminating the common errors when orders are manually re-entered at a distant fixed terminal. While the drinks and appetizers are being prepared, the waiter can remain at the table, discuss the specials of the day and take an order for the entire meal. These orders are also instantly transmitted wirelessly to the kitchen for preparation, while the drinks and appetizers are being served. Waiters can keep their attention focused on the best service for their customers, without other customers impatiently waiting for their bills that havent been totaled yet as the bills are automatically totaled by the POS system as they are entered, including any split bill requests, and sent to the customers cell phones if they have logged onto an integrated app.
Critical minutes of serving time are reduced by decreasing the number of times the waiter needs to walk back and forth to a fixed terminal and preparation areas. Time-consuming re-entry of orders and delays due to manual entry and bill calculation mistakes are eliminated.
At restaurants using TouchBistro, patrons seated with reservations made through OpenTable will show up on the TouchBistro floor plan with an OpenTable logo. These customers can see their order in their Open Table app as it is being entered by the waiter in TouchBistro, including the total bill. The customers also have the option to pay for the meal through Open Table payments when they finish eating without needing to wait for the server to bring the bill.
One restaurant using TouchBistro found that they could turn tables 7 minutes faster due to table-side ordering, and the time savings added $2,000 a night in business, according to the restaurateur. He also said customers were happier because they did not have to wait as long and tips were higher.
To facilitate payments at table-side, TouchBistro offers a custom case for the iPad mini with an attachment at the bottom that accepts a credit card. While the iPad Mini itself is not EMV compliant, Barrotti said TouchBistro ships EMV compliant payment terminals from the payment partners, fully integrated with the Cayan Genius Payment Gateway Services, the Mercury Verifone VX 680 Payment Device and the Moneris Ingenico IWL 220 , ICT250 or IPP320.
In Toronto there are 700 restaurants that use TouchBistro. In his spare time, Barrotti likes to go undercover and observe and ask questions about the use of his software in those local restaurants.
FACTS AND FEATURES:
* TouchBistro software is downloaded on the iPad from the Apple App Store.
* TouchBistro utilizes off-the-shelf hardware (Any iPad 2,3,4 Air, Air 2, Mini, Mini 2,3,4, and iPad PRO) so there are no huge upfront costs for custom devices for the system.
* TouchBistro offers a monthly, quarterly or annual subscription so subscribers are not locked into long term leases or contracts.
* TouchBistro releases a free update every 8 weeks that restaurants can automatically download to installed systems.
* TouchBistro is installed at approximately 4,000 restaurants, bars, food trucks and hotels around the world, with 10,000 active terminals. 300 new food service establishments sign up with TouchBistro each month with an average 3 to 4 terminals per site. * The largest single site has 115 terminals.
* TouchBistro currently supports major payment gateways and mobile payments including: Merchant Warehouse, Mercury, Moneris, Chase Paymentech, Premier Payments, RBC Caribbean, PayPal Mobile and Apple Pay.
* Easy to program in-house to customize such things as daily menu specials without additional programming costs.
* Simple and fast to train staff, whether they are young students working at their first jobs or long term food service veterans who dont like to use technology.
* Automated bill calculations, including splitting bills even after the order is placed.
* Full suite of customizable reports tailored to the restaurant/bar industry, making it easier to manage the business as it addresses everything from inventory, how many covers are turned, and popular selling items, to scheduling workforce and assigning workstations, and payroll processing.
Some well known clients:
Michael Jordans Steakhouse in Grand Central Station
Signs Restaurant in Toronto staffed by hearing impaired employees
JustEat, international online restaurant and food ordering service, is one of TouchBistros investors.
Downloadable apps may indeed be the future of all software. The TouchBistro app is a low up-front cost system that can grow as the business expands, and is simple to obtain.
MORE RESTAURANT AND HOSPITALITY NEWS:
Chicago's Assyrians Embrace New Technology to Save Ancient Language
Members of Rinyo visit a school in the Assyrian village of Bakhtmi in northern Iraq, during a tour to promote their educational materials. ( Rinyo) Chicago -- Markets, bakeries and hair salons echo with memories of Iraq, and names like Baghdad and Sumeria dot the cityscape of one of Chicago's most vibrant neighbourhoods, where amid the South Asian and Orthodox Jewish shops that line the area sits the city's largest Iraqi neighbourhood - Devon. A closer look reveals that the flag hanging in most windows is the vibrant red, white, and blue tricolour of the Assyrians, and inside most shops it is Syriac - a distant relative of Aramaic, the language of Jesus - that is spoken, with Arabic mixed in to fill in the gaps. Chicago is home to one of the world's largest concentrations of Assyrians, a mostly Christian community that hails from northern Iraq and neighbouring areas in Syria, Turkey and Iran. Around 80,000 Assyrians are thought to call the city home, while another 100,000 live in nearby Detroit. There are thought to be only around 1.2 million Assyrians worldwide (though some estimate the number as high as 3-4 million), meaning that the American Midwest is home to one of the most important concentrations." Yet the community's vibrancy masks the fact that the Syriac language is slowly dying out. Assyrians in the United States are increasingly switching to English, trying their hardest to get ahead while adopting a wait-and-see attitude toward their homelands. While the community's dispersion has created challenges, it has also opened up opportunities. A Chicago-based group named Rinyo - Syriac for "thought" or "idea" - is hoping to spark a global revolution in the way the language is learned, and they have already managed to bring major changes into this conservative community's approach to preserving their language. 'We broadcast our song just miles away from IS' Rinyo was founded in 2011, when physician Robby Edo was visiting his family in Qamishli, a town in Syria near the Iraqi border with a large Assyrian population. He noticed that despite the long history of Syriac literature, few books or materials were published in the language anymore. Similar to neighbouring Iraq, the Syrian government has long emphasised Arabic as a national language at the expense of minority languages like Syriac and Kurdish. Robby spoke to his brother Hedro, a software designer, about the need for more written materials in Syriac to help the younger generation learn, and they began working on a short cartoon. "We found people who were thinking like us and wanted to produce materials to help the language live," Hedro told Middle East Eye. "And now we have Rinyo: a multi-dialect and multicultural global entity." Rinyo meeting with the Patriarch of the Assyrian Church. ( Rinyo) Rinyo has since developed interactive storybooks and alphabet lessons that have reached all corners of the Syriac universe. The group conducted numerous tours visiting Syriac-speaking communities in Iraq and Syria, as well as in the diaspora in Sweden, Germany and many US states. Rinyo even set up a technology lab in Qamishli, employing 10 people on behind-the-scenes technical aspects of the applications. Not only has Rinyo revived interest in Syriac, it is also creating jobs in a war-torn country where the economic situation and political uncertainty have driven many Syrians, especially from the Assyrian minority, to emigrate. Marganita Samuel, a native of the northern Iraqi city of Duhok, is active in Rinyo along with her sister. While they have both volunteered for years teaching Syriac in Sunday School, Samuel complained that language teachers are stuck using out-dated and uninspiring materials. "As teachers, we only spend two hours a week teaching them. But the Rinyo are completely interactive, and with the memory games they get more exposure and retain more." Her sister Ramina Samuel, Rinyo's secretary, agreed: "When we ask people why they don't speak Syriac with their kids, a lot of them say it's because they don't have any Syriac resources from which to teach them. Rinyo is helping us catch up with other communities by creating these resources." Members of Rinyo work on a cartoon at the group's technology centre in Qamishli, Syria. ( Rinyo) Spurred on by the group's success, Assyrians have reached out around the world. Samuel told MEE that some people send lullabies their grandparents used to sing, asking for them to be made into applications so they can be preserved. Not only is Rinyo helping parents pass on the language, it is also helping them revive oral traditions that are in danger of dying out. "Our 'Silent Night' song in Syriac was even broadcast at Christmas in al-Qosh, an Assyrian town in northern Iraq just a few miles away from the ISIS frontlines," Ramina told MEE. "It's so exciting!" Assyrians recall 1915 killings Although there have been Assyrians in the US since the mid-1800s, their numbers have increased rapidly in Chicago as a result of the instability that began with the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 and worsened when the Islamic State group invaded northern Iraq in 2014. The recent wars are hardly the Assyrians' first brush with violence. Their homeland sits in a region with multiple religions, ethnicities and cultures existing together in a rich mosaic of the kind that has long characterised the Middle East. The area's diversity, however, was torn asunder beginning in 1915, when - as the Ottoman Empire began to collapse - authorities carried out a series of mass killings and deportations that culminated in the genocide of around 1.5 million ethnic Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks. While the Armenian Genocide is widely remembered, the killing of 300,000 Assyrians in what the community calls the Seyfo, or sword, is little known. The genocide has cast a shadow ever since, as the majority of Assyrians fled their homeland as refugees and joined communities in Iraq, Syria and Iran. Others were offered refuge further afield in Arab countries such as Palestine or Lebanon. Part of the difficulty in making reliable estimates of Assyrian population figures today is due to an ongoing dispute over what to call them. Assyrians are split between three churches: the Assyrian Church of the East, the Syrian Orthodox Church, and the Chaldean Catholic Church. The groups often eschew their single ethnic identity and instead call themselves Assyrian, Syriac, and Chaldean in reference to their churches. All three groups speak the Syriac language which they call Sureth in Syriac or Sirianni in Arabic; it is only in English that they are divided over their name. Constructing a single Syriac For Rinyo, the language challenge is complex. Syriac has two main dialects - Eastern and Western - and most applications are in both. But each dialect has numerous sub-dialects, not all of which are totally mutually comprehensible, and all of these dialects are only spoken. There is a shared classical written version, but it is never spoken except in formal settings. As a result, Rinyo members are constantly debating what word to use in the apps. In the process they are developing a standardised spoken variant of the language where none previously existed. But this complexity is nothing new for them. Ramina and Marganita, for example, grew up speaking two very different Eastern sub-dialects, one from Turkey and the other Iran. "We struggled," Ramina told MEE, adding that it took years for them to be able to figure out how to navigate both. "If we get stuck on a word where half the population uses one word but the other half uses another, we try to use both. But sometimes we find out that within each dialect there are five different ways to say it, in which case we have to go back to the classical version to find a word," Robby explained. "Our vision for the future is that we will be able to explore the sub-dialects further and look at the rich traditions that our communities have created... We think that cultural diversity is beautiful," Robby added. A brighter future? In a few short years, Rinyo has managed to revitalise community passion for language preservation, but some fear it may be too little, too late. Father Gewargis Suleiman is the priest at Chicago's Assyrian St George's Cathedral. He previously served the church in Syria and Iraq, where he was born, but has lived in Chicago since 2012. "Back in Iraq, we studied the language at church and spoke Syriac at home," Suleiman told MEE. "But kids here, even the ones who speak the language, are switching to English because it's easier." Suleiman stressed that the wider problem is the lack of strong community institutions in the US given the perpetual focus on hardships back home. "Our people in Iraq and Syria have gone through a lot of difficulties since 1980. During all these years, we focused on how we could financially help the people there. So any money that people had, they sent back. They never focused on keeping ourselves together here," he said. "We need to differentiate between our struggles and their struggles, and take care of ourselves first so we can be strong for them too," he added. It's unclear whether Rinyo's success will be enough to ensure the survival of this ancient language. But the commitment to challenging the status quo is a ray of hope for a community that has lived too long in the shadow of its own extinction. "With everything going on back home, we feel so helpless. But Rinyo is something I can do for my community, my culture, and my language," Ramina told MEE. "Our community is fatigued from giving because there's always a crisis going on," she continued. "But Rinyo is free, and our goal is to spread it as far and wide as possible."
Public elementary and secondary school spending in New York topped all states at $20,600 per pupil during the 2013-2014 school year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
The national average is just over $11,000 per-pupil, according to a news release from the Empire Center, a fiscally conservative think tank.
The Empire Center says that the difference in school spending between New York and the rest of the country continues grow up to 87 percent from 63 percent above average in 2005-2006.
Excluding charter schools, New York spent more than $62 billion on 2.6 million pupils, which is second to California. That state spent $69 billion on a school system with 6.2 million pupils, more than twice as money.
Empire Center Executive Director E.J. McMahon said on his NYTorch blog said the census data shows that spending was primarily driven by instructional salaries and benefits, which are at $14,289 per pupil, more than double the national average of $6,654.
New York ranked seventh for support services central and school administration at $5,873 per pupil.
New York also continues to spend considerably more than neighboring northeastern states with similarly powerful education lobbies and high living costs. On a per-pupil basis, New Yorks school expenditures were 15 percent higher than New Jerseys, 16 percent higher than Connecticuts and 37 percent higher than Massachusetts, McMahon said in the blog.
The lowest per-pupil spending was Utah at $6,500.
Mountain biking has become big business, with trail systems and rides attracting riders from all over. The city of Rutland an hour or so away in Vermont has created a mountain biking park that is a destination, and the town of Queensbury's trail system in Gurney Lane is right up there with it. Cole's Woods, Skidmore College's trails (and Glens Falls watershed property, for the scofflaws around) and a handful of others offer less technical riding.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation is working to improve opportunities not too far from our area in Hamilton County's Moose River Plains area, a huge area of state land near Indian Lake that is popular with hikers, anglers and hunters. It is a beautiful area.
As the DEC works to map out the area's recreational future, the agency has opened up the proposed unit management plan for public comment as the plan moves forward. A DEC release on the issue is below, with info on how and where to comment on the plans.
-- Don Lehman
DEC Seeks to Improve Mountain Biking Opportunities in the Moose River Plains
Deadline for Public Comments on the Draft UMP Amendment is July 8
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released for public review a Draft Amendment to the Moose River Plains Wild Forest Unit Management Plan, which proposes to improve mountain biking opportunities, DEC Regional Director Robert Stegemann announced today.
"DEC continues to make improvements to backcountry infrastructure to ensure the Adirondacks are a premier outdoor recreation destination," said Director Stegemann. "The combination of the natural beauty, variety of quality outdoor recreation opportunities, and the amenities found in the communities attracts visitors from across the northeast, the country and the world."
The Draft Amendment proposes the following to improve the Moose River Plains trail network and access:
Add approximately 25 miles of trails designed for mountain bicycle use;
Improve bridges to accommodate bikes;
Clear vegetation from existing overgrown trails;
Construct two parking areas along State Route 28 including accessible parking to accommodate the anticipated increase in public use;
Modify two trails to improve accessibility to recreational facilities for persons with disabilities.
Reroute approximately two miles of current mountain bike trails to avoid steep grades, poor drainage, or other potential problems; and
Close sections of Seventh Lake Trail with steep slopes to mountain bikes.
The 81,800-acre Moose River Plains Complex is located in Hamilton and Herkimer Counties and contains more than 100 primitive roadside campsites, 130 miles of marked trails and numerous lakes and ponds for boating and paddling. Amenities can be found in the nearby communities of Inlet, Eagle Lake, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake, Speculator and Piseco.
The Draft Amendment may be viewed and downloaded from the DEC website.
Comments may be sent to McCrea Burnham, 625 Broadway, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4254 or e-mailed to adirondackpark@dec.ny.gov. The deadline for comment is July 8, 2016.
This is the latest post in a series about the 1916 presidential election between Democratic incumbent Woodrow Wilson and Republican challenger Charles Evans Hughes, a Glens Falls native.
A peace conference between representatives of the Republican and Progressive parties on June 10, 1916 concluded that Charles Evans Hughes would be the most advisable candidate for a joint nomination of both parties, according to a report in the June 15 Catauragus Republican, which can be viewed on the New York Historic Newspapers web site.
Yet there were skeptics.
Gov. (Hiram) Johnson of California and John Potter of Louisiana (Progressives) declared they could not consistently urge the nomination of Hughes with any enthusiasm, the newspaper reported.
Click here to read a previous post about Johnson and Hughes.
Click here to read the most recent previous post in the series.
CORINTH A Corinth man was jailed this week on three felonies for allegedly injuring another person and damaging property late last week, police said.
Brandon L. Sitts, 30, of county Route 24, was charged with second-degree assault, a felony, two felony criminal mischief charges and two misdemeanor reckless endangerment counts, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office.
He is accused of injuring another person with whom he was acquainted in what the Sheriff's Office termed a "domestic dispute," but police did not provide any other details of the Saturday incident.
Sitts was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail for lack of bail.
QUEENSBURY A New York City man who sold crack cocaine in Glens Falls more than two years ago will serve up to 7 years in state prison for the crime.
Tyedeek W. Hostos, 22, of the Bronx, was arrested last June after an investigation by the Warren County Sheriff's Office.
He was accused of selling crack to a police informant or undercover officer in January 2014.
He agreed to a plea deal that will include a 7-year prison sentence to be followed by 3 years on parole, to be served concurrently to any term he receives if convicted of pending felony drug charges in Broome County.
PLATTSBURGH New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott knows the escape of two inmates from Clinton Correctional Facility last year gave the institution a black eye, but she says correction officers alone are not to blame.
Its three: the boots-on-the-ground folks, the administration at Clinton and Albany at DOCCS central, Leahy Scott said in an exclusive, hour-long interview Tuesday afternoon with the Press-Republican Editorial Board.
Those three entities, when you bring it all together, they are responsible for this escape. And all three will be addressed.
Intense probe
Leahy Scott made a special trip to the Press-Republican to discuss the 150-page report her office put out Monday on the June 6, 2015, escape of convicted murderers David Sweat and Richard Matt. She wanted the details told in the communities where it all unfolded.
The inmates made their way out of their cells after cutting through the walls with hacksaw blades, climbed down into the bowels of the prison and eventually escaped out a manhole on nearby Bouck Street in Dannemora.
They were on the run for three weeks before Matt was shot and killed on June 26 and Sweat was shot and captured two days later.
Leahy Scott was brought in by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on June 15, to conduct a thorough investigation of what happened and how the prison was operated.
Her investigative team interviewed about 175 people and went through thousands of documents in the investigation of almost a year.
She personally followed the path Matt and Sweat took from their cells to freedom and sat in on interviews with Sweat, civilian employee Joyce Mitchell and Correction Officer Gene Palmer.
Both Mitchell and Palmer are serving time for actions that helped facilitate the escape.
Most shocking
The report said systemic weaknesses in the prison and relaxed practices among staff contributed to the escape. It addressed specific employees who failed to properly carry out their duties and called for substantial changes in the system, some of which have been made statewide.
It was the convergence of a lot of things that happened up at Clinton that allowed these two men to escape. It was a culture of complacency, Leahy Scott said.
What is most shocking to me, being the inspector general of the state of New York, is that there were a lot of employees who forgot that they work at a maximum-security facility and that, I have to tell you, is the most alarming thing and the most egregious thing that I found.
During interviews with officers, Leahy Scott said, some were uncooperative, claiming they couldnt remember certain events or who they were working with during the time the escape was secretly being planned and carried out or saying they were improperly trained.
But others were helpful and honest.
We had officers tell us that we didnt do it right, she said.
Collaborating Sweat
Some people have criticized the report as relying too much on the testimony of Sweat, a convicted murderer.
He began plotting to escape in January 2015, he said, after getting upset that he was transferred out of the tailor shop he worked at with Mitchell.
He said that once he had cut through his cell wall and made his way out on to the catwalk behind it, he was able to scout the innards of the system and figure the best way out. He claims he was out of his cell about 85 nights preparing the route of escape.
Investigators were leery of Sweats statements and worked to corroborate them, Leahy Scott said, and much of it checked out.
We were always mindful that he was the only living person who could tell us what happened and were always mindful of his prior crimes and what he had just done and the fact that we had to corroborate to the best that we could what he told us, she said.
Leahy Scott said it was not out of the question that Sweat was in the depths of the prison that much; she referenced time frames when Mitchell purchased hacksaw blades that she gave to Matt and Sweat and the amount of time Sweat said it took to make his way through the wall of the prison and to concoct a makeshift air-cooling system to deal with the heat in the tunnels.
She also noted that Sweat kept a calendar with cryptic marks that he later explained to interrogators that also helped substantiate just now much time he spent underground.
Smartest person
She described Sweat as very smart, very cunning, very narcissistic.
He answered all questions and seemed to enjoy the spotlight when being interviewed, Leahy Scott said.
He thought of himself as the smartest person in the room, she said.
He would get agitated only when asked about things that might impugn his own reputation, such as his relationship with Mitchell.
Leahy Scott said Sweat denied there was any sexual contact with Mitchell, whom he often referred to during interviews in very derogatory terms, and said he was only using her to help him escape.
When we pushed on that issue, he became agitated, Leahy Scott said.
He felt that she was a horrible person ...
No remorse
Mitchell, Leahy Scott said, was difficult to interview, not always cooperative and remorseful only that she got caught.
She lied, and she consistently lied, Leahy Scott said.
But when pressed, and pressed hard, and presented with evidence, she had to cave in and tell us the truth.
Getting to the truth
When it came to Clinton staff, Leahy Scott said, the investigation team had to deal with the culture of the prison, which could be difficult at times.
I had people tell me that they couldnt remember who they were working with yesterday, she said, shaking her head at how unbelievable that was.
That has to change. That all has to change.
Leahy Scott said each officer interviewed brought along an attorney.
We explained to them that Im here to get to the bottom, Im here to get to the truth, Im here to to make some changes that are going to make your job better, she said.
There was no reason for them not to tell me the truth.
Lockdown denied
Leahy Scott said the focus of the investigation was mainly on daily practices at the prison and that specific incidences were not in her purview.
The report discussed a request from then-Superintendent Steve Racette to lock down the prison about a week before the escape after a major fight in the north yard among about 30 inmates.
Racette and others believe that a lockdown and thorough searches of each cell would have foiled the escape.
His request was denied by Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in Albany.
Leahy Scott said it was not her role to form an opinion on whether it was a good decision to deny the lockdown request, but she was skeptical as to whether it would have prevented the escape.
She noted the report showed that staff had about 400 chances to discover the holes in Matt and Sweats cells but failed to do so.
There were plenty of opportunities to check cells, she said.
Speak up
The report also focused on how paperwork indicating that cells were checked each night was actually filled out before checks in order to avoid delays. Some officers said they would then go back and make changes if needed.
Thats a problem, she said.
That doesnt mean thats the answer, and thats where I come in, because there must be a better way to do this.
Leahy Scott said the culture among staff is to not to object to practices that have gone on for years, even decades, that might be improper.
That is unacceptable, she said, noting that officers need to speak up in order for more improvements to be made.
Anyone who works inside any correctional facility should feel empowered that they have an inspector general who will listen to you, she said.
Leadership
Leahy Scott also said Racette has to shoulder blame for the escape from the prison he led, whether he knew about specific practices or not.
Leadership is always responsible, she said. It is unacceptable to say you dont know.
Racette did not return calls Tuesday from the Press-Republican.
Former Deputy Superintendent of Security Stephen Brown hung up on a reporter attempting to request comment on the report.
An operator at Clinton Correctional Facility deflected comment from the new superintendent, Michael Kirkpatrick, to DOCCS spokesperson Thomas Mailey.
The New York State Correction Officers and Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents COs, did not return calls for comment Tuesday, after having said Monday that more time was needed to review the report.
All leaders should be aware of everything that is going on, asking questions and checking on things personally, Leahy Scott said.
Every system that was put in place to protect failed and that is not just on the worker bees, if you will, she said.
It sits on the administration at Clinton and on the administration at Albany, too.
FORT EDWARD Three municipalities argued Wednesday to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a Queensbury resident who claims that the town of Queensbury improperly budgets for Crandall Public Library, a lawsuit that seeks a refund of the taxes he has paid to the library.
John Salvador Jr. filed the lawsuit in 2014, arguing that the Queensbury Town Board has illegally failed to include the librarys tax levy to town residents in its annual budgets, although a line item exists in the budget. The lawsuit also names the town of Moreau, which is part of the library taxing district, as well as Warren County and Saratoga County.
Leah Everhart, counsel for Queensbury, argued before state Supreme Court Justice Stan Pritzker that whether the town puts the library budget in the town budget is academic and has no impact on the taxpayer whether it is listed or not.
The town does not play any part in the creation of the library budget, Everhart pointed out.
Its not a town expenditure. Its not a town cost, she said.
Salvadors lawyer, Sheila Galvin, said the town is violating state law and has disenfranchised residents. The town of Moreau does include the library budget in its budget, she and Salvador pointed out. By not including the information in Queensburys budget, voters are not privy to it beforehand, she said.
Youve got a pig in the poke and it is difficult to come up with a final number, Galvin said.
Pritzker reserved decision after hearing more than an hour of arguments. Lawyers for Warren County and the town of Moreau were present, and joined in the town of Queensburys motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
Residents of Queensbury, Moreau and Glens Falls are part of the district whose residents fund the library. The librarys annual budget is up for vote each November.
The lawsuit does not name Crandall Public Library, and Salvador says the library itself has done nothing improper. He pointed out the town removed the line item for the library from its 2015 budget, after he sued in August 2014.
Salvador is seeking the refund of taxes he paid to the library, but not refunds for other taxpayers.
If his lawsuit succeeds and his money is ordered to be refunded, however, that would likely open the door for others to seek their money back.
The case has been pending in Supreme Court in Warren County, and was recently assigned to Pritzker, who presides in Washington County.
SARATOGA SPRINGS For a moment, it looked like the competition was going to go all night.
Fort Ann eighth-grader Patrick Ward and Lake George seventh-grader Freddy Weidner went back and forth, each spelling a word correctly, for a mammoth 32 rounds Wednesday night at the 38th annual Regional Spelling Bee at Skidmore College.
Both Ward and Weidner put in a valiant effort, using an efficient and flawless technique remembering to breathe, repeating the word, then calmly giving an accurate spelling of it and repeating it again.
The boys were getting their exercise walking up to the microphone and sitting back down.
Then, in an abrupt turn of events that seemed to bewilder the crowd, a calamity occurred. Weidner misspelled that word, which opened the door for Ward.
Ward literally took home the title after spelling that word correctly.
Im really tired, the water was empty. (I) just focused on whatever word was sent to me, he said.
Ward said he didnt really study for the competition, but just kind of went with the flow.
I read a lot as a child. It really carries over to spelling once youve heard the word a couple of times, he said.
Ward bested 24 other fourth- through eighth-grade students from Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties at the event, which was sponsored jointly by the WSWHE BOCES and the Junior Chamber International Saratoga Springs Jaycees.
It took a dozen rounds before it was down to the two finalists.
For winning the competition, Ward receives a trophy, a plaque for the school with his name inscribed and four passes to Great Escape.
Weidner, who receives tickets to a classical performance at SPAC, said it was bittersweet.
I really wanted to get first. Im content with second place, he said.
Rounding out the top six were: Waterford-Halfmoon sixth-grader Lilly Christensen in third, Queensbury fifth-grader Allie Johnston in fourth, Galway eighth-grader Alex Malanoski in fifth and Everett Smith, a fifth-grader at Saratoga Springs Division Street Elementary School, in sixth place.
Award-winning childrens author Rhoda Blumberg, who translated her passion for history into more than 25 nonfiction books, died at home on June 6. She was 98.
Blumberg was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. She received her B.A. degree from Adelphi University in New York, and following graduation became what was then known as a career girl. She worked as a freelance writer, researcher, and producer for both CBS Radio and NBC Radio, a talent scout for Simon & Schuster, and wrote features for several national publications.
In 1945 she married attorney Gerald Blumberg, six months after their first meeting. The couple moved to a farm in Westchester County in 1951 and Rhoda then spent more than 20 years raising their four children. She was said to take great joy in introducing the children to the wonders of nature, the arts, and travel, among other pursuits.
By the 1970s, the Blumbergs had an empty nest when their youngest child entered college. At that time, Rhoda rekindled her interest in writing and reconnected with her fondness for history and research. In 1973, she worked as executive editor of Simon & Schusters travel guides, , and soon after tried her hand at writing childrens nonfiction. Her first title for young readers, Firefighters, was published by Franklin Watts in 1975. She wrote prolifically for the next 30 years, producing more than 25 books. Though she explored many nonfiction topics, it was her historical books that received the highest accolades and warmest praise in various journal reviews for being meticulously documented, beautifully written and entertaining. Her 1985 title Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard) was awarded a 1986 Newbery Honor and the Boston-Globe-Horn Book Award, among other commendations. Her most recent books include Shipwrecked! The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy (HarperCollins, 2001), and Yorks Adventures with Lewis and Clark: An African-Americans Part in the Great Expedition (2004).
Her longtime editor, Barbara Lalicki, who retired as senior v-p and editorial director for HarperCollins Childrens Books in 2013 and now teaches at Pratt Institute in Manhattan, offered this remembrance: Sparkling, brilliant, alert to the telling detail, and fun to be with words that describe Rhoda, and her vibrant, meticulously researched nonfiction as well.
Blumberg is survived by her four children and their spouses, as well as nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and her sister. Jerry Blumberg passed away in 2009 shortly after their 64th wedding anniversary.
A funeral will be held on Friday, June 10 at 11 a.m. at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester.
Again some stakeholders Pulse.com.gh has been speaking to, still identify taxes as the main issue that must be addressed under the 2017 budget.
The association has been in talks with the Finance Ministry over the need for the flat rate to be introduced.
Anthony Dzadra, Head of Tax Policy Unit at the Ministry of Finance revealed to Pulse.com.gh that discussions are currently at an advanced stage towards the reversion.
George Ofori said he expects government to take a definite decision on reducing taxes on industry in the 2017 budget.
What traders expect in 2017 is a firm decision by government to reduce the taxes, especially the Value Added Tax. We are currently at an advanced stage with the Finance Ministry about a reversal to the flat 3% rate. The inclusion in the budget will solidify it.
The Ghana Importers and Exporters Association on their part mentioned the longstanding issue of import duties and the need to align them with the ECOWAS common external tariffs.
This is an issue we have been fighting for the alignment of our taxes with the ECOWAS common external tariffs. That is what we will like to see in the 2017 budget, the Executive Secretary of the association says.
Meanwhile, it is unclear when the 2017 budget will be read given that government officials seem to be divided over whether it should be read before or after the November elections.
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana when he finally came to parliament to address the DKM issue asked us [Parliament] to pass the depositors bill in order to help curb the microfinance scandals that rocked the country. Here we are, trying to pass the bill and none of them are around, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Barton Oduro said.
READ MORE:Protecting depositors Parliament to consider Deposit Protection bill
The depositors bill is to help insulate customers from the losses of microfinance companies, thereby protecting their deposits. The bill was necessitated by the numerous scandals that rocked the microfinance sector in Ghana that saw microfinance companies squander millions of Ghana Cedis belonging to customers.
This is not the first time parliament is complaining of the absence of the two entities on an important issue of national finance.
Earlier this year the Public Accounts Committee summoned the Governor of the Bank of Ghana over an anomaly in the accounts of the central bank as revealed by the Auditor Generals report for the 2012 financial year.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon and copied to Pulse.com.gh, the organisation advised residents to be careful when crossing or wading in the flood waters as many of the citys major drains including the Onyasia, Odaw and Nima drains had become full.
This comes barely a week after the Mayor of Accra, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije announced that 45 percent of work had been done by way of dredging major drains in the city. He made those comments at a memorial service to mark the first anniversary of the June 3 disaster.
Thursday rains have left the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, parts of Teshie, Airport Residential, Dzorwulu, Achimota, Rasta Road, Tse Addo flooded leading to loss of property.
The disaster management body implored residents in such areas to not attempt crossing fast running water, but rather climb to roof tops when necessary and call emergency number 112 for help.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Obuasi East believes the ECG can be efficient if government pays debts owed the company.
Speaking at the Africa Mobile and ICT Expo in Accra, President Mahama said the partial privatization move being pursued by government is to enable the company become more efficient.
[People may argue that] Electricity is so important that it must be monopolized by the state, why are you allowing private sector in but we have had this system for years, and its not working. If its not working, we fix it.
But the deputy ranking member of the parliamentary select committee on Energy believes the move by the government to privatise the ECG follows conditions set up by the International Monetary Fund, IMF.
The ECG can be effective and efficient if what government owes to them is paid on time because anything they need to fix is about money...the ones that you want to come and take over, the private people, they will definitely have to come with money to fix some of the problems. So if ECG has a problem, they can fix the problem, he told Radio Ghana in an interview.
Some civil society organisations such as the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas have suggested that the ECG float its shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange but the MP disagrees.
He argued that Government raised Eurobond; it could also raise that money to ECG to fix their problem.
Some private businesses have already tended in a bid for a Public- Private Partnership deal with the Electricity Company of Ghana, according to the Millennium Development Authority.
Under the deal, government is supposed to go for one of several options of a Public- Private Partnership that will help the ECG collects its debts more efficiently.
And government has opted for a concessional partnership which will see a partner that will have exclusive rights to operate, maintain and invest in the ECG for a number of years.
However, the Public Utilities Workers Union have continued to mount pressure against the privatisation of the power distributor.
According to them, it will negatively affect local content because the foreign investors whose objective is to maximize returns on his investments will prefer to source for cheap materials from outside at the expense of the existing Ghanaian suppliers.
They had also warned all government institutions and post-paid electricity consumers to settle all their bills in order not to be affected by the disconnection exercise which they intend to embark on June 20.
The ECG workers had subsequently indicated that there was nothing wrong with the billing software currently being used by the company.
These concerns prompted the meeting with Seth Terkper, who is also the finance minister.
At the end of the meeting, he assured ECG workers that government will find a solution to their problems.
He said: This isnt meant to be a meeting where we will be conclusive in any particular topic. It is a continuing engagement.
Seth Terkper said governments decision is not to privatise the ECG, but to reform it to make it better.
The decision also has a wider context as there are discussions that are ongoing as it is in preparing these very state-owned enterprises towards the oil and gas era and making sure that in particular their balance sheet and gains are strengthened, he added.
Seth Terkper also assured the workers of ECG that government will continue to protect them in the course of their duties.
Some workers of the ECG had earlier indicated that they were under attack from some consumers following the PURCs directive that the billing software must be suspended following some anomalies detected.
The supervisory power minister said any molestation that will occur such, incidents should be reported to the security agencies.
This follows parliament's approval of a $832 million tax waiver for the Meridian Port Services Limited for the expansion of the Tema Port.
Meridian Port Services is one of the three companies involved in a joint venture with the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA) to undertake the expansion at the Tema Port. Meridian Port Services is funding the project under a public-private-partnership (PPP).
Even though the Minority in Parliament were against the tax waiver, it was approved because after the voting in parliament the majority in the house supported it.
The tax waiver which is almost two-thirds of the actual cost of the project which is &1.5 billion will see Meridian Port Services receive concessions on VAT, NHIA Levy, Custom duties, Corporate and withholding taxes.
Speaking on Accra based Adom FM Mr. Pratt said the system of voting where the majority will always support it's party's request and minority do otherwise must be changed.
He said in advanced countries party members disagree with their party's decision and it is still accepted. He said "in the UK, David Cameroun's cabinet minister disagreed with him on a debate as to whether Britain should leave the EU and he hasn't been sacked or victimized".
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
The order came after lawyer for the Financial Intelligence Center (FIC) Arthur Chambers asked that the accounts which they had earlier secured a court order to freeze be released to the former NHIA boss.
All accounts of Sylvester Mensah were frozen when the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) was investigating Mensah over possible financial malpractices when he was NHIA Chief Executive.
Mensah was arrested and detained at the BNI on New Year's Day (January 1) when he turned himself in at the security outfit in response to an invitation from the (BNI) Director. He was subsequently released on bail after some eleven hours in custody.
Prior to his January 1 arrest, seven fully armed BNI officials are alleged to have raided his private residence.
The directive came after the MPs approved the 2016 programme of activities for GNPC.
Hon. Members, I am directing the GNPC to submit details of these to the House latest by Friday, June 17, 2016, Joe Ghartey said.
Additionally, this House serves notice and notice is hereby served on the GNPC that henceforth, the House will demand the approval of their programme of activities before their budget for the ensuing year is approved, he added.
Minority protest
Minority MPs wanted the House to reject GNPCs programme because it had deviated from its core mandate.
The House had on two occasions rejected GNPCs programme over alleged wasteful expenditure.
Fierce debate
MPs of both divide argued fiercely for the approval and rejection of the budget.
NPP MP for Effutu Alex Afenyo Markin held that by guaranteeing the $100 million for Karpower, it meant the money no longer belong to GNPC. He added that the money was not approved by parliament, suggesting the GNPC broke the law.
But the Majority disagreed with him, arguing that anything that has to do with exploration of oil and gas is part of the mandate of GNPC.
According to him, the $100 million Karpower guarantee was part of activities approved in 2015.
On GNPCs new head office building, NPP MP for Atwima Mponua, Isaac Asiamah questioned the need for investing so much money into it.
From all that I know about Nana Addo, his stance on corruption from the day that I first met him he is very serious about fighting corruption and I believe he is capable of stopping corruption," Kan Dapaah said on Accra based Kasapa FM.
Corruption has become topical as the November polls draw closer.
President Mahama has been criticised for shielding alleged corrupt government officials and inflating contract sums.
He has denied all corruption charges, saying the issue of corruption has become topical because he is "exposing" the practice.
But Kan Dapaah noted that as far as corruption is concerned, president Mahama has failed to fight it.
"Unfortunately, he said, "president Mahama has had the chance to fight corruption and I am saying that today I am totally dissatisfied with his fight against corruption in this country.
As Vodafone looks to renew its operating license soon, it appears government is looking to push the company, as a requirement to list on the market.
However, the CEO of Vodafone Ghana, Yolanda Zoleka Cuba says the company is currently not at the point where it needs to enlist on the stock exchange given its current financial status.
Going public is contingent on a number of interests. You dont just wake up and decide to enlist on the stock exchange. It is contingent on two factors: Your balance sheet and income statement, she told Accra-based Joy FM.
When asked whether the company will enlist in the next five years, the CEO said the shareholders will have to decide, adding that it will be based on the strategic goals at the time.
We will never know. If the shareholders decide on their investment initiatives and they are able to do that [then perhaps], you will never know.
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
The actress and Billionaire founder of The Honest Company chose bold styles for an outdoor shoot for the magazine stepping out of her 'comfort zone' to model looks on the beach for the top publication.
Wearing her brunette hair in tousled waves, flawless natural makeup look and rosy pink lips she chose a white thin strap maxi dress and stud earrings for the simple cover shot.
In other shots, the actress chose a red swimsuit lying pretty backing the ocean waves wearing a flawless makeover for the beautiful shot.
She wore an asymmetric white swimsuit with tousled hair for yet another sultry shot, choosing another teal swimsuit with cutout details, the actress struck yet another sexy pose by a waterfall.
ALSO READ:Jessica Alba is flawless on Vogue Australia February 2016 cover
She posed playfully on the beach while she stood tall in a red and blue mix maxi dress in another photo off the editorial.
The announcement was made by Captain Eli Lazarus, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, June 7, 2016.
According to Punch, Lazarus released a statement discouraging the rate of killings carried out by cultists in Rivers state.
The issues of cult clashes in Rivers State have assumed an alarming dimension and a source of security concern in the state."
"In the past few days, cult clashes were recorded in communities in Ikwerre and Emuoha LGAs of the state with several deaths recorded."
Amongst these deaths are some of our personnel who were part of the team that responded to distress calls to prevent the situation from further degenerating."
The cultists are hereby warned to surrender their arms and turn away from their evil ways. Therefore, I wish to state unequivocally that any such attacks on any community will be met with full military action,
Widespread killings have been recorded since the campaign began for new political positions in Rivers.
It was learnt that the 35-year-old Ifeyinwa, was docked before Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, after she was caught on April 11, 2016, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, during the outward clearance of an Emirates Airline flight from Dubai, when the drug was discovered in the possession of the accused.
When the charge was read to the suspect, she pleaded not guilty and Justice Oguntoyinbo granted her N1 million bail with two sureties in the like sum, following an application brought by her counsel, Ifeanyi Okenyi.
Justice Yunusa Musa of Kogi High Court V handed down the sentence on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Adeika was on June 2 convicted for kidnapping Master Sunday from his parents residence in Ajaokuta.
Musa held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that the convict masterminded and executed the kidnap of Sunday and collected ransom before the victim was released.
The prosecution had told the court that Adeika, who was an Office Clerk with Channels Diagnostic Laboratory, Ajaokuta, was disengaged by Mr Sunday Okorodudu, Favours father and owner of the outfit.
The convict was said to have later established Omega Clinic, Itobe in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
The prosecution also told the court that on March 15, the convict while armed with a gun, arrived Okorodudus residence at Abuja Estate, Ajaokuta and kidnapped the boy at gun-point.
The prosecution led by Mohammed Abaji, Senior Legal Officer with the state Ministry of Justice, told the court that investigation led to the arrest and prosecution of the convict.
Pronouncing the sentence, Justice Musa said the sentence was deferred from June 2, following the plea by three counsels in the case for postponement of the sentence.
He said that section 3(1) of Kogi State Kidnapping, thuggery and Other Related Offences Prohibition Law 2010 provides for life imprisonment without option of fine upon conviction.
But her parents now want her to get married, unaware of the situation she has found herself in. Should she get married and live as a bisexual?
Read her letter here:
"My name is Tessy and I have a very problem which I hope your readers would help me out before I run out of my mind. Many people have told me it is a spiritual problem that requires special deliverance but I want to believe that I am far too gone to be redeemed because it has become a part of me.
I am not ashamed to say that I am a lesbian and I have been for the most part of my life. I did not wake up one day and decide that I wanted to be a lesbian but it all happened when I gained admission into an all girls' secondary school as a 10-year-old girl.
I was this young, fresh and very pretty girl that most of the senior girls scrambled to become my school mothers. They feted me and made sure I was pampered to no end. I was everyone's favourite girl and at the end of the scramble, I ended up with the head girl, . I quickly become her favourite and slept in her bed, ate with her, had my bath with her and she practically mothered me.
Then one night, she introduced me into the world of lesbianism. While I slept, I felt hands over my naked and supple body. I had not taken off my clothes while going to bed but I woke up to find that I was naked and Senior Tara had her hands all over me, while kissing me deeply in my mouth. I was both shocked and confused but uncannily, I was enjoying the sensation she was creating in me.
Needless to say, it became a daily routine and as time went on, she would invite some of her close friends and together, they would abuse me to no end. I could not tell anyone what I was going through, not even my older sister who was also in the school.
I lived that life till Senior Tara passed out of the school and handed me over to the new head girl who continued the abuse. Tara would also come visiting and we picked up where we stopped. All through my secondary school and university days, I so much enjoyed making love with fellow girls that I hated even the sight of men.
I did try one or two relationships but none worked for me because of my orientation. I have lived all my life as a lesbian but now, things are about to change but I do not know how to go about it.
My parents want me to get married to the son of their friend, , who was born and brought up in England. Dre's parents had vowed that he was not going to marry a white woman and chose me due to the friendship that exist between our families.
Dre is a very nice guy, loving, easy going and would be a very good husband for the right woman but I doubt if that woman is me. We have dated on and off with no sex because every time he brings that up, I recoil and dread being touched by a man.
Now, my problem is: should I go ahead and marry Dre or just live my life as a lesbian? It will kill my parents if they ever get to know that their last daughter is a lesbian, though.
Tessy."
The teaser for the day was:
How Nigeria voted:
She should go for spiritual delivery - 44%
She should get married and forget lesbianism - 43%
She should live her life as a lesbian - 14%
The convict would eventually go to serve three years in prison according to reports.
In July 2015, Garuba was arraigned with some accomplices, before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, for trying to steal N30 million from the account of a dead customer.
The ploy was however discovered by the bank management, who handed him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
On his first arraignment, Garuba was reported to have pleaded not guilty to the charge levelled against him.
He however made another plea on June 2, 2016, this time, admitting guilt to the crime.
This, according to Punch, led to a quick judgement of the case, as Justice Ipaye adjourned sentencing to Wednesday, June 8, 2016.
In a bid to get a mild sentencing, counsel to the accused, Abba Mohammed, pleaded with the judge to show mercy on Garuba, who has a wife and two children.
It doesnt matter what faith you profess, for instance, it is clearly stated in the Holy Bible that a labourer should be paid his wages even before his sweat dries. I believe that as a responsible government we know this, Dogara said.
It is not like we dont know. But as to challenges facing you, these are not things that we had discussed before, I only heard through the briefings I was given.
If it is possible for you to open this window for us in the immediate to call on relevant persons who are in charge of this, in conjunction, of course, with active participation of your good selves, the relevant committees of the House, so we can sit at a table like this.
I can sit down with the chairmen of committees, some members of the relevant committees, with your good selves and members of the ministry and they can bring these issues so well understand why someone will work for four to eight months and not be paid. What is the problem? And then, we will attempt to address these issues together and if it doesnt work, we cant stop you from venting your anger and expressing your grievances.
I appeal to you to give us till next week when I hope we will be able to invite them and we will sit down together and iron out the issues, he added.
He spoke at a panel discussion on the theme: Financing the end of AIDS: the window of opportunity, on Wednesday in New York, during the three-day high-level meeting on ending AIDS.
Kabore, who co-chaired the discussion, also side the First Lady of Panama, Lorena de Varela, called for initiatives to improve access to antiretroviral treatment in Africa to reach key populations.
He said there is the need to increase and focus resources in the next five years to put an end to AIDS as soon as possible.
"A better approach is needed to put an end to AIDS as a threat to public health, leaving no one behind.
"There must also be social fairness and justice, he said.
He also said that there is the need to ensure that the fight against the virus remained high on the international agenda.Also speaking, de Varela recalled that, over recent decades, millions of people had died prematurely of AIDS.
"We now have what we need to confront the epidemic but the worlds poorest people still suffered disproportionately from HIV and AIDS.
"Countries must mobilise resources to give priority to the continued fight against AIDS, and countries that did not have the necessary resources should be supported," she said.
In his contribution, Mr Peter Boehm, Deputy Minister for International Development of Canada, said more than 50 per cent of those living with HIV still lacked access to treatment.
"This is simply not acceptable, he said, stressing the need to reach vulnerable populations.
Empowerment and gender equality, he said, are critical, while also acknowledging the importance of access to education.
Aboriginal populations, he added, remained underserved and should be at the table in discussions on ending HIV.
He said that pooling resources under country-driven models used by the Global Fund, created the best returns. The replenishment of the Global Fund for 2017 to 2019, he said, is critical to ensuring that the necessary funds were in place for the critical next five years.
Stressing the need to better engage the private sector, he said: we need to ensure that everyone delivers on their promises.
Speaking during the discussion, Mr Jeffrey Sachs, University Professor and Director, Earth Institute, Columbia University, U.S said over a decade ago, countries had begun investing in it and People had begun to get treatment.
We made great progress, but then it stopped, he said, recalling that the global financial crisis had led to a decision to level off funding.
The money that was needed was only about five to 10 billion dollars a year, which was small change to make the world different.
The technical side has spoken the truth and shown that the fight against HIV could work.
"Funding to end the disease is readily available and this is not a puzzle, its a choice, Sachs said.
Tambuwal said I am a Fulani man and I have herds of cattle but I restricted my cattle to a particular location because I need to monitor what they eat and constantly check on their well-being in general.
I also know the quality of meat, milk and skin they produce after I take good care of them. So allowing them to roam about in far flung areas in search of grass and water is inimical to their health and the health of the herdsmen taking care of them.
He also praised Governor Ikpeazu for making judicious use of the resources of the state.
The Governor also stressed on the importance of establishing grazing reserves for the herdsmen, saying Introduction of the new grazing policy, especially in Northern states, is a logical idea since it will restrict the movement of herdsmen to designated areas, away from farmlands and communities.
The Sokoto State Government donated 1000 hectares of land for the creation of grazing reserves for herdsmen and herds owners.
Ogbeh said on Thursday, June 9, 2016, that the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol allows for the free movement of citizens from member countries.
The minister said this in Abuja, at the Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Grazing Reserves and Stock Routes.
He also said The Nigerian constitution has given every citizen the fundamental right to freedom of movement in search of legitimate businesses; transhumance pastoralism is seen along these lines.
For pastoralists from neighbouring West African countries, access to grazing rights in other countries in the ECOWAS zone including Nigeria, are guaranteed by the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol of 1998 and ECOWAS Protocol of Free Movement of Goods and Persons in West Africa.
He said So it is not strange to see a Malian, Burkinabe or Nigerien pastoralist grazing his cows, sheep or goats in Nigeria or a Nigerian pastoralist grazing his livestock in Benin, Togo or Ghana and by extension, transhumance pastoralists from other neighbouring countries.
A for Fulani herdsmen to graze.
Speaking at the inaugural town hall meeting in Abuja on Thursday, June 9, 2016, the minister said the move would ensure that cattle produce quality meat and milk for local consumption.
He said: "Grass is not just grass. If the grass does not have 15% good protein, amino acids and other necessary nutrients, it is then not good enough for the cow to eat. The food the cow eats passes on to humans through meat and milk.
"When you give them high quality grass and water, you get good meat and milk anything short of that, you will be eating chaff," he said.
He debunked rumours that the federal government would revoke land ownership through the establishment of ranches in some parts of the country.
"We are going to develop ranches across Nigeria but the federal government will not seize lands from anybody because we already have enough lands donated by states. In a few days, we will start grassing up areas those areas so this current crisis between herdsmen and farmers will be brought to an end."
Ogbeh who stressed on Nigeria's increasing population rate further charged the youths to participate in Agriculture.
"We have to invite younger people to participate in Agriculture because in 34years time, Nigeria's population will be 450million. At least 5% of humanity will be in Nigeria and who is going to feed them?"
General Babangida is an international figure whose identity cannot be hidden whether alive or dead. I can tell you categorically that Gen. Babangida is alive and had crossed over from Germany to Switzerland two days ago without any problem and in fact, he spoke with many in Minna today, (yesterday), the spokesman said according to Vanguard,
But U.S. officials tell Reuters they see no evidence that Boko Haram has received significant operational support or financing from Islamic State, more than a year after the brutal West African group's pledge of allegiance to it.
That assessment, detailed by multiple U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggests Boko Haram's loyalty pledge has so far mostly been a branding exercise designed to boost its international jihadi credentials, attract recruits, and appeal to the IS leadership for assistance.
The U.S. militarys attention is largely centered on Libya, home to Islamic States strongest affiliate outside the Middle East and where the United States has carried out air strikes. No such direct U.S. intervention is currently being contemplated against Boko Haram, officials say.
"If there is no meaningful connection between ISIL and Boko and we haven't found one so far then there are no grounds for U.S. military involvement in West Africa other than assistance and training," said one U.S. official, using an acronym for Islamic State.
"This is an African fight, and we can assist them, but it's their fight," the official added.
In public comments, senior U.S. officials have said they are closely watching for any increased threat to Americans from Boko Haram and any confirmation of media reports of deepening ties with IS.
Despite suffering a series of setbacks, Boko Haram remains lethal. It launched its deadliest raid in over a year last week, killing 30 soldiers and forcing 50,000 people to flee when it took over the Niger town of Bosso. Chad has sent 2,000 troops to Niger to prepare a counterattack against the group, two senior military sources said on Wednesday.
U.S. military action against ISIL in Iraq and Syria is conducted under legislation Congress passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and authorizes the use of American military power against "those responsible for" those attacks. As the Obama administration has interpreted it, that includes Islamic State as a third-generation descendent of Osama bin Laden's core al-Qaeda group, but not Boko Haram, said the official.
U.S. officials acknowledge their intelligence about the internal structure and leadership of Boko Haram is imperfect.
But the United States has closely tracked ISIL's leadership, finances and other activities, including its cooperation with other groups such as its branch in Libya, to which Islamic State has sent fighters, commanders and other support.
Multiple U.S. officials said they have seen no evidence that Islamic State leaders, based in Syria and Iraq, have transferred significant amounts of cash or weapons or sent high-level representatives to Nigeria.
The absence of such evidence comes as the administration of President Barack Obama debates how Washington and its allies can best support Nigeria and its neighbors. Some U.S. lawmakers already argue that U.S. aid to the region has been too heavily weighted towards security.
DEBATE ON ASSISTANCE
U.S. security assistance to the four African countries plagued by Boko Haram - Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon - has soared to more than $400 million since 2014, surpassing aid for governance, human rights, education and rebuilding infrastructure, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report.
The Obama administration is poised to approve the sale of 12 attack aircraft to Nigeria, Reuters reported last month.
The United States also has offered to send a Special Operations mission to advise Nigerian units, and has dedicated more intelligence and surveillance assets to help African forces fight Boko Haram.
Still, some U.S. government experts warn that defeating it requires Nigeria to boost policing, education and development in its Muslim-dominated northeast and to crack down on corruption.
Administration officials say that it's easier to win congressional support for military assistance to fight extremist groups - especially if defense contracts are involved - than it is to muster backing for steps to attack radicalism at its roots.
While it is estimated to have killed more than 15,000 people since 2009, Boko Haram has not attacked U.S. interests and has deep roots in Nigeria's Christian-Muslim divide, which long predates the Syrian-based Islamic extremist group.Those uncertainties have fueled tension over how best to combat the group, and even how to characterize it. In public, U.S. officials rarely call the group Islamic State-West Africa Province, the name it adopted in March 2015.
There have been periodic reports of cooperation between Boko Haram and ISIL's Libyan branch. In April, the New York Times cited a U.S. general in reporting that an arms convoy believed bound for Boko Haram from Libya was intercepted in Chad, providing one of the first concrete examples of cooperation.
PROPAGANDA SUPPORT
A U.S. counter-terrorism official, however, said that American intelligence has no evidence to support that report. The region is awash in arms, and it's nearly impossible to determine who is sending what to whom, this official said.
U.S. officials told Reuters that they assess that slicker Boko Haram videos prominently displaying Islamic State logos were produced by ISIL operatives outside the region.
"It was clear to us that there (were) not guys in Nigeria sitting at their laptop putting this stuff together," one official said.A senior U.S. intelligence official said that some Boko Haram fighters have traveled to Libya to "work with Islamic State elements", and that its shadowy leader Abubakr Shekau has established a relationship with the IS Libya branch.
But another U.S. official viewed Shekau's pledge of allegiance to ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi "primarily as a rebranding exercise" aimed at boosting the stature of his group, whose leaders previously said it was aligned with al-Qaeda.
U.S. officials and private experts say they fear that as the African military pressure intensifies, the extremists could shift from a regional campaign of suicide bombings, rape and pillage to striking international targets.
"The resources and intent of ISIL to attack Western targets, combined with Bokos ability and strength in that part of Africa is a mix that causes great concern," another U.S. official said.
Senator Chris Murphy, a Foreign Relations Committee member, said that whatever its cooperation with Islamic State, Boko Haram is so deadly that Nigeria and its neighbors should get U.S. help to crush the group.
Ozekhome also called on President Buhari to implement the recommendations of the 2014 national conference organised by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said this in Abuja on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, while speaking to members of the South-South Pen Pusher.
The lawyer also said the constitution was handed over to Nigerians by the military ruling council, led by Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar.
Leadership reports that Ozekhome said I believe that Nigeria is an ongoing project. It is like clay waiting to be moulded into a good shape. I believe in true fiscal federalism. Regions should be allowed to develop according to their pace and culture, rather than the current system we are operating.
In these days, nobody looked forward to the centre to survive. Every state in Nigeria has something to bring to the table. It is injustice for the Federal Government to insist that all mineral resources belong to it.
The way out is to go back to true fiscal federalism. It is either we merge all the states together into regional blocs or make them truly independent. It will be such that what each state produces, 70 per cent will be given back to them. The structure we are operating is not working.
I am appealing to Buhari to drop the mindset where he said he has not even looked at the content of the National Conference. He is looking at the convener instead of the message. He should not throw away the baby and the bad water.
The Civil Society-and-Citizen-driven accountability platform, will hold at 10am on at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
According to the organisers, the Centre for Democracy and Development, the event will afford President Buhari's administration the opportunity to give account of achievements in the last one year.
Idayat Hassan, CDDs Director further said, It will afford the government an opportunity to report back to her constituents and give the citizenry an opportunity to engage directly with government on burning national issues. We at the CDD believe that this interaction is critical to strengthening democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Other ministers that will be joining Mohammed and Fashola include Audu Ogbeh, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Amina Mohammed Minister for Environment, and Former Senator Udo Udoma, Minister for Budget and National Planning.
Ikpeazu said at the ceremony, that the initiative provided another opportunity for the state government to reinforce its commitment to the people of Abia.
He said that the state government wanted to utilise the taxi scheme to establish a very effective and reliable means of transportation.
"Some of the vehicles will be located at Owerri airport for people coming to Abia,while others will be in use within the state for `on-demand' services.''
He said that vehicle tracking devices would be used to monitor the drivers of the vehicles, to prevent car jacking and ensure the safety of customers.
On waste management, Ikpeazu insisted that a recent report by World Health Organisation, (WHO) which classified Aba and Umuahia among the 20 most polluted cities in the world was wrong.
He said that that the state government was relentless in ensuring that Abia remained a clean state.
To this end, he said that the state government had purchased five garbage trucks for the introduction of house-to-house collection of garbage in Aba and Umuahia.
Earlier in his remark, Mr Gabriel Igboko, the state Commissioner for Environment, commended the state government for the provision of the trucks to facilitate waste management in Abia.
Also in his remark ,Mr Obinna Oriaku, the state Commissioner for Finance, described the taxi scheme as a laudable initiative that would further encourage growth in the transport sector.
Oriaku urged prospective beneficiaries of the taxis to live up to expectation by returning the required amount for the vehicles to the state government.
The women were said to have been sexually abused but were later released to their family members after ransom was paid.
Residents say the incident is a frequent occurrence in recent times.
The six women were reportedly abducted by the gunmen who stormed Afogo District at about 2am on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 and shot one man dead.
"They proceeded to another village and abducted six women and took them to an unknown destination," a resident of the area, Nuhu Shehu said.
The Interim Management Committee Chairman in Kajuru LGA, Sani Magaji, who confirmed the incident to journalists, described the killing and the abduction as barbaric and inhuman.
"This incident has caused pains to the entire LGA. We have already informed the police in Mararaban Kajuru about what happened," Magaji said.
He urged the people to form local security networks in other to safeguard themselves.
"We want our people to form vigilante groups. This will help in such cases before help can come from the security agencies," he said.
Magaji added that the council is working hard to ensure the release of the abducted women and have the perpetrators apprehended.
"Last two weeks, gunmen abducted seven women and two other men in Tantatu village. After three days, they were released but the women gave accounts of how they were abused sexually. Ransom was paid by their family members before their release," another resident, Jacob Bawa said.
"We are confused about what is happening. Last month, some gunmen stormed another village, Kalla, injured many men and abducted young girls. As they were going with the girls, within themselves they started arguing. One of them said since they have killed the girls parents, they should be allowed to go. And that was how the girls were able to return. They left a lot of men with various cuts and injuries, another resident, Zakariya Luka, said.
He said in Dangere and Kajuru station, a lot of Women are being kidnapped to unknown destinations.
According to him, the state government would also followed due process to back it with the law from the state assembly.
Mallam Idris Muhammed warned that if the law is passed into law, street would not be condoned.
"Anyone caught begging will face the wrath of the law," Muhammed said.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State government said it has received 206 applications from peoples with disabilities that want to be employing in the civil service.
GovernorUmaru Tanko Almakura had pledged to give automatic employment to any person with disability who finished his diploma, HND or degree programs.
Arase said the construction of the estate was in fulfillment of his administrations promise to provide accommodation conducive to Inspectors and Rank and File.
Represented by Commissioner of Police in Adamawa, Mr Mohammadu Ghazalli, Arase said the house would be sold to officers in the North East at affordable price.
"This is the first phase of one hundred semi-detached bungalows of which 64 have been fully completed.
"The second stage of construction will commence as soon as funds are made available for it.
"This estate is not a police barracks. Rather, it is an estate that equally carters for civil populace.
"Moreover, the housing estate would be sold to the Police Inspectors and Rank and File at affordable rate in the North East"
Gov. Muhammed Jibrilla of Adamawa lauded the programme and said the state government was always ready to provide land for such projects by the police.
Jibrilla, represented by the states Head of Service, Alhaji Musa Kaibo, urged the police to extend the programme to local government areas.
The lawyer, in a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, also sought an order compelling the Federal Government to release IPOB members in police custody.
Olu-Adegboruwa also said the military violated sections 39 and 40 of the constitution when it disrupted the meeting of the group, and allegedly killed its members.
Over 30 members of IPOB were allegedly killed by the Nigerian Army during a ceremony held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Biafra Republic on Monday, May 30, 2016.
Punch reports that the lawyer also argued that since the government was allowed to celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Biafra group has the right to also celebrate the Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day without hindrance.
Olu-Adegboruwa also wants the court to rule that the Army and police acted illegally when they disrupted IPOBs rally and reportedly shot at them.
The minister stated this in Abuja on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the Town Hall Meeting tagged "Buharimeter."
Speaking on the achievements of the government, the minister said the APC-led government is on track in delivering its campaign promises to Nigerians.
His words: We campaigned on three broad areas, corruption, revamp the economy and security. Have we met our targets? If you ask me, I will say we are on track.
"On insecurity, the most daunting security challenge we faced when we came in was the Boko Haram challenge. Today it had receded and it is not by accident. In the words of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, the military is only carrying out mop-up operations in the North East.
"You all know that it was corruption that prolonged the war against Boko Haram. It was corruption that gave Nigerians darkness instead of light, despite sinking millions of dollars into the sector. The money recovered so far is a tip of the iceberg.
"Over 28,000 ghost workers have been discovered and today, funds that would have found their way into private pockets are now accruing to government courtesy of the TSA. My only sin was speaking too much before the election and now, I have to pay the price," he said.
He stated that the conditional cash transfer or N5,000 to vulnerable Nigerians, the free meal, vocational training and the employment programmes for graduates would soon commence.
The minister maintained that the government neither lacks the political will or discipline to fulfill its electoral promises.
Other Ministers who presented the score card of their ministries include Amina Mohammed (Environment), Babatunde Fashola (Power, Works and Housing), Udo Udo Udoma (Budget and National Planning) and Audu Ogbeh (Agriculture).
The minister also said that the names are being kept secret for legal reasons, The Nation reports.
Ngige reportedly made the remarks while addressing officials of Nigerias Permanent Mission to the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland.
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo had earlier explained that the names were being kept secretto preserve the integrity of the governments investigations.
We have released the list of recovered loot, we know people are asking for the names, but releasing the names may jeopardize ongoing investigations, Osinbajo said according to a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande on Monday, June 6, 2016.
Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said this on Wednesday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
He said that the decision was part of the resolutions reached at the end of a meeting of field commanders and principal staff officers, which was convened by the Chief of Army Staff in Abuja.
He, however, warned that the military would resume its operations in the region if the militants continued to disregard the ceasefire.
He said that the Army would apply its rules of engagement in its operations in the Niger Delta, especially where it was deemed necessary.
``The Chief of Army Staff called a meeting of all Principal Staff Officers and General Officers Commanding, as well as Directors in the Army Headquarters.
``The meeting is essentially to brief us on the aftermath of the meeting in the Presidency and give further operational directives on the happenings in the Niger Delta.
``The two-week ceasefire was such that all military operations in the region were supposed to stop to enable government to apply the non-kinetic means of reaching out to the militants.
``Now, the militants have resorted to continue with the attacks on pipelines, we will tarry for a while and if this does not stop, we will decisively act wherever it is necessary, he said.
Attahiru said that applying the rules of engagement in the militarys internal security operations was not an aberration but a means of preserving the unity and dignity of the nation.
``The issue of applying the rules of engagement is to emphasise our adherence to the necessary procedures in internal security operations, he said.
Attahiru warned that the military would no longer tolerate further attacks on its units and formations in the Niger Delta or elsewhere in the country.
``Recently there was an attack on Nigerian Army troops in the Niger Delta; that will no longer be tolerated.
``Anywhere troops are attacked, formation commanders will apply the rules of engagement to the fullest, they will follow the attackers to wherever they came from, he warned.
Attahiru said that the meeting also deliberated on other operational issues, particularly those relating to training in the Nigerian Army.
The statement reads:
Since the day crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity and quality in Oloibiri, present day Bayelsa state, what we have being asking from successive governments in Nigeria is portable drinking water in the midst of plenty of water mass, electricity, roads, employment, quality education/educational facilities, resource control, participation in the oil business and inclusive governance that will engender substantial freedom.
The reserve have been the case, from Oloibiri, Brass LNLG and export terminals in Bayelsa; Bonny LNLG and export terminals in River state; ExxonMobil in Akwa Ibom; Escravos EGTL/ Tankfarm and export terminals; Forcados Tankfarm and export terminals in Delta state operated respectively by Anglo-Dutch Shell, Chevron/Texaco Over seas, Agip ENI, ExxonMobil. The history of the communal lives is terror of poverty, inhumanity and desolate living conditions. But when you move into these facilities operated by the Multinational Oil Corporations, they are living like Kings and Presidents.
For over five decades, we have given Multinational Oil Corporations and their collaborator the Nigerian State peace, cooperation and love for the crude oil to flow unhindered from our land.
The continuous tranquillity is only manifesting in the development of mountains, rock, valleys, deserts and lagoon but the Niger Delta territory continually alienated from all types of development and all essence of quality human life. Meanwhile all successive governments worships the crude oil taken from the region. Our communities and the people are only good at securing the pipelines, oil and gas facilities. What a tragedy?
We are calling on the international community especially Britain, France, the United State of America, Russia, China and European Union to speak up against this ongoing terror and come to the aid of the Niger Delta, as witnesses to this grave inhumanity and history of terror perpetuated against the people of the Niger Delta daily.
This history of terror, we the Niger Delta Avengers will resist and correct with every means necessary. We have nothing to lose in the battles ahead; justice they say is only found within the structure of a nation state, rather than provide this justice the Nigerian government has decided to mobilise her military might to intimidate, torture, maim, victimise and bombard a section of the nation state and her citizenry to allow the free flow of our oil.
Some persons, groups, and commentators may ask, what do the people of Niger delta want? We are not like some of these personalities who run champagne parties or turn Rivers State Government House into a house patrimony of god-sons and prebendalism.
They says the progress and success of a nation state is the reflection of her constitution that is not manufactured to favour some section and excludes the yearning and aspirations of others; but the indwelling spiritual and historical development of its people.
Since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 to date, our resources have been used to sustain the political administrative live wire of Nigeria to the exclusion of the Niger delta.
Finally, we are calling on the international community, to come and support the restoration of our right to peaceful self-determination from this tragedy of 1914 that has expired since 2014.
Vanguard reports that the SPDC facility is located at Ogidigben, Warri South West Local in Delta State.
Reports say a source who disclosed the incident said The incident occurred along the Chanomi Creek around Ogidigben area about 8.00 pm.
Though, I cannot give you concrete details of the situation at the scene of incident for now. We got reports from our field office that a loud explosion was heard at the location, which was followed by a huge ball of fire.
A community leader also confirmed the incident saying My people called to tell me that there was an explosion, they blew up the manifold at Ogidigben and they are going there now to see what actually happened.
This is coming after the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) denied reports that they are negotiating with the Federal Government.
A new militant group known as the Ultimate Warriors of Niger Delta, has also called on the Federal Government to allocate 60% of the oil blocs in the region to communities.
Obi, who was a former NIMASA Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Service, took over from Patrick Akpobolokemi, the immediate past DG of NIMASA, who is facing six separate charges of conversion and theft.
He was charged alongside three companies Dismass Alu Adoon Ltd, Grand Pact Ltd., and Global Sea Investment Ltd on eight counts bordering on conversion of funds to the tune of over N378 million from NIMASA.
At Obis trial on Wednesday, a witness, who is an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Orji Chukwuma, said that the accused used NIMASAs funds to build a hotel.
According to the witness, about N10million was paid to Seastroke International Ltd which was in charge of developing the hotel for Obi.
He said that Obi also gave N1million to a church in Anambra, but its purpose was not disclosed.
According to him, a company, Knight and Sheriff, was paid N10million, adding that the companys account was operated by Obis Special Adviser (SA).
I was made to understand that the operator of the account was his SA who started using it to keep monies for the first accused (Obi), the witness said.
He said that two companies into which NIMASAs funds were paid, never had any business with the agency.
The witness said that Obi made several payments, including to his wife, using NIMASAs funds.
He did not give any explanations as to why these funds were withdrawn and he did not present any documents showing the utilisation of these funds, the witness said.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige had earlier ordered banks to stop sacking their staff.
The Labour unions also said they support the ministers threat to withdraw the licence of the banks that went ahead to sack their staff.
Vanguard reports that the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba and his TUC counterpart, Bobboi Kaigama, in a joint statement said we will picket them to show them that they do not have monopoly of law of disobedience.
The labour leaders also slammed the banks for not allowing their workers join labour unions.
They also accused the banks of disobeying the law of the land.
The labour leaders are currently attending the 2016 International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference holding in Geneva, Switzerland.
The NLC Head of International Relations, Mr Uchenna Ekwe said the existing laws in Nigeria are out-dated.
He said this at the 2016 International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference holding in Geneva, Switzerland.
Ekwe said the Federal Government needs to update the laws, so the rights of the Nigerian child will be protected.
He also called on the government to pass into law, free and compulsory primary and secondary education for every child in the country.
Ekwe said Even if you do not need every child to go to the university, any person with qualitative primary and secondary education can hold their own anywhere in the world.
Those that have the capacity to go into further intellectual base university can do that, but every other person must move away from the minimum poverty line.
If people think that education is expensive, there is a saying that you should try ignorance.
He said a law should also be passed to discourage children below 15 years from working, adding that if they must, they should be allowed to finish secondary school.
Ekwe also said I know that ILO has urged the Nigerian government to quickly amend the Child Law Act to meet the provisions of Convention 138.
Two, they have offered to send technical assistant to help train the trainer.
And the issue of training and supervisory inspectorate divisions to check, including domestic violence to know the level under age people are treated.
That will include the punishment for engaging people under certain age, in certain work.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, while speaking to newsmen at the 105th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), threatened that the Federal Government will withdraw the licences of banks that insisted on sacking workers, despite the Federal Governments order, asking them to stop.
Punch reports that the Governor was forced to come out of his car and address the aggrieved workers.
According to reports, Mimiko begged the striking workers to resume work, adding that the state does not have enough money to pay their salary arrears.
The defiant workers however dismissed the Governors plea, chanting No Salary, No Work, reports say.
The chairman of Joint Negotiating Council, Sunday Adeleye also told newsmen that the strike will continue indefinitely, till the government agrees to pay their salaries.
Civil servants in Bayelsa state have also given the government a seven day ultimatum to pay their salaries or they will resume their suspended strike action.
Governor Ayo Fayose, in a show of solidarity for the plight of the civil servants in the state, joined their strike action.
He said The ultimate objectives are bringing real change to the lives of 20 million children.
It is for creating the multiplier effect on local economies in communities where these schools are located by boosting agriculture, entrepreneurship and employment.
Vanguard reports that the Vice President said this in Abuja, at the inauguration of national coordinating team for the national home grown school feeding programme.
Osinbajo also added that the school feeding program will encourage enrolment in schools and reduce the drop-out rate in most states of the federation.
The Vice-President called on states and local governments to support the program, saying The strategy plan will only work if there is cooperation between the federal, state and local governments.
These plans must have specific community implications.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, announced this to State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja.
``The focus of our deliberation today at the FEC was a review of the economy which we do from time to time.
``On a quarterly basis, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning briefs the cabinet about the economy and the steps that we need to take.
``Council approved that the various MDAs should fast-track the processes for release of their capital budget so that the economy can be quickly reflated, he said.
According to him, the administrations promise to release N350 billion into the economy was undergoing some process, adding that while it was easy to release for ongoing projects, new ones would pass through procurement laws.
``The N350 billion indicated is available but there is a process and this is part of the reasons we briefed council.
``There is need to fast-track those processes so that most of those monies will be released very soon.
Udoma explained that the release would be easier for existing projects ``but new projects are a bit more difficult because of the public procurement, adding that the impact of the release would be felt soon.
He said the administration would from time to time announce various amounts released to the economy.
On President Muhammadu Buharis directive for the release of grains to ease economic hardships, Udoma said the Minister of Agriculture was in a better position to state the situation.
On economic plan, he said ``we launched a strategic document, we set out 34 things we want to achieve this year, we set out all our objectives. We have a plan and the plan is to reflate the economy.
``What has happened to Nigeria is not a surprise to the government, it is something that we came in to meet.
``It has been caused by the fall of crude oil prices from over $100 to less than $30. We came in to meet that problem.
Udoma said the administration decided to spend a huge amount of money on infrastructure to correct the economic malaise in the country.
``We know the situation we are in right now and we have a plan to get out of the situation.
The minister also denied rumours of impending sack of workers in para-military organizations, stating that it was the policy of the administration not to retrench anywhere.
``We said so at the beginning that we are not going to retrench, there is a natural wastage which happens in government.
``There are people who retire, people who may be disciplined but there is no policy in this government to retrench.
Udoma explained some of government policies to ensure self-sufficiency in rice and wheat production in a few years.
He recalled that the Vice President just set up a task force headed by Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, to realise that.
``We are implementing the plan one by one. We have a plan to move this country up 20 places in the ease of doing business.
1. Born on June 9, 1967, Basoene Kelsey Tariah, Jr. hails from Buguma, Kalabari, Rivers State.
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2. The talented entertainer has a BA in Choreography from the University of Port-Harcourt, and was a dance champion in 1983 after winning the National Dancing Competition.
3. He made his first professional appearance as a stand-up comedian at the University of Port Harcourt in 1989, and was paid 171 naira for the job.
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4. The actor is married to Doris Basoene Tariah, and is a proud father of four.
5. Basorge is in charge of the project called Creek Search Initiative (CSI), which addresses the falling standards and the winning hopes of the young generation.
The Comrade Governor has been very respectful of all the aspirants, while placing the interest of the party first. He is careful not to put his thumb on the scale, but at some point, the verdict is the verdict and that point is almost certainly here, he said.
I expect Mr. Governor to formally stump and aggressively campaign for the partys nominee among the aspirants, starting with a formal endorsement of the nominees candidacy immediately after the primary but not after blackmailing him. Mr Governor is taking nothing for granted.
I want us to run scared the whole time as a party because we have a general election ahead of us. It is novel that a second-term Governor enjoys the popularity to be a potent force on the campaign trail, and equally have an eye on who succeeds him.
He (the Governor) has indicated he wants to spend a lot of time on the campaign trail, so when its time to do that, well all go out guns ablazing. We should begin to actively think through how to bring everyone together in the party; what works for the would-be party nominee, what works for the Governor, and how to utilize his strengths and his appeal.
A would-be nominee will earn Governor Oshiomholes endorsement and his active participation in the campaigns because he is particularly strong at making the economic argument for the partys candidate. Besides, his position in the party and popularity made him ideally suited to counter any opposition, he added.
Ekweremadu said this while congratulating Senators for their understanding and unity in the past one year, on Thursday, June 9, 2016.
He also said the Senate Presidents trouble started immediately he emerged as the leader of the Red chambers, against the wish of those he called the powers that be.
The Deputy Senate President also thanked the lawmakers for giving him their support, despite the fact that he is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Saraki is currently standing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), for false declaration of assets.
The Senate President has constantly claimed that he is being victimised, adding that his trial is just a distraction.
The chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar recently accused Senate President, Bukola Sarakis lawyers of tactically delaying his trial.
This development was confirmed in a statement by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity).
Now in the final rounds of preparation for the commencement of the free school feeding programme for primary school pupils, the federal and state governments will review the Strategic Plan for the rollout of the scheme which is part of the N500B Social Investment plans of the Buhari presidency.
The strategic plans runs until 2020 and forms the cornerstone of the nationwide Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programme which when fully realized will provide a nutritious hot meal a day to over 24 million primary school children.
HGSF programmes provide free school meals procured from local farmers. These programmes offer a win-win-win for children, farmers and communities alike.
Children benefit from hot nutritionally balanced school meals which reduce hunger and improve education outcomes; farmers benefit from improved access to school feeding markets and communities benefit from new catering, processing and food handling jobs.
According to the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo not only will the Home Grown School Feeding programme help our pupils become better students, it will also boost the local economies, and create new jobs along the way.
To achieve national coverage, the federal government is working in partnership with states and local communities for the successful implementation of the HGSF programme.
Equally to support the process, the federal government is working with key technical partners to capitalize upon global experience and adopt best practices. One such partner is the UKs Imperial College, Londons Partnership for Child Development (PCD) which is providing technical assistance to the Presidency.
The forum will have in attendance Governors of Borno, Oyo, Osun, Enugu and Kaduna, and other government representatives and stakeholders from all 36 Nigerian States as well as developmental partners. The forum which is also an advocacy event will provide the opportunity for state teams and their partners to model their school feeding plans within the national HGSF framework.
The experts who spoke in Lagos recently during an event organised by FrieslandCampina WAMCO to mark World Milk Day, stated that consumption of adequate milk was essential in healthy living and growth.
Dr. Elo Ukatu of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja worried that Nigerians are not very fond of consuming milk.
She, therefore, called for adequate milk consumption among young people.
The World Milk Day, which was initiated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 2001 in order to boost milk and dairy products consumption, is marked every June 1.
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This year, FrieslandCampina WAMCO hosted students from private and private schools in Lagos State to the challenge of creating ready-to-go meals and drinks with milk as the dominant ingredient.
The students of Yaba College of Technology Staff School, Yaba, Lagos, emerged winner of the Art of Milk cooking competition. This earned them a cash prize of N500, 000 for school renovation.
Ojota Senior Secondary School and Wellspring College won N250, 000 and N100, 000 respectively, as second and third winner in the competition.
ALSO READ:7 Tips on how to be the best wedding planner in Nigeria
Bolt, who's CEO of Wedding Concepts, South Africa, says she's spent most of her career years not only creating some of the most remarkable weddings in Africa and the world, but she tries to educate younger colleagues on proper and apt event planning. Saying, "weddings do not always have to big and glam but small and concise weddings" could do all there is.
"Nigerians are my favorite clients because they always go overboard when celebrating something good," Christiana explained at the Atinuda press conference in Lagos on June 8.
"However, weddings are all about love and happiness and not necessarily about being exaggerate."
Christiana also shared some of the difficulties she faces when it comes to planning weddings for contemporary or today's couples. "Social media is great but sometimes a problem for us [planners]," she said. "Some couples just want what they see on social media to be brought to reality at their own weddings not minding budget, location or weather."
"My job is to make sure the client is satisfied but we can also say NO when we may not realize your dream wedding with the resources we have. Me saying no doesn't have to be from a negative point of view but it also strengthens your brand and makes it more valuable."
Christiana Bolt is joining host, Ayiri Oladunmoye (CEO OAKEN Events, Nigeria), Diann Valentine (Founder of Diann Valentine Living Well, Inc, USA) and Seyi Olusanya (CEO of Once Upon a Destination) for this year's debut edition of Atinuda Event Planner Atelier to talk on the relevance of better event and wedding planning in Nigeria.
Residents near the base in the central town of Haglan said they heard a huge explosion and then heavy exchanges of gunfire shortly before dawn. Shots ran out at least an hour after the initial blast, they added.
There was no immediate comment from the African Union's AMISOM force, made up of African nations supporting Somalia's Western-backed government in its fight against the al Qaeda-linked militants.
AMISOM usually says it is up to troop-contributing countries to announce casualties. In the past, casualty figures cited by al Shabaab have been much higher than official numbers.
"Our fighters stormed the Halgan base of AMISOM," al Shabaab's military operations spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters. He said the group used a suicide car bomb and then militants had exchanged fire with Ethiopian troops there.
He said "several" al Shabaab fighters died, but did not give a number.
"It was a huge blast. It destroyed the gate and parts of the base," the spokesman said, adding al Shabaab fighters overran the base and drove out the Ethiopian troops before withdrawing.
Al Shabaab fighters also repelled a counter attack by Djibouti troops deployed from another base in the area, he said.
The group often launches gun and bomb attacks on officials, Somali security forces and AMISOM in a bid to topple the government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam on Somalia.
Darryl Lewis, who was detained on April 24 along with three other members of Moise Katumbi's entourage in the southern city of Lubumbashi, has been handed over to the U.S. ambassador in the capital Kinshasa, Victor Mumba Mukomo told reporters.
Katumbi, the former governor of mineral-rich Katanga province in the south, was indicted last month on charges of hiring mercenaries as part of a plot against the state.
He denies the accusations, saying they are meant to derail his campaign to succeed President Joseph Kabila in the vast Central African country's elections scheduled for November.
Congolese authorities said Lewis was arrested because he lacked a permit to work in Congo. He will return to the United States but his case will remain open, Mukomo said.
Lewis's lawyer Azarias Ruberwa confirmed that Lewis would return home and said U.S. officials were looking into the case.
Political tensions are running high in Congo, which has vast reserves of precious minerals, ahead of the election.
Kabila is ineligible to stand after serving two elected terms but opponents accuse him of plotting to hold onto power by delaying the vote or even changing the constitution to remove the term limit, as several African leaders have recently done.
The government has said the vote is unlikely to occur on time because of logistical and budgetary problems.
In May, Congo's highest court ruled Kabila could remain in power until elections can be held.
Protests against any delay have already turned violent and authorities have arrested dozens of critics of Kabila, who took power when his father Laurent Kabila was assassinated in 2001.
The court said that Wednesday's verdict was the first time the country's highest court has revoked the citizenship of a naturalised Danish national on criminal grounds.
Said Mansour, 56, was sentenced in 2014 to a four-year prison term for inciting terrorism and urging support for al-Qaeda and similar groups.
Meanwhile, the statements were posted on Facebook, in emails and in three books he published.
The material took the form of CDs, DVDs, cassettes and videotapes and featured speeches, songs and films in which people connected to various terrorist groups called for waging a holy war and praised terrorists.
Mansour became a Danish citizen in 1988, five years after he came to Denmark, while he has lived on benefits since 1994.
The court ruled that his ties with Denmark were not strong enough for him to remain as four of his children were adults.
He also has a young daughter born in October 2015 after he remarried. The court noted that the couple had not lived together.
The case was elevated to the Supreme Court after a district and appellate court issued conflicting rulings on whether he could be deported or not.
The Supreme Court said that Danish migration authorities were to decide on whether he should be deported after serving his sentence.
Pavlensky, who has been arrested numerous times including for nailing his scrotum to Red Square, told newsmen in the court that he would not pay the fine.
He said that his legal team had vowed to appeal the verdict.
The building, in a prominent square in central Moscow, is currently used by the KGB's main successor agency, the Federal Security Service (FSB).
The court found Pavlensky guilty of vandalising an object of cultural heritage.
The initial fine was 1.5 million roubles, but the court decided to reduce to a third of that in an apparent gesture of goodwill.
Report says Pavlensky, 32, has claimed his performances are protests against the Russian government, which he says is becoming increasingly oppressive.
The trial drew parallels to that of the punk band Pussy Riot, a few members of which were sentenced to two years in prison in 2012 for performing a blasphemous ``punk prayer in a prestigious Moscow Cathedral.
Pavlensky is most famous for his 2013 stunt "Fixation" in which he stripped naked and sat down on Red Square, then hammered a nail through the middle of his scrotum and into the cobblestone pavement.
Finding Peace of Mind: Discover These Five Places in Europe to Unwind
If the State Route 160 widening project on a dangerous stretch of road between Las Vegas and Pahrump left you with more questions than answers, then an event Thursday will help clear up any issues one might have.
If the State Route 160 widening project on a dangerous stretch of road between Las Vegas and Pahrump left you with more questions than answers, then an event Thursday will help clear up any issues one might have.
The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is hosting a public information meeting, looking for input for the proposed phase two improvements to SR-160 from Red Rock Canyon Road (State Route 159) to Mountain Springs (mile marker 16.63) in Clark County.
The event will take place at the Pahrump Community Library, on 701 East Street, Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Proposed upgrades include widening the highway from two to four travel lanes as well as frontage roads, lighting, signage and bicycle lanes.
SR-160 is the main highway linking Las Vegas with Pahrump and safety concerns, along with increased travel and rapid development along the highway, the need for larger capacity making the road more reliable and safer is needed. The $16.5 million highway widening project is scheduled to be completed in early 2017.
The public is encouraged to attend and comments may be submitted for public record in writing at the meeting or verbally to a court reporter, who will be at the meeting.
Requests for special accommodations for someone wanting to attend the event can be made by contacting Julie Maxey of NDOT by email at: jmaxey@dot.state.nv.us or via phone at: 775-888-7171.
Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.
Growing up, Don Wildman couldn't escape a history lesson.
There were rounds of trivia and "did you know" questions around his dinner table. After regular trips to museums in his hometown of Philadelphia, he'd spend hours debriefing with his parents.
For his four sisters, that upbringing led to careers in academia they're all teachers.
Wildman chased a different kind of job. He now hosts Travel Channels Mysteries at the Museum."
"Having this kind of career still feels like I'm talking to my family around the table," he said. "It's like I'm a kid in the candy shop."
The show, in its 10th season, is billed as offering personalized tours to museums and institutions around the world.
"It's the idea that I'm kind of this every man that doesn't have a lot of training, but is curious," he said. "I ask the same questions anyone would have at a museum and I try to transmit that information in a real way."
He'll take on that same approach next weekend while visiting the Putnam Museum in Davenport in conjunction with The Discovery of King Tut exhibit.
His visit coincides with Quad-Cities Museum Week, which runs from June 18 to June 26.
During the King Tut exhibit run in New York City in 2013, Wildman appeared in a video promoting the exhibit.
"I've been been associated with King Tut since then in this weird way," Wildman said. "This collection blows me away."
He admits, though, that the first time he viewed the exhibit, which features replicated items based on the real Tut artifacts housed in Cairo, he didn't have high expectations.
"I had heard it was a replica and went in with a chip on my shoulder thinking it wouldn't be anything special," he said. "Wow, did I get it wrong."
"I know that people in the Quad-Cities are in for a similar surprise," he added. "Especially the kids who get to learn the story in this eccentric, different way it opens your eyes to what's out there."
MUSCATINE, Iowa A former Muscatine police officer accused of sexual assault took the stand in Muscatine County District Court on Tuesday.
Thomas Tovar, 49, has been charged with one count of third-degree sexual abuse, a class C felony, for an incident that occurred in 2013.
While on duty on Feb. 13, 2013, Tovar drove Shari Martin to the Clarion Hotel in Muscatine after her boyfriend, David Faust, was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Tovar admitted to then having sexual intercourse with Martin, which he claims was consensual.
The Journal does not normally publish the names of sexual assault victims. But this victim has been public with her experience and so we are using her name in this story.
Tovar was charged in July 2013, removed from duty in February 2014 and resigned later that year after being with the Muscatine Police Department for 22 years.
During the third day of court proceedings in Muscatine County District Court on Wednesday, Tovar's defense attorney, Murray Bell, of Davenport, showed the jury dashcam video from Tovar's patrol car on the night of the alleged incident.
The video showed the arrest of Faust. On the video, Tovar could be heard asking Faust to identify the passenger in his vehicle and how they were related. He then asked where Martin was planning to spend the night.
According to his testimony, Tovar then placed Martin in his squad car and drove her to the Clarion Hotel. At this point, there is no audio on the dashcam video and Tovar's body mic had been turned off. When asked about the lack of audio on the tape, Tovar testified that someone could have removed the audio portion of the recording.
The video shows Tovar pulling up to the hotel, and then the recording ends. Choking back tears, Tovar said he turned off the camera because he thought there was a chance Martin might be willing to have sex with him.
"I didn't want the police department or my wife to know," Tovar said.
Tovar and Martin then entered the Clarion Hotel, went to Martin's room and began to engage in sexual intercourse. Tovar testified that he stopped at one point and radioed the police department to tell them he was available for a call. He then resumed having sexual intercourse with Martin.
He said he also acknowledged a call for a domestic incident, then again continued to have sex.
Tovar testified he later lied to Lt. Tony Kies, telling Kies that Martin was drunk. Tovar said Martin broke the card key to her hotel room, so he had to find her a new one. He said he fabricated the story to explain his absence while he was in the hotel.
During questioning, Bell asked Tovar if the woman was a willing participant in the sexual act.
"She was an active participant," Tovar testified.
The prosecution is being handled by Denise Timmins and Robert Sand with the Area Prosecutions Division of the Iowa Attorney General's Office due to a conflict of interest. Timmins asked in cross-examination what Tovar's job was.
"You were a police officer ... your job was to get Shari Martin safely back to her room," she said.
"Yes," Tovar said.
On Tuesday Martin testified she was too intoxicated to remember the whole evening, except for the image of a police officer on top of her.
Michael Fitzsimmons, who has experience in the Iowa Department of Corrections as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor, testified that one form of blackout from drinking leaves the person with fragments of memory.
He also testified that anyone can suffer a blackout, typically from drinking quickly.
"You don't have to be an alcoholic or drug addict to suffer a blackout," he said.
Proceedings will resume at 9 a.m. Thursday. The case is being heard before District Judge Mark Lawson in Muscatine County District Court.
An Iowa delegate to the Republican National Convention said Thursday he can't support Donald Trump for president and intends to urge others going to Cleveland to seek an alternative.
Cecil Stinemetz of Urbandale said that he thinks party rules don't bind delegates and nominating Trump will doom the party to losing to Hillary Clinton in the fall.
"People can vote their conscience, so I'm trying to let other people know that this is not over," Stinemetz said in an interview.
There has been a chorus of criticism of Trump since he said a federal district judge isn't being fair to him in a lawsuit involving Trump University because of the judge's Mexican heritage. Stinemetz, who supported Ted Cruz during the Iowa caucuses, said that although the controversy over the judge was the last straw for him, his misgivings over Trump have been longstanding.
"He says he's a conservative, but there's nothing to back it up," he said. Stinemetz adds now that Trump is the presumptive nominee, the media will come down hard on him and he will lose to Clinton in the fall.
The idea of denying Trump the nomination has been simmering in some quarters, even as party leaders are urging the rank and file to accept that Trump will be the GOP nominee and focus on beating Clinton.
Conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt has urged that the convention take steps to find a different nominee. A.J. Spiker, the former Iowa GOP chair who was an adviser to Rand Paul's presidential campaign, also tweeted this week that an alternative should step up and replace Trump.
"I think you're seeing a lot of people aren't willing to get in line behind Donald Trump," Spiker said.
However, the idea that anybody but Trump will be nominated was dismissed by Jeff Kaufmann, chair of the Iowa GOP.
"This is idle conversation. It is not going to happen," he said. "Donald Trump is our nominee and continuing the conversation is doing nothing but making a few people feel good."
He said such talk also endangers Iowa's first-in-the-nation status, and he largely laid the blame for it at the feet of Spiker.
"To have conversations and to do things that make Iowa look silly is not helpful to our state and our standing in the country," he said.
Critics of the move to dump Trump say doing so would thwart the will of the people. Trump, they say, bested 16 other candidates in a series of primaries and caucuses and earned the nomination.
Some other Iowa delegates to the convention, who also supported other candidates, said they think the rules make the situation clear.
David Chung of Cedar Rapids, who ran as a Cruz delegate and helped write the rules for the Iowa delegation, said the chair will report the result on the convention floor.
"There won't be any polling the delegation, the chair will cast the ballot," he said.
Kaufmann said the rules require the delegation to support Trump, unless another name is put into nomination. If that happens, he said, the delegation's vote will reflect the results of the Feb. 1 caucuses.
Stinemetz said, however, that delegates have the ultimate authority at the convention. He says the rules are widely misunderstood.
But state Rep. Sandy Salmon of Janesville, who also is a delegate, said it appears to her there is no choice. "Since he has the 1,237 votes he needs to be the nominee," she said.
Iowa has 30 delegates and 27 alternates going to the convention.
Bob Vander Plaats, who also is a national delegate and endorsed Cruz before the caucuses, said that he thinks the delegates have the ultimate say in how they vote. But in the end, he said, what happens in Cleveland is up to Trump.
"Theres a lot of things Donald Trump can do today to make sure Cleveland goes really well for him and his candidacy, Vander Plaats said.
But he added the comment about the judge crossed the line, and if those types of things continue, "then I think Cleveland is up for grabs."
(James Q. Lynch contributed to this report.)
Finalists for Davenport's city administrator job include a man with 25 years of experience as a town manager, a woman already occupying the Davenport position and a U.S. Army veteran.
The three finalists announced Wednesday are Stephen Riley, town manager of Hilton Head, South Carolina; Corri Spiegel, interim city administrator of Davenport; and Kevin Woods, city manager of Stallings, North Carolina
The finalists will be interviewed in Davenport on July 11-12. A community meet-and-greet will be 5-6:30 p.m. July 11 at the River Music Experience, 129 Main St.
The City Administrator Search Committee selected the three candidates from a pool of 34 applicants representing 17 states. Davenport selected Strategic Government Resources of Keller, Texas, to assist in conducting the search.
Finding the right person for the city administrator position is vital to the success of the city of Davenport, Mayor Frank Klipsch said. We are impressed with the number and quality of candidates whom expressed interest in the position and look forward to the opportunity to determine the best candidate for the city of Davenport.
The city released the following background information on the finalists:
Stephen Riley is the town manager of Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he has served for the last 25 years. He has experience in strategic planning, project management, budgeting and financial operations, organizational change, customer service, and media relations.
Riley previously was Hilton Head's director of community development. He has more than 30 years of experience working for municipalities and is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association, and serves on the sustainable communities advisory committee.
Riley is a member of the American Planning Association. He earned a master of arts in urban planning from the University of Iowa and a bachelor of arts in urban studies from the University of Nebraska.
Corri Spiegel, interim city administrator of Davenport, was the assistant to the city administrator from August 2014 to June 2015, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the citys municipal services and its executive leadership team while leading the economic development programs of the city.
She has 13 years of experience working in municipal government settings with 10 years of that in senior management. Prior to joining Davenport, Spiegel was the economic development manager for the city of Centennial, Colorado.
She holds a master of science in organizational leadership from Colorado State University and a master of public administration from Arizona State University. Spiegel is also a certified economic developer and was recognized as a Woman of Influence by the Denver chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Women, or CREW.
Kevin Woods is currently the city manager for Stallings, North Carolina. Previously, he worked as vice president of Versar Inc., a global engineering and construction management firm, where he was recruited following a career in the U.S. Army.
Woods holds a master of arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. He also holds a master of arts in operational planning from the Army Advanced Studies Program.
Woods is a credentialed manager through International City/County Management Association and has completed city administrator and economic development programs through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Illinois' medical marijuana program needs time to cultivate.
New legislative action in Springfield, pending the governor's approval, would expand the pilot program across the state. The measure gives the program another two-and-a-half years to grow.
It also lets hesitant doctors off the hook, permitting them to simply certify a qualifying medical condition, rather than actually recommend pot.
After a slow start, the Quad-Cities' only state-sanctioned marijuana grower and seller say the expansion will give both doctors and patients relief.
Our Big Story for this Sunday begins on Page B1.
On the same day that Hillary Clinton went over the top for the Democratic presidential nomination, Iowa voters went to the polls.
Not that anybody noticed. Perhaps as many Iowans watched Clinton's victory speech and televised remarks by Donald Trump than voted in the primary.
In a state that's accustomed to being center stage for presidential politics, one of the consequences of a primary without that top of the ticket attraction is low ratings.
Call it a summer swoon.
Just 7.2 percent of registered voters cast ballots in Scott County on Tuesday. Statewide, turnout wasn't much better. Preliminary figures from the Iowa Secretary of State's office said just 9.75 percent of registered voters cast ballots.
Such is the way for Iowa's primary. Over the past eight election cycles, only three have seen double-digit turnouts in Scott County. And even then, the best was just 12.36 percent of registered voters in 2006.
There were competitive primaries for governor and Congress that year.
With so much attention being paid to the presidential race this year and the fact that it's still going on state and local races appear to be begging for attention more than usual.
"The reality is people are not inundated with the material or TV ads or newspaper ads that are in a presidential race," Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz said.
Iowa's primaries also are not open to independents, who are historically resistant to changing their registration to take part.
Some local politicians were surprised at the paltry interest, particularly given 13 candidates were running for the county board. "I thought that would drive up turnout," Rep. Jim Lykam, D-Davenport, said.
There also were five candidates running for county sheriff, an open seat this year with the pending retirement of Sheriff Dennis Conard.
Still, Lykam and others say they aren't worried this will mean a lower voter turnout in the fall.
Going back to 2002, low primary turnout was followed by big interest in the general election. The 2008 election is the best example. That June, just 3,000 primary voters went to the polls, 2.58 percent of registered voters. Five months later, almost 87,000 people voted in the general election, or about 72 percent of registered voters.
Good afternoon, Quad-Cities. Here is your National Weather Service forecast.
Hazardous weather outlook: Isolated to scattered storms may redevelop in northwestern Illinois. There is a low chance the strongest storms may produce hail up to the size of quarters and gusty winds over 45 mph.
This afternoon there is a 40 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 88 degrees. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 69 degrees. Southwest winds will be around 10 mph.
Friday will be sunny and humid with a high near 94 degrees. Southwest winds will be 10-15 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 72 degrees. Southwest winds will be 5-10 mph.
High temperatures will remain in the 90s through the weekend.
Did you know it was Heat Awareness Day? With the temperatures and humidity on the rise, now is a good time to review how to safely handle dangerous heat conditions. Here are some tips to beat the heat. Also a cooling center has opened in Rock Island.
Western Illinois trustees to vote Friday on cutting 4 degree programs
MACOMB, Ill. Trustees at Western Illinois University are to vote Friday on whether they will eliminate four degree programs due to poor enrollment and low graduation rates.
Tthe programs include African-American studies, philosophy, religious studies and women's studies. They would be cut from the Macomb and Quad-City campuses.
Interim provost and academic vice president Kathleen Neumann says if trustees eliminate the programs there would be cuts to faculty positions in the 2017-2018 school year. If the cuts are approved no new students could declare the majors and students already in the programs would receive individualized study plans to complete their degrees.
East Moline police seek help identifying forgery suspect
East Moline Police detectives are asking for the public's help to identify a suspect in multiple forgeries. The pictured suspect has opened up bank accounts at multiple Quad-City banks under the name of Anna Walden.
Police believe the identity of Walden is stolen from Michigan and being used by the suspect to facilitate bank fraud locally.
Anyone with information on the true identity of the suspect is asked to call East Moline Police at 309-797-0401 or Crime Stoppers at 762-9500.
Some top headlines from today, so far:
SARASOTA, Florida At age 84, Donald came to rest Friday, June 3, 2016, at Tidewell Hospice House, Sarasota, Florida. He was born Nov. 13, 1931, in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from St. Ambrose Academy, Davenport. After high school, he attended St. Ambrose University, Davenport, and Northwestern University. Don also served in the Air Force during the Korean War.
After his discharge from the Air Force, Don joined his father at Staleys Town and Country Furniture Store in Joliet, Illinois, working alongside his brother, Tom, and his brother-in-law, Peter DeDecker. In 1965, the big city of Chicago beckoned and he took a sales position with a large furniture manufacturing company.
In Chicago, Don spent the early part of his career traveling throughout the country selling to Sears and other large accounts before opening his own textile firm at the Merchandise Mart. There he sold upholstery, drapery and automotive fabrics to various companies in the Midwest.
He was active in the Rotary Club of Chicago, spending 15 years with Rotary/One and was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Chicago Lakeview.
In 2003, Don was selected as one of 1,000 Chicagoans to have his face on the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. During two separate Chicago Tribune interviews, Don considered being a part of this Chicago icon as a very high honor and his 15 minutes of fame. Look for him spitting water into the Crown Fountain wading pool the next time you are in Millennium Park.
Don is remembered as an avid storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor, who enjoyed spending time with loved ones and living it up in sunny Sarasota.
Survived by seven nephews, Mike Staley (Karla Wojcik) of Joliet, Doug DeDecker (Lorna) of St. James, Minnesota, Denny (Mona) DeDecker of Davenport, Pete (Bev) DeDecker of Waynesboro, Virginia, Todd DeDecker of St. Petersburg, Florida, Tom (Terri) DeDecker of Kansas City, Missouri, and Mark (Stephanie) Werner of Lake Oswego, Oregon; and one niece, Denise Werner of Chicago. Don is also survived by many great-nieces, great- nephews, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his partner of 55 years, John McDermott; brother, Thomas Staley; sisters, Rosemary DeDecker and Patricia Werner; nephew, Paul DeDecker; niece, Candace Mancuso; and his parents, Fred and Margaret Staley.
A celebration of Dons life will begin with a Mass on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church,708 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago officiated by the Rev. Pat Lee. Family will receive all friends and relatives on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Private interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Tidewell Hospice, the Rotary Foundation or the donor's charity of choice would be appreciated.
MOLINE Virginia Gorecki, 87, of Moline, died Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at Clarissa Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. In early March 2016, she was diagnosed with brain cancer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at Christ the King Catholic Church, Moline, with the Rev. Don Levitt officiating. Entombment will be in Moline Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation is one hour before the Mass at the church. Memorials may be made to Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. Trimble Funeral Home, Moline, is serving the family.
Virginia May Peterson was born May 11, 1929, in Coal Valley, the only child of Hazel Viola Young Peterson and John Peterson. Virginia married Julian Gorecki in October 1954. They were married for almost 60 years; Julian died in July 2013. Virginia and Julian are survived by their daughter, Teresa E. Gorecki of Princeton, New Jersey.
Virginia loved to travel, dine out, attend musical events and work jigsaw puzzles on her iPad. She was a "young" 86 in 2015 when she drove to New Jersey to meet her 18-year-old great-niece who traveled from Poland to meet her, and she spent the summer hosting her great-niece in New Jersey and the Quad-City area. Virginia loved to bead, make American Girl doll clothes, knit and crochet. She never had idle hands; her beaded jewelry creations have been worn at major social events in New York City and the American Girl doll clothing she has made has been worn across the U.S., sold through her Etsy site.
Virginia lived a rich life; she was a warm and generous woman who would help anyone in need. She faced into her brain cancer diagnosis with dignity and courage. She lived each day fully until the very end. While in the Hospice House she was still knitting scarves, giving them to her caregivers there to show her appreciation for the excellent care she was given.
Virginias family invites friends to share stories and condolences and light a free candle in her memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.
C'mon, voters. Just show up, already -- even if you've lost faith in the system.
The 7.2 percent turnout reported for Tuesday's Scott County primary elections is, at best, suspect. It would mean a county of about 170,000 men, women and children features more than 124,000 registered voters. Take into account the 12,000 inactive voters reported by Scott County Auditor's Office and that percentage ticks up a bit.
Even still, unless the party-affiliated registration push has infiltrated first-grade classrooms, the county should probably cull its voter rolls of the dead and departed.
But a more believable 10 percent turnout of registered voters is a horrid result. It's particularly true in a country with so much acrimony. It's troubling in local races with real, meaningful issues at play, such as Scott County's new floating zone land-use regulation.
One editorial board member went to the polls at 10:30 a.m. -- more than two hours after they opened -- and was told she was just the third person to cast a ballot in a downtown Davenport precinct. Another member was the 19th voter at 11 a.m. at a precinct in central Davenport. Inspectors and poll workers outnumbered the voters.
Needless to say, lines weren't an issue.
February's presidential caucuses essentially rob local elections of any semblance of sexiness. A ballot without a top-ticket party battle means only the most plugged-in partisans have an incentive to vote. The Democratic ballot offered the most high-profile race of Tuesday's election. Former Lt. Gov. Patty Judge easily won the nomination to challenge Sen. Chuck Grassley in November. But both parties had solid local races. Two seats on the Scott County Board, where the rubber meets the road, are up for grabs in the general election. A new sheriff -- a key policy making position -- is also in play.
The county jail was never intended to function as a de facto mental health facility, but it's become one. Roads and bridges need work. Luring industry without breaking the bank would be nice.
Iowa isn't one of those states that erects barriers with the hopes of suppressing the votes of certain demographics. Iowa's Motor Vehicle Division all but urges drivers to register to vote. No ID is required at the polls. Show up, confirm your address and date of birth. Take a ballot. It's yours.
And yet, less than 9,000 voters decided to turn up on Tuesday.
You've heard it before: Local elections hit closest to home. Your vote carries the most weight. Blah, blah, blah.
But Tuesday's primaries are just another footnote in the sad story of American democratic indifference. Americans just don't vote. In fact, the 54 percent turnout in presidential elections is among the lowest in the developed world, says the Pew Research Center.
Dark money. Powerful party elites. Too many have given up on a system within which they feel inconsequential. And the effect is rippling throughout society.
Participation, however, is still better than fatalism.
Consider our finger wagged.
DES MOINES Iowa Rep. Tom Sands, a Republican from Wapello and chairman of the Iowa Houses tax policy-writing committee, announced Thursday he will not seek re-election this fall.
Sands, 61, a banker and real estate appraiser, has served in the Iowa Legislature since 2003 and as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee since Republicans took control of the chamber in 2011.
I want to spend more time with the family, Sands said when reached by phone Thursday. Plus, Im too young to retire, so its just time to close this chapter and move on to the next one, whatever that may be.
Sands announcement comes two days after Iowas primary election.
Sands said that after wrestling with the decision, he originally chose to run for one more two-year House term. Eventually, he said, he realized that was the wrong decision.
And that wasnt fair to my wife, my family, House Republicans or the people of Iowa, Sands said.
Because of the timing of Sands announcement, a Republican candidate will be nominated by party leaders in the counties that make up his southeast Iowa district. A nominating convention will be held during the first three weeks of August.
District 88 includes all of Louisa County plus rural portions of Muscatine and Des Moines counties.
Two hours after Sands announcement, a Republican candidate Jason Delzell, of Wapello announced his intention to run for the seat.
No Democratic candidate had registered to run in the district before the primary, but one could be added by county party leaders through the same nominating process.
Rep. Mark Smith, a Democrat from Marshalltown and House minority leader, said Democrats continue to look for candidates in all districts where they did not have a candidate in the primary election, including District 88.
Were going to try to recruit as many candidates as possible, and (District 88) is certainly one that well be looking at, Smith said.
Active Republican voters outnumber Democrats by 4.4 percentage points in the district, according to Iowa Secretary of State data. But President Barack Obama won the district in 2012 by 3 percentage points, according to data compiled by Daily Kos.
Probably the most significant tax legislation passed under Sands watch was the 2013 commercial and industrial property tax reform.
Its probably the biggest, for sure, Sands said. "Everything else kind of complements that."
House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, issued a statement thanking Sands for his service in the House.
Rep. Sands is a proven defender of Iowa taxpayers. He always gave the hardworking taxpayers a seat at the table and was unwavering in his commitment to simplify the tax code and leave more money in Iowans pockets, Upmeyer said. Rep. Sands was a tremendous asset to the House Republican caucus, and we will miss his valuable leadership in the House.
Cassie Wendt won her bid to continue as Butte County States Attorney in the Tuesday Republican primary.
Wendt, currently the interim county prosecutor appointed by the governor, received 911 votes for roughly 61 percent of the vote. John Dill received 390 votes, or about 26 percent. A third candidate, Steven Christensen, had requested the county auditor withdraw his name but too late to be taken off the ballot. He received 182 votes, about 12 percent of the total.
With no Democrat or independent candidate filing for the office, Wendt will appear unopposed on the November general election ballot.
The states attorney race was the only county-wide contest in Butte County.
Incumbent District 2 County Commissioner Cal Geis lost his race against Polly Odle, a former county director of equalization. Odle received 180 votes (55 percent) to 146 for Geis (45 percent).
In other regional races:
Newell School Board Newell schools will have new board members. In a four-way race for two seats, LeeAnn Gaer and Lisa Wendt brought in the top votes. Wendt's 322 votes at nearly 35 percent received the top turnout. Gaer's 248 votes represented about 27 percent of the total votes. Also on the ballot were Julie VanDerBoom, 207 votes, and Donald Alexander, who received 147 votes.
Custer School Board Voters picked Michelle Lehman, with 955 votes, and Heather Grace with 915 votes for the Custer board of education. Peter Thorp finished third with 808 votes.
Hot Springs Mayor Incumbent Cindy Donnell handily defeated two challengers with 675 votes (66%). Craig Romey received 260 votes (25%) and Chris Pannill garnered 92 votes (9%).
Hot Springs City Council The tight Ward 4 race between challengers qualifies for a recount. Schuyler Wetzel edged Martin Meyer by just four votes, 130 to 126. Meanwhile, Ward 1 incumbent Georgia Holmes defeated challenger Kim Moir, 142 to 123 votes. And challenger Robert Nelson defeated longtime Ward 4 incumbent Carl Atchley, 104 to 71.
Fall River County Commission The seven-candidate race for at-large positions on the Fall River County Commission saw incumbents Joe Allen and Ann Abbott retain their seats. They will be joined by challenger Paul Nabholz. Results at the South Dakota Secretary of State website show Allen with 653 votes, Abbott with 610 votes and Nabholz with 556 votes. Trailing were Raymond Palmer, 515; Ed Harvey, 360; Benjamin Tubbs, 302; and Jeffrey Shannon, 267 votes.
Oglala Lakota County school board Bryan Brewer Sr., with 348 votes, and Robert Two Crow, with 332, won election among nine candidates. Other contestants included Chuck Conroy, 254; Sam ORourke, 228; Todd OBryan, 172; Warren Cross, 168; Vincent Brewer Jr., 157; Reggie Rowland, 114; and Garfield Apple, 107.
Quinn Board of Trustees A recount is possible. Patty Coleman apparently defeated Michael A. Luedeman Jr., 17 to 14.
A Rapid City hospital is no longer in "immediate jeopardy" of losing government funding, officials announced Thursday.
Last month, the U.S. government threatened to cut off Medicare and Medicaid funding to the government-run Sioux San Hospital operated by the Indian Health Service.
But the IHS on Thursday announced the immediate jeopardy status at Sioux San Hospital was lifted following a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services inspection this week. IHS said the inspection found the issues leading to the designation had been corrected.
"Other remaining issues are still being addressed to ensure continued funding by Medicare and Medicaid," the IHS said in a news release.
IHS implemented a corrective action plan after CMS identified issues on May 23, primarily related to medical screening of patients. As part of the plan, IHS officials said they instituted new leadership, expanded oversight, staff retraining and policy changes.
CMS will extend the threatened June 15 funding termination date for approximately two months. The hospital will have another opportunity to submit a plan of correction and be subject to additional surprise inspections.
IHS says the corrective actions it took on medical screening issues at Sioux San are part of the agency's broader effort to improve care at its facilities in the Great Plains region.
"IHS is committed to delivering quality health care for our patients, who are our first priority," the release said.
A man arrested in an undercover sex-trafficking operation during the 2015 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to attempted trafficking. He is the 12th of 18 men caught in an annual sex sting to have either pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial.
A day after his jury trial was initially scheduled to begin, Michael Z. Preston, 28, appeared in Rapid City federal court to change his plea for attempted trafficking in involuntary servitude or forced labor. The court learned Monday he had chosen to plead guilty rather than go to trial.
Preston, a resident of Las Vegas, faces up to 20 years in prison for the offense. But under a plea deal, the prosecution and the defense agreed to recommend five years in prison, Chief District Judge Jeffrey Viken said during Wednesday's hearing.
In early August 2014, law enforcement agents set up a sex-trafficking operation during the Sturgis bike rally, in which agents posted ads on several websites, according to court records.
Multiple men, including Michael Z. Preston, responded to the advertisement and negotiated with undercover agents, posing as a pimp, in order to negotiate the terms of engaging in sex with a 15-year-old girl, the records say.
During online, text and phone conversations with the agents, which occurred between August 2014 and August 2015, Preston indicated he initially wanted to pay $40 to have oral sex with the young girl. Ultimately, he agreed to pay $55 for intercourse.
Before getting together with the girl, he agreed to meet the pimp. Preston was arrested during this rendezvous last August 6, and $55 and a condom were found on him, court documents say.
The Sturgis sex sting operations nabbed nine men during the 2013 rally, five in 2014 and four last year, according to the U.S. Attorneys office in South Dakota.
Of the 18 defendants, 10 have pleaded guilty and two were found guilty at trial. The charges included commercial sex trafficking and attempted enticement of a minor using the Internet. They received prison sentences ranging from two to 15 years.
One case was dismissed because the defendant died, and the rest are still going through court proceedings.
At Wednesdays hearing, Viken spent about 20 minutes explaining to Preston the rights he would be waiving by entering a guilty plea, as well as the terms of his plea agreement.
After Preston pleaded guilty to the attempted trafficking charge, Viken asked his defense attorney, Jeffrey Connolly, if the lawyer believed prosecutors had enough evidence to convict Preston at trial.
I do, Connolly said.
Preston, who is on supervised release, is scheduled for sentencing in September.
Firefighters are urging people to take extra caution this weekend because expected hot, dry weather means fires can happen quickly.
Activities from lawn mowing to firearms target shooting or riding a vehicle through tall grass can spark a disaster, said Black Hills National Forest management staff officer Todd Pechota.
People should also avoid campfires outside established campground grills.
"Campfires outside of approved rings are not allowed within the Black Hills Fire Protection District," said Jay Esperance, division director of South Dakota Wildland Fire Division. "Be sure to attend your campfires at all times and put them completely out. Use ample water and stir until the coals are cool to the touch."
Moisture levels in grasses, shrubs and trees, and projected temperatures and wind determine fire danger levels. Fire officials are closely monitoring the weather and fuel conditions and fire crews will be staffed across the forest.
At the same time, it is important to do your part before wildfires start, as firefighters cannot protect every home from wildfire, said Jim Strain, deputy director, South Dakota Wildland Fire.
Hamilton voters elected to keep the current form of city government Tuesday.
The vote to maintain the current mayoral form of government received 111 more votes than the option to have a self-governing charter with a council-manager, 621-510.
Former mayor Jessica Randazzo said she is glad citizens could weigh in on the issue.
Obviously many residents would have liked to have a professional city manager, Randazzo said. Perhaps also this vote will be a wakeup call to city counselors and the mayor to be more financially accountable to voters.
Randazzo said city counselors are currently drafting the budget for next year.
They have had discussions about reducing their stipends, over $800 a month when other cities our size pay their counselors about $250, and counselor Jenny West has taken a voluntary reduction, Randazzo said. So far other counselors have not been willing to take action to correct their inflated compensation.
Hamilton citizen Al Mitchell said he is glad the voters decided to retain the current form of government.
In the long run, under the current situation, if we can keep a part- or full-time mayor and full-or part-time assistant, it will be cheaper than hiring a city manager, Mitchell said. I think taxpayers are interested in keeping their tax dollars. I like that the voters select the mayor and having someone directly responsible to the voters. It has worked for over 100 years. Im glad to see it pass.
The Hamilton Local Government Review Study Commission was elected in November 2014 and spent last year soliciting advice and information for the Montana Local Government Center, local government officials, community organizations and citizens. They held open meetings, listened to the public and made their final report available Feb. 10. The majority report, written by Melvin Monson and Lynette Helgeland, proposed a self-government charter with a council-manager plan of government and Robert Smaus wrote the minority opinion supporting the current form of government.
The Montana Professional Artists Association is presenting its 12th annual art show and sale this weekend, with an artist reception Friday night.
The show is free and a great way to see art that reflects the western way of life.
The show features 18 artists from Montana who work in oil paintings, pastels, watercolor, photography and bronzes. They portray western characters, Native Americans, wildlife and western landscapes. Galleries and western art shows throughout the United States feature their work.
Hamilton Artist Michele Kapor is one of the co-founders of the association that began in 1993 with five artists.
We did wonderful winter shows, Kapor said. We used to use the Daly Leach community center in the winter when everyone is bored. We continued for four to five years then we let it slide.
Kapor said 12 years ago the association reformed and expanded to represent art from all Montana.
We have 18 artists every year from Kalispell, Butte, Great Falls, Belgrade, Bozeman and we really like to represent the entire state so people can see work from all over.
Kapor said that the association brings fine artists from Montana into communities to promote the arts.
A lot of our members give artwork for fundraisers, Kapor said. They teach and it is a wonderful community group. As individuals, we have given our work and our talents over to community schools, charities and public works. We volunteer our expertise as professionals to schools whose arts programs have been cut or marginalized by budget restraints.
The Montana Professional Artists Association is comprised of chosen professionals from across the state of Montana.
Membership is important, Kapor said. They can stay in the group and do the show, but we have a pool of artists to pull from in case someone drops out.
This year the show is featuring guest artist Mary Ann Cherry, a master signature member of Women Artists of the West and a signature member of the Pastel Society of America. Cherry lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho, near the Snake River in Idaho where western subject matter and wildlife are plentiful. She was raised in rural Montana near the Yellowstone River and takes frequent trips to Teton and Yellowstone National Parks to get reference photos of bison, bighorn sheep and elk.
The girl does as much as she can for other artists, Kapor said. She is a generous human being. She is not a member and not from Montana but she is really well recognized and were happy to have her.
Kapor will show and sell her own landscape art this weekend. She is one of the premier landscape artists in the mountain west with a focus on color, light and mood. Her works evoke the mood and sense of place of a favorite mountain, a long-forgotten stream, a friendly fishing hole or the wonderful freshness of a vacation spot. Kapor works in oils or pastels on stretched raw linen and her style is immediately recognizable.
I love the land and am a landscape painter, Kapor said. When I was a kid and didnt feel good, I would lay flat on the ground and feel better. My Norwegian ancestors came here and there is endless beauty here.
Kapor is currently painting the landscapes of Yellowstone Park and will participate in the Hockaday Museum of Arts Plein Air Paint Out in Glacier National Park, June 25-29.
This weekend there is no cost to attend the event.
We let everyone in the door for free, Kapor said. We want everyone who loves art to come in and enjoy beautiful art. We have 27 sponsors that pay for all the advertising so people know to come. We have a great supportive community.
Kapor said there will be sponsor tables with information about each supportive business. She encourages guests to come to the artist reception.
I think Friday evening is lots of fun, Kapor said. We have so much community involvement. Jim Neustrom, part owner from Valley Furniture, comes and decorates the show for us. Our friends come and help us and we are grateful to them. We appreciate the Bitterroot River Inn. They are a great and supportive venue.
The Montana Professional Artists Associations 12th annual Art Show and Sale at the Bitterroot River Inn begins with an artist reception 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 10 with complimentary hors doeuvres. Saturday the event is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday it is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit online montanaprofessionalartistsassoc.com.
More than 13,000 Ravalli County voters turned in their ballots to elect a new county commissioner, pass a mill levy for the museum and reduce the size of the county commission in Tuesdays primary.
The election for Ravalli County Commissioner District 3 was most likely decided Tuesday after Sheriff Chris Hoffman received 69 percent of the vote over Republican incumbent J. R. Iman. No Democrat filed in the race.
Hoffman said he values the support of the community.
I want to thank my family, friends and neighbors for their love and support, Hoffman said. I want to thank the voters for trusting me enough to let me take this step and I promise to bring my very best to the table.
Hoffman said the commissioner job is about serving the community.
It is bigger responsibilities to worry about all the money in the county, Hoffman said. Local government provides service to the community and thats what Ive been doing all along. Bringing that to the table is important and I know I have a lot to offer.
Hoffman said he has received numerous questions about what will happen in the sheriffs office.
I plan to fulfill my obligations to the office for the next six months, he said. In the end it is up to the county commissioners to make an appointment. I hope to visit with them about the continuity of the office and making sure there is a smooth transition.
Hoffmann said the appointment would take place six months from now and then the voters will decide.
Montana law says the undersheriff fulfills the duties of the sheriff until an appointment is made, Hoffman said. [Former Ravalli County Sheriff] Perry Johnsons guiding philosophy is that everyone is a leader. We have an entire office of leaders. Steve Holton is more than qualified to be sheriff. He is ready to step up and he will run. Its up to the commissioners and the voters.
The Democratic side of the State Senator District 44 race was decided after James R. Olsen received 936 votes to 582 for his opponent Lee Tickell. Olsen will run against Republican incumbent Fred Thomas in the general election in November.
On Wednesday, Olsen said he is running to do politics differently.
The normal political process is to downgrade your opponent, take away their power and raise lots of money, Olsen said. Youre seeing the Trump supporters and the Bernie supporters feel disempowered. The party machines are doing that. Even if you disagree with someone you should not try to take away their power.
Olsen said he plans to get things done and do the right thing.
Im trying to demonstrate the Christian ethic of love your enemy. They are human beings, he said. That doesnt mean I cant put a lot of pressure on them, which I do, but it is about ideas and behavior.
Olsen said the second reason he is running is to take on the big ideas.
All the ideas floating around are all these little tweaking-on-the-edges kind of ideas, he said. Everyone has their own philosophy. The big ideas are going further and we have to get into the schools. Change the male culture. You cant call yourself a civilized society until you change the culture. The domestic abuse of the 80s was something nobody talked about. You need to talk about it.
Olsen said he would legalize, regulate and tax marijuana. He also said he would use the taxes from marijuana, wages, speculation, land flipping, capital gains and stock transactions to improve the economy.
The Republican candidate for State Representative District 85 is Theresa Manzella who received 54 percent (1,430) of the votes over her challenger Scott Ralston with 1,187 votes. Manzella, the incumbent, will face Democrat A. Jo Young in November.
Ravalli County Commissioner District 2 Republican incumbent Greg Chilcott received 60 percent of the vote (5,135) over challenger Jay Blakslee, who received 3,335 votes. Chilcott will run against Democrat David A. Smith in November.
Chilcott said he is happy about the outcome.
I appreciate the support I received and I plan on continuing to serve, Chilcott said. Dave and I have run against each other before and between now and November we will talk about our vision and our accomplishments. The county means a lot to me and things are working so well right now that it is fun to come to work. Its so nice to work with people who share a vision.
Incumbent District Court Judge Jeff Langton received 65 percent of the vote (7,997 votes) over opponent Robert Myers who received 4,154 votes for the District 21 seat. The two will square off again this fall.
Ravalli County Election Administrator Regina Plettenberg said this race will be decided in the general election in November.
This is a straw poll, Plettenberg said. We could have left them off the primary ballot because they are non-partisan and just two of them, but they are state candidates and Montana law requires state candidates to be on the ballot.
Ravalli Countys experiment with a five-member commission officially came to an end Tuesday.
People are going to have be a little bit patient to see the change actually happen.
By a 71 percent margin, county voters said they wanted a return to the more traditional three-member commission. The vote was 9,242 for the change to 3,744 to retain the five member commission.
Ravalli County Study Commission Chair Alan Thompson said he wasnt surprised by the outcome.
I predicted the vote almost exactly as it happened, Thompson said.
The study commission met Wednesday to work on its transition plan that will be used to guide the county in reducing its commission from five members to three.
Weve already worked on that, Thompson said. We know exactly how we will do it.
The two commissioners elected this year will serve two year terms. At the end of those terms, all three of the new commission seats will be up for election.
Once the three new commissioners are elected, they will draw lots. The loser will serve a two-year term and the remaining two will serve four-year terms.
Thompson was disappointed that voters did not follow the commissions recommendation for six year terms for the commission.
Had that been selected, Thompson said the entire three-member commission could have been elected on staggered terms every two years. Instead, with two commissioners being elected every four years, there is a chance a new political majority could be selected.
I had hoped that we would have gone to six-year terms, Thompson said. That way it isnt possible for a new majority to be elected during any single election.
Thompson said he believed that voters just werent willing to give commissioners the benefit of the doubt for six years.
I dont think people fully understood why we wanted to go with six years, he said. They basically looked at it and said that after four years, we can get rid of someone if theyve done something we dont likewhich sounds right, but the situation of electing a new majority can cause problems.
Voters also decided to keep the elections of county elected officials on a partisan basis.
Thompson served as a county commissioner both under the three and five-member systems.
The five-member commission was formed after voters followed recommendations from the last government study commission about a decade ago.
It cost close to $200,000 to make the transition from three to five, which included setting up two additional offices to house the larger commission, Thompson said.
It will save the county somewhere between $150,000 to $170,000 annually in wages, benefits, travel expenses and other various expenses to cut the commission size by two members, he said.
But the actual change wont happen for a couple of years.
Thompson said the countys legal councilors recommended the study commission take a conservative approach that allowed commissioners to serve out their full terms before reducing the commission size.
Montana law requires that elected officials be allowed to serve their full terms or be paid for the unserved piece of the term they were elected to serve, he said.
Our legal council directed us down a path intended to steer clear of a lawsuit, he said.
Ravalli County was the only one of 53 counties in the state to have a five-member commission. There are only two commissions with more than three in the state and both of those are city/county combined governments.
Having served on both types of commissions in Ravalli County, Thompson said commissioners will find that they have more to do once the numbers are cut back to three.
Having five commissioners does make it easier for the commissioners, he said. When we went to five, I was able to shift several of my board responsibilities to other commissioners. It made it easier for me.
Once it drops to three, Thompson said there could be some contentious times until the dust settles.
Ive said it dozens of times, he said. Anyone can be elected to commissioner. Its not nearly as easy to get re-elected.
County Commission Chair Ray Hawk said the commission was pretty much resigned to the notion that its size was going to be cut to three members.
Even back when I was running for this position, I thought it was going to go back to three, Hawk said. After being here now for a while, I do see that the county gets a lot of benefits from having five commissioners.
Im sure that it will function just as well with three, but, of course, that sort of depends on the three people you get in here, he said.
Hawk said the electorates decision to go with four-year terms rather than six also shows that people want to be able to make changes if needed.
It indicates to me that people want to have a bigger turnover if necessary, he said. They want to make sure that people in this position are accountable.
Dr. Jack Ward Thomas
FLORENCE Dr. Jack Ward Thomas passed away in his home on May 26, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. Kathy, his devoted wife of 20 years, was at his side. Jack was a loving and proud husband, father and grandfather; a veteran; loyal friend; an accomplished and genuine outdoorsman; a professor; and a giant in the fields of wildlife biology, ecosystem management and public lands management and policy.
Born in Handley, Texas on Sept. 7, 1934, Jack was a young child during the Dust Bowl and had lifelong memories of spending time under a table draped with a damp tablecloth to keep the dust at bay. He earned his undergraduate degree in wildlife management from Texas A&M in 1957, and then worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for 10 years before taking his first U.S. Forest Service position as a research biologist in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1966. While working there, he earned his masters degree in wildlife ecology from West Virginia University. In 1969, he moved to Massachusetts where he headed a Forest Service research unit at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Jack earned his Ph.D. in forestry there in 1972, and wrote one of his most successful contributions to the field of wildlife biology an article for the general public entitled Invite Wildlife to Your Backyard. In 1974 he moved to La Grande, Oregon to work as the chief research wildlife biologist and program leader at the USFS Forestry and Range Sciences Laboratory. In that post, Jack was instrumental in establishing the Starkey Experimental Forest Elk Project an incredibly ambitious and unprecedented long-term study on elk ecology and interactions with their habitat and with humans. He also led a major science assessment and planning effort for wildlife conservation that was the first practical instance of what became known and adopted across the nation as ecosystem management. That effort was published as Wildlife Habitats in Managed Forests. In 1982 he co-authored (with fellow preeminent elk ecologist and dear friend Dale Toweill) the tome Elk of North America popularly referred to as the Elk Bible.
In 1991, Jack became embroiled in controversial political issues in the Pacific Northwest in conserving old growth ecosystems and spotted owl habitat which led to the spotted owl wars and related controversies. President Bill Clinton selected him to lead the development of what became known as the Northwest Forest Plan which focused on old-growth ecosystems with emphasis on conservation of northern spotted owls and other old-growth forest species. Two years later, President Clinton appointed him the 13th chief of the U.S. Forest Service in December of 1993. During his time as head of the USFS, the Northwest Forest Plan was adopted.
Upon retirement from the Forest Service in 1996, he accepted a position as the Boone and Crockett Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana in Missoula. He again poured himself into his work, mentoring students and keeping actively engaged in conservation planning and policy at local, regional, national and international scales. Jack retired from the University of Montana in 2006. This spring, the University of Montana awarded him an honorary doctorate for his professional accomplishments, lasting contributions to the university, and his role in mentoring, shepherding and inspiring scores of students.
As a preeminent biologist, public land manager, orator and a leader of his profession, Jack had many honors, awards and accolades bestowed upon him over his 60-year career. But more than that, he was a truly exceptional man. He believed as Maya Angelou does that Ive learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. He was kind, generous with his time with students, employees, friends and colleagues. Jack contributed immeasurably (and more than he knew) to students and professionals across the country. More often than not, they were individuals who needed a hand, a gentle course-correction, or a bit of perspective as they face their own challenges. For as strong and imposing character as he was capable of being, he could just as easily be brought to tears in the middle of a speech or lecture as he recalled a moment of tenderness, tragedy, or simple, true beauty. Just as he moved others, he was constantly moved by the human and natural world around him.
Jack is survived by his wife Kathy; his sons Greg and Britt; step-son and daughter Paul and Erin Connelly and their families, including six grandchildren, Devin, Nolan, Lexi and Claire Thomas and Tipton and Mary Kate Connelly. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret. The scores of students and professionals he has taught and mentored over his 60-year career pledge to do their part to emulate his work ethic, his sense of honor and his humanity. He will be deeply missed by many.
Jacks family is grateful to all the staff at the Community Cancer Center, The Hospice of Missoula, their special friends Robin and Nick Nichols and the many friends and neighbors who have helped during his long battle.
A scholarship fund will be set up in Jacks memory in the College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana. Gifts can made payable to the University of Montana Foundation and noted as a gift in the memory of Jack. Checks should be mailed to the UM Foundation, Post Office Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159 or friends may give on line www.SupportUM.org and designate that the gift is in memory of Jack Ward Thomas.
There will be a small family and friends service June 25 in La Grande Oregon. Also there will be a Celebration of Life at the headquarters of the Boone and Crockett Club in Missoula on Aug. 27 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Guwahati: Poachers killed another one horned rhinoceros in Assam's Kaziranga National Park (KNP) on Tuesday night in presence of the state forest minister in the national park.
The incident took place near the Dimow forest camp area under Agoratoli range office inside the park.
Poachers killed the rhino when three cabinet ministers of the state government including forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma and top officials of the forest department visit the World Heritage site.
Meanwhile, the Assam forest minister had ordered a probe into the rhino killing incident.
Poachers have killed 10 rhinos alone in Kaziranga in this year so far. In past 15 years, over 200 rhinos were poached in the north eastern Indian
state.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Kathmandu, Nepal: 9th World Ranger Congress, a tri-annual event, will be held in Nepal in 2019. Nepal has been selected to host the Congress for the first time in Asia.
The 8th World Ranger Congress held recently in Estes Park in Colorado, USA has made the historic decision recognizing Nepal for its exemplary work towards achieving remarkable anti-poaching success in the recent years in the field of wildlife conservation.
In the conference, rangers and conservationists from across the globe will come together to discuss appropriate measures to ensure the protection of wildlife and biodiversity.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Normal life across the country has badly been crippled due to a nationwide Bandh (General Strike) imposed by the Netra Bikram Chand led CPN Maoist from early morning on Thursday.
All the educational institutions, markets and shops are shut pulled down. Vehicular movements except few motorcycles are also not seen in Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
Incidents related to the attack and vandalism have also reported from different places. Police have arrested at least two dozen Banda imposers from different parts of the Kathmandu.
A group of Bandh enforcers torched a taxi with registration number Ba 1 Ja 8206 at Tinkune for defying the strike.
SIRAHA: A woman died and 26 others were injured when a commuter bus caught fire after a collision with a truck at Golbazaar of Siraha district along the East-West Highway on Thursday.
The identity of the deceased is yet to be established, police said.
According to Inspector Rajendra Upadhyay of the Area Police Office, Golbazaar, the bus (Na 5 Kha 8538) collided head-on with the truck (Na 2 Kha 4294) this morning.
Police said that the injured persons were rushed to various hospitals in Golbazaar for treatment.
The fire completely destroyed the bus and passengers belongings, police said. RSS
KATHMANDU, June 9: A two-day meeting of the SAARC cabinet secretaries has kicked off in the capital on Thursday.
While inaugurating the meeting, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stressed on making public service prompt and effective for the economic prosperity of the SAARC region.
He also accentuated on collective efforts for eradicating poverty, illiteracy, famine and backwardness from the region to maintain economic prosperity and good governance.
PM Oli said that the SAARC needs more efforts to meet the peoples' aspirations as it has completed three decades' journey, adding that its support should be strengthened and increased.
Prime Minister Oli stressed on investing more budget on infrastructure development and connectivity in communication sectors from the SAARC development fund.
Nepal's constitution best in world
In another context, PM Oli said that our constitution is the best one in the world as it has ensured the peoples' rights and the provision of inclusiveness adding that it was issued with the consent of the people from the sovereign people elected body constituent assembly.
It has institutionalized the republic system and will eradicate all kinds of discrimination, he argued.
Similarly, Chief secretary Dr Somlal Subedi said that the public service sectors should be made prompt, effective and service oriented as people's expectations were increasing in the sectors. He pointed out the need of mitigating corruption for economic prosperity and good governance.
Likewise, SAARC secretary general Arjun Bahadur Thapa said that the SAARC has achieved notable success on eradicating poverty, regional development, prevailing peace and prosperity in the region during its three-decade journey.
He informed that the upcoming SAARC summit will hold discussions on agriculture and infrastructure development.
Chief Secretaries from its member state, high officials and monitors are attending the meeting. The meeting is scheduled to hold serious discussions on issues of reformation of governance system in the region identifying common problems and resolutions as well.
This meeting has been taken with high priority for the SAARC summit to be organized in Pakistan. RSS
The United States Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, William E Todd( centre), accompained by US ambassador Alaina B Teplitz ( left), meet Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at Singha Durbar on June 9, 2016. Photo Courtesy: PMas Secretariat.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The United States Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, William E Todd called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at his office, Singha Durbar on Thursday.
During the meeting William E Todd and Prime Minister Oli discussed on ranges of issues including the recent activities in Nepal. US ambassador to Nepal Alaina B Teplitz was also present in the meeting.
According to the office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Council, the discussions were concentrated on issues related to the newly promulgated constitution and its implementation, reconstruction after the earthquake, bilateral relationship between the two countries and the American assistance in the economic development of Nepal.
Responding to the concerns of the visiting William E Todd Prime Minister Oli had informed about the ongoing activities in Nepal including the implementation of Constitution. During the meeting Prime Minister Oli also urged William E Todd to make environment to increase American investments in Nepal.
Responding to the concerns of the Prime Minister Todd told the Prime Minister that he would encourage the US investors to come to Nepal as Nepal was safe for investment, states the press release issued by the office of the Prime Minister and Minister of councils .
Dawn, June 8, 2016
aBhuttoas nationalisation policy was not for workersa benefita
Shazia Hasan
KARACHI: Rich tributes were paid to the martyred workers of the labour movement of the early 1970s as the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (Piler) observed its anniversary by organising a seminar at PMA House on Tuesday.
The movement that took place in the Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) area here saw at least six workers losing lives while upholding their rights.
The movement against the forced removal of workers, the negative attitude of mill owners and anti-worker policies of the government commenced in December 1971 and continued till June, 1972. On June 7, 1972, workers were protesting against the removal of their colleagues outside Feroz Textile Mills in SITE area when the local police opened fire on them in a bid to disperse the workers. As a result one leader of the alliance of the workers of SITE industrial area, Muttahida Mazdoor Federation, Shoaib, was killed. Next day on June 8, a large number of labourers of all industrial estates of Karachi gathered on the occasion of his funeral to protest the uncalled-for police action. That was when the police again opened fire on the protesting workers, killing five of them.
Pileras director Karamat Ali said the labour movement of that time was a historical working class movement, which united all types of workers regardless of ethnicity. aThe workers showed awareness and strength as they united in their localities. But sadly they couldnat remain united for long as many aspects like very little education and exposure worked against them,a he said, adding that Bhuttoas nationalisation was not really for benefiting workers. aHis government wanted to have control over the workers, thatas all,a he said.
However, he said, even after the passing of over four decades, there was still hope. Workers could organise themselves for their cause, which was not very different from each other. aThis is possible by forming industry level unions. We can start with the textile sector as it employs about 40pc of industrial labour in Pakistan,a he said.
About what happened in June 1972 in Karachi, Mr Ali said that the police opened fire on innocent and peaceful workers. Being unhappy with the unity of labour at the time, the government ordered a shootout during a peaceful protest. He recalled how industrial labour, which had also stood its ground against Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan dictatorships, were about to become very powerful when the incident happened.
He said the political parties in those days, too, did not recognise the importance of labouras contribution and it was the general feeling to punish any kind of activism among the workers that could challenge the status quo.
aOnly those nations that learn from their history can progress. In 1977, there were more than 8,000 trade unions and over one million workers as their members whereas today only 1pc of workers here are unionised and even this small percentage is divided in 100 different federations. Since workers remain divided, they remain weak,a he said, while proposing that all leaders sit together and consider a revival of that movement.
Veteran labour activist Ramzan Memon said that those were the golden days when workers were united and they dreamed of revolution. aA lot of Pakhtun labour was brought down to Karachi during the time of Ayub Khan to break the unity of others in the name of ethnicity. What they didnat realise was that the Pakhtun labourers also faced the issues faced by other workers. Hence they joined in the same cause,a he said.
Dr Riaz Shaikh, head of the Department of Social Sciences at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto University of Science and Technology (Szabist), said that the labour movement of the 1970s should be seen in the context of the global movements of that time.
He said that after the fall of Russia in 1991, people said it was the end of the war but that was not true as more conflicts had emerged since then.
The new liberal economy was more exploitative in nature, he said. aThe fight is now at the economic front and we must recognise that the global scenario has drastically changed. At present there are global extremes. There exist opportunities because there are smaller movements and people in America stood against the exploitation by Wall Street corporations. In countries like Pakistan, the middle-class is emerging, so labour movements have to strategize how to place themselves,a Dr Shaikh said, adding that labour in Pakistan must link itself with other movements.
He said lack of knowledge on labour issues was a challenge that was also the basic reason for our lack of organisation. aLabour has been systematically marginalised here. Military regimes withdrew labour rights in order to curtail democratic rights. State oppression is the main reason for the fall of labour movements,a he said, suggesting serious discussions on the revival of the labour movement as people could be united over common issues.
Director of the Pakistan Study Centre of Karachi University Dr Jaffar Ahmed said the pro-Chinese and pro-Russian narrative was the reason behind the division of labour here. aAyub Khanas martial law was the worst for Pakistan, as it damaged the foundations of this country. Ayub was in close contact with the Americans before the imposition of the martial law and he convinced the Americans that he could stop increasing communist influence. This ideological war at the global level played so negatively that countries like Pakistan suffered and remained under dictatorships for longer periods,a he said.
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The News - June 08, 2016
Fallen heroes of 1972 labour crusade honoured
Karachi
Observing the 44th anniversary of the most formidable labour uprising to have been witnessed in Pakistan, trade union leaders and civil society activists on Tuesday paid rich tributes to martyrs of the 1972 labour movement.
The event was organised by Piler (Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research), and addressed by some of the leading activists of the time and present.
What started off as a peaceful strike in December 1971 had grown into a full blown movement by June 1972 after the ruling party, led by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, continued to over look laboursa demands of putting a stop to the factory ownersa anti-workers policies.
As the protestors continued to observe a shutter down strike, it was on June 7 when local police officers opened fire at the demonstrators outside Feroz Textile Mills, located in SITE.
The incident resulted in the death of a leading figure of Muttahida Mazdoor Federation Shoaib Khan. Angered at a fellow workersa death, a large number of workers from all industrial estates of the city had gathered at Khanas funeral to protest police brutality.
However, the police officers were yet again ordered to open fire, by city commissioner at the time AT Naqvi, which resulted in the deaths of five more labourers.
Addressing the event Piler Executive Director Karamat Ali said the labour movement was the most historical working class movement to ever have occurred in Pakistan.
aAll workers stood united regardless of their ethnicities.a
Ali, however, regretted that the movement could not sustain due to several constraints, which included the workersa lack of exposure to and connection with labourers belonging to other countries.
He further observed that still was a chance for labourers to organise themselves for a joint cause, by forming labour unions.
In 1977 there were around 8,000 unions with an enrolment of one million workers, but today only one percent of factory workers were part of unions, he stated.
aWe can start with textile sector as it employs around 40 percent of the industrial labour in Pakistan.a
Head of Szabistas Department of Social Sciences, Dr Riaz Shaikh, while speaking at the event called for analysing the labour movement in the global context of the time.
After the fall of Soviet Union in 1991 people said it was the end of the war, however, that did not stand true since other conflicts had emerged by then, Dr Shaikh observed.
He said neo-liberal economy was more exploitative in nature and the fight was now to be fought against economic policies since the overall scenario had drastically changed.
University of Karachias director Pakistan Study Centre Dr Jaffer Ahmed, National Party leader Ramzan Memon, senior Piler official Sharafat Ali and Sheema Kermani also spoke at the event.
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Tribute paid to martyrs of 1972 Karachi Labour Movement http://dailytimes.com.pk/sindh/08-Jun-16/tribute-paid-to-martyrs-of-1972-karachi-labour-movement
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"Salience and the Severity Versus the Certainty of Punishment" | Main | Unpacking the (never-simplistic and never-certain) stories of state crimes and incarceration levels
June 9, 2016
NY Times debates "Should an Unpopular Sentence in the Stanford Rape Case Cost a Judge His Job?"
The Room for Debate section of the New York Times has this new set of notable commentaries discussing whether the judicial recall effort in the controversial Standford sexual assault sentencing case is a good idea. Here is the section's set up:
A California judge sentenced Brock Allen Turner to only six months in jail for raping an unconscious woman after a Stanford University fraternity party, despite her angry, eloquent, courtroom denunciation of the way she and other rape survivors are treated. In response, a petition was started to hold a recall election to throw him off the bench. But should judges be subject to recall because of an unpopular sentence or would that impede their independence?
Here are the contributions, with links via the commentary titles:
June 9, 2016 at 09:37 AM | Permalink
Comments
I haven't heard this mentioned, but do the people who think the judge should be recalled also think the probation officers who wrote the recommendation the judge accepted be fired, too?
Posted by: thinkaboutit | Jun 9, 2016 9:40:46 AM
Excellent question
Posted by: Doug B. | Jun 9, 2016 10:00:18 AM
The victim said she didn't want a long incarceration. Not that I think that dispositive---it's just a fact that is part of the mix.
The victim's statement is very powerful. We talk about people having courage--she does.
Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2016 10:23:49 AM
The coverage noted that the judge here was a former prosecutor of sex crimes. Suggests no one data point will determine things. We saw this with former prosecutors on the Supreme Court.
I don't think a single 'indecent' or mistaken or "unpopular" sentence should be reason for recall, but unless very careful limits are placed, recall attempts will leave that open. One strike and you are out is bad policy as a general matter.
Posted by: Joe | Jun 9, 2016 10:54:21 AM
There are two separate questions. One question is whether the people should have the POWER to recall a judge. I think they should. The second question is whether this specific instance of the recall power is an APPROPRIATE. I think it is not.
In other words, I support these people's right to recall the judge but if I were a citizen of the judge's electoral district I would vote against the effort to recall him.
Posted by: Daniel | Jun 9, 2016 11:07:24 AM
Interesting thing is that the Judge was up for re-election this year. Apparently was unopposed. Not sure how long California requires to wait after election for a recall; so technically can be recalled for remainder of this term but would then resume office in January.
Posted by: tmm | Jun 9, 2016 5:49:00 PM
It's not that the sentence was "unpopular", IT WAS WRONG!
Too many others doing way more time for lesser crimes.
Judicial system is so messed up!
Posted by: kat | Jun 10, 2016 9:56:04 AM
Judges are "wrong" multiple times but recall efforts are generally a matter of how unpopular they are. Judges also are going to be dead wrong at times. I would be interested to see a full examination of his sentencing decisions -- if possible -- since (as I noted elsewhere) curious if this was a total one-off.
Posted by: Joe | Jun 10, 2016 10:15:09 AM
Recall will only serve as a balancing, justice-seeking act once we've seen it deployed to deal with hanging judges...as well the far rarer incidents we see of judges showing mercy.
Absent that, it's yet another indication our society routinely exhibits the temperament of a lynch mob...and it is no accident America is widely known as Incarceration Nation.
We seem too quick to dismiss harsh aspects of seemingly lenient sentences. Six months in prison is no picnic. Neither is spending a life time on the sex-offender shaming lists and coping with the crippling restrictions they impose. Moreover I imagine it must seem powerfully punitive to someone once on track to a privileged, Stanford-grad life of ease and treasure to find themselves not just virtually unemployable for life but also loathed and shunned even by folks who once cared for them.
Recalling this judge would merely signal others on the bench the mob is watching and ready to pounce any time mercy might otherwise be considered.
Posted by: John K | Jun 16, 2016 10:35:44 AM
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Win for defendant (and a loss for Puerto Rico, I suppose) in SCOTUS Double Jeopardy case | Main | US Sentencing Commission provides notice of proposed 2017 priorities and requests comment
June 9, 2016
SCOTUS overturns Pennsylvania death sentence because involved DA who became state justice did not recuse
A death row defendant in the Keystone State got a key win on a judicial bias claim from SCOTUS this morning in Williams v. Pennsylvania, No. 15-5040 (S. Ct. June 9, 2016) (available here). Justice Kennedy authored the opinion for the Court, while Chief Justice Roberts dissented in an opinion Justice Alito joined and Justice Thomas authored his own dissenting opinion. Here is how the Court's opinion gets started:
In this case, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania vacated the decision of a postconviction court, which had granted relief to a prisoner convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. One of the justices on the State Supreme Court had been the district attorney who gave his official approval to seek the death penalty in the prisoners case. The justice in question denied the prisoners motion for recusal and participated in the decision to deny relief. The question presented is whether the justices denial of the recusal motion and his subsequent judicial participation violated the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This Courts precedents set forth an objective standard that requires recusal when the likelihood of bias on the part of the judge is too high to be constitutionally tolerable. Caperton v. A. T. Massey Coal Co., 556 U.S. 868, 872 (2009) (quoting Withrow v. Larkin, 421 U.S. 35, 47 (1975)). Applying this standard, the Court concludes that due process compelled the justices recusal.
June 9, 2016 at 12:39 PM | Permalink
Comments
Wonder how much impact the lack of a ninth Justice had on this case. Kennedy's remedy isn't much of a remedy -- a remand to the same court that denied the inmate's substantive claim -- albeit without the now retired disqualified judge. The other justices in the majority had no choice but to accept that very minimal remedy to avoid affirming by an equally divided court.
Posted by: tmm | Jun 9, 2016 4:53:25 PM
That strikes me as the least intrusive remedy. Any other strikes me as a bit extreme under the circumstances.
Posted by: Erik M | Jun 9, 2016 5:32:18 PM
Post a comment
Unpacking the (never-simplistic and never-certain) stories of state crimes and incarceration levels | Main | SCOTUS overturns Pennsylvania death sentence because involved DA who became state justice did not recuse
June 9, 2016
Win for defendant (and a loss for Puerto Rico, I suppose) in SCOTUS Double Jeopardy case
An interesting array of opinions resulted today from the Supreme Court in an interesting case coming from Puerto Rico addressing Double Jeopardy protections. Justice Kagan wrote the Court's opinion in Puerto Rico v. Sanchez Valle, No. 15-108 (S. Ct. June 9, 2016) (available here); Justices Ginsburg and Thomas both authored concurring opinions, and Justice Breyer (joined by Justice Sotomayor) authored the chief dissent. Here is how the opinion for the Court gets started:
The Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment prohibits more than one prosecution for the same offence. But under what is known as the dual-sovereignty doctrine, a single act gives rise to distinct offensesand thus may subject a person to successive prosecutions if it violates the laws of separate sovereigns. To determine whether two prosecuting authorities are different sovereigns for double jeopardy purposes, this Court asks a narrow, historically focused question. The inquiry does not turn, as the term sovereignty sometimes suggests, on the degree to which the second entity is autonomous from the first or sets its own political course. Rather, the issue is only whether the prosecutorial powers of the two jurisdictions have independent origins or, said conversely, whether those powers derive from the same ultimate source. United States v. Wheeler, 435 U.S. 313, 320 (1978). In this case, we must decide if, under that test, Puerto Rico and the United States may successively prosecute a single defendant for the same criminal conduct. We hold they may not, because the oldest roots of Puerto Ricos power to prosecute lie in federal soil.
Justice Breyer's dissent starts by explaing that his "reasons for disagreeing with the majority are in part conceptual and in part historical."
June 9, 2016 at 10:16 AM | Permalink
Comments
FWIW the very concept of dual sovereignty is idea born in hell.
"Rather, the issue is only whether the prosecutorial powers of the two jurisdictions have independent origins or, said conversely, whether those powers derive from the same ultimate source.
Right. So the Constitution never happened. Because the Constitution is only source of either state or federal prosecutorial power not just for PR by for every state in the Union.
Posted by: Daniel | Jun 9, 2016 10:53:00 AM
I welcome the concurrence and interesting bedfellows there -- as I said in a past comment, realize current law, but find the "dual sovereignty" rule problematic. But, back to the 19th Century, the Supreme Court disagreed with me. Well, they are wrong sometimes.
Perhaps, it will be dealt with separately, but there was also another criminal related case today plus another case that perhaps might have implications somehow since it involves judges' power over juries.
Posted by: Joe | Jun 9, 2016 11:07:00 AM
Dual sovereignty may be a relic, but there's little doubt that, under our federal system: (a) federal prosecution cannot undo the state's power in prosecuting its own laws and (b) state prosecution cannot do the same to the feds.
But of course in an era where "established by a State" means "established by a State or the federal government (except in a few cases)", none of it really matters. The nine (now eight) headed Caesar lives.
Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2016 12:25:32 PM
We are doomed -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Clarence Thomas joined forces to promote Caesarism!
Posted by: Joe | Jun 9, 2016 2:11:46 PM
There was an error in the opinion -- specifically in referring to Texas not having independent sovereignty before becoming a state. Texas is one of three states (besides the original thirteen) that was never a U.S. Territory -- having been an independent country before becoming a state. The other two were Maine and West Virginia which are the only two states to have been split from existing states (both of the existing states -- Massachusetts and Virginia -- being part of the original thirteen states).
Posted by: tmm | Jun 9, 2016 4:50:08 PM
What about Vermont?
Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2016 5:01:55 PM
Vermont is a legal gray area. New York claimed it, but other states did not see it as part of New York. It was not considered a state by Congress under the Articles of Confederation, but was part of the territory of the United States under the Articles of Confederation. Only became a state when New York waived its claim. Same can be said about Kentucky (in relation to Virginia).
Posted by: tmm | Jun 9, 2016 5:36:24 PM
The point of the concurrence is that the double jeopardy clause bars the feds and the due process bars the states from subjecting someone to multiple prosecutions for the same crime. It isn't the feds undoing the power of the states or the states undoing the power of the feds, but rather the bill of rights (and their incorporation via the 14th amendment) that bar those governments from subjecting someone to a successive prosecution. The same doctrine already eliminates unconstitutionally conducted searches from being handed on a silver platter to another sovereign and similarly protects against use of compelled incrimination by the other sovereign. Viewed from the perspective that the bill of rights are meant to protect the individual from abuse as opposed to a bar on conduct that that occurs strictly within one sovereign, the concurrence makes a lot of sense.
Posted by: Jacob Berlove | Jun 9, 2016 6:26:51 PM
Ah, Jacob, but it IS a matter of that. A federal acquittal would bar the power of a sovereign state to try an offense You can say that after all the individual rights jurisprudence that now those rights are more important than the structural issues at stake, but that seems a lot of hooey to me. First of all, it seems hard to argue that a separate violation of the laws of two sovereigns really constitutes the "same offense." Second of all, before selective incorporation, the idea that the state was bound by federal proceedings would have been laughed out of court---so selective incorporation now alters the federal structure set up by the Framers---that's a stretch, but hey, "Established by a State" means "Established by a State and the federal government (except where it doesn't)"so stretches are kosher now. Third of all, the DJ issue isn't like the Fourth Amendment issue---it's one thing to say that a sovereign shouldn't profit from the wrong of another, or that there's a right hot have tainted evidence in any trial, but that's a far cry from saying that states have no power to try a violation of its criminal law.
Posted by: federalist | Jun 9, 2016 8:18:21 PM
From Justice McLean dissenting when the matter was raised in the 19th Century (e.g., Fox v. Ohio) to multiple justices in the mid-20th Century to now justices on both sides of the ideological divide (RBG and Thomas), there was dissent to the current dual sovereign rule.
If the current rule is okay (as federalist defends), dissent from it was not just something "now" happening, but a reflection of ongoing dissent now over 150 years old.
Posted by: Joe | Jun 10, 2016 10:10:52 AM
One thing often ignored in dual sovereign discussions is another distinction that occurs in double jeopardy jurisprudence -- same conduct vs. same offense. Currently, after a brief experiment with same conduct in the early 90s, the Supreme Court follows the same offense rule. When dealing with different sovereigns, the elements of the offense might not be quite the same -- particularly if venue/jurisdictional hook is seen as an element of the offense.
Posted by: tmm | Jun 10, 2016 10:18:49 AM
tmm, I was actually thinking of "going there"--particularly since the interests of the federal government when it comes to criminal conduct are different from those of the state (putatively anyway, given the limits on federal power).
In any event, the structure of our government (i.e., federal) cannot, in my view, be undone by the "individual rights" view of the constitution. The categorical imperative has to be that a state's hand cannot be stayed merely by a federal prosecution for some conduct that has broken state law. Pointing, in a vacuum, to double jeopardy is more sloganeering than anything else. For ill or good, we have a federal system with states having sovereign powers (one of the most important of which is the prosecution of criminal wrongdoing). How does that power get taken away merely because the feds (or another state) decides to prosecute? And, even more, does the state power to prosecute now ebb and flow with the vagaries of DJ jurisprudence---that doesn't seem right either.
At the end of the day--there really is no good answer to the question--what in the Constitution operates to stay a sovereign's hand in prosecuting an offense against it because another sovereign has chosen to prosecute the same guy for the "same offense"? The Fifth Amendment doesn't.
Posted by: federalist | Jun 10, 2016 11:05:27 AM
I dislike the dual sovereignty exception because I think it misanalyzes sovereignty -- both the state and federal government authority flow from the U.S. Constitution -- albeit a broader grant in the Tenth Amendment than in Article I.
My sole reason why I think that it is a good interpretation of constitutional law is the difference between the criminal justice and civil justice systems. There is no privity between the State and Federal prosecutor (generally speaking) for the purposes of res judicata or collateral estoppel. There is no authority for the federal prosecutor to include state charges as an ancillary claim in a federal prosecution or for the state prosecutor to bring federal charges in the state prosecution or for either to intervene in the other's case as a necessary party to litigate all of the potential claims arising from an incident.
Posted by: tmm | Jun 10, 2016 2:51:04 PM
tmm--I don't think you're right about that--the federal government's authority flows from the Constitution, but the states pre-existed it. They didn't become non-entities the instant before the constitution was ratified only to be reborn once the constitution was applicable to the particular state. With respect to the non-colonies (other than Texas), there's artificiality to that, but the bottom line is that there is no hierarchy of states in our system.
The states in our federal system have some structural freedom from the federal government--enforcement of its criminal laws is a core function, and a state is free to do so notwithstanding a federal prosecutor's decision to bring someone to trial.
Selective incorporation should NOT alter the structure of our federal system. That's the answer to the "it's not fair" foot stomp, which is, at bottom, the argument for doing away with the doctrine.
Posted by: federalist | Jun 10, 2016 5:01:40 PM
Think the Constitution altered the nature of the states -- from independent sovereign countries in a loose confederation to part of one unified sovereignty with separate governments, none of which is the actual sovereign -- but that is a long historical discussion. Selective incorporation is, unfortunately, a judge-made doctrine to avoid overruling a bad decision -- the Slaughterhouse Cases -- that eviscerated the privileges and immunities clause. I am not sure the results would be different if the Supreme Court took the privileges and immunities clause as seriously as the Reconstruction Congress did, but the analysis would be more coherent and more tied to the original intent. I have trouble understanding why certain Ninth Amendment rights are considered applicable to the states through selective incorporation but the eight hundred year-old right to a grand jury indictment is not.
Posted by: tmm | Jun 10, 2016 5:27:16 PM
tmm, of course the Constitution alter the power of the states, but the question is, did condition the states' enforcement of its criminal laws on whether or not the feds did---the answer to that is a resounding no (in my opinion).
Also, your view is consistent with the idea that entry into the Union as a state means that the bargain vis a vis what states' powers are can get altered. To the extent that happens because we have different views on freedom and those views get incorporated into the "living Constitution", that's life, but this is a structural change, and the structure of out government shouldn't be altered because something doesn't seem fair to you. I get it's a small thing, but it matters.
Posted by: federalist | Jun 10, 2016 5:58:54 PM
Federalist writes, "tmm--I don't think you're right about that--the federal government's authority flows from the Constitution, but the states pre-existed it."
Sure that is true but it elides the point that I made in the very first post in this thread, namely, what change did the Constitution make in the pre-existing sovereignty of the states? See, people like federalist want to to have it both ways: on one hand when the Constitution says something they like then the Constitution is great. On the other hand when the Constitution says something they don't like then the Constitution never happened and America is still governed by the Article of Confederation. Put simply, people like federalist read the "united" right out of the "United States" whenever it benefits their ideological agenda to do so.
When states ratify the Constitution whatever pre-existing sovereignty they had disappears and is forever null and void. Once they becomes members of the United States the /only/ source of their authority stems from the Constitution.
Posted by: Daniel | Jun 11, 2016 6:21:02 PM
I'd also like to add that Lincoln blew apart federalsist last argument in his first inaugural address. The "freedom" federalist talks about is the freedom the rabid dog thinks it has to infect everyone with its deadly disease. In fact, in a country with a properly function dog catcher the dog would be captured and its freedom curtailed by euthanasia.
http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres31.html
Posted by: Daniel | Jun 11, 2016 6:32:59 PM
Daniel, the Constitution contemplates sovereign states that enter a union. To take my position as somehow "wanting to have it both ways" is plain dumb. In our federal system, the states have the power to try offenses against their laws. That power cannot be withdrawn by a mere federal prosecution.
This isn't hard.
Posted by: federalist | Jun 13, 2016 8:20:39 AM
Actually federalist, the State powers can get altered because -- by joining the Constitution -- the states surrendered their sovereign powers to "We, the people" who with two limited exceptions -- composition of Senate and the slave trade -- authorized an amendment process that does not require any individual state government to agree to a constitutional amendment (as three-quarters of the states are needed to ratify an amendment) and further permits an end-run around all of the state governments (by permitting Congress to refer an amendment to state conventions). Since the original framing, several amendments (including the Thirteen, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth) have altered state powers. The tougher legal question -- and one to which I have never found any persuasive authority in any of the debates -- is whether anybody considered the impact of the privileges and immunities clause of the Fourteenth Amendment on double jeopardy, and (if so what would they have said about the dual sovereign exception).
Posted by: tmm | Jun 13, 2016 3:41:03 PM
the states did not surrender their sovereign powers, they surrendered certain of their sovereign powers, and the constitution has some others (can't break up a state or combine states w/o consent) that you don't mention--and yes, they have to abide by Article V, but nothing to date has altered the face that a mere federal prosecution does not bind the states--if you want to change it, fine, jam the states with an Amendment. But that hasn't happened--so I don't see how the existence of an Amendment process helps your argument that much.
Your first sentence of your latest post doesn't accurately reflect what I have said.
Currently, in our federal system, the states have the power to punish crimes within their borders. That's part of the structure of the Constitution (which may, of course, be changed via Amendment). How a right not to be punished for the "same offense" alters that structural framework is left unsaid. To me, it's a "it's not fair; therefore mustn't be constitutional footstomp."
Posted by: federalist | Jun 13, 2016 6:17:28 PM
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Every magazine gets their annual turn to declare their favorites among the nation's crop of new eateries, and this week we get Food & Wine's 2016 Restaurants Of the Year list, which features two Bay Area spots: Cala and Locol. Restaurant editor Kate Krader fell in love with Mexico City chef Gabriela Camara's "sensational Mexican cooking" and "outstanding tacos" at Cala's back-alley taco stand, and she writes that she's "outrageously proud" of Daniel Patterson and Roy Choi's effort to bring quality, healthfulness, and value to fast food first with their Watts location of Locol, and with the second that just opened in Oakland.
Cala has won tons of praise already, including from the Chronicle's Michael Bauer, who gave the place three and a half stars out of the gate in November. Krader praises Camara's use of local ingredients and creative spins on Mexican seafood, like trout tostadas with fried leeks, and abalone-and-oyster aguachile. And she calls out the fact that Camara's hired a number of non-violent felons to staff the restaurant, noting that staffing has been an issue all over San Francisco and she felt like she wanted to give them jobs.
As for Locol, she loves that nothing on the original menu was over $6 (the bowls at the Oakland location are actually $7), and even if not everything was healthy (there are fried chicken nuggets, etc.), "the food at Locol feels good for you on many levels."
Related: Petit Crenn And The Perennial Land On GQ's Best New Restaurants
Michael Bauer Drops Gialina, AQ From Top 100, Adds Petit Crenn, Trestle, And 17 More
Apple fanatics will have their panties in one infinite loop next week, as Apples annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will turn the Moscone Center and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium venues into Branch iOS Compounds for the duration of the week. We know to expect swarms of Segways, gaggles of gingham dress shirts, and longer-than-usual wait times at the Gold Club. But what other life-changing, software-update-requiring developments will the developers conference bestow upon the world this year?
The only thing that 99 percent of you will care about will be Tim Cook and companys WWDC keynote address livestream, which kicks off the conference Monday at 10 a.m. PDT. Figured to be packed with oodles of product and software announcements, that stream is free to watch but generally only available on Apples iOS devices or a PC with Microsoft Edge on Windows 10, according to Apple. For Windows Less-Than-10 or Android-using outcasts, 9to5Mac has a pretty reliable-looking set of hacks to watch the WWDC keynote live on Windows or Android that I have not tested out personally but they seem to know what they're doing over there.
The custom is that the keynote address is posted for on-demand viewing not long after its conclusion. There is also a Watch WWDC page on which Apple insists it will be live streaming sessions daily and posting videos of all sessions throughout the week of the conference.
The rumor mill indicates that Siri will be at the center of many announcements, with MacRumors predicting a Siri SDK that would allow Siri to operate within third-party apps. (Siri! Swipe right!) Some say Siri capabilities will come to Mac desktops and laptops via the not-catchily-named new OS X 10.12, and CNet predicts a Siri-powered Amazon Echo knockoff to provide yet another one of those voice-assistant smart speaker thingies that corporate tech companies really want us to want.
There are also rumblings that new new iOS 10 mobile operating system might give users the ability to remove pre-installed stock apps, which would just be delightful. And 9to5Mac speculates that a major iTunes overhaul will be introduced, because you know how much everyone loooves a major iTunes overhaul.
Image: Daniel Spless via Flickr
The lineup of speakers at the WWDC keynote has historically been a highly predictable sausage party, so well boldly guess that it will once again be a rotating carousel of Apple CEO Tim Cook, chief designer Jony Ive, marketing SVP Phil Schiller, and maybe one woman if the boys are feeling particularly progressive. Additionally, I would not be shocked if a corporate-friendly pop act like Future or Imagine Dragons were to do a celebrity guest appearance at the tail-end of the keynote, perhaps appearing in hologram form.
WWDC runs from Monday, June 13 - Friday, June 17 at the Moscone Center, with the keynote address and end-of-conference bash events held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Tickets were $1,599 and you cant get them anyway because they were already distributed via lottery.
Related: Apple's New SF Flagship Store Is A 'Fancy Crypt'
The man accused of breaking into the car of an FBI agent parked near Alamo Square Park and stealing a gun, badge, and FBI credentials has been released on bail. KRON4 reports that Michael Delfon Gregory Jr. appeared in federal court yesterday, and was released on a $50,000 bond.
As you may remember, the man was arrested on May 31 following a SWAT team raid of the Bayview apartment in which he lived with his grandmother. We learn today via the Examiner that upon searching the car driven by suspect Michael Delfon Gregory Jr. agents also discovered over ten grams of cocaine and a scale.
In an affidavit filed with San Francisco federal court, FBI Agent Donovan McKendrick wrote that there is "probable cause that the cocaine agents found was possessed with the intent to distribute it.
Surveillance video helped to identify the car driven by Gregory as belonging to his girlfriend, and it was that information that led police to the suspect. The stolen .40-caliber Glock 27 pistol was allegedly found under Gregory's mattress.
Gregory must return to court on June 28, and, if convicted of all charges, could face up to 30 years in prison.
Previously: As An FBI Agent's Stolen Gun Is Retrieved, Three More Are Snatched From Car Parked Near Japantown
For those who love swimming, you ought to know that this city has a bunch of swell indoor and outdoor pools, both public and private, that you should probably check out. For the public pools, you will need to head first to the McLaren Lodge Annex at 501 Stanyan Street or to the Treasurer's Office at City Hall to purchase a 10-pack of pool passes (called scrips) for $51. This is a slightly cheaper, more streamlined way to use the public pools, though you can also pay $7 cash for a day pass when you arrive at each pool, but note: you must have exact change. Then, of course, there are a number of gyms with great lap pools too, but not all of us are made of money. Below, nine of our favorites from both groups.
Sava Pool
This public pool tucked out in the middle Sunset got an awesome, $17 million renovation in 2009, and thus it's housed in a pretty, modern, concrete and glass building with tons of natural light. It's got eight lanes, and it's generally open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays (except Tuesday when it closes at 4), and has more limited hours on weekends. Check the schedule especially if you're a serious lap swimmer to make sure you arrive during lap-swimming hours. Jay Barmann
19th Avenue and Wawona Street
Mission Pool
Mission Pool is the best public pool in San Francisco, but don't tell anyone because no one likes a crowded pool. The facility on 19th (at Valencia) was shut down for the winter and has emerged bright, shiny, and surprisingly clean for a public space. Mission Pool is one of the few outdoor public pools in San Francisco, and the fresh air makes all the difference in the quality of your swim. Check the Rec & Parks website for lap times and arrive right when each begins. 30-minutes into any lap session, the lanes fill up with people who think they're training for the Senior Olympics. Beth Spotswood
19th Street at Linda
Photo courtesy of UCSF
Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center at UCSF Mission Bay
One rad outdoor pool that not too many people know about is at UCSF's Mission Bay campus, and $20 gets you a day pass that gives you access to both that and a heated indoor pool. Another bonus is that this place has long hours, open weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and you may just want to get yourself a membership if you swim a lot, especially if you live nearby. They offer 30-day trial memberships, and they're offering 1- to 3-month summer membership specials right now.Jay Barmann
1675 Owens Street
Hamilton Pool (photo: Katherine M/Yelp)
Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool makes this list (and most San Francisco pool lists) because it has waterslides. And other than driving yourself and your swimsuit to some suburban waterpark next to a gun store, or breaking into a backyard in Walnut Creek, this is the only place nearby you're going to find a waterslide. Actually, at Hamilton Pool, you'll find two. Other than the aforementioned slides, the pool and lap schedule is pretty standard for SF Rec & Parks, but SF Rec & Parks has a pretty great aquatics program. So lucky you! Beth Spotswood
Geary & Steiner
Crunch Gym - Yerba Buena (www.crunch.com)
Crunch Gym at Yerba Buena
Here at SFist, we're partial to an outdoor pool, and Crunch's roof contains one of the few outdoor pools located at a gym. Formerly Club One, this current Crunch gym has a surprisingly luxurious, hotel-esque rooftop pool. All you have to do is fill out some form on their website for a "Free Day at Crunch." Otherwise, access to this terrific pool requires a gym membership, but the pool is so good that even if you hate gyms, it's worth the monthly membership for a serious swim fan. Beth Spotswood
350 Third Street
Nob Hill Spa pool (NobHillSpa.com)
Nob Hill Spa
Fancy pants types will love the five-star indoor pool at the Nob Hill Spa, inside the gorgeous Scarlet Huntington Hotel. The pool is a bit on the small side, but the stunning outdoor deck with a view of downtown San Francisco more than makes up for it, as does the pool chair drink delivery and plush, steal-able towels. A pop into the "Zen Room" is a particularly relaxing post-swim experience, complete with potted orchids and a stack of magazines. The spa is free to guests of the hotel, spa clients, and anyone willing to pay $50 for a day pass on Mon-Thurs. Beth Spotswood
1075 California Street at Taylor
Photo: Facebook
Hotel Nikko
It might be more of a special-occasion-swim-day kind of pool at $25 per day pass, but the pool at the Hotel Nikko near Union Square is pretty gorgeous and rad. It's flooded with natural light from peaked windows that offer views of the buildings all around it, and while it's not huge (15 meters with just four undivided lanes), it's a perfect refuge for light lap swimming or just floating around. Also, the fitness center has a hot tub and steam room as well, and if you plan it right, you can slip right out of a spa day into the second-floor lounge and catch show at Feinstein's. Jay Barmann
222 Mason Street
Chinatown YMCA (http://www.ymcasf.org)
Chinatown YMCA
She's big, she's beautiful, and she is located really close to your office. This downtown YMCA has recently been so fantastically renovated, the Village People should write a whole new wedding DJ song about it. If you join the YMCA, you can use any of the other facilities in the San Francisco YMCA (including Marin and San Mateo) for $5. You can also apply for financial assistance, allowing anyone who wants to enjoy this great pool. Otherwise, day passes are $15. Beth Spotswood
855 Sacramento Street between Stockton and Grant
Fitness SF - Fillmore
Fitness SF Fillmore
Double-wide takes on a whole new meaning at Fitness SF's Fillmore location, where five massive lap lanes allow for a big butterfly stroke or easy passing, depending on your workout. This facility also houses one of the largest saline-based pools in San Francisco, if saline is super important to you. Many urban gyms tend to advertise a pool, but the reality is a small, smelly puddle towards the toilets. Fitness SF has put their money where their water is, and devoted some serious resources to their pool. Other than signing up for a free three-day trial online, use of the pool requires a membership and group aquatic classes come with an additional fee. Beth Spotswood
Fillmore Center, Fillmore Street at O'Farrell
We first heard word about the upcoming arrival of Tratto a few weeks ago, and today the team shared a full release with all the details about what's going to be "a spirited, bar-driven restaurant serving rustic Italian fare with modern sensibilities" opening later this month. Executive Chef Kevin Scott, formerly of Big 4 and Scalas Bistro, is running the kitchen, and the concept was created by SFs Puccini Group, who were also behind Jasper's Corner Tap + Kitchen.
Tratto, the name, which makes reference to the word "trattoria" but also to the Italian word for ink stroke or line, is also a play on the new name of the hotel in which the restaurant is housed, The Marker (formerly called the Hotel Monaco, and no longer a Kimpton property). The restaurant moves into the corner space that used to be Grand Cafe and more recently became the short-lived BDK Bar & Kitchen, which briefly shuttered last summer and just permanently closed last week.
Chef Scott promises a menu focusing on pizza, house-made pastas and sausage, seasonal vegetables, and seafood, with as little manipulation as possible, in the spirit of all rustic Italian cuisine. "I discovered my passion for cooking in the heartland of Italy," he says, "and I look forward to not only serving food that is fresh, unassuming and delicious, but creating an enjoyable environment that is reflective of the Italian spirit."
At the bar will be a selection of Italian-inspired cocktails, as well as fifteen wines by the glass, two more on tap, and a house "jug wine."
And design-wise, they've hired San Francisco artist Amos Goldbaum, best known for his line-drawn t-shirt designs, to create some hand-drawn murals for the space inspired by SF vistas and the skyline.
The exact opening date hasn't been announced, but it should be open within a week or two, and will be open seven days a week for breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Tratto - 501 Geary Street at Taylor - Opening in June 2016
Though the sentence for Brock Turner, a former Stanford freshman convicted of three felonies for the rape of an unconscious woman behind a fraternity house dumpster last year, was deemed by many to be lenient at just six-months in jail followed by probation, Turner is in fact expected to be released two three months early.
County of Santa Clara records obtained by the Daily Mail indicate that Turner's release date is scheduled for September 2, as "it was assessed that he was unlikely to misbehave behind bars." KTVU notes that county jail inmates typically serve 50 percent of their sentences in cases where their records are kept clean, making the early release appear less of an aberration.
"I've lost my ability to swim in the Olympics. I've lost my ability to obtain a Stanford degree. I've lost employment opportunities, my reputation and most of all, my life," the publication quotes courtroom statements made by Turner, words echoed in another statement in which the convict appeared to blame "peer pressure" and "the culture surrounded by binge drinking and sexual promiscuity that protrudes through what people think is at the core of being a college student" for his criminal actions.
There is also new evidence obtained by ABC News that Turner lied in his statement to probation officers about never having partied or used illicit drugs before college. Photographs show Turner holding a bong prior to his Stanford days, as well as drinking from a liquor bottle, and text messages suggest his use of harder drugs. As CBS further reports, Turner texted with friends in 2014 about using LSD, and wanting to try "candyflippin," which is the use of LSD and MDMA together. In his statement prior to sentencing, Turner wrote, "Coming from a small town in Ohio, I never really experienced celebrating or partying that involved alcohol."
In a report also cited by Cosmopolitan.com, the Daily Mail further alleges that court documents show Turner lied to his probation officer, obtaining a more lenient sentence by claiming the woman he raped was conscious, rather than unresponsive, to his probation officer. The Daily Mail also makes note that Turner "has his own cell with television" at Elmwood county jail in Milpitas, CA.
When Judge Aaron Perksy passed down Turner's sentence, he himself became the subject of scrutiny, with a change.org petition calling for his removal. While Persky is up for re-election, Buzzfeed maintains that he is likely to retain his job.
Related: Stanford Rapist's Dad Says Jail Not Warranted For '20 Minutes Of Action'; Petition Starts To Recall Lenient Judge
PIERRE, S.D. | Hillary Clinton led Bernie Sanders in early returns Tuesday in South Dakota's Democratic presidential primary, where Clinton was looking to pad her front-runner lead as a half-dozen states voted.
Clinton reached the 2,383 delegates needed to become the presumptive nominee on Monday, according to a tally by The Associated Press, but many voters in South Dakota turned out nonetheless to show their support for her.
Bob Burhenn, a retired Sioux Falls businessman, said he voted for Clinton because it's time to put a woman in the nation's highest office.
"Men have been in charge long enough," said Burhenn, 82. "And they're smarter than us, anyway."
Bernie Sanders' supporters weren't ready to concede. Sean Pollman, who runs a small business and described himself as an independent, was voting for Sanders in Sioux Falls.
"It's not Clinton. That's the main thing," Pollman said. "Her stance on everything is always so wishy-washy. It's very obvious that corporate media is behind her. And if you look past the corporate media, she's always changing her mind."
Clinton, a past U.S. senator and secretary of state, didn't visit South Dakota this campaign, but she has good history here. She beat Barack Obama in 2008 to win the state's primary. Eight years later, she was endorsed by state Democratic heavyweights including former U.S. Sens. Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson and 16 state legislators.
While Clinton sent her husband, former President Bill Clinton, to appear in South Dakota, Sanders held campaign rallies in May in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Pine Ridge. The senator from Vermont was hoping for a boost from independent and unaffiliated voters who were free to vote in South Dakota's open Democratic primary.
At stake were 20 delegates. The state has five superdelegates who will go to the national convention unbound by the election results.
Tuesday's primary included 26 legislative races 22 Republican and four Democratic. Most eyes were on the GOP races, which include two high-profile west river primaries in which term-limited House Republicans were taking on their counterparts in the Senate.
Turnout was projected to be 20 to 25 percent.
Already the presumptive Democratic nominee, Clinton sailed to victory in Tuesday's primary in New Jersey, one of six states voting across the country. Sanders hoped a strong showing in California, the night's biggest prize, would raise doubts about Clinton's historic achievement and spur superdelegate to rally around him instead.
Donald Trump won Republican primaries in New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota, capping an otherwise difficult day for the presumptive GOP nominee. Party leaders recoiled at Trump's comments about a Hispanic judge, with one senator even pulling his endorsement.
Trump was conciliatory at his victory rally, saying he understands "the responsibility" of leading the Republican Party. He also made a direct appeal to dejected Sanders supporters and other Democrats.
"This election isn't about Republican or Democrat, it's about who runs this country: the special interests or the people," he said.
Clinton's win in New Jersey came a day after she secured the 2,383 delegates she needed to become first female presumptive nominee of a major political party, according to an Associated Press tally. Her total includes pledged delegates won in primaries and caucuses, as well as superdelegates the party officials and officeholders who can back a candidate of their choosing.
"To every little girl who dreams big: Yes, you can be anything you want_even president. Tonight is for you," Clinton wrote on Twitter shortly after she won New Jersey.
"We are at the brink of a historic, historic unprecedented moment," she said during a rally in California on Monday.
Clinton and Sanders were both pressing for victory in California, each eager to effectively end their primary battle on a high note. However, the California results might not be known Tuesday night; more than half of Californians vote by mail, and the deadline for returned ballots isn't until Friday, as long as they are postmarked by Election Day.
Contests were also being held in Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Clinton was waiting until most of the voting was complete before fully reveling in becoming the first woman nominated by a major U.S. political party. She was to address supporters at a victory party in Brooklyn, where her campaign planned to run a gauzy video highlighting the achievements of women who helped clear a path.
Still, she was wasting no time moving toward the general election. Her campaign announced that she would make stops next week in Ohio and Pennsylvania, states that will be pivotal in November.
DAKOTA DUNES | Bill Shorma, who fell 35 votes short Tuesday of claiming one of two Republican nominations for a state House seat in southeast South Dakota, said Wednesday he is considering seeking a recount.
In a three-candidate GOP primary for House District 16, incumbent Rep. David Anderson, of Hudson, easily claimed one spot on the November ballot with 1,116 votes, or 40.5 percent. Kevin Jensen, of Canton, and Shorma, battled back and forth for second place after the results came in. Jensen finished with 874 votes, or 30 percent, while Shorma had 839 votes, or 29 percent.
The top two finishers from each party in South Dakota House districts advance to the general election.
Shorma is currently a state senator, but was term limited in that chamber this year and ran for the state House instead.
Because his margin of defeat Tuesday was less than 2 percent, Shorma has the right under state law to request a recount of the districts 23 precincts in Union and Lincoln counties. In an interview Wednesday, Shorma said he would make a final decision after speaking to South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs.
I want to look at the results precinct by precinct, he said. I have no suspicions, but at the time, its good for piece of mind.
"With about 2,800 votes cast in the total race, 35 votes is not a lot, he added.
The election will be canvassed on Tuesday. Under state law, Shorma would have up to three days after canvass to petition for a recount. However, he said he will make up his mind in the next two or three days.
In Tuesday's primary, Shorma carried his home county of Union with nearly 42 percent of the vote. Anderson had nearly 50 percent of the vote in his home county of Lincoln.
House District 16 Democratic candidates Ted Curry, of Elk Point, and Ann Tornberg, of Beresford, who were unopposed in Tuesday's primary, advanced to the general election.
SIOUX CITY | U.S. Rep. Steve King fended off a fellow Republican challenger in a congressional primary Tuesday, amassing 65 percent of the vote and carrying each of the district's 39 counties.
King handily won over GOP challenger Rick Bertrand, even in Woodbury County, where Bertrand represents a state senate district and is a Sioux City businessman and commercial developer.
King's dominance was so distinct that he took 70 percent or more of the vote in 13 counties in Northwest and North Central Iowa, with a high of 79.6 percent in Harrison County, and no less than 60 percent of the vote in only six counties.
But some political observers suggest the 35 percent of the vote the little-known Bertrand captured, after an abbreviated 82-day campaign, is a sign of King's weakness in the district, where registered Republican voters outnumber Democrats.
"Bertrand didnt run a very good or well-financed campaign," Pat Rynard, a former Democratic campaign staffer, wrote in his Starting Line political blog. "If an ambitious Republican had more time and better fundraising connections, they could put together a serious challenge to King in the future."
In his blog post, Rynard credited Craig Robinson, a former political director of the state Republican Party, and the founder and contributor to the Iowa Republican blog, for the observation that King's margin of victory showed a sign of vulnerability for the seven-term incumbent.
Rynard and Robinson appeared on a Des Moines TV station Tuesday night where, Robinson, according to Rynard, said that "by not completely blowing Bertrand out (like a 80-20 victory), it demonstrated there was real frustration with King in the district, especially in Sioux City, the largest population center."
Bradley Best, a political science professor at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, which is part of the 4th District, said there was "enough movement in Tuesday's primary electorate to cause King to reassess the position he's taken on a key position or two."
"I think we've seen the prelude to a more concerted challenge for the Republican nomination in the Fourth District," Best said in a text Wednesday.
King received 28,872 votes Tuesday, while Bertrand took 15,719 votes, a difference of13,153.
In Sioux County, Iowa's most Republican county, he won 70 percent, while in neighboring Plymouth he totaled 57.8 percent.
Bertrand performed best in Cherokee County, where he took 47.1 percent.
The Sioux City Republican framed the race on King's effectiveness and likability over the years since he first was elected in 2002.
King said voters rejected Bertrand's message. After the race was called Tuesday night, the Kiron Republican doubled down on his prediction that Bertrand's challenge would prove to "be viewed as a big waste of time and money."
"The resources and time could have been used for good rather than division," King told the Journal in an interview from Washington.
For the second straight day, Bertrand did not return repeated calls to the Journal Wednesday.
Bertrand, who became the first Republican in 30 years to win a state Senate district in Sioux City in 2010, entered the 4th District race in late March, later than any of the other candidates in the Iowa congressional districts.
SIOUX CITY | Ann Catherine O'Neill, 70, of Omaha, formerly of Sioux City and South Sioux City, passed away Monday, June 6, 2016.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be planned soon in the Sioux City area.
Ann was born on Dec 17, 1945, in Sioux City, to parents Patricia and Joe Thayer. She spent most of her life living in Sioux City and South Sioux City. She graduated from Central High School in Sioux City in 1964. She graduated from Briar Cliff University majoring in education, and received her master's in middle education from LaSalle University. She received many hours in education.
In her 34 years of teaching, she taught at Kern Junior High in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Blessed Sacrament School in Sioux City, and South Sioux City Middle School, where she retired in 2007. She touched many lives and was extremely passionate in her teaching.
She is survived by her daughters, Amy (Ted) Wright and Katie (Michael) Reisdorff; four grandchildren, Colin, Avery, and Carter Crayne, Rhyan Hughes; a brother, Robert (Gracie) Thayer; and many many dear friends.
FREDONIA, Iowa | The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office is seeking information on the driver of a semi trailer that reportedly struck a bicyclist Wednesday morning at the intersection of county road C-16 and Pioneer Avenue.
According to a news release from the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the intersection of C-16 and Pioneer around 8:40 a.m. Wednesday for a bicyclist who was struck by a semi. The cyclist, 53-year-old Rudy Folkerts, of Orange City, Iowa, had been traveling east on C-16 when the semi, also traveling east, attempted to pass and struck Folkerts, the release said.
The semi did not stop after the accident and continued traveling eastbound, the release said.
Oyen's Ambulance transported Folkerts to Orange City Hospital with reported minor injuries.
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office is requesting anyone with information on a possible driver of the semitrailer to contact the sheriff's office: 712-546-8191.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City teenager pleaded guilty Thursday to the first in a series of vehicle burglaries in which he faces charges.
Wiley Spencer, 19, entered his plea in Woodbury County District Court to second-degree theft. Under terms of a plea agreement, he will serve a five-year prison sentence. Sentencing was set for July 28.
Spencer admitted that on Dec. 3 he was in possession of a stolen camera and lens. Police recovered other stolen items found after they stopped his vehicle and later when searching his home.
Spencer is also charged in separate cases in connection with vehicle break-ins on Jan. 4 and March 1. He has yet to plead guilty in either case, but his plea agreement says that prison sentences imposed in those two cases will run at the same time as his theft sentence for a single five-year term.
A co-defendant in the March 1 case, Marcos Guthridge, 18, pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary in March and was placed on probation for one year.
Kelly Kuester, 18, a co-defendant in the Jan. 4 case, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of misdemeanor burglary.
Hulse is doing what she believes to be right. If you want to call her something, call her an example to landowners whose property is along the route of Navigator's proposed CO2 pipeline. She wants others like her to know they're not powerless.
"Never retreat. Never explain. Get it done and let them howl."
Donald Trump has internalized the maxim Benjamin Jowett gave to his students at Balliol who would soon be running the empire.
And in rejecting demands that he apologize for his remarks about the La Raza judge presiding over the class-action suit against Trump University, the Donald is instinctively correct
Assume, as we must, that Trump believes what he said.
Why, then, should he apologize for speaking the truth, as he sees it?
To do so would be to submit to extortion, to recant, to confess to a sin he does not believe he committed. It would be to capitulate to pressure, to tell a lie to stop the beating, to grovel before the Inquisition of Political Correctness.
Trump is cheered today because he defies the commands of political correctness, and, to the astonishment of enemies and admirers alike, he gets away with it.
To the establishment, Trump is thus a far greater menace than Bernie Sanders, who simply wants to push his soak-the-rich party a little further in the direction of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
But Trump, with his defiant refusal to apologize for remarks about "rapists" among illegal immigrants from Mexico, and banning Muslims, is doing something far more significant.
He is hurling his "Non serviam!" in the face of the establishment. He is declaring: "I reject your moral authority. You have no right to sit in judgment of me. I will defy any moral sanction you impose, and get away with it. And my people will stand by me."
Trump's rebellion is not only against the Republican elite but against the establishment's claim to define what is right and wrong, true and false, acceptable and unacceptable, in this republic.
Contrast Trump with Paul Ryan, who has buckled pathetically.
The speaker says Trump's remark about Judge Gonzalo Curiel being hostile to him, probably because the judge is Mexican-American, is the "textbook definition of a racist comment."
But Ryan's remark raises fewer questions about Trump's beliefs than it does about the depth of Ryan's mind.
We have seen a former president of Mexico curse Trump. We have heard Mexican-American journalists and politicians savage him. We have watched Hispanic rioters burn the American flag and flaunt the Mexican flag outside Trump rallies.
We are told Trump "provoked" these folks, to such a degree they are not entirely to blame for their actions.
Yet the simple suggestion that a Mexican-American judge might also be affected is "the textbook definition of a racist comment"?
The most depressing aspect of this episode is to witness the Republican Party in full panic, trashing Trump to mollify the media who detest them.
To see how far the party has come, consider:
After he had locked up his nomination, Barry Goldwater rose on the floor of the Senate in June of 1964 and voted "No" on the Civil Rights Act. The senator believed that the federal government was usurping the power of the states. He could not countenance this, no matter how noble the cause.
Say what you will about him, Barry Goldwater would never be found among this cut-and-run crowd that is deserting Trump to appease an angry elite.
These Republicans seem to believe that, if or when Trump goes down, this whole unfortunate affair will be over, and they can go back to business as usual.
Sorry, but there is no going back.
The nationalist resistance to the invasion across our Southern border and the will to preserve the unique character of America are surging, and they have their counterparts all across Europe. People sense that the fate and future of the West are in the balance.
While Trump defies political correctness here, in Europe one can scarcely keep track of the anti-EU and anti-immigrant nationalist and separatist parties sprouting up from the Atlantic to the Urals.
Call it identity politics, call it tribalism, call it ethnonationalism; it and Islamism are the two most powerful forces on earth.
A decade ago, if one spoke other than derisively of parties like the National Front in France, the blacklisters would come around. Now, the establishments in the West are on the defensive -- when they are not openly on the run.
The day of the Bilderberger is over.
Back to Jowett. When the British were serenely confident in the superiority of their tribe, faith, culture and civilization, they went out and conquered and ruled and remade the world, and for the better.
When they embraced the guilt-besotted liberalism that James Burnham called the "ideology of Western suicide," it all came down.
The empire collapsed, the establishment burbled its endless apologies for how wicked it had been, and the great colonial powers of Europe threw open their borders to the peoples they had colonized, who are now coming to occupy and remake the mother countries.
But suddenly, to the shock of an establishment reconciled to its fate, populist resistance, call it Trumpism, seems everywhere to be rising.
Couch cushion contents: Coins, crumbs and criminals
STORM LAKE, Iowa | A man wanted by police was arrested after police discovered him hiding under a sofa Friday.
Officers from the Storm Lake Police Department responded to an apartment at 517 Superior St., looking for a wanted person.
There, police said they talked with Elizabeth Buakhai, 22, of Storm Lake, who told them Dion Caldwell, 29, -- the person they were looking for -- was not there.
However, police searched the residence and found Caldwell hiding under a sofa.
He was suffering from slash wounds, police said, but he refused to tell them how he was injured.
Caldwell was transported to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, where he was treated, released and then arrested.
Buakhai was arrested and charged with interference with official acts. She was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail and is being held on $300 bond.
Caldwell was charged with probation violation, and is being held in jail without bond.
This Long John Silvers is super realistic
STORM LAKE, Iowa | A man was arrested after driving while intoxicated and ending up in a pond Sunday.
At 2:18 a.m., officers from the Storm Lake Police Department responded to the 100 block of Flindt Drive after a report of a pickup truck being driven erratically.
Witnesses directed police to a retention pond in Radio Park. The truck was in the center of the pond.
Witnesses told police the driver had left a parking lot and drove across the park lawn before stopping in the pond.
Police waded into the pond and removed Edwin Mejia Carmaco, 21, of Pocahontas, Iowa, from the truck.
No one was injured.
According to police, Carmaco was extremely intoxicated and was arrested.
Carmaco was charged with operating while intoxicated, no valid drivers license and failure to maintain control.
He was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail on $1,000 bond.
Damage to the pond was estimated at $500.
If youve been dawdling capitalizing on the ecommerce movement, youre not alone as a small business owner.
New data from SurePayrolls monthly Small Business Scorecard shows that only 26 percent of small businesses have an ecommerce site or even use their website in any way to conduct sales. Considering the push for small businesses to create an ecommerce and/or mobile site as a way to connect with customers, this paltry number is a bit surprising.
Again, 74 percent of small businesses surveyed by SurePayroll dont have an ecommerce-enabled website.
How could this be? With the ability reach more customers, expand their brand and, of course, generate more sales and make more money, small businesses, youd figure, would be champing at the bit to get their products or services online.
Well, 42 percent of the small businesses surveyed by SurePayroll say the Web really isnt that important to their business. Twenty-eight percent of the small businesses in the survey said they dont even have a company website.
So, even though most experts agree on the importance of a website, perhaps its the skills required to build an ecommerce site or a website, in general thats keeping small businesses away from the budding sales platform.
Despite the growing number of DIY website builders many aimed at small businesses only 17 percent of that target market have tried them.
More than half (actually, 52 percent) of the business owners surveyed by SurePayroll who did have websites said they hired an agency outside the company to do all their website creation. Another 20 percent said they hired a freelancer. So, cost could be a factor in setting up an ecommerce site with many companies.
Just 11 percent of small business owners say they created their own site using their own skills to do so.
Overall, these numbers are a bit surprising and should be a wake-up call for small business owners everywhere, especially the 42 percent of owners who say the Web isnt an important part of their business.
Ecommerce sales are skyrocketing and consumers are demanding an easier way to search and pay for products and services, be it just online or more specifically, on their smartphones. If youre not offering this to your customers, theres a chance theyll find a competitor that is.
Spending an afternoon or evening checking out those numerous DIY website services that are available to small businesses may be hours very well spent. And if your company hired a freelancer or outside firm to create your site initially and perhaps their invoice scared you out of calling back for updates it may be wise to pick up the phone or send an email to find out whats required to update your site to be mobile and ecommerce-friendly.
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and create 65 percent of new net jobs, according to the Small Business Administration (PDF).
How can small businesses, facing constant financial pressure and increasing government regulations, ensure continued growth? One way is to hire people with disabilities.
To help employers capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities can offer, the Federal Government offers three types of tax credits: Disabled Access Credit, Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction and Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
To discover other tax breaks for hiring new employees click here.
NOTE: This article has been specially reviewed and updated for the 2019/2020 tax season.
Tax Credits for Hiring Disabled Workers
Disabled Access Credit
The Disabled Access Credit a non-refundable annual tax credit for making a business accessible to persons with disabilities is available to small businesses that earned a maximum of $1 million in revenue or had 30 or fewer full-time employees in the previous year, according to the Internal Revenue Code, Section 44.
The credit equates to 50 percent of expenditures over $250, not to exceed $10,250, for a maximum benefit of $5,000. (There is no credit for the first $250 of expenditures.) Businesses can claim the Disabled Access Credit on IRS Form 8826 (PDF). The credit amount is subtracted from the total tax liability.
Employers can apply this credit toward a variety of costs that include:
Sign language interpreters for hearing impaired;
Readers for employees with visual impairments;
Purchase of adaptive equipment or modification of equipment;
Production of print materials in accessible formats, such as Braille, audio tape or large print;
Removal of barriers in buildings or vehicles that prevent a business from being accessible to, or usable by, individuals with disabilities.
Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction
The Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction encourages any size business to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the mobility of persons with disabilities. Businesses that comply qualify for a tax deduction of $15,000 per year.
Small businesses can use these incentives in combination with the Disabled Access Credit if the expenditures incurred qualify under both Section 44 and Section 190 of the IRS tax code.
For example, a small business that spends $20,000 for access modifications may take a tax credit of $5000 and a deduction of $15,000. The deduction is equal to the difference between the total costs and the amount of the credit claimed.
Eligible architectural adaptations include:
Providing accessible parking spaces, ramps and curb cuts;
Making telephones, water fountains and restrooms accessible to persons using wheelchairs;
Making walkways and paths of travel accessible (e.g., 32-inch doorways when open at a 90-degree angle; 36-48 inch wide hallways or sidewalks free of obstruction);
Providing accessible entrances to buildings (e.g., automatic doors, proper door weights, etc.).
Businesses cannot use the tax deduction for expenses related to new construction, complete renovation or normal replacement of depreciable equipment. Nor can they use it for the same cost covered by another tax credit.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is the third tax advantage available to all businesses. It allows employers who fill a vacant position with a WOTC-certified employee to qualify to claim a federal income tax credit for a portion of the new employees salary.
Individuals eligible for certification include job seekers with disabilities referred by a vocational rehabilitation service or who have received Social Security Income (SSI) benefits within 60 days before being hired.
The tax credit applies to the first $6,000 in wages paid to each new hire for the first year of employment, with a maximum tax credit of up to $2,400 per person.
Businesses must complete and submit IRS Form 8850 (PDF) and submit the Department of Labors Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Form 9061 (PDF).
WOTC Extension for Hiring Veterans with Disabilities
A version of the WOTC applies to employers who hire military veterans with service-connected disabilities through the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.
The extension provides up to $4,800 of first-year wage reimbursement for veterans with service-connected disabilities hired within one year of leaving the armed forces. A $9,600 refund of first-year wages is available for those who have been unemployed for at least six months.
Additional Resources
The following resources provide more information about Federal Government tax credits and deductions for hiring persons with disabilities:
See Also: Small Business Owners and Buyers Ready for Trump Tax Reforms
Tax Incentives for Providing Business Accessibility (ODEP)
Small Business Disability Inclusion Factsheet (ODEP)
Making Sense of Tax Credits for Hiring People with Disabilities (Think Beyond the Label)
Hire Gauge. Heres an online calculator that helps small businesses determine the approximate amount of tax credits and deductions for hiring persons with disabilities. (Think Beyond the Label)
There are many fitness goals out there that we desire. Some of us want to be leaner and others wish to put on muscle mass. The thing is, for you to achieve your fitness goals, you need to
Ronald Gene Wexler, 68, of Lusby, runs the Orphaned Wildlife Rescue Center, Inc. out of home. The state arrested him Tuesday, saying he was posing as a veterinarian and had controlled drugs for which he had no license or prescription. His website claims his organization has rescued over 20,000 animals since being founded in 1990. (Photo: Orphaned Wildlife Rescue Center website) Ronald Gene Wexler, 68, of Lusby, runs the Orphaned Wildlife Rescue Center, Inc. out of home. The state arrested him Tuesday, saying he was posing as a veterinarian and had controlled drugs for which he had no license or prescription. His website claims his organization has rescued over 20,000 animals since being founded in 1990. (Photo: Orphaned Wildlife Rescue Center website)
ANNAPOLIS
(June 9, 2016)A Calvert County man was arrested Tuesday night and charged with animal cruelty and practicing veterinary medicine without a license in connection with his animal rehabilitation center.Ronald Gene Wexler, 68, of Lusby, is scheduled to appear at an Aug. 8 court hearing on 16 criminal counts filed after a year-long investigation of his facility, Orphaned Wildlife Rescue Center, Inc. Acting on a tip, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers, state wildlife veterinarians and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service searched his center last August and found animals that should have been euthanized due to the extent of their injuries, animals on which Wexler had performed surgery and an osprey held in a cage much too small, which led to muscle atrophy.The search also found a host of drugs, including Oxycodone, Demerol, Pentobarbital and Fentanyl. Wexler did not have any licenses or prescriptions for the drugs, which are defined by the federal government as drugs with a high potential for abuse.Wexler goes by the nickname "Doc," and refers to himself as a veterinarian on his website. He does not have a veterinary license. He is also identified as the animal rescue's president.According to the website, the center has rescued over 20,000 animals since being founded in 1990. The center, located on Wexler's three-acre home in Calvert County, says it rescues all animalsfrom mice to deer to porpoises and operates under a strict 'no-kill' policy.This year, charging documents say, he performed surgery on ospreys and a black rat snake and acknowledged operating on other animals, as well. Wexler told officers it was not cost effective to send every animal he admitted to his center to an independent veterinarian.Each of the 12 drug charges carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a fine of $25,000. Each animal cruelty charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Practicing veterinary medicine without a license has a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine.
When he conducted the funerals, Tom Bonderenko tells me, he always wore his priestly garments and white stole. Even when no one showed up for the graveside service.
It was important to show dignity and respect, Tom says. He taps the coffee cup in his lap nervously. Im sorry, he says. He clears his throat but it doesnt keep his eyes from welling up. No one has asked me about this in a really long time.
We are sitting in his office at Moveable Feast, the Baltimore meal delivery agency for those with life-threatening illnesses, where Tom has served as director for the last eight years. His office is spacious and cheerful, but this conversation is a difficult one. He had discreetly closed his office door behind me when I arrived.
When Moveable Feast was founded in 1989 to deliver meals to home-bound AIDS patients, Tom was engaged in a different, more literal ministry to the disenfranchised. He was a priest staffing a homeless shelter for Catholic Charities of Baltimore. It was there he met someone with AIDS for the first time.
A young man came to the door of the emergency shelter, sometime in 1987, he says. He was covered in black marks. Lesions, you know. Everywhere. He said he needed to clean up before his first doctor appointment the next day.
Tom had grown up in New York City, and as a gay man he had known people who died very suddenly, as far back as the early 1980s. But he had never stood face to face with someone so ill with the dreaded disease.
I couldnt help but ask Tom how he felt, meeting that person.
Tom stares out his office window, and his eyes are so beautiful, romantically blue, framed with creases of worry. The eyes of a priest. He turns back to me with an answer. Here was a young man who was going to find out from a doctor the next day that he had AIDS, he manages. He starts tapping his coffee cup again, and he bows his head reverently. And he was about to be told that he was going to die.
Tom never saw the young man again.
People with AIDS became more common at the shelter before long. Tom got to know the regulars, and they began to ask him to perform their funeral services.
They just wanted to know they would be buried, he says quietly. They didnt want or need anything religious. Most of them were estranged from their families, drug abuse, that sort of thing. I think they were embarrassed to reach out to relatives. Sometimes, when they died we would find a member of the family to come, but usually it was just me and the departed at the gravesite.
The burials were performed at unmarked graves in a lonely section of Baltimore Cemetery. The caskets were as charity required, simple wooden boxes, and they always contained a body. The funeral home would not cremate someone who died from AIDS because they were afraid of poisoning the air.
I would always conduct the service out loud, says Tom, now sharing the sacred details. I would speak about the departed, and say what I knew of them, about where they were from. And then I would ask if anyone present had been harmed by the departed
I imagined Tom, in his vestments and alone in a forgotten graveyard, asking intimate questions out loud to the grass and the trees and the disinterested silence. I would say that if the departed had harmed anyone, he goes on, for that person to please forgive them. Toms voice falters. And then I would ask the departed to forgive, too. I would tell them, youre on the other side now. Let it go.
Toms office becomes very still. I feel as if Im holding my breath.
I think they just didnt want to be alone, Tom says, and now he looks at me without regard for his tears. We dont do this alone.
Because of you, I think to myself. They werent alone because of you, Tom.
Im so sorry, he says, again, wiping his face. I havent talked about this in so long. He considers the faraway scene he has conjured, his graveside questions to no one, and then adds, It was the most important, meaningful thing I have ever done.
I wonder aloud if the experience bolstered his religious faith or challenged it instead. He looks surprised by the question. Well, he answers after a moment, I believe it strengthened my faith. Yes. I want very much to believe him.
Tom left Catholic Charities, and the priesthood, not long after he conducted the last of his burials for the homeless. A decade later he joined Moveable Feast and embraced its mission to provide sustenance for people in need, people like those to whom he once ministered.
Toms fellow staff members know little about his life a generation ago. Most of them arent aware of the aching memories beneath the calm surface of their sensitive and capable boss. They may not fully understand why Tom leaves the office once a month to distribute food personally to homebound clients.
But they will tell you that when Tom Bonderenko returns from those deliveries, he always has tears in his eyes.
(I was struck when Tom said to me, No one has asked me about this in a really long time, because there are so many more stories out there for the asking. We only have to reach out. I hope you take any opportunity to have a conversation with someone who was there. This history must be chronicled and preserved.)
Mark S. King writes the award-winning blog, MyFabulousDisease.com.
Both meetings between HIV/AIDS activists and Secretary Hillary Clinton (May 12 in Brooklyn) and Senator Bernie Sanders (May 25 in San Bernardino) seemed to end the same way with promises by both to increase the focus and funding for HIV/AIDS.
The aftermath of each meeting, however, couldnt have been further apart.
While Clintons meeting didnt make much news beyond the reporting on its occurrence, Sanders meeting has made headlines because of accusations by activists that his campaign mischaracterized what happened.
Your campaigns release title and the bulk of its content mislead readers and the press to believe that our May 25 meeting was primarily focused on your endorsement of a California ballot initiative on HIV drug pricing. By extension, it also implies that our national HIV/AIDS coalition also fully endorses this initiative. Both these characterizations are inaccurate, wrote the activists in an open letter on May 27.
According to the California Attorney General, the California "Drug Price Relief Act" would, if approved by voters in November, enable the state to pay the same prices for prescription drugs as the prices paid by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Feeling used and abused by the Sanders campaign right now. They just issued a press release making it sound like our meeting was about his endorsement of AHF's drug pricing ballot initiative in CA, wrote long time HIV activist Peter Staley on Facebook.
In response to Staley, Warren Gunnels, senior policy advisor for the Sanders campaign, used Twitter to accuse Staley of making a fortune from big drug companies. Staley later told media outlets that he doesnt receive any funding from pharmaceutical companies. Gunnels later deleted the offending tweet.
The headline of Sanders press release reads Sanders Backs California Ballot Initiative to Rein in Drug Prices at Meeting with HIV/AIDS Advocates. The beginning of the release reads, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday met with national HIV/AIDS advocates to discuss the epidemic and his support for a California ballot initiative to lower prices for taxpayer-supported AIDS treatments.
The release goes on to highlight Sanders Medicare-for-all universal health care plan, which would benefit the 1.2 million Americans living with HIV/AIDS, and a pledge to set the goal of ending the epidemic in the U.S. by 2025. It also includes plans to incentivize drug makers to develop new treatments, the expansion of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, and stronger civil rights protections for those with HIV/AIDS.
During the meeting, according to notes provided by the activists, activist and Wilton Manors resident Michael Rajner said hed like Sanders to speak more about the disease outside the context of corporations. Wed like to see more under the health component. In the past, there has been insufficient attention paid to HIV in the platform.
When Sanders asked, Why was their platform insufficient last time? Rajner responded, They try to put as little as possible, because it wont be read again. We need to see actual language in the platform and not just hear that it was talked about. Its been since 2000 since we had someone speak at the DNC. We need to have that returned.
Thomas Davis, health education specialist at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, echoed Rajner. Its important that we dont silo AIDS as an LGBT issue. There are many people outside of that particular group that wont get the importance of the AIDS epidemic unless you target the message. I do speaking tours to young folks. A lot of times, Im the first person living with HIV that these people have met. When they understand that its an issue that can affect anyone, they are more likely to pay attention and get educated, and when they are prepared, theyre less afraid when they encounter the issue later in life.
Daniele Houston of the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) hosted an interactive meeting with members of Browards HIV infected and affected communities in April. NMAC selected Broward and nine other metro areas. All 10 had high rates of HIV infection and were in states that refused to expand Medicaid. This meeting functioned as a feedback loop between NMAC and Broward. It introduced Broward to NMAC. It also provided NMAC with information about Browards HIV epidemic.
First, Houston discussed the HIV epidemic. She focused on gay Black men. Among racial groups of gay men, gay Black men have the lowest risk. Yet, they have highest HIV infection rates. She also spoke about the invisibility of transgender women in HIV reporting.
In the meetings second half, Houston listened as people provided their views on Browards HIV epidemic. On May 11, Houston returned to Broward with feedback from the April meeting integrated into NMACs general understanding.
How HIV Works: The difference between undetectable and suppressed
This workshop also provided an understandable explanation of how HIV works, rejecting overly technical explanations. In Houstons words, No one has to understand how the heart works, to take the meds to lower blood pressure.
Houston described the immune systems four functions. If it does not belong, keep it out. If it gets in, eliminate it. If it is broken, repair it. If you have to live with it, control it. The immune system functions like an army. CD4 cells regulate it, like a general, but HIV targets those CD4 cells. Antibodies kill or neutralize the invader, like weapons.
A count of CD4 cells measures the immune systems strength. A count of the viral load measures HIVs strength. As one becomes stronger, the other becomes weaker. Even with treatment and a high CD4 cell count, HIV infection produces chronic inflammation. According to Houston, that inflammation contributes to the cancers and heart problems associated with HIV.
Houston clarified how an undetectable viral load differs from a suppressed viral load. The limits of the lab test define undetectability. When moving between states, the capabilities of the labs may change. Someone could have undetectable results in one state and detectable in another. While their viral load remained unchanged, the capacity of the labs differed. According to Houston, Floridas lab-tests can detect up to 20 viral copies. According to AIDSinfo.hiv.gov, researchers have defined viral suppression as a viral load of less than 200 viral copies per milliliter.
In the developed world, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a chronic manageable infection. People with HIV need HAART. As Houston succinctly put it, With untreated HIV, youre never going to be healthier than you were yesterday. HAART consists of three or more antiretroviral drugs.
HAART requires strict adherence to a daily treatment routine. Irregular HAART use not only threatens the patients health, but also may lead to an antiretroviral-resistant strain of HIV. Drug resistance to an antiretroviral removes that antiretroviral from the potential treatments for HIV infection. Scientists are developing long acting injectable ARVs. It could replace the daily routine of pill taking with monthly visits to a doctor. It could minimize problems with inconsistent or irregular use of HAART.
Houston emphasized PrEPs importance for all gay and bi men, particularly for gay and bi men of color. She did note two exceptions: people prone to inconsistent PrEP use and people unwilling to undergo PrEPs regular monitoring. Like HAART, PrEP requires strict adherence to a daily routine of medications. Houston reported that inconsistent PrEP use leads to an unknown level of protection. Over time, inconsistent PrEP use leads to even less consistent PrEP use and no protection. Houston emphasized, PrEP doesnt work if its not taken.
As with HAART, researchers are developing a long acting PrEP injectable. This would minimize problems adhering to the daily treatment routine. Houston emphasized that PrEP could only improve, Now, its the worst, and most complex, that it will ever be. It will only get simpler from here.
Houston described an occasional problem with doctors prescribing PrEP. Some doctors are more willing to prescribe PrEP for couples desiring pregnancy than to prescribe PrEP for gay men desiring sexual pleasure. This reveals a clear procreative bias.
Good communication results in health literacy, the ability to exchange useful medical information. Doctors frequently fail to provide meaningful information to their patients. An educational gulf separates provider from patient, but the professional has the responsibility to bridge that gulf. Houston emphasized that Doctors treat diseases; good doctors treat people. That commitment to patient centered care lay at the heart of this workshop.
Dynamics of HIV Care Among POC: Social Factors
One slide read, When youre born in a world you dont fit into; its because you were born to create a new one. This slide formed part of the May workshop, The Dynamics of HIV among People of Color and Transgender Women. Danielle Houston of the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) and Mike Gipson of Equality Michigan led it.
Houston combined a Broward County specific assessment, with an explanation for high HIV rates among three groups: 1) gay and bi Black men, 2) gay and bi Latino men, and 3) transgender women.
While gay and bi men have the highest proportions of HIV infection, racial differences exist. Strangely, Black gay and bi men have unprotected anal intercourse less often than other racial groups, but have the highest proportions of the infected. HIV reporting further confuses the issue when it mixes the data for transgender women with those for gay and bi men. This inflates the rates among gay and bi men, and makes transgender women invisible.
According to Houston, social determinants of health drive these high rates. Determinants include poverty and the availability and affordability of both housing and transportation. Broward specific social determinants include its inadequate public transit, and the clash of its low wages with its high cost of living.
Without valid national data for transgender women, researchers have to estimate social determinants for transgender women. Credible estimates include high stigma, low household income, and greater risks for both homelessness and homicide.
Many social determinants produce feelings of powerlessness. Houston counter-emphasized the strengths of minority communities. When stigma, slights, slurs, rejections, and harassment accumulate, minority stress occurs. People feel inundated with negative messages. People in all minority communities (racial, ethnic, linguistic, and sexual) have survived minority stress. For people with multiple minority identities, minority stress drastically increases. The survival strategies of the past describe how to survive challenges of the future.
Houston reported that local transgender women identified the following local strengths: a large community and excellent doctors. Gay and bi men of color found strength in the solidarity between Black and Latino gay and bi men. People also found strength in families and friends. When people saw themselves reflected among the workers in HIV agencies, they felt strengthened.
Houston reported the following unmet needs in Broward: housing, food, job-hunting skills, and language difficulties. Houston reported that Broward residents had identified the multiple medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and certification appointments, as a barrier to staying in treatment. These appointments require people to take time off from work. Low-wage workers without paid vacation and sick days, loose pay to make these appointments.
Houston also discussed cultural barriers. Some doctors and their staff fail to understand their patients culture and the context of their patients lives. Their intake forms fail to ask about sexual orientation or gender identity. Some doctors even confuse the two. Transgender women reported that some doctors failed to use their chosen names and pronouns.
Gipson reported that many gay and bi Black men felt racial exclusion in Grindr profiles as well as exotification. Gay and bi Asian-American men developed the term exotification to describe a racist erotic fetishization of their bodies. For gay and bi Black men, exotification involves the fantasy of the Well-Hung Black Stud. Both racial exclusion and exotification add to minority stress.
All minorities experience minority stress, but some are more vulnerable than others are. Were only as strong as our most vulnerable, Mike Gipson said about the North Carolina bathroom bill. That statement could have served as the theme for the entire workshop.
For more information on NMAC, please visit NMAC.org.
For more information on Equality Michigan, please visit EqualityMI.org.
Strong, Resilient Communities
Black gay men have a 1 in 2 lifetime chance of HIV infection. Latino gay men have a 1 in 4 chance. White gay men have a 1 in 11 chance. Research has yet to find evidence of greater risk behaviors among Black gay men, than among other gay men.
In April Danielle Houston of the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) hosted a forum, Strong Communities. She presented a sophisticated view about this issue. While Houston focused mainly on Black gay men, she was inclusive of others. Houston introduced several concepts: Resilience, intersectionality, and social determinants. Some people may find these concepts unfamiliar.
The American Psychological Association describes resilience as the ability to adapt well to challenges. These challenges can include problems with relationships, health, and money. Resilience refers to the ability to face difficult challenges and succeed. Emphasizing resilience rejects assumptions that a racial minority community only exists as a collection of problems. It also rejects assumptions that male-on-male sex only exists as a way to transmit disease. These rejected assumptions reflect and reinforce stigma. A resilient approach looks for and builds on already existing strengths.
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines intersectionality as the complex, overlapping effects of discriminations distinct forms. Houston clarified the power dynamics of intersectionality. She said, Systems of economic inequality, racism, bigotry, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism do not act independently of one another.
Intersectionality reflects peoples lived experience, but HIV reporting and HIV programs reflect epidemiological risk groups. Non-op transgender women have the same anatomy as men. HIV reporting combines data from transgender women with that from gay men into one epidemiological risk group. In that risk group, men who have sex with men, transgender women become invisible. When transgender women become invisible, we lose knowledge of their HIV burden.
The Centers for Disease Control defines social determinants as Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.
Houston listed the following as social determinants of the HIV epidemic: (a) socio-economic status, (b) poverty, (c) transportation, (d) availability and affordability of housing, (e) access to healthcare services, and (f) discrimination and harassment. Each of the above factors produces stressors.
As these stressors combine, they can lead to risk behaviors, heart disease, and other health problems. Many other factors can lead to these health problems, which occur in all types of people. This combination of stressors, however, can amplify these health problems among people who lack power.
In a hierarchy of power, those at the top have buffers to protect themselves. For example, people with power have access to retail, restaurant, movie, and vacation therapy. They can also access traditional therapy. People at the top of a power imbalance gather most social goods.
Those at the bottom lack those buffers and have less room for error. They end up in prison for minor offenses like smoking pot. People at the bottom of a power imbalance receive most social bads.
NMAC has a three-part strategy to deal with these power imbalances. First, NMAC selects a limited number of cities. Second, NMAC assesses the state of the HIV epidemic in those cities over a period of years. Third, NMAC conducts workshops in those cities, based on those assessments.
For more information on social determinants of health, please visit, CDC.gov/SocialDeterminants
For more information on resilience, please visit APA.org/HelpCenter/road-resilience.aspx
For more information on intersectionality, please visit Washingtonpost.com/news/in-theory/wp/2015/09/24/why-intersectionality-cant-wait
Hillary Clinton became the first woman in U.S. history to secure the presidential nomination of a major party; Bernie Sanders attack on Barney Frank unsuccessful; Donald Trump promises an attack speech next week.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton unofficially secured the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday, even before votes were tallied in the six states that held primaries June 7. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders vowed to continue his now long-shot campaign, and Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump suggested he would make a major speech next week to launch an assault on Clintons character.
Tuesdays reporting was largely centered around Clinton, as most media reports marked Clintons speech to supporters as an historic moment when, for the first time in U.S. history, a woman has won a major partys nomination for the presidency. Speaking from her campaign headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, Clinton linked her nomination to the historic movement to gain the right to vote for women and promised to help write the next chapter in American history.
In another historic first, California voters on Tuesday advanced two Democrats, both women, to contend in November for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by long-time LGBT supporter Barbara Boxer. It is the first time the states general election ballot will include two candidates of the same party for a Senate seat.
State Attorney General Kamala Harris and U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez were the top two vote getters and, under California primary rules, they advance even though they are in the same party. Both are strong supporters of LGBT civil rights. Sanchez scored 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaigns Congressional Scorecard for the 113th Congress, and 85 and 88 for the previous two sessions. The lesbian political action committee LPAC endorsed Harris, as did Equality California. The Human Rights Campaign did not endorse a candidate in the race.
Harris and Sanchez were the best known of seven Democrats, 12 Republicans, and 15 third party candidates in the Senate primary.
Clinton reaches delegate goal
Associated Press reported Monday that Clinton had just secured enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination. Counting delegates she won in primaries and super delegates who have committed to voting for her at the convention, Clinton could count on more than the magic number: 2,383.
Super delegates are party officials and leaders who are given votes to cast at the convention and whose votes dont have to be tied to how primary voters in their states vote. LGBT super delegates pledged to Clinton include Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Reps. David Cicilline, Jared Polis, Sean Patrick Maloney, and Mark Takano; Oregon Governor Kate Brown and former California Assembly Speaker John Perez. Other super delegates pledged to Clinton include activist and Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts, and teachers union leader Randi Weingarten.
In the six states that voted Tuesday, Clinton won four: California, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota. According to a New York Times tally, that gave her a total of 2,184 delegates earned in the primaries. Adding in 571 super delegates, she now has 2,755 delegate votes.
Sanders won the Montana primary and the North Dakota caucus on Tuesday, and now has a total of 1,8521,804 earned in primaries plus 48 super delegates. While Sanders blamed Clintons lopsided super delegate support on her establishment status, it may also be due, at least in part, to the fact that he was not a member of the Democratic Party during his terms in Congress.
In a speech to supporters in Santa Monica, California, at 10:45 p.m. California time, Sanders said his campaign would continue the fight in the next, and final, Democratic primary, June 14, in Washington, D.C., and would continue to fight for every vote and every delegate.
Sanders sent mixed messages Tuesday about how vigorously he would continue his fight for the nomination. He surprised many when he said during his middle-of-the-night speech Tuesday that he had called Clinton and congratulated her on her victory tonight, an act most candidates resort to only after they have decided to leave a race. But Sanders also said during that same speech that he would take his fight for justice not his fight for the nomination to the convention in Philadelphia next month. He has also asked, and received approval Tuesday, for a meeting with President Obama on Thursday. And earlier in the evening, the New York Times reported that Sanders campaign sources said his campaign would be laying off at least half of his staff.
Sanders camp disses Barney Frank
The Sanders campaign has been focusing its attention on late May polls that showed he could beat Trump by a more sizeable margin than Clinton could. A Quinnipiac University poll showed Sanders would beat Trump by nine points; Clinton by only four (with a margin of error of 2.5).
Armed with this information, the Sanders camp went to war in the past week with the entire Democratic establishment, including Barney Frank, the openly gay former Congressman and a co-chair of the Rules Committee for the Democratic National Convention.
Frank has been a supporter of Clinton since the start of the primary season. In a May 27 letter to the Democratic National Committee, the Sanders campaign called Frank and the other co-chair of the Rules Committee aggressive attack surrogates for Clinton and said they harbor political and personal hostility against Sanders. The letter also said Franks animosity toward Sanders dates back decades and it called for his removal as Rules Committee co-chair. Convention officials said there was no evidence Frank or the other co-chair had violated any rules of the convention.
Last Thursday, on MSNBCs Hard Ball, Frank said his role in the convention is a very small one, primarily focused on parliamentary procedure.
With only 45 delegate votes left to be divided up in D.C.s primary June 14 Sanders strategy can now rely only on convincing super delegates pledged to Clinton to switch their support to him. Some openly LGBT super delegates have yet to declare who they will vote for. They include U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, DNC official Andy Tobias, former state Rep. Glen Maxey of Texas, and state party chairman Ray Buckley of New Hampshire.
Although hes not saying it, common sense also suggests Sanders is probably hoping that sometime between now and the convention, Clinton will be saddled with a scandal too difficult to overcome. And some media reports are beginning to analyze the likelihood of Sanders making a third party bid.
A third option emerges
But a third party bid by Sanders seems very unlikely now that the Libertarian Party has put forth an unusually strong third party ticket: two former Republican governors.
Some gay Republicans and perhaps Bernie Sanders supporters may be pondering whether to support Gary Johnson of New Mexico and William Weld of Massachusetts, who were voted onto the Libertarian Party ticket over the Memorial Day weekend.
Some political observers believe the ticket could potentially siphon support away from Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump, and some believe it may appeal to Bernie Sanders supporters who are bitter over his loss to Clinton.
Johnson and Weld, both fairly strong pro-gay supporters, could attract LGBT Republicans and even some Democrats.
Gregory Angelo, president of the national Log Cabin Republicans group, said he knows of a number of gay Republicans who plan to vote for the Johnson-Weld ticket. And thats no surprise, he said.
Every election cycle there is always potential for a Libertarian presidential candidate to attract gay Republican voters, said Angelo.
The Libertarian Party has a fairly strong pro-gay history. Its first presidential nominee, in 1972, was a gay man, and the party took pro-gay positions before the Democratic Party did.
When Johnson ran for the Republican nomination in 2012, he supported the right of same-sex couples to marry, called the National Organization for Marriages Marriage Vow statement offensive, and said that discriminating against people for the way they were born was un-American. After Republicans settled on Mitt Romney as their nominee, Johnson switched to Libertarian, became the nominee, and won 1.5 million votes in the 2012 general election.
Rich Tafel, former head of the national Log Cabin Republicans group, said he thinks the Johnson-Weld ticket may appeal to some gay Republicans and that it isnt much of a stretch.
I do think they offer an alternative that some gay Republicans are interested in. Many gay Republicans are more libertarian in their outlook, so this isnt much of stretch.
But in the hyper-partisan culture that exists today, said Tafel, many gay Republicans will line up with the Republican party at the end of the day.
And some media were reporting Tuesday night that many Sanders supporters were angry that Associated Press had made calls to super delegates to ask who they would vote for in order to be able to report Monday that Clinton had enough delegates to win the nomination. That anger could make it hard for some Sanders supporters many of who are young and new to presidential politics to stand with the Democratic Party come November.
A national poll of 808 registered voters taken by Investors Business Daily May 31-June 5 found only 11 percent support for Johnson. Most were for Clinton (39 percent) or Trump (35 percent).
In nationwide polls taken just prior to Tuesdays primaries, Clinton held a sizeable lead (14 points) over Sanders among registered Democratic voters. And Reuters poll in early June showed Clinton surging 11 points ahead of Trump.
And a Gallup poll in mid-May showed voters think Clinton would be far better than Trump in treatment of minority groups in this country (67 percent to 29 percent), and social issues such as gay marriage and abortion (64 to 31).
GOP reeling behind Trump
After real estate mogul Donald Trump won enough delegates to become the Republican Partys presumptive presidential nominee, many Republican leaders began slowly climbing aboard his brash bandwagon to November. House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell each endorsed Trump, while simultaneously speaking out against many of the things Trump has said and done. Hes said that Japan might be better off if it had nuclear weapons to defend itself against North Korea. Hes said that he wants to bar Muslims from entering the U.S. And he wants to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico to keep immigrants out.
But the wheels on the Trump bandwagon appeared to come loose this week as Trump doubled down on his insistence that a federal judge should recuse himself from a civil trial involving Trump because the judge is of Mexican descent. The litigation against Trump claims Trump University was guilty of fraud. Trump said the fact that he plans on build a wall between the U.S.-Mexican border makes it an inherent conflict of interest for the judge to preside over his trial.
By Tuesday evening, the fallout over Trumps remarks about the judge prompted the candidate to re-couch his position. In a statement released to the press, Trump claimed his earlier comments had been misconstrued as an attack on people of Mexican descent. But what he was really trying to do, said Trump, is point out that unfair and mistaken rulings by the judge gave Trump reason to question the judges impartiality, given Trumps well-publicized plans to block immigrants from Mexican.
Speaker Ryan said Tuesday that Trumps comments about the judge the textbook definition of a racist comment and were absolutely unacceptable. And U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) issued a statement saying Trumps statements about the judge were dead wrong and that Trump doesnt have the temperament to be president.
A new report from the United Nations is declaring a dramatic reduction in HIV/AIDS cases among children in Africa.
In a joint announcement with the United States Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.N. reports a 60 percent drop in new infections among African children. The two global organizations are claiming to have prevented 1.2 million new HIV infections in 21 priority countries since 2009.
"These astounding results show that the world is on the Fast-Track to eliminating new HIV infections among children and ensuring that their mothers are alive and healthly," said U.N. AIDS Executive Director Michael Sidibe, in a news release. It is beautiful to know that we could soon have a generation free from HIV.
The report was released on Wednesday at a general assembly meeting in New York. Titled "On the Fast-Track to an AIDS-free generation," the report shows great progress in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Seven countries, the report discloses, have reduced new HIV infections among children by more than 70 percent. Uganda leads the way with a reported 86 percent reduction.
Since the U.N.s global plan for HIV/AIDS was launched in 2009, 21 countries have been designated priority. Six of those countries (Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Uganda) achieved a goal of 90 percent or higher of pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS having access to antiretroviral medicines.
"This shows what is possible through the combined power of science, communities and focused action," said Deborah Birx, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, in a news release.
The entrance to the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) is seen during sensor installation after successful expansion. NASA Astronaut Jeff Williams and the NASA and Bigelow Aerospace teams working at Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center spent more than seven hours on operations to fill the BEAM with air to cause it to expand. BEAM is an example of NASAs increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space. The project is co-sponsored by NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Division and Bigelow Aerospace. Credit: NASA. NASA
BEAMs hatches have been closed completing crew operations for the month. Meanwhile, a pair of spaceships is also being packed for departure this month.
After three days of operations inside BEAM, the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module has been outfitted with sensors and other hardware. The next crew entry into the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module is targeted for August for more checks. BEAM will be attached to the International Space Station for two years of performance and durability tests.
Orbital ATKs Cygnus space freighter is due to be released from the Tranquility module June 14 having arrived March 26. The Canadarm2 will grapple and release Cygnus into space where it will remain in orbit for tests until June 22. Three Expedition 47 crew members are counting down to their departure June 18. They are packing the Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft that will return them to Earth after 186 days in space.
Todays science activities included collecting air and breath samples for a bone marrow study. The crew also explored how astronauts adapt to detailed tasks requiring high concentration and also measured how lack of sleep in space affects cognitive performance.
On-Orbit Status Report
Cognition Test Battery Operations: The crew completed pre-test questions and a battery of cognitive tests with performance feedback. Individualized Real-Time Neurocognitive Assessment Toolkit for Space Flight Fatigue (Cognition) is a battery of tests that measure how spaceflight-related physical changes, such as microgravity and lack of sleep, can affect cognitive performance. Cognition includes ten brief computerized tests that cover a wide range of cognitive functions, and provides immediate feedback on current and past test results. The software allows for real-time measurement of cognitive performance while in space.
Human Research Program (HRP) Blood and Urine Collection: The crew collected blood and urine samples and stowed them into Minus Eighty-degree Freezer for ISS (MELF). These sample collections will be used to support the following HRP investigations:
Biochem Profile tests blood and urine samples obtained from astronauts before, during and after spaceflight. Specific proteins and chemicals in the samples are used as biomarkers, or indicators of health. Post-flight analysis yields a database of samples and test results which scientists can use to study the effects of spaceflight on the body.
Repository is a storage bank to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time and under well-controlled conditions. Biosamples are archived for use as a resource for future space flight related research.
Cardio Ox determines whether biological markers of oxidative and inflammatory stress are elevated during and after space flight and whether this results in an increased, long-term risk of atherosclerosis in astronauts.
Packed Bed Reactor Experiment (PBRE) Lab Video Setup: The crew set up a video Camcorder for over-the-shoulder view of the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) high definition (HD) Monitor for the ground to view the water separator. The PBRE will be used to study the behavior of gases and liquids when they flow simultaneously through a column filled with fixed porous media. The porous media or packing can be made of different shapes and materials and are used widely in chemical engineering to enhance the contact between two immiscible fluid phases (e.g., liquid-gas, water-oil). Packed columns can serve as reactors, scrubbers, strippers, etc. in systems where efficient interphase contact is desired, both on Earth and in space.
Marrow Setup: In preparation for the Marrow Breath and Ambient Air Sample operations planned for tomorrow, today the crew prepared and temp stowed the Marrow air sample collection hardware in the crew quarters. The hardware will be used to take breath as well as ambient air samples immediately after crew wake tomorrow. The Marrow investigation studies the effect of microgravity on human bone marrow. It is believed that microgravity, like long-duration bed rest on Earth, has a negative effect on the bone marrow and the blood cells that are produced in the marrow. The extent of this effect, and its recovery, are of interest to space research and healthcare providers on Earth.
Dose Tracker: The crew completed entries for medication tracking. This investigation documents the medication usage of crew members before and during their missions by capturing data regarding medication use during spaceflight, including side effect qualities, frequencies and severities. The data is expected to either support or counter anecdotal evidence of medication ineffectiveness during flight and unusual side effects experienced during flight. It is also expected that specific, near-real-time questioning about symptom relief and side effects will provide the data required to establish whether spaceflight-associated alterations in pharmacokinetics (PK) or pharmacodynamics (PD) is occurring during missions.
Fine Motor Skills: A series of interactive tasks on a touchscreen tablet were completed for the Fine Motor Skills investigation. This investigation is the first fine motor skills study to measure long-term microgravity exposure, different phases of microgravity adaptation, and sensorimotor recovery after returning to Earth gravity.
Bigelow Expandable Aerospace Module (BEAM) Sensor Installation: Sensor installation Parts A and B were completed yesterday. Today the crew assembled and tested the Distributed Impact Detection System (DIDS) Kits C and D, then assembled and affixed Wireless Temperature system (WTS) Kits C and D. They also deployed six Radiation Area Monitors (RAMs) throughout BEAM and photo documented each deployment location.
ISS Reboost: At 9:00 AM CDT today, the ISS performed a reboost using 63P R&D thrusters which set up for 45S landing and 47S 34-orbit rendezvous. Delta-V was 0.45 meters/second with a burn duration of 3 minutes, 59 seconds.
Node 1/ Airlock VAP modification: The Node 1/ Airlock Vacuum Access Panel which was installed last week failed an 8 hour leak check overnight. The crew checked connections and the leak check is being repeated tonight.
Crew Departure Preparations: The 45S crew packed personal items to be returned, and trashed unwanted items in preparation for return to Earth on June 18. They also had a conference with Russian specialists.
Todays Planned Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
KORREKTSIYA. Logging in fluids and food (medications) intake / r/g 2448
FINEMOTR. Assistance during the Experiment
Filling in (Separation) of EDV (KOV) for Elektron or EDV-SV
DOSETRK. Data Entry
HRF. Urine Samples Collection
ARED Footplate Partial Fold
BEAM. Hatch Removal and Ingress
Filling in Section 2 of DC1 Progress 431 Supply System with Nitrogen
Preparation of Hardware for Return and Disposal by Soyuz 719 / r/g 2374, 2446
Air Samples Collection with [??-1?] Samler during BEAM Ingress r/g 2442, 2467
HRF. Samples Insertion into MELFI
??? Maintenance
VCA1 Camcorder Setup
Gathering Tools to Install VDPU Harness
BEAM. Sensors and Internal Cables Assembly. Part ?
Rotation of ETC Rack Down
On MCC Go Collection of Atmospheric Moisture Condensate [???] from [???-?2?] r/g 2477
Support of the Rotation of ETC Rack Down
Installation of VDPU Harness
Acoustic Dosimeters Installation, Day 2
Closing of the Shutters of Windows #6, 8, 9, 12, 13,14 r/g 6965
BIOCARD. Experiment Operations r/g 1907
Closing of the Shutters of the USOS Window
Leak Check of Soyuz 719 Sokol Spacesuits
BEAM. Sensors and Internal Cables Assembly. Part D
Preparation for the Replacement of Unit 800? of SM Battery
On MCC Go Urine Transfer from ???-? into Rodnik ??1 Tank of Progress 432 (SM Aft) / r/g 2476
Sokol Dryout. Dryout of Suit 1 and 2 / Soyuz 719
HRM Photography in Columbus
Support of ETC Rack during the Rotation
LBNP Training (PRELIMINARY) Assistance / r/g 2469
LBNP Training (PRELIMINARY) r/g 2469
Rotation of ETC Rack Up
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain
PBRE. Camcorder Setup
HRF. Urine Samples Collection
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2
Radiation Monitors Deployment
HRF. Insertion of Samples into MELFI
Kentavr Suits Adjustment for Soyuz 719 Crew
Microbial Air Sampler (MAS) Kit Sample Collection
Node 1 VAP Leak Check, Part 2
Hardware Setup for a PAO Event
DOSETRK. Data Entry
KORREKTSIYA. Logging in fluids and food (medications) intake / r/g 2448
Sokol Spacesuits 1 and 2 Dryout (end) / Soyuz 719
Sokol Spacesuit 3 Dryout (start). Dryout of the First Pair of Gloves (start)
Crew Preparation for a PAO Event
Surface Sample Kit (SSK) Collection/Incubation
PAO Event
Conference of the Returning Crew with the Search and Rescue Team
Onboard Memory Device ??? of ????. Monitoring of the Test Software Installation on-??? r/g 2475
Collection of Water Samples from the Water Distribution and Heating Unit ???-? into Drink Bags / r/g 2477
DOSETRK. Data Entry
Teardown of Earlier Installed Formaldehyde Monitoring Kit (FMK)
MARROW. Breath and Air Sample Setup
Water Samples Collection from [???-??] into RS Drink Bags / r/g 2477
Dryout of the First Pair of Gloves (end). Dryout of the Second Pair of Gloves (start) / Soyuz 719
Closeout Operations and BEAM Egress. Closing of Node 3 Aft Hatch
KORREKTSIYA. Preparation for the Experiment / r/g 2470
HRF. Preparation for Blood Samples Collection
Life on the ISS Photo and Video / r/g 2000
HRF. Urine Samples collection
Dryout of the Second Pair of Gloves (end) / Soyuz 719
ARED Footplate Unfold Back to Nominal Position
HRF. Samples Insertion into MELFI
Soyuz 720 GoPro HERO3 Batteries Charging (start)
Sokol Spacesuit 3 Dryout (end). Dryout of the Third Pair of Gloves (start)
Crew Departure Preparations for Return to Earth
Dryout of the Third Pair of Gloves (end) / Soyuz 719
Sokol Spacesuits and Gloves Stowage after the Dryout / Soyuz 719
IMS Delta File Prep
Sokol Spacesuits and Gloves Stowage after the Dryout / Soyuz 719
Countermeasures System (CMS) Sprint Exercise Optional
URAGAN. Observation and Photography with VSS / r/g 2464
HRF. Urine Samples Collection
HRF. Samples Insertion into MELFI
Soyuz 720 GoPro HERO3 Batteries Charging (end)
COGN. Experiment Ops and Questionnaire
Completed Task List Items
None
Ground Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.
BEAM operations
Nominal ground commanding
Three-Day Look Ahead:
Thursday, 06/09: JEM stowage frame install/consolidation, ACDU remote controller install, MSL sample exchange
Friday, 06/10: Cygnus RoBOT OBT, ER5 locker removal/IPEHG install, CQ deck cleaning, SkinB
Saturday, 06/11: Crew off duty, housekeeping
QUICK ISS Status Environmental Control Group:
Component Status
Elektron On
Vozdukh Manual
[???] 1 SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1) On
[???] 2 SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2) Off
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Standby
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate
Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Process
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Off
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Full Up
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MOSCOW (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, reports emerged that al-Shabaab militants had attacked the Ethiopian-run AMISOM military base in Somali town of Halgan, killing at least 43 servicemen.
We can confirm there was an attempted Al Shabaab attack on the AMISOM/SNA base in #Halgan Somalia. The enemy was successfully repulsed. AMISOM (@amisomsomalia) 9 June 2016
Somalia has been mired in an armed conflict with Islamist militants for two decades. The country's government relies heavily on the African Unions peacekeepers for protection.
Washington should then work with Russia and other countries to encourage Damascus to foster decentralization of power and federalism.
"This would resolve some of Turkey's concerns about a potential for an independent Kurdistan, carved out of parts of Syria, Turkey, Iraq and Iran."
However, Saudi Arabia remained intent on installing a Sunni Salafist regime in Damascus, Steinberg warned, regardless of the outcome of the current battle.
"The Saudis must be told, in no uncertain terms, by a combination of the United States, Russia and China that no such jihadist state will be allowed."
The United States should accept Russia's proposal for joint military operations to completely wipe out the Daesh as well as the al-Nusra Front, Steinberg continued.
With the Daesh facing the prospect of losing its capital to the Syrian Army, Washington should also put Aish al-Sham and Jaish al-Islam on the UN terror list, despite their state sponsorship by Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Steinberg advised.
Syrian President Bashar Assad "is not going to leave and this issue should be dropped," Steinberg recommended.
ERBIL (Sputnik) Simakov noted that Russia and Iraqi Kurdistan laid out plans for several joint projects two years ago, during a Russian delegation's visit to the region. Moscow is now hoping to resume these plans, put on hold due to Daesh advance, following the St. Petersburg forum.
The Kurdish autonomous regions delegation to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will be headed by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, as well as the planning minister will be part of the delegation as well," Simakov said.
Russia has "great hopes for this delegation's visit, because there are major opportunities for economic cooperation between Russia, Russian regions and Iraqi Kurdistan," according to the diplomat.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) The European Union is currently struggling to manage a massive refugee crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people leaving conflict-torn countries in the Middle East and North Africa to escape violence and poverty and seeking asylum in Europe.
"The EU-Commission will propose more of the same; resettlement and hot spots in Grecce and Italy. The eastern countries such as Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic will refuse to be a part of a joint agreement. EU will again be paralyzed and we will not see any long term solutions," Vistisen said.
German Recognition of Armenian Genocide May Cause EU-Turkey Deal Breakdown
At the beginning of 2014, a new law on police coercion came into force that gave Finnish cops the ability to confiscate phones and search their content. In 2015, 5,500 devices were searched for data, a marked increase of 33.1 percent in comparison to 2014, Statistics Finland noted. According to inspector Joni Lansipuro of the Finnish Police, device inspection is now a routine procedure.
The content of thousands of various technical devices has been picked apart by the Finnish police in connection with a number of offences. Authorities try to harvest possible clues from computers, mobile phones, cameras and memory sticks in their search for incriminating e-mails, social media posts, photos and videos. Under Finnish law, however, a person suspected of an offense does not need to help the police gain access to the stored data by providing them with password or a PIN code to the device. On the other hand, the police are not allowed to damage personal property.
"This raises questions over its status. If a certain church and we currently have three churches, which suggested to postpone the council does not attend it, it is difficult to speak about pan-orthodox status of the council," Legoyda told the Rossiya 24 television channel.
Earlier this week, the Russian Orthodox Church proposed to the Patriarchate of Constantinople to hold an extraordinary meeting no later than June 10 in the light of the Bulgarian Orthodox Churchs refusal to participate in the Pan-Orthodox Council. The proposal was denied, with the Patriarchate of Constantinople saying that the Council would be held despite the Bulgarian Churchs move, as no institutional structure could revise the conciliar process once it began.
NEW DELHI (Sputnik) On May 20, Pakistan applied to join the NSG, claiming it could meet the nuclear proliferation-reducing body's standards. Earlier, India, which has strained relations with Pakistan, submitted its application to join the NSG and gained support of a number of countries, including the United States.
"Pakistans desire to participate in the NSG stands on solid grounds of technical experience, capability and well-established commitment to nuclear safety. Pakistan has operated secure and safeguarded nuclear power plants for over 42 years Pakistan remains ready to continue its constructive engagement with the United States and international community at large as a mainstream partner in the non-proliferation arrangements," the ambassador's letter, obtained by the Dawn newspaper, reads.
TOKYO (Sputnik) The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are ready to "react correspondingly" in an event of crossing into the country's territorial waters, Katsutoshi Kawano, the chief of the JSDF's Joint Staff, said Thursday.
Earlier in the day, Japan's Kyodo news agency said that Tokyo expressed concern over the crossing of a Chinese navy ship in a contiguous zone just outside Japanese territorial waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which are claimed by both Tokyo and Beijing.
"The unilateral actions that result in increasing tensions are causing concern. We would like to avoid the escalation of the situation, but in the event of invasion into territorial waters, we will react correspondingly," Kawano said.
Indias membership to the NSG will soon be a boon for its nuclear energy sector as India has plans to derive about 40 percent power from nuclear energy. In this way India-Russia Nuclear partnership also likely to get boost.
Global Fact sheet of nuclear energy...For India , it's demand outstripping supply & NSG is d only remedy for now... pic.twitter.com/ri2trOFzJp AZAD KUMAR (@azadkum70760561) 7 2016 .
India now has a majority of support for its bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group. However, China, along with other member countries, has been opposing Indias admission to NSG as India has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
India seems to have outplayed China in terms of diplomatic maneuverings leaving the great Asian nation somewhat isolated.NSG membership for India is crucial as it will give access to technology that will help it in a variety of areas, ranging from medicine to building nuclear plants.
"Getting membership of NSG will be very important for India as it will foster nuclear power generation in India. Apart from that it will also pave the way for India's own nuclear trade with other developing countries. After that, Indian suppliers and manufacturers of nuclear components can sell it other countries. India will also get the latest technology," Chintamani Mahapatra, Professor in Delhi's Jawahar Lal University told Sputnik.
India applied formally last month to for NSG membership, the organization which controls the commercial trade in nuclear technology.
Russia is among the foremost countries which backed Indias bid for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
The product can be surgically inserted into the body in order to pump more blood reducing the work of the heart.
We have all the facilities for pre-clinical trials.In addition to that, were also recognized by all the regulatory bodies in India, Cherian continued.
With this background, weve decided to find out how we could go ahead with this and reduce the cost. The cost of the present LVAD alone is 91 million Rupees and other charges related to the treatment would roughly come to 12.5 million Rupees ($188,000). If we include the standby as well, it will cost about 25 million Rupees ($375,000).
Speaking more about the joint venture with the Russian firm, the Indian doctor, who is a well-known cardiologist, said that the Russian experts said they will be able to make the same LVAD but reduce the costs to just one-third. As a collaborative effort with Russian specialists, we want to produce this product at an affordable cost.
The device can also act as a permanent replacement. The unique aspect of this device is making this expensive product available to the average man at an affordable cost.
TASHKENT (Sputnik) As the court explained, the two residents of Payaryk district of Samarkand region were actively encouraging others in their community to comply with the Sharia law. A group of four people have joined them, including one woman. They have together studied and promoted ideas of radical extremism, and were preparing to travel to Syria to join the Daesh, a designated terrorist organization that is outlawed in Russia, the United States and numerous other countries.
During the trial, all the accused pleaded guilty. The five men were sentenced to imprisonment for a term from six to nine years, while the woman received a two-year probation period.
The police found a large amount of extremist literature and electronic devices with materials calling for the need to build a Daesh in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev discussed security challenges in Central Asia with his Tajik counterpart Abdurahim Qahhorov, the Russian Security Council said Thursday in a statement.
"Nikolai Patrushev and Abdurahim Qahhorov discussed the situation in the Central Asian region, challenges coming from the territory of Afghanistan, Russian-Tajik military and technical cooperation," the statement reads.
According to the Russian Security Council, the talks concerned the engagement of foreign nationals in armed conflicts on the side of terrorists and security aspects of labor migration.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) A large delegation of Japanese businessmen intends to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Japan-Russia Business Cooperation Committee Chair Teruo Asada said Thursday.
"During negotiations of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on May 6 in Sochi, the Japanese prime minister received an invitation to visit the forum in Vladivostok. A large number of Japanese businessmen are intending to take part in the forum as well," Asada said during the meeting with Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev.
Japanese companies are cooperating with Russian companies in many economic fields, including projects Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2, Yamal LNG, in the production of electronic equipment and aircraft.
Kamps explained that radiation survivors in Japan are often stigmatized and socially ostracized, which is why the decision by the young woman to go public is so impactful. "As weve seen with hibakusha the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki theres tremendous stigma attached to radiation injury in Japan, he said. People have trouble finding marriage partners, people have trouble finding jobs, because its expected that they could die young, could have deformed children, that they could have genetic damage that they could pass on to future generations. So its very courageous for this young woman to step up."
Host Brian Becker asked Kamps to describe what happened in Fukushima, and if the US could be in danger of a similar nuclear reactor meltdown.
"At Fukushima Daiichi, 3 reactor cores melted down March of 2011, and were still living with an ongoing nuclear catastrophe because they still release radioactive activity into the ocean every day," he said, noting that 600 tons of molten core material may have settled into the groundwater. "These were US reactors. General Electric Mark 1 boiling water reactors. The United States still has 30 of them operating. The same vintage, the same exact designwe are living on borrowed time in the United States, we refuse to learn the lesson from Fukushima."
Becker noted that after the 3 Mile Island meltdown in 1979, construction of nuclear power plants in the US came to a halt. He asked Kamps, "Why cant the US government take a decidedly anti-nuclear position knowing that these nuclear reactors have extreme vulnerabilities?"
It appears increasingly unlikely that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will relent to domestic pressure, as the country is set to participate in upcoming joint naval wargames with the US and India along Chinas eastern flank, in a bid to counter Beijings approaches on the disputed Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands.
On Wednesday, Loud & Clears Brian Becker sat down with political analyst Eric Draitser to discuss whether recent protests against US military abuses in Okinawa may ultimately end the 71-year occupation of the island.
"No, of course the US will not be forced out of Japan, because the issues of the poor murdered girl and her family and the long stream of similar instances, going back many years, remain secondary to the geopolitics," said Draitser. "The conservative government in Japan views the US as the sole guarantor of its own regional influence vis-a-vis China, so they are walking a fine line of placating the anger of the people of Okinawa and while still not upsetting Washington."
The Ethnic Character and the Cultural Wealth of the Chuvash Republic
The Chuvash Republic has two official languages, Chuvash and Russian. All road signs, government offices and public buildings have writings in the two official languages, in accordance with the republics constitution.
Chuvash is the native language of the Chuvash people. Although the language belongs to the Turkic family, speakers of other Turkic languages cannot understand Chuvash. Some claim Chuvash was derived from Bulgar and Khazar, the two extinct languages spoken by ancient nomadic tribes that lived in the Volga region.
As for the Chuvash people themselves, there are two main theories about their origin. The first theory claims that the Chuvash people originated as a result of amalgamation between ancients Turkic tribes of Volga Bulgaria who lived on the territory of the modern Chuvash Republic.
I think Bulgars and us [the Chuvash] are of the same blood, Anastasia Ivanova, a local student from the Cheboksary State University, told me during our walk along the harbor.
According to the second theory, the Chuvash people lived in the Volga region long before the migration of Volga Bulgar populations. Its hard to tell which theory is right, but one thing is certain the Chuvash have managed to keep their fascinating culture and language alive, despite always living near much more powerful neighbors.
The Chuvash people are modest people, the expression I heard several times during my visit of the Chuvash Republic.
Its an interesting saying that might explain the origin of the word Chuvash. Apparently, in some Old Turkic dialects the word Chuvash came from javas, which meant peaceful and/or friendly.
While in Cheboksary, we met with a group of guys from a local youth committee who gladly agreed to show us around the city.
The first place they took us to was the monument of Mother Patroness of Chuvashia, one of the main landmarks of Cheboksary. The 46-meter tall monument built in 2003 symbolizes the revival of the Chuvash peoples spiritual values.
Blessed are all my children who leave in peace and love, a label on the bottom of the monument says in Russian and Chuvash.
After seeing the colossal Mother Patroness monument, we headed to the museum of beer. For centuries, beer played a key role in the Chuvash culture. But the Chuvash call beer in their language a biologically active beverage full of nutrients, not the alcoholic beverage with preservatives that one finds at stores today. The main difference between the traditional Chuvash beer and beer that one buys today at store-shelves is that due to active ingredients the former can only be consumed within 24 hours. Most beer that people buy today isnt even beer, but an artificial drink with no real nutritional value, a museum guide explained.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Poland, one of the major consumers of the Russian gas in Europe, has been receiving the fossil fuel under the long-term contracts via the Yamal-Europe pipeline, which runs across Russia, Belarus, Poland and Germany. In late May, Warsaw said that it wanted the long-term contracts with Gazprom "to be gone," and would try to rely on alternative gas supplies. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Gazprom would be able to replace Poland with any other European partner in this regard.
"I do not think that after 2022 we will extend the existing Yamal long-term contract [with Gazprom]. We are looking for other ways and arrangements. Of course, if the Russian side offers good terms, good price, we will regard this as an opportunity to start negotiations," Piotr Naimski said on Wednesday, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russias state arms exporter Rosoboronexport will present military equipment at the Eurosatory 2016 international defense and security exhibition and hold talks with European partners, the company said in a press release Thursday.
"Rosoboronexport will present the Russian military equipment and hold negotiations with European partners at the Eurosatory 2016 international exhibition of arms and military equipment for ground forces and land-based air-defense systems," the press release reads.
Rosoboronexport also expects to hold meetings with delegations from Southeast Asia, the Middle East. North Africa and Latin America.
For years, the seepage of methane from the ocean bed was blamed for the accumulation of the greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. With the Arctic Ocean getting progressively warmer, scientists believe that even more methane will be released and dissolved in the atmosphere. Surprisingly, this is not the case around the polar archipelago of Svalbard, Norwegian scientists say.
In 2014, a task group comprised of researchers from the University of Troms and Cicero got down to work in the Arctic to find out what happens to methane leaking from the sea and gauge how much of it is released into the air.
Subsequently, samples of ocean water and air were taken from a boat, and a research plane measured the concentration of methane from 15 to 30 meters above the surface. These were later compared with samples which were collected at a weather station on Svalbard. The results have sent shockwaves through Norway's scientific community: the concentration of methane at the sea surface was as high as that in Svalbard's mountains.
Turkey placed three other planes underwater for the same reason, and this 47-ton, 177-foot craft is the largest to date. Officials hope that the Airbus will function as an artificial reef to attract fish and encourage scuba and snorkeling activities.
Ozlem Cercioglu, the mayor of Kusadasi, a resort town south of Izmir where the sinking occurred said, "We expect some 250,000 domestic and foreign tourists per year to come here for diving. With the project, Kusadas will hopefully close this summer with the fewest losses and make the people of Kusadasi and the people in this business smile." Agence France-Presse reported that witnesses were "cheering and blasting their foghorns."
See the video below.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to a Facebook post by Kuibyshevskyi District administration head Ivan Prikhodko, several residential buildings have been damaged in Donetsk and "two passenger buses are shattered at a bus stop."
Prikhodko said that at least two people, a man and a woman, have been gravely injured and more information regarding those wounded in the shelling "is being verified."
Kiev launched a special military operation in Ukraines southeast in April 2014, after local residents refused to recognize the new Ukrainian authorities, which came to power as a result of a coup.
The figure is above 2015 in year-on-year terms, with 28,000 applications filed in the same period last year. It is, however, a drop from the peak migrant influx of late 2015, when the number of applications soared 23.6 percent, according to Brice.
Europe has been beset by a massive refugee crisis, with hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants fleeing their crisis-torn countries in the Middle East and North Africa to escape violence and poverty. The majority of them cross the Mediterranean Sea and arrive in the European Union using southern EU nations as transit points. More than 1.8 million refugees are estimated to have arrived in the European Union in 2015, according to the European border agency Frontex.
The narrative goes according to the venerable Daily Beast that Putin is quietly engaged in "asymmetrical warfare," gradually demolishing the whole European project and "meddling" in the Brexit campaign.
Heaven forfend that the voluble ex-Mayor of London, Eton and Oxford educated Boris Johnson would be taking his orders from the Kremlin as he persuades the British to exit the EU and sail away into the Atlantic in splendid isolation singing "Rule Britannia."
Or that Nigel Farage the beer-loving, EU-hating, air-crash-surviving leader of anti-EU party, UKIP is forever on a hotline to Putin and has been secretly plotting the overthrow of the Brussels machine ever since resigning from the Conservative Party in 1992 after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty.
He added that, according to the countrys legislation, the vote would be considered in the next 14 days. The exact date will be fixed by the Standing Committee.
Earlier the Socialists said that they would initiate no-confidence votes to ministers every week. They have already initiated such motions against the defense minister and the minister of education of the country.
A naval exercise focused on anti-submarine warfare in Stockholm archipelago was adjourned following an unconfirmed submarine alert. Nearby vessels, including a Swedish submarine, were dispatched to investigate the incident. After the April 21-24 exercises were suspended, the military launched maritime surveillance in the area and divers were sent to investigate.
"We suspended the exercises because there were indications of unknown underwater activity," navy spokesman Jesper Tengroth told the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, without disclosing the exact nature of the indications for security reasons.
Tengroth subsequently explained that the navy term "unknown underwater activity" had a broad definition and did not apply exclusively to submarines.
BERLIN (Sputnik) In the situation when the terrorists are connected across the globe, European intelligence services need to unite their efforts:
"In Europe, we need an alliance in the field of security. Outside Europe, [we need] a partnership in the field of security. This begins with the exchange of the data in the area of security protection between law enforcement and intelligence services. We want to create an all-European database of individuals who have joined terror organizations. European intelligence services should share information in this area and work with each other closely," he said in the German Parliament.
"The registration deadline is set out in legislation and we have said to the Government this morning they should consider options for introducing legislation as soon as possible that would extend the deadline. We would support such a change."
The Govt has announced an extension to the registration deadline, see our statement here- https://t.co/QNehyXJWhx #EURef Electoral Commission (@ElectoralCommUK) June 8, 2016
By the evening of June 8, it emerged that emergency legislation would be rushed through parliament on Thursday (June 9) to extend the deadline until midnight on June 9/10. However, critics say the deadline is set out in law to allow enough time 16 days for checking of voter eligibility ahead of the referendum.
Judicial Review
Critics say the extension of the deadline plays into the hands of those wishing to remain in the EU as the vast majority of last-minute registrants are young voters who typically can be expected to vote to stay in and Cameron is keen for them to be added to the list because of the high chance of a close vote on June 23.
Older voters are more likely to vote to leave the EU and a large proportion of the age group are long-term registered voters, whereas a big proportion of young people in the UK are not registered to vote.
Arron Banks discusses the possibility of a legal challenge to the extension of the voter registration deadline.https://t.co/Rg3PzYf7PB LEAVE.EU (@LeaveEUOfficial) 9 June 2016
The decision to extend the deadline brought immediate condemnation from those campaigning to leave the EU. In a statement, Arron Banks, founder of the Leave.EU campaign said:
"We believe it is unconstitutional at best and have been advised that with legitimate cause we could challenge this extension. We are therefore considering all available legal options with our legal team, with a view to potentially launching a judicial review now and after the outcome of the referendum on 23 June."
Alex Robertson, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission said:
"No one should miss out on voting in this historic referendum because of the problem with the Government's registration website last night. We said this morning that legislation should be introduced to extend the registration deadline and we're pleased the Government will now be making this change."
"We are urging everyone who is not already registered to vote to take this last chance to do so before the end of Thursday (9 June)."
Findlay said that many working-class people in his own constituency were also undecided and felt the general debate on the future of the European Union was irrelevant to the day-to-day issues they face.
"But the future of Europe is hugely relevant to people but the arguments on public services, around workers rights, all of those issues are not being heard above the din of the political right and the further right arguing with each other over the civil war in the Conservative Party," Findlay, who is Scottish Labours spokesman on equality issues, added.
Colin Fox, the director of the Edinburgh Peoples Festival who organized Wednesday nights debate on the EU referendum, told Sputnik many on the political left were struggling about how to vote in the referendum but that reluctantly Fox would be backing a Remain vote.
"The EU acts on behalf of neo-liberal corporations, whether here in Edinburgh, whether in Frankfurt, or Italy or wherever and they act in their interests and not in the interests of 500 million ordinary working people, like us. But the question has to be how do we change that?" Fox said. "Ultimately it boils down to a choice between the lesser of two evils and I have now reconciled that and recognize that we have to mobilize people across Europe to change the EU."
With two weeks to go before the referendum is held on June 23, opinion polls indicate the campaign is running neck and neck. UK Electoral Commission Chair Jenny Watson said Wednesday the commission expected an 80-percent turnout at the referendum.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) European foodstuffs will be not competitive on the Russian market, in comparison with domestic products, if the food embargo is lifted in the near future, Russian Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachev said Thursday.
"Even if the food embargo comes to an end in a year or two, taking into account the devaluation [of the ruble] and [the Russian state] support [toward domestic manufacturers], goods from the EU will not be competitive. And taking into account the consumer, whom we have won over and who now sticks to domestic Russian goods, there will be no miracle," Tkachev told the Rossiya-24 television channel.
According to Tkachev, Russia currently meets 90 percent of its own demand for pork and poultry and imports are no longer needed.
PARIS (Sputnik) She noted that France has no sovereignty to make decisions on anti-Russian sanctions as the European Union imposes its authority on the issue but promised that she will keep on fighting for the triumph of common sense and French interests.
"I think that such an outcome of voting on the resolution, in favor of easing the sanctions, previously voted on in the National Assembly, has been made possible largely due to the courage of the National Front. From the very beginning, when some were in favor of tougher sanctions, our party at the same time believed that these sanctions were unjust, useless and ineffective," Le Pen told RIA Novosti.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)The rating surveyed 20 countries both within and outside of the European Union and measured the effect of Brexit on goods and services exports, migrant flows and foreign direct investment, among other areas.
"According to this methodology, Ireland and other small open financial centers lead the list of sovereigns vulnerable to a UK decision to exit the EU," S&P credit analyst Frank Gill said as quoted in the report titled "Who Has The Most To Lose From Brexit? Introducing The Brexit Sensitivity Index."
All three countries topping the ranking of most Brexit-vulnerable states have extensive historical connections with the United Kingdom, while Ireland has a common border and substantial migratory flows with Britain. Malta is considered one of the top tourist destinations for Brits, with a large UK pensioner population residing on the island.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Wednesday, the French Senate passed by a wide majority of votes a resolution, calling on the French government in talks with the EU officials to reassess the diplomatic and political sanctions against Moscow and lift without delay the individual sanctions targeting Russian parliamentarians.
The move is aimed at overcoming obstacles for a political dialogue between Brussels and Moscow.
"Nothing has been decided at this stage," the press office said, commenting on the government's reaction to the resolution on softening sanctions adopted by the French parliament's upper chamber.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Estonian Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand said Thursday that she would raise a question of visa-free regime between Ukraine and Europe's Schengen zone during the June 20 meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council
"Ukraine, from its side, has fulfilled all the requirements, so the European Union has to keep its promise. If the EU promised to grant a visa-free regime to Ukraine and Georgia, and all the technical requirements were observed, the visa-free regime has to be granted to these countries as soon as possible. This is our position and I will raise the question on the next EU Foreign Affairs Council," she said at a press conference in Tallinn.
On Thursday, Kaljurand discussed the issue with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin who arrived in Estonia with an official visit.
KIEV (Sputnik) Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Lithuania on Thursday agreed to launch new airline routes between their cities, the Ukrainian State Aviation Administration said in a statement.
"The Ukrainian State Aviation Administration reached an agreement to expand the number of direct air traffic destinations between Ukraine and the EU countries, in particular the Czech Republic and the Republic of Lithuania," the statement reads.
The agreement reportedly linked Ukrainian airports with Lithuanian cities of Palanga and Kaunas as well as launched air traffic between Dnipropetrovsk and Prague.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)Police in southeastern England said on Thursday they had arrested a man suspected of Syria-related terrorism offenses.
"The man, aged 31, was arrested at an address in Margate, Kent on suspicion of preparing for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006," the West Midlands Police said in a statement on its website.
The mentioned Section 5 of the UK Terrorism Act deals with the preparation of terrorist or terror-related acts, either in person or by assisting someone in committing such acts. Under the legislation, a person guilty of a terrorism offense shall be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, also known as the Pan-Orthodox Council, is a planned synod of the bishops of all autocephalous local churches of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The Council is set be held on the Greek island of Crete on June 16-27, after more than 50 years of preparations.
"Our Church is having difficulties with participation in the convened Council and suggest postponing it for some time," Patriarch Irinej of Serbia said in a statement, addressed to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
He cited the Bulgarian Orthodox Church's decision to refrain from participation in the Council among the reasons to propose the postponement of the event.
KIEV (Sputnik) Ukraine's Foreign Ministry expressed hope that Paris will support the extension of the European Union's sanctions against Russia despite the French Senate's resolution calling to ease them, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the French Senate passed a resolution, calling on the French government in talks with the EU officials to reassess the diplomatic and political sanctions against Moscow and lift without delay the individual sanctions targeting Russian parliamentarians. The move is aimed at overcoming obstacles for a political dialogue between Brussels and Moscow.
"We hope that France, as one of the states guaranteeing sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine according to the 1994 Budapest memorandum and as an active member of Normandy process, will firmly remain on the positions of international law and respect for the European values and will continue to support international efforts for cessation of aggression of the Russian Federation toward Ukraine," the statement read.
MOSCOW (Sputnik), Svetlana AlexandrovaOn Wednesday, the French Senate passed by overwhelming majority a resolution calling on the government to ease sanctions against Russia. Although the resolution is not legally binding, the document will be sent to the French government for consideration.
"For the first time a national European parliament reviewed the issue of sanctions. It showed that the public opinion is not along with the European opinion," Yves Pozzo di Borgo said.
He added that this vote is a major political move for France and for Europe.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on Thursday insisted on the soonest drafting of a payment plan on the Yukos case by Moscow, a committee's resolution obtained by RIA Novosti reads.
The current committee meeting in Strasbourg is focused on the examining of the fulfillment of the rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). According to the resolution, the committee plans to return to reviewing the case in December.
Moscow's court of arbitration declared Yukos bankrupt in 2006. State-run Rosneft subsequently purchased about 80 percent of the company's assets.
"My own grandparents were Lithuanian immigrants to this country and Im very proud of that lineage in my own family. But the political class in Scotland dont want to discuss the free movement of people, but on the doorstep it is the most common conversation you will have," Findlay stressed.
The senior Scottish Labour Party figure criticized those on the left who support remaining in the European Union for not properly addressing wider concerns over immigration. Findlay noted that the so-called EU "free movement" policy was not driven by egalitarian ideals, as some on the political left claim, but by the desire of corporations to suppress wage levels.
"Some people would have you believe that the free movement of people is essentially an egalitarian policy that allows you to float around the gatherings in Florence or to visit the museums of Paris, when in actual fact its aim is about driving down wages. That is the whole purpose of the free movement of people," Findlay said.
"Like the free movement of capital it is about money. Its about maximizing profit, but in order to maximize profit you have to drive down labour costs. For those motivated by profit maximization this free movement is their dream policy," Findlay added.
The member of the Scottish parliament said he welcomed immigration because it "enriches our culture and broadens our horizons," but explained the political left needed to seize back the debate from right-wing politicians.
"If Europe was working properly then workers conditions would be protected no matter where they came from within the EU. Workers coming to Scotland would be engaged on exactly the same terms and conditions as workers anywhere else and would be encouraged to join trade unions," Findlay outlined. "That would ensure there would be no advantage for capital to relocate and we avoid that race to the bottom."
UK voters will take part in a referendum on Britains future membership of the European bloc that will be held on June 23.
MOSCOW (Sputnik), Svetlana Alexandrova Italian Lega Nord party does not exclude a possibility of putting forward a resolution calling for lifting of anti-Russia sanctions to the Italian Parliament, Senator Sergio Divina, a member of the Italian Lega Nord party, told Sputnik Thursday.
On Wednesday, the French Senate passed by overwhelming majority a resolution calling on the government to ease sanctions against Russia. Although the resolution is not legally binding, the document will be sent to the French government for consideration.
"We have not yet prepared or submitted documents, but I believe it is the right thing to do in order to understand the position of the Italian Parliament," Sergio Divina said.
'Targeted Strategy'
Some MEPs described the Turkish parliament's decision as an attempt by President Erdogan to silence opposition, change the constitution and increase presidential powers, which they said, runs counter to Turkey's EU accession responsibility to ensure the stability of institutions.
During the debate, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) MEP, Alexander Lambsdorff (FDP, Germany), Vice-President of the European Parliament, said the measure goes against European democratic values:
"The decision to lift MPs' immunity is a heavy blow for democracy in Turkey. All members involved were rightfully elected by the people of Turkey. Consequently, they have the right to exercise their mandate in full independence. The move appears to be part of a targeted strategy by President Erdogan to gain support for the executive presidential system that he is said to be pursuing."
Dutch choreographer rejects award from #Turkey in protest of press freedom violationshttps://t.co/axHDOLs1oo pic.twitter.com/4ReBcorVwE Turkish Minute (@TurkishMinuteTM) 9 June 2016
European United Left/Nordic Green Left President, Gabi Zimmer, used her speech to criticize President Erdogan's dictatorial streak, and lamented the effects this has had on democracy in the country,
"This is a concerted effort to push the political system towards a presidential and autocratic system. The parliament dominated by the ruling AK Party is abusing the power of Turkish democracy and that is going to have ramifications on the way in which members can express their views and represent their citizens. We are in the 21st century now in Europe and it is still possible for a climate of fear to be created," Zimmer said.
MADRID (Sputnik) The research carried out by the Spanish CIS pollster showed that the group of left-wing parties may secure between 82 and 92 seats, or 25.6 percent of votes, comparing to 69 and two seats Podemos and United Left won at the previous election in December.
The conservative People's Party, chaired by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is expected to win and take between 118 and 121 seats with 29.2 percent of support, according to the poll. At the December general election, the party obtained 123 lower chamber seats, losing the absolute majority.
The social-democratic Spanish Socialist Workers' Party may receive 21.2 percent of votes, coming third, with 78-80 seats, against 90 in December, the poll revealed. The liberal Citizens party can count on 14.6 percent and 38-39 sets.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) NATO will boost the defenses of its Baltic members by 2018 in order to offset Russia's geographic advantages in the area, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Carpenter said Thursday.
"By the end of 2017, when we implement all of the ERI [European Reassurance Initiative] funding that is coming online, that we will be much better poised to address the challenges and much better poised to deter Russian aggression in that region that we are nowI don't know that we're significantly more advanced now than when the RAND report came out, but I am confident by the end of 2017, when we have an additional armored brigade combat team worth of force posture on the eastern flank of the alliance, that we will be," Carpenter told the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
EDINBURGH (Sputnik), Mark HirstThe SNP, with a stated purpose of seeking Scotland's independence from London, is campaigning to remain within the European Union, with the United Kingdom's fate within the bloc to be decided in a referendum that will be held in June.
"I don't understand why our party seeks to regain sovereignty from Westminster only to be content to hand it over to Brussels! Its inconsistent and illogical," Morrison said. "I can say there is a large number of SNP activists and members backing a Leave Vote especially from the fishing communities as it would guarantee more powers for our Parliament."
His comments came after SNP member Chris Law, a Member of Parliament at Westminster, told Sputnik on Wednesday that he had seen "no evidence" of wide support for Brexit among SNP members, a claim Morrison quickly dismissed.
Mr Farage made the claim at a debate in May, that Wainwright said 5000 jihadists had traveled to Europe as a result of flawed migration policy. Rob Wainwright was quick to rebuke the UKIP leader's claim.
Citing fake sources I have never said 5,000 terrorists have returned to Europe. Have repeatedly clarified this https://t.co/QjiDwuPmJo Rob Wainwright (@rwainwright67) June 7, 2016
Mr Farage apparently did not heed the request however, as he repeated the claims at an ITV debate this week, leading to Rob Wainwright repeating his request that Nigel Farage stop misquoting him:
"I suspect less than one third have [entered the EU] and of those the largest proportion are unlikely to pose a terrorist threat There is no basis in fact, not even false media reporting, for this point."
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)The government of Denmark has backed an order of 27 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, which amounts to $3 billion, defense contractor Lockheed Martin said in a press release on Thursday.
"Denmarks parliament agreed to a deal with Lockheed Martin to spend $3 billion, or 20 billion kroner, to buy 27 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets on replacing its aging fleet of fighter planes," the release stated.
The company said it was honored by the Danish authorities decision, and added that Denmark has become the 11th country to order F-35 jets.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will visit Greek island of Lesvos to meet with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, according to a press release issued by the UN on Thursday.
"On 17, June, the Secretary-General will travel to Athens, Greece, where he will meet with President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, among others. He will then go to the island of Lesvos, on Saturday, 18 June, to meet with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, as well as local volunteers and authorities," the press release read.
According to local media reports, some 6,000 migrants are expecting their asylum applications to be processed by the local authorities on the Lesvos island.
CHISINAU (Sputnik) Former Romanian President Traian Basescu and his wife Maria were granted Moldovan citizenship , Moldovan Secretary General of the Presidential Office Ion Paduraru said on Thursday.
"The president of Moldova today signed two decrees on conferring the citizenship to Maria Basescu and Traian Basescu on the basis of the Article 24 of the Law on Citizenship on Cases of Multiple Citizenship which states that the Moldovan citizenship can be granted to a foreign person in exceptional cases or when that is in the interests of the Republic," Paduraru told RIA Novosti.
Therefore, there is growing concern within the alliance that Russia could unilaterally withdraw from the historic agreement, the author says.And the upcoming NATO Summit in Warsaw on July 8-9 could become the occasion for it, Bittner warns.
Would NATO therefore be better to pull the emergency brake and put the construction of the missile defense on hold? he asks.
The author also notes that the above system is technically unable to intercept modern Russian nuclear missiles. An interception missile, even if it works perfectly, is able only to destroy one warhead of an approaching ballistic missile.
However, present-day Russian offensive missiles are equipped with multiple warheads and warhead decoys and they are practically impossible to intercept.
The missiles which could potentially come from Iran and North Korea are completely different matter, the author explains. But how likely is that scenario, he wonders.
After its successful nuclear deal, Iran has no interest in the idea, he says.
And even if one assumes that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is able to build nuclear warheads for long-range missiles (which are probably still years away), no state in the world has an interest to letting him do so, Bittner says.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russia remains Germany's integral partner in the creation of the world of the future, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in an address devoted to the opening ceremony of the German-Russian Year of Youth Exchange
"Russia has been and remains an integral partner for Germany in forming the world of the future," Steinmeier said as quoted by German Ambassador to Russia Rudiger von Fritsch.
The foreign minister stressed that during the exchange year, the states would strengthen the role of culture and education to bring the two countries together.
BERLIN (Sputnik) The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline may play the key role in providing security of the German energy sphere, German lawmaker Peter Ramsauer said Thursday.
Lawmakers from Moscow and Berlin discussed energy cooperation, particularly the Nord Stream 2 project at an inter-parliamentary group meeting earlier in the day. The delegations were headed by the president of the Russian Gas Society, Pavel Zavalny, and Ramsauer, the chairman of the Bundestag Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy.
"Today we actively discussed gas supplies via the Nord Stream 2. Concerning the Nord Stream 2, we see the situation approximately the same as [German] Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel. We in Germany need absolutely secure gas supply from Russia, Nord Stream 2 may play a key role in this process," the lawmaker told reporters after the meeting.
According to Carpenter, the recent buildup has not alleviated those fears.
"By the end of 2017, when we implement all of the ERI [European Reassurance Initiative] funding that is coming online, that we will be much better poised to address the challenges and much better poised to deter Russian aggression in that region than we are now," he said.
"I dont know that were significantly more advanced now than when the RAND report came out, but I am confident by the end of 2017, when we have an additional armored brigade combat team worth of force posture on the eastern flank of the alliance, that we will be."
Carpenters warning comes as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg seeks greater defense spending for the military alliance.
It is proposed to make some subway carriages women-only during rush hours on weekdays from 7 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 7 pm. At these times, most of the subway lines are overcrowded and the threat to women of attacks and harassment by men is much higher. The draft bill also considers that women travelling with young children would also benefit.
"Both men and women have the right to travel by public transport and to feel safe using it. We are constantly witnessing scenes of abuse and violence against women on public transport in Buenos Aires. As women, we know that this problem affects all of us equally and that any of us could be a victim at any time," said Deputy Graciela Ocana, author of the initiative, as quoted by Clarin newspaper. Ocana also noted that the initiative has already been successfully implemented in other countries, significantly decreasing the number of cases of sexual harassment.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Brazil's opposition seeking to remove President Dilma Rousseff is committing a grave geopolitical error in its failure to understand the importance of the BRICS bloc of countries, the president said Thursday.
In May, the Brazilian president was suspended from office for 180 days after the Senate voted to start the impeachment process against her on accusations that she concealed growing budget deficit ahead of the 2014 re-election.
"I must say that the creation of BRICS has very much frightened a number of states, and we know this. To think that this bloc of countries would collapse means to commit a strategic and an unforgivable geopolitical errorI am sure that those who want to seize power in Brazil have no understanding of the world order. I am assuming they have stalled in the 1980s or even 1970s in terms of their perception of the world," Rousseff said in an interview with the Russian Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper.
According to the Turkish Milliyet newspaper, two police officers injured in the bombing died in a hospital, while the number of those wounded exceeded 50.
Violence in Turkey escalated in mid-2015, when the Turkish government launched a military campaign against the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organization by Ankara, in the country's southeast.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the representative, at least five people were killed and more than 50 injured during the attack.
He added that al-Nusra Front militants have also carried out attacks in the Syrian provinces of Idlib, Latakia and Hama in the past twenty four hours.
"The attacks lasted for over three hours and stopped only at dawn. The terrorists suffered losses," the representative said.
Muhammad Sheikh Ali, a representative of the Masyaf authorities, thanked Russia for supporting Syria in the fight against international terrorism, as well as for humanitarian assistance.
Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.
Last week, Russian servicemen delivered 16 metric tons of humanitarian aid to the Hama province.
HMEYMIM (Sputnik)Over 15 people have been killed in the Syrian city of Aleppo as a result of Nusra Front shelling of civilian areas, the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation at the Hmeymim airbase said Thursday.
"Following an unsuccessful nighttime attack, the districts were shelled with multiple launch rocket system and mortar fire. The militants carried out shelling from the Kastello shopping center and the Muhaim Handrat locality. The shelling was indiscriminate, with both government forces positions as well as civilian areas being hit. Over 15 people were killed and dozens have been injured," the center's spokesperson said.
Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups, such a the Nusra Front and the Islamic State. Both groups are outlawed in many countries, including Russia.
Therefore, it says, the White House has been receptive to a dialogue on tactical coordination here and there with Moscow, but Washington does not feel particularly compelled to make substantive concessions to Russia.
Russia's intent in the coming weeks, it also suggests is to ensure that coordination becomes an unavoidable issue for the United States.
Should Russia-backed loyalist forces come close enough to US-backed SDF forces in Raqqa, Russia can position itself as either the ally to help nail the Islamic State or the obstructionist that targets the SDF forces that the United States relies on to retake Raqqa.
With regards to Turkey, the company says the US should also keep it at bay on the ground.
Had it not been for its falling out with Russia, Turkey would likely have been leading this offensive itself, it says, referring to the SDFs offensive against the Islamic State in Manbij, about 40 kilometers from the Syria-Turkey border.
Not only would it have been fighting to uproot the Islamic State, but at the same time it would have been in a position to prevent Kurdish forces within the SDF from using the resulting power vacuum to expand their territory, it notes.
Turkey has already made clear its extreme displeasure with the United States for working with Kurdish forces in the SDF.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)According to The Jerusalem Post newspaper, the decision was announced by the Israeli military a day after the deadly shooting at a popular open-air market in central Tel Aviv.
On Wednesday night, two Palestinian gunmen from the Hebron area opened fire near the Sarona market in Tel Aviv, located outside the buildings of the Defense Ministry and the Israeli Army General Staff. The attackers killed four people.
In response to the attack, the Israeli authorities have revoked 83,000 permits for Palestinians to visit Israel and travel abroad during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to local media.
DAMASCUS (Sputnik) Fares Shehabi, a businessman from Aleppo, is the most likely candidate for the position of Syrias new prime minister, sources familiar with the matter told Sputnik on Thursday.
Shehabi, a known critic of the countrys economic and social policies as well as Turkeys policies regarding Syria, currently serves as the chairman of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Industry.
He has also topped opinion polls on the issue.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)The United Nations has obtained data that the Syrian government released numerous political prisoners, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said Thursday.
"We are, as you know, very actively constantly monitoring the aspect of detainees and those who are being abducted [in Syria], but we did get the information today from one main source, but we would like to have more information, that some substantial number of fighters appear to have been released we are talking about thousands and thousands," de Mistura said during a press conference.
Answering a question on the issue, the UN official said he "learned it from the Russian side There was something issued by the Sweden side. We have asked for more information in order to assess if these people are genuine fighters, political prisoners."
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The United States supports the reopening of the Semalka border crossing between the Iraqi and Syrian Kurdish regions, US Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State Brett McGurk said in a Twitter message on Thursday.
"Welcome the opening of the border between the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and northern Syria for badly needed humanitarian trade and commerce," McGurk tweeted.
On Tuesday, the border reopened after three months of closure caused by tensions between the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Syrian Democratic Union Party (PYD).
Daesh (ISIL/ISIS) terrorists have suddenly left a cluster of villages in the northern part of the Syrian province of Aleppo near the Turkish-Syrian border, in a development that came amid violent clashes between jihadists and the Free Syrian Army, according to Sputnik's Turkish edition
The jihadists left a total of 16 villages including Kafer Kalbayn, Sindif, Tel Husseyin and Hazal, which had been under Daesh control for several months. The terrorists beat a hasty retreat to focus on repelling attacks launched by Syrian government forces on the city of Al-Bab in Aleppo.
It was reported that the Daesh terrorists fled with their weapons this time, but did not leave any mines and traps in the villages as they have repeatedly done in the past.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)The Syrian army with support of Russian combat planes will soon start advancing toward the city of Aleppo to fight and win a major battle in the war against terrorists, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad said Thursday.
"The Syrian army will soon advance on Aleppo, and, thanks to the support of the Russian aircraft, the city will be liberated from militants," Haddad told reporters.
"A key battle will be fought in Aleppo, and the victory in that battle will mark the defeat of all terrorist groups," Haddad added.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)The US-led coalition against the Daesh conducted 34 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on Wednesday, hitting the terrorist groups positions and infrastructure, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a press release.
"In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 16 strikes using bomber, fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft against Daesh targets," the release stated on Thursday. "Additionally in Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 18 strikes coordinated with and in support of the Government of Iraq using rocket artillery and bomber, fighter, ground-attack, and remotely piloted aircraft against Daesh targets."
In Syria, the coalition destroyed an Islamic State tactical unit and vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) factory as well as oil pump jacks and a vehicle near Raqqa, the release stated. Near Manbij, 11 strikes hit ten positions and destroyed the groups fighting positions, vehicles and a mortar system. An additional fighting position was damaged.
And part of this US administration is aligned with the radical positions of Ankara and Riyadh on the crisis and defends the doctrine of war of attrition.
Regardless all the anti-Russian sanctions, Russia is now in a strong position, the author says, after it strengthened its presence in Syria in September 2015.
And Washington is becoming aware that a convergence between Moscow and Riyadh is now possible more than ever.
However there is still a strong point of discord between Saudi Arabia and Moscow, the author notes. And that is the resignation of President Assad, which Riyadh vehemently insists on. The Saudis fear Tehrans policy and its growing influence in the region.
In such a situation, he says, Moscow is able to find a balance between the Iranians and Saudis regional plans.
If the Russians provide Riyadh with sufficient guarantees, the whole situation might probably change. However, there is one more player able to break the balance it is the Turkish President Erdogan and his neo-Ottoman expansionism".
"Back then no one really bothered about the difference between a higher school and a university. The only thing that mattered was whether you were planning to join the army after youre done with your studies. I for one never finished my education and left during my fourth year I dont know whether mister Erdogan completed his education and got his diploma or not. But I do know that he did study at the university," he said.
Meanwhile, Omer Faruk Eminagaoglu, former president of the Association of Judges and Prosecutors, appealed to the Supreme Electoral Council, asking to conduct an official investigation into Erdogans higher education and to determine if there was a breach of the countrys electoral legislation.
"The issue currently being discussed is whether the president actually has a diploma or not. The problem is that theres no original of the diploma. There is also some very controversial information regarding his admission to the university and his graduation. All of this raises doubts and some very pertinent questions," Eminagaoglu told Sputnik.
He pointed out that the only organization that could resolve this tricky issue is the Supreme Electoral Council, but so far it has been uncooperative.
"There are currently three documents available: a temporary diploma, a copy of the diploma and a certificate issued after the diplomas registration. And there are some suspicious discrepancies between these three documents. Therefore, we insist that this matter is properly investigated," he concluded.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) So-called Emir of the Daesh Hamid Malouqa Al-Zliteni was killed in downtown of the Libyan coastal city of Sirte in a clash between the Libyan militia and the Daesh terrorists, local media reported Thursday.
Five captured Daesh militants told that at least three local senior Daesh figures managed to flee the city, Libya Observer reported.
On Saturday, the Ghardabiya airbase, just 12 miles south of Sirte, was retaken by the Libyan militia.
"The shelling is indiscriminate, targeting not only positions of government forces, but also residential areas. Some 54 civilians were killed and 93 wounded in these attacks," the reconciliation center said in a daily bulletin posted by the Russian Defense Ministry on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the center said that a group of at least 160 al-Nusra Front militants had crossed the border with Turkey in the north of Idlib province and were heading for the Aleppo area to reinforce terrorists fighting there.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The State Department also noted that its ability to assist US citizens in Libya is extremely limited as the US Embassys operations remain suspended in that country.
"The Department of State warns US citizens against all travel to Libya and recommends that US citizens currently in Libya depart immediately," the release stated. "The security situation in Libya remains unpredictable and unstable, and extremist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against US interests."
The State Department cautioned Americans currently in Libya to make "contingency emergency plans" and "maintain security awareness at all times."
MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to the Turkish Minute online outlet, the detentions of the activists supporting the Gulen movement inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gulen, an outspoken critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, took place in the Turkish province of Izmir.
This is the latest in a series of arrests and detentions of supporters of Gulen movement, as corruption scandal in December 2013 affecting Erdogan and his family was blamed on Gulen and his supporters who were accused of plot against the government. Gulen has denied all accusations.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) One official in Washington told the newspaper on Wednesday that the deployment "provides some needed presence in the Med to check the Russians."
Rear Adm. Bret Batchelder, the highest-ranking officer on the carrier, told reporters this week, as quoted by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, that the shift of Harry S. Truman from the Gulf to the eastern Mediterranean is "a demonstration of capability for sure."
The South Korean Navy fired warning shots at North Koreas fishing boat and patrol boat as they trespassed across the maritime border in the Yellow Sea. According to the South Korean military, the North Korean vessels returned to the northern side immediately after the warning shots were fired.
Pyongyangs January hydrogen bomb test, as well as the launch, a month later, of a long-range rocket to allegedly place a satellite into orbit, in defiance of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, led to a spike in tensions with Seoul and more sanctions having been imposed on North Korea by the UNSC and the United States.
South and North Korea are still formally at war, as no peace treaty was ever signed after the Korean War of 1950-1953.
ASHGABAT (Sputnik) Earlier on Wednesday, Shoigu arrived to the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, with an official visit to discuss bilateral cooperation and issues of the international and regional security.
"We understand the today's threats, and can't avoid speaking of them. This is the international terrorism that worries us all, especially when we are in the regions neighboring Afghanistan. What happens today in Syria, Libya, Iraq of course, these threats we can't ignore. Of course, we need to pay the most serious attention to them. This is what Russia is doing," Shoigu said during a meeting with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow.
Shoigu said that Turkmenistan was a strategic partner for Russia, especially in the areas of economy and culture, and the partnership between the countries was supported by real actions.
Over the last few weeks, Oslo and Copenhagen have come under pressure from NATO and the US to assume more responsibility in the East to 'protect' the Baltic states against Russia. The Baltic build-up is bound to be one of the main topics on the NATO Summit in Warsaw on July 8-9.
The Baltic region has recently turned into a theater of operation, hosting no less than three major US-led maneuvers. In fact, muscles have been flexing all over the place: Germany is increasing its military for the first time since 1990, while Poland is set to create a national guard of 35,000 men with an open goal of halting a Russian invasion.
NATO's plans on the alliance's eastern border include setting up four battalions of 600 to 1,000 soldiers each. The US sends its battalion to Poland, Germany takes care of the one in Lithuania, the UK is to cover Estonia. This just leaves Latvia, which is where Norway and Denmark are expected to step in. The units are to be equipped for battle and tasked with preventing a "hybrid war" on Russia's part.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Naval forces from the United States, Japan and India are starting nine days of annual maritime exercises in Japan and the Philippine Sea, the US Navy announced in a press release on Thursday.
"Naval ships, aircraft and personnel from India, Japan and the United States are scheduled to participate in the annual exercise Malabar 2016, June 9-17," the release stated.
The US Navy noted that while in Sasebo, Japan, training will include carrier strike group operations, patrol and reconnaissance operations, ordnance disposal as well as other expert and professional exchange.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The United States, Cook noted, has provided a significant amount of material and support to the Peshmerga forces through the government of Iraq, which is the appropriate way for this to be handled.
Well continue our conversations of course with Peshmerga leaders with KRG [Kurdistan Regional Government] about what their needs might be, but I think the United States and the Department of Defense certainly provide a significant amount of material and are prepared to engage with them if there are additional needs in the future," Cook stated.
The Iraqi Kurdistan autonomous region in the country's north is a part of the historic Kurdish region parts of which also belong to Syria, Iran and Turkey. The region has its own government, parliament and armed forces.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) On June 7, two Chinese jets intercepted the US reconnaissance aircraft during a flight in the international airspace over the East China Sea.
"The initial assessment from the Department of Defense is that this intercept and its unsafe nature appears to be the case of improper airmanship," Earnest stated. "There was no other provocative or unsafe maneuvers that were executed."
Earnest added that the US authorities will raise their concerns with the Chinese government through "usual military channels."
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Earlier on Thursday, Libyan media reported that an Daesh leader, Hamid Malouqa Al-Zliteni, was killed in the coastal city of Sirte in a clash between the group and Libyan forces.
"The Libyan people have a lot of reason themselves to want to get rid of ISIL [Daesh] and its clear from what were seeing on the ground that there have been successful efforts in that regard. Were certainly encouraged by what we see," Cook told reporters.
The organizer invited thousands of witches all over the Earth to gather at home altars and recite the following: "Brock Allen Turner, we hex you. You will be impotent. You will know the constant pain of pine needles in your guts. Food will bring you no sustenance. In water, your lungs will fail you. Sleep will only bring nightmares. Shame will be your mantle. You will meet justice. My witchcraft is strong. Our witchcraft is powerful. The spell will work. So Mote it be."
Many of the witches involved in the hexing event expressed hope that similar efforts will be undertaken against other rapists.
Judge Aaron Persky excused his light sentencing of the former Stanford student by suggesting that a more lengthy prison sentence could "have a severe impact" on Turner, but that appears to be precisely what the witches, the prosecuting attorneys, and the over-1-million petition-signers, calling for the judge to be ousted from the bench, believe the rapist deserves.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Germany fails to stifle the rise of hate crimes amid the inflow of migrants, with the number of violent racist crimes having drastically increased since 2013, an international rights watchdog said in a report issued on Thursday.
"In 2015, authorities recorded 1,031 politically motivated crimes against asylum shelters, five times as many as in 2014 (199 crimes) and sixteen times as many as in 2013 (63 crimes). In the first trimester of 2016, authorities reported 347 politically motivated crimes against asylum shelters," Amnesty International said in a report titled "Living in insecurity: How Germany is failing victims of racist violence."
The report also cites the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, according to which there were 1,082 violent attacks against migrants and refugees in 2015 four times more than in 2014.
Mariani said that now the French government has three possible scenarios to follow.
First, the government does nothing and continues to approve the American, the British position and that changes nothing. I think it would be a great mistake and would show to the parliament that this government absolutely does not care about the opinion of the parliament, he said.
The second scenario would be easing the sanctions, which means some sanctions could be removed and some maintained.
And third option, is a surprising move by the government to remove the sanctions, stressing that the French position is different from that of the European Union, Thierry Mariani said. It would be a miracle.
The United States, the European Union and some of their allies have imposed several rounds of sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, as well as a number of individuals and entities since 2014, over Crimeas reunification with Russia and accusations of Moscow's alleged interference in the Ukrainian conflict a claim that Moscow has repeatedly denied.
ROME (Sputnik) The Italian parliament's lower chamber passed a bill criminalizing public denial of Holocaust or any other genocide-related crimes to combat ethnic intolerance, local media reported Thursday.
"Passing this bill, the parliament intends to solve one of the most subtle and trickiest forms of racial slander, xenophobia, antisemitic attitudes and much more of them, as they lead to hate-mongering," Democratic Party deputy Chiara Gribaudo said, as quoted by Il Giornale.
On Wednesday evening, the bill punishing the incitement of racial hatred based on the public denial of genocide or any crimes against humanity with prison terms between two and six years was adopted by the majority of 237 against five votes, with 102 legislators abstaining from voting, according to the newspaper.
In his speech delivered at the US Naval Academy Commencement only a few days before the Singapore summit, Carter once again stressed the importance of the Asia-Pacific region for the US and didn't miss a chance to lambast China for what he called "expansive and unprecedented actions in the South China Sea."
However, despite growing tensions between Washington and Beijing, "Carter's pitch in Singapore was loftier and more rhetorical, identifying 'commitment, strength and inclusion' as core precepts for the US approach to the region," Graham underscores.
"The key messages are that US influence is benign, its core interests widely are shared in the region, and its networking power is a force for deepening cooperation bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral," the academic continues.
Graham points out that in what may be his last address to the Singapore-hosted security gathering Carter "notably did not call out" Beijing's "behavior" in specific terms.
"Nor was there any repeat call this year to reverse course on island-building and militarization. This left some delegates wondering if the US was in fact backing down," the academic stresses.
"I do not know whether this resolution will make the participants of the upcoming EU summit change the decision, but it will definitely encourage all EU member states to reconsider the sanctions issue," Yves Pozzo di Borgo told reporters after the vote.
Pozzo di Borgo added that as the document was non-binding, fuhrer policy on Russia depended on the French government. The lawmaker stressed that the resolution was supported by all political groups of the Senate, demonstrating the significance of the decision.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The International Syrian Support Group (ISSG), co-chaired by the United States and Russia, agreed in May to transport humanitarian aid into affected Syrian communities by June 1. If not, they said ISSG nations would be forced to air-drop aid.
"Russia actually has air assets on the ground in Syria and ostensibly has the permission of the Syrian government to fly," Toner told reporters.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) During Breedloves four-year command at NATO, the alliance fundamentally changed its posture toward Russia from partnership to strategic competition. Since 2014, NATO has increased the number and pace of its military exercises, while deploying rotational forces and prepositioning military equipment closer to Russias European borders.
"It would be good to have a broader NATO air, land, and sea [line of communications with Russia]," Breedlove said on Wednesday. He added that establishing a NATO-Russia mechanism "would not be an easy task but I suggested it before I left."
Breedlove, who recently stepped down as the commander of NATO and head of US European Command, further emphasized the need for the United States to "establish quality communications with the Russians" to avoid unintended military incidents or escalations.
In an article published by the newspaper Il Giornale , Italian journalist and professor of sociology Francesco Alberoni urged Europe to overcome the restraints set by Brussels and Germany and form a new union spreading from the UK to Russia.
With the migration deadlock showing no signs of abating, Europe currently guarantees what Alberoni described as "a space of peace and stability in the Mediterranean."
"It is a difficult goal that is being avoided by all European allies. To achieve it, Europe must tackle the paltry constraints set by Brussels and Germany and create a new political alliance stretching from the UK to Russia," he pointed out.
Some 42 percent of Danes would like to hold a referendum on whether Denmark should continue to be a member of the European Union or not, a survey conducted by the pollster Epinion for Danish Radio revealed.
This figure has risen by 5 percent since February, when 37 percent of Danes advocated a national vote on continued EU membership. Consequently, the number of EU cohorts declined from 56 percent last November to 44 percent today, while the 'no' side gained momentum, rising from 31 to 42 percent.
The negative reaction is likely to have been spurred by the forthcoming referendum in the United Kingdom, scheduled for June 23. Following the British example, many Danes became enthusiastic about doing the same in Denmark, Kristian Thulesen Dahl, the leader of the right-wing populist and EU-skeptical Danish People's Party said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) He underlined that while the senate's resolution serves as a recommendation, "the government cannot bypass the opinion of parliamentarians."
"Of course, I consider this decision to be positive. Speaking yesterday at the State Duma's plenary session, I said that opposition to anti-Russian rhetoric, Russophobia is growing among European politicians and lawmakers.The French Senate's decision is part of this trend," Naryshkin said.
TEHRAN (Sputnik)Syrian Defense Minister Fahd Jassem Freij arrived in Tehran to take part in a trilateral meeting on Syrian reconciliation with Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, a source in the Iranian Defense Ministry told Sputnik on Thursday.
The key issue on the agenda of the meeting is the regime of silence in Syria and trilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorist groups. The parties are also set to discuss political settlement in Syria and methods of suppressing the "hotbeds" of terrorism in the country.
The meeting was arranged at the initiative of the Iranian side.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman will visit Berlin on June 27 to discuss topical political and economic issues, Chairman of Germany's Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations Wolfgang Buechele said Thursday.
"The Ukrainian prime minister will arrive to Berlin on June 27 to take part in a business dinner organized by the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations. He will take part in talks on acute political and economic issues," Buechele said.
He added that Ukraine has problems with the fulfillment of the Minsk deal, particularly with constitutional reforms and decentralization.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Kazakh leader Nursultan Nazarbayev over a terror attack in the city of Aktobe that left seven people dead on the day of mourning , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.
On Sunday, unidentified armed assailants attacked two gun shops and a military unit in Aktobe. In response, the country's authorities announced an anti-terrorist operation. Kazakhstans Interior Ministry said that security forces killed 13 attackers who were radical followers of non-conventional religious movements, according to the ministry.
"Due to the fact that today, June 9, has been declared a national mourning day in Kazakhstan, President [Vladimir] Putin sent to President of Kazakhstan [Nursultan] Nazarbayev a telegram expressing condolences over the death of Kazakh military personnel and civilians as a result of a terrorist attack in the city of Aktobe. I repeat once more: it is due to the fact that precisely today was declared a day of national mourning by our Kazakh friends," Peskov said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) The current situation in the world amid turmoil in the Middle East and "a more assertive Russia" warrants an increase in NATO members defense spending, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Stoltenberg reminded that defense spending went down following the end of the Cold War as "tensions [were] going down."
"Tensions are going up, we are living in a more dangerous world, we see a more assertive Russia to the east and we see all the turmoil and the violence to the south Its OK to reduce [spending] when tensions are going down as long as were able to increase defense spending when tensions are going up, and thats what I expect NATO allies to do," Stoltenberg said.
Citing the May analytical report posted by the anonymous blogger 'The Saker' on how Moscow is preparing to protect its national interests and secure its borders to prevent a repeat of the Wehrmacht's Operation Barbarossa invasion in 1941, Ayoli calls attention to Russia's ongoing military modernization.
First of all, Moscow is recreating its First Guards Tank Army. Currently it is equipped with T-72B3 and T-80 main battle tanks, but they will be replaced by the brand new T-14 Armata tank. Likewise, the Army's infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) and armored personnel carriers (APC) will be replaced with newer, more advanced machines. From the air, these units will be backed by Mi-28 and Ka-52 attack helicopters.
Secondly, Russia has recently deployed its new Iskander-M operational tactical missile systems. The system is "extremely accurate, it has advanced anti-ABM capabilities, it flies at hypersonic speeds and is practically undetectable on the ground."
Thirdly, while the tanks, IFVs and Iskander-M pose no deterrent to the US, the RS-28 "Sarmat" (SS-X-30 by NATO classification) would definitely prompt the US and NATO hawks to think twice, according to the journalist.
"The Sarmat is nothing short of amazing. It will be capable of carrying 10-15 MIRVed warheads which will be delivered in a so-called 'depressed' (suborbital) trajectory and which will remain maneuverable at hypersonic speeds," The Saker, a US-based European military analyst, wrote in his blog in late May.
But that is not all: the Russian Armed Forces also boast Status-6 underwater torpedo systems, the Kalibr cruise-missiles which have proven themselves in the war in Syria, the Barguzins modernized elusive "nuclear trains" equipped with ICBMs, etc.
"Russians are ordinary people. They are afraid of war and they really want to avoid it. The last one cost [the Soviets] more than twenty-eight million lives. But once lured into war, they fight it to the bitter end. This unique trait of the Russian national character the West has misunderstood countless times in the last 1,000 years. Time and again, Europeans have attacked Russia, dragging themselves into a fierce fight they never imagined even in their worst nightmares. Napoleon and Hitler dug their own graves. Therefore, the Russians say: 'Russia never starts wars, it only ends them'," Ayoli emphasizes.
The journalist warns that NATO is pushing Europe toward a new conflict with Russia. According to Ayoli, if just one European country leaves the Alliance, the bloc will fall apart at the seams.
It is time for France to withdraw from the dangerous Alliance and accelerate its rapprochement with Moscow. Other countries, most notably Germany, will most likely follow in Paris' footsteps, creating a new powerful Axis: Paris Berlin Moscow, he concludes.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will attend the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 16 where he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, his office said Thursday.
"On 16, June, the Secretary-General will be in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an annual international conference dedicated to economic and business issues held under the auspices of the President of the Russian Federation. The Secretary-General is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin, as well as with other participating senior officials," the statement read.
The 2016 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is due to take place on June 16-18. The forum is organized annually and attended by business representatives and officials from dozens of countries.
Sigmar Gabriel, German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, said that Russia must make sure that a number of specific conditions are met before Germany approves of the Nord Stream-2 construction.
According to Bloomberg, the minister made this statement ahead of his meeting with Miguel Arias Canete, European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, who opposes the construction of the new pipeline as he believes that it will negatively impact Europes natural gas supply diversification.
Gabriel stated that Germany wont budge until three conditions are met: the new pipeline must adhere to German regulations; it must not affect the ongoing natural gas transit through Ukraine; and its construction must not result in a decrease of natural gas supply to Eastern Europe.
Earlier US Department of Defense spokesperson Peter Cook told journalists that the United States and Russia are not coordinating ground operations against Daesh in Syria.
Daesh commanders are seemingly alarmed about being cut off in the Aleppo governorate due to the two separate offensives launched by the SAA and the SDF, Al Masdar News reported.
"ISIS [Daesh] not only faces an imminent defeat in the Aleppo governorate but also expulsion from the Turkish-Syrian border, the Islamic State's last land connection to the outside world," the media outlet emphasized.
According to Al Masdar News, on Wednesday, the SAA's 555th Regiment of the 4th Mechanized Division and Desert Hawks liberated the last five kilometers of highway that leads up to the Rasafeh Crossroad in western Raqqa.
Meanwhile the SDF, who have liberated several dozen villages in the course of their ten-day offensive, briefly entered a neighborhood in the northern part of Manbij on Wednesday morning but were forced to retreat.
Manbij and its surroundings are of vital importance for Daesh, Malbrunot underscores. The crux of the matter is that the region serves as a transit route for the terrorist organization. New jihadists, weapons and money are coming into the city from Turkey via Jerablus (Jarabulus), located 30 kilometers north of Manbij. If the SDF takes control over Manbij and Jerablus, Daesh will be cut off from this important logistical axis. Needless to say, it would deal a heavy blow to the extremists.
The journalist points out that the US goes even so far as to pressure its allies and partners into supporting such actions even if it results in damage to their own economic interests
"The latest example of such unilateral action has been the ruling of the US Supreme Court to pay compensations to the families of those Americans killed in the terrorist attacks in 1983 and 1996 in Beirut and Riyadh, using the money from 'frozen' Iranian assets. This decision has provoked massive public outrage in Iran," the journalist recalls.
It seems the lesson has been learnt by Tehran, and in one of his recent statements, Iranian President Rouhani made it clear that Iran will not give Washington its money so easily.
Moreover, the Iranian parliament "approved the general outlines of a bill that would obligate the government to claim compensation from the United States for its hostile moves against Iran over the past 63 years," the Iran Project reported on April 17, 2016.
The media outlet specified that the cases particularly include the US involvement in the 1953 coup, the role Washington played in an 8-year Iraqi war on Iran in the 1980s, the damage the White House inflicted on Tehran "by dipping into Iran's assets frozen in the US banks," and the US support for Tel-Aviv's anti-Iran measures.
"Earlier, in a speech in the southeastern city of Kerman, President Rouhani pledged that Iran would 'take this case to the Hague in the near future and will not spare any effort towards the restoration of the nation's rights through legal, political and banking channels'," the media outlet emphasized, adding that the move came "in response to the US Supreme Court's decision in April to seize about $2 billion in frozen assets of Iran."
What does the move mean?
Earlier, the French Senate voted in favor of the resolution on the easing of anti-Russian sanctions, with 302 senators casting their votes in support of the initiative and only 16 opposing the move. The resolution calls on the French government to protest extension of EU sanctions against Moscow, and while it is not legally binding, it will be submitted to Frances leadership for consideration.
French newspaper Le Monde points out that after the National Assembly supported a similar resolution brought forward by Thierry Mariani in April, both the proponents and the opponents of this latest initiative took great care to prepare for the senatorial debates.
"France can both serve as a guarantor of Ukraines territorial integrity, as per the Minsk agreements, and as promoter of establishing the kind of relations with Russia that I would call normal," Senator Yves Pozzo di Borgo said.
"The Head of State urged German business to use the advantages of the Ukraine-EU Association and Free Trade Area Agreement more actively. According to him, Ukraine is interested in enhancing economic and investment presence of Germany. The President is hopeful to expand bilateral trade relations," the statement released on Poroshenko's website reads.
Poroshenko thanked the German delegation for Berlin's "financial and technical aid" and stressed that Ukraine-Germany trade chamber, expected to start operations in the fall, would become an important tool to boost the ties between the two countries.
Brian talks with Zafar Bangash, Director of the Toronto-based Institute of Contemporary Islamic Thought on the military actions to liberate Raqqa and Aleppo. The Syrian Army and a Kurdish-dominated coalition supported by U.S. airstrikes proclaim that they are both advancing on Raqqa, the headquarters of the so-called Islamic State. But are the two sides coordinating their efforts, or pursuing far different agendas?
The US Navy has ordered its personnel confined to their bases in Japan after people in the militarily occupied Japanese island rise up to demand the ouster of the US military base that has occupied their homeland for the past seventy one years. US military personnel have killed or injured civilians in a long string of incidents. Mass protests are underway. But is the Japanese government listening? Becker is joined by Eric Draitser, political analyst and founder of Stop Imperialism, and host of Counterpunch Radio.
More than five years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, a young woman has spoken out about her thyroid cancer linked to the radiation. Just how many young people have cancer as a result of the disaster, and are steps being taken to insure that similar incidents dont happen anywhere else in the world? Becker is joined by Kevin Kamps, the Radiation Watchdog at the Beyond Nuclear organization.
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UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) The Russian health minister pointed out that HIV treatment programs are fully financed by the government in Russia, which also assists other Eastern European and Central Asian states in their fight against HIV.
"The use of standardized treatment plans, recommended by the WHO [World Health Organization], centralized government purchases, the wide use of generic forms of medicine, and, most importantly, the policy of import substitution, have allowed to lower costs over the course of 2015 by more than two thirds," Skvortsova said at a Wednesday UN General Assembly session dedicated to the fight against HIV and AIDS.
NOVOSIBIRSK (Sputnik) Russia's Roscosmos space agency will present a plan to the government on deploying a satellite constellation to monitor the Arctic region and the world's oceans, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Thursday.
"As for Roscosmos, it is necessary to analyze and present a clear, specific, step-by-step plan to the government on deploying a satellite constellation that will give us the opportunity to see everything related to the World Ocean and the Arctic," Rogozin said.
It referred to the Russian sugar and meat producer Ros Agro Plc, which is controlled by billionaire Vadim Moshkovich. Last year, the company received about 3 billion rubles (46 million dollars) in state support and paid zero tax on profits.
This helped increase its net earnings margin to 33 percent, 28 points more than the Russian oil giant Lukoil, according to Bloomberg.
"The crowning achievement of Putin's food strategy so far is grain. Russia overtook the US this year to become the biggest exporter of wheat a milestone that followed bumper yields of corn, rice, soybeans and buckwheat," Bloomberg pointed out.
In this vein, Bloomberg quoted Yevgenia Tyurikova, the head of private banking at Russia's largest lender Sberbank, as saying that farmland, along with European hotels, remains one of "the two hottest investments for rich Russians."
"[Russia's] grain surplus, combined with the weaker ruble, helped lift [its] food exports to a record 20 billion dollars in 2015, more than the country earned from arms sales," Bloomberg said.
It added that the total volume of agricultural production in Russia increased by 3 percent, which helped mitigate the overall decline in the economy.
According to Bloomberg, while exports increased, imports fell in Russia, which "slashed international food purchases by about 40 percent since 2013, to 26.5 billion dollars last year."
In a bid to drive expansion, Moscow is not relying on rich Russians alone but also courting companies in Asia and the Middle East, Bloomberg said.
It mentioned the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which is creating a 2-billion-dollar fund with China to invest in agricultural projects, and last month formed a joint venture with a Thai company to build Russia' largest dairy complex.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is set to meet his Syrian and Iranian counterparts, Fahd Jassem Freij and Hossein Dehghan on Thursday, discussing counter-terrorism and regional security, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Thursday.
"The Russian Defense Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu has departed for a working visit to Iran. The defense minister is set to hold trilateral talks with his counterparts from Syria and Iran during his visit to Tehran. Immediate measures to strengthen cooperation between defense ministries in the fight against Daesh and the Nusra Front terrorist groups will be discussed," Antonov told reporters.
Shoigu will also attend a number of bilateral meetings with Iranian and Syrian military officials, where issues of regional security and military and technical cooperation will be dealt with, he added.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Moscow welcomes the French Senate's recently adopted resolution on easing sanctions against Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.
"We have said from the very beginning that we do not consider the sanctions dialogue to be constructive. Moreover, we find it absolutely futile. Therefore, of course, when lawmakers express such a stance, we can only welcome it. However, we know that there is no official progress here yet," Peskov said.
The French Senate voted Wednesday in favor of a resolution calling on Paris to ease sanctions against Russia ahead of the EU summit. Yves Pozzo di Borgo, the author of the document, expressed hope that it would encourage EU heads to reconsider the sanctions.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russias Admiral Grigorovich frigate has arrived at its permanent base in Sevastopol, the Black Sea Fleet's spokesman said Thursday.
"The newest frigate Admiral Grigorovich arrived today in Sevastopol after a cross-fleet transition from the Baltic to the Black Sea fleet. This is the first surface far-field ship the Black Sea Fleet has received in the last 35 years. The ship, under the command of Capt. 2nd Rank Anatoly Velichko completed the state testing program and on March 11 this year the naval flag was raised on it," Capt. 1st Rank Vyacheslav Trukhachev told reporters.
In service since March 10, the Admiral Grigorovich is the first of six planned Project 11356 frigates, three of which are due to be delivered to the Defense Ministry by 2017. The frigate left the Baltic Fleet base in the western seaport town of Baltiysk in late April for Sevastopol.
The idea of the app belongs to Aleksei Gervash, a professional pilot and psychologist, the founder and the head of the only Russian fear of flying treatment center, appropriately called Flying without fear.
Sputnik sat down with the author of the idea to talk about the program.
For some 30% of Russian adult travelers these fears are real, Alexei told Sputnik.
So the idea came to me eight years ago to open up the center, he explained.
And while helping thousands of people remotely and in person, he also came up with the idea that a computer program that can do something similar.
It took me one and a half years to fully implement the idea, Alexei told Sputnik, adding that he himself made 270 test flights with the app and the team released 632 test versions.
This is what SkyGuru can do:
Forecasts the majority of the turbulence zones along the flight and set an estimated time for entering each of them and its duration. It also sends a warning signal several minutes before the entering into turbulence, and explains the reasons for the majority of the turbulence along a particular fight path.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) may reduce the fine imposed on Google over the coupling of its search engine to the Android operating system down from the current 7 percent of total market turnover, FAS Head Igor Artemiev said Thursday.
"According to the law, a fine may be reduced in case all damage to third parties has been compensated and the charge has been admitted, but the reduction cannot be below 1 percent of market turnover. We are looking at 7 percent now, which is the average value, as you know. If they come to us, then we can theoretically discuss this, but this does not mean that we will go to 1 percent. The settlement agreement is closed in court and the court also determines the reasonable limits in each specific case," Artemiev said.
The FAS and Google are currently not discussing settling the fine, but talks may start, and the company has been showing signs of readiness for dialogue, he added.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)Earlier on Thursday, Safonov met with China National Tourism Administration Chairman Li Jinzao to discuss changing bilateral agreements to lower the limit on visa-free group travel to Russia from five to three people.
"China has supported our proposal, we talked about when the changes can be implemented," Safonov said.
The sides also agreed to work towards simplifying visa procedures and reducing the price of Russian visas for Chinese tourists, which are currently priced at 10,000 rubles (some $156), the Rosturism head added, noting that discussions on introducing multiple-entry and long-term visas also took place.
In his remarks, Minister of Communications and Mass Media Nikolai Nikiforov thanked the Yugra Government for being consistent in its efforts to develop the forum. I strongly believe events like this one to be extremely important, since they provide a platform for outlining and discussing a common agenda, and facilitate ties between government bodies, as well as businesses from various countries, he said.
The minister noted that efforts to diversify the existing development model of the global IT market, that is still dominated by a single country and a handful of companies, should be on everyones agenda, and BRICS countries are ready to combine their efforts to deliver on this objective.
Mr Nikiforov also said that Russian developers have great potential, which makes it possible to export Russian IT solutions to BRICS and SCO countries, while also benefiting from the high-tech solutions of its partners. What matters the most for me is that this IT-forum has become an annual event. After last years meeting we were able to organize the first-ever meeting of BRICS ministers of communications, he pointed out.
The South African Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi said she was impressed by the fact that Russians created so many projects for the benefit of their country, adding that it was a project on telemedicine that caught her attention, enabling doctors from across BRICS countries to keep in touch with each other.
More than 20 themed sessions and roundtable discussions are expected to take place at the IT Forum, along with the signing on the sidelines of the event of nine agreements to develop Russian IT and promote high-technology cooperation within BRICS.
"The International Economic Forum will kick off in St. Petersburg next week, during which the BRICS countries will hold a business forum. Invitations to the forum have been sent to the heads of large corporations in BRICS countries and the president of the BRICS New Development Bank. I hope to use the meeting with the bank's president to discuss the possibility of creating a financing program for telemedicine projects in the BRICS countries," the Yugra governor said.
According to Komarova, this new infrastructure project meets the bank's requirements and should make quality healthcare services available to over 2.8 billion people who live in the BRICS countries. The telemedicine system will be used for remote consultations between large clinical centers, remote patient monitoring, and for physician training.
The New Development Bank was created by the BRICS countries in July 2014. Headquartered in Shanghai, the bank aims to finance infrastructure projects in the BRICS and other emerging economies.
While the details of the meeting remain secret, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook gave some indication of what the basic elements of the meeting would entail while speaking to reporters on Monday.
"Elon Musk is one of the most innovative minds in this country and the secretary, as you know, has been reaching out to a number of members of the technology community to get their ideas, their feedback, find out whats going on in the world of innovation," Cook said.
Interestingly, users of synthetic cannabinoids like K2 are more likely to suffer serious health issues. Use of these laboratory-made marijuana replacements has been linked to violent behavior, delusions, kidney and liver damage, seizures, strokes, heart attacks and death. A drug chemist that goes by the pseudonym ForensicToxGuy once commented, "When it comes to consuming the herbal blends/incense blends/potpourri products out there, I say that they are products containing substances of unknown identity with unknown pharmacological and toxicological effects in unknown combinations at unknown dosages." In April there were 1000 poison control calls made about the substance, which has also referred to as "spice" and "scooby snacks."
This study comes at a time in which official attitudes around marijuana are rapidly changing in America. A 2014 PEW research study found that support for marijuana legalization had reached "an all-time high of 54%," a 2% increase from the previous year. The study also showed that 76% of Americans feel that if marijuana isnt legalized than it should at least be decriminalized, and that people found with small quantities of marijuana should not be charged with a crime.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The crash occurred in the west of Jefferson County on Wednesday evening, Arkansas State Police spokesman Bill Sadler said as cited by KATV.
The dead person was the pilot, according to fire department officials cited by the Arkansas TV channel. The passenger received leg injuries.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash, KATV said.
Suspicions began with a tweet by Los Angeles Times editor Christina Bellantoni, who noted that an email promptly sent out to Clinton supporters after the controversial declaration contained images labeled "Secret Win."
The images in this Clinton email are labeled "secret win." pic.twitter.com/YR4uCdQTZv Christina Bellantoni (@cbellantoni) June 7, 2016
Bernie Sanders supporters quickly assumed that there was a secret agreement between the Clinton campaign and the media to announce the former State Secretary's victory just prior to the remaining Democratic primaries.
Sorry, yesterday I said there was no proof of collusion. Is #SecretWin the smoking gun? https://t.co/DXv7ZbDRzZ Keith Kahn (@keithkahn) June 7, 2016
Moreover, individual urls of separate files creating the larger image show that they were created by the Clinton campaign over the weekend, even before the controversial "presumptive nominee" declaration was made.
Last year, Badawi and Elhuzayel pleaded not guilty at the US District Court for the Central District of California.
According to the FBI, US special agents have been monitoring the men since January, 2013 over their pro-Daesh comments on social media.
Daesh, a radical Sunni active in Iraq and Syria and banned in a range of countries, including Russia and the United States, recruits new members from different parts of the world, including from Europe and North America. The extremists use social networks as a tool to recruit young fighters.
Daesh militants are notorious for their brutality, including public beheadings of Western journalists.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)US Rear Admiral Robert Gilbeau will plead guilty of making a false statement to investigators during a probe into a major bribery case, Admirals Attorney David Benowitz said in a statement released on Thursday.
"Rear Admiral Gilbeau did in fact make a false statement during the course of an important investigation," Benowitz said in a written statement to CNN. "In this unfortunate situation, he accepts responsibility for the decisions he made and for his conduct."
The probe was related to the case of a foreign defense contractor Glenn Defense Marine Asia (GDMA), which bribed officials in exchange for classified US Navy information.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The United States and Cuba discussed a possible cooperation on preventing and countering terrorism, Cubas Foreign Ministry announced in a release on Thursday.
"On Wednesday, June 8th a technical meeting took place in Havana between the Cuban and US authorities in charge of preventing and dealing with terrorism, for the purpose of exchanging ideas on the possibilities of cooperation in this area," the release stated. "The meeting took place in a climate of respect and professionalism."
According to a letter from the US State Department to Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) $400 million of that sum came from the Judgement Fund, something described as "a source of funding to pay judgements and claims against the United States when there is no other source of funding."
The remaining $1.3 billion is interest on that $400 million, accrued over the past 36 years and paid for by the American taxpayer.
"The fact that US taxpayers appear to be funding Irans military is outrageous," Pompeo said to Bloomberg News.
The Iran nuclear deal reached by Tehran and six international mediators Russia, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, in exchange for the gradual termination of anti-Iran sanctions originally imposed over fears that Iran was developing nuclear weapon. The lifting of sanctions allowed Iranian oil producers to reenter the global market.
used to boost the satellite into space, is one of the largest vehicles on the planet. Using three core boosters, it produces over 2 million pounds of thrust and will place the top-secret NROL-37 spy satellite into orbit, launching from Cape Canaveral on Saturday.
Little is known about the NROL-37s mission, but, according to Press TV, it is likely the seventh version of the Orion class satellites developed in coordination with the CIA. These have traditionally been used to gather earthbound signals intelligence (SIGNIT) from space.
The NRO describes itself as "Americas eyes and ears in space."
"The US military command was sent to investigate this incident and disciplinary action will be taken," she wrote.
"Rest assured that these soldiers made fun of themselves and not of the state of Qatar."
Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook also addressed the incident.
"We sincerely regret any offense the video may have caused," he said. "The content of this video does not reflect the esteem the United States has for the state of Qatar."
MOSCOW (Sputnik) A New South Wales Police (NSW Police) spokeswoman has confirmed that officers had been called to the Westfield Hornsby shopping center in Sydneys northern suburbs on Thursday, The Sydney Morning Herald said. However, no further details of the incident have been confirmed.
The shooter had allegedly attacked police officers with a knife before they opened fire at him, the newspaper said.
Up to four people have reportedly been injured in the incident.
BAKU (Sputnik) Moscow has not received information from Cairo about finishing the implementation of Russian recommendations on aviation security in Egypt, Russian Transport Minister Maksim Sokolov said Thursday.
"In late April, we handed to Egypt our notes based on the results of another phase of work of our expert group. We have constructive dialogue. There was no invitation of the Egyptian colleagues for another phase of checks. Russia has not received information from the Egyptian party about finishing implementation of the recommendations on aviation security," Sokolov told RIA Novosti.
On October 31, 2015, a Russia-operated Airbus A321, en route from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg crashed as a result of an explosion on board killing 224 people. The Islamic State, outlawed in Russia, claimed responsibility for the attack. After the incident Russia suspended flights to Egypt.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)On Wednesday night, two gunmen opened fire near the popular Sarona market in Tel Aviv, located outside the buildings of the Defense Ministry and the Israeli Army General Staff. The attackers injured nine people. The Israeli prime ministers spokesman Ofir Gendelman said four people were killed in the shooting.
"The president of the republic strongly condemns the odious attack in which at least four people were killed and dozens were injuredin Tel Aviv. France sends its condolences to the families of the victims and expresses its complete support to Israel in the struggle against terrorism," the palace said in a statement.
The Israeli police have reportedly detained the two shooters shortly after the attack.
In an interview with Sputnik, former Antalya mayor Mustafa Akaydin, a former member of the opposition Republican People's Party, said that the crisis in Russian-Turkish relations has finally led to Antalya losing its tourist season this year.
The interview came as the Turkish tourism sector continued to deteriorate after Russia banned organized travel of its tourist groups to Turkey following a November incident in which Ankara downed a Russian Su-24 attack aircraft over an alleged airspace violation.
"I'm seeing this catastrophic situation for the first time in the 36 years that I've lived in Antalya. Of course, the crisis in the tourism sector came as no surprise. It was caused by a number of factors, including a chill in the Russia-Turkey ties and security-related issues," Akaydin said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) On June 28-29, a European Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the European Union will be held in Brussels in the buildings of the Council of the European Union. The French Senate voted Wednesday in favor of a resolution calling on Paris to ease sanctions against Russia ahead of the EU summit. Yves Pozzo di Borgo, the author of the document, expressed hope that it would encourage EU heads to reconsider the sanctions.
"The European Council in March 2015 agreed that the sanctions duration remain clearly linked to Russia's complete implementation of the Minsk agreements. This approach will of course need to be re-confirmed by all EU Member States in the coming weeks, but my understanding is that nobody would object to another rollover of our economic sanctions. It is even unlikely that a discussion between EU leaders will be necessary," the source said, answering a question whether the issue of easing anti-Russian sanctions would be on the summits agenda in light of the French vote.
The French resolution was passed by overwhelming majority, as 302 lawmakers supported the resolution and 16 senators opposed. The National Assembly, France's lower house of parliament, adopted a similar resolution in April.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russia condemns the lethal shooting in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv as a crime against civilians that undermines efforts at reaching a Palestinian-Israeli settlement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
Earlier in the day, two gunmen opened fire near the popular Sarona market in Tel Aviv, located outside the buildings of the Defense Ministry and the Israeli Army General Staff. The attackers injured nine people, four of them died later at the hospital.
"Moscow strongly and unequivocally condemns the criminal act in Tel Aviv, as well as any terrorist acts that result in civilian suffering. There can be no justification for such terrorist acts, which seriously complicate the already complex situation in the region and undermine efforts at reaching a just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict," the ministry said in a statement.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) should continue the talks with Russia, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Thursday, welcoming the recent NATO-Russia Council meeting.
"It is understandable that that our Eastern allies are concerned and seek NATO support, but we have to carry on talking to Russia. So I also welcome the recent meeting of the NATO-Russia Council and possibility that it may convene again before the Warsaw summit," Rutte said.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) representative on freedom of the media, Dunja Mijatovi, on Thursday welcomed the decision of the Italian Senate not to increase defamation penalties, the OSCE said in a press release.
"The decision not to increase the maximum prison term is a step in the right direction," Mijatovic said as quoted in the press release. "Imprisonment is a disproportionate punishment for defamation and creates a chilling effect on media freedom."
The rejected bill designed to protect public officials proposed to increase the maximum prison penalty for detractors from six to nine years.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)Jordan hopes that intra-Syrian talks in Geneva will resume soon, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said Thursday.
"We believe that starting from this platform I am referring to the International Syria Support Group and its statements after the past five sessions there are three main tracks in front of us. The first is a political track, here we are referring to the negotiations between the Syrians in Geneva, which, as we want, must resume soon," Judeh said after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
He added that the second track was the ceasefire and the third was the delivery of humanitarian aid.
LONDON (Sputnik) The United Kingdom is shocked by the deadly shooting in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv in which four people were killed and several others were injured, Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood said Thursday.
"I am appalled by the senseless attack in central Tel Aviv, which has left four dead and several wounded. My thoughts are with the victims and their families," Ellwood said in a statement published on the Foreign Ministry website.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)The slowed investment in new oil projects over the past year will drive up prices in the future, pushing oil back up to $80 per barrel over the next ten years, US Energy Information Administration (EIA) head Adam Siemienski said on Thursday.
"Over time, the continued slowing of investment that started in 2015 will make it difficult for supply to respond quickly to future growth in demand for oil. As a result, prices are expected to return to nearly $80 per barrel in the next decade," Siemienski told members of the US Congress during a hearing on energy security.
Global oil prices plunged from a June 2014 high of $115 per barrel to less than $30 per barrel at the beginning of 2016. The price drop has impacted major energy producing countries as well as independent energy companies, which have been forced to defer billions of dollars worth of investments in new projects.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)Scheduled meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi at the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will give a positive impetus to the bilateral relations, Russian Ambassador to Italy Sergei Razov said Thursday.
"The expected meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will provide an important new political impetus to the development of our bilateral relations at all levels," Razov said as quoted by askanews.
He added that the relations between Russia and Italy were developing despite the complicated environment of anti-Russia sanctions imposed by the European Union.
MOSCOW (Sputnik), Svetlana AlexandrovaOn Wednesday, the French Senate passed by overwhelming majority a resolution calling on the government to ease sanctions against Russia. The National Assembly, France's lower house of parliament, adopted a similar resolution in April.
"The budget deficit, countrys international debt that is equivalent to 100 percent of GNP and dependency on the American bonds and banks force the French President Hollande to join additional NATO committees and be compliant with the American foreign policy to what concerns Russia. As the pressure from the American banks continues to rise, the government feels trapped and is unlikely to lift sanctions against Russia because it would require a lot of bravery and courage," Nicolas Dhuicq said.
The United States, the European Union and some of their allies have imposed several rounds of sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, as well as a number of individuals and entities since 2014, over Crimeas reunification with Russia and accusations of Moscow's alleged interference in the Ukrainian conflict.
The Global Peace Index 2016 Report released by the Institute for Economics and Peace ranked Ukraine as 156th, effectively labeling the country as one of the ten most dangerous states in the world.
According to the report, the most dangerous and therefore the least peaceful country in the world is Syria, which is ranked 163th. Other countries deemed as at least slightly more dangerous than Ukraine were South Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen and the Central African Republic.
At the same time, Sudan, Libya and Pakistan were deemed as more peaceful nations that Ukraine.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Thursday she expected that Europe and Canada would sign a free trade pact by the end of this year.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) seeks to remove custom duties, saving EU exporters an annual $500 million. It is expected to be discussed together with the Strategic Partnership Agreement at the EU-Canada summit in October.
"There will be an EU-Canada Summit in the autumn, where we expect that we could sign this agreement, and also where we hope to be able to sign the trade agreement the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement that indeed is a model," Mogherini said in Ottawa.
Four-year-old superstars Wiggle It Jiggleit and Pinkman head a star-studded 15-race card on Sunday (June 12) afternoon at Tioga Downs, with the third preliminary leg of the Graduate Series and New York Sire Stakes events for three-year-old pacing fillies sharing the spotlight.
In the $75,000 eighth race, a Graduate event for pacers, double millionaire Wiggle It Jiggleit squares off against ten other four-year-olds. The gelded son of Mr Wiggles arrives following impressive victories in the Battle of Lake Erie at Northfield (1:49.4) and the Dorothy Mullin Invitational at Harrah's Philadelphia (1:47.3). Montrell Teague handles the driving duties for trainer Clyde Francis.
"I think he'll handle the Tioga track fine," said Teague. "The biggest disadvantage will be the 11-horse field, and the two trailers will try to keep position up close. You can almost bet that Rockin Ron's going to leave."
A rematch off the Confederation Cup showdown went to Wiggle It Jiggleit in the Mullin, and Teague remains confident heading to this rubber match following the reigning Horse of the Year's effort at Philadelphia. "I didn't want to give Rockin Ron any advantage [at Philadelphia]. I pulled early and got right beside Rockin Ron. On the turn, I tried to stay as close as possible to save some ground; then I started driving on him and he went on."
Wiggle It Jiggleit, the 2015 Pacer and the Horse of the Year in the U.S., will start from post 4 as the 4-5 morning line favourite.
Rockin Ron, who looks to avenge his recent defeat, headlines a three-horse entry trained by Ron Burke and Kelvin Harrison. The 19-time winner drew post two in the overflow field, and Yannick Gingras will be in to drive.
One race later, in the $75,000 Graduate preliminary for trotters, Gingras will drive last year's Hambletonian winner and 2015 U.S. Trotter of the Year Pinkman for trainer Jimmy Takter. The 18-time winner returns from Solvalla Racecourse in Stockholm, where he wired fellow four-year-olds in 1:52.2 on the Elitlopp undercard.
Pinkman will start from post 6 as the 2-1 morning line favourite. Among the seven foes Pinkman will face is Musical Rhythm, a winner in his Graduate event at Mohawk last weekend. Following a sweep of the Don Mills series in April, the 19-time winner has risen to top-tier competition with aplomb, also drawing off in a Preferred event at Mohawk. Ben Baillargeon trains the Cantab Hall entire, and Hall-of-Fame driver John Campbell will be aboard from post 1.
A pair of $62,400 New York Sire Stakes events for three-year-old pacing fillies are carded as races 6 and 11, with a quintet of Burke trainees leading the group of 18 sophomores. Dime a Dance (Matt Kakaley) leads a 2-1 favoured entry in race 6 as the only Sire Stakes winner thus far this year in the group, while Chris Ryder trainee Time On My Hands (Jason Bartlett) and Linda Toscano trainee Soft Idea (Jim Morrill, Jr.) will look to upend the Burke trio in race 11.
Post time for Sunday's stakes program is 1:30 p.m. Eastern.
(with files from Tioga)
For the third consecutive season, the $210,000 Charlie Hill Memorial will bring the best older trotters in the sport to Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday (June 11).
Last years champ, multi-millionaire Bee A Magician, will not be making the trip to Columbus due to injury, but a rock-solid field is assembled for this years edition.
Early favouritism should belong to Muscle Up The Goal. The four-year-old stallion, trained by Chris Beaver and owned by Synerco Ventures Inc. of Toronto, Ont., deserves the honour as hes perfect in three starts this year, all open length victories. In fact, the son of Muscle Mass comes in off two track record setting performances at The Meadows and Northfield Park.
His connections, in a show of confidence, have ponied up the $10,000 supplemental nomination fee to get a crack at this group.
The Hill Memorial will go as race eight of a powerhouse 15-race card which also features Ohio Sire Stakes action for three-year-old colt pacers. First post time for Saturdays card will be 6:30 p.m. (EDT).
Here's the 2016 Charlie Hill Memorial field (with listed drivers):
1. Southwind Pepino (Hugh Beatty)
2. Il Sogno Dream (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.)
3. Muscle Up The Goal (Aaron Merriman)
4. Natural Herbie (Verlin Yoder)
5. Flanagan Memory (Jason Brewer)
6. Obrigado (Mark MacDonald)
7. Homicide Hunter (Mark MacDonald)
8. Gural Hanover (Chris Page)
9. DWs NY Yank (Josh Sutton)
10. Opening Night (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.).
(with files from Scioto)
On May 27, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and the union representing the gaming floor employees at OLG Slots at Rideau Carleton Raceway agreed to end the labour disruption which began on December 16, 2015. Additionally, the OLG has announced that it has re-issued a Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle.
The slots facility at RCR returned to its regular 24/7 business hours as of noon on Monday, June 6. Officials with the OLG have stated that the corporation would like to thank its customers for their continued patronage throughout the labour disruption.
As an article by ottawacommunitynews.comexplains, the 124 workers that had been locked out were welcomed back to work on June 2 after their union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), broke the stalemate by agreeing to the decision of a third-party arbitrator regarding the matter.
Larry Rousseau, the regional executive vice president for PSAC, offered the following quote on the situation: We agreed to agree on the stuff that we agreed on. For more info on the matter, click here.
The OLG originally issued an RFPQ for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle in November 2012. The RFPQ was cancelled in December 2015 because OLG and the landlord were not able to finalize a lease for the one gaming site in the bundle OLG Slots at Rideau Carleton Raceway. A finalized lease for the gaming site is required for OLG to proceed with the procurement process to select a service provider for the bundle, given that relocation is not a viable option at this time. The OLG and the landlord have now finalized a lease for the site and OLG is re-issuing the RFPQ for the bundle.
Re-issuing the RFPQ will enable OLG to pre-qualify the potential proponents that are eligible to receive the Request for Proposals (RFP) documents. RFPQ applicants are required to provide information on their experience in areas such as gaming and property development.
From the RFP submissions, OLG will select one service provider to run certain day-to-day operations of the gaming site at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
The RFPQ will close on August 4, 2016. OLG will begin the RFP process for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle in the coming months.
(With file from the OLG and ottawacommunitynews.com)
Through the generous support and sponsorship of the Vincent Delaney Memorial Committee in Ireland and SSG Gloves in Canada, Sydney Weaver and her parents, Lisa and Don, will be going to Ireland in early August for the Ladbrokes Vincent Delaney Memorial weekend.
We have invited Sydney to be our special guest speaker at our gala kickoff dinner Friday, August 12, said Derek Delaney, head of the VDM Committee. I have been friends with her on Facebook and she is just wonderful. Her writing on harness racing and what she has achieved and done for our industry for a young woman is fantastic and she and her parents will be our honoured guests at the races that weekend.
The VDM weekend is the biggest harness racing weekend in all of Ireland and the UK. The VDM is named after Derek and James Delaneys younger brother Vincent, who worked with the horses at their Oakwood Stud training and breeding center. Vincent tragically died of a massive heart attack in 2011 at the age of 26 and the brothers came up with the VDM weekend as a tribute to their lost brother.
The race weekend now features elimination races Saturday, August 13 for the VDM, which is for two-year-old pacers. A record number have entered and with the sponsorship support of Diamond Creek Farm and Adam Bowden, for the first time there will also be a separate filly division.
The finals take place Sunday, August 14. Other top stakes that weekend include the Oakwood Stud Derby for three-year-olds, the Paul Murtagh, Sr. Memorial for four-year-olds, the RocknRoll Heaven/Pet Rock Irish-American FFA that is sponsored by Joe Bellino and the Bellino Racing Stable, LeTrot races plus other stakes events.
The VDM committee agreed to sponsor Sydney and her family for their hotel stay, dinner tickets and racetrack VIP access, Delaney added, And they will be part of our tours to Oakwood Stud and carriage ride through downtown Dublin and have lunch in Temple Bar. They are going to have a super time in Ireland.
Then steps in Ed James, owner of SSG Gloves. Ed is a big Sydney Weaver fan and when he heard about her being invited to come to Ireland, he set up SSG Gloves to sponsor the airfare for Sydney and her parents to go to Ireland.
I called up and talked to Sydney and told her the news. Ed James said. And she was so excited. I also have sent her a few pairs of gloves to use when she goes jogging and to bring with her to Ireland. I know she will have a fantastic time.
And what did Sydney have to say about all of this?
Unbelievable news, so fantastic and I cant believe this is all happening. Sydney said. This is a dream trip come true. What great stories I am going to write about the people I meet, the places I see, the big dinner and the bigger race weekend. I have a lot of Facebook friends from Ireland and the UK and I hope to get to meet them in person now.
When I phoned and thanked Mr. James for the sponsorship, Sydney added, I said I would proudly display an SSG Gloves patch on my racing colours that I will bring over, and Derek Delaney is getting me a Vincent Delaney Memorial patch, too, that will go on my colours once I get there.
I also got a very nice cheque from Hall of Famer and dear friend Bill Galvin," Sydney said. "I still have to pinch myself that this is all for real.
Sydney Weaver and her mom and dad are not the only ones who will be travelling to Ireland for the VDM weekend. Joining the Weavers will be Heather Vitale and her mom (JoAnn Looney-King) and sister (Susan Looney), the 2015 North American win leader Aaron Merriman, New Zealands top driver Dexter Dunn is returning along with Hall of Fame announcer, Roger Huston, who will be calling the races at Portmarnock Raceway for his third straight year.
Michael Gallenti and Bill Hutchison of Harness Racing Travel is bringing a group of 40 from New Zealand and Australia, making the total nearly 70 that are coming to Ireland from down under.
Dublin, Ireland will be the place to be August 12 to 14 for the VDM and more announcements of top Standardbred visitors from the USA will be made soon.
(with files from the Vincent Delaney Memorial Committee)
It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here.
For months, Cowlitz County prosecutors have blocked Superior Court Judge Gary Bashor from hearing many criminal cases. They contend he sets bail too low, putting the community at risk that defendants will reoffend while out of jail awaiting trial or not show up for trial at all.
Local lawyer Joshua Baldwin, who has campaign ties to the prosecutors office, is using the issue to fuel his campaign for Bashors seat. Bashor, who was appointed in 2011, said hes always endeavored to be fair and balanced in the courtroom.
Lawyers and prosecutors can bar judges from hearing cases by filing affidavits of prejudice when they believe the judge has a conflict of interest, is biased or cant render justice fairly.
In the last 17 months, Bashor has accumulated 103 affidavits, according to data supplied by the clerks office. Thats nearly three times the number filed in the same period against the three other Cowlitz Superior Court judges combined: Judge Michael Evans had one, Stephen Warning had 14, and Marilyn Haan had 20. Its unclear how many of those have been filed by the prosecutors office. But at least in the last two weeks of criminal case hearings, every affidavit against Bashor 31 in total was filed by the prosecutors office.
Bashor said in an interview last week that he wasnt aware that prosecutors and law enforcement officials took issue with his bail-setting practices and thatd hed been filed against more than any other judge recently.
If you come into my courtroom and your perception is you dont think youre going to get a fair hearing, I would prefer to have someone else hear that case if theyre available. And the reason is, if you get a decision from a judge that you dont think is fair, you wont have any faith in that decision, he said.
Officials in law enforcement and the prosecutors office cite two recent cases where they said Bashor set bail uncomfortably low:
Bryant Allen Scott was accused of unlawfully imprisoning his girlfriend inside their Kelso apartment in April. He was charged with second-degree domestic violence kidnapping, second-degree domestic violence assault and domestic violence felony harassment, all with firearm enhancements. He faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Bashor set Scotts bail at $1,000. (Defendants pay a fraction of their bail when taking out a bond, which they forfeit if they abscond). Scott paid it and is out on bail awaiting trial next month.
In another instance, Christopher Patrick OBrien, a local transient, was accused of first-degree robbery for allegedly forcing a gas station owner to hand over $400 cash last July. Bashor released him on personal recognizance, meaning without bail. OBrien didnt show up for a pre-trial court hearing more than a month after and was later arrested. He was convicted last month and sentenced Tuesday to three and a half years in prison.
Bashor, 58, declined comment on Scotts and OBriens cases because Scotts is ongoing and OBriens could be appealed. But Bashor said he sets bail based on a defendants criminal history and the description of an alleged crime written by police.
The presumption is that defendants are not guilty at the first appearance hearing, and release on their promise to appear (PR) is where the court starts. We then look to predict whether they will return to court or commit new offenses, he wrote in an email. Predicting future behavior is a challenge, but we make the best decisions we can based on very limited information.
Bashors critics could not cite a case in which the judges alleged leniency led to someone committing a serious crime while on bail. But his bail decisions are concerning for local law enforcement, who worry that setting low or no bail could endanger the community. Longview Police Chief Jim Duscha and Sheriff Mark Nelson met with Bashor and Judge Evans to discuss their concerns last year.
Our concern is setting that bail so low, its not typical of what other (judges) would set, Duscha said. These violent offenders are being set back out in the community. If someones looking at five years of prison time, and theyre released on bail (prior to trial), thats a concern of ours.
Duscha that while he respects Bashors discretion as a judge, he said he believes Baldwin would be more considerate of public safety concerns if he is elected. However, Bashor already has been endorsed by current and many retired judges from Lewis, Clark, Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties and the state Court of Appeals.
I understand his philosophy. I dont agree with it, Duscha said of Bashor. I think theres more to consider than, Can this person afford the bail Ive set? I think you need to consider the safety and the welfare of the people in the community.
Baldwin worries that when a judge is consistently prevented from hearing a case, it taxes the system already in need of another judge. However, the total number of affidavits filed against Bashor represents a fraction of the more than 1,300 criminal cases processed each year in Superior Court.
I think its problematic that the prosecutors office has such a strong concern about Judge Bashor hearing cases, Baldwin said.
Baldwin said he couldnt say how hed set bail differently. He argues, however, that hed be more cognizant of public safety concerns.
When pushed, I cant say whether Id do anything differently because I dont know whats been before him. I dont know what hes using to make the bail decisions, said Baldwin, 35. Theres a lot of factors that go into it, but at its core, if a persons concerned that bail isnt being set high enough, theyre concerned that hes not doing that correctly.
Bashor isnt alone in setting bail levels that peeve law enforcement. Duscha also disagreed with Judge Evans choice to set bail at $5,000 for Robert Maurice Scott Jr., the Kelso man recently charged with raping and molesting three young girls.
That Bashor drew an election opponent is rare. In the last 20 years, only one county Superior Court judicial race has been contested. In 2012, Haan beat Longview attorney Joseph Daggy to retain her freshly appointed seat.
Baldwin said law enforcement officials, child crime victim advocates and people in the prosecutors office have encouraged him to run. He declined to name who in the prosecutors office have supported him because they havent signed endorsements yet.
Baldwins wife, local private lawyer Chelsea Baldwin, was Ryan Jurvakainens campaign manager in his successful race for prosecutor in 2014. Baldwin considers himself friends with Jurvakainen, having both been public defenders for several years. Baldwin also was the treasurer for Chief Criminal Prosecutor Tom Ladouceurs campaign against then-Prosecutor Sue Baur several years ago.
In the interest of neutrality, Prosecutor Ryan Jurvakainen declined to say whether he supported Bashor or Baldwin. Jurvakainen denied that filing multiple affidavits of prejudice against Bashor is an effort to undercut his re-election.
Bashor said he hopes his experience as a lawyer, court commissioner and judge will convince voters to keep him on the bench.
I brought a lot of institutional knowledge when I came in. Ive simply added five years to that, he said.
I think its problematic that the prosecutors office has such a strong concern about Judge Bashor hearing cases Joshua Baldwin Predicting future behavior is a challenge, but we make the best decisions we can based on very limited information. Gary Bashor
A man was arrested Wednesday evening following a six-hour standoff with law enforcement, according to officials.
Law enforcement officers tried to peacefully coax Zachary Hochstetler, 22, from a home on Coal Creek Road after receiving a tip about his location around noon, said Charlie Rosenzweig, chief criminal deputy for the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office.
Hochstetler had a warrant issued in early April for a Department of Corrections violation. He was originally charged with first-degree burglary. Rosenzweig said Hochstetler also will be charged with felony eluding.
Sheriffs deputies, DOC officers, Longview police and officers from the Fugitive Apprehension Task Force from Vancouver were involved. The SWAT team was called in around 1:30 p.m. to assist.
Rosenzweig said law enforcement tried to convince Hochstetler to surrender peacefully, but he refused. At that point, they used a noise diversionary device, which creates a loud bang, along with pepper spray gas to coax him out of the home.
Eventually, officers went inside the home, where they found Hochstetler hiding under a pile of clothes and blankets, Rosenzweig said. Hochstetler jumped aggressively at officers from his hiding spot during the search. At that point, a police canine bit his arm and he gave up. Hochstetler was taken into custody.
Hochstetler was not armed, but Rosenzweig said officers found ammunition and a ballistic protection vest in the home.
He said a canine was used because of Hochstetlers history. First-degree burglary typically involves possession of a firearm or an injury. In addition, Rosenzweig said that reliable sources had recently seen Hochstetler with a firearm. Hochstetler also has convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm.
Rosenzweig said Hochstetler received a minor bite wound and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The ports of Kalama, Longview and Vancouver are pitching in to save a river project that had been in jeopardy after the Port of Portland declined to contribute to construction.
But Wednesdays Port of Longview action on the matter didnt come without conflict and second-guessing.
The four ports had planned months ago to each contribute about $167,000 toward construction of three new stern buoys at Rainier, Kalama and Vancouver. The project is intended to reduce shipping bottlenecks on the Columbia River. A local funding match was needed for the ports to qualify for a $1.4 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers grant.
Stern buoys enable ships to tie up in the river while awaiting dock space or while holding out for more favorable tide and weather conditions. A recent Corps analysis found that the Lower Columbia needs the additional stern buoys, and supporters said the project would decrease air pollution because ships could remain stable without help from tug boats.
But the Port of Portland unexpectedly backed out of the agreement this spring, potentially killing the project. Struggling with lower cargo activity, Portland said it couldnt spare $167,000 for the project from its budget.
In its 2015 to 2016 budget, Portland has $295 million in revenues, but about three quarters of that is related to its three airports. The law prohibits the port from using aviation funds to support marine or industrial development functions. The marine revenues are about $26.1 million, with $22.8 million in operational expenses. This leaves approximately $3.3 million for capital projects at port facilities.
Port of Longview commissioners at first declined to offer additional funds on top of the $167,000 they had already committed. Although they still bristled at the idea, commissioners Wednesday changed their minds after Ports of Kalama and Vancouver said they would help make up Portlands share of the cost.
It my understanding that (Portlands) marine operations are not as viable as they used to be, which is true. However, they certainly have the money, Commissioner Doug Averett at Wednesdays Port of Longview meeting.
Averett and Commissioner Jeff Wilson Wednesday approved an additional $55,874 for the project, with Commissioner Bob Bagaason declining to vote.
In lieu of contributing to the stern buoys, Portland has offered to reduce the Washington ports debt owed to Portland for the Columbia channel-deepening project, completed in 2010. Bagaason said it was a scandal that the Washington ports owed Portland millions, which spurred a conversation about how the ports could resolve this debt.
This could be a re-occurring situation where any project we do from this point on, theyll come to us and say, Well, this will buy down your share of the debt to us. And do we really want to be stuck in that box? he asked.
The three Washington ports owe Portland $3.1 million for channel deepening, according to the Port of Kalama.
Jason Lundquist, president of the local 21 of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, questioned how the stern buoy project would benefit Longview.
How many container vessels do you see tied up to a stern buoy? Theres none. So I think its really unfortunate that were going to allow ourselves to go down any system of creative financing, he said. Lets put the Port of Longview to work. Theres an opportunity here to utilize your lay berths. Lets utilize those.
Micromax launched a new smartphone, Canvas Amaze 2 in the Indian market on Wednesday. At a price of Rs, 7,499, the dual SIM device is available for sale starting from today, exclusively on Flipkart.
Commenting on the launch, Shubhajit Sen, Chief Marketing Officer, Micromax Informatics said, With the launch of new Canvas Amaze 2, we are looking at offering a seamless and connected smartphone experience, which makes their lives simpler and at the same time more amazing with benefits that come with the smartphone. The launch further reiterates our successful partnership with Flipkart to bring the best in class smartphones with industry leading specification to price ratio for our consumers.
The Micromax Canvas Amaze 2 is fronted with a 5-inch HD (7201280 pixels) IPS display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and a 5-megapixel secondary camera. While, it is backed with a 13-megapixel of primary camera with LED flash; and a 2500 mAh of battery, under the hood.
Running on Android 5.1 Lollipop, the smartphone is powered by a 1.4GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor bundled with a 2GB of RAM. For storage media, Micromax has provided 16GB of internal storage to the phone, while it provides a microSD card slot that supports external media up to 64GB.
The Canvas Amaze 2 comes with 4G LTE, 3G, GPRS/ EDGE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Micro-USB connectivity options.
Besides this, Micromax is looking forward in trying its luck globally. As the firm is planning to enter the Chinese market next year for volume growth in the worlds largest phone market in a bid to be among the top five in the world by 2020.
hidden
India has rejected Googles plans to put Indian cities, tourists spots, hills and rivers in an application in which one can explore through 360-degree, panoramic and street level imagery. The Home Ministry has conveyed to Google that its plans to cover India through the Google Street View is rejected.
Security establishment got wary of allowing such image capturing given that planning for the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai is believed to have involved photographic reconnaissance of targets by Pakistani American David Coleman Headley.
Official sources said the rejection came after a detailed analysis by security agencies and defence forces which feel that allowing Google to cover India would compromise countrys security interest.
Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju said once the proposed Geo spatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016 comes into force, issues related to internet based application would be resolved.
The internet services giant wanted to cover most of the Indian territory through the Google Street View. It explores places around the world through 360-degree, panoramic and street level 3D imagery. Everything taken under it is posted online.
It has been extensively used in the United States, Canada and many European countries, its applications in India was initially permitted for a few location. Google had an experimental basis launched Street View in some of the tourist sites like Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Varanasi river bank, Nalanda University, Mysore Palace, Thanjavur temple, Chinnaswamy stadium besides others in partnership with the Archaeological Society of India.
Google Street View is a technology featured in Google Maps and Google Earth that provides panoramic views from positions along many streets in the world. It was launched in 2007 in several cities in the US and has since expanded to include cities and rural areas worldwide. Streets with Street View imagery available are shown as blue lines on Google Maps.
It displays panoramas of stitched images. Most photography is done by car, but some is done by trekker, tricycle, walking, boat, snowmobile, camel, and underwater apparatus.
PTI
tech2 News Staff
The announcement of Lenovo's partnership with VR chipmaker Movidius indeed comes as no surprise. The Chinese computer giant had recently announced it partnership with Google's Project Tango at CES 2016 and will in all probability, announce its first Project Tango smartphone for the masses at tonight's Lenovo Tech World event.
Movidius' chips already power Google's Project Tango hardware. With Lenovo however things deviate a bit. Lenovo is said to make use of Movidius' Myriad 2 VPU (Vision Processing Unit) in its VR (Virtual Reality) offerings. It is an ultra low-power chip that according to PC Mag is designed to power features like head tracking, gesture recognition and other VR basics. The bottomline is that the Myriad 2 is small enough to fit inside phones.
Talking about smartphones, Lenovo is expected to launch three in all at its Tech World conference which takes place in San Francisco on 9 June 10 AM PST (10PM IST). The smartphone range is said to include the first consumer-friendly Project Tango smartphone by Lenovo (Phab 2 Pro) and two other under Lenovo's Motorola brand. Motorola is expected to announce its flagship Moto Z smartphone that is expected to come with modular accessories similar to the LG G5 and will connect to the smartphone via a 16-pin connector on the back.
Last but not the least, Motorola is also expected to announce a successor to its RAZR flip-phone brand that company used to manufacture before the Android era. The brand was extremely popular amongst the youth back then and Motorola could indeed show up with a similar form factor with Android running inside. You can take a look at the teaser video released below.
tech2 News Staff
Samsungs Galaxy Tab S series is one many reckon with when discussing leading tablets series available in the market. Though tablet sales are sliding down a slippery slope, Samsung is preparing to launch its next S Tab dubbed Galaxy Tab S3. Considering the 15 July date on the leaked renders, it is speculated that could possibly be the launch date too.
https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/739571451871662082
Images of the device are now out from none other than prolific tipster @evleaks. He has tweeted out images of the S2 successor, which is expected to feature an 8-inch display. Looking at the image, it doesnt seem like Samsung has given the tablet a makeover. However, it will come with spruced up internals.
The leaked image shows the slate in black/gray as well as white colour options. However, there is no black/gold option that came with the S2, at least in these images.
There is no word on the release date yet, but considering the S2 was launched in July, we can say the Tab S3 will also be unveiled sometime around that time. Also, assuming that the 8-inch Tab S3 is believed to have cleared TENAA certification, we can expect the launch soon.
According to reports floating online, the Tab S3 is expected in 8-inch and 9.7-inch variants, both featuring 2048 x 1536 pixels of resolution.
Aditya Madanapalle
In November last year, TRAI released a technical paper on the increasing prevalence of call drops, and asked the telecom service providers to counter the call drops problem by installing more towers and upgrading their infrastructure. This was followed up by a mandate in January this year, that required telecom operators to compensate consumers for call drops. In February, TRAI conducted on ground tests for call drops and noticed an alarmingly high prevalence of call drops by all operators in all circles.
In March, the Supreme Court demanded an undertaking from telecom operators that the call drop rate would not exceed the 2 per cent limit. Telecom service providers replied that the call drop issue was taken up as a populist measure, and blamed the service providers for problems that were not really theirs. The telecom service providers were of the view that the call drop penalty was unwarranted.
The Cellular Operators Association of India which represents a number of telecom service providers petitioned to the supreme court in April, claiming that the rate of call drops never exceeded the 2 per cent limit set by TRAI. In May, telecom operators again approached the supreme court for waiver of the penalty, citing a number of reasons that had put undue pressure on the sector. These included huge investment in infrastructure, and large spectrum costs that left the telecom operators in debt. In May itself, the call drop penalty was axed, and the telecom service providers moved on to start fixing the "real issues" with quality of service. Airtel even used the opportunity to spin the ruling to its favor, by volunteering to self regulate service quality.
However, TRAI was persistent. It asked the government to give it the powers to impose penalties on call drops. This followed the failure of some operators to stay below the threshold on a fresh round of tests. There is pressure on the telecom service providers to improve on the quality of service from the consumers, from the media, from TRAI, and the top levels of governance. The Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad himself took up the issue, and said that he had an open mind to allow the TRAI to impose penalties on telecom service providers for dropped calls. The telecom service providers seemingly found a crafty work around, where the call remained artificially connected despite being dropped. This provoked the ire of the telecom minister who asked the Department of Telecom to look into the matter.
The telecom service providers are facing pressure from the TRAI, the Communications Minister, and the General Public over the issue of call drops. However, there is a uniform response from the Cellular Operators Association of India, as well as individual service providers such as Airtel and BSNL. They blame irrational radiation fears for the increase in call drops. The towers are costly to set up, and require considerable investment. However, the state bodies take down these towers using a variety of approaches. These include disconnecting electricity supply, sealing the premises and dismantling the towers. Sealing of towers in Delhi by municipal authorities were responsible for 20 per cent of call drops. Setting up the towers again takes time, in the range of a year, and these random take downs leave holes in the network.
There is also a problem in installing towers in residential areas, forests, protected areas such as historically important places, educational institutions and hospitals. There is no standard in the application process followed by local bodies. Infrastructure improvement projects also frequently end up cutting fibre connections, affecting the quality of the network. Additionally, there is no current national policy on installing cell sites in government lands, commercial as well as residential complexes or defense areas. BMC in Mumbai imposed limits based on excessive radiation concerns of residents.
Local authorities impose arbitrary policies and fees for installation of new infrastructure, including towers and fiber connections. After licenses to frequencies expire, they are swapped with other ferquencies, and the time provided after the expiry of licenses is very little for the infrastructure to switch to the newer frequencies. The biggest issues here is the irrational fear of cell phone tower radiation, and the lack of a unified policy for installation of towers in urban areas.
TRAI has showed its willingness to respond to the concerns of the telecom operators as well. A recently released a consultation paper addressing this exact issue, one of standardized regulation of in-building access to telecom operators to install towers. A common all India policy will give consumers some measure of assurance that the installed infrastructure is within safe radiation limits. Cell phone tower radiation is non ionic, which is not the kind of radiation known for causing cancer. The towers are harmless according to the telecom operators.
If and when the policy based on this consultation is passed, it removes one of the biggest roadblock for improving quality of service. It also enforces a uniform policy to prevent situations that lead to a fall in performance in telecom service quality in the first place, because of random tower shut downs. This is a win-win situation for TRAI, the telecom service providers and the consumers. Only those concerned with the health effects of cell phone towers will have a problem with this solution.
Two dead in separate shooting incidents in Dhaka, RAB says
Separate incidents of shooting have left two suspected criminals dead in Dhaka. In the capitals Rampura, a man died in what is being described by police as a shootout, hours after being detained with firearms on Wednesday. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) claims a 45-year-old man named Kamal Parvez was arrested on Wednesday afternoon while trying to mug a woman at Khilgaon. He was found to possess two firearmsa revolver and a pistol along with ammunitionsaid RAB-3 Operations Officer Abul Karim. Later at night, a RAB team took him along on raid at Rampura. A shootout erupted when his accomplices opened fire. A bullet hit Kamal (Parvez) during the shooting, he said. Kamal was taken to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital where he was declared dead, added the elite police units officer. In another incident, this one in the Turag area, a man, who the RAB claims was involved in robbery and woman trafficking, died in the early hours of Thursday. The incident occurred around 2am near a check post when, said RAB 1 Commander Tuhin Mohammad Masud. The man was hit during a shootout between the RAB patrol and robbers. He was taken to a hospital where the doctors declared him dead, he said adding that locals identified him as Nazrul. RAB said they seized a pistol with ammunition from the shooting scene.bdnews24.com
Weeklong crackdown on militants begins Friday
In the wake of recent secret killings, the police is set to launch a weeklong countrywide anti-militant combing operation on Friday. The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Police Headquarters with Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Islam in the chair on Thursday. Sources at the police headquarters said top police officials of different police units sat in the meeting to take necessary steps following the recent secret killings, including that of SP Babul Akters wife. Addressing the meeting, the IGP ordered the senior police officials to intensify anti-militant preaches across the country alongside intensifying community policing to collect information about militants and terrorists. Terming the killing of Babul Akters wife a very tragic and barbaric one, the police chief also ordered his colleagues to bring the perpetrators to justice immediately. He asked the police officers to discharge their duty with strong mentality saying, Perform your duties with a team spirit. The meeting took a number of decisions, including updating of militants list alongside increasing surveillance on religious institutions as well as strangers and tenants. It also decided to increase security for foreigners as well as keep the community policing effective. Additional IGP Fatema Begum, Additional IGP of CID Hemayet Hossain, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, all commissioners of different metropolitan police, DIGs, Superintendent of police of various districts attended the meeting. -- Dhaka, June 9 (UNB)
Tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright
Weekend Plus Desk :
The physician can bury his mistakes, but the architect can only advise his clients to plant vines.
-Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright was a modern architect who developed an organic and distinctly American style. He designed numerous iconic buildings. After college, Frank Lloyd Wright became chief assistant to architect Louis Sullivan. Wright then founded his own firm and developed a style known as the Prairie school, which strove for an organic architecture in designs for homes and commercial buildings. Over his career he created numerous iconic buildings.
Frank Lloyd Wright was born June 8, 1867, in Richland Center, Wisconsin. (Although he often stated his birthday as June 8, 1869, records prove that he was in fact born in 1867) His mother, Anna Lloyd Jones, was a teacher from a large Welsh family who had settled in Spring Green, Wisconsin, where Wright later built his famous home, Taliesin. His father, William Carey Wright, was a preacher and a musician. Wrights family moved frequently during his early years, living in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Iowa before settling in Madison, Wisconsin, when Frank Lloyd Wright was 12 years old. He spent his summers with mothers family in Spring Green. An outdoorsy child, Wright fell deeply in love with the Wisconsin landscape he explored as a boy. The modeling of the hills, the weaving and fabric that clings to them, the look of it all in tender green or covered with snow or in full glow of summer that bursts into the glorious blaze of autumn, he later reminisced.
I still feel myself as much a part of it as the trees and birds and bees are, and the red barns.
In 1885, the year Wright graduated from public high school in Madison, his parents divorced and his father moved away, never to be heard from again. That year, Wright enrolled at the University of Wisconsin at Madison to study civil engineering; in order to pay his tuition and help support his family, he worked for the dean of the engineering department and assisted the acclaimed architect Joseph Silsbee with the construction of the Unity Chapel. The experience convinced Wright that he wanted to become an architect, and in 1887 he dropped out of school to go to work for Silsbee in Chicago.
Prairie School Architecture
A year later, Wright began an apprenticeship with the Chicago architectural firm of Adler and Sullivan, working directly under Louis Sullivan, the great American architect best known as the father of skyscrapers. Sullivan, who rejected ornate European styles in favor of a cleaner aesthetic summed up by his maxim form follows function, had a profound influence on Wright, who would eventually carry to completion Sullivans dream of defining a uniquely American style of architecture. Wright worked for Sullivan until 1893, when he breached their contract by accepting private commissions to design homes, and the two parted ways.
In 1889, a year after he began working for Louis Sullivan, the 22-year-old Wright married a 19-year-old woman named Catherine Tobin, and they eventually had six children together. Their home in the Oak Park suburb of Chicago, now known as the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio, is considered his first architectural masterpiece. It was there that Wright established his own architectural practice upon leaving Adler and Sullivan in 1893. That same year, he designed the Winslow House in River Forest, which with its horizontal emphasis and expansive, open interior spaces is the first example of Wrights revolutionary style, later dubbed organic architecture.
Over the next several years, Wright designed a series of residences and public buildings that became known as the leading examples of the Prairie School of architecture. These were single-story homes with low, pitched roofs and long rows of casement windows, employing only locally available materials and wood that was always unstained and unpainted, emphasising its natural beauty. Wrights most celebrated Prairie School buildings include the Robie House in Chicago and the Unity Temple in Oak Park. While such works made Wright a celebrity and his work became the subject of much acclaim in Europe, he remained relatively unknown outside of architectural circles in the United States.
Taliesin Fellowship
In 1909, after 20 years of marriage, Wright suddenly abandoned his wife, children and practice and moved to Germany with a woman named Mamah Borthwick Cheney, the wife of a client. Working with the acclaimed publisher Ernst Wasmuth, while in Germany Wright put together two portfolios of his work that further raised his international profile as one of the leading living architects. In 1913, Wright and Cheney returned to the United States, and Wright designed them a home on the land of his maternal ancestors in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Named Taliesin, Welsh for shining brow, it was one of the most acclaimed works of his life. However, tragedy struck in 1914 when a deranged servant set fire to the house, burning it to the ground and killing Cheney and six others. Although Wright was devastated by the loss of his lover and home, he immediately began rebuilding Taliesin in order to, in his own words, wipe the scar from the hill.
The next year, in 1915, the Japanese Emperor commissioned Wright to design the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. He spent the next seven years on the project; a beautiful and revolutionary building that Wright claimed was earthquake proof. Only one year after its completion, the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 devastated the city and tested the architect's claim. Wrights Imperial Hotel was the citys only large structure to survive the earthquake intact.
Returning to the United States, he married a sculptor named Miriam Noel in 1923; they stayed together for four years before divorcing in 1927. In 1925 another fire, this one caused by an electrical problem, destroyed Taliesin, forcing him to rebuild it once again. In 1928, Wright married his third wife, Olga (Olgivanna) Ivanovna Lazovich-who also went by the name Olga Lazovich Milanov, after her famous grandfather Marko.
With architectural commissions grinding to a halt in the early 1930s due to the Great Depression, Wright dedicated himself to writing and teaching. In 1932, he published An Autobiography and The Disappearing City, both of which have become cornerstones of architectural literature. That same year he founded the Taliesin Fellowship, an immersive architectural school based out of his own home and studio. Five years later, he and his apprentices began work on 'Taliesin West,' a residence and studio in Arizona that housed the Taliesin Fellowship during the winter months.
Fallingwater Residence
By the mid-1930s, approaching 70 years of age, Wright appeared to have peacefully retired to running his Taliesin Fellowship. Then, in 1935, he suddenly burst back onto the public stage to design many of the greatest buildings of his life. Wright announced his return to the profession in dramatic fashion in 1935 with Fallingwater, a residence for Pittsburghs acclaimed Kaufmann family. Shockingly original and astonishingly beautiful, Fallingwater is marked by a series of cantilevered balconies and terraces constructed atop a waterfall in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. It remains one of Wright's most celebrated works, a national landmark that is widely considered one of the most beautiful homes ever built. Then in the late 1930s, Wright constructed about 60 middle-income homes known as Usonian Houses. The aesthetic precursor to the modern ranch house, these sparse yet elegant houses employed several revolutionary design features such as solar heating, natural cooling and carports for automobile storage.
During his later years, Wright also turned increasingly to designing public buildings in addition to private homes. He designed the famous SC Johnson Wax Administration Building that opened in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1939. In 1938, Wright put forth a stunning design for the Monona Terrace Civic Center overlooking Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin, but he failed to secure public funding for the project. In 1992, 33 years after the architects death, the state finally approved funding for the buildings construction, which was completed in 1997, nearly 60 years after Wright finished his designs.
In 1943, Wright began a project that consumed the last 16 years of his life-designing the Guggenheim Museum of modern and contemporary art in New York City. For the first time art will be seen as if through an open window, and, of all places, in New York. It astounds me, Wright said upon receiving the commission. An enormous white cylindrical building spiraling upward into a Plexiglass dome, the museum consists of a single gallery along a ramp that coils up from the ground floor. While Lloyds design was highly controversial at the time, it is now revered as one of New York Citys finest buildings.
Frank Lloyd Wright passed away on April 9, 1959, at the age 91, six months before the Guggenheim opened its doors. Wright is widely considered the greatest architect of the 20th century, and the greatest American architect of all time. He perfected a distinctly American style of architecture that emphasized simplicity and natural beauty in contrast to the elaborate and ornate architecture that had prevailed in Europe. I would like to have a free architecture, Wright wrote. Architecture that belonged where you see it standing-and is a grace to the landscape instead of a disgrace. n
President Md Abdul Hamid hosted Iftar Party for the crippled freedom fighters, orphans, Ulema - Mashayekh and staff of the Bangabhaban on Thursday. Photo PID
Int`l email hackers along with BD girl held in city
DB police on secret information arrested one Nigerian national and a Bangladeshi girl from Bashundhara area, for their alleged involvement in e-mail hacking. This photo was taken from DB office in city on Thursday.
Staff Reporter :Members of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police have arrested two members of an international email hacker's gang, including a foreigner, from city's Bashundhara residential area. The foreigner was identified as Kingsle Living Stone, a citizen of Nigeria. Another one was identified as Sonia Sharmin, a national of Bangladesh. Both of them are active members of an international email hacker's gang, police said. Acting on tip-off, the team of CTTC unit conducted a drive in a house at Bashundhara residential area and arrested Kingsle and Sonia while they were preparing to hack email accounts of some important persons at about 9:00pm on Wednesday.The Police, however, disclosed the matter in a press conference at DMP media centre on Thursday. "The CTTC unit nabbed the criminals from Bashundhara residential area on Wednesday night. Of the arrestees, Sonia was also caught earlier for cheating people," Chief of CTTC unit Monirul Islam said.He said the hackers' main target was to take away cash and other valuables by hacking email accounts of people. In primary interrogation the arrestees confessed to the police that they are involved with email hackings for many years and hacked numerous email accounts till the date. A case was filed with Vatara Police Station in this connection, he added.Meanwhile, police sources said cyber and technology related crimes are on the increase and the current trends indicate that it will be a significant issue in Bangladesh within a very short time. Cybercrime has already become a going concern in both private as well as public sectors as both sectors have done a revolution with the use of technical enhancement in the last decade. Several companies have lost huge confidential information which ultimately caused a large amount of financial lose due to unauthorized intervention to the system.It has already been identified that especially financial institutions are most vulnerable to cybercrime and its latest example was hacking of Bangladesh Bank account for multi-million dollar heist, police sources said. Apart from hacking email IDs, government websites or online bank accounts, the organized criminals are extorting money from people by hacking their facebook accounts. Officials concerned said the Cyber Safety Programme wing of the ICT Ministry received over 2,000 complaints in January and February, of which incidents of facebook ID hacking were more than 1,200 in February. Not only that, a good number of people use fake IDs on facebook and Twitter to conduct criminal activities and collect members for militant outfits, the ICT Ministry officials said.
Miscreant killed in 'shootout' with police in Jessore
Jessore Correspondent :
A suspected miscreant was killed in a 'shootout' between the gang and the police near the office of Multinational Pesticide Company Syngenta at Panchbaria on the Jessore-Magura Road. The incident took place at around 2:40 am on Wednesday, Ilias Hossain, Officer In-Charge, Kotwali Police Station said.
The OC said an unidentified robber aged between 45 and 50 died on the spot in a 'gunfight' between the gang and the police when the robber gang were committing robbery on Jessore - Magura Road under Kotwali police station at around 2:40am. The 'robber' was killed during gunfight with the police, the OC claimed.
The police recovered the body and took it to Jessore Medical College Hospital for post mortem examination. A pipe gun and one round of bullet were also recovered from the spot, the OC added.
Earlier, on June 6, another robber named Sabuj, 30 was 'lynched' in the same area.
AL, its cohorts behind target killings: Khaleda
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Thursday alleged that the ruling Awami League and its cohorts are committing target killings across the country in a bid to perpetuate its power.
"It's regrettable that a police officer's wife has been killed and the reason behind it is still unclear Awami League and its accomplices are involved in the killings. The mystery behind the murders will be debunked if they (ruling party men) are booked and quizzed," she said. A day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's accusation against BNP and Jamaat of their involvement in the recent murders, the BNP chief came up with counter allegation while speaking at a discussion-cum-iftar party.
Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, a pro-BNP lawyers' forum, arranged the programme at Supreme Court Bar Association auditorium, marking the 35th death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
Khaleda urged the Chief Justice and the all the judges and lawyers to take steps to help ensure the rule of law, justice and punishment to the offenders in the country. Mentioning that the ruling party men are plundering public money and torturing people, she said, "Hasina (PM) thinks she'll be able to hang onto power by suppressing people by resorting to killings and enforced disappearances, repressive acts and using the police and Rab. But, people's back are now pushed against the wall."
The BNP chief alleged that the country's people now do not believe that the judiciary and the judges are now independent as the ruling party and the opposition are getting different treatment in courts.
She claimed that though the ruling party men remain out of touch after committing crimes, the opposition ones are being implicated in 'false' cases and arrested and then remanded. Stating that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has withdrawn all the 15 graft cases against herself, Khaleda said the government is harassing her by holding the trials of 'false' cases against her. She claimed that though she had no involvement in Niko graft, its trial is going on to harass her. "Whatever was done was done by Hasina in Niko episode. I didn't do any thing in this regard. So, if the trial of the Niko case continues, Hasina must be implicated in it." Khaleda also said they have information and evidence about how Hasina misappropriated Bangabandhu Memorial Trust's funds. "Hasina will surely be punished if there is a fair trial."
She alleged that the government is planning to hold another lopsided national election by jailing her and her party leaders through punishing them in 'false' cases. The BNP chief said if the government again holds a lopsided election, no one at home and abroad will accept it like the January-5, 2014 one.
BTRC to allow 5 new NIX licenses
Kamruzzaman Bablu :
The government has decided to allow five more National Internet Exchange (NIX) operators to route the local internet traffic. At present there are two NIX operator in the country.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) took the decision following a suggestion of a committee tasked with analysing the prospect of issuing additional NIX licenses. 'But, after this, the commission will not allow any more NIX licenses. The total number of NIXs in the country will be highest seven at most,' a BTRC official said.
He said, 'Now we will send the matter to the telecom ministry for approval.' NIX routes local data traffic internally, without transferring those to the international arena to save time and cost of the Internet Service Providers. BTRC officials said, some other companies have recently showed interest to have NIX license. In contrast, in 2010, after formulating the NIX guidelines, when the telecom regulator called for expressions of interest to obtain NIX license, no one responded to.
According to the BTRC NIX guidelines, an applicant for a NIX license must be certified by at least 10 licensed ISPs with whom it has peer connectivity. BTRC officials said at least two licensed ISPs can apply for a NIX licenses by forming a separate joint venture.
They said the license fee would be Tk 10,000 and the annual fee Tk 5,000. The duration of the license will be for 15 years.
Currently there are two NIXs in the country, BDIX and Novocom, who obtained their licenses in 2012.
In past, two organizations-BTCL and Mango Telecom-are selling bandwidth to the internet service providers. Bangladesh consumes 24 gigabytes of bandwidth as per the IIG (international internet gateway) operators. Almost 40 million people are connected with internet service. According to the guideline, each licence holder will have to design network at least in one area of the districts of Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barisal Gopalganj, Mymensingh, Comilla, Rangpur and Bogra within six months of issuing the licenses.
Wish lists ignored: Business community unhappy
Kazi Zahidul Hasan :
Business leaders have expressed unhappiness with the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2016-17, as the Finance Minister ignored wish lists of the business community while presenting it.
"Business community is unhappy with the proposed budget as it did not reflect their wish lists," Md Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, Senior Vice-President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), told The New Nation on Thursday.
He said the FBCCI, on behalf of business community placed several demands four months before the announcement of the proposed budget. But those demands were largely ignored by the Finance Minister, disappointing them.
"Some tax measures proposed in the budget, if not reviewed before the passage of the budget, would definitely affect the growth of manufacturing as well as SME sector," he added. Describing the proposed budget as 'big and expansionary,' Mohiuddin said the ambitious spending plan sets in the next budget will largely depend on the government's ability to mobilise foreign fund and strengthening the revenue collection.
"The government has set a big revenue collection target for the next fiscal and to this endeavour more tax has been imposed on businessmen and export proceeds (tax at source) causing concern to the business community," he said.
The FBCCI leader further said the enhanced tax at source will put a further financial burden on export-oriented industries, especially the garments sector, when it has been facing a tough time in the recent years on the labour and compliance issues.
Regarding the VAT collection, Mohiuddin said, the government has proposed new formulas on VAT collection for small businesses making the whole thing complicated. If the new system is implemented, it would pave the way of corruption by the taxmen while collecting VAT from traders.
"We have mixed reaction on the proposed budget because it has both positives and negatives for the businesses. The next budget proposed enhance allocation for development infrastructures, agriculture, education, human resources and implementation of mega projects, but it also lacked initiatives for accelerating private investment, industrial growth and job creation," he observed.
"We have many discontents over the proposed budget and we will express them formally through a media briefing next Saturday," he said.
"The proposed hike in tax at source to 1.5 per cent from current 0.6 per cent on export is high and abnormal," Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, Vice-President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) told The New Nation on Thursday.
"Both industrial and export growth will face serious challenges if the proposed tax at source is enrolled from the next budget," he said.
Babu said garment exporters have been demanding a reduction in tax at source on exports to 0.3 per cent from the current 0.6 per cent. But Finance Minister AMA Muhith has now proposed a 1.5 percent source tax on all kinds of export proceeds, causing much dissatisfaction to the garment entrepreneurs.
He, however, welcomed the proposal to reduce the corporate tax rate for the garment sector to 20 per cent from 35 per cent, Tk 4,500 crore budgetary allocations for export incentive, continuation of concession on import of capital machinery and duty-free import of fire fighting equipment and pre-fabricated building materials.
"The proposed budget has set a big revenue collection target which will be a major challenge for the government," Syed Nasim Manzur, President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) told The New Nation yesterday. He suggested that to attaining the revenue target tax compliant enterprises should not be burdened with additional tax. The government should open up new avenues of tax collection instead of slapping new tax on tax compliant companies.
Expressing disappointment over the energy crisis, Nasim Manzur said, "The budget lacks measures to ease the current energy and gas crisis. We earlier urged the government that businesses suffering from low gas pressure to be exempted from the minimum charge. But no proposal was made in this regard. "We also urged the government that the tax-free threshold for individual's income has to be increased. But proposal was made to keep the threshold unchanged," he added.
Nasim Manzur further said that we expected that our proposals should be reflected at the national budget but the government did not take into account to these making them unhappy. He, however, welcomed the proposal of implementing the new VAT law from July next year instead of this July due to a lack of necessary preparation.
Held microbus driver quizzed, Shibirman sent to jail
Staff Reporter :
Even after five days into the killing, police could not yet make any breakthrough in their hunt for the assailants of Mahmuda Khanam Mitu, the slain wife of Superintendent of Police Babul Akhtar.
Meanwhile, six persons including a former Islami Chhatra Shibir activist Abu Nasur Gunnu and a microbus driver identified as Jane Alam have been arrested in connection with the killing. Police Super Babul Akhtar filed a case against three anonymous people with Panchlaish Police Station on June 6.
"We are examining the information extracted from the arrested persons whether they were involved in the gruesome murder," Devdas Bhattacharya, Additional Commissioner (crime and operation) of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) told journalists in a press briefing at the CMP headquarters yesterday.
He said they are interrogating Jane Alam, the driver and owner of the black microbus seen in CCTV footage. The microbus was seen following the motorbike when the assailants left the scene.
Chittagong police suspect that the parked black microbus, seen in the CCTV footage, might have had the backup force for the killing.
"The former Islami Chhatra Shibir activist, arrested on Wednesday in connection with the murder case, was produced before a court with a 10-day remand prayer," Devdas Bhattacharya said.
"Police produced detained former Islami Chhatra Shibir activist Abu Nasur Gunnu to a court in the port city with a 10-day remand prayer but the judge temporarily sent the suspect to jail asking police to reappear on June 12 along with properly prepared documents," an official of Metropolitan Magistrate Court in the port city told newsmen.
"The court deferred the remand hearing as the investigation officer did not submit proper documents regarding the matter," the official said.
Replying to a query, CMP Additional Commissioner Devdas Bhattacharye said SP's wife Mitu did not receive any text message on her mobile phone that asked her son to be at school half an hour earlier than usual due to assembly.
"We found no such message after examining Mitu's mobile phone," Devdas Bhattacharya said.
The CMP examined her mobile phone as the family members claimed that Mitu on the day of her murder received a message over her cell phone, saying that there would be an assembly at her son's school and so her son should be there half an hour earlier.
However, the school authorities denied sending any such messages.
The CMP additional commissioner said Mitu used to go out of her Nizam Road residence around 7:00am to drop her son at a school bus at GEC intersection but on the fateful morning, she left the house earlier.
On Thursday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Shahidul Haque said a special team comprising veteran police officers was formed to track down the Mitu's killers.
Shahidul made the announcement while visiting SP Babul's Dhaka residence this morning.
Shahidul later told journalists the attack had been carried out to break the morale of the police.
The police chief also said that police families would be provided with security, if needed. He also said the police are combing across the country to weed out the terrorists.
However, Additional DIG Monirul Islam, who is also the Detective Branch joint commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), on Thursday said conspirators at home and abroad are involved in police official's wife murder.
"Whoever is involved in the killing won't be spared. The killers will be traced and arrested," he told journalists at the conference room of DMP media centre.
Bangladeshi shot dead by BSF in Rajshahi
UNB, Rajshahi :A Bangladeshi young man was shot to death by members of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in Char Majhardiar bordering area of Paba upazila early Thursday.Locals said BSF members from Kaharpara camp opened fire to Rony Khalashi, 28, son of Abul Khalashi of the village, while he was crossing into the Indian territory through the border point around 2 am, leaving him injured. Later he managed to come to his house where he succumbed to his injuries around 4 am.Shahjahan Siraj, commanding officer of BGB-1 Battalion, said, "It is not clear whether Rony died in BSF firing or not. However, we are investigating the incident."
Army man killed in road crash
Tangail Correspondent :
An Army personnel was killed in a road mishap that occurred near the Bridge No 8 on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway at Solla under of Kalihati Upazila in Tangail district on Thursday noon. The deceased has been identified as Zohurul Islam, son of Abdul Aziz Mondol of village Balorampur under Sirajgonj district. He was posted in Comilla Cantonment.
OC of Bangabandhu East Thana Asadur Rahman said that Zohurul was going home from Tangail riding a motorcycle. A truck bound for Dhaka knocked him down. He was critically injured. Local people sent him to Tangail Medical College Hospital where he succumbed to injury. Police seized the killer truck. But the truck driver escaped the scene.
Women's participation must for progress: PM
UNB, Dhaka :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the country's 'meaningful progress' is not possible leaving out the womenfolk, the half of the total population, from the development process.
"No nation could witness meaningful development leaving out its one segment ... so we want to move forward taking with all sections of the society," she said. The Prime Minister made the remarks when a six-member delegation of US-based Democracy International led by Glenn Cowan met her at her Jatiya Sangsad office in the morning. After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.
Democracy International, Inc, a US-based organisation operating in over 40 countries, advises and assists, on behalf of governments, ministries and NGOs in democracy and governance projects, such as in the conduct of elections, election monitoring and building of multiparty systems.
While talking about democratic process, Hasina mentioned that her party, Bangladesh Awami League, taking people with it, struggled for long 21 years to restore democracy. "The country witnessed military or quasi-military rules for 21 years after the assassination of Bangabandhu," she said.
The Prime Minister said her party has been formulating policies on various issues through holding discussions, seminar and symposiums. Hasina said her party has founded its research wing-Centre for Research and Information (CRI) -- to conduct research on different issues.
She noted that the BNP-Jamaat government after coming to power in 2001 first made an attack on the CRI to halt its activities. The Prime Minister said the trend of participation of women in Bangladesh's politics has increased to a great extent due to various initiatives of the present government.
Twenty-one female members have been directly elected to the present parliament, she said, adding now the Prime Minister and the Leader of the House, the opposition leader, the deputy leader of the House and a whip are women. Hasina said 30 percent seats in local government bodies like Union, Upazila, Municipal and City Corporations have been kept aside for the women. "Women sailors have recently been appointed to the Bangladesh Navy for the first time, while the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) also recruited female members," she said. The Democracy International team highly appreciated Bangladesh's progress in women empowerment under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership and praised CRI's works.
Former foreign minister Dr Dipu Moni, AL publicity and publication secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud and PM's principal secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad were, among others, present at the meeting.
EP's call for dialogue lacks understanding
THE European Parliament (EP) on Wednesday gave the call for dialogue between democratic parties in Bangladesh to reach a political consensus to end the present political crisis. In EP's view limiting of political space for expressing dissent and the one-party domination shattering hard-earned democratic values are resulting into the rise of extremism in the country. The debate on Bangladesh expressed grave concern over the country's deteriorating political situation.
Its concern comes at a time when the spate of secret killing of bloggers, professors, publishers and people of minority community is rising overnight and Bangladesh Prime Minister is blaming opposition BNP-Jamaat men for the crimes but at the same proving not to know how to make life safe in Bangladesh.
To know who are responsible for such dangerous crimes, BNP and Jamaat members are also punished, yet the crimes are growing. That should be evident enough that wrong ones are not punished and the government has no competence to deal with militancy and that there is something seriously wrong for the people to find safety in life.
The EP members have rightly pointed out that the rise of violent extremism and shrinking of political space are closely related. The denial of freedom of speech and such other opportunities is creating fertile ground for extremism to grow. In this background the EP members' suggestion that Bangladesh leadership may look for a 'new social and political consensus' makes sense but the question is who will broker the consensus and make the government ready to be on board such consensus.
We do not have political leadership for believing in democratic consensus. They understand consensus for sharing power and not practicing democracy. We had to emphasise the working of democratic institutions, only then the European Union will be right in expecting good governance. It is the European Union that allowed elections in Bangladesh as democracy.
This is not the first time the EU made the suggestions and emphasized the need for resolution of political crisis in Bangladesh. Many of us also suggest that we should be able to solve the political crisis of power struggle that does not care for democratic institutions. The present critical situation is not all our creation. Our friends abroad also contributed taking advantage of leadership vacuum.
When the Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders in his concluding remarks said the EP would continue to follow Bangladesh closely and would address their concerns through regular dialogue but we know mere dialogue will not be enough. The job has to be done to ensure good governance.
Pre-purchase property inspection is a relatively new thing in the United Kingdom. Its not something that most people have heard about, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few years with the rise in property prices and increased demand for high quality homes.
What are the benefits of pre-purchase building inspection? What can you expect to find out when you pay someone else to inspect your home before you buy it? And what should you look for during an inspection?
Many people want to know if theyre buying a house thats been well maintained or if its had any serious problems. If youve found a place on the market that seems attractive, but then discover some issues after moving in, you may not be as excited about buying it as you thought you were.
Its important to do your due diligence when looking at properties. A lot goes into making a property appealing to potential buyers, from the landscaping to the flooring to the kitchen appliances. The same applies when inspecting a property there are many things that need checking over to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Here are some of the benefits of performing a pre-purchase inspection:
You get to see exactly what will happen to your money
When you go shopping for a new car, youll probably be shown several different models. You might even be shown one that looks like a great value, but doesnt fit around all of the extra features that you want. When it comes time to actually buy the vehicle, however, you wont have seen how your money will be spent on it once you drive it off the showroom floor.
Likewise, when you shop for a new home, you dont really know what youre getting yourself into until you move in. In order to get a feel for whether the home youre considering is what you want, you normally have to spend quite a bit of time inside it. This allows you to learn more about everything that youre going to be spending your hard-earned cash on.
A pre-purchase building inspection gives you much the same kind of experience without having to spend thousands of dollars. Since youre paying for the service, you can expect to see exactly what youre paying for, instead of just seeing a vague idea of what you might end up with.
You find out about potential major repairs
Some buildings are very expensive to maintain, which means that owners often neglect them for the sake of saving money. While youre paying for a building inspection, youre also paying for a professional who knows how to spot signs of trouble and repair work that needs doing.
If you notice that a particular area of your new home needs fixing right away, you can call in an expert to take care of it quickly. If you find that theres something wrong with your boiler, you wont have to wait weeks for a plumber to come over and fix it. Instead, youll have access to a solution immediately.
You can save hundreds of pounds by finding out about potential problems early on
One of the biggest expenses when you first buy a home is the cost of moving in. Many people dont realize this until its too late. Buying a home involves not only paying for the actual house, but also for moving costs, furniture, and other items that have to be moved along with the home.
Having a good idea ahead of time of what youre likely to encounter can help you avoid these kinds of costs. If you know youll need to replace the plumbing system, for example, youll be able to put together a budget for the expense and plan accordingly.
You can protect your investment by finding out if the homes been well cared for
While there are plenty of people who think that houses always look better when theyre newly built, youd be surprised at how well maintained older residences can still look nice. Sometimes, though, those homes need some additional maintenance to keep them looking their best.
This could involve repairs that arent so noticeable or small improvements that you wouldnt consider otherwise. Even worse, some houses have fallen into disrepair without anyone noticing. This is why having a professional perform a building inspection prior to purchasing a home is such a big benefit.
Not only will it give you insight into the state of the property, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing youre not getting taken advantage of. As long as youre aware of the potential pitfalls, youll have less reason to worry about the state of your new home.
You can use information gathered during a building inspection to negotiate a lower price
If youre worried about buying a home because you suspect that it may need extensive renovation work, you may already have a rough idea of how much work youll need to do to bring it up to scratch. That knowledge can come in handy if you decide to buy the home.
You can use all of the details that you gather during a building inspection to present a realistic picture of what the home is worth to prospective buyers. If a potential buyer thinks that the home is worth more than what you paid for it, you can try negotiating a lower price.
You can sell your home faster and for more money
If you decide to list your home on the market soon after buying it, youll need to price it accurately in order to attract buyers. But if youve already done a thorough building inspection, youll know exactly what work is needed and what the current market conditions are.
In other words, youll be able to make a more accurate estimate of the amount of money youve invested in the home and how much its worth. If you find that youre selling your house for close to its full market value, you can use this information to convince the potential buyer that your home is worth the asking price.
Even if youre planning to stay in the home for a while before you decide to sell, the fact that you did a thorough building inspection will give you more confidence when listing it. Prospective buyers will know exactly what theyre paying for.
Your home will hold its value longer
As mentioned earlier, the value of a home depends heavily upon the condition of the building itself. If your home is in bad shape, potential buyers wont be interested in buying it. On the other hand, if youve performed a thorough building inspection and know what sort of repairs are necessary, you can offer your prospective buyer a compelling reason to invest in your property.
When you buy a home, youre essentially agreeing to have it inspected periodically to ensure that it stays in top shape. Not only does this allow you to avoid expensive repairs down the road, but it can also increase the value of your home.
You can make smart decisions about property investments
Buying real estate isnt as simple as just driving a couple of minutes to pick up a house. There are lots of considerations involved, ranging from location to cost. The same is true when youre investing in property.
If you find a house that meets all of your requirements, youll want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of where it stands with regards to the rest of the market. If you havent spent enough time researching the area, you could inadvertently end up with a bad deal.
There are lots of resources available online that can help you determine the overall level of competition in your area. They can also help you figure out if there are any properties that meet your requirements that you didnt know about.
If you own rental property, you can use the information to identify tenants who might cause damage
If you own rental property and youve noticed that certain tenants consistently cause damage, you can use the results of a building inspection to identify them. You can then contact them directly to let them know that youre watching them closely and that you dont appreciate the problem theyre causing.
They might start taking better care of their homes, which would be good news for everyone. It could also be the case that youll find out that theyre responsible for previous damages that werent caught during a previous visit.
You can make smarter decisions about hiring contractors
If youve hired contractors to build or repair your home, you might want to ask them for references. However, unless you perform a thorough building inspection, you might not know exactly what to look for.
For instance, maybe you only checked the roof for leaks or the walls for cracks. You might not have looked underneath the foundation for anything that could cause a future issue. By performing a building inspection, you can ensure that you hire reputable contractors who will be trustworthy with your money.
You can avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition
Of course, the main benefit of structural inspections perth is that it helps you avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition. Before you make the decision to buy a home, you should do whatever you can to find out about the state of the building.
You can also ask your realtor about what sorts of inspections are typically recommended. Some agents say that its standard practice to check the heating system, the roof, the electrical wiring, and the floors. Others will tell you that they recommend that you check the entire structure.
Either way, if you choose to hire an inspector, youll find out exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so.
As a result, it can be concluded that a pre-purchase building inspection is highly important for the buyers because it provides transparency regarding the current conditions of the structure. Additionally, the building owner is made aware of any upgrades or repairs that are required, which could lead to a fair deal throughout the purchasing and selling process.
President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war?
You voted:
The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.
Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.
In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.
India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.
Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.
But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?
Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.
If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.
I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.
I want more variation in masturbation
I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.
If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.
What is sex toys for Indian?
Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.
It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.
They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.
Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.
The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.
It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.
In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.
Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.
In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.
Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.
Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.
But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.
More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.
Sextoy situation in India
Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.
In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.
Mumbai
Kolkata
Bangalore
Delhi
Chennai
Hyderabad
These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.
In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.
If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.
If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.
What are Sextoys for beginner?
Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.
Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.
I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.
I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.
If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.
Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.
Advantages of using sextoy for Indians
There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians
You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.
Can have stimulating sex
Can develop new sexual zones
If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.
However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.
You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.
Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.
There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.
This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.
When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.
It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).
For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles
[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...
Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.
Sextoy for beginner men in India
So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.
For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!
The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men
Masturbator
Cock rings
Love Doll
Sex Lubricants
Toys for the prostate
Lets check each one in detail.
Masturbator
The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.
It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.
Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.
They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)
Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.
Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !
Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018
Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.
If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here
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Cock Ring
A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.
It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.
It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.
In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.
Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.
It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.
Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.
Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.
Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.
You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.
[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...
Love Doll
Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.
There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.
Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.
The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.
You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.
There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.
You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.
If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here
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Sex lubricants
Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.
It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.
Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.
There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.
Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.
If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.
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Toys for the Prostate
Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.
The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.
Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.
Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.
You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.
By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.
Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)
The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.
Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.
sextoy for beinner women in India
The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.
The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.
Vibrator.
Dildo
Electric Masserger
Lets check out what each one is in detail.
If you want to check out womens toys, click here.
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Vibrators
A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.
Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.
It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.
Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.
For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.
Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.
Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.
This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.
Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.
When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.
Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...
Dildo
A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.
It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.
A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.
They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.
It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.
A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.
Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.
For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.
This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.
To learn more about dildo, please click here.
What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...
Electric Masserger
A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.
It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.
Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.
Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.
It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.
For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.
It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.
If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?
To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.
What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th...
How to choose a sextoy for Indian
Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one.
Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)?
Does the size fit you (your partner)?
Is the environment able to produce sound without problems?
Price range
First of all, the choice of size is quite important.
Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women.
For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage.
Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems.
Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise.
If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level.
Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it.
Finally, there is the price range.
The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest.
Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy.
Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy?
I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance.
For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics.
If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out.
How to buy sextoys in India
The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping.
For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below.
Sextoy is one of them.
Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping.
SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India.
They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry.
Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card.
To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy.
ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal.
Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on.
Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture.
Cautions for Indians using sextoy
When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind
Keep sex toys clean
Watch out for electrical leakage
Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy
As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone.
Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there.
It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case.
In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness.
Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful.
If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it.
You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly.
Summary
What did you think?
In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India.
The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future.
As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values.
However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health.
If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try?
Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women.
I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it.
Pinckneyville Community Hospital and The American Red Cross are teaming up for a blood drive on Monday. The drive will be from 1 to 5 p.m. in the classroom of the hospital.
Donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component, and are always needed by hospitals.
Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.
Slots for the drive are limited, and appointments are encouraged. To make an appointment to give blood, call Christie Gajewski at 618-357-5903.
The Southern
DU QUOIN There are about three to four senior citizens who are waiting to join the Senior Life Solutions program at Pinckneyville Community Hospital, but dont have a way of traveling to the site to register, said Laura Herzog, the programs licensed clinical professional counsel.
Another senior who was coming to the program, one that teaches seniors various skills to cope with growing older, also had to drop out because that person lost a way to travel to sessions.
The person who was coming was coming on the Perry County Trans Van, a private enterprise that received state funding to provide transportation for seniors but which folded up last year, issued a final death-blow from funding issues from the state.
Services like the van system provided much-needed form of transportation for seniors, who may be no longer able to drive, ferrying them to medical appointments and senior citizens centers for a warm meal and fellowship.
Some of those agencies that work with seniors are now waiting to see what the next few weeks pose, as they will again be facing the need for more funds, come July 1.
Josh Gross, Perry County Clerk and member of the Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, remembers talking to the vans owner, who shared concerns about not being able to stay in business if the states funding was not immediate.
That was, about, in early 2015.
Anytime you have an issue with the budget, these services for the people who need them the most are typically the ones that get removed, Gross said.
Not out of the woods
Those agencies that work with seniors in Perry County are still not out of the woods, in terms of having the resources to plan programing and services for their senior population. Seniors 65 and older were 17 percent of the country's population, according to 2014 census data.
The budget impasse is still a threat to seniors throughout Southern Illinois, said John M. Smith, executive director of the Egyptian Area Agency on Aging.
For this fiscal year that ends in three weeks, that agency is three-quarters of $1 million short of what it would have received, he said. The Egyptian Area Agency on Aging would typically have received about $1 million, yet received $389,000 on which to operate through June 30. That agency divides funds between member Area Agency on Aging counterparts in 13 counties in Southern Illinois.
Were in the same sinking boat as all social services, Smith said. We are dependent on the state to pass through federal money for the services that are provided to senior adults in the community. Without a state budget and the authority of the (state) to pass through federal funds we will be running out of any type of funding after June 30.
The Egyptian Area Agency on Aging was among those social service agencies that sued the state, seeking to have it "pass through" federal money they were expecting, and were awarded a waiver for the federal dollars.
Unless a state budget is passed before another years deadline or the waiver is extended, those in the social services field will again be looking at requesting another waiver.
That would not only impact seniors in Perry County, but also those in the 12 other Southern Illinois counties served by the Egyptian Area Agency on Aging. Its member agencies provide a variety of services, such as meals and home-delivered meals, senior citizens services, transportation for seniors, case management for frail seniors living in their homes and support for an Ombudsman, who advocates on issues affecting senior citizens.
Gold Plate is beacon in Perry County
In Perry County, that partner provider is Gold Plate, a 40-year-old senior service agency that provides meals on-site, home-delivered meals, home-based housekeeping and other services and transportation.
Gold Plate serves around 300 seniors a year, providing daytime adult-care services from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., which is paid for by Medicaid. So is the home-house care, transportation to seniors within the county and about 2,000 meals a month another 1,200 meals to the homes of about 150 people.
Though Gold Plate is owed about $225,000 from the state for its two Community Care Programs one that sends a staff worker into a senior home to clean it and take them on appointments, and the other, an adult day-care service on-site at the Gold Plate its director believes it can weather a few more months without a budget. For those clients with Medicaid who participate in these programs, that federal agency pays for their use. Participation for those with Medicaid is paid for by the state, director Tammy Asbury said.
Especially impacted by budget concerns are the Gold Plate component that provides home services to seniors, Asbury said. That is, in part, because the requirements to participate have become more stringent, especially that seniors now wanting to participate have to have fewer assets than they were able to claim in the past.
Financially, we are OK right now, Asbury said, but eventually it is going to catch up and, when it does catch up, there are going to be a lot of seniors that are not going to know where their next meal is going to come from.
She spent part of this week completing two different grants to win money for the senior citizen center.
Gold Plate board member Mark Maclin said he feels the senior center is in better shape because of its financial management.
I think as a board, weve found that we can survive into the fall and maybe through the end of the year without cutting service, but beyond that, were in the same boat as everybody else, Maclin said.
He and others noted that the budget crisis impacts the most vulnerable, those too old to work and with limited incomes.
(Budgetary issues) affect those with minimal income first and most, Maclin said. (Any) loss on a senior citizen with limited income would be felt most urgently by that citizen and their families. So it does place a burden on the day-to-day living and lives of those seniors.
Du Quoin Police arrested a 29-year-old Du Quoin man, alleging that he sexually assaulted a 7-year-old girl on Sunday in the city.
Police arrested Andy S. Kirkpatrick, and he was charged him with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, according to a news release from Police Chief Jamie Ellermeyer.
Police became aware of the allegation around 7:15 p.m. Sunday, when they were called to Marshall Browning Hospital on a complaint about a sexual assault that had occurred a short time before.
Investigators found Kirkpatrick at 924 E. South St. and took him into custody. He was taken to the Perry County Jail, where he is being held on $500,000 bond.
Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child is a Class X felony, which could result in a sentence of six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Stephanie Esters
The Genealogical Society of Southern Illinois will have a special guest this weekend at its regular meeting at John A. Logan College.
Helen Lind of the Williamson County Historical Society will speak to the society about graves at Crab Orchard Lake before the lake was built, says society chair Dorothy Rudoni.
Rudoni said this meeting is open to the public at 2 p.m. in the JALC Library. She is very excited to have Lind speak at the meeting.
She has a reputation for being the one to go to for any information about Williamson County, she said. She has published several books on cemeteries in Williamson County.
Lind is also a charter member of the Frankfort Area Genealogical Society in West Frankfort and continues to serve on its board. The Society has also read abandoned sites. She has been reading grave markers since the 1970s. She has recorded her headstone readings in about a dozen books kept at the Societys museum in Marion.
Rudoni said Lind will also be on-hand to answer general questions about genealogy.
As for Crab Orchard, The Southern Illinoisan previously reported there are 38 known cemeteries there, some ranging from one grave to about 250 graves. Neil Vincent, visitor services manager for Crab Orchard national Wildlife Refuge said in December there are more than 1,300 grave sites, some legible headstones, a lot that are not legible.
The oldest grave at Crab Orchard goes back to the 1830s, and it was for a 5-year-old boy, Vincent said.
Those who can be buried there must be former owners of land now owned by the refuge. They must be immediate family of people already buried there, or possess a legally-binding document to one of the burial plots.
To the Editor:
Once again, you have made a scathing attack on two of our area legislators - representatives John Bradley and Brandon Phelps - in your recent editorial "Voice of the Southern: Eleven months." This assessment is grossly unfair and continues to foster false information that your editorial board has been spewing about the state budget impasse over the past several months.
From the writing style, this editorial has all the features that I would expect from your publisher John Pfeifer. Pfeifer makes several unfair assumptions about Bradley, and says he is playing politics with the governor about his right to use the amendatory veto. Isn't this a constitutional provision of state government? Other governors have used it in the past; so why is it suddenly now a problem?
Of course, The Southern always likes to use the Madigan factor, which in Southern Illinois generates a great dislike for Chicago politics. The truth of the mater is that both representatives Bradley and Phelps have voted against Madigan on several occasions, but we never read anything about that in your newspaper. Have you ever thought about doing a story on that?
John Pfeifer often likes to write fondly about his home state of Wisconsin. Now, isn't that the land of Scott Walker and right-to-work legislation? Enough said.
Mark A. Phillips
Cambria, Il
The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation will award $4.8 million to 13 organizations serving South Carolinians health needs.
We are excited about the newest grant recipients, Foundation Executive Director Harvey Galloway said. These grants align with the mission of the foundation, which is to promote and support healthier South Carolinians, particularly the economically vulnerable.
Recipients of the most recent grants serving local residents and those across the state include:
Advanced Care Planning (ACP) in South Carolina Funds support activities to develop a strategic plan to promote ACP for the economically disadvantaged.
Greenwood Genetic Center Support research toward the development of a blood-diagnostic test for autism.
Institute for Child Success Complete a statewide study on the current protective services of child advocacy centers to produce research and policy recommendations focused on eliminating toxic stress.
Impact America Provide free vision screenings using high-tech digital cameras in Head Start sites and low-income populations day care centers. Bamberg County is among those that will benefit.
Palmetto Palace - Increase access to health care services through technology and telehealth using a mobile health van throughout the Lowcountry.
South Carolina Pharmacy Foundation Inc. Plan and implement a statewide initiative to educate providers on the proper management of opioid addiction in order to prevent over-prescribing opioids and to increase public awareness of medication safety.
The Columbia Oral Health Clinic Improve access to care by upgrading dental equipment to provide free dental examinations to uninsured and underinsured patients living with HIV/AIDS. Calhoun County is among those that will benefit.
The Medical University of South Carolina Support the development of a burn-healing app that will increase access to medical care for burned children, as well as educate caregivers and providers on burn injury prevention efforts statewide.
The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Add a state-of-the-art simulation lab to assist nursing students for real-life situations. Bamberg County is among the areas that will benefit.
Now the most reasonable response to this headline is Are you nuts? Isnt Mexican politics riddled with corruption? What could we possibly learn from them?
The answers to these three questions are no, yes and a lot.
I suppose there are some who would argue the answer to the first question is yes, but I havent been locked up yet so give me the benefit of the doubt on this one and lets skip to the more important questions.
Yes, Mexican politics is shot through with corruption at most every level. The ethical history of politics in this country is not something that the League of Women Voters would want us to emulate but it has only been with the recent flood of drug money that politics has gone from shady to utterly corrupt.
How bad is it? Really bad.
There is a popular saying that most folks take as an article of faith that says: He who doesnt cheat does not get ahead. (Ive heard the same sentiment expressed around the Statehouse in Columbia.)
What has happened in Mexico is that the corruption in government has now spilled over into violence and dirty tricks that would make even George Wallace and Richard Nixon recoil. The whole political system is in the process of breaking down.
So, you might ask, what does this have to do with South Carolina and why would we possibly want to import any of this to our state?
Well, the answer is that we would certainly not want to import any of this political disease, but we might want to consider importing some of the political cure that is starting to bubble up from the grass roots.
Let me explain. In the midst of all this corruption, something happened the people began to take matters into their own hands. Mexican law requires that if enough citizens sign on to a legislative petition, the National Congress has to take up the measure. The law requires 120,000 signatures and to date over 630,000 citizens have signed on to a measure that would make lawmakers report their personal finances.
The initiative is called 3 out of 3 and it requires government officials to 1) reveal all of their financial assets, 2) report any conflicts of interest and 3) prove they are paying their taxes.
As would be expected in a system as adverse to ethics reform as is Mexico, the legislation is stalled and going no place. (Sound familiar?)
But as a result of this citizens initiative, something has happened in Mexico that would go a long way toward providing ethics reform in South Carolina some Mexican politicians have begun to voluntarily divulge their financial information even before any legislation is passed requiring them to do so.
Thus far, 560 public servants have disclosed this information, including 13 percent of the national Senate and 21 percen t of the Chamber of Deputies (like our House of Representatives), 12 state governors and one member of the presidents cabinet.
So now lets get back to ethics reform in South Carolina. For the third year in a row, the Legislature has refused to pass any meaningful ethics reform. (And even the measures they are considering are really Swiss cheese reform more holes than cheese.)
We have seen lots of self-righteous posturing and speeches by Gov. Nikki Haley and some Statehouse politicians about the need for ethics reform they always blame someone else for the failure of reform efforts to pass.
So Id say to these S.C. politicians, follow the Mexican example and voluntarily disclose: 1) your income and assets how much and from whom, 2) conflicts of interest what deals are you and your family in, and 3) release your state and federal income taxes for all the years you are in office.
By percentage, if our Legislature were as ethical as Mexicos, then six S.C. senators, 25 members of the House and one member of Haleys cabinet would have disclosed this information.
The people of South Carolina should say to the Statehouse politicians: Dont talk about ethics reform just do it.
The politicians talk the talk, but wont walk the walk. There is a one word description for this hypocrite.
A growing number of Mexican politicians have passed the test. To date, best I know, the current number of S.C. politicians who have voluntarily disclosed such complete information is zero.
Yes indeed, lets bring Mexican political ethics to South Carolina.
Phil Noble is a businessman in Charleston and president of the SC New Democrats, an independent reform group started by former Gov. Richard Riley. Contact Phil Noble at phil@philnoble.com
Hillary Clinton should be able to relish in making significant history as the first woman to become the presumptive presidential nominee of a major political party. But her opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders, is spoiling the celebration.
After Clinton won major victories in the final big Tuesday of presidential primaries and caucuses, claiming prizes such as California and New Jersey, she has accumulated enough convention delegates to win the Democratic Party nomination.
The former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state will be on the November ballot.
Sanders, whose insurgent candidacy has proven every bit as much of a surprise as Republican Donald Trumps, continues to talk about a contested convention.
He and his supporters are committed to changing the allegiance to Clinton by an overwhelming majority of super delegates, the elected officials and party leaders voting as delegates at the convention.
Orangeburg Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter is a super delegate. While she stands by her position of remaining officially uncommitted, the same as he has done in previous election cycles, Cobb-Hunter is ready to see the battle between Clinton and Sanders come to an end.
I have every intention of voting for the Democratic nominee, which at this point is Hillary Clinton, Cobb-Hunter said Wednesday. The rhetoric needs to be ratcheted down.
I think Sen. Sanders should take a few days to just rest, Cobb-Hunter said. No decision should be made when a person is as tired as he surely is after a remarkable campaign.
Logic dictates Sanders stand down:
Clinton has won a majority of states and territories (31).
Clinton has more votes (3.5 million) in the primary and caucus process.
Clinton has 2,191 committed delegates to Sanders 1,816 with only the District of Columbia remaining on the electoral calendar.
Clinton has the commitment of 574 super delegates. Sanders has 48.
Sanders has attacked the Democratic Partys nominating process, notably allowing super delegates to support whom they wish. But he should not be surprised that party officials did not gravitate to him as Sanders is officially not even a party member. He won election to the Senate as an independent from Vermont.
Cobb-Hunter points out that super delegates are not new. Sanders knew the process when he became a candidate.
What I hope his next move will be is reaching out to his supporters and impressing upon them the importance of a Democratic victory in November, said Cobb-Hunter, who believes most Sanders backers will decide to back Clinton.
None of the continuing debate about the Sanders candidacy should detract from the significance of what Clinton has achieved, Cobb-Hunter said.
In no way can you take away from the fact that the Democratic Party has made history twice: President Barack Obama being the first African-American nominee in 2008 and now Clinton becoming the first woman to be the partys standard bearer in 2016.
I am proud of that. I think it speaks to where we are as a country, Cobb-Hunter said.
The Orangeburg lawmaker accepts that Clinton has foes who will never be persuaded to support her, but even they must recognize the significance of what she has achieved.
I like her because she is about business, Cobb-Hunter said. For a lot of politicians on both sides of the aisle, that is not the case. There is just ambition.
Hillary Clinton has plenty of ambition to mix with a long record that friends say is one of achievement and foes say is ample reason she should not be president.
Nonetheless, both friend and foe alike should follow Cobb-Hunters advice to Sanders about taking a break to rest and reflect. When they do, theyll realize Clinton is due praise for skill and endurance in taking a major step toward breaking down a barrier that could lead to the first woman being elected president in the 240-year history of the United States of America.
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/By Azernews
By Nigar Abbasova
Azerbaijan is currently engaged in drafting of a new policy for financing of the agricultural sector. The policy envisages upgrading the quality of financing in compliance with the international experience.
The Azerbaijani Agriculture Ministry and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management have already signed an agreement on the preparation of the policy.
Under the agreement, Frankfurt School will held an analysis of the existing financing system, prepare appropriate recommendations as well as develop new loan products for agriculture.
The school offers 3 directions of financing which include the improvement of the financing structure in the sphere of agriculture, preparation of financing mechanisms as well as improvement of competitiveness of the countrys agricultural sphere.
The main objective of the first direction is to increase the efficiency and productivity of the budgetary financing. The second direction is considered for the improvement of leasing and loan products in accordance with the requirements of borrowers. The third direction is expected to make the sphere of agriculture more attractive for the financial institutes.
The project is being realized within the framework of the World Bank-funded "Agriculture Competitiveness Increasing" project. The total value of the project which was adopted on September 30, 2013 amounts to $ 53.25 million.
The main objective of the project is to facilitate the access of agricultural producers to markets by strengthening sanitary and phytosantiary services, enhancing selected value chains, and providing financial services to agribusiness enterprises.
The project is expected to be completed on December 31, 2018.
/By Azernews/
By Fatma Babayeva
The first cargo train from India to Russia passing across the territory of Azerbaijan will be launched in late August 2016 as part of the North-South Project.
Javid Gurbanov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, made the statement while talking to reporters in Baku on June 9.
Gurbanov noted that the freight train will take off from India's Mumbai city, then it will be transported by ferry to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas in late August and then head to Iran's Rasht city by rail..
The goods will be transshipped to trucks in Rasht city and delivered to Azerbaijan's Astara city, said Gurbanov, further adding that then the cargo will be delivered to Moscow by railway from Astara city.
This multimodal transportation will be carried out together with the railways of Azerbaijan and Russia, he emphasized.
Previously, the agreement on the North-South International Transport Corridor was signed among Russia, Iran and India in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on September 12, 2000. Azerbaijan joined the agreement in September 2005.
The Transport Corridor will link Northern Europe and South-East Asia and serve as a bridge to connect the railways of Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia.
The corridor is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo a year in the first phase and over 10 million tons of cargo in the future.
Gurbanov also underlined that two cargo trains, which will become part of the international railway project 'Viking', will be sent to the Georgian port of Poti from China through the territory of Azerbaijan in late July - early August 2016.
DHL, major logistics company will be involved in cargo transportation, he added.
Two trains will be sent from China to Kazakhstan's Dostyk station in late July-early August 2016, said Gurbanov by emphasizing that from there, the trains will arrive in the Georgian port Poti via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, that is, across the sea and the territory of Azerbaijan.
Earlier in April, Azerbaijan Railways agreed with railway agencies of Georgia and Kazakhstan to create the International Trans-Caspian Transport Consortium.
In Poti, the cargo will be distributed according to its destination, said Chairman, adding that some part of the cargo will be sent to the Baltic countries within the route of international railway project 'Viking'.
The piggyback 'Viking' train project was launched in 2003. Members of the project include Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia and Bulgaria. Later, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey joined the project. The total length of the Ilyichevsk (Ukraine)-Minsk (Belarus)-Draugyste (Lithuania) route is 1,766 kilometers.
In February 2016, Ukraine and Lithuania signed a memorandum on the accession of the container train 'Viking' to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route from Europe to China through Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Azerbaijani government attaches great importance to increasing its transport potential as part of diversifying its economy.
Azerbaijan has invested $25 billion in the development of its transport sector, Abid Sharifov, the country's deputy prime minister said at the 44th ministerial session of the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD) held in Baku on June 9.
More than 10,000 kilometers of roads were constructed in Azerbaijan, according to Sharifov.
Furthermore, five international airports have been built over the past five years and the fleet of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has fully renovated.
All these projects contribute to the increasing role of Azerbaijan as a transit country between East and West, as well as North and South by providing alternatives to the existing transport routes.
/By Azernews/
By Amina Nazarli
After aromatic Plov Festival that was recently held in the capital city, now Baku prepares for another delicious festival, putting on display one of the most popular national dishes -- Dolma.
The International Dolma Festival scheduled for July will be organized by the Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Ministry, National Culinary Center, Azerbaijani National Culinary Association and Absheron District Executive Power.
The Culinary Center said that preparations for the festival are underway. Besides the Turkic-speaking countries, guests from around the world will take part in the international festival.
Director General of the Azerbaijan National Cuisine Center, Tahir Amiraslanov said that the festival will feature almost 300 species of Dolma.
The most common type of dish in Azerbaijan, dolma has about 50 species in the country.
Dolma is a traditional meal in the Land of Fire that no Azerbaijani can imagine living without. It is the number one guest of all feasts along with rich flavored Plov.
This stuffed meal is widely prepared in kitchens across the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Russia and Central Asia.
However, in Azerbaijan dolma is iconic, you can meet it at every table not only during the traditional holiday, but also on ordinary days. The name of this delicious dish came from the process of its creation, and means to stuff.
There are many varieties of this dish, including vitamin full vegetables. In spring, when many fresh grape leaves appear - the main product for making dolma. Summer brings aubergines, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers to stuff. In autumn dolma is made out of cabbage leaves, apple and quince. During the cold winters, it is made of preserved grape leaves.
The filling is also diverse, but dolma is basically prepared from meat, rice and aromatic herbs. Dolma is best served with cold plain yogurt, and lavash bread.
Head of the lower house of the Czech parliament Jan Hamacek has indirectly rejected President Milos Zeman's proposal on the Czech MPs' recognizing the "Armenian genocide", RIA Novosti reported June 8.
Historians, but not politicians should speak about historical events, Hamacek tweeted June 8.
Earlier, during a joint briefing with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman said he intends to propose the Czech parliament to consider the recognition of the 1915 events as "Armenian genocide".
Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek has also commented on the issue.
"I believe that first of all, independent historians should make assessment about who is responsible for this [1915 events]."
Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that Turkey's predecessor, the Ottoman Empire allegedly carried out "genocide" against the Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915. Turkey in turn has always denied "the genocide" took place. While strengthening the efforts to promote the "genocide" in the world, Armenians have achieved its recognition by the parliaments of some countries.
The Abu Dhabi government is set to award contracts for the construction of the UAE branch of the iconic Guggenheim Museum by the year-end or early 2017, said a senior official.
The Guggenheim will be located in the emirates cultural hub on Saadiyat island, along with a branch of the Louvre opening late this year and the national Zayed museums, Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of the Department of Economic Development, said in an interview with Bloomberg.
The state-owned Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) is developing a cultural district in Abu Dhabi which will house these facilities.
Like other major oil exporters in the region, Abu Dhabi authorities slashed spending when crude prices plummeted below $30 a barrel.
The belt-tightening measures drew the attention of the International Monetary Fund, which said last month that the emirate, home to the worlds second-largest sovereign wealth fund, can afford a more gradual fiscal consolidation.
Abu Dhabis economic growth will rebound next year as the richest sheikhdom of the UAE revives delayed projects, stated Al Mansoori.
The worst is behind us, said Al Mansoori, who is also a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the sheikhdoms top decision-making body. Our budget is still strong. The majority of projects are still there and there are other smaller projects which are moving. The economy is moving, he noted.
Last year was a challenge, Al Mansoori said, resulting in dismissals at several government companies.
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAEs $11-billion rail network, slashed about 30 per cent of its workforce. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) made 2,000 expatriate employees redundant and plans to cut 3,000 more jobs this year, taking the total to nearly 10 per cent of its staff, the Meed trade magazine reported May 16, citing industry officials.
However, Al Mansoori said these lost jobs will be absorbed by other parts of the economy, including the branch of the Louvre.
Our workforce is moving from one place to another place, he stated.-Bloomberg
ArRiyadh Development Authority (ADA) has announced the successful completion of tunnel excavation works for Line Five (Green Line) of the Riyadh Metro project.
Line Five is one of the three rail lines being constructed by Fast consortium, led by Spanish construction giant FCC.
One of three international consortia commissioned to build the Riyadh Metro projects six lines, Fast comprises Samsung C&T (Korea), Alstom and Setec (France), Strukton (The Netherlands), Freyssinet (Saudi Arabia), Atkins (UK) and Typsa (Spain).
The consortium has been commissioned to build the Yellow, Green, and Purple lines - involving 33 km of viaducts, 22 km of underground and 9 km of at-grade track.
The Green Line, which runs underground within a bored tunnel along King Abdulaziz Road - one of the main arteries running through the city of Riyadh - is 13 km long and features 11 deep underground stations, in addition to two transfer stations with the Red and Blue lines.
The Riyadh Metro project has seven tunnel boring machines (TBMs) working on the tunnelling under the city and today's milestone has been achieved by the second TBM, said a statement from ADA.
A ceremony was held to mark the achievement in the presence of the Governor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Transport Minister Suleiman Al Hamdan and other senior officials.
Besides announcing the end of tunnel excavation work, a full-size mock-up of the Riyadh Metropolis trains manufactured by Alstom was also held at the event.
It also marked the kick-off of the construction by Alstom of the track works, an important milestone for the project. The works will commence within an at-grade section of the Yellow Line, and will be the first tracks to be installed throughout the Riyadh Metro project.
In 2013, Alstom and its consortium Fast were awarded a contract to supply three metro lines totalling a length of 64 km. Alstom is supplying a fully integrated metro system which includes: 69 Metropolis Trains, Urbalis, its CBTC signalling solution, the energy recovery system Hesop as well as tracks.
The Metropolis trains for the project comprise two 36-m-long cars per set. Each train features three classes: first, family and single class. The trains are driverless and 100 per cent motorised, allowing them to run on gradients of up to a six per cent slope.
The trains will offer passengers a high level of comfort, ergonomic seating, LED (light-emitting diode) lighting, air-conditioning and advanced passenger information systems, said the ADA statement.
The Riyadh metro system will boast 85 stations and six main lines, covering a total of 176 km. The metro will serve most neighbourhoods in the Greater Riyadh area, government offices, schools, businesses and main healthcare facilities.
It will also provide a vital link to King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District, the downtown area, major universities and other branches of the public transit system.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia will offer foreign and local property developers partnership deals in a vast housing construction programme that aims to build 1.5 million homes over the next seven or eight years, said the country's housing minister.
"We are preparing five or six types of partnership between the ministry and the developer," Majed Al Hogail told a news conference on the kingdom's economic reform plans.
"The developer would be an investor, bearing risk and designing products in line with market demand," he said. The ministry would support projects by providing information and help to arrange financing.
A shortage of affordable housing for a young and growing population of about 21 million citizens is one of Saudi Arabia's biggest social and economic problems.
In the past, the government earmarked billions of dollars of state money to build homes. But bureaucracy and difficulties obtaining land kept the pace of construction agonisingly slow, and the plunge of oil prices in the past two years means the government no longer has ample funds to throw at the problem.
So Saudi Arabia is now adopting a different approach, seeking to persuade private investors to design and build housing while the ministry largely acts as a regulator.
"We want to catalyse the private sector, to be a partner with it -- we want them to play the prime role," Hogail said.
Major Saudi property developer Dar Al Arkan said this week that it was in talks with the ministry on a partnership to build housing, fuelling a leap of more than 20 per cent in its share price over two days.
But Hogail said Saudi Arabia was also keen to persuade foreign developers to participate because they could provide expertise and more diverse projects. Last month, the government authorised the ministry to seek the assistance of Britain, France and China in the construction programme.
If the programme succeeds, it could give the kingdom a badly needed source of economic growth to offset the slump in oil prices. The reform plans aim to double the real estate sector's contribution to gross domestic product to 10 per cent by 2020.
The government hopes to stimulate the industry by cutting red tape; the average time required to approve and licence new residential real estate projects is to shrink to 60 days by 2020 from 730 days.
But the ministry will also allocate about SR59 billion ($15.7 billion) over the next five years to a loan guarantee programme and other schemes that provide financing to home buyers and real estate developers.
The state's Real Estate Development Fund, which currently finances about SR190 billion ($50.64 billion) of projects, aims to raise money for its operations by issuing sukuk (Islamic bonds), though the first issue is unlikely to occur before the end of 2017 because of tight liquidity in money markets, Hogail said.
The government also plans to move more aggressively to deter hoarding of land and force plots out into the market where they can be bought and developed, increasing supply of homes and bringing down prices.
Authorities will "encourage" the kingdom's big landowners to involve themselves in income-generating residential development projects, and Hogail said details of a tax on undeveloped urban land would be released within two weeks.-Reuters
Zain Group, a leading mobile telecom provider across Middle East and Africa, in partnership with LinkedIn recently hosted its Talent Acquisition Summit in Kuwait, which highlighted the latest trends in recruitment.
The first of its kind summit in the region undertaken by LinkedIn was attended by recruiters and talent management teams from Zain Groups operating companies and falls in line with the operators Employer Value Proposition and its Together, we are Resourcing and Together, we are Connecting engagements.
In November 2014, Zain entered into an agreement with LinkedIn to enhance its employer branding and talent acquisition strategy across the region, enabling Zain to identify and recruit the best talent from amongst LinkedIns global professional members
Zain is further reinforcing the One Zain Community program through a number of unified initiatives to support its talent acquisition teams across the Group, and its cooperation with LinkedIn to host the interactive summit is one such activity.
Maryam Saif, Zain Groups director of Human Resources said: With our focus on enhancing both our employer brand and our candidate experience, we are incredibly pleased that LinkedIn choose Zain to host its first ever Talent Acquisition Summit in the region to support us on our journey. Zain continues to place employees at the center of its activities and strategy, and recruiting top talent and being able to retain them is key to sustaining this vision.
Arda Atalay, head of LinkedIn Talent Solution, Private Sector, Mena, said: At LinkedIn and through our innovative Talent Solutions, we are committed to supporting our partners achieve their Employer Branding and Talent targets. Since our handshake in 2014, LinkedIn and Zain have built a successful partnership that allowed the group to implement the latest recruitment and employer branding initiatives.
We are happy to be here today supporting Zain Group in realizing their talent vision and strategy through the execution of the first of its kind 2-day Talent Acquisition Summit in the region. The event highlighted further the importance of employee engagement as well as how employees can become successful brand ambassadors of their companys culture, Atalay added.
During the course of 2015, for example, Zain recruited approximately 800 new staff members, and under the theme Together, provided a meaningful framework by which people could relate to the organization and make sense of the employment dynamics.
Zain country operations have also been collaborating towards a unified goal, which is to increase response rates and engagement amongst staff. The Zainer spirit came to the fore during the 2015 Engagement Survey, resulting in an overall response rate of over 90 per cent, and an engagement score of 76 per cent compared to the telecom industry average of 69 per cent.
As a group of operations, a communal communications plan was created to ensure the dissemination of consistent messages through various mediums such as Zains intranet, blogs, instant messaging, town halls and videos. The campaign also fostered a unified champions initiative, which saw the recruitment of Zainers with a passion to see a change, and recruitment techniques such as these were discussed during the summit.
Other topics that were discussed during the training included the presentation of The Ultimate Hiring Toolkit for a unified experience and Onboarding in a Box toolkit for a One Zain experience.
During 2015 Zain Group also introduced a capability framework that identifies core and leadership competencies that support the companys strategic initiatives and provide a standard by which to measure present performance and identify the kind of activity required in the future. This strategy was reviewed during the LinkedIn summit.
The evolving and competitive telecoms business is mainly driven by innovative people. As Zain Group continues to grow, we are focusing on acquiring the best talent and to reinforce our reputation as the employer of choice. LinkedIn supports our strategy and provides an opportunity to engage with top talent all over the world at scale, Saif concluded.
Zain today has a talented workforce of 7,000 across all its operations and uses several online platforms to engage with potential candidates including its own corporate career page, a Twitter career page and LinkedIn. TradeArabia News Service
Japanese investigators raided Suzuki Motor Corp's headquarters last week as they probed the minicar maker's use of improper fuel economy tests, an official said.
Investigators were looking for confirmation of Suzuki's claims that it had used data compiled from indoor tests performed on individual parts, rather than vehicle coasting tests, the transport ministry official said.
It was the second such raid by the transport ministry on a Japanese automaker after Mitsubishi Motors Corp in April, as the government cracks down on manufacturers over the mileage testing scandal.
Mitsubishi's admission that it had misrepresented its fuel economy readings led to its takeover by Nissan Motor Co Ltd and the resignation of its president last month.
Suzuki's improper tests involved 14 branded models and 12 models sold under other brands.
Japan's No. 4 automaker by sales has said it lacked the resources after the 2008 global financial crisis to meet regulatory testing standards. It also cited increased pressure to develop models and engines in the late 2000s. Reuters
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), an international aluminium smelter, is participating at the ongoing Harbors 9th Aluminium Summit, in the US, to strengthen its business relations and networking opportunities with the global aluminium industry.
The event which kicked off on June 7 will conclude today (June 9), and is taking place in Chicago, Illinois.
Organised and hosted by Harbor Aluminium Intelligence, the summit is considered to be one of the largest aluminium market gatherings in the Americas.
Albas chief executive officer Tim Murray delivered a keynote address on Albas Line 6 Expansion Story at the summit yesterday (June 8), during which he spoke about the companys plans to sustain its business through its upcoming sixth potline which will make Alba the largest single-site smelter in the world, said a statement from the company.
Alba was also represented at the event by its chief marketing officer, Khalid A Latif, acting chief operations officer, Amin Sultan; manager sales Middle East and North Africa (Mena), Mohamed Khalid; manager sales and marketing Americas, Patrick Hudson; and senior manager sales Europe, Boris Santosi, it said.
Murray said: Alba, through its Line 6 Expansion Project, is confident of building an enduring and successful future for Bahrain and its economy.
While we look forward to producing and delivering aluminium to meet the global demands, we also believe it is necessary for us to build on networking opportunities with key players in the industry which we intend to achieve via our participation in this summit, he added. TradeArabia News Service
Unilever, one of the world's leading fast moving consumer goods company, is on track with its plan to build a $272-million new manufacturing facility in Dubai, UAE.
The company has appointed Turner & Townsend, a leading professional services company, to provide full project and cost management services for the construction of the factory, a statement said.
Turner & Townsend is also in charge of planning and contract administration services, supporting the procurement strategy, ensuring effective value engineering, and risk management processes.
Unilever, a leader in building world-class factories with minimal environmental impact, is designing the new facility in line with its Sustainable Living Plan. For example, it will send zero waste to landfill. This is similar to Unilevers Lipton Jebel Ali Factory, in Jebel Ali Free Zone.
The new factory will enable Unilever to expand its innovative personal care products business across Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and create as many as 400 jobs.
Mike Collings, managing director, Middle East for Turner & Townsend, said: "As the UAE continues to diversify into non-oil sectors, this project represents a significant investment in the regions manufacturing industries - a venture we are proud to be a part of.
Ahmed Kadous, supply chain director at Unilever Gulf, added: Our decision to continue investing in Dubai was the result of the steady rise in demand for quality personal care products in the region."
"In addition, the new facility will assist us in achieving our long-term vision; doubling the size of our business while halving our environmental footprint," he added. - TradeArabia News Service
Top officials at the meeting of the GCC MinisterialCommittee for Posts and Telecommunications
Plans to unify telecom devices in the GCC were discussed at a high-level meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.
To read further, please visit GDNonline.
Oman Telecommucations Company (Omantel) has announced the landing of the Asia Africa Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable system in Oman, reported local media.
The third longest submarine cable in the world spanning about 25,000 km, the AAE-1 is one of the first unique cable systems to connect 18 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe, all via Oman, said the Times of Oman report.
The cable will provide an alternative and low latency short route between the east and the west while covering 50 per cent of the worlds population, it added.
Already over half of the international submarine cables that connect to the Arabian Gulf are connected through Omantel here in Oman. In the coming years, further extending our reach internationally is a key focus for Omantel, and a central goal of our 3.0 transformation strategy, Omantel CEO Talal Al Mamari was quoted as saying in the report.
Omantels international network will provide additional protection and diversity to the AAE-1 cable system through other systems like EPEG, another major high-capacity system, the report said.
The cable will provide additional capacity and diversity for telecommunications capabilities in Oman, according to the report.
US-based information technology provider InterSystems recently highlighted the latest benefits that hospitals have realised from its TrakCare system, ranging from enhancing the quality of care to significant cost savings achieved.
The firm held a conference in Dubai for users of its TrakCare healthcare information system, which was attended by over 200 hospital executives and clinicians.
The conference also featured a number of engaging workshops focused on future trends in healthcare IT, such as the importance of patient engagement.
A notable highlight from the event was the case study on the Journey towards achieving HIMSS EMRAM stage 7 presented by King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH), from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. KKESH is the first and only hospital in the Middle East to achieve this global recognition, said the company.
Michel Amous, regional managing director, Middle East and India at InterSystems, commented: The Middle East is a key market for InterSystems TrakCare, and we have been delivering on our capabilities and promises. This years TrakCare Customer Meeting has been a resounding success and we are encouraged by the great success stories presented by our customers.
InterSystems TrakCare has recently been awarded Best in KLAS for Global (non-US) Acute EMR. TrakCare enables coordinated care within a hospital or across care settings throughout a region, and is currently used in over 25 countries across the globe. Clinicians and administrators use TrakCare to improve safety and outcomes and control costs, for example, by eliminating duplicate tests. TradeArabia News Service
The Family Business Council-Gulf (FBCG) recently launched the first GCC Family Business Governance Code which will serve as voluntary guide on how to organise the family and business together.
The code will help family businesses set governance structures in the form of rules, policies, and procedures, which is one of the key solutions to managing the growing complexity of family and business dynamics in the GCC.
This document is also the regions first bilingual governance guide for family businesses providing a set of best-practices in family business governance delivered in a concise and easy-to-read style, the organisation said.
Chairman of FBCG, Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ghurair, said: Governance within family businesses is increasingly becoming a necessity as organisations evolve and grow. Setting family business governance structures, in the form of rules, policies, and procedures is the key solution to managing the growing complex dynamics of GCC family businesses."
The guide is also expected to serve family businesses in the area of succession planning which is proving to be a focal point of discussion in many family business meetings.
The guide has a focus on established large businesses that are going through either first, second or third generation transition - a critical segment with major risks accompanying succession.
Succession planning is critical to family businesses in the region and without strong family and corporate governance procedures in place the future of businesses in the region will be at risk, said Al Ghurair. Our research shows that only two-thirds of large family businesses in the GCC have initiated building blocks for effective family business governance structure, and only one-thirds of those participants have fully implemented the structures effectively.
For example, the FBCG Family Business study conducted late last year in collaboration with Mckinsey showed low adoption of governance policies to support next generation development integration; it stated that only 44 per cent of businesses had an employment policy in place, while 32 per cent had clarity on roles and responsibilities. Around 22 per cent had effective training programs while 17 per cent had effective assessment methods for next generation succession.
The code addresses a wide range of family business governance areas, it covers five governance areas: Family Governance, Ownership Governance, Corporate Governance, Wealth Governance, and Public Engagement. It also includes a checklist, which can be used as a simple framework to assess and guide the family governance development journey.
The code was collaboratively developed with 10 leading regional and international governance experts, with the write up commissioned by Al Tamimi & Co. Other partners included Al Futtaim Group; International Finance Corporation (IFC); KPMG Germany; Hawakmah; Pearl Initiative; Coutts & Co; BNY Mellon; Hadef and Partners; FBN; and Okeili & Co.
We have taken best practices from across the world and applied our local GCC wisdom to create a governance code specific for our region. While each family may have different visions and goals, the GCC Family Business Governance Code, just like the astrolabe, can serve as a common compass to help family businesses navigate through their own process and reach their true north, concluded Al Ghurair.
Hardcopies of the GCC family Business Governance Code will be available for distribution at the council, upon request. Digital handbooks can be downloaded on the FBCG website under the resources section. TradeArabia News Service
Qatar, which hosts the largest US air base in the Middle East, summoned the US ambassador on Thursday over a video posted online that showed American soldiers laughing in front of the nation's flag.
The Qatari foreign ministry said it had "summoned the American ambassador ... over a video which was recently circulated on social media. She was asked for an explanation of the contents of that video."
The clip shows two uniformed US soldiers, a man and a woman, speaking into camera and joking in front of a US and a Qatari flag.
US Ambassador Dana Shell Smith who, according to a ministry official, met Qatari assistant foreign minister Sultan Al Muraikhi on Thursday, said on Twitter that she had apologised.
"The US military command was sent to investigate this incident and disciplinary action will be taken," Smith wrote on her Twitter account, responding to a tweet from a Qatari national.
"Rest assured that these soldiers made fun of themselves and not of the state of Qatar," Shell said in another tweet, written in Arabic.
Qatar is home to the US air base Al Udeid where around 10,000 military personnel are stationed, and is one of Washington's main Arab allies. - Reuters
BP Egypt has announced an important gas discovery in the Baltim South Development Lease in the East Nile Delta.
The Baltim SW-1 exploration well, drilled in water depth of 25 metres by operator IEOC (Eni), reached a total depth of 3,750 metres depth and penetrated approximately 62 metres of net gas pay in high quality Messinian sandstones.
The discovery, which is located 12 km from shoreline, is a new accumulation along the same trend of the Nooros field discovered in July 2015 and currently producing 65,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Further appraisal activities will be required to underpin the full resource potential of the discovery.
Hesham Mekawi, regional president of BP North Africa, said: We are pleased with the results of the Baltim SW-1 well as it is the third discovery along the Nooros trend and confirms the great potential of the Messinian play and its significant upside in the area.
Our plan is to utilise existing infrastructure which will accelerate the development of the discovery, and expedite early production start-up. This announcement is another example of BPs commitment to unlock resources in order to bring critical gas production to Egypt, he added.
BP holds a 50 per cent stake in the Baltim South Development lease, and Eni, through its subsidiary IEOC, holds 50 per cent. The well was drilled by Petrobel, a joint venture between IEOC and the state partner Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC). TradeArabia News Service
As wearables are becoming more ubiquitous in daily life, they are moving beyond mere health and fitness and entering the mainstream through utility in personal safety, security and interaction with the internet of things (IoT), said a report.
The report by Ericsson ConsumerLab, named Wearable technology and the internet of things, said six in 10 smartphone users felt that wearables have uses beyond health and wellness. Devices related to personal safety and security, such as panic buttons and personal locators, attract most interest.
Top five most-wanted wearables across five markets surveyed were: 1. Panic/SOS button; 2. Smartwatch; 3. Wearable location tracker; 4. Identity authenticator; and 5. Wearable water purifier
The report captures the opinions of 5,000 smartphone users (of which 2,500 are wearable users) in Brazil, China, South Korea, the UK and the US, representing the views of 280 million smartphone users globally.
In addition to the top five most-wanted wearables, it shows consumers predict a booming wearables market beyond 2020, as well as that wearables might replace smartphones and will help consumers interact with physical things and objects in the IoT era.
Other key insights in the report include:
A booming wearables market beyond 2020
Ownership of wearables among smartphone users in the surveyed markets has doubled in the past year. However, consumers predict it will take at least another year for the current generation of wearables to go mainstream.
A more diverse set of wearables, such as personal safety devices and smart garments, will go mainstream beyond 2020, but when they do, a booming market can be expected. One in three smartphone users believe they will use at least five connected wearables beyond 2020.
Wearables to turn smartphones into just screens
Two in five smartphone users expect that wearables will replace smartphones, although this may take some time.
As wearables get smarter and more independent in terms of factors such as connectivity, the smartphone screen may become less significant. Thirty-eight percent of smartphone users say wearables will be used to perform most smartphone functions within just five years.
Jasmeet Singh Sethi, consumer insight expert, Ericsson ConsumerLab, said: Early signs of detachment from smartphones are visible today with 40 per cent of todays smartwatch users already interacting less with their smartphones.
Wearables bringing people into IoT
Wearable technology will also accelerate the convergence of the digital and human worlds, by bringing people into the IoT. While consumers are confident that wearable technology will help them interact with objects in their surroundings, they also say that this technology may not necessarily be devices.
60 per cent believe that ingestible pills and chips under the skin will be commonly used in the next five years, not only to track vital health data, but also to unlock doors, authenticate transactions and identity, and to control objects. Already today, 25 per cent of smartwatch owners use their smartwatch to remotely control other digital devices at home, and 30 per cent use voice search on their smartwatches.
Sethi said: Although consumers show greatest interest in devices related to safety, we also see an openness to wearable technology further away from todays generation. In five years time, walking around with an ingestible sensor, which tracks your body temperature and adjusts the thermostat setting automatically once you arrive home, may be a reality. TradeArabia News Service
Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, the iconic five-star hotel located in Dubai Healthcare City, has appointed Vipin Khattar as its new general manager.
Khattar joins Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights from his recent position as general manager of Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort. His enthusiasm for people and service has brought him back to Dubai and he aims to raise the standards of Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights to even higher levels.
In his new role, Khattar will oversee the strategic and financial performance of the property and will be committed to providing the highest quality of hospitality to each and every guest.
Khattar holds a wealth of experience gained from 16 years in the hospitality business. He joined Hyatt Hotels in October 2002 as a convention sales manager in the pre-opening team of Grand Hyatt Dubai. He left Grand Hyatt Dubai in November 2007 as director - convention sales to become a part of the pre-opening team at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai as director of business development, where he successfully managed one of the largest conference and banqueting facilities in Dubai.
He returned in February 2010 as director of sales and marketing to Hyatt Regency Dubai and Galleria. In May 2011, he transferred back to Grand Hyatt Dubai and was promoted to area director of sales and marketing later that year. Khattars exceptional leadership qualities made way for his appointment as one of the youngest general managers to be responsible for Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort, Egypt in December 2013.
Commenting on his new appointment, Khattar said: I am thrilled to be back in Dubai with Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. It is the newest Hyatt Regency hotel in the city and is a blend of modern design and local cultural influences. I look forward using my energy to support all colleagues in taking care of guests staying for business or leisure at this impressive property a property that captures the essence of Dubai.
Khattar completed his Post Graduation in Hospitality Operations at IHTTI School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and obtained a Bachelor in Hotel Management and Catering Technology degree from the University of Bangalore. - TradeArabia News Service
Wyomings K-12 science standards are in their final public comment period, giving citizens one last chance to weigh in on what Wyoming kids learn and dont learn in science class.
The draft takes a softer line on the contentious topic of climate change than previous drafts, encouraging teachers to show both the positive and negative effects human beings have on their environment when they address global warming.
Current standards are more than a decade old. The Wyoming Board of Education has so far voted the standards forward.
Schools Chief Jillian Balow has multiple times encouraged the public to voice concerns about or support for the standards.
We dont want citizens to ever feel like they dont have a voice or opportunity in this process, she said in a statement last month.
Deadline for comment is Aug. 12. Comments can be submitted online.
Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies will distribute food from its mobile pantry in Jackson from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Teton County Fairgrounds, 350 W. Snow King Ave.
The WFBR is planning to have enough food for 400 families. Items included will be fresh fruits and vegetables, canned fruits and vegetables, beef, fish and other food and personal products from their distribution center.
The director of the WFBR, Shanna Harris, said the pantry event is in response to a community that has a high cost of living and high rates of food insecurity. Farm Credit Services supplied a grant for the event.
Did you ever want to visit Sacajaweas grave but didnt know how to find it? Now you can locate her grave and much more on a new driving map that highlights historical sites at the Wind River Indian Reservation.
The driving map is a collaborative effort between the Wind River Visitors Council, the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, the Wyoming Office of Tourism and the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.
The idea is that tourists do come to Fremont County, which is Wind River country, interested in learning more about the culture and the history of Native Americans, said Casey Adams, communications manager for the Wind River Visitors Council.
We have the only reservation in the state. We have some really interesting events and sites that people do like to stop and see but they have trouble finding. Or maybe they are unsure about where theyre welcome or where they can take photos appropriately, showing respect to the residents on the reservation.
The maps are free and available at the Dubois, Lander and Riverton chambers of commerce. Adams hopes that the maps encourage people to stop and spend more time in Fremont County, specifically on the reservation, to learn more about the historical events and people of the area.
Every destination, attraction or event noted on the map has a short description. So if you go to Sinks Canyon, whats important historically there? And Sacajaweas cemetery. Who was Sacajawea? Not everybody knows that story as far as studying Lewis and Clark, Adams said.
Its a comprehensive tool for visitors to find their way around the reservation.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Rangers suspended their attempts on Wednesday to recover the body of a man who wandered from a designated boardwalk and fell into an acidic hot spring at Yellowstone National Park.
Colin Nathaniel Scott, 23, of Portland, Oregon, slipped and fell into a spring Tuesday afternoon in the Norris Geyser Basin, according to a news release from the park.
Scott and his sister had walked about 225 yards from the boardwalk when the incident occurred near Pork Chop Geyser, according to the release. His sister reported the accident to rangers.
Rangers began efforts to recover Scotts body on Wednesday, but later terminated their search, said Yellowstone spokeswoman Charissa Reid.
They were able to recover a few personal effects, Reid said. There were no remains left to recover.
Park officials offered condolences to Scotts family and reminded visitors to stay safe.
We extend our sympathy to the Scott family, said Superintendent Dan Wenk. This tragic event must remind all of us to follow the regulations and stay on boardwalks when visiting Yellowstones geyser basins.
Norris Geyser Basin is one of the hottest and most volatile areas in Yellowstone. The area was open to the public Wednesday, but park officials asked visitors to expect temporary closures during the investigation.
The death follows several high-profile incidents at the rugged park where tourists went off designated pathways onto unique landmarks, sometimes leading to injuries, or got too close to wildlife.
The safety of park personnel was a top concern during the search in Norris Geyser Basin, officials said. It is a popular attraction in the nations first national park, which received a record 4.1 million visitors last year. Water temperatures there can reach 199 degrees, the boiling point for water at the parks high elevation.
Signs warn visitors to keep to boardwalks and trails in thermal areas, which feature boiling pools, geysers that can blast hundreds of feet into the air and toxic gases.
The crust that makes up the ground in parts of Yellowstone is formed when minerals underground are dissolved by the high-temperature water, then redeposited on or near the surface.
Its very fragile rock and can be thin as a skiff of ice, Reid said.
Since 1890, there have been 22 deaths in the park that were a direct result of thermal burns from the hot springs, Reid said.
Most of the deaths have been accidents, although at least two people had been trying to swim in a hot spring, according to park historian Lee Whittlesey, author of the book Death in Yellowstone.
Other recent tourist incidents at Yellowstone include a 13-year-old boy who was burned days ago when his father, who had been carrying him, slipped into a different hot spring.
In May, a Canadian film crew was accused of leaving an established boardwalk and stepping into a geothermal area where they snapped photos and took video of themselves.
Also last month, another Canadian man loaded a bison calf into his SUV because he thought it was cold. The calf later had to be euthanized because it could not be reunited with its herd.
Between them, Tucson brothers Larry and Tony Redhouse have amassed a trove of accolades attesting to their jazz prowess.
On Sunday, June 12, they will put some of that on display when the Larry Redhouse Trio teams up with big brother Tony for the first concert of the popular Summer Sizzler Series by St. Philips In The Hills Friends of Music.
The brothers Larry on piano and Tony on percussion will share the stage at St. Philips church with drummer Robin Horn and bass player Evan Dain. The concert will explore hot jazz, Latin, fusion, funk and reggae, from original compositions to what they describe as hip interpretations of classic jazz standards.
The Larry Redhouse Trio has a long reach in the jazz world, with appearances at the Grenoble Jazz Festival and The Kennedy Centers famed Jazz Club in Washington, D.C., among the national stages it has played.
The Redhouse brothers are from a musical family of six siblings who comprise the Redhouse Family Jazz Band. The four brothers and two sisters critically acclaimed as Arizonas Native American First Family of Jazz are musicians, composers, vocalists, flutists and dancers whose talents landed them as featured guests at the Smithsonian Native American Museum in Washington, D.C.
Sundays concert begins at 2 p.m. at St. Philips In The Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. Admission is a suggested donation of $20 per person. Details: friendsofmusictucson.org or call 222-7277.
Other concerts in the series:
The Ohio sibling act Receiver returns to Southern Arizona this weekend for a free show at Sky Bar on Saturday, June 11.
Call it an encore of sorts for the Cooper brothers Casey on lead vocals, keyboards, bass and electronic programming; and Jesse banging drums and chiming in on vocals who played a weekend of shows in Bisbee in April.
The duo has alternately been dubbed ambient rock and atmospheric pop and dream-pop and progressive alternative. Their music leans on the experimental side, with percussion-driven rhythms overlayed by aggressive strings.
The brothers have performed together since 2005, but hit the road full speed five years ago, clocking 200 shows a year. We get them at the tail end of a statewide swing that takes them from Tempe and Phoenix and then to Flagstaff before coming to Tucson on Saturday.
The Cooper brothers are touring on their latest release, 2015s All Burn their third full-length album released on UK imprint Kscope.
DEATH PENALTY.
The Execution of the Bisbee Murderers
Now that the last act of the drama has been closed by the legal putting to death of the men, who on the night of December 7th killed or terrorized the people of the peaceful town of Bisbee, and for weeks subsequent defied the law, and in mountain fastnesses laughed to scorn those who essayed their capture. Only by the fatality of indiscretion so prone to follow on a murderers heels, were they at length tracked, captured, tried and hung. The actors were of that class commonly known as rustlers, now fortunately almost extinct in Arizona. Their headquarters were at Clifton and contiguous country. Here deeds of violence were committed, and but few men dared attempt to bring the perpetrators to the bar of the law. Occasionally a desperado died at the hands of an arresting officer, or was killed in a brawl with his fellows.
In November last, six men known to the people of the Gila, over whom they terrorized, as John Heith, O. W. Sample, W,. Delaney, Dan Dowd, Dan Kelly and Tex Howard, met near Clifton and decided to raid the town of Bisbee, distant about sixty miles. With that end in view, John Heith and Tex Howard went to Bisbee to spy out the ground, and to better decide upon future action. While there for the furtherance of their plans, Heith formed a partnership with a man named Wade to open a dance house, which, as they mutually agreed, was to be in operation by December 8th, inasmuch as that day would be the monthly pay day of the Copper Queen mining Company. The employees of the mine were paid in checks on San Francisco, and these were, at a slight discount, cashed by the banking house of Castanada & Co. To do this, considerable ready cash was required, and was on hand for use on the day named.
This was well know to Heith and Howard. The latter, accordingly, at the time appointed, notified their accomplices then in camp at Buckles ranch, about fifteen mile from Clifton. Heath, in the meantime, remained in Bisbee to watch the course of events, and, if possible, on the morning subsequent to the robbery to mislead pursuing officers. On the night of the seventh of December as per arrangement, Kelly, Howard, and Sample entered Castanada store. Down and Delaney remained outside.
Howard, with a cocked revolver in each hand, ordered all present to hold up their hands and say nothing under penalty of death. Kelly ordered the safe opened, which upon being done, was emptied of its contents. Sample at the same moment, robbed Castanada, who was lying sick in a back room. In the meantime Delaney and Dowd, stationed as guard, were busy with the work of death, and killed all who had the temerity to approach. The first victim was Deputy Sheriff T. D. Smith, then followed two men by name of Toppenheimer and Nolly, and lastly Mrs. Roberts, a woman far advanced in pregnancy, who stood watching the scene from her doorway across the street.
After the accomplishment of the robbery the gang mounted their horses and rode rapidly in the direction of the Soldiers Holes, a well known watering place in Sulphur Springs Falley. Here they divided their booty, which consisted of some $3,000 in money and carious articles of jewelry. They then parted, Dowd and Delaney going into Sonora, Howard and Sample north to Clifton, and Kelly east in the direction of Deming.
Suspicious circumstances pointed to Heith as an accomplice; he was therefore immediately arrested, but declared his innocence and refused to divulge his connection with the affair, and as he was in his saloon at the time of the robbery, he was by some thought to be innocent. Sample and Howard arrived at Clifton at midnight on the 14th. They went immediately to the saloon of Deputy Sheriff Hill, and on being told where he was sleeping, they roused him up and recounted with considerable bombast their exploit at Bisbee, and exhibited a gold watch and a lot of money in proof of what they said. They told the directions taken by their confederated and outlined their own future plans. They accepted an invitation to drink, then re-mounted and rode up the San Francisco river. But no sooner were they gone than Hill called up Under Sheriff Hovey and repeated to him the story as gleaned from the murderers.
Their capture was at once decided upon. consequently at daylight the authorities at Deming were notified to watch for Kelly, who as expected reached there that morning and was arrested. Howard and Sample were taken by a sheriffs posse under Deputies Hovey and Hill, near their camp on the Little Blue river about forty miles above Clifton. Delaney was arrested at the minds Priates in Sonora, and Dowd was arrested by Deputy Sheriff Daniels at Corralitas, likewise in Sonora. All were in due time securely lodged in the Tombstone jail. an extra session of the court was called to try them on indictments found. Kelley, Sample, Dowd, Delaney and Howard were put on trial at the same time. They were convected and sentenced to death. Keith was tried subsequently and convicted of manslaughter. Of this the people of Tombstone generally disapproved. They believed that he too, merited death. Consequently on the night following his conviction, February 22, a posse of men gained entrance to the prison, took Heith out and hung him to the nearest telegraph pole.
Yesterday was the day fixed for the hanging of the condemned men, and although the execution was within the prison walls, it drew a great crowd to Tombstone in the vain hope of being able to witness the hanging of five men, notorious to evil deeds among Arizonas worst.
___
THE PROCESSION.
LATER.Promptly at one oclock p. m. the procession to the scaffold moved from the condemned cell, headed by Rev. Fathers Antonio, Jovanceau and Gallagher, and Sheriff Ward. Each prisoner was attended to the gallows by an officer of the law. The caps and nooses were adjusted by Sheriff R. H. Paul, of Pima county, and Deputy Sheriff J. F. Crowley, of Wilcox. Tex Howard and Wm. Delaney were cool and composed, and smilingly greeted their numerous acquaintances in the jail yard. Red Sample and Dan Kelly faltered and showed a little nervousness, the former almost losing his muscular control. He managed, however, to speak as follows: Well, my friends,
I BID YOU GOOD BYE.
I am to be hung for a crime I never committed. Keith had nothing to do with the Bisbee murders, and he never put up a job with any of us. I desire aChristian burial, and hop to meet you all in Heaven. Dan Kelly said, I also desire a Christian burial, and that Father Gallagher shall take charge of our bodies. The rest said I say what he says, referring both to Sample and Kelly. There was a pause of a few seconds, when Kelly cried
LET HER LOOSE,
and the Sheriff immediately followed with ready. The drop fell at exactly eighteen minutes after one oclock. Dows struggled were very marked, while the bodies of the others scarcely twitched. At one fifty-five the bodies were cut down and removed to the morgue, whereupon an examination being made, it was discovered that Red Samples neck was dislocated, and that the others died of strangulation.
MOVIE KING GETS STOLEN AUTO BACK
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Recognizes Car on Tucson Street as One Taken Down in Torreon
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The sensational recovery of an automobile which had been stolen from him in Torreon two years ago was an adventure happening to Lino Saenz Polo, president of the Cuauhtemoc Film company, this week, which was a little bit stranger than any lurid happening ever filmed in a motion picture.
Mr. Polo not only had one auto stolen in Torreon, but he had five. He really never expected to see one of them again and had bidden them a find and sad farewell.
What was his surprise Tuesday afternoon to see one of his machines coming down Congress street, and driven by a man whom he had never seen before.
Mr. Polo, however, astounded for the moment at the sight of his lost motor car, soon recovered his presence of mind. He rushed into the office of Ben Hill, local attorney, and used the best English that he could command.
"Mi automobile," he gasped, "aqui, you grab it, grab it."
Mr. Hill proceeded to translate Mr. Polo's English-Spanish into legal proceedings. He said the film magnate wrote down a complete description of the car, even to the number, and then obtained a search warrant from Recorder Cowan and levied the car.
The holder, however, was one of the kind men for whom Diogenes is on the hunt with a lamp, and when he was convinced that the car had actually belonged to Mr. Polo, he gave it up without further legal proceedings. It seems that he had purchased it in the United States and knew nothing about the shady history connected with it.
"It beats anything story we ever filmed," Mr. Polo said yesterday. "Maybe it will make a good scenario."
Options for a new interstate in Arizona were presented to a packed audience Wednesday during the first public hearing on the proposed Interstate 11.
Project engineer Jay Van Echo said the goal of the I-11 corridor is access-controlled, north-south transportation that connects U.S. metropolitan areas with Mexico and Canada.
He said the final corridor could be one entirely new route or several new routes, connected to improved existing routes.
The maps unveiled Wednesday show alternatives for the interstate run west of Interstate 10 from Wickenburg south to Casa Grande. There, the southern options are east or west of I-10, connecting to Arizona 189 in Nogales with access to the international port.
An earlier proposal by Pima County had I-11 connecting to the existing Interstate 19 for southbound travel.
The Arizona Department of Transportation said no specific alignments are under consideration at this early stage.
The study area for the proposed route is about 280 miles long and between 5 and 25 miles wide.
Representatives from ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration were on hand at Wednesdays hearing in Casa Grande to answer questions from residents.
In order to record all concerns, comments were taken in writing or by a court reporter for those who preferred to verbally share their thoughts.
Id start it tomorrow, said Casa Grande resident Louis Wagner, who attended the meeting to see if land he owns would be impacted. Im open to it.
Mike Henderson, also from Casa Grande, called himself a big fan of north-south commerce.
He said he had advised officials to coordinate with parallel efforts along the corridor.
It fascinates me that some of these things go so slowly, Henderson said.
The hearing served as a kickoff to a three-year environmental study, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, ADOTs Van Echo said.
An Environmental Impact Statement will evaluate corridor alternatives, including segments that could be independent projects.
A no-build alternative also will be evaluated.
No funding for the project has been identified.
ADOT will collect data for the next year and come back to the public with specific route alternatives, Van Echo said.
Double-decking
still on table
I-11 began as the Canamex Corridor.
As defined by Congress in the 1995 National Highway Systems Designation Act, the corridor is a joint effort involving Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah and Montana.
It calls for the development of a continuous four-lane roadway from Mexico through the U.S. into Canada to facilitate trade among the three countries and minimize traffic and congestion.
The federal government has spent about $500 million on the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales and the Hoover Bypass Bridge in Northern Arizona. I-11 would be the connection between the two.
Proponents believe the interstate would expedite southbound exports to Mexico and from the Port of Guaymas to markets in Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Northbound imports could avoid city traffic and connect from I-19 to the Port of Tucson or move to markets on the East Coast via I-10.
Opponents have said widening I-10 and double-decking parts in Pima County would serve the same purpose without additional infrastructure in the desert.
John Moffatt, Pima Countys director of strategic planning, said all ideas will be evaluated.
Its still on the table, he said of double-decking parts of I-10. He said the county continues to collect feedback from residents potentially affected by the new interstate and to work with tribal and state land officials to propose a route with minimum impact.
We are trying to be sensitive, Moffatt said.
I-10 Coalition formed
Meanwhile, in a separate east-west interstate project, ADOT and the transportation directors from California, New Mexico and Texas entered into an agreement earlier this week to create an I-10 Corridor Coalition to address the movement of goods between California ports and the Texas market.
For Arizona, the partnership is designed to remove what transportation officials refer to as friction such as the variety of commercial vehicle permitting and inspection practices in each state along I-10 that makes the movement of goods less efficient than it could be, ADOT said in a statement announcing the partnership. If the four states were combined, the region would have the 10th largest economy in the world.
The coalition is modeled after a coalition involving 15 states that govern Interstate 95 between Florida and Maine.
We want to see the day when a truck or a noncommercial vehicle can travel the 1,700 miles between Los Angeles ports and Houston ports safely, efficiently and without delay, said John Halikowski, ADOT director.
Someday we want the I-10 corridor to be filled with truck platoons and connected vehicles, weigh-in-motion sensors and automated truck parking lots.
In Pima County, officials hope to build a 26-mile connection between I-10 and I-19 as a bypass for northbound I-19 and westbound I-10 drivers, especially commercial vehicles.
The Sonoran Corridor would run roughly from Rita Road on the southeast side to about Pima Mine Road south of Tucson.
PHOENIX A jury convicted a founder of the Minuteman border-watch group of molesting one young girl, but it acquitted him Wednesday of engaging in sexual conduct with another.
Christopher Allen Simcox was found guilty on charges that he molested a 5-year-old girl and showed her pornography. He escaped a mandatory life sentence when the jury acquitted him on charges that he engaged in sexual conduct with a 6-year-old girl.
A molestation conviction carries a sentence of 10 to 24 years in prison. Simcox, who was convicted on two molestation counts, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 5.
An attorney who assisted him at trial said Simcox, 55, will still likely spend the rest of his life in prison, given Arizonas tough sentencing guidelines.
In closing arguments, a prosecutor scoffed at Simcoxs claim that the girls were pressured by adults to bring the allegations.
Simcox, who isnt a lawyer but represented himself at trial, told jurors that he didnt abuse the girls.
His case was also noteworthy for Simcoxs insistence that he should be allowed to personally question the girls on the witness stand.
Prosecutors argued that letting Simcox question the girls would cause them emotional distress. In the end, Simcox got an attorney to pose the questions.
County Attorney Bill Montgomery, whose office prosecuted Simcox, said he commended the victims for having the courage to come forward.
Kerrie Droban, the lawyer who served as Simcoxs adviser, said she was unsure whether Simcox would appeal the verdict.
The jury listened attentively, Droban said. They gave him a fair trial.
Simcoxs arrest in 2013 came after his career as an advocate for tougher immigration policies had fizzled.
The Minuteman movement stepped into the spotlight in 2005 when illegal immigration heated up as a national political issue. Minuteman volunteers fanned out along the nations southern border to watch for illegal crossings and report them to federal agents.
The movement splintered after Simcox and another co-founder parted ways and headed up separate groups.
Simcox, who once served as publisher of the Tombstone Tumbleweed newspaper, went on to briefly enter Arizonas 2010 U.S. Senate primary against incumbent John McCain but dropped out of the race. His name didnt appear on the ballot.
More than a decade ago, Simcox was sentenced to two years of probation for misdemeanor convictions in federal court for carrying a concealed handgun at the Coronado National Memorial near the Arizona-Mexico border in January 2003.
WASHINGTON On the verge of endorsing Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama will pay tribute to Bernie Sanders' historic candidacy for presidency with an Oval Office meeting aimed at unifying the Democratic Party for a general election brawl with Donald Trump.
Sanders, the runner-up for the Democratic nomination, was heading Thursday to the White House under intense pressure to drop out and clear the way for Clinton. Though he showed signs he understood the end was near he was laying off about half his team he vowed to keep fighting for his movement, which Democratic leaders hope will evolve into a new base of support for Clinton.
Obama, who was expected to formally endorse Clinton following his midday meeting with Sanders, has sought to give the Vermont senator the courtesy of exiting the race on his own terms. On "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Wednesday night, he praised the Sanders campaign.
"It was a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to have a contested primary. I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas," Obama said during a taped appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". "And he pushed the party and challenged them. I thought it made Hillary a better candidate."
Obama planned to use the meeting, requested by Sanders, to discuss how to build on the enthusiasm Sanders brought to the primary and advance issues like income inequality and campaign finance reform that Sanders championed, the White House said. That's a diplomatic way of saying it's time for Sanders to pass the baton to Clinton, who declared victory over Sanders on Tuesday.
Now head to head in the presidential race, Clinton and Trump have one thing in common: Both are working to woo Sanders supporters once his campaign fully sputters. Trump has said he welcomes Sanders' voters "with open arms" while Clinton vowed to reach out proactively to voters who backed her opponent in the Democratic primary.
"He has said that he's certainly going to do everything he can to defeat Trump," Clinton said of Sanders in an Associated Press interview. "I'm very much looking forward to working with him to do that."
Trump, despite a string of victories this week that reaffirmed his place as the GOP nominee, was still working to convince wary Republicans that he's presidential material. Looking ahead to an upcoming speech attacking Clinton and her husband, Trump tried to turn the page following a dust-up over his comments about a Hispanic judge's ethnicity
That controversy and others before it have led prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, to open chastise their party's nominee. Yet Trump's dominance in the GOP race was hard to overstate: He now has 1,542 delegates, including 1,447 required by party rules to vote for him at the convention. It takes just 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination.
For Sanders, any rationale for staying in the race grew murkier as even some of his staunchest supporters started looking to Clinton. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the one Senate Democrat to endorse Sanders, said Clinton was the nominee and offered his congratulations. And Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Sanders backer from Arizona, suggested the time to rally behind Clinton would come next week when the primary season concludes with the final contest in the District of Columbia.
"Bernie's going to do the right thing," Grijalva said Wednesday on the sidelines of discussions about the official Democratic Party platform.
Sanders, who also planned to meet Thursday with Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, promised to continue his campaign through Tuesday's contest. But about half his campaign staff was being laid off, two people familiar with the plans said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the layoffs.
The task of persuading Sanders' supporters to fall in line falls largely to Obama, still one of the Democratic Party's most popular figures. Obama's aides have said he's itching to get off the sidelines and take on Trump, but the key question was whether voters who helped elected him twice would follow his lead now that he's not on the ballot.
There was little reason for overconfidence among Democrats, who've never seen that powerful coalition of minorities, young people and women reliably show up for candidates not named Obama.
"It's going to be hard to get African-American turnout as high as Obama got it, and to get youth turnout as high as Obama got it," said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster. "We have to work really hard."
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PHOENIX The state attorney general's office won't step in to block Proposition 123.
In an informal opinion today, state Solicitor General John Lopez sidestepped questions posed by Treasurer Jeff DeWit in the wake of voter approval last month of the education funding measure. It will provide $3.5 billion to schools over the next decade, including $2.2 billion in extra withdrawals from the state's education trust account.
DeWit said he and other members of the state Board of Investment had questions about the legality of the move and wanted answers before releasing any dollars.
But Lopez pointed out there already is a case in federal court challenging the ability of the state to increase withdrawals from the education trust account to boost school funding.
"This office typically does not issue formal opinions regarding matters that are the subject of pending or impending litigation, Lopez wrote. "Consistent with that practice, we decline to do so here.
But Lopez did agree to tell DeWit and other board members that they face no personal liability for distributing the cash as voters mandated.
"Arizona's public officials have a duty to obey laws unless a court enjoins a law or declares it unconstitutional, Lopez said.
And Lopez also said that, absent a court ruling to the contrary, charter schools are eligible for a share of Proposition 123 funds.
The informal opinion comes the same day that U.S. District Court Judge Neil Wake gave permission for Michael Pierce to amend his lawsuit challenging the voter-approved measure.
Pierce argues that simply amending the Arizona Constitution to boost trust fund withdrawals is legally insufficient. He contends that can happen only if Congress agrees to amend the enabling act.
That is one of the same questions that DeWit and the board asked Attorney General Mark Brnovich to answer.
No date has been set for a hearing, leaving the questions in limbo.
PHOENIX A Tempe man is accused of lying about serving in the military to obtain veteran status for his driver's license and vehicle plates.
The Arizona Department of Transportation says the agency's detectives have arrested 45-year-old Eric Wolfe on suspicion of forgery and using falsified documents.
Wolfe was booked Tuesday into the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
ADOT officials say Wolfe submitted a document in March to a Motor Vehicle Division representative to get the special license designation.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, however, determined Wolfe never served in the U.S. Air Force as he claimed.
Wolfe also allegedly used the forged documents to get license plates designated for veterans in March and last month.
YARNELL A brush fire threatened structures Wednesday in the north-central Arizona town of Yarnell the scene of a 2013 wildfire in which 19 members of an elite firefighting crew were killed.
Some residents on the town's east side were being told to evacuate their homes as a precaution, Yavapai County sheriff's officials said.
Authorities said the brush fire had grown to about 400 acres and its cause wasn't immediately clear.
It was burning south of the town and east of the site of the Yarnell Hill Fire in which members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots died when they got trapped by the flames nearly three years ago.
That lightning-caused wildfire destroyed nearly 130 homes in the area.
On Wednesday, some Yarnell homeowners said they saw smoke and received a voluntary evacuation notice on their cellphones.
A Red Cross shelter for evacuees was set up at Yavapai College in Prescott.
On July 27, Rijiju said in the Lok Sabha that the BJPs ideology on the uniform civil code should be taken as the country's ideology on the same. Basil Islam | TwoCircles.net NEW DELHI Union Minister Kiren Rijijus recent remarks on implementing the uniform civil code have re-ignited the debate on the viability of a uniform civil code and its possible...
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Washington : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said there were many who doubted when India reposed its faith in democracy but today India lives as one, grows as one, celebrates as one.
Addressing a joint sitting of the US Congress, Modi recalled: There were many who doubted India when, as a newly independent nation, we reposed our faith in democracy.
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Our founders created a modern nation with freedom, democracy, and equality as the essence of its soul, said Modi, the fifth Indian Prime Minister to address a joint sitting of the US Congress.
Today, India lives as one, India grows as one, India celebrates as one.
Stating that India applauded the great sacrifices of the men and women from the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, he raised his hands and clapped and the entire house stood up and clapped along with him.
In granting me this opportunity, you have honoured the worlds largest democracy and its 1.25 billion people, he said.
Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh had addressed the US Congress.
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New Delhi : After some files of the fodder scam went missing in Bihar, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Wednesday accused the Nitish Kumar government of protecting criminals and said all this was being done to get a clean-chit for RJD chief Lalu Prasad.
Today it seems that there is a political system in Bihar which is protecting criminals and giving shelter to them, Rudy said here at a press conference.
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The missing files signify there are people in the system trying to get a clean-chit for Lalu Prasad, the minister, who hails from the state added.
Rudys remarks came after files related to the multi-crore fodder scam in Bihar reportedly disappeared from the states Animal Husbandry Department office in Patna.
This is time to review, revive and recall what is happening in Bihar, Rudy said, adding, Fodder scam garnered the attention of the nation as a sitting chief minister was accused in the case.
In this case Lalu (Lalu Prasad Yadav) was forced to exit from his post and also had to go to jail. And even today he cant contest election as he is a convict in the case, the BJP leader said.
Former Chief Minister of Bihar Lalu Prasad was convicted in the Rs.900 crore embezzlement scandal.
The minister said there has been a sharp rise in crimes in the state after the Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance came to power.
There is theft, murder, loot, abduction, rape in Bihar. The figures related to these defines the status of crime in the state. Now, it seems Bihar is for criminals, Rudy said.
He also refuted the allegations of government interference over the ongoing controversy on Udta Punjab.
The process of censorship must have certain guidelines. I reject the charges of government interference into the censorship, he said.
He also accused the Aam Aadmi Party of fuelling the issue, saying AAPs survival is based on creating controversies and then to do politics over it.
The minister also said that drugs is not an election issue in Punjab and added that the BJP-Akali Dal alliance is doing extremely excellent work.
I dont see there is any problem in Punjab, he said.
Help India!
By Shiva Thorat, TwoCircles.net
Guna Pawara: 40-year-old Adivasi farmer lives in Sangavi, about 25 kilometres from Shirpur tehsil in Dhulia district of Northern Maharashtra. This region is also known as Khandesh. Guna just barely survives by farming. He has been growing millet and cotton for the past two to three years and he owns a few bulls. Recently, on seeing that his bulls have become older, he planned to sell his older pair and buy a new pair of bulls at Shirpur Bullock Market.
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This market is famous in the area, held every Monday and has been the place to go for selling and buying of animals, groceries, and other commodities. He has made the trip to the Market now a few times, to sell and buy bulls. This time, again, he made the journey to Shirpur Bullock Market to try to sell his pair of bulls.
On reaching the market, Guna approached a broker who told him that he cannot sell his bull now and he better take them back home. Unaware of the Beef Ban law and its implication on his livelihood, Guna was taken aback. Why cant he sell his bull, he wondered, and if he can not sell them who will take care of them?
Guna was obviously angry, What are these politicians doing, God knows. To see to the needs of family, I need to sell my bulls, but I have been told by authorities that because of some new law, I cannot. What does that mean, what should I do now?
Disappointed Guna had no option but to go back. When he had come to Shirpur Bullock Market he had hired a mini truck for carrying his bulls and now he had to walk all the way back with his bulls as now he didnt have enough money to pay for a ride back.
Guna had expectations from the anticipated sale at Shirpur market. He muttered that he had thought that he would be able to meet all his immediate family needs. He had to purchase the seeds for the sowing after first rain in June. He had to buy clothes for his wife and son. His daughters marriage was coming soon so he had to invest some money into her ornaments. Everything had gone awry.
Shehjan Sheikh, 50-year-old from the Khatik (butchers) community who sells beef at Shirpur told TCN that Guests coming to attend the marriages, programs and ceremonies are returning in anger just because no beef is being served at meals. Everything is stuck and how I am to live I cannot understand !
When farmers like Guna in Khandesh sell cow-bulls in the period of April and May, butchers like Shehjan Sheikh purchase them and see to the other needs of society. This has practically been a ritual for their communities.
The Beef Ban is not only affecting communities like Khatiks, the butchers, Chamars and Marwadis who work with and deal in leather, and farmers like Guna Pawara all feel like victims of the new Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act that was first introduced in 1976 to ban cow slaughter, but heavily amended to ban slaughter of bulls and bullocks too, by Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis in 2014. Fadnavis explained, Killing the cattle and her family should be illegal as it offends the Hindu religion.
Beef Ban, reaping, chopping cattles, bulls and selling-purchasing them to the slaughter houses is now a punishable offence in the society but it comes with deep social guilt too.This stigmatization leads to mob lynching of Muslims like killing of Mohammad Akhlaq at Dadri in Uttar Pradesh. It is also seen in Khandesh that the Hindu right-wing organizations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are widening their membership in the name of Gaumata Sarankshan Samiti (Mother-Cow Protection Association). They have already opened some 30 chapters around Shirpur area. Their activities include threatening Shirpur Bullock Market brokers and patrolling to capture illegal sellers and beef-consumers.
On the border of Maharashtra, police are stationed on the highways and have to pay attention carefully. They are working with VHP and Bajrang Dal to identify suspects who are selling cows and arresting them. There are cases of beating some truck drivers to death and lynching of young Muslim cattle-herders on suspicion.
Some days back Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande stated that Maharashtra border should be protected because there are chances of beef importing. However, this increased border protection and inspecting vehicles does not seem to the implemented with police but with the Gaumata Sarakshan Samitis. Shirpur is on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Madhya Pradesh, a BJP ruled state, has also banned the slaughter of bulls and bullocks. Both states have recorded increase in the cases of violence and crimes related to bull slaughter. In an informal meeting, Mr Khonde, who works in the police department showed his pity and stated that If Shirpur becomes so communal then will have riots in a few days.
The judiciary, police and right-wing organizations have enforced policies that further affect oppressed communities like Dalit, Adivasis and Muslims in Shirpur.
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By TCN News
North America is home to more than 29 percent thinktanks in the world and a bulk of them is located in Washington, DC. While these think tanks are focused on a wide variety of issues, they play a vital role in shaping policy at the national and international level. Increasingly thinktanks have evolved beyond research institutes and have increased their focuses to communications and advocacy to exert great influence on public policy.
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One such thinktank is the US India Policy Institute (USIPI) providing research and policy options focused on helping the poor and vulnerable groups in India. USIPI is a community supported non-profit organization founded and funded by Indian Americans committed to promoting the common ideals of democracy, development and diversity between US and India. Apart from its evidence based policy research, USIPI engages policy makers, community leaders and NGOs in arriving at solutions for inclusive development in India.
The Chief Scholar of US India Policy Institute, Dr. Abusaleh Shariff is currently visiting India and is actively engaging academics and experts around USIPIs research findings. In April 2016, Oxford University Press published the book Institutionalizing Constitutional Rights: Post-Sachar Committee Scenario by Dr. AbusalehShariff. The book was released in New Delhi by the Vice President of India, Janab Hamid Ansari Sahab in New Delhi. Speaking on the research, Vice President had said this is an important work of research and analysis, aimed at increasing socio-economic inclusion and participatory decision-making at grassroots level.
The book was also discussed at a Round Table organized in New Delhi and attended by prominent experts from Jawaharlal National University, Aligarh Muslim University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Yale Law School, USA and Oxford University, UK. The event was also attended by former Cabinet Minister, Mr. Salman Khurshid; Member of Parliament, Mr. Husain Dalwai and the National Spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party Mr. G. V. L. Narashimaha Rao.
The Oxford published book is the culmination of 4 years of research by US India Policy Institute and its Chief Scholar Dr. Abusaleh Shariff. It identifies policies and institutions required for ensuring the equality of opportunity for all Indian citizens specially minorities. It provides the only critical analysis of central and state governments policy response to the Sachar Committee Report from a professional viewpoint. It focuses on the Muslim community making recommendations for more inclusive development and improving the process to bring them into the national mainstream.
Vice President of India Hamid Ansari Releasing the Book
From left-to-right: Rasheed Ahmed, President, USIPI; Mr. R. Sudarshan, Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy; Dr. AbusalehShariff , Chief Scholar, USIPI; Mr. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India; Lt. Gen. ZameerUddin Shah, Vice-Chancellor Aligarh Muslim University; Mr.Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad; Mrs.SabihaZameer Uddin Shah
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By Mansoor Durrani for Twocircles.net
Our leaders are inefficient and cruel and corrupt! These are common complaints or discussion points in our parts of the world. There is some truth in such remarks. But there is another eternal truth i.e. leaders are not parachuted from the sky. They come from the society, from among us. They are our own reflection.
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For historical reasons, Turkey has been very close to Muslims hearts. Less than a century back, as seat of Islamic caliphate, Turks were our political masters. Leading a global political empire covering parts of Europe, Africa and Asia for half a millennia requires a lot capabilities. But all that came to an end in the aftermath of the World War I. What was left behind of this massive empire is presently the Republic of Turkey. Since the beginning of this Century, Turkey has experienced first set of democratic governments. The present leadership may have its share of failings. But overall, they command a high level of genuine respect and love from the masses. My business takes me to Turkey frequently. Last month, I visited one of the most iconic (multi-billion dollars) infrastructure projects in Turkeys modern history which my team and I are honored to have structured and financed, together with a club of banks. This is among a large number of infrastructure projects the Turkish leadership has been executing to make the life of its citizens easier. Such a leadership came from a society which -in my personal experience is full of educated, progressive, honest, hardworking, humble, kind and generous people a society worth emulating.
Turkey is also at the forefront of humanitarian efforts. Like all sincere nations, it walks the talk. It presently hosts 3 million Syrian refugees, as guests. Turkey hosted two back-to-back, high profile humanitarian conferences last month. One was under the banner of the UN and another organized by the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists (WCMP).
I was invited to speak in two sessions. I shared my understanding and views on giving in our faith. After the opening supplication (Fatiha), the very third sentence of our Holy Book (Chapter: The Cow) states that the Quran is a guide for those who spend from what We [The God] have given them! So in our faith, giving is an absolute religious obligation. Not optional. And the giving mentioned here is not the annual, mandatory 2.5% zakah. This is additional giving. It seems that the extent of guidance we receive from the Quran is linked to the quantum of our charity. Wit widening gap between the rich and the poor, our giving also need to increase.
A group of poor people wait for food to be distributed at the old quarters of Delhi after Iftari.
The theme of the WCMP event was apt: resetting priorities and redefining roles. Conservative estimates indicate Muslims have been collectively donating US$ 100+ billion every year. But the impact of such a large scale giving is not as visible as it should be. I consider two broad categories for our charity dollars: (1) repair and maintenance and (2) reconstruction. The repair and maintenance consists of feeding the hungry, providing shelter and medical care to poor, supporting orphans, ever increasing relief and rehab work etc just for the record Islam never sanctions building gold-plated mosques.
Ongoing repair and maintenance is extremely important. And a significant amount must be continuously allocated for that. No doubt. But in my view, an unduly large chunk of total charity funds are allocated there. And only a fraction of the giving is directed towards the reconstruction work. This is a flawed strategy with long-term negative consequences. Reconstruction will pull us out of our present state of helplessness and humiliation and will allow us to stand on our own strong feet; consequently expanding the repair and maintenance pool as well. The building blocks of reconstruction are: setting up world-class schools, entrepreneurship development centers, microfinance institutions, social and media research centers, data warehouses etc. There is widespread acknowledgement about the lack of accurate data in Muslim communities. And in 21st century, we cant develop effective strategic plans without credible data.
Unlike repair and maintenance, reconstruction projects require large doses of capital. And their real value takes longer time to emerge. This must be clearly understood. Like building a tall structure begins from the ground, not the 30th floor or the 50th floor, the foundation of strong and sustainable societies also begins at schools, not top-end colleges or universities. At present, that foundation is very weak. This is reflected in (a) not a single school student from Muslim countries figuring in the top 40 Pisa score and (b) only 2 Universities from 50+ Islamic nations figure in the top 200 Universities in the world i.e. just 1% of our Universities compared with 20+ per cent of our population! Is the US responsible for this pathetic state? Or Israel is responsible?? I often stand up in front of my teams with a piece of pencil and ask them have you ever come across a world-class pencil that is made in Bangladesh, or Indonesia or Egypt? A pencil which is recognized from Toronto to Tokyo as worlds top brand? I do not ask them about smart phones or iPads or other hi-tech gadgets. I ask about as petty a product as a pencil. And the answer is obviously, no! So when one-fifth of the humanity is just consumer and not contributing anything useful only a liability on the planet and not an asset how can we expect to earn any respect in this world? Indian Muslim leadership cries and cribs on the pathetic situation of Muslims in India. Lets not forget that the global situation is not too different either. Our faith teaches us honesty. Lets admit our deficiencies. And take corrective measures i.e. top-dollars should be allocated for reconstruction. Immediately.
Redefining roles is another critical area that we discussed in Turkey -needs our urgent attention. Our charitable organizations are run by supremely sincere but not-too-competent folks. Like business organizations, we must employ top-talent and cutting-edge business practices. Charity is a serious business. And it must be run very professionally. We hardly come across the Head or CEO of Muslim Charities having MBA from top business schools. Or having extensive experience in top-corporates. Even those from non-management/corporate backgrounds can be enrolled for short courses in Social Enterprise or Governance in Not-for-profit offered by premier business schools like Harvard and INSEAD. But not much interest is visible in this either.
Employment of high caliber professionals in the social sector will multiply the returns in terms of social impact. Even from a religious standpoint there is no restriction in giving competitive salaries (figuring in the available means) to high caliber staff who are capable of enhancing the value of giving through sharp strategic planning and impeccable execution of social projects. In my experience, there is a lot more saving (and value) in engaging such professionals who adopt the best business practices, governance structures, bring efficiency and transparency, performance measurement systems etc.
In order to make perceptible positive changes in the society, both resetting priorities and redefining roles are extremely urgent needs. And the Istanbul conference has at least kicked-off this crucial debate.
Mansoor Durrani is a banker in Saudi Arabia and founder of Eastern Public School in Bhopal.
Results of a number of studies demonstrate that the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in and of itself is an inadequate screening test. Today, one of the most pressing questions in prostate cancer medicine is how can screening be honed to identify those who have life-threatening disease and need aggressive treatment. A number of efforts are underway. One such effort is the assessment of men in the landmark Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial that has led to a prostate cancer risk calculator (PCPTRC), which is available online. PCPTRC version 2.0 predicts the probability of the diagnosis of no cancer, low-grade cancer, or high-grade cancer when variables such as PSA, age, race, family history, and physical findings are input. Modern biomarker development promises to provide tests with fewer false positives and improved ability to find high-grade cancers. Stockholm III (STHLM3) is a prospective, population-based, paired, screen-positive, prostate cancer diagnostic study assessing a combination of plasma protein biomarkers along with age, family history, previous biopsy, and prostate examination for prediction of prostate cancer. Multiparametric MRI incorporates anatomic and functional imaging to better characterize and predict future behavior of tumors within the prostate. After diagnosis of cancer, several genomic tests promise to better distinguish the cancers that need treatment versus those that need observation. Although the new technologies are promising, there is an urgent need for evaluation of these new tests in high-quality, large population-based studies. Until these technologies are proven, most professional organizations have evolved to a recommendation of informed or shared decision making in which there is a discussion between the doctor and patient.
American Society of Clinical Oncology educational book / ASCO. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Meeting. 2016 [Epub]
Otis W Brawley, Ian M Thompson, Henrik Gronberg
From the American Cancer Society, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden., From the American Cancer Society, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden., From the American Cancer Society, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27249774
When Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president last summer, most news outlets and political pundits didn't give him a realistic shot at success. Fast forward 11 months later and Trump has clinched the required number of delegates to become the party's nominee, but that hasn't stopped many Republicans from planning to alter the convention.
Trump and the GOP
After Trump picked up an impressive win at the Indiana primary last month, the two remaining Republican candidates, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, both ended their campaigns within a 24-hour span.
At this point, it was inevitable that Trump would represent the GOP in the general election in November, but the party appears to be as divided as ever. According to a report in Yahoo News on June 9, top party leaders are pushing to remove Trump as the nominee at the convention in July.
Talk grows of replacing Trump at GOP convention https://t.co/Ibf5S07AuS by @jonward11 Yahoo News (@YahooNews) June 9, 2016
"There is a rapidly moving train toward the convention to try to obstruct it at the convention," conservative journalist Erick Erickson reported, noting, "Trump in the last 72 hours has given hope to people who think its now possible." Erickson went on to say that conservatives have been given "hope" that Trump will be "stopped at the convention" unless he drastically "cleans up his act."
Calls are mounting to wrestle the Republican nomination from Donald Trump at the convention https://t.co/YpFy66x1vG pic.twitter.com/cgvkpApiRv Talking Points Memo (@TPM) June 9, 2016
Yahoo News also spoke with conservative writer David Finch who warned that the former host of "The Apprentice" shouldn't' "take his convention nomination for granted" because there's a "limit" to what the nomination entails.
Other right-wing voices, such as radio show hosts Hugh Hewitt and Steve Deace, all continued to report that a Trump-removal was possibly on its way.
Possible replacement?
Various names have been mentioned to possibly replace Trump, with the latest being Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Heading into the 2016 election, Walker was considered one of the favorites, as the governor had close ties to right-wing billionaire donors the Koch Brothers.
Walker suspended his campaign last year after free-falling poll numbers and lack of fundraising. Yahoo News also went on to cite a report from conservative insider RedState which reported of further speculation that Walker was "open" to the idea of replacing Trump as the nominee at the convention in Cleveland, Ohio.
Election outlook
Ousting Trump from the convention after he clinched the required number of delegates would be unprecedented and would surely cause a backlash among many die hard supporters. Trump has been surrounded by a constant cloud of controversy since entering the race, and his recent comments about the "Mexican" judge handling the upcoming Trump University fraud case has given new life to the possibility that hemight not even make it to a general election match-up against Hillary Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee.
China passenger drone to test in Nevada Updated: 2016-06-09 11:22 By Ai Heping in New York(China Daily USA)
It grabbed the spotlight at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January when its China-based manufacturer displayed it, and now the world's first self-flying passenger-carrying drone - the E-Hang 184 - will return to Nevada for further development and testing.
EHang Inc, the maker of the all-electric drone, is partnering with the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS) and the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) to develop test criteria to help Ehang prove aircraft worthiness to the US Federal Aviation Administration. The announcement was made on May 26.
The founder and chief executive of Ehang, Huazhi Hu, said the move would lay the foundation for the 184's commercialization and spark the autonomous aerial transportation industry. The company based in the Guangzhou province of southern China, makes camera and hobbyist drones.
The drone can fly itself by having a passenger enter a destination into the drone system's accompanying smartphone app. It uses multiple independent flight control systems to automatically navigate to a desired location. Real-time data is collected from sensors throughout the flight to automatically plot the fastest and safest route.
The EHang 184 passenger-carrying drone is displayed during the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016. CFP
The 184 can fly at altitudes up to 11,500 feet and at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour for up to 23 minutes. It has eight propellers on four arms, and takes off and lands vertically, eliminating the need for a runway.
"It caught everybody's attention," Mark Barker, the NIAS's business development director, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal about the drone when it was at the electronics show.
"We will help them submit necessary test results and reports to the FAA and all that kind of stuff," Barker told the newspaper. "It's a big deal for EHang, and it's a big deal for NIAS and the state of Nevada because we will be helping them to test and validate their system."
EHang expects to begin testing in Nevada later this year. The company will move a small crew to the state for the testing.
"We have several ranges where we can do it, but we haven't firmed that up yet," Barker said, adding that the institute will meet with EHang officials in about a month to arrange details. "(EHang will) need a combination of restricted and unrestricted airspace, so we are trying to figure out what would be the best place to do that at."
Nevada has been positioning itself as a test site for advanced transport solutions, being one of the first states in the US to permit the testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
This partnership will advance the state's commercial drone industry, Tom Wilczek, an aerospace and defense industry specialist with GOED, said in the statement. "I personally look forward to the day when drone taxis are part of Nevada's transportation system," he said.
aiheping@chinadailyusa.com
(China Daily USA 06/09/2016 page2)
Xpress West drops rail venture with China firm Updated: 2016-06-09 11:22 By Heng Weili in New York(China Daily USA)
XpressWest has terminated its joint venture with China Railway International USA Co Ltd (CRI) to build a high-speed passenger railroad connecting Los Angeles to Las Vegas, citing US government insistence that the train cars be manufactured in the United States.
In September 2015, XpressWest, a private company backed by hotel developer Marnell Cos of Las Vegas, and CRI announced a joint venture activities intended to advance the work already completed by XpressWest.
XpressWest selected CRI to assist developing, finance, building and potentially operating the XpressWest rail project connecting Las Vegas to Los Angeles (the "Southwest Rail Network"), with stations also in Victorville and Palmdale, California.
The statement said "the decision to end the relationship was based primarily upon difficulties associated with timely performance and CRI's challenges in obtaining required authority to proceed with required development activities."
"The team at XpressWest is optimistic CRI and its affiliates will one day succeed in establishing a viable presence in the United States rail market, however, our ambitions outpace CRI's ability to move the project forward timely and efficiently," XpressWest CEO Tony Marnell said in a statement.
"XpressWest is undeterred by this development and remains dedicated to completing its high-speed passenger rail project. XpressWest will now aggressively pursue other available development partnerships and options expected to result in a more efficient and cost-effective project implementation experience," he said.
XpressWest is anticipating the completion of the final environmental work required for the development of the line connecting the project to Los Angeles through Victorville and Palmdale.
The environmental approvals for the Victorville-Palmdale segment are expected by September.
XpressWest, the High Desert Corridor Joint Power Authority, California High Speed Rail Authority, San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority also are expecting the completion of the jointly funded Southwest Rail Network ridership study no later than August.
The ridership study is a prerequisite for regulatory and financing activities.
"Our biggest challenge continues to be the federal government's requirement that high-speed trains must be manufactured in the United States. As everyone knows, there are no high-speed trains manufactured in the United States. This inflexible requirement has been a fundamental barrier to financing high-speed rail in our country," the statement said.
"For the past 10 years, we have patiently waited for policymakers to recognize high-speed rail in the United States as a new enterprise and that allowing trains from countries with decades of safe high-speed rail experience is needed to connect the Southwest region and start this new industry.
"After the environmental work connecting Palmdale to Victorville is completed, we intend to renew our request for support from the Federal Railroad Administration and are hopeful policymakers in Washington DC will allow the Federal Railroad Administration to adopt a more flexible and realistic approach to support high-speed rail.
"The bottom line is XpressWest is ready to go, and we are excited to bring true high-speed rail to our country. The real question is: Do those in Washington DC have the courage and vision to proceed, or is our leadership going to force projects throughout the United States to seek financial support for infrastructure in our country from foreign governments?"
XpressWest is one of at least three privately financed high-speed trains proposed to be built in the United States over the next few years. Companies in Texas and Minnesota also plan to tap private cash from investors globally, with help from foreign train makers and governments eager to export train technology.
The projects rely primarily on partnerships with Japanese or Chinese firms that face saturated train markets at home.
Reuters contributed to this story.
hengweili@chinadailyusa.com
Navy sailing near Diaoyu 'legitimate' Updated: 2016-06-10 02:15 By Mo Jingxi(China Daily)
Japan hypes up situation, intensifies tensions unreasonably, says expert
The Defense Ministry on Thursday refuted Japan's protest over Chinese warships sailing close to the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
"The Diaoyu Islands and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. The sailing of Chinese warships through waters under its own jurisdiction is reasonable and legitimate," the ministry said in a statement released on its official Weibo account.
The statement came after Japan said on Thursday a Chinese frigate sailed within 38 kms of the Diaoyu Islands shortly after midnight.
The Chinese frigate stayed in the waters around the islands for about an hour before sailing toward the Chinese coast.
It was confirmed by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Setogiri, which was keeping watch on the frigate, Japan's newspaper Asahi Shimbun said.
Japan's Vice-Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki summoned Cheng Yonghua, the Chinese ambassador in Tokyo, at around 2 am to "express serious concern", the Japanese government said in a statement.
Three Russian naval vessels were also spotted sailing close to the islands at around the same time as the Chinese warship.
While Chinese coast guard vessels routinely patrol the area, it was the first time a Chinese warship was spotted, Japanese officials said, according to The Associated Press.
Sino-Japanese relations plunged after Tokyo's illegal "nationalization" of China's Diaoyu Islands in September 2012. Tokyo's ongoing attempts to meddle in the South China Sea are making things worse.
Lyu Yaodong, an expert on Japanese studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said it is quite normal for China to assert sovereignty over its own territories, whether by sending a coast guard vessel or a naval ship.
"Japan should not hype up the situation and intensify tensions unreasonably," Lyu said.
Da Zhigang, director of the institute of northeast Asian studies at Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, said Tokyo making a fuss of the case demonstrated its sense of crisis over its illegal control of China's Diaoyu Islands.
"China is justified to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests," Da said.
Reuters contributed to this story.
China, ASEAN nations vow to effectively implement DOC on South China Sea Updated: 2016-06-10 02:25 (Xinhua)
HANOI -- Senior officials from China and the ASEAN nations vowed on Thursday to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on Conducts of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
The 12th Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC, co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and Singapore's Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry Chee Wee Kiong, was held in Vietnam's northern Halong City.
All parties vowed to continue to fully and effectively implement the DOC, deepen practical maritime cooperation and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The officials discussed the proposal that foreign ministers of China and the ASEAN nations issue a joint statement on the full and effective implementation of the DOC, and agreed to strive to reach a consensus at an early date.
On the consultations of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), the 11 parties promised to implement relevant early harvest measures as soon as possible and speed up the formulation of a guideline for the Hotline Platform among senior officials of ministries of foreign affairs between China and ASEAN nations in response to maritime emergencies.
They also discussed the better use of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the South China Sea.
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HA NOI Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has called for joint efforts to protect the marine environment and maintain sovereignty peacefully on the Viet Nam Sea.
Addressing a ceremony yesterday in northern Nam inh Provinces Thinh Long Beach to mark 2016 Viet Nam Seas and Islands Week and World Oceans Day, Phuc directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to co-operate with relevant agencies to inspect and severely punish any organisation or individual violating regulations on discharging wastewater into the sea.
There is absolutely no exception, he said.
The national marine economy is slated to contribute 53-55 per cent of the GDP by 2020 and thus more investments should be sought to lift the marine economy, he said.
The PM also ordered all ministries and sectors to conduct more surveys and research on the nations seas and islands in order to formulate a plan to fully develop the sea and island economy and protect national sovereignty.
We must, together, keep the peace on every wave of the East Sea, Phuc said, adding that peace at sea is the foundation of a strong and wealthy Viet Nam.
Phuc said Viet Nam pursued a consistent policy of solving East Sea disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of internationally-recognised principles, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS). He said Viet Nam has always fully implemented the UNCLOS and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in East Sea (DOC).
Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha said the annual public awareness week was an opportunity to disseminate to people from all walks of life the Party and States policies on defending the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, especially Viet Nams sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.
After the meeting, over 1,000 youngsters rode bikes to urge people to plant trees to protect the seashore.
Viet Nam has a coastline stretching over 3,200km in 28 coastal provinces and cities, with some of the worlds most stunning beaches.
Nam inh urged to improve growth
HA TINH The Natural Resources and Environment Department in central province of Ha Tinh has asked two companies to install automatic monitoring equipment for testing emissions and the dust of emission discharge systems.
According to the department head, Tran Huu Khanh, Hung Nghiep Formosa Steel Ltd. Co and Vung Ang Thermal Power Plant I were selected for this task.
The equipment will automatically transmit data every hour to the departments control centre, Khanh said.
The departments officials will check the discharge system for the concerned units if the data show the permitted levels have been crossed.
The department will soon install software that monitors vehicles transporting solid waste in the Vung Ang Economic Zone to tighten the processes of collection and transportation of this waste.
Both units completed their survey for the installment and are preparing procedures to invite domestic and foreign contractors to supply the equipment, a department official said.
Earlier, an automatic monitoring system to monitor the wastewater at Formosa Steel Company was put into operation.
Both the steel company and thermal power plant are located in Vung Ang Economic Zone in Ky Anh Township. VNS
A NANG Around 100 competitors will compete in a ramen (a Japanese noodle soup dish) speed eating competition the first ever of its kind at Koi Sushi restaurant in the central citys Ngu Hanh Son district on Saturday
The manager of Koi Sushi, Evan Barry, told Viet Nam News that the competition will be a celebration of Japanese food culture.
The manager said competitors will also compete in Sapporo Beer Drinking Contest, Chopstick Challenge and sake tasting from 5.30pm at 53 An Thuong 2 in Ngu Hanh Son district.
According to event organisers, all competitors will be served one bowl of pork ramen and one glass of water. Each competitor must finish everything in their bowl including the soup. Times will be logged and the fastest time at the end of the event will be crowned Grand Champion 2016.
The winner will be awarded one year of free sushi rolls, while the runner-up will receive six months of free sushi rolls from Koi Sushi.
The Chopstick challenge is a coordination and dexterity game.
Participants will be given a line of beer caps and a set of chopsticks, and he or she must use the chopsticks provided to pick up and stack as many beer caps as they can in 30 seconds without their stack falling over.
The first prize will be a bottle of sake.
The beer contest will be a timed event to see who can drink one litre of Sapporo beer in the fastest time.
Competitors will be seated or standing at the bar in groups to finish everything in their glass for the Grand Champion 2016.
The city is home to 27 Japanese restaurants and 37 representative offices of 160 Japanese businesses. VNS
The Ha Noi - based Blue Dragon Childrens Foundation - an Australian charity working with vulnerable children in Viet Nam - will host a fundraising event on Saturday with Bia Tay - Ta. Tickets cost VN50,000, which includes a welcome drink and a raffle ticket.
The event will feature art activities, hip hop, and DJing. There will also be a raffle, with prizes from all of Ha Nois hottest spots.
The Blue Dragon hip hop crew will present a very special show, with some freestyle battles. Talented Blue Dragon DJs, plus international and local talent, will keep the music playing throughout the day.
Circus workshops, face painting, mosaic making, fun, games, arts, crafts, and a fine selection of finger food and Vietnamese treats will help attendees have a good time.
Photographer Ton Van Der Velden will also sign copies of his new photography book, Hanoi Works, at the event. The book will be on sale at the event for VN550,000. All proceeds will go towards the education and training of Blue Dragon Children. The book signing will begin at 4pm and end at 6pm.
For sponsorship offers and volunteer opportunities for this fundraiser, please contact lukepoulson@gmail.com. VNS
HA NOI In the first half of 2016, foreign donors committed a total amount of US$2.56 billion to Viet Nam as official development assistance and preferential loans an increase of 61 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Some $1.85 million will be disbursed in the first half of 2016, four per cent lower than that disbursed during the same period last year, according to a report presented yesterday in Ha Noi by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) at a meeting of the National Steering Committee for official development assistance and preferential loans.
The MPI gave several reasons for the slow disbursement of ODA money; namely cumbersome institutional and legal procedures on the Vietnamese side, adjustments during project implementations, different financial procedure requirements between Viet Nam and donors, a slow process of obtaining matching funds from the Vietnamese government and delays in land clearance.
Last but not least, according to the MPI report, the prohibition on disbursing more money than the sum approved by the National Assembly Resolution on the 2016 projected State Budget is a major stumbling bloc for ODA project implementation.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is the agency using the most ODA funds, getting 45 per cent of the countrys ODA money between 2011 and 2015.
All ODA projects executed by the MOT have significant impact on the countrys socio-economic development. As a result, the need for timely ODA disbursement is critical, with delays incurring cost overruns and reducing the investments efficiency and effectiveness.
Pham Binh Minh, the Deputy Prime Minister who chaired the event, asked the MPI to work out guidelines to implement the Government Decree (No.16), which came into effect on May 2, on the management and use of ODA and preferential loans.
Minh also asked the State Bank of Viet Nam, the MPI, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work out a suitable road map in order to obtain less preferential loans and more ODA.
He also tasked the MPI and the MOF with writing a report to the Government and the National Assembly Standing Committee to allow projects using ODA funds to disburse the money in accordance with the donors commitment. VNS
A total 496 candidates have been elected to the 14th National Assembly after results of the elections held on May 22 were announced by the National Election Council (NEC) yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Trong uc
HA NOI A total 496 candidates have been elected to the 14th National Assembly after results of the elections held on May 22 were announced by the National Election Council (NEC) yesterday.
There were 870 candidates running for the 500-seat parliament, but results showed four seats remained vacant.
Nearly 67.6 million voters, or 99.35 per cent, cast ballots to elect deputies to the 14th National Assembly and Peoples Council with the highest turnout recorded in Thua Thien-Hue, Yen Bai and Lai Chau provinces, chief of the NEC office Nguyen Hanh Phuc told the councils sixth session yesterday.
Among those elected, 86 were from ethnic minority groups, 133 were women, and 21 were non-Party members. Of note is the fact that the number of young candidates (below 40 years old) elected are 14.3 per cent higher than expected and the number of first-time deputies are 317, equal to 63.9 per cent of the total.
With regard to the election to the Peoples Council from 2016 to 2021 at all levels, the number of deputies elected to the Peoples Council at provinces, districts and communes are eight, 120 and 6,526 deputies, respectively, fewer than expected. As a result, provincial Peoples Councils across Vieat Nam will have 3,908 deputies. Meanwhile, the district and communal levels will have 25,139 and 291,373 members, respectively.
According to Phuc, outcome from Election Zone No 2 in An Son commune, Kien Giang Provinces Kien Hai District was annulled due to serious violations in the election law, while the election from Zone No 3 in ong Phu District, Binh Phuoc Province was annulled as the family name of the candidate was wrongly stated. Re-elections were held in these areas on June 5.
By yesterday, all provinces and cities nationwide announced their election results which are scheduled to be announced at a press conference today.
NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, who is also NEC chairwoman, said the list of deputies to the legislature will be announced by the council, while municipal and provincial election committees will release the names of deputies to all-level Peoples Councils.
The senior legislator noted that the May 22 general election took place in a democratic manner and with equality, and in line with the law.
During the working session, the delegates scrutinised a report on the settlement of complaints and denouncements relating to election work, and discussed the organising of a national conference to review the election. VNS
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh receives Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in Ha Noi yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Khang
HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith vowed to reinforce co-operation and solidarity between both ministries and nations during talks yesterday.
Reviewing bilateral ties across the board, the host and guest expressed their pleasure at the achievement of major goals in the Viet Nam-Laos economic, cultural and scientific and technological co-operation strategy between 2011 and 2020.
They agreed to continue facilitating the exchange of all-level visits in various forms, co-ordinate to implement the outcomes of talks between the two countries leaders and the 38th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee on Viet Nam-Laos Co-operation between 2016 and 2020.
Both sides pledged to implement the protocol on the border and border markers, and the agreement on border and border gate management signed in March 2016, while continuing with joint work to settle issues of free migration and unregistered marriages for a border of peace, stability, co-operation and development.
Deputy PM Minh asked the Lao government to continue providing all possible support for Vietnamese nationals living in the country.
He also wished that Laos would consider tax reductions for Vietnamese merchants who suffered losses in the fire at the Dao Huong market in Champasak province in May.
The host and guest agreed on thorough preparations for celebrating the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962 to 2017) and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Viet Nam-Laos Amity and Cooperation Treaty (July 18, 1977 to 2017).
They promised to continue close co-ordination to ensure ASEAN solidarity and maintain the blocs common stance on regional and global affairs, including the East Sea issue, contributing to peace, stability, maritime and aviation security and safety.
Viet Nam and Laos will work for the settlement of disputes by peaceful means in line with widely-accepted principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the full and effective observance of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towards the early formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
The Vietnamese Deputy PM thanked Laos for discharging water from hydropower dams in Mekong River tributaries and assisting Viet Nam in recovering from impacts of prolonged drought and salt water intrusion in the south.
The two sides will work closely together and with other countries and international organisations for the sustainable and effective management and use of Mekong River water resources. VNS
WARSAW Vice President ang Thi Ngoc Thinh met with Polish President Andrzej Duda yesterday on the occasion of attending the 26th Global Summit of Women in Warsaw capital city.
The Vietnamese Vice President thanked the precious assistance Poland has given to her country throughout history.
President Andrzej Duda affirmed that Poland always attaches importance to reinforcing traditional amity and multifaceted cooperation with Viet Nam. He spoke highly of the significant development successes that the Southeast Asian nation has secured.Both sides shared the view on the thriving bilateral cooperation during the past 66 years.
Notably, Poland continues to be Viet Nams top trade partner in the central and eastern European region with two-way trade at US$761 million last year.
The two countries boast much more potential for partnerships in such spheres as food technology, textile garment, machinery, medical equipment, medicine and construction.Vice President Thinh pledged that Viet Nam will provide an optimal and safe environment for foreign investors, including those from Poland.
Also on June 8, she had a meeting with the Vietnamese Embassys staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Poland. VNS
Ha Noi needs a long term-plan to tackle tourist scams an effort that will require the entire societys involvement, a local tourism management official said. Photo hanoimoi.vn
HA NOI Ha Noi needs a long term-plan to tackle tourist scams an effort that will require the entire societys involvement, a local tourism management official said.
And it is not just a problem in the capital city. Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc am said that overcharging has become a big concern among foreign tourists visiting Viet Nam.
In many tourism spots across the country, tourists usually face higher prices than normal when buying souvenirs or paying for services.
Many taxi drivers reportedly take a longer route to overcharge passengers. Female vendors with carrying poles on their shoulders and conical hats invite travellers to take photos of them, then demand money.
Ha Noi is a big tourism hub of the country. In the first four months of this year, the capital city welcomed 5.6 million tourists, including more than one million foreigners, a significant year-on-year increase of 25 per cent, according to Ha Nois Tourism Department.
The rapid tourism growth of the city has motivated local authorities to step up efforts in cracking down on scams.
Hotline number 0941.336677 launched recently to allow tourists to report any scams to the municipal Tourism Department.
The authorities have also responded promptly to tourist scams reported in the city.
Last year, two days after an online newspaper reported that shoe shiners in the Old Quarter overcharged tourists, the police immediately fined these scammers.
In April, three British tourists who were reportedly cheated by a hotel staff member received a refund.
According to Ha Van Sieu, deputy head of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, scamming stems from necessity and the fact that social policies do not cover people from all walks of life. Many people have to overcharge to earn enough money to cover daily expenses.
Local authorities must create jobs for this group of disadvantaged people and tighten control over residential areas to eliminate the root of bad behaviours, he said.
Another suggestion was to post photos of scammers on social networks to warn tourists.
o inh Hong, director of Ha Nois Tourism Department, said Ha Noi was looking to create a special tourism product under the purview of a tourism agency to eliminate overcharging when tourists visit the city. VNS
HA NOI The Vietnamese education sector wants to attract students from the ASEAN region and increase the number of Vietnamese students studying in ASEAN countries, education and training deputy minister Bui Van Ga said.
He made the statement yesterday while speaking at the third policy dialogue of the European Union (EU) Support to Higher Education in ASEAN Region (SHARE) Programme in Ha Noi.
About 150 education officials, university managers, academics and students from Viet Nam, ASEAN member countries and the EU attended the two-day event that concludes today.
It is a platform to discuss how to enhance student mobility in the ASEAN region, particularly through credit transfer systems and scholarship schemes.
SHARE is a four-year initiative by the EU and ASEAN to harmonise and raise the quality of higher education in Southeast Asia. From 2016 onwards it will provide some 500 scholarships for ASEAN university students to put the improved systems to the test, mainly by supporting student exchanges and credit recognition within the ASEAN region.
The ASEAN is working with a consortium led by British Council to implement SHARE.
At the event, EU Ambassador to Viet Nam Bruno Angelet said that The EU is very pleased to bring its wealth of expertise from the European Bologna Process to support ASEAN through the SHARE programme in building its own scholarship scheme and regional systems.
To help Viet Nam further facilitate student mobility among ASEAN countries as well as labour mobility in the ASEAN Community, deputy minister Ga said Viet Nam is going to issue National Qualifications Framework based on ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework.
Universities in Viet Nam are now offering courses in English and have been preparing for foreign universities to offer joint training programmes in Viet Nam. At present, there are 400 programmes, he said.
He also affirmed that the Vietnamese Government encourages foreign investors and universities to set up training institutes in the country.
According to the Ministry of Education and Training, about 130,000 Vietnamese students are studying abroad. Some 20,000 international students are studying in Viet Nam.
As part of Viet Nams efforts to promote student mobility, international universities were set up in Viet Nam such as Viet Nam-German University, Viet Nam-France University, Viet Nam-Japan University, Viet Nam-UK Institute. VNS
HA NOI Scientists and food managers discussed measures to limit the use of banned substances and improve agricultural products quality during a scientific forum in Ha Noi yesterday.
The forum was held by the Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Association (VUSTA).
Pham Van Tan, deputy chairman of the VUSTA, said that the amount of plant protection substances being used increased by 2.5 times from 2000-11.
About 1,000 different kinds of substances were registered to be used in the country whereas only 400-600 were registered in other Southeast Asian countries.
In several vegetable, fruit and tea planting areas, 35-60 per cent of farmers isolated their products only 1-3 days before selling them, and 25-43 per cent of the farmers isolated 4-6 days before whereas most of the plant protection substances required 7-14 days or even more, said Tan.
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development statistics showed that from January to September in 2015, 6.8 tonnes of banned lean-meat stimulants were illegally imported to Viet Nam.
The Department of Animal Health reported that more than 80 per cent of tra fish breeders in Ben Tre, ong Thap and An Giang southern provinces used antibiotics, including banned ones. Sixty eight per cent of shrimp breeders also used them.
Experts at the forum reported different faults related to food safety and hygiene.
Food safety and hygiene was managed by three ministries including health, industry and trade, agriculture and rural development, so management overlapped.
Several food safety and hygiene steering committees in provinces and districts did not perform effectively.
The country lacked inspectors and equipment so checking and testing the food quality was difficult.
Laws and regulations were often complicated and contradictory.
There was also a lack of awareness of the importance of food safety and hygiene.
Phung Huu Hao, deputy director of the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department, said that the countrys target to end the use of antibiotics and the trafficking of plant protection substances by the end of this year was unlikely to be fulfilled.
Tran Duy Khanh, an expert from the Viet Nam Poultry Association, proposed concerned ministries re-check all laws to see which were suitable.
The State should set up a system to supervise the manufacturing period and residents and farmers should take part in it.
Phan Thi Kim, from the Viet nam Association of Food Science and Technology, said that 13 decrees and 111 circulars were promulgated within five years but the country did not check their effectiveness after promulgation.
Media only report on bad enterprises and ignore the good ones, said Kim. VNS
The new Coc San power plant in this northern province, a run-of-river hydropower facility supplying almost 30MW of power to regional off taker Northern Power Corporation, opened yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Vu Hoa
LAO CAI The new Coc San power plant in this northern province, a run-of-river hydropower facility supplying almost 30MW of power to regional off taker Northern Power Corporation, opened yesterday.
The US$50m plant is backed by Vietnamese and foreign private investment and InfraCo Asia, a commercially managed infrastructure development and investment company funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Australia, to provide infrastructure development capability and financing. InfraCo Asia is a company under the umbrella of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG).
The Coc San project represents the first foreign direct investment (FDI) in hydropower in the mountainous northern region as well as the largest FDI project in the province so far.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Giles Lever, British Ambassador to Viet Nam, said the success of the project had demonstrated the success of the public private partnership model in developing infrastructure.
"The project has affirmed Britains commitment to supporting Viet Nam in achieving sustainable economic development and reducing the impact of climate change, Lever said.
He added that the project would help the country attract more foreign investment in renewable energy development.
The project will supply clean, renewable energy to give 130,000 people access to a more reliable, affordable power supply. The improved power supplies will allow an expansion of local industry, including iron mining, copper industries and apatite mining for fertilisers.
Some 250 temporary jobs were created during the construction of the plant, and there will be 35 permanent jobs there. Carbon emissions will drop by 76,000 tonnes per year, and there will be less reliance on imported electricity from China.
Environmental studies carried out to World Bank standards ensured the project impact was minimal, with little land lost to the surrounding communities and no displacement of people.
The plant will supply Viet Nams fast-growing electricity demand, currently increasing by 15 per cent year on year and creating pressure to increase the capacity of generation, transmission and distribution. Hydropower currently accounts for some 44 per cent of energy generated, followed by oil, gas and thermal power at 34 per cent and coal at 19 per cent. The government is committed to developing the generation of renewable energy and establishing a competitive electricity market.
Work to develop the project in the regions terraced terrain started in 2011 but stalled when previous investors expended their initial capital; the project was unsuccessful in securing financing through long-term loans.
InfraCo Asia assessed that plans for the plant were still viable andworking in close partnership with the provincial Peoples Committeeprovided donor-government-backed development funding of $7.54m. This enabled the financing and completion of the project, worth a total of $49.9m.
InfraCo Asia CEO Allard Nooy said InfraCo Asias mandate to develop sustainable infrastructure projects in South and South East Asia means it is continuing to look at opportunities in Viet Nam.
We are currently evaluating a number of other potential hydropower projects in Viet Nam that may require the application of InfraCo Asias unique development model. We are committed to Viet Nam, and our donor shareholdersthe Swiss, Australian and UK governmentsare key to supporting our work in this area. VNS
SEOUL North Korea announced on Thursday it will convene a rare parliamentary session late this month, when it may confer a new title on leader Kim Jong-Un as he further tightens his grip on power.
"The fourth session of the 13th SPA (Supreme Peoples Assembly) will be convened in Pyongyang on June 29", the official KCNA news agency said.
As usual, it gave no other details, including on the sessions agenda.
The Supreme Peoples Assembly meets only once or twice a year, mostly for day-long sessions to rubber-stamp budgets or other decisions made by the ruling party.
At a congress of the Workers Party of Korea last month, the first event of its kind for more than 35 years, Kim was elected as party chairman.
The parliamentary session may also grant Kim a new state title to replace his current one as "first chairman" of the powerful National Defence Commission (NDC).
He was stuck with the awkward title as North Korea had named Kims predecessor and father, the late Kim Jong-Il, as permanent chairman of the NDC.
"At the parliamentary session, the North may come up with a new state organ, for example, a supreme national council, and make Kim its head," professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies said.
At the party congress in May, Kim stressed he would push through with his signature policy of Byungjin -- building up the Norths nuclear arsenal and developing the economy simultaneously.
He then unveiled a five-year economic plan, with a particular focus on increasing energy output.
The upcoming parliamentary session is expected to approve government policies and legal changes aimed at carrying out those policies and approve personnel changes within government agencies. AFP
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has found Alkem Labs anti-diabetic drug Glimekem to be of substandard quality.This is the third time in the past one year that the CDSCO has issued an alert for this drug. The regulator had issued alerts in June and July of 2015. The company was then asked by the regulator to recall the specific batches from the market.This time, however, the company has not been asked to recall the batches. We have already revised our formulation and started marketing batches from a new formulation. The four batches (two from last year and two from May 2016) which were in the CDSCO list were from the older formulation, said a company spokesperson.The drug, which is used to treat type-2 diabetes, has been failing the dissolution test. It is used to identify rate of dissolution of the medicine in the blood stream in a standardised format.
"We had recalled the batches on the earlier instances. Currently, we have not received any formal instruction to recall the current batch (which was in the May 2016). However, we would recall it once we get a formal instruction," clarified the spokesperson.
India today received crucial support of Mexico in its bid to become member of the NSG ahead of a plenary meeting of the 48-nation bloc whose members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced his country's support to India's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister here on a range of bilateral and global issues.
"Mexico supports positively and constructively India's membership of the NSG," the Mexican President said at a joint media interaction with Modi.
On his part, the Prime Minister thanked Mexico for its support and called the country an important partner for India's energy security.
"We are looking to move beyond buyer-seller relationship and into a long-term partnership... We have agreed to develop a roadmap of concrete outcomes to upgrade our ties to a Strategic Partnership," said the Prime Minister who arrived here earlier in the day from Washington on the last leg of his five-nation tour.
In their talks, Modi and Nieto explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas including in trade and investment, information technology, climate change and energy.
Mexico is a key member of the NSG and its support to India's bid for entry into NSG is seen as important. Modi had visited Switzerland, another key member of the NSG, before travelling to the US, and the European country - known to have strong proliferation concerns - had announced its support to India's candidature for the atomic trading club.
Support of Mexico and Switzerland is seen as important in the wake of China opposing India's NSG membership arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.
The US and many other NSG member countries have supported India's inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record. The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid.
India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on May 12.
The NSG looks after critical issues relating to the nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Its membership will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed India's case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
Austria's anti-immigration Freedom Party plunged the country into uncharted political territory, on Thursday, with a legal challenge to last month's presidential election, just four weeks before the winner is due to be sworn in.
"We are not sore losers. This is about protecting the very foundations of democracy... The extent of irregularities is more than terrifying," FPOe leader Heinz-Christian Strache told a news conference.
"You don't have to be a conspiracy theorist to have a bad gut feeling about this whole election... Without these glitches and irregularities (FPOe candidate Norbert) Hofer could have become president."
Alexander Van der Bellen, an independent backed by the Greens, defeated Hofer in May 22's runoff by just 30,863 votes, narrowly preventing becoming the first European Union country with a far-right president.
Preliminary results released the evening of the vote had given a narrow lead to gun enthusiast Hofer, 54, presented as the friendly face of the FPOe but who is highly critical of Islam and the EU.
However after some 700,000 postal votes a record number were counted, Van der Bellen, 72, was declared the winner of the largely ceremonial but coveted presidency the next day.
The FPOe has cried foul Strache's popular Facebook page has been inundated with conspiracy theories and authorities are already investigating several complaints.
However, they concern postal votes being opened for counting too early and are not thought likely to change the result.
But Strache said the FPOe has documented problems in 94 of Austria's 117 constituencies, including postal votes being opened too early or "non-Austrians" or under-16s casting ballots.
The constitutional court has four weeks to decide if the incidents in the FPOe's 150-page submission stand up and if so, whether they could change the result.
This could make for a tense wait with Van der Bellen set to be sworn in on July 8.
Abandoned the families: Kean lashes Labors first budget NSW Treasurer Matt Kean has slammed the Albanese Government for failing to provide families with cost of living support amid soaring inflation and electricity prices.
Isnt sufficient: Experts reply to Chalmers bold housing crisis solution Jim Chalmers has announced a historic national Housing Accord which will see one million homes built over five years - but experts are not convinced the "bold" plan is enough to address the housing crisis.
Fill up now: Petrol prices set to soar Motorists in major cities have been warned to "fill up" as soon as possible as Australians face several surging costs following the Albanese Government's first budget overnight.
Police saddle up for return of crowds at Melbourne Cup Victoria Police sent a message to racegoers as cops prepare for hundreds of thousands of punters to descend upon Melbourne for the race that stops the nation.
WATERLOO Dan Butler says Joe Squiers was about so much more than barbering.
And he was an expert barber.
Joe just seemed to help everybody not just get through the school but outside the box, Butler said of Squiers, former owner of Waterloo Barber College. Now the College of Hair Design in downtown Waterloo, the school will move to College Square Mall in Cedar Falls in the fall and become the Salon Professional Academy.
Squiers, 73, died Monday at Cedar Valley Hospice Home.
He helped young kids who had personal issues get through that, said Butler, one of Squiers former students. It wasnt just about learning the profession. Id say the whole family was like that, too.
Butler was one of a crowd of friends and barber college graduates who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil honoring Squiers in the parking lot of the College of Hair Design.
I think everybody that was there stood there and thought about a lot of things, Butler said. I guess my only thought was all these people there, as barbers, we touched the lives of people every single day, whether it was a 2-year-old or retiree. What a great contribution he made to us as our profession. He was our mentor.
Joe Squiers and his wife, Ardy, ran the school for decades until passing ownership of the college in 2007 to their daughter, Deb McFarland, who had been with the college 14 years.
The school was founded in 1957. Joe Squiers had been associated with the school for 40 of its first 50 years and owner since the mid-1970s.
He was still working at the college until last week when he fell ill, son-in-law Kent Larsen said.
His quick wit and charm touched many generations of residents here in the Cedar Valley, Larsen said.
Chuck Wubbena, who has been barbering in downtown Waterloo for more than half a century and is a former member of the Iowa Board of Barbering, knew Squiers for 45 years as an exacting professional.
We made the transition from short hair to long hair and both became educators, Wubbena said. He was a true honest barber. He believed in the profession. He was iconic of what barbers stood for.
Wubbena also described Squiers as a progressive in the profession.
He was always looking for something new and keeping up with the times, Wubbena said. I watched him grow with the industry.
CEDAR FALLS Krista Dolash says her business is in the pink, but the city of Cedar Falls has other ideas.
The City Council this week voted 5-2 against allowing her to paint the storefront of her business, Root, at 116 Main St. in solid pink, which Dolash says is part of her business brand.
Council members upheld the recommendation of the city staff, Community Main Streets design review board and the citys Planning and Zoning Commission.
The action followed a lengthy discussion during which council members questioned why they were discussing the matter.
This sounds like a Supreme Court hearing on color, council member Nick Taiber said.
Trying to have us arbitrate building design is not my favorite thing, council member Tom Blanford said.
The issue, city officials said, was not the color pink itself, but that Dolash wanted to paint the storefront in solid pink.
Dolash, of Janesville, started Root out of her home in 2013 and now has a production operation and small retail space on Bremer Avenue in Waverly.
We sell our handmade products worldwide. We make natural and organic makeups, skin care, hair care. She thought most of her sales would be online, but store sales in Waverly store took off. Business, she says, has grown beyond my wildest dreams into a multimillion-dollar brand. This brand is pink.
The newly opened Cedar Falls store is her first all-retail location. A grand opening will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Its a prototype for other stores she wants to locate in other Iowa communities and the Twin Cities.
I wouldnt have put my store here if pink wouldnt have been allowed, she said. I want to be here. I love your downtown. Its awesome.
She notes she saw storefronts downtown of all kinds of bright colors orange, lime green and others but says she didnt know a solid-color storefront was taboo until she painted the stores rear entrance and was stopped.
Only Taiber and council member Dave Wieland voted in favor of Dolashs request. Noting the existing storefront was solid burgundy, they questioned why that was allowed and pink was not.
However, most council members felt obligated to defer to the design review experts on the committee.
We believe not only is Root a great fit for Cedar Falls, we believe Cedar Falls is a great fit for Root, and were really happy to have you here, said downtown property owner Pam Taylor, representing Community Main Street. We see this as, at this point, a question of the design review process. The process that was followed in Roots case, and in 16 other projects that we were presented so far this fiscal year, has been in place more than 10 years.
The design committee is a group of volunteers including architects, signage specialists and people with a deep knowledge of historic design, Taylor said.
Council members implored Dolash and Main Street to find a compromise. This cant be a showstopper. It just cant, council member John Runchey said.
Youre coming into a successful downtown, and its successful for a reason. I think part of it is the process thats in place, council member Frank Darrah told Dolash. We hope youre as respectful of that process as downtown is of your success. He noted staff had presented several intermediate options.
Well coordinate with Main Street and see if we can get set up here as soon as we can to hopefully have a compromise thats acceptable to both sides and come back to P and Z and the council, said Bob Seymour, the citys interim planning and community services manager.
Dolash said shes willing to compromise and is working on an alternative to present to Main Street. But she added, Im not going to compromise my brand.
WATERLOO -- Local author Amanda Hoppes, a native of Cedar Falls, will have a book signing event from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Cabin Coffee, 2040 Kimball Ave.
Her recent book, "From Midnight To Moonlight," shares poetry full of emotion.
From Midnight to Moonlight is availble for purchase online at CTUPublishingGroup.com and at Amazon.com
Hoppes lives in Waterloo with her husband and three children and works as a marketing manager for a company in Cedar Falls. She is writing a second book of poetry and a novel.
Hoppes and seven other writers also collaborated on a book, Brain Tsunami, that will be published in July.
INDEPENDENCE -- A felony criminal case is back close to square one in Buchanan County.
Judge Bradley Harris on June 3 allowed defendant Joshua Jarrett Sr., 38, of Masonville, to withdraw guilty pleas offered voluntarily about two months earlier.
Harris concluded a violation of Jarrett's constitutional rights had occurred and that his pleas were "not knowingly and intelligently entered."
Allowing Jarrett to withdraw his pleas resets the criminal case, setting up a possible trial. Jarrett also now once again faces four counts of third-degree sexual abuse, four counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of fleeing to avoid prosecution.
Jarrett accepted a deal with prosecutors in March, entering Alford pleas on one count of third-degree sexual abuse and fleeing the state to avoid prosecution.
With an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but concedes a conviction is likely.
In exchange, Buchanan County Attorney Shawn Harden and Scott Brown, an assistant Iowa attorney general, agreed to drop the additional counts of sexual abuse.
As a result, Jarrett faced up to 15 years in prison rather than 145, which might follow a conviction on all counts.
According to court documents, Jarrett abused a girl for eight years beginning in 2002. He was apprehended in March 2015 in Texas by U.S. marshals as part of a nationwide sweep for fugitives.
However, before the court appearance, a fellow inmate alerted Jarrett to a possible problem: Pleading guilty to the sex offense and receiving a special sentence that included lifetime parole would bar Jarrett from living with children after getting out of prison. The prohibition includes Jarrett's own biological children.
According to court documents, Jarrett asked his defense attorney at the time, Eric Tindal, about the inmate's information. Tindal, apparently referencing new child endangerment legislation, incorrectly told Jarrett by marrying the child's mother, he could have contact with his child.
"After considering many factors including the misinformation provided by attorney Tindal, defendant entered his pleas of guilty ... ," Judge Harris wrote.
Jarrett is now represented by defense attorney Rockne Cole of Iowa City.
"(Jarrett) would not have pleaded guilty if he had been advised about the consequence of that conviction," Cole argued in court documents.
Cole noted Judge Harris after accepting Jarrett's pleas mentioned the "lifetime parole provision." Cole, though, said the term was inadequate.
" ... The description of 'lifetime parole' did not sufficiently describe the consequences of the 'special sentence' ... ," Cole added.
According to Cole, Jarrett's youngest child now is 4 years old.
Brown in his resistance acknowledged a defendant must be informed of the possible maximum penalty and any mandatory minimum punishment.
"The court does not have a duty, however, to inform a defendant of all indirect and collateral consequences of a guilty plea," he added.
Brown cited a number of other possible "collateral consequences" linked to various convictions. His examples included prohibition from carrying a firearm, enhanced penalties if convicted again, deportation, discharge from armed services and loss of federal benefits.
Brown also referenced a conversation with Mike Schreck, who supervises sex offenders on parole and probation. According to Brown, Schreck said whether Jarrett will be allowed to be near his children depends on a number of factors. Those include Jarrett's behavior in prison, participation in a sex offender treatment program and recommendations from the Iowa Board of Parole.
Brown on Tuesday asked for clarification on Judge Harris' ruling.
"We will be requesting the avoidance of prosecution count be sentenced since that does not appear to be implicated in the motion or judges ruling," Brown said.
WATERLOO A Waterloo man has been arrested in connection with a May assault that left a woman in the hospital.
Antavieon Chyrome Jackson, 26, of 930 Logan Ave., was arrested Tuesday at the courthouse on a warrant for willful injury causing serious injury and domestic assault.
According to police, Miranda Nicole Jackson was taken to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital on May 11, and she was later transferred to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. She was found to have a ruptured spleen, broken ribs and a broken orbital bone, court records state.
WATERLOO Lori Peter showed a framed picture of her son, Kelly John Peter, to attendees of a heroin and opioid addiction town hall meeting Wednesday.
Then she introduced him, hefting a large urn bearing her 24-year-olds cremated remains.
This is the reality of where heroin will lead you, Lori Peter said.
Peter, of Cascade, shared with the three dozen people in attendance her personal account of helping her son, and struggling with her son, through a six-year roller coaster ride of treatment and relapse and one revival with the use of the antidote Narcan until an overdose claimed his life in August.
My sons fight is over, but mine is continuing, she said.
The town hall meeting was organized by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa, the Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office and the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative as the state is experiencing a resurgence in the deadly drug.
In 2015, one hospital in Black Hawk County treated 154 cases of overdose, and the county had 11 unattended deaths due to overdoes, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Reinert. This years statics appear to be headed for a repeat. As of January, there were 87 treatments and two unattended overdose deaths.
U.S. Attorney Kevin Techau said educational outreach like Wednesdays meeting is just one facet of combating heroin and opioids. Other avenues include prosecuting suppliers and training first responders to treat overdoses with Narcan.
Its one of those issues you cant arrest your way out of, Techau said.
Authorities said heroins return stems from the popularity of prescription pain medications. After developing a habit for legal opioid-based painkillers, patients sometimes turn to heroin as a cheaper alternative.
Sheriff Tony Thompson likened the rise of heroin and opioids to the increase in methamphetamines popularity 10 or 15 years ago. In that case, authorities didnt address meth soon enough, and before long they were tripping over clandestine labs on the bike trials.
Thompson said the communitys response to heroin needs to be more proactive.
Corbin Payne with the Waterloo-based Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force said heroin use in Black Hawk County dropped after authorities broke up a ring importing the drug from the Detroit area, an operation that led to 17 indictments in 2012 and 2013. Even so, local use is beginning to creep back up, he said.
Representatives from Pathways Behavioral Services, Horizons and Cedar Valley Recovery Services were also on hand to discuss treatment options.
Meanwhile, Peter plans to continue telling her story. She started in April, after a friend who normally gave the public talks, Vicki Allendorf, lost her two sons to heroin overdoses on the same day shortly before a similar town hall meeting scheduled in Dubuque.
Peter said sharing her story helps her cope with her loss and spurs others to seek help. After the Waterloo meeting, a young woman approached her.
She said, Im a two-year recovering heroin user, and your story made me realize I cant have my mom standing up, telling the same story, Peter said.
For information, go to the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative website at www.facebook.com/easterniowaheroininitiative .
CEDAR FALLS When Gwenne Berry talks about diversity, her passion is clear.
She talks about the logistics of getting University of Northern students to an African-American barbershop, or an Asian grocery store. She notes how they may feel invisible on campus. She addresses the bathroom needs of transgender students and the stress veterans may face walking into a classroom.
I enjoy those sorts of experiences, Berry said. They broaden your horizons for one thing, and it stops making me think about a person who happens to be transgender, a person who happens to be disabled.
We can focus on the people, she concludes.
Berry, who has worked more than 20 years at UNI, was named its first chief diversity officer recently. She currently serves as associate director and Title IX deputy coordinator at the schools office of compliance and equity management.
Berry sat down with the Courier where she worked as a staff writer before moving on to UNI to talk about challenges and goals she sees on campus as she starts her new job July 1.
First priorities
Berry said her first priority will be to listen.
For all the people who think were spending too much time, too many resources, this is a pain in their butts I want to talk to them too, Berry said.
I want to hear from them about why they think this wont work, what they think could work. Just because we disagree doesnt mean I dont want to talk to you.
Berry has already received requests for a handful of meetings.
It is gratifying to see that the passion is still there, when these people could be very tired, Berry said. Its going to be hard, but Im excited to know that there are allies.
Berry will work with the diversity advisory committee putting together an action plan on specific goals. She wants to adopt realistic and aspriational goals.
UNI insider
Some students wanted a chief diversity officer from outside of UNI. To those people, Berry says, Give me a chance.
She knows where the minefields are and who her allies are. As a Waterloo native she also knows the Cedar Valley well.
Robert Smith, director of the UNI Center for Urban Education, led the national search committee. He praised the strong candidate pool, but said the committee felt Berry knew the community and was passionate about diversity. Smith himself is a former Waterloo School Board president and Black Hawk County supervisor.
People felt very good about Gwenne, very well respected, a professional at what she does. I think thats what made it very easy to feel comfortable to get and rally behind her and work with Gwenne. He said students had a great deal of say in the process.
He views the position as someone who can be the voice of diversity and inclusion on campus.
Campus climate
Berry said her top concern is making the campus more diverse.
While UNI has 9.4 percent minority students, higher than the state average, Berry said students dont always feel represented.
Our students of color tell us all the time, I feel like Im alone when I go into a classroom, Berry said. Visual diversity is important.
There will be a focus on recruiting minority students, faculty and staff. The faculty is about 15 percent and the staff nearly 10 percent.
Berry said it also is important to ensure minority students and staff feel welcome on campus.
She stressed the importance of diversity, using an example of a white student from rural Iowa who lands a student teaching assignment in Waterloo and how underprepared that student felt for the job.
When we diversify this campus ... when we have people welcomed for the difference that they bring, everybody benefits, because thats the real world, Berry said.
Long-term goals
Smith sees two major goals for the new diversity officer. She must make clear the value of diversity and work toward that goal for the right reasons.
Diversity shouldnt be viewed as something we put up with. Diversity needs to now become valuable, because its whats going to make us all good. Its what makes our nation good, Smith said.
Berry said measuring success wil lbe difficult initiallty. Theres an adage in the industry that effectiveness cant be measured by demonstrations that dont happen.
Lasting cultural changes takes time.
I would liken it to sustainability. I dont know that we were able to say, Look, we saved $1 million after the very first year. Its a gradual growth, and its a gradual culture change, Berry said.
She hopes to see signs of success in the 2017 climate survey that asks students to talk about their interactions with underrepresented groups.
Well know we are successful when people tell us this is a welcoming campus, Berry said.
NASHUA Noah Swaney knows the danger of history repeating itself, because hes spent countless hours researching it.
When he hears talk of banning or rounding up Muslims in America, he can draw parallels with what happened to Japanese-Americans during World War II.
People dont know about it, said Swaney, a graduating senior at Nashua-Plainfield High School. Its kind of bad 120,000 people were interned by the American government and not many people know about that, so we need to tell them so it doesnt happen again.
Swaney and three classmates senior Nicole Manross and juniors Tyler Lantz and Nathan Murphy decided to make that dark era of American history the topic for their documentary film for the National History Day program.
Their 10-minute film is headed to the national finals at the University of Maryland this weekend.
We worked really hard and put a lot of work into it, and (teacher) Ms. (Suzan) Turner helped us a lot, said Swaney. We feel like the impact of the topic is really good.
Entries for this years National History Day had to fit the theme of exploration, encounter and exchange in history, according to Turner. The social studies teacher started recruiting Nashua-Plainfield high schoolers to participate in the extra-curricular research projects 11 years ago.
She learned of the contest when she worked at AEA 267 and was tasked with running the district competition.
I just saw how engaged kids were with history, and how they took such ownership with the projects, Turner said.
That ownership is key, because her National History Day teams research and work on their projects after school and on the weekends.
In the last eight years, Turner has sent seven teams to the national finals and the prospect of traveling to Washington, D.C., helps in recruiting skeptical freshmen.
I say, What do you like? What are you interested in? Music, sports, war, womens rights, civil rights? And then we go from there, she said.
A few years ago, a student who took her project on Barbie dolls to nationals also received a college scholarship. She now works as a history professor in Louisiana, Turner noted.
She has sent as many as three projects in one year to the national finals. The top place any project received in her 11 years was fourth place.
Thats a pretty good track record, considering about 600,000 students internationally submit projects, including 6,000 just from Iowa and only 60 students from the state are invited to the University of Maryland.
Its probably because Turner makes sure they put in the work.
They start researching at the school library, finding titles on Google Books and borrowing books and old newspapers, at times on interlibrary loans. Later, they visit the University of Northern Iowas Rod Library, where they expand into other mediums like a subscription to the New York Times onlines archives and government documents.
They researched in the online archives of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, the Library of Congress and the National World War II Museum for other sources, like audio interviews with Americans who lived in the camps and video clips from other documentaries done on the subject.
All told, the students used or consulted six audio interviews, four books, 35 newspaper articles, seven films, three journals, three websites and dozens of photographs for their final documentary, according to their bibliography.
Turner estimates her groups spend about 200 to 300 hours on their projects by the time theyre finished, beginning in September.
Turner and her four students will fly to Washington on Friday, with the competition beginning Sunday.
They just have a lot of experiences. It broadens their world, she said of the competition. Its an amazing experience for them.
Swaney, taking his second trip to the finals (he went as a freshman), said hes most excited by what else hell learn on the trip.
Going to the Newseum, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo seeing all of those things is really fun, he said.
AMES The Iowa Board of Regents on Thursday unanimously approved Jim Wohlpart as interim president at the University of Northern Iowa beginning July 1.
Wohlpart, now provost and executive vice president, will receive an annual salary of $357,110 until a new president is in place.
Regents president Bruce Rastetter praised Wohlpart after the meeting, saying, Jim was, frankly, a great hire, and hes doing a terrific job ... so were very comfortable with where were at with the new interim president.
The board also authorized regents executive director and chief executive Bob Donley and regent president pro tem Katie Mulholland to develop a process for the presidential search.
Mulholland said she and Donley will seek input from UNI faculty before formulating a plan.
Regents had plenty of praise for outgoing University of Northern Iowa President Bill Ruud during his final board meeting Thursday. Ruuds last day at UNI is July 2.
As they accepted Ruuds resignation, members made clear their gratitude for his three years of service. Ruud received a plaque and a resolution recognizing his work.
The resolution recognized the universitys enrollment growth, his efforts to strengthen leadership and the UNI Foundations fundraising, among other accomplishments.
Regents President Bruce Rastetter thanked Ruud and wished him the best as new president of Marietta College in Ohio
Your leadership and your enthusiasm at a time when the university really needed that was really critical, Rastetter said.
Ruud responded, Thank you. Its been absolutely my pleasure.
Despite speculation Ruud left because he wasnt offered a new contract, the issue did not come up Thursday. Ruud has said his contract had no impact on his decision.
Regent Sabhash Sahai said he has heard nothing but accolades for Ruud since it was announced May 18 he was leaving.
They would usually talk about his leadership, his stewardship through the difficult times he led UNI to what it is today, so I salute him for his service to UNI, to the state, to the students, the faculty, Sahai said.
Sahais comments were echoed by Regent Larry McKibben.
McKibben said at a recent meeting that included several UNI alumni, he heard nothing but praise.
To a person they were so supportive of what you have done and how far you have brought the university over the last three years, McKibben said.
Ruud offered his own thanks to the board.
You come here, and you love a place. You cut a little piece of your heart out and leave it here, Ruud said. He said hes already talking with the regents about forming partnerships with Marietta College. Im not going to sever any ties to Iowa.
AMES Student leaders expressed mixed feelings Thursday about proposed tuition increases that will go into effect this fall if adopted.
The Iowa Board of Regents is considering a proposed $300, 4.4 percent increase for resident undergraduate students at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. Students at the University of Iowa in business and engineering schools and students from other states would face steeper increases.
The plan comes weeks after lawmakers provided about $14 million less in funding than the universities requested for their general operating budgets. It would more than offset that by generating $21.2 million in new revenue.
Regents discussed the plan during a meeting in Ames and are expected to vote on it next month.
Student leaders from Iowa State and UNI told the board they would reluctantly support the increase even while warning about the impact it would have on cash-strapped students and families.
Student leaders from the University of Iowa floated what they called a compromise that would reduce the increases to $200 for all students on that campus.
Iowa State University student body president Cole Staudt said the tuition hike would amount to his food budget for the summer. Others noted its half-a-months rent.
University of Northern Iowas Hunter Flesch said he preferred incremental increases rather than tuition freezes followed by a big hike.
But Flesch was clearest in his support for the increase.
Although I will support the tuition increase this year, I would strongly urge the state to make a concerted effort to continue to invest in higher education, Flesch said. At the end of the day, this is about putting students first and making sure we are doing everything we can to ensure success and opportunity for public education in the state of Iowa.
The proposal would increase undergraduate resident tuition at UNI to $7,148.
Gov. Terry Branstad and some lawmakers have said the tuition increase proposal is too much. But regents President Bruce Rastetter noted the difference between the $20.3 million regents funding request, the $8.9 million the governor proposed and the $6.3 million that was approved.
We try to be thoughtful, conservative and prudent in our requests to the state of the $20 million, Rastetter said.
The tuition increase will about make up the $14 million difference between what regents sought and the Legislature approved.
Rastetter praised the university presidents for coming together to work on the tuition increase figures proposed Thursday.
None of us as regents like days like today in which we have to look at tuition increases, because we know what that does to students and their families and the needs that are there to receive that education, Rastetter said.
But he made clear hed be supporting the proposed increase.
We have a responsibility to make sure that the quality of these institutions does not slip backwards, so I, for one, will be supporting that as we move forward, Rastetter said.
Regent Larry McKibben said after hearing the students including a concern the board had made up its mind already he was still deciding what to do.
I have a lot to think about in the next few weeks, McKibben said.
WATERLOO The Black Hawk County Attorneys Office has stepped up with funding to keep the local drug court running.
County Attorney Brian Williams said he identified $72,000 in his budget to help pay for the drug treatment portion of the court through Pathways Behavioral Services.
This just ensures the status quo, Williams said. Without this funding the drug court was at risk of discontinuation.
Drug courts steer nonviolent offenders away from prison and toward treatment and jobs. Participants must stay clean, attend treatment, pay fines and meet other obligations set by the court.
Black Hawk County started its drug court through a federal grant in 2005. It shut down in 2013 when the grant expired but was restarted the following year with an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature.
The Waterloo-based 1st Judicial District Department of Correctional Services runs the drug court in Black Hawk and a similar court serving Dubuque and Delaware counties.
Ken Kolthoff, director of the 1st Judicial District, said the Legislatures appropriation has not increased over the years, which puts pressure on the district to maintain programs like drug court.
We were really in a pinch because we have a lot of money going out on contract to provide the substance abuse portion of drug court, Kolthoff said. That (county contribution) is going to help us to continue to provide the court for another year.
Hopefully next year well get the necessary funding to keep operating the drug courts and all of the programs the way we need to, he added. It gets more and more challenging.
Maintaining diversionary programs like drug and mental health courts has been a campaign topic among the candidates for the county Board of Supervisors.
Black Hawk Countys Equinox mental health court, designed to keep those with mental illness out of jail cells, was discontinued in 2013.
The liberal green groups are celebrating the victory of putting Americas major coal producers out of business to say nothing of the tens of thousands of miners placed in unemployment lines. Several thousand more mining jobs were lost last month.
Now to get their next homicidal high, the leftists have turned their ambitions on the oil and natural gas industries.
Here is how Lena Moffitt, director of the Sierra Clubs Dirty Fuels campaign, recently explained the grand, green vision:
We are doing everything we can to bring the same expertise that we brought to taking down the coal industry and coal-fired power in this country to taking on gas in the same way ... to ensure that were moving to a 100 percent clean energy future.
Wow! This is the agenda of lunatics. Scarier still is that the three most prominent Democrats in America today arent far behind in this maniacal mindset of killing off Americas fossil fuels. President Obama says we have to shift to a keep it in the ground strategy when it comes to all fossil fuels. Bernie Sanders is the sponsor of a Senate bill that would effectively ban all oil and gas drilling on federal lands.
Hillary Clinton isnt far behind in the mania. Right off her promise to kill off all remaining coal jobs, she declared global warming the defining challenge of our time and hopes for a future when there is no drilling for oil and gas. This would end Americas access to an estimated $50 trillion of energy resources.
What if, God forbid, these politicians and environmental groups actually prevail in shutting down American oil and gas development as they have done with coal? What would it mean to the U.S. economy?
Lets start with jobs. There are still about 250,000 Americans directly or indirectly related to the coal industry. Under a Democratic administration in 2017, they would be gone for sure with miners reassigned to new positions under comrade Clintons energy strategy.
But thats a pittance compared to employment and output in the oil and gas industry. Back in 2012, Pricewaterhouse Coopers completed a study (for the American Petroleum Institute) on the economic impact of American energy. PWC found direct and indirect jobs related to oil and gas stood at just under 10 million. These are truckers, construction workers, petroleum engineers, welders, pipefitters, geologists and many other hardhat workers. Many, if not most, are union members.
PWC also calculated the value added to the U.S. economy from oil, gas and coal was about $1.2 trillion a year or about 8 percent of GDP. In other words, not producing fossil fuels means our economic growth would be instantly lowered by about 8 percent, which would make the last Great Recession seem like a picnic. Incidentally, the oil and gas industry also pays tens of billions of dollars in tax revenues every year so that flow would stop, too.
Of course, Clinton and Sanders say we will replace all of this with windmills and solar panels. In other words, they want to shift back to the energy sources of the middle ages. Windmills will power our steel plants. Solar energy will electrify our factories and homes except when the sun doesnt shine. Germany thought it could go green, and that strategy has raised energy prices and put the hurt to its manufacturing industries.
Even after more than $150 billion in government subsidies over the past decade, wind and solar power are so expensive and unworkable they account for less than 6 percent of Americas energy supply. And were supposed to believe well move from 6 percent to 100 percent green energy almost overnight.
Most amazing of all is that the people who believe this fairy tale are the same people who say Donald Trump is crazy.
Residents of the Cedar Valley were disgusted when the Freedom Rock was vandalized over the Memorial Day weekend.
Those feelings are valid. The Freedom Rock honors the legacies of those who sacrificed in war on behalf of this nation. The rock in Black Hawk County at Veterans Park in Cedar Falls includes images of the Five Sullivan Brothers of Waterloo who were killed in World War II; Medal of Honor winner Robert Hibbs of Cedar Falls, a U.S. Army second lieutenant killed in Vietnam; and Taylor Morris, a U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal expert who survived a bomb blast in Afghanistan despite losing portions of four limbs. The painting also depicts veterans and people of various generations saluting the flag.
The rock was painted by Greenfield artist Ray Bubba Sorensen II, who hopes to locate a Freedom Rock in every county in the state. About 20 have been placed so far. The one in Cedar Falls is the first to be vandalized.
I figured it would happen, especially in the cities, Sorensen said of the vandalism. Theres more idiots that dont think out their actions, and theyre in their own universe.
Idiots is an apt description. We can think of many others. The vandalism hit hard at the hearts of those who hold the proper respect for our veterans and their sacrifices. While those feelings are still raw, they have been tempered somewhat by the quick response of the public. That includes Sorensen, who agreed to touch up the art on the rock.
AFSCME Local 3576, which represents about 70 Cedar Falls Utilities workers, is donating a security camera to monitor the rock near Waterloo Road. In addition, Cedar Falls Public Safety Director Jeff Olson said a reward is being offered for information leading to the apprehension of suspects responsible for the vandalism.
The 175-member Cedar Falls Fraternal Order of Eagles lodge donated $1,000 to start the fund.
A lot of our members are veterans, and theres a lot of mad people about this, said Eagles member Gary Klodt, a retired Cedar Falls firefighter. Then, of all times, to have it happen over Memorial Day.
Those interested in contributing to the fund may call 268-5139.
We have an insurance policy on the rock for vandalism, etc., (but) who would have thought we would need it in less than a year since we installed the rock, said Tom Hagarty, a veteran and former Cedar Falls City Council member.
Like the overwhelming majority of Cedar Valley residents, we are grateful people and organizations have stepped up so quickly to repair the Freedom Rock and to take actions so this doesnt happen again.
Wed especially like to see the reward fund help lead to the apprehension of those responsible for this crime.
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By The Associated Press
Jun. 08, 2016 | NASHVILLE, TN
By The Associated Press Jun. 08, 2016 | 05:55 AM | NASHVILLE, TN
The Southern Baptist Convention says it lost more than 200,000 members in 2015.
It's the ninth straight year of decline for the nation's largest Protestant denomination, which also saw baptisms drop by more than 10,000 in 2015.
According to denomination statistics released on Tuesday, membership stands at 15.3 million, down from 15.5 million in 2014. Baptisms fell to just a little more than 295,000. Baptisms are an important measure for the denomination because of its strong commitment to evangelism.
The denomination reported an increase in overall giving and in the number of Southern Baptist Churches.
But Executive Committee President and CEO Frank Page refused to put a positive spin on the declines, exclaiming in a news release, ``God help us all! In a world that is desperate for the message of Christ, we continue to be less diligent in sharing the Good News.''
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Coffee is great, but the subject of this article just plain sucks. I have talked about this subject of America not manning up to what it does and run around acting like, What did we do? What did we do?
Hillary Rodham Clinton the person that has been set up to take the blame for Benghazi, Libya:
Testifying before Congress for the first time since the September 11 attacks in Benghazi that left four Americans dead, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today took responsibility for the failures that led to those deaths, citing a personal commitment to improving diplomatic security abroad
Has now been tasked with the mission to look toward Russia with pleading eyes of What did we do? and:
Its going to have to be a mutual effort, Europe and the United States both bilaterally and together, working to try to persuade Russia and particularly Russian leadership that they should become more integrated into and connected with Europe and the West, she said. Mrs. Clinton stressed that the future lied in stronger Russia-West ties and expressed hope that the next few years will see certain improvement. Thats where the future lies, and we hope that the next few years will be more successful doing that, the US secretary of state underscored. She reminded reporters that the Obama administration did its best to improve bilateral relations with Russia over the last four years.
ROFL Rolling on Floor Laughing, is the only thing that happened, when I read this tidbit of a love message between America and Russia. Maybe the Western World should look in the mirror first and see what the rest of the world has to look at when you show up on our door step
The amazing thing is that the woman (Hillary) who single handily destroyed American relations, hand over fist as she wandered the world looking to buy and pay off the over throwers of foreign governments for America. The woman who is even a bigger warmonger than Obama and even Senator McCain, is now also being groomed to run for the next presidency. Has been given the go ahead to ask Russia to come back and play
The articles in the news have blossomed from her adorning public and she is being touted as the next best thing to I Cant Believe Its Not Butter! combined with Begging Strips! for your dog
So now after America has been the bully in the school yard and Russia is walking away from that bully and leaving it to play alone and in isolation. The bully is trying to gather its victims back around it for one last Zippy Do Da!
I mean, common! How much more obvious is it? America is watching a Russia leaving the Western playground and walking to the next playground (Eastern) because the kids there play much better together and all the while America is running in circles saying, What Did We Do? What Did We Do? With a dagger in its hand stabbing the latest victim
All the while as the West sobs, as she realizes that Russian oil and gas are going East now and everyday the spigot is turned off a little more to the West and turned on a little more to the East. Oh yes I know we have trillion trillion zillion barrels of wonderful oil as we frack or country (USA) to its death. If you believe that bull then I have some Russian Doggy Doo Doo that you may want to buy
Lets hope Russia knows and remembers what the West has done and never goes back to play
They can always ask me and I will remind them
Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia
While I did not see much choice for the Russian presidency and Putin winning was a foregone conclusion. I have to say that Russian people are what they are and being happy with a long term person in charge of the country is prominent in Russia
So in effect I am happy for the Russians and they got who they really want
But America is another concern for me and since I am an American, I have issues with the way the elections are being run in America
I have watched the republican nomination procedure very closely this time and cheating is the word of the day, week, month and year, as per concern about the shenanigans going on with the republicans
The republicans have shown that they do not care what they have to do, but whoever is wanted will be there, even if we have to bribe, corrupt, cheat, lie, steal and be unmoral, to accomplish what we want
Now we will not talk about the democratic side of thing, because that has been proven to be a waste of breath any time and now, without a doubt, the republicans and democrats have become one and the same, at the same level of life and we now have two main parties (The only parties allowed, really!) that have nothing in common with anyone but themselves
So what am I talking about?
I guess what I am really talking about is that Americans need to get rid of the political system that is in place in the US and do something different. I do not care what we do and put a king in for all I care, but change what we have
I dont care! Remove the Congress, remove the Senate and please get rid of the president! Then start over from scratch
Can it be done?
Yes it could it is done all the time around the world and sometimes it makes a big difference
I like what I see in Russia to be honest
The president is the foreign affairs guy and the prime minister is the Russian government. You have two branches of power with almost equal strength. It helps to balance things
In America you have a president and vice president and the vice president is there as well, who knows why he is there? (Other than to take over president if president becomes incapacitated.) If you think you know, you are wrong! He does nothing and has no power what so ever, unless he is allowed power by the president
In Russia, the prime minister calls the shots in the government and you know what he is up to all the time. Decisions are made daily by the prime minister and the government is at his beck and call
The president is 90% of the time dealing with other countries and such. The Russian president and Russian prime minister is in daily contact and meetings. They run the country together and work together. Each man has his section of Russian to deal with
The president has final say on some issues, but as I am seeing it! The prime minister runs the Russian government, while the president runs the whole country
Either way you look at it, it is a tandem of ruling power that runs Russia
At least that is better than the dictatorship that runs America. The American president has reached a point that he has no balance against what he does. He freely does what he wants a will and no one can bother him. He is not responsible for any actions he takes, even actions he takes against his own people. No one is there to sit him down and put a leash on him
Russia has that leash and I see it, but America has gotten rid of that leash and we are paying for it. Bush Jr. pushed the known limits and now Obama has exceeded what Bush even thought of
Okay enough of the rambling and lets get to my title
Choice for American President
What choice? There is none at all. In fact I see no difference in the two men and I see no difference in the two parties
It came to me after reading comments from America that Americans are so absorbed in the thought of, Come November, we will change America for the better! That they really think that they can vote a better America
Okay! Then what are you going to do? You need to find a person to vote for that is not a member of the political establishment. No matter which loser you vote for in November and that includes Ron Paul, they are all politicians and hence, will always be politicians and hence, nothing will change in the short or long run
Seriously, who will you vote for if you really want change? Who? Romney or Obama?
I said the same thing when it was McCain or Obama! Who do you vote for?
I remember when I said there is no difference between Obama and McCain! (I got lambasted by people!) I have been proven correct, Obamas track record proves it. Obama is just not as extrovert as McCain and does not talk out of both orifices at the same time as McCain does
So to all those millions and millions and millions of people who say, In November we will save America!
I am glad you want to save America, but I guess I have missed something that you all seem to know and I dont
Who are you going to vote for, Obama or Romney?
I do not like either one and that has held true the last elections we had in 2008 and the last election before that! I do not believe that we can not have a better choice than these two
Any candidate over the years who has had a lick of financial sense has been pushed aside and buried. Ron Paul is the only one I would have voted for, but even he is a politician and I do not trust politicians at all. Ross Parole years ago had it hit on the nail head and he was never given a chance by America. He knew how to stop all this downward slide and we ignored him. He got smart and walked away from the mess and threw his hands in the air. He was not a politician and he put the straight facts in front of your face. We chose to ignore what he said
I am not sure the way to go about getting changes done, but I do know that we need to make big changes and soon. We are on a slippery slope to the bottom and the longer we allow these out of touch/self-centered politicians to run things the faster and steeper that slope gets
Change was so important that Obama won on the phrase, Hope and Change!
But we need real hope and change, not just words and not another politician that is being bottle fed by corporations and banks. Not another hand picked politician that has only his wants and the wants of his bankroll at heart
A thought came to me!! We demand separation of church and the state! I think that we should also demand the separation of corporations and state
God had much more rights to be involved than Corporate Greed does in the running of our country
Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia
PS: I had an interesting thought! People also like to say that the president is just a puppet! That he does not really call the shots and that others really run the country! Then why the hell are we even voting for a person who really does not run the country. I think saving the billions to elect a president is more important and feed the poor
After several emails and a comment or two. I decided to verify that I have the weather station still and I use it daily. I am working on figuring out how to install a widget that allows me to have the stats on the blog, but as I am not that swift with coding. It takes time to get stuff done
I know have a large data base of temperatures and other weather related facts. In fact the memory on the control panel is getting full and in a few days, I will need to reset the panel. That is okay, for all data is stored on the computer and it updates regularly
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More e-mails: Yes, I still drink coffee and yes, I do not mention it as much. But.If you notice the blog still has a header with a coffee cup and even Coffee Thoughts big as day. Thus, coffee is very important and an important drink to read the blog with
People get so worried about things like that! I guess I have to weigh and measure better what is important or not. Therefore, read anyway and grab a cup of coffee and or tea, preferably hot and delicious. Cold will do if that is your thing
I sippa a cuppa as I write this
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Well it looks like predicting who will run for president in America was really easy and all the hoopla was for the pony show, to appease the kiddies. Hillary and Trump as we all should have known, are running against each other and since I know that Hillary is just one of the gang and will continue the path of destruction that has been implemented and firmly rooted now. As far as Trump is concerned
If Trump is for real; Then he will grab Sanders as Vice President material and tear the system a new ***hole
Is he for real? You will soon know, but I suspect he is all part of the plan to get Hillary as president. I really hope that I am very very wrong about this. But there has been too much song and dance going on in politics and if Trump is seriously wanting the job! He will sweep the election with Sanders as a VP. Otherwise it will be another 50/50 election with half the country pissed at the other half of the country. 50/50 the political norm for diversionary tactics of the masses
Trump was Plan B you know? Jeb Bush was Plan A and that failed miserably. The country could not stomach another Bush, but instead we are staring at another Clinton. So what the hell is the difference? Nothing
Trump / Sanders imagine the blowout and utter destruction of the two party system if that happened. Sounds good to me, but we will never see such a good thing happen. It is all a Pony Show for the kiddies
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Well gotta go! I am going to go to the Big Village today. I have to get a thermostat for the car and other stuff. This is a small grocery run and mainly for parts to get some things done around the village home. I got to figure out how to reset the distributor better on the Volga and finding someone to adjust the valves is hard to do. I am gearing up to doing it myself. I still have reservations about doing that kind of work. The Volga is not what I grew up with. Now a Chevy, Ford or Chrysler. Got it made if from the old days. Seems that the Volga is from the old days and I just need to get it done
WtR
If youre looking to try out an online casino, there are several things that will help you make a decision. Heres what you should look for when choosing an online casino
Are they regulated? A lot of the larger ones have licenses issued by the authorities in their respective regions, so its worth checking this first.
Do they offer games from different software providers? Some casinos just use one software provider and limit your selection. This is fine if you like playing those types of games but you may want to check other casinos as well.
What does their payout percentage look like? The payout rate refers to how much money you can expect to win after every bet. A high payout rate means youll be able to play more often without having to worry about losing all your money. Its also important to know the minimum and maximum bets allowed on each game. If youre going to play roulette, for example, then you probably dont want a casino with a minimum bet of less than $2.50 or even lower than that.
The players used to play the game slot online in the land based casinos in the past time. But now with time after the invention of the online casinos players play the game slot online. Online platform provide the players with the convenience in playing and even better winning. Even after keeping a good percentage of the profits, they distribute good funds to players.
How many games do they offer? There are lots of different types of games to choose from. Roulette, blackjack and poker are some of the most popular options, but you might find slots, video pokers, video bingo and others as well. You can usually filter these games down to only show the ones that interest you best, so make sure that your list isnt too long!
Is there a bonus offer? Many online casinos offer free bonuses as part of their welcome package which includes new players being awarded 100% up to $10 instantly, for example. These offers are great but not everyone has access to them all the time (and some require you to deposit real money). If youd prefer to avoid paying a fee, some casinos offer no-deposit bonuses where you can get a certain amount of funds before you need to put any actual money into the account. These are usually offered alongside welcome bonuses, so make sure you read both parts of the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.
Does it offer live dealer games? Live dealers are much preferred by many over regular virtual versions, so it pays to check this option out too. Most online casinos now offer live dealer games in addition to their regular offerings, allowing you to experience the thrill of the real thing without needing to leave home.
Now that youve got an idea of what to look for when choosing an online casino, heres some tips for making the right choice
It really comes down to personal preference. No two people are exactly alike, so everyone has an opinion on what they like and dislike about each casino. That said, here are some things to consider in order to narrow down your choices
Popularity. Check out reviews, forums and Facebook pages to see what other people think of the casino. Also, ask around at work or friends houses who they would recommend to you. You could always take a look at the casinos website too, to see what kind of information they provide about themselves.
Reputation. Find out what the general public thinks about the casino. Check out any customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, Amazon and Google Play to find out more. As far as gaming goes, you can also check out the Better Business Bureau to see whether there have been any complaints against the casino.
Security. Make sure the casino uses SSL encryption to secure its transactions, meaning that your private data stays safe during transactions. Other than that, look for security seals on the site itself and verify that theyre legitimate. You can also check out the casinos privacy policy to see how they handle confidential information.
Payment methods. Its good to have multiple payment options available, especially if you plan to play frequently. Its also nice to find a casino that accepts cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. If youre worried about safety, you can always opt for a credit card or PayPal instead.
With all those criteria in mind, heres our top picks
Betway:
Betway is a relatively new UK casino offering online gambling to residents of the United Kingdom and European Union. They offer hundreds of games across both land based and digital platforms, with plenty of top software providers like Net Entertainment, Microgaming and Yggdrasil Gaming Network. With a generous welcome offer that gives players 100% up to 100, you really cant go wrong with Betway.
Coral Casino:
Coral Casino is operated by the same company that runs the famous Caribbean casino, Grand Reef. Like many casinos, Coral Casino offers a wide variety of games, including plenty of video slots and table games. New players can benefit from a huge 100% match bonus up to 1000, while existing customers enjoy 25% cash back on deposits made within 48 hours of opening an account.
Ladbrokes Casino:
Ladbrokes Casino is owned by the same company as the famous bookmaker that started life in 1921. With more than 500 games from leading software providers such as Amaya, NetEnt and Microgaming, you wont be disappointed by the quality of the games here. New players get a 200% match bonus up to 500, while existing customers can claim 35% cashback on their first three deposits.
Paddy Power Casino:
Paddy Power is another Irish-owned casino that operates throughout Europe. Not only does Paddy Power Casino offer traditional casino games like blackjack, roulette and slots, but it also provides a full range of sports betting, including football, tennis, boxing and horse racing. New players can receive a massive 100% match bonus up to 200, while existing customers can claim 35% cashback on their first three deposits.
William Hill Casino:
William Hill Casino is one of the biggest names in the industry, operating in Europe, Asia and North America. Founded in 1984, this online casino has more than 400 games to choose from, including slots and table games, with a wide array of software providers like WagerLogic, Big Time Gaming and Rival.
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DULUTH, MN, June 09, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) 2016 Summer Conference is taking place in Duluth Minnesota this year. Aaron Brossoit, CEO of Golden Shovel Agency will be attending the conference to learn about upcoming economic trends and to network with other economic development professionals.
EDAM has planned a strong conference. Attendees will be provided with timely information from nationally recognized speakers through quality education sessions. Some of the session topics that will be covered include "Future Development through the Window of Forecast Modeling and "Understanding Aftercare: Lessons from Foreign-Owned Enterprise Executives". Attendees will also have numerous opportunities to network and create professional relationships.
Aaron Brossoit is looking forward to the conference and the education that it will provide. "I am looking forward to catching up with our economic development friends and clients from across the state to compare notes on the new trends in the industry" said Brossoit.
This year's conference will take place June 8th-10th.
About Golden Shovel Agency
Golden Shovel Agency views economic development as a creative endeavor, critical for a region or community to attract and retain businesses. They bring over 10 years of experience combining web technology and design expertise to present communities in their best light. At Golden Shovel, they employ the latest trends and keep their clients ahead of the curve.
http://www.goldenshovelagency.com/gsa
About EDAM
The Economic Development Association of Minnesota was formed as the Minnesota Industrial Development Association in 1967 to provide development professionals like you a forum for exchanging information and staying abreast of current economic development strategies and practices. EDAM is a statewide association of professionals specializing in the field of economic development.
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OMAHA, NE, June 09, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Many people treat snoring as if it's a joke. But it's not a joke, it can literally be deadly serious because of its association with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is related to many life-threatening conditions. Fortunately, snoring and sleep apnea are treatable, and Dr. Roger Roubal will explain how on July 19th at the Country Inn & Suites Omaha West, at 120th and Miami.
Dr. Roubal will deliver two free presentations on July 19th, at 1:30 pm and 6:30pm. He will draw from his 20+ years of experience treating sleep apnea, and explain what everyone needs to know about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
The presentation will be followed by a short Q&A session. Light snacks will be provided.
People are encouraged to attend if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Snoring
- Daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Moodiness
- Lack of motivation
These symptoms are associated with sleep apnea and indicate a person may be at an elevated risk.
Dr. Roubal will also make sure people understand the dangers associated with sleep apnea, including its connection with damaging, even life-threatening conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Depression
Along with the dangers, Dr. Roubal will make sure people understand that there are solutions. In fact, there are many solutions that give people the flexibility to choose which treatment is best for them.
"Sleep apnea is serious," said Dr. Roubal, "but it is treatable. Not only that, but there are many effective treatment options available. Your doctor may prescribe CPAP or may recommend surgery, but there are other approaches, including oral appliance therapy, that are just as effective and may be more appropriate. People need to understand that they have options."
People who want to reserve their spots should go to https://www.whywesnore.com/register/. Act quickly as space is limited. If you have questions, please call (402) 493-4175 for more information.
About Dr. Roger Roubal
Dr. Roger Roubal is a dentist with more than 30 years' experience practicing dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. He is dedicated to using dentistry to improve the lives of his patients, which is why he has turned increasingly to sleep apnea treatment, which can not only transform the lives of patients - it can save it. He is recognized as one of the foremost sleep apnea treatment experts in the area by both his colleagues and his patients.
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Jun 8, 2016 | By Benedict
SMARTTECH has unveiled its scan3Dmed medical 3D scanner, capable of obtaining scans in 0.7 seconds, at the ITM Poland exhibition in Poznan. The 3D scanner, optimized for scanning the human body, could be used by researchers, doctors, security and police departments, and animators.
3D scanning technology is proving a useful asset in the medical world, with custom-fit prostheses, personalized wheelchairs, and form-fitting face masks for burn victims just some of the useful items to be created and optimized using 3D scanners and related digital technology. And while high-end 3D scanning equipment is more than capable of scanning parts of the human body for most purposes, doctors and researchers sometimes require a 3D scanner whose every component and feature is optimized for medical use. SMARTTECH, a Polish provider of optical measurement systems, has just unveiled its own dedicated medical 3D scanning system called scan3Dmed, which the company believes offers some of the most comprehensive medical scanning capabilities on the market.
Although SMARTTECH already produces a number of 3D scanners for industry and archaeology use, growing interest from the medical sector prompted the company to start working on a machine optimized for use on the human body. To make such a product, it wanted to improve two particularly important areas of the 3D scan: its speed, so as to mitigate the inevitable movement of human subjects, and its color recognition capabilities, so that doctors would be able to clearly identify bodily marks and symptoms. The new SMARTTECH 3D scanner is able to obtain scans of a body in just 0.7 seconds, reducing problems of blinking and involuntary movement, and eliminating potential discomfort in the scanned subject. Furthermore, dedicated optics with adjusted white balance and contrast enables the user to determine a realistic color profile and analyze skin with the utmost precision.
Although the scan3Dmed system is being marketed primarily at medical professionals, the 3D scanners optimization for use on the human body also makes it an excellent choice for other applications. Bodies are, of course, the subject of medicine, but they can also be the subject of crime. The scan3Dmed system could therefore be used by security and police departments to obtain 3D scans of suspects, criminals, or victimsmore detailed and enlightening than a series of 2D photographs, and potentially a useful tool for delivering justice. The ability to digitize the human body is also an essential tool for CG artists creating video games and animations3D scanning an actual human body in various positions can result in more lifelike representations than would be possible with a fully fabricated digital model.
As well as the aforementioned medical uses for the 3D scanning, the new scan3Dmed system could be used to monitor wound healing over a period of time, as it enables doctors to compare multiple 3D scans side-by-side. It could also be used to monitor posture defects, as cross-sections can be generated to check spine deviations. For larger 3D scanning projects, the scan3Dmed 3D scanner can even be set up to work in conjunction with other SMARTTECH scanners. When this multi-head system is set up, the multiple 3D scans can be aligned instantly and automatically through the SMARTTECH software.
The scanners full capabilities, including the multi-head mode, are currently being demonstrated at ITM Poland (Innovations, Technologies, Machines) in Poznan, which runs from June 7-10.
SMARTTECH scan3Dmed features:
Dimensions: 430 x 110 x 220 mm
Implemented ISA
Calibration-free
Easy to use Plug & Scan setup
Posted in 3D Scanning
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Jun 9, 2016 | By Alec
If you spend a bit too much time on YouTube, you might have come across the hilarious comedy series Granpa Knows Best. Featuring figurines of the 87-year-old Puerto Rican-American grandfather Victor Muriel giving advice to viewers and answering their questions, its a fantastic medium that highlights the amazing knowledge and insights the elderly carry with them. The second season of Granpa Knows Best is set to premier on HBO Latino, HBO GO, HBO Now, and HBO On Demand next week, and as grandson and filmmaker William D. Caballero revealed, the show completely relies on a series of 3D printed figurines.
William D. Caballero himself is a young filmmaker and an alumni of the Pratt Institute and NYU Graduate School. Previous projects, like the autobiographical documentary American Dreams Deferred, showcased some sides of immigrant life not often seen in the US media.
In some ways that theme also visible in this fun and much more lighthearted show, as it is actually completely based on Caballeros own experiences with his grandfather (or Granpa, as he calls him in a Puerto Rican accent). Ever since I left North Carolina and moved back to New York City for college about 10 years ago, my gran'pa Victor has left me a ton of voicemail messages on my cell phone. These quirky messages ran the gamut from happy birthday messages to random ramblings on life, but one thing was for sure - if I didn't call him back soon enough, he would leave me the world's angriest voicemail, he recalls.
But the filmmaker also knew that there was something special in the voicemail messages his talkative grandfather left him, and he wanted to share that with others. Something that could be a great piece of quirky art, preserving my grandfather's personality and encapsulating a tidbit of the Puerto Rican-American experience, Caballero says. Back in 2013, he decided to gather a team of creatives around him, and used a couple of 3D printed figurines to make the short film called HOW YOU DOIN', BOY? VOICEMAILS FROM GRAN'PA, which received universal acclaim at more than 20 film festivals.
That success led to the creation of Granpa Knows Best, a comedy web-series that also starred 4 inch 3D printed likenesses of Caballeros grandfather. The Puerto Rican-American grandfather actually voices the character, and provides hilarious and insightful advice on a variety of issues. Users are encouraged to ask Granpa anything, from advice to tips and experiences. Ask him what his favorite topping is on a pizza. Ask him if that dress makes you look fat. Ask him about young people nowadays. Ask him about growing old, Caballero says.
The first season was a huge hit, and Granpa Knows Best has thus been picked up by HBO Latino for the second season. As part of a promotional campaign, HBO Latino is even taking Granpa on tour with the Big Adventures of a Tiny Granpa campaign. The show itself will continue in the same format as the first season, offering a unique and fantastic film experience and again starring 3D printed figurines.
As the Granpa Knows Best team revealed, they believe that their reliance on 3D printing is in fact one of the reasons why they have been able to captivate a large audience. One of the reasons GKB captures the viewers attention almost instantly, is because of its visual aesthetic. The art of 3D printing is very innovative, and hasnt really been used in such a way to tell these complex stories, Caballero says. It allows for a WOW factor in a way that human actors would not.
For the second series, about 35 figurines will be used. Each is modeled by Chang Kim, using Zbrush software. These are subsequently 3D printed in polymer resin using an Objet 3D printer, and passed on to Amy Yamashiro and Kate Keisel for hand-painting. Each figurine takes about twenty hours to make, including modeling, 3D printing and hand-painting. One of the most exciting aspects of this project, is the work that goes into the creation of every Gran'pa pose. The 3D printing medium is a very new technology, and a crucial factor in getting real-life Gran'pa to look identical to his miniature avatar replicas. Every single pose of Gran'pa was created based on photos from the real man, Caballero says.
The models are then placed in a 3D printed miniature model home, which has been designed by Seth Burney. Caballero films the models in macro perspective, alongside dozens of props of all sizes and completed with graphic designs and text animation by Chris Cookson. The result is a fantastic show that, thanks to its unusual style and interactive nature, is hugely entertaining to watch. The second series will premiere on June 17 on HBO Latino and other HBO mediums, and is a must-see.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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Maheen Sehar wrote at 6/13/2016 10:09:57 AM:Very nice well thanks to share this ...
Jun 9, 2016 | By Tess
A team of scientists from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany have created what has been recognized as the worlds smallest man-made lattice structure with the help of 3D printing technologies. The innovative structure, which possesses single struts shorter than 1 m and diameters as tiny as 200 nm, marks a significant step forwards in the field of metamaterials.
In creating the smallest lattice structure, the scientists first 3D printed the base structure using Nanoscribes Photonic Professional, a laser lithography system already capable of precisely additively manufacturing micro-objects. From there the 3D printed polymeric microlattices underwent a process of pyrolysis where the structure was subjected to extremely high heats (around 900 degrees Celcius/1,650 degrees Fahrenheit) in a vacuum. It was during this process that the 3D printed lattices shrank by an impressive 80%, marking a new world record for smallest man-made lattice structure.
The pyrolysis process not only shrank the lattice, however, as it also effectively transformed the polymeric structures into glassy carbon, a high strength, low density material, outmatched only by diamond for its strength-to-density ratio. After pyrolysis, the scientists found that the 3D printed lattices were ultra-strong, with impressive strengths of up to 1GPa with a density significantly lower than the density of water, which is 1,000kg/m.
As mentioned, the creation of glassy carbon nanolattices marks a big step forward within the field of designing and manufacturing mechanical metamaterials (non-organic materials with properties not found in nature). Additionally, the process of pyrolysis, which resulted in the creation of smaller, stronger structures, could push forward the creation of new materials with stronger, lighter, and even more durable properties. Pushing full 3D patterning further into the nanoscale by pyrolysis promises benefits from many physical phenomena with great potential for metamaterials in general, explained Jens Bauer from the University of California, Irvine.
Ultimately, the scientists have used laser lithography 3D printing technology and pyrolysis to create glassy carbon nanolattices that could be used in electrodes, filters, or optical components.
The full study Approaching theoretical strength in glassy carbon nanolattices was published February 2016 in Nature Materials.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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The unknown21 wrote at 6/4/2018 1:19:35 AM:how high is it? What's the length and weight?KM wrote at 12/5/2016 9:47:29 PM:If you look more carefully at the photomicrograph, it seems like the size bar agrees with the original statement, shrinkage OF 80% Nature materials is not a journal that is careless with details3D wrote at 11/19/2016 11:15:22 AM:It was obviously shrunk _to_ 80% of its original extensions, not _by_ 80%.SeeingIsBelieving wrote at 6/9/2016 4:01:09 PM:Hypercool
Jun 9, 2016 | By Alec
The east of Amsterdam has been absolutely packed with sustainable innovation projects since April, when FabCity opened its doors. Featuring 50 pavilions operated by more than 400 students, professors, artists and creatives, all participants are trying to realize innovative solutions for urban problems and are showcasing them to the public. Its also a fantastic place to highlight the latest sustainable technology breakthroughs, and that is exactly what construction company BAM and Universe Architecture have done. At FabCity, they have just launched their 3D BUILDER, a freeform concrete 3D printer that combines robotic arms with natural building materials.
This remarkable 3D printer has grown out of a collaboration between European construction company BAM and architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars. The latter started his architecture firm Universe Architecture back in 2000, and has been very interested in 3D printing for years. Back in 2013, Ruijssenaars announced plans to 3D print the Landscape House, a building with no beginning or end.
In 2015, these plans already led to the 3D printing of a concrete bench (above) that captures the remarkable shape of the Landscape House. The bench itself was 3D printed in collaboration with Italian concrete 3D printing specialists Desamanera, the company of pioneer Enrico Dini. The bench can be found outside BAMs office in the southeast of Amsterdam, and Ruijssenaars is looking to produce more around the city of Amsterdam.
But with the completion of the 3D BUILDER, Ruijssenaars will doubtlessly be dreaming of completing the actual Landscape House. According to its designers, this is the first construction 3D printer to combine freeform construction with robotics from the automotive industry. It should enable them to construct freeform architecture, including complicated building facades packed with ornaments and decorations. To showcase its power, the 3D BUILDER will be constructing a Landscape House at a 1:4 scale at FabCity over the coming weeks. Its fantastic to work together and develop a machine that makes new innovations possible. This was much more common for architects during the Renaissance, Ruijssenaars said of the machine.
Whats more, this new construction 3D printer is immensely flexible in use. Thanks to its replaceable printhead (based on Desamaneras D-Shape method), it enables users to 3D print numerous building materials, including stone and concrete. Its designers see no reason why steel or isolation materials shouldnt be added to that list in the future either. And thanks to a partnership with Eindhoven-based AcoTech, the developers are looking into mounting the 3D BUILDER onto tank threads to enable it to autonomously find its way around construction sites.
According the construction specialists, the 3D BUILDERs 3D printing technique is comparable to that of an inkjet printer. A binding fluid is extruded onto layers of sand, turning the rock material into any desired shape. The materials currently used for the Amsterdam project are commonly found in nature, and have been used centuries ago by Roman and Chinese building specialists.
Most importantly, the materials can be recycled again and again for other building projects, says Rutger Sypkens of BAM. Concrete granules, but also previously made prints, can be used as a building material, he explained. Aside from the freeform options, we are also very intrigued by this circular building process.
According to Egbert Fransen of the EU2016 Arts & Design of Europe by People, this is a typical innovation that belongs at FabCity. The fact that this unique collaboration is launching at FabCity just proves to me that you can achieve groundbreaking results for the development of the sustainable cities of the future by simply putting different innovative partners together, regardless of their size, Fransen said. FabCity is still open to the public until 26 June 2016, where the 3D BUILDER can be seen in action.
Posted in 3D Printer
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"It's rare for a cup of coffee to taste like its story," said Blue Bottle coffee buyer Charlie Habeggerand yet a story is exactly what Blue Bottle is selling with every cup of its new partnership with Port of Mokha. And considering that story costs $16 a pop, rest assured it's a damn good one.
The story behind the price tag is the story of Port of Mokha founder Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a Yemeni-American coffee exporter and social interventionist who grew up as the oldest of seven kids living in a small Tenderloin apartment. Alkhanshali fell in love with coffee after a sip of Yirgacheffe Glenea Abaya at Blue Bottle's Mint Plaza location.
"It was a cup of coffee that changed my life," said Alkhanshali, who began attending Blue Bottle cuppings twice a week and went on to become a licensed Q grader (coffee's equivalent of a sommelier). The first Arab to Q grade Arabic coffees, Alkhanshali steeped himself in coffee history. He spent months studying the coffee supply chains in Yemen, where he later worked with local farmers to develop a rigorous protocol for processing their coffee.
A taste of the Yirgacheffe Gelena Abaya at Blue Bottle Coffee's Mint Plaza catapulted him into the professional world of single origin coffees. (Image courtesy of Mokhtar Alkhanshali and Port of Mokha)
"My family thought I was crazy to go from law school to being a farmer," laughed Alkhanshali.
His focus for Port of Mokha was two-fold: Not only was Yemen the alleged birthplace of coffee itself, it was also the homeland of Alkhanshali's family and a war-torn country in need of commerce. Coffee is a luxury productalbeit one of the most affordableand can garner a high price when the quality is premium.
Many of the farmers Alkhanshali works with (three-fourths of which are women) had previously been taken advantage of by loan sharks. Alkhanshali offered them micro-loans, which they paid for in coffee cherries.
"We're getting rid of cycles of debt and trying to get a country to regain its self-confidence," said Alkhanshali. "We funded six weddings last year."
Getting the necessary supplies to process coffee into Yemen had been a challenge. Getting coffee back to the USwhere Alkhanshali had promised his farmers he would find a marketturned out to be a matter of life and death. After a Saudi-led coalition bombed Yemen and heightened conflict shut down air travel last spring, Alkhanshali and his suitcases of coffee escaped on a dinghy across the Red Sea.
"It's a miracle this coffee got here the way it did," said Alkhanshali.
Mokhtar returned to the Arabian Peninsula, the world's first coffee region. There, he visited all 32 Yemeni coffee regions and lived with farmers for over a year, helping them improve their practices and processes. (Image courtesy of Mokhtar Alkhanshali and Port of Mokha)
Eventually, he arrived safely in the US, where he was featured on NPR just prior to a blind Blue Bottle cupping at which Alkhanshali was presenting Port of Mokha coffee alongside steep and exquisite competition.
"I still remember where it was on the table," said Blue Bottle CEO James Freeman. "It wasn't a thinker's coffee. It was accessible and extraordinary; an obvious coffee."
Freeman had come across Yemen coffees earlier in his career, but it had been years since he'd found one that met his standards. This was an exception, even better than the first Yemen he sold at Blue Bottle.
"I'm not buying narrative," said Freeman. "I'm buying pleasure. The coffee has to taste so good that [the consumer] remembers it long after. It's brown liquid in a cup. How do you make that worthwhile?"
The answer, arguably, is through story, and Port of Mokha coffees can be traced back to the exact farmer in the Arabian Peninsula who harvested the bean.
Starting Thursday, June 9th, Blue Bottle will be selling Huessein al-Haba, which features notes of dried strawberry, coffee blossom and crystalline, by the cup at all of its retail locations. Each cup of coffee comes with a Yemeni-inspired cardamom sesame cookie and a booklet that traces the coffee's journey from hand-picked cherry to steaming cup. You can also buy the limited release coffee in bulk at $65 for six ounces.
Though narrative may not be how Port of Mokha found its way into Blue Bottle, it could very well be the reason it finds its way to you. As Alkhanshali puts it, "The shortest distance between two people is a cup of coffee." // Available at all U.S. Blue Bottle locations, bluebottlecoffee.com/portofmokha
Where to shop 'til you drop this week.
My Endless Wardrobe Warehouse Sale
It's always sad when a business closessomething My Endless Wardrobe founder Jessie Baxter knows all too well. She recently decided to shutter her wardrobe rental and personal styling company. "The silver lining is that we'll be clearing out $250,000 worth of like-new fashions at up to 80% off," she says. The Final Warehouse Sale will be held Saturday, June 11th in the Mission (11am to 4pm). Labels include: BCBGMAXAZRIA, Finders Keepers, Keepsake, Greylin and more. Silver lining No. 2: Extra 10% off if you pay cash. // 614 Alabama St. (Mission), myendlesswardrobe.com
Meet Libertine Designer at Neiman Marcus
Johnson Hartig, founder and designer of sustainable-fashion brand Libertine, will be hanging out at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco on Thursday and Friday. Yes, his newest collection is along for the ride, too. The LA-based men's and women's label is a favorite of fashion royalty such as Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld, as well as Mick Jagger and Taylor Swift (really). See for yourself what all the fuss is about. // The event takes place on the second floor (Designer Sportswear) from 10am to 5pm both days. 150 Stockton St. (Union Square), ilovelibertine.com
Heath Ceramics just launched their first necklace collection. (photo courtesy of Heath Ceramics)
Heath Jewelry
Side of jewelry with your Heath dishware? Yes, please. The iconic Bay Area company just launched its own limited-edition necklace collection, paying homage to its ceramics heritage. Designed in-house and handcrafted in the Sausalito factory, the modern cord necklaces feature ceramic beads and Heath's signature glazes. The colors are amazingand so very Heath. Prices start at $75. // Available at all Bay Area Heath showrooms and online, heathceramics.com
West Coast Craft
Yep, it's that time again: West Coast Craft's summer show arrives at Fort Mason this weekend. From 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, more than 250 West Coast artisans and craftspeople will be showcasing their jewelry, art, accessories, clothing, edibles and more. The unifying factor? A cool Cali vibe. Just a few of the vendors we're excited to visit: Kristen Elspeth, Parker Dusseau, Mirena Kim Ceramics, Lisa Says Gah, Micaela Greg, Little Paper Press, Bryr Studio, Another Feather and Baiser Organic Beauty. // June 1112, Festival Pavilion Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd. (Marina), westcoastcraft.com
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CONROE, Texas A Houston man convicted of drunken driving nine times since 1980 has been sentenced to life in prison.
The Montgomery County judge who sentenced Donald Middleton on Tuesday said the 56-year-old man is a habitual offender.
Middleton pleaded guilty last week to driving drunk in a May 2015 traffic accident.
Investigators say Middleton was arrested after he fled on foot after the wreck, ran to a store and begged the clerks not to turn him in.
Prosecutors say Middleton has already served four prison terms for alcohol-related convictions.
SAN FRANCISCO With her furious and graphic 12-page letter to the court, the young woman at the center of the Stanford University sexual assault case has instantly become a powerful symbol of courage and resilience to other sex-crime victims, all while remaining anonymous.
Her widely shared statement has been held up as a must-read for boys and young men and a source of strength to other women who have fallen prey to sexual assault. BuzzFeed and The Washington Post posted it online, and CNNs Ashleigh Banfield read nearly the entire thing on the air.
In it, the woman recalled the emptiness she experienced after the attack, vented her anger over her assailants seeming lack of remorse and described in detail her invasive hospital examination, recounting the ruler nurses used to measure the scrapes on her body and how enough pine needles to fill a paper bag came out of her hair.
What brought tears to my eyes was just how courageous she was, said Victoria Kress, who teaches counseling at Youngstown State University in Ohio and works with sex assault victims. Its not typical that somebody does come forward in this type of a way.
A nationwide furor erupted last week when a judge sentenced the womans attacker, Brock Turner, a 20-year-old former swimmer at Stanford, to six months in jail, triggering criticism that a star athlete from a privileged background had gotten special treatment. Prosecutors had asked for six years in prison.
The fury grew when it was learned that Turners father had sent the judge a letter lamenting that his son had already paid a steep price for 20 minutes of action.
The victim has not come forward publicly outside court, and little is known about her other than her age 23 and that she wasnt a Stanford student. She was attacked as she lay unconscious behind a dumpster in January 2015 after drinking at a fraternity party, authorities said. She said she did not remember the assault.
In her statement, she said she would learn from a news report later how she had been found naked. She did not immediately tell her boyfriend and parents about the attack, pretending the whole thing wasnt real, she said. She didnt talk, eat or sleep.
But she also thanked her parents, sister, boyfriend and friends for their support and a prosecutor who never doubted her.
Experts said she effectively highlighted the obstacles to recovery that sex assault victims face and the support they need to succeed.
We know that there are things like being believed, being supported by those around you that can help in terms of recovery, said Victoria Banyard, a psychology professor at the University of New Hampshire who studies the long-term effects of sexual assault.
In a recent text message, the woman told a prosecutor that she was staying anonymous to protect her identity, but also as a statement.
Im coming out to you simply as a woman wanting to be heard, she wrote. Yes, theres plenty more Id like to tell you about me. For now, I am every woman.
A judge kept the bond for Veronica Trimble on Wednesday at $25,000 cash or bond posted with the court but left open a request to have the trial take place somewhere outside of the Albuquerque media market.
Trimble, 22, and Matthew Chavez, 25, were arrested in Oklahoma on March 4 in connection with a string of armed robberies including one that was fatal: the March 4 shooting of Army veteran Tyler Lackey at an ATM machine in Albuquerque.
Lackey was 24.
Trimble waived extradition, according to her attorney Liane Kerr, who sought a lower bond for her client. But 2nd District Judge Briana Zamora noted bond already had been reduced substantially. It was initially set at $1 million cash by a Metropolitan Court judge after the U.S. Marshals Service returned her to New Mexico.
Trimble was charged in Metro Court with an open count of murder, arson, aggravated assault and other crimes. The case was transferred to district court in May when she was indicted on robbery, conspiracy and evidence-tampering charges, but has not been charged in connection with Lackeys death.
Chavez remains out of state pending extradition proceedings.
Here in New Mexico, we have long struggled with taking care of our most vulnerable families. Recent reports that state workers at the Human Services Department were being pressured into denying emergency SNAP (food stamps) to hungry people and families are very disturbing. For over two decades, a federal court has found HSDs track record for basic processing of medical and food assistance benefits to be in violation of federal law.
Government is one of the ways that we can work together to address the needs of our communities, and it can make a positive difference in peoples lives. But when government doesnt work or fails to do its job, it can cause a lot of pain. Just ask a family of four in Hobbs. State workers left them without Medicaid coverage for seven months because HSD had failed to send a renewal notice or to check information the family had already given them.
Or an elderly man from Alamogordo with no income who had his SNAP assistance terminated last August because state workers forgot to send him a legally required notice. After going three weeks without food assistance, his benefits were reinstated, but only after the man went to an Income Support Division office to submit a new application for food assistance.
Whether it involves Medicaid or SNAP, these stories and others point to an unacceptable problem at HSD of improperly denying families needed services and failing to notify recipients about delays. Seniors and low-income families are on their own to figure out how to resolve these issues. Indeed, according to a study by the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, HSD failed to send Medicaid clients the required renewal forms 50 percent of the time. Over 65 percent of the time, they failed to alert families about delays in their SNAP applications or about ways to resolve the delays.
As the government agency charged with assisting low-income people, families and seniors, the Human Services Department should implement common-sense steps to improve efficiency and save money. This can be done by eliminating requests for unnecessary documents, making client notices more accurate and understandable, and automating Medicaid renewals.
Additionally, it is critical that HSD provide much better job training, support and resources for the state workers who determine eligibility for badly needed assistance. Creating a comprehensive, accurate online worker manual would help workers process cases efficiently and as required by law.
We believe that we are called to do everything in our power to serve our neighbors. While faith communities throughout our state serve and help people living in poverty and experiencing hunger every day, they cant do all that is needed and must be done. Our government has a role to play, and the agencies of our government must carry out that role by implementing a benefits system which is efficient and does its best to not put up barriers to accessing the assistance that eligible low-income New Mexicans need.
We know that eligible families are trying to get back on their feet; they are trying to do the right thing. We should expect nothing less from state leaders. Creating a more efficient benefits system wont solve everything, but it can make a big difference in the lives of families and the people who most need help.
Copyright 2016 Albuquerque Journal
SANTA FE More New Mexico voters cast ballots in this weeks primary election slightly more than 326,000 than ever before in a state-run primary contest here, as interest in a heated Democratic presidential primary race between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders appeared to drive a high number of voters to the polls.
Overall voter turnout was nearly 34 percent of those eligible to vote in the race, with roughly 37 percent of registered Democratic voters and about 27 percent of registered Republicans casting ballots, according to unofficial results.
Turnout had averaged 28 percent in presidential election year primaries in New Mexico since 1996.
Longtime New Mexico political analyst Brian Sanderoff called the turnout record-breaking but said changes in federal election law in the 1990s that made it harder to purge inactive voters from voter rolls means this years turnout was not actually the highest percentage-wise in state history.
The contested Democratic presidential contest was the main driver in increased turnout, but a number of contested local primary races such as the race for an open Bernalillo County Commission seat may have also played a role, he said.
I think the Bernie Sanders supporters really wanted to make their voices heard, said Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc.
In all, Clinton won 23 New Mexico counties in winning the state, compared to 10 for Sanders, though his tally of counties included Bernalillo County, the states most populous county.
But Clintons overall margin of victory 51.5 percent to 48.5 percent with more than 214,000 ballots cast by Democratic voters was narrower than many political insiders expected.
Clinton held a wider lead among Democrats likely to vote in the primary in a Journal Poll conducted in late February, besting Sanders at the time with 47 percent of voters surveyed to his 33 percent.
The margin between the two candidates narrowed in the months leading up to New Mexicos primary election due in large part to the national momentum of Sanders campaign, Sanderoff said.
In addition, University of New Mexico political science professor Lonna Atkeson said news released late Monday, on the eve of the primary election, by The Associated Press that Clinton had secured enough commitments from delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee likely factored into voting results.
I think Hillary Clinton supporters were less likely to show up on Election Day because they felt they didnt have to, Atkeson said Wednesday.
In contrast, she said many Sanders backers likely felt angry.
Statewide, Sanders actually defeated Clinton on Election Day itself he received about 50.5 percent of Election Day votes, compared with 49.5 percent for Clinton, Sanderoff said.
But that advantage was offset by Clintons edge among early and absentee voters. She won the vote among such voters by more than 8 percentage points 54.2 percent to 45.8 percent.
Sanders held three campaign rallies around the state in the lead-up to the primary election in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and the southern New Mexico community of Vado and Clinton got help from her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who held three public events of his own in the weeks before Tuesday. Several high-profile backers also came to New Mexico to stump for Clinton.
There were fewer voters and fewer contested races on the Republican side, as Donald Trump had effectively clinched the GOP presidential nominee more than a month ago, after the last of his rivals dropped out of the race.
That huge gap (in voter turnout) was because the primary was effectively over for Republican voters, Atkeson said.
No major voting problems or long lines were reported Tuesday, despite the increase in voter turnout.
Kari Fresquez, elections director in the Secretary of States Office, said Wednesday that officials expected a high turnout and had analyzed turnout patterns in other states in the lead-up to New Mexicos primary election to prepare.
Several counties were also given an increased number of vote-counting machines to handle the expected surge in voters.
We had plenty of support on the ground in the right places, Fresquez told the Journal.
Here are some highlights from Tuesdays elections in New Mexico.
Still looking for options
Nearly 30 percent of New Mexico Republican voters voted for a candidate other than presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump. Among states holding Republican primary elections Tuesday, only South Dakota had a lower percentage of GOP voters who cast ballots for Trump.
BernCo Bernie?
Bernie Sanders used strong election day results to defeat Hillary Clinton in Bernalillo County. Clinton had led by 2,400 votes in early and absentee voting in the states most populous county, but ended up losing there by more than 1,300 votes.
FYI: The Bernalillo County Seal features eight sheep, which represent eight land grants; BernCo Bernie is the spokes-sheep who teaches about the great things to do and see here, according to http://www.berncobernie.com/
A greener tint?
Karen Montoyas ouster from the Public Regulation Commission by likely successor Cynthia Hall, an experienced, tech-savvy lawyer with a focus on renewable energy, could tip the balance greener on the five-member panel.
Hey, big spender
District attorney candidate Raul Torrez trounced the competition to win the Democratic nomination in Bernalillo County. But he and his supporters also spent heavily about $405,000 between his own campaign and an independent political action committee. That works out to roughly $9 a vote, or about three times as much as his opponent, Edmund Perea.
A new direction
For the first time in a dozen years, Manny Ortiz wont have a hand in Bernalillo Countys investment strategy. Democrats embraced a total newcomer to county government, Nancy Bearce, a La Mesa neighborhood leader. She will face Republican Kim Hillard in the fall.
Breaking Good
Steven Michael Quezada, who received support from fellow Breaking Bad actors to capture the Democratic nomination for the Bernalillo County Commission, is also a member of the Albuquerque Public Schools Board. He says he will not seek re-election to that board if he wins the commission seat in November but there will be a few months overlap before the next school board election.
Faith Ramos teaches family and consumer sciences at Cuba High School in the rural northwest of New Mexico and said many of her students dont have basic money smarts.
So Ramos came to Albuquerque on Wednesday morning to participate in a new financial literacy teacher training designed to provide fresh ways to incorporate the subject in curriculum.
The free one-day class offered by Fidelity Investments and the Council on Economic Education covered basics like stocks, bonds, risk management and compound interest, along with the psychology of spending and saving. Some of the exercises asked the 47 attendees to examine their own behavior. For instance, they considered how they would spend a surprise $100 bonus and whether their decision really aligns with their goals.
Leean Kravitz, senior director of public affairs for Fidelity Investments, said the company has received a lot of positive feedback on the seminar, which began last year and is currently available in 11 states to teachers from all grade levels.
They love it, she said. It is free and it is taught by people who are experts and are dealing with customers every day and their financial issues.
Kravitz noted that financial literacy is an important subject for kids growing up in a world of easy credit.
The average U.S. household with debt owes a total of $130,922 and $15,762 of it is on high-interest credit cards, according to personal finance website Nerdwallet. That adds up to $6,658 in interest per year, 9 percent of the average household income, the company stated in a 2015 report.
New Mexico is in the middle of the pack when it comes to debt: the average load is 8.15 percent of income, according to Debt.com, which ranked the state 24th overall for financial literacy.
Teachers at the Fidelity training learned that awareness and self-control are critical for avoiding the debt trap. A seemingly small expense like a $2 daily coffee habit totals over $700 a year, a chunk of money that could go into a rainy day fund. Ramos said she appreciated the information.
Cuba High does not have a financial literacy course, but Ramos hopes to add more discussion of budgeting to her culinary arts and child development classes.
This is very educational, not just for me as a teacher, but personally, Ramos said. The resources are going to be invaluable.
EDDY COUNTY Eddy County Commissioners faced contention from two residents regarding the previous boards violations of the Open Meetings Act during a board meeting Tuesday.
The New Mexico Office of the Attorney General found the previous board to be in violation of the OMA for failing to provide specific descriptions for multiple 2014 commission meetings, according to a May letter to the commission. The current commissioners were given the opportunity to cure the violations at Tuesdays meeting by voting again on the past closed meeting items.
Cas Tabor, the countys attorney, said he discussed the letter with the Office of the Attorney General following the finding of the violations. The letter said county employee raises, including one given to County Manager Rick Rudometkin, were invalid because they had been approved in closed meetings with generic agenda descriptions. Rudometkins salary was increased twice in 2014, raising his salary from $120,000 per year to $172,000 a year in total, according to documents in the AGs letter.
Rudometkin declined to comment.
But Tabor said Tuesday that the employee raises were not approved in closed meetings, but rather in open budget meetings.
They looked at the April 15 and the May 6 minutes and then werent able to visualize the fact that there was a closed session and then there was a budget meeting where personnel salaries, capital outlay, all the different aspects of budgeting (were discussed), Tabor said. Every department of the county was discussed in an open meeting April 15 and May 6.
He said the AGs office dropped multiple violations, but that he agreed to keep the raises on the agenda for Tuesdays meeting.
They admitted their confusion about the votes that were at the end of these budget hearings, Tabor said about his discussion with the AGs office. And thats why a number of the items were withdrawn and only these six were put on the agenda today.
However, one resident was unsatisfied with the explanation and raised his voice from the back of the room.
Youre having this meeting because you did not give the public an opportunity to comment before you voted, said Dan Banks, an Eddy County resident. County commissioner Royce Pearson ended Banks comment by asking if he would like to be escorted out of the room.
Royce, youre going to have to escort a bunch of people out if you do that, said Ronald Barron, the resident who filed the original complaint to the AGs office.
The raises continued to be a hot topic of discussion at the end of the meeting as well, when both Banks and Barron decided to give public comments.
Banks speech addressed the same issue that he had brought up earlier in the meeting. He said the countys residents did not have enough notice prior to the raises and that the county manager and assistant county manager were paid too highly.
Eddy County is the second highest paid management team in the State of New Mexico, Banks said. What are we getting for $304,000?
Barron continued to denounce the vote made by the current board earlier in the meeting during his remarks, saying that because some of the commissioners were not present on the board at the time of the raises, they were not qualified to vote.
How can someone that wasnt here, in the commission, wasnt county commissioner, make motions to vote on something that they werent in closed session for? Barron asked. That I dont understand.
Three members of the current board, including Susan Crockett, Glenn Collier and Royce Pearson were members of the board at the time. Stella Davis and James Walterscheid were not.
Five other 2014 agenda meeting items found to be in violation of the OMA, including a motion to join a lawsuit involving the Endangered Species Act, were also passed at Tuesdays meeting.
Connie Lee can be reached at 575-628-5516.
2016 the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.)
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BEIRUT U.S.-backed fighters in Syria converged from three sides on an Islamic State stronghold near the Turkish border Thursday, while Iraqi special forces pushed deeper into Fallujah, one of the last bastions of the militant group in western Iraq.
In Libya, IS militants were fleeing their stronghold of Sirte as forces loyal to a U.N.-brokered government advanced, with some fighters reportedly cutting off beards and long hair to blend in with civilians.
The anti-IS offensives posed a significant challenge to the extremist group as it tries to stave off multiple attacks across parts of Syria and Iraq, where it declared a so-called caliphate in 2014, and in more recently seized territory in chaotic Libya.
If the U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces capture Manbij, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for IS in Syria since July 2015, when it lost the border town of Tal Abyad, a major supply route to the militants de facto capital of Raqqa.
Manbij, which had a prewar population of 100,000, is one of the largest IS-held urban areas in northern Aleppo province and is a waypoint on an IS supply line between Raqqa and the Turkish frontier.
In a sign of the towns perceived significance, the SDFs advances were accompanied by intense airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition battling the IS militants. The U.S. Central Command said the coalition has conducted more than 105 strikes in support of the battle to liberate Manbij.
The airstrikes recalled the battle for the Kurdish town of Kobani in northern Syria. That campaign saw hundreds of U.S. airstrikes to support Kurdish forces who wrested Kobani from IS in January 2015 after four months of fighting that left the town in ruins.
Since then, members of the U.S. and French military have joined in to advise the anti-IS forces in northern Syria.
Syrian journalist Mustafa Bali, who visited the front lines in Manbij, told The Associated Press the extremists didnt appear to be preparing to withdraw from the town as they had from other areas. On Wednesday, black smoke covered Manbij as militants set tires ablaze in an apparent attempt to cut visibility from coalition warplanes, he said.
Daesh is preparing for a battle inside the city, Bali said, using an Arabic acronym for the IS group. SDF official Nasser Haj Mansour said Wednesday about 15,000 civilians had fled.
A statement by the Military Council of the City of Manbij, which is part of the SDF, said all roads from the east, north and south have been cut. Its forces are now close enough to target IS militants inside the town, but they are holding off storming it to avoid civilian casualties, the statement added.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said SDF fighters are about 800 meters (yards) from the last main road linking Manbij with the city of Aleppo. At least 132 IS militants, 21 SDF fighters and 37 civilians have been killed since the SDF offensive began on May 31, the Observatory said.
In France, an official confirmed that French special forces are offering training and advice to SDF fighters. The French forces are with SDF fighters who are fighting IS, according to the official from French Defense Ministry. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk publicly.
Last week, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said his countrys forces were participating.
We are helping with arms, we are helping with aerial support, we are helping with advice, he said. The U.S. also has about 300 special operations forces embedded with the SDF in northern Syria.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that while the time is not yet right for new peace talks on the Syrian civil war, the failure to reach an agreement soon will probably mean an escalation in the conflict,
Ban stressed the urgency of an early August deadline set by the U.S. and Russia, co-chairs of the International Syria Support group, for at least the beginnings of a serious agreement.
He also urged the Syrian government to allow unhindered humanitarian access to civilians under siege in the country.
The Islamic State group has suffered setbacks on several fronts in the region where it captured large swaths of territory two years ago, including the loss of the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra earlier this year.
In Iraq, elite counterterrorism forces rolled into southern Fallujah on Wednesday under U.S.-led coalition airpower, the first time in more than two years that government troops have entered the IS-held city west of Baghdad. The militant group fired back with mortars and rockets.
Fallujah is one of the last IS strongholds in Iraq and government forces last month began a large-scale operation to recapture it. Iraqi troops have slowly won back territory, although IS still controls parts of the north and west, as well as the second-largest city of Mosul.
An online statement from the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for two suicide attacks in Iraq one that killed 19 people and wounded 46 in a mostly Shiite neighborhood of Baghdad and another that killed 12 people and wounded 32 in the town of Taji, north of the capital. The figures were confirmed by medical officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.
U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner condemned the bombings as barbaric terrorist attacks, and he praised the progress being made by Iraqi forces on the battlefield in Fallujah.
The Sunni militant group often targets Iraqs Shiite majority, security forces and government officials. Baghdad has experienced near-daily attacks recently that officials see as an attempt by IS militants to distract the attention of security forces from the front lines in places like Fallujah.
In Libya, IS militants were retreating from the city of Sirte as militia fighters allied to a unity government pushed into the city in tanks and pickup trucks mounted with machine guns, according to officials and video posted on social media.
The capture of Mediterranean coastal city capped a monthlong offensive by Libyan militias. Sirte is the only major IS-held city outside Syria and Iraq.
The pro-government militias, mostly from Misrata in western Libya, have been the main fighting force for the U.N.-brokered unity government installed in Tripoli this year.
Reflecting the stepped-up fight against IS, the U.S. military said a second carrier group is nearing the Mediterranean to bolster operations, the first time two U.S. carriers will be in those waters at the same time since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
U.S. European Command spokesman Lt. Col. David Westover said the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and its strike group of guided-missile cruisers and destroyers were in EUCOMs area of responsibility in the Atlantic en route to the Mediterranean.
The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group already is in the Mediterranean. U.S. 6th Fleet spokesman Lt. Shawn Eklund says the warships are there to carry out anti-Islamic State actions and to reassure European allies. When we put carriers in place, it sends a signal, he said.
In Irans capital of Tehran, meanwhile, Russian, Syrian and Iranian defense ministers met to discuss developments in the region, according to Irans state TV.
Iran is for a cease-fire in Syria that doesnt help terrorists to get more powerful, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan was quoted as saying by Iranian media. There were no reported comments from Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Syrian counterpart, Gen. Fahd Jassem al-Freij, on a cease-fire.
Russia and Iran are the main backers of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Tehran has provided the Syrian government with military and political backing for years. A number of Iranian soldiers have been killed in Syria.
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George reported from Camp Tariq, Iraq. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Lori Hinnant in Paris, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and Michael Astor at the United Nations contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON Bill Doak and his wife, Linda, were preparing to buy a new house this spring when a mortgage broker made an ominous declaration after scanning their credit report: Oh my God, youre in trouble.
The couple discovered five late payments on the loan on the home they were selling in Springfield, N.H. That threatened to cost them at least a percentage point more in interest for a mortgage in their native Connecticut, where they planned to retire.
Doak, 63, said he quickly identified the source of the trouble: a snafu last year when their servicer, Nationstar Mortgage, gave them incorrect information about the timing of an escrow increase.
Fixing the problem was much more difficult. After at least 15 calls to Nationstar in a month with no progress, Doak went to an attorney who filed a six-paragraph online complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Within five days the thing was resolved, Doak said of reaching out to the agency. What they did for me was just simply amazing.
Launched in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the bureau is one of President Barack Obamas signature accomplishments.
It is emblematic of an aggressive approach to consumer protection that has led to record numbers of automobile recalls, a crackdown on financial fraud scams and a slew of new regulations covering a wide swath of businesses, including health care providers, food manufacturers, retirement planners and high-speed internet service providers.
I think you have to consider him a tremendous president for consumers, said Ed Mierzwinski, consumer program director at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.
That also has made the Obama administration a tremendous target for business leaders and industry trade groups, which view its approach to consumer protection as heavy-handed and paternalistic. They say that has harmed the economy and has led to fewer choices for Americans.
This administrations view of consumer protection is to limit the number of consumers who have access to a product, said Travis Norton, executive director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerces Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness. If one toaster out of a thousand toasters explodes, their view is get rid of all the toasters.
For all his activism, Obama wins surprisingly few points on consumer protection issues among some liberals, who grouse that no major Wall Street executives have been sent to prison for the actions that led to the 2008 financial crisis. And some auto safety advocates complain that federal regulators havent been tough enough on manufacturers for dangerous vehicle and part defects.
But the greatest controversy has been generated by what supporters and opponents describe as the most sweeping and potentially long-lasting consumer protection initiative of the Obama years the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The brainchild of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., when she was a law professor, the bureau was the centerpiece of the 2010 Dodd-Frank overhaul of financial regulations and the first new federal agency since the early 1970s that was focused specifically on American consumers.
It took over and expanded on consumer protection duties that were spread among several other financial regulators after they were lambasted for not doing more to prevent subprime mortgage abuses.
In the nearly five years since opening its doors, the independent consumer bureau has issued regulations covering mortgages, payday loans, debt collection, arbitration clauses and for-profit colleges, among other things.
The bureau said it has handled more than 800,000 complaints through a new online database and has obtained $11.2 billion in refunds and other relief for more than 25 million consumers through enforcement actions.
If people are violating the law they should be made to pay, Richard Cordray, the bureaus director, said at a Senate Banking Committee hearing in April. They should be made to reimburse consumers who are harmed.
Cordray was lectured by the panels chairman, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., and other Republicans for going too far.
There is now growing concern that despite the bureaus mission, its rules and regulations actually restrict access to credit, increase cost and deny financial products to the consumers who need them, Shelby said. Consumer protection should not mean limiting a consumers options by substituting the bureaus judgment for the consumers.
Congressional Republicans have tried unsuccessfully to advance dozens of bills to reduce the bureaus authority and such efforts would top the GOP wish list if the party retains control of Congress and retakes the White House.
On May 17, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, said he was drawing up plans to dismantle nearly all of Dodd-Frank, which he called a very negative force.
Democrats are prepared to fight to preserve the bureau.
We will continue to defend the work thats done there and the agency, and resist attempts to roll back something that we think that has just been incredibly important, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said.
The creation of the bureau is an enormous achievement in terms of consumer protection, said David Vladeck, a Georgetown University law professor and consumer protection expert.
From 2009-12, Vladeck headed the Federal Trade Commissions Bureau of Consumer Protection. He said his hiring showed Obamas commitment to consumer protection.
Only in this administration would I have been offered a job, said Vladeck, who had worked 27 years as a lawyer for public interest group Public Citizen.
At the commission, he co-chaired the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, a multi-agency effort launched by Obama in 2009 that has led to more than 18,000 financial fraud cases filed by the Justice Department.
The creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was a big help in the effort, Vladeck said.
The CFPB adds resources in terms of sophisticated lawyers and investigators who can go after complicated scams, he said.
Norton, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the consumer bureaus design insulates it from needed congressional oversight.
The agency gets its funding directly from the Federal Reserve, so it does not need to go to lawmakers for money. And the director, once confirmed by the Senate, serves a five-year term. That has led to a very bold and sometimes boorish approach to regulation, Norton said.
The chamber has supported Republican legislation to subject the bureaus funding to the annual congressional appropriation process and replace the director with a bipartisan commission with staggered terms. Obama and his fellow Democrats have argued that would slow its ability to enact regulations and allow congressional opponents to starve the agency of funding.
Todd J. Zywicki, a George Mason University law professor and coauthor of the 2014 book Consumer Credit and the American Economy, said he supported the idea of consolidating all federal consumer protection responsibility in one agency.
But the bureau under Cordray has gone too far and needs to be reined in, he said.
The CFPB has taken the approach that all consumers are basically hapless sheep to be shorn by the lending industry and have not understood that many consumers are not idiots, Zywicki said.
But Roger Phillips, an attorney in Concord, N.H., said the bureau has been a great benefit to the consumer.
Now the little guy has a voice, Phillips said.
Doak, the New Hampshire homeowner, said he went to Phillips, who specializes in consumer law, after getting frustrated trying to solve his credit report problem.
I talked to every supervisor that I think Nationstar had with absolutely no fix, Doak said.
Nationstar said that it could not comment on specific customer cases, but added that its own tracking of complaints to the company showed a 60 percent decrease since 2014.
The consumer bureau created a public complaint database in an effort to pressure businesses to treat customers better.
In the most recent monthly report, covering December through February, Nationstar was the subject of the 10th most complaints to the bureau, with a monthly average of 283. The figure was down 17 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Consumer advocates have praised the bureaus database for helping hold businesses accountable. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other industry groups have complained that the database is misleading because it can contain incorrect allegations or faulty conclusions by consumers.
Before the bureaus creation, Phillips said it would have taken 30 to 45 days, or longer, to resolve a dispute such as Doaks. But companies now respond quickly to complaints sent to them from the bureau.
Without that letter to the consumer protection bureau, I dont think this issue would have been resolved, Doak said. They did their job.
(Tribune Washington Bureau staff writer Don Lee contributed to this report.)
2016 Los Angeles Times
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DALLAS Would you list your home with a fledgling real estate company if it would save you thousands of dollars in sales commissions?
Alex Doubet is betting you will.
The 28-year-old Harvard grad intends to upend the way people buy and sell their homes. And hes apt to stir up a hornets nest in the process.
Six months ago, Doubet launched Door LLC, a full-service brokerage that charges a flat $5,000 commission for either side of a home sale, compared with the 6 percent typically charged by real estate agents to sell a house.
Doubets idea came to him after his mother sold her two-story converted duplex in suburban Dallas for $857,000 in the conventional commission way. She didnt get so much as a thank-you note, much less a bottle of wine, from the two agents who pocketed a combined $51,400.
It was a bigger commission than the average household income in Dallas. It was nuts, says Doubet, who has already been involved in several successful early ventures and a couple of real estate flips. It was a presumptuous transaction. And that ticked me off.
Doubets model is quickly gaining traction, albeit from ground zero. With a recent closing, Doors transactions now total more than $4.1 million.
And heres why.
Doors commission on a $400,000 house would be $10,000 if it represents both the seller and buyer vs. $24,000 in traditional commissions. The more expensive the home, the greater the savings. The tipping point is a $168,000 sales price.
When you see all the nicely printed collateral from the brokers around town, the pictures and the big-hair poses, thats all nice, but it doesnt do anything to sell your house, Doubet says. Its somewhat akin to saying, Im going to sell your house by running an ad during the Super Bowl. You want to get in front of people who are actually going to buy your house, not just spray and pray everywhere.
Instead, Door is into social media and online marketing. Its focusing on the 11 ZIP codes in the Dallas area.
So far, its sweet spot has been homes $500,000 and higher.
By early July, Door will have handled a dozen sides of transactions, bringing in $60,000 in revenue.
More important in this inventory-starved market: Doubet says hes had twice as many new listings come on board in recent weeks as Door sold in the past five months.
Thats giving him the confidence to project 2016 revenue of $400,000.
Were going to ride two gigantic trends, says Doubet. Ninety percent of people across all ages, all demographics use the internet when theyre looking for houses. And millennials are now the biggest homebuying population.
Brandon and Kate Marks were Doors first millennial buyers.
The Markses, whod been renting a one-bedroom, closed on their dream house in early March.
Theyd been disappointed by a real estate agent theyd been working with.
She was just trying to sell us any home instead of trying to help us find value, said Brandon.
Brandon mentioned the couples frustration to his buddy over coffee one morning. Alex said, Dude, why dont you use us? Well provide the exact same experience at $5,000. And youll save a ton of money.'
Marks didnt really believe Doubet but figured what the heck.
I thought, OK, Alex is offering a bare minimum-type service so that he can charge very little. That was definitely not the case. We were taken care of from the beginning to the bottle of wine and a handwritten note waiting for us at the end.
The couple was able to make the deal work because the seller came down from the asking price, thanks to the reduced buyers commission, Marks says.
Doubet is investing heavily in technology to differentiate Door. The currently rudimentary website will have its first real bells and whistles this summer, he says, with more to come as the company grows.
The website is oddly named Thisisdoor.com, because Door.com is owned by squatters, who recently turned down $500,000 from someone else to release the URL. Doubet certainly didnt have that kind of money to throw around.
So far, Door hasnt faced much resistance because real estate agents who bring buyers to Door-listed homes typically get their 3 percent commission.
We just had a house that went under contract for close to $800,000. So were getting $5,000 and the buyers agent is getting 24-ish thousand. Doesnt make me angry, because I know in the long run well win.
But probably not without a battle.
Taxi companies didnt pay much attention to Uber as a startup.
For now, thats how the real estate industry is viewing flat-fee brokerages like Door.
Flat-fee commissions represent only 3 percent of the market, says Adam DeSanctis, spokesman for the National Association of Realtors. That figure has remained, well, flat for several years.
Sales commissions are always negotiable and, last year, 69 percent of home sellers did just that, DeSanctis says.
That may be, but the national commission average was 5.26 percent last year, according to Real Trends, which tracks industry statistics.
Jim Fite, president and CEO of Century 21 Judge Fite Co., says his agents earn every penny of their commissions.
A strong, knowledgeable and experienced Realtor can save or earn their clients many thousands of dollars, says Fite. Real estate is not like buying a commodity like a car or groceries. Each property is unique and may require different skills than the property around the corner.
Nobodys getting a commission at Door. Everyone is earning sweat equity, says Doubet, who is on a straight $60,000-a-year salary.
Door, which does business as Door Texas LLC because of a name conflict, has a licensed broker and three licensed agents in addition to Doubet.
Door pays its employees more than the $50,000-plus income that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says is the going rate for an established residential agent, Doubet says.
So far Doubet, who owns 60 percent of Door, has raised $800,000 in seed capital. Just under a third of that was invested by Phillip and Don Huffines, the twin co-founders of Huffines Communities, which develops apartment complexes and mixed-use projects.
They got to know Doubet through Dons son. After doing an intense grilling, the brothers decided to invest $125,000 apiece.
There are a lot of good ideas floating around looking for venture capital funds, says Phillip Huffines. But more important than the idea is how its going to be implemented. Whos the jockey riding the horse?
Huffines said that requires someone not only with vision, but also with the tenacity to overcome all the obstacles.
Alex is the guy who can make that happen.
AT A GLANCE
Alex Doubet
Title: CEO, Door LLC
Age: 28
Resides: Dallas
Education: Bachelors degree in history with a minor in economics, Harvard University, 2010.
Personal: Single
Doors commission compared with the standard 6 percent:
$200,000 HOME
Doors commission to represent one party:
$5,000
Typical commission:
$12,000
$500,000 HOME
Doors commission to represent one party:
$5,000
Typical commission:
$30,000
2016 The Dallas Morning News
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GLENDALE, Ariz. State regulators have reopened a Glendale school for severely disabled students after officials fixed the mold, exposed nails and other safety issues that forced the closure in May.
The Arizona Republic reports (http://bit.ly/1VOERH8 ) that state Department of Education officials closed the Childrens Center for Neurodevelopmental Studies on May 26 after a surprise inspection found moldy bathrooms, cracked walls and filthy floors with exposed nails.
The school was inspected again on Monday and officials found improvements to the conditions. As a result, the Education Department has reinstated the facility.
The reinstatement means classes will resume next week for the more than 40 severely disabled students who were using the schools services when it was closed.
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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com
BATON ROUGE, La. Louisiana strip clubs will be barred from hiring dancers under the age of 21, under a new law signed by the governor.
Gov. John Bel Edwards office announced Wednesday that the governor signed legislation raising the dancers minimum age from 18. The change takes effect Aug. 1.
Bill sponsor Sen. Ronnie Johns, a Lake Charles Republican, says the provision will help to fight human trafficking in Louisiana. New Orleans already enforces a similar ordinance.
Each chamber unanimously supported the bill.
Debate was briefly derailed by a proposal from Republican Rep. Kenny Havard, of Jackson, suggesting strippers should be between 21 and 28 years old and less than 160 pounds. The amendment drew strong criticism. Havard called it a joke about overregulation.
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Senate Bill 468: www.legis.la.gov
DENVER A canvasser says she forged voter signatures while collecting petitions to help former state Rep. Jon Keyser qualify for Colorados Republican U.S. Senate primary.
Maureen Moss told KUSA-TV in a story published Thursday (http://on9news.tv/25OWDwH ) she initially denied forging signatures when questioned by her employer, a contractor to the Keyser campaign.
Moss was arrested Wednesday after being charged with 34 counts of forgery. She was making her first Denver court appearance Thursday.
It wasnt known if she had an attorney.
Asked by KUSA about the charges, Moss replied, I have forged signatures, yes, according to the station.
Keysers campaign says it didnt know about any forgeries until they were reported in the news media.
The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board revoked the certification of a former Albuquerque police officer convicted of careless driving in a crash that claimed the life of a young Albuquerque woman.
The Thursday ruling means Adam Casaus wont be able to work as a police officer anywhere in New Mexico, said James Hallinan, a spokesman for Attorney General Hector Balderas, who is chairman of the board. Casaus was fired from APD after the crash.
Casaus was accused of running a red light at Paseo and Eagle Ranch Road in his department SUV and crashing into a car driven by Lindsay Browder, who was driving her 21-year-old sister Ashley Browder, a member of the Air National Guard. Ashley Browder was killed and Lindsay was seriously injured in the February 2013 crash.
Casaus had finished his shift and said during his trial that he had his lights on but no siren and was chasing a suspected drunken driver, though no additional evidence was presented that there was such a suspect.
Casaus was charged with reckless driving causing great bodily harm, but a jury in September 2014 convicted him of careless driving and he was sentenced to 90 days in jail.
Casaus attorney couldnt immediately be reached for comment Thursday.
Casaus was one of several current and former Albuquerque police officers who went before the Law Enforcement Academy Board that met Thursday in Farmington.
The board dismissed a case against former officer Steve Hindi and didnt take action against Albuquerque police Maj. Jessica Tyler and Marshall Katz, the chief of Albuquerque Aviation police.
Hindi was fired from APD after an investigation found that he had used a confidential law enforcement database to look up the personal information of a civilian police investigator.
The ruling means Hindi wont have his certification revoked or suspended, allowing him to work for another department.
The board also delayed decisions on cases against Tyler and Katz.
Tylers case was submitted to the Law Enforcement Academy Board by the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office, which alleged that she helped organize a reserve deputy academy for primarily Sandoval County Sheriffs Office reserve deputies but used mostly Bernalillo County funds.
Tyler resigned from the sheriffs office as the matter was being investigated and started working for APD.
Katz became the target of an internal affairs investigation after drugs disappeared from the airport during a Homeland Security investigation.
The board asked the director of the Law Enforcement Academy Board to review their cases before making a decision.
That board has the power to suspend or revoke police officers certifications after reviewing cases against the officers that were submitted to the board by law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
WASHINGTON President Obama and his family will visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southeastern New Mexico next Friday as part of a Fathers Day weekend getaway that will also include a two-day stop in Yosemite National Park in California.
The trip, designed to celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Park Service, on Aug. 25, was announced by the White House on Thursday afternoon. The trip will mark Obamas fourth visit to New Mexico as president.
The three-day excursion, with Obama spending Saturday and Sunday in California, aims to bolster Obamas legacy as a conservationist. The White House said Obama has designated 265 million acres of protected public lands and waters across the United States during his two terms more than any other president in history.
Obama designated the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico in 2013 and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in southern New Mexico in 2014.
President Obama has taken unprecedented action to invest in Americas natural resources, to protect our public lands and to help ensure that all Americans no matter their background have the opportunity to experience our nations unparalleled national parks, monuments, forests and other public lands, a White House official told the Journal in an email Thursday.
Carlsbad Caverns was established as a national monument by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923. Now a national park, the area contains more than 119 caves featuring spectacular rock formations. According to the National Park Service, Carlsbad Caverns draws more than 400,000 visitors annually.
Valerie Gohlke, public affairs specialist at the park, said the logistics of the presidents trip including whether the park will be closed to the public Friday havent been worked out yet. The White House said more details will be available in the coming days.
We are very excited and very honored they are coming here, Gohlke said.
LAS CRUCES Gov. Susana Martinez announced funding for economic development projects in southern New Mexico on Thursday, including a beer bottling operation in Las Cruces and a cold storage facility and water well in fast-growing Santa Teresa.
The state will contribute about $1.8 million in Local Economic Development Act funding for a water well that will serve expanding industrial and logistics parks at the Santa Teresa border hub and residential developments in Sunland Park.
We have to keep investing in infrastructure so businesses here can grow and thrive, she said during a press conference.
Jerry Pacheco, president of the Santa Teresa-based Border Industrial Association, said the region has ample water but needs new infrastructure to tap the resource and accommodate growth.
You have to keep that infrastructure ahead of development, he said.
Also in Santa Teresa, Las Cruces-based Valley Cold Storage & Transportation announced it will expand its operations by building a 105,000-square-foot cold storage facility at Westpark Logistics Center, the areas newest industrial park. The $13.7 million project is getting $140,000 in LEDA funding and will create at least 14 jobs.
Valley Cold Storage Chief Executive Jennifer Bush said she expects the company to break ground in Santa Teresa in about three months.
The cold storage site will be the third warehouse and distribution center to go up in Westpark, following the framing company, MCS, and a FedEx Ground facility, which is under construction.
Pecan Brewery & Spirits, which owns a restaurant and brewery in Las Cruces is slated to receive $200,000 in LEDA funding to renovate a building that will become a canning and bottling center for pecan beer that will create 40 jobs.
PHOENIX An ex-convict accused of shooting at vehicles on a highway near the Phoenix suburb of Fountain Hills last month has pleaded not guilty.
Maricopa County Superior Court officials say 36-year-old James David Walker was arraigned Thursday.
Hes accused of injuring at least two people May 24 before police captured him near a stolen car that crashed into a ditch.
Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say seven vehicles were hit in the shooting spree including a state troopers patrol vehicle.
Walker was booked into jail on suspicion of 40 counts, including 11 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The San Tan Valley resident previously was convicted of second-degree murder after a 1995 shooting when he was 16 years old.
Records show Walker was released from prison in 2014.
Just days after announcing it was ramping up hiring in its customer service ranks, Molina Healthcare of New Mexico said it is shedding some other positions.
As part of our ongoing efforts to meet business requirements, Molina Healthcare of New Mexico recently readjusted its staffing, said Patty Kehoe, plan president for the for-profit insurer in a statement on Thursday. This included changes that impacted approximately 45 employees.
We are working with these employees through this transitional period, including assisting them with finding other positions within the company.
The readjustment wasnt all from one department, but most were entry-level administrative support staff, she added.
California-based Molina Healthcare Inc. which has been growing in New Mexico in the Medicare, Medicaid and Affordable Care Act markets more than doubled the size of its business footprint last year when it leased nearly 140,000 square feet of office space downtown.
The company on Tuesday said it was staffing up by 160 employees to its call center this summer to keep pace with growth.
Our contact center is expanding to become one of our four regional sites for our marketplace line of business, said Kehoe.
She said hiring began in May with approximately 40 jobs added. The next wave of hiring will take place between this month and October for positions ranging from associate representative to manager.
The current workforce now stands at 1,066 employees, said Kehoe.
Molina provides managed health-care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplace.
It has more than 3 million members in 11 states and in Puerto Rico.
Homicide detectives are investigating after a 47-year-old man was found dead inside a house on the 1700 block of Luthy NE, according to a spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department.
Officer Tanner Tixier said the mans family members hadnt seen him in a couple days and when they entered the house they found him unresponsive.
When officers arrived they found the individual deceased, Tixier said. He was beyond all medical help and rescue was unable to do anything for him.
Tixier said personnel with the Office of the Medical Investigator noticed a couple inconsistencies and are calling it a suspicious death.
It was possibly a medical episode, he said. They have to go through the entire autopsy and forensic part of this. It wasnt clear cut enough for them to rule it a natural death.
Tixier didnt know what inconsistencies OMI found but said there was no signs of forced entry or weapons in the immediate area.
He didnt release the mans name.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
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Smoke & Mirrors have brought on board Donna Head for their team in Poland Street, Soho as an Executive Producer. She will take charge from July 2, 2016. The move marks her departure from Amsterdam, where she helped launch a new base for Finger Music.
As a full-service post production company, Smoke & Mirrors offers everything from shoot supervision, to grading, audio and print post.
Head started her career in TV production at AMV/BBDO and went on to head up Business Affairs at Euro RSCG, WCRS and Mother London, before moving into Audio Post Production in 2006. After serving as Managing Director of Scramble Soho for seven-and-a-half years, head joins Smoke & Mirrors with a wealth of experience in post production, audio post and client liaison.
Commenting on Heads appointment, Global Managing Director of Smoke & Mirrors, Gary Szabo, said, We feel Donna embodies the personality of Smoke & Mirrors. If we wanted to let people know what type of company we are, then were the type of company that hires Donna. We are so excited that she saw us as the right choice for her. We cant wait for her to join us in Soho and help Smoke & Mirrors continue its upward trajectory in the world of content and VFX work for creative agencies and production companies.
Discussing how she came to find her new position, Head commented, Smoke & Mirrors actually first contacted me when I left Scramble back in 2015. However, I was given a great opportunity by Finger Music in Amsterdam and I was drawn to the Netherlands. When Gary heard I wanted to move back to London, he gave me a call and it all started from there. They are an incredibly talented bunch and I cant wait to be a part of that.
On her new role, she added, The great thing is, Smoke & Mirrors have sounds studios, so my knowledge there will be put to good use. Im excited about bringing my experience of the industry to the role and hope I can make a bit of a difference amongst a really great bunch of people.
Mankind Pharma, a leading pharmaceutical company in India, has announced the debut of Acnestar, an anti-acne range of gel and soap suitable for mild to moderate skin types.
Actor Shruti Hassan has been roped in to endorse Acnestar.
Although, teens suffer the most, acne can develop at any age and needs to be treated with proper medication. Unlike other face gels, Acnestar is easily absorbed by the skin, thereby keeping it moisturised, soft and supple.
Its unique three-way action works efficiently and effectively, leaving clear and acne free skin. First step is to wash face with Acnestar soap which contains benzoyl peroxide that attacks bacteria on skin. Upon rinsing the foam, it gradually liberates oxygen in the presence of water, which helps in reducing acne. It also removes dirt and excess oil from the skin. Further, the application of Acnestar Gel helps in treating existing acne and leaves nothing but a clear skin. Acnestar gel contains Clindamycin, which acts as an anti-bacterial & Nicotinamide which prevents swelling and redness caused due to pimples and acne.
Acnestar is available in the market, priced at Acnestar gel 15 gm pack for Rs 70 and 75 gm Acnestar soap for Rs 59.89.
Hanscom going green with electric vehicles
In efforts to save energy, the 66th Logistics Readiness Squadron recently unveiled Hanscom Air Force Base's first plug-in electric hybrid vehicle and charging station.
The vehicle complies with President Barack Obama's federal government directive to become more energy efficient with the Defense Department's vehicle fleet.
"The 66th Logistics Readiness Squadron is committed to complying with this directive by greening the vehicle fleet at Hanscom Air Force Base," said Scott A. Morey, the 66th LRS Vehicle Management Flight chief. "As traditional gas-only vehicles exceed their life cycle, we will replace them with hybrid vehicles across the installation."
With the addition of the base's newest plug-in electric hybrid, seven of the 11 sedans are now hybrid vehicles.
A hybrid vehicle utilizes more than one form of onboard energy to operate. The vehicle has a traditional internal-combustion engine and a fuel tank like traditional gasoline vehicles. It also has an electric motor and battery pack that utilizes electric bits to collect and reuse energy that normally goes to waste in standard cars.
The plug-in electric vehicle is built similarly, but allows the operator to switch the car's operation between electric and/or gasoline only.
To accommodate the plug-in vehicle, an electric charging station was installed earlier this year on base to support General Services Administration vehicles. This will provide the base with the capability to add additional electric vehicles as part of the government fleet in the future.
"The charging station recharges battery-powered cars or pluggable hybrids such as the Ford Fusion Energi and other plug-in GSA vehicles," said Thomas Schluckebier, the 66th Civil Engineering Division director. "Funding for the station came through a 2015 Massachusetts energy gift in support of the commonwealth's effort to reduce vehicle-related fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions."
Last year, Obama issued an executive order for the federal government to cut greenhouse gas emissions by almost 42 percent through 2025. It is estimated that these carbon reductions will save taxpayers up to $18 billion.
"This newest vehicle to Hanscom's fleet demonstrates to the taxpayer that we are handling their money responsibly, but also that we are dedicated to greening the vehicle fleet," Morey said.
The Patriot Honor Guard, which has four vehicles assigned, three of which are hybrids, was assigned Hanscom's first plug-in electric based on their mission to perform funeral details throughout the region.
"The honor guard teams travel a lot throughout the year performing military funeral honors for our veterans throughout New England," said Master Sgt. Kevin Connors, the Patriot Honor Guard superintendent. "Through this electric hybrid, and the other hybrid vehicles we were already assigned, we are able to achieve greater fuel efficiency and do our part in reducing the amount of gashouse gas emissions."
Other ways the base is demonstrating a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is through the Hanscom Commuter Management Office and the van pool program, according to Scott Sheehan, a 66th CED environmental engineer.
"Based on the number of commuting miles that have been eliminated by the more than 300 employees participating in the program at Hanscom, we estimate that greenhouse gas emissions have been cut by 4.6 million pounds per year," Sheehan said.
Support personnel, F-16s enhance partnership with Poland
About 350 personnel are supporting 20 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, as part of bilateral flying training with the Polish Air Force.
The Aviation Detachment 16-3 training is aimed to improve familiarization of operational and logistical processes, to maintain joint readiness, and build interoperability capabilities.
Lt. Col. Jason Repak, the commander of Detachment 1, 52nd Operations Group, said, Aviation Detachment 16-3 is a great opportunity for our (deployed) aircrews to hone their operational skills from a forward operating location.
He explained the importance of the units forward presence and highlighted how hosting rotational training strengthens the U.S. and Polish alliance.
"The AvDet purpose is to maintain a small footprint in a key region at minimal cost with strategic impacts," he said. "Our enduring presence allows the U.S. to build upon a strong relationship with our Polish allies. The AvDet strengthens this relationship by fostering an environment for unique bilateral training opportunities while bolstering regional security as the sole long-term (U.S. Air Force) unit presence in Eastern Europe."
The aviation detachment is a 10-person unit from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, stationed in Poland to support quarterly rotations of flying missions. This recurring training is conducted in coordination with the government of Poland to bolster interoperability between nations.
The current enduring presence at Lask AB and the detachments presence in Poland make it possible to host multiple allied air force elements and serve as a regional hub for air training and multinational exercises.
"Every rotation brings its own unique set of opportunities to explore new ways to train together and to increase our respective capabilities," Repak explained. "This particular rotation involves a fairly complex allocation of forces to four strategically important exercises."
While in Poland as part of quarterly training for AvDet 16-3, the participating units will also support the concurrent exercises Baltic Operations 2016, Saber Strike 2016, Swift Response 2016 and Anakonda 2016.
"Living and working with the Polish every day reinforces bilateral ties while strengthening relationships and interoperability between U.S., Poland and NATO," Repak said. "Periodic rotational forces are a means to bolster this relationship by creating opportunities to train together and share best practices between U.S. and Polish operators, maintenance and support personnel."
Air Force officials announced Nicole R. Bridge of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as the 2016 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award winner.Bridge, the spouse of Tech. Sgt. Matthew J. Bridge assigned to the 86th Security Forces Squadron, oversaw and managed the Ramstein Enlisted Spouses' Association as its president. She devoted 1,200 volunteer hours, organized 125 events and generated $250,000 for distribution into the local community.The award, sponsored by the Air Force Association, recognizes the significant contributions made by non-military spouses of Air Force military members.The AFA will present the award to Bridge in September at the 2016 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C.For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to the myPers website . Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website
955th AES activates under 455th AEW
On June 1, 2016 the 966th Air Expeditionary Squadron was deactivated and redesignated as the 955th AES. Under the redesignation the 955th AES will now fall under the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group.
Previously the 966th AES fell under the 466th Air Expeditionary Group located at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. During that time the 966th was responsible for all the joint expeditionary tasked (JET) and individual augmentee (IA) assignments throughout Afghanistan.
The 955th AES will still continue that mission, however instead of being a tenant unit of the 455th AEW they will directly fall under the purview of the 455th. The squadron is also in charge of the deployed Air Force civilians that are a part of the civilian expeditionary workforce.
In many cases this is a transparent change. There are procedures and integration pieces that are being worked out, said Lt. Col. Monique Farness, 955th AES commander.
The squadron encompasses approximately 350 Airmen spread across approximately 16 different locations throughout Afghanistan and other parts of the globe. These JET/IA Airmen are supporting various missions in support of NATO, Operation Resolute Support and United States Central Command.
The 955th provides many of the administrative functions to support the JET/IA assignments to ensure Airmen and civilians are properly training and ready to serve in the deployed joint environment. Currently the squadron has oversight for Airmen in approximately 70 different career fields.
We exist to take care of those Airmen, said Farness. We also ensure they are linked in to any resources they need and if an Airman has an issue they can reach back to us and we can help work it.
As the mission in Afghanistan has primarily changed to support the various train, advise, and assist commands so have the requirements for JET/IA assignments. These changes require the 955th AES to remain flexible and ready to support new or evolving requirements.
Operations in Afghanistan are very fluid, said Farness. Trying to find that continual balance of what the Airmen are doing and making sure we are sending the right Airmen for the mission continues to evolve.
Along with those continual operational changes there are also various challenges that the squadron must face and overcome in order to continue executing the mission.
We want to make sure we have the right person, with right training and skillsets and with a situation that continues to evolve so rapidly, it can be challenging, stated Farness.
Reservist helps improve F-35 tire process
For years, the wheel shop here has disassembled, inspected, repaired, built, and delivered reliable tires and wheels for F-16 Fighting Falcons. That reliability and 24-hour turnaround service will remain intact as the base's operational mission transitions to the F-35A Lightning II.
The F-35 tire change process has become more efficient thanks to an innovation devised by the shop's Airmen, which includes three active-duty personnel from the 388th Fighter Wing and a reservist in the 419th Fighter Wing.
"We have been building tires for the F-16 for decades, which means that the tools and processes used to accomplish this task are proven," said Tech. Sgt. Astolfo Mercado Cruz, the shop's NCO in charge. "For the F-35, things are getting started, so we have to use our hands-on knowledge and experience to ensure the process is streamlined and efficient."
In conjunction with the first F-35s arriving to Hill AFB last year, the wheel shop received a new tire changing machine -- a hydraulic tool used to separate tires from rims -- for exclusive use with the F-35. Although the new tool is adequate, the shop's Airmen immediately recognized inefficiencies.
Four workers are required to lift an F-35 wheel onto the new machine, while only one worker is needed to roll a wheel into the shop's legacy tire changing machine and another to operate the tool. Additionally, the new machine employs a hand-operated pump as opposed to the automatic pump used on the legacy machine.
Drawing on years of experience changing F-16 tires, the shop's Airmen felt they could make the process of changing F-35 tires better if the legacy tire changing machine could be used. After studying the legacy machine, it was determined the tool would work with F-35 wheels if its bead breaker -- a compressing component which actually pushes on the tire, separating it from its rim via hydraulic pressure -- could be adapted for use.
After coming up with a solution, they provided their design modification proposal to the 388th MXS's metals technology shop. There, Airmen fabricated a ring-shaped compressing component and the braces necessary for adapting it to the legacy tire changing machine.
"Using the legacy machine means that we can load the F-35 tires by rolling them on instead of lifting them on as we have to do on the newer, manual machine," Mercado Cruz said. "This saves a lot of time because only two personnel are involved, not four. By using the automated process, it takes half the time, which allows us to provide assets to the warfighter a lot quicker."
Aircraft engineers recently verified the modified bead breaker for use on the legacy tire changing machine and joint technical data is being updated so that the setup can be used on all F-35 variants, benefiting not only Hills F-35s but those throughout the Defense Department as well as international partners.
This success will continue, according to Mercado Cruz, who noted that other tool modifications are in the works.
"The innovations keep on coming," he said. "As more F-35s arrive, we'll continue looking for ways to do things better."
Vietnam veterans honored decades after sacrifice
The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Ceremony that took place in a hangar at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas in April helped me understand the impact of that war on service members and their families.
This war era spanned two decades, from 1955 to 1975, with the most intense U.S. military involvement in combat starting in the mid-1960s.
After serving in combat, seeing comrades injured, killed, or declared missing in action military members returned home. They were not greeted with parades or celebrations, but rather protests and maltreatment.
But on this night, more than four decades later, Welcome Home banners made by children decorated the walls of the hangar, which had been turned into a Vietnam War History Center. There were a myriad of photos, maps, uniforms, weaponry, and even a helicopter on display.
It was to this welcoming environment veterans, former South Vietnamese military personnel, families, friends, and community members arrived. I could feel the energy in the room rising with all the talking, eating, and reminiscing. As I watched them mingle, I truly had no idea the impact this night would have on me.
After people ate and took group photos, the ceremony began. Id been waiting for this part because I was a photographer for the ceremony, as I have been for other assignments. But this event would soon prove to be different.
At the beginning of the ceremony, base senior leadership, special guests and hometown heroes were honored. The colors were presented and the national anthem sung.
Then the narrator brought our attention to a single table near the stage. The energetic mood in the room changed to one of quiet remembrance.
This round table, covered with a black cloth, and set for one holds significance for so many in our nation. On it was a solitary lit candle with a Purple Heart medal and blank dog tags. This table was set in honor of each military member who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
It was at this point the ceremony became more than just an event to me. The truth of what these service members and their families sacrificed during the war, and after, became very real. As I took photos, I thought about these veterans and their comrades they must be thinking of who didnt come home alive and how emotional it must be for them.
I was then struck by the thought of my own mortality and how my death would affect my family. While Vietnam was the war of my fathers generation, global terrorism is mine. War, no matter when or where it is fought, highlights our mortality.
My thoughts switched back to the ceremony as a second table became the focus.
This one was set for five. It represented Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard members who are or were missing in action from all wars. The gravity of the sacrifice of so many is absolutely overwhelming. I cant even begin to think of all the birthdays, holidays, and special moments missed by those who never came home.
On April 30, 1975 the fall of Saigon to North Vietnam effectively marked the end of the Vietnam War, but for some, it marked the beginning of decades of waiting for the return of loves ones.
Remains of service members are still being found and returned to families. But for some the wait continues.
After these somber moments, Capt. Mike Steffen, NAS Fort Worth JRBs commanding officer, spoke to those in attendance.
I want to thank the U. S. Government for instituting a national effort to do what should have been done 50 years ago: thank and honor our Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrificeand properly welcome them home, he said.
Steffen concluded his speech by presenting a memento to all Vietnam veterans by senior officers from multiple commands on base. They were given a lapel pin that features an eagles head representing courage, honor, and dedication to service; stripes representing our flag; and six stars in honor of our allies who served alongside the United States and an inscription thanking Vietnam veterans for their service.
As I photographed them walking across the stage to receive their pins, I made eye contact with a few. What I saw there was pride, in spite of all they went through, they still served their country and nothing can take that away.
Then a man, who came to America in 1981 as a 14-year-old refugee boy from Vietnam, addressed the crowd.
I want to let you know sincerely, from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the Vietnamese-American communitywe owe you a great debt of gratitude, he said. Without you, without your struggle and sacrifice many lives would not have been extended, including mine. You gave safety, which prolonged our lives. And even though you didnt give us life, you gave us liberty and the opportunity to pursue happiness.
That boy, who is now Tarrant County Precinct Two Commissioner, Andy Nguyen, also presented a Resolution of Recognition to Steffen in honor of all the work the command has dedicated to making sure Vietnam veterans are recognized and thanked.
It was such an honor to witness this moment when Vietnam veterans received appreciation for their sacrifice so many years after their service. I saw tears in eyes of some as Nguyens speech concluded. I know I had them in mine.
Near the end of the ceremony, it was time for four Vietnam veterans to share their experiences of war.
One of them, Mr. Dave Roever, who served in the Navy as a river boat gunner in Vietnam addressed Nguyen during his speech.
Today you thanked all of us, he said. We thank you for being a man of honor who would show respect to all these Vietnam vets. Their blood, their DNA, their sacrifice has seldom been acknowledged; tonight you did it in a beautiful way.
On this night, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, those who are still missing, and those who returned home to their families were remembered and honored by those who refuse to let their service be forgotten.
Thank you to those who served in the Vietnam War era and for sharing your stories with the next generation.
To the families who still wait, we wait with you.
Yellow Ribbon doubles down on security
Armed local law enforcement officers are teaming with Air Force Reserve security forces at Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events.
The Reserve added the extra level of security starting in December 2015, prompted in part by the fatal shootings five months earlier at a Chattanooga, Tennessee, military recruiting center.
It was most recently demonstrated at training events May 20-22 here and in the Dallas metro area.
Officers from a local police department or security company are now contracted for each event, in which pre- or post-deployment reservists and their loved ones receive information to help them deal with the stress of separation caused by military duty.
Knowing an armed, local police officer is present brings extra peace of mind, said
Lt. Col. Donice Wright, the Yellow Ribbon operations officer from Air Force Reserve headquarters at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
Since Yellow Ribbon began in 2008, security forces professionals from the closest reserve unit generally provided security at training weekends.
Tech. Sgt. Steven Smith, security forces coordinator for the Myrtle Beach event, said a security team rotates through the event with the exception of a childrens area, where there is a permanent presence. That isnt changing.
[They] are trained, experienced and vigilant so families attending the events can relax and focus on learning and getting the resources they need to handle an upcoming deployment or recuperate from a completed one, Wright said.
Myrtle Beach police officer Randy Miller said local law enforcement officers can summon help faster than visiting Air Force team members can.
If someone fell down and started having a seizure the security forces would have to call 911 and wait, whereas I can have an ambulance here in minutes, Miller said. In the same respect, if someone walks in here with a gun, the police station is very close. I can push a button and have guys here right away.
Many of the Citizen Airmen security forces members who cover Yellow Ribbon events are police officers as civilians. Thats the case for Master Sgt. Shawn Janowski, who is assigned to the 315th Security Forces Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, and a law enforcement officer for the Charleston Police Department. At the Myrtle Beach event, he was part of the Yellow Ribbon security forces response element.
When we deploy, we get briefings so we know what the threats are where were going. We know what were up against, said Janowski. Here in Myrtle Beach we dont really know the area, but Randy does. He knows the area and he knows the threats.
Sometimes the uniform is enough to deter threats, Miller said.
I think the presence of a uniformed officer keeps people a little safer, making you think twice about doing something bad, he said. At the very least it makes people feel safer.
Wright, the Yellow Ribbon operations officer, said as a parent she would want to know that her children, who are entrusted to care providers in another area of the conference center during these weekend training sessions, have someone skilled protecting them.
Having that presence helps everyone relax, Janoswki said.
As a military member youre always on guard and vigilant, especially when your familys around, he said. I think having us here helps the other members relax and do what theyre here to do.
Yellow Ribbon began in 2008 following a congressional mandate for the Department of Defense to assist reservists and National Guard members in maintaining resiliency as they transition between their military and civilian roles. Each year, Yellow Ribbon trains 7,000 Air Force reservists and their loved ones in education benefits, health care, retirement information and more.
Wright-Patterson research psychologist wins award for innovative training
A research psychologist from the 711th Human Performance Wing here was presented with the 2015 Harold Brown Award by Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James during a ceremony here June 6.
Dr. Lisa Tripp, who works in the Airman Systems Directorate's Continuous Learning Branch, received the award for her efforts in creating innovative and cost-saving training methods and platforms for the Air Force intelligence community.
"Being presented this award by the secretary of the Air Force and the United States Air Force chief scientist is the highlight of my career," Tripp said. "This award represents a momentous achievement not just for myself, but for my team -- a team dedicated to the mission of providing state-of-the-art research and development in the area of training for the Airman."
In her nomination package, Lt. Col. John Matuszak, her branch chief at the time, stated: "Tripp has been a leader and key player in enabling the U.S. Air Force to support innovative C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) training techniques through research, invention and innovation. Her expertise and leadership have been crucial in developing new training methods and technologies to support the Intelligence community with more effective training methodologies and capabilities."
The Harold Brown Award, the highest award given by the Air Force to a scientist or engineer, recognizes significant achievement in research and development that led to or demonstrated promise of a substantial improvement in operational effectiveness for the Air Force.
"Unlike the fighter community, which has been using simulators for decades for mission rehearsal and training, the only comparable training for the intelligence community was on the job," Tripp said. "That means, the first time an analyst was likely to support an Airman in contact situation or combat search and rescue was on the job."
Tripp went on to explain that after collecting data and interacting with operators in the intelligence arena, her team uncovered an area where they could improve training.
"We put together a team of program managers, training researchers, engineers, and domain subject matter experts to work together," she said. "The result is the Distributed Common Ground System weapons system trainer, a successful collaborative effort across major commands including Air Force Materiel Command and Air Combat Command to develop the first of its kind trainer for the Air Force intelligence community."
Matuszak also praised Tripp's contributions and discussed the specific impact she made to not just training, but the economic impact of her efforts as well.
"Through her expertise, intelligence analysts' knowledge and experience with a variety of mission scenarios will be drastically increased while decreasing the amount of time required altering mission sets and training scenarios," he said. "This is expected to save thousands of man-hours and dollars annually."
The award is named after a physicist who served as secretary of the Air Force from 1965 to 1969 and secretary of defense from 1977 to 1981.
The winner of the award receives a brass medallion embedded with a distinctive Lucite block, and a certificate signed by the Air Force secretary and chief of staff. Tripp's name will also be engraved on a plaque permanently displayed near the secretarys office in the Pentagon.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to work for a service so committed to ensuring their research and development focuses not only on the technology, but on the Airman," Tripp said.
The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is accepting graduate applications through July 31 for the Air Force Institute of Technology in-residence engineering Ph.D. program.The primary purpose of the program is to ensure the TPS curriculum and research programs reflect the state-of-the-art education in aeronautical science and to create a cadre of officers who combine current flight test experience with a high level of theoretical knowledge.The TPS Ph.D. program is open to all active-duty Air Force officers who meet the eligibility criteria; interested officers should also contact their Air Force Personnel Center core assignment team and obtain a release to compete prior to submitting an application.For eligibility and application instructions, search the keyword "graduate" on the myPers website For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to the myPers website . Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website
Maharashtra government has decided to celebrate the 21st day of every month as Yoga day across all schools, colleges and universities in the state.
State School and Higher Education minister Vinod Tawde had recently held a meeting with yoga institutions like Shri Shri Ravishankars Art of Living, Ramdev Babas Patanjali Yog Samiti, Samarth Vyayam Mandir Bharat Swabhiman Nyas and others to moot various ways to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21 on a grand scale at district levels.
In the meeting it has also been decided that 21st of every month will be celebrated as Yoga day across all schools, colleges and universities of Maharashtra, he said.
It is also decided that every district will have to set up a Yoga Day committee at their levels to plan Yoga Mahostav (Yoga Festival) every year in between January 12-21 and a separate committee at the state level will monitor and coordinate with these committees, the minister said.
Schools, colleges, technical and medical colleges in the state will help promote and disseminate yoga at district levels for these 10 days during the festival, Tawde said.
He also appealed to yoga institutions to help in the promotion and dissemination of Yoga therapy.
Swami Vivekanands birth anniversary, January 12, is celebrated as Yuvak Din (Youth Day) in the country. So during 10 days from January 12 to 21, all schools and colleges will have to organise Yoga Festival aiming to spread Yoga therapy in 40,000 villages across the state, Tawde said.
Somali al Shabaab militants said their fighters rammed a suicide car bomb into a base of Ethiopian troops serving with the African Unions AMISOM force, stormed inside and killed 43 soldiers on Thursday.
Residents near the base in the central town of Haglan said they heard a huge explosion and then heavy exchanges of gunfire shortly before dawn. Shots ran out at least an hour after the initial blast, they added.
There was no immediate comment from AMISOM, which is made up of troops from African nations supporting Somalias Western-backed government in its fight against the al Qaeda-linked militants.
AMISOM usually says it is up to troop-contributing countries to announce casualties. In the past, casualty figures cited by al Shabaab have been much higher than official numbers.
Our fighters stormed the Halgan base of AMISOM, al Shabaabs military operations spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters. He said the group used a suicide car bomb and then militants had exchanged fire with Ethiopian troops there.
He said several al Shabaab fighters died, but did not give a number.
It was a huge blast. It destroyed the gate and parts of the base, the spokesman said, adding al Shabaab fighters overran the base and drove out the Ethiopian troops before withdrawing.
Al Shabaab fighters also repelled a counter attack by Djibouti troops deployed from another base in the area, he said.
The group often launches gun and bomb attacks on officials, Somali security forces and AMISOM in a bid to topple the government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam on Somalia.
In January, Kenyan troops serving with AMISOM suffered heavy losses when al Shabaab made a dawn raid on their camp in El Adde, near the Kenyan border. Al Shabaab said it killed more than 100 soldiers but Kenya gave no exact casualty figure.
Unfortunately, BJP chose a wrong candidate as the chief minister of Maharashtra; he is being proven to be the most inefficient CM so far. He is much active on social media but on ground level his performance is utter flop. This is high time, seniors of BJP need to revamp the ministry. The party has committed another blunder by appointing Raosaheb Danve Patil as the President of Maharashtra unit of BJP. During the general elections that were held in May 2014, Raosaheb Danve-Patil won from the Jalna constituency for the fourth time. Immediately, he sworn in as a Minister of State Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in Narendra Modi led Union Government, till March 2015. Meanwhile, Maharashtra assembly elections were held in October 2014 under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis. Mahayuti stormed to power and Fadnavis became the first BJP Chief Minister of the state. However, as per the BJP culture, one person holds only one post at a time, and hence Fadnavis resigned as the President of Maharashtra BJP and the search for a new leader began. Raosaheb Danve Patil indicated to the party leadership that he was willing to resign as a minister of state and in January 2015, he was appointed as the President of Maharashtra BJP by Amit Shah, the national President of the party. Danve is only the second person in Maharashtra BJP to hold this office while also being a Member of Parliament. Earlier, late Suryabhan Vahadane-Patil had successfully carried the dual responsibility. State BJP has nothing much to perform or display anything on their own as the powers are centralized. But despite receiving opportunity, Danve has proven to be a lame player. He actually has disappointed many times especially when it comes to defending party leaders.
Danve arrogantly announced that the BJP registered one crore new members in his leadership under the give-missed-call-become-a-member scheme. He had promised that out of any worker who joins the party, at least 200 new members would be made special executive officers to work with the state government. Not a single worker has been awarded the post yet. A party presidents lies cannot be justified. Several times he gave wrong picture of his achievements, he has assigned private staff to do his social network promotion but that too there is nothing much to talk about his achievements as state president.
Danve was misled and was not updated about the Eknath Khadse issue, he kept on issuing wrong statements. He is the one who defended the stained Khadse, who stepped down as revenue minister on June 4 following the charge of conflict of interest in a land purchase case. In yet another controversy, it has emerged Danve has been staying at a government bungalow allotted to a minister. Anyway, this BJP state president does not know his party workers so far. He lives extravagant life and is always surrounded by some prominent faces, gave no access to common people or other party workers, reaching him is big task. Moreover, he is very egoistic and arrogant. He is with the BJP since its foundation in 1980, but still clueless about party and its workers. He lacks knowledge about many portfolios and constituencies. Meanwhile, when BJPs National party president asked its tainted minister Khadse to resign from the post, Danve broadcasted that the party was supporting Khadse and he may not resign. He was clueless about the report submitted by Fadnavis to high command, forgetting the fact that BJP already strained guns at Khadse. Danve went on issuing statement in media alone.
Danve takes many decisions seeking Congress leaders help. Recently, Amit Shah was in search of North Indian candidate for state BJP, someone proposed the name of RN Singh, owner of a Hindi daily. He consulted a tainted Congress leader, Kripashankar Singh, an accused in a disproportionate assets case, on whether RN Singh could indeed be the right candidate for the state BJP. Perhaps, Danve was ignorant about the fact that either the Singhs had common business interests, or he was powerless of taking a call. Both the possibilities clearly spell out that Danve does not deserve to continue as the state president of a ruling party.
Narendra Modi government completed two years in office, the state BJP unit had organised a celebration at the party headquarters at Nariman Point in Mumbai. Majority of the second rank leaders attended the function but Danve gave it a miss. He was busy in giving interviews to the news channels when the workers needed to take guidance from him on how to project the governments good work. Can a person who is unaware about his own governments achievements continue as a state president? Or fit to be at least a party worker?
(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused German lawmakers of Turkish origin in the German parliament of having tainted blood after they backed a resolution recognising massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide.
Eleven German MPs with Turkish roots, led by the co-chairman of The Greens Cem Ozdemir, backed the resolution which has caused acrimonious exchanges between Ankara and Berlin.
Do occasionally some people that have tainted blood turn up? Of course they do. But our nation gives them the lesson they deserve, Erdogan said in a speech late Wednesday.
He said that such people with tainted blood include terrorists and their supporters, in reference to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
And, sometimes they are members of parliament in Germany that accuse their own country of genocide, he said, according to the text of the speech on the presidential website.
Erdogan, who shortly afterwards left on a trip to the United States to attend the funeral of boxer and civil rights campaigner Muhammad Ali, emphasised that his comments were not to be understood in a biological or racial way.
In our culture, saying someone has `tainted blood` is a reference to their character. It means someone that wrongs his own people and insists on engaging in bad deeds, he added.
Erdogan`s comments went a step further than remarks at the weekend where he suggested the MPs should undergo blood tests to see what kind of Turks they are.
Germany`s foreign ministry on Tuesday asked in the Turkish charge d`affaires to say that recent statements about German MPs were met with incomprehension.
According to the Hurriyet daily, a group of Turkish lawyers calling itself the Struggle for Justice Association has filed a complaint with prosectors asking for the 11 MPs to be charged with insulting Turkishness and the Turkish state.
Armenians say some 1.5 million of their people were killed in a genocidal campaign in World War I by Ottoman forces ordered by Minister of War Enver Pasha and other top officials to wipe them from Anatolia.
But Turkey insists similar numbers of Muslims and Armenians were killed during wartime conflict and has always fiercely resisted pressure to ecognise that any genocide took place.
Khadse had earlier sent these files to the CM in a hurry by bypassing the Civil Services Board.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is reviewing all the decision taken by Eknath Khadse during his reign as revenue minister. Fadnavis has returned all the files pertaining to the transfer of 110 District Magistrates and Tahsildars and asked bureaucrats to re-examine them to find if there were any irregularities. Khadse had earlier sent these files to Fadnavis in a hurry by bypassing the Civil Services Board. As per rules, the files have to be cleared by the Civil Services board before forwarding it to the Chief Minister for approval. However, Khadse had violated the norms and directly sent the files to the Fadnavis for scrutiny. Fadnavis refused to sign these files and instead ordered for them to be sent back to the Civil Services board.
According to sources, The chief ministers office is busy compiling details on the 119 key decisions taken by BJP leader Eknath Khadse as the revenue minister. This follows the diktat from BJP president Amit Shah. Shah wants to understand the slew of decisions taken by Khadse in his capacity as the revenue minister.
Khadse had to step down over allegations of him receiving calls from underworld don Dawood Ibrahims residence. He is also facing allegations for the purchase of a three-acre Maharashtra Industrial Development Corp land in Pune at a low price of around Rs 3.75 crore from its original owner in the name of his wife and son-in-law. The market value of the land is reportedly Rs 40 crore.
The rivalry between Fadnavis and Khadse had started ever since BJP came into power and the former was elected as Chief Minister. Khadse being a senior member of the BJP too was a strong contender for the CMs post. However, Fadnavis bagged the top job due to his proximity to the RSS and senior BJP leaders. Khadse also had demanded that a leader from north Maharashtra should be considered for the CMs post but his views were not considered by senior leaders. Fadnavis who is younger to Khadse by 18 years superseded him to get the top post. Khadse also was unhappy with Fadnavis for overlooking his suggestions on transfers.
The relations between Khadse and Fadnavis had strained after the latter became CM. Since past one and half years fiery exchanges took place between both these leaders, added sources.
Khadses resignation has come at a time when BJP is preparing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election in 2017. On the other hand, Shiv Sena has been attacking BJP after Khadses ouster. Sena had also said that people like Khadse who had initially challenged them had to bite the dust.
Meanwhile Fadnavis said that a retired High Court judge will probe allegations against Khadse. Eknath Khadseji has demanded an inquiry into allegations against him. A retired High Court judge will be appointed to conduct the inquiry, Fadnavis tweeted.
In the last 20 months, the prominent decisions taken by Khadse include not to charge stamp duty while gifting of a property from husband to wife and vice versa and in blood relations.
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2016 - DOEs Wind Program will partner with the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) to support the long-term viability of the Wind for Schools program. DOE says that the partnership is part of a broader effort to not only support the growth of the program, but to also diversify sources of funding to allow more schools to be able to participate.
Wind for Schools currently supports a network of rural K-12 public schools and higher education institutions in 12 states. Each K-12 school hosts a wind turbine, with installation and curriculum supported by students and faculty working with a Wind Application Center at a partner university in their state.
Some 145 wind turbine systems are currently installed at the host schools. The K-12 host school incorporates their school's wind turbine into their classroom as a way to support interactive and interschool research tasks that inspire and demonstrate novel approaches to teach science while involving K-12 students in their communities.
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The Wind Application Centers provide technical assistance to the schools, such as wind resource and energy usage analysis, siting, permitting, land use, financials, overseeing the installation of the power and the data acquisition system and performance data analysis.
DWEA will work with the existing participants over the course of nine months to further the initiative's mission of bringing wind education to the classroom through experiential learning, as well as help to make connections with industry and help additional states, universities and schools to join.
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WASHINGTON, June 9, 2016 - The battle over U.S. energy policy is intensifying as Congress struggles to reconcile the two very different energy bills passed by the House and Senate.
At the heart of the battle is whether it makes sense to transition from fossil fuels to renewables like biofuels, wind, and solar energy. At issue is the choice between steering new investment into renewables as the Obama administration wants or, as GOP presidential contender Donald Trump champions, putting that investment instead into new oil and gas drilling, pipelines, and export terminals, and even into mining and burning more coal.
Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz insists that transitioning to renewables not only is urgently needed but also will deliver major economic and environmental benefits. Speaking at the seventh annual Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) meeting in San Francisco last week, Moniz announced new pledges for the multi-country Mission Innovation initiative that could double federal funding for clean energy research to combat climate change. He said this could drive down adoption costs to grow low-carbon economies and create entirely new markets for the solutions that will reduce heat trapping emissions.
The CEM attracted energy ministers and high-level delegates from 23 countries and the European Union.
Moniz noted that renewable energy has already become cost competitive in some areas, as shown by Lazards Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis, released last November, listing wind power as low as $32 per megawatt, solar at $43, natural gas at $52 and coal at $65. The Lazard report states that Certain alternative energy generation technologies are cost-competitive with conventional generation technologies under some scenarios.
Echoing the White Houses assertion that renewable energy has already established irreversible momentum, Moniz said in San Francisco that the shift to renewables is becoming inevitable. This is the direction were going.
Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr agreed on the new direction, saying, By doubling our investment in clean and emissions-reducing energy technology, we will help meet our climate-change objectives, increase the productivity and competitiveness of Canadian firms, and create clean jobs.
In sharp contrast to Moniz and Carr, experts at the Heritage Foundations Fueling Freedom energy forum this week warned that it would be disastrous to continue pursuing unreliable, expensive renewable energy sources inherently incapable of replacing the vast energy services fossil fuels provide.
But Moniz isnt alone in pledging to double government funding for renewable energy research and development. At the San Francisco meeting, 21 signatories including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Mexico and the European Union pledged to double their clean energy R&D over five years. These pledges add up to a global $30 billion per year by 2021, up from $15 billion today.
In a welcoming message to the countries and major investors participating in the Clean Energy meetings, President Obama said that with world high-temperature records being surpassed every month, We have to accelerate our transition to the clean energy economy of tomorrow and we need the worlds smartest scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs to help us do it.
Obama and other speakers at the Clean Energy and Mission Innovation meetings stressed that along with doubling public support for renewables, governments need private-sector support to address the climate challenge. So the Mission Innovation initiative includes partnering with the Breakthrough Energy Coalition. The coalition of leading companies and investors is committed to providing truly patient flexible risk capital in order to accelerate the change to the advanced energy future our planet needs. The coalitions leaders from the U.S., China, India, Saudi Arabia, Britain, France, Germany, South Africa, Nigeria, and Japan include Amazons Jeff Bezos, the Virgin Groups Richard Branson venture capitalist John Doerr, Bill Gates, Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla, Chinese business magnate Jack Ma, George Soros, and hedge fund manager Tom Steyer.
The investors stress that the first step is the additional $15 billion per year in public-sector funding for clean energy research provided by the Mission Innovation pledges. They say the necessary next step is their commitment as private-sector investors to support the innovative ideas that come out of the public research pipeline.
Another part of the latest clean energy initiatives is a series of webinars focused on renewable energy advances around the world. You can learn about and register for the webinars at the Clean Energy Solutions Center.
More information about U.S. government programs supporting clean energy is in the just-published 122-page Federal Financing Programs for Clean Energy. This resource guide covers programs from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, State, Transportation and Treasury, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Small Business Administration.
But the concerted Obama administration effort to paint the transition to renewable energy as inevitable and irreversible is not going unchallenged.
At Mondays Heritage Foundation energy forum, co-authors Kathleen Hartnett White and Stephen Moore discussed their new book, Fueling Freedom: Exposing the Mad War on Energy. White, director of the Armstrong Center for Energy and the Environment at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a former chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, said that We are a fossil-fueled civilization and dismissed concerns about so-called global warming. Insisting that Carbon dioxide is not a pollutant, it is a gas of life, White said the major threat today is not global warming but the Obama administrations efforts to shut down not only the coal industry but the oil and gas industry as well.
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Moore, a Heritage Foundation visiting fellow and former Wall Street Journal economics writer, said This country was built on coal . . . We should be using it. Calling for shutting down the Department of Energy, he said that by increasing coal, oil and natural gas production, the U.S., Canada and Mexico could be energy independent within five years.
White charged that the American public and policymakers are abysmally unaware of the importance of fossil fuels and the impossibility of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. Moore concluded that to be against fracking is like being against a cure for cancer. While both see hydraulic fracturing as a great economic opportunity, neither mentioned the fact that it was the Department of Energys research programs which first developed fracking.
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WASHINGTON, June 9, 2016 - The North American Energy Collaboration, comprising Canada, Mexico and the U.S., is making progress, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says. At last weeks Clean Energy Ministerial and inaugural Mission Innovation Ministerial in San Francisco, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz Energy, Canadian Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr, and Mexican Energy Secretary Pedro Joaquin Coldwell reviewed the cooperative efforts currently underway to foster sustainable energy development, address climate change and encourage economic growth.
Trilateral energy cooperation between the United States, Canada and Mexico is crucial to advancing our energy security and growing low-carbon economies, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said about the collaboration.
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The three countries recognized the progress theyve made to date in advancing clean energy and climate objectives, including:
Accelerating investments in clean energy research and development by announcing plans to double investments over the next five years as part of the Mission Innovation initiative.
Advancing North American economic competitiveness by recruiting companies to implement the ISO 50001 standard to improve energy efficiency in industry.
ISO 50001 standard Launching the North American Renewable Integration Study to better understand the planning and operational impacts of integrating growing renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro and wind, into electricity grids.
Further advancing clean energy, energy innovation and the shift towards a low-carbon economy by continuing support for the CEM Clean Energy Solutions Center , which helps governments design and adopt policies and programs that support the deployment of clean energy technologies.
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Assyrians Are the Forgotten Players in Mideast Carnage
Displaced Assyrians, who had fled their hometowns due to Islamic State Group (ISIL) attacks, take part in a prayer at the Ibrahim-al Khalil Melkite Greek Catholic church in Damascus on March 1, 2015. ( LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES) They are the original people of Mesopotamia's cradle of civilization, the indigenous people of ancient Sumer and Babylon, and they've been around for at least 5,000 years. From their heartland on the Nineveh Plains and the Upper Tigris in what is now the transboundary region of Syria, Turkey, Iran and Iraq, their empires waxed and waned down through the centuries from the Caucasus Mountains to Cyprus and Egypt and deep into the Arabian Peninsula. The Assyrians were among the world's first peoples to adopt Christianity, and they still speak varieties of Aramaic, the language of Christ and his apostles. They survived a series of genocidal anti-Christian frenzies during the Ottoman Empire's final convulsions a century ago, and again in the 1930s. They survived the persecutions and ethnic cleansings waged against them by Iraq's Saddam Hussein and by the Iranian Khomeinists. But their survival now, as a distinct people, looks bleak. There were perhaps 1.5 million Assyrians holding out in the region at the close of the 20th century. Two years ago, Minority Rights Group International reckoned their numbers in Iraq had dwindled to maybe 350,000 people. There are slightly fewer -- estimates are wildly conflicting -- in Syria. With Syria's ongoing destruction, mainly at the hands of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies, and with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) carrying out its bloody jihad in Iraq from Mosul to Fallujah and the outskirts of Baghdad, the Assyrians are again wandering the roads of the Middle East. They're huddled in makeshift displaced-persons camps or fleeing as United Nations' refugees to the four corners of the Earth. But they are not without hope. The cause of an Assyrian homeland has gained a great deal of traction lately: not an independent country, but a separate province, in a federated and decentralized Iraq. "An autonomous region. A safe haven. That's what the people want. A homeland. We want to be able to protect ourselves," Juliana Taimoorazy, the founding president of the Chicago-based Iraqi Christian Relief Council, told me the other day. The idea is not as implausible as it sounds. The Assyrian predicament has been overshadowed by the suffering of the Yazidis, a similarly ancient non-Muslim minority in the region. Targeted for genocide and enslavement by ISIL in the autumn months of 2014, hundreds of thousands of Yazidis were forced to flee an ISIL advance in the Yazidis' Shingal Range homeland in Iraqi Kurdistan. The encirclement of hundreds of unarmed Yazidis on Mount Sinjar captured the world's attention and finally shamed the NATO countries into mounting an air-power campaign to curb ISIL's depredations -- a coalition effort that first involved a half-dozen Canadian CF-18s and now includes the Canadian Special Operations Regiment in a "train, advise and assist" mission, mostly with the Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga. The western support won by the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq, and by the KRG's tentative allies among the Kurdish YPG guerrillas of Rojava in Northern Syria, has been a mixed blessing for the Assyrians. The secularist KRG goes out of its way to insist that it embraces the Assyrian minority, but Assyrians are wary and mistrustful. Iraqi Kurds have turned on them before, and as recently as 2011 anti-Assyrian riots broke out in the predominantly Kurdish city of Duhok, incited by a Kurdish political party affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. "At any moment, some mullah can declare a fatwa against us," Taimooorazy said. With Syria and Iraq having degenerated into hellholes of jihadism, mass murder and unceasing sectarian war, the Assyrians' allegiances of convenience have sometimes left outsiders perplexed about whose "side" the they're on. The Assyrians sided with the Kurds against Saddam Hussein from the 1980s to the 2003 Anglo-American invasion. "We hoped the Americans would help us regain our land, the way the Zionists did," Taimoorazy said, "but that didn't happen." As a result, a lot of Assyrians cooled to the Americans. At the same time, while Israel is seen as a pariah in much of the Arab world, many Assyrians see Israel as a "model," Taimoorazy said. In Syria, meanwhile, Assyrian church leaders and their flocks tended to oppose the uprising against Bashar Assad for fear of what might follow and doubts about the NATO countries' willingness to intervene to protect them against jihadists. But other Assyrians have formed militias in alliance with Kurdish and Arab guerrillas to fight both ISIL and Assad's regular troops. Still, the crux of the Assyrian dilemma in the region's turmoils is fairly straightforward, Taimoorazy said. "We don't trust the Arabs, and we don't trust the Kurds." Taimoorazy insisted that Assyrians are not demanding an independent state of their own. "We don't want Iraq to fall apart. We want Iraq to stay together." An Assyrian province in a more decentralized Iraq would be an uphill battle because it would have to come at least partly at the expense of the KRG, in areas it now controls. But it would also offer a refuge to Yazidis and minority Turkomans and Shabaks. But then again, there are now powerful Sunni Arabs in Iraq who are also contemplating a constitutional breakout from Baghdad's control. Owing to the Shiite-dominated government giving every appearance of being hopelessly mired in brutal sectarianism and runaway corruption -- and not least because of the growing influence of Iran's Khomeinists in semi-official militias as vicious as ISIL, as well as in Iraq's official security apparatus -- a move is underway to establish a semi-autonomous Sunni region in Iraq. About one-third of Iraqis are Sunni. "But the Assyrians are not just a religious group," Taimoorazy said. "We are an ethnic minority, and we are losing our language and our culture. The world has to begin to see the Assyrian people not just as Christians, but as a distinct people. And we are being wiped out."
Assyrian Women Hope Mantle Sent to Pope Will Inspire Prayers for Peace
Iraqi Assyrian refugee women who fled Islamic State group violence in their homeland pose for a photo in Amman, Jordan, in early June. The Chaldean Catholic women sent the hand-sewn mantle to Pope Francis and asked him to pray for them and for peace in their country. ( Catholic Center for Studies and Media) Iraqi refugee women who fled Islamic State group violence in their homeland have appealed to Pope Francis for help, sending a hand-sewn mantle and imploring him to pray for them and for peace in their country. The ivory colored mantle with an oriental yellow-gold braid was designed and sewn by more than a dozen Chaldean Catholic women, who as refugees are unable to work in Jordan. The papal mantle and an accompanying letter were sent to the pontiff via diplomatic pouch from the apostolic nunciature in Amman, the Jordanian capital, in early June and was expected to arrive at the Vatican by mid-month. "One of the most precious items is the vestment of a priest, bishop or pope serving at the altar during the most sacred of times, the Mass," said Father Rifat Bader, director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Amman. "This has been made with hearts of love and with a special touch by refugees who suffered, forced to flee to maintain their Christian faith," Father Bader told Catholic News Service. "The design uses the Arabic checkered 'keffiyeh' of the region, but made with yellow threads, resembling gold, the color of the Vatican." "Oh, Holy Father, we appeal to you to mention us in your prayers and to mention our country, Iraq, so that the Lord would reinstate peace there and in all the countries that seek peace, protect people from the evil and injustices prevailing in the world, and lead the sinners -- who conduct evil deeds -- into the right path in life. May the Lord touch their hearts with love and mercy," said the refugees' letter accompanying the mantle. "From this basis, we would like to present to you this mantle in the hope that you would wear it when you celebrate Holy Mass and pray for us. It is a symbol of our love to you and a testimony of our appreciation for you," said the letter made available to CNS. The women wrote that they sewed the mantle from the "remains of altar cloths," explaining that they wanted to produce "something useful and beautiful to glorify the Lord from whatever is rejected and detested" by the militants. The mantle is one of the first products of the Rafidian or Mespotamian project begun on behalf of the refugees by an Italian priest, Father Mario Cornioli, Father Zaid Habbaba of the Chaldean Catholic Church and the Salesian Sisters with support of the nunciature in Amman. Italian women living in Amman also assisted. Father Cornioli, sent by the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem to work with Iraqi refugees in Jordan, said the women wanted to create a special gift for Pope Francis because of they understand he feels "very near" to them. They also want to remind him of their "difficult situation" after being forced to flee the Islamic State group in 2014 after being told renounce their Christian faith, join the militants, pay a protection tax or be killed, he said. The women learned to sew in Jordan, opening a new possibilities for them, Father Cornioli said. "They have once again found their smiles while being and working together," he said. The priest said that the project has grown with the women sewing items to be sold in Italy. "This helps them to earn some money and so they can help themselves and their families," Father Cornioli explained, citing examples of Iraqi Christian refugees with dwindling funds after quickly leaving their homes with few possessions. "Now they are in Jordan with a something that gives them dignity, a valuable skill which perhaps can be useful if they are resettled in another country," Father Cornioli said.
June 9, 2016
Like many of their compatriots, Arab-Americans are confronting their presidential election choices this year with considerable ambivalence.
Republicans have been repelled by presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trumps vow to temporarily ban all Muslim immigration and his racist remarks about other ethnic minorities.
Many Arab-American Democrats, meanwhile, gravitated toward the candidacy of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who made Palestinian rights and aversion to US military intervention in the Middle East pillars of his foreign policy. However, Sanders on June 7 lost his chance for the nomination to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
For Randa Fahmy Hudome, a lifelong Republican and former associate deputy secretary of energy under President George W. Bush, both Trump and Clinton pose problems.
Im reserving judgment to see how things develop, she told Al-Monitor in an interview.
Hudome, a former counselor to Arab-American Sen. Spencer Abraham, R-Mich., has worked on every campaign for Republicans since Ronald Reagan. She said she had supported New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for the nomination this year and would back a Trump-Christie ticket or a ticket of Trump and Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Hudome said she could also envision writing in a candidate.
Another Arab-American who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity said voters might choose Green Party candidate Jill Stein, Libertarian Gary Johnson or simply sit this election out.
The Arab-American community is not monolithic, Hudome said. There is not a huge rallying of Arab-American Republicans on the Trump train and Arab-American Democrats are split.
Clinton, she noted, had adopted different tones on key issues such as the Arab-Israeli dispute over her long career. She says one thing to AIPAC, Hudome said, referring to Clintons staunch support of Israel before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee this year, but as first lady did something totally different when she embraced the wife of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Clinton sought to ingratiate herself with Jewish voters when she ran for senator from New York in 2000 but read the riot act to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as secretary of state, Hudome said.
Who is the real Hillary Clinton? Hudome asked. Hudome, whose father is Egyptian, also criticized Clintons record on Egypt and Libya.
A column June 8 on a popular Arab-American website recalled that Clinton in 2000 returned $51,000 in Senate campaign donations from the two Muslim groups that were falsely smeared as advocating anti-Israel terrorism. The column went on to note that Clinton has reached out to Arab-Americans this year but also underlined her opposition to the boycott, sanctions and divestment movement, which seeks to pressure Israel to stop expanding settlements on the West Bank.
Arab-Americans point out that it is difficult to generalize about their community because of its diverse background. A majority is Christian, the descendants of those who fled the Levant a century ago and came to the United States before a window on immigration shut in 1924.
While most back the Palestinians, there are differing views over Syria, on which Clinton has had a more pro-intervention stance than Trump or Sanders.
Ed Gabriel, a Lebanese-American and former US ambassador to Morocco who is assisting Clinton in reaching out to Arab-Americans, acknowledged in an interview with Al-Monitor, There is a real split in the community between those who advocate intervention and non-intervention in Syria. I am a strong proponent of her position that we have to stand up to [Syrian President Bashar al-] Assad to force him to the negotiating table.
However, Gabriel said that Arab-Americans, like other Americans, would vote mostly on domestic issues, particularly their status in life and civil liberties. Clinton, he noted, has been a powerful voice against xenophobia, and he predicted that Sanders supporters would eventually coalesce around Clinton in order to defeat Trump.
Jim Zogby, co-founder and president of the Arab American Institute, was named by Sanders to the Democratic Partys platform committee and is pushing for language on the Arab-Israeli dispute that is more supportive of Palestinian rights. Asked by Al-Monitor when and whether Sanders would formally concede and campaign for Clinton, Zogby said he didnt know. Well see if he decides to hold out until his conditions are met, not just for the platform but for structural changes in how the party chooses its presidential nominees, Zogby said.
In general, Zogby, who is also a veteran pollster, said Arab-Americans are likely to vote Democratic, following a trend that has intensified since 2002. Comparing the communitys attitudes to those of Hispanics and Jewish Americans, Zogby said, Nothing happened during this primary season to make support for the Republicans expand.
For those concerned about the Palestinian issue, there has been concern that Clinton would be overly solicitous of Israeli views, in part because of hefty campaign donations from individuals such as Israeli-American billionaire Haim Saban. This is particularly the case among Arab-Americans who support Sanders.
Shibley Telhami, a Palestinian-American pollster and professor at the University of Maryland, told Al-Monitor, Obviously, Sanders captured the imagination of people looking for an even-handed approach to the Arab-Israeli dispute as well as globalists and cosmopolitans who want to convey empathy to different communities in the US and across the world.
Still, Telhami, who advised US Mideast envoy George Mitchell during his failed attempt to broker Arab-Israeli peace during President Barack Obamas first term, said Clinton would have a better chance at delivering an agreement. She obviously cares about Israel and is unlikely to be confrontational with Israel. But if you look at her record, she knows the issue better than anyone else, knows the players and is highly respected in the region.
An Iraqi-American who spoke on condition of anonymity because of concern that his remarks might prejudice his ability to influence the next president, said he was voting for Clinton despite disappointment with the Obama administrations record on Iraq, including when Clinton was secretary of state.
I dont think she ran Iraq policy in the State Department, he said. He said he was hoping for a slightly more realistic assessment of American interests in Iraq under a Clinton administration, one that goes beyond mere tactical concerns about groups such as the Islamic State.
As someone who never voted for a Democrat as president until 2012, he added that he thought many Arab-American Republicans were of the country club sort that no longer exists. Its like Reagan said when asked why he was no longer a Democrat. He said he didnt leave the party, the party left him.
For Hussein Ibish, a Lebanese-American columnist and senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, the choice this year is clear.
Im going to vote for the lady, Ibish told Al-Monitor. I find Trump to be threatening, malevolent and dangerous and a textbook case of narcissistic personality disorder. Clinton, he continued, is a standard run-of-the-mill establishment politician and compared to Trump, shes a godsend.
June 8, 2016
Washington The leaders of the two largest democracies of the world, US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were holding a working lunch in the White House Cabinet room. But as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton closed in on the Democratic nomination over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on June 7 and congressional Republicans distanced themselves from Donald Trumps charges that a judge overseeing a fraud investigation of Trump University is biased because of his Mexican heritage, most of the questions at the White House press briefing were about the campaign over who will succeed Obama in the Oval Office.
Is the president ready to endorse Secretary Clinton now that she seems to have enough delegates to secure the nomination? a reporter asked White House spokesman Josh Earnest.
At this point, there is at least one superdelegate the one who works in the Oval Office whos not prepared to make a public declaration about his endorsement at this point, Earnest answered. But stay tuned, and well keep you updated.
Does the president agree that time is ticking here, that there needs to be unity soon? another reporter asked, noting House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi had called for Democrats to unify behind the leading candidate that morning.
Well, look, I think the presidents view is that we are nearing the end of the nomination process and that Democrats all across the country had an opportunity to weigh in on the decision about who should represent the Democratic Party in the general election, Earnest answered. And as the process winds down, it will be important for the Democratic Party to come together in support of the partys nominee.
Does the president see himself as a unifier? the reporter asked.
When you take a look at some of the public opinion data about the presidents standing in the Democratic Party, he certainly would be well-positioned to play that role, Earnest replied.
Now that Hillary Clinton does have that magic number of delegates and shes being called the presumptive nominee, is that how the White House is viewing the situation now? another reporter asked Earnest.
By Al-Monitors count, there were roughly 25 questions in the press briefing related to the US presidential campaign and Democratic primary, 10 on India and two on Syria. A word search of the White House press briefing transcript for June 7 showed campaign mentioned 24 times, Clinton mentioned 12 times, Trump mentioned nine times, Sanders five times, primary nine times, India 59 times, and superdelegate 16 times. The economy got 14 mentions, nuclear 13, "Iran" 7, "Syria" 7, Stanford 2 and House Speaker Paul Ryan who had that morning called Trumps comments on the judge overseeing the Trump University fraud case the textbook definition of racist one. There was one question about when the 28 pages of the 9/11 commission findings might be declassified, and two questions about what Obama and Modi had for lunch. (The dessert looked like something related to strawberry shortcake, Earnest answered.)
So its safe to say that's the only thing the president is waiting for before he officially endorses Hillary Clinton is to let the votes be cast? another reporter asked.
I think thats the essence of the process, Earnest responded.
Is it possible then that he will make a statement on this in some form as early as tonight? another journalist asked. (Earnest did not think so.)
Does the president consider Donald Trump to be a racist? a reporter asked.
Well, I dont believe the president has used that specific word, Earnest said. There is a tendency on the part of some observers to assume that every time the president makes a comment affirming a core Democratic or even American value, that that is perceived somehow as a shot at the presumptive Republican nominee. And I think that says much more about the language that is used by the presumptive Republican nominee than it does about the values that are championed by the president of the United States.
When Obama does decide to campaign for his successor, he is likely to be persuasive even beyond Democratic voters over which candidate has the temperament, experience and discipline to do the job he has been doing the past seven years, Earnest said.
Regardless of who the Democratic nominee is, the president is an important validator, Earnest said. The president is somebody who has been doing this job for the last 7 years. And I think it will be relevant to the decision-making of many Americans not just Democrats, by the way, but some independents and some Republicans who will be interested to hear what the president thinks about which candidate has the judgment, the temperament, the maturity, the decision-making skills to advance US interests around the world.
When the American people see footage of the president, for example, as he did today, meeting with the prime minister of the worlds largest democracy, the American people want to make sure that our interests and our country are being well-represented, Earnest continued. It matters who is sitting in that chair across from the Indian prime minister. That has significant consequences for our economy, for our planet, for our national security, for our alliances in that region and around the world.
And I would anticipate that over the course of the general election, the president will be making the case about how important that leadership and that symbolism is, and why he believes that the Democratic nominee is best suited to fill that job, he said.
Late June 7, as results showed Clinton winning the Democratic primaries in four more states (New Jersey, New Mexico, California and South Dakota, while Sanders won the North Dakota and Montana contests), the White House issued a written statement saying Obama had called to congratulate her on clinching the Democratic nomination. Obama also called Sanders to congratulate him on his inspirational campaign and, at Sanders request, had agreed to meet with him at the White House on June 9, it said.
The president congratulated Secretary Clinton for securing the delegates necessary to clinch the Democratic nomination for president, the White House statement said, calling her becoming the first woman to be a major American party nominee historic.
The president looks forward to continuing the conversation with Sen. Sanders about how to build on the extraordinary work he has done to engage millions of Democratic voters, and to build on that enthusiasm in the weeks and months ahead, it said.
The Obama White House mission ahead is to unify the party behind Clinton to ensure a Democratic successor is elected to secure his legacy.
June 9, 2016
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in Tehran on June 9 to meet with Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan and Syrian Defense Minister Fahd Jassem al-Freij to discuss "regional developments and ways to strengthen and expand the fight against terrorism." According to Iranian media, "the strategic meeting" was called by Iran.
After the meeting, Dehghan discussed Iran's position on Syria and the region. On the cease-fires in Syria, which all sides have been accused of violating, Dehghan said, "We agree with cease-fires that do not result in the strengthening of terrorists in this country." Iranian officials refer to the armed opposition groups as terrorists and do not distinguish between the Islamic State, al-Qaeda and other Salafi-Jihadi groups. Dehghan accused the United States, Saudi Arabia and other regional countries of "justifying the support of terrorists under the cover of supporting moderate rebels." He said that this support "proves the falsehood of [the United States] being against terrorism," and that "claimants of human rights are closing their eyes to the most immoral acts and crimes of terrorists" in Yemen, Syria and Iraq.
Dehghan added that Iran would support a cease-fire that is a "complete cease-fire, providing disaster relief and humanitarian action while simultaneously preventing the arming and supporting of terrorist movements while at the same time taking decisive military action against terrorists." It is possible that Dehghan's third point about cease-fires decisive military action against terrorists is likely the reason for the meeting between the three ministers. In a televised speech to Syria's new parliament June 7, President Bashar al-Assad hinted at the purpose of the meeting when he said, "We will liberate every inch of Syria from the hands of the opposition."
Dehghan also requested of the Syrian groups currently in talks with the Syrian government to "collaborate to take steps to establish peace, calm and expel the terrorist threat." He also said that Iran has always supported Syrian-Syrian negotiations as a path to resolve the crisis in the country.
Dehghan thanked the Russian and Syrian defense ministers for meeting with him in Tehran to "exchange ideas, cooperation and adopting of strategic decisions to defeat the dangerous plot that has [sought] instability, disintegration and the distortion of the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of countries in the region."
Since Russia entered the Syrian civil war in September 2015 in order to back Syrian troops and Iranian forces, the tide of the war has changed. Armed Syrian opposition groups, backed by regional countries and Western countries, have mostly been in retreat. Iranian media has covered extensively successive Syrian army victories. Two June 9 articles from Tasnim News agency had the headlines "Advance of Syrian army on the suburbs of Damascus" and "The continued advancement of the Syrian army in Raqqa and the alarm of [IS]." Attacks on hospitals in opposition-held areas, such as ones that have happened recently in Aleppo, rarely make it into Iranian headlines.
Shoigu will also meet with Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
June 9, 2016
BABIL, Iraq As the body count continues to rise in Iraq's battle against the Islamic State (IS), it appears Iraqi authorities are finally interested in documenting the corpses being found in mass graves from previous wars.
Iraq has been hit by several successive wars: the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1991 and the US military invasion of Iraq in 2003. These wars resulted in hundreds of thousands of unidentified victims.
Nikolay Mladenov, who represented the United Nations in Iraq, had said in 2014, "The number of missing persons in Iraq ranges from 300,000 to 1 million buried in mass graves in different parts of the country." Those figures apply to all victims of the many wars fought by Iraqis, including the unidentified corpses of those who died during the civil war after 2003.
The recorded and unrecorded victims of sectarian wars and infighting who have been lost in the dust with no names are a bleak and bloody stain in the modern history of Iraq.
The discovery of mass graves containing unidentified corpses has become commonplace in Iraq, which has grown accustomed to militarism and war. An anonymous source in the Iraqi Interior Ministry told the media Feb. 6 that Iraqi soldiers "uncover on a daily basis a number of unidentified corpses of men and women who were shot or strangled during acts of violence around the country."
The army just found a mass grave in February near the tiny town of Sufiyah, east of Ramadi. The town's population in a 2006 census was 147. The grave contained 40 corpses, including children.
In April 2015, shepherds found a body that had been unearthed by rain water in Maysan province at the Iraq-Iran border, where fierce battles had taken place. A mass grave was subsequently discovered. Retired teacher Hussein al-Khafaji from Babil was shocked although such stories are common when he learned that one of the corpses was that of his brother Ali, who disappeared on the battlefront in August 1986.
He told Al-Monitor, "A piece of metal, where the name and address of my brother were inscribed, was found among the retrieved corpses. We buried him according to Islamic tradition in al-Salam cemetery in Najaf."
After the Iran-Iraq War, thousands of people's fates were unknown as so many bodies were buried in mass graves without any documentation or evidence.
Political activist Ousama al-Yaseri from Babil province thought he would find the body of his missing brother Habib al-Yaseri who had participated in the March 1991 uprising against Saddams regime in a mass grave in Babil, but he was disappointed.
He told Al-Monitor, "My brother was taken away by Saddams security forces in March 1991 to an unknown destination, and he never came back. We thought he might have been buried in a mass grave that was discovered in Mahawil district, along with hundreds of men who were executed and buried there after being accused of participating in the armed opposition against Saddam, but we found no evidence [he was buried there]."
After the fall of Saddam's regime in 2003, a number of mass graves were discovered in which hundreds of executed people were buried, most notably the mass grave in Mahawil.
In 2003, a 12-year-old Iraqi boy recounted how he was thrown with his mother and two relatives in the Mahawil mass graves and how he managed to escape because he had not been shot.
With Saddam's rule ended, Iraqis thought the need for mass graves was gone, but internal battles caused by sectarian conflicts brought them back.
Ali Hassan, a forensic medical examiner in Babil, told Al-Monitor, "After the fall of Saddam's regime, sectarian violence flared up and was mainly concentrated in Baghdad and to a lesser extent in the religiously homogenous areas such as central and south Iraq." The bodies, which amounted to "at least 18,800 in 2014 and 2015, flowed to the forensic hospitals to be subjected to autopsy to identify them."
The Ministry of Health issued instructions in 2006 stating that unidentified corpses should be kept refrigerated for a maximum of three months, then buried in cemeteries. Their personal effects are preserved and distinguishing marks documented, he said.
Hussain Hamid from the Sunni-Shiite town of Yusufiya, south of Baghdad, told Al-Monitor he believes his brother was killed in 2005, but his fate remains unknown. "He may have been buried in an open grave by the party that killed him or in an unknown location, since his identity was not revealed" and no one would have claimed his corpse, he said.
On April 13, 2015, the Ministry of Human Rights classified the persons missing in the wars into different groups: During the Iran-Iraq War, around 50,000 Iraqis went missing and around 2,000 Iraqi soldiers went missing in the Kuwait invasion in 1991.
In collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Defense, the Ministry of Human Rights is currently working on opening the mass graves and conducting the necessary tests to identify the remains. The Human Rights Ministry will also see that soldiers' remains are delivered to their families.
Wadi al-Salaam cemetery in Najaf has "a lot of graves of unidentified men in Iraq," Haider Ali, the undertaker there, told Al-Monitor, pointing to the grave of someone who was killed in March 2007 in the city of Haswa in Babil, where sectarian killings between Sunnis and Shiites are numerous. "The corpse was examined at the forensic department. A sample of the body's DNA was taken in Babil. Some volunteers coordinated with the Ministry of Health to have the body buried in this cemetery," Ali said.
"There are hundreds of unidentified graves. They are difficult to count, given how large the cemetery is, with no database," he said.
Some of the gravestones explicitly indicate the treachery of the sectarian killings. One gravestone read, "The body of a 50-year-old man pulled from the Tigris River on Feb. 10, 2008."
Ali added, "The graves have significantly increased since the outbreak of clashes between the Popular Mobilization Units and the security forces against IS."
Hamza Genahee is a member of the local council in the Hashimiya district as well as a writer and civil activist who has participated in the fight against IS. He is familiar with the burial procedures for those killed in the battles between the security forces and IS on the Makhoul front early this year.
"Every unidentified corpse has a serial number. The corpse's physical evidence and DNA are also buried in the tomb under the supervision of the Ministry of Health," he told Al-Monitor.
June 9, 2016
It had been the hundredth time he heard the ringtone that day. The middle-aged man, who wears rectangular glasses and a black mustache, immediately answered his phone. A rescue operation is in the making.
Even the Islamic State [IS] knows my phone number now, Hassan said as he hung up his mobile. They dont like me very much, he added. And with good reason: His job is to free Yazidis kidnapped by IS.
Hassan, who lives in Iraqi Kurdistan, defines himself as a former businessman with contacts across Syria who now coordinates a network of two dozen smugglers who used to traffic cigarettes. But smuggling humans out of IS-held territories proved to be way more lucrative. The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq and Yazidi families pay smugglers thousands of dollars to rescue those who were abducted.
These men are also very much aware they are taking enormous risks. Twelve of his contacts were beheaded, according to Hassan. Others were thrown in jail.
Despite the threats, he said there is no turning back, especially since more than 30 of his family members are still held prisoner. I once was standing in a mass grave where some of my relatives had been buried. I was looking at what was left of my family skeletons when suddenly I received a phone call from a woman in Syria seeking help. Thats when I decided to never give up, Hassan said. That woman and her kids were more important than bones.
The Yazidi community, which draws some of its beliefs in pre-Islamic religions of ancient Persia, considers Tawusi Melek, the "Peacock Angel," as a central figure of their faith, while IS sees him as an equivalent of Satan. Considered to be devil worshippers and idolaters, hundreds of Yazidis were killed and possibly buried in up to 35 mass graves, while thousands were enslaved and over 400,000 had to flee when IS made an unexpected push in Sinjar in the summer of 2014. The terror campaign against Yazidis could be a genocide, according to a UN report from March 19, 2015.
The KRG Office of Kidnapping Affairs told Al-Monitor that 2,578 abducted Yazidis returned home from October 2014 to date and more than 1,000 of them had been rescued directly by their office, which works with a network of smugglers and middlemen, including Hassan. More than 3,000 Yazidis remain captive, mostly in or around Mosul, Tal Afar and Raqqa, IS de facto capital in Syria.
Rescue operations have also been carried out by the US-backed Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, the armed wing of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Rojava, the Kurdish region of Syria. On March 23, 53 women and children who had been held captive in a basement in Raqqa for nearly four months were freed in what appears to have been an exchange of prisoners between the YPG and IS, Hassan, an NGO official and women who were part of the group told Al-Monitor.
Hassan claims to have organized the liberation of 247 Yazidis, including 24 of his relatives.
At one point, when his sister Jihane finally got access to a mobile phone, she called the only man she knew could help.
Jihane and her son Amir, 6, were captured when the jihadis swept across the border from Syria into Iraq and seized her village early one summer morning. They managed to escape the first assault but were eventually captured hours later. Thats the last time she saw her husband. That same day, she was sent with Amir and her sister-in-law to Mosul, where she was sold on a slave market and later sent to Ramadi. There, she was forcibly married to an IS militant.
For her to escape, Jihanes relatives had to pay $15,000 to one of her brothers smugglers. He came with his family in a pickup around 6 p.m. He told me to wear black and to come with him, Jihane recalled. She ran away while her enslaver was not home.
At the checkpoint, [IS militants] asked us where we were going. He [the smuggler] told them we were his family and that we were going to see a doctor in Syria, she explained. Instead, the smuggler took them to Baghdad. She later reunited in Iraqi Kurdistan with her sister-in-law, who had regained her freedom seven months before when her family paid one of Hassans smugglers $9,000.
Jihane lives today in a tent with her son and her sister-in-law in the town of Khanke.
Much of the money for the rescues was scraped together from their community.
There are dozens of families who have tens of thousands of dollars of debt and no way to repay it. They wont make that much money in 10 years, said Andrew Slater, a field researcher from Yazda, a US-based NGO dedicated to the Yazidi community. According to Slater, the standard rate for a liberation operation is about $10,000 per person; $20,000 for a woman and two children. People are making a lot of money out of this. Its not a charity, its a business, Slater added.
It has become a business, confirmed Khairi Bozani, the director of the Yazidi Affairs Department, also in charge of the KRG Office of Kidnapping Affairs, which funds rescue operations. The smugglers inside IS areas are charging us more and more. None of the smugglers work for free, he added.
When people smugglers dont carry out rescue operations without the jailer knowing, they deal directly with him. They buy a Yazidi girl from her enslaver, who himself bought her from someone else or received her as a gift and is unaware the new buyer is a smuggler, according to Bozani, who denied giving money directly to IS. He argued there is a difference between IS as a terrorist group and the people living within the borders of the caliphate who practice slavery freely.
Some buy girls to serve in the house, some take them as sex slaves, some buy them to work on farms. That way, the Yazidi girls are spread among the community. From IS hands to the community, from the cities to the villages, he said.
On June 2, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement to the Security Council on sexual violence in conflicts that Daesh [an Arabic acronym for IS], Boko Haram and other extremist groups are using sexual violence as a means of attracting and retaining fighters, and to generate revenue. It is estimated that the Yazidi community gave Daesh up to $45 million in ransom payments in 2014 alone.
In an open letter on June 6, Bozani called this statement too vague and uncertain, accusing Ban of trying to convert the victim into [an] offender.
Since the KRG opened an office dedicated to the rescue of abducted Yazidis, $2 million was spent to finance smuggling operations, according to Bozani. The procedure was as follows: If the office did not directly pay for the rescue, families would pay up front and later be reimbursed by the KRG. But since September 2015, funding has dried up, leaving Yazidis crippled with overwhelming debt.
The KRG announced many things but nothing is happening, whether because they have no more money or are playing political games with the Yazidis, said Jameel Ghanem Chomer, Yazda manager of operations. Many people in the Yazidi community are asking the same question: Where is the money? Chomer added.
When asked the same question, Bozani told Al-Monitor that close to $1 million in cash will be given to his office this week and is going to be distributed among the families who raised the money by themselves.
As for now, only the enslavers and the smugglers living in IS-held territories are getting paid, while freed Yazidi women who often lost their homes, their husbands, and are traumatized by their captivity, are deeply in debt. We used to be a happy family and we were doing OK financially, Jihane said, her son sitting on her lap, speaking from outside a makeshift shelter she had to build herself.
The names of Hassan, Jihane and Amir were changed to protect the identities of the mother and her son.
June 9, 2016
Arsal and its barren environs have for more than three years experienced a shaky and unstable security situation, having attracted militants affiliated with extremist and terrorist groups like the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra. These days, stability seems to be making a comeback in Arsal, where the Lebanese army has imposed full control. A number of events and dynamics have rendered the Islamic militants in this eastern border region incapable of waging major military operations and therefore no longer a security threat.
The militants human and logistical capabilities have been exhausted by the serious blows their organizations have been dealt in Syria by the various forces they are fighting there, including the Syrian army, the Russian military, Hezbollah and an international coalition.
A Lebanese security speaking to Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity said that Lebanese authorities have documented information that a significant number of the militants who had been positioned in and around Arsal have moved to Syria to fight on several fronts there. The militant groups are also fighting among themselves in the Arsal area. Several clashes among militants affiliated with different groups had earlier led to battles of attrition, further weakening their capabilities in the region.
The growing capabilities of the Lebanese security forces are another factor serving to weaken the militants. The security official confirmed this, attributing it primarily to assistance from the United States, which has included arms and military equipment and gear. This has helped the Lebanese army to deal several heavy blows to the militants, said the official.
When clashes first erupted in Arsal in August 2014, the residents there were sympathetic to the militants, because they opposed the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad. In addition, Arsals residents are predominantly Sunni Muslims, like the militants, which helps explain their initial sympathy. This situation has, however, gradually changed.
There has been increasing hostility and animosity between the citizens of Arsal and the militants after more than three years of terror acts carried out by the latter in the town and its environs and especially because of the executions of a number of Arsal residents. The militant groups have also controlled the towns surrounding lands, preventing locals from accessing agricultural lands and quarries, both sources of livelihood for many people in the town.
These actions further deepened the psychological and physical division between residents and the militants. This evolved to the advantage of the Lebanese security forces in their military and security war against the armed factions, said the official.
On April 28 the Lebanese army stormed the house of an IS official in Arsal, Nayef Shaalan Hadid, aka Abu al-Foz, who died in the ensuing clashes between the two sides.
After this qualitative and decisive operation, all the armed extremists realized that they had little room to maneuverer inside the town, and that they are now susceptible to Lebanese army strikes, said the source.
This operation resulted in several outcomes. Lebanese authorities in Arsal were able to conduct municipal elections, taking place nationwide, in a calm and secure atmosphere on May 8. Officials also opened polling stations in Lebanese army posts on the outskirts of the town, further ensuring voters' safety and a smooth and calm process.
Moreover, the winning electoral list was the one opposing Ali al-Hujairi, the incumbent mayor of the Arsal municipality, who was known to cooperate with the militants.
Another important outcome was the militants' return to the negotiation table with Lebanese authorities for a possible deal whereby the militants withdraw from the Arsal area toward Syria.
Mediators in negotiations between the militants and Lebanese authorities resumed talks on this subject after the conclusion of the municipal elections, said the security official. They proposed that Lebanese officials coordinate with UN international agencies and the Syrian regime to implement arrangements allowing the militants to withdraw safely toward Raqqa in Syria.
It seems, however, the success of this proposal was not meant to be. As a precondition for contact with the militants, the Lebanese side demanded information on the fate of Lebanese soldiers kidnapped by IS and Jabhat al-Nusra after clashes between the two groups and the Lebanese army in Arsal on Aug. 2, 2014. The militants have yet to comment on the demand.
The official noted, The militants no-comment on this precondition may be a negative indication that our soldiers are no longer alive and that the militants are hiding this fact to continue to use the issue as leverage against the Lebanese government. This is why negotiations were halted. One thing is certain: Arsals situation is better now, and the number of militants in the region is registering a steady decline.
June 9, 2016
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey The Sirnak Popular Assembly meeting that included the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) in Silopi, Sirnak province, declared self-rule on Aug. 10, 2015, under the slogan, From now on we as the people will build our lives on a democratic basis. Silopi's was followed by similar declarations from Cizre, Sirnak, Hakkari, Mus, Batman, Van and Diyarbakir.
State prosecutors leapt into action when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacted to the self-rule declaration with, They will pay the price. Judicial investigations and police action against the declaration were immediate. In Sirnak, 10 locations including the residences of the DBP chairman and other party officials were raided. One member of the municipal council and two DBP officials were detained. In Yuksekova, in simultaneous raids at 15 locations, eight people were detained on charges of attempting to undermine the constitutional order. In similar operations, the DBP co-mayors of Sur and Silvan and many party members were rounded up.
Military operations targeting trenches and barricades in towns followed. In parallel, judicial processes were initiated against the DBP. Those who declared self-rule were detained and many were arrested. Charges were brought against rank-and-file party members, members of municipal councils and 21 mayors.
In time, the operations extended to the upper levels of the DBP, including its co-chair Kamuran Yuksek, who had become well-known after accompanying the co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Selahattin Demirtas, to Moscow and visited the United States and Britain. Yuksek had been in prosecutors' crosshairs ever since. Summoned several times to give depositions, Yuksek was detained on May 10. Although his press statements were cited as the cause, he was detained on charges of membership in an armed terror organization.
There has been much speculation about why the DBP whose 21 mayors and about 50 regular members were detained with another 100 summoned to court and its co-chair were targeted by the state.
According to a DBP Executive Council member, Yukseks adviser Ramazan Tunc, there are three reasons. He listed them to Al-Monitor: The first reason is that our party, which participated in the 2014 local elections, won 106 mayoralties in heavily Kurdish provinces with the slogan to ensure identity through self-government. The DBP is a party that aims at decentralization and handing over local administrations to locally elected people because we are a party that advocates decentralization, a party that promotes collective decision-making against one-man administrations and wants to empower local authorities. Because we have the strength to do all this, the totalitarian structure is attacking us. The second reason is the changes and transformation because of changes in the Middle East. During the Syrian civil war, Rojava [Syrian] Kurds opted for a cantonal system and a North Syria Federation that were received favorably by the international public. This prompted Turkey to support even [Islamic State] gangs to prevent the Kurds from making any gains. This generated deep resentment among the Kurds and led to the Kobani disturbances on Oct. 6-8 when people took to the streets. This was followed by state attacks against 13 towns. The third and last reason is the fourth extraordinary DBP congress with the theme of restructuring the party. The government sent our leader Kamuran Yuksek to prison to prevent such restructuring.
Mehmet Kaya, chairman of the board of Dicle University's Social Research Center in Diyarbakir, said the targeting of Yuksek is a result of security policies. Kaya told Al-Monitor that alongside Yuksek, the entire gamut of Kurdish politics are in the states crosshairs. Because of clashes in the region, the DBP is becoming a major target. There are two primary political arenas in Turkey: the national assembly and local administrations. The HDP provides Kurdish representation in the national parliament, while the DBP is the backbone of local politics. Although the initial declaration of self-overnment was made by the Democratic Society Congress, the DBP has been more active in declarations of democratic autonomy, he said.
Kaya added that the presidential aspirations of the ruling Justice and Developmet Party (AKP) are also beind Yuksek's targeting. I dont believe the operations are only about Yukseks statements. All Kurdish political actors expressed similar views. But you have to understand that in Kurdish politics, Selahattin Demirtas and Kamuran Yuksek are major names with followers. They are two key actors who defend democratic autonomy fervently. For the AKP to realize its presidential aspirations it needs to get most of the nationalist votes. To that end, they have to manipulate the sentiments of those voters. That's why they dont go after rank-and-file members but the leaders of the HDP and the DBP. This is what the AKP is trying to do by detaining Yuksek.
On his recent visit to Diyarbakir, new Prime Minister Binali Yildirim accused the metropolitan municipality run by the DBP of transferring funds to the PKK and said they will be asked for an account. The pressure on the DBP will continue.
June 9, 2016
One of the most telling signs of Turkeys involvement in the Syrian civil war is the Bukulmez outpost at Reyhanli. The view from the outposts tower illustrates graphically Ankaras position in the uprising against the Syrian regime. Eyes that were tasked to monitor the border from the tower were blind to breaches of the border at an illegal crossing point in front of the outpost that was the main supply line for the rebels in Syria. This meant that outpost didnt carry out its true duties.
Now under international pressure, Turkey has been erecting a wall along the border. Concrete T-walls are going up not on the border line, but on the Turkish side of the border opposite Syrias Atme town.
Those who cannot cross to Turkey are building houses that are therefore on the Turkish side; where they are settling down is not Syria but Turkish land. Concrete walls begin following the border proper when they reach Afrin.
Afrin is one of three cantons the Kurds have declared in the area they call Rojava (Syrian Kurdistan). Afrin has been besieged by Turkey since 2012 when the Democratic Union Party (PYD) declared autonomy. The Turkey-Syria border that had been a free-for-all since 2011 became impassable when Turkey decided to put pressure on the PYD.
Ankara had told PYD officials that the siege will continue until they give up the pursuit of autonomy and join the war against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. When groups such as the Free Syrian Army (FSA), Jabhat al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham and Nureddin Zengi Brigade clash with Rojavas defense force and the People's Protection Units (YPG) at Shadadi and Serekaniye, it has become a tradition to take revenge against Afrin either by attacking it or tightening the blockade.
Zelal Ceger, an official of the Democratic Society Movement (Tev-Dem) in Rojava and Kongre Star, a women's activist group, told Al-Monitor in regard to Turkeys border policy, Earlier we used the Bab al-Salam gate to cross to Turkey. Now not a single Kurd can cross through this gate. They are not allowed by the gangs in Azaz and by Turkish officials. Those who try to cross illegally to Reyhanli, Islahiye and Kilis often come under fire by Turkish soldiers. Many people have died like this.
Increasing pressure on refugees
How does life go on in this blockaded area? How is security provided and how do they crack the blockade?
Afrin, with its seven towns and 360 villages, had a population of about 400,000 before the crisis. When clashes broke out, an estimated 300,000 Afrin residents who had earlier moved to Aleppo and other parts of Syria returned to their birthplaces. In 2013, Kurds who escaped from Raqqa, Manbij, al-Bab and Jarablus after those areas were taken over by the Islamic State (IS) also sought refuge in Afrin.
According to Huseyin Goran, the Rojava coordinator of the International Middle East Peace Research Center, about 316,000 Kurdish, Arab and Turkmen refugees have come to Afrin from Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Azaz and Raqqa. Most of them have moved in with their relatives in towns and villages. Only about 3,000 of them are living in the Ribar refugee camp, which was set up last year. Their basic needs such as food, medicines and hygiene supplies are met. In recent weeks, because of IS attacks against Azaz and Sheikh Isa, 14,000-15,000 new refugees have come, mostly Arabs. Some of these people crossed over to Turkey, some went to Idlib and the rest remain in Afrin.
Tev-Dem's Ceger said that before Turkey launched its anti-Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) operations in July 2015, Turkeys pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party twice arranged for humanitarian relief to Afrin. A third convoy was seized by Jabhat al-Nusra. Assistance sent by the Turkish Red Crescent in February was totally inadequate. Turkish nongovernmental organizations Humanitarian Relief Foundation and Spring also dispatched one convoy each. There has been no other national or international relief sent to Afrin. Doctors Without Borders and similar organizations that operate in opposition-controlled areas have not responded positively to calls for them to come to Afrin.
Ceger thinks the blockade and attacks are meant to intimidate people, saying, They [Turkish officials] close the roads whenever they want. Sometimes they attack. All this is to force us to give up. Last year we had mass migration from Afrin because of this intimidation campaign; about 10,000 people left. We gathered the people and told them that this was a conspiracy. They stopped leaving. It was a mistake to evacuate Kobani in 2014 when IS came. We didnt want to repeat it at Afrin.
Skyrocketing prices
The blockade weighs heavily on daily life. Supplies and food brought in by traders cost far above normal. Fuel and food prices especially have reached very high levels. Opposition groups have cut power lines from Tishrin Dam, so people must produce electricity with generators. Life and production have become dependent on diesel fuel.
Arab traders pay bribes to many armed groups so they can reach Afrin. Diesel fuel sold in 200-liter (53-gallon) barrels that used to cost 2,000 Syrian pounds (about $9) now cost 50,000 Syrian pounds ($227). Dont even ask about the price of flour and sugar. Afrins economy is dependent on the sale of olives, olive oil and fruits. The grain it produces is not enough for local consumption, and wheat and flour have to be brought in. A 50-kilogram (110-pound) sack of wheat increased in price from 200-250 Syrian pounds to 7,000 pounds. The canton is subsidizing some items, as it buys flour from traders at 7,000 pounds and sells it to people for 4,000 pounds. Afrin consumes 115 tons of flour daily.
Because of the blockade, revenue from olives and olive oil has diminished. Arab traders buy these commodities from producers at rock-bottom prices and smuggle them labeled as Arab olives to Turkey through the Bab al-Salam crossing. Afrin olives also reach Iraq, somehow.
As for the refugees, their rents also have shot up. Places that used to rent for 5,000-10,000 pounds now go for 15,000-50,000 pounds. This is in part because well-to-do families from Aleppo moved to luxury housing in Afrin, regarding it as a safe zone.
Although some medicine is in short supply, medical institutions that have experienced doctors are able to cope with it. Actually, a well-equipped hospital built three years ago now attracts patients from places such as Idlib.
Security fears
A new flow of refugees from IS-controlled areas is increasing security concerns. Ceger said, We had security concerns about Arabs coming from elsewhere. Our local Arabs are an integral part of the canton administration. They are represented in the legislative assembly with eight deputies out of 101 total, and in the executive council. Our ministers of agriculture and transportation are Arabs. We are taking some measures about those coming from IS-held areas. Our Ministry of Interior issues them three-month residency permits subject to renewal. But until now we haven't had security problems. The asayish [local police force] is in control.
YPG-YPJ in control
Because of its location on the Aleppo-Idlib corridor, Afrin has always been a target for the FSA and its allies. With the creation of the YPG and the Womens Protection Units (YPJ), Afrins defenses were reinforced. Ceger said Afrin's hilly terrain helps protect the city as well. The YPG and YPJ have no problems defending Afrin, he said.
Although canton officials are secretive about the number of fighters they field in the YPG and the YPJ, it is estimated that 20,000-25,000 people are actively involved in defending Afrin. With a law passed last year, a system called in Kurdish Erka Xwe Parastini (Special Defense Duty) was set up to conscript youths for nine months of military service. In addition, tens of thousands of men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 were given military training. After the disaster experienced by Yazidi women at Shengal, female volunteers especially asked for weapons training.
In the areas surrounding Afrin are outfits such as Jabhat al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham and Nureddin Zengi Brigade. Jabhat al-Nusra, which is especially strong in Idlib, hit Afrin villages from its position at Saman Fortress. In addition to threats from Turkey-backed groups, IS is now near the Azaz-Marea line, putting Afrin within its range. Two villages that are most threatened by IS are Kastel Cindo and Gitme, both Yazidi.
Blockade is cracked but
The blockade eased somewhat in February when the SDF, formed under the YPGs leadership, captured the Minnigh air base and advanced as far as Tel Rifaat. There have been other enhancements to the Kurds' defensive capacity. Although the Kurds do not say it openly, there are reports that the Russian army is providing weapons and ammunition to Afrin. Another development that eased life in Afrin but is not talked about openly was the Syrian armys breaking up of the blockade around the Shiite towns of Zehra and Nubbul. With a corridor opened there, the people of Afrin can now reach Aleppo.
But Ceger noted a problem with this corridor. It is possible to use this road, but there are risks. Young people cant go to Aleppo because they are detained and forced to join the army. Likewise, canton officials risk arrests. Such practices increased especially after the declaration of the Rojava-Northern Syria Democratic Federation. Also it is not easy to transport cargo from Aleppo via Zehra and Nubbul, as bribes need to be paid at the checkpoints. Passenger buses also pay bribes, he said.
Afrin also is pressured by attacks from Turkey. When the SDF began to expand its territory toward Azaz and Tel Rifaat, Turkish army artillery fire killed five people.
Behind Turkey's uncompromising attitude is the fear of a Kurdish corridor emerging. To the people of Afrin, linking Kobani with Afrin is of utmost importance. In this regard, Ceger said, The corridor is vital for us. Linking Afrin and Kobani means completing the Rojava-Northern Syrian Democratic Federation. We dont look at this corridor as completing Kurdistan. We have Arabs and Turkmens in this region. Our goal is not to unite Kurdish zones but to build a democratic Syria with a federative system. We have no goal of dividing up Syria.
The Afrin region has supported the PKK and all Kurdish political movements including the PYD since the 1980s; its people are truly politicized.
In short, Afrin owes its resilience against the blockade to its defensible topography, a high level of political participation among its citizens and fertile soil that will not let them die of hunger.
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Roosevelt & Co. will open this fall in Huntsville. (Courtesy photo)
Shoppers have long complained about a lack of high-quality men's clothing options in downtown Huntsville.
Roosevelt Upton, III, (front) is working with Meggan and Wesley Crunkleton (back) to open Roosevelt & Co. this fall in downtown Huntsville. (Courtesy photo)
Wesley and Meggan Crunkleton hope to fill the gap this fall with the launch of Roosevelt & Co., a gentleman's shop focused on upscale clothing, shoes, leather goods, grooming products and more.
The nearly 3,000-square-foot store will open at the Garage at Clinton Row in a small section of the first floor of the Clinton Avenue parking deck. The project is being spearheaded by Clinton Row Partners, a limited liability company led by Wesley Crunkleton, Mark Harbarger and Graham Burgess.
For customers who are tired of traveling out of town to Birmingham, Nashville and Atlanta to do their shopping, Crunkleton hopes Roosevelt & Co. will serve a need.
"Our store will not concentrate solely on dress clothes, but casual wear as well," he said. "We understand that there is a diverse population of guys in Huntsville and not everyone wears a suit and tie to work. However, we also understand that it is difficult for the gentlemen that do wear a suit to work to find quality tailored clothing."
The couple is partnering with Roosevelt Upton III, who will serve as the store's director of retail operations, as well as retail consultant Miranda King of Haymakers & Co. in Nashville, to open the shop in early November.
Roosevelt & Co. will feature other men's lifestyle products, including apothecary items, candles, travel bags, sunglasses, barware and furniture. The store, which will employ up to four full-time workers, will also have a one-chair, on-site master barber.
"We will not carry the same brands or level of products you will find at a Jos. A. Bank or Belk," Crunkleton said. "From the moment you walk into the store, you will notice that we are not a department store nor are we trying to be. As far as I am aware, we will be the only store of its kind in Huntsville and we have done some extensive research of the area."
The Garage at Clinton Row will occupy about 15 spaces in the 497-unit garage. The City of Huntsville is spending $200,000 for construction of the facade and sidewalk improvements at the development, which will not affect entry or exit at the parking deck.
In addition to Roosevelt & Co., the project will feature a 1,693-square-foot store called Elitaire Boutique. The lifestyle boutique will focus on clean, classic, sophisticated and timeless fashion for women when it opens in early- to mid-fall.
More Garage at Clinton Row businesses will be announced soon.
"We have four more amazing tenants coming The Garage At Clinton Row that we'll be announcing over the course of this summer," said Crunkleton & Associates spokeswoman Kadie Pangburn.
Dozens of new jobs are coming to north Alabama next year as Boeing Strategic Missile & Defense Systems expands in Huntsville.
The company held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday to kick off the construction of a new 28,000-square-foot building for Boeing's Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Seeker program on 499 Boeing Boulevard near Port of Huntsville. The expansion will create about 70 full-time engineering and manufacturing jobs.
Jim Chilton, vice president and general manager for Boeing Strategic Missile & Defense Systems, said expanding the program for the U.S. Army will cost the aerospace and defense leader "double digit millions in all its forms."
"We've done upgrades all through the years," he said. "Demand is so high that we have to expand the factory."
The Patriot was the first deployed hit-to-kill technology to intercept and destroy tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and hostile aircraft through direct body-to-body impact. Boeing delivered the first 20 PAC-3 seekers in 2001 and has since expanded the program, producing the company's 1,500th in Huntsville in 2012.
Boeing expects to produce its 2,710th seeker by month's end.
Chilton expects to start hiring for the expanded PAC-3 line later this year. You can view current job openings on Boeing's website.
Boeing, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next month, is working with Turner Construction on the PAC-3 project. Lee Holland, project executive for the company, said work on the new facility should finish in May 2017.
"This is going to be our second project out here," he said. "We just finished a project for Boeing on the same campus last year and Turner is a company that has decades of experience working with Boeing around the United States. We're excited to continue growing that long-term relationship, as well as in this particular project's case, support the Warfighter."
Saigon Noodle House collage.jpg
From left, Oanh Vu, Thao Vu, Nick Pihakis and Phuong Hoang are partners in the new Saigon Noodle House location that has opened at 3719 Third Ave. South in Birmingham, Ala. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)
Seven years ago, a family of Vietnamese immigrants borrowed money from relatives, charged on their credit cards, and did most of the manual labor themselves so they could afford to open Saigon Noodle House on Birmingham's U.S. 280 corridor.
It was their first venture into the restaurant business.
Although it was a considerable gamble, it was not even remotely like the leap of faith Thao Vu and her sister Oanh Vu and their respective husbands Phuong Hoang and Van Pham took when they fled Vietnam to come to America more than three decades ago.
"We started Saigon Noodle House 280 with really nothing, just support from family, loans from family," Thao Vu, whom customers call by her American name of "Syndy," says. "We take out credit card loans. We take out home equity loans. We take out every kind of loan we can because we don't have any money.
"And everything we do in that restaurant, 90 percent of it, we do ourselves -- me, my brother, my sister, my husband, my niece. It's very cheap, but it's all done by us. Whatever we can afford, that's what we put in."
It was a risk that, thanks to their hard work and great food, has paid off.
Now, with the support and encouragement of one of their best customers, Birmingham restaurateur Nick Pihakis, the family just opened a second Saigon Noodle House in the newly refurbished former Bottletree Cafe location on Third Avenue South in Avondale.
Their new restaurant -- with maple tables and chairs the family didn't have to put together themselves and shiny, new kitchen equipment they didn't have to buy at a salvage sale -- opened this past Friday.
"This is something we would never dream of," Syndy says, glancing around at her family's new surroundings.
One of the most popular items on the menu at Saigon Noodle House is the B4, with vermicelli noodles, grilled pork and fried egg roll slices. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)
The escape from Vietnam
The story of how Syndy and her sister, who now goes by "Kim," came to America -- and how the sisters met their Vietnamese-born husbands several years after they arrived here -- is as fascinating as it is complicated.
In 1981, when Kim was 8 years old and Syndy was 6, the sisters, along with their oldest sister, Kinh Vu, fled their coastal village of Phuoc Tinh and huddled together in the bowels of a shrimping boat, in hopes of someday rejoining their six other siblings who had escaped before them.
They were among nearly 800,000 boat people who safely made it out of Vietnam in the years following the end of the Vietnam War.
"We escape in the middle of the night, and get on the boat," Syndy recalls. "After we escaped, we spent like 11 nights on the sea. We don't know where we were heading to; we just know we were heading away from our country."
On the eighth day, the sisters ran out of food and water, but they and the other passengers on their boat were rescued by fishermen, who transported them to a small island in Indonesia.
They were later sent to a refugee camp, where they waited nearly three years before they received the clearance to relocate to America in 1984. Eventually, the entire family -- all nine siblings and their mother and father -- were reunited in New Orleans, more than 9,000 miles from their homeland.
"It took my whole family eight trips total," Syndy says. "My mom was the second-last to leave (Vietnam). My dad makes sure everybody leaves and then he is the last to leave."
It was in New Orleans that Syndy later met and married Phuong Hoang, who now goes by "Mike," and who also escaped from the same Vietnamese village about a year after she did -- although they did not know each other before. Syndy's sister Kim also met her husband, Van Pham, another Vietnamese refugee, in New Orleans.
The new Saigon Noodle House in Avondale features a mahogany bar and maple tables and chairs, with a playful Birmingham mural on the back wall of the restaurant. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)
From New Orleans to Birmingham
Many years later, in the months before and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, first Syndy and her husband and later Kim and her husband relocated to Birmingham.
"I was up here before Katrina hit," Syndy says. "I move up here already to do a grocery business with my brother, but that didn't work out. And (Kim) came after Katrina and decided to stay here because her house was destroyed in New Orleans.
"There is no job for her and her husband, and we are struggling with my little business with my brother, so we decided to get together and open the restaurant."
They found a location in the old Cheeburger Cheeburger space in the Target shopping center on U.S. 280, and as far as decorating and furnishing the place, they only did what they could afford.
They sponge-painted the walls and assembled the tables and chairs themselves, and they bought a meat slicer, a microwave and other leftover kitchen equipment from a Bruno's grocery store that had gone out of business.
And when they opened Saigon Noodle House in April 2009, the sisters adapted many of the same recipes for bahn mi sandwiches and noodle soup that their father, Can Vu, sold on his noodle cart back in Vietnam.
"At first, we didn't know how the customers on (U.S.) 280, our American customers, how they are going to accept our food because there was nothing like that on 280," Syndy recalls. "And this is a risk we take because this is our first time opening a restaurant."
The original Saigon Noodle House opened in April 2009 in this location at 4606 U.S. 280. in Birmingham, Ala. (Photo courtesy of Saigon Noodle House)
The risk begins to pay off
Gradually, though, word started to get around about the little, family-owned restaurant with the authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
"We started out not making much at all," Syndy says. "We were open from morning to night, seven days a week, and at first we were only making $500 a day, max.
"And then another year goes by, and we start picking up customers and gradually, about three years later, that's when we started to have a good base of customers."
After they built up enough capital, they were able to take out a business loan and pay back some of the family members who helped them get started.
"We only pay ourselves just enough to pay our rent for our house and stuff like that," Syndy says. "And we take whatever we make, the extra, and we pay all the loans -- a little here, a little there."
It was about that time, Syndy remembers, that Nick Pihakis started frequenting the Saigon Noodle House. He quickly became a big fan of the restaurant's popular pho, a Vietnamese noodle dish.
"He was a regular," Syndy says. "He came in to eat pho because he eats pho at a lot of places. And he started to talk to us."
One of the new items on the menu at the Saigon Noodle House in Avondale is the Vietnamese crepe, a fried pancake topped with shrimp and bean sprouts and then folded like an omelet. (Photo courtesy of Saigon Noodle House)
The family makes a friend
Pihakis -- who, along with his father, Jim, opened the first Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q in 1985 and has since grown it into a chain with 34 locations in seven states -- not only fell in love with the food at Saigon Noodle House but also the family who ran the restaurant.
"Never in my life had I met a group of people who were nicer and more respectful," Pihakis says. "And their work ethic is incredible.
"When you talk about a family business, it truly is a family business," he adds. "Everybody in their family works there. They borrowed money from all of their family members. Every Saturday, Mr. Mike's twin brother, who has another job, shows up to work a shift and give them a break. Their kids help when they are not in school. It's such a tight-knit family."
On one of his visits to Saigon Noodle House, Pihakis found out that a cooler -- which had been left behind from the restaurant's Cheeburger Cheeburger days -- had gone on the blink. So he called one of his maintenance guys to come fix it, and he paid for it out of his own pocket.
"He even helped us fix our neon sign," Syndy recalls. "He had a person, and he just called him up. One of the letters was completely (burned) out, and he helped with that."
Pihakis saw how hard the family was working to keep their business going, and it reminded him of when he and his father started Jim 'N Nick's.
"It was like stepping back in time," he says. "And it was exactly how my dad and I first started. We used to have to lock the door at 2 in the afternoon to wash dishes because we couldn't afford to hire anybody else."
And just as Pihakis and his father worked together to open Jim 'N Nick's all those years ago, Pihakis' son Nicholas and daughter Catherine have played huge roles in the Saigon Noodle House opening.
"My children have never cooked this kind of food before, so they are learning from Mike and Syndy and Kim," Pihakis says. "And they are teaching Mike and Syndy and Kim about how we operate.
"Just watching them collaborate, it's really heartfelt for me," he adds. "They've really worked hard to build that trust with them and to understand their culture and traditions."
The new Saigon Noodle House restaurant is located in the former Bottletree Cafe space at 3719 Third Ave. South in Birmingham, Ala. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)
A second home in Avondale
At some point, Syndy's husband, Mike, asked Pihakis about the possibility of opening a second Saigon Noodle House.
"I just talked to him and I said, 'Mr. Nick, do you think you could help us expand my business, help us open another one?'" Mike says.
"He said he could help us or we could become partners. He said if we are partners, we could grow. But if we decided to go on by ourselves, he could help us, too. . . .
"So we decided to come together and be a partner with Nick."
They went for a ride, and Pihakis showed Mike the former Bottletree Cafe location in Avondale, which Pihakis and his partners in the Fresh Hospitality restaurant group bought last year.
(At one time, Pihakis had plans to open a chicken restaurant called Mr. Harry's Chickin De-Lux in the Bottletree space, but he decided Saigon Noodle House was a better fit for the area. The original Mr. Harry's, located in the Town of Mt Laurel, closed earlier this year.)
"He drove me around, and this was the first building that he showed me," Mike recalls. "I said, 'Well, put us there.'"
In addition to Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, Fresh Hospitality's portfolio of restaurants includes Big Bad Breakfast, Octane Coffee Bar & Lounge, Little Donkey and Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, as well as others such as Biscuit Love in Nashville and Cochon Butcher in New Orleans.
"What Fresh does is we take young entrepreneurs, we give them good (operating) systems and good directions and help them with all of the infrastructure they need," Pihakis says.
"We had a direction (for Saigon Noodle House)," he adds. "What we said to them was, 'Here's what it can be, if you allow us. This is what the possibilities are.'"
For Syndy and her family -- who left their country on a boat, who opened a restaurant without any previous experience -- opening a second Saigon Noodle House is another, well-thought-out journey they are ready to take.
"We feel confident because Nick is a successful person," she says. "He knows what he is doing. We trust him.
"Other than that, we don't know how this is going to turn out, but we are taking that risk, too."
Then and now: Bottletree Cafe, left, was a popular Birmingham concert venue and dining spot from 2006 until it closed on March 29, 2015. Saigon Noodle House, which opened June 3, 2016, has moved into the former Bottletree space. (Left photo by Tamika Moore/tmoore@al.com; right photo courtesy of Saigon Noodle House)
Old traditions, new surroundings
For nine years, from its opening in the summer of 2006 to its tearful farewell last year, the funky, eclectic Bottletree Cafe was a beloved Birmingham dining spot and concert venue, a place where you could order vegan chili or a tofu Reuben on rye for lunch and hear the Lemonheads or Alejandro Escovedo late at night.
Pihakis acknowledges he took a lot of criticism he took when he and his partners bought the space.
For that reason, he says, he wanted to preserve some of the old building's character -- including the cinderblock walls and the wrought-iron bars on the front windows -- while also opening up, brightening up and modernizing the space to fit the practical needs of a fast-casual restaurant.
A playful mural on the back wall of the new restaurant incorporates such Birmingham landmarks as Vulcan, Sloss Furnaces and the Alabama Theatre along with a Saigon Noodle House noodle cart, a sly homage to Syndy and Kim's father.
It a visual reminder that, in this mash-up of the old and the new, of Southeast Asian traditions with Southern culture, the Saigon Noodle House and the family that started it will remain true to their roots.
The menu at the new restaurant is more streamlined, but customers will recognize such old favorites as Hue's Spicy Soup (with noodles, brisket and a spicy beef broth) and B4 (with noodles, grilled pork and fried egg rolls), as well as a couple of new ones, such as Vietnamese Wings (served sweet and tangy or spicy) and the Vietnamese Crepe (a fried pancake topped with shrimp and bean sprouts).
Unlike the original restaurant, which does not serve alcohol, the new Saigon Noodle House has a full bar, with several craft beers from Birmingham and such signature cocktails as the Blueberry Thai Basil Smash (with Bombay Sapphire gin, Thai basil, blueberries and lime) and the Jungle Bird (with Myers's Original Dark Run, Campari, lime and pineapple).
So the surroundings are different, with some extra tweaks and a few new twists, but old customers should feel at home in the new restaurant, too, Syndy says.
"Our customers are concerned if the food is not going to taste the same," Syndy says. "And I say that's my No. 1 goal, to make sure our family recipes and the food you taste here is the same."
They've come too far, after all, to do it any other way.
The original Saigon Noodle House is at 4606 U.S. 280. The phone number is 205-408-1800. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Sundays.
The new Saigon Noodle House is at 3719 Third Ave. South. The phone number is 205-986-8898. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Does the Bible discuss common law marriage?
In Genesis 24:67, Isaac married Rebekah by bringing her into his mother's tent and taking her as his wife. There was no public ceremony.
So was that a common law marriage? And is that a bad thing?
By New Testament times, a public ceremony, exchange of vows and declaration of covenant is clearly expected.
Jesus began his ministry at a wedding ceremony, turning water into wine, and often refers descriptively to weddings in his parables.
"Jesus had a high view of weddings and marriages that were sanctioned by the religious community," said the Rev. Lyle Dorsett, the Billy Graham professor of evangelism at Samford University's Beeson Divinity School. "His first miracle was at a wedding feast."
Hebrews 13:4 says marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, because God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral.
In John 4, Jesus speaks to the woman at the well and asks her to return with her husband. She says she has no husband. Jesus replies that she has had five husbands, and the man she lives with now is not her husband. It's a condemnation of her behavior, but with an offer of grace and forgiveness.
"Jesus takes a dim view of just living together, fornication and adultery," Dorsett said. "The Bible makes it clear that any sexual behavior outside monogamous marriage is sinful. We have a society that doesn't want to believe that."
Alabama law currently allows a couple to claim common law marriage. They are only required to have an agreement to enter into a marriage relationship and then present themselves as married to the public.
But with state legislation passed this year that will get rid of common law marriage starting next year, it has sparked a discussion of couples living together without the benefit of a civil or religious marriage ceremony or certificate.
Birmingham attorney Eric Johnston, founder of the Southeast Law Institute, said that claims of common law marriage are seldom made in Alabama. He has handled a few estate claims in which common law marriage was invoked.
"I very seldom ever saw people who are common-law married," Johnston said. "One will die and the other will claim they were married or make a Social Security claim saying they were married. I think there's a good bit of fraud."
Changing the law won't be noticed by most people, he said. "I don't think it will have a big impact. A key part of common law marriage tradition is intent to be married, he said.
"They were living together and over time, they considered themselves married," Johnston said. "They've got to intend to be married."
In times when civil authorities and clergy were not easily accessible, common law marriage was a more accepted idea, he said.
"I think at this point people will have gotten married if they intended to," Johnston said. "It's an easy thing to do. It's a cultural thing that changed over time."
With a claim of common law marriage, "You're always questioning their intent," Johnston said.
"If you have a ceremony, that's an admission you're married and everybody knows it," he said. "All that goes back to intent. If you're going to be married, you've got to tell people."
The Christian church throughout its history has encouraged couples to make vows that they will remain faithful to death.
"Christians recognize marriages that are recognized by the state or county," Dorsett said. "For Christians, depending on how sacramental they are, if they get married in a church or by a minister, that is a dimension over and above what the state does. A common-law marriage, if it's recognized by the state, then it's recognized by the church."
A couple that is not married, but is living together as if they were married, would be considered living in sin by the church.
"The church might say, if you're a Christian, you have a responsibility to get married," Dorsett said.
"We would urge people to go ahead and get married," he said. "If a couple lived in an environment where they could not get formally married, that's where grace would come in. I would bless these people and recognize it because God would."
Dorsett worries that couples who would normally get married sometimes do not because the U.S. government pays a woman with children better welfare benefits than if she were married. But if she's living out of wedlock with a man and he dies, she may not be entitled to estate benefits she would otherwise receive if they were married.
"We pay women who are not married and have babies," he said. "Our government laws encourage poor women to never marry to get access to welfare. This is a very unfortunate thing."
Alabama's attorney general denounced a federal appeals court ruling today that effectively denies residents of one California county the right of possession of a handgun for self-defense outside the home.
"The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held today that residents have no Second Amendment right to carry a firearm outside their home for self-defense," Alabama AG Luther Strange stated in a press release.
"In effect the appeals court ruled that San Diego County can outlaw guns outside the home by declining to issue anyone a permit. This court's decision is a direct challenge to the Second Amendment and is unconstitutional," Strange stated.
The court ruled in a 7-4 opinion in the case.
"We hold that the Second Amendment does not preserve or protect a right of a member of the general public to carry concealed firearms in public," the court ruled.
According to Strange's statement one of the 9th Circuit judges, Consuelo Callahan wrote in a dissenting opinion that: "a prohibition on carrying concealed handguns in conjunction with a prohibition of open carry of handguns would destroy the right to bear and carry arms."
Strange stated he filed an amicus brief on April 30, 2015, on behalf of Alabama and 20 other states, in the case of Peruta v County of San Diego challenging San Diego County's effective prohibition of both open and concealed carry of firearms.
Alabama's amicus brief asserted that "San Diego County sheriff's prohibition on the possession of a handgun outside the home, with limited exceptions, makes it impossible for citizens to use them for the core lawful purpose of self-defense and is hence unconstitutional."
The brief continues, according to Strange, by saying "the sheriff's department admits that, under this system, the typical person cannot qualify for a concealed carry permit for personal protection.
In fact, an applicant must specifically demonstrate 'a set of circumstances that distinguish the applicant from the mainstream and causes him or her to be placed in harm's way. Simply fearing for one's personal safety alone is not considered good cause.'"
The brief added under San Diego County's gun restrictions "bearing arms in self-defense is not a right, but a privilege granted by the government to those it deems most in danger from a specific, previously documented threat."
A Birmingham man sought for two months in the kidnapping and shooting of a man at his Tuscaloosa apartment has been captured in New Jersey.
Sherman Rountree, 23, was arrested about 6 p.m. Wednesday by Port Authority Police Officer Michael Becker, said Joseph Pentangelo, the agency's senior public information officer. Becker, a 7-year veteran office, spotted the suspect driving a 2011 Toyota with Alabama plates on Carson Road driving towards Brewster Road near Newark Airport.
The Toyota did not have a rear bumper and the rear view mirror was missing, Pentangelo said. Becker pulled over the vehicle due to the traffic violations. During a computer check of the suspect's driver's license, the officer learned the suspect had arrest warrants out of Tuscaloosa for kidnapping and burglary. Rountree was placed under arrest.
PAPD confirmed the warrant and confirmed extradition from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Pentangelo said. The vehicle was impounded and the suspect transported to Essex County jail. Officer
In Alabama, Rountree is charged with first-degree kidnapping and first-degree burglary. Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Lt. Kip Hart said Rountree has connections to Birmingham, particularly Ensley, and Tuscaloosa.
Tuscaloosa police responded about 1:30 p.m. April 6 to a report of shots fired at Brookstone Apartments at 2300 Fifth Avenue East. When officers arrived on the scene, witnesses told them several suspects had kidnapped the young man. Those suspects, Hart said, forced their way into the apartment and brought out the victim at gunpoint. At some point during the altercation, one of the suspects fired his weapon in the parking lot.
Detectives, he said, started their investigation, interviewing witnesses and tracking down leads. About 4 a.m. Tuesday, they received information that the victim was possibly at UAB Hospital. Investigators verified that he was there, and said it appears the abductors brought the victim to Birmingham. He was found in a roadway, where a passerby picked him up and took him to a fire station.
Hart said the victim knew at least one of his abductors through the drug trade, and believe acquaintances of the victim participated in the earlier drug deal, described as a "rip-off." The victim was critically injured but is expected to survive.
Deante Cooper, 25, and Charles Moore, 45, are also charged in that incident.
Court records show Rountree is currently awaiting trial on three charges of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance - marijuana. Those arrests happened in Tuscaloosa County in 2015.
Pentangelo praised the officer's efforts."Solid police work by the officer,'' he said.
Boy Exhumed.jpg
Bibb County sheriff's and coroner's officials are exhuming the remains of a teen hitchhiker killed in 1961 in a car crash. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is paying for the process and will renew efforts to identify him.
(Bibb County Sheriff's Office)
The body of an unidentified teen hitchhiker killed 55 years ago in Bibb County is being exhumed this morning in a renewed effort to find out who he was.
On March 27, 1961, the boy - believed to be between the ages of 13 and 17 - was picked up while hitchhiking on Alabama Highway 25 south of Wilton by a man traveling through River Bend, said Bibb County sheriff's spokesman Kevin Lawrence.
After the boy had been picked up, the vehicle was involved in a crash on River Bend Road. The driver survived, but the boy didn't. The boy told the driver that he ran away from home after his parents separated, but he wasn't in the car long enough to give the driver more details.
Bibb County authorities at the time kept the boy's body in the morgue for about two weeks and exhausted all efforts to identify him and find his family. He was eventually buried in the Centreville Cemetery on Mill Street with money raised and donated by the community for the funeral.
Lawrence said sheriff's and coroner's officials were recently contacted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and learned the agency was providing money to pay for the exhumation of the body to examine the remains in hopes of using modern technology to now identify him.
The exhumation began about 7 a.m. today and workers had reached the vault about 7:25 a.m. Lawrence said the remains will be taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Montgomery which will obtain the DNA samples to send to researchers at the University of North Texas. The boy's body will then be re-buried back in Centreville this afternoon.
The boy had light brown hair and blue eyes. He was approximately 5-feet, 6-inches tall and had a homemade tattoo on his left arm that read "R.Y.in love" or "R+Y in Love." His clothing description was unknown, but he was wearing a Timex watch and carrying a suitcase full of clothing. He also had a pack of Pall Mall cigarettes with a South Carolina tax stamp on it.
We follow a hunter as he goes after endangered leopards, bears and pythons to stock Myanmars growing medicinal markets.
Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar Than Lwin has been hunting wild animals for 22 years, yet stealth is not one of his attributes. Dry leaves crack beneath his feet as he weaves through the jungle and thick smoke drifts from his cigar into the canopy above.
He is not dressed for the occasion. He negotiates the rugged terrain in a cheap pair of flip-flops and stops every few minutes to readjust his longyi, a traditional Myanmar dress that is worn like a sarong and frequently catches on trees.
He has one advantage though: the M16 rifle hanging from his shoulder.
Thanks to this gun, Than Lwin is the most successful hunter in his village with five leopard kills to his name. As temperatures soar through the months of April and May, he hopes to score another of Myanmars largest prizes.
Its quite rare to see the moon bear but they usually come out looking for fruit at this time of year, he says, searching the jungle canopy. I know theyre living around here. If I see one I will kill it.
Bustling medicine market
The Asiatic black bear, characterised by the white crescent that adorns its chest, is a globally threatened species that roams a vast territory stretching from Iran to Taiwan.
Their population is in rapid decline. Over the past 30 years the number of Asiatic black bears has fallen by nearly 50 percent. They are particularly vulnerable in South East Asia and China, where it is believed their stomach bile can cure diabetes.
Professional poachers are known to operate in Myanmar, particularly along its northern borders. With 103 endangered species, it is a rich hunting ground for those feeding Chinas relentless demand for exotic animals.
But Than Lwin lives beside the Golden Rock Pagoda on Mount Kyaiktiyo, a sacred Buddhist site in the south of Myanmar a long way from the Chinese markets.
Hugging the cliff face below the pagoda is an open market where medical practitioners sell a colourful array of remedies to Myanmar pilgrims.
Kyaiktiyo is not unique. There are an estimated 10,000 traditional medical practitioners in Myanmar and anecdotal evidence suggests that their demand for specialised wildlife product is sustaining a vast network of poachers.
Local consumption is a huge threat to wildlife in Myanmar, says Chris Shepherd, regional director of TRAFFIC, which monitors the wildlife trade in South East Asia. We have managed to get a lot of attention on Myanmars border markets but local consumption poses an even greater threat to certain species and it is going completely unnoticed.
The threat to Myanmars wildlife populations is particularly acute in the countrys ethnic regions, which are hot spots for both biodiversity and conflict.
WATCH: Who is gaining from illegal wildlife trade?
Out of government control
Myanmar has been plagued by a series of armed conflicts since it gained independence from the British in 1948. Warfare continues to ravage parts of the country and weapons are widely available.
One of the largest armed conflicts took place in Karen State, the region bordering Kyaiktiyo. Whenever fighting broke out with Karen separatists, fighters like Than Lwin led government forces through the forest towards their enemy.
I was called up so frequently and spent so many nights with the army that my wife told me not to bother coming home, recalls Than Lwin.
Last year, the Karen National Union signed a National Ceasefire Agreement with the Myanmar government, ending a conflict that had lasted more than 60 years. Than Lwin is now held on a retainer with the Myanmar army, earning just K140,000 ($120) a month.
We have to hunt more because we have less work with the government, he says. But there are only a couple of us who can hunt in our village because we are the ones with the guns. There are a lot more hunters over in Karen State.
Employment opportunities are scarce in Kyaiktiyo. Both of Than Lwins sons work as carpenters in Thailand. Other men from his village make a small living carrying luggage, goods and elderly people around the Golden Rock Pagoda, a Buddhist pilgrimage site featuring a golden boulder balancing over a cliff.
Hunting can be financially unstable too. During the cold season Than Lwin goes months without catching anything. But high demand yields high rewards.
He can make K50,000 ($42) for every Burmese python or marbled cat he delivers to Kyaiktiyo market. A leopard could earn him as much as K700,000 ($600). This makes hunting a lucrative career choice in a country where the minimum wage is set at around $3 a day.
But while the traditional medicine market might be worth big money in Myanmar, no research has been conducted to find out what effect the industry is having on wildlife populations.
This is probably one of the biggest threats to wildlife [in Myanmar] yet nothing is known about it because conservation priorities are skewed, says Chris Shepherd at TRAFFIC, the last group to survey Kyaiktiyo market back in 2001.
Priorities are rarely based on actual science. There are hundreds of birds under threat but few organisations will look into them because they are not as sexy as the tiger or the elephant. The same is true for the reptiles and small cats that you see in Kyaiktiyo.
One hundred and seventy-four species of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian are protected under Myanmar law. The Forestry Department tries to educate people in rural areas about the law but the impact is limited.
Awareness and enforcement
We try to raise awareness through seminars and posters but I dont think this is very effective as the public rarely follow the rules, U Nay Myo Tun, a forest officer from Kyaito, told Al Jazeera.
The maximum penalty under the 1994 Protection of Wildlife and Protected Areas Law for killing, hunting, possessing, selling, transporting, wounding or exporting protected wildlife is seven years in jail or a fine of just K50,000 ($42). But, the law is rarely applied. Only 33 cases of wildlife crime were detected by the Forestry Department in 2015.
This comes as no surprise to U Nay Myo Tun.
We make round checks in the forest two or three times a month, but we do not see any hunters because they hunt at night and we dare not stay in the jungle over night, he says.
Than Lwin claims to be unaware of any laws that protect wildlife in Myanmar and has had little contact with the forest authorities except that time he says they helped him to carry a mountain goat up to the market in return for some wild pig meat.
Conservation, however, is not a foreign concept to him.
If we shoot animals with a gun then we can make sure we only catch the adults. A snare or trap can cause extinction because its indiscriminate and could catch a young animal before it has the chance to reproduce, he says. I also avoid killing mothers if I see one with her young.
But much like the law, Than Lwins rules are liberally applied. As he returns from an unsuccessful day in the forest he stops by a market stall and inquires about the Burmese python he caught last week.
Proudly displayed at the front of the shop is a box full of bear paws. Than Lwin closely examines one of the stumps, wafting the congealed blood beneath his nose.
Two days old, he guesses. I havent shot a bear since last summer, it was a mother that had two young cubs.
Trophies, remedies, cures
A black cauldron containing the severed heads of deer, pigs, monkeys and rodents sits at the centre of the shop. The skulls are in various states of decay and sprawled on a bed of white fat. Oil is rendered from the remains and mixed with herbs to create a popular medicinal ointment.
Elephant tails decorate the front shelf, a dried tiger penis hangs from the ceiling and 10 python skins are rolled up beside a jar of syrupy, brown sacks. According the dealer May Khin*, these gall bladders are an effective cure for seizures and strokes.
Some of her most expensive wares are sold as trophies rather than remedies. The preserved head of a clouded leopard assumes the highest shelf, presiding over the stall with the same pained expression it had the moment it was shot. Hanging on the back wall of the shop are three leopard hides.
May Khin has run the stall for 20 years and has a close relationship with hunters across the region. As she discusses rates with Than Lwin her phone starts to ring: a hunter from the Bago hills has caught some small cats and wants her to collect them.
She smiles and rushes to the door. Its getting harder and harder to source wild animals but demand from her customers remains the same.
Of course there are the restrictions, but we continue to sell our medicine with an understanding from the government, she says.
There are 33 shops openly selling protected species at the Kyaiktiyo market, but according to U Htay Win, chairman of the pagoda authority, no laws are being broken.
The herbal and tradition medicines that you see for sale have been used since our ancestors time and we allow that, he says, referring to the massage oil.
They do not sell the other animal parts that you see, they are just to show that their products are real. We do not allow them to sell [those]. If they did then we would fine them.
Only one trader was issued with a fine last year, and hunters such as Than Lwin continue to empty the countrys eco-systems of wildlife.
I know what I do is illegal, Than Lwin admits, but who is going to do anything about it?
* Not her real name.
There is nothing liberal about calling for execution without regard to due process.
Talha Ahmad is a teacher, lawyer, activist, and Chair at the Membership Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain.
In May, the Bangladeshi government executed the most high-profile person convicted of war crimes. This execution bodes ill for future of the country.
Motiur Rahman Nizami, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, the countrys largest Islamic political party, was accused of war crimes committed during Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971.
However, the legal framework underpinning the tribunal and its conduct has come under severe criticism from international bodies including the United Nations and all major human rights organisations.
Atrocities on both sides
Bangladeshs war of independence was a bloody affair. While there is no agreed account of the scale and extent of the crimes committed, neutral observers have accepted that grave crimes were committed on both sides.
Although atrocities committed by the Pakistani army and their collaborators are well known in the West, less discussed are the lynch mobs and reprisals against those opposing independence.
One of the enduring images that came from this time was that of the Mukti Bahini, or the freedom fighters, bayoneting suspected collaborators for the Pakistani army.
Prominent Bengalis who opposed independence were forced to flee, go into hiding or face a brutal backlash including being tortured and murdered.
Though narratives coming from that time are polarised, the grievances surrounding the 1971 war are real and the need for closure to that period of Bangladeshs history is necessary.
Such calls are usually associated with the pro-independence bloc which has actively called for the current war crimes process. Yet, there is consensus and wide support for a fair, transparent and robust trial.
Indeed, almost all of the accused, including Nizami, had expressed their readiness to clear their name in front of a proper and fair trial which upholds international standards.
Unfortunately, in addition to failing to meet fundamental requirements for a fair trial, the current tribunals jurisdiction is only to try the Bengalis who collaborated with Pakistan army.
Flawed justice and political show trial
Nizamis trial like those before and after him is riddled with flaws (PDF). And sadly, the evidence is overwhelming to support claims that many of these flaws are intentional to predetermine the outcomes of these trials.
This was given credence by leaked conversations of Nizamul Haque Nasim, the chairman of the tribunal, with a Brussels-based Bangladeshi lawyer linked to previous campaigns against some of those facing trials.
Some see the war crimes tribunals in Bangladesh as ultimately the clash of progressive secular liberalism and the regressive, increasingly militant Islamic puritanism. by
Some of the conversations were specific and serious, which essentially amounted to a tri-party collusion between government, judiciary and pro-independence campaigners to predetermine outcomes of the trials.
The current chief justice who chaired the Appellate Division bench in Nizamis verdict was named in one of the leaked conversation as a party to the whole collusion.
However, the tribunals most serious flaw is its consistent imposition of severe restrictions on the accused to produce witnesses in their defence.
For example, 16 charges against Nizami were all serious and carried the death penalty. These charges were related to numerous events, which were not necessarily factually or geographically linked. Yet, Nizami was only allowed to call four witnesses.
An uncivil civil society
The failure of the judiciary to facilitate justice is compounded by Bangladeshs dysfunctional civil society.
The trials exposed how uncivil its civil society really is. Criticisms of the legal framework and conduct of the trials had come from numerous quarters.
Yet, Bangladeshi media and civil society have either ignored these criticisms or accused those criticising of acting on Jamaats instructions.
Moreover, Bangladeshs secular establishment writers and intellectuals have used their pens to extol the virtues of these trials, while branding opponents as Islamists for daring to quibble over the rule of law.
OPINION: Bangladesh executions Justice, revenge or politics?
They were aided by mass demonstrations organised by the Ganajagaran Mancha, the group that has been consistently vocal in demanding the death penalty for the war criminals of 1971.
While in the West they continue to be celebrated as the vanguard for secular and liberal values, they are anything but a mass, reminiscent of lynching mobs that came together demanding the execution of the 1971, accused without any regard for due process.
The movement was kicked off when it tried to put pressure on the Supreme Court of Bangladesh to change the life sentence verdict on one of the accused, Abdul Quader Mollah.
While the Bangladeshi government has cracked down and prevented mass rallies opposing these executions, they have allowed and often facilitated this liberal and progressive platform which has since celebrated every execution that has taken place on the streets.
Clash of values
Some see the war crimes tribunals in Bangladesh as ultimately the clash of progressive secular liberalism and the regressive, increasingly militant Islamic puritanism.
The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has used this misconceived notion to her maximum advantage. In strange ways her hands have been strengthened by a series of unfortunate and barbaric killings of individuals, activists and authors known for their unconventional and at times highly contested opinions about Islam and Muslims.
These incidents, together with several killings of people from minority faith groups, have supported the claim of a clash between rising Islamic extremism and increasingly threatened secular liberal tradition.
OPINION: Citizens are also responsible for Bangladesh violence
However, this clash of values is a false dichotomy. Bangladeshs Islamic political forces have many flaws, but a leaning towards violence or hatred of minority faith communities is not one of them.
Killing, violence and attacks on minority communities are too common in Bangladesh and have been for many years. While none of them has ever been properly investigated, and the perpetrators never tried in a judicial process that can withstand international scrutiny, the fingers have often been pointed to the politicians belonging to the ruling party for orchestrating such violence.
Moreover, there is nothing liberal about calling for an execution without regard to due process, suppressing free speech, stifling political opposition or enforcing blackout of media coverage of those the liberal elites disapproves. That only re-enforces the illiberal mentality and attitude the secular-liberals claim to be fighting against.
What the future holds
The reality on the ground influenced by complex political interests, challenging economic reality and a fast-evolving society makes any prediction or, indeed, suggestion for progress harder.
With the scope for free speech all but squeezed, the prevailing sociopolitical view is giving life to intolerance.
However, the Bangladesh government, media and civil society alone are not to be blamed. The international community inter-state organisations, pressure groups and media have all been too willing to accept a simplistic narrative of secular liberalism versus rising Islamist extremism as the real problem in Bangladesh.
This is evident from the international attention given to the horrific murders of a handful of activists whose causes resonated with Western society.
Even though their murders were rightly condemned and given attention to, hundreds of others continue to be victims of political murder and violence especially when they belong to one of the Muslim religious parties or groups.
But their plight is hardly recorded in the international media. This is despite them being targeted and killed for holding a certain socio-political view.
In turn, Bangladeshi centre-right and religiously inspired activists view Western civil society and the media with mistrust. Extremists have preyed on this, questioning the value of democracy in ensuring their rights and liberty.
Talha Ahmad is a British lawyer of Bangladeshi heritage. He is a co-chairman of the campaign group, Stand Up To Racism, and a commentator on British Muslims and Bangladesh affairs.
The attack on Israelis in a Tel Aviv cafe reflects the frustration that Palestinians experience on a daily basis.
The attack near the Israeli army headquarters in Tel Aviv that left four Israelis killed is unjustifiable. But no matter how many times this and other attacks on Israelis and Palestinians are condemned, we cant break the cycle of violence by having better security.
An end to the conflict, and especially an end to the 49-year Israeli military occupation, is vital to put an end to this bloodshed.
Without a contextual look at the conflict we cant begin to find solutions. Whether the act was ordered by some political or militant group or a lone wolf attack, it should be seen within the context of the violence in 2016 alone, which left dozens of unarmed Palestinians dead.
Revenge and collective punishment by either side is not an answer, but neither is complacency and denial.
Its the occupation
A reporter once asked former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir to delineate the borders of Israel. She replied that they are wherever an Israeli soldier is deployed.
So long as Israeli soldiers are deployed on the other side of the green line, the responsibility for war and peace is in the hands of Israel.
Denying Palestinians their inalienable right of self-determination is not a solution. Israelis should enjoy a normal life but they cant expect to do that while denying it to others under their control.
You cant keep the Gaza Strip under a crippling siege for years, allow right-wing settlers to act with impunity throughout the occupied West Bank, continue Judaising Jerusalem and expect the other side to be quiet about this.
Human Rights Watch calls what is happening in the occupied territories grave crimes.
In a report issued on June 6, they called on the International Criminal Court to investigate these crimes. After nearly a half-century of impunity, its time that those responsible for some of the gravest crimes, whether against Palestinians or Israelis, pay the price, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director.
The culture of impunity
According to Israeli human rights groups, in the past few months alone Israeli soldiers have executed Palestinians at least in two occasions. The evidence has been captured by video footage.
Israel has announced that more settlements will be built in Jerusalem where right-wing radicals continue to rampage.
Without a political horizon, the Palestinian public is depressed, desperate and totally frustrated. by
A West Bank settler who was detained after allegedly being behind the killing of three Palestinian family members was released.
Furthermore, Avigdor Liberman, who has publicly called for beheading Palestinians, has become the defence minister, while offers for peace talks by Cairo and Paris have been scuttled by the Israeli political establishment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will live forever by the sword, choosing military confrontation and occupation instead of political accommodation.
For decades, Palestinians have been searching for any mechanism that can rid them of military occupation that the United Nations Security Council called unacceptable back in 1967.
OPINION: Fabricating facts An old-fashioned political tool
This is an illegal occupation coupled with an illegal settlement enterprise. And all serious efforts to negotiate an end to the occupation have frustrated the Palestinians (PDF).
Without a political horizon, the Palestinian public is depressed, desperate and totally frustrated.
They blame their leaders for leaving them in this neither-peace-nor-war limbo for decades. And they are left alone in their struggle to shake up complacent Israeli public opinion. This is the kind of frustrating environment that motivates individuals who carry out these acts.
Feeling hopeless
For years Palestinians have tried armed struggle, diplomacy and various methods of the Intifada.
Stones failed in the First Intifada to shake up the occupation. Suicide bombings resulted in the construction of walls.
OPINION: Rewriting the history of the peace process
Feeling hopeless, Palestinians in the occupied territories have taken things in their own hands while supporters around the world put pressure on Israel, using tactics of nonviolent resistance. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS) has been painted as some kind of anti-Semitic act.
If Palestinians cant use violent or nonviolent resistance, what are they supposed to do?
Twenty years of talks since the Oslo Accords have produced no credible peace mechanism, while illegal settlers have tripled.
How can Palestinian leaders justify a return to direct talks without any guarantees? How can a new round of dialogue be productive when that time is used to build even more illegal Jewish colonies on the Palestinian lands?
In the eye of the Israelis, a perfect Palestinian is the one who sits at home, enjoys this benevolent occupation and wait upon the Israeli masters and occupiers to decide for him what his future should look like within this generous Israeli rule.
Without justifying it, the attack on Israelis in a Tel Aviv cafe reflects this frustration that Palestinians experience every day.
The only way to break this violent cycle is to accept what the world has long understood: that the occupation is not sustainable and it must be replaced by a state where Palestinians can exercise their rights in an independent, contiguous and sustainable state of their own.
Daoud Kuttab, an award-winning Palestinian journalist, is a former Ferris professor of journalism at Princeton University.
The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Somali group claims it has killed dozens of members of AMISOM force, which in turn says it has killed over 100 fighters.
Somali armed group al-Shabab and the African Unions AMISOM force have each claimed to have killed large numbers of the other sides combatants in a gun battle in central Somalia.
The town of Halgan, where Thursdays clash occurred, lies in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia, about 300km north of the capital Mogadishu.
The AMISOM force fighting in Somalia said its troops repelled an attack on one of its bases by al-Shabab and killed 110 fighters.
AMISOM forces killed 110 al-Shabab and captured a large cache of weapons, AMISOM spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Joe Kibet told Reuters news agency by telephone, adding that a claim by al-Shabab that it had killed AU soldiers was a falsehood.
Conversely, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al-Shababs military operations spokesman, told Reuters: Our fighters stormed the Halgan base of AMISOM We killed 43 AU soldiers from Ethiopia in the fighting.
He said several al-Shabab fighters had died in the raid but he did not give a figure.
Residents said that they heard a huge explosion at the base and a heavy exchange of gunfire shortly before dawn.
Al-Shabab says its fighters drove a car equipped with a suicide bomb into the base, followed by armed men storming the base and killing the soldiers, said Al Jazeeras Mohamed Adow, reporting from Kenyas capital Nairobi.
Periodic violence
Al-Shabab often launches gun and bomb attacks on officials, Somali security forces and AMISOM in an effort to topple the government and impose its own brand of government on Somalia.
In January, Kenyan troops serving with AMISOM suffered heavy losses when al-Shabab made a dawn raid on their camp in El Adde, near the Kenyan border.
Al-Shabab said it killed more than 100 soldiers but Kenya gave no exact casualty figure.
Rights advocates and politicians say public inquiry would help to prevent similar abuses from happening again.
Toronto, Canada Canada must launch a public inquiry into the alleged torture of hundreds of Afghan detainees during the countrys military mission in Afghanistan, a group of human rights advocates, legal experts, politicians and diplomats has said.
Detainees were transferred from the Canadian military to Afghan authorities notwithstanding very clear and credible risks of torture, the group said in an open letter, sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this week.
No one knows exactly how many detainees who were in Canadian custody were tortured, disappeared or died under Afghan custody partly due to the cloud of secrecy the previous government relentlessly maintained over this matter, the letter said.
The Dark Prison: Legacy of the CIA Torture Programme
Canadas military involvement in Afghanistan began in 2001 and formally ended in 2014, with more than 40,000 troops deployed the largest Canadian military operation since World War II.
Canadian diplomats in Afghanistan described instances of detainees being beaten with electric cables, rubber hoses and sticks, or being threatened with execution or sexual assault, among other punishments, the letters 41 signatories said.
Alex Neve, head of Amnesty International Canada and one of the letters signatories, said a public inquiry would allow Canadians to finally understand what took place in Afghanistan and prevent a similar situation from happening again.
We have never understood who made the orders, on what basis, [and] why, even as more evidence came to light that the torture risk was indisputable, the determination to stick with the policy only deepened, Neve told Al Jazeera.
Unless we probe and examine why this came to pass then theres every possibility this may simply be repeated. And we cannot afford that possibility.
In response to the report, Jordan Owens, press secretary for Canadas defence ministry, told Al Jazeera that when it comes to situations of armed conflict, members of the Canadian Armed Forces receive a rigorous pre-deployment training with respect to the Geneva Convention and international law.
Rideau report
Canada transferred detainees into the custody of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), most frequently the National Directorate of Security (NDS), a recent Rideau Institute report on the torture of Afghan detainees said.
The North American country originally had no ability to monitor the detainees conditions post-transfer, but a subsequent deal later granted its diplomats the ability to visit detainees.
After Canadian diplomats started monitoring the conditions of detainees, they started discovering many instances of abuse, Omar Sabry, the author of the report, told Al Jazeera on Thursday.
So these were incontrovertible cases of people who were known to have been transferred by Canada and who said themselves in interviews that they were tortured.
Sabry said that the transfers of detainees continued even after Canadian officials discovered instances of abuse, in violation of international law.
Complicity in torture
In 2009, whistleblower Richard Colvin, a Canadian diplomat who served in Afghanistan for 17 months, described Canadas complicity in torture, as well as indifference and obstruction from higher-ups when he raised concerns.
According to our information, the likelihood is that all the Afghans we handed over were tortured. For interrogators in Kandahar, it was standard operating procedure, Colvin told a parliamentary committee at the time.
Canadas previous Conservative government, under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, fought efforts to investigate the allegations. At the height of the scandal in 2009, Harper shut down the parliament for two months.
Neve, of Amnesty International, said senior members of the current government in Ottawa showed support for an inquiry when they were in opposition in parliament.
Our expectation is that the government will agree that this is something that needs to happen.
The open letter came a few days before Ottawa must respond to a petition calling for an independent commission of inquiry into the events.
That petition, which the government must address by June 16, garnered 727 signatures from people across Canada.
US president says Clinton is most qualified candidate for the White House, shortly after meeting rival Bernie Sanders.
US President Barack Obama has officially endorsed fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton for president, saying he did not think there had ever been a nominee so qualified for the White House.
I want to congratulate Hillary Clinton, on making history as the presumptive democratic nominee for President of the United States, Obama said in a video released on Clintons official YouTube Channel on Thursday.
Im with her, Im fired up and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary, he added. I dont think there has ever been someone so qualified to hold this office.
READ MORE: Clinton claims Democratic nomination
As it circulated the Obama video, the Clinton campaign announced that their first joint appearance on the campaign trail will be on Wednesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Obama-Sanders meeting
The endorsement came shortly after Obama met Clintons rival in the Democratic primary contest, US Senator Bernie Sanders, at the White House.
Speaking after his meeting with Obama, Sanders said that he would work with Clinton to defeat Republican hopeful Donald Trump.
Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that Donald Trump does not become president of the United States, Sanders said.
He added, however, that he was going to stay in the race to compete in the final Democratic primary vote in Washington DC on June 14.
Al Jazeeras White House correspondent Patty Culhane, reporting from Washington, said that it was clear why Sanders visited the White House.
He was being given a heads-up, Culhane said.
Obama had been expected to support Clinton since she declared herself the partys presumptive nominee after reaching the number of delegates needed to be named its candidate in the November elections.
READ MORE: Bernie Sanders vows to stay in Democrat nomination race
But, Senator Sanders still remains popular and the Democratic party is expected to need his support to win the presidency in November.
After the presidents meeting with Sanders, the Obama administration changed their mind at the last minute and allowed the press to take photographs of the president and the senator walking into the Oval Office, Culhane said.
Obama is trying to send a message to Bernie Sanders supporters that the president is not disrespecting Senator Sanders, she added.
According to the latest poll by CBS and New York Times, 52 percent of Americans say that they have an unfavourable view of Clinton, while 57 percent say that they have an unfavourable view of Trump.
READ MORE: Sanders campaign calls out AP for declaring Clinton win
Bernie Sanders is the only candidate left in the race that has more people say they like him than dont like him, said Culhane.
So, if Hillary Clinton is going to get ahead on the polls, she is going to need Senator Sanders on her side.
She is going to need to use his popularity and the passion of his supporters to make sure that they go out to vote for her.
Obama remains popular with voters, and his endorsement will come as a significant boost to Clinton.
Obama and Clinton were rivals during the 2008 Democratic primary that Obama won. Clinton went on to serve as Obamas secretary of state during his first term in office.
Authorities identify suspect as Medhane Yehdego Mered, but witnesses reportedly say it is a case of mistaken identity.
Italian prosecutors are looking into claims that they got the wrong man in a major operation that led to the arrest and extradition of an Eritrean man presented as a major human smuggler.
On Wednesday, Italian and British anti-crime agencies announced the arrest of Medhane Yehdego Mered, who was caught in Sudan and flown to Italy to face trial.
Italian police released a video of the man they said was Mered arriving at an airport in Rome, but Meron Estefanos, the Sweden-based executive director of the Eritrean Initiative on Human Rights, told Al Jazeera it was a case of mistaken identity.
Estefanos, who says she has interviewed Mered in the past, said the man in the footage was not Mered, but Medhane Tesfamariam Kidane, an Eritrean refugee living in Sudan.
These are two different people, she said from Stockholm. If you notice the one that the Italians have, he is shorter and younger, while the real Medhane Mered is older, a 36-year-old much taller [man]. If you see the pictures close-up, it just doesnt add up.
Estefanos also said she had spoken to relatives and friends of the man transferred to Italy who all confirmed that it was a different person.
Just to be sure, I also interviewed many of the refugees that the actual smuggler has smuggled into Europe, and all say that it is not the same person, Estefanos added.
He happened to have the same first name as the smuggler, but [it is] not the right person, she said. I would not put my credibility just like this. I hope for the sake of this innocent young man, that they release him as soon as possible and apologise to him.
Borderless: Undercover with the People Smugglers
Earlier on Thursday, Francesco Lo Voi, chief prosecutor in the city of Palermo, had said the authorities were carrying out the appropriate checks.
At the moment all we can say is that the identification, arrest, handover and extradition to Italy of the fugitive were communicated to us in an official manner by [Britains] National Crime Agency and by Sudanese authorities, the ANSA news agency quoted him as saying.
The suspect is being held in Romes Rebibbia jail and is due to face his first interrogation on Friday, ANSA said.
A spokesman for the National Crime Agency (NCA) in London said it was too soon to comment on media reports, and referred further questions to Italian authorities.
Completely innocent
The suspect has been described as a ruthless criminal known as the General, a self-styled name referring to Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi.
In a statement, the NCA said he was one of the worlds most-wanted people smugglers, while Italian police executive Renato Cortese said in a Wednesday press conference that he led a criminal network that turns over millions of euros.
But unnamed friends of the arrested, quoted by the BBC, said his real name was Mered Tesfamariam. A woman in Norway who said she was his sister told the BBCs Newsnight programme that her brother was completely innocent.
The Guardian, also quoting friends, named the man as Medhanie Tesfamariam Berhe, and said he was a 27-year-old refugee arrested in a street in Khartoum late last month.
Its incredible hes not a human trafficker. Hes from my family, Fshaye Tasfai, an Eritrean refugee in Sicily, told The Guardian.
Two lawyers have been named to defend the Eritrean man held in Rome. Neither was immediately available for comment.
The seasonal rains are a week late but are still forecast to be better than average.
It rained in Kerala on Wednesday as 112mm was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram in the south and 90mm in Kannur in the north.
In the two preceding days, the 14 designated rainfall stations in Kerala were wet; the wind over the southern Arabian Sea was a westerly from the sea surface up to 5,000m; the wind at 600m above land blew at about 30km per hour (kph); and the sunshine received on land was below 200 watts per square metre in other words, it was cloudy.
These same criteria must be met every year before the arrival of the monsoon rains can be announced.
This consistency allows a long climatological record to be kept and useful comparisons can be made for all of India.
This year, the Indian Meteorological Department declared on Wednesday that the southwest monsoon had arrived in Kerala.
The monsoon, which marks the beginning of the rainy season in the country, is crucial for Indias farmers, especially with several states grappling with drought-like conditions.
Every year, the forecast strength, and onset date, of the monsoon rains is a matter of national importance and international interest.
This is because 58 per cent of Indias population is currently sustained through near subsistence agriculture.
More than 70 per cent of rural households depend on agriculture as their principal means of livelihood.
Agriculture, along with fisheries and forestry, accounts for one-third of the nations GDP and is its single largest contributor.
Pre-monsoon
There is rain ahead of the monsoon season and in March, April and May most states recorded at least their average rainfall.
However, Orissa and the western states were deficient, with Konkan and Goa at only 14 per cent of normal.
These months are, however, a relatively dry period and characterised this year, as last, by at least one heatwave.
Many states suffered extreme pre-monsoon heat, notably Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. It is now back to normal in these states.
West Rajasthan, on the other hand, is still under heatwave conditions: Bikaner measured 48C on Tuesday and 47C on Wednesday.
The India Meteorological Department has maintained a heatwave warning for West Rajasthan until Friday and a watch level beyond that.
Sunitha Devi, the India Meteorological Departments Pune director, told the Indian Express that the southwest monsoon seems to be at a normal pace and even as there was a slight delay of one week, it should cover the country well within the period announced as of July 15.
The forecast rainfall amounts for this monsoon season remain above average across all of India, but not by much: it stands at between 102 and 110 percent of the long-term average.
Israel is concealing vital records to prevent darkest periods in its history from coming to light, academics say.
Jerusalem Israel is locking away millions of official documents to prevent the darkest episodes in its history from coming to light, civil rights activists and academics have warned as the countrys state archives move online.
They claim government officials are concealing vital records needed for historical research, often in violation of Israeli law, in an effort to avoid damaging Israels image.
The Israeli army has long claimed to be the most moral in the world.
Accusations of increased secrecy come as Israel marks this week the 49th anniversary of the 1967 war, when it seized and occupied Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Golan Heights.
Many of the records to which access is being denied refer to that war and the first years of Israels military rule over Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.
Menachem Klein, a politics professor at Bar Ilan University, near Tel Aviv, said researchers needed such documents to gain a clearer picture of events half a century ago, the goals of policymakers, and human rights abuses. We have gradually been able to expose some of what happened in 1948 [the war that established Israel], but there is still very little available to help us understand the 1967 war, he told Al-Jazeera.
READ MORE: Israel is a terrorist state
The entire history of Israeli society and its conflict with the Palestinians is to be found in those archives. It is impossible to understand and write about that history without access. by Lior Yavne, co-author of the Akevot report
As part of its commemorations this week, the state archives published testimony by military commanders from 1967. However, local media noted that whole pages had been censored on security grounds.
Nonetheless, some of the declassified material was revealing. Uzi Narkiss, who headed the armys central command at the time, suggested that he and other commanders hoped to ethnically cleanse most of the territories under cover of fighting. He told fellow officers: Within 72 hours well drive out all the Arabs from the West Bank.
The campaign to open up Israels archives is being led by the Akevot Institute, a group of Israeli human rights activists, lawyers and researchers trying to document the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a new report, Point of Access, they note that only 1 percent of 400 million pages of documents have been made public.
Most of the files should have been accessible after 15 years. In many cases, Akevot says, the classified status of documents has expired, but they have still not been made public. Reasons for denial of access are rarely given.
In other instances, documents that were already declassified some of them decades ago have been re-sealed and are now unavailable.
Despite the mounting secrecy, historic war crimes are still coming to light.
In March the largest known massacre of Palestinians by the Israeli army during the 1948 war that founded Israel what Palestinians call al-Nakba was exposed, in spite of official efforts to keep the atrocity under wraps for nearly seven decades.
The gag was effectively ended with the publication of a soldiers letter in the Haaretz newspaper, detailing the execution of hundreds of Palestinian men, women and children at the village of Dawaymeh, near Hebron. The entire history of Israeli society and its conflict with the Palestinians is to be found in those archives, Lior Yavne, co-author of the report, told Al-Jazeera. It is impossible to understand and write about that history without access. He added: In practice, most of Israels archives are permanently closed.
According to Akevot, Israel has exploited a new programme to digitally copy existing paper files to increase secrecy.
Archivists are currently scanning and uploading documents to create a comprehensive database a project that is likely to take more than 25 years. The archives website went live in April.
However, the public nature of the database means hundreds of thousands of national security files have been submitted for the first time to an official body known as the military censor. Until now its powers had been largely restricted to oversight of the Israeli media, said Yavne.
The censor is reported to be refusing to release many of the documents, redacting others and reclassifying as secret many records that were previously available to researchers.
A growing backlog of tens of thousands of files that need to be reviewed has also blocked access to researchers, according to Akevot.
Requests to see documents can be denied if they damage national security or foreign relations, or violate privacy. Yavne said access to records after the specified time restriction had expired was regularly refused without legal authority. Files appeared to be withheld if officials feared they might highlight human rights violations or shed light on sordid affairs.
The report notes that the records of government decision-making belong to the public but are treated as a secret to be kept from it.
The current emphasis on concealment contrasts with the late 1980s, when parts of the archives from the 1948 war were opened.
A handful of Israeli historians, most notably Benny Morris, Ilan Pappe and Avi Shlaim, revealed that much of Israels official history of the states founding was based on misinformation.
These new historians unearthed evidence of wide-scale massacres of Palestinians, rapes and forced expulsions. They also showed that common assumptions about the war such as that Palestinians had been ordered to flee by their leaders were later inventions by Israel to minimise international criticism.
One Israeli academic, Shay Hazkani, has estimated that up to a third of records relating to the 1948 war that were declassified have been put under lock again. Given the large number of documents, many had yet to be examined by researchers.
Nur Masalha, a UK-based Palestinian historian who exposed evidence in Israels archives of expulsion, or transfer, policies against Palestinians between 1948 and 1967, told Al Jazeera the clampdown on access to documents was part of wider internal repression in Israel.
It reflected, he said, Israels mounting concern at the connections being made between Israels past and present atrocities. Israel has faced growing international condemnation for its war crimes in Gaza, and at the same time Palestinians, including those inside Israel, have become more determined to focus attention on the Nakba.
Some of the most highly classified records which have been under lock for 70 years are due to be made public in less than two years time. That would turn the spotlight on the most contentious events from Israels founding. However, according to Akevot, no preparations have been made by Israels most secretive security agencies, the Shin Bet intelligence service and the Mossad spy agency, to release their archives.
The report says access is expected to be denied for the foreseeable future. Yavne said the Shin Bet had already ignored a commitment to make available sections of its archives after 50 years.
Those documents would shed light on Shin Bet policies in the states early years, when a fifth of Israels population belonging to the Palestinian minority were placed under a military government.
Details of this period would be embarrassing both because of the harsh treatment of Palestinians during military rule and because the template of the military government was later exported into the occupied territories, said Klein.
Archive documents might expose the Shin Bets detention and torture practices, its use of blackmail and entrapment to recruit informants, and its harassment of Palestinian leaders. The Shin Bet has always operated beyond the law, he said.
The Israeli prime ministers office, which oversees both the archives and the Shin Bet, declined to comment.
READ MORE: Nakba The man reconstructing Palestines lost villages
Yavne said Akevot, which was established 18 months ago, was assisting academics and researchers who were often afraid to speak out against the mounting restrictions. They are worried that if they are seen to be criticising the archive policy, they may face even more restricted access, he said.
He added that Akevot was creating an alternative database of documents to help researchers to understand the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Among the top-secret documents recently unearthed by the group is one revealing a government order immediately after the 1967 war to remove the Green Line, marking Israels internationally recognised borders, from all maps used in Israeli schools.
Klein said the aim was to root into Israelis minds the idea that the occupied Palestinian territories are part of Israel to make returning them more difficult.
Other classified documents from the period show that Israels chief adviser on international law, Theodor Meron, warned that the Geneva Conventions applied to Israels behaviour in the occupied territories. Israel has publicly always denied that it is bound by the conventions. There has been a similar spate of revelations about the 1948 war.
In January Haaretz reported that the archives were still refusing access to a transcript of a cabinet meeting in 1949 in which ministers discussed the widespread desecration of churches the previous year.
The discussion, however, could be reconstructed from other sources.
The Foreign Minister of the time, Moshe Sharett, is recorded as saying the Israeli soldiers had behaved in ways fit for savages a reference to their defecating in churches and looting icons. Sharett suggested paying the Vatican large compensation to buy their silence.
Israeli military correspondent Amir Oren recently wrote that archival evidence showed that the current spate of Israeli soldiers executing Palestinians was not a new phenomenon.
The 1948 war, Oren wrote, had launched the catalogue of murder, rape, looting, contempt for human life by the Israeli army.
West Bank and Gaza sealed off in response to Tel Aviv attack that killed four Israelis.
Israel has deployed hundreds of additional troops to the occupied West Bank in response to an attack that killed four people at a popular Tel Aviv nightspot.
The Israeli military announced on Thursday that it was deploying two additional battalions to the West Bank in accordance with situation assessments.
The deployment, involving hundreds of troops, includes soldiers from infantry and special forces units.
The announcement coincided with the meeting of Israels Security Cabinet to discuss further responses.
Earlier on Thursday, defence officials suspended tens of thousands of special permits given to Palestinians to visit Israel during the current Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
COGAT, an Israeli defence body, said 83,000 permits for Palestinians in the West Bank to visit relatives in Israel had been frozen.
Special Ramadan permits were also suspended for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to visit relatives in Israel, travel abroad and attend prayers at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, COGAT said.
In addition, the military said it had frozen Israeli work permits for 204 of the attackers relatives, and was preventing Palestinians from leaving and entering the West Bank village of Yatta, the attackers home village.
COGAT said entering or leaving will only be permitted for humanitarian and medical cases.
West Bank and Gaza were effectively been sealed off in the aftermath of the attack.
Second attack in six months
In Tel Aviv, extra police units were mobilised, mainly around the citys central bus station and train stations, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
Surveillance video, seemingly from the moment of the attack on Wednesday, showed the two men dressed in black suits and ties, calmly walking into a cafe before pulling out guns and opening fire on its terrace.
Most patrons fled in panic, though some fought back at the cafe at Sarona Market in Israels commercial capital.
At one point, one of the attackers threw a handgun to the ground in frustration as two of the victims lay motionless on the terrace.
The market and complex of bars and restaurants is located across the street from Israels defence ministry and main army headquarters.
Interactive Vanishing Palestine: The making of Israels occupation
Five people were wounded in addition to the four killed. The suspects were reportedly Palestinian and disguised as Orthodox Jews.
This is the second such attack in six months, said Al Jazeeras Hoda Abdel-Hamid, reporting from Tel Aviv. The atmosphere here is one of defiance.
Suspects identified
Those killed were all Israelis, identified as Ido Ben Aryeh, 42, Ilana Nave, 39, Michael Feige, 58, and Mila Mishayev, 32, police said.
One of the attackers was arrested, while the other was wounded by gunfire and had undergone surgery, police added.
They were identified as Khaled Mohammad Makhamrah, 22, and his cousin Mohamad Ahmad Makhamrah, 21, both from the Hebron area in the occupied West Bank.
Our correspondent said the revoking of Ramadan permits was likely to cause anger among Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza, as it would be seen as collective punishment.
The Ramadan permits were issued so that Palestinians could visit their relatives inside Israel, or to pray at al-Aqsa mosque, she said.
Israels army locked down the Palestinian town of Yatta, where the attackers were from, with soldiers patrolling and stopping cars as they entered and exited.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, visited the scene of what he called the cold-blooded terrorist murder after returning from a trip to Moscow and conferred with senior colleagues, including Avigdor Lieberman, the newly installed defence minister.
We discussed a range of offensive and defensive steps which we shall take in order to act against this phenomenon, Netanyahus office quoted the premier as saying.
Soldiers capture two barracks, a bridge and an intersection in ISILs stronghold city, military says.
Naval forces loyal to Libyas internationally backed government say they have taken control of the coast of Sirte as part of an offensive to recapture the city from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group.
Our forces control the entire coast of Sirte, Rida Issa, the naval commander for central Libya, told AFP news agency on Thursday. They (ISIL fighters) will not be able to flee by sea.
The news comes after the internationally backed government said its forces had managed to advance deep into Sirte, capturing two military barracks from ISIL fighters.
Our forces are in full control of Tagreft barracks and military engineers are inspecting the zone to clear anti-personnel mines, the forces of the Government of National Unity (GNA) said on Facebook, adding that the fighting 20km outside Sirte left six dead and 15 wounded.
A second barracks, named Al-Jalet, was also seized, as well as a bridge and an intersection that leads to the western entrance to the city of Sirte, the statement said, in operations backed by the Libyan air force.
READ MORE: Daesh in Libya myth or reality?
The GNA forces said one of the air raids destroyed a booby-trapped truck before it reached their lines.
Anti-personnel mines and booby-trapped vehicles left behind by retreating ISIL fighters were failing to slow the GNA forces, the statement said.
The internationally backed governments forces and those of a rival authority in the east are currently engaged in a race to be the first to drive ISIL out of Sirte, the home town on the Mediterranean of Libyas overthrown leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The international community believes this could jeopardise efforts to defeat ISIL, whose threat has grown since it established a foothold in Libya at the end of 2014.
Last week, fighters that have also declared their loyalty to the government captured the towns of Nofaliyeh and Ben Jawad in the east of Sirte.
However, military units backing a rival government based in the eastern city of Tobruk have also been advancing on Sirte from the south.
Libya has suffered from chaos since the 2011 overthrow of Gaddafi, with numerous revolutionary militias formed along regional and ideological lines vying for power.
Ahmed Adeeb sentenced to 15 years in prison just days after getting a separate 10-year conviction on terrorism charge.
Former Maldives deputy leader Ahmed Adeeb has been convicted of plotting to assassinate the president, and sentenced to 15 years in prison four days after being sent to jail for 10 years in another case.
Following a closed-door trial on Thursday, the Criminal Court found ex-vice president Adeeb and two of his military bodyguards guilty of attempting to kill President Yameen Abdul Gayoom, by setting off a bomb on his speedboat in September 2015.
Gayoom escaped unhurt, but his wife and two others were slightly injured.
After being enlisted to look into the incident, FBI investigators reported there was no evidence that a bomb was behind the blast.
READ MORE: Amnesty says human rights in Maldives deteriorating
Yet, Adeeb was arrested by the police and tried in secret following allegations he wanted to topple Gayoom.
With the sentencing, almost all of Gayooms key rivals are either living in exile or in jail in the island nation, which has been rocked by political turmoil in recent years.
Adeebs lawyer, Moosa Siraj, told the Maldives Independent website that the court warned him not to criticise the trial.
The Criminal Court has barred me from calling the trial unfair, but we have concerns and intend to launch an appeal immediately, Siraj said.
Another lawyer, who declined to be named, said Adeebs two bodyguards who were also convicted on Thursday were sentenced to 10 years each.
Political turmoil
Reporters were barred from the trial after the court invoked national security concerns and said it would not make the hearings or verdict public.
Adeeb, 34, once a close confidant of Gayoom, had enjoyed a meteoric rise until he was dramatically impeached in November after being accused of the assassination plot.
On Sunday, Adeeb was jailed for 10 years on an unrelated terrorism charge relating to his role in cracking down on an anti-government protest in May last year.
President Gayoom is accused of jailing and silencing dissidents in the country, a popular holiday destination for honeymooners.
The latest developments come weeks after ex-leader Mohamed Nasheed, the countrys first democratically elected president, was granted asylum in Britain.
Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in prison on controversial terrorism charges last year, but was allowed to travel to the UK for surgery in January and was granted political asylum last month.
About four months ago, the president also secured the jailing of Sheikh Imran Abdulla, leader of the opposition Islamist Adhaalath Party, for 12 years.
Ramadan fanoos is the colourful lantern that adorns the streets of many Arab countries during the holiest month of the year for Muslims.
In Saudi Arabia, where I spent most of my childhood, the lantern was an integral part of the Ramadan experience. Huge copper fanoos with coloured-glass windows would be erected at the gates of mosques and shopping malls. Small plastic ones filled the bustling open-air marketplaces.
It is widely believed that the tradition originated in Egypt during the Fatimid Caliphate, where it is said the caliph was greeted at the beginning of Ramadan by lantern-carrying residents of Cairo. From there, it spread to other cities in the Islamic world Damascus, Aleppo, Ramallah, Gaza, Amman and Riyadh, among others.
At school in the coastal city of Jeddah, I would craft fanoos from colourful paper before returning home to string dozens of the lanterns along a piece of rope that stretched across our backyard, from one huge palm tree to another. Only a few would survive the month without being shredded by the wind or visiting crows, but to me and many others those simply made lanterns became synonymous with Ramadan.
Show us what your homemade fanoos look like by uploading a photo to your social media account (Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter) and adding #AJFanoos
Saudi Arabia says no threats were used on UN to remove Arab-led coalition fighting in Yemen from child rights blacklist.
Saudi Arabia has denied threatening a cut-off of humanitarian funding to pressure the United Nations into removing the Arab-led coalition fighting in Yemen from a blacklist of child rights violators.
The UN had blacklisted the coalition after concluding in a report released last Thursday that it was responsible for 60 percent of the 785 children killed in Yemen last year.
We did not use threats or intimidation and we did not talk about funding, Saudi Ambassador Abdullah al-Mouallimi said on Thursday.
On Monday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced that the coalition would be scratched from the list pending a joint review with the alliance.
Pending the conclusions of the joint review, the secretary general removes the listing of the coalition in the reports annex, Bans spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
READ MORE: UN blacklists Arab coalition for child deaths in Yemen
In his first public remarks after announcing that he removed the coalition from the blacklist, the UN chief said on Thursday that he took the decision after Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab and Muslim countries, threatened to cut off funding to UN humanitarian programmes.
This was one of the most painful and difficult decisions I have had to make, Ban told reporters at UN headquarters.
It is unacceptable for member-states to exert undue pressure, he said.
Ban said he had to consider the very real prospect that millions of other children would suffer grievously if, as was suggested to me, countries would de-fund many UN programmes.
I stand by the report, Ban added, warning that the content of the report will not change.
READ MORE: UN removes Arab coalition from child rights blacklist
The UN chief appealed to member states to defend the reporting mechanisms, such as the children in armed conflict annual blacklist, and pointed out that the coalition may be put back on the list as a result of an investigation.
I dont think this controversy is going away any time soon, Al Jazeeras James Bays, reporting from the UN headquarters in New York, said.
Ban Ki-moon is saying that this is a temporary removal of the Saudi-led coalition from this list.
But the Saudi ambassador has a very different view of things; he believes that the coalition is off the list permanently.
IN PICTURES: Life on hold in war-shattered Sanaa
The Arab-led coalition began a military campaign in Yemen in March last year with the aim of preventing Iran-allied Houthi rebels and forces loyal to Yemens ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh from taking power.
Some 6,000 people, about half of them civilians, have been killed in Yemen since last March, according to the UN.
The Houthis, Yemen government forces and pro-government groups have been on the UN blacklist for at least five years and are considered persistent perpetrators. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula also reappeared on the list.
Syria has given approval for aid convoys to reach all of the countrys besieged areas, according to the UN.
Syria has given approval for humanitarian convoys to reach all of the countrys besieged areas by the end of this month, the United Nations has said, but warned that approval does not mean delivery.
Nearly 600,000 people are besieged in 19 areas in Syria, with two-thirds trapped by government forces and the rest besieged by armed opposition groups and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, or ISIS) group.
We were informed by our team in Damascus that basically there has been a permission, an approval by the government of Syria for all 19 besieged areas, the UN envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said on Thursday.
But, he stressed that Syria has given such approvals in the past before ultimately blocking convoys from distributing life-saving supplies.
READ MORE: UN to ask Syria permission to airdrop aid
The Syrian government has previously turned down five out of 34 requests in June to deliver aid to 19 besieged areas by land convoys, according to the UN.
We were hearing earlier this week that only 17 of the 19 besieged areas had actually received approval, said Al Jazeeras Andrew Simmons, reporting from Gaziantep.
Its certainly is the case that Stefan de Mistura has made warnings in the past, tried to put pressure on the Syrian government to give way on this issue of aid reaching all of the 19 besieged areas in Syria, he said.
However, it really is a case of what he describes as approval. It does not necessarily mean delivery.
READ MORE: Deadly air strikes hit Aleppo hospital
Mistura made his latest comments about the Syrian governments approval for aid delivery convoys after the weekly meeting of the Syria humanitarian task force, co-chaired by the US and Russia, which has for months been trying to boost aid supplies to millions of Syrians in need.
That task force has faced pressure, including from France and the UK, to start airdropping aid into besieged areas, with Syrian President Bashar al-Assads military continuing to block road convoys.
Last week, during a closed-door meeting of the Security Council, diplomats said they will be asking permission from the Syrian government to airdrop aid packages in besieged areas and described airdrops as a last resort to reach thousands of civilians in need of aid.
READ MORE: US drops weapons to rebels battling ISIL in Syria
But, on Thursday, Mistura said all options are on the table, voicing hope that a surge of road convoys in the coming weeks would make dangerous and costly air deliveries unnecessary.
Bashar Jaafari, Syrian ambassador to the UN, on the other hand, previously rejected accusations that the government has ever been preventing aid deliveries in besieged areas.
Humanitarian assistance or the humanitarian aid has never been denied by the Syrian government to any part of the country, he told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.
Syrias conflict started with mostly unarmed demonstrations against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011.
It has since escalated into a full-on civil war that has killed at least 270,000 people, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Travel permits for Palestinians revoked and hometown of suspects raided as Netanyahu pledges intensive police action.
Israel has clamped down on Palestinian movements and boosted security after two suspects killed four people at a popular Tel Aviv nightspot.
Surveillance video, seemingly from the moment of the attack on Wednesday, showed the two men dressed in black suits and ties, calmly walking into a cafe before pulling out guns and opening fire on its terrace.
Most patrons fled in panic, though some fought back at the cafe at Sarona Market in Israels commercial capital.
At one point, one of the attackers threw a handgun to the ground in frustration as two of the victims lay motionless on the terrace.
The market and complex of bars and restaurants is located across the street from Israels defence ministry and main army headquarters.
Interactive: Vanishing Palestine The making of Israels occupation
Five people were wounded in addition to the four killed. The suspects were reportedly Palestinian and disguised as Orthodox Jews.
With the attack causing shock among Israelis, officials said on Thursday that they were suspending entry permits for 83,000 Palestinians during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.
This is the second such attack in six months, said Al Jazeeras Hoda Abdel-Hamid, reporting from Tel Aviv.
The atmosphere here is one of defiance.
Suspects identified
Those killed were all Israelis, identified as Ido Ben Aryeh, 42, Ilana Nave, 39, Michael Feige, 58, and Mila Mishayev, 32, police said.
One of the attackers was arrested, while the other was wounded by gunfire and had undergone surgery, police added.
They were identified as Khaled Mohammad Makhamrah, 22, and his cousin Mohamad Ahmad Makhamrah, 21, both from the Hebron area in the occupied West Bank.
Our correspondent said the revoking of Ramadan permits was likely to cause anger among Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza, as it would be seen as collective punishment.
The Ramadan permits were issued so that Palestinians could visit their relatives inside Israel, or to pray at al-Aqsa mosque, she said.
COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry unit which manages civilian affairs in the occupied West Bank, also froze permits for 204 relatives of one of the alleged attackers.
Israels army locked down the Palestinian town of Yatta, where the attackers were from, with soldiers patrolling and stopping cars as they entered and exited.
Defensive steps
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, visited the scene of what he called the cold-blooded terrorist murder after returning from a trip to Moscow and conferred with senior colleagues, including Avigdor Lieberman, the newly installed defence minister.
We discussed a range of offensive and defensive steps which we shall take in order to act against this phenomenon, Netanyahus office quoted the premier as saying.
There will be intensive action by the police, the army and other security services, not just to catch every accomplice to this murder but also to prevent further incidents.
The shooting will serve as a first major test for Lieberman, sworn in on May 30 and who has in the past threatened severe action against Palestinian terrorists.
A spokesman for Hamas, the Palestinian group that governs the Gaza Strip and which is also present in the West Bank, called the attack a heroic operation.
Possible motives
It is not yet clear if the attackers were acting alone or as part of a larger plot.
Violence since October has killed at least 207 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese.
Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities.
Others were killed in clashes or by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.
The violence has steadily declined in recent weeks, although attacks have continued to occur.
Hundreds are thought to have fled and joined armed group, leaving behind distraught families and a worried government.
Tunis About 700 women and girls are among the 5,000 Tunisians who have been recruited by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other armed groups.
As they travel to countries such as neighbouring Libya, they leave behind their families who quickly become distraught about their loss.
Theres no happiness or smiles in this house, says Olfa Hamrani, a mother whose children fled to fight with ISIL, also known as ISIS.
I wish I could die, that would be better. If I didnt have two other daughters, I would have killed myself.
One of Hamranis daughters married a fighter who is believed to have helped plan attacks on tourists in Tunisia last year.
But her daughters who left were later arrested and are being held in a prison in Tripoli, Libya.
Her five-month-old granddaughter is also with those arrested.
Hamranis two youngest daughters remember their older sisters listening to hard rock and playing the guitar.
Then, almost overnight, they wanted to switch off the music and the TV, and they started talking openly about joining ISIL.
When they adopted this doctrine they never listened to me again. Daesh [ISIL] is the first and last for them, their mother, father, ruler, everything their dreams and hopes, said Hamrani.
Present priorities
Hamrani says her priority now is to protect her younger daughters, who have themselves expressed interest in joining ISIL.
Now they are seeing a psychologist and are not allowed to speak to their elder sisters.
In May, Tunisian police arrested three girls from a school in Sidi Bouzid who had been planning to travel to Libya. They were held for almost a week, and then released.
The government would not comment on the arrests to Al Jazeera, but Neji Jalloul, Tunisias education minister, said that it is doing everything it can to counter the message of recruiters, including offering classes on culture.
He added: A child has to understand they are sacred. And life is sacred. Their country, family and people need them from their cradle to their grave.
Given the difficulties of the routes from Turkey into Syria and Iraq, researchers have noticed an increase in social media messages advising potential female recruits to head to Libya.
Security crackdown
In the past year there has been a massive security crackdown in Tunisia.
Police have arrested thousands of people, and banned thousands more from travelling.
Most of those who return from fighting abroad face jail.
When women return to Tunis, they are a widow or a wife, Mohamed Iqbal ben Rejeb, of the Rescue Association of Tunisians Trapped Abroad, told Al Jazeera.
Theres more pressure because shes considered the honour of the believers. And honour is one of the most sacred things.
He offers support to the families of fighters and says women returnees are closely watched by both the police and members of armed groups .
Commercial street and army checkpoint targeted in the capital as government forces try to dislodge ISIL from Fallujah.
At least 28 people have been killed and scores more wounded in bombings targeting a commercial street and an army checkpoint in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, Iraqi police say.
A car packed with explosives blew up on Thursday in a commercial street of Baghdad al-Jadeeda, an eastern district of Baghdad, killing more than 15 people and wounding more than 50, a police officer said.
Separately, a suicide car bomber targeted a main army checkpoint in Taji, just north of Baghdad, killing seven soldiers and wounding more than 20 others, the officer said.
In an online statement, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group claimed responsibility for the attack on the commercial street.
No one has claimed responsibility for the other attack, which comes as Iraqi forces are trying to dislodge ISIL fighters from Fallujah, their stronghold just west of Baghdad.
Up to 90,000 civilians are believed to still be inside Fallujah, according to the United Nations, which had earlier estimated the number to be 50,000.
Harrowing situation
Lise Grande, UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, said civilians could face a harrowing situation in Fallujah, 50km west of the Iraqi capital.
We have underestimated how many civilians are in Fallujah, she told Reuters news agency.
People who are coming out are giving us the strong impression that we could be talking about maybe 80,000 to 90,000 civilians that are inside.
Fallujah is a historic bastion of fighters, first the ones who fought against the United States occupation of Iraq in 2003, and then against the Shia-led authorities that took over the country.
Finance Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said last week that he expected the recovery of Fallujah would take time as ISIL had dug tunnels and planted explosive devices in roads and houses to impede the military advance.
The secretive Bilderberg organisation is holding its annual meeting in the German city of Dresden.
Its one of the most secretive and powerful organisations youve probably never heard of.
The Bilderberg group is hosting some of the worlds top business and political leaders in the German city of Dresden.
Its a forum it holds every year where the rich and the influential can meet and exchange ideas in complete secrecy.
Almost 130 politicians, bankers and industrialists are attending this years conference. The guest list includes the former heads of the CIA and MI6, as well as the chief of the International Monetary Fund.
But just like every year, no reporters are allowed in.
There are no minutes of meetings; no votes or policy statements.
And participants are bound by whats known as the Chatham House Rule, which allows people to make use of the information theyve received, but not reveal the identity or affiliation of the person who gave it to them.
So how influential is the Bilderberg group? And what does it say about the relationship between big business and politicians?
Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault
Guests:
Charlie Skelton Writer and journalist covering the Bilderberg conference for The Guardian
Katy Wright Head of Global Affairs at Oxfam
Giles Scott-Smith Professor of Diplomatic History at the University of Leiden
A Gainesville native and UF alumnus wrote a novel based on his experiences growing up in Gainesville and his life as a drug smuggler.
The book is about an aging man who goes to Costa Rica on vacation and gets caught up in a drug smuggling ring, said Phillip Haveard, the books author.
A lot of the influences come from Gainesville in the 60s, he said.
During his time studying philosophy at UF, Haveard, 68, said he sold marijuana to pay for school, which brought him into the dangerous world of drug smuggling.
It was very loud and open, he said. The hippie revolution was going on. Drugs were everywhere, and everyone was taking them.
During his career, Haveard was arrested for smuggling 23 metric tons of marijuana in North Carolina although, in his book, he changed the location to South Carolina, he said.
After spending a year-and-a-half in federal prison, he said he walked away from drugs entirely.
I was going down a bad path, Haveard said.
Haveard said so many aspects of the book are pulled from his personal life, its almost an autobiography.
In total, about 80 percent of the novel is autobiographical, including the primary locations of the story, he said.
Haveard said he wrote the book while on vacation in Costa Rica, finishing the novel in more than two months during evenings on the beach.
Haveard said he doesnt want the book to be viewed as a direct retelling of his life, however.
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I want people to keep an open mind; things arent always what they seem, he said.
The book will be released for purchase on June 18.
During Tuesday nights meeting, the Senate voted on Student Body President Susan Websters Supreme Court nominees, which included Christopher Tribbey as Supreme Court chief justice and John Angstadt-Shearer, Ashlyn Robinson, Meagan McCarthy and Travis Allen for Supreme Court associate justices.
All of Websters nominations to Supreme Court passed unanimously.
This is a contrast to attempts made by previous Student Body President Joselin Padron-Rasines, whose Supreme Court nominees were challenged in the Senate, according to Alligator archives.
Webster said the applications for Supreme Court justices were open for two-and-a-half weeks, and she received 30, about twice as many as in the past.
Webster phone-interviewed each applicant before deciding on her nominees, she said.
I made sure I asked them all the same questions, asking them about what they believed what the job of the chief justice was and truly making sure that they were an impartial person throughout the whole process, Webster said.
During the Senates public debate, graduate student Max Stein urged the Senate to keep graduate student compensation and diversity in mind.
Hallie Zimmerman, the president of Innovation Academy Ambassadors, invited the Senate to work with Innovation Academy to help the university become a top-10 school.
Wayne Selogy, the Online Voting Implementation Ad Hoc chair, said the code is still being worked on to set up online voting in the Fall.
A resolution supporting Alachua County Veterans Services and the Gainesville community in repairing the Alachua County Veterans Memorial in Kanapaha Park passed unanimously. In April, someone smashed a pillar that recognizes veterans who died since 9/11.
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My gosh, its been hot these past few months. It must be from that El Nino. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 13 of the 15 highest monthly temperature anomalies have occurred since February 2015. Unfortunately, Australias Bureau of Meteorology declared El Nino finished on May 24. Opponents of the existence of climate change have blamed abnormalities, climate and weather since 2014 on El Nino. Now that it has ended, politicians may actually have to respond to Mother Nature.
The U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris last December was seen as a triumph in climate change policy for a better tomorrow. Basically, 195 countries agreed on five-year plans to keep the global increase in temperature at a threshold where humans could still live on this lovely planet. The problem is there was no real teeth to the agreement to hold countries responsible for their plans. Once foreign ministers returned home, idealistic solutions faced realistic obstacles. Many developing countries will be forced to choose between the environment and economic development, including India the country that ranks third in carbon dioxide emissions. In the rich world, it is sad to say that neither China nor the U.S. hold polished track records for people to believe they will stick to their promises.
The U.S. can only directly govern the U.S., and a successful outcome of the Paris talks relies heavily on innovation and leadership from this country. Before the U.S. can start wagging its finger at other countries, it needs to get its own act together. If Earth is to provide a home for generations to come, the U.S. needs to make spending and policymaking on climate change the top priority today.
Many countries will struggle to keep promises made last November because technology is at a point where some of these goals prove impossible. Government leaders can only make policies with existing solutions. To increase their arsenal on ways to combat climate change, the U.S. government has to change its mentality on research. The stigma between basic research and applied research originated from a 1945 report by Vannevar Bush, head of the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development during World War II, in which he argued that government spending should focus on basic research because the ideas that show promise in applied fields will persuade private investors to bring newly innovated products to market. This mentality toward research has become obsolete. The days of scientists cooking up chemicals in a basement are over, but the dawn of multi-million dollar energy projects are upon us.
President Barack Obama has promised to triple the budget of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), where public funding for applied energy research would come from, to $1 billion by 2021. Obama should probably look to get this done before this upcoming November.
The debate on the existence of global warming has drawn out for years now. However, it doesnt matter which side is right and which one is wrong; all that matters are the consequences of being wrong. If the proponents to global warming are wrong, society is driven to innovation where people are driving around in electric cars and using other technologies that were only brought into existence by human creativity from the 21st century. If the opponents to climate change are wrong, Earth will be uninhabitable by 2030: game over for the human race. To play it safe rather than sorry, maybe we should start preparing for the chance that opponents to global warming are wrong, even if some see that chance as very small. You know, just in case.
Joshua Udvardy is a UF mechanical engineering sophomore. His column appears on Thursdays.
In light of the controversy around the Stanford rape case, its amusing to observe Americans wonder why there are many in our country who dont have an ounce of respect for the justice system.
So I ask them, why should I respect and serve a bunch of clowns masquerading as defenders of the law?
Breaches of justice cycle through our equally pathetic corporate media and ceased long ago to appear random. Were so failed by the structures above us that many are tempted to take the law into their own hands, knowing anecdotally that the justice system is a farce.
After all, when Judge Aaron Persky (with emphasis on his absurd title) decides hell go easy on a rapist so as not to ruin his life, what recourse do we have? How should we channel our rage? Where was the consideration for the victim violently and publicly robbed of her dignity?
Lawyers and judges love the image of Lady Justice, with her blindfold, balance and sword. The jokes on us for buying into such a silly joke: Shes not blindfolded, shes looking out for the interests of those who devised her image, and the side of the scale that tips lower does so permanently and intentionally.
Oppression is systematic, and the indignity it imposes is hardly accidental.
The same society that tells a pretty white boy he can take possession of a drunk girls body is the same society in which a judge decides that such an act of rape is relatively innocuous, the same society in which the convicted rapists father says 20 minutes of action shouldnt ruin his life.
It takes but a matter of seconds to discharge a weapon and destroy a life.
Again, rape is much more than 20 minutes of vicious cruelty and dispossession and much more than just that physical act. Its the culmination of a lifetime (really generations) of entitlement to everyone and everything in your path and the institutional reminder that some lives and bodies are disposable.
We saw with the media and justice systems treatment of the alleged, then convicted rapist that he could never be found guilty of a crime in the truest sense of the word. This is to say they had to decide how guilty she was of a crime committed against her, and how powerless he could be made to look in his own criminality. So they made sure we saw a handsome boy with a promising future, one the judge too wanted to protect and for which he only gave him six months.
Through the whole ordeal weve heard the voices of the judge, the rapist and his father, all shill and wholly pathetic. Corporate media, the propaganda arm of the State, thought we should hear their voices, be saturated in these narratives, which lets their privilege and cruelty continue unchecked, parading as normal moral action.
Granted, one triumph of social media and the internet is that we do have access to the voices of the powerless, the erstwhile silent, and in this case the victims statement in court was stirring and courageous and it should be voices like hers that shape our narratives and raise our consciousness.
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To focus on her sentiments and give her the last word: I hope that by speaking today, you absorbed a small amount of light, a small knowing that you cant be silenced, a small satisfaction that justice was served, a small assurance that we are getting somewhere, and a big, big knowing that you are important, unquestionably, you are untouchable, you are beautiful, you are to be valued, respected, undeniably, every minute of every day, you are powerful and nobody can take that away from you. To girls everywhere, I am with you. Thank you.
Jordan MacKenzie is a second-year UF linguistics masters student. His column appears on Thursdays.
Dear readers, were nearing the end. Five weeks into Summer A. Its already almost over: crazy, right? Its time to hit the books and try to pull some miracles in these classes so that we can all go back to enjoying what summer is truly about never-ending rain?
Darts & Laurels
Seriously, whats up with this Tropical Storm Colin?
Tuesday, residents of St. Pete Beach were asked to stop flushing the toilet, taking showers, doing laundry, etc. because Colins rains caused the sewer pipes and pump station to overflow, resulting in sanitary waste pouring out of manholes and onto city streets. Mother Nature has literally had enough of our shit. She wants us to taste our own medicine.
So, we give a dart to Colin for these horrid weather conditions. Thanks a lot, Colin. Maybe its time we build a wall around hurricanes and make everyone named Colin pay for it.
Now, in political news, honestly theres so much to talk about. And as much as wed love to discuss the Democratic primaries, youre bound to get bombarded with that topic all weekend.
For now, lets focus on something you may not hear in the news: Iowa State Sen. David Johnson. Tuesday, Johnson changed his voter registration from the Republican Party to no party. In light of Donald Trumps recent racial onslaught against Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, Johnson told reporters, I will not stand silent if the party of Lincoln and the end of slavery buckles under the racial bias of a bigot.
This may seem strange at first, but we at the Alligator want to extend Johnson a laurel for his bravery and courage. The poor man no longer felt comfortable in his own skin. Are we to brandish him for wanting to embrace who he really is politically? If Johnson is finally deciding to come out of the closet to embrace his true gender flu uh, politically fluid identity, we should commend his heroism. Lets just hope he can find a bathroom in North Carolina.
Lastly, we want to give you, the readers, a special surprise. Your own laurel! Why? Well, just because. Life is too short. And lets get real for a bit: We all know college is supposed to be the time of our lives, but lets not discount that its also really, really tough at times. Were faced with so many daunting responsibilities and transitions, so many seemingly life-altering decisions and incessant naggings as to what were doing with our lives, only to find that very few of us actually know the answers to these questions which is OK.
So for those of you still reading, please enjoy this laurel and know we at the Alligator love you and believe in the beauty of your spirit and what you have to offer yourself, your loved ones and those around you.
Was that a bit idealistic? Yeah, sure but ideals are what drive us forward. Without ideals, were nothing. Was it cheap? No, we strive to be genuine in our appreciation for the audience. Was it a bit of a random rant, the result of extensive overthinking? Maybe. In fact, lets give a dart to overthinking for its potential to derail enjoyment of lifes simple pleasures.
For instance, maybe your power didnt go out Tuesday night when Colin decided to rampage your hometown while you typed out an editorial. Not all of our Alligator staffers were so fortunate. Damn it, Colin. Why you gotta be so rude?
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At 3 a.m., as the rest of the world sleeps, Lisa Unger is up at her desk writing her next New York Times bestselling novel.
The latest book to come out of this creative process is Ink and Bone, a psychological thriller set in the Hollows, a town outside of New York City.
Unger will be in Gainesville to talk about her latest work, released just this week, Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Alachua County Library Headquarters Branch, according to Chris Culp, the public services division director.
We made a commitment to the community to bring nationally renowned authors, with less bookstores around, Culp said.
Finley Montgomery, a new character for Unger, is a wild child and has a gift she wishes she could return. Montgomery awakens in the Hollows, a town the author created after writing her novel Fragile.
Fragile was published in 2010 based off a real-life event in Ungers life. In high school, a girl she knew was abducted and killed. Throughout the years the experience stayed with her so strongly she wrote about it.
After the first book was published, she felt the Hollows was developing a strong personality as a place where anything could happen, even things that seem impossible. She started to obsess about this town.
Of course when that happens that means there is more to say, more to write about, Unger said.
She began to explore the characters more, and the town with the world created itself along the way.
As long as I am still thinking about it and wondering about it, it is going to end up on the page, she said.
Characters created in Ungers books come from her imagination, observation and sometimes versions of herself.
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She was born in Connecticut but lived all over the world growing up because of her dads job. In college, Unger decided to study writing and literature in New York and began her first novel. After college, she stayed in New York and began to work for a publishing company.
A few years into this publishing job I had an epiphany, Unger said. The only thing I wanted to do I wasnt really doing anymore.
The one thing Unger wanted to do was write, and it was slowly fading away.
Five years or 10 years down the road I am going to have to look back and say, You never even tried to do it, and I just couldnt live with that, she said.
During this time, she became a closet writer dedicating her time to writing every day. Ten years later, Unger finally finished her first novel, Angel Fire, which was published in 2002.
Unger, who now lives in Clearwater, Florida, with her husband and daughter, tends to write within the psychological thriller genre, which she said answers questions she has about the universe.
As for those looking to follow in her bestselling footsteps, Unger advises, The only thing you need to be a writer is write.
Associates from Books-A-Million will be at the library this weekend to sell Ungers recent book Ink and Bones.
Is Gigi Hadid really creating her own makeup line? Rumors have been swirling since the launch party for Maybelline New York's new summer collection earlier this week, where some statements were made that may (or may not) indicate that we'll soon be able to slather on official Hadid-branded makeup. Here's the deal.
Is Hadid gearing up for her own line of cosmetics? Possibly. Even probably. But maybe not in the way you've been hearing. Some sources have been quoting Hadid telling Women's Wear Daily that she's hoping to have her "own brand inside Sephora, Walgreens, Target, or wherever it may be," in the next "five to ten years." That would certainly be something to get excited about. Unfortunately, this looks like a case of quote-jumble, since the person who actually made that statement, according to WWD, is Manny Gutierrez, a.k.a. MannyMua, a social-media-famous beauty blogger who is also Maybelline New York's first male brand influencer.
Misattribution aside, there is still hope for a Hadid makeup collection. Steven Waldberg, a vice president of Maybelline New York, told WWD that the brand is "in discussions to develop merchandise," with the model, who has become one of the brand's most recognizable faces. "She's young. She's beautiful. She's very motivated. She has created a true career for herself. She's designing product in collaboration with a lot of other brands, and we're hoping to do a lot more with Gigi," he says. So yes, there's a strong possibility for a Gigi x Maybelline New York collaboration in the future, but it doesn't sound like things are in the works yet, and Hadid herself has yet to comment. If it does go down, we're hoping for the Hadid essentialsa killer highlighter and the perfect brown eye shadow.
Why Gigi Hadid loves contouring:
BEIJING, June 9 (Peoples Daily) China is exercising its legitimate rights by upholding the sovereignty of our islands in the South China Sea. The New York Times received a dispassionate retort from the Chinese embassy, in response to NYT's editorial titled "Playing Chicken in the South China Sea".
The editorial on May 21 noted the incident that two Chinese fighter jets monitored the American plane carrying out close reconnaissance in Chinese coastal waters. A collision could have been catastrophic, the editorial board asserted Chinese jet done an unsafe maneuver. Then it brought about the arbitration case launched by the Philippines against China over the South China Sea.
In the letter to NYT's editorial page, Zhu Haiquan, the press counselor and spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., stressed that Chinese military aircraft followed the American plane from a safe distance. Our operation was completely compliant with safety and professional standards. The attempt at intimidation by American military aircraft in the South China Sea, however, was not. he wrote.
As for the arbitration case, Zhu Haiquan once again explained that Chinas sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and Xisha Islands was restored after World War II, in accordance with the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. But in the 1970s, certain countries started to illegally occupy some islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands. he mentioned.
China firmly believes that the only way to resolve the disputes is the negotiation between states directly concerned, and has already signed border treaties through peaceful negotiations with 12 out of 14 land neighbors. The same practice should be adopted in the South China Sea. By not accepting or participating in the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, China is acting in accordance with international law. he emphasized.
We hope the United States, instead of flexing muscles, could play a responsible and constructive role to promote dialogue and negotiation. he added.
As the threat of cyberattacks against financial institutions has grown, the response by industry and government has matured. Banking agencies, trade groups, law enforcement authorities and others have developed protocols for identifying, limiting, reporting and otherwise responding to attacks. But a newer type of threat is growing that has so far received scant focus from the industry and government.
The attention on cyberattacks has so far focused mainly on data breaches and so-called "denial-of-service" attacks, in which an institution's computers or servers are rendered temporarily or indefinitely unavailable to its customers. Less attention has been paid to what might be termed "denial-of-system" attacks, which can make enterprisewide information systems completely inoperable. Such attacks have occurred, and the possibility of a catastrophic failure at a "systemically important financial institution" resulting from such an attack poses a serious risk to the stability of the U.S. financial system.
To date, the paradigmatic cyberattack has involved a data breach, and the primary concern has been that pirated data may be used to conduct unauthorized transactions. A related concern is that, once inside a financial institution, hackers may search for and exploit more sensitive business data. This is suspected to have occurred when the central bank of Bangladesh's credentials were stolen and used to initiate Swift transactions. The scheme reportedly succeeded in stealing over $80 million from the central bank's account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
These types of attacks focus on the misappropriation and misuse of data. What has received less attention has been the evolution of denial-of-service attacks from an externally based business disruption to denial-of-system attacks in which malicious and intrusive software or malware is inserted into a financial firm's information system to potentially cause widespread infrastructure damage and global chaos in financial markets.
Consider the recent spate of "ransomware" attacks against hospitals across the United States. Malware locked up the computers of several hospitals and made it impossible for staff to have access to data for scheduled surgeries and other crucial patient care. Relatively unprepared for such an attack and with a vulnerable patient population, some of these hospitals readily paid ransom to restore their systems, sometimes even before notifying law enforcement authorities.
What if a criminal or a state-sponsored cyberterrorist targeted the core processing systems of the principal subsidiary bank or broker-dealer subsidiary of a systemically important U.S. banking organization? What if, just hours before markets were set to open in Tokyo, the CEO was informed that the subsidiary could not make any entries and, as a result, could not pay checks or debits, respond to margin calls, transmit or receive cash to pay principal, interest or collateral in any of its securities finance transactions, or honor any of its derivative transactions? Even assuming that the entire financial organization was well-capitalized and highly liquid under every applicable regulatory standard, that fact would not help the bank to perform its legal obligations as they became due to customers and counterparties. The Treasury secretary might determine, pursuant to the Orderly Liquidation Authority in the Dodd-Frank Act, the organization is in default and must quickly be placed in orderly liquidation to maintain some semblance of public confidence. Would the Treasury have to write a blank check to avoid or mitigate the adverse effects, or to pay or arrange for the assumption of the bank's or broker-dealer's obligations? What would be the cost to taxpayers and, worse yet, the cost to the U.S. economy?
Recently, as directed by Section 123 of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Financial Stability Oversight Council issued a study of the economic effects of possible regulatory initiatives intended to reduce risks to the financial system. The study addressed regulatory limits or requirements on eight separate factors, including size, organizational complexity, operational separation, risk transfers between business units, and, of course, stress tests and capital and liquidity requirements, as methods of limiting risk. No attention was paid to a denial-of-systems attack, which, it appears, could have catastrophic effects notwithstanding that all the other studied safeguards were in place.
Among the duties of the FSOC is to monitor the financial services marketplace in order to identify potential threats to the financial stability of the United States and to recommend general supervisory priorities and principles to its member agencies. Planning for how to respond to a successful "denial of systems" attack on a systemically important financial institution appears to fall within the FSOC agenda. Currently, however, this does not appear to be part of resolution and recovery planning by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. or the Federal Reserve.
A denial-of-systems attack is a major and growing risk factor for our financial system, which needs to be immediately addressed by regulators and industry. However, it is not an entirely unprecedented threat, and a model for an effective response is at hand. The systemic technological risk of a denial-of-systems attack is very similar to the Y2K technological issues, which had the potential to shut down computer systems in the U.S. and globally. The intensive and collaborative government and industry response resulted in effective planning and remedial work that prevented any interruption of the operation of critical banking infrastructure. Those preparations also included the institution of an asset and liability backup program at a limited number of depository institutions. During the critical Y2K period, those institutions were required to maintain a common data set in a standard format that would enable the FDIC, if necessary, to provide access to deposits and transfer assets to private sector purchasers without the need to map and convert information from a closed bank's inoperable systems.
It is now time for a similar collaborative effort to be undertaken to develop readiness plans to mitigate the high risk of a technical failure of a SIFI due to a denial-of-systems attack.
Mitchell L. Glassman is former director of the division of resolutions and receiverships at the FDIC. Gordon L. Miller is senior counsel at Allen & Overy LLP and former attorney at the Federal Reserve Board.
FirstMerit in Akron, Ohio, apparently left no stone unturned in its quest to find a buyer.
Paul Greig, the $26.1 billion-asset company's chief executive, contacted a foreign bank in mid-September to gauge its interest in a deal, according to a new regulatory filing.
A senior executive at the unnamed foreign bank did not indicate an interest in pursuing such a potential business combination and FirstMerit did not proceed further, the filing said.
FirstMerit agreed four months later to sell to Huntington Bancshares in Columbus, Ohio, in a deal valued at $3.4 billion, making it the biggest bank acquisition announced so far this year.
Industry observers speculated that the unnamed institution could have been one of several foreign-owned banks that currently have a presence in the U.S., including Bank of Montreal's BMO Harris Bank, TD Bank or BNP Paribas, which owns Bank of the West. A FirstMerit spokesman did not immediately return a call for comment Thursday.
Shareholders of Huntington and FirstMerit are scheduled to meet separately on Monday to vote on the merger.
The disclosure about FirstMerit's efforts to sell to a foreign bank is one of several new details the companies offered in settling a shareholder lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The suit complained of an inadequate sales process and sought to block the deal, and the banks agreed as part of the settlement to share more information about the basis for the agreement and the events that led up to it.
FirstMerit and Huntington said in the filing that they settled to avoid the costs, disruption and distraction of further litigation. There was no mention of any monetary settlement.
The filing also revealed how far apart the companies were in projected stand-alone earnings, which is a key part of due diligence.
Huntington, for instance, estimated that it would earn $843 million in 2018, $898 million in 2019 and $949 million in 2020, based on its own internal projections. FirstMerit, which used a growth rate provided by Huntington's management, forecast much lower profits over those years.
Estimates for FirstMerit also diverged. Huntington, assuming a consistent growth rate, projected that FirstMerit would net $283 million in 2018, $311 million in 2019 and $342 million in 2020. FirstMerit, which had the benefit of its own internal data, forecast much lower net income.
The new disclosures also reveal that Huntington and FirstMerit discussed creating an operations center in Akron. The companies so far have pledged to have operational hubs in Akron and Flint, Mich.
Huntington has already agreed to at least $55 million in sweeteners, including the creation of a $30 million retention pool for FirstMerit employees and a 10-year, $25 million pledge to support communities such as Akron and Flint. The company also plans to open 10 branches in minority and low-income communities and to create a special mortgage-processing team to handle what it calls "unique" underwriting opportunities.
Huntington has also promised to make $16.1 billion in targeted mortgage, small-business and community development loans to underserved borrowers and communities over a five-year period.
The latest filing also revealed other items that FirstMerit's board discussed while negotiating the deal with Huntington. In addition to the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and financial-performance matters, which were disclosed in prior filings, FirstMerit's board took into account how a swoon in bank stocks that occurred in November and December could affect the industry.
The board also discussed, on at least two occasions, a consulting agreement that Huntington had hammered out with Greig, the new filing said. An earlier filing disclosed that Greig, who will not stay with Huntington after the deal is completed, had signed a three-year consulting agreement to provide "strategic advice" for up to 30 hours each month. Greig, who will be paid $1.25 million a year, agreed to a noncompete and nonsolicitation clause that will last three and a half years.
Finally, the latest disclosure shared more information on how Sandler O'Neill will be paid for representing FirstMerit during the merger talks. As previously disclosed, the investment bank will be paid $24.7 million, or 0.67% of the purchase price. However, the firm would only earn $4 million, or 16.2% of the planned payout, if the deal were to fall through.
Jackie Stewart contributed to this article.
WASHINGTON The clock is ticking to amend Dodd-Frank Act regulations before consumers in rural communities run out of borrowing options, community bankers from Kansas and Oklahoma told a House panel on Thursday.
"Many banks in rural Kansas have moved out of the mortgage lending business," Shan Hanes, president and chief executive of the $73-million asset First National Bank of Elkhart in Kansas, said in written testimony to a House Small Business subcommittee. "Not because the loans are not safe and profitable, but due to compliance."
Hanes said that the largest secondary mortgage provider in his market no longer purchases real estate loans smaller than $50,000, yet the average residential loan in his portfolio is $33,000. First National Bank of Elkhart holds its loans in portfolio, but Hanes said the change is one of the reasons why institutions similar to his have left the market.
"There won't be anybody in our portfolio that would be able to apply for a loan" if his bank went away, Hanes said in response to a question by a lawmaker. "We have to continue to be able to make that loan."
Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan., said that while Dodd-Frank was meant to protect consumers from predatory lending, it has ended up hurting community bankers who didn't cause the crisis.
"I am not so worried about consumer protection," Huelskamp said. "I am worried about if they will not have any more choices. We are probably going to be sitting here in three or four years saying, 'Gosh darn it, what are we going to do to make sure they can get a loan in Elkhart, Kansas, because we are about at the end of our stick.' "
Marcus Stanley, policy director at the consumer advocacy group Americans for Financial Reform, acknowledged that parts of Dodd-Frank could be changed to better fit community banks, but he said recently proposed legislation would benefit bigger banks.
"I think there really is space with regulators and even possibly with Congress on a bipartisan basis for legislation that is truly targeted at the kind of small rural banks that we are talking about today," Stanley said.
But he added that "when you actually look at legislation that would roll back parts of Dodd-Frank and would do things like exempt loans held on portfolio, you see it wouldn't just apply to small rural banks, it doesn't just apply to community banks, it applies across the board to large regional banks."
Stanley said the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which established the "qualified mortgage" rule that has vexed many smaller institutions, has made "lots of efforts" to tailor the regulation, including granting some leeway for banks that hold loans in portfolio.
"The desire to exempt on-portfolio loans that can make sense for a bank that truly has a relationship model and the CFPB has, in fact, exempted loans held in portfolio from many of the requirements under the new mortgage rule," Stanley said.
Roger Beverage, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, said the CFPB "is getting better" at tailoring rules, but added that "it has taken a while to get there" and that there is still more to do.
"The banking agencies should move towards customized examinations that consider the nature of a bank's business model, charter type and perhaps most important, bank management's success at managing credits, including a borrower's character, prior repayment history and strength of personal guarantees," he said.
Beverage said he supports legislation sponsored by Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colo., that would do just that.
But Stanley worries that regulatory relief bills could become avenues to help larger institutions.
"What we are very focused on and concerned about [is] that changes to tailor these rules don't become loopholes that can then be used by larger banks or can be used in sort of rent-a-charter situations where somebody gets a bank charter and then sells stuff out into the secondary market that doesn't meet certain kinds of standards," he said.
PNC Financial Services Group has been named the official bank of the University of Kentucky, its 50th such partnership with a college or university.
The $361 billion-asset PNC said this week that it has signed a 15-year contract with JMI Sports, the university's multimedia-rights partner, to provide banking services to more than 50,000 students, faculty members and other employees. It will also offer financial literacy programs.
PNC is scheduled to open a branch at the Kentucky student center and seven ATMs on campus in January 2018; will offer virtual wallet accounts that students can use to monitor spending and balances; and will provide ATM access through students' WildCard ID cards. It will also create a cobranded website where students can complete account applications, manage their finances and get financial educational information.
PNC now contracts with 50 colleges and universities, including Penn State, Georgetown and the University of Michigan, a PNC spokesman said.
Increasingly more banks are partnering with institutions of higher learning as a niche strategy for growth.
Bank of the West in San Francisco last November signed a 10-year, $17 million deal to become the official bank of neighboring University of California, Berkeley.
Union Bank & Trust in Lincoln, Neb., in February 2015 became the exclusive bank of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, replacing Wells Fargo and providing a new branch, eight ATMs, and a self-service center with interactive video ATMs, according to the Lincoln Journal Star .
. Webster Financial in Waterbury, Conn., reached a broad marketing deal in 2015 with the University of Connecticut, and in 2014 it signed a three-year deal to become the official bank of Yale University athletics.
Huntington Bancshares in Columbus, Ohio, in 2012 become Ohio State's official consumer bank in a 15-year deal that in part increased its number of ATM machines on campus to 26 from 10.
PNC initially adopted this growth strategy in the 1990s, targeting partnerships with colleges and universities in an effort to reel in students and retain them as customers as they develop high earnings potential after they graduate.
Russia is now back on the international scene, a significant geopolitical player. President Vladimir Putin, who reminds the world that during World War II the Soviet Union suffered the largest number of casualties, estimated at between 20 and 28 million of any country, is determined that Russia remain a world power in spite of its declining economy, largely due to falling oil prices. Putin has revived the May 9 military parade in Red Square. The current Russian posture is one of self-confidence, reminiscent of Russian life in the late 19th century, with its extraordinary rich cultural scene.
Russia, to use the British phrase, in international affairs and foreign policy is punching well above its economic weight. It invaded Georgia, a former Soviet republic, in 2008 to keep it under Russian influence, annexed Crimea and invaded East Ukraine, and intervened in the Syrian civil war to support the regime of President Bashar Assad. Russian intervention can be interpreted in Syria different ways, but most likely it was a prop to induce Assad to come to the negotiating table.
In Middle Eastern affairs, Putin has managed to maintain good relations with both Israel and Iran. On one hand, Russia agreed in April 2016 to sell S-300 antiaircraft missiles to Iran. On the other hand, Putin made a conciliatory gesture with a surprising decision on June 6, 2016 to return to Israel a tank Israel lost in the 1982 battle in the Bekaa Valley in southern Lebanon, and which Syria had sent to Moscow. Putin has visited Jerusalem twice and has hosted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Coincidentally, the controversial Russian-born new Israeli defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman, holds that Israel can do business with the pragmatic Russians and that Russia is too big a power to ignore. For its part, Israel did not condemn the Russian intrusion in Ukraine, nor did it denounce the annexation of Crimea, nor deliver arms to Georgia after the 2008 invasion by Russia.
Russia is not a friend of the U.S., but neither is it an enemy, nor necessarily opposed to peaceful coexistence and cooperation. It was significant that Putin, who did take action in Syria, did not block the U.N. Security Council decision to intervene in Libya and overthrow the dictator Gaddafi.
Russia is not threatening any European country militarily, even though it breaches the airspace of Scandinavian countries and also that of the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea. Nor is there ideological confrontation between East and West, as on old Cold War lines. Nor is there a unity in the international community for any action against Russia.
It was not helpful for NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg to suggest that the NATO summit due to take place in July 2016 was taking place at a time of a more assertive Russia, intimidating its neighbors, and changing orders by force. Without cynicism, it can be argued that NATO needs a bogeyman version of Russia as a major threat for a reason to survive as an organization.
At the 18th Communist Party Congress on March 10, 1939, Josef Stalin, defending in advance the Soviet-Nazi Germany Pact of August 23, 1939, declared that Russia was not going to pull the chestnuts of other countries (France and Britain, who feared Nazi Germany) out of the fire. The next U.S. president must consider whether the U.S. will or will not pull the chestnuts out of the fire as Poland and Eastern European countries talk of a Russian invasion.
Poland joined NATO in 1999 and has been concerned to seek protection from Russia, especially after the Russian actions in Ukraine. Everyone can recognize that Russia has been aggressive and has even talked of tactical nuclear weapons in local conflicts. Russia has been expanding its arsenal of nuclear missiles, tanks, and fighter jets and plans a large increase up to 40 brigades of manpower. The Black Sea is becoming a Russian lake. Russia has placed nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. Russia in May 2016 said it would send three new divisions about 30,000 troops to its western border, as a counter-measure to the NATO decision to send four battalions to Eastern Europe.
But is the Russian buildup a danger to the security of the NATO countries and to U.S.? The U.S. pays a disproportionate amount in NATO arrangements in money and manpower. The U.S. spends $600 billion on defense while Russia spends $84 billion: the U.S. has 19 aircraft carriers to Russias one.
Secretary-General Stoltenberg has stressed that the biggest increase in collective defense by NATO is taking place. It is deploying missile defense systems in Poland and Romania. Most significant is putting four combat battalions of up to 1,000 soldiers in East Europe.
On June 6, 2016, it was announced that 20 NATO members had started Anakonda-16, a large-scale ten-day military training exercise in Poland and the eastern flank of NATO. More than 31,000 military from 24 countries accompanied by large numbers of vehicles, aircraft, and ships have been deployed. It includes a nighttime helicopter attack and the launching of U.S. paratroopers to build a bridge over the Vistula river.
The stated aim of Anakonda-16 is to train, exercise, and integrate the Polish national command and force structures into an allied, joint multi-national environment. The U.S. is providing 14,000 troops for the exercise in which even NATO members Sweden and Finland will take part.
The announcement of Anakonda-16 has been followed by information about ongoing exercises and the news of plans for 150 different military exercises, in Eastern Europe, the Ionian Sea, and the Baltic Sea. Two include exercises of NATOs Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) and others in the Baltic Missile Defense system. The U.S. is preparing a ballistic missile shield at Deveselu in Romania, adding to the one in Redzikowo in Poland.
NATO is having troop training in Eastern Europe on a rotational basis, thus technically meeting the agreement made with Russia that it not deploy permanent troops along the Russian border.
Some commentators have questioned the value of NATOs role in intelligence-gathering on terrorism. NATO has no law enforcement role and cannot replace Europol as a counter terrorism center. This is the role that NATO should be playing in cooperation with Russia. The present policy of NATO is based on the false premise that Russia is a threat. It should accept that the real threat is Islamist terrorism, and the two sides must cooperate on this.
The important thing for the next U.S. president, one who does not lead from behind, is to meet on equal terms with President Putin to wage a war on terror. This does not require an alliance, nor any complex institutional arrangements; rather, it requires a simple understanding of the main enemy to civilization.
TWA 800 was destroyed twenty years ago this July off the coast of Long Island. Mike Wire was one of the 258 FBI witnesses who reported an apparent missile strike. The New York Times, which owned the story, interviewed not a single one of them. In the absence of real information, the CIA and FBI collaborated to discredit the eyewitnesses and advance an exploding fuel tank theory. Wires case is just one shocking example out of many. To learn more, see Jack Cashills introductory article in this series or his book, TWA 800: The Crash, The Cover-Up, The Conspiracy (Regnery: July 5).
Recently the CIA released documents pertaining to the tragic destruction of TWA 800. During review of those documents, I have learned that the CIA had designated me as Witness #1 to the heartbreaking events of that day. For the FBI, I was only Witness #571. How the CIA came to decide upon me is at the heart of this miscarriage of justice.
On July 17, 1996, I was working to get the new Beach Lane Bridge in Westhampton ready to open. The bridge crosses the narrow inland waterway and connects the mainland with a small strip of beach beyond.
As a millwright tradesman, I had been working all day in the mechanical room of the bridge. A little before 8:30 p.m. that night, I surfaced to get some air. I was talking to one of the many men working with me when I saw what looked like a cheap firework rising from beyond the houses along the beach. This wasnt out of the ordinary for a summer weekday so close to the 4th of July.
I watched as the sparkling white light zigzagged southeast away from shore at about a 40-degree angle. At its peak, it arched over and disappeared. Then I saw what appeared to be an explosion, it expanded into a large fireball, and then I watched the aircraft in flames descend from the fireball and fall to the sea, breaking up as it fell.
After a few seconds had passed, I heard the first of four explosions. The first was the loudest. I could feel a shock wave against my chest. It shook the bridge enough that the other workers came running up to see what was going on.
At first, I thought it was a mid-air collision. I called my wife Joan at home in Pennsylvania and asked her to watch the news to see if anything was reported. At that point, the other men and I observed a rescue helicopter fly overhead and listened to the aircraft chatter on the PA system from the State Highway communications truck on site. Still unsure of what was unfolding; I went back to work and stayed on the job until after midnight.
The next morning at breakfast I overhead a man, a lawyer as it turned out, telling friends what he saw the night before. It was almost exactly what I saw. The only difference was that I described what I saw as fireworks. He was more familiar with the sea and took to describing the light as a flare.
Later, when I was back home in Bucks County, my employer called to inform me that the FBI wanted to speak to me. The FBI took my observations seriously enough to send an agent to my house named Andrew Lash. He interviewed me with Joan present on July 29, twelve days after the disaster.
Lash was conscientious and wrote what I said on a yellow legal pad, allowing me to check what hed written for accuracy. We spoke for about 90 minutes, and that was the last time I talked to the FBI.
After that I followed the news on TWA 800 from a distance. Like most Americans, I trusted that the FBI would do the right thing. In November 1997, I saw the animation of the crash that the FBI showed to close the criminal case. It did not match anything I saw, and I wondered why the CIA was recruited to produce the animation. I presumed it was a temporary measure designed to pacify the public until a final cause for the crash was determined.
I paid little attention to the case after that, until the spring of 2000 when I received a call from Reed Irvine of the media watchdog group, Accuracy in Media. He asked if I was The Man on the Bridge, to which I replied that I was.
Irvine had something he wanted me to see. It was a certified word-for-word transcript of a 1999 meeting between the NTSBs witness group and the CIA analysts who created the animation the FBI used to close the case. I was amazed that I was referenced so much; it seemed that a third of this 81-page document mentioned me (the man on the bridge) in some way.
As it turns out, the CIA based its animation around what I saw. However, there was a big problem. The CIA claimed that the nose of the plane blew off and when it did, the plane soared up for more than 3,000 feet. This, according to the CIA, confused me and other witnesses into thinking we saw a missile. I saw nothing of the kind. I saw an object zigzag up off the horizon at about a 40-degree angle, arch over and culminate in an explosion. After the explosion, the plane fell straight out of the sky.
As the transcript showed, at least two of the NTSB people gave the CIA resistance. They had seen the FBI 302 that Lash prepared, and it honestly reported what I had seen. When cornered, the CIA analyst responded, He [I] was an important eyewitness to us. And we asked the FBI to talk to him again, and they did.
This was nonsense. The FBI never spoke to me after the initial Lash interview. The CIA analyst continued, In his original description, he [I] thought he had seen a firework and that perhaps that firework had originated on the beach behind the house. This was true.
According to the analyst, though, I was reinterviewed, and I changed my statement. According to this fictional second interview, I did not see the light ascend from the beach. I first saw the light appear as if -- if you imagine a flagpole on top of the house it would be as if it were on the top or the tip of the flag pole. As a millwright, we do not use flagpoles as an increment of measurement. I would use degrees of angle in this kind of instance as in the original statement.
Now, when the FBI told us that, said the analyst, we got even more comfortable with our theory.
I do not know who generated this false interview to fit their scenario, but I stand by my original approved statement made to agent Lash. No other statement exists as there were none. The CIA built its case-closing animation around an interview that never took place. I would learn later that the CIA manufactured interviews with several other key witnesses.
This whole experience has left me disillusioned with the FBI, disillusioned with the CIA, and totally disillusioned with the news media that bought this whole story without ever questioning it -- even after the truth about the fake interviews had become impossible to deny.
I never wanted to go public. However, as a parent, when I think about the people who lost their children on this plane -- 230 people died in all -- I felt compelled to reveal the facts as I saw them first hand. Thats what I would want, the Truth, not a convenient fabrication.
Wires testimony is the first in this series. In the weeks that follow readers will hear from family members, whistleblowers, researchers and others who have not given up the pursuit of the truth.
The upcoming NATO summit in Warsaw will complete the transatlantic alliance's transformation back to what it was built for: deterring Moscow.
The reason for NATO's return to its old mission is Russia's return to its old ways. The U.S. Air Force's Gen. Phillip Breedlove, who just recently ended his tour as NATO commander, describes Russia as "resurgent and aggressive."
Consider the record: Vladimir Putin's Russia has lopped off part of Georgia, annexed Crimea and occupied eastern Ukraine, waged cyber-war against the Baltics, threatened Poland with nuclear attack, massed troops on the borders of NATO's newest members, flouted arms treaties, and revived the dangerous Cold War-era practice of conducting mock bombing runs, buzzing Allied warships and testing Allied air defenses. There were 160 Russian incursions into Baltic airspace in 2015.
Another 2015 data point: Putin unveiled a new military doctrine focused on confronting NATO and pledging the use of Russia's armed forces "to ensure the protection of its citizens outside the Russian Federation." Given that there are five million Russians in Ukraine and a million in the Baltics and that Putin has reserved for himself the right to determine when, where, and whether they need to be protected this is a recipe for something much more complicated than a new cold war. As if to underscore his intentions, Putin recently reactivated the 1st Guards Tank Army, a large armored force based in western Russia equipped with 500 main battle tanks.
Between 2004 and 2013, Putin sometimes as prime minister, sometimes as president increased military spending 108 percent. Russia's 2015 military outlays were 26 percent larger than in 2014.
In short, even as NATO tried to build bridges to Moscow and avoided building bases in Eastern Europe, even as NATO members slashed defense spending, even as NATO offered partnership to Russia and membership to Eastern Europe, Putin was longing for the bad old days. As the Brookings Institution's Robert Kagan concludes, "[i]t is the entire post-Cold War settlement of the 1990s that Russia resents and wants to revise."
Perhaps with that goal in mind, Putin boasts, "If I wanted, Russian troops could not only be in Kiev in two days, but in Riga, Vilnius, Tallinn, Warsaw, or Bucharest."
Given Putin's record and rhetoric, it's no surprise that political leaders from NATO's easternmost members Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Poland, and the Czech Republic want "a robust, credible and sustainable Allied military presence in our region." To buttress their request, they cite "the aggressive Russian actions in Ukraine, including the illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea ... as well as Russia's military activities in our neighborhood."
Their worries are well founded.
Within range of Putin's unmarked armies and clever brand of anonymous warfare, Eastern Europe's leaders understand that if Putin follows his Ukraine playbook and covertly violates the sovereignty of the Baltics, he will force NATO to blink or fire back. Neither alternative leads to a happy outcome. The former means that NATO is neutralized. The latter means war.
The surest way to prevent those dire scenarios is to answer Eastern Europe's SOS and base permanent NATO assets where they are most needed: on the territory of NATO's most at risk members. That's what the alliance did during the Cold War, and it kept the peace as it will today.
Indeed, British general Richard Shirreff, former deputy commander of NATO, says the best way to prevent war in Europe is "to maintain troops permanently in the Baltic states."
The good news is that Putin now faces an alliance renewed in purpose.
Sixteen NATO members increased defense spending in 2015. European defense spending is up 8.3 percent in 2016. Germany, for the first time in 25 years, will expand its military endstrength by 14,300 personnel. Washington has quadrupled U.S. military spending earmarked for Europe from $789 million to $3.4 billion. A U.S. defense official says NATO is "moving from assurance to deterrence."
Toward that end, after years of waning commitment, the U.S. Army is increasing its deterrent strength in Europe by permanently basing three fully manned brigades in Europe. NATO is hammering out plans to deploy battalions in Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania to deter Putin from the sort of ambiguous, anonymous warfare he has waged in Ukraine. And importantly, Breedlove's successor, the U.S. Army's Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, comes to NATO from the 38th Parallel, where U.S. troops serve as a 24/7 deterrent against North Korean invasion.
The bad news is that NATO members have been hacking away at NATO's deterrent strength, which explains NATO's urgent call that each member invest at least 2 percent of GDP in defense. Only five of NATO's 28 members meet that standard today.
Years of underfunding have led to "alarming deficiencies in the state of NATO preparedness," according to the British government.
For example, post-recession austerity measures have reduced the Royal Navy from 89 ships to 65. Britain's combat aircraft fleet has shrunk from 189 warplanes to 149; the Joint Helicopter Command had 257 aircraft in 2008 but has just 164 today.
Only 42 of Germany's top-of-the-line 109 Eurofighters are in flying condition. At the height of the Cold War, West Germany had 2,125 Leopard II tanks. Today, Germany has just 225.
The French military eliminated 8,000 personnel in 2014, 19 warships between 2009 and 2012, and 30 percent of its air fleet between 2008 and 2013.
The U.S. Army has around 26,000 troops in Europe today, down from 40,000 in 2012, down from 300,000 during the Cold War. Thus, the U.S. Army's Gen. Ben Hodges is trying "to make 30,000 look and feel like 300,000."
Moreover, Washington's response to Russian aggression and to Allied anxieties reflects the problematic "lead from behind" approach that characterized most of President Obama's foreign policy. Thus, rather than a robust commitment of a brigade or more in the Baltics and Poland, the Obama administration is offering a battalion to NATO's tripwire force in Eastern Europe and apparently reneged on earlier pledges of two U.S. battalions.
Despite Washington's halfhearted reaction, what NATO's easternmost members are requesting is feasible, compatible with NATO's core mission, and militarily credible.
First, NATO has about 3.3 million men under arms and accounts for 60 percent of world military spending. In other words, the alliance can do this but only with a renewed commitment to its enduring mission of deterrence.
Each NATO member should lift its defense budget to the 2-percent-of-GDP standard by a date certain, each member should invest in a way that serves the needs of the alliance, and Washington should lead from the front by reversing sequestration's devastating cuts.
Second, basing a deterrent force in Eastern Europe is in line with NATO's core mission of deterring war.
For the United States, NATO diminishes the likelihood of another European conflict triggering another great-power war. For NATO's other members, NATO is a security guarantee backed by the United States. Without that guarantee, there is no security, as history has a way of reminding those on the outside looking in, from Cold War Hungary to post-Cold War Ukraine.
Indeed, the reason Poland wants U.S. troops on Polish soil is the same reason U.S. troops were based in West Berlin during the Cold War: American troops send an unmistakable message that crossing this line means you are going to war against the United States no question marks, ambiguity, or doubts about the consequences.
Third, permanent bases in the Balts and Poland will signal Moscow that NATO is serious about defending Eastern Europe. The goal is to prevent what Churchill called "temptations to a trial of strength" by making it clear to Putin that NATO's security guarantee is as valid for NATO's youngest members as it is for NATO's oldest members.
Alan W. Dowd is a senior fellow with the Sagamore Institute.
If you are a Never Trumper or even a #NeverTrump, I believe that you should nevertheless hope that, if nominated, he wins the general election against either potential Democrat party candidate. Sure, Trump is inconsistent in his views. Sure, he is rude. Sure, he is not a conservative. Sure, he seemingly cannot figure out what team he is on, yet again recently blasting a GOP governor.
I would not go as far as to say you should vote for him. I believe that it is up to Trump to make that case. Plus I would not tell someone to vote for a candidate I do not much like and am not sure yet if I will vote for. But vote for him or not, I think you should hope Trump wins.
This is not a lesser of two evils argument either. I think Never Trumpers, and for that matter Democrats offended by the choices we are apparently getting this election, should hope Trump wins the general election, even if they think this is a race between equal evils. Further, I think they should hope Trump wins even if they view that the business-as-usual corruption of Hillary Clinton, while evil, is less dangerous or evil than some of the unpredictable and dangerous policies espoused by Donald Trump.
The first and most important reason for my view is that the entire culture in this country is set up to limit the damage that a President Donald Trump could do. As we have seen with President Obama, the entire culture will stand aside and even help Hillary Clinton do as much damage as she wants.
The legislative and judicial branches of government will act as a check on a President Trump. As we have seen with President Obama we cannot depend on the legislative and judicial branches to be a check on a Democrat historic first president. This problem likely will remain with a Hillary Clinton presidency. Also the mainstream press, the so-called 4th estate, has shown for at least the last two decades they only act as a restraint with a Republican president. Culturally the intellectual class supported by the press will act as a buffer against and attempt to block almost anything Trump comes up with. On the other hand the intellectual class and the press will reinforce and push any almost anything Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders dream up. Finally, again as recent history has shown us, the bureaucracy of the administrative branch of government the next president will head will leak or do anything it can to restrain a Republican president, but will do anything, including politicizing themselves, even the IRS, to help a Democrat president.
A second reason Never Trumpers should hope Trump wins the general election is that a Trump win is what it will take to slay the myth of Trump. A Trump who never runs the government will always in the minds of his hard-core supporters be that perfect president who would have done just what they would have done his entire time in office. Such fans will be seeking Trump or another Trump in the 2020 election.
Sure, I have run into Trump fanatics on the internet and yes, many seem to think they should copy their hero and try to insult me and others in supporting their candidate. The natural reaction of many, if not most, is to be against Trump just so the rudest of his supporters lose. These are the people who will be seeking Trump or some other similar candidate in 2020 unless they see their hero make the compromises that every elected president makes. They need to see their guy do things they dont like. They need to see their guy making deals with RINOs. They need to seem him going along with Democrats at times. They need to see him cutting deals with foreign potentates.
So even if I dont vote for Trump, I will hope he wins. If he wins, Trump will likely damage the body politic less than another Clinton presidency because the culture of the nation is set up as a check on him. If he wins, the myth of Trump the perfect president in the minds of his most ardent supporters with be slain by Trump the actual president.
They are still counting votes in Peru. The election is incredibly close, according to the latest reports from Lima:
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, 77, was leading Keiko Fujimori, 41, by less than one percentage point, or about 57,000 of roughly 17 million votes cast, the countrys electoral commission said Tuesday.
Fifty-seven thousand votes out of 17 million cast is beyond close!
The remaining precincts are abroad, or Peruvians voting in embassies or consulates around the world. The Guardian estimates that number at 855,000, most of them living in the U.S. A recent poll showed Mr. Kuczynski with an 8-point lead, with those Peruvians living abroad. At the same time, none of the pollsters saw such a contested election coming.
Can Miss Fujimori make up the difference with the Peruvians living abroad? It's hard to tell, because both are center-right candidates and there are few ideological differences over the economy. The most passionate issue in the election is the Fujimori name, or the previous president who is serving a 25-year sentence for corruption.
The big question is whether the loser will accept the results or not. There is no evidence of fraud, so a recount should not change the results.
At the same time, can the winner of such a close election govern? It would help a lot if the loser conceded quickly and put the country first. As in most multiparty countries, the next president will have to put together a coalition to get anything done.
There are two important points to make about this election:
1) The process was contested but free of violence. We salute the two major candidates for showing great maturity; and,
2) Peru should continue to shine in South America, even though the economy has slowed a bit because of a drop in the prices for the metals that Peru exports. Both candidates are free-market friendly and will continue to encourage foreign investment.
According to official sources:
Peru is currently our 35th largest goods trading partner with $14 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2015.
Goods exports totaled $8.8 billion; goods imports totaled $5.1 billion. The U.S. goods trade surplus with Peru was $3.7 billion in 2015. According to the Department of Commerce, U.S. exports of goods to Peru supported an estimated 40 thousand jobs in 2014 (latest data available).
Eventually, the election results will be final. My guess is that Mr. Kuczynski will prevail, but I could be dead wrong after that vote from abroad gets counted.
P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
You cant handle the truth! Or, maybe more accurately, the Hillary campaign cant handle it. Natalie Johnson of the Free Beacon reports:
A passage from Hillary Clintons State Department memoir that detailed her involvement in crafting the United States controversial 12-nation trade deal .
The International Business Times reported that a section of Clintons book Hard Choices referencing the former secretary of states efforts to persuade nations to join negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership was omitted from the paperback version of the book.
A statement printed on the copyright page noted that roughly 96 pages were cut from the memoir to accommodate a shorter length for this edition, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, which first noted the omission in May. It made no reference to the nature of the purged content.
The original version of the book included a two-page segment describing a 2009 conference in El Salvador where Clinton pushed nations in the region to join U.S.-led TPP negotiations.
[We encouraged] all open-market democracies driving toward a more prosperous future to join negotiations with Asian nations on TPP, the trans-Pacific trade agreement, part of the since deleted section read.
It looks as if somebody acted on this idea:
"Out" ISIS Internationals as Collaborators
U.S. and other Western intelligence agencies can create fake social media IDs for purported ISIS sympathizers, and even fabricate extensive backgrounds for them. These purported sympathizers can then warn ISIS that identifiable foreign nationals who have joined ISIS are really CIA, MI6, or Mossad operatives whose mission is, for example, to leave tiny locator beacons in ISIS camps to mark them for drone attacks. A similar technique was illustrated in the Red Dawn movie, in which the invaders implanted a beacon in a prisoner's body and then released him, but an infiltrator obviously does not want the marker for a drone or missile strike anywhere near him when the world of hurt arrives. (snip)
"Secret" messages could be sent to the targeted internationals with the intention that they be intercepted by ISIS. A commentator on The Art of War described how an army sent a secret message to an enemy general while setting up the courier to be captured by the enemy. The enemy king then had his loyal general executed for "receiving messages from the enemy." The Nazis purportedly used this method to get Stalin to execute one of his best commanders.
The dispute between Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and the judiciary is beginning to show more flaws in the latter than the former.
Writing in the Washington Post, former Judge Cruz Reynoso called Trump's attacks on Curiel "appalling." What is truly appalling is that Curiel is a lifetime member of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), an organization containing a large number of judges and attorneys that took the odious step of publishing a press release last summer calling for a general boycott of Trump's business enterprises by all American businesses and corporations.
And yet this judge, a proud member of an organization that seeks to bring economic warfare against a presidential candidate, is still presiding over a case involving the same presidential candidate's business interests? And the Twitter feed of the HNBA continues to troll Trump up until the present ? Who is really bringing the administration of justice into disrepute?
The HNBA contains a list of links to its affiliate organizations, and readers are encouraged to visit these subsidiaries and make a list of HNBA members who either are judges or work in the government sector. For those whose views of American society may dovetail with Trump's , or involve non-politically correct views of LGBT issues , one may want to think twice about engaging the legal system with or against a HNBA member. Interestingly, a month and a half after it released its call for a general commercial boycott against Trump, the HNBA welcomed Senator Elizabeth Warren as the invited keynote speaker for its annual conference .
Several months ago, Senator David Perdue (R-Ga.) apparently withdrew his support for a Hispanic judicial nominee, and the first thing the HNBA did was formally and publicly accuse the senator of racism : "Our only inference is that he's unacceptable to Senator Perdue because he is a Latino who believes in Latino participatory democracy." So the judicial branch can, via its HNBA proxies, attack the legislative branch, but nobody can question the judiciary?
With regard, once again, to Curiel's membership in the HNBA, the HNBA's attack on Trump's business interests, and Curiel continuing to preside over a case involve Trump's businesses, one is reminded of 28 U.S. Code 453 (Oaths of justices and judges), which states that "[e]ach justice or judge of the United States ... will administer justice without respect to persons ... [and] will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon ... under the Constitution and laws of the United States."
The Federal Judicial Center has reviewed and summarized the federal law surrounding judicial disqualification in the United States, and this analysis further suggests that the evolving situation with respect to the Trump University cases is deeply problematic, given what we know about the presiding judge's associations:
[T]he Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution has been construed to guarantee litigants the right to a "neutral and detached," or impartial, judge. Moreover, in a democratic republic in which the legitimacy of government depends on the consent and approval of the governed, public confidence in the administration of justice is indispensable. It is not enough that judges be impartial; the public must perceive them to be so. The Code of Conduct for United States Judges therefore admonishes judges to "act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary" and to "avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities." When the impartiality of a judge is in doubt, the appropriate remedy is to disqualify that judge from hearing further proceedings in the matter.
Under 28 U.S. Code 455 , "[a]ny justice, judge, or magistrate judge of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned." Section (b) also specifies that "[h]e shall also disqualify himself in the following circumstances: (1) Where he has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party ... (5) He or his spouse, or a person within the third degree of relationship to either of them, or the spouse of such a person: ... (iii) Is known by the judge to have an interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding."
Statute 455(b)(5)(iii) appears to potentially encompass Curiel's relationship with both Trump and the HNBA that involves support for the HNBA and a reasonable presumption of support for its call to damage Trump's business interests while presiding over a case directly capable of damaging Trump's business interests.
The U.S. inherited much of its common law from the United Kingdom, and while the decisions of the House of Lords are not binding on American soil, they are and should be very persuasive, given the favor accorded to the views of this court around the world. To return to some applicable quotes from the judgment of Lord Browne-Wilkinson from In Re Pinochet:
[O]nce it is shown that the judge is himself a party to the cause, or has a relevant interest in its subject matter, he is disqualified without any investigation into whether there was a likelihood or suspicion of bias. The mere fact of his interest is sufficient to disqualify him unless he has made sufficient disclosure. I will call this "automatic disqualification." ... The rationale of the whole rule is that a man cannot be a judge in his own cause. In civil litigation the matters in issue will normally have an economic impact; therefore a judge is automatically disqualified if he stands to make a financial gain as a consequence of his own decision of the case. But if, as in the present case, the matter at issue does not relate to money or economic advantage but is concerned with the promotion of the cause, the rationale disqualifying a judge applies just as much if the judge's decision will lead to the promotion of a cause in which the judge is involved together with one of the parties ... There is no room for fine distinctions if Lord Hewart's famous dictum is to be observed: it is "of fundamental importance that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done." (see Rex v. Sussex Justices, Ex parte McCarthy [1924] K.B. 256, 259)
Indeed, justice should not only be done, but manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done, and it is difficult to see how that standard is met by Judge Curiel continuing to preside over the Trump University lawsuit cases.
Open borders advocates as well as the Mexican government vowed to create a huge surge of new citizens who entered the U.S. legally so they could register to vote and cast their ballots against Donald Trump.
How's that working out for you guys?
Washington Times:
Theres little question that Mr. Trumps outsized rhetoric has angered Hispanic activists overall, and Mexican immigrants in particular. But applications for citizenship are up just 6.6 percent compared to the same period in 2012, according to the latest data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and actual approvals are down slightly. Groups say the numbers dont jibe with the intensity theyre detecting when they hold citizenship workshops, and theyre hoping when all is said and done, the numbers will be higher. I certainly dont have a crystal ball but what weve seen on the ground is that theres strong anecdotal evidence that suggests people are turning out in bigger numbers this year, said Tara Raghuveer, deputy director at the National Partnership for New Americans, which is leading a push for naturalizations. We saw unprecedented turnout at our events across the country We feel that the effect of the political climate is real and will have real effects on the naturalization numbers, she said. Nearly 9 million people in the country are eligible for citizenship but havent yet applied, providing a deep bench for the activists to target. Of those eligible, about one-third are Mexican a pool that activists said are particularly enraged at Mr. Trump, after he kicked off his campaign last June by saying Mexico sends rapists and other bad elements of its society to the U.S. Mr. Trump has also vowed to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and force the Mexican government to cough up the money for it. And more recently he has called a U.S. judge hearing a case on Trump University biased because of the judges Mexican heritage a claim that even fellow Republicans have deemed racist. Hispanic-rights groups insisted voters will punish Mr. Trump for his attacks, and anecdotes abound of Hispanic voters saying theyre eager to send a message to him. But the latest controversy may not end up mattering much, at least when it comes to pushing immigrants to become citizens. Thats because USCIS says it generally takes at least five months to process a citizenship application, and with the election slightly less than five months away, the unofficial cut-off date is already gone.
The lack of new Hispanic citizens to "send a message" to Trump obscures the fact that recent polls show Trump getting more Hispanic support than Romney. So even if there was a surge in new citizen voting, nowhere near all of them would be anti-Trump.
Hillary's Hispanic outreach effort hasn't generated much enthusiasm. Might she consider a Hispanic as a running mate? HUD secretary Julian Castro's name has been prominently mentioned, but he's no longer the hot commodity he was earlier in the year. Then there's labor secretary Tom Perez, solid in liberal circles and with party insiders. But Perez has never been elected to federal office and is considered a long shot at best.
I think in the end, Trump may surpass Romney's Hispanic vote total but not by enough to make much of a difference. More problematically, there are indications that with Trump at the top of the ticket, Hispanics are less likely to vote for down ballot Republicans. This could spell trouble for GOP efforts to hang on to the Senate.
With the last primaries now in the record books, Donald Trump won 44.2% of all Republican primary votes cast. In 2008, John McCain won 46.7%. The last Republican to win an open presidential election contest, George W. Bush, won 60.4% of the total Republican primary votes cast in 2000. In 2012, Mitt Romney won 52.1% and came up short in November despite the unpopularity of President Obama among many voters.
Note also that while in the earlier 2016 primaries Republican turnout swamped Democrat turnout, in later primaries, the Democrats were catching up. Tuesday, in the Republican states of Montana and South Dakota, the Republicans did win the turnout race, but the margin was measured by a few percentage points. In the swing state of New Mexico, Democrat turnout was several times Republican turnout, as it also was in the Democrat states of New Jersey and California.
Into this mix comes the fact that the only incumbent Republican congressman to be defeated during the 2016 primary season is also the only one Trump explicitly endorsed and then assisted via robo-calls. Rep. Renee Ellmers won 24% of the vote in a three-way race in the special congressional primary. The Democrats are crowing over that, spreading the narrative that Trump will be a millstone around the necks of all Republicans in November.
The truth is that Ellmers, who in 2015 had a rating of 71 from the American Conservative Union (ACU), was already in deep political trouble when she endorsed Trump after the March 15 N.C. primary. A few weeks earlier, Ellmers had offered halfhearted support of John Kasich as "the only adult in the race." Ellmers was already unpopular for breaking several of her promises from prior campaigns when the last-minute federal court ordered redistricting of North Carolina congressional seats in February. That move saw her lose some 80% of her district in the reshuffling of boundaries. Most of it was replaced by areas that had been in the district of another incumbent Republican, George Holding, whose 2015 ACU rating was 100. Indeed, the new lines were drawn in such a way that a cynic might suspect that other N.C. Republican office holders wanted Ellmers to leave the political scene, as it had become embarrassing to have to defend her. Unfortunately, facts have had little traction compared to narratives and outright lies in recent political battles, and the narrative that has been forming today is that Ellmers lost because of Trump rather than because she did not keep earlier campaign promises.
The idea that Trump will be poison down the ballot is now being used to fire up Democrats who might not be all that keen on their own candidate. I saw this on Tuesday at the polls in the enthusiastic chatter of the Democrats who showed up to vote for the challenger to one of the most popular Republicans around, Rep. Mark Meadows, another congressman with a perfect score from the ACU in 2015. These voters, who gave the county to Bernie Sanders in March, seem to think Trump will prove so unpopular as to return the North Carolina statehouse, the state legislature, and Congress to Democrat control after November.
About a dozen members of Donald Trump's fundraising team told Politico they will fall far short of their goal in raising $1 billion for the general election.
In interviews, over a dozen major Republican Party donors and fundraisers whove signed on to help Trump raise money said they expected Trump to net only a fraction of his original $1 billion goal, perhaps netting less than a third of that. Trump himself is already starting to distance himself from the $1 billion goal, telling Bloomberg News that he doesnt need that much to win. But his refusal to commit to raise even half of that reflects reluctance among the GOPs benefactors to collect cash on his behalf. Many of them say he might have trouble raising even $300 million. That would almost certainly leave Trump at a steep disadvantage: Clinton is widely expected to hit the $1 billion mark, as President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney did in 2012. And it could have serious ripple-effects, leaving Republican down-ballot candidates, who are dependent on the national party to mount a well-funded turnout operation, in the lurch. The dire predictions come as Trump and his top fundraisers prepare to meet Thursday in New York City to discuss the path forward. One person who plans on attending said a number of topics were likely to be on the agenda, including scheduling and overall goals. The gathering is expected to bring together many of those whove signed on to help a joint Trump and Republican National Committee.
But Trump dismissed the notion that he needs a billion dollars or anything close to it to be competitive in November.
Bloomberg:
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump distanced himself from his own fundraising estimate of $1 billion, refusing to commit to collecting even half that amount, and saying his campaign didn't need much money to win the White House. Trump, who has held just two major fundraising events since agreeing three weeks ago to help the party raise cash, said he would rely instead more on his own star power as a former reality-TV personality to earn free media, and has no specific goals for how much money his campaign needs. "Theres no reason to raise that," Trump said about raising $1 billion. "I just dont think I need nearly as much money as other people need because I get so much publicity. I get so many invitations to be on television. I get so many interviews, if I want them."
During the primaries, Trump was all over the nets, getting tens of millions of dollars in free media exposure. So his claim that he will continue to be a huge draw for TV is probably correct.
But the general election campaign is an entirely different matter. While there is not "fairness doctrine" per se, networks will be conscious of how much air time they give the respective candidates. In the primaries, it wasn't an issue, although most Republican candidates complained bitterly about the coverage. But does anyone believe that Hillary Clinton's campaign wouldn't scream bloody murder if Trump got the overwhelming amount of coverage that he got in the primaries?
Trump has outsourced his ground game to the Republican National Committee. But they still need tens of millions of dollars to compete with Hillary Clinton's massive effort. Also, funding and staffing 50 state offices and a couple of dozen regional offices within many of those states is ruinously expensive. Can it all be done by raising only one third of what Clinton is raising?
A national campaign can be seen as a big business and undercapitalizing the company ends up getting the same results in politics that would happen in the private sector: failure.
If you've just finished eating, I would recommend you not read the following until your meal settles in your stomach. Reading about how a dozen or so former detainees at Guantanamo are responsible for killing six Americans overseas is about as nauseating as it gets.
Washington Post:
In March, a senior Pentagon official made a startling admission to lawmakers when he acknowledged that former Guantanamo inmates were responsible for the deaths of Americans overseas. The official, Paul Lewis, who oversees Guantanamo issues at the Defense Department, provided no details, and the Obama administration has since declined to elaborate publicly on his statement because the intelligence behind it is classified. But The Washington Post has learned additional details about the suspected attacks, including the approximate number of detainees and victims involved and the fact that, while most of the incidents were directed at military personnel, the dead also included one American civilian: a female aid worker who died in Afghanistan in 2008. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter, declined to give an exact number for Americans killed or wounded in the attacks, saying the figure is classified. Lewiss statement had drawn scrutiny on Capitol Hill, where some lawmakers see the violence against Americans as further evidence that the presidents plans for closing the prison are misguided and dangerous. They also describe the administrations unwillingness to release information about the attacks as another instance of its use of high levels of classification to avoid discussion of a politically charged issue that could heighten political opposition to its plans. One U.S. official familiar with the intelligence said that nine of the detainees suspected in the attacks are now dead or in foreign government custody. The official would not specify the exact number of detainees involved but said it was fewer than 15. All of them were released from Guantanamo Bay under the administration of George W. Bush.
The detainees released by President Bush were supposed to be the least likely to rejoin the fight. Obviously, they made some errors along the way.
As for the release of, by definition, even more dangerous terrorists by President Obama, we are trusting foreign governments to keep an eye on these people to make sure they don't run off and joint the Taliban again. Since we don't keep track of them ourselves anymore, how many detainees released by President Obama do you think have slipped away from their supposed minders to rejoin the fight?
The deaths of Americans at the hands of people who had no business seeing the light of day again is the result of a policy created to please the anti-American leftist claques more than to protect the nation from terrorists.
I told you not to read this if you just ate.
Over the last fifteen years, the city of Sherbrooke, in southern Quebec, Canada, has been trying to animate its old downtown area by creating enormous murals to cover large vacant walls of the neighborhood. So far, it has been a success.
The first mural was created in 2002 as part of the citys bicentennial anniversary celebration. Since then, more than a dozen murals have appeared at different locations at the rate of one per year. The murals, created in trompe l'oeil style, are the work of talented local artists. The project is overseen by a non-profit organization called M.U.R.I.R.S. (Murales Urbaines a Revitalisation dImmeubles et de Reconciliation Sociale) whose goal is to create a large open-air art gallery promoting the architecture, history and culture of Sherbrooke, and to eventually develop a tourist circuit that would enable visitors to discover, through the murals, the citys heritage and culture.
The first mural, the Sherbrookes 2002 Bicentennial Mural, depicts an everyday scene in the life in Sherbrooke on the second day of June, 1902 at 2oclock in the noon. Photo credit: destinationsherbrooke/Flickr
This mural made in 2003 is called Once Upon A Time In The East. It shows 29 typical and well-known characters of the east side of the city. The mural is intended to salute the builders of the east while featuring a slice of Sherbrookes musical and cultural history. Photo credit: destinationsherbrooke/Flickr
A detail from the mural Once Upon A Time In The East. Photo credit: David Adamson/Flickr
Progress in the East, created in 2004, portrays local life in the eastern district, but this time at the end of the 19th century. Hence, Sherbrooke is portrayed as a manufacturing city welcoming new technologies: electricity, home telephones, tramways, cars, airplanes, and the daily press. Photo credit: destinationsherbrooke/Flickr
A detail from the mural Progress in the East. Photo credit: Petunia_2011/Flickr
A detail from the mural Progress in the East. Photo credit: David Adamson/Flickr
The Good Years, created in 2005, pays tribute to Sherbrooke's southwest neighborhood for its contributions to the textile, mechanical, and metallurgy industries. Photo credit: destinationsherbrooke/Flickr
50 Years of Looking at it Our Way, created in 2006, highlights a variety of past Sherbrooke residents, depicted as honored guests on a red carpet, who were involved in the regional cultural milieu distinguishing themselves on a local and even international level. Photo credit: destinationsherbrooke/Flickr
A detail from the mural 50 Years of Looking at it Our Way. Photo credit: Petunia_2011/Flickr
Tradition and Prevention, created in 2007, depicts the former central fire station and is meant as a tribute to Sherbrookes fire and police services. Here we find an off-duty fireman polishing a fire engine, children sliding down a fire pole, dogs eying a fire hydrant, and policemen hanging out of upper story windows. Photo credit: destinationsherbrooke/Flickr
A detail from the mural Tradition and Prevention. Photo credit: Petunia_2011/Flickr
A detail from the mural Tradition and Prevention. Photo credit: townshipsheritage.com
100 Years of Service commemorates the centennial of Sherbrookes municipalization of electrical power. Photo credit: destinationsherbrooke/Flickr
"Legends and Mena'sen", inaugurated in 2010, presents facts and legends from the history of the Sherbrooke region. The foreground features the First Nations pulling back the existing wall like a theatre curtain, revealing characters assembled on the banks of the Saint-Francis River and the famous "Lone Pine" on a rock in the middle. Photo credit: destinationsherbrooke/Flickr
A detail from the mural "Legends and Mena'sen". Photo credit: Petunia_2011/Flickr
A detail from the mural "Legends and Mena'sen". Photo credit: Petunia_2011/Flickr
Upper Mills, created in 2009, pays homage to some of the early businesses situated on or around the site of the present day Tourist Information Bureau. As you go down the stairs behind the Bureau leading to the Magog River Gorge, you are transported to 1867, where we find locals personalities certainly talking about the confederation. Photo credit: destinationsherbrooke/Flickr
A detail from the mural Upper Mills. Photo credit: Petunia_2011/Flickr
Heart, Culture & Pedagogy,created in 2011, is painted to look like a giant bookshelf. This mural is an allegory of Sherbrookes standing as a center of knowledge and the regions cultural cradle, as well as a metaphor of the local literary universe, with more than 100 authors represented. Photo credit: Petunia_2011/Flickr
A detail from the mural Heart, Culture & Pedagogy. Photo credit: Robert Salthouse/Flickr
A detail from the mural Heart, Culture & Pedagogy. Photo credit: Robert Salthouse/Flickr
Destinies & Origins, made in 2012, depicts the side of a building tilt open like a door to reveal the forests of 1792 on the background merging progressively to the current era on the foreground. Photo credit: onemorepost.com/Pinterest
One of the most intriguing mural was created in 2013, in celebration of the Canada Summer Games that was hosted in the city of Sherbrooke. The mural depicts Sherbrooke athlete Marie-Eve Dugas, and is composed of a mosaic of one-hundred-and-eleven tiles, each painted by a different artist. Each panel is 16 inch by 16 inch and depicts individual scenes related to the Summer Games. But when mounted together, a new image that of Marie-Eve Dugas magically appears. Photo credit: emilepoissant.artstation.com
A detail from the mural mosaic. Photo credit: emilepoissant.artstation.com
A detail from the mural mosaic. Photo credit: emilepoissant.artstation.com
The Google Maps app is one of the most popular applications on the planet, most Android users use it, and its quite popular on iOS as well. Now, you can access Google Street View directly from Google Maps (though theres a separate app for it as well), and walk around your neighborhood, or take a stroll on a beach somewhere in the Bahamas. The point is, Google has mapped out the world basically using 360 photos, which was quite a feat by the company. That being said, moving around in the Street View wasnt exactly the best experience, and Google is looking to change that, read on.
In order to move around, you needed to tap on the arrows pointing in the direction youd like to go in, well, no more, Google is replacing this tap-to-move approach to the swipe-to-move one. Instead of two arrows, youll see a blue line in Street View which represents places where you can move to. Now, Google has also improved general movement, in order to move in the old view, you needed to tap on an arrow and wait for the new view to load, well, you dont have to do that anymore. You can make a couple of quick swipes and move ahead fast, not one step at a time. By doing this, Google basically makes it possible to go across town simply by swiping, and you can do it rather fast too, which is certainly a better solution than what weve had before, you basically had to leave the street view and manually pinpoint a new place on the map unless you wanted to tap for hours.
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Now, this is all nice and dandy, but its not perfect, Google still has to iron out the quirks. Finger movements is now used for both moving around and looking around, which might not be the best solution, because you can accidentally make the wrong movements and end up moving instead of looking around. Either way, all Google has to do now is polish all of this and Street View will be far more enjoyable to use, and were definitely looking forward to that. Google seems to be rolling out this change already, and according to the source, tons of Google Maps versions will get it, though Android N Developer Preview will not it seems.
Larry Page is a well-known name in the tech industry. The 43-year-old who co-founded Google with Sergey Brin in 1998 is one of the most famous Internet entrepreneurs on the planet and according to the latest reports from earlier this month, hes worth almost $37 billion. Apart from being the face and the CEO of Googles parent company Alphabet, Page is also investing a significant portion of his own money into companies and endeavors not necessarily directly linked with Google. Tesla Motors is one such company which Page has privately funded in the past and according to latest reports, so is Zee.Aero and Kitty Hawk.
Zee.Aero is a Silicon Valley-based startup which has been developing flying cars designs since it was founded in 2010, and our sources claim that Page has pumped over $100 million of his own money into the company in the last six years. The company is reportedly testing its flying prototypes in the close vicinity of Googles HQ in Mountain View, California. Furthermore, not only is Zee.Aero currently hiring aerospace designers, engineer, and other experts, but the company already has employees from the likes of SpaceX, NASA, and Boeing. In other words, even though flying cars may sound like something from the rather distant future, this Silicon Valley startup definitely means business. In recent years, the company has allegedly been testing a couple of its single-seater prototypes which look nothing alike, as one is reportedly more similar to a traditional airplane while the other is a much more bizarre creation equipped with side propellers.
While Zee.Aero is trying to make cars fly using conventional airplane technology, Kitty Hawk is striving to create flying quadcopter drones. This startup is both smaller and newer than the aforementioned Zee.Aero and is in better part composed of people who previously worked for AeroVelo, another startup which built a human-powered helicopter in 2013 and won a $250,000 Sikorsky Prize for its endeavors. Its currently unknown how much did Page invest in Kitty Hawk.
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Sources report that Googles co-founder is funding these aircraft manufacturers out of personal ambition and has allegedly even retained a single office in one of them where the employees refer to him as GUS. Thats not because theyre Breaking Bad fans, but because GUS is short for the guy upstairs.
When it comes to smartphones, there are many, many more names that customers will think of before they get to L for Lenovo. The Chinese giant is trying to change that however, and their Lenovo Tech World held in San Francisco is a good example of this. Announcing a whole new range of devices across the Moto line with the new Moto Z as well as their own PHAB line of larger-than-life devices. While the PHAB2 and PHAB2 Plus will be what fans of Lenovo have come to expect from a Lenovo device, the new PHAB2 Pro is a whole different beast altogether. Its the first Tango device, developed in conjunction with Google, and its one hell of a large smartphone.
The main focus of the PHAB2 Pros hardware is of course the camera setup around the back of the device, which is what makes the PHAB2 Pros Tango special powers possible. A device that has a hell of a lot going for it, the PHAB2 Pro sure looks the part. Behind these cameras theres a Snapdragon 652, a special 64-bit CPU that was designed with Tango in mind as well as 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The camera setup here is key, so its good to see that Lenovo have gone with a 16-megapixel PDAF sensor as well as two other sensors specifically for Tango use. Those would be a Depth Sensor as well as a Motion Tracking Sensor to ensure that the phone can accurately estimate distances as well as properly render 3D objects in real space, too.
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In the below gallery, we take a look at the Tango-powered PHAB2 Pro in a number of different angles, including some nice close-ups of that camera hardware and the microUSB port. While the Moto Z launches with a USB Type-C port as well as omitting the 3.5mm headphone jack the first Tango phone sticks with good old microUSB. Regardless, the Tango side of the phone has oodles of potential, and now that the Project is more of a product in a real life smartphone consumers can buy for $499 no less then Tango should get a lot more useful now.
Earlier today, during Lenovo Tech World 2016, Motorola took to the stage to announce their latest and greatest. While weve been accustomed to the Moto X ever since the firm returned to the mobile game in a big way under Googles ownership, were now saying hello to the Moto Z. A new device from Motorola that has similar DNA and features, but also offers a world of extras in the form of Moto Mods, the Moto Z is a sort of new beginning for the Moto line of smartphones and devices. While last years Moto X Pure was a sort of larger some would argue too large Moto X from 2014, this years Moto Z has a new design language. Were at Lenovo Tech World in San Francisco and weve been able to get our hands on one to take a closer look.
The Moto Z features a Snapdragon 820 CPU under-the-hood, alongside a raft of other specifications, as well as 4GB of RAM and a 5.5-inch Quad HD display. That 5.5-inch display, coupled with thinner bezels makes the Moto Z a much thinner and more manageable device in the hand. We got to spend some quality time with the white version of the Moto Z, and as with previous models it does appear to have quite a lot going on in terms of sensors and such on the front panel. On the back however, things dont get much better as the camera bump where the 13-megapixel camera resides as well as the pins for the Moto Mods do seem to make a mess of things. Of course, if you end up buying and using one of these Moto Mods as Lenovo is certainly hoping will then you wont notice this at all.
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Moto Maker makes a return this year as well, and while we dont have any images of the Moto Z in different materials, we have some shots of a Moto Z Droid Edition down below. With both of them being the same phone give or take then this should give users an idea of how the Moto Z will look once customized directly from Motorola.
South Korean manufacturers, LG and Samsung, have been discussing their flexible device technologies in the last few months. We have heard a number of rumours about Samsung working on releasing a Galaxy X device in 2017, which will be a flexible smartphone that could attract more interest than the flagship Galaxy S range. And whilst flexible smartphones are interesting and a number of manufacturers are chasing the idea, we have not seen many prototype designs that capture the imagination. However, today at the Lenovo Tech World conference in San Francisco, the company has demonstrated two flexible mobile technology designs. These are very much prototype products and are not the final names nor designs, but they look interesting and very much usable in the real world.
Flexible display technologies are one part of the hardware problem in producing a flexible smartphone or tablet: all components need to be flexible. Lenovos solution is to divide the hardware into movable, different pieces, such that whilst the display may be pliable and completely flexible, some of the underlying components are not but also do not need to be. Curiously enough, this modular design might lend itself to a Project Ara type of device.
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The products were demonstrated by Meghan McCarthy, and she first showed off a narrow looking smartphone, which could snap around the wrist something similar to a watch. She also demonstrated a small tablet, which could be folded like a book. Both designs are included in the gallery below, with Meghan explaining that the smartphone is an easier to carry alternative than a traditional device when wearing an outfit with no pockets snapping it around the wrist made it easier to carry Lenovo were keen to point out that these are not forerunners to a retail design, the company did explain that they would be releasing a product later in the year with the promise that it will bring a vision of the most flexible user interfaces that naturally connect people and devices. Other clues included how the new products will use keyboards that dont necessarily act like traditional keyboards, but the company did not go into any detail as to what, exactly, this means. Similarly, we do know what specification these prototype devices have or if there are any compromises associated with the flexible design compared with a more traditional handset for example, perhaps these flexible devices have limited space for batteries or camera modules.
Its not too uncommon to hear about people who have I.T. chops getting a decent extra payday on top of their day job, like security researchers and white hat hackers seeing cash from Google after finding vulnerabilities in their programs. When it comes to development, best app contests and awards abound, but what about awards for the best hardware? Often left to industry analysts, developers of things like specialized accessories and the phones themselves often get little extra benefit beyond the paycheck for putting in the hours where they work and the credit for designing the device. Lenovo is intent on changing that tune, however.
At their Tech World conference on Thursday, they announced a new initiative that will see top developers of Moto Mods rewarded quite handsomely. With the Moto Mods boasting compatibility with future models of the Moto Z family, its no stretch to call the Moto Mod world a nascent platform, and as with anything of that sort, something has to spur developer interest before it can really take off. Aside from the vastly wealthy, the prospect of a cool $1 million is enough to get just about anybody excited, and thats exactly what the Moto Mod development scene is looking at. Lenovo is putting $1 million worth of prizes up for grabs for top developers, though details were a bit sparse on exactly how the whole thing could work.
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There is always the possibility of a good old fashioned cash prize, but in the tech world, rewards like computers, phones and specialized hardware, as well as software credits, are just as likely. Additionally, it seems to be implied that the $1 million will be spread across multiple developers, eliminating the possibility of Lenovo simply handing over $1 million in cold, hard cash to the maker of the best Moto Mod. Still, the prize pool is pretty substantial and should get the Moto Mod development scene moving in short order. Thus far, no prize structure, contest dates or submission deadlines of any sort have been announced, though its likely pretty safe to assume that theyll want to get the contest at least underway before the Moto Z family sees their worldwide release in September.
It has been an interesting year or two for Motorola as a company. After being sold off by Google and picked up by Lenovo, the company has now re-branded its main flagship line of smartphones. While this is something that had been rumored over the last few weeks, Motorola has today during Lenovo Tech World finally confirmed the transition. As a result, the latest handset to be announced by the company and the successor to the widely popular Moto X is the 2016 Moto Z.
In terms of the base specs, the Moto Z is now confirmed to come sporting a 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display. Inside, the Moto Z comes equipped with 4GB RAM and is powered by the latest flagship Qualcomm processor, the Snapdragon 820. In terms of storage, the Moto Z will be available in 32GB and 64GB internal storage options and does include a microSD card slot for further expansion when needed (up to 2TB). While on the camera side of things, the Moto Z comes touting a 13-megapixel rear camera which comes with the usual features like laser autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS) as well as a 5-megapixel front-facing option. A 2,600 mAh battery is what powers the Moto Z and it will make use of fast charging capabilities. The handset comes running on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box.
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One of the additional features that Motorola has been keen to promote today is the Moto Zs modular design. Like the LG G5 the modular nature on offer will be more of an add-on approach in contrast to the true modulation you might find with Project Ara. However, unlike the LG G5, the Moto Z makes use of back covers which are interchangeable and by changing, the user is able to include a variety of different modular aspects. Like for instance, improved camera abilities. These mods are now confirmed to be Moto Mods and will be sold alongside the Moto Z as accessories. In terms of pricing and availability, Motorola has confirmed that the Moto Z will be available in the U.S. as an unlocked model from Motorola and various retailers during the summer and globally from September. Unfortunately, price has not been revealed as of yet. Of course, being a Moto device, the Moto Z will be able to be highly customized using Moto Maker and as to be expected, the price will be highly dependent on the customization chosen.
Lenovo has hosted a press conference in San Francisco today, the Lenovo Tech World 2016. During the keynote, Lenovo introduced three new PHAB2 devices, including the Tango PHAB2 Pro phablet. Now, as you all know, Motorola is owned by Lenovo, so they had plenty to say as well. Motorola has introduced the Moto Z and Moto Z Force devices during the keynote, and were here to take a closer look at the Moto Z specifications, read on.
The Motorola Moto Z is made out of metal, to be more precise, it is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel. The Moto Z features a 5.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440, 535 ppi) AMOLED display, along with 4GB of RAM and 32GB / 64GB of internal storage (expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card). The device is fueled by Qualcomms Snapdragon 820 processor, the most powerful mobile SoC out there at the moment, next to Samsungs Exynos 8890. The 13-megapixel OIS camera (f/1.8 aperture, Laser Autofocus, Zero Shutter Lag, CCT Flash, 1.12um pixel size) is placed on the back of this phone, and a 5-megapixel front-facing snapper (f/2.2 aperture, 1.4um pixel size) features a wide-angle lens, and is flanked by an LED flash. Moto Zs body is water-repellant, it ships with a water-repellant coating, which means that rain and splashes wont do it any harm whatsoever.
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This device comes with a front-facing fingerprint scanner, just like the companys Moto G4 devices which were introduced recently in India. The Moto Z ships with a 2,600mAh non-removable battery, and Turbo Charging is also included here, which means youll be able to recharge this battery fairly quickly. The device feature 4G LTE connectivity, of course, and you do get Bluetooth 4.1 here as well. Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow comes pre-installed on the phone, and the Type-C port is placed on the bottom of this phone. The Motorola Moto Z comes with the Moto Mods connector and a 3.5mm to USB Type-C headphone port. The phone measures 153.3 x 75.3 x 5.19mm, while it weighs 136 grams. Moto Z will be available unlocked on moto.com and various retailers starting this fall, for those of you who are interested.
Prisoner sue over removal of marbles from his tattoed penis
To West Virginia where a prisoner is upset medics removed marbles he had implanted in his tattooed penis.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says Adrian King can pursue claims that officials at Huttonsville Correctional Center illegally threatened him into consenting to the June 2013 surgery, or risk being segregated from other inmates and lose his eligibility for parole.
The interest in bodily integrity involves the most personal and deep-rooted expectations of privacy, and here, the nature of the surgery itself, surgery into Kings penis, counsels against reasonableness, says the Virginia-based appeals court.
King now complains of tingling and numbness when his bellend is touched or when it rains, snows or gets cold. Or when he puts it in blender, uses it to mix drinks in a coffee shop, or fills it with ink and uses it as a biro. If Kings penis history is any guide, his knob could end up in all manner of unusual situations.
King adds that officials hurt his feelings whenever they called him Marble Man.
King, who is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, is (ball)baring up well.
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Posted: 9th, June 2016 | In: Reviews, Strange But True Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
ROME - The sixth edition of the Cerealia grains festival opened in Rome on Thursday, with the spotlight this year on Morocco.
The festival encourages cultural exchange between the countries of the Mediterranean area, with a focus on nutrition, environment and social and economic themes linked to the world of grains.
Bread, a staple food in the traditional cooking of most countries, will be analysed and celebrated this year for its anthropological dimensions over the centuries, starting with the bread eaten by the ancient Romans in Pompeii.
The four days of the festival ending on June 12 will include several Moroccan cultural initiatives including dance performances, music and poetry readings. Events will be held in locations across the Italian capital including the Italian Geographic Society and the Campagna Amica farmers market near the Circus Maximus. Celebrations linked to the festival are also planned across Italy in cities including Tarquinia, Milan and Venice.
In ancient Roman times, the Cerealia was a festival held to celebrate the grain goddess Ceres, which included the Ludi or games of Ceres held in the Circus Maximus.
The modern festival aims to raise awareness of the value of land and indigenous cultures, re-establish the links between the area of production and the consumer's table, and revive old customs and traditions based on respect for the earth and its fruits.
Morocco bids farewell to plastic bags Law banning them becomes effective on July 1
(ANSAmed) - RABAT, JUNE 9 - Morocco is besieged by plastic, like the rest of Africa. But in view of the world's top environmental event Cop22 to be held in November in Marrakech, Rabat is seeking at least to get rid of plastic bags to be banned as of July 1.
The battle started in a hushed way in 2009 and reached Parliament only in 2014 to become draft law 77-15 the following year and come into effect next month with the implementation of all the decrees. After July 1, it will be prohibited to use, import and distribute common plastic bags. Those who fail to respect the legislation risk fines of up to one million dirhams.
In 2015, Moroccans used 26 billion plastic bags - on average 900 bags a year for each resident of the Kingdom compared with the 140 in the world. Morocco is the world's top plastic bag consumer after the US. There are exceptions, for example for plastic used in agriculture, to freeze or for garbage.
Environmentalists are hailing the measure but the Moroccan federation of plastic producers is sounding the alarm for the ''50,000 jobs'' that will be lost, along with all the planned investments. The sector is worth about 11.3 billion dirham for 600 productive units of different entity.
The measure will cost the Moroccan government an estimated 8 million euros, including funding to educate the population not to use plastic bags anymore. In some areas of the country, in particular close to dumps, the landscape is ruined by plastic bags that invade even pastures. Used for an average 12 minuted, they take between 100 and 400 years to be disposed of. (ANSAmed)
TEL AVIV - Israel has suspended entry permits for 83,000 Palestinians during the month of Ramadan following the terror attack last night in Tel Aviv in which four Israelis were killed.
''All permits for Ramadan, in particular visits by families from Judea and Samaria (West Bank) to Israel have been frozen'', according to a statement by the Territories' government (Cogat).
The decision will affect 83,000 Palestinians, as well as 500 other residents in Gaza who received a permit to visit relatives during Ramadan.
After the attack, security forces carried out last night several arrests in operations and searches in the village of Hatta near Hebron, from which the two Palestinian attackers came from.
The attackers were immediately arrested.
The army has shut down the area and permits to leave or enter are only granted for humanitarian reasons. Meanwhile, also in Hatta, the house of one of the attackers has been found and could soon be torn down, according to rules approved by the Israeli government over the past few months against violence during the so-called ''Knife Intifada''.
Terror struck in the heart of Tel Aviv last night, when four Israelis were shot dead by two Palestinian attackers aged around 20 who came from Hatta, the West Bank village near Hebron.
The attack reignited tension in Israel and took place in the extremely crowded market of Sarona, where restaurants and shops are open till late, and in a nearby street near the Cinemateque, where many festivals take place and very crowded also.
Shortly before 9 pm local time the two Palestinians, after sitting at a table of a bar and restaurant called Max Brenner, opened fire on passerby.
According to eyewitnesses, they were dressed as if they were attending an event, while reports saying they were dressed like Haredi Jews have not been confirmed.
After the first shots, one of the attackers left his weapon behind and left with the other one. One of the two was shot by a policeman and the other was arrested.
At least five people were wounded and taken to hospital, where one of the attackers is also being treated. Police patrolled cordoned off the area - which is also very close to the defense ministry, the only one located in Tel Aviv and not in Jerusalem - over fears that a third attacker was on the loose, an hypothesis later denied by a police spokesman.
Premier Benyamin Netanyahu - who has just returned from Moscow after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin - immediately travelled to the city to hold an emergency meeting with the Shin Bet (domestic security service), police, the army and ministers Gilad Erdan and Avigdor Lieberman.
Media reports said people in Hebron, in the area where the Palestinian resided, celebrated, while Hamas from Gaza defined the Palestinian city as the ''capital of Jerusalem's Intifada'', as the Islamic faction ruling the strip has called that attacks over the past few months in Israel and the West Bank.
In a tweet, also quoted by Israeli media, Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Hamas, wrote: ''Glory and regards to the authors of the shootout at the Sarona market''. (ANSAmed)
BENGHAZI - ISIS militants pulled out of Sirte Thursday as militia loyal to the Libyan national unity government swept into the coastal city, breaking through enemy lines with tanks. Some jihadists cut off their beards before fleeing, official said.
Migrant arrivals in Lampedusa expected to increase-medic New health condition linked to rubber dinghies
(ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 9- Boats carrying migrants are continuing to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa and a further increase in the numbers is expected in future due to the arrival of refugees from Syria, said doctor Pietro Bartolo, who appears in the "Fuocoammare" film about the migrant crisis.
"Recently little has changed in Lampedusa," Bartolo said on the sidelines of a presentation of a training project he is coordinating.
"This night 153 people disembarked, all from Sub-Saharan Africa. In general they were well but a few people were transferred to the hospital in Palermo by helicopter. We expect more Syrians to arrive in the near-future, seeing as they cannot pass through Turkey," he said.
Bartolo is going to provide medical training for new migrant assistance courses. They will include instructions for dealing with a new health problem called "rubber dinghy disease".
"Before the migrants arrived in big boats. Now, due to monitoring near the Libyan coast, they are transferred to rubber dinghies, which has led to the increase in wrecks and deaths, he said.
He said people arrive with injuries caused by fuel which mixes with the rubber of the dinghy and the water. Coming into contact with this mix can lead to serious burns that can even cause death. Women are particularly affected because they sit in the middle for greater protection while the men are usually on the sides. (ANSAmed).
Migrants: Irish ship rescues 378 in Strait of Sicily Two people sent to hospital
(ANSAmed) - CATANIA, JUNE 9 - The Irish naval ship Le Roisin arrived in the port of Catania in Sicily on Thursday with 378 migrants on board following a rescue operation in the Strait of Sicily.
The migrants include 333 men, 39 women, four minors, and two people who have been sent to hospital.
They are undergoing identity checks and then they will be transferred to reception centres.
Le Roisin is in the Mediterranean on a humanitarian mission to aid migrants, conducting search and rescue operations in coordination with Italian authorities. (ANSAmed).
BRUSSELS - The working population will be gradually declining over the next decade, employment growth will start decelerating in a not so distant future, in spite of reforms, and even an immigration that is higher than expected is unlikely to halt the demographic decline, the president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, said on Thursday.
Draghi said he is convinced that policies can however tone down these effects through the integration of migrants, although productivity must be increased.
Funds for Africa at heart of new EU migrant plan. Summit of interior ministers to discuss Med emergencies
Appeals by EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, and the first vice-president of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, calling on capitals to join economic resources for tailor-made agreements with African countries to control migration flows have reportedly not been welcomed by a few diplomacies. The general approach proposed by Brussels is well-liked by the majority of countries but faced with the request to once again pay money, some have started to express reservations.
The first occasion to discuss, after the presentation of a communication providing for an eight-billion euro 'compact' in the short-term, and the major plan to activate up to 62 billion in investments in the long-term, was an informal lunch of ambassadors from the 28 (Coreper) ahead of a meeting of EU interior ministers tomorrow in Luxembourg.
According to European sources, the hosting process was generally good, although some also observed that it would have been preferable to get the entire European budget, while others are already wondering with concern which percentage they will each have to pay. Italy, which is pushing with Germany to take away the plan's obstacles, is calling on governments to add resources instead.
Meanwhile Visegrad group countries - Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary - in a joint statement insist on the implementation of the Dublin regulation, on boosting external barriers and are asking to consider the possibility of ''opening hotspots outside the EU territory''. All these issues will be dealt with again tomorrow, when talks will also focus on migration routes in the central Mediterranean and movements over the past few weeks from Egypt towards Greece. Data on landings in Italy remain slightly higher than last year and nothing similar to what occurred in the Aegean in 2015 is being observed, although there is still concern.
(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, JUNE 9 - Appeals by EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, and the first vice-president of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, calling on capitals to join economic resources for tailor-made agreements with African countries to control migration flows have reportedly not been welcomed by a few diplomacies.
The general approach proposed by Brussels is well-liked by the majority of countries but faced with the request to once again pay money, some have started to express reservations.
The first occasion to discuss, after the presentation of a communication providing for an eight-billion euro 'compact' in the short-term, and the major plan to activate up to 62 billion in investments in the long-term, was an informal lunch of ambassadors from the 28 (Coreper) ahead of a meeting of EU interior ministers tomorrow in Luxembourg.
According to European sources, the hosting process was generally good, although some also observed that it would have been preferable to get the entire European budget, while others are already wondering with concern which percentage they will each have to pay.
Italy, which is pushing with Germany to take away the plan's obstacles, is calling on governments to add resources instead.
Meanwhile Visegrad group countries - Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary - in a joint statement insist on the implementation of the Dublin regulation, on boosting external barriers and are asking to consider the possibility of ''opening hotspots outside the EU territory''.
All these issues will be dealt with again tomorrow, when talks will also focus on migration routes in the central Mediterranean and movements over the past few weeks from Egypt towards Greece.
Data on landings in Italy remain slightly higher than last year and nothing similar to what occurred in the Aegean in 2015 is being observed, although there is still concern. (ANSAmed)
U.S. deploys 2nd aircraft carrier in Mediterranean Move seen as message to Russia
(ANSAmed) - NEW YORK, JUNE 9 - The United States has decided to deploy a second aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight Eisenhower, in the Mediterranean alongside the USS Harry Truman already in the area.
This marks the first time since the 2003 invasion of Iraq that there has been such a big U.S. naval presence in the region. The new aircraft carrier will serve as a base for launching raids against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria.
Observers cited in U.S. media say the move is aimed as a message to Moscow, which is asserting itself in the region, and a sign that the U.S. wants to maintain the balance of power.
The U.S. European Command said the Eisenhower had already entered the Mediterranean to "support U.S. national security interests in Europe". Its arrival coincides with NATO military exercises in Eastern Europe and in Turkey, a situation that could irritate the Kremlin ahead of an upcoming NATO summit in Warsaw.
Russian military operations in the region include naval and submarine missions in the Mediterranean. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the NATO exercises underway are not helping to create a climate of trust and security. (ANSAmed).
TAV Airports CEO, Sani Sener, was also voted the Best Turkish CEO in Investor Relations.
During these difficult times for both the industry and the country, we have informed our investors regularly about new developments. Turkey is still in the spotlight of international investors and our main target is to contribute to the Turkish economy by attracting the interest of foreign investors and leading them to invest more in Turkey, said Sener.
Over 20 thousand finance professionals took part in the survey.
Le CBD, cette molecule active du cannabis a aujourdhui le vent en poupe. Et cela est en grande partie du au fait quil permet...
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. The high-level meeting on ending AIDS/HIV took place in UNs General Assembly in New York.
Armed Muradyan, Healthcare Minister of Armenia was taking part in the meeting.
Different high-level officials from around the world participated in the session, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
We have made enormous progress. Since 2000 the global total of people receiving antiretroviral treatment doubled every three to four years, thanks to cheaper drugs, increased competition and new funding. Today, more than 17 billion people are being treated, saving millions of lives and billions of dollars, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
Furthermore, the world has achieved Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 6 which included halting and reversing the AIDS epidemic and new HIV infections have declined by 35 per cent since 2000, the UN chief said.
Noting that he was particularly happy that new HIV infections among children were down by 56 per cent in the past 15 years, the Secretary-General said that four countries had eliminated them completely: Armenia, Belarus, Cuba and Thailand.
None of this could have happened without the leadership of people living with HIV, and civil society partners on the ground around the world. They believed that more equitable treatment and access was possible, and they made sure that we responded, Mr. Ban said.
They broke the silence and shone a light on discrimination, intolerance and stigma. They brought their passion to their fight, and that passion will make the end of AIDS a reality, he added.
Armenian Healthcare Minister Armen Muradyan delivered a speech at the high-level meeting and noted the obligations which Armenia has undertaken, have fundamentally changed the conceptual approached of countering AIDS/HIV.
UN Member States adopted a new political declaration that includes a set of time-bound targets to fast-track the pace of progress towards combating the worldwide scourge of HIV and AIDS over the next five years and end the epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. On June 8 Minister of Economy Artsvik Minasyan arrived in the US.
On June 10 he will participate in Armenia: IT Forum which will be held in the Silicon Valley Synopsys Mountain View Campus.
The Minister will hold a meeting with Synopsis President Chi-Foon Chan, will visit the Synopsys campus and will meet Armenian young programmers of the Silicon Valley.
On June 11 the Armenian delegation led by the Minister will take part in the business forum in Los-Angeles.
Meetings between the Minister and the representatives, the parties, associations and other organizations of the Armenian community of Los Angeles are scheduled.
The Minister will also visit IBM Research and Development Center.
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. The delegation led by Czech President Milos Zeman visited Yerevan Brandy Company during their visit to Armenia.
The delegation members were introduced the history and the manufacturing process of the Armenian Ararat brandy.
Milos Zeman was also introduced the history of the Barrel of Peace which was established in 2001 in honor of the visit of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. It is called peace, since it will be opened only when the Karabakh conflict will be resolved.
The Czech President left his signature on the factorys memory book.
One of the oldest brandies from the Ararat exclusive collection was given as a gift to the Czech President.
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. Meryl Streep surprises a crowd by dressing up as Donald Trump in New York, reports BBC.
She wore fake tan and a hair piece to impersonate the Republican presidential candidate on Tuesday night.
The actress wore a men's suit with a fake padded belly and red tie to complete the look in a surprise appearance at the Public Theater Gala in New York.
It was her way of showing support for Hillary Clinton, the Democrat nominee in the race for the White House.
Streep's Mamma Mia co-star Christine Baranski dressed up as Clinton and the duo performed two songs.
Streep is known for her portrayals of iconic characters including Margaret Thatcher in the Iron Lady, for which she won a third Oscar.
The Trump interlude happened at the annual Shakespeare in the Park event in Central Park.
The New York Times said Streep's version "did a more than credible version of the presumptive Republican nominee, down to the pursed lips and low-hanging belly. She got the braggadocio-inflected voice, too, even while singing."
"None of us had seen her in costume or makeup till she walked out tonight", the Public Theatre's artistic director, Oskar Eustis, told the Times.
He said it was "utterly her idea, beginning to end".
"There were sceptics, there were doubters, but one of those sceptics was not Meryl Streep. She was absolutely sure she could do it," he added.
Don't hold out hope for seeing this spectacle again.
"I appreciate the interest, but this was a one-off, a once in a [last in a] lifetime appearance of this character," she said in a statement afterwards.
Overnight Hillary Clinton became the first woman in America's history to be a major party's presidential nominee.
Donald Trump hasn't yet commented on what he thought of Streep's version of him.
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs that on June 9 the USD exchange rate was 478.87 AMD which is an increase of 0.05 drams compared to the previous day.
Armenpress reports that the Euro decreased by 0.52 drams forming 543.95 drams. British pound dropped by 3.47 drams forming 692.73 drams, Russian ruble increased by 0.04 drams reaching to 7.47 drams on June 9.
The prices for precious metals are as follows: the price for silver per gram is 257.88 AMD, gold-19,445.18 AMD, and platinum-15,642.36 AMD.
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. Leader of Czech Catholic Church, Cardinal Dominik Duka and the Archbishop of Prague has called on recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Armenpress reports, citing Orer independent European magazine, in a letter addressed to the Armenian and Czech Presidents Cardinal Dominik Duka urged that the Czech Republic should also take a decision calling the events that took place during World War I as genocide.
In his letter he expressed gratitude to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Czech President Milos Zeman for conveying greetings to him from the capital of the magnificent Christian country, Armenia.
My memories of the deep-rooted belief of the Armenian people and their hospitability that I witnessed during my last year visit to Armenia at the invitation of Your Excellency and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II are still vivid. I am grateful to our President for his opinion expressed at the Memorial to the 1915 Armenian Genocide. I laid a large wreath at that Memorial last year accompanied by His Holiness and my Armenian friends. We commemorated those tragic events during a liturgy delivered at the St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Vojtech cathedrals in Prague. I am thankful to Milos Zeman for his opinion and intention that the Czech Republic, that has dedicated a book to the 100-year old memories of Armenians, namely The Forty Days of Musa Dagh by Franz Werfel, will express its position on the Armenian Genocide 101 years later.
The tree of religious freedom, mutual respect and fraternity become stronger due to the devotion of pain, sufferings and deep rooted belief of one of the oldest peoples of the world and the first Christian state, Cardinal Dominik Duka said.
President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman announced on June 8 in Yerevan that he not only supports the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by his country, but will also raise that issue at the parliament and government.
A competition launched last week by Londons new mayor Sadiq Khan will bring a striking nocturnal makeover to the citys River Thames. Called the Illuminated River, the contest will see 17 of Central Londons bridges enhanced by a creative lighting design from the winner, turning what is often a hidden, lugubrious space at night into a string of pearls that could attract more nighttime visitors to the riverbank.
As youve probably guessed if you follow my Twitter feed (@CultureGrrl), Ive neglected the blog because Ive been traveling in the San Francisco area, where I spent two rewarding, if exhausting, days (Friday and Monday) in the generous, welcoming spaces of the expanded SFMOMA.
The advantage of arriving after the scribe tribe has decamped lies in getting to see how the museum is being used by real visitors (not just persnickety critics). Press previews are fine for receiving useful, spoonfed information, but not so great for judging how things work for a wider audience, when the museum is fully operational.
As I suggested in responding to tweeted praise for my ramblings from Kelly Scott, former arts and culture editor of the LA Times, the snippets below are fleeting impressions of oddities and anomalies that I encountered. More serious reflections and substantive appraisals will come laterin the mainstream media and on CultureGrrl.
For now, come join me at MOMA in SOMAthe once seedy, now swank South of Market neighborhood where the revitalized, reenergized museum is pulling in crowds after a three-year hiatus:
I have a good friend whos a magnificent pianist, maybe sixty years old.
Some years ago, my friend remarked:
You know, when we were young, there were a lot of major pianists. Everyone knew who they were: Horowitz, Serkin, Arrau, Michelangeli, Richter, Gilels, Pollini, Kempff, Rubinstein [I cannot replicate his full list]. They were all different, of course. But in every case you could understand why they were major pianists.
Except for Pollini, I said.
Except for Pollini, he agreed.
Nowadays, my friend continued, anyone can be a great pianist.
Its a complete crap-shoot, I said.
A complete crap-shoot, he agreed.
Well, not completely. It helps a lot to be very, very young. Whereas in general older pianists are better pianists.
I found myself remembering this exchange a few weeks ago when I received an email from Sergei Schepkin inviting me to his New York recital on June 7. I remembered Schepkin from a Rachmaninoff festival I helped to curate in Pittsburgh in 2009. I knew he was a mature civilized pianist. These days, thats saying a lot. I instantly wrote back accepting his invitation.
It turned out that Schepkins program was all-Bach: three partitas. The venue was the new Steinway Hall on Sixth Avenue. It houses a basement recital hall thats elegant and intimate, excellent in every way.
My first exposure to the Bach partitas was a recording by William Kapell of the D major Partita. This would have been around 1960, when I was in high school. In retrospect, Kapells faceless, unpianistic Bach marks a nadir. But it wasnt his fault. That was a time in the US, at least when the Bach keyboard standard was set by Wanda Landowska, playing her harpsichord. Pianists mainly shunned Bach, or approached him tentatively, on tiptoe.
Then came Glenn Gould and a new kind of piano Bach, galvanizing in its way, but still remote from exercising the full resources of the instrument.
Wilhelm Kempffs DG recording of Bachs G major French Suite was my Bach epiphany, ca. 1980. Kempff pedaled the G major cadence of the Loure right into the opening measures of the Gigue, producing the musical equivalent of a shower of stars (at 13:22). My notion of Bach on the keyboard was changed forever.
Next I came to Edwin Fischers titanic Bach and discovered that Kempff was part of a performance tradition simply unknown in America call it Bach with pedal. Like Kempff, Fischers Bach was a sonic kaleidoscope. Unlike Kempff, Fischer was heroic. His version of the Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue is one of the most justly famous Bach recordings ever made by a pianist.
Richard Wagner, in his indispensable treatise On Conducting (1869), describes how his frustrations with serenely featureless Bach keyboard performances, innocent of somber German Gothicism, were relieved when his friend Franz Liszt assayed the Prelude and Fugue in C-sharp minor from Book I of the Well-Tempered Klavier. Now, I knew what to expect from Liszt at the piano; but I had not expected anything like what I came to hear from Bach, though I had studied him well; I saw how study is eclipsed by genius. If youd like some idea what Liszts performance might have sounded like, listen to Fischers recording and pay particular attention to the climax of the fugue.
Another classic Bach piano performance thats miraculously pedaled is Ferruccio Busonis pealing 1922 version of the C major Prelude and Fugue from Book I. Listen (with headphones) to the mystic pedal point he creates (at 3:42) in the final measures.
Today, at last, all performance options are open. Typewriter Bach is a thing of the past. Two pianists I especially admire in the Partitas are Vladimir Feltsman and Jeremy Denk. Both go their own way. And so does Sergei Schepkin. I would say his keyboard Bach is mutually influenced by the agogics of the harpsichord and the resources of the piano (dynamics and voicing more than pedal). And he is an acute, active listener who attends equally to the melodic and the contrapuntal. I have no idea if the ornaments he adds sometimes liberally, sometimes not are rehearsed or spontaneous. What matters is that they sound improvised on the spot.
And so Bach today affords a rare opportunity for performers of composed music. The choice of style, even the choice of instruments, is completely open-ended (or should be). Bach interpretation may never be standardized again. All we need is another Edwin Fischer.
An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2022 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in Singapore, compiled by the professionals at Dezan...
At 88 years of age he is the longest reigning monarch in the world. Much loved by the people, he is the symbol of unity of the country and protector of all religions. Two days ago he underwent heart surgery and his health is of concern. Doubts shroud succession.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Thai people are celebrating King Bhumibol Adulyadejs 70 years on the throne. He is the longest reigning monarch in the world. Ceremonies are planned throughout the country and have kicked off in Bangkok with a religious office led by 770 Buddhist monks (the number is considered auspicious). The King, 88, will not make public appearance, since he was admitted to hospital after suffering a heart operation two days ago. For years his health has worried the entire nation.
King Bhumibol is the symbol of Thailand, guarantor of the Constitution, political arbiter and protector of all religions. The Muslims in the southern provinces, while fighting the central government, respect his figure and his being the true Thai soul. The cult of his person are protected by some of the toughest laws of lese majesty in the world. However, critics say they have been exploited in recent months by the military junta in power to repress dissent and rule with an iron grip over the country. Sentences can be up to 15 years in prison.
Analysts say it is inevitable that the celebrations for the Kings 70th anniversary should open the question of his succession, a source of tension for the Thai people. Prince Vajiralongkorn, 63, and first in line of succession, has never managed to win the trust of the people. Moreover, in recent years there has been mounting criticism of those who "hide behind the monarchy", taking advantage of an "empty" institution to keep power.
by Nirmala Carvalho
Delhis Vidyajyoti College of Theology has opened a new regional centre in Kuala Lumpur that offers distance courses to the laity. This follows the indications of the Second Vatican Council and Pope Franciss vision to integrate theology in everyday life.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) The Jesuit-run Vidyajyoti College of Theology in Delhi opened an overseas regional centre in Kuala Lumpur to offer distance education. The goal is to spread the Christian faith and get more people to take part in the Churchs mission.
The new facility, which was inaugurated on 4 June, is located at the Loyola Hall at St Francis Church in Petaling Jaya. Mgr Julian Leow Beng Kim, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, took part in the ceremony.
Fr Clarence Devadoss, director of the Archdioceses Pastoral Institute, is the new schools director. At the opening, he said that the purpose of theological studies is not only to expand ones knowledge, but also ones love of God and neighbour."
Vidyajyoti (light of knowledge) has been around for a century and a half. It follows the Second Vatican Council, which said, Let the laity, therefore, diligently apply themselves to a more profound knowledge of revealed truth . . . (LG, 35).
In light of this, the college developed a Distance Education Programme in Theology (DEPTh), primarily for the lay people.
"The new centre of Kuala Lumpur is in line with Pope Franciss vision, DEPTh director Fr Joseph Rajkumar, SJ, told AsiaNews. The Malaysian archdiocese asked us to set up an overseas regional centre to meet the needs of the local Church."
The enthusiasm of the people of God in Kuala Lumpur was contagious and encouraging and the response has exceeded our expectations, the Jesuit clergyman said. Many are on our waiting list." What is more, students can "engage study both in class and at home, said Fr Clarence, the regional director.
Speaking about evolution of theology in the context of the early Christian communities, Fr Rajkumar stressed "the importance of bringing theology into the public sphere by involving more and more lay people in learning and integrating theology in every day life. For this reason, the distance education programme in theology is vital and available for Indian students abroad.
Lastly, May God bless this new adventure, he said, so that the Church may benefit and spread the Kingdom of God.
Tel Aviv (AsiaNews / Agencies) The death toll from an attack yesterday evening in a commercial district of downtown Tel Aviv, Israel, is at least four dead and 12 injured, some seriously. At 21.30 yesterday two armed Palestinians opened fire at two different points of Sarona Market, located near the Israeli Ministry of Defense and not far from the most important army headquarters.
According to police sources the two assailants, who were cousins, are from Yatta, a Palestinian village near Hebron, in the West Bank. Both were dressed in suits and ties to blend into the crowd and were stopped by agents in the minutes following the attack. One of the assailants has been arrested, while the accomplice was rushed to hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene of the attack, calling it a "savage crime of murder and terrorism."
In response the attack, the government has suspended the entry permits - issued to coincide with Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and prayer - to 83 thousand Palestinian Muslims. An official of COGAT, the body responsible for coordinating the Israeli activities in the Palestinian Territories, confirms that "in particular the permits allocated to friends and family have been suspended [...]'".
The political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, applauded the operation, without claiming responsibility. For the neo Israeli Interior Minister Avigdor Lieberman this is the first security crisis he has had to deal with since he took office. The attack will test his image as a strong and unyielding man facing down terrorism and an official response is expected in the coming hours.
Chico Edri, head of the Tel Aviv police, defines the attack "a terrorist event of serious entity," but at the same time denies the possibility of more violence in the short term. Shlomi Hajaj, director of Sarona market, where the attack took place, thanked the guards and security officers at the entrances who prevented the "attackers from entering the complex, averting a massacre because the place was crowded."
Since last October, after a series of provocations by ultra-Orthodox Jews who went to pray on the Temple Mount, incidents and riots have increased in Israel and the Palestinian territories, in the context of the so-called "intifada of knives". So far over 200 Palestinians, 29 Israelis, two Americans, a Sudanese and one Eritrean have been killed.
Most Palestinians were killed as they tried to stab passers-by or soldiers. Others were killed during demonstrations or clashes with the military.
by Joseph Masilamany
Hundreds of refugees who arrived in 2015 during the migration crisis are held whilst noting is done to decide their future. UNHCR Malaysia representative Richard Towle spoke at a photo exhibition on the plight of migrants organised by Agence France-Presse.
Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) Rohingya refugees held in Malaysian detention centres must be released immediately and the governments involved must take charge of them, this according to Richard Towle, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Malaysian representative.
For the UN official, for the refugees to be looked after adequately, they must first be released from detention. He spoke at the launch of Odysseys: A Photographic Exhibition of the Asia and Europe refugee crises by Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, centred on the refugee crisis in the Andaman Sea/Bay of Bengal in May 2015.
More than 3,000 people, mostly from Myanmar, along with migrant workers from Bangladesh, were rescued at sea off the coast of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand last year.
Their fate took a turn for the worse when Thailand cracked down on migrants after a mass grave containing the bodies of scores of Rohingya was found near the border with Malaysia, and Indonesia and Malaysia boosted their refoulement policy.
Towle noted that of the 371 Rohingya refugees accepted into Malaysia last year, 36 have been resettled to the United States and the rest are still languishing in detention centres. Yet, as of April this year, there are 53,410 Rohingya refugees registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia.
Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic minority that is not recognised nor accepted in Myanmar. Every year, thousands of people try to escape the violence that often characterise their relations with the countrys Buddhist majority.
Currently there are more than 150,000 asylum seekers in Malaysia, the UNHCR Malaysian representative noted, and more are expected.
Almost 140,000 refugees and asylum-seekers are from Myanmar, with the rest coming from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Palestine.
Human rights NGOs "dismayed" by the decision to remove the Saudi coalition from the blacklist. UN spokesman claims it is not a definitive choice, but activists speak of a decision fruit of Riyadhs political pressure. And accuse the leaders of the United Nations of having lost all credibility.
New York (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Activists and human rights NGOs have expressed "dismay" at the United Nations decision to remove the Saudi led Arab coalition, fighting in Yemen against Houthi rebels, from the black list of countries that violate children's rights.
UN leaders, explains spokesman Stephane Dujarric, defend the choice made and indicate that it is not a final decision; the review and the final judgment will be pronounced by the end of August.
"This is not a radical change of policy - explains Dujarric - because the final list will be drawn up based on all final assessments".
Activists and international NGOs - Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International - have strongly criticized the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who only a few days ago had spoken critically of Riyadh.
The head of the UN had accused the Saudis and Arab allies of killing hundreds of children in Yemen, setting the stage for the coalitions inclusion among the black list of countries that violate children's rights. A few days later, this sudden reverse has caused outcry and fierce criticism.
Activists believe that Ban Ki-moon has been forced to yield to pressure from the Saudi government, thus damaging the image and credibility of the United Nations.
Following the publication of the UN report, in which the Saudis were accused of being responsible for 60% of the 785 children who have died in Yemen, Riyadh intervened "asking" that the report be "corrected."
Saudi ambassador to the UN, Abdullah al-Mouallimi, claimed it was an "extremely exaggerated" number and that it had to be changed. He then added that the decision to remove Saudi Arabia from the blacklist had to be "irreversible."
Human rights organizations are puzzled pointing to the fact that the report was prepared by the United Nations detailing the attacks on schools and hospitals by the Saudi led coalition air force in Yemen.
Their removal from the black list is the result of political manipulation for HRW deputy director Philippe Bolopion, and now the UN has "lost its credibility." For Amnesty International, the choice is a "disgraceful pandering" to Saudi Arabia and its allies, and casts a shadow on all UN work in the field of human rights.
In a statement the US State Department claims it "respects" the decision, which it insists is not the result of pressure exerted in recent days by the US government.
Since January 2015, Yemen has been the scene of a bloody civil war pitting the countrys Sunni leadership, backed by Saudi Arabia, against Shia Houthi rebels, close to Iran.
In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes against the rebels in an attempt to free the capital For Saudi Arabia, the Houthis, who are allied to forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, are militarily supported by Iran, a charge the latter angrily rejects.
Groups linked to al Qaeda and jihadist militias linked to the Islamic State group are active in the country, which adds to the spiral of violence and terror.
by Thanh Thuy
Eight dioceses in the country are involved in raising awareness and providing treatment. People infected with the virus are often poor and forced to live on the margins, without access to medical care or jobs. We do not provide only material help. We also offer spiritual encouragement, says Caritas director.
Hanoi (AsiaNews) HIV/AIDS is an emergency in many parts of Vietnam and victims are often forced to live on the margins of society. To address the situation, Caritas Vietnam has launched a programme to provide medical drugs, raise awareness, and restore patients sense of dignity.
Some eight dioceses are involved Vinh, Ha Noi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Phat Diem, Hue, Nha Trang and Lang Son with hundreds of volunteers already working with patients and young people through a response to the illness that is both educational, medical and humane.
Hai Phong is one of the most active. Centred on the eponymous city (Vietnams third largest), the diocese covers three provinces. In the past few years, the disease has spread with the number of cases running in the thousands.
Local parishes have doubled their efforts to find benefactors, organisations and NGOs willing to care for people living with HIV/AIDS, and help them be part of society rather than a burden on their families.
The diocese offers courses for young couples who plan to get married, catechism, and infection prevention. Some Caritas members provide counselling and introduce patients to medical treatment, helping them overcome the sense of inferiority that often blocks them.
Fr Kien, director of the diocesan Caritas, has managed to provide bursaries to orphans or children of sick parents.
"We do not provide only material help, he said. We also offer spiritual encouragement. We have a supportive community and pray for each other." In An Hai parish, care is provided to some 150 patients.
"At present, discrimination of sick people is going down, but they still have the disease and receive no medical care, said Sister Maria Tran, who deals with sick people in the Diocese of Lang Son. What is more, They cannot even get a job to make a living in the city."
Hien and Hoa, 15, are twin sisters. "I'm not Catholic, Hien told AsiaNews. My father died of AIDS and now my sister and I live with our mother. Ever since I was a child I took part in the dioceses social activities. Today, I still have hope in life, and I am looking for useful employment for myself and my family."
According to UNAIDS, a UN body, some 250,000 people have been infected with HIV in Vietnam.
Crush Of The Week: Lyndie Greenwood
Crush Of The Week: Sleepy Hollow Star Lyndie Greenwood Is Crushing It On Instagram
Canadian actor Lyndie Greenwood has been tearing it up on FOX's Sleepy Hollow. She rose to success after starring in the hit series Nikita on CW. And she doesn't just kick ass on screen, she's a trained martial artist a skill she gets to show off regularly on TV. She's set to appear alongside Blayne Weaver in the crime thriller Cut to the Chase, which will be released later this year.
But to really get to know Lyndie, you have to take a peek at her Instagram profile. There's nothing quite like it; watch her snuggle with her French bulldog Tootsie, explore the outdoors, pose for a fitness magazine cover shoot, and have mimosas in a bathrobe. She's the embodiment of fun, so make sure you follow her.
1. Let's start with your full name: aa
Lyndie Greenwood
2. Where can our readers find/follow you?
aaTwitter - @lyndiegreenwood, Instagram - @lyndieloohoo, Facebook - Lyndie Greenwood
3. Did you have a childhood nickname? What was it? aa
For a minute, I was called, "Lil' Fence." I went to a camp with my school, and there was a cabin named Lindy with a little fence around it. Somehow that resulted in me being called "Lil' Fence."
4. Who was your biggest childhood crush?aa
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
5. What's your favorite Snapchat filter? aa
I'm barely on Snapchat...
6. What qualities would make you swipe right immediately?
A dog in the photo
7. What's the best gift you've ever received from a significant other?
A raptor claw
8. What's the worst thing a guy could do on a date?aa
Be rude to a waiter
9. What is your dream date?aa
Take-out and TV
10. What's your biggest guilty pleasure?aa
Poutine
11. Two girl crushes you wanna shout out?aa
Misty Copeland, Ruby Rose, Joanna Gaines
12. Anything else you would like to plug?
Sleepy Hollow on FOX (returns midsummer for season four)
? part of that world ? this @roveandroam bathing suit's got me singing @punch.it.in A photo posted by Lyndie Greenwood (@lyndieloohoo) on Jul 2, 2015 at 1:32pm PDT
Let me hurry up and take this selfie so I can get the hell off this hot as balls #badwaterbasin before I spontaneously combust. #deathvalley #saltlife A photo posted by Lyndie Greenwood (@lyndieloohoo) on May 1, 2016 at 5:00pm PDT
Thanks to everyone who came out to the #sleepyhollow panel!! We had a blast! Xox #wondercon #wondercon2016 A photo posted by Lyndie Greenwood (@lyndieloohoo) on Mar 26, 2016 at 6:24pm PDT
#Yosemite #TunnelView #YosemiteSam A photo posted by Lyndie Greenwood (@lyndieloohoo) on Apr 20, 2015 at 8:37pm PDT
Those who know me know I love my booze. Now, thanks to the current issue of @chilledmagazine , so does everyone else. Also, #DavidBeckham is on the cover, so you probably want to check it out. #happyhoureveryhour A photo posted by Lyndie Greenwood (@lyndieloohoo) on Dec 10, 2015 at 8:51am PST
I'm honored to be on the March cover of Women's Running Magazine! It hits stands today! Pick one up, or grab a digital issue here: http://bit.ly/1Q7BZxK @womensrunningmagazine A photo posted by Lyndie Greenwood (@lyndieloohoo) on Feb 9, 2016 at 12:33pm PST
He said he was attacked by three court guards in the presence of two judges and another court official, after his request to file a case was rejected at a district court in the city of Nanning last week.Wu posted a photo of himself looking dishevelled, with his right trouser leg torn away, which has since gone viral, sparking discussion over whether China's judicial system, which is controlled by the ruling Communist Party, served the people and rule of law, or the government, a report by the Sydney Morning Herald said.Lawyers and scholars have signed a petition condemning the barbaric and violent abuse of power, demanding the court release security camera footage of the incident.If the court behaves in such a way, the petition read, could it be that so-called justice for the people and rule of law are a joke?Chinese authorities have denied the allegations, saying the court had repeatedly offered Wu a new pair of pants but he declined.According to local media, Wu refused to hand over his mobile phone to court officers who accused him of secretly recording their conversation.The incident comes as China cracks down on human rights lawyers and legal rights activists, with more than 300 questioned or harassed and at least 20 remaining in detention.Earlier this week, the Nanning government ordered the court to apologise and though financial compensation was ordered, the court said the lawyer was not subject to any intentional harm or assault. The government did acknowledge that court policemen had exceeded the power of law enforcement and ordered the court to accept Wus request to file his case.
High-profile criminal lawyer Michael Bosscher has been found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct after he tendered a report in 2012 at an inquiry which contained false allegations about chief justice Catherine Holmes.
His legal team defended his decision to tender the document, saying the it was already publicly available and it was up to the commissioner or his team to redact the allegations or issue a non-publication order, prior to it appearing on the inquiry website.
But NSW judge Clifton Hoeben said the defamatory material was likely to diminish public confidence in the administration of justice. He said that tendering the document was a failure to exercise the forensic judgement called for by the circumstances.
It was also argued that the documents tender enabled its wider publication because of the media interest in the inquiry.
The document, The Rofe QC Audit of the Heiner Affair at a Child Protection Commission of Inquiry in 2012, alleged that Holmes had engaged in corruption when she was serving as counsel assisting a child abuse inquiry, according to a report by AAP.
The Legal Services Commissioner will now file submissions about the appropriate penalty and costs, to which Bosscher will be able to respond.
According to a report by the Herald Sun, attorney-general John Rau is proposing changes that let judges from around the country take charge of SA cases, but the Opposition says its a plan to fill gaps in an under-resourced system.I can only think that this is the new judges junket bill, deputy opposition leader Vickie Chapman told Parliament.We all know what the Attorney-Generals real agenda here is. He wants to restructure the courts in SA.He is going to have to give a few sweeteners to the judges on the way through before he sets up his new trial court and appeal court in this state.She said attracting international judges to the crumbling Supreme Court building might be a challenge.The government would be able to nominate countries from where fill-in judges could be appointed, with the right to veto.The proposal has been welcomed by the South Australian Law Society, which says judge exchanges could bring a new perspective.
By Darren Curnoe, ARC Future Fellow and Director of the Palaeontology, Geobiology and Earth Archives Research Centre (PANGEA), UNSW
Peter Brown (University of New England).
Its been a big year for the early human species Homo floresiensis - aka the Hobbit - and the scientists who found it.
Way back in 2004 this was the discovery that threatened to rewrite the textbooks and the one that took every anthropologists breath away.
It was the first early human from the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia and the first ever to be found on a landmass that had always been an island.
Did it build boats? We wondered.
Oddly, it was just 1 metre tall, had a brain the size of a grapefruit and a primitive Lucy-like skeleton; plus those weird, flipper-like, feet!
It was initially thought to have made stone tools like those produced by Palaeolithic modern humans; outsmarting even our Neanderthal cousins in its cultural sophistication.
Its brain was too small, and way too simple, to have made such sophisticated tools, we reasoned.
Later we learned that there were different kinds of tools in Liang Bua cave and the ones found with the Hobbits were a lot like those made by early Homo erectus in Africa more than a million years ago.
And, Homo floresiensis lived until just 12 thousand years ago on Australias doorstep.
How could this be, when Lucys kind lived millions of years ago in Africa?
What a sensation! It was completely and utterly unexpected and unpredictable based on the fossil record we had at the time. No wonder it caused such a splash.
But such is the nature of a discovery driven science. And its also what makes working in a field like anthropology so damned exciting, but also, so prone to controversy.
Now, several detractors reasoned the Hobbit was unmistakably a diseased human and not a new species at all.
A battery of different afflictions was used to explain its weird physical features: from microcephaly to endemic hypothyroidism (cretinism) and Laron syndrome to Down Syndrome. No of them have stuck.
Some detractors also accused the discoverers of the Hobbit and the scientists who supported the work of aiming a wrecking ball at an otherwise respectable science.
Not one of anthropologys prouder moments in history, to be sure.
What they were really expressing of course was a set of reactionary views in response to a major challenge to deeply held notions about human evolution.
This was not a problem it itself; sensational claims require sensational support! And, we should and must debate the evidence, attempting to pick holes and exploring alternative explanations.
But, there comes a point, however, when the science must carry us all forward; when bloody mindedness must give way to the weight of evidence; even if were pulled kicking and screaming.
We have now passed that point. The case for the Hobbit is well and truly established.
You might enjoy reading a special article published by Nature about the discovery of the Hobbit and its various detractors, told from the viewpoints of various parties involved.
Incrementally, as new research is done, we are learning more and more about the Hobbits place in human evolution. This marks a new phase - a kind of maturity - in research about Homo floresiensis.
And this year, new research has forced us to revise some of our views about the Hobbit.
In April we learned that the species was around until 60 thousand years ago and not 12 thousand years as originally thought.
Although, stone tools associated with Homo floresiensis are dated between 190 thousand and 50 thousand years ago at Liang Bua, suggesting it could have survived until a time after modern humans settled Southeast Asia and Australia.
A paper published today in the journal Nature by a joint Australian, Indonesia and Japanese team led by Gerrit van den Bergh of the University of Wollongong provides new evidence the Hobbit may have lived on Flores much earlier than suggested by Liang Bua.
Excavations at the site of Mata Menge in the So'a Basin have provided an abundance of animal fossils and stone tools. And, following todays announcement, a jaw bone and teeth that look suspiciously like the Hobbit as well.
The fossils are a bit scrappy, but they certainly hold enough clues to give us a sense that they are: 1) a human relative; 2) probably related to Homo erectus; and 3) could even be the ancestors of Homo floresiensis.
Even more exciting, the fossils are at least 700 thousand years old; so theyre in the right place at the right time and have the right physical traits to connect the dots to the Hobbit.
There should be more than enough evidence now to convince even the most die hard sceptics. Will we finally get closure on the Hobbits authenticity as a new species of human?
I doubt it somehow. As Max Planck once famously observed, sometimes science progresses one funeral at a time.
In other words, no matter how convincing the evidence, some scientists will simply never change their minds. They have invested way too much to lose face.
Still, the rest of us move to where the evidence takes us, regardless.
Disclosure
Darren Curnoe receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Originally published in The Conversation.
Rahul007 said: To my dismay, I got refusal yesterday...can anyone tell me about how long university takes to refund the fee nd will there be any deductions?.....ur help will be appreciated. ..thanx Click to expand...
Hi Rahul, could u tell us what was the reason for refusal, just to educate people. You can find refund policy in the university website. There are some deductions depends what was the reason for refusal
Immigration is becoming a major issue ahead of the general election in Australia in July with views being expressed that the country should be tougher on who it allows to enter the country.There has always been a divide between those who welcome highly skilled workers and those who believe they should not take the jobs of people already living in the country and now there is also a divide between those who say refugees should be welcomed and those who support controls.A recent survey from international polling group GlobeScan found that 71% of Australians are in favour of helping migrants that are trying to escape war or persecution. And four out of every five people polled agreed that asylum applicants take shelter in stable countries.According to the poll, one out of every 10 Australian citizen asserted that they would welcome an immigrant in their homes and according to figures provided by humanitarian organizations, Australia is the fifth country in the world that welcomes refugees, preceded by China, Germany, Great Britain and Canada.But another poll suggests that Australians have turned against high migrant intakes. The poll by Essential Research found that 59% believe that immigration levels over the last decade have been too high. Just 28% said that Australia should increase its refugee intake.The issue has become a hot political potato in the run up to the election. Australia accepts 13,750 humanitarian arrivals a year, but will take an extra 12,000 refugees from the Syrian war.The current Turnbull Government wants the refugee intake to reach 18,750 by 2018/2019, while Labour plans for 27,000 within a decade and the Greens' policy calls for an increase to 50,000.Bob Birrell, president of the Australian Population Research Institute, has said that there was widespread disillusionment with the scale of migration. He pointed out that this negative attitude is much higher than other survey results in the past few years have indicated.Yet, the poll also shows that 63% of Australians agreed migrants had made a positive contribution to the nation. But when asked if multiculturalism had failed and caused social division and religious extremism, some 46% agreed.It found that 57% are opposed to accepting more refugees due to the current crisis in Europe caused by the war in Syria and the nation is split over whether accepting refugees being something that wealthy nations should do with 38% thinking it is and 48% that it is not.
Hi all,
New to the forum. I'm a Dutchie living in Australia, dreading going into the partner 820/801 procedure. On a working holiday and trying to register relationship with Births, Deaths & Marriages Victoria first. Have been in a relationship with my partner since November 2011 but only been in Australia a bit more than a year (put together, so BDM might give me pain about not having been here long enough consecutively).
I have a question though. I understand that when you apply for a partner visa on-shore you go on a BVA with full work rights. Do you have study rights on the BVA as well or do you have to wait til you're granted the partner visa? Cause I've found it's impossible to find work with my Dutch degrees and I'm concerned about being unemployed during the 12-15 months wait if I can't at least take up a TAFE. Don't want to delay partner visa by going on study visa though, not eligible for skilled migrant.
Cheers!
Lyra
If they're from Mexico and they're your partner but you haven't applied for a partner visa they're going to struggle to get a visitor visa without heavy, convincing incentive evidence
Just to give you a hint, my husband (Russian) supplied enrolment, employment, partner visa application and more and was still refused.
If your partner is an adult then family ties to his parents won't matter at all to DIBP unless they're dependent of him regarding financially or everyday care etc. Convincing family ties are spouse and kid only.
If you're asking for two months many departments are strict about time asked if the applicant has never travelled before. After travelling overseas for a short holiday, asking for three months was not in line with my husband's past travel history according to DIBP. So your partner should prove international travel especially to places with visa standards similar to Australia like the UK.
This might be financially burdening, especially considering the chance of refusal, but you might want to prove your intentions to go back to Mexico afterwards with proof of a visa or whatever requirements there are for Australians in Mexico.
"Certified" in regards to documents translated overseas mostly just refers to the translator declaring that it is a truthful translation, signing and stamping it (along with contact details, translation agency and educational credentials usually on the stamp). We translated IDs, birth cert, enrolment contract etc but have never translated unofficial documents that were just printed like bank statements and invoices. They never raised any issue about that approach but we still were refused for other reasons.
You do not need a police check for visitor visas.
Hi guys. You've all been great help so far
My wife started her application and completed yesterday then we paid by bday. We've just seen confirmation that payment has been received.
I still have to add my sponsor form which I won't get a chance to do until tomorrow. Same with our documents. Is that a problem or does it need to be done right now?
Also what is the process for the medical? Does she just go get it? Or will they request her to do it at some point?
Thanks
Note; this is an offshore partner visa done online
Hi all,
Posted this question in my intro thread but realised I ought to be asking here. I understand that when applying for the 820 partner visa you're put on a bridging visa A for the 12-15 months it takes to process and that you get full work rights. But what about study rights? Do you get any at all or are you not allowed until the 820 is granted?
I'm asking because I've found it impossible to find employment on my working holiday visa. I cannot work in my own field (psychology) for various reasons (not eligible for skilled migrant and cannot get registration), am not qualified enough for anything else, so was considering doing a TAFE to find an entry into the job market. But considering the waiting times for the partner visa I don't think I should delay it further by going on a student one. At the same time, I'm genuinely scared I'll remain unemployed for those 12-15 months.
Any thoughts?
The launch date of the Go Cross could be brought forward to 2017, but several challenges exist.
Datsuns Redigo, its entry-level hatchback, is about to go on sale and many consider it to be the brands make or break model. But theres another car that has what it takes to carry the weight of the brand. This car, of course, is the Datsun Go Cross, arguably the one with the most potential to succeed.
This is because, according to company insiders, this is the first Datsun to really appeal to a wider range of car buyers. Datsun, in fact, was so impressed with the response to the car at the 2016 Auto Expo that the model is being fast-tracked and worked on diligently for an earlier-than-planned launch; now expected sometime in 2017.
Key to its success will be an affordable price, as Datsun, this time around, is also looking at making the car much more desirable, especially on the inside. The company is well aware of just how successful the top-of-the-line Kwid, from Alliance partner Renault, has been (more than 80 percent of Kwids have the touchscreen) and this has prompted Datsun to attempt delivering a similar interface on the Go Cross. The connected car concept has suddenly become very important today, and with a major interior facelift of the Go and Go+ in the works, one can safely assume the more upmarket Go Cross will get these as well.
Datsun is also simultaneously working hard on getting the cost of the Go platform down. Based on an evolution of the V platform (known internally as V minus), it is both narrower and already 20-25 percent less expensive. But Datsun is looking at reducing this even further. This, it says, it will do this by industrialising many of the components that are assembled in India, and by bringing the costs of sub-assemblies and raw materials, that come from the tier II and tier III suppliers, down further.
The targeted increase in price over the Go+ is expected to be in the region of 15-20 percent, and that would place it at around Rs 4.4 - 4.6 lakh for the base variant. But achieving this wont be easy. Theres a lot more content on this car in comparison to the standard Go+. The cladding, for one, is likely to be quite expensive, Datsun may need to flesh out the wheel arches if it goes with the big wheels seen on the show car, and things like the roof rails, LED lights and scuff plates are likely to be expensive too.
And then, theres the extra cost of the updated interior. Whats also likely to be extremely challenging is the fact that the Go+, at 3,995mm, is already up against the four-metre mark; vital, if Datsun wants to keep costs down. The companys designers have only an extra four millimetres, at best, to play with. But surely, the Go Cross will be under four metres. Question is, will it have a third row of seats?
NHTSA
The information is still a bit scarce as the Italian manufacturer only revealed that there may have been some errors made during the assembly of the rear wheel of these machines. Namely, the rear wheel may have been installed incorrectly on the hub, posing a risk of crashing due to the potential loss of traction or braking power. Ducati has been rather laconic in explaining the problem, as the official paper that has been published at the time of writing only mentions that, "If the rear wheel rim is wrongly installed, the 4 hub pins have the possibility to rotate in the eyelets."It is not known at this time what caused the four hub pins to be installed improperly in the wheel casting recesses. As the rear wheel rotates, the pins' play could also cause them to move and fail. At the present time, it is unknown if the defect poses the risk of the rear wheel coming off; neither Ducati nor theor the corresponding Canadian agency has made any mentions.So far, 136 Ducati XDiavel S models have been recalled in Canada, with the number of bikes possibly affected in the U.S. or worldwide remaining unknown for now.2016 XDiavel S customers can visit the Ducati recall site and enter the VIN of their machines to find out whether they fall under the current recall. The Ducati dealers will inspect the wheel and will install four rubber inserts that adhere to it and which will prevent the possibility that the hub pins be installed incorrectly.Stay tuned for more, and until then enjoy this interview with the man in charge of the Ducati XDiavel
AWD
Considering that the current Equinox and Antara ride on the GM Theta platform, Ill have a wild stab in the dark and presume that its a little bit of both. Introduced in 2004 and heavily updated in 2009, the Equinox is one of the oldest models in the General Motors lineup as far as the chassis is concerned. However, the new model will change to the GM D2XX/D2UX, a platform mainly engineered by Opel.GM D2XX/D2UX replaces the Delta II and Theta platforms and it's currently used by the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt, Opel Astra, Buick Verano and Envision. As you can see in the following pics captured in sunny Spain, its pretty clear that the next Equinox will shrink in size for a simple reason: to compete with compact CUVs (Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Hyundai Tucson).According to a report from Automotive News , the smaller dimensions of the new Equinox will make way for a new entry in the mid-size segment. The model (Traverse, anyone?) will ride on the GM C1XX platform The swath of black camouflage hides the visual details that interest us the most, while the faux headlights and taillights dont help either. Be that as it may, it is understood that the front and rear fascias will be styled to resemble the current design language of the golden bowtie. Think Chevy Cruze and Volt.As far as the interior is concerned, the cockpit will undoubtedly get hi-tech goodies such as the Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen infotainment system and a driver-information display integrated into the instrument cluster. Entry-level models will get front-wheel-drive as standard.will be an option. However, Im not holding my breath for an active torque-vectoring rear diff such as the one available for the Buick Envision Speaking of the Envision, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox will borrow the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from its more luxurious sibling, a mill that churns out 197 horsepower and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) will be available on higher trim levels. A V6 is not on the cards as far as I know. The 2017 Opel Antara B compact-sized crossover, on the other hand, will be motivated by an assortment of turbo gasoline and diesel engines from the Opel Astra K Have you noticed the guy in the backseat is flipping the bird? He must be fun at parties...
The company which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year has presented its Facebook fans with the RS6-R Edizione Italiana. It's a one-off car that's meant to highlight the infinite possibilities of their ABT Individual customization program.As with most other tuners, it's possible to have anything from green wheels to pink leather. No matter which car you have, be it a VW bus or an Audi R8, these guys can take care of it.We are pleased to support demanding customers in the design and implementation of their unique concepts independent of whether detailed ideas are available already or whether they have to be developed together. Our experienced staff assists in an advisory capacity at all times; from the preliminary talks right up to installation, says Hans-Jurgen Abt, CEO of the worldwide largest VW and Audi tuner.Right now, the most powerful factory version of the RS6 sits at 605 horsepower, although most have just 560 hp. We can't blame people for taking their power wagons to ABT, not when these tuning spec specialists offer 730 PS.The power increase is said to give the RS6-R access to a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).Inside, an assortment of custom bits greet you, including glossy carbon fiber, sprinkled liberally onto the dash and center console. There's just enough Alcantara leather not to overpower the design, while the seats have a quilted pattern. The only tribute to the Italian nation are a few small flags on the backrests and dash.The exterior package includes extra wings, skirts, and spoilers. Black carbon is used for the air diffuser, while the only spot of color is on the blue badges.
Yesterday, Elon Musk held a closed-door meeting with Ash Carter, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and as you would expect from a talk between one of the country's most active entrepreneurs and a high-ranked state official, the content of the get together remains a secret. But going over the projects run by Musk's companies, we can begin to guess what the discussion centered on.The military is obviously keeping an eye on the development of electric vehicles, and the developments in battery technology should also raise interest for a multitude of applications. But the real attraction has got to be the SpaceX Falcon9 reusable rocket. After a successful landing on a drone ship in April, Musk proved that his technology works, and it could save a lot of money and time in the future.SpaceX actually has a contract worth $82 million with the U.S. Air Force to deliver military satellites into orbit, with the first launch scheduled for 2018. The only alternative for the US Government is the United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between rivals Lockheed Martin and Boeing . ULA's rocket, however, uses Russian engines, something the administration isn't too crazy about.Despite being the most high-profile meeting so far, Musk's visit to the Pentagon isn't at all surprising given the recent actions the Department of Defense took to get the private companies involved in DoD's activity. Carter realized the resources in Silicon Valley could prove useful for his Department's interests, so he's established the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUX) with branches in San Francisco (Silicon Valley) and Boston (MIT).With this in mind, him meeting the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX makes a lot of sense. We'll probably never know exactly what they talked about behind those closed doors, but don't be surprised if you'll see Musk landing even more government contracts. For instance, becoming the main battery supplier for the U.S. Army once the Gigafactory is at full speed.Or - and this would really be cool - aiding with the development of a military electric vehicle. But here we are, making fantasmagorical scenarios while they might have had a chat about the weather, kids, and the upcoming Olympics.
NHTSA
According to a spokesperson from Lexus, the Japanese company has discovered the cause of the problem and is providing owners with a free fix for the situation.This is not a recall campaign, so thehas no link to this, but a voluntary service campaign to repair a bug caused by an external data supplier.As the Lexus representative explained in an e-mail sent to us, the navigation units of certain 2014-2016 Model Year Lexus vehicles and MY2016 Toyota Land Cruiser might go into a cycle of repeated restarts because of errant data received over the air.According to Lexus, the data broadcast comes from the traffic and weather data service provider, and it has not been handled as expected by the microchips in the vehicle navigation head unit.As soon as Toyota and Lexus discovered the issue with the improper data transmission, they stopped sending the suspicious files, and then searched for a solution. Overnight, the traffic and weather data was repaired, so the issue will not spread to other owners.In some cases, the problem led to the complete freeze of the multimedia unit, including the systems that controlled the climate and audio systems. Driving functions were not affected, and anything with a button or switch worked, except for the elements that were operated through the multimedia unit.However, the customers that first complained from the matter still need a fix. So Toyota and Lexus dealers are waiting for these owners to visit them for a free forced reset of the navigation head unit, as well as clearing the errant data from their systems. Fortunately, the systems have not been affected on a hardware level.It is advisable to call ahead and plan your service visit. Until reaching the dealer for the free fix, Toyota and Lexus urge customers to exercise additional caution when driving. The automaker has apologized for any inconvenience brought to its clients.
Called the Clubman ALL4 Scrambler, the vehicle you see in this articles photo gallery was inspired by off-road motorcycles.The British brand was set to release an anniversary exhibit this year, but the Clubman ALL4 Scrambler is not it, as it is a creation separate to the visionary concept prepared to celebrate BMW s centenary.So, what is the Clubman ALL4 Scrambler Concept? It is a reinvented version of the British model, with a strong inspiration from off-road and BMWs R nineT Scrambler.The latter is a production motorcycle, and the MINI borrowed its Frozen gray paint job, as well as a complete kit of detail elements. Unfortunately for those interested in such modifications to a MINI, the British brand has no plans of building a Clubman like this in series.However, those with enough bills in their wallets could call a reputable off-road specialist in their area and get an unofficial conversion.Just Scrambler motorcycles, the MINI Clubman ALL4 Scrambler Concept comes with an off-road-ready suspension and special tires. The wheel arches feature big mud flaps and large plastic covers around them. As the name of the concept already mentions, this development of the Clubman comes with MINIs ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.The exterior kit of this vehicle is completed with a set of supplementary headlamps, along with a vintage-looking luggage case placed on an off-the-shelf roof rack. The interior of this concept car is based on the production model, but comes with a set of ornaments and color combinations not available in the standard Clubman. The upholstery is in a shade of Caramel, while details are Black.MINI will exhibit this concept car at the Valentino Park Motor Show, the venue chosen by BMWs Italian division to celebrate both the centenary of the German company and its 50th anniversary on the local market.
Would like to clarify that Tesla is working exclusively with Panasonic for Model 3 cells. News articles claiming otherwise are incorrect. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 8, 2016
A powerful Tweet can also mean disaster. Particularly true if you represent a company that enjoyed a rise in stock market value after rumors and reports mentioned Tesla as a potential client, and shares go down after Musk denies the claim. This exact scenario happened with Samsung SDIs market capitalization.This is a company that works with Samsung involving batteries and displays, being a supplier for numerous OEMs from various industries.Samsung SDI was rumored to be a potential partner for the Tesla Model 3 s batteries. Its share value decreased by eight percent, which means a loss of approximately $580 million.This decrease is frightening, and only goes to show how fragile the stock market can be. Lets look at it this way - a company from South Korea that builds batteries and displays was seen as a potential partner for Tesla.They refrained from comments on the matter, and so did Tesla Motors. The value of that company artificially grew because of its potential link with the American automaker, and then it lost money because Elon Musk tweeted a clarification for all to see, without any comment on the South Korean company.The worst part of these rumors? Tesla is already working with Samsung for its range of Energy products, including the Powerwall. Meanwhile, its cars will only use Panasonic batteries for years to come, in spite of analysts that expected Tesla to source its batteries for the Model 3 elsewhere.As the Wall Street Journal reports, this is not the first time when stocks plunge after a Twitter post. Back in 2013, the Twitter account of the Associated Press was hacked, and the new operator tweeted a false news about Barack Obama being assassinated. Fortunately, the current President of the United States of America was unharmed, as the tweet was a false report, but that did not stop the drop of several prominent figures on the stock market.
The engine that powers Cirrus Aircrafts jet received its FAA certification this week. Williams International announced its FJ33-5A Turbofan now has an FAA Part 33 type certificate, building on the companys previously certificated FJ44-3AP and FJ44-4A models. The FJ33-5A engine offers more than 2000 pounds of thrust along with Williams-designed technology for fuel efficiency, low emissions and full authority digital engine controls. I want to thank the FAA for their strong support in achieving this milestone, said Gregg Williams, the companys chairman, president and CEO. I am also very proud of our team for developing an engine that is making jet travel more affordable. Cirrus selected Williams International in the nascent stages of its jet program, starting with the FJ33-4A-19 turbofan about ten years go. Now, the Vision SF50 jets first production aircraft is flying, and Cirrus expects to receive FAA type certification this summer.
The FJ33-5A also powers another single-engine light jet under development in Poland, the Flaris LAR 1. Flaris announced this week its beginning engine tests on the prototype, which features composite construction, five seats and an airframe parachute. The company announced a year ago it chose the Williams engine for the new aircraft. Flaris plans to sell the jet first as an experimental airplane while it moves toward European certification, with hopes of bringing it to the U.S. as an experimental, then achieving FAA certification in future years.
Contests, fly-bys and helicopter rides are in store on The Weekenders SocialFlight calendar. Join fellow pilots for a spot landing contest Saturday in Augusta, Kansas, hosted by Great Planes Aero Club. The $10 entry fee will benefit the local Civil Air Patrol cadets. Prizes will go to the top three spots.
The Lincoln Regional AirFest in California will kick off Friday with a hangar dinner and big-band dance. Saturday morning begins with a 7 a.m. breakfast and auto and aircraft display arrivals. The airshow will feature various demonstrations including Beale AFBs T-38 and other military aircraft.
The Brainerd 2016 Grass is a Grass Poker Run and opens Saturday morning in Minnesota. Depart KBRD, fly to four grass strips and return to Brainerd. Prizes go to the top hands along with door prizes. Rain date is Sunday.
Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport in Norwich, New York, will host its Chenango County Airport Day Saturday, featuring a fly-in breakfast, EAA Young Eagles rides and the Commemorative Air Force Buffalo Heritage Squadrons SNJ-4 with rides available for purchase.
9 June 2016 14:48 (UTC+04:00)
By Amina Nazarli
Last Tuesday a sudden decision of the German Bundestag on the recognition of so called Armenian genocide allegedly committed by the Turks, became a kind of surprise for many, which, according to some experts, will deteriorate the Ankara-Berlin relations, taking their roots from the times of the Ottoman Empire.
Ankara's reaction was indeed very sharp, since the Turkish ambassador was immediately recalled from Berlin.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Saturday that Turkey would never accept charges that the Ottoman Empire committed genocide against Armenians in World War I, saying the accusations were being used as blackmail against Ankara.
I am addressing the whole world. You may either like it or not. Our attitude on the Armenian issue is clear from the beginning. We will never accept the accusations of genocide.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in turn, tried to maximally smooth the political effect of the incident. Although the two countries have different views on some issues, Turkey and Germany have strong relations, she stressed.
Armenians say allegedly some 1.5 million of their people were killed in a genocidal campaign by Ottoman forces ordered by Minister of War Enver Pasha and other top officials to wipe them from Anatolia.
Ankara, in turn categorically, denies the term "genocide", insisting that the Turks and the Armenians both suffered in the clashes, when Armenians joined forces with invading Russian troops in the hope of carving out their own state.
Despite Armenians claims on the alleged genocide committed by Ottoman Empire, they are unable to provide any evidence of mass graves in Turkey. Moreover, Armenians repeatedly increased the number of victims up to 1.5 million.
Turkish presidential administration reported that Armenia must respond to Turkey's appeal of establishing a joint commission to investigate the 1915 events.
"Instead of adopting the resolution on the so-called Armenian genocide, Germany should've exerted pressure on Armenia concerning the establishment of a joint commission with Turkey," the administration told Trend on Wednesday.
"Turkey opened all its archives to investigate the 1915 events," said the administration adding that if Armenia has its archives, it must open them too.
The Turkish presidential administration stated that the fact that Armenia does not agree to establish a joint commission to investigate the 1915 events testifies that there was no "Armenian genocide".
Armenians always claimed that Turks, Muslims committed genocide against them and occupied their territories. Voicing to the whole world that they are one of the ancient nations, Armenians at the same time usually refer to the modern scientists.
Referring to the fictional genocide, maybe, they want to hide the real genocide committed in about the same period against Azerbaijanis. The March genocide of 1918 was committed by the Armenian terrorist organization Dashnaktsutyun in an effort to establish an Armenian state on Azerbaijani territory through destroying the local ethnic population.
Only in Baku about 20,000 Azerbaijani civilians including women, children and the elderly were brutally killed, while within a brief period of time many villages of Shamakhi, Guba, Lankaran, Salyan, and Mughan also suffered cruel treatments, which claimed the lives of other tens of thousands innocent people.
Unfortunately, Armenian grieve crimes against Azerbaijani people continued in the recent history. Armenians massacred the Azerbaijanis in Khojaly town in Nagorno-Karabakh on 26 February 1992, thus claiming the life of 613 civilians, including 106 women, 70 elderly, and 83 children, while total of 1,000 civilians were disabled.
However, Armenian claims are not limited to just this fictional genocide, but they also claim to all the land of their neighbors -- Azerbaijan and Georgia. Part of the land, where Armenia exists today is historical territories of Azerbaijan and Georgia.
For about a quarter of a century Armenia keeps 20 percent of native Azerbaijani land including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts under occupation. Despite the four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from these territories Armenia has not implemented them yet.
Taking advantage of the power and influence of the great powers, Armenians just want to pretend to life their true purpose -- claim to foreign territories.
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9 June 2016 10:30 (UTC+04:00)
Armenian armed forces have 27 times violated the ceasefire with Azerbaijan on the line of contact over the past 24 hours, said the message of Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry June 9.
Armenian armed forces stationed in Paravakar village of Armenia's Ijevan district opened fire at the Azerbaijani positions located in the nameless heights of the Qazakh district, Kohneqishlaq village of the Agstafa district.
Armenian army also violated ceasefire from the positions near Merzili village of the Aghdam district, Kuropatkino village of the Khojavand district, Garakhanbeyli, Horadiz, Gorgan villages of the Fizuli district and Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district.
Further on, Azerbaijani positions were shelled from the nameless heights in the Goranboy, Fizuli and Jabrayil districts.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
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9 June 2016 12:40 (UTC+04:00)
By Laman Ismayilov
Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo has said his country supported the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan as he met Ambassador Anar Maharramov.
The minister said he was deeply concerned about the recent escalations in Azerbaijani and Armenian troops` contact-line, Azertac reported.
He further praised cooperation between Azerbaijan and Spain, voicing that the sides enjoy good opportunities to boost the ties.
Maharramov, in turn, informed the minister about the recent development in Armenian-Azerbaijani troops` contact line. The diplomat said the Armenian Armed Forces shattered ceasefire and shell the residential areas, particularly houses and civilian facilities.
The ambassador thanked Garcia Margallo for the just position of Spain in settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal, but they have not been enforced to this day.
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9 June 2016 14:24 (UTC+04:00)
By Nigar Abbasova
Cybersecurity which stands for information technology security and focuses on protecting computers, networks, programs and data from unintended or unauthorized access, change or destruction is becoming more and more relevant in Azerbaijan.
With the growing volume and sophistication of cyber attacks, ongoing attention is required to protect sensitive business and personal information, as well as safeguard national security.
Member of Milli Mejlis [Azerbaijan parliament] Tair Mirkishili, talking to reporters mentioned that the country should tighten cybersecurity measures alongside with the implementation of strategically important projects.
He underlined that energy sector as well as energy infrastructure is one of the main targets of criminals. The issue raises concern as Azerbaijan is currently engaged in the realization of different large-scale projects in the sphere.
Azerbaijan which is headed for building sustainable economy will undoubtedly become a target for criminals. The provision of cybersecurity of all important spheres of economy is of great importance, the country should take certain measures to suppress cyber-espionage. The country has already taken several steps for providing security in the sphere but the strategic importance of the projects triggers the provision of highest level of security, he said.
Mirkishili noted that the use of information technologies in the management is inevitable taking into consideration the provision of efficiency and operability. The tendency is currently observed in all spheres including production and provision of services.
MP stated that the main objective is application of IT technologies for providing network security as unauthorized access may disrupt activity of information network.
Cyberattack is one of the means of confrontation between the countries. States implement large-scale cyberattacks in order to get an access to security data and examination of the situation. The aim of cyberattacks is to create chaos. The activities on preventing cyberattacts are taken in the majority of European countries. Cyberattacks are becoming special-purposed and directed with the aim of bringing the activities of state departments, banking industry, transport and aviation to a stop, the parliamentarian said.
In accordance with the information provided by the Computer Emergency Readiness Team under the state agency on the information security, the number of inquires connected with the computer security in May 2016 amounted to 171. The quantity of inquiries has decreased by 31.3 percent as against the rate shown in April. As much as 90.6 percent of the total number of inquiries made to CERT in May have been considered and solved. CERT has already submitted 12 reports on the audit conducted in the sphere of information technologies.
As many as 15 domains and 22 sub-domains which are usually used by enterprises with the view of creating unique website names for their subdivisions have been registered in the internet segment of the country.
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9 June 2016 10:38 (UTC+04:00)
A working meeting titled "Decked-search tracking units at sea" is held between the expert groups of NATO Allied Maritime Command based at Northwood and Naval Forces of Azerbaijan, Azertac reported.
During the working meeting, they exchanged views on "activities and the standards applied to Naval Forces of Azerbaijan and NATO in the training process of deck-search units for tracking the sea".
NATO and Azerbaijan are actively cooperating on democratic, institutional, and military reforms, as well as conducting practical cooperation in various areas.
Azerbaijan aspires to achieve Euro-Atlantic standards and get closer to Euro-Atlantic institutions. In this regard, supporting the security sector reform and establishing democratic institutions are the key elements of the NATO-Azerbaijan cooperation.
The Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation is carried out within the "Partnership for Peace" program. Earlier, NATO adopted a document of the fourth stage of the Individual Partnership Action Plan for 2015-2016.
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9 June 2016 11:42 (UTC+04:00)
By Amina Nazarli
Rules for issuing electronic visas to foreigners and stateless persons arriving in Azerbaijan through "ASAN Viza" system have been defined.
The corresponding changes are prepared to the Migration Code, and are included in the agenda of the extraordinary session of the Parliament scheduled for June 14.
Under the new rules, foreigners and stateless persons arriving in Azerbaijan will be able to receive e-visa system through the "ASAN Viza" within three days. The duration of stay is set to 30 days.
E-visa will be issued to citizens of countries approved by the relevant executive authority, and citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in these countries.
Foreigners and stateless persons, who wish to receive an e-visa, must enter information into the system of "ASAN Viza", and after receipt on acceptance of confirmation pay online a state fee in the amount prescribed by law "On state duty".
The system of "ASAN Viza" sends the appeal to the interagency automated retrieval system "Entry-exit and registration". The relevant executive authority verifies the information not later than three days from the time of appeal in "ASAN Viza", checks restriction list of the "Entry-exit and registration".
Then a visa is sent to the e-mail address of the contact person. In case of failure the person is also informed.
The electronic visas are not stuck in the passport but presented together with the passport while crossing the border check-point. Foreigners and stateless persons may apply for a new e-visa only after they will leave Azerbaijan.
The presidential order signed on June 1 and entered into force on June 6, aimed at simplification of e-visas issuance procedure for foreigners and stateless persons arriving in Azerbaijan.
In addition, creation of an e-visa system will ensure transparency and efficiency with the use of modern information technologies.
Local experts believe that the order will create an opportunity for attracting more tourists and development of tourism in the country.
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9 June 2016 15:00 (UTC+04:00)
By Rashid Shirinov
The Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing People in cooperation with relevant international organizations and government agencies was able to establish the identity of Azerbaijani citizen, who crossed into Armenia on June 7, 2016.
She is a 39-year-old resident of Arabachi village of Azerbaijans Gadabay region, Alakbarova Hatiba, the Commission told Trend. Alakbarova is registered in the Gazakh interregional psychiatric hospital.
The State Commission further added that it takes measures on release of Alakbarova.
Recently, Armenian media spread information that a citizen of Azerbaijan entered the territory of Armenia.
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 surrounding districts.
Azerbaijans State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing People has registered 4,013 Azerbaijani citizens as missing persons. These are people, who have gone missing in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent regions of Azerbaijan.
Armenia avoids giving information about the missing persons, mass graves and the people who can give testimony in connection with captives and hostages taken during the conflict.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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9 June 2016 12:54 (UTC+04:00)
By Nigar Abbasova
The Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) and the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations have signed a memo on mutual understanding within the framework of Germany-Azerbaijan Business Forum held in Berlin, Germany.
The memo stipulates expanding joint export and investment opportunities, running joint educational events, business forums, fairs, symposiums, conferences as well as exchange of experience in the sphere of entrepreneurship between Azerbaijan and Germany.
The Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations which was established in 1952 is a joint organization of the leading associations representing German business. The Committee represents the interests of German business in Germany and in Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, South-East Europe, the Caucasian Republics and Central Asia.
Being a joint public-private-initiative, established by the Ministry of Economy and Industry of Azerbaijan in 2003 AZPROMO plays a role of a single body guiding foreign investors in their negotiations with all relevant government agencies and local entrepreneurs. Main objective of the company is to contribute to the economic development through attracting foreign investments in the non-oil sectors of economy and to stimulate expansion of country's exports of non-oil goods to the overseas markets.
Azerbaijan which is working to minimize its oil dependence and to diversify its economy is interested in the growth of non-oil sector of economy and increasing the volume of foreign investment in this field. Declines in oil prices have given new impetus for Azerbaijans long-running quest to diversify its economy and develop non-oil sector.
Germany is one of the principal partners of Azerbaijan, the volume of trade turnover between the countries in the last year amounted to $2 billion. The major portion of trade turnover figures fall to the share of industrial production. German exports to Azerbaijan, which amounted to $690 million in 2015, consist mainly of motor vehicles, iron and steel goods, machinery and production facilities.
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9 June 2016 17:09 (UTC+04:00)
By Fatma Babayeva
The first cargo train from India to Russia passing across the territory of Azerbaijan will be launched in late August 2016 as part of the North-South Project.
Javid Gurbanov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, made the statement while talking to reporters in Baku on June 9.
Gurbanov noted that the freight train will take off from India's Mumbai city, then it will be transported by ferry to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas in late August and then head to Iran's Rasht city by rail..
The goods will be transshipped to trucks in Rasht city and delivered to Azerbaijan's Astara city, said Gurbanov, further adding that then the cargo will be delivered to Moscow by railway from Astara city.
This multimodal transportation will be carried out together with the railways of Azerbaijan and Russia, he emphasized.
Previously, the agreement on the North-South International Transport Corridor was signed among Russia, Iran and India in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on September 12, 2000. Azerbaijan joined the agreement in September 2005.
The Transport Corridor will link Northern Europe and South-East Asia and serve as a bridge to connect the railways of Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia.
The corridor is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo a year in the first phase and over 10 million tons of cargo in the future.
Gurbanov also underlined that two cargo trains, which will become part of the international railway project 'Viking', will be sent to the Georgian port of Poti from China through the territory of Azerbaijan in late July - early August 2016.
DHL, major logistics company will be involved in cargo transportation, he added.
Two trains will be sent from China to Kazakhstan's Dostyk station in late July-early August 2016, said Gurbanov by emphasizing that from there, the trains will arrive in the Georgian port Poti via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, that is, across the sea and the territory of Azerbaijan.
Earlier in April, Azerbaijan Railways agreed with railway agencies of Georgia and Kazakhstan to create the International Trans-Caspian Transport Consortium.
In Poti, the cargo will be distributed according to its destination, said Chairman, adding that some part of the cargo will be sent to the Baltic countries within the route of international railway project 'Viking'.
The piggyback 'Viking' train project was launched in 2003. Members of the project include Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia and Bulgaria. Later, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey joined the project. The total length of the Ilyichevsk (Ukraine)-Minsk (Belarus)-Draugyste (Lithuania) route is 1,766 kilometers.
In February 2016, Ukraine and Lithuania signed a memorandum on the accession of the container train 'Viking' to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route from Europe to China through Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Azerbaijani government attaches great importance to increasing its transport potential as part of diversifying its economy.
Azerbaijan has invested $25 billion in the development of its transport sector, Abid Sharifov, the country's deputy prime minister said at the 44th ministerial session of the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD) held in Baku on June 9.
More than 10,000 kilometers of roads were constructed in Azerbaijan, according to Sharifov.
Furthermore, five international airports have been built over the past five years and the fleet of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has fully renovated.
All these projects contribute to the increasing role of Azerbaijan as a transit country between East and West, as well as North and South by providing alternatives to the existing transport routes.
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Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva
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9 June 2016 18:19 (UTC+04:00)
By Fatma Babayeva
Head of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC Javid Gurbanov stated that the issue of changing the tariffs for railway transportation within Azerbaijan is not on the agenda.
"The tariff policy on international routes doesn't depend on us. The international agreements, the exchange rate of the Swiss franc and other factors play a role in this issue," he told reporters on June 9.
"As for the tariffs for domestic transportation, we do not plan to change them even despite the fact that the prime cost of the travel, for example, by the Baku-Sumgait train is around $6, while the ticket price for one passenger is 0.8 manats [$0.5]," added Gurbanov.
In addition, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC will install GPS navigation systems in all its trains by mid-2017, Gurbanov added.
"GPS navigation systems will be installed in freight and passenger cars, as well as electric and diesel locomotives," said Gurbanov. "Thus, we will be able to track the location of each train and car, identify the reasons for delays, and accurately calculate fuel and electricity consumption. I think that this process will be completed by mid-2017."
Train services in Azerbaijan are operated by Azerbaijan Railways. The systems infrastructure is currently undergoing modernization and refurbishment. The centre of the rail network is Baku, with an extensive network connecting all parts of the country.
The company website is comprehensive, and it offers timetables, route maps and fare information, and online purchase of tickets.
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9 June 2016 14:00 (UTC+04:00)
By Laman Ismayilova
The Korean national cuisine festival has kicked off in Baku through the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Azerbaijan, Azertac reported. The festival takes place as part of Year of multiculturalism in Baku.
The event was attended by Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev, Korean Ambassador to Azerbaijan Kim Chang-gyu, chairman of State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Inam Karimov as well as public and media representatives.
Addressing the event, Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev said that Azerbaijans role in the field of multiculturalism is appreciated.
Cuisine traditions are accepted as the field of culture in Azerbaijan. We cannot imagine traditions of Azerbaijani people without Azerbaijani cuisine, he said.
Kim Chang-gyu noted that the meals showcased today are special examples of Korean cuisine.
The cuisine is an important element of the culture, he said.
At the festival, the Korean cooks were presented certificates of Azerbaijan's National Culinary Center. The event ended with presentation of Azerbaijani and Korean works of art.
The governments of Azerbaijan and Korea signed an Agreement on Cooperation in Cultural Field on May 11, 2006.
Under the cooperation, Azerbaijan Day within the Gyeongju Silk Road Cultural Festival-2015 was held in Gyeongju city of the Republic of Korea in 2015. The concert program featured the performance of Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble, Ancient Music Instruments Ensemble introducing Azerbaijan national music and dance were introduced to the attention of Festival participants.
Azerbaijan and Korea have also developed bilateral cooperation in the field of education.
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9 June 2016 15:55 (UTC+04:00)
By Rashid Shirinov
Baku hosted a reception on the occasion of Russia Day on June 8. Governmental officials, MPs, ambassadors of foreign countries in Baku, representatives of the international organizations and public figures joined the ceremony to mark the Day.
Russian ambassador to Baku Vladimir Dorokhin, addressing the event, highlighted the achievements of his country.
Today Russia goes its own way. We do not intend to hurt anyone, and we will continue to defend our interests, while recognizing national interests of other countries, and acting on the basis of international law, he said.
The diplomat also marked the high level of Azerbaijani-Russian relations, mentioning that, as neighbors, having common history, the countries always stuck together.
We managed to build an optimal model of relations. They are based on mutual respect, unconditional recognition of the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of each other, Dorokhin noted.
He added that Russia is sincerely interested in a fair settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and will continue to perform its mediator function.
Azerbaijani Education Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, addressing the event, conveyed the congratulations of President Ilham Aliyev.
The minister said that the relations in the humanitarian sphere between Azerbaijan and Russia can serve as a role model for other countries. All the traditions of the past are carefully stored and are used to build dynamic relations, he claimed.
Russia Day is the national holiday of the Russian Federation. It has been celebrated annually on June 12 since 1992. The holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) on June 12, 1990.
Azerbaijan and Russia are tied by firmly based relations, which were officially established in 1992. The cultural relations between the two countries are also highly evaluated. A Year of Azerbaijan was declared in 2005 in Russia, and in 2006 the Year of Russia in Azerbaijan. During these two years, the two countries held 110 special cultural events.
Russian is one of the languages students get education in Azerbaijan. More than 15,000 students study in Russian in Azerbaijani universities. A branch of Lomonosov Moscow state University was opened in 2008 in Baku. Moreover, a branch of another Russian university, Sechenov Moscow State Medical University with no education fee was also established on September 15, 2015 in Baku.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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9 June 2016 17:40 (UTC+04:00)
Azerbaijani folk band 'Janghi' has conquered thousands of hearts with its magnificent performance in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.
Janghi mesmerized the audience with a splendid mix of Azerbaijani Mugham and jazz.
Joining the Kazakh musicians at an annual international festival Astana Evenings with support of the Representative Office of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in Azerbaijan Janghi could really make the grand music event stick long in minds.
About 800 music lovers attended the closing day of the 10th jubilee festival at the Palace of Peace and Harmony in Astana on 7 June which brought together music bands from the U.S., Germany, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
Astana Evenings is an international festival organized annually by the Degdar humanitarian foundation with the support of JTI.
Participation of Azerbaijani musicians this year was a result of agreement between the Degdar foundation and the International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan.
Janghi ensemble was created in 1992 by a renowned jazz pianist and composer, Peoples Artist of Azerbaijan Rafiq Babayev. The band promotes Azerbaijani Mugham in a synthesis with other music varieties such as jazz and rock. Up to now, the ensemble has given concerts in France, Norway, the USA and Turkey. The artistic director of the band is Mirjavad Jafarov.
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9 June 2016 14:40 (UTC+04:00)
By Fatma Babayeva
An upward trend is being observed in global oil prices this week as Brent prices climbed to new highs since last summer.
On June 8, price of Brent contracts hit above $52 a barrel and on Tuesday, $51 a barrel.
August futures of Brent crude were traded at $52.72 per barrel on June 9, [2:15 am] in London ICE, which is 0.4 percent increase compared to its price on June 7.
Meanwhile, July futures of WTI crude oil rose by 0.59 percent to $51.53 per barrel on June 9 [2:15 am].
A barrel of Azeri Light crude cost to $51.48 by experiencing $0.76 increase on June 8.
OPECs oil basket was sold at a relatively lower price - $46.54 a barrel.
In the meantime, a fall was reported in the U.S oil inventories this week, which was the third weekly drop in a row.
U.S. crude stocks dipped by 3.23 million barrels to 532.5 million barrels last week according to the date from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Weak dollar had a positive impact on crude prices during recent month as well.
Additionally, wildfires in Canada, one of the largest oil sand holders in the world, cut about one million barrels a day of oil supply to the market. Moreover, Africas biggest oil producer Nigeria still suffers from unrest within the country which negatively affected its oil production which hit bottom of last three decades (1.45 million barrels a day in May).
Some experts believe that these declines will boost rebalancing of the market and resolve oil glut issue. Some even make bullish forecasts on oil prices to up to $70 in 2016-2017.
Nevertheless, several energy specialists say that once more supplies come back to the market from Canada, Nigeria and Libya, the price will go down again. However, it will take some time for sure.
Moreover, the number of oil rigs returned to operation in the U.S. as oil prices amount to $50 a barrel now.
Iran also strives to bring its oil exports to the pre sanctions level of 2.2 million barrels a day by the end of this summer in the longest. Current oil output of Iran equals to 3.82 million barrels per day compared to 4 million barrels a day before sanctions imposed.
EIA expects global oil demand to rise to 95.26 million barrel per day in 2016 and 96.73 million barrels per day in 2017, the agency noted in its short-term energy outlook.
Global oil demand in 2015 amounted to 93.81 million barrels per day, according to EIA. In the first quarter of 2016, this figure totaled to 94.22 million barrels per day. For the second quarter of the current year, the demand is expected to reach 95.1 million barrels a day.
EIA projects global oil demand to surge to 97.45 million barrels a day in the third quarter of 2017.
In addition, the agency forecasted Brent oil prices to average $43 a barrel in 2016 and $52 a barrel in 2017.
Recently, the World Bank (WB) projected a decline on oil prices in the market in 2016. This plunge will be replaced by the rise in 2017, according to the banks latest global economic prospects report.
The average oil price for the current year was forecasted by the WB at $41 per barrel.
In addition, the bank expects oil prices to make up $50 per barrel in 2017.
In mid May, the U.S. bank Goldman Sachs lowered its U.S. crude price outlook for 2017 to $52.50 from $57.50 per barrel as it said markets would return to surplus by the first quarter of 2017.
Furthermore, after failure of OPECs Vienna meeting, Capital Economics retains its end-2016 forecast at $45 a barrel for Brent, a few dollars lower than current prices, rising to $60 only 12 months later.
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Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva
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9 June 2016 10:47 (UTC+04:00)
Turkey and the EU signed a bilateral agreement June 8 on the extradition of terrorists and those who finance terrorism, Anadolu news agency reported June 9.
From now on, the EU will extradite terrorists of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Turkish nationals involved in the financing of terrorist activities on Ankara's demand.
Ibrahim Kalin, spokesperson for Turkey's presidential administration, said June 8 that European countries are insincere in fighting terrorism.
European countries should really support Turkey in fighting terrorism rather than simply expressing regrets, Kalin said.
"The latest developments in Turkey showed that Ankara shouldn't make concessions for terrorists," he added.
Turkey faced two terrorist attacks leaving a total of 15 dead and around 80 injured on June 7 and June 8.
The PKK stands behind those terrorist attacks, according to the preliminary data.
The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for over 25 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The UN and the European Union listed the PKK as a terrorist organization.
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9 June 2016 10:55 (UTC+04:00)
Head of the lower house of the Czech parliament Jan Hamacek has indirectly rejected President Milos Zeman's proposal on the Czech MPs' recognizing the "Armenian genocide", RIA Novosti reported on June 8.
Historians, but not politicians should speak about historical events, Hamacek tweeted on June 8.
Earlier, during a joint briefing with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman said he intends to propose the Czech parliament to consider the recognition of the 1915 events as "Armenian genocide".
Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek has also commented on the issue.
"I believe that first of all, independent historians should make assessment about who is responsible for this [1915 events]."
Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that Turkey's predecessor, the Ottoman Empire allegedly carried out "genocide" against the Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915. Turkey in turn has always denied "the genocide" took place. While strengthening the efforts to promote the "genocide" in the world, Armenians have achieved its recognition by the parliaments of some countries.
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9 June 2016 11:29 (UTC+04:00)
Following successful operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist group in several southeastern provinces of Turkey, PKK militants signaled their intention to lay down arms, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said, the Hurriyet newspaper reported June 9.
Yildirim added that in spite of this, Turkey will continue military operations against the PKK until the terrorist group is completely destroyed.
Turkey's current priority is internal stability and security of its citizens, Yildirim said.
The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for over 25 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The UN and the European Union listed the PKK as a terrorist organization.
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9 June 2016 16:16 (UTC+04:00)
A senior Iranian banker has dismissed a recent report by the research center of the country's parliament, which suggested that most of banks in the Islamic Republic are on the verge of bankruptcy.
Esmaeel Lalehgani, Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Bank Saderat Iran, has said that the country enjoys a strong banking structure and the banking system is not on the verge of bankruptcy, IRNA news agency reported.
He further confirmed that there are some shortcomings in the country's banking system regarding the government's debts, low capital and overdue debts.
The shortcomings, however, do not mean that the banks are on the verge of the bankruptcy, he added.
The Islamic Parliament Research Centre, earlier this week, after considering the state of the balance sheets, liquidity and banking regulatory in Iran, announced that most of the banks in the country are in a poor situation and are on the verge of bankruptcy.
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9 June 2016 16:50 (UTC+04:00)
By Rashid Shirinov
A new transport corridor, linking Europe with Central Asia through connecting to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) can become an important prospect of the new Great Silk Road project.
Cooperation on the implementation of the new corridor concept in the format of GUAM organization (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova) was discussed in Kiev between the GUAM Secretary General Altai Efendiev and Kazakhstan Ambassador to Ukraine, Samat Ordabaev.
The Secretary General informed the ambassador about the recent decisions made in this direction in the framework of GUAM. The parties stressed the importance of developing comprehensive cooperation, the GUAM reported.
The Organization for Democracy and Economic Development GUAM is an international regional organization of four states: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
The GUAM format was established by post-Soviet countries in 1997 during the summit of heads of States of the European Union in Strasbourg.
In 2006, the states decided to declare GUAM an international organization, and it was renamed to the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development.
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is designed to provide transport connections between the East and West of Eurasia. It will enable the countries to reduce the costs of international cargo transportation.
The TITR runs through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and then to Europe via Turkey and Ukraine. The first test container train on route Shihezi (China)-Dostyk-Aktau-Alat, arrived in Baku international sea trade port on August 3, 2015.
In order to increase the transportation volume through the route, in May, delegations of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Ukraine signed a protocol providing competitive preferential tariffs on the Trans-Caspian route. The tariffs came into force from June 1.
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Oats-specialist Stoats is celebrating the victory of its new muesli product at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2016.
The Rustic Scottish Hedgerow Oat Muesli, which includes a mix of apple, blackberry and rhubarb, won the Bakery & Cereal Based category at the awards.
The win comes after Stoats secured new listings for its new Rustic Scottish Oat Muesli and Porridge Sachets in Waitrose Scotland and Tesco Scotland. The products will launch in Waitrose Scotland this week and Tesco Scotland from the end of August.
The Hedgerow Rustic Scottish Oat Muesli comes in 500g packs for an RRP of 3.99. The Original Porridge Sachets 40g (x6) and Multigrain Porridge Sachets 40g (x6) carry an RRP of 2.39, while the Cranachan Porridge Sachets 40g (x5) and Hedgerow Fruit Porridge Sachets 40g (x5) have an RRP of 2.99.
Tony Stone, managing director at Stoats, said: We are thrilled. At Stoats we pride ourselves on producing good-quality oat products that are packed full of flavour and its great to see this recognised at this years Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.
Sophie Fraser, communications and marketing manager at Scotland Food & Drink, said: The Stoats Rustic Scottish Hedgerow Oat Muesli is a great product. It scored highly on its flavour profile and it is a traditional feel-good product that offers bold, engaging packaging that would easily stand out on a shelf.
Welcome to the brave new world of food safety and all the audits that populate it. Actually, food processors have been living the audited-and-inspected life all along to meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, but it has become all that more intense during the past decade.
Now, with Food Security Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations going into effect, operators can expect additional scrutiny. Fortunately, the many audits, inspections and certifications involved have the potential to build food businesses better able to cope with todays mounting insecurities and to ensure safe foods for consumers.
There are more audits today than ever before, observed Joe Stout, president and founder, Commercial Food Sanitation, LLC, a company that provides sanitation training and benchmarking. Hes seen food safety audits rise to the point where a food processor can be audited every week by one customer or another.
Audits, inspections and certifications have become a fact of life. They are a necessary part of doing business in the food industry, but nobody particularly likes them, said Richard Stier, a consulting food scientist who advises food facilities worldwide about food safety.
However, there is a silver lining, according to Jim Kline, president, The Ensol Group, a consulting firm specializing in bakery and snack plant projects. Its interesting to me that as American food processors have faced rising numbers of audit requests, these operations have come up in their food safety performance, he reported.
Do audits push better performance? The British Retail Consortium (BRC), a food safety standards-setting organization, reported that in 2015 of the 1,786 bakery sites worldwide audited to its standards, 81.4% achieved its top A grade.
Becoming FSMA-ready
New food safety laws and regulations in the US and Canada now ratchet up the stakes in food safety. The unhappy series of food contamination events that took place during the final years of the 20th century set the stage for these 21st century rules. Although FSMA, signed into law in 2010, and the Safe Food for Canadians Act, passed in 2012, raise food safety standards to the level of prevention, compliance with these laws wont be the only way food-safe manufacturing will be judged by food industry customers.
I dont think audit pressure will lighten up under FSMA, Mr. Stout said. Food plant operators are very nervous about it, and theyre concerned about getting everything right. Satisfying the demand for safe food makes food manufacturing a challenging field. Audits and inspections are all about getting things right.
These activities and the certification of performance to established standards are usually associated with supply chain relationships between supplier and customer. However, they set the stage for compliance with government regulations, too.
Standard-setting organizations like the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) have done side-by-side comparisons with FSMA regulations, said Kristopher Middleton, technical manager, US Food Division, Eurofins, which has a significant practice in food plant auditing. Being certified will help a facility prepare to comply with FSMA.
Karil Kochenderfer, GFSIs North American representative, put it even more simply: Think of GFSI as a business-to-business FSMA.
The group recently did a comparison of its standards with those of the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 standard, one of the ISO 22000 family of standards, and found essential elements to be complimentary. This summer, it will announce a similar study about how GFSI standards align with FSMA and the Codex Alimentarius food safety codes.
The enormity of FSMA may be daunting, Ms. Kochenderfer said. But if youve been doing GFSI, you are 80 to 90% down the road to FSMA compliance.
GFSI did a gap analysis on Canadas food safety law, she continued. In December, the Canadian government announced that if you have your plant certified through a third-party audit, including those recognized by GFSI, you will meet or exceed the requirements of Canadas act.
Procedures and practicalities
An audit is different from an inspection. On more than one occasion, Ive been in a food plant where the staff is confused about how inspections and audits differ, said Kalliopi Zerva, global innovation manager, AIB International, a third-party audit group recognized by GFSI.
An inspection is an assessment of a moment in time that identifies positive or negative conditions as observed by the inspection team, she noted. Consider it a snapshot of what is happening in a plant at the time the inspection takes place.
An audit is a systematic evaluation to determine if programs and related activities achieve planned expectations, Ms. Zerva continued. It includes reviewing and challenging written programs, documentation of activities and records, corrective actions, and trends.
Certification represents another level of compliance and can be conducted only by accredited certification bodies, said Camila Yoo, food safety professional, AIB International. Certification would be issued for the facilities that proved that the organization meet the requirement of a standard. Several certification schemes are currently recognized by GFSI, such as FSSC 22000, BRC, Safe Quality Food (SQF) and International Featured Standards (IFS). AIB International also offers non-certification inspections such as its AIB GMP inspection.
Mr. Kline simplified the difference by saying, An inspection is something an owner requires, while an audit provides an independent view on how the facility performs to the standards set out.
Together, inspections, audits and certifications build on each other. Each reviews the facilitys food safety or quality assurance programs, Mr. Middleton explained. Certification, however, is the most robust and takes into it the managements commitment to the program.
Some standards have been criticized as being too much involved in ticking off points on a checklist and not giving enough scrutiny to actual operating conditions. Advancing from procedures to practicalities can be difficult, but each step has its merits.
Standards like GFSI do a lot of good at getting a company to organize and maintain its documentation, Mr. Stout said. The challenge is how to make it work. The execution has to be as good as the paperwork promises.
Third-party organizations can add value to the process through gap analysis and inspections ahead of actual audits, according to Mr. Stier. By taking an advisory role in a pre-audit inspection, I can tell facility operators about gaps to be addressed before the auditor comes in, about compliance to the standards, he said. The objective is to be critical and help the people.
Collaboration and culture
Theres a good reason that standard-setting groups emphasize the collaborative process not only in writing their rules but also in putting them to work.
Food safety is not something that one person does; food safety is everybodys responsibility, Ms. Kochenderfer said. And it involves all of us, so lets collaborate.
Working together is fundamental to creating a food safety culture in individual plants as well as broad food industries. And it starts at the top. Ms. Kochenderfer explained the five components involved. First is the commitment of senior leadership. Second is employee training and their recognition of how they affect food safety by their actions. Third is capital investment in machinery that operates in a food-safe manner. Fourth is development of a food safety plan. Fifth is continuous improvement of the plan.
The development of a food safety culture is whats important, she emphasized. Companies quickly recognize that whats good for their customers is also good for their own business.
Mr. Kline confirmed the importance of executive-suite involvement. When food safety is adopted and embraced at top level management, it can then be sold throughout the organization to all individuals. Food safety is the right thing to do. And it must be communicated adequately throughout the organization.
Auditing your suppliers
Just as your customers audit your bakery or snack food plant so should you audit your raw material suppliers. Responsibility up and down the supply chain is a foundational principle of todays food safety world.
A risk assessment should be done for all suppliers, Mr. Middleton advised. The rules coming into effect with FSMA require that a supplier be audited before the ingredient is first used.
The frequency of inspection depends on several factors. Ms. Yoo outlined them: the inherent food safety risks of the ingredient, the supply volume, the history youve had with the supplier and any emerging hazards or trends that indicate a supplier or supply region could be at risk. Assessing the risk that an ingredient may pose is a regular part of HACCP plans.
Most bakery and snack product ingredients and packaging materials are low risk, and such food operations may have hundreds of suppliers. Its not realistic to audit them all, Mr. Middleton noted. Therefore, many rely on certificates of audit from suppliers. In such cases, the facility should review the suppliers full audit report along with the certificate.
Suppliers of high-risk raw materials should be audited annually while low-risk materials such as packaging can be audited less frequently. But all suppliers need to be audited at least every three years, Mr. Middleton summarized.
When starting with a new supplier, Mr. Kline recommended auditing once a quarter. If you go two quarters and are satisfied, then you can move the audit to an annual schedule. The audits help you establish that you have a partner who is in step with your food safety program, who has embraced effective food safety practices.
Yes, audits, inspections and certifications add another level of complexity to operating a bakery or snack food plant, but they are part of doing business today.
Mr. Middleton explained, Audit standards are not meant to make life difficult for food processors but to make sure life doesnt get more difficult by preventing problems, by having systems in place to insure your product is safe. They wont solve everything, but they will reduce the likelihood of incidents happening.
One of the AACC International Food Safety Quality Task Force members, Scott Jensen, key accounts manager for analytical instrument maker Foss, said it best. Sitting there across the table from an auditor can be terrifying, he noted. Theyre finding your weak spots. But they are finding them before a lawyer shows up, before youre sitting in front of a jury.
A Bay area woman is facing adoption fraud charges after investigators say she took thousands of dollars from a Minnesota couple that thought they were adopting her unborn child.
Carrie Cutler, 31, arrested, charged with two counts adoption fraud
Investigation began in March
Pinellas County deputies say Todd and Alyssa Holmstrom applied to an adoption agency, Florida-Adoptions, and were matched with a mother-to-be in St. Petersburg. That mother-to-be was Carrie Cutler.
Investigators say Cutler had a miscarriage last August, but kept accepting the couples money using Florida-Adoption agency.
[Cutler] went to great lengths, because she had the ultrasound pictures," said Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. "She met with them, she made up this story about the baby kicking. She went to great lengths about this.
According to Gualtieri, those lengths included Cutler texting the family regularly about the status of the baby, meeting with them and pretending the baby was kicking during their meetings. Cutler also accepted more than $15,000 from the couple, paid through Florida-Adoptions' St. Petersburg office, both before and after her miscarriage.
No one at that office could be reached for comment. The sheriff says the agency is also a victim, though there are still some unknowns.
I really cant speak to the efforts of the adoption agency because I dont know. I cant really speak to that, said Gualtieri. I dont know whether they were extremely diligent and they did absolutely everything possible, or whether somebody could make the case that they shouldve done more as far as monitor and checking her. I just dont know.
Gualtieri went on to say he could see how the excited parents-to-be ignored warning signs, such as when Cutler was reportedly nowhere to be found when they flew down from Minnesota the day she was supposed to give birth.
Its a milestone the couple had hoped would mark the end of their journey, according to a fundraising page online they set up to help support Cutler and the baby. They raised most of the money that they paid to Cutler though online donations.
The sheriff says the suspect was able to maintain the deception when the couple saw her in person because, shes a larger woman and you couldnt tell if she was pregnant.
Gualtieri also reported that when they arrested Cutler, they found out shes pregnant again. Her boyfriend reportedly told deputies she planned to commit the same fraud again with the child shes currently pregnant with.
When presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds a rally Saturday in downtown Tampa, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is scheduled to join him.
Donald Trump, Florida AG to appear Saturday at Tampa rally
Appearance comes amid scrutiny over Trump donation to Bondi in 2013
Bondi says her office was never investigating Trump
Register for tickets for the Trump rally
Bondi spoke out earlier this week about recent stories about her receiving a $25,000 donation from Trump in 2013. Bondi responded to reports that she ended an investigation into complaints against Trump University around the time she received the donation.
In a statement to the Tampa Bay Times, Bondi said her office was never investigating the billionaire, adding that she was "obviously devastated" at any implications.
Trump will be at the Tampa Convention Center on Saturday. The rally begins at 11 a.m.
Bondi's office said earlier this week that its statement about receiving only a single complaint was accurate at the time, because most of the complaints dealt with the Trump Institute, a separate corporate entity from Trump University, and were made before she took office at the start of 2011.
The Trump Institute was licensed by Trump to run his seminars, with Trump keeping a share of the profits, according to depositions in the Trump University case. In internal emails, Bondi's own staff appeared to lump Trump University and the Trump Institute together as New York's lawsuit has done.
Bondi has endorsed Trump for president.
No so fast on that deal between ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft with Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough PTC rejects deal with ridesharing companies 4-1
Fingerprint background checks are main issue
A June 22 hearing may help create a new deal
On Wednesday, the Public Transportation Commission suspended talks with the companies after negotiations had been ongoing for almost eight weeks.
The commission voted 4-1 against a deal allowing the companies to operate legally in the county.
The main issue, according to the PTC, is safety.
The main issue is Uber's and Lyft's refusal to do fingerprint background checks on drivers, which is currently required of taxi drivers.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, board members said they want to wait for a ruling from the Second District Court of Appeal in Lakeland on another case of ride-share regulation.
The Lakeland hearing is set for June 22.
A tourist from North Carolina was arrested after police say she poured vodka into a 7-year-old boy's eyes at a hotel pool on Monday.
Clearwater Police: woman poured vodka into little boy's eyes
Kiser, 23, was at a hotel pool when the child reportedly splashed her
Charges: child abuse, failure to leave a public service establishment and resisting arrest
Roseanna Maria Kiser, 23, was lounging by the Sheraton Sand Key Hotel in Clearwater Beach when police say she became agitated with another guest a 7-year-old boy who reportedly splashed her.
Intoxicated, Kiser is said to have poured vodka all over the childs face and eyes before grabbing him and throwing him into the pool.
Kisers attitude had reportedly not improved by the time officers from the Clearwater Police Department caught up with her in her guest room just after midnight Tuesday. The officers on the scene said she displayed aggressive physical resistance.
According to reports, she repeatedly struck the arresting officers in the head, neck and chest, and kicked one in the groin, after being asked to leave by the hotel's manager.
Kiser was charged with child abuse, failure to leave a public service establishment and resisting arrest.
Chip Zdarsky wants you to read comics. He makes readers aware of it time and time again with the many titles he has in the works. Between his work as an artist on Sex Criminals or his writing in Howard the Duck, Chip has made it clear that, for him, creating in this genre is fun, and it carries over to the reading experience.
With Kaptara Zdarsky wants you to not only like comic books, but revel in just how marvelous and absurd they can be. At its core, Kaptara is a fantasy tale that makes He-Man and the Masters of the Universe look like a dead serious take on fantasy storytelling. I bring up He-Man because Kaptara is a blatant love letter to the glory days of Eternia and the adventures of steroid-addicted Prince Adam and his fellow warriors. What's great about Kaptara, though, is that the He-Man character in this story is not only a blowhard (this word choice makes sense once you've read the book), but only a foil to the main focus of the workwhich is a dude named Keith.
Keith starts out as a normal Earthling in space until he's tossed through a wormhole and crash lands on the planet Kaptara, where he quickly titles himself Keith, Prince of the Dance Floor. Once on Kaptara, Keith has a quick struggle with selfishness and cowardice and then proceeds to accept the call of adventure and the journey into the unknown land. The path Keith has been placed on takes him on a quest to find his missing crew. The book never takes itself seriously. Keith is constantly quipping, and the cast is by far the most ridiculous group of characters possible. A personal favorite of mine is Keiths sidekick, a floating orb that projects inspirational statements on its face and is somehow the main voice of reason in the book. Zdarsky takes the Orko or Snarf character of the book and elevates him, illustrating that he's well on the path to creative success. That success, of course, wouldn't be possible without the art of Kagan McLeod. McLeod's lines are sleek and clean, illustrating a total grasp on contemporary design. He manages to easily mix in the elements of the past that the story pays homage to while maintaining his own style. McLeod's illustrations never feel forced or referential. The images of Kaptara build a beautiful visual to pair with Zdarsky's writing, making the marriage of concept and execution consistent and engaging. If you've ever felt like you want to see grown men walk around in fur underwear and fight atop mutant pug tanks, then McLeod is the artist youve been waiting for.
Kaptara is a playful, good-natured parody of the childhood toys and stories that many of us grew up on, but still makes its own mark in a comic scene that sometimes loses sight of how great it can be to just have fun. Above all else Kaptara Volume One is just that: Fun. And lots of it.
Right Now on Oregon Coast: Weird Crabs, Bird Walks, Whales
Published 06/08/2016 at 8:51 PM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff
(Oregon Coast) It's all fun and fascinating right now on the Oregon coast, with a nice variety of birding events, bird drama at Oceanside, whale watching, and some funky lil' crabs showing up. (Photo: sea lions resting on Oceanside's Three Arch Rocks).
On Thursday, June 16, there will be a talk in Newport on the Birds and Wildlife of East Africa presented by Anne Sigleo. Anne is a retired scientist from the Hatfield Marine Science Center. She visited Tanzania during October-November 2015 and saw nearly 50 species of birds and 40 mammals. Because the rains came earlier than predicted, she was there during the "great migration" of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles from the Masai Mara south to the Serengeti in Tanzania.
This event is free and open to everyone and begins at 7 p.m. Public Meeting Room of Central Lincoln PUD, 2129 North Coast Highway, Newport, Oregon. For more info call 541-265-2965
On Saturday, June 18, Wayne Hoffman will lead a birding field trip that will feature peregrine falcons and seabirds. June is the peak for seabird nesting and a great time of year to see them along with their predators. You are likely to see Peregrine Falcon, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Black Oystercatcher, Pelagic and Brandt's Cormorant and Bald Eagle.
The onsite nesting Peregrine Falcon pair may still have young in the area.
Meet in the Interpretive Center Parking Lot at 8 a.m. and dress or bring clothes for variable weather. The field trip will last two hours. This event is free and open to everyone, but the BLM requires a recreation pass or charges a vehicle fee to enter Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. For more information call 541-961-1307.
Also in the realm of birds, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) suggested to look at Oceanside for some wild action. Three Arch Rocks has for a long time been home to thousands of nesting common murres and other colonial seabirds, and it is still possible to see large numbers of them staging below the rocks in the water. However, one bald eagle there has been making life difficult for the feathered creatures resting on the national wildlife reserve. With binoculars, you may be able to see some of the drama.
Instead, the Steller sea lions are a very reliable denizen on the lower rock in front, Seal Rock, ODFW said. They can be seen loafing on the rock, often with young pups in the mix. These are the larger and lighter-colored cousin to the more common California sea lion.
The beaches right now as always - are full of surprises, the agency said.
Last week, sandy tidepools in central Oregon were teeming with tiny shrimp-like creatures, ODFW said. These creatures are juvenile sand or mole crabs (belonging to the scientific genus Emerita). Adults get to be 1.5 inches long and you can often see their antennae poking out of the sand as you walk along in the wash zone of the beach. Right now, the young mole crabs have settled on Oregon beaches in vast numbers. (Mole crab photo at right courtesy Seaside Aquarium).
ODFW added whale watching is good right now as well. Some gray whales make their way up to summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea, while others are part-time residents and stay off the Oregon coast from June through November. ODFW said plenty of gray whales have recently been seen around Brookings and Port Orford. In the really wild category: killer whales have been spotted along parts of the central coast, with some dramatic video of them at Florence. Oregon Coast Hotels for these events - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours
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The shuttering of the Mental Health America chapter in Beaumont will leave people in need of guidance for mental health issues without an identifiable resource for help, said Jayne Bordelon, the local director and sole employee.
Lack of funding caused the office to close, she said on Wednesday.
Mental Health America operated on local private donations as do all of the national organizations's chapters.
The national group does not participate in funding and focuses mainly on public policy and legislation, said Bordelon, who has led the local group for the past 14 years.
Bordelon announced the local office's closing in a post to Facebook on Tuesday.
She said the mission always was about public education to offset the stigma of a mental illness.
"People think mental illness is self-inflicted or a character flaw. There is so much stigma and people are afraid to ask for help," she said.
On Tuesday at City Council, Ward 1 Councilman Claude Guidroz said the loss of the office is a loss for the community, noting that a mental illness is no more a person's fault than is a disease of the pancreas.
A spokeswoman for the national Mental Health America said the organization's annual convention is underway, but did not respond to an email from The Enterprise asking for reaction to the local office's closure.
Bordelon said people who are searching for mental health treatment or counseling can contact other social services agencies like Spindeltop Center, Some Other Place, local hospitals, Family Services Center or Samaritan Counseling.
She said the office operated on a budget of about $100,000 a year, which paid rent and utilities at its office, 505 Orleans St., and for printed material and educational programs.
Bordelon said her educational programs at local schools focused on problems caused by bullying.
Other programs aimed at suicide prevention, she said.
"The budget was small, but I made it work," she said.
Mental Health America is donating its furniture to Court Appointed Special Advocate of Southeast Texas and to Some Other Place.
Its suicide prevention program material is going to the Rape and Suicide Crisis Center and its other educational material will go to Communities in Schools, Bordelon said.
DWallach@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/dwallach
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It could be a movie - or a sequel:
Daughter of well-known Beaumont family with law-school aspirations comes across a group at Texas A&M's library showing off-beat films and ditches the LSAT.
Following her cinematic muse, she works on a number of short films and as a location scout and manager for films like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
Thirty years after her life-changing closeup, she writes and directs a coming-of-age movie executive-produced by well-known Texas filmmaker Richard Linklater and starring top industry talent.
'I Dream Too Much' Starring: Eden Brolin, Diane Ladd and Danielle Brooks
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont
Cost: $5. Proceeds benefit the City of Beaumont public libraries.
Info: idreamtoomuch.com See More Collapse
And Saturday, Katie Cokinos, daughter of Geneos "Pete" and Lula Cokinos, will return to Beaumont for a screening of that first feature film, "I Dream Too Much," at the Jefferson Theatre before its digital release June 21.
"I Dream Too Much" is the story of Dora, played by actress Eden Brolin, a recent college graduate who feels lost. She is supposed to be studying for the LSAT for law school but would rather go to Brazil with her friend.
Instead, she ends up in upstate New York caring for her Great Aunt Vera, played by actress Diane Ladd, who has injured herself.
Cokinos, who loves to write about characters in transition, was inspired by her own post-college story while writing the script. She isn't Dora, but aspects of her are evident in the character.
"'I Dream Too Much' came out of this very personal time," Cokinos said.
Cokinos, 52, spent about a year and a half working on the script. She finished her first draft in May of 2012 but wasn't satisfied. She edited draft after draft and wrote a diary in Dora's voice to get a better feel for the character.
The script was ready for production in September of 2013. Then casting began.
"Writing the script is just a lot of time spent alone writing, which I love, but it was so much fun to come out of that place and have my script and get really good feedback from young actresses," Cokinos said.
She worked with casting director Judy Henderson in New York City to find her cast of Brolin; Ladd, known for her role in "Chinatown" and recently "Joy;" and Danielle Brooks from "Orange is the New Black," among others.
She sat through each audition, searching for the perfect cast. But it was also a time for her to revise and adapt her script.
She re-wrote parts of Dora's character based on Brolin's audition because the young actress played the character more somberly. She also made the decision to cast an African-American in the role of Abbey, played by Brooks, after feeling something was off during other auditions.
"I learned so much about my characters during the auditions," Cokinos said. "So many times I would head back home thinking 'I need to work on this' based on what I had seen in the audition."
The Pantheon of Women, a group based in Houston that produces and presents films that positively portray women, was the main investor in the film.
A colleague suggested Cokinos send the script to the group, which decided to fund the project.
"They reacted favorably to the fact that Dora doesn't follow the traditional coming-of-age film story," Cokinos said.
Once the cast was chosen, communication between Cokinos and the actors began. They would talk about who the characters were and how they should be portrayed.
Ladd called Cokinos to talk about her character Vera's injury, which was initially a broken foot.
"Diane called me one day and said, 'Katie, I think Vera broke her toe. I've been talking to this orthopedic surgeon,'" Cokinos said. "So I said, 'That's fine. That's great. She broke her toe. I love it.' So she was very into the role and researched it."
Cokinos had similar interactions with the other actresses. Brooks called and asked what her character's animal totem was and questioned whether Abbey was the right name for her. Brolin, who grew up in Los Angeles the daughter of actor Josh Brolin and granddaughter of James Brolin, had a hard time accepting how much of a "dork" Dora was.
"It was kind of funny watching them get into their characters," Cokinos said.
The communication continued on location while filming for three weeks in Saugerties, New York, where Cokinos now resides. During a snowy winter of 2014, Cokinos would talk to the cast each day during hair and makeup about what was to come. They always had questions.
Cokinos listened to the cast's ideas and opened dialogues about the characters. She was careful not to be too strict.
"In order for it to be an organic portrayal of their character, it's got to come from them," Cokinos said.
The film premiered at SXSW in March of 2015. Cokinos said the feedback has been positive because Dora's journey of self-discovery is different than the norm. She's not a young girl in peril and she doesn't fall in love to get out of a rut.
"Instead she's with her Aunt Vera who's this great lady and writer and an editor who really shows her this whole trajectory her life can take," Cokinos said.
All proceeds from the screening will benefit the City of Beaumont public libraries, where Cokinos spent her days growing up. When she heard the libraries were having financial trouble, she immediately thought of supporting them.
Those who aren't able to attend the screening can find the film on iTunes and video on-demand beginning June 21.
AFletcher@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/afletcher727
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Central High School administrators used manipulated test scores to gain incentive pay and pilfered thousands more from student funds while trumpeting the school as a success, which ultimately backfired on Wednesday when an ex-principal was sentenced to prison and a former math teacher was given probation.
Patricia Lambert, 62, was taken into custody immediately following a two-hour hearing in which Judge Thad Heartfield sentenced her to three years and four months in federal prison for stealing $500,000 from Central's booster club and student activities funds between 2007 and 2012, when she served as principal.
Former math teacher Victoria Steward, 33, was sentenced to three years' probation for her role in standardized test cheating scandal in which teachers routinely changed students' answers or provided them with answers ahead of time, according to Wednesday's testimony.
School officials were motivated to cheat, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Batte said, and they were awarded more than $96,000 for high test scores from 2007 to 2012.
Students were given "a house of cards," instead of the educational foundation the school system is designed to produce, Batte said.
Meanwhile, their principal pocketed years' worth of lunch money by setting up unauthorized candy sales on campus
and turned the booster club's money into her own special investment fund to funnel dollars toward family members and expensive trips.
Lambert, who sobbed for much of Wednesday's hearing - and sometimes loudly - said in court she initially pleaded her innocence last year because she truly believed it. Her guilty plea in December, she said, was "to avoid unwarranted additional charges."
Lambert said she always tried to do what was right, but called her methods "questionable" and attributed some mishaps to working within "a flawed system."
Alphonso Anderson, Lambert's Houston-based attorney, asked Heartfield to consider alternative punishments to the 40-month prison cap agreed to in an earlier plea agreement - house arrest, confinement to a halfway house, or perhaps split sentences with a combination of the three options.
Anderson cited Lambert's contributions as an educator, even suggesting she tour Beaumont ISD campuses to warn others about the dangers of making similar decisions.
Heartfield shot down those ideas, he said, because it would send the wrong message to the schools and community.
"Perhaps she could be called upon to teach someone in the penitentiary," Heartfield said.
'Mafia queen'
Others have been convicted of stealing more from BISD than Lambert.
Former chief financial officer Devin McCraney, 37, and Sharika Allison, 46, the district's former comptroller, are serving prison sentences after pleading guilty to federal conspiracy and embezzlement charges related to the theft of more than $4 million from BISD.
But McCraney and Allison mostly stole from behind the scenes, while Lambert was the face of the district for Central's success, Batte said.
Some teachers were afraid to challenge Lambert's actions, according to Batte, whom he said teachers nicknamed "Mafia Queen."
Lambert rose through the ranks quickly at BISD. She was hired as a teacher in June 2002 and was promoted to assistant principal at Vincent Middle School by that August. She became principal at French Middle School in July 2004 before she was reassigned to the same position at Central two years later, according to court records.
Until Lambert got there, Central's booster club money was handled by parents. The fund was not subject to her bosses' oversight like the student activities fund, so she moved revenue from there to the booster club account to shell the conspiracy, prosecutors said.
Money was raised through concession sales, $5 student transcript fees and inflated tuition payments for dual credit programs at Lamar Institute of Technology.
"It was obvious (our education) didn't matter to them," said Mariah Jones, a 2010 Central graduate who admitted to cheating on standardized test from grades 9 to 11.
Jones graduated with honors and performed exceptionally on the state's exams, she testified Wednesday.
But when Jones enrolled at LIT, she couldn't keep up with her peers, especially in math. Jones said her SAT scores were low and she was not prepared for college, a stark contrast from her academic success at Central.
"I really felt like we were all just numbers to them," she said. "They just wanted (high) test scores."
'No excuse'
Steward's statement to Heartfield was far different from the one Lambert offered just minutes earlier.
The former math teacher, who recruited at least five other teachers to change students' answers after they turned in the exams, said she did not want to mention how the criminal prosecution has impacted her family to avoid diminishing the effect her actions had on students.
"I got myself here," Steward said. "There's no excuse, no explanation."
Sentencing Steward would be more challenging than Lambert, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Tortorice said.
Steward, who now lives in Louisiana, operated at Lambert's direction, according to prosecutors.
Tortorice asked Heartfield to sentence Steward to six months in prison because she was the captain in the cheating conspiracy.
Heartfield, however, said probation would set a cloud over Steward's head and that she would follow Lambert to prison with the slightest violation.
Steward was the first to voluntarily plead guilty last fall, her attorney said, setting up the "domino effect" of Lambert's guilty plea.
It helped avoid lengthy trials, but also spared them stiffer penalties, Heartfield acknowledged.
"(Lambert's) already been given a substantial break," Heartfield said. "If anything, (40 months in prison) may not be enough."
BScott@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/BrandonKScott
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Snakes and alligators escaping swollen creeks and canals brimming with rainwater are invading backyards and city parks, prompting a top Orange County official to cancel an outdoor event because he did not want to take "the chance of even one child being bitten."
Mike Hale, director of Vidor's Claiborne West Park, where the Orange County Cops 'n' Kids Picnic was scheduled to happen this Friday, said region-wide flooding over the past three months has led to a 30 percent increase in dangerous snakes in the park, including cottonmouth, copperhead, water and rat snakes.
"I've seen them crossing roads and in places that I rarely see them go," Hale said. "Anytime we flood, you really have to watch your step around here."
Claiborne Park is located on the north side of Interstate 10 and is split by the Cow Bayou.
Hale said portions of the campgrounds are still underwater and that the entire park is saturated.
More rain could also bring wild hogs looking for higher ground to the park, Hale said.
"No hogs in the park yet," Hale said on Wednesday. "But we've got deer, rabbits and occasionally a bobcat, all looking for higher ground."
Sheriff Keith Merritt announced on the Orange County Sheriff's Facebook Page on Tuesday that he was canceling the annual Cops 'n' Kids event out of caution.
"The main concern is the safety of the children and we could not, in good faith, continue with the picnic without putting the kids at risk," Merritt wrote in the post.
On Wednesday, he said he thought the ground was also too wet for deputies to park their equipment.
"Our boats, trailers and SWAT stuff were all getting stuck," he said. "Also when we were out surveying, we spotted a couple of snakes looking for higher ground. We just don't want to take a chance of a child getting bit."
Merritt said he hopes to reschedule for next Friday, depending on the forecast for the next several days.
Gary Saurage, owner of Gator Country Rescue, said on Wednesday that he thinks this has been one of his busiest springs in more than a decade.
Saurage said he currently has 122 alligators at his sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Beaumont. That figure is double what he normally has this time of year, he said.
In Deweyville and Orange County alone, Saurage said his team has rescued 50 alligators this spring, mostly out of people's front yards, but some were from nearby ponds and even inside garages.
"When the floodwater is pushing them like this, they are trying to get out of a current and find a safer place to be," Saurage said of the alligators. "Normally, we get a call every few days. But right now, we are getting up to four calls a day from people who need us to remove a gator."
On Tuesday, Saurage added two more alligators to his collection, rescuing a 6-foot gator discovered in the yard of a Newton County resident and a 9-foot, six-inch-long, 385-pounder in Port Arthur that came out of a canal and wandered into a neighborhood.
Gator Country's Arlie Hammonds went out the Port Arthur call, which was originally reported to be a 5-foot gator.
"I was expecting to put the gator in the back of my truck on the floorboard," Hammonds said with a laugh on Wednesday. "My tailgate recently quit on me, so the main issue ended up being how to transport a gator that size."
Hammonds said he was getting his truck fixed on Wednesday.
Alligator removal is in such high demand this year that Saurage and his team have had to categorize calls as "emergency" or "non-emergency."
Regardless of how Saurage's crew classifies the calls, he stressed that people should "stay a safe distance from the alligators."
Nationwide, Orange, Jefferson and Chambers counties have the top three spots in recorded alligator nuisance calls.
Last July, an Orange County man, Tommie Woodward, became Texas' first alligator attack death in nearly two centuries. Woodard was killed by an 11-foot alligator at Burkart's Marina after announcing to staff that he was going to jump in the bayou. He was told not to jump and ignored a "No Swimming. Alligators" sign, according to previous Enterprise coverage.
In addition to more reptiles, the recent deluge has also led to an increase in mosquitoes.
"They will eat you alive out here," said Claiborne West Park's Hale. "If you stand still, you are done for."
Kevin Sexton, director of the Jefferson County Mosquito Control department, said he's been surprised by the lack of phone calls to his office over the past few weeks. He thinks the real problems will begin once the rain dries up.
"With rain events coming so often, mosquitoes may not have enough dry days to survive past the larva stage," said Sexton. "If we have a week or so of dry weather, there is a chance we will see an increase of floodwater mosquitoes in the area."
Sexton said it takes mosquitoes five days to mature into full adults.
"It's really the million-dollar question right now," Sexton said of when mosquitoes will begin to become a bigger nuisance. "We are not sure when they'll be back in full force."
DThompson@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/daveth89
Envision Healthcare and AmSurg are discussing a pending deal which would create a more than $9 billion entity, according to Wall Street Journal.
Here are eight things to know:
1. A source familiar with the merger matter said the companies may announce a deal as early as next week, and AmSurg and Envision are in the advanced discussion stages.
2. The deal is not set in stone as the discussions could fade before both companies reach an agreement.
3. On June 8, Greenwood Village, Colo.-based Envision Healthcare had a market cap of $4.8 billion. In 2015, the physician services company agreed to purchase Rural/Metro, a privately-held ambulance and fire-protection company, for $620 million.
4. Nashville, Tenn.-based AmSurg presently has a market cap of $4.3 billion.
5. In 2015, AmSurg expanded its services in anesthesiology, radiology and emergency medicine through acquiring several practices. AmSurg acquired Radisphere in January 2015, and went on to acquire its second radiology group, Radiology Associates of Hollywood in March.
6. AmSurg acquired four anesthesiology practices last year including Halifax Anesthesiology Associates, Coastal Anesthesia Consultant, Bay Area Anesthesia and Valley Anesthesiology & Pain Consultants. The company also acquired Premier Emergency Medical Specialists in December.
7. In March 2016, AmSurg acquired Jandee Anesthesiology Partners and Karadan Anesthesiology and Pain Management. AmSurg acquired Jacksonville-based North Florida Anesthesia Consultants, a practice comprised of more than 70 physicians, certified registered nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants in April.
8. During the first quarter of 2016, AmSurg had revenues reaching $724.7 million, a 27 percent increase from $570.4 million for the same quarter of 2015.At the end of the quarter, AmSurg had six ASCs under letter of intent and one center under development. The center is expected to open later this year.
More articles on surgery centers:
SCA short interest falls 1.41%: 5 things to know
South Bay Plastic Surgeon opens 2.7k-sq-ft surgery center: 5 things to know
3 recent ASC acquisitions May 2016
Kaiser Permanente, headquartered in Denver, plans to build an ambulatory surgery center in Honolulu, according to Pacific Business News.
Here are four key points:
1. The $7.6 million surgery center will house two surgical suites for eye and plastic surgeries.
2. The center will be 3,185 square feet.
3. Kaiser expects to complete the ASC in the first quarter of next year, according to a Kaiser Permanente spokeswoman.
4. On July 1, Kaiser is scheduled to take over the management of the hospitals, owned by Hawaii, in Maui County.
More articles on surgery centers:
SCA short interest falls 1.41%: 5 things to know
South Bay Plastic Surgeon opens 2.7k-sq-ft surgery center: 5 things to know
3 recent ASC acquisitions May 2016
Here are seven updates:
ASCA names Rebecca Craig board of directors' president
Rebecca R. Craig is the newly elected board of directors' president for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association as well as the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Foundation. In her new role, Ms. Craig will be the chief spokesperson and advise ASCA and ASCAF leadership. She will serve as the director on different projects and task forces.
SCA partners with Grove Place Surgery Center
Vero Beach, Fla.-based Grove Place Surgery Center's physician members selected Surgical Care Affiliates to become a partner in the center. A physician-led outpatient center, Grove Place Surgery Center offers services including general surgery, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngology, pain management and podiatry.
16 Huntington Hospital patients infected due to tainted duendoscope use from 2013 to 2015
The Pasadena Public Health Department report found the drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria from duendoscopes infected 16 patients at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, from January 2013 to August 2015. Eleven of the 16 patients died. However, health officials said only one death certificate listed the bacteria spread by the duendoscopes as the cause.
CMS to calculate ACO cost benchmarks based on regional trends
CMS has finalized a rule which will change the way the agency calculates costs under the Medicare Shared Saving Program. Rather than using national rates, CMS will calculate cost benchmarks for accountable care organizations based on regional healthcare spending trends. CMS intends the updated ruling to stop ACOs from competing amongst each other, and use the regional trends to compare outcomes against other ACOs.
Georgia Eye Institute opens 2nd ASC
Savannah-based Georgia Eye Institute opened Glennville Eye Surgery Center earlier this month. Glennville Eye Surgery Center is Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care-accredited and Medicare-certified.
Senate bolsters NIH funding to $34B
This year's Senate spending bill allotted an additional $2 billion to the National Institute of Health, bringing the agency's total budget to nearly $34 billion. While many research advocates applaud the funding boost, others are concerned as to whether the funding will come from other health agencies such as the CDC.
BCBS of North Carolina sues federal government over $147M risk corridor payments
Last week, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina filed a suit against the federal government for not paying the insurer more than $147 million that BCBS claims the government owed under the Affordable Care Act's risk corridor program. In 2014 and 2015, BCBS of North Carolina said it suffered more than $400 million losses on the ACA. The payer attributes part of that steep loss to its reduced risk-corridor payments.
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North Georgia Medical Center in Ellijay closed Monday, but a nearby hospital owned by Atlanta-based Piedmont Healthcare plans to reopen the facility's emergency department.
NGMC faced financial troubles due to a significant decrease in patient volume and a large increase in charity and indigent care over the past two years. Robert Thornton, CEO of NGMC's owner Atlanta-based SunLink Health Systems, told Georgia Health News in January that NGMC averaged about six inpatients for the past year.
Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper, Ga., has agreed to lease and operate NGMC's emergency department. The Georgia Department of Community Health must approve the lease agreement, which hospital officials expect to be completed by Sept. 1. Upon approval, Piedmont Mountainside expects to reopen the ED by Nov. 1. Piedmont Mountainside will also lease the medical offices at NGMC.
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John Oliver forgives $15M in medical debt
Los Angeles hospital files for bankruptcy as cash collections fall short
Miami-Dade County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to change a county ordinance that governs Jackson Health System, allowing the Miami-based hospital network to keep its budget surpluses, according to the Miami Herald.
Miami-Dade Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, who sponsored the ordinance amendment, told the Miami Herald that the purpose of the change is to ensure Jackson has enough cash on hand for at least a year.
Under the change, commissioners waived their power to use Jackson's budget surpluses. Now, Jackson's governing board will control the system's cash reserves until they reach about $1.8 billion, or enough to sustain operations for a year.
The change comes as Florida's Low Income Pool program funding is scheduled to significantly drop. Florida has had a Medicaid waiver since 2005, and the state received between $1 billion and $2 billion from the federal government annually to support its LIP program to aid the state's safety-net hospitals. After a stand off between Florida Gov. Rick Scott and the federal government, CMS agreed in May 2015 to provide Florida with $1.1 billion for its LIP program for the year that ends June 30. For the following year, that number will drop to about $600 million.
Jackson CEO Carlo Migoya told the Miami Herald that Jackson has lost about $120 million over the past two years because of reductions in LIP funding.
More articles on healthcare finance:
Florida hospital's future uncertain as owner struggles to keep utilities on
John Oliver forgives $15M in medical debt
Los Angeles hospital files for bankruptcy as cash collections fall short
The University of Iowa Health Alliance, a partnership of healthcare providers that includes Davenport, Iowa-based Genesis Health System, has named Jennifer Vermeer president and CEO.
Here are four things to know about Ms. Vermeer.
1. She has more than two decades of healthcare leadership experience, including developing and implementing new payment models and leading major health delivery changes and reforms, according to a news release.
2. Ms. Vermeer joined Iowa City-based UI Health Care and UIHA in August 2014 where she served the alliance as COO focused on population health.
3. She also previously served as Iowa Medicaid director.
4. In her new role, she succeeds Dan Kueter, who joined the Ohio-based Midwest Health Collaborative as CEO in late May.
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16 latest hospital, health system executive moves
The Veterans Affairs Department has terminated three senior leaders of the Phoenix VA Health Care System, the hospital where the VA wait time scandal first surfaced, according to Federal News Radio.
In March, the VA announced its intent to fire three leaders. Now, it has officially dismissed Lance Robinson, the medical center's associate director, Brad Curry, chief of health administration service, and Darren Deering, DO, chief of staff, according to the report.
"We have an obligation to veterans and the American people to take appropriate accountability actions as supported by evidence," Deputy VA Secretary Sloan Gibson said in a statement. "While this process took far too long, the evidence supports these removals and sets the stage for moving forward."
Mr. Robinson and Mr. Curry can both appeal their removals to the Merit Systems Protection Board because they are Title 5 employees. Dr. Deering, a Title 38 employee, can submit a grievance through the VA's administrative process if he wants to appeal his termination.
The VA has fired approximately 2,900 employees since Secretary Bob McDonald assumed office in 2014, according to the report. Sharon Helman, former director of the Phoenix VA medical center, was fired in November 2014.
Job review and recruiting marketplace Glassdoor has revealed the winners of its annual Employees' Choice Awards, honoring the highest rated CEOs in 2016.
The Glassdoor Employees' Choice Awards are based exclusively on the input of employees who voluntarily provide anonymous feedback of the company and CEO. Other metrics included in company reviews include insight into employees' jobs, work environment and employer over the past year.
There are two categories of winners in the U.S. 50 Highest Rated CEOs (honoring CEOs at companies with 1,000 or more employees) and 25 Highest Rated CEOs at Small & Medium Companies (honoring CEOs at companies with less than 1,000 employees).
The top five Highest Rated CEOs in 2016 in the U.S. are:
Bain & Company's Bob Bechek (99 percent approval)
Ultimate Software's Scott Scherr (99 percent approval)
McKinsey & Company's Dominic Barton (99 percent approval)
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg (97 percent approval)
LinkedIn's Jeff Weiner (97 percent approval)
The top five Highest Rated CEOs at Small & Medium Companies in 2016 in the U.S. are:
With three Magnet-designated hospitals, Cleveland Clinic among other well-noted areas of excellence is one of the premier healthcare systems for nursing in the country. At the helm of the system's nursing program is Executive Chief Nursing Officer Kelly Hancock, DNP, RN.
Dr. Hancock is responsible for directing the clinical, academic and operational activities of the nursing staff across the Cleveland Clinic's main campus and health system as a whole. Dr. Hancock has been with Cleveland Clinic for more than two decades and has held the position of CNO since 2011. While leading nurses, Dr. Hancock has garnered many recognitions, including the 2011 Circle of Excellence Award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, which is given annually to individuals who exhibit excellence in the care of acutely and critically ill patients.
Dr. Hancock recently spoke with Becker's about changes in healthcare, nursing excellence, burnout, leading nurses in the nation's top heart institute, challenges, inspiration and more.
Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Question: Cleveland Clinic has been regularly recognized for excellence in nursing. What makes nursing at Cleveland Clinic different?
Kelly Hancock: Our main campus has been recognized as a Magnet facility, Fairview Hospital and Hillcrest Hospital are also both designated Magnet institutes, so across the system there is a high level of regard for nursing, offering many pathways to excellence. We are one of the first health systems in Ohio to gather all these recognitions. When you look at the history of the clinic, the importance of nursing has always been recognized at many different levels. Nurses here are committed to providing world-class care every day and fostering an environment of healing with compassionate relationship-based care. That's what makes it different here. When I welcome new hires, I say you can spend your entire nursing career here and do a variety of different things. Not many health systems can say that. We grow our own at Cleveland Clinic.
Q: How does the nursing department at Cleveland Clinic address work-life balance and burnout? How do you personally address burnout?
KH: It is great to be a nurse caring for others is truly an astounding gift. However, it is a demanding profession, often requiring 12-hour shifts, rotating shifts, which can lead to sleep deprivation. The key to avoiding burnout is maintaining our own personal wellness. At Cleveland Clinic, we try to make sure nurses are offered a variety of wellness programs. We offer yoga, reiki and information on stress and weight management and a variety of different things we're really proud to have in place here. We want to keep people resilient. We also empower our front-line caregivers. Nurses have a voice on shared governance counsels and are able to come up with their own shift rotations to help support one another.
I find balance in my personal life by making sure when I say yes to something I say no to something else. I'm also a runner. I participate in 5Ks and 10Ks. Balance is achieved by maintaining your own well-being. The job of the nurse is to be the ultimate caregiver. But we also want our nurses to take care of themselves.
Q: For seven years, you led nursing practice at Cleveland Clinic's renowned Heart and Vascular Institute. How does that experience continue to influence the work you do today?
KH: My greatest experience in leading nursing at the top heart clinic in the country was learning that, as a leader, you have to make sure that the team is better than you are I was surrounded by unique, diverse talent. I also learned the importance of relationship building and really becoming connected with those you serve. Respect isn't freely given, it's earned. At Cleveland Clinic, we are creating a shared vision of healthcare. As a leader of 20,000 nurses, I understand that having two-way communication with active listening is critical to delivering this vision. I'm really honored to lead this group.
Q: What is unique about the collaborative environment between nurses and physicians at Cleveland Clinic?
KH: These relationships are strong. Our shared vision and execution of good healthcare is the result of good relationships between our physicians and our nurses. I think having a collaborative environment increases autonomy for nurses as well. Our relationships are based on mutual respect and admiration. We are led by a physician and I sit on board of governors and board of directors. Any kind of committee or council we have, nurses have a voice. We've done a lot here internally to develop curriculum to facilitate intercommunication to get to that ultimate goal of providing premium care for patients.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you face as a CNO?
KH: Clearly the landscape of healthcare is changing. There are more and more demands and new technologies. At Cleveland Clinic, we want to ensure that we retain top talent at the bedside and in other roles. We want to ensure we have solid leadership at all levels of nursing. With the Affordable Care Act, we are seeing patients who haven't had care in years. This is a good thing, but also means these are high-acuity patients who require much more complex care and this can create challenges for front-line caregivers. I try to focus on how to better educate caregivers to provide the quality care our patients need.
Q: What inspires you?
KH: The work I do. I've been a proud clinic nurse now for more than 20 years. The ability of the profession of nursing to transform healthcare inspires me. I think about the 2010 IOM [Institute of Medicine] report on the future of nursing and how it's opened a new door of possibilities for nurses across the country. When I look at what our nurses have been able to do on the topics that are posed in that report, well, we are making them a reality. That inspires me.
Being kind, compassionate and supportive are important traits for a CEO, as the job entails working with tens to potentially thousands of people. But sometimes, a leader's desire to be nice can get in the way of his or her responsibilities as the head of an organization, and can even lead to dysfunction, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Analysis of 2,600 leadership assessments of candidates for C-suite positions found that boards often overweigh amicability in their hiring decisions, according to the report. But being an effective leader is about more than playing nice with others. The same analysis found that although being amicable is positively correlated with being hired as a CEO, executives with a strong degree of decisiveness are 12 times more likely to deliver a strong performance. However, it should be noted these two characteristics are not mutually exclusive.
CEOs who are "too nice" threaten to lower an organization's performance in three main ways, according to the report.
1. They set too many priorities. CEOs who struggle to say "no" because they are trying to be nice often stretch their teams too thin across too many priorities. While members may initially be encouraged and excited about being included on so many important projects, over time, productivity and results will suffer.
2. They keep low-performers on for too long. CEOs who are "too nice" often allow subpar performers to remain in the organization. These weak links drag the company's performance down and create a culture of mediocrity.
3. They are conflict averse. The hallmark trait of overly nice CEOs is conflict aversion. Often times these leaders confuse collaboration with agreeableness, and avoid delivering tough feedback out of fear of hurting the morale of team members and damaging relationships with them.
With a leader who is "too nice," the solution is not to cut out empathy or kindness. Rather, the answer lies in clarifying priorities; establishing a culture of collaboration that is not consensus-driven; and embracing the sharing of conflicting ideas and honest feedback.
Many consumers are actively searching for ways to take a proactive role in their healthcare. Direct-to-consumer lab tests, which provide at-home tests for hormones and biomarkers such as vitamin levels, cholesterol and inflammation empower patients to identify potential health issues before they progress. But they also remove a traditionally integral factor to healthcare tests: the physicians.
One company that provides such services is InsideTracker, according to The New York Times. This particular company also offers customers the option to send nurses to their homes and draw blood. While the convenience of DTC lab tests may be a plus for consumers, critics worry they lack proper medical oversight and convince healthy people they have medical issues, which could lead to unnecessary tests and treatments, according to the report.
Despite these concerns, the market for DTC lab tests has expanded substantially. In 2015, the market was valued at $131 million, up from $15 million in 2010, according to Kalorama Information data cited by The New York Times.
InsideTracker and another leading DTC lab test company, WellnessFX, said they work with physicians who review all test results, unlike DirectLabs and LabCorp, which were accused of violating a New York state law that requires lab tests to be carried out at the request of licensed medical practitioners, according to the report.
WellnessFX sells packages that range in price from $78 to $988 for analysis of 25 to 88 blood biomarkers, including vitamins, lipids, cardiovascular markers and thyroid and reproductive hormones. The company will then give customers recommendations for supplements, food and exercise based on their results.
However, some physicians, who are virtually left out of the equation in such services, say there is no evidence that this type of monitoring yields meaningful improvements in people's health. The one-on-one, individualized care physicians provide patients can't be replicated in an at-home, do-it-yourself setting.
Pieter Cohen, MD, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and an internist at Cambridge Health Alliance, said his principal concern with DTC blood tests was that they screened for too many biomarkers and set seemingly arbitrary ranges for what is considered normal. Then they give less than novel advice.
"The best-case scenario here is you lose your money and then you're reminded to get more sleep and to eat more fruits, vegetables and fish," Dr. Cohen said, according to the report. "The worst-case scenario is that you end up getting alarmed by supposedly abnormal results that are actually completely normal for you."
AmSurg and Envision Healthcare Holdings are reportedly in talks about a potential merger, and the companies may reach a deal by as early as next week, people familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal.
The transaction would create a company valued at more than $9 billion, according to the article.
Nashville, Tenn.-based AmSurg provides physician outsourcing services to hospitals and healthcare organizations and operates more than 200 ambulatory surgical centers. Denver-based Envision provides outsourcing and medical transportation services.
Last year, AmSurg proposed a $5.3 billion merger with Knoxville, Tenn.-based TeamHealth Holdings, another physician outsourcing group. AmSurg withdrew the proposal after TeamHealth said the unsolicited offer was too low.
More articles on transactions and valuations:
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As many as 4,800 nurses at Minneapolis-based Allina Health plan to strike for one week, beginning at 7 a.m. June 19, according to a Star Tribune report.
The nurses are striking amid a contract dispute over health benefits. Allina Health seeks to eliminate union-backed health insurance and move the nurses to plans that other health system employees receive. However, the nurses rejected that offer June 7, and authorized strike planning.
Allina Health argues the union-backed health plans, which include higher premiums but low or no deductibles, do not provide nurses much incentive to use the most economical forms of medicine, such as urgent care over the emergency room and generic drugs over brand-name medications, according to the report. The health system anticipates it would save $10 million by eliminating the union-backed health plans.
The Minnesota Nurses Association, which represents Allina Health nurses, contend that the union-backed health plans provide nurses with important protection, according to the report. Nurses also told the Star Tribune they didn't want to give up their current health benefits without Allina Health making concessions in other areas.
The strike is scheduled to occur at five Allina Health locations Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis, United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minn., and Unity Hospital in Fridley, Minn.
Allina Health sent a statement to the Star Tribune earlier this week, indicating that the health system is prepared to use replacement nurses during a strike.
"We have hired an agency and have carefully reviewed the qualifications and licensing requirements of each of the nurses they have recruited to help ensure we can continue meeting patient care needs in the event of a strike," Allina Health said, according to the report. "At this time, we anticipate that most of our hospitals will be operating normally."
The report notes that a walkout later this month would be the first in the Twin Cities since 2010, when the union staged a one-day strike at 14 hospitals.
More articles on workforce and labor management:
Hospitals and unions: 11 recent conflicts, agreements
Massachusetts nurses union: Steward Holy Family Hospital refuses to bargain new contract
Indiana Regional Medical Center nurses to picket
A New Jersey appeals court has upheld state regulators decision to allow Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's OMNIA tiered plans, reports NJ.com.
In September, the state Department of Banking and Insurance signed off on Horizon's tiered plan, which offers members greater discounts for choosing to undergo healthcare services at preferred tier 1 hospitals.
Lawyers representing 17 hospitals relegated to Horizon's tier 2 category challenged the department's decision, alleging state regulators failed to determine whether the plan would allow for reasonable patient access to lower cost hospitals. The hospitals also argued their tier 2 status harmed their facility's reputation and business.
The appeals court confirmed Tuesday the state insurance department conducted an "exhaustive and deliberate" investigation into plaintiffs' allegations and did its job to ensure the top tier included an adequate number of hospitals with certain specialties, according to a ruling obtained by NJ.com.
Appellate Judge Michael Haas said the state was not legally required to consider OMNIA's impact on hospitals' business or reputations. "There is also no requirement...that a carrier publicly disclose the criteria it used to evaluate the hospitals for inclusion in, or exclusion from, a particular tier," Mr. Haas added.
While spokespersons from Horizon expressed agreement with the court's decision, a former Department of Banking and Insurance commissioner said "legal issues surrounding Horizon's controversial OMNIA plan are far from resolved," according to the report.
An employee at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx Hospital was found dead in the hospital Tuesday.
The 48-year-old man was found deceased at about 10:00 a.m. Police sources told New York Daily News that the employee may have died of a heart attack, and no foul play is suspected.
A colleague reportedly discovered the body in a remote area of the hospital, and it appeared that the man had partly disrobed and may have been watching pornography on a computer when he died, according to the report.
NYC Health + Hospitals told Becker's Hospital Review on Thursday that the system is cooperating with local authorities regarding the worker's death. "Our thoughts are with the family and staff during this difficult time," the system said.
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Shuttered California hospital files for bankruptcy
Miami-Dade commissioners take swift action to let Jackson Health build cash reserves
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce responded favorably Wednesday to an almost unanimously passed annulment of the state's Health Insurance Claims Assessment.
The 0.75 percent HICA tax on paid healthcare claims was created in 2011 to increase federal funding for Michigan's Medicaid program. Instead, the tax added $1 billion to the cost of health insurance for both individuals and businesses.
"Five years later, we can safely say the HICA Tax has been a failed exercise, as it not only disincentives the purchase of health insurance but also has been proven to be an unstable and inadequate revenue source for the state," said the state's Director of Health Policy & Human Resources Wendy Block.
The state senate has introduced legislation to help ensure the repeal of the HICA tax doesn't have a negative impact on the state's budget. The new bills would reconstruct the use tax on Medicaid managed care organizations and bring the tax into compliance with federal law.
Under the legislation, the HICA rate would drop to 0 percent on Jan. 1, 2017, and be eradicated by Dec. 31, 2018.
Hospitals that have a policy to follow if or when a "never event" occurs demonstrate both accountability to their patients and dedication to continuous improvement. Unfortunately, one in five hospitals has not adopted such a policy, according to a new report from The Leapfrog Group and Castlight Health.
To meet Leapfrog's standard for an adequate never events policy, the policy must require the hospital to:
Apologize to the patient and/or family
Report the incident to an outside agency within 10 days
Perform a root-cause analysis
Waive costs related to the never event
Make a policy available to patients, family members and payers upon request
Leapfrog added questions about organizations' never event policies to its Hospital Survey in 2007. Highlighted below are five survey results pertinent to never event policies, as gathered from the 2015 survey.
1. Never event policy adoption increased from 53 percent in 2007, when Leapfrog added "Never Events Management" to its hospital survey, to 79 percent in 2012. Since 2012, however, progress has basically stalled.
2. In 2015, 80 percent of the hospitals met Leapfrog's standard for a never event policy. Although that represents a majority of the hospitals surveyed, that still means 20 percent have failed to adopt an adequate policy.
3. Never event policy adoption varies from state to state. For instance, 100 percent of the reporting hospitals in Maine, Massachusetts and Washington met Leapfrog's standard.
4. Eight states California, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Utah had at least 90 percent of hospitals meeting the standard.
5. In seven states, fewer than 60 percent of hospitals met the standard and, in Arizona, only 10 percent of reporting hospitals had an adequate policy.
"Never events are egregious and they truly should never happen, but at the very least if they do happen, we expect hospitals to take the most humane and ethical approach," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of Leapfrog. "Unfortunately, many hospitals still won't commit to doing the right thing, including apologizing to the patient or family and not charging for the event. We should see 100 percent of hospitals with the Leapfrog policy."
To read the full report on never events policy adoption, click here.
The vice chair of surgery at University of Louisville Hospital (Ky.) is bringing attention to what he says are "unsafe working conditions" and serious patient safety issues at the hospital since it turned over management to Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives' Louisville-based KentuckyOne Health.
The surgeon, J. David Richardson, MD, who is also president of the American College of Surgeons, voiced his concerns in an email to officials at the university, which was provided to the Courier-Journal. Nurse layoffs and the resigning of the hospital's president, Ken Marshall, has led to understaffing at night and in the intensive care unit, according to Dr. Richardson's June 7 email. This leads to backups and overcrowding in the hospital's emergency room and intensive care units, and has made it "virtually impossible" to perform research, according to the report.
"Quite simply, we need to determine if CHI is going to allow us to run as an academic center or not. If not, we should simply admit that we are going to be another community hospital similar to what they have in Iowa or Kansas and quit pretending that we can have major teaching activities here, be a trauma center, and provide care for very badly ill or injured patients," Dr. Richardson wrote. In an interview with the Courier-Journal he said he understated in the email how bad the situation is at the hospital.
KentuckyOne took over management of the hospital in late 2012, with the promise to funnel $1.4 billion into operations over the next two decades, starting with a $135 million investment in the first three to five years, according to the report. However, the health system hit a rough patch financially, and had to lay off 500 employees in 2014, according to the report.
The health system provided the Courier-Journal with the following statement: "ULH is an excellent hospital with a dedicated and talented team of professionals that is staffed to meet the patient's needs. Our focus has always been on quality, safety and patient experience."
A KentuckyOne spokesperson provided Becker's with the following emailed statement:
"KentuckyOne Health believes that ULH is safe and delivering quality care to this community. Together with CHI we are committed to the ongoing partnership and investment with U of L to advance the high quality patient care that continues at University of Louisville Hospital. We share the Universitys desire to ensure this partnership, collaboration and investment is directed to the critical needs of ULH, including ensuring nursing and support staff levels are sufficient to provide patients with the bedside care they need and deserve. ULH is an excellent hospital with a dedicated and talented team of professionals that is staffed to meet the patients needs. Our focus has always been on quality, safety and patient experience.
Our partnership consistently demonstrates results. The focus and investment on quality and safety is generating positive trends on key performance measures, particularly in comparison with other academic medical centers nationwide. In academic research, CHI recently supported the three-fold expansion of U of Ls cancer research biorepository which will aid U of L researchers and physicians. These actions, and many more, have demonstrated our commitment to U of L and ULH.
As a matter of privacy for all personnel, KentuckyOne Health cannot comment on the reason any given employee may resign, however it is important to correct there is no effort to make a $10 million cut in spending at ULH. We recognize Ken Marshalls extensive contributions to ULH and the community. Following Kens decision, U of L and KentuckyOne Health will now work together to identify a new leader who will build on Kens efforts in safety, quality, employee engagement, and innovation."
Editor's note: This story was updated at 3:00 p.m. CT to include the emailed statement from KentuckyOne.
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Liam Broadway and Sam Stuart students from Dominican College Portstewart with Mike Robinson and Roger Busby; Deloitte Digital and Simon Hamilton MLA, Finance Minster at The Digital DNA 2016 event in St Georges Market
Belfast's burgeoning tech scene is being fuelled by a hugely talented skills base and a "great ecosystem", a top speaker at this year's Digital DNA event has said.
Deloitte Digital's Mike Robinson, who is chief technology officer, said the company had grown its operation in Belfast to around 100 staff, with plans for yet more expansion.
He came back to his native city four years ago to launch the company's new office here. Deloitte Digital is a development agency which produced retail giant John Lewis' online sales platform.
"There is a whole world of talent outside of London. We looked at a number of options, such as Edinburgh and Manchester, even Portugal," Mr Robinson said.
"A big part of it was me. I wanted to move back to Belfast. We have a great relationship with Belfast, a great ecosystem, relationship with the universities, recruitment and the Press."
More than 1,000 tech experts and guests packed in to St George's Market in Belfast city centre on yet another scorching sunny day for the Digital DNA event, which is being sponsored by the Belfast Telegraph.
More than 65 speakers, 50 exhibitors and 18 workshops were packed in across five stages during yesterday's event, coming from a range of backgrounds such as fintech, data, security and marketing.
Mike Robinson said Deloitte Digital was made up of "creators, makers and fabricators".
"We build things...from understanding, to what a problem is, innovating, designing and product design through UX (user experience)."
And it was the Deloitte team in Belfast which was in part behind designing and building retail giant John Lewis' online platform.
"To build a commerce site like that is not easy...it's quite a complicated system," he said.
There are around 100 staff in Belfast working for Deloitte Digital. And that team is set to grow.
"Absolutely. We are a people business. We hire and we build great people."
Meanwhile, Armagh woman Sinead O'Sullivan, who has formerly worked for Nasa and is now with Harvard Business School, said that Northern Ireland is "becoming very important globally, and especially in Europe, because we have such talented people, and we have a great culture."
"People actively try to do business with Irish and Northern Irish people because we are so easy to work with," she said. "My message is that we need to leverage this more. We need to change our economy from being an education exporter and being able to retain them in Ireland."
Ms O'Sullivan works with innovation in the space sector, both public and private.
"In terms of strengths in Northern Ireland, it is very good at computer science and engineering and technology," she said. "We need to do more of that and try to increase the economy based around that."
Other speakers at Digital DNA included Peter Hughes, partner at Deloitte Digital Canada and Louise Phelan from PayPal.
Organiser Gareth Quinn said that he has long term hopes to grow the Digital DNA event 10-fold, with aims of attracting as many as 10,000 visitors down the line.
"We feel that we are in pole position (to make it Northern Ireland's top tech event).
"What this is about is getting international footfall here. Yes, most definitely Northern Ireland, but we genuinely believe this can be something huge."
Digital DNA is now in its fourth year.
Taxi app Uber is aiming to have drivers "in every town across the country", the firm's Northern Ireland boss has indicated.
Kieran Harte said there were more than 200 Uber drivers in Belfast alone, with around 30,000 users downloading the program since the firm launched in the city six months ago.
"Our target is really to have Ubers in every town across the country," Mr Harte told the Belfast Telegraph at the Digital DNA conference.
"We think we will expand organically outside of Belfast. We are doing quite a few trips to Lisburn and Bangor, so that would be an organic growth.
"We are seeing some exciting things in smaller US cities, and seeing some staff back in Australia, where I'm from. We are seeing seasonal pop-ups - cities that have a lot of population move to them in the summer are starting to have Uber arrive there when the people are there.
"We have exceeded our expectations in growing. We have pretty set growth paths."
While setting up in Londonderry could also be on the cards, Mr Harte cautioned: "Derry is probably a different story - it would need more of a launch and more focus.
"We think (that the city is big enough). The efficiency we are driving makes it more and more applicable."
Uber is also getting around a change in taxi laws that would have seen drivers forced to install printers in their cars, among other measures. The company's drivers are moving to what's known as a class C licence, which defines them as chauffeurs that have to be pre-booked but who do not have to display the traditional taxi sign.
"We are delighted that we found a way with the minister and with Driver and Vehicle Agency to continue our business here," Mr Harte said.
Louise Guido, chief of Mobile phone technology company ChangeCorp, also praised Northern Ireland's tech sector.
"(Belfast) is very innovative, and very willing to learn," she said. "What's cool about the city is that you have a young environment, you have a tech-savvy environment and also an environment that looks outward as well as inward.
"The main message is, mobile is just beginning - it's not even hitting its sweet spot.
"What I love about Belfast is, that you had the Troubles, but you are focused on how to build your business and you are using technology to do that.
"If I were running Belfast and I were advising the powers that be, I would make Belfast a mobile incubator.
"One of the challenges is being down the road from Dublin, which has cornered the market in terms of outsourcing and technology.
"Belfast is much more nimble. If you could find a spot that no one has really cornered, mobile incubator would be it."
Dismissing fears that a Brexit would negatively affect the tech sector, she added: "I see that (the impact in more tangible types of business, and more tangible types of technology.
"Mobile technology is border-less, and investment can happen anywhere."
US-based ChangeCorp builds mobile learning applications and currently works with a number of big-name clients, including Facebook.
Carla Lane was also well-known as an animal rights campaigner as well as an acclaimed dramatist
The stars of Carla Lane's hit comedies joined family and friends in paying tribute to the acclaimed writer at her funeral.
Shows such as Bread, The Liver Birds and Butterflies established Lane as one of the country's best-loved writers.
Much of her work focused on strong female characters ranging from frustrated housewives to working class matriarchs.
Among those attending the hour-long service at Liverpool Cathedral were Bread actors Jean Boht, Peter Howitt, Melanie Hill, and Nick Conway, together with Nerys Hughes who featured in The Liver Birds and Wendy Craig who starred in Butterflies.
Speaking outside the cathedral, several of those stars praised Lane's writing skills which they said had transformed their lives.
Hughes, who played Sandra in the The Liver Birds, said: "She gave me the most wonderful scripts that you could hope for.
"Right through the seventies was such a joy doing The Liver Birds.
"She was one of those strong independent women who was also very gentle and caring. Quite a special lady."
Craig, who played Ria Parkinson in Butterflies, said her fondest memory of Lane was "working with her".
She said: "A wonderful person to work with, such fun. She gave me the best part of my life. It was a pleasure to have such a role. She understood how I acted and she wrote it that way and I am so grateful for her.
"She left such a great legacy."
Bread favourite Boht, who played Nellie Boswell, said Lane changed her life.
She said: "She had the greatest humanity and care when she wrote about real people, and made you love them. People related to her."
While Bread co-star Peter Howitt (Joey Boswell) said: "She was unique. She created a wonderful divide between tragedy and comedy, and between comedy and drama. She bridged that line very well and you didn't know whether to laugh or cry and you ended up doing both."
A nod was given to Lane's passion for animal rights as four dogs from the Carla Lane Animals In Need centre lined up outside the cathedral as the funeral cortege arrived carrying Lane's wicker coffin.
Cody, a cross mastiff Staffordshire bull terrier, Shih Tzu Meena, pug Lola and Buddy the beagle all wore special sashes, along with staff from the Melling-based centre, in tribute to Lane.
Lane had transformed her former home at Broadhurst Manor in West Sussex into a sanctuary for a variety of creatures - looking after rescued farm animals, homeless cats and dogs and injured wildlife.
Lane received an OBE for services to writing in 1989 but returned it to Tony Blair in 2002 in disgust at animal cruelty.
A warm tribute was delivered to the congregation by Lane's former daughter-in-law, Dr Martine Anne Fleming.
Born Romana Barrack, Dr Fleming said the daughter of merchant seaman Vincent and Ivy and her much-loved sister and brother, Marla and Ray, grew up happily in the family's flat in Liverpool and loved each other.
She said that Lane often joked that she only moved out to get married because her mother would not let her have a dog.
She said: "It was the first of many thousands of animals that she would go on to save, nurture and treasure."
Lane had a love for her home city and drew much of her inspiration from its spirit and its people, mourners heard.
Dr Fleming said: "Without her beloved Liverpool there would be no Carla Lane. Liverpool was part of her and she was part of it. Like sandstone to this cathedral.
"Her material was within her and all around her in the foibles, idiosyncrasies, the accents, the colourful language and the incorrigible humour of Scousers.
"The adversities of everyday life she weaved into the balm of comedy. Her gift was in transcribing the dialogue she would hear in the everyday life of everyday people into hilarious yet poignant situations.
"She described herself paradoxically as a miserable person with a sense of humour who wrote situation tragedies about marriage, infidelity and separation, with wafer-thin distances between tragedy and comedy."
To laughter, she quipped: "In fact I reckon she is in here right now, willing something to go comically wrong."
She added that Lane's long association with the BBC ranged from the "youthful nonchalance" of The Liver Birds to the pathos of the series I Woke Up One Morning, which dealt with alcoholism.
Dr Fleming said Lane received many accolades over her lengthy career but was "rather scornful of such things" including when returning her OBE.
"Wealth and fame were never Carla's desires," she said. "She didn't buy fancy cars or designer clothes. She didn't smoke and she didn't drink. She preferred to shop in Kensington Market rather than Harvey Nichols."
Lane had her own inimitable style and was "no fashion victim" - to the extent she wore a black dress and shoes made out of dried vegetables for her granddaughter's wedding.
She was a committed vegetarian and lived on seeds and berries.
At the height of her success she was whisked to Hollywood and when dining was offered caviar, oysters and champagne but instead said: "No thank you. Can I have some beans on toast and a cup of tea?"
In another culinary experience she bought all the live lobsters from a restaurant's tank and released them into the sea.
Dr Fleming said: "But such non-conformity didn't stop Carla becoming one of the biggest names in comedy and certainly at the height of her powers the most important female writer in British television.
"Carla was a woman with a broad mind, a deep soul and a big generous heart. She spoke her mind, she was a free spirit who did not unquestionably follow conventions, did not simply accept other people's views no matter who they were.
"She was a woman who lived out what she believed in and she believed, above all, in protecting animals."
Her passion for animal welfare over-rode every other concern by the time she moved to Broadhurst Manor, the congregation of several hundred was told.
The grounds became a sanctuary for creatures as great as an abandoned shire horse to as small as a tiny wren with a broken wing.
She had been known to stay up all night to feed a guinea pig to keep it alive, fixing a caster to a three-legged tortoise and even suspending a flock of sick pigeons from the ceiling with elasticated bandages and force-feeding them all day until they got better.
Goats would roam the tennis courts, parrots would be in the kitchen and fishing was "banned" in the lakes of the manor.
She loved her hounds Igor, Maximus and Pagan, like children and they would escort her everywhere.
Dr Fleming said: "This place is full of people with similar stories. It is in such tales and in the timelessness of her work and in the love of her friends and family that she will always be remembered with great, great love and affection.
"And she came home to Liverpool, not to retire, but to return to writing about the city. That wouldn't happen because of the cruelty of age that even caught up with her in the end.
"But right up to the end she enjoyed a silly story and a cuddle from the dog and a laugh about the past, and weren't we lucky to know Carla Lane."
Lane, who died last week aged 87, leaves two sons, Nigel and Carl, who mourners were told she "adored".
A number of Lane's poems were read at the service - True Love read by Howitt, Me by Boht and Sons by Lane's son Carl Hollins.
Readings were given by Lane's granddaughter, Romana Hollins, and former Brookside actor Dean Sullivan.
The Butterflies theme song, Dolly Parton's Love Is Like a Butterfly, was performed during the service which was played out to the theme of The Liver Birds.
A private service of committal followed the ceremony.
Samuel L Jackson is worried that efforts to improve diversity in the wake of the Oscars controversy could have unintended consequences.
An all-white list of acting nominees at the 2016 Oscars caused uproar and a widespread debate about the lack of diversity in the film industry.
But Jackson, 67, told Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on ITV's This Morning: "I know there's going to be an interesting sort of backlash.
"Things will happen, and there will be films with people of colour that have directed them, and are acting in them, and all of a sudden you'll have to start thinking 'Well, did they do this because they had that controversy last year, or am I really worthy of this award? Are they doing this as some kind of token thing, or am I really worthy?'
"So you create a whole other set of circumstances that aren't necessary, and hopefully those films and those people will be worthy."
The African-American actor also responded to comments from actress and film-maker Jodie Foster.
In an interview with Variety at the Cannes Film Festival in May, she said: "This is the most risk-averse time that I can remember in movie history ... You're going to go with the guy that looks like you."
But Jackson objected: " No, not necessarily risk-averse. People tend to do things that are successful, so everybody makes a superhero movie, everybody tries to find a great animated film that will capture kids' imaginations and get them into the theatres."
He added: " I think there are more films and specifically television shows that deal with real-life issues, there are transgender people and gay people all over television, there are specifically more Asian, Hispanic and black people on television and behind the scenes creating and doing things.
"Jodie has a voice about that, but I see a lot more things happening, and a lot more women heroes, and a lot more interesting couples on television in terms of mixed race, especially for America you got there for a very long time. I see the exact opposite."
The actor, who stars in The Legend Of Tarzan, also criticised Foster for her latest movie, Money Monster, which she directed.
He said: "T here's a lot of stuff going on that she's just not part of. She did a pretty straightahead kind of film with George Clooney - come on!
"She didn't, like, go out and find some racially diverse people to put in her movie."
Jackson also vowed to reclaim his spot from Harrison Ford as the highest-grossing US actor.
In January, it was reported that Ford had overtaken Jackson - with the Indiana Jones star edging him out by a margin of around 70 million dollars (48.4 million).
Avengers star Jackson is confident he can move back into first position.
He said: "He's in that little thing, that little Star Wars movie.
"I got Tarzan coming out in July, I've got a Tim Burton movie coming out in September. He's done."
Jackson, who is chairman of the One For The Boys charity, also spoke out about cancer and why men can be reluctant to get checked.
He said: "We're taught not to talk about our pain and to suck it up and carry on, or tough it out and be a man."
On June 12, the charity will be holding its annual Fashion Ball at the V&A museum in London, which will feature a celebrity catwalk show.
Last year's models included actor Stanley Tucci, music star Alice Cooper, rugby player Chris Robshaw and supermodel David Gandy - and Jackson has his eye on Schofield to walk the catwalk at this year's event.
He told the TV presenter: "Hoping you might come, give us your slim body on the catwalk.
"You do have a model stroll, don't you? I've seen it."
Schofield responded: "I have to see what I can cancel in the diary."
When Nessa Gee Haynes was given the devastating news that she was losing her hearing she made the unusual decision to fulfil a dream of working in the audio medium of radio.
Now a popular presenter on the new Belfast 89FM station, she is an inspiration not just to people living with hearing loss but anyone facing a personal challenge or health issue.
Nessa is naturally outgoing, positive and fun and she brings all of these qualities to her Friday afternoon show of chat and classic tunes.
The 46-year-old has enjoyed a fascinating career in TV working as a programme developer and script writer with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Basil Brush and Cilla Black.
Originally from London, she moved to Northern Ireland seven years ago, initially on a two-year contract with a local TV Production Company, but fell in love with the province and decided to make it her home.
She lives close to Strangford Lough with her partner Rob Moore, whom she met on Twitter and who moved from his home in the south of England to be with her two years ago.
Belfast 89FM, the city's newest community radio station, launched in 2015 with the slogan 'Lovin' the 60s and 70s' and is targeted at the 55-plus age group. Its aim was to be "feisty and fun" and a station "that Baby Boomers can really call their own".
For Nessa the launch was perfect timing as she was coming to terms with the shattering news that she was losing her hearing: "I had just found out that I was going deaf and, ironically, wanted to give radio a go before it was too late. We all have a bucket list and things we want to try and for me it was radio, though admittedly, it probably does seem unusual to be going into an audio medium when I'm losing my hearing.
"I was lucky that the jobs were advertised and I applied and got one. I just love it, it is really good fun, and my show is a bit of talk, music and lots of silliness.
"The station is going really well and we are building our audience and it is lovely now to go into shops in the city and hear it playing in the background.
"It has this lovely family atmosphere and a real sense of 'can-do-ness'.
"What is really inspiring is that most people there are volunteering, so they are there because they want to be. They want to learn new skills as well as sharing the skills they have. They are passionate about it, and it is lovely to be part of that."
Nessa had no idea that she was losing her hearing until Rob, whose sister is deaf, recognised the signs.
He urged her to go to the doctor and after a number of tests, including an MRI scan. She was told that she had a rare genetic condition that meant losing her hearing had always been inevitable.
She was given hearing aids and it wasn't until she wore them for the first time that she realised the extent to which she could no longer hear.
Nessa says: "Basically, it is a type of hearing loss which few people get and usually only in old age; I've just got it younger. I have the hearing of a 70-year-old person.
"Wearing hearing aids is a bit like wearing a bra - when you take it off at the end of the day it feels so nice.
"The whole thing happened so slowly that I didn't even realise there were sounds I could no longer hear. I was told to wear the hearing aids for a couple of hours indoors at first, as it could be alarming, but when I put them on I could suddenly hear the bees and the birds and I hadn't realised that I had lost hearing these things. It was such a revelation and I couldn't take the aids out again that day.
"It is alarming to go into hospital and come out with a disability, but on one level it was a relief because I had been having trouble comprehending what people were saying. I thought I was just being a bit slow on the uptake but I realise now that it was because I couldn't hear what they were saying."
Nessa copes in work by keeping the volume up loud, and in her day-to-day life has found that most people are very understanding.
She also watches TV with subtitles, which she finds amusing: "That can be hilarious as sometimes they are so inaccurate.
"I can hear some of it and when the subtitles come up I think 'no they did not say that at all!'. You could make a really good comedy blog out of it."
In a varied and interesting career, Nessa was head of comedy development at Celador where she worked alongside renowned comedy producer Humphrey Barclay, whom she describes as her friend and mentor.
During a stellar career Humphrey had produced the Donald Sinden and Elaine Stritch sitcom Two's Company and at London Weekend Television had overseen series such as A Fine Romance, which starred Judi Dench and late husband Michael Williams, and it was he who inspired her to get involved in TV development.
She was working in public relations for London Weekend TV as assistant to the head of the Press office and writing for the in-house magazine when she was asked to interview Barclay.
She says: "I was so excited about getting the chance to meet him that I forgot to press record when I was doing the interview.
"And after meeting him I wanted to go into the world of comedy and developing programmes, and I ended up working with him.
"He was the man responsible for lots of wonderful programmes and the man who brought Monty Python to Broadway."
Nessa went on to develop a successful career in TV, working for several years on the hit police drama The Bill as an editor and writing the storylines before making the leap to children's TV script writing for the Basil Brush Show.
She says: "That was a surreal experience. The puppeteers are really interesting people. They really inherit the puppets and the man who did Basil Brush was by nature a quiet and shy person except for when he was doing Basil. He was so enigmatic as Basil that people used to talk to his hand.
"Basil called me Miss Ness and offered me Jelly Babies... I don't think he was flirting but you never know!"
Occasionally she was asked by the researchers on Blind Date to help the contestants to script their answers.
She had met Cilla Black while working for LWT and also got the chance to see the great woman in action on the set of Blind Date.
She says: "She loved her Champagne, which she called fizzy wine, and I know it is a cliche to say this but she really was the consummate professional.
"I once got the chance to sit in and watch her rehearse for Blind Date and she very politely told the floor manager what she wanted and she really orchestrated everything and knew exactly how she wanted things, and I was really impressed by her."
Nessa made the move to Northern Ireland seven years ago when offered a job in programme development with Kudos, who she worked with for two years.
When her contract was up she didn't want to leave Northern Ireland.
"I really loved it here and I felt very at home - I loved the people and the lifestyle and I just decided to stay and go freelance," she says.
"I do some script editing and I have done some Irish language stuff. I don't speak Irish but it gets me to work in beautiful Galway, which is a fabulous place as well.
"I had a look at what else I wanted to do in my life and I started to do some silver smithing and I bought a sewing machine even though I had never used one before.
"And, as I said, I always wanted to give radio a go, so when I was diagnosed I thought I had better do that before it is too late."
She shares her home with her partner of two years, who works in IT and who moved from England to live in Northern Ireland with her.
They met through Twitter and communicated via the social media site for a few years before finally meeting in person.
She says: "It was the early days of Twitter when everyone played hashtag games, before they became really annoying, and we started tweeting and chatted very occasionally for about four years before we decided to meet.
"We had a long distance relationship and then about two years ago Rob moved over to Northern Ireland." Nessa is enjoying her ideal life now - home is in picturesque Co Down and every Friday she does her dream job presenting on the radio.
She is also currently helping out with the marketing side of the Open House Festival in Bangor and genuinely loves Northern Ireland so much that she says it is a dream to be helping to promote it.
"Taxi drivers hear my accent and ask me why are you here?" she says. "I just say 'look around you, it's beautiful!'
"We have the most amazing beaches and views and we have Narnia here - the Mourne Mountains are outstanding. Plus there are so many lovely eateries and restaurants, it really is the most beautiful place.
"I especially love working with the Open House Festival as the ethos is regeneration and promoting tourism and particularly cultural tourism.
"Coming from London, I can appreciate how Northern Ireland has been understandably behind in tourism and is now catching up, and it is great to be part of that."
The UK would be "bonkers" to leave the EU, film maker Michael Moore said as he threw his support behind Jeremy Corbyn becoming Prime Minister.
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Moore, 62, in the UK promoting his latest film Where To Invade Next, called Britain "toxic" for considering to leave the EU and electing a Conservative government.
He said: "You're an island, your island is part of a greater world and to want to separate yourselves from that world, it seems a little bonkers to us, but it is your thing."
He added: "Don't you feel you still have something to offer Europe? Be the leaders you have been and are. Get more involved, not pick up our little toys and go home and sit on our little island.
"You saved Europe. Europe today is a large part because of you, the UK. You sacrificed and suffered in the '30s and '40s to save Europe. Why would you want to leave?"
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Moore, a longtime supporter of Democratic party presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, called last year's election of Mr Corbyn as Labour leader atonement for electing Tony Blair.
He said: "It's incredible. When I saw that the party here had elected Corbyn, 'I thought 'wow'. Talk about atonement for Blair.
"That's getting back to Labour in its roots."
Moore added that he wished the late left-wing Labour MP Tony Benn was "still around" to see the possible election of Mr Corbyn as Prime Minister in 2020.
The documentary maker, also called on Britons as the "masters" of satire to "bring down" Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump when he visits the UK later this month.
The controversial Mr Trump arrives in the UK on June 24 - the same day Britain will learn the result of the referendum on the EU.
Asked what he thought of the visit, Moore said: "You're actually going to let him in?"
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He then added: "I hope satire is what brings Donald Trump down, and you could do a little bit of that while he's here. Because aren't you guys the masters of this? The originators."
Where To Invade Next, which arrives in UK cinemas on Friday, argues for the United States to borrow social and political ideas from countries in Europe and North Africa.
In the film, Moore visits several countries including France and Portugal but not Britain.
He said: "It was a conscious and purposeful decision to not go to the UK, with all due respect. We didn't feel there was anything left to learn here, and you have given up on yourselves to such a degree."
The Home Office has written to Northern Ireland businesses close to the border warning that Brexit would damage long-standing travel agreements between the two jurisdictions.
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Vernon Coaker has seen a copy of the letter from the Home Office to Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade highlighting the dangers of leaving the EU. The Common Travel Area, an agreement between the UK and the Republic which pre-dates the European Union, allows citizens to travel freely over the border.
The Remain campaign says that the agreement would be put at risk, while the Leave campaign has insisted Brexit would not affect the rules.
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Coaker said: "Both the Chancellor and the Northern Ireland Office have spelt out the consequences for the border of leaving the EU. I have a copy of a letter to the Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade in which the Home Office also spells out the potential consequences for the Common Travel Area, given that an estimated 30,000 people cross the border every day.
"The letter states: If the UK left the EU these arrangements would be put at risk." Tory frontbencher Ben Wallace, a Northern Ireland minister, said: "The Common Travel Area existed before the European Union, but you are absolutely right.
"It is totally unclear what arrangements would exist after a Brexit. That is why the best solution is to remain in the European Union, so that we can take advantage of both the single market and the free travel of people, skills and trade that we enjoyed before membership."
Earlier this week George Osborne visited Warrenpoint Port in Co Down to outline his fears for the region if there was a vote to exit the European Union.
Meanwhile, farmers in the Republic have weighed into the Brexit debate by urging their friends and relatives in the UK to vote to remain in the EU.
Farm leaders in the Republic said the stakes were highest for their sector with food trade across the Irish Sea and into Northern Ireland worth 3.4bn a year. The Irish Farmers' Association said sales into the UK of half of Ireland's beef, 60% of the country's cheese, almost every mushroom and 273m of pork products are at risk from Brexit.
President Joe Healy said the sector would also face added costs from tariffs, quotas and border controls and the threat that Irish foods would be pushed off UK supermarket shelves if Britain strikes better trade deals with other countries.
Robert Wilson in Krapps Last Tape, performed at the Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival
The director of a major arts festival in Co Fermanagh that was axed over spending concerns was at the centre of controversy over a separate big-budget event, it has emerged.
Sean Doran was set to be one of the artistic directors of the fifth Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, which celebrates the life and works of playwright Samuel Beckett.
But a statement from Mr Doran and another artistic director, Liam Browne, that was posted on the event's website announced that it had been called off.
The statement explained that the cancellation was down to the loss of a "core funder" - the Arts Council for Northern Ireland.
A spokesman for the Arts Council said the festival's funding had been cut in half because of spending issues.
It has now emerged that Mr Doran, from Co Londonderry, was previously the director of the Perth International Arts Festival in Australia.
After his first year in the post, he was questioned about the impact of a budget blow-out under his leadership that led to a substantially reduced programme the following year.
In an interview with an Australian radio station, Mr Doran was told that his first festival would be remembered for its big-budget acts, including an 18-hour Chinese opera production.
But the interview also heard that under the Londonderry man's control, the event had lost $2.6m (1.8m).
Mr Doran, who was also artistic director of the Belfast Festival at Queen's University in 1997 and 1998, went on to take up the role of artistic director at the English National Opera (ENO) in 2003.
However, a report in the Guardian newspaper at the time claimed that his appointment was "dogged by a series of crises".
Mr Doran eventually stepped down just over two years later, apparently without giving notice to members of the company. The newspaper said his resignation followed rumours of clashes with the ENO's vice-chairman, Vernon Ellis.
The Derry man, who was previously described as "one of the most innovative and daring artistic directors working in the international arts world", has also been signed up for a Seamus Heaney festival.
The Happy Days festival has in the past attracted some top names to Co Fermanagh, including Frank Skinner, Adrian Dunbar, Miranda Richardson and Julianne Moore.
It won 300,000 in funding last year from the UK-based TS Eliot Trust, which was to be dispensed over three years.
In its statement, the Arts Council had said the Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival was ineligible for 2016/17 funding "because the organisation did not meet the conditions of the grant awarded the previous year".
"The festival organisers were unable to make their records of expenditure for the 2015/16 festival available, consequently just 50% of the award was paid," it added.
Mr Doran did not respond to requests for comment.
Paul Quinn was killed by the IRA years after the ceasefire
The families of people murdered by paramilitaries during the peace process have denounced the authors of a report into ongoing violence for failing to contact them.
The Belfast Telegraph has been told that the panel behind the report did not hold talks with the families of Kevin McGuigan, Paul Quinn or Robert McCartney, who were killed by the IRA years after its ceasefire.
Mr McCartney's sister Catherine said last night: "I am very disappointed that they didn't have the courtesy to ask us about our experience and opinion of ongoing paramilitary violence.
"Not to speak to the family of Kevin McGuigan is just unforgivable.
"Robert was murdered 11 years ago, but Kevin was killed only 10 months ago. The panel was set up as a result of his murder."
Sources said that Dolores McGuigan, whose husband Kevin was shot dead outside the family's home in the Short Strand area of east Belfast last August, had not been interviewed by the reporting body.
The Fresh Start agreement panel's report on the disbandment of paramilitary terrorist groupings was published on Tuesday.
It was drawn up by former Alliance Party leader Lord Alderdice, former Women's Coalition leader Monica McWilliams and solicitor John McBurney.
The panel indicated it had met with a range of individuals and organisations, including community and business representatives, academics, church leaders, government departments, the Probation Board, the Equality Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Children's and Victims' Commissioners.
However, Ms McCartney said: "In my view, the authors have concentrated largely on talking to professional peace processors.
"The raw, unadulterated voices of those at the coalface in communities is missing. They should be speaking to victims themselves - those who have personally borne the brunt of paramilitary brutality, not those anointed as their representatives.
"I see the whole exercise as the middle-classes talking to themselves, with a few working-class voices from the community sector who benefit from the peace dividend thrown in."
She described the 38-page report as "mainly meaningless waffle which could have been reduced to half a page had the jargon been omitted".
Ms McCartney also predicted it wouldn't make "an iota of difference" on the ground.
Breege Quinn, from south Armagh, whose son Paul was beaten to death by the IRA in a barn in Oram, Co Monaghan, in 2007 also attacked the report.
"I find it very hurtful that this panel didn't see fit to meet myself or my husband Stephen," she said.
"Victims are once again at the bottom of the pile - we don't matter.
"The report is nonsense anyway - it links ongoing paramilitary violence to poverty. Well, the people who ordered and carried out my son's murder have plenty of money and live in big houses.
"They didn't beat Paul to death because they were poor and marginalised - they did it to exercise power and control over the community."
The bereaved mother added that she was sickened that Sinn Fein had welcomed the report as "thorough and wide-ranging".
She also accused the republican party of "speaking out of both sides of their mouth again" and added: "Sinn Fein could secure justice for us in the morning if they wished.
"Instead, the party is protecting those who used iron bars and nail-studded cudgels to beat the life out of my son."
Victim Barney Greene was oldest man to die in Troubles at 87
O'Tooles Bar (The Heights) in the Co. Down village of Loughinisland. Six men were shot dead by two UVF gunmen, while they were watching the 1994 World Cup on television.
Heights Bar at Loughinisland in Co Down where six men were gunned down as they watched a World Cup football match in 1994
O'Tooles Bar (The Heights), in the quiet Co Down village of Loughinisland where UVF gunmen burst in opened fire, during a World Cup match on June 18, 1994.
Those murdered in the Loughinisland massacre were Barney Green, 87; Adrian Rogan, 34; Malcolm Jenkinson, 53; Daniel McCreanor, 59; Patrick O'Hare, 35; and Eamon Byrne, 39.
PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton described collusion in the 1994 Loughinisland murders as "totally unacceptable" and said those responsible should be held accountable.
The Police Ombudsman found collusion was a "significant feature" of the 1994 Loughinisland murders in a damning report published on Thursday.
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In response Chief Constable George Hamilton said: The Police Service of Northern Ireland fully supports the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
"It is an essential part of the mechanisms by which the PSNI can be held to account and as such, I accept his report and findings into the brutal attack carried out at the Heights Bar, Loughinisland, on 18 June, 1994.
In 2011, we accepted the findings of the previous PONI report into the murders and conducted a further review of the case as a result. We apologised to the families at that time and I offer my sincere apologies to them once again today, for both the investigative failings and that collusion was a significant feature of the Loughinisland murders.
This report makes uncomfortable reading, particularly in relation to the alleged actions of police officers at the time.
"The Ombudsman has stated that collusion was a feature of these murders in that there were both wilful and passive acts carried out by police officers."
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Mr Hamilton continued: "This is totally unacceptable and those responsible should be held accountable.
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"I want to reassure the families and the public that I have co-operated fully with the Ombudsman and I will continue to do so if he determines to take this further.
"It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment in detail, pending the outcome of any potential further criminal investigation by the Ombudsman on this matter.
These were appalling murders carried out by those with evil intent and I am very aware of the hurt and anger felt by the families of those killed and those injured.
"The PSNI remains firmly committed to apprehending those responsible for these murders and appeal to the community for information to allow us to do so."
Police officers at 2am in the Ardoyne Estate close to Jamaica Road after receiving reports that a man had been shot in the area. ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)
Police officers at 2am in the Ardoyne Estate close to Jamaica Road after receiving reports that a man had been shot in the area. ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)
Police officers at 2am in the Ardoyne Estate close to Jamaica Road after receiving reports that a man had been shot in the area. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)
Police at 2am in the Ardoyne Estate close to Jamaica Road after receiving reports that a man had been shot in the area (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)
A man has been dragged into an alley and shot twice in each foot in a paramilitary style attack in north Belfast.
It happened in the Jamaica Road area on Wednesday night.
It was reported that, shortly before 11pm, a 36-year-old man was walking along Jamaica Road in the direction of Ardoyne Road when he was confronted by three unknown males close to steps leading to Bonehill Park.
They dragged him into an alley and shot him twice in each foot. The man was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.
The three males were described as wearing dark clothing and had scarves covering their faces.
Detective Inspector Mary White said: I am appealing to anyone who may have been in this area and witnessed this incident, seen anything suspicious or have any other information about it to contact Detectives at Reactive and Organised Crime in Musgrave Police Station on 101.
"Alternatively if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The recent Northern Ireland Says No To Animal Cruelty protest in Belfast
Animal rights campaigners have reacted with fury after a man walked free from court despite allowing his pet dog to starve to death.
Jeffrey James Greer from Portglenone was given a conditional discharge at Ballymena court after pleading guilty to failing to ensure the welfare of his rottweiler cross
The dog, an eight-year-old called Bailey, was found dead at Greer's Hitonstown Road property in the Co Antrim town in November 2013.
This is the first significant animal cruelty case to come up since last month's Northern Ireland Says No To Animal Cruelty (NISNTAC) demonstration in Belfast - attended by UUP leader Mike Nesbitt - during which the campaign group called for stiffer sentences for animal abusers.
"In this case, the victim appears to have been subjected to torturous and agonising periods of starvation before being given one large meal which the body was not equipped to tolerate and the result was death," said NISNTAC spokesman Daniel Barclay.
"If you take on the commitment of an animal, you have a responsibility to ensure you have the correct knowledge and means to properly care for the animal.
"Another precious life has been ended through a conscious and deliberate choice, made every single day, not to adequately care for this dog."
Greer (46), was convicted last Thursday after pleading guilty to one charge of animal cruelty at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council confirmed that it had initially brought two charges against him under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 but said the first charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a rottweiler cross-type dog was dismissed.
Greer did plead guilty to failing to ensure the welfare of the dog, which was found dead during an investigation by the council's animal welfare department.
He was given an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay 274 costs to the council, while a previous interim disqualification order granted in October 2015 was revoked.
Mr Barclay called for tougher sentencing.
"The harrowing image of this dog paints a picture of neglect and suffering and we are very interested to hear on what grounds the charge of causing unnecessary suffering was dismissed," he said.
Mr Nesbitt said he supported NASNTAC's position.
"There should be zero tolerance of those who commit cruelty against animals in our society," the UUP chief (left) said.
"I promised the Northern Ireland Says No To Animal Cruelty rally that I would request a meeting with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Barra McGrory, given his new power to refer sentences considered to be unduly lenient to the Court of Appeal, and I am pressing for this meeting to take place."
A spokeswoman for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said they were "disappointed with the outcome of this case".
The Belfast Telegraph called at Mr Greer's Co Antrim home yesterday and spoke to a man who is understood to be the defendant's father.
The man, who appeared to be in his late 60s, said that Mr Greer did not plead guilty to animal cruelty, adding: "Sure he got off."
The Republic's finance chiefs are willing to open their books to the UK fraud squad over allegations of multimillion-pound fixer fees for a record property deal in Northern Ireland.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny gave the commitment amid renewed demands for a judge-led probe into the 1.2bn sale of a loan portfolio by Nama, Ireland's bad bank, in 2014.
The deal has been dogged by controversy since 7m was discovered in an Isle of Man bank account. The National Crime Agency is probing allegations that the money was for fixers of the supposed secret auction of the Project Eagle portfolio.
Mr Kenny denied any wrongdoing at Nama's end and said: "Nama continues to cooperate in relation to investigations."
Two men were arrested in Co Down last week as part of the fraud squad inquiry and subsequently released on bail.
The 7m was paid into an account controlled by a former managing partner of Belfast-based law firm Tughans, who resigned after the money was unearthed. The company insisted it was not aware of the transfer.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said some of the allegations around the deal were shocking and demanded a judicial inquiry.
"It is still unclear why the Minister (for Finance Michael Noonan) did not to exercise his general powers of direction over Nama to suspend the sales process until these matters were fully investigated," he added.
Mr Adams told the Dail a member of Nama's Northern Ireland advisory board offered to disclose details on the value of the Project Eagle loans to bidder and US investment house Pimco, but demanded a 15m fee.
He also claimed the adviser was charging for advice about Nama and that he had an unethical working relationship with a Nama officer to get information.
Mr Kenny said no allegations had been made against the agency, but Mr Adams replied: "Nama should be accountable. The Government should be transparent, open and accountable as well."
Other investigations are ongoing into Project Eagle, including one by the US Department of Justice's Securities and Exchange Commission.
Parliamentary inquiries have also been conducted in Stormont and Dublin.
All parties involved in the 1.2bn transaction have consistently and strenuously denied any suggestion of wrongdoing.
Former UVF leader and Loyalist icon Gusty Spence along with William Smith, Gary McMichael, David Irvine and David Adams announces the loyalist ceasefire in 1994
Smith and ex-IRA man Seanna Walsh meet on the Lanark Way peaceline in Belfast last year
William Plum Smith makes a point at the meeting where the loyalist ceasefire was announced in 1994
The former Red Hand Commando gunman who chaired the news conference at which loyalist paramilitaries announced their ceasefire nearly 22 years ago has died aged 62.
William 'Plum' Smith was hailed as a key figure in the drive to woo loyalists away from violence, and was also praised for the part he played in negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement.
Smith in recent years revealed how a chance meeting with the mother of a man he had tried to murder had a lasting impact on him.
He was arrested immediately after he and another terrorist shot and wounded a Catholic in a drive-by attack a week after Bloody Friday in July 1972. Smith's 18-year-old victim was hit 14 times but miraculously survived.
It was many years later in the 1990s that Smith came face-to-face with the man's mother, though he did not immediately know who she was.
He had been speaking at a meeting at which he was explaining why he was backing peace instead of war. Afterwards, a woman shook his hand and thanked him for his commitment to non-violence. It was another week before he was told who she was.
In an interview two years ago, Smith told me: "She was a lovely woman. She could have mentioned the shooting, but she didn't. I was humbled by her magnanimity, her forgiveness. Down the years her words made me even more determined to leave the past behind. She showed more courage than me, or any of us."
Smith also told me there was no strategy in the murder bid. "Loyalists believed if you were a Catholic, you were an IRA supporter," he said.
The former terrorist was jailed for 10 years and was the first loyalist prisoner to arrive in Long Kesh RAF base near Lisburn. Along with ex-UVF men Gusty Spence and David Ervine, he went on to renounce violence while admitting he did not see anything wrong with what he was doing at the time he did it.
"I thought I was fighting for Ulster," Smith said. "We were living in a warzone. They were killing us and we were killing them back. If I had been living in another country, I would never have seen the inside of a jail. I regret that anything happened here, which is why I fought for the peace process."
He earned his place in history on October 13, 1994, when he acted as the host of a news conference at Fernhill House in which Spence read the ceasefire statement.
The night before another journalist and I were invited by loyalists to go to offices on Woodvale Road to meet representatives to discuss what was going to happen the following day - "an unprecedented Press announcement", Spence called it.
Smith was there, and I arranged to meet him in the same offices 20 months ago to discuss his book Inside Man: Loyalists Of Long Kesh - The Untold Story, which lifted the lid on life behind bars during the 1970s.
The former terrorist, who never shed his nickname from The Beano comic character Little Plum, told me remarkable tales of how loyalists and republicans who would have happily killed each other on the outside agreed a no-conflict policy inside.
"They formed a camp council," he said. "They discussed problems related to us all, like visits, food and conditions, and eventually the council was recognised and the no-conflict policy was rubber-stamped, so no matter what happened outside, it didn't come inside."
Smith smiled as he remembered how he was taught Irish by republican prisoners, who also instructed him on how to make poitin for festive celebrations that only happened after Spence gave the go-ahead.
He also rejected the oft-repeated assertions that while studious republican prisoners were building up their knowledge, loyalists were building up their muscles or going on almost interminable marches.
He told me that he was planning a second book giving the inside track on the talks that paved the way for the Good Friday Agreement.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was among the politicians who paid tribute.
He tweeted: "I valued his commitment and contribution to peace."
Progressive Unionist politician Dr John Kyle, who like Smith was once chairman of the party, added: "He pushed the peace process forward as an important negotiator who helped bring the conflict to an end, but it all took a physical and an emotional toll on him."
Even so, Smith had a quirky sense of humour, and revelled in the story of how republicans cheered him and gave him and eight of his fellow loyalists a heroes' welcome as they arrived in Long Kesh for the first time.
"They thought we were IRA internees," he said.
Traders in the Spires Shopping Mall at Fisherwick Place in Belfast have accused the Presbyterian Church of "unChristian behaviour".
It follows revelations that they may have to leave because the Church - their landlord - is considering plans to totally revamp the ground floor of the building to make way for a new exhibition centre and offices.
A decision on the future use of the building is being taken this morning when the matter will be debated at the annual General Assembly in Church House.
One Spires trader told the Belfast Telegraph: "We feel very let down by the way in which the Church is handling this. It is supposed to be a Godly institution, but it is not behaving in a Godly way.
"We were informed of what is happening only a few days ago, and we fear that we will have to close down our businesses and leave."
After a year of deliberation, a Church task force is presenting the Assembly with three options - to do nothing, or to carry out a full and expensive refurbishment of the entire ground floor to provide additional conference facilities with a new retail unit, closing the existing retail units to make way for offices. A third option, which is backed by the task force, is to extensively refurbish the ground floor "but excluding the refurbishment of the retail units for office use".
It is not clear whether this option would mean the exclusion of the traders.
Either way, the traders remain extremely worried that they will have to move elsewhere.
The task force suggests that the space for retail units could be used as temporary storage for exhibitions or conferences.
It also argues that if the retail units were closed, the tricky question of Sunday trading in a Church property would not arise.
The report states that the mall has been losing money, and that "there is a window of opportunity" to bring it back into the "Church's own use".
It adds, however, that "it is not possible to close the mall without the Church having in place a scheme demonstrating how it intends to use the space".
The mall houses about a dozen traders, including fashion and artisan retailers, and a popular cafe.
It opened in 1992 as part of a major refurbishment of the Church House complex at a cost of nearly 7 million.
It still has an overdraft of 3.8m, which, according to Church estimates, will not be cleared until 2026.
The Assembly 'blue book' cautioned that the information in the task force report is "commercially sensitive and should be used with discretion".
A Presbyterian Church spokesman told the Belfast Telegraph: "We cannot comment until the matter has been dealt with by the General Assembly."
One of the victims betrayed by a trusted care worker who stole more than 11,000 from vulnerable pensioners to fund a lavish lifestyle of holidays, spa treatments and fine dining says the thief should never be allowed near old people again.
Danielle McDermott (25), whose address cannot be given because of a verifiable paramilitary threat against her partner, abused her position to steal from two elderly and frail pensioners in Londonderry.
McDermott admitted the thefts which took place at the two women's homes over a period of nine months between August 2013 and May 2014.
One of her victims, Dinah Porter from Creggan, is a softly-spoken woman of 89 who lives with her husband David (90).
Following a bad fall in 2013, Mrs Porter was hospitalised for a lengthy period and needed after-care when she came home, which was how she fell into the clutches of McDermott.
Rather than caring for her elderly patient, McDermott took every opportunity that presented itself to search the couple's bungalow and steal money from Mrs Porter's purse.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Mrs Porter said whatever sentence befalls McDermott, she only has herself to blame.
"I don't understand how anyone could steal from someone else. I couldn't do it because it is wrong but she was able to and I don't think it bothered her, Mrs Porter said. "She wasn't coming here very long when I started to feel uneasy about her.
"I wondered about her because she was always very interested in taking me shopping and she was only supposed to help me here in the house after I came back from the hospital. She was a lovely-looking girl and very interested in make-up and style but that's the way when you are young, but I wondered why she was always asking me about going shopping.
"I told her I didn't want to go to the shops with her because I was uneasy and my family could take me. Then we noticed my money was going missing.
"We searched everywhere but then my daughter Laura set a trap because we thought it was her but couldn't prove it.
"Laura put her mobile phone in my room where it couldn't be seen and sure enough we saw her bending down and taking the money from my purse.
"She used to bring me breakfast which she didn't need to do but she would tell me to come out to the kitchen and get it.
"We know now that was to get me out of the bedroom so she could be there on her own.
"It is a terrible thing that has happened. It has upset me and I will be glad when it is over. We didn't have a whole lot of money, just our pensions, but I don't drink or smoke so it was enough for us.
"I don't know what is going to happen to her now but she brought it on herself and has no one else to blame and she should never be allowed near old people again.
"She can't be trusted.
"I have other ones that come here now instead. They come in pairs now and I like them a lot. They couldn't do enough for me."
In addition to the theft of Mrs Porter's money, McDermott also admitted stealing from a 75-year-old woman suffering the onset of dementia.
This victim had her bank account reduced from 11,195 to just 474 between August 2013 and April 2014 when McDermott was her carer.
The woman's debit card was seized by the police and her bank statements showed a constant series of withdrawals from her account.
McDermott will be sentenced at Londonderry Court today.
The Government website to register to vote in the EU referendum hit technical problems just before the deadline
Boris Johnson lined up with five female politicians in a live TV debate on the referendum
Boris Johnson has come under fierce attack from a Conservative colleague for putting himself at the head of the Leave campaign in order to further his ambition to be the next prime minister.
In the latest setpiece television debate on ITV1, Energy Secretary Amber Rudd launched a series of attacks on the former London mayor of accusing him of peddling "misinformation".
In heated exchanges, Mr Johnson argued that a vote to leave the EU would enable Britain to take back 10 billion a year which could help ease the pressures on the NHS caused by "uncontrolled immigration".
Right from the outset, Ms Amber - who was arguing for Remain alongside Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Labour's Angela Eagle - was determined to take the offensive accusing the Leave campaign of talking "nonsense".
In the opening clash on immigration numbers, she turned on Mr Johnson, saying: "I fear that the only number that Boris is interested in is the one that says No 10."
Mr Johnson retorted that he was backing Leave because David Cameron had failed to secure the changes which would have enabled him to meet his commitment to cut net migration to below 100,000 in his EU re-negotiation.
"That did not happen in the re-negotiation. We didn't get anything of the kind," he said. " There has got to be democratic consent for the scale of the flows that we are seeing." he said.
Mr Johnson came under attack again over Vote Leave's controversial campaign claim - emblazoned across his battle bus - that withdrawal from the EU would release 350 million-a-week which the UK sends to Brussels.
Ms Sturgeon declared: "It is a scandal that is still emblazoned across the campaign bus because it's an absolute whopper."
Ms Rudd added: "What is so misleading about this is the fact that being in the European Union makes us money.
"We're going to repaint that bus and put a leprechaun on one end, a great big rainbow on one side and a pot of gold at the end. Because that's all it is - pure fantasy."
Ms Rudd and Mr Johnson clashed again after he claimed that Britain could be drawn into further eurozone bailouts, even it is not a member of the single currency bloc.
"We have no protection at all, as part of the EU from paying into this," he said. "They will take us further and further into a united states of Europe."
Ms Rudd accused him of "misleading the public" by ignoring the exemptions secured by Mr Cameron in his re-negotiation.
"We have vetoes, we can use them. Don't undermine this country's position," she told him.
She also hit out at her Conservative Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom - who was arguing for Leave alongside Mr Johnson and Labour MP Gislea Stuart - after she cited a former head of Interpol who said EU membership was like "hanging out a sign welcoming terrorists to Europe".
"We in the UK are not even in control of our borders. We cannot ask people if they have a criminal record," Ms Leadsom said.
Ms Rudd retorted: "This is what I call scaremongering when people talk about immigration in that tone. It is completely unacceptable."
The bitter exchanges underline the difficulties Mr Cameron - who has said he wanted to avoid such "blue-on-blue" attacks - will face in bringing his deeply divided party together after June 23.
In her closing statement, Ms Rudd took another shot at Mr Johnson, saying: "He is the life and soul of the party but he is not the man you want driving you home at the end of evening."
Mr Johnson however used his statement to present the referendum as a contest between hope and fear.
"They say that we can't do it on our own, they say that we can't leave the EU. We say that we can. We say that we're a great country. We say that we can take back control," he said.
Ms Eagle appealed to Labour supporters not to use the referendum to give the Conservatives a "bloody nose".
"I have fought the Tories all my life but this not a referendum on the Government. It is about the future of our country and the Labour Party believes passionately that our future lies in Europe," she said.
An Albanian double murderer has been arrested on suspicion of rape while he has been on the run in the UK for 18 years, a court has been told.
Avni Metra, 53, speaking through an interpreter at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, refused to be extradited to Albania where he is wanted in connection with two murders and possession of firearms dating back to 1996.
His lawyer Helen Dawson told the court that he would be fighting the case on human rights grounds, arguing that he fears persecution and that he is now a family man who has "made a life here for the past 18 years" and has a "very close bond" with his four children.
Prosecutor Janine Hopkins said that Metra, who was arrested on Wednesday by the Metropolitan Police after a tip-off from the Daily Mail, is "on bail for rape, he has not been charged".
Ms Dawson later responded: "It has become apparent to me that there may be further grounds for him to remain in the UK on the grounds that he is facing a rape charge. I am instructed that he is not aware that he was on bail."
District Judge Sheila Bayane said: "That is worrying because he has conditions attached to his bail and it speaks volumes about his attitude to bail if that is the case."
The prosecution said that Metra had been wanted after failing to surrender to the Albanian authorities.
He was convicted in Albania in his absence.
The extradition request, which notes his right to a retrial, was submitted in 2008 but "has not been able to be actioned", Ms Hopkins said.
Metra has been using an alias since arriving in Britain while claiming to be a Kosovan, Ms Dawson said.
Metra, who has been working as a labourer, has been living in Borehamwood for the last six years and before that he lived in and around London.
Ms Dawson said Metra fears persecution and will fight the extradition attempt because of his "concerns" about his political affiliations along with the political situation.
She said he would be arguing against extradition on human rights grounds, claiming that he has a right to freedom of expression and to a family life.
The judge ordered Metra to next appear in custody at the same court on June 16 and for a preliminary hearing.
The extradition hearing was set for August 11.
She told Metra: "The allegations you face in Albania could not be more serious - two counts of murder and possession of firearms, on the face of it you are a fugitive from justice in Albania.
"You have been living in this country for many years and I have not heard a satisfactory explanation as to why that should be."
She also noted he had been arrested for alleged offences in the UK.
MPs are to vote on Thursday on a 48-hour extension to the deadline to register for the EU referendum, which is expected to allow tens of thousands more people to vote in the June 23 poll.
The emergency legislation came after the Government registration website crashed on Tuesday evening as almost a quarter of a million people tried to apply in the final hours before the midnight deadline.
Prime Minister David Cameron urged would-be voters to keep on submitting their details, saying he was working "urgently" to ensure they would be able to take part in the referendum.
But senior pro-Brexit Tory Bernard Jenkin, the chair of the Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, warned that the extension would be vulnerable to judicial review.
He told MPs that any attempt to rewrite the rules in a substantial way "would be complete madness and make this country look like an absolute shambles".
Campaigners for EU withdrawal were branded "a bunch of conspiracy theorists" by a Cabinet minister after the chief executive of Vote Leave accused the Government of using the deadline extension to try to "skew" the result of the EU referendum by extending the deadline.
In a message to supporters, Matthew Elliott said "we know the Government and their allies are trying to register as many likely Remain voters as possible", adding: "Don't let the Government skew the result of the referendum - make sure you and your friends are all registered today."
There was speculation that many of those blocked from joining the electoral roll by Tuesday's website meltdown may be younger voters, who polls suggest predominantly back EU membership.
But Downing Street said there was no way the Government could know the voting intentions of those applying to register.
Responding to Mr Elliott's comments, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: "Anyone who cares about British democracy, whichever side of the argument they are on, should support any attempts to get new voters registered to have their say in this referendum.
"Vote Leave's anger is a reflection of their paranoid, anti-democratic attitudes. They want to con the British people into voting to leave Europe on a derisory turnout. However much they talk about sovereignty, it is clear they have no respect for the democratic rights of the British people."
Following emergency discussions with the Electoral Commission and opposition parties, the Government plans to table a statutory instrument to amend the EU Referendum Conduct Regulations, reducing from five to three the number of working days before the poll that the electoral lists must be published.
This has the effect of extending the registration deadline to the end of Thursday, while preserving a separate five-day period for appeals against entries on the register. Mr Cameron's spokeswoman said ministers were confident this would be "legally watertight" against challenge.
Although the website was only down for two hours, it has been decided to extend the deadline by 48 hours in order to allow time for disappointed would-be voters to learn that they are being given a further chance to sign up, said Downing Street, which confirmed that the Vote Leave and Stronger In campaigns were not involved in the discussions.
Downing Street said 214,000 people were trying to use the www.gov.uk/register-to-vote website between 9pm and 10pm on Tuesday, but it was not known how many were prevented by the system overload from registering before the midnight deadline.
Measures have been taken to try to ensure that the system is robust enough to deal with further high volumes of applications over the course of Thursday, said the PM's spokeswoman. Interest in the referendum may spike once more that evening, when ITV broadcasts a live EU debate featuring Boris Johnson.
Leading Brexit campaigner Michael Gove warned that changes to the voting regulations would take the Government into "complex legal waters", but added: "In my heart is a desire to ensure that everyone possible can be given the vote."
Alex Robertson, director of communications at the Electoral Commission, said: "No-one should miss out on voting in this historic referendum because of the problem with the Government's registration website last night.
"We said this morning that legislation should be introduced to extend the registration deadline and we're pleased the Government will now be making this change.
"We are urging everyone who is not already registered to vote to take this last chance to do so before the end of Thursday."
Labour and Liberal Democrats have promised their support in rushing emergency legislation through Parliament.
But Lib Dem leader Tim Farron branded the situation a "shambles" and said some voters would inevitably have given up the effort to register because the Government had been "incredibly slow" to act.
Pro-Brexit Tory Sir Gerald Howarth said voters had only themselves to blame if they missed out after leaving registration to the last minute, telling MPs: "P eople have had months and months in which to register and ... if they left it to the last minute and all tried to register yesterday, that's their fault ...
"We should not change our regulations in the middle of a very important referendum campaign simply to suit those who haven't organised their personal affairs well enough to secure their registration in good time."
Backing the planned extension, Mr Gove added: "People will only have one chance to vote on whether they share free movement of people with Turkey, so the more people who register to vote on June 23, the better, and we welcome the extension of the registration deadline.
"It is particularly important given how few young people normally vote and I hope that this election will be different."
The extension will not apply to Northern Ireland as non-digital registration methods were used there.
Ellie Butler could have suffered her fatal head injuries in a fall while watching a Peppa Pig DVD, the defence at her father's Old Bailey trial has claimed
Children's television character Peppa Pig has been called in the defence of a man accused of murdering his six-year-old daughter.
Jurors in the Old Bailey trial of Ben Butler were shown a four-minute excerpt from the popular cartoon at the close of his case.
The 36-year-old is accused of causing Ellie Butler catastrophic head injuries in a violent rage while home alone with her and another child in October 2013.
But his lawyer, Icah Peart QC, has suggested the little girl may have cracked her skull as a result of an accidental fall while watching a Peppa Pig DVD.
In the extracts, "bossy" Peppa instructs her friends to "jump up and down" and exclaims "leapfrog everybody".
Jurors smiled as Peppa bounced around a pretend moon and went to a "pirate party".
Butler, from Sutton, south west London, denies murder and child cruelty. His partner Jennie Gray, also 36, has admitted perverting the course of justice in the wake of Ellie's death but denied child cruelty.
After viewing the video, prosecutor Ed Brown QC warned the jurors not to be swayed by "fanciful or speculative reasoning".
In his closing speech, he told them to use their "collective common sense and experience of life".
He said: "Juries do not and should not engage in fanciful or speculative reasoning or entertain fanciful suggestions. That is not the task of a jury."
He told the jurors to look at the medical evidence together with what was going on in the Butler household at the time.
Butler "dominated" the family with "self-centred control" and "a temper that could break at any moment", he said.
And Ellie's injuries were so "extreme" and "catastrophic" that they could not have been the result of an accidental fall in her bedroom, the prosecutor said.
He said the defence had tried to use to their advantage Ellie's previous injuries while in Butler's care.
But Mr Brown said: "They do nothing to detract from the extreme and acute injuries that killed that young girl."
A Belgian judge has ruled that two suspects in the November 13 Paris attacks can be extradited to France.
Belgian federal prosecutors said in a statement that the judge ruled European arrest warrants issued for Mohamed Abrini and Mohamed Bakkali by French judicial authorities are enforceable.
Bakkali, 29, is believed to have rented the Brussels apartment where suicide vests used in the attacks that killed 130 in Paris were assembled, and where fugitive suspect Salah Abdeslam hid out for a time before being captured by Belgian police.
The part Abrini, 31, is suspected of having played in the Paris carnage has always been unclear. French authorities put out a bulletin for his arrest soon after the November 13 attacks, when it emerged he had driven to Paris from Brussels with Abdeslam that week.
The French renewed the arrest bulletin for Abrini the day of the Brussels bombings, but he has not been named as one of the members of any of the three known teams of attackers at France's national stadium, the Bataclan concert hall, or the cafes and bars.
Before Thursday's hearing in the pretrial chamber of the Brussels Tribunal, Belgian prosecutors said they do not anticipate turning over Abrini to the French any time soon. They are still investigating him over the March 22 suicide bombings at Brussels Airport. He has acknowledged being the "man in the hat" filmed by security cameras there in the company of the two bombers.
A total of 32 victims died in the blasts at the airport and in a separate suicide attack soon afterwards in the Brussels subway.
The Brussels judge on Thursday ordered Abrini held in detention for another month in connection with the Brussels attacks, as well as five other suspects. Four other people arrested in Belgium for suspected links to the Paris attackers were also ordered kept in custody for an additional month.
"No additional information will be given regarding further proceedings," Belgian federal prosecutors said in their statement.
The Islamic State extremist group has claimed responsibility for the Paris and Brussels attacks. British officials have said Abrini is believed to have travelled to England last summer and met with Islamic radicals there, but have offered no further details.
Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi is suffering from a severe case aortic insufficiency and will undergo surgery to replace the valve next week, his doctor said.
The doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, said the 79-year-old billionaire businessman "risked dying," indicating a condition more severe than has been revealed by friends and family who have been visiting the former premier at Milan's San Raffaele clinic since he was admitted on Sunday.
Mr Berlusconi, who has had a pacemaker for years, called Dr Zangrillo on Sunday morning from Rome to report the ailment, and Dr Zangrillo said he advised him to return to Milan and go directly to the hospital from the airport.
"He obeyed me in part. He wanted to exercise his right to vote and he only came to us in the afternoon," the doctor said.
Dr Zangrillo said a team of doctors at the multi-disciplinary San Raffaele clinic ran a number of tests and diagnosed a severe case of aortic insufficiency, which involves a leaking of the aortic valve of the heart, causing blood to flow in the reverse direction.
He will undergo the four-hour surgery by the middle of next week to substitute the valve, after which he will be in intensive care for one or two days before a period of rehabilitation that will last about a month.
Dr Zangrillo said that after the rehabilitation, Mr Berlusconi would be "better than before," from the point of view of vitality.
He said Mr Berlusconi was being treated "like all other patients".
Mr Berlusconi no longer holds public office due to a 2013 tax fraud conviction but remains the head of his Forza Italia party and has been active in mayoral campaigns under way.
Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton speaks to supporters in the Brooklyn borough of New York (AP)
US Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders waves as he arrives on stage for the CNN Democratic Presidential Debate at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on April 14, 2016, in New York. AFP/Getty Images
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, left, gestures towards Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., at the start of a break during the CNN Democratic Presidential Primary Debate at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Thursday, April 14, 2016 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
George Clooney hosted two weekend fundraisers in California on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton has taken a swipe at her likely rival in the White House race, Donald Trump (AP)
With the Middle East in relentless turmoil this is no time for a novelty act novice like Donald Trump. But while we fear change, in that adolescent country across the Atlantic they crave it. Above: Hillary Clinton (file photo)
A girl watches Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speak at a rally at Hartnell College, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Salinas, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton reacts on stage at a United Food and Commercial Workers International Union hall, Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Buena Park, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Hillary Clinton is on the cusp of securing the Democrats' presidential nomination (AP)
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for more than three years
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange claims Google is directly engaged with Hillary Clintons election campaign. The editor-in-chief of the whistle blowing website has been living in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for more than three years
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange claims Google is working closely with Hillary Clintons presidential campaign to promote the Democratic presidential candidate.
Assange appeared via video link from the Ecuadorian embassy in London as part of the 'New Era of Journalism: Farewell to Mainstream international media' forum in Moscow.
He said: "Google is directly engaged with Hillary Clintons campaign" and claimed the technology giant used the US State Department on a "a quid pro quo" basis.
"Of course when she is in power she is a problem for freedom of speech. We know what she is going to do. And she made the chart for the destruction of Libya, she was involved in the process of taking the Libyan armoury and sending it to Syria."
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Assange reiterated his claims that Clinton is a "war hawk" that "seemingly" wants to start wars.
"What we have with Clinton is someone who is a hawk but who has the tools of legal interventionism, a rhetorical cover to start wars, and someone who seemingly wants to start them From WikiLeaks perspective Hillary Clinton is a problem in terms of war and peace."
Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at a rally in Los Angeles (AP) Donald Trump won the New Jersey primary on the final day of voting for Republicans (AP) Hillary Clinton speaks during the Founders Day Gala in Milwaukee (AP) NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 31: Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a rally at St. Mary's Park in the Bronx borough March 31, 2016 in New York City. Sanders and opponent Hillary Clinton are campaigning ahead of the April 5 primary in New York. (Photo by Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images) Getty Images WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in London Julian Assange speaking from the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy Julian Assange speaking from the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in London WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for more than three years Julian Assange, pictured here with Noam Chomsky, is confined to the Ecuadorian Embassy Police officers outside the Embassy of Ecuador, in Knightsbridge, central London, where Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is claiming asylum Julian Assange is seeking to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces sex allegations by two women Julian Assange has been confined to Ecuador's Embassy for almost three years / Facebook
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Whatsapp Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at a rally in Los Angeles (AP)
He also pointed out that former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is now heading the Pentagon innovation board.
"Google is heavily integrated with Washington power, at personal level and at business level. Google, which has increasing control over the distribution channels, is intensely allying itself with the US exceptionalism.
"It [Google] shows the will to use that at different levels. It will inevitably influence its audience."
The founder and editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks added: "Google is an intensely Washington, DC-aligned company. I see a Google exit from China It seems much more to do with Google's feeling that it is part of family America and that it is opposed to the Chinese."
Fortune reported last year that researchers had found that "Google search rankings could potentially decide the outcome of an election".
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"Through five experiments in two countries... biased rankings in search results can shift the opinions of undecided voters by 20% or more, sometimes even reaching as high as 80% in some demographic groups.
"If Google tweaks its algorithm to show more positive search results for a candidate, the researchers say, the searcher may form a more positive opinion of him or her."
Facebook 'squeezed'
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Assange also claimed that the US government can put pressure on social media site Facebook.
"The US apparatus can squeeze Facebook, Facebook squeezes your capital, you don't want to risk losing your capital so you start to adjust reportage as an individual, you start to adjust the things you say."
NSA '80 percent privatised'
During the video conference Assange said that the US National Security Agency is now '80 percent privatised'.
"There is a merger between the corporate organisations and state 80 percent of the National Security Agency budget is privatised. The NSA is the core of the US deep state There has been a smoothing out between the government and the corporations."
Assange has been staying at London's Ecuadorian embassy since August 2012.
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He is wanted for questioning in Sweden over a sex allegation, which he denies, but believes he will be extradited to the United States to be quizzed about the activities of WikiLeaks if he travels there.
In February a United Nations working group decided that he is being unlawfully detained. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said the Swedish and British authorities should end Assange's "deprivation of liberty" and respect his physical integrity and freedom of movement.
Melinda Taylor, part of Assange's legal team, said the UN report made clear that the WikiLeaks founder was neither a fugitive from justice, nor could he just walk out of the embassy.
She called it a "damning indictment" of the way Mr Assange has been treated.
Further reading
How might Google influence opinion?
Based on research by Dr. Robert Epstein & Ronald E. Robertson webpagefx.com examined how the tech giant might influence opinion through its search results. The findings are summarised in a series of graphics below.
The scene of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv in which two Palestinian gunmen opened fire and killed four people (AP)
Israel has imposed a series of sweeping restrictions on Palestinian movement and deployed hundreds of additional troops to the West Bank in response to a Tel Aviv attack that killed four Israelis.
The shooting, carried out by two West Bank Palestinians, targeted a crowded tourist and restaurant district in the heart of Tel Aviv and was among the deadliest and most brazen attacks in a nine-month wave of violence. The area is located across the street from the Israeli military's headquarters.
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to meet with his Security Cabinet to discuss further responses, the Israeli military announced that it was deploying two additional battalions to the West Bank "in accordance with situation assessments". The deployment, involving hundreds of troops, includes soldiers from infantry and special forces units.
Among the participants in the Security Cabinet meeting was Israel's new defence minister, Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of an ultranationalist party known for his hard-line views toward the Palestinians. Before the meeting, Lieberman visited the site of the shooting and had a cup of coffee in a local cafe.
"I do not intend to speak and detail the steps we intend to take, but I am sure that I have no intention to stop at words," he said.
Earlier on Thursday, defence officials suspended tens of thousands of special permits given to Palestinians to visit Israel during the current Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
COGAT, an Israeli defence body, said 83,000 permits for Palestinians in the West Bank to visit relatives in Israel had been frozen. Special Ramadan permits were also suspended for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to visit relatives in Israel, travel abroad and attend prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, COGAT said.
Israel considers the Ramadan permits a goodwill gesture toward Palestinians.
In addition, the military said it had frozen Israeli work permits for 204 of the attackers' relatives, and was preventing Palestinians from leaving and entering the West Bank village of Yatta, the attackers' home village. COGAT said entering or leaving will only be permitted for humanitarian and medical cases.
The military was also making preparations to demolish the family home of one of the attackers. Israel often responds to attacks by demolishing the homes of the assailants or their relatives - a tactic that is criticised by the Palestinians and human rights groups as collective punishment.
In Tel Aviv, extra police units were mobilised, mainly around the city's central bus station and train stations, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
The "Sarona" compound, the scene of Wednesday's shooting, quickly reopened.
In the attack, two Palestinians dressed in black suits opened fire at the Max Brenner restaurant in Sarona, killing four Israelis and wounding nine others.
Sarona, home to dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants, is one of Tel Aviv's most population destinations and is often crowded with visitors and soldiers in uniform taking a break from their duties at the nearby headquarters.
Police identified the victims as Michael Feige, 58, a sociologist and anthropologist at Ben-Gurion University, and Ido Ben Arieh, 42, a veteran of an elite army unit who was an executive at the Coca-Cola Co's Israel branch, his wife, who was injured in the attack, told Israeli media. Two other victims were identified as Ilana Naveh, 39, and Mila Misheiv, 32.
Police said the two gunmen in their twenties were members of the same family from the Palestinian village of Yatta, near the West Bank city of Hebron, which has been a flashpoint for violence in recent months. One gunman was injured and was being treated in an Israeli hospital. The other was apprehended by security.
Israeli security officials said the weapons were crudely improvised, indicating that a militant organisation was not involved. They said the attackers did not have special Ramadan permits allowing them to enter Israel, but that they had sneaked into Israel illegally to carry out the assault, according to initial assessments.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, welcomed the attack but did not claim responsibility. Hamas official Mushir al-Masri called the shootings a "heroic operation" and the group later issued an official statement promising the "Zionists" more "surprises" during Ramadan.
Islamic Jihad, another militant group, called the shooting a "natural response" to Israel's "brutal actions" against Palestinians. But it also did not claim responsibility for the attack.
Over the last eight months Palestinians have carried out dozens of attacks on civilians and security forces, mostly stabbings, shootings and car ramming assaults that have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans. About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most identified as attackers by Israel. The assaults were once near-daily incidents but they have become less frequent in recent weeks.
Most of the attacks have been in east Jerusalem or the West Bank, territories Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war and which the Palestinians want for their future state.
German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned Wednesday's attack.
"Murder and terror are completely without justification and cannot be used as an instrument of political disagreement," said Mr Steinmeier.
In an apparent attempt to ease tensions, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement condemning violence against civilians.
"The presidency has repeatedly emphasised that it stands against attacks on civilians, regardless of their sources or justifications," a statement said.
"Achieving just peace and creating a positive atmosphere is the way to ease tension and end violence," it said.
Israeli security forces, emergency personnel and civilians are seen at the site of a shooting attack in the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv on June 8, 2016. AFP/Getty Images
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement condemning violence against civilians following an attack on shoppers and diners in the Sarona precinct of Tel Aviv in Israel.
Two Palestinians opened fire near a popular open-air market on Wednesday night, killing four Israelis and wounding nine others, in one of the deadliest attacks in an eight-month wave of violence.
The shooting occurred at the Sarona market, a series of restored buildings transformed into a popular tourist spot filled with crowded shops and restaurants. The complex is across the street from Israel's military headquarters and is often filled with tourists and young soldiers in uniform.
A statement from Mahmoud Abbas's office said: "The presidency has repeatedly emphasised that it stands against attacks on civilians, regardless of their sources or justifications.
"Achieving just peace and creating a positive atmosphere is the way to ease tension and end violence."
Meanwhile Israel has suspended most special permits for Palestinians to visit the country during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and beefed up police patrols in Tel Aviv after two gunmen killed four Israelis in Tel Aviv.
COGAT, an Israeli defence body, said 83,000 permits for Palestinians in the West Bank to visit relatives in Israel during Ramadan had been frozen. Israel considers the Ramadan permits a goodwill gesture toward Palestinians.
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The Ramadan permits were also suspended for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including permits to visit relatives in Israel, travel abroad and attend prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, COGAT said.
"All permits for Ramadan, especially permits for family visits from Judea and Samaria to Israel, are frozen," COGAT said in a statement.
The military has also frozen Israeli work permits for 204 of the gunmen's relatives, and is preventing Palestinians from leaving and entering the West Bank village of Yatta, the attackers' home, except for humanitarian and medical cases.
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In Tel Aviv, extra police units have been mobilised, mainly around the city's central bus and train stations, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu met his defence minister and security leaders shortly after the attack and then travelled to the scene. He called the attack a "cold-blooded murder by despicable terrorists".
Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, welcomed the attack but did not claim responsibility for it. Hamas official Mushir al-Masri called the shootings a "heroic operation" and the group later issued an official statement promising the "Zionists" more "surprises" during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
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Channel 10 aired CCTV footage from inside a restaurant showing two men in suits shooting at diners as they run away from their tables. One of the attackers shoots a man on the ground and waves a knife before running out.
Shlomi Hajaj, director of the market, told the station that security guards at the entrance prevented the attackers from entering, "averting a bigger disaster" as it was packed with people.
Police said the two gunmen were members of the same family from Yatta, near the West Bank city of Hebron, which has been a flashpoint for violence in recent months.
Over the last eight months Palestinians have carried out dozens of attacks on civilians and security forces, mostly stabbings, shootings and car ramming assaults that have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans.
About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time. The majority of Palestinians were killed while carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities.
Two weeks ago Israels Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan halted the return of the bodies of dead Palestinians to their families.
The police officer died at a military hospital in the city of Diyarbakir, according to reports
A police officer wounded in a suicide car bombing in a town near Turkey's border with Syria has died in hospital, raising the death toll to six, Turkish media said.
Turkish authorities said the attack which targeted the police headquarters in Midyat, in Mardin province, was carried out by militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.
Two women police officers were among the dead.
Anadolu Agency said a third police officer, who was seriously wounded in the attack, died at a military hospital in the city of Diyarbakir on Thursday.
The PKK has targeted police and military personnel since July, when a fragile peace process between the rebels and the government collapsed.
The group is considered a terror organisation by Turkey and its allies.
Earlier on Tuesday, suspected Kurdish militants exploded a car bomb in Istanbul as a police bus was passing by, killing six police officers and five civilians.
Turkey's agriculture minister has since said the sale of fertilisers containing nitrate has been temporarily suspended throughout the country following the back-to-back car bombings.
Faruk Celik told state television on Thursday: "As of now, the sale of fertilisers containing nitrate that are used for explosives has been frozen in Turkey."
Turkey had already taken measures to control and track fertilisers sales but Mr Celik said those measures were insufficient.
Mr Celik said security officials have seized 64,000 tons of fertiliser from retailers.
An Israeli policewoman (R) interviews a witness at the site of a shooting attack at a shopping complex in the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv on June 8, 2016. AFP/Getty Images
Three Israelis have been killed after two Palestinian gunmen opened fire near a popular open-air market in central Tel Aviv.
The two men were detained after the incident at the Sarona market, which left at least five others injured, four of them critically.
Tel Aviv district police commander Moshe Edri added that one of the detained attackers was being treated for a gunshot wound.
Police had initially said there might be a third attacker, but this has now been ruled out.
Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital said four of the wounded Israelis are in a critical condition.
Meital Sassi told Channel 10 TV she was out with her family celebrating her son's birthday at the market when she heard shots and "immediately understood it was a terror attack".
"We ran like lighting with the baby and the stroller," she said. "I yelled at people who didn't understand what was happening to run."
The Ynet news website showed CCTV footage of civilians running into a nearby restaurant to take cover.
Shlomi Hajaj, director of the market, told Channel 10 that security guards at the entrance "prevented the attackers from entering the facility, averting a bigger disaster as the compound was packed with people."
Channel 10 cited witnesses as saying the two attackers were dressed in suits and ties and spent time in a nearby restaurant, sitting at the bar, before the attack.
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It showed footage of police forensic teams dressed in white suits examining items in restaurants at the scene.
Police said the two gunmen were members of the same family from the Palestinian village of Yatta, near the West Bank town of Hebron, which has been a flashpoint for violence in recent months.
Over the last eight months Palestinian attacks, mostly stabbings, have killed 31 Israelis and two Americans. About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most identified as attackers by Israel.
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Professor Henry Patterson of Ulster University was the author of a book entitled Irelands Violent Border. It was published in 2013 and explored the sectarian murder campaign carried out by the Provisional IRA in the border areas of Northern Ireland.
At the launch of the book Sir Kenneth Bloomfield a former head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, described that Provisional IRA campaign around that area as ethnic cleansing.
Patterson himself said: I wanted to write about the border, the problems of north-south security co-operation and the terrible price which border Protestant communities paid for it, because its a crucial, but largely ignored, story.
Its very common in literature on Northern Ireland and the Troubles to see it largely in terms of a dominant Protestant majority and a Catholic minority, but in the border areas it was the Protestants who were in the minority and who suffered for it.
It has been ignored in large part because it does not fit into the oppressive Protestants/oppressed Catholics dichotomy.
In his book Patterson gave the example of Douglas Deering, the last Protestant shopkeeper in Roslea, close to the border in Fermanagh.
He was a married man with three children and a devout Christian who attended a gospel hall across the border in Clones. His shop was bombed four times and then, eventually, he was shot dead in the premises on May 12, 1977.
Republican politicians and propagandists often claimed the targets for IRA violence were men and women who had served in the security forces, but Douglas Deering was not and never had been a member of the security forces. This was a sectarian murder and part of a wider republican strategy of ethnic cleansing.
This phrase appeared again in the Press a few days ago when veteran republican Colm Murphy (below) said that the Provisional IRA had intended to carry out a campaign of ethnic cleansing in south Armagh if there was any retaliation for the massacre of Protestant workmen at Kingsmills in 1976.
His use of the phrase ethnic cleansing became a headline and it led me back to Henry Pattersons book, which should be compulsory reading for every politician, every journalist, every commentator and, indeed, anyone with an interest in the legacy of the past.
There is much talk in the media and in the political world about the past and the legacy of the past, and Irish republicans have been assiduous in collating and circulating material to support their selective interpretation of that past.
That is why First Minister Arlene Foster, whose family suffered at the hands of the IRA, was so insistent that she would not allow Gerry Adams, or anyone else in Sinn Fein, to rewrite the past.
The United Nations has defined ethnic cleansing as a purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic, or religious, group from certain geographic areas. That is what happened along the border.
Patterson quoted the assessment of an Army officer of the effects of Provisional ethnic cleansing in a lecture given at a staff college in 1992: In Fermanagh and south Tyrone, there were 203 murders carried out between 1971 and 1989, of which 178 were carried out by republicans. Of these, only 14 have resulted in successful convictions.
It was in the 1990s that the term ethnic cleansing came into common usage, and that was the term which the officer used.
Any exploration of the past must take full account of what was undoubtedly a campaign of ethnic cleansing carried out by the Provisional IRA and directed against minority Protestant communities in border areas in Fermanagh, south Tyrone and south Armagh.
That sectarian campaign must not be forgotten and both deserves and demands the same level of scrutiny that has been given to many other aspects of the Troubles.
Between January 2014 and March 2015, for instance, there were 24 meetings between Google and government ministers including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne and his influential Cabinet colleague, Oliver Letwin
So great is the concern about the influence of Google on governments all over the world that a Google Transparency Project has been set up to discover what is going on. This is an important issue.
The OECD, an inter-government body, says that what it calls policy capture has consequences for business competition which is putting it mildly.
Policy capture describes a situation in which commercial interests so infiltrate governments that they can affect the design of measures that are relevant to their activities. That this becoming commonplace is one reason why trust in government is waning.
Now the Google Transparency Project has done some valuable analysis of Googles interactions with the American government and with European governments including our own. Unfortunately the projects origins are not as clear as they should be. An American tax-exempt body called the Campaign for Accountability runs the unit.
The Campaign for Accountability states that it uses research, litigation and aggressive communications to expose misconduct and malfeasance in public life. It notes that millions of Americans lives are negatively impacted by decisions made behind the doors of corporate boardrooms, government offices, and shadowy nonprofit groups.
It adds that advocacy groups do not always have the capacity or will to take on the opposition directly. We will hold those who act at the expense of the public good accountable for their actions.
All fine and dandy. However a visit to the web site of Campaign for Accountability does not reveal its sources of finance. It lists staff members, but shows no major figure associated with its work. But, in spite of these omissions, its recent analysis of the revolving door between Google and the Government is undeniably interesting.
This shows that the company has hired at least 65 government officials from all over the European Union since 2005. During the same period, 15 Googlers have been appointed to government positions in Europe, thus penetrating to the heart of the decision-making process.
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These included Baroness Shields, a former managing director for Google (she has held roles at Bebo, AOL and Facebook), who was appointed the UKs Minister for Internet Safety and Security at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; and Googles executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, appointed by David Cameron to his business advisory council. Members of such groups have direct access to decision makers.
In fact, Google has particularly targeted public institutions in the United Kingdom. It has hired from no fewer than 17 state bodies including Number 10, the Home Office, the Treasury, the House of Commons, and Departments of Education and Skills, International Development, and Transport.
This adds to what was already known through the use of the Freedom of Information Act. Between January 2014 and March 2015, for instance, there were 24 meetings between Google and government ministers including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne and his influential Cabinet colleague, Oliver Letwin.
This is part of a much bigger story. It starts at the beginning of the 1980s when Margaret Thatcher here and Ronald Reagan in the US overturned the orthodoxy that governments knew best. This had held sway since the war regardless of which political party was in power.
Instead, the two leaders argued, markets know best. So Thatcher and Reagan removed restrictions on the movement of capital across borders (hence ushering in globalisation). They privatised some government functions and contracted out others to reduce the size of the state. And they rapidly deregulated business, complaining that entrepreneurial endeavours were being strangled by red tape.
Sensible though this programme was in many ways, business wanted more. Indeed, since the days of Thatcher and Reagan business interests have systematically set out to bend governments further to their will by incessant lobbying. The Google revelations provide a snapshot of how this is done. The same takes place in Brussels, Washington and wherever political power is situated.
Of course government ministers do not have to open their doors to business chiefs. But as in Britain at least, few of them have had any experience of business themselves, having for the most part worked in politics all their lives, they are naive. They cannot read their business visitors.
I would like to see zero tolerance of lobbying. No visits to ministers; written submissions only.
Or perhaps follow the French example. Frances tax prosecutor charged Google with aggravated tax evasion. So last month dozens of tax investigators raided Googles offices in Paris and sealed them off. For a few hours, nobody could enter or leave. No tea and biscuits.
Thats the way.
Independent
Jeremy Corbyn claims the EU protects our environment and consumers. But the EU didn't do much about Volkswagen, did it?
Volkswagen deliberately and massively violated legal limits on nitrogen oxide emissions. So 11 million European vehicles each emitted nine times the allowable amount of the deadly gas.
The European Commission refused to act, then agreed to let Volkswagen exceed legal limits by 110% until 2020 and then by 50% indefinitely. This explains why air quality in Europe has not improved over the past 15 years and shows how little the EU really protects our environment, the consumer and public health.
WILL PODMORE
By email
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti lays a wreath on the coffin of a Border Security Force soldier killed when militants ambushed his vehicle, June 4, 2016.
Security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir on Wednesday intensified their crackdown on banned separatist faction Hizbul Mujahideen, by hunting two suspected members of the group that has claimed a string of deadly attacks on Indian personnel.
We have intensified searches in the district to track down the militants responsible for latest attacks. I hope there will be a breakthrough soon, K.K Sharma, deputy inspector general of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), told BenarNews.
The two suspects are believed to be hiding in Anantnag, a southern district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, and are accused of killing two policemen on Saturday, police said.
The decision to clamp down on Hizbul Mujahideen came during a meeting on Tuesday of senior security officials in the district, which is gearing up for elections on June 22. The security officials are determined to control the situation after a series of recent attacks on Indian government forces.
Saturdays killings came a day after three Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers were killed and eight others injured in an attack on a convoy in Anantnag. Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for both attacks.
Militants are desperate to show their presence and they often choose public places to target security men and escape. The government forces are committed to fighting militancy and restoring peace in Kashmir in all situations, Sharma said.
Action will be taken against them
On Monday, seven security personnel were wounded in a separate attack by suspected militants in south Kashmirs Pulwama district.
Jammu and Kashmir police that day issued a public notice and released pictures of two suspected militants involved in Saturdays attacks, asking people to assist in their capture. Police identified the duo as Junaid Ahmad Matoo, 30, and Ali Mohammad, 28, both residents of Anantnag.
On Tuesday, Burhan Wani, the 23-year-old chief of Hizbul Mujahideen, posted a new video on the Internet in which he warned police to stay inside stations and not compel his group to launch attacks.
Last year, I asked policemen not to act against separatists, but they ignored my message. Now, action will be taken against them without any further warnings, said Wani, who was dressed in a white shirt and carried guns on both shoulders during the six-minute video message.
Wani, who has a bounty of 1 million rupees (U.S. $ 14,992) on his head, said his group was against a proposed government plan to set up separate townships for members of the Pandits, the Hindu minority in the Muslim-majority state.
Revival of militancy
Since the late 1980s more than 70,000 people have been killed in a separatist insurgency in Kashmir, a Himalayan region claimed by both India and Pakistan.
Although security officials denied that militants had returned to the region, experts said that frustration among Kashmiri youths and political uncertainty was contributing to a visible revival of militancy in Kashmir.
We cannot call it a revival of militancy. In insurgency, phases of increased militant attacks and a slowdown do occur, CRPFs Sharma said.
Noor Mohammad Baba, a Srinagar-based political observer, said security agencies could fight militants with force but not fight the mindset that creates militancy.
The government should make concerted efforts to address a sense of growing alienation among youths and restore hope among them. A meaningful peace process should be initiated with all stakeholders to gradually end the political uncertainty, Baba told BenarNews.
What makes the things worse is there are not many economic opportunities for youths in Kashmir. A very small number of educated youths can afford to go abroad for jobs, but most of them are forced to stay idle due to growing joblessness and hence turn to militancy purely out of frustration, he added.
Not working for HM
Relatives of three men arrested by police from north Kashmirs Sopore town last week for their alleged role in recruiting local youths for Hizbul Mujahideen on Wednesday claimed they were being falsely implicated.
Police denied the claims and said the trio was trying to revive the terror activities of the group, particularly in north Kashmir.
Mohammad Shafi Bhat, 40, Liyaqat Ahmad Lone, 37, both Sopore town residents, and Tariq Ahmad Najar, 31, of Handwara, were arrested last week in separate police raids.
My brother was arrested while he was sowing paddy saplings in the field. He is a law-abiding citizen and I wonder why police leveled false charges against him, Bhats brother, Abdul Rahim, 47, told BenarNews.
His arrest on such a serious charge has shocked us. I appeal to the police to thoroughly investigate the matter and release him, he added.
Harmeet Singh, Sopore police superintendent refuted the claim.
They were tasked to motivate and recruit local youths for the group so it could expand its base, he told BenarNews.
These arrests are a major setback to Hizbul Mujahideen, which is desperately making efforts to engage more youths into terror activities and disrupt peace in the region.
The Indonesian government has rejected a call by a Muslim intellectual to block Google and YouTube within the country due to pornographic and violent content.
Indonesia guarantees freedom of information, unlike China. Maybe they would block it there. Its like trying to kill a mouse by burning the whole house, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) spokesman Ismail Cawidu told BenarNews in Jakarta on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association (ICMI) Secretary General Jafar Hafsah issued a statement saying that Google and YouTube spread pornographic and violent content.
If YouTube and Google refuse to control their sites, they deserve to be blocked. [P]ornographic and violent content is on their sites, he said in a press statement.
But ICMI Chairman Jimly Asshiddiqie said that Jafars statement was personal and did not reflect an official view of ICMI.
Jimly emphasized that Indonesians should not be anti-technology, and that YouTube and Google have contributed greatly to society.
We as a nation can no longer prohibit the development of technology. We cannot imitate China, he said.
His point was echoed by the ICMI deputy Ilham Habibie, even though he conceded that violent and pornographic content could be accessed through the two social media platforms, he said.
The benefits of Google and YouTube are greater than the harm. Lots of great content can be obtained from the two sites, he said.
An initiative called Project Trust Positive is ongoing where a lot of pornographic and violent website content has been successfully blocked in Indonesia, he explained.
Ilham said the best way to tackle the negative effects of the internet is to keep educating people on its benefits and harms.
Were heading into a country and an economy based on knowledge and innovation, where it requires people with an appropriate level of education, he said.
Flag bad content
Meanwhile the head of corporate communications for Google in Indonesia, said that YouTube, which is owned by Google, had a policy of complying with Indonesian regulations to do with sexual content and age-restricted content.
You can see it at the YouTube Policy Center and Community Guidelines, Jason Tedjasukmana told BenarNews.
Data from the ICT ministry shows that the government has blocked 750,000 links to pornographic content and about 153,000 free porn sites.
Ismail said that while the government continued to block pornographic and violent sites, users keep producing such content.
Parents have a role in monitoring their children to choose safe sites, using safe search or select kids.youtube.com, he said.
Onno Purbo, an information and technology expert at the Bandung Institute of Technology, said it was almost impossible to force YouTube and Google to block their content.
Google and YouTube came from the United States where they keep the Internet open and free, he told BenarNews. He pointed out that YouTube has a flag option where Internet users can object to content.
So if there are materials you do not like, you can flag them. When material gets lots of flags, it is blocked by YouTube itself, he said.
Indonesian judges Wednesday sent three men to prison for involvement with terrorist groups, while three people in neighboring Malaysia were charged with establishing links with the extremist group Islamic State (IS).
Yuskarman, a 32-year-old Indonesian man, was sentenced Wednesday to four years and eight months for being involved in a plot to bomb a Christian church, a Buddhist monastery and a police station in his hometown of Solo, Central Java, using money provided by Bahrun Naim, a senior Indonesian member of IS based in Syria, the East Jakarta District Court heard.
Three other defendants who were convicted for their involvement in the plot Ibadurrahman, Sugiyanto, and Syarifuddin will be sentenced on June 15.
In court testimony, Sugiyanto said the defendants house was used as a place to store a bomb intended for use in a terrorism act, head judge Sulung Simanjuntak told the court Wednesday.
Yuskarman and the other men were arrested in Solo in August 2015 before they could execute their plan.
Bahrun Naim became known in Indonesia after IS carried out a terrorist attack in downtown Jakarta that killed eight people, including four suspected IS operatives, on Jan. 14. Police initially named him as the mastermind of the first IS plot carried out in Indonesia.
Bahrun Naim provided money the cell that planned a series of attacks in Solo so it could build bombs, according to Adhe Bhakti, a terrorism expert at the Center for the Study of Radicalization and De-radicalization (PAKAR), a Jakarta think-tank.
The money was sent via their network. Their plan was to use the bomb to blow up the Market Police Station in Kliwon, a church, a Buddhist monastery in Kepunten Adhe told BenarNews, referring to areas of Solo. They were going to do it on Aug. 17, 2015, but were arrested a few days before.
Santoso followers sentenced
Meanwhile, in a separate case heard at the East Jakarta courthouse, two men who were found guilty of links to the Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT) group were sentenced Wednesday.
Arif Kusnadi (alias Abu Ubait) and Budi Rahmansyah were arrested on suspicion of participating in terrorist training in Poso, Central Sulawesi province, in August 2015. Arif was sentenced to six years in jail and Budi received a seven-year sentence.
The MIT, whose leader Santoso has pledged allegiance to IS, is hiding with about two dozen followers in the jungles of Central Sulawesi. About 2,000 members of the Indonesian army and police have been hunting Santoso and his group in a series of joint operations in the mountains of Central Sulawesi since January 2015.
As many as 18 suspected members of the group, including five ethnic Uyghur men have been killed in battles between militants and security forces since January 2015. Another 31 have been arrested most of them believed to be sympathizers or couriers for the group.
Arif Kusnadi consults his lawyer at the East Jakarta District Court, June 8, 2016. [Arie Firdaus/BenarNews]
Malaysian suspects charged
In Malaysia on Wednesday, an aircraft mechanic, a car painter and a clerk were charged in three separate courts for terrorism-related offenses, including maintaining links to IS, police said.
The three were among 15 people arrested during a nationwide crackdown on suspected IS members over three days in March.
Aircraft mechanic Nor Hafizy Che Meh, 39, was charged at the Shah Alam Magistrates Court with two counts of promoting IS membership at his house in Kampung Melayu Subang, Selangor between Dec 2013 and October last year. Nor Hafizy could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted, police said.
In the state of Selangor, car painter Muhammad Aizam Mat Zin, 39, was charged with possessing three stickers related to IS, found in his home on March 22. He could face a maximum of seven years in prison if convicted, police said.
In the state of Perak, clerk Rafidah Jumaat, 26, was charged with having books and documents related to terrorism at her house in Taman Bistari, Ayer Tawar.
If convicted, she would face a maximum of seven years in prison, according to police.
Caseload set to increase
With the latest sentences in Indonesia, 15 people have been sent to prison for links to the so-called Islamic State.
That number could increase because Densus 88, Indonesias elite counter-terrorism police unit, has arrested about 40 people following the Jan. 14 terror attack in Jakarta.
In Malaysia, the Home Ministry, citing intelligence sources, claimed that more than 130 Malaysians have tried to join IS in Iraq or Syria. At least 19 Malaysians have been killed while fighting for IS in the Middle East, according to Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, chief of the Royal Malaysia Polices counter-terrorist branch.
Since 2013, Malaysian police have arrested 193 suspects linked to IS and 58 have been charged in court, according to police statistics.
Rohingya passengers on a boat adrift in the Andaman Sea off Thailand jump into the water to collect food supplies dropped by a Thai army helicopter, May 14, 2015.
A group of NGOs has marked the anniversary of the 2015 Andaman Sea migration crisis by calling on Thailand to end arbitrary and indefinite detention of refugees from Myanmar who came ashore then, and do more to protect survivors and witnesses of human trafficking.
Thailands policies and practices towards Rohingya refugees are putting lives at risk and must be addressed immediately, Amy Smith, executive director of Fortify Rights, one of six NGOs that issued a joint statement after convening a one-day forum in Bangkok on Wednesday.
The Thai government should ensure protection for Rohingya refugees and human trafficking survivors without delay.
More than a year after close to 3,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar and undocumented Bangladeshi migrants landed in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in May 2015, after human traffickers had abandoned them at sea, Rohingya refugees are still being held at Thai detention centers and state-run shelters, said the half-dozen NGOs that advocate human rights and rights for migrant workers and refugees.
The crisis escalated when Thai authorities launched a crackdown on human trafficking and imposed a maritime blockade on smugglers boats that were trying to reach Thailands Andaman coast. The crackdown and blockade followed the discovery in the jungle on the Thai side of the border with Malaysia of graves containing the bodies of at least 36 undocumented people.
Ninety-two suspects including a Thai general are being prosecuted for human smuggling in Thailand as a result of the crackdown. Their trial is the largest even human-trafficking case in Thailands history.
Its encouraging that Thailand has taken steps to combat the vast network of human traffickers that have long preyed on the desperation of Rohingya refugees, Siwawong Sukthawee of the Migrant Working Group (MWG), one of the forums organizers, said in the joint release.
But its not enough. Much more needs to be done to protect survivors. In many ways, the crisis continues, Siwawong added.
When contacted by BenarNews on Thursday, Lt. Gen. Nattathorn Phrohsunthon, chief of the Thai immigration police, declined to comment on criticism contained in the statement from the NGOs.
But a spokesman for the Thai junta did respond to it briefly.
The government understands this problem well. We will convene agencies involved and will have a press release sometime. Let us have a meeting, Major Weerachon Sukhontapatipak told BenarNews.
Misclassified
In their statement, the NGOs pointed to a resolution adopted by the Thai cabinet on March 15 which, if implemented would provide protective legal status for survivors of human trafficking and also grant official protection to witnesses testifying in human trafficking trials.
The NGOs first welcomed news of the resolutions passage three months ago, but now they are voicing concern because the government has not yet implemented its provisions, according to the joint statement.
As of December 2015 Thailands Ministry of Justice had provided formal witness protection to only 12 out of approximately 500 witnesses who were expected to testify in the trial of the 92 defendants, according to Fortify Rights.
The Rohingya refugees were fleeing religious persecution in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, where members of this Muslim minority are not recognized as citizens.
According to Papop Siamhan, the anti-trafficking coordinator at the Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF), Thai authorities have wrongly classified them as undocumented migrants.
Most Rohingyas were trafficked by some groups of people human trafficking brokers. But the police and attorney general documented the cases as if they were illegal migration only. The court was persuaded into seeing the cases as mere illegal migration, Papop told Wednesdays forum.
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Route 66 opened in November of 1926 and offered a more direct route for driving from Chicago to California. When completed, it ran 2,448 miles, from the cornfields of Illinois to the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The Albuquerque area was a critical junction, and the center of a political scandal due to re-routing what was to be a north/south road to an east/west alignment, resulting in Albuquerque being the only place where the highway crosses itself. Today, Albuquerque boasts the longest single-city urban stretch of the highway in the nation at 16 miles.
In honor of the 90th anniversary of Route 66, the Albuquerque Museum and KiMo Theatre are partnering to present "Mother Road Movies," a series of films in which historic Route 66, known as The Mother Road, plays a role. The series is in conjunction with Albuquerque Museum's new exhibition, Route 66: Radiance, Rust and Revival on the Mother Road.
From a popular song ("Get Your Kicks on Route 66") to a TV series in the 1960s, Route 66 has been a popular theme in American culture, as is evidenced in the Mother Road film series. Don't miss the opportunity to view these historically significant films at the KiMo Theatre, the only "movie palace" still screening films on Albuquerque's Route 66. All screenings will begin at 7pm.
Kirk Douglas and Jan Sterling star in Ace in the Hole (1951) on Thursday, June 9. Down-on-his-luck reporter Charles Tatum takes a job with a small New Mexico newspaper. When he finds a man trapped in an old Indian dwelling, he jumps at the chance to milk the story by taking the lead and prolonging the rescue effort, resulting in his byline appearing in major papers coast-to-coast. The scheme works in his favor until things go terribly wrong. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Story and Best Screenplay. Be on the look out for a very early version of KOB TV's news van in the film. Not Rated.
The powerful 1969 film Easy Rider will screen on Thursday, June 30. Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper star in this cult film about young hippie bikers who set out on a trip across America. They encounter bigotry and hatred in small towns, spend time with other non-conformists in a commune, take a bad trip on LSD, and are confronted by rednecks who consider them degenerates. Heading to New Orleans, they join in a small town parade and are arrested for parading without a license. While in jail they meet George Hanson (Nicholson), an alcoholic local lawyer. He decides to join them on their trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Violence follows them in their journey, leading to the worst possible outcome.
Dennis Hopper received the First Film Award (Prix de la premiere uvre) at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival and Jack Nicholson was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 42nd Academy Awards. The film appears at #88 on the American Film Institute's list of 100 Years...100 Movies. In 1998, Easy Rider was added to the United States National Film Registry, having been deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Rated R.
On Thursday, July 7, Two Lane Blacktop (1971) will be shown, starring James Taylor, Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson, Warren Oates and Laurie Bird. Esquire Magazine declared the film its movie of the year for 1971, and even published the entire screenplay in its April 1971 issue. It was not a commercial success, but became a counterculture cult classic. Selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2012, it was deemed as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Rated R.
The next "Mother Road" film to screen on Thursday, July 14 is Starman (1984), starring Jeff Bridges as a humanoid alien who finds a gold phonograph record that was installed on the Voyager 2 space probe and follows the invitation on the recording to visit earth. Shot down by the U.S. government in Wisconsin, he encounters a widow (Karen Allen) and the story becomes both an adventure and a love story as they travel to the Southwest so Starman can rendezvous with people from his planet. Facing danger and many changes in plans, they finally bond into a partnership to save him, and her. Rated PG.
Tickets for each screening: $5. Tickets are available at KiMoTickets.com. Tickets are also available at the KiMo Ticket Office, 505-768-3544. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11am-8pm; Sunday 11am-3pm. Concessions will be available.
First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.
Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.
And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.
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For Immediate Release, June 9, 2016 Contact: Andrea Santarsiere, (303) 854-7748, asantarsiere@biologicaldiversity.org $15,000 Reward Offered Over Poached Grizzly Bear in Idaho's Centennial Mountains VICTOR, Idaho The Center for Biological Diversity is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for illegally killing an endangered grizzly bear in Idahos Centennial Mountains. The pledge, along with a $5,000 reward offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, $5,000 offered by the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust, and $600 offered by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, pushes the total reward being offered to $15,600. Idaho officials are seeking information about the dead grizzly bear, which was found on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near East Dry Creek, off the Yale-Kilgore Road in Island Park. Officials say the bear was reported to the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline over the weekend of June 4. Conservation officers concluded that the young grizzly bear had been dead a few weeks and did not die of natural causes. The illegal killing of any wildlife is appalling, said Andrea Santarsiere, a staff attorney with the Center. But this particular incident is even more tragic because this bear was killed in the heart of a wildlife corridor connecting central Idaho and Yellowstone, which is important to ensure the recovery of sustainable bear populations in both areas. East Dry Creek flows out of the Centennial Mountains, a key wildlife corridor that runs along the borders of Idaho and Montana, reaching from Yellowstone National Park to the Selway-Bitterroot Recovery Zone. The Selway-Bitterroot was recognized as one of six grizzly bear recovery areas in the 1993 recovery plan for the species, which noted the importance the Selway-Bitterroot could play in connecting isolated bear populations, particularly the isolated population in the Yellowstone ecosystem. The Selway-Bitterroot, however, remains the only established recovery area without any documented resident grizzly bears. With more than 16 million acres of land, and centered around the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area, the Selway-Bitterroot represents one of the largest contiguous areas of suitable habitat for grizzly bears in the western United States. It provides the most likely solution to long-term genetic concerns surrounding the Greater Yellowstone population. Scientists predict the area could support a population of 300 to 600 bears. The Center filed a petition with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reintroduce bears to the area in December 2014, but the Service has not yet issued a substantive response. Its bad enough that protected bears cant make it through this important linkage zone without getting poached, said Santarsiere. But the Services recent proposal to strip federal protections from Yellowstone bears makes it all but certain that other bears traveling through the Centennials will face the same fate as this bear. In March the Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans to remove Endangered Species Act protections for Yellowstones famed grizzly bears, paving the way for state-supported trophy hunts. Grizzly bear numbers in the Greater Yellowstone area have improved since the animals were first protected in 1975, but the bears continue to be threatened by isolation from other grizzly populations, loss of key food sources and human-caused mortalities. Last year 61 grizzly deaths were recorded in the Greater Yellowstone area, the most in decades. That followed 28 in 2014, 29 in 2013, 56 in 2012 and 44 in 2011. About 80 percent of the deaths are human-caused, according to federal records. Overall grizzly bears occupy less than 4 percent of their historic U.S. range. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
For Immediate Release, June 8, 2016 Contact: Hollin Kretzmann, (510) 844-7133, hkretzmann@biologicaldiversity.org California Officials Propose Allowing Oil Companies to
Dump Waste Fluid Into Dozens of Underground Water Supplies SACRAMENTO, Calif. California oil officials today revealed a plan to turn dozens of underground sources of drinking water across the state over to the oil industry for disposal of contaminated waste fluid. The proposal includes aquifers in Monterey, Ventura, Kern and other counties (see interactive map). Under the plan from the Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources, state regulators will make up to 60 applications in the next four months asking the Environmental Protection Agency to exempt California aquifers from federal drinking-water protections. If the EPA approves the states applications, oil companies would be allowed to operate injection wells and dump waste fluid into these underground drinking water sources. State oil regulators disturbing proposal to sacrifice dozens of aquifers to the oil industry is an enormous threat to Californias water supplies, said Hollin Kretzmann, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. The federal EPA must stop this incredibly foolish plan to let oil companies dump polluted waste fluid into these underground water sources. Oil wastewater commonly contains cancer-causing benzene and other pollutants, according to the oil divisions own testing. Flowback fluid coming out of fracked wells in California contains benzene at levels as high as 1,500 times the federal limits for drinking water, according to oil companies own tests. The aquifer exemption proposals follow admissions by Gov. Jerry Browns administration that state regulators let oil companies drill thousands of wells and dump oil waste into scores of protected underground water supplies across California, in violation of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Just a few dozen of those illegal injection wells have been shut down, and state officials hope to allow most of the remaining wells to continue operating by exempting aquifers from legal protection. Gov. Jerry Browns regulators seem determined to give our underground water away to the oil industry, Kretzmann said. If we let oil companies contaminate these aquifers and endanger nearby water resources, Californians are going to bitterly regret that decision in the dry decades to come. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
Kenya's public libraries are moving online to deliver free internet to over half a million library members from June this year, as Liquid Telecom Kenya and the Communications Authority of Kenya connect 46 branches of Kenya National Libraries Services (KNLS) for the first time.
Image by 123RF
Each of the 46 branches has been provided with an additional 11 computers, adding to existing computers, Kindles and tablets in a Sh72m rollout that is giving library members access to fixed and wireless internet, either on the libraries computers, or on their own devices.
The demand for internet services is growing exponentially in Kenya. Connecting the public libraries means everybody will now have access to digital and online information including e-government services, research, education services and employment opportunities, said Ben Roberts, Liquid Telecom Kenya CEO.
With the Communications Authority coming on board as the main financier of the project, we have been able to connect the public libraries even in the most remote areas with high quality connections, he said.
The spread of the connections has been made possible through Liquid Telecom Kenyas intensive investment in the last three years in county Internet infrastructure. The 46 KNLS branches now being connected are in 29 counties, 26 of which had Internet infrastructure built by Liquid Telecom Kenya already.
The internet will be free inside the libraries, which are free to enter for children under 14, and cost Sh20 per visit for adults.
The branches typically have a membership of around 10,000 users a year each, while the headquarters in Nairobi has nearly 100,000 users a year, who visit to use the services thousands of books, journals, e-books and electronic databases.
The decision to connect all our library branches was a result of the increasing need for digital content by our users, said Alex Ombogi, the ICT manager of KNLS. The partnership would provide great benefits to the libraries users, including students and academia, he said.
Security measures will be in place to have separate content available to adults and children respectively. The CA recently ran a campaign called the Be the Cop which focused on Online protection for Children, and the Libraries Internet Scheme is guided by the principles recommended by that campaign.
The connections in each of the libraries will go live in coming weeks, ahead of a full launch in June that will additionally connect all the libraries to one another through the cloud, Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX), setting up open phone lines between all the branches using voice over IP.
The library service is one of the flagships of the governments Vision 2030 development strategy, with work now underway on a state-of-the-art national library along Haile Salassie Avenue, Nairobi.
Connecting the public libraries is a milestone for us at Liquid Telecom Kenya in securing our group vision of achieving universal internet access in Africa, said Roberts. As we switch on this new set of 46 library connections, we shall take our biggest stride yet in giving access to Kenyans from every walk of life, country wide.
Uber's press releases in Africa will be distributed via Africa Wire, the newswire service for press release distribution and monitoring in Africa.
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Used by some of the worlds largest companies, PR agencies, institutions and organisations, the African Press Organisation (APO) Africa Wire service has a potential reach of 600 million and guarantees the most extensive outreach in Africa, acting as a channel that allows APOs clients to target audiences in all parts of the continent and also the world.
Uber provides a smartphone application that connects drivers with people who need a ride. The app detects your location, tells you about your driver in advance, and payment can be made seamlessly with cash or debit/credit card.
"We're excited that APO will be supporting Uber in their expansion in Africa, a continent experiencing a boom in consumer spending, which is set to rise from USD 860 billion in 2008 to USD 1.4 trillion in 2020," commented Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO founder and CEO.
APO Is the sole press release newswire in Africa and is a global leader in media relations relating to Africa. With offices in Senegal, Switzerland, Dubai, Hong Kong, India, and Seychelles, APO owns a media database of over 50,000 contacts and is the main online community for Africa-related news.
It offers a complete range of services, including press release distribution and monitoring, online press conferences, interactive webcasts, media interactions, strategic advice, public diplomacy, government relations and events promotion.
The Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance (GALA) has released two new video series on complying with advertising laws around the world. Intended for both marketers and their counsel, one series provides an overview of the laws governing food advertising, the other on sponsored content. The videos are available free on the alliance's YouTube channel.
Bronislaw Drozka via Pixabay
As marketing campaigns cross borders, it is critical for marketers to focus on global compliance issues, said Jeffrey A Greenbaum, GALAs chairman and managing partner of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz in New York. We are pleased to be able to bring together leading advertising lawyers from around the world to present timely and important updates on critical advertising law issues.
The video series on global food advertising issues features presentations on Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ireland, Mexico, Romania and Slovakia. The speakers are:
Valdir Rocha, Veirano Advogados, Brazil
Juan Carlos Uribe, Triana Uribe & Michelsen, Colombia
Jaime Angeles, Angeles & Pons, Dominican Republic
Duncan Grehan, Duncan Grehan & Partners Solicitors, Ireland
Marina Hurtado, Arochi & Lindner, Mexico
Delia Belciu, Stratulat Albulescu, Romania
Dusan Nitschneider, Nitschneider & Partners, Slovakia
The video series on sponsored content issues features presentations on Canada, France, India, Israel, and the US. The speakers are:
Catherine Bate, Miller Thomson LLP, Canada
Michel Bejot, Bernard Hertz Bejot, France
Sharad Vadehra, Kan & Krishme, India
David Wolberg, Kuperschmit Goldstein & Co., Israel
Joseph Lewczak, Davis & Gilbert LLP, US
To watch more videos, click here. For more information, go to www.galalaw.com.
The 2016 AdFocus Awards, which will take place on 23 November, will close for entries at noon on Monday 29 August 2016.
Craig Page-Lee, until recently MD of Posterscope SA and now an independent consultant to the marketing and communications industry, will chair the 2016 AdFocus jury. His deputy is Denford Magora, founder of Jericho Advertising in Harare and now Group CEO of The Jupiter Drawing Room South East Africa.
Page-Lee says the AdFocus Awards continue to play an important role in the brand communications industry. There is much at stake, as the awards focus on the all-round performance of agencies. We dont look only at creative achievement and financial growth, but also at business and leadership effectiveness, the development of meaningful and lasting client relationships, and making a positive impact on clients brands while remaining committed to the growth and development of personnel to ensure fair and equitable representation across the industry.
To succeed at AdFocus, agencies have to work on these qualities continuously. Page-Lee adds that they must also complete questionnaires comprehensively and pay attention to detail.
Categories
In 2016, there are agency-of-the-year awards for small, medium and large advertising agencies; specialist agency; media agency; digital agency; African network; and overall agency of the year, which can come from any category. There is also a new category, for Public Relations Agency of the Year. It replaces Branding & Design, which moves back into the specialist category in which it used to compete.
The promotion of PR to its own category is inevitable. Reputation impacts directly on the financial performance of any brand and, with the ever-increasing power and influence of social media on the success or demise of a brand, plus the expectation of continuous dialogue between consumers and brand owners, public relations and reputation management is an important part of any integrated media strategy.
The AdFocus Awards also honour lifetime achievement, industry leader of the year, partnership of the year, student of the year, and new talent. Agency entries are scored on new business, business retention, client relationships, awards, industry recognition and transformation. Business consultancy Deloitte will once again act as referee and audit the judging process.
Jurors
Besides Page-Lee and Magora, the main 2016 AdFocus jury comprises:
Dale Tomlinson CEO, The Hardy Boys
Emmet OHanlon CEO, DDB SA
Gary Leih founder and CEO, OfYt
Julian Neuburger - CEO, MediaCom
Luisa Mazinter - group chief innovation officer, Mortimer Harvey Group
Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa - head of content, Africa, WE Chat
Robyn de Villiers - chairman and CEO, Burson-Marsteller Africa
Tara Turkington CEO, Flow Communication
Vanessa Pearson executive creative director, House of Brave
Zibusiso Mkhwanazi - CEO, Avatar
Muzi Kuzwayo co-founder, Ignitive
Neo Mashego executive creative director, I See A Different You
Gau Narayanan MD, BBDO Johannesburg
There are separate panels for media agency of the year and student of the year. For more information, click here.
NEW DELHI - Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos has pledged to invest $3 billion in India, in a big bet on the growth of online shopping in the fast-growing South Asian economy.
Getty/AFP / Mark WilsonJeff Bezos, (R), CEO of Amazon, is presented with the 2016 USIBC Global Leadership Award by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, DC.
Speaking in Washington DC as India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the United States, Bezos told a gathering of business leaders that he saw "huge potential" in India.
The investment, announced Tuesday, comes on top of $2bn Amazon invested in India in 2014, and will boost Modi's campaign to attract foreign cash to create much-needed jobs.
"We have already created some 45,000 jobs in India and continue to see huge potential in the Indian economy," Bezos said at the US-India Business Council meeting, according to a statement from the group.
"Our Amazon.in team is surpassing even our most ambitious planned milestones," he said.
Amazon has made steady inroads in India since entering the cut-throat, rapidly growing e-commerce market in 2013.
But it faces stiff competition from local rivals Snapdeal and Flipkart, which have attracted billions of dollars in overseas investment.
E-retailers in India, including Amazon, typically adopt a "marketplace" structure, acting as technological platforms that connect buyers and sellers rather than stocking their own products.
The government in March set new rules for foreign investment in online marketplaces, including allowing up to 100% foreign ownership.
India's e-commerce market was worth about $23 billion in 2015, according to business body Assocham.
The Competition Tribunal is expected to give the go-ahead to the Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller merger in the first week of July, with some tweaking of the conditions imposed by the Competition Commission.
Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller branded beers.Picture: Bloomberg/Halden Krog
None of the parties attending the tribunals prehearing on Tuesday is opposing the transaction, but each has indicated it wanted to make submissions that might affect the conditions attached to the commissions approval.
The lack of opposition and the planned format of the tribunals hearing, which is scheduled to run for three days from 22 June, means that for the first time since the merger was filed with the competition authorities in December 2015, the timing and outcome of the proceedings is reasonably secure. The hearing is not expected to run over the scheduled timetable and, in terms of the Competition Act, the tribunal has to issue an order within 10 working days.
The only party that asked for, and was granted, the right to call a witness is the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu). The merging parties agreed to allocate one of the three days to Fawus intervention, which is expected to focus on the public interest aspects of the Zenzele black empowerment scheme.
The format of the hearing will ensure it is contained within the allotted three days. The format reflects the fact that the deal raises no competition issues, and that Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel has extracted a lengthy list of public-interest conditions from the merging parties.
Delays at the tribunal are generally due to intervening parties demanding access to documents and being opposed by the merging parties. Delays are also caused by examination of witnesses, of which there will be only one.
The parties making submissions include Heineken, Distell, the South African Taverners Association, and the Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Forum. They are required to present written submissions to the tribunal by June 15 and will then have an opportunity to make an oral submission at the hearing. Tebogo Khaas, president of the SMME Forum, said on Wednesday that he had concerns about the proposed governance of the development fund being set up, and the lack of any detailed plan for implementing its objectives.
Fawu, which has not asked for the deal to be prohibited, is expected to ask the tribunal to impose additional conditions.
Bloomberg reports that the Chinese authorities are leaning towards approving the $108bn merger. The Chinese authorities are expected to grant conditional approval, although there are no major competitive issues.
Source Africa, now running for its fourth consecutive year, is currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The opening seminar, 'AGOA - The African Advantage' placed the spotlight on African trade and market growth in the textile and apparel sector, post the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) agreement renewal to 2025.
Moderated by Clay E. Hickson, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), USA; panellists included Nancy Whitney, Deputy Office Director, USAID/Southern Africa Regional Economic Growth Office; Finn Holm-Olsen, Director, Trade Promotion & AGOA, USAID Contractor, East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, Kenya; Tim Armstrong, Investment Promotion Director, Textile Development Unit, The Ministry of Industry and Trade, Tanzania; Geerish Bucktowonsing, Divisional Manager Textiles, Enterprise Mauritius; and Shakeel Meer, Divisional Executive: Chemicals and Textiles, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), South Africa.
The panel provided insight into trends and market growth under AGOA, the challenges presented to the African market, opportunities to maximise the renewal period, and, notably, the critical efforts of strengthening African trade and the economy beyond AGOA.
Sustainable development and social and environmental compliance were identified as the key factors transforming not only the textile and apparel sector, but also a range of industries throughout the globe. It is for this reason that Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) and other compliance certifications are seen as a stamp of approval for buyers and investors. It was stated that audits alone will not bring compliance, and that these social and environmental matters require collaboration in order to achieve continuous improvement across the value chain.
The 10-year AGOA renewal has resulted in increased confidence within the business community, particularly in terms of investor interest and companies sourcing from Africa. Large companies, such as the likes of Vanity Fair and PVH who traditionally buy worldwide, are now setting up in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.
In focus: Tanzania
Tim Armstrong, who presented a strong case for Tanzania, highlighted the fact that the biggest cost to the Textile and Apparel Industry is delay, placing due importance on speed to market. Tanzania has, to date, led growth under the AGOA agreement ($29m dollars in trade as well as 71% growth). The cotton-rich country is leading the way in terms of sustainability, catering strongly to the increased desire for ecological transparency throughout the supply chain. The regions minimal use of pesticides has resulted in growing interest from the likes of the Better Cotton Initiative and Cotton Made in Africa.
In focus: Mauritius
Geerish Bucktowonsing of Enterprise Mauritius expressed pride in Mauritius sustainable edge and leading position in terms of exports to the USA, despite it being a small country. He attributes much of the regions growth to their flexibility in terms of orders, quality of product, and absolute adherence to industry norms and standards. He also attributes much of the nations success to the tenacity, passion and commitment of the entrepreneur to adapt to changes in the market.
Challenges
A number of poignant questions were posed around the African markets approach to AGOA. Is Africa ready to leverage on the opportunities presented by AGOA? Many of Africas challenges are infrastructural, strained further by the lack of qualified workers in the region. During the seminar Q&A session, a member of the audience aptly noted that, Productivity is the key to unlocking Africa.
A key challenge addressed was the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). In addition to challenges such as infrastructure and productivity, this trade agreement presents countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia as direct competitors to African countries. Shakeel Meer stated that while TPP is a reality, it is no reason for panic. He, and the rest of the panel, urges African countries to treat TPP as an opportunity for growth, and to boost the continents competitive advantage in the Textile and Apparel sector.
Beyond AGOA
Perhaps the most notable point of all was around envisioning the African Textile and Apparel sector beyond 2025. As Nancy Whitney noted, AGOA was initially intended as a springboard for African growth and development into the global economy.
It is essential for Africa to maximise the opportunities presented by AGOA, and more importantly, to develop the local market. This could involve addressing restrictions between African countries to support inter-regional trade, and removing barriers such as customs and trade barriers.
Business resources to inform strategies for maximising the AGOA agreement include AGOA.info, www.usitc.gov and eatradehub.org.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, or GERD, under construction on the Blue Nile near the Ethiopian-Sudanese border, is now approximately 50% complete. Initial filling will start this year and will begin in earnest in 2017
The idea of a dam on the Nile in Ethiopia and the threat this would pose for Egypt has been on the minds of the people of the Nile basin for centuries. Ethiopia has long claimed a right to use Nile waters, but it was only in 2011 that Meles Zenawi, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, announced that Ethiopia would begin construction of a large dam on the Blue Nile, near its border with Sudan.
The advantages of storing water in the Blue Nile gorge for hydropower generation and flood control have been recognised for decades. But until recently Ethiopia did not have the political or financial strength to pursue this economic development strategy.
The GERD will have a height of 145m compared with 110m for the Aswan High Dam in Egypt and 101m for the Three Gorges Dam in China. It will have nearly three times the installed hydropower generation capacity (6,000MW) of the Aswan High Dam (2,100MW), and will be the largest hydroelectric power facility in Africa.
When the GERD is finished, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, as well as the other Nile riparian countries, will face a new situation in the management of a large international river. There will be two very large dams, the GERD and Egypts Aswan High Dam, on the same river, but in different countries. Both will be able to store a volume of water greater than the annual flow of the river at the site. And both will be in a river basin subject to severe droughts, and one in which future demands for water for irrigation far exceed the available water supply even in normal years.
No agreement yet
To date there is no agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the filling policy for the GERD reservoir. Nor is there agreement on the coordination of the operations of the GERD, the Aswan High Dam and dams in Sudan. Agreements on both issues are needed to achieve the full benefits of the GERD and to prevent significant harm to Egypt during periods of prolonged drought.
Most of the economic benefits from the GERD will be from hydropower generation, which is essentially a non-consumptive use of water. After the GERDs filling period which could be five to 15 years, depending on the sequence of high and low flows that occur and the amount of water Ethiopia releases it should be possible for Ethiopia to operate the GERD in such a way that Egypt suffers relatively little harm.
Sudan will benefit because the GERD will smooth variations in the Nile flow. This will result in increased water availability during the low-flow summer months, more hydropower generation from Sudanese dams at Sennar, Roseires and Merowe, and reduced flood damages. But during a multi-year drought and during the filling of the GERD, Egypt and Sudan need confidence that water will be released from the GERD to meet their basic requirements and prevent significant harm.
The hard work is just beginning
On March 23 2015, the leaders of Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan signed a Declaration of Principles in Khartoum. It moved their countries closer to cooperation on the sharing of Nile waters. Consensus was reached on ten general principles. This declaration was essentially a commitment to find common ground on what had become an increasingly acrimonious dispute over Ethiopias decision in 2011 to build the GERD. But the hard negotiations over the specifics of filling the GERDs reservoir and coordinating the operations of the dam and the Aswan High Dam are only beginning.
Coordinating releases from the GERD and the Aswan High Dam requires careful advanced planning in order to ensure that Egypt and Sudan receive the water they need for irrigation, municipal and other uses. It needs proper infrastructure for monitoring flows, quality assurance protocols for data, and close and trusted communications between reservoir managers.
Negotiating and drafting an agreement will be difficult and take time. There is little shared understanding among water professionals, political leaders and civil society in the Nile basin about how joint operating strategies, increased upstream water withdrawals, and hydrological events affect Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan.
Technicalities
The GERD can be operated to cause relatively little harm to Egypt and Sudan during normal hydrological conditions. But this is not a reason for complacency. During filling and times of drought, the level of the Aswan High Dam reservoir will fall. It may reach levels at which Egypt will have to reduce its releases downstream. Certainly hydropower generation from the Aswan High Dam will be reduced.
During negotiations, Egypt is expected to argue that Ethiopia should release more water from the GERD as the level of Aswan High Dam reservoir falls. In contrast, Ethiopia would likely argue that Egypt should reduce its downstream releases, perhaps even before a water shortage becomes severe. Ethiopias objective here is not to be difficult, but simply to maximise its hydropower generation.
The sale of the GERDs hydropower is a key component of these negotiations. Ethiopia cannot use all the electricity generated from the GERD in the short to medium term because its domestic market for electricity is too small and it has other hydropower projects under construction. Total demand for electricity in Ethiopia at present is some 2,000MW while there is installed capacity exceeding 4,000MW following the recent completion of the 1,870MW Gibe 3 project. Ethiopia must sell to its neighbours, most likely Sudan and Kenya.
Kenya is a relatively small market for electricity sales, with a total national demand of only 1,512MW in 2015, much of which is supplied by domestic hydropower projects. Ethiopia has reached an agreement with Kenya to sell some 400MW to the country. The funding comes from the World Bank, the French Development Agency and the African Development Bank.
The GERD itself must be connected to the Sudan power grid by a new high capacity interconnector before it would be possible to sell power from the GERD on to Sudan.
The financial success of the GERD for Ethiopia very much depends on its ability to sell this hydropower as soon as possible and at a reasonable price. But there has been no public announcement of a power trade agreement negotiated between Ethiopia and Sudan. Nor are there sufficiently large transmission lines being built from the GERD to the Sudanese or Kenyan power grids for the power.
The existing transmission line linking Ethiopia and Sudan was completed three to four years ago. It has a capacity to transfer 100MW and is not much use for exporting hydropower from the GERD. If there are no high capacity transmission lines from the GERD to Sudan, there is a very strong financial argument for Ethiopia to hold back as much water as possible in the GERDs reservoir until it can sell the hydropower. And that is when problems between the countries may arise. It is in Egypt and Sudans interests, as well as Ethiopias, that the construction of these transmission lines from the GERD to Sudan commence as soon as possible.
Perceptions of fairness and trust matter in such negotiations, and they need to be carefully cultivated before crises arrive. Policymakers in Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia have not yet adequately explained to civil society in their countries the inter-related factors that will affect water availability throughout the basin. They must explain the effects of large infrastructure development, irrigation developments and climate change so that people will know the risks and rewards of cooperating with their neighbours.
Egypts biggest concern should be increased irrigation withdrawals in Sudan, which the GERD will facilitate by making more water available during the low-flow summer months. Increased irrigation withdrawals in Sudan will mean less water flows into the Aswan High Dam reservoir. Because there is little understanding in civil society of how the Nile river system behaves, the reasons for water shortages and falling reservoir levels may be misunderstood. Passions could be become inflamed and difficult to control. In such an environment, mistakes can happen.
The international community can help in three ways. The first is the mobilisation of global expertise and experience on the coordinated operation of multiple reservoirs on large river systems. The second is to provide an adjudication mechanism for helping to resolve disputes among the Nile riparians. The Nile riparians and the international community urgently need serious technical discussions to commence. The third is to provide financing for high capacity transmission lines from the GERD to Sudan.
Having undergone a comprehensive upgrade from the Rotary Club of Claremont, in partnership with the Lewis Group, three Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres in Philippi, Cape Town were officially handed over on Wednesday, 8 June 2016.
Learners of the Khululeka Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre dancing in celebration of their newly upgraded facility thanks to the Rotary Club of Claremonts Injongo Project, in partnership with the Lewis Group. [Photo credit: Slingshot Media]
This official handover is much more than just a celebration of some new buildings, says Rotary Club of Claremont president Tom Bergmann-Harris. This is about creating a positive environment which ensures children receive the best possible educational stimulation from an early age, giving them a real hope for excelling in the future. By equipping teachers with the skills they need we can ensure these Educare Centres are sustainable in the long term, says Bergmann-Harris.
The Rotary Club of Claremonts Injongo Educare Project has since 2012 worked with 47 Educare Centres in Philippi, with a total spend of R12m to date. Khululeka Educare, Zamukhanyo Educare and Noncedo Educare are the latest to benefit from the project, believed to be the largest of its kind in the country. Holistic interventions include extensive teacher training, physical upgrades to existing facilities and daily mentoring assistance for educare centres to ensure that they meet the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Western Cape Education Departments (WCED) requirements for official Early Childhood Development (ECD) accreditation and registration. While keeping school fees affordable, these interventions make centres sustainable, and effective in the long term, through subsidies provided by the DSD and WCED. Now, 12 educare centres have been fully upgraded and reopened by Injongo together with its dedicated sponsors.
Cognitive and socio-emotional development
Learners at the three centres sang songs to celebrate their excitement about their new school premises. Neil Jansen, Lewis Group HR director told members of the community, parents and Rotarians that it was an honour for Lewis to be involved in the project. For more than four years, we have focused on making a lasting impact in the next generation through our partnership with Injongo. Foundation phase education lays the grounding for childrens cognitive and socio-emotional development. These Early Childhood Development Centres prepare them for school and tertiary education. The results of this project already speak volumes and it is encouraging to receive so much support from the community.
Principal Nombulelo Majezi says, All of the local primary schools want Khululeka Children to enroll in Grade 1. Even schools outside of Philippi, they say that children from Khululeka are amazing. You can just call the principals to ask and they can tell you about our children.
Majezi explains that while many people have opened daycare centres to look after toddlers while their parents work, not all of these places offer the same developmental opportunities. Whatever activities we do with the children, whether its reading stories, singing songs, games or craft activities, we follow the standards and norms and keep to the Grade R syllabus, she said. Training workshops for educare centre principals and teachers, provided by Injongo are extremely valuable, says Majezi. We are updated with new aspects to the syllabus and always learn a lot about how to practically run our centres efficiently and effectively. Injongo is really helping the educare centres in Philippi.
Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa has filed an application for leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court in the matter involving the moratorium on the domestic trade in rhino horn.
The application was filed on Monday, 6 June 2016, in terms of Rule 19 of the Rules of the Constitutional Court, which provides for the procedure for an application for leave to appeal.
The application suspends the operation and execution of the High Courts 2015 invalidation of the moratorium, and means that the moratorium on the domestic trade in rhino horn, or products or derivatives thereof, is once again in place.
The moratorium, which took effect on 13 February 2009, was implemented in terms of section 57(2) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA).
Moratorium challenged
The moratorium was challenged in court by farmers Johan Kruger in 2012, and John Hume in 2015. Wildlife Ranching South Africa and the Private Rhino Owners Association of South Africa supported the application.
On 26 November 2015 the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria (High Court) set aside the moratorium with immediate and retrospective effect.
Pursuant to this judgment, the minister filed an application for leave to appeal to the High Court, which was dismissed. The minister then petitioned the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) for leave to appeal. The SCA in May 2016 dismissed the ministers application for leave to appeal with costs. No reasons were given for the order.
No permits will be authorised in terms of NEMBA to trade in rhino horn and any derivatives or products of horn until the matter is finalised by the Constitutional Court.
The judgment by the High Court does not relate to the international trade in rhino horn for commercial purposes, which is prohibited in terms of the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
South Africa will host the 17th Conference of the Parties to CITES in Johannesburg from 24 September to 5 October 2016.
Free State Agriculture (FSA) has assisted 4,661 farmers at farmer's associations in the province with drought feed by means of their disaster fund, donations and Agri SA's Drought Relief Fund, since December 2015. The Western, Southern and central parts of the province were hit the hardest. Due to the effects of the El Nino, rain has fallen sporadically and affected each farmer differently.
Edenburg
New entrant farmers have also been assisted where possible. These farmers approached their local farmers unions for assistance, and it was communicated to FSA. This past week new entrant farmers from Oppermansgronde, Edenburg and Trompsburg were assisted by means of maize stover bales.
Feed donations, as well as purchases facilitated by FSA, have been transported over 62,951km. The amount that FSA has spent on transport up until now stands at R893,069. As part of an effort to assist each member in some way, FSA bought 9,710 bags of feed pellets for members. Some members who were not hit that hard by the drought has indicated that their feed pellets should be sent to farmers who need it more. Irrigation farmers from Luckhoff recently indicated that they have maize stover bales available at only the cost of baling. An amount of R1,772,527 has already been spent on these baling costs as well as the above-mentioned purchase of feed pellets.
A total of 9,414 bales, 20 tonnes of oats and 16,394 bags of feed or lick blocks have already been transported to our members.
Donations and assistance
We would like to express our gratitude towards the Caring Daisies, Voermol as well as donators and some of our farmers who assisted their neighbours by means of feed and/or transport of feed. Thuso Mill has also donated 28 tonnes of maize meal that was distributed to more than 1,600 individuals in need in the province. Farmers are also grateful for the 20 water tanks of 10,000 litres each that was donated by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
A very diligent process is followed around the distribution of drought assistance. Farmers apply for assistance with their local farmer's union, and these applications are sent through to FSAs office. The office organises the feed donations as feed and transport become available to assist the specific farmers association.
Concern over water resources
FSA is very aware that many farmers are uncertain about what the future holds with the winter ahead and grazing that could not recover after the late rain. Our efforts to assist farmers with feed, but also with humanitarian needs, are continuous. The organisation is concerned about the state of water sources in the province, especially with more towns experiencing water problems. FSA approaches the problem strategically and is investigating possible solutions. Many farmers try to assist their local towns by providing water from their boreholes to towns.
If you're aged between 36 and 56, you're a member of Generation X. This means you have another 10-30 years of work ahead of you. They should be the best years of your career, right? You've gained wisdom, maturity and experience, and you can add real value to even the most future-focused of start-ups. Right?
So why do you feel vulnerable when you watch a group of Millennials at work? There is a good reason. Millennials (also known as Generation Y) have no fear of technology, especially at the young end of the spectrum. This is why every 19-30 year-old seems a lot more relevant than you do. Certainly, they can be bolder, faster, more collaborative. Whats more, they appear to be having more fun than you do!
Its time, Gen X, to get your stuff together!
Start with this premise: any wise, mature, experienced professional with an agile mind and an ability to solve problems, can master even the most out-there technology and harness it to catapult their career, comfortably riding the wave of the fourth industrial revolution.
Lets briefly clarify this revolution. According to the World Economic Forum, [It] will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before. [] It is characterised by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.
We know this to be true. Already we see the entire human knowledge base double approximately every 12 months and this is expected to keep accelerating. Traditionally manual jobs are fast being automated, the global economy is increasingly driven by data, the Internet of Things is a thing, and smart cities are being built as we speak. 80% of the jobs that our children will hold dont even exist yet!
In this world, Gen X, your job is to focus on welcoming change, embracing technology and upskilling. I hear you: how do you ensure you are best positioned to remain relevant and able to deliver quality work when you dont know what skills will be important and in demand five or 10 years from now, let alone 10 to 30 years from now?
My recommendation is that you stick to basics. After all, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The trick is to apply the basics with real confidence.
Train yourself to roll with the punches: In a world where the rate of change and the rate of knowledge creation exceed the rate of learning, one of your most valuable abilities is to become truly comfortable with change and to adapt quickly. There is so much information and knowledge at your fingertips today, it is easy to actively and constantly read and learn about developments in technology and the world of work.
Cultivate curiosity and creativity: Curiosity and creativity are critical in an ambiguous and ever-changing world. Be brave enough to ask questions allow yourself to appear stupid and then show that you have the will and ability to learn. You will earn so much respect among the Millennials if youre open to creative thinking, so be prepared to experiment and allow your mind to go places its never been before. You can do this!
Get yourself a mentor: Remember when your mentor had grey hair and wrinkles? Think the opposite and get yourself a bright young thing in fact, get several. Watch, listen and learn.
Prepare yourself for huge diversity among your colleagues: Diversity is no longer about age, gender, race today it is about having team members in different countries. It is also about collaborating with professionals whose skills and world views vary completely for yours. As Henry Ford said: In business, if two people think the same, one of them is redundant. Even if your Millennial colleagues have never heard of Henry Ford, the adage will make them stop and think.
Get the WoW factor: With upwards of 10 million disciples worldwide, World of Warcraft offers great insight into the future workplace. Its complicated, very fast, and played by teams, so its highly collaborative. Because its online, team members can be anywhere in the world. WoW is also very demanding.
As each team negotiates a series of quests, each player must contribute to resolving them or become irrelevant and lose their place. The player who makes the greatest contribution becomes the leader until another player contributes more. Its classic survival of the fittest what did I say about the more things change, the more they stay the same?
Millennials have been playing WoW since they were teens, so they already have the skills you need to hone to contribute and collaborate in the future workplace. Indeed, they think of these skills as fun, rather than work.
Learn to collaborate: Ive used the word collaborate quite a lot and Im emphasising it because its such an essential future-proofing skill and its one Millennials have in abundance, Gen X not so much. Youre more of a delegator than a collaborator but delegation has become increasingly old-fashioned as people expect to contribute their skills in an open environment.
Stay close to your network: Gen X-ers are very good at networking. You grew up with real people and no doubt still have friends from school and university. This gives you a distinct advantage over Millennials who grew up in a virtual world and have a lesser concept of friendship and loyalty. This is the time to draw your network close and extend it in every direction, making sure everyone in your orbit is up to date on your skills and experience and vice versa.
Re-think skills training and learning: Consider this: having grown up in a digital world, Millennials expect to receive the information they need quickly, interactively, and on the go. Its an ongoing process which suits the rate of new knowledge creation. Manuals are increasingly irrelevant in this world; mentors and quick, easily-accessible reminders are the norm. Learn to learn this way.
If youre worried about your current skills becoming obsolete, think about acquiring analytical, programming and development skills, as these types of tech skills will be needed in the future.
Enter the world of the permanent contract worker: If you read my previous post, Dear business analyst, are you ready for the enhanced requirements of the future?, youll know about the permanent contract worker. The future world of work will see companies recognise that access to a large base of contractor skills is a prerequisite for innovation and growth. Weve been supplying contractors long enough to know that there will be no shortage of work for them.
The bottom line for Gen X is that constant innovation and rapid change do threaten the status quo youve become comfortable with, but that neednt be a problem. Over the years of running Mindworx and learning from the best at large international events like Singularity, I know that the future workplace brings with it more opportunities everywhere, certainly for those prepared to grab them.
According to John Smyth, CEO of Multi Net Mortgages, only a very small percentage of the applicants for residential property bonds serviced by the company are buying-to-let, but in his view, for those wanting a steady monthly income, this is still one of the best asset classes on the market.
It would, however, be even more attractive, said Smyth, if landlords and rental agents did not from time to time have to deal with non-paying tenants and the situation is exacerbated by the fact that South African property law, for sound historic reasons, is slanted in favour of the have nots (in this case the tenants) rather than the haves (in this case the landlords).
Since the onset of the recession or near-recessionary conditions, we are hearing from rental agents that they now have to deal with two or three times as many non-paying tenants as previously," said Smyth.
Costly and time-consuming
The problem, he said, is that although the law does protect landlords from noncompliant tenants and indeed from any breach of the lease agreement, the legal processes to bring this about can be costly and time-consuming. This is especially true when the tenant has on his side a lawyer who knows just how to delay matters.
When a tenant cannot pay his rent or starts paying late or only partially, the landlord has the right to cancel the lease forthwith, although in practice he will usually grant the tenant an extra week to rectify the situation. If the tenant does not leave, the landlords lawyer can then start the full legal process under the PIE Act (Prevention of Illegal Evictions Act). If the tenant is on the standard one-month notice arrangement, 30 days will be allowed to vacate the premises.
If it then transpires that the tenant has no intention of leaving, the landlord will apply to a magistrate for an ex-parte eviction order. This will set a date for the tenant to appear in court and notice of this will be served on him by a sheriff at least two weeks before the court appearance. With the notice served, the magistrate can then go about issuing a full eviction order.
The tenant then may delay his court appearance by claiming he has to be away on business or is sick or has not yet found a lawyer 101 reasons have been advanced but in most cases, he will eventually have his day in court. Here, by claiming that he is in a very difficult financial position, e.g. has lost his job or has other serious problems, he may be able to cajole the magistrate into giving a further extension to his occupancy period in most cases this will be limited to another 30 days.
If then he is still in the premises after that period, a sheriff is entitled to evict him by force and put his goods on the pavement or in the sheriffs store.
Minority of cases
Fortunately, Smyth said, this drastic action happens only in a small minority of cases, but nevertheless the endless delays involved always prove detrimental to the landlord.
The whole process can take three months, but with a really slippery tenant it might take as much as six months. This obviously involves considerable loss of income to the landlord and it is particularly worrying if he is using the rent to pay a bond on the property.
To avoid the delays and loss of revenue, the landlord must, said Smyth, at the outset employ a rental agent fully conversant with the checking process. Previous landlord and employment checks will in 95% of cases reveal whether the tenant is reliable or not and any landlord who skimps on this necessary process is asking for trouble.
The second 2016 issue of the Strategic Marketing Africa unpacks the opportunities in the insurance industry, a warts-and-all report on the Nigerian PR industry, innovation by Zimbabwean brands, as they seek to overcome local challenges, and an analysis of the marketing opportunities in Tunisia.
According to the quarterly journal of the African Marketing Confederation (AMC), the continents insurance landscape is one of extreme contrasts in terms of the size and sophistication of individual markets.
Africa is one of the worlds great untapped markets for insurance products and services. However, the challenge for the industrys marketers is overcoming mistrust and a lack of consumer understanding.
South Africa dominates with an insurance penetration of 14% of GDP. Only five other African countries achieved penetration of over 1%: Namibia (7.2%), Mauritius (6%), Morocco (3.2%), Kenya (2.9%) and Tunisia (1.8%). Reflecting the scale of the challenge is the reality that the regions biggest economy, Nigeria, has an insurance penetration of a mere 0.3%.
South Africas major insurance groups are leading the charge into various parts of Africa, but other big players include Saham Finances of Morocco and Allianz of Germany. The key ingredients for achieving success, according to industry experts, are consumer education, product selection, distribution and marketing, but applying them is easier said than done.
All African countries are tough nuts to crack, says Nick Rudston of insurer MMI International. [Companies] must look at a long development cycle. It could be seven years or more and even then there is no guarantee of success.
Achieving brand recognition is the first step. In every market you must invest in order to get people to have trust in your brand before you start selling, says Delphine Maidou, Africa CEO for Allianz. The peace-of-mind mentality that comes with insurance is often not there yet. Only when people suffer a loss do they realise how valuable insurance is.
Product selection for specific markets is also crucial, as a product that works in one country may be a disaster in another. Funeral insurance, which is hugely popular in some markets, is an example. When Standard Bank launched a funeral policy in Mozambique, it clashed with the local culture and was viewed as a bad omen. The bank had to relaunch it as an education benefit for children in the event of the insured dying.
Strategic Marketing Africa is published four times a year and is distributed via marketing bodies in the AMC member countries of Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Indian Ocean Islands. It is also available in selected airline lounges and is mailed to a selected list of marketing industry professionals.
Mungo Park, who's career in supply chain spans 20 years, accepted the invitation from directors to take up the role of association president at the recent annual general meeting of SAPICS - the industry association for the South African supply chain sector. "I have always considered supply chain efficiency to be a key contributor to business value. I believe that in Africa we are fortunate to have an organisation like SAPICS leading the provision of relevant and up-to-date supply chain education, and facilitating the sharing of supply chain and operations knowledge in Africa," says Parks.
Mungo Park, President of SAPICS
Colin Seftel and Richard dos Santos were also elected to join existing directors Kea Mpane, Clayton Thomas, and Cobus Rossouw. A strategic nomination process will ensure that the additional three open posts will be filled by demographically representative candidates.
Seftel has, between 2013 and 2015, served as member on the board of APICS the Association of Operations Management based in America. I am keen to be involved with SAPICS at a strategic management level once again. While SAPICS is already highly successful as the leading professional organisation for the supply chain community in South Africa, there are enormous opportunities to further extend our influence throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dos Santos, as a director of the Centre for Logistics Excellence (CLX) and AppliSential, has been involved with SAPICS throughout his professional career as both Authorised Education Partner and active member of the Executive Committee. My principal interest is in further enhancing the SAPICS value proposition, and contributing to the sustainability and strategic direction of the association through, among other, the introduction of the SAPICS Education Endorsement Model later in 2016.
The board extended the associations thanks to Martin Bailey and Mike Johnston, both outgoing directors, for their three-year commitment to SAPICS and their intent to remain active participants in the SAPICS community.
Special mention was also made of Cobus Rossouw, outgoing SAPICS president, for his years of tireless service. Rossouw was commended for all that he has done during his time as president of SAPICS and for helping to build the association progressively. Rossouw will remain on the SAPICS board for a further year and will continue to act as Chairman of the Executive Committee.
Mungo Park will address delegates at the 38th Annual SAPICS Conference for supply chain professionals, scheduled for 12-14 June 2016 at Sun City.
Protea Hotels have announced the signing of agreements for the development of its first hotel in Botswana. Over the years, Protea Hotels have expanded into Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana.
Alex Kyriakidis
This latest development reflects our ongoing commitment to doing business in Africa, and to providing the sort of quality accommodation and facilities that the market in Africa is calling for, says Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa for Marriott International.
Marriott International, the parent company of Protea Hotels, plans to open over 93 hotels equating to 19,000 additional rooms - in the Middle East and Africa region between now and 2025. This year alone, 17 new hotels will be opened in the region, adding close to 3,000 new rooms. As regards Africa more specifically, 10 new hotels are scheduled to open during 2016, bringing an additional 1,623 rooms to the market.
Characterised by prudent economic management and political stability, Botswana is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and is classified by the World Bank as an upper-middle income state. With this sort of economic success and the positive outlook for the country, we certainly see strong value in this venture in Botswana.
The new property
Proteas new property, scheduled to open in early 2018, will be located in the capital, Gaborone. It is strategically positioned in the new Central Business District of the city where there are a number of recently-developed corporate head offices, government offices and various retail facilities. The hotels site was carefully selected for its visibility and accessibility; a prominent location near two of the citys main roads.
The hotel will offer 160 rooms of various sizes and types, and will also feature substantial conference, meeting and event facilities. The large ballroom, designed for versatile use, can be converted into four meeting rooms, giving the hotel the ability to host up to eight meetings at any time four in the ballroom and four in the other meeting rooms that are planned. Other facilities include a business centre, bar, restaurant, fitness centre and outdoor pool.
The Hotel represents a significant investment in the local economy and, in addition to offering new hospitality facilities, it will be appreciated because of the new employment opportunities to be created for local citizens, says Kyriakidis.
In a statement by the European Union, the indictment of the Egyptian Press Syndicate's head, secretary-general and undersecretary, has been condemned as a "worrying development" that follows the "unprecedented raid" of the Egyptian security forces on the Press Syndicate's building earlier this month.
Image by 123RF
The statement continues: It reflects broader limitations on freedom of expression and press freedom in Egypt. In recent weeks and months many journalists, activists, protesters and human rights defenders have been arrested, or have suffered intimidation through travel bans, court summons and the threat of asset freezes.
Egypt should act in accordance with its national and international commitments to promote and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms as guaranteed by its Constitution.
We call on the Egyptian authorities to review the charges against those arrested or prosecuted for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, and work to bring the Laws regulating Assembly and the Counter-terrorism Law into line with the Egyptian Constitution.
We call on the Egyptian authorities to review the charges against those arrested or prosecuted for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, and work to bring the Laws regulating Assembly and the Counter-terrorism Law into line with the Egyptian Constitution, the statement concludes.
African Union maps out implementation plan of the continent's nutrition strategy as Africa's children are at the highest risk of malnutrition globally.
Image by 123RF
The 8th session of the African Union (AU) Task Force on Food and Nutrition Development (ATFFND) Meeting has taken place at the commissions headquarters in Addis Ababa. The meeting was partly meant to review progress made in scaling up nutrition interventions in Africa and map out ways for effective implementation of the revised Africas Regional Nutrition Strategy (ARNS 2016 2025), which was adopted in June 2015 by the AU Executive Council.
Speaking on behalf of the director of social affairs of the AU Commission (AUC), Dr Djoudalbaye Benjamin, noted that, in addition to outlining the priority interventions for nutritional improvements in Africa, the ARNS 2016-2025 draws inspiration from past and present declarations, policies and programs to position better nutrition as a critical component for achieving the broader development aspirations of this continent.
He expressed the displeasure of the commission that Africas children are the ones at highest risk of malnutrition globally, and emphasised the urgent need to address this situation in order to safeguard the future of this continent.
This strategy, together with other policies, roadmaps and frameworks as well as the ensuing political commitments to agriculture, food security and nutrition in Africa, leaves us with no excuse, but to work earnestly to improve the situation for all Africans, Benjamin noted.
He applauded the expertise and continuous contribution of this task force to the development of continental and regional policy instruments and programs, and thanked participants for the support provided to the advocacy role of the AU Nutrition Champion, His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho, which has contributed immensely to raising awareness and profile of nutrition as a development agenda in Africa.
In her statement, the president of the Federation of African Nutrition Societies, Professor Joyce Kinabo, appealed to the AU Commission and member states to enhance resilience of food systems on the continent by integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation approaches into the continents policies and programs. She stressed that, improving the food and nutrition situation of Africa is the responsibility of all and deserves the right amount of commitment and resources from policy makers.
Task force
Speaking on behalf of the UN Agencies, the deputy director of WFP office to the AU and UNECA, Wanja Kaaria pointed out that the consequences of poor nutrition on human development, especially poor child growth and brain development, is evident almost everywhere in Africa. She therefore called on the commission to urge African governments to speed up efforts to address the situation by putting in place the right interventions that touch all those in need.
She described this task force as a forum of global and continental interest for consolidating and harmonising Africas efforts for better nutrition.
A representative of the RECs also called for strengthening of data and monitoring mechanisms and effective reporting on our activities, to ensure accountability of all the decisions and declarations taken to improve food and nutrition situation of Africans.
During the two-day deliberation, participants called for generating more evidence and knowledge management; advocacy and awareness raising campaigns and increased resources for agriculture, food and nutrition actions. Participants were also briefed on ongoing continental approaches to improve the situation, including the AU-led Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control (PACA), Home Grown School Feeding initiative and the AU Research Grant on Sustainable Agriculture Intensification and Food and Nutrition Security.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for the AU Commission to continuously provide guidance and actively lead the coordination and harmonisation of policies and programs that support better nutritional outcomes in Africa. The Meeting called on the Commission to put in place a comprehensive continental campaign against elimination of child stunting in Africa; and clear accountability mechanisms for tracking implementations of the numerous decisions, declarations, policies, strategies and frameworks on Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security.
Participants for the meeting were drawn from AU Member States, NEPAD, UN Agencies, civil society organisations, private sector agencies, research institutions, African nutrition societies and associations and individual experts. This Task Force was established in 1987 by the Organisation of African Unity with a mandate to guide and support food and nutrition policies and programs in Africa.
Senegal has agreed in principle to host the nutrition task force meeting in 2017.
When I was a kid, my mom would always scold me for putting my elbows on the table at dinner by asking me, What if youre invited to dinner with the Queen of England one day? Will you put your elbows on the table then? I always laughed at this, sure that the scenario of me dining with royalty was a pretty unrealistic one. But I realized recently that I should have listened to my mother and worked on my table mannersbecause last Saturday night, I attended a coronation.
The Sheraton Airport Hotel was filled with crowns and tiaras: queens, kings, dukes and princesses from all over the country filled the halls, chatting and ordering over-priced drinks from the bar. All these people are members of the International Court System, an organization of LGBTQ folks who raise money for a host of charities through, mostly, drag shows. There are chapters of the ICS in every large city in the US and throughout Canada and Mexico, and, though each of them operates separately, they frequently come together and support each other at yearly coronation events. The group takes the conceit of a royal court as their organizations structureadding new meaning to the terms drag queen and drag kingeven though behind the scenes, all the royalty serve on a board and take equal part in fundraising efforts. On this particular night at the Sheraton, they were all there to celebrate the reign of Emperor Goliath and Empress Seliah of the United Court of the Sandias, and to witness the crowning of the two who would take their places.
The crowd was about as diverse as one could imagine. Although the titles involved in the court are highly gendered (duke vs. duchess, etc.), anyone can dress as male or female in the court, and a few mix signifierswearing stilettos with a suit, or rocking a full beard and a cocktail dress. Its like a gay Renaissance Fairpeople spend many hours and dollars on their outfits beforehand, travel long distances to participate, and then bow and curtsy all night in a contrived formality that, for just a little while, makes everyone feel like royalty.
The Alibis ace photographer Eric and I were two of the few uninitiated people in the room. The person sitting next to me at my dining table asked what my title was, to which I fumblingly replied, Uh, reporter? He flashed me his badge, which read Supreme King of Phoenix, AZ. I dont think Ive ever been one-upped so hard in my life.
I spoke briefly with Seliah, the reigning Empress XXIII, about the Court System and its work. Its like working another full-time job, she said of being on the board. The United Court of the Sandias hosts fundraisers all year round, with the money they raise going to several charitiesmany HIV awareness programs, LGBTQ rights organizations, food pantries and homeless outreach programs. Besides their regular Sunday night drag shows at the Albuquerque Social Club, the UCS hosts many fundraiser events all year, including toy and canned food drives during the holidays, a car wash, and a drag queen softball game. At one event, you could pay to throw a pie at the drag queen of your choosing. Im the empress thatll do anything for a dollar, said Seliah, winking.
Once we were all seated and satiated with alcohol and the first course, the awards began. And continued. For hours. Everyone in the room must have left dragging bags of awards behind them. They were given by the reigning Empress Seliah and Emperor Goliath, to members of both the local court and to visiting members of out-of-state courts, for friendship, for hard work, for courage in the face of difficult times.
After the awards came the performances. All those running for Emperor or Empress (yes, the Emperor and Empress are voted in) perform for the court, and must go all-out to really impress. One candidate for Empress had an entire 10-minute-longset, with a rotating cast of backup characters and a medley that started with (of course) Judy Garland and ended, incredibly, with Frank Ocean. There were choreographed dance routines, grand outfit reveals and a really great Gladys Knight impersonator.
During each performance, the members of the court lined up in pairs, linked arm-in-arm, to delicately hand tips to the performer. As the performer took the cash they bowed graciously to the couplethe coronation is the one night all year that the performers get to keep all of their tips.
It wasnt until midnight that we witnessed what we had all come for: the coronation. Amidst much fanfare and tears of happiness, Topher Daniels took the title of Emperor XXIV and Dahlia Rico Stratton that of Empress XXIV. During their year-long reign, these two young and enthusiastic drag performers will be required to have all the qualities of royalty, and then some: not only grace, leadership and good judgement, but a willingness to put in long and late hours to support their court. Because in this highly democratic empire, the ones with the biggest crowns are frequently those who work the hardest.
The message also urged all EAOs to stop listening to the tricks of the Military Council and act decisively on what they should do. The Three Brothers...
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What Is The Concept Of Hundi In Temple? Faith Mysticism oi-Staff
India is a land of mixed cultures and traditions where many religions grow, sustain and flourish by themselves.
Due to its secular concept towards religions, every Indian is free to follow and have faith in his/her own religion.
As a matter of fact, every religion all over the world has its own gods and goddesses; and everyone is free to follow the religion that they like to and prefer.
The faith in the gods makes people do various types of things that you may find unusual and unrealistic. However, faith does not believe in those things.
As far as the concept of Hundi in the temple is concerned, it is purely mythological and peoples faith in the existence in god.
While finding the answer to the question, why do we put money in the Hundi, we would need to pay attention towards some old mythological stories which state that Lord Vishnu took some money as a loan from Kuber, the god of wealth.
The devotees have complete faith in the event, and that is why they help the Lord to pay back Kuber. Basically, there is no reason to justify the question, why is it necessary to put money in the Hundi.
However, if you look into the matter, then you can obviously find concrete reasons as to why we put money in the Hundi.
Following are some of the reasons that can be the possible answers to the question, why is it necessary to give money in the Hundi, have a look:
Helping Lord Vishnu To Pay Back Kuber:
As mentioned earlier, putting money in the Hundi is purely performed out of the devotees' wish to make the Lord debt free. To be more specific, the devotees of all the religions have faith in the story and they also contribute to the fund.
Create Funds For The Development Of The Temple:
Almost all the temples, irrespective of religion or faith, need a large sum of money to manage their everyday affairs. The money collected in the Hundi is just a way to provide funds, so that the authorities use it to manage the expenses.
The possible expenses include purchase of ingredients for everyday worship of the gods and goddesses. It also includes salary for the staff in the temples, including the priests.
Get The Favour Of The Gods:
This is pure faith and nothing else. The devotees consider the gods as Almighty, who has the power to help them out of all the problems and troubles.
This should be taken as pure faith and nothing else. This faith is not built in a day or two, and it has a relevance since time immemorial. Having the blessings of the god can only be experienced, and it cannot be seen by the naked eyes.
Performance Of Special Rituals:
Most of the temples have their own rituals and religious activities. These activities are special and they also need large sums of money every year.
For example, the Yagnas are conducted on each of the special days, and they need a great deal of money. This is one of the strongest reasons as to why it is necessary to put money in the Hundi.
Usually, these Yagnas are attended by a large number of devotees, and they all contribute to the Hundi. In the process, the authorities collect the required sum of money to perform those special rituals.
To Help The Needy:
Though not all the temples do this, but there are many temples all around the globe where the authorities use the large sums of money collected in the Hundi to help the needy people who cannot help themselves. The money is dispensed among the poor purely for charity and not for any business purpose.
To Become A Desire-free Person:
As per mythology, it is believed that a person becomes desire free only when he offers something to others out of his own accord.
The reason why we put money to the Hundi is to make ourselves get rid of the bad elements in us, and further allow this task to purify our hearts.
This is one of the reasons why we offer and put money to the Hundi.So, faith in God and His existence can make people offer money to the Hundi. There is basically no selfish reason for this and it is usually offered by the people on their own will with no one forcing them to do so.
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Story first published: Thursday, June 9, 2016, 15:30 [IST]
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has written a letter to the Permanent Secretary to the President, Carter Morupisi asking him to intervene in finding out why some projects that have been funded over the years have not been implemented.
The ministrys Permanent Secretary, Solomon Sekwakwa disclosed this when appearing before to members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday. The finance PS did not mention specific projects that were funded but never carried out.
However, Sekwakwa did not also disclose the amount of money involved in the projects in question. There are other delayed projects and this is a norm across all ministries, he said. In addition one the Accounting Officers from the Finance ministry suggested that the PAC be given the mandate to call units responsible for such projects and question them on the delay of delivery.
For his part, PAC Member and Tati East legislator, Guma Moyo wondered why the ministry has not received a response from the PSP, since the letter was delivered in December 2015. There should be a response, Moyo said. The Ministry of Agriculture has a lot funded projects, but the output especially to economy is still low, Moyo said as a matter of fact. In response, Sekwakwa answered by stating the sectors performance was performing satisfactorily.
According to data from Statistics Botswana the sector contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the three months leading up to December 2015 was at P801, 9 million. This is a sharp increase compared to the same period last year of P787, 8 million.
NEW DELHI (PTI): The first batch of women fighter pilots, comprising three cadets, will be inducted in the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 18.
The three women pilots will be commissioned into the fighter stream on June 18 this year after successful completion of the initial training, official sources said.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is also expected to attend the event.
Thereafter, they would undergo advanced training for one year and would enter a fighter cockpit by June 2017.
Bhawana Kanth, Mohana Singh and Avani Chaturvedi are the trainees who qualified for the fighter stream after it was thrown open to women in October 2015.
They will go to Bidar in Karnataka in June 2016 for their stage-III training for a year on Hawk advanced jet trainers, before they get to fly supersonic warplanes.
Six female cadets were competing to become fighter pilots after the government, in a landmark move, approved an IAF plan in October to induct them as fighter pilots.
However, only three female trainees were selected for the fighter stream.
nEUROn, Falcon 8X and Rafale in flight. Photo: Dassault Aviation/S Rande
SAINT-CLOUD (BNS): Europe's nEUROn unmanned combat air vehicle demonstrator was recently presented in flight at an air meet at Istres.
For the first time in world aeronautical history a stealth aircraft controlled from the ground was flown in public at the event organized by teams from Dassault Aviation, along with the French defense procurement agency (DGA) and the French Air Force.
The presentation, which was carried out by the Dassault Aviation flight test center, lasted about 15 minutes. After takeoff, the nEUROn was joined by a Rafale and a Falcon 8X, a Dassault Aviation statement said.
"This formation of three aircraft illustrates the technological expertise necessary for tomorrow's aeronautical projects. It also contributes to the centennial celebrations of our Group, which has been designing, building and supporting civil and military aircraft since 1916," said Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier.
The three aircraft flew past in formation at an altitude of 150 meters above the Istres runway at 350 km/h, less than 400 meters from thousands of spectators. This flying display, in a limited airspace, represents a real achievement, both technically and in terms of flying skills.
In March 2014, the nEUROn became the world's first unmanned combat air vehicle to fly in formation with other aircraft (a Rafale and a Falcon 7X).
nEUROn is a European programme for an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) technology demonstrator, conducted by Dassault Aviation as prime contractor under the authority of French defense procurement agency DGA.
A file photo of Malabar exercise.
NEW DELHI (PTI): Four Indian naval ships including two stealth frigates and elite Marine Commandos (Marcos) will take part in a trilateral maritime exercise Malabar-16, starting from Friday, that will see India, US and Japan playing war games in seas off Japan.
The Indian ships' participation in Malabar-16 with the US Navy and JMSDF reflects the vital strategic importance of the region to India.
The exercise also assumes significance as it is conducted in East Asia at a time when the South China Sea (SCS) issue is a raging issue in the region. On New Delhi's part the exercise also reflects demonstration of its operational reach and commitment to India's Act East policy.
India has deployed two of its multi-role stealth frigates, INS Sahyadri and INS Satpura, equipped with weapons and sensors, missile corvette Kirch and fleet tanker INS Shakti for the exercise, official sources said on Wednesday.
Led by Eastern Fleet commander Rear Admiral S V Bokhare, Sea King-42B and Chetak helicopters have also been deployed by India for the military exercise starting from June 10 to 13 in the first phase at Sasebo in Japan.
The second phase from June 14 to 17 will be off Okinawa.
The US too will participate in the exercise with its full might. It also has Ticonderoga-class missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay, three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and a tanker along with a wide array of aircraft and helicopters.
Japan has deployed its destroyer-cum-helicopter carrier JS Hyuga, apart from P-3C Orion anti-submarine aircraft as well as the US-2i ShinMaywa amphibious aircraft, which it is keen to sell to India.
Reacting sharply to India's move in December last year of including Japan in the Indo-US Malabar naval exercises on a permanent basis, China had said that Tokyo will "provoke confrontation" and "heighten tensions" in the region.
The US, which had been pushing for Japan's inclusion, has said the exercise is an important element for assessing the maritime capabilities of all the three countries.
The US has in recent months ramped up its warnings over what it calls China's growing "militarisation" in the region.
American warships and aircraft have undertaken number of operations in the region to challenge China's moves even as the US hopes to stitch Asian military powers into a closer cooperation.
The US has also been pushing for a quadrilateral security dialogue involving itself, India, Japan and Australia.
The indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system.
BENGALURU (PTI): Terming as "satisfactory" the performance of Akash missile that has been inducted into the Indian Army and Air Force, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has said the development of the weapon system's next generation is currently underway.
"As far as Akash is concerned, the system which has now been inducted into the Indian Army and Air Force is to a large extent satisfactory. In fact, further induction is going to happen in the Air force," BEL CMD S K Sharma told reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
"Future improvement of the project is on, and it is being done along with DRDO. Certain new generation radars and indigenous missile seekers are introduced for the Akash system.
There are various such improvements, but it is still in the development phase," he added.
Akash missile system is an indigenously developed supersonic short range surface-to-air missile system with the capability to engage a wide variety of aerial threats like aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles up to a maximum range of 25 km and up to an altitude of 20 km.
Stating that the range will be marginally higher, Sharma said, "I will not be able to share specific parameters at this stage, but definitely it will be an improved version of the existing (one)."
On unmanned aerial vehicles, Sharma said BEL, a public sector undertaking, is focusing on UAV payloads and not as such on the platform.
"We are already into electronic warfare system, radars, surveillance devices and so on for UAVs that will be our focus. We are currently working on two-three programmes, including one with the DRDO labs where we will provide electronic payloads for UAVs and variants of that," he said.
BEL also was working with ISRO on various projects like supply of specialised transponders and Doppler weather radars.
"In future we will be producing specialised solar cells - space grade solar cells. We are in talks with ISRO and a manufacturing plant is likely to be set up at BEL," Sharma said.
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Assiniboine Community College president Mark Frison is holding his breath close to $100 million is at stake for the redevelopment of a 103-year-old Brandon building into a gleaming new campus.
The NDP promised hundreds of millions of dollars for post-secondary education projects but the Pallister government is reviewing every project.
Whether its $150 million for the University of Manitobas $500-million Front and Centre capital campaign, or $66.7-million for the redevelopment of Assiniboine Community College, schools will have to wait and hope.
Tim Smith / Brandon Sun Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine Community College, speaks after James Allum, Minister of Education and Advanced Learning, announced a provincial commitment to redeveloping Assiniboine Community College's North Hill Campus at ACC's Parkland Building.
The previous administration handed us a $1-billion deficit, Premier Brian Pallister said Tuesday.
If the province funds all of them, therell be no money for projects next year and the years after that, he said.
Frison said he has yet to hear from the new Conservative government about the college project. Education Minister Ian Wishart was at ACCs convocation recently, but that was ceremonial, not business, Frison said.
Frisons hopes are up because the college has applied for $31 million under the federal Build Canada fund, whose approved projects are expected to be named by June 30. Ottawa needs to know provinces back the projects, Frison said Ottawa has told the ACC its getting good signals from the province.
The (federal) government said the province has signalled that it remains a priority, Frison said. The feds can contribute up to one-third. Weve received word that our project remains a priority.
The NDP said Assiniboines redevelopment meets the Tories own criteria of a return on investment by creating jobs.
The project will redevelop the Parkland Building, which will be home to a new Centre for Health, Energy and Environment, serving as a hub for learning and research innovation.
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TORONTO - Glencore PLC says the British Columbia Investment Management Corp. will pay US$624.9 million cash to buy about 10 per cent ownership in the Swiss company's agricultural products division, which includes the Viterra grain-handling business.
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CALGARY A medical expert says a starving diabetic teen was literally skin and bones and appeared to be suffering from scurvy when he died at his familys home.
To call this neglect, youd need a new word, Dr. Michael Seear said Thursday at the first-degree murder trial of the boys parents.
Emil Radita, 59, and his wife Rodica, 53, have pleaded not guilty in the death of their 15-year-old son, who weighed less than 37 pounds when he died in Calgary in 2013.
Alex Radita is shown in a photo from his 15th birthday party, three months before his death. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Government of Alberta MANDATORY CREDIT
Seear was the attending physician both times that Alexandru Radita was admitted to the British Columbia Childrens Hospital initially in 2000 when the child was diagnosed and again three years later.
He said he has treated countless patients over the years, but the Radita case was sufficiently unusual that it stuck in his mind.
Seear appeared visibly shaken as he looked at a number of photos in court, including one of Alexandru on his 15th birthday, just a few months before the boys death. Seear said the teen appeared to be trying to put on a brave face.
I see hes sitting in bed with a blanket over his legs. He is a severely malnourished boy. This boy is emaciated, miserable, with an ulcer on his neck and a bruise on his forehead. Hes very, very miserable.
But it was pictures taken of Alexandru on the day he died that caused Seear the most distress. Several times he took a deep breath before answering.
Aye, yi, yi. My God, he muttered.
The teeth have rotted down to stumps. Theres blood on his lips and blood on his gums. That is scurvy and thats something that hasnt been seen for a hundred years.
This is utter neglect with this emaciated corpse in the middle of it. He has no muscle. The common expression is skin and bones. There is only tendon and bones.
Theres nothing left.
The doctor said the boys first visit to the childrens hospital years earlier was pretty much normal for a child presenting with Type 1 diabetes, but the mother was adamant that her son did not have the illness.
Seear told court the boys appearance had changed when he saw him again in October 2003.
It was such a shocking sight it sticks in your mind. He was in the last stages of malnutrition, said Seear.
He came in the door close to death. He had a swollen belly because of the fluid. He had no ability to mount an immune response. We started him on antibiotics and as it turned out he had blood cultures that were positive for bacteria, he testified.
You can see how thin his hair is. He looks almost as if hes had chemotherapy. His hair at this stage would be falling out in clumps.
An RCMP constable testified Wednesday about being called to the hospital to investigate a report of possible abuse. Charlene Beck said Alex was a skeleton, couldnt lift his head, arms or legs and talked in whispers a few words at a time.
I had never seen a child in that state, she said as she choked back tears.
Court has heard Alexandru was put into foster care after that and thrived before being returned a year later to his parents, who eventually moved their family to Alberta.
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TORONTO A Liberal politician whose husband was killed while riding his bicycle wants to change Ontarios Highway Traffic Act so drivers who injure or kill someone in an accident will face the real possibility of going to jail.
Police say they will charge a motorist with careless driving instead of the more serious Criminal Code offence of dangerous driving when there was no intent to cause harm, which means a maximum jail sentence of six months even if someone dies.
But Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon said a jail sentence is virtually never imposed on careless drivers because the Highway Traffic Act considers the actions of motorists, but doesnt concern itself with victims.
A Toronto officer with 29 years on the job, most of them in traffic, said no careless driving charge he was involved with had ever resulted in a jail sentence, despite the fact people have died, said McMahon.
McMahons husband, OPP Sgt. Greg Stobbart, was killed while riding his bike in 2006 by a driver with five previous convictions for driving while suspended, two convictions for driving without insurance and $14,000 in traffic related fines.
His sentence: his licence was suspended again and he received 100 hours of community service, she said. And just 62 days after this man hit Greg, he hit someone else.
McMahons private members bill would add a new offence of careless driving causing death or bodily harm, which would carry a maximum jail sentence of two years.
It would give police a necessary option to fill what they find to be a frustrating gap in the law that doesnt allow officers to lay a charge that recognizes the seriousness of the offence when someone is hurt or killed in an accident, added McMahon.
Gregs frustration with the lack of specificity inherent in Sec. 130 (of the Highway Traffic Act), his frustration at his own inability to lay a charge which fit the offence, is something I heard about all too often, she said.
To see it play out in a case that took his life was shattering.
Transportation Minister Steven DelDuca said hes always looking for ways to make highways safer, but wouldnt commit to passing McMahons bill.
Were going to take a look at the specific legislation shes brought forward and figure out if this is the best way to move forward, he said. All of our road safety partners have expressed concern to me about this.
Toronto Police Const. Hugh Smith said it took higher fines and demerit points to change peoples behaviour about texting and driving, and he expects increased fines, demerit points and the real possibility of jail could do the same for careless driving.
This bill provides clarity, he said. The deterrent will help.
Bruce Chapman of the Police Association of Ontario also welcomed McMahons initiative to create the offence of careless driving causing death or bodily harm.
Hopefully this will add as a deterrent to drivers, said Champman. By introducing this bill it gives some teeth to the police.
Private members bills rarely become law in Ontario, but McMahon said she wanted this one to stand in her name instead of becoming a government bill.
I asked them to carry this through as a private members bill because the issue is so personally important to me, she said. Im confident with the support that I have that this will become law, in short order hopefully.
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REGINA - The Saskatchewan government has tabled legislation that will allow people to take more time off work to care for a dying or very sick loved one.
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It is better to live in Whitehorse, YT than Brandon after the city plunged more than 50 spots in MoneySenses annual Best Places to Live in Canada rankings.
After missing the Top 25 last year, the Wheat City now stands as the 82nd best city to live one worse than Whitehorse at 81. Had Brandon held onto its 2015 ranking of 26th overall, it would have ranked higher than Winnipeg, which dropped five spots to 29th this year.
Brandons less than stellar rank is partly due to one of the magazines key metrics unemployment. Estimates from Economic Development Brandon show that unemployment in the city is continuing to trend upwards and estimates from last year have doubled in January, March and April of 2016.
MoneySense estimates that the citys unemployment rate may actually be as high as 10.2 per cent, based on trends in the job market economic region around each city over the past four years and then adjusted the National Household Survey (2011) unemployment data accordingly.
The magazines figure would triple estimates from Economic Development Brandon, which listed the unemployment rate around three per cent in June 2015.
MoneySenses methodology gathers information on Census Metropolitan Areas, Census Agglomeration and Census Subdivisions defined by Statistics Canada and demographic data from Environics Analytics in addition to several other sources.
It awards a total of 103 points with varying weights across 20 categories, which includes population growth, median household income and weather. Four other Manitoba cities rounded out the bottom half of the list with Thompson (132nd), Portage la Prairie (168th), Selkirk (169th) and Steinbach (170th).
Weyburn, Sask., was named the Best City to Live in the Prairies, while Ottawa was crowned best city to live overall.
Some positives for Brandon included the citys access to health care and ease of walking, biking and taking transit.
The magazine added eight cities and towns to their list in 2016, growing their rankings to a total of 219 cities.
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Three Vincent Massey High School students have emerged from the realm of alleles and genetic mutations as the top one and two per cent of biology students in the nation.
Each year, the high schools AP biology class writes the University of Torontos National Biology Competition test to prepare for other exams. In addition to receiving an individual score, students with the top five marks constitute a team entry.
Of the 16 Massey students who participated this year, the top five all placed within the top 10 per cent. Vincent Masseys team placed ninth of 211 teams, from 263 competing schools across Canada.
Bruce Bumstead / Brandon Sun Vincent Massey AP Biology students recently completed nationally writing an examination sponsored by the University of Toronto. Students Karen Cuadros, Fourie, Emma Doerksen, Jessica Li, Mackenzie Cullen, Mignon Visser, (back row) Omer Sajjad, Jameson Plewes, Daniel Lysack, Dylan Sutherland and Iwan Levin.
It was always like, oh, (the exam) is coming, but its not here yet and then it came, and I was like, oh no! laughed Jessica Li, who scored at the top of the 98th percentile.
I kind of miss it, she said.
Most students in the Advanced Placement program begin it with the knowledge that theyll one day write the test. The school has taken part since 2006, and placed fourth in the competition last year.
The students biology teacher, Lindsay Metruk, said 2015s success made some of the students nervous.
She, on the other hand, knew differently.
You kind of have an idea of how the crew will do, just based on their enthusiasm for the topic and their tests and such throughout the semester, and this is a really bright group, Metruk said. (They are) very keen to learn, really love the topics weve been addressing, so I knew it would be a good year.
Along with Li, students Daniel Lysack and Emma Doerksen were recognized for their test scores. Like Li, Doerksen scored in the top two per cent of roughly 3,200 Canadian students. Both girls received a certificate for National Biology Scholar.
Lysack, who tested in the 99th percentile, was awarded a National Biology Scholar with Distinction and $50.
Lysack didnt specifically study for (the exam), but rather used it as an opportunity to study for the class final and AP College Board Exam, which could earn the students a credit or spare at a post-secondary institution.
But for these students, explaining the oxidization of carbon molecules in glucose during lactic acid fermentation is easier than talking about their futures.
Only heading into the summer of their Grade 12 year, some of the students are interested in pursuing careers in the science field but dont yet know where.
Maybe well go to U of T, one student joked.
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WINNIPEG Premier Brian Pallister says Manitobans will vote with their feet if BCE Inc. doesnt live up to its commitments to provide improved cellphone and high-speed Internet service.
The proposed $3.9-billion sale of MTS to Bell continued to be a focus of debate at the Manitoba legislature Tuesday, with the Opposition NDP pressing the Pallister government to act as an intervener in the sale to protect consumers.
The NDP also raised the results of a new poll the second in a week that shows Manitobans are dissatisfied with the proposed deal. The Environics survey, conducted on behalf of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Consumers Association of Canada and Public Interest Law Centre (Manitoba), revealed only 23 per cent of Manitobans supported the sale.
Pallister said private companies are held to account by consumers, who get their bills for service.
If services are not better and theyre not enhanced, then those people are going to go somewhere else. And thats the way it should be, he said following question period.
NDP house leader Jim Maloway said Manitoba consumers are likely to see their cellphone rates soar as a result of the sale, while MTS executives and directors receive financial windfalls and consultants and bankers bag huge fees to get the deal done.
Quoting from a Free Press report, Maloway said MTS CEO Jay Forbes stands to gain $8.9 million from the deal while non-management board members will receive a total of $8.4 million in deferred compensation. Professional and banking fees connected to the sale are expected to reach $65 million.
And what are the consumers going to get out of this? Theyre going to end up having their fees double, said Maloway, adding that MTSs unlimited data plan will likely disappear.
MTS shareholders will meet June 23 in Winnipeg to consider the purchase. The Winnipeg company needs the approval of two-thirds of shareholders to approve the agreement, which would still need to clear legal and regulatory hurdles.
Pallister said the improved cellphone service promised by BCE along Highway 75 would be tremendous, as there have been numerous complaints for years from truckers, service providers and caregivers.
Its a major trading route; its a major transportation route. Thats positive news. I expect more news to come, the premier said.
He said he doesnt buy the NDPs assertion the government needs to intervene in the purchase process to protect consumers.
I dont find the fears to be substantiated by reality, he said.
Winnipeg Free Press
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OTTAWA The Trudeau government is insisting that medical assistance in dying should only be available to Canadians near death, showing no inclination to accept a Senate amendment to expand the right to those suffering from non-terminal conditions.
Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould says the Senate amendment upsets the delicate balance the government has struck in Bill C-14 between respecting personal autonomy and protecting the vulnerable.
The amendment, passed late Wednesday, knocks out the central pillar underpinning the governments proposed new law as assisted dying.
Reporters speak with Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould as she waits to appear at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedures and House Affairs about the assisted dying legislation Thursday June 9, 2016 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
It deletes the requirement that only those whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable should be eligible to seek medical help to end their lives. And it replaces the bills restrictive eligibility standard with the more permissive criteria set out in last years landmark Supreme Court ruling, which struck down the ban on medically assisted dying.
The amendment that was passed last night is a significant one, Wilson-Raybould said Thursday.
It will broaden the regime of medical assistance in dying in this country and we have sought to ensure that we, at every step, find the right balance that is required for such a turn in direction.
Health Minister Jane Philpott said shes personally concerned the amendment would mean people suffering strictly from mental illnesses would be eligible for assisted dying a group specifically excluded in Bill C-14.
We stand by the cohesiveness, the integrity of the piece of legislation that we put forward, that strikes that balance that we believe is necessary, that has had broad public support, that has been supported in a vote in the House of Commons, Philpott said.
C-14 would allow assisted dying only for consenting adults in an advance stage of irreversible decline from a serious and incurable disease, illness or disability and for whom a natural death is reasonably foreseeable.
Thats more restrictive than the Supreme Courts directive that medical assistance in dying should be available to clearly consenting, competent adults with grievous and irremediable medical conditions that are causing enduring suffering that they find intolerable.
The ministers did not explicitly say the government will formally reject the amendment, which is just the first of many the Senate is expected to pass. Its up to the House of Commons to determine whether to accept or reject amendments from the upper house.
But their continued defence of the bill and their dismissal of any substantive changes sets up the potential for a deadlock between the two houses of Parliament.
The two ministers were careful not to criticize appointed senators for voting to make a significant change to a bill approved by the elected House of Commons. But Conservative Sen. David Tkachuk said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reaping what he sowed when he kicked senators out of the Liberal caucus and set up a process for appointing non-partisan, independent senators in a bid to return the Senate to its intended role as an independent chamber of sober second thought.
If thered been Liberal senators in there, we wouldnt be in this mess, said Tkachuk, who voted against the amendment.
Much as I dislike the Liberals, they won the majority They should be in charge of the place but theyre obviously not.
Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose said the apparent collision course between the two chambers is a sign of a bigger problem.
We have the courts making laws in this country and now we have an unelected Senate changing the laws of an elected House, Ambrose told a news conference Thursday.
Theres even a larger debate here, which I think is upsetting a lot of my constituents and a lot of people across the country.
But independent Liberal Sen. Serge Joyal, who proposed the amendment, said the Supreme Court ruling on Senate reform made it clear that the Senate has a responsibility to, first, review the legislation and to intervene when the rights of Canadian citizens are at stake.
New Democrat MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau said the ruling Liberals are in a mess entirely of their own making. Had the government accepted NDP proposals to drop the near-death proviso before rushing the bill through the Commons, the Senate wouldnt have had to take it upon itself to amend the legislation, the NDP argued.
Joyals amendment was intended to ensure that the legislation complies with the top courts ruling on assisted dying and with the charter of rights. And it was to go hand-in-hand with another amendment proposed Thursday by Conservative Senate leader Claude Carignan, which would have required a judge and a psychiatrist to sign off on applications for assisted dying by those who are not terminally ill.
Indeed, its not clear that Joyals amendment would have passed without the assurance that Carignans would impose greater safeguards.
However, Carignans amendment was ultimately defeated by a vote of 37-32, with four abstentions. Numerous senators, as well as some right-to-die advocates, blasted the proposal for undoing the effect of Joyals amendment and imposing barriers to assisted dying for those who cant afford to pay the legal costs involved or for those in rural and remote communities where there are few psychiatrists.
If we pass this amendment, everything we worked for is gone, said independent Liberal Sen. Mobina Jaffer, who was almost in tears as she described the impact of Carignans proposal on impoverished immigrant women.
The Senate is expected to continue debating the bill and voting on other amendments into next week.
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VANCOUVER When Dr. Ellen Wiebe performed her first assisted death of a new legal era on Tuesday, she did it without the help of a nurse.
The Vancouver doctor, who has become a champion of the right to access medical aid in dying, inserted the IV herself. She has training in the procedure, but she lamented that it is nurses who are experts.
Patients should have the best person to put in an IV and the best person is not me, she said in an interview.
Dr. Ellen Wiebe is pictured in her Vancouver office on March 9, 2016. Wiebe, the British Columbia doctor who has become an outspoken advocate for assisted death, is calling on the provincial government to assure nurses they won't be prosecuted for participating in the procedure. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Late Wednesday, the B.C. Criminal Justice Branch issued guidelines for nurses and pharmacists to fill the vacuum while the federal Liberals controversial Bill C-14 works its way through the Senate.
Before the governments announcement, Wiebe urged the British Columbia government to follow Albertas lead and issue a directive stating criminal charges will not be pursued against medical teams who participate in aid in dying.
The Supreme Court of Canada gave the federal government until Monday to create legislation to allow for assisted death and British Columbia is now following the courts directive after the deadline passed.
But while doctors are clearly protected by the Supreme Courts judgment, known as the Carter decision, which struck down the Criminal Code provisions banning assisted death, nurses and pharmacists are not explicitly mentioned in the ruling.
Without legislation in place, the courts decision has become law, meaning its no longer a crime for physicians to help end the lives of mentally competent adults suffering from a grievous and irremediable condition.
A statement from the Justice Branch, which is the body that determines if criminal charges are laid, said it recognizes that physician-assisted death may require the involvement of various health professionals.
When charges are assessed on a case-by-case basis, the conditions of physician-assisted death set out in Carter should be applied to physicians or other health-care professionals involved in carrying out, or providing information about, a physician-assisted death.
The provincial government has already given legal weight to a set of standards created by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. to help make sure safeguards are in place to protect patients.
Wiebe applauded those standards, but said a requirement that the doctor be present until the patients death has caused problems for patients who wish to die by oral medication, a process that currently takes up to six hours in Canada.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In advance of the guidelines, the College of Pharmacists of B.C. had already advised pharmacists that the legal risk they face was small, because subsequent court judgments have found that pharmacists who participate in a physician-assisted death of an individual who meets the Carter criteria acted lawfully.
The college recommended pharmacists reflect on its guidelines and its new standards, which include confirming with the doctor the patients eligibility for aid in dying. Pharmacists may also seek legal advice.
My pharmacists are happy with their new guidelines, said Wiebe.
Cynthia Johansen, CEO and registrar of the College of Registered Nurses of B.C., said the group was still waiting for information on the guidelines late Wednesday, but plans to take appropriate regulatory measures.
We welcome steps, such as this, towards providing more clarity to nurses and the public on the role of nurses in medically assisted dying, Johansen said in a statement.
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OTTAWA The first year of the Liberal governments marquee Syrian refugee resettlement program came in about $136 million under budget, the government said Thursday.
Bringing in 25,000 people between November and the end of February cost $319 million, with the biggest costs being transporting and welcoming them, figures released by the Immigration Department show.
Transportation was cheaper than expected, temporary military housing was never used and neither was a contingency fund, Immigration Minister John McCallum told a House of Commons committee in explaining the cost savings.
The reason we spent dramatically less than we said we would is because we were dramatically efficient, he said.
The budget set out for the program last November was $678 million spread over six years. It was divided up into five phases the first three focused on the identification, processing and transportation of refugees.
The maximum budget for those three streams was $188 million. Those phases are over and figures released Thursday estimate $108.5 million was spent.
But the lions share of the budget the cost to actually settle the refugees and provide income support, language training, job services and the like remains to be spent.
The budget is $377 million and $32.6 million was spent in 2015-2016.
Refugee settlement agencies have been appearing before MPs for weeks detailing concerns about the settlement process from women not being able to attend language classes because they cant find daycare to struggles with securing long-term, affordable housing.
For 2016-2017, the department has estimated it requires at least $99.6 million for settlement services.
Conservative Immigration critic Michelle Rempel said she doesnt trust the budgets the original campaign promise on refugee resettlement said the endeavour would only cost $250 million, she pointed out.
The number of agencies struggling to handle the influx of Syrians would suggest the government isnt basing its budget on talking to people on the ground, she said.
I really think as opposed to what the prime minister said during the campaign, this isnt a matter of political will, Rempel said.
This boils down to the ability to manage and we just havent seen that here.
As of May 29, 27,580 Syrians have arrived, about 15,412 of whom are government assisted.
The Liberals are aiming to resettled 10,000 more in that stream by the years end. Theyve set aside a further $245 million over five years for that purpose, and estimated theyll need at least $39.4 million in 2016-2017.
The Liberals are also under pressure from the Conservatives to take in more refugees from the region and help resettle hundreds of Yazidis ethnic Kurds who follow an ancient Middle Eastern faith.
Islamic militants have been brutal in their treatment of the Yazidis since the war in Iraq broke out, including buying and selling their women as sex slaves.
The majority of Yazidis are in Iraqi Kurdistan, their home country. That means they arent defined as refugees by the UN, and as such, arent eligible for government resettlement to Canada. They could be brought here under other provisions of immigration law, such as humanitarian and compassionate programs.
Those living in camps in Turkey could be resettled. There are several Yazidi families in Turkey being sponsored privately by a group in Winnipeg, but they are stuck waiting for travel paperwork. Difficult getting such paperwork from Turkish officials for the Syrians was one of the delays in the Liberal program last fall.
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OTTAWA A new report says Canadian consumers may be unwittingly buying goods made by child labourers.
And those who want to make ethical buying decisions are largely in the dark about what companies are doing to prevent child labour in their supply chains, says the World Vision Canada report to be released today.
The organization is calling for a new law to force companies that do business in Canada to report annually on the measures they take to ensure that factories in other countries arent using minors to make products for the Canadian marketplace.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour MaryAnn Mihychuk answers a question during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. A new report on child labour is raising the call for a supply chain transparency law. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Similar legislation exists in other jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom and California; the U.S. Congress is reviewing a proposed federal law.
There is an opportunity here for Canada to get on board, said Simon Lewchuk, who has been heading up the initiative for World Vision Canada.
Its an issue of promoting the Canadian brand for responsible business; its an opportunity to ensure that we are competitive too.
Lewchuk said transparency legislation would be a way to pressure companies into doing more to prevent child labourers from working on goods made overseas.
The legislation is a means to an end, not an end in and of itself. The hope is simply by requiring companies to report on this, that will then be the basis of a better dialogue between consumers, investors and these companies.
The recommendation is one of several in the report, which comes one day after Canada ratified an International Labour Organization convention on child labour that proclaims the minimum age for work should be 15.
The organization has been pushing the federal government for more than a year to craft transparency legislation. As a first step, Lewchuk said the government should set up a working group made up of representatives from civil society groups, businesses, and investors to develop recommendations on new legislation.
Government documents obtained by The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act show federal officials raised the idea last year to then-labour minister Kellie Leitch, writing that if there was a trend among allies to have transparency laws, it would present an opportunity for Canada to show leadership by examining the possibility of adopting a similar legislation.
Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk said the government would have to study any proposal before crafting a new law.
We dont have child labour here, but some companies may use child labour somewhere along their supply chain, she said in an interview ahead of ratifying the ILO convention.
Mihychuk said some multinational companies based in Canada already disclose information as part of a corporate social responsibility agenda.
Among those companies is apparel manufacturer Gildan, named in the World Vision Canada report as a model for other companies.
The Quebec-based company regularly runs surprise audits of overseas factories: In 2015, it ran 337 such audits to ensure the minimum working age in factories is 18, and that workers have adequate compensation, benefits, and hours of work. The results are posted online for consumers to read.
Peter Iliopoulos, the companys senior vice-president of corporate affairs, said the company sees the work as key to their business strategy and brand image.
It gives the assurance to our customers, and our customers customersthat theyre buying a product of superior quality thats manufactured under the highest level of social compliance and environmental compliance practices in the industry, he said.
We feel thats a very important differentiating factor for us versus competing products in the apparel industry.
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HALIFAX An elderly woman spent more than a week in a Halifax emergency room because her family refused to take her home, according to the chief of Nova Scotias largest ER.
Dr. Samuel Campbell said the woman was not ill, but her grandchildren were looking after her and felt they could no longer cope with her mild dementia.
Campbell said Halifax Infirmary emergency room staff contacted her next of kin the womans children, who were in Florida at the time but they became angry that she couldnt stay in emergency and refused to take her home.
The staff were threatened with legal action or with bringing the issue to the media.
The family was just saying, We refuse to take her home. Shes your problem. Do something, said Campbell in an interview on Thursday. Nurses are crying and social workers are desperate.
The woman stayed at the hospital for 215 hours, or almost nine days, before being discharged Thursday, said Campbell.
Thats 60 patients, 60 sick patients that basically did not get care while she was here because she was using up the space that they paid their tax dollars to provide for their emergency care, said Campbell, adding that another elderly person was in the emergency room for more than four days.
Such situations are becoming all too common in the regions emergency rooms, said Campbell: Elderly people who are not acutely ill are clogging the system and preventing others from receiving emergency care.
Campbell said some families are not planning for the long-term care of their loved ones and instead drop them off at emergency when they can no longer cope with their needs.
They throw their hands up and say they cant manage any longer In some ways its almost abandonment, said Campbell.
The problem for us is that we cant do our job The emergency department is for managing emergencies. An emergency is an unexpected health crisis. This is not an unexpected health crisis. Its a social crisis that should have been anticipated. They didnt suddenly become demented and old.
Campbell said in most cases, the elderly person has cognitive issues.
They languish in the emergency department. Its lit 24 hours a day. Its noisy 24 hours a day. Its not a calm environment, which is exactly what these people need, said Campbell.
Health Minister Leo Glavine reiterated Thursday that wait times for long-term care beds are coming down. He said Emergency Health Services are also now able to go to homes and address health needs without going to the emergency room.
Part of that is educating our senior population so that they know that there could be another avenue for them to get the care that they need, said Glavine after a cabinet meeting.
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This article was published 09/06/2016 (2330 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
OTTAWA Federal ethics commissioner Mary Dawson has quietly resumed her investigation of former Stephen Harper chief of staff Nigel Wright over his secret $90,000 payment to Sen. Mike Duffy.
Her annual report, tabled Thursday in Parliament, says the Wright examination was resumed in early June 2016.
It provides no further explanation.
Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson waits to appear at the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics about the statutory review of Canada's Conflict of Interest Act Monday February 11, 2013 in Ottawa. Dawson has quietly resumed her investigation of former Stephen Harper chief of staff Nigel Wright over his secret $90,000 payment to Sen. Mike Duffy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Wright was at the heart of a protracted scandal that rocked the former Conservative government, but he was never charged with an offence.
The commissioner suspended her investigation of the former right-hand-man to the prime minister in June 2013 amid an RCMP investigation that resulted in 31 criminal charges against Duffy, including an allegation that the Harper-appointed senator had accepted a bribe.
A judge earlier this spring cleared Duffy of all charges in a scathing judgment that pointed the finger at the Prime Ministers Office.
Justice Charles Vaillancourt ruled in April that Duffy was just another piece on the chessboard and described the behaviour of senior PMO staff as unacceptable in a democratic society.
Wright, who resigned from the PMO and returned to private life in May 2013, was not charged with offering a bribe to Duffy, although he acknowledged cutting a personal cheque to the senator in order to pay off contested expense claims and attempt to bury a politically embarrassing spectacle for the Harper government.
The federal ethics commissioner can investigate allegations of wrongdoing under the Conflict of Interest Act and the conflict of interest code for members of the House of Commons, but is largely toothless beyond naming and shaming miscreants.
Wrights case was listed in Dawsons annual report among business carried over from the previous year, alongside her investigation of former Harper adviser Bruce Carson, whose ethics investigation remains suspended while illegal lobbying and influence peddling charges play out in court.
Dawson also included a special matters of note section this year to detail her concerns about political fundraising by the new Liberal government.
The ethics commissioner identified four high-profile fundraisers she examined, including a private reception at a Toronto law office headlined by Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, and appeals by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill Morneau that offered donors a chance to win face-to-face meetings.
Nigel Wright, former chief of staff to former prime minister Stephen Harper. (Justin Tang / The Canadian Press)
While all four instances referred to above raised questions about the appropriateness of the way the fundraisers were organized, it was never clear that there was a contravention of the (Conflict of Interest) Act, says the annual report.
Dawsons report recounts her past investigations of similar cash-for-access allegations under the previous government and noted it is an ongoing issue.
And she reprised her previous and ignored recommendations that the House of Commons might wish to consider implementing a separate code of conduct to address the political conduct of members and their staff, including political fundraising activities and I continue to believe that such rules should be established.
This would go some way to maintain and enhance public confidence and trust in the integrity of ministers and parliamentary secretaries, says the report.
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EDMONTON A South African company that brought a crew of 300 people to Alberta to help fight the Fort McMurray wildfire says it is sorry about an ongoing dispute over their pay.
Working on Fire Ltd. posted a message on its website Friday saying it is extremely disappointed the dispute wasnt resolved internally before it escalated into an international incident.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley has said the province contracted with the company to pay the firefighters roughly $170 per day.
South African firefighters are seen on a an Air Canada plane in Johannesburg, South Africa destined for Edmonton on Sunday, May 29, 2016 in this handout photo. A group that employs 300 South African firefighters on loan to Alberta to battle the Fort McMurray blaze says it is bringing its workers home after they complained about what they are being paid.THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-CNW Group/Air Canada-MANDATORY CREDIT
But a member of the crew says they were being paid about $50 per day for fighting the fire in 12-hour shifts.
Working on Fire says it never agreed to pay anyone that amount and the workers are leaving for home because of the dispute.
Notley has said her NDP government will ensure that every firefighter from South Africa is paid according to Alberta law, which stipulates a minimum wage of $11.20 per hour.
The company said it is treating the pay dispute with the utmost importance and is committed to finding an amicable solution.
We are currently investigating the matter internally and wish to apologize to both the Canadian government and Canadian citizens for any inconvenience this may have caused, Working on Fire said in a statement.
Working on Fire said it has successfully completed numerous international deployments.
The company said it pays its firefighters an agreed upon rate that is spelled out in signed contracts.
To have a dispute about remuneration and to be accused of being unfair towards our people is in direct contradiction of our company values.
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OTTAWA The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal from a woman who claimed she was disinherited in her fathers will because she had a child with a white man.
Rector Emanuel Spence, who was born in Jamaica, died in 2013 at age 71, leaving behind two adult daughters from a previous relationship.
The eldest, Verolin Spence, challenged his will as against public policy after finding that he had specifically excluded her and her son.
A lower court agreed, saying the will was based on racist principle and offended public policy, although the document said the woman was left out because she had not communicated with Spence for several years.
The Ontario Court of Appeal overturned the ruling, saying a desire to prevent discrimination does not allow the court to challenge the validity of an unambiguous will based on third-party allegations of racism.
As usual, the Supreme Court gave no reasons for refusing to hear the case.
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OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal from a New Brunswick court ruling that barred an American white supremacy group from inheriting the estate of a Canadian professor.
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TORONTO Toronto police and the family of a man shot dead earlier this week are both issuing public appeals for help in solving the citys 33rd homicide of the year.
Det. Sgt. Joyce Schertzer is asking people to come forward if they have information on the shooting death of Sukh Deo, or knowledge of a black Honda Civic believed to be involved.
Deos family is echoing that call and asking the public not to judge their relative by media accounts they say are untrue.
Deo, 35, was gunned down on Tuesday in the typically peaceful midtown neighbourhood of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue.
Media reports have said Deo was from Vancouver and allegedly had ties to gang activity there.
Schertzer confirmed that Deo was not from Toronto and said his shooting was targeted, but would not comment further.
She said he was known to police, but not to the local force.
Deos family sent an email released by Toronto police in which they pleaded for privacy and understanding.
There have been many things written and said about Sukh alleging all manner of things that are not true, the email read. To his family he was a loving son, a loving brother, and a loving husband and father of two very young children. His family is shattered by his death.
Deos death comes in a year that has seen a dramatic spike in gun violence throughout the city.
Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders and Mayor John Tory have both spoken out on the need for public support to end the spate of shootings.
In a letter to federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale and his Ontario counterpart Yasir Naqvi, Tory linked the rise in gun violence to firearms from the United States, saying about half of illegal guns seized by police have been smuggled across the border.
Schertzer said Deos death has an impact beyond his own circle.
Any shooting is shocking. Not to marginalize the impact or the grieving of the family of this individual, but any shooting makes a victim of the community.
Opinion
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HALIFAX Bill C-14, the governments response to the Carter Supreme Court ruling on medical assistance in dying, is generating a lot of criticism from diametrically opposed perspectives those who think it too permissive and those who think it is too restrictive. Errol Mendes, in testifying before the Senate Committee, was right to invoke the old adage: Perfection is the enemy of the good. That is especially apt when there are so many different versions of what constitutes the perfect where assisted dying is concerned.
The Supreme Court of Canada concluded that the absolute ban on physician assisted suicide was contrary to the charter because it went too far in its attempt to protect the vulnerable those who seek death at a moment of weakness. The Supreme Court suspended its declaration of invalidity of this ban until June 6, 2016, in order to give Parliament time to develop a complex regulatory regime.
The most contentious aspect of Bill C-14 is that it is limited to those who are dying, but with no time-limited cut-off. Those who think Bill C-14 is too permissive are seriously constrained by the Supreme Court of Canadas ruling. Any attempt to prevent medical assistance in dying completely is not an option unless the charters notwithstanding clause were invoked a highly unlikely scenario. Very restricted access to assisted dying, such as the Conservative (Falk) proposed amendment in the House Committee, that access be limited to those whose death is expected within 30 days, would almost certainly fail a charter challenge.
Those who think Bill C-14 is too permissive should consider the consequences of defeating or significantly delaying Bill C-14. It would only make things far worse from their perspective. Thats because having no criminal legislation and thus only the Supreme Court of Canadas ruling invalidating the ban on physician assisted dying now results in much wider access than under Bill C-14.
At the other end of the spectrum are those who think wide access is constitutionally required, and that Bill C-14 is unconstitutional in its limitation to those with a reasonably foreseeable death. They claim that since the Supreme Court of Canadas declaration said nothing explicit about death being reasonably foreseeable, or any other end of life stipulation, there cannot be any such limitation. If an end of life stipulation were allowable, the argument goes, the Supreme Court would have said so.
The opposite point is more compelling. If the Supreme Court had already determined that Parliament could not adopt an end of life stipulation, it would have explained why not. But it never weighed the pros and cons of any end of life stipulation, such as exists in American states and in Quebecs legislation. It handed over the task of evaluating an end of life stipulation to Parliament.
Much has been made of the comment by Justice Karakatsanis on Jan. 11, 2016, during the hearing on the application to give Parliament extra time to respond. Justice Karakatsanis, in discussing the Quebec legislation, said whereas in Carter we rejected terminally ill. What has been given insufficient attention is that Justice Karakatsanis herself pulled back in the courts written reasons just four days later. She was one of five judges who said, we should not be taken as expressing any view as to the validity of the Quebec legislation.
If Bill C-14 is unconstitutional in being limited to those who are dying, so is Quebecs legislation. The Supreme Court in the second Carter decision was careful to leave the issue open. Despite that, those arguing that the first Carter decision already settled that there can be no end of life stipulation in an assisted dying bill are saying that this matter is not even open for debate.
The principled defence of Bill C-14 why it warrants being found to be constitutional is that the risks of error are much higher for those not already close to death. The error in question is subjecting people to premature death who may have changed their minds if death had not precluded that option. To claim that all that counts is individual autonomy is to deny the social responsibility to protect the vulnerable.
Jean Vanier, interviewed on CBCs As It Happens, offered sage advice in advocating caution. The Supreme Court ruling has not obliterated suicide prevention as important public policy. Bill C-14 may not be perfect, but it is far better than the alternatives of wide open access.
Dianne Pothier is professor emeritus, Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. Her expertise includes constitutional and disability law.
Bueno Foods Turns 65 Albuquerque-based Bueno Foods is celebrating 65 years of frozen chile. That's 65 years of New Mexicans being spoiled into forgetting that at one time, people had to go for entire months without green chile. Can you imagine? It gives me the woolies.
What Is Poke? Poke (pronounced, poh-keh) is supposedly a sushi dish served in a bowl and enjoyed in California and Hawaii. However, I have seen many Saturday morning cartoons and am well aware that poke means pocket, as in Pocket Monster. So, I'm hoping to find something involving blue jeans and raw fish when I visit the new Poki Poki in the Bricklight District. Although now that I think about it, cargo pants might work better.
Ibec has launched a poster campaign in Dublin Airport to highlight to people travelling to and from the UK the "compelling, positive case" for Britain remaining in the EU.
The media campaign by the group that represents Irish business will run right up to the vote on Thursday 23 June, and is targeted at voters in Britain with Irish family and business connections.
It will highlight the deep economic ties between the two countries and the risk that the UK leaving the EU would pose to this relationship.
Speaking at the launch in Dublin Airport, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: "Deep historical, geographic and commercial ties mean Ireland has a lot to lose if the UK votes to leave. Not only will the UK economy suffer, Ireland will also be badly affected.
"The UK's EU membership is of key strategic importance to Ireland and Irish business. We have been close allies in Europe across a wide range of areas and we are stronger when we work together. An EU without the UK would be a lesser Union.
"A UK exit would send Ireland, Britain and Europe into uncharted and treacherous waters. The value of sterling has already fallen significantly, a vote to leave would prompt a further significant depreciation, heaping pressure on businesses trading with the UK. This is in addition to the countless other risks that would arise during and after the period of a negotiated exit. A UK departure would be a blow to the Irish recovery and result in a protracted period of uncertainty. It would undermine Europe's ability to act collectively and decisively in the world and would push the EU back into a damaging period of crisis management, at a time when it should be looking to the future."
Mr McCoy set out four key risks for Ireland if the UK votes to leave the EU:
Exchange rate: This is the most immediate risk. In the aftermath of a possible Brexit the sterling/euro exchange rate is likely to move toward or above parity. This would leave Irish firms selling into the UK market 30% less competitive by June than they were in January through exchange rate movements alone.
Trade: Any new UK-EU arrangements may undermine free trade. An agreement would take at least two years, but is likely to take much longer. This would bring a level of uncertainty for Irish firms exporting to Britain in the short term impacting on employment, investment and export plans. The risk to trade flows has been underestimated because of the very significant knock on impact that changing investment patterns could have on trade. Ireland's investment-friendly business model is particularly exposed.
Investment: There are potential opportunities for Ireland from a Brexit. UK-based corporates and financial sector firms will need a home within the European single market. Dublin may be in a prime position to benefit. However, Brexit would also mean that the UK would no longer be subject to state aid rules when competing for FDI or encouraging indigenous business. The UK government might introduce enhanced business and investment supports in order to prevent capital flight and attract FDI.
Regulator divergence: Firms operating within both the EU and UK markets would also have to deal with the prospect of regulatory divergence over the years ahead. For services companies operating in both jurisdictions the impacts are potentially greater as it is unlikely the UK would have to abide by common standards in their domestic services market.
Local councils last year turned down nearly 2,500 homes offered by NAMA for social housing.
The councils have been criticised for rejecting homes while there is a housing and homelessness crisis.
However, there are a number of reasons why some of the houses were rejected - including bad location and poor build quality.
Lorcan Sirr, Housing lecturer in the Dublin Institute of Technology, says the councils sometimes have good reasons for turning down NAMA housing: Not every house that is offered is a suitable house for a county council.
County councils, local authorities, have their own strategies, their own budgets for dealing with their social housing so some of the reasons a county council would refuse a house from NAMA would be A: in a bad location, its in a location that doesnt suit the county council.
The other reason is that an awful lot of the properties that are handed over are rejected because of poor quality.
We have a legacy of really poor building quality in Ireland.
The second day of the Leaving Cert exams has seen students sit through the second English paper this afternoon, while Junior Cert students ploughed their way through two Irish papers today.
English teacher and Studyclix.ie expert teacher, Lorraine Tuffy, noted that Poet Paul Durcan made his Leaving cert debut while Yeats was absent on the centenary of the Rising.
Ms Tuffy, who is a teacher at Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, said: "Students and teachers would have been more than happy with todays English paper two at both higher and ordinary level. As widely predicted Dickinson and Bishop appeared in the poetry section with Paul Durcan making his debut on the leaving cert.
I'll never forget the sigh of relief by everyone in our exam centre after opening English Paper 2 -Thanks Paul Durcan x #leavingcert Mairin McGrath (@MawMcGrath) June 9, 2016
"Many students will have been surprised by the absence of Yeats in the poetry section considering it being the centenary of the Rising.
"The unseen poem on the higher paper by polish poet Czeslaw Milosz focused on the timelessness of the written word. A skilfully crafted piece, 'And Yet the Books' is rich in poetic technique and would have provided lots for students to decipher.
Just get rid of the unseen poetry on paper 2.. just an annoying little thing that everyone only half does after doing 3 essays #leavingcert Dylan Myles (@DylanFins11) June 9, 2016
"The King Lear questions didnt throw up any great surprises with the character and the theme question offering very approachable options. Most students would have been well prepared to write on the themes of Love, Tragedy and Heroism that appeared."
Leaving Certificate student, Ruby OConnor, from Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone, Co Sligo, was pleasantly surprised by the paper.
Some of the English essay titles from today's Higher Level Leaving Cert paper.
She said: "I was expecting it to be a lot more obscure and was surprised at how straightforward the questions were.
"I wasnt thrown off by Yeats not appearing as I had figured it would be too obvious to put him on the paper in the centenary of the Rising."
Oisin McCaffrey, from the same school, was equally pleased with today's exam.
He said: Today went really well for me. I found the King Lear question was very fair and approachable.
Some of the English essay titles from today's Ordinary Level Leaving Cert paper.
"I did the comparative question on cultural context and that focused on who in Society holds all the Power.
Which poet did you do in Paper 2 #leavingcert ? Leaving Cert 2016 (@LeavingCert16) June 9, 2016
Studyclix.ie founder Luke Saunders said there were no real surprises in todays junior cert Irish papers.
He said: "Some students complained that some of the Ulster accents used in the listening comprehension section were unlike anything they had practiced."
The Immigrant Council has called for a community response to the migrant crisis.
They are holding a conference this morning to consider Ireland's reaction to date.
President Michael D Higgins is addressing the conference to call for greater unity in response to the migrant situation.
CEO of the Immigrant Council Brian Killoran, has said we should develop a plan that allows migrants to be accepted into Irish communities. If you look at countries like Canada how they have responded very comprehensively to it on different scale albeit but at the same time, they did it through opening up the process, to the community.
They did it by building alliances with civil society, with churches and parishes and they did it by building alliances with members of the public who want to help and they put a system around it that was really effective in actually doing it rather quickly.
Thats the kind of model we can do on a different scale in Ireland.
June 9 The man has been pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital.
Earlier
A 45-year-old man has been rushed to hospital after getting into difficulty in the water in Ballincollig Regional Park.
The man was swimming at the Park after 7pm this evening and vanished beneath the surface.
He was found floating unconscious about 15 minutes later.
Emergency services were alerted and carried out CPR at the scene, before he was rushed by HSE ambulance to Cork University Hospital, where medics are battling to save his life.
A man who sexually assaulted his four young daughters in a horror of a home has been jailed for four and a half years.
Judge Patrick McCartan said that Mayo native Bernard Cunningham (aged 66) has never shown any remorse for subjecting his children to unspeakable mental and physical cruelty.
Last April a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court returned unanimous guilty verdicts on eight charges of indecent and sexual assault committed between 1978 and 1992.
Cunningham of Royston, Kimmage Road West, Dublin had pleaded not guilty to the charges. At his sentence hearing Judge McCartan noted how Cunningham had met the case by instructing his lawyers to put it to his daughters that they were lying.
He noted the absolute absence of any remorse and said the victims had been subjected to the most protracted and careful probing during cross-examination of their testimony. The women have waived their right to anonymity so that their father can be identified.
The eldest daughter, who was the first and youngest victim, was subjected to the most serious of abuse, the court heard. Cunningham began abusing her in the late 70s when she was about five years old.
He took her into his bedroom and undressed himself and molested her.
This woman described her father as a very violent man and a manipulative, powerful bully. She said he was a street angel, house devil who would brainwash people.
She told Gerardine Small BL, prosecuting, that Cunningham was the nicest person to anyone looking in but behind closed doors he was drinking heavily and would get great enjoyment out of seeing his daughter crying and making inappropriate comments when she was physically developing.
A number of references from Mayo people who know Cunningham and knew about his convictions described him as a kind and compassionate man. His partner of 19 years, who continues to support him, told the court that he was a kind man who cared for her dying brother.
Judge McCartan said that although the referees were well meaning, he could not marry their comments to the evidence of Cunningham's cruelty.
He said the victims were reared in a horror of a home where because of their father's drinking they were subjected to sustained abuse, physical, mental and sexual.
He said in the absence of one word of apology or remorse it was difficult to show the mercy that someone of his age might otherwise deserve.
One woman told the court that she had suffered from bulimia, self-harm and mental health problems as a result of the abuse.
Judge McCartan said that Cunningham was of otherwise good character and had no convictions other than these offences. He noted that the maximum penalty for the earliest offences on the first daughter was two years but the law later changed, giving a maximum penalty of five years.
Tara Burns SC, defending, said that unusually for child incest cases, the charges were specific incidents rather samples charges for consistent and sustained abuse.
Cunningham abused his first daughter on three occasions in the most serious of the offences between 1978 and 1979 at the family home in Dublin.
Some time in 1981 he molested his second daughter while travelling from Mayo to Dublin. This victim was aged seven. He also molested this girl six years later in their family home while her mother was in hospital.
On an unknown date in 1991 he molested his 14-year-old daughter in a caravan park in Co Wexford.
Dad's mission was to make me as miserable as possible.
The final offending took place on two dates sometime in 1991 and 1992 when Cunningham twice molested his 10-year-old daughter. This girl raised the abuse with her mother in 1997 and her mother said she must have imagined it.
The first victim told the trial: I am here because when I was a little girl my father took me by the wrist and took me up the stairs to his bedroom. He told me to get undressed and he got undressed and I got into the bed.
He didn't say anything to me. He told me to get on the bed. He got on the bed and he (molested me).
He told me not to tell anyone because if he did he would go to jail and who would look after my granddad.
The court heard that after these incidents Cunningham told the child he had made her happy and that it was their secret which nobody would understand.
Ms Burns told the court that her client had fought cancer recently but that the chemo and radio-therapy had left him with problems, including issues around ingestion of food and excessive saliva. She said there was a significant risk of a tumour recurrence.
She described him as a man on borrowed time. Judge McCartan said this left it all the more remarkable that he had not had the courage and the decency to say that he was sorry.
At a young age Cunningham was adopted by a family in Mayo but he left that home in his early teens after his adopted mother died. He went to England and trained as a diesel fitter.
He married and worked hard with his young family and later worked in Saudi Arabia and Tara Mines in Ireland, counsel said. Eventually he set up and ran his own business.
Around 19 years ago he separated from his wife, the victims' mother, and met his current partner and had been a father figure to his partner's daughters, Ms Burns told the court.
In victim impact reports one daughter said she had a monster for a father. She said all she wanted was an apology and an acknowledgement.
Dad's mission was to make me as miserable as possible, she said.
She said the suggestion during the trial from Cunningham that she had organised the whole prosecution was the final confirmation that what I was doing was the right thing to do.
Another woman said she now realised it wasn't her fault because she was just a child.
Judge McCartan told the victims they were very brave and stated: I'm deeply impressed. You never did any wrong.
President Michael D Higgins has hit out at the leaders of the UK, US, China, France and Russia for not attending a United Nations humanitarian summit.
In an address on the migrant and refugee crisis, Mr Higgins warned some countries are not living up to their pledges for aid and funding for war-ravaged regions such as Syria.
But he singled out the five countries who have permanent positions on the UN Security Council, for not attending a conference in Istanbul last month organised by secretary general Ban Ki-moon.
File photo of President Higgins with UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, who arranged the summit.
"When one considers the wider context of the stalled peace process in Syria, and the daunting challenges of resolving conflicts, restricting the flow of arms to war zones, and building peace in the long term, the absence of senior leaders from any of the permanent members of the Security Council was more than disappointing," he said.
President Higgins detailed some of the shocking numbers behind the global migrant and refugee crisis.
They include almost 60 million people displaced, the highest number since World War Two, with more than half from Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria, and an estimated 2,510 people who died trying to cross the Mediterranean.
But Mr Higgins said: "By focusing on aggregate figures, we run the risk of losing sight of the lived experience of those displaced.
"Indeed, those who seek to use the crisis to promote anti-immigrant sentiment and rhetoric often try to dehumanise the refugee and migrant populations by referring to them in absolute numbers, as movements or blocks, denying the individual dignity, the human rights, of each mother, father, brother, sister or child whose life has been devastated."
President Higgins used his speech at the Immigrant Council of Ireland's A Call to Unity conference to praise some of Ireland's contributions to aid programmes.
The state has taken in 273 people from refugee camps in Lebanon and another 247 are due to arrive by the end of September.
But he warned there is an onus on developed nations to do more.
"Human rights obligations of the nature and scale of those associated with the current refugee crisis cannot be delegated.
"The responsibility of the prosperous - especially those who have historically prospered through colonialism and domination - cannot be traded away," he said.
Mr Higgins added: "We are at a critical moment in our history. The refugee and migration crisis is great in scale and is likely to remain at the centre of the EU and international agenda for several decades to come.
"Let us be in no doubt - the consequences for Ireland and Europe if we were to seek to avoid our responsibility to respond would be catastrophic.
"The opportunity that we have to make a real difference to the future of our human family, to shape a future built on solidarity, compassion and common humanity is one that we cannot afford to refuse."
The Union of Students in Ireland has welcomed the restoration of 12m in funding for mental health services.
The cabinet approved an extra 500m in the health budget for this year.
A suicide car bombing has killed at least 15 civilians in a commercial area of a Shiite neighbourhood in Baghdad, according to officials.
Police said the explosion in the New Baghdad district of the Iraqi capital also wounded up to 35 civilians. Officials said the explosives-laden car was parked in a crowded area and the toll could rise.
At least 27 people have been killed and dozens injured in two suicide car bombings in Iraq.
The first attack targeted a commercial area of a Shiite neighbourhood in Baghdad, leaving at least 15 civilians dead, while 12 more people died in a blast at an army checkpoint in the town of Taji, about 12 miles north of the capital.
Police said the explosion in the New Baghdad district of the capital also wounded up to 35 civilians. Officials said the explosives-laden car was parked in a crowded area and the toll could rise.
Islamic State claimed the attack in a statement on a militant website commonly used by the extremist group, saying it targeted Shiite militia members.
The attack in Taji killed seven civilians and five troops when the bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into an Iraqi army checkpoint. At least 28 people were wounded.
Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures.
IS, a Sunni extremist group, often targets Iraq's Shiite majority. Baghdad has seen near-daily attacks in recent weeks, though the mainly Shiite area of southern Iraq has been spared much of the violence.
The attacks in Baghdad and beyond are seen by Iraqi officials as an attempt by the militants to distract the security forces' attention from the front lines. The attacks came a day after Iraqi special forces pushed into the IS-held city of Fallujah in a large-scale military operation launched last month.
Fallujah, 40 miles west of Baghdad, is one of the last major IS strongholds in western Iraq.
The extremist group still controls territory in the country's north and west, as well as Mosul, Iraq's second largest city.
US President Barack Obama has endorsed Hillary Clinton to be his successor.
The move came after Mr Obama met with her rival,
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Mr Sanders said he would work with Mrs Clinton to stop the Republican's presumptive nominee Donald Trump.
In his endorsement, Mr Obama said: "I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office."
"Shes got the courage, the compassion, and the heart to get the job done."
Watch President Obama endorse Hillary.https://t.co/DzKgMFgdmP Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 9, 2016
Mr Obama praised his former secretary of state's experience and grit, and urged Democrats to unite behind her in the fight against the Republicans in the autumn.
"Look, I know how hard this job can be. That's why I know Hillary will be so good at it," Mr Obama said in a web video circulated by the Clinton campaign. "I have seen her judgment. I have seen her toughness."
Mr Obama called for unity among Democrats and vowed to be an active force on the campaign trail.
As the video circulated, Mrs Clinton's campaign announced their first joint appearance on the campaign trail will be on Wednesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The campaign said Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton will discuss building on the progress made during his presidency "and their vision for an America that is stronger together".
Mr Obama's endorsement came as the Democratic establishment piled pressure on Mrs Clinton's primary rival, Mr Sanders, to step aside so Democrats could focus on defeating Mr Trump.
Mr Sanders emerged from his meeting with Mr Obama and inched closer in that direction. Although he stopped short of endorsing Mrs Clinton, the Vermont senator told reporters he planned to press for his agenda at the party's July convention and would work with Mrs Clinton to defeat Mr Trump.
"Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that Donald Trump does not become president of the United States," he said.
Mr Sanders, standing in the White House driveway with his wife, Jane, at his side, said he would compete in the Washington DC primary on Tuesday, the party's final contest, but noted his interest was largely in pushing for statehood.
Mr Sanders' remarks came after a longer-than-expected Oval Office meeting with Mr Obama, part of Democratic leaders intensifying effort to unite behind Mrs Clinton as the nominee of the party.
Mrs Clinton declared victory over Mr Sanders on Tuesday, having captured the number of delegates needed to become the first female nominee from a major party.
Though Mr Sanders has shown signs he understands the end of his race is near - he was about to let go off about half of his team - he has vowed to keep fighting, stoking concern among party leaders eager for the primary race to conclude.
Mr Sanders is planning a rally on Thursday evening in Washington, which holds the final primary contest next week.
As he met with leaders on Capital Hill, Mr Sanders ignored a reporter's question about the president's endorsement.
The situation has put Mr Obama, the outgoing leader of his party, in the sensitive position of having to smooth relations between Mrs Clinton and Mr Sanders without alienating the runner-up's supporters, many of whom are angry over what they see as the Democratic establishment's efforts to force him out of the race. Mrs Clinton is counting on Mr Sanders' supporters backing her to defeat Mr Trump.
Mr Obama has been trying to give Mr Sanders the courtesy of exiting the race on his own terms.
"It was a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to have a contested primary. I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas," Mr Obama said on Wednesday. "And he pushed the party and challenged them. I thought it made Hillary a better candidate."
Mr Obama had planned to use the meeting, which the White House emphasised was requested by Mr Sanders, to discuss how to build on the enthusiasm he has brought to the primary, the White House said.
Mr Sanders also was heading to a meeting with Senate minority leader Harry Reid, who endorsed Mrs Clinton weeks ago. The Vermont senator was also due to meet with vice President Joe Biden.
Even some of Mr Sanders' staunchest supporters have started looking to Mrs Clinton. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the one Senate Democrat to endorse Mr Sanders, said Mrs Clinton was the nominee and offered his congratulations.
Now head-to-head in the presidential race, Mrs Clinton and Mr Trump are both working to woo Mr Sanders' supporters.
Mr Trump has said he welcomes Mr Sanders' voters "with open arms" while Mrs Clinton has vowed to reach out to voters who backed her opponent in the Democratic primary.
"He has said that he's certainly going to do everything he can to defeat Trump," Mrs Clinton said of Mr Sanders in an Associated Press interview. "I'm very much looking forward to working with him to do that."
Mr Trump, despite a string of victories this week that reaffirmed his place as the Republican nominee, is still working to convince wary Republicans that he is presidential material. Looking ahead to an upcoming speech attacking Mrs Clinton and her husband, Mr Trump tried to put a row over his comments about a Hispanic judge's ethnicity behind him.
That controversy and others before it have led prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, to openly chastise their party's nominee.
Yet Mr Trump now has 1,542 delegates, including the 1,447 required by party rules to vote for him at the convention. It takes just 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination.
About half his campaign staff is being laid off, two people familiar with the plans said.
Mr Obama's aides have said he is eager to get off the sidelines and take on Mr Trump. The key question is whether voters who helped elect him twice will follow his lead now that he is not on the ballot. Democrats have yet to see that powerful coalition of minorities, young people and women reliably show up for candidates not named Obama.
"It's going to be hard to get African-American turnout as high as Obama got it, and to get youth turnout as high as Obama got it," said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster. "We have to work really hard."
A former Stanford University swimmer whose six-month sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman caused widespread outrage will leave prison three months early.
Online inmate records show 20-year-old Brock Turner is expected to be released from the Santa Clara County jail on September 2.
He was sentenced on June 2.
County jail inmates serve 50% of their sentences if they keep a clean disciplinary record.
Turner of Dayton, Ohio, was convicted of attacking the woman he met at a fraternity party in January 2015 and was sentenced last week to six months in jail and three years' probation.
The sentence triggered criticism that a star athlete from a privileged background received special treatment.
Prosecutors had asked for six years in prison.
Meanwhile, a high school guidance counsellor and a childhood friend of Turner apologised for writing letters of support ahead of his sentencing.
Oakwood High School counsellor Kelly Owens, of Dayton, told her school district that she should not have become involved in the case.
She told the judge that Turner was "absolutely undeserving of the outcome" of the trial.
A post on a Facebook page appearing to belong to Turner's friend Leslie Rasmussen said she made a mistake and apologised for not acknowledging the severity of the crime.
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The ACT's human rights watchdog has attacked proposed anti-consorting laws, saying the evidence of low level bikie activity in Canberra does not justify such a "serious limit on human rights".
The chorus of opposition to the laws is now growing, with Unions ACT voicing serious concern about the proposal, and the legal fraternity arguing they are unnecessary, will stretch police0 and conflict with human rights law.
Human Rights Commissioner Dr Helen Watchirs said the evidence of low level bikie activity is not enough to justify the anti-consorting laws. Credit:Jay Cronan
The ACT government released its proposed anti-consorting model for consultation on Thursday, strongly indicating it will follow other states and territories and introduce the tough but controversial measures.
The system would rely on "consorting warnings" issued by police or magistrates, which would ban bikies from meeting together or speaking.
A Canberra man has been acquitted of organising the violent robbery of an armoured security van outside the Mawson Club more than a decade ago after a judge found there wasn't enough evidence for the case against him to continue.
Ian John Will, 56, went on trial before a jury in the ACT Supreme Court this week to fight allegations he organised the time, place and people involved in commission of the crime using inside information from a Chubb security guard.
The case against Ian John Will was thrown out of court on Thursday. Credit:Graham Tidy
Mark Anthony Munro, 55, with Sam John Melkie, 57, stole $150,000 in cash from three armoured security van guards in May 2004.
Munro shot security guard Kevin Matangi with a sawn-off shotgun at close range, spraying pellets across his face, arm, abdomen and chest.
The private equity industry has distanced itself from AMMA Private Equity, the outfit behind the $1.3 billion planned listing of online music streaming business Guvera.
Guvera's plans for a July sharemarket float hang in the balance while regulators assess the terms of the deal. If the float does not go ahead, or flops in the after-market, thousands of existing small shareholders stand to lose their money.
AVCAL chief executive Yasser El-Ansary said he didn't see "any evidence that sentiment towards private equity has diminished or turned in the past few years". Credit:Glen McCurtayne
Australian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (AVCAL) chief executive Yasser El Ansary told Fairfax Media he was worried the deal could unfairly tarnish the reputation of the private equity industry.
"Private equity (PE) firms who are members of AVCAL are bound by a comprehensive code of conduct which governs not only the practices of the PE firm itself, but also the relationship between the PE firm and the businesses into which they invest equity capital," he said.
Gas pipeline developer Jemena has insisted it can still fill the new $800 million pipeline it is building between the Northern Territory and Queensland, despite the threat of a Labor moratorium on fracking.
With Labor odds-on to win the NT's August election and low oil prices crimping spending, onshore drilling in the territory has stalled, raising fears the new North East Gas Interconnector line will be left mostly unused.
Jemena is hunting customers for the NEGI gas pipelines. Credit:Image supplied
Jemena's head of business development Antoon Boey acknowledged that in terms of signing commercial gas transportation contracts, "things have been a little bt slower than we would like".
But he said he still expected existing conventional gas production from the Mereenie fields owned by Santos and Central Petroleum to be sent through the NEGI pipeline, which is due to start up in mid-2018.
Glencore agreed to sell just under a 10 per cent stake in its agriculture unit to Canada's British Columbia Investment Management Corp (BCIMC) for $624.9 million ($841 million) in cash as it continues to cut debt.
The commodities trader and miner, which sold a 40 per cent stake in the business to Canada Pension Plan Investment Board for $US2.5 billion in April, will retain a majority 50.01 per cent stake, it said in a statement on Wednesday. The agreement takes the value of disposals this year to $US3.2 billion, compared to its target for 2016 of $US4 billion to $US5 billion.
Glencore chief Ivan Glasenberg: "These transactions highlight the superior value of Glencore Agri." Credit:Andrey Rudakov
"These transactions highlight the superior value of Glencore Agri, with its advantaged asset footprint and business model, relative to its closest peers," chief executive Ivan Glasenberg said in the statement. The deal values Glencore Agri at $US6.25 billion, the statement said.
Glencore shares first rose as much as 5.9 per cent in London on the news. The stock slipped 1.6 per cent to 143.40 pence as of 10.26am in London on Thursday. The company is valued at about 21 billion ($41 billion). The sale is expected to close in the second half of the year.
Want to know how to wipe out more than $500 million of value in six months, how to explain a chief executive who has gone AWOL and how to turn a prospective profit of $18 million into a loss of about $18 million. Ask the once darling of the stock market-turned disaster, SurfStitch.
Its shares were dumped again on Thursday when it confessed to yet another profit mega glitch. Shares fell by 30 per cent when news hit the market plunging from 40 to 26 just before lunch. In November, the company was worth $580 million at one stage on Thursday morning the value of the company had dropped as low as $74 million.
Surfstitch has downgraded earnings three times in six months. Credit:Louie Douvis
Over 18 months, SurfStitch raised about $180 million, bought a series of businesses, retail and surfing content. It paid up generously to amass a suite of brands in what, with the value of hindsight, is being considered corporate bingeing from which the indigestion is now being fully felt.
Some of Australia's most savvy investors were captivated by this company, romanced by its e-commerce-meets-youth surf culture strategy and wowed by surfer Lex Pedersen and investment banker Justin Cameron, who founded it and had big ambitions to be the digital go-to for all things surfing.
If you've ever freaked out because the boss walked by just as you were updating your social media profile, consider yourself lucky.
Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin group, recently visited the Virgin Australia offices and found one employee napping on the couch.
Power nap: Richard Branson and the exhausted Virgin Australia staffer. Credit:Virgin.com
Boredpanda originally spotted the photo. Branson tells of his "Australian adventure" on his blog at Virgin.com:
"I popped into the office and the airport to say hello and check in to see what the team are up to. This guy wasn't up to much at all I caught him sleeping on the job! Wow, did he get a shock when I woke him up. He must have thought he was dreaming because he went straight back to sleep. To be fair, he was on standby, getting some much needed rest."
The likelihood of consorting and anti-association laws being enacted in the ACT firmed considerably on Thursday. A discussion paper was issued by the Justice and Community Safety Directorate to "inform public consultation on the "potential introduction" of such laws. However, the inclusion of a proposed model "drafted to insure that any limitation on the rights [of vulnerable groups] is reasonable and demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society" points strongly towards anti-consorting laws being included on the statute books, possible within the year.
Despite the tireless and insistent advocacy of Chief Police Officer Rudi Lammers, the Canberra Liberals, the Australian Federal Police Association and sundry other "tough on crime" advocates, the necessity for anti-consorting laws in the ACT has not been conclusively proven, however. Indeed, while the discussion paper appears to endorse the need for legislation, it also suggests it may be of limited efficacy in targeting and disrupting serious and organised crime in the Territory or used for purposes for which it was not designed.
Consorting laws have a long history in common-law countries like England and Australia, being mostly employed by police to preempt potential low-level criminality, or to run rogues, vagrants, and other undesirable elements out of town. In more modern times, they've fallen into disuse. Only in recent years have they come to be regarded by law enforcement authorities as a useful tool for fighting organised crime and particularly that part of the organised crime scene involving outlaw motorcycle gangs. As a result most states and territories have reintroduced or amended consorting laws to deal specifically with OMCGs.
Organised crime in Australia runs to many different forms, with OMCGs being but one element of that. Whether bikie gangs as a whole are Australia's No 1 organised criminals remains a matter of conjecture. They are, however, a conspicuous aspect of the underworld, being distinctive in appearance and with a penchant for settling internecine disputes without regard for public safety. This, naturally, makes them a magnet for police attention.
As Allyson Hobbs asked in The New Yorker: "What's behind the shortfall of enthusiasm for Clinton?" Well, I suppose there is the scratchy feeling that she is, if not exactly damaged goods, then a used dollar Bill.
Why, then, do I feel doubtful and apprehensive? Why doesn't this provoke the same sense of wonderment and possibility that the selection of Barack Obama did? Is an older white woman's elevation so much less exciting than that of a younger black man?
Hillary Clinton becoming the first woman in history to head the ticket for a major US party should be a moment for celebration. And we should be punching the air at the idea that, henceforth, the most powerful person on earth may need neither Y-fronts nor a Y chromosome.
I am old enough to remember 1984, when Geraldine Ferraro became the very first woman to stand for vice president. The thought that that heady, emotional moment was more than 30 years ago induces both vertigo and sadness.
Do we really want the first woman president to have been a president's wife? She has too much history of the wrong sort. To build up the kind of track record that would allow a woman to be trusted with the reins of a still-deeply sexist society, Clinton had to put in years of dogged work that now make her feel stale and a bit dull.
This isn't a double standard; it's a quadruple one. Male candidates have the licence to be brash and "authentic". Clinton, in her sturdy court shoes, must tread carefully. Not too assertive (aggressive) or dominant (bossy, shrill), nor too friendly and sympathetic (weak). But watch out if you're not friendly and sympathetic enough (the Ice Maiden cometh!).
Saturday Night Live, a favourite US satirical show, has a sketch that shows Hillary getting ready for bed. "Mmm, get into something nice and cosy," she murmurs, then slips between the sheets wearing her red pants suit. The joke is that Clinton is an automaton, incapable of relaxing. But the sketch has a kick of sadness. Here, after all, is the creature wrought by politics and public opinion. The candidate who has done what is necessary to make herself acceptable in a world that finds female power unsettling and even distasteful.
"Unsex me here," cries Lady Macbeth, willing all femininity to leave her body so that she may be as deadly as the male. In the week when Forbes published its World's Most Powerful Women List, we should consider the extent to which ambitious females must still repress their true selves. That's not Hillary Clinton's problem, that's our problem.
She once said: "It is past time for women to take their rightful place, side by side with men, in the rooms where the fates of peoples, where their children's and grandchildren's fates, are decided."
Labor and the Greens have modelled their arts policies around the absolutely incontestable premise that arts funding in Australia is in a mess and the mess has been primarily caused by the Abbott/Turnbull government and their massive cuts to the arts. George Brandis, as arts minister, before he was deposed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, ripped 28 per cent of the Australia Council's discretional funding out of their budget; crippled through funding cuts the national collecting cultural institutions, including the National Library and the National Gallery; decimated Screen Australia and severely restricted the operations of the ABC. Scores of arts organisations, including AsiaLink, Australian Design Centre, Australian Experimental Art Foundation, Canberra Contemporary Art Space and the Centre for Contemporary Photography have lost their Australian Council funding.
The arts have not dominated the election campaign, but in the past few weeks they have emerged centre stage. This week, Labor has announced its arts policy and promises further announcements on film and screen policy, while the Greens, about a week earlier, announced their arts policy and have continued to make further announcements.
One of the few advantages of an exceptionally long election campaign is that there is plenty of time to discuss policies that would otherwise get lost in the mix.
Labor has pledged to restore funding to the Australia Council by returning the unspent money in the Catalyst fund and boost funding with new money to the Australia Council at the rate of $20 million a year over four years from 2017. It has also pledged new money for the Regional Arts Fund, to the tune of $8 million over four years from 2017, on top of existing levels. There is also a commitment from Labor to invest $60 million, over three years, in the ABC to produce local drama and to restore funding to the national cultural institutions. There is new money pledged for live music and music in schools and new money for local drama.
The Greens have also promised to restore funding to the Australia Council, plus some new money for grants and initiatives for small and medium organisations and individuals; provide $3 million to the ArtStart program over four years; $20 million over four years to pay artists when their works are publicly displayed; more money for regional arts and f several other initiatives.
The Coalition government has not announced a specific arts policy, but Fifield has expressed his commitment to the Australia Council, the national collecting institutions and the arts programs administered by his ministry. He announced that: "I believe and the government believes in art for art's sake" and he is happy to consult widely with the sector. As far as the arts are concerned: crisis, what crisis? It is business as usual.
Australia's arts and creative industries are a multibillion-dollar industry that, according to Dreyfus, employs about 230,000 Australians (almost as many as in the mining industry) and in the past year about 16,000 jobs have been lost. To invest in the arts simply makes good economic sense for Australia.
In the three-sided discussion, Fifield was the only speaker who was booed, he seemed poorly briefed on his portfolio and his parallels between the arts sector and the disability sector, for which he previously served as minister, brought jeers from the audience. Bandt was quick to seize political advantage at the Coalition government's disarray and its lack of a policy or leadership in the arts. He advocated that the Greens were a "voice for the arts". Dreyfus was quick to paint Labor as the "party of the arts" with a heroic heritage going back to Whitlam, a party with a concrete policy, which it could implement if it were to form government.
After completing school, Thomson studied mathematics at the University of Western Australia, graduating with a science degree in 1965, and began work in the new field of computer science. He spent his early career with IBM in Canada, later describing this period as one of deep reflection. Ultimately, his strong social conscience and desire to help people, led him to study medicine.
Thomson was born in Dalwallinu, in the Western Australia wheatbelt, to parents John and Helen Thomson. He was the youngest of their four children. Near the end of the war years, his mother took the children to live in Perth, while his father stayed on their farm in Maya. He attended Cannington State School and gained a scholarship to Perth Modern School. During his secondary school years the family had set up home in the then new suburb of Floreat.
Professor Neil Thomson, who died earlier this year aged 73, worked tirelessly throughout his life to improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people in Australia. Among his many achievements, was the establishment of the groundbreaking Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet a multi-award winning, web-based resource dedicated to improving the health of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.
Thomson's thirst for knowledge saw him study medicine and arts (majoring in anthropology) concurrently at UWA, graduating in 1977 and 1978 respectively. His academic achievements continued throughout his life. In 1990 he attained a masters of public health from Sydney University and, in the same year, was admitted as a fellow of the Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (Royal College of Physicians). In 1998, he obtained a doctor of medicine from UWA.
After graduating in medicine, Thomson and his family moved to the Kimberley, where he worked as a doctor at Derby and Wyndham hospitals, as well as running clinics with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, covering remote areas of the region. He witnessed first-hand the appalling inequalities in health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This experience motivated him to work more specifically in public health and in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
In the early 1980s, Thomson accepted a research fellowship at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies in Canberra. This was a role that allowed him to blend his medical knowledge and expertise with his ability with statistics and data to develop insights into what was required to prevent disease and to promote health among Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.
Thomson's success within this fellowship resulted in him joining the newly established Australian Institute of Health (now the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) as head of its Aboriginal Health Unit, a position he held until 1993.
Between 1989 and 1991, in recognition of his expertise in Indigenous health, Thomson served as the epidemiology consultant to the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. As part of this work, he produced a national overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and jurisdictional summaries for NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. He also authored the commission's health-related sections.
Benjamin Franklin wrote that in this world nothing is said to be certain but death and taxes. But he could never have foreseen the emergence of multinational corporations that appear able to dodge at least one of these certainties by avoiding billions of dollars in taxes with disturbing ease.
Today, new Oxfam research highlights just how much the tax-dodging of Australian-based multinationals costs the Australian taxpayer, as well as people living in some of the poorest countries of the world.
In PNG, 60 per cent of the population don't have access to clean water.
The figures are staggering. Based on the latest available data, nearly AUD $9 billion that could be spent on schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure in Australia and poor countries is instead being hidden by Australian-based multinationals in tax havens.
Tax haven use by Australian-based multinationals cost Australia around USD $5 billion (AUD $6 billion) in lost tax revenue annually, and cost developing countries an estimated USD $2.3 billion (AUD $2.8 billion) every year.
Last weekend as the super storm pounded Australia's east coast and houses on Sydney's northern beaches crumbled into the sea, Missionbeat's phones ran hot with calls from rough sleepers in Sydney's CBD asking for a lift to somewhere dry and warm.
The state government provided 20 beds in motel rooms for people who were homeless. But there are around 500 people sleeping on Sydney's streets on any given night. Most of them, still soaking wet, sought shelter at Central station or in doorways and under archways while frontline charities handed out extra blankets, towels and raincoats.
At least six people lost their lives in the storms and it was the worst flooding to hit Tasmania in 90 years. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and the Insurance Council of Australia declared the storms an "insurance catastrophe", with early damage estimates in excess of $100 million.
Scientists say that climate change is intensifying these extreme weather events. Disasters like these as well as catastrophic bushfires and heatwaves are predicted to occur ever more frequently.
"What I also say is that we released our principles [in a 32 page economic plan booklet] yesterday and the return to budget balance year We are releasing more savings over the next couple of days, not all of them will be universally popular." And he's been slammed for admitting that deficits will get worse before they get better under Labor's economic plan, with the Coalition have been crowing about how this is yet more of the tax-and-spend Labor of old. On the other hand, the Coalition's economic plan is nonsense. That's not least because all of their budgetary projections are based on a slew of "zombie savings" flagged in the last three budgets but never actually passed - about $13.3 billion of them, plus another $80 billion in "savings" banked by passing costs over to the states, which is also no longer happening (not least because they can't nearly afford it either). So boasting about how the government will be the wiser economic managers on this basis makes just as much sense as if you were boasting about the dividends you could expect as a coder at Google, when your actual employment situation involves having just been fired from that chicken shop for weeing in the deep fryer.
It's great to be enthusiastic about plans for your financial future, but you should probably err towards one that at least slightly aligns with reality. Something for the ladies It's also been a triumph for feminism this week - or, more accurately, whatever the opposite of that is. It started with Bill Shorten announcing the opposition's child care package at the beginning of the week, incidentally pointing that the burden of sorting out childcare falls disproportionately upon women - and especially single mothers - and that this policy was designed to redress this imbalance. Nationals deputy leader Fiona Nash interpreted this (entirely accurate) assessment as "digraceful Saying that men were having to look to their little women to sort out childcare, this is prehistoric language."
But the oddest thing that came out of this pointless little stoush was that the PM declared himself as a feminist: a surprising thing to hear from a Liberal Party frontbencher, given the remarkable rhetorical knots that the likes of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Minister for Women Michaelea Cash have tied themselves in to avoid using the F word. The idea that Shorten was a sexist dinosaur didn't quite catch the public imagination, though. So with that bullet dodged, Shorten promptly announced that sure, he'd keep taxing tampons. La Luna The question of whether Labor would keep their previous promise to remove the GST on female sanitary items was asked during the aforementioned public chat at Brisbane Broncos Leagues Club, and Shorten made clear that the menstruation of Australian citizens would continue to be ahem, a revenue stream. "No. I've got to say I'm not going to make promises I can't keep," he announced to the nation's proud uterii, explaining that Australia "can't afford" to lose the revenue. Which wasn't the case last year, when the estimated $120 million over four years could apparently be offset against a GST on digital downloads which, presumably, is now not an option?
Arts for something's sake As with so many things - education, health, employment, welfare, the NBN, the environment, the national deficit, and anything else the Coalition seem to think is a bit too hard - Mitch Fifield looked confused and scared at the arts debate in Melbourne before falling back on the "jobs'n'growth" mantra that has become political shorthand for "don't know, don't care, can I go now?" Enjoy his answer to the question of how he might care to address the $300 million slashed from arts funding, not to mention that $105 million that former arts minister George Brandis ringfenced as his own private fund, the National Program for Excellence in the Arts (presumably because 'Things What Georgie Likes' seemed a little bald): "I think one of the really important things government can do is make sure that we have an economy that is strong and growing, because an economy that is strong and growing means that there will be individuals and corporates and philanthropists who are in a better position to purchase artworks, to support individual artists." Seriously, Mitch? You can't honestly beli oh, where's he gone?
Touring flood-affected Tasmania, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has warned that natural disasters will become more severe as climate change worsens and emphasised the need for greater mitigation measures to protect against the consequences.
Mr Turnbull cautioned against attributing any single weather event to global warming but said local Devonport families who have been in the area for generations know it "better than anyone" that there has not previously been flooding of the scale experienced in recent days.
"They have never seen as much water move as quickly as this. And so what this means is that you cannot - you've got to assume faster, more frequent tempests in the future and do that out of prudence. Put your preparations in place, all of us have to do that, and hope to be disappointed," he said.
As militarised posturing continues between the United States and China in the Asia-Pacific region, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has backed Australia's longtime ally as the ultimate force for prosperity and security in the 21st century.
The Prime Minister also declared the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal would secure the US' supremacy in the region and that Asian prosperity, including China's, had only been possible because of the stability afforded by the historical "sheet anchor" of American power.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy with John and Janette Howard at the dinner in Sydney. Credit:Andrew Meares
"[John Howard] saw that need for the [United States Studies Centre] because he understood, at a time when many did not, that our relationship with the United States is becoming more important, not less, as the centre of global economic gravity shifts relentlessly towards Asia," Mr Turnbull told a USSC and American Australian Association dinner in Sydney honouring the former prime minister.
Ms Dale - who was previously known under her pen name Helen Demidenko, the controversial but award-winning author of The Hand that Signed the Paper - has written a number of articles about the "rupture between feminism and classical liberalism", which she says is "borne of feminism's tendency to call on the coercive power of the state to achieve its aims". By contrast, the Liberal Democratic Party aims to reduce the size and influence of the state in everything it does. Ms Dale said the Liberal Democrats had "quite a few" female members. "But women are less-interested in all parties. They are just less politically active," she said.
"On the Liberal Democrats matter, you are also dealing with that historical situation where classical liberalism has diverged from feminism. "For me, I think it's a quite serious problem for a political movement to find itself wedged as broadly unrepresentative of the people. You can't make a party exactly exactly representative otherwise you would need exactly 51 per cent female candidates and three per cent Aboriginals, for example, but it is a bigger problem for the Liberal Democrats." Eva Cox the feminist and writer, who was once part of the Sydney libertarian push with Germaine Greer, said the Liberal Democrats probably didn't realise they had a gender imbalance until asked by the media. "Where you have men sitting around talking to men about things that are important to men, the likelihood of them even thinking about how to represent women is pretty low," she said. "It's a party that's aimed at getting rid of institutional structures but leaving power in the hands of men. I don't think they would have noticed [they had no female candidates] until asked."
Ms Cox said there was truth in Ms Dale's comments about the fissure between liberalism and feminism but said the latter needed to use the levers of government power to fight gender inequity because men dominate all other power structures in society. Among the Liberal Democrats Senate line up is Sam Kennard, the self-storage mogul and Adelaide businessman Roostam Sadri. Fairfax Media revealed last week a written agreement in which Mr Sadri offered the party $500,000 if he was guaranteed a place at the top of the Senate ticket in South Australia. The matter is now being investigated by the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Electoral Commission over possible breaches of the Commonwealth Electoral Act. Duncan Spender, the Liberal Democrat founder who dealt with Mr Sadri on the agreement, which the party insists was never signed, is standing for the Senate in Victoria.
Hundreds of Canberra public servants have been told they will be moving to northern NSW or looking for new jobs if the Coalition wins the election.
Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the veterinary medicines authority was going to move to Armidale in Mr Joyce's electorate of New England and the public servants who work at the agency better get used to the idea.
Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce.
The move is opposed by the majority of workers at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, their unions, the agency's management and the National Farmer's Federation.
The families of Lindt cafe manager Tori Johnson and barrister Katrina Dawson have formally requested three of the state's most senior police officers to give evidence at the inquest into the Sydney siege.
On Wednesday, counsel assisting the coroner Jeremy Gormly, SC, said the Johnson and Dawson families had written to the coroner requesting Commissioner Andrew Scipione, Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn and acting Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy face the inquest.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn in a file picture. Credit:Edwina Pickles
Mr Gormly said Deputy Commissioner Burn would be asked to provide a written statement, although a decision on whether she would be asked to enter the witness box is yet to be made.
Detectives are confident forensic scientists have uncovered all human remains from an inner Brisbane park after more bone fragments were found on Thursday morning.
About eight or nine bone fragments have been uncovered at Teneriffe Park, since council workers on Tuesday found what was later identified as a human jaw bone.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tom Armitt said excavations at the site were now completed and the "scant fragmented human remains", which include leg and arm bone fragments, would now be subject to scientific testing.
"I would say fragments of about eight or nine bones (have been uncovered), that is over the entire time of the excavation," he said.
Firefighters had to cut a father free from his crumpled car after it rolled with his son inside on the northern Gold Coast.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the car rolled off the Pimpama-Jacobs Well Road at Norwell just before 7am, trapping the man, believed to be in his 30s, inside.
Emergency services attend a crash on Pimpama-Jacobs Well Road. Credit:Penny Dahl @pennycopter
Five ambulances and five fire crews rushed to the scene and the road remained closed at 8.30am.
Paramedics said his son suffered rib and chest pain but was able to be pulled from the wreckage.
A Gold Coast student had to undergo emergency surgery after a playground game went wrong on Wednesday.
Police are interviewing students at Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School after a 15-year-old boy lost consciousness after being held in a headlock in a game known as "Tap Out".
A student lost consciousness after he was put in a headlock at Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School.
After passing out, he struck his head on the ground.
The boy had a fractured skull and was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition. He was recovering in a stable condition on Thursday.
A south-east Queensland man has pleaded guilty to torturing four children between 2013 and 2014.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also pleaded guilty to a fifth charge of cruelty to a child under 16 in the Brisbane District Court on Thursday.
A man is charged with torturing four children between 2013 and 2014.
He will be sentenced at a date to be confirmed.
AAP
Ride sharing service Uber has made its submissions to the government review that will recommend whether the service becomes legal in Queensland.
The independent taskforce charged with making the review released its discussion paper in late May offering four different scenarios for reform of the personal transport industry.
Scenario one suggested making no changes, scenario two suggested legalising ride sharing in South-East Queensland only but restricting rank and hail rides to registered taxis, scenario three suggested the same but for all of Queensland while scenario four suggested deregulating the industry entirely.
In their submission to the review Uber has made it clear that their preference is for scenario three allowing their business to grow throughout Queensland but not treading on the toes of the Taxi industry allowing them to keep their position at ranks and for punters to hail on the side of the road.
Letters
Local Daily is Slacking
Dear Alibi,
In recent days, the ABQ Journal has devoted a plethora of news ink about Hillarys emails. The Saturday Journal had an editorial Inspector General Slams Clintons Private Email Use and the Sunday Journal had Clintons email lies premeditated. The Monday Journal had Hunkered Hillary Blew it Again, while the Tuesday Journal featured Punish Clinton for Breaking Law.
On Friday, May 27, the Republican Nominee for President railed against the Mexican judge. According to Reid Epstein from the Wall Street Journal, Trump went off for 12 full minutes! I have a judge who is a hater of Donald Trump, a hater. Hes a hater. His name is Gonzalo Curiel, Mr. Trump said, as the crowd of several thousand booed. Mr Trump also told the audience, which had previously chanted the Republican standard-bearers signature build that wall mantra in reference to Mr. Trumps proposed wall against the Mexican border, that Judge Curiel is Mexican. What happens is the judge who happens to be, we believe, Mexican, which is great. I think thats fine." Judge Curiel was born in the USA.
In the Saturday, May 28, edition of the Journal, on page A6, there were stories like No Drought in California, Trump says, Hispanics For Trump and stories about #CrookedHillary and GOP support for #NeverHillary. And on May 27, a federal judge ordered the release of internal Trump University documents.
Yet the Journal failed to report on any of these events swirling around the GOP nominee? The Journal wrote an editorial about 30 Trump protesters, but made no mention of his attacks on Governor Susana Martinez, the first Latina governor elected in US history. The Journal has not mentioned Trumps attacks on sleazy journalists for doing their job.
If the Journal is so concerned about email etiquette, why didnt it report on UNM Regent President Rob Doughty deleting his nontransitory emails about UNMs takeover of the Health Sciences Center? On April 5, Chris Quintana from the Journal wrote, Emails reveal opposition efforts to stop Health Science Center restructuring according to emails obtained by the Albuquerque Journal. Ten days later Trip Jennings from New Mexico In Depth reported Doughtys missing electronic communications were discovered after NMID reviewed hundreds of pages of regents e-mails from Feb. 1 through March 14, which the university provided in response to a public records request." The Journal, the Daily Lobo, KOB4, KOAT7, KRQE13 never followed up. The Journal has a staff of nearly 100 people, yet it got scooped by one journalist! The ABQ Journal is the N.M. paper of record and should step up its game!
Rounding the halfway mark of the election campaign, small businesses are not feeling cheery.
Almost half of SMEs expect the economy to decline in the next 12, and 24 per cent are saying projected income is slowing, according to the MYOB biannual Business Monitor survey.
MYOB Chief Executive Tim Reed says many SME operators are still concerned about the underlying strength of the Australian economy. Credit:Jessica Hromas
On the plus side, newer start-ups and young businesses remain positive about the future.
An example of the latter is Henry Brydon's Sydney-based "adventure platform;' We Are Explorers, which was launched in September 2014.
A 20-year-old Mernda man who allegedly crashed a stolen car into a group of women and children, leaving a toddler with a broken leg and hospitalising an eight-month-old baby, has been denied bail.
Anthony Villella is charged with the theft of a motor vehicle, reckless conduct and various other offences after he allegedly lost control of a stolen car, fish-tailed and ploughed into two women walking with a toddler and a baby in a pram at 9.50am on May 30 in Craigieburn.
Anthony Villella has been charged with the theft of a motor vehicle, reckless conduct and various other offences. Credit:Louie Douvis
It is alleged the occupants of the car, two men and a woman, ran away after the crash without stopping to check whether the women and children were hurt.
The two-year-old boy was still in hospital on Wednesday.
A woman has been charged after a man was shot in the chest with an arrow in Bendigo.
Police were called to a house in Eaglehawk just after 7am on Thursday, where they found the victim, a 29-year-old man, and the alleged offender, a 39-year-old Eaglehawk woman.
Police have established a crime scene in Eaglehawk after a man was shot with an arrow. Credit:Bendigo Advertiser
The woman was arrested and charged with recklessly and negligently cause serious injury and conduct endangering life.
She was bailed to the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on July 4.
The shark attack deaths of two people in a week is causing West Australians to rethink their views on how to respond, Premier Colin Barnett says.
The deaths of diver Doreen Ann Collyer, 60, last Sunday off the Perth coast and 29-year-old surfer Ben Gerring from a separate attack near Falcon to the south have shocked the state.
WA Premier Colin Barnett posing with a hook used to catch sharks of drum lines. Credit:Aleisha Orr
Mr Barnett said something had changed to increase the number of sharks and the government did not know what it was but was investigating all possibilities.
Some possible factors include the closure of a WA shark fishery in 2007, massive increases in migrating whale numbers and an unusually large salmon run currently on the west coast.
It must now be approved by the lower house of parliament to become law.
The bill, passed on Wednesday, would increase sentences and allow wiretaps and other investigative tools that police can use to track down those who threaten local administrators.
Rome: Italy's Senate has passed a bill aimed at cracking down on mafia threats against local administrators that often involve arson attacks, dead animals and envelopes full of bullets.
"In the past 40 years, 132 local administrators and 11 of their spouses have been murdered," said Senator Doris Lo Moro, one of the sponsors of the bill.
Local state representatives "should be protected", she said after its passage.
Cosa Nostra in Sicily, the 'Ndrangheta in Calabria and the Camorra in Campania have long used violence and intimidation to manipulate state officials in Italy's south, but data and recent scandals show the problem has spread north, even to the capital Rome.
Threats against administrators are on the rise, with 180 recorded during the first five months of this year, a more than 15 per cent increase versus the same period of last year, according to data from Avviso Pubblico, a network of local administrations.
Since 1991, 212 city governments around Italy have been dissolved because of mafia infiltration, including three so far this year.
Rome: Hunkered down in his Sudanese hideout more than 3000 kilometres from mainland Europe, people smuggler Medhanie Yehdego Mered must have thought he was untouchable.
Known as The General, the 35-year-old, who modelled himself on former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, was already planning his retirement to Sweden with the millions he had amassed. But the deaths of more than 359 migrants, who perished in the Mediterranean in 2013 when their boat caught fire and sank, led to a determined international effort to bring him to justice.
After months of surveillance work led by Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) Medhanie was eventually tracked down to an anonymous compound in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.
New York: United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon says Saudi Arabia exerted "unacceptable" undue pressure on the world body after its annual report blacklisted a Saudi-led military coalition waging a year-long war in Yemen for killing children.
The report was released last week with an annexed decision that removed the coalition from the list "pending the conclusions of [a] joint review".
Riyadh had threatened to cut its funding of UN programs in response to the blacklisting and suggested a fatwa - an Islamic legal opinion - could be placed on the world body.
Human rights organisations promptly expressed outrage that thousands of child deaths and injuries were suddenly subject to review.
Between The Lines' Executive Producer Scott Harris hosts a live, weekly talk show, Counterpoint , from which some of Between The Lines' interviews are excerpted. Listen every Monday evening from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT at www.WPKN.org (Follows the 5-7 minute White Rose Calendar.) Counterpoint in its entirety is archived after midnight ET Monday nights, and is available for at least a year following broadcast in WPKN Radio's Archives . You can also listen to full unedited interview segments from Counterpoint, which are generally available some time the day following broadcast.
Listen to the full interview (30:33) with Jeremy Scahill, an award-winning investigative journalist with the Nation Magazine, correspondent for Democracy Now! and author of the bestselling book, "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army," about America's outsourcing of its military. In an exclusive interview with Counterpoint's Scott Harris on Sept. 16, 2013, Scahill talks about his latest book, "Dirty Wars, The World is a Battlefield," also made into a documentary film under the same title, and was nominated Dec. 5, 2013 for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Feature category.
"How Do We Build A Mass Movement to Reverse Runaway Inequality?" with Les Leopold, author of "Runaway Inequality: An Activist's Guide to Economic Justice,"May 22, 2016, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, 860 11th Ave. (Between 58th and 59th), New York City. Between The Lines' Scott Harris and Richard Hill moderated this workshop. Listen to the audio/slideshows and more from this workshop.
For those who missed the event, or were there and really wanted to fully absorb its import, here it is in video
If you've made a donation and wish to receive thank you gifts for your donation, be sure to send us your mailing address via our Contact form .
His penetrating analysis of U.S. foreign policy and international conflicts will be sorely missed, and not easily replaced. His son Nat Parry writes a tribute to his father: Robert Parrys Legacy and the Future of Consortiumnews.
Robert had been a regular guest on our Between The Lines and Counterpoint radio shows -- and many other progressive outlets across the U.S. over four decades.
Award-winning investigative journalist and founder/editor of ConsortiumNews.com , Robert Parry has passed away. His ground-breaking work uncovering Reagan-era dirty wars in Central America and many other illegal and immoral policies conducted by successive administrations and U.S. intelligence agencies, stands as an inspiration to all in journalists working in the public interest.
Rising Levels of Methane Feed Menace of Climate Change Posted June 8, 2016 Interview with Robert Howarth, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University, conducted by Melinda Tuhus In addition to carbon dioxide, methane is a critical global warming gas. In the short term, methane is many times more powerful than carbon dioxide in warming the planets atmosphere. Even so, the impact of methane is often given short shrift in discussions about climate change. The global climate change activist organization, 350.org, for example, takes its name from the concept that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere must be reduced to 350 ppm from the current 400 ppm in order to stabilize the climate. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, states that methane is more than 100 times more powerful than carbon dioxide for the first decade after emission, 86 times over a 20-year period, and 34 times over 100 years. This is why many climate activists and scientists are critical of the assertion that natural gas is a bridge fuel to future renewable energy sources. Cornell University researcher Robert Howarth co-authored a groundbreaking report in 2011 showing that hydraulic fracking for natural gas can be worse for the climate than the burning of coal. He observes that global methane emissions have recently spiked due to the significant increase in fracking across the U.S. Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Howarth, who explains that methane comes from various sources and is released in a variety of ways, including the major leak from the Aliso Canyon storage facility in Southern California that continued uninterrupted for four months last fall and winter before being brought under control.
ROBERT HOWARTH: There are a variety of sources of methane, some of them natural and more under human control. Humans have basically increased the amount of methane going into the atmosphere by about 1.6-fold over what it used to be. The natural sources are largely from wetlands, some geological seeps, but the human-controlled sources, the biggest one is the oil and gas industry in the U.S. Coal mining produces some, landfills, sewage treatment plants, and animal agriculture is also a big source probably right up there globally with the oil and gas industry. Within the U.S., the oil and gas industry is pretty clearly the largest source of methane emissions; animal agriculture would be a distant second, like other fossil fuels and landfills and sewage treatment plants. If we look globally at the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions and methane emissions at the moment, and compare them in terms of their immediate influence on global warming, the two gases are about equal methane is actually a little more important in current global warming, when you do it that way. An incredibly important gas.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Natural gas is almost all methane. So what are the different ways that the methane gets into the atmosphere?
ROBERT HOWARTH: When you burn the natural gas, you're burning methane and it's converted to carbon dioxide, so burning it reduces the issue. The methane emissions are coming partly from leaks, but also from purposeful venting it's part of the normal operations of the oil and gas industry. For instance, after you get gas out of the ground and you compress it into a pipeline, the compressors that are typically used will purposefully vent some of that gas as part of normal operation. And when you go to do maintenance on a storage tank or maintenance on a gas pipeline, the normal procedure is to vent all of the gas that's in the storage tank or the pipeline into the atmosphere, so it's both accidental leaks and purposeful venting of the gas.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Climate scientists say that methane is 86 times more powerful as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after release. That seems pretty significant.
ROBERT HOWARTH: We look at the period of a decade, say, after emission, current human emissions of methane equal or exceed the emissions of carbon dioxide in terms of their influence on the heat budget of the planet. But carbon dioxide and methane are very different in how they act; carbon dioxide, once it's admitted into the atmosphere, it's equilibrating some with the oceans, it's being taken up by forests, and it's equilibrating with the land surfaces of the earth. What that means is that the carbon dioxide we're putting into the air today will be with us for hundreds of years, perhaps a thousand years, into the future. Methane, on the other hand, if we reduce methane emissions now, it reduces global warming now. So, when the nations of the world came together at the U.N. COP 21 in Paris last December, they recognized we want to keep the planet well below 1.5 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline temperature, and they agreed we really must keep it well below 2 degrees Celsius. And it turns out you cannot reach that target by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, because we're on a trajectory to reach 1.5 degrees in about 12 years or so from now, and to reach 2 degrees in 35 years. The only way to reach that target set by the governments in Paris is to reduce methane emissions. We need to reduce both.
BETWEEN THE LINES: But do you really think there's any possible way to keep global warming increases even below 2 degrees Celsius, much less 1.5 degrees C?
ROBERT HOWARTH: I think we need to reduce methane emissions. If you look over the last decade, there's been a fairly large rate of global increase in methane. Turns out that's been almost entirely attributable to increases from the U.S., and at least a major part of that, maybe most of it, is attributable to the shale gas revolution. We see that in the satellite data. I think we need to reverse that trend, and either stop developing shale gas or certainly get the emissions from it under much better control. That would be a huge help. If we just reverse and go back to where we were with the oil and gas industry ten years ago it would be a big help. But we can also do things to reduce emissions from animal agriculture and we should.
BETWEEN THE LINES: I don't know if you delve into politics, but I'd love to ask you about the Democratic presidential race. We won't bother with the Republicans. Sen. Bernie Sanders has called for a ban on fracking and for ending all new fossil fuel leases on public lands. And even though Hillary has moved toward a lot of Bernie's positions, she hasn't called for either of these moves yet.
ROBERT HOWARTH: I think Sanders' position on fracking and on fossil fuels is exactly right. He's quite strongly opposed fracking. He has for quite some time; it's not a new position of his. He's always been a critic of fracking and he's definitely been a mover among politicians in the "Keep it in the ground movement" in terms of public lands. As you say, Hillary Clinton has expressed some worries about fracking, but her positions have been more ambivalent, and actually, as secretary of state, she and the State Department worked quite hard to promote fracking abroad, so her background on that is rather colored in my view.
For more information, visit Robert Howarth's website at howarthlab.org.
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October 3, 2022
Dee Gambit
Hundreds if not thousands of new and returning TV shows and movies are released every month your options of what to watch are endless. Variety, they say is ...
Schulze named dean of UB College of Arts and Sciences
As a seasoned administrator and a renowned humanities scholar, Dr. Schulze has amassed truly impressive experience in advancing scholarly collaboration and innovation across the disciplines.
BUFFALO, N.Y. Robin G. Schulze, associate dean for the humanities and professor of English at the University of Delaware, has been named dean of the University at Buffalos College of Arts and Sciences.
The appointment, effective July 1, was announced today by Charles F. Zukoski, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who said Schulze emerged as the top choice after an extensive search that produced a national pool of highly competitive candidates.
As dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Schulze (pronounced Shul-zee) will oversee UBs largest and most diverse academic unit with 27 departments and 16 academic programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, as well as 23 centers and institutes, two art galleries, and major theater and music performance venues.
Dr. Schulze emerged as the leading candidate as a result of her significant leadership experience, impressive scholarly accomplishments, creative energy, strong commitment to the liberal arts and proven ability to work with faculty to create and implement a shared vision, Zukoski said. As dean, I am confident that Dr. Schulze will lead our College of Arts and Sciences to build on its strengths, achieve even greater prominence in research and education, and enhance its impact in our local and global communities.
Schulze succeeds E. Bruce Pitman, who announced in October his plans to step down. Pitman has served as dean since July 2011 and will return to a full-time faculty role as a researcher and educator in UBs Department of Materials Design and Innovation.
UB President Satish K. Tripathi said Schulze is an outstanding leader to guide our College of Arts and Sciences forward as it embarks on the second century of its distinguished history.
As a seasoned administrator and a renowned humanities scholar, Dr. Schulze has amassed truly impressive experience in advancing scholarly collaboration and innovation across the disciplines, he said. She brings tremendous energy and vision to this key role, and it will be exciting to see how the college continues to excel and evolve under her leadership.
I am honored and excited to be joining such a dynamic and innovative university, said Schulze. I look forward to collaborating with Buffalos world-class faculty to shape the future of the College of Arts and Sciences. I have roots in the region and Im very happy that my career has led me back to Western New York.
Schulze is an expert in modernist American poetry, textual scholarship, editorial theory, and modernist literature and culture. She is widely recognized as one of the worlds leading scholars of the poet Marianne Moore and her modernist peers.
A prolific scholar, Schulze has published four books and more than 20 articles and book chapters. Throughout her work, she approaches print objects as material objects and explores how the material presentations of linguistic texts affect their interpretation and reception.
Schulzes research has been supported by numerous grants and fellowships, including prestigious grants from the National Humanities Center and the American Philosophical Society. She is president and executive board member of the Society for Textual Scholarship and its past executive director.
As associate dean at the University of Delaware, she manages six departments and five interdisciplinary programs, and works closely with the associate deans for the Natural Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences. Schulze led the humanities faculty in the development of a shared emphasis in material culture, raising more than $1 million in foundation and university support, resulting in a cluster hire across the humanities disciplines. She similarly brought faculty together to make the University of Delaware a leader in public humanities-focused research and graduate education.
Before joining the University of Delaware, Schulze served as head of the Department of English at Pennsylvania State University from 2007 to 2011. Prior to that, she served in numerous administrative roles, including associate head, director of undergraduate studies, chair of the graduate studies committee and director of the Center for American Literary Studies.
Schulze received her PhD in English and her masters degrees in English and music performance from the University of Michigan. She earned her bachelors degree in music history from Yale University and performed as a professional harpist throughout the northeast corridor from 1980 to 1985.
Her grandfather, John Stuart Allan, grew up in Buffalo and earned a bachelors of science degree and law degree from UB in 1927 and 1930, respectively. Schulzes mother, Joan Gail Allan, was born in Buffalo, lived in Kenmore until she was 12 and later taught school in Clarence upon her return to the region in the 1950s, when she met and married Schulzes father, Merlin Dwight Schulze.
The couple moved to Pittsford in the 1960s, where Schulze grew up. She returned to the Rochester area in 1979 to study under noted harpist Eileen Malone at the Eastman School of Music before transferring to Yale.
Research News
Where lack of sanitation prevents children from completing school, UB students offer help
Pavani Ram, right, director of UB's Community for Global Health Equity, talks with students during the Global Innovation Challenge held in Hayes Hall. Photo: Douglas Levere
By DAVID J. HILL
Girls will still have plenty of obstacles to grapple with, but if we can improve their access to hygiene products and services, we can help ensure dignity and independence in their lives, allowing them to move on to other pursuits.
A child with mobility problems cant use the bathroom in his school because it only has squat toilets. Feeling like an outsider, he stops going to school.
A menstruating teenage girl doesnt have the privacy she needs in her school bathroom, or maybe she doesnt have the products she needs to manage her menstruation and she, too, stops attending.
Millions of school-aged children with and without disabilities and who live in low- and middle-income countries around the world grapple with this lack of access to water, sanitation and hygiene or WaSH facilities every day. In fact, its one of the biggest reasons why they dont receive a formal education.
Over one week in late May, teams of UB students representing a range of fields architecture and planning, engineering, public health, chemistry, computer science, pharmacy and management put their heads together to develop actionable ideas to help solve this problem in two countries with critical need: India and Uganda.
For the 100 million children and teens with disabilities worldwide, the lack of adequate sanitation is a primary barrier to school attendance, says Radhakrishna Dasari, a UB student whose team won the top prize in the Global Innovation Challenge, a hackathon-style event organized by UBs Community for Global Health Equity.
The challenge was all about prioritizing inclusive WaSH facilities to promote the education of all children, regardless of gender, age or ability, he says.
We collaborated with WaterAid, a leading international organization that works to increase WaSH access in dozens of low- and middle-income countries, to issue the challenge to our students, explains Pavani Ram, director of the Community for Global Health Equity.
At the start of the Global Innovation Challenge, students heard from three experts-in-residence who are part of organizations working to improve WaSH facilities for children and/or provide services for children with disabilities in India and Uganda.
Our multidisciplinary teams of innovators, ranging from undergraduate students to postdoctoral fellows, were so moved by the personal stories shared by our three experts and learned tremendously from the depth of knowledge they brought to the challenge, Ram says.
The top prizes, both of which honor innovation challenge donors, went to two teams, one of which brought its complementary multidisciplinary skills to bear on the tremendous problem at hand, and the other which stretched well beyond the fields of study of its members:
Campus News
Schulze named dean of College of Arts and Sciences
By BERT GAMBINI
As a seasoned administrator and a renowned humanities scholar, Dr. Schulze has amassed truly impressive experience in advancing scholarly collaboration and innovation across the disciplines.
Robin G. Schulze, associate dean for the humanities and professor of English at the University of Delaware, has been named dean of UBs College of Arts and Sciences.
The appointment, effective July 1, was announced today by Charles F. Zukoski, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who said Schulze emerged as the top choice after an extensive search that produced a national pool of highly competitive candidates.
As dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Schulze (pronounced Shul-zee) will oversee UBs largest and most diverse academic unit with 27 departments and 16 academic programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, as well as 23 centers and institutes, two art galleries, and major theater and music performance venues.
Dr. Schulze emerged as the leading candidate as a result of her significant leadership experience, impressive scholarly accomplishments, creative energy, strong commitment to the liberal arts and proven ability to work with faculty to create and implement a shared vision, Zukoski said. As dean, I am confident that Dr. Schulze will lead our College of Arts and Sciences to build on its strengths, achieve even greater prominence in research and education, and enhance its impact in our local and global communities.
Schulze succeeds E. Bruce Pitman, who announced in October his plans to step down. Pitman has served as dean since July 2011 and will return to a full-time faculty role as a researcher and educator in the Department of Materials Design and Innovation.
President Satish K. Tripathi said Schulze an outstanding leader to guide our College of Arts and Sciences forward as it embarks on the second century of its distinguished history.
As a seasoned administrator and a renowned humanities scholar, she has amassed truly impressive experience in advancing scholarly collaboration and innovation across the disciplines. She brings tremendous energy and vision to this key role, and it will be exciting to see how the college continues to excel and evolve under her leadership.
Schulze said she was honored and excited to be joining such a dynamic and innovative university.
I look forward to collaborating with Buffalos world-class faculty to shape the future of the College of Arts and Sciences. I have roots in the region and Im very happy that my career has led me back to Western New York, she said.
Schulze is an expert in modernist American poetry, textual scholarship, editorial theory, and modernist literature and culture. She is widely recognized as one of the worlds leading scholars of the poet Marianne Moore and her modernist peers.
A prolific scholar, Schulze has published four books and more than 20 articles and book chapters. Throughout her work, she approaches print objects as material objects and explores how the material presentations of linguistic texts affect their interpretation and reception.
Schulzes research has been supported by numerous grants and fellowships, including prestigious grants from the National Humanities Center and the American Philosophical Society. She is president and executive board member of the Society for Textual Scholarship and its past executive director.
As associate dean at the University of Delaware, she manages six departments and five interdisciplinary programs, and works closely with the associate deans for the Natural Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences. Schulze led the humanities faculty in the development of a shared emphasis in material culture, raising more than $1 million in foundation and university support, resulting in a cluster hire across the humanities disciplines. She similarly brought faculty together to make the University of Delaware a leader in public humanities-focused research and graduate education.
Before joining the University of Delaware, Schulze served as head of the Department of English at Pennsylvania State University from 2007-11. Prior to that, she served in numerous administrative roles, including associate head, director of undergraduate studies, chair of the graduate studies committee and director of the Center for American Literary Studies.
Schulze received her PhD in English and her masters degrees in English and music performance from the University of Michigan. She earned her bachelors degree in music history from Yale University and performed as a professional harpist throughout the northeast corridor from 1980-85.
Her grandfather, John Stuart Allan, grew up in Buffalo and earned a BS and law degree from UB in 1927 and 1930, respectively. Her mother, Joan Gail Allan, was born in Buffalo, lived in Kenmore until she was 12 and later taught school in Clarence upon her return to the region in the 1950s, when she met and married Schulzes father, Merlin Dwight Schulze.
The couple moved to Pittsford in the 1960s, where Schulze grew up. She returned to the Rochester area in 1979 to study under noted harpist Eileen Malone at the Eastman School of Music before transferring to Yale.
Adhesive firm Gorilla Glue Europe is backing an initiative that will see brickwork academies rolled out across Britain.
The Gorilla Glue team travelled to London and visited the Houses of Parliament to show their support for Derby-based builder Ian Hodgkinson, founder of Hodgkinson Builders.
Mr Hodgkinson visited the capital following an invite from Housing Minister Brandon Lewis, after the Derby builder created a brickwork academy to tackle a major skills gap in the industry. With the need to build over 250,000 new homes each year over the next four years and with only 250,000 bricklayers in the UK, there is an immediate need for more fully trained bricklayers.
Mr Hodgkinson and his apprentices showed off their own skills to Nick Bowles, Apprentice Minister; Brandon Lewis, Housing Minister; and Amanda Holloway, MP for Derby North, by building a brick wall on Speakers Green before going for a drinks reception in the Jubilee room in Westminster.
Mr Lewis and Gorilla Glue both support the plans to roll out the academies.
Simon Damp, managing director of Gorilla Glue Europe, said: We were more than happy to show our support for Ian and his brickwork academy plans.
It has been identified that there is an obvious skills gap in the construction industry, Ian has acted upon that and there are big plans moving forward.
It was an excellent day at the Houses of Parliament and Ian clearly has plenty of skilled apprentices at his academy.
The academy, which is linked with national training provider 3AAA, will be renamed as the National Construction Academy and, within five years, it is hoped more than 40 academies will be available to all throughout the United Kingdom.
Phillies are World Series bound! How to watch, plus the full schedule
The Phillies are heading to the World Series for the first time since 2009. Follow along as Philadelphia takes on the Houston Astros.
PAKISTAN AT THE CROSSROADS
Domestic Dynamics and External Pressures
Christophe Jaffrelot (Ed)
Random House India
358 pages; Rs 699
In nearly 70 years of its existence, Pakistan has seen three Constitutions, 35 years of military rule, many prime ministers, more terrorist attacks claiming several thousand lives than any other country in the world, a tattered economy that gives the impression of collapsing every now and then and a deeply divided society. This has happened to a country that was to become the "land of the pure" especially created to house the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.
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Rabobank-promoted private equity fund ' II' has invested around Rs 100 crore in agrochemical firm Parijat Industries to acquire a minority stake.
Rabo Equity Advisors, the investment advisors for PE fund ' II', announced an "undisclosed investment" into Parijat Industries to acquire minority stake.
Sources said that an investment of about Rs 100 crore has been made in Parijat Industries.
This is the second investment by II, Rabo Equity advisors said in a statement.
The first investment, which was also of about Rs 100 crore, was announced last week in Cremica Food Industries.
India Agri Business Fund II is a $200 million private equity fund targeted at expansion/growth of Indian food and agri-business in India across the value chain.
The fund sponsored by Rabobank along with pedigreed anchors namely CDC Group and Asian Development Bank.
Commenting on the investment, Rabo Equity Advisors CMD Rajesh Srivastava said that it expects Parijat to be a leading agrochemical player in the high potential sector.
"We are especially excited at the company's export forays and new products expected to be launched in the domestic market over the next few years," he added.
Parijat is looking to achieve sales of Rs 1,500 crore by 2021 and also expand its domestic distribution network to 10,000 retail points in three years from 4,500 at present.
"Our team at Parijat is committed to exponentially growing its domestic presence besides the international footprint. We are delighted to have Rabo Equity as our partner and hope to leverage their extensive domain knowledge and global outreach in the food and agri sector," said Keshav Anand, Chairman & Managing Director, Parijat Industries.
Rabo Equity Advisors currently advises two funds in India, IABF-I and IABF-II. India Agri Business Fund I, a $120 million fund which is invested in 10 across sectors like biotechnology, warehousing, edible oils, dairy and basmati rice.
Export of cotton-based textile goods fell in 2015-16 by 2.1 per cent, from $37.1 billion in 2014-15 to $36.2 billion. This was part of the larger trend of a fall in merchandise export, down for a 17th continuous month in April.
Rabo Equity Advisors, Investment Advisors for India Agri Business Fund, has picked up a minority stake in Parijat Industries, Parijat said in a note. Although, the note is silent on amount invested, sources said, total amount comes to Rs 100 crore.
Parijat is an Indian agrochemical player with extensive global presence in 70 countries, 6 international offices, exclusive distribution networks in India, Russia and the CIS and West Africa. Parijat is looking to achieve sales of Rs 1500 crore by 2021 and also expand its domestic distribution network to 10,000 retail points in three years from 4,500 at present, thereby expanding its presence throughout the country.
Serial entrepreneur C Sivasankaran, who founded telecom firm Aircel, has entered the app-based on demand taxi business by backing the Chennai-based start-up UTOO, competing with the taxi aggregator app majors Uber and Ola. The technology venture is initially backed by funding from his close friends and family, he said.
Speaking about the venture, Sivasankaran told reporters that he was satisfied in all the four parameters required to enter into the business - the customer, profit, competition and focus in business, which led him to enter the business. He said that he likes competition and it helps to deliver the customers better and helps to innovate.
Uber, the taxi hailing service, has installed meters in about 100 cabs here, its second largest market in India, in its try for a licence under the new rules for taxi aggregators in the state.
The Indian IT-BPM industry is one of the largest employment creators in the country employing more than 3.7 million with revenues of more than $140 bn. Apart from direct employment, the industry also creates indirect employment of close to 2X to 3X creating a set of high income earners who contributes substantially to the economic growth of the country.
The leading industry players work with global giants in building their core systems and make them competitive in the global market place. This industry attracts the best talent, hires on a large scale; pay them the best salaries while managing greater attrition due to shortage of skill sets. Generally, governments in India understood the benefit this industry brings to the table and have rightly so supported the industry by all ways and means.
ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu allows unions in information technology sector
With overspeeding accounting for over 62% road accident deaths, Union Minister on Thursday said cameras will be installed on Highways to check errant drivers who would face stricter penalties.
"We are hopeful that the new Motor Vehicle Act is passed in the upcoming session of Parliament as a Group of Ministers, headed by Transport Minister of Rajasthan is likely to submit its report on stricter penalties and after the Cabinet nod the same would be introduced in Parliament," Gadkari said addressing the media.
The Road Transport and Highways Minister, who has been vocal that 30% of licences in India were "bogus", said a study of 2015 accidents showed that "owners of regular licences were involved in 79% of about 5 lakh road accidents in which 1.46 lakh people died."
Drivers' fault accounted for 77% of total road accidents, Gadkari said and stressed that India is the only country where driving licences are being issued liberally but the "government cannot allow it anymore".
"Under the proposed new Motor bill, driving licences could be obtained only after a driver passes the test at the computerised centres and results will automatically be transmitted to concerned RTO through satellite and it would be mandatory for the RTO to issue license within 3 days else the officials would face penalty," he said.
Around 20 computerised driving centres have been already set up in the country.
Likewise, to check errant drivers, cameras would be installed on highways to monitor the speed of the vehicles and strict penalties would be imposed on violators, he said.
Cities like Delhi already have them in place.
The minister said the report has found out that "drivers exceeding lawful speed or overspeeding accounted for a share of 62.2% and 61% of accidents caused or people killed due to drivers fault.
He said a Road Safety Board was on the anvil and the Cabinet nod will be taken on it soon.
Stressing that the government is committed to ensuring safer travel, he said several important decisions were being taken to correct automobile designs and it has been mandatory to ensure airbags in vehicles besides provision of airconditioning in truck cabins.
A committee is looking into design of helmets to make them light and within three months the design would be finalised, he said.
Besides people violating vehicle norms will face stricter penalties, the minister said.
The GoM to frame stricter penalties for Road Safety Bill is scheduled to meet in Dharmshala, Himachal Pradesh, on June 12 and would come up with its final recommendations soon, he said.
The interim recommendations on Road Safety Bill by GoM provides for a stringent penalty of Rs 100 crore and compulsorily recall for faulty designs and absence of necessary safety features in their vehicles.
The new Road Safety Bill may also provide for a penalty of up to Rs 5,000 on individuals for use of unauthorised components and other manufacturing or maintenance-related violations, such as in fog lights, pressure horns, extra lights, roof-top carriers and metallic protectors.
The dealers and vehicle body builders would face a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh per vehicle for such offences. Besides, the component dealers would be fined up to Rs 1 lakh for "selling non-approved critical safety components for vehicles".
These proposed penal provisions form part of recommendations made by GoM.
The panel, headed by Rajasthan Transport Minister Yunoos Khan, in its preliminary recommendations has proposed these penalties for contravening the provisions relating to construction and maintenance of vehicles, for which the current rules provide for a fine of Rs 1,000 for first offence and Rs 5,000 for subsequent offences.
The final recommendations are expected to be in place this month.
The panel has unanimously agreed to framing strict and steeper penalties that include imprisonment for offences like driving by minors, crossing speed limits, drunk driving, talking over phone while driving and jumping traffic lights.
It also recommends jail of up to a year in addition to a penalty of Rs 10,000 for those driving with fake licences up from the current penalty provision of Rs 500 and a maximum jail term of three months.
In case of juvenile drivers, the owner of the vehicle or the driver's guardian will face stricter penalties of up to three years in jail and fine of up to Rs 20,000, while their vehicle registration certificate may also be cancelled.
After failing to push new Road Safety Bill in Parliament, the Centre had constituted the group of ministers (GoM) for further consultation and reaching a consensus on stricter traffic rules.
Road safety has been a matter of great concern in India with an average of 1.5 lakh fatalities every year in accidents across the country.
Ever since the Supreme Court struck down the Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) in October of last year, the government and the judiciary have been at loggerheads on the issue of appointment of judges to the constitutional courts of the country.
Udta Punjab, which was scheduled to be released on June 17, has been grounded for now with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanding 94 cuts in all.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on Thursday assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his countrys support to Indias bid for the membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), even as China led five other countries at a meeting of the export control group in Vienna to stall the proposal.
Delhi Police, on Thursday, sought jail term for entire life for five convicts in the gangrape case of a 52-year-old Danish woman near the New Delhi railway station two years ago in a city court, which would pronounce its verdict on sentence on Friday.
Seeking maximum punishment, the prosecutor argued that the offence was committed with the foreigner in a "barbaric and inhuman manner" and "these convicts have caused a dent to the reputation of the country".
"The way the crime has been committed, it demands maximum punishment of imprisonment till remainder of life prescribed under the new law for the offence of gangrape. The crime was committed with a foreigner and a message should be sent to the society that rule of law prevails in India and wrong-doers would be dealt with an iron hand," Special Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava argued on quantum of sentence.
Legal aid counsel Dinesh Sharma, who represented the convicts, sought leniency for them on the ground that they were aged in 20s and belonged to poor background and minimum sentence of 20 years for the offence would be enough for them.
Additional Sessions Judge Ramesh Kumar II, after hearing arguments on the quantum of sentence, reserved the order for tomorrow.
During the hearing, the five convicts were also present in the court.
The court, on June 6, has convicted Mahender alias Ganja (25), Mohd Raja (25), Raju (23), Arjun (21) and Raju Chakka (30) for the offences under sections 376 (D) (gang rape), 395 (dacoity), 366(kidnapping), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of IPC.
The sixth accused, 56-year-old Shyam Lal had died in February this year and proceedings against him were abated.
Three other accused in the case are juveniles and enquiry against them is in progress before the Juvenile Justice Board.
According to the prosecution, the five men, all vagabonds, had robbed and gangraped the Danish tourist at knife-point on the night of January 14, 2014, after leading her to a secluded spot close to the Divisional Railway Officers' Club near the railway station.
Prime Minister on Wednesday described the United States (US) as an "indispensable partner" of India and stated that a strong India is in the strategic interest of the US.
"In every sector of India's forward march, I see the US as an indispensable partner," Modi said in his much anticipated speech at a joint sitting of the US Congress.
"Many of you also believe that a stronger and prosperous India is in America's strategic interest," he said. India could be an ideal partner for US businesses searching "for new areas of economic growth, markets for their goods, a pool of skilled resources, and global locations to produce and manufacture," he added.
Modi is the fifth Indian Prime Minister to address the US Congress after Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.
"India is a strong economy, and growth rate of 7.6% per annum, is creating new opportunities for our mutual prosperity," the Prime Minister said. He said that his to-do list by 2022, the 75th anniversary of India's independence was ambitious. "My to-do list is long and ambitious. But you will understand. It includes a vibrant rural economy with robust farm sector; a roof over each head and electricity to all households; to skill millions of our youth; build 100 smart cities; have a broad band for a billion, and connect our villages to the digital world; and create a 21st century rail, road and port infrastructure," Modi said. He also sought cooperation in the fight against terrorism and without naming Pakistan, said the scourge was "incubated in India's neighbourhood".
"In the territory stretching from West of India's border to Africa, it may go by different names, from
Laskhar-e-Taiba, to Taliban to ISIS," Modi said. "But, its philosophy is common: of hate, murder and violence," he stated. "Although its shadow is spreading across the world, it is incubated in India's neighbourhood." He urged the members of the US Congress to send a clear message to those who preach and practice terrorism for political gains. "Refusing to reward them is the first step towards holding them accountable for their actions," he said.
Modi also hailed the achievements of the Indian diaspora in the US. "Connecting our two nations is also a unique and dynamic bridge of three million Indian Americans," he said. "Today, they are among your best CEOs, academics, astronauts, scientists, economists, doctors, even spelling bee champions."
He also brought in yoga, and much to everybody's amusement, said that though there were 30 million practitioners of this ancient Indian physical exercise, India has still not claimed intellectual property right over it.
That Modi was not lacking in humour became evident when he compared the functioning of the US Congress with the chaos in the Indian Parliament. "I am informed that the working of the US Congress is harmonious," he said much to everybody's laughter. "I am also told that you are well-known for your bipartisanship," he said. "Well, you are not alone. Time and again, I have also witnessed a similar spirit in the Indian Parliament, especially in our Upper House."
Keeping to the India-US relationship theme, the Prime Minister concluded by quoting Walt Whitman: "The Orchestra have sufficiently tuned their instruments, the baton has given the signal."
Earlier, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan welcomed Modi as he arrived at Capitol Hill following which the Prime Minister met with the Congressional leadership.
Later, at a joint reception organised for him by the House of Representatives, Senate and the India Caucus, Modi said that the India-US relations have gone way beyond diplomacy and now it is at a stage where the two countries can be forces of good for the world." The US was first curious about India but now our shared values have led us to think together about what we can do for the world," he said at a reception organised after his address to a joint sitting of the US Congress.
Modi arrived in the US on Monday from Switzerland on his second bilateral visit after his visit in September 2014. He and President Barack Obama held bilateral talks following which a number of agreements signed, including one on US firm Westinghouse building six nuclear power plants in India. He also met with Indian and US business leaders.
The Prime Minister has now reached Mexico for the fifth and the final leg of his five-nation tour. Prior to Switzerland, he visited Afghanistan and Qatar.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday rejected the opposition United Democratic Front's (UDF) demand to convene an all-party meeting on the issue, saying there was no new development over the matter.
He also said there was no change in Kerala's stand that a new dam was the need of the hour, but that cannot be achieved without the support from Tamil Nadu and the Centre's consent.
"There is no need to call an all-party meeting on the Mullaperiyar issue. There is no fresh issues in this regard. If there is any fresh problem, only then there is need to call such a meeting," Vijayan told reporters at a meet-the-press programme, organised by the Press Club in Thiruvanathapuram.
The UDF had sought an all party meeting to discuss the Mullaperiyar issue in view of the confusion over Chief Minister's remarks over the safety of the dam during his recent New Delhi visit.
While Tamil Nadu believed that the dam was strong, Kerala's argument was that the century-old dam was in a dilapidated state and weak, he said.
"Both Tamil Nadu and the Supreme Court have not agreed to our argument. That is why we want an Internationally acclaimed panel of experts to study the dam's strength," he said.
The neighbouring state's support was essential to resolve the matter, he said.
"It cannot be attained through confrontation. We are not for that. The dispute should be settled through discussions," he added.
The chief minister also said he discussed the matter with the members of Mullaperiyar Protection Council, a forum which was for a new dam considering the safety of the local people, and they had no objection to his views.
Opposition party heads have joined the controversy over censorship of parts of the Hindi movie, Udta Punjab, while senior Cabinet minister Arun Jaitley said the present system of film certification needed reform. And, the high court in Mumbai asked for an explanation from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC, usually referred to as the Censor Board).
Prime Minister today left for home after wrapping up a brief visit to Mexico on the final leg of his five-nation tour, which also took him to the US and Afghanistan.
"Thank you Mexico. A new era in India-Mexico ties has begun and this relationship is going to benefit our people and the entire world," Modi tweeted.
"Five days, five countries! After a productive visit to Mexico, the last leg of his journey, PM departs for Delhi," External Affairs Minister Vikas Swarup tweeted.
The tour, that began on June 4, saw Modi visiting Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico with an aim to bolster ties.
Besides addressing a joint sitting of the US Congress, Modi received the backing of two key Nuclear Suppliers Group members - Switzerland and Mexico - for its bid to secure the membership of the 48-nation bloc.
He also held wide-ranging talks with President Barack Obama at the White House following which the US recognised India as a "major defence partner".
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced he will release uncensored copies of Bollywood movie 'Udta Punjab' in Majitha town near Amritsar in the state on June 17.
The movie has run into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over references to Punjab and the drugs racket in the state.
The Congress leader said: "Majitha town, like Mexico, is the epicentre of drugs trade in Punjab. It was decided to release the movie there." The movie's release is scheduled for June 17.
Amarinder said he has written to movie's producers Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor, urging them to provide copies of the uncensored movie on compact discs so that he can release it simultaneously with its worldwide premiere.
"The purpose of releasing the movie in Majitha is to tell the (ruling) Akalis and the BJP that no matter to what extent they try to go to gag the truth, I will expose it at any cost," Amarinder said in a statement here.
"Not only do we want to highlight the harsh reality of Punjab, but also assert the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by our Constitution, which is being infringed upon by the BJP at the behest of the Akalis, using the censor board," the Congress leader said in the letter to the producers.
Amarinder also clarified to the movie's producers that all the legal onus of releasing the uncensored CDs of the movie will be on him only.
"I guarantee you that I will take the entire responsibility of the legal implications, if any, for releasing the uncensored CDs as we want the truth to be told, no matter at what price," he said.
He said Majitha town in Amritsar district had become synonymous with 'chitta' (synthetic drug, in common parlance) that has affected an entire generation in Punjab.
The Congress leader clarified that in order to ensure that the commercial interests of the producers are not hurt, the movie will be shown only on the day of the release at Majitha, as a protest and defiance against what he called was the "dictatorial attitude" of the CBFC, and also in border areas as people there rarely get a chance to watch the movies in theatres.
Complimenting the movie's producers for portraying the harsh reality of Punjab on the big screen, the Lok Sabha member from Amritsar said the film depicted the ground reality in the state.
Neither the US nor India has committed to a formal ratification of the by the end of 2016 in the much-hyped joint statement on climate change. The political
By increasing the share of states in the divisible tax pool to 42 per cent from 32 per cent earlier, the 14th Finance Commission ushered in a monumental change in the fiscal architecture of the country. Yet, while this marks a significant step towards greater fiscal decentralisation, the devolution process has not been taken to the lowest level of governance.
The UPSC has announced recruitment of Enforcement officers/ Accounts officers in Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).As EPFO comes under the direct control of Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, UPSC is inviting applications to fill these vacancies.
Vacancy details:
Enforcement (accounts) officer 257 vacancies
These officers are paid in the payband of Rs.9300 34800 plus a grade pay of Rs.4600.So the total emoluments would be Rs.37,500 /month.
The job profile, duties & responsibilities of enforcement/ accounts officer shall include:
To look after the general administrative work of enforcement, recovery, accounts, administration cash, legal pension and computer sections.
Conduct regular inquiries of accounts and settlement of claims
Maintaining cash book,bank statement verification, MIS returns etc.,
Important Dates
Last date to submit online application: June 23rd
Date of written test & interviews would be informed later
Who are Eligible?
To apply for UPSC EPFO enforcement officer recruitment 2016, you need to satisfy the following conditions,
Age limit: Maximum of upto 30 years as on June 24, 2016 (OBC: 33yrs & SC/ST: 35yrs)
Educational qualification: Degree in any subject, as on 24.06.2016
Although 2 yrs experience in administration/ accounts field in any govt or private organization is desired, it is NOT compulsory.
Registration Steps
Candidates who are willing to apply should fill the online application form before June 23 available on the website: upsconline.nic.in.
After the submission process is complete, you are required to pay a fee of Rs. 25 as application fees in any branch of the SBI by cash OR by using net banking facility of the SBI OR by using visa/master credit/debit card.
There is no fee for SC/ ST/ PH/ All women candidates.Even males from SC/ST category are exempted from fee payment.
All those interested to apply for UPSC enforcement/ accounts officer recruitment in EPFO should download the official notification from their website here
Source: BankExamsIndia.com
Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Sh Dharmendra Pradhan held a review meeting on implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in the State of Uttar Pradesh on 08.06.2016 with all District Nodal Officers (DNOs) of state through video conference. The meeting in New Delhi was also attended by top officials of three Oil Marketing Companies and senior officials of the Ministry. The thrust of the meeting was essentially to expedite the implementation process and carry it forward on a war footing. .
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The Minister complimented all Nodal Officers for implementing the Scheme across the State and appreciated the efforts made to release more than one lakh connections under the Scheme in the very first month of implementation. He urged the Nodal Officers to reach out to all the eligible beneficiaries and ensure that the connections are released in a time bound manner. He also emphasized that adequate awareness/education on safety norms should be given to all the beneficiaries along-with insurance coverage provided for the consumers. The reasons for rejecting the application should also be documented and kept in the public domain. A transparent process should be followed in this regard. .
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Nodal Officers shared their experiences in implementing the Scheme and also gave feedback on the response of the beneficiaries. They informed that the Scheme was receiving extensive publicity and the response from the beneficiaries was quite encouraging. Distribution Melas, under the stewardship of the local elected Member of Parliament have been organized to release new connections to the beneficiaries. .
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MoS(I/C) directed that the issue and concern raised by the DNOs to be addressed expeditiously and suitable instructions should be issued in this regard. .
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YB/NV .
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The US Department of Justice asked the Supreme Court to overturn an appeals court ruling that had favored Apple Inc over Electronics Co Ltd in smartphone patent litigation, and asked that it return the case to the trial court for more litigation.
China has asked the Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to withdraw the arbitration at a UN tribunal and return to bilateral dialogue to settle the territorial disputes over the strategic South China Sea (SCS).
The Philippines should stop its arbitral proceedings and return to the right track of settling relevant disputes in the through bilateral negotiation with China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said yesterday.
The ministry also issued a statement saying the dispute over the should be settled through negotiations.
The door is always open to bilateral negotiation, the statement said and asked Manila to stop turning its back on its agreement to settle disputes through negotiation and end the arbitral proceedings it had initiated against China.
The Chinese comments came as the Philippines has brought a case at an tribunal constituted under the UN Convention on Law of Seas at The Hague contesting China's claims over almost all of the .
China boycotted the tribunal, likely to deliver its verdict this month, saying it will not recognise the judgement. Beijing expects the verdict to go against it.
Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister had told US media on June 3 that China does not accept or participate in the arbitration, and the arbitral tribunal has lent a ready ear only to the Philippines. "I think the award will probably be in The Philippines' favour," he added.
He has said that China doesn't see the arbitration as "a move of good will" and that was intended to legalise the Philippines' illegal claims and negate China's rights in the SCS.
Yesterday's statement inviting the Philippines for talks came as Duterte was set to take over the Presidency from Benigno Aquino, who opted for UN tribunal arbitration putting China in a spot.
China's claims of all most all of SCS and asserts that it has held the area from ancient times. The claims are contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
The dispute escalated as the US extended support to East Asian countries to assert their claims. More than $5.3 trillion of trade passes through the SCS annually.
Chinese analysts have called Duterte to quit the arbitration and return to the table for talks with Beijing.
Jia Duqiang, a researcher in Southeast Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the incoming Duterte administration seems willing to "reevaluate the country's policies towards China," state-run Xinhua reported.
Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said it remained to be seen if the new Philippine government would respond to Beijing's overtures.
The arbitration process is coming to a critical moment with the arbitral tribunal expected to announce its ruling in a few weeks.
has provided about 7.46 lakh unregistered citizens with registration permits that would entitle them to social welfare benefits like medical insurance and basic education.
About 7,46,000 people have been provided with the crucial registration permits in the first five months of this year, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
In China, various social benefits such as medical insurance and access to basic education are based on permits known as "hukou" and are supposed to be in line with long-term places of work and residence.
Previously, "hukou" was given only at their native places and people could avail benefits only in the places where it is granted. The move to register unregistered citizens, which are estimated at 13 million, or 1% of the entire population, was announced in December.
Between January and May, more than 1.09 million unregistered people were confirmed, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
They include orphans and second children born illegally under the one-child policy, the homeless and those who have yet to apply for one or who have simply lost theirs, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.
Parents who violated family planning policy often refrained from getting "hukou" for their children in order to avoid fines. From the beginning of this year permitted couples to have two children.
The ministry also said that police across the country have confiscated three million duplicated hukou and more than 1.7 million IDs that have duplicated numbers.
It said last year that some of the duplications were honest mistakes from manual errors or separated police management systems in the past, but were the result of police officers illegally using professional privilege to seek benefits for their connections.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor S S Mundra on Thursday asked banks to refrain from being "overzealous" while lending, saying it leads to over-indebtedness of customers, results in default and spoils their credit history.
A column of black Humvees carrying Iraqi special forces rolled into southern Fallujah, on Thursday, the first time in more than two years that government troops have entered the western city held by the Islamic State group.
The counterterrorism troops fought house-to-house battles with the militants in the Shuhada neighbourhood, and the operation to retake the city is expected to be one of the most difficult yet.
"Daesh are concentrating all their forces in this direction," said General Haider Fadel, one of the commanders of the counterterrorism forces, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State militants.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi promised a swift victory when he announced the start of the operation on May 22 to liberate Fallujah, about 65 kilometres west of Baghdad. But the complexity of the task quickly became apparent.
Although other security forces from the federal and provincial police, government-sanctioned Shiite militias and the Iraqi military have surrounded the city, only the elite counterterrorism troops are fighting inside at this stage of the operation. And they are doing so under the close cover of US-led coalition airpower.
"We expect to face more resistance, especially because we are the only forces entering the city," Fadel said.
The Islamic State group has suffered setbacks on several fronts in the region where it captured large swaths of territory two years ago.
In northern Syria, US-backed rebels made a final push, on Thursday, in the town of Manbij a key waypoint on the IS supply line to the Turkish border and its self-styled capital of Raqqa. And in Libya, forces loyal to a UN-brokered government have advanced deep inside the coastal city of Sirte, the main stronghold of the IS group's local affiliate.
is one of the last IS strongholds in Iraq. Government forces have slowly won back territory, although IS still controls parts of the north and west, as well as the second-largest city of Mosul.
The sky above Fallujah's Shuhada neighbourhood, on Thursday, filled with fine dust and thick grey smoke obscuring minarets and communication towers as artillery rounds and volleys of air strikes cleared the way for Iraqi ground forces.
At a makeshift command centre, Iraqi forces coordinated the operation via hand-held radios, with Australian coalition troops stationed at a nearby base. One of the Australians listed the casualties among the militants.
"Two KIA (killed in action), one wounded with a missing arm his right arm," the unidentified Australian radioed after calling in an air strike on Islamic State fighters.
Israel today suspended entry permits for 83,000 Palestinians granted during following a major terror attack at an upscale market in Tel Aviv, the deadliest in the recent spate of violence that killed four Israelis and injured 16 .
The decision to suspend the entry permits, most of them for Palestinians to visit their family in Israel, was taken overnight during a meeting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt Gen Gadi Eisenkot soon after the attack.
Permits for Gaza residents to pray at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, described by Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) that houses the al-Aqsa mosque, have also been suspended.
Netanyahu,who visited the scene of the terror attack late last night, called the attack "a savage crime of murder and terrorism" and convened a meeting of the security-diplomatic cabinet at the defence headquarters to discuss possible further steps in response to the terror attack.
"There was a very difficult event here, of cold-blooded murder by heinous terrorists," the Israeli Prime Minister said adding, "We held a discussion on a string of offensive and defensive measures that we will take to act against this phenomenon, the grave phenomenon of shooting. It is definitely challenging us and we will respond to it."
"There will be firm action by other security elements, not only to locate anyone who cooperated with this murder, but also to prevent further actions. We will act firmly and intelligently," he stressed.
Maj Gen Yoav Mordechai, the coordinator of government activities in the territories ordered overnight to also suspend 204 entry permits given to the families of the perpetrators of yesterday's terror attack.
According to Palestinian reports, the IDF surrounded the South Hebron Hills town of Yatta, the hometown of the assailants, and has declared the area a closed military zone.
The military is expected to carry out arrests and interrogate the perpetrators' families.
The Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) in a statement early today said the culprits behind last night's shooting attack in Tel Aviv's Sarona complex acted individually, despite belonging to its student group.
The PLO said the youths' actions were a "natural response" to the "violations of an Israeli occupation".
"Israel announces at every given opportunity its opposition to a peace process, and chooses instead the force of its army," the statement said, stressing, "Israel must cease the occupation of Palestinian land".
Rival Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, praised the attack but did not claim responsibility for it.
There has been a wave of Palestinian attacks on Israelis since last year, with a series of shootings, stabbings and car rammings, although the number of incidents had dropped in recent months.
Yesterday's attacks took place in two locations in Sarona Market in central Tel Aviv, close to Israel's defence ministry and main army headquarters.
Tel Aviv Police Chief, Moshe Edri, called the shooting a "serious terrorist attack", saying that two terrorists came to the market and opened fire randomly at civilians.
Eyewitnesses told the local media that the terrorists were disguised as religious Jews and wore Kippot (Jewish skullcaps), but it could not be independently verified.
One of the two Palestinian shooters died in the offensive launched by security forces while the second oneis being treated in a Tel Aviv hospital in critical condition.
The United Nations political chief says the Islamic State extremist group hasn't been weakened strategically or irreversibly despite military setbacks in Iraq and Syria.
Jeffrey Feltman told the UN Security Council, on Wednesday, that the threat posed by IS and its associates "remains high and continues to diversify" and the inflow of arms and ammunition into territory held by the group remains a serious concern.
He said the military setbacks in Syria and Iraq "could be one of the factors behind the marked increase in the rate of returnee foreign terrorist fighters."
As a result of the setbacks, Feltman said, IS may also be moving to a new phase, elevating the role of its affiliates, moving funds out of conflict areas "and increasing the risk of complex, multi-wave and attacks.
A high-ranking Swedish military official will be the new head of the United Nations mission tasked with monitoring the ceasefire line between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
Major General Per Gustaf Lodin, 59, also a logistics expert, was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as the Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission for the United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) in India and Pakistan, the UN said.
Maj Gen Lodin succeeds Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana, who completes his two-year assignment as Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission for the UNMOGIP on July 2.
Pakistani rangers and Indian Border Security Force officers during a parade at the check post at the Wagah border
India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).
With a military career in the Swedish Army beginning in 1978, Major General Lodin most recently held the position of Director of Procurement and Logistics for the Swedish Armed Forces.
Previous to this, he was the Deputy Director of the National Armaments for Sweden and Deputy Chief of Staff at the Swedish Armed Forces.
According to the Security Council mandate given in Resolution 307 of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control and the working boundary between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.
As of March 31 this year, UNMOGIP has 44 military observers, 25 civilian personnel and 47 local civilian staff.
The observer group is financed by the United Nations regular budget and appropriations for biennium 2014 2015 are $19.64 million .
When handset maker acquired Motorola two years ago, the $2.9 billion transaction was a leg-up for the Chinese player, desperate to make in-roads in the US. Motorola, with an 85-year history in the US, was just the right fit for the company, which had no presence in that market. It was also coming to at a fraction of the $12.5-billion that Google paid to acquire Motorola in 2011.
Shares of Corporation were up over 1.5% at Rs 996 on the Bombay Stock Exchange, in an otherwise weak market, after the Reserve Bank of India approved increase in investment limit by foreign institutional investors/foreign portfolio investors.
India is steadily running out of the $70-billion market due to lack of seeds for crushing and emergence of alternative supply sources.Seed crushing mills have sought relaxation in government policies for India to regain its place in the global oilseed market.
The share price of information technology giant on Thursday dropped four per cent after the company, said it was expecting short-term quarterly bumps in some key sectors that it had not anticipated at the beginning of the year.
has rallied to its 52-week high of Rs 146, up 8% on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) after Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company (AMC) bought equity stake in the company through open market.
Shares of electric utilities companies such as Company (Rs 77), NTPC (Rs 152) and Power Grid Corporation of India (Rs 154) have hit their respective 52-week highs on the BSE in intra-day trade in an otherwise weak market.
Condemning the attack on Aam Aadmi Party councillor Rakesh Kumar alleged by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members at a joint session of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister said since the BJP government came to power at the Centre, crime has gone up in the country, adding that they are targeting and torturing the Dalits.
"Since the BJP government has come to power, crime has increased in the country, and they are targeting and torturing Dalits. They forced Rohith Vemula to commit suicide. Atrocities against Dalits are on rise, which we strongly condemn", said Kejriwal warning the BJP, either it mend its ways or not only Dalits of the country, but people from all communities will decimate the BJP.
Stating that people will not tolerate cast politics followed by the BJP, the AAP convener said, "We are also seeking the President's appointment to protest against it."
Meanwhile, the Delhi assembly passed a resolution condemning the attack on Rakesh Kumar, a Dalit councillor from ward 82 in Old Delhi during the joint session held at the Ramlila Maidan here.
Former prime minister and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba has blamed Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli of ignoring the implementation of the new constitution and misusing the state coffers.
Speaking at a function organized in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Deuba said Oli had totally ignored the implementation of the constitution although it has been eight months since the promulgation of the new statute.
Instead of getting down to serious business of implementation of the constitution, Oli has been giving fake assurances of distributing pipeline of cooking gas to every household and running railways and ship, alleged Deuba.
Deuba also blamed Oli of misusing state funds as if they belonged to his party.
"After being unable to mobilize the funds donated by the donors, Oli has started misusing those funds with the help of NGOs close to his party in the name of rebuilding the earthquake-ravaged structures," said Deuba.
He also reiterated that Nepali Congress would not let Oli succeed in misusing funds from state coffers at any cost and would take any steps to foil the ill intentions of the prime minister.
During the function, which was organized to felicitate three members of a family from Sankhwasabha who scaled Mount Everest, NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel also accused Oli of jeopardizing the constitution.
If you want to become a chick magnet, you better start showing some empathy as a recent study has found that teenage boys, who show empathy, attract 1.8 more girlfriends than boys who don't.
The Australian Research Council-funded research, led by Professor Joseph Ciarrochi at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at Australian Catholic University, is the first study to examine the extent that adolescent males and females select empathic classmates as friends.
And the conclusion based on a study of 1,970 Year 10 students in Queensland and New South Wales (average age of 15.7 years) is that girls are more likely to nominate empathic boys as friends.
In contrast, empathetic girls didn't rate quite so highly with the opposite sex. In fact, the study found girls with empathetic qualities "did not attract a greater number of opposite sex friends" at all.
"The more friendship nominations a boy received from either boys or girls, the more they felt supported by their friends; the number of friendship nominations received by girls, in contrast, had no effect on their felt support by friends. Regardless of the quantity of friendship nominations, empathy was linked to more supportive friendships for both males and females," Ciarrochi said.
The researchers defined cognitive empathy as the capacity to comprehend the emotions of another person.
Professor Ciarrochi noted that this research suggests it is critical to identify and teach young people the skills they need to develop supportive friendships. To that end, the study provides a contextual understanding of the role of empathy in selecting and maintaining friendships.
The study appears in Journal of Personality.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday appeared before the Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) in connection with alleged disproportionate assets case.
On September 26 last year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had searched the Chief Minister's residence and 10 other places in connection with the case.
Later, the ED conducted raids and summoned Singh for questioning in Delhi after the registration of the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
However, the Delhi High Court asked the Enforcement Directorate to submit all the documents in a sealed cover, related to the search.
Singh had earlier approached the court seeking directions to the ED to provide him with the reasons on the basis of which search and seizure was carried out at his premises in the case.
Minister of State for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar on Thursday countered his Cabinet colleague Maneka Gandhi's charges that the Environment Ministry thrived in the killing of innocent animals and asserted that such decisions were taken keeping scientific facts in mind to help those affected by such animals.
"I will not react on who said what. But as per the law, we must help the farmers whose crops get ruined. The state government sends us a proposal and only then we initiate a step for a specific region and for a specific period of time keeping the scientific facts in mind," he told the media here.
Defending the Centre, Javadekar stated that taking such a decision was not the Centre's prerogative, adding the Environment Ministry acted as per the law.
Maneka Gandhi, who is the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, earlier in the day trained guns at the Environment Ministry while accusing it of frivolously granting permission to kill innocent animals.
Commenting on reports of a large number of deer being killed in Bihar's Patna city, Gandhi told ANI that she does not understand this 'lust' to kill.
"The Environment Ministry here is writing to every state asking them which animal they want to kill and they will grant permission. In Bengal, they gave permission to kill elephants. In Himachal, they gave permission to kill monkeys. In Goa, they gave permission to kill peacocks," said Gandhi.
According to reports, the Union Government has recently declared monkeys as 'vermin' and cleared the decks for their large-scale extermination in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla city.
Meanwhile, a call was made in Goa to cull India's bird peacock citing that the bird is creating a problem for farmers and destroying their cultivation in rural areas.
Similarly, the local forest department in Maharashtra culled a whooping 300 animals in the past few months after several farmers reported huge losses due to crop raids.
Following the completion of his five nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today departed for New Delhi after the final leg of his visit at Mexico.
"Thank you, Mexico. New era in India - Mexico relations have begun and the relationship will benefit our people and the world," the Prime Minister tweeted in Spanish.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Mexico for its positive and constructive support for India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) following delegation level talks with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.
The highlight of his visit was his historic address at the joint session of the U.S. Congress at Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. where he lauded the bonds between the two nations, saying that freedom and liberty were the key elements that strengthened ties between them, adding that both countries had overcome the hesitations of history.
This was the Prime Minister's fourth U.S. visit since assuming office in 2014.
He also visited Afghanistan, Qatar and Switzerland in his five-nation tour.
"Five days, five countries! After a productive visit to Mexico, the last leg of his journey, PM departs for Delhi," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
The Prime Minister is expected to land at the Palam airport in the national capital on Friday morning at 5 am.
President Pranab Mukherjee will be undertaking his first visits as Head of State to the African nations of Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire and Namibia from June 12 to June 18, and he sees this trip as going a long way in further deepening the Indo-Africa relationship, said a senior official of his secretariat.
"The President has had a long association with Africa. His most recent and important engagement was the fact that he was the host to the African leaders who came for the India-Africa Third Ssummit in Delhi. The President, incidentally, was the person who as External Affairs Minister in 2008 initiated the first India-Africa Summit.
The last visit of the President to Africa was to attend the memorial meeting in honour of late Nelson Mandela, when he passed away in December of 2013, said Venu Rajamony, Press Secretary to The President, ahead of the tri-nation state visit.
"This is the first ever state visit to both Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire and the second to Namibia. But, the President himself is visiting all these three countries for the first time. He has not been to any of these countries before. In Africa, the President has in the past travelled many times to Mauritius. He has been to Uganda, Libya, Morocco, and of course South Africa. But he's visiting these (three) countries for the first time," Rajamony added.
The Press Secretary further revealed that the President's views on Africa are also fairly well known.
"He has spoken about it many times. But he believes that India's relationship with South Africa is qualitatively different and very rich. It is a relationship which touches the depth of the hearts of the people of India. The bonds between Africa and India are forged in the furnace of our independent struggles. India has stood for the equality and dignity of the people of Africa. For the countries of Africa, we led the charge in the fight against apartheid and in the fight against colonialism. In the modern day we see that India continues to play a major role in the development of African nations. India has always been ready to share its democratic experience, its agricultural expertise, its capacity building potential, its healthcare institutions, its peacekeepers, etc. with our friends and partners in Africa," Rajamony said.
"The President's other connections with Africa, so to speak, is - one, he attended the Commonwealth Summit in Auckland, New Zealand, which played a big role in the expulsion of Nigeria following a coup in which Nelson Mandela was a big star. He has written about it in great detail in his memoirs. He signed the WTO agreement in Marrakesh in 1995. The President also incidentally visited South Africa in 1994 as Commerce Minister when trade relations were restored. India broke trade relations with South Africa in 1946 and after that it was the President as Commerce Minister who visited South Africa and inaugurated a big exhibition of Indian products and signed the necessary agreements for restoring normal trade relations with the South African country," he added.
During the visit, Rajamony said that the President will be accompanied by an MOS as well as a multi party delegation of four members of parliament. The details are yet to be finalized, he said.
Participants attending an event in the European Parliament in strasbourg on the topic of "Pakistan's Baluchistan
Mr. Tarek Fatah, Executive Director, Baluchistan House, mentioned that Pakistan, through its military and its intelligence agency, the ISI, has been historically engaged in systematic human rights abuses in the region of Baluchistan.
He said, "The ISI practices oppression in a multitude of forms to curb the legitimate demand of the Baluch community. The Baluch people live in a constant atmosphere of fear and insecurity, as the Pakistani army and ISI collude to unleash a brutal human rights regime in the region. One of the most covert means employed by army to subdue the legitimate aspirations of the Baluch people in enforced disappearance."
Custodial killings have become the order of the day in Baluchistan. As recently as March 2016, two Baluch victim of enforced disappearances, whose name and detail were part of record, were killed and dumped by Pakistani forces in Awaran in a stage encounter. BRP member, Sarwar s/o Haso Baluch was killed and dumped in Chorchori area of Mashkay. He was abducted on 27 February this year by state force.
Soldiers are carrying out arbitrary arrests, humiliating families, maiming civilians, carrying out enforced disappearance and conducting summary execution. They even forcibly put excrement in the mouths of innocent young Baluch .Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, while committing war crimes and crimes against humanity with impunity in Baluchistan does not even want an open discussion on what is going on in Baluchistan.
Ms. Barbara Kappel, Member of the European Parliament, mentioned that state sponsored mass killings, disappearances of thousands of people and extra-judicial executions are the grim reality of Baluchistan.
"The Pakistani army operates dozens of illegal underground torture cells in different parts of the country and various intelligence agencies do not share complete information with each other about their operations and torture cells," she said.
"She further mentioned that a decision made by even an army subaltern carries more weight than a high court judge does.
She said, "Disappeared Baloch persons from Pakistani Baluchistan have been denied the right to a proper arrest and to a fair trial. There has been evidence of inhuman torture on many of the disappeared persons. Some have eventually been killed and some have been dumped away in half-dead condition."
Alberto Cirio, Member of the European Parliament, said that although Pakistan is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees fundamental freedoms and rights to all the citizens of a country, the plight of the Baluch minority is pretty sordid, and mired in a systematic abuse of human rights, showing contempt of all international humanitarian laws.
"The international community and human right organization must take urgent steps to prevent the everyday genocide of Baluch people," he said.
The event was jointly organised by Baluchistan House and Members of the European Parliament. It was attended by MEPs, European Commission officials, representatives from think tanks, European Parliament staff and Baluch diaspora.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher was on cloud nine after he met the "God of acting" Robert De Niro at his residence in New York recently.
Expressing his delight, the 61-year-old actor took to his Instagram page and posted a picture with him, writing, "With Robert De Niro at his home in New York.:) #GodOfActing #FeelingBlessed #MagicalMoments."
The actor also tweeted, " Life is beautiful & blessed when world's Best Actor Robert De Niro invites you 4 lunch at his home in NY. Jai Ho.:)"
Recently, Kher attended a jazz concert of filmmaker Woody Allen in New York. Later, he shared a video from the concert and captioned it, "Watching Woody Allen live is one of d highlights of my stay in New York. Here is a clip of d concert for you all."
On the professional front, the actor is known internationally for his work in films like 'Bend It Like Beckham', 'Bride and Prejudice' and 'Speedy Singhs'.
Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha on Thursday said the government is working on the extradition of liquor baron from Britain, who is on a run after owing more than Rs 9,000 crores to the banks.
Sinha told ANI the government has filed for Mallya's extradition from the United Kingdom, adding it is a lengthy legal process.
"We have filed for extradition; it is lengthy legal process that has to be approved by the UK judicial system," he said.
"On our end we will do everything possible, and hopefully, we will be able to enable him to face justice in India," he added.
The Enforcement Directorate, which has been probing Mallya, had also issued a non-bailable warrant against him.
The agency alleges that out of the Rs. 900 crore loan taken from IDBI Bank in 2009, Rs 430 crore had allegedly been dispatched illegally outside the country. Both the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation are probing Mallya for the Rs 9,000 crore loan scam.
Mallya had taken this amount as loan from several banks in order to pay dues of his now defunct Kingfisher Airlines.
Despite Mallya's visa getting cancelled by the Indian government recently, the liquor baron has managed to stay on in the United Kingdom.
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has given approval to establishment of Mega Leather Cluster at Kota Mandal, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. Minister of Commerce & Industry Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in a letter to the Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh mentioned that "It gives me immense pleasure to inform you that proposal for establishment of Mega Leather Cluster at Kota Mandal, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh has been approved with a central government assistance of Rs 125 Crores".
The project sanctioned under Indian Leather Development program would create state of the art infrastructure for labour intensive units and is expected to generate employment for 20,000 people and leverage an investment of at least Rs 500 Crores in the first phase itself. The Minister requested the Chief Minister that due process related to award of contract etc be completed so that the central government could release the funds to start the project as soon as possible.
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Granules India rose 2.25% to Rs 142.90 at 12:21 IST on BSE after the company said its wholly owned subsidiary Granules Pharmaceuticals, Inc has acquired the exclusive rights from USpharma Windlas, LLC to market and distribute four products in US.
The announcement was made during market hours today, 9 June 2016.
Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 186.11 points or 0.69% at 26,834.55.
On BSE, so far 2.13 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 1.61 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 143.90 and a low of Rs 138.70 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 164.45 on 1 December 2015. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 75.55 on 12 June 2015. The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 8 June 2016, surging 10.87% compared with Sensex's 7.1% rise. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, jumping 18.58% as against Sensex's 9.58% rise.
The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 21.67 crore. Face value per share is Rs 1.
USpharma Windlas through its subsidiaries holds abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for Fingolimod, Prasugrel, Dronedarone and Lurasidone. USpharma Windlas believes it to be a first applicant to file ANDAs containing paragraph IV certifications for three of these products.
USpharma Windlas will receive milestone payments and share of the profits from commercial sales. Granules Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will be responsible for the marketing and distribution of the products in the United States, subject to final approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
According to IMS Health data, the annual US sales for four products are approximately $4.4 billion.
On consolidated basis, Granules India's net profit rose 48.2% to Rs 33.19 crore on 5% growth in net sales to Rs 372.27 crore in Q4 March 2016 over Q4 March 2015.
Granules India produces finished dosages, pharmaceutical formulation intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients for customers in the regulated and semi-regulated markets.
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Infosys lost 3.25% to Rs 1,198.10 at 10:37 IST on BSE after the company's chief operating officer UB Pravin Rao was quoted as saying yesterday, 8 June 2016, that the company would face volatility in revenue over the next few quarters.
Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 157.65 points or 0.58% at 26,863.01.
On BSE, so far 1.86 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 2.63 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 1,228.90 and a low of Rs 1,192.50 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 1,278 on 3 June 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 932.55 on 10 July 2015. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 8 June 2016, gaining 4.81% compared with Sensex's 7.1% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, advancing 6.42% as against Sensex's 9.58% rise.
The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 1148.47 crore. Face value per share is Rs 5.
Rao was quoted as saying at an investor conference in Mumbai that the overall demand remains volatile and Infosys does not expect a recovery in spending from the energy sector before 2017. He said that the company is little bit watchful with regard to the outlook for the retail sector too. Rao also reportedly said that the company is facing a slowdown in its enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business process outsourcing (BPO) businesses, adding that the company is working to turn around those businesses. Rao, however, said that the company remains on track to meet its full-year constant currency revenue growth guidance of 11.5%-13.5% for the year ending 31 March 2017 (FY 2017).
Meanwhile, shares of Infosys turned ex-dividend today, 9 June 2016, for final dividend of Rs 14.25 per share for the year ended 31 March 2016 (FY 2016). Before turning ex-dividend, the stock offered a dividend yield of 1.15% based on the closing price of Rs 1,238.30 on BSE yesterday, 8 June 2016.
Infosys' consolidated net profit rose 3.8% to Rs 3597 crore on 4.1% growth in net sales to Rs 16550 crore in Q4 March 2016 over Q3 December 2015.
Infosys is one of the leading information technology outsourcing services providers. The company provides business consulting, information technology and outsourcing services.
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Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Sh Dharmendra Pradhan held a review meeting on implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in the State of Uttar Pradesh on 08 June 2016 with all District Nodal Officers (DNOs) of state. The meeting in New Delhi was also attended by top officials of three Oil Marketing Companies and senior officials of the Ministry. The thrust of the meeting was essentially to expedite the implementation process and carry it forward on a war footing.
The Minister complimented all Nodal Officers for implementing the Scheme across the State and appreciated the efforts made to release more than one lakh connections under the Scheme in the very first month of implementation. He urged the Nodal Officers to reach out to all the eligible beneficiaries and ensure that the connections are released in a time bound manner.
He also emphasized that adequate awareness/education on safety norms should be given to all the beneficiaries along-with insurance coverage provided for the consumers. The reasons for rejecting the application should also be documented and kept in the public domain. A transparent process should be followed in this regard.
Nodal Officers shared their experiences in implementing the Scheme and also gave feedback on the response of the beneficiaries. They informed that the Scheme was receiving extensive publicity and the response from the beneficiaries was quite encouraging. Distribution Melas, under the stewardship of the local elected Member of Parliament have been organized to release new connections to the beneficiaries.
MoS(I/C) directed that the issue and concern raised by the DNOs to be addressed expeditiously and suitable instructions should be issued in this regard.
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With a view to attracting investments from Qatar under the umbrella of NIIF, the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) entered into an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) on 5th June, 2016 during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Doha on June 4th and 5th , 2016. The MoU was signed by Mr. Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Mr. Amar Sinha, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs on behalf of NIIF Ltd.
The objective of the MoU is to facilitate QIA to study investment opportunities in the infrastructure sector in India and develop a framework for exchange of information with regard to such investments opportunities, in order to enable both sides to decide on joint investments.
It will remain in effect for twelve (12) months during which period, both parties will discuss and agree on the terms, principles, criteria for such investments. The NIIF shall share with QIA a pipeline of investment opportunities available in the infrastructure sector in India
Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar. They are long-term investors and access investment opportunities across all geographical areas, sectors and asset classes. The majority of their investments are outside Qatar with assets spanning a wide range of sectors and spread across asset classes. The fund deploys a wide range of investment strategies and invests through a carefully selected network of top-tier fund managers.
The Government had earlier approved the creation of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) with the aim to attract investment from both domestic and international sources for maximizing economic impact mainly through infrastructure development in commercially viable projects, both greenfield and brownfield, including stalled projects.
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Tata Motors announced that its global wholesales including Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) rose 10% to 87,414 units in May 2016 over May 2015. Global wholesales of all Tata Motors' commercial vehicles and Tata Daewoo range rose 11% to 32,375 units in May 2016 over May 2015. Global wholesales of all passenger vehicles rose 10% to 55,039 units in May 2016 over May 2015. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 8 June 2016.
Wipro announced a partnership with Mountain View based Authentise Inc, a leading provider of 3D printing technologies and consulting services. This strategic partnership between Wipro and Authentise will enable adoption of additive manufacturing among the global 2,000 companies, Wipro said in a statement. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 8 June 2016.
HCL Technologies announced that it has signed partnerships with two leading automotive solution providers to expand its offerings for the fast-growing smart vehicle ecosystem. Working to enhance HCL's existing Smart Mobility and Vehicle Engineering Services, alliances with Movimento and Rightware will bring invaluable services to HCL's clients, the company said in a statement.
Movimento is a leading provider of over-the-air (OTA) update solutions for automotive solution providers. The partnership between Movimento and HCL will offer automotive lifecycle management, updates and support for on-and off-board software, the company said. The company's partnership with Rightware, a leader in advanced user interface (UI) technology for automotive applications, will enable HCL to help automotive solution providers and Tier-1 manufacturers with all aspects of advanced UI creation, including design, development, systems integration, deployment and support, HCL Technologies said in a statement. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 8 June 2016.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) said that India Ratings & Research has assigned final 'IND AA+' rating with 'Stable Outlook' to the company's proposed non-convertible debentures (NCDs) of Rs 200 crore. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 8 June 2016.
BPCL will be in focus after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the ceiling on investment in the company's shares by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) to 49% of the company's equity from earlier 24%. It may be recalled that BPCL last week got shareholders' nod for raising the ceiling on investment by FIIs in the company's equity.
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At least 11 persons were killed and 40 others wounded on Thursday in two suicide bomb attacks in Iraq's capital Baghdad, police said.
In one attack, a suicide bomber detonated his car bomb amid a big crowd near a cinema building in al-Jadida district, killing at least seven persons and injuring 30 others, Xinhua news agency reported.
The other attack occurred when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest at the entrance of a military base in Taji area, killing four soldiers and wounding 10 others, police added.
--IANS
ask/ksk/MR
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Newscity Nearly Half of State's Hate Crimes Unreported Robert Maestas An Associated Press investigation has found that nearly half of New Mexico's law enforcement has failed to report hate crime totals to the FBI since 2009. According to the report, 53 of the 118 agencies in the state did not report these crimes, along with more than 2,700 police and sheriffs offices nationwide. Reporting hate crimes is voluntary. The FBI, however, has made it the priority of its civil rights division to investigate crimes motivated by a victim's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or ethnicity, and says groups that preach hatred and intolerance plant the seeds of terrorism here in our country, as well as negatively affecting the community. Advocates are concerned that the trend of underreporting these crime statistics could lead to a faulty portrayal of national social progress, as evidenced in the alleged decrease in hate crimes reported in 2014 by the Bureau. Greg Gurule, a spokesperson for the Santa Fe police, says the FBI has never requested hate crime statistics from his department. Only Hawaii, Mississippi, Louisiana and Indiana had higher rates for unreported hate crimes.
Navajo Authorities' Poor Response Time Questioned A Shiprock police captain has been put on administrative leave following criticism of the Navajo Nation police department's mishandling of a case involving the brutal sexual assault and murder of an 11-year-old girl last month, as well as the community's lack of an emergency alert system. Ashlynne Mike was reported missing to the Navajo police on May 2 around 6:30pm, the local sheriff's department was not notified until around 9:30pm, when a San Juan County Sheriff found out accidentally while talking to the FBI about an unrelated case. State officials were not notified until nearly 12:20am the next morning, and the Amber Alertthe national missing child alertwasn't issued until 2:30am, a full eight hours after the kidnapping had occurred. The community's search for the child, however, had begun almost immediately, with news of the disappearance spreading via word-of-mouth and social media. Rick Nez, president of the San Juan Chapter of the Navajo Nation, criticized the police for being too slow to release the Amber Alert, which he believes would have saved the girl's life. According to the FBI, the attacker left the victim alive. Navajo President Russell Begaye has acknowledged that a more effective response system needs to be implemented.
A war museum, hillocks, verdant valleys, lake, plants, sculptures -- this is not just a park but much more than that. Welcome to the Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Udyan built on a 20- hectare land in Chottakhola to commemorate the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh.
Developed by the Tripura government, the park at Chottakhola in southern Tripura -- 130 kilometres south of Agartala and just three kilometres from the India-Bangladesh border -- will also feature a large watchtower from which parts of Comilla, Feni and Noakhali districts of Bangladesh would be visible.
Sudhan Das, a legislator in the Tripura Assembly since 2003, was among those who first conceived the idea.
"We first thought of a memorial at Chottakhola when we witnessed the Vijay Diwas on December 16, 2009. Subsequently, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar discussed the matter with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when he went to Dhaka in March 2010. Then the project was undertaken," Das told IANS.
Sarkar, who played a significant role during the Bangladesh Liberation War, was invited by the Hasina government to attend the Independence and National Day celebrations in Dhaka as a special guest.
The foundation stone of the park was laid in November 2010 by the then Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni.
"We had sent a Rs. 12-crore project to the Union government for this park, but the Centre did not respond. The Tripura government has already spent around Rs. four crore to develop the park," Das said.
According to Das, the park would be ready for visitors in another three months. Renowned artists from both Tripura and Bangladesh are part of the project with their creations -- from statues to paintings -- that will add up to the memorial's attraction.
A museum is also being set up at the park. It will showcase the arms and ammunition used in the Liberation War, rare photographs and war literature. The park will also feature 220 different species of plants.
Other highlights of the memorial include the surrounding hillocks, Trichna Wildlife Sanctuary and a 500-year-old mosque near Bangladesh's Comilla district.
The entire project is being executed by the Tripura government departments of forests, rural development, PWD, horticulture, science and technology, water resource and power.
And it has certainly made India's friends in Bangladesh happy.
"We are grateful to the Tripura government for constructing the park and the museum," said Bangladesh Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque.
"We are grateful to the Indian soldiers who fought for liberation of our country and sacrificed their lives. Our government has decided to organise events in eight places across India to honour them," the minister told IANS.
Tripura Health and PWD Minister Badal Choudhury said: "We had discussed about building a memorial several years back with the then Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee."
Justifying the decision to build the memorial in the state, Choudhury said: "Tripura had not only accommodated the displaced people but also provided all kinds of support and help to the freedom fighters. The border town of Belonia was attacked by the Pakistani forces."
Political analyst and writer Gautam Das, who had closely watched the Liberation War, told IANS: "Over 160,000 displaced people from the then East Pakistan had taken shelter in Tripura.
"Our state had many camps in four sectors from where the freedom fighters fought the Pakistani forces in the nine-month-long war in 1971."
Those heady days are long gone. But people of Tripura understand the need to celebrate the indomitable spirit of the freedom fighters and Indian soldiers who fought shoulder to shoulder to liberate an oppressed land. The memorial will certainly ensure that it is never forgotten.
(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in)
--IANS
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Australia's Victoria state could soon legalise voluntary euthanasia for people suffering from serious and incurable conditions, according to a report issued on Thursday.
A committee has recommended the Victorian government to legalise assisted suicide. If the landmark recommendations, handed down by the Parliament's Legal and Social Issues committee, are adopted, Victoria would become the first Australian state to legalise assisted dying, the report said.
It comes after 10 months of investigation by the committee, made 49 recommendations covering assisted suicide, Xinhua news agency reported.
Included in the recommendations were changes to the Crime Act designed to protect doctors who act within assisted dying legislation.
"The government should introduce legislation to allow adults with decision-making capacity, suffering from a serious and incurable condition who are at the end of life to be provided assistance to die in certain circumstances," the report said.
The report specified that a doctor must first prescribe a lethal drug which the patient could take without further assistance unless the patient is physically incapable of doing so.
"It is essential that the patient must be experiencing enduring and unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner of which they deem tolerable," it said.
In giving evidence to the committee, cancer patient Sue Jensen, said she hoped the report would make recommendations to allow her to make her own decisions about her life.
"I just want people who disagree with this to respect it's my health, I'm the one that has to live this," she said.
"I am coming to the end of my time and (want) to just end peacefully and not with further trauma for myself or my family."
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed in June 2015 that he does not support voluntary euthanasia but conceded momentum to legalise it was building.
--IANS
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Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the commitment of India and the United States to Paris Agreement on Climate Change and their mission to reduce greenhouse gases as a sign of the growing global momentum for implementing the pact.
Ban has commended "the joint statement on climate change made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama, announcing their support for early entry into force of the Paris Agreement," Ban's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday.
"The announcement is one of a number of events that demonstrates the growing momentum towards the rapid entry into force and successful implementation of the Paris Agreement," Dujarric added.
In their joint statement Tuesday in Washington the two leaders reiterated their nation's ratify the agreement, the US this year and India to start preparations for it without a stated target date.
Obama is likely to bypass a hostile Senate and ratify it through an executive agreement. Modi does not need parliamentary approval to ratify it. The ratification of both India and US would be likely be required to reach the thresholds of the proportion of greenhouse gas emitters needed for the Paris Agreement to come into force.
Dujarric said Ban "is further encouraged by the resolve of India and the United States to pursue low greenhouse gas emission development strategies and successful outcomes this year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Montreal Protocol, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly, and the G20."
The Montreal Protocol provides for phasing out substances that endanger the ozone layer like hydrochlorofluorocarbons used in refrigerators. The ICAO pursues efforts to reduce greehouse emissions by aircraft. G20, the group of major economies, is committed to introduced heavy-duty vehicle standards and efficiency to reduce emissions.
--IANS
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Boys who show empathy are more likely to attract girlfriends than their low empathy counterparts, a new study has found, suggesting that adolescent males and females select empathic classmates as friends.
The findings showed that boys high in cognitive empathy attracted an average of 1.8 more girl friendships than low empathy counterparts.
Also, girls are more likely to nominate empathic boys as friends.
In contrast, girls with empathetic qualities "did not attract a greater number of opposite sex friends," the researchers said.
"Friends are essential to positive adolescent development. It's well established that in addition to providing companionship, close friendships promote the development of interpersonal skills, learning, and growth. Having friends has also been linked with lower rates of depression and, to people feeling good about themselves," said Joseph Ciarrochi, Professor, at Australian Catholic University.
For the study, published in the Journal of Personality, the team analysed 1,970 students in Queensland and New South Wales with average age of 15.7 years.
The researchers defined cognitive empathy as the capacity to comprehend the emotions of another person.
They asked students to nominate up to five of their closest male and five closest female friends in the same year.
The more friendship nominations a boy received from either boys or girls, the more they felt supported by their friends; the number of friendship nominations received by girls, in contrast, had no effect on their felt support by friends.
"Regardless of the quantity of friendship nominations, empathy was linked to more supportive friendships for both males and females," Ciarrochi added.
"This research suggests it is critical to identify and teach young people the skills they need to develop supportive friendships. To that end, our study provides a contextual understanding of the role of empathy in selecting and maintaining friendships," Ciarrochi noted.
--IANS
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The Delhi High Court on Thursday posted for Friday arguments in a row involving BJP legislator O.P. Sharma, accused of making derogatory remarks against the AAP's Alka Lamba.
Sharma, suspended for two sessions from the Delhi assembly, and the Aam Aadmi Party's Lamba could not reach a settlement in the court on Thursday.
After almost two hours of mediation with both leaders, Justice Manmohan Singh said a settlement doesn't seem possible and posted the matter for Friday.
The Bharatiya Janata Party leader moved the high court to challenge a Delhi assembly resolution suspending him for two sessions.
As the leaders could not reach a settlement, Sharma could not attend the special Delhi assembly session on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the judge called Sharma and Lamba to the court on Thursday "with an open mind" so that he could talk to them to help resolve the issue.
Justice Manmohan Singh spoke to them separately in his chamber for around two hours but Sharma refused to give a unilateral apology and asked the court to decide his plea against his suspension.
Said Sharma's lawyer: "We wanted a reasonable settlement but Lamba is insisting on an apology."
The Delhi assembly passed a resolution on March 31 against Sharma after an Ethics Committee recommended his expulsion for making derogatory remarks against Lamba during the winter session.
Senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog on Wednesday said Sharma was given several chances to express regret but he refused.
In his plea, Sharma said the Ethics Committee's decision was "wrong and biased" because all its nine members were AAP members.
The proceedings were biased and conducted in a malafide manner, contrary to the principles of natural justice, to target Sharma," his petition said.
It said Sharma's explanations were neither considered nor appreciated by the Ethics Committee.
--IANS
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Democratic Party's presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said she would consider "the most qualified people" for the vice president's position -- which would include women.
Now that she has clinched the party's presidential nod, Clinton on Wednesday told CNN that she was turning her attention to selecting a running-mate ahead of the party's convention in Philadelphia on July 25.
"I'm looking at the most qualified people, and that includes women, of course, because I want to be sure that whoever I pick could be president immediately if something were to happen -- that's the most important qualification," Clinton said.
"I'm going to really begin to pay attention to that now that we've wrapped up the primary process," she said. "But it doesn't matter to me who the person is, as long as that person can really do the job that is required."
However, Clinton said she was not sure when she'll name a vice presidential choice.
In the interview, Clinton also said she plans to reach out to vanquished party rival Bernie Sanders' supporters. Their unified opposition to Republican Party's presumptive nominee Donald Trump will help bridge the party's divides, she said.
"Now we may have approached it somewhat differently, but our goals are the same. And contrast that with Donald Trump, who set up a fake university, Trump University, that committed fraud on people," Clinton said.
"As we reach out and we talk about what's at stake in this election," she said, adding "I really believe a lot of Senator Sanders' supporters will join us in making sure that Donald Trump doesn't get anywhere near the White House."
On Monday, Clinton clinched the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, becoming the first woman in America's 240-year history to be the presumptive nominee of a major US political party.
On Tuesday, the former first lady led the party primary in California with 56 per cent of the votes, according to results released after over 92 precincts partially reported on Wednesday morning.
--IANS
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The Delhi assembly on Thursday passed a resolution condemning the attack on an AAP Dalit councillor at a joint session of the three municipal corporations in the city.
Rakesh Kumar, councillor from ward 82 in Old Delhi, was seen on video being assaulted by BJP councillors during the joint session held at the Ramlila Maidan here.
Condemning the attack on the Aam Aam Party councillor who is a Dalit, legislator Somnath Bharti moved a resolution at a special session of the Delhi assembly to discuss the matter.
AAP legislators alleged that the councillor was attacked because he belonged to the Dalit community.
"He was not attacked because he was an AAP councillor but because he belonged to Dalit community. The BJP has always been anti-Dalit", said legislator Alka Lamba.
Another AAP legislator, Rakhi Birla, called the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi "anti-Dalit.
"This is an anti-Dalit government, Birla said.
The AAP legislators urged the police to register a case against those who attacked the councillor.
The Delhi government had called a two-day special assembly session on Thursday and Friday to discuss issues of corruption in the BJP-led civic bodies.
In a counter move, the three civic bodies called a joint session for the first time since their trifurcation in 2012 to discuss issues related to the Delhi government.
--IANS
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A 30-year-old jilted lover and his associate have been arrested for the murder of a 19-year-old girl, her mother and minor sister at their house in Usmanpur in east Delhi. The accused killed the three in a fit of rage over the young woman's affair with another youth, police said on Thursday.
Raheesuddin, and his associate Javed, 27, both known by their first names, were arrested from their hideouts in Delhi on Wednesday.
Police said that Raheesuddin and Javed killed Mehr-un-Nisa, her mother Saira Bano, 45, and her nine-year-old sister, Shabnam, at their house in Usmanpur in east Delhi. "They used a butcher knife to slit the victims' throats."
The bodies were recovered on June 5 when police reached the spot following a complaint of a foul smell coming from the house that was locked from the outside.
"Raheesuddin confessed that he was in love with Mehr-un-Nisa. He lost his temper after learning that she had an affair with another youth in her neighbourhood," Deputy Commissioner of Police Ajit Kumar Singla said.
"He had been helping Mehr-un-Nisa's family financially for the last two years since the death of her father. He was also upset and tense due to her mother's behaviour. He then conspired with his friend Javed and killed the victims in their house," the officer said.
To hide his involvement in the killings, police said Raheesuddin went to Nainital for Jamaat -- a congregation -- but returned to Delhi before a Delhi Police team reached there to catch him.
The DCP said that suspicions arose over Raheesuddin's involvement during interrogation of 100 persons.
"The crime scene also indicated an insider's role. As Raheesuddin used to visit the family frequently, but went missing from the city just after the murder, it raised suspicion over his role. He initially tried to mislead, but later confessed his involvement," the officer said.
The officer added that Raheesuddin was earlier arrested in 2004 and 2009 for circulating counterfeit Indian currency in Delhi.
--IANS
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Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi on Thursday accused Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar of encouraging a regime of "killing animals" across the country.
However, Javadekar defended his ministry and said that "such permissions are given on the recommendation of state governments".
Maneka Gandhi also said that she could not understand the environment ministry's "lust for killing animals".
"Environment ministry is writing to every state, asking which animal should be killed and that they will give permission for it," said Gandhi, a well-known animal rights activist.
"In Bengal, they have permitted the killing of elephants, in Himachal Pradesh they have ordered killing of monkeys, and in Goa they gave permission to kill peacocks," she stated.
"In Chandrapur, they have killed 53 wild boars and have given permission to kill 50 more. Even their own wildlife department said that they don't want to kill the animals. I don't understand their lust for killing animals," Gandhi told reporters.
She also held the environment minister responsible for killing animals.
Asked about Prakash Javadekar's role in it, she said: "Now you tell me what could be the role? He only has to give permission. This is the first time environment ministry is giving permission to killing animals."
Responding to the allegations, Javadekar said: "When state governments write to us about farmers' suffering due to crop damage by animals, then such permissions are given. It is on the recommendation of state governments. This is not a central government programme, as it is an existing law."
--IANS
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China on Thursday expressed serious concern over India starting an anti-dumping investigation against Chinese steel products, while New Delhi has already imposed anti-dumping duty on them.
India launched an anti-dumping investigation in April into hot-rolled steel coils imported from China, making for the fourth such probe against China this year, state-run Xinhua news agency reported, citing a Chinese commerce ministry statement.
Terming excess steel capacity as a "global challenge", China said countries should unite to face up to it, rather than abuse trade remedy measures. The commerce ministry statement said China and India should "properly handle trade frictions".
It also hoped the Indian government would conduct a "fair and transparent investigation" in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and avoid adopting trade remedy measures against Chinese steel products.
Indian Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the lower house of parliament last month that the Director General Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties had initiated anti-dumping investigations on certain types of cold rolled steel and hot rolled flat steel products originating from China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Brazil and Indonesia.
In December last, India imposed anti-dumping duty, ranging from five per cent to a whopping 57 per cent, on cold rolled steel from China, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand and the US to curb its imports. Imports from China were mandated the highest levy -- 57.39 percent.
The move came in wake of the 20 per cent import tax failing to check cheaper imports, resulting in losses to domestic producers such as the state-run Steel Authority of India.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has been maintaining that one factor contributing to the huge stressed assets of state-run banks has been the difficulties in the steel sector, which has been vehemently complaining of dumping by China.
In April, India imposed anti-dumping duty on telecom equipment exported by some Chinese companies, notably Huawei, ZTE, Alcatel's Shanghai unit and ECI, in a bid to protect the domestic industry.
--IANS
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India and Mexico have agreed to elevate their Partnership into a strategic one during the talks between the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico City during which Mexico also extended support for India's entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Mexico has also extended support to India's Solar Alliance initiative, which was launched at the Paris climate talks last year.
"I thank President Pena Nieto for Mexico's positive and constructive support for India's membership of the NSG," Modi said in a press statement.
"We have agreed to work and develop a roadmap of concrete outcomes to upgrade our ties to a Strategic Partnership," Modi added.
Both sides discussed ways to boost trade and investment. Modi was in Mexico City on a five-hour working visit.
Modi said the Central American country is an important partner for India's energy security and further emphasised, "We are now looking to move beyond a buyer-seller relationship, and into a long-term partnership."
"There is potential to expand our commercial and investment, and Science and Technology partnerships in new areas," he said, adding that both sides agreed to find ways to deepen cooperation in Space, and science and technology.
"We will also prioritise concrete projects in areas of agricultural research, bio-technology, waste management, disaster warning and management, and solar energy. I would like to particularly thank President Pena Nieto for his support to the Solar Alliance. It will transform the global canvas for solar technology, especially for developing and Small Island Developing countries," he said.
According to a joint statement, both sides underscored the increasing importance of diversifying the economic exchanges to promote trade and investment to a level corresponding to their true potential.
Both sides stressed the necessity of developing a greater connectivity between the two countries and encouraging cooperation in the infrastructure sector, among small and medium enterprises, in pharmaceutical products, energy, automobile sector, Information and Communication Technology, agriculture, food processing and other related sectors.
Both sides agreed to explore ways and means to boost the objectives of the Solar Alliance.
The two countries also welcomed collaboration in space science, earth observation, climate and environmental studies, and the efficient use of space-related resources available in India as well as in Mexico for remote sensing, advance warning for disaster prevention and launch of satellites between the Mexican Space Agency Agencia Espacial Mexicana and the Indian Space Research Organisation, the joint statement said.
It pledged to continue promoting the shared goals of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as solutions with multilateral perspective, as well as to continue promoting cooperation on international security issues.
The countries also reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Both countries also reaffirmed the importance to have an effective multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core, and agreed on the importance of continuing supporting the progress in the process of comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council.
Both sides committed to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, as well as to develop new and renewable sources of energy to meet the developmental challenges of their respective countries.
President Nieto invited the Modi to visit Mexico again on a State visit in the near future, and Modi too invited him to pay a State visit to India.
Later, President Nieto took Modi out for a flavour of Mexican vegetarian fare and, in a special gesture, personally drove him to a restaurant.
Mexico was the final stop in Modi's five-nation tour.
The CPI-M on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making India "a strategic junior partner of the US global strategic designs".
Commenting on the Indo-US Joint Statement issued during Modi's visit to the US, the Communist Party of India-Marxist said it amounted to abandoning New Delhi's independent position on foreign policy.
"The 50-paragraph Joint Statement ... is a declaration that cements India's role as a strategic junior partner of US global strategic designs," it said in a statement.
"The agreement covers almost the entire scope of bilateral relations as well as a global partnership, declaring that India has abandoned its established independent foreign policy and has firmly tied itself to the apron strings of US global strategic designs."
It said the agreement commits India to provide logistic facilities such as re-fuelling of the US Air Force on its adventures of military intervention in any part of the world.
"Given the US/NATO military interventions in West Asia, where there is a large NRI presence, this will have serious consequences for Indian foreign policy as well as Indians working in these countries," the CPI-M warned.
"This abandons both our independent foreign policy and our bilateral interests with the friendly countries in West Asia and the Gulf."
The CPI-M said the agreement also made it clear that India's interests in the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region had now been equated with the US interests and the US strategic objective of "containment of China".
"The Modi government has clearly abandoned India's longstanding policy of developing good neighbourly relations and also the 'Look East Policy'.
"The government has to answer against whom is India becoming a priority partner of the US in the region.
"In this Joint Statement, the US has accorded India the status of its major defence partner. What are the obligations of this partnership?
These are all major issues which are being decided without any debate in the Indian Parliament by the BJP-led Modi government," it said.
--IANS
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Japan on Thursday protested after a Chinese frigate entered the waters near a disputed island chain in the .
A Japanese Navy destroyer detected the Chinese ship as it entered the contiguous zone an area stretching 24 nautical miles out from the edge of territorial waters around Senkaku, also known as Diaoyu, islands, Defence Ministry spokesman Yoshitomo Morii told CNN.
This was the first time a Chinese frigate entered the contiguous zone, he said.
"We're deeply concerned that Chinese naval ships entered the waters contiguous to our Senkaku islands for the first time," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said.
"We, in coordination with the US and the community, strongly demand China not repeat such behaviour that unilaterally heighten tensions," he added.
According to Japanese officials, Foreign Minister Vice Minister Akitaka Saeki summoned China's ambassador, Chen Yonghua, to lodge a protest with serious concern.
Morii said the Chinese ship left the area after repeated calls for it to do so by the Japanese vessel.
Jharkhand's tourism department said on Thursday it is working to develop the closed and abandoned mines in the state into active tourist destinations.
"Mining tourism is to be developed following best practices from other parts of the world," said a statement from the department, citing Director (tourism) Prasad Krishna Waghmare.
"The state government intends to develop closed mines and transform the abandoned mines as a tourist destination."
The move comes after the department studied mining tourism in Australia, Chile, Canada, Norway and other countries.
"This could be a different experience for the visitors and tourists who visit the state. The government is already in talks with several mine operators for the same," Waghmare said.
He said his department has also been working on temple tourism as well as biodiversity tourism as part of a new policy.
There is going to be a development of the medieval terracotta temples of 'Maluti' as a tourist hotspot.
Maluti temples are a group of 78 terracotta temples built between the 17th and 19th centuries in the Maluti village of Jharkhand's Dumka district.
According to officials, Jharkhand has seen a rising graph of visitors from outside the state, from 23,991 tourists in the year 2000 when the state was formed to 33,179,530 (including 1,67,855 foreigners) in 2015.
Jharkhand currently holds ninth rank in the country in terms of visitors, and the state government is committed to take the state to the top of the country's tourist table, Waghmare said.
--IANS
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A key commander of the terrorist group was killed in Afghanistan's Paktika province in a drone attack, officials said on Thursday.
The attack took place in Sarwaza district on Wednesday night during which a huge quantity of arms and ammunition were also destroyed, Xinhua news agency reported.
The commander, Sirajuddin Khademi was in-charge of providing logistics support to the insurgents.
Haqqani network, which has been operating mostly in Afghanistan' s eastern provinces and Kabul, is regarded as military wing of the Taliban outfit.
The Maharashtra Lokayukta has ordered a probe into a complaint accusing the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of awarding major contracts to two firms with a questionable track record, an activist said here on Thursday.
RTI activist Anil Galgali had written to Lokayukta Justice (retired) M.L. Tahaliyani alleging irregularities in awarding fresh road repairs and other major civic works contracts worth Rs 173 crore by the civic body to tainted firms.
Last April, following an uproar over poor quality of road construction and other repairs, the BMC had lodged police complaints against the six contractors.
They were -- RPS Infraprojects, J Kumar Works, KR Constructions, Relcon Infraprojects, Mahavir Infrastructure and RK Madhani Works. These have been engaged in various civic projects in the city.
Of these six, two companies -- RPS Infraprojects and J Kumar Works -- have landed new contracts worth around Rs 173 crore even though FIRs were lodged against them.
"Besides these four projects in different parts of the city, they will also work on the ambitious Rs 1,300-crore upcoming Goregaon-Mulund Link Road project, while blacklisting proceedings are underway against them. This shows the kind of influence they wield on the civic body," Galgali said.
The BMC, which is the richest civic corporation in the country, is controlled by the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party combine.
In his complaint to the Lokayukta, Galgali explained how the BMC was on the one hand lodging FIRs against the rogue firms for messy works and then rewarding them with fresh projects worth crores of rupees.
He claimed that the manner in which the contracts were awarded raised serious suspicions since at the end of shortlisting of the tendering process only two companies were in the fray.
Galgali urged the Lokayukta to seek a report from Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta on this and initiate suo-motu action against the six contractors who are being blacklisted by the BMC.
Earlier this year, following a public outcry, Mehta ordered an inquiry into 34 road repairs works in the city and suspended two senior officials, Ashok Pawar and Uday Murdudkar, for the lapses.
The BJP last month demanded an Anti-Corruption Bureau probe to weed out the corrupt officials allegedly working hand-in-glove with unscrupulous contractors.
--IANS
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BSP leader Mayawati on Thursday extended support to Bollywood film "Udta Punjab" and said it only reflected the reality of Punjab.
The censors have called for major cuts in the movie, including all references to Punjab. The film deals with the drug menace in the state.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also slammed the Akhilesh Yadav government for the Mathura violence which left 29 persons, including two policemen, dead last week.
She blamed the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party for the incident.
Mayawati said if her party took power in the state, she will ensure that all land grabbers were jailed.
--IANS
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The Ohio state in the US has legalised marijuana use for medical purposes, the 26th state in the nation to do so, a media report said.
Ohio Governor and former Republican Party presidential hopeful John Kasich on Wednesday signed the legalisation bill into law, Politico reported.
Kasich has said he would like children with certain medical conditions to be able to relieve their pain through cannabis use.
The state legislature approved the plan in May.
It will go into effect in three months.
The patients will need a physician's recommendation to legally use the drug. At first, they will have to buy from other states where it is legal until commercial cultivators have time to set up and grow the weed in Ohio.
Only vaporisers, edibles and oils are allowed -- smoking marijuana is still illegal.
Only people with certain conditions, like AIDS, cancer, PTSD and epilepsy, can qualify for the use.
--IANS
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A British tourist, missing in Vietnam's Lao Cai province since June 4, was found dead on Thursday, officials said.
The body of Aiden Shaw Webb, 23, was found 2,800 metres above sea level, according to a report by Vietnam's state-run news agency (VNA).
Initial assessment by rescue teams showed that the British tourist had died around three days ago, Xinhua news agency reported.
Webb and his girlfriend arrived in Lao Cai's Sa Pa town on June 2.
In the early morning of June 3, Webb went climbing while his girlfriend stayed at the hotel. He started the journey in Sin Chai hamlet and followed the direction of the cable car system to Fansipan summit.
During his journey, Webb and his girlfriend maintained contact via phone. Webb told his girlfriend that he had sustained injuries to arms and legs. Contact between Webb and his girlfriend was lost at 6.00 a.m. on June 4.
After receiving information of the missing tourist, Sa Pa authorities sent rescue teams to the area.
The path to the 3,143-metre Fansipan summit, the highest peak in Vietnam, is said to be very dangerous.
--IANS
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Former union Minister Gurudas Kamat on Thursday said he had never objected to the nomination of P. Chidambaram to the Rajya Sabha or Narayan Rane's nomination for the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections.
"Chidambaram is a very senior and respected leader of the Congress Party and I hold him in very high esteem," Kamat said in a statement released here.
He added that he has worked under Chidambaram as Minister of State for Home Affairs.
Kamat further clarified that there were no differences between him and Narayan Rane.
"There is no question of having objected to either of their nominations which can be verified from the highest in the Party hierarchy, instead of relying on unscrupulous rumour mongers," Kamat said.
Some reports in sections of the media had insisted that Kamat had opposed the nomination of both the leaders as party candidates from Maharashtra for the upper house in Parliament and state assembly.
Kamat, a five-time MP from Mumbai, had tendered his resignation from the party and active on Monday.
However, the Congress had not accepted his resignation and the party leadership was in talks with him order to persuade him back to the political affairs.
--IANS
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The New Development Bank (NDB) and China Construction Bank Corp (CCB) on Thursday announced a memorandum of understanding on strategic cooperation, focusing mainly on infrastructure funding in the five BRICS countries, besides other emerging economies.
"The NDB, as per its mandate, is building partnerships with major banks in member countries. The cooperation with CCB is important for us, given the key role it plays in infrastructure financing," said President KV Kamath.
"The MoU will provide our two institutions with a framework for collaboration in several areas, including bond issuance, joint financing and information exchange. I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership," Kamath added.
CCB is also supporting the with professional underwriting services, credit lines and its commitment to invest in its first financial green bonds. Kamath expressed confidence that with CCB's support, should be in a good position to issue green bonds in the next few weeks.
"The foundation of NDB is of strategic importance to the economic and financial cooperation between BRICS countries, other emerging economies and developing countries," said CCB Chairman and Executive Director Wang Hongzhang.
"NDB's support will enable these countries to remove bottlenecks faced in financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects and provide a strong momentum to their economies."
Wang said as a commercial bank dedicated to serve infrastructure projects and large corporates, CCB tracks the opportunities in BRICS nations closely and attaches great importance to financial interaction with other BRICS countries and emerging economies.
"The transformation and structural adjustment of emerging countries will give rise to unlimited opportunities. The One Belt One Road Initiative proposed by China also requires significant amount of capital injection," he said, referring to projects that interest the commercial bank.
According to the memorandum, both sides will harness their respective resource advantages and professional expertise, aiming to build a long-term, stable and mutually beneficial business relationship.
The New Development Bank was established to support and foster infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging economies, notably the BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India China and South Africa.
It has an authorised capital of $100 billion and its membership is open to all UN members. The bank became fully operational in February this year. Two months afterm, its board approved the first set of loans involving financial assistance of $811 million.
The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) for facilitating investment in India's infrastructure.
"With a view to attracting investments from Qatar, NIIF entered into an MoU with QIA on June 5, 2016, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Doha," the Finance Ministry said in a statement here on Thursday.
QIA is the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar. The fund deploys a wide range of investment strategies and invests through a carefully selected network of top-tier fund managers, it said.
The objective of the MoU is to facilitate QIA to study investment opportunities in the infrastructure sector in India, in order to enable both sides to decide on joint investments, the statement said.
"The MoU has been signed for a period of one year during which period both parties will discuss and agree on the terms, principles, criteria for such investments. The NIIF shall share with QIA a pipeline of investment opportunities available in the infrastructure sector in India," it said.
NIIF, India's first Rs 40,000-crore sovereign wealth fund, aims to attract investment in infrastructure development in commercially viable projects, both greenfield and brownfield, including stalled projects.
--IANS
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US President Barack Obama has formally endorsed Hillary Clinton and called her the most qualified candidate to seek the White House, imploring Democrats to come together to elect her, the media reported.
In a video posted on Clinton's Facebook page on Thursday, Obama said: "I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office," The New York Times reported.
"I'm with her. I'm fired up and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign with Hillary," Xinhua news agency quoted Obama as saying.
Obama's endorsement came just moments after his meeting with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Clinton's rival in the nomination race, in the White House.
Although he still declined to endorse Clinton at the moment, Sanders told reporters after the meeting that he would do everything "to make sure Donald Trump does not become president of the United States."
--IANS
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Coming down heavily on censor board chairman Pahlaj Nihalani, the Congress on Thursday demanded his resignation, saying his "chamchagiri" (sycophancy) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not affect the film industry.
"If Pahlaj Nihlani wants to serve BJP as its worker, he should step down from the censor board and take the membership of BJP. He proudly says that he is 'Modi ji ka chamcha' but his chamchagiri should not affect the film industry that has brought laurels to the country," senior Congress spokesperson and veteran actor Raj Babbar told reporters at the party headquarters here.
"The way Pahlaj Nihalani has chosen his words, that he is chamcha of Narendra Modi is really unfortunate," Babbar said insisting: "The film industry that was once led by Mehboob Khan, V. Shantaram, Bimal Roy, K. Asif, B.R. Chopra, Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt, now has a censor board headed by such kind of a person who proudly says he is Modi ka chamcha."
Babbar asserted that Narendra Modi who was elected to govern the country is busy empowering his chamchas.
"Be it the Pune film institute or Censor Board or other national institutes of significance, Modi ji has empowered his chamchas. Be it Hyderabad University's Vice Chancellor Appa Rao, or Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts chairman Ram Bahadur Rai, it seems the Modi government has been reduced to the government of chamchas," Babbar said.
Siding with the makers of film "Udta Punjab", Babbar said the film industry has nothing to do with politics and a film should be treated as a film only.
"Our Vice President Rahul Gandhi had said it two years ago that if flow of drugs in the state (Punjab) is not stopped, it will ruin the youth and the state. If the filmmakers have tried to convey the same message through the film, what is the point of suppressing their voice," asked Babbar.
"Censor board has no business to cut the scenes. Its job is limited to issuing certificates to the film," he said.
Babbar said that as far as Punjab was concerned, "Punjabiyat does not need to defend itself as the state has sacrificed, has filled the stomach of the country and guarded its borders to prove what it is capable of".
"If government thinks it has done enough to control the drug menace in the state, the upcoming elections will sum it up," Babbar said.
Meanwhile, the Film Producers' Guild of India had appealed to the central government to remove Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Nihalani as "he was only harming the industry".
Co-producer of the film Anurag Kashyap had also approached the Bombay High Court against the censor board.
--IANS
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President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday greeted the government and people of Portugal on the eve of their National Day.
In his message to the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Mukherjee said, "On behalf of the government, the people of India and my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you on the occasion of the National Day of Portugal."
--IANS
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Most Russians consider biological innovations useless or even unethical, suggests a poll monitoring innovative behaviour of the population.
Conducted by researchers at the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge here, the poll found that participants neither completely rejected nor accepted novelties and disapproved of their interference in human life.
"The most cautious attitude has been demonstrated by respondents to biotechnologies implying the intervention into the human life and activities by means of stem cells, gene engineering, or implantable devices. These ideas have gained between 22 and 31 per cent of popularity," researchers said.
Some 50 per cent of respondents said they are ready to use such technologies as domestic solar cells, smog sensors, and smart clothing.
According to the poll, 78 per cent respondents said they were anxious about the birth of children with transmittable diseases, but only 30 per cent said they were ready to take genetic tests.
About 90 per cent of those polled said they were worried about air and water pollution, but only 48 per cent of them said they would like to use pollution alert sensor.
The researchers interviewed 1,671 Russians over 16 in 137 settlements across the country.
--IANS
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A court here on Thursday reserved for yet another day its order on the quantum of sentence after Delhi Police sought maximum punishment for five convicts in the 2014 Danish woman's rape case.
Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava, while arguing on the quantum of sentence in the case before Additional Sessions Judge Ramesh Kumar, said the offence was committed with the foreigner in a "barbaric and inhuman manner" and "these convicts have dented the reputation of the country".
He said in India guests are treated as God but the convicts raped a foreigner, therefore, a message should be sent to the society that rule of law prevails in India and wrongdoers would be dealt with an iron hand.
The five convicts sought leniency, citing that they belong to the 20s age group and come from poor family background.
Arjun, Raju alias Chhakka, Mohammad Raja, Mahendra alias Ganja and Raju alias Bajji were held guilty of the offences of gang rape, dacoity, kidnapping, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation and common intention under the Indian Penal Code.
All the five convicts were present in the courtroom when the judge announced the verdict.
Along with Shyam Lal, the five accused had robbed and raped the Danish woman at knife point near the New Delhi railway station in January 2014 after she sought directions to her hotel in nearby Paharganj area.
Shyam Lal died in February in Tihar Jail here and proceedings against him were abated.
Three minors are also facing proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board in the case.
Police said the accused were vagabonds who took the woman to an isolated spot near the Divisional Railway Officers' Club, snatched her belongings and then raped her.
--IANS
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The makers of Allu Sirish-starrer Telugu family drama "Srirastu Subhamastu" are headed to Kashmir to shoot the final schedule of the film, which is being directed by Parasuram.
"The team will start shooting the last schedule from later this week in Kashmir. Upon completion of this schedule, the project will be wrapped up and the makers will start making all the arrangements for a grand audio launch," read a statement.
Also starring Lavanya Tripathi, the film features an ensemble cast of Prakash Raj, Rao Ramesh and Tanikella Bharani among others.
According to director Parasuram, "Srirastu Subhamastu" will highlight the importance of family and marriage in everybody's lives.
"Through this project, Sirish and I became very close and our ideologies matched. Both of us respect the concept of marriage and have great respect for joint family. One would know how a bride and groom should behave responsibly after marriage, only if we have family with us," said Parasuram, and added that his film has all the ingredients for audiences from all age groups.
The film is produced by Allu Aravind.
--IANS
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Two tourists from Punjab's Jalandhar town were killed when a tree fell on their tent at a resort in Himachal Pradesh's Narkanda town on Thursday, police said.
A third person was injured. The tourists were staying in a Nature Camp run by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corp Ltd.
Ashok Sidhu, 45, and Rajesh Kumar, 36, died on the spot while Gagan Kumar, 32, was admitted to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla.
The camping site is located at an altitude of 8,500 feet and some 65 km from here. The tourists were sleeping when a tree got dislodged due to rains. All three belonged to Jalandhar, a police official told IANS.
--IANS
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A large number of vehicles were left stranded on the national highway in Manipur as activists opposed to the Inner Line Permit called for strike from Wednesday midnight.
A posse of police left Imphal on Thursday evening to escort the stranded trucks and oil tankers from Senapati district adjacent to Nagaland.
The stranded vehicles are expected to arrive in the state on Friday.
"This strike is in protest against police brutalities on peaceful demonstrators protesting against politicians who met central leaders in Delhi on the three bills passed by the assembly but to which the presidential assent was withheld," a strike supporter said.
A 10-day economic blockade is also set to be imposed from Thursday midnight in protest against the central leaders' meeting with an all-party delegation from Manipur.
Meanwhile, almost all petrol pumps have gone dry as a result of the panic buying of fuel by vehicle owners ahead of the economic blockade.
--IANS
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Will Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati come to the rescue of the in Uttar Pradesh, where elections are due to be held for 11 Rajya Sabha seats on Saturday? At an event on Thursday, she dropped a hint. Asked which way the needle would point, she said: "In Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are together. There are many issues where they have come together." The might already be counting on her. "Mayawati's words are most encouraging," said member of the state Assembly Pramod Tiwari. "Her 12 lawmakers will come in handy. We have also been promised support by Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal. The BJP will see itself deflated on Saturday."
For the past two years, my to the editor have been critical of Prime Minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party in terms of their pronouncements and speeches in India and abroad.
With his latest visit to Washington DC, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed the centrality of Indo-US relations in his world view. This strategic shift in India's foreign policy began soon after the Cold War, steadily advancing and taking shape under successive prime ministers, but most visibly under Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh. There may have been periods of sluggishness and even setbacks, but the direction has been unmistakable. What Mr Modi has done is to dispense with some of the coyness and ambiguity which characterised the pursuit of these relations in the past. As he declared in his unusually well-crafted speech to the US Congress, "Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history." He further acknowledged the US as an "indispensable partner" in India's own quest to achieve transformation into an economically powerful and secure nation with the capacity to contribute more substantially to the shaping of the emerging global order. There is an important sub-text to Mr Modi's message to the US - that as it confronts a more complex and uncertain world where its relative power continues to decline, a strategic partnership with India offers the US an opportunity to manage the transition with less risk to its own interests.
On Wednesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded party leader and Skill Development Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy for its routine media briefing. Rudy tried his best to dodge questions on censorship of Hindi movie Udta Punjab, until a reporter asked in near frustration: Whether Rudy, since he had studied at the Panjab University, believed that the state had a drug problem?
Specialist insurance market Lloyds will open its India reinsurance branch in 2017. John Nelson, chairman of Lloyds, said they intend to begin small in India and would start off with few syndicates and managing agents.
To protect small investors from tricky choices made by mutual fund managers, the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has introduced new redemption rules. Now, mutual fund houses cannot restrict redemptions unless theres a crisis that can affect the industry at large. Even in such cases, investors will be able to withdraw up to Rs 2 lakh.
The new rules have been introduced after the crisis in JP Morgan Asset Management. The fund houses two schemes had a combined exposure of Rs 193 crore to Amtek Autos papers, which were downgraded sharply by the rating agencies due to the companys deteriorating financials. To deter panic redemption, the fund house imposed a daily redemption limit of one per cent (of investment value) for the schemes.
Experts say the new provisions work in favour of investors and will make mutual fund houses introduce better liquidity management tools. Mutual funds will introduce processes to avoid one off situations like we witnessed in the JP Morgan Asset Managements case. Its not always that fund houses need to sell the securities in their portfolio to meet redemption demand. They also have alternatives, such as borrowing, in such cases, says Vidya Bala, head of mutual fund research at FundsIndia.com.
ALSO READ: Sebi tightens redemption rule for fund houses
Punjab Chief Minister on Thursday attacked the Delhi chief MinisterArvind Kejriwal claiming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief has no affection for Punjab as he is from Haryana and his sole intention is to wrest power in Punjab to benefit his native state.
"Since Kejriwal hails from Haryana, he was naturally inclined towards safeguarding the interests of his state," Badal told a gathering during Sangat Darshan programme in Fatehgarh Churian Assembly in Bhagowal.
He cited the Delhi Chief Minister's stand on Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue and said it will deprive Punjab of its water.
Earlier this year, while in Punjab, Kejriwal had said the state does not have a single drop of water to spare for Haryana, but later, in an affidavit in the apex court on April 4, his government supported Haryana's stand on completing the SYL canal.
"All Punjabis would have to struggle to save every single drop of water because if AAP and Congress succeed in their designs, none could save Punjab from becoming a desert," he said.
Badal's offensive came as AAP has stepped up its campaign, targeting the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over drug issue and agricultural distress, for the Assembly polls in the state due next year.
Badal alleged while Congress signed various agreements to deprive Punjab of its waters, the AAP is now trying its level best to ensure they are implemented at the earliest.
Targeting Congress, he alleged it has never missed an opportunity to meddle in the religious affairs of the Sikhs, and said younger generation should not forget the action on the Golden Temple in 1984.
Badal said, "the 1984 Sikh genocide after the death of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi badly tormented the community's psyche and it's our duty to sensitize the younger generation on this issue."
Listing out major initiatives taken by his government, the Chief Minister claimed that due to concerted efforts of the SAD-BJP alliance government, Punjab is currently the only power surplus state in the country.
The spat between Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar and Maneka Gandhi, the women and child development minister, over the formers clearances to states, permitting selective culling of animals that harm agriculture came out in public on Thursday.
As Prime Minister concluded the final leg of his five nation, six days foreign visit with a stopover in Mexico, an online registration portal has been launched by the Indian diaspora in Kenya to ask its members to register for an address by Modi to the diaspora in Nairobi on July 10.
More than 130 Islamic State group fighters have been killed in a US-backed offensive on the key jihadist-held city of Manbij in northern Syria, a monitoring group said today.
US-led coalition air strikes supporting the assault by Kurdish and Arab fighters, launched on May 31, have also left 30 civilians dead, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Syrian Democratic Forces have been pushing west from the Euphrates River and have nearly encircled Manbij, a key point along IS's main supply line from the Turkish border to its eastern Syrian stronghold of Raqa.
The SDF alliance has surrounded the city from the north, east and south. Early on Thursday its fighters were advancing towards the main road leading west out of Manbij, according to Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.
A statement today by the SDF's Manbij operations centre said its fighters were now close enough to target IS positions inside the city.
The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of activists and medical sources inside Syria, said 132 IS jihadists and 21 SDF fighters had been killed since the start of the offensive.
"Most of the Daesh fighters were killed in air raids by the international (US-led) coalition," Abdel Rahman told AFP, using an Arabic acronym for the group.
He said dozens of bodies of IS fighters had been found this morning in small villages east of Manbij.
Coalition air raids supporting the assault also killed at least 30 civilians, including 11 children, the Observatory said.
They are among a total of 447 civilians killed in coalition raids since they began in Syria in September 2014, according to the monitor's tally.
The Observatory says it determines whether strikes are carried out by Syrian, Russian or US-led coalition aircraft based on their locations, flight patterns and the types of planes and munitions involved.
A spokesman for the US defence department said on Wednesday that the final assault on Manbij could take place within days.
About 150 Indian Sikh pilgrims have arrived in this Pakistani city toparticipate in Jore Mela festivities to commemorate the martyrdom day of fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev.
The Sikh pilgrims reached here by a special train from India last evening to take part in the festivities.
The 156 pilgrims were welcomed by Evacuee Trust Property Board officials and office-bearers of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, ETPB spokesman Amir Hashmi said.
Soon after their arrival, the pilgrims left for Nankana Sahib in the same train.
Around 30 railway police commandoes and officials were deputed in the train to ensure security to the Indian pilgrims, officials said.
Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee observes the Sikh Guru's martyrdom day on June 16.
During their 10-day stay in Pakistan, the devotees are scheduled to visit and pay obeisance at various Sikh shrines.
The Sikh pilgrims would first visit Nankana Sahib where they would stay till June 11. A day after, they will leave for Gurdwara Punja Sahib at Hassanabdal. On June 13, they will head for Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore where they will perform respective rituals till June 16.
The pilgrims would return to India on June 17.
The railways has planned to operate another special train from Sukkur to facilitate Sikhs living in Sindh to participate in the Jore Mela.
Talking to reporters here, a Sikh group leader Sarwar Tana Singh said they are very happy to be here to visit their holy places.
He said said the Sikh holy places should be looked after properly.
Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority today gave its approval for reserving 20 per cent seats for farmers children in private schools in the area.
The GNIDA board approved 20 per cent quota in private schools for farmers children whose land has been acquired by the authority.
The Board also approved 25 per cent fee concession to farmers children admitted under the quota, GNIDA sources said.
Farmers whose land has been acquired by the authority can avail the quota facility for their children.
The Police today arrested five persons in connection with the 10+2 toppers' scandal, while former Bihar School Examination Board chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh and Bishun Rai College principal Bachha Rai, the lead player in the merit muddle, continued to abscond.
Those arrested and send to jail included Vikeshwar Prasad Yadav, the principal-cum-centre superintendent of Government Boys High School Rajendra Nagar, Patna and Sanjiv Kumar Suman, a Mathematics teacher of the same school; Shambhu Nath Das section officer and Ranjit Kumar Mishra, assistant, both working at the confidential wing of the Inter Council and Shail Kumari, principal-cum-centre superintendent of G A Inter College, Hajipur, said SSP Patna Manu Maharaj.
The SSP, who heads the SIT probing the case, said both Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh and Bachha Rai were absconding.
"The process to include names of the two absconding persons in the FIR is currently underway and they will be arrested as there are ample evidence against them," he said.
"Prima facie, there are ample evidence against Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh. Proof of tampering exam copies and evaluation have been found, which was in the knowledge of the ex-BSEB chairman," the SSP, who visited the Examination Board yesterday to search for evidence in the irregularities, said.
"Bank accounts of Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh will be scrutinised. Besides, Singh's call records and his family members' phone records will also be studied for more details in the case," the SSP said.
The Police today raided the residence of Bachha Rai in Vaishali and seized his laptop, diary, some admit cards and answer sheets. The SSP, however, did not give details of the seized answer sheets.
Arts topper Ruby Rai and first ranker in Science stream Saurabh Shrestha hailed from Bachha Rai's college. His own daughter Shalini Rai, who is also named in the FIR, is also under investigation.
Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh resigned as BSEB chairman yesterday after noose started tightening around him in the scandal.
He has been replaced by Patna Commissioner Anand Kishore. The state education department has also changed Harihar Nath Jha and named Anoop Sinha as its new Secretary.
Both the new appointees have taken charge of office.
Police arrested 74 non-tribal people in Aizawl for not having valid Inner Line Permit (ILP), an official pess release said today.
Of them, 64 people were convicted by the local courts for violating the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) today said.
The statement said that 64 non-tribal people were deported yesterday by transporting them to the Mizoram-Assam border.
At least 2,221 BEFR violators have been arrested during this year of which 2,040 people were pushed back after being convicted by the courts of law.
People from outside the states of Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are required to have ILPs to enter and work in the three states under the BEFR, 1873.
India has said that over 80%of the drugs used globally to combat the deadly are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical firms and the low-cost generic medicines have helped scale up access to HIV treatment across developing countries.
Addressing the high-level General Assembly meeting on HIV/AIDS, Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda said that India had faced the "spectre of disastrous consequences" on account of epidemic 15 years back but was able to manage the challenge effectively.
The country today is significantly contributing in the global fight against as more than 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally are supplied by the Indian pharmaceutical industry, he said.
The UN General Assembly adopted a new political declaration that emphasised on the critical importance of affordable medicines to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS.
The Minister also underlined that the international community cannot afford a rebound of the AIDS epidemic and that developed countries should do more and enhance their commitments to fight theworldwide scourge.
"Targeted interventions based on close collaboration with and empowerment of communities and civil society with appropriate funding from the government have helped deliver key life saving services to the affected population," Nadda said in his address to the 193-member Assembly here yesterday.
Deaths due to AIDS in India have been reduced by nearly 55% since 2007, while new HIV infections saw a reduction by 66% since 2000.
Around a million people affected by AIDS are currently on antiretroviral therapy.
"These remarkable successes would not have been possible without access to affordable medicines. The low cost generic medicines produced by the Indian pharmaceutical industry have been instrumental in scaling up access to HIV treatment not only in India but in other parts of the world, especially in the developing countries most affected by this scourge," Nadda said.
He added that the "accessibility and affordability" of drugs has helped save millions of lives around the world.
India's emphasis on providing low-cost generic medicines to combat HIV/AIDS was echoed in the UNGA declaration, which recognises the "critical importance of affordable medicines, including generics, in scaling up access to affordable HIV treatment".
Outlining ways in which the international community can act together over the next five years to fight HIV/AIDS, Nadda stressed on need to ensure access to affordable medicines and commodity security.
He said India is committed to maintain the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities.
"We reiterated this commitment last year during the Third India-Africa Summit, responding to call from our brothers and sisters in Africa," he said.
The declaration also recognised that protection and enforcement measures for intellectual property rights should be TRIPS compliant and should be interpreted and implemented in a manner that supports the right of Member States to protect public health and promote access to medicines for all.
Nadda said India is proud of being one of the leading partners in the global fight against AIDS epidemic and is collaborating actively with a range of partner countries and other stakeholders including the UNAIDS,the joint UN programme on HIV/AIDS.
At the high-level meeting on ending AIDS, Member States adopted the new political declaration that includes a set of time-bound targets to fast-track the pace of progress towards combating the worldwide scourge of HIV and AIDS over the next five years and end the epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
"AIDS is far from over," UN Secretary-GeneralBan Ki-moonemphasisedat the opening of the meeting.
"Over the next five years, we have a window of opportunity to radically change the trajectory of the epidemic and put an end to AIDS forever. Despite remarkable progress, if we do not act, there is a danger the epidemic will rebound in low- and middle-income countries," he added.
Stressing on the need to increase investments, Nadda said the "role of international assistance and cooperation cannot be underestimated".
"This is the time for developed countries to do more, not less, and enhance their commitments. We cannot afford to give the epidemic a chance to rebound," Nadda said.
Another crucial aspect in combating the AIDS crisis is global solidarity, he said adding that nations are together in the fight to end the AIDS epidemic.
"All forms of cooperation including North-South, South- South cooperation, multilateral and bilateral cooperation; and collaboration between governments, private sector and civil society must be strengthened," he said.
"The multi-sectoral response to AIDS should not be sacrificed in favour of a narrow bio-medical approach. The only way we can decisively finish the epidemic is by being united in our efforts," he said.
He further said that the international community must adopt the fast-track targets proposed by UNAIDS, adding that reaching 90%of all people in need with HIV treatment and prevention must be the primary goal of nations.
"Prevention must not be forgotten, even as we provide treatment for all people living with HIV. This is a time when we must maximize the impact of all known prevention and treatment efforts. HIV service delivery can become a model for expanding health coverage to all aspects of health," he said.
Nadda pointed out that creating an inclusive society that values every human life is important and success of the international community in targeted interventions will come from the belief in restoring the respect and dignity of individuals.
"At risk and vulnerable populations, particularly women
and girls need protection from sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. Societal change is slow, but we must not give up on the principal value that all men and women are created equal," he said, adding that the world has to take bold decisions based on science and bury narrow divisions.
The high-level meeting brings together heads of State and Government, ministers, people living with HIV, representatives from civil society and international organisations, the private sector, scientists and researchers to build on the commitments made in the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS and to set the world on course to end the epidemic by 2030 within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nadda said the number of HIV-affected people living on antiretroviral therapy has increased substantially and the number of annual AIDS-related deaths has gone down considerably.
"These remarkable successes have demonstrated that the target of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 is realistic. Sustained political commitment and action is necessary to address the scale of challenge that still lies ahead," he said.
A 20-year-old youth was today
arrested in connection with the murder of a timber trader in the city last week.
Mohammed Sajjad, a tenant of victim Khurshid Alam at 78 Rabindra Sarani in Jorasanko Police Station limits, was arrested today after Alam's mobile phone was recovered from him possession, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said.
Sajjad, it was learnt, hailed from Bihar's Sitamarhi, the village where Alam also used to live.
Alam's body was recovered on Sunday with throat slit in his room in a room in the upstairs of the same building.
Prima facie, the death appeared to be murder not for gain but police said Sajjad was being inetrrogated to unravel reasons behind it, the officer said.
"Alam's mobile was recovered from Sajjad's possession. We are trying to ascertain the role of the mobile phone in the murder and why Sajjad was holding on to it ... There are several questions yet to be cleared," he said.
A petition demanding a CBI inquiry into the Jawahar Bagh violence in Mathura which claimed the lives of more than 20 persons, including a senior police official, was today filed in the Allahabad High Court.
The PIL, filed by BJP leader and Supreme Court lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, is likely to be taken up for hearing by the court on Monday.
Upadhyay, who had earlier moved the apex court with his prayer but was told to approach the High Court with his plea, has contended that the "magnitude of the crime" made it imperative that the outbreak of violence at Jawahar Bag in Mathura on June 2 be handed over to CBI for investigation.
The petitioner has also alleged that Ram Vriksha Yadav, a cult leader who led the over thousands of squatters at Jawahar Bag, had converted the park into a "quasi republic with its own Constitution, penal code, judicial system, prisons and army".
Claiming that such a scenario could not have arisen without the support of ruling Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh, the petitioner has alleged that Yadav was close to many influential people in the ruling party and hence "in current circumstances", the Commission of Inquiry set up by the state government, comprising a retired High Court judge, "will not be able to resolve the issue".
Eighteen Indian fishermen, who were recently released from Pakistan, were today reunited with their families, a Gujarat state official said today.
"Soon after their arrival at Vadodara Railway Station late last night, they were interrogated by investigative agencies to verify their identity. After that, they were taken to the coastal town of Veraval in Gir Somnath district, where they met their family members," Superintendent of Fisheries Department Ashok Patel told PTI over phone.
A team led by Patel had received these fishermen at Wagah Border last Monday and they arrived here in a train late last night from Amritsar.
Some of these fishermen alleged that they were beaten up by the jail authorities in Pakistan for raising demand of their early release after completion of their jail terms. They were held for illegally entering Pakistani waters.
Bharat, one of the released fishermen, said, "My jail term had got over in 2014. When I took up the issue of my release, the Karachi jail authorities started beating me. There were several others like me, who underwent a similar treatment."
While eleven of the eighteen released fishermen belong to Gir Somnath district, six of them are from Valsad district and one from Ahmedabad.
Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh today said he has written to producers of Bollywood film "Udta Punjab", requesting them to provide him uncensored CDs of the drug-themed movie to release it in Amritsar on June 17.
Singh said he will then release the "uncensored" copies of "Udta Punjab" in Majitha town of Amritsar district on June 17, the scheduled release date of the movie which is in the eye of an escalating censorship row.
"Since Majitha, like Mexico, is the epicentre of drug trade in Punjab, it was decided to release the movie there, Singh said in a statement here.
The MP from Amritsar said he has written to the producers of the movie, Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor, urging them to provide the uncensored CDs so that he can release it on the scheduled date to coincide with the film's worldwide release.
"The purpose of releasing the movie in Majitha was to tell ruling Akalis and BJP that no matter to what extent they try to go to gag the truth, I will expose it at any cost," Singh said.
"Not only do we want to highlight the harsh reality of Punjab but also assert the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by our Constitution which is being infringed upon by BJP at the behest of Akalis, using the Censor Board", he alleged in his letter to the producers.
"I guarantee you that I will take the entire responsibility of the legal implications, if any, for releasing the uncensored CDs as we want truth to be told no matter at what price", he said.
Singh said that the movie will be shown only on the day of release in Majitha as a protest and "defiance against the dictatorial attitude" of the Censor Board.
Congratulating the producers for portraying the "harsh
reality" of Punjab on big screen, he said the people of the state acknowledge with heartfelt gratitude the producers' efforts to present their plight to the world.
"And they will do everything to ensure that the noble purpose with which the movie has been made is served well," he said.
The Congress leader also attacked the Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani for his unfailing devotion towards BJP with his "irrational" attitude and "utterances".
"His behaviour during the ongoing controversy over Udta Punjab is enough to remove and disqualify him for any such future assignments", Singh said and pointed out how Nihalani had started levelling accusations against the producers of the movie.
An American who "gave himself" to the Islamic State group before defecting told US investigators that he was aware the extremist fighters want "America to be taken over," court documents showed today.
Mohamad Jamal Khweis, a 26-year-old Virginia man, is charged with providing material support to IS, according to a federal criminal complaint unsealed hours before he was due to appear in US court for the first time in his case.
Khweis voluntarily gave himself up to Kurdish peshmerga forces on March 14 near Sinjar Mountain in Kurdish-controlled territory in northern Iraq, according to an affidavit submitted by a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators found through a search of his electronic devices that he had been researching IS since December, with images of the World Trade Center burning on September 11, 2001, IS fighters and leaders, as well as maps of Iraq, Syria and Turkey, including known IS bastions.
During an interview with federal investigators, Khweis "stated he 'gave himself' to ISIL and that they controlled him," the affidavit read, using an acronym for the IS group.
"The defendant stated he was aware that ISIL wants to attack and destroy the United States. The defendant stated that ISIL wants America to be taken over."
He was due to appear later before US Magistrate Judge John Anderson in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington.
In a video released online days after his arrest by Kurdish media, Khweis describes his contacts with IS before stating that he has renounced the group's violent extremist ideology.
Khweis later told the FBI that he had "provided misleading information in the video for self-protection," according to the affidavit, which did not provide further details on those statements.
During his interviews with investigators, Khweis said he initially was inspired to join IS because he believed they were engaged in "peaceful and humanitarian efforts."
On his way to IS territory, Khweis sold his car and stopped in London to send a message to an unnamed "well-known Islamic extremist cleric who supports terrorism," according to the affidavit.
In Turkey, he used the code phrase "green bird" indicating his support for violent jihad, or holy war, in order to make IS recruiters feel at ease in dealing with him.
While staying in an IS safe house in Raqqa, Syria, Khweis said he told another IS member he wanted to become a suicide bomber.
The agriculture sector in Andhra Pradesh will get a major chunk of credit from banks this fiscal at Rs 83,003 crore of the total state credit plan of Rs 1,65,538 crore.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today released the state credit plan for Rs 1,65,538 crore for the fiscal 2016- 17, a 32 per cent jump over last year's Rs 1,25,748 crore.
The farm sector will get a lion's share of the credit from banks at Rs 83,003 crore as against a credit outflow of Rs 75,448 crore in 2015-16.
A sum of Rs 25,000 crore has been earmarked for loans through Mudra Bank launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the MSME sector.
Housing sector will get Rs 12,000 crore, including Rs 7,340 crore under the Prime Minister's Aawas Yojana.
"Not just getting the credit plan approved but you should display the same vigour in implementing it," Naidu told bankers at a meeting of the State-Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) here.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister outlined his government's schemes for the welfare of different sections of society and asked bankers to disburse loans to the priority sector and help the state economy grow.
Naidu announced that his government would release Rs 3,500 crore, as the second installment, on June 22 towards the debt redemption scheme for farmers.
He said women belonging to self-help groups would be appointed as business correspondents of banks on a pilot basis in Krishna district from July 1.
Assam Governor P B Acharya has greeted Muslims on the occasion of Ramzan, the month-long fasting which began on Tuesday.
"My warm greetings to the Muslim brethren of Assam for the holy month of Ramadan ... Ramadan is a time for Muslim community to observe dawn-to-dusk fast to cleanse the soul and come closer to (God) Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful," he said.
He hoped that Ramadan would promote brotherhood, compassion and love for fellow beings and strengthen the bond of unity and amity among different communities living in the state.
A US-backed Kurdish and Arab alliance is set to attack an Islamic State-held city in northern Syria within days, a military spokesman has said helping clear the way for an eventual assault on the jihadists' stronghold of Raqa.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are on the northern edge of Manbij, a strategically important town held by forces that serves as a waypoint between Raqa and the Turkish border.
"At the pace they're moving now and at the speed that they've been able to fight the enemy, we think they're a matter of days before they conduct the attack on (Manbij)," Baghdad-based military spokesman Colonel Chris Garver told Pentagon reporters in a video call yesterday.
The Arab-Kurdish offensive on Manbij is one of two major assaults on the route the group uses to send in more fighters, weapons and money from the Turkish border to Raqa.
Tabqa, another ISIS-held transit town which lies near Syria's largest dam, is also under attack.
Russian-backed regime forces are also attacking jihadists in the region and the proximity of Russian- and US-backed forces has led observers to question whether the two powers are coordinating over an eventual assault on Raqa.
"There is no coordination between us and those (Russian-backed) forces at this time," Garver said.
"The forces we support are focused on Manbij right now, and that's where we're supporting them."
Washington, which has more than 200 special forces troops deployed to back the SDF, has said some 3,000 Arab fighters are taking part in the assault, supported by about 500 Kurds.
But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says that of the 4,000 fighters it estimates are taking part, most are actually Kurdish.
Garver said "anywhere upwards of a couple thousand" ISIS fighters are in Manbij.
Terming the attack on an AAP-backed councillor as "utterly shameful", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today accused BJP of "assaulting dalits" all over the country and said Aam Aadmi Party will take up the matter with the President.
Delhi Assembly today passed a resolution against the attack on Rakesh Kumar, councillor from Ward Number 82 of Matia Mahal Assembly constituency, directing the Commissioner of Police to initiate strictest possible action against the perpetrators and proceed against them under provisions of SC/ST Act, IPC and all other applicable laws.
Kumar, a councillor from Kucha Pandit ward in North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) area, was allegedly roughed up by BJP councillors for wearing the AAP cap at Ramlila Ground here during the joint session of all three BJP-controlled MCDs.
The resolution, moved by AAP MLA from Ambedkar Nagar, Ajay Dutt, stated that the House directs that all the assaulters, including the Councilors, who are clearly visible in the videos be arrested immediately.
After the incident, Kejriwal, who is a national convener of AAP, termed BJP as a party of "ruffians" which was targeting dalits.
"Utterly shameful. BJP is a party of gundas. Rakesh is a dalit. BJP assaulting dalits all over India in a systematic way," Kejriwal tweeted.
The Delhi Chief Minister said he has sought an appointment from President Pranab Mukherjee to raise the issue before him.
"From the time the BJP has come to power at the Centre, hooliganism has increased to such levels... The way dalits are targeted. They compelled Rohit Vemula to commit suicide," he told reporters here.
"We warn the BJP to improve or else not only the Dalits, ... The country is made of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, people of different castes. They will all teach the BJP a lesson and destroy it. They will not tolerate castiesm which the BJP is resorting to," Kejriwal said.
Angry over the attack on the councillor, AAP MLAs demanded strict action against the BJP councillors who were involved in the incident. When the ruling-party MLAs demanded immediate action against the "guilty", Delhi Assembly Speaker, Ram Niwas Goel, adjourned the House proceedings for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, senior AAP leader Ashutosh demanded police file a case under SC/ST Act against BJP councillors.
"BJP had again shown its anti-Dalit attitude by beating up AAP's Dalit Councillor Rakesh Kumar in Ramlila ground. "Police should register case under SC/ST act against BJP councillors who beat up Dalit leader of AAP, Rakesh Kumar," he said in his tweets.
The resolution passed in the joint session said, "The CM (Kejriwal) has been intentionally attacking the MCDs and trying to mislead the citizen keeping in view the MCD elections next year."
It asked Delhi government to release the due funds to the civic bodies as per the recommendations of 3rd Finance Commission and implement the 4th Finance Commission recommendations.
Last week, Kejriwal had announced convening of the special session of Delhi Assembly to discuss the working of the civic bodies.
Indian automobile industry has approached the government to consider a rupee-based payment mechanism for trading with African nations as companies face a major hurdle in dollar-denominated payout.
The industry has also asked for negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with more Latin American countries like Chile, Peru and Colombia to boost exports from the country.
"We have approached Ministry of Commerce for rupee trade with African countries as we are facing a challenge in dollar trade in these big export markets like Algeria and Nigeria," Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Deputy Director General Sugato Sen told reporters here.
These countries cannot make payments in dollars and that is impacting the trade with these nations, he added.
"So we have asked the Commerce Ministry to negotiate rupee trade with these countries. It is a long term bilateral thing and these countries also need to study it," Sen said.
Of the total automobile exports of around USD 8.86 billion in 2015-16, Africa alone accounted for 30-35 per cent of the total overseas shipments in value terms.
With issues like falling prices of crude and commodities, African countries are facing issues with dollar payments.
Countries like Algeria, Nigeria and Morocco are among the major export markets for domestic automobile industry.
SIAM has also approached the Commerce Ministry for FTA's with more Latin American nations to safeguard exports to these markets.
"These countries are inking FTAs with various competitors like South Korea, Japan and the US and as a result due to the enhanced competition our position is getting eroded. So we are seeking FTAs with more countries in the continent," Sen said.
In the past few years there has been a clear shift in automobile exports from developed regions like EU to developing markets like Africa, Latin America and ASEAN region, he added.
Automobile exports from India to Latin America stood at USD 91 million in 2004-5. It grew to USD 1,044 million in 2013-14.
ASEAN, Africa and Latin America are the fastest growing markets for automobile exports from India since 2004-05.
However, the country's exports to SAARC nations have been declining which is a cause of worry, Sen said.
Jonny Bairstow rode his luck to again rescue England from a top-order collapse with a century on the first day of the third Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's on Thursday.
At stumps, England were 279 for six, having been 84 for four when Bairstow (107 not out) came to the crease. It had been a similar story when Bairstow revived England from the depths of 83 for five in the first Test with a superb 140 on his Headingley home ground in a match England eventually won by an innings and 88 runs.
Rather than scoring a maiden Test century at Lord's, Bairstow should have been out for 11 on Thursday when he clipped Nuwan Pradeep firmly off his pads straight to mid-wicket only for Shaminda Eranga to drop the catch.
The Yorkshireman had another break when Eranga, selected despite having his action reported in England's series-clinching nine-wicket win in the second Test at the Riverside, reviewed a rejected lbw appeal when the batsman had made 56.
Replays showed the ball hitting leg stump, but not enough, according to the Decision Review System, to overturn Indian umpire S Ravi's original not out decision.
Apart from Bairstow, only England captain Alastair Cook (85), who won the toss in sunny conditions ideal for batting, passed fifty on Thursday, with Chris Woakes 23 not out at stumps.
Sri Lanka performed admirably with the ball, albeit they were again sloppy in the field, on a good pitch where there was a touch of seam movement. Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep shared four wickets while impressive left-arm spinner Rangana Herath rook an economical two for 45 in 21 overs.
England had already won this three-Test series at 2-0 up.
Cook insisted in the build-up to this match that England were determined to correct their habit of losing 'dead' Tests in series they'd already won following heavy defeats at the end of victorious campaigns at home to Australia in 2015 and away to South Africa earlier this year.
Cook, presented with a commemorative bat before play to mark his achievement in becoming the first England batsman to score 10,000 Test runs, a landmark he reached at the Riverside, and fellow opener Alex Hales compiled a 50-run stand in 74 balls.
But Herath struck with just his fourth ball he had Hales
(18), slogging across the line of a ball that turned, caught by Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews at slip.
By his own admission, Nick Compton was playing for his Test place. But England's number three, on his Middlesex home ground, fell for one when he was caught behind off a gentle Lakmal away-swinger.
Lakmal struck again when he had Joe Root (three) lbw, hitting across the line. Pradeep got in on the act by bowling James Vince for 10 and England were now 84 for four -- the fifth time in their last seven Test innings they had lost four wickets before reaching 100.
Left-handed opener Cook was closing in on his 29th Test century when, shortly before tea, he was plumb lbw to Pradeep, bowling from around the wicket. Cook faced 173 balls, including nine fours.
Moeen Ali, fresh from his Test-best 155 not out at the Riverside, followed Hales in falling to the Herath/Mathews combination for 25.
Bairstow, strong off his pads and on the drive, cut Pradeep for four to go to 94. He then equalled his previous Test-best at Lord's of 95, made against South Africa in 2012 before a single off Herath saw him to a 160-ball century.
With the Jammu and Kashmir government giving directions for strict enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, banks in the state today banned smoking in all their workplaces and ATMs.
The state's J-K Bank, issued a circular to all its offices and branches asking officials to ensure strict ban on smoking, besides seeking action against the violators, a spokesperson of the Voluntary Health Association of India, said here.
Following up on the government's anti-smoking campaign, the bank has been issuing instructions from time to time to restrain public and staff members from smoking at work places, the spokesperson said quoting the bank circular.
The bank also directed that anti-smoking signs be placed visibly in all the office premises.
Total compliance in this regard will be closely monitored, the circular said.
The HDFC bank too has ensured compliance with Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act at all its offices and branches in the state.
"We have ensured that 'No smoking' stickers are displayed in our branches and ATMs. Besides, our branches are no smoking zones as customers are not allowed to smoke inside the branch premises and ATMs," the VHAI spokesperson said quoting a statement issued from the bank here.
The VHAI welcomed the circulars issued by the banks saying it would help ensure that the health of the public is protected in the state.
A Belgian judge ruled today that two suspects in the Nov. 13 Paris attacks can be extradited to France, but at least one of them is unlikely to go soon because he is being investigated for possible links to suicide bombings in Brussels.
Belgian federal prosecutors said in a statement that the judge ruled European arrest warrants issued for Mohamed Abrini and Mohamed Bakkali by French judicial authorities are enforceable.
Bakkali, 29, is believed to have rented the Brussels apartment where suicide vests used in the attacks that killed 130 in Paris were assembled, and where fugitive suspect Salah Abdeslam hid out for a time before being captured by Belgian police.
The part Abrini, 31, is suspected of having played in the Paris carnage has always been murky. French authorities put out a bulletin for his arrest soon after the Nov. 13 attacks, when it emerged he had driven to Paris from Brussels with Abdeslam that week.
The French renewed the arrest bulletin for Abrini the day of the Brussels bombings, but he has not been named as one of the members of any of the three known teams of attackers at France's national stadium, the Bataclan concert hall, or the cafes and bars.
Before today's hearing in the pretrial chamber of the Brussels Tribunal, Belgian prosecutors told The Associated Press they don't anticipate turning over Abrini to the French anytime soon. They are still investigating him over the March 22 suicide bombings at Brussels Airport. He has acknowledged being the "man in the hat" filmed by security cameras there in the company of the two bombers.
A total of 32 victims died in the blasts at the airport and in a separate suicide attack soon afterward in the Brussels subway.
The Brussels judge today ordered Abrini held in detention for another month in connection with the Brussels attacks, as well as five other suspects. Four other people arrested in Belgium for suspected links to the Paris attackers were also ordered kept in custody for an additional month.
"No additional information will be given regarding further proceedings," Belgian federal prosecutors said in their statement.
The Islamic State extremist group has claimed responsibility for the Paris and Brussels attacks. British officials have said Abrini is believed to have traveled to England last summer and met with Islamic radicals there, but have offered no further details.
A Belgian court today approved the extradition to France of key Paris attacks suspect Mohamed Abrini but he will not be handed over for some time, federal prosecutors said.
They said the court in Brussels hearing a French extradition request for Abrini accepted the European arrest warrant issued against him which would allow for his transfer to France.
At the same time, the court remanded Abrini in jail for another month as he is also a suspect in the deadly Brussels airport and metro attacks on March 22, a statement said.
Abrini, 31, was arrested in Brussels shortly after those attacks, having been identified as the "man in the hat" seen in CCTV footage with the two bombers who blew themselves up at the airport.
"Currently, no additional information will be given regarding the further proceedings," the statement said.
A spokesman for the federal prosecutors' office added that "the carrying out of the (European arrest warrant) will certainly not be done immediately. The timeline is not at all fixed."
The spokesman said it was even possible that Abrini could stand trial in Belgium first before being handed over to France.
Alternatively, he could be sent to France to assist in the investigation into the November Paris attacks claimed by the Islamic State jihadi group that left 130 people dead.
Abrini could even be questioned in Belgium by French investigators, the spokesman added.
Another key suspect linked to both the Paris and Brussels killings, Salah Abdeslam, was extradited to France in April.
Abrini was linked to the Paris massacre after being caught on video at a motorway gas station on the way to the French capital with Abdeslam.
Abdeslam, a French national of Moroccan origin who grew up in Belgium, is believed to be the last surviving member of the terror squad that hit cafes, a concert hall and the national stadium in Paris on November 13.
The West Bengal government is working on strategies for continuous upgradation of the education infrastructure making different courses job-intensive, while planning to set up a monitoring team to oversee private educational institutes and universities.
"Education must be job-intensive and there should be continuous upgradation of infrastructure. Standard of education should never be compromised," state higher education minister Partha Chatterjee today said.
Chatterjee was inaugurating the 'Education Exhibition - 2016' organised by Association of Professional Academic Institutions (APAI) here as part of the pre-counselling for e-admission of engineering students.
He said the state government was planning to set up a monitoring team to oversee private educational institutes and universities and the standard of education in the state would never be compromised.
Speaking on the functioning of different private engineering and technical institutes, the minister urged the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) to keep a tab on such institutes to ensure their norms were not flouted.
Engineering and technical institutes should organise interfaces with industries to ensure their students get employment opportunities immediately after completion of their courses, he said.
Chatterjee also asked the institute authorities to ensure
that poor and meritorious students were given priority in education.
Stating that West Bengal has now many prospects for technical and higher education, he said students would not have to go to other states for education.
"Many talents are there in engineering colleges, both government and private, and there is need for collaborative development of technology and products," the minister said.
Regarding admission to BA, BSc and BCom courses in different colleges, Chatterjee said the government was strengthening the online admission system.
State IT minister Bratya Basu stressed on the need for a large number of technocrats and IT professional for the growing market in the state.
Stating that technical education has gone through a sea-change in the state, Basu hoped a large number of students coming out of these institutes could be able to meet the growing need of the industry.
State technical education minister Ashima Patra said the state government was keen on further developing technical education in the state. Two more government engineering colleges have been set up this year, she said.
Techno India group director Satyam Roy Chowdury announced on the occasion that 1,000 poor and meritorious students from weaker sections would be offered free admission in its colleges as a CSR effort.
BJP MLA from Nepanagar, Rajendra Dadu, was today killed in an accident on Indore-Bhopal road between Ashta and Sehore towns. Three others were injured.
The BJP legislator was coming to Bhopal to attend a party meeting at the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's residence ahead of the June 11 Rajya Sabha election.
His car overturned and he died on the spot, a police officer said.
Sehore collector and the superintendent of police reached the spot after getting information about the incident.
Madhya Pradesh Minister and cabinet spokesman Narottam Mishra confirmed Dadu's death.
Dadu was 54 and survived by his wife, four daughters and a son, family sources said.
Dadu had won from Nepanagar (ST) seat for a second time.
State BJP president Nandkumar Singh Chouhan reached Sehore hospital soon after getting information about the mishap.
BJP legislature party's meeting was cancelled after learning about the incident, party sources said.
BJP today asserted that the "goondaraj" in Uttar Pradesh will be deliberated at its National Executive meeting and demanded that Mathura's Jawahar Park be named after SP Mukul Dwivedi and SI Santosh Yadav, who were killed by encroachers during a drive to evict them.
"The goondaraj in the state is an issue for us. It will be part of National Executive," party's media head Shrikant Sharma told reporters.
The Executive is meeting for two days in Allahabad on June 12-13.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to use the violence, which left 29 people dead, to flay the Samajwadi Party government in his rally in the city on June 13 evening.
The saffron party believes that law and order can be a strong plank against Akhilesh Yadav government as the state gears up for the assembly polls early next year.
Sharma also said that he has written a letter to Yadav demanding that the park be named after the killed cops and there should be a CBI probe into the incident.
The incident was a "direct failure" of the chief minister, he alleged, adding that despite prior intelligence warnings of the presence of heavy arms and ammunition with the encroachers police was sent to the park unprepared and under instructions that it should not use force against them.
"These two officers did not die but were made to die by this state government," he said, alleging the government was preparing to lease out the park to Ram Vriksh Yadav, the leader of encroachers. He also died during the clash.
BJP has started a drive, asking people to inform it about public land encroached by "goons linked to the Samajwadi Party". All such encroachment will be cleared if it is voted to power, it has promised.
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Reacting to the controversial comments of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts Chairman Ram Bahadur Rai targeting B R Ambedkar, Sharma said one individual's remarks should not be seen as a reflection on the government.
The government, he said, had taken several measures to promote Ambedkar unlike other parties which used him. Rai, he added, has also claimed that his comments were "distorted" by a magazine which had published the interview.
In a dig at BJP president Amit Shah, Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati today dubbed as false the party's love for Dalits and said leaders dining with Dalit families was a "purely political act".
"Whydon't they dine with them without prior information," the Shankaracharya of Dwarkapeeth and Shardapeeth questioned.
"For political gains, a new tradition of Dalit bathing at Kshipra river in Ujjain was established. There is no differentiation on the basis of caste, creed or colour in rivers, temples and religious places," he argued.
Terming BJP's love for Dalits as "false", he said political leaders dining with Dalit families was a purely political act.
On May 31, Shah had a meal with a Dalit family in Jogiyapur village in Sevapuri Assembly segment in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.
Shah, who was on his way to Allahabad to address a farmers' rally, took a brief halt at Jogiyapur and had lunch with the family of Girjaprasad Bind and Ikbal Bind.
The BJP chief sat on the ground with the family members and shared the meal with them.
On the Dadri lyching incident, he said, "Nobody should be allowed to kill the cow when there is a ban on cow slaughtering in the state (Uttar Pradesh). Nobody has the right to slaughter any animal at his home.
As the row over 'Udta Punjab' raged, the Bombay High Court today sought an explanation from the Censor Board over its insistence for deleting Punjab signboard in the drug-themed film which triggered fresh sparring.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), however, submitted that all the 13 changes including deletion of Punjab in the film title suggested by its Revising Committee were justified and proper.
A bench headed by Justice S C Dharmadhikari was hearing a petition filed by Phantom Films, producer of 'Udta Punjab' which is aggrieved by an order of the Revising Committee that suggested changes in the film before its release on June 17.
Justice Dharmadhikari compared 'Udta Punjab' with another film released earlier titled "Go, Goa, Gone" and said in that movie the state of Goa is shown as a place where people go to socialise in parties and also take banned drugs.
"If Goa can be shown as a place of drug abuse in that film, what is wrong if Punjab is shown in Udta Punjab?" asked the Judge.
The Censor Board lawyer argued that the order of the Revising Committee suggesting 13 changes in the film was not arbitrary and the committee had applied its mind while making these suggestions.
"We are objecting to the reference of Punjab and its people and the language used in the film", the lawyer argued.
Hearing the arguments, the court said that it was not satisfied with the first two suggestions made by the Censor Board about removing references to places in that state such as Chandigarh, Amritsar, Tarantaran, Jashanpura, Moga and Ludhiana.
On other suggestions of Revising Committee, the Censor Board lawyer said he would make submissions tomorrow, following which the court deferred the matter.
However, Ravi Kadam, Counsel for Phantom Films, the production company of Anurag Kashyap, said the impugned order was issued without any application of mind and was arbitrary.
"Punjab is an integral part of the concept and cannot be deleted from the film", he said.
Separately, Kashyap who is the face of the fight against the Censor Board, said he felt blackmailed throughout his battle with the film body over the certification for "Udta Punjab".
Kashyap said in all his previous run-ins with either the board or the government, he never felt he was being silenced, but this particular case was different.
With opposition parties blaming ruling SAD-BJP of using influence to "censor" 'Udta Punjab', Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said the government has "nothing to do" with the movie, saying it is a matter between producers and the Censor Board.
Badal's rival and Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh said he has written to producers of 'Udta Punjab', requesting them to provide him uncensored CDs of the film to release it in Amritsar on June 17.
Kashyap got support of BSP supremo Mayawati who said there was "nothing wrong" with 'Udta Punjab' and that the party supported it.
After Ashoke Pandit, another Censor Board member Chandramukh Sharma come out against the functioning of its chief Pankaj Nihalani, saying he would request him to go to the government and ask for changing the name of CBFC to "PRO of government".
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At the AICC briefing, party spokesman Raj Babbar took a dig at Censor Board chairman Pahlaj Nihalni for his comments that he was "chamcha" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"It seems that the Modi government is a government of sycophants," Babbar said.
He said party vice president Rahul Gandhi had raised the drug issue in Punjab two years before the row over release of 'Udta Punjab'.
World famous for its rich aroma and sweetness, the Dussheri mango will be available to consumers at cheap prices this season, thanks to a bountiful production of around 47 tonnes in Uttar Pradesh.
The price of one of the most sought after mango variety is expected to remain between Rs 25-40 kg and likely to dip further to Rs 10 per kg once the monsoon sets it
"The expected production of mango including world famous Dussehri from Uttar Pradesh will be about 46-47 tonnes despite losses due to dust storm and untimely rains," President Mango Growers' Association of India Insram Ali told PTI.
"The mango production last year was about 40-42 MT and due to early onset of summer the production this year is very good,"
"The famous Dussehri which has already hit the market will be in common man's reach with prices likely to remain between Rs 25-40 per kg. The size of mango this time is small as compared to previous year," Ali said.
Mango growers expect the prices to come down further to Rs 10 per kg once the rains start.
"Unlike other varieties, the shelf life of Dussehri is not much and due to this the rates come down when monsoon begins. This is why we are expecting prices to come down to to Rs 10 a kilo once monsoon sets in," said Anurag, a mango grower of Malilhabad - famous for the mango orchards.
Mumbai and Delhi are the biggest consumers of Dussehri in the country while the king of fruits is exported to Gulf and other South East Asian countries too.
The mango belts in UP comprise Lucknow (Lucknow, Malihabad, Bakshi-ka-Talaab), Saharanpur, Sambhal, Amroha and Muzaffarnagar districts.
Lucknow belt is spread over 25,000 hectares, which
produces world famous Dussehri variety, accounting for over 75 per cent of the total produce.
Despite good production mango export is unlikely to increase for "lack" of state government support, rues Insram.
"Though production is good, mango export is not likely to increase with farmers not getting any benefits. At present state government provides subsidy of Rs 26 per kg (comprising Rs 13 per kg for brand promotion and air freight), which is not sufficient. Also, the process to claim it is very cumbersome", he said.
"We have requested the government to increase the subsidy to 75 per cent so that mango growers can export their produce. But no decision has been taken in this regard," he lamented.
Besides, Dussehri, some famous mango varieties from UP are Langda, Chausa, Amprapali and Mallika.
A five-year-old boy died today and two others remained hospitalised after they consumed iron tablets given to them by the local municipal corporation at an anganwadi centre, officials said.
The iron pills were administered yesterday to 30 kids enrolled at three anganwadi centres located in Sanjay Nagar here under the state government's School Health Programme to fight anaemia.
After consuming the tablets, three kids got ill and were rushed to the government hospital. However, Rohit Khernar's condition deteriorated while undergoing treatment and he died.
"Khernar was admitted after he and two other children complained of health problems after taking iron pills. His condition deteriorated and blood was found in his stool. He eventually died," said Surat Municipal Corporation's Medical officer, Ashish Naik.
He said, "We have been running the school health programme since long where we provide iron tablets to counter anaemia, but never came across such a situation".
Naik said Khernar's body has been sent for postmortem to ascertain the exact cause of death.
FMCG major CavinKare has launched India's 'first' ready to serve fruit milkshake.
CavinKare is the first company to foray into this segment, company CMD CK Ranganathan told reporters here.
"We are the first to enter the fruit milkshake segment," Ranganathan said.
"In the market, flavoured milk is available only with flavour of apple or flavour of mango. There is no combination of milk, honey and real fruits available in the market. It is a tricky product; cannot be developed easily," he said.
The product will have a shelf life of six months without preservatives, he claimed.
CavinKare is already present in the milkshake market.
The firm has already invested Rs 40 crore in milkshakes and had "lined up additional Rs 30 crore for fruit milkshakes and further line extensions", Ranganathan was quoted as saying.
To a question, Ranganathan said the company's turnover was Rs 75 crore in the milkshake segment and that the target was to double it with the help of the latest offer.
Cavin's Fruit Milkshake, available in mango, apple and guava, will be priced at Rs 25 for a 200 ml pack, he said adding the company will be "forced" to hike prices only if input costs go up.
"However,I don't foresee any increase in the price for the next one year," he said.
Cavin's Fruit Milkshake was launched across Tamil Nadu today and the company said it was planning to cover the rest of the southern states in three months followed by pan-India coverage by the end of this financial year.
CavinKare, a Rs 1,200 crore turnover FMCG company, handles various portfolios including shampoo, hair wash powder, fairness creams, hair colours, dairy and retail salon products.
The Centre today lauded Haryana government for its efforts in implementation of national programmes - Smart City project, Swachh Bharat Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.
Urban Development Ministry Secretary Rajiv Gauba today met Haryana Chief Secretary D S Dhesi here to review the implementation of the three programmes and expressed satisfaction over the progress made by the state in it.
Gauba was accompanied by a team of Joint Secretaries and other senior officers of Ministry of Urban Development.
Haryana Principal Secretary of Urban Local Bodies, Anil Kumar and Director of Urban Local Bodies Sameer Pal Srow were also present in the meeting, an official release said.
The state government has decided to contribute Rs 10,000 per Individual Household Latrine (IHL) as state share whereas the Cente is providing an assistance of Rs 4,000 per IHL only, Kumar said.
Till date, about one lakh applications for the construction of IHL have been received. A target has been fixed to construct 86,000 IHL by October 2, 2016 and the state would achieve it, he said.
"As many as 14,800 IHL have already been constructed. The work for another 56,526 has already started. Efforts will be made to complete these latrines at the earliest."
"The efforts will be made to declare all the cities open defecation free by December 2017. Similarly, all cities would be declared open urination free." he added.
It was informed that the state has divided all the 80 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 15 clusters for setting up of Solid Waste Management Plants.
Kumar said 18 ULBs will be covered under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
The state level Annual Action Plan of Rs 4,745.27 crore for a period of 2016-2021 has already been approved by the Central Government.
In Phase-I, the work for preparation of detailed project reports for nine towns -- Faridabad, Karnal, Gurgaon, Sonipat, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Panipat and Thanesar has been assigned to WAPCOS, a public sector undertaking.
Under AMRUT scheme, the State Level Technical Committee has already recommended the nine projects of Rs 962.04 crore of five towns of Karnal, Gurgaon, Sonipat, Ambala and Panipat for the approval of State Level High Powered Committee, the meeting of which is likely to be held shortly.
Gauba said all the projects under AMRUT will be approved by the State level High Powered Committee instead of seeking approval of Central Government.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the Centre was ready for a CBI probe into Mathura violence that claimed 29 lives, provided Uttar Pradesh government demands it.
"Thousands of people had grabbed land in Mathura and the state government was unaware. If state government demands a CBI probe, we are ready for it," he said here.
Singh was addressing a rally where he highlighted various schemes of the Narendra Modi government during its two years in office.
Earlier this week as well, Singh had dared the state government to recommend a CBI probe into the Mathura clashes.
Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a judicial probe into the Mathura violence.
The probe will be conducted by a retired judge of Allahabad High Court and the inquiry committee has been asked to submit its report within two months.
Two police officers, were among the 29 people killed during the clashes between encroachers and police in Mathura last week.
The violence had claimed the lives of Superintendent of Police (City) Mukul Dwivedi and SHO Santosh Kumar.
Political parties had been demanding a judicial inquiry into the violence. BJP's Mathura MP Hema Malini had demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Prakash Javedkar held the SP government responsible for the Mathura incident.
"It's shameful that such incident took place near DM and other government offices in Mathura. Why is the state government not demanding CBI probe into it," he said in Firozabad.
He said that after witnessing misrule of SP and BSP, people of the state are now in favour of BJP.
The Centre is ready to order CBI probe into Mathura violence if the Uttar Pradesh government seeks it, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today even as he questioned how the state government was unaware of land grab by thousands of people.
"Thousands of people had grabbed land in Mathura and the state government was unaware," he said while addressing a rally in Mau as he referred to the action of a so-called organisation 'Vidhik Vaicharik Kranti Satyagrah' which had occupied hundreds of acres of government land for two years.
When police went to clear the occupied land last week following an order of the Allahabad High Court, activists of the organisation indulged in large-scale violence, including firing, in which the Mathura SP and SHO were killed along with 27 others.
"If state government demands a CBI probe, we are ready for it," Singh said at the rally organised to highlight the schemes of the two-year-old Narendra Modi government.
Later, when asked to comment on the state government's claim about presence of Naxals in Mathura, the Union Home Minister told reporters in Lucknow, "We have no information about the presence of Naxalites in Mathura...I have yet to go into the report sent by the state government."
Singh also asked the UP government to show more alacrity in implementing the central government schemes, a comment that comes close on the heels of BJP president Amit Shah alleging that the state government was creating roadblocks in this endeavour.
"The Uttar Pradesh government needs to show more alacrity in implementing central government schemes," Singh said.
To state government's allegations of Centre not extending support to Uttar Pradesh, Singh said these were wrong.
"Whatever suport is sought is extended to Uttar Pradesh," the Union Minister said.
On Tuesday, Shah had alleged that Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh was creating roadblocks for execution of several welfare schemes initiated by the Centre and this is the reason why benefits were not reaching the intended beneficiaries in the state.
Replying to the allegations levelled by SP leaders that his relatives had tried to disturb the atmosphere in Bishara village in Greater Noida where they were conspiring to hold a mahapanchayat, Singh said "they can call for an inquiry into it. Whosoever had tried to do it should be put behind bars."
SP leaders Ambika Chaudhary had made an allegation in this regard earlier this month.
The mahapanchayat called by former Khanpur MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, whose house in Landhaura area of Roorkee was recently attacked by members of a community, was today foiled by the district administration which did not allow him or his supporters to enter here.
Due to section 144 and heavy deployment of police and para-military personnel in the area, Champion could not hold the mahapanchayat there, Additional District Magistrate Jivan Singh Nangiyal said.
The proposed venue of the mahapanchayat was sealed by the police well in advance and Champion's supporters were not allowed to proceed beyond Sherpur in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, he said.
However, Champion met his supporters and thanked them for their support.
He convinced them that holding a mahapanchayat when section 144 is in force in Haridwar district would not be appropriate. The BJP leader urged them to wait for another date for the programme.
Alleged forcible evacuation of a scrap-dealer's shop and desecration of a holy book by Champion's uncle and his supporters had triggered violent clashes between members of two communities at Landhaura prompting the police to intervene.
The clashes had left 32 people injured.
Subsequently, a mob had attacked Champion's house, setting
vehicles parked there ablaze.
Champion was one of the nine rebel Congress MLAs who had raised a banner of revolt against the Harish Rawat government in Uttarakhand.
He has since joined BJP.
China today disowned a documentary shown by the state-run channels about the involvement of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiyaba in the Mumbai attacks, saying it is a dubbed version of an American TV programme and no way represents the government's position.
"We have contacted the Chinese media and learnt that the relevant program is a Chinese-dubbed American documentary," a brief statement put out by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on its website said today.
"What it (documentary) said does not represent the position of the Chinese government. China's position on the issue of counter-terrorism remains unchanged," it said.
The ministry's reaction was in response to a question on the China Central Television (CCTV) documentary on the Mumbai terror attacks, linking Pakistan to the assault.
While it was unprecedented for CCTV to carry a documentary in which confessions of Ajmal Kasab, the lone survivor of the Mumbai attacks, was also shown, officials say it was equally rare for Chinese Foreign Ministry to refute the report which went against China's all weather ally Pakistan.
The documentary coinciding with India-China spat over Beijing putting technical holds in UN on India's attempts to bring about a UN ban on some of the leaders of LET and Jaish-e-Muhammad sparked off speculation that China may be reviewing its stand.
The footage was firstaired by the state-run Shanghai television weeks ahead of President Pranab Mukherjee's visit last month and subsequently shown by CCTV documentary channel.
The documentary containing details of planning and execution of the Mumbai attacks by LeT militants caught Indian officials here by surprise as Chinese state media shows extreme care and caution in airing negative about Pakistan.
China will invest about $8.5 billion to upgrade Pakistan's rail network and to build a key gas pipeline with Iran to meet the country's energy needs, a media report said on Thursday.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), a Pakistan body to authorise major projects, on Tuesday approved $10 billon worth two projects. China will provide loans equivalent to 85% ($8.5 billion) of the cost of each project.
The cost of upgrading of Pakistan Railways existing Mainline (ML-I) and establishment of a dry port near Havelian is $8.2 billion, which the Chinese government will finance with a $7 billion concessionary loan, The Express Tribune reported.
This project is part of $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) package and is covered under the CPEC Framework Agreement, signed during the April 2015 visit of Chinese president to Pakistan.
The estimated cost of Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG Terminal & Pipeline project, also cleared in principle, is $2 billion including $1.4 billion Chinese loan. This project is strategically important for Pakistan as it will eventually link the country's gas network with Iranian system.
"The exact costs of both the projects will be firmed up after finalising financing arrangements," CDWP Chairman and Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, said.
"After finalisation of the financing arrangements, both the projects will be taken to the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) with firmed up cost for final approval," he said.
At present, Pakistan Railways is picking up less than 4% of the traffic volume of the country, which the government intends to increase to at least 20% by 2025.
The project is planned to be completed in two phases in five years by 2021 on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode. Phase-I will be completed by December 2017 and Phase-II by the year 2021.
The CDWP also cleared Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG Terminal and Pipeline Project at an estimated cost of roughly $2 billion or Rs 206.6 billion.
The Chinese Exim bank will provide 85% of the financing under government-to-government mode. The EPC contract will be given to a Chinese company. The pipeline project will be included in the CPEC framework.
The key objective of this project is to overcome gas shortages by importing LNG and its transportation through Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline.
In phase-I, the pipeline will follow the coastal pipeline corridor, which was formally established for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. In phase-II, a 90-kilometer patch will be constructed from Gwadar to Pakistan-Iran border to tie the national network with Iranian system.
US President Bill Clinton visited Pakistan in 2000 to save deposed premier Nawaz Sharif from the gallows and tried to take him out of the country, former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has claimed.
"The sole purpose of Clinton's visit to Pakistan was to save Sharif from hanging," Aziz said, adding that Clinton was driven by humanitarian objectives and wanted that no personal vendetta be carried out against Sharif after his government was overthrown by General (retd) Pervez Musharraf in a coup in October 1999.
In April 2000, days after Clinton's departure, Pakistani courts had sentenced the deposed Prime Minister Sharif to life imprisonment rather than the gallows.
After intervention by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US, Sharif was sent to exile in Saudi Arabia.
"The final agreement took place after he (Musharraf) came to know through Lebanese business tycoon and the country's then PM Rafiq-Al-Hariri that the Saudis were angry over Sharif's treatment by the government after his ouster from power," he added.
Aziz, who held the prime minister's office under Musharraf from 2004 to 2007, further claimed that both Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto did not want Sharif to return to Pakistan before the 2008 general elections and tried to keep him in exile.
Talking in a Geo TV's programme about the claims made in his recently published book 'From Banking to the Thorny World of Politics', Aziz said: "The then US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia Richard Boucher told me that both Musharraf and Bhutto wanted Sharif to stay abroad to avoid competition."
He also claimed that the US also found merit in the preposition and had wanted Benazir to become the prime minister with Musharraf remaining president.
The "Congress brand of politics" has been defeated in the recent Assembly elections which also has proved that the country's new slogan is "Congress free India", BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav today said.
"In the recent Assembly elections, BJP has fared well. It has formed a government for the first time in Assam, it has done well in West Bengal. But the people of our country have given a resounding verdict," Madhav said at a programme here.
"The resounding verdict is total rejection of Congress by the people. Before Lok Sabha elections (Narendra) Modiji had given a call for Congress free India. Now it seems it has become the slogan of the entire country," Madhav said.
"Till the Congress has its present leaders, they themselves will lose elections. But the real meaning of Congress free India is defeating the Congress' brand of politics, which symbolises corruption, policy paralysis, appeasement and dynasty politics," he said.
The senior BJP leader also took a dig at the CPI(M) in West Bengal, who had forged an alliance with Congress.
"Even the allies who have fought with Congress have been washed away. Those who have pursued the politics of duplicity have also suffered. The politics of alliance in Bengal and fight in Kerala has backfired," Madahav said.
Madhav also had a word of caution for Trinamool Congress, which has allegedly engaged in post poll violence.
"Why this violence in politics? If you are in politics, fight us politically. If TMC tries to bring in the culture of Congress, it won't take much of time to change the slogan from Congress free India to TMC free India," Madhav said.
In a relief to Congress in Madhya Pradesh ahead of the June 11 Rajya Sabha polls, the High Court today cleared the way for its two MLAs to vote for the party nominee in separate decisions, improving its prospects to gain one of the three seats.
While in one case the Jabalpur bench of the High Court directed the Election Commission to facilitate postal ballot to a Congress legislator, who is undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital.
In an order its Indore bench granted bail to another party MLA, who was under judicial custody in an alleged rape case.
These decisions would enable the two MLAs to vote in the election where the Congress has fielded Vivek Tankha as its nominee. Congress has 57 MLAs in the house - one short of what is required for it to sail through to the Upper House.
The High Court's principal bench in Jabalpur directed the EC to make available postal ballot to Leader of Opposition Satyadev Katare, admitted in a hospital.
Justice S K Gangele issued the direction while hearing a petition of MP Congress Committee challenging the EC's June 2 decision that quashed their plea seeking the use of ballot paper in the RS poll.
Earlier in the day, Congress MLA from Barwani Ramesh Patel was granted bail in a rape case by the court.
Patel, arrested in connection with an alleged rape case four months ago, was granted bail by Justice J K Jain, his lawyer P K Mukati said.
Earlier, the Congress had plans to airlift Katare and also another legislator Govardhan Upadhyay, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Indore. Instead, Upadhyay will be brought here for voting in an ambulance, Congress state Chief Spokesman K K Mishra told PTI.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former Union minister Kamal Nath is expected to arrive here shortly and camp till the voting is over, seeking to ensure Tankha's victory.
BJP has fielded eminent journalist M J Akbar and party strategist Anil Madhav Dave as its candidates and both are set to win on the basis of the party's strength in the state Assembly.
The party's third nominee Vinod Gotia, who has entered the fray as an Independent, may now feel the heat after the two High Court orders.
The saffron party needs nine extra votes to ensure win of Gotia. Presently, it has 49 surplus votes excluding Rajendra Meshram, who has been restrained from voting by a Supreme Court order in connection with an election petition, an official of the Assembly told PTI.
Bahujan Samaj Party has already issued a whip to its four MLAs to vote in favour of Tankha.
In the 230-member Assembly, the ruling BJP has 166 members followed by Congress (57), BSP (4) and Independents (3).
Drawing the line between judiciary and executive, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said courts cannot perform the functions of executive and the independence of the two will have to strictly maintained.
Jaitley said if executive fails to perform its function, courts can direct it to do so but it cannot take over the executive function.
Speaking at the 'Indian of the Year 2015' awards of CNN 18, he said if the judiciary fails to act, the executive cannot take up that role on the plea that there are mounting pending cases. Similarly, courts also cannot take over executive function.
"Let's first of all be clear about two basic facts. Fact one, independence of judiciary is certainly required and must be maintained at all cost. Fact two, judiciary unquestionably has the power of judicial review. I don't think anybody has power to dispute that. It is essential for democracy," he said.
Stating that the argument that judiciary steps in when executive does not act was a "questionable proposition", he said, "when the executive does not act judiciary can tell and direct the executive to act. But the judiciary cannot perform executive function. Executive function has to be performed by executives".
Jaitley, who also holds the charge of Information and Broadcasting Ministry, said just as independence of judiciary was essential, so was separation of powers.
"The Parliamentary function has to be performed by Parliament, nobody else can pass or approve a Budget. The executive function has to be performed by the executives. Courts cannot perform an executive function. It can direct the executive to perform its function, if it is not acting," he said.
Jaitley's comments came close on the heels of Chief Justice of India T S Thakur asserting that judiciary intervened only when the executive failed in its constitutional duties.
The CJI had also said, "the government should do its job instead of hurling accusations and that the people turn to the courts only after they are let down by the executive.
The Minister said the executive and judiciary were two
"strict compartments" whose independence has to be maintained.
"Let's look at the argument the other way. If the judiciary fails to act and somebody in the executive then says that judiciary is not acting, the arrears of cases are mounting up, we will have an alternate mechanism. The answer is no. Therefore these are strict compartments whose independence has to be maintained," Jaitley said.
He cited the example of mounting bad debt or NPAs with PSU banks asking if the issue should be resolved by banks or courts.
"I will give you a direct example which we are dealing with. We have a legitimate problem today of bank NPAs (bad debt). Is it to be handled by banks or handled by the courts? And if it goes to the courts, those in charge of executive powers, that is the banking sector, will say I will now have to be more cautious. It is a living example that we are living through," Jaitley said.
With Union Ministers Maneka Gandhi and Prakash Javadekar locking horns over culling of animals including nilgai, animal rights bodies today expressed "shock" over the Environment Ministry's stand saying such killings will not help mitigate human-animal conflict.
Noting that more than 500 people lost their lives in human-wildlife conflicts last year, the Environment Ministry, however, said there are standard operating processes laid down in Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and permission for "scientific management" of human-animal conflict has been given to Uttarakhand, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh.
"We are shocked. Prakash Javadekar is unfit to be the Environment Minister. Since the time he has come, he has only done bad things for environment. Nilgai (blue bull) is a very serious issue. Nilgai is not the problem but the loss of its habitat is. We are challenging the constitutional validity of Section 62 (of Wildlife Act), which is a very arbitrary section.
"It gives power to the central government to declare what it wants to. We have gone to the Environment Ministry and suggested that we should do mitigation and adaptation work. As the Environment Minister, he (Javadekar) needs to understand that he is a trustee of environment and he has to ensure that it is protected for coming generations," N G Jayasimha, member of Animal Welfare Board of India (ABWI), told PTI.
Noting it is an issue of management of human-animal conflict, Greenpeace India said killing of animals is not the answer, especially when "you start declaring it as a vermin as it will only change the mindset".
"India is celebrated and recognised worldwide for the tolerance and its ability to live along with nature. Something of this sort will have a huge impact on how the general population would view. It can have all kinds of knock down effect.
"You cannot say that elephant is a national heritage animal and at another level, you say it's vermin. (Labelling them as) vermin will deeply affect ethos of Indian population towards biodiversity and nature," Ravi Chellam, Executive Director of Greenpeace India said.
Inspector General of Wildlife, Environment Ministry, S K Khanduri said that last year, more than 500 people lost their lives in human-wildlife conflicts and there are standard operating processes laid down in Wildlife (Protection) Act.
"Therefore, the Ministry has not given any permission to kill either deer, peacock or elephant," he said in a statement.
However, there are other organisations which said that culling or declaring vermin is an ecological management tool and maintained that it was a fact that blue bulls and monkeys are creating problems for farmers.
"Blue bulls and monkeys are creating problems in a lot of states including Bihar and HP. Declaration of vermin is like a population management tool. Vermin is a general practice in African countries as well where they even kill elephants.
"If you look at it as a animal welfare perspective, it will be wrong but if you look at it from ecological management perspective, it's a right move. There is nothing wrong in it," said Ajay Saxena, programme manager (forestry) at Centre for Science and Environment.
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Khanduri said that as per the provision of law, if there are complaints about wildlife conflict, the state government has to submit a proposal for culling.
"Till date, five states have submitted such proposals. The Ministry examines the proposals in detail and allows scientific management in a specific area for a limited time. There were complaints about wild boar, blue bull and other animals," he said.
These proposals have been examined and permission for scientific management for a limited time for a specific area in Uttarakhand, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh has been given, he said.
"Proposals of Maharashtra and Gujarat are still being examined," he said.
Noting that there are many complaints from MPs, state governments and farmers about their crops being heavily damaged by animals in certain parts of the country, he said that there is a process has been laid down in Section 62 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
"No amendment has been made by the government to this Act. And nothing has been done beyond the procedure prescribed by law," he said.
Gajender K Sharma, Country Director, India at World Animal Protection, said "we condemn this incident and would urge the government to form an expert group to find out humane and sustainable solutions to resolve this issue. Rampant killing of animals is not a solution and must be stopped immediately.
Union minister Sanjeev Baliyan today insisted on a probe by either Uttar Pradesh government or the court concerned to find out who consumed meat at the house of Mohammad Akhlaq, who was lynched by a mob in Dadri's Bishada village.
The Union Minister of State for Agriculture had demanded the inquiry after a forensic report said the meat sample collected from outside Akhlaq's house belonged to a "cow or its progeny".
"I said there should be an investigation, as the report is before the court. So it may be by the government or the court," Baliyan told a press conference here.
He sought a probe on all those who consumed meat at the residence of 50-year-old Akhlaq, who was lynched by the mob last September for allegedly consuming beef.
Asked whether more people should be investigated if found that many others had consumed beef there, Baliyan said "It is the job of the police, I can only demand a probe. The report has already come before I demanded the probe.
Efforts to pacify Gurudas Kamat, who had quit the party three days ago, continued today with senior Congress leaders A K Antony and Ahmed Patel holding separate meetings with him amid signals that a way out could be found soon.
Asked whether there was any forward movement after these parleys, Kamat tersely said, "No comments."
He had a meeting with Patel, political secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, late last night soon after he arrived here from Mumbai.
He met Antony at Patel's residence here where several leaders had come to condole the death of his daughter-in-law Zainab Neduo.
Antony also refused to comment on his meeting with Kamat, saying he had come for a social function.
When asked whether he was taking back his resignation, Kamat said, "No comments". When further probed whether he would meet the Congress President, he said that would happen "in due course".
On June 6, the 61-year-old Congress general secretary had announced that he was quitting active politics.
Kamat had said that he has the "highest respect and regard" for Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi and "my resignation is purely on personal grounds".
Kamat, who had been Mumbai PCC chief for a long time, was reportedly unhappy over the appointment of his known detractor Sanjay Nirupam as the head of the city unit of the party.
The move had come ahead of next year's Mumbai civic elections, where Congress is hoping to dislodge the incumbent Shiv Sena-BJP combine.
Seeking to dispel the notion that he was upset over party electing P Chidambaram to Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra and former Chief Minister Narayan Rane to Legislative Council, Kamat said he had no issues with them and he had worked under the senior Congress leader in the Home Ministry.
Meanwhile, former Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde expressed confidence that the leadership would resolve the issue by addressing the grievances of Kamat.
Shinde had a meeting Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the last two days.
Delhi Assembly today formed a nine-member special inquiry committee to probe alleged irregularities in "restoring" the license of a fair price shop here, including "serious" charges against Lt Governor Najeeb Jung in connection with it.
The licence of the shop was cancelled by the Food and Supplies Department of the AAP government last year.
Jung reacted by quoting a couplet of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, and asserted he restored the licence, cancelled last year, as an "appellate authority" after hearing arguments from all sides.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Allegations against LG are v serious. Enquiry committee set up by Delhi Assembly will find the truth. I urge all to cooperate in enquiry."
The committee comprises of nine Aam Aadmi Party MLAs after its sole BJP face Jagdish Pradhan opted out. AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj moved a resolution to this effect amid criesof "political vendetta" by Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta who and Pradhan staged walk out from the House while passing the resolution.
Interestingly, the move against Jung came during a two-day-long special session of the 70-member House that commenced today to discuss the working of the three BJP-controlled Municipal Corporations.
The issue was raised by Burari MLA Sanjeeb Jha who accused the Lt Governor of "misusing" his office to benefit the owner of a fair price shop located in Santnagar of North Delhi's Burari, and demanded Jung's booking under sections of Cheating, Prevention of Corruption act for allegedly favouring the shop's owner.
AAP MLAs Madan Lal, Somnath Bharti and Amanatullah Khan also demanded the FIR against Jung under Sections 420, 409 and 120 B of the IPC. Hitting out at the AAP MLAs for dragging the Lt Governor into an "unwanted controversy", Gupta and Pradhan asked them to approach the High Court and the Supreme Court if they had issues with the decision taken by Jung.
Jha said in April this year, Jung had restored the license of a fair shop owner, who is a widow, despite the fact that the Food & Supplies Department had cancelled it on the basis of alleged irregularities in June last year.
MLAs claimed that the LG had passed his order the under 'Delhi Specified Food Articles (Regulation & Distribution) Order 1981, which was superseded by 'Delhi Specified Food Articles (Regulation & Distribution) 2001 and 2015 under which the LG has "no such power" to revoke the licence.
The terms of reference of the special inquiry committee include looking into the correctness or otherwise of the restoration of the cancelled licence as ordered by Jung and also the procedure adopted by the authorities concerned in cancelling it.
Members of the committee are AAP MLAs Vishesh Ravi, Somnath Bharti, Amanatullah Khan, Rajesh Gupta, Rajendra Pal Gautam, Madan Lal, Nitin Tyagi, Narayan Dutt Sharma and Bhavna Gaur.
The Burari MLA also alleged that the fair shop owner had publicly claimed of getting the licence restored by paying a bribe of "Rs 12 lakh", saying prima facie it was a serious matter of corruption that should be investigated, including the "role" of Jung.
Jha claimed that instead of taking action against the owner, the Lt Governor had directed the Commissioner of Police to register an FIR against him and the Chief Secretary to take strict action against those officers of the department who had raided the shop.
Terming the charges levelled by the AAP MLAs as "baseless", the LG said that he passed a considered and detailed order, based on facts placed before him in his court, setting aside the cancellation of the licence of the Fair Price Shop and restoring the license to the widow.
"On an appeal filed by the aggrieved widow shop-owner, Hon'ble Lt. Governor as an Appellate Authority, after hearing all sides, including the Department of Food Supplies & Consumer Affairs, has passed a considered and detailed order, based on facts placed before him in his Court, setting aside the cancellation of the license of the Fair Price Shop and restoring the license to the widow.
"As part of the court proceedings, Hon'ble Lt. Governor also ordered the Commissioner of Police to have the complaint investigated in case there is any act of criminality by any person," the LG office said in a statement.
Later, scores of residents of Burari raised slogans against the LG at the Assembly premises demanding a probe against Jung.
In the statement, the LG office said the petitioner (owner of the shop) in the complaint had alleged that on 24 April 2015, the MLA from Burari with 200 supporters/people disrupted the functioning of the Fair Price Shop and forcibly distributed food grains taken from the shop.
Altogether 66 cadres of the United A'chik Liberation Army (UALA) bade farewell to arms at a historic disbanding ceremony which was attended by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Home Minister Roshan Warjri, the interlocutors and others here.
Formed in 2012, the UALA had signed a peace agreement with the government in December last year.
The Chief Minister, in his address, lauded UALA's decision saying that the programme would generate a lot of hope and should be taken as an opportunity to send a positive message to the others who are still in the jungle.
Sharing the concern of UALA Chairman Novembirth Marak over negative remarks from certain quarters on Government's rehabilitation package for militants, Sangma said the government was moving ahead with complete clarity to achieve the shared objective of bringing lasting peace in the region. He said the approach of the government of providing such platform for peace should be adopted across the state as well as other states of North East as the menace of insurgency is a shared problem of the states in the region.
The Chief Minister urged cadres of the disbanded outfit never to lose hope and assured them that the government would continue giving them guiding support.
Home Minister Roshan Warjri in her address expressed her gratitude to all those who made it possible to bring UALA cadres back to the mainstream and called for continued support and counselling as they start their lives anew.
Ex-chairman of another outlawed militant group, Julius K Dorphang, who is now a legislator, briefly shared his past experiences and the peace he felt after coming overground. He also spoke words of encouragement to the cadres of disbanded organization.
UALA Chairman Novembirth Marak expressed his gratitude to the Chief minister and the interlocutors for facilitating their return to the mainstream.
The Bishop of Tura, Rt. Rev. Andrew R Marak, also spoke on the occasion.
Veteran Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi has said he was ready for dialogue with President Joseph Kabila under international oversight as he called for unity against the government.
DRC opposition figures began a two-day meeting yesterday in Belgium to thrash out a common position against Kabila who is widely believed to want a third term, in contravention of the constitution which allows only two.
Tshisekedi, 83, told them they were gathered "as patriots to exchange views on the grave crisis affecting our country."
"More than ever, we must be united to get rid of you know who," he said, referring to Kabila who has been in power since his father's assassination in 2001.
At the same time, the opposition must be mindful of the possible dangers and get the president "to leave quietly... and not expose the people to bullets," he said.
Tshisekedi, who leads the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), said the opposition could consider dialogue with Kabila but on conditions -- respect for the constitution, release of political prisoners and oversight by the international community to make sure any agreement was implemented.
The meeting at a hotel in Genval near Brussels was called by Tshisekedi who has been convalescing in Belgium since 2014.
Moise Katumbi, a leading DR Congo opposition figure who has announced his candidacy for the presidency, had been expected to attend but sent his closest advisers instead, organisers said.
Katumbi quit the DRC in May ostensibly for medical treatment and is now staying in Britain. He left his country a day after the government announced he would be tried for endangering state security.
Tensions have been soaring in the DRC in recent months over fears that Kabila will postpone elections due to be held late this year as he manoeuvres to extend his time in office.
Tshisekedi, an opposition leader since the rule of strongman Mobutu Sese Seko, came second to Kabila in a fraud-tainted 2011 election.
His UDPS party, struggling with internal divisions, was the only major opposition group to have shown willingness to negotiate with the government.
No date has yet been set for a new election, and late last year Kabila said he hoped to organise a "national dialogue" aimed at reaching a wide consensus ahead of any poll.
Tshisekedi last appeared in a video in January looking tired and struggling to speak clearly.
Diagnostic services provider Dr Lal PathLabs is looking at expanding its presence pan-India to be a key driver for the next phase of growth for the company.
While deepening its presence in the North Indian market where it already has a strong presence, the company is looking to scale up in other parts of the country as well.
"Banking on our near leadership in northern India, we are assertively moving into other potentially good geographies, the first of which will be East and Central India where we believe the operation is at an inflection point," Dr Lal PathLabs CEO Om P Manchanda said in a conference call.
For the rest of the country and particularly in the South and West, the company is taking a cluster approach by growing around cities and towns where it sees potential and in the long term building towards a regional reference laboratory model, he added.
"With our investments in regional reference laboratories in Lucknow and a larger one in Kolkata, we are confident that we will be able to fully deploy our hub-and-spoke model to great efficacy," Manchanda said.
As on March 31, 2016, Dr LalPath Labs has 172 clinical labs, including a national reference lab in Delhi, 1,559 patient service centres and 4,967 pick-up points.
ED has seized about Rs 50 lakh cash, including a huge haul from a 'baniyan' dealer, as part of its crack down against 'hawala' dealers in the southern part of the country.
In the first case, officials said the agency seized Rs 24 lakh, Rs 13 lakh in foreign currency and rest Indian currency, from a dealer in Sowcarpet area of the Tamil Nadu capital.
Identified as M Qader, sources said, the dealer had made 'baniyan' (vest) selling his "front" business in the narrow bylanes of the bustling market in the southern metropolis.
"The agency has filed a case under the Foreign Exchange Management Act against the dealer as he was dealing in 'hawala'. The action was taken based on specific inputs," they said.
'Hawala' pertains to routing of huge tranches of cash to and from Indian shores by skirting the legal banking route and subsequently evading government duties, taxes and generating black money.
In the second case, agency sleuths seized another over Rs 25 lakh from another 'hawala' operative based in Nagercoil town of the Kanyakumari district.
They said the operative was remitting money to and from Dubai and Hong Kong and he too has been booked under FEMA.
"Both the actions were undertaken within this week. Further probe in the two cases is on," they said.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the empowered central agency to implement FEMA in the country.
Ethiopia has said that its soldiers deployed in Somalia killed 101 Shabaab fighters who today attacked an army base used by the African Union force fighting the al-Qaeda linked group.
The Shabaab movement earlier announced a major assault on the base in Halgan in the central Hiran region of the arid Horn of Africa nation, via its Telegram messaging platform.
Ethiopian government spokesman Getachew Reda dismissed a claim by the Shabaab that they had killed dozens of soldiers, while losing just 16 of their own fighters.
"There was an attempt by al-Shabaab to attack our forces in central Somalia but... Our forces killed 101 militants and destroyed heavy weaponry," Getachew said.
"We are still assessing how many people got hurt on our side but their claim that they have killed 43 Ethiopian soldiers is an absolute lie. This is a figment of their imagination," he added.
"The Mujahideen fighters stormed the base and massacred many of the Ethiopians," the Shabaab claimed on Telegram, putting the death toll among the troops at 60.
Casualty figures from this type of attack are impossible to verify independently. The Shabaab generally exaggerates, while the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) usually gives no details of losses among its ranks.
On its Twitter account, AMISOM - comprising troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda - confirmed "an attempted Shabaab attack" but gave no figures.
"The enemy was successfully repulsed," AMISOM said, claiming also to be "in pursuit" of the attackers.
Residents in the area close to Halgan said the attack began when a vehicle driven by a suicide bomber exploded at the entrance to the base, after which jihadist gunmen fought their way in.
"There was a huge blast and then heavy exchange of gunfire started," said Osman Adan, a resident living nearby.
Shooting had died down by mid-morning today and local authorities confirmed the clashes.
"There was a major attack this morning at Halgan. Violent elements tried to break into the the base of the Somalian army and of AMISOM, but they were driven back and their bodies are everywhere," senior official Guhad Abdi Warsame said.
"They lost and now we have complete control of the zone, the situation is normal," he added.
German politicians hit back today at Turkey's president for accusing lawmakers of Turkish origin of having "tainted blood" in a row over whether the Ottoman Empire committed genocide in World War I.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacted furiously after the 11 German MPs with Turkish roots last week backed a parliamentary resolution that recognised the mass killings of Armenians as a genocide.
The sensitive issue has infuriated Erdogan at a time when relations are already strained by disputes about media freedom, while the EU is banking on Turkey to stop the cross-border flow of migrants.
A group of Turkish lawyers has also filed a complaint with prosectors asking for the 11 German lawmakers to be charged with "insulting Turkishness and the Turkish state," the Hurriyet daily reported.
European Parliament President Martin Schulz wrote to Erdogan to voice his "great concern" about his "verbal attacks and allegations concerning freely elected members of the German Bundestag".
Schulz, a German national, also condemned "in the strongest terms" Erdogan's comments linking the lawmakers to "terrorists", in reference to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
Lawmakers and journalists' ability to work "without having to fear repression is part of the non-negotiable foundation of every democracy," he wrote.
Schulz warned that if national leaders challenge these rights, this "can be damaging to international relations in the long run".
The German parliament's president, Norbert Lammert, said that statements by Turkish leaders had prepared the ground for a torrent of "hateful threats and insults" that were mailed to the MPs.
"I would not have thought it possible that a democratically elected president in the 21st century mixes his criticism of democratically elected representatives of the German Bundestag with doubts about their Turkish origin, that he refers to their 'tainted blood'," Lammert said in an address to the chamber.
He added that "anyone who tries to pressure individual MPs with threats must know that he is attacking the whole parliament".
Lammert also warned that "we will respond accordingly with all options available to us under the law".
The Exim Bank of India has given a line of credit of USD 24 million to Cote d'Ivoire for financing an electricity project.
Exim Bank has entered into an agreement with the government of Cote d'Ivoire for a Line of Credit of USD 24 million, the Reserve Bank of India said in a notification.
The line of credit is for financing an electricity interconnection project between Cote d'Ivoire and Mali. Goods, machinery, equipment, and services including consultancy services from India for exports are under the agreement, RBI said.
Of the total credit by Exim Bank, at least 75 per cent of goods and services, including consultancy services of of the contract price, would be supplied by seller from India.
Remaining 25 per cent goods and services may be procured by from outside India, RBI added.
The LoC is effective from May 26, 2016. The last date for disbursement will be 60 months after the scheduled completion date of the project, it said.
In an LoC, borrower can draw down on the line of credit at any time, as long as the person does not exceed the maximum set in the agreement.
Two Palestinians opened fire at a popular Tel Aviv nightspot near Israel's military headquarters police said, killing four people in one of the worst attacks in a months-long wave of violence.
The shooting spread panic, and video posted on social media showed a uniformed officer firing a handgun, though his target could not be seen.
Police, on Wednesday, said one of the attackers was arrested, while the other was wounded by gunfire and undergoing surgery.
Five people were injured in addition to the four killed at the Sarona Market in Israel's commercial capital, police said.
Israeli authorities said the two attackers were cousins from the Hebron area in the occupied West Bank.
The market and complex of bars and restaurants is located across the street from Israel's defence ministry and main army headquarters.
The nighttime shooting led police to clear the area.
Police said the wounded included those sitting at a coffee shop in the complex. The assailants' weapons had been retrieved by officers, they said.
"We are talking here about a pretty serious terrorist incident," Tel Aviv police chief Chico Edri told reporters.
"Of the two terrorists, one was arrested and the other wounded by gunfire," he said.
"We do not know of another terrorist at large and so from our point of view people can return to their normal lives," he added.
The nationalities and other details of the victims were not yet known.
The United States called it a "horrific terrorist attack."
"These cowardly attacks against innocent civilians can never be justified. We are in touch with Israeli authorities to express our support," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.
UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Nickolay Mladenov, immediately condemned the shooting.
"All must reject violence and say no to terror," he said in a statement.
"I am also shocked to see Hamas welcome the terror attack. Leaders must stand against violence and the incitement that fuels it, not condone it."
A spokesman for Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai quoted him as saying "we will not be able to put a policeman on every street corner".
The CPI(M) today said it suspected that the Narendra Modi government has conceded "more than" the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) without signing it to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in an "exceptional manner".
The party also targeted the government on the joint statement issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Washington, saying the document was a declaration that cemented India's role as a "junior partner" of the US in its global strategic designs.
"We are being told that a special exception is being made for India (to become NSG member). But if you were to look between the lines, what has this Modi Government agreed to in the trilateral Indo-Japan-US agreement on nuclear energy ... I think and I suspect very strongly that this government has agreed to more than the NPT in that trilateral agreement," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury told reporters here.
"Unless that is done, I cannot see or the world cannot see how India can be made an exception to (become a member of) the NSG," he said. India is not a signatory to the NPT.
Expressing concern over the civilian nuclear cooperation between the two countries, he demanded cancellation of the purchase of "costly" nuclear reactors from US firm Westinghouse to be set up at Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh.
"It is being done only as a quid pro quo for the nuclear deal with the United States. The cost of the AP1000 reactors are going to be prohibitive, just as the French Areva reactors to be set up at Jaitapur.
"By a conservative estimate it is going to cost Rs 2.8 lakh crore for the six reactors. The cost of power produced from these reactors is going to be unsustainable," he said, contending that India cannot afford to provide "super profits" to US corporates at the expense of welfare of Indian people.
Yechury also alleged that the Westinghouse deal was also being worked out by "circumventing the Nuclear Liability law of India by nullifying the suppliers liability. The insurance risk and liability are to be borne by the Indian public through the nationalised insurance companies."
Yechury, accompanied by Politburo member Brinda Karat, also insisted that these issues must be opened to public scrutiny and debated in Parliament as "such a major shift in India's foreign policy and independent defence capabilities cannot be allowed".
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On the Indio-US joint statement terming India as US' "major defence partner" in America's defence technology transfer and a "priority partner" in Asia-Pacific, Yechury said New Delhi "very clearly" has committed itself to Washington's strategy of "containing China" which was not in India's interest.
"We have always maintained good relations with neighbours, talked about Look East Policy. Now to all these countries, we are seen as US proxy in the region. So, this is the effort by Prime Minister Modi and this government to replace Pakistan as the US surrogate in South Asia," he said.
The Marxist leader termed the move as "extremely dangerous" and said it was "a very big departure" from India's long-standing foreign policy positions.
On the Logistic Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) which is the "new name" for the Logistic Support Agreement, he said it would allow each military to avail logistic support facilities - fuel, spare parts, mechanics etc - of the other while on joint training.
"This now commits India to provide logistic facilities such as re-fuelling of US air force on its adventures of military intervention in any part of the world," he said, adding that such a position "abandons both our independent foreign policy and our bilateral interests with the friendly countries in West Asia and the Gulf."
Among other issues, Yechury hit out at the government on its draft Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy, saying it reflected India accepting US objectives.
On two-year performance of the government, Yechury and Karat accused the government of pursuing neo-liberal economic policies even as the Sangh Parivar whipped up passion to polarise people on communal lines for political gains.
They accused the government of being authoritarian and undermining parliamentary democracy, citing the examples of imposition of President's rule in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh.
The CPI(M) leaders hit out at the government also over its "gaudy celebrations" with film actors, marking its two years even as water crisis gripped large swathes of the country and questioned "poor allocation" for MGNREGA in drought-hit areas.
Yechury demanded that the Government should convene an all-party meeting to discuss these and other issues like the GST Bill.
Capping of airfares in the backdrop of passenger complaints of arbitrary tariff hikes was today ruled out by the government which said that competition among the airlines will take care of the problem.
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said restricting the airfares will not make good business sense as it could also jeopardise the government's regional connectivity plan as such a move may discourage airlines to fly on non-profitable routes.
He, however, said a slew of passenger-centric measures including "time-bound" grievance redressal mechanism would be unveiled very soon, emphasising that India's civil aviation market was the fastest growing in domestic passenger travel demand.
It is expected that the government was going to announce steps to rationalise the ticket cancellation charges and they are likely to be capped around the base fare, as against current exorbitant fees, as part of passenger-friendly initiatives.
The Minister said at least 32 airports built by Airport Authority of India at a cost of at least Rs 3,000 crore over the years were lying "unconnected" and putting any restriction on market-driven fares may jeopardize government's plan to start flight services to those airports.
Holding that putting a cap on airfares may have an adverse impact on growth of aviation sector, Raju said his Ministry keeps a "continuous tab" on price movements to ensure that the rates are under check.
His comments come at a time when the government is discussing ways to address issues related to steep fluctuations in airfares, especially during peak seasons and natural calamities. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma last month had announced that capping of fares will be announced soon.
"These (capping airfares) are complicated problems. They don't have simplistic solutions.... Competition has by and large taken care of the (ticket) rates," Raju told PTI in an interview.
"Floors and caps go together. If you just say I will only cap (air ticket prices) then you won't have any airline. Anyone doing business doesn't want to make loss," he said.
India's domestic aviation market has clocked a growth rate of 22 per cent in the last one year, the highest for any country.
Raju said his Ministry has taken up the issue of high tax
levied on jet fuel by most of the state governments with the chief ministers concerned.
"Prices of ATF is higher than in most countries due to high tax," he said making a case that lower levy on ATF can help in harnessing the passenger growth potential.
"We need to bring down taxation. It is no longer a sector that is serving the rich. There was a psychology that it is for rich and so it should be taxed high. From that psychology activities have moved. Now you are in line with the world and would like to serve the common man," he said.
The Minister said one of the suggestions made by airlines is the possibility of increasing capacity when the demands go up.
"Is there a way that some capacities can be added when they are most required. That could be one type of a solution. It is not a solution in totality," he said, adding various options are being explored to address concerns pertaining to fare movements.
"Increasing capacity on routes is one type of solution and not a solution in totality," he stressed.
The draft civil aviation policy has proposed a limit of Rs 2,500 per ticket for a one-hour flight as part of larger efforts to boost regional air connectivity.
In response to concerns expressed by the MPs regarding heavy fluctuations in airfares, Raju had told the Lok Sabha in May that he would discuss the issue with stakeholders.
Wondering what exactly is being demanded by various quarters, Raju said air ticket prices have come down significantly over the years.
The Kerala High Court today dismissed petitions filed by private parties seeking a direction to implead themselves in theSNC-Lavalin revision petition against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Considering the applications, Justice B Kemal Pasha said the revision petition filed by CBI alone will be considered by the court.
The court also granted two months time to CBI to engage Additional Solicitor General, Paramjit Singh Patwalia, to argue the SNC-Lavalin case.
CBI had filed an application before the High Court yesterday seeking postponement of the hearing in the case for two months.
The revision petition was filed against a CBI special court order in November 2013, discharging Vijayan and six others from the case relating to alleged loss of Rs 374.50 crore caused by them to state exchequer in the award of contract to Canadian firm SNC Lavalin for renovating three hydel projects in the state.
The previous Congress-led UDF government had alleged that it was Vijayan who finalized the deal with the Canadian firm when he was the Electricity Minister in E K Nayanar-led LDF government in 1996.
In February this year, the High Court had rejected a plea by the then state government for an early hearing of CBI's revision petition challenging the acquittal of Vijayan.
CPI(M) had come out publicly against the then Congress-led UDF government, alleging that it wanted early hearing to build a case against the party and its leader Vijayan for political reasons.
The Gujarat government today opposed the bail plea of Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel, saying he sought to spread disorder out of a "grudge" against the state government.
Government pleader Mitesh Amin was making submissions before Justice A J Desai of Gujarat High Court.
The case of sedition filed against Hardik by Surat police was justified because he was trying to challenge the police by instigating his associate, Vipul Patel, to kill the policemen instead of committing suicide, the government lawyer said.
He also cited phone call records in which Hardik is heard "tutoring" Vipul by asking him to tell the police he (Hardik) never asked him to kill policemen, a day after he made the first statement in front of TV reporters.
Vipul had threatened to kill himself over the demand of OBC quota for the Patel community.
Amin said Hardik made the statement (about killing the cops) even when Vipul had, a day before, withdrew his threat of suicide, because Hardik wanted to "spread disturbance and create law and order problem because of a grudge against the government" after the police action at GMDC ground in Ahmedabad where he had held a mega rally in August 2015.
Hardik is also facing a sedition case in Ahmedabad.
He approached the high court for bail after the lower courts refused him bail.
Haryana Police today appealed to Jat protesters to end their agitation, saying it will only cause inconvenience to the public and lead to confrontations.
Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Muhammad Akil said efforts were being made to convince Jat community members not to participate in the sit-ins as "it will cause inconvenience to the public and lead to confrontations".
We appeal to the protesters to maintain peace and end their agitation, he said, talking to the reporters.
The Jat protesters are demanding reservation in government jobs and education institutions under the OBC category.
"At present, Jats are staging sit-ins during the daytime in 12 districts. However, their number has reduced since the start of the second leg of the quota agitation on June 5.
"Similarly, the number of sit-ins during night has come down to seven and their strength has also reduced significantly," he said.
No incident of violence, road or rail blockade has been reported from anywhere in the state so far. The law and order situation is "proper", he said.
Asked when the internet services will be restored in the sensitive districts, he said police were assessing the situation and a decision would be taken accordingly.
Full proof security arrangements have been made for the June 21 National Yoga Day event, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be Chief Guest, he said.
The Madras High Court today entrusted the investigation of tracing the missing film producer S Madhan with Central Crime Branch and directed it to file a status report on the matter by June 23.
A division bench, comprising Justice S Nagamuthu and Justice V Bharathidasan, which heard a habeas corpus petition by Madan's mother, today directed the Virugambakkam police to hand over all relevant materials, if any, to the Additional Deputy Commissioner S Radhakrishnan of CCB, who will expeditiously investigate the producer's whereabouts.
The bench, in its order, said "Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Crime Branch, S Radhakrishnan, is directed to take up the investigation and every effort should be made to trace Madhan and file a status report by June 23."
On June 6, Madan's mother had filed the habeas corpus petition seeking a direction to Virugambakkam police to produce her son before the court.
The petitioner had submitted that no case was registered by police on her complaint and no steps were taken to trace her son who went missing last month.
When the matter came up earlier, the Additional Public Prosecutor said there were several complaints against Madhan that he had collected money from various students and their parents with a false promise to get them admission in a leading private college.
When the matter came up today, the bench ordered CCB to carry out a probe into the issue and file a report.
The newly launched BR-V is getting a good response from the customers with over 9,000 bookings registered in a month's time, a senior company official said today.
Raman Kumar Sharma, senior vice-president and director of Cars India said that the product received over 9,000 bookings for BR-V, which comes in both diesel and petrol variants, since its launch on May 5.
The company has maintained its place in the market and more customers were approaching Honda to buy cars, he said.
The sale of petrol cars increased this year as compared to diesel cars, he added.
Diesel cars contributed nearly 40% of the total sale last year and the remaining 60% share was that of the petrol cars.
This year, the sale of petrol variants increased to 72% and the remaining was of diesel cars, he said.
India has rejected Google's plans to put Indian cities, tourists spots, hills and rivers in an application in which one can explore through 360-degree, panoramic and street-level imagery.
The Home Ministry has conveyed to that its plans to cover India through the Street View is rejected.
Security establishment got wary of allowing such image-capturing given that planning for the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai is believed to have involved photographic reconnaissance of targets by Pakistani-American David Coleman Headley.
Official sources said the rejection came after a detailed analysis by security agencies and defence forces which feel that allowing to cover India would compromise country's security interest.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said once the proposed Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016 comes into force, issues related to internet-based application would be resolved.
The internet services giant wanted to cover most of the Indian territory through the Google Street View.
It explores places around the world through 360-degree, panoramic and street-level 3D imagery.
Everything taken under it posted online.
It has been extensively used in the United States, Canada and many European countries, its applications in India was initially permitted for a few location.
Google had on an experimental basis launched Street View in some of the tourist sites like Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Varanasi river bank, Nalanda University, Mysore Palace, Thanjavur temple Chinnaswamy stadium besides others in partnership with the Archaeological Society of India.
Google Street View is a technology featured in Google Maps and Google Earth that provides panoramic views from positions along many streets in the world.
It was launched in 2007 in several cities in the US and has since expanded to include cities and rural areas worldwide.
Streets with Street View imagery available are shown as blue lines on Google Maps.
It displays panoramas of stitched images.
Most photography is done by car, but some is done by trekker, tricycle, walking, boat, snowmobile, camel, and underwater apparatus.
The industry is ready to meet global obligations to ensure that manufacture and trade of dual use items are not diverted or re-exported for unauthorised use, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci) said hoping that the US will push for India's membership at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
The industry body welcomed the operationalisation of India-US Civil Nuclear Deal.
It also hailed the initiation of preparatory work on six nuclear reactors in India between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse, saying it is expected to unleash a "$150 billion nuclear industry in India thereby creating jobs and ensuring access to clean energy and ensuring our energy security".
The NPCIL and US firm Westinghouse have agreed to begin engineering and site design work immediately for the six nuclear power plant reactors and conclude contractual arrangements by June 2017.
"Indian industry welcomes the country's entry to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) regime and hopes the US will do the heavy lifting to push for India's membership at the NSG to be decided later this month.
"It will help the India-US collaboration in high technology in critical areas and will enable high value technology embedded trade for Make in India projects. This also opens up opportunities for similar cooperation with countries like the UK and France," Ficci said in a statement on Thursday.
Earlier this week, India cleared all hurdles in getting membership of the MTCR, a key anti-proliferation grouping, as no member country opposed its entry into it.
Membership of the group will help India access high-end missile technology.
Ficci said the step further cements the strategic relationship between the two nations reaffirming the "trusted partner" status that has been accorded to India in Defence & Aerospace.
The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed India's case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
"Indian industry is ready to meet international obligations and licensing norms to ensure that technology acquisition, manufacture and trade of dual use items will not be diverted or re-exported for unauthorised use.
"Indian industry is ready to work on Internal Compliance Programs and international best practices to ensure the country's non-proliferation records," Ficci Secretary General A Didar Singh said.
The industry body said these positive developments in civil nuclear energy sector will send the right signals for the reoperationalisation of the domestic nuclear programme which has been stalled for last two years on the nuclear liability issue.
"The finalisation of the Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP) policy for the operator augurs well in this positive environment, Ficci now hopes that the INIP for the supplier gets Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) approval at the earliest, so that the domestic program can be reinitiated," it said.
An Indian-origin former CIA official, being extradited to Italy to serve a jail term for her alleged role in the 2003 abduction of an Egyptian cleric, has appealed to Pope Francis to speak out against the extraordinary renditions used by the spy agency post 9/11 attacks.
In an open letter to the Pope, Sabrina De Sousa said imposition of state secrets on the Rendition, Detention and Interrogation programme, ensure that abuses of power or human rights are never exposed.
"State secrets, as I discovered, are also used to hinder proper investigations," said De Sousa, who is to be extradited from Portugal to Italy to serve a four-year sentence after Portugal's Constitutional Court rejected her final appeal.
Observing that the Pope has spoken decisively about the programme, she said: "We need Your Holiness' voice now more than ever to keep this issue in the forefront for much-needed discourse in the court of public opinion. If we do not have a complete understanding of the impact and utility of such programmes, it's entirely possible that similar programmes will in the near future be introduced in the name of national security."
De Sousa, 60, has a dual citizenship of Portugal and the US. She is being extradited for her alleged role in the February 2003 rendition of Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, also known as Abu Omar.
De Sousa, who grew up in Mumbai, was among 26 Americans convicted in absentia by Italian courts for their alleged role in the abduction.
"As of today, my extradition from Portugal to Italy is underway. Italy has guaranteed Portugal that I will be notified of my sentence and have the opportunity to counter the charges against me. Whether that happens, remains to be seen," De Sousa wrote in her letter.
She said she was a US government official and diplomat accredited to Italy at the time of the Abu Omar rendition.
"I was charged and convicted in absentia for his kidnapping, charges that I have tried to counter for over a decade. I was never notified nor was I allowed to defend myself because of secrecy obligations.
"My attempts over several years to engage senior US officials and members of the Intelligence committees in the Congress of the US also proved fruitless," she said.
"The absence of due process and the imposition of various versions of state secrets are obstacles that prevent the many unanswered questions about the premise and justification for Abu Omar's rendition," De Sousa said.
These same obstacles are emblematic of the fact that even after a decade the stated objective of "bringing terrorists to justice" has yet to take place, said the former CIA official.
"When these abuses are exposed by a few courageous citizens, retribution is swift. Lives are destroyed, families threatened and many are imprisoned for the crime of exposing criminal conduct.
"Further, the insertion of secrecy within a system which was meant to allow citizens the ability to voice legitimate concerns before elected officials, renders the system useless," De Sousa said.
Eric Williams Photography
Albuquerque City Councilors took a long agenda on a four-hour stroll during their Monday, June 6, meeting. Historically, June agendas tend to be a bit hefty as the Council tries to wrap up city business before the end of the fiscal year and before the annual July month-long recess.
Pointing Fingers
Public comments were dominated by a blame game going on between the citys law enforcement and the groups, organizations and individual protesters over the violence that erupted during the May 24 Donald Trump rally. Council President Dan Lewis started out by reading the rules of decorum for addressing the Council. Several times during the often heated public comment period, Councilor Lewis had to warn members of the gallery to not interject comments. Javier Benavidez, executive director of the Southwest Organizing Project, spoke passionately about the citys law enforcement agencies targeting and arresting protesters including a 14-year-old boy charged with an adult felony. We are requesting the police to stop the high-financed witch hunt of young people of color, Benavidez said. We ask you to take a stand for our young people. Benavidez called out Councilor Lewis for allegedly standing behind Trump and cheering on the volatile speech. Some Councilors defended and some criticized the police response but most agreed it was a black eye for the city. When we say come out and protest we better be prepared for what could happen, said Councilor Klarissa Pena. Other random public comments included:
Do we want to ruin the life of a youngster before he has the chance to live it?
Children dont belong in court.
I am proud to have participated in the Trump rally protest in the early evening hours and I condemn, I condemn the riot that took place later.
Peace is the generous contribution to the good of all.
More Sun Later
Councilors put off making a commitment to set a goal of generating at least 25% of the electricity used by city facilities from solar energy by 2025. Councilor Dan Lewis said a fiscal impact analysis is in process and should be done by August. Several young people spoke out in support of this idea of more sun power. It is a necessity and I dont think it is too much to ask that you not cause the end of the world as we know it in the next 30 years, one young citizen said.
Stepping Up
Nearly a dozen city residents took spots on several boards and commissions. Those appointments include Robert Bello, Daniel Solares and Petra Morris to the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission. Former City Council candidate Hess Yntema IV was appointed to the Labor Management Board. John Whitson took a position at the Parks and Recreation Board. A chunk of items on the consent agenda were quarterly reports on the citys progress on public safety goals. Councilor Pat Davis asked City Attorney Jessica Hernandez how things were going meeting the settlement deadlines set by the Department of Justice. Hernandez said that her office and the police department have worked hard in the last three months to meet the deadlines.
Bucks for Wanna Be Mayors
Councilors approved a bill that puts a question on the November ballot asking voters to raise the amount of money publicly funded mayoral candidates receive to run their campaigns. Municipal candidates can choose if they want to raise their own private campaign funds or go through the process to qualify for public campaign financing. To qualify for the public financing, candidates have to gather a number of signatures and $5 donations from registered voters. If voters approve the ballot question, it would raise that amount to $1.75 from the existing $1.50 per voter. The public money comes to about $630,00 per mayoral candidate and a little over $250,000 for publicly funded Council candidates. The vote was not unanimous, Councilor Trudy Jones dissented saying if you want to run for office you should be prepared to hit the streets, knock on doors and raise your own dang campaign money.
Future Folk Fest
Councilors deferred until June 20 the idea of adding a regional folk festival to the citys list of cultural offerings. The proposal considers a one-day event possibly held at Expo New Mexico or a multi-day event held at a venue such as the Balloon Fiesta Park or the Open Space Visitor Center where folks can channel their inner gypsy and camp out.
Land Bank
Councilors approved setting aside 2 percent of the biennial General Obligation Bonds from the Capital Improvement Program for open space acquisition over the next 20 years. Councilors Winter and Jones opposed the set aside saying the funding could take away from other more critical projects and that 20 years is a long time to commit to something.
Central Business Collaborative
Councilors approved forming a new business advisory board for Central businesses impacted by the proposed Albuquerque Rapid Transit line running from Coors to Louisiana. According to Gary Oppedahl, director of the citys Economic Development Department, a group of people from the Small Business Resource Collaborative are already meeting one-on-one with small business owners along the corridor. Oppedahl said there are 1,200 business along the proposed route with 800 businesses that will be directly impacted. Out of those businesses, 374 are locally owned. Oppedahl said the locally owned small businesses are the ones that the SBRC are focused on to help minimize the negative effects of the proposed year and a half construction.
Shares of Infosys fell by over 4 per cent today, wiping out Rs 12,138 crore from its market valuation amid concerns related to outlook after its chief operating officer said challenges in retail, energy and insurance sectors could result in 'quarterly bumps' for the firm.
The bluechip stock went down 4.27 per cent to settle at Rs 1,185.45 on BSE. During the day, it plunged 4.61 per cent to Rs 1,181.10.
The stock was the worst performer among the 30-Sensex components.
On NSE, it slipped 4.24 per cent to close at Rs 1,185.50.
Following the decline in the stock, the company's market valuation plunged Rs 12,138.69 crore to Rs 2,72,291.31 crore.
On the volume front, 4.96 lakh shares of the company were traded at BSE and over 63 lakh shares changed hands at NSE during the day.
Decline in the stock was also significant in dragging down the Sensex by 257.20 points to 26,763.46.
"Shares of IT major Infosys slipped by more than 4 per cent on the bourses after the company guided for 200 basis points cut in its guidance for June quarter margins. The cut in margin is due to the rising visa and salary costs, according to the company," Bonanza Portfolio, Head: Wealth Management and Financial Planning Achin Goel said.
Speaking at the Citi India Investor Conference, Infosys COO U B Pravin Rao said the company would face volatility over the next few quarters, due to weaker spending from these sectors.
However, the Bengaluru-based company was still on track to meet its full-year constant currency revenue guidance of 11.5-13.5 per cent.
"We still remain confident of (our guidance of) 11.5-13.5 per cent. But at the same time, given the volatile nature of our business, given the propensity of our clients to react immediately to some of the volatility, we will expect some short-term or quarterly bumps and ups and downs, but for the year, we remain confident," he said.
"In the last couple of weeks, we have seen results from retail in both the US and Europe have not been good - it is been probably the poorest that we have seen in recent times. At this stage we don't know how retailers will react. At the beginning of the year... We were optimistic - now we are a little bit watchful on the retail space," Rao said.
He added the company continues to see challenges in the short-term in the insurance space.
Even as dust on the controversial land deal involving former Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse is yet to settle down, a Maharashtra minister today alleged that a senior IPS officer's son was among four persons who purchased the state Industries Development Corporation (MIDC)-owned land in Pune district in a "fraudulent manner".
The IPS officer in question Dhananjay Kamalakar, currently posted as Joint Commissioner of Police, Economic Offences Wing (EOW) here, has been transfered to Coastal Security. He will be replaced by Praveen Salunkhe.
Senior Shiv Sena leader and state Industries Minister Subhash Desai told reporters at Mantralaya that MIDC has been "cheated" as its land at Ranjangaon village was "grabbed fraudulently".
He claimed the land was purchased by Bhujangrao Ogle, Rohit Kamalakar, Rangnath Walke and Prashant Ogle in a "fraudulent manner".
Rohit is the son of Dhananjay Kamalakar.
Meanwhile, repeated calls made to Dhananjay Kamalakar remained unanswerable. The text messages sent to him also yielded no response.
Desai told reporters that he has asked officials of his department to conduct a probe into the fraudulent purchase, and assured strict action against the guilty.
The minister said the 7.64-hectare land in question has been owned by MIDC after its original owners Shivajirao Navale and Arun Navale sold the land on October 20, 1992.
Desai further said the Navales were paid the compensation of Rs 1.81 lakh. "Since 1992, the said land is in possession of the MIDC," he said.
Its market value is said to be in several crores.
"Later, some people asked the MIDC for a No Objection Certificate allowing the purchase of the land. However, the MIDC did not allow it, filed an FIR and lodged a case with a court in Pune," he said.
Desai said a Common Effluent Treatment plant was constructed on the land, which is in operation.
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Meanwhile, the Pune district police today registered a
case against officials of the Revenue Department and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation for "fabricating" the land records and changing the land title in MIDC's name.
Ranjangaon MIDC police said they registered a case of fabrication of documents after the Shirur-based judicial magistrate ordered them to register a case and conduct an inquiry.
A police officer said Ogle, Rohit Kamalakar and two others had moved the court against these officials alleging that they fabricated the land records and changed the land title despite clear instructions from the civil court not to take any action.
According to Ogle, before purchasing the land from the original owner they had written to MIDC in 2015 for a no-objection certificate.
MIDC told them that the land had not been acquired by the corporation, so there was no question of giving NOC.
Ogle and others then executed the sale deed. But MIDC then approached the civil court, and also deleted the purchasers' names from the records and entered the MIDC's name, according to Ogle's complaint.
A senior MIDC official, on the other hand, told
Efforts to choke off the finances of the Islamic State (ISIS) group have left it unable to pay its fighters and spurred corruption within the group, a senior US official said today.
Daniel Glaser, the Treasury's assistant secretary for terrorist financing, told Congress that a combination of bombing attacks on cash stores and oil shipments, locking it out of the banking system, and cutting off Iraq government cash flows to ISIS-controlled areas, has left the group struggling financially.
"As a result of these efforts, ISIL (ISIS) is struggling to pay its fighters and we have seen a number of ISIL fighters leaving the battlefield as their pay and benefits have been cut and delayed," he said, using the US's preferred acronym for Islamic State.
"When we see indications that ISIL cannot pay the salaries of its own fighters and is trying to make up for lost revenue elsewhere, we know we are hitting them where it hurts.... ISIL, like any terrorist organisation, needs money to survive," he said.
In written testimony for a House of Representatives committee hearing on security threats, Glaser said the US government's focused attack on the financial resources of and other groups the US dubs terrorist have had significant impact.
Al-Qaeda, which has relied traditionally on money transferred from the Gulf region, has felt the result of efforts to block that funding, with the help of financial authorities in Gulf countries, he said.
But he said Gulf states need to do more using domestic laws to freeze funds and assets of suspect groups and individuals.
Glaser also claimed significant successes in cutting off finances for Lebanon's Hezbollah in efforts that have stretched from Asia to Latin America.
"Our actions are creating a hostile operating environment for Hezbollah, raising its costs of doing business, restricting its ability to move funds, and diminishing its revenue base," he said.
Israel clamped down on Palestinian movements and boosted security today after two Palestinians shot dead four people at a popular Tel Aviv nightspot, the deadliest attack in a months-long wave of violence.
Officials said they were suspending entry permits for 83,000 Palestinians during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan in a move that was likely to further stoke tensions following the shooting last night that shocked Israelis.
The attack saw two Palestinians dressed in black open fire as patrons sat at a cafe terrace at the Sarona Market in Israel's commercial capital, police said.
A witness said it seemed at least one of the gunmen had been sitting at the cafe before standing with a rifle and firing.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld could not confirm reports that the attackers were disguised as ultra-Orthodox Jews, but said they had been wearing black suits.
Five people were wounded in addition to the four killed, and the shooting spread panic, with police clearing the area and crowds running for cover.
Details on the victims were not yet clear.
Police said one of the attackers was arrested, while the other was wounded by gunfire and had undergone surgery.
The market and complex of bars and restaurants is located across the street from Israel's defence ministry and main army headquarters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene of what he called the "cold-blooded terrorist murder" after returning from a trip to Moscow and conferred with senior colleagues, including newly installed hardline defence minister Avigdor Lieberman.
"We discussed a range of offensive and defensive steps which we shall take in order to act against this phenomenon," Netanyahu's office quoted the premier as saying.
"There will be intensive action by the police, the army and other security services, not just to catch every accomplice to this murder but also to prevent further incidents."
Police said the two attackers were cousins from the Hebron area in the West Bank, and one of the Israeli authorities' first moves was to revoke tens of thousands of entry permits.
"All permits for Ramadan, especially permits for family visits from Judea and Samaria to Israel, are frozen," said a statement from COGAT, the defence ministry unit which manages civilian affairs in the occupied West Bank.
Israelis refer to the West Bank by its biblical names, Judea and Samaria.
It said that 83,000 Palestinians would be affected, adding that hundreds of residents of the Gaza Strip who had received permits to visit relatives and holy sites during Ramadan would also have access frozen.
It said it had frozen permits for 204 relatives of one of the alleged attackers.
The Jammu and Kashmir government today sought technical assistance from the Union Water Resources Ministry for the implementation of the flood management programme around Jhelum and Tawi rivers.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti raised the issue with Secretary of Union Ministry of Water Resources Shashi Shekhar, who called on her here today, a government spokesman said.
The Chief Minister called for immediate implementation of the flood management programme around river Jhelum and Tawi rivers, he said.
The programme will be implemented in two phases. Phase I costs Rs 399 crore and phase II Rs 1,178 crore. The funds have been sanctioned under the Rs 80,000-crore Prime Minister's Development Plan for the state.
The Union Secretary informed the Chief Minister that around Rs 20 crore have already been released to the state under Phase I and more funds would be released as soon as the utilization certificates are sent to the Union Ministry.
To expedite the project, the Chief Minister said the state government would also seek the help of the Union Shipping Ministry and Dredging Corporation of India.
The Chief Minister was informed that with the execution of both the phases of the programme, the carrying capacity of Jhelum will increase from existing 40,000 cusecs to 60,000 cusecs.
The Chief Minister also sought the intervention of the Union Water Resources Ministry to place a robust infrastructure in place for flood management around Jhelum, Tawi, Chenab and small rivers and nallas (streams) including Veshow, Rambiara, Bringi and Romshu.
BJP's Lok Sabha member Ravindra Rai today said the Raghubar Das government has started several welfare schemes for the poor and they are getting the benefits.
The former Jharkhand president of the party told reporters here that Giridih district has got Rs 2.68 crore from the government.
He said the state was serious about every family getting kerosene.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will undertake his maiden visit to China later this month during which he will attend the first annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and address Chinese investors to scout for investments.
Jaitley will attend the first meeting of the Board of Governors of the China-sponsored to be held here on June 25-26, official sources told PTI.
This will be Jaitley's first visit to China after he took over as Finance Minister.
Indian officials said his programme is still being finalised. India is among the 57 founding member countries which have joined the Beijing-headquartered bank.
The bank has started its operations from early this year.
India, which is the second largest shareholder after China, has been elected to the 12-member board of governors.
With authorised capital of $100 billion and subscribed capital of $50 billion, plans to invest in sectors including energy, transportation, urban construction and logistics as well as education and healthcare.
The World Bank said in a statement recently that that the expects to approve about $1.2 billion in financing this year.
Projects jointly financed by the World Bank accounts for a sizeable share. The projects may be announced during the first governors meeting. China is the largest shareholder with 26.06% voting shares.
India is the second largest shareholder with 7.5% followed by Russia 5.93% and Germany with 4.5%. India's total capital subscription amounts to $8.37 billion.
Besides attending the AIIB meeting, Jaitley will address a meeting of Chinese investors to apprise them about investment opportunities in India.
Officials say Chinese investments roughly amounted to $2 billion so far and expected to pick up pace this year.
During his visit to India in 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised $20 billion investments from China in the next five years.
India is also pressing China to step up investments to address the mounting trade deficit which amounted to $48 billion last year in about $70 billion bilateral trade.
Ahead of Jaitley's visit, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will make his second visit to China to mobilise investments.
He will be addressing investors meetings in Beijing and Guangzhou, officials here said.
A Chinese naval ship sailed into waters surrounding disputed islands for the first time early on Thursday, prompting Tokyo to summon the Chinese ambassador to protest, the Japanese government said.
Russian naval ships were also seen in the area around the same time, according to local media.
"Around 00:50 a.m. (local time), a Chinese naval vessel entered our nation's contiguous waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands," the Japanese foreign ministry said in a statement.
Japan administers the uninhabited isles under that name while China also claims them and calls them the Diaoyu islands.
Relations between Japan and China deteriorated in 2012 when Tokyo "nationalised" some of the islands.
Since then, the two largest Asian economies have taken gradual steps to mend fences but relations remain tense.
Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki summoned Chinese ambassador Cheng Yonghua around 2:00 a.m.to lodge a protest.
Saiki "expressed grave concerns and protested, while demanding the ship immediately leave our nation's contiguous zone," the ministry statement said.
Japanese diplomats and defence officials could not be reached immediately for further comment.
During his meeting with Saiki, Cheng claimed the Chinese frigate was allowed to sail in the waters, Kyodo News said, citing an unnamed source.
The frigate left the zone at about 3:10 a.m., according to major Japanese media, including Kyodo and national broadcaster NHK.
Chinese coast guard vessels routinely travel around the disputed islands, but this was reportedly the first time a Chinese navy ship has been spotted.
Three Russian military vessels were also seen in the waters around the disputed islands around the same time, Japanese media said.
The Russian ships entered the area around 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday and left around 3:05 a.m. on Thursday, Jiji Press said, adding that Russian naval ships have entered the waters before.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today expressed grief over the death of her school teacher Catherine Simon, hailing her as a great influence on her life and an inspiration to girl students.
"I was shocked and grieved to learn of the passing away of Catherine Simon, my teacher in Presentation Convent, Church Park, Chennai," she said.
Stating that Catherine dedicated her life to teaching, she said, "I had the good fortune of being her student," from 1958 to 1964.
"She was a great influence on my life and we shared a very special relationship as a teacher and student."
She said her teacher was an inspiration to generations of girl students and her qualities of compassion and firmness honed hundreds of young people to grow up as responsible citizens.
"May her soul rest in peace," she said.
Catherine Simon (89) died of a cardiac arrest here yesterday afternoon.
The JD(U) today criticised Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi for creating "unnecessary controversy" on the killing of 'nilgai' (blue bills) and supported the move for culling in the interest of Bihar farmers.
"Maneka Gandhi is creating an unnecessary controversy over the issue of culling of nilgai...If she is so much concerned about nilgais, then I would request her to come to Mokama taal area and we will give her warm send off with nilgais which she can keep at her bungalow or in zoo," JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar told PTI.
Gandhi, who is an animal rights activist, should be rather much more concerned about her ministry (Women and Child Development), Kumar said.
On December 2015, the Central government put 'nilgai' in schedule 5 from schedule 3 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, thus allowing the killing of nilgai which destroys crops in large volume.
This is in the interest of the state's farmers, especially areas like Mokama taal, where one crop is harvested in a year, JD(U) leader said while questioning Gandhi for keeping silent since December 1, 2015.
Culling of nilgai is even allowed in BJP ruled states of Rajasthan and Maharashtra, he said and asked why the minister does not raise question on the killing of nilgai in these two states.
On Gandhi's assertion that nilgai (blue bull) belongs to 'Deer' species, JD(U) leader said that nilgai belongs to 'antelope' species.
He said that a PIL had also been filed in the Patna High Court by farmers seeking culling of nilgais besides, farmers of West Champaran had launched an agitation for allowing shooting of the animals.
Even Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, who hails from East Champaran, wants to take credit for allowing to kill nilgai, claimed JD(U) spokesman who termed the incident as lack of cohesion among Union Ministers.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi had expressed her displeasure over the killing of nilgai in Bihar and said it has happened when neither the village head nor the farmers have called for their killing.
Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Environment and Forests, on his part has defended animal culling, insisting it is done on the request of states to protect crops.
JNU students led by their union president Kanhaiya Kumar today staged a protest outside HRD ministry demanding that reservation to OBC candidates be granted for appointments at associate professor level, following which 36 of them were detained.
The students had yesterday gone to University Grants Commission (UGC) and submitted a memorandum that the OBC reservation be implemented, at both professor and associate professor level, in promotions and the number of national fellowships for OBCs be increased.
The students claimed that UGC had recently said 27 per OBC reservation is applicable only at the level of assistant professor and demanded that it be implemented at both the levels.
However, UGC had yesterday clarified that there has been no change in reservation policy for teachers in universities.
According to police officials, 36 students were detained as a preventive measure to maintain law and order situation. They were released later.
However, after being released from Parliament Street police station, the students staged an agitation outside UP Bhawan demanding justice in the Dadri lynching case.
The trigger for the protest was a Mathura-based forensic laboratory's report that the meat collected from the crime scene in Dadri where 50-year-old Mohd Akhlaq was allegedly lynched over rumour that his family had stored and consumed beef, was actually meat of cow or its progeny.
25 students, including Kanhaiya were detained from the spot and taken to the same police station.
A First Class Judicial Magistrate today lodged an FIR stating that he has received an extortion demand of Rs 25 lakh failing which he would be eliminated.
"An FIR has been lodged with town police station by Nishant Kumar Priyadarshi, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Raxaul, Motihari, for receiving an extortion demand of Rs 25 lakh, failing which he (JM) would be eliminated," town police station SHO Ajay Kumar said.
The FIR has been lodged under two sections of IPC 353 which deals with 'assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty' and 387 that talks about 'putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion.'
As per the FIR, Priyadarshi, received calls twice from an anonymous caller when he was discharging his duty in his official chamber at Motihari.
When the JM asked the name of the caller, he (caller) asked him (JM) in a threatening tone to get his nephew, who was involved in a criminal case, free.
The caller also asked the JM to pay Rs 25 lakh failing which he would be eliminated, the FIR said.
The investigation has started, the SHO said.
When contacted, Bihar Judicial Services Association Secretary Ajit Kumar Singh expressed concern about the safety and security of the Judicial Officers posted all over the state.
Singh, a Sub-Judge at Jamui, said that the Patna High Court has taken up the matter of security of Judicial Officers with the state government, pursuant to which it was resolved by the Department of Home, Bihar Government, to provide security cover to all Judicial Officers including magistrates.
The Secretary said that he has taken up the security matter with the state government and DGP but concerns are yet to be addressed completely.
East Champaran District Bar Association Secretary Shambhu Sharan Singh also condemned the incident.
Justice C S Karnan, who was involved in a spat with brother judge Justice Ashim Kumar Roy in a division bench over changing of a bail prayer order, was today given charge of a single bench.
Justice Karnan will preside over a single bench on and from June 9, 2016 and hear education and old matters, according to a new determination given by Chief Justice Manjula Chellur, court officials said.
Justice Karnan, who had earlier been in for staying his transfer order from the Madras High Court to the Calcutta High Court by the Supreme Court, had differed with brother judge Justice Ashim Kumar Roy over bail to ten accused persons in the Vivekananda Road flyover collapse case after earlier holding concurrence on refusing bail to them.
The bench, comprising Justice Roy and Justice Karnan, had refused bail to the ten accused on May 20.
Justice Karnan, however, had a change of mind later and signed in favour of granting bail to the accused.
Justice Roy objected to Justice Karnan's decision as they sat in the court together as part of the division bench on Tuesday.
While Justice Roy said such orders were always passed in open court room, Justice Karnan said after going through the papers relating to the case afresh in his chamber, he felt bail should be granted to the ten accused and as such decided in favour of granting of bail.
Following arguments in the open court over the legality of the order of Justice Karnan, the judges left the court room and retired to their respective chambers.
As per the new determination effective from today, senior judge Justice Roy would now be sitting in a division bench with another judge to hear bail matters.
Justice Karnan, who is presiding over a single bench, will now hear education and old matters.
Justice Karnan, who had taken leave yesterday, sat in the single bench today and took up matters for hearing.
The Calcutta High Court Bar Association, which had decided not to attend the court of Justice Karnan in an extraordinary general body meeting held on Tuesday, today said that its decision stands.
"A few lawyers are attending the court, but most of our members are refraining from participating in judicial proceedings before the court of Justice Karnan in adherence to the resolution taken by the association," Bar Association General Secretary Suranjan Dasgupta said.
As Congress seeks to mollify him after his resignation from the party, Gurudas Kamat today had separate meetings with senior Congress leaders A K Antony and Ahmed Patel but declined to spell out his plans.
The meetings took place at Patel's residence here where several leaders had come to condole the death of his daughter-in-law Zainab Neduo.
Kamat also had a meeting with Patel, who is political secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, last night.
However, both Anthony and Kamat declined to comment on their meeting.
Asked whether he was taking back his resignation, Kamat said "no comments". When further probed on whether he would meet the Congress President, he said that would happen "in due course".
On June 6, the 61-year-old Congress general secretary had announced that he was quitting active politics and resigning from the party.
Kamat had said that he has the "highest respect and regard" for Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi and "my resignation is purely on personal grounds".
Kamat, who had been Mumbai PCC chief for a long time, was reportedly unhappy over the appointment of his known detractor Sanjay Nirupam as the head of the city unit of the party.
The move had come ahead of next year's Mumbai civic elections, where Congress is hoping to dislodge the incumbent Shiv Sena-BJP combine.
Seeking to dispel the notion that he was upset over party electing P Chidambaram to Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra and former Chief Minister Narayan Rane to Legislative Council, Kamat said he had no issues with them and he had worked under the senior Congress leader in the Home Ministry.
Meanwhile, former Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde expresed confidence that the leadership would resolve the issue by addressing the grievances of Kamat.
Shinde had meetings with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi over the last two days.
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Meanwhile, in a statement issued in Mumbai, Kamat denied the media reports that he had objected to the party nominating P Chidambaram to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, and also the nomination of Narayan Rane for the state Legislative Council election.
He said that Chidambaram was a very senior and respected leader of the party, and he himself had worked under the former Home Minister as a Minister of State for Home, and held Chidambaram in a very high esteem.
Kamat also said he had no differences with Rane, and there was no question of having objected to the nomination of either leader.
He blamed the media reports on "unscrupulous rumour mongers".
A national commission in Kenya has announced it has fired 302 police officers who refused to be vetted as part of reforms of the police force.
The reforms are aimed at restoring public confidence in an institution repeatedly implicated in endemic corruption and human rights abuses.
The National Police Service Commission said yesterday that the officers, most of them in the traffic department, will receive dismissal letters from police chief Joseph Boinnet, who is also a member of the commission.
The decision to dismiss the officers was reached at a board meeting held at the commission's offices on Tuesday, commission Chairman Johnston Kavuludi said.
Kenya is vetting all its police officers as part of a reform package the government agreed to undertake after adopting a new constitution in 2010. So far at least 3,000 officers have been vetted with close to 100 fired.
The adoption of the new constitution and police reforms were part of agreement that ended post-election violence following a flawed presidential poll in December 2007 that left more than 1,000 people dead. Kenya's police force was accused of taking sides during the violence.
The police force is the most corrupt institution in Kenya, according to global anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.
Government spokesman Eric Kiraithe, who was previously a police spokesman, has said that corruption in the police force runs deep and wide.
The vetting of some 80,000 officers, which started in December 2013, has been criticized for overlooking the human rights records of senior police officers who have been accused of sanctioning and participating in extra-judicial killings of suspects.
A UN expert on extra-judicial, summary and arbitrary killings said Kenyan police are a law unto themselves and carry out carefully planned, systematic and widespread killings of individuals.
An investigation by The Associated Press last year found that many ordinary officers on the beat have turned into killers doling out death to terror suspects, civilians and even children.
The vetting panel has faced several death threats. In one case a severed head was sent to their office with a note warning them to tread carefully.
Rail wagon project at Kulti in West Bengal, which was initiated by Mamata Banerjee during her stint as the railway minister in 2011, is set to become operational soon.
"The railways has fostered a joint venture between two public sector undertakings and we (railways) will have an indirect participation. The project is likely to be commissioned very shortly," Hemant Kumar, Railway Board member, said at an interactive session with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu hosted by MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Banerjee had laid the foundation stone for the project and work on the factory had began in 2011.
The wagon factory will be a joint venture between Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and RITES Ltd and will be called SAIL-RITES Bengal Wagon Industries Pvt Ltd.
An official said this unit has already received commitment of 500 wagons for supplying to railways.
The Kerala government is against the merger of State Bank of Travancore (SBT) with State Bank of India (SBI), Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said.
This is the first political opposition to the proposed merger of SBI associate banks with the parent.
People of the state consider SBT as a bank of Kerala and the government also has the same view. We want SBT to remain as it is, Vijayan said at a meet-the-press programme Thiruvananthapuram.
The state co-operative bank would then become "a big bank" with financial capacity equal to that of any scheduled bank in the state. "We are seriously considering it," he added.
Last month, SBI cleared a proposal for merger of subsidiary banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank. It sought the government's approval for the same. The country's largest lender has five associate banks State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Hyderabad.
Vijayan, who took over as chief minister on May 25, said the government is planning a two-pronged strategy short-term and long-term for economic development of the state.
Keeping intact the State Planning Board and steps for the preparation of the 13th Five-Year Plan is an indication of the government's objective of long-term programmes, he said.
Even though the Centre decided to do away with the Planning Commission, the state government, considering the special circumstances of Kerala, has resolved to keep the State Planning Board.
Referring to the grim financial position of the state, he said that as per the latest Comptroller and Auditor General of India report, total debt stood at Rs.1.54 lakh crore. Arrears to the government contractors work out around Rs 1,230 crore, he said.
However, Vijayan added: "I am not saying that the state's future is dark."
He is hopeful that the LDF government will tackle the crisis with new development initiatives and resource mobilisation.
Listing the government's priorities, he singled out infrastructure such as power, transport and roads in the state that needs improvement.
Apparently referring to local protest during land acquisition for projects, Vijayan spoke about "support and co-operation of people" as necessary for their execution.
Vijayan made it clear that the LDF government will not abandon the LNG terminal project, which has seen pipe-laying work getting delayed due to protest by local people.
"We will not abandon the project due to protest. It is required for the development of the state," he said.
The government will take initiatives in implementing the project by resolving the problems connected with pipe laying work, he added.
As part of the Rs 4,200-crore LNG import terminal in Kochi, pipelines connecting Kochi to Mangalore and Bangalore are being built. Also, state-owned GAIL India plans to link this pipeline with Chennai.
Asked if the government will work out any compensation package for people whose land would be acquired, Vijayan replied that the government is ready to hold talks on the matter.
To a question on SmartCity IT park in Kochi, Vijayan said he would meet the authorities on June 23.
Warplanes of Libya's unity government today bombed Islamic State group positions in Sirte as part of an offensive to retake the jihadist stronghold, the military said in a statement.
The strikes targeted the area around a conference centre where IS had set up a command post, it said.
Forces loyal to Libya's internationally backed Government of National Accord (GNA) have been advancing on Sirte, the jihadist group's key bastion in the North African country.
The unity government's navy has taken control of the coast of Sirte as part of the offensive, Rida Issa, the naval commander for central Libya, told AFP.
"Our forces control the entire coast of Sirte. They (IS jihadists) will not be able to flee by sea," he said.
He said naval forces had supported the offensive including by "carrying out operations to open the way for ground forces to advance along the coast."
The unity government's forces and those of a rival authority in the east are in a race to be the first to drive IS out of Sirte, the hometown on the Mediterranean of Libya's ousted dictator Moamer Kadhafi.
Yesterday the unity government said its forces had captured two military barracks from the jihadists near Sirte during their advance.
UK-based reinsurer Lloyd's of London is looking at 8-10 per cent annual growth in its India business, a senior executive said today.
At present, the Lloyd's annual premium income from within the country stands at USD 200 million (around Rs 1,334 crore).
Lloyd's currently underwrites business in the country on an off-shore basis. It has applied for licence before the insurance regulator Irdai and the company is likely to kick off its operations in the country by early next year.
"We are looking at a growth in our business from India operations in future at 8-10 per cent which is slightly more than the country's GDP growth," Lloyd's of London chairman John Nelson told reporters here.
In 2013, the non-life penetration rate in the country was 0.6 per cent, compared with an average of 1.4 per cent in Asia Pacific and a 6.1 per cent global average, he said.
The USD 12.5 billion (around Rs 83,400 crore) country's non-life market is heavily state influenced, with 65 per cent of re-insured risks staying onshore.
To start with, Lloyd's, which operates through syndicates, will have small operations in the country.
"Initially, there will be 2-3 syndicates with us when we kick off our operations in the country which is likely from the early next year which will be expanding gradually in future," Nelson said.
Some of the lines of business Lloyd's operates in are energy, aviation, property, marine and catastrophe.
"We would grow our business in the country gradually by offering solutions for complex and specialist risks like infrastructure, energy, director and officer liability, trade credit, terrorism and disaster management. For us, Indian market from the day one will be high competitive market," he said.
Speaking about the regulatory environment in the country, he said, "We are happy to be allowed to operate in the country. However, we do hope that the regulator here will further liberalise its regulations for global re-insurers in the country in coming days."
At present, the state-run GIC Re is the sole re-insurer in the country and as per the regulatory norm, it will continue to get first right of refusal even as quite a few global re-insurers have applied for licence in the country.
Replying to a query on the GIFT City, which is being developed in Gujarat, he said, "to do that India has to face competition from already existing international finance centres like Dubai, Singapore and China.
A new restaurant offering customers the promise of a 'completely natural' dining experience is all set to open as 'The Buniyadi' here.
Based on the Hindi word meaning fundamental, the restaurant will operate on a clothing-optional basis.
"We believe people should get the chance to enjoy and experience a night out without any impurities: no chemicals, no artificial colours, no electricity, no gas, no phone and even no clothes if they wish to. The idea is to experience true liberation," said Seb Lyall, founder of Lollipop, the company behind the restaurant.
"We have worked very hard to design a space where everything patrons interact with is bare and naked. The use of natural bamboo partitions and candlelight has enabled to us to make the restaurant discreet," he said.
The food will be served on handmade clay plates with edible cutlery and diners would have to leave their mobile phones and other gadgets at the door and will be given to the option to even take off their gowns provided on arrival.
The restaurant, which will open on Saturday, does have a "clothes" section for those who wish to remain dressed while dining.
Customers will be served vegan and non-vegan dished accompanied by organic,preserve-free wine under candle light.
The pop-up style restaurant in the east end of London already has a waiting list of 44,200 people and will be open for three months with a seating capacity of 42 guests.
The Madhya Pradesh Congress Legislature Party today issued a whip to its members to vote for the party candidate Vivek Tankha in the June 11 biennial election to the Rajya Sabha.
The whip was issued by chief whip Ram Niwas Rawat. It also directed the party MLAs to show the ballot to the party's authorised agent before casting it.
Congress has 57 MLAs in the state and is short of one vote to ensure the victory of its candidate.
BSP has four MLAs and has already issued a whip to its legislators to vote for the Congress candidate.
In the 230-member Assembly, the ruling BJP has 166 members followed by Congress (57), BSP (4) and Independents (3).
Congress had asked the senior party leader and former Union Minister Kamal Nath to camp in Bhopal to ensure victory of its candidate. Nath has been holding one-to-one meetings with the legislators at the state Congress office here.
AICC general secretary and in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Mohan Prakash too has reached here. Both will remain here till the completion of voting on June 11, party sources said.
A Congress delegation today met the Chief Election Commissioner and asked him to recommend to the President "immediate disqualification" of 21 AAP MLAs holding "office of profit" by working as Parliamentary secretaries to the state government ministers.
Leading the delegation, Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said that it would be "unethical" if these 21 MLAs are allowed to attend the two day special session of Delhi Assembly which started today.
The MLAs holding the posts of Parliamentary secretaries to the AAP government ministers should be immediately disqualified for holding office of profit as they have been given "cars and office rooms", he said.
"It has been clearly stated in the NCT of Delhi Act, 1991 that if any MLA, other than the ministers, holds any office of profit in Delhi government, the MLA concerned would invite disqualification of the membership of the Assembly."
Maken said "the Supreme Court in its judgement in Jaya Bachhan vs Union of India case has also ruled the office of profit implies even if the holder of the post chooses not to receive the emoluments he or she is entitled to."
He claimed the 21 AAP MLAs were not only enjoying benefits of the Parliamentary secretary post but were also "influencing" the decisions.
"The 21 Parliamentary secretaries were given government vehicles and office rooms in violation of norms and rules. These MLAs were not only doing administrative works in the ministers' offices, but they were also influencing the decisions," he alleged.
The party delegation included AICC in-charge of Delhi unit of Congress, P C Chacko, chief spokesperson Sharmistha Mukherjee, AICC Legal cell secretary K C Mittal and Chattar Singh.
Two Union Ministers--Maneka Gandhi Prakash Javadekar--today locked horns over culling of animals with the former saying there was "lust" for killing in the Environment Ministry.
Javadekar, who is the Minister for Environment and Forests, on his part defended animal culling, insisting it is done on the request of states to protect crops.
The war of words was quickly seized upon by the opposition parties which alleged there was no teamwork or cohesion in the Modi government.
The outburst by Maneka, who holds the Women and Child Development portfolio and is an animal rights activist, came in the wake of the recent killing of 'nilgai' (blue bulls) in Bihar, which she termed as "biggest ever massacre".
Maneka said the Union Environment Ministry "is writing to every state government, allowing them to provide a list of animals that can be killed so that the Centre can give permission.
"This is happening for the first time. I don't understand this lust for killing of animals."
However, Javadekar insisted that it was "scientific management" of animal population and the permissions for killing animals designated as 'vermin' were restricted to particular areas and time period.
Maneka claimed the Centre has allowed killing of 'nilgai' in Bihar, elephants in West Bengal, monkeys in Himachal Pradesh, peacocks in Goa and wild boars in Chandrapur even when the wildlife departments of states are saying they do not wish to kill animals.
On the 'nilgai' killing in Bihar, she said it has happened when neither the village head nor the farmers have called for their killing.
Responding to the charge, Javadekar said it is being done as per existing law and is not a central government programme.
"As per existing law when farmers face a lot of problems and their crops are completely damaged and when state government sends a proposal, only then we allow (culling) and grant approval to the state government's proposal for a particular area and time period for scientific management.
"It is not a programme of the central government. The law is such," he said.
Maneka said 53 wild boars have been killed in drought-hit Chandrapur in Maharashtra and the Environment Ministry has allowed killing of 50 more, even when the state wildlife department does not want that.
"The Ministries do not have cohesion among them. This is not the first time such a thing is happening. All ministries are clashing and that is why work is stalled. There is lack of teamwork," JD(U) spokesman Ajay Alok said.
NCP spokesperson Rahul Narvekar said, "There is no synchronisation between various ministries of the government, thanks to one single person dictating terms. This is another example of bad governance.
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Bihar's ruling JD(U) said the state government has every right to ask for permission from the Central government if animals are not in control.
"The Central government has on June 2015 given permission that upto November 2016 one can kill Nilgai. According to the "Ban Jeewan sarakshan niyam" section XI-V, a professional shooter can be used," JD (U) MLC Neeraj Kumar said
Animal Rights Activist Gauri Maulekhi said the culling of animals is a political decision taken without any logic and scientific reason.
"Instead of finding the reason why animals are coming to human habitat, if we fire at them indiscrimanately like General Dyer, it will not be acceptable," he said.
PETA Activist Nikunj Sharma regretted that the Ministry of Environment and forest, which has been formed to protect animals, is passing orders approving killing of Nilgais and monkeys.
Meanwhile, according to a notification, the Environment Ministry has declared Rhesus Macaque monkey in Himachal Pradesh as "vermin" for a period of one year.
The notification paves the way for state government to take steps for large-scale culling of monkeys.
Vermin means wild animals which are believed to be harmful to crops, farm animals, game or which carry diseases.
The notification said that the state has reported damage to life and property including large scale destruction of agriculture by this species in areas outside forest.
It said that the government has "considered it necessary" to mitigate the damage to human life, crops and properties for ensuring conservation of wildlife in forest.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 62 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), the Central Government, hereby declares Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)... to be vermin for inclusion in Schedule V of the said Act, for a period of one year from the date of publication of this notification," the Ministry's notification said.
The districts in Himachal Pradesh where the monkeys will be included in Schedule V are Chamba, Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Shimla, Sirmour, Kullu, Hamirpur, Sonlan and Mandi.
A scuffle involving an AAP-backed dalit councillor and BJP members today broke out at the "joint session" of three BJP-ruled municipal corporations which passed a resolution slamming Kejriwal government for "not giving" funds to the civic bodies.
The meeting at Ramleela ground here, ostensibly in response to the two-day special session of Delhi Assembly called by AAP government to discuss alleged "corruption and mismanagement" in civic bodies, passed a censure motion against Kejriwal government amid a "walk out" by Congress over the incident involving NDMC councillor Rakesh Kumar.
Kumar, a councillor from Kucha Pandit ward in North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) area, was allegedly roughed up by BJP councillors for wearing the Aam Admi Party (AAP) cap, drawing sharp reaction from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who termed BJP as a party of "ruffians" which was targeting dalits.
Kumar was elected as an independent from the ward but is known as a supporter of AAP.
"The councillors of BJP and Congress were being allowed to raise issues while my attempts to say something went unnoticed. When I tried to draw attention attention of the House by waving the AAP cap, 4-5 persons whom I can identify by face charged at me and started beating me," he alleged.
Kumar said that he immediately called police control room number and lodged his complaint.
"I am a Scheduled Caste member and was elected from the Kucha Pandit ward reserved for the community. It was pure hooliganism and it was captured by TV cameras. I can identify all those who attacked me including the BJP councillor Neeraj Gupta who scuffled with me.
"I will also lodge a complaint in connection with attack on me at Kamla Market police station under relevant laws including SC/ST Act," he said.
Lashing out at BJP, Kejriwal said on Twitter, "Utterly shameful. BJP is a party of gundas. Rakesh is a dalit. BJP assaulting dalits all over India in a systematic way."
North Delhi mayor Sanjeev Nayyar said that action will be taken against the "guilty" on the complaint of Rakesh Kumar.
However, the BJP councillors alleged that Kumar was wearing AAP cap in the joint session of the three municipal corporations and when he was asked to take it off, he became violent.
"He was wearing the AAP cap during the session which is not allowed. He was requested to take it off but he started arguing. After a heated exchange of words occurred, he slapped me.
"I retaliated leading to a scuffle," alleged Neeraj Gupta, BJP councillor from Vasant Vihar(East) ward in South Delhi Municipal Corporation.
The Congress councillors attacked both AAP and BJP for failing to fulfill their promises to the people of Delhi.
"We advice AAP to mind its own working first and stop intervening in the working of MCD. Where are those jobs, wi-fi, free water which he promised before polls," said Farhad Suri, Congress councillor in SDMC.
He also attacked the BJP, which is ruling the three MCDs, terming the joint session as a "drama".
"Neither Kejriwal nor MCD believe in democracy. This joint session is just a drama of the ruling party (BJP). The drama of AAP and BJP is affecting the people," he said.
Senior AAP leader Ashutosh demanded that police file a
case under SC/ST Act against BJP councillors.
"BJP had again shown its anti-Dalit attitude by beating up AAP's Dalit Councillor Rakesh Kumar in Ramlila ground.
"Police should register case under SC/ST act against BJP councillors who beat up Dalit leader of AAP, Rakesh Kumar," he said in his tweets.
The resolution passed in the joint session said, "The CM (Kejriwal) has been intentionally attacking the MCDs and trying to mislead the citizen keeping in view the MCD elections next year."
It asked Delhi government to release the due funds to the civic bodies as per the recommendations of 3rd Finance Commission and implement the 4th Finance Commission recommendations.
Last week, Kejriwal had announced convening of the special session of Delhi Assembly to discuss the working of the civic bodies.
A teenager, who allegedly ran over a 32-year-old marketing executive while driving his father's Mercedes, today moved a Delhi court challenging the Juvenile Justice Board's (JJB) order to try him as an adult.
The boy, who turned major just four days after the April 4 incident, claimed that at best he could be booked for alleged offence of causing death by rash and negligent act and it was not a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder for which he has been charged.
The appeal would come up for hearing tomorrow before Additional Sessions Judge Vimal Kumar Yadav.
Advocate Rajiv Mohan, who filed the appeal on the boy's behalf, said JJB has considered the entire charge sheet filed before it by the Delhi Police without giving its copy to the accused.
"Without supplying copy of charge sheet to the accused, the Presiding Officer of JJB heard the arguments and made up his mind and ordered to try the teenager as an adult by sending it before the trial court," he said.
"It could only be a case under section 304 A (causing death by rash or negligent act) of IPC and not under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) IPC. His previous offences are of traffic violation and not related to accidents. So it's not a ground to convert section 304A of IPC into section 304 of IPC," he said.
The court would also hear tomorrow the main case which was sent to it by JJB that had on June 4 ordered that the boy would face trial as an adult while observing that the offence allegedly committed by him was "heinous".
The board had passed the order on the police's plea, filed through Special Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava, seeking transfer of the case to trial court to try the accused as an adult.
It is the first of its kind case since the amendment in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 which allowed the Board to transfer cases of heinous offences by children to the sessions court.
As per section 2(33) of the Act, "heinous offences" include offences for which minimum punishment under IPC or any other law for the time being in force is imprisonment for seven years or more.
The police had on May 26 chargesheeted the juvenile in
JJB for culpable homicide not amounting to murder which entails a maximum of 10 years jail.
Initially, a case under IPC section 304 A was lodged against him but later he was booked for the alleged offence of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and sent to the reform home.
Police had said in its charge sheet that the boy had fatally run over victim Siddharth Sharma with his father's Mercedes when Sharma was trying to cross a road near Ludlow Castle School in north Delhi on April 4.
The final report was filed for alleged offences under IPC sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 279 (driving on a public way so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life) and 337 (causing hurt by an act which endangers human life) against him.
The Board had on April 26 granted bail to the youth who sought the relief to appear in entrance examinations.
The police had earlier arrested a man who claimed to be the actual driver of the Mercedes at the time of incident. But the man did a volte face after he got to know the victim was dead.
The driver and the boy's father, who was also arrested earlier, were granted bail by the court.
The youth had appeared before a Delhi court to surrender and had moved a bail plea which was rejected on the ground that it was a matter of JJB. He was then produced before the board.
India today secured Mexico's backing in its bid to become member of the NSG as it aggressively scouted for support ahead of a crucial meeting of the 48-nation nuclear trading bloc in Vienna.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced his country's support to India's membership for the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a major focus on further deepening cooperation in a range of areas including trade and investment, information technology, energy and space.
"Mexico recognises India's bid to be part of the NSG. As a country, we are going to be positively and constructively supporting India's request in recognition of the commitment by Prime Minister Modi to the international agenda of disarmament and non proliferation of nuclear weapons," Nieto said at a joint media interaction with Modi.
On his part, the Prime Minister thanked the Mexican President for his country's support and called Mexico an important partner for India's energy security.
He said both the countries have agreed to work and develop a "roadmap of concrete outcomes" to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership.
He added: "We both feel that our growing convergence on international issues allows us to join our capacities to strengthen international regimes of strategic importance. I thank President Pena Nieto for Mexico's positive and constructive support for India's membership of the NSG."
Modi on Monday visited Switzerland, another key member of the NSG, and the European country - known to have strong proliferation concerns - had announced its support to India's candidature at the bloc that looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology.
Membership of the grouping will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
A meeting of the NSG later today in Vienna is scheduled to discuss India's membership application which will be followed by another meeting on June 24 in Seoul.
India has been reaching out to NSG member countries seeking support to its membership.
China has been opposing India's membership at the premier club, arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The US has been strongly supporting India and asked various NSG members to support New Delhi's bid.
The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.
The US and many other NSG member countries have supported India's inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record.
The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid.
India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on May 12.
Environment Ministry has declared Rhesus Macaque monkeys in Himachal Pradesh to be "vermin" for a period of one year, allowing their culling to control their population during this time.
The notification issued last month said that the state has reported damage to life and property including large scale destruction of agriculture by this species in areas outside forest.
Vermin means wild animals which are believed to be harmful to crops, farm animals, game or which carry diseases.
It said the government has "considered it necessary" to mitigate the damage to human life, crops and properties for ensuring conservation of wildlife in forest.
The decision has not gone down well with Union Minister Maneka Gandhi who today said there was "lust" for killing in the Environment Ministry but Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar defended it, saying the step was taken as per law on request of the Himachal Government.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 62 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), the Central Government, hereby declares Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)... to be vermin for inclusion in Schedule V of the said Act, for a period of one year from the date of publication of this notification," the Ministry's notification said.
The districts in Himachal Pradesh where the monkeys will be included in Schedule V are Chamba, Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Shimla, Sirmour, Kullu, Hamirpur, Sonlan and Mandi.
Maneka, who holds the Women and Child Development portfolio and is an animal rights activist, said, the Centre has allowed killing of 'nilgai' in Bihar, elephants in West Bengal, monkeys in Himachal Pradesh, peacocks in Goa and wild boars in Chandrapur.
It is not every day that one gets to ride an Army tank and experience a soldier's life, but school children from Mumbai did just that in Jammu and Kashmir, courtesy the Indian Army which gave them the opportunity through 'Know Your Army' initiative.
Lt Gen R R Nimbhorkar, AVSM, SM, VSM General Officer Commanding of the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, said the unique programme, which comprised 138 students, four principals and 19 teachers from nine Mumbai schools, enabled students to experience life in the Army.
A tour of the border areas was organised for students and teachers from various schools of Mumbai recently.
They visited Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts as part of a week-long tour of the northern state during which they participated in a number of cultural exchange programmes with local schools and interacted with Army personnel.
The students were exposed to a large spectrum of activities under the theme 'Know Your Army', Gen Nimbhorkar, General Officer Commanding, 16 Corps of Indian Army, said.
The tour started with an experience of a tank ride that brought in a real sense of adventure and thrill for the students. They were also shown a wide range of weaponry used by the Indian Army. The children also witnessed some real action through a variety of demo drills.
Army soldiers displayed their agility and skill by demonstrating drills that they regularly practice in counter insurgency and counter operations roles, including slithering, casualty evacuation, house clearance and rush drill.
The experience showed the young minds how Indian Army soldiers braved tough conditions every day in their endeavour to keep peace in the region, Gen Nimbhorkar said.
They also had a chance to interact with local students studying in Army Goodwill Public School, Rajouri, which is managed by the Army. Local students interacted heartily with their counterparts from Mumbai and participated in cultural programmes, debate and quiz competitions, he said.
The principals and teaching staff who accompanied the
students appreciated the 'unique opportunity' of experiencing the J&K region and the Army and expressed hope that there would be more such cultural exchanges which will bring the youth of the country together.
The students experienced a series of fun-filled and adventurous activities, including trekking in the higher reaches of the Pir Panjal range, and understanding how the soldiers of Rashtriya Rifles are striving to bring peace in the region.
They also visited the Hall of Fame, where they witnessed a wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial, said Gen Nimbhorkar, who hails from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
"The students learnt and enjoyed pitching up tents for themselves. A selected few were given and exposure to fire small arms while all of them greatly enjoyed the adventurous but bumpy tank rides. The Army Dog Show mesmerised them and the children were fascinated by the highly trained and disciplined canines," he said.
The students also had an opportunity to witness the ongoing training activities in the Corps Battle School at Sarol, wherein soldiers are trained in operational requirements in an insurgency affected area.
Students also enjoyed camp fire amid the calm and serene beauty of the region.
The students experienced first-hand various activities and training that the soldiers undergo on a daily basis including slithering down from helicopters, obstacle training, and use of weaponry.
The tour ended with a presentation ceremony at Nagrota where Gen Nimbhorkar presented certificates to students and encouraged them to serve the nation with pride and join the armed forces.
The group comprised students and teaching staff from St Joseph Convent Girls High School, Father Agnel Technical High School, Springfield Public High School, Anjuman-e-Islam High School, St Stanliaus High School, St Mary's High School and Bilabong International.
Nagaland's apex tribal body Naga Hoho and Naga Students Federation today condemned Tuesday's police lathi charge on demonstrators outside Manipur Bhawan in Delhi and demanded an investigation into the "brutal act of the Manipur Rifles and Delhi Police".
Naga Hoho Secretary (Administration), Chitho Nyusou said action must be taken against the culprits for Tuesday's lathi charge on the protestors, most of them tribal student union members and young professionals.
The Hoho demanded that peaceful protesters lodged in lock ups and jails be released immediately and medical expenses be paid for the injured.
Nyusou said the Manipur Tribals Forum Delhi (MTFD) had gathered outside Manipur Bhavan to register their resentment against the three "anti-tribal" Bills and the 'All Manipur political party' delegates.
NSF president Subenthung Kithan said instead of listening to the grievances of the tribals, they were harassed and tortured as criminals in the national capital.
The barbaric act and the high handedness of the Manipur Rifles and Delhi Police personnel should be condemned by all in the strongest term, the NSF added.
"The barbaric act of the Manipur Rifles and Delhi Police is clear sign of vengeance meted out to the unarmed peaceful protestors of MTFD," he said adding that the lathi charge clearly showed the incapability of the men in uniform and the lack of sincerity by Manipur government which, the NSF said, was lobbying for three "anti-tribal" bills be made into acts.
The students union also alleged that four young mothers who were among the protestors were beaten, slapped, kicked and pulled by their hair. "Taking undue advantage of the havoc created, some personnel even groped and molested some women," it said.
At least 25 persons, including police officials, were injured in the clash between police and a group of protesters who held a demonstration outside Manipur Bhawan at Chakyapuri in New Delhi on June 7 against the three Inner Line Permit system-related bills passed by the state assembly.
A police van was also damaged in the clash outside Manipur Bhawan in Sardar Patel Marg in the national capital.
The three bills were passed in August last year after months of mass movement to protect the indigenous populace from illegal immigrants in the state, including those from neighbouring Myanmar.
Names for the four newly discovered elements - with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 - have been proposed as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine and oganesson respectively, IUPAC has announced.
In December last year, The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) had verified the discoveries of four new chemical elements, and assigned atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 to them.
The 7th period of the periodic table of elements was complete as a result of the discovery.
The discoverers had been invited to propose names which are now disclosed for public review. A five-month public review is now set, expiring on November 8, prior to the formal approval by the IUPAC Council.
Keeping with tradition, newly discovered elements can be named after a mythological concept or character (including an astronomical object), a mineral or similar substance, a place, a property of the element, or a scientist.
The names of all new elements in general should have an ending that reflects and maintains historical and chemical consistency.
This should be in general "-ium" for elements belonging to groups 1-16, "-ine" for elements of group 17 and "-on" for elements of group 18.
Finally, the names for new chemical elements in English should allow proper translation into other major languages.
For the element with atomic number 113, the scientists at the RIKEN Nishina Centre for Accelerator-Based Science in Japan proposed the name nihonium and the symbol Nh.
Nihon is one of the two ways to say "Japan" in Japanese, and literally means "the Land of Rising Sun".
The name is proposed to make a direct connection to the nation where the element was discovered. Element 113 is the first element to have been discovered in an Asian country.
For the element with atomic number 115 the name proposed is moscovium with the symbol Mc and for element with atomic number 117, the name is tennessine with the symbol Ts.
These are in line with tradition honouring a place or geographical region and are proposed jointly by the scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Russia, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the US.
Moscovium is in recognition of the Moscow region and honours the ancient Russian land that is the home of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, where the discovery experiments were conducted.
Tennessine is in recognition of the contribution of the Tennessee region, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee to super heavy element research.
For the element with atomic number 118 the collaborating teams of discoverers at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory proposed the name oganesson and symbol Og.
The name honours Professor Yuri Oganessian (born 1933) for his pioneering contributions to transactinoid elements research.
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard today assisted a merchant vessel (MV) Infinity I, carrying about 1750 tonnes of asphalt from Kandla to Karwar port after it reported water ingress and began listing, with its vessels pumping out water and escorting it towards the harbour.
At about 7:30 PM yesterday MV Infinity I, located about 20 nautical miles off the Goa coast, reported water ingress and continuous listing to the right. The vessel had reported that the tilt was increasing despite ship's de-watering efforts, a statement from the navy said.
Such emergencies can lead to sinking of a ship.
Indian Naval Ship Trikand from Western Naval Command immediately responded to the call by sending a team of 4 personnel, including 2 officers, and high speed de-watering pumps, the release said.
Coast Guard Ships Amal and Shoor and a tug vessel from Goa were also dispatched for assistance and another naval ship INS Kondul was placed on standby. Helicopters were also prepared for immediate evacuation should the situation deteriorate.
By about 3 AM, MV Infinity I could contain the flooding with the help of pumps provided by the assisting ships, it said.
Although still listing precariously, the ship weighed anchor by 4 AM and is slowly (at the speed of 4-5 knots) proceeding to Karwar harbour.
She is being escorted by INS Trikand and two CG Ships. At current speed, she is expected to reach Karwar Port late this evening, it said.
The 83 m long vessel with 14 Indian crew (including the Master) was transiting from Kandla port in Gujarat and proceeding to Karwar, Karnataka when it developed a crack in the hull and started taking in water.
The Navy and Coast Guard ships have been rushed to the assistance after receiving a distress call from the merchant ship MV Infinity One when it was 20 nautical miles off Goa coast this evening, a defence release here said.
The merchant ship, sailing from Kandla port in Gujarat to Karwar in Karnataka with 14 Indian crew on board, reported water ingress and continuous listing to starboard (right hand) side.
A four-member team was sent from INS Trikand which was in the vicinity to the assistance of the ship. The team was carrying a high-speed de-watering pump, the release said.
Coast Guard Ship Amal too has been dispatched for assistance while INS Kondul has been placed on standby.
Using improvised rockets for the first time, heavily armed Naxalites attacked a camp of paramilitary ITBP in Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh in the wee hours today.
Officials said the attack was launched on the base of the 41st battalion of Indo-Tibetan Border Police in Ranapal village under Mardapal police station in the district after a posse of Maoists surrounded it from three sides.
Chhattisgarh Police downplayed the incident with Kondagaon Additional Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh telling PTI that the firing went on for about half-an-hour and that there was no loss of life or damage to property on the side of the paramilitary force.
The incident occurred around 1 AM and the ASP said a small group of Naxals hurled country-made pipe bombs and fired about 10-15 rounds at the camp.
ITBP Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Chhattisgarh S B Sharma too downplayed the attack, saying it was an attempt by Maoists to show their presence in the region where they are losing ground.
He said 'desi' pipe bombs were used in the attack by Naxals.
However, an "incident report" prepared by the paramilitary said Naxalites mounted "heavy fire" on the camp and used "local made hand bombs" to launch the early morning attack.
The report said bombs recovered from the spot showed they were improvised by attaching "metal fins" to the pipes like those used in mortar shells that are launched from a distance.
"It was a jittery fire by Naxals which was well replied to by the troops. Our troops are well trained and always remain alert," DIG Sharma said.
Muzzle-loading guns are suspected to have been used in the attack, the ASP said, adding the attack was part of Maoists' regular strategy to fire at security force camps from a distance and then run away in the dark.
The ITBP camp has been set up at Ranapal, located around 300 kms from here, for securing the site of an under-construction bridge on a rivulet.
The agreement between and QIA will enable the Qatar sovereign wealth fund to study investment opportunities in the Indian infrastructure sector, the Finance Ministry said today.
The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) on June 5 during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Doha.
"The objective of the MoU is to facilitate QIA to study investment opportunities in the infrastructure sector in India and develop a framework for exchange of information with regard to such investment opportunities in order to enable both sides to decide on joint investments," a ministry statement said.
The MoU will remain in effect for 12 months during which both and QIA will discuss and agree on terms, principles and criteria for such investments.
" shall share with QIA a pipeline of investment opportunities available in the infrastructure sector in India," it added.
Set up in December 2015, the Rs 40,000-crore NIIF will act as an investment vehicle for funding commercially viable greenfield, brownfield and stalled projects.
The government is in the process of appointing a CEO for NIIF, in which it holds 49%, while the rest will be held by private investors.
The NIIF Governing Council, under chairmanship of Finance Minister Arun Jairtley, met yesterday and reviewed the progress of India's maiden sovereign wealth fund and discussed investment proposals and project pipeline.
The sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, QIA, is a long-term investor and invests across all geographical areas, sectors and asset classes. The majority of the investments are outside Qatar.
The MoU was signed by QIA CEO Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani and Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (Economic Relations) Amar Sinha.
Nine persons have been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court for kidnapping two Tamil Nadu-based businessmen for a ransom of Rs 25 lakh by luring them on the pretext of purchasing yarns at cheaper rates five years ago.
Special CBI Judge Poonam Chaudhry, while awarding the jail term to the nine men, said the punishment must fit the crime as the convicts had conspired and kidnapped the victims for ransom and also extorted the money for their release.
"As prosecution has succeeded in establishing its case beyond reasonable doubt that all the accused in furtherance of the conspiracy had kidnapped the victims for ransom and had extorted ransom from them to secure their release, the punishment must fit the crime.
"I am of the view that the punishment should be such as it deters other potential offenders," the judge said.
The court held Abdul Munaf Khan, Sanjiv Radi, Yunus Saifi, Rakesh Agarwal, Mohmmad Numan, Grijesh Chandra, Basharat Ali, M Subramani and K Jeervani Babu guilty of offences under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 364A (kidnapping for ransom) and 368 (wrongfully concealing kidnapped person) of the IPC.
According to CBI, the nine men had conspired and kidnapped two Tamil Nadu-based businessmen for a ransom by luring them to Delhi on the pretext of purchase of yarns at cheaper rates.
The accused had demanded Rs 25 lakh for their release through RTGS in a Delhi-based current account, it said.
On getting the information, CBI rescued the businessmen who were abducted by the gang and held in captivity in Delhi since November 25, 2011.
During trial, the accused had claimed innocence and sought leniency in sentence on the ground that they had faced trial for over four years and have to support their families.
British intelligence agents will not face charges over claims they were complicit in the illegal rendition and torture of two opponents of former Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi, prosecutors announced today.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was "insufficient evidence" to bring a case for indirect involvement in the kidnap, false imprisonment or torture of Abdelhakim Belhaj and Sami al-Saadi in 2004.
However, it said a British official was in contact with foreign agents responsible for the seizure of the two men and their families in Asia and their transfer to Libya.
It "remains unclear what impact or influence" the Briton's involvement had, prosecutors said in a statement.
Cori Crider, a lawyer for campaign group Reprieve who is representing the Libyans, said they would fight the case.
"With today's official acknowledgement that British officials were involved in this rendition, the fig leaf of official secrecy in this case is in tatters," she said.
"There is one crucial question: who knew who was on those planes, and for those who knew, what possible reason can there be for them to evade justice?"
Belhaj, a former Islamist militant who became Tripoli's military commander after Kadhafi was ousted in 2011, claims he was detained with his pregnant wife at Bangkok airport and illegally transferred to Libya.
Al-Saadi, his wife and four children claim they were rendered from Hong Kong the same year. Both men say they were subsequently tortured.
London police launched an investigation into possible the possible complicity of British officials in 2012, and subsequently passed evidence relating to one suspect to prosecutors.
"Following a thorough investigation, the CPS has decided that there is insufficient evidence to charge the suspect with any criminal offence," said Sue Hemming, head of the service's special crime and terrorism division.
The CPS said British officials were not directly involved in the Libyans' treatment.
But one of them communicated with those responsible, shared aspects of what was happening with others in Britain and sought political authority for his actions.
The involvement of the MI6 foreign spy service in rendition operations prompted a split in Britain's intelligence community at the time, according to a recent report in The Guardian newspaper.
No amicable resolution was arrived at in Delhi High Court today in the dispute between AAP MLA Alka Lamba and BJP MLA O P Sharma, who was suspended from Delhi Legislative Assembly for next two sessions for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the former.
After around two hours of in-chamber proceedings before Justice Manmohan Singh, no settlement could be arrived at between the two sides, senior advocate Aman Lekhi, representing Sharma, told the media.
The matter will now be taken up for hearing tomorrow by the court.
The court had yesterday asked both Lamba and Sharma to appear before it today "with an open mind" to resolve the issue. The direction had come when the court was hearing a petition filed by Sharma against his suspension from the House on March 31 for next two sessions.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Lekhi said it was originally agreed by both sides to withdraw the statements made against each other in a verbal exchange, but later Lamba did not agree to it.
He also said that a draft of a unilateral apology to be tendered by Sharma was brought by the other side, but the BJP legislator refused to accept that.
Lekhi further said that the decision of the Delhi legislative assembly to suspend Sharma was "illegal, arbitrary and malafide".
Sharma had moved the court now as a two-day special session of Delhi Legislative Assembly has commenced today.
Delhi government had yesterday told the court that Sharma has not "regretted" on what he had said about Lamba.
Referring to a report of an Ethics Committee of the Delhi assembly on the issue, the government had said that Sharma was given chances to express regret on his remarks but he had refused.
The Ethics Committee had earlier "unanimously" recommended stripping Sharma of his membership for his remarks against Lamba and being "unrepentant" about it.
Sharma had earlier said "my intention was not to hurt Lamba as she is like my sister, but if she felt offended I express regret over it".
The US President Barack Obama today endorsed as the Democratic party's presidential nominee, praising his former secretary of state's experience and grit, even as a subdued Bernie Sanders vowed to foster party unity to take on Republican nominee Donald Trump.
"I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office. She's got the courage, the compassion, and the heart to get the job done... I have seen her judgement," Obama said in an email and a web video circulated by the Clinton campaign.
"I've seen her toughness. I've seen her commitment to our values up close. And I've seen her determination to give every American a fair shot at opportunity, no matter how tough the fight that's what's always driven her, and still does," Obama said.
The Clinton campaign also announced their first joint appearance with Obama on the campaign trail next week in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Obama's endorsement of Clinton came moments after he met Senator Sanders of Vermont at the White House.
Although, Sanders stopped short of endorsing Clinton, but he vowed to work with Clinton to defeat Trump.
"Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that Trump does not become president of the United States," he said.
Clinton has reached the magical figure of having enough delegates to clinch the nomination of the Democratic Party.
Sanders, however, refused to end his presidential campaign.
"I will, of course, be competing in the DC Primary which will be held next Tuesday. This is the last primary of the Democratic nominating process," he said.
But he did indicate that he is looking forward to working with Clinton to defeat Trump.
"I look forward to meeting with her in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Trump and create a government which represents all of us and not just the one percent," Sanders said.
Pakistan's Supreme Court today bailed a mother and daughter who had been in jail for two months for allegedly sending "vulgar" texts and pictures to another woman, a defence lawyer said.
Maria Naz, 19, and her mother Shazia Begum were arrested in Rawalpindi, a garrison town adjoining the capital, Islamabad, by the Federal Investigation Agency after Naz's aunt lodged a complaint claiming she had received offensive texts from them, defence lawyer Zulfiqar Bhutta told AFP.
The court granted bail "as the prosecution admitted that it had found no incriminating material from the cell phones of both", Bhutta said. His statement was confirmed by court officials.
He said the women had been "wrongly" framed to pressure them into withdrawing a civil case regarding a property dispute with Naz's aunt.
Officials running the have said they have lifted restrictions on the depth of ships passing through that had been imposed since April because of low water levels caused by severe drought.
The start of the tropical rainy season had brought the water back up, meaning the ships' maximum draft the distance from the waterline to the bottom of the hull was restored to the usual 12.04 metres, the Authority said in a statement on Wednesday.
Starting April 18 the draft had been progressively trimmed in 15-centimetre increments to ensure vessels could transit through the canal without scraping bottom.
That measure had been imposed because of three years of drought worsened by the El Nino weather phenomenon that dries out parts of Central America.
Around 35 to 40 cargo ships a day pass through the canal, which accounts for five percent of the world's maritime commercial traffic.
On June 26, Panama holds an inauguration ceremony for the completed canal, which has been broadened over the past nine years to take larger cargo ships.
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today broke down when a young girl spelt out agony of unborn girl children to highlight issue of female foeticide at a function in the Kheda district.
Patel had gone to the Harej primary school to enrol students as a part of annual school enrolment drive of the Gujarat government.
During the function, a class nine student Ambika Gohel, spelt out agony of unborn girl children, who are killed in the womb of their mothers, as a part of rampant practice of female foeticide, resulting in skewed sex ratio across many states of the country.
Ambika read out a letter from an unborn girl child to her mother requesting to allow her to take birth in the world.
The heart touching presentation of the pain of meeting death, without even being allowed to born, moved one and all and even Ambika started crying.
The 74-year-old first woman chief minister of Gujarat, who is considered to be a strict task master, could not prevent tears rolling down her eyes.
After Ambika, read out the letter, Anandiben hugged the girl as both of them were seen crying.
Patel was later seen wiping her tears with a napkin.
She later told the villages who had gathered for the function that little village girls have immense talent and they can move the large audience with their elocution power.
"Parents should not discriminate between son and daughter and allow daughters to study," she said.
According to the Chief Minister, her government has taken elaborate steps to curb female foeticide from the state.
Patel enrolled 86 students to the primary school of the village today.
Patients in Rajasthan can now assess and certify medical services availed by them at private hospitals under the Vasundhara Raje government's Bhamashah Health Insurance Scheme.
The patients under the scheme can now issue certificate of quality services and satisfaction to the private hospital where they have received medical treatment, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Bundi, Dr Suresh Jain, said.
Last week, the Directorate of Medical and Health Services, Jaipur, had issued orders to the CMHOs of the state in this regard and forwarded awith a format of certificate to be sent to the private hospitals. The government as well as insurance company would take note of the certificate by the patients while extending insurance scheme benefits to the private hospitals, he said.
Under the state government's ambitious Bhamashah Health Insurance Scheme which was launched on December 13, 2015, people categorized under National Food Security Scheme (NFSS) or those having health cards under National Health Insurance Scheme can avail free medical treatment from Rs 30,000 upto 3 lakh from government as well as private hospitals.
After the treatment is over in a private hospital, the discharged patient will fill up the certificate rating the quality of services and his satisfaction level, he said.
This certificate by the patient would be used for the appraisal of hospitals by the government and insurance company and for making payments to the private hospitals. The move will bring transparency in functioning of hospitals and ensure effective implementation of the insurance scheme, the CMHO said.
Eight private hospitals in Bundi district besides as many government institutes have been selected under Bhamashah Health Insurance Scheme and eligible patients can avail the treatment, Dr Jain said.
A district-level committee has been constituted overseeing the implementation of the scheme and patients can approach it with their grievances.
A PIL was today filed in the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, seeking a CBI inquiry into the Mathura violence.
It is likely to come up for hearing on June 13.
The Public Interest Litigation, filed by IP Singh of Azamgarh district, seeks a direction to dismiss the judicial commission constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the incident where clashes between the police and encroachers left 29 people dead last week.
Petitioner's counsel Ashok Pandey said his client has also
prayed for a probe by CBI or a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
On June 7, the Supreme Court had refused to order a CBI probe into the incident.
A vacation bench of Justices PC Ghose and Amitava Roy had said it was not inclined to pass any order in the matter and asked the petitioner to approach the High Court.
A Russian military pilot was killed today after his fighter jet crashed near Moscow, the defence ministry announced, with sources saying the warplane belonged to the air force's aerobatic display team.
The Su-27 aircraft did not have any weapons onboard at the time and the crash did not cause any damage on the ground, according to the defence ministry.
"(A) jet of the Russian air force crashed as it was returning to its home aerodrome in the Moscow region after a planned flight. The pilot died," the ministry said in a statement carried by agencies.
Sources told agencies that the jet was from the Russian Knights display team - the country's equivalent of Britain's famed Red Arrows - and ploughed into the ground some 35 kilometres northeast of the capital as it was flying in formation with five other planes.
An unnamed source told TASS agency that the dead pilot was Sergei Yeryomenko, who appears on the website of the Russian Knights as a member of the team.
This is not the first time that tragedy has struck Russia's leading aerobatic display team.
In 2009 one of the group's pilots was killed in a collision between two jets as they were rehearsing for an airshow outside Moscow.
In 1995 four members died after three of the group's jets slammed into a mountain during poor weather in Vietnam.
Turkey's state-run agency today said a wounded police officer has died in a hospital, raising the death toll in yesterday's suicide car bombing in a town near Turkey's border with Syria to six.
Turkish authorities said the attack which targeted the police headquarters in Midyat, in Mardin province, was carried out by militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. Two women police officers were among the dead.
Anadolu Agency said a third police officer, who was seriously wounded in the attack, died at a military hospital in the city of Diyarbakir today.
The PKK has targeted police and military personnel since July, when a fragile peace process between the rebels and the government collapsed.
The group is considered a terror organization by Turkey and its allies.
Reacting to ally Shiv Sena's jibe asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refrain from "maligning" the country from foreign soil, BJP leader and Union Minister Suresh Prabhu today said Modi is championing the cause of India worldwide and is accepted as a leader in both the East as well as West.
"That is their (Shiv Sena) opinion, the opinion of millions of people in India are different. Mr Modi has been been championing the cause of India globally," Prabhu said at a press conference here.
Stating that Prime Minister Modi is respected globally, Railways Minister Prabhu, who hails from Maharashtra, said Modi is respected as a leader both in the developed world as well as in the developing world.
"Mr Modi has been given the rare honour of addressing the joint sitting of US Congress," he said.
"Mr Modi has also been given the highest civilian award of UAE. So we should be proud that our Prime Minister is honoured globally," Prabhu said while commenting on Sena's remarks against Modi in party mouthpiece 'Saamna'.
"He is accepted in the East, he is accepted in the West, he is accepted in the global family," Prabhu, who quit Shiv Sena in 2014 to join BJP, said.
He said Modi is regarded highly among African nations, the Pacific Islands as also in Latin American countries.
Stressing on Modi's importance in the global scenario, Prabhu said US President Barack Obama had called the Indian Prime Minister over phone to seek his views on climate change issues.
Shiv Sena had yesterday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in Doha about India being plagued by corruption "maligned the nation's image", and questioned if scams in BJP-ruled Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat can be attributed to the Gandhi family.
Since Modi is the face of the nation, other countries may believe what he says about India which in turn might affect the financial condition of the country, an editorial in Sena's mouthpiece 'Saamna' said.
Vowing to root out corruption in India, the Prime Minister had on June 12 said in Doha on the second leg of his five-nation visit that he "faced problems" by depriving many people of their "sweets" and saved over Rs 36,000 crore annually by stopping leakage and theft in government schemes.
Facing heat from the opposition parties for the lack of basic facilities in Jammu region, the BJP today hit out at Congress and National Conference, saying the problem being faced by the people were the legacy of previous NC-Congress government.
"It is due to the policies of successive NC and Congress governments that the people of Jammu are feeling discriminated and are suffering for basic amenities", BJP State Spokesperson, Brig Anil Gupta (retd) said.
Gupta said the regional discrimination with Jammu is a gift by Congress and NC government.
"The disparity is to such an extent that there is hardly any representation of the people belonging to two other regions of the state in Civil Secretariat and in other government departments", he said.
Gupta said that the BJP-PDP coalition government is committed to end the regional discrimination and ensure holistic and inclusive development of all the three regions.
"The BJP unlike Congress does not believe in divide and rule and instead believes in inclusive politics. We have not joined the government merely for the sake of power but for nation building. People have given us mandate for six years and we will deliver on our promise", he said.
Accusing the opposition parties of misleading the border residents, Gupta said that Rs 15.50 crore has been released by the Centre for the farmers whose land falls within the border fencing.
"The money is being distributed to the affected farmers, the decision to construct the community bunkers instead of five marlas plot has been taken in national interest as the security forces does not want thinning out of the border belt.
"All the demands of the border residents are in the pipeline and are being addressed," he said.
Gupta said that his party legislators does not need any advise from the opposition as they were committed for the welfare of the people.
"There is no need to give advise to our legislators, atleast they are committed to their people and have the morale and courage to question even the government when the interest of the common man is affected", he said.
He questioned the Congress leaders as to why they did not raise their voice for the people of Jammu region when they shared power with National Conference.
Punjab government today said it has decided to implement 'Traffic Marshal' scheme in the state on Chandigarh pattern.
Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar said this while presiding over the Punjab State Road Safety Council meeting here today, said an official release.
He said initially this scheme will be implemented in Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali and Patiala.
The Chandigarh Traffic Police introduced the concept of Traffic Marshals to the 'City Beautiful' in year 2004 in order to improve its interface with the citizens. Under this scheme citizen volunteers are invited to participate as 'Marshals' in the enforcement drives of the traffic police. Volunteers are also sensitized about the need for road safety and the role of traffic law enforcement in achieving the same.
Kohar said the Road Safety Council has in principle agreed to the constitution of 'Road Safety Scheme Division' to reduce the accidental deaths and injuries on roads.
The division would include Enforcement, Education, Health Care, Accident Investigation, Data Collection Maintenance and able staff/officers.
He said online website has been created by Punjab Roads and Bridges Development Board in order to mark accident prone areas as 'black spots'.
He appealed to traffic police officials to go strict against overloaded tractors and trolley's vehicles apart from stopping the commercial use of tractor- trolley.
A new hub which will bring Commonwealth organisations together in the same location to create a dynamic and innovative way of working was launched here today by Queen Elizabeth II.
The three organisations that will move to a new combined centre of Commonwealth activity - Marlborough House and Quadrant House - are the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.
It is expected that other Commonwealth organisations will join the hub in due course with Quadrant House being renamed Commonwealth House.
The Queen officially launched the new Hub during a visit to Marlborough House ahead of her official 90th birthday celebrations which will take place this weekend and will be attended by representatives from all 53 Commonwealth countries.
The new Commonwealth Hub will help to deliver the Secretary-General's vision to work more closely with all Commonwealth organisations to honour the values of the Commonwealth Charter and the commitments on health, education, climate change, good governance, equality and the rule of law in the Sustainable Development Goals and COP 21.
Other plans for the Commonwealth Hub include an education centre in the newly named Commonwealth House.
The Commonwealth Hub will bring the Commonwealth Games to the heart of the Commonwealth headquarters and will encourage more young people to become engaged in Commonwealth issues.
It will also provide a focal point for reaching to mayors and elected councillors and their local communities right across the Commonwealth.
Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General, said," We're all working to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement and the Commonwealth Charter so it's right that we look to cement this relationship with the creation of Commonwealth House.
"I would like to thank the three organisations who have joined us at the start of this journey and I look forward to us being joined by others as we have a better conversation with the public about our priorities as a Commonwealth."
Carl Wright, Commonwealth Local Government Forum Secretary-General, said: "This Commonwealth hub, based at Commonwealth House, is an exciting development that will help us better coordinate our work with other Commonwealth organisations and provide added value to our members and citizens of the Commonwealth to help deliver development, local government, good governance and a better quality of life for the 2.3 billion citizens we and our members serve.
Two MLAs of National Unionist Zamindara Party (NUZP) today joined a training camp organised by BJP for the election to four Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan.
The training camp for BJP MLAs, which is being seen as a move to keep the legislators together to prevent poaching by rival parties, began yesterday and will continue till June 11, the day of polling.
"NUZP MLAs Kamini Jindal and Sona Devi Bawri participated in the BJP training camp today," the Chief Minister's Office said in a statement.
Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu, BJP's national Vice President Om Prakash Mathur, former RBI official Ramkumar Sharma and member of erstwhile Dungarpur royal family Harsh Vardhan Singh are the BJP candidates whereas Kamal Morarka filed nomination papers as independent candidate, supported by opposition Congress, NPP and some independents.
Due to the presence of Morarka, polling has become necessary which will take place on June 11 and the results will be declared the same day.
A candidate needs 41 votes to win.
In the house of 200, the ruling BJP has 160 members, Congress 24, National Peoples Party 4, BSP 3, National Unionist Zamindara Party 2, while there are seven independents.
Most Russians do not trust modern biomedical technologies and consider them useless or even unethical, according to a poll.
Russians are cautious about modern technologies, including biomedicine achievements in biomedicine, suggests a poll conducted by researchers at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Russia.
Researchers polled 1,671 Russians over 16 years of age in 137 settlements across the country.
Those polled neither completely reject, nor accept novelties and consider the interference in human's life deprecated, according to Yury Voynilov and Valentina Polyakova, researchers at HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK).
"The most cautious attitude has been demonstrated by respondents to biotechnologies implying the intervention into the human life and activities by means of stem cells, gene engineering, or implantable devices. These ideas have gained between 22 and 31 per cent of popularity," experts said.
Some 50 per cent of respondents said they are ready to use such technologies as domestic solar cells, smog sensors, and smart clothing.
According to the poll, most Russians consider biological novelties useless or even unethical. At the same time, they are concerned about the problems, which can be solved using innovations.
For example, 78 per cent of those polled are anxious about the birth of children with transmittable diseases, but only 30 per cent said they are ready to take genetic tests.
About 90 per cent of respondents are worried about air and water pollution, but only 48 per cent of them said they would like to use pollution alert sensor.
The safety and stability of Asia-Pacific will depend to a great extent on India, a top American Senator has said, after Prime Minister called for a strong Indo-US partnership to anchor peace in the region.
"The safety and stability of the Asia-Pacific region in particular will depend more and more on the safety and stability of India," Senator John Cornyn said on Wednesday.
"And, here in the Senate, we have ample opportunity to work with our friends from India in order to guarantee that goal," he said.
The Republican Senator from Texas took to the Senate floor to describe Modi's address to the joint session of the Congress earlier as a "historic day" in India-US ties.
Modi's comments speak volumes to his commitment to the US-India relationship, said Cornyn, who is Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, the only country-specific caucus in the US Senate.
"When Prime Minister Modi spoke, he talked about his vision for his country's future, including deepening and broadening the relationship with the US. That is really a welcome statement by the Prime Minister," Cornyn said.
"Unfortunately, over the last few years seven or eight years of the Obama Administration many of our friends and allies around the world have questioned our commitment to those friendships and those alliances.
"And conversely, many of our adversaries have become emboldened when they see America retreating from its engagement with the rest of the world," he said.
Cornyn said India joins the US in more joint military exercises than with any other country, and "they have a robust civil nuclear agreement that allows for the exchange of critical information and technology".
"This has been a long time in coming," he said.
In his address to the Congress, the Prime Minister called for a greater Indo-US partnership in the Asia-Pacific region.
"A strong India-US partnership can anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa and from Indian Ocean to the Pacific. It can also help ensure security of the sea lanes of commerce and freedom of navigation on seas.
"But, the effectiveness of our cooperation would increase if international institutions framed with the mindset of the 20th century were to reflect the realities of today," Modi had said.
Thwarted presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders arrived at the White House today for talks with President Barack Obama on how to unite the Democratic party after a testy primary campaign.
Obama is to play peace broker, coaxing Sanders to recognize Hillary Clinton as the party's presidential nominee and focus with her on beating Republican rival Donald Trump in November.
The two men strode along the West Wing colonnade, both laughing at one point, with the president placing his hand on Sanders' back as he opened the door to the Oval Office.
Obama is expected to tread softly -- "hearing Sanders out," according to a Democratic source familiar with preparations for the White House meeting -- and offering him a very public show of respect for his insurgent campaign.
"I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas," Obama said Wednesday. "I thought it made Hillary a better candidate."
"My hope is, is that over the next couple of weeks, we're able to pull things together," Obama said, recalling his own bitter campaign rivalry with Clinton in 2008.
"What happens during primaries, you get a little ouchy. Everybody does."
Sanders told his defiant supporters that "the struggle continues" Tuesday, even after crushing defeats to Clinton in California and New Jersey.
But there is unlikely to be fist-thumping or angry demands for Sanders to face political reality and drop out.
"I think there is a recognition that this is emotionally very challenging," said the Democratic source, who asked not to be named.
"Sanders has poured his energy into this, there is a tremendous amount of pressure. It's like a battleship -- it takes a while to change course."
Sanders and Obama have spoken three times in the last month and are said to have a good rapport.
Obama was always certain to back Clinton, his former secretary of state, but he has so far refrained from making any formal endorsement.
"I think she is whip smart. She is tough." Obama told The Tonight Show.
The Supreme Court today agreed to hear tomorrow a plea of a lawyers' body seeking exemption from the ongoing verification drive of the Bar Council of India (BCI) to check professional credentials of practising lawyers.
The Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has moved the apex court seeking urgent hearing of its plea that its members should not be subjected to the verification drive of BCI as their records are already with the court.
The counsel for SCAORA told the vacation bench of Justices P C Ghose and Amitava Roy that BCI had a practice not to subject designated senior advocates and Advocates-on- Records (AoRs) to verification.
AoRs are those lawyers who are qualified to appear and sign petitions and documents to be filed before the apex court, which also conducts examinations for advocates who want to become AoRs.
Recently, the apex bar body BCI has taken the intitiative to conduct the verification drive as there have been allegations that some practicing lawyers do not possess valid law degrees.
Advocate Gopal Singh, appearing for the SCAORA, said that AORs should not be forced to submit their certificates before the BCI like other lawyers as they were registered only after cracking the exams conducted by the Supreme Court itself.
He told the bench that designated senior advocates and AORs were earlier exempted from the verification process but the BCI had last year amended rules and brought AORs in the bracket of common lawyers.
To this, the bench asked the counsel for BCI to show the provisions under which it can amend the rules.
"You tell us the provisions under which you can amend and frame the rules. Show us the source of power under which you are allowed to amend the rules," the bench said while posting the matter for hearing tomorrow.
The BCI had last year amended the rules for verification process to filter out fake advocates among over 15 lakh practising laywers in the country.
BCI Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules 2015 makes it mandatory for all lawyers to re-register in a new format where they have to compulsorily submit all their certificates starting from class X board results.
Gujarat Governor O P Kohli today said schools must impart a sense of spiritualism and patriotism among students.
"Schools should follow path guided by Swami Vivekanand. They should instill a feeling of spiritualism and patriotism and such an education should empower students to face challeges and become independent," Kohli said in his address at function in a city school.
"Just good infrastructure (at school) does not serve the purpose of ideal education. It is only good teachers who can provide quality education," Kohli said.
He said schools should undertake cleanliness campaigns inside campuses and in nearby vicinity which will not only make wards conscious about hygiene but also encourage people to do the same.
The Governor urged to the teachers staff to take up the challenge of nation-building dedicatedly as they are the ones who shape future of students.
Authorities in Ghaziabad today directed municipal corporation and electricity department officials to ensure proper potable water, sanitation and electricity during the month of Ramzan.
District Magistrate Vimal Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police K S Emmanuel jointly addressed a meeting of all the officials concerned to chalk out a blueprint for deployment of officers and security personnel.
The meeting took place at the Collectorate conference hall.
Emmanuel said all sensitive areas have been identified and officers will patrol within their jurisdictions.
All SHOs and circle officers, along with sub-divisional magistrates, will keep a tight vigil on anti-social elements to maintain law-and-order, communal harmony and peace, he added.
The special CBI court today reserved its order till June 20 on the application moved by Shyamvar Rai, Indrani Mukerjea's former driver, to become an approver in the Sheena Bora murder case.
Rai had moved an application in the court last month seeking to become an approver and sought pardon. CBI, too, said that they have no objection to making Rai an approver.
Meanwhile, the lawyers of other accused objected to Rai's application to turn an approver. One of the lawyers also said that the court should satisfy itself that Rai is disclosing all the facts in the case.
Expressing his desire to turn an approver, Rai had said he wanted to "disclose all truths" as he had taken part in Sheena's murder.
Recording his statement before the court, Rai had said he was under "no pressure, threat or coercion" to reveal the facts in the case and was "repentant" about his act.
Rai had written a two-page letter to the court last month seeking pardon in the case while stating that he wants to reveal everything.
Rai was the first accused to be arrested in the case in August 2015, taking the lid off the murder, after he was picked up in connection with an arms case.
Last year, Rai had recorded his confessional statement before the magistrate under Section 164 of CrPC, which, unlike the police statement, is admissible in the trial.
Key accused in the case, Indrani Mukerjea, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and Rai had allegedly strangled Sheena (24), Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car in April 2012.
Sheena's body was found in a forest in Raigad. The crime, which came to light in August last year, is allegedly linked to certain financial dealings.
The trio were arrested in August last year while Indrani's husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea was held in November. According to CBI, Peter was part of the murder conspiracy.
While Peter and Khanna are lodged in Arthur Road prison, Indrani (43) is in Byculla womens' jail in Mumbai.
A war criminal from Sierra Leone convicted of "the most heinous, brutal and atrocious crimes in human history" has died in Rwanda while serving a 50-year sentence, the court that convicted him said today.
The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone said an enquiry would be opened after Alex Tamba Brima, 44, died at King Faisal hospital in Kigali following a "serious illness".
As a leader of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), Brima helped to depose president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in May 1997, before setting up one of the most vicious juntas Africa has ever known.
A supporter of former Liberian president Charles Taylor, Brima was tried with two others on war crimes charges ranging from murder, mutilations of civilians, rape and enlisting child soldiers.
By the time the country's decade-long civil war ended in 2001, some 120,000 people had died and thousands of others had been mutilated, with their arms, legs, ears or noses chopped off.
Momoh Sillah, a former cocoa plantation farmer and double amputee as a result of long war, told AFP by phone the rebel commander had paid for his actions.
"Speak no evil of the dead, they say, but for all I care, Tamba can go and rot. He has finally paid for his deeds," he said.
Sillah said rebels loyal to the AFRC leader caught him at his plantation in 1999 as they rampaged through the countryside.
"I pleaded with them to save my life, offered money to them and they then hacked off both arms, leaving me for dead. I was found covered in blood by pursuing government soldiers."
When he was first convicted in 2007, judge Julia Sebutinde said Brima and his co-defendants were guilty of some of the "most heinous, brutal and atrocious crimes" humanity had ever known.
He was sent to Rwanda with seven others under a special arrangement in 2008 as it was deemed Sierra Leone did not have proper facilities for their detention.
Three years later his family alleged that since his arrival in Kigali in October 2009 he had suffered poor nourishment and a lack of access to medical facilities.
A family source told AFP by phone that he "came as a shock although we knew that he was in poor health".
"We have not been told whether the body will be released to us or not," the source added.
The Special Court for Sierra Leone was established by the UN in 2002 to try those who bore "the greatest responsibility" for the atrocities during the civil war, and was succeeded by the residual court in 2013.
A 56-year-old prominent Sikh real estate developer has been shot dead in broad daylight in Canada's Richmond city in what authorities are describing as a "brazen" target killing.
Amarjit Singh Sandhu was shot in the parking lot of a shopping centre in Richmond, British Columbia, as shoppers and restaurant diners witnessed the shooting.
Sandhu died in hospital after Saturday's broad daylight shooting that left his truck riddled with bullets.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police were called following reports that a man had been shot at the parking lot.
Police found the man suffering from gunshot wounds and reported several bullet holes in the driver's side door of the black pickup truck.
No one else was injured in the incident.
It was a targeted attack, police said in a statement.
"The act of homicide is one that is selfish and cold," Staff Sergeant Jennifer Pound of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was quoted as saying by CBC .
Police released a vague description of a man wanted in connection with the murder of Sandhu. The suspect is described as a non-white male in his early to mid 20s.
Sandhu was listed as president of Sandhill Developments Ltd. He and the company are named in more than 80 civil lawsuits in British Columbia dating back to the 1990s.
In a recent case, Sandhu took the Khalsa Diwan Society to court. His actions led to an election being called for leaders at the Ross Street gurdwara in Vancouver, scheduled for September.
An official with the party opposed to changes Sandhu was seeking at the temple believes the shooting was unrelated.
"To my knowledge just for the sake of an election nobody would take such a big risk," Ranjit Hayer of the Khalsa Diwan Society was quoted as saying.
People at the gurdwara registering to vote in the election said Sandhu was at the gurdwara before he went to Richmond and was gunned down.
A male witness was quoted by Richmond as saying that Sandhu was killed while standing next to his black truck.
The suspect pulled out a gun with a silencer attachment and shot Sandhu. The witness said he heard at least six shots that sounded like a paintball gun.
Over 150 members of a splinter Maoists group were arrested today in Nepal after they vandalised vehicles and hurled patrol bombs while trying to enforce a strike to press for the release of their cadres arrested during previous protests, paralysing normal life.
The CPN-Maoist faction led by Netra Bikram Chand enforced the strike. The protesters vandalised nine public buses and taxis in different parts of the capital for defying their call for the strike.
A truck driver was injured when Maoist cadres hurled a petrol bomb on moving vehicle in Rautahat district.
There was very thin movement of public and private transport services. Schools and colleges were closed due to the strike.
However, markets remained open in most of the places in the capital despite the strike.
The police arrested 62 protesters from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, according to the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Circle.
Nearly 90 agitators were arrested from Sarlahi, Kaski, Kalikot, Sunsari, Banke and Chitawan districts as they were trying to enforce the shut down.
A large number of security personnel have been deployed on the streets of the capital to prevent any untoward incident.
CPN-Maoist, which is a splinter group of the main Maoist party, that is part of the government.
The Maoists, who staged a ten-year insurgency against the state, entered mainstream politics in 2006.
The main Maoist party suffered a number of splits after many former rebels accused its leaders of betraying their original revolutionary ideals.
Over 70 members of a splinter Maoists group were arrested today for vandalising vehicles while trying to enforce a strike to press for the release of their cadres arrested during previous protests, paralysing normal life here.
The CPN-Maoist faction led by Netra Bikram Chand enforced the strike.
The police arrested over 70 Maoist cadres who were involved in vandalising vehicles in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur.
There was very thin movement of public and private transport services. Schools and colleges were closed due to the strike.
However, markets remained open in most of the places in the capital despite the strike.
A large number of security personnel have been deployed on the streets of the capital to prevent any untoward incident.
CPN-Maoist, which is a splinter group of the main Maoist party, that is part of the government.
The Maoists, who staged a ten-year insurgency agains the state, entered mainstream politics in 2006.
The main Maoist party suffered a number splits after many former rebels accused its leaders of betraying their original revolutionary ideals.
A high-ranking Swedish military official will be the new head of the United Nations mission tasked with monitoring the ceasefire line between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
Major General Per GustafLodin, 59, also a logistics expert, was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as the Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission for the United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) in India and Pakistan, the UN said.
Maj Gen Lodin succeeds Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana, who completes his two-year assignment as Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission for the UNMOGIP on July 2.
India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlivedits utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement andthe consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).
With a military career in the Swedish Army beginning in 1978, Major General Lodin most recently held the position of Director of Procurement and Logistics for the Swedish Armed Forces.
Previous to this, he was the Deputy Director of the National Armaments for Sweden and Deputy Chief of Staff at the Swedish Armed Forces.
According to the Security Council mandate given in Resolution 307 of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control and the working boundary between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.
As of March 31 this year, UNMOGIP has 44 military observers, 25 international civilian personnel and 47 local civilian staff.
The observer group is financed by the United Nations regular budget and appropriations for biennium 2014 -- 2015 are 19.64 million dollars.
on Thursday said its white label automated teller machines (ATM) arm has put 8,000 units across 4,600 towns of 20 states in the country till now.
"The 8,000th machine was installed at the tier-IV town of Appipatti, Theni in Tamil Nadu," Payment Solutions said in a statement.
"There has been an uptake in bank accounts in these regions, making the ramp-up of the ATM infrastructure in the country an imperative," the company's chief executive Sanjeev Patel said.
It offers a 'plug and play' ATM deployment model for the banks, which reduces the cost of operationalising to 25% of a brown label ATM, the company claimed, adding that Federal Bank, Development Bank of Singapore, Solapur Janata Sahakari Bank have opted for this.
The Tata Steel's Safety Department along with Tata Workers' Union today released the TWU Safety Annual Business Plan (ABP) FY'17 at Steelenium Hall, Tata Steel Works.
The release event was also the 25th Joint Mass Communication Programme (JMCP), an initiative toward achieving zero harm through the engagement of senior leadership team of management and union.
T V Narendran, Managing Director, Tata Steel India and SEA graced the occasion as the Chief Guest here, a company release said.
Speaking on the occasion Narendran said leadership from management and union should demonstrate its commitment to achieve and continue zero injury in the company.
"We should have zero tolerance on safety and both, union and management should have a common goal on safety," he said.
Anand Sen, President, TQM and Steel Business, Tata Steel, congratulated the efforts taken by the union and looked forward to the future.
He reflected on the journey of JMCP and said he was happy to see it take the shape of dialogue.
R Ravi Prasad, President, Tata Workers' Union shared the role of the Union in Tata Steel's safety excellence journey and mentioned this was the first time that the union has initiated an ABP on safety.
He further said leadership training to all union committee members is one of the key focus points for this financial year, the release added.
A man arrested in a theft case today escaped from police custody at a hospital where he was taken for medical examination in Uttam Nagar area of west Delhi.
Amit Kumar was arrested in connection with a case of theft registered at Vikaspuri police station. He was taken to a hospital for medical examination from where he escaped around 2.30 AM while going to bathroom, said a police officer.
Constable Bhoop Singh accompanied him to the bathroom and waited outside. Kumar escape while the constable and his colleague were waiting outside, he said.
A case has been registered in this connection and efforts are being made to catch the escaped accused.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today rebuked Saudi Arabia and its allies for resorting to "undue pressure" to remove the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen from a blacklist of child rights violators.
In his first public remarks about the uproar, Ban said he decided to take the coalition off the list after Saudi Arabia along with other Arab and Muslim countries threatened to cut off funding to UN humanitarian programs.
"It is unacceptable for member-states to exert undue pressure," Ban told reporters at UN headquarters.
"Scrutiny is a natural and necessary part of the United Nations."
The United Nations had blacklisted the coalition after concluding in a report released a week ago that it was responsible for 60 per cent of the 785 children killed in Yemen last year.
But in a humiliating climbdown for the United Nations, Ban announced on Monday that the coalition would be scratched from the list pending a joint review with the Saudi-led alliance.
The UN chief has been under fire from rights groups who charged that he had caved in to Saudi pressure and damaged the credibility of the United Nations.
"This was one of the most painful and difficult decisions I have had to make," Ban said.
Confirming reports of a threatened cut-off of funding, Ban said he "had to consider the very real prospect that millions of other children would suffer grievously if, as was suggested to me, countries would de-fund many UN programs."
Saudi Ambassador Abdullah al-Mouallimi denied that his government had put pressure on the United Nations to reverse its decision by threatening to cut off millions of dollars in funding.
"We did not use threats or intimidation and we did not talk about funding," said Mouallimi.
A Security Council diplomat earlier said the Saudis had "whipped up a lot of supporters" to pressure Ban to make the changes and threatened in particular to withdraw funding from the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA.
"I stand by the report," Ban said, warning that "the content will not change."
The UN chief appealed to member-states to defend the reporting mechanisms such as the children in armed conflict annual blacklist.
The blacklist was established by a decision of the Security Council in 1999, but the council has been silent on the dispute over the coalition's listing.
Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan, who is facing flak over his comments on Dadri incident, condemned VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi's comment that "it is time to make Muslim free".
"Such comments should not be made. I condemn it. It is wrong to make such statements," Balyan, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, told PTI when asked to react on Sadhvi Prachi's comments.
Known for courting controversies, on Tuesday the VHP leader has claimed in Roorkee in UP that the mission of a Congress-free has already been "accomplished" and it is "now time to make Muslim-free"
On Sadhvi Prachi's another statement that should be made BJP's chief ministerial candidate for the forthcoming Assembly polls, Balyan said, "I am not the right person to comment on it.
As a precursor to Rajya Sabha polls on June 11, all eyes are set on tomorrow's voting for the Legislative Council seats, even as all major political parties are busy formulating strategies to ensure victory of their candidates.
Keeping the suspense over which way her 12 surplus MLAs will vote in Rajya Sabha biennial polls, BSP chief Mayawati today said the results will show the voting pattern.
"Whom we have supported, whom we have not supported, everything will be clear when the results come out," she told reporters when asked which way the 12 MLAs will go.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has 80 MLAs in the 403-member Assembly and with 34 first preference votes needed for the victory of a candidate, the party can easily ensure success of its two nominees with 12 votes to spare.
Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), which has eight MLAs, has promised to transfer its votes to Samajwadi Party and Congress, UP RLD chief Munna Singh Chauhan said here.
Samajwadi Party has fielded seven candidates in the polls for the Upper House of Parliament but its seventh candidate is short of nine first-preference votes for victory.
On the other hand, Congress, which has 29 MLAs, needs five more votes for victory of its candidate and former Union minister Kapil Sibal.
SP has 229 MLAs, BSP 80, BJP 41 and Congress 29. The rest belong to small parties or are Independents who hold the key.
Lobbying for the biennial elections gained momentum this evening with the arrival Home Minister Rajnath Singh here for a two-day visit.
BJP has fielded one candidate whose victory is certain.
The nomination of social worker Preeti Mahapatra, who forced a contest by jumping in the fray as an independent, has been proposed by 16 BJP MLAs, rebel SP MLAs and some members of smaller parties and Independents.
BJP is desperate for additional votes to secure the win of its second candidate in the Legislative Council, where it has only 12 surplus votes and needs 17 additional votes.
With 14 candidates trying their luck for 13 seats of the Legislative Council, cross-voting by MLAs appears to be a high probability.
The proposed greenfield airport at Mopa in North Goa will have a separate Naval enclave for which five acres of land would be earmarked, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said.
In a letter written to Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on June 2, Parrikar said, "the provision of naval enclave is considered critical for naval aircraft operations. The proposed five-acre land for this purpose could be given on lease for the entire period of concession".
The foundation stone for the Greenfield airport is expected to be laid this year and first phase is likely to be commissioned in year 2019.
Parrikar said the proposed naval infrastructure would be created at the cost of Ministry of Defence with separate independent entry and exit to the naval facility.
However, he added, "the launch of military operational missions would take priority over normal operations in the case of emergency as declared by the Government of India.
"Operations from the proposed airport should at no stage interfere with search and rescue or other high priority military maritime air operations including coastal security operations planned from INS Hansa (the naval base in Vasco town)".
Parrikar further stated that "on a normal day, the military flying operations would be undertaken in the area North of Mopa Airfield beyond its central zone. There would be no effect on civil flying operations whilst military flying is being undertaken in this area".
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) has approached the US Department of Justice seeking action against Dr Reddy's Laboratories in a 5-year old case involving packaging for five blister-packed prescription products.
The drugmaker had earlier said the company was under the scanner of the Department of Justice of USA for alleged violations of some provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act.
In a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Reddy's had said the issue pertains to compliance with requirements of special packaging for child resistant blister packs for the products sold by the company in the United States during 2002 and 2011.
"Dr Reddy's believes that it has complied with all applicable requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act, including applicable packaging and reporting requirements," the company said in a statement today.
"However, according to a recent letter from the US CPSC, the Commission has decided to refer the matter to the US Department of Justice, with the recommendation that the Department initiate action," it said.
"In an investigation conducted by the Department of Justice and concluded in 2015, the Department declined to pursue related allegations made under the Federal False Claims Act. Since the case began in 2011, Dr Reddy's has cooperated fully with the government and will continue to do so. These products have not been distributed in the packaging at issue since June 2012," Dr Reddy's said.
The company, DRL said, has taken this investigation seriously, cooperating with the (US) government over the last five years and will continue to do so.
It added that the safety of patients and consumers is of paramount importance to the company and firmly disagrees with the government's allegations.
The drugmaker further claimed that it is not aware of any reports that any child gained access to these products as a result of the packaging or that any of the products caused children harm as a result of the packaging.
The pulled DRL down stock by 2.02 per cent to Rs 3,069.35 on BSE at 1505 hours.
The US embassy in Banjul was closed for all but essential services today after Gambian authorities removed its police protection.
It was not immediately clear why President Yahya Jammeh's government had taken this step, but Washington has criticized its rights record.
A State Department official in Washington told AFP the United States had "registered concern" with Gambia over the withdrawal of the officers.
"We will continue to closely monitor and assess the situation as events unfold," he said.
"The US embassy sent a security message to citizens to alert them to the embassy closure."
An AFP reporter in Banjul who visited the US mission confirmed that the Police Intervention Unit officers normally deployed there were gone.
The spat comes amid controversy over Gambia's arrest and prosecution of a US citizen who was detained while visiting relatives in the country.
Fanta Darboe Jawara, a 45-year-old naturalized US citizen from Frederick, Maryland, was held on April 16 after an opposition protest.
Her family told US media she was not involved in the protest and was simply waiting for a taxi when she was arrested and beaten by police.
But the president of Gambia's opposition UDP party told AFP that Jawara had been detained at the home of human rights lawyer Ousainou Darboe.
Darboe's house is a short distance from the US embassy, UDP president Dembo Bojang said.
US officials say they are aware that Jawara has family connections with the Gambian opposition, but have not commented in detail on the case.
A State Department official would not speculate on whether the police withdrawal was connected to controversy over Jawara's arrest.
"We will continue to monitor her case and provide all possible consular assistance," he said.
Jammeh seized power in a bloodless coup in 1994 and is regularly accused of a catalogue of rights abuses.
He recently told UN chief Ban Ki-moon and Amnesty International to "go to hell" for urging an inquiry into the death of a protestor in custody.
Opposition activists have borne the brunt of a crackdown on basic rights ahead of polls expected to re-elect Jammeh for a fifth term.
Uttar Pradesh government today appointed the wife of Superintendent of Police Mukul Dwivedi, who lost his life during Mathura violence last week, as a gazetted officer.
The decision to appoint Archana Dwivedi as a gazetted officer was taken at a cabinet meeting, an official release said here.
Dwivedi was killed last week in clashes that broke out after activists of 'Azad Bharat Vidhik Vaicharik Kranti Satyagrahi' indulged in widespread violence at Jawahar Bag in Mathura when police tried to evict them from large tracts of government land they had occupied for over two years, following an order of the Allahabad High Court.
The wife of a construction worker has sought the assistance of the district administration to free her husband who had been jailed in a Qatar prison in connection with a woman murder case.
In her representation to the District Collector, Rajammal, wife of P Selladurai (44) of Sedapatti near here stated that her husband, who had gone to Qatar to work in a construction company five years ago, was arrested by Qatar police on the suspicion of murdering a woman, three months back and was lodged in a prison there.
Selladurai had been convicted and sentenced to death along with two others in connection with the woman murder case, she said.
A Qatar court had ordered the execution of the sentence in forty days.
Rajammal said the collector V Rajaraman had assured to look into her grievance and take up the issue legally.
The body of a youth was today recovered from the room where he was staying as a paying guest in Jadavpur in the southern part of city, the police said.
Twenty-two-year-old Phanedra Sameneni hailing from Uppalapadu village in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district was found hanging from the ceiling inside the locked room on the ground floor of a building on NSC Bose Road within the limits of Jadavpur Police Station area, the police said.
"Police broke open the door and found the youth hanging. He was declared brought dead when rushed to M R Bangur hospital. There was no mark of injury on his body and no suicide note was recovered from the room. We are waiting for the post mortem report," a senior officer of Kolkata Police said.
It was learnt that on finding the door of the room closed for a long time, the owner of the paying guest accommodation, where the youth was staying, informed the police.
By Shadia Nasralla and Francois Murphy
VIENNA (Reuters) - A U.S.-led push for India to join a club of countries controlling access to sensitive nuclear technology made some headway on Thursday as several opponents appeared more willing to work towards a compromise, but China remained defiant.
The 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons by restricting the sale of items that can be used to make those arms. It was set up in response to India's first nuclear test in 1974.
India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington, even though India has developed atomic weapons and never signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact.
But China on Thursday maintained its position that the Non-Proliferation Treaty is central to the NSG, diplomats said.
The handful of other nations resisting India's admission to the group, including South Africa, New Zealand and Turkey, softened their stance somewhat, opening the door to a process under which non-NPT states such as India might join, diplomats said.
"There's movement, including towards a process, but we'd have to see what that process would look like," one diplomat said after the closed-door talks on Thursday aimed at preparing for an annual NSG plenary meeting in Seoul later this month.
Opponents argue that granting India membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate India's rival Pakistan, an ally of China's, which has responded to India's membership bid with one of its own.
Pakistan joining would be unacceptable to many, given its track record. The father of its nuclear weapons programme ran an illicit network for years that sold nuclear secrets to countries including North Korea and Iran.
"By bringing India on board, it's a slap in the face of the entire non-proliferation regime," a diplomatic source from a country resisting India's bid said on condition of anonymity.
Washington has been pressuring hold-outs, and Thursday's meeting was a chance to see how strong opposition is.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry wrote to members asking them "not to block consensus on Indian admission to the NSG" in a letter seen by and dated Friday.
Most of the hold-outs argue that if India is to be admitted, it should be under criteria that apply equally to all states rather than under a "tailor-made" solution for a U.S. ally.
Mexico's president said on Wednesday his country now backs India's membership bid. One Vienna-based diplomat said it had softened its stance but still opposed the idea of India joining under conditions that did not apply equally to all.
(Editing by Catherine Evans and Hugh Lawson)
Smartphone users in India spend less than 500 a month on but many have seen a 10% rise in charges, according to a survey.
Kerala government is against the merger of State Bank of Travancore with State Bank of India, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday.
This is the first political opposition to the proposed merger of SBI associate banks with the parent.
"People of state consider SBT as a bank of Kerala and the government also has the same view. We want SBT to remain as it is," Vijayan said at a meet-the-press programme in Thiruvananthapuram.
The CPI-M-led LDF government is seriously considering putting in place a bank of Kerala by reorganising the present three-tier co-operative banks into a two-tier system.
The state co-operative bank would then become "a big bank" with financial capacity equal to that of any scheduled bank in the state. "We are seriously considering it," he added.
Last month, SBI cleared a proposal for merger of subsidiary banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank. It sought the government's approval for the same.
The country's largest lender has five associate banks -- State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Hyderabad.
Stating that the state's financial situation is critical, Vijayan, who took over as chief minister on May 25, said the government is planning a two-pronged strategy - short term and long term - for economic development of the state.
Keeping intact the State Planning Board and steps for the preparation of the 13th Five-Year Plan is an indication of the government's objective of long-term programmes, he said.
Even though the Centre decided to do away with the Planning Commission, the state government, considering the special circumstances of Kerala, has resolved to keep the State Planning Board.
Referring to the grim financial position of the state, he said that as per the latest Comptroller and Auditor General of India report, total debt stood at Rs.1.54 lakh crore. Arrears to the government contractors work out around Rs 1,230 crore, he said.
However, Vijayan added: "I am not saying that the state's future is dark."
He is hopeful that the LDF government will tackle the crisis with new development initiatives and resource mobilisation.
Listing the government's priorities, he singled out infrastructure such as power, transport and roads in the state that needs improvement. .
Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday asked software exporters not to get "perturbed" too much by the visa issue for sending professionals into their largest market, the US, saying American companies cannot "survive" without their help.
"Do not be unnecessarily perturbed by the US visa issue.
I don't think American companies can survive without our companies. They cannot," Prasad told a meeting organised by the industry lobby IMC.
He said concerns surrounding the visa issues have been taken up at the "highest level" and exuded confidence of finding a solution to it.
The minister elaborated that the issue of massively hiking the visa fees apart from restricting the number of IT professionals' entry into the US, has been raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Barack Obama and he himself has also discussed it with his US counterpart.
Stating that country's IT industry has clocked exports of USD 108 billion last fiscal, Prasad said they currently serve a majority of the Fortune 500 companies through their presence in 200 cities spanning 80 countries.
Job losses due to the shift to cheaper alternatives like India have always been a very contentious issue in the US, and the emergence of the ultra-right Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate has only heightened fears in the sector.
In the past as well, domestic IT companies have had to lobby hard to ensure that adequate number of IT professionals get the required visas to serve at client locations.
On the IT and cyber security, the minister said there is a string coordination between the agencies concerned to protect against the scourge of terrorism and specifically the threat posed by groups like the terror group IS which is using the cyberspace very proficiently.
"Extremists and terrorists cannot be allowed to derail the India story by use of information and communication technologies," he said.
Prasad said skilling the people, law enforcers and legal officers to deal with the challenges in the virtual world is also important and elaborated on the work being done by the government in this regard.
Meanwhile, on Tamil Nadu government's decision to include IT workers under labour laws, Prasad said companies will have to follow the law of the land.
The telecom department will "very soon" be auctioning spectrum in the 2100 MHz band, Prasad said.
He, however, parried a question on the spectrum usage charge, saying he will opine on it once the relevant file reaches him.
An Irish court on Thursday convicted former Irish Life and Permanent chief executive Denis Casey of conspiracy to defraud in the run-up to the banking crisis that forced Ireland to seek an international bailout.
The criminal trial, Ireland's longest ever, also convicted two former executives of failed Anglo Irish Bank, John Bowe and Willie McAteer, earlier this month on the same charges of defrauding investors, depositors and lenders.
Former Irish Life and Permanent finance director Peter Fitzpatrick was acquitted last week.
All four men were accused of conspiring together and with others to mislead investors by setting up a 7.2 billion euro circular transaction scheme between March and September 2008 to bolster Anglo's balance sheet.
Casey, 56, looked straight ahead as the verdict was read on day 89 of the trial following almost 62 hours of deliberation by the jury. He will be sentenced alongside Bowe, 52, and McAteer, 65, on July 25.
No senior banker has to date been jailed since the banking crisis forced Dublin to seek a three-year bailout in 2010. The penalty is at the judge's discretion and there is no maximum sentence for the offence.
Former Anglo finance director McAteer was convicted on charges of illegal lending and providing unlawful assistance to investors in 2014 but sentenced to perform community service when a judge ruled he was "led into error and illegality" by the country's financial regulator.
Lawyers for the accused had said during the trial that their motivation in authorising the deal was the "green jersey" agenda, the financial regulator's request for Irish banks to support one another as the finiancial crisis worsened.
Irish Life placed the deposits via a non-banking subsidiary in the run-up to Anglo's financial year-end, to allow its rival to categorise them as customer deposits, viewed as more secure, rather than a deposit from another bank.
Anglo, described by Judge Martin Nolan during the 74-day trial as "probably the most reviled institution in the state", was nationalised months later and put into liquidation in 2013.
Its failure cost taxpayers 30 billion euros, equivalent to around 15% of Ireland's annual economic output and almost half the 64 billion euros Dublin had to pump into its banks to save the entire sector from collapse.
Irish Life and Permanent was broken up during the restructuring of Ireland's financial sector and its banking arm, permanent tsb, remains under 75% state ownership. (Reuters)
Source: www.businessworld.ie
Business to Arts and leading corporate law firm, A&L Goodbody yesterday launched a unique, new Writer in Residence programme under the Docklands Arts Fund which will see a writer work with children at St. Josephs Co-Ed Primary School in East Wall to develop their creativity and literacy skills.
The Writer in Residence role will include working with pupils at St. Josephs, participating in literacy workshops with the children and supporting Business to Arts wider civic programme of promoting the Arts collaboratively through businesses and communities.
The venture marks the first time that a business in Ireland has engaged a Writer in Residence programme with Business to Arts and Dublin City Council. As part of the partnership, A&L Goodbody will also provide funding for the programme worth 30,000 over a three year period.
The selected Writer in Residence will be announced in August 2016.
Chief Executive of Business to Arts, Andrew Hetherington commented, "We are thrilled to partner with A&L Goodbody on this important and exciting community project as part of the Docklands Arts Fund. Promoting literacy and interaction between writers and the youth of today allows children to bear witness to what can be achieved creatively."
He added, "This is the type of project we envisage has the potential to grow as there are many schools who could reap the benefits from an artist in residence programme."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
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Ryanair is to take on Airbnb by offering private rooms and homes on its website, its latest bid to boost revenues by selling directly to the tens of millions of budget-conscious consumers who use its website.
Ryanair will launch the new Ryanair Rooms service in October, offering everything from 5-star hotel rooms to hostels and spare rooms in private homes. It will add at least two partners to Booking.com, currently its exclusive accommodation partner.
"We see this as a natural progression towards Ryanair.com becoming the Amazon of air travel," chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs said.
Ryanair is Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, flying 106 million journeys last year, and management says it wants to leverage this base to compete with fast-growing web firms.
Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said Ryanair would charge commissions to accommodation suppliers of under 10% compared to up to 20% charged by some online aggregators.
Ryanair is entering a fragmented holiday lettings market, with the four largest companies - Airbnb, Homeaway, Tripadvisor and booking.com - controlling a market share of less than 25 pct between them, according to a company called Tripping.com, a search engine for holiday villas and short-term lets.
Ryanair last October replaced car hire partner Hertz with online brokerage CarTrawler. It has said it plans to mimic Amazon by harvesting detailed customer data to push targeted offers by email and smartphone app in real time. (Reuters)
Source: www.businessworld.ie
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The Irish winners of the first round of the RBS Skills and Opportunities fund has been announced by Ulster Bank today.
Now in its second year, the Ulster Bank Skills & Opportunity funding received over 110 applications from charities, community groups and state-funded schools and colleges in Ireland in 2016.
It's focus is to support organisations that help people in disadvantaged communities develop, create or access the skills and opportunities they need to help themselves; skills that will enable them to get into work or start a business, now or in the future.
The Skills and Opportunities Fund will see an investment of 68,000 into five community projects across the country part of the first round of the 280,000 Skills and Opportunities Fund for the island of Ireland.
The Fund recognises each local community group for the work that they do and aims to help each group to go further with their goals to help the community in which they are situated.
The five community groups, which will be awarded 68,000 between them, are:
1. National College of Ireland Dublin, Early Learning Initiative
2. North Leitrim Mens Group, Leitrim, Design and Business Training Project (DEBUT)
3. Innovate Dublin, Dublin, Social Innovation Training
4. Daisyhouse Housing Association, Dublin, Daisyhouse Employment Programme
5. Jobcare, Dublin, Digital Employability Skills Programme
Corporate Sustainability Manager at Ulster Bank, Pauline McKiernan commented, "We believe that helping people gain skills and access opportunities to learn can help turn their lives around and build better communities for everyone."
She added, "Each of the recipients has proven experience in delivering impact for their projects and we are delighted to be able to award these change-makers through the Skills and Opportunities fund, to help make a difference to the people and organisations they serve."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
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Qatar's sovereign wealth fund is set to buy a major stake in Irish telecoms firm Eir, the Irish Times reported on Thursday, in a move that would likely support its plans to hold off from a stock market flotation for now.
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is on course to acquire York Capital, Eir's second-largest shareholder's stake of about 15 percent, in addition to a number of smaller shareholdings owned by other hedge funds, the newspaper said, without quoting any sources.
The Irish Times said it understood New York hedge fund Anchorage, which owns almost 38 percent of the company formerly known as Eircom, would remain the largest shareholder following the transaction.
Spokespeople for Eir and the QIA could not immediately be reached for comment.
Eir pulled out of what would have been a third initial public offering (IPO) of shares in 15 years in 2014 and its chief executive told Reuters in April it had no intention of intention of seeking an IPO in the short or medium term.
QIA, estimated by industry tracker Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute to hold $256 billion of assets, is known as an investor in high-profile European assets such as the Shard skyscraper and Harrods department store in London, as well as Credit Suisse and Volkswagen.
However, it is reducing its focus on investments in Europe according to an internal review that followed sharp falls in the prices of some of the European assets, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last month.(Reuters)
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Morgan Stanley has agreed to pay a $1 million fine to settle U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission civil charges that security lapses at the Wall Street bank enabled a former financial adviser to tap into its computers and take client data home, the regulator said on Wednesday.
The settlement resolves allegations related to Galen Marsh's unauthorized transfers from 2011 to 2014 of data from about 730,000 accounts to his home computer in New Jersey, some of which was hacked by third parties and offered for sale online.
Marsh was sentenced in December to three years probation and ordered to pay $600,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to one felony count of unauthorized access to a computer. Prosecutors had sought prison time.
According to the SEC, Morgan Stanley violated a federal regulation known as the Safeguards Rule by failing to properly protect customer data, allowing Marsh to access names, addresses, phone numbers, and account holdings and balances.
"Given the dangers and impact of cyber breaches, data security is a critically important aspect of investor protection," Andrew Ceresney, director of the SEC enforcement division, said in a statement.
Morgan Stanley did not admit or deny wrongdoing.
In a statement, the New York-based company said it has changed account numbers and offered credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for affected clients. The theft did not result in fraud against any client account, it added.
Marsh accepted a related five-year securities industry ban from the SEC, the regulator said. He has said he did not offer to sell customer information to anyone.
"We appreciate the SEC taking a look at the full weight of the evidence and making an appropriate decision," his lawyer Derrelle Janey said in an interview. He said Marsh and his wife are now raising their 6-month-old daughter. (Reuters)
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The public can now take a peek at the planned landings for the new Soundview to Manhattan ferry.
The NYC Economic Development Corporation recently released renderings of the 35 by 90 foot ferry docks for its new landings, including the Soundview ferry thats planned for Pugsley Creek Park.
The Soundview ferry plan calls for stops at East 90th Street, East 62nd Street and Wall Street in Manhattan.
It has received a great deal of community support, with the only concerns being the limited parking around the landing and the lack of an East 34th Street stop.
Councilwoman Annabel Palma raised concerns about an East 34th Street stop on the ferry, which EDC estimates will take passengers from Soundview to Wall Street in around 43 minutes.
This is the most pressing issue, as it could severely compromise the efficacy of the ferry service for a considerable number of my constituents, stated Palma of an East 34th Street stop.
That location is already a hub for existing ferry routes, said Nellie Santiago-Rivera, secretary of the board at Shorehaven Homeowners Association, Inc.
But an EDC spokesman indicated that their research suggests that the planned route works.
We performed a detailed analysis of all our routes and landings, and determined that there is significantly greater demand for improved travel times from Soundview to lower Manhattan than to midtown, the spokesman stated. Adding additional stops also makes overall travel time longer for riders, which would make the ferry less of an improvement over existing modes of transit and reduce ridership.
The councilwoman stated that the ferry landings themselves were both elegant and efficient, based on the renderings.
Palma expressed concern about whether parking spaces will be allotted to accommodate commuters who expect to drive to the Soundview terminal.
The EDC spokesman stated that the agency believes the majority of ferry riders will not reach the landing by automobile.
William Rivera, Community Board 9 district manager, said that the board is advocating for adding a bus stop near the ferry.
At the 700 plus unit Shorehaven complex, the top concern is the effect the ferry will have on available street parking, said Santiago-Rivera.
Parking is the major concern of the homeowners here, she said.
Rivera said that he is in communication with EDC about the community concerns, and said that the ferry is not designed for people to drive to, but for those who take the bus and who live nearby.
The community board for the past two years has been very involved in the ferry discussions, said Rivera, who added the board has received a Metropolitan Water Alliance award. For the most part, the majority of the residents are in support of the ferry.
CB 9 will continue to press for better lighting and amenities, said Rivera.
Right now, as district manager, I want to stay in the loop with EDC, and make sure the (community) concerns are always on the radar, said Rivera.
The Soundview ferry is scheduled to open in 2018.
Reach Reporter Patrick Rocchio at (718) 2604597. E-mail him at procc hio@c ngloc al.com . Follow him on Twitter @patrickfrocchio.
A seven-year-old boy died and a 65-year-old woman was hospitalized in serious condition after a single vehicle accident on I-84 near Howell, Thursday morning.
Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Lee Perry said the four people, two grandparents and two grandchildren, were travelling in a Chevrolet Silverado truck heading west when they drifted off the road, over-corrected and rolled near mile post 26.
First witnesses to arrive on the scene told troopers, the seven-year-old boy, Joey Garza, was walking around after the accident when he began having a seizure and stopped breathing. CPR was performed unsuccessfully and he was later pronounced dead at the scene. His body was turned over to State Medical Examiners, to determine the exact cause of death.
The 65-year-old woman, Irma Garza, was unconscious and had a laceration to her head. She was flown by medical helicopter to McKay Dee Hospital in critical condition. The other two people, 66-year-old Praxis Garza-Salina and 10-year-old Valerie Garza were also taken by ground ambulance to Bear River Medical Center with minor injuries.
Perry said the four people are from Texas and were traveling to Washington State. Troopers believe Garza-Salina may have suffered from fatigue just before the accident. They later determined that the boy was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle during the accident.
The accident occurred around 5:20 a.m. One lane of I-84 was temporarily shut down while crews cleared the accident.
Perry said the accident was a terrible tragedy.
will@cvradio.com
On May 21, a U.S. drone attack killed Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour and taxi driver Mohammad Azam near Nushki in Pakistans Baluchistan province. Mansour was returning from Taftan, Iran, where he had gone for medical treatment, to his residence near the provincial capital Quetta, a 370-mile journey. Mansour and his driver had completed roughly two-thirds of the nine-hour trip. A Pakistani passport and a Computer National Identity Card (CNIC) identifying Mansur as Wali Muhammad were found near the wreckage. Mansours death, coming nine months after his contested election as Amir al-Mu'minin by the Talibans Rahbari Shura, has added additional volatility to Afghanistans complex political landscape, effectively sidelining any possibility of renewing peace negotiations with the Afghan government as Mansours successor seeks to consolidate his position.
BACKGROUND: Mansour effectively ran the Taliban for years before he became globally known as Omar's successor. Omar had been dead since April 23, 2013 and the Taliban grudgingly acknowledged his demise after it was reported by the Afghan government on July 29, 2015. Mansour, as second in command, had helped in the cover up, including sending out written decrees in Omars name. Rumors of Omars death had circulated for years, so when the truth emerged, the subterfuge caused dismay and bitterness in the post-Omar Taliban leadership. This became evident in the disputed Shura election of Mansour, opposed by among others Omars brother and son. Mansour lacked Omars stature and received his predecessors title as Amir al-Mu'minin for hierarchical purposes, not because of spiritual credentials.
Mansours election signaled profound changes in the wake of Omars death. This was most notable in the Talibans increasing domination of Afghanistan's illicit drug trade, which had grown by the time of Omars death to become a multibillion dollar criminal syndicate. Analysts tracked Mansours personal involvement and profit from drug trafficking, which saw him increasingly run the Taliban like a cartel, using his drug profits to buy loyalty with stacks of cash as he quashed opponents with brute force.
Beyond the Talibans deepening involvement in Afghanistans lucrative drug trade, Mansours brief tenure as Taliban leader saw the organization undergo notable policy shifts as regarded its relations with the Afghan government. In early 2015, Mullah Omar ostensibly supported direct peace talks with the Ghani government, the first round of which were held on July 7 in Murree, a Pakistani hill station. Further talks were effectively thwarted when on July 29 the Afghan government announced that Mullah Omars death had occurred two years previously, which the Taliban belatedly acknowledged the following day.
While questions of Mansours spiritual credibility may have triggered the Talibans worst internal crisis, he was determined to demonstrate his ability as a military leader, which led to the Talibans greatest military victory of the war in 15 years of fighting the Afghan government and interventionist forces, when Taliban guerrillas captured the northern city of Kunduz in September 2015 and held it for two weeks before being driven out.
IMPLICATIONS: The day after Mansour was killed, the Shura began gathering in Quetta to nominate a successor. The Taliban announced on May 24 that, With heavy heart, but full belief in Allahs will, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announces that the Commander of the Faithful Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour was martyred in an American invading and evil forces drone strike on Saturday, adding, Hibatullah Akhundzada has been appointed as the new leader of the Islamic Emirate after a unanimous agreement in the Shura and all the members of the Shura pledged allegiance to him, noting that Mullah Omars son Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob would become a joint deputy head alongside current Taliban deputy leader Sirajuddin Haqqani.
Akhundzada, the Talibans former Chief Justice, is a respected cleric from the Taliban heartland of Kandahar, but is relatively unknown outside the movement, perceived as more of a scholar than a warrior. The appointment of both Yaqoob and Haqqani as deputies is an obvious attempt by the Shura to avoid the factionalism which followed Mansours appointment nine months earlier.
Mansour bequeathed to his successor not only a diminished spiritual authority, but a growing military conflict above and beyond the Taliban hands battles with the Afghan government. Coinciding with Mansours appointment was the rise of Islamic State militants in northern Afghanistan, who began to fight not only government forces but the Taliban as well. Beyond the military dimension of its presence, the leader of the Islamic State, self-proclaimed Caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, also appropriated the title Amir al-Mu'minin, providing a secondary claimant to supreme spiritual authority over Muslims. A number of disaffected younger Taliban, upset over Mansours election, pledged loyalty to al-Baghdadi, further undermining Mansours authority.
The intensity of the armed clashes was such that in December 2015 Mansour announced the deployment of Taliban special forces in its increasingly bloody battle with IS militants. Analysts believe that IS commands up to 2,500-3,000 fighters in Afghanistan, largely concentrated in eastern Nangarhar province. ISAF and the Afghan government estimate the core Taliban force at over 60,000, but the increasing IS presence complicates the security situation for both the Taliban and the Afghan government.
It remains to be seen whether Akhundzadas theological credentials will help repair the factionalism within the Taliban, or counter the IS claims of spiritual supremacy.
Mansours death is a milestone in U.S.-Pakistani relations. Previous U.S. drone strikes had been limited to Pakistans turbulent North West Frontier Province; the attack on Mansours vehicle was the first time that UAVs had been deployed over Baluchistan, representing a broadening of U.S. efforts against the Taliban into areas in Pakistan which the militants had previously regarded as safe. The sensitivity of the strike and the distrust in U.S.-Pakistani relations was underscored when the Pakistani Minister of the Interior said that Pakistan was officially informed by the U.S. after seven hours about the strike. Pakistans Minister for the Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that both corpses were charred beyond recognition and that DNA samples had been sent to Islamabad for identification. Eight days after the attack the Pakistani government acknowledged that Wali Muhammad was in fact Mullah Mansour.
The extension of U.S. UAV attacks into Baluchistan indicates a broadening of U.S. military efforts to decapitate the Taliban leadership into areas that were previously off-limits, no matter what the domestic cost of such policies is in Pakistan itself. Whether Akhundzada and his deputies will survive such an intensification of drone attacks remains to be seen.
CONCLUSIONS: Ghanis government has offered Akhundzada a stark choice: make peace or face the same fate as his predecessor. Ghanis pronouncement is tempered by the fact that the Taliban insurgency is more than entrenched; in the spring of 2015, it initiated some of the most intense fighting since 2001. Insecurity has increased in various degrees across the country, and 2015 was the bloodiest year of the decade and a half since the Taliban were forced from power. One of Mansours last significant pronouncements came on April 12, when the Taliban announced its spring offensive, dubbed Operation Omari in honor of Taliban founder Mullah Omar. The violence is expected to intensify once the poppy harvest in the southern provinces concludes in coming weeks, after which the Taliban will deploy extra forces to protect smuggling routes used for arms, minerals and other contraband that fund their insurgency. Whether Akhundzada is able to establish his authority over Taliban commanders grown rich from the drug trade remains to be seen.
If Ghanis government makes good on its threat, Akhundzadas tenure as Taliban head could be as brief as Mansours; amidst the Taliban factionalism and the rise of IS, the only certainty seems that peace talks remain the clearest casualty of the Talibans infighting.
AUTHOR'S BIO: Dr. John C.K. Daly is a Senior Research Fellow at the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute and has recently completed a study of Eurasias railway network.
Image Attribution: www.fxtribune.com, accessed on June 7, 2016
COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES People wait outside of the newest Chick-fil-A on Wednesday to be one of the first 100 people to win free Chick-fil-A for a year when it opens. It will officially open on Thursday.
SHARE COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES People wait outside of the newest Chick-fil-A on Wednesday to be one of the first 100 people to win free Chick-fil-A for a year. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES People sit in chairs outside of the newest Chick-fil-A on Wednesday to be one of the first 100 people to win free Chick-fil-A for a year. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES People wait outside of Corpus Christi's newest Chick-fil-A to be one of the first 100 people win free Chick-fil-A for a year.
By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times
In the parking lot of The Shops at La Palmera, it looked like the scene of a tailgate. Tents were lined up. People played a beanbag toss game and an American flag flapped in the wind.
But the people weren't camping out for game day. They were camping out for free Chick-fil-A.
Before opening the chain's newest location in Corpus Christi at 4946 S. Staples St., the staff hosted the First 100 Celebration on Wednesday that gave residents who showed up the chance to receive a one year supply of free food. The restaurant's grand opening will be Thursday.
Some had elaborate setups to help pass the time. Sharon White and her two sons, 15-year-old Jacob White and 10-year-old Joshua White, pitched two tents under a tarp. Sharon's boys, both Boy Scouts, brought board games to keep them busy.
"We spend a lot of time at Chick-fil-A," she said. "It's one of the few places that's a fast food place where you can sit down and talk to one another."
Others came with less equipment, like Joe Perez of Kingsville, who spent most of his time laying out on a comforter with a blanket and a pillow.
"It's just something to take advantage of," Perez said. "It's a $200 value which is not bad with the summer coming up."
Franchise Operator Macy Agnew, who previously owned the Chick-fil-A in La Palmera mall, said she's excited for the new location, the city's fourth. It's the city's second freestanding Chick-fil-A and offers a play place, free Wi-Fi, and two drive-thru lanes.
"The drive through basically acts as its own business," Agnew said. "My team is excited to serve our guests in the dining room and we want to make it exciting for the kids."
The new location is within a few miles of two other Chick-fil-A restaurants, one in La Palmera mall and another on South Padre Island Drive and Everhart Road. Staff believe there's enough demand for the locations to remain successful. The people camping outside of the newest restaurant agree.
"You go to the other (locations) and they're really busy. This will help with that," Perez said. "I want to look back and know I was one of the first people here. It's about being a part of history."
Twitter: @Caller_Fares
If you go
What: Chick-fil-A opening
When: 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Ribbon cutting at 9 a.m.
Where: 4946 S. Staples St.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Information: www.chick-fil-a.com
SHARE Contributed photo Mike Guerra & Trisum will perform from 8-10 p.m. Thursday at Cole Park Amphitheater, 1526 Ocean Drive, as part of the Bay Jammin' Concert series.
THURSDAY
CONCERT: Mike Guerra & Trisum will perform from 8-10 p.m. at Cole Park Amphitheater, 1526 Ocean Drive, as part of the Bay Jammin' Concert series. Cost: Free. Information: www.facebook.com/BayJamminConcertandCinemaSeries, 361-826-7259.
LUNCHEON: New Neighbors League of Corpus Christi will host its monthly luncheon at 11 a.m. at Nolan's Restaurant, 7426 S. Staples St. The speaker will be Barbara Sweeney of Habitat for Humanity. Information: ccnewneighbors@gmail.com.
QUILTING: The Coastal Bend Quilt and Needlework Guild will meet from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ethel Eyerly Senior Center, 654 Graham Road. This month's program is by Jan Matthews "History and Development of Paper Piecing." Cost: Free, guests. Information: www.corpuschristiquilters.com.
BARBECUE: The Boy Scouts of America Troop 3 will host its 49th annual Chicken BBQ from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 900 S. Shoreline Blvd. All proceeds from the event will benefit the troops from 10 to 18 years old. Cost: $9, per person. Information: 361-549-1987.
CLASS: Wilton Cake Decorating classes on flowers and cake design with Wray Nell Mosier begin at 6 p.m. at Hobby Lobby, 5425 S. Padre Island Drive. The course consists of two four hour classes. Cost: $35. Information: 361-991-3641.
ORCHESTRA: The Del Mar College Summer Orchestra Program welcomes high school string players to participate with the Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra. Rehearsals will be 7-9 p.m. at Wolfe Recital Hall, Del Mar College East. Cost: $50, registration. Information: 361-698-1223.
OPEN HOUSE: The Waterford at Corpus Christi will host Lemonade Day and a tour of the assisted living facility at 3-5 p.m. at 5813 Esplanade Drive. Cost: Free. Information: 361-991-9600.
FRIDAY
FESTIVAL: The 68th annual Aransas Pass Shrimporee is from Friday to Sunday at the Aransas Pass Community Park, 200 E. Johnson Ave. Event features live music, carnival rides, arts, crafts, sexy legs contests, dancing and shrimps cooked a variety of ways. Cost: $12 adult three-day pass; $7 adult day pass; $4 day pass kids, seniors, military. Information: www.aransaspass.org/shrimporee/
THEATER: The Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St., presents The Little Mermaid at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Cost: $18 adults, $15 students, $10 children. Information: www.harborplayhouse.com or 361-888-7469.
MOVIES: Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation will show The Good Dinosaur after dark at Cole Park Amphitheater, 1526 Ocean Drive. Cost: Free. Information: 361-826-7529
THEATER: Aurora Arts Theatre will host "Avenue Q" at 7:30 p.m. at 5635 Everhart Road Suite B. Cost: $15, general admission; discount available for seniors, students, active military. Information: 361-851-9700, www.auroraartstheatre.com.
AWARENESS: The Regional Stakeholder Symposium on Synthetic Drugs will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Harvin Student Center, Del Mar College East, 101 Baldwin Blvd. Cost: Free. Information: 361-854-9199.
CONCERT: The Ultimate Tribute to Prince concert will be at 8 p.m. at Brewster Street Ice House, 1724 N. Tancahua St. Cost: $10. Information: www.brewsterstreet.net.
MOVIES: Hurricane Alley Waterpark, 702 E. Port Ave., will screen "Zoolander" as part of its Dive-in Movies on. Movie schedule subject to change without notice. Cost: $10, Tuesdays after 3 p.m.; $15, Fridays after 3 p.m. Information: www.hurricanealleycc.com/movies.html.
SYMPOSIUM: Del Mar College will host a symposium on synthetic drugs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 101 Baldwin Blvd. in the Retama Room. Cost: Free. Information: 361-854-9199
MOVIES: Aransas County Public Library will host Family Movie Time at 3 p.m. at 701 E. Mimosa St., Rockport. Cost: Free. Information: 361-790-0153.
FUNDRAISER: The Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. will host its annual summer fundraiser to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The event, artRageous: Diez Anos, will be from 7-11 p.m. Cost: $75, individual tickets; $150, Host Committee tickets. Information: www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org, 361-825-3500.
Some Texas counties show drop-off in first-day early voting numbers
Texas could be reverting to the normal low-turnout status for midterm elections this cycle after the high-excitement election of 2018.
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By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times
The Coast Guard and Corpus Christi police have found the people who went missing after their kayak overturned while fishing near an oil rig Wednesday night.
Coast Guard Lt. Karl Alejandre said four kayakers were about 3 miles off the shore of Mustang Island State Park about 7 p.m. when the vessels overturned.
Alejandre said helicopters were deployed and quickly located two of the four people near the rig in the water. It was unclear if they were wearing life vests, Alejandre said.
The other two people were found near Beach Access Road 3 at 10:50 p.m. by police, Alejandre said.
The pair used 5-gallon buckets as flotation devices to reach shore, he said.
It's unclear whether any of the fishermen were injured, but they are all alive, Alejandre said.
Twitter: @Caller_Fares
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By Natalia Contreras of the Caller-Times
Nueces County residents will have a chance to donate and support early childhood initiatives at the county courthouse while applying for birth, marriage, or divorce certificates.
The initiative is a partnership between the United Way of the Coastal Bend and the Nueces County Clerk's Office. The partnership is an effort to inform residents about the Texas Home Visiting Program and a chance to contribute to the Texas Home Visiting Trust Fund, according to a news release.
Residents can make monetary donations of $5 after receiving information about the programs.
United Way of the Coastal Bend contracts with the Prevention and Early Intervention Division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to provide early childhood home visiting services in Nueces County.
Programs are offered at no charge to area families, with an emphasis on single-parent, military and low-income families, officials said.
Texas Home Visiting is a free parenting support program that provides tools and resources for parenting including how to foster children's early learning, support for pregnant mothers, breast-feeding information and tips on how to soothe a crying child, among other things.
Information: www.uwcb.org or 361-882-2529.
Twitter: @CallerNatalia
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By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times
A 70-year-old Oklahoma man who was described by his family as a strong swimmer drowned in Port Aransas on Wednesday afternoon, police said.
Port Aransas Police Chief Scott Burroughs said officers received a 911 call around 1:45 p.m. about an unconscious man who was pulled out of the water near Mile Marker 22. The man, Rolley Key, was vacationing in South Texas from Tecumseh, Oklahoma.
Burroughs said witnesses at the scene had already begun CPR before first responders arrived. Medics were unable to resuscitate him and he was pronounced dead at 2:16 p.m.
Key's family told police he did not suffer from any major medical issues, Burroughs said. Evidence suggests he ingested salt water, but police are unsure what caused him to drown.
Police do not suspect foul play, but are investigating the incident and are awaiting the results of an autopsy.
Twitter: @Caller_Fares
Beatriz Alvarado/Caller-Times La Hacienda Clinic and Nursing Home may house a ICE detention center in the future.
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By Beatriz Alvarado of the Caller-Times
San Diego Place 4 city council member Agapita Luna asked about a shuttered nursing home off Highway 44 during Wednesday's council meeting.
"That's inside the city limits, right?," she asked.
San Diego Mayor Ruperto Canales III affirmed.
"They're going to open something there, is what I hear," she said to leaders of the city of about 4,400. "I heard it on the news."
Uncertain chatter followed. It may be a detention center for juveniles, they said. Or for families.
"I heard it's just female," Place 3 council member Rolando Guerrero said.
"No one has come to the city and addressed it, at best, in a public forum," Canales interrupted.
Leaders of Jim Wells and Duval counties haven't asked for input from San Diego leaders about possibly moving forward with operating a family detention center out of a facility in the city's limits, Canales said. The city sits on the border of the two counties. Across the street from the Duval County Courthouse to the east is Jim Wells jurisdiction. The now-shuttered La Hacienda Nursing Home is about a 13-minute walk east from the courthouse.
Canales, who also is an English teacher at San Diego Junior High, said Duval and Jim Wells counties' leaders summoned him to a meeting about a month ago pertaining to a planned juvenile detention center for (undocumented) immigrants. He said the meeting was held the day after the phone notice and that he couldn't attend because he's a seventh grade STAAR test administrator and "it was a test day." He said he hadn't heard a thing about it until Wednesday, when he received an email from Jim Wells County Judge Pedro "Pete" Trevino Jr. about a public hearing in Alice on the matter.
"That seemed a little strange," Canales said. "If the facility is in San Diego, why not hold the meeting in San Diego?"
Jim Wells commissioners on Monday voted to authorize Trevino to begin negotiations with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and Serco Inc. Serco is an international contracting firm focused on the public sector with contracts in the United Kingdom and Europe, North America and the Middle East, among others.
Trevino said Tuesday plans to move forward with a intergovernmental service agreement with ICE is being negotiated and the center, if approved, would provide about 200 jobs to the area.
But "who is going to decide who gets the jobs?" Canales asked. "If they employ only Jim Wells County employees, what benefit is that to our community?"
The public hearing will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Jim Wells County Fairgrounds at 3001 South Johnson Street in Alice.
Twitter: @CallerBetty
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times File This Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of two that was discovered at collection sites by city vector control workers on March 26. The city of Corpus Christi and Nueces County have taken differing approaches to prevent an outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases like the Zika virus.
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City and county officials have differing approaches to how to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the Zika virus. What's important is that both local governments have approaches and are pursuing them.
Zika was discovered in 1947 in Uganda. Were it not for its tendency to cause birth defects, Zika probably would have escaped notice. Its symptoms are mild and flu-like easily mistaken for other maladies and usually not considered worth a trip to a physician's office.
There is no vaccine. People who have had it probably unbeknownst to them and got over it are thought to be immune.
Another mosquito-borne illness, West Nile, is much more threatening. Its symptoms, also flu-like, are much more severe, marked by sometimes dangerously high fever. It's enough of a concern that insect repellent marketers in recent years began labeling their products as West Nile preventatives.
The Corpus Christi area for the past several weeks has been an ideal mosquito incubator, with warm, humid air and a large amount of rain. The city and county have been spraying to control mosquitoes.
They have been spraying public areas with standing water. The county, in addition, has been spraying in the air regularly, while the city uses airborne spraying only in targeted areas and only when mosquito counts are unusually high.
The city considers routine airborne spraying a waste of money and the county considers it an investment in residents' peace of mind. County Judge Loyd Neal, a stickler for unnecessary expenses, considers airborne spraying an expense that shouldn't be spared.
That's the biggest difference in the city's and county's approaches to Zika prevention. The two shouldn't be viewed as in competition. They are after the same outcome.
Taking into consideration the swarms of mosquitoes in recent weeks that have made yard work and walking the dog a misery, it's hard to believe that only one measly mosquito tested in our area in the past year was found to carry a disease. That mosquito was carrying West Nile. As plentiful as are mosquitoes locally, mosquito-borne illness here is rare. There is no need for panic but there always is a need for caution.
Health officials strongly recommend using insect repellent regularly. They also urge that residents do what they can about standing water on their property.
They can't make it sink faster into saturated ground but they can empty any outdoor vessel where rain water accumulates. They also can keep their lawns mowed and trimmed.
If their yards are jungles, they contribute to the problem because jungles are an ideal mosquito habitat.
City and county health and vector control officials are doing their part. The rest depends on residents taking personal responsibility.
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Mary E. Dilig
Parents, control your children
This is concerning the 3-year-old boy who fell inside the gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. What was the mother doing when this happened? Clearly the 450-pound gorilla Harambe was acting irritable and was visibly agitated, and it was within reason considering the crowd of visitors that were panicking, screaming and making matters worse.
The Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard made the right judgment call ending the gorilla's life to spare the child's life.
The management at the zoo needs to focus on improving more safety standards so that no other child will be able to fall in accidentally, thus preventing such a tragedy from happening again.
Who is to blame? Both the mother and the zoo should be held accountable and be criminally investigated for negligence.
Some parents do a lousy job of supervising their children no matter if they are at the zoo, restaurants or any other public place.
Mothers, control your children, that's your job! If you want wild kids, stay home with them and let other law-abiding citizens enjoy their visit to the zoo.
It's so sad that Harambe was killed over somebody else's negligence. Rest in peace, Harambe.
Her Majesty The Queen will present a Queens Young Leaders Award to an exceptional young person from Cameroon at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London on Thursday 23rd June.
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As the Commonwealth celebrates The Queens 90th birthday, this years Award winner, 22-year-old David Morfaw, has been recognised by The Queen for taking the lead in transforming the lives of others and making a lasting difference in his community. As a Queens Young Leader, he will be representing Cameroon as he joins winners from 45 different Commonwealth countries in London for five days of high-level engagements, all designed to help them further their life-changing work.
Before receiving their Queens Young Leaders Award at Buckingham Palace, the winners will visit 10 Downing Street and the UK headquarters of global social networking company Twitter, and meet with senior executives at the BBC World Service. They will also meet the Commonwealth Secretary General, take part in workshops at the University of Cambridge, have meetings with UK business leaders, and visit projects that are changing the lives of vulnerable people in the UK.
Selected from a competitive process where thousands of young people from all over the Commonwealth applied to be a Queens Young Leader, David Morfaw has been recognised for his social enterprise work to tackle malnutrition and hunger.
This years Award winners are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of issues including education, climate change, gender, mental health and improving the lives of people with disabilities.
The application process to become a 2017 Queens Young Leader opens at 8:00pm BST on Friday 24th June 2016. The programme is looking for people aged between 18 and 29 who are dedicated to creating positive changes to the lives of people in Cameroon.
Details about how to apply to become a Queens Young Leader, together with information about the 2016 Award winners and Highly Commended runners up, is available at www.queensyoungleaders.com.
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Mustapha Umar, Mohamed Sherif and Ishaka Ngare, face a four-count charge of supplying arms to Boko Haram and destroying public and private property.
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The trial opened in the Yaounde Military Tribunal on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, of three Nigerian men carrying Cameroonian National Identity Cards, accused of involvement in terrorist attacks on Cameroon. Hearing the matter was Mrs. Justice Yvonne-Leopoldine Akoa, Vice President of the Yaounde Military Tribunal.
Mustapha Umar, Mohamed Sherif and Ishaka Ngare, are accused of taking part in the July 27, 2014, attacks on Kolofata, Mayo-Sava Division of the Far North Region. The onslaught left several people dead, with the abduction of Mrs. Amadou Ali nee Francoise Agnes Moukouri, alongside several other people. Mrs. Amadou Ali and 26 other hostages were later released on October 11, 2014.
Mustapha Umar, Mohamed Sherif and Ishaka Ngare face a four-count charge of illegal entry into Cameroon, possession of firearms and ammunitions, possession of firearms for forcibly entering a building, and the destruction of public and private buildings (including the Kolofata residence of Amadou Ali, Vice Prime Minister and Minister in charge of Relations with the Assemblies). This, the charge sheet read, the suspects did using firearms as part of an insurgent force. They are also accused of attacking the Kousseri Gendarmerie Post in the Logone and Chari Division of the Far North Region.
Meanwhile, the accused are said not to have denied belonging to Boko Haram during interrogation. Of the three suspects, only Mustapha Sherif appeared in court on Tuesday, as court authorities were unable to get Mohamed Sherif and Ishaka Ngare from prison custody. According to the prosecution, the accused fought for Boko Haram for six months as well as carried out attacks for the sect. Mustapha Umar later became an arms dealer, supplying weapons and ammunitions to Boko Haram with Mohamed Sherif and Ishaka Ngare. They reportedly supplied 600 AK47 assault rifles, 25 rocket launchers and 40 rockets to the militants.
The weapons were said to have been ferried into Cameroon from Chad and then transported to a Boko Haram training camp inside Sambisa Forest, Nigeria. Two Cameroonians, Wasiri Isma and Baba Talba, also stand accused of aiding and abetting the activities of the terrorist suspects by transporting fuel on their motorbikes to Boko Haram. The Mayor of Fotokol, Ramat Moussa, was also mentioned in the matter and is due in court on June 20, 2016.
Mustapha Umar, Mohamed Sherif and Ishaka Ngare, were picked up in Kousseri following the July 27, 2014 attacks on Kolofata. Sources said they were caught in possession of a heavy stock of arms, ammunitions, several computers, mobile phones, iPad tablets and tracts threatening those who dared to report them.
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| BY Lynchy |
American company, Madison Avenue Cookware, has outraged womens rights activists after launching an advertising campaign in Australia this week.
The ads display images of high-end kitchenware accompanied by headlines such as The only thing that cooks better is a woman, Enjoy your time out of the bedroom and A womans best friend.
Roger Hudson (pictured), CEO of Madison Avenue Products, defended the campaign saying This model has worked very well for us in America and we feel it will work very well in certain parts of Australia too. These women respond well to traditional values. If we ignore hairy-legged feminists for one second, research has told us that women do actually love cooking and they do actually love keeping their man happy. Its in their DNA.
Women Rights Activist Cathy Davis says the ads are absolutely despicable. They devalue women by implying that cooking is our most important role in society It is archaic, misogynistic and sexist.
In response to Ms Davis comments, Mr Hudson said:
Settle down doll face.
See the controversial TVC
| BY Lynchy |
Melbourne student Richie Meldrum recalls the highs and lows of his AWARD School experience in a CB Exclusive Right now, there are forty-odd wannabe advertising creatives who are sweating it big time. I know Im one of them.
Graduation has once again arrived at AWARD School, the creative advertising course that acts as as a springboard for the careers of some of the biggest and brightest names in the industry.
Sydney, Brisbane and Tasmania have already had theirs, tonight (Thursday) its Melbournes turn. This evening, the class of 2012 will turn up to see if their efforts will get them the result theyre after whatever that may be.
Founded by industry leader Ray Black and managed by the Communications Council, AWARD School is a mix of advertising theory and practice designed to raise creative standards in all forms of commercial communication.
Over 16 weeks, with a much-needed 3-week study break/breather in the middle of it, students receive one lecture and one tutorial session per week. At each lecture, industry working creatives from the top agencies in the country present on a selection of different topics. Some of them come with lovingly-prepared slides and strong lesson structures, others wing it and just show stuff they think is cool.
Rregardless, all of it is soaked up and scribbled down by the keen young things sitting in front of them. At each of the tutorial groups you are set a gloriously simple brief, one which you are regularly assured by those in the know that you will never see the likes of again should you actually get a job in advertising where briefs come laden with various mandatories and complications.
They are usually a simplified version of a brief that you might get in an agency. says the Communication Councils Linda Anderson. Normally the first couple of briefs the students receive are fairly straight forward and they become increasingly difficult as the course progresses.
You must come up with numerous solutions to answer the brief and present them to be critiqued by your tutors the following week. Your AWARD School folio, which consists of one solution for each week, is then presented at the end of the course for judging.
AWARD School has been operating along these lines for almost 30 years and continues to be a highly regarded, well-trodden passage into the advertising industry for those that do well.
But how does the course continue to be such a successful entry point into the industry?
Draft FCBs Jay Hynes, who runs the Melbourne show together with David Ponce de Leon from BD Network says: Everyone says this but its true its because its all about ideas. Essentially, AWARD School doesnt have to change as long as it remains about ideas.
This notion is continually hammered home to students throughout the 16 weeks ideas, and the creative thinking needed to come up with good ones, are key curriculum criteria.
Topics have evolved along with industry growth and changes, however, the key focus of the programme remains. Its a course about ideas, creative thinking and the processes, confirms Anderson.
While courses in other industry sectors are often structured to convey the realistic expectations and environments of the workplace, AWARD School is almost completely the opposite. It is a place where you dont have to consider tricky clients, stubborn brand managers or any of the other realities that are part and parcel of being on the job.
If ever there was an advertising utopia then AWARD School surely must be it. Of course, its incredibly hard work and an immensely taxing experience for those who take it seriously.
Working on each brief is a task that never leaves you day or night, lifestyles have to be changed, sacrifices have to be made, partners and girlfriends occasionally get pissed off.
However, away from the hierarchies, politics and distractions of the real world, AWARD school is able to remain focused on one thing and one thing alone the creation of killer ideas. This is a good thing.
Students in Melbourne this year were treated to some wonderfully insightful and entertaining presentations. Lecturers somehow managed to pull off the brain-aching task of successfully teaching the actual process behind coming up with good ideas each preceded with their own this is just how I do it disclaimer.
McCann Executive Creative Director John Mescall extoled the virtues of combining what you know about a brand with what you know about the world in order to reach an idea that is inherently interesting and thought provoking.
Speaking on radio, M&C Saatchis Doogie Chapman urged the class to look at the medium as a theatre of the mind, to know your target audience and to let the idea do the writing.
Chris Northam from GPY&R Melbourne introduced the remarkably effective 50 blank boxes method while Rob Beamish from JWT urged students to go beyond the walls of advertising and look to art, design and film for creative inspiration.
Finally, Clemenger BBDOs Ben Keenan offered a number of scroll- worthy insights on digital ideas, suggesting students use technology simply, rather than simply use technology. His presentation featured various examples of digital ideas he rated including Skittles Touch the Rainbow YouTube man-cat, a Twitter facilitated parking space finder from Mercedes Benz in Berlin and the infamous Whopper Sacrifice campaign from Burger King in the US.
Wonderful, fascinating, inspiring the award school lectures were all and more. The tutor groups, however, were often not such an enjoyable experience. Not surprisingly, for a course aimed at aspiring creative taking their first steps into the field, the work produced is of varying quality.
Presenting ideas to tutors is often quickly followed by watching each one of your weeks efforts ending up in the yeahnah pile confirming your fears that you actually clearly suck at this advertising stuff.
But, this is a learned craft and it is the task of the various tutors to shape and mold these young creative minds so that they can start to learn when an idea is really shit, (yeahnah) when its just not any good (I think youve got better stuff) or, occasionally, when there actually might be something in it (work on that).
Enlisting working creatives and creative teams to tutor the course is one of its main strengths according to Hynes. I believe that the willingness of creatives to give their time to lecturing and tutoring is a massive part of why AWARD School is so important to students. As creatives, we are very competitive, but in my time that competitiveness ceases when it comes to helping/mentoring students.
Finally, after 4 months, numerous notepads, countless spent pens and hours and hours of staring at a blank page trying to remember what it was John Mescall said about the truth of a product its over. Your folio is handed in and the dreaded judging commences.
We normally have 8 judges that each get to judge around 2/3rds of the folios each, explains Hynes. The folios with the most dots on them are collated into a top ten. From there its very involved with each of the judges going through each folio individually to determine the winner.
Which brings us full circle. Walking into AWARD School I had little idea o
f what to expect. Refreshingly, the course is full of people coming to this from a number of different avenues and for a whole range of different reasons. There are the dedicated ad kids who are desperately seeking that first junior role, writers, filmmakers and illustrators who want to flex their creative talents in another industry, and lawyers, IT managers and accountants keen to use the other side of their brain for a change.
Some of these people dropped out after the first 6 weeks. Many will go back to their old jobs and never think about a white box again. A couple may go on to achieve something amazing and perhaps some of them might even score a gig in the ad industry.
But a lot of that wont become clear until tonight (Thursday night). So until then, well all have to sweat it out just that little bit longer.
Richie Meldrum is a writer, journalist and creative director at Yoke.
| BY Ricki Green |
Clemenger BBDO Melbourne has strengthened its senior leadership by appointing two new group account directors, Deanne Constantine (right) and Carol Macdonald (left).
Constantine will be heading up the Mars account, including chocolate and pet food brands. Macdonald will lead the Mercedes Benz and SEEK accounts.
Constantine returns to Australia from four years in New York, where she was global business director on Google at Steve Stoute and Jay-Zs agency, Translation. She was responsible for launching Google Play Music globally, taking on Apple iTunes. Prior to Translation, Constantine was at Anomaly New York, leading the Budweiser global account.
Previously in Australia, Constantine headed up the Lion Nathan account at Publicis Mojo in Sydney. She has spearheaded projects that have won several major advertising awards, including Cannes Lions, D&AD and AWARD.
Macdonald has been working in the industry for over 12 years, both locally at Ogilvy Australia and in European independent agencies. Her experience spans multiple categories and she has worked on a number of major brands and businesses including Kelloggs, Nivea, BMW, MINI, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Absolut, Carlton FC, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and Officemax. Macdonalds work has won accolades at Cannes, The Spikes and One Show.
Clemenger BBDO Melbourne CEO, Nick Garrett, says the two new group account directors couldnt have landed at a better time.
| BY Ricki Green |
Last night Clemenger BBDO Sydney hosted a sold out event Creativity vs Drought at the MCA, as part of the Vivid Ideas festival.
Aimed at young, up and coming talent hoping to work in the creative industries, the event was designed to showcase how creative agencies go about solving real world problems. Both in the realm of communications, and beyond.
To demonstrate how it works, Clemenger chose one of Australias most pressing challenges, drought, and handed that challenge (along with its production department) over to a unique group of creatives. The children of Australia. Because theyre a source of unbounded creativity, and because they are the ones that will have to live with the consequences of the choices people are making now when it comes to water.
Over the past five months Clemenger has briefed teams from Middle Harbour and St Marys Primary Schools, conducted brainstorms and internal reviews, and worked with both schools to hone their pitch.
The schools presented their final ideas to an expert panel, before a winner was selected to go into production.
Since then, Clemenger completed technical scoping, UX and design and unveiled the working prototype of Middle Harbours winning idea last night.
| BY Ricki Green |
Dentsu Mitchell has today announced two key senior hires with Eaon Pritchard and Michelle Nagle both joining the agencys communications design unit in the roles of communications design government lead and communications design director respectively.
Pritchard has over 15 years experience in the industry spanning creative and strategy across UK and Australian markets.
Says Pritchard: Its an exciting time to be joining Dentsu Mitchell. David, myself and the team are all committed to designing communications that work with, rather than against, human nature and the psychology of how decisions are made.
Nagle also has over 15 years experience in brand management and joins from Mars with a detailed knowledge of marketing science.
Says Nagle: Im really excited to join the Dentsu Mitchell team where I can bring my passion for Marketing and Marketing Science to deliver strong value and results to the benefit of clients.
Speaking of these new hires, David Hearn said, We are exceptionally happy that Eaon and Michelle have joined us on our journey to innovate the way brands connect with Australians.
| BY Ricki Green |
Diane Jackson, chief production officer at DDB Chicago, has been announced as the jury president for Production + Post-production and Music Video at the 2016 London International Awards (LIA).
Representing Australia on the jury is Adrian Bosich, managing partner / director, AIRBAG, Melbourne who can be seen in the video below explain why agencies should enter LIA and Sam Long, executive producer, Goodoil Films, Sydney.
Says Jackson: As a Londoner who is international and has a few awards under my belt, how befitting that I have finally received this honor but seriously, I am absolutely thrilled to be invited to be the LIA 2016 president of the Music Video and Production & Post-Production jury.
The role of production to elevate and amplify ideas is more important than ever before as we strive to entertain and make meaningful emotional connections in a world saturated with noise and clutter.
Every day Jackson transcends barriers and expectations, not only by what she does for DDB as its chief production officer, but by who she is. Colleagues and clients alike recognize Jacksons rare combination of tenacity, strategic vision and creativity; she defies the conventional constructs of the production discipline. As a producer and charismatic leader she is inventive and insightful, adventurous in scope but thoughtful about all the small details. What sets her apart is her ability to make the impossible happen. Jackson has been formative in strategising for the entire DDB network. Her influence will continue to permeate the company both locally and globally on brands such as McDonalds, State Farm, Mars Wrigley and FCA Jeep.
Says Jackson: LIAs long history of honoring creative excellence across diverse disciplines and technologies means that the iconic winged statue remains an object of desire for those who strive to push boundaries, master their craft and simply inspire.
2016 TV/Cinema/Film Production & Post-Production jury:
Diane Jackson Jury President Chief Production Officer, DDB Chicago
Adrian Bosich Managing Partner / Director, AIRBAG, Melbourne
Francois Brun CEO & Co-founder, Quad Group, Paris
Wain Choi Chief Creative Officer, Cheil Worldwide, Seoul
Lizie Gower Managing Director, Academy Films, London
Sam Long Executive Producer, Goodoil Films, Sydney
John Spary Managing Director, John Spary Associates, London
Stephen Venning Executive Director Mill+, London
The LIA 2016 Entry System is now accepting entries. The initial Entry Deadline is 10th June. Judging will take place in Las Vegas from 6th October to 14th October. The shortlists will be announced as each judging session concludes, with winners being announced 8th November. For more information on submissions and eligibility, please click here.
| BY Ricki Green |
Australian mortgage broker, Aussie Home Loans, has today announced the appointment of Special Group Australia as its creative partner across brand strategy, design and communications.
The appointment follows an extensive agency review and pitch process during the first half of 2016.
Says Richard Burns, general manager, customer experience and technology, Aussie Home Loans: Throughout the pitch process Special Groups talent, culture, way of working and shared ambition for our business were second to none.
The team at Special will be working across our brand, marketing and customer engagement teams including acquisition, customer retention and experience, digital, content marketing and our more than 1,000 brokers to ensure complete integration of the Aussie brand across all of these pivotal customer touchpoints.
Says Lindsey Evans, founding partner of Special Group: Aussie is one of the best challenger brand success stories in Australia; having disrupted the mortgage category and changed industry behaviour to benefit millions of Australians. We are privileged to be able to help them continue that legacy.
| BY Ricki Green |
The University of Melbourne has received six awards in the 2016 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards, the most of any university in the Asia-Pacific region.
The University received gold awards in both the Advertising Campaign and Individual Advertisement categories. CASE Asia Pacific district also put the Collision campaign forward for a Platinum Award for Excellence in Marketing and Communications where it was a finalist.
The University received a third gold for best Short Fundraising Video, for the Educating Tomorrows Leaders scholarship video, part of the Universitys Believe philanthropy campaign.
The University received a Silver Award in Innovative Alumni Programs for its Update Your Details campaign, as well as Bronze Awards for its Making of Collision behind the scenes video and Principal or Major Giving Programs for Believe The Campaign for the University of Melbourne.
Executive director of marketing and communications Lara McKay said the awards were a great recognition of the impact the campaign has had internationally.
Says McKay: The judges feedback indicated that everything about the campaign was unexpected; they found it refreshingly creative and executed well, and thats why we believe it is having such great cut through as it is so different for the higher education category.
When the University first launched Collision in 2015, our aim was to put the collaboration that occurs across our community, the work that they do and the impact that it has globally, front and centre and these awards give us another chance to showcase this work.
Were really proud of how weve achieved that to date, and thrilled that the international higher education community has recognized these efforts.
Vice-principal (advancement) Nick Blinco said the University was pleased that the transformative impact of the Believe campaign has been internationally recognized.
Says Blinco: That Believe is ranked as one of the best major giving programs in the world is testament to the generosity of over 20,000 donors, supported by a dedicated and commitment Advancement team. It demonstrates that Melbourne is at the forefront of advancement best-practice internationally at a time when philanthropy has never been more important for universities.
Takeaways from the Fetterman, Oz Senate debate in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania U.S. Senate candidates John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz squared off Tuesday in the first and only debate of their hotly contested race.
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Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 10:21AM
Reported designs of flying car projects backed by Larry Page
It's 2016 and many of us are still amazed that we don't have flying cars but Google's Larry Page is hoping to change that. The founder has reportedly invested $100 million of his own money into making this dream come true.
Page, who is CEO of Alphabet which owns Google among other companies, is no stranger to moonshot projects but as a report from Bloomberg states, Page seems serious about getting flying cars made. With electric vehicles gaining popularity and with autonomous drivng technology coming as a result of this, flying cars aren't that far behind. Page is apparently working with two companies. , one of the reported companies, is apparently based out of Mountain View just minutes from Google HQ.
Source: Bloomberg
"We are not alone. We know there is national work under way and we have provided additional funding in this year's budget to increase awareness, to increase education and also to increase services to people suffering from HIV or other bloodborne illnesses as well," she said.
"It was always there," Mrs McConnell said of her son's death. "But you have to learn to live with it and I guess trying to right the wrong that was there when our son died helped us learn to live with it. It's part of life and you have to learn to cope somehow."
They would be able to give secret police intelligence to the magistrate, which would not be available to the subject of the ban or the public.
"Australia is at a historic choice point when it comes to cyber defence," he said. "We will have to build a cyber militia soon, and we need research and debate now on what that looks like.
"In furniture, it's a little bit unusual to have someone that's trained really traditionally as a maker, who also is trained as an artist, who's up on their theory and all of that. I sure could be stronger on my theory, but who actually thinks that way across both? And that's why Donald had pegged me as someone who could do both things and still teach people how to use a hand-plane or cut a dovetail joint, and also talk about why Duchamp is important."
"I don't think there are any surprises there for us," he said. "This is now a union job, the union will be front and centre in all aspects of it, including what we anticipate would be hyper-inflated wages."
"That would be used to provide information which we gather on electors and the like, and we use it to try and do our electorate business."
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King George's Medical University, Lucknow has invited applications for admissions to 4-year B.Sc Nursing Programme.
Admissions are offered at following colleges for the academic session 2016:
College of Nursing KGMU, Lucknow
Vivekanand College of Nursing, Lucknow
Sahara College of Nursing, Lucknow
Samarpan College of Nursing, Chinhat, Lucknow
G.S.R.M. College of Nursing, Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow and
BCM College of Nursing, Khairabad, Sitapur
Note: Only female candidates are allowed to take admission in the Vivekanand College of Nursing and Sahara College of Nursing, and BCM College of Nursing Khairabad, Sitapur.
Eligibility Criteria:
Candidate should have completed 10+2 with minimum of 45% marks in Science stream (Physics/Chemistry/Biology or Biotechnology /English) from any recognised board
Candidates, who are holding an equivalent qualification from State Open School, recognised by State Government and National Institute of Open School (NIOS), recognised by central government can also apply
How to Apply?
Visit the official website to apply online
Online : An application fee of Rs. 2000/- should be paid by General & OBC candidates while Rs. 1200/- has to be paid by candidates belonging to SC/ST candidates. Application fee can be paid through Allahabad Bank or HDFC Bank. Candidates can use Credit / Debit Card (Master/Visa Only) to pay online
: An application fee of Rs. 2000/- should be paid by General & OBC candidates while Rs. 1200/- has to be paid by candidates belonging to SC/ST candidates. Application fee can be paid through Allahabad Bank or HDFC Bank. Candidates can use Credit / Debit Card (Master/Visa Only) to pay online Offline: Applicants can pay prescribed fee at Allahabad Bank / HDFC Bank
Selection Procedure:
Candidates will be offered admissions at King George's Medical University based on their marks secured in the entrance examination.
Important Dates:
IIT-JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), which is conducted to offer admission to engineering courses for Indian and Indian expat students is going ahead to widen its horizon by opening its doors for international students from the upcoming year.
To mark its presence across the globe, now Indian Instituties of Technology are planning to conduct JEE-entrance exam simultaneously in 10 countries.
Recently, the IIT council granted approval to hold the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) entrance exam in 10 countries, which enables Indian and international students to appear for exam on the same day.
List of participating countries:
The participating countries include seven SAARC nations (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives), UAE, Ethiopia and Singapore.
So far, JEE exam was conducted in West Asian countries, wherein only Indian expat students were allowed to appear for the exam. Students, who were qualified in the first round would come down to India to write second round of examination.
Following recent developments in IIT-JEE entrance exam, Indian expat students and international students will be able take up the exam with Indian counterparts.
HRD Ministry: Procure 50 yrs of JEE solved question papers on app
According to Bangalore Mirror reports, "Nearly 10 percent of the seats will be reserved for foreign students. To ensure that the Indian students should not lose out, there is also a proposal to add about 10,000 more undergraduate seats."
More than 5 lakh students appear for the exam every year, out of which 10,000 plus students are shortlisted.
Outreach programme:
Besides, the council has initiated an outreach programme, which is first of its kind. IIT-Bombay will lead the programme that aims at drawing attention of more and more international students to take admission in IITs.
"We will be actively canvassing for foreign students to join for two reasons, one it will give our institutions a more cosmopolitan outlook and second it will improve our overall ranking," said the senior official, who is privy to developments.
During canvassing programme the authorities will also be examining the fee structure for foreign students. HRD Ministry has sent a proposal to ministry of home affairs to look into the same so that the international students undergo scrutiny before processing student visa.
AICTE likely to conduct NEET-like single entrance test for Engineering
The heavily revised 2015 Toyota Camry will arrive in US dealerships in late September, with prices starting from $22,970, excluding a $825 delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee.
Americas best-selling midsize sedan has received a thorough exterior makeover, as well as an upgraded interior and a retuned suspension. The 2015 Camry will be available in four models, the base LE, the sporty SE, the new XSE and the premium XLE. The XSE is based on the SE but brings an edgier look and improved driving dynamics.
All Camry models are powered by the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 178 hp and 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque, mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated mileage ratings are 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. XSE and XLE models can also be ordered with an available 268hp 3.5-liter V6, also mated to a six-speed automatic.
Pricing for the two most popular Camry models, LE and SE, remains unchanged from the 2014.5 model. New for 2015 are standard features including 8-way power drivers seat with power lumbar support, shift lever boot with contrast stitching, satin chrome interior accents, passenger window auto up-down, chrome front upper grille and rear trunk garnish (smoked chrome on SE), and heated outside mirrors. The SE model also adds a standard 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display and direct tire pressure monitor system.
Camry XSE and XLE models each add more standard features over the LE and SE, including leather-trimmed seating with multi-stage heated front seats and four-way power passenger seat on the XLE or leather-trimmed seating with Ultrasuede inserts and multi-stage heated front seats and 4-way power passenger seat on the XSE.
Additional standard features include Entune Audio Plus multimedia system, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels with a super chrome finish on the XLE and 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face and black paint for the XSE.
PHOTOS
This senior Queensland police officer is facing criminal charges after pointing his gun at an unsuspecting driver, which now seems to be just one of multiple indiscretions on the job.
The officer, identified as Senior Constable Stephen Flanagan, is still demanding to be paid while hes on suspension, though with new evidence pointing out how he tends to conduct, his chances of getting his pay reinstated arent looking too bright.
The clip below shows two distinct occurrences in which Flanagan behaved in an abusive way towards a motorist, the first one being where he pulled a gun on a ute driver doing 126 km/h (78 mph) in a 110 km/h (68 mph) zone.
Flanagan even handcuffed the driver while checking his registration, though had to release him as soon as he realized the car wasnt stolen as if doing 10 mph (16km/h) over the legal limit automatically makes you a car thief.
The officer was later charged with assault and deprivation of liberty after an investigation by the Ethical Standards Command. In his defense, Flanagan stated that he thought the car was stolen (again, why?) and that he didnt realize his sirens were off.
A separate video was later introduced as evidence against the officer, showing his behavior during an incident that took place on the Gold Coast in 2013. That time, Flanagan pulled a driver over on the M1 motorway for speeding (allegedly), which was something that the driver denied on the spot.
As the driver was explaining his actions, Flanagan threw his keys to the ground and threatened to snap him in half as a direct result of the man complaining about how the officer had hurt his shoulder when pushing him away from the car.
What do you think about officer Flanagans behavior?
VIDEO
Owners of certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles cannot use the infotainment systems on their rides after a faulty update caused them to crash.
Discovered earlier this week after some Lexus owners in the Chicago and California areas complained to the company, the issue disables the climate control, audio, navigation systems and rear-view camera by forcing the unit to continually reset, making the infotainment inoperable, according to AutoNews.
In the meantime, Toyota stopped broadcasting the defective data, but it was already too late for an unknown number of 2014-2016 Lexus luxury vehicles and 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs. Owners of certain units were able to reset the screens by disconnecting the cable from the batterys negative terminal and waiting 30 seconds before reattaching it, but the rest will have to schedule an appointment with their local dealer, which will perform a forced reset.
Lexus issued an official statement on social media yesterday evening, apologizing for the situation and claiming errant data broadcast by our traffic and weather data service provided, which was not handled as expected by the microcomputer in the vehicle navigation head unit. The automaker hasnt identified the supplier.
Update: We apologize if your vehicle has experienced an error in the navigation head unit. pic.twitter.com/TVzch62Emm
Lexus (@Lexus) June 8, 2016
PHOTO GALLERY
Infiniti is looking into offering highway self-driving features in most of their upcoming models, beating rivals that develop similar technologies.
The news came from none other than the companys president Roland Krueger, who spoke at the Global Automotive Forum in Chongqing, China.
Infiniti is currently fitting their Q50 executive sedan with a drive-by-wire steering rack, a prerequisite feature for autonomous driving above 37mph (60km/h) on the highway. This solution is expected to be widely used in the companys future products, allowing that way the introduction of the self-driving technology into the market.
This will be rolled out as we are launching new vehicles one by one, Roland Krueger, Infinitis president, told Reuters.
Whenever we are launching the next cars with such a steering system or the next generation of these systems, then of course we would offer those features to our customers.
Infinitis parent company Nissan is also planning into increasing its investments in autonomous driving in China, starting with the launch of transportation start-ups located in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
So far, only Tesla offer a highway self-driving feature. Mercedes and BMW do offer semi-autonomous technologies in some of their models, but they are still not considered to offer a complete autonomous experience on the highway.
PHOTO GALLERY
SsangYongs all-new Rexton SUV will go on sale in the UK in 2017, but not before making its debut during this years Paris Motor Show.
Apparently, the new model looks a lot like this LIV-1 concept car that showed up during the 2013 Seoul Motor Show, and according to Auto Express (who say theyve seen it in person), prices will start from around 26,000 in the UK.
The magazine was invited to SsangYongs state-of-the-art R&D center near Seoul where they were given a close look at the new Rexton, codenamed Y400. SsangYong explained how the Rexton was directly inspired by the polar bear, traditional Korean aesthetics, but also Korean mountains, pine trees, as well as traditional art and furniture.
Theres also apparently a hint of Volvo XC90 about its blunt silhouette, which lets face it, is a heck of a compliment. Other notable design traits are the sloping roof line (similar to the Tivoli) and the squared-off line above the rear wheel arch, which is carried over and reproduced over the front wheel.
One of the trends today is for cars to have stronger shapes, said Myung-Hack Lee, the man running SsangYongs design division. We are looking to create a very modern trendy image.
Inside, the new Rexton was described as looking a bit like a Mercedes-Benz from one or two generations ago which isnt necessarily a bad thing as the quality levels were instantly impressive to those who got to see the car. Where most automakers are making buttons disappear by integrating as many functions as they can into the cars center console display, the Rexton will still rely on a wide array of physical buttons (alongside its own touchscreen interface).
Customers will get a choice of leather and wood finishes for the dash, with plenty of chrome detailing all-around, though lower quality plastics are still present on the bottom-part of the center console. At the rear theres decent legroom, and the 7-seat option is there to provide flexibility for those in need.
The Y400 is a frame type design but as of now, most SUVs are switching to a monocoque type not a frame type. But thats our strategic model, to build and explore the market as a frame based SUV, said the companys president & CEO Johng-Sik Choi.
It may be a traditional type of SUV but we put a lot of technology into this model and its major market will be the emerging markets, Russia, China and South America, so we believe there is still a lot of demand there. And it fits in with our model of being an SUV specialist.
The Rexton will get SsangYongs new 2.0-liter GDi turbocharged petrol unit, but probably not in the UK. Instead, buyers will need to make due with the older 178 BHP 2.2-liter diesel from the current model, mated to the same Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic.
About a year after its launch, some markets will get to enjoy the new petrol unit, together with the more modern 8-speed automatic, also sourced from Mercedes.
Note: SsangYong LIV-1 Concept pictured
PHOTO GALLERY
Following its world premiere at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, Renaults South Korean arm has dressed the second-gen Koleos in Samsung badges as the new QM6.
Presented in front of a large audience at the 2016 Busan Auto Show, it serves as a replacement for the 9-year old QM5, better known to us as the first-gen Koleos, and it remains almost identical to its Renault sibling, apart from the replaced diamond badge and slightly tweaked headlights.
Despite being revealed in full, Renault is still not willing to reveal any powertrain details on the new Koleos/QM6, but since both versions are underpinned by the CMF-C/D platform, developed with Nissan and shared with the X-Trail, we do know that all-wheel drive will be part of the package, although cheaper models are bound to go with front-wheel drive only.
The new Koleos has received a wide range of safety features, from Active Emergency Braking to Safe Distance Warning and from Tiredness Detection to the already common Lane Departure Warning, so chances are some of these, if not all, will be carried over to its Samsung twin.
Just like its predecessor, the QM6/Koleos will be built in Busan, South Korea, from where it will be shipped to 80 markets across the globe, while the version made specifically for the Peoples Republic will be assembled in Wuhan, China.
H/T To AutoEvolution
VIDEOS
Founder and president of The Voice of Libyan Women project which pushes for inclusive peace processes and conflict mediation Canadian-Libyan doctor Alaa Murabit participated in the forum at The Carter Center. (Photo: The Carter Center/ M. Schwarz)
At the 2015 Human Rights Defenders Forum, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter enjoys a presentation by Afeefa Syeed, a senior adviser at the U.S. Agency for International Development, Middle East and Asia bureaus. (Photo: The Carter Center/ M. Schwarz)
More than 60 activists, scholars, and community leaders will come together to discuss ways to end violence in all its forms during the Carter Center's annual Human Rights Defenders Forum, "A Time for Peace: Rejecting Violence to Secure Human Rights."
Among the themes of this year's forum are the economics of peace, unlearning violence, and nonviolent approaches to security and law enforcement.
While this event is not open to the public, portions of the forum will be webcast live (free) on cartercenter.org beginning Monday, June 20 at 1:30 p.m.
Webcast Agenda
Monday, June 20
1:30 3 p.m. A Time for Peace, keynote speech by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, followed by a moderated Q&A. (The session includes a report on the earlier forum workshops and musical performances by renowned global musicians.)
Watch again
3:30 4:45 p.m. The Economics of Peace: Investing in a Just and Equitable Global Economy
Watch again
Tuesday, June 21
9 10:30 a.m. Unlearning Violence: Re-educating Society for Peace and Human Rights
Watch again
11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Securing the Peace: Advancing Nonviolent Approaches to Security and Law Enforcement
Watch again
2 3:15 p.m. Building a New Peace Movement: Rejecting Violence to Secure Human Rights
Watch again
3:45 4:45 p.m. A Call for Peace, Dignity, and Justice
Watch again
Participants Include:
Rana Allam, an outspoken Egyptian journalist and an adviser with the Women Alliance for Security Leadership.
Murairi Bakihanaye Janvier, the president of the Association pour le Developpement des Initiatives Paysannes, who works to fight slavery and exploitation of mineral resources in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rodolfo Manuel Dominguez Marquez, director of Mexico's Justice, Human Rights, and Gender Civil Association, which monitors and sometimes litigates cases of femicide and works to protect women in situations of violence.
Deeyah Khan, a music producer and the documentarian behind the films "Banaz: A Love Story," about so-called honor killings, and "Jihad," which investigates the motives of Western-born Islamic extremists, convicted terrorists, and former jihadis.
Sylvie Kinigi, the only woman to serve as prime minister of Burundi (July 1993 to February 1994).
Fatima Akilu, an expert in countering violent extremism who helped design Nigeria's countering violent extremism program, which takes a multipronged approach that includes PTSD training and education.
Join the Discussion
During the webcast, please follow us on Twitter @CarterCenter and join in the discussion with hashtag #time4peace.
Photo: The Canadian Press
The energy industry is losing the public relations battle against environmentalists and needs to redouble efforts to get out its side of the story, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said Wednesday.
"Today there continues an existential threat to this industry," said Wall.
"It's posed by ... some who just aren't that comfortable that we have all this oil and what oil might mean. And it's also posed by some who just want to shut it down completely."
Wall made the remarks Wednesday in a speech at the Petroleum Club in Calgary to the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, which represents small and medium oil and gas producers.
He said the industry needs to do a better job of promoting the benefits it provides and continue to ask questions of its critics.
"Frankly, we're in the middle of a battle and we haven't been winning many battles," Wall said. "I fear we're in danger of losing more battles if we're not vigilant."
He also criticized the backers of the anti fossil-fuel Leap Manifesto, which he referred to as "grim leapers," for what he said was their profound snobbery against the sector and their "magical thinking."
Wall also reiterated his opposition to provincial and federal carbon taxes, saying it's not the right time to introduce such levies as the oil and gas industry struggles to survive amid low energy prices.
"We do not think it's the right time for any more surprises. We think they're for birthday parties, they're not for an economy when it's in many respects facing the headwinds of lower commodity prices," said Wall.
He took the opportunity to invite more oil and gas investment in Saskatchewan, one day after Alberta passed its carbon tax legislation.
A 58-year-old Kelowna woman has been sent to hospital following an accident involving an SUV and her scooter.
Police say the vehicle and the electric scooter collided on Rutland Road North and Hardie Road shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
The southbound Honda HRV was apparently trying to make a left turn from Rutland Road onto Hardie when it was broadsided by the scooter.
Witnesses said the northbound scooter was passing vehicles on the right prior to hitting the SUV.
Her scooter was found wedged under the vehicle.
The operator of the electric scooter was transported to hospital for treatment of what police believe to be non-life threatening injuries.
No charges have been laid at this time.
Photo: Getty Images
In my May 25 MP report, I speculated on how recent efforts to reform the Senate to become more politically independent could result in the upper house causing significant delays to government bills.
Bill C-14, the medical assistance in dying bill, left the House of Commons and it now appears there could be significant delays to this legislation in the Red Chamber. The issue? The Senate is amending the bill while the government believes it's fine, setting the stage for a potential stand-off.
As these stand-offs are uncommon, there is an emerging debate from those who believe that unelected senators should not be able to derail the legislation of democratically elected MPs. Others point out that the Senate is simply fulfilling its role to provide sober second thought to legislation.
From my perspective, a more independent Senate may produce enough stand-offs that the government may want to refine its approach to Senate reform.
Ultimately, there is no parliamentary procedure that exists where government can force the Senate to pass a bill. That's why prime ministers have appointed senators who are members of the government to help ensure that a democratically elected government is able to achieve the mandate voters elected them on.
In this instance, there may be an official conference between the House of Commons and the Senate to try to reach an agreement between the two chambers on Bill C-14. It has been reported that a conference of this type has not been hosted in Parliament for roughly 70 years.
My thoughts on this current impasse? Given the magnitude and importance of a Bill like C-14, it is critically important that it receives extensive scrutiny between the two chambers so it can encompass public concerns. Ultimately, bills, once passed into law will also be subject to scrutiny from our Supreme Court and many have suggested that Bill C-14 may well be headed in this direction.
I supported Bill C-14 after extensive consultations with constituents through my MP reports, several town halls and hearing lots of direct comments and concerns from the citizens of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola. Although not everyone was supportive, I committed that I would listen to constituents and most I heard from supported the bill, recognizing the decision of the Supreme Court to legalize medical assistance in dying.
Finally, a reminder that I am now operating a mobile constituency service in Merritt, at the municipal hall on the first Tuesday of each month. As I will be adding additional mobile office service throughout the riding, for information, please go to my website: www.danalbas.com/mobileoffice . I welcome your comments and concerns and can be reached at [email protected] or toll free at 1-800-665-8711 .
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Police say a Florida man tried to kidnap a teenage girl inside a store and that it was captured on surveillance video.
Citrus County deputies tell news outlets that 30-year-old Craig Bonello is facing charges of child abuse and kidnapping after he tried to drag the 13-year-old girl out of a Dollar General Store in Hernando on Tuesday.
Authorities say the store manager alerted an off-duty deputy outside the store and the deputy blocked Bonello's car and arrested him.
Bonello was assigned a public defender during his initial court appearance Wednesday. Attorney Edward Spaight says Bonello is a veteran with a long history of mental health issues. He says the systems in place to help people like Bonello have failed him.
Photo: CTV
Fed up with parking fees, a Winnipeg cancer patient is threatening to vandalize parking meters that stand between him and his treatments.
Collin Kennedy says has been battling a form of leukemia for 17 years, all the while paying for parking.
The 48-year-old single father says he lives on a fixed income and estimates he has spent about $15,000 in parking fees since his diagnosis.
The city says it has no plans to remove any meters, noting charging a fee helps to ensure a healthy turnover in the availability of street parking.
In May Kennedy says he damaged one meter with expanding foam.
Kennedy says he may do it again in the hope of helping others avoid the hassle of feeding the meter when they go for chemotherapy and other treatments.
"If I disable this machine, that gives everyone who comes to this building free parking, which means they dont have to worry," he said Wednesday. "They go in, get their chemo and come out."
The City of Winnipeg said it will cost $4,500 dollars to fix the broken meter.
As of Wednesday, Kennedy wasn't facing any vandalism-related charges.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Engineman? Yeoman? Not so fast. Now that women will be allowed to serve in all combat jobs, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are dropping "man" from some of their job titles to make them inclusive and gender-neutral.
Much like the term "fireman" has evolved to "firefighter" and "policeman" to "police officer," an engineman could be called an engine technician and a yeoman could be called an administrative specialist.
"This is one more step in how our force has changed," Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said in an interview Friday. "Our force has evolved, our force is different. And I believe it's stronger and better."
Some Army and Air Force titles end in "man," too, but the services aren't considering changing them. The names are historically significant, and the focus now is on bringing women into the jobs rather than on what to call them, both services said.
Defence Secretary Ashton Carter ordered the military in December to open all military jobs to women, including the Marine Corps and special operations forces like Navy SEALs and Army Green Berets.
During a visit to Newport, Rhode Island, in late May, Carter was asked by The Associated Press whether job titles that end in "man" should change throughout the military. Carter spoke about the benefits of opening jobs to women to make "full use of the wonderful talents of half of the population of the country."
"Signifying that in all appropriate ways is, I think, exactly that, very appropriate and needed," he said.
Carter said that he didn't offhand have a good alternative for titles that were stripped of "man," but that someone smart was going to figure it out.
Mabus called in January for a review of Navy and Marine titles. There are nearly two dozen in the Navy that end in "man" and roughly a dozen in the Marines.
Mabus said he wants titles that more accurately convey who is doing the job and what the job is.
"In the overall scheme, it's a small thing, but I think it's important because it's what sailors and Marines call each other, and words do matter," he said.
Mabus, who is reviewing the services' recommendations now, said the Navy and Marines will announce changes this summer.
Some iconic titles will stay the same, and others will change to make the jobs easier to understand outside of the military, which will help when sailors and Marines are looking for civilian jobs, he added.
For example, few civilians know what a hospital corpsman does, Mabus said. A corpsman could be called a medic or an emergency medical technician, much like "messman" was previously changed to culinary specialist, he added.
A female yeoman told a senior Navy official that "administrative specialist" would be a better title than yeoman, Mabus said.
Lory Manning, a retired Navy captain, said that there are fairly easy substitutes for many of the titles, and that they should be brought up to date.
"It's time for us to let go of telling women, 'You're just included. We don't call you out by sex, but just know you're part of mankind,'" said Manning, a senior fellow at the Service Women's Action Network. "When you hear that 'man' at the end, the image is a male image."
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Jerry Pionk said his service branch might consider such changes in the future if it helps accomplish missions. The bigger challenge is that the Army will start to train the first female soldiers to serve in the front-line combat branches later this summer, including the infantry, he added.
Infantrymen have walked the battlefields and engaged the nation's enemies for centuries, and "there are a lot of emotions around that," Pionk said.
National Infantry Museum Director Frank Hanner served as an infantryman.
"No matter what they call us, we'll do the job," Hanner said.
Air Force spokeswoman Capt. Brooke Brzozowske said a job title review is not currently underway or being considered in the Air Force.
The Coast Guard, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, is monitoring efforts, spokesman Lt. Cmdr. David French said.
Photo: The Canadian Press
A chicken claw. An FDR pin. A crucifix. A toy sheriff's star.
Those are some of the weird items that have been removed from kids' throats, nostrils and ears by doctors at Boston Children's Hospital and are included in a macabre, yet important, display.
A visitor's first reaction might be to laugh at the framed collection of dozens of items that dates to 1918 and hangs at the entrance to the hospital's ear, nose and throat department, but it's also a reminder to the parents who walk past it every day to remain vigilant.
"It is definitely something that catches the eyes of parents and makes them think twice about what their kids are exposed to," said Dr. Anne Hseu, a head and neck surgeon at Children's who has removed Christmas ornaments, toys, carpet tacks and other items from young patients.
One of Hseu's colleagues removed a rosary bead that had blocked a boy's breathing passage. The boy might have died, but the bead lodged vertically, so he was able to get air through the bead's threading hole.
Disc-like button batteries are among the more commonly swallowed items these days, and particularly dangerous because the chemicals in them can burn esophageal tissue in a couple of hours, Hseu said.
Latex balloons, magnets and colorful laundry detergent pods are also frequently swallowed, said Dr. Sarah Denny, an emergency department pediatrician at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, who has extracted a cellphone button from a teenager's ear and a gum wrapper that was stuck in a child's nostril for a couple of weeks.
The Boston collection, which also includes a screw hook, a tiny doll hand and a sardine tin key, is a tribute to late Children's Hospital physician Charles Ferguson, who worked there for 35 years and removed most of the items himself.
Thousands of children a year are treated for sticking stuff they're not supposed to in their mouths, noses and ears, Denny said. Parents need to keep small objects out of the reach of toddlers and make sure toys are age appropriate.
Besides the obvious hazards of choking brain damage or death ingesting a foreign object can lead to infection.
Pain, a chronic cough or even recurring pneumonia could indicate a child has swallowed something they shouldn't have and needs a doctor's attention. A foreign object can often be removed without surgery using an instrument that doctors call a "peanut grasper," Hseu said.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Transat AT says that it lost $25 million during its fiscal second quarter, which the company's CEO describes as a "winter best forgotten" because of a combination of challenges that faced the travel company.
The Montreal-based company increased its revenue by 1.5 per cent over the comparable period last year to $888.2 million from $875.2 million, but its costs grew at a faster pace.
Transat's says its net loss amounted to 68 cents per share and contrasted with a year-earlier profit of $24.7 million or 64 cents per share.
Excluding certain non-operating items, the adjusted loss was $11.9 million or 32 cents per share for the quarter ended April 30 more than four times bigger than the year-earlier adjusted loss of $2.8 million or seven cents per share.
Transat's chief executive officer, Jean-Marc Eustache, says the quarter was hurt by the low value of Canada's dollar, a dip in demand from Western Canada, the possibility of an Air Transat pilot strike and fears prompted by the Zika virus.
The depreciation of Canada's dollar against the American currency increased operating costs on its "sun destination" travel packages by $25 million even after factoring in lower fuel prices.
Transat said higher average selling prices were only partially able to offset the impact of the currency fluctuation.
"With regard to the Sun destinations market, this was a winter best forgotten," Eustache said in a statement.
"As far as summer is concerned, the steep 15 per cent increase in capacity on the transatlantic market is affecting prices and load factors ... We expect to report results inferior to those of the record summer seasons we have seen in recent years."
Photo: The Canadian Press
Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, on Thursday marked his 70th year on the throne from his hospital bed, immobile and wracked by a variety of age-related ailments that have made Thais wonder what their world would be like without him.
There was a time when Bhumibol would lead his aides on treks through swamps and over mountains to learn what was on the minds of his subjects in the most far-flung areas of his realm. But the 88-year-old guest of honour is unlikely to make a public appearance this week.
For most of the past decade the king has lived in a hospital in a new wing built for him for treatment of various problems, according to regular palace statements on his health. The ailments have sapped his strength and taken him gradually out of the public eye. On Tuesday, he underwent an operation to clear an artery; doctors said the results were satisfactory.
"I really can't think about the country without the king ... it's just impossible to do so," said Nonthawit Kanlapanayut, a 23-year-old trader at Thailand's biggest food processing conglomerate. "The monarchy is at the core for Thai people."
Ten years ago, the ceremonies for his 60th diamond jubilee were splendid. Golden royal barges glinted in a twilight procession, gliding down the Chao Phraya River, for an audience that included representatives of 25 of the world's royal families, who also attended an opulent banquet the next day. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary Thais jammed Bangkok's Royal Plaza to hear their king wearing a gold brocade robe and flanked on a palace balcony by his family deliver a short speech calling for national unity.
This year's 70th anniversary will not go unmarked. On Thursday morning, 770 monks were ordained during religious ceremonies at a newly built throne hall in the palace temple complex, and fireworks will accompany a candlelight gathering near the ceremonial Grand Palace. Long lines formed outside banks to buy for 100 baht a special commemorative 70-baht banknote, worth about $2 -- encased in a yellow paper frame, the colour of the royalty. Commuter trains were packed with people wearing yellow shirts.
Bhumibol took the throne in 1946 as a teenage boy under difficult circumstances: His 20-year-old brother, King Ananda, had been shot dead in his palace bedroom.
The absolute monarchy had been ended by an army coup in 1932, leading to a series of military dictatorships. Old royalists slowly but successfully helped the young Bhumibol regain power and influence for the monarchy.
Their efforts were aided in no small part by the king's charisma, rectitude and genuine devotion to seeing his nation develop. Admirers and critics alike credit the king with steering the nation through the turbulent decades of the 1960s and '70s, when neighbouring countries fell prey to war and totalitarian rule.
"Being king for so long is an accomplishment," Thai studies scholar Kevin Hewison wrote in recently published comments. He noted that the monarchy was in poor political and economic shape when Bhumibol took over, but he and advisers were "able to make it 'great' again, not to say wealthy, politically powerful and part of the what the elite likes to think is the fabric of Thai society."
The royal palace doesn't talk about the king much and it didn't respond to calls for comment on this article. The king is widely loved by his people, but open discussion of the monarchy is an extremely sensitive because strict lese majeste laws make criticism of the royal family punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The king is known to be the wealthiest monarch in the world with net wealth assessed by Forbes to be more than $30 billion, although most of it is owned by the crown as an institution, including land, a bank and an industrial conglomerate.
However, the past decade has taken a toll not only on the king's health, but also on Thailand's body politic. When Bhumibol spoke at his 60th anniversary in 2006 and called for unity, Thailand was sliding into crisis. A billionaire populist politician, Thaksin Shinawatra, had become prime minister, and his popularity and political power rooted in electoral democracy rubbed traditional royalist power-holders the wrong way.
Just three months after the king's balcony speech, the army deposed Thaksin in a coup, setting off a sustained and sometimes violent political conflict that has left the country socially and politically polarized between Thaksin's supporters many of them poor rural residents and opponents.
The barely concealed involvement of palace circles in the army takeover also dragged the monarchy down to the level of a political player, tarnishing its image as an honest broker above the fray. Thaksin's opponents ostentatiously touted their royalist credentials. Bhumibol was still widely admired, but the consensus that used to value a royally-supervised democracy over popular democracy was severely eroded.
Weakened by age and ill health, Bhumibol meanwhile was unable or unwilling to exercise his personal prestige to promote reconciliation, which he had often done in the past during coups and political conflicts.
Now there was a void. In 2014, the army stepped in again, and declared that it would be calling the shots, even if a promised 2017 election established a facade of democratic rule.
It also started enforcing vigorously a law that makes criticism of the monarchy a crime. Critics say the law's loose interpretation has allowed the military government to detain even those criticizing the junta. Calls to the junta spokesman were not returned.
"Much of the old reverence is gone; even among royalists, it has been replaced by a politics of intolerance and persecution," says Michael Montesano, a Thailand expert who works with Singapore's Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. "At the same time, younger members of the royal family have, not least because the times have changed, been unable to play anything like the role that the king played decades ago."
The accelerating decline in the king's health underlines another concern: How smooth a succession can be arranged in a country where the vast majority of people have known no other king?
The king's only son and heir apparent, 63-year-old Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, is a controversial figure, even among royalists. He does not command the same respect and affection as his father.
"Under the best of circumstances, the monarchy will in the future play a purely ceremonial, rather passive role. The tensions and rhetoric of the past decade, along with the emergence of a more politically aware electorate, mean that the widely accepted unifying role that the monarchy played in the past is probably over," says Montesano.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Coral reefs have almost always been studied up close, by scientists in the water looking at small portions of larger reefs to gather data and knowledge about the larger ecosystems. But NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is taking a step back and getting a wider view, from about 23,000 feet above.
NASA and top scientists from around the world are launching a three-year campaign Thursday to gather new data on coral reefs like never before.
Using specially designed instruments mounted on high-flying aircraft, the scientists plan to map large swaths of coral around the world in hopes of better understanding how environmental changes are impacting these delicate and important ecosystems.
The researchers hope to discover how environmental forces including global warming, acidification and pollution impact coral reefs in different locations by creating detailed images of entire reef ecosystems.
"CORAL (Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory) is an airborne mission to survey reefs at select locations across the Pacific," Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences' Eric Hochberg, who is principal investigator for the project, told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "The idea is to get a new perspective on coral reefs from above, to study them at a larger scale than we have been able to before, and then relate reef condition to the environment." Hochberg and the project's lead NASA scientist Michelle Gierach were in Oahu's Kaneohe Bay with The Associated Press on Tuesday to gather baseline data in the water.
While the primary science will be conducted using instruments that map the sea floor from above, the team must also take baseline measurements in the ocean to validate the data they get from the air, Gierach said. Her main role in the project is to decipher the data gathered from the aircraft.
"PRISM, the instrument that we're using ... is the state-of-the-art instrument for addressing coastal and in-water science questions," Gierarch said. "CORAL wouldn't be possible without an instrument like PRISM, it's really the heart and soul of the project."
Coral reefs drive many tourist economies around the world, but they provide much more than pretty places to dive and snorkel, Gierach said. Reefs are critical habitat for the majority of the fish humans consume and also protect shorelines from dangerous storm surges and rising ocean levels.
Recently scientists have developed pharmaceutical applications from coral reefs, including pain killers that aren't habit forming, Hochberg said.
"Just realizing that though you may not see a coral, that you may not have your backyard be within this beautiful environment that we're in right now, corals are impacting you, they are globally important," Gierach said. "We have to understand how they're changing so we can make some managed decisions about their future."
Reefs are among the first ecosystems to be dramatically and directly impacted by global warming, according to the researchers.
The International Society for Reef Studies Consensus Statement, published in 2015, said that over the past few decades, up to 50 per cent of coral reefs have been "largely or completely degraded by a combination of local factors and global climate change."
Julia Baum, assistant professor of biology at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, has done extensive research on coral reefs and told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the data gathered from this kind of project could prove highly valuable for international reef scientists and the conservation community.
"I'm a huge proponent of open source data," Baum said. "To me, the application of this technology to coral reefs holds great promise, but to fulfil that promise the data has to be made openly available to the scientific community." The CORAL researchers said all data will be publicly available and will take about six months to process once captured.
Baum acknowledged that a lot of coral reef science has been limited by the lack of broad data sets like this project plans to provide.
"As scientific divers we're limited by the depth we can work at and the amount of bottom time that we have while we're diving, so much of underwater marine science, especially on coral reefs is a painstakingly slow process," Baum said. "This Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory can't replace scientists in the water, but it can provide a very high-level, complementary type of data."
The CORAL team will study the reefs of Hawaii, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and Australia's Great Barrier Reef over the next three years.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Hundreds of people evacuated their homes Wednesday as a wildfire raged near the north-central Arizona town of Yarnell the scene of a 2013 blaze that killed 19 members of an elite firefighting crew.
Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Dolores Garcia said 250 to 300 people left their homes in the town, about 60 miles northwest of Phoenix.
There have been no reports of any injuries, Yavapai County sheriff's spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn said.
The fire grew to 600 acres, but crews expected it to ease somewhat during the overnight with cooler temperatures and higher humidity.
Garcia said three out buildings have burned but no homes have been lost.
About 140 firefighting personnel were battling the blaze, supported by three air tankers and two helicopters making blaze suppression drops.
The cause of the blaze was being investigated, but Garcia said crews had ruled out lightning.
It was burning south of the town and east of the site of the Yarnell Hill Fire in which members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots died when they got trapped by the flames nearly three years ago the deadliest U.S. tragedy for wildland firefighters in several decades.
That lightning-caused wildfire destroyed nearly 130 homes in the area.
On Wednesday, some Yarnell homeowners said they saw smoke and received a voluntary evacuation notice on their cellphones.
"It's horrific," said Yarnell resident Jerry Florman told the Arizona Republic over the telephone as she left town around 6:30 p.m. "I'm halfway down the mountain with the dog. I'm guessing there will be plenty of people saying, 'I'm not going to go back.' It's so hard."
Florman and her husband, Kurt, lost their home in the fire three years ago and later purchased another home nearby.
The paper said the Flormans hoped that this fire would be extinguished quickly and be nowhere as devastating.
A Red Cross shelter for evacuees was set up at Yavapai College in Prescott.
Highway 89 through Yarnell was shut down as U.S. Forest Service crews did back-burns and dug trenches while air tankers dropped slurry loads before nightfall.
Authorities said the fire appeared to be moving up mountain slopes to the northeast of Yarnell and away from the town, but its western flank still was threatened.
Photo: The Canadian Press
"Ash vs. Evil Dead" star Bruce Campbell is setting the record straight after he says a conservative Twitter account co-opted a photo of a bloody makeup test for one of his co-stars.
A Twitter account called Conservative Nation tweeted a photo Monday of an apparently bloodied woman along with the note: "Here's what happened to female Trump supporter when she met 'peaceful' and 'tolerant' liberals." Campbell tweeted Tuesday that the photo is actually a picture of actress Samara Weaving. Weaving appeared in several episodes of the Starz series.
Campbell adds: "Check your facts, folks."
The original tweet from Conservative Nation remains posted. It's unclear who's behind the account and it hasn't responded to a tweet requesting comment.
Weaving also hasn't responded to a request for comment.
Photo: Contributed
The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal from a New Brunswick court ruling that barred an American white supremacy group from inheriting the estate of a Canadian professor.
When he died in 2004, Harry Robert McCorkill left valuable possessions to the National Alliance, a West Virginia-based racist organization.
In 2013, his sister asked that the bequest be declared void as being illegal or contrary to public policy.
A court ruled the National Alliance was racist and hate-inspired and declared the inheritance to be contrary to public policy.
The estate was ordered to be divided among McCorkill's next of kin.
As usual, the Supreme Court gave no reasons for refusing to hear the appeal, which was filed by the Canadian Association for Free Expression.
UPDATE: 11:55 a.m.
President Barack Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton's bid for the White House on Thursday, praising his former secretary of state's experience and grit, and urging Democrats to unite behind her in the fight against Republicans in the fall.
"Look, I know how hard this job can be. That's why I know Hillary will be so good at it," Obama said in a web video circulated by the Clinton campaign. "I have seen her judgment. I have seen her toughness."
Obama called for unity among Democrats and vowed to be an active force on the campaign trail.
As it circulated the Obama video, the Clinton campaign announced their first joint appearance on the campaign trail will be Wednesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The campaign said Obama and Clinton will discuss building on the progress made during his presidency "and their vision for an America that is stronger together."
Obama's testimonial came as the Democratic establishment piled pressure on Clinton's primary rival, Bernie Sanders, to step aside so Democrats could focus on defeating presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Sanders emerged from a meeting with Obama earlier Thursday and inched closer in that direction. Although he stopped short of endorsing Clinton, the Vermont senator told reporters he planned to press for his agenda at the party's July convention and would work with Clinton to defeat Trump.
"Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that Donald Trump does not become president of the United States," he said.
Sanders, standing in the White House driveway with his wife, Jane, at his side, said he would compete in the Washington, D.C., primary on Tuesday, the party's final contest, but noted his interest was largely in pushing for statehood.
Sanders' remarks came after a longer-than-expected Oval Office sit-down with Obama, part of Democratic leaders intensifying effort to unite behind Clinton as the nominee of the party.
Clinton declared victory over Sanders on Tuesday, having captured the number of delegates needed to become the first female nominee from a major party.
Though Sanders has shown signs he understands the end of his race is near he was about to layoff off about half his team he has vowed to keep fighting, stoking concern among party leaders eager for the primary race to conclude. Still looking like a candidate, Sanders planned a rally Thursday evening in Washington, which holds the final primary contest next week.
As he met with leaders on Capital Hill at midafternoon, Sanders ignored a reporter's question about the president's endorsement.
The situation has put Obama, the outgoing leader of his party, in the sensitive position of having to broker detente between Clinton and Sanders without alienating the runner-up's supporters, many of whom are angry over what they see as the Democratic establishment's efforts to strong-arm him out of the race. Clinton is counting on Sanders' supporters backing her to defeat Trump.
Obama has been trying to give Sanders the courtesy of exiting the race on his own terms.
"It was a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to have a contested primary. I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas," Obama said Wednesday during a taped appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." ''And he pushed the party and challenged them. I thought it made Hillary a better candidate."
Obama had planned to use Thursday's meeting, which the White House emphasized was requested by Sanders, to discuss how to build on the enthusiasm he has brought to the primary, the White House said. That's a diplomatic way of saying Obama wanted to know what Sanders wants.
Sanders also was headed to a meeting with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, who endorsed Clinton weeks ago. The Vermont senator was to meet with Vice-President Joe Biden, too.
Even some of Sanders' staunchest supporters have started looking to Clinton. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the one Senate Democrat to endorse Sanders, said Clinton was the nominee and offered his congratulations. And Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Sanders backer from Arizona, suggested the time to rally behind Clinton would come after the District of Columbia primary on Tuesday.
"Bernie's going to do the right thing," Grijalva said.
Now head-to-head in the presidential race, Clinton and Trump have one thing in common: Both are working to woo Sanders supporters. Trump has said he welcomes Sanders' voters "with open arms" while Clinton has vowed to reach out to voters who backed her opponent in the Democratic primary.
"He has said that he's certainly going to do everything he can to defeat Trump," Clinton said of Sanders in an Associated Press interview. "I'm very much looking forward to working with him to do that."
Trump, despite a string of victories this week that reaffirmed his place as the GOP nominee, was still working to convince wary Republicans that he's presidential material. Looking ahead to an upcoming speech attacking Clinton and her husband, Trump tried to turn the page following a dust-up over his comments about a Hispanic judge's ethnicity.
That controversy and others before it have led prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, to openly chastise their party's nominee. Yet Trump's dominance in the GOP race is hard to overstate: He now has 1,542 delegates, including 1,447 required by party rules to vote for him at the convention. It takes just 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination.
About half his campaign staff is being laid off, two people familiar with the plans said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the layoffs.
Obama's aides have said he's itching to get off the sidelines and take on Trump. The key question is whether voters who helped elect him twice will follow his lead now that he's not on the ballot. Democrats have yet to see that powerful coalition of minorities, young people and women reliably show up for candidates not named Obama.
"It's going to be hard to get African-American turnout as high as Obama got it, and to get youth turnout as high as Obama got it," said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster. "We have to work really hard."
Video: Raw video of the building on fire on Cedar Hill Road. pic.twitter.com/Hj3000vWu6 CTV News VI (@CTVNewsVI) May 23, 2016
A suspected arsonist is in custody and facing multiple charges following two suspicious fires on Vancouver Island.
A 57-year-old Saanich man is accused of intentionally setting a massive fire that destroyed an unfinished Saanich townhouse complex and accused in a fire that damaged part of a Home Depot store one month earlier.
CTV Vancouver reports that police arrested the man Wednesday and said he is known to them.
Police are recommending two charges of arson to endanger life.
Neighbours reported hearing a series of loud explosions on May 22 before fire broke out in the 4000-block of Cedar Hill Road.
Flames jumped as high as 70 feet in the air and plumes of smoke could be seen around Greater Victoria.
The intensity of the fire forced the evacuation of four nearby buildings.
At the time of the blaze, Sgt. Julie Fast with the Saanich Police Department said that the fire was so intense the siding on neighbouring homes melted, a Saanich fire truck sustained heat damage and flying embers sparked small blazes in the area.
A few weeks before that, a suspicious fire broke out in the paint department of a nearby Home Depot.
"These fires caused a significant amount of damage and fortunately no one was injured," said Saanich Police Sgt. Jereme Leslie.
"We are pleased to announce that an arrest has been made and would like to thank the public for their support and understanding during these investigation."
The suspect remains in custody and was expected to make a court appearance Thursday.
with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Google Street View
Police are looking for witnesses to two random assaults against elderly women in Vancouver.
The attacks happened May 26 along the West Broadway corridor.
The first involved an 84-year-old woman who was sitting on her walker on West Broadway near Ash Street. As she waited for a ride, a man approached, kicked her off her seat and walked away. The victim was taken to hospital with a broken elbow.
The second occurred two hours later near Broadway and Granville Street.
A 70-year-old woman in a wheelchair was punched in the face. Police believe the assaults were committed by the same person.
Police arrested a 33-year-old Vancouver man a few days later and have recommended criminal charges in the second assault.
However, investigators have not obtained enough evidence to support charges in the first attack.
Surveillance video from the area shows the assault near a fountain in an open courtyard on the northwest corner of Broadway and Ash, but is very poor quality and does not identify the suspect.
Police have spoken with some of the witnesses seen in the video, but are hoping that additional witnesses, including one with the possible first name of Amber, come forward with any information that may provide investigators with the evidence needed.
Anyone who witnessed the assault or who observed the suspect is asked to call the VPD at 604-717-2541.
Photo: The Canadian Press
UPDATED: 6:37 p.m.
British Columbia's chief coroner said illicit drug overdoses have become the leading cause of unnatural death in the province, outpacing fatalities from vehicle crashes.
A new report from the BC Coroner Service identifies 308 illicit drug overdose deaths from January through May of this year, compared with 176 deaths in the same period last year.
Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said that overdose deaths could amount to 750 people by the end of 2016 if the trend continues. In comparison, there were 300 fatalities from motor vehicle incidents in the province in 2015.
Health Minister Terry Lake said the government is looking for solutions to stop the soaring number of overdose deaths, including adding more safe-consumption sites, similar to the safe-injection facility in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
Lake said he wants the federal government to reconsider laws that restrict the opening of such facilities in order to allow health authorities to create more of these services.
"We have seen the evidence. We know that we can reduce overdose deaths, we can reduce other related harms, reduce hospitalizations and connect people to services once they're ready to accept that help."
The minister said Vancouver Coastal Health is planning to open five safe-consumption sites, and health authorities across the province are looking at similar options.
Tyndall said more services are needed, including rapid access to detox programs, to help people with addictions.
The health minister acknowledged there is a gap and said the government is investing in new services and centres for mental health and substance abuse.
However, Lake said "you can't flip a switch" and it will take time for new services to have an effect.
ORIGINAL: 12:24 p.m.
More than half of all drug overdose deaths in B.C. are linked to fentanyl.
That according to figures released Thursday by the B.C. Coroners Service.
The report reveals that 308 people died from an overdose of illicit drugs through the first five months of 2016. That's an increase of 75 per cent over 2015.
It also states that in more than half (56 per cent) of those cases, fentanyl was detected (alone or in combination with other drugs).
That's a sharp proportional increase over the previous four years.
2012 - 5 per cent
2013 - 15 per cent
2014 - 25 per cent
2015 - 31 per cent
But, while the number of drug-related deaths has risen dramatically, the number do show some room for optimism.
The number of illicit drug overdose deaths in May (42) was well below those of each of the first four months of the year. That number is consistent with deaths in the same month in both 2014 and 2015 (41 and 42, respectively).
The report identifies 42 overdose deaths in May, fewer than each of the previous four months. The number is also consistent with drug deaths recorded in May 2014 and May 2015, before the recent spike in fatalities.
B.C.'s public health officer declared a health emergency in April due to the soaring numbers of drug-related deaths in the province.
with files from The Canadian Press
Photo: Contributed
It takes a lot of beers to collect 10 million bottle caps. But Austria's Hans Heiland didn't drink them alone.
Heiland says that most of them have come from others, many of them by mail, after his passion for collecting beer bottle caps become known.
Heiland, from the town of Ybbs, west of Vienna, started his hobby five years ago.
State broadcaster ORF said Thursday that his collection now weighs 18 tons.
Heiland recently sold the caps to a metal collector for 1,500 euros ($1,700) and says he will deliver all three truckfulls to the new owner Friday.
He says he plans to give the money to a needy family in the region.
Photo: CTV
The British Columbia owner of a unique golden eagle statue worth millions of dollars is offering a $10,000 reward for its safe return.
Ron Shore issued an emotional plea for the gold and jewel-encrusted statue to be returned to him after it was stolen during a violent robbery on May 29 in suburban Vancouver.
Shore told reporters during a news conference that he invested everything he had on the statue in order to raise money for breast cancer research after the death of a family member.
He says a recent estimate placed a value of $7 million the diamond-studded eagle statue that sits on a base holding a nearly 13-carat emerald.
Delta Police Det. Sgt. Brad Cooper says Shore was ambushed by two people and dragged several metres by one of their vehicles, injuring his head and legs.
Shore says police have reviewed surveillance video, received multiple witness statements and officers are looking for a black or dark blue SUV and a smaller burgundy SUV.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Renaissance art lovers in Mexico won't need to travel to Vatican City to see the glories of the Sistine Chapel.
A private art project has created a temporary replica of the chapel in Mexico's art deco Monument to the Revolution.
People were lined up on Thursday to see the replica, which is open free to the public through June 30.
"I got the idea two years ago with my brother, inside the Sistine Chapel," said Gabriel Berumen, creative director and producer of the replica. "When we walked inside and saw its beauty we said 'Can we replicate this? Of course we can, in Mexico', that's when the dream began."
The Vatican-approved Mexican replica was created using more than 2.7 million photographs printed on cloth and hung from a metal framework. The replica not only includes the frescos of Michelangelo, but sculptures and decorations also adorn the life-size model.
Pope Julius II who was pontiff from 1503 to 1513, hired Michelangelo to paint the ceiling, which was completed in 1512. The nine central panels illustrate the episodes of Genesis, from the creation of man to the fall, the flood and the resurgence of humanity with the family of Noah.
"Particularly in Mexico I think this benefits a lot of people; it's something marvelous that a lot of people don't have access to. People who can't travel to Rome can witness the replica; it's a blessing," said Alberto Salvador, exhibit assistant.
It once would have been considered a political miracle as well. Among the Mexican heroes entombed beneath the simulated chapel is Plutarco Elias Calles, the president who led a ferocious crackdown on the church in the 1920s that resulted in open warfare. Tight restrictions on the Catholic church remained in place for more than half a century.
Early prevention of MTCT response
The first case of HIV in a pregnant woman in Thailand was reported in 1988 and increasing HIV prevalence among pregnant women and other populations was recognized in the early 1990s (3,5). In 1996, after the ACTG 076 trial* (6), the Thailand Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and Siriraj Hospital, in collaboration with CDC Thailand/Southeast Asia Regional Office, launched a trial of short-course oral AZT, a regimen feasible for use in Thailand (2). The trial demonstrated a 50% reduction in MTCT.
In 1996, Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali donated funds to the Thai Red Cross Society to make antiretrovirals for prevention of MTCT available to hospitals around the country. During 19971999, the MOPH implemented pilot prevention of MTCT projects in northeastern (7) and northern Thailand (5) to provide HIV testing for pregnant women and AZT for prevention of MTCT, and to implement a pilot prevention of MTCT monitoring system. In 2000, the Department of Health (DOH) MOPH announced the first national prevention of MTCT policy and issued guidelines for all government hospitals to integrate prevention of MTCT activities into routine maternal and child health services, including HIV testing for all pregnant women, antiretroviral therapy for prevention of MTCT, and infant formula for infants born to HIV-positive mothers. The prevention of MTCT program covers all public and private health care facilities. The Thai government funds prevention of MTCT services for Thais under the universal health coverage policy. During 20072014, non-Thai HIV-positive pregnant women could access prevention of MTCT services through a Global Fund project; these services can currently be accessed through hospital social welfare funds, the Princess Soamsawali prevention of MTCT fund, government-sponsored migrant health insurance, or other special projects (1) (Figure 1).
Antiretroviral regimens for Thailands national prevention of MTCT program have evolved with prevention science. In 2000, HIV-positive pregnant women were offered AZT starting at 34 weeks gestation and their infants received AZT for 4 weeks. A single-dose of nevirapine (WHO option A) was added in 2004; next, in 2010, highly active antiretroviral therapy (WHO option B) was provided during pregnancy and continued based on CD4 count; and finally, in 2014, highly active antiretroviral therapy for life regardless of CD4 count (WHO option B+) became the standard. HIV testing of couples was implemented in 2010 (1).
Infant HIV testing guidelines have also evolved. During 20002006, HIV diagnosis in infants aged 12 months and 18 months was accomplished using antibody tests; diagnoses in some infants aged >2 months were made using DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing as part of research studies or other projects. In 2007, HIV DNA PCR testing was implemented for infants aged 12 months and 24 months using national HIV/AIDS funds. In 2014, the national prevention of MTCT guidelines were modified to classify infants based on their risk for acquiring HIV. Infants with standard risk receive AZT for 4 weeks, and HIV DNA PCR testing is performed at age 1 month and 24 months. Infants with high risk (maternal plasma HIV viral load >50 copies/mL or infants born to mothers taking highly active antiretroviral therapy for <4 weeks before delivery) receive AZT, lamivudine, and nevirapine for 6 weeks, and HIV DNA PCR testing is performed at ages 1, 2, and 4 months. All children born to HIV-positive mothers have confirmatory HIV antibody testing at age 18 months (1).
Stigma and discrimination against women living with HIV continues to prevent some women from accessing antenatal clinic services (1). Women living with HIV in Thailand and civil society organizations have worked with the MOPH to develop and implement a training curriculum for hospital personnel that aims to reduce stigma and discrimination (1).
Ghana: bulk cargo jetty for Tema port
ICR Newsroom By 09 June 2016
A newly-built bulk cargo jetty has become operational at the Tema port, Ghana, possessing the capacity to hold hour larger vessels at any given time. The jetty will prevent bulk cargo vessels having to stay on anchorage for long periods due to inadequate space.
The facility financed by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) cost US$132m and has increased the ports vessel berthing capacity from 12 to 16. The GPHA hopes that this new handling space will attract larger vessels that will provide economies of scale for charterers, and ultimately increase the profitability of the port.
Director of the Port at the GPHA, Jacob Adorkor, told local news sources that with the expectation of increasing business, the new berths would increase cargo volumes and also enable the port to benefit from a more competitive advantage over other ports in the west African sub-region. Mr Adorkor also expressed the hope that the increased business would position Ghanas ports as the appropriate trade route in the sub-region.
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The Tennessee Forum released its yearly publication Best and Worst Legislatures of 2016 on Tuesday, where the organization awarded Rep. Mike Carter best overall in 2016.
The forum citing, In its 15+ year life, the Tennessee Forum has found few bureaucracies more hostile to the beliefs of the states citizens than the Tennessee Municipal League. Carter was disciplined, thorough and relentless. In a brutal Legislative battle, Carter exposed the abuses of forced annexation, showing fellow legislatures that they no longer had to cower to the TML and succeeded in giving taxpayers a say over their own property. The JUDGE followed through on his campaign promises, took on one of the states most powerful, abusive, taxpayer funded bureaucracies and won! For that, the Tennessee Forum has named the JUDGE its #1 legislature of the 109th General Assembly.
Rep. Carter said he was more than grateful to accept this award from the Tennessee Forum for his work fighting annexation. Rep. Carter said, We won a major victory in the battle of annexation. If you choose to send me back to Nashville, I will continue the fight to give property owners choice across our great state of Tennessee.
Salvation Army caseworkers are distributing free box fans and water to low-income individuals and families affected by the heat. The Salvation Army also has its Day Center open for the homeless and is providing a hydration station outside for those who need a cool drink of water.If you or someone you know is in need of a fan, call 423-305-6200. Those in need of a cool drink of water may visit the hydration station located at 800 McCallie Ave. Passersby will be able to quench their thirst from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.every day that the temperature exceeds 90 degrees. Every day next week, temperatures are expected to be over 90 degrees.Overwhelmingly, the most requests The Salvation Army receives in the summer time are requests for relief from the hot temperatures, says Director of Marketing Kimberly George. To meet these needs, The Salvation Army asks for new box fans and monetary support to provide utility assistance for low-income families.Monetary gifts for box fans and utility bill assistance should be marked Beat the Heat and mailed to 822 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37403. Donations are also accepted online at www.csarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For more information about The Chattanooga Salvation Army, visit www.csarmy.org , Facebook, and Twitter.
Lees Dr. Carolyn Dirksen traveled to Kenya to teach an English class as part of a training program for pastors and Bible school teachers. For the course, she used curriculum developed by Lee TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) majors.
The program Dr. Dirksen taught with is run by the European Theological Seminary, Lees sister school in Germany, which offers Bible, counseling, and pastoral ministry training to Church of God leaders in Africa. The group of leaders has 48 members from seven different nations who meet twice a year for training. According to Dr. Dirksen, most of the course participants speak English as their second or third language, so they requested an English for Theology course to focus on a common language.
To fill this need, Dr. Dirksen contacted Dr. Chris Blake, assistant professor of TESOL and linguistics, who teaches a TESOL Curriculum Development class at Lee. The students in this class worked together during the spring 2016 semester to develop the curriculum used by Dr. Dirksen on her trip.
According to Dr. Blake, in a previous semester the students in the Curriculum Development class had requested a whole-class group project in addition to their own projects of designing individual curricula. The class consists of mostly upperclassman TESOL majors.
To develop curricula, according to Dr. Blake, the class followed a nine-step process including a needs and environmental analysis, curriculum design, assessment design, lesson plan design, and effectiveness testing.
Here at Lee, we are challenged by world-class educators to pursue academic excellence in a practical context, which is exactly what this project entailed, said Hayden Croxall, a senior TESOL major. Over the course of the semester, we were provided the guidance and tools we needed from Dr. Blake but were encouraged to use the training we have already received to make it come together, which has left me feeling more prepared than ever as I head off into the real world.
The curriculum development class also invited a current Lee student who is from Kenya to visit their class and discuss learning styles and activity effectiveness when it comes to working with people from that country.
Designing the Kenya Project was one of the most significant assignments I have completed during my time at Lee, said Ariana Dawson, a junior TESOL major. It was a privilege to work with other students, Dr. Blake, and Dr. Dirksen to create a curriculum that is actually being used. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn how to think through and design an effective curriculum, and to work together to put classroom theory into practice. This project perfectly embodies the practical preparation we receive as TESOL majors.
For more information about Lee Universitys TESOL program, contact the Department of Language and Literature at 614-8210.
Dr. Carolyn Dirksen, center, with the group of students in Kenya. Also pictured is one of the students reading a collaborative essay written by her group.
Rent Like A Champion, a platform that connects homeowners in college towns with football fans for weekend rentals, closed the deal on Shark Tank. Since the episode aired, RLAC has seen a spike in new home listings. Doyle said the company has added just as many homes in the weeks since the October 30 air date as they did in the first seven months of the year. (Adam Rose, ABC)
"Shark Tank" is making a pair of stops in Chicago next week, searching for entrepreneurs fit to pitch on the ABC show's eighth season.
The show is holding an open casting call at Studio Xfinity on Chicago's Near North Side Monday and a private event at the University of Chicago on Tuesday.
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Monday's event is open to the public. Supervising Casting Producer Scott Salyers said the casting call will be structured similarly to the show: Contestants have a minute to pitch their idea to the judges.
"Then, just like the show, we'll ask questions," he said. "I always tell people you need to focus more on, 'Why are you the person that should be running this type of business?'"
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Salyers and his team expect to see about 500 pitches Monday from people who have come from all over the country. Contestants should bring a completed application packet. Organizers hand out wristbands which will determine applicants' pitching order from 9 to 11 a.m. Pitching starts at 10 a.m. and is expected to run until roughly 6 p.m.
Tuesday's event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Harper Center at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. It's open to university community members, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, said Mary Naset, a Booth spokeswoman. Participants also must fill out a pre-registration form.
"Shark Tank" is produced by Mark Burnett, who also produces "Survivor," "The Voice" and "America's Greatest Makers." The investors, or sharks, include Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary and Robert Herjavec.
There's no set number of finalists that will come from Chicago, Salyers said. The Chicago stops follow casting calls in Philadelphia, Hawaii, Miami, Dallas, New York City, Austin and Las Vegas.
Chicago has proven ripe with entrepreneurial talent fit for "Shark Tank" in the past. LuminAid, Packback, Rent Like a Champion and Dude Wipes have all secured investments on the show.
"Shark Tank" producers select about 150 entrepreneurs to go in front of the investors on the show each season, Salyers said. They winnow that down from about 40,000 applicants.
"The process can take months," Salyers said. "We become the sharks' headhunters after a while. If (the applicants) say they made $200,000 in sales last year, we want to make sure that's true."
amarotti@tribpub.com
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A Wisconsin woman filed a text spam lawsuit against CBS Radio, alleging that its WSCR-AM 670 The Score station in Chicago sent unwanted messages that cost her time on her prepaid cellphone.
The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, was filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in the eastern district of Wisconsin.
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Class members could be eligible for up to $1,500 for each call or text that violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which was enacted in response to a growing number of complaints over telemarketing practices.
Lead plaintiff Elaine Bonin of Franklin, Wis., detailed in the lawsuit at least four incidents earlier this year in which she received text messages about the Chicago Bears, Super Bowl, Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox despite having "no interest in Chicago sports" and never having agreed to allow CBS or 670 The Score to contact her on her TracFone cellphone.
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TracFones are prepaid wireless phones in which the user buys "minutes" that are loaded onto the phone, and are then deducted when the person talks on the phone or sends or gets texts, the lawsuit said.
Each unsolicited text message from CBS cost Bonin "0.3 minutes" of her TracFone allotment, the lawsuit said.
Class members should be anyone in the United States who, on or after June 7, 2012, got a nonemergency text message from or on behalf of CBS to a cellphone through the use of an automatic phone dialing system or a prerecorded voice, and who didn't provide their cellphone number or who revoked earlier consent, the lawsuit said.
The class size is believed to be, at minimum, in the hundreds and potentially in the thousands, the lawsuit said.
Kristina Quintos, spokeswoman for CBS Radio/670 The Score, said the complaint is being reviewed. "We take seriously our responsibility to adhere to all government requirements regarding cell phone messaging," she said.
Bonin's lawyer, John Blythin, of Cudahy, Wis., couldn't be reached for immediate comment.
byerak@tribpub.com
Twitter @beckyyerak
Students at Northwestern University make their way to classes Thursday, March 3, 2016, with University Hall in the background on the Evanston campus. (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune)
Northwestern University instructors are the latest to join the wave of faculty unionization efforts at elite private schools, where concerns have been mounting about low pay and insecure working conditions.
A group of adjunct and nontenure-eligible faculty members at Northwestern filed a union election petition Thursday with the National Labor Relations Board. The instructors seek to join the Service Employees International Union Local 73, which in the past six months has come to represent faculty members at Loyola University and the University of Chicago.
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The proposed bargaining unit could include more than 500 Northwestern instructors, the union said. The NLRB now works with the school and union to agree on an appropriate size and set a timeline for a secret-ballot election for those affected to vote.
The union drive is part of the Service Employees International Union's Faculty Forward campaign, which since 2013 has been behind 53 faculty union votes nationwide, 51 of which have been successful, a spokesman said.
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SEIU Local 73 represents 326 part-time and nontenured full-time instructors at Loyola's College of Arts and Sciences and 169 part-time and nontenured full-time instructors at the University of Chicago.
"Northwestern has not been served with a representation petition. If that happens, we will comment as appropriate," university spokesman Alan Cubbage said in an email.
The SEIU, better known for its Fight for $15 campaign to raise the wages of fast-food workers, is organizing faculty at a time of discontent in academia.
A fundamental shift in the tenure structure of universities over the past several decades has put much of the nation's teaching in the hands of a low-paid, unstable workforce whose members struggle to make a living in academia despite years of study and money invested in advanced degrees.
Marcia Grabowecky, a research associate professor and adjunct lecturer in the psychology department, is pushing for the union. She said that while she doesn't have any complaints about her own position, she worries about colleagues and students who cobble together a living teaching classes at various universities and barely scrape by.
She also worries about the lack of pay transparency, which could reveal issues related to gender equity in pay or tenureship.
"People banding together and having a stronger voice through a union can help," she said.
aelejalderuiz@tribpub.com
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Target told shareholders on June 8, 2016, that it had not detected any impact on sales from its policy to let customers use the bathroom that fits their gender identities. (Steven Senne / AP)
Shareholders' meetings can be unpredictable affairs, veering from dollars-and-cents topics such as executive compensation to stickier questions of corporate culture and values.
On Wednesday, a conservative group used big-box retailer Target's annual gathering to press the chain about its stance in the recent debate about which public bathrooms transgender people should use.
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In April, Target published a statement saying that as part of a commitment to inclusion and equality, it invited customers and employees to use the dressing rooms and bathrooms in its stores that correspond to their gender identities. That announcement came as public debate was at a fever pitch over a new law in North Carolina requiring transgender people to use public bathrooms that correspond to their birth gender.
Backlash to Target's position bubbled up on the Internet, with calls on social media and via online petition to boycott Target.
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Against that backdrop, Justin Danhof, a director at the National Center for Public Policy Research, raised the topic at Target's shareholders' meeting Wednesday in Costa Mesa, Calif. Danhof asked Target CEO Brian Cornell whether he believed that customers and investors who disagree with Target's policy are bigots, as well as whether Cornell regretted implementing the policy. Danhof said Cornell responded to his questions by speaking generally about the retailer's focus on diversity. A Target spokeswoman said Cornell "very much did reiterate that we want to be a place that is welcoming, comfortable and safe" for all shoppers.
Danhof was disappointed in Cornell's answers, saying, "I've never left a meeting feeling that empty."
Target's CEO told reporters in May that the company has yet to detect any change in sales or customer behavior in the wake of the bathroom policy announcement. A Target executive reiterated that finding at the shareholders' meeting Wednesday.
Target is hardly alone in its stance. American Airlines, Facebook and other corporate titans expressed opposition to North Carolina's law.
NCPPR, the conservative think tank where Danhof works, notes that Target's stock has sunk recently and suggests that this is evidence of negative fallout from the bathroom policy. But last month, Target delivered a lackluster first-quarter earnings report and gave a gloomy forecast for the second quarter. The retail industry in general has been in a rough patch, souring investors.
It is not the first time Target has faced criticism from conservatives for its views on a social issue. Last year, Target appeared to convey opposition to "religious freedom" laws when, amid national conversation around the topic, the company released a statement saying, "Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. And you'll always be accepted, respected and welcomed here."
The inbound Dan Ryan is shut down just north of the 31st Street exit early Sunday morning, Nov. 18, 2012, after an accident. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
An accident occurs on the Dan Ryan and a tow truck swoops in to take the car away from the distressed motorist before law enforcement arrives.
Such scenarios could be less likely to occur under a state bill that has passed both the House and the Senate that would, among other things, make it a felony punishable by prison time for a tow truck driver to stop at the scene of a damaged or broken-down car to solicit business unless called by the vehicle's owner, the police or an insurer or motor club.
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Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is reviewing the bill, spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said.
The legislation was introduced in January. In February and March, the Illinois Commerce Commission took action against two Chicago towing companies, threatening to strip their licenses after a flood of complaints from consumers, pressure from aldermen and a petition signed by more than 3,000 people. Illinois Commerce Commission spokesman Bob Gough said hearings into those matters are set for later this month.
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Backers of the Statewide Relocation Towing Licensure Commission Act, or Senate Bill 2261, include the Illinois Insurance Association. Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, is among its sponsors in the General Assembly.
The legislation also would allow vehicle owners or their insurers to sue a towing company that violates the bill's accident scene solicitation section and let them recover lawyers' fees.
"This is a major step forward as we attempt to put limitations on the rogue tow operators that have plagued many areas of the state," Joe Wehrle, chief executive of Des Plaines-based nonprofit National Insurance Crime Bureau, said in a statement. "Motorists should not be subject to predatory towing practices that result in outrageous charges and tactics, such as holding cars hostage in salvage yards until the owner or their insurance company pay what amounts to a ransom to get the vehicle returned."
If Rauner signs it, the legislation also would create a Statewide Relocation Towing Licensure Commission that, by July 1, 2017, would submit a report evaluating current state towing laws, recommending possible changes, and assessing all potential litigation costs for the owner of an impounded vehicle, a towing company and a county or municipality.
A tow truck driver found guilty of a Class 4 felony could go to prison for one to three years.
The commission would be named within 60 days of the act's effective date. The Senate president, the Senate minority leader, the House speaker and the House minority leader each could appoint one General Assembly member to the task force. The commission, whose members wouldn't be paid, also would include the mayor of Chicago, the transportation secretary and the state police director or a designee of each. It also would consist of two appointees each of the Professional Towing & Recovery Operators of Illinois, and the Illinois Insurance Association. Also getting spots would be the presidents of the Illinois Municipal League and the Illinois Sheriffs' Association or their designees. Other task force members would be the Cook County state's attorney, Illinois Commerce Commission chairman and the Northwest Municipal Conference president or their representatives. The Illinois Commerce Commission would provide administrative support.
The Professional Towing & Recovery Operators of Illinois couldn't be reached for immediate comment.
byerak@tribpub.com
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In this Thursday, June 25, 2015 file photo Paris taxi drivers gather near a van with posters reading "Uber get out" during a taxi drivers demonstration in Paris. (Bertrand Combaldieu / AP)
Paris A French court has convicted and fined Uber and two of its executives for deceptive commercial practices and illegal business activity over its lowest-cost ride service.
It's the latest legal tangle for the app-based business, which has faced protests from taxi unions and regulators around the world, reflecting larger tensions between long-regulated industries and the borderless, online economy.
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The court fined the San Francisco-based company 800,000 euros ($907,000), regional Uber executive Pierre-Dimitry Gore-Coty 30,000 euros, and Uber's France general manager Thibaud Simphal 20,000 euros. Half of all the fines were suspended.
The court did not hand prison terms, and rejected a prosecutor's request that the two executives be barred from running any company for five years.
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And the fines were much lower than the 100 million euros in damages that traditional taxi services had sought.
Traditional taxi services accused the low-cost UberPop service of unfair competition because it uses non-professional drivers. UberPop is now banned in France but Uber still operates a service with professional drivers.
Jean-Paul Levy, lawyer for a taxi union, said the conviction is a "founding decision", showing that Uber "is a company which placed itself outside the law."
Jonathan Bellaiche, lawyer for three taxi unions and one individual taxi driver, said he is "rather disappointed". "The important point is that in the end, Uberpop activity was profitable" given that the amounts of the fines are far lower than Uberpop's gain he estimated at 46 million euros.
Uber's lawyers did not comment on the court's decision.
Thierry Guicherd, the taxi driver who sued Uberpop, has been recognized by the court as a victim.
"It's a satisfaction to know that they (Uber) are convicted and not a satisfaction at all when we know the amounts of the fines. Because of course the damages that myself and my colleagues are facing are much more important that what the court decided to order", he said.
The court ordered Uber to pay Guicherd 1,600 euros for the damages.
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Frederic Bergaud, 35 years old, taxi driver in Paris since three months, said the conviction of Uber is "a good news".
"For now it's a first step winning. Are we going to win the war we don't know. But it's better than nothing", he said.
It was the first trial for Uber managers in France. During the trial, lawyers for Uber argued Simphal and Gore-Coty are not the legal representatives for Uber in France, have no such mandate from the shareholders and are only salaried managers dealing mostly with marketing and advertising.
Yet the court ruled Thursday they were de facto managing Uber in France.
More than 200 UberPop drivers have been fined under fast-track procedures in France, and the company has already been convicted of deceptive commercial practices and fined 150,000 euros ($170,000) over UberPop by a Paris court.
The French Parliament voted to outlaw UberPop and other similar services in 2014, and Uber suspended its UberPop service in France in July 2015. But its standard app-based service still prompts occasional strikes and clashes with taxi drivers.
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Also on Thursday, a court in Frankfurt upheld a ban on the UberPop ride service in neighboring Germany.
Judges threw out an appeal by Uber against a March 2015 ruling by a lower court that banned UberPop from offering rides with drivers who don't have taxi permits. That ruling stemmed from a suit brought by a German taxi association. It was heard in Frankfurt because it was one of several cities where Uber had launched operations.
The latest verdict can be appealed to a federal court.
In Spain and Italy, Uber is outlawed entirely.
Associated Press
Two former researchers at the University of Chicago have agreed to sanctions after it was found an article they published contained fraudulent information. Cobb Gate at the University of Chicago is seen April 27, 2016. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)
Two former University of Chicago medical researchers faked and falsified data in two federally funded studies into heart failure, according to federal records.
Ricky Malhotra and Karen D'Souza, who both left the university in 2011, have agreed to sanctions for their research misconduct, said the Office of Research Integrity, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal watchdog made its findings public in separate administrative actions issued May 24 and June 1.
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The office's investigations into research fraud result in only about a dozen or so findings of wrongdoing a year, said Ivan Oransky, co-founder of Retraction Watch, an independent blog that tracks scientific errors.
After the federal watchdog released its reports, the Journal of Biological Chemistry retracted a 2010 scientific article Malhotra and D'Souza co-wrote. A 2011 article related to their research was withdrawn last year, according to the journal.
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"The journal publishes about 80 papers a week and, on the whole, corrects, withdraws and retracts very few," Kaoru Sakabe, manager of publishing issues for the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, said in a statement. "No matter the reason, the JBC editors are committed to correcting the literature."
The U. of C. said in a statement that it became aware of the allegations through a letter from the Division of Investigative Oversight at the Office of Research Integrity. The university investigated the matter and made the Journal of Biological Chemistry aware of the investigation panel's findings.
A U. of C. spokeswoman declined comment on the departures of Malhotra and D'Souza because the school doesn't comment on personnel matters.
Malhotra joined the U. of C. in 2007 as a researcher studying cardiac biology and later became an academic appointee, according to the university. D'Souza became a research associate in 2008 and worked with Malhotra.
Malhotra has admitted to committing misconduct, according to the federal report. In an interview, he said he voluntarily resigned from the U. of C. in November 2011 and is not currently affiliated with any institution or university. He said the findings were part of a mutual settlement agreement and declined further comment.
D'Souza did not return phone messages left for her at her current employer, the Carl T. Hayden Medical Research Foundation, which is affiliated with the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
One of the studies they were involved in at the University of Chicago looked at ways to improve long-term survival rates after coronary artery bypass surgery. Their research was at the molecular level.
Their research was led by Dr. Shahab Akhter, who left the U. of C. in 2013 for the University of Wisconsin at Madison where he is chief of cardiothoracic surgery. Akhter is listed as the principal investigator on both of the research grants, according to the National Institutes of Health. He was not cited in either investigative report.
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Akhter declined comment through a spokesman for the University of Wisconsin's health system.
While he was at the U. of C., Akhter was awarded about $922,000 for the study related to outcomes of bypass surgery, which began in 2011. He has continued to receive federal funds for the same project at the University of Wisconsin.
In 2005, when Akhter was at the University of Cincinnati, he received a five-year grant totaling about $666,000, for similar research. He continued working on the project when he moved to Chicago in 2007, and the grant ended in 2009.
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Malhotra's first violations occurred before he came to the U. of C. While at the University of Michigan, where he was in 2005 and 2006, Malhotra included data in a grant application, but didn't perform 74 experiments to support the figures, the investigation found.
Despite an investigation by the University of Michigan, Malhotra continued falsifying data at the University of Chicago, the Office of Research Integrity said. Some of the bad data were reported in the 2010 article.
For the next 10 years, any research he conducts using U.S. Public Health Service funds must be done under supervision. Malhotra also cannot serve as a peer reviewer or in any advisory capacity to Public Health Service for five years.
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D'Souza also entered into a voluntary settlement agreement after the U. of C.'s investigation and additional analysis by the government watchdog. She agreed to two years of supervised research and exclusion from any peer review committee.
Chicago Tribune's Becky Yerak contributed.
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Twitter @ameetsachdev
Nirajan Khadga, left, and Shradha Basnet sit together in their Lincoln Square apartment on June 1. They say they dealt with bedbugs in a former apartment for a year before finally moving out. (Stacey Rupolo / Chicago Tribune)
With city rents consistently on the rise a recent study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that the median rental price of a two-bedroom apartment in the Chicago area is $1,176 a month Chicagoans who are not yet looking to buy into the housing market (which comes with its own set of complications) can face a challenge when seeking out and securing a reasonably priced living space.
In such a tight market, where decisions often have to be made quickly, sometimes a deal that looks good can turn sour based on an important part of the rental experience that might go unnoticed in the walk-through: the landlord.
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We talked to three Chicago renters about their experiences with bad landlords and asked attorney Charles Drennen of Chicago Tenants Rights Law what recourse renters in these situations have and what you can do if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Unresponsive in Lakeview
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The renter: Drake Manalo, 24, designer
The place: Five-bedroom apartment in Lakeview
When Manalo moved to Chicago with four friends from Cleveland, the quintet found a five-bedroom apartment in the Lakeview neighborhood that he describes as "super cheap, but noticeably cheap." Among a number of glaring issues, the bathroom sinks didn't work, the showers were moldy, closet doors weren't attached and the entire place was filthy when they moved in.
"It was trashed," says Manalo. "People were skateboarding in the house. They were moving out while we were moving in." The building had a basement where two of the rooms were located and one of the windows was missing. "There was no glass," he says. "That was a window into somebody's room. My roommate just put a blanket over it."
Manalo says they pointed all of the issues out to the landlord before signing the lease and he told them, "This will be fixed. This will be cleaned." But none of the issues the roommates raised were ever addressed. "When we pointed things out after signing the lease, he would typically say, 'I'm going to send my handyman over.'" says Manalo. But nothing would get fixed. "He was just all talk."
Eventually they stopped contacting him. "We stopped talking to him and requesting things be fixed because we knew he wouldn't fix anything," Manalo says. "This was our first apartment in Chicago and I think we just thought, 'This is how things are done here.'" When they moved out a year later, everything that they had reported before signing the lease was still broken.
"This guy owns a lot of buildings in Chicago," says Manalo. "He should never be allowed to rent to anyone."
The advice: "I get this kind of thing all the time," says Drennen. "There's a difference between your landlord knowing about the problem and you having given your landlord legal notice of the problem that will trigger your right to do certain things thereafter." He points to the city's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance as a guide. "You need to demand in writing that the landlord make the repairs," he says.
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To do so you need to write a letter that includes a list of the problems, a request to fix them, and a notification that if they are not fixed within 14 days you will exercise your right to withhold a portion of the rent until the problem is fixed. "You can withhold up to half the rent," he adds, "so long as that is a reasonable reflection of the reduced value of the property." This money can be spent on fixing the problem yourself, says Drennen. "Or if it's something that you can't really fix, it's a savings that reflects the reduced value of the property."
Most importantly, only after you follow the specific notification rules in the ordinance can you withhold a portion of the rent. Withholding without proper notification can land you in eviction court.
Unskilled DIY in Lincoln Park
The renter: Kim Kovacik, 20, college student
The place: Three-flat in Lincoln Park.
After moving into an older building, Kovacik and her roommate found out that the landlord ("who is very nice," she adds) attempts to do all of the (many) repairs himself, though he isn't always capable.
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"There are a lot of things he'll 'fix' and then it will reoccur a month later," she says. Once they turned on their faucets and dirt and mud came out. "I think he fixed that," she says, "at least as far as I know."
Most notably, the ancient front door has a faulty knob. "It's getting so that every time we want to open it I have to take a screwdriver and open it," she says. "At this point the screws are stripped." Kovacik and her roommate have found themselves stuck in the apartment a few times, needing to go out the back of the building and circle around to open the front door from the outside. "You can force the door open from the outside," she says, "but then you have to try and put it back together."
This happened once when several friends were visiting and they attempted to leave and couldn't. "Now when people come over they won't even touch the door," she says. "They're like, 'You do it.'"
Her landlord hasn't found a permanent solution to the door issue, or many of the other concerns they've raised (including a broken buzzer). "It's a great spot but the upkeep isn't there," she says. "He's very responsive but also maybe he should call another person."
The advice: "The same principle applies here," says Drennen. "I often have this conversation with my clients: 'What if I send this letter and he comes by and does XYZ but it's still not fixed afterwards?'" The landlord may be leaving with the impression that the problem is solved. "In this situation it's all about keeping good records and creating documentation, whether it's video, photos or email," he says.
Drennen says tenants should then let their landlord know in writing that the problem wasn't solved and reiterate their original position. "Something like, 'Based on our previous notice, we're going to continue withholding a portion of our rent until the problem is solved.'" says Drennen.
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Bedbug cover-up
The renters: Nirajan Khadga, 34, a software engineer, and Shradha Basnet, 32, a hedge-fund accountant
The place: Four-and-one in Edgewater.
Khadga and Basnet had been in their rental unit for a few years when they realized they had bedbugs. "We told the landlord about it," says Khadga. The landlord called the exterminators but it didn't fix the issue. "We cleaned our place repeatedly," says Basnet. "We ordered every possible remedy on the internet."
They had the exterminators come again. "The exterminators would come and say, 'Your place is clean.'" says Basnet. "They couldn't find bedbugs in our place. They'd say, 'There's no sign under the mattress or in the crevices or anything.'" To make the situation worse, the landlord then claimed that they didn't actually have bedbugs. "Our landlord said we had to catch a bedbug to prove to her that we had them!" says Khadga. "So we did!"
A few months later the couple discovered that the whole building was infested and the bedbugs had been coming into their unit through holes in the walls and floors. "We didn't know this," says Khadga. "The landlord kept telling us, 'It's only you.'" They found out when the people in a neighboring unit asked if they had bedbugs and showed them the bites all over their bodies. "That's when we found out that there were bedbugs in the whole building," says Basnet.
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Shortly after that, they moved. "I don't think we ever really got rid of them," says Khadga. "We left the building and threw away everything when we moved."
The advice: "The bedbug situation in Chicago is really bad and it cuts across all socioeconomic boundaries," says Drennen. "Bedbugs don't care how much you make before they'll take a bite out of you." He stresses that it's important to report the issue right away because it's likely you're not the only one in the building that has them. "And if you are the only one, then you're not going to be for very long," he says. "These guys spread really, really quickly."
Chicago has a relatively recent bedbug ordinance. "It really spells out what a landlord's obligations and a tenant's obligations are when there are bedbugs detected in the building," says Drennen. "It's not sufficient for your landlord to just come by and spray. They have to have somebody who's a licensed professional and meets certain standards and qualifications, specific to the treatment of bedbugs. Tenants do have the right to demand that the landlord exterminate the bedbugs, and they may be entitled to recover damages if the landlord doesn't address the problem properly."
But the real advice in this situation is perhaps the simplest: "I honestly tell people when they have bedbugs, focus on a plan to move," Drennen says.
Despite the scenarios described above, tenants in Chicago are well-protected legally. It's just a matter of knowing your rights. "If any of these people had come to me I'm quite confident that there's a lot we could have done for them," says Drennen.
Zach Freeman is a freelance writer.
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ctc-realestate@tribpub.com
Twitter @ZachRunsChicago
Having sampled two flavors of gelato in tiny spoons, Steve Dolinsky ordered a small scoop of pistachio, saying, "Just one scoop. I never waste calories on something if I'm not in love with it."
This is what Dolinsky does. He eats. And, like a war correspondent on the front lines, he reports back to us from the increasingly active and calorie-loaded culinary battlefield, most visibly twice a week in his "Hungry Hound" segments on WLS-Ch. 7.
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He was in Labriola Ristorante & Cafe, a relatively new and snazzy addition to the Michigan Avenue dining scene and a place that Dolinsky knew well. He favorably reviewed its slightly older outpost in Oak Brook in 2011 and recently had this to say on TV about the new place: "(It) is a little bit different in the sense it's really two restaurants under the same roof a more casual cafe doing breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Then in the back, a slightly more upscale restaurant doing lunch and dinner seven days, and if you happen to be walking down Michigan Avenue, a pretty good call."
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So, how's the gelato?
"This is quite good," he said, after pulling an empty spoon from his mouth.
It was a mid-afternoon earlier this week. He had just attended a memorial service for Bill Rice at Gibsons restaurant and he said: "It was lovely and a bit sad but also some good stories. In this business, Bill was everybody's idol."
Rice was a food and wine journalist who worked for Food & Wine magazine, the Washington Post and for 17 years at the Chicago Tribune before retiring in 2003.
He and Dolinsky for a time shared a small world, being among the relatively few people whose careers were devoted to writing and broadcasting about food and wine and the places that serve them. It is a much more crowded field now, filled with bloggers, free-meal scammers and all manner of food-related information sources, some very good and useful and some not. Dolinsky has been at this for more than 20 years and so totes a lot of experience and credibility.
"Steve has gotten where he is by outworking just about everybody in the business," says Phil Vettel, the Tribune's restaurant critic since 1989 and a frequent, if voice-only, presence on WGN-TV and CLTV. "He goes absolutely everywhere. I joke that when you go to City Hall to apply to open a restaurant, you get three things: your business license, your occupancy permit and an autographed picture of Steve Dolinsky."
Dolinsky's business card attests to his cover-the-waterfront hustle: "food reporter, travel writer, co-host/producer of 'The Feed Podcast,' media trainer, culinary experience curator, and food & beverage consultant."
He has won a number of prizes for his work, including in 1996 when he took home what would be the first of a shelf-full of James Beard Awards, one of the food industry's highest honors. He was carrying with him at Labriola a photo from that ceremony. It showed him standing with that goddess of gastronomy, Julia Child. At that event she gave him a piece of advice he has ever since tried to follow: "Everything in moderation."
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He is an affable and energetic person. Forty-seven years old, he looks years younger and also remarkably fit for a fellow in his pack-on-the-pounds profession. He is often recognized when out in public, and the most common refrain from strangers is, "You're that food guy."
Given the familiarity we feel for those people who populate our TV screens, we know so little, if anything, about their personal lives. So, here: Dolinsky is married to Amy Dordek, a marketing consultant who he met on a blind date in the mid-1990s, and they live in the Wicker Park neighborhood with their two children, 18-year-old Madeline, heading to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall, and 15-year-old Max.
"You should see my son plow through a bunch of oysters. He prefers Kusshi oysters from British Columbia," he said, smiling. "And my daughter is a wizard ordering at any Chinese restaurant."
Dolinsky was born in St. Cloud in central Minnesota and raised in a kosher household no pork, no cheeseburgers, no shellfish, etc. which helps explain the enthusiasm and excitement he has ever since felt for different foods. "I realized that there was another food world out there, and I have spent my life since about 12 making up for lost time," he said.
He attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, graduating with a degree in broadcasting, which paved the way for jobs at small TV stations in Escanaba, Mich., and Davenport, Iowa. There he covered news and a bit of sports, produced his own pieces and shot them too. He came to Chicago in 1992 to work as a general assignment reporter for the then brand-new and Tribune-owned CLTV. In 1995 he began hosting its new "Good Eating" program, and over the next eight years turned out 52 30-minute shows a year, as well as doing some writing and radio work on the side.
It was in 2003 that he was hired by WLS-Ch. 7 and began his long, popular run on that station. He also kept writing for a variety of publications (the Tribune still among them) and offered media training to chefs in other cities. He has done more radio work (The Feed weekly podcast is with renowned chef Rick Bayless), consults with companies about local dining experiences, conducts food tours of foreign countries (i.e. Cuba) and well, he is likely the busiest man in the food biz (stevedolinsky.com).
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"I've known Steve a long time and have him to thank for introducing me to WBEZ radio. He started the first food blog there, and recommended me to take it over when he left," says Louisa Chu, a longtime food journalist and a recent addition to the Food and Dining staff at the Tribune. She goes on: "I was in the Chinatown food court one night recently, tasting an obscure dish while the kid who owned the stall explained its history to me. I thought I'd found a real local food first. Then he shows me a business card. He had already met Steve. If it's worth putting in your mouth, no matter the language, Steve will probably have already been there."
Naturally, Dolinsky has been courted by various national food shows. "One producer asked if I ever yelled," he said. "I don't. I come from a reportorial background. I am not flamboyant and won't let myself be transformed into something I'm not. I just won't fake it."
His gelato finished, Dolinsky said, almost shockingly, that he is not going out to dinner later. He does eat at home, and he even cooks, his specialty these days being a "nine-hour, slow-roasted pork shoulder."
"It's not really that hard to make," he said. "And it's pretty good."
"After Hours With Rick Kogan" airs 9-11 p.m. Sundays on WGN-AM 720.
rkogan@tribpub.com
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Past and present Ghostbusters unite as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts are joined onstage by Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (YouTube)
Wednesday night on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Kimmel marked the 32nd anniversary of the original "Ghostbusters" release. The reboot, one of the most online-derided remakes in history, opens July 15.
"Is it going to elevate my childhood, or destroy it?" Kimmel asked, on behalf of angry male fandorks everywhere who have been unable to sleep at night owing to the mere existence of the remake starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.
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The ladies joined Kimmel along with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts from the '84 smash. (Murray and company make cameos in director/co-writer Paul Feig's remake.) Ray Parker Jr. made a guest musical appearance for the "Ghostbusters" theme song, which turned into a dance party organized, loosely, by Murray.
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Aykroyd answered Kimmel's question first. "First of all, these women, uh, performers, are great actors. And by the way, all the guys in the movie are just fine too! There's men and women in the movie!" Last month Aykroyd posted on Facebook that he liked the new one better than either of the previous versions.
Murray: "These girls did a really good job. And I can I call them girls, because I ... am a boy."
Kimmel Skyped in a variety of "Ghostbusters" fans, from America and the U.K., each displaying their "Ghostbusters" tattoos. Murray cracked up at one Portland, Ore., woman's upper-thigh tattoo of the late, great Harold Ramis as Egon. One can only imagine what Murray, wiping away tears of laughter, was imagining.
Kimmel devoted his double-header of a show to get both generations of ghostbusters some decent exposure. After stalling for years, declining pitch after pitch, Murray got on board with this remake "'cause I knew these girls were funny." The movie, he said, "sort of rumbles along in the beginning oh, God, are they gonna pull this off?" But they did, he said.
McCarthy spoke of seeing the original "repeatedly, like A LOT," as a Plainfield, Ill., teenager. Kate McKinnon was actually five months old when the first one came out, but for the purposes of last night's Kimmel appearance she claimed she "saw it in utero. And God, I laughed."
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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
Animals are people, too at least, that's what Steve Wise and the Nonhuman Rights Project hope to convince the world in "Unlocking the Cage," a tiresome, five-year account of one well-meaning animal advocate's ongoing attempts to change U.S. law to recognize certain higher-level animals as "persons" or, failing that, to make his case in the court of public opinion. To that end, Wise went out and convinced Oscar nominees D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus ("The War Room") to document his organization's struggle, and though the NhRP does raise a number of interesting questions, this behind-the-scenes legal procedural essentially exposes the lawyer trying to trick a series of New York state judges into granting chimpanzees the same rights as humans.
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Likely to be of greater interest in 50 years, once the issue has been more thoroughly vetted in court, as opposed to today, when it feels a bit too much like a publicity stunt, the Kickstarter-backed documentary depicts one of the strangest legal conundrums imaginable: How can animals possibly hope to change their status under human law if they can't actually represent their own interests in court? This is where the extremely publicity-savvy Wise steps in, filing lawsuits on their behalf, then issuing press releases every step of the way.
Focusing on the rather abstract legal notion of "personhood" a classification extended to corporations under U.S. law Wise argues that a number of species should be entitled to some of the same rights as American citizens. He begins by identifying great apes, elephants and cetaceans (dolphins, whales and the like) as the most deserving classes, though candid conversations with other animal champs make it clear that he hopes that such protections might eventually be extended to dogs and cats as well (after all, Wise started his career advocating on behalf of canine clients).
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If Wise were to succeed in his crusade, he would be the principal engineer in a massive overhaul of how humans view their animal neighbors which, for the time being, seems to be from a place of superiority rather than respect. But in changing than paradigm, NhRP's challenge amounts to finding a loophole by which they can alter U.S. law in their favor. And so begins a strategic attempt to find a judge somewhere in the country willing to establish a radical new precedent, wherein the "great writ" of habeas corpus, designed to free those who are wrongfully imprisoned, could be extended to an animal in captivity.
Pennebaker and Hegedus take their usual fly-on-the-wall approach, revealing just enough of NhRP's planning process for the entire operation to feel rigged, from the decision of where to file (New York seems just progressive enough) to the animals they choose to defend. It's not that Wise and his team don't care about their "clients" three separate chimpanzee couples, held for purposes of either amusement or research so much as the fact that they have all been carefully selected to support the agenda on hand (and, as far as anyone knows, aren't actively looking to change their living conditions).
When the targeted chimps start dying, Wise and his team feel doubly empowered to fight for their freedom or technically, their relocation from New York-based facilities to Florida's Save the Chimps sanctuary, effectively upgrading them from one form of captivity to another. But as the legal team scrambles to adjust, the film exposes the way in which they, too, are exploiting these apes, who have no idea they're even being represented in such matters, after all. The chimps' actual feelings are all but irrelevant, while their deaths are terribly inconvenient to what Wise sees as the greater good of greater apes.
Still, if Wise thinks himself the source of historic "Inherit the Wind"-style courtroom fireworks, he has another think coming. There's no fiery William Jennings Bryan here to counter his impassioned plea, just a reasonable-minded D.A. obliged to defend the state constitution from being broadly reapplied to all order of primates.
To bolster Wise's case, the filmmakers include scientific experts to explain that great apes are both aware of their captivity and capable of communicating their distress, and yet they never explain despite repeated inquiries from nearly every judge he meets why he doesn't merely lobby the state legislature for broader animal welfare statutes. Once ridiculed but now relatively well respected as an animal-rights lecturer at Harvard and other universities, Wise is plenty eloquent on the complex legal issue, but remains vague about how the status he seeks will practically impact animals (could animal weddings be far behind?) or why he's the "person" best qualified to represent them in court.
"Unlocking the Cage" 2.5 stars
No MPAA rating
Running time: 1:31
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Opens: Friday at at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., www.siskelfilmcenter.org
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Steven Wise with Teko in the documentary "Unlocking the Cage." (First Run Features / Handout)
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Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music" plays often 'round these heartland parts the recent epic productions at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Stratford Festival of Canada still ring in my ears with their full original orchestrations. Even if, like me, you think this is one of the two or three greatest musicals ever written for the American stage, you're likely tempted to skip the touring production recently arrived at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Especially since this is a Broadway tour that did not flow from a Broadway show, just a title that is known to sell.
But it invariably is a mistake to underestimate the wily old Broadway director Jack O'Brien.
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This is a tour a union tour with Broadway veterans of notable quality.
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It lands very deftly in the sweet spot of this show: enough traditionalism to deliver the full "Sound of Music" monty (Alps, conveniently prepared backpacks and all) but also a sense of fresh eyes and enough irreverence to cut the Nutella. You wouldn't call it a revisionist production the designer Douglas W. Schmidt provides traditional Alpine vistas, of the kind that once hung over my parents' dining room table, but they are more artful than you first realize, beautifully connected to the emotional core of the show.
And there is a lot of fresh, fast-paced humor, whether it's Kerstin Anderson's Maria lurking in the background of "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," taking notes; an especially ebullient staging of "Do-Re-Mi"; Melody Betts despairing as a very approachable Mother Abbess; or Iris Davies' Brigitta, always my favorite of the kinder Von Trapp, assuming the moral authority the show affords her and quietly running the lives of the adults.
Anderson, who has a gorgeous voice, approaches Maria not as the traditional blank slate from the abbey for Capt. Von Trapp to write on once he comes to his senses but as a geek. This nerdiness works fabulously well, taming the latent sexism in the show and also explaining how this nanny can so instantly bond with a group of unruly and embittered kids. It's rather as is if Maria is being played by a character actress, far removed from the Julie Andrews archetype, and it has the effect of downplaying the romantic conventionalities of the piece.
In watching all these versions of "The Sound of Music" over the years, I've come to understand that the most crucial thing is not that you believe Maria and the Captain have fallen in love, but that you feel sure the children will thrive and prosper once their new mother has finished teaching their old father how to do his job. So it goes here.
This is partly a trend with this piece these days, the Captain usually has to travel much further than Maria, for she does not become a Baroness so much as he learns how to find his inner-child. But a vulnerable Von Trapp like Ben Davis, whose performance is generous toward Anderson and all the young performers on the stage, always serves the piece better than the earlier, stoic model you can watch on your screen. And O'Brien gives the decision-making skills of the final discovery or non-discovery moment to Paige Silvester's Liesl, which is where it belongs. Although O'Brien still makes it clear that she needs her dad. It's an exceptionally moving finale, even if you've seen it a million times.
But Anderson also finds moments of intense truth: I've never seen a Maria in such a total panic at the thought of being sent away from the Abbey, although it makes perfect sense, dramaturgically. If you think about it, life is a whirl for Maria, since the structure of this musical begins with a romantic conflict, resolves it early in Act 2 and then throws in the storm troopers as the Von Trapp inner circle unravels, leaving Maria as the only ally of a single parent and his kids. O'Brien, Betts and Anderson clearly understand that the story of "The Sound of Music" is not just about the forming of a new family but about a young woman forced to leave the place, and the surrogate mother and sisters, she loves. Three times. The last time perhaps forever.
The key scene in Act 2 is when Von Trapp realizes he now can't do anything at all without Maria, and that is the rich sense of self-discovery afforded here. Meanwhile, the kids are kids, looking always for security. They certainly don't find it in Teri Hansen's child-hating Elsa Schraeder or Merwin Foard's self-protecting Max, both of whom sent shivers down my spine and, more importantly, put in my head the thought that children usually get no say over candidates for a stepparent even though that choice will dictate so much of their happiness, or lack thereof.
Like most truly great works of drama, "The Sound of Music" reflects the current moment more than its own; this production, which is well worth seeing, suggests that fathers are learning, slowly, about what they need to do, even as new demagogues abound.
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Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.
cjones5@tribpub.com Twitter @ChrisJonesTrib
"The Sound of Music" - 3.5 stars
When: Through June 19
Where: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.
Running time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
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Tickets: $21-$102 at 800-775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com
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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
The stark white-on-black image on the cover of "Cartographic Grounds," edited by Jill Desimini and Charles Waldheim, is beautiful and mysterious. Is this Antarctica? Or somewhere within the Arctic Circle? The birthplace of icebergs perhaps?
No, this map by Brussels-based architecture firm Bureau Bas Smets has nothing to do with ice. It shows the delta that is formed by the many rivers meandering along the border between Holland and Belgium on their way to the North Sea.
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This is an example of a figure ground map in which everything else is left out so that two elements in this case, the black of the water and the white of the land can be seen with hyper-clarity. Here, there is also one more piece of information displayed. There is, across the white of the land, a scattering of much less distinct splotches of gray that represent urbanized areas. This is a map that was created to help in the planning for the future development of this low-lying region where flooding has been a concern for centuries.
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More than 80 years ago, Gilbert Grosvenor, the longtime editor of National Geographic, said, "A map is the greatest of all epic poems. Its lines and colors show the realization of great dreams."
That's certainly true but only if you don't get over-awed and expect something in Panavision. Think of epic in the sense of heroic. Every map is an act of heroism since it involves attempting the unachievable to depict the multidimensional world we live in on a two-dimensional page or screen. And we're not just talking about the world of the usual three dimensions. Consider Kate McLean's maps of smells.
"Mind the Map," edited by Antonis Antoniou, Robert Klanten and Sven Ehmann, offers four of them. One, for instance, shows the smells the English graphic designer experienced in circling one New York City block, including aromas emanating from stores (green tea and leather) as well as street smells (an empty pizza box, a coconut, horse poop and aftershave). Talk about dreaming big dreams and going where few cartographers have gone before.
This book also includes a map of emotions by illustrator Lucy Engelman titled "The Emotional States of the American Road Trip." Actually, she just drew the map. The reader gets to fill it in.
The U.S. map is divided into sections that are identified by a clump of images, such as fir trees in upper Wisconsin and Minnesota and meat cuts in much of Texas. To the right is a list with each image and a blank space next to it. At the bottom, the reader is invited to fill in the blank with the emotion felt when driving through that portion of the map.
Each of these books aims to show a wide spectrum of map-making, and together they cover just about the entire waterfront.
43.4100 N, 11.0000 E, Leonardo da Vinci, A Birds-Eye Map of Western Tuscany, 15034. Illustration from "Cartographic Grounds: Projecting the Landscape Imaginary" by Jill Desimini and Charles Waldheim. (Courtesy of the Royal Collection Trust)
The elegantly designed "Cartographic Grounds" looks in depth at 10 map-making strategies from a scholarly perspective and tracks their evolution through the centuries. Complementing that approach is "Mind the Map" with a wonderfully chaotic explosion of vigorous and frequently idiosyncratic examples, many of which involve illustration rather than formal cartography.
Both books are examples of how maps are often things of beauty, and that makes sense since, even with an illustration, science and art are involved the science that is the gathering of the data to describe the physical place and whatever aspect of that place is to be highlighted in the map, and the art that is the making of the map as readable, as understandable, as pleasing, as possible.
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Indeed, in "Mind the Map" Jonathan Corum, a New York Times graphics editor, notes, "It's not hard to make a beautiful map, but it is hard to make a map that explains something well."
A map can be a work of art especially when a guy named da Vinci is the cartographer. Leonardo's 1502 Bird's-Eye Map of Western Tuscany is featured in "Cartographic Grounds" as an early example of the shaded-relief method. The editors explain:
The chiaroscuro technique, known for its strong contrasts, allows the voluminous qualities of the undulating ground to emerge through the interplay of light and dark the key characteristics of shaded relief drawings.
As these books demonstrate, maps can be used to picture and analyze almost anything you want. Like McLean's landscape of smells, maps show us something we can't see.
Consider two 1882 images in "Cartographic Grounds" in which the underground world of the Comstock silver mine in Nevada is displayed in wondrous detail.
The first is a map of the spider-like network of mine shafts and tunnels in which color is used to designate depth. So, as flat as the map is, it is able to represent three dimensions.
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The other is a cross-section of the lode, indicating the type of rock and the location of the shafts.
That cross-section is an example of a built-in frustration in these two large-format books.
Both contain more than 100 maps, yet neither is an atlas. In a great many cases, the originals are much larger, made to be spread out on a desk or framed on a wall. To fit the books, they have been significantly reduced in size, and, in many cases, the details are difficult if not impossible to read. (For instance, I had to find a larger version of the cross-section image online to understand what it was showing.)
Still, it's a frustration well worth enduring for the sheer joy of seeing such creativity displayed from so many talented people, such as Philippe Rekacewicz, a Paris-born geographer and journalist, one of several map creators highlighted in "Mind the Map."
The book contains a series of six hand-drawn Rekacewicz works in which he explains how the leaders of various nations see the rest of the world Cairo, Beijing, Taiwan, Warsaw, Tehran and Berlin. For instance, the 2009 map "The World Seen by Cairo" uses color-coded arrows to show where Egyptian emigrants tend to move and where people immigrating to the country come from. It also shows alliances and threats, as well as Egypt's sources of income.
These books are filled with startlingly innovative ways to look at the world, and one of the most creative is by Vogt Landscape Architects in "Cartographic Grounds." It maps a walk through the large grounds of the 18th century Hadspen House in England, but it's not what you'd expect.
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Instead of twists and turns, the walk itself is a straight on the Vogt map, but there are long and short lines coming out to the right and left. These track how far the walker will be able to see before some obstruction gets in the way. So, in some cases, the walk is evidently lined with foliage, and nothing beyond can be seen. But, at other points, the walker can look on, seemingly, to infinity or, at least, past the edge of the page.
Chicago appears five times in "Mind the Map." One is an attractive map of Chicago's neighborhoods by Archie's Press; another details the favorite haunts of one of the city's residents. Two maps by Kalimedia, displaying the etymological roots of hundreds of North American names, show Chicago as "Stink Onion."
My favorite map of Chicago, though, is one that no Chicagoan would recognize. It's an imaginary cityscape in which artist Jeffrey Beebe mixes fantasy with autobiographical memories of a time he spent in Chicago. It includes recognizable names, such as Wicker Park, but also some names for places I wish the city had: Plaza of the Gods.
And there's one place that's laugh-out-loud funny: "The Vanessa Penitentiary." That's nowhere I want to visit.
Patrick T. Reardon, the author of five books, worked with Chicago Tribune graphic artists to create scores of maps looking at Chicago neighborhoods and other subjects during a 32-year career with the paper.
"Cartographic Grounds: Projecting the Landscape Imaginary"
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Edited by Jill Desimini and Charles Waldheim, Princeton Architectural Press, 272 pages, $50
"Mind the Map: Illustrated Maps and Cartography"
Edited by Antonis Antoniou, Robert Klanten and Sven Ehmann, Gestalten, 288 pages, $65
The history of rock venue Empty Bottle, located at 1035 N. Western Ave., is detailed in a new book released June 7. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)
"The Empty Bottle Chicago: 21+ Years of Music / Friendly / Dancing" edited by John E. Dugan was published by Curbside Splendor June 7. The book details the history of the Chicago rock venue, featuring photographs, essays and interviews with members of bands such as The Flaming Lips, Interpol, Low and OK Go.
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"Robert Nixon and Police Torture in Chicago, 1871-1971" by Elizabeth Dale was published by Northern Illinois University Press last month. Dale explores the history of claims of police torture in Chicago between the Great Chicago Fire and 1971. Dale, a professor of history and law at the University of Florida, is a former Chicago lawyer.
The paperback edition of "Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics" by Richard H. Thaler will be published by W.W. Norton June 14. Thaler explores behavioral economics and argues that the central agents in the economy are error-prone humans and not fully rational, unbiased entities. Thaler is an economics professor at the University of Chicago.
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"By the Numbers" by Jen Lancaster will be published by New American Library June 21. In the novel, a woman is stuck in the sandwich generation when her parents, ex-husband and children rely on her financially and emotionally. Lancaster lives in Lake Forest.
The paperback edition of "Women Heroes of World War I" by Kathryn J. Atwood was published by Chicago Review Press last month. The book profiles 16 women who served their countries during World War I as medics, soldiers in women's combat units, war correspondents and more. Atwood lives in the western suburbs.
Tell us about your literary news at printersrow@chicagotribune.com.
Judith Freeman was raised amid what she now regards as fictions: her Mormon faith, the myth of a happy childhood, the necessity of early marriage and motherhood. As suggested by an epigraph by J.G. Ballard, "The Latter Days" is about her invention of a more convincing, more congenial reality a world in which she becomes a writer.
Freeman's tender, unspectacular coming-of-age memoir begins with a prologue outlining her plight at age 22, five years into a crumbling marriage. She has a seriously ill four-year-old son who has already endured two heart surgeries and has fallen in love with his surgeon. Her lover is 16 years older, married with three children of his own, and living in Minnesota, while she has returned to Utah. Back home with her parents and pursuing a divorce, she makes a meager living working in the cookware department of a church-owned store.
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How, she asks herself, did it come to this?
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Not surprisingly, Freeman, a novelist who has previously drawn on her life in her fiction, flashes back to her childhood in Ogden, Utah. She was one of two girls among eight siblings by Mormon standards, not a huge family. Her mother, she says, loved babies; her father, working a civilian desk job with the U.S. Air Force, lamented the musician's life he might have had without them. Sometimes he vented his frustrations in emotional abuse and petty acts of violence, which included "a nasty habit of lifting his children up by the hair at the back of their necks when he was angry over something they'd done."
With photographs jogging her memories, Freeman immerses us in the rhythms of Mormon family life. "A leveling sense of sameness pervaded the house," a place virtually without privacy. Freeman lived "enfolded by the collective," in a Mormon community that could be nurturing as well as oppressive.
Her parents, neither college educated, met on a Mormon mission. One of her great-grandfathers, a polygamist, had been friends with Miles Romney, Mitt's great-grandfather, before he fled to Mexico. Snippets of Mormon history, beliefs and rituals supply the story with a colorful backdrop.
The narrative drama heightens, as one might expect, when the family experiences a tragedy. When Freeman is just 8, her 19-year-old brother Bob dies of bone cancer, leaving behind a widow, from Colombia, and a daughter, Sherry. Sherry, "in some way retarded," is later sexually victimized by a stepfather. A visit by the troubled child to the Freemans is a disaster she is violent and inappropriate and the family never sees her again.
Freeman herself was something of a "wild girl," she says, a lover of the outdoors who rode horses and dreamed of freedom. As she matured, she encountered a series of leeringly overbearing men a boarder who accused her of cavorting with boys, a pasty-faced bishop who demanded to hear all the (nonexistent) sordid details. A nasty strain of eroticism, of old men lusting after young girls, still pervades the formerly polygamous culture, she suggests.
At 14, Freeman began dating, choosing a boy four years older. Inevitably, he left for college. Chafing at her religious indoctrination, she rebels, losing her virginity sweetly in her senior year of high school.
Later, at a church dance, she connects with her sister Marcia's ex-beau, six years her senior. To love him feels like an escape. Smart and likable, John Thorn is on his way to becoming a psychologist; in her acknowledgments, Freeman lauds him for "his generosity and kindness." But they marry far too young and face too many pressures not least the strain of caring for a boy with a damaged heart. Her affair with the heart surgeon is a final blow to the union.
It takes a while for "The Latter Days" to build up emotional steam. Mostly it flows slowly, a gentle stream of recollections, sometimes coalescing into eloquence. Its most beautiful passage is its final one. Here, Freeman, now decades older and happily re-married, describes herself as an inhabitant of "a transient camp of memory, a mutable, sheltering landscape, where often nothing seems missing, and the coherence of the past lives on in the bounty of the present."
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Julia M. Klein, a cultural reporter and critic in Philadelphia, is a contributing editor at Columbia Journalism Review and a contributing book critic for the Forward. Follow her on Twitter @JuliaMKlein.
"The Latter Days: A Memoir"
By Judith Freeman, Pantheon Books, 336 pages, $27.95
Gov. Bruce Rauner has said his differences with Mayor Rahm Emanuel are only about policy and that they will always remain friends. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
Would you call him Ishmael?
Or would you risk his hatred by calling him Pip, the tiny fellow who went mad at sea?
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For now, call him Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who just might come up with a new career once he faces the facts that his city is on the verge of bankruptcy and African-American voters loathe him.
So what would be a fitting new career? Why, a book club host, pouring wine, talking literature, serving up metaphors on toothpicks.
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The other evening on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight," the mayor said that Gov. Bruce Rauner must begin reading an American classic.
"Moby Dick"
It's that great American novel by Herman Melville that you really wanted to read once about the White Whale and Capt. Ahab's obsession with killing it, and how Ahab's madness sends the men of the Pequod to their doom.
"My recommendation to the governor for his summer reading list is Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick,' because Capt. Ahab in his obsession to get Moby Dick takes the Pequod over, and it doesn't really end well," Emanuel told reporter Paris Schutz on "Chicago Tonight." "And there's an analogy there for him, and I would suggest that he step back from the personal insults."
And the White Whale? In the dark crevasses of the Rahmulan mind, the great sea beast is none other than Michael J. Madigan.
That's Madigan, the speaker of the Illinois House, the Democratic Boss of everything in the state, the Khan of Madiganistan and the guy who provided Rahm with the right lawyer so Rahm could run for mayor, claiming residency in Chicago even while he was working in Washington as President Barack Obama's chief of staff.
I've been calling Madigan the White Walker from "Game of Thrones," since Madigan looks exactly like a White Walker and leads an army of the politically undead. But the mayor wants to go with White Whale. Whatever.
Asked why he thinks Rauner is obsessed with Madigan, Emanuel wouldn't answer. Instead, he told Schutz:
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"I think you should ask the governor that question, because it's his obsession. But I can observe what it's doing to the state."
Hmmm. OK, so Rahm thinks the people of Illinois are the crew of the Pequod and Rauner will destroy us in his urge to harpoon Boss Madigan.
But there is, perhaps, another way to look at it that Rauner helped make Rahm $16 million in a private business deal, poured expensive wines when they became vacation buddies, helped him get elected mayor and now Rahm has gone on an insult binge against Rauner to cover his shame.
So where in Melville's novel is Rahm? In this column he's on his knees, kissing the White Walker/White Whale's hand, or is that his flipper?
The money is gone. The state is billions in the hole. Rauner has been in office 18 months. Madigan has been the boss for decades.
Rauner talks fiscal sanity. Madigan recently rammed through a phony state budget in the House that was $7 billion in the red.
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What Madigan wants is to embarrass Rauner for the November elections. And Rahm, elected with the promise of bringing fiscal sanity to Chicago, now sits happily in the White Walker's lap, watching the debt can get kicked down the road.
A few days ago, Rauner said he was disappointed with Rahm.
"If I have one major disappointment in the last 18 months, it's with the mayor," Rauner said. "And that's not people say, 'Oh, it's personal and you guys hate each other.' We're friends. We're always going to be friends. You can separate friendship from what's good public policy. The mayor has stayed behind the speaker and supported the speaker's position when the mayor should be fighting."
What did good friend Emanuel say? That they were friends and this was just a fight over policy? No. Emanuel said that Rauner wants to be Donald Trump's apprentice.
So if Rauner is Ahab and Madigan is the White Whale, then what character would the mayor inhabit?
Queequeg, cannibal master of the harpoon, with the blue tattoos and the strange ways? No.
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Or perhaps Stubb, the second mate, the smiling simpleton? No. Rahm is no simpleton.
But he could be Pip.
Pip was bright and happy, but when he'd go out in a whaleboat he couldn't help from jumping overboard whenever a whale would appear. Rahm might call this "foreshadowing."
So Pip jumped again, and this time was left out there, to float and ponder, his mind wandering and letting go. Finally, when his crew returned to find him and fish him out, Pip had gone quite mad.
And floating, "Pip saw the multitudinous, God-omnipresent, coral insects, that out of the firmament of waters heaved the colossal orbs. He saw God's foot upon the treadle of the loom, and spoke it; and therefore his shipmates called him mad. So man's insanity is heaven's sense; and wandering from all mortal reason, man comes at last to that celestial thought, which, to reason, is absurd and frantic; and weal or woe, feels then uncompromised, indifferent as his God."
Whose foot does Rahm see on the treadle of the loom? God's? Or is it Madigan's loafer?
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Note: Please join me at the Printers Row Lit Fest for coffee, 10 a.m. Saturday at the Food and Dining Tent. We'll talk about whatever is on your mind. Jeff Carlin, the producer of our podcast, "The Chicago Way," will be there, too. No tickets required. I'd love to see you.
Twitter @John_Kass
A story in the main news section Monday about U.S. citizen Jhon Ocampo, who was arrested and detained by immigration authorities, did not include the viewpoint of the U.S. attorney's office for the Central District of Illinois, which was involved in a lawsuit Ocampo filed against the U.S. government.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Jim Lewis said Ocampo's misunderstanding of his own legal status contributed to his arrest, saying he previously indicated to authorities under oath that he was not a U.S. citizen when he applied for a green card and that he showed authorities a green card at the time of his arrest. Ocampo, however, said he told immigration authorities when he was arrested that he was a citizen.
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The story also incorrectly spelled the name of one of the attorneys representing Ocampo. The correct name is Hari Santhanam.
A story in the Health and Family section Wednesday about the allergy season incorrectly included Tennessee grass among the types of grass in this area that can cause allergy problems all summer. The list should have included Timothy grass.
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A story about the LaSalle Hotel on the Chicago Flashback page Sunday misidentified the first fire engine on the scene. It was Engine 40.
The Tribune regrets the errors.
Lorraine Nash holds her daughter Nala Nash-Boyd as parents and community members concerned over high levels of lead found at some water fountains in Tanner Elementary School in Chicago attend a meeting there on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)
Preliminary tests showed elevated levels of lead in the blood of a handful of students who attend a South Side elementary school where high levels of the toxic metal were found in water from four drinking fountains, officials said Thursday.
Follow-up tests on the students at Tanner Elementary are needed to confirm the results of the initial screenings, said Dr. Julie Morita, head of the Chicago Department of Public Health. She said she didn't know the exact number of students affected but said it was less than 10.
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"Very few people actually had elevated levels, and with those children we're having them have follow-up of a more specific test to determine whether or not the lead levels were elevated truly or not," Morita said.
If the follow-up tests confirms the findings, "we will not assume that it was just the water in the school," Morita said.
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Forrest Claypool, Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools, left, looks on as Dr. Cort Lohff, director of environmental health at the Chicago Department of Public Health, talks to parents and community members concerned over high levels of lead found at some water fountains in Tanner Elementary School in Chicago. They were at a meeting in the school on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)
"We will go to the home, we will inspect the home, we will make sure there are not lead hazards in the home," Morita said. "So the process is not just focused on the just the individual child in that school, we will then do further investigation."
Lead levels above U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards have now been found in water from 31 fountains or sinks in 14 schools, Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool said Thursday.
CPS began testing water districtwide last month and has collected nearly 17,000 samples from water fountains and sinks at 169 schools, Claypool said. Test results for 65 of those buildings have been returned, Claypool said. The district said community meetings will be held at affected schools.
"In most of the cases, the impacted water fountains or sinks were rarely used," Claypool told reporters during an appearance at a West Town high school on Thursday. "There are usually one or two (fixtures) in each school affected."
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Tanner's three-floor building was constructed in 1963, according to CPS records. CPS officials said the district tested 11 water fountains and the school kitchen as part of a pilot testing program started in April. Three drinking fountains showed elevated lead levels, and a fourth fountain had lead levels that landed right at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standard of 15 parts per billion.
CPS began a pilot testing program in late April after the city disclosed that water at public school buildings had not been checked for lead contamination. That disclosure followed Tribune requests for information on lead testing at schools.
Federal regulations do not require schools to routinely test drinking water, but some large school districts already have done so and found worrisome results.
Though crumbling lead-based paint remains the chief source of exposure for children, many researchers say contaminated water poses additional risks. Exposure to even small amounts of lead as a child causes subtle brain damage that can trigger learning disabilities and violent behavior later in life.
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The district's latest test results are posted online at http://cps.edu/leadtesting
jjperez@tribpub.com
@perezjr
If you live in Chicago's East Side neighborhood, you might want to bring your plants in at night.
The so-called "flower bandit" has targeted at least two homes on the 11500 block of South Ewing Avenue, neighbors said Thursday. In one instance, Leonor Rios videotaped a woman snatching two potted plants from her front porch.
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Mary Sigg, who lives a few houses down from where those flowers were stolen, said she doesn't understand why it keeps happening.
"People may think they are just flowers, but it's about our safety and it's not OK for people to just come up to other people's yards and start stealing things," she said.
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Neighbor Sierra Maldonado posted Rios' video on Facebook. It shows a woman parallel park her vehicle alongside a curb but at an angle so that the front end is poking into the street. The video shows her leave the car running and the driver's-side door open while she walks slowly toward the home. The woman picks up two hanging flowerpots, jogs back to her vehicle and speeds off. Her hair is pulled back and she wears what appears to be gray sweatpants and a sweatshirt.
Rios, through a Spanish translator, said Thursday she thought the incident was funny and that other neighbors have more beautiful flowers. But she also said she received an anonymous letter a year ago criticizing her house.
Sigg has lived on the block for 13 years and said she normally keeps an eye out for crime.
"I'm out here all of the time and have never seen someone have the nerve to steal someone's plants," she said. "Plants, really? I just can't believe it."
No one has tried to steal her flowers, although someone stole her son's bike on three different occasions and a bag of empty cans.
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"I'm not sure why they stole the cans, maybe they needed the money, but regardless it's just crazy when stuff like this happens," Sigg said. "The nerve of people sometimes."
Other residents echoed her disbelief.
"Maybe it is times like this where people are just petty," said Vanissa Kaurin, who has lived on the street for more than 20 years.
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Sigg, who said she watched the video on Facebook last night, said she isn't concerned about her plants but still doesn't like the idea of someone thinking it is OK to walk up to a person's house so casually with bad intentions.
"We pay property taxes here and work hard for what we have," Sigg said. "Go get a job, and why are you stealing plants of all things?"
amyers@tribpub.com
Twitter @alexisomyers
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. In an interview with ARMENPRESS, Director of the Armenian National Committee of Germany Anto Aznavurian said Germany is taking on some obligations with its recent acknowledgment of the German responsibility in the Armenian Genocide.
According to Aznavurian, Armenians can correctly define this obligation and demand moral, political and economic assistance from Germany.
As you can see there are serious works to be done in the diplomatic area, significant work should be done in the community. The Bundestag resolution says Germany must provide material support for cultural, scientific and political discussions, in order to have dialogue between Armenians and Turkish residents of Germany, and for the public to have clear perception of what happened in 1915. We must stress that these discussions are not connected to the committee of historians. The upcoming discussions will be aimed at public awareness, Aznavurian said.
He says Germanys recognition of the Armenian Genocide must contribute to the recognition by other countries.
Many countries were viewing Germany as an accomplice. As long as Germany was not recognizing the Armenian Genocide, it would have been a reason of silence for other countries. Now, when Germany has recognized the Genocide, presumably other countries will easily join Germany, he added.
As for Germanys Turkish communitys reaction, Aznavurian says to some degree a polarization is taking place. According to him, the Turkish community was against the Armenian Genocide resolution; however, recent announcements by Turkish President Erdogan are changing sentiments within the community. Especially the fact that Erdogan said the ethnic Turkish MPs of the Bundestag should give a blood test.
This caused the Turkish community to protest, claiming these are unacceptable disgusting methods. The community is openly against Erdogans announcements. We can say these announcements are polarizing the Turkish community, he said.
Murder charges have been filed more than two months after a dirty look escalated into gunfire that left one man dead and another partially paralyzed, authorities said.
Dion Robinson, 27, was arrested Tuesday after a brief police chase in West Garfield Park and was charged with first-degree murder.
Robinson is accused of opening fire on the two men shortly before 6 p.m. on March 30 as they sat in a car parked on the 3000 block of West Wabansia Avenue, Assistant State's Attorney April Gonzales said in court Thursday.
The incident began when Robinson started "mean mugging" the pair as they test drove a white Honda Accord one of the men was trying to sell to the other, Gonzales said. The two did not know Robinson, she said.
The two men returned to a black Chevy Malibu, and Robinson parked and approached their car on foot, Gonzales said. When he reached the middle of the street, prosecutors said, Robinson started firing a 45-caliber semi-automatic handgun.
Robinson fired off at least a dozen gunshots, fatally striking 24-year-old Luis Gonzalez in the head and neck, prosecutors said. The other man, 22, was hit in the back and left shoulder, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, prosecutors said.
Witnesses told police they saw Robinson leave with a black object in his hand, prosecutors said.
On Tuesday, Chicago police approached Robinson after he exited a Hertz rental car on the 4000 block of West Washington Boulevard, prosecutors said. He jumped a fence but was met in the backyard by other officers and surrendered.
Officers said they found a black Tec 9 automatic handgun in the car but determined it was not used in the March 30 shooting, prosecutors said.
Judge Maria Kuriakos Ciesil ordered Robinson held without bail.
Pullman National Monument may not have the name recognition of Yosemite, Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, but it does have about 3 million people in its backyard. One Far South Side group is hoping that's all it will need to snatch a piece of a $2 million pie allocated for national park preservation.
Pullman, a historic Far South Side community started by a railroad magnate in the late 1800s that was designated a national monument last year, is one of 20 places vying for funding as a part of a National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express "Vote Your Park" campaign hosted by National Geographic.
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Michael Shymanski, president of the Historic Pullman Foundation, said the five sites with the most votes will receive a portion of the money. The competition is a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
If Pullman is one of the top vote recipients, Shymanski said that money will contribute to a new visitors center to be housed in the old Pullman clock tower near the corner of South Cottage Grove Avenue and 108th Street.
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"We're the youngest and smallest and neediest park in the competition," Shymanski said Wednesday at an event celebrating the Park Service's centennial. The U.S. Postal Service released 16 new stamps to commemorate the anniversary and unveiled them at the current Pullman visitors center, although Pullman is not represented on any of the stamps.
The other parks receive more federal money than Pullman, which received $189,000 its first year. However, the National Park Foundation, the Park Service's philanthropic arm, had raised around $8 million by the beginning of the year for work on the monument.
A new visitors center is just one part of an expansive revitalization effort to turn the largely unchanged community into a destination for tourists and families.
The U.S. Postal Service released these 16 new stamps to commemorate the park service's centennial. They were unveiled at the current Pullman visitors center. (Image provided by the National Park Service)
David Doig, president of Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, a nonprofit that helps develop low-income communities, said Pullman is expected to get a Whole Foods retail distribution center, new restaurants, a gift shop and eventually a hotel within the next few years. The initiative has also improved old homes in the district, transforming them into affordable housing options.
"We're working on an art space project with a local artist group called PullmanArts and a national artist housing group called Artspace out of Minneapolis that we've joint-ventured with," he said. "We're going to be building 38 units of new artists housing in Pullman at 112th (Street) and Langley (Avenue)."
The artists housing should be done by the end of next year, and two of the refurbished homes are available now while more are being worked on. Doig said Potbelly and Chipotle restaurants are scheduled to open in spring 2017 and a Whole Foods distribution center in 2018.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 12 Children walk home after classes at Pullman Elementary School on Jan. 14, 2016, in Chicago's Pullman neighborhood, which has been declared a national monument by President Barack Obama. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
With the economic development comes increased energy and interest in the area's history, said Qwanchaize Edwards, an aide to Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th.
"We hope that the national monument brings in tourism dollars and that would develop some jobs, businesses restoring (the community) and making sure people know how important Pullman is," he said. "It's a lot more than just a community. You have labor rights (history), the model town, the unique architecture, we're making sure people are aware of what we have here, and hopefully that encourages development in not only Pullman but the entire South Side."
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George Pullman started the ivy-and-brick-laden community more than 130 years ago to build rail cars and house employees of his railroad company. The company was one of the few at the time to hire African-Americans many of the men had been slaves in the South to be car porters. These porters, led by A. Philip Randolph, founded the first African-American union, which is credited with being a launching pad for the civil rights movement.
Doig said that with all the potential changes, he is adamant the neighborhood remains diverse and serves people in the community.
"We're making quality-of-life improvement like bringing grocery stores and all these restaurants and so forth, but also making sure we have local hiring agreements," he said. "... For instance, Wal-Mart, 80 percent of all their new hires came from the ZIP code 60628. We'll do the same thing with Whole Foods. We're really focused on making sure the job opportunities created are being filled by people locally."
Shymanski, who has lived in Pullman since 1967, encouraged Midwesterners to participate in the vote, which ends July 5. Voting can be done at voteyourpark.org.
"It's a question of pride; Chicago was the railroad hub of the nation it still is," he said. "The unique thing about Pullman is that it doesn't just deal with our past history, it deals with our future. We still have to meet the promises of America, both economically and racially."
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Chicago police investigate a shooting in Palmer Square on June 6, 2016, where 6-year-old Jaylene Bermeo, inset, was shot in the back. (Chicago Tribune, family photos)
A 6-year-old girl was drawing with chalk on the front sidewalk outside her aunt's house with her two sisters and three cousins when she was shot by gang members "on a mission" to retaliate against rivals, Cook County prosecutors said Thursday.
Judge Stuart Lubin, who is assigned to juvenile court, ordered that the 17-year-old suspect be held in custody because he poses a danger to the community.
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Assistant State's Attorney Patricia Berlin said the Northwest Side home where the shooting took place Monday night has been a focus of Spanish Cobras gang activity. Several members of the Spanish Cobras were outside the Palmer Square neighborhood home at the time of the shooting, said Berlin, who described the shooting as the result of a "war" between the Cobras and the Maniac Latin Disciples.
Police gathered at the scene of a shooting in the Palmer Square neighborhood June 6, 2016, that left a 6-year-old girl critically wounded. (WGN-TV / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)
"Something is wrong when a child can't play on a sidewalk without fearing she'll get shot," Berlin told the judge. A bullet tore through the girl's back, puncturing her lung before lodging near her heart, where it still remains, she said.
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The Tribune is not identifying the suspect because he was charged as a juvenile. He faces charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm, according to the state's attorney's office.
Berlin told the judge that witnesses reported seeing a silver Hyundai driven by a teen of Asian descent seconds before shots rang out. Detectives searched databases for Maniac Latin Disciples members and found the teen, who was identified by witnesses as the driver, Berlin said. He was arrested Tuesday.
On Thursday, Stroger Hospital released encouraging news about the 6-year-old's improved condition from one of the doctors who treated her. The hospital also made public a photo showing the little girl, Jaylene Bermeo, hugging a Minnie Mouse doll and giving a thumbs-up.
"She is in good condition and good spirits today," said Dr. Yomi Akintorin, a pediatric intensive care physician. "She has a long but promising road to recovery ahead of her. We hope to discharge her in a few days."
Jaylene was able to talk to several immediate family members who were allowed in her room, including her grandmother, an aunt said Thursday.
Jaylene Bermeo, 6, gives a thumbs-up from her bed at Stroger Hospital, where she is being treated for a gunshot wound suffered while she played with friends in Palmer Square. (Hospital photo)
"She was being her little feisty self," her aunt said. "She was talking about how much she loves her grandmother, and she was happy she was there."
In addition to Minnie Mouse, she was also given a huge teddy bear named Ted to keep her company in her hospital room, her aunt said.
The hospital released a statement from the family thanking people "for your thoughts and prayers as Jaylene recovers. We truly appreciate the support our family has received during this difficult time. Please keep the prayers coming for Jaylene's full recovery so she can get back to the dance classes she loves so much."
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Berlin said surveillance video showed a silver four-door Hyundai rapidly turning left out of an alley that opened onto Francis Place.
"He didn't slow down, he didn't pause," she said.
Witnesses reported that the Asian-American driver quickly made another left turn onto the 2100 block of North Bingham Street while scanning the street, Berlin said. They heard gunshots 10 to 15 seconds after the car passed the house of the girl's aunt, where several Spanish Cobra gang members were standing outside, she said. Three people were inside the car.
Police recovered a dozen .45-caliber shell casings from the street.
Prosecutors argued that the teen suspect posed a flight risk, saying his mother told police she was going to send him back to the Philippines, where his father lives.
But Kevin McCubbin, an attorney for the family, told the judge the boy was not a flight risk and had not had contact with his father since 2014.
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The mother, who attended the court hearing, thanked the judge at its conclusion as her son, wearing flip-flops and blue juvenile jail clothing, was taken from the courtroom.
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"It's a horrible incident," McCubbin told reporters outside juvenile court. "Whether he was the shooter (or had) anything to do with it whatever, I'm sure they had no intention of striking someone like that."
Jaylene's family said the slightest difference in the bullet's path could have killed the small girl.
Jaylene also suffered a collapsed lung. "It was a miracle for (the bullet) not to go any closer (to her heart). They said it was pretty deep," Jaylene's aunt, who asked not to be identified for her safety, said earlier this week. "The doctors told her that she was extremely lucky.
"She feels a lot better. She's more responsive, which is amazing," her aunt added. "Things are looking up."
Chicago Tribune's Megan Crepeau contributed.
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Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield.
Topspin
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has no plans to call lawmakers back to Springfield for a special session on the budget, saying it'd be a waste of time.
Rauner has tried to assign blame to House Speaker Michael Madigan, saying the Southwest Side Democratic leader has shown no interest in voting on a Republican stop-gap budget or education funding plan. Lawmakers went home on May 31 without sending Rauner a budget for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1, setting the stage for Illinois to enter a second straight year without a complete budget.
Democrats in the House and Senate were unable to agree on a measure to send Rauner, though the governor had threatened to veto an unbalanced plan pushed by Madigan. The speaker had agreed to call his members back to Springfield once a week through June, but canceled Wednesday's planned session, citing ongoing budget talks among rank-and-file members.
Rauner says those meetings have been hijacked by Madigan, who he said turned once-promising conversations between rank-and-file into a delay mechanism by loading them with lawmakers loyal to him.
"In my conversations with the speaker and as our staffs have talked, the speaker has been clear he doesn't want to take votes on any of the bills we've introduced. He doesn't want to take votes. He just wants to have the working groups slow walk," Rauner said Wednesday. "And what we would end up doing is wasting time. I'm not in to wasting time. If the speaker would send any signal at all that he's ready to take votes, we should have them here. Right now he's not indicating that at all."
Madigan's office released a statement saying the governor's budget plan focuses on funding basic government operations over social service programs for the vulnerable.
"We, and the people of Illinois that we serve, have very serious concerns with the governor refusing to fund these programs in his proposal. We are committed to negotiating with the governor to fund these programs within the temporary budget, but many questions remain," Madigan said in a statement.
A special session would cost taxpayers. The House and Senate adjourned for the summer but remain in "continuous session," meaning they can come back at will and will not get the perk of a daily allowance plus mileage. If the governor calls them into special session, however, 177 lawmakers get to collect $111 a day, plus 39 cents for every mile they drive. That tab could add up to more than $40,000 a day. (Monique Garcia)
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What's on tap
*Mayor Rahm Emanuel has no public events scheduled.
*Gov. Rauner is scheduled to attend a meeting of the governor's cabinet on children and youth in the afternoon in Springfield. Illinois first lady Diana Rauner is scheduled to attend as well. Her nonprofit, an Ounce of Prevention, is one of dozens of social service agencies suing the Rauner administration to get paid during the budget impasse.
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What we're writing
*Rauner calls for end to harsh rhetoric, then attacks Democrats again.
*With higher property tax bills coming, Emanuel talks rebate.
*"I just want to go pee" plea as Chicago transgender restroom ordinance advances.
*Lightfoot publicly pressures Emanuel for more public input on Chicago Police Department changes.
*Judge orders CPD to turn over McCarthy emails to Tribune.
*Freaky fast? AG Madigan sues Jimmy John's for restrictive non-compete clauses.
What we're reading
*Illinois budget impasse impact, part 4,782: State owes FBI $3 million.
*Chicago man sues city for police shooting, is promptly arrested on murder warrant.
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*Summer music preview: Kot's shows, festivals to see.
From the notebook
*Duckworth aims to keep Trump linked to Kirk: While Republican Sen. Mark Kirk has rescinded his support for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Kirk's challenger, Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, isn't letting the issue go quietly.
Duckworth, a two-term congresswoman from Hoffman Estates, launched a new web video which shows Kirk in Washington saying Trump's comments about federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel's Hispanic heritage were "too racist" to keep Kirk's backing. Curiel is overseeing a civil suit brought against Trump University.
The ad then goes on to replay a number of Trump's more controversial comments during the Republican presidential campaign and Kirk's earlier decision to back the real estate mogul and former reality TV star if he won the GOP nomination.
As for Team Kirk, they touted the first-term Republican senator's disavowal of Trump with digital ads featuring newspaper headlines reporting the move. Kirk is viewed as the most politically vulnerable Republican seeking re-election this year, running in a state that trends heavily Democratic in presidential election years.
Kirk and Republican allies also are continuing attempts to link disgraced and imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to Duckworth. She served as secretary of veteran's affairs under Blagojevich after losing a 2006 race for Congress against Republican Peter Roskam of Wheaton.
Duckworth is facing an August trial date for a hearing in downstate Union County in a workplace retaliation lawsuit stemming from her time with the state.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee noted that Blagojevich, when he faced federal trial on corruption charges, frequently said, "I'm looking forward to getting the truth out." At a news conference on Tuesday, Duckworth was asked if she would testify in August in the workplace retaliation lawsuit case and responded: "I am looking forward to getting the truth out."
"Just like not-so-old times, Tammy Duckworth is taking her cues from Rod Blagojevich," the NRSC said, posting a video of her remarks. (Rick Pearson)
*Rauner's former education group to rally outside his office: An education-minded group with ties to Gov. Rauner is set to rally outside his Chicago office building to call for a school funding bill.
The New Schools for Chicago group has organized a "Put Kids First" rally Thursday outside the James R. Thompson Center. The group says the effort is meant "to demand action from Governor Bruce Rauner, Speaker Michael Madigan, and Springfield legislators on an education funding bill that will keep schools open next fall."
Rauner has served on the board of New Schools, a group that helped efforts to fund and expand many of the city's charter schools. Now schools the governor supports could be about to feel budget pressure after lawmakers left the Capitol last week without approving a state budget or a stand-alone education funding bill. Rauner said this week that state Democrats were "slow-rolling the process" to resolve the budget impasse to provoke "a crisis in the schools."
Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool has also said the district won't open its doors absent any funding measure from Springfield, amid his calls for a new state education funding formula.
The Illinois Network of Charter Schools, along with some of the city's independently-operated but publicly-funded charters, have taken to social media to hype the event. (Juan Perez Jr.)
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*Former Rauner adviser hangs shingle: Mike Schrimpf, a former top aide to Rauner, is launching a new communications and public affairs firm with his twin brother, Chris.
Called Red Tack Strategy, the firm will lead Rauner's strategy for the November election, in which he is hoping to erode Democratic House Speaker Madigan's supermajority.
Mike Schrimpf left the administration earlier this year to join his brother on Ohio Gov. John Kasich's failed presidential campaign. Chris Schrimpf was a longtime press aide for Kasich. The firm will have offices in Chicago and Columbus.
"We are often capable of finishing each other's thoughts but also unafraid to tell the other when he is wrong. We think that makes for a pretty good combination and are very excited to be launching Red Tack together," Mike Schrimpf said in a statement. (Monique Garcia)
Follow the money
*Track campaign contribution reports in real time with this Tribune Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ILCampaignCash
Beyond Chicago
*Presidential race, Republican side: GOP (again) hopes Trump's softer tone will last.
*Presidential race, Democratic side: Clinton turns attention to Trump following California win.
*Palestinian gunmen open fire in Tel Aviv, leaving four dead.
*Modi to Congress: India, U.S. can anchor stability in Asia.
E. Allan Englehardt served for many years as a pilot for United Airlines and also was a designated pilot examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration, (Ty Englehardt)
E. Allan Englehardt had a long career as a pilot for United Airlines and later was chairman of the board of the Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling.
Englehardt was a designated pilot examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration, which meant he conducted in-flight check rides with pilot applicants. He was part of a successful lobbying effort to get the FAA to raise airline pilots' mandatory retirement age to 65 from 60.
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"When Allan wanted something, he was very tenacious and wouldn't let it go," said Dennis Rouleau, former manager of the Chicago Executive Airport. "He was bound and determined to make a project happen."
Englehardt, 69, died May 9 of complications from prostate cancer in his Lake Bluff home, said his son Tison.
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Englehardt grew up in the Chicago area and graduated from Highland Park High School. He initially considered a career in retail, but after attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale he became "hooked on aviation," his son said.
"He did everything he could to build the (flight time) hours quickly," his son said.
Before graduating from SIU, Englehardt was tapped by United to be a pilot. He worked for the airline for four years before being furloughed, and he returned to college to finish his aviation degree. He later rejoined United but was furloughed again. During that time off, he started his own ground school program, Flight Standards, which operated from 1974 until 1989.
"He traveled all around the U.S. in the '70s, when learning to fly was a popular thing," his son said. "He's given ground schools to more people than just about anyone has. He worked at that, and he really loved teaching. He had a special ability for that, and he was nationally recognized."
As part of Englehardt's love of instruction, he began working in the 1990s as a designated pilot examiner out of the Chicago Executive Airport, which at that time was known as Palwaukee Municipal Airport. His rigorous examinations earned him the nickname "The Chain saw," his son said.
"As examiners, some have easier reputations than others," Englehardt said. "But people liked going to him and knew exactly what they were going to get. If you knew your stuff, you were going to pass."
Later in his career, Englehardt lobbied federal officials to elevate pilots' mandatory retirement age to 65. Congress raised that limit to 65 in 2007. Englehardt was not able to benefit from the raised retirement age, however, as he missed the cutoff for the higher retirement age by only one month. With that, he retired from United at age 60 in 2007 as a pilot of Boeing 777s.
Later that year, then-Wheeling Village President Judy Abruscato and then-Prospect Heights Mayor Patrick Ludvigsen tapped Englehardt to serve as the chairman of the board of the Chicago Executive Airport, which is owned by the two communities. He oversaw a redevelopment plan for the airport and encouraged the installation of a system to keep planes from sliding off the runway.
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"We were lucky to have him," Rouleau said. "He was very supportive of me and my staff and of the airport overall. He was just a great man."
Englehardt stepped down from the board in 2013 but remained involved at the airport, including as a member of its flying club. Airport communications liaison Rob Mark, who also is a business jet pilot and instructor and knew Englehardt for more than 40 years, recalled enjoying monthly breakfasts at the airport with Englehardt and other members of its flying club.
"I can't think of a guy who was more passionate about every facet of aviation than Al," Mark said. "So many people around here have said it's not the same place without him."
Englehardt enjoyed visiting Civil War sites, riding his motorcycle, attending live theater and operas, and speaking with young people about how to get into aviation, his son said. He taught all three of his children to fly. He also was named to the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame in 2009.
He was named FAA national, regional and district flight instructor of the year in 1976, and FAA regional and district aviation safety counselor of the year in 1990 and 1993.
Englehardt also is survived by his wife, Diana; a daughter, Tricia Nagel; another son, Allan Joseph; five grandchildren; and a brother, William.
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Services were held.
Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues defaming the Turkish MPs of Germany for voting in favor of the adoption of the Armenian Genocide recognition resolution, Milliyet reports.
Erdogan called Cem Ozdemir perverse.
I am asking you, what is a man in Germany, who is defaming his own country with Genocide, if not perverse. None of the perverted from our society can slander our national dignity, the glorious history, the services made to Islam, Erdogan stated.
Before departing for the US, he discussed the issue of Germany and the Armenian Genocide. If Germany doesnt refuse from this wrong step, we will, of course, assess the situation accordingly and will take the necessary steps.
The German Bundestag adopted the Armenian Genocide recognition resolution, which is entitled "Remembrance and commemoration of the genocide of Armenians and other Christian minorities in 1915 and 1916".
Only one MP voted against the adoption, and one abstained.
Speakers were unanimously stressing the need of facing the past, also for contributing the reconciliation between Armenia and Turkey.
The Bundestag voiced the crime of the Ottoman Turkey, and stressed this step is neither an accusation nor a claim, but a tribute to the memory of the victims.
Bernie Sanders won't be the Democratic presidential nominee, yet so far he refuses to concede to Hillary Clinton, pledging to "continue to fight for every vote and every delegate we can get." This is more than just stubbornness: Even if he bows out soon, Sanders and his supporters appear to believe more strongly than ever that the system is rigged against him and that Clinton is a captive of the banks and that Democratic voters have been rising up in support of his "political revolution, " regardless of the actual vote count.
What happened? The Sanders campaign has become a classic example of the phenomenon of "group polarization," arguably more so than any campaign in recent memory even Donald Trump's, which has greatly benefited from the same phenomenon.
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Research on group polarization finds that when like-minded people get together, they will tend to go to extremes. If group members favor Britain leaving the European Union, or an increase in the minimum wage, or stricter sentences for drug offenses, their conversations with one another will lead them to greater extremism. Echo chambers are a breeding ground for polarization and political campaigns often end up as echo chambers, especially in their late stages.
Part of what drives group polarization is that people care about their reputations: If people in your group think that climate change isn't occurring, or that Clinton is a captive of the banks, you risk their good will if you disagree. And if people hide their private misgivings, and don't tell others what they think, the group as a whole is likely to end up in a more extreme position.
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That promotes another dynamic behind group polarization: lopsided information. If most people in your group think that the minimum wage should be increased, you'll hear a lot of arguments in favor of increasing it and few the other way. And if people are listening to one another, they are likely to be moved in the direction of increasing the minimum wage, simply because those are the dominant arguments within the group.
Which brings us to Sanders. Many of his supporters are intensely committed to him, and they listen mostly to one another. At this point in time, it's not exactly comfortable for them to say, to one another or to the candidate, that Clinton could be a fine president, even a great one, or that she is animated by many of the same values as Sanders. From his closest friends and advisers, Sanders is probably hearing a lot less of that than he should.
Even more important, the pressures of group polarization suggest that within the Sanders campaign, people have been spreading information that puts Clinton in the least favorable light, one that most sharpens the contrast with Sanders. Instead of seeing the two as representing different strands of the party, Sanders supporters have increasingly argued that their own candidate is on the side of the American people while Clinton isn't. In those circumstances, is it any wonder that Sanders has been reluctant to terminate his campaign?
It's true, of course, that after investing heart and soul, many presidential candidates are reluctant to bring things to a halt. It's also true that Sanders is not exactly famous for his willingness to yield or to take a step back. But his improbably successful campaign has been spurred and energized by group polarization and you can't explain his otherwise baffling persistence without reference to the potentially destructive effects of the political echo chamber.
Bloomberg View
Cass Sunstein, a Bloomberg View columnist, is director of the Harvard Law School's program on behavioral economics and public policy.
The relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan, long a pillar of security and democratic solidarity against threats from Russia and nonstate actors like al-Qaida, is faltering. The rift has been laid bare in recent weeks as a faction within the U.S. Congress attempts to block the sale of needed fighter jets to Pakistan's military. But the implications of the frayed relationship run far deeper, threatening to jumble the regional balance of power, fracture the anti-extremist coalition and sideline U.S. influence at a time when it is most needed.
Since the Cold War, Pakistan has been a staunch American ally, playing a critical role in driving Russia out of Afghanistan and serving as a democratic bulwark against communism and religious extremism. Following 9/11, the bilateral relationship was reinvigorated as the U.S. promoted a grand strategy to fight al-Qaida and stabilize Afghanistan after the Taliban were toppled from power. U.S.-Pakistan diplomatic, commercial and cultural ties have strengthened during this longstanding partnership, and as a result, Pakistan today is more stable, prosperous and democratic. It holds more regional clout than ever before.
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Despite our sustained mutual interests and democratic kinship, worrisome ambiguity toward the bilateral relationship is brewing among officials in both countries. This attitude surfaced recently in the U.S. Congress specifically in the person of Republican Sen. Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee where there is outright opposition to a deal to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan to strengthen our capacity to fight terrorism. The ostensible and unsustainable basis of Corker's position is that Pakistan is not committed to the war on terrorism.
I would challenge any faction in Congress that holds this view to come to Pakistan and bear witness to our solidarity and resolve. Pakistan continues to suffer mass-casualty attacks by the Taliban and al-Qaida, including at the Army Public School in Peshawar, at Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, in Quetta, and most recently in Lahore, where 74 were killed and more than 300 injured. Here, members of Congress will find a nation under siege, but nonetheless committed across political differences to dismantling terrorist networks and mitigating their sources.
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Doubters should know that Pakistan has lost nearly 500 troops and many thousands of civilians in this fight. These losses were sustained in offensives against terrorist networks in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas a longtime U.S. priority. As a direct result of these offensives, Pakistan has rooted out extremists' safe havens, played a critical role in dismantling al-Qaida's deeply entrenched networks and seized more than 160 tons of improvised explosive device precursors. As grievous as our losses have been, the past year has seen the lowest number of terrorist attacks and suicide bombings since 2007.
These actions are not representative of a country that is half-hearted in the fight against regional and global extremist threats. Rather, it is clear that Pakistan is committing vast resources and bearing incredible sacrifice at the vanguard of the war. In addition to the severe human costs, three decades of war has also meant slower economic growth and foreign direct investment than that of other developing countries whose borders are not active war zones. These are among the hidden opportunity costs of our commitment to fighting terrorism.
Denying Pakistan aircraft that our military deems necessary for continuing offensives against a terrorist network is ultimately counterproductive and self-defeating. It weakens our frontline actions against regional and global threats. It undermines a democratic ally that must maintain its legitimacy in the eyes of its people by taking every step to keep them safe. And it opens the door to new players that do not share America's interests and values. Pakistan has one of the fastest-growing economies and is the sixth largest population in the world. This fact is not lost on China, which has swooped in to host talks with Pakistani leaders as the U.S. wallows in ambivalence. And Russia, which has been cozying up to Pakistan since early 2015, is close on China's heels.
History has made it clear that the U.S. and Pakistan are far stronger as allies, and that the world has benefited greatly from this partnership. Pakistan is ready and willing to continue its role at the front lines of the war against terrorism. But the U.S. has a part to play in assuring our ability to fight and win on the battlefield. As talks between a delegation of top U.S. diplomats and the Pakistani government continue, the U.S. should reaffirm fighter plane sales and with it, faith in an indispensable partnership in defense of civilization.
Asif Ali Zardari, president of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013, is co-chairman of the Pakistan People's Party.
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan held a meeting with Czech President Milos Zeman who is on an official visit to Armenia.
Issues related to the development and expansion of Armenian-Czech relations were discussed over breakfast.
Both sides stressed the necessity of the continuous development of the bilateral economic ties and the deepening of the mutual cooperation in a number of fields.
In this context, they highlighted the active role of the Armenian-Czech intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation.
The sides welcomed the holding of the Armenian-Czech business forum in Yerevan and expressed hope that it will contribute to the expansion of business ties, the joint implementation of investments projects and the increase in trade turnover between Armenia and the Czech Republic.
As part of an overhaul of its gifted education program, Community Unit School District 308 administrators are looking to create individual plans for gifted students.
The concept is in the early stages and will come after the district finishes working on the gifted programs and services it plans to offer. But Judy Minor, the Oswego-based district's assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, described the plans as "student profile(s)" that provide a way to track students from year to year to determine the right services for them.
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State board of education officials said they are not familiar with any other districts in the state that are putting similar programs in place.
The changes come after a 2014 audit recommended sweeping changes to the district's gifted education program, which it said was outdated and didn't match the district's demographics. Since then, officials said the district has worked to change the programs offered and the way students are identified.
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Sally Walker, executive director of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children, said the methods used to select students for gifted programs play a role in ensuring low-income and minority students are identified for services. Still, a March report from the education advocacy group One Chance Illinois found disparities in the district's demographics versus the makeup of the students who receive gifted services.
Minor highlighted the number of minority students who take Advanced Placement exams, which she said has tripled since 2014, and the district's widespread use of a system called AVID designed to help traditionally underrepresented students succeed in high school, college or a career.
Josh Dwyer, policy director for One Chance Illinois, said the organization didn't have a lot of data about why the disparities existed in District 308 and the district's identification process seemed "OK." But in general, he said, districts that rely on teacher or parent referrals to identify gifted students tend to under-refer low-income and minority students, because the process is subjective. Students should also be able to take assessments in the language they're most fluent, he said.
In District 308, students are tested as part of the gifted services screening process and compared to other students nationwide, those in District 308 and those who have had similar learning opportunities for example, a student in poverty would be compared to other students in poverty, as would a student learning English, said Susan McDougall, assistant director of gifted education. The district also uses an exam that doesn't require proficiency in English, so the district is not testing how well a student has mastered English but is instead testing their abilities.
Teachers also fill out a checklist for their classroom, which is a way to determine whether the district should add services. The teacher checklist wouldn't cause the district to deny students' gifted services, McDougall said. Ultimately, the screening process involves an hours-long process and many administrators and staff.
District 308 universally screens students for gifted services in second grade, McDougall said. But Minor said the district is looking at identifying them as early as kindergarten or first grade. Teachers would note students showing an unusual level of interest or experience, and could provide feedback. Over several years, the data would accumulate until a student is recommended for gifted services, Minor said.
As students get older, they can be flagged for gifted screening if they score above a certain level on achievement tests or by a teacher, McDougall said.
"Every student deserves to have at least one year's growth in their learning, and where they come in might just be at a higher level than other students," Minor said.
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Last year, the district put in place some changes to the services students gifted in math and English language arts receive and hired additional staff for English language arts, McDougall said. Once the district's gifted programs and services are expanded, administrators will begin working on the individual plans for gifted students, she said.
McDougall said the learning plans wouldn't necessarily be for every gifted student, only the students that fall outside set pathways. Before, the district had a "one-size-fits-all" gifted education program, and this is a more responsive program, she said.
But Minor said eventually, "it makes sense that all students have that profile."
Walker said providing individual plans for gifted students is a "wonderful idea." If gifted students' questions and desire to learn are ignored, they might simply adapt to regular classroom expectations, she said.
But for the program to be successful, teachers should receive the proper training and curriculum, she said.
"You wouldn't put a regular classroom teacher in with a special needs child without understanding what their needs are," she said. "And it's the same thing at the opposite end of the learning continuum with a gifted child."
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Minor said she couldn't speculate on how many students could potentially receive learning plans, because the program is still in the works. Ideally, it would be in place for the 2017-18 school year, she said, but the district would like to pilot the program first and get feedback from teachers and parents.
sfreishtat@tribpub.com
Twitter @srfreish
A Chicago man is accused of being high on marijuana and shooting a gun in the air while his car was parked on the shoulder of Route 126 near Oswego.
Kendall County Sheriff's Office deputies investigating a suspicious noise conducted a traffic stop on the car, which had two passengers also from Chicago, at about 1:05 a.m. Tuesday near Route 126 and Old Ridge Road in Na-Au-Say Township near Oswego.
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Deputies found the 19-year-old driver, Justin M. Garcia of the 5000 block of Le Moyne Street, in possession of a .22 caliber revolver and an undisclosed amount of marijuana, according to sheriff's office reports. Garcia did not have a valid FOID card and was under the influence of marijuana, according to sheriff's reports.
He was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a loaded weapon in a vehicle, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a vehicle without a FOID card, reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated driving under the influence without a valid license, all felonies, Kendall County records show.
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He is also charged with driving under the influence of a drug and three misdemeanors: possession of a firearm without valid FOID, illegal possession of ammunition without a FOID and possession of between 2.5 and 10 grams of marijuana, records show. He was charged with two traffic-related offenses in connection with the incident - driving without a valid license and improper traffic lane usage.
hleone@tribpub.com
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan says both Armenian sides have always welcomed every step towards the strengthening of the ceasefire regime.
The talk is about the installation of the investigation mechanisms of incidents in the contact line, the withdrawal of snipers, the monitoring process, which means the expansion of the capabilities of Kasprzyks staff, and the installation of control devices for the monitoring. It is unacceptable when one of the sides violates the ceasefire, and everyone knows who violates, however, we hear unaddressed calls, Armenpress reports, Deputy FM said during the briefing.
He said it will be clear in the nearest future whether Azerbaijan agreed with the implementation of Vienna agreements, or it will try to connect the implementation of the agreements with other issues.
The important thing is that the proposals were made and the sides are discussing concrete documents. Here we will see whether Azerbaijan is really ready to go on that path, or it will try to connect them with other issues. Our conclusion is very concrete, it is a necessity, Deputy FM said.
Wondering about washrooms: I wonder if transgender washrooms would have been a big issue in the olden days of outhouses or even today on construction sites.
Return to Roman times: Today is the age of ridiculous in the news in America. It's like Nero fiddling while Rome burned.
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Safety for all: President Obama jeopardizes our nation's security by downsizing our military and our prison population, but woe to you if you're caught with a squirt gun within a mile of the White House.
Social programs sink state: You will never hear Democrats in Illinois admit this, but decades of social programs have put our state billions of dollars in debt.
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Mural served a purpose: It's good that the mural in Elgin sparked a little dialogue. This is what we have to do for America. I sit back sometimes and think about what happened to blacks in the old days. They were not treated well. As a 70-year-old black man growing up in the South, I experienced a lot of grief as a child. Do I hate whites now? Not in the least. What we need to do is stop all this racism. We have to become one. If we can bring blacks and whites together, America will become greater.
Unknown forces: Destiny plays into every event. Someday we will need a military force that you will not believe. And that's why so much immigration is happening. It's all in the cards.
Seeking blame for slavery: Placing blame on the entire white race for slavery is ignorant. For one thing, the Irish came here during the potato famine before the Civil War. They were too poor to own a home, let alone a slave. All the Polish and Eastern Europeans came over during the last century. How about condemning the ones who brought slavery over on wooden ships? Wasn't it Spain?
Troubled about Trump: Donald Trump is the most dangerous person in this country. He would probably go off half-cocked with the nuclear powers in this world and challenge them. He has already said that nobody will mess with the United States if he's president. He'll show them. I don't know how anyone with common sense would ever vote for him.
Water worries: Conserving area water is an imminent issue with Aurora's growing population. We know too much bathing can be controlled. Water dries and ages skin. Our forefathers had a good rule of thumb. Bathe on Saturday night, and Monday is laundry day. My personal indicator for both bathing and laundry is when my underclothes and socks become adhesive.
Home buyers should shop around: There should be a set of rules to stop realtors from only showing certain areas to select ethnic groups. This has to stop. They are turning the whole east side into one ethnic group.
Banks tanked the economy: We're still suffering from when the banks gave loans to people who could not afford to buy houses. Why haven't they been prosecuted? The banks are getting along fine these days, but the public is still suffering from what they did. Sit on these guys. Break up these banks. This is ridiculous.
Nix chief executive in the White House: This political season, I would like to see both political parties' bluff be called and not place a chief executive in the White House. I bet this nation would have the best four years since the end of World War II.
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Government caused fuel fiasco: I blame our government instead of the fuel industry for the fluctuating gasoline prices. It was the government who told us the big lie when they first began hiking prices in 1973. They raised the price from 35 cents a gallon to 70 cents. The government told us that our world was running out of fossil fuels. That lie has always stuck with me.
Stop racism: Our country is going crazy. We have so many shooters around here. It's like we're living in a Third World country. It doesn't make any sense how much racism we have in this country. We have zero tolerance for anyone who is not like us. We have to stop this. Until we stop the racism, our country will keep going downhill. Make it a point to be nice every day to someone you don't know.
Border kept open: Do not doubt it. Deals have been made with our government to keep the southern border open. Proof? It was never a question to close the border when our national security was in danger during 9/11. How easy it would have been for people from the Middle East to come over the border.
Problems with system: This is about 311, which is an absolute chaos. You cannot talk directly to a department. If you give them a question, they don't have the answer. It just leaves you in limbo. What a mess.
Preferential treatment: I just read about another example of letting a former policeman get off without facing the real charges. They released the retired deputy from Oregon who had thousands of dollars in his car plus drugs. They let him go. If he was some low life, he would still be sitting in jail.
Bathroom talk: I'm a heterosexual man. I wouldn't think of being any other way, but I am sensitive to color, genders and anything else a person might be as long as they are not hurting me. I can be friends with them any day of the week. Let me enlighten you about something. Transgenders have been using the washrooms everywhere for a long time, but like people who come out, they're afraid of what might happen to them. If a transgender woman or a lesbian came to use the men's bathroom, the majority of men wouldn't say anything at all.
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Ban guns: All guns should be illegal except for law enforcement and security. There is absolutely no reason why a person should own a gun. Killing animals and birds is inhuman, and killing and injuring fellow humans is against the law. If citizens could vote, you would find most people want guns to be illegal. Shootings are totally out of control. Nobody is safe anymore, not even in small neighborhoods.
Push for higher wages: I want to comment on these people who are protesting against McDonald's restaurants for higher wages. I'm sure a lot of these people are on welfare. Don't they realize that once they make $15 an hour, they will lose some of their welfare and subsidized housing money? But what they will probably do is get more money, work less hours, and still live off the government.
Editor's note
Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-2460 or email couriernews@tribpub.com. Please include "speak out" in the subject line.
A Westmont woman who was suicidal when she was shot in an exchange of gunfire with police officers was acquitted Wednesday of attempted murder and weapons charges in a DuPage County bench trial.
Judge Robert Miller found Heidi Till not guilty of attempting to murder the Westmont police officers who responded to her residence in 2012 after she called 911 and threatened to shoot herself. The judge also found Till, 49, not guilty by reason of insanity on three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm.
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Miller, who reviewed two mental health evaluations of Till, said there was clear and convincing evidence that she could not appreciate the criminality of her actions when she fired her gun three times during the standoff. The third shot was in the direction of a Westmont officer, and he and another officer returned fire, striking Till in the face and back.
"Mental illness was driving the action that day," Till attorney Jeff Kendall said after the trial. Till, who was hospitalized a month after she was shot, declined to comment.
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There was no live testimony at the bench trial, only a seven-page stipulation spelling out the events that took place that day, along with the reports of the two mental health experts who examined Till.
After Till's 911 call on June 1, 2012, officers came to her residence and found her armed with her husband's semi-automatic handgun on the raised back patio. The officers tried to calm Till, who they said was distraught. During the encounter she fired the gun two times, though not at officers, according to the stipulation.
In the stipulation, the officers said that just before the exchange of fire, Till had walked down the steps and left the gun up on the patio. But she became agitated when she heard police sirens and reportedly said, "You're going to arrest me. You're going to put me in handcuffs."
Till went up the steps, grabbed the weapon and fired a third time, this time in the direction of an officer who was trying to calm her. That is when the officers said they returned fire.
Kendall argued that Till had not intended to harm the officers. The judge agreed and acquitted her of attempted murder, which requires evidence of specific intent to commit murder.
Till will now be evaluated on an outpatient basis by the Illinois Department of Human Services, which will recommend a treatment plan. Kendall said Till, who has been out on bond, has been receiving mental health care since the incident and has been making progress.
Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.
Panduit Corp.'s former headquarters property in Tinley Park would be included in a tax increment financing district the village is considering establishing. (Mike Nolan, Daily Southtown)
Plans by Tinley Park officials to create a special taxing district that would take in a high school, dozens of homes and mostly vacant industrial space are not getting a warm reception from residents.
Revenue generated by the proposed tax increment financing district could be used to pay for much-needed storm sewer improvements in the area it would cover, but a key element of village plans is a detention pond that would drain stormwater from commercial developments being considered in the downtown business district.
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The 217-acre TIF district that's envisioned would take in all of Panduit Corp.'s former headquarters and manufacturing facility northwest of Ridgeland Avenue and 175th Street, homes west of Ridgeland and between Oak Forest Avenue on the north and, generally, 175th Street on the south. Also included would be Tinley Park High School, located southeast of the Panduit property.
The first reading of an ordinance creating the TIF is expected to happen at the Village Board's June 21 meeting, with adoption scheduled for the board's July 5 meeting. If approved, it would be the village's fifth TIF district.
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Irksome to many residents during a public hearing on the planned TIF is that some revenue could go toward covering the costs of tearing down large, empty industrial buildings on the 45-acre Panduit property. At one point during the more than two-hour hearing Tuesday at Andrew High School, residents, by a show of hands, indicated they didn't support the plan.
Founded in 1955, the company's electrical and network infrastructure products are used by customers to manage and automate communications, computing, power and security systems in a building or other physical location. Privately held, Panduit in 2010, relocated its global headquarters from the 175th and Ridgeland location to a site south of Interstate 80 and east of 80th Avenue in Tinley Park. It still maintains a research and development center at the former headquarters site.
While the village is in negotiations to buy some of Panduit's land, immediately northeast of 175th and Ridgeland for the proposed detention pond, no formal agreement yet exists calling for TIF money to be used for demolition costs, village officials said at the hearing, adding that the sale of the land to Tinley Park doesn't hinge on establishing the TIF.
Residents said it should be Panduit's responsibility for covering any demolition costs.
Some of the buildings targeted are in a dilapidated condition, Maureen Barry, a vice president with Ehlers, a municipal financial adviser working with the village on the TIF, said at the hearing. Ehlers also was involved in the village's establishment of a TIF that incorporates the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center site.
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Per state statute, TIF districts are typically used as an economic development tool to encourage building or redevelopment in "blighted" areas where growth hasn't taken off for various reasons.
In a TIF district, the value of property within the district's boundaries and the corresponding property tax revenue are established at a "base" amount, with taxing bodies such as a city or village and school districts continuing to receive the same amount in property taxes as they had prior to the TIF being created. As new, or incremental, property tax revenue is generated, such as by rising property values or new development, that money is funneled to a TIF fund, which can be used to pay for public improvements such as new streets, sewer and water lines and sidewalks within the TIF district. In some instances, municipalities use TIF funds to pay principal and interest on bonds sold to finance such improvements.
Demolition and site preparation also are legitimate TIF-reimbursable expenses, according to the Illinois Tax Increment Association.
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Seeing the buildings come down and the acreage redeveloped, is a goal of the TIF but it's unlikely that the land would be used for commercial or industrial purposes, Brad Bettenhausen, village treasurer, said at the hearing. Village officials have previously said that residential developers are interested in buying the land for redevelopment of the site.
School districts that would be impacted by the TIF have already given their support to it, Village Clerk Pat Rea said. While school districts wouldn't see any increased tax revenue generated in the TIF over its life span, which could be up to 23 years, they would be reimbursed for costs of educating new students that might come from residential development that occurs on the property, Mayor Dave Seaman told residents in the audience.
Raising alarm bells for some of the residents was the total anticipated redevelopment costs of $81.5 million, outlined in the redevelopment plan, with concerns that this could translate into a substantial debt burden for the village. Bettenhausen and Barry said that figure is the maximum amount that could be spent over the life of the TIF, and Bettenhausen noted that any projected spending amounts are determined by how much additional revenue the TIF district could generate.
mnolan@tribpub.com
I think Illinois leaders tasked with solving the state's budget crisis are ignoring the obvious.
They point fingers at each other and call each other names. When they do address issues they usually talk about reforming the education funding formula and whether to bail out Chicago Public Schools.
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No one in Springfield is talking about pension reform anymore.
I'm convinced overly generous pensions for public workers are the root cause of the state's structural budget deficit. But in all the coverage of leadership meetings and working groups of legislators, I hear nothing about pension reform. Nada.
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Excessive pensions are the proverbial elephant in the room. They drive up costs of education and public safety. Chicago and the state created the problem by delaying and diverting pension payments, using funds to pay salaries and other costs instead.
Now, about one-fourth of the state budget is needed to cover pension costs.
Still, there seems to be blanket denial to tie pension reform to efforts to resolve the state's budget crisis.
Oh, I know they tried. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled a year ago that pension reform measures passed by the Legislature and signed by then-Gov. Pat Quinn in 2013 were unconstitutional. That's because the measures would have taken away benefits already granted to retired workers, the court ruled.
That's it, one and done? They tried and failed, so it's OK to give up trying? Talk about pension reform ground to a halt after that court ruling.
"Politicians are largely ignoring the problematic gaps, lest they antagonize either the general public by imposing tax hikes or the public-sector unions by cutting benefits adequately," Andrew Kloster of The Heritage Foundation wrote in December.
Illinois is on the verge of going a full year without a comprehensive 2016 fiscal year budget. There were piecemeal appropriations last year, including for K-12 education, which expire at the end of this month.
This year, however, the legislature did not break out K-12 education funding from the rest of the budget. Concern grows by the day about whether many public schools will open in August unless a budget deal is reached soon.
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The gridlock's been bad without funding for social services and higher education, but the consensus is that if schools don't open the public outcry would rise to a level that would force the governor and legislature to compromise on an agreement.
There are no indications said agreement would include an attempt to address pension reform.
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to tie his "turnaround agenda" reforms to the budget, but Democrats led by House Speaker Michael Madigan say those reforms would hurt the middle class, which is code for, "Your union-busting tactics aren't going to work here in Illinois."
Meanwhile, the state's unfunded pension liabilities continue to grow, adding to the $111 billion hole the General Assembly said was reached at the end of the last fiscal year.
Illinois is in a death spiral. Schools won't open without a budget. There's no budget in large part because pension costs are too high. Pension costs are high because local school boards stick taxpayers statewide with bills for overly generous pensions for teachers and administrators.
Gee, who knew there would be a downside to approving $300,000 pensions for retired school administrators?
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Pension reform is one of four planks of Rauner's turnaround agenda, yet I never hear him talk about it. Discussion never seems to get past the other three planks, which are economic competitiveness (right to work zones), taxpayer protection (property tax freezes) and transforming government (term limits).
Legislators and the governor could do a whole lot to stop the bleeding without running afoul of the pension-protection clause in the state constitution, analysts say.
"Real, structural reforms to government-worker pension plans will need to wait until the Illinois Constitution can be amended to allow them or until the state's government-worker unions agree to pension changes at the bargaining table. However, that doesn't mean the state is without remedies in the meantime," Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner of the Illinois Policy Institute wrote.
Among immediate constitutionally permissible remedies, they say, the legislature could ditch pensions for politicians, offer new workers 401(k) plans, require teachers to contribute more toward their pension costs, and limit the growth of pensionable salaries.
Hear that? Lawmakers could tighten those end-of-career salary bumps that local school boards grant to sweeten the pensions of employees.
The state's highest-compensated superintendent is currently Troy Paraday, head of south suburban Calumet City School District 155. According to an Illinois Policy Institute analysis, Paraday's total compensation is nearly $400,000 a year. That includes $315,814 in base salary, an annuity of more than $31,000, a pension contribution of $36,000, and health insurance and other benefits worth $29,000.
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The school board awarded Paraday a five-year contract in 2013 that grants him a 6 percent annual raise. He oversees a district of about 1,200 students, yet earns more than the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, which has nearly 400,000 students.
A retired superintendent with a $300,000 annual pension pockets the full $25,000 a month because the state doesn't tax retirement income.
What's it take to make state leaders see what is wrong with this picture?
If they sincerely wanted to address the fundamental causes of the state's structural budget deficit, the governor and legislature could try again to adopt meaningful pension reforms that would withstand union challenges in the courts.
But state leaders choose instead to ignore the obvious.
tslowik@tribpub.com
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Twitter @tedslowik
South Elgin police officers are asking village trustees reevaluate a decision to sign on with Tri-Com Central Dispatch as its 911 operator rather than Elgin Police's dispatch center.
Officers strongly feel Elgin's 911 system is better than Tri-Com, Trustee Lisa Guess said at Monday's village board meeting. She received a packet filled with information from officers about the issue which she passed onto trustees.
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The village decided not to renew an agreement with Kane County Emergency Communications, known as KaneComm, which expires next year because of various problems, including officers not having radio coverage in big box stores. South Elgin police filed a grievance with the union over the issue.
Police Chief Chris Merritt and his staff recommended the village use Tri-Com, based in St. Charles. South Elgin's fees will be about $230,000 for the first year with Tri-Com, officials said. The village had been paying about $300,000 a year to KaneComm. Elgin Police Department quoted South Elgin a first-year contract for $397,600, officials said.
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Trustees on Monday credited Merritt with saving South Elgin about $167,000 by choosing Tri-Com over Elgin's dispatch center. Guess said police have done a good job exploring the issue. However, trustees cannot put a price tag on providing 911 services or quick response times, she said.
Currently, there is a 2 1/2 to 3 second delay between the time a 911 call is made and emergency dispatchers route the call and send out police or fire, she said. There is concern the delay will increase by having Tri-Com dispatch South Elgin's emergency calls, Guess said.
Guess asked whether representatives from both agencies could come give a presentation. "I feel we didn't get a whole lot of information form Elgin," Guess said, adding she would like more information before making a decision.
However, Trustee Jennifer Barconi said Tri-Com has a proven track record and its services exceeds expectations whereas Elgin does not have experience serving other cities. Barconi is the board's liaison to police and she contacted three communities using Tri-Com to get an idea of the service it provides and each had a positive experience, she said.
Village President Steve Ward said the board should put its trust in the police department to provide the best advice on which dispatch center to choose. If he were to have a heart attack, he trusts Merritt and his staff to say which dispatch center works best, he said.
"The people who work for you are always going to make some noise," Ward said. "I am putting my faith on the people out here," he said, gesturing to Merritt.
"It is my responsibility to bring forward what others have brought to me," Guess said. "They are afraid to say anything because they are afraid to lose their jobs."
The concern comes from a discussion during a board meeting that the savings South Elgin would realize by picking Tri-Com amounts to the salary of two officers, Guess said.
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Village Attorney Derke Price lashed out at the officers' request and Guess. There is no threat to any officers' job and "it is completely irresponsible and irrational" to say officers are afraid to come forward, he said. "It is a complete falsehood that anyone's job is on the line," he said.
Police officers have a union contract which does not allow the village to threaten an officer's job, he said.
Trustees agreed to look over the material Guess passed onto them and discuss it at an upcoming board meeting.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Evanston police requested the help of the Cook County bomb squad late Wednesday afternoon after an explosion in a Target store restroom possibly set off by a small bomb, police said.
There were no injuries, according to police.
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Police received a call around 4:08 p.m., from a representative of the store at 2209 Howard St., reporting an explosion in the restroom located toward the front of the store, said Evanston Police Commander Joseph Dugan, department spokesperson.
The damage was limited to a stall in the women's restroom, police said in a news release later Wednesday evening. Dugan said no threats were reported before the incident.
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The source of the explosion may have been a plastic bottle which investigators found in the stall, according to the release.
The store remained open after the incident, Dugan said.
bseidenberg@pioneerlocal.com
Twitter@Evanstonscribe
U.S. Rep. John Katko delivered a House floor speech Thursday in honor of Marine Corps Capt. Jeffrey Kuss, a pilot with the Navy Blue Angels who was killed in a crash in Tennessee last week.
Katko, R-Camillus, said Kuss and the Blue Angels team were scheduled to perform at this weekend's Syracuse International Airshow at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. It's one of the events being held as part of the first-ever Syracuse Navy Week.
After the crash, the Blue Angels cancelled their appearance at the air show.
"While the Syracuse Airshow will go on without the Blue Angels this weekend, our community is deeply saddened by the loss of this fallen pilot and the show will celebrate and pay tribute to his life," Katko said.
Kuss, a Durango, Colorado native, joined the Blue Angels in September 2014 and registered more than 1,400 flight hours and 175 carrier-arrested landings, according to Katko.
He was a recipient of the Strike Flight Air Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, among other honors.
Katko closed his floor speech with "Semper Fi," the motto of the Marine Corps. It's Latin for "always faithful."
Here is video of Katko's remarks:
Special-needs youth will be able to ride attractions like the Dizzy Dragon for free in Antioch during a two-hour event open to them and their families on July 15.
Carnivals can be exciting adventures for children who love the bright lights, rides and fast-paced fun.
But some children with special needs are unable to enjoy the carnival because of the difficulties of getting in and out of the seats quickly as well as other challenges, according to experts in the special-needs field.
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To give those children and their families a chance to experience a carnival in a smaller, less-stressful and helpful environment, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a local amusement company are sponsoring a free carnival day.
From 1 to 3 p.m. July 15, the chamber is planning to invite children with special needs and their families to the carnival on Main Street in downtown Antioch. Registration is required by July 7.
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"A child with special needs can come to the carnival with three family members. They'll get help being put on the ride or whatever else they need," said Barbara Porch, the chamber's executive director. "This won't be open to the general public. It's something these kids don't get to do. We all know and love somebody who has a challenge like this."
Porch said she was approached by All Around Amusements, a Lockport-based company the chamber began working with last year to provide carnivals at its Taste of Antioch summer festival.
The company offers similar special-needs carnival days in other Chicago suburbs, and this is the first such event it will bring to Lake County, said Juanita Salerno, who owns the business with her husband, Robert Salerno.
Juanita Salerno said she and her husband learned about children with special needs when their now-grown daughter was 3 years old and had to have blood transfusions at a hospital. Their daughter is fine now, but they never forgot the children they met who had special needs and their parents, she said.
Some children with special needs "probably never go to carnivals because it takes so long," Salerno said. "There are impatient children running past them, pushing them. We decided we would offer a special time slot for families to come to the event and not be rushed. If it took them five minutes to get on the ride, then that's what it would take. The time was all theirs."
"We've offered it throughout the years. Not everybody wants to take advantage of it," she added. "People don't always take the time to recognize those who are different and give them the opportunity."
At a special-needs carnival day in Park Ridge, Salerno said, she met a boy in a wheelchair who wasn't able to go on any of the rides. "But he loved watching the lights," she said. "His joy was to watch the lights and watch the friends having fun."
At the same event, a father told her he would never have brought his child to the carnival if special arrangements hadn't been made for youngsters with special needs.
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His daughter had mobility problems and difficulties getting into the Dizzy Dragon, one of the rides, Salerno said. But the girl was helped into the ride.
Special-needs youth will be able to ride a long slide for free in Antioch during a two-hour event open to them and their families July 15. At a similar event, a child with special needs spent two hours enjoying the slide with help from his father and the amusement company running the event.
"It was so touching. He had tears in his eyes, and they were rolling down his cheeks," Salerno said.
At another venue, the only ride a 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy wanted to experience was the slide, she said. "So his dad, for two hours, went up and down the steps carrying him. I stood at the bottom and took the child for a bit and let the father catch a few breaths."
Carolyn Chambers, superintendent for administrative services at the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County, said the concept of a carnival day for children with special needs "is absolutely wonderful."
"With special-needs children, it sometimes takes more prompting, a longer time to get on and off the ride," Chambers said. "The average carnival-ride runner doesn't necessarily know how to deal with it."
Salerno said that's why the special day is needed so carnival-ride operators can dedicate their time to watching the children's faces, making sure they're having fun and aren't scared.
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Chambers said she's taken kids with special needs to carnivals, but some of them can't wait in line or are really excited and then at the last moment want to get off.
Children in the Special Education District of Lake County have been taken to the Lake County Fair in Grayslake in July to get free rides and extra help, said Thomas Moline, district superintendent.
For example, on the Ferris wheel, two staff members stay on both sides of the child to make sure the child is OK, he said.
But sometimes the crowds and the activity inhibit the children with special needs, especially children with autism, he said.
"Then they can't enjoy it," said Moline, adding that a quieter, slower-paced atmosphere at a carnival dedicated specifically for those children might work for them.
Going to a carnival and getting special help is "an opportunity our students don't often get," Moline said. "It makes for a special day."
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For more information about the special-needs carnival day in Antioch, call 847-395-2233 or go to http://cm.antiochchamber.org/events/details/special-needs-carnival-rides-taste-of-summer-7-15-16-1-3-pm-4412. Reservations need to be made by July 7.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
North Central College senior Marie Butnariu, of Chicago, snorkles in the Bahamas as part of a trip for Chicago-area college students organized by the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)
With 120 plush sharks spread around Mandy Williams' home, it was no surprise the North Central College senior biology major jumped at the chance to spend nine days with a shark expert from the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
Williams was one of four students from the Naperville college chosen to participate in a field expedition to the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas last month to study subtropical marine and island ecosystems.
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The trip gave Williams the chance to snorkel with an eagle ray, observe nurse sharks, find a rare Caribbean whiptail ray and collect DNA samples from a few baby whiptails.
"But the best part of the trip for me was stepping off the bow of the boat into 2,500 feet of crystal clear, blue water with striking blue skies above us and just realizing how incredibly small and precious I was in all that awe-inspiring blue," Williams said.
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"I have watched my idols like Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson for years talk about the cosmic connection and experiencing a moment that profound. Well, it took me 29 years but I had mine in 2,500 feet of stunning blue water," said Williams, who grew up in Glendale Heights.
Each year Shedd Aquarium partners with the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area to offer university students the chance to study marine ecosystems and conservation projects and gain hands-on experience in field research. The students work with Shedd postdoctoral research associate Kristine Stump and Rebecca Gericke, the aquarium's manager of conservation and research programs.
In the spring, Williams and fellow North Central students Hannah Magiera, Elizabeth Thrun and Marie Butinariu attended five intensive Saturday lectures at the aquarium to introduce them to general ecological concepts pertaining to marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
At the conclusion, they set out on a nine-day adventure in the Bahamas aboard Shedd's research vessel Coral Reef II.
Gericke said hands-on experience in the field puts into practice what students learned in the classroom.
A typical day, Gericke said, might include a morning snorkel, followed by hiking around an island or catching and tagging iguanas. After an afternoon snorkel, they might spend the evening analyzing data collected during the day.
"For a majority of students, it's their first exposure into marine research," Gericke said. "A number of students have gone into grad school as a result (of the experience)."
Although she already planned to pursue a master's degree in conservation biology with an emphasis in whale and sharks at Miami University in Ohio, Williams said the trip confirmed her life wasn't meant to be spent on dry land.
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"There is so much that I learned on this trip, not just all the family names of the fishes we saw," she said. "I learned how complex some of these issues really are when trying to determine how to set up a MPA (marine protected area), how to set the goal of the MPA and how to determine the success of the MPA."
Williams said her love of sharks started when she was young and saw the movie "Jaws." "It scared the ever-living hell out of me, but I was hooked," she said.
The opportunity to work with Shedd staff on research is what drew Williams to the trip. "I think I was the first to sign up. I didn't even look at the cost," she said.
Learning under Stump, an expert in lemon sharks, was the icing on the cake. "When (Stump) found out I like sharks, she and I were kind of nerding out over lemon sharks," Williams said.
Butinariu, who graduates with Williams from North Central College on Saturday, went on the trip to the Bahamas to gain experience working with living creatures. She plans to translate that experience as she furthers her education in neuroscience or elsewhere in the medical field, either as a nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner
"When we handle an animal, we provide the same kind of respect and overall care that we would give any living organism," said Butinariu, a biology major from Chicago.
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subaker@tribpub.com
Twitter @SBakerSun1
Three of the five Conservative Party committees in the 54th Senate District have backed Canandaigua Supervisor Pam Helming, the Republican Party's designee to succeed state Sen. Michael Nozzolio.
The Cayuga, Ontario and Wayne county Conservative Party organizations endorsed Helming after conducting interviews with all of the candidates who sought the party's support.
Cayuga County Conservative Chairman Greg Rigby said Helming is "well respected" as a town supervisor and will work hard as a candidate and state senator.
"Extensive interviews were held and Pam Helming is our candidate," Rigby said in a statement.
While the support of the local Conservative Party chairs is significant, it's the state party's executive committee that will decide who the party endorses in the 54th Senate District race.
Rigby and his counterparts from Ontario and Wayne counties Mike Kloppel and Mike Garlok, respectively want to avoid a primary for the Conservative Party nomination. They're partnering with Jim Quinn, the state party's vice chairman, to urge the state committee to support Helming.
Clearing the field for Helming may be possible for Conservatives, but it doesn't appear likely on the Republican side.
At least three other GOP contenders have said they will circulate petitions to challenge for the nomination. The candidates include Lyons Supervisor Brian Manktelow, who finished second in the Republican designation vote to Helming, and Cayuga County businessman Robert Massarini.
Floyd Rayburn, who owns a contracting firm in Canandaigua, is also planning to mount a primary bid.
This will be the first time in more than three decades that Nozzolio, R-Fayette, won't appear on the ballot in a Finger Lakes region state Legislature race. He announced his retirement in February after learning he needed to undergo surgery to repair faulty heart valves.
Nozzolio had open heart surgery in April.
Rigby lauded Nozzolio as a "reliable resource for our communities."
"The senator has always been accessible and compassionate while making constituent service a hallmark of his staff and office," he said. "Senator Nozzolio will be missed. Pam Helming is embracing the senator's legacy and will work to make us proud for selecting her, knowing there are big expectations."
Shelly Harrington of Crown Point plans to open a hair salon this year, and she currently is looking for ways to market her new venture.
A friend suggested she research the benefits of joining a local Chamber of Commerce, which brought the budding entrepreneur to the recent Swing for Success Expo 2016 event at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville. Sponsored by Crossroads Chamber of Commerce, 70 vendors and chamber members welcomed hundreds of visitors to their booths and tables. Offerings ranged from retail shops and health facilities to emergency medical services.
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"I've only been here a short while, but I've heard nothing but positive comments about the Crossroads Chamber," Harrington said, as she looked over the vendor list. "I had no idea that joining this type of organization would help me to get the word out about my new business."
In 2009, a Joint Merger Task Force including members from the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce and Merrillville Chamber of Commerce met to discuss combining into one chamber.
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That idea came to fruition, and In January, 2010, Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce became official.
"This is a great northwest Indiana event," Crossroads president and CEO Sue Reed said as she greeted visitors. "We're hoping people take away the idea that all consumer needs can be met right here in our own backyard."
Keri Parker of Merrillville was finding that statement to be true.
"Even though I've lived in Merrillville for quite a while, there's still a lot of places I'm just finding out about, so coming to this Expo was a good decision for me," she said "And when you do hear about new places, it's great to put a face with the business, not just hear a voice on the phone."
Cara Lynn Brown of Crown Point said she felt she hit the jackpot when she walked through the doors to the Expo.
"I'm getting married next year and I've been looking online for the services I'll need. But I'm keeping options open and want to look other places as well," she said. "I just talked with a disc jockey, limousine service and wine company all local. That sound interesting."
The Indiana Ballet Theater, based in Merrillville with studios in DeMotte and Valparaiso. was represented at the event.
Founder Gloria Tuohy and twin 14-year-old students Lindsay and Gabriel Hartman presented information to visitors about their mission in the community.
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"We are in the process of revitalizing the former three--story Sanatorium Nurses Home in Crown Point into a Classical Arts Centre," Tuohy said. "This (event) is a wonderful opportunity for the public to be aware of our vision for the community."
Meanwhile, the brother and sister team spoke with visitors about the benefits of belonging to the IBT.
"We started dancing when we were 4 years old," Lindsay said. "It has become a way of life for us and has given us confidence. Also, it's fun to talk about our experience."
Lakeshore EMS business development manager Dana Kazee commented on the benefits of joining a Chamber of Commerce.
"It puts you in front of other like-minded people that can help you. That networking is so important," she said. "And it also gives us the opportunity to hear about businesses and services we didn't know existed."
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Proposals encouraging police officers and firefighters to live in Gary were withdrawn from consideration by the Common Council in the face of advice that they would not withstand legal challenges, and rezoning requests to allow an auto repair shop and a used car lot also were put off for further study.
They were among several items on the council's June 7 agenda that were withdrawn or sent back to council committees.
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Proposed residency ordinances for public safety employees as originally written would have given extra points to Gary residents taking the entrance examinations for police and fire department jobs. But council members were advised that state laws specifically prohibit Indiana municipalities from imposing residency requirements on police and fire officials.
The council withdrew separate measures for police and fire on 9-0 votes at the request of councilwoman Rebecca Wyatt, D-1st, and council President Ronald Brewer said officials are continuing to study the issue.
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"This is something we still intend to do," he said.
Also delayed was a measure by which the council would adopt uniform internal control standards for all local government entities in Gary. The Indiana legislature has required all municipalities to have common standards for their local governments.
Councilwoman Ragen Hatcher, at-large, said the delay is because council officials have not decided whether they should create common operating standards for units ranging from the Gary Sanitary District to the Gary/Chicago International Airport to the Gary Redevelopment Commission, or if they should create a task force to study the issue.
"This must be passed in one form or another," Hatcher said of the proposal, which will come before the council's ways and means committee on June 14.
The council also held off on approving the rezoning of sites at 4061 Washington St. and 4060-72 Broadway to permit development of an auto repair shop and a used car lot, respectively.
Council members have no problem with the auto repair shop on Washington but say they object to another used car lot being on Broadway, particularly since it is a major thoroughfare that cuts through the heart of downtown.
Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-3rd, suggested splitting the issue to approve the auto repair shop, but Hatcher questioned whether the developer, Jong M. Lee, of Portage, would proceed with the project if it were split.
The project will be discussed again at the June 14 meeting of the council's planning committee.
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Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Gary will join other area municipalities in deciding whether to impose a "wheel tax" to raise money from local residents who own automobiles.
An ordinance imposing the tax was introduced before the Gary Common Council on Tuesday and was assigned to the council's Finance committee, which is scheduled to meet June 14 at City Hall.
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Sponsored by Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, if it gets committee support, the proposal could come up for a final vote when the full council meets again.
There was no discussion of the issue Tuesday, other than that from a woman who urged the council not to pass a wheel tax because it would be a financial burden on local residents.
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Council President Ronald Brewer said only that the issue would get a full hearing at the Finance committee hearing.
According to the proposed ordinance, Gary is considering a wheel tax of $25 per year for passenger vehicles and motorcycles, along with trucks whose declared gross weight us under 11,000 pounds.
Buses would be charged $40, along with recreational vehicles, semitrailers, tractors and trailers. The rates are reflect the maximum allowed under state statute.
The tax rate, if approved by the Common Council, would take effect Jan. 1, 2017. The city Controller would provide the Common Council by Aug. 1 with an estimate of wheel tax revenues to be collected each year.
The ordinance says Indiana law permits municipalities of more than 10,000 residents to charge a wheel tax of between $7.50 and $25 per automobile. It also says, "the city of Gary has experienced a decline in revenue necessary to support the safe, all-weather operation of the road and street system in the city."
Gary also would be following in the lead of surrounding municipalities that have imposed such taxes to raise money to pay for road maintenance projects.
As recently as Monday, Crown Point officials approved a wheel tax at identical rates to what Gary will be seeking, saying it plans to raise more than $1 million per year for its needs. In Munster, officials this week gave tentative approval to such a tax, with final approval expected to occur on June 20. Portage approved the tax last month.
Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Campus Ambassador Duron Ivery talks about the amenities of the on-campus housing on June 7, 2016, at Purdue Universtity Northwest in Hammond. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune)
The tour group wound its way around the Hammond campus of Purdue University Northwest on a sun-dappled afternoon a common sight on many college campuses, but the prospective students aren't even teenagers yet, and they were accompanied by their mentors.
It was a field trip for fifth- and sixth-grade students and adult mentors who participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at nearby O'Bannon Elementary. The mentoring program is about to enter its third year, and about 16 to 18 matches meet every other Tuesday for an activity such as learning about healthy eating, science and anti-bullying efforts or a field trip.
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Mentoring programs are just one of many ways that the Legacy Foundation is making an impact on Lake County residents from building wheelchair ramps for the elderly to pre-kindergarten funding to concerts celebrating Indiana's bicentennial.
Paul Lewis, manager of site-based programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chicago, said it's helpful for kids to work with an individual mentor who is not a parent, especially as they're entering the tough teenage years. The response from children, parents and volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive.
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"With the O'Bannon test program, we wanted to see what interest was and if we can keep the program stable," Lewis said. "We've had a high number of matches, and attendance in the program has been phenomenal. We kept parents active. We think that we can replicate it elsewhere."
Lewis said the organization is looking to expand the program into other Hammond schools, Gary, East Chicago and Lake Station in the next few years.
The Lake County-based Legacy Foundation recently awarded $251,000 in Transform Lake County grants to 22 nonprofits in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment and animal welfare, health and human services.
Erica Fizer, program officer for the Legacy Foundation, said the awards are given out three times annually. July 1 is the next deadline for nonprofits to submit applications for grants. Legacy Foundation will hold a grant question-and-answer session at 4 p.m. Monday at its Merrillville office. For more information visit www.legacyfdn.org.
Legacy Foundation also awards grants in Gary, in collaboration with the Knight Foundation; for Thriving Hobart Seniors; and as part of its Neighborhood Spotlight Program in Gary's Miller and Emerson neighborhoods, Griffith and Hobart. The foundation gives out six full-tuition scholarships annually, in connection with the Lilly Endowment, and helps administer around 30 other scholarship programs set up by individuals in the community.
Campus Ambassador Ayla Garcia, left, talks about the facilities at the Purdue Northwest fitness center. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune)
Wheelchair ramp program
Catholic Charities' Wheelchair Ramp and Home Safety Repairs started in 2005 to help older and disabled adults get around their homes easier. It had a bumpy start, but 451 residents across Northwest Indiana have now been helped by the program, said program manager Thomas Szawara.
"(At first) we built a couple that we had to tear down and build again," Szawara said. "We started out with a couple of guys that didn't know much about carpentry. As we went along, we learned on the run. We have volunteer labor."
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The Legacy Foundation grant funds projects specific to Lake County, where 39 people have received wheelchair ramps and eight residents have received home safety repairs. But Szawara said there are always more people on the waiting list than the program can afford, making grants from Legacy Foundation crucial.
Gary resident Elvira Villareal said volunteers built a ramp at her house in September for both her and her late son, who used a walker to get around.
"I use it a lot, too," she said.
To qualify for the program, residents must be low-income and have mobility issues due to age or disability, Szawara said. To build, volunteers must receive approval from the property owner.
"If we can physically do it, we will," Szawara said.
Mentor Dr. Michael Fontaine, right, asks how students are matched with roommates when applying for campus housing. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune)
Senior health care
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The Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer campus will soon be home to a center for seniors to receive both health care and social interaction. The Franciscan Alliance Senior Health and Wellness program, which is set to start later this summer, will be able to transport adults 55 and older with a chronic condition to and from a newly remodeled area of the hospital.
"It's not senior day care, but it's company while you're getting your vitals checked," said Tony Englert, executive director of the Franciscan Alliance Foundation-Northern Indiana. "You're seeing a doctor or nurse, going for physical or occupational therapy, getting something to eat, and more.
"I would have loved for my dad to have this when he lost his sight. It really limited where he could go since he couldn't drive," he said.
The Legacy Foundation grant helps pay for the specially equipped van to transport those in wheelchairs. The program will be paid for primarily by Medicare and Medicaid, so there are likely some income guidelines to qualify.
"It's an amazing thing by just enhancing their quality of life," he said.
Campus Ambassador Duron Ivery, left, answers questions during a tour of campus housing. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune)
Music celebrating Indiana
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The Northwest Indiana Symphony provides a series of free outdoor concerts each summer, but this summer, they'll pay tribute to the state's bicentennial.
Symphony conductor/music director Kirk Muspratt said the program is still being finalized, but it will be "very Indiana-centric" and feature music by Indiana natives Hoagy Carmichael and Cole Porter and possibly Gary native Michael Jackson.
"It's only going to be Indiana's 200th birthday once, and next year the Symphony will celebrate its 75th anniversary," he said.
Muspratt said the funds from Legacy Foundation and other donors are crucial to making the concert series economically viable.
"Without sponsors and the Legacy Foundation, we wouldn't have the funds for rehearsal time, the crew to set up the stage, the insurance, marketing and PR," Muspratt said. "It's very expensive."
cnance@post-trib.com
WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton's bid for the White House on Thursday, praising his former secretary of state's experience and grit, and urging Democrats to unite behind her in the fight against Republicans in the fall.
"Look, I know how hard this job can be. That's why I know Hillary will be so good at it," Obama said in a web video circulated by the Clinton campaign. "I have seen her judgment. I have seen her toughness."
Obama called for unity among Democrats and vowed to be an active force on the campaign trail.
As it circulated the Obama video, the Clinton campaign announced their first joint appearance on the campaign trail will be Wednesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The campaign said Obama and Clinton will discuss building on the progress made during his presidency "and their vision for an America that is stronger together."
Obama's testimonial came as the Democratic establishment piled pressure on Clinton's primary rival, Bernie Sanders, to step aside so Democrats could focus on defeating presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Sanders emerged from a meeting with Obama earlier Thursday and inched closer in that direction. Although he stopped short of endorsing Clinton, the Vermont senator told reporters he planned to press for his agenda at the party's July convention and would work with Clinton to defeat Trump.
"Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that Donald Trump does not become president of the United States," he said.
Sanders, standing in the White House driveway with his wife, Jane, at his side, said he would compete in the Washington, D.C., primary on Tuesday, the party's final contest, but noted his interest was largely in pushing for statehood.
Sanders' remarks came after a longer-than-expected Oval Office sit-down with Obama, part of Democratic leaders intensifying effort to unite behind Clinton as the nominee of the party.
Clinton declared victory over Sanders on Tuesday, having captured the number of delegates needed to become the first female nominee from a major party.
Though Sanders has shown signs he understands the end of his race is near he was about to layoff off about half his team he has vowed to keep fighting, stoking concern among party leaders eager for the primary race to conclude. Still looking like a candidate, Sanders planned a rally Thursday evening in Washington, which holds the final primary contest next week.
As he met with leaders on Capital Hill at midafternoon, Sanders ignored a reporter's question about the president's endorsement.
The situation has put Obama, the outgoing leader of his party, in the sensitive position of having to broker detente between Clinton and Sanders without alienating the runner-up's supporters, many of whom are angry over what they see as the Democratic establishment's efforts to strong-arm him out of the race. Clinton is counting on Sanders' supporters backing her to defeat Trump.
Obama has been trying to give Sanders the courtesy of exiting the race on his own terms.
"It was a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to have a contested primary. I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas," Obama said Wednesday during a taped appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." ''And he pushed the party and challenged them. I thought it made Hillary a better candidate."
Obama had planned to use Thursday's meeting, which the White House emphasized was requested by Sanders, to discuss how to build on the enthusiasm he has brought to the primary, the White House said. That's a diplomatic way of saying Obama wanted to know what Sanders wants.
Sanders also was headed to a meeting with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, who endorsed Clinton weeks ago. The Vermont senator was to meet with Vice President Joe Biden, too.
Even some of Sanders' staunchest supporters have started looking to Clinton. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the one Senate Democrat to endorse Sanders, said Clinton was the nominee and offered his congratulations. And Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Sanders backer from Arizona, suggested the time to rally behind Clinton would come after the District of Columbia primary on Tuesday.
"Bernie's going to do the right thing," Grijalva said.
Now head-to-head in the presidential race, Clinton and Trump have one thing in common: Both are working to woo Sanders supporters. Trump has said he welcomes Sanders' voters "with open arms" while Clinton has vowed to reach out to voters who backed her opponent in the Democratic primary.
"He has said that he's certainly going to do everything he can to defeat Trump," Clinton said of Sanders in an Associated Press interview. "I'm very much looking forward to working with him to do that."
Trump, despite a string of victories this week that reaffirmed his place as the GOP nominee, was still working to convince wary Republicans that he's presidential material. Looking ahead to an upcoming speech attacking Clinton and her husband, Trump tried to turn the page following a dust-up over his comments about a Hispanic judge's ethnicity.
That controversy and others before it have led prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, to openly chastise their party's nominee. Yet Trump's dominance in the GOP race is hard to overstate: He now has 1,542 delegates, including 1,447 required by party rules to vote for him at the convention. It takes just 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination.
About half his campaign staff is being laid off, two people familiar with the plans said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the layoffs.
Obama's aides have said he's itching to get off the sidelines and take on Trump. The key question is whether voters who helped elect him twice will follow his lead now that he's not on the ballot. Democrats have yet to see that powerful coalition of minorities, young people and women reliably show up for candidates not named Obama.
"It's going to be hard to get African-American turnout as high as Obama got it, and to get youth turnout as high as Obama got it," said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster. "We have to work really hard."
Lake Station Mayor Keith Soderquist and his wife, Deborah, arrive at the Federal Courthouse in Hammond in September. (Jim Karczewski, Post-Tribune)
Former Lake Station Mayor Keith Soderquist will find out his fate from both of his criminal cases on the same day.
According to records with the U.S. District Court in Hammond, Soderquist will be sentenced for his role in his stepdaughter's theft of city funds on July 13, the same day he will also be sentenced for using money from his campaign fund and the city's food bank to gamble with.
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The sentencings will take place under different judges.
A federal jury convicted Soderquist and his wife, Deborah Soderquist, in September of using the money to pay for gambling trips to Michigan.
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The couple were then set to go to a second trial on charges of helping Miranda Brakley hide that she stole money from the city when she worked there as a court clerk. However, all three reached a deal with federal attorneys earlier this year that saw the former mayor and Brakley plead guilty. Charges against Deborah Soderquist in that case were dropped in return.
Brakley's sentencing has also now been scheduled for July 7, according to court records.
tauch@post-trib.com
Carmella Saraceno, 59, has been a force of revitalization efforts since moving into the Miller section of Gary, most lately through her two businesses, including Carmella's Stage on Shelby, located here. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune)
Without being asked a single question, Carmella Saraceno didn't stop talking for more than an hour.
She talked about her upbringing in Allentown, Pa., her childhood as an aspiring artist, her years in Chicago as a sculptor, her travels around the world and her unexpected relocation to the Miller section of Gary.
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"Of all the places I've visited in the world Singapore, Italy, Thailand, New York City, you name it here I am in Gary, Indiana. Why? I've found my tribe here," she said.
We met earlier this week at her business, the former Miller Beach Market Place grocery store, which is being remodeled for its new incarnation. It's adjacent to her latest business venture, Carmella's Stage on Shelby, which offers live music every weekend.
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Carmella Saraceno, 59, has been a force of revitalization efforts since moving into the Miller section of Gary, including Carmella's Stage on Shelby, shown here. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune)
She also owns Carmella's Cafe on the Lake, the former concession stand located inside Marquette Park, on the beach. It's an ideal, picturesque location to listen to jazz or blues, view the Chicago skyline and watch the sun melt into Lake Michigan.
"I view it as a mini Ravinia," she said, referring to the popular outdoor music venue in Highland Park, Ill.
On Friday evening, the cafe will again host Will Miller & the Jazz Gang, featuring Smooth and Donnie Williams. It's a sweet way to watch the sunset, especially for newcomers.
When Saraceno first opened the cafe in 2012, she was warned by skeptics that white patrons wouldn't come to Gary's "black beach" and black patrons wouldn't come to "snooty white Miller." She waved off such thinking like a pesky mosquito.
"Whoever shows up at our events, it's now their event, period, whatever their color," she said.
Where critics see dark clouds, Saraceno sees silver linings, even if she has to personally paint them.
"I can see it all in my head. How Miller and Gary can be. How it should be," she said. "I feel we have the best natural asset in the entire region, Lake Michigan. So I use it as a calling card for my stage and cafe."
Her lakefront cafe reopened Memorial Day weekend to beachgoers, out-of-town visitors and local customers who've been patronizing Saraceno's business ventures the last few years.
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"Carmella has been a community builder in the right place at the right time," said Tom Rooney, who has lived in the same Miller home near the cafe for more than 50 years.
Will Miller & the Jazz Gang, featuring Willie Fultz, perform June 3 at Carmella's Cafe on the Lake in Marquette Park in Miller. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune)
"With the improvements to the park bringing a new refreshment facility, an opportunity presented itself, and Carmella snatched it and ran with it," he said. "I've seen that space rarely utilized over the past couple decades. And never with the flair and tenacity of Carmella."
The 59-year-old one-woman whirlwind moved to Miller more than a decade ago from Chicago, where she still owns a home with her husband, Roger Machin.
"When we met 30 years ago, he was like new Led Zeppelin, I was like old jazz," she explained with a trace of an Eastern Seaboard accent.
The couple has two daughters, Doriana, 15, and Lucy, 11, who transferred from their Chicago schools to attend school in Chesterton.
"They were in the best school in Chicago. But I knew I would someday live here in Gary. There's nowhere else I want to be. I have work to do here," Saraceno said.
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Saraceno calls herself a passionate disrupter while sculpting a lifestyle to her own beat. On this day, however, she spoke over an impressive drum beat by Lannie Turner, a Gary musician who sharpened his skills alone on the venue's darkened stage.
"This place is truly charming," Turner said after putting down his drumsticks.
Will Miller & the Jazz Gang, featuring Willie Fultz, perform June 3 at Carmella's Cafe on the Lake in Marquette Park in Miller. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune)
Turner also listened to Saraceno's backstory, along with Ronald Bush Jr., the production and talent manager at Carmella's Stage on Shelby. The venue, located next to Beach Cafe and across the street from Flamingo Pizza, is inside the former Beach Pharmacy, where I used to buy lunch after sneaking away from nearby Wirt High School.
The building is being remodeled again to complement Carmella's Stage by offering more food and drink options to accompany the live musical acts on stage. On Saturday, live music begins at 8:30 p.m. with Robert Burks and Friends for a $10 cover, including a complimentary buffet and cash bar.
"We're all artists of some kind, trying to make this all come together," Saraceno said.
A sculptor by trade, she talks in verbal brushstrokes of esoteric concepts and creative thinking. It's a world of freshly painted ideas, populated by eclectic characters such as Mr. Imagination, Cowboy Man and Mark the Bongos Player.
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"We're all people who support the arts and want to share our passion with others," Saraceno said while offering a tour of her 5,000-square-foot venue.
She also is business-savvy with a work history including her own art-rigging firm, Methods & Materials, and her nonprofit Artists and Children Create Together.
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"Carmella is always anxious to chat up her patrons and make introductions," said Rooney, who's been keeping a close eye on Saraceno's cafe. "My family now makes it a point to walk down there for the sunset, something I had rarely done before. The live music and diverse menu have made it a fun happening most weekends."
Carmella Saraceno, 59, has been a force of revitalization efforts since moving into the Miller section of Gary, most lately through her business Carmella's Cafe on the Lake, shown here. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune)
Saraceno's supporters also praise her resiliency through the years. For example, a kitchen fire at her cafe forced her to move the entire operation outside without having to close down. And she's faced numerous challenges at her other place, Carmella's Stage.
"I want this place utilized every day of the week by community groups," said Saraceno, who will be on my Casual Fridays radio show at noon and 7 p.m., on WLPR-FM 89.1.
Her latest excitement is about the new (and free) Dune Buggy beach shuttle service on weekends from the South Shore train station on Lake Street to Marquette Park.
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"Out-of-town guests can now take the train to Miller, grab a shuttle bus to the beach, and then take another bus back to the train station to get back home," she said. "It's all about making new connections here."
jdavich@post-trib.com
Twitter @jdavich
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence launches his campaign for re-election during an event in Indianapolis on May 11, 2016. (Michael Conroy / AP)
Two years ago when Indiana Gov. Mike Pence shunned $80 million to help the youngest Hoosiers get an early educational boost, his stated reasons were as perplexing as they were discouraging.
But you can usually smell the odor of mendacity. It's as irritating as it is obvious.
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The rationale also revealed that dogma often wins Indiana public arguments in this century, followed closely by self-interest. Shocking, right?
So when he launched the "On My Way" Pre-K pilot program in 2014, Pence would only spend $10 million a year to build a program for 2,300 children in five "pilot" counties. Didn't want more; wouldn't take more.
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But he could have served thousands more children because the federal government would gladly have given the state $80 million grant to make the program bloom. In fact, parents so craved the opportunity that thousands of children had to be turned away. Three thousand kids in Marion County knocked on the school door for opportunity but were left outside.
Now Pence has changed his mind. He'll take the federal money because "On My Way" seems to work. But his change of heart still outrages those Hoosier institutional forces that never wanted even the emaciated Pre-K plan.
There are moneyed forces in Indiana that do not want the state to educate very young children, and Pence has answered to them.
Those who advocate for early learning say Pence's dawdling on his own Pre-K initiative has thwarted thousands of Indiana children. That has occurred at the very moment in their lives when education counts the most. The window where their brains and minds are still being formed has closed on them.
So now Pence sees a brighter light. What counts more than dogma? Pence faces a stiff election, and he needs to show he likes kids.
Without much equivocation, Pence said he had refused federal money because of the terrors of "federal intrusion" the reliable conservative "wuf-wuf" dog whistle.
But Pence also revealed he rejected the $80 million because he had "promised" members of his own party in the Legislature that he wouldn't take it.
Pence was not leading in behalf of his state's children; he was playing sad, old politics.
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But as you may well ask, why would any rational adult argue against early education? Ah, take in the odor of mendacious greed.
Church-run day care is big business in Indiana. There are 4,000 daycare operators. Many are ministry based, but only 300 are accredited as actual schools. The rest are proselytizing babysitting services.
But they all get state and federal vouchers if parents are poor enough. State-run pre-K might siphon cash already being diverted by the Legislature and Pence from traditional public education private school vouchers and charter schools.
Indiana always will rationalize not spending money if it can.
Religiously affiliated "family advocate" organizations don't want competition.
Another motive? Those most-in-academic-jeopardy children who most need the help live in poor homes. They often live in black households. Indiana has never been generous to either group.
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Republican state legislators were unambiguous.
Paying fully for pre-K in Indiana would be too expensive, and clearly not as important as higher priorities cutting business taxes, for example. So the initially proposed $7 million in 2012 to merely test the idea was doomed in a Senate committee because a successful pilot might lead to a $150 million bill.
Nothing so frightens some politicians as the idea that government might actually work.
"The pilot wouldn't be too expensive, but the objective there is that it probably would work out and they'd want to come back and fully fund that, which could be $150 million a year, which would be a lot of money," Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, told reporters in 2013. He chaired the Senate Education Committee.
Consider that implication in light of Pence's change of heart. This appears to be educating the most at-risk children with a system that even its most ardent opponents acknowledge might work.
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But Indiana could not afford it.
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Perhaps the better question is how could Indiana afford to do anything else?
Pence's pilot program at least lifted Indiana off the sad pile of only six states without state-provided pre-K.
Pre-K alone does not cure the universe of academic deprivation. The surest predictor is a vibrant middle-class family. But pre-K is a valuable tool.
Saving money by ignoring functional tools is false economy.
Indiana took 200 years to figure out what other states realized quickly. Some cheap choices are the most expensive.
David.Rutter@live.com
By Dezan Shira & Associates
Editors: Mia Yiqiao Jing and Samuel Wrest
Chinas recently released law to regulate the activities of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has raised fresh doubts regarding foreign investment into Chinas higher education industry. Set to come into effect in January next year, the law contains provisions that will further regulate education institutions with operations in the country and affect the entry strategy of new players looking to enter the market.
Powered by Chinas economic development and a rapid increase in university student enrollment, there has been a sharp rise in interest from foreign education providers to invest in China since the turn of the century. The industry is potentially hugely profitable, with Chinas increasingly affluent population willing to pay more to enroll at foreign education institutions that are generally seen as being more prestigious than domestic ones. However, Sino-foreign education institutions have long been subject to special scrutiny in China, resulting in 70 percent of applications for establishment being rejected in 2011, and the new law is set to further complicate the industry for foreign education providers.
The Sino-foreign Education Industry
As of March 9, 2015, there were 60 Sino-foreign institutions and 1, 052 projects active in Chinas higher education industry, with a total of 30 countries contributing to foreign education resources in the market. According to the Ministry of Education (MOE), the UK is the biggest source of foreign education investment with 233 joint programs with Chinese universities, while the U.S. takes second place with 169 programs. Approximately 94.5 percent of foreign investors chose to form education projects in Chinese universities, within which computer science, accounting, and global economics are the three most popular undergraduate programs. Provinces with a high GDP per capita, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu province, rank highest for the number of Sino-foreign education programs.
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Current Regulations on Foreign Investment
There are currently three ways to enter the Chinese higher education industry: as an independent institution in cooperation with a Chinese university, a college affiliated to a Chinese university, or a joint education program. Upon establishment, both the foreign and Chinese parties must submit several different kinds of official documents, including identification, criminal records, and sources of funding.
According to the Regulations on Foreign-Chinese Cooperation in Running Schools, the president or principal administrator must be a Chinese national, who will decide and manage the board of trustees, implement financial budgets and activities, and take charge of quality control. The MOE oversees any changes made by the joint institution, and any imported teaching materials must be scrutinized and receive government approval.
The NGO Management Law and Sino-foreign Education Industry
While Sino-foreign education institutions are not the direct target of Chinas new NGO Management Law, the law contains provisions that will further restrict their involvement in educational exchange in China.
According to the new management law, the entry of for-profit foreign schools will be strictly prohibited. Due to the vague definition of non-governmental and non-profit foreign NGOs, there is also a risk that the marketing and funding activities of not-for-profit education providers will also be affected, as the law requires all financial documents remain available to the State Council.
The law states that, in addition to receiving supervision from local authorities, foreign NGOs will also be reviewed by the Public Security Bureau. This will extend to foreign education providers, with activities such as registration, licensing, recruitment, operations, and education programs all needing to be disclosed.
Complying with the NGO Management Law
Because the NGO Management law doesnt clearly indicate which practices are considered for profit, foreign investors should communicate with the MOE to ensure that their planned education programs and events dont fall foul of regulations. It is also recommended that foreign investors regularly communicate with local governments in order to understand their area-specific development strategies, targets, and how education programs can boost local economic development, which will help alleviate any scrutiny.
Historically, most Sino-foreign universities have been subsidized by local governments. For example, the Ningbo government provided RMB 1.5 billion for the founding of The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, and the Pudong government gave away land for the building of NYU Shanghai. Mutual understanding is therefore key between foreign investors and local governments to reduce expenditure on the initial investment, and this will be especially true when the NGO Management Law comes into effect
Prospect for the Future
In line with Chinas 2010-2020 Innovation Society Plan, Sino-foreign education will continue to be seen as a means to boost Chinas knowledge economy.
Traditionally, Sino-foreign universities have targeted Chinas more prosperous coastal cities. However, the Chinese government is now putting more emphasis on providing high-quality education services to children living in rural areas, or to migrant families who have comparably lower household income. In addition, the MOE is giving more support to local governments from Central and Western China in education development, with plans in place for them to make up 44 percent of the total number of Sino-foreign programs. This initiative gives foreign investors more opportunities in a less saturated market.
With China targeting 20 percent of its energy mix to be clean before 2030, the Chinese government is also working to promote expertise in atmospheric science, disaster management, ecology, and environmental engineering. Joint education programs targeting these subjects are therefore expected to have a promising future in the countrys higher education industry.
While the NGO Management Law stands to further impede foreign investment into Chinas higher education market, the Chinese Sino-foreign education industry is still expected to expand overall. In order to ensure that their investments are worthwhile, foreign education providers will have to look closely at a number of influencing factors, including the location of their institution or program, the subjects that it teaches, and the setup and structure of their partner(s).
About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight.
An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2015
Doing Business in China 2015 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in China. Compiled by the professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Chinese market, but also for companies that already have a presence here and want to keep up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.
Establishing & Operating a Business in China 2016
Establishing & Operating a Business in China 2016, produced in collaboration with the experts at Dezan Shira & Associates, explores the establishment procedures and related considerations of the Representative Office (RO), and two types of Limited Liability Companies: the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise (WFOE) and the Sino-foreign Joint Venture (JV). The guide also includes issues specific to Hong Kong and Singapore holding companies, and details how foreign investors can close a foreign-invested enterprise smoothly in China.
Tax, Accounting, and Audit in China 2016
This edition of Tax, Accounting, and Audit in China, updated for 2016, offers a comprehensive overview of the major taxes that foreign investors are likely to encounter when establishing or operating a business in China, as well as other tax-relevant obligations. This concise, detailed, yet pragmatic guide is ideal for CFOs, compliance officers and heads of accounting who must navigate the complex tax and accounting landscape in China in order to effectively manage and strategically plan their China-based operations.
Export growth continued to slow in May while imports rose for the first time in 19 months, pointing to a pick-up in domestic demand but a not-yet-firm overall recovery.
Exports in yuan-denominated terms rose 1.2 percent year on year to 1.17 trillion yuan (US$181 billion), slower than April's 4.1 percent rise, according to figures released by the General Administration of Customs.
Imports surprised the market by growing 5.1 percent year on year to 847.1 billion yuan, reversing April's 5.7 percent decline and ending an 18-month losing streak. That led to a 7.7 percent narrowing of the trade surplus to 324.8 billion yuan.
"May's exports indicate that global demand remains lackluster while import data suggests domestic demand has improved," Australia & New Zealand Banking Group said. "We need to wait for a firmer recovery in the US and Europe so that China's export growth can sustain positive growth. For imports, we do not expect a strong rebound in the near term as domestic demand will likely edge down on a tighter credit environment."
The bank said faster depreciation of the yuan in May nudged headline growth rates in yuan terms compared with those in dollar terms, and it did not expect China's monetary authorities to guide the yuan significantly lower to boost the economy.
"The government does not favor competitive devaluation," it said, "but rather wants to boost China's competitiveness through innovation and technological upgrades."
Li Jing, an HSBC economist, said May's figures pointed to some signs of stabilization, but recovery was not yet on a firm footing. "The detailed breakdown suggests that demand for major commodities improved substantially in volume terms, likely the result of accelerating infrastructure investment. However, the external demand outlook continues to pose key downside risks to growth."
Exports to the European Union, China's largest trading partner, rose 2 percent year on year in the first five months, while exports to the US and the Association for Southeast Asian Nations, the second and third-largest, shed 5.2 percent and 1.6 percent respectively, official figures showed.
The latest data echoed earlier indicators revealing uncertainties in economic outlook.
The official purchasing managers' index, which reflects conditions in largely state-owned manufacturers, ended at 50.1 in May, while the Caixin China PMI, slanted toward private and export-oriented companies, dipped to 49.2 from 49.4 in April.
The People's Bank of China yesterday cut its annual forecast for exports from a 4.1 percent increase to a 1 percent decline for 2016 while maintaining its GDP growth forecast at 6.8 percent.
Chinese online retailer JD.com has begun using drones for deliveries in the countryside of east China's Jiangsu Province.
The service around Suqian City, hometown of JD.com's founder Liu Qiangdong, can more than halve the cost of delivery to less than 0.5 yuan (7.6 U.S. cents) per parcel, said Xiao Jun, vice president of JD.com.
At a delivery depot in Suqian's Caoji township, two drones are capable of handling 200 parcels a day. The drones can each carry 10 to 15 kg of weight and fly 15 to 20 km at a speed of up to 54 km per hour, said Xiao.
They can automatically load and unload goods and operate in moderate rain and wind with a speed of up to 38.5 km per hour.
It can take a truck hours to navigate the winding mountainous roads that link delivery depots near Suqian, but a drone can make the journey in less than 20 minutes, according to Xiao.
Currently, the drones transport goods between depots rather than to customers directly.
The service will be expanded to cover other rural areas in the future when authorities there lift the ban on drone flights, said Xiao.
Chinese police provided about 746,000 unregistered citizens with household registration permits, a crucial document entitling them to social welfare, in the first five months of this year, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
In China, various social benefits such as medical insurance and access to basic education are based on permits known as "hukou" and are supposed to be in line with long-term places of work and residence.
The move to register unregistered citizens, which are estimated at 13 million, or 1 percent of the entire population, was announced in December. Between January and May, more than 1.09 million unregistered people were confirmed, the ministry said in a Wednesday statement.
They include orphans and second children born illegally under the one-child policy, the homeless and those who have yet to apply for one or who have simply lost theirs. Parents who violated family planning policy often refrained from getting hukou for their children in order to avoid fines.
The ministry also revealed that police across the country have confiscated three million duplicated hukou and more than 1.7 million IDs that have duplicated numbers.
The ministry said last year that some of the duplications were honest mistakes from manual errors or separated police management systems in the past, but others were the result of police officers illegally using professional privilege to seek benefits for their connections.
Photo taken on June 8, 2016 shows a plane carrying the body of Chinese peacekeeper Shen Liangliang who was killed in an attack in Mali has taken off for China from the Mali capital of Bamako. [Photo: Xinhua]
A plane carrying the body of Chinese peacekeeper Shen Liangliang who was killed in an attack in Mali has taken off for China from the Mali capital of Bamako.
The United Nations' Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali had previously held a memorial service to commemorate Shen.
Mahamane Toure, chief of general staff of Mali's armed forces was present at the memorial.
"He died not only for China, but he died for Mali because he came a long way from China to make sure that we contribute to peace and security of our country. So we are not only thankful, but we are grateful and we mourn with his family."
The twenty-nine-year-old was killed in a terrorist attack on the MINUSMA camp in central Mali's Gao region last month.
Four other Chinese peacekeepers were injured in the attack.
Following the attacks, China sent a special working group to Gao to aid the peacekeepers there. The team is now back in Bamako.
Chinese ambassador to Mali Lu Huiying has promised greater support to the peacekeepers in the conflict area.
"When the working group came back, they informed us that the Chinese peacekeepers are in serious shortage of basic supplies. The embassy is trying what we can to raise relief supplies and sending them to Gao so that our peacekeepers will have better living conditions and be able to complete their mission."
The injured Chinese peacekeepers have arrived in Bamako for further treatment.
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British Justice Secretary Michael Gove attacked the government's policy on Turkey Wednesday as appeasement, claiming allowing the country to join the EU would be a security danger.
Gove is a leading member of the Leave campaign wanting Britons in a national referendum on June 23 to exit the EU.
Although Gove is also a member of Prime Minister David Cameron's governing cabinet, he said it was official British Government policy for Turkey to join the EU, and also official EU policy for Turkey to become a member of the 28-nation European Union.
"The Commission has announced the pace of Turkey's accession will be accelerated," said Gove.
Another Brexit support, Justice Minister Dominic Raab hit out at border controls within the EU saying leaving would enable Britain to regain control of its frontiers.
Raab claimed a trade journal in Cyprus was advertising EU passports for sale.
"Once people buy these EU passports and with it citizenship of an EU member state, they have the automatic right to come to the UK because of 'free movement,'" Raab said.
"Imagine how much worse this problem will be after the next wave of EU accessions," he said, adding EU's own border agency had admitted documents are forged on a systematic basis.
In a speech Wednesday afternoon at the London headquarters of think-tank Chatham House, former Conservative foreign secretary William Hague, warned Britain leaving Europe could "intensify" the "risk of the West splitting and turning in on itself."
Hague described as a "total fantasy" the belief that leaving the EU would not damage the British economy. He hit out at what he said was the "bland assurance" of Leave campaigners that Britain would negotiate a satisfactory deal with the EU in the event of a Brexit.
Describing himself as a one-time Eurosceptic, Hague said: "There are important reasons why even those of us with critical and sceptical views of Europe should cast our votes to remain."
Hague famously, as leader of his party, fought to keep Britain out of the euro zone.
In his speech, Hague said: "The idea that we can leave the EU without any serious economic consequences for jobs and businesses in Britain, and somehow have more money to spend on the NHS and other services at the same time, is a total fantasy.
"I'm the first to say Europe isn't perfect. I've spent my political life standing up to it. But for all its imperfections, it protects jobs and boosts our standing and power in the world. As an outright eurosceptic, leaving the European Union would be downright irresponsible."
Another life-long Eurosceptic, Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's main opposition Labour Party, has agreed to face live TV questions just three days before the vote. He will face quizzing from an audience of young people on the Sky news network on June 20.
Meanwhile, the government Wednesday night introduced emergency measures to extend the deadline for voting registration until midnight Thursday (June 9). It followed a last minute frenzy to register ahead of a Tuesday night deadline, crashing the computer system. An estimated 500,000 people were trying to register in the last few hours of Tuesday.
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The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a political declaration to scale up fight against HIV and end AIDS epidemic by 2030.
The 193 UN member states renewed their commitments to reducing the global numbers of people newly infected with HIV to fewer than 500,000 per year and people dying from AIDS to fewer than 500,000 per year by 2020, according to the political declaration.
The document was adopted at a high-level meeting on ending AIDS. The meeting aims to focus attention on a fast-track approach to respond to the epidemic.
UN statistics show that young women and girls, sex workers, prisoners, gay men, transgender people and people who inject drugs are being left behind in the response.
Addressing the meeting, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said there is "a window of opportunity" to radically change the trajectory of the epidemic and put an end to AIDS forever over the next five years.
He called on the international community to reinforce the approach by ensuring funding for AIDS response, removing punitive laws that violate people's dignity, and also making sure that everyone affected have access to comprehensive HIV services.
According to the most recent report published by UNAIDS, declines in new infections among adults have slowed alarmingly in recent years. Every year, the number of new adult infections remained static at about 1.9 million.
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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday announced the appointment of Major General Per Lodin of Sweden as chief military observer and head of UN Mission for the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, known as UNMOGIP.
Major General Lodin succeeds Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana, who will have completed his two-year assignment in July of this year. "The secretary-general is grateful to Major General Sakyi for his contribution to UN peacekeeping," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here.
Major General Lodin has had a distinguished military career in the Swedish Army since 1978.
With a distinguished military career in the Swedish Army beginning in 1978, Major General Lodin most recently held the position of Director of Procurement and Logistics for the Swedish Armed Forces. Previous to this, he was the deputy director of the National Armaments for Sweden from 2012 to 2014.
The major general is a member of the Swedish Academy of Military Science. He holds a diploma from the Graduate Institute of International studies based in Geneva and attended the United Nations Senior Mission Leaders course in 2015.
Born in 1956, he is married and has two children.
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An officer of Carabinieri military police on Wednesday shot dead a migrant who stabbed him at a tent camp in southern Italy, local media said.
The officer together with a colleague went to break up a fight between two migrants at the camp near the town of Rosarno, according to Corriere della Sera newspaper.
One of the two migrants, reportedly a Mali national named Sekine Traore, pulled out a knife and repeatedly hit the officer, injuring him in an eye and in an arm. The attack prompted the police officer to react and kill the 27-year-old.
The camp hosts hundreds of migrants engaged in seasonal orange picking in Calabria region, and the fight between the two migrants reportedly started after Traore's attempt to steal from the other migrant, also from Mali.
Local prosecutor Ottavio Sferlazza told ANSA news agency that the officer was set to be investigated, as is normal, for his action, which however could already be defined as "legitimate defense."
"According to our reconstruction based on the accounts of witnesses, the migrant initially showed an intimidating attitude against the officer which then turned aggressive, when he stabbed the officer in his face," the prosecutor was quoted by ANSA as saying.
Rosarno Mayor Giuseppe Ida commented however that the accident could have been avoided, and called on the government to give more support to local communities faced with the migrant crisis.
Italy is coping with growing flows of sea migrants from African and Middle Eastern countries, and police officers are deployed in many migrant-related issues, from search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean to handling migrants at borders and facing their protests.
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The Visegrad Four (V4) countries' prime ministers discussed here the crises faced by EU at a meeting within the Prague European Summit conference on Wednesday.
Over the migrant crisis, Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka said that this issue is one of the themes that dominated the Czech presidency of the V4.
He said that the V4 countries emphasized the need to systematically tackle the causes of migration and border protection from the beginning.
Sobotka said that the migration issue has been intensively debated in Europe, and it has almost flooded the public space.
Nationalist tendencies have been rising in Europe and radicals have been emerging, and the best way for Europe to prevent these tendencies is the return to the essence of European cooperation, for example, to build a peace community of states and to improve the living standard of Europeans, he said.
Sobotka also rejected the idea to divide Europe into smaller units. His opinion was supported by Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo. Szydlo said that the EU must not allow itself to be divided into several small unions and Europe must show solidarity with the states that are directly faced with the migrant crisis.
In a joint statement the prime ministers of the V4 countries said they hope Britain will stay in the European Union and they oppose the quotas for taking in asylum seekers.
The V4 countries also indicated that they want to strengthen cooperation between NATO and the EU and contribute to an effective and sufficient strengthening of the Baltic states, it will be easier to face further demanding challenges if Britain remains in EU.
They said the EU should focus on the fundamental causes of the migrant crisis. Proposals based on a mandatory system of relocating asylum seekers might encourage further migrants to come to Europe and further divide the member states and this system would not work in practice.
At the summit, Czech Republic symbolically handed over the presidency of the V4 to Poland. Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said the V4 played a major role in the EU under the Czech leadership and Poland will continue to do it.
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday said that the NATO-led multinational Kosovo Force (KFOR) would continue its mission in Kosovo as long as necessary.
Stoltenberg announced after talks with Kosovo leader Hashim Thaci at NATO headquarters, according to NATO.
KFOR, which entered Kosovo since 1999, "would continue its mission to preserve a safe and secure environment in Kosovo and to guarantee freedom of movement for as long as necessary, in accordance with its UN mandate," said the NATO chief in a press release.
He stressed that any reduction in the number of NATO forces in Kosovo would be based on an improvement of conditions on the ground.
Stoltenberg also reiterated the importance of continued political reforms in Kosovo and dialogue with Belgrade on the normalization of relations.
Kosovo is the subject of a long-running political and territorial dispute between Belgrade and Pristina. Serbia categorically refuses to recognize its southern province Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence in 2008, though most leading European countries and the United States have exchanged diplomats with Kosovo.
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The South African government will continue to discuss a terror alert with the United States as part of on-going cooperation on security issues between the two countries, the Presidency said on Wednesday.
"The Presidency has noted the security alert that the United States government has issued to its citizens in South Africa through its local embassy," presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga said.
Ngqulunga said the South African Security Cluster is to meet on Wednesday to discuss the matter further, with a view to ensuring the continued safety of all in the country.
On Saturday, the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria issued a terror warning to U.S. citizens in South Africa, saying the U.S. government has received information that terrorist groups are planning to carry out near-term attacks against places where U.S. citizens congregate in South Africa, such as upscale shopping areas and malls in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
On Monday, South African State Security Minister David Mahlobo downplayed the alert, saying there is no need to panic.
South African officials have also accused the U.S. Embassy of not following the proper procedure in releasing the terror alert.
The terror alert by the Americans was "sketchy, dubious and unsubstantiated", Clayson Monyela, spokesperson of the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said on Wednesday.
Monyela expressed the government's displeasure, saying, "it is within this context that the South African government rejects attempts by foreign countries to influence, manipulate or control our country's counter terrorism work."
Monyela said the South Africans must be informed first and be the ones who break the news if need be.
The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, however, insists that its terror warning was credible.
"It (the alert) was based on specific, credible, and non-counterable threat information," said U.S. embassy spokesperson Cynthia Harvey.
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After a week-long delay, the Southwest Monsoon on Wednesday arrived in the southern Indian state Kerala and the southwest islands of Lakshadweep in the Arab Sea, said meteorological officials.
At least one person was killed in accidents related to heavy showers, according to Press Trust of India.
"Southwest monsoon has set in over Kerala and Lakshadweep," K. Santosh, head of the India meteorological Department's Thiruvananthapuram regional center, told the media.
The monsoon has also advanced into most parts of Tamil Nadu, some parts of south interior Karnataka and remaining parts of south Bay of Bengal, said the meteorological official.
The norm that officials assess the data recorded at 14 weather stations in Lakshadweep, Kerala and Mangalore in Karnataka from May 10 conform to the standard data for the formal arrival of monsoon.
The southwest monsoon normally hits Kerala around June 1. It advances northwards, usually in surges, and covers the entire country by around July 15.
A tuition increase of nearly 4 percent at Cayuga Community College might do more harm than good, so CCC should reconsider the budget before it's finalized.
The Cayuga County Legislature's Government Operations Committee gave preliminary approval Tuesday to increasing the county's contribution to the college by 1.5 percent for a total of $2.9 million. But CCC's overall budget plan raises tuition 3.99 percent, raising tuition to $4,499, while leaving the college's $1.3 million fund balance untouched.
Legislator Timothy Lattimore had a valid point in suggesting that the county raise its contribution by 2 percent rather than 1.5 percent. Sure, it's taxpayer money we're talking about, but having a strong and affordable community college is a great benefit for the county.
Perhaps a compromise can be found in the form of a smaller tuition increase, dipping slightly into the college's fund balance, and an increased contribution by the county. And of course the college must be sure all of its expenditures are needed.
Tuition increases have to be used with great care as a means of balancing the budget. Since CCC has also struggled with enrollment, making it more expensive for students to take classes might backfire in that regard. The range for resident tuition at SUNY's two-year schools is $3,300 to $4,700, so an increase at CCC would put it near the top of the chart.
We believe that the Legislature and the CCC board of trustees should take a closer look at the numbers and see if a 3.99 percent tuition increase can be avoided.
A big tuition increase this year would certainly help CCC balance its books, but it might also hurt the college in the long run and make it more difficult for local students to finance their education.
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An Islamic Hamas movement official said Wednesday the shooting attack in Tel Aviv which killed four Israelis is a response to Israeli crimes against the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
Mushir al-Masri, a senior Gaza-based Hamas official, told Xinhua that his movement "blesses the attack which is a response to the Israeli crimes in Gaza and the West Bank."
Earlier on Wednesday night, Israeli media said two Palestinian gunmen from the southern West Bank city of Hebron went into a supermarket in Tel Aviv and opened fire, where four Israelis were killed and three others injured.
An Israeli police spokeswoman said in a press statement that the two gunmen were arrested and one of them was under questioning.
The two Palestinians, who are cousins, came from the village of Yatta close to Hebron, according to the police spokeswoman's statement.
"This operation was carried out after a period of time, where some thought that the Intifada (the Palestinian uprising) ... stopped due to the arrests and the security cooperation, but it shows that the Intifada is going on," said al-Masri.
Hamas said in an emailed statement issued in the West Bank that the two Palestinians who carried out the attack "are members in Hamas movement."
Hamas did not directly claim responsibility for the attack, but said in the statement that the two attackers, Khaled Makhamra and Mohamed Makhamra, are the nephews of two Hamas members who are imprisoned in Israel.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian left-wing Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said in a statement that the attack "is a natural response to the daily Israeli violations, mainly the daily field executions of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza."
"It is a message to the Zionists that armed resistance is the only means for gaining the rights back," it said.
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Drone attack against militants has claimed the life of Sirajuddin Khademi, a key commander of Haqqani network in the eastern Afghanistan's Paktika province, a local television channel, Tolo reported Thursday.
The strike took place in Sarwaza district of the province on Wednesday night during which a huge quantity of arms and ammunition had also been destroyed, according to the report.
Sirajuddin Khademi, according to the report was in-charge of providing logistics support to the insurgents.
Haqqani network, which has been operating mostly in Afghanistan's eastern provinces and the capital city Kabul, is regarded as military wing of the Taliban outfit.
Neither Taliban outfit, nor Haqqani network has made comment on the report.
Your June 5, 2016 editorial (Fight Cayuga Nation case on the merits) contains several inaccuracies and misrepresentations.
First, your assertion that the Bureau of Indian Affairs has made it clear that I, in my capacity as Cayuga Nation federal representative, lack the authority to sue or negotiate private deals on behalf of the Nation is not true. The BIA has never made any such statement. Indeed, in December of last year, when we advised the Bureau that the Nation planned to conclude an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with Cayuga County for purposes of addressing certain property tax and related issues, they fully endorsed our efforts and expressed hope that a similar arrangement could be reached with Seneca County.
Second, your claim that we love to go to court when we are challenged in any way is also false. Like Mayor Shattuck, we prefer to resolve disagreements without spending money on lawyers. For that reason, when the Village of Union Springs raised questions in 2013 about our gaming facility, we proposed that the parties enter into a standstill agreement pursuant to which each side agreed not to take legal action while an effort was made to resolve these issues amicably. In October 2014, however, legal counsel for the village advised us that it intended to renounce the standstill agreement and commence an enforcement action against the Nation. At that point, we had no choice but to defend our rights in court.
Third, while we agree with you that even if the parties settle their differences regarding the gaming facility it is possible that some other issue may land them in court, this doesnt mean they shouldnt seek to resolve issues outside of the judicial process whenever possible. Further, a negotiated solution on one matter will likely instill mutual feelings of cooperation and trust that will facilitate the resolution of other disagreements in a similar manner.
Finally, your suggestion that the U.S. Supreme Courts 2005 decision in the Sherrill case bars the Nation from conducting gaming on its lands is false. That court ruling did not disestablish or diminish the Nations reservation. Further, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act expressly authorizes all Indian nations to conduct Class II gaming on their lands and it pre-empts any and all state and local laws to the contrary.
The Cayuga Nation is committed to pursuing a peaceful settlement of disagreements with its neighbors. While we will vigorously defend our rights in court when left with no other option, negotiation, not litigation, is our preferred method of dispute resolution.
Clint Halftown
Seneca Falls
Halftown is federal representative of the Cayuga Nation of New York
Officials and urban leaders from China and the United States approved a declaration on Wednesday that sets the course for further cooperation between two countries to fight climate change.
The Climate Leaders Declaration was the outcome of the Second China-US Climate-Smart Low-Carbon Cities Summit, during which attendees discussed strategies and practices for fighting climate change, and signed 27 working agreements and memorandums of understanding.
The two countries - the world's largest carbon dioxide emitters - have pledged to take enhanced actions to reduce carbon emissions and increase climate resilience.
According to the declaration, each municipality, county, or region involved pledges to establish or re-establish ambitious and achievable targets and actions to control greenhouse gas emissions, report their greenhouse gas inventories, create a municipal or regional climate action plan to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance bilateral partnership and cooperation.
Under the declaration, a further 12 Chinese cities pledged to peak their carbon emissions earlier than the national deadline of 2030, joining the 11 cities and provinces that pledged to peak early at the first summit held in Los Angeles in September last year.
Jiang Zhaoli, deputy head of the department of climate change under the National Development and Reform Commission, said that ambitious goals set at municipal levels will be able to facilitate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, in which cooperation at the municipal level is crucial.
Xie Zhenhua, China's chief climate negotiator and former deputy chief of the commission, said he expected the declaration to further advance green and low carbon development in both countries.
"Building on the foundation of the Paris Agreement, the cities summit is another example of how leadership at all levels can help deliver last year's commitments. City leaders are on the frontline of the climate challenge and with strong conviction they can implement solutions that will improve the lives of billions of people and offer a new blueprint for sustainable urbanization worldwide," said Manish Bapna, executive vice-president and managing director of the World Resources Institute.
Like in the United States, knowledge of robots will likely become an integral part of school education in China in the not-so-distant future, if some forward-thinking technology firms have their way.
Already, STEM - an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics - is part of an inter-disciplinary approach that marks school education in developed countries.
The US is the leader in this respect. The Obama administration allocated $240 million last year to promote STEM-centric education. The total investment in this sector so far by the US government has reached $1 billion.
Sui Shaolong, chief operating officer of RoboTerra Inc, an educational robotics company located in Silicon Valley in the US, said: "Compared with the traditional education model, school education that includes robotics in the curriculum could let students learn how to analyze and solve problems. Building or assembling a robot could strengthen students' skills and sharpen their thinking ability in terms of space and structure."
Designing and writing the robot's programs will develop students' logical thinking ability, and team work will enhance their interpersonal communication and ability to cooperate, Sui said.
RoboTerra has already provided one-stop solutions about robot curriculum and STEM-centric education to dozens of schools in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Shenzhen.
Founded in 2014, RoboTerra develops robotics kits that inspire students' creativity, imagination and ability to innovate. Sui and his team are making efforts to introduce US-style robot education in China.
Students could learn mechanical and electrical engineering skills through its Origin Kit, a collection of robotics equipment, including a robot controller, a variety of sensors and actuators and aluminum metal parts.
Students could also learn programming skills through its CastleRock online learning platform, where they could communicate, share ideas and challenge each other.
Bai Chen, RoboTerra's chief technology officer, said traditional education in China tends to penalize students for making mistakes whereas robot education will encourage students to make mistakes and learn from them. Thus, their abilities will improve during the process of correction.
"Through the cloud-based learning platform, students could not only become knowledgeable about robots at a time and place of their choice but receive feedback about their learning progress and analyses about their learning results," Bai said.
Zhang Xiaofeng, director of the senior high school at Xiwai International School under Shanghai International Studies University, said: "The robot education could complement STEM. Our robot education is still in infancy. We lack specialist teachers, a structured and comprehensive curriculum, and a supervision and evaluation system."
He, however, said that robot education has huge potential for improvement. Already, some provinces have added robot education content to their textbooks for primary and secondary schools.
For instance, Liaoning province has included robot education in its schools in Shenyang, its capital. There is high chance for nationwide adoption of robot education next.
The collision between two fully loaded speedboat ferries on Wednesday near Thailand's famous tourist destination Phi-Phi Island, killed two Chinese tourists and injuring 34 others, and was the second fatal boating accident in Southern Thailand within four days.
The two boats, Chor Hongfa 20 traveling from Phuket to Ao Phangnga in Phangna and Chollakit 856 traveling from Phuket to Phi-Phi island in Krabi, carrying 62 Chinese and South Korean tourists, collided in the Hin Musang area at around 11:45 am.
The two dead Chinese passengers, one male and one female, and most of the injured were on the Chollakit 856, which sank after the collision.
According to the Phuket Consular Office under the Chinese Consulate General in Songkhla, seven Chinese tourists were receiving treatment at four local hospitals in Phuket at Wednesday night, including two who were seriously injured.
The Chinese tourists involved in the accident were mainly from Chongqing and Wuhan.
The Chinese consular office in Phuket said it was working closely with related travel agencies, local police and hospitals in order to protect the rights of Chinese travelers and properly handle the aftermath. Representatives from the Thailand Authority of Tourism will go to Phuket to offer assistance on Thursday.
It was the second fatal boating accident involving tourists in less than a week. On Sunday, 28 people were injured when a speedboat carrying passengers back from an evening music concert on the island of Koh Samet smashed into a container ship.
A far-flung branch gives plenty of choice amid tide of change. Zhang Yunbi reports from Sansha city.
The new building of the Sansha branch of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. [Photo/81.cn]
ATM machines, VIP rooms, an air-conditioned waiting room. These are common features in all city banks but the bank on Yongxing Island, host of the country's southernmost city government of Sansha, is not a typical city bank. These modern-day trappings are not taken for granted.
Luo Haiyun, 43, the Sansha branch chief of Chinese banking giant Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), told China Daily that the services provided on the island can now match those on offer anywhere. The various financial products are increasingly popular with the customers, many of whom are trying their hand at being entrepreneurs.
"The financial products offered by our bank have been welcomed by the islanders for years. One of the most popular products - Xinjinyi 1 (which means "Profitable Wage 1" in Chinese) - accounts for 10 percent of the total deposits in our branch," Luo said.
In the central part of Beijing Road, a major commercial hub on the island, stands the well-adorned ICBC branch, which is currently the only one that has been officially put into use.
"Now, there is no difference between the services provided on the island and those by branches outside, as we have all the needed functions in place and operations have been fully networked," Luo said.
The bank is now assisting fishermen's plans to shift to other businesses, such as restaurants and processing seafood, and the services include the installment of point-of-sale machines and loans.
"In the past, they only sold seafood. Now they are capable of processing the seafood, and sales have surged," Luo said.
Unique flavor
Partly due to increased business and growing local demand, Beijing Road is also home to ATM machines or 24-hour automatic banking outposts of other banks.
Close by will be the branch of another Chinese banking giant - the Bank of China, which is waiting to be officially inaugurated after approval for its operation was announced earlier this year.
Unlike the crowded halls of a typical banking branch in more densely populated mainland cities, the ICBC Sansha branch is a picture of order and efficiency.
Thanks to the small population and good public security climate, the branch does not even need a guard to maintain order.
Of course, surveillance cameras are still working. The customers - often clerks and fishermen - sit in chairs to await their turn. It may be humid outside, but every corner in the hall is air-conditioned.
But the outside world is encroaching. At the ATM a poster warns users against phone fraud.
A team strains with the paddles in a dragon boat race in the Longgang River, Shenzhen, in South China's Guangdong province. Wu Jun / For China Daily
2000-year-old tradition celebrated nationwide in various forms
Dragon Boat Festival, which comes on May 5 on the lunar calendar - June 9 this year on the Western calendar - is a traditional festival in China to commemorate the ancient poet Qu Yuan, who committed suicide out of love for his country.
Traditionally, people eat Chinese rice pudding and hold dragon boat races in the poet's honor.
In September 2009, UNESCO added Dragon Boat Festival to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the first Chinese festival to receive the honor.
As time passed, Dragon Boat Festival has been celebrated with many various activities in different provinces, yet most of them include traditional Chinese rice puddings and dragon boat races.
Over the decades, it has even spread to neighboring Asian countries - dragon boat racing has already become an international sport.
Qu Yuan is a cultural figure in China. His story is deeply rooted among the people thanks to the historical records written by Sima Qian. The legends of the Dragon Boat Festival vary from place to place. Ancient Chinese documents record many legends. Apart from the well-known Qu Yuan, there are actually more than 20 figures relating to this festival. It is very different across the country.
There are 56 ethnic groups in China, 55 of them are ethnic minorities, while 26 are ethnic minorities; all celebrating the festival.
Related:Your guide to the Dragon Boat Festival
Ven Zhuang at class. His classes have attracted local residents and those from neighboring cities, aged from 21 to 35. Most of the students traveling from other cities to Shanghai are already flower shop owners who have come to learn more advanced techniques. Provided To China Daily
The rise of both the online and offline flower business has catalyzed the rise of one less known job - the florist.
Ven Zhuang, from Taiwan, 40, is one of these talented people that are quite hard to spot in the market. Different from other florists who still work in stores, he has gone one step further by sharing his experiences with young people in his classes.
Running for more than one year in Shanghai, Zhuang's classes have attracted local residents and those from neighboring cities, aged from 21 to 35.Most of the students traveling from other cities to Shanghai are already flower shop owners who have come to learn more advanced techniques. The local students are all professionals aspiring to set up their own flower business soon.
Each course lasts around four days, during which time Zhuang teaches students techniques to arrange flowers in a bouquet, in a vase or for bigger occasions. He has a small quiz for each student to gain a basic understanding of the students' level of knowledge. Only in this way can he help to solve each student's problem.
Without a basic understanding, people would misunderstand the flower business, and consider it to be something quite straightforward, dismissing the need for relatively expensive training.
But at Zhuang's training workshop which is named Instinct House, a four day course may cost 8,000 yuan ($1,216) for each student, which include expenses for flowers and lunches. On each course, Zhuang has only 10 students.
"The same as any other industry, floriculture requires a solid basic education and creative arrangement. In developed overseas markets, a florist will undergo three years of basic training. I have always adopted the method of private classes, which is similar to one-on-one training. With 20 years' experience of running my own flower shop, I will be able to give more to my students. After they finish their courses, I will help them to solve all kinds of problems when they start their stores, such as interviews, staff training, product planning and even decoration. Therefore, my classes usually charge more and student number is quite limited. But they are guaranteed to leave with a good result," he said.
Zhuang started his career working in a flower shop more than two decades ago. With the significant rise of online flower shops, Zhuang decided to give floriculture classes in Shanghai at the beginning of 2015.
Even though the rise of online flower shops continues, experienced florists who are able to give training classes are a rarity even in first-tier cities such as Shanghai. What's more, the growing number of flower shops does not indicate that Chinese consumers' habits have changed, according to Zhuang.
"It is yet too early to come to that conclusion. Most people still define flowers as a luxury instead of a daily necessity or an indispensable gift. It might be a result of traditional education. Even rich people are reluctant to buy flowers for their home. They consider it a waste of money as flowers will die. Therefore, I think that a difference in values between Chinese consumers and those in Western countries has resulted in the less developed flower industry," he said.
A Qiang woman makes shoes in her courtyard while her husband weaves a bamboo basket in Heihu Qiang village in Aba.[Photo by Li Yang/China Daily]
The rocky mountain area in the east of the Aba Tibet and Qiang autonomous prefecture, in West China's Sichuan province, which is located between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, has been a crossroads for trade and civilization for about 3,000 years.
During this period, the interaction between Tibetans, Manchurians, Mongolians, Muslims, the Han and the Qiang people - violent and peaceful at various times - has left us with hundreds of villages of historical interest and picturesque scenery, on high mountains, deep valleys, and along the tributaries of the Yangtze River.
After the Manchurian-dominated Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Tibetans and the Qiang people became the main residents of the Aba region, roughly as big as Scotland.
The two ethnic groups, now comprising more than 800,000 people, account for about 80 percent of the prefecture's population.
"It is a pity that we have almost lost our mother tongue," says Yu Zhengqing, 74, a Qiang farmer in Dasi, the Qiang village in Aba, who cannot speak the Qiang language.
But he can sing old songs in the language.
Speaking, after a boisterous Qiang dancing and singing performance to greet tourists at the entrance of his village, he adds: "We are also losing Qiangdiao," referring to a kind of ancient tower built exclusively by the Qiang people using rocks, mud and wood.
The Qiang people are known as talented builders who can build sturdy dams, houses and fortifications with natural materials.
Isabella Bird, a 19th-century English explorer, writer and naturalist, who was the first woman to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, used to visit Aba and wrote about Qiangdiao in her book published in 1899 called The Yangtze Valley and Beyond, saying the castle-like towers added liveliness to the endless mountains.
The village used to have 14 Qiangdiao towers, which were built over a period of 500 years.
They were located at carefully chosen spots in and around the 300-home community, to ensure every inch of the vicinity was within an arrow's range and was under the surveillance of the sentries on the towers.
But there is only one tower left today. The rest were demolished during the 1950s or destroyed in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.
Speaking of the Qiangdiao, while standing at the foot of the only remaining tower, Peng Zhao, the Party chief of Keku town, to which Dasi village belongs, says: "Few people would build these things today. They are useless in a gun era."
But, Peng and his colleagues pay special attention to protecting the old Qiangdiao in Keku, because "they see it as a symbol of Qiang architecture and, more importantly, a tourist attraction".
Echoing this view, Yang Zhiwen, a successful businessman and village committee director, who returned home in 2006 after having gone to work in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, at 16, says: "The loss of Qiang culture is disturbing. "I have seen villagers selling cultural relics unearthed from ancient tombs, and I feel my hometown is being hollowed."
Yang, who says he built a Qiang ethnic culture museum in Dasi as a tourist attraction, now contracts villagers' lands and employs them to plant plum, blueberry and herbs instead of potatoes and corn which they used to grow earlier.
The annual income of the villagers has grown from 500 yuan ($77) in 2008 to 10,000 yuan last year, thanks to tourism and agriculture.
"The villagers now see the value of their unique culture and the advantage of the well-preserved environment on the high mountains," says Yang.
"Also, 10 years after returning to the village, it is now much easier to organize fellow villagers to revive old arts like making clothes, embroidery and doing performances, and to raise their awareness about protecting the Qiangdiao.
The Government of the Republic of Kenya believes that any disputes over the South China Sea should be peacefully resolved through consultations and negotiations in accordance with bilateral agreements and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
The Government of the Republic of Kenya respects China's statement of optional exception in light of Article 298 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The international community should continue playing a constructive role in supporting the efforts made by the region to safeguard regional peace and stability.
June 8, 2016
Cabinet Secretary, Amb (Dr) Amina Mohamed.EGH, CAV
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Flagstaff Chili Society will be hosting the Route 66 Chili Cookoff at Thorpe Park beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The cookoff will feature contests for the best chili in the red, green and salsa categories. The winner of each category will advance to the state contest, which will be hosted Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. at Thorpe Park.
Attendees can purchase a chili tasting kit for $5 to sample different varieties of chili and vote for the People's Choice Award winner.
Summer Seminar
The NAU Summer Seminar Series will present its second seminar of the summer, titled "Is political correctness undermining free speech on college campuses?" Thursday, June 9 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The seminar will take place in the SBS West Room 200. Parking is available in the South Commuter Lot.
Navajo Rug Auction
The Museum of Northern Arizona and the Flagstaff Arts Council will host the 2016 Navajo Rug Auction at the Museum of Northern Arizona beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The event is free and open to the public and will feature more than 200 vintage and contemporary weavings.
Native art and Navajo weaving specialists will be available to identify handspun, hand-carded and vintage pieces to ensure quality and prices.
A public viewing of the items will take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and the auction will begin at 2 p.m.
Items can be purchased with cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
Cat-a-palooza
June is National Adopt a Cat month, and to celebrate, Second Chance Center for Animals is offering $10 adoptions for cats and $50 adoptions for kittens throughout the month.
The adoption fee includes a veterinary exam, spaying or neutering, vaccines and a microchip. Each cat adopted will receive a free 16-pound bag of Purina Pro Plan Savor Cat Food.
Natural Medicine Cabinet
As part of the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Adult Summer Reading Program, Hanna Ian, a doctor from Surprise, will present two 90-minute courses called the Natural Medicine Cabinet about how to prepare remedies with natural ingredients.
The first course offering will be Thursday, June 9 at 6 p.m. at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N. Fourth St. The second offering will be Thursday, June 16, at 6 p.m. at the Downtown Library, 300 W. Aspen Ave.
Attendees will learn how to use homeopathic and botanical preparations for the care of minor injuries, including bee stings, bruises, sprains, cuts, fractures and other injuries.
CHANGCHUN -- The body of Chinese UN peacekeeping soldier Shen Liangliang, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Mali last month, arrived in northeast China's Changchun City on Thursday afternoon.
Around 3 p.m. Beijing time, a Chinese air force plane carrying Shen's body arrived at Longjia Airport in Changchun, Jilin Province, where Shen served in the army for 11 years.
The plane took off on Wednesday local time from Bamako, capital of Mali. It was sent by China's Central Military Commission to bring Shen's body home.
The 29-year-old sergeant first class was killed in a terrorist attack on the night of May 31 in the northern Malian town of Gao, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at a United Nations camp.
Another five Chinese peacekeepers were injured.
Beijing Kenya and China have today held inaugural Bilateral Steering Committee (BSC) meeting in Beijing, China.
Kenyan delegation led by Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed and comprising of three Cabinet Secretaries, two Principal Secretaries and technical officials held day long discussions with their China counterparts led by Foreign Minister, H.E. Wang Yi.
"This BSC is being held on the instruction of our presidents and on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between our two countries in January 2015 establishing the BSC," said CS Amina.
The MOU was drawn to consolidate and develop Kenya-China comprehensive partnership of equality, mutual trust, mutual benefit and a win-win outcome. It aims to promote exchanges and cooperation in political, economic, cultural fields among others.
"We are keen to help Kenya fast-track its development agenda in a comprehensive manner and are therefore targeting among others port development and management, transport infrastructure and special economic zones (SEZ). We look forward to signing an investment treaty and avoidance of double taxation agreement soon as we heighten our operations in Kenya," said Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
It was clear from the Kenya delegation what the government is prioritising with Energy and Petroleum, Infrastructure, Transport and Housing and Industrialisation, Investment and Trade as Cabinet Secretaries, Charles Keter, James Macharia and Adan Mohamed respectively joining their Foreign Affairs counterpart.
The Beijing talks were anchored also on the ten major plans to boost cooperation with Africa in the next three years as announced by China President Xi Jinping during the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa in December last year.
The heart of the plans is a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in areas of industrialisation, agriculture, infrastructure, financial services, green development, trade and investment, poverty reduction, capacity building, and public welfare, public health, people-to-people exchanges, peace and security.
CS Amina told the meeting Kenya was gearing itself to tap into the pledges made under FOCAC framework. Under Vision 2030 development blue print, various numerous projects have been identified to fall under this framework.
Said CS Amina: "Today, China is leading trade, investment and development partner for Kenya. Our engagements in the areas of commerce, transport and communication, human resource development, science and technology and energy have been transformational. We are committed to further consolidate our collaboration in all areas of interest for the mutual benefit of our two peoples."
She said Kenya had established a structured mechanism that will be tasked with engaging the Chinese side under the FOCAC framework including the establishment of focal point.
The meeting agreed to meet early next year in Nairobi to review progress and further move forward the development cooperation between the two countries.
Japan hypes up situation, intensifies tensions unreasonably, says expert
File photo of a Chinese frigate.
The Defense Ministry on Thursday refuted Japan's protest over Chinese warships sailing close to the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
"The Diaoyu Islands and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. The sailing of Chinese warships through waters under its own jurisdiction is reasonable and legitimate," the ministry said in a statement released on its official Weibo account.
The statement came after Japan said on Thursday a Chinese frigate sailed within 38 kms of the Diaoyu Islands shortly after midnight.
The Chinese frigate stayed in the waters around the islands for about an hour before sailing toward the Chinese coast.
It was confirmed by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Setogiri, which was keeping watch on the frigate, Japan's newspaper Asahi Shimbun said.
Japan's Vice-Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki summoned Cheng Yonghua, the Chinese ambassador in Tokyo, at around 2 am to "express serious concern", the Japanese government said in a statement.
Three Russian naval vessels were also spotted sailing close to the islands at around the same time as the Chinese warship.
While Chinese coast guard vessels routinely patrol the area, it was the first time a Chinese warship was spotted, Japanese officials said, according to The Associated Press.
Sino-Japanese relations plunged after Tokyo's illegal "nationalization" of China's Diaoyu Islands in September 2012. Tokyo's ongoing attempts to meddle in the South China Sea are making things worse.
Lyu Yaodong, an expert on Japanese studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said it is quite normal for China to assert sovereignty over its own territories, whether by sending a coast guard vessel or a naval ship.
"Japan should not hype up the situation and intensify tensions unreasonably," Lyu said.
Da Zhigang, director of the institute of northeast Asian studies at Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, said Tokyo making a fuss of the case demonstrated its sense of crisis over its illegal control of China's Diaoyu Islands.
"China is justified to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests," Da said.
Reuters contributed to this story.
HANOI -- Senior officials from China and the ASEAN nations vowed on Thursday to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on Conducts of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
The 12th Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC, co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and Singapore's Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry Chee Wee Kiong, was held in Vietnam's northern Halong City.
All parties vowed to continue to fully and effectively implement the DOC, deepen practical maritime cooperation and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The officials discussed the proposal that foreign ministers of China and the ASEAN nations issue a joint statement on the full and effective implementation of the DOC, and agreed to strive to reach a consensus at an early date.
On the consultations of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), the 11 parties promised to implement relevant early harvest measures as soon as possible and speed up the formulation of a guideline for the Hotline Platform among senior officials of ministries of foreign affairs between China and ASEAN nations in response to maritime emergencies.
They also discussed the better use of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the South China Sea.
The press conference of the 2nd Ministerial Conference of China and Central and Eastern European Countries on Promoting Trade and Economic Cooperation is held in Ningbo, June 9, 2016. [Photo by Guo Rong/chinadaily.com.cn]
Ministerial officials and representatives of China and Central and Eastern countries attended a meeting on Thursday in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, on promoting trade and economic cooperation.
The 16+1 framework has become an import platform for the cooperation between China and the 16 CEE countries, said Gao Hucheng, Chinese minister of commerce.
China wishes to connect China's Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of CEE countries to achieve a win-win situation, Gao added.
The Ningbo Declaration was issued today after the meeting, which highlights the cooperation between China and CEE countries in diverse fields, such as agricultural products, e-commerce, high technology and infrastructure construction.
Representatives from the CEE countries expressed their satisfaction with the positive results of the conference.
The Hopi Tribe is requesting to be part of a study that could affect the future of the city of Flagstaffs Red Gap Ranch pipeline.
The city received a copy of a letter from the Hopi Tribal Vice Chairman Alfred Lomahquahu, Jr. to Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West earlier this month. The letter asks that the Hopi Tribe be listed as a coordinating agency with the U.S. Forest Service in any review of a possible water pipeline from Red Gap Ranch that may cross federal land.
Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours said the letter is not a surprise and the city isnt offended by the request. The council last month indefinitely tabled a Hopi-approved plan to filter reclaimed wastewater that is sold to Arizona Snowbowl for snowmaking on the San Francisco Peaks, which the Hopi consider sacred.
The 30-mile pipeline will run very close to Hopi tribal land and there have been discussions in the past about the Hopi possibly tapping into the pipeline, Nabours said.
The study will also look for artifacts that warrant protection. According to the Hopi letter, The Coconino Forest includes extensive historic and cultural resources of the Hopi Tribe and others. The forest is also home to several endangered or threatened plants and animals."
The city purchased the water rights to Red Gap Ranch in 2005 for about $7.9 million. The ranch is designed to be a future source of water for the city as it expands. In order to get the water to the city, a pipeline would have to be built connecting wells at the ranch to the citys water system.
The city has been working toward completing a feasibility study to determine the best alignment and design for the pipeline. Phase 1 of the study was to identify possible pipeline alignments that could be used to transport the water from Red Gap Ranch to Flagstaff. The current alignment would be parallel to Interstate 40. Phase 2, in which the project currently rests, is to investigate an alignment along Interstate 40 further.
However, officials at the Arizona Department of Transportation have expressed concerns with this alignment due to the proximity of the pipeline to the right-of-way of I-40.
The city and ADOT reached an agreement in January that allows the city to pursue one or more permits to encroach upon an ADOT-controlled area to construct a water pipeline for 21 miles along I-40. It stipulates that the pipeline project must not adversely affect the highway and must consider the safety of highway users as well as the integrity of the highway.
This intergovernmental agreement doesnt permit access to ADOTs right of way; it spells out the responsibilities of the city and ADOT in the process of developing and considering the request for an encroachment permit that would make it possible, said Steve Elliott, the assistant communications director for public information at ADOT.
Now that an agreement with ADOT has been initiated, the feasibility study being conducted by Jacobs Engineering can pick back up where it left off: studying the geotechnical aspects of the project, which will help the city obtain a preliminary pipeline design, along with an estimate of the costs for implementing the infrastructure and pumping the water to Flagstaff.
The pipeline will also cross a checkerboard of state and U.S. Forest Service land, which means that the city will have to get permission from both the Arizona Department of Transportation and the U.S. Forest Service to build on that land.
In order to grant permission to the city to build on the approximately 10 linear miles of Forest Service land, the federal government may have to complete an environmental impact study. The study would show what historic, cultural and environmental resources would be in the area that might be affected by the pipeline.
(Photo : Getty Images.) Some colleges and universities are likely to face problems in recruiting students as students appearing for gaokao exam this has declined.
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The steady decline in the number of students taking the two-day annual gaokao entrance exam is likely to compel some colleges and universities to search for innovative recruitment methods to enroll enough students, warn China's education experts.
The annual national college entrance exam, also known as the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) started on Tuesday and it is estimated that only 9.4 million students appeared for the annual nationwide exam, which is approximately 20,000 students less as compared to the previous year.
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13 of China's 34 municipalities, provinces and regions reportedly witnessed a decline in the number of students registering for the annual entrance exam in the current year. This includes major provinces like Beijing, Liaoning and Jiangsu, where decline has reached an all-time low, as per an annual survey released by education portal eol.cn.
Chen Zhiwen, editor-in-chief of eol.cn, cited shrinking population of college-age students and sharp rise in number of Chinese students going for abroad studies as the main reasons behind the recent decline in number of students appearing for the gaokao exams.
Chen added that lesser-known colleges and universities will be adversely affected by the dwindling numbers. "Fewer students taking the gaokao mean it will be more difficult for these colleges and universities to recruit enough students," Chen said.
The gaokao exam lasts for approximately nine hours and spans across two days. The annual exam is treated as a make-or-break examination by millions of Chinese students, many of whom reportedly resort to unconventional methods to cope with exam pressure. Last week, a Chinese province banned students from tearing textbooks and yelling in hallways ahead of the gaokao exam.
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Tagschina, Gaokao Exam, Gaokao China, China College Entrance Test, Gaokao, NCEE, China entrance exam, entrance exam
(Photo : Getty Images: MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB / Stringer) A Somali soldier stands guard next to a site where Al Shabab militants carried out a suicide attack
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The Somalian rebel group Al-Shabab claims to have killed 43 Ethiopian soldiers during a raid on a military base used by Ethiopian troops serving in AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia).
No AMISOM spokesman has made any statement about the incident. In most cases, it is up to the country with the casualties to make announcements.
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Halgan, the town in which the attack occurred on Thursday, is in the Hiran region of Central Somalia, about 180 miles away from Somali capital Mogadishu.
Al-Shabab's military operations spokesperson Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters that "Our fighters stormed the Halgan base of AMISOM ... We killed 43 AU soldiers from Ethiopia in the fighting."
Abu Musab stated that "several" Al-Shabab troops perished during the raid, but did not explicitly state a figure.
Many residents in Halgan claim to have heard a huge blast and loud exchanges of gunfire between AMISOM troops and Al-Shabab fighters. Witnesses claim that the gunfire could be heard more than an hour after the initial explosion occurred.
Al-Shabab allegedly drove a car packed with a bomb to the gates of the AMISOM base, and shortly thereafter the Islamic militants stormed the front of the base.
Al-Shabab did not succeed in their attack, however, and AMISOM still has control of the city and the base.
Al-Shabab is known to launch attacks on Somali forces and AMISOM troops in an attempt to topple the current government of Somalia.
Recently, Al-Shabab led a raid on the camp on El Adde, near the Kenyan border. Al-Shabab claims to have killed around 100 Kenyan troops, but the Kenyan government has not confirmed the number of casualties.
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TagsSomalia, African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), al-shabab, Kenya
(Photo : Getty Images) Zeng Ziheng, one of those on the list of China's 100 most wanted corruption suspects , had returned to Beijing to face trial
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A financial fugitive on the list of China's 100 most wanted corruption suspects returned to Beijing on Monday seeking refuge in Canada since 2011, the government said on Wednesday.
China's corruption watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said in a statement that corruption suspect, Zeng Ziheng, voluntarily came back to Beijing after "successful admonishment."
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The brief statement did not specify how Zeng came upon the decision to return back to the motherland but said that China's anti-corruption agencies played a major role in bringing Zeng back home to face trial.
Zeng, 44, was an engineer by profession at the province of Henan before he fled to Canada in 2011. The statement also did not specify the crimes he was being accused of.
Skynet 100
The government said that so far, 28 people on the list of the 100 most wanted corruption suspects, who were on the run, returned back to China to face trial.
Last year, China's corruption watchdog established an initiative called "Skynet 100" to expedite and coordinate its campaign to bring back corruption suspects with the help of the international police or Interpol.
The Chinese government has been pressuring its anti-corruption agencies to extradite corruption suspects to the country but are struggling due to the absence of extradition treaties with western countries.
In spite of Beijing's efforts to seek international cooperation in tracking down corrupted officials abroad, the government has yet to score a major breakthrough in carrying out President Xi Jinping's campaign against graft and corruption, which he started upon assuming office in 2013.
Western countries like the U.S. and Canada have been reluctant in signing extradition treaties with China because of its poor human rights record and reputation of mistreating suspects as well as its usual lack of evidence to show proof of the suspect's crimes
With such an obstacle to its anti-corruption campaign, Beijing has turned to persuasion to bring back fugitives from U.S. and Canada to China to face trial.
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TagsSkynet 100, anti-corruption campaign, Zeng Ziheng, Canada, china, U.S., most wanted corruption suspects
(Photo : Indian Army) BrahMos will soon envelop all of Pakistan.
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The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has no defense against India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile -- the fastest anti-ship missile in the world -- and India is intent on selling these world-beating missiles to both Vietnam and the Philippines, the military core of the opposition to China's claim to almost all of the South China Sea.
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Reports reveal India has stepped-up efforts to sell the anti-ship version of its Mach 3 (2,500 to 3,000 km/h) missile whose 300 kg semi-armor piercing warhead can obliterate small ships such as China's coast guard cutters and cut in two larger warships such as the Type 052D destroyer, considered the most modern in the PLAN.
The surface-to-air missiles on PLAN warships such as the FL-3000N will be almost useless against a volley of supersonic BrahMos hurtling towards a Chinese warship at Mach 3. The current generation of PLAN ship borne SAMs can only effectively engage anti-ship missiles travelling at half the speed of BrahMos.
The last ditch defense of Chinese warships, the Type 730 seven-barreled 30 mm Gatling gun close-in weapons system, has less than two seconds to detect, track, fire on and destroy BrahMos, which is a physical impossibility.
India has 15 countries in its list of top BrahMos customers. Vietnam heads the first list of four countries while the Philippines heads the list of the next 11 countries. In the second list along with the Philippines are Malaysia, Thailand and United Arab Emirates.
India has been strengthening its military ties with Vietnam. It's supplying Vietnam with offshore patrol boats under a $100 million credit line, its largest overseas military aid package yet.
By pushing international sales of the sought after BrahMos, India is effectively thumbing its nose at China, which warned India the sale of the missiles to China's enemies is "destabilizing."
The government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, has made the strategic calculation standing-up to China is the most effective response to doing nothing about China's destabilizing military aggressiveness since the Chinese have shown they respect no nation in their drive for hegemony in Asia.
India is also angered at China's military assistance to arch-rival Pakistan and was alarmed when Chinese submarines docked in Sri Lanka just off the coast of India.
Modi has ordered BrahMos Aerospace, which produces the missiles, to speed-up sales to a list of five countries topped by Vietnam. The others countries in the list are Indonesia, South Africa, Chile and Brazil. Indonesia is also involved in the squabble over the South China Sea.
Indonesia and the Philippines have shown a keen interest in acquiring BrahMos, which is expected to be cheaper than comparative U.S. anti-ship missiles.
"Policymakers in Delhi were long constrained by the belief that advanced defense cooperation with Washington or Hanoi could provoke aggressive and undesirable responses from Beijing," said Jeff Smith, Director of Asian Security Programs at the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington.
"Prime Minister Modi and his team of advisers have essentially turned that thinking on its head, concluding that stronger defense relationships with the U.S., Japan, and Vietnam actually put India on stronger footing in its dealings with China."
Brahmos is being produced by an Indian-Russian joint venture, BrahMos Aerospace. It's a short-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from ships, submarines or from land. An aircraft launched version is being tested. The land-launched and ship-launched versions are already in service.
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TagsBrahMos, anti-ship missile, India, People's Liberation Army Navy, Philippines, Vietnam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
(Photo : Getty Images) Japanese porn star Shizuka Minamoto received a job offer from Goldman Sachs, but the company pulled the offer off the table when they discovered her past career.
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The Tokyo branch of Goldman Sachs offered a job to a recent college graduate and then quickly rescinded when they discovered that she was former porn star Shizuka Minamoto.
Minamoto starred in dozens of adult films during her first and second years at university.
One source close to the situation said that Goldman Sachs was tipped off by phone that they were in the process of hiring a former adult film actress.
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"As a result, a close examination of personal histories of such employees was performed," said the source. "The results revealed a violation of rules of employment regarding one's private life. That led to the cancellation of the job offer."
The former porn star first appeared in a film called Lost Virginity in 2011. Minamoto said in an interview for the presentation that she was a virgin and that she "scored 935 on the TOEIC exam."
Adult filmmakers focused their marketing on Minamoto's intelligence. The packaging for each film she made pointed out that she was a college student with an IQ of 130.
One adult film expert who knew Minamoto said that "she wasn't going for money or fame: she didn't have those kind of goals. She's the type who was curious."
The expert said she was 18 years old when she made her first pornographic video and that "she made her debut because she wanted more pleasure."
Another source said that Minamoto had no regrets regarding her employment history, "but she was afraid of people finding out about it when she started job hunting."
The former X-rated actress took legal action against websites that illegally uploaded her films, but that was not enough to keep her past from Goldman Sachs.
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TagsShizuka Minamoto, Japanese Porn Star, Goldman sachs, Adult film, porn actress, Goldman Sachs Japan, Pornography, Goldman Sachs fires porn star
COMMENTARY: Making love to the ocean 09 June, 2016 by James Wanliss , |
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (Christian Examiner) A few weeks ago I mentioned the fleeting notoriety of Caitlyn Jenner, writing that he is "so yesterday." To be clear, Jenner is a precious human being for whom I feel pity. And respect. It takes, after all, a certain fortitude to face up to his undeniable manliness, and to voluntarily undertake what amounts to public castration. In other nations castration is considered punishment for vile crimes.
Pandora's box changes so fast one's head spins. Last year it was homosexual marriage and transgenderism. A few weeks ago it was species dysphoria and trans-speciesisma woman who believes she is a cat and a man who married a tree.
This is bad news since none of it reflects the reality of the way the world actually works. If we refuse to recognize the reality of our nature, the human search for meaning becomes full of miserable, often dangerous, contradictions. Which is why Jenner is currently said to be wrestling with the question of whether to cut, or not cut.
The Western world has, with a vengeance, turned its back on God. We have been taught to believe we can have our cake and eat it too. But God will not be mocked. There is always a judgement day. A day to face the knife. A vacuum is not gentle. It may be temporarily restrained by great power. Remove it and in rushes a great, roaring vortex of chaos.
When a people reject God and His commandments the problem is not that they believe in nothing. The problem is that they will believe anything. Nature abhors a vacuum. We have cast out God and seven demons have returned to take His place. This is why we see so much desolation in the world. Up is down, right is wrong, left is right.
Each person, being his own god, does what is right in his own eyes. And since our personal human preferences are notoriously fickle, value becomes a moving target, and then what happens to the idea of humanity, poor thing? Even manly men like Bruce Jenner, when they choose to believe they are women trapped in a man's body, must still deal with painful reality. So, too, a society that once knew, but then rejects, Christian orthodoxy can only hold back the night so long before the protective cultural veneer of Christian orthodoxy wears away.
This brings me to the latest in the cutting edge of the Green movement. Environmentalism is the new civic religion. But Nature religion cannot itself keep up with the rate at which the culture is spawning new gods to worship each of which, like Cronus, feasts on its children.
Elizabeth Stephens, an art professor at tax-funded UC Santa Cruz, thinks she is something new in the Green pantheon because she has taken students to have sex with the ocean. Not with each other, but with the other.
In 2008 Granny Stephens says she married the earth and in 2009 she married the sea. By 2016, noting the sucking sounds of the cultural vacuum, she took her students to the ocean to see if they would find in the ocean an ecosexual lover. If they, like she, would say that as they plunged in "it felt as if the ocean was licking me over and over, again and again with her big frothy tongue." The students were specifically instructed to think of their marriage to the ocean as one involving sex, and received encouragement to "consummate" the marriage and "make love to the water" by penetrating it with their bodies.
None of this is brave or particularly novel. It is narcissistic, childish, and inherently destructive. Stephens lives as she pleases and justifies it all in terms of sex and environmentalism.
She thinks of herself as a pioneer, but her scholarly works consist of pornography, stripping, and marrying the planet. While she is aware of the pagan convergence of sex and environmentalism she seems ignorantshe gives no acknowledgementof ecofeminists who laid the groundwork for such things as her Dirty Sexecology seminars.
Quite some time ago feminist eco-theologian Sallie McFague referred to our planet as "The Body of God" in the title of her book. In Green Sisters: A Spiritual Ecology, Sister Marilyn Rudy of Earth Harmonyin California says, "I realize we are all one piece. I become one with the earth, I am at peace, and know the soil." Sister Marilyn is a nun who does not take the metaphor of oneness as literally as Professor Stephens. But she expresses in words an ideology that Stephens is acting out.
Christianity profoundly changed the pagan world. Some think for the better. Today we are seeing the revival of a new paganism that self-consciously attempts to erase all the distinctions God created. Christian sexual morality created Western civilization, but pagan morality asserts that all is one, which is why distinctions between male and female are under attack. The Bible says God has made other distinctions in the cosmos, notably the Creator-creature distinction, but environmentalists worship Mother Earth. Marriage and sex with the ocean are merely another way of pressing the same culture war forward, by erasing the distinction between creatures made in God's image and those that are not.
James Wanliss, Ph.D., is Professor of Physics at Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC. He is a Policy Advisor to the Heartland Institute, and Senior Fellow and Contributing Writer for The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, and author of Resisting the Green Dragon: Dominion, Not Death. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed physics articles, has held the NSF CAREER award, and does research in space science and nonlinear dynamical systems under grants from NASA and NSF.
'Conjuring 2' shows power of God over evil, writers Carey & Chad Hayes say of 'faith-based' horror flick Guest Reviewer | 09 June, 2016 by Michael Foust
LOS ANGELES (Christian Examiner) Christians have supported multiple movie genres over the years, including comedies, dramas and even science fiction.
And while horror movies generally don't make the list, film writers Carey and Chad Hayes are trying to change that.
Their latest film, "The Conjuring 2" (R), opens this weekend, telling what they say is the true story of a 1977 demonic possession in London and focusing once again on the work of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the real-life investigators who also were spotlighted in 2013's "The Conjuring" which the Hayes brothers co-wrote.
The Hayes are outspoken Christians, and they acknowledge that their movies aren't for everyone. But they also believe that the films fit within the larger framework of movies that reflect a Christian worldview.
"This movie is not about glorifying evil, but it's about the triumph of good over evil," Carey told the Christian Examiner.
To be clear: "The Conjuring 2" is not a film for the entire family - at least not ones with children. Audiences may be scared silly PluggedIn's Paul Asay called the first film perhaps the scariest film he had ever reviewed but in the end, the Hayes brother say, moviegoers will experience a happy ending ... and perhaps walk out talking about spiritual matters, too.
"People [in Hollywood] have started to recognize that Carey and I write [faith] into a lot of films, because we believe it's incredibly powerful, and we believe the world is ready to see it for such a time as this," Chad said.
The Christian Examiner spoke this week with the Hayes brothers. Following is a transcript, edited for clarity:
Christian Examiner: Christian are often skeptical of horror films or thriller films. Why do you think Christians should be more open to this genre specifically, the types you are involved in?
Carey: Ed and Lorraine Warren were very strong Christians and were using their God-given gifts to help thy neighbor. And no matter what that is whether it's somebody has fallen on the street or somebody needs assistance or somebody is being haunted if you as a Christian can help them out in any way, you should do it and not run from it, because good and evil exist. Read the Bible.
Chad: Lorraine will tell you that when they were on their cases, they really didn't worry about what other people thought or said of them, because the truth existed between them and God, and they weren't worried. What we've tried to do is create films with redemption. They have happy endings. There's no sex. There's no violence. There's no swearing. It's rated R because it's a very scary story that happened to real people.
Carey: It's a true story.
Chad: Yes, a true story. So the idea of going and supporting these films and having one person come to the Lord or a dozen people come to the Lord ...
Carey: I also believe that Conjuring 2 is a love story. And it's a really strong love story between Ed and Lorraine, who respect each other, who stick with each other's wishes, who work together, who want to help other people.
Chad: It's an opportunity, we feel, to open up the world to, "Wow, does this really exist?" For the first "Conjuring" we did a private screening for some family and friends, and we got a call from a dad the next day who had the most amazing conversation with His son who was having some bouts with the demonic and hadn't really shared it with his dad, and it came out while driving home with his dad that some of that was stuff was happening. His dad was really blown away, and the kid was really scared that it could get worse instead of better. The kid is a Christian to this day.
Carey: This movie is not about glorifying evil, but it's about the triumph of good over evil.
CE: Historically, people have viewed horror and thriller movies as films that are intended to scare and even intended to make the person walk out feeling scared. How do you make such a movie without it appearing that evil has won the day?
Carey: Well, because evil doesn't win the day in our movies. I'll give you an example. When we did "The Conjuring" opening, we went to different movie theaters and stood in the back and watched people's reaction to the movie. We were at this one theater, and this girl gets up and she's very upset, and she's walking away with her boyfriend. I followed them out to the lobby. She wanted to go, and I said, "Hey, for what it's worth, I'm the writer. Are you super scared right now?" She said, "Yeah," and I said, "Trust me, this movie has such a happy ending. You will love it." And she went back in, and she came out afterwards and she said, "Oh my, I can't believe I almost walked out of that" because it was such a happy ending at the end. They are terrifying to experience, but when you go to a horror movie, it's like getting on a roller coaster I know what I've signed up for, but I'm safe.
Chad: Carey and I were approached a number of times after the first film by priests and by ministers, and a couple of times by youth pastors who showed parts of "The Conjuring" to open a discussion within their teen groups to discuss certain aspects of what certain people in the world might be going through and how we can help them. [They examined] whether this could be true "let's look it up in the Bible." We found this niche to write these films that are redemptive like you said, in most horror genre films, evil has won and it's a set-up for the next movie: The demon is going to get someone in the next move. That isn't what we set out to write. These all have happy endings. We're calling this one a love story that happens to be in a scary setting. There is a notion out there of: "Why am I going to watch a scary movie that's just going to leave me scared and not feeling good?" Well, if you leave "The Conjuring 2" feeling that way, we haven't done a good job.
CE: Tell me about your faith journey.
Chad: Carey and I have been believers most of our lives. Our parents are strong Christians. We went to church every Sunday grew up very nuclear in the sense that we had dinner every night as a family. Sundays were family day. We would go to church and then we would do something fun as a family. So our parents led by really great example. They are still married and are in their mid-80s. Lots of our uncles and cousins are missionaries and pastors and ministers.
CE: Is there one verse that summaries your belief system, your theology, when you write these?
Chad: Yes. It's Ephesians 6:12 "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil, in the heavenly realms." And 6:16 as well: "Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." That's in our office.
"The Conjuring 2" is rated R for terror and horror violence.
Michael Foust has covered the film industry for more than a decade. Follow him on Twitter: @MichaelFoust
Pastor offers 'gentle rebuke' for Baptist editor who wrote religious liberty is not for Muslims 08 June, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |
FARMERSVILLE, Texas (Christian Examiner) A Southern Baptist pastor and seminary trustee is asking the editor of America's oldest religious newspaper to retract an editorial in which he claimed Muslims are not deserving of the same religious liberty afforded to others under the U.S. Constitution.
Gerald Harris, editor of Georgia's Christian Index, wrote in his editorial June 6 of the various Islamist movements in Iran, Palestine and Iraq, and claimed Islam "may be more of a geo-political movement than a religion."
"So, do Southern Baptists entities need to come to the defense of a geo-political movement that has basically set itself against Western Civilization? Even if Islam is a religion must we commit ourselves to fight for the religious freedom of a movement that aggressively militates against other religions?"
Even if Islam is a religion must we commit ourselves to fight for the religious freedom of a movement that aggressively militates against other religions? ... In essence they want to use our democracy to establish their theocracy (with Allah as supreme). Their goal politically is to destroy the Constitution with its embedded freedom and democracy and replace it with Sharia Law.
Harris, who offered no distinction between moderate Muslims and the radical Islamist movements plaguing the world and perpetrating Christian genocide in Syria and elsewhere, said freedom of religion for Muslims "means allowing them the right to establish Islam as the state religion, subjugating infidels, even murdering those who are critics of Islam and those who oppose their brutal religion. In essence they want to use our democracy to establish their theocracy (with Allah as supreme). Their goal politically is to destroy the Constitution with its embedded freedom and democracy and replace it with Sharia Law."
He also criticized Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, for spending his "professional capital" in defense of Muslims who wanted to build a mosque in New Jersey, but not on legislation (HB 757) in Georgia to protect religious liberty where it intersects with same-sex marriage.
Harris's editorial has prompted a gentle rebuke from Bart Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church of Farmersville, Texas, and a trustee of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Barber, who holds a Ph.D. in church history, wrote at SBC Today that Harris's editorial is, "as far as I can tell, unprecedented in Baptist history."
"For such a well-known and prominent Baptist whose resume consists exclusively of Baptist educational institutions and employment by Baptist churches and causes and who leads such an historic Baptist publication to author an editorial calling for the government to curtail religious liberty is breathtaking," Barber wrote.
Barber added that Baptists have argued for religious liberty "explicitly for Muslims" as far back as the tradition reaches. That is why Harris's stance is "tectonic," and could only be paralleled by an event such as Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler arguing against baptism by immersion in an official school publication, or Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson arguing against the necessity of personal conversion. Barber also wrote no Baptist leader in 500 years has argued against religious liberty universally applied.
"And now we can't say that ever again," Barber wrote.
Barber addressed Harris's arguments that Islam seeks to establish political hegemony over the world and impose its views on others. He acknowledged that as truth, but claimed Islam is not the first political (or religious) entity in the world to ever attempt that. In fact, Barber argued that state churches led by monarchs, like the Anglican Church in England that sought to control American Colonial religion, enforced conformity and executed dissenters just as Muslims execute "infidels."
"Ask William Tyndale. Ask Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer, and Thomas Cranmer. Watch the Church of England carry to the stake the broken body of Anne Askew and set her afire, then tell me that Islam is unique among the religions. The count of atrocities committed under statutes like the Clarendon Code is legion," Barber wrote.
He pointed to the Roman Catholic Church which killed people like Michael and Margaretha Sattler, the Zwinglians who killed the Anabaptist Felix Manz, and the Massachusetts Congregationalists who beat Obadiah Holmes.
Barber also cited the worship of the Japanese emperor during World War II as "the manifestation of god," a belief that propelled Japanese soldiers forward to rape and pillage their way through the cultures of those they regarded as inferior peoples.
"For whatever it is worth, I'd offer my opinion that a system of belief in which the ruler of the state is considered to be the incarnate manifestation of god would qualify as perhaps a wee bit geo-political. If they further believe that god has granted that head of state the right to rule the entire world, I'd count them as a threat to Western civilization. If they feel that these beliefs justify them in committing atrocities throughout the Pacific Rim, then I'd be willing to categorize them as violent and terroristic," Barber wrote.
Finally, Barber pointed to the experience of the early church where believers were forced to choose between worshiping the Roman emperor or remaining faithful to Christ. Even in the middle of an administration that used "violence in the furtherance of a geo-politically bent religious system," Christians remained faithful to the idea that truth could overcome any political power that opposed it.
Barber concluded by claiming Harris's main point in his editorial that "Baptists live in a new era of the rising tide of Islam" is illegitimate.
"When did Islam acquire its geo-political nature? In the seventh century A.D. By the eighth century A.D., Charles Martel and other Christians are battling militant Islam on the fields of Europe. So, the geo-political and territorially aggressive nature of Islam is a reality that we've known about for nearly 1,300 years," Barber wrote.
"That means that the nature of Islam is not some new reality to which we must adjust our idea of religious liberty. To the contrary, Baptists have known about the nature of Islam throughout the entire development of our understanding of religious liberty."
In fact, Islam is not even the world's fastest-growing religion, he wrote. Christianity is and Muslims are rapidly coming to faith in Christ across the Middle East.
"The most powerful nation in the world has universal religious liberty. The most rapidly growing religion in the world is Evangelical Christianitythe faith that gave the world universal religious liberty and has been its staunchest ongoing defender. You'd think that those two facts would instill a little pragmatic confidence in the idea of universal religious liberty," Barber wrote.
And if Muslims, or Satanists or witches should conduct terrorist operations, call for jihad or stoke insurrection, Barber wrote that he believes the government is capable of policing those criminal acts. No potential crime, he wrote, is worth surrendering the inalienable right to one's personal religious beliefs and actions outside of the purview of government or any other religious authority.
The construction of First Presbyterian Church of Orange County (FPCOC)'s new education building in its Westminster, CA church campus has been completed, and has received support from members of the surrounding community.
To celebrate, the church hosted an opening ceremony on June 4, which included a congratulatory message from Mayor Tri Ta of Westminster, field representatives from other government officials, member testimonies, and a key note speech from Soo Yoo, a member of the ABC School Board.
The idea for the building, called the OC1 Vision Center, first came about in the church's elder session meetings as they discussed how the church could serve the younger generation.
With such a large project there is a lot of money involved, so it was naturally easy to approach points of contention and conflict within the church, explained Pastor James Kwak, the head pastor of the English-speaking congregation at FPCOC.
"Like in any big project, there is difficulty in unifying everyone into one vision," he said. However, through "God's providence, we were able to maintain overall unity and peace of the church and find a construction company who worked with us and went above and beyond for the sake of the building."
"God provided for the building throughout the whole process through different people at different times," said Kwak.
The new building is a total of 14,000 square feet, with 2 floors, a playground, 100 percent LED light system, and energy saving windows. The ground breaking ceremony for the beginning of construction for the building was almost a year ago on June 28, 2015.
During the ceremony, a member of the elder board, Dr. Robert Ha (MD), introduced and explained the vision statement for the new OC1 Vision Center.
OC1 Vision Center is an important place that God has provided for First Presbyterian Church of Orange Countys revival and future, that will (1) provide a place of spiritual growth for young generation through education and worship, (2) present a place of fellowship for the young people and others, and (3) provide a means of community outreach through the preschool and various educational programs," said Ha. "We believe through these plans the Vision Center will produce important growth for our church in the future.
Orange County is very competitive academically, so how can we, as a church, serve the community students? We thought of many ideas on how to fully take advantage of our new building," Kwak said, explaining how the church hopes to use the building to be a benefit to the community. "Along with the Vision School preschool and after school program, we have plans to run a SAT school for local students at a fraction of the cost of other facilities. We want to reach out to the high schools around us and emphasize the importance for students to experience life amidst their stressful academics.
During the keynote, Soo Yoo commended FPCOC for their vision for children and the community. Yoo shared about her experiences of the church raising her to be kept on the right path and allowing her to have a vision while her parents were busy working to provide for her. She stated that through this vision, the church is rising out of its comfort zone and looking into the local neighborhoods in order to spread the gospel, rather than overseas.
A local visitor shared his excitement about the Vision School opening because of the convenience of having a preschool at a walking distance from his neighborhood.
The Vision School is set to open by the end of summer and will soon start enrolling students in the local community.
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Image: LifeWay Christian Resources
The Billy Graham statue outside LifeWay Christian Resources headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee
Yesterday, contractors working to dismantle the familiar 9-foot statue of Billy Graham outside of LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville ran into trouble.
LifeWay, which sold its 15-acre downtown campus last year, plans to move the statue to the entrance of its Ridgecrest Conference Center near Grahams home in North Carolina.
But today the statue still stands in Nashville, delayed because it was attached to the ground differently than expected, LifeWay stated. The removal has been rescheduled for June 25, LifeWay spokesperson Marty King told CT.
It was secured by grout, reportedThe Tennessean.
When the statue does come down, it will be stored until its new site is ready in the fall. LifeWays new headquarters is only three acres, making the mountain retreat the most optimal location, King told the Nashville newspaper.
The statue depicts Graham in a three-piece suit, standing by a 17-foot cross. His arms are outstretched; his left hand is wrapped around a Bible. The piece was sculpted by pastor Terrell OBrien and donated to LifeWay by two Southern Baptist businessmen in 2006.
Ridgecrest is a perfect location for the Graham statue, stated LifeWay president and CEO Thom S. Rainer. It is only a few miles from the home where Mr. Graham has lived most of his life, and it will welcome nearly 70,000 men and women, boys and girls who come to Ridgecrest every year for spiritual training and retreat.
This isnt the only Graham statue to be delayed.
Last fall, North Carolina governor Pat McCrory signed a bill that will honor Graham with a statue in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., where each state is allowed two statues. Graham will replace the current statue of former North Carolina governorand white supremacistCharles B. Aycock.
That statue will also have to wait, because policy dictates that the honor is a posthumous one. Graham, 97, still lives at his home in North Carolina.
Were certainly not trying to hasten anything, Charles Jeter, who sponsored the bill in the North Carolina legislature, told the Charlotte Observer. We hope Rev. Graham lives a long time. But we can get the authorizing language, and more importantly get the fundraising started.
Jeter expects the money will be raised by private donations: We dont intend to have the state pay for this.
Despite his age and relative reclusively, Graham is the 16th most admired man in the world, according to a 2016 YouGov poll. He ranks after Bill Gates (No. 1), the Dalai Lama (No. 8), and Pope Francis (No. 13), but ahead of Donald Trump (No. 18) and Bernie Sanders (No. 20). (The chart below shows how he fared in each country YouGov surveyed.)
In Gallups annual poll of the Most Admired Men in America, Graham tied Bill Clinton at No. 9 in 2015, down from No. 4 in 2014 and No. 3 (again tied with Clinton) in 2013. It was his 59th year on the list.
Gallup noted in December:
I have to confess: Im envious of the church in Netflixs Daredevil. I want Matt Murdock, the titular vigilante of New Yorks Hells Kitchen, to be a Baptist. I want him to come to my church for counsel about the issues he wrestles with in his fight against injustice. I want our evangelical faith to have the kind of gravitas that would draw a battered and bruised superhero through our open doors.
Over the course of the hit series first season, Matts battle against the crime lord Wilson Fisk forces him to consider the true cost of sin. As a fledgling crimefighter, Matts not naive; he already knows how evil people are and how much more evil they are capable of becoming. But the wealthy, sadistic, and self-assured Fisk seems so hideous, so untouchable by the law, that death-by-vigilantism seems to be the only way to bring him to justice.
This moral dilemma pushes Matt back to the Catholic church of his youth, where he begins to sporadically meet with his priest, Father Lantom. In one such visit, after Lantom offers Matt counseland a latte from the churchs newly donated coffee makerthey sit in the sanctuary and discuss the value of human life. Matt is surrounded by hopelessness, and though his friends offer some comfort, his moonlight crusading prevents him from confiding in them. Father Lantom, however, knows about Matts attempts to be the guardian of Hells Kitchenand because of his relationship with Matt through the church, he is able to guide him and even offer some relief.
But he also challenges him. While Lantom affirms what Matt already knowsthat there is evil in the worldhe also sees what Matt has trouble seeing: the undeniable presence of goodness. He counsels Matt not to kill his nemesis, not only because Fisk is a human being who, like all human beings, can be redeemed, but also because doing so would only diminish Matts own humanity.
When Matt leaves the church, his path forward has not been made easier; in fact, Lantoms warning raises the stakes. If Matt continues down a path of violence, he isnt just in danger of losing Hells Kitchen. He may also lose his soul.
In the end, then, Father Lantom and the church are strong anchors that keep Matt from becoming as big a monster as Fisk. Even though Matt operates outside of the law, his faith is such that he submits, at least partially, to the law of God mediated to him through his local bodylargely because it serves as a place of refuge and light in the midst of the citys deadly shadows.
As ministry leaders, we are privileged to shepherd a church that can be this kind of a beacon in a dark, dark worlda place where matters of life and death, of heaven and hell, of body and soul can be discussed sincerely and seriously, and where sinners can come to confess and draw strength to stay on the straight and narrow.
I want my church to be a place like that.
Life Legal Files Lawsuit to Stop Assisted Suicide Law Contact: Alexandra Snyder, Life Legal Defense Foundation , 202-717-7371 RIVERSIDE, Calif., June 8, 2016 /
The Civil Rights lawsuit alleges Equal Protection violations of individuals labeled terminally ill and was filed by five physicians in southern California and by the American Academy of Medical Ethics (AAME), which represents more than 600 California doctors and over 2 million patients. AAME has 15,000 physician members nationwide. The individual physicians include two oncologists, a neurologist, as well as palliative care and hospice physicians, all seeking to protect the rights of their patients.
The Act decriminalizes physician-assisted suicide and instantly removes criminal law, elder abuse, and mental-health legal protections from any individual deemed terminally ill, despite the inherent uncertainty and frequently inaccurate nature of such a prognosis. In contrast, all non-terminally ill Californians enjoy Penal Code 401 protection, which makes it a felony to aid, advise, or encourage another to commit suicide. They also enjoy other legal protections against suicide, including being placed on 72-hour (to 30-day) mental-health holds to protect them from self harm.
California's assisted suicide law does not require labeled individuals seeking a lethal prescription to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, so patients with untreated depression and suicidal ideation can be prescribed lethal drugs. A large body of psychiatric research has demonstrated that 80-90% of all suicides are associated with depression or other treatable mental disorders. The California Department of Public Health Care Services assumes that only two percent of Medi-Cal patients likely to request the lethal drugs will be referred for psychiatric counseling and set the state budget accordingly.
"We are asking the court to uphold civil and criminal laws that should apply equally to all Californians, including laws that protect people from self-harm and elder abuse laws. The End of Life Option Act is irreparably flawed as it removes crucial protections from individuals who are most susceptible to depression, abuse, and coercion," said Alexandra Snyder, Executive Director of the Life Legal Defense Foundation. "The Act provides virtually no safeguards for labeled individuals who may suffer from untreated mental illness or mood disorders and grants full immunity for doctors to participate in the killing of their most vulnerable patients."
The End of Life Option Act also incentivizes the creation of Kevorkian-like suicide pipelines. Doctors who prescribe the drugs do not have to have a prior relationship with patients and are thus free to prey on vulnerable patientsincluding those who are mentally illas they would be immune from nearly all civil and criminal liability under the Act.
Under the Act, "terminal illness" includes any condition that, if left untreated, would cause death within six months. This encompasses many types of illnesseseven those that can be successfully treatedif the patient decides to forego treatment. Moreover, predicting life expectancy is crude and fraught with subjective judgment. Physicians' predictions for life-expectancy are frequently wrong.
Life Legal will hold a press conference outside the California Superior Courthouse in Riverside tomorrow, June 9, following the 8:30 a.m. hearing on the case.
LINK TO COMPLAINT.
Life Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit
Share Tweet RIVERSIDE, Calif., June 8, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- The Life Legal Defense Foundation filed a lawsuit today challenging California's physician-assisted suicide law, the "End of Life Option Act." The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court in Riverside County.The Civil Rights lawsuit alleges Equal Protection violations of individuals labeled terminally ill and was filed by five physicians in southern California and by the American Academy of Medical Ethics (AAME), which represents more than 600 California doctors and over 2 million patients. AAME has 15,000 physician members nationwide. The individual physicians include two oncologists, a neurologist, as well as palliative care and hospice physicians, all seeking to protect the rights of their patients.The Act decriminalizes physician-assisted suicide and instantly removes criminal law, elder abuse, and mental-health legal protections from any individual deemed terminally ill, despite the inherent uncertainty and frequently inaccurate nature of such a prognosis. In contrast, all non-terminally ill Californians enjoy Penal Code 401 protection, which makes it a felony to aid, advise, or encourage another to commit suicide. They also enjoy other legal protections against suicide, including being placed on 72-hour (to 30-day) mental-health holds to protect them from self harm.California's assisted suicide law does not require labeled individuals seeking a lethal prescription to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, so patients with untreated depression and suicidal ideation can be prescribed lethal drugs. A large body of psychiatric research has demonstrated that 80-90% of all suicides are associated with depression or other treatable mental disorders. The California Department of Public Health Care Services assumes that only two percent of Medi-Cal patients likely to request the lethal drugs will be referred for psychiatric counseling and set the state budget accordingly."We are asking the court to uphold civil and criminal laws that should apply equally to all Californians, including laws that protect people from self-harm and elder abuse laws. The End of Life Option Act is irreparably flawed as it removes crucial protections from individuals who are most susceptible to depression, abuse, and coercion," said Alexandra Snyder, Executive Director of the Life Legal Defense Foundation. "The Act provides virtually no safeguards for labeled individuals who may suffer from untreated mental illness or mood disorders and grants full immunity for doctors to participate in the killing of their most vulnerable patients."The End of Life Option Act also incentivizes the creation of Kevorkian-like suicide pipelines. Doctors who prescribe the drugs do not have to have a prior relationship with patients and are thus free to prey on vulnerable patientsincluding those who are mentally illas they would be immune from nearly all civil and criminal liability under the Act.Under the Act, "terminal illness" includes any condition that, if left untreated, would cause death within six months. This encompasses many types of illnesseseven those that can be successfully treatedif the patient decides to forego treatment. Moreover, predicting life expectancy is crude and fraught with subjective judgment. Physicians' predictions for life-expectancy are frequently wrong.Life Legal will hold a press conference outside the California Superior Courthouse in Riverside tomorrow, June 9, following the 8:30 a.m. hearing on the case.Life Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org
Archbishop Desmond Tutu nominates Palestinian leader for Nobel Prize
It's reported that Archbishop Desmond Tutu has nominated an imprisoned Palestinian leader for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Marwan Barghouti has been behind bars since 2002. He was found guilty by Israel of murder in 2004.
Archbishop Tutu, famous for his role in bringing peace and reconciliation to South Africa, has long been a supporter of ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Now he has built on that by making the nomination.
An official account linked to Tutu tweeted, "I have nominated imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti for #NobelPeacePrize 2017. For peace and justice."
I have nominated imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti for #NobelPeacePrize 2017. For peace and justice. pic.twitter.com/CgtzSKVeWN DesmondTutu Official (@TheDesmondTutu) June 8, 2016
Barghouti was a prominent member of Fatah the Palestinian group formerly headed by Yasser Arafat and was its leader in the West Bank.
While the Israeli authorities have maintained that he is a leader of armed attacks, Barghouti claims to only have been involved in political work.
He is seen as a future leader of the Palestinians.
Earlier this week Tutu received a visit from the head of the World Council of Churches Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. He said, "It is always inspiring to listen to and talk with Desmond Tutu. He carries both the legacy and the vision of our Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace with us... His experience, wisdom and not least his spirituality is a great gift to the ecumenical movement as we work for the unity of humanity and the unity of the church in every corner of the world."
Archbishop of York: 'My conscience tells me I must vote Remain'
The Archbishop of York has said his conscience tells him to vote in favour of staying in the European Union.
John Sentamu has previously said he has not seen a "cogent argument for Brexit", but he officially announced his support for Remain in an article for the Telegraph on Thursday. The second most senior Anglican figure in the UK said Britain's historic commitment to European countries obliged him to vote Remain.
"If we deny that history and undertakings already made within it, we deny our connection with what our predecessors have done, which means denying our own national identity," he wrote.
Sentamu admitted there was strength in the Brexit argument but said "not all decisions should be made purely on the basis of 'What's in it for us?'".
He wrote: "Economically, it's possible that Britain can survive outside the European Union. But where would be our self-respect and sense of identity with history? And why would other nations wish to make other agreements with a nation whose word is no longer its bond?"
The archbishop did not offer an overwheming endorsement of the EU but rather quoted Psalm 15.46's blessing for one who "stands by his oath even to his hurt" to argue that Britain should remain in the EU even to its detriment because of past treaties and promises.
He urged voters to "stick to the rule book [even] when one disagrees with others' decisions". Moral responsibilities "must never give away to pragmatism", he wrote.
The Archbishop's commitment to the EU comes after the Church of Scotland officially backed Remain and Catholic bishops in Northern Ireland told voters the EU was inspired by "gospel values".
The Archbishop of Canterbury has been repeatedly asked for his position on the referendum but has declined to comment. He faced intensive questioning from MPs on the home affairs select committee on Tuesday but avoided revealing his views. He has previously said there was not one Christian view on it.
On Wednesday the deadline for voter registration was extended until 11.59pm on Thursday after the government website crashed before the previous cut-off, preventing thousands from registering to vote.
Bible store causes amusement by posting quote mocking Christianity
A Christian bookshop has caused amusement online after sharing a quote that mocked Christianity.
"The best cure for Christianity is reading the Bible," the quote outside a Bible store read. Widely attributed to Mark Twain, the phrase is often used to criticise Christianity and many commentators online pointed out the store's owners might have misunderstood.
Mitch Hoover, from Wichita, Kansas, shared the image on Facebook with the caption: "Ummm...I don't think that quote means you think it means."
A discussion on the online forum Reddit quickly escalated with various people offering suggestions for how the quote ended up outside a Christian store.
"Maybe they're just trying to sell Bibles," wrote one.
"I think people might read it as 'For Christians, the best cure is the Bible'," another suggested.
The possible reasons quickly became more far-fetched.
"Maybe they are interpreting it to mean "Christianity is corrupt and sick and the only cure is for people to start reading the bible" but that's a bit of a stretch," said one.
Another quickly chimed in with an alternative theory.
"Maybe one of the employees - the one charged with posting quotes - is secretly an atheist."
But some were just plain baffled by the mistake.
"Beats me. The words 'Cure Christianity' are both right there, in the same sentence... adjacent to one another even! I honestly have no idea how anyone could interpret that quote in any other way than what was originally intended," another said.
And some just found it purely entertaining.
Curtailment of religious rights? Christians told to pray silently in Italian church so as not to disturb Muslim migrants
Are Muslim refugees already beginning to infringe on the rights of Christians to freely and openly practice their religion?
Much to the surprise of several faithful, Christians hoping to practice their faith in a church in Italy were told by a Catholic charity group to "pray in silence" so as not to disturb Muslim migrants from Africa who were seeking temporary refuge there.
Volunteers from Caritas, a Roman Catholic organisation focused on relief efforts, who discouraged some Christians from praying the rosary out loud at the Saint Anthony Church in Ventimiglia, Italy, worried that this might offend the African refugees, who were mostly Muslims.
Understandably, some of the parishioners were not comfortable with this request, knowing full well that they have the right to worship God in public. A woman, for instance, requested that the migrants be taken to another church so that she could freely recite the rosary.
Instead of accommodating the female parishioner's request, the parish priest, Fr. Don Rito, showed up and personally accompanied her and other parishioners to another church.
The Italian town's mayor, Enrico Ioculano, meanwhile admitted that the presence of immigrants in his area has already placed them in an "untenable situation." He said the town is already struggling with its finances ever since it accommodated the refugees.
Online users who read this story on Breitbart, however, were also not pleased with the current situation in Italy and elsewhere in the West. A commenter even urged Christians to worship more publicly if faced with this situation: "It is time Christians take an equal stand for our religious rights" to a more direct reaction from one who said, "After being told that, it would have been extremely hard for me not to stand up and start praying at the top of my lungs."
Others meanwhile painted a grim picture of the future, saying this is just the start of the curtailment of freedoms to accommodate the migrants.
"It's all part of the New World Order. Bring down the major institutions, create chaos and mayhem in the streets, then step in like a saviour to stop the fighting that you caused. The people will pay any price for their security," one online user was quoted by WND as saying.
Others predicted that the United States will experience similar limitations to religious freedom if it elects a pro-immigrant president.
"Lock and load my friends. Get ready. After the presidential elections are over and Hillary is our new POTUS, we will be in deep poop because of her immigration policies," one commenter said.
Desmond Tutu's daughter: 'Incredibly sad' to leave priesthood
Archbishop Desmond Tutu's daughter has said she is "incredibly sad" to leave the preisthood after her same-sex marriage to Marceline van Furth.
Mpho Tutu's civil wedding took place in the Netherlands in December and was celebrated in South Africa last month. In an interview with BBC on Thursday she said falling in love with a woman had been as much a surprise for her as anyone else.
"I know my marriage sounds like a coming out party but quite frankly I am guessing that I fall more as bisexual on the spectrum than lesbian.
"Falling in love with Marceline was probably as much a surprise to me as anyone else."
Tutu's father, Desmond, has been a long time advocate for women priests and LGBT rights. "I would not worship a God who is homophobic and that his how deeply I feel about this," he told the launch of the Free and Equal campaign in Cape Town in 2013.
Mpho said part of her had been "stripped away" by the removal of her license.
"A few years ago I celebrated the Eucharist with my father and so to now be in a position where I can't serve at the altar with him I was surprised by how much it hurt," she told the BBC.
She said her father was "saddened" by her removal as well.
Although South Africa has legalised same-sex marriage, the Anglican church prohibits clergy from officiating at gay weddings or entering into gay marriage themselves. Mpho said she knew she would have to give up her license after her wedding but said she wanted to "always choose love".
"Everything else will fall into place. When in doubt do the most loving thing."
She added she did not think the Anglican Communion would hold on to its teaching that marriage is only between a man and a woman.
"What is so absolute that we can't pass beyond this point?" she said. "The reality is that not only do we have gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people of every description sitting in our pews, to be perfectly honest we have all of those people standing in our pulpits as well.
"Yet very often they sit in fear in the pews and they stand in fear in the pulpits because they are not free to fully own who they are and who they love."
(((Fightback))) How Twitter users are taking on anti-Semitism
Any new craze on social media grabs my attention. This week was no different. I began to notice friends' Twitter names appearing with three brackets around them. Once I'd seen it a couple of times I was intrigued enough to investigate.
It turns out the phenomenon has begun to spread as an act of defiance against online Anti-Semitism. The past couple of weeks have seen people adding the brackets to their names in an act of defiance because for the last couple of years the signal has been used by far-right groups to identify Jewish people online.
Joining the fight against Nazis with brackets around my name: https://t.co/UYR5VF3kqH (((Karen Burke))) (@KarenDBurke) June 9, 2016
Why've I put triple brackets round my name? Because when punctuation's used to persecute you've got to take a stand https://t.co/uxuCQPlNhE (((GeoffBraterman))) (@GeoffBraterman) June 7, 2016
There's a good explanation of the origins of the brackets here, and as ever when one comes across bigotry and racism online it's a pretty depressing read. What started as a niche white nationalist fad began to be used to attack Jewish journalists and other prominent figures online. Their names were surrounded by three brackets as a kind of code between racists so that they could be identified as Jewish without using the actual words.
As one Jewish writer put it, it's a form of intimidation and threatening behaviour.
In a counter move, Jewish people have begun to reclaim the signal. High profile Jewish tweeters began adding the brackets to their names in a bid to draw attention to the racists' activities.
This has caught on and non-Jewish tweeters have also started to add the brackets to their names. Because it's hard to search for users who've done this it's impossible to know how many have adopted the meme, but just looking at my timeline it's easy to see there are many who have. Google has now removed a Chrome app which automatically added the brackets to people's names when they appeared in articles online if they had a surname of Jewish origin a small victory for the counter campaign.
As with any trending meme, once I'd found out about it and realised it was an act of defiance against racists, I was tempted to join in. Yet something stopped me. I decided against adding the brackets to my name because it felt a bit too much like virtue signaling the phenomenon where people behave in the 'right way' online, without actually doing anything in their actual lives to fight injustice.
I'm not Jewish and have never been the victim of online abuse. Of course, I could have added the brackets as an act of solidarity, but I felt like my motives were too mixed. I was looking to be seen as doing the right thing in effect to be 'cool.' In the end, while admiring the Jewish tweeters who'd appropriated the meme, I didn't join them.
This is in contrast to a similar phenomenon a few years ago when the full horror of the ISIS rampage through parts of Syria and Iraq was becoming clear. They were painting the Arabic letter N on the houses of Christians to mark out those who needed to pay a special tax or face punishment even death. In the wake of this horrible news many of us added the N sign to our social media.
I was among them and retain the symbol on my Twitter picture to this day. This felt less like virtue signaling and more like solidarity, primarily because I'm a Christian. I share the beliefs of those being persecuted in the Middle East so it felt appropriate to join in the meme. I was appropriating the symbol in solidarity and in a tiny way defying the death march of ISIS.
Let's be clear online memes aren't going to change the world. At best, they're a way to defy the racists and to show solidarity. But what if we took the idea over into our offline lives?
What if German citizens had, en masse, begun wearing the Star Of David in solidarity with Jews being persecuted by the Nazis? Would it have prevented the march towards the Holocaust? Probably not. But it would have been an act of solidarity that went well beyond virtue signaling it would have cost those who participated dearly.
This idea of cost gets to the bottom of why I feel uncomfortable with adopting the brackets myself. I and my family haven't suffered the horrendous persecution that has been the lot of Jews throughout history. If I haven't born the cost then I should think carefully before participating in the latest social media trend. So I won't add the brackets, but offer a full commendation to Jewish friends who do keep fighting back against the bigots.
Follow Andy Walton on Twitter at @waltonandy
Hindu extremists beat and torture nearly 30 Christians in India
Hindu extremists in India have beaten up and tortured 29 Christians who refused to deny their faith in Christ and convert to Hinduism.
They also destroyed several Christian homes and forced occupants to flee their village of Katholi, reported The Daily Express, which has been running a series on persecution of Christians around the world.
According to the charity Open Doors, the Hindu extremists insisted the leader of the Christians in Katholi attend a specially convened meeting with the other Christians. When they refused to convert, they were all beaten up, including the women and children.
They ran away, tried to return four days later but were forced to flee again.
Open Doors said: "This is just one of an increasing number of stories of persecution coming out of India. Hindu extremists have been attacking Christians more frequently and more violently. This is happening across India and has increased by 34 per cent since 2013.
"Christians are also finding they are prevented from getting certain jobs, buying land or developing land in certain areas and even distributing Christian literature has led to arrests in cities like Delhi."
The charity added: "The villagers accused them saying because of you our god and goddess are fleeing from our village. When they refused to forsake Christ they began to beat them. Beating them they drove them towards their houses and threw out their belonging."
Open Doors is supporting Christians who are victims of violence in India through the work of local Churches and partner organisations. The charity provides emergency medical fees, clothing, food rations, help with housing and trauma care.
The charity called for prayers that God will protect vulnerable Christians in India, act to protect religious liberty and ensure justice for Christians and other minorities.
Christianity is expanding in India along with Hindu persecution of Christians.
Last year, hundreds of nationalists attacked a Protestant church in Madhya Pradesh, throwing stones at Christians.
In the latest attack, local police tried to stop the beatings and torture but it still continued later.
Christianity is India's third-largest religion with nearly 30 million followers, nearly 3 per cent of India's population.
How to avoid a 'broken' heart: Married people more likely to survive cardiac arrest, study shows
Not a believer of the sacred Christian institution of marriage? Convinced that couples are better off with cohabitation? Well, here's something that might convince you into settling down.
A recent study from the United Kingdom showed that individuals who take their marriage vows are less likely to have their hearts broken, in the medical sense.
That is, married people are more likely to survive a heart attack compared to single people, according to a study conducted by cardiologists from the University of East Anglia in Norfolk, U.K.
Married people were 14 percent less likely to die from cardiac arrest compared to single people, according to the study.
The same research also showed that individuals who have already said their "I do's" in front of God and the Church are more likely to recuperate and be discharged from the hospital faster after suffering from a heart attack compared to uncommitted patients.
Married heart attack patients spend an average of two fewer days in the hospital than single survivors, based on the study which was presented earlier this week during a British Cardiovascular Society meeting in Manchester, England.
Dr. Nicholas Gollop, a clinical research fellow and a study co-author, nevertheless assured single people that there is nothing to be worried about.
"Our results should not be a cause for concern for single people who have had a heart attack," Gollop said in an article published by Newsmax.
"But they should certainly be a reminder to the medical community of the importance of considering the support a heart attack survivor will get once they're discharged," he added.
The British researchers reached these interesting conclusions on the correlation of civil status and recovery rates from heart attacks by examining data from more than 25,000 heart attack patients in England.
Dr. Mike Knapton, associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation, stressed that emotional support is very important for those who suffered cardiac arrest.
"A heart attack can have both devastating physical and psychological effectsmost of which are hidden from the outside world. These findings suggest the support offered by a spouse can have a beneficial effect on heart attack survivors, perhaps helping to minimise the impact of a heart attack," Knapton told Newsmax.
India's religious freedom row
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday insisted that religious freedom is enshrined in the country's constitution, and that India is "a modern nation with freedom, democracy, and equality as the essence of its soul."
He was speaking before a joint meeting of the US Congress in Washington, only the fifth Indian prime minister to do so. Modi, who took office in May 2014, told the room: "For my government, the constitution is its real holy book. And, in that holy book, freedom of faith, speech and franchise, and equality of all citizens, regardless of background, are enshrined as fundamental right."
He continued: "All the 1.25 billion of our citizens have freedom from fear, a freedom they exercise every moment of their lives".
Modi's speech is notable because he was previously banned from entering the US under a law that makes foreign officials who are responsible for "severe violations of religious freedom" ineligible for visas.
In 2005, he was denied a visa in the wake of a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The report said he had supported Hindu extremists during the 2002 Gujarat riots that resulted in the deaths of between 790 and 2,500 Muslims.
In 2008, then-chair of the commission Felice Gaer urged the US to uphold the ban. She said at the time: "As official bodies of the government of India have found, Narendra Modi is culpable for the egregious and systematic human rights abuses wrought against thousands of India's Muslims.
"Mr Modi must demonstrate to the State Department and to the American people why he as a person found to have aided and abetted gross violations of human rights, including religious freedom should now be eligible for a tourist visa."
However, in September 2014 Modi made his first official state visit to the US as Prime Minister, and is now said to be on good terms with Barack Obama publicly addressing the President on first name terms several times during his visit to India last year.
His relationship with the US, however, is still showing some signs of strain.
A delegation from the USCIRF was denied Indian visas this March as a result of its 2015 report that said India had seen a rise in religiously-motivated violence for three consecutive years.
Government spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the report failed to show "proper understanding of India, its constitution and its society."
"India is a vibrant pluralistic society founded on strong democratic principles. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens including the right to freedom of religion," he added.
"Government does not see the locus standi of a foreign entity like USCIRF to pronounce on the state of Indian citizens' constitutionally protected rights. We take no cognizance of their report."
The USCIRF condemned the decision to deny its delegates visas. "As a pluralistic, non-sectarian, and democratic state, and a close partner of the United States, India should have the confidence to allow our visit," said chairman Robert George.
And in its 2016 report released in May, the USCIRF once again didn't hold back, highlighting a "negative trajectory" with regards to religious freedom in India.
"Minority communities, especially Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs, experienced numerous incidents of intimidation, harassment, and violence, largely at the hands of Hindu nationalist groups," it said.
"Members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tacitly supported these groups and used religiously-divisive language to further inflame tensions. These issues, combined with longstanding problems of police bias and judicial inadequacies, have created a pervasive climate of impunity, where religious minority communities feel increasingly insecure, with no recourse when religiously-motivated crimes occur."
The BJP is the political wing of the powerful Hindu nationalist NGO Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, known as the RSS. The World Hindu Council, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), is the religious wing, which uses nationalist ideology to promote Hinduvata equating being Indian with having a Hindu faith. Boasting almost seven million members, it regularly holds "reconversion" programmes, where Indian minority communities are encouraged to turn to Hinduism. The group has claimed that conversion to faiths other than Hinduism, including Christianity, is "the root of terrorism".
In the three months after Modi took power, nearly 2,000 branches of the RSS were established. In the first year of his rule, there was a rise in hate speech against religious minorities from senior people within these organisations, and a surge in attacks more than 600 cases of violence between May 2014 and May 2015, the majority of them against Muslims, and at least 43 deaths.
A country expert from religious freedom charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) told Christian Today that while Modi claims that religious freedom is enshrined in the constitution, that isn't playing out in reality.
"He has said that India recognises the diversity of the various religious beliefs in the community, but what we're seeing on the ground is the opposite," he added.
The source, who remained anonymous for security reasons, explained that under the BJP government, a space has been created for the fundamentalist groups that subscribe to the Hinduvata ideology. "There are more groups that have been emboldened to intimidate and to attack religious minorities, the majority of whom are Muslims or Christians," he said. "This has grown in the last two years".
During a recent trip to India, he was told that Christians are being attacked every single day in India. Muslims bear the brunt of religious persecution, due to an ongoing feud with neighbouring Pakistan and fears about Islamic extremism, but Christians are suffering too, and the problem goes under-reported.
In some areas where the RSS has influence, police don't take seriously accusations of persecution made by Christians. Many Christians have also found themselves falsely accused of forced conversions; a charge which carries a heavy penalty under the anti-conversion laws. The source recounted a story of one pastor who was forced to take on manual labour because of debts he incurred as a result of having to post bail after being accused of trying to force Hindus to become Christians.
"It's an added layer of persecution," Christian Today was told. "Persecution is not necessarily always physical, but also monetary."
Modi last November made his first state visit to the UK, and CSW was among a number of human rights organisations that called on the British government to take a stronger line on religious freedom in India.
The source told Christian Today that the UK is "absolutely" still too soft on the issue because it wants to protect its trade relationship. But if countries like Britain and the US don't adopt a tougher approach, religious freedom will undoubtedly worsen for religious minorities in India.
"I think not doing that sends a very sad message to religious minorities in India who are looking to the UK as a nation that would promote democracy and the rule of law. We talk so much about freedom of religion and belief in our country, we need also to be boldly speaking about it with the people we trade with, and the UK has done very little on that front," he said.
"As long as the nations trading with India are not willing to address issues relating to freedom of religion or belief the freedom of expression, growing intolerance, freedom of the press things will get worse," he added.
"Fundamentalists in India are still celebrating over the victory of the BJP because Mohan Bhagwat [the chief of the RSS] made it very clear that when the BJP was in power, it was time for the Hinduvata ideology to mushroom, and a time to reclaim India to its former glory.
"Unless we tackle what's going on in India, this ideology will keep on growing."
Is it time to stop talking about the 'feminisation of the church'?
For decades research has found that women in the UK and USA have a greater level of religiosity than men praying daily, attending church regularly and having a higher level of involvement in church activities. There are numerous theories from industrialisation to gender roles to the fact Christianity offers women more of an involved role in religious life than some faiths attempting to explain the so-called 'worship gap'. But as far as academics are concerned, these theories remain inconclusive.
In Christian culture, however, one particular explanation for the higher ratio of women to men has taken hold. Generally known as the 'feminisation of the church', it's a theory that puts the imbalance in religiosity down to church services and activities that appeal more to women than to men. Worship songs with sentimental language are often cited as problematic, as are small group models that encourage relational interaction. Church activities that centre on stereotypically feminine modes of socialising and 'touchy-feely' spirituality are allegedly driving men away from Christianity or if they're staying, emasculating them.
Panic about 'feminisation' has seen numerous books published, encouraged people to set up ministries aimed specifically at men and served as a springboard for the careers of church leaders like Mark Driscoll. Despite the good intentions of some, it's unfortunate that many of these books and organisations rely on rigid gender stereotypes and sometimes quite explicitly derogatory attitudes towards women to communicate their message, forgetting as they do so that there is as much variation between individual men as there is between men and women.
A quick search online for 'feminisation of the church' reveals that blame for the perceived lack of men in churches is being apportioned to numerous groups of women: domineering mothers, female primary school teachers, bossy women who rule the roost in church life as well as society in general due to, as some see it, a disregard for men and the vilification of masculinity.
It's intriguing, then, that a Pew Research Center report published last month confirms that the 'worship gap' the higher ratio of women to men attending religious services in the USA has been narrowing in recent years. In the mid-1980s, 38 per cent of women and 25 per cent of men reported attending weekly religious services. Since then, weekly attendance at religious services has declined generally, but with a narrowing gender gap so that by the time figures were compiled for 2012, 28 per cent of women and 22 per cent of men were attending a weekly service, reducing the gap from 13 to six per cent.
What has stood out about this report is the fact that it is women's attendance at religious services that has declined the most since the 1980s not the attendance of the 'missing men'.
The international data on weekly worship service attendance, available for 81 countries, makes for fascinating reading showing a gender gap of just five per cent in the UK. A key theory explaining the narrowing gap relates to women's increasing participation in the workforce and higher education two things that show a correlation with decreased religiosity.
Whether this is the case or not, Pew's findings should give Christian culture cause to reassess the messages it has absorbed and consistently promoted about the 'lack of men' in the church. It's true that in some countries where Christianity is the main religion, a significant gender gap can be seen. But in the USA and the UK, that gap is barely statistically significant (despite data showing that UK church congregations as a whole tend to be between 35 and 40 per cent male). It should also give us cause to look more closely at the 'reasoning' behind the gender gap that has been widely promoted.
If men have been turned off church in recent decades by sentimental music, emotional preaching and an atmosphere that's altogether too 'feminine', why are women, too, leaving the church and at a greater rate than men? Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that commitment to the Christian life isn't as straightforward as relying on adherence to traditional gender stereotypes.
Writing for Religion Dispatches, Patricia Miller suggests that for the decline in women attending regular services, there is correlation with key events of the 'culture wars' in the sex scandals, an obsession with abortion, hostile attitudes towards birth control and general rejection of gender equality.
Anecdotally, I know that the reputation of the church when it comes to the treatment of women puts women off getting involved or even attending church at all. I know, for example, numerous women who, while remaining believers, do not attend church and have not done so for years. Their reasoning? Feeling excluded and disappointed by negative attitudes towards women that they've encountered.
With church attendance from both men and women declining, it's obvious that there is no simple explanation for why this has happened and why the gender gap exists. It shows the need to consider a variety of factors when looking at declining church attendance, rather than using the gender gap as an excuse to attack women in general but particularly female leaders and 'effeminate men', as some have done.
What's also obvious is that while church initiatives that rely on gender stereotypes may be attractive to some, they're also incredibly alienating for others and often fall into the trap of appearing to be little more than a reaction against increasing gender equality in society. The church must reach out to all according to the specific needs in diverse communities and groups of people because initiatives founded on traditional gender stereotyping will only ever appeal to a minority.
Hannah Mudge writes about feminism and faith and is one of the founders of the Christian Feminist Network. She works in digital communications and fundraising for an international development organisation. Follow her on Twitter @boudledidge
ISIS news: Over 8,000 people worldwide identified in 'kill list' released by hackers' group with terrorist links
A group of hackers who claims to be working for the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organisation has released its latest "kill" list comprising of 8,318 people worldwide together with their names, residential addresses and even email addresses.
The list coming from the United Cyber Caliphate is one of the longest target lists ISIS-affiliated groups have distributed, according to the Vocativ online news site.
The report says Vocativ uncovered the information on the messaging app Telegram that was written in both English and Arabic.
Speaking to its supporters, the United Cyber Caliphate called on them to "follow" those listed and "kill them strongly to take revenge for Muslims."
Vocativ says most of the names and their accompanying addresses appear to belong to people in the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Included in the hit list were the names of 7,848 people identified as being in the U.S. Of this people, 1,445 were listed as having addresses in California, 643 in Florida, 341 in Washington, 333 in Texas, 331 in Illinois, and 290 in New York, according to Vocativ. Some of the names were those of police officers from the state of Minnesota. U.S. State Department employees and ordinary Americans, according to Vocativ.
The ISIS hit list also includes 312 names and addresses of people residing in Canada. Sixty-nine of the names belonged to people living in Australia. Another 39 are affiliated with the U.K. while the rest comprise of people with addresses in Belgium, Brazil, China, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Korea, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago.
In a posting on its website, the United Cyber Caliphate urges ISIS loyalists to attack everyone on its "kill list."
Counterterrorism officials have seen such lists but are not sure whether they are only meant to instil fear or truly threaten those listed, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The United Cyber Caliphate also published on its Telegram channel on Monday satellite images showing U.S. air bases. However, the same images can be found on Google Earth.
ISIS' relentless destruction of ancient heritage sites, and what it means for Iraq's religious communities
News broke on Wednesday that ISIS militants in Iraq have destroyed another ancient temple; that of Nabu in the Assyrian city of Nimrud.
"Compared to imagery collected 12 January 2016, we observe extensive damage to the main entrance of what is known as Nabu Temple," UNITAR, the UN Training and Research Agency, said.
It released two satellite images taken on June 3, confirming claims made in an ISIS propaganda video earlier this week that the 2,800-year-old temple had been blown up.
Nimrud was looted and large swathes of it bulldozed in March last year. The city dates back to the Middle Assyrian period and was considered to be one of the most important cities in the Assyrian empire. Located 30km south of Mosul in the Nineveh plain, which was overrun by ISIS militants in June 2014 and is now a stronghold of the Islamist group, it was established as the capital during the Neo Assyrian period under King Ashurnasirpal II. Many of the carvings from his palace in the city are now on display at the British Museum in London.
Nimrud was until last year one of the most preserved sites in the region, though subject to some neglect and looting in the past two decades. It has been nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and Director General Irina Bokova condemned the 2015 attack. He said in a statement at the time: "We cannot remain silent. The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage constitutes a war crime."
Looting and bulldozing ancient sites has become one of the hallmarks of ISIS's devastating attempt to create its caliphate, but it's not mindless pillaging. It's not even simply an attempt to demonstrate military strength or power. In fact, experts believe it's part of the group's ongoing attempt to cleanse the Middle East of its religious and cultural heritage; a reality that is far more disturbing.
Dr Nicholas Al-Jeloo, a lecturer in Syriac at the University of Melbourne, told Christian Today he was devastated by the Nabu temple's destruction. His parents and siblings were born in Iraq, and he grew up looking at photos of Nineveh, hoping one day to visit himself. "And now I can't; it's been destroyed forever," he said. "Once these sites have been lost they can never be rebuilt. You can build replicas from photos, but it will never be the same."
He branded the destruction "a travesty in all respects... because this was people's tangible link to their ancestral heritage. When you destroy that, you not only destroy any kind of cultural ties or memories these people had, but also their right to return or their will to return. What will they return to?"
An ancient branch of Christianity, the Assyrian Church of the East has roots dating back to the 1st century AD. Assyrian Christians speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus, and have origins in ancient Mesopotamia a territory which is now spread over modern day northern Iraq, north-east Syria and south-eastern Turkey. Connection with the land of their ancestors is incredibly important to modern day Assyrians, and it is this that is being severed by ISIS's campaign.
Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Assyrians have been displaced by the conflict, and just 300,000 are believed to remain in the country. "If there is nothing on the ground which they can identify with as belonging to their culture, what will they return to?" Al-Jeloo asked.
"If all their churches and the ancient sites belonging to their ancestors have been destroyed, then for these people the land no longer bears their identity, and this is a very profound thing. People might say it's the world's heritage that is being destroyed, and that's true, but it's also the heritage of the locality and the people who identify with it and with having lived there for thousands of years. This is, in fact, contributing to the genocide against the Assyrians."
Both the European Parliament and the US administration has recognised ISIS's mass slaughter and persecution of religious minorities in the Middle East, including Assyrian Christians and Yazidis, as genocide. British MPs voted unanimously in favour of a similar motion in April but it is yet to be agreed by the Conservative government, which maintains an official designation of 'genocide' is a matter for the International Criminal Court.
Al-Jeloo said the attempted eradication of entire people groups and their heritage is part of ISIS's plan to destroy "any pre-Islamic vestiges that are left [in the Middle East], for people to not have something to identify with that is pre-Islam".
The destruction of ancient sites like the Temple of Nabu, therefore, is part of an Islamist agenda to wipe out anything deemed to pose a threat to their radical interpretation of Sunni Islam. Indeed, in the video released by ISIS this week, a militant said the group wanted to prevent Muslims from returning to idolatry.
"The world has a responsibility, not only to the Iraqi people, but to the Yazidis and the Assyrians in particular. These are two vulnerable groups in danger of becoming extinct, both culturally and in reality, and the world has a responsibility to protect them, and ensure their culture is maintained for the future," Al-Jaloo said.
"The fact that the majority of the world has remained silent while this is happening is unacceptable."
It's not you, it's me: How the religion of self is pushing God to the margins
Is truth absolute or relative? How do you decide right from wrong? Do Christians feel differently about this than the culture in general, or are we pretty much the same?
And underlying all these questions: what is the Church actually for?
These are some of the issues raised in a fascinating survey for the Barna group. It's based on research in America and the context is American, but some of it translates well enough to the UK situation.
Barna found there was widespread concern about declining morality, particularly among older Christians but among people of no religion too. But there was far less consensus about what morality was based on. Most people said it was based on personal experience or cultural consensus, though Christians are far less likely to believe that "whatever is right for your life or works best for you is the only truth you can know" than the general population.
According to Barna "Americans are both concerned about the nation's moral condition and confused about morality itself". Its president David Kinnaman says a new "morality of self-fulfilment" has replaced Christianity as the culture's moral norm.
This morality has six guiding principles. They are: the best way to find yourself is by looking inside yourself, people shouldn't criticise others' life choices, and to be fulfilled in life you should pursue the things you desire most. The highest goal of life is to enjoy it as much as possible and you can believe whatever you like as long as those beliefs don't affect society.
Support for those positions among Christians runs from 78-61 per cent. The only 'principle' on which Christians disagree with the culture is the final one: "Any kind of sexual expression between two consenting adults is acceptable," which only 40 per cent of practising Christians agreed with.
Writing in Good Faith: Being a Christian When Society Thinks You're Irrelevant and Extreme, Kinnaman says: "The highest good, according to our society, is 'finding yourself' and then living by 'what's right for you. There is a tremendous amount of individualism in today's society, and that's reflected in the church too. Millions of Christians have grafted New Age dogma onto their spiritual person. When we peel back the layers, we find that many Christians are using the way of Jesus to pursue the way of self...While we wring our hands about secularism spreading through culture, a majority of churchgoing Christians have embraced corrupt, me-centered theology."
This interpretation sounds very persuasive, very alarming and very depressing. It rings all sorts of bells about the contemporary Church. Ministers like Joel Osteen are accused of being "feelgood preachers", like Robert Schuller before him. Creflo Dollar declares that Jesus died so that we can be rich.
And underneath this profound malaise is a failure to understand something about the nature of the Church.
If Christians are really buying in to what Kinnaman calls the "morality of self-fulfilment", it's because they have forgotten what the Church is for.
It's not there to solve problems, though it may. It's not there to make people happy, or rich, or satisfied. The Bible does not belong on the self-help shelves in a bookshop.
Church services should not be trying to make people feel better about their lives, though they may. Worship songs should not try to soothe and comfort. The Church exists in order to give glory to God and bear witness to Christ.
It's only natural that people should go to church when they feel that there's something lacking in their lives. Many have been healed and made new. Addictions have been cured, relationships have been restored, sin has been dealt with and God has been glorified.
But that isn't what the Church is for, as if it exists to provide a service to its clients. These are things that happen when the Church is being true to what it is: the witness to and incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
So the Church has to resist all of those six guiding principles, not just the one about sex. Pursuing the things we desire most is not the way to fulfillment. The highest goal of life is not to enjoy it as much as possible. If you look inside yourself for ultimate truth you'll find nothing, because truth is revealed, not invented.
Every church, and every pastor, has to walk the line between letting God bless those who seek him and declaring the unchanging truth of his Word. But we can never let the Christian faith become so absorbed into the culture that it becomes meaningless feel-good psycho-babble. It is the gospel of grace and redemption from sin.
Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
Mexico's ruling party suffers 'severe setback' in polls after president bared support for gay marriage
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto suffered a "severe setback'' in local elections on Sunday after he announced plans to recognise gay marriage and homosexual adoption throughout the country, reports say.
Mexicans voted for the conservative opposition party in seven of the 12 states during the June 5 polls. The president's Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) led in only five states, the Catholic News Agency (CNA) reports.
Pro-family advocates have described the election result as a "protest vote'' against the PRI's policies, one of which favours constitutional reforms to recognise gay marriage and amendments to the Federal Civil Code to allow gay adoption.
More than 1,000 organisations reportedly joined together to form the National Front for the Family (FNF) following the president's expression of support for same-sex marriage. The team is composed of the National Union of Parents, Family Network, ConFamilia, CitizenGo, HazteOir, Dilo Bien, and Mexico is One for the Children, among others.
"The important part was that in less than three weeks an organisation was created that was able to mobilise an entire country against an initiative of the president attacking the family, calling for a protest vote against him and his party," Juan Dabdoub Giacoman, president of the Mexican Council for the Family (ConFamilia) told CNA.
He added: "We don't want [the reelection] of a party like PRI, which has openly declared itself, through the voice of its president, as an anti-family party.''
Carlos Alberto Ramirez Ambriz, spokesman for the FNF, said Pena Nieto "launched an attack against the family thinking that there would be no consequences for their political operations. However, Mexico has spoken at the ballot box; the affront against the family has cost the president and the party that supports him dearly.''
Apart from issues affecting the family, there is also reportedly a growing discontent among Mexicans with PRI's inability to manage the country's struggling economy, rampant corruption and violent crime.
According to Giacoman, the protest does not end with the result of the votes as the coalition is still going to meet "to plan actions that will continue until the 2018 presidential elections."
Analysts say the results of the local elections "serve as an indication as to what the 2018 presidential vote may be like.'' The presidential election is set for July 2018.
Mexican states have began to recognise same-sex marriages after Mexico's Supreme Court ruled last year that it was unconstitutional for states to ban LGBT couples from marrying.
Modern pagans: Are the Greek gods on their way back?
The ancient pagan religions of Greece died out many, many centuries ago. Zeus, Hera, Artemis, Hephaestus they're all history, surely? They provide material for children's picture books, the occasional Hollywood film, and they're the backdrop of some of the greatest literature in the world.
But surely no one believes in them any more?
That might have been true a few years ago, but no longer. It's still a tiny minority, but there is a serious attempt to revive the worship of the old gods in Greece and sometimes it turns nasty.
A Greek Orthodox church on Crete has been vandalised and smeared with faeces by attackers claiming to be followers of Zeus.
Icons in the Church of Zoodochou Pigis in Iraklio were defaced and the attackers used charcoal to write "This one's courtesy of Zeus" and other anti-Christian slogans, according to the Ekathimerini news service.
Ekathimerini suggests it may be the latest in a series of similar acts of vandalism against churches on Crete believed to be the work of members of pagan religions.
Most such adherents are non-violent, though they are opposed to the Orthodox Church which they see as an alien interloper in the life of Greece. There are several groups promoting Hellenic religion, though it is difficult to gauge their numbers and strength.
One is the Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes, established in 1997, which is a founding member of the World Congress of Ethnic Religions. Another, founded in 2008, is the Labrys religious community. It avoids attacks on the Orthodox Church and concentrates on developing public and private rituals for worship.
The Church has been resolutely opposed to these groups, with an official of the Orthodox Church describing them in 2007 as "a handful of miserable resuscitators of a degenerate dead religion".
The religion of old Greece certainly died out or was suppressed and whether a faith can truly be revived is open to debate. Certainly it's almost impossible to imagine people in the 21st century believing in the old gods in anything like the same way their ancient worshipers did. And academics would argue that ancient Greek religion was fundamentally different, and that these modern worshippers are inventing a very modern faith rather than genuinely reviving an old one (a similar accusation is made about modern 'Celtic' Christianity, which would not be recognised as very Celtic by the Celts).
This revival whether it takes a dark and violent turn or not is likely to spring from the same source as other counter-cultural movements. Greece's economy is in tatters, its political class has failed to deliver, the Orthodox Church while still widely accepted can be seen to be part of society's problem rather than its solution. The need for a spiritual solution is as deep as ever.
Ramadan dispute leads to fire causing 8m damage in German refugee camp
A dispute over Ramadan meals led to the destruction of a shelter in a German migrant camp, causing 8m worth of damage, according to German investigators.
The building housed 282 asylum seekers in the city of Duesseldorf. Two North African men were arrested in conjunction with the fire on Tuesday and approximately 24 treated for smoke inhalation, according to Breitbart.
After a late evening meal was introduced to accommodate Muslims who fasted for Ramadan, a group of men who were not fasting complained their lunch portions were too small, according to the BBC.
"We're look at this as the motive," said one German investigator.
However the German newpaper Express said the fire was caused after two Moroccan men accused Iranian staff of "deliberately" not waking those who were observing Ramadan, causing them to miss their pre-dawn meal.
Tension had mounted in the camp in the build up to Ramadan, according to local media, and the mood in the hall became worse as the fast started. One of men arrested in connection with the fire told local reporters: "We had to do it so that things would change."
Ralf Herrenbrueck, spokesman for the prosecutors service, said: "During this time of Ramadan, there was one group that wanted to strictly observe the fast, and another that insisted on the usual timetables and usual servings.
"This had led on several occasions to disputes and altercations with officials of the German Red Cross," he said in an interview with public broadcaster WDR.
"It got to the point where threats were made over what would happen if things didn't change, and that one threat was obviously implemented."
The fire was visible across the city as a large plume of smoke rose from the hall. Duesseldorf is now home to about 7,000 refugees and migrants,some of whom are Muslim and some Christian.
Texas county yields to atheists' demand, agrees to remove cross decals on police patrol vehicles
A Texas county has agreed to remove Latin cross decals on sheriff office's patrol vehicles to settle a lawsuit filed by an atheist group.
Last March, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) and two of its members filed a lawsuit against Brewster County and Sheriff Ronny Dodson over the decals, saying their placement on patrol vehicles was tantamount to endorsement of religion and in violation of the Establishment Clause under the U.S. Constitution.
Dodson said he decided to place the decals on the patrol vehicles as he "wanted God's protection over his deputies."
Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott supported the move by the sheriff's department, saying the cross is part of U.S. history.
"In addition to its religious significance, the cross has a long history in America and elsewhere as a symbol of service and sacrifice," Abbott said in a statement reported by Reuters. He contended that the placement of the cross decals on police vehicles did not violate the U.S. Constitution.
Nevertheless, the county agreed to settle the lawsuit by agreeing not to display the crosses in the future. It also promised to reimburse the legal fees incurred by plaintiffs Kevin Price and Jesse Castillo, both atheists, and pay them nominal damages.
According to the lawsuit, Castillo professed that he does not believe in any supernatural beings and he objects to an exclusively Christian religious symbol being displayed on his county's law enforcement vehicles.
"He believes that the crosses heighten the stigma associated with being an atheist and that he might receive more favourable treatment from the Sheriff's Office by hiding his atheism or by displaying pro-Christian messages," the lawsuit read.
Brewster County commissioners also voted to ban "political, religious, commercial or personal" phrases or signs on county-owned property.
"We're very pleased with the rapid and amicable resolution of this case," said FFRF co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor. "But the sheriffwho took an oath to uphold our nation's secular Constitutionought to have known better. Crosses on law enforcement vehicles sent a theocratic and chilling message."
Gaylor said she was shocked that Abbott expressed support to the sheriff's decision to place the decals.
Why the US doesn't want to see Boko Haram as part of Islamic State
Nigeria-based Boko Haram is responsible for countless atrocities and thousands of deaths, and it has declared itself an affiliate of Islamic State. But according to US officials, that's little more than a branding exercise designed to boost its international jihadi credentials, attract recruits, and appeal to the IS leadership for assistance.
Officials have told Reuters they see no evidence that Boko Haram has received significant operational support or financing from Islamic State, more than a year after the brutal West African group's pledge of allegiance to it.
The implications are about more than terminology. While the Nigerian army under the direction of President Buhari, who won election in good part because of the ineffectiveness of his predecessor Goodluck Jonathan, has been making steady progress against the militants, they remain a potent and disruptive threat. It launched its deadliest raid in over a year last week, killing 30 soldiers and forcing 50,000 people to flee when it took over the Niger town of Bosso. Chad has sent 2,000 troops to Niger to prepare a counterattack against the group, two senior military sources said on Wednesday.
But the US view of Boko Haram as a locally-focused, homegrown insurgency is likely to keep the group more to the margins of the US fight against Islamic State in Africa.
The US military's attention is largely centered on Libya, home to Islamic State's strongest affiliate outside the Middle East and where the United States has carried out air strikes. No such direct US intervention is currently being contemplated against Boko Haram, officials say.
"If there is no meaningful connection between ISIL and Boko and we haven't found one so far then there are no grounds for US military involvement in West Africa other than assistance and training," said one US official.
"This is an African fight, and we can assist them, but it's their fight," the official added.
While Nigeria and Chad, also deeply involved in the struggle against Boko Haram, might welcome American help with surveillance and intelligence-gathering, they are not thought to be anxious for foreign boots on the ground.
However, some are keen for America to do more to help in the struggle.
US officials and private experts say they fear that as the African military pressure intensifies, the extremists could shift from a regional campaign of suicide bombings, rape and pillage to striking international targets.
"The resources and intent of ISIL to attack Western targets, combined with Boko's ability and strength in that part of Africa is a mix that causes great concern," another US official said.
Senator Chris Murphy, a Foreign Relations Committee member, said that whatever its cooperation with Islamic State, Boko Haram is so deadly that Nigeria and its neighbours should get US help to crush the group.
"I think we have an interest in combating this group regardless of their connection to ISIL," he said.
Boko Haram is one of a number of African Islamist movements. It came to world-wide attention with the mass kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls from a school in Chibok; most are still missing and believed to be either dead or forcibly "married" to Boko Haram fighters.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
On June 9, 1994, Saint Arnold Brewing Co. delivered the first kegs of its Amber Ale from a nondescript industrial park in northwest Houston to the Gingerman bar in Rice Village, helping birth a Bayou City beer revolution.
DRINK UP: Saint Arnold Pub Crawl Pale Ale has plenty of fans
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It's the worst-kept secret in town. Anthony Bourdain has been spotted all around Houston this week filming "Parts Unknown."
His latest local adventure: Himalaya Restaurant (6652 Southwest Freeway) and Keemat Grocers (5601 Hillcroft).
We reached out to the owner of Himalayas, but he's more or less been sworn to secrecy. Lucky for us, some customers of the restaurant didn't make the same pact and instead posted photos all over social media.
Check some of them out below:
Himalaya Restaurant isn't necessarily well-known, but it is well-liked -- which might be why Bourdain flocked to it. We have a few more ideas of local places Bourdain can visit. Check out Houston's most authentic ethnic restaurants in the gallery above.
Burdain also made a stop at Keemat Grocers down the road.
Madness in Houston #America! A photo posted by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on Jun 8, 2016 at 4:55pm PDT
We spoke with store manager Kaushal Mehta about meeting the celebrity -- but he, too, was sworn to secrecy. Bourdain himself wasn't, which was made evident on the star's Instagram account. Dancers appeared in the store for his visit, video of which Bourdain posted to social media (see below).
Lost In the Supermarket #Houston A video posted by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on Jun 8, 2016 at 5:35pm PDT
All this, after Bourdain made a stop at La Grange in Montrose and Plant It Forward at the University of St. Thomas earlier in the week.
Where would you send a celebrity that was visiting Houston? Let us know in the comments section below.
You could almost hear the emotion in the many tweets from Hollywood celebrities who lauded Hillary Clinton after her historic Tuesday night declaration.
She'd secured enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic nominee, putting her another step closer to being the first woman in the Oval Office, and the stars came out to toast her.
Editor's note: This piece by Amnesty International USA's interim executive director was written in response to a recent article on RollingStone.com critical of the group's policy on decriminalizing prostitution.
As one of the largest human rights organizations in the world, Amnesty International's mission is to promote human rights for all and to protect people wherever justice is denied. Sex workers are among the most vulnerable populations in the world, at risk of abuse not only at the hands of clients or members of the public but by the police as well.
With that in mind, Amnesty International spent nearly three years conducting research and interviewing sex workers and their advocates in order to formulate a policy that calls for states to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of sex workers and to address any discrimination or inequalities that limit their choices in life. The policy includes decriminalizing sex work as one crucial step toward those goals.
We know that there are those who disagree with this policy. In our research, we made it a point to not only speak with current and former sex workers who support decriminalization and are engaged in sex work by choice but also with those who oppose it. We weighed all of this input seriously with the understanding that everyone we spoke with felt strongly about the safety of those engaged in sex work and the need to address the social and economic conditions that make some feel as if they have no other choice but sex work.
Here are five reasons why decriminalization is a crucial component of protecting the human rights of sex workers.
1. Criminalizing buyers does not protect sex workers.
Our research included an examination of how the "Nordic model," which criminalizes the buying of sex, actually plays out. Such laws wound up putting sex workers in even more dangerous situations. Sex workers are often forced to put the protection of their clients above their own well-being. This pushes sex work further underground, making it difficult to seek help when needed. Sex workers are also forced to meet clients in hidden places where the risks to their safety are higher, rather than places where they know they will be safe.
2. Full decriminalization reduces the risk that sex workers will be vulnerable to discrimination, eviction or arrest for related charges.
Even in countries with the Nordic model, sex workers have found it harder to organize among themselves or live together for protection, since they could be arrested for "enabling prostitution" or "operating a brothel." Landlords, too, have turned sex workers and their families out of their homes for fear of prosecution, or they have extorted sex workers for extra rent, knowing that sex workers risk eviction if they turn to police. For example, a sex worker named Mercy working in Norway described being raped and robbed in the house where she and eight others lived. Two days after reporting the crime, they were all evicted.
3. Decriminalizing sex work still means trafficking and other abuses are illegal.
Removing criminal penalties for sex work does not remove penalties for exploitation, forced labor, violence, trafficking, rape or sexual assault including of minors. All of these are grave abuses, and anyone who commits these crimes or any other form of human trafficking or exploitation for labor must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
4. Decriminalization is supported by leading human rights organizations, international bodies and medical experts.
This is the same policy held by other organizations and agencies, including Human Rights Watch, the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, leading HIV and AIDS groups and leading advocates for LGBTI rights. It is also supported by the medical journal The Lancet, which said that decriminalization "would have the greatest effect on the course of HIV epidemics across all settings, averting 33-46 percent of HIV infections in the next decade. Such a move would also reduce mistreatment of sex workers and increase their access to human rights, including health care."
5. Decriminalization is just one step in protecting the human rights of sex workers, but it is an important one.
We realize that decriminalization is not a magic bullet for all of the harms faced by sex workers. Which is why our policy also calls for governments to protect sex workers from harm, exploitation and coercion, and calls for education and employment options for sex workers. Sex workers must also have a say in developing laws that affect their lives and safety. But without decriminalization, they cannot expect equal treatment under the law to achieve these ends.
This article originally appeared on Rollingstone.com: 5 Reasons Decriminalization Protects Sex Workers' Rights
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A suspect has been arrested in a shooting Wednesday night that left an 18-year-old dead and his twin brother wounded at a Baytown Park.
The gunfire erupted about 9 p.m. at the League of Women Voters Park at 3111 Columbia, according t he Baytown Police Department.
Police said Juan and Luis Huerta, both of Baytown, went to the park to meet two acquaintances for a transaction of some kind. During the meeting, a 17-year-old pulled out a gun and robbed and shot the brothers.
The gunman ran away afte the shooting.
Luis Huerta died at the scene. HIs twi brother,
Elizondo said the brothers went to the park to meet other people. During the meeting one of the other people pulled out a gun and opened fire on the twins. One of the brothers died at the scene. The other was rushed to a nearby hospital. Details of his injuries and condition were not released but Elizondo said he has a non-life-threatening wound.
Investigators, Elizondo said, have yet to determine why the brothers met the other people at the park. They also are uncertain about what sparked the gunfire. Officers found a gun near the scene.
No description of the suspects was available.
On Wednesday June 8th at 9:01 p.m., officers responded to a shooting at 3111 Columbia Street, League of Women Voters Park. Upon arrival they discovered two shooting victims, 18 year old brothers Juan and Luis Huerta of Baytown. Luis was pronounced dead at the scene. Juan had been shot multiple times and was flown to a Houston hospital where he is in stable condition.
A preliminary investigation shows Juan and Luis met two acquaintances at the park for a transaction. During the meeting, one of the acquaintances, 17 year old Baytown man Guillermo Tommy Mena, displayed a handgun and began robbing the brothers. Guillermo shot Luis and Juan before fleeing on foot into a nearby neighborhood along with the second acquaintance. Guillermo was subsequently identified by Juan in a photo lineup and was located and taken into custody in the 2600 block of Massey Tompkins at 2:55 a.m. this morning. I will update this release upon the conclusion of this investigation.
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Wednesday's CMT Awards red carpet brought a stunning array of poor fabric choices, disturbing hairstyles and a vast range of denim washes.
A handful of country music stars, like Carrie Underwood and a pair of Houston-area stars, aimed for elegance and did not miss.
BIG WINNERS: Fans pick their country favorites at CMT Awards
But others attending the Nashville event were drawn instead to accessories such as trucker hats, large wrestling belts and off-putting sleeves. We were not previously aware that sleeves had the potential to be off-putting, so that was a surprise.
Houston Texans superstar J.J. Watt and sportscaster and TV personality Erin Andrews hosted the show.
FROM FOOTBALL TO COMEDY: Watt delivers laughs while hosting CMT Awards
Click through the slideshow above to see the best and worst dressed of the night.
GALVESTON The Brazos River had crested in most threatened areas in Brazoria County and was holding steady or receding, raising hopes that the worst was over unless another thunderstorm drenches the county.
"Everything is kind of holding," county emergency management spokeswoman Sharon Trower said. "We are seeing water recede in some areas throughout the county."
Although the flood was holding steady in most parts of the county, it was rising the Village of Jones Creek, with a population of about 2,000, said William Tidwell, village marshal.
"We still got a lot of water to the north of us that still has to come through here," Tidwill said.
Tidwill said about 10 houses in the village were flooded and that he expected more to flood.
The Brazos left its banks, came through a low pasture and into Jones Creek, he said. Tidwill said the creek has been rising about 2 inches per hour for the last two days in the village, a few miles southwest of Lake Jackson.
In Lake Jackson, the largest city in the 200-square-mile area threatened by floodwaters that have affected an estimated 100,000 people, workers were staving off flooding from Bastrop Bayou that endangered its northern neighborhoods.
"So far so good, although the Northwood subdivision is pretty precarious," Lake Jackson City Manager Bill Yenne said. "Levels have stabilized and begun an agonizingly slow fall."
Yenne said the river would remain high over the next several days and that another thunderstorm could cause the Brazos to rise again and send water into some homes.
"We dodged a bullet this afternoon because 8 miles south, Freeport got 2 inches of rain," Yenne said. "That would have just murdered us."
The Brazos River at Rosharon had fallen more than 2 feet by Thursday after cresting at 52.56 feet over the weekend.
No more evacuations were ordered Thursday.
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Fort Bend Independent School District's 2014 bond program is moving ahead with construction beginning on elementary schools 49 and 50, scheduled to open in August 2017.
Drymalla Construction Co. Inc. will oversee work on Elementary School 49 in the Harvest Green Subdivision on Harlem Road. The two-story building will be 123,440 square feet and will cost $28 million.
Cadence McShane Construction Co. LLC will oversee work on Elementary 50. The two-story, 119,876-square-foot campus in the Grand Vista subdivision, near the northeast corner of Beechnut Street and Harlem Road, will cost $26 million.
The district's board of trustees also approved major bond-funded renovations at Clements, Kempner and Willowridge high schools and Drabek and Ridgemont elementary schools.
Visit www.fortbendisd.com/2014bond for details.
FBISD names new elementary principals
The Fort Bend Independent School District board of trustees recently approved new leaders at four elementary schools.
Alena McClanahan has been named principal at Lakeview Elementary School.
McClanahan has 22 years of experience working in Fort Bend ISD and most recently served as assistant principal at Lakeview Elementary School.
Sonya Smith-Watson is the principal at Cornerstone Elementary School.
An educator of 18 years, Sonya Smith-Watson recently served as assistant principal at Cornerstone Elementary, a position she held for the past two years.
Constance Hawkins is the assistant principal for the Edge program at Briargate Elementary School.
Hawkins joins Fort Bend ISD as a former educator of Pearland Independent School District. She has more than 10 years of experience in education, having served as a third-grade reading and math teacher, kindergarten teacher and team leader.
Stephanie Houston has been chosen principal of Ridgemont Elementary School.
Ridgemont was recently selected as a Fort Bend ISD EDGE campus, which includes a new instructional model of learning and support for staff and students.
Houston has 22 years of educational experience, most recently as principal of Townewest Elementary School.
NISD employees receive pay bump
Needville Independent School District employees will see a pay raise for the 2016-17 school year.
Teaching professionals on the state-mandated step schedule will receive their step increase plus $1,500. Other employees will receive a 4 percent increase.
At their May 18 meeting, the district's board of trustees also unanimously approved the employee benefits package for the upcoming school year.
Visit www.NeedvilleISD.com for information.
Lamar CISD names 3 new principals
At their May meeting, Lamar CISD trustees approved the hiring of three principals.
Andree Osagie will be the new principal at Terry High School. Osagie has a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston, a master's from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and his doctorate from Texas A&M University.
He is the associate principal at Alief Taylor High School. His career includes time as an assistant principal in Alief, dean of students in Houston ISD and a science teacher in both Fort Bend and Houston schools.
He also taught graduate classes in education at the University of St. Thomas.
Jose Pineda Jr. is the new principal for Briscoe Junior High School. He has his bachelor's from Houston Baptist University and his master's from Lamar University.
Pineda is an assistant principal at Terry High School. His career includes serving as an assistant principal at Reading Junior High School and as a teacher at Lamar Consolidated High School.
Belynda Billings is the new principal at Bowie Elementary. She has her bachelor's degree from the University of Houston-Victoria and her master's from Prairie View A&M University.
She is the assistant principal at Williams Elementary. Her previous experience includes serving as a facilitator, instructional specialist and teacher at Lamar Junior High, Briscoe Junior High, Navarro Middle School and Huggins Elementary, as a math supervisor and interventionist in Sealy and a teacher in Wharton.
Fort Bend ISD's top scholars named
Fort Bend Independent School District recently recognized seniors who earned the highest rankings among their high school graduating class.
The district's 2016 top scholars are: valedictorian Pranidhi Dadhaniya and salutatorian Sheila Patel, Austin High School; valedictorian Timothy Nguyen, salutatorian Miguel Bustos and salutatorian Dan Do, Bush High School; valedictorians Jason Lin and Shiv Pandya, Clements High School; valedictorian Rahul Nagvekar and salutatorian Benjamin Liu, Dulles High School; valedictorian Timothy Chang and salutatorian Jaclyn Rosenthal, Elkins High School; valedictorian Ryan Nowrouzi and salutatorian Josh Peedikayil, Hightower High School; valedictorian Erin Porter and salutatorian Priya Pai, Kempner High School; valedictorian Christopher Mendoza and salutatorian Leivy Alvarado, Marshall High School; valedictorian Brian Tran and salutatorian Dhyan Dave, Ridge Point High School; valedictorian Taigon Chen and salutatorian Julie Zhang, Travis High School; and valedictorian Jacqueline Calzada and salutatorian Maria Iglesias, Willowridge High School.
HCC relocates Missouri City campus
With construction of the new Houston Community College Missouri City Center for Entrepreneurship, Technology and Health underway, students, faculty and staff have temporarily moved to the Stafford and West Loop campuses.
The Missouri City campus at Sienna Plantation has closed. The new facility will open in summer 2017. To see progress on the building, visit www.hccs.edu/missouricity.
Lamar High School class of '76 reunites
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District's Lamar Consolidated High School class of 1976 will celebrate its 40th reunion June 25 at the Swinging Door, 3818 FM 359 in Richmond.
To purchase tickets, visit https://squareup.com/store/lamar-class-1976 or contact Bruce Maresh, bamares58@gmail.com.
Exchange Club names Blue Ribbon winners
The Exchange Club of Sugar Land has selected three Fort Bend Independent School District schools as winners of its Blue Ribbon School Contest.
The annual contest asked participating schools to help spread awareness of child abuse and its prevention.
As first-place winner, Missouri City Middle School earned an $800 award. Jones Elementary School received a $650 award as second-place winner, and Lexington Creek Elementary School received $450.
Foster teacher earns excellence award
The Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation has named Foster High School Culinary Arts teacher Jocelyn Aventurado as the group's 2016 Education Excellence Award Recipient.
The Excellence Award is awarded to an educator who has made significant contributions to culinary education through both an unwavering dedication to their students and who were strong presence in their community using the Texas ProStart curriculum.
Texas ProStart prepares students for careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry. They gain restaurant and foodservice skills through their academic and workplace experience.
Aventurado will officially be honored in Dallas at the TRA's Night of Excellence Awards Banquet, June 25.
Students celebrate Earth Day in the garden
Students at The Honor Roll School in Sugar Land worked together to plant tomatoes, herbs and other vegetables, along with flowers, in celebration of Earth Day April 22. The students plan to harvest the vegetables to make pizza.
For details, visit www.TheHonorRollSchool.com.
HCC relocates healthcare, logistics campus
Houston Community College officials, trustees and students joined Missouri City leaders recently at the ground-breaking ceremony for the $21 million, 69,000-square-foot Center for Entrepreneurship, Technology & Health.
The center, relocating from Sienna Plantation to Texas Parkway, is expected to open in fall 2017. The campus will offer a variety of programs. For information, visit www.hccs.edu/bond.
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Charges for a suspect in a double shooting were upgraded to capital murder Thursday after prosecutors said his second victim died in the hospital.
Darrell P. Mitchell, 28, is accused of gunning down his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend earlier this week at the woman's apartment in northeast Houston.
Lakiesha Lewis, 23, died at the scene and 24-year-old Johnel Francis died late Tuesday after being taken to the hospital.
READ MORE: Suspect says mind 'blank' as he shot ex-girlfriend, her new boyfriend in Houston
In an orange jail uniform, Mitchell made his initial court appearance Thursday in front of state District Judge Ryan Patrick who ruled that the suspect would be held without bail, a common condition in capital cases. He had been charged with murder.
Court records show that Mitchell said he knocked on the door at his ex-gilrfriend's home at 6603 Hirsch about 3 a.m.
When her boyfriend answered, Mitchell said "his mind went blank and he shot and killed them," according to the documents.
THE CRIME: Shooting leaves woman dead, her new boyfriend in critical condition
Mitchell surrendered to police Tuesday night after investigators released information about the shooting.
In court, prosecutor Keri Fuller said a woman who was Lewis' best friend and knows Mitchell as Lewis' ex-boyfriend told police that Mitchell told her she would have to raise his children because he had killed Lewis and her new boyfriend.
Police have said Mitchell and Lewis had an on-again-off-again relationship and had recently broken up. Lewis was the mother of his three children, ages 5, 3, and 1. The children were not at the apartment at the time of the shooting.
Court records show Mitchell pleaded guilty to assault-family member after he hit Lewis in 2012. He later was put on probation, which he successfully completed.
If convicted of capital murder, Mitchell could face the death penalty for intentionally killing two people. Whether to seek death is a decision made by the elected district attorney Devon Anderson, generally after months of consultation.
Read the police documents above.
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AUSTIN -- A growing political collision over whether cities or the state should regulate ride-sharing services in Texas took center stage Wednesday in a legislative hearing that focused on whether mandatory fingerprinting rules for drivers would enhance public safety.
State Rep. Rene Oliveira, the chairman of the House Business and Industry Committee, criticized representatives of Uber and Lyft -- two of the largest companies in the growing market -- after they said they could not provide any statistics about crimes committed by their drivers.
"I can't believe [Lyft] or Uber doesn't have data that we could look at that involves drivers and what the incident rate is,"Oliveira, D-Brownsville, said during the four-hour hearing, the first since both services pulled out of Austin over mandatory fingerprinting rules
Both Uber and Lyft, which spent nearly $9 million in an unsuccessful attempt to repeal the Austin fingerprinting ordinance, have since shifted their efforts to the Texas Capitol in a move to have lawmakers adopt uniform regulations at the state level -- a move that's opposed by cities that want to retain their own rules.
Uber General Manager Sarfraz Maredia said Houston is one of two places in the nation where they still operate and that regulatory fingerprint checks are required. The another is New York.
He said that fingerprint checks do not reflect a true picture about drivers, since 51 percent of the checks fail to show final dispositions on criminal charges. Uber argued in the Austin election in May that it should be allowed to do its own background checks on its drivers, and not rely on city-performed fingerprint checks.
Maredia said fingerprint checks disproportionally impact minority drivers.
He also complained that Houston's regulations delayed by months the time it took drivers to get a license, and that fingerprint checks there proved lax.
"We found that the city of Houston's own screenings are ambiguous," he said. "Dozens of individuals who passed the city of Houston's fingerprint background check failed Uber's screening process."
Potential drivers in Houston failed Uber's background check with convictions for crimes like assault, reckless injury to a child and disorderly conduct with a firearm, even though they passed the city fingerprint checks, Maredia said.
Alex Heim, a policy analyst with the City of Houston, testified Uber and other similar companies do not use a biometric identifier -- like fingerprints -- that is essential to verifying a person's identity.
"[A person] underwent a City of Houston fingerprint background check that produced results showing she had 24 alias names, 5 listed birth dates, 10 listed Social Security numbers, and an active warrant for arrest," he said.
Lara Cottingham, deputy assistant director in Houston's Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department, argued that ride-sharing companies should be regulated like taxis and limousines have been for years.
She also said that Uber and Lyft are complaining about regulations that they helped develop in Houston before they began service there. It took an average of 11 days to approve a license in Houston before Uber threatened it would pull out,, Cottingham said.
"We are happy to work with them to make the process faster [or] more cheaper but we don't want to compromise the public," she said.
Get Me co-founder Michael Gaubert , whose ride-sharing group has been in Austin since December, said the company could not support a statewide ban on fingerprinting.
Ed Kargbo, president of Yellow Cab Austin, supported fingerprinting checks, as well, like cabbies now have to comply with to get their license in many cities.
"Why would we lower our bar for two businesses from California that can fit New York's standard," Kargbo said, citing the different standards that Uber and Lyft are advocating.
Oliveira stressed that lawmakers will be looking to balance security without imposing burdensome regulations on businesses.
"People expect government to maintain a level playing field between competitors," he said. "At the same time, no one should be penalized for innovation."
Lawmakers seemed committed to pursue some sort of regulation next session and Rep. Jason Villalba especially did.
"It may not get to the governor but we're going to try something," the Dallas Republican said.
AUSTIN -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's legal team filed a motion Thursday seeking to end the federal government's civil lawsuit accusing him of securities fraud.
The lawsuit, which was initiated in April by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, alleges that before he became attorney general, Paxton pressured friends to invest nearly $1 million in a Collin County technology startup called Servergy, Inc., without telling them that he was being paid to promote the company.
In a 38-page motion, Paxton's lawyers said the case should be dismissed, in part because, they said, he did not have an obligation to disclose that information.
The motion also argued the federal government did not accuse Paxton of making any false statements; that the federal government did not allege that any investors lost any money; and that Paxton himself was deceived by the founder of Servergy.
"The SEC's legal theory -- that Mr. Paxton failed to disclose certain information to investors -- has been repeatedly rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court for nearly 30 years," the legal team said in a news release.
The news release also announced that Paxton had hired former SEC official Matt Martens as his top lawyer to fight the civil lawsuit.
Experts said Paxton will have a hard time fighting the suit. Numbers show that when the SEC files a case alleging fraud, it almost never loses.
The allegations are nearly identical to those that Paxton is also fighting in the state criminal system. Paxton was indicted last year and has so far been unable to get the charges thrown out. Last month, an appeals court upheld the indictment.
Want to get your photo taken with Donald Trump in Houston next week? That could cost you a quarter million.
Donald Trump's closed-door Bayou City fundraiser on June 17, part of a three-city Texas tour, costs between $5,400 and $250,000 per couple to attend, according to an invitation obtained by the Houston Chronicle.
In 2006, Hazleton, Pa., became the center of the national debate about illegal immigration. Faced with an influx of immigrants, many of them from Mexico, it was the first city to pass local ordinances that banned hiring or renting to unauthorized immigrants. Although the courts eventually struck down the ordinances, Hazleton's City Council had accurately captured the fears that many Americans had about the wave of unauthorized immigration then coming from south of the border, fears that still echo in this year's election campaigns.
But 10 years later, illegal immigration from Mexico has dropped to historic lows, while Hazleton has become the center of another, newer - and perhaps more surprising - flow from Mexico. Instead of people coming across the border in large numbers, now products and investments are flowing north. And in and around Hazleton, at least four of the region's main manufacturing plants are owned by Mexican companies, which have hired thousands of American workers to produce some of the U.S. market's best-loved products.
In 2009, the U.S. division of Mexico City-based Grupo Bimbo, the largest bread producer in the world, started the first of its two large plants in Hazleton, which produce and package its leading brands such as Sara Lee, Orowheat, Stroehmann's, Arnold, Freihofer's, Brownberry, Boboli Pizza Crust, and Thomas' English Muffins. More recently, Mission Foods, owned by Mexico's Gruma, built and later expanded a plant in nearby Mountain View that makes tortillas and health-food wraps. And Arca Continental, a Mexican snack-food company based in Monterrey, acquired Wise Foods in Berwick, Pa., only a few minutes away, to produce potato chips and Cheez Doodles.
At a time when few Mexicans are coming to the United States as immigrants, Mexican investors have started pouring billions of dollars into the U.S. economy. Today, Mexican companies are among the industry leaders not only in bread, tortillas and wraps, but also in milk and dairy products - thanks to Borden Milk, owned by Mexico's Lala, the second-largest producer of dairy products in the United States - and in hot dogs and lunch meat, where Mexico's Sigma Foods sells its American-made products under the Bar-S and Fud labels. Mexico's America Movil owns the largest prepaid wireless service in the United States, TracFone, while Mexico's Cemex is the second-largest cement manufacturer in the country, literally helping build the foundations of America's cities and towns.
And while U.S. automakers have transferred some of their manufacturing operations to Mexico, large Mexican auto-parts companies such as Nemak, which produces the aluminum engine blocks and heads used in a quarter of all light vehicles around the world, and Rassini, one of the world's largest brake and suspension manufacturers, have started manufacturing operations here, in places such as Glasgow, Ky.; Dickson, Tenn.; Montpelier, Ohio; and Plymouth, Mich.
Mexico is also the United States' third-largest trading partner and second-leading destination for exports after Canada. But unlike U.S. trade with the rest of the world, many of the manufactured goods that flow across the border with Mexico are products that U.S. and Mexican firms assemble together in shared supply chains. According to Chris Wilson at the Woodrow Wilson Center, 40 percent of the content in finished goods that Mexico exports to the United States is actually made in the United States.
In other words, much of what is assembled in Mexico - including cars, trains, helicopters, planes, computers and smartphones - is actually built in large part out of American-manufactured parts. The number is 25 percent for Canada, which is part of many of the same supply chains, but is only 2 to 5 percent for the European Union, India, China and South Korea. In North America, we don't compete for jobs as much as we build things together.
Of course, some manufacturing jobs have shifted south, at the same time that others have been created north of the border. Mexico's lower wage costs have made the country attractive for some large assembly operations, while much of the specialized production of parts still takes place in the United States. But more important, the integrated supply chains that stretch from Mexico through the United States to Canada have helped keep major manufacturing industries in North America rather than moving across the ocean, and they have made these industries increasingly competitive globally.
Today, millions of American jobs are tied directly or indirectly to these two flows - Mexican direct investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and joint manufacturing between the two countries (or often three countries, with Canada included). And in the future, these flows are likely to continue to increase - to the benefit of workers in both countries. At a time when American manufacturing is in decline overall, our trade and investment relationship with Mexico may be one of the few bright spots.
In Hazleton, once a declining town where rising immigration fueled division among townspeople, the economy has begun to grow again, and, like in many cities and towns across the country, Mexico, a next-door neighbor, has played a small but largely unnoticed part in that revival.
Selee, executive vice president of the Wilson Center, was the founding director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute.
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
Medicaid is not a topic most reporterseven health reportersflock to. Its a complex subject and the program serves mostly poor people, hardly the news demographic of choice.
But Lauren Sausser of The Post and Courier in Charleston, South Carolina, has discovered that Medicaidwhich directly affects about one in five of the states residentscan be a treasure trove of stories. The 32-year-old Sausser is carving an important niche for herself on the healthcare beat, backed by a paper that still has a full-fledged, four-page health section once a week and recently appointed her editor of the section.
Her abilities and strengths have led us to where we are with health coverage, said Mitch Pugh, The Post and Couriers executive editor. She has opened our eyes in the newsroom about what healthcare journalism can be.
Sausser didnt come to the P&C with a health wonk background. After working at several other news outlets, she and her husband wanted to move back to South Carolina, and she applied at the paper, which had no openings. I was pretty aggressive, she said. I told them I would take the first job that opened up. The health beat was the first, and she landed the job in early 2013.
The summer before that, the Supreme Court had ruled that the federal government could not require states to expand their Medicaid programs as part of the Affordable Care Actthe feds could provide funds to pay for most of the expansion, but the choice was up to state lawmakers. That decision prompted legislative debates around the country, and made Medicaid a big focus for reporters, for a time.
Many of those reporters have since moved on, but in South Carolina, where state officials refused to expand the program, Sausser has continued to follow the story closely. In one eye-catching article from January, she told the tale of Jim Connor, a pizza deliveryman earning $50 to $75 a week who had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. With no employer insurance, no access to refunds to make insurance affordable, and no Medicaid help, Connor was one of 123,000 South Carolinians in the so-called coverage gap, she wrote. He had been left to depend on hospital charityand so his tumor had gone untreated for months. In May, Sausser revisited Connors story: Workers at the state Medicaid agency hadnt been able to help him, but they had accepted his paperwork. Then they mistakenly shared his personal information with another applicant.
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Sausser has covered other stories about patients who fall through the gaps in healthcare reform, too. But she has also written about backlogs in processing Medicaid applications, about how the state has monitored social media to gather customer feedback, about the uneven implementation of the Healthy Outcomes Plan, the states alternative to Medicaid expansion, and more. The steady attention to the programs operations makes her coverage stand out.
There are so many negative stereotypes of patients who need Medicaid that I think some people dont care about the program as much as they should, Sausser told me. But the program is clearly important: It serves more than one million South Carolinians, about 600,000 of them children, and involves billions in annual spending. The chance to own the Medicaid beat also meshed with Saussers reporting ambitions. I wanted to be the go-to reporter for sources who wanted some subject covered, she said.
Her reporting is strong, in part, because she has takenand been giventhe time to really learn the subject. Thats something that impressed Tony Keck, the states former director of Health and Human Services, who is now a senior vice president for a hospital system in Tennessee. She was interested not only in the story of the moment but how healthcare worked, and we often talked about non-specific issues, whether it was healthcare or Medicaid, he said. Saussers coverage hasnt shied away from exploring shortfalls in state policy, and her coverage tends to highlight people who are personally affected. But, Keck said, she had a way to tell the story and put in the context of how and why decisions were being made.
Thats not to say that Sausser only covers Medicaidfar from it. Her recent stories have covered a new nursing program, local lead levels, superbugs in area hospitals, and the response to the Zika virus. As more data about hospital performance becomes available, Pugh, the papers editor, says she has figured out which rankings are useful, and how to put them in context.
Those stories dont always put hospitals in the best light. There was some pushback at first, Pugh said. It was clearly not the kind of reporting our hospitals were used to. They figured out who she was, and it has been an adjustment process.
Sausser has been a key part of some big investigative projects, too. In March 2015, she and Doug Pardue shared a byline on Cradle of Shame, about the scary infant mortality rates in the states rural areas. Later in the year she wrote Warehousing our Children, about hidden abuse of foster children in group homes. The idea for that series, which won a first-place award in its category from the Association of Health Care Journalists this spring, came from a Medicaid source, she said.
Though shes worked to become fluent in health policy, one of the lessons in Saussers coverage is that the best stories spring from the grassroots, from the experiences of ordinary people struggling to get better healthcare. On her computer screen are Post-its with phone numbers for the state Medicaid agency and the Obamacare marketplace, to pass on to readers who ask for help. She says her colleagues call her Dr. Sausser or Insurance Agent Sausser. Its those kinds of calls that turn into first-rate journalism.
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Trudy Lieberman is a longtime contributing editor to the Columbia Journalism Review. She is the lead writer for CJR's Covering the Health Care Fight. She also blogs for Health News Review and the Center for Health Journalism. Follow her on Twitter @Trudy_Lieberman.
Global disasters led to at least $7 billion in claims during May as insurers aid the recovery process following wildfires, floods, and storms, according to Impact Forecasting, Aon Benfields catastrophe model development team.
An historic wildfire caused catastrophic damage in the Canadian city of Fort McMurray throughout the month of May, becoming the costliest natural disaster in the countrys history with insured losses estimated to be in excess of C$4.0 billion (USD3.1 billion), said the latest edition of Impact Forecastings monthly Global Catastrophe Recap report.
The fire roared through more than 580,000 hectares (1.43 million acres) of land and destroyed at least 10 percent of Fort McMurray, including more than 2,400 homes and other structures, the report said, noting that insured losses included physical damage and business interruption.
The severity of the wildfire damage in Fort McMurray is an unfortunate reminder of how significant insurable losses can be from the peril, commented Adam Podlaha, global head of Impact Forecasting.
The situation in Canada has already allowed for a strong and cooperative response from both the government and the insurance industry as residents and business owners seek to assess the damage and begin the recovery process. Since this is just the sixth individual global wildfire to surpass the billion-dollar threshold for insurers, there is not a lot of precedent for a fire event of this magnitude, he added.
Storm Elvira
Meanwhile, convective storms and widespread flooding from a storm dubbed Elvira swept across parts of northern Europe between late May and early June, killing at least 17 people, the report said.
Most damage was seen in Germany, France, Austria, Poland and Belgium where floods hit many major metropolitan regions, including Paris, it noted.
Insurance industry associations in France (AFA) and Germany (GDV) preliminarily estimated combined minimum claims payouts to exceed 2.0 billion ($2.3 billion). Tentative overall economic damage was estimated to approach 4.0 billion ($4.6 billion).
Five outbreaks of severe convective storms hit the United States during May when tornadoes, straight-line winds, and large hail affected parts of the Plains, Midwest, and Mississippi Valley. Storm-related flooding also caused major damage in portions of Texas during the latter part of the month. Total aggregated insured losses were estimated to exceed $1.0 billion.
In Asia, Cyclone Roanu brought torrential rainfall to Sri Lanka, eastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China during May. Widespread flooding and landslides ensued and at least 105 people were killed in Sri Lanka alone. Nearly 125,000 homes and structures were damaged or destroyed across all five countries. The estimated cost of reconstruction was up to 250 billion Sri Lanka rupees ($1.7 billion), though insured losses were substantially less given low insurance penetration.
Natural hazard events to occur elsewhere during May include:
Five separate instances of flooding impacted China as aggregated economic losses topped $1.5 billion. Most of the damage was attributed to agricultural interests.
Other major flood and landslide events in May were reported in parts of Hispaniola, Kenya, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Ethiopia, India and Yemen.
Tropical Storm Bonnie brought heavy rainfall to portions of the Carolinas and Georgia in the United States at the end of May and into June. Total economic losses were expected to be minimal.
Earthquakes in Ecuador and China caused damages to thousands of homes and a winter weather outbreak in northern China caused damage to crops totaling $61 million.
Source: Aon Benfield
Major insurers American International Group Inc. and Prudential Financial Inc. would be required to hold enough capital to head off risks to the U.S. financial system as part of a regulatory shakeup of the insurance industry proposed by the Federal Reserve on Friday.
The U.S. central bank gained regulatory authority over the two systemically important insurance companies and 12 insurance firms that own banks as a result of the 2010 Dodd-Frank reform law designed to strengthen U.S. oversight of Wall Street.
Under the proposals, insurance firms that own banks will also face a new set of capital standards. Details on capital requirements for the two types of insurers overseen by the Fed have yet to be determined.
The proposals, which have been five years in the making, seek to force the companies to have enough capital on hand to ward off excessive borrowing or insolvency and prevent a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis.
AIG and Prudential have been deemed too big to fail because of the outsized threat they pose to financial stability.
For them, the Fed proposes a consolidated approach with firms assets and liabilities categorized into segments based on potential risk with those that pose a higher threat requiring more capital against them.
Under a separate proposal, they would also have to comply with new corporate governance and risk-management standards including undergoing regular liquidity stress testing, providing comprehensive cash flow projections and developing contingency funding plans should there be a liquidity crunch.
They would also need to maintain a 90-day liquidity cash buffer. Both companies stocks were little changed following the release of the proposals. AIG did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A Prudential spokesman said in a statement: We view this as a positive step forward that recognizes the underlying economics of our businesses.
As insurance companies that own banks are generally less complex and have fewer international activities, the Fed plans a building block approach in which they would aggregate the capital across a firms different units to calculate a single requirement.
The proposed two-tier framework for the separate types of firms reflects the different risks they pose to the safety and soundness of depository institutions and to the financial system more generally, Fed Governor Daniel Tarullo said in a statement.
He added that the central bank had adopted such an approach to avoid unnecessary compliance costs on those who pose the least risk.
The Fed currently oversees roughly one quarter of the $8 trillion U.S. insurance industry.
MetLife Inc, the largest U.S. life insurer, was previously categorized as systemically important, but a federal judge struck down that designation in March. The U.S. government has appealed.
There is no currently defined timeline for when the Fed expects the proposals will be finalized, Federal Reserve officials said. The next step in the rulemaking process for both proposals is a period for public comment until Aug. 2.
(Reporting by Lindsay Dunsmuir; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Alan Crosby)
Martin Senn, the Zurich Insurance Group AG chief executive officer who stepped down in a December reshuffle, has committed suicide, the company said in a statement on Monday. He was 59.
The family informed Zurich Insurance that Senn had taken his own life on Friday, according to the statement. We are profoundly shocked by the news of the sudden death, the company said.
Senn was found in his holiday house in Klosters, a Swiss ski resort, Blick newspaper reported. The cantonal police of Grisons wouldnt confirm the death but said officers had been deployed on Friday in connection with Senn.
Huge Loss
This is a huge loss; Martin Senn was an amazing person, said Martin Naville, CEO of the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, where Senn had served as president. Human beings are hard to understand but we have to accept his decision.
Senn in December acknowledged setbacks in the months before his departure after higher-than-expected claims at the general-insurance unit forced the company to abandon a takeover bid for RSA Insurance Group Plc. The company later announced an overhaul of the general-insurance business.
During Senns five years as CEO, Zurich Insurance rose about 19 percent and paid out record dividends of 17 Swiss francs a share. In his biggest acquisition, he bought a 51 percent stake in Banco Santander SAs insurance division for $1.67 billion in 2011. Two years later, Chief Financial Officer Pierre Wauthier committed suicide and Josef Ackermann quit.
Conservative Approach
Senns conservative approach helped Zurich Insurance perform well during the financial crisis, when he was the chief investment officer, said Andreas Schaefer, an analyst at Bankhaus Lampe. Zurichs asset side never caused any problems and the company did well compared with its peers, he said. Schaefer has a hold rating on the stock.
Mario Greco, the former CEO of Italys Assicurazioni Generali SpA, assumed Senns role in March. UBS Group AG CEO Sergio Ermotti was set to take over as president of the chamber of commerce in June.
Senn started at Zurich in 2006 as CIO and became CEO in 2010. He joined from Switzerlands biggest life insurer, Swiss Life Holding AG, and held several positions at Credit Suisse Group AG.
When he was 26, Senn became treasurer of the Hong Kong branch of Schweizerischer Bankverein, today known as UBS Group AG.
Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
The push by U.S. auto safety regulators to replace potentially dangerous Takata air bag inflators in millions of vehicles is running into resistance from General Motors Co, documents released on Thursday show.
GMs response highlights the challenges that the Takata airbag scandal, which has led to the largest-ever auto safety recall, presents to automakers and regulators.
The largest U.S. automaker issued a preliminary recall for 1.9 million 2007-2011 trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with Takata Corp passenger-side airbag inflators that use ammonium nitrate as a propellant.
Its action was the latest in a series of recalls announced by major automakers since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) declared that all Takata airbag inflators made with ammonium nitrate should be replaced.
But GM told U.S. regulators it may not be necessary to recall many of the Takata-equipped 2007-2011 full-size trucks and SUVs, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. GM said its Takata inflators have a unique design that does not pose a safety risk.
The company said its data shows no cases of an airbag rupturing among 44,000 deployments in large pickups and SUVs that contain Takata inflators.
The Takata inflators used in GM trucks and large SUVs are designed with different venting for hot gases released when the airbag deploys, and they are installed in the vehicle in a way that minimizes exposure to moisture, the company said.
GM believes that the vehicles it manufactured with these inflators do not contain a present defect which poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, the automaker stated in a document filed with the NHTSA.
GM said it plans additional testing to make the case that its vehicles are safe.
Takata and other airbag suppliers lack the production capacity to quickly produce replacement parts, officials have said.
Michigan-based air bag maker Key Safety Systems and new Chinese parent Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp are discussing a potential investment in Takata with the Japanese companys investment banker Lazard, Key Chief Executive Jason Luo said on Thursday.
Luo said he could not provide further details on whether Joyson and Key were interested in acquiring Takata or its air bag and seat belt operations.
AT ODDS WITH REGULATORS
GMs stance is at odds with the position regulators took last month when they said all frontal Takata airbag inflators without a drying agent must be recalled.
The science clearly shows that these inflators become unsafe over time, faster when exposed to humidity and variations of temperature, NHTSA spokesman Bryan Thomas said Thursday.
Upward of 100 million vehicles worldwide with Takata airbag inflators have been recalled and are linked to 13 deaths and more than 100 injuries. Inflators can explode with too much force and spray metal shrapnel into vehicle passenger compartments.
NHTSA confirmed in April that about 85 million Takata airbag inflators eventually will have to be recalled and replaced unless automakers can prove they are safe. Federal officials have agreed to give Takata and automakers until December 2019 to either recall ammonium nitrate inflators, or prove they are safe.
NHTSA is staggering recalls over time and directing replacement inflators first to states with extended high heat and humidity, linked to inflator failures.
However, NHTSAs handling of the situation has come under fire from Capitol Hill. On Wednesday, a U.S. Senate report said four automakers were continuing to sell some new vehicles with defective Takata airbag inflators that will eventually need to be recalled.
Ruptures have occurred without warning. In December, a driver of a 2006 Ford Ranger was killed in South Carolina when the inflator ruptured in a crash. NHTSA said 1,900 tests of the Ranger inflator type did not result in any ruptures. Ford on Wednesday recalled 1.9 million additional vehicles for Takata inflators.
GMs large pickups and SUVs are its most profitable and highest-volume models. GM declined to say how many trucks it has sold in the U.S. with ammonium nitrate Takata inflators that could be subject to recall. Data provided by LMC Automotive indicate GM built 4.9 million large pickups and large SUVs in the years 2007-2011. About 300,000 of those vehicles, heavy duty pickups, already were recalled.
GMs action Thursday was the largest of six separate recalls made public by the NHTSA. Volkswagen AG recalled 217,000 vehicles; Daimler AGs Mercedes-Benz USA unit recalled 200,000 vehicles, and the German automakers U.S. van unit recalled 5,100 vehicles. Another 92,000 vehicles were recalled by BMW AG, while Jaguar Land Rover, a Tata Motors Ltd brand, recalled 54,000 vehicles.
In total, 15 automakers have recalled nearly 16.4 million vehicles in the United States since last week, stemming from Takatas decision in May to declare another 35 million to 40 million inflators with ammonium nitrate defective by 2019.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Adrian Croft, Nick Zieminski and Bill Rigby)
Stormy weather swept across much of Texas over this past week, and a new weather app is designed to help with flash flooding.
University of Texas at Arlington associate professor D.J. Seo has launching the crowdsourcing app, iSeeFlood, that will allow real-time flooding to be reported. Initially, it will only be available on Android phones, but Seo hopes to raise enough funding to develop an Apple version of the app.
The free app adds another layer to existing flood gauges and will work with the network of CASA (Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere) radars stationed across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
We want to gather as many observations as possible through crowdsourcing to improve model prediction accuracy, Seo told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
At the same, UTA is also adding weather sensors across Fort Worth to provide more detailed flooding information. On Thursday, one was placed above Sycamore Creek and it will provide data the next time the creek starts rising.
For small urban areas we need to have additional observations to make sure that the models are realistic or reasonable, Seo said. We are using these observations to assimilate all available data to make the model predictions more accurate.
Ten sites are being monitored around the Fort Worth area. There are plans to add more in Grand Prairie, Dallas, Arlington and Kennedale.
One National Weather Service official said the sensors and crowdsourcing app can help forecasters predict flooding.
Greg Waller, senior coordination hydrologist with the National Weather Service West Gulf River Forecast Center, said flash flooding can be highly localized. In the April 30 flash flood that killed 6 people in Palestine, one creek rose rapidly while another nearby tributary stayed in its banks.
Anytime you give data to a scientist, it is going to be a good thing, Waller said. A rain gauge adds the verification. It adds the validation so that when we say theres flash flooding because this sensor in this creek says its flooding, it adds more meaning to the warning.
With several rounds of storms expected over the Memorial Day weekend, Waller said drivers will need to pay attention not only in North Texas but if theyre traveling to Central and East Texas.
If youre along the river, you should expect the rivers to rise, Waller said. Right now, rainfall intensity may matter as much as the actual rainfall total.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The Legislature is close to repealing an annual tax break worth tens of millions of dollars that was inadvertently given to auto insurers four years ago, a move agreed to as part of a state budget deal.
The Republican-led House late Thursday gave initial approval to two bills to ensure the industry is no longer eligible for the tax credit, effective this tax year.
This is the biggest and worst example of corporate welfare I have ever seen, said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Al Pscholka, R-Stevensville. The companies got the tax credit, and the citizens of Michigan got diddly in return, he said.
Industry leaders have conceded that the credit was awarded by mistake, but they warn premiums will go up.
This legislation results in a $40 per car increase in auto insurance premiums, which are already some of the highest prices in the nation, with no real effort to reform a system with skyrocketing costs, said Mark Fisk, spokesman for the Michigan Insurance Coalition.
Michigan has what is called an assigned claims plan to cover medical care for people injured in accidents who do not have auto insurance. It initially largely covered pedestrians and bicyclists. But the benefits increasingly also help passengers injured while riding in uninsured vehicles.
The secretary of state managed the program from the 1970s until 2012, when a law transferred the plan to the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility, which sells insurance to people unable to buy it from insurance companies. The move was intended to gain efficiencies and get a better handle on claims the cost of which are borne by insurers and passed along to motorists.
But the switch meant insurers, who receive a tax credit against payments to the group, were credited for a quarter of $239 million in assigned claims paid out in 2015, about $60 million. The break is now estimated to be worth $80 million a year, according to the House Fiscal Agency.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder proposed ending the credit in his budget proposal for the fiscal year that will start in October, and legislative leaders agreed. The legislation, which was approved 78-30 and 79-29, is expected to be taken up by the GOP-controlled Senate before lawmakers begin their summer break in two weeks.
Rep. Jim Townsend, D-Royal Oak, said he was hopeful that Republicans are listening to our message of tax fairness and may address other business tax breaks.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Darmstadt International Summer Course Celebrated as Avant-Garde Stronghold
Last month, a three-day festival was held in Brooklyn to honor Darmstadt, Germany's Darmstadt International Music Institute and the 70th anniversary of their Summer Course for New Music -- a starting point for many revered avant-garde composers like Karlheinz Stockhausen, Pierre Boulez and John Cage.
Taking place at New York's experimental community venue, Roulette, and presented by the Goethe Institute in conjunction with Darmstadt International, the celebration included numerous tribute performances. One highlight was a three-hour Stockhausen show from the Orchestra of the S.E.M. Ensemble with Talea Ensemble:
"Here was a rare immersion in modern classics. The Talea contributed a gripping performance of Stockhausen's groundbreaking 'Mikrophonie I,' in which hand microphones are used to pick up the resonances from a tam-tam struck and manipulated by different objects."
Darmstadt Institute in New York also offers the Summer Course for New Music, similar to the parent institution in Germany, for aspiring composers of forward-thinking works. George Grella of the New York Classical Review summed up the course's unique, respected aesthetic:
"The Darmstadt course is better known, fairly or not, as the 'Darmstadt School,' the style (and more importantly, ideology) of atonality of Stockhausen, Pierre Boulez, Luigi Nono, and Bruno Maderna. Darmstadt set itself up as the logical post-World War musical utopia. It used history, particularly romanticism, as a launch pad, and also as an oppositional pole by which to define itself."
The 70th anniversary concert series at Roulette took place over three nights, May 9-11, and included such artists as Wet Ink Ensemble, Jennifer Walshe, Mivos Quartet and I.C.E., the International Contemporary Ensemble. The celebration of "radical innovation" was a fitting exploratory tribute to Darmstadt's decades of inventive classical instruction.
Below, take a listen to Stockhausen's aforementioned work, "Mikrophonie I," an explosive and heralded investigation of directional microphonic techniques. As titled, this is the first of two parts in the composer's "Mikrophonie" suite, written by Stockhausen in 1964 and 1965.
Let us know what you think of the experimental piece in the comments section below, we would love to hear from you.
2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
TagsAvant-Garde, Experimental Music, Karlheinz Stockhausen
AKRON, Ohio -- A 27-year-old man was stabbed in the chest during a fight over a woman early Thursday morning, police said.
Officers received a report about 4 a.m. about a fight at 80 Botnick Plaza. The officers heard a voice scream that someone was stabbed, according to Akron police reports.
Dalton Gordon, 20, broke into his 23-year-old ex-girlfriend's apartment through an unlocked window, reports say. The woman was with her new boyfriend.
Gordon stabbed the man in the chest with a Bowie knife, police said. He also slashed the palm of the victim's hand.
The victim hit Gordon in the head with a belt buckle in self-defense.
The victim was taken to Summa Akron City Hospital. His condition was unknown Thursday morning.
Gordon was taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital for treatment. He is in the Summit County Jail.
Gordon is charged with felonious assault with a weapon, burglary, violation of a temporary protection order, domestic violence menacing, and facsimile firearms, Akron Municipal Court records show. He will be arraigned Friday morning.
Gordon had a BB gun with the orange tip removed when he was arrested, police said.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Some local programs see youth employment as more than just a workforce development issue. They also view jobs as a way to offer stability to young people, especially those from Cleveland communities with high violence rates. Such programs include the Volunteers of America's Face Forward 2 program, which focus on the educational and employment needs of young offenders. Ohio Means Jobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga County's Youth Resource Center, open to residents aged 14-24, is another.
Here are the voices of those who believe jobs are a fundamental component of pathways to peace.
By Olivera Perkins/The Plain Dealer
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Jaylyn Wade-Page at his job at Panera Bread in University Circle. He got his job through a program run by the Volunteers of America, which emphasizes the roles of education and employment in keeping young people out of trouble. (Gus Chan/The Plain Dealer)
Youth Employment is Essential
An analysis done for The Plain Dealer by Case Western Reserve University found a correlation between the youth idle rate based on those neither working nor in school and the youth violence rate.
Here are the voices of those who believe jobs must are a fundamental component of pathways to peace.
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Hear Tysean Darden's story in this video.
The Right Mindset is Key
Tysean Darden, 23, enrolled in Ohio Means Jobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga Countys Youth Resource Center to help him in his job search. Darden, who grew up in Cleveland, including the Broadway-Slavic Village area, said a person must first think success before he or she can achieve it.
I grew up on Fleet (Avenue), he said. Even though you grow up in that type of environment, you dont have to be a product of that environment."
I grew up fighting everyday, he said. There was no one to guide me. I never drew the gun or did drugs. I looked to better myself.
Hear more of Darden's thoughts on the topic in this video.
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Hear Eric Traylor discuss the link between joblessness and violence in this video.
Dress for Success
Eric Traylor, Jr., 18, had been looking for a job for two years before going to Ohio Means Jobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga Countys Youth Resource Center. He credits what he learned there with helping him land a job as a cook at a downtown club. That included working on how he would carry himself in the workplace even before he got a job.
I come here and I am dressed up, he said of Ohio Means Jobs. I dress like that because coming here is like a job for me.
Hear Traylor discuss the link between joblessness and violence in this video.
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John Kyles, 22, talks during a session at Ohio Means Jobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga County's Youth Resource Center. He said many teens growing up in communities with high violence rates often lose the fight of not being pulled into the violence. (Marvin Fong/The Plain Dealer)
Avoiding Being Pulled into Violence
John Kyles, 22, enrolled in Ohio Means Jobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga Countys Youth Resource Center to help with his job search. He said many young people, who grow up in neighborhoods of high violence, get pulled into violence against their will. At 15, Kyles said a young adult pulled a gun on him. He then bought a gun and was later convicted as a teenager for carrying a concealed weapon.
When you were growing up, it was fun, he said. You had basketball and football from 11 to about 13.
"Most of the people started playing with guns at 15, Kyles said. Then somebody got shot. And once there was bloodshed, it went on forever. It is going to keep going on forever until somebody is in the box. Thats what we call jail.
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Shakela Hobbs, 19, who lives in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood, believes employers often shy away from hiring young people from neighborhoods with high violence rates. They mistakenly believe most -- even sometimes all -- young residents of such neighborhoods are involved in violence. (Marvin Fong/The Plain Dealer)
Employers Have the Wrong Perceptions
Shakela Hobbs, 19, has used Ohio Means Jobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga Countys Youth Resource Center to help with her job search. She believes many employers incorrectly assume that job seekers from neighborhoods of high youth violence are involved in such violence.
They think everybody is shooting and into drugs and gang-banging, said Hobbs. They see I live in Hough, and they think, 'I am not about to hire this girl. She probably gang-bangs and fights too,' but I am not that type of person.
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Jaylyn Wade-Page, 17, at his part-time job at Panera Bread in University Circle, which he got through a program for youth offenders run by the Volunteers of America. With him is Dontez White, a VOA career development counselor, who helped place him in the job and works with Wade-Page and his employer in helping the teen remain employed. (Gus Chan/The Plain Dealer)
Linking Young People with Jobs
Dontez White, a career development counselor for the Volunteers of Americas Face Forward 2 program, helps place young people in jobs. He then works closely with his clients and their new employers in an effort to make sure they stay employed.
Wade-Page speaks highly of both White and the program.
I think people my age need help from programs like this, Wade-Page said. Without help, I dont think they have any motivation to do it themselves."
MinWage.JPG
A group that collected signatures in support of setting Cleveland's minimum wage at $15 an hour missed a deadline to guarantee the initiative a spot on the November ballot.
(Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - A proposal to set Cleveland's minimum wage at $15 an hour likely will miss its chance at the November ballot and could get pushed to a special election -- or to the next regularly scheduled primary more than a year from now.
The Service Employees International Union, through a newly formed local group called Raise Up Cleveland, had collected enough signatures of Cleveland voters to compel council to introduce the legislation last month.
If council votes down the ordinance or adopts an amended version, the petitioners have the option of putting the original language on the ballot for Cleveland voters.
But the group appears to have turned in the signatures a few days too late to guarantee a shot at the November ballot. The City Charter gives council 60 days to review the legislation, then another 30 days to make a final decision. If council runs out the clock and decides not to pass the ordinance as written, the initiative will miss the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections' Aug. 10 deadline to make the ballot for the general election.
According to the City Charter, the petitioners then could either wait until the next regular election or collect an additional 5,000 signatures to force a special election. City Council also could opt to hold a special election without the signatures.
Anthony Caldwell, director of public affairs for SEIU District 1199, on Wednesday acknowledged that if council takes the full amount of time allowed by the city charter, the initiative will likely go to a special election.
However, in an interview Thursday, Kate Harshman, outside counsel for Raise Up Cleveland, said the group believes the charter gives them until Sept. 9 -- 60 days before the November election -- to certify the issue to the board of elections. She said case law supports her argument that deadlines outlined in municipal charters trump those of the elections board.
Harshman said the petitioners could challenge the board's deadline on those grounds.
Regardless, both Caldwell and Harshman said the petitioners aren't worried about the deadlines and believe they have enough public support to pass the issue no matter when it goes to a vote.
Caldwell said polling indicates that 77 percent of Clevelanders support a $15 minimum wage. Although the November ballot promises the greatest voter turnout, he said, those who are most directly affected by the issue would be motivated to vote during a later election, too.
He said, however, that council should act sooner to avoid a costly special election.
"That would be an extreme cost to taxpayers for a city that is always talking about how they don't have enough revenue," Caldwell said. "Also, it will put a bitter taste in the mouths of voters, because they will see an attempt to postpone a vote on this issue as gamesmanship to circumvent their will. Rarely do you see 28,000 people sign a petition in two weeks."
Council President Kevin Kelley, who opposes raising the minimum wage only in Cleveland and not statewide, said council is exercising due diligence and will not rush through hearings on the subject. He added that the city's charter is clear on the time frame, and that the SEIU should have calculated the timing of its petition drive more carefully if aiming for the November ballot.
"Our charter is publicly available," Kelley said. "And the calendar in Cleveland is the same as the calendar in Columbus. We intend to do our jobs and take this time to learn what potential impacts this very important topic may have on our community."
Council has held two hearings on the legislation so far. At the first, proponents of the measure argued that the current statewide $8.10 minimum wage was keeping families in poverty. At the second hearing, Kelley had invited two local economists to share their views on the effect that such a dramatic citywide minimum wage hike would have on businesses and the local economy.
In short, the wage increase would be too high, too fast and in too limited of a geographical area, they concluded, predicting that the net result would be a loss of jobs and businesses in Cleveland.
Council's Committee of the Whole is scheduled for another hearing on the topic next Thursday.
LINCOLN -- Faced with divisive turmoil within the Democratic Party in response to the formation of what was billed as a unity slate of candidates for top leadership positions, State Chairman Vince Powers withdrew Wednesday as a candidate for re-election.
His announcement followed a decision by former state Sen. Steve Lathrop to withdraw as a candidate for national committeeman, removing half of the unity team from contention.
Powers said he hopes Bold Nebraska founder and leader Jane Kleeb now will consider a bid to lead the party and that party fundraiser Andy Holland will remain a candidate for national committeewoman.
"I am encouraged by the leadership and grit Jane Fleming Kleeb has shown (and) she has my support and respect," Powers said.
Kleeb said she plans to announce her plans on Friday.
"(Holland is) by far the best fundraiser this party has had in memory, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars these last few years for our ongoing voter registration efforts and for the Nebraska Democratic Party," Powers said.
"I strongly encourage my fellow Democrats to stand with both of these strong women," he said. "Do not allow the voices that prefer to criticize and divide to overpower those of you who actually do the work to build the party."
Kleeb had proposed creating a unity team during a meeting with Powers when she asked him to reconsider his earlier decision not to seek re-election this year and instead head a slate that would include her as a candidate for vice chairwoman.
The unity slate would have ousted three party leaders and moved Powers into contention with 2014 gubernatorial nominee Chuck Hassebrook for the chairmanship.
Party leaders will be elected at the Democratic state convention in Kearney later this month.
"I have been disappointed that our concept to bring together outstanding Democrats committed to doing the work of the party has been portrayed as divisive," Powers said Wednesday. "As they say, anyone can tear down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one."
Earlier, Lathrop withdrew as a candidate for national committeeman, citing concerns expressed by "friends in the labor movement" who want union leader Ron Kaminski to retain that party post.
Kaminski is an Omaha Laborers Union official.
"It is important to keep labor engaged in the Democratic Party," Lathrop said during a telephone interview.
Kaminski still will face an opponent at the Democratic state convention.
Bud Pettigrew of Valentine, who has extensive ties within the party, has pledged to "make a significant impact on fundraising" if he is elected to the party post.
The contest will unfold with TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline in the background.
Kleeb led Bold Nebraska's grassroots battle to scuttle the pipeline and prevent it from being built across the state, and she will be an influential figure at the convention.
Kaminski and his union strongly supported construction of the pipeline.
Kleeb endorsed Bernie Sanders at a Lincoln appearance two days before he won Nebraska's Democratic presidential caucus in March. Kaminski pledged his superdelegate vote to Hillary Clinton before the caucus.
Caucus results will be reflected at the state convention with a majority of delegates identified as Sanders supporters.
"Over the last two years," Lathrop said, "I have been a volunteer for the Democratic Party, raising money, supporting the party and recruiting legislative candidates without holding a party office.
"I can still do all those things," he said.
Homestead National Monument of America will host a United States Citizenship and Naturalization Ceremony on Tuesday, June 14.
New citizens will take their Oath of Allegiance to the United States at the ceremony. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the Education Centers courtyard. The public is encouraged to attend.
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon foreign citizens or nationals after fulfilling the requirements established by Congress. After naturalization, foreign-born citizens enjoy nearly all the same benefits, rights and responsibilities that the U.S. Constitution gives to native-born citizens, including the right to vote.
This year Homestead will have the United States Army Field Band Brass Quintet in concert prior to the naturalization ceremony, at 1 p.m. The Army Field Band is playing in a number of national parks this year to help celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service.
The Homestead Act encouraged both immigration to the United States and migration within the country. The naturalization ceremonies we hold today reflect the basic homesteading principle of welcoming new citizens to help build our country, said Homestead Superintendent Mark Engler in a press release.
This is the first of two naturalization ceremonies to take place at Homestead this year. Last year over 100 people from more than 60 countries became new citizens at Homestead.
Experts cautiously praised the current bill under consideration by Congress to alleviate the financial crisis facing Puerto Rico.
"It is the only viable path for Puerto Rico to re-establish budget credibility and it is the only viable path to provide the necessary legal tools to carry out the debt restructuring," Brad Setser, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Wednesday at a panel hosted by the conservative American Enterprise Institute.
On May 2, Puerto Rico registered its largest default to date when it failed to make a $367 million payment on bonds issued by the Government Development Bank, and looming ahead is a nearly $2 billion payment due July 1. Congress is currently with bipartisan support that would establish a board to oversee the territory's fiscal planning and create a process for debt restructuring.
Desmond Lachman, a former deputy director of the International Monetary Fund currently affiliated with AEI, said he thought the oversight board would produce greater transparency and better budget planning. John Miller, co-head of fixed income at Nuveen Asset Management, said that the proposed bill "has been a stabilizing factor on Puerto Rico bonds broadly and has not impeded the broader municipal market either."
However, some panelists said more was needed aside from the current bill pending in Congress. "If you just do what is in [the current bill], we really aren't going to get growth there," Lachman said.
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Oil prices likely need to recover to roughly $70 a barrel and stay there before U.S. shale drillers start investing in new production, Tom Petrie said Thursday. The chairman of investment banking firm Petrie Partners made the call on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" after being asked to assess the view of Chesapeake Energy co-founder Tom Ward that capital markets would not open to most U.S. drillers until crude prices rebound to $75. Drillers need access to debt and equity markets in order to invest in new production, Ward told "Squawk on the Street" last month. Oil and gas companies have slashed capital spending because crude prices have been too low to support new investment. Oil prices rebounded 98 percent from February's 12-year low of $26.05 to a 10 -month high of $51.67 reached on Thursday. The rally has stoked fears that U.S. drillers, desperate for relief, will turn on the taps to get more oil and cash flowing, resulting in another supply-driven crash in crude prices.
U.S. output ticked up for the first time in three months last week, according to weekly production figures released Wednesday by the Energy Information Administration.
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But Petrie said the cost of bringing on substantial new production requires that drillers earn more than $50 a barrel. Ward's target is probably closer to the mark, he added. "I'd probably say the high $60s to the low to mid-$70s is the range for a significant change," Petrie said. More importantly, the institutions that allocate capital need to believe the price rebound is sustainable, he said. And Petrie expects setbacks along the road to recovery. "This is going to be a process of two, three steps forward, one backward because the incentive for OPEC, and Saudi [Arabia] in particular, is to remind us that there's downside to be observed," he said. OPEC members did not reach an agreement to cut or cap output at a meeting in Vienna last week. That means countries in the cartel are able to continue producing at high volumes, which puts pressure on U.S. frackers, who rely on an expensive drilling method called hydraulic fracturing to free oil and gas from shale rock. To be sure, drillers have built up a large inventory of wells that have been drilled but are not yet fracked, a strategy that allows them to start new production relatively quickly. But Petrie said drillers are already working through the best assets that produce a return at today's low prices. Still, he said a pattern of tail winds had emerged in oil markets, setting up a good second half of 2016 for crude prices. Oil demand in China and India is holding up better than expected, he said, and some output has fallen due to supply disruptions.
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As investors wring their hands over the impact of Britain's potential withdrawal from the European Union, otherwise known as "Brexit," one of the market's biggest bears delivered a surprising message.
"I happen to think that a Brexit would be bullish for global economic growth," Marc Faber told CNBC's "Trading Nation" on Wednesday. "It would give other countries incentive to leave the badly organized EU."
The editor and publisher of The Gloom, Boom & Doom Report emphasized that a vote on June 23 by Britain to leave the EU would be an ideal course of action for the country. Additionally, Faber expressed the belief that small countries like Croatia, Estonia and Malta would also prosper as independent nations versus being a part of a larger system.
Currently, the EU has 28 members that operate within a single market with the goal of encouraging the free movement of goods and services. British Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed disdain for leaving the bloc, explaining in a piece forThe Telegraph that doing so would "be the gamble of the century."
However, that's a risk that Faber says Britain should be willing to take and noted that the European Union is an "empire that is hugely bureaucratic."
Faber further reasoned that a Brexit would not be a disaster. "On the contrary, it would be the best thing for Britain that would ever happen!"
Faber defended his case by citing Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU nor the European Economic Area, but instead operates in the "single" market. That enables the Swiss to have rights in the U.K., but theoretically allows them to operate independently of both groups.
Sen. Bernie Sanders said at the White House on Thursday that he plans to compete in next week's D.C. primary, but he underscored that he "will work as hard as I can" to stop presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump in the general election.
Sanders spoke after he met with President Barack Obama three days after media outlets determined that Hillary Clinton had enough commitments from delegates to become the Democratic Party's presumptive presidential nominee and two days after her convincing victories in primaries in California and New Jersey.
Some pundits had speculated that Obama would seek to persuade Sanders to drop out of the race, so the Democratic Party could rally around Clinton in preparation for a general election battle against Trump.
Instead, the Vermont senator implied that he is willing to play ball with the Clinton camp even if he does not become the Democratic nominee.
"Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power, and I will work as hard as I can, to make sure that Donald Trump does not become president of the United States," Sanders said.
"It is unbelievable to me, and I say this with all sincerity, that the Republicans have a candidate for president who, in the year 2016, makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign," Sanders said of Trump. "In my view the American people will not vote for or tolerate a candidate who insults Mexicans and Latinos, who insults Muslims, who insults African-Americans and women."
Obama had no public comments immediately after meeting with Sanders but the president endorsed Clinton in a video released later in the afternoon.
"I am with her. I am fired up, and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary," Obama said in the video.
Billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who earlier this year sold his position in Apple , said Thursday he still thinks highly of the tech giant but remains concerned about its prospects in China.
"We made several billion dollars on [Apple]," Icahn told CNBC's "Squawk Box," saying he thinks CEO Tim Cook is "doing a good job."
"I would get back in [to Apple] if I felt more secure about China," Icahn said. "I don't think anybody can tell you that China is not going to have a problem, even though it might be a very small one."
Icahn said he's worried about the high debt levels in China and how those might adversely impact the world's second-largest economy.
In Apple's latest quarter, sales declined 13 percent from the prior year, the first year-over-year revenue drop since 2003. Sales of iPhones slid to 51.2 million from 61.2 million the previous year.
Fiscal second quarter revenue and earnings missed estimates, while guidance from the tech company for the current quarter also fell shy of expectations.
Days after Apple released results in April, Icahn told CNBC he had sold his position in the tech giant. He previously owned a little less than 1 percent of the outstanding shares.
Major U.S. bank Citigroup has warned staff it might rebalance operations away from the U.K. if the country votes to leave the European Union (EU) in this month's referendum, according to the U.K.'s Guardian newspaper. Citi's U.K. head, James Bardrick, told staff a so-called Brexit might impact the business, in an email cited by the Guardian on Wednesday.
Citi and HSBC banks dominate the skyline of Canary Wharf, London.
"A vote to leave the EU is likely to have implications for our U.K. operations. To continue to serve our clients and maintain efficient access to those markets currently enabled through the EU passporting regime, we would likely need to rebalance our operations across the EU," he said. CNBC received no immediate reply on Thursday when it contacted Citigroup to see the letter and ask for comment. Citigroup's main U.K. office is in Canary Wharf in London, but it also has offices in Derby in England, Belfast in Northern Island and Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. The U.K. is the headquarters of Citi's Europe, the Middle East and Africa operations. The bank employs more than 9,000 in the U.K., according to the Guardian.
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Two ethnic Uighur women pass Chinese paramilitary policemen standing guard outside the Grand Bazaar in the Uighur district of the city of Urumqi in China's Xinjiang region. Peter Parks | AFP | Getty Images
People living in a border prefecture in Xinjiang must now give DNA samples when applying for travel documents. The regulations were put in force before the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started on Monday and was marked by the government's customary ban on fasting by civil servants, students and children. Residents in the Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture who wanted to apply for any type of immigration documents had to go to the police station nearest their registered homes to have their DNA samples, fingerprints, voiceprints and a three-dimensional image collected, the prefectural Communist Party committee newspaper Yili Daily said. The new policy applies to applications for passports, two-way permits to and Macau, entry permits to Taiwan, and renewals of these permits. Applicants who failed to provide all the biological identification information would have their applications refused, the report said.
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The prefecture of Yili, bordering Kazakhstan, is an ethnically diverse area of 2.5 million people, including Kazakhs, Uygurs and Mongolians. Some 64.7 per cent of residents are ethnic minorities and the rest Han Chinese. The policy comes amid efforts to combat a surge in violence in Xinjiang blamed by the authorities on Islamist separatists allegedly linked to jihadist militant groups including Islamic State. More from the South China Morning Post :
Tycoon bought record HK$2.1 billion home on Hong Kong's The Peak because his HK$380 million property in Mid-Levels was 'too tiny'
Hong Kong's Central MTR station plunged into darkness for about six hours
Hong Kong tycoon forecasts further 10pc drop in property prices before hitting bottom at year's end Uygur rights groups say government restrictions on Islam have added to ethnic tensions in the region, where hundreds have died in attacks in recent years. The government said in a white paper last week that freedom of religion in the region was "unparalleled" compared to any other period in Xinjiang's history.
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Take a drive across Nebraska and you will see farm equipment almost everywhere: tractors, combines, center pivots and more. You name it; chances are Nebraska producers use it. Year round, our farmers and ranchers rely on a wide variety of agricultural machinery to do their job of feeding the world.
Many of these producers store fuel in aboveground tanks on their property. Often, this is because they live miles from the towns where they can refuel.
While most fuel storage tanks are located miles from major waterways, Washington wants to regulate them anyway.
Despite the EPAs limited understanding of production agriculture, the agency believes these fuel tanks threaten water quality. Under a regulation intended for major oil refineries, known as the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule, the EPA wants to restrict the amount of fuel our ag producers can store on their land. This rule would force families to make costly upgrades to fuel storage tanks. It would also impose heavy fines if these tanks go over the on-farm fuel limit exemption mandated by the federal government.
As a cattle rancher, I understand the negative impact this mandate would have on our agriculture community. As your U.S. senator, I am doing something about it.
Last Congress, I successfully brokered a bipartisan provision in the 2014 Water Resources Reform Development Act, which was signed into law. My provision protected Nebraskas ag community from the SPCC rule by implementing a 6,000-gallon exemption for on-farm fuel storage. It also required the EPA to conduct a study to examine and determine the exemption threshold for on-farm fuel storage. The study was released last year and it quickly became clear that the results were based on flawed data.
EPA regulators claim we need this rule to protect water quality, but the facts tell a different story. In its study, the EPA failed to show that on-farm fuel storage poses a significant risk to water quality. The report cited seven examples of significant fuel spills, yet none of them occurred on a farm or ranch. Even more misleading, they pointed to one spill in particular that leaked 3,000 gallons of fuel. The only problem is, the liquid was jet fuel, something I have yet to find on farms in Nebraska.
Nebraskas ag community remains under threat by this burdensome rule and for no reason. Thats why, last month, I introduced a bill that will address this issue head on.
My legislation, known as the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship or FUELS Act, would provide relief for Nebraska families with on-farm fuel storage tanks. This bill completely exempts farms and ranches with 10,000 gallons or less of on-farm fuel storage. This exemption would also apply to farms with larger storage capacities of up to 42,000 gallons and no history of fuel spills. Finally, regardless of capacity, the exemption applies to livestock operations with animal feed ingredient storage tanks.
Both the Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Cattlemen strongly support this legislation. I was glad to work with them to help ensure producers are not harmed by this unnecessary federal red tape.
We all want clean water. We all want to maintain a healthy environment. But the citizens of Nebraska know how to protect our states resources better than bureaucrats in Washington.
Through common-sense legislation like the FUELS Act, we can work together to provide regulatory relief. I will continue this work to lower costs and cut red tape so that our ag producers can support their families.
Thank you for taking part in our democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
European Central Bank Governing Council member Erkki Liikanen said on Thursday the council had not discussed the idea of 'helicopter money' in its meetings.
"This is an old, theoretical discussion... and I don't want to participate in it," he said in an interview with Finnish public radio YLE.
"We haven't discussed this in our meetings."
Helicopter money is an idea made popular by the American economist Milton Friedman in 1969, when he suggested that dropping money out of helicopters for citizens to pick up was a sure way to restart the economy and effectively fight deflation.
Syrian men carry a body on a stretcher amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Qatarji in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, on April 29, 2016.
Violence, globally, cost each individual on earth $1,876 in 2015, or 13.3 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP), according to a new report by the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP).
That's a staggering total of $13.6 trillion - the equivalent of 11 times the size of global foreign direct investment.
And in the last ten years, the economic impact of violence has cost the world $137 trillion, according to the index which was released this week. The cost includes money spent on the military, on private security in areas of violent conflict and on UN peacekeeping forces among other things.
Even more depressingly - there are just ten countries on the globe that are considered to be fully at peace: Botswana, Chile, Costa Rica, Japan, Mauritius, Panama, Qatar, Switzerland, Uruguay and Vietnam- which are all free from both internal and external conflict.
These rank differently to the world's most peaceful countries- in which Iceland ranks number one- but don't enjoy "absence of the fear of violence," explained Thom Morgan, IEP research fellow and one of the authors of the report, to CNBC.
Denmark, Austria, New Zealand and Portugal also rank among the world's most peaceful countries.
"They [the most peaceful countries] may have a small commitment to supporting Afghanistan or Syria, for example whether it be peacekeeping or aid," said Morgan, on Thursday to CNBC, therefore not making them free of conflict.
Nearly 1 percent of the world's population are refugees and displaced persons. The figure has risen dramatically over the last decade, doubling to approximately 60 million people between 2007 and 2016. There are now nine countries with more than 10 percent of their population displaced in some form, including in Syria the world's most dangerous country- which has been "fairly consistent" in terms of ranking at the bottom of the index in the past few years, said Morgan.
However, over the past decade, both Syria and Libya are the list's biggest movers, having not been anywhere near the bottom of the list when the index was started ten years ago. Today, "no country comes close" to Syria's impact on the conflict scale, said Morgan, with 60 percent of its population refugees or displaced persons.
Europe, although once again considered the world's most peaceful region in the index, saw its score move down due to the attacks in Paris and Brussels and its involvement in wars in the Middle East. In fact, only 23 percent of countries listed have not experienced a recent terrorist incident.
The IEP also highlighted Brazil as a "striking" case, said Morgan. The South American giant, which recently experienced a huge political upheaval, has dropped five places in the index, due to factors such as an "increase in political instability and rising incarceration rates," Morgan told CNBC.
The IEP also noticed a "growing inequality of peacefulness" in the index, said Morgan. The countries with strong peaceful indicators only became more peaceful, while the ones that experienced conflict, such as Syria, only seem to worsen.
The initial public offering (IPO) of the majority-state-owned utilities and offshore windfarm developer was expected to do well in and is Europe's largest stock listing so far this year. The offer price was 235DKK per share, giving the company a market capitalization of $15 billion.
Shares of the majority state-owned Danish utility and windfarm developer were indicated to open at 256 Danish crowns ($39.20) but rose to trade at 258DKK per share as the Copenhagen-listed stock launched.
Shares in Danish windfarm company DONG Energy got some wind their sails on their stock market debut Thursday as the executive told CNBC that there were opportunities for growth all over the world, playing down a controversy surrounding Goldman Sachs' holding in the group.
Dong Energy Chief Executive Henrik Poulson told CNBC on Thursday that there was global potential for the company's clean-energy products.
"We see a very strong global market now expanding for offshore wind, not only in the U.K., Germany and Denmark but we also see markets like the Netherlands, France and Belgium increasingly going into offshore wind and more recently we've seen also countries like the U.S., Taiwan and China beginning to move towards offshore wind so this is truly turning into a global industry," he told CNBC ahead of the launch.
The IPO has not been universally popular, however, with the Financial Times newspaper reporting of "outrage" in Denmark over the windfall that the IPO will give investment bank Goldman Sachs.
Two funds managed by the bank invested 8 billion DKK ($1.2 billion) in DONG in 2013 (giving them a 19 percent stake in the company) on the proviso that the firm IPO, and with other conditions attached, leading many Danes to feel that the government was selling-out in the part-privatization.
With the successful IPO, Goldman stands to see its investment more than double, the FT noted, but there are many in Denmark who are also not happy with the bank's investment terms that gave it veto rights over any deviation from the company's investment strategy.
Poulson told CNBC that Goldman Sachs "special rights would be gone with the IPO today."
The CEO was sanguine about competition in the market, brushing off concerns that a European renewable energy company could struggle to compete with expanding Chinese businesses and a stable domestic clean energy industry in the U.S.
"We see a lot of opportunities. Being a global leader in offshore wind we see a lot of opportunity for offshore wind not only in Europe but in Asia and also North America. There is no doubt that there is significant momentum in the transformation to green energy on a global scale," he said.
"This is really the transformation that we're building on, pushing forward on offshore wind, continuing to innovate the technology and make it even more cost-efficient, scaling it up and we do believe that we have the technology to offer governments around the world which is very attractive in terms of offering de-carbonization at a competitive price."
Over 72 million shares were sold in DONG Energy's share offering, equaling 17.4 percent of the company's share capital, the company said in a press release, and the company said more than 36,000 new investors had been allocated the shares.
Retail investors in Denmark were allocated approximately 10 percent of the offer shares, and the remaining 90 percent were allocated to Danish and international institutional investors. CEO Poulson said the company would remain controlled of the Danish government which retains a 50.1 percent stake in the company and would be managing the company "on an arms-length basis."
He said the company had never been used as a policy instrument and that the government wanted the company to develop on commercial terms.
The presidential primary season is coming to a close with a large sum of voters and even some candidates feeling the system has failed them somehow. This has led to a call for comprehensive reform of the primary election system. That said, they'll be hard-pressed to find a satisfying solution for everyone.
"I look at this starting with the base premise that no matter how you structure the delegates system, there's going to be bias on one side or the other," said James Lengle, an associate professor at Georgetown University. "There's no way you can create a system that's fair for all candidates in all states."
One of the biggest complaints surrounding this year's primaries focused on "closed" primaries, or contests where independent voters could not vote in either the Democratic or Republican contest.
In New York, nearly 30 percent of the state's electorate was left out of the April contests because of the rules. Other states with closed primary contests included Florida, Pennsylvania and Kansas.
Another complaint involved Iowa and New Hampshire being the first two states to hold their contests, giving those voters a true array of choices.
"They get their pick of the menu," Lengle said. "I think that's too much power in the hands of such small, unrepresentative states." He also said he would prefer the contests were held under a regional system in which the voting order of each region changes from season to season.
States across the country have tried to curtail Iowa and New Hampshire's influence by moving up their own contests, but Iowa and New Hampshire keep moving up theirs.
"We have a lot of states voting on the same day or early on and have them award a large sum of delegates," Chad Flanders, an associate professor at Saint Louis University in Missouri, told CNBC in a phone interview.
Complaints also came about regarding how caucuses work, which some states hold in lieu of primaries. A caucus is a local meeting financed by the major parties in which rank-and-file voters convene to display support for the various candidates. They are usually held at a public venue, such as a school gym or a town hall.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made history this week after becoming the first woman ever to clinch a presidential nomination. But she didn't do it without drawing harsh criticism from the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump and her Democratic rival Bernie Sanders.
In a March interview, Sanders called the concept of superdelegates a Democratic delegate who can vote for any candidate "problematic." "I think it might be a good idea for superdelegates to listen to the people in their own state," he said.
"If I can buy as many cigarettes as I want, then why, in a state like Colorado where marijuana is legal, can I not empty my bank account in a retail marijuana shop if thats what I want to do?"
Today, there are a couple dozen states (+D.C.) that have legalized medical marijuana in some way. Ohio just joined that list last month. And on election day (which is Tuesday, Nov. 8), medical marijuana and recreational marijuana will be on the ballot in several states. However, even if your state has legalized medical and recreational marijuana, there are still huge restrictions on every aspect of "legalization."
Take Colorado for instance. If you're a Colorado resident, you can buy up to 1 ounce of marijuana at one time, but if you're visiting from another state, you can only purchase up to ounce at a time. Name one other legal substance that is regulated in this manner. If I can buy as many cigarettes as I want, then why, in a state like Colorado where marijuana is legal, can I not empty my bank account in a retail marijuana shop if that's what I want to do?
Think about alcohol for a minute. It's completely legal to buy as much of it as you want. If you drink too much, it can cause liver damage, addiction, even death. According to the CDC, in 2014 alone, more Americans died from alcohol-induced causes (30,722) than from overdoses of prescription painkillers and heroin combined (28,647). So, there were more alcohol related deaths in 2014 than heroin related deaths (and we keep hearing that there's a national heroin epidemic in this country), yet I am not limited to the amount of alcohol I can purchase.
If it's such a deadly substance, then shouldn't it be regulated more? Could you imagine if the government did such a thing? Let's limit the amount of beer to a six-pack per person per day and see how much rioting there'd be in the streets! Look, if a substance is legal to purchase, then I should be allowed to purchase as much of it as I so desire. To me, that's the definition of a legal substance.
Ohio's recent "legalization" of medical marijuana is by far the most pathetic I've seen thus far. Ohio's House Bill 523 (which was passed on May 26), only legalizes non-smokeable marijuana. And, when it comes to drug tests at work, medical marijuana patients have no protection. They can be fired for violating a "drug-free workplace policy" if marijuana is found in their systems during a drug screening (which also would make them ineligible for unemployment benefits).
Hypothetically, as an approved medical marijuana patient in Ohio, I can take a medication that can drastically help my condition and then lose my job, or I can go on suffering and keep my job and therefore be able to support my family. See how House Bill 523 doesn't actually legalize anything?
Lawmakers estimate it will take anywhere between two months and two years to set up and implement all the asinine rules associated with this bill. So when the media reported that Ohio legalized marijuana, that means Ohio residents won't actually be able to get medical marijuana cards or legally ingest it until possibly two years from now!
I'd like to know what lawmakers are so afraid of when it comes to actually legalizing marijuana. What are the side effects of this medication? Patients feel better. It helps people manage chronic pain without addiction or death. We just lost Prince, one of the greatest musical icons of my home state of Minnesota, due to prescription pill overdose. If his doctor prescribed him marijuana, I believe he would still be with us today. And as a "recreational" substance, name me one person who smokes weed and then wakes up the next day not remembering committing violent or aggressive acts, which is so typically associated with alcohol use.
I'm a purist. If a substance is legal, it should be legal. Yes, let's tax it, let's make money off of it, but let's not regulate it to the point where people live in fear of having too much of this "legal" substance on them at a given moment. When people buy cigarettes, they don't worry if they have too many packs in the trunk of their car, yet there is not one medical benefit of smoking cigarettes. It's common knowledge that cigarettes slowly kill you. So addictive substances that kill people: perfectly legal. A medical substance that has proven time and time again to have practically zero side effects and can actually help people: not fully legalized, and many Americans risk going to jail if they use it.
On Election Day, I'm voting for people who will actually legalize this incredible plant. We don't know what's in our future or what's in our children's futures. Our loved ones could be diagnosed with cancer, Huntington's, ALS, epilepsy, glaucoma, Crohn's disease, PTSD, Parkinson's, fibromyalgia or any number of illnesses that cannabis treats. It's in all of our best interests to make cannabis legal for every American.
Commentary by Jesse Ventura, the former governor of Minnesota and the author of "Jesse Ventura's Marijuana Manifesto" (Sept. 6 2016). He was a Navy SEAL and is a Vietnam veteran. He was also a professional wrestler from 1975 to 1986 under the ring name Jesse "The Body" Ventura. Follow him on Twitter @GovJVentura.
For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
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By most measures, SpaceX has enjoyed a banner 2016. In the first half of this year, the company took critical steps toward proving it can reliably retrieve and reuse its first-stage rocket boosters, successfully landing rockets on a floating drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean three separate times. It broke a monopoly one of its chief competitors held on U.S. military satellite launches. It spelled out plans to significantly boost the frequency with which it launches its workhorse Falcon 9 rockets and to vastly expand its capability by flying its larger, more powerful Falcon Heavy rocket for the first time. Each of those developments has implications for SpaceX's core business, but perhaps none stands poised to transform human spaceflight and the larger, commercial-space marketplace quite like the company's announcement in April that it is working with NASA to send an unmanned mission to the surface of Mars as soon as 2018 a mission that could eventually culminate in the first manned mission to the Red Planet. That historic collaboration could see a private company rather than a government agency spearhead the exploration of a celestial body for the first time.
Speaking at last week's Code Conference, Musk said SpaceX should probably be able to launch a manned mission to Mars by 2024 with arrival in 2025. It's a challenge unlike any ever faced by the company, but since its founding by Elon Musk in 2003, the company has repeatedly defied expectations by setting lofty targets and turning the seemingly impossible into the mundanely routine.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk at the unveiling event of the Dragon V2 in Hawthorne, California, May 29, 2014 Mario Anzuoni | Reuters
As Musk has said in one of his famous quotes: "The first step is to establish that something is possible; then probability will occur." It's no wonder the company has captured the imagination of investors and market watchers. SpaceX has contracts worth $4.2 billion for hauling U.S. astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station, and Pentagon officials have said they expect to certify the company for military payloads. In January, Google and Fidelity Investments together invested $1 billion in the company for a 10 percent stake. Driven by Musk's infectious ambition, SpaceX engineers have continuously chipped away at the high cost of launching payloads to space. By manufacturing all of the critical pieces of its rockets in-house, it can carefully control costs and its own supply chain. By devising a means to pilot its costly first-stage rocket boosters safely back to Earth boosters that were previously jettisoned and destroyed after a single use the company is on the verge of cutting the cost further still, making its services even more attractive to customers while helping to increase the pace at which the company can launch payloads into orbit. In doing so, SpaceX has upended its competitors' business models, creating a true existential threat to legacy aerospace companies that once went unchallenged in the commercial launch market. It also earned the company the top spot in CNBC's Disruptor 50 rankings in 2014 and the No. 2 position last year. With so much going for it, its drop to the 30th position in CNBC's 2016 Disruptor 50 rankings may come as something of a surprise.
The SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule approaches the International Space Station prior to installation in this NASA picture taken April 10, 2016. NASA | Reuters
SpaceX's slide to the 30th spot stems from various factors. (Find the methodology behind the 2016 CNBC Disruptor 50 rankings here.) Going forward, the company will face pressure from both new competitors, like Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, and entrenched rivals, like the Boeing -Lockheed Martin joint venture United Launch Alliance (ULA). Its Mars agenda and its ability to compete for many future launch contracts will rely on a successful first flight of the Falcon Heavy launch vehicle later this year. Meanwhile, the company will need to demonstrate the ability to significantly boost its launch frequency to get more rockets into orbit with shorter turnaround between launches all while avoiding mishaps like the one that grounded SpaceX's entire fleet for several months last June when a Falcon 9 rocket bound for the International Space Station disintegrated shortly after launch. But as is often the case with companies that operate at the very edge of what's possible, SpaceX's descent from the top of our list is linked largely to expectations. Having thoroughly upended the antiquated space launch industry, SpaceX now finds itself in a challenging position. The company that rewrote the rules for the commercial space industry now has no one left to disrupt but itself. To do so, SpaceX will have to simultaneously establish itself as the reliable, low-cost launch option that customers want while continuing to push the technological envelope and take new risks. That makes the second half of 2016 an absolutely critical period for the world's formerly most-disruptive company. "I think probably their biggest challenge is they've raised the bar so high that they may not be able to meet the expectations they've created," said Marco Caceres, a senior analyst and director of space studies at aerospace consultancy Teal Group. "When you get on a roll, people, the government, customers, they all start to think you can do no wrong. But this is hardware, and SpaceX is taking it to another level through the reusability aspect, through launch frequency. And inevitably, as happens with all high-tech ventures, there's going to be failures."
Yet the pressure on SpaceX to continue its string of successes is high. The company has a backlog of more than 40 missions on its launch manifest, representing billions of dollars in potential revenues for both SpaceX and the companies that depend on the satellites SpaceX delivers to orbit. NASA relies on SpaceX to deliver supplies to the International Space Station and wants SpaceX rockets to ferry American astronauts into space before the end of the decade. It is also one of only two companies certified to launch satellites for the U.S. Department of Defense. The other is United Launch Alliance, which faces a critical shortage of the Russian-made RD-180 rocket engines that power its Atlas V rockets due to sanctions leveled against Russian companies following that country's annexation of Crimea in 2014. While Congress may overturn the current ban on RD-180 imports, the Pentagon still expects SpaceX to launch some portion of its critical defense satellites.
I think probably their biggest challenge is they've raised the bar so high that they may not be able to meet the expectations they've created. Marco Caceres director of space studies, Teal Group
By manufacturing all of its own critical hardware, SpaceX has managed to avoid those kinds of external geopolitical and market factors and allowed it to undercut its competitors on price, in some cases offering trips to orbit for less than half the cost of competitors like ULA. But even as SpaceX has placed extreme downward pressure on the cost to launch, competition looms. ULA and Blue Origin, as well as small satellite launch start-ups, like Rocket Lab and Firefly Space Systems, are developing lower-cost launch vehicles that could nibble away at SpaceX's market dominance should the company sit still for too long. "We've got some pretty interesting players out there that are pushing SpaceX to be even more assertive with launch," said Richard Rocket, CEO of space industry research firm NewSpace Global. "We're talking about Blue Origin, obviously; we're talking about ULA. Airbus is very interested in figuring out how they can potentially build a successful, reusable launch vehicle that can compete directly with SpaceX. And you're seeing some other new entrants that could potentially cut into SpaceX's business." While much has been made of Blue Origin's launching and successful landing of its own rocket booster, SpaceX and Blue Origin are at least for now developing very different vehicles for very different markets, Rocket said. But the two companies do compete with each other as well as with ULA, Airbus Safran Launchers (the French rocket concern that produces rockets for French commercial launch company Arianespace) and Orbital ATK for engineering talent. That competition could soon expand to launch services as those companies develop new rockets to compete with SpaceX's Falcon 9.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket stands after making its first successful upright landing on the 'Of Course I Still Love You' droneship on April 8, 2016, some 200 miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean after launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Getty Images
Light show performs in Shanghai Disney Resort on June 1, 2016 in Shanghai, China. VCG | VCG | Getty Images
Walt Disney opened its first Chinese Disneyland on Thursday to crowds eager for a theme park that was "authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese." This new Magic Kingdom in the Middle Kingdom has given plenty of nods to its host nation, by mixing classic Disney features with Chinese customs and architecture.
Haze Fan | CNBC
Thousands of people have already passed through the gates of Shanghai Disneyland since it began a soft-launch period on May 17.
Haze Fan | CNBC
The Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disney land is the "most interactive" ever created by Disney, the company says. Disney has a lot riding on the Shanghai park, which was a joint venture between the U.S. company and Chinese state-backed consortium Shanghai Shendi Group.
Haze Fan | CNBC
About 330 million people live within three hours' travelling time of Shanghai Disney, which is why the park is central to the entertainment company's Chinese expansion plans. The company's CEO, Bob Iger, has said the park was a key part of the media giant's foray into the Middle Kingdom.
Haze Fan | CNBC
Although Shanghai Disney has many uniquely Chinese features, such as Mickey Street rather than Main Street, some favorites made the move East, including the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Haze Fan | CNBC
Traditional Disney characters are on display at Shanghai Disney alongside local ones, such as Pixar-inspired versions of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.
Haze Fan | CNBC
Early park-goers have 11 acres of garden to wander in. The park site also includes a 100-acre lake.
VCG | VCG | Getty Images
Pinterest users can shop with "buyable pins" the platform now has more than 50 million pinned items for sale. Users tap twice, input their credit card, and have an item delivered to their doorstep without swiping away from the platform.
"We can do for discovery what Google did for search most discovery still happens offline," said Pinterest President Tim Kendall. "Pinterest is a handcrafted catalog of ideas to browse and look at. We're trying to make it easy to do what you do offline all the time. You browse a department store, walk down Main Street. You may not know what you're looking for. And some of the best things are things you're not looking for."
Pinterest has over 100 million users who use the visual platform to save and share photos, recipes and how-to tutorials, and who peruse the stream of images to shop. The image-bookmarking app aims to revolutionize how people discover products and content, as well as how they buy stuff.
Kendall insists that Pinterest doesn't intend to displace traditional retail, but rather sees the platform as additive to the 90 percent of shopping that is still done offline. In fact, while Pinterest allows merchants to sell products on its platform, it doesn't take a cut of those retail sales, but rather relies entirely on advertising revenue. Brands pay for "promoted pins" to feature their brand or products, and Pinterest eventually plans to allow companies to pay to promote buyable pins.
"If a merchant's getting a lot of value from buyable pins today, it would make sense if a certain retailer wanted more value, we could provide an ad solution around that," said Kendall. But he insists the company doesn't want to take a cut of retail sales. "The idea of taxing everything on our platform, that's not going to happen."
There should we be plenty of room for Pinterest to grow; Kleiner Perkins released a study last week showing that the majority of Pinterest users use the service to shop. "Fifty-five percent are here to shop for products, 12 percent of Facebook and Instagram users said they were there to shop for products," said Kendall. "If you want to market products and services to users, you'd better be on Pinterest."
The company is very interested in showing retailers how ads on its platform can directly impact sales, not just online, but in stores. Earlier this week Pinterest announced it is partnering with Oracle Data Cloud to measure the return on investment for ad campaigns for 29 consumer packaged goods companies. The study found that promoted pins drive five times incremental sales per impression compared with campaigns on other social media platforms and other digital ads.
Now Pinterest is trying to figure out where to grow next. It's experimenting with physical Pin-It buttons in stores, which send a signal to users' phones and adds an item to a collection on Pinterest. "That bridge between in-store and Pinterest is really interesting," said Kendall. "Retailers are trying to figure out the link between what's online and in-store, and there are more exciting things for us to build off of." The company is also experimenting with ways to expand beyond traditional text search, allowing consumers to do visual search with images.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has thrown her support behind Hillary Clinton's bid for the While House, just hours after President Barack Obama officially endorsed the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Warren, a popular figure with the liberal wing of the Democratic party, told MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show" that she was "ready to get in this fight and work my heart out for Hillary Clinton to become the next president of the United States and to make sure that Donald Trump never gets any place close to the White House."
The endorsement came despite the fact Warren shares a number of interests with Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders, who like Warren, has campaigned on curbing Wall Street's influence and reducing income inequality.
Also on Thursday, Obama officially endorsed Clinton for president, saying he was "fired up" for his former Secretary of State.
In a prerecorded video released Thursday, Obama latched onto the Clinton campaign's slogan, letting his supporters know that "I'm with her," and pledging to campaign for Clinton. The president's endorsement comes eight years and two days after Clinton did the same for him.
"I know how hard this job can be, that's why I know Hillary will be so good at it," Obama said. "In fact, I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office. She's got the courage, the compassion and the heart to get the job done."
"I've seen her judgement, I've seen her toughness, I've seen her commitment to our values up close," Obama added of his one-time rival.
Clinton tweet.
Bill tweet.
Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders met with Obama on Thursday days after many news outlets named Clinton the party's presumptive nominee. Some pundits speculated that Obama would have sought to convince Sanders to drop out of the race, so the Democratic Party could rally around Clinton in preparation for a general election battle against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Instead, the Vermont senator pledged to fight on into next week's Washington, D.C., primary, but he thanked the White House for its role (or lack thereof) in the election so far.
"Let me begin by thanking President Obama and thanking Vice President (Joe) Biden for the degree of impartiality they established during the course of this entire process," Sanders said in brief remarks after his meeting. "What they said in the beginning is that they would not put their thumb on the scales, and in fact they kept their word, and I appreciate that very, very much."
Two Sanders camp sources told CNBC that Obama had "signaled" he would make a Clinton endorsement after their meeting ended Thursday.
"I assure you that Sen. Sanders was not surprised," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said during a Thursday news briefing, revealing that the video was recorded Tuesday.
In light of continued developments, primarily since 2008, there exists in these United States a Legal System which operates on a proved Two Tiered approach to justice rendered, which primarily benefits Democratic Elites and Woke Ideological Virtue Signalers, representing their co-dependent wards, to the expressed exclusion of normal hardworking American citizens: What is your suggestion in remedying this widespread injustice and, if not corrected, its existential outcome for our Constitutional Republic?
Complete overhaul the Department of Justice and their enforcers - the FBI - to reflect a far more honest justice system to keep patriots remaining calm.
Disband the FBI, and request that congress investigate all unethical and non patriotic practices to partially right the wrongs of a distrusted and politically weaponized "Department of Justice."
A Russian plane maker has unveiled a new passenger jet that it believes will be able to compete with Boeing and Airbus.
The new MC-21 passenger plane is scheduled for serial production from early next year.
In a ceremony at a factory in Siberia, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev described the medium range aircraft as 'cool' and would soon be the pride of Russia's fleet.
"This is a huge victory for our aviation industry and Irkut Corporation, our scientists, designers, engineers and workers," said Medvedev according to Russian media.
Irkut Corporation is the developer of the plane which reports claim has cost approximately US$3.5 billion (100 billion rubles) to build.
Irkut's parent company United Aircraft Corporation told Reuters reporters at the launch that the plane would be able to service routes with a range up to 6,400 kilometers.
Secretary of State John Kerry is putting his Nantucket beachfront compound on the market, with an asking price of $25 million, according to The Boston Globe.
Select realtors have been able to view the Massachusetts property for about a month, and the real estate has been owned by the family of Kerry's wife Teresa Heinz Kerry since 1982, the The Boston Globe reported.
One of Teresa Heinz Kerry's staff members told the publication to direct questions about the offering to Carolyn Duronio, a partner at the law firm Reed Smith. State Department Director of Press Operations Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau declined to comment in an email.
The location served as a retreat for the former senator and Democratic presidential nominee. Kerry is currently traveling on the last leg of a trip that started in France and ends in the United Arab Emirates.
Duronio did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.
Read the full story at The Boston Globe.
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More than five years and $5.5 billion after first breaking ground, Walt Disney opened its first Chinese Disneyland on Thursday to crowds eager for a theme park that was "authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese." Spread over 963 acres - a space that includes two hotels, a 100-acre lake and the "most interactive" Storybook Castle ever built by Disney - the Shanghai park celebrated its official launch on June 9, a week before it fully opens to the public. Disney CEO Bob Iger told CNBC that the park amounted to the "biggest step" the company had taken in any overseas market. "China represents a great market for the Walt Disney Company because our stories are not only known here but they are universal in appeal, they touch people's hearts all over the world, no matter what country, no matter what culture." "So this is, I think, a great market for Disney and a growth market as well. Obviously, the size of the market, the number of people is another reason. But this is... the biggest step actually that we've ever taken anywhere to grow in a market."
Fireworks light up the Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland on May 25, 2016. Visual China Group | Getty Images
Unlike Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland, which visitors say are near-carbon copies of the U.S. theme parks, the Magic Kingdom in the Middle Kingdom gave plenty of nods to its host nation, by mixing classic Disney features with Chinese customs and architecture. For example, rather than an American-style Main Street, the main promenade is called Mickey Street, and the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac have been given a Pixar-style makeover. Iger told CNBC that he saw the Shanghai park as part of a bigger push into the Chinese market and a "booster rocket" for people's appreciation of Disney. "An immersive park experience the Disney way is something that people will remember for the rest of their lives and that goes a long way in terms of not just creating word of mouth, but in terms of creating people's interest in, passion for our brand and everything that it stands for and everything that bears its name," he said. "So it becomes very, very important, not just in terms of awareness but appreciation."
Disney has a lot riding on the Shanghai park, which was a joint venture between the U.S. company and Chinese state-backed consortium Shanghai Shendi Group. The attraction of the Chinese market is obvious.
China's middle class is estimated to be about 500 million people-strong and is expected to continue growing in size and purchasing power, while remaining highly brand-conscious. About 330 million people - more than the entire population of the U.S. - live within a three-hour drive or train-ride from Shanghai. McKinsey has projected that Chinese urban, private consumption would reach 26.804 trillion yuan ($4.08 trillion) by 2022, more than double that of 2012.
Visitors tour Disneyland's Tomorrowland on June 5, 2016 in Shanghai, China. Visual China Group | Getty Images
The park has already had thousands of visitors through its gates since it soft-launched on May 17, with many reporting that they enjoyed their first taste of Disney. But the bippity boppety boo didn't appear to be running at full power just yet. The soft launch was marred by a worse-than-usual version of the universal complaint of all fun-park visitors: long queues, with some visitors reporting wait-times of up to five hours for some rides. "We got here at 7 o'clock this morning. It's almost 4:00 p.m. now and we only tried out one attraction," one father, who gave his name as Xu, told CNBC on Thursday. "The waiting line is way too long." Xu was visiting with his wife, Qi, their son, who was wearing a Captain America costume, and Qi's parents. Qi had another complaint: "Stuff is expensive here," she said, noting that the family had spent more than 2,000 ($300). "We haven't bought souvenirs and eaten dinner [yet]," she said, adding that food in the park, while expensive, was "tasty." A three-course set meal inside the castle sets visitors back about 368 yuan ($56), per person, without the additional service charge. By comparison, buying a regular Chinese rice dish outside the park costs about 85 yuan ($12.90). Shanghai workers make on average about 4,070 yuan a month ($620). Despite higher food prices than some locals were accustomed to, visitors queued for as much as two hours to try a traditional American turkey leg for the first time. One experienced mouseketeer agreed that the wait times far exceeded the norm on the day she visited. "I have been to Paris Disney and Tokyo Disney. It only took around one hour to get onto a ride, but here in Shanghai, the queues are terribly long," a young girl named Li told CNBC. "I had to wait at least two hours to check out an attraction, at least. This is ridiculous." However, the grumbles don't appear to have rained on the parade of visitors so far. Ticket scalpers have been quick to capitalize on the park's popularity, with thousands of soft-launch tickets for sale this week on Alibaba's e-commerce platform Taobao for more than three times the 300 yuan ($45.70) turnstile price. The tickets had been distributed to the families of Disney staff, Shanghai government departments, Disney's business partners and foreign consulates in China. One scalper, Jin, told CNBC that he had a family member who worked for one of Disney's local business partners. "The company bought loads of soft opening tickets at low prices and gave them to its employees and clients," he explained. "I then got the tickets from my relative and her colleagues, some free, some with a few hundred yuan. Then I can easily make big money selling them at a high price again." Jin said he offered a "booking service," raising the ticket price if the buyer wanted to secure entry on a specific date. Disney didn't immediately return an emailed request for comment.
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If you work on Wall Street, grab a chair. You might want to take this news sitting down.
Americans still hold big banks in low regard, years removed from the financial crisis. A SurveyMonkey poll of more than 10,000 U.S. adults calls Wall Street ruthless, and when people were asked which of the biggest U.S. companies named in the Fortune 100 were worst for the country, three of the top five names that came to mind were banks. Survey respondents assigned "most ruthless" status to four banks Goldman Sachs , JPMorgan Chase , Bank of America and Morgan Stanley . Goldman did not respond to a request for comment, the others declined comment. The results on banks were a stark contrast to how respondents felt about technology companies: the top four companies they identified for having the most positive global impact are all in tech. No Wall Street firm made the list of places Americans would like to work the most. But tech companies dominated that category, taking up four of 10 spots.
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The contrast between Silicon Valley and Wall Street is stark, and the survey acts as a reminder of the damage to the finance industry's prestige that accompanied turmoil brought in the global financial crisis. Records from Gallup indicate that as far back as the late 1970s, 60 percent of Americans expressed confidence in the banking industry, with the level as high as 53 percent in years leading up to the crisis that began to boil over in 2007. That number plummeted after the market crash, to as low as 21 percent, but rebounded to 28 percent in the 2015 survey. A February 2016 poll, from the Harris Group, said 37 percent of Americans think the entire financial services industry has a "good reputation," from a crisis low of 11 percent. "As much as banks continue to be reputation-challenged, we've seen some improvement since the Great Recession," said Stephen Hahn-Griffiths of the Reputation Institute, which tracks public sentiment. While public opinion of Wall Street is recovering, hiring has not matched precrisis figures in terms of jobs or pay. The industry still hasn't matched its precrisis employment total, according to the state of New York. This year, big banks have had to cut their way to profitability while trying to build their technology teams something that has challenged traditional financial services firms that have to fight off start-ups for top engineering talent.
"The competition for talent between Wall Street and tech firms is intensifying," said Michael Karp, founder of Options Group, a Wall Street recruiter. "The dynamics of recruitment have changed." Tech sector hiring, notably in California, has been on the rebound since the financial crisis, according to trade group CompTIA, and nationwide the industry's job growth rate is at a 10-year high.
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In the shadow of Donald Trump's latest offending comments, the call for "dumping Trump" at the GOP convention is gaining momentum within Republican delegate ranks.
"The delegates are the grass roots of the Republican Party," said A.J. Spiker, past chairman of the Iowa Republican Party, former RNC member and a former advisor to Rand Paul's presidential campaign. "They make up everything from farmers, ranchers, retired folks, every piece of the electorate. It's not top party brass. There is a large group of delegates more than a majority that would want someone (other than Trump) as the GOP presidential candidate."
Spiker's tweet asking for a "Patriot" to stand up at the convention in Cleveland in late July sparked a lot of conversation on Twitter. "It is ripe for this cycle to overtake Trump." Spiker told CNBC. Since Trump's comments on June 2 about federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel, an American of Mexican heritage who is overseeing a lawsuit against Trump University, the number of people using the #nevertrump hashtag has increased 8 percent, according to Spredfast Intelligence.
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Trump attempted twice to put out the backlash firestorm in a statement and in a speech on Tuesday, but some delegates told CNBC the damage is done.
One delegate, who is on the RNC's all-powerful credentials committee and who spoke on a condition of anonymity, told CNBC: "Until all the delegates are validated by the credentials committee, he is not the official nominee. We have to make sure the all delegates are valid. Then you have Mr. Trump saying his campaign was going to challenge some of the delegates. This is far from over. He is not the official GOP nominee." Delegate challenges are nothing new at GOP conventions. In 2012, Ron Paul lost his delegates from Maine as a result of delegate challenges from the credentials committee. Republican insiders say losing those delegates hurt Paul's nomination chances.
The Trump campaign did not return a CNBC request for comment about the delegates' concerns.
Bette Grande, an unbound delegate and former chairman of the Ted Cruz campaign in North Dakota, stressed that emotions need to be kept in check. "Cooler heads prevail. We do not allow the media to pick the candidates," she said. "It's up to the delegates. The process is not over. It finishes at the convention. We are all unbound."
"We vote our conscience and until then we have to wait to see what the credentials, platform and rules committee lays out the rules, we have to wait," Grande added. North Dakota unbound delegate "Curly [Haugland] has a legitimate point that we are all unbound. Let's have this play out. I have not made my commitment one way or the other and it will stay that way until the convention." Haugland, a rules committee member, says interest in his newly released free book "Unbound" has spiked since the latest flareup. "It's getting around quite a bit and delegates are inquiring routinely. There is confusion out there that the existing rules need to be changed to nominate another candidate other than Trump. The rules are fine as they are, delegates are free and unbound to vote for whomever they want on the first ballot. But there is a problem there are presently no alternatives."
The man who created the technology behind status updates and user check-ins on social networks told CNBC he was tinkering around for the next big idea that could change the world.
No, it's not Mark Zuckerberg.
Neeraj Jhanji created a mobile social network called ImaHima in 1999 that could send users status and location updates from their friends via mobile phones. Back then, social networks were in their nascent stage and Zuckerberg was still in high school.
Jhanji got the idea on a Saturday morning in Tokyo, walking towards a crowded neighborhood train station. He wondered if any of his friends were nearby to join him for lunch.
"I remember taking the phone out of my pocket, looking at it, and thinking: the phone knows where I am ... it also knows where my friends are. So why doesn't it tell me [if anyone's nearby]?" he told CNBC's "Capital Connection" on Thursday.
ImaHima gained popularity after its release, but never conquered the U.S. market, and as social networks and the mobile ecosystem evolved with the emergence of key players including Facebook, Apple, Google and Twitter, ImaHima fell out of the picture.
Tradeshift, a start-up that helps businesses send and pay invoices using software, has raised $75 million from a number of big name investors including HSBC .
The latest funding round values the company at around $600 million, according to a source close to the situation.
Businesses trade with each other and need to pay for those services. Traditionally invoices would be sent via fax or other offline methods all done on paper. This is an expensive and inefficient method. Tradeshift automates that process in a kind of "social network" that connects suppliers and companies, according to chief executive Christian Lanng.
The latest round was led by Data Collective and included HSBC, American Express Ventures, Notion Capital, CreditEase Fintech Investment Fund, and Pavilion Capital, a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings.
Lanng said that being backed by large financial institutions gives Tradeshift access to a larger customer base as well as making its software the "de facto" invoicing software globally. Banks like HSBC are able to get access to data such as invoice payments by companies that could help them assess the risk profile of a potential borrower before lending them money.
"This is data they don't usually have," Lanng told CNBC in an interview.
Water is crucial to life on earth. Yet for many people across the planet, getting access to clean, safe drinking water is a challenge.
The United Nations says that by 2025 1.8 billion people will be living in areas "with absolute water scarcity."
In Israel, IDE Technologies, a company specializing in water treatment, is looking to the sea to ensure a secure supply of fresh water. The company says that worldwide, it supplies 3 million cubic meters of "high quality water" every single day.
Their Sorek Project is, they say, the planet's largest and most advanced seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant.
Sea water from over one kilometer out at sea is pumped to the plant, in Sorek, Israel. After impurities are taken out, the sea water is then forced through membranes under high pressure to force water through but leave the salt behind.
"The Sorek desalination plant is producing 624,000 cubic meters (of water) per day, which is about 20 percent of the domestic usage in Israel," Miriam Faigon, senior director of water solutions and products at IDE Technologies, told CNBC's Sustainable Energy.
According to the International Desalination Association (IDA), as of June 30th last year, there were more than 18,000 desalination plants globally, generating 22.9 billion gallons of water daily. IDA states that over 300 million people worldwide depend on desalinated water for "some or all their daily needs".
A key goal of IDE Technologies is to increase the energy efficiency of the whole desalination process.
"Twenty five years ago the power consumption was about seven or eight kilowatt hours per cubic meter," Boris Liberman, VP and CTO for membrane technologies, said.
"In this plant, we have 3.5 (kilowatt hours). We are working to diminish the power consumption, and most probably, in a relatively short time, it can reach level about 2.5 kilowatt hours per cubic meter," he added.
Faigon went on to say that technologies such as better motors, pumps and overall plant design, would help to create both value and sustainable water.
The logo of car-sharing service app Uber on a smartphone over a reserved lane for taxis in a street is seen in this photo illustration taken in Madrid.
Uber rolled on Thursday out a feature allowing users to schedule rides up to 30 days in advance, and as short as 30 minutes ahead of time.
The initiative will first launch in Seattle followed by other "top business travel cities" according to the ride-sharing company's website. It is currently only available for uberX, the company's "low cost" and most popular option, but the company said they "hope to make it available with other products" as the service expands.
In late May, one of Uber's biggest competitors Lyft launched its own scheduled ride options, although the initial feature only allowed customers to schedule rides up to 24 hours in advance.
The scheduled rides will cost the same as a regular uberX ride, "subject to pricing conditions at the future time the request is made", including potentially surge pricing. The ability to schedule a ride in advance will be made available at first to business travelers, but the company said it expects to make it available to all riders as the feature continues to be introduced.
Read More Uber hired former CIA officer in probe of lawsuit opponent
by Diane RufinoJefferson Davis' worse fears came true. The big government of Abraham Lincoln, the greatest tyrant our country has ever known, has co-opted and crafted the "great lie" of why our country fought the Civil War. The victor always has the benefit of telling the story and demonizing the vanquished.Just to be clear, the very name "Civil War' is patently incorrect to describe the struggle. First of all, a "civil war" is two groups fighting to take control of the government. One group wants to take the other's place. The South had no desire to destroy, overthrow, replace, possess, or even transform the federal government. It merely wanted to escape it and sever its political bonds with it - exactly as the Colonies did with Great Britain.Second of all, sovereign states cannot engage in a "civil" war. Sovereign states engage in a traditional, all-out war. The Southern states took all proper legal steps to break its bonds with the United States and establish a new sovereign nation - The Confederate States of America. The Confederacy was pronounced "sovereign" by the British Government, by other foreign nations, and by and through their own documents. No state ever surrendered sovereignty in signing the US Constitution. Just as the states acceded to the Constitution, they retained the equal yet opposite right to secede from it.It is untruthful and disingenuous for the federal government to deny the Confederacy its sovereign status and its sovereign rights, especially since there was strong language reminding the government of such both in the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution (Tenth Amendment), and also strong language to the same in the debates of the several State Ratifying Conventions.Just as the Tea Party has helped make it fashionable to read the Constitution and become re-acquainted with our founding and other historical documents, perhaps a similar movement will take hold to educate America on the real reasons for the conflict that divided our nation, needlessly killed nearly a million of our American sons, and gave us this leviathan of a government that we have.
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Gov. Chris Christie
Chris Christie endorses Donald Trump. Getty Images
Current job: Governor of New Jersey.
Reputation, in one sentence: An unapologetic Republican governor of a blue state who "tells it like it is"
Strengths: As Trump's first major endorser, Christie makes sense on several levels - he's combative and controversial (just like Trump is), he speaks his mind (ditto), and he's a two-term governor to boot. And Christie has already been named chairman of Trump's transition team.
Weaknesses: Christie probably doesn't help Trump in New Jersey, because the governor's approval rating in the state is in the 30s at best. And while it has disappeared from the headlines, that Bridgegate scandal hasn't 100% concluded and that could be potentially problematic in the fall.
Sen. Bob Corker
Current job: United States Senator from Tennessee. Chairman of Foreign Relations committee.
Reputation, in one sentence: Pragmatist with a business background, focused on foreign policy vision and open to deal-making with Democrats.
Strengths: Trump picking Corker would definitely add foreign-policy chops to the GOP ticket, and would give Trump someone with legislative experience. Corker has become a validator for Trump by praising his recent foreign-policy speech.
Weaknesses: The Tennessee senator wouldn't expand the electoral map for Trump. Corker could also complicate Trump's narrative that he's the anti-establishment candidate, given that it doesn't get more establishment than being the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. And Corker voted for the "Gang of Eight" comprehensive immigration-reform bill, and criticized Trump's Muslim ban.
Gov. Mary Fallin
Current job: Governor of Oklahoma. Reputation, in one sentence: First female governor of Oklahoma and a staunch conservative.
Strengths: If Trump is looking to add a woman to the ticket to counter Clinton's historical candidacy, Fallin could very well be the pick. She also served two terms in Congress before becoming Oklahoma governor. And she's more than open to being considered for the VP job. "My first and foremost goal right now is to finish our legislative session, but if I were to receive a call that said: 'I need you to help make America great again,' I'd be happy to take that call," she said.
Weaknesses: Hailing from red Oklahoma, Fallin doesn't help expand the battleground map. And she's never been considered one of the rising stars of her party - the same way that Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Marco Rubio were from that GOP Class of 2010.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich
Current job: Fox News contributor; advisor at Dentons law firm; author & public speaker. Reputation, in one sentence: Led the 1994 "Republican Revolution," passing sweeping legislation under the "Contract with America." Strengths: He'd certainly offer Trump legislative and congressional experience. And Gingrich has endured the scrutiny - and slings and arrows - of being a presidential candidate in 2012 and House speaker in the 1990s. Weaknesses: A Trump-Gingrich ticket would feature a combined six marriages between the two men. And if Trump wants to score points off of Monica Lewinsky and the Bill Clinton sex scandals, Gingrich could complicate that effort - givenGingrich's own extramarital affair during Clinton's impeachment.
Gov. Rick Scott
Current job: Governor of Florida. Reputation, in one sentence: A political survivor who's struggled with intra-party strife and low approval ratings.
Strengths: Before there was Donald Trump in 2016, there was Rick Scott in 2010 and 2014 - a man who used his wealth to win office in one of the most competitive states in the country. And if Trump wants help in all-important Florida, Scott could help, especially with the state's unemployment rate declining from above 10.0% when he took office to 4.9% now.
Weaknesses: But how much could he help? Both of Scott's wins came in midterm years when Democratic turnout was low. And despite his gubernatorial victories, Scott has never been a beloved political figure - see that video of him getting heckled at a Starbucks. Oh, and there's his work at Columbia/HCA hospitals, which was fined $1.7 billion by the U.S. government for health-care fraud committed while Scott was CEO there.
Sen. Jeff Sessions
Current job: United States Senator from Alabama. Serves on the Judiciary Committee and chairs its immigration subcommittee. Reputation, in one sentence: The Senate's most vehement opponent of comprehensive immigration reform. Strengths: If Trump wants to double down on the issue of immigration, Sessions makes sense - given that he's one of the most ardent opponents of both illegal and legal immigration in Congress. Sessions also would add legislative/congressional experience to the ticket. And Sessions was an earlier endorser of Trump. Weaknesses: Picking Sessions wouldn't add a lot of ideological diversity to the ticket, and it certainly wouldn't win over many Latino voters. In the 1980s, Sessions was blocked from becoming a federal judge after a former deputy accused him of making racially insensitive comments. "The former deputy, Thomas Figures, who was an assistant United States Attorney for seven years, said in a written statement that Mr. Sessions once admonished him to be careful about what he said 'to white folks.' Mr. Figures is black," the New York Times wrote back then. Sessions also was accused of mishandling a voter-fraud case against civil-rights activists.
Sen. John Thune
Current job: United States Senator from South Dakota. Currently serves as Senate Republican Conference chairman, the third-ranking lawmaker in GOP Senate leadership. Reputation, in one sentence: A telegenic party leader and strong fundraiser long considered a rising GOP star. Strengths: As the No. 3 Republican in Senate leadership, Thune as Trump's VP would further signal that the Republican establishment is coming around to Trump. He also would add congressional and legislative experience to the ticket. And Thune comes straight out of presidential central casting - tall, handsome, telegenic. Weaknesses: But selecting the establishment Thune would undercut one of Trump's selling points - that he's taking on Washington from the outside; Thune is about as inside as you can get. As the senator from red South Dakota, Thune also doesn't expand the map for Republicans.
Sen. Kelly Ayotte
America's backbone is made up of entrepreneurs. Without them, we have no electricity. We have no airplane. We have no internet. But before all of these innovations changed the world, they started out as the germ of an idea.
"Being an entrepreneur really is about building something the market really needs," said Ryan Myers, CEO of Meerkat, a real-time communications tool. "It's about creating a product to solve a big problem."
At the iCONIC event, which brings together the small business community to network and learn how to bring best practices across a variety of industries, entrepreneurs-to-be, like Adrian Green, learned what it's like to be an entrepreneur.
"The opportunity of being in a room with entrepreneurs like this really ignites me," Green said, who is a student looking to forge his own career path.
To see how other entrepreneurs define what it means to be an entrepreneur, watch the video above.
Click below for more entrepreneurial stories:
Call the shots: This Small Business Owner does what he loves
The entrepreneurs' guide to success
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Shake it up: how disruption helps ventures evolve
Projects that New York states industrial development agencies (IDAs) supported produced nearly 36,000 additional jobs in 2014, an increase of 18 percent from the prior year, the latest state data shows.
Thats according to a report that New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli issued recently.
It is DiNapolis 9th annual report examining the performance of the states IDAs and how these agencies work to attract, retain, and expand businesses in their communities.
Job-gain comparison
IDA projects in 2014 reported a total of 645,010 full-time jobs, which reflects an increase of 235,888 jobs over the life of these projects, at a median cost of $1,882 per job gained.
The 235,888 figure was up 18 percent over the cumulative job gains of 199,943 in 2013, with the median cost per job gained of $2,095.
The states 109 active IDAs in 2014 provided $1.1 billion in total tax exemptions, according to DiNapolis report.
At the same time, $483 million in payments-in-lieu of taxes partially offset these exemptions, leaving the total net exemptions for the year at $632 million, a decrease of $28.5 million, or 4.3 percent, from 2013.
The five IDAs with the largest job gains in 2014 included New York City with 48,859 jobs; Suffolk County with 13,817; Monroe County with 12,038; Oneida County with 10,476; and the Town of Amherst in Erie County with 10,227.
IDAs are an important catalyst for economic development statewide, DiNapoli contended in the release.
But as the value of tax exemptions to private businesses continues to increase, taxpayers must be reassured that their community is receiving promised benefits.
Thankfully, my legislative proposal to increase transparency and scrutiny of IDAs was signed into law last year and will result in better evaluation of the economic impact they are having in New York, he added.
DiNapoli in 2015 crafted legislation he said would improve the process by which IDAs approve new projects, the quality of the information they gather about the projects, and policies for recapturing financial assistance if companies dont meet project goals.
The new law, developed with support from the New York Economic Development Council, became effective on June 15.
Other findings
DiNapolis report also found that the 4,581 projects that IDAs supported in 2014 were valued at $83.7 billion, up 9 percent over 2013.
At 27 percent, manufacturing as the most common purpose of IDA-sponsored projects in 2014, DiNapolis office said.
The report also found Western New Yorks 804 IDA-sponsored projects was the highest number of any New York region in 2014.
Regional data shows IDAs in the Mid-Hudson Valley ($136.7 million), Long Island ($131.5 million), the Capital District ($92.3 million), and New York City ($75.7 million) granted the highest amount of tax exemptions.
Total expenses for IDAs in 2014 equaled $102.6 million, an average of $950,000 per agency, the report found.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
Australia's 2016 circulating coins marking the 50th anniversary of decimalization feature the standard designs in use since the switch in 1966.
The Royal Australian Mint has released 2016 circulating commemorative coins to honor the 50th anniversary of decimalization in 1966. The four fractional denominations are currently available, with the $1 and $2 coins due for release in August and September, respectively.
The Royal Australian Mint has issued 2016 circulating commemorative coins to celebrate the 50th anniversary of decimalization.
These coins feature the normal reverses they have carried since decimalization began, but have modified obverses featuring a miniaturized version of the current portrait of the queen, a miniaturized image of the reverse design from a pre-decimal denomination, and an anniversary inscription.
In addition, the 5-cent coin in the program is Australias first circulating commemorative 5-cent coin.
The four fractional denominations of copper-nickel coins are released, with $1 and $2 coins due for release Aug. 1 and Sept. 5, respectively.
The four fractional coins carry the standard reverses that were introduced for decimalization in 1966: echidna (5-cent coin), lyre bird (10-cent piece), platypus (20-cent coin), and coat-of-arms (50-cent coin). The $1 and $2 coins feature the standard designs that have appeared since those denominations debuted, the Mob of Roos design on the $1 coin since 1984 and the Australian Outback aborigine design on the $2 coin since 1988.
The obverse of each coin continues to carry the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, though in a much smaller rendition than on standard coins and positioned above a miniature version of the pre-decimalization reverse design. An inscription encircling the central design elements includes a reference to the coinage anniversary.
The miniaturized reverse used on the obverse of the 2016 5-cent coin depicts a kangaroo, bounding to the viewers left, as seen on the cent coins from 1933 to 1964 (not to be confused with the kangaroo on the half cent, which faced the other direction). The 2016 10-cent coin features on its obverse the design of wheat stalks from the reverse of the threepence coin issued from 1938 to 1964. The miniaturized reverse shown on the obverse of the 20-cent coin replicates the coat of arms that graced the reverse of threepence, sixpence, shilling and florin coins from various times between 1910 and 1964, depending on denomination. The obverse of the 2016 50-cent coin highlights the merino sheep that graced the reverse of the shilling from 1938 to 1963.
Designs for the $1 and $2 coins were disclosed with the sale of the 2016 Proof set from Australia. The obverse of the circulating $1 coin will include a miniaturized version of the crowned coat of arms from the reverse of the florin of 1938 to 1963, and the $2 coin bears the crown design that appeared on the reverse of the 1937 and 1938 crown.
The Royal Australian Mint offered 5,000 rolls of each of the four fractional denominations; the 5- and 10-cent coin rolls each contain 40 coins, and the 20- and 50-cent coin rolls contain 20 coins each.
United States dealer Joel Anderson has acquired examples of the first four coins and is selling them for $13 per set including shipping to a U.S. address. To order, visit his website.
June 9, 2016
NASA's mighty Saturn V moon rocket has just been given the "go" to launch as a LEGO toy.
The Danish toy company on Thursday (June 9) announced that it is starting production of a fan-designed model of the historic booster, which launched the first astronauts to land on the moon.
"That's one small step for a man," declared Hasan Jensen, a community specialist at LEGO's headquarters in Billund, Denmark, repeating the famous words by moonwalker Neil Armstrong." [The designers] have built quite the testament to human exploration."
Felix Stiessen and Valerie Roche created the toy Saturn V and shared it on LEGO Ideas, a website where the public can suggest and vote for the models they would like to see be offered for sale. Once projects reach 10,000 votes, they are reviewed by LEGO.
"During the review, a team of LEGO set designers, as well as marketing and business representatives, evaluate each project to determine its potential," explained Jensen. "This involves analyzing the votes, supporters' survey data, the information that project owners give us, as well as looking at things like playability, safety, how feasible it's to produce and how the project fits within the LEGO brand."
It has taken two years for Stiessen's and Roche's Saturn V to reach LEGO's "launch pad."
First proposed as a way to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in 2014, the 2,300- piece Saturn V rocket model registered its 10,000th vote in November 2015. LEGO's review began in January.
"Standing approximately 1 meter tall [3.3 feet], this LEGO rocket will soon be ready for lift off," Jensen said Thursday in a video posted on LEGO Ideas' blog. "We're still working out the final product design, pricing and availability."
Felix Stiessen's and Valerie Roche's Saturn V includes stages that separate and detailed fuel tanks and rocket engines. (LEGO Ideas)
"We'll share full details as the launch dates approach," he said, adding that the Saturn V (and a fan-created model of The Beatles' Yellow Submarine that was also approved on Thursday) was expected to be ready by late 2016 or early 2017.
As proposed by Stiessen and Roche (who use the screen names saabfan and whatsuptoday on LEGO Ideas), the Saturn V features stages that can be separated, detailed rocket engines and fuel tanks. The model also includes the Apollo command/service module and lunar module that the astronauts used to fly to the moon, land on its surface and return safely to the Earth.
NASA launched 13 Saturn V boosters between 1967 and 1973, including nine that flew crews to the moon and one that deployed the United States' first space station, Skylab. The towering rocket stood 363 feet tall (110 m). It remains today the tallest, heaviest and most powerful booster ever launched.
Apollo 11's Saturn V, on which Stiessen and Roche based their model, lifted off on July 16, 1969 with astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on board. The model includes two spacesuit-clad LEGO minifigures and a lunar surface base for display.
LEGO's 2003 "Saturn V Moon Mission" set included a smaller, less detailed model of the Apollo program rocket. (LEGO/BrickLink)
The Saturn V is the fifth space exploration-themed project to receive a review on LEGO Ideas since the website was founded in 2008. Fan-created models of the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station were turned down, but LEGO sold kits based on Daisuke Okubo's toy version of Japan's Hayabusa asteroid sampling probe and Stephen Pakbaz's replica of NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover in 2012 and 2014, respectively.
This will be the second Saturn V rocket LEGO has offered, though the first was significantly smaller and less detailed than the one designed by Stiessen and Roche. In 2003, as part of a kit series co-branded with the Discovery Channel, LEGO sold the "Saturn V Moon Mission," a 178-brick set that included the booster, a lunar lander, Apollo command module and moon rover.
87 percent will support projects at universities and community colleges
About Connect NC
Raleigh, N.C. The Council of State unanimously approved a resolution today for the issuance and sale of $200 million in bonds to support the Connect NC investments in our state's education, parks, National Guard, and water and sewer infrastructure. This is the first issuance of the $2 billion Connect NC Bond introduced by Governor Pat McCrory and overwhelmingly passed by voters in March.said Governor McCrory.The vast majority of the $200 million approved today, or 87 percent, will support projects at our universities and community colleges. Additionally, 52 percent of bond investments in year one will support construction. The remaining money will be used for the planning of future construction projects.Similar to the Higher Education Bonds passed in November 2000, the Connect NC Bond will be issued over a seven-year period with the vast majority distributed in the first four years.The $200 million approved today will be available for sale on the market by late July. Projects selected to receive funds in the first issuance were chosen based on agency assessments of most urgent needs. For a complete list of investments supported in year one, click here The Connect NC bond will invest $980 million into the state's 17 universities. The vast majority of these improvements will build facilities that will improve teaching and research in the science, technology, engineering and medical fields. An additional $350 million will go to the community colleges, primarily for new construction, repairs and renovations on its 58 campuses.Another $309.5 million will be awarded to smaller cities and towns to build and repair water and sewer systems. These investments are crucial to retaining and attracting new jobs outside of the state's metro areas.Agriculture and consumers will also benefit from Connect NC. Approximately $94 million will be spent to construct a new Agriculture and Consumer Sciences Lab for veterinary, food, drug and motor fuel testing. An additional $85 million will go toward a new Plant Sciences Research Complex at NC State University.The National Guard will receive $70 million to rehabilitate Regional Readiness Centers in Burke and Wilkes counties as well as construct a new readiness center on Guilford County. Another $9 million will go toward the completion of the Samarcand Corrections and Law Enforcement Training Center in Moore County.To improve North Carolina's quality of life and help preserve the state's environment and natural beauty, the Connect NC bond will invest $75 million into our state parks. An additional $25 million will go the North Carolina Zoo for upgrades to service support facilities, trails and exhibits.
I am a summer term reporter at the University of Missouri. My area of study is Magazine Writing, and my hometown is Scottsboro, Alabama. You can reach me by email at acmwx7@mail.missouri.edu or on Twitter @annamapletree
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Bill that passed House may be debated and voted on before short session adjourns
An aerial photograph of Interstate 77 at Exit 31 in June 2015 shows rush-hour traffic. (CJ file photo)
RALEIGH Opponents of the proposed high-occupancy-or-toll lane project along Interstate 77 sense a bit of momentum after a bill ordering the N.C. Department of Transportation to cancel the project's contract overwhelmingly passed the House.Now they're turning their focus on the state Senate.One opponent of the HOT lanes project, Sen. Jeff Tarte, R-Mecklenburg, point to the fact that Senate leaders sent the House Bill 954 , which passed by a vote of 81-27 , to the Senate Transportation Committee.Tarte said. The Ways and Means Committee is known as a graveyard for bills unpopular with the Senate leadership.Tarte said.Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, is on record questioning the need for canceling the project. During an April news conference before the short session began, Berger said he had not seen any information leading him to believe that canceling the project was the right thing to do.Plans call for the Spanish company Cintra to construct HOT lanes on a 26-mile stretch of I-77 from The Brookshire Freeway in Charlotte. to the N.C. 150 interchange in Iredell County. The construction would leave four lanes going in both north and south directions.Two lanes in each direction would remain standard lanes and not require a toll. Motorists could ride on the other two lanes either by paying a toll or having at least three people in their vehicles.Kurt Naas of Widen I-77, which supports the bill, said a lot of people are contacting senators and asking them to support the bill.Naaf said. Some elected officials from the region also will travel to Raleigh to encourage the Senate to approve the bill, he said.Jean Leier, a spokeswoman for I-77 Mobility Partners, which supports the project, said the organization did "not have a public comment or further information to provide" regarding the bill's prospects.The McCrory administration continues to back the I-77 HOT lanes. Last week, state Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson urged House members not to cancel the project, saying NCDOT could be on the hook for penalties if a court ruled in Cintra's favor in a potential lawsuit.During the committee meeting, the bill's sponsor, Rep. Charles Jeter, R-Mecklenburg, estimated that the penalty could run as high as $250 million. However, he said he believed that the contract could be canceled "for cause," because Cintra didn't document litigation it was involved in regarding other projects.Tennyson also said that if the contract with Cintra were canceled, he had no idea when I-77 would be widened to relieve traffic congestion.Tarte recognizes that there isn't a lot of time to get the bill out of committee if it has a chance of becoming law before the short session ends. Legislative leaders say they're hoping to finish work on the budget and other matters in time for the General Assembly to adjourn before the July 4 holiday.Tarte said. He added that the Senate is unlikely to make any changes in the House bill because of the time crunch. If the Senate modifies the bill and passes it, the House either must accept the changes or the bill would have to go to a conference committee to work out the differences. The session may adjourn before those moves could be completed.
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
CPS Foundation hires Harris as first executive director
For the first time since it formed 26 years ago, the Columbia Public Schools Foundation has a paid staff member with the hiring of Katie Harris as executive director.
Political Correctness as explained by Harry Truman
It is entirely possible that this is another internet legend and I don't vouch for it's accuracy but present it here as an example of the changing times and people. Carefully consider this as it could be a plant from a Trump Supporter and bear no actual basis in fact, but you must admit, it is funny. Bobby Tony
For the last six odd years, almost all of the things I wanted to write or say have been stymied by that modern term referred to as POLITICAL CORRECTNESS.. Although I consider myself fluent in English, that term was not in my vocabulary. Curiosity got the better of me so I decided to do a little research. After two weeks of chasing fruitless leads, I found what Id been looking for at the Truman Library and Museum in Independence Missouri. An unnamed source there sent me copies of four telegrams between then-President Harry Truman and Gen Douglas MacArthur on the day before the actual signing of the WW2 Surrender Agreement in September 1945.. The contents of those four telegrams below are exactly as received at the end of the war - not a word has been added or deleted!
(1) Tokyo,Japan 0800-September 1,1945
To: President Harry S Truman
From: General D A MacArthur
Tomorrow we meet with those yellow-bellied bastards and sign the Surrender Documents, any last minute instructions?
(2) Washington, D C 1300 - September 1, 1945
To: D A MacArthur
From: H S Truman
Congratulations, job well done, but you must tone down your obvious dislike of the Japanese when discussing the terms of the surrender with the press, because some of your remarks are fundamentally not politically correct!
(3) Tokyo, Japan - 1630-September 1, 1945
To: H S Truman
From: D A MacArthur and C H Nimitz
Wilco Sir, but both Chester and I are somewhat confused, exactly what does the term politically correct mean?
(4) Washington, D C 2120-September 1, 1945
To: D A MacArthur/C H Nimitz
From: H S Truman
Political Correctness is a doctrine, recently fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and promoted by a sick mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of $hit by the clean end!
Now, with special thanks to the Truman Museum and Harry himself, you and I finally have a full understanding of what POLITICAL CORRECTNESS really means.....
After a careful and thorough internet search I have verified that the above is absolutely true. I found a quote from Abraham Lincoln that confirms that Truman really said that.
May 27, 2016: Erfon Pourhashemi exits the stage after presenting the Opening Du'a during his graduation ceremony for Pleasant View School. The school was graduating its first senior class, held at the Michael D. Rose Theatre on the University of Memphis campus. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal)
David Waters Columnist SHARE May 27, 2016: Ischaag Hajjeh, Uzair Ahmed, Cina Pourhashemi, Erfon Pourhashemi, Yousef Yousef and Hammam Alomari share a playful moment as they prepare for their Pleasant View School graduation ceremony as the school's first graduating class. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal)
When I graduated from high school 40 years ago this week, two religions were represented in our Midwest American city's Class of '76:
Catholic and Protestant.
I never could have imagined the day I'd be sitting in a Southern American city's Class of '16 graduation represented by only one religion:
Muslim.
Assalamu Alaikum, America. Peace be upon you.
E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one.
Regardless of how our politicians try to recast or revise it, especially during election years, the American promise remains an open invitation. The world and its many nations and religions continue to RSVP.
That was readily apparent at the recent ceremony honoring the first graduating class of Pleasant View School in Bartlett.
Among the eight graduating seniors were three Palestinians, two Iranians, a Pakistani, a Yemeni and a Syrian Nour Zawahiri, one of two female graduates.
Nour escaped Syria's bloody civil war four years ago. She continued to go to school, as she could, as a refugee in Egypt and Turkey.
I had to move from one suburb to another while I was in high school, but most of my peers sought refuge in the same mall so it wasn't a big deal.
Nour came to Memphis last October with her parents, brother and a handful of other refugees.
That was after they cleared an extensive and intensive refugee vetting process, and before the hyperpartisan politics of fear shut it down.
"I love learning and gladly meet these challenges," Nour told those who attended Pleasant View's recent annual fundraiser. "I realize so much more now what a blessing it is to have access to a great education."
By the time Nour arrived in Memphis, she was 20. She first applied to a local public school. She was told she was too old to go to high school.
War refugees aren't always allowed to complete high school by a certain age. Nour was undeterred.
She could have taken the GED test, but she wanted to take AP Calculus and Honors Chemistry. She wanted to complete high school.
I remember just wanting to get out of high school. I would have been happy to be too old for high school at any age. Like many second-, third- and fourth-generation Americans, I saw my education as a birthright.
Like many new immigrants, Nour sees it as a privilege and a great opportunity.
"Nour is a superb student and we were glad to accept her," said Dr. Muhammad Malley, Pleasant View's principal, and proud father of Areej Malley, the school's 2016 valedictorian and the other female graduate.
That's one of the ways Muslim Americans are making us stronger. They believe in education.
Muslim Americans are more likely to have graduated from high school than other Americans (40 percent to 31 percent), and twice as likely to be enrolled in college (26 percent to 13 percent), according to the Pew Research Center.
Pleasant View opened in 1997, the first and only Muslim school in a city filled with Protestant, Catholic and Jewish schools.
It only went to eighth grade until 2012, when the school added a freshman class of four. Along the way, the class doubled to eight.
When I graduated from high school, the only Muslim we all knew was Muhammad Ali.
Ali, who died last weekend at age 74, will be buried Thursday. When he was heavyweight champ in the 1970s, nearly 9 in 10 Americans identified themselves as either Catholic or Protestant in the mid-1970s.
Four decades and 10 presidential elections later, that number is now 6 in 10.
The percentage of Americans who identify themselves as religious and non-Christian has tripled during that time from 2 to 6 percent.
When Ali converted to Islam and, because of his new faith, refused to be drafted, he was reviled. After we got to know him as a man and fellow American of genuine compassion, peace and faith, and after we saw how his faith helped him in his struggle with Parkinson's, he was revered.
"It was my faith that restored my sense of purpose and self-confidence," he wrote in 2005 autobiography. "My faith gave me back my joy and enthusiasm for life."
That same faith, joy and enthusiasm was readily apparent in Nour and her fellow members of Pleasant View's Class of 2016.
"Everyone wants me to be successful and realize my dream of going to college and becoming a pharmacist," Nour said last month before she graduated.
"With all the love and support, I am glad to tell you that I was able to take the ACT successfully, and maintain a high GPA. Alhamdulillah."
Alhamdulillah is Arabic for "praise be to God."
I don't remember any of my classmates using that phrase, but I'm sure we were thinking it. I know most of our Protestant and Catholic parents were.
Interfaith Ramadan Dinner
What: The 10th Annual Interfaith Ramadan Dinner, to mark the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which began last Sunday evening.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Esplanade, 901 Cordova Station Road
Register: Visit memphisinterfaith.org
This new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs from the OscarAE winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
SHARE
By Jon W. Sparks, Special to The Commercial Appeal
The Mayor of Munchkinland was on the phone (and who knew they had phones in Oz?). His honor, better known as Justin G. Nelson, was discussing the National Tour of "The Wizard of Oz," which opens Tuesday at the Orpheum.
As it happens, the mayor is from Memphis where he developed the considerable skills it would take to land a part in the musical.
"I went to Colonial Middle and got in the show choir in seventh grade, and that's when I found it," Nelson says. He later went to Overton High School and was in choirs there as well as being involved in music activities at Greater New Shiloh M.B. Church. In 2004, he was in the children's ensemble of a production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Orpheum, "and I was like, 'Yes!' That's what I want to do!"
Between that Orpheum debut and the upcoming dates with "Oz," Nelson built up a long list of performances at Playhouse on the Square, Theatre Memphis and Hattiloo Theatre. He won the first Gypsy Award for Ensemble Dancing at the 2013 Ostranders.
"I thank God for the gift," he says. "I didn't grow up taking classes it was a raw talent that I gained. I went to lots of school dance events to feel the music. I have this passion for performing and inspiring young kids. I love yoga, I work out six days a week and do cardio, but it's the moment of creating a new person on stage that is my passion."
He got his chance to do "Oz" as a result of going to the Unified Professional Theatre Auditions at Playhouse on the Square for three years. The annual UPTA event is a national audition that brings together professional actors, production people and theater companies. Nelson's auditions got the attention of the Joy Dewing Casting Agency in New York, and last year he found himself auditioning for "Oz."
"I sang and made the cut, danced and made the cut and then went back to sing for the Mayor of Munchkinland, the Coroner and the Vicar," Nelson says. "And I danced again. The following Monday I got a call at work from Joy saying I'd booked it. And I quit my job at Banana Republic."
That was in May 2015. He came back to Memphis to perform at Playhouse in "The Gospel at Colonus" and "Billy Elliot" before heading off to "Oz" rehearsals last November.
The tour runs through next month, with stops in Cleveland, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Tampa and elsewhere. "It's so refreshing to see different cities and see reactions from different cities. My favorite so far is San Antonio, because the audience is so interactive they laugh and clap and cry at everything. It's amazing to see that."
'The Wizard of Oz' June 14-19 at the Orpheum, 203 S. Main St. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. June 14-16; 8 p.m. June 17 and 18; 2 p.m. June 18; 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. June 19. Tickets $25 - $125. Info: 901-525-3000 and orpheum-memphis.com.
Dedicated to Dickens
Jason Spitzer is not terribly fond of directing. "It weighs heavily on me," he says, "but I'm called on to do it from time to time, and I throw myself into it."
He had, however, a particularly strong incentive to throw himself into helming "Oliver!," which opens this weekend at Theatre Memphis. Spitzer is more knowledgeable than most about Charles Dickens, whose "Oliver Twist" first got the musical theater treatment in 1960 and has been wildly popular since. The reluctant director has also run the show for all of Theatre Memphis' productions of "A Christmas Carol" since he revamped it in 2008.
"My enthusiasm for 'Oliver!' is part of what I bring to it because I love the classics, and this is one of my favorites," Spitzer says. "Having read the Dickens books and written about them and knowing them as I do, the visual world that Charles Dickens creates is very important. His books have 50 chapters in them because they appeared over a two-year period in serial format, so there's terrific description, not only about the characters but also the locations and environment they lived in. Theatre Memphis has a tremendous production standard, and they're working hard to create this world of Dickens, but in a different way than we've done with 'A Christmas Carol,' which is so well known to everybody, but not everybody knows 'Oliver Twist.'"
He says that while productions usually take place around a single set, the Theatre Memphis version promises different environments for different locations. "One doesn't think about 'Oliver!' as a show that will dazzle you there's no sequins or ostrich feathers but when the audience sees what we have scenically and from a costume perspective, they're going to be dazzled. The costumer, Anne Suchyta, has embraced this Dickensian flavor."
Add to that the 50 people in the cast, many of them children, who will be singing and dancing all over. Much of that is in the hands of the choreographer, Amy Hanford, who is a veteran of wrangling stage dancers young and old.
So what's the challenge to choreographing all these kids? "It's all these kids!" she says. It takes a particular skill to get youngsters, often with scant experience, focused on hitting their marks, making their moves and not waving to the grandparents in the audience. "I have to make sure it all flows and fits and make sure it's clean and crisp and keeping with the integrity of Jason's vision."
Hanford does that by telling them that theres a standard here at Theatre Memphis, or any theater, to perform at a high quality. I teach them to respect what theyre doing and want to reach that high quality. They know they have to work hard at it and never drop that character on stage.
'Oliver!' June 10-July 3 at Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Ext. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $30; $15 students. Info: theatrememphis.org and 901-682-8323.
'The Wiz' hits the spot
This seems to be the time of Oz in Memphis.
The Orpheums touring show comes next week in the middle of a run of The Wiz at Hattiloo Theatre. The Hattiloo production is exuberant and a whirlwind of fun with high-octane choreography and nice performances.
Emma Crystals choreography is simply terrific to watch. The ensemble jumps and prances and eases down the road with abandon, and its a delightful mix, from young girls with attitude to big old guys with presence to incredibly graceful dancers.
It falls to India Ratliff to lead the way, and the University of Memphis student does a solid job as Dorothy, slaying witches and encouraging friends. Those other characters get to let it all out, though, and there are memorable performances there.
Kortland Whalum is the suave, golden-throated Tin Man, wielding charm as deftly as his axe. Charlton L. Johnson is the Lion with a gift for comedy, and Matthew Keaton is a delightful Scarecrow. Justin Raynard is a scary Wiz until he loses his fright wig but as tyrant or redeemed fraud, he is a guilty pleasure.
Practically stealing the show is Christin Webb as Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West, who oozes all manner of delicious badness.
Hattiloo doesnt have a huge budget, but they often make it work with thoughtful creative choices. But for Wiz, the set pieces were none too attractive or sturdy, and there were significant sound issues the night we saw it. The production did fine with the lighting, costuming and makeup, though, some of which was splendid. Seating in the theater is on three sides, not always ideal, but youre never far from the action and the delightful energy.
'The Wiz' Through June 26 at Hattiloo Theatre, 37 S. Cooper. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $18-$28. Info: hattiloo.org or 901-525-0009.
Chicago loves Byhalia
Three cheers for three awards given to the Chicago production of Byhalia, a play that wouldnt exist without its Memphis connections.
Not that were surprised, but Monday night, the Jeff Awards were handed out in Chicago honoring the best in the citys theater. In the non-equity division, Evan Linders play won in three categories: New Work, Supporting Actress in a Play and Scenic Design.
Linder was born in East Memphis, reared in Collierville and is now a playwright in Chicago, with acclaimed and edgy works to his credit. Winning the supporting actress award was Cecelia Wingate, known mostly for her award-winning direction of plays and musicals in Memphis, but also a fearless actor who goes, unerringly, to the center of whatever character she inhabits. In accepting her award, she said well, we actually cant print what she said, but it was gracious in its way.
The third award went to John Wilson for his design in the play, presented by The New Colony and Definition Theatre Company. Memphis native Liz Sharpe, who has performed and directed notable productions here, was nominated for best actress in Byhalia. The play was done here at TheatreWorks simultaneously with the Chicago production and other productions and readings throughout the country. It won the POTS@TheWorks competition, a series produced by Playhouse on the Square that has an annual contest to choose new works for the stage.
By Katie Fretland of The Commercial Appeal
She decided not to look at him again.
Assistant District Attorney Abby Wallace read the words of a victim of a suspected serial rapist in court Thursday before he was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
"I decided today not to see your face again but remember your face when I heard the guilty verdict," the victim wrote.
Deandrey Peterson, 27, was convicted in May of entering the woman's apartment during the early morning of March 27, 2014, armed with a silver handgun. He told the 30-year-old woman to cover herself and her child while he looked through her belongings. He then forced the woman into her living room and raped her.
"You deserve to rot in jail and hell," the victim wrote, calling him a "sick, perverted freak."
Peterson is a defendant in six pending cases that include charges of rape, attempted rape, burglary and robbery. The cases share similarities in the attacks committed between Feb. 9, 2014, and March 27, 2014, Assistant District Attorney Abby Wallace said in court documents.
Peterson wants to represent himself at his pending proceedings, said attorney Billy Gilchrist.
The victim of the March 27 rape said Peterson took the freedom of her and her daughter.
"You have made my life a nightmare," she said. "Each night I wake up at 2:30 a.m. to make sure my home is safe. My child cannot be in a room alone without a light or TV. She is terrified."
Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan sentenced Peterson to consecutive sentences for his convictions of aggravated rape and aggravated robbery.
"I very rarely sentence people to consecutive time, especially someone as young as Mr. Peterson," she said.
She said it was extremely unlikely he could be rehabilitated and that he is a dangerous offender who showed little or no regard for human life.
SHARE Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam speaks at an announcement at the state Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 17, 2015, that Nissan Motor Co. plans to build a $160 million supplier park in Tennessee. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)
By Joel Ebert, USA TODAY NETWORK Tennessee
NASHVILLE Gov. Bill Haslam Wednesday joined the chorus of Republican officials to take issue with Donald Trump's comments, which many have said are racist remarks, about a federal judge.
Last week, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee said Gonzalo Curiel, the federal judge presiding over a case involving Trump University, had a conflict of interest because of his "Mexican heritage."
Trump said the criticism of Curiel, who was born in Indiana to Mexican immigrants, is relevant because of his plans to build a wall on the southern border of the United States.
In recent days, Trump's statements about Curiel have been criticized by countless Republicans ranging from former presidential candidate Lindsey Graham to House Speaker Paul Ryan. On Tuesday, Trump stopped short of apologizing for his comments, adding, "I do not feel that one's heritage makes them incapable of being impartial."
On Wednesday, Haslam called Trump's initial comments "indefensible."
"To say that because of someone's heritage or their ethnicity that they are unable to provide fair judgement is just wrong. It's just not how the judicial system works in our country and not how it ever can work," the governor told The Tennessean.
When asked whether Trump's remarks about Curiel had changed his feelings toward businessman, Haslam said, "I join a lot of others who say, as someone who is a first time candidate you have to realize that words matter and the things you say have a lot broader impact and I join those who are thinking that we hope that now that Trump is the Republican nominee there's a shift toward a more thoughtful approach to how and what you communicate."
Haslam has frequently expressed concern about several comments Trump has made, including those about Muslims, defeating the Islamic State with bombings and most recently Trump's criticism of New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.
Haslam has also continually declined to say whether or not he supports Trump but on Wednesday reiterated his desire to sit down with the real estate mogul before next month's Republican National Convention.
Adam Tamburin contributed to this report.
June 5, 2016- Memphis Police officers join together and bow their heads for fellow officer Verdell Smith, 46, who was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a vehicle while working Beale Street detail. (Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal)
By Kayleigh Skinner of The Commercial Appeal
Crowds will gather inside Hope Presbyterian Church at 8500 Walnut Grove Friday to mourn the loss of Memphis police Officer Verdell Smith, who died on duty Saturday evening.
"Right now because we have such a warm relationship (with police), it's pretty much known through the department that if a larger venue is needed or if any help is needed from the community, once they have settled the details around the death of the officer and start looking at how they're going to celebrate life and the final arrangements, either they call us or we call them," Pastor Rufus Smith said.
Smith died Saturday when he was hit by a car driven by a suspect fleeing police after a Downtown shooting spree that injured three others. Smith was trying to clear patrons on Beale Street from the path of the car when he was killed.
Hope Presbyterian has hosted multiple funeral services for fallen officers. Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova held the funeral service for Officer Sean Bolton in 2015 and other first responders who have died on the job in previous years, including firefighter Lt. Rodney Eddins in April.
Smith said Hope Presbyterian strives to be friendly to police and educators, so staff are always willing to provide their services to the department when necessary. The church's auditorium seats 5,000 people.
"We can't anticipate these (deaths), but our staff is committed to rearranging our schedules and key volunteers so we can offer the building facility without cost...we are just always ready for these kinds of things," Smith said.
The church also provides food if the family wants to have the visitation and repast in the building as well, Smith said.
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery also works with the families, church and law enforcement or first responder agencies to coordinate the details of a burial service, said funeral director Hannah Moore. Verdell Smith will be buried at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Moore said the business' policy is to provide "100 percent complimentary funeral services and burial space to local law enforcement, fire department and emergency medical services personnel that lose their lives serving in the line of duty."
Pastor Keith Norman of First Baptist Church-Broad serves as a chaplain to the police department, but describes himself as just a friend of the MPD. His church is also open to hosting services for fallen officers, and he serves as a pastoral shoulder to lean on for the department.
"I don't like doing them, but we have to," Norman said. "I just feel like they deserve it. I want them to have dignity and honor and be held in greatest respect, esteem and love."
When an officer dies, the police director is "grieving because he lost a man or woman in the line of duty. If he or she doesn't have a pastoral relationship, I just say 'Hey, let's process this.' Because critical stress debriefing is one of the things we have to give back."
Smith said the staff at his church also work closely with officers in the department, occasionally participating in ride-alongs and traveling with officers to deliver bad news.
"Faith leaders of course have anchors and credibility in various communities, so when they team up with police officers it's a natural alliance that helps provide safety and peace in a given community," Smith said. "When there's been a death, a pastor will accompany a police officer to the home of a particular victim to be on hand and provide grief counseling and other support."
Or, as Norman put it, "Police officers don't deliver news of grief like a pastor can."
Visitation, funeral service for Officer Verdell Smith
Visitation for Memphis police officer Verdell Smith will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday at Hope Presbyterian Church, 8500 Walnut Grove.
A Sea of Blue will take place Thursday at 8:15 p.m. beginning at Hope Presbyterian Church. The route will go west on Walnut Grove, south on Interstate 240, north on Interstate 55, north on Third Street passing B.B. King and Beale, and ending at B.B. King and Union Avenue.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Hope Presbyterian Church.
Smith will be buried at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue.
SHARE The Commercial Appeal files Main Street and the Columbia Mutual Tower Building (now the Lincoln American Tower) as seen looking north in this image from June 7, 1941. Court Square is at right edge of photograph.
June 9
25 years ago: 1991
WASHINGTON The Bush administration has devised a new plan to rein in Medicare costs by paying hospitals standard fees for most outpatient services. The services included are as routine as X-rays and laboratory tests and as elaborate as chemotherapy and surgery. Since the government put similar controls on payments for in-hospital care in 1983, doctors have shifted many services to hospitals' outpatient clinics, which are not covered by the controls. From 1985 to 1990, Medicare spending for outpatient services grew three times as fast as spending for patients admitted to hospitals.
50 years ago: 1966
James Meredith flew home to New York from Memphis Metropolitan Airport last night aboard an American Airlines jet. He was accompanied by one aide. On his arrival in New York, Meredith told a news conference he would return to the march after a week or so of rest. He said this time he will be armed "unless I have positive assurances that arms are not needed." Behind him he left sharp disagreement among the civil rights leaders who had flocked to his bedside concerning how best to capitalize on his march through Mississippi, which came to a halt earlier due to his being shot by a sniper.
75 years ago: 1941
Dr. D.M. Amacker of Southwestern's faculty will discuss "The Approaching War" at a joint meeting of the afternoon and evening International Relations groups of the A.A.U.W. this afternoon at the home of Miss Mary Polack on North McNeil.
100 years ago: 1916
The members of the Organ Guild of St. Luke's Church will hold their annual sale of shirtwaists tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the home of Mrs. George H. Bowers, 1416 Vinton Avenue.
125 years ago: 1891
Very little business was done in the Courthouse yesterday. Judge DuBose of the Criminal Court was too ill to sit on the bench; there was nothing to do in the Chancery Court, and only one case was tried in the Circuit Court. The other offices were correspondingly dull.
June 9, 2016 - Gov. Bill Haslam says the University of Memphis can be one of the South's great universities. "The message is: Go for it." (Photo by Jane Roberts/The Commercial Appeal)
SHARE David Rudd Gov. Bill Haslam signed into law a controversial bill that says no licensed counselor or therapist must serve a client whose 'Aogoals, outcomes or behaviors'Au conflict with the counselor'Aos 'Ausincerely held principles'Au 'Ai a measure denounced by the American Counseling Association as a 'Auhate bill'Au against gay and transgender people.
By Jane Roberts of The Commercial Appeal
The idea of giving universities in the Board of Regents system autonomy began in Memphis, Gov. Bill Haslam told a University of Memphis crowd Thursday at the ceremonial signing of the Focus on College and University Success Act.
"People here are passionate about this being a great university," he said, adding that with more flexibility, he has no doubt the university "could be one of the South's great universities. Our purpose in doing this is to let that happen. The message is: Go for it."
Its new 10-member board will take over July 1, 2017. Haslam will appoint eight of the nine voting members. A process agreed on by the university senate and president will be used to name the ninth. The tenth member will be a nonvoting student position.
Although some members of the Board of Visitors have said they have already been asked to serve, Haslam was firm that no appointments would be made until January.
Legislators approved FOCUS this spring, freeing the U of M and five other schools from Board of Regents oversight. The others are Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee State, East Tennessee State, Tennessee Technological University and Austin Peay State.
University President Dr. David Rudd says Memphis can expect more partnerships like the union the university and Memphis Symphony Orchestra announced this spring. In May, it announced it was pairing with the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission to form the Public Safety Institute on campus. Rudd also said independence means the university will be able to focus on research, plus more easily add courses and majors that enhance its strategic plan.
"In the TBR system, you never saw initiatives to advance the research side of the University of Memphis," Rudd said, noting that its research capacity is unique in the TBR system.
"That will be one of the first strategies we take," he said.
He also said the U of M will seek to reach more students nationally and internationally by offering tuition deals. The model would be similar to the reciprocity agreement the university began offering several years ago, extending its reach deeper into Mississippi and Arkansas.
"(Out of state) Enrollment in the law school this year quadrupled compared to three years ago," Rudd said, noting that a significant percentage of the growth was out-of-state students.
"It's entirely because we altered the tuition to facilitate out-of-state growth."
The plan to give more autonomy to the six TBR universities was criticized in early January by the system's former chancellor, John Morgan. He retired a few weeks later, saying it was unworkable and the watered-down accountability would "seriously impair" the colleges' abilities to work toward state goals.
Haslam expects accountability will increase.
"I guarantee Dr. Rudd, and he's up for it, will have a board waking up every day saying, 'David, here's where we are trying to get as a university, where are we on that status?' If I'm a university president, I don't think all of a sudden I have less accountability. I have more of a direct accountability, which is a good thing."
The board will be responsible for hiring and firing university presidents. And while it will have more latitude in adding programs, new majors and concentrations will still have to be approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Memphis, through at least three governors, has pushed for local control of the campus, saying the issues of a large-city campus required a different, more nimble governing structure.
The change was actually born in Haslam's Drive to 55, the state effort to increase the number of residents who have college diplomas or certificates from 32 percent to 55 percent by 2025. One of the prescriptions is TN Promise, which gives any high school senior who completes the requirements access to two years of college tuition-free through the state's 13 community colleges or 27 colleges of applied technology. In the just-completed school year, enrollment in both was up nearly 25 percent. In December, Haslam told the TBR board he wanted it to focus on those opportunities.
By peeling off the universities, his administration says, both systems can be more nimble.
"What you really saw was a wingspan that ran all they way from welding colleges to law schools and medical schools," said Mike Krause, executive director of Drive to 55. "The reality is higher education is a complicated endeavor. What a community college needs is not necessarily what a university needs, and vice versa. In the end, these are different institutions that serve different students."
SHARE Juneteenth celebration returns to Horn Lake's Latimer Lakes Park this Saturday for the fourth year.
By Ron Maxey of The Commercial Appeal
A Juneteenth celebration returns to Horn Lake's Latimer Lakes Park on Saturday for the fourth consecutive year, with organizers hoping predicted good weather and new attractions will help them top last year's attendance estimate of 1,300.
Live music, food and games, a teen talent show, Greek step show, Corvette car show and health screenings are among the attractions awaiting visitors from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission is free, but organizers ask those attending to bring canned goods and nonperishable items for donation to the HeartLand Hands Food Pantry in Southaven.
"These items tend to run out quickly for those in need because of children home from school for the summer," Mike Smith, founder North Mississippi Cultural Foundation and Juneteenth festival organizer, said.
Horn Lake leaders have welcomed the festival to Latimer Lakes for the past four years, calling the event a valuable addition to the city's amenities.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration marking the end of slavery. It traces its roots to 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19 with word that the Civil War had ended and slaves were free.
In DeSoto County, the North Mississippi Cultural Foundation (formerly known as the DeSoto County African American History Symposium) began its festival four years ago as a local observance of the event. Smith said organizers have tried each year to make the festival more culturally diverse.
"This is everybody's history," Smith said. "That was part of the reason for rebranding our organization we want to draw in as many people as possible to honor and celebrate an event that affects us all."
For a complete rundown on Saturday's event, visit northmississippiculturalfoundation.org.
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By Amy Joyce
I have two young boys. My husband and I are trying to raise them to be good, kind people. I bet Brock Turner's parents thought they were doing had done the same.
But reading the letter from Turner's father asking the judge who sentenced his son to six months for sexual assault for leniency, it makes one wonder: We're raising our kids, but are our eyes wide open? What are we raising them for?
We're not parenting for empathy, according to Michele Borba, author of the new book "UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World."
"We need to push the pause button and say, 'What kind of kid do I really want to raise?' " Borba says. "It's over very quickly, there's no rewind button."
Dan Turner's letter to the judge about his son is an attempt to make others feel sad about what Brock going through. (I mean, he can't eat steak. He's being locked away for "20 minutes of action.") His father even blamed this "event" on Brock drinking too much because the older swimmers at school were. So in other words, the sexual assault wasn't his fault. Even the drinking wasn't his fault.
But the fact is this was a young man violating a young woman he didn't know. Behind a dumpster. He still shows no empathy, and after reading the letter his father wrote, you might get an idea why.
So how can parents use this horror as a lesson? Maybe they need to start by making sure they aren't making excuses for their kids. Like the time that little Joe hit the neighbor kid and his dad said, "Well, he was provoked. Also, he had a lot of candy today. We need to stop feeding him so much sugar." Or when Jane cheated on a test and Mom said, "Well, that teacher just can't teach. Otherwise, she would have aced it. She's so smart." Did it grow into a time when he skipped school and got drunk and Mom and Dad said boys will be boys? Or did she shun a friend from the group to the point where the girl was depressed? What are we doing in our lives to raise kids who are lacking in empathy, and always blaming the other guy for their missteps?
And in a question his parents never, ever expected would be in The Washington Post about their Olympics-hopeful champion Stanford swimmer: How can we make sure to not raise the next Brock Turner?
"We define success as so narrow, as a GPA," Borba says. "We're vaporizing the other part of them, the humanness."
Empathy can be taught, and should be, she says. So many of us think kids are born with it or learn to be that way simply by living. Sure, some are more wired for empathy than others. But parents need to teach empathy intentionally. "When your child walks in the door, how often do you say, 'What caring thing did you do today?' Look at your photos. You're good with science fair trophies photos, but what shows caring?"
I've written a bit about the Harvard Making Caring Common project, and the studies they've been doing about kids and kindness. In one study, about 80 percent of the youth interviewed said their parents were more concerned with their achievement or happiness than whether they cared for others. The interviewees were also three times more likely to agree that "my parents are prouder if I get good grades in my classes than if I'm a caring community member in class and school."
What is this doing to our kids? What are they actually learning about themselves, or about love, kindness and even us?
Borba has some advice on how to awaken the empathy that lies dormant in our children, and perhaps ourselves.
We need to set aside "sacred unplugged time," where we reclaim our conversations, Borba advises. And stop with all the activities, the pressure. Our kids aren't learning the actual life skills they, and we, need them to. "During summertime, get back to mud, sand and dirt. Our children are so structured boosting their Ivy League potential, they're losing (that skill of) just getting along with one another. Kids feel lonely but they are connected online. But they're not really connecting with a human being." Read books. No, really. Spend time with "Charlotte's Web" or "Dumbo." Anything that shows empathy, accountability, love for another.
And just be kind, parents. To yourselves, to others, because your little ones are watching. So congrats to you all if they are off to an Ivy League school with a big old scholarship. But as we can see here, and in other cases, if that's all there is, that's really . . . nothing.
Amy Joyce is the editor of the Washington Post's On Parenting section.
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By Ron Grossman
Let us now consider the downside of Donald Trump losing the November presidential election.
The downside of his winning is obvious, and not just to liberals and Democrats. House Speaker Paul Ryan, the Republicans' highest elective official, agonized Hamlet-like before endorsing Trump, the party's presumptive standard bearer.
I share those jitters at the prospect of a President Trump, but my rejoicing, should he be defeated, will be tempered by a sobering thought: We'll be right back to a status quo that isn't working for millions of Americans.
A President Hillary Clinton isn't likely to fix it. Neither would Trump, but he has the political instincts to claim that he would.
Even as a candidate, Clinton couldn't master the rhetoric. Campaigning in Ohio she promised to "put a lot of coal miners" out of business. Considering the Rust Belt setting, it would seem a dumb thing to say. The region has been hemorrhaging the kind of jobs requiring a strong back and hands. The nation lost 11,000 coal-mining jobs last year.
But it wasn't an inept choice of words if you assume Clinton's message was intended for voters on Manhattan's Upper West Side and in Beverly Hills, Calif., who are passionately interested in environmental issues.
That difference bespeaks a dirty little secret about America today: It's the scene of class warfare.
Democrats deny it when Republicans accuse them of fomenting it. Yet it's real, and it doesn't pit Republicans against Democrats. Rather it's a struggle between the world of corner taverns and that of country clubs with the ranks of the latter reinforced by NPR's listeners in a strange-bedfellows alignment of the wealthy and the well-educated.
To see how little this struggle has to do with party preferences, recall that President Barack Obama, a Democrat, and congressional Republicans are allied in advocating the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade deal that is a corollary of globalization. Obama peremptorily dismissed those uncomfortable with TPP, saying: "When people say this trade deal is bad for working families, they don't know what they're talking about."
Stripped of hype and jargon, the essence of globalization is this: It pits American factory workers against their counterparts in China, India and Indonesia. Because it's a lot cheaper to live in the Third World than in the U.S., their workers are paid a lot less than ours. Ergo, workers here lose their jobs as manufacturing is outsourced, which is why so many factories are closed along the campaign trail where Clinton drew a bead on coal miners.
It is true that Clinton changed her position on TPP, which she formerly hailed as the "gold standard" of trade agreements. She saw which way the wind was blowing but that was when Bernie Sanders was breathing down her neck. Will she stick to her resolve should she win the White House?
Wall Street is betting she won't. They didn't pay her hundreds of thousands of dollars in speaking fees expecting her to recite favorite passages from the Communist Manifesto.
She was, after all, a Goldwater Girl, and went to Wellesley College. It's the kind of elite college where students more likely ruminate on holes in the ozone than on what it's like to pull the lever on a punch press until you are bone tired. Or, to feel it like a punch in the stomach when told that production is being moved punch press, time clock and all overseas.
Then Clinton became a Democrat. At one time, that would have put her on the side of working-class men and women. Under Franklin Delano Roosevelt Democrats enacted Social Security, providing old-age pensions and unemployment insurance, and minimum-wage legislation.
In return, organized labor became the Democratic Party's foot soldiers. Union activists rang doorbells at election time. That made for a truly two-party system: Republicans representing the affluent, Democrats representing work-a-day folks.
More recently, that alliance has been in tatters. President Bill Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement over the strenuous objections of organized labor that it would cost Americans their jobs. The middle class has been dividing. Its college-educated section has been expanding, its incomes rising; the incomes of its blue-collar section have been stagnant, even declining.
The Democratic Party threw its lot in with the college-educated, whose interests include the environment and women's rights. Those without a college degree were left without a party to advocate for their interests: decent-paying jobs.
And into that void Trump plunged, kicking and screaming about building a wall and deporting Mexicans. To public-radio audiences, that probably sounded like the high road to fascism. To many unemployed blue-collar Americans, Trump seemed a messiah attuned to their grievances.
If he loses, the potential path to power he laid out will still be there. Someone will try taking it. Perhaps he or she will tone down Trump's fiery rhetoric, appealing to suburbanites with college-graduate kids sleeping on their couch. Huey Long, Louisiana's senator in the 1930s, noted that, in troubled times, a smoke-and-mirrors gambit can work. Long who knew something about demagogues, being one himself once said:
"When fascism comes to America, it will be called anti-fascism."
Ron Grossman is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Contact him at rgrossman@tribpub.com.
A new survey says Tennessee is one of the least safe states in America, due in part to the state's susceptibility to natural disasters and high rate of assaults per capita. (News Sentinel/Chuck Campbell)
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Tennessee natives and transplants from elsewhere might agree that the Volunteer State seems to be one of the safest in the nation. But a new survey says otherwise, ranking Tennessee as the fifth most dangerous state in America.
WalletHub, a personal-finance website, used myriad meanings for the term "safety" and plugged those definitions into a fairly complicated, multi-category breakdown using statistics from 14 sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The statistics were dispersed into five general categories: Home and Community Safety; Financial Safety; Road Safety; Workplace Safety and Safety From Natural Disasters. Home and Community Safety was weighted with 40 percent of the overall score, while the other four categories were each weighted with 15 percent of the score for a total of 100.
General categories were broken down into sub-categories such as murder, rape and suicide rates for Home and Community, and unemployment and poverty rates for Financial Safety.
Tennessee landed in the bottom half of every general category, including No. 28 for Workplace Safety, No. 33 for Financial Safety and No. 35 for Road Safety
Even worse, the state ranked No. 43 for Home and Community Safety, partly fueled by its No. 50 ranking in the subcategory of "most assaults per capita." (For what it's worth, the District of Columbia, which was included in the survey, was No. 51.)
Oddly enough, Tennessee's worst general-category ranking comes from what some might consider its greatest asset: Mother Nature. The Volunteer State ranks No. 47 for "Safety From Natural Disasters" because the state is susceptible to any number of natural events.
For instance, beautiful as they might be, the state's many lakes and rivers can flood. Tennessee also gets its share of tornados, hail and ice storms and extreme temperatures in both summer and winter. Meanwhile, earthquakes from the New Madrid Seismic Zone created West Tennessee's Reelfoot Lake in the 1800s, plus a faultline on the other side of the state creates a high risk zone for earthquakes in East Tennessee.
And even though the landlocked state isn't subject to direct hits from hurricanes, tropical storms have been known to come ashore in neighboring states and stall out over Tennessee, saturating parts of the state with rain.
Vermont was ranked the safest state in America overall in the WalletHub survey, thanks largely to its No. 1 ranking for Home and Community Safety.
Massachusetts came in at No. 2 overall and ranked No. 1 for Road Safety. New Hampshire was No. 3 (finishing in the Top 10 in every general category), Rhode Island was No. 4 (and No. 1 in Workplace Safety) and Maine was No. 5 (with Top 10 rankings in Home and Community Safety as well as Safety From Natural Disasters).
Mississippi was ranked the most dangerous state, Oklahoma was No. 49, Alaska was No. 48, New Mexico was No. 47 and Tennessee was No. 46.
Regionally, Virginia was No. 8, North Carolina ranked No. 23, Georgia was No. 32, Kentucky ranked No. 34, Florida came in at No. 38, Alabama was No. 40 and South Carolina was ranked just ahead of Tennessee.
Safest states
1. Vermont
2. Massachusetts
3. New Hampshire
4. Rhode Island
5. Maine
Most dangerous states
1. Mississippi
2. Oklahoma
3. Alaska
4. New Mexico
5. Tennessee
Who knew that getting a taste of virtual reality could be so cheap?
That's what Executive News Editor Ken Mingis discovered recently when a Google Cardboard VR viewer showed up in the mail -- thanks New York Times -- along with instructions to download the NYT VR app (for iOS or for Android). And in a moment, what Mingis had routinely dismissed as something akin to 3D TV became "Dayumn, this is cool."
Multimedia Editor Keith Shaw had much the same reaction when trying out VR viewers from WowTech, Speck, Mattel's View Master -- yes, that View Master -- and even something that came from a Fruit Loops box.
Sure, you can spend $599 on an Oculus Rift or $799 for an HTC Vive to get in on the high-end virtual action. But you don't have to.
For an audio podcast only, click play (or catch up on all episodes) below.
Happy listening, and please, send feedback or suggestions for future topics to us. We'd love to hear from you.
U.S. plans to transfer the oversight of key technical Internet functions to an international multi-stakeholder governance model have run into hurdles, with two bills being introduced on Wednesday that would require the government to first take the approval of Congress for the transition.
A bill called the Protecting Internet Freedom Act, proposed in the Senate by Ted Cruz (R-Texas), would prohibit any transfer of Internet domain name system functions except if expressly allowed under a federal statute passed after the new legislation has been enacted.
The bill would also require that the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information provide to Congress written certification within 60 days of the enactment of the new Internet freedom legislation that the U.S. has secured sole ownership of the .gov and .mil top-level domains and a contract for the exclusive control and use of the the domains in perpetuity.
A version of the bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Sean Duffy (R-Wisconsin).
The administration of President Barack Obama is "months away from deciding whether the United States government will continue to provide oversight over core functions of the Internet and protect it from authoritarian regimes that view the Internet as a way to increase their influence and suppress freedom of speech," Cruz said in a statement.
The senator has long been a critic of U.S. government policy about transfer of control of the Internet to a global multistakeholder body. He put a hold last year on the Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters (DOTCOM) Act, legislation that would give Congress 30 days to review alternative governance models for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers before a transition occurs, as he wanted to include a provision requiring a Congress vote to approve the transition plan.
ICANN currently operates -- under contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce -- the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, which include responsibility for the coordination of the DNS (Domain Name System) root, IP addressing and other Internet protocol resources.
The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency located in the Department of Commerce, said in March 2014 that it planned to let its contract with ICANN to operate key domain-name functions expire in September 2015, passing the oversight of the agency to a global governance model.
The Department of Commerce said in August last year that the transition was being delayed to September this year while the community formulated its plan, had it reviewed by the U.S. government and then put it into action if approved.
ICANN submitted in March to the U.S. its plan for ending U.S. oversight of the technical Internet functions. The Department of Commerce said on Thursday that the proposal had been endorsed as it meets criteria set by the U.S. administration. But there are still concerns in some quarters that after the transition to a global multi-stakeholder governance model, dictatorial regimes could meddle and try to censor the Internet.
A number of conservative groups have backed the new draft legislation. Berin Szoka, president of policy think thank TechFreedom, for example, said that the U.S. administration hasn't been willing to negotiate to protect ICANNs multistakeholder model.
Congressional approval of the transition, besides ensuring more transparency and accountability mechanisms, would meet a legal requirement if a U.S. court were to rule that the IANA function constituted government property, Szoka added. The Constitution requires that Congress authorize disposition of government assets.
We are seeing numerous surveys and Apple-related data points this week as the industry prepares for Apples WWDC. In sum they suggest Apple stands at a critical moment, while its potential to woo customers from other platforms now appears entrenched.
Surveys say
Newly-published surveys, from Fluent, GPShopper and Walker Sands, suggest Apples anticipated plans to improve Siri and talk a little about Apple Watch 2 will resonate with consumers and consolidate its already highly loyal user base.
Apple Pay improvements, including retail enhancements and peer-to-peer payments may unleash new opportunities for the firm, and all these moves together may be enought to attract customers to its platforms.
Fluent findings
iPhone users overwhelmingly plan to remain iPhone users, Fluent's survey informs. The figures reveal that 87% of iPhone users plan to purchase another iPhone as their next phone, with 65% of them believing Apple products are worth the cost.
Android users are also loyal, but significantly less so. The survey claims just 74% of them will buy an Android device as their next phone, this effectively means Apple can still woo one-in-four Android users across to its platforms, if it only makes the right moves.
What sort of moves? The anticipated Siri improvements at WWDC will certainly inspire interest, Fluent says: 42% of iPhone users said that they would be somewhat more likely to purchase the newest generation iPhone with a vastly improved Siri, the company points out. But it is in its forthcoming hardware releases that Apple may find the biggest arguments to convince switchers across.
What they want
iPhone users want wireless charging, full waterproofing and shatterproof screens as future flagship features, Fluent points out.
Whats interesting here is that these are pretty much the same things Android users want to see in future iPhones, which suggests introduction of any or all of these will help drive more of those less loyal to Android users to come to Apple's platform.
What you can do with the platform is also important, and that is where we'll see the focus next week. WWDC is developer event so it is interesting that Apple SVP Marketing, Philip Schiller, yesterday chose to give a pretty big series of developer focused announcements through a rare interview with The Verge.
Apple has made big announcements like this before other events, in my experience this usually means the company has much more it plans to reveal.
Incentives to innovate
Announcing an extension of subscription plans and the introduction of a new 15/85 revenue split with developers Apple clearly wants to incentivize innovation on its platforms.
Reacting to the Schillers news, Sean Cullen, EVP, Product & Technology at Fluent, told me: I imagine these changes will have a positive response across the entire iOS developer ecosystem.The decrease from 30% to 15% may satiate large players such as Amazon, which refuses to offer its video service on Apple TV due to the current split, and Spotify, which has a pricing disadvantage vs. Apple Music on Apple platforms.
Opening up subscription pricing to all categories may also allow smaller app developers, especially those that have long complained about the lack of upgrade pricing and the race-to-the-bottom pricing of apps, to achieve long-term sustainability.
Strong interest in Watch 2
Apple may also take heart as a second survey from GPShopper offers positive insights for Apples smart watch -- 23% of consumers are considering getting the Apple Watch 2 when it is announced, with most willing to pay at least $300.
The survey also reveals potential for Apple to exploit iOS and Apple Watch in retail markets, through a combination of retail loyalty schemes and Apple Pay payments (again, this is broadly in line with what I've been saying elsewhere).
Nearly 1/4 of consumers wouldnt make a purchase on the Apple Watch because they are worried it would be an impulse purchase.
63% of consumers wouldnt make a purchase for more than $100 through the Apple Watch.
Consumers are more likely to engage with a brands app on the watch if they can do things like get coupons (41%) or access customer loyalty programs (32%).
Apple Pay significance
The latter findings echo some of those in the recently published 3rd annual Walker Sands Future of Retail Study. This report confirms consumer interest in mobile retail technologies like push notifications, rewards and coupons, all areas in which Apple is thought to be planning Apple Pay and iOS enhancements, possibly as soon as next week.
Mobile payments continue to be held back by privacy and security concerns, but Walker Sands points out that: Peer-to-peer payment applications may be taking off faster than point-of-sale mobile applications, especially among younger generations, with 44% of respondents ages 18 to 25 having used a P2P app.
This latter stat suggests Apple could ignite its relationship with Millennial consumers when it launches such personal payments through iOS, Apple Pay and apps such as Message.
WWDC will primarily consist of a series of deeply transformative software announcements this year but these significant service announcements will underpin all the rest of Apple's empire and may well provide a little more impetus for users of other platforms to switch.
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HTC on Thursday announced a Vive Virtual Reality package focused on business users for $1,200 that includes dedicated customer support.
The company's decision to offer its Vive Business Edition (Vive BE) in addition to a consumer-focused version for $799 has caught the attention of analysts who foresee a potential market for using VR in commercial settings, such as design, car manufacturing and medicine.
The Vive BE will launch this month in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Germany and France, and will be on sale globally in coming weeks, the company said.
HTC, which is struggling in a highly competitive smartphone market, said it has heard an "overwhelming demand from global industries for a complete VR experience."
The $1,200 Vive BE system includes a Vive headset, two controllers, two base stations, a cable and four face cushions. Customers also will receive access to a dedicated Vive BE customer support line, a 12-month limited warranty and commercial licensing. Businesses will be able to buy the system in large quantities.
Gartner analyst Tuong Huy Nguyen said in April that a variety of companies are interested in using VR, but they want a packaged, streamlined solution from vendors that includes software for capturing 3D images. Vive BE doesn't include such software or a 3D camera to record images for VR use. Also, an HTC spokeswoman said Thursday there is "nothing to share" on a future VR camera from HTC.
While HTC said its Vive BE puts it in the lead for providing VR to business users, Nguyen said HTC nonetheless faces a "tough road" with its VR approach. "We're still in the early days of VR pilots," he noted.
Nonetheless, some of the commercial VR uses are impressive. Doctors at the University of California Ronald Reagan Medical Center are already using VR to prepare surgeons for brain operations, to diagnose prostate cancer and to improve diagnosis accuracy. NASA is using VR applications with astronauts and the U.S. military is using it for training.
Many other ideas for commercial VR have emerged, including by retailers to give customers new tools to shop online or to try on clothes with an avatar of a customer's physical dimensions. VR tours of homes for sale or for rent on Airbnb seem likely as well.
In April, HTC announced it will head a $100 million VR accelerator fund called Vive X to jumpstart startups in the VR space. It also partnered with Dassault Systemes to help drive VR into the enterprise.
The market for VR hardware is expected to skyrocket in 2016, IDC said recently, reaching 9.6 million VR headsets, a number that will grow to nearly 65 million in 2020.
Other VR players include Oculus with its Rift VR, as well Samsung, LG and Sony. Last month, Google announced Daydream software for mobile virtual reality on Android devices, which will be released this fall. The company is also working on a headset.
As Scotland showed us, a referendum can act as a fertile breeding ground for conspiracy theories. Ive now lost count of the number of times Ive seen someone repeat the Scots Nat-originated line that you should bring a pen to the polling booth because they will just rub out your vote if you cast it in pencil as though all-powerful MI5 lizards would spend time erasing and filling in existing ballot papers rather than, er, just printing some new ones. And its troublingly common in overly pro-EU circles to hint darkly that Putin must be pulling the strings of the Leave-supporting half (or more?) of the population.
Unfortunately, the latest target for such nonsense is Sarah Wollaston. The Totnes MP announced overnight that she is defecting from Leave to Remain and laid out her reasons for doing so in The Times this morning. Those reasons arent entirely coherent. Principally, she objects to Vote Leaves 350 million figure and the suggestion that EU membership places excessive burdens on the NHS, but that disagreement isnt a good reason to abandon her previous view that the EU is anti-democratic and incapable of the drastic change it requires. After all, she disagrees strongly with various of the Governments policies not least on NHS reform but was still willing to fight the last election as a Conservative, on the basis that agreement on the fundamental issues outweighed differences on the specifics. If that clash of views could be accommodated, why not this one?
Almost inevitably, given the climate, some have been quick to allege a conspiracy that Wollaston must have defected on the orders of Downing Street, or even that she must have been a Remain plant in the Leave camp from the outset.
Im sorry, but this is simply too implausible. If Wollaston was the type of person Cameron and Osborne could just text to instruct her to do something helpful, wouldnt they have done it at some point during all the previous times she has caused them trouble? To put it bluntly, her fundamental political setting is the very opposite of obedience one suspects thats why her constituents like her, even if it does lead to some peculiar positions.
I have no doubt that Guido is right to report that pro-EU Whips are touring the Parliamentary Party trying to find defectors. It would be surprising if they were not that is, after all, part of their job but it would be even more surprising if any of them thought leaning on Wollaston would do anything other than encourage her to do the opposite of what they asked.
On this particular topic (and on various others, I admit), I think shes utterly wrong. But if you know the first thing about Sarah Wollaston its that the decision, however flawed, is hers, not somebody elses.
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The media reports regularly link people who commit gun violence to having a mental illness. However, Johns Hopkins researchers say that those with schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and other conditions rarely commit acts of violence and almost have no access to guns at all.
Untrue Media Reports on Mental Illness Reinforce Negative Stereotypes
Media reports covering mass shootings and other forms of gun violence link perpetrators to having a mental illness. According to Johns Hopkins University, only a measly 5 percent of any form of violence in the US is directly associated with mental illness.
The findings published online in Health Affairs detailed how researchers looked at how media cover gun violence and other forms of violent social disruptions in society. The Johns Hopkins researchers found that while those with mental illness were arrested mainly for violent crimes than other groups of people, they found they are rarely arrested for gun violence and other gun-related crimes. Schizophrenia, drug abuse and those who suffered from traumatic life events were frequently mentioned in cases of mass shootings and violent crimes.
There's an intersection between #gunviolence & #mentalillness, but solving one problem won't magically fix the other https://t.co/Ktmo8TpbsX Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) May 31, 2016
Perpetrators of Violence Not Necessarily Mentally Ill
Dr Emma McGinty of Johns Hopkins said in the press release that while murderers are not mentally stable, it isn't true that they have a "diagnosable illness." She says that these criminals may have issues of anger and frustration and these are a separate branch from mental illness. McGinty explains that these facts rarely get press coverage and as a result, negative stereotypes of mentally ill people increase, UPI noted.
Gun Control Contradiction
More than 60 percent who commit gun violence did not have a permit to won a gun because of their criminal history, not their mental illness. The Washington Post shared that only 3 percent of gun violent criminals were barred from securing a gun of their own because of their mental illness. Most of those who are legally allowed to purchase guns commit suicide (72%) and the rest go on to commit gun violence crimes.
Do you think that mentally ill people are unfairly painted as being gun violent or violent in general? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
The Paris Peace Gambit
By Ramzy Baroud
09 June, 2016
Countercurrents.org
In their defense, the Israelis seem to have figured out the whole thing and opted out. But the hapless Palestinian leadership, along with their Arab League partners, joined by the French, EU and UN representatives, and even US Secretary of State, John Kerry, decided to play along.
However, the French peace initiative-turned-conference in Paris on June 3 is nothing but a charade, and they all know it, Palestinians included.
So, why the colossal waste of time?
If you have been following the Middle East peace process business in the last quarter of a century, you are certainly aware that the negotiations table is nothing but a metaphor for buying time and obtaining political capital. The Israelis want time to finalize their colonial projects in building up illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian land; and the Palestinian leadership uses the talks to acquire political validations from the so-called peace-brokers, namely the United States.
The US, in turn, uses the futile negotiations to further assert itself as the caretaker of the Middle East, overthrowing regimes while simultaneously brokering peace.
Meanwhile, every other relevant political entity is included or excluded based on its own worth to, or relationship with the United States. Thus, the honor of invitation is bestowed upon friendly regimes. Others, namely, enemies of peace are rejected for their failure to accommodate or adhere to US foreign policies in the region.
While the peace process has failed to deliver neither peace to the region nor justice to the Palestinians, the peace process industry has been an unenviable success, at least until 2014 when Kerry and the US administration decided to tend to more urgent regional affairs, for example, the war on Syria.
By then, Israels rightwing Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was too empowered by the anti-peace sentiment in his own society to even partake in the charade. There was little capital for him to be seen with aging Mahmoud Abbas, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. His rightwing constituency, which dominates Israeli society, could not have cared less. They were - and are - still busy confiscating Palestinian land, issuing more racist laws in the Knesset and fighting dissent among their own ranks.
Prior to that date, and since the very first peace conference in Madrid in 1991, the peace process has splendidly paid dividends. The Israelis were finally accepted as a peace partner and Israel slowly made its way from the margins of the Middle East to the center, without having to concede an inch.
Even Saeb Erekat, the Chief Palestinian Negotiator, has no qualms with this assertion. In fact, the number of Israeli settlers transferred into Occupied Palestine has nearly quadrupled since the beginning of the peace process, he recently wrote in the Israeli daily Haaretz; yet Israel continues to enjoy impunity and is not held accountable.
Considering his chief position in the travesty, why did Erekat agree to help maintain the misapprehension of peace considering the price that was paid in lost land, time and lives?
Well, because the Palestinian leadership itself was at the forefront of raking in the benefits of the spurious peace. The peace process meant money, and plenty of it; billions of dollars invested in the Palestinian Authority - feeding a dead-end political system that existed with no real authority, and almost always remained on the sidelines as Israel used extreme violence to sustain its colonial enterprise in the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem.
The PA even stayed aside as Israel battled the Resistance in Gaza, killing thousands of civilians and besieging an already highly-populated and economically-devastated region. Alas, in the last ten years, it seems that Palestinian leadership and factions invested more energy to nurse their own internal strife than to confront the Israeli Occupation.
The French government has its own reasons for taking the lead on reviving the dormant peace talks and, no, those reasons have nothing to do with French desire to create a more equitable platform for talks, as Palestinian officials conveniently allege.
Writing in Israel's Arutz Sheva, Eran Lerman, explained the French endeavor in more practical terms. Broad regional security considerations are driving the French diplomatic initiatives, he contented.
In fact, the logic behind this is discernable. French President Francois Hollande's approval ratings are at an all-time low. As of March, he broke his own record of low approval, sinking to 17 percent. (In October of last year it stood at 18 percent). His country is embattled by violence, massive strikes, terrible foreign policy decisions that resulted in French military involvement in Libya, Mali and Syria.
Leading world leaders in another peace gambit that is helping distract from the US failure on that front is a clever political calculation from the French perspective. It might even help Hollande appear stately and in charge.
The Israelis rejected the initiative right away, without even bothering with a public diplomacy campaign to defend their position, as they often do. Dora Gold, director general of Israels Foreign Ministry repeated on the eve of the conference what Netanyahu and others have parroted for weeks. The conference will completely fail, she said, calling on Abbas to engage in direct talks with no prior conditions instead.
The nonchalant Israeli position can be partly explained in Tel Avivs trust in the French government, the very government that is taking the lead in the fight against the pro-Palestine Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS).
On more than one occasion, French positions and actions on this subject have been more reassuring from an Israeli point of view than those of our American ally, wrote Lerman. For example, France served as the hardline anchor of the P5+1 [in the Iran nuclear talks]. It was France that raised questions about reliability and implementation (even as it was French business interests that were among the first to bang on Tehran's doors).
The conceited Israeli response to the French conference was paralleled with euphoria among the embattled Palestinian leadership. That, too, is understandable. The PA subsists on this sort of international attention, and since the last major meeting between Abbas and the former, now jailed Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, in 2008, Abbas is left on his own, disowned by the Americans and neglected by Arab governments.
The French Initiative is the flicker of hope Palestine has been waiting for, wrote Erekat. We are confident that it will provide a clear framework with defined parameters for the resumption of negotiations.
Even if - and when - the long-awaited resumption of negotiations arrive, nothing good is likely to come out from it, except for political dividends for those who have participated in the 25-year gambit: buying time and acquiring more funds. There is nothing to celebrate about this.
Dr Ramzy Baroud has been writing about the Middle East for over 20 years. He is an internationally-syndicated columnist, a media consultant, an author of several books and the founder of PalestineChronicle.com. His books include Searching Jenin, The Second Palestinian Intifada and his latest My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gazas Untold Story. His website is www.ramzybaroud.net.
Oceans Are Dying
By Deirdre Fulton
09 June, 2016
CommonDreams.org
(Photo: Daryl Wallace/flickr/cc)
Threatened by climate change, pollution, overfishing, and oil spills, the world's oceans are suffering, scientists warned on Wednesdaythe day designated by the United Nations as one to honor the deep blue sea.
From widespread coral bleaching to floundering fish species to garbage stretching across the water's surface and hundreds of feet down, it's clear that human activity is taking its toll on the world's oceans, which cover more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface.
Indeed, dead coral reefs "are perhaps the starkest reminderslike the melting Arcticthat a thickening blanket of greenhouse gases is irrevocably changing the face of the Earth," Inside Climate News wrote on Wednesday.
And, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Watch warned in April, those "ghostly underwater graveyards" are only going to grow.
"There's even worse news ahead," Mark Eakin, coordinator of NOAA's Coral Reef Watch, told Inside Climate News. "There are a lot of places with similar mortality rates. We've got bleaching going on from the east coast of Africa to French Polynesia. Right now, it's basically covering half the Southern Hemisphere."
A separate study published Tuesday in the journal Nature found that overfishing and polluted run-off from farms and lawns made corals more vulnerable to above-average temperatures.
"Although the research showed that controlling pollution and overfishing can help corals survive in a warming world," John Upton reported on the study for Climate Centeral, "the scientists said curbing pollution from fuel burning, farming and deforestation, which is causing water temperatures to rise, would be the best way to protect them in the long run."
Deron Burkepile, a University of California-Santa Barbara ecologist involved with the research, told Upton: "We have to start controlling carbon emissions and start cooling our planet again for coral reefs to really have a chance in the future."
In fact, Inside Climate News warned that "[a]t the current rate of emissions, the average global temperature is expected to rise at least 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, a level that would be fatal to nearly all reefs."
Even a temperature rise of 1.5 degrees by 2050 would put 90 percent of coral reefs at risk, said Michiel Schaeffer, a scientist with the Berlin-based research institution Climate Analytics.
Meanwhile, the ocean conservation group Oceana used World Oceans Day to warn of how "rubbish dumping and waste pollution"the impacts of which it has witnessed during its many expeditions at sea"is hampering global conservation efforts to protect marine habitats and to restore depleted fish stocks."
The group says it has seen marine litter far below the water's surface, a "worrying problem [that] is often overlooked in reports on plastic pollution, which tend to focus on waste floating on the sea surface or in shallow waters."
"[W]e cannot continue to treat our seas as an out-of-sight, out-of-mind dumping ground," said Lasse Gustavsson, executive director of Oceana in Europe.
As ocean scientist and explorer Sylvia Earle wrote Wednesday at the Daily Beast: "If the ocean is in trouble, so are we. It is time to take care of the ocean as if our lives depend on it, because they do."
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License
Printer Friendly Version Islamic Banking In India: For Financial Inclusion Of Muslims or To Squeeze Them Further? By Subhash Gatade 09 June, 2016
Countercurrents.org Faith based banking in a country which has secularism enshrined in its constitution ! Does not it sound anachronous ? Well, as far as the present dispensation at the centre led by BJP is concerned which has an altogether different take on secularism it does not seem to think so. And thats why it has gladly accepted the proposal by the Saudi Arabia based Islamic Development Bank (IDB) an international investment organisation to start its operations here. In fact this proposal is considered a positive outcome of PM Modis visit to Saudi Arabia sometime back.( April 2016) Although a date has not been announced when the Bank would start its operations here, all the formalities regarding its launching have been completed and even the city for its first branch in India has been identified. Ahmedabad would see the first branch of this Bank. We are also told that Indias state-owned Exim Bank would also extend around US $100 million as credit to IDB to facilitate exports to its member countries. The bank which has 56 Islamic states as its shareholders, while Saudi Arabia holds around a quarter of its shares, UAE is its fifth biggest shareholder also plans to contribute towards medical treatment of rural poor in India. It plans to donate 350 medical vans as part of its social initiative (http://www.thenational.ae/world/south-asia/islamic-banking-set-to-launch-in-india-amid-controversy) Question arises how does India, which is definitely not part of the Islamic World, is being considered by IDB to start its operations. The deciding factor has been its 180 million-strong Muslim population which have made it an attractive place for the IDB to set its shop here. Reserve Bank of India has already given a green signal to this proposal sometime back and paved the way for Sharia-compliant, interest free or Islamic banking in the country. In fact, it was late December itself that a RBI committee on Medium-Term Path for Financial Inclusion, headed by Deepak Mohanty, had even recommended that there should also be interest free windows in existing banks. The main argument put forward by the committee was that globally, interest-free banking, which is also known as Islamic banking, has witnessed a significant increase, especially in the wake of the financial crisis. Islamic finance assets have seen a ten fold increase from a decade ago and today are estimated at around US Dollars 2 trillion. (https://rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationReportDetails.aspx?ID=836#CH5) It had explained the central concept in interest-free banking and finance as justice, which is supposed to be achieved mainly through the sharing of risk. Under it different stakeholders share profits and losses and charging interest is prohibited. Explaining the key elements which give interest free banking a distinct identity, it had talked of the following (i) Riba: The most important aspect of interest-free banking is the prohibition of interest; (ii) Haram/halal: A strict code of ethical investments operates for interest-free financial activities. Such investment to give priority to the production of essential goods that satisfy the needs of the population, such as food, clothing, shelter, health and education; (iii) Ghrarar/maysir: Gambling in all forms is prohibited. Another feature condemned under interest-free banking is economic transactions involving elements of speculation; (iv) Zakat: This is the most important instrument for the redistribution of wealth in the form of a compulsory levy. Remember till date interest-free banking has witnessed a lukewarm response in India. During UPA regime Reserve Bank of India had clearly declined to move further on the issue. In fact, in the year 2007, the RBI working group under the then executive director, Anand Sinha, had recommended that India must not permit Islamic banks to operate in the country. It had emphasised that current regulations do not permit the model.
(http://www.firstpost.com/business/economy/after-opening-doors-to-differentiated-banks-rbi-now-reviews-islamic-banking-norms-1980613.html) Although at internal level a debate was already on within the bank establishment about the prospects of such a scheme. One can have a look at a report published in the April-June 2005 issue of RBI Legal News and Views which outlines the fact that interest-free banking is an attractive proposition gaining currency all over the world and so it was time India introduced it. ..Research reveals that a handsome bulk of money in India owned by believers is lying idle, which, if invested in profit-sharing basis and utilised properly, can have a major impact on the Indian economy. The report further points out that such banking can be initiated in India through a single window in some banks. (http://www.frontline.in/navigation/?type=static&page=archive) What have been those regulations which seemed to obstruct the establishment of Islamic banking. The Banking Regulation Act (1949) has provision which clearly prohibit operation of banks on a profit-loss basis (5b); they also forbid what is known as murabaha, or, the buying, selling, or barter of goods (8), impede ijara, or, bars the holding of immovable property for a period greater than seven years (9), and requires the payment of interest (21). (http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-why-islamic-banking-in-india-is-a-good-idea-1877270) The idea to start Islamic banking here received a fresh boost when the National Minorities Commission, then under the Chairmanship of Wajahat Habibullah, asked the finance ministry to take a relook at it. It is a different matter that RBI, then under the governorship of D Subbarao, again declined to move further on the issue once again underlining the fact that existing banking rules do not allow interest free banking. At the fag end of UPA II regime, scenario witnessed a change and RBI allowed a non-bank finance company in Kerala to start its operations in Sharia compliant mode. Looking back one also discovers that The Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reform (2008) had also considered interest-free banking, (http://planningcommission.nic.in/reports/genrep/rep_fr/cfsr_all.pdf) It was the same period in which a petition was filed in the Kerala highcourt challenging the operations of this finance company on the ground that a [f]inancial services company set up with government participation which would follow the canon law of a particular religion is a clear instance of the state favouring a particular religion. (Dr. Subrahmaniam Swamy v. State of Kerala represented by Chief Secretary and others, W.P. (C) No. 35180 of 2009, High Court of Kerala, Ernakulam) A counter-affidavit was filed by T.P. Thomas Kutty, the then Deputy General Manager (Projects) of KSIDC which argued that the establishment of such an institution is aligned to industrial development in Kerala. It also discussed that it is basically meant to target untapped Gulf money which could only be invested in a Shariah-compliant bank. Although the highcourt initially stayed the government move broadly concurring with views of the petitioner, in its final decision it dismissed the petition and it observed that although the institution was based on the principles of a religion, its motive was not to propagate the religion and the states participation in it was purely based on commercial prospects. (The Times of India, February 4, 2011, p. 1.) 2. As of now barring some rabid rightwing commentaries there is not much discussion in the mainstream media about introduction of faith based banking here, and instead we witness purely economic arguments being put forward supposedly to justify this debatable move. It is being argued how leading multinational banks are also engaged in tapping this market and introducing products suitable for Islamic banking or how worldwide it is growing at a faster rate vis-a-vis standard banks. Sample this report which appeared in a publication : .....a 2014 study by Ernst and Young found that assets under management by Islamic banks grew at an annual rate of 17 per cent between 2008 and 2012 three times as fast as those under management by standard commercial banks Would it suffice if the debate continues in similar fashion, where rabid rightwingers who have no qualms equating Islam with terror, challenge it on similar grounds or at the other end of the spectrum economists singing paens to its advantages of attracting hitherto untapped funds ? Perhaps there has to be a third way to look at the whole phenomenon. And it should begin by raising broadly three categories of questions : how did Ulemas or Islamic scholars of yore looked at introduction of modern banking how countries which call themselves Islamic look at this proposition, are they ready to convert their modern banking system into Islamic Banking or have kept their efforts at a symbolic level only - whether this move would prove really beneficial for those Muslims who are financially excluded or would it pave the way for their further pauperisation. It is important to note that the very idea of Islamic banking and promoting it as a parallel to conventional banking which is being portrayed as un-Islamic and which has caught the imagination of a section of god fearing Muslims, is a clear manifestation of shifts in Muslim politics the world over. One can look at the debates in colonial India between Muslim scholars when modern banking was being introduced and a section of the ulemas who objected to it on the basis of their understanding of Islamic principles. In his important intervention on the subject Ather Farouqui tells us (Islamic Banking in India at the Service of Pan-Islamists, MAINSTREAM, VOL L, NO 11, MARCH 3, 2012) According to eminent Muslim thinkers of the twentieth century including Maulana Shibli Nomani and Allama Iqbal, bank interest is a profit on investment or charge on capital and when it is not exploitative, it is not riba. He also quotes a a letter dated January 17, 1932 to Khwaja Abdur Raheem, Allama Iqbal writes, Interest in every form is prohibited. But this is so in an ideal society. Fatwa of Shah Abdul Azeez is that to draw bank interest is permissible. [B.A. Dar (ed.), Anwaare-Iqbal (Karachi: 1967), p. 245 (publication house not known)] A major exception to the unfolding discourse seemed to be Maulana Abul Ala Maududi (1903-79) founder of Jamaat-e-Islami. For him shariah-compliant financial practices were part of the larger project of Islamism who sought to overwhelm every aspect of the state and society by the medieval norms enshrined in shariah law. The idea had not many takers till late sixties or early seventies which received a boost by Saudi oil wealth in the 1970s. According to Sadanand Dhume Maududi envisioned Islamic finance as accomplishing three goals: minimising Muslim interaction with non-Muslims, deepening the transnational identity of the community of believers, or ummah, and injecting Islam into every aspect of daily life. Over the years, Islamist groups worldwide, including the Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab world and the Jamaat-e-Islami in the Indian subcontinent, have worked tirelessly to advance these objectives. Its no coincidence that Islamic finance has grown along with a broader swing in the Muslim world away from secularism and toward literalist interpretations of Islam.
(http://blogs.economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-commentary/shariah-compliant-financial-products-will-only-advance-a-retrograde-political-agenda/) Dhumes article which was written when SBI had initiated a Sharia compliant fund, ( end of 2014) also poses few basic questions which cannot be brushed aside easily. He asks Should state-owned institutions in an avowedly secular republic advance Islamist political goals? Is India better served by integrating its 150-million strong Muslim population into the financial mainstream, or by ghettoising it in the economic equivalents of Ahmedabads Juhapura or Thanes Bhiwandi? Does the new fund inch India closer toward accepting Islamic banking, which it has so far avoided? (-do-) 3. Faruoquis article also discusses experience of Islamic countries. According to him in Saudi Arabia, banks, are involved in charging and paying interest. The only difference from other modern/conventional banking is that they employ semantics and instead of using the term interest use the terms profit-loss sharing. Looking at the fact that it is an oil-rich economy, banks there rarely face losses and the depositors share the profits which is not considered riba (usury) The most interesting case vis-a-vis Islamic banking pertains to Pakistan. Here few years back Islamists demanded to overhaul the conventional/modern banking system for an end to the interest paying system. The Federal Shariat Court also ruled in their favour but the government did not take it up in the legislature. When the matter went to Supreme Court, it has set aside the judgement and the matter is still pending.Ather Farouqui writes Even in an Islamic state such as Pakistan, therefore, interest-free banking has till date been unsuccessful largely due to the lacunae in the existing system but also as a result of the dichotomy between overemphasis on religious principles while trying to find ones place in a globalised market economy. Providing details of judicial intervention he further tells us that Pakistans Supreme Court in a judgement (PLD 2000 SC 225) held that the countrys current interest-based system needs to be replaced with one that is Shariah compliant, but when a review petition was filed (PLD 2002 SC 801) this judgement was suspended and the courts forwarded it to the Federal Shariat Court for reconsideration, which is still pending there. And challenge to deal with the issue is not theological, it is pure economic. Unlike Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, is not oil-rich and is dependent on international aid like its many other third-world counter-parts. And thus the Ulemas may cry hoarse about replacing an interest-based economy with a Shariah-compliant one, but for Pakistan to remain part of international financial system, it will have to service the debts from time to time and it cannot be done if its economy fully switches to interest free regime. Justice Wajihuddin Ahmed clearly spelled it out in PLD 2000 SC 7801: (Excerpted from Islamic Banking in India at the Service of Pan-Islamists, MAINSTREAM, VOL L, NO 11, MARCH 3, 2012) 4. Last but not the least one also needs to look at the claim that Islamic banking would augument financial inclusion of those ( Muslims) who have remained aloof from conventional banking systems for various reasons. It is true that that a huge section of the Muslim population has been left out of the ambit of banking services. Sachar commission had rightly noted The access of Muslims to bank credit, including priority sector advances, is low and inadequate. The average size of credit is also meagre and low compared with other socio-religious communities both in public sector and private sector banks. The position is similar with respect to finances from specialised institutions like the SIDBI and NABARD. Census 2001 data show that the percentage of households availing themselves of banking facilities is much lower in villages where the share of Muslim population is high. The financial exclusion of Muslims has far-reaching implications for their socio-economic and educational uplift. This financial exclusion could be a considered a culmination of various factors. It has to do with the fact that majority of the population is poor and engaged in informal sector, it is also because of a certain mindset prevailing in the banking sector, which has categorised Muslims and Muslim-dominated areas as negative zones (which is documented in the Sachar report), and also for reasons of faith. It is worth noting that because of educational backwardness of a large number of Indian Muslims or the stranglehold of Islamist thinking even among a section of the educated ones, this particular issue of bank interest has become a live issue among the community. A measure of it can be had from a report of the Reserve Bank of India itself (April-June 2005 issue of RBI Legal News and Views ) which has rather prompted it to revisit its earlier policy of not having anything to do with Islamic or interest free banking It is reported that in India thousands of crores earned in interest is kept in suspended accounts as believers do not claim it. The assets controlled by Muslims are estimated to be $1.5 trillion and growing at 15 per cent a year. In Kerala alone, it is reported that this money could be above Rs.40,000 crore. ..(http://www.frontline.in/navigation/?type=static&page=archive) An important fallout of this thinking is that number of Islamic banking organisations have come up in areas where population is predominantly Muslim where unscrupulous elements who are able to derive support from a section of the clergy are able to hoodwink the ordinary Muslim masses in very many ways. e.g. The simplest way in which they do is they gather monies from gullible masses, invest a significant portion of the same in conventional commercial banks, and use the interest for personal aggrandisement and return the money back to the investors when needed or demanded without any addition. Milli Gazette had time and again reported activities of another type of fraudsters who had robbed ordinary Muslims of their precious savings under the name of Islamic investment Al-Fahad goes Al-Falah way Another fraud in the long chain of fraud after fraud. Again hundreds of people have been left robbed of their precious little savings made in a life time. Another fraud in the name of Islamic investment. Delhi-based Al-Fahad investment group downed its shutters in the densely Muslim populated area of Okhla and left investors high and dry. It is not the first instance when a non-banking investment company collecting millions of rupees in the name of Islamic and halal investment schemes has bolted with no trace. ..According to a brochure of the company, Al-Fahad worked on the principle of participation in profits. The amount invested by people, a group or trust in different schemes was to be utilized to finance various profitable ventures. The profit so earned was to be shared among investors and the company (in the ratio of 80:20). ..
(http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/01-7-2000/Art13.htm) Four years later it reported about another incident Islamic fraud is back, New al-Falah on the prowl While a sizable number of Muslim investors are still recuperating from the scars inflicted by Al-Falah brand of Islamic financial sharks, we now have another al- brand of companies claiming to be an associate of a multinational Islamic finance group. Unlike Al-Falah, this group has adopted another route for harassing poor Muslims. The company is Al-Barr Finance House (formerly known as Al Baraka Finance House Limited) headquartered at Mumbai and branches in Andheri, Azamgarh, Aligarh, Bhiwandi, Chennai, New Delhi and Kanpur according to its website (http://www.abfhl.com/services index.htm). .. Al-Barrs modus operandi is that it would approach local traders with an option to finance their business in Islam-permitted methods. People are told they will get rid of the cumbersome and time-consuming procedures normally adopted in conventional finances. In the name of helping them avoid the blight of riba and reap Barakah here and in the Hereafter, victims ends up paying more than 50 percent interest in the disguise of Islamically permissible Murabahah. ..
(http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/01-15May04-Print-Edition/0105200497.htm) Perhaps one needs to revisit the claim that Islamic Banking would prove to be an antidote to financial exclusion of Muslims from conventional banking. As the above examples which have been randomly selected demonstrate, there is a greater possibility that it can rather become a new vehicle for further squeezing them of interest (from their hard earned money) or in worst cases of the money itself. To conclude, the not so silent introduction of Islamic Banking in India has once again exposed BJPs double standards. There was a time when BJP attacked Congress for its tendency to equate secularism with pandering to the concerns of the most orthodox elements among Muslims. It had even coined a term for it : appeasement. If one try to reach the kernel of the argument regarding Islamic banking, one can similarly see that at its heart and stripped of financial complexities, this is what it represents. And today BJP is going gaga over it and in fact it has no qualms in becoming a pall bearer of Maududis worldview, rather vindicating the oft repeated dictum that fundamentalisms of various kinds feed on each other. Subhash Gatade is the author of Pahad Se Uncha Aadmi (2010) Godse's Children: Hindutva Terror in India,(2011) and The Saffron Condition: The Politics of Repression and Exclusion in Neoliberal India(2011). He is also the Convener of New Socialist Initiative (NSI) Email : subhash.gatade@gmail.com
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Modi In America
By Dr. Binoy Kampmark
09 June, 2016
Countercurrents.org
I have travelled coast-to-coast, covering more than 25 states of America. I realised the real strength of the nation lies in the dreams of its people.- Narendra Modi, Address to US Congress, Jun 8, 2016
He made good in the end at least from the US perspective. Showing how political landscapes can transform as regularly as inclement weather, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi impressed his US hosts with promises and more promises.
The pitch was that of a grand salesman, generously spiced with a range of exotica. For those in India, explained Modi in his address to a joint meeting of the US Congress, living in harmony with mother earth was part of our ancient belief. Diplomats in New Delhi and Washington are far more prosaic, focusing on three themes in forging a joint document of principles that involve protecting the commons, securing the frontiers, and increasing people-to-people contact.
Notwithstanding vague concepts of patriotic and environmental harmony, Modi has also stretched out the various materialist motifs. This is the time the world needs a new engine of growth, Modi explained to those attending the USIBC annual gala. It would be nice if the new engines are democratic ones.
Sweet words for the Obama administration, playing on the notion that certain democratic powers deserve to be the drivers of economic development, rather than police state, authoritarian aspirants. As President Barack Obama has previous opined, Modi is the man Washington wants to see prosper. He reflects the dynamism and potential of Indias rise while his ambitious vision to turn his country into an inspiring model for the world should be lauded.
Then came the prowess of the Indian diaspora, though Indian watchers had noted that this US trip was going to be far more than self-congratulation. As The Indian Express noted, citing an official source, During earlier visits, he reached out to the large Indian diaspora; this time, he will talk to the American people. This did not prevent Modi from telling Congress that such members of the diaspora are among your best CEOs; academics; scientists; economists; doctors; even spelling bee champions. If you have a horn, toot it.
The Modi trip is far more than that. As sizeable as it is, economics is but one part of the pie. Knowing exactly what was sought, Modi explained that a deeper security relationship was needed between the countries, something that would be affirmed by the signing of a Logistic Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, permitting each country access to each others military bases. The fight against terrorism has to be fought on many levels. And the traditional tools of military, intelligence or diplomacy alone would not be able to win this fight.
The issue of a closer US-India relationship was always going to be a complicated one. India was one of the key figures of the Cold War non-alignment movement, and even today stresses the need to maintain relationships with other emerging powers. Washington saw greater value in its Cold War machinations regarding Moscow to supply and support Pakistan, which became a suitable anti-Soviet proxy. The results of that troubled and dysfunctional relationship financed fundamentalists; destabilising regimes and creating a range of terror cells is felt to this day.
Modi himself is hardly the angelic essence of political purity. His hand in Hindu nationalism has been a mighty one and his role, incidental or otherwise, in sectarian violence while Chief Minister of Gujarat state was something that plagued his prospects for entering the country.
Such matters have been placed on ice at the ceremonial level, though a few lawmakers from the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee have expressed concerns about human rights violations in India. Last month, a hearing on Capitol Hill featuring, amongst others, a previously vocal Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and Timothy M. Kaine (D-Va.). (Cardin remains concerned by Indias stellar performance in the Global Slavery Index and instances of people traffickers receiving bribes from officials.)
The members proceeded to grill a State Department official over Indias efforts to restrict foreign funding to Green Peace and the Ford Foundation, a recent decision to prevent investigators from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom from entering India, and broader issues of religious intolerance and human trafficking. Corkers observation was that the US had been far from brutally honest with their Indian counterparts.
Such statements always sound like hectoring cant. But they barely mask the points of order that states refuse to engage in when noisy money and clamouring security needs intervene. US foreign policy has tended to occupy an area of moralistic outrage, using human rights as points of order when needed. At other times, crude realpolitik makes short work of such concern. Empires will remain empires.
Modi understands that point better than most. Any closer move to Washington must be premised on dumping on his neighbours and showing New Delhi to be a truly muscular partner on the global stage. While his address to the joint meeting of the Senate and the House of Representatives did not explicitly name China or Pakistan, heavy hints abounded. These also form the subject of protecting the commons or shared spaces.
Leaving no one in doubt which entity he was referring to, Modi suggested that closer ties between the US and India would be a counter to various militant aspirations in the South China Sea. It will also help ensure security of the sea lanes and commerce and freedom of navigation on seas. Very much the current Modi: careful, calculating, and superficially reformed.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
Printer Friendly Version South Korean Man Questions Anti-Communist Dogma By Andre Vltchek 09 June, 2016
Countercurrents.org In Conversation with Mr. Kim Dol War Museum in Seoul Thus now I have come to recognize the recently implemented sanctions against North Korea as an injustice. Above is a short excerpt from the letter that I received in May 2016, a letter from one of my readers, Mr. Kim Dol, a young South Korean professional based in Seoul. Mr. Kim Dol, it seems, has been lately suffering from a gradual but irreversible loss of faith in the official dogmas that have been shaping his worldviews for most of his life dogmas manufactured by his own country, South Korea (ROK), as well as those that have been imported from the West. He discovered countless contradictions between simple logic and what he was told, and expected to believe. He began questioning things, and searching for alternative sources. That is how he found me. Online, he began reading my essays, as well as the essays of other comrades. His letter arrived when I had been living for a month in Buenos Aires, Argentina, working on my new political novel while literally confronting the neo-liberal and neo-fascist government of the Argentinean President, Mauricio Macri. Argentinian people had been fooled and they were now quickly waking up to a social, economic and political nightmare. The US was going to build military bases in at least two territories of this proud and essentially socialist nation. Prices were going up, privatization was in full-swing, and social benefits melting away. Protests erupted all over the capital. The fight for Argentina was on! Simultaneously, in neighboring Brazil, a clique of cynical, corrupt, white and mostly evangelical members of the pro-Western elites managed to overthrow the socialist government of Dilma Rousseff. Mr. Kim Dols letter was timely. The Empire was on the offensive, destroying Latin America, while provoking Russia, China and the DPRK (North Korea). An enormous military conflict, even a Third World War did not appear as some improbable and phantasmagoric scenario, anymore. Mr. Kim Dol solicited several questions. His letter and queries were simple, honest and essential. Obviously, they were addressing some of the philosophical and political concerns of South Korean people. I decided to reply, but on one condition: that this exchange would be in the form of an interview, and made public. He agreed. I asked whether hed mind using his real name? He responded, bravely, that hed have no problem with that whatsoever. Therefore, we were on! *** I am dedicating this interview to those citizens of South Korea (ROK) who are, like Mr. Kim, brave enough to question and challenge the official propaganda, and who are searching together with us their comrades in Latin America, Russia, China, the DPRK, South Africa and elsewhere for much better and kinder world, based on internationalism, solidarity, decency, humanism and equality. *** An introduction by Mr. Kim Dol: I am a native South Korean in my early thirties. Having been raised in a middle class family, I now work as an office worker, as many ordinary Koreans of my generation do. Ive never been abroad I have hardly ever been outside the city of Seoul and it has only been several years since I started getting interested in affairs that happen outside my tiny sphere. Though both of my parents are of a progressive type, they rarely shared their political views with me in my youth, therefore I have been educated by the most typical ideology in South Korea from schools, society, and media: the superiority of capitalism (though we readily recognize its shortcomings), the terrible conditions of North Korea and other socialist countries, model cases of western countries, democracy, highly valued nationalism and patriotism, and so forth. At least in terms of ideology, I used to be the most typical person one would encounter in South Korea. But recently lots of happenings and trends have made me think about other possibilities: the S. Korean governments increasing rightward shift and pro-market policies has been enlarging the gap between the rich and the poor. The coarse lies of the ROKs central intelligence against North Korea, which used to serve as the most effective means of consolidating the conservative ruling partys power, are now being uncovered one after another. Although the current president of South Korea has been elected presumably in the most democratic way to be found among the chiefs of Northeast Asian countries no one was forced to vote for her ironically now it seems that she is the most unpopular leader. The ongoing low economic growth the world is facing has revealed capitalisms limits and its dangerous future. By contrast, Russia and China, which have been mentioned as representative failures of communism, are now emerging as new economic powers and challenging the USA and EU. I was confused by all these changing factors. And two different forces ISIS and North Korea have been seemingly incurring the worlds hatred over the past few years, which has brought a decisive change in my ideas. Both are hostile to the USA and western powers, but in quite different ways. While ISIS attacks civilians as a means of resistance against its state-scale enemies, North Korea does not need to harm innocent people in its struggle against its enemies. Arming itself with nuclear weapons seems to be the most effective means to defending its people from the USAs threats. (Just see what happened to the Iraqi people who had suffered from the USA invasion). Thanks to the nuclear weapons owned by N. Korea, not only its people but also the soldiers of the USA and its allies can avoid bleeding. It seems justifiable and appropriate to me. However, to my surprise, the global public, as well as all the mass media are siding with the USA. They overtly criticize North Korea arming itself with nuclear weapons. I dont know why. They seem to just assume that DPRK is wrong. Throughout all this, I have found myself no longer able to conform to mainstream media. What was extreme now seems normal, and what was normal now seems extreme. Out of this confusion, I tried to listen to the voices of North Korean people, on both elite and mass levels via a few available media channels, and read some materials and books written by socialists, communists, anti-capitalists, or anti-imperialists, which include some of your works. Among them I have found some common qualities all the authors share: universalism, internationalism, and egalitarianism. They are in striking contrast to the notion of nationalism, which is so highly valued in South Korea. Now I see why socialists prefer the words people and comrade, which are the most powerful words that break down the barriers between nations and classes. For three decades of my life, I have learned about the many cases of slaughters and brutality committed by communists and socialists. But it transpires that this ideology is founded on a powerfully peace-oriented spirit, at least theoretically I have not yet sufficiently studied how it has been actually been put into practice. Rather, your books hold the western capitalist powers responsible for countless deaths and exploitation. At the moment I am neither a capitalist nor a socialist. Though the western outlook I used to trust in now disappoints me to a degree and the other ideology I used to despise now touches and impresses me to a degree, still my knowledge is too short to identify me as something. For now, I am just a seeker for reality. I might end up being a capitalist, a socialist, or something in-between. Since I have long learned the values of the western capitalist scheme, now I need the teachings of your side. Once I get fully informed of both value systems, perhaps I will be able to come to the right conclusion. I hope the rest of my life will not be spent in opposition to humanity because of my ignorance of reality. Please help me get closer to reality, or the truth, by answering my questions. *** Q1: Given the many phases you have written about, you seem to be a socialist or communist. Do you think violence and immorality are inherent in capitalism even if the most virtuous capitalists make up part of a society? Or are your works only accusing a misuse of capitalism? In other words, I am wondering whether capitalism should be discarded and replaced with something else or renovated and reformed into a better form. If you maintain the former, is it possible for it to happen in the current situation where only the few countries such as North Korea remain fully socialist? A.V.: I believe that the Western imperialist/capitalist global dictatorship/regime has to be immediately dismantled, or else our humanity will eventually and most likely very soon, cease to exist. The present form of capitalism (or call it neo-liberalism) is simply a grotesque, genocidal and gangrenous system. It is in direct contradiction to almost all the basic principles on which all the great civilizations of our planet had been based on. It is also a thoroughly nihilistic and depressing system. The present form of capitalism is directly connected, even derived from, Western colonialism, Christian fundamentalism and the unmatchable brutality of the European culture. It is thoroughly unrealistic to expect that capitalism could be reformed, considering that until this very moment, only one small ethnic group that is responsible for murdering hundreds of millions of human beings all over the world is still holding the global reins of power. I am an internationalist, in the Cuban, Latin American tradition. You can call me a Communist, but I am not subscribing to any particular branch of the left. My Communism or Socialism is about the perpetual struggle against colonialism, racism and imperialism a struggle for equality, justice and social rights. I believe that right now we have many socialist countries on this Planet (no matter how they are defined) including, of course, the most populous one China. Im not dogmatic in how the socialism should be structured, economically. There are many ways, depending on the culture of each particular country. Chinese socialism is different from Bolivian or Iranian socialism, and that is actually wonderful. Capitalism is an extremely outdated, barbaric and unsavory concept, and I believe that it should be scrambled eventually, but only after some prolonged and deep philosophical discussions take place discussions during which the people should be offered many alternatives and enlightened about the past (how capitalism has been destroying countless countries and human lives, for decades). Q2: Many administrations that have been criticized as dictatorships by the Empire are really dictatorships at least from the perspective of the western concept of democracy, for example, Kim Jong Uns administration in North Korea. Furthermore, under those administrations, typically the media/press are not free to criticize them. To my knowledge, the public in a socialist country is usually less able to participate in politics and to express their views against their governments. Is this thought simply a misunderstanding caused by my brainwashing by the western imperialist ideas? Do you have another perspective on this? A.V.: The question is essential and complex, and the answer cannot be simple either. Essentially, almost all of us, including those in what you call the socialist countries, are, to at least some extent, under tremendous psychological pressure to accept Western slogans and definitions of democracy, freedom and openness. They have been literally bombarded, day and night, by open and concealed messages propagating this sort of system: through mass media, mass-produced films and pop music, and education (which could be better described as indoctrination). For decades and centuries, the West has been actually shamelessly utilizing a racist and exceptionalist reasoning: the only acceptable democratic forms of government are those invented and implemented in/by Europe, North America, etc. Why? To this, no answer is given, but it is understood that the reason is: because the West; its race and its culture (and therefore its political concepts) are simply superior, God-given and unquestionable. It is all based on fundamentalist faith, not on any serious analyses or comparisons. On closer examination, which is almost never conducted, such presumptions would, of course, immediately melt. Not only that, Western global rule has never been democratic, it has been clearly genocidal. But back to practical aspects of democracy For instance, present-day China is in many ways much more democratic than the West. But there, the number of political parties competing or not participating at the election booths does not determine the level of democracy. Let us remember that democracy means only rule of the people, translated from Greek (nowhere does it say multi-party system). In China, there is a thousand years old concept, The Heavenly Mandate. The government or the ruler has to answer to the people, and if it fails to represent them, can be removed. The Communist Party of China is well aware of it. It reacts to the needs and desires of the Chinese people much more readily than the Western governments do to their own voters. The current direction taken by President Xi and the leadership of the country is extremely good proof of it: Chinese people are demanding much more Chinese-style socialism, and they are getting it. There is a direct democracy at work there: it is unique, but it could be understood by outsiders/foreigners, if they decided to study it. The problem is that most of them dont. They repeat, like parrots, cliches invented by Western propagandists, without even doing their basic homework. But then they pass their indoctrination as a legitimate point of view, as their own opinion. That is very typical for the Westerners and citizens of the Western colonies and client states: the absolute acceptance of the doctrines and unmatchable arrogant self-righteousness. It is really equal to fundamentalism. In the West as well as in South Korea (or Japan), there is no serious and deep discussion about what precisely democracy is. Perception implanted and accepted by almost all citizens of the Empire is: democracy is us, dictatorship is them. There is no public philosophical discussion. As there are no reports ridiculing the Western democratic concept (basically a useless, even grotesque act of sticking a piece of paper into those big carton or metal boxes, voting for similar-thinking candidates already pre-selected by the regime) in the mainstream media. No serious comparison of us and them is performed. Let me give you a few simple examples to illustrate what I am saying: In Venezuela, during Hugo Chavez Frias, but even now, all major developments and changes (including constitutional ones) have to be approved by the people, through a plebiscite. During those referendums you can vote for the government, for the Process, and that means that your country will stay on the socialist course; or you were to vote in the US-backed opposition, and in that case Venezuela would make a sharp U-turn and go back to being a Western client state and capitalist economy. That is 1800 degrees turn! Where in the West would the citizens be allowed to make such decisions? In the West, you can choose only between capitalism and capitalism! After WWII, the Communist parties in France, Italy and elsewhere in Europe were heading for easy election victories, but the US and UK employed Nazi and fascist cadres to derail the votes. So much for their freedom and democracy! Look now at all those recent polls: most of the Westerners are against capitalism. But can they choose? Can they change the entire system? No! But in China or in Cuba people live with the system desired by the majority. And they are much better informed than people in the West. Just visit any major bookstore in Beijing: you will see tons of books on Marxism and Communism, but you will also see tons of books on business, Obamas biographies, Bill Gates biographies, Western bestsellers and even some iconic Western propaganda rubbish. Then go to the bookstores in New York City or Paris, and tell me how many books defending and glorifying Communism would you find in there. And then just draw some logical conclusions! Or visit 798 which is an enormous city of art galleries and theatres in Beijing. What do you see there? Some great art, yes. But also, plenty of it carries provocative political messages. Messages are critical of everything: from Western imperialism to the way China is governed. It is impressive, truly mind-blowing, how free Chinese art is, compared to that of the West or in Japan. In China, people are passionate about their country, they are discussing, arguing how to make it better, even greater than it already is. Last year I visited 300 art galleries in Paris and I did not find one, a single one that would carry political art. And that is in France, a country that is rapidly falling apart, where people are basically pissed off at their regime, frustrated day and night. Do you call it normal or free? I definitely feel much more free and alive in Beijing than in Paris. And I am not alone! But you would hardly read such thoughts in the British or French or South Korean newspapers. Now, let me return to your mentioning of the undemocratic nature of the DPRK or some of the other socialist countries. You should think why they are undemocratic. As a Korean, you perhaps know that after the Korean War, the DPRK was in much better shape, and was more open that the ROK. ROK was a brutal right-wing dictatorship, run by a pro-Western treasonous clique, and by the military and business interests. People were being hunted down, tortured, and disappeared. It was not unlike the situation in Pinochets Chile or Suhartos Indonesia. But the West unleashed the terror of an arms race, intimidation, sanctions and psychological warfare against the DPRK. At some point it pushed the country into the corner. And DPRK had to react, to close its ranks, to harden itself, simply in order to survive. And when it reacted, the West pointed its fingers, shouting: You see! It is acting undemocratically! In fact the hatred of the West for North Korea has nothing to do with democracy. It goes back to the neo-colonial era. Both Cuba and North Korea heroically fought for the liberation of Africa; thats why the West hates and tries to destroy them. I wrote extensively on this (DPRK: Isolated, Demonized, and Dehumanized by the West). But that angle is never mentioned! The same happened to Cuba. There the West unleashed direct terror against the island, shooting down passenger airliners, bombing civilian airports, restaurants, hotels, staging assassinations, even trying to divert clouds to cause severe droughts. Cuba never reacted by full-force, but it reacted. The propaganda of the West went immediately into over-drive! You see, for the old and new Western colonialist powers, it is unacceptable, even undemocratic, to defend your own country! It is actually perversely logical: to the Westerners only the white, Caucasian, Christian, Western people really matter only their rights to rule are (sometimes) respected. All others have to accept their fate of subservience, of slavery! But no, this would never happen in Cuba or in the DPRK. People dont want to be slaves there. They would never accept Western terror as something normal. And they know that the only reason why they are in this special situation is because they are intimidated, attacked, even terrorized by the West for helping to liberate the world from slavery! They never attacked any foreign country. But if attacked, they will fight. That is how the majority of people feel in both countries. And therefore, their determination is democratic. Q3: Your term the Empire is mentioned in a singular form although it consists of many countries. Is it because North America and Western Europe have a common interest and usually stand on the same side? Doesnt imperialism usually feature competitions among a number of empires? A.V.: Correct. The empires of Europe and later the United States of America used to compete for the loot and control of entire continents or particular countries. But after the WWII, there was consolidation, and now it is basically the Western world, a white race, or some sort of Christian fundamentalist realm (plus its lieutenants like Japan, South Korea and Israel) that forms one huge neo-colonialist Empire. I described it in detail in two of my recent books: Exposing Lies Of The Empire and Fighting Against Western Imperialism. Q4: You and lots of other communists and socialists condemn the imperialist governments for having led many nations into ruins. However, Ive found that communists and socialists including you also frequently criticize feudalism, which is highly likely to have been predominant among those nations before they were colonized. Should I think that the evil feudalism has been replaced with the more evil colonialism and those nations have never been in bright conditions? A.V.: Very interesting, and again, an essential question. Many countries that were later colonized by the West went through some type of feudal period. And the West itself also lived, for centuries, under a feudalist system. If there were to be no brutal intervention from abroad (from the West), most nations of the world would be developing in their own, specific way, but most likely moving towards some modern and, Id dare to say, socialist state; definitely away from feudalism. After colonizing Asia, Africa, what is now Latin America and Oceania, the West began using and re-introducing some old, oppressive power structures in each and every occupied country or part of the world. Almost immediately, the local feudal lords, warlords and aristocrats were bribed, restored into control and armed with new privileges and powers, so they could terrorize and intimidate their own people on behalf of the occupying powers. So, in a way, the West restored or re-introduced feudalism in the countries from which it had already disappeared, or upheld it where it was still reigning. It was clearly a regressive process, but what else are colonialism and slavery if not extremely dark, primitive and backward concepts? A very good example is Indonesia, which, before the West-backed, extremely brutal and genocidal fascist coup of 1965, was moving towards electing its first Communist government (PKI). The country was ready to move to the Left, democratically. After the pro-Western murderous forces grabbed power, killing between 1 and 3 million people and turning Indonesia into an intellectual zombie land, feudalism was forcefully reintroduced, almost immediately. Actually, to be precise, at least in modern history, most countries that were experiencing what you described as bright conditions were destroyed and occupied by the West, exactly because they were so democratic, and cared for their own people. What we see as bright conditions something that is positive and beneficial for the local people the Empire considers as mortal danger to its dictatorial interests. The Empire does not care about people, especially for what Orwell used to call un-people the non-Westerners. Examples of horrors administered by the West are limitless: from Congo to Indonesia, Chile, Iraq, Iran and Libya. Do you really believe that such a system can be reformed? Or perhaps we should finally stop fooling ourselves, after almost a billion of lives had been lost, throughout the centuries and in all corners of the world? And instead start defending human beings, human lives! Andre Vltchek is a philosopher, novelist, filmmaker and investigative journalist. He covered wars and conflicts in dozens of countries. His latest books are: Exposing Lies Of The Empire and Fighting Against Western Imperialism.Discussion with Noam Chomsky:On Western Terrorism. Point of No Return is his critically acclaimed political novel. Oceania - a book on Western imperialism in the South Pacific. His provocative book about Indonesia: Indonesia The Archipelago of Fear. Andre is making films for teleSUR and Press TV. After living for many years in Latin America and Oceania, Vltchek presently resides and works in East Asia and the Middle East. He can be reached through his website or hisTwitter.
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The GPI score is calculated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 having the performance, and 5 worst. Thus, Iceland, with a score of 1.192, was found as the best performing country, and Syria with a score of 3.308 as the worst.
World Peace Index Referring to the situation in South Asia, the report says, Overall, the individual overall scores of Afghanistan, Nepal and India deteriorated, while for Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, scores improved modestly. It adds, The influence of the Taliban from Afghanistan has been particularly strong. As a result, Pakistan remains second from the bottom in South Asia. Referring to the situation in South Asia, the report says, Overall, the individual overall scores of Afghanistan, Nepal and India deteriorated, while for Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, scores improved modestly. It adds, The influence of the Taliban from Afghanistan has been particularly strong. As a result, Pakistan remains second from the bottom in South Asia.
At the same time, it notes, The country remains vulnerable to acts of terror and security threats at its shared border with Pakistan. As such, the number of deaths caused by externally organised terror strikes has risen over the year.
On Sri Lanka, it says, it has improved its ties with India, which is reflected in an improvement in its score for relationships with neighbouring countries. Military expenditure has also been cut as threats to internal stability gradually dissipate, but the countrys impact of terrorism score deteriorated slightly.
According to the report, The world became slightly less peaceful in 2016, with the average GPI country score deteriorating by 0.53 per cent. It adds, Over the past year, 81 countries improved their peacefulness, while 79 countries deteriorated.
It says, Violent crime improved in 13 countries and deteriorated in only five. The largest absolute change occurred in Libya. The impact of terrorism deteriorated in 77 countries, while improving in 48. Only 37 of the 163 countries measured had no impact of terrorism. The largest deterioration in this indicator was in the Middle East and North Africa.
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Download full report HERE As for India, it says, the country scores for ongoing domestic and international conflict and militarisation have deteriorated slightly. It calculates, Indias violence containment cost as percentage of GDP is a whopping 9 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). It adds, "India increased its number of military personnel, from 2.15 to 2.72 million, a 27 per cent increase."At the same time, it notes, The country remains vulnerable to acts of terror and security threats at its shared border with Pakistan. As such, the number of deaths caused by externally organised terror strikes has risen over the year.On Sri Lanka, it says, it has improved its ties with India, which is reflected in an improvement in its score for relationships with neighbouring countries. Military expenditure has also been cut as threats to internal stability gradually dissipate, but the countrys impact of terrorism score deteriorated slightly.According to the report, The world became slightly less peaceful in 2016, with the average GPI country score deteriorating by 0.53 per cent. It adds, Over the past year, 81 countries improved their peacefulness, while 79 countries deteriorated.It says, Violent crime improved in 13 countries and deteriorated in only five. The largest absolute change occurred in Libya. The impact of terrorism deteriorated in 77 countries, while improving in 48. Only 37 of the 163 countries measured had no impact of terrorism. The largest deterioration in this indicator was in the Middle East and North Africa.---
A new international report has noted a worrying trend for India. Titled World Peace Index 2016, the report says, India is one of the five countries in the world alongside China, Russia, Mexico and Malaysia which are involved in most of the illicit financial flows to other countries. Referring to an International Finance Corporation (IFC) indicator of illicit financial flows for 145 relevant countries, the report says, Whilst this measure is an estimate and cannot show the granularity required by the indicator, it does allow for prioritisation of efforts.The report, brought out by non-profit think tank with offices in New York and Sidney, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), says, According to the IFC, of the over US$1 trillion in illicit financial flows in 2013, over half was from five countries. With the exception of Malaysia, these countries are all in the 20 largest economies in the world.Ranking in Global Peace Index (GPI) of 163 countries, the report has placed India as one of the worst in the world at 141th position, a slight improvement from the 143rd position it occupied a year ago. However, it finds that the overall GPI score of India has deteriorated in a year from 2.504 to 2.566. The improvement in ranking, therefore, has more to do with a higher deterioration in GPI of other countries, especially of the Middle East, it suggests.
Strongly reacting on the nuclear deal between India with the US during Prime Minister Narendra Modis latest visit to Washington, the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP), Indias national network of over 200 voluntary and individuals, has said that it effectively celebrates the undermining of Indias sovereign Nuclear Liability Act, passed by Parliament in 2010. While the Nuclear Liability Act ensured justice to the victims in case of an accident by making the nuclear power technology suppliers accountable, the statement says, by signing the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC) as strong foundation for building US-imported nuclear power plants in India, but without any obligations.The statement, signed by Achin Vanaik, Lalita Ramdas, Abey George, Anil Chaudhary and Kumar Sundaram, says, The CSC is a template promoted by international nuclear lobbies, channeling the entire liability to the operator of plants and exempting the supplier companies. In case of a future nuclear accident in India, this would create a situation worse than Bhopal, whose victims continue to struggle for justice.Pointing towards the agreement on expediting the construction of six reactors to be built by Westinghouse Corporation, the statement wonders why the two governments have not made the actual deal between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited and Westinghouse public, as it would expose the absence of liability provisions and the exorbitant cost of this project.Asking how could the two countries in joint declaration term nuclear power as a clean energy and solution to climate change, the statement says, Nuclear energy has its own heavy carbon footprints from mining to construction of plants to disposal of waste and has a long incubation period which makes renewable energy sources as a more efficient and faster solution to the challenge of climate change.The US-imported reactors would mean devastation of the livelihoods of the Indian poor, displacement of thousands of farmers, large-scale destruction of environment and jeopardising of fragile ecologies surrounding the proposed sites, it insists, demanding India must join the nuclear of countries which have abandoned nuclear power after Fukushima and have opted for sustainable solutions.Meanwhile, a top expert, Shashank Joshi, a senior research fellow of the Royal United Services Institute, has said that the US backing Indias membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) clears only just one of many obstacles on way to obtain missile and missile-related technology. According to him, In all likelihood, the US is likely to treat the export of armed drones to India with much more caution than it does to NATO allies.Pointing out that US officials will also be hesitant to expand Indias perceived options for striking Pakistan, Joshi says, Such concerns are, of course, exaggerated if not misplaced, yet the fact is, to obtain them will be a very rocky road, even with the MTCR membership in Indias pocket.The MTCR places voluntary restrictions on its members exports of missile and missile-related technology. Applicable on cruise missiles and larger drones, MTRC members are required to exercise a strong presumption to deny such transfers, taking into account the risk of the technology being used for nuclear delivery systems or falling into the hands of terrorists.
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Indiana's Party of Lincoln descends into moray decay
On May 17, 1860, the Republican convention campaign team of native son Abraham Lincoln met with the Indiana and Pennsylvania delegations in Chicago. What emerged hours later was a bloc of Hoosiers who would vote for the president who would go on to become the Great Emancipator, a worldwide statesman of biblical proportions.
It is a proud chapter that began with the Indiana Republican Party in its nascent form. The party was only six years old and it played a decisive, early role in Lincoln's improbable 1860 presidential nomination and subsequent victory that autumn. Gov. Oliver P. Morton would forge a strong relationship with President Lincoln. He was an emphatic backer of the Emancipation Proclamation. And he shrewdly kept Indiana in the Union by establishing a state arsenal, negotiating private loans to fund the war effort, and suspending what had become a Copperhead General Assembly after the 1862 elections.
For his decisive leadership and moral bearings that made the Indiana Republicanism a stanchion for "The Party of Lincoln," Morton's statue along with two Union fighters guards the eastern approach to the Indiana Statehouse to this very day.
There were other examples of Hoosier Republicanism which have stood the test of time. House Speaker Schuyler Colfax, a founder of the Republican Party after winning a congressional seat as a member of the anti-slavery Indiana People's Party, played a crucial role in the passage of the 13th Constitutional Amendment of 1865 that forever banned slavery. So invested in that process, Speaker Colfax took the rare step of voting for the amendment in what would become one of the defining moments of the Lincoln presidency.
House Minority Leader Charlie Halleck had been a strong opponent of the liberal New Frontier and Great Society agendas of Presidents Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, but when it came to the watershed Civil Rights Act of 1964, Halleck was one of its most emphatic advocates.
With this history, watching the Indiana Republican Party of today is to see a proud, vivid organization stoop into a strange moral decay.
After two weeks of watching Republican presidential nominee call federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel a "Mexican," (he was born and raised in East Chicago and has a degree from the Indiana University Law School), after watching Trump point to a man at a rally and say, "Oh, look at my African-American over here. Look at him"; after calling for a ban of all Muslims, which Gov. Mike Pence said was "unconstitutional and offensive," Pence, U.S. Sen. Dan Coats and U.S. Rep. Todd Young could only find the term "inappropriate" to describe what House Speaker Paul Ryan called "textbook racism." Republican Chairman Jeff Cardwell called the Curiel episode a "distraction."
Hoosier Republicans are now attached to Trump. When they had the opportunity to push for a true conservative, they sat on their hands. Such a strategy worked in Wisconsin in March, when Gov. Scott Walker, other Badger State Republican officials and its conservative talk radio network set up a bulwark in an attempt to derail Trump. They succeeded as Ted Cruz won the state. But other states down the line, including Indiana, did not mobilize. Pence endorsed Cruz, but just a few days before the primary.
The reward was Trump's 53 percent Indiana primary win that allowed him to assume the title of "Republican presidential nominee." As it had with Lincoln, Indiana played a key, fateful role.
Influential Republicans stewed. Pence would endorse Trump two days after the primary, saying he would campaign for him. Sen. Coats came around in late May, saying that Trump was a preferred alternative to Hillary Clinton. Congressional delegation members Jackie Walorski, Todd Rokita, Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Senate nominee Todd Young hid behind the phrase that they would "vote for the Republican nominee."
And their reward? A racist nominee.
It took Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who will not be on the ballot this fall, to provide some moral clarity on the Curiel episode, telling Doug Ross of the NWI Times, "Our institutions are all under attack. Without the rule of law, you've got chaos. If there's a legitimate question of bias, there is a professional way to raise that without showing disrespect for a judge and the system generally. This is nowhere close. I'm very sensitive to this, and I'm upset that members of the profession have not all come out and said this is what we don't allow. We would all like more civility, that's what we're shooting for, and this is going in the wrong direction."
Those "members of the profession," Pence, Coats, Rokita, Brooks, and Rep. Luke Messer failed to denounce Trump in their roles as attorneys.
Is racism merely "inappropriate" in the Indiana Republican Party?
Many Hoosier Republicans I've talked to are in various states of torment, denial and acquiescence. There is an obvious out without voting for Hillary Clinton in backing the Libertarian ticket of former Republican governors Gary Johnson of New Mexico and William Weld of Massachusetts.
By sticking with Trump, they are firmly under the sheets with a wild, unpredictable, nativist, racist and megalomaniacal standard bearer. The outcome could be ... "inappropriate."
The columnist is publisher of Howey Politics Indiana at www.howeypolitics.com. Find him on Facebook and Twitter @hwypol.
Cindy and Jeff Smotherman own Firehouse Antiques and moved to New Harmony after attending the Golden Raintree festival 13 years ago. Provided photo.
SHARE Firehouse Antiques is in the backdrop of the Golden Raintree Antiques Show that is Saturday and Sunday. The shop opened in 2003, and owners Jeff and Cindy Smotherman have been chairs for the show for more than a decade. Some vendors for the Golden Raintree show are located inside the Ribeyre Gym in New Harmony. Provided photo. A view down Main Street during a past festival as some of the thousands of shoppers who attend the Golden Raintree Antiques Show look at booths. This is the 15th year for the event. Inside the Ribeyre Gym, dealers show and sell primitives, furniture, pottery, glassware, antique tools, advertising, Americana and estate jewelry.
By Kelly Gifford of the Courier and Press
Cindy and Jeff Smotherman traveled up and down the back roads of Indiana and Illinois as antique dealers but somehow never found their way to New Harmony.
When they finally came to town for the Golden Raintree Antique Show 14 years ago, Cindy Smotherman, co-owner for Firehouse Antique, said she didn't know how she went her whole career not knowing about the quaint, utopian community.
"We couldn't believe how historically preserved the town was, and it was so quaint, and the people were so proud to live there," she said. "It was the kind of place we always wanted to end up in."
The Golden Raintree Antique Show was the catalyst for the Smothermans to move their antique dealing from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to New Harmony and start afresh. The annual antique show, entering its 15th year this weekend, holds special significance for the Smothermans and their dream to open their own antique shop.
Golden Raintree Saturday and Sunday on Main Street and at the Ribeyre Gym in New Harmony will feature more than 50 antique vendors this year. The vendors are from six different states, all specialists in their area of antiques, Smotherman said.
The show will include antique furniture, estate sale items, pottery, jewelry and many other types of antiques. Smotherman said the Golden Raintree show is a great way to learn more about antiquing from some of the best dealers in the region. Even those who know a lot about vintage and antique items will find something new to learn from the dealers at the show.
"They can teach people about the items, their histories and what is important in maintaining a collection of antiques for those who are new to collecting," she said. "The vendors are so welcoming and want others to learn about their work because they are so passionate about it themselves."
The inviting atmosphere created by the visiting vendors is amplified by New Harmony's love of history and preservation, Smotherman said. That community support for the Smothermans life's work was the icing on the cake when making the decision to move to New Harmony.
She had begun collecting costume jewelry and other antiques by the time she met her husband, who came from a family of antique dealers. Smotherman's mother-in-law served as the couples mentor for entering into the antique world themselves, and they've been in the business for 24 of their 25 years of marriage.
"We love getting to do our passion every single day in a town that we love and that embraces our business," she said. "We get to live above our shop and work with other businesses that want everyone to do well. That is the same attitude that exists at the festival too and is why it's been so successful for so long."
If You Go:
What: Golden Raintree Antique Show
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Main Street New Harmony and Ribeyre Gym at 603 S. Main St.
Tickets: Free and open to the public
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When an island populated by happy, flightless birds is visited by mysterious green piggies, it's up to three unlikely outcasts, Red (voiced by Jason Sudeikis), Chuck (voiced by Josh Gad) and Bomb (voiced by Danny McBride) to figure out what the pigs are up to. (PG)
'barbershop:
the next cut'
As their surrounding community has taken a turn for the worse, the crew at Calvin's Barbershop come together to bring some much needed change to their neighborhood. Stars Ice Cube, Regina Hall and Anthony Anderson. (PG-13)
'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'
Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) clash over differing philosophies. The duo are soon forced to confront an even greater threat created by nefarious billionaire Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). (PG-13)
'the boss'
A titan of industry is sent to prison after she's caught for insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America's latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget. Stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell and Peter Dinklage. (R)
'Captain America: Civil War'
Political interference in the Avengers' activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man. Stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson. (PG-13)
'hotel Transylvania 2'
Dracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half human, half vampire grandson to keep Mavis from leaving the hotel. (PG)
'the jungle book'
The man-cub Mowgli (Neel Sethi) flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan (voiced by Idris Elba). Guided by Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley) the panther and the bear Baloo (voiced by Bill Murray), Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don't have his best interests at heart. (PG)
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After his wife leaves him, David (Colin Farrell) is sent to a hotel for single adults and urged to find a new significant other within 45 days. If he fails, he will be transformed into an animal of his choosing. David eventually meets a runaway from the hotel (Rachel Weisz), and the two begin a secret romance. (R)
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A mismatched pair of private eyes investigate the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles. Stars Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling and Angourie Ric. (R)
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Screenshot of Community State Bank location at St. Wendel. (Photo: Google Maps)
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By Richard Gootee of the Courier and Press
Call it a case of deja vu.
A man accused of robbing a Posey County, Indiana bank in 2015 allegedly was planning on robbing another local branch of the same bank earlier this week. But he was foiled, law enforcement said, by a quick-thinking teller recognized 25-year-old Patrick L. Sandmann before he could carry out his plan.
Now, Sandmann faces one count of armed robbery stemming from the 2015 incident and one count of attempted armed robbery, which is based on Sandman's alleged actions on Wednesday. He was identified as a Georgetown, Indiana resident. He was also preliminarily charged with driving while suspended, which is a misdemeanor.
According to the probable affidavits against him, Sandmann is suspected of robbing the Community State Bank location in Cynthiana on Sept. 24, 2015. He apparently had gotten away with it until he walked into the Community State Bank location in St. Wendel and asked to use the restroom Wednesday morning.
Investigators believe that request was part of another robbery attempt. A note reportedly found near where Sandmann eventually apprehended Wednesday read: "This is a robbery. Please remain calm. I need the money in the register. I don't want to shoot anyone or take hostages," according to the affidavit.
But the note was never delivered by Sandman because, according to the affidavit, the teller immediately notified the bank's manager that Sandmann was the same man who had robbed the bank while she was working last year in Cynthiana. The manager then informed Sandman there was not a rest room for him to use and that he needed to leave.
Sandmann then left in a car but was pursued by the bank manager. The manager had also called 911, according to the affidavit. Sandmann crashed his car in the 5500 block of Posey County Line Road North and fled on foot into the woods.
Additional circumstances helped ensure that Sandman was arrested quickly. Both Posey County Sheriff Greg Oeth and Chief Deputy Tom Latham were in the area because they were headed to a conference when the 911 call came. In addition, Oeth was on the phone with Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding and was able to request K-9 assistance from him as soon as it was reported that Sandmann had gotten out of his car and fled into the woods. A Vanderburgh sheriff's office dog that made the arrest.
Oeth also cautioned people from pursuing suspects themselves.
"That's something that we obviously don't encourage individuals to do just for their safety but in this particular case it proved to bring this to a real quick conclusion," he said.
During an interview with investigators Sandmann reportedly admitted to the 2015 robbery and said he had spent all of the money he had gotten from that on unspecified "bad" stuff, according to the affidavit.
On Thursday, Oeth told the Courier & Press that before the bank teller spotted Sandmann, investigators had been circulating photos of the suspect from the September robbery but had gotten no leads in the case. Oeth said investigators had theorized that the suspect from the September case lived out of the area and could have used Interstate 64 as a getaway.
Georgetown is just west of Louisville, Kentucky.
Sandmann is being held in the Posey County jail.
You may have a new city councilor. Take a look at Evansville's new voting map
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Charles Koch and Donald Trump. (Photo: USA TODAY)
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By Fredreka Schouten, USA TODAY
WICHITA, Kan. Top officials within s powerful policy network plan to meet with aides to presumptive Republican presidential nominee , the industrialist told USA TODAY on Wednesday.
The meeting comes at the request of the Trump team, Koch said. No date has been set for the gathering, which has not been publicly disclosed before.
We are happy to talk to anybody and hope they understand where were coming from, and they will have more constructive positions than theyve had, Koch said of the sit-down with Trumps team.
That doesnt mean Koch, one of the biggest financial players in Republican politics, will endorse the brash billionaire or open his bank accounts to back his presidential bid. In a wide-ranging interview, he criticized Trumps recent comments about the Mexican heritage of a federal judge overseeing a civil fraud case against his now-shuttered . Last week, Trump suggested that Judge , who was born in Indiana, was not handling the case fairly because of Trumps stances on immigration a position denounced by Democrats and several Republicans, who moved this week to distance themselves from the GOPs standard-bearer.
Its either racist or its stereotyping, Koch said of Trumps comments. Its unacceptable, and its taking the country in the wrong direction.
Asked whether he thought Trump was fit to be president, Koch said: I dont know the answer to that.
Koch said it would require a major shift in tone and policy for him to back Trump. Koch said he would need to be convinced that Trump supported his top causes in a way ... wasnt just hype, ticking off as conditions: support for free trade, "free speech," eliminating corporate welfare and trying to find common ground with people.
Is that likely to happen? No, Koch said. But we want to be open.
Trump campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks said in a statement that the meeting would occur "in the next week or so and we look forward to identifying areas of common ground."
Trump's aides reached out to the network a couple weeks ago, said Steve Lombardo, top spokesman. Koch said , Koch Industries general counsel and chairman of the networks umbrella group, , would participate in the meeting.
The effort by Trumps camp to court the Koch network represents a sharp reversal for the New York real-estate developer, who touted his ability to fund his own primary campaign and took to Twitter last August to mock five of his Republican rivals who flocked to a California seminar convened by Charles Koch and his brother .
I wish good luck to all of the Republican candidates that traveled to California to beg for money etc. from the Koch Brothers, Trump tweeted. Puppets?
Trump, however, is working to raise money quickly for the general-election battle and is building a fundraising apparatus to collect the $1 billion he says is needed for the showdown with Democrat .
Even as Charles Koch says hes unlikely to engage in the presidential race, he remains a powerful force in American politics. The libertarian-leaning Kochs and a group of some 450 like-minded donors have built a massive policy, political and data operation that rivals the size and scope of the Republican Party itself.
On Wednesday, Koch and his aides said the network collected about $300 million last year and expected to raise $450 million this year about a third of which would be directed to politics and policy fights. It has focused heavily on Senate races so far, already spending $15.4 million in advertising in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Nevada to help Republicans and reserving another $30 million for television and digital ads in Senate battlegrounds that will start in August.
On Tuesday night, Koch forces scored their first big victory of the 2016 campaign, with the defeat of North Carolina Rep. , a moderate Republican who bucked Koch and other small-government groups by supporting the Export-Import Bank. The federally run bank helps U.S. companies by subsidizing loans to foreign customers to help them buy U.S. products.
Koch has sought to kill the bank, which he denounces as corporate welfare, and his grass-roots arm, , along with the anti-tax group , spent heavily in North Carolina in the battle between Ellmers and Republican Rep. . The two were competing in a newly created congressional district. Americans for Prosperity officials flooded the district with door-knocking activists, and they spent six figures on a digital and direct-mail campaign against Ellmers.
Koch said his team needed to send a message to lawmakers who back welfare for the wealthy that well oppose you, regardless of party affiliation. Otherwise, he said, the Republicans will just take us for granted and do what they want rather than what will create a better society.
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Cloud News
Bootstrapped Microsoft Standout BitTitan Finally Accepts Venture Funding
Joseph Tsidulko
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BitTitan has become a bit of a star in the Microsoft ecosystem, growing rapidly in recent years by offering solutions enabling Microsoft's channel partners to deliver cloud services. The company achieved that success without ever accepting a dime from institutional investors.
At least not until this week.
On Thursday, the Kirkland, Wash.-based software vendor said it has accepted its first-ever infusion of venture funding with a $15 million Series A round.
[Related: 13 Companies Every Microsoft Cloud Partner Should Consider]
"We've roughly doubled revenue and employees over the last two years without any funding," Rocco Seyboth, BitTitan's vice president of product and marketing, told CRN. "But we want to more than double. We think we can grow even faster."
BitTitan bootstrapped itself for its first nine years, growing into a 200-person operation that became profitable in 2010 on the back of a popular solution for migrating email and data to Microsoft's Office 365 cloud suite.
But the launch last year of a comprehensive platform for managed service providers changed the company's channel landscape, scaling the partner community by two-thirds in about six months and laying the groundwork for a more aggressive push into international markets, Seyboth said.
TVC Capital, an equity firm based in San Diego, led the round with its largest Series A investment ever. Tao Capital Partners also participated.
BitTitan didn't disclose the valuation the $15 million imparted to the company, but Seyboth told CRN it was "a relatively small, minority investment" at a "multiple against our revenues that is high compared to industry standards right now."
After years of resisting investors -- even throwing some out of the companys lobby -- founder and CEO Geeman Yip, who initially grew BitTitan from his basement after leaving Microsoft, decided it was time to accept an infusion of cash.
Last summer, Yip hired a new CFO to prepare for that eventuality, Seyboth said.
The change of heart came about because -- despite the explosion in public cloud availability -- cloud solutions still greatly lagged their on-premises counterparts in the market, Seyboth told CRN.
For all the buzz, cloud still is projected in the next few years to represent a small fraction of the overall IT industry, and BitTitan's leadership believes the reason is that VARs, MSPs and system integrators are "stuck in a legacy model of doing things."
"And that's what we're all about," Seyboth told CRN. "Helping the channel transform and become cloud first, recurring revenue first, creating managed services, and that will be the key to digital transformation and driving cloud adoption."
The funding also was driven by BitTitan's shift from an almost exclusive focus on migrating data to Office 365.
The company's MSPComplete offering expanded its role into sales, marketing and managed services across several cloud providers.
That product sparked an explosion in the company's channel.
BitTitan had grown to about 4,500 partners in its first eight years, then absorbed about 3,000 more in the six months following MSPComplete's launch -- further evidence that implementation partners were looking for solutions enabling them to ditch legacy business models and start reselling cloud services, Seyboth told CRN.
"That's why we decided it was time to pour some fuel on this fire," Seyboth said. "We think we have a major role to play in transforming the market and transforming MSPs who are really going to be the middlemen in driving cloud adoption."
The newer partners typically have a different profile.
Those signed in its first eight years were mostly born in the cloud, or at least fully committed to the cloud model. Many of them were Microsoft partners, motivated by Microsofts forceful push to focus on selling and migrating to Office 365.
The more recent batch -- those drawn in by MSPComplete -- are more likely to be legacy VARs or MSPs, Seyboth said, reselling on-premises components with little to no services, or managing on-premises deployments with remote monitoring and management tools.
With the funding, BitTitan will concentrate on building MSPComplete's capabilities faster. The company has added new functionality and products every month since the launch, but wants to accelerate the process.
"We're going to hire a ton of new engineers and developers to expand MSPComplete more aggressively," Seyboth said.
BitTitan will also focus more on driving overseas sales.
Last year, 40 percent of the company's revenue came from outside of North America, even with basically skeleton crews working those international regions. Now BitTitan will actively invest in growing its international presence, Seyboth told CRN.
The company may even consider an acquisition, Seyboth said, noting there's a lot of interesting vendors creating tools that can disrupt the managed services industry.
For BitTitan's partners, the $15 million in funding suggests an enhanced partner program and more innovative solutions to power their cloud practices, said Mark Pierce, a vice president at New Signature, a Microsoft-aligned systems integrator based in Washington, D.C.
Pierce started working with BitTitan early in the company's history through InfraScience, a solution provider he founded that was later acquired by New Signature. At the time, "there was no other tools that did these types of cloud migrations," Pierce said.
New Signature, in addition to using the migration toolkit, is evaluating the MSP offering to complement its own sales automation and managed services, he said.
With the Series A funding, Pierce said, he expects to see BitTitan build a more comprehensive partner program and come to market faster with solutions "in the realm of managing, monitoring and migrating."
"They have that stuff now, but they can add on to it," he told CRN.
Data center News
Everybody's Darling: How Nutanix's Pairings With Lenovo, Cisco Could End Its Relationship With Dell After The EMC Merger
Matt Brown
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As Dell closes in on its acquisition of EMC, some Nutanix partners are wondering what the future holds for Dell's relationship with the hyper-convergence startup.
Nutanix has been stepping up its focus on Lenovo since forming an OEM agreement with the server vendor last November. Nutanix has also been talking with Dell archrival Cisco about a hyper-convergence partnership in which its software would run on UCS servers, sources told CRN recently.
As Nutanix looks to broaden its market reach with additional server partnerships, and EMC aggressively touts its VxRail hyper-convergence offering, partners are wondering if Dell will continue to feature Nutanix after it brings competing technology into its portfolio.
[Related: Exec: Lenovo-Nutanix Hyper-Converged Solution For SMBs Leaves Dell, Cisco, HP With 'A Lot Of Work To Do']
"That's the million-dollar question," said Scott Winslow, president of Winslow Technology Group, a Waltham, Mass.-based Dell solution provider. On one hand, maintaining the Nutanix relationship "may seem counter-intuitive because [EMC's hyper-converged offerings] VxRail and VxRack will be Dell's own [intellectual property], but [Dell Chairman and CEO] Michael [Dell] is all about options and customer choice."
Yet other solution providers said that given the amount Dell is paying to acquire EMC, it will try to steer customers toward EMC's VxRail instead of Nutanix.
"Dell will not need Nutanix once the EMC deal is done. I also believe that EMC's ScaleIO is better than Nutanix in terms of performance and scalability," said one EMC partner, who didn't want to be named.
"Nutanix and Dell are going to have a problem," said an East Coast EMC solution provider who has moved aggressively into the hyper-converged space. "Sales reps get paid on different promos, and it'll just take a couple of promotions to steer reps away from Nutanix and toward VxRail."
Dell and Nutanix inked an OEM agreement in mid-2014 in which the vendors jointly sell and market XC series hyper-converged appliances running on Nutanix software. The agreement also called for joint investment in sales, service, marketing and support, as well as the alignment of product roadmaps.
Now, Nutanix is in the midst of talks to form a strategic partnership with Cisco, a key Dell competitor. Sources have told CRN the companies are working out engineering details and other terms of the relationship, which could be announced as early as September.
CRN first reported in May that Cisco and Nutanix were talking about a strategic partnership in which channel partners from both vendors would sell Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) servers with integrated hyper-convergence software from Nutanix.
But sources said recently that the partnership also involves integration of Cisco's software-defined networking -- known as Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) -- with Nutanix's hyper-convergence technology.
A Dell executive who wished to remain anonymous acknowledged that a Cisco-Nutanix relationship would likely impact Dell's Nutanix strategy. "We will maintain a Nutanix relationship," the executive said. However, "the strategic value of that relationship could be impacted as you would expect."
It's also clear that Nutanix executives feel Dell needs Nutanix more than Nutanix needs Dell.
"We are fairly confident that whatever happens with Dell-EMC will not dramatically impact our long-term trajectory," Howard Ting, Nutanix's chief marketing officer, told CRN. "With Dell, there are many people who see the value of Nutanix and want that partnership, and probably some who don't. We will see after the Dell-EMC deal closes. In any case, it would be hard for [Dell] to walk away from that business."
Ting's take on the future of the Dell relationship is in contrast with Nutanix's clear enthusiasm for its relationship with Lenovo, a Dell competitor that does about 85 percent of its business through the channel. Executives from both Nutanix and Lenovo have stressed the importance and power of that relationship recently, and even went so far as to call the Dell-Nutanix relationship into question.
"I think it's important to understand if you look at three, four, five years out, the reality is it's going to be harder and harder for Dell and Nutanix to not compete against each other, with the pieces of the business that come over from EMC," said Gerry Smith, Lenovo COO. "We have a purer matching. It's a cleaner partnership and a cleaner future, I believe."
Chris Morgan, Nutanix vice president of channel and distribution, was just as direct and forceful when he addressed an audience at Lenovo's annual Accelerate partner conference recently. "When our engineers really started to work with Lenovo engineers around our joint product line, the feedback was universal: The best servers in the world are made by Lenovo, bar none."
"We found they were the easiest to get running, they were the easiest to develop software for; they were the easiest to add new features and capabilities with," Morgan said. "We know that together we will be able to develop a world-class set of products. When you find a partner that shares your core values and can be additive to the overall value proposition, and is like-minded in how you go to market, you have to partner with them. We've worked many, many hours together to figure out exactly how we align our channel visions."
A Dell spokesman wouldn't comment on how much Dell has invested in its partnership with Nutanix, or on how many people are on the Dell team working with Nutanix.
"Dell absolutely remains committed to offering the industrys broadest hyper-converged infrastructure portfolio which includes engineering and development for the Dell XC Series," the spokesman wrote in an email. The spokesman pointed to recent announcements detailing Dell hyper-converged infrastructure product updates.
More recently, Nutanix introduced its Xpress software aimed at the small- to mid-size business market hand-in-hand with Lenovo's line of HX-series hyper-converged appliances powered by Xpress software. Nutanix at the time said it was in talks with Dell about developing an Xpress-based solution.
Also, Nutanix's development of its own Acropolis hypervisor puts the company in direct competition with VMware, and that puts solution providers in an odd spot, said a top executive at a Canadian solution provider that partners with both Dell and Nutanix.
"It's a quickly developing puzzle. The EMC VxRail solution powered by VMware VSAN presumably becoming a Dell solution is causing a lot of sales confusion on recommending a path for customers. I really hope Dell doesnt dismiss the hyper-converged infrastructure leader in Nutanix, but if you read between the lines however, Lenovo seems to be betting on just that," the Canadian solution provider said. "Clients have choice in terms of how they can procure Nutanix software and in which flavor based on vendor hardware platforms, which is the positive, but it's politically trying to keep the vendors playing nice on behalf of the customers best interest."
"Dell is handling the Nutanix relationship with basically a handful of people, so it will be interesting to see how this all plays out," said another partner who works with both vendors. "There are some very large companies doing some massive Nutanix deployments on Dell."
One Nutanix partner told CRN they decided to work with the startup because of the flexibility it offers, including being able to run on multiple hypervisors -- Nutanixs own Acropolis, Microsoft Hyper-V or VMware ESXi.
"Some Dell customers will want freedom of choice, to run Hyper-V or Acropolis, and I see the Nutanix relationship continuing mainly due to that," said the partner, who didn't want to be named. "The only thing I think that will be a big shake up to the Dell-Nutanix OEM partnership is if Nutanix is acquired by a primary competitor to Dell."
"On the Nutanix side, I doubt you will see reps selling Nutanix plus VMware. We still see great demand for Hyper-V, especially from people with Enterprise Agreements. Microsoft customers are gravitating to Nutanix and Hyper-V is getting more mature."
Since Dell formed its partnership with Nutanix almost two years ago, the market for hyper-converged infrastructure which refers to compute, storage, networking and virtualization running together on x86 servers has become red hot, growing at triple-digit annual rates, according to some estimates, and prompting legacy vendors to jump into the game with their own systems on top of their partnerships with the likes of Nutanix and other hyper-converged start-ups like SimpliVity.
Dell's more-than $62 billion acquisition of EMC is expected to close by the end of October.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans is set to host the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), said to be the largest gathering of port and maritime professionals in the Western Hemisphere.
The conference, scheduled for Oct. 23-26 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, will include technical and policy committee meetings, business sessions and social networking for port professionals and marine transportation leaders throughout the four-day event.
This year marks the seventh time New Orleans has played host to AAPAs Annual Conference, said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. We are honored to host this prestigious event and know attendees will enjoy New Orleans hospitality and the unparalleled networking and business programs that AAPA events provide.
"AAPA and our member ports are excited to be returning to New Orleans for our annual convention, said AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle. The Crescent City is an ideal location to bring together ports from throughout the hemisphere to collaborate on key industry issues and strengthen trading relationships. We greatly appreciate the hospitality of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans and Gary LaGrange in hosting this international event."
We expect all attendees to enjoy the unique events and programs the convention has to offer and to take time to explore New Orleans, LaGrange said. We look forward to seeing friends and connecting with new ones, while sharing our experiences and plans for tomorrow.
Carnival UK has announced that it is bringing onboard hotel operations together with brand and marketing teams across Cunard and P&O Cruises.
Among the changes, Simon Palethorpe becomes Cunard senior vice president and Paul Ludlow takes the role of P&O Cruises senior vice president, both overseeing expanded organizations.
Carnival UK CEO David Noyes said the decision to bring the onboard hotel operations teams together with the brand and marketing teams is to encourage closer working between the brand teams which are identifying and marketing to the guests for each brand and the onboard hotel teams which are delivering to the guests. "
This end-to-end focus on guest experience will give us an unrelenting, joined up spotlight on our guests from the moment that they consider a holiday with us to when they return home and want to re-book. It is a complete circle of proposition, execution, fulfilment and follow-up and gives us line of sight at every stage.
"Equally it is important that we focus on this by brand because as our travel agent partners know and understand, a guest on Cunard is looking for a different holiday experience to a guest with P&O Cruises
The New York City Economic Development Corporation, host of this year's Cruise Canada New England Symposium, remains bullish on the cruise industry, according to Maria Torres-Springer, president and CEO.
"The cruise industry is vital not only to the local economy, but to the region; it is having an extraordinary impact for all of the different people who participate," Torres-Springer told Cruise Industry News. "Certainly it is an industry that benefits different customers when passengers embark from New York City; it also means additional revenue for local businesses, for brokers in New York, so we are thrilled to participate in symposia like todays because it helps us not only strengthen cruising in New York, but really continue to diversify New York Citys economy."
New York expects over one million passengers between Pier 88 and Pier 90 in Manhattan, as well as Brooklyn's Red Hook facility. In addition are even more passengers from Royal Caribbean Cruises' facility across the harbor in Bayonne, New Jersey.
With a record orderbook, New York will be poised to benefit for both Canada/New England itineraries and cruises heading south to the Caribbean and Bermuda.
The global maritime medical services provider VIKAND announced today that they have been appointed by Maritime Holdings Group as medical consultants to Peace Boats current ship Ocean Dream.
We are excited to work with Peace Boat, especially since they offer a unique and very different experience at sea, said Peter Hult, CEO at VIKAND. The global voyages of Peace Boat incorporate peace education programs, humanitarian aid work and cross cultural exchanges.
Peace Boat is a Japanese non-governmental organization established in 1983, currently chartering the Ocean Dream as a passenger ship.
The Maritime Holdings Group Inc. in Hollywood, Florida has been managing the operations at the Ocean Dream since 2012. Ocean Dream is operated and staffed by over 350 officers and crew. Voyages usually sail with between 800-1,000 participants.
The Peace Boat ship becomes a floating peace village, encouraging a sense of community and enabling direct dialogue between those onboard and in the ports that we visit, commented Rachel Armstrong-Yoshioka, from the executive board of Peace Boat. Peace Boats 91st Global Voyage departed from Yokohama, Japan on April 12th and will return to Japan on July 27th after 107 days around the world.
Sorry leathernecks, you still can't get a sleeve tattoo, but the Marine Corps is making it easy for you to figure out if your new ink will meet regs.
And by "easy," I mean the Department of the Navy has put out a 32-page document complete with diagrams and a handy "U.S. Marine Corps Tattoo Measuring Tool" you can cut out to help find places on your body the Commandant deems acceptable for a little needlework.
Havana receives title of 'Wonder City of the World'
Submitted by: Juana
Culture and Traditions
Havana
06 / 09 / 2016
Havana City officially received the tittle of Wonder City of Modern World, with the unveiling of a monument at the entrance of Havana Bay that will bear witness to the decision of hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
From now on, in the esplanade of the San Salvador de la Punta Castle, visitors will be symbolically welcomed by the obelisk and the commemorative plaque endorsing such an award, granted during the third contest organized by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders.
In the presence of Bernard Weber, founder-president of New7Wonders, and Havana City Historian Eusebio Leal, Marta Hernandez, president of People's Power in the province, expressed pride for the acknowledgement, which she dedicated to the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, in his ninetieth birthday.
She underlined that it is the only capital city in Latin America that has not been transformed by the boom of the policy that encourages development, although she acknowledged the existing degree of deterioration, which has led to a recovery strategy of the heritage treasured by this city, increasingly fashionable among vacationers and celebrities from around the globe.
Hernandez highlighted as Havanas most valuable resources its human and social capital, and the values of its culture, and argued on the responsibility to preserve and enrich it to reach its 500 years of existence by making it more and more a creator of material and spiritual wealth, more admired by its people and by those who visit it.
With this recognition Havana became part of world memory, commented Weber, while officially giving the Cuban capital the certificate of Wonder City, which also do great credit to La Paz (Bolivia), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa) Beirut (Lebanon), Vigan (Philippines) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
He said until now global consensus had been impossible, and stressed that the competition was fair, so it has been a success for Cuba as well as for other winning cities.
Speaking to the press, Leal considered a pride that other people see Havana as a wonder city, a condition that is an encouragement to continue working on something that will last long, he said.
The city is intact, splendor appears in apparent decline, in any building, anywhere, you just have to have eyes to see the wonder, he added.
STORY LINK GBP CAD Exchange Rate Forecast Lower on Schauble Warning
'Brexit' Developments Continue to Drive Pound Sterling (GBP) Exchange Rate Volatility
Falling US Crude Stockpiles Boost Canadian Dollar (CAD) Exchange Rates
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The Pound has dropped heavily against the 'Loonie' today, due in part to comments from German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble that the UK would not be able to access the single market if it left the EU.Yesterdays session in the global currency markets saw market-moving data from several leading economies. The Pound Sterling (currency : GBP) started the day off firmly on the front foot as investors continued to put to the back of their minds the early-week opinion polls which suggested that UK voters could come out in favour of a painful Brexit on 23rd June.The latest official domestic Manufacturing Product data helped assuage these fears, revealing that output levels in this key sector increased at 2.3% last month. This represented the fastest pace of expansion in UK manufacturing for almost four years, providing further evidence that the local economy is continuing to strengthen as we move further away from the 2007 09 global credit crisis.Martin Beck of the EY Item Club observed in the aftermath of the highly positive release that, alongside April's strong increase in retail sales, and continued growth in car registrations pointing to a decent performance from the services sector, today's industry numbers suggest that previous fears of a sharp slowdown in the economy in the second quarter may prove overly pessimistic.There was further encouraging data from the UK during the afternoon session when the latest rolling three monthly UK Gross Domestic Product estimate from the NIESR pointed to an increase in local economic activity of 0.5% versus last months 0.4%.Other highlights yesterday afternoon came from North America, with the publication of a broadly disappointing set of Canadian housing sector statistics and the weekly US Oil Inventory numbers.A drop-off in the monthly Canadian Housing Starts data does not bode well for the nations real economy, however the negative effect on the Canadian Dollar (currency : CAD) was more than offset by US data pointing to a larger than anticipated drop off in stocks of Crude Oil.The news sent the price of a barrel of Brent Crude to fresh near-term highs and provided renewed support for the Loonie.
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Candidates come out swinging in only debate of Florida governor's race
Gov. Ron DeSantis and his opponent, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, met in their first and only debate October 24 at the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce.
Opinion Wordle
The next day I woke to find myself in a WhatsApp group titled Quordle is Awesome!! A small group of three. There was no getting out of it now.
One of the most fundamental duties of any Prime Minister is to stand up for their country: to defend its reputation at home and abroad and to make its people feel good about themselves.
All of David Camerons predecessors have grasped this simple point.
Winston Churchill symbolised the bulldog spirit of the British. Whether you loved or hated Margaret Thatcher, it was crystal clear that she was always fighting in the national interest with every ounce of her energy.
Tony Blair had many faults. But he never for a second ran this country down. He always and this was one of his great strengths spoke with sunny optimism about the strength and potential of the UK.
Not so David Cameron.
One of the most fundamental duties of any Prime Minister is to stand up for their country: to defend its reputation at home and abroad and to make its people feel good about themselves.
Sadly, for the past few months it seems he has been intent on blackening the image of Britain. Throughout his campaign to keep us in the EU, his comments about a possible future for this country outside the EU seem designed to make us feel down-hearted and gloomy about the place we live in.
Aided and abetted by a manipulative George Osborne, who hypocritically refers to Brexiteers talking down the British economy, he has issued a series of blood-curdling warnings about the fraility of our economic survival and our future security.
This jaundiced message has been repeated so frequently it has become like a gramophone record with a scratch on it.
Britain, says Mr Cameron, is incapable of standing on its own two feet. We cannot govern ourselves. We have no independent voice in the world. We lack economic muscle. As a nation, we are a pathetic and tawdry shambles.
Crucially, according to this unpatriotic vision, the issue of sovereignty is a myth. As a nation, so the PM claims, we are doomed without help from our Continental neighbours and unelected Brussels apparatchiks such as Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president.
The fact is that, as they try to terrify the British people by use of Project Fear to stay in the EU rather than utilising positive arguments Mr Cameron and the Remain campaign have resorted to negative ones.
Tony Blair had many faults. But he never for a second ran this country down. He always and this was one of his great strengths spoke with sunny optimism about the strength and potential of the UK
Sadly, it is not merely Messrs Cameron and Osborne who are unpatriotically talking the British down. Take, for example, Sir Nicholas Soames, Tory MP and grandson of Churchill
This became especially clear when the PM spoke against Ukips Nigel Farage in the referendum debate on ITV on Tuesday night.
His arguments were pitiful. He said that outside Europe, our living standards would collapse because our national prosperity was dependent on membership of the EU. He suggested that the NHS created almost 25 years before Britain entered what was then known as the Common Market would falter outside Europe.
At the heart of Mr Camerons argument is the claim that the British people face the choice between a Great Britain inside the EU or a little England outside.
The implication of this trite and pre-rehearsed soundbite is that Great Britain can continue only if it is propped up by the European Union.
This outrageous argument is mistaken for a number of reasons.
First, it is deeply offensive to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland because it ignores the huge role played by these other constituent parts of the UK.
Alternatively, his comments reveal an arrogant assumption that he knows how people will vote in 14 days time, and that most Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish are on the Remain side.
More important, his Little England sneer is factually wrong. The truth is that the EU is fast turning into an economic disaster zone with devastating human consequences as jobs and livelihoods are being destroyed. Just look at Greece, for example, where youth unemployment is running at 49 per cent.
Mr Cameron is utterly wrong, therefore, to regard the EU as a crutch for Britains economy.
Only yesterday, we learned the good news that factory output in Britain is at its highest level for nearly eight years; the pound rose half a cent against the U.S. dollar; a report estimated the UK economy grew by 0.5 per cent in the three months to the end of May and that one of the worlds biggest investors (the Norway Wealth Fund) said it would remain a long-term investor in the UK regardless of the outcome of the referendum. Whereas our unemployment rate is 5.1 per cent, Italys is 11 per cent, Frances is 10.2 and Germanys is six.
Our GDP is healthy compared with our European counterparts: by the end of last year, it was 6.8 per cent larger than at the start of 2008 when the Great Recession struck. By contrast, the EU economy as a whole was just 1.9 per cent larger.
At the heart of Mr Camerons argument is the claim that the British people face the choice between a Great Britain inside the EU or a little England outside
Deeply pessimistic about Britains place in the world, Eeyore Heath (pictured Ted Heath) seemed to make it his lifes mission to give away our national independence and place this country under the European umbrella. For example, sacrificing our fishing rights and handing huge areas of law-making powers from Westminster to Brussels
Sadly, it is not merely Messrs Cameron and Osborne who are unpatriotically talking the British down. Take, for example, Sir Nicholas Soames, Tory MP and grandson of Churchill.
Last week, he said: From our very old ties with Europe come our shared values of democracy, social justice, human rights and economic security.
What drivel! Sir Winston would have relished telling him that it was precisely because tyrants in France, Germany, and Italy tried to destroy those values that this country cherishes such as social justice and democracy that Britain had to go to war.
Good chap that he is, people such as Sir Nicholas seem to take their cue from Edward Heath, one of the worst prime ministers of the 20th century. If one word sums up the themes of his political career, that word is defeatism.
Notoriously, within months of winning the 1970 General Election, he abandoned his ambitious plans to reform the British economy (which led to Mrs Thatcher having to pick up the challenge a decade later).
Deeply pessimistic about Britains place in the world, Eeyore Heath seemed to make it his lifes mission to give away our national independence and place this country under the European umbrella. For example, sacrificing our fishing rights and handing huge areas of law-making powers from Westminster to Brussels.
David Cameron has often claimed to be a disciple of Margaret Thatcher, but in truth he has turned into a Heathite.
Above all, this is expressed in his myopic belief that Britain might struggle to survive in the modern world as an independent nation.
However, despite his Oxford education, he appears blind to this countrys superb history and traditions. Indeed, he seems neither to know nor care that we have a record of political stability unmatched anywhere else in the world.
David Cameron has often claimed to be a disciple of Margaret Thatcher, but in truth he has turned into a Heathite
He is apparently oblivious to or shamefully ignores the fact that we have the worlds fifth-largest economy which, many of us fear, would increasingly come under threat if we continue to stay in the EU.
Mr Cameron even seems to be unaware that notwithstanding the Iraq and Afghanistan debacles, Britains Armed Forces are still regarded as among the finest in the world.
Similarly, why does the PM ignore the fact that we have world-beating manufacturing companies in the areas of pharmaceuticals, defence and aerospace (to name just a few) or that the City of London is the most powerful financial centre in the world?
Why on earth doesnt he speak proudly of these assets and achievements?
Most cynically, it appears that the Remain campaign has calculated that it can keep us in Europe only by trashing Britains record.
However, this strategy is not working. All the indicators suggest that voters continue to have great faith in Britain, even if their PM does not. We British are proud of our heritage and our tradition and are hugely confident about our future.
We are proud of our values and of our ability to do good in the world. Of course, we want to enter into partnership with other nations but not as an appendage of a bureaucratic superstate like the one that the EU is becoming.
So why is David Cameron talking down Britain?
The answer, I think, is that he and his fellow Remainers know that their argument is weak and that the opinion polls have moved against them. They are, thus, resorting to the politics of fear.
Suddenly, faced with the possibility of defeat, David Cameron realises that his political career would be finished if Britain votes Leave.
This paper is hugely saddened that William Hague appears to have betrayed everything he has fought for, to throw in his lot with Remain and Project Fear.
Since he hit the headlines at a precocious 16, with that barnstorming speech at his partys 1977 conference, this paper has had much admiration for the man who became Tory leader 20 years later.
With a sharp intellect and deep knowledge of our countrys history, it seemed here was a prominent politician with the courage to voice the concerns of millions, too often sneered at by the elite.
As he put it so well in 2001: Talk about Europe and they call you extreme. Talk about tax and they call you greedy. Talk about crime and they call you reactionary.
This paper is hugely saddened that William Hague appears to have betrayed everything he has fought for, to throw in his lot with Remain and Project Fear
Talk about immigration and they call you racist. Talk about your nation and they call you Little Englanders.
Again and again over his career, he has spoken up for a UK in danger of losing its identity under the pressure of unsustainable migration and the deluge of regulation from Brussels.
If you believe in Britain as a country that will never submit to being governed by anyone else, he proclaimed in 1999, if you believe in an independent Britain, then come with me and I will give you back your country.
But listen to Hague today. Now a multi-millionaire and peer of the realm, he declares that it would be irresponsible and potentially dangerous to pull out of the EU, while rejecting claims of the benefits of Brexit as total fantasy.
As for the issues once so central to his political philosophy sovereignty and control of our borders he dismisses these loftily as mere parochial concerns, from which we should raise our eyes.
With those words, he lets the cat out of the bag: in the view of those who run the Remain campaign, worries about self-government and uncontrollable migration should be beneath voters notice.
To adapt Caesars last words to the assassin he had trusted: Et tu, William?
Shop-soiled capitalists
The charges flying back and forth before a Commons committee are extraordinary.
The buyer of BHS branded a premier league liar with his fingers in the till the man who sold him the company, Sir Philip Green, depicted screaming and shouting down the phone in fury over a potential rescue bid
Tens of millions plundered in highly questionable dividends and fees And now, to cap it all, the thrice-bankrupt Dominic Chappell, who bought BHS from Sir Philips Arcadia group for 1, is said to have threatened to kill his chief executive in a row over company money.
The buyer of BHS branded a premier league liar with his fingers in the till the man who sold him the company, Sir Philip Green, (pictured) depicted screaming and shouting down the phone in fury over a potential rescue bid
Amid these lurid allegations over the unedifying collapse of the 164-store chain, one question cries out for an answer.
How on earth were characters like these ever allowed to take charge of a company on which 11,000 workers, 21,000 pension scheme members and countless suppliers depended for their livelihoods?
This paper welcomes MPs in-depth probe into the collapse and the murky dealings leading up to it.
But wouldnt it be infinitely preferable if such exercises in transparency were to take place before not after companies fell into possibly fraudulent hands?
Promises, promises
Less than 35 days after his election as London mayor, Labours Sadiq Khan tears up his most popular pledge: Londoners wont pay a penny more for their travel in 2020 than they do today.
After Nick Cleggs solemn promise to oppose increases in tuition fees and David Camerons no ifs, no buts guarantee to cut immigration to manageable levels is it any wonder if nobody believes a word politicians say?
On the 3rd of June, the Australian Federal Government pledged to ban cosmetic animal testing by July 2017.
In addition they pledged to outlaw the sale of all products tested on animals in stores, including perfumes, make up, hair products and even toothpaste.
As the laws will only apply to new products, FEMAIL has rounded up the country's best cruelty-free cosmetic brands that have been loyal to the cause since day one.
Big change: The Australian Federal Government pledged to ban cosmetics animal testing by July 2017, as well as outlawing the sale of all products tested on animals in stores, including perfume and hair products
No more testing: As the laws will only apply to new products, FEMAIL has rounded up the country's best cruelty-free cosmetic brands that have been loyal to the cause since day one
MUSQ COSMETICS
Australian-based Musq Cosmetics offer a range of chemical-free make up and skincare products under a 'guiding philosophy' of being 'clean, kind and simple.'
All of their products have been accredited by PETA, Choose Cruelty Free and Truth in Labeling and each of them are also vegan and gluten-free.
'We care about our planet, and we care about your skin. This is why we choose to put quality before profits, and why we never use any nasty chemicals or toxic preservatives,' Director Emma Reid writes on their company website.
'Musq products are inspired and derived from the land we live on, and we try to include native Australian ingredients in our products whenever we can. We never test on animals, because thats gross.'
'We never test on animals because that's gross': Australian-based Musq Cosmetics offer a range of chemical-free make up and skincare products under a 'guiding philosophy' of being 'clean, kind and simple'
CHI CHI COSMETICS
Colourful make up company Chi Chi was established in 1997 in Melbourne to add some vibrancy to the cosmetic world.
They are inspired by the earthy tones of the Australian Outback and the blues and pinks of Sydney Harbour for their nail polish and cosmetics products - all while remaining 100 per cent cruelty-free.
'Proud members of the PETA Beauty Without Bunnies Program,' they write on their website.
'Animals are for loving and not for testing.'
'Animals are for loving and not for testing': Colourful make up company Chi Chi was established in 1997 in Melbourne to add some vibrancy to the cosmetic world
INNOXA
Cosmetics brand Innoxa has been operating in Australia since 1993 and has never tested their products on animals.
'Innoxa is officially accredited by Choose Cruelty Free Limited as a cruelty-free brand. This means that none of our products or individual ingredients have been tested on animals,' they write on their website.
All their beauty products and make up products are made in Australia and they also offer a number of products for vegans.
'None of our products or individual ingredients have been tested on animals': Cosmetics brand Innoxa has been operating in Australia since 1993 and has never tested their products on animals
On a mission: CCF is an independent, non-profit organisation based in Australia, which produces the CCF list and campaigns for an end to animal testing of cosmetics, toiletries and other household products
NATIO
Australian cosmetics company Natio was founded in 1992 and is renowned for their plant based beauty products.
It is one of the leading natural beauty brands in Australia and staff pride themselves on combining natural ingredients and 100 per cent pure essential oil blends in their products and most of their products are also free of animal by-products.
'Natio does not conduct or condone animal testing. We actively support and have been accredited since 1996 by Choose Cruelty Free, an Australian organisation screening beauty care companies and helping consumers recognise genuine cruelty-free brands,' they write on their website.
'We assure you that Natio very firmly opposes the testing of products on animals.'
'We assure you that Natio very firmly opposes the testing of products on animals': Australian cosmetics company Natio was founded in 1992 and is renowned for their plant based beauty products
WHAT POPULAR COSMETICS/SKINCARE COMPANIES STILL DO TEST ON ANIMALS? (NOT ALL ARE LISTED) Almay (Revlon) Benefit Cosmetics Bobbi Brown Clairol Clearasil Clinique Estee Lauder L'Oreal L'Oreal M.A.C. Maybelline Olay Revlon Victoria's Secret Source: PETA
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PURE HAIR FOOD
Pure Hair Food is 100 per cent Australian made and was started when the founders realised there were few professional salon hair care products that were cruelty-free, Australian made and sulphate and paraben free.
Described as a 'green smoothie for your hair', the company's products are all crafted in Australia with local ingredients and are completely free of all harmful ingredients.
'We are 100% tested on stylist not animals. We figure animals don't use hair care products, so why test it on them?' They write on their website.
'We figure animals don't use hair care products, so why test it on them?' Pure Hair Food is 100 per cent Australian made and started when they realised there were few salon hair care products that were cruelty-free
ULTRACEUTICALS
Skin care company Ultraceuticals is entirely Australian made and owned and is known for helping Australians address major skin concerns like premature ageing and hyperpigmentation.
It has also been well recognised as a leader in developing award-winning cosmeceutical products without animal testing.
'We are very proud that Ultraceuticals has been accredited as 100% CRUELTY FREE by the internationally-recognised organisation Choose Cruelty Free (CCF),' they write on their website.
'In addition, Ultraceuticals products DO NOT CONTAIN harsh chemicals, propylene glycol, parabens, synthetic dyes or synthetic fragrances.'
'We are very proud that Ultraceuticals has been accredited as 100% CRUELTY FREE': Skincare company Ultraceuticals is entirely Australian made and owned
PAULA'S CHOICE
American Cosmetics brand Paula's Choice is free of any ingredients that can 'harm the health and function of your skin' and is also firmly against animal testing.
'Animal testing is not okay with us. We're part of the Leaping Bunny Program, which means not only have we eliminated animal testing from our company, but also from our ingredient suppliers. We love animals so much our employees bring their dogs to work,' they write on their website.
Paula Begoun, the founder of the company, decided to distribute her products to Australia in 1997 and Paula's Choice Skincare Australia has been selling their fragrance and dye-free cosmetics to Australians ever since.
'We love animals so much our employees bring their dogs to work': American Cosmetics brand Paula's Choice is free of any ingredients that can 'harm the health and function of your skin'
NUDE BY NATURE
Nude By Nature is Australia's leading mineral make up brand and promises 100 per cent naturally derived, cruelty-free make up without unnecessary chemicals.
The Australian-owned company's products are free of the talc, bismuth and parabens commonly found in other products and pride themselves on using native Australian ingredients.
Nude By Nature is cruelty-free and when they use animal by-products they assure customers no animals are harmed.
'Some of our formulas contain beneficial animal by-products such as B, beeswax, a natural wax produced by honey bees, and lanolin, a natural wax found in sheeps wool. No animals are harmed in the production of these ingredients,' they write on their website.
A bride was forced to cancel her 1,000 honeymoon in the Caribbean after a fall on her wedding day left her with a fractured spine.
Mother-of-three Janice Williams, 49, from Croydon, married John, 62, in August 2014 and the pair had booked to go to St Lucia for a luxury three-week stay.
But she was forced to cancel the trip after she missed her chair at her wedding breakfast and was left in a wheelchair for almost two years.
Janice Williams, 49, from Croydon, married John, 62, in August 2014 and had planned to go on dream honeymoon in the Caribbean
But the mother-of-three was left in a wheelchair for nearly two years after falling on to her back at the wedding dinner. She also had to have a second operation on her neck to treat the spinal injuries (right)
Her wedding day had gone without a hitch to begin with after the pair exchanged vows and posed for photographs with delighted guests.
But that all changed when Janice found herself lying flat on the floor after trying to take her seat at the top table.
Janice said: 'I'd planned my wedding down to the smallest detail and I was determined it was going to be perfect.
'The ceremony began, and through tears of happiness, John and I became husband and wife. We posed for photographs and then we moved into the reception room for our dinner.
'Once our guests were seated, John and I made our way to the top table - all eyes were on me as I reached my place.
'A waiter pulled back my chair and I said, "Thank you." Then I lowered myself down, expecting the waiter to push the chair back underneath me but he didn't.
Janice had been enjoying her dream wedding day at first, with a moving ceremony. Pictured signing the register with her new husband
She said she had planned her wedding down to the last detail and was determined it was going to be perfect
'In the next instant I found myself falling backwards. I let out a yelp before hitting the floor and sprawling flat on my back with my legs in the air.'
Janice tried to laugh off the incident, but her back continued to throb and she was barely able to dance during the wedding reception.
She said: 'I didn't want anything to ruin our special day, so I struggled on, but I was glad when everyone had gone and I was able to get out of my dress and into bed.
'The following morning, however, I woke up in agony, and John had to help me out of bed.'
With their luxury break to St Lucia only four weeks away, Janice went to her GP who gave her some painkillers and told her that things should be back to normal within a week.
But two weeks later, she woke up one morning to find that she could not move. Janice, pictured with family and friends, was rushed to hospital
Doctors found that she had fractured some discs in her spine. As the first operation was not successful, she returned to hospital for emergency surgery on her neck, right
But a fortnight later, the pain in her back was still there. Janice said: 'One evening, as I went to bed, my limbs began to feel as though they were on fire and I thought: I'll have to see the doctor again tomorrow.
'But when I woke up the next day and tried to get out of bed, I realised something terrible had happened I couldn't move my body.'
She was rushed to St. George's Hospital, London, where she was diagnosed with spinal stenosis.
Doctors explained she had fractured some discs in her spine and now her spinal cord was being 'strangled'.
Janice from Croydon said she was devastated about missing her three-week honeymoon in St Lucia. Pictured before her accident
Janice tried to laugh off the fall at first but her back continued to throb and she was barely able to dance during the wedding reception. Pictured with her guests
She said she could not believe that falling on her backside could have caused so much pain and anguish
To her devastation, Janice was told she was not fit to fly and needed an operation to replace the fractured discs.
Janice said: 'It was the only way to stop me losing my mobility permanently. I couldn't take it in.
'Three weeks earlier, I'd been looking forward to an amazing honeymoon with my new husband. Now because of a silly fall at my wedding, our holiday was wrecked and I faced losing the use of my arms and legs forever.
'It was upsetting and I hated not being able to do things for myself. Instead I lay in bed day after day, thinking about the sandy beaches and sparkling sea of St Lucia.'
Janice had to start intensive physiotherapy three times a week following surgery
Two years after the accident, she is now able to walk with sticks or a walking frame
After the first operation was not a success, she returned to hospital for emergency surgery on her neck and started intensive physiotherapy three times a week.
Janice, who was wheelchair-bound for almost two years, is now finally able to walk with sticks or a walking frame.
'I can't believe something so stupid as falling on my bottom could have caused so much pain and anguish,' she said.
But Janice and John are looking to the future and hope to re-book their honeymoon.
She added: 'My wedding hiccup ruined nearly two years of my life, but I am determined it won't spoil a single moment more.'
Janice and John are looking to the future and hope to re-book their honeymoon
With the benefit of hindsight, Lucia Pagliarone realises alarm bells should have rung when she learnt that the executive PA she was replacing at her new company had left her role after less than a month.
That should have told me something, she recalls. The one before that lasted less than six months. Another sign.
But Lucia, 29, really wanted the job. Her new role as PA to David Noakes, chief executive of a Guernsey-based pharmaceutical firm called Immuno Biotech, would be with a company marketing a drug it claimed could cure anything from cancer to autism.
Lucia Pagliarone, 29, was awarded 10,500 in damages at an employment tribunal against boss David Noakes
Then there was the 40,000-a-year salary, a robust wage indicative of her new responsibilities.
Not, it seemed, that her new boss was too bothered about her qualifications - at least, not her professional ones. As Lucia would later discover when she came across her CV among a pile of papers, Noakess annotated remarks on her interview performance amounted to this: Red lipstick, heels, good. Wearing a dress, excellent.
It says something about her experience that by then, Lucia wasnt even surprised: during her six-month employment with Immuno Biotech, she had both witnessed and been the recipient of sexist, personal remarks, as well as a series of angry outbursts from Noakes.
This ultimately led her to a tribunal for sex discrimination, where, last year, a panel awarded Lucia 10,500 damages, having been persuaded that Noakess sexist conduct had created a detrimental environment for women.
But, in an echo of the recent Mourinho case which was finally settled out of court this week after ten months of wrangling, Noakes refused to back down and appealed against the decision.
Last month, though, that appeal was dismissed, leaving Lucia free to speak out about her ordeal - one that will no doubt strike a chord with anyone who has been a victim of workplace bullying.
She began working for Noakes, chief executive of a Guernsey-based pharmaceutical firm called Immuno Biotech, in August 2014
I know some people will think I was just after the money. But I wanted to say that you cant treat people like this, she says.
Too much of this goes on in the workplace and it was important to stand up and be counted.
Nor is it the first time Immuno Biotech and Mr Noakes have found themselves in the news. Last year, both hit the headlines when it emerged that GcMaf, the drug they market, had been banned by the British authorities.
The product - derived from an essential protein in the body - had been hailed as a wonder drug by Noakes. Alas, such claims are yet to be backed up by the authorities: the drug is currently unlicensed and last year the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) raided the companys Cambridge laboratory. Its investigation is still progressing.
Lucia, who is still on Guernsey with her partner and young son, answered an advert placed by the company in spring 2014 for an executive PA.
Lucia says female interviewees who arrived at the office were given short shrift if they were not what Noakes considered attractive
All she saw was the opportunity for a fresh start.
Born and raised on Guernsey by her late Italian restaurateur father Piero and mother Pauline, a nanny, she had spent ten years working in the islands private banking sector and was ready for a change.
GcMaf seemed an exciting new product that had the capacity to make a real difference to peoples lives, she recalls. I had no PA experience but Im good at organising people and very organised myself, so I sent off my CV.
A few days later she was asked to attend an interview at a large rented house where Noakes was then living with his partner Lynn - also an Immuno Biotech employee - and which acted as the company HQ while they searched for professional premises.
The informal backdrop set the tone. We were in the living room with people coming and going and David was doing most of the talking, pacing up and down, says Lucia.
Lucia, pictured arriving at her employment tribunal, said he told her: 'I only employ beautiful women
I thought he was a crazy scientist type. He was reeling off medical data and I thought he was part of the medical team that had created the drug. It was only some weeks after I started working for him that I learnt he had no medical qualifications.
Nonetheless, her initial impressions were favourable.
His passion for the product seemed genuine, she says. I thought we had got on well.
But it seemed Lucia was not the first choice.
On one occasion he said I cant hire her, as shes ugly and overweight and I only employ beautiful women
I got an email saying they had gone for someone with more PA experience, but three weeks later I received another email asking if Id take on the role after all, as it hadnt worked out. Looking back, I should have realised that was fishy.
So, after some to-ing and fro-ing over her contract, she started work at Immuno Biotech towards the end of August 2014.
From the start, it was not at all what she expected - though the company had by then secured offices in Guernseys capital, Saint Peter Port, for its 28-strong team, some of whom also worked at a laboratory in the UK.
It was shambolic, she says. I didnt even have a computer at first and ended up with a second-hand laptop. I also didnt seem to be doing much of a PA job. Instead I was answering phones and seeing clients.
The tribunal panel ruled that Noakess remarks were inappropriate and constituted an intimidating, hostile and humiliating working environment. His appeal was subsequently dismissed
Those clients were gravely ill people who wanted GcMaf at up to 400 a vial, anxious to test the claims - still trumpeted today on the companys website - that it can usually eradicate stage four cancer within a year, and help children recover from autism.
Some were terminally ill and desperate. I felt so sorry for them, but at the same time I did believe in the drug, she says.
Noakes seemed quite reasonable at first, though it wasnt long before Lucia saw another side to him. Female interviewees who arrived at the office were given short shrift if they were not what Noakes considered attractive.
On one occasion he said I cant hire her, as shes ugly and overweight and I only employ beautiful women. He said much the same thing about another woman: she was smart and well-dressed but afterwards David came out and said, How are we supposed to hire her? Did you see what she was wearing and the size of her? We cant have her on the front line representing our drug.
I thought it was ironic, as we werent marketing Botox. We were dealing with very ill people who didnt care what you looked like.
Lucia says she lost count of his angry outbursts, which were almost always directed towards women
While Noakes never said anything detrimental about Lucias appearance - on the contrary, he often emphasised how good-looking she was - nor did he ever compliment her on her professional skills.
It was all about how you looked. He even told me once that a colleague of his would like me, only be polite to you if you were good-looking, as if this was something to be proud of.
Clearly, for Noakes, it was. Sorting out some papers on his desk one day, Lucia found her CV, on which Noakes had written his assessment of her interview performance - one based entirely on how she looked.
I was stunned. I had worked hard for ten years and here I was reduced to a blonde with high heels
I was stunned, she says. I had worked hard for ten years and here I was reduced to a blonde with high heels.
Even so, Lucia says, on its own she might have been able to dismiss this. But Noakes had a more worrying side.
I lost count of his angry outbursts, which were almost always directed towards women, Lucia recalls. It was not uncommon for one of the women to leave the office in tears after his tirades.
On more than one occasion he directed an outburst at her, too.
It would come out of nowhere, she says. The problem was, he moved goalposts the whole time. Three weeks after I started, David called me into his office and said I wasnt good enough to be a PA.
He made me feel I was terrible at my job, even though Id been working long hours and taking work home. But it seemed to be an excuse to then flip out at me whenever he wanted to.
There were mixed messages: at the start of December, Lucia found she had been given a 500 performance bonus - only to be summoned into Noakess office and remonstrated with for a minor administrative error that she insists wasnt her fault.
Shortly before Christmas, Noakes called Lucia in to his glass-fronted office. She says he told her everyone in the office hated her, adding that he 'couldn't stand the sight' of her
It felt like he just needed an excuse to have a go at me.
Lucia then found she hadnt been invited to the staff Christmas party. It was incredibly hurtful. Id done nothing wrong, she says.
Shortly before Christmas, Noakes again called Lucia in to his glass- fronted office.
The moment I stepped inside he blew his top, she recalls. He told me everyone in the office hated me and that hed wanted to sack me in the first week.
I was shaking with shock. Then he said he couldnt stand the sight of me and swore at me to just get out of his office.
She was eventually sacked in January 2015 and decided to go straight to a lawyer
In tears, Lucia started to pack up her desk as a colleague, Karen, went in to Noakess office to remonstrate with him. I heard her tell him that he couldnt treat people like that.
He then came out and apologised and suggested we go for a coffee and talk things over.
Shaken, Lucia called her partner Chris, a carpenter, who suggested that he join them. I was relieved, as I really didnt want to be on my own with him, she recalls.
Over coffee, Lucia says, David apologised for his outburst but gave no reason for it.
He said he had handled it badly but all I could say was that I didnt know what I had done wrong. He never really answered but said it would be too awkward for me to go back to the office, so he suggested I work back at his home.
Last year, Noakes and Immuno Biotech hit the headlines when it emerged that GcMaf, the drug they market, had been banned by the British authorities
It wasnt ideal but I couldnt afford to lose my job. I had bills to pay and Christmas was just around the corner.
Lucia returned to work on January 4, 2015, reporting, as instructed, to Davids home.
Often he and his partner would still be in their dressing gowns when I arrived, she says. In any event, this new set-up clearly wasnt going to last long: five days later, Lucia heard that her days at the company were numbered. Peter, the finance director, handed her a termination of contract.
I asked him if he was going to give me a reason, to which his only reply was to tell me to let things calm down, then we could go for drink.
Lucia decided otherwise: instead she went straight to a lawyer. It was outrageous that I had lost a well-paid job through no fault of my own, she says. It wasnt just about me, either.
I lost count of his angry outbursts, which were almost always directed towards women. It was not uncommon for one of the women to leave the office in tears after his tirades
With lawyers on Guernsey costing about 800 an hour, she knew it would not be cheap. I had to opt for an advocate representative, who cost less but are still expensive, she says. He warned me it could end up costing me money but I had to take a stand.
Meanwhile, her confidence gone, Lucia remained out of work for months, finally rejoining the private banking sector before retraining as a holistic therapist.
She had no further contact with her former employer until November, when she saw him at her hearing.
He refused to look at me, she recalls. His justification for sacking me was that several members of staff didnt like me, which was just ludicrous.
The tribunal panel agreed with her, ruling that Lucia was subjected to verbal harassment and had been the victim of sex discrimination, and awarding her 10,500.
Noakess remarks, they ruled, were inappropriate and constituted an intimidating, hostile and humiliating working environment.
Noakess appeal was subsequently dismissed.
Lucias victory remains bittersweet, however: with Immuno Biotechs assets currently frozen on Guernsey after its import licence was revoked, Lucia has no idea when she will receive her award - and when she does, it will all be needed to cover her legal fees.
Yet she insists she has no regrets. Harbouring feelings of bitterness and anger wasnt going to get me anywhere, she says.
Earlier this week, Jennifer Mulford revealed she breastfeeds her 36-year-old bodybuilder boyfriendf for pleasure.
The admission was met with shock, but experts have confirmed that it's not uncommon for women to feel sexually aroused when feeding their child.
According to a study by the University of Sheffield, at least 30 per cent of women have experienced arousal caused by the hormone oxytocin, which is released when a woman breastfeeds.
Dr Karleen Gribble, an Associate Professor of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University, explained why this happens to women so often.
Controversy: Jennifer Mulford (left) has sparked fierce debate on social media after publicly announcing that she quit her job to breastfeed her 36-year-old bodybuilder boyfriend, Brad Leeson (right)
Quite common: However studies show that one in three mothers feel arousal when breastfeeding their children because of the release of the hormone oxycotin during feeding
'Oxytocin is the love hormone, and it is released when breastfeeding,' Dr Gribble told Daily Mail Australia. 'Women get surges of oxytocin when breastfeeding, which can cause a variety of feelings.'
'The feeling can be sexual to a degree, it's a matter of interpretation. Women do have feelings like those they have during sex when they breastfeed.'
Mother-of-two Clare said that she experienced arousal when breastfeeding both her children, one of whom is now a teenager and the other 10 years old.
'When I breastfed my first child, it was a sensual feeling,' she said. 'The sensation was similar to sexual play. It was a hugely erotic experience.'
'A couple of times I disassociated myself from the fact I had a baby at my breast. I would go off into a bit of fantasy and enjoy the feeling.'
'Women do have feelings like those they have during sex when they breastfeed': Dr Karleen Gribble (above) is a nursing and midwifery specialist, and says that it happens to women quite often
Clare is quick to clarify that she didn't feel sexual towards her child, but the feelings that breastfeeding invoked could be overwhelming.
'In a way I felt able to treat it as a bit of foreplay, except I wasnt thinking of my baby, only the feelings my body was feeling,' she explained.
For Clare, she said that the feelings also helped her to ensure she continued to have a sexual relationship with her partner after the birth of her child.'For many women, it's common to have your sexual relationship with your partner diminish after birth,' she said.
'The feelings when breastfeeding made me continue doing it, because it was so pleasurable, it nourished my baby, but it also kept my body womanly and kept feelings of sex alive when I was exhausted.'
'Because my body was alive and awakened it helped keep my sexual relationship with my partner alive.'
'When I breastfeed my first child, it was a sensual feeling': Mother-of-two Clare said she felt aroused when feeding both her children
Dr Gribble said that Clare's feelings are quite normal for women. She explains the feelings are actually a good thing, as the release of oxytocin when breastfeeding makes women feel close to their child and is a normal part of parenting.
'Mums who are concerned about the feelings they have when breastfeeding shouldn't be, they're actually very common.'
'They're different feelings to when you're actually having sex. You're not feeling sexual towards your baby, you're just feeling things that can also be felt during sex.'
'This is a normal phenomenon': According to expert Viola Polomeno, many women feel ashamed because of the feelings of arousal when breastfeeding
According to a study conducted in Germany, many women who felt aroused during breastfeeding were ashamed of their feelings and did not like to talk about it.
An expert on the topic, Viola Polomeno, has written about the taboo and conducted studies on the topic, saying it can cause women to move on to bottle feeding their children because of the arousal.
Target has outraged parents by not only cancelling their annual Greatest Toy Sale on Earth but also the popular long-term Christmas layby.
Angry mums and dads from across the country have taken to social media to vent their frustration at the retail giant, accusing them of being a Christmas Grinch.
The mid-year toy sales at the big three stores - Kmart, Big W and Target - have been an annual fixture for parents who scour aisles of toys in search of the best deals.
But with their bottom line struggling, Target has been forced to follow Kmart's successful move away from a major toy event to instead focus on a 'price guarantee'.
Outrage! Target has angered parents across Australia by cancelling their annual Toy Sale and the ability to put toys on a Christmas layby
Stealing Christmas: Target has been accused of becoming a Christmas Grinch by angry customers
The move has angered mums and dads who described the decision as 'disappointing' and 'dumb'.
'I think I speak for most, if not all, struggling Aussie families when I say thanks for the kick in the gut Target!' Shell Maloney said.
'So many families rely on the extended Christmas layby's in order to afford presents for their children.'
And she wasn't alone in her anger, with a number of other shoppers sharing their displeasure on Target's Facebook page.
Shattered: 'I think I speak for most, if not all, struggling Aussie families when I say thanks for the kick in the gut Target!' Shell Maloney said
Declining: Target sales have been down in Australia and abroad over recent times, seemingly forcing the retail giant to mimic the move made by competitor Kmart
Santa Claus isn't coming to town: 'For the last 3 years santa has only shopped with you, so sad that you no longer value our business,' Kristy McLarry wrote
'For the last 3 years santa has only shopped with you, so sad that you no longer value our business,' Kristy McLarry wrote.
'As a mother of 5, layby until xmas means my shopping is done in one place and held until xmas (no worrying about how to hide that many bikes and toys).'
For Emma McLeod, the biggest issue with the change is losing the convenience of layby.
'Looks like my business (as will many others I assume) will go to Big W for their extended layby,' Emma McLeod said.
'Unfortunately no sale will take the place of the layby convenience.'
As a result of ditching their Christmas Layby, the only option available to parents will be an eight-week layby.
Disappointed: 'Unfortunately, no sale will take the place of the layby convenience,' Emma McLeod said
Research: A spokesperson for Target claimed that the company's move was based on customer research
Daily Mail Australia approached Target for a comment, with a spokesperson saying that a 'toy event' would be going ahead but confirming that their focus would be on 'everyday low prices'.
'I can confirm the Target Toy event will take place in July and we will be offering our standard 8 week layby for customers,' Therese Waters, Targets head of public affairs said.
'We have made the decision at Target to no longer offer our six month layby, following customer feedback and a change in sales trends.
The bride wore three different couture dresses, including a $35,000 Elie Saab gown and
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The son of an Armenian billionaire and his bride have held what may be one of the most extravagant weddings ever in Moscow, costing more than $2 million (1.3M).
The nuptials in question were that of 23-year-old Sargis Karapetyan and his Georgian bride, 25-year-old Salome Kintsurashvili, and were beyond lavish.
Attended by the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargisyanu, the Moscow-based pair's celebration was held at the famous Safisa, where billionaire's son Said Gutseriev, 28, married 20-year-old student Khadija Uzhakhovs in March.
The wedding which saw J Lo and Enrique Iglesias perform made headlines around the world, but this latest ceremony managed to put the extravagance of the Gutseriev nuptials in the shade.
Glittering: The bride's wedding dress was a couture Elle Saab gown (above) which she wore with more than $200,000 worth of jewelry
Salome Kintsurashvili showed off her embellished Elie Saab wedding gown in multiple photos with friends. The dress was just one of three the bride wore on her big day
The bride changed into traditional dress to perform with Georgian dancers. It was one of three gowns she wore at the elaborate celebration
The happy couple 23-year-old Sargis Karapetyan and his Georgian bride, 25-year-old Salome Kintsurashvili performed a traditional dance for their guests
Their celebration was held at the famous Moscow restaurant Safisa, where tables were decorated with elaborate posies of pink and white flowers
Inside or out? The entrance to the reception at Safisa, where the bride changed her dress twice more, was a spectacular forest (above)
Entertainment: Maroon 5 (above) played at the wedding, at an estimated cost of $500,000-$800,000
In love: The venue was also decorated with huge pictures of the couple on their official wedding shoot (above)
Sargis Karapetyan is the son of Samvel Karapetyan, who sits at number 28 on the Forbes Russian Rich List.
The elder Karapetyan who lives in Moscow, but originally hails from Armenia, owns real estate firm Tashir Group which possesses 33 shopping centers, four office complexes, and eight hotels across Russia.
With a net worth of around $4 billion, his son's wedding was always going to be extravagant.
How extravagant? Firstly, Maroon 5 were the wedding band. It's been estimated that they were paid around $500,000-800,000 to play the gig, and the bride certainly made the most of the expensive by joining the lead singer Adam Levine on stage to sing along.
Spectacular: The wedding cake (above) was nine-tiers, covered in white flowerts and dominated the room
Money money money: With the groom's father worth more than $4 billion, expense was never going to be an issue for the wedding
A magnificently lit arch over the DJ booth provided a dramatic backdrop
The groom (pictured front) who is Vice President of his father's company, getting ready to perform with Armenian dancers
Additional entertainment was provided by the Ukranian pop singer Vera Brezhneva, singers Alla Pugacheva, Valery Meladzem, Grigory Leps, Sofia Rotaru, Nikolay Baskov, Timati and Dima Bilan, while Pop singer Philip Kirkorov interrupted his tour to perform.
Personalities from Russian television also attended including Andrey Malakhov, while presenter Tanya Gevorkyan looked stunning in a green strapless gown by Oscar de la Renta as she posed in the fairytale surroundings.
While the groom works as Vice President of his father's company, Salome is the co-owner of the online vintage fashion store Buy By Me, but she eschewed a pre-loved item when it came to choosing her wedding dress.
The bride opted for three different gowns, the first of which was a glittering Elle Saab gown with long sleeves and a train.
Although the cost of the dress has not been revealed, the starting price of a couture wedding dress by the Lebanese designer is $35,000 (24,000).
Outfit change: During the night the bride wore two other dresses, including a lace, off the shoulder Alessandra Rich dress for the official photos
Incredible: The magical forest at the entrance of the venue included fake trees and thousands of real flowers
She changed into a lace gown by Alessandra Rich and also a more traditional wedding gown.
Her accessories included the Tiffany Savoy headpiece, which was worn by Carey Mulligan in the film The Great Gatsby.
The headpiece of diamonds and freshwater cultured pearls in platinum with a detachable spray of feathers brooch costs in excess of $200,000 (13,800).
Thousands of pink and white flowers decorated the Safisa interior and lines the elaborate staircase
Guests at the wedding enjoyed a performance by Maroon 5 in the venue which was decorated with thousands of flowers and twinkling lights
Vases of beautiful purple blooms were delivered to the venue ahead of the nuptials
The bride changed into a lace, off the shoulder Alessandra Rich dress for the official photos, and then into a floor length dress and head piece for the official Armenian wedding dance.
Folk dancers from Armenia and Georgia performed to reflect both the bride and groom's heritage.
And whilst the dresses were stunning, it was the venue and decorations that made the wedding look like a real fairy tale affair.
As guests entered the reception, they walked through what looked like an incredible forest, complete with fake trees and real flowers.
Pretty in purple: The bride posed for photos in front of one of the defining features of the venue, a wall of flowers
Picture perfect: The venue was bathed in purple lights, making it feel like a magical fairy tale
Modern and traditional: Later in the night the couple changed into traditional Armenian outfits for the official dance
'Feeling like Alice in Wonderland': Guests posted photos saying they felt like they were in a fairytale
Celebrity endorsement: Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine got the bride on stage to congratulate her during the receptions
One friend, who posted a photo to Instagram, said it felt like she was in Alice in Wonderland.
In the main reception room, where the 500 guests were seated, a huge chandelier and fairy lights made it feel magical.
There were also thousands more flowers, including a flower wall, which the new Mrs Karapetyan posed in front of for photos.
Social media age: Guests shared photos of the nuptials on Instagram under the official wedding hashtag #sarkissalome
Who you know: Guests were the who's who of Russian society, and dressed to impress (above)
Bets day of their lives: The bride looked incredibly happy all night in videos posted to Instagram by guests
A bouquet of peonies among the lavish floral arrangements
TV presenter Tanya Gevorkyan was among the glamorous guests at the wedding, wearing a stunning green strapless gown by Oscar De La Renta
Guest Nino Gvene was photo bombed by Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine as she snapped a selfie
The nine-tier cake was covered in flowers and at least two metres tall, standing on a large table in the centre of the room.
Standing six metres high, the confection was created by Iyad Abusharaf, a world renowned chef who once worked for the Prince of Kuwait.
Guests on social media commented that they had never seen a wedding cake so tall that it was getting in the way of the chandeliers before.
To complete it all, the room was bathed in purple light, giving everything a incredible storybook glow.
Many of the guests shared incredible photos and video of the night on social media under the hashtag #sarkissalome, causing widespread interest in the nuptials.
eating dinner, or any meal, with your non-dominant had
Toddlers using cutlery for the first time, and subsequently smearing food all over their face, can be quite endearing.
But an adult who appears to not yet have grasped the concept of using a knife and fork is rather strange.
That being said, eating like you don't know how could be the secret to eating less according to author and speaker Brandon Nguyen.
Getting messy: Stop overeating by using your non-dominant hand, Brandon Nguyen said
The Chillpill co-founder from the US said eating with your non-dominant hand could stop you from overeating.
On the website Quora, Mr Nguyen said in doing, you forced yourself to eat slower and more deliberately.
'It might be too much to do this for every meal, but trying it for dinner to start since thats when we tend to eat the most,' he said.
Take your time: 'It takes more time to eat, which gives your stomach a chance to signal your brain that youre full,' he said
'The reason for this is that it takes more time to eat, which gives your stomach a chance to signal your brain that youre full.'
The theory behind the practice sounds similar to other methods that slow down your eating, such as chewing each mouthful of food 20 times before slowing.
But does it actually work?
Tried and tested: The method can reduce your total intake of food by 30 per cent
'People who snacked using their non-dominant hands reduced about 30 per cent of their total intake, compared with those using their dominant hands,' Mr Nguyen said.
Other suggestions for eating less include using a smaller sized plate, or drinking water before a meal.
People love their dogs, and most will go to great lengths to give them the best treatment.
A cafe designed for dogs will soon open in Collingwood, north of Melbourne, Australia.
The cafe will allow the pooches to celebrate their birthdays, have weddings or just hang out with their pals.
It's a dog life: Soon, a cafe designed for dogs will open in Collingwood, north of Melbourne, Australia
Pooch fun: The Dog House cafe will allow the pooches to celebrate their birthdays, have weddings or just hang out with their pals
Deliciously good: It will be filled with locally-sourced, organic food and shampoos (left) - dogs are sure to love what is on offer such as the cakes (right)
Dog owners, meanwhile, will be able to let their canine pals make new friends as well as eat food that is locally-sourced and organic.
Dog House will open in July and is the latest themed cafe to open its doors to a niche market.
'It's a one stop shop for dogs,' co-owner Anuj Yadav told Daily Mail Australia.
One stop shop: Described as a 'one stop shop' for dogs, the cafe is the latest in a string of niche pet cafes - 'doggocinos' (pictured) are expected to be a hit for the four-legged customers
Exciting times: It will open in July, and is sure to be filled with dog-loving guests
Aside from selling dog-friendly snacks even their owners such as cakes, muffins, Dog House will also sell herbal shampoos and conditioner for dogs.
After conversations with other dog owners looking a space for dogs to celebrate their special occasions, both looked into dog cafes.
'We wanted to create something thats not been done,' Mr Yadav said.
Doggocinos are expected to be a hit for their four-legged customers made with lactose milk, a bit of egg and carob (a dog-friendly chocolate).
Caffeine hit: The 'doggocinos' will contain lactose milk, a bit of egg and carob (dog-friendly chocolate)
Gap in the market: Their final idea came when they noticed a gap for pet cafes in the notoriously expensive Melbourne cafe scene
Mr Yadav said he was initially wanted to focus on starting a butcher specific for dogs after his German shepherd, Benji, started throwing up meat he had bought from a pet store.
After making calls abattoirs and researching into pet store meat he found that pet meat can come from diseased animals.
'The meat can also be mixed with 10 per cent beef and the rest horse meat,' he said.
Not happy with what he discovered he and business partner Charles Fernandez, who is also a dog owner, looked into setting up a place where dogs can get good quality products.
However, their final idea eventually grew when they noticed a gap for pet cafes in the Melbourne cafe scene.
An outraged plus-size blogger has gone on a social media tirade after a picture of her posing in a bikini was removed by Instagram after complaints from trolls.
Aarti Olivia Dubey, an Indian-Singaporean model and blogger, was posing for a photo shoot with a Singaporean magazine when she took a behind the scenes shot and posted it to her social media.
The photo of Ms Dubey and two other plus-size models from May 21 was reported by other users and then 'accidentally' taken down by Instagram moderators.
Insta snap: Aarti Olivia Dubey took this behind the scenes photo while posing for a magazine photo shoot
Trail blazer: Ms Dubey was the first plus-size woman to write and pose for a magazine photo shoot in Singapore
Supressing: The photo of Ms Dubey and two other plus-size models was reported by other users and 'accidentally' taken down by moderators
However Ms Dubey was clearly not impressed by the social media giant's mistake, going on a massive rant at Instagram and complaints made by other users.
'Do 3 fat girls in swimsuits equate to gore, porn, racism, sexism? Or is it that people only want to see slim girls in swimsuits?,' Ms Dubey wrote in an Instagram post.
'I am so disappointed and beyond livid right now.
'No thanks to you (Instagram) and the people who had the gall to report this image, for making me feel so badly this Monday morning about my existence as a brown fat woman.'
Rant: 'Do 3 fat girls in swimsuits equate to gore, porn, racism, sexism?' Ms Dubey wrote on her Instagram
Following: Ms Dubey has almost 17,000 followers on Instagram and runs the popular blog Curves Become Her
Ms Dubey, who has almost 17,000 Instagram followers and runs the popular blog Curves Become Her, said the removal of the picture was a breach of her right to free speech.
She accused the photo sharing site of double standards, saying they freely allowed 'muck and scum' in the form of trolls to pollute their pages but wouldn't allow three women to raise awareness for a cause.
Instagram eventually replied to Ms Dubey's numerous rants, apologising via email for deleting the photo.
Outraged: 'I was rudely awoken this morning to discover that the most recent image I posted to Instagram - an image of me and my 3 brown plus sized friends was reported and deleted.'
Standing out from the crowd: The blogger has gained notoriety for regularly writing about her experiences as a fat woman in a 'skinny asian world'
Angry: She accused Instagram of double standards, saying they allowed 'muck and scum' trolls but not plus-sized women
'A member of our team accidentally removed something from you posted on Instagram,' a member of the community operations team wrote.
'This was a mistake and we sincerely apologise for this error.'
The photo of Ms Dubey, Ratna Devi Manokaran and Rani Dhaschainey was automatically restored to her page.
A woman who has battled with body issues since the age of three has gone viral with a photo modelling her first ever bikini at the age of 21.
Lesley Miller from Texas - who had gastric surgery aged 11 - spent her whole life covering up, waiting to get the perfect body.
But after realising that she was 'always enough' she shared a photo showing off her loose skin, cellulite and scars with the Love What Matters Facebook page, and it's received 31,000 likes.
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Lesley Miller who has battled with body issues since the age of three has gone viral with a photo modelling her first ever bikini at the age of 21, which has been liked 31,000 times on Facebook
'I've spent the past 18 years of my life waiting. I kept my body covered up and hidden away,' Lesley explained in the emotional post.
'I told myself that one day I would finally let myself be seen; I would finally do all of the things I dreamed of when I was enough.
Thin enough, happy enough, confident enough. When my body looked the way that it was "supposed" to.
'I fought my body every step of the way, continually ashamed and silent.'
Lesley explained that her issues with her body started when she was just three-years-old and her peers noticed she was different.
'When I was three my classmates asked why I was so much bigger than them. Why I didn't wear the same smock they did,' she recalled.
'I've spent the past 18 years of my life waiting. I kept my body covered up and hidden away,' Lesley explained in the emotional post
'When I was seven, I lied to the lady at Weight Watchers, desperate to sit in on meetings full of middle aged women trying to shed a few pounds.
'When I was nine I went to weight loss camp and stood in line the first week to take my "before" photo.'
At the age of 11, Lesley had an adjustable gastric band fitted.
Lesley's emotional post received an outpouring of support from fans on Facebook who praised her for being 'brave' and told her that she's beautiful inside and out
'The surgeon cut into my stomach, and he told me how happy I would finally be. I was the youngest person to have weight loss surgery,' she said.
However, the surgery did not solve Lesley's problems and she started self-harming.
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY FOR KIDS Lesley was just 11-years-old when she had an adjustable gastric band fitted. last year, the first British child who got a gastric band has revealed he thinks the weight loss aids should be banned. Emrah Mevsimler was just 13 years old when he begged his mother to be flown to Zottegem, Belgium, to have the 4,000 surgery. Over the next seven years the care worker, who binged on sweets, chips and burgers as a child, lost more than six stone. But, aged 20, after developing crippling abdominal pain he was rushed into hospital to have the band removed. He has since urged parents and doctors to find other solutions for children. The 20-year-old told MailOnline: 'When I first had the operation it was going fine, it was what I wanted. 'As the years went on I noticed that I had to get a lot of agony and pain,' he said. 'I suffered a hell of a lot and I wouldn't expect any other kid to go through it. 'I was in so much pain I had to go to A&E. They realised that the band was strangling my organs and bowel. It would have killed me if they hadn't taken it out. 'I think there should be a ban for under 18s. They shouldn't be offered bands, there should be other things before you get to that stage like exercise.' Advertisement
'When I was fifteen, I started cutting into my own skin. I thought I deserved it,' she said.
Aged 20, she lost half her body weight in nine months.
'My worth for the day solely determined by the number on the scale being lower than the day before,' she explained.
But after years of battling with her body something shifted.
'And then I got tired of waiting. So now I'm 21 and I bought my first bikini. EVER,' she explained.
'You can see it all. Weird bulges and rolls of fat. Hanging excess skin. Stretch marks, cellulite, surgical and self harm scars.
'Awkward protrusion on my abdomen from my lap band. I want to learn to love all of myself, not just the parts I've been told are "acceptable".
'Because the secret is, I was always enough. And you are too.'
Lesley's emotional post received an outpouring of support from fans on Facebook who praised her for being 'brave'.
Sarah Schlorman said: 'Are reading so many posts lately regaring body image and why smoeone of a certain side shouldn't wear certain items this is a very refreshing post to read.
'Lesley you are beautiful with a beautiful heart and body. Keep being you and never let anyone bring you down.'
Lauren Elyse Hedreth said she was full of admiration for Lesley.
'You are stunning. Your strength and confidence make you even more beautiful. I admire you so much,' she explained.
Jessica Stevens told Lesley that she's 'a beautiful woman' inside and out.
'You go and rock that bikini my pretty friend,' she said.
Nathali Mockler added: 'Love yourself, happiness follows. You are more than enough. If you believe, you are extraordinary.'
Carol Goriss referred to Lesley as an 'inspiration', saying: 'Thank you for sharing and live each day to the fullest.'
Sue Kolar was another commenter who said she admired Lesley's 'courage and confidence', while Karen D'Souza said she was 'so brave'.
'You're beautiful inside and out. Rock it girl,.' she added.
Hapless lovers have been sharing the worst reasons they decided to sleep with someone, from the pathetic to the downright bizarre.
The confessions were posted on idea sharing platform, Reddit, in answer to the question: 'What's the worst reason you had sex with someone?'
Sleeping with a male friend because they had forgotten to bring a birthday present and needing a place to crash for the night were just a few of the reasons among the 13,000 comments online.
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'For tacos', 'because he asked politely' and 'to cover up my gayness' - these are just a few of the worst reasons for having sex that Reddit users have shared online
Other responses included 'for tacos' and 'to cover up my gayness to my friends'.
In response to the question, one British user, spidersprinkles, posted simply: 'He asked very politely.'
Another user went on to dub that particular strategy of seduction 'the Hugh Grant' - when the proposition is so polite it feels rude to turn it down..
JustJoe asked: 'Were you both British?'
Spidersprinkles responded: 'Was that really obvious?'
Others spoke of other powerfully persuasive techniques, such as 'the Monsters Ball' - when you are called upon to lift someone's spirits - a la Halle Berry's famous sex scene in the hard-hitting Southern drama.
Another booby prize-winning reason was posted by JediBaggins.
'My best friend's 16th birthday, in Britain that's the age of consent, I was 17 and I took his virginity. I forgot to get him a present. I hated myself for months afterwards,' she admitted.
I had sex with a girl to cover up my gayness to my friends
While JammyJeow admitted: 'I had sex with a girl to cover up my gayness to my friends.'
His post attracted thousands of responses. Lamb-and-Lamia replied: 'My friend does this, (it's not working) and he manages to have sex with gorgeous women.'
Aquaman5000 added: 'I feel like gay dudes can easily attract more chicks than straight dudes. I should pretend to be gay.'
'For tacos,' was another questionable reason for having sex, given by Forthestorythrowawag.
'A FWB (friend with benefits) had some tacos and I said come over and bring them. He showed up and hadn't brought the tacos because he assumed I was using it as an excuse to invite him over.
Sleeping with a friend male friend because you have forgotten a birthday present and needing a place to crash for the night are just some of the other reasons among the 13,000 comments online
One man was propositioned in the nude and did not have the heart to tell his seducer she was not all that
'I still had sex with him but I was pretty upset about not getting a taco.'
Because she surprised me by waiting naked in my room for me. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I didn't think she was all that
In response SymphonicStorm posted: 'You made the wrong choice, you only reinforced the idea that it's okay to not bring the tacos.'
GatemouthBrown posted his reason: 'Because she surprised me by waiting naked in my room for me. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I didn't think she was all that. She wasn't ugly or repulsive, so why hurt her feelings?'
WolfJagerDorf replied saying: 'She pulled the Naked Man on you.'
Confessing he had sex with a friend out of sympathy, Candy_Emperor said: 'Consoling her during an emotional breakdown.
'In the middle of going through all the reasons why she's a terrible human being and failure, she gets to not being attractive and that no one will ever want her.
'Insisting on how good she's looking, she's suddenly turning this into a sexual advance. I didn't want to have sex and thought she wasn't in the state to decide, but I felt rejecting her would crush her even more.'
A self-confessed gold digger agreed to a date live on This Morning after being lured by the promise of a 35,000 ring.
Initially, Laura Boylan, 31, from Liverpool, rebuffed the advances of fellow guest DJ Mark Vanderpump - but the offer of a shiny new rock soon won her over.
When Holly and Phil first asked Laura whether she would date Vanderpump, who is the brother of Real Housewife star Lisa Vanderpump, she turned him down after he revealed he only spent 54 on dating women this year.
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Self-confessed gold digger, Laura Boylan, 31, from Liverpool, found a new man to date live on This Morning after being lured by the promise of 35,000 ring.
Initially, Laura rebuffed the advances of fellow guest Mark Vanderpump - but the offer of a shiny new rock soon won her over
But Laura was soon won over by the businessman after he admitted he's prepared to splash thousands on dating.
He shared a story about tricking a past date into believing a 5,000 ring was worth 33,000, and concluded by saying about Laura, 'I will buy her a diamond ring for 35,000,' he said.
Almost immediately, Laura responded: 'Ok, we'll go on a date.'
Explaining her strategies to ensnare wealthy men, who agree to splash cash on her, she said: 'I'm a businesswoman about it. We just usually go for meal, holidays things like that.'
When Phil asked whether sex was involved Laura confirmed: 'No never.'
The pair were on the show to talk about their appearances on tonight's Channel 5 documentary Gold Digger and Proud.
Laura Boylan, 31, from Liverpool, has no qualms about dating rich men if they bestow her with gifts galore. She even reveals in new Channel 5 show Gold Digger and Proud how she plans to enjoy a 33,000 engagement ring...but has no plans to wed the man giving it to her
Wealthy Essex businessman and DJ Mark Vanderpump, 56, says that his money means he can date younger ladies who wouldn't be interested in him otherwise. Pictured above with 27-year-old Brazilian Rosana who Mark flew in for a date
Diamond digger: Noelie Goforth, a 46-year-old former shop girl from Doncaster hit the jackpot when she married wealthy husband Robin, who thinks nothing of splashing out 200,000 on one shopping spree
On the documentary Laura says she'll often spend around 250 making herself look perfect because she knows she'll have a better chance of attracting a wealthier date.
Social media is very much Laura's showcase, as she streams attractive photos of herself in a variety of suggestive poses.
Laura advised other women: 'Just make sure that you look a million dollars for them, and then they'll all want to spend a million dollars on you.'
She says spending money on looking good as something that will eventually reap rich rewards: 'If I invest in myself then they're going to invest in me.'
'If I spend 250 to get ready then I could walk away with an 8,000 watch.'
She adds: 'If you do the maths it's definitely an investment.'
While Laura is intent on getting as much out of the men she dates as possible, from designer handbags to expensive dinner dates, she draws the line at getting intimate with them.
Liverpudlian Laura says she sleeps easy at night despite knowing she strings her wealthy suitors along, 'blocking them' when they start to get too serious
Look a million dollars, they'll spend a million dollars: Laura says that she sees her looks as an investment and would think nothing of spending 250 on getting ready for a night out
In a shameless admission, Laura admits that she teases men into giving more and more but jumps ship when things look like getting too serious and reveals that a recent suitor has promised her an engagement ring worth 33,000 pounds, something she plans to take - before ditching him
She explains: 'The more they think they're going to have you, the more they will spend.
'It's like the chase they'll just keep giving you gifts and giving you gifts until they think they're going to have you.
'And then I'll probably block them and move on.'
Laura says she finds her boyfriends online and on night's out in Liverpool's more expensive nightclubs and restaurants.
On the flip side, Mark Vanderpump who meets many women while DJ-ing, says that he enjoys playing the field even if he knows that some girls are just after his money
Mark Vanderpump wines and dines his dates but is hoping for a more authentic relationship at some point
Brazilian beauty Rosana enjoys the rewards for travelling all the way from Brazil to date Mark
The big-spending romancer whisked Brazilian Rosana over for a weekend from her native Brazil, and lavished gifts upon her during the short trip
A man who is happy to shop: Rosana and Mark spend in a luxury boutique
The plucky serial dater says that sometimes she even gets gifts valued to see how serious a suitor really is.
So who are the men dating women like Laura? Wealthy Essex businessman and DJ Mark Vanderpump admitted that his money means he can date younger ladies who wouldn't be interested in him otherwise.
After leaving a 22-year marriage, Mark says he's single and ready to mingle even if that comes at a heavy cost to his wallet.
He says: 'I have lots of girlfriends. 'I enjoy the company of women and I'm dating four or five women at a time.'
While he admits that he knows the women in his life are only after one thing, he says he would like something more meaningful and, as is shown on the show, even flies 27-year-old Brazilian Rosana across the Atlantic for a lavish weekend of shopping and dining.
Digging for diamonds: Noelie Goforth, has been married to rich husband Robin for seven years and hopes to inherit his 110-acre estate one day
The happy couple say their relationship works because Robin will think nothing of indulging Noelie's love of plastic surgery
'I never feel bad about doing it to men because men would do worse to me if they could.' Noelie is upfront about her desire for the finer things in life
The couple has been dating her man for 15 years and says she loves the lifestyle that often comes with marrying an older guy
Ever youthful: Noelie undergoing cosmetic sugery during a clip from the show
During her short jaunt to the UK, she enjoys having designer dresses bought for her, receives diamond jewellery and spends her evenings in posh restaurants.
When it's time for the couple to part, they both look sad, although perhaps for different reasons.
Also featured in the show is 46-year-old former shop girl Noelie Goforth, who has a slightly different approach; she wants a rich man but is happy to keep him once she's found him.
Seven years ago, she married Robin, a 67-year-old multi-millionaire and the couple, who have been together for 15 years, are remarkably honest about the dynamics of their relationship.
Noelie says: 'I never feel bad about doing it to men because men would do worse to me if they could.'
When they're out, cosmetic-surgery loving Noelie doesn't carry cards because she knows her hubby will pay and she hopes one day to inherit the 110-acre estate they live on. While her shopping outings can see receipts rack up to up to 200,000 in one go, Noelie says she has some standards.
Queen Letizia is well known for her love of tailored trousers but has steered clear of them on her recent engagements, opting for floaty skirts and dresses instead.
However, the Spanish royal was back to her signature style today as she stepped out in white pleated pants for an appointment in Madrid.
The 43-year-old went for a wash of cream, opting for neutral tones for her visit to the Students Residence in the Spanish capital this morning.
Queen Letizia showcased a love of cream this morning as she visited the Students Residence in Madrid
She paired her elegant trousers with a silk magnolia blouse and a heavy beige jacket despite the warmer weather.
She added personality to her outfit with a gold belt and a quirky leopard print clutch to jazz up the neutral attire.
The monarch kept her makeup simple with earthy tones of eye shadow and a slick of caramel coloured lipstick.
Having favoured skirts and dresses in recent week the Queen was back to her signature style of tailored trousers for her engagement in the Spanish capital today
She paired her trousers with a silk magnolia blouse and a heavy beige jacket despite the warmer weather
When it comes to her hair the mother-of-two seems to be favouring a straighter style of late, seen again today showcasing loose and glossy locks.
The Queen today attended a meeting with the Patronato of the Student Residence Foundation at the Resedencia de Estudiantes, one of the original Spanish cultural centres in Madrid.
The former journalist last attended the annual meeting in 2015 which was the first time she performed the engagement alone.
Before last year the royal had always attended the event with her husband King Felipe VI but he was absent today for the second year in a row
Prior to that Letizia had always been joined by husband King Felipe VI, but for the second year in a row he did not attend with his wife.
However, Letizia was not without company as she was greeted by President of the Centre for Scientific Research (CSIC) Emilio Lora-Tamayo, and other members of the board.
The group posed for a photograph outside the historic red brick brick building. During the first half of the twentieth century, the Residence was a prestigious cultural institution for Spain's brightest young thinkers, writers and artists.
The Queen wore a pink and white ensemble as she attended an official engagement in London today.
The monarch, who will officially celebrate her 90th birthday this weekend, was visiting Marlborough House in London to launch a new 'Commonwealth Hub' that will bring three Commonwealth organisations together in one place for the first time.
Dressed in a dazzling white blazer with pink piping, and a matching hat with a delicate bow - which resembled a two-tired cake - Her Majesty was all set for the June sunshine.
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Her Majesty dressed in a dazzling white blazer with pink piping, and a matching hat with a delicate bow
Her Majesty was greeted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland
The Queen, who has been head of the Commonwealth since 1952, wore the blazer over a pink knee-length dress with floral detail, and accessorised with a string of pearls and patent handbag. She has been spotted in the same outfit previously.
The Commonwealth organisations that will move to the new 'hub' at Marlborough House and Quadrant House are the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.
The Queen was praised for her lifetime commitment to the Commonwealth as staff and special guests, including Commonwealth Games athletes, gathered to wish her a happy 90th birthday.
Ahead of the weekend celebrations formally marking the monarch's milestone, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, paid tribute to the Queen for treating the institution like her own family.
Her Majesty wore the blazer over a pink knee-length dress with floral detail, and added a string of pearls
During her visit, the Queen was praised for her lifetime commitment to the Commonwealth as its staff gathered to wish her a happy 90th birthday
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland, paid tribute to the Queen for treating the institution like her own 'family'
Baroness Scotland, who was last week accused of securing the top political job in the Commonwealth through an 'utterly corrupt process', spoke after the Queen launched the new Commonwealth Hub which has brought together three institutions of the 'family of nations'.
Organisations that run the Commonwealth Games, promote the values of the 53-member states and champion democratic local government will work in closer union at their new offices in Marlborough House and the nearby Quadrant House in central London.
In Marlborough House, which is already home to the Commonwealth's civil service, the Baroness told the Queen: 'The other reason we have all assembled here together is to wish you the most resounding wonderful happy birthday.'
Baroness Scotland spoke after the Queen launched the new Commonwealth Hub which has brought together three institutions of the 'family of nations'
The Queen meets Commonwealth Games Hockey athlete Ali Bell as she officially launches the new hub
As she spoke, representatives from the three hub members and civil service staff broke into applause and cheers.
The secretary-general added: 'Ma'am, you were the inspiration for this hub. We know that you have championed the Commonwealth your whole life, that you have loved it and you have treated it as your family, and you are the head and the heart of that family.
'And we hope, when anyone walks into the hub, they will feel the warmth, the generosity and the conviction that you have always had, that the Commonwealth is something to be prized and valued.'
Lucie Shigikile, 59, a Commonwealth Secretariat finance officer who is originally from Tanzania, wore her traditional Maasai outfit for the royal visit and spoke to the Queen.
Nice to meet you, Ma'am: The meets Commonwealth Games athlete Sasha Corbin
The Queen is given a warm welcome by staff including the Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation David Grevemberg (left) and Director of the Royal Commonwealth Society Michael Lake (centre)
She said: 'I wished her happy birthday, and said I was happy she had reached such a milestone, and she replied, 'oh, thank you'.
'I've always admired the Queen, especially because she is head of the Commonwealth.
'What she brings to the Commonwealth is her ability to act like glue, that sticks us all together. I've worked here for 35 years and I've always seen her passion for the Commonwealth.'
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 independent and equal sovereign states. It is home to 2.2 billion citizens, of whom over 60 per cent are under the age of 30.
Guest of honour Patricia Scotland QC introduces the Queen to staff at Marlborough House
The Baroness told the Queen that staff wanted to 'wish you the most resounding wonderful happy birthday'
As head of the institution the Queen presides over the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting - a global gathering of prime ministers and presidents - every two years.
During her visit to Marlborough House the Queen had a private meeting with the heads of the three organisations which will be the first members of the Commonwealth Hub.
It is hoped the hub will allow the organisations to share ideas and develop new ways of working together, and other Commonwealth bodies are expected to join them.
A ten-year-old ballerina has carried out one of her late grandmother's final wishes by picking up a CBE on her behalf at Buckingham Palace.
Gabriella Rummery, from Brasted, Kent, wore a dress chosen by her granny Jill Tookey before she died from pancreatic cancer aged 79 on March 25.
The Prince of Wales presented the young dancer with Ms Tookey's honour for services to dance and young people.
Gabriella Rummery, from Brasted, Kent, carried out one of her late grandmother's final wishes by picking up a CBE from Prince Charles on her behalf at Buckingham Palace
Afterwards Gabriella said Charles spoke to her about how her grandmother turned his book The Old Man Of Lochnagar into a ballet.
'He said "Oh yes, your granny said for me to come and watch", and I said "Yeah, that would be amazing",' she said.
Ms Tookey set up and ran the National Youth Ballet (NYB) for 29 years and Gabriella is a dancer there.
The NYB are dancing The Old Man Of Lochnagar again later this year in Ms Tookey's honour, which was another of her last wishes.
Speaking about her grandmother, Gabriella said she would have been 'really happy' about the trip to the Palace
Gabriella's mother, Camilla, 42, said: 'I was with her literally on her last days, minutes, and she really wanted Gabriella to pick up her CBE because she's the only granddaughter and she wanted to encourage Ella to follow her dreams'
Speaking about her grandmother, Gabriella said she would have been 'really happy' about the trip to the palace.
Ms Jill Tookey set up and ran the National Youth Ballet (NYB) for 29 years
'Granny was fun. And she was arty, and always happy,' she said.
'I will remember her as a fun and amazing grandma.'
Gabriella's mother, Camilla, 42, said: 'I was with her literally on her last days, minutes, and she really wanted Gabriella to pick up her CBE.
'She's the only granddaughter and she wanted to encourage Ella to follow her dreams.
'My mum got to where she got by dreaming big and never giving up, rather than saying "I can't do that".
'She saw the impossible and made it happen.
'And I think that's what she really wanted to instil in Gabriella.'
As founder and artistic director of the NYB, Ms Tookey inspired and encouraged thousands of children to go on to have professional careers in dance and the arts.
Looking ahead to the future, Gabriella said: 'What I want to be when I'm older is something amazing that can change the world in a good way.'
Looking ahead to the future, Gabriella said: 'What I want to be when I'm older is something amazing that can change the world in a good way'
Also picking up an honour was former HM Revenue and Customs chief executive Dame Lin Homer, who faced intense criticism from MPs while holding key Civil Service roles.
She was made a Dame for her public service, particularly to public finance.
Dame Lin, who did not speak to the press after receiving her honour, came under fire last year for her handling of tax-dodgers, and in January she was accused of allowing HSBC to get away 'scot-free' over the activities of its private Swiss bank.
Others picking up honours included literary agent Ed Victor, who received a CBE for services to literature.
Ed Victor, 76, from New York City, founded the Ed Victor literary agency, and said Charles mentioned that his wife's son, Tom Parker Bowles, is currently writing the Fortnum and Mason cookbook for the agent
Mr Victor, 76, from New York City, founded the Ed Victor literary agency, and said Charles mentioned that his wife's son, Tom Parker Bowles, is currently writing the Fortnum and Mason cookbook for the agent.
Asked whether he thinks Charles is a regular customer at Fortnum and Mason, Mr Victor said: 'I know he is. And his wife certainly is.'
Pushed on whether he thinks they get their weekly groceries from the upmarket store, Mr Victor said: 'I have no idea, but maybe.'
Talking about his honour, he joked that when he received the envelope containing the news he thought at first that it was a tax bill.
Mr Victor said he is celebrating by throwing a party for 100 of his closest friends.
Asked whether he thinks Charles is a regular customer at Fortnum and Mason, Mr Victor said: 'I know he is. And his wife certainly is'
Capt Muhammad, 47, of the Royal Signals, Army Reserve, who was born in Kenya but now lives in Birmingham, has been involved in a number of initiatives to improve links between the British Army and minority communities, especially with Muslim communities
Captain Naveed Muhammad received an MBE for his work with ethnic minorities.
Capt Muhammad, 47, of the Royal Signals, Army Reserve, who was born in Kenya but now lives in Birmingham, has been involved in a number of initiatives to improve links between the British Army and minority communities, especially with Muslim communities.
Speaking about what he and Charles talked about, he said: 'We spoke about how important it is to do this sort of work and also about how best we can improve the attraction of serving in the military but perhaps even improve the image of the cadet forces, so improve the take-up of minority groups into the cadet forces.'
Sir Jack Petchey, 90, received a knighthood for services to young people in east London and Essex through the Jack Petchey Foundation.
And Major Geoffrey Faraday, of the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps, became only the third person to receive the New Zealand Gallantry Star, awarded to him for gallantry in the field in Southern Sudan.
Chief executive of the LGBT Consortium Paul Roberts, who received an OBE for services to LGBT communities, said he and Charles discussed equal marriage.
Chief executive of the LGBT Consortium Paul Roberts, who received an OBE for services to LGBT communities, said he and Charles discussed equal marriage
Mr Roberts, 35, from Taunton in Somerset, was asked if he got the impression Charles was interested in the issue, to which he said: 'Yes, surprisingly so actually.'
He added: 'He did seem genuinely interested.'
Mr Roberts said the letter notifying him of his honour was sent to the wrong address and his colleague got a phone call from an official wanting to speak to him. The official told his colleague what it was about.
'She thought it was a joke so she laughed at the person down the phone, phoned me straight away, she was like "you'll never believe the phone call I've just taken",' he said.
Mr Roberts said lots of emails followed and he was in such a state of disbelief that he set about trying to verify the official's email address in case it was a prank.
'I genuinely thought this could still be a joke,' he said.
She was partying with A-listers earlier this week, but Princess Beatrice enjoyed a quieter moment when she met 'God' during a visit to York Minster earlier today.
The 27-year-old wore a powder blue blouse teamed with a matching A-line skirt as she strolled through the city streets.
Beatrice looked around the set of York Minister's production of the Mystery Plays, meeting the actors who will be playing God, the Devil and Herod in the production.
Beatrice, 27, visited York today to look around the set of the Mystery Plays being performed at York Minster
She met cast members at the stunning Gothic cathedral, including the actors playing God and the Devil
Beatrice, whose official title is the Princess of York, appeared animated as she was given a tour of the stunning Gothic cathedral.
Her father Prince Andrew is patron of the production, which features 150 actors from across the region.
It is only the second time that the Mystery Plays, a tradition involving telling Bible stories that dates back to medieval times, have been performed inside the York Minster in 700 years.
Beatrice was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd, and the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull at the historic cathedral.
She wore an elegant powder blue pussy bow blouse teamed with a matching A-line skirt
Beatrice, whose official title is the Princess of York, appeared animated as she strolled through the city
Beatrice, who teamed her elegant ensemble with a pair of black patent court shoes, took a walk around the city
The young royal also met school children, who sing in the York Minster Choir, during the visit.
Beatrice, who teamed her elegant ensemble with a pair of black patent court shoes, then took a walk around the city, taking time to speak to locals and visit small businesses.
At one point, she appeared to wince at a comment made by one person she was having a conversation with.
Beatrice went for a much more low-key look for the visit in York today, compared to the asymmetric royal blue gown she wore to a fundraising event in Milan on Tuesday evening.
Prince Andrew is patron of the Mystery Plays production, which features 150 actors from the region
Beatrice took time to speak to to locals and visit some of the businesses in the city centre
At one point, she appeared to wince at a comment made by one person she was speaking to
She joined a host of celebrities, stylists and models for the annual Convivio, in aid of HIV victims and their families.
The young royal, who is known as the 'Party Princess', had also been at an A-list event the previous night.
On Monday night Beatrice attended a party at Jimmy Carr's home in North London in a dramatic embellished red maxi dress.
She has been friends with Carr for years. She and boyfriend Dave Clark have often been spotted dining with the comedian and his girlfriend Karoline Copping.
Beatrice went for a much more low-key look for the visit in York today
Princess Beatrice wowed on the red carpet on Tuesday night as she joined a host of designers, stylists and celebrities for a fundraising event in aid of people suffering from HIV
Most available antidepressants do not help children and teenagers with serious mental health problems and some may be unsafe, experts have warned.
A review of clinical trial evidence found that of 14 antidepressant drugs only one, fluoxetine - marketed as Prozac - was better than a 'dummy' placebo at relieving the symptoms of young people with major depression.
Another drug, venlafaxine, was associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
Most available antidepressants do not help children and teenagers with serious mental health problems and some may be unsafe, experts have warned (file photo)
But the authors stressed that the true effectiveness and safety of antidepressants taken by children and teenagers remained unclear because of the poor design and selective reporting of trials, which were mostly funded by drug companies.
They recommended close monitoring of young people on antidepressants, regardless of what drugs they were prescribed, especially at the start of treatment.
Professor Peng Xie, a member of the team from Chongqing Medical University, China, said: 'The balance of risks and benefits of antidepressants for the treatment of major depression does not seem to offer a clear advantage in children and teenagers, with probably only the exception of fluoxetine.'
Major depressive disorder affects around 3 per cent of children aged six to 12 and 6 per cent of teenagers aged 13 to 18.
In 2004 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against the use of antidepressants in young people up to the age of 24 because of concerns about suicide risk.
Yet the number of young people taking the drugs increased between 2005 and 2012, both in the US and UK, said the study authors writing in The Lancet medical journal.
In the UK, the proportion of children and teenagers aged 19 and under taking antidepressants rose from 0.7 per cent to 1.1 per cent.
Only fluoxetine - marketed as Prozac (pictured) - was found to be better than a 'dummy' placebo. Another drug, venlafaxine, was associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts
The researchers conducted a systematic review of all published and unpublished trials looking at the effects of 14 antidepressants in young people with major depression up to the end of May 2015.
Analysis of 34 trials involving 5,260 participants with an average age of nine to 18 found that only in the case of fluoxetine did benefits outweigh risks in terms of efficacy and tolerability.
The balance of risks and benefits of antidepressants for the treatment of major depression does not seem to offer a clear advantage in children and teenagers Professor Peng Xie, of Chongqing Medical University, China Professor Peng Xie, of Chongqing Medical University, China
Nortriptyline was less effective than seven other drugs and placebo, while imipramine, venlafaxine and duloxetine were the least well tolerated.
Compared with placebo and five other drugs, venlafaxine was linked to an increased risk of suicidal attempts or suicidal thoughts.
Due to a lack of reliable data, the researchers said it was not possible to carry out a comprehensive analysis of 'suicidility risk' for all drugs.
Pharmaceutical companies funded 65 per cent of the trials.
Ten trials were judged to have shown a high risk of bias while 20 were rated as 'moderate'.
Only in the case of four trials was the risk of a biased outcome considered to be 'low'.
The overall quality of evidence for primary outcomes was 'very low', the researchers concluded.
The study's lead author Dr Andrea Cipriani, from Oxford University, said: 'Without access to individual-level data it is difficult to get accurate effect estimates and we can't be completely confident about the accuracy of the information contained in published and unpublished trials.
'It has been widely argued that there needs to be a transformation of existing scientific culture to one where responsible data sharing should be the norm.'
A family faces a race against time to raise 100,000 so their daughter can go to the US for life-saving cancer treatment.
Five-year-old Erin Cross has battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for three years and has exhausted all other treatment options.
Her only chance of beating the disease is to have a bone transplant - but needs to be in remission first.
Her family believe her last hope is to go to the US for CAR T Cell therapy - a treatment which teachers the body's immune cells to fight the disease.
But she would need to have the treatment - which costs 100,000 - within eight weeks or she will die - and the only place currently accepting patients onto trials is the US.
Her parents, Sarah and Antony, have set up a fundraising page which has already raise 63,370.
Sarah and Antony Cross face a race against time to raise thousands of pounds so their five-year-old daughter Erin can go to the US for life-saving cancer treatment
Erin has battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for three years and has exhausted all treatment options. Her doctors say her only hope is a bone marrow transplant - but she needs to be in remission first
Mrs Cross said: 'We hoped and prayed that Erin would just need chemotherapy to beat the disease this time but the only way is a bone marrow transplant.
'After talks with the team, treatment in America is our only option. Erin needs to receive CAR T Cells in eight weeks' time otherwise we will lose her. Please help save our little girl.
'It is a huge amount to raise in such a short time but we have to give Erin this chance.'
Erin was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) - cancer of the white blood cells - in 2012 and began chemotherapy immediately.
She recovered, went back to school, and her parents were overjoyed to see her go from strength to strength.
To their horror, in March this year she relapsed - and doctors said 95 per cent of her bone marrow contained leukaemia cells.
Since, she has undergone months of intensive treatment at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Erin was first diagnosed in 2012 (left, pictured before falling ill) and underwent rounds of chemotherapy (right, in hospital). But in March this year, she relapsed and doctors now say chemotherapy alone can't save her
Her family believes CAR T cell Therapy in the US could help her immune system beat the disease. The local community has rallied around Erin, and a fundraising page set up for her has already raised 63,370
But her distraught parents have been told that more chemotherapy won't be enough to cure Erin - and she desperately needs a bone marrow transplant or she will die.
After discussing options with her doctors, they were told CAR T Cell therapy could help her get into remission.
Erin's beautiful smile got us through some very difficult days and she has been an inspiration to everyone she met
CAR T Cell therapy is where immune cells are taken out of the body, re-engineered using stem cells, and injected back in.
This 'reboots' the immune system and teaches it to fight and kill the disease.
However, access to this treatment is limited in the UK - and
Mrs Cross told the Chester Chronicle: 'There is only one centre in the UK running a trial at the moment which recruits just one child per month nationwide.
'We feel we cannot wait to see if Erin will or will not have access to this trial so thats why weve started started a campaign to raise funds for treatment abroad.
'There are three centres in America that run paediatric CAR T Cell trials, so we are raising funds to increase the chances of Erin having access to this treatment if and when she needs it.'
Erin already beat the disease and went back to school last year. In March, she relapsed, and tests showed 95 per cent of her bone marrow contained leukaemia cells. Pictured with jockey Sir AP Mcoy and in hospital
Mrs Cross said: 'Erin's beautiful smile got us through some very difficult days and she has been an inspiration to everyone she met'. Erin is pictured in Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, when Prince Charles visited
Their local community has rallied behind them, and more than 60,000 has already been raised from social media and fundraising events.
Now, the parents are desperately trying to raise the rest of the money before it is too late.
Mrs Cross said: 'At the moment we are in such a daze at how this has happened.
'Erin's beautiful smile got us through some very difficult days and she has been an inspiration to everyone she met.
'We want to give her this chance and are so grateful to everyone who has supported us in raising this money so far.'
For more information, visit www.gofundme.com/teamerincross
The junior doctors' strikes caused the highest level of bed blocking ever seen, damning new figures have revealed.
Nearly 6,000 patients were stranded in hospital on April 28 - the day after junior doctors staged the first all-out strike in the history of the NHS.
The 'bed-blocking' crisis caused 655,377 days of hold-up between the beginning of January and the end of April this year.
The figures reveal a 16 per cent rise from 563,165 days in the same period last year.
NHS bosses said that pressures on care homes and community care is 'spilling over' into hospitals.
On the day after junior doctors went on the first all-out strike in the history of the NHS, 6,000 patients were stuck in hospital, official figures have revealed
If a care home is not ready to take a patient, they often have to stay in hospital even if they are well enough to be discharged.
This type of hold-up has soared by 37 per cent since last year, NHS England said.
The crisis could continue for up to five years, NHS England boss Simon Stevens warned earlier this week.
Delays in discharge are thought to cost the service 820million a year.
But they take a bigger toll on patients - with experts warning that being stuck in hospital for ten days takes the equivalent of ten years off their life.
NHS watchdog Monitor recently found that the average 67-year-old admitted to hospital in reasonably good health loses 14 per cent of their hip and muscle strength after just ten days.
They lose 12 per cent of their lung capacity and the overall decline in their mobility and fitness is equivalent to losing ten years of life.
Matthew Swindells, NHS England's national director of commissioning operations and information, said: 'April's figures show frontline services beginning to recover from a challenging winter and a late spike in flu, with A&E performance nearly 3 per cent higher this month.
'However, these new figures also show social care-related delayed hospital discharges up by 37 per cent compared with last year - further proof that increasing pressures in social care are spilling over into the NHS.'
A snapshot figure, measuring the number of patients delayed at midnight on the last Thursday of April, was the highest since current records began in 2010 - a total of 5,924
Demand on frontline services eased in April, allowing departments to hit 90 per cent for the first time this year, up from 87.3 per cent in March but still five percentage points short of the national target.
Hospitals handled more than 1.8 million A&E attendances in April, and there were 460,000 emergency admissions - a 2.2 per cent increase from the same month last year.
A snapshot figure, measuring the number of patients delayed at midnight on the last Thursday of April, was the highest since current records began in 2010 - a total of 5,924.
Nigel Edwards, chief executive of the Nuffield Trust think tank, said: 'Today's figures show the highest number of patients on record staying in hospital when they shouldn't have to because there are no proper arrangements for them to leave.
'Only two days ago, the head of the NHS Simon Stevens warned that this problem would continue for another five years research we published in the winter showed that even though long-staying patients last year made up only 3.6 per cent of the total, they accounted for over a third of total bed capacity, so addressing this issue must be a priority for the Health Service.'
An NHS England spokesman said: 'It's important patients who are well enough to leave hospital can do so at the earliest opportunity, and in some parts of the country the system is working well.
'However, performance varies and growing pressure on social care will intensify delayed discharges and put extra pressure on hospitals in the future.
The figures taken were for April 28, the day after a major walk out. Charities blamed a gap in social care funding on the high number of people being kept in hospital unnecessarily
'These figures underline the importance of joined-up care within the NHS and the dependence of hospitals on well-functioning social care services - particularly for older people living at home.'
Charities blamed a gap in social care funding on the high number of people being kept in hospital unnecessarily.
Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, said it was 'abundantly clear' that chronic under-investment in social care was sending numbers rocketing, while Vicky McDermott, chairwoman of the Care and Support Alliance, said the funding crisis was heaping 'needless pressure' on to the NHS.
Saffron Cordery, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, said: 'In the middle of the longest and deepest financial squeeze in the NHS's history it is easy to see why the majority of NHS providers are not hitting demanding targets. Correcting this will be a major challenge.
move in her ear and she went to A&E
Victoria Price began suffering pains in her head after going swimming in the sea. She was horrified when a nurse pulled a live spider out of her ear days later
A mother who believed she had a perforated eardrum was shocked to discover she actually had a live, wriggling spider living inside her ear.
Victoria Price, 42, had just returned home from a quick dip in the sea when she began suffering horrendous earache.
The mother, from Porthcawl, Wales, thought she might have an infection or perforated it - but it turned out to be something far more terrifying.
After a visit to accident and emergency, a nurse discovered a 'chunky'spider had crawled into her ear.
She pulled out the 'live, wriggly' creature, remarking that it was 'twice as big as it first looked'.
Mrs Price, an IT trainer with South Wales Police, had been swimming off Newton Beach, Porthcawl, when the furry spider is thought to have nestled itself inside her head.
'I got out of the shower [when I got home] and the pain in my ear was just incredible,' said Mrs Price.
'I was Irish dancing around the bathroom. I didn't know what to do with myself.
'I assumed I had trapped water or I'd perforated an eardrum or something.
'The first thing I did was reach for cotton wool, because you think if it's water that will absorb it.
'As soon as I put the cotton wool in it was quite a bit better but throughout the night it came and went. I didn't sleep very much.'
Mrs Price, who is a member of Newton Lifeguard Club, went to work the next day but the pain continued and she felt a gurgling sensation as though she had water in her ear.
'I was convinced it would go pop and the water would drain out,' she said.
That night the family went out for a meal and afterwards, before going to bed, Mrs Price asked her husband Huw to check in her ear for any sign of infection.
Upon taking a closer look he was horrified, and replied: 'There's something alive in there.'
After taking their eight-year-old daughter Bethan to her grandparents, the couple headed straight for Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.
Approaching the triage nurse, Mrs Price said: 'There's something alive in there, apparently.'
The 'chunky' spider was removed by nurse practitioner Sarah Gaze with forceps. Ms Gaze said: 'It was alive and very wriggly. It was quite big too. It must have been twice as big as it first looked'
Mrs Price was swimming in Newton Beach, Porthcawl (pictured) and her earache began when she returned home to showed. She believes the spider must have been nestled in the hood of her jumper
She said: 'She took the cotton wool out, shone in the light and said "okay" and then went off to find someone who would take it out.'
Sarah Gaze, emergency nurse practitioner at the hospital, had to overcome her own squeamishness while she dragged the creature out using forceps.
Ms Gaze said: 'It was very straightforward. The spider was visible in Victoria's inner ear and it came out quite easily.
'But it was alive and very wriggly.
'It was quite big too. It must have been twice as big as it first looked.
It was alive and very wriggly Sarah Gaze, emergency nurse practitioner
'Victoria was very brave - braver than me. I didn't find it a pleasant experience at all but it was my job so I had to overcome my fear.'
Mrs Price now has her own theory as to how the arachnid got in her ear in the first place.
She said: 'When I went to get changed in the cabin and put my hoodie on, the spider must have been in the hood and got into my hair.
'When I went into the shower the first thing it wanted to do is find somewhere warm and dry so it went into my ear.
'I think the pain must have been him dancing on my eardrum and the gurgling was him moving around.
'With the cotton wool in, it was dark so I think he'd calmed down a lot and every now and then he tried to escape by running around a lot, and that was the pain.'
Fortunately an examination showed the spider had not caused any problems.
A quarter of parents who suffer the tragedy of a stillbirth are not told that the hospital has launched an investigation, a damning report reveals.
National rules mean hospitals have to investigate every stillbirth, death to the newborn, or serious injury of babies during labour.
But 56 per cent of these investigations are inadequate, according to a report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
In 27 per cent of cases they provide poor quality information - and in another 29 per cent they contain no plans to make improvements.
National rules mean hospitals have to investigate every stillbirth, death to the newborn, or serious injury of babies during labour
External investigators are involved in only 7 per cent of cases, opening hospitals to the charge of bias.
Shockingly, in one in four incidents the parents are never told that an investigation has been launched, and never given the findings.
Experts warned that hospitals are not learning from their mistakes.
Health Minister Ben Gummer said that the findings were unacceptable - adding that the NHS is expected to learn from every case.
The report comes after Englands health ombudsman last year warned that grieving families face a wall of silence when they complain about bad care in the NHS.
Dame Julie Mellors report in December said that relatives often are left with no explanation as to why a loved-one has died, and instead are fobbed off with opaque reports absolving the NHS of blame.
Yesterdays report is the first in a series from data collected as part of RCOGs Each Baby Counts initiative, which aims to halve the number of stillbirths, neonatal deaths and severe brain injury by 2020.
The document provides interim data on these incidents from 2015.
Across the UK there were 921 cases, reported including 654 severe brain injuries, 147 cases when a baby had died in the first week of life - and 119 stillbirths.
Shockingly, in one in four incidents the parents are never told that an investigation has been launched, and never given the findings
Nicky Lyon, co-founder of the Campaign for Safer Births, said: Our son Harry suffered profound brain damage during term labour.
After a difficult life of tube feeding, constant sickness, fits and discomfort, our son died of a chest infection aged 18 months.
'As a family we have been left devastated at the loss of our beautiful boy.
In the days following Harrys birth we asked what had gone wrong, but we were ignored.
'It was only after submitting a formal complaint that we learnt that an investigation was already underway.
Its hard to describe how upset, confused and angry we were - the poor communication and secrecy made a terrible situation so much worse.
Judith Abela, acting chief executive of the stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands, said: Parents perspective of what happened is critical to understanding how care can be improved and they must be given the opportunity to be involved, with open, respectful and sensitive support provided throughout.
Professor Alan Cameron, RCOGs vice president for clinical quality and co-author of the report, added: Stillbirth rates in the UK remain high and our current data indicate that nearly 1,000 babies a year die or are left severely disabled because of potentially avoidable harm in labour.
When the outcome for parents is the devastating loss of a baby, or a baby born with a severe brain injury, there can be little justification for the poor quality of reviews.
Louise Silverton, director for midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, added: Each one of these statistics is a tragic event, and means terrible loss and suffering for the parents.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his trusted lieutenant, Labour Minister PT Parameshwara Naik, seem worried these days.
The reason? A female police officer who was transferred several times in the past six months has resigned, and is threatening to reveal damaging information relating to the minister on Facebook.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Anupama Shenoy, who was twice transferred by the Congress government following her showdown with Naik this year, had remained incommunicado since tendering her resignation four days ago.
Anupama Shenoy (left) targeted Labour Minister PT Parameshwara Naik (right) on Facebook, writing: "I have resigned, now minister will you? Please wait, I will release the CD post midnight."
The government is trying in vain to convince her to withdraw the resignation in the wake of intense public criticism.
However Anupama, whose parents reportedly can't reach her either, is posting messages on her Facebook account, including, I have resigned, now minister will you? Please wait, I will release the CD post midnight.
Her Facebook posts have sent the Congress leaders into a tizzy, while the police are trying to verify whether the account is actually being handled by her or someone else.
In some of her posts, the officer indicates the involvement of a woman with the minister but stops just short of revealing it.
Naik, who is on the receiving end, is trying to put up a brave front on the issue.
How can I comment on what she is posting on Facebook? We are not even sure if the Facebook account belongs to her, he told the media.
Anupama was allegedly upset with the interference of the minister in her routine work in the Ballari district, of which Naik is in-charge.
In January, Naik was caught on camera proudly claiming that he got Anupama transferred as she did not respond properly to his phone calls.
Last week, the minister reportedly interfered with her work when she tried to take on the liquor lobby, prompting her to tender her resignation.
Anupama, who is the Kudligi DSP, has not revealed the reason for her resignation officially so far.
A 2010 batch Karnataka cadre officer, Anupama was transferred to Indi Division in Vijayapura district from Ballari on January 18 following her fall-out with the minister.
However, in February the government transferred her back to Kudgli following a massive public outcry.
During the first week of June, she had ordered the preventive custody of three people who had allegedly encroached upon land belonging to Ambedkar Bhavan. But Naik allegedly asked her to drop the case.
Naik, however, is maintaining that he was neither involved in the transfer of the officer nor intervened in the latest case.
The issue has dented the image of the Congress government, which had to handle snap stirs by the police and the government staff last week.
In an effort to put an end to the issue, the government dispatched a police team to her home in coastal Karnataka, but her parents are clueless about her whereabouts.
Former CM and Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa termed the situation alarming for government servants.
Authorities at a top Delhi hospital allegedly signed blank documents that were later filled in by a thriving cash-for-kidney syndicate to enable illegal transplants, police sources told Mail Today.
The claims came as investigators made fresh breakthroughs on Wednesday in a case that has captivated the nation.
Officials say they will verify the signatures on the forms, which were handled by personal assistants of a senior doctor at southeast Delhis Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
Alleged kidney racket kingpin Rajkumar Rao (centre) being produced in court on June 8
T Rajkumar Rao, arrested this week in Kolkata, is accused of leading the gang which paid poor people to give up their kidneys. The organs were sold to rich Indians and foreigners.
Apollo Hospital said it is cooperating with the probe, while terming itself a victim of a well-orchestrated operation to cheat patients.
Investigators believe Rajkumar and his men used details from forged documents to fill in the forms - which are supposed to be completed by hospital authorities - and got clearance from the institutes medical board.
The case has triggered outrage and calls for the government to tighten organ transplant regulations to stop the illicit trade, amid rising global demand.
Police say they have also identified another person who bought a kidney from the syndicate.
He is the son of a civil engineer based in Ghaziabad. He got a kidney transplant through Rajkumar and paid around Rs 25 lakh. He will be asked to join the investigation, and, if found appropriate, we will arrest the recipient, an official said.
Police are seeking legal opinion on whether or not to take action against the family members of kidney recipients.
A police FIR shows Rajkumar charged around Rs 25-30 lakh for a kidney. The donors would get only a tenth of this amount.
A Delhi Police team has brought the alleged ringleader to the city.
His interrogation is very important for the case. We are hopeful of getting some crucial details, said additional DCP (south-east) Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
According to sources, police have recovered several unfilled forms with signatures on them.
The job of getting these signed documents was given to two arrested workers at Apollo Hospital. We will check whether the sign atures are forged or real, a senior police official said.
Authorities have also found forged documents, including ID proofs, which the gang used to establish a relationship between the donors and recipients to meet legal requirements.
Analysts say poverty in Indias countryside makes the offer of cash for organs hard to resist.
We will ask for Rajkumars police custody so that we can get details about his network. During investigation, we have found that Apollo is not the only hospital where he had connections, an officer said.
Also, we have seized documents from the hospital. We will cross-examine all the accused, including kingpin Rajkumar.
Sources maintain the accused had links with other medical institutes and path labs in the Capital, Jalandhar, Coimbatore, and parts of West Bengal.
According to the police, one of the doctors who is under the scanner left for the United States late last month.
Explaining how Rajkumar was arrested, a police officer said he was changing his location almost every 12 hours. He switched cellphones after learning about the arrest of some gang members last week.
This one-year-old Siberian Husky was kidnapped a week ago while he was out for a walk with his owner at a park in south Delhis Vasant Kunj area.
On Thursday, he was found tied to a pole in the same park.
The pup's return has brought a smile to the face of Aftab Khan, his owner - but the dog seems to have been tortured by the criminals. When he was found, he looked weak and his fur had been shaved off by the dog-snatchers to avert arrest.
Cruel: Siberian Husky Zorro was snatched from his owners by cattle thieves, who later shaved the dog's fur off in a bid to avoid police notice
Police suspect that the gang of cattle thieves who abducted the dog left him in the park, fearing arrest. Zorro was spotted by locals, who quickly raised the alarm.
Officials believe that as the dog's picture had gone viral and teams were on the lookout for the gang, his fur was shaved off to avoid easy identification.
Terming the incident inhuman, animal activists have condemned the attack and demanded the immediate arrest of the gang.
Exotic: Zorro as he looked before the dog-napping. His owner Aftab Khan said the dog was weak when locals found him, but is now being nursed back to health.
The police had registered a case after they were informed about the dog-napping on Thursday. On June 3, while Zorro and Khan were out for a morning walk, the dog started following a gang of cattle thieves looking out for pigs in a wooded area nearby.
Zorro saw the pigs in their SUV and started barking, after which the gang of around four-five men snatched the Siberian Husky, bundled him into their Toyota Innova and sped away.
We are extremely happy to get the dog back. The police and the media helped us in getting it back. We are upset with the fact that his hair was shaved off, owner Aftab Khan said.
T Rajkumar Rao, kingpin of the kidney racket unearthed by the Delhi Police, allegedly donated a kidney years ago in Coimbatore - which began his association with the illegal organ trade.
According to police, Rao donated his kidney around 10 years ago, then started working for the cash-for-organs gang.
He expanded his operations in north India and set up gangs in Jalandhar.
Kidney racket kingpin Rajkumar Rao (in green shirt) and other suspected gang members being produced at saket court
Police believe that Rao used to visit hospitals in Delhi as a medical representative.
Rajkumar also confessed that he was involved with the gang for the last 10 years. We are also receiving information regarding fresh cases. So far, we are focusing on the racket working in Apollo Hospital, a senior official claimed.
Rajkumar has disclosed that during his initial days he was a tout and his job was to find donors.
He told us that initially he was just a member of a gang that used to operate in Jalandhar. He also met another accused, Ashu, and took this illegal organ donation business to the next level.
"His aides told him that north India had good potential for the trafficking business and they could also manage things easily in Apollo Hospital. They also asked him to settle in Delhi, which he refused to do, sources said.
Later, Rajkumar started meeting the staff working for various doctors and became the kingpin of the racket.
He started meeting the staff employed in various hospitals including Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. He met two personal assistants indentified as Aditya Singh (24) and Shailesh Saxena (31), working for a senior nephrologist at Apollo Hospital. He told the two that he could get them good donors and help them fetch a good amount if they helped him. They agreed to the proposal and started dealing with Rajkumar, sources said.
When the Delhi and Kolkata police teams reached the home of Rajkumar, he was celebrating his wedding anniversary.
Indian airports could be a weak link in the countrys security chain because the wrong people are being hired for key safety roles.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has appointed close to 40 officials at various airports in key managerial positions in its security establishment.
But they have little professional experience in this specialised job.
The Airports Authority of India has appointed close to 40 officials at various airports in key security positions. But they have little professional experience in these specialised jobs. (File picture)
Some have previously worked as personal assistants (PAs), stenographers, electricians and accountants in AAIs finance department.
These candidates were hand-picked by the AAI management through an internal department promotion (IDP) scheme which was introduced in 2014 for the appointment of managers and assistant managers to handle the sensitive security wing.
Sources said that a recent incident in which AAIs chief security officer of Srinagar airport had breached the security protocol multiple times, was the outcome of this ill-conceived move to promote employees from other departments and post them in the security wing as part of a lateral movement policy.
Mail Today has found out that the security manager, Tilak Raj Guglani, who created the embarrassment, was previously employed as a PA in AAI.
He was promoted as part of the IDP scheme and posted at Srinagar airport as his first job in the security set-up.
Guglani had forced the ground staff of Indigo airline to let him board the Srinagar-Delhi flight on a pass issued to another junior AAI official.
A source from the civil aviation ministry said: AAI was actually trying to play down the incident and took action against the official only after the top brass was pulled up by the ministry.
Indigo had promptly suspended three of its ground staffers.
Critics of the IDP policy allege that it was put in place to promote favourites and cronies and constitutes a security risk.
The AAI, in a response to Mail Today, confirmed that over 40 officials had been promoted through IDP and have been posted at different airports depending on vacancy positions.
They were from different cadre[s] and have exposure of Airport Management by virtue of serving the organisation and attending various seminars, trainings etc. All officials taken through IDP policy are given mandatory training in security before posting at various airports, the official statement said.
As far as the security breach at the Srinagar airport is concerned, the statement said the matter is being probed.
The officer has undergone the basic Aviation Security (AVSEC) course conducted by the government regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
A preliminary inquiry has been conducted and the concerned officer has been placed under suspension.
A detailed inquiry is on before initiating disciplinary action, the statement added.
Former Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Kanu Gohain said: Unless a person has a background and previous experience in handling security, he should not be appointed to a security managers post. Only one who has knowledge of dealing with security matters should be appointed to such a post.
Gohain said an AVSEC course is a very basic one.
A security officer needs to know a lot more, ranging from the drill to be followed in handling unaccompanied baggage that may contain explosives, handling situations when a fire breaks out or to neutralise an intruder. It is a long exhaustive list and even training in hand-to-hand combat is essential for security officials. No short term course can suffice, he added.
The security wing of the AAI has powers to recommend the issuing of passes to employees of concessionaires such as restaurants and duty free shops at the airport, which requires careful screening.
They are also expected to co-ordinate with the other security agencies such as the CISF deployed at the airport.
The Modi Cabinet had last week approved the agreement between the DGCA and the French civil aviation authority, DGAC, for technical cooperation in implementing ICAO standards and practices.
Airport managers, engineers and technicians are expected to be trained by French experts under the pact.
French and Indian experts would visit each others country on training missions.
In the wake of the Udta Punjab 'cuts' controversy, Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani has admitted to being an active 'admirer' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Nihalani said: I am a follower of my PM as I am an Indian citizen. I admire him, his vision and what he is doing for the country. I had made the video on his achievements before he was the PM and I am proud of it.
He went on to say: I am proud to be a Modi chamcha (acolyte). Should I be a chamcha of the Italian Prime Minister instead?
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Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani has allegedly demanded 89 cuts to new film anti-drug film Udta Punjab
Nihalani is in the middle of a raging storm over the Shahid Kapoor-starrer Udta Punjab.
Producers of the film are battling the censor board which has allegedly demanded 89 cuts, including dropping the word Punjab from the title.
Political parties like the Aam Aadmi Party have alleged that Nihalani acted under the direction of the Punjab government.
Nihalani retorted: I do not know Anurag personally. He is getting personal with me (unnecessarily). Because I am working as per rule and not according to their will, they want my ouster - and if the government also wants that, then definitely.
On accusations of being a dictator, he said: They are saying that without even meeting me. I have also heard that the AAP has sponsored this movie.
Producers of the film Udta Punjab are battling the censor board, which has allegedly demanded 89 cuts including dropping the word Punjab from the title
Explaining the chain of events on Udta Punjab, Nihalani said: On the 1st, they gave the application. On the 3rd, we viewed the film and on the 6th, they had to bring it in with cuts - which they did not and on the 7th, they went to the media. Now they are producing their own versions.
Commenting on the CBFCs (Central Board of Film Certification) functioning, he said: The applications are brought to us by the agents. Seventy-two per cent of the film has been passed without any cut in the past one-and-a-half year. So I dont think the concerned people have any issue with CBFC.
On the cuts in Udta Punjab, he added: Scenes passed in promo have been passed in the film too. Nothing has been cut.
The AAP has claimed that Nihalani has got the coveted post of CBFC Chief not on the basis of his credentials but for his allegiance to the BJP.
Pahlaj Nihalanis statement make it clear that he has stopped the film on the BJPs instructions, Kejriwal tweeted.
It appears that all is not well between the Bharatiya Janata Party and its MP Varun Gandhi.
According to reliable sources, Varuns May 1 visit to Allahabad did not go down well with the top BJP leaders, who have ordered the young leader to restrict his political activities to his Sultanpur constituency.
Varun Gandhis visit came at a time when the partys national executive was readying itself to meet at Allahabad, to chalk out its strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh where the party is yet to declare its CM candidate.
Varun Gandhi's recent visit (pictured) to Allahabad did not go down well with the top BJP leaders
The Sultanpur lawmaker is rated as one of the partys most popular leaders on social media.
However, his surname and kinship with the Gandhis of the Congress party have apparently contributed to his strained relations with the BJPs top leadership and Sangh strategists.
According to a state party leader, many organisational strategists see Varun Gandhi as a symbol of dynastic politics.
He represents the Gandhi family in the BJP. Thats something which contradicts the Sanghs ideology," the leader said.
Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, the BJP has vowed to discourage dynastic politics in the organisation.
State BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya had sent his detailed report on Varuns visit to Allahabad to the top brass in New Delhi.
Sources said that when the party sought Varuns reply he struck a defiant note, saying he would continue to meet the farmers.
That's when the BJP leadership ordered him not to hold events outside Sultanpur without prior permission from the party.
Women drivers may think they are more likely to be ripped off over car repairs, but new research shows that it is men who really pay over the odds at the garage.
Male motorists are quoted on average 13 per cent more than women for car repairs and servicing bucking the widespread perception that females are more likely to be fleeced. And older men can pay up to a third (32 per cent) more for a service.
Dark or red-haired women do best of all and tend to receive the most competitive quotes with blondes paying more on average, according to the research by car insurer by Sheilas Wheels which used male and female mystery shoppers to test how garages responded to the same car repair presented by different sexes.
Dispelling a motor-industry myth: Female-only insurer Sheila's Wheels says women pay less for a car service and repair work than men, going against the age old assumption that female drivers are fleeced by garages
It adds that one in four drivers (28 per cent) take their car to be repaired for one problem and end up replacing or fixing something else, spending an average of 230 extra. And one in four (25 per cent) male drivers avoid going to the garage as think they will get ripped off.
The Sheilas Wheels research among 100 independent car garages across the country concludes: Garages charge men more than women for the same car repairs.
At each of the garages, both male and female mystery shoppers requested quotes for a minor service and to fit either new brake pads or a new alternator on a 2011 Ford Fiesta.
On servicing costs, the research found that a minor service would cost a man 106, compared to the average price of 94 for a woman a difference of 13 per cent.
On repairs the research also found that older men in particular got a worse deal. Men aged sixty and over were charged 32 per cent more to replace an alternator - paying 258 compared to 196, , 26% more for a basic service (103 compared to 82) and 17 per cent more to fit brake pads (74 compared to 63) when compared to quotes received by women of the same age.
HOW WOMEN PAY LESS FOR A CAR SERVICE THAN MEN
MEN (ALL AGES) WOMEN (ALL AGES) MEN OVER 60 WOMEN OVER 60 COST OF MINOR SERVICE 106 94 103 82 COST TO REPLACE AN ALTERNATOR 252 246 258 196 Source: Sheila's Wheels
Women with red hair were found to pay less for a work carried out on their cars than blondes
Overall, one in four (25 per cent) male drivers avoid going to the garage altogether, sending someone else who they think has got better knowledge on their behalf. At the same time, 41 per cent of women avoid taking their car to the garage because they think a man is less likely to get ripped off.
The investigation showed men (49 per cent) received more formal service than women ( 26 per cent) at the garage. Around half of the male participants said they were addressed as sir or mister rather than mate.
Women on the other hand, were more likely (16 per cent) than men (8 per cent) to be greeted with terms of endearment including love (8 per cent) and darling (6 per cent). The report noted: While women get a better deal its not all equal. Those with darker or red hair tend to get the most competitive rates, receiving quotes 20 per cent lower than blondes for new brake pads on the same car.
THE IMPACT OF WOMEN'S HAIR COLOUR
BLONDE WOMEN BRUNETTE/RED HEADED WOMEN COST OF MINOR SERVICE 95 93 COST TO REPLACE AN ALTERNATOR 77 62 Source: Sheila's Wheels
Brunettes were quoted 61.54 for new brake pads, and blondes were quoted 77.28.
Asked about their most recent visit to a garage, more than one in four (28 per cent) motorists took their vehicle for one thing and ended up replacing or fixing something else, spending an extra 230 in repairs.
Male drivers are also more likely to say their final bill was a lot higher than the initial estimate given by the mechanic - with 14 per cent of men compared to 9 per cent of women saying it was higher. Men are also nearly twice as likely to claim the garage did work they didnt ask for at 5 per cent, compared to 3 per cent of women.
Sheila's Wheels said it conducted the research using data from 100 independent garages in the UK
The most common extras that are up sold to men include replacing brake pads (22 per cent), new brake discs (15 per cent), a full service (12 per cent) and a full set of tyres (12 per cent).
Sheilas Wheels spokesperson Elspeth Hackett, said: Taking your car to a garage can be a confusing and costly experience especially for those with limited motoring knowledge and the imbalance of knowledge can lead drivers vulnerable to rip offs and sharp practice whatever your gender.
Even if you have no knowledge of car maintenance, it can pay to arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can about your car when it goes wrong. Its best to search the internet for details about the problem and find out average costs and then shop around at local garages to see what they would charge.
Star investment manager Neil Woodford is exploring the possibility of launching a new high income fund targeting a bigger return than his existing vehicle.
The highly popular Woodford Equity Income fund - which dominated bestseller charts in the last Isa season - currently yields 3.55 per cent. However, any new fund would aim for a 4.2 to 4.5 per cent yield for starters, according to a survey circulated by Woodford's firm to gauge demand among private investors and brokers.
Income funds attract investors because they focus on stocks that generate dividends, which can be reinvested and offer the opportunity for outsized returns through compounding gains.
Neil Woodford: Widely considered the UK's best investment manager after delivering stunning returns over a career spanning decades
And any new income fund from Woodford, widely considered the UK's best investment manager, is likely to generate strong interest and a rush of money.
Woodford is lauded for his 25-year track record at Invesco Perpetual, and since he struck out on his own in 2014 his income fund has outperformed the rest of its sector and drawn in nearly 9billion in cash to date (see the chart below).
Investors appear undeterred by the fund going through a sticky patch during the market crash at the start of this year, or the less stellar performance of Woodford's Patient Capital Trust, which focuses on younger companies with high growth potential.
The survey on the possible launch of new high income fund seeks feedback on how much investor appetite is out there for such a product. Woodford ran a successful high income fund alongside his income fund at Invesco Perpetual, but investing experts say their performance didn't actually differ that much.
The proposed new fund would target a consistently higher yield than the Woodford Equity Income Fund. It would probably be wholly invested in stock market-listed companies, and at least 85 per cent in dividend paying stocks, according to the survey.
It would focus primarily on UK-listed companies but have global reach, so it could end up being 20 or 25 per cent invested internationally. It would therefore not qualify for the IA UK Equity Income fund sector, and probably sit in the IA Specialist sector instead.
Recent investing record: Woodford's income fund has outperformed peers since its launch in 2014
This holds more of a mixed bag of funds - it's three-year performance league is currently topped by biotech, healthcare and India players.
Woodford Investment Management, the fund house founded by Woodford, stresses it is only seeking feedback about a high income product at this stage, and the specifics and even whether it launches at all will be guided by the response.
Chief executive Craig Newman says: 'Were currently speaking to private investors, intermediaries and platforms to glean views and appetite for a new equity fund targeting a higher income.'
What do investing experts say?
'Any new high income fund would need to be significantly different to Neil Woodfords existing income fund to add value and would also need to honour the high income name and the fund objectives, which they have indicated it would do,' says Adrian Lowcock, head of investing at AXA Wealth.
'Woodford is an excellent manager and has proven successful at delivering returns for investors. However, he does so without the constraints of chasing yield for yield's sake. A fund with a significantly higher yield will be more restricted and might not deliver the same long-term performance we have come to expect from Neil Woodford.'
Lowcock said the performance of Woodford's higher income fund at Invesco Perpetual during the 10 years before his departure was very similar to that of his Invesco Perpetual Income fund in terms of capital returns, dividends and volatility.
'The income yield on the high income fund struggled to live up to its name and on many occasions was actually lower than the income fund. As such many investors ended up with a product that did not live up to its name, although the performance was still impressive.'
Lowcock provided the following comparison table covering Woodford's final decade at Invesco Perpetual to illustrate his point.
INVESCO PERPETUAL HIGH INCOME VS INCOME FUND
Total return Price return (excl divs) Invesco Perpetual High Income 199% 120% Invesco Perpetual Income 196% 115% *All performance shown is after any charges taken from the fund Source: AXA Wealth
Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, says: 'Anything with the Woodford name above the door is sure to garner fresh interest from investors, particularly if it comes with a higher income to boot.
'The flip side is the existing fund may have better total return prospects thanks to the inclusion of small unquoted companies which, while risker, have lots of growth potential. A new fund would allow investors to choose whether they prefer to focus on total return or income, or indeed hedge their bets with a bit of both.
'If the new fund invests without geographical constraints that could also open up new opportunities for the manager, but would mean the fund would have to sit outside the UK Equity Income sector. Perhaps thats not as great a loss as it might once have been, given the number of income funds that have been booted out of the sector.
Boots' UK boss Simon Roberts is to step down to 'pursue new opportunities', the company has announced.
Roberts, who is president of the pharmacy chain and high street retailer, will quit in July as part of a major shake-up of its senior management team.
The announcement comes in the wake of allegations in April that managers at the firm were claiming public money from the NHS by directing their pharmacists to give 'medicine-use reviews' to customers who did not need them.
Change at the top: President of the pharmacy chain will quit in July as part of a major shake-up of its senior management team
Roberts, a former executive vice president of parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance, said: 'I feel very privileged and fortunate to have had 13 happy years at Boots and the opportunity to work alongside a great team, and with many exceptionally talented people.
'As Boots is such an extraordinary company with a compelling and life-changing purpose, this of course has been a difficult decision to make.'
In February it was revealed that more than 350 management roles at Boots would be lost as part of the health and beauty groups cost saving plan.
The chain which employs nearly 60,000 across the UK said it would make the cuts through redundancies, moving staff into different roles or through retraining.
Cuts included assistant store managers in larger shops and it said around 400 of its staff were to be be transferred to call-centre provider Teleperformance, which will run two of its customer service centres.
But Boots said it wasnt simply culling jobs and would invest in investment in training academies for staff.
Boots, which has 2,500 stores across the UK, is part of US group Walgreens Boots Alliance and is based in Chicago.
EMi artists EMI include as The Beatles, Coldplay, Kylie Minogue and Katy Perry (pictured)
He's renowned as one of the Square Miles most astute deal-makers. Guy Hands has carved an estimated 260million fortune out of being able to spot a bargain, and turn struggling firms into corporate successes.
But this week the star financier, who runs private equity firm Terra Firma, has had to lay bare how he lost 156million of his own money in the collapse of record label EMI with its dazzling list of artists such as The Beatles, Coldplay, Kylie Minogue and Katy Perry.
And it wasnt just cash that Hands claims to have been deprived of, but his reputation in the City and the chance to turn Terra Firma into a mega-firm.
Now Hands, 56, is seeking damages of 1.5billion against bankers at Citigroup, claiming it misled him over the 4.2billion takeover of the music label in 2007. It is a claim the investment giant denies.
The hearing, which began this week, marks the latest twist in a saga that has already been heard in the courtrooms of New York, before crossing the Atlantic, briefly coming to life in a courtroom in Manchester, before heading to Londons High Court.
The US lawsuit was lost, but Hands is trying to prove that he only agreed to spend so much cash on the takeover because Citigroups David Wormsley, the head of banking in the UK, lied to him in phone calls about the presence of a second bidder before EMI was auctioned off.
Citigroup advised the record company on the deal, but also provided 2.5billion in finance for Terra Firma, and earned tens of millions of pounds in fees, Hands claims.
From the moment Hands bought EMI, the deal started to go wrong. CD sales began to fall around the globe as illegal music downloads started to rocket.
And as the global financial crisis hit it compounded the problems. Citigroup ended up taking control of EMI in 2011. Citi lost 800million and Terra Firma lost 1.5billion in the EMI deal.
This court hearing centres around four sets of alleged conversations between three senior Citi bankers and with Hands in 2007, in which facts were misrepresented. Citi says the alleged misrepresentations did not happen.
Hands tried unsuccessfully to sue Citigroup in the US, but the case was terminated in 2014 and it is being heard in the High Court in London.
Terra Firma also claims Citigroup did not provide key information to the fund over EMIs creditworthiness.
Documents shown to the court this week revealed that a Citigroup employee had in a 2007 email described EMI as a terminally ill cancer patient on chemotherapy.
The downfall of EMI was a blow to Terra Firma, which currently owns the care home group Four Seasons, as well as Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group, which it has put up for sale for a reported 1billion.
It lost a third of its investors capital and Hands, who is now said to be worth around 346million, told the court he personally lost 156million.
Battle: Guy Hands tried unsuccessfully to sue Citigroup in the US, but the case was terminated in 2014 and it is being heard in the High Court in London
But more damaging than this, Hands claims, is how his firm and its reputation have suffered.
Hands claims Terra Firma has raised just one 450million fund since the EMI deal.
He told the court that many private equity groups have disasters with investments but they all moved on. The problem is the fact that we havent moved on. And we havent moved on because of good reasons.
He told the court the main reason was the long-running litigation around EMI.
Hands has lived in a 10million coastal five-bedroom house in Guernsey since 2009, after moving there for tax reasons. His wife, Julia, runs Hand Picked Hotels and still lives in Kent with their four children in their family home which was once owned by Winston Churchill.
Despite getting an A grade, an E grade and a fail at A-level, Hands got into Oxford University to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics and went on to work at Goldman Sachs and Nomura.
Citigroups QC, Mark Howard, yesterday accused Hands of changing his story since the first legal case in the US six years ago, and Hands conceded that he had a hazy memory of events.
Howard said his account was all over the place.
A Citigroup spokesman said: Citi did not make any dishonest statements to Guy Hands or Terra Firma throughout the auction process for EMI and is confident the UK trial will confirm this.
She was the face of TV current affairs on Channel Seven but two years ago Helen Kapalos took out an $80,000 loan, packed her bags and set out to 'find the truth about medicinal marijuana'.
Ms Kapalos, 45, who was also the face of news on the Nine and Ten networks, said that documenting the 'truth about medicinal marijuana is the most important thing I have ever done'.
She was introduced to the controversy around cannabis oil and other marijuana treatments while reporting on the struggle of Australian patients like Dan Haslam from Tamworth.
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Former TV news and current affairs presenter Helen Kapalos has spent the past two years researching and filming for her new documentary on the use of medicinal marijuana
Helen (centre) pictured with Dan and Alyce Haslam. The reporter's interest in the subject of medicinal marijuana began when she aired a story on Dan's battle with bowel cancer in June 2014. He died in 2015 after fighting the illness for five years
Here the drug is administered by way of vaporiser to Israeli patient Yedidya Kenuff through a tube. He is paralysed from the neck down
Mr Haslam spoke to Ms Kapalos of his shame at having to illegally source the substance on the black market in Australia to provide relief from terminal bowel cancer.
'So I did a crazy thing - I went to the bank and told them I was renovating my kitchen and they gave me an $80,000 redraw,' she told Daily Mail Australia.
'It might have seemed a bit foolish but I just got cracking.'
She takes a look at the largest human trials of medicinal marijuana in the world in Israel in a documentary entitled: 'A Life Of Its Own' - The truth about medical marijuana'.
Viewers are given the reasons for and against the treatment and the program takes them into centres and homes where patients are given the drug for pain relief.
The medicine is legal in Israel, Spain and several states across the US. In Australia, only Victoria has to date passed legislation allowing for its use in specific circumstances from next year.
Kapalos interviewed experts in the field around the world including oncologist Dr Moshe Inbar at the Sourasky Hospital Cancer Centre in Tel Aviv
Head grower at Tikun Olam centre in Israel, Roy Reshef, took the film crew inside the purpose-built marijuana plantation. The documentary looks at the stark contrasts between Israel's federal-backed program and Australian law
The Tikun Olam centre calls itself the first and largest supplier of medicinal cannabis in Israel
The death of Tamworth bowel cancer patient Dan Haslam last year inspired Helen Kapalos to find out more about medicinal marijuana. The TV host wanted to know more about the topic after first meeting him in 2014
In Jerusalem, she sought out the man revered as 'the Godfather of medicinal cannabis' Professor Raphael Mechoulam.
He began his research more than 50 years ago when local police handed him five kilograms of the drug.
Prof Mechoulam found it had two active compounds - Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD has been found to be effective in controlling seizures in children with epilepsy. Advocates argue CBD is non-psychoactive - in contrast to THC.
Head grower Roy Reshef also takes the crew into one of the purpose built plantations in Tikun Olam, in Israel's north.
It is one of eight government-licensed facilities producing cannabis for specific illnesses, with some strains rich in CBD and others in THC.
Kapalos' documentary also reveals the different ways in which the medicinal marijuana is taken by patients, including through a plastic vaporising bag.
Helen pictured with Canberra girl Abbey Dell, 4, who suffers a rare neurological disorder known as CDKL5. Her mother Cherie reveals the heartache of having to rely on the drug through the black market
Epilepsy sufferer Deisha Stevens, 9, (pictured), whose father David has long advocated for the use of cannabis oil as a medical treatment
According to a new survey delivered at the Jerusalem Conference on Health Policy more than 90 per cent of patients enrolled in Israel's medical cannabis program report significant improvements in pain management
Dr Andrew Katelaris has long been one of Australia's most vociferous advocates of medical cannabis - he was de-registered in 2005 for refusing to stop supplying the drug.
Epilepsy sufferer Deisha Stevens, 9, from the NSW north coast, was among the patients he treated.
Victoria legalised the use of cannabis for medical purposes in April and the drug is expected to be made available to children suffering from epilepsy by next year.
Dan Haslam's five-year plight brought the issue to the attention of NSW premier Mike Baird and triggered trials at Sydney's two children's hospitals.
'I'll never forget Dan's eyes at that moment, or the look on his family, it was compelling, it was real and it prompted me to act,' said Mr Baird.
Helen's documentary is screening as part of the Canadian film festival Hot Docs, which is in Australia for the first time this year and will tour Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.
'A Life Of Its Own' will premiere at Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como on Saturday, June 18.
'I know there are people here that understand and know what happened,' an FBI agent told McClellanville residents as teen's parents wept
Feds revealed the girl is likely dead, and offered a $25K reward for info
Seven years after a teen from upstate New York disappeared while on a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, the case is now considered a homicide and a $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to a conviction, the FBI said Wednesday.
Brittanee Drexel of Rochester, New York, was 17 when she was last seen leaving a beachfront hotel in April 2009 in video recorded on a surveillance camera.
The investigation indicates Drexel was likely held against her will and killed in the vicinity of McClellanville, a fishing hamlet about 60 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach, said FBI South Carolina Special Agent in Charge David Thomas.
Drexel's cellphone transmitted its last known signal the day after she disappeared near the South Santee River, about 15 miles outside McClellanville.
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Brittanee Drexel of Rochester, New York, was 17 when she was last seen leaving a beachfront hotel in April 2009
This undated photo provided by the Myrtle Beach, S.C., Police Department shows Brittanee Drexel, who was 17 years old when she disappeared in 2009
Dawn Drexel, mother of Britanee Drexel, speaks to reporters during a news conference in McClellanville, S.C. on Wednesday
Courtesy of 13WHAM
Thomas said the teen was probably in the area for several days, and he urged anyone with information to come forward.
'After seven long years of waiting and praying for the return of my daughter, we know she isn't coming home alive,' Dawn Drexel, her mother told reporters.
'Brittanee's life was stolen from her in a brutal and senseless fashion. I need your help in bringing the people responsible for her death to justice.'
The investigation for years has been handled as a missing-person case.
Drexel she was last seen leaving a beachfront hotel in April 2009 in video recorded on a surveillance camera
Another angel from a surveillance camera shows the teen leaving the hotel. The investigation for years has been handled as a missing-person case
The investigation indicates Drexel was likely held against her will and killed in the vicinity of McClellanville. She is pictured above
Although authorities have believed for some time that Brittanee was probably dead, they didn't say so earlier 'in the interest of trying to protect the parents and ... maintain hope that we could still bring her back alive'.
Asked if anything has changed in recent weeks that prompted the news conference, Thomas said, 'We think we are at the point where one or two small pieces of information could put us over the edge. We're reaching out to those people that may have information.'
FBI Special Agent in Charge David Thomas speaks to reporters during a news conference in McClellanville on Wednesday. He said that the case of Brittanee Drexel is now being investigated as a homicide and the agency is offering a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible
Chad Drexel, father of Britanee Drexel, pleaded to listeners for help in locating his missing daughter
'I do know that there are people here that understand and know what happened. ... Were focusing on this area because we know she was here, but there could be numerous people involved. Were still investigating all of that,' he continued.
The missing girl's father, Chad Drexel, cried as he offered a final plea, Myrtle Beach Sun News reported.
'We need everyones help to bring something from her home to us,' he said. 'Seven years. Please help.'
Lt. Joey Crosby of the Myrtle Beach Police speaks at a news conference Wednesday as Brittanee Drexel's family and their supporters listen
Map shows McClellanville - Drexel's cellphone transmitted its last known signal the day after she disappeared near the South Santee River, and Myrtle Beach where the teen had gone against her mom's wishes
In this Oct. 7, 2012, file photo, Brittanee Drexel's sister Myrissa Drexel, left, and her mother Dawn Drexel embrace at a candlelight vigil marking Brittanee Drexel's 21st birthday in Myrtle Beach, S.C
A mall and buildings around a major intersection near Parliament in Ottawa were evacuated because of a large sinkhole, city officials said Wednesday.
The road collapse occurred at Rideau Street and Sussex Drive, not far east of Parliament. A vehicle fell into the hole but there were no injuries.
The city said buildings in the area were evacuated because of the smell of gas but the leaks have since been contained.
Water can be seen in a large sinkhole that formed on Rideau Street next to the Rideau Centre mall in Ottawa on Wednesday
A mall and buildings around a major intersection near Parliament have been evacuated because of the sinkhole. The city of Ottawa said in a statement the road collapse occurred at Rideau Street and Sussex Drive
The Rideau Mall, the Westin Ottawa, the Shaw Centre Convention Centre and a book store are among the buildings evacuated in the Canadian capital.
Water could be seen gushing inside the sinkhole but the water has since been shut off.
Power is out in the area.
The portion of the road affected is under construction to install a light rail tunnel. But Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said it's too early to say if the work is related to the sinkhole's appearance.
'It's a significant sinkhole in the downtown core,' he said.
Water splashes as soil collapses into a large sinkhole that formed on Rideau Street next to the Rideau Centre Mall in Ottawa
The mayor of Ottawa said it's unclear why the sinkhole formed, but that city officials 'hope to have that answer, obviously, in the next few days'
Firefighters work next to a large sinkhole formed on Rideau Street in the Canadian capital on Wednesday
He said it's unclear why the sinkhole formed, but that city officials 'hope to have that answer, obviously, in the next few days.'
'We just don't know how long it's going to take.'
Anthony Di Monte, the city's emergency and protective services general manager, said it wasn't clear whether the water main break was the cause of the sinkhole, or a result of it, the CBC reported.
Many Canadians reacted to the sinkhole by making jokes on Twitter. At least three sinkhole novelty accounts were formed on the social networking site on Wednesday.
Some took the opportunity to make fun of the city's government, calling the sinkhole a metaphor for Ottawa.
Dangerous indeed! This rendition of the Ottawa sinkhole makes it looks particularly terrifying
'Juste un trou d'eau' means 'Just a water hole' in French, one of the official languages of Canada
A Godzilla-themed novelty account claimed the Japanese monster was responsible for the sinkhole
Police have arrested two parents after their one-year-old baby girl daughter died from ingesting enough heroin to kill an adult.
Casey Cormani, 31, and his wife Cassandra Richards, 32, both of Provo, Utah, were taken into custody this week after a toxicology report concluded their daughter Penny died from a heroin overdose, said police officer Nisha King.
King did not have any further details on how the child came to ingest the highly dangerous and addictive drug.
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Penny Cormani's (pictured) parents were charged with child endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia after the baby girl died in Provo, Utah last year
They were charged with child endangerment, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Provo police.
Since the baby's death on December 2, police had been reviewing the evidence and interviewing witnesses until they felt ready to make the arrests, King added.
Richards and Cormani are being held in the Utah County Jail on $25,000 bond each, according to Utah County Sheriff, Sergeant Spencer Cannon. They have not yet been formally charged.
Richards reported finding her daughter unresponsive after putting her down for a nap, according to police reports.
She called 911 and paramedics took the child to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. King did not know if the couple had any other children.
Police found 'burnt foil with residue and straws with burnt ends and residue' - often signs that heroin has been smoked - at a house where the girl's parents were staying. They denied it was theirs.
The couple and Penny were staying at an apartment belonging to David and Sina Belgard who both have a long history of criminal activity involving drugs, KUTV reported.
Casey Cormani (left), 31, and his Cassandra Richards (right), 32, wife was arrested and charged with heroin possession in a separate case just two days after his daughter Penny died
The couple and Penny were staying at an apartment (pictured) belonging to David and Sina Belgard who both have a long history of criminal activity involving drugs
Cormani, who has several drug convictions himself, was arrested and charged with heroin possession in a separate case just two days after his daughter died.
The Utah County Attorney's Office did not return a message Wednesday seeking further details.
Homeowners said they are willing to pay $120,000 each toward a sea wall
Comediene and broadcaster Wendy Harmer fought against building a sea wall that would have protected houses on Sydney's northern beaches now under threat because of coastal erosion from recent storms, it has been revealed.
Harmer and her conservationist husband Brendan Donohue have been lobbying against Warringah council proposals since 2002, when they led a 3000-person protest against a planned $12million wall.
On her ABC 702 morning radio program on Wednesday, the comedian said the 1.1kilometre barrier would 'scour all the sand away,' and destroy the beach.
After the front yards of multi-million dollar homes collapsed into the sea during three king tides earlier in the week, devastated homeowners say they are now willing to pay $120,000 each to erect a surf barrier.
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Popular radio personality Wendy Harmer (pictured) has voiced her strong opposition to erecting a surf barrier in front of coastal properties at Sydney's northern beaches
Ms Harmer, whose home is just 400 metres from the sand, tweeted on Wednesday claiming she would be happy to join a second protest to oppose the wall
Ms Harmer, whose home is just 400 metres from the sand, tweeted on Wednesday claiming she would be happy to join a second protest to oppose the wall.
'When I protested Collaroy seawall '02 it was 1.1 k long, cost $12m and 85,000 tonnes of rock. I'd do it again,' she wrote.
The radio personality believes the water would 'smash up' against the barrier causing erosion and while the beachfront properties may be protected, there would be 'no beach' left, The Daily Telegraph reported.
'The simple fact is we are opposed to sea walls. Sea walls kill beaches. It's not an aesthetic thing. We have been working hard since 2002 to look at alternatives to protect those houses,' she said.
In 2002, Harmer and Mr Donohue linked arms with 3000 others along a one kilometre stretch of the beach, pleading the Warringah council to abandon the proposal.
After the front yards of multi-million dollar homes collapsed into the sea during three king tides earlier in the week, devastated homeowners have revealed they are now willing to pay $120,000 each
In 2002, Harmer and her husband Brendan Donohue (pictured together with two sons) linked arms with 3000 others along a one kilometre stretch of the beach, pleading the Warringah council to abandon the proposal
The radio personality believes the water would 'smash up' against the barrier causing erosion and while the beachfront properties may be protected, there would be 'no beach' left
The council managed to approval plans to erect a sea wall in 2014, but never started construction as there was debate over funding
The council managed to approve plans to erect a sea wall in 2014, but never started construction as there was debate over funding, according toThe Sydney Morning Herald.
'We've got a 99 per cent chance of rebuilding here and fixing [the houses] up,' resident Tony Cagorski said.
Mr Cagorski revealed the owners of the nine affected Pittwater Road properties are in discussions with the council about funding a sea wall and are prepared to contribute.
It is believed those who cannot afford to pay $120,000 upfront can pay in installments.
Two of the beachfront properties were withdrawn from the market this week after the king tides destroyed up to 15 metres of residents' yards.
SES crews and hundreds of volunteers have been piling up thousands of sandbags to fortify the properties and tractors have stacked rocks to create a temporary barrier against the sea.
'The simple fact is we are opposed to sea walls. Sea walls kill beaches. It's not an aesthetic thing. We have been working hard since 2002 to look at alternatives to protect those houses,' Harmer said
A resident revealed the owners of the nine affected Pittwater Road properties are in discussions with the council about funding a sea wall and are prepared to contribute
A man suffered serious injuries after being hit by a car while he had stopped to change his tyre early on Thursday morning.
The 23-year-old had pulled over on Waterworth Drive in Narellan, in Sydney's south-west, when he was hit by a car travelling at a high speed, before being dragged along the road.
He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital with non-life threatening leg injuries where he remains in a stable condition.
A ma, 23, was hit by a car while changing his tyre on Waterworth Drive in Narellan, in Sydney's south-west
The female driver, 26, is believed to have hit the man about 6.15am
The man was dragged some way down the road and suffered leg injuries
Paramedics treated him at the scene before taking him to Liverpool Hospital
The female driver, 26, is believed to have hit the man about 6.15am and is assisting police with inquiries.
It comes just a week after a 19-year-old man was killed changing a flat tyre in the centre of a highway.
The P-plate driver was hit on James Ruse Drive at North Parramatta, in Sydney's west, just before 11am last Friday. The teenager died at the scene.
He has non-life threatening injuries from the accident
The man, 23, is seen here on a stretcher being taken to hospital
He was changing his tyre on the left-hand side of the road
In the event of a breakdown or flat tyre, motorists are advised to pull over and park as far to the left of the road as possible and put on their hazard lights.
The NRMA recommends drivers call for roadside assistance as soon as possible and exit the car from the passenger side of the vehicle if possible.
'Even though many motorists are more than capable of doing some repairs such as changing a flat tyre, we encourage Members to call the NRMA for assistance because even changing a tyre on a high speed road can be a hazardous activity,' advice on their website reads.
David Cameron was last night accused of appeasement towards Turkey as footage was released of him promising to pave the road from Ankara to Brussels.
Justice Secretary Michael Gove launched a stinging attack on the Prime Minister for failing to stand up to the countrys hard-line Islamist leader.
He warned voters that Turkey was in-line to join the EU and that, unless Britain votes to Leave, 77million Turkish citizens could receive free access to the UK and its public services.
David Cameron was last night accused of appeasement towards Turkey as footage was released of him promising to pave the road from Ankara to Brussels
The Prime Minister has insisted that it will be literally decades before Turkey can join and said Britain could veto its membership.
There has even been speculation at Westminster that if the referendum is too close to call Mr Cameron could promise a referendum on Turkish membership of the EU in the final week of the campaign.
But, in a referendum campaign video, Vote Leave unearthed a string of statements made by Mr Cameron in which he promised to fight for Turkey joining the EU and said he was angry at the lack of progress in negotiations.
Mr Gove said that Turkey had already been granted visa-free access to countries in mainland Europe in return for helping to tackle the migrant crisis.
He accused the Wests leaders including Mr Cameron of turning a blind eye to its human rights abuses in order to secure the co-operation of its Islamist president, Recep Erdogan.
Mr Gove said that Turkey had already been granted visa-free access to countries in mainland Europe in return for helping to tackle the migrant crisis
Mr Gove said Turkey had seen an erosion of fundamental democratic freedoms and the EU should be protesting, not offering concessions.
He added that it was official British government policy for Turkey to become a member of the bloc and not to have a referendum on new countries joining.
The EU referendum on June 23 was the only chance for the UK to have its say on free movement from Turkey, he added.
Mr Gove said: With the terrorism threat that we face only growing, it is hard to see how it could possibly be in our security interests to open visa-free travel to 77 million Turkish citizens and to create a border-free zone from Iraq, Iran and Syria to the English Channel.
It is even harder to see how such a course is wise when extremists everywhere will believe that the West is opening its borders to appease an Islamist government.
Mr Gove said Turkeys democratic development had gone into reverse under President Erdogan.
The Prime Minister has insisted that it will be literally decades before Turkey can join and said Britain could veto its membership
He added: We and the European Union should be protesting in the clearest and loudest possible manner at this erosion of fundamental democratic freedoms.
But instead we and the European Union are making concession after concession to Erdogan.
Last month, Mr Cameron said: It would be decades, literally decades, before this had a prospect of happening and even at that stage wed still be able to say no.
He added: The fact that the Leave campaign are getting things as straightforward as this wrong, I think should call into question their whole judgement into making the bigger argument about leaving the EU.
Theyre basically saying vote to get out of Europe because of this issue of Turkey that we cant stop joining the EU. That is not true.
Mr Gove said Turkey had seen an erosion of fundamental democratic freedoms and the EU should be protesting, not offering concessions
But Vote Leave released a video full of clips of footage in which the PM had explicitly spoken out in favour of Turkish membership.
In 2005, as leader of the Opposition, he said, We warmly welcome the accession talks with Turkey and Croatia and complained that progress had been desperately slow.
He repeated this view the following year, saying: We support enlargement of the EU so we welcome the accession talks with Turkey.
And, after becoming Prime Minister in 2010, he upped his backing for the Turks joining the EU significantly.
One of the first foreign visits of his premiership was to Turkey, where he said: It makes me angry that your progress towards EU membership can be frustrated in the way that it has been.
My view is clear: I believe it is just wrong to say that Turkey can guard the camp but not be allowed to sit in the tent.
I will remain your strongest possible advocate for EU membership and for greater influence at the top table of European diplomacy.
This is something I feel very strongly and very passionately about. Together I want us to pave the road from Ankara to Brussels.
Mr Cameron went on: The case for Turkish membership of the European Union is indisputable a European Union without Turkey is not stronger but weaker, not more secure but less secure, not richer but poorer.
But it had hoped to avoid major firms endorsing a Brexit vote on June 23
No 10 had rounded up a series of businesses to back its Remain cause
Intervention from Tory Party's big donor is a boost for the Leave campaign
can 'stand on its own two feet'
In a letter to his employees he said
A billionaire manufacturing boss has launched an impassioned plea for Brexit in a devastating personal blow to David Cameron's Remain campaign.
In a letter explaining his stance to his employees, JCB boss and Conservative peer Anthony Bamford said the UK was a 'trading nation' that could 'stand on its own two feet'.
The intervention from one of the Tory Party's biggest donors is a significant boost for the Leave campaign as the referendum enters its final fortnight.
Lord Bamford is the first major employer to write to his staff and recommend a Brexit vote despite Downing Street efforts to tie up business support for staying in the EU.
In a letter explaining his stance to his employees, JCB boss and Conservative peer Anthony Bamford (left) said the UK was a 'trading nation' that could 'stand on its own two feet
But it also highlights a rift between the 70-year-old peer and his one-time political soulmate, William Hague, who was for years a strident Eurosceptic.
While Lord Hague yesterday launched a withering attack on Leave campaigners and backed the pro-Brussels camp, Lord Bamford has stuck to his guns.
In the open letter, the tycoon told his 6,000 UK staff that Britain has 'little to fear' outside the EU.
He added that he was confident that the UK and the company founded by his father 70 years ago will be just as successful after leaving the EU.
Employer recommendations are thought to be highly influential as millions of Britons wrestle with the referendum question with just two weeks to go.
Despite being a known supporter of the Leave campaign, Lord Bamford has largely remained silent during the debate.
But ahead of the June 23 vote said the outcome of the referendum would 'have a lasting impact on the lives of our children and grandchildren'.
The peer rejected increasingly shrill claims from pro-Brussels campaigners including Lord Hague that quitting the EU would damage the economy and lead to a slump in trade.
'I am very confident that we can stand on our own two feet,' he said. 'I believe that JCB and the UK can prosper just as much outside the EU, so there is very little to fear if we choose to leave.'
While Lord Hague yesterday launched a withering attack on Leave campaigners and backed the pro-Brussels camp, Lord Bamford has stuck to his guns (pictured with his wife Lady Carole)
No 10 had been eager to demonstrate business support for its Remain campaign.
Mr Cameron has campaigned at a series of events hosted by major firms while companies including Rolls-Royce, Airbus and Microsoft have all written to staff endorsing Remain.
The declaration will be seen as a personal blow to Mr Cameron after JCB hosted him for a major speech on migration in 2014 at which he promised all EU migrants would need a job offer to come to Britain.
In the end, Mr Cameron's renegotiation secured only a promise that migrants would not get full access to the benefits system system straight away.
Famed for its diggers and trucks, JCB is one of Britain's most successful exporters, selling to more than 150 countries.
Lord Bamford - worth an estimated 2.7billion by Forbes - pointed out that while EU countries account for 22 per cent of its annual sales, 78 per cent comes from the UK, India, the Americas, Russia, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Far East.
Lord Anthony and Lady Carole Bamford with their daughter Alice (left). He said that the UK as a whole is also becoming less reliant on the EU for trade
Lady Carole and Lord Anthony Bamford Fawaz Gruosi's birthday party at the Billionaire club in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy
In a further blow to the Remain campaign's economic claims, Lord Bamford said that the UK as a whole is also becoming less reliant on the EU for trade.
WE'RE A GLOBAL COMPANY AND I'LL BE VOTING TO LEAVE: LORD BAMFORD'S LETTER TO JCB STAFF The EU referendum takes place on June 23 and no one can be certain of the outcome. One thing I'm certain of is this: JCB will continue to trade with Europe, irrespective of whether we remain in or leave the EU. JCB was selling into Europe long before the UK joined the Common Market in 1973 and it will remain an important market for JCB. JCB is a global company selling to over 150 countries. Today, EU countries account for 22 per cent of our turnover; the other 78 per cent comes from the UK, India, the Americas, Russia, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Far East. In fact, as a nation, over 53 per cent of all UK exports go to non-EU countries. This referendum is very important. The outcome will determine the future of our country. It will have a lasting impact on the lives of our children and grandchildren. It is a big decision, much more important than a vote in a general election, so please allow me to share some personal views. The UK is a trading nation and the fifth largest economy in the world. I am very confident that we can stand on our own two feet. I believe that JCB and the UK can prosper just as much outside the EU, so there is very little to fear if we do choose to leave. I voted to stay in the Common Market in 1975. I did not vote for a political union. I did not expect us to hand over sovereignty to the EU. I certainly did not expect unaccountable leaders in Brussels to govern over us. In 1973, when we joined as its eighth member, the EU accounted for 31 per cent of world economic output. Today with 28 member countries the figure is just 17 per cent, which underlines the shrinking role of the EU in the world economy. So do I wish to remain in an EU of diminishing economic importance as it moves towards ever closer union? Or do I want us to pull out of the EU, reclaim our sovereignty and regain control of how we trade with Europe and the world? After more than 40 years in the EU, I will be voting to leave. How you vote is entirely a decision for you. I respectfully urge you to consider all of the arguments ahead of this important referendum. Above all, do please cast a vote, one way or the other your opinion counts and your vote counts. Finally, if the democratic decision after June 23 is to remain, it will be interesting to see how the UK fits into the EU of the future, given that political and fiscal union remains its ultimate goal. Yours faithfully, The Lord Bamford, Chairman Advertisement
He said 53 per cent of all UK exports now going to non-EU countries.
In his letter, the peer stressed that he was not always opposed to the EU, having voted to stay in the Common Market in 1975.
But he added that the creeping influence of Brussels over the past 40 years and 'the shrinking role of the EU in the world economy' means the best course of action is for Britain to go it alone.
He said: 'I did not vote for a political union. I did not expect us to hand over sovereignty to the EU. I certainly did not expect unaccountable leaders in Brussels to govern us.
'So do I wish to remain in an EU of diminishing influence as it moves towards ever closer union?
'Or do I want us to pull out of the EU, reclaim our sovereignty and regain control of how we trade with Europe and the world?
'After more than 40 years in the EU, I will be voting to leave. How you vote is entirely a decision for you.
'I respectfully urge you to consider all the arguments ahead of this important referendum.'
Last night Eurosceptics compared Lord Bamford's 'polite tone' with the heavy-handed warnings from pro-Brussels politicians and business leaders, who have lined up to warn of job losses if Britain quits the EU.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, a backbench Tory MP and member of the Vote Leave campaign, said: 'It is very impressive that so successful an entrepreneur is supporting the Leave campaign.
'And it's very interesting that bosses of big businesses tend to favour Brussels but entrepreneurs favour leaving.'
But Labour MP Barry Sheerman, who backs Remain, dismissed the endorsement.
He said: 'I trust my local engineering firms who are desperate to remain in Europe more than eccentric JCB boss.'
The Remain campaign has welcomed endorsements from the CBI and most of Britain's biggest trade union and said the succession of announcements during the campaign shows they have the support of business to protect access to the single market.
Chancellor George Osborne last night trumpeted the support of Airbus for the Remain campaign and turned up to a live interview with a plane component to try and make his case.
And at a campaign event in Scotland today, Mr Osborne is due to say: 'Every credible independent voice agrees that if the UK votes to leave the EU there would be a profound economic shock that would hurt people's jobs, livelihoods and living standards in Scotland.
'Trade exports to the EU have created jobs in Scotland and withdrawing from the single market would have a huge impact on the economy here.
'It is simply not a price worth paying.
'I urge everyone to vote to Remain in the EU on June 23.'
The endorsement of Lord Bamford will also come as a personal blow to William Hague, the one-time political soulmate of the JCB billionaire
Lord Hague yesterday urged voters to overlook their 'parochial' concerns about immigration and vote to remain in the EU in two weeks time.
The former Tory leader, who ran the 2001 general election on a Eurosceptic platform, said his four years as foreign secretary convinced him of the importance of the European Union.
In a later speech, Lord Hague warned it would be 'irresponsible and potentially dangerous' to quit the trading bloc after the June 23 referendum.
Lord Hague, who has in the past expressed concerns about levels of immigration into Britain, insisted that was 'not the issue' on which people should decide how they vote.
'You should be ashamed of yourself!': Rattled Osborne forced to admit pensioners WON'T be worse off after Brexit as he's mauled for scaremongering on live TV
George Osborne was last night attacked on live TV for claiming Brexit would hit pensioners as he reluctantly admitted their income would actually be protected.
Presenter Andrew Neil told the Chancellor he should be ashamed of a pro-EU advert showing an elderly woman holding an empty purse.
Last month, Mr Osborne had prompted controversy by claiming that quitting the EU would trigger higher inflation, leaving pensioners losing as much as 32,000.
In last nights BBC interview, he continued to insist the elderly had a lot to be scared about if we leave the EU.
Chancellor George Osborne tonight insisted Brexit held many risks and there was a lot to be scared of if the country decides to quit the EU in two weeks time
However, under heavy pressure from Mr Neil, he conceded pensioners would benefit from a triple lock on their incomes.
This Government measure is enshrined in law and means the State pension will always rise by inflation or the rate of earnings or 2.5 per cent. Even if prices spike, their income will never rise by less than inflation.
During their fraught 30-minute encounter, Mr Neil pointed to the empty purse poster released by the Osborne-backed Britain Stronger in Europe group. He then told the Chancellor: Youve been scaring pensioners. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Government policy, known as the 'triple lock', guarantees pensions grow by at least 2.5 per cent, wage increases or inflation - whichever is largest.
Mr Osborne used the bizarre metaphor of a snakes and ladders board to warn Brexit could mean the country's economy could slip down the 'big snake'.
Mr Osborne insisted: 'You've attempted to say we are trying to scare the population - you've said it twice now.
'Frankly there is a lot to be scared about if we leave the European Union and we risk our economy. It's a risk to pensioners, it's a risk to home-owners, it's a risk to people in work.
'The state pension because we have a successful, strong, growing economy which we don't want to put at risk rises by the so-called triple lock.'
EU referendum result could face a legal challenge after ministers were accused of 'skewing' voting by extending registration by TWO DAYS because website crashed
The EU referendum result could be open to a legal challenge after the online voter registration process descended into a shambles, ministers were warned last night.
The deadline for voters to register online was extended by 48 hours after the official website crashed on Tuesday night in the run-up to the midnight cutoff, potentially denying thousands the chance to take part in the June 23 poll.
Chris Grayling, the pro-Brexit Leader of the House of Commons, made an emergency statement to say legislation will be introduced today to allow an extension to midnight tonight.
The Government voter registration website crashed last night just two hours before the deadline
But Bernard Jenkin, a Tory backbencher and Leave campaigner, warned that in extending the deadline by two days, when the website was down for only 90 minutes, the Government was on the cusp of legality.
He said that if the Remain side narrowly wins the referendum, there could be a court injunction against the result. Mr Jenkin, chairman of the Commons public administration committee, told BBC Radio 4: We are not a banana republic. We shouldnt be making up the rules for our elections as we go along. This is a shambles.
No 10 said the solution was arrived at after discussions with the Electoral Commission and opposition parties, and was legally watertight.
Observers said those seeking to register at the last minute were more likely to be young Remain supporters.
Officially the Leave campaign welcomed the extension last night, but senior figures were said to be seething at the decision.
In the interview at the Cheltenham Science Festival, Robert Hannigan, who has been in charge of GCHQ since 2014, said his childrens generation have a different view of privacy
Britain's chief spymaster has revealed he is concerned about his children sharing too much information over the internet.
Robert Hannigan, who has been in charge of GCHQ since 2014, said his childrens generation have a different view of privacy.
In the interview at the Cheltenham Science Festival, the father of two said: I do think the internet is changing our definitions of privacy. Certainly from my childrens generation, they see privacy differently, but I dont think they value it less.'
Mr Hannigan added: They are putting more of themselves out there at a younger age on the internet and its pretty much there for ever and wasnt an issue for our generation.
I think it will change privacy in ways we cant quite yet foresee.
He made the rare public appearance at a talk called: For Your Eyes Only: The Secret Life of GCHQ... What is life like inside the doughnut and why is their work so important.
Mr Hannigan also said the time will come when a geeky lone hacker in his bedroom will bring down a city, and warned our messages may only be safely hidden for ten years before they are decrypted by super computers.
He added 80-90 per cent of cyber attacks happen because of poor security such as people using simple passwords like password and 1234.
Asked by an audience member about GCHQs view on Europe, he said: The Governments position is very clear well be safer in Europe.
'Thats obviously GCHQs position because we are part of the Government. And Id probably better leave it at that. Id probably be sacked if I started launching into a discussion on Europe.
His appearance was a last minute surprise, with the official information on the programme listing him only as a senior GCHQ official and photography was banned.
He was asked if it was possible that a whole city and infrastructure could be wiped out by a geeky young man in a back bedroom pressing the right buttons as suggested recently by the military historian Professor Sir Michael Howard.
He said there was relatively little destructive capability for this kind of attack at present.
But he but said the threat will come in time, it will come because there are certainly states and groups with the intent to do it and terrorist groups that would like to do it who would like to be completely destructive and have no threshold or worry about loss of life.
I dont think the teenager described in his bedroom is going to down a city for a while.
He added: That apocalyptic vision, we are not quite there yet. As everything becomes internet connected it will become a greater risk.
He made the rare public appearance at a talk called: For Your Eyes Only: The Secret Life of GCHQ... What is life like inside the doughnut and why is their work so important'
He added: We are developing offensive cyber capability with the MOD precisely to raise the cost to our attackers and deter them.
Very often the answer will not be a cyber attack. Sony is a good example and the US government imposed economic sanctions, he said, referring to the 2015 hack of Sony computers, for which the US blamed North Korea.
But he said when hackers are outside the jurisdiction and cannot be prosecuted, a cyber-attack would be a way to stop them getting the benefits of their crime.
Edward Snowden, the US National Security Agency worker who leaked thousands of classified messages on the Internet, may have led to deaths from terrorist activity, he said.
Have people died as a result? Impossible to answer. We do know terrorists we were tracking before Snowden disappeared after.
Who knows what they went on to do? Its possible people died as a result, we just dont know.
He certainly did damage and I would have welcomed the privacy debate without the damage.
Mr Hannigan said GCHQ had worried a lot about another Snowden happening within its ranks and leaking a vast amount of data.
He said the drivers for that were things including being disgruntled at work as well as an ideological position which perhaps should have been picked up earlier.
He said We put in lots of time and effort in giving routes for our staff to talk about things if they are not happy about something.
If people have concernsthere are plenty of routes for them to go to which include raising concerns with superiors, an ethics council and a staff council and the Intelligence and Security committee of Parliament.
Mr Hannigan also warned that coded messages on the internet could eventually be hacked as new powerful quantum computers many times faster and more powerful than existing ones could easily crack messages that are currently safely encrypted.
He said: Its our job to make sure how can we plan to protect against the arrival of serious quantum computing. It could be 10-20 years off.
We will be blunt about this. Its not just a secret intelligence thing, its the whole of the cryptographic world. How do we make things for 10-20 to 30 year time frame?
That is the time frame that mathematicians in the private sector as well as the government are thinking.
Asked by a member of the audience about GCHQs position on Europe, he said: The governments position is very clear well be safer in Europe. Thats obviously GCHQs position because we are part of the government. And Id probably better leave it at that.
Id probably be sacked if I started launching into a discussion on Europe.
Supporters of Stanford rapist Brock Turner began distancing themselves from his case on Wednesday as others revealed they have been threatened over their stance.
Kelly Owens, a guidance counselor at Oakwood High School, Ohio, which Turner attended, has apologized for a letter she wrote to Judge Aaron Persky saying he was 'undeserving' of jail time.
Leslie Rasmussen, a school friend of Turner, also pedaled back on comments she made backing his case today, saying her statement had been 'misconstrued'.
Meanwhile municipal judge Margaret Quinn, another of Turner's supporters, and Judge Persky himself have both revealed they have been sent threats following his sentencing last week.
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Margaret Quinn, 61, a municipal judge who wrote a letter supporting Stanford rapist Brock Turner, 20, says she has received threats over the case but has refused to change her stance
Kelly Owens, a guidance counselor at Oakwood High School in Ohio (pictured), has apologized after she wrote to the judge in the Stanford rape case saying Brock Turner, 20, was 'undeserving' of jail time
Turner was given just six months in jail despite being convicted of taking a drunk woman from a house party, stripping her of most of her clothes, and digitally penetrating her in January 2015.
Turner was eventually discovered dry-humping her unconscious body behind a set of dumpsters by two Swedish students. When he attempted to flee they tackled him and he was arrested.
In total 39 people wrote to Judge Persky following Turner's conviction in order to ask for him to be spared jail.
Among them was Owens, who write in a statement seen by the San Jose Mercury News: 'The verdict of Brock's trial broke my heart for him and his family.
'In spite of what was said about him during that time, what I know to be true is that he is a young man of character, integrity, possesses great love and respect for his parents, honors his friends, seeks opportunities to help others, and is absolutely undeserving of the outcome.'
But following public outcry at Turner's six-month sentence, which many view as too lenient, Owens and the school district have apologized for her remarks.
Turner was sentenced to just six months in jail despite being convicted of attacking a 23-year-old woman at a frat party back in January 2015
Kyle Ramsey, superintendent for the Oakwood City School District, said he was unaware of the letter Owens wrote, and the contents were not vetted before being submitted to the court.
As such, the note does not represent the views of the district or the school involved, he said.
Meanwhile Owens submitted a personal apology to the district, published by the Dayton Daily News, which says: 'In the statement I submitted to the judge during the criminal proceedings and before sentencing referencing Brocks character, I made a mistake.
'Of course he should be held accountable. I pray for the victim, her family and all those affected by this horrible event.
'I am truly sorry for the additional pain my statement has caused. I tell my students they have to be accountable, and Brock is no exception.'
Rasmussen, who plays in band Good English, has seen at least three of the group's gigs cancelled as a result, with venues saying they do not want to be associated with a 'rape apologist'.
She has since released a second statement saying people have misconstrued her words and that she feels 'enormous sympathy for the victim and her suffering.'
She said: 'I understand that this appeal has now provided an opportunity for people to misconstrue my ideas into a distortion that suggests I sympathize with sex offenses and those who commit them or that I blame the victim involved.
'Nothing could be farther from the truth, and I apologize for anything my statement has done to suggest that I dont feel enormous sympathy for the victim and her suffering.'
Meanwhile, others who submitted letters on Brock's behalf have complained of being sent threats following his sentencing last week.
Margaret Quinn, a municipal judge and mother-of-five, said she has been threatened at work after writing that Turner 'made a mistake in drinking excessively' on the night of the attack.
However, she has refused to apologize for her remarks, saying: 'I havent read any reaction to my letter. If people wanted to do some good instead of being so hateful, they would look at the whole cultural situation and how change could be affected on campuses.
Its a sad situation for everyone. Theres a lot more to this story that what is on social media.
Judge Aaron Persky, who handed down the sentence, says he has received death threats over the case, while another of Tuner's friends, Leslie Rasmussen, has also faced backlash after she supported him
Video courtesy of KRON
Judge Persky has also been attacked, saying he has received death threats because of his ruling while a petition to have him removed from his judgeship has reached 400,000 signatures.
Goodman said the threats have prompted the county sheriff's office to increase its security presence at the courthouse.
Turner, who is currently being held at minimum-security Elmwood jail in Milpitas, is due to be released on September 2, having served just four months of his six month term.
Documents also show he repeatedly lied to his probation officer about the attack, saying his victim was conscious throughout, and had consented to the ordeal and seemed to be enjoying it.
In a separate statement Turner also blamed the drinking culture at Stanford for his actions, saying he is 'haunted' by what he has done, while barely mentioning the actual victim.
Nowhere in the statement does he directly admit to the rape or say the words: 'I'm sorry'.
Meanwhile in a victim impact statement read aloud in court, and published in full last week, the woman who was attacked laid bare the emotional and psychological trauma the attack had on her.
From the moment she came to in the hospital, to being told she had been attacked, and the internal battle she fought coming to terms with her new identity, are all laid bare.
She also debunks Turner's excuses for what happened, especially his assertion that his only mistake that night was getting drunk.
She said: 'Alcohol is not an excuse. Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked.'
Since then she has also revealed why she has chosen to remain anonymous, despite the attention the case is receiving around the world.
She said: 'I remain anonymous, yes to protect my identity. But it is also a statement, that all of these people are fighting for someone they don't know.
'That's the beauty of it. I don't need labels, categories, to prove I am worthy of respect, to prove that I should be listened to.
The men find the pet and hand it back to its
These heroic firemen not only fought a ferocious blaze destroying a house but they also saved a cat's life.
Incredible headcam footage worn by Virgil Bloom shows us what it's really like to be battling fire as a he runs towards a flaming house with his team.
They train their hose upon the bright blaze, narrowly avoiding being struck by pieces of the burning ceiling tumbling on top of them.
Incredible headcam footage worn by Virgil Bloom shows us what it's really like to be battling fire as a he runs towards a flaming house with his team
They train their hose upon the bright blaze, narrowly avoiding being struck by pieces of the burning ceiling tumbling on top of them
The terrifying scene in Stafford County, Virginia is something most of us are used to in action films but rarely get so close to in real life.
Flames roar around the building, consuming much of the interior in their wake as the brave men yell commands at each other.
Then amid the hubbub of the fire a cat can be heard miaowing desperately. 'Get that cat out!' someone can be heard shouting.
Bloom and a colleague enter a dark room where the moggy's frenzied cries are even louder.
Several bangs and thumps can be heard in the darkness as the fireman make their way to the stuck pet.
'I've got the one cat,' one of them shouts.
Flames roar around the building, consuming much of the interior in their wake as the brave men yell commands at each other
Then amid the hubbub of the fire a cat can be heard miaowing desperately. 'Get that cat out!' someone can be heard shouting
Bloom and a colleague enter a dark room where the moggy's cries are even louder. Several bangs can be heard in the darkness as the fireman make their way to the stuck pet. 'I've got the one cat,' one of them shouts
Bloom, with the animal in his arms, quickly heads outside to the crowd of concerned onlookers and hands it to a waiting woman who is overcome with relief as she thanks the rescuer.
Metro Richmond Fire Incidents posted the video to Facebook where it rapidly went viral, even apparently reaching Google Drive's viewing limit.
'Virgil and his crew did a great job of pushing in and even making a cat rescue!' they wrote, 'So sit back and enjoy one of the best firefighting videos this admin has ever seen'.
Bloom, with the animal in his arms, quickly heads outside to the crowd of concerned onlookers and hands it to a waiting woman who is overcome with relief as she thanks the rescuer
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London has been draped in red, white and blue ahead of the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations this weekend.
Union Flags have been hung all the way down the Mall and above Regent Street and Oxford Street as the capital gets ready to party in honour of Her Majesty.
Three days of events will begin with The National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday.
Ready to party: London has been draped in red, white and blue ahead of the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations this weekend
Colour: Union Flags have been hung all the way down the Mall and above Regent Street and Oxford Street as the capital gets ready to party in honour of Her Majesty
Delightful: Oxford Street - the busiest shopping street in Britain - has been given a patriotic ceiling ahead of the weekend's events
Queen Elizabeth II attends the Opening of the Fifth Session of the National Assembly for Wales at The Senedd on June 7. She is preparing for her 90th birthday celebrations
The morning after and the Household Cavalry will commemorate Elizabeth II's 90th with the annual Trooping the Colour, which will be followed by an RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace, at which Prince George is expected to appear.
Heavy rain is predicted on Sunday, when her Majesty, Prince Philip, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry will then join 10,000 wellwishers for the Patrons Lunch, a picnic that forms the centrepiece of three days of official festivities.
Its organisers, led by the Queens grandson Peter Phillips, had already planned to provide guests with both a plastic rain poncho and sun cream in anticipation of Britains unpredictable weather.
Resplendent: Regent Street in central London looks absolutely magnificent as hundreds of Union Flags hang overhead
Doing it again? Although the Queen turned 90 in April, this week sees the official celebrations of her birthday, broadcast live on the BBC
Patriotic: A soldier from the Household Cavalry is pictured as a British Union flag flies in the background on Whitehall in central London
And they insist that the party will go ahead, unless they are advised against it on safety grounds, come rain or shine.
A spokesman said: The British people have a very unique sense of humour and, we are sure, will take the conditions in their stride.
Although the Queen turned 90 in April, this week sees the official celebrations of her birthday, broadcast live on the BBC.
Packed: London is set to come alive again over the course of the weekend in celebration of Her Majesty turning 90-years-old
Waving in the wind: Three days of events will begin with The National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday
Carry a brolly: The Met Office said tomorrow will be largely dry, with temperatures of around 21C/70F for the church service. But by Saturday, the day of Trooping the Colour, there will be showers in London
Cover up: Sunday is even worse, with a 50 per cent chance of heavy rain. But there is an outside chance it could clear to offer a dry period between ten and four perfect for the Queens birthday picnic. And if the worst happens? Well, you can always stay home and watch it on television
Sunday's Patrons Lunch is designed to celebrate the Queens links with more than 600 charities and organisations. The not-for-profit event has been the subject of criticism for charging charity representatives 150 a head to attend in order to cover costs which include payment to the Queens grandson for organising it but tickets have sold out.
The Met Office said tomorrow will be largely dry, with temperatures of around 21C/70F for the church service. But by Saturday, the day of Trooping the Colour, there will be showers in London.
Sunday is even worse, with a 50 per cent chance of heavy rain. But there is an outside chance it could clear to offer a dry period between ten and four perfect for the Queens birthday picnic. And if the worst happens? Well, you can always stay home and watch it on television.
Rehearsal: The Massed Bands of the Household Division during the Beating Retreat ceremony at Horse Guards Parade
The sound of bagpipes: The troops go through their marches while clad in tartan and playing the pipes and drums
All matter of noise: One brass band performs a final dress rehearsal as fireworks explode in the background - as they will this weekend
Explosive: The Household Cavalry will commemorate Elizabeth II's 90th with the annual Trooping the Colour
Terrific finale: The Trooping the Colour will be followed by an RAF flypast over Buckingham Palace, at which Prince George is expected to appear
Lawmakers compromised that service members can smoke from age of 18
Critics argued those old enough to fight in war should be able to smoke
New law came into effect on Thursday after months of resistance against it
California has officially raised the legal smoking age from 18 to 21.
As of Thursday, the nation's most populous state joins Hawaii and more than 100 municipalities in restricting tobacco from younger citizens.
Anyone who sells or gives tobacco to people under 21 could be found guilty of a misdemeanor crime.
The push to raise the minimum smoking age in California stalled for months over objections by veterans groups, who argued that people old enough to fight in wars are old enough to smoke.
An old sign posted outdoors at a smoke shop reads 'You Must Be 18 Years Old with Valid ID' in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. As of Thursday, distributors now face criminal charges for selling to under-21s
Lawmakers eventually agreed to keep the 18-year-old tobacco age for service members.
Surveys have found that the vast majority of daily smokers begin using tobacco before age 19.
Last year, the Institute of Medicine estimated that increasing the smoking age to 21 would discourage 15 percent of young adults from taking up smoking.
Tobacco companies have long opposed restrictions on sales, but kept a low-profile in the debate. A call to the tobacco organization Altria Group Inc. was not immediately returned Wednesday.
The smoking age increase was part of a package of tobacco-related legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last month that also regulates e-cigarettes.
Vaporizers, vape liquid and other electronic smoking paraphernalia are now treated as tobacco products under the law. Like cigarette smoking, e-cigarettes are banned in many public spaces including workplaces, restaurants and movie theaters.
The vaping industry had fought against the new e-cigarette limits, claiming its products are a better alternative to smoking tobacco.
Support: Andrew Rodriguez a student at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, comments on California's new age regulations for tobacco in Los Angeles on Wednesday. 'I think it's better,' said the 21-year-old
Andrew Rodriguez was 15 years old when he smoked his first cigarette.
He knows how addictive smoking can be and hopes a new California law raising the smoking age will discourage young people from taking up the habit.
'I think it's better,' said the 21-year-old chef-in-training from Los Angeles. 'I just hope they don't raise the drinking age.'
Huthyfa Ali, a convenience store clerk near downtown Los Angeles, doesn't expect the new rule to affect business since he doesn't serve many teenage customers.
Ali applauded the effort to deter minors from using tobacco products, but noted that determined youngsters tend to find a way around the law.
'Sometimes they send other people to buy for them. Maybe some people will be too scared to ask' under the new law, he said.
Albert Sandoval, a 24-year-old LA resident, said he's relieved that people can only vape in certain places.
A non-smoker, Sandoval said he stood in line for a new iPhone several years ago next to a man who vaped.
Police launched a verbal tirade at a motorcyclist they pulled over - before driving away when they realised the rider was recording them on video.
The biker was riding in Homebush in Sydney's west when a police van approached and a female officer yelled at him to stop.
'Stop driving like a f***ing idiot,' a male officer sitting in the passenger seat said.
Police in Homebush in Sydney's west unleashed a verbal attack on a motorcyclist before driving away when they noticed they were being filmed
The motorcyclist seemed confused by the verbal spray and protested his innocence.
'Me, when?' he asked.
After a brief exchange the officer seemed to realise he was being filmed and changed his tone.
'You could cause an accident,' he said.
Another motorcyclist, pictured, appeared to speed off as the police van approached
Another motorcyclist appeared to speed off as the police van approached, and the victim of the verbal attack seemed to suggest that it may have been that rider who was 'driving like a f***ing idiot'.
'I was behind the other guy,' he pleads.
'Yeah, yeah, it's all on camera too,' the policeman said as the van drives away.
'I don't know what his problem was,' the motorcyclist later said. 'He was just mad I guess.'
Daily Mail Australia has approached NSW Police for comment.
A Queensland millionaire asked a seven-year-old girl if she wanted one more look at his penis after swimming naked with her and her nine-year-old brother while babysitting, a court has heard.
John Chardon, a Gold Coast businessman, allegedly raped and indecently assaulted the young girl the morning after the siblings slept at his home on March 31, 2013.
The 69-year-old reportedly asked the child to swim naked but she refused before he indecently wiped her vagina with a towel once she exited the pool, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
John Chardon allegedly asked a seven-year-old girl if she wanted to take another look at his penis after swimming naked with her at his pool before indecently wiping her down with a towel
The girls mother told the court Chardon asked her daughter: Do you want one more look at this? in reference to his genitalia after exiting the pool.
Chardon then committed the alleged rape by penetrating the seven-year-olds anus with his fingers as he continued to dry her with a towel.
The mother was unaware of the indecent assault and the rape until August 17, 2013, because her daughter was very scared.
After contacting Centrelink for advice the mother went to a police station to report the incidents.
Chardon was charged in August 2013 with three counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and one count of rape.
Chardon has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial continues.
The 69-year-old businessman faces three counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and one count of rape
Working as a stripper or prostitute at university is no different to working in a bar, academics researching student sex work have claimed.
Speaking at the Cheltenham Science Festival, researchers Tracey Sagar and Debbie Jones claimed as many as one in 20 students sell their bodies to pay for tuition fees and living costs.
They also said their study which is the largest of its kind has revealed that one in five students are considering working in the sex industry. Yesterday Professor Sagar, of the criminology department at Swansea University, insisted: 'If somebody is doing sexual work and it's not harming them physically, it should not be an issue.
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Speaking at the Cheltenham Science Festival, researchers Tracey Sagar and Debbie Jones claimed as many as one in 20 students sell their bodies to pay for tuition fees and living costs. File image
'What's the difference between doing [sexually explicit acts] on a webcam and working in a bar?' But her comments horrified campaigners, who called the remarks 'incredibly irresponsible and stupid'. The Student Sex Work project was a three-year study that carried out a survey of 6,773 university students, using nearly half a million pounds of National Lottery funding.
It found sex work is just as common among male undergraduates as it is among female students. Many male students are in demand from hen parties to strip through websites offering services such as 'butlers in the buff', the study said.
The academics claimed sex work was 'not inherently harmful' to students who 'should not be stigmatised' or disciplined for offering escort services on campus.
Professor Sagar, a former Met Police officer, said: 'The issue is, are they being exploited in their work? Are they mentally and physically exhausted in that work? Are they getting to their lectures on time?'
Asked if she thought earning money by carrying out sex acts on webcams would become as much a part of the student experience as stacking shelves, Professor Sagar said: 'Look at the data 22 per cent are considering sex work. It's on the student radar...the indicators are there.'
She did not want to comment on whether parents should be worried about their children working in the sex industry at university, but said: 'I've got a daughter who went to university. I would want the university to have the right support services.'
Working as a stripper or prostitute at university is no different to working in a bar, researchers claim. File image
She added: 'Universities ought to recognise some of the student population are engaged with work in the sex industry and not to stigmatise them. They should offer help where it's needed. '
But last night Laura Perrins, of British political website Conservative Woman, said: 'It's an outrageous statement to compare working in a bar to prostitution.'
And Margaret Morrissey, of the pressure group Parents Out Loud, said: 'I think it's an incredibly irresponsible and stupid comment to make. What adults choose to do is up to them.
'But whilst you're still in education, you are a young person who hasn't had a lot of experience to be able to make the sort of informed decision this requires.' Mrs Morrissey added: 'It's not my right to make a decision on whether prostitution is wrong or right personally, I think it's wrong, and I think it's one of the things that lowers the standards and morals of this country but if that's your decision, as a responsible adult, then that's fine.
'But whilst you're in university, still being educated, learning and getting experience, then I think it is physically and morally a corrupt thing to do, or to encourage a young person to be involved in. It can lead to all sorts of terrible issues blackmail, depression, all those things which obviously are detrimental to young people's future.
Lord Hope is suspected of shielding the Very Reverend Robert Waddington, who died in 2007
A former Archbishop of York is under investigation by police over allegations he covered up for a paedophile colleague.
Lord Hope is suspected of shielding the Very Reverend Robert Waddington, who died in 2007.
North Yorkshire police yesterday confirmed it was looking into the Church of Englands handling of allegations of historic child abuse. Officers said the inquiry is at an early stage.
Lord Hope, 76, quit his post as a bishop in the Diocese of Bradford shortly after a damning report was published into sex abuse within the Church in 2014.
Judge Sally Cahills findings claimed that while serving as Archbishop, he had put children in harms way by protecting Waddington from a series of allegations.
The peer was said to have told one suspicious bishop that Waddington once Dean of Manchester was too ill to pose any threat to children. But evidence showed that he was trying to groom choirboys at York Minster.
Beach-side buildings ravaged by Sydney's monster storm last week have started to be demolished.
A large excavator rolled on to the sand at Collaroy, on Sydney's northern beaches, on Thursday morning and started tearing down what remains of the iconic waterfront Beach Club.
The popular event space, along with another $40 million worth of property along the beach, was savaged by powerful waves and gale force winds brought by a ferocious storm on Sunday night.
Parts of the building started to collapse into the ocean as king tides battered the coast line, with the entire facade crumbling away by Monday morning.
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Beach-side buildings ravaged by Sydney's monster storm last week have started to be demolished
A large excavator rolled on to the sand at Collaroy, on Sydney's northern beaches, on Thursday morning and started tearing down what remains of the iconic waterfront Beach Club
Parts of the building started to collapse into the ocean as king tides battered the coast line, with the entire facade crumbling away by Monday morning
The excavator made quick work of the Beach Club's balcony, which gave way as residents watched on and contemplated the fate of their own homes.
The building was erected in the 1920s however the part that is being torn down was built around 30 years ago.
Some of the distraught home owners who have been patiently waiting as engineers assess the structural damage to their beach-side properties are expected find out if their homes will be demolished this afternoon.
The waterfront homes are being protected by a line of large boulders and over 10,000 sandbags as the council enters into discussions with residents about erecting a sea wall on the beach.
Owners of the Beach Club in Collaroy have advised that the venue will be closed until further notice
Distraught locals watched on as they contemplated the fate of their damaged beach-side homes
The building was erected in the 1920s however the part that is being torn down was built around 30 years ago
The excavator made quick work of the Beach Club's balcony after it was significantly damaged in the storm
It gave way on Thursday morning, with piles of debris tumbling on to the sand
Excavators were seen collecting rocks and debris scattered on the beach after the ferocious storm
An excavator has been brought in to start reinforcing the unstable coast line in Collaroy
Large boulders have been strategically piled up while around 10,000 sand bags have been used
A man stands inside an area of The Beach Club which was severely damaged by heavy rain and storms
The entire facade of the popular event space was washed away by powerful waves
Distraught home owners who have been patiently waiting as engineers assess the structural damage to their beach-side properties should find out later today if their homes will be demolished
An image captured by a drone shows the extensive damage caused by king tides during and after the storm
Northern Beaches resident Zaza Silk lashed out at her local council for not preventing the destruction, which has taken an immense emotional toll on her family.
Not only did Ms Silk lose her luxury pool and the back chunk of her property, the storm also swept away her dead mother's urn and the body of her recently deceased pet dog, Tin Tin.
Ms Silk recalled how she watched in fear as the menacing sea approached late on Saturday, with a video she recorded showing the carnage.
She returned on Tuesday to collect personal belongings and found the balcony of her in ruins and debris littered all over neighbouring properties and the beach.
We may never be able to move back in here, now my home is all that is standing between the sea and the main road, it could be a disaster, she said.
Ms Silk said the local council should have been quicker to act and put in place a sea wall
She recalled how she watched in fear as the menacing sea approached late on Saturday, with a video she recorded showing the carnage
Ms Silk returned on Tuesday to collect personal belongings and found the balcony of her in ruins and debris littered all over neighbouring properties and the beach
We may never be able to move back in here, now my home is all that is standing between the sea and the main road, it could be a disaster, Ms Silk said
Her family of five was evacuated at 7.30pm on Sunday, which is when she said the ground started to 'disappear'.
'I had a fence 15 metres from the house and when that disappeared thats when we knew there was a big problem.'
Ms Silk said the local council should have been quicker to act and put in place a sea wall.
Council officials revealed after a meeting with 30 residents on Tuesday that an action plan to have a wall put in place had been tentatively agreed on.
How the expected $10 million cost is divided is still unclear but initial estimates suggest residents may need to contribute at least $100,000 each and the three tiers of government to share the rest of the burden.
This was an accident just waiting to happen this home was bought with my inheritance, now what? asked Ms Silk.
Earth moving equipment brought in to help sure up the shore a 100m from where the other apartment was sand bagged in Collaroy
Residents from seven houses and a unit block at Collaroy were evacuated at about 8pm on Sunday night as eight-metre waves slammed the coast leading to major erosion
Officials from the recently configured Northern Beaches Council claimed in the best case scenario a rock wall could be finished by the end of the year.
Residents from seven houses and a unit block at Collaroy were evacuated at about 8pm on Sunday night as eight-metre waves slammed the coast leading to major erosion.
More than 5000 calls for assistance were made to the State Emergency Services on Sunday and 30,000 homes in the city and on the Central Coast were left without power due to fallen trees and power lines.
Authorities were left desperately working to keep a number of sinkholes under control after they opened up on the Collaroy coast
endorse Clinton or call for Bernie Sanders to drop out
President Obama has called on Democrats to start 'pulling things together' in an appearance on Jimmy Fallon as sources say Elizabeth Warren will endorse Hillary Clinton and has not ruled out serving as her running mate.
Obama's first public comments at the end of the divisive primary fight came during a taped appearance on NBC's Tonight Show.
The president sad he hoped that divisions between Democrats would start to heal in coming weeks, now that his former secretary of state has clinched the party's nomination for the presidential election.
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President Obama has called on Democrats to start 'pulling things together' in an appearance on Jimmy Fallon that was taped in New York on Wednesday
Obama's first public comments at the end of the divisive primary fight came during a taped appearance on NBC's Tonight Show
However, the president did not explicitly endorse Clinton or call for rival Bernie Sanders to drop out.
Instead, he praised Sanders for bringing 'enormous energy' to the party and said he thinks the fight made Clinton a better candidate.
Obama also acknowledged that there are plenty of bruised feelings after the bitter fight and says it may take some time for Democrats to unite against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
'My hope is that over the next couple of weeks we're able to pull things together,' Obama said in his first public remarks since primary election wins on Tuesday in California and elsewhere propelled Clinton to victory over rival Sanders after a hard-fought, months-long campaign.
'What happens during primaries is you get a little ouchy,' Obama told Fallon during a taping of 'The Tonight Show' set to air on Thursday.
Obama told Fallon that 'it was a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to have a contested primary' and praised Sanders for the 'enormous energy and new ideas' in his campaign.
'He pushed the party and challenged them. I thought it made Hillary a better candidate,' Obama said.
The White House has said Obama, who is very popular among Democrats, will play a unifying role on the campaign trail.
Obama praised Sanders for bringing 'enormous energy' to the party and said he thinks the fight made Clinton a better candidate
'The main role I'm going to be playing in this process is to remind the American people that this is a serious job. This is not reality TV,' Obama told Fallon in a swipe at presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, who starred in reality television show The Apprentice.
Sanders, who has not conceded the race, is set to meet with Obama at the White House on Thursday at at 11.15am EDT.
The White House said on Wednesday that Obama is holding off on endorsing Clinton for president until after he meets with Bernie Sanders.
Asked whether Obama thought Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, should quickly end his campaign, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the senator had 'more than earned the right to make his own decision about the course of his campaign.'
He says Obama is respectful of that because of the way Sanders has inspired millions of Americans during the primary.
Earnest says Obama will congratulate Sanders during the meeting. He says the two will discuss how to further advocate for issues like fighting economic inequality and countering the influence of special interests in politics.
The party will officially vote on Clinton's nomination at its convention in Philadelphia at the end of July.
Obama (pictured sharing a laugh with host Jimmy Fallon) did not explicitly endorse Clinton or call for rival Bernie Sanders to drop out
Meanwhile, sources close to Senator Warren told Reuters that the 66-year-old, who represents her home state of Massachusetts, will soon endorse presumptive nominee Clinton.
They say that while Warren is not currently interested in serving as Clinton's running mate, she has not ruled it out.
Advisers to Warren, a fiery critic of Wall Street and a popular figure among progressive Democrats, have been in close contact with Clinton's campaign team and the conversations have increased in frequency in recent weeks, the sources said.
Foremost in her thinking is how best to help the Democratic Party defeat the presumptive Republican nominee Trump in the November presidential election, the sources said, and advance issues such as income inequality which top Warren's agenda.
But an endorsement of Clinton could come within a week or two, one of the sources said.
Clinton has been appealing for Democratic Party unity. On Twitter over the weekend, Warren echoed that call and emphasized the importance of the party coming together to beat Trump.
'Get ready, Donald,' she tweeted. 'We're coming.'
Sources close to Senator Elizabeth Warren (right) say she will soon endorse presumptive nominee Clinton
Warren has remained neutral in the Democratic primary race, notably remaining the only woman senator not throwing her support behind the first woman presidential nominee of a major political party.
Were she to join the Clinton ticket, she could help energize progressives and win over supporters of Clinton's rival Sanders, a democratic socialist U.S. senator from Vermont.
Sanders' calls for reining in Wall Street and breaking up big banks are in line with Warren's views.
Warren, a former special adviser in the Obama administration for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has been one of the Democrats' most effective Trump critics.
An ongoing feud with Trump gained steam on social media with a series of posts in which she labeled the celebrity businessman racist, sexist and xenophobic and said she was going to fight to make sure his 'toxic stew of hatred and insecurity never reaches the White House.'
Warren joined Clinton late last month in criticizing Trump for rooting for the 2008 financial crisis and delivered a 10-minute tirade on the subject at an annual Washington gala two weeks ago.
'What kind of a man roots for people to get thrown out of their house? I'll tell you exactly what kind of man does that,' Warren said.
'It is a man who cares about no one but himself - a small insecure money-grubber who doesn't care who gets hurt so long as he makes a profit off it.'
A judge who was censured for having sex with two women in his chambers has handily won reelection in Orange County.
Scott Steiner beat veteran prosecutor Karen Schatzle 56 per cent to 44 per cent in Tuesday's election, according to unofficial results from the county registrar of voters.
'It has been an honor working for the people of Orange County,' the judge said on Facebook.
'Thank you for supporting me in my efforts to protect victims' rights.
Elected: Scott Steiner (above), a judge who was censured for having sex with two women in his chambers, has handily won reelection in Orange County
Steiner beat veteran prosecutor Karen Schatzle 56 percent to 44 percent in Tuesday's election, according to unofficial results from the county registrar of voters. He is pictured above on his wedding day with his wife, Caron
'With the will of the voters, I will continue my work as a judge of the Orange County Superior Court for a second term.'
Steiner has been a Superior Court judge since 2011 and was censured by the Commission on Judicial Performance in 2014 for having sex with two women his intern and a practicing lawyer in chambers, the Los Angeles Times reported.
'Engaging in sexual intercourse in the courthouse is the height of irresponsible and improper behavior by a judge,' the commission said, according to the Times.
The Times reported that both women were former students of Steiners when he was an adjunct professor at Chapman University's law school.
Steiner also faced criticism when he tried to help one of the sex partners obtain a job with the district attorney's officer, the Orange County Register reported.
He also was reprimanded for failing to disqualify himself from a case involving a longtime friend.
Steiner (above) has been a Superior Court judge since 2011 and was censured by the Commission on Judicial Performance in 2014 for having sex with two women his intern and a practicing lawyer in chambers
Both women were former students of Steiners when he was an adjunct professor at Chapman University's law school. Above he is pictured with his wife, Caron
Steiner, whose father is former Orange County Supervisor William Steiner, ultimately acknowledged wrongdoing.
'Judge Steiner is proud of the job he's done on the bench, and the voters agree,' his campaign manager, Scott Hart, told the Register.
His opponent, Schatzle, had vowed to restore 'integrity' to the court and on her website said that Steiner had 'made a mockery of what our community expects of our Judiciary.'
After his victory, she told the Register: 'The voters will get what they voted for.'
In 1999, Steiner got his law degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law and was hired as a deputy district attorney in Tony Rackauckas' Orange County DA's Office, where he was promoted to head the Hate Crime Unit in 2005.
In 2008, Steiner got another promotion, joining the Gang Unit. That same year, he was hired by Chapman University as a part-time professor teaching California Evidence.
On June 8, 2010, Steiner, a Republican Party activist, won election to the Orange County Superior Court of California, succeeding Judge Margaret Anderson, who endorsed him.
Margaret Thatchers defence secretary during the Falklands has suspended his membership of the Conservative Party because of David Camerons tirade of fear over the EU.
In a dramatic escalation of the Tory civil war, John Nott claimed Mr Cameron and George Osborne have poisoned the debate with their warnings about the repercussions of Brexit.
The former minister, who served in government between 1979 and 1983, wrote an explosive letter to Derek Thomas, the MP who represents his former constituency, about his fury. In a blow to the Prime Minister, he said he would not renew his annual subscription to the party until we have a change of leadership.
Margaret Thatchers defence secretary during the Falklands has suspended his membership of the Conservative Party because of David Camerons tirade of fear over the EU
Sir John accused Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne of alienating Conservatives during the campaign.
He slammed Mr Camerons comments made earlier in the week during a debate, insisting that Brexit backers were not Little Englanders or quitters. Sir John, 84, told the Daily Telegraph: I was shocked when Cameron and, in particular Osborne, launched into this fairly frenetic campaign in favour of the EU.
In another development, Tory MP Sarah Wollaston quit the campaign to exit the EU and said she would vote Remain. Dr Wollaston, chairman of the health committee, said Vote Leaves claim that Brexit would free up 350million for the NHS simply isnt true.
She said she did not feel comfortable being part of the campaign, adding: I could not have set foot on a battle bus that has at the heart of its campaign a figure that I know to be untrue.
Federal MP for Canning Andrew Hastie has been booted out of the Army Reserves after he defied a Defence request to remove photos of him in military garb from election campaign material.
Australian Defence Force members, including reservists, are banned from taking part in any political activities while in uniform.
The ADF says its policy is designed to ensure the armed forces remain apolitical.
Federal MP for Canning Andrew Hastie has been booted out of the Army Reserves after he defied a Defence request to remove photos of him in military garb from election campaign material (pictured)
The image shows Mr Hastie in desert camouflage in Afghanistan in 2009 but also shows him holding newborn son Jonathan alongside his wife, Ruth, and is emblazoned with the slogan 'not another politician'.
He has not taken down the image, which the troops he commanded had taken, from posters and billboards.
The Australian Armed forces is very strict of maintaining an apolitical stance, with Defence Force members banned from taking part in any political activities while in uniform.
The Army confirmed it had 'terminated' Mr Hastie in a statement after he ignored a number of requests to scrap the campaign posters and flyers showing him in uniform.
Mr Hastie served in Afghanistan (pictured) before he was elected to Federal Parliament last year
'Defence contacted Mr Hastie, a member of the standby Army reserve, and requested he remove imagery of himself in uniform from election campaign material,' the department said, according to the West Australian.
'Regrettably, Mr Hastie did not comply.'
It was the third time the MP had to be warned by the ADF, following another statement that was released late last month.
'It's just a hint at, 'Hey, for the past 13 years, I've been serving in uniform' and my formative experiences as a leader were with the Australian Defence Force,' Mr Hastie told 6PR radio on Thursday.
'It's just a hint at, 'Hey, for the past 13 years, I've been serving in uniform' and my formative experiences as a leader were with the Australian Defence Force,' Mr Hastie said about using the photograph
Mr Hastie said the ADF had 'used a bit of policy to try and push me around, basically'
'I'm proud of that and I think it's good to let taxpayers know that their money - a lot of it has gone into my professional development - has been well spent.'
Mr Hastie said the ADF had 'used a bit of policy to try and push me around, basically'.
'I had to decide whose authority I answered to. It was the people of Canning. As a federal parliamentarian, I don't take orders from the military.'
Cabinet minister Mathias Cormann threw his support behind Mr Hastie, saying his fellow West Australian had provided distinguished service as an SAS soldier.
'I strongly support Andrew Hastie's decision to present himself to his constituents in this election, putting forward what is part of his life history,' he told reporters in Canberra.
The ADF recently said it had also asked Pat O'Neill, Labor's candidate for the LNP-held seat of Brisbane, to remove images featuring him in army uniform from his political promotions.
Member for Canning Andrew Hastie (right) asks his first question during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Mr Hastie (left) meets with then-prime minister Tony Abbott (right) on stage in August 2015
It comes after Mr Hastie's stance was defended by a Queensland Labor MP last month.
Member for Warnbro Paul Papalia, who served two terms in Iraq, backed Mr Hastie's use of military photographs in his posters.
'It's just wrong to suggest that in some way the ADF have ownership of private photographs of the time of people in service,' Mr Papalia told the ABC.
'The knowledge of my service and any ex-servicemen or women, any veterans service, is a part of their resume, it indicates to people they have given of themselves in the service of the nation frequently.
A bear was spotted wandering among homes in La Canada Flintridge, California, on Wednesday morning, and at one point, the critter took a dip in a backyard pool.
The bear has a tag, indicating it's been caught and released previously, Los Angeles station KNBC-TV reported.
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A bear is seen cooling off in a backyard swimming pool in La Canada Flintridge, California, on Wednesday in this still frame from video provided by KABC-TV
The bear has a tag, indicating it's been caught and released previously
A bear was spotted wandering among homes in La Canada Flintridge, California, on Wednesday morning
The female bear is around 3 years old and weighs 250 pounds, according to KTLA.
Lt. M.G. Wall with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife told the TV station: 'She hasn't had cubs. We checked that last time we touched her.
'And just looking for food and water. That's what basically all bears do.'
The bear even napped up in a tree for several hours.
Fish and Wildlife spokesman Andrew Hughan told The Los Angeles Times: 'The bear is terrified.
'It's just terrified of the noises, the police cars, the helicopters... We want people to back off.'
The bear even napped up in a tree for several hours. Its tag can be seen here
Lt. M.G. Wall with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has said: 'She hasn't had cubs. We checked that last time we touched her'
Early in the evening, as authorities watched it closely, it climbed down from the tree and returned to the wild
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife tweeted: 'Will wait the bear out, no reason to shoot or dart for now.
'Once helos clear out bear usually climbs down.'
It wrote on Twitter that the animal is a California black bear.
Early in the evening, as authorities watched it closely, it climbed down from the tree and returned to the wild.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife tweeted: 'Yea! Bear out of the tree and scooted back into habitat!
'Thanks to all the LE partners that worked with us. Best outcome #BearWatch2016.'
The man shot by police as he waved a carving knife and babbled incoherently at a busy Westfield shopping centre on Thursday had recently gone missing from a psychiatric facility, police said.
The man, believed to be a 23-year-old, was hit in the stomach and arm when two officers opened fire outside the shopping centre at Hornsby in northern Sydney.
The man was 'babbling and incoherently ranting' outside the shopping centre before he approached police, according to reports.
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A female police officer is seen standing with her weapon drawn near a man who had been shot in Sydney's north
Moments after the shooting, the officer is seen lowering her weapon as the man holds his head up off the ground
Officers surround the man - who NSW Police said was reported missing from a psychiatric facility on Wednesday - after opening fire on him
Witnesses said he was 'barefoot' and appeared 'really depressed'.
Speaking after the incident, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford said officers had been trying to locate the man since he went missing on Wednesday.
'The man is known to us, I understand he was reported missing from a psychiatric centre near here yesterday. Police were making efforts to try to locate him,' Asst Commissioner Clifford told reporters.
He also confirmed the three women who were also injured in the incident were hit by 'either bullet or fragments', and are aged between 60 and 80.
The police officer drew her gun as the man came running in her direction
It was then that the police officer took aim as the man approached her
The shooting took place at Westfield in Hornsby, north of Sydney's city centre
Large patches of blood are visible on the floor outside Westfield Hornsby after police shot a man on Thursday
An officer points out something at the scene where a man was shot by police after he was threatening people with a carving knife
Forensic officers scour the scene as part of an investigation into the shooting of a man in Sydney
A man is seen on the ground as police approach after reports of a shooting at Westfield Shopping Centre at Hornsby in Sydney
Police are seen searching the man after he was shot at Westfield shopping centre on Thursday
Police officers are seen near a person on the ground where a man was shot on Thursday in Sydney's north
A chair at the shopping centre where a man and three bystanders were shot by police is stained with blood
Police were seen consoling the female officer (middle) who fired at and shot the man outside a Sydney shopping centre
The three bystanders injured are in a stable condition and recovering in hospital
When asked whether police on the scene could have handled the situation differently, Mr Clifford defended the officers who fired their guns.
'I understand both officers fired their weapons... but I must say if Taser was available a decision was made by the officers in a life or death situation,' he said.
A male police officer looks out from a tent that was set up by at the Westfield shopping centre for 'market day' - before the shooting took place
Officers and investigators are seen talking at the shopping centre where a man was shot by police on Thursday
An investigation is underway at the scene to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting
'Seconds count very much so. The officers who have viewed CCTV footage tell me this occurred in a matter of seconds.
'There are a range of tactical option available to police in any situation, you cant dictate exactly what option to use in any circumstance.
'In this one, the officers have made a decision. But we do know they were dealing with a person with a rather large knife who came at the officers. I wonder what may have happened if police did not intervene and stop this person with the knife.'
Paramedics and police are seen gathered around a person on the ground outside the shopping centre
What appears to be a syringe is seen on the ground near where a man was shot by police in Sydney on Thursday
A police officer searches the scene at Westfield Hornsby after a man was shot on Thursday
It comes after photographs showed a female police officer appearing to hold a weapon in front of her near the man as he was on the ground bleeding.
A witness, Peter Clemenson, tweeted 'gunshots @Westfield @Hornsby please stay out of the area guys'.
Mr Clemenson told Daily Mail Australia 'at least 3 shots (were) fired, people were screaming and running away from the fountain area'.
Three bystanders were injured by 'either bullets or fragment', NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford said
Four people were njured after a shooting at Westfield shopping centre at at Hornsby in Sydney's north-west
A woman on the ground in comforted by others at the scene where a man was shot by police and three others were injured
Witness and butcher Adam Stratton told Nine News: 'I've never seen anything like it. Watching all these people run was pretty scary There were three pretty loud gunshots.'
'It's still pretty crazy out here. It's not inside it's outside in the sunny area'.
Another witness, Genevieve Smith, told Daily Mail Australia an older lady had been shot in the leg.
There was a lot of blood but she is still conscious and there were another two people on the ground, she said.
A man, believed to be the person who was wielding a knife outside the shopping centre, is loaded into an ambulance
Two police officers wait in position at Westfield shopping centre in Hornsby, north of Sydney's city centre
Blood can be seen on the ground where a man was shot by police on Thursday in Sydney
They have blocked everywhere around the fountain off and the bank is in lockdown.
People at the scene told of going about their day having coffee or lunch when the incident occurred.
Another witness, David Allars, wrote on Facebook: 'So was sitting having a coffee at Hornsby mall when I heard 3 shots go off about 50m from where I was and all these people started screaming and running.
'Apparently somebody had a knife. Crazy.'
Police officers are seen talking at Westfield Hornsby where a man was shot shortly before 12pm on Thursday
Blood can be seen on the ground outside the shopping centre in Sydney's north where a man was shot
Sarah Henry, who arrived at the scene just minutes after the shooting, said you could see 'bodies' on the ground.
'You could see the blood on the ground, on the pavement,' she told the Daily Telegraph.
Shopkeeper James Yeom, speaking to the Seven Network, said the man was carrying a normal kitchen knife, 'looked really depressed' and wasn't wearing any shoes.
The area where a shooting took place on Thursday morning is tapped off by police after clearing shoppers
Police were reportedly forced to shoot the man after he approached them and other shoppers with a knife
Customers asked him to call police or security after seeing him roaming around. He went outside the mall to take a look when he kind of showed up right in front of me holding a knife.
I reported what I was seeing and described what he actually looked like. A few minutes later a few police officers showed up and asked him to drop the knife.
He didn't. He refused to drop the knife. And then they had to point a gun at him and ask him to drop the knife again which he refused again. Then they had to shot him down.
Dramatic pictures show police gathered around a man after he was shot outside a shopping centre in Hornsby
The crowded shopping centre was packed with people when police (pictured) were forced to open fire on Thursday
Two officers are seen standing at the scene where a man was shot on Thursday afternoon
Video posted online showed a person on the ground near the plaza's famous water fountain as uniformed officers scrambled.
The shocking video shows a number of officers charging towards a man with their guns drawn who was on the ground.
The busy shopping centre was packed with people due to it being 'Market Day' on Thursday.
Two police officers look under a crate that was placed at the scene where a man was shot on Thursday
The scene of a police shooting at the Westfield shopping centre in Hornsby, Sydney, Thursday, June 9, 2016
Two police officers look over the scene where a man was shot as shoppers are seen in the background
A police officer talks with someone outside what appears to be one of the stalls set up at Westfield for 'market day'
A NSW police spokeswoman could not immediately confirm details.
Police also warned people to avoid the area.
It is the second bloody incident to occur at Hornsby Westifled this year. Central Coast father Keith Collins, 53, was stabbed to death and his date, aged care nurse Jovi Pilapil, 39, was injured in a terrifying incident at the Kangam Korean BBQ restaurant in March.
A syringe is seen on the ground near where a man was shot by police on Thursday
Police tape is left at the scene after officers closed off an area where a man was shot on Thursday
A police officer speaks to a man at the scene of a shooting in Sydney's north on Thursday
A group of police officers are seen standing behind tape at Hornsby Westfield after a man was shot
A number of police vehicles are seen on the road near the popular shopping centre in Sydney's north
Police have tapped off the area where a man was shot after he approached shoppers while holding a knife
Pictures taken on Thursday show police and paramedics after they arrived on the scene
Dramatic footage of the incident was recorded and shared online after a man was shot on Thursday afternoon
A group of emergency services officers are seen standing around what appears to be a body on the ground
NSW Ambulance have confirmed four people are being treated by paramedics at the shopping centre (pictured), Sky News reports
Myriam Ducre-Lemay, 20, died from an allergic reaction to peanuts in 2012
A Montreal mother says her daughter died after kissing her new boyfriend, who wasn't aware she had a severe peanut allergy.
Myriam Ducre-Lemay, 20, had recently met the boy when she went to his house to spend the night after a party in 2012, her mother said.
After the boyfriend ate a peanut butter sandwich for a late-night snack, he returned to the bedroom and gave Myriam the fatal kiss, the mother, Micheline Ducre, told the Journal De Quebec on Wednesday.
The boy did not tell her he had eaten peanuts, and he wasn't aware of her life-threatening allergy.
'Unfortunately, she wouldn't have had the time to tell him she had a peanut allergy,' the mother said.
After realizing Myriam was having an allergic shock, the young couple called 911. Paramedics arrived within minutes and transported her to hospital, but the young woman's life could not be saved.
The mother said Myriam had told her only days earlier that she was in love.
'It's the first time I saw my daughter with such bright eyes,' Micheline Ducre told the newspaper.
Myriam Ducre-Lemay's mother said she suffered the allergic reaction after kissing her new boyfriend, who had eaten peanut butter and wasn't aware of her severe allergy
Myriam Ducre-Lemay did not carry her epipen on the night of her death, and did not inform her boyfriend of her peanut allergy, her mother said
Micheline Ducre's daughter died from an allergic reaction in 2012. Now she is telling her story to raise awareness
Now, she is telling her daughter's story for the first time in the hopes of raising awareness of the dangers of allergies. She also hopes that people at risk will carry epipens with them at all times.
Myriam did not carry her epipen - an epinephrine autoinjector that is used to treat serious allergic reactions - on the night that she died, her mother said.
A doctor who spoke with CTV Montreal said traces of allergens can stay in a person's saliva for up to four hours after eating.
'This is why you have to carry your epipen, even though you don't want to and even though it's not cool,' said Dr. Christine McCusker, head of pediatric allergy and immunology at Montreal Childrens Hospital
'The most important part of managing your allergies is that you have to inform people. You have to say, "Listen guys, I have food allergies. I have my epipen. If there is a problem, help me,' McCusker said.
In 2005, there was another reported case in Montreal of a young woman who died from an allergic reaction after kissing a boy.
But a coroner's report subsequently revealed that 15-year-old Christina Desforges died from an asthma attack, not an allergic reaction, the Associated Press reported.
The White House is saying not-so-fast to those ready to call President Obama's congratulatory statement to Hillary Clinton an endorsement.
Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters today that he did not 'anticipate any formal announcement of an endorsement in the presidential race from the president in advance of his meeting with Sen. Sanders,' which is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
Earnest also said not to expect the endorsement to come when Obama appears on 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,' which he is pre-taping tonight to be broadcast tomorrow.
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President Obama didn't officially endorse Hillary Clinton on Jimmy Fallon's show, according to the first clip that's out. The full interview will be released tomorrow
While President Obama has expressed that he wants to be on the campaign trail to hit Donald Trump, he's waiting until he speaks in person with Hillary Clinton's rival Bernie Sanders
Last night the White House made political waves by sending out a statement that lauded 'Clinton for securing the delegates necessary to clinch the Democratic Nomination for President.'
That's the closest to an endorsement that Obama has come, as the president has stayed neutral through the Democratic primaries thus far, though has expressed an eagerness to hit the trail.
However, in back-to-back nights Clinton got enough support from superdelegates so that the Associated Press sent out an alert that said she would be the nominee, when both superdelegates and pledged delegates were counted.
The former secretary of state then won New Jersey, California and two other state, where she earned enough pledged delegates to take the majority.
Meanwhile, Sanders said he would press on, with a campaign aide saying today that the sentiment stands that Clinton will be responsible for getting Sanders' supporters in her boat.
Today the White House and President Obama continued treating the situation with Sanders cautiously, after he announced loudly onstage last night in Santa Monica that 'the struggle continues' and he would be taking his campaign to Washington, D.C. and then onto Philadelphia, the site of the Democratic convention.
On the pre-released clip of Obama sitting down with Fallon, the president was complimentary of the Vermont senator.
'I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas. And he pushed the party and challenged them,' Obama said.
Bye bye Bernie: President Obama is eager to get back on the campaign trail but is waiting at least until he has a conversation with Sanders on Thursday
First lady Michelle Obama also may be getting in on the campaign action soon
Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon plugged the appearance Monday
Hillary Clinton would have two presidents out campaigning for her: for husband Bill and President Obama
Earnest, on the plane with reporters today, said that 'the president believes that Senator Sanders has more than earned the right to make his own decision about the course of his campaign.'
The press secretary explained that the president is especially aware of the 'emotions and personal investment' that it takes to mount a campaign for the White House, echoing a bit of Clinton's speech last night when she recalled failing to win the nomination in 2008.
'And again, when you have performed as well as Sen. Sanders has he certainly exceeded everybody's expectations, possibly even his own, in terms of the support and enthusiasm that the would generate all across the country,' Earnest continued.
'He's earned the opportunity to make these decisions based on his own thinking and based on his own schedule,' the top flack added.
Back on the set of 'The Tonight Show,' Obama pivoted quickly from praising Sanders to saying good things about Clinton.
'I think she is whip smart,' Obama began. 'She is tough. And she deeply cares about working people and putting kids through school and making sure we're growing our economy.'
Obama said he hoped in the 'next couple of weeks' the Democrats could 'pull things together.'
'And what happens during primaries,' Obama said, noting his own experience against Clinton in 2008.
'You get a little ouchy,' he said.
Continuing to use the colorful vocab, Obama remembered his staff and supporter 'poppin' off' over something that somebody has said, 'and they start spinnin' stuff up.'
But Fallon cut to the chase.
'Now, is Bernie going to endorse Hillary?' the comedian asked.
'Is he ever going to drop out?' Fallon continued. 'Or he's gonna stay in?'
Obama noted how the two were going to meet tomorrow. They'll get together at 11:15 a.m.
Cause of the fire remains a mystery and families want another inquest
Paul Carroll, 52, said that he still remembers his brother every day
His older brother has spoken about the tragedy for the first time in 37 years
ne of seven who died in the tragedy
It has been 37 years exactly since a fire ripped through popular Sydney tourist attraction Luna Park and claimed the lives of seven people.
Richard Carroll, 13, and three other students from Waverley Boys College died when flames engulfed the Ghost Train ride at 10.45pm on June 9, 1979. A father and his two sons also died.
Richard's older brother Paul, 52, still keeps a photo on his desk in memory of his brother and has spoken about his devastation for the first time.
It has been 37 years since a fire ripped through the popular Sydney tourist attraction Luna Park and claimed the lives of seven people on the Ghost Train Ride
He said: 'We didn't find out untill well after midnight. I know that the fire turned around just after 10.
'My dad raced to the scene, which would have taken him 10 to 15 minutes at the time and he couldn't see any of them none of them were there.
'My mother was devastated, we all were, the family was really fragile at the time and it was my sister's birthday.'
The Carroll family are still in pain from losing Richard - as the memories of the horror they felt that night remain fresh in their minds.
Pictures of the scene taken in 1979 show the mangled remains of the Ghost Train where Richard and his three best friends Michael Johnson, Jonathan Billings and Seamus Rahilly perished.
Pictures of the scene show the mangled remains of the Ghost Train from 1979 where Richard Carroll and his three best friends Michael Johnson, Jonathan Billings and Seamus Rahilly perished
The four Year Seven students from Waverley Boys College (pictured) died when flames engulfed the Ghost Train at 10.45pm
The Carroll family had attended church the morning before Richard made his way to Luna Park.
Paul, who is now working as a lawyer at his great grandfather's firm Carroll and O'Dea, said: 'Last time we saw Richard was we all went to Church together at 6pm that evening.
'I recall watching the four boys board the 324 bus and all of them sitting on the back seat of the bus as it departed the bus stop.'
That was the last time Paul, his parents Mary and Tony and his three other siblings saw Richard before images were plastered across newspapers talking about the fire that claimed his life.
The brothers had been 'really close' and would often spend their time at home together.
Paul said: 'One of my favourite memories was when we would brush our teeth and he'd pull funny faces in the mirror at me ... he was hilarious and really cheeky.
Paul Carroll, 52, Richard's older brother keeps a photo on his desk in memory (pictured) of his brother and has spoken about the devastation he felt for the first time in 37 years
'Even at thirteen he had all the girls chasing after him. I was in complete shock and disbelief when it happened I knew them all.
Paul who was 15 at the time, said that the family was very 'close knit' and that he and his brother had been 'inseparable'.
The Carroll family commemorate Richard's death every day and visit his grave often.
Paul said: 'His memory is the driving force behind my parent's huge involvement in 'Compassionate friends' for so many years.'
Compassionate friends was started by Richard's mother Mary, 76, to help deal with the grief of losing her son and help others going through something similar.
Richard's older brother Paul (pictured), 52, who works as a lawyer still keeps a photo on his desk in memory of his brother and has spoken about his devastation for the first time in 37 years
It's not known what caused the fire, although there has been some speculation that it was started by an electrical fault.
Inadequate staffing and safety equipment were believed to have enabled the fire to quickly spread and destroy the ride that was first constructed in 1931.
In 2007, the niece of Sydney's most notorious crime figures, nightclub owner and developer Abe Saffron told The Sydney Morning Herald that her uncle was the one who had started the fire.
She said: 'I don't think people were meant to die.'
However, a National Crime Authority investigation failed to find evidence for allegations that Saffron had coveted Luna Park for 20 years and had arranged the fire to evict its tenants.
The cause of the fire remains a mystery although it is believed that it could have also been caused by an electrical fault. A memorial (pictured) for the seven who lost their lives has been put in Sydney's Luna Park
The Carroll family said: 'Rumours had circulated, but no one will ever know for sure.'
Jennifer Poidevin, formerly Godson, lost her husband John and her two young sons Damien and Craig in the Ghost Train fire when she went to get ice cream as she waited for them.
Mrs Poidevin told The Sydney Morning Herald: 'We want (the investigation) all reopened. We are going to fight for that. We want a big new inquiry.'
Luna Park Sydney was closed in 1979 and reopened in 1982 under the name Harbourside Amusement Park.
It later reclaimed the name and reopened in 1995 after redevelopments to rides and areas in the venue.
An approved kangaroo cull has been slammed by wildlife rescue groups which claim dozens of animals lay dying for hours after they were shot.
A cull in Pastoria East, which was signed off by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, began on Tuesday night.
Under the federal code of practice, kangaroos must be shot in the head and each animal should be checked to ensure it is dead.
A cull in Pastoria East, which was signed off by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, began on Tuesday night. Above, one of the dead kangaroos which animal rescue groups say was inhumanely killed
Under the federal code of practice, kangaroos must be shot in the head and each animal should be checked to ensure it is dead. Pictured, one of the dozens of animals killed in violation of the code, according to animal rescue groups
Manfred Zabinskas, owner of Five Freedoms Animal Rescue, told Daily Mail Australia that none of the animals were killed according to the code.
'Every single one of them were not instant deaths, in fact the majority of them would have taken hours to die,' he said.
'Some of them were shot in the stomach, some of them in the back and some in the arm.
'Two of the females had joeys in their pouches that had died overnight and one was even still warm the following morning.
'So it had actually lay their injured all night for probably 12 or 13 hours. It was a massacre.'
The culling permit was approved for the owner of a Pastoria East property, because of damage caused by kangaroos to land and fences.
The culling permit was approved for the owner of a Pastoria East property, because of damage caused by kangaroos to land and fences
On Wednesday night, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning officers reportedly spent hours searching appropriate properties.
A spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the department was 'taking these allegations seriously' and that officers were investigating.
Mr Zabinskas said it is likely that there were more kangaroos which had been shot that have not yet died.
'These are just the ones that were found by rescuers searching on foot, so we have no idea how many escaped with lesser injuries that are out there dying now,' he said.
A man is in a critical condition after being shot in the chest with an arrow.
Police were called to the property in Eaglehawk, north-west of Melbourne, at 7.10am on Thursday after receiving reports a 29-year-old man had an arrow in his chest.
Police have arrested a 39-year-old woman and seized several crossbows from the property, reported Nine news.
A 29-year-old man has been shot in the chest with an arrow in Eaglehawk, north-west of Melbourne
Several crossbows were confiscated by police as they question a 39-year-old woman over the incident
Detective Senior Constable Andy Heazlewood said the Bendigo man being treated at Bendigo Base hospital has 'non-life threatening' injuries.
Police have established a crime scene at the residence in High Street.
Thousands of witches angered by the lenient sentence given to Stanford rapist Brock Turner have performed a mass hexing after organizing online.
Led by Melanie Elizabeth Hexen, from Iowa, the witches performed their hexing ceremony at 10pm Central Time yesterday, asking for Turner to be made impotent and suffer continuous pain.
Dozens of the group even posted pictures of the pagan shrines used in their rituals online, including ceremonial daggers, statuettes and even a candle 'dipped in menstrual blood'.
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Witches angered by the six-month jail sentence handed to Stanford rapist Brock Turner, 20 (pictured), carried out a mass hexing ceremony yesterday night
Thousands of people took part in the ceremony, which asked for Turner to be struck with impotence and have the 'pain of pine needles in your guts', with dozens posting images of their shrines online
Hexen, who works as a bellydancer and midwife, but identifies herself on Facebook as a Priestess of Elder Craft, told US News that she originally created the event with her 12 coven sisters.
However, after the page got shared around it soon had thousands of people signing up to take part.
She said: 'I think it really struck a chord with a lot of women as a way to feel like they had some power in this situation.
'That there was something they could do, some way they could come together and focus their rage and their need for justice that wasnt being met.'
'Witches doing spells in times when theyre otherwise powerless goes back thousands of years.'
As well as creating the event, Hexen posted instructions for the spellcasting ceremony online.
Followers were told to get a black candle, piece of string, and a representation of Brock Turner, noting that the candle could be anointed with 'urine, menstrual blood or hexing oil'.
Next, the hexers were told to draw a circle of power around themselves for protection - with salt being recommended as a good material - before marking 13 crosses on the candle and lighting it.
After raising power by 'running, screaming, clapping, or meditating', the witches were told to wrap the icon of Brock with the string and say: 'In the most holy name of Hecate, the Goddess of Life and Death, She who holds the key to the underworld, let this rapist meet justice. Let him be destroyed.
The witches were told to mark 13 crosses on a black candle, light it, wrap an image of Turner in a piece of string and then recite the hex three times (pictured, another shrine)
Melanie Elizabeth Hexen, from Iowa (left and right), who describes herself as a Priestess of Elder Craft, created the event and says there is no doubt in her mind that the curse will work
'Brock Allen Turner we hex you. You will be impotent. You will know constant pain of pine needles in your guts. Food will bring you no sustenance In water, your lungs will fail you
'Sleep will only bring nightmares. Shame will be your mantle. You will meet justice. My witchcraft is strong. Our witchcraft is powerful. The spell will work. So Mote it be.'
The witches were also told to target Dan Turner, Brock's father who has railed against his son's conviction, and Judge Aaron Persky, who presided over his trial.
Hexen added: 'Im a really experienced, powerful witch. I have no doubt that when I cast a hex, it will be successful.'
There has been widespread outrage at Turner's case after he was sentenced to just six months in jail despite being convicted of raping a girl outside a frat house at Stanford University.
Turner was convicted in March of taking the girl from a frat party, partially stripping her, digitally penetrating her, and then dry-humping her unconscious body behind some dumpsters.
The attack only stopped when two Swedish students happened upon the scene causing Turner to flee before he was tackled to the ground and arrested.
Judge Persky, who oversaw the trial, and municipal judge Margaret Quinn, who wrote a letter supporting Turner, have since received threats over their part in the case.
Meanwhile Leslie Rasmussen, a school friend of Turner's, has rowed back on another letter she wrote to support the athlete, saying her statement has been 'misconstrued'.
There has been widespread outrage since Turner (left and right) was sentenced to just six months out of a possible 10 year term for raping a woman at Stanford University back in 2015
Kerry Owens, a guidance counselor at Turner's high school and another of the 39 people to write letters in his favor, has also apologized for saying he was 'undeserving' of jail.
The anger at Turner's sentence has been compounded by statements written by the champion swimmer in which he refuses to apologize for his actions.
Turner has also repeatedly stated that he only regrets getting drunk on the night in question, while accepting no responsibility for the serious attack he carried out later in the night.
Meanwhile an impact statement from his victim, read out loud in court, has garnered millions of views as the 23-year-old offers a heartbreaking glimpse into the physical and emotional trauma the attack has left he suffering.
In it, she details the shock of being told she was attacked after waking up in the hospital, the extent of her injuries - both internal and external - and the torture of hearing Turner tell jurors that she enjoyed what he had done to her.
Despite the attention her words have generated, she has chosen to remain anonymous, saying today that she wants it to act as 'a statement'.
She said: 'I remain anonymous, yes to protect my identity. But it is also a statement, that all of these people are fighting for someone they don't know.
'That's the beauty of it. I don't need labels, categories, to prove I am worthy of respect, to prove that I should be listened to.
The mother of a 15-year-old boy who opened fire on fellow students in a school cafeteria cried as she pleaded for her son in court, insisting that he is not a cold-blooded criminal.
James Austin Hancock was ordered by a judge to be kept in juvenile detention until he is 21 on Monday.
Hancock will be free at 21 unless he causes problems in juvenile custody, which could lead to possible time in the adult prison system, Butler County Juvenile Court Judge Ronald Craft said.
The teenager pleaded guilty to four counts of attempted murder and one count of inducing panic for the shooting at Madison Local Schools, near Middletown, Ohio, on February 29.
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Kristi Blevins cried as she told the court that her son James Austin Hancock (pictured huggin ghis mother after his sentencing on Monday) 'is not a cold-blooded criminal
Two students were wounded by gunfire after Hancock pulled a gun out of his lunchbox and began shooting, and two others were hurt by shrapnel or while running away.
But Hancocks mother Kristi Blevins cried as she told the court her son is a genuine and kind boy.
He is not a cold-blooded criminal, she said, according to Cincinnati.com. He has the potential to get back on the right path.
Blevins said she was a teenager herself when she gave birth to her son, saying she made mistakes herself and lost custody of him when she and his father ended their relationship.
Hancock addressed the court himself before sentencing, speaking quietly to say only that he wanted the victims to know they weren't targeted, WKRC-TV reported.
His attorney, Charles H. Rittgers, said he apologized in court but didn't elaborate on a motive.
Some of the students who were hurt in the shooting read statements in court Monday, with one offering forgiveness to Hancock, WKRC reported.
A Butler County judge ordered Hancock (above, during the sentencing) to be kept in juvenile detention until he is 21 on Monday
Hancock's family react to the sentencing by Butler County Common Pleas Judge Ronald Craft for the February shooting at Madison High School in Ohio
Cooper Caffrey, who wrestled on the school team with Hancock, apologized for not doing more when Hancock told him about his problems and promised to visit when he could.
There are many questions that I have for you Austin. Why me? Why Cameron? Why at all? he said, according to Cincinatti.com.
I understand that you felt this world kept hitting and hitting you and maybe you just wanted to hit back but you had a good life. We all have problems.
He added: For my part, Im sorry that when you told me at the wrestling practice I didnt listen.
Im sorry that when you talked about what was wrong, about things that were bothering you, about your family or girls or even annoying teachers, I didnt listen more, I didnt try to help.
I considered you one of my closest friends. I want you to know that I forgive you.
People think thats crazy and keep telling me I should be mad and I have a right to be mad but Im not.
Hancock is pictured next to his attorney Charlie Rittgers Sr. in Butler County Juvenile Court in April
Sheriff's deputies stand guard at the scene after the shooting in a cafeteria at Madison Local Schools in Madison Township on February 29
Cameron Smith has undergone at least three surgeries after being shot by Hancock.
His grandmother has won custody of him shortly before the shooting, but his fresh start at a new home and school have now been ruined by what happened, she wrote in a statement read out to the court.
He had tried to return to school since the shooting, but found it too physically demanding and still needs physical therapy twice a week.
His grandmother said that he was unable to walk for weeks after the shooting and she wondered if he would ever be able to again.
Life can be a b****, she said.
The judge said that he didn't know why Hancock shot other students but that he had to be punished.
Rittgers said the boy's family is happy the case was handled in the juvenile system and hopeful he can get any help he needs while in custody.
Hancock was ordered to have no contact with the victims and to pay restitution for some medical expenses for one of them, said Rob Clevenger, the county's juvenile court director.
A mysterious banker has got Australia talking after attempting to claim an abandoned million-dollar Redfern terrace without paying a cent.
Andrew James has told neighbours of the dilapidated terrace in Redfern, inner Sydney, he plans to take possession of the home under a 'squatter's rights' loophole. But just how does it work?
Under the New South Wales Real Property Act 1900, a person can apply to claim 'adverse possession' of a property after occupying it for 12 years.
Property expert Beverley Hoskinson-Green, a lawyer with 35 years experience, said the rule grew out of primeval English rules to stop farmers being kicked off paddocks they'd used for years.
But she was surprised by Mr James's attempt in the crowded inner-Sydney, something she had never heard of happening before.
'It's very unusual, and the reason is it just doesn't come up very often,' the lawyer at Sachs Gerace Broome said.
'Andrew James' or 'Andy Robert': The man who has apparently laid claim to the abandoned Redfern terrace
The property, seen on Thursday by Daily Mail Australia, has boarded up windows, tattered paint - and a padlock on the front door
The dilapidated home (pictured) on Elizabeth Street in Redfern, inner-Sydney, has been taken over by a young banker who says he plans to take ownership over it using 'adverse possession' laws
The property's front door is adorned with a rusted padlock, which neighbours believe was put in place by the council or the police
A tree could be seen poking out of the roof of the terrace when Daily Mail Australia visited the home Thursday
A court judgment said the property 'sits toward the centre of a row of twelve or more late Victorian Filligree terraces of local historic and aesthetic significance and value, dating from about 1873, if not earlier'
The law was designed, for instance, so if a farmer was grazing cattle on land at the bottom of Lord's manor for decades without fuss, he could one day lay claim to it.
But that could only happen if the property owner knew the person was there and didn't do anything about it, Ms Hoskinson-Green said.
'The true owner needs to know he's there. You can't have adverse possession by stealth.
Legal expert Beverley Hoskinson-Green from Sachs Gerace Broome
'You actually have to know the person is there and if ... it goes on for long enough, then the person who is taking the adverse possession can assert ownership of the land'.
The international owner of the Redfern terrace, Paul Fuh, left Australia for a 'six month' trip to China on Qantas flight QF191 in November 2007.
Mr Fuh, who is aged in his 70s, hasn't been seen at the property since.
It is unclear whether he is still alive or has relatives in Australia who could claim the property.
Neighbours said they had received a legal letter from Mr James saying he plans to clean up the property and renovate it 'to attract good quality and stable tenants'.
The abandoned building came to the attention of the City of Sydney Council in 2008 after neighbours complained.
The Land and Environment Court ordered the Council remove waste and conduct minor repairs after fears it had become a 'public health risk'.
The Council ordered it be paid $35,580 for its work and legal expenses. But Mr Fuh has not returned from overseas and no amounts have been paid.
Ms Hutchinson-Greene said there was reason to believe the Council had 'a bigger claim than Mr James' if no clear beneficiaries or relatives came forward.
Neighbour Camille Faunt told Daily Mail Australia she had received a letter from the lawyers of the banker known as Andrew James stating his intention to take possession of the home under a 'squatter's law'
All boarded up! There was no sign anyone was home when Daily Mail Australia visited the property
Paint was flaking from the window sill and the view inside was obscured by large panels of wood
The gentleman who is planning to claim the property has pledged to clean it up, neighbours said
The front door of the home on Elizabeth Street in Redfern, in Sydney's inner city
Catalogues were crammed in the letter box at the front of the Elizabeth St home
Neighbour Christine Faunt told Daily Mail Australia: 'If there is a loophole in the law that permits him to take possession of what is an abandoned house... 'the law is an ass'.'
A City of Sydney spokeswoman said: 'The City has no rights to take occupation of the property.
'However if the rates are not paid, the City may consider selling the property to recoup expenses owed.'
Mr James has not commented. Lawyers sent a legal letter to neighbours on his behalf which said:
'It is Mr James' intentions to secure the property, clean it up, eliminate infestations and other pests and to repair and restore the property. In that regard work will commence in the near future.
Mr James has been in contact with Sydney City Council concerning the premises. Work requiring the approval of the Council will be subject to obtaining Council approval.
'At present time Mr James is arranging for expert investigation and reports to determine what is required to make the premises secure and safe and to eliminate any infestations, unpleasant odours and risks to the public...
'Mr James intends to restore the property to a habitable condition to attract good quality and stable tenants who will not by behaviour or living standards cause a concern to neighbours'.
The Grafton law firm declined to comment.
'My understanding is that he hired a locksmith and went in through the front door one day and, when I confronted him, he's now saying he's taken vacant possession,' a neighbour, Paul Wilton, said
A senior ANZ executive had his arm around Pankaj Oswal's neck as he told the Indian businessman to 'bloody well sign or we will destroy you', a court has heard.
It was the latest in accusations of racist conduct and intimidation tactics the bank used to force the couple out of their Western Australian company Burrup Fertilisers.
Mr Oswal was stooped forward under the weight of then ANZ chief risk officer Chris Page's arm during heated discussions in 2009, the Victorian Supreme Court heard on Thursday. Mr Page had wanted him to sign guarantees for $US900 million in debts.
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Pankaj and Radhika Oswal are trying to sue ANZ bank for $1.5 billion and appeared at the Victorian Supreme Court on Thursday
A lawyer who saw it will give evidence that 'this was not a friendly gesture', barrister Garry Rich, SC, appearing for Mr Oswal's wife Radhika.
The court heard Mr Oswal said Mr Page told him: 'Bl**dy well sign the documents or we will destroy you.'
Mr Rich said the action was 'extraordinary conduct applied no doubt to intimidate not only Mr Oswal but his wife who was obviously concerned for him.'
Mr Rich said Mr Page used physical force against Mr Oswal during an impasse in discussions between the couple and the ANZ on Sunday, December 20, 2009.
The trial has heard the ANZ told Mrs Oswal her husband could go to jail for fraud if she did not cover almost $US1 billion in debts and that Mr Oswal had admitted falsifying security documents.
The court heared that senior ANZ executive Chris Page had his arm around Mr Oswal's neck during heated discussions in 2009
Mr Rich said his client was told she could also go to jail despite saying she had done nothing wrong.
'Mr Page said there were people in the bank who believed she was involved and she could go to jail as well,' Mr Rich said.
'He also made it plain that the bank did not want the forgeries to become public and they would be irrelevant once the bank was repaid.'
Mrs Oswal had not wanted to risk her own wealth and hundreds of millions of dollars in assets by putting up her stake in Burrup Holdings as security for $US928 million in debts, the court heard.
Mrs Oswal ended up giving the ANZ a guarantee making herself personally liable for $US568 million in debts.
'Bloody well sign the documents or we will destroy you,' Oswal was told by the ANZ official
The couple claim ANZ and receivers PPB Advisory undersold their stake in Australian fertiliser business they founded
'The events of those two days could hardly be described as ordinary or usual or what the court would expect would occur in transactions involving one of the largest corporations in this country dealing with individuals,' Mr Rich said.
The Oswals are seeking up to $2.5 billion in damages from the ANZ and receivers, who were appointed in December 2010, over the sale of their 65 per cent stake in Australian fertiliser company Burrup Holdings.
The wealthy Indian couple locked in a billion dollar battle with ANZ also accused the bank's former top bosses of racism last week in court.
It was claimed the bank bore hostility towards the pair, and its former chief risk officer Page held the businessman in contempt, Mr Oswal's barrister Tony Bannon, told the court.
The court heard Mr Page told then ANZ CEO Michael Smith in a 2009 email: 'We are dealing with Indians with no moral compass and an Indian woman as every bit as devious as PO (Mr Oswal).'
Pankaj Oswal (far left) and his wife Radhika (right) leave the Victorian Supreme Court in Melbourne on Tuesday, May 31, with their daughter (centre)
Mr Bannon said Mr Page was using the word Indian as a derogatory term, conveying the message that the Oswals had no moral compass in part because they are Indians.
The court heard the email also said 'this has been a very Indian-characteristic transaction'.
'Again it betrays a similar use of the word Indian as a term of insult,' Mr Bannon said on Wednesday. 'It is no more or less than racial bigotry.'
Mr Bannon said it was alarming that a senior banker at such a large bank would have such thoughts and put it in writing as a business record, and even more so that he could send it to the CEO without fear of rebuke.
'(It) betrayed what indeed was the true culture which was acceptable to a senior manager of the bank,' he said.
Mr Bannon said there was no rebuke from Mr Smith, who told Mr Page: 'Well done. I guess we need to keep the pressure on. What a bunch'.
The wealthy Indian couple are locked in a billion dollar battle with ANZ and accused the bank's former top bosses of racism in court last week
It was claimed then former chief risk officer Page used the word 'Indian' as a derogatory term in an email
The Indian glamour couple who fled Australia after leaving an eyesore mansion dubbed the 'Taj Mahal on the Swan' - have returned to fight a legal battle
The Oswals are seeking up to $2.5 billion in damages from the bank and receivers PPB Advisory arguing they undersold the couple's stake in the Australian fertiliser business they founded.
The ANZ and PPB were focused on covering the Oswals' debt to the bank and disregarded the couple's interests when selling their 65 per cent of parent company Burrup Holdings for less than half its true value, the court has heard.
Other parties in the complex civil case are yet to give their opening submissions in a trial expected to last six months.
The Oswals' Burrup Fertilisers empire collapsed in 2010 and the couple left Perth and moved to Dubai a year later, leaving behind an eyesore mansion dubbed the 'Taj Mahal on the Swan'.
After leaving Australia in 2011, the couple left their Peppermint Grove property in Perth
The property called the 'Taj Mahal on the Swan' was expected to be worth up to $70 million when complete, but it is now abandoned
A family-of-four are among six people who have been charged after a DEA raid uncovered an alleged marijuana oil lab at their sprawling suburban home.
Officers arrested Bradley Heath Sr, 63, and Diana Heath, 61, their son Bradley Heath Jr, 22, and their daughter Linley Heath, 28, on drugs offenses following the search on Wednesday.
Heath Jr's girlfriend, Lyndsey Holston, 20, and Linley Heath's friend, Prachi Joglekar, 22, were also detained by agents at the home in Westford, Massachusetts.
Cops stormed the four-bedroom house - which has its own swimming pool - following a tip-off about drugs possibly being made on the 3,855sq ft property.
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All six (left to right, Bradley Heath Jr, Bradley Heath Sr, Linley Heath, Holston, Joglekar, Diana Heath) appeared in court together on Wednesday
A family-of-four are among six people who have been charged after a DEA raid uncovered an alleged marijuana oil lab at their sprawling suburban home. Pictured, Bradley Heath Sr, 63, and Diana Heath, 61
Their daughter Linley Heath, 28, and son Bradley Heath Jr, 22, were also charged with drugs offenses following the raid on Wednesday
Cops stormed the four-bedroom house - which has its own swimming pool - following a tip-off about drugs possibly being made on the 3,855sq ft property
As soon as they entered the property, officers could smell the lab's 'overwhelming odor', which was found in the basement, CBS Boston reported.
Drugs worth around $29,000 were found inside, police said.
A bomb squad had to be called during the search because the butane oil used to make the substance is highly flammable, according to the Boston Globe.
'Their alleged lab operations compromised the safety and security of their neighbors, as well as the law enforcement officials who arrested the suspects today,' Middlesex district attorney Marian Ryan said.
Marijuana oil - also known as hash oil and dabs - is made by running butane through cannabis to create a honey-like substance that is up to four times more potent than the normal drug.
Police and the DEA believe the family was manufacturing the narcotic on their property and selling it under the name Gold Street Extracts.
Heath Jr's girlfriend, Lyndsey Holston (left), 20, and Linley Heath's friend, Prachi Joglekar (right), 22, were also detained
Pictured: Marijuana extract product referred to as butane honey oil - the same product being produced at the Heath home. Hash oil can be up to four times more potent than the normal drug
The parents - who are real estate agents - did not know about the lab, their attorneys said, despite living in the property with their son and daughter.
An attorney for Heath Jr and Holston said they both had medical marijuana cards.
Heath Jr was charged with distributing LSD in 2013, although it is not clear what the outcome of criminal proceedings were in that case.
Holston's personal blog contains an array of pictures of marijuana and related drugs paraphernalia, however she is not seen using these or cannabis itself in any of the images.
Jogelkar 'likes' a medical marijuana page on Facebook, as well as other cannabis-related pages.
The six appeared in court together on Wednesday and all denied manufacturing and possessing marijuana. They also all denied conspiracy to break drug laws.
Heath Jr was also charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance, possession of a Class B, and driving with a suspended license
Heath Jr is being held on a $30,000 bail, but has also been denied bail for violating his probation by being charged.
Holston is being held on a $1,00 bail, while the other four are being held on a $500 bail each.
Your Honor, if it is all right, for the majority of this statement I would like to address the defendant directly.
You dont know me, but youve been inside me, and thats why were here today.
On January 17th, 2015, it was a quiet Saturday night at home. My dad made some dinner and I sat at the table with my younger sister who was visiting for the weekend. I was working full time and it was approaching my bed time. I planned to stay at home by myself, watch some TV and read, while she went to a party with her friends. Then, I decided it was my only night with her, I had nothing better to do, so why not, theres a dumb party ten minutes from my house, I would go, dance like a fool, and embarrass my younger sister. On the way there, I joked that undergrad guys would have braces. My sister teased me for wearing a beige cardigan to a frat party like a librarian. I called myself big mama, because I knew Id be the oldest one there. I made silly faces, let my guard down, and drank liquor too fast not factoring in that my tolerance had significantly lowered since college.
You don't know me, but you've been inside me, and that's why we're here today Excerpt from Stanford rape victim statement
The next thing I remember I was in a gurney in a hallway. I had dried blood and bandages on the backs of my hands and elbow. I thought maybe I had fallen and was in an admin office on campus. I was very calm and wondering where my sister was. A deputy explained I had been assaulted. I still remained calm, assured he was speaking to the wrong person. I knew no one at this party. When I was finally allowed to use the restroom, I pulled down the hospital pants they had given me, went to pull down my underwear, and felt nothing. I still remember the feeling of my hands touching my skin and grabbing nothing. I looked down and there was nothing. The thin piece of fabric, the only thing between my vagina and anything else, was missing and everything inside me was silenced. I still dont have words for that feeling. In order to keep breathing, I thought maybe the policemen used scissors to cut them off for evidence.
You dont know me, but youve been inside me, and thats why were here today.
Then, I felt pine needles scratching the back of my neck and started pulling them out my hair. I thought maybe, the pine needles had fallen from a tree onto my head. My brain was talking my gut into not collapsing. Because my gut was saying, help me, help me.
I shuffled from room to room with a blanket wrapped around me, pine needles trailing behind me, I left a little pile in every room I sat in. I was asked to sign papers that said Rape Victim and I thought something has really happened. My clothes were confiscated and I stood naked while the nurses held a ruler to various abrasions on my body and photographed them. The three of us worked to comb the pine needles out of my hair, six hands to fill one paper bag. To calm me down, they said its just the flora and fauna, flora and fauna. I had multiple swabs inserted into my vagina and anus, needles for shots, pills, had a Nikon pointed right into my spread legs. I had long, pointed beaks inside me and had my vagina smeared with cold, blue paint to check for abrasions.
After a few hours of this, they let me shower. I stood there examining my body beneath the stream of water and decided, I dont want my body anymore. I was terrified of it, I didnt know what had been in it, if it had been contaminated, who had touched it. I wanted to take off my body like a jacket and leave it at the hospital with everything else.
On that morning, all that I was told was that I had been found behind a dumpster, potentially penetrated by a stranger, and that I should get retested for HIV because results dont always show up immediately. But for now, I should go home and get back to my normal life. Imagine stepping back into the world with only that information. They gave me huge hugs and I walked out of the hospital into the parking lot wearing the new sweatshirt and sweatpants they provided me, as they had only allowed me to keep my necklace and shoes.
I stood there examining my body beneath the stream of water and decided, I dont want my body anymore. I was terrified of it, I didnt know what had been in it, if it had been contaminated, who had touched it.
My sister picked me up, face wet from tears and contorted in anguish. Instinctively and immediately, I wanted to take away her pain. I smiled at her, I told her to look at me, Im right here, Im okay, everythings okay, Im right here. My hair is washed and clean, they gave me the strangest shampoo, calm down, and look at me. Look at these funny new sweatpants and sweatshirt, I look like a P.E. teacher, lets go home, lets eat something. She did not know that beneath my sweatsuit, I had scratches and bandages on my skin, my vagina was sore and had become a strange, dark color from all the prodding, my underwear was missing, and I felt too empty to continue to speak. That I was also afraid, that I was also devastated. That day we drove home and for hours in silence my younger sister held me.
My boyfriend did not know what happened, but called that day and said, I was really worried about you last night, you scared me, did you make it home okay? I was horrified. Thats when I learned I had called him that night in my blackout, left an incomprehensible voicemail, that we had also spoken on the phone, but I was slurring so heavily he was scared for me, that he repeatedly told me to go find [my sister]. Again, he asked me, What happened last night? Did you make it home okay? I said yes, and hung up to cry.
I was not ready to tell my boyfriend or parents that actually, I may have been raped behind a dumpster, but I dont know by who or when or how. If I told them, I would see the fear on their faces, and mine would multiply by tenfold, so instead I pretended the whole thing wasnt real.
I tried to push it out of my mind, but it was so heavy I didnt talk, I didnt eat, I didnt sleep, I didnt interact with anyone. After work, I would drive to a secluded place to scream. I didnt talk, I didnt eat, I didnt sleep, I didnt interact with anyone, and I became isolated from the ones I loved most. For over a week after the incident, I didnt get any calls or updates about that night or what happened to me. The only symbol that proved that it hadnt just been a bad dream, was the sweatshirt from the hospital in my drawer.
One day, I was at work, scrolling through the news on my phone, and came across an article. In it, I read and learned for the first time about how I was found unconscious, with my hair disheveled, long necklace wrapped around my neck, bra pulled out of my dress, dress pulled off over my shoulders and pulled up above my waist, that I was butt naked all the way down to my boots, legs spread apart, and had been penetrated by a foreign object by someone I did not recognize. This was how I learned what happened to me, sitting at my desk reading the news at work. I learned what happened to me the same time everyone else in the world learned what happened to me. Thats when the pine needles in my hair made sense, they didnt fall from a tree. He had taken off my underwear, his fingers had been inside of me. I dont even know this person. I still dont know this person. When I read about me like this, I said, this cant be me, this cant be me. I could not digest or accept any of this information. I could not imagine my family having to read about this online. I kept reading. In the next paragraph, I read something that I will never forgive; I read that according to him, I liked it. I liked it. Again, I do not have words for these feelings.
And then, at the bottom of the article, after I learned about the graphic details of my own sexual assault, the article listed his swimming times.
The night the news came out I sat my parents down and told them that I had been assaulted, to not look at the news because its upsetting, just know that Im okay, Im right here, and Im okay. But halfway through telling them, my mom had to hold me because I could no longer stand up.
Its like if you were to read an article where a car was hit, and found dented, in a ditch. But maybe the car enjoyed being hit. Maybe the other car didnt mean to hit it, just bump it up a little bit. Cars get in accidents all the time, people arent always paying attention, can we really say whos at fault.
And then, at the bottom of the article, after I learned about the graphic details of my own sexual assault, the article listed his swimming times. She was found breathing, unresponsive with her underwear six inches away from her bare stomach curled in fetal position. By the way, hes really good at swimming. Throw in my mile time if thats what were doing. Im good at cooking, put that in there, I think the end is where you list your extracurriculars to cancel out all the sickening things thatve happened.
The night the news came out I sat my parents down and told them that I had been assaulted, to not look at the news because its upsetting, just know that Im okay, Im right here, and Im okay. But halfway through telling them, my mom had to hold me because I could no longer stand up.
The night after it happened, he said he didnt know my name, said he wouldnt be able to identify my face in a lineup, didnt mention any dialogue between us, no words, only dancing and kissing. Dancing is a cute term; was it snapping fingers and twirling dancing, or just bodies grinding up against each other in a crowded room? I wonder if kissing was just faces sloppily pressed up against each other? When the detective asked if he had planned on taking me back to his dorm, he said no. When the detective asked how we ended up behind the dumpster, he said he didnt know. He admitted to kissing other girls at that party, one of whom was my own sister who pushed him away. He admitted to wanting to hook up with someone. I was the wounded antelope of the herd, completely alone and vulnerable, physically unable to fend for myself, and he chose me. Sometimes I think, if I hadnt gone, then this never wouldve happened. But then I realized, it would have happened, just to somebody else. You were about to enter four years of access to drunk girls and parties, and if this is the foot you started off on, then it is right you did not continue. The night after it happened, he said he thought I liked it because I rubbed his back. A back rub.
Never mentioned me voicing consent, never mentioned us even speaking, a back rub. One more time, in public news, I learned that my ass and vagina were completely exposed outside, my breasts had been groped, fingers had been jabbed inside me along with pine needles and debris, my bare skin and head had been rubbing against the ground behind a dumpster, while an erect freshman was humping my half naked, unconscious body. But I dont remember, so how do I prove I didnt like it.
I thought theres no way this is going to trial; there were witnesses, there was dirt in my body, he ran but was caught. Hes going to settle, formally apologize, and we will both move on. Instead, I was told he hired a powerful attorney, expert witnesses, private investigators who were going to try and find details about my personal life to use against me, find loopholes in my story to invalidate me and my sister, in order to show that this sexual assault was in fact a misunderstanding. That he was going to go to any length to convince the world he had simply been confused.
I was not only told that I was assaulted, I was told that because I couldnt remember, I technically could not prove it was unwanted. And that distorted me, damaged me, almost broke me. It is the saddest type of confusion to be told I was assaulted and nearly raped, blatantly out in the open, but we dont know if it counts as assault yet. I had to fight for an entire year to make it clear that there was something wrong with this situation.
I was pummeled with narrowed, pointed questions that dissected my personal life, love life, past life, family life, inane questions, accumulating trivial details to try and find an excuse for this guy who had me half naked before even bothering to ask for my name.
His attorney constantly reminded the jury, the only one we can believe is Brock, because she doesnt remember. That helplessness was traumatizing.
When I was told to be prepared in case we didnt win, I said, I cant prepare for that. He was guilty the minute I woke up. No one can talk me out of the hurt he caused me. Worst of all, I was warned, because he now knows you dont remember, he is going to get to write the script. He can say whatever he wants and no one can contest it. I had no power, I had no voice, I was defenseless. My memory loss would be used against me. My testimony was weak, was incomplete, and I was made to believe that perhaps, I am not enough to win this. His attorney constantly reminded the jury, the only one we can believe is Brock, because she doesnt remember. That helplessness was traumatizing.
Instead of taking time to heal, I was taking time to recall the night in excruciating detail, in order to prepare for the attorneys questions that would be invasive, aggressive, and designed to steer me off course, to contradict myself, my sister, phrased in ways to manipulate my answers. Instead of his attorney saying, Did you notice any abrasions? He said, You didnt notice any abrasions, right? This was a game of strategy, as if I could be tricked out of my own worth. The sexual assault had been so clear, but instead, here I was at the trial, answering questions like:
How old are you? How much do you weigh? What did you eat that day? Well what did you have for dinner? Who made dinner? Did you drink with dinner? No, not even water? When did you drink? How much did you drink? What container did you drink out of? Who gave you the drink? How much do you usually drink? Who dropped you off at this party? At what time? But where exactly? What were you wearing? Why were you going to this party? What d you do when you got there? Are you sure you did that? But what time did you do that? What does this text mean? Who were you texting? When did you urinate? Where did you urinate? With whom did you urinate outside? Was your phone on silent when your sister called? Do you remember silencing it? Really because on page 53 Id like to point out that you said it was set to ring. Did you drink in college? You said you were a party animal? How many times did you black out? Did you party at frats? Are you serious with your boyfriend? Are you sexually active with him? When did you start dating? Would you ever cheat? Do you have a history of cheating? What do you mean when you said you wanted to reward him? Do you remember what time you woke up? Were you wearing your cardigan? What color was your cardigan? Do you remember any more from that night? No? Okay, well, well let Brock fill it in.
I was pummeled with narrowed, pointed questions that dissected my personal life, love life, past life, family life, inane questions, accumulating trivial details to try and find an excuse for this guy who had me half naked before even bothering to ask for my name. After a physical assault, I was assaulted with questions designed to attack me, to say see, her facts dont line up, shes out of her mind, shes practically an alcoholic, she probably wanted to hook up, hes like an athlete right, they were both drunk, whatever, the hospital stuff she remembers is after the fact, why take it into account, Brock has a lot at stake so hes having a really hard time right now.
And then it came time for him to testify and I learned what it meant to be revictimized. I want to remind you, the night after it happened he said he never planned to take me back to his dorm. He said he didnt know why we were behind a dumpster. He got up to leave because he wasnt feeling well when he was suddenly chased and attacked. Then he learned I could not remember.
So one year later, as predicted, a new dialogue emerged. Brock had a strange new story, almost sounded like a poorly written young adult novel with kissing and dancing and hand holding and lovingly tumbling onto the ground, and most importantly in this new story, there was suddenly consent. One year after the incident, he remembered, oh yeah, by the way she actually said yes, to everything, so.
He said he had asked if I wanted to dance. Apparently I said yes. Hed asked if I wanted to go to his dorm, I said yes. Then he asked if he could finger me and I said yes. Most guys dont ask, can I finger you? Usually theres a natural progression of things, unfolding consensually, not a Q and A. But apparently I granted full permission. Hes in the clear. Even in his story, I only said a total of three words, yes yes yes, before he had me half naked on the ground. Future reference, if you are confused about whether a girl can consent, see if she can speak an entire sentence. You couldnt even do that. Just one coherent string of words. Where was the confusion? This is common sense, human decency.
According to him, the only reason we were on the ground was because I fell down. Note; if a girl falls down help her get back up. If she is too drunk to even walk and falls down, do not mount her, hump her, take off her underwear, and insert your hand inside her vagina. If a girl falls down help her up. If she is wearing a cardigan over her dress dont take it off so that you can touch her breasts. Maybe she is cold, maybe thats why she wore the cardigan.
According to him, the only reason we were on the ground was because I fell down. Note; if a girl falls down help her get back up. If she is too drunk to even walk and falls down, do not mount her, hump her, take off her underwear, and insert your hand inside her vagina.
Next in the story, two Swedes on bicycles approached you and you ran. When they tackled you why didnt say, Stop! Everythings okay, go ask her, shes right over there, shell tell you. I mean you had just asked for my consent, right? I was awake, right? When the policeman arrived and interviewed the evil Swede who tackled you, he was crying so hard he couldnt speak because of what hed seen.
Your attorney has repeatedly pointed out, well we dont know exactly when she became unconscious. And youre right, maybe I was still fluttering my eyes and wasnt completely limp yet. That was never the point. I was too drunk to speak English, too drunk to consent way before I was on the ground. I should have never been touched in the first place. Brock stated, At no time did I see that she was not responding. If at any time I thought she was not responding, I would have stopped immediately. Heres the thing; if your plan was to stop only when I became unresponsive, then you still do not understand. You didnt even stop when I was unconscious anyway! Someone else stopped you. Two guys on bikes noticed I wasnt moving in the dark and had to tackle you. How did you not notice while on top of me?
You said, you would have stopped and gotten help. You say that, but I want you to explain how you wouldve helped me, step by step, walk me through this. I want to know, if those evil Swedes had not found me, how the night would have played out. I am asking you; Would you have pulled my underwear back on over my boots? Untangled the necklace wrapped around my neck? Closed my legs, covered me? Pick the pine needles from my hair? Asked if the abrasions on my neck and bottom hurt? Would you then go find a friend and say, Will you help me get her somewhere warm and soft? I dont sleep when I think about the way it could have gone if the two guys had never come. What would have happened to me? Thats what youll never have a good answer for, thats what you cant explain even after a year.
On top of all this, he claimed that I orgasmed after one minute of digital penetration. The nurse said there had been abrasions, lacerations, and dirt in my genitalia. Was that before or after I came?
To sit under oath and inform all of us, that yes I wanted it, yes I permitted it, and that you are the true victim attacked by Swedes for reasons unknown to you is appalling, is demented, is selfish, is damaging. It is enough to be suffering. It is another thing to have someone ruthlessly working to diminish the gravity of validity of this suffering.
My family had to see pictures of my head strapped to a gurney full of pine needles, of my body in the dirt with my eyes closed, hair messed up, limbs bent, and dress hiked up. And even after that, my family had to listen to your attorney say the pictures were after the fact, we can dismiss them. To say, yes her nurse confirmed there was redness and abrasions inside her, significant trauma to her genitalia, but thats what happens when you finger someone, and hes already admitted to that. To listen to your attorney attempt to paint a picture of me, the face of girls gone wild, as if somehow that would make it so that I had this coming for me. To listen to him say I sounded drunk on the phone because Im silly and thats my goofy way of speaking. To point out that in the voicemail, I said I would reward my boyfriend and we all know what I was thinking. I assure you my rewards program is non transferable, especially to any nameless man that approaches me.
This is not a story of another drunk college hookup with poor decision making. Assault is not an accident.
He has done irreversible damage to me and my family during the trial and we have sat silently, listening to him shape the evening. But in the end, his unsupported statements and his attorneys twisted logic fooled no one. The truth won, the truth spoke for itself.
Alcohol is not an excuse. Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked. Having too much to drink was an amateur mistake that I admit to, but it is not criminal.
You are guilty. Twelve jurors convicted you guilty of three felony counts beyond reasonable doubt, thats twelve votes per count, thirty six yeses confirming guilt, thats one hundred percent, unanimous guilt. And I thought finally it is over, finally he will own up to what he did, truly apologize, we will both move on and get better. Then I read your statement.
If you are hoping that one of my organs will implode from anger and I will die, Im almost there. You are very close. This is not a story of another drunk college hookup with poor decision making. Assault is not an accident. Somehow, you still dont get it. Somehow, you still sound confused. I will now read portions of the defendants statement and respond to them.
You said, Being drunk I just couldnt make the best decisions and neither could she.
Alcohol is not an excuse. Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked. Having too much to drink was an amateur mistake that I admit to, but it is not criminal. Everyone in this room has had a night where they have regretted drinking too much, or knows someone close to them who has had a night where they have regretted drinking too much. Regretting drinking is not the same as regretting sexual assault. We were both drunk, the difference is I did not take off your pants and underwear, touch you inappropriately, and run away. Thats the difference.
You said, If I wanted to get to know her, I should have asked for her number, rather than asking her to go back to my room.
Im not mad because you didnt ask for my number. Even if you did know me, I would not want to be in this situation. My own boyfriend knows me, but if he asked to finger me behind a dumpster, I would slap him. No girl wants to be in this situation. Nobody. I dont care if you know their phone number or not.
You said, I stupidly thought it was okay for me to do what everyone around me was doing, which was drinking. I was wrong.
Again, you were not wrong for drinking. Everyone around you was not sexually assaulting me. You were wrong for doing what nobody else was doing, which was pushing your erect dick in your pants against my naked, defenseless body concealed in a dark area, where partygoers could no longer see or protect me, and my own sister could not find me. Sipping fireball is not your crime. Peeling off and discarding my underwear like a candy wrapper to insert your finger into my body, is where you went wrong. Why am I still explaining this.
You said, During the trial I didnt want to victimize her at all. That was just my attorney and his way of approaching the case.
Your attorney is not your scapegoat, he represents you. Did your attorney say some incredulously infuriating, degrading things? Absolutely. He said you had an erection, because it was cold.
You said, you are in the process of establishing a program for high school and college students in which you speak about your experience to speak out against the college campus drinking culture and the sexual promiscuity that goes along with that.
Your damage was concrete; stripped of titles, degrees, enrollment. My damage was internal, unseen, I carry it with me. You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today.
Campus drinking culture. Thats what were speaking out against? You think thats what Ive spent the past year fighting for? Not awareness about campus sexual assault, or rape, or learning to recognize consent. Campus drinking culture. Down with Jack Daniels. Down with Skyy Vodka. If you want talk to people about drinking go to an AA meeting. You realize, having a drinking problem is different than drinking and then forcefully trying to have sex with someone? Show men how to respect women, not how to drink less.
Drinking culture and the sexual promiscuity that goes along with that. Goes along with that, like a side effect, like fries on the side of your order. Where does promiscuity even come into play? I dont see headlines that read, Brock Turner, Guilty of drinking too much and the sexual promiscuity that goes along with that. Campus Sexual Assault. Theres your first powerpoint slide. Rest assured, if you fail to fix the topic of your talk, I will follow you to every school you go to and give a follow up presentation.
Lastly you said, I want to show people that one night of drinking can ruin a life.
A life, one life, yours, you forgot about mine. Let me rephrase for you, I want to show people that one night of drinking can ruin two lives. You and me. You are the cause, I am the effect. You have dragged me through this hell with you, dipped me back into that night again and again. You knocked down both our towers, I collapsed at the same time you did. If you think I was spared, came out unscathed, that today I ride off into sunset, while you suffer the greatest blow, you are mistaken. Nobody wins. We have all been devastated, we have all been trying to find some meaning in all of this suffering. Your damage was concrete; stripped of titles, degrees, enrollment. My damage was internal, unseen, I carry it with me. You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today.
See one thing we have in common is that we were both unable to get up in the morning. I am no stranger to suffering. You made me a victim. In newspapers my name was unconscious intoxicated woman, ten syllables, and nothing more than that. For a while, I believed that that was all I was. I had to force myself to relearn my real name, my identity. To relearn that this is not all that I am. That I am not just a drunk victim at a frat party found behind a dumpster, while you are the All American swimmer at a top university, innocent until proven guilty, with so much at stake. I am a human being who has been irreversibly hurt, my life was put on hold for over a year, waiting to figure out if I was worth something.
My independence, natural joy, gentleness, and steady lifestyle I had been enjoying became distorted beyond recognition. I became closed off, angry, self deprecating, tired, irritable, empty. The isolation at times was unbearable. You cannot give me back the life I had before that night either. While you worry about your shattered reputation, I refrigerated spoons every night so when I woke up, and my eyes were puffy from crying, I would hold the spoons to my eyes to lessen the swelling so that I could see. I showed up an hour late to work every morning, excused myself to cry in the stairwells, I can tell you all the best places in that building to cry where no one can hear you. The pain became so bad that I had to explain the private details to my boss to let her know why I was leaving. I needed time because continuing day to day was not possible. I used my savings to go as far away as I could possibly be. I did not return to work full time as I knew Id have to take weeks off in the future for the hearing and trial, that were constantly being rescheduled. My life was put on hold for over a year, my structure had collapsed.
I cant sleep alone at night without having a light on, like a five year old, because I have nightmares of being touched where I cannot wake up, I did this thing where I waited until the sun came up and I felt safe enough to sleep. For three months, I went to bed at six oclock in the morning.
I cant sleep alone at night without having a light on, like a five year old, because I have nightmares of being touched where I cannot wake up, I did this thing where I waited until the sun came up and I felt safe enough to sleep. For three months, I went to bed at six oclock in the morning.
I used to pride myself on my independence, now I am afraid to go on walks in the evening, to attend social events with drinking among friends where I should be comfortable being. I have become a little barnacle always needing to be at someones side, to have my boyfriend standing next to me, sleeping beside me, protecting me. It is embarrassing how feeble I feel, how timidly I move through life, always guarded, ready to defend myself, ready to be angry.
You have no idea how hard I have worked to rebuild parts of me that are still weak. It took me eight months to even talk about what happened. I could no longer connect with friends, with everyone around me. I would scream at my boyfriend, my own family whenever they brought this up. You never let me forget what happened to me. At the of end of the hearing, the trial, I was too tired to speak. I would leave drained, silent. I would go home turn off my phone and for days I would not speak. You bought me a ticket to a planet where I lived by myself. Every time a new article come out, I lived with the paranoia that my entire hometown would find out and know me as the girl who got assaulted. I didnt want anyones pity and am still learning to accept victim as part of my identity. You made my own hometown an uncomfortable place to be.
You cannot give me back my sleepless nights. The way I have broken down sobbing uncontrollably if Im watching a movie and a woman is harmed, to say it lightly, this experience has expanded my empathy for other victims. I have lost weight from stress, when people would comment I told them Ive been running a lot lately. There are times I did not want to be touched. I have to relearn that I am not fragile, I am capable, I am wholesome, not just livid and weak.
When I see my younger sister hurting, when she is unable to keep up in school, when she is deprived of joy, when she is not sleeping, when she is crying so hard on the phone she is barely breathing, telling me over and over again she is sorry for leaving me alone that night, sorry sorry sorry, when she feels more guilt than you, then I do not forgive you. That night I had called her to try and find her, but you found me first. Your attorneys closing statement began, [Her sister] said she was fine and who knows her better than her sister. You tried to use my own sister against me? Your points of attack were so weak, so low, it was almost embarrassing. You do not touch her.
You should have never done this to me. Secondly, you should have never made me fight so long to tell you, you should have never done this to me. But here we are. The damage is done, no one can undo it. And now we both have a choice. We can let this destroy us, I can remain angry and hurt and you can be in denial, or we can face it head on, I accept the pain, you accept the punishment, and we move on.
Your life is not over, you have decades of years ahead to rewrite your story. The world is huge, it is so much bigger than Palo Alto and Stanford, and you will make a space for yourself in it where you can be useful and happy. But right now, you do not get to shrug your shoulders and be confused anymore. You do not get to pretend that there were no red flags. You have been convicted of violating me, intentionally, forcibly, sexually, with malicious intent, and all you can admit to is consuming alcohol. Do not talk about the sad way your life was upturned because alcohol made you do bad things. Figure out how to take responsibility for your own conduct.
I am severely disappointed and feel that he has failed to exhibit sincere remorse or responsibility for his conduct. I fully respected his right to a trial, but even after twelve jurors unanimously convicted him guilty of three felonies, all he has admitted to doing is ingesting alcohol. Someone who cannot take full accountability for his actions does not deserve a mitigating sentence.
Now to address the sentencing. When I read the probation officers report, I was in disbelief, consumed by anger which eventually quieted down to profound sadness. My statements have been slimmed down to distortion and taken out of context. I fought hard during this trial and will not have the outcome minimized by a probation officer who attempted to evaluate my current state and my wishes in a fifteen minute conversation, the majority of which was spent answering questions I had about the legal system. The context is also important. Brock had yet to issue a statement, and I had not read his remarks.
My life has been on hold for over a year, a year of anger, anguish and uncertainty, until a jury of my peers rendered a judgment that validated the injustices I had endured. Had Brock admitted guilt and remorse and offered to settle early on, I would have considered a lighter sentence, respecting his honesty, grateful to be able to move our lives forward. Instead he took the risk of going to trial, added insult to injury and forced me to relive the hurt as details about my personal life and sexual assault were brutally dissected before the public. He pushed me and my family through a year of inexplicable, unnecessary suffering, and should face the consequences of challenging his crime, of putting my pain into question, of making us wait so long for justice.
I told the probation officer I do not want Brock to rot away in prison. I did not say he does not deserve to be behind bars. The probation officers recommendation of a year or less in county jail is a soft timeout, a mockery of the seriousness of his assaults, an insult to me and all women. It gives the message that a stranger can be inside you without proper consent and he will receive less than what has been defined as the minimum sentence. Probation should be denied. I also told the probation officer that what I truly wanted was for Brock to get it, to understand and admit to his wrongdoing.
Unfortunately, after reading the defendants report, I am severely disappointed and feel that he has failed to exhibit sincere remorse or responsibility for his conduct. I fully respected his right to a trial, but even after twelve jurors unanimously convicted him guilty of three felonies, all he has admitted to doing is ingesting alcohol. Someone who cannot take full accountability for his actions does not deserve a mitigating sentence. It is deeply offensive that he would try and dilute rape with a suggestion of promiscuity. By definition rape is not the absence of promiscuity, rape is the absence of consent, and it perturbs me deeply that he cant even see that distinction.
The probation officer factored in that the defendant is youthful and has no prior convictions. In my opinion, he is old enough to know what he did was wrong. When you are eighteen in this country you can go to war. When you are nineteen, you are old enough to pay the consequences for attempting to rape someone. He is young, but he is old enough to know better.
As this is a first offence I can see where leniency would beckon. On the other hand, as a society, we cannot forgive everyones first sexual assault or digital rape. It doesnt make sense. The seriousness of rape has to be communicated clearly, we should not create a culture that suggests we learn that rape is wrong through trial and error. The consequences of sexual assault needs to be severe enough that people feel enough fear to exercise good judgment even if they are drunk, severe enough to be preventative.
The probation officer weighed the fact that he has surrendered a hard earned swimming scholarship. How fast Brock swims does not lessen the severity of what happened to me, and should not lessen the severity of his punishment. If a first time offender from an underprivileged background was accused of three felonies and displayed no accountability for his actions other than drinking, what would his sentence be? The fact that Brock was an athlete at a private university should not be seen as an entitlement to leniency, but as an opportunity to send a message that sexual assault is against the law regardless of social class.
The Probation Officer has stated that this case, when compared to other crimes of similar nature, may be considered less serious due to the defendants level of intoxication. It felt serious. Thats all Im going to say.
The probation officer factored in that the defendant is youthful and has no prior convictions. In my opinion, he is old enough to know what he did was wrong. When you are eighteen in this country you can go to war. When you are nineteen, you are old enough to pay the consequences for attempting to rape someone. He is young, but he is old enough to know better.
What has he done to demonstrate that he deserves a break? He has only apologized for drinking and has yet to define what he did to me as sexual assault, he has revictimized me continually, relentlessly. He has been found guilty of three serious felonies and it is time for him to accept the consequences of his actions. He will not be quietly excused.
He is a lifetime sex registrant. That doesnt expire. Just like what he did to me doesnt expire, doesnt just go away after a set number of years. It stays with me, its part of my identity, it has forever changed the way I carry myself, the way I live the rest of my life.
To conclude, I want to say thank you. To everyone from the intern who made me oatmeal when I woke up at the hospital that morning, to the deputy who waited beside me, to the nurses who calmed me, to the detective who listened to me and never judged me, to my advocates who stood unwaveringly beside me, to my therapist who taught me to find courage in vulnerability, to my boss for being kind and understanding, to my incredible parents who teach me how to turn pain into strength, to my grandma who snuck chocolate into the courtroom throughout this to give to me, my friends who remind me how to be happy, to my boyfriend who is patient and loving, to my unconquerable sister who is the other half of my heart, to Alaleh, my idol, who fought tirelessly and never doubted me. Thank you to everyone involved in the trial for their time and attention. Thank you to girls across the nation that wrote cards to my DA to give to me, so many strangers who cared for me.
Most importantly, thank you to the two men who saved me, who I have yet to meet. I sleep with two bicycles that I drew taped above my bed to remind myself there are heroes in this story. That we are looking out for one another. To have known all of these people, to have felt their protection and love, is something I will never forget.
Sightseers making daring attempts to take selfies along Britain's most treacherous coastlines are contributing to a growing number of drownings, it has been claimed.
The desire to capture the perfect photograph has led to the deaths of 92 people over the past two years, a report by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) revealed.
New figures also show that the number of deaths off the UK coastline reached a five-year high of 168 in 2015. A further 385 lives were saved in 'near-fatal' incidents, the RNLI said.
Sightseers taking selfies along UK coastlines are contributing to a growing number of drownings. Pictured: A group of teenagers taking pictures with a selfie stick on the edge of a 200ft cliff in Seaford, East Sussex
RNLI coastal safety manager James Millidge told the Daily Telegraph that young people in particular were taking 'alarming' risks to capture coastline photos to post on social media.
He said: 'There have been many instances where we have rescued or sadly recovered people from the sea who set out from home with the intention of taking pictures of the coastline during storms or in other dangerous situations.
'In many cases people are going far too close to the cliff face. The other day, in Cornwall, I observed a young man standing on the edge of an 80ft vertical cliff in order to take pictures.
'It's that younger demographic - between 16 and 39 - that are putting themselves at alarming risk.'
More than half (52 per cent) of those who died had been taking part in activities such as walking, running, climbing or angling, the RNLI report revealed.
Coastal walking and running accounted for over a fifth (21 per cent) of last year's deaths.
Mr Millidge said the figures suggest people are 'not taking enough care' along the coastline.
He added: 'We're warning people to stay away from cliff edges - particularly where there is slippery, unstable or uneven ground - stick to marked paths and keep an eye on the water.
'Watch out for unexpected waves which can catch you out and sweep you into the water,' he said.
RNLI coastal safety manager James Millidge said young people in particular were taking 'alarming' risks. Last summer a group of teenagers also sat relaxing on the crumbly edge off a 300ft high cliff at Cuckmere Haven
The charity is entering the third year of its drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, which aims to halve accidental coastal deaths by 2024.
It is targeted at men because they account for the majority of fatalities - 84 per cent in 2015.
Mr Millidge described cold water as 'a real killer'.
He said: 'People often don't realise how cold our seas can be. Even in summer months the sea temperature rarely exceeds 12C (54F), which is low enough to trigger cold water shock.
'If you enter the water suddenly at that temperature, you'll start gasping uncontrollably, which can draw water into your lungs and cause drowning. The coldness also numbs you, leaving you helpless, unable to swim or shout for help.'
Mr Millidge added: 'If you're planning to get into the water be aware that, even if it looks calm on the surface, there can be strong rip currents beneath the surface, which can quickly drag you out to sea.
'The sea is powerful and can catch out even the strongest and most experienced swimmers.'
The fatality figures were published by the RNLI following analysis of the National Water Safety Forum's water incident database.
Koch Industry officials have agreed to meet with Donald Trump after a request from the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, as GOP insiders say a diminishing campaign chest may force Trump to ramp up his fundraising efforts.
Charles Koch revealed the planned meeting on Wednesday.
But Koch, a powerful political force who famously uses his deep pockets to fund libertarian and free-market projects, has not entirely warmed to Trump.
In an interview with USA Today, the industrialist said he doesn't 'know the answer' as to whether Trump is fit to be president.
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Donald Trump requested a meeting with the Koch Brothers, despite mocking his rivals as 'puppets' for speaking at a Koch-sponsored event in August last year. GOP insiders say Trump's campaign funds might be dwindling
Charles Koch, head of Koch Industries, said his organization agreed to meet with Trump, despite the fact that he isn't sure if the presumptive Republican nominee is fit to be president
He said he was afraid that Trump's professed support for Koch's principal causes - including free trade, free speech, and 'trying to find common ground with people' - is 'just hype.'
And the billionaire chairman of the Koch Industries, which he co-owns with his brother David, criticized Trump for his attacks on Judge Gonzalo Curiel, whom Trump has accused of unfairly handling a civil case against Trump University because of his heritage.
Curiel was born in Indiana to parents who immigrated from Mexico.
Trump's jabs at Curiel are 'either racist' or 'stereotyping,' Koch said.
'It's unacceptable, and it's taking the country in the wrong direction,' he said.
Asked if Trump was likely to show he is serious about supporting the issues closest to Koch's heart, he answered 'No, but we want to be open.'
'We are happy to talk to anybody and hope they understand where we're coming from, and they will have more constructive positions than they've had,' Koch said.
Donald Trump mocked his former Republican rivals for meeting with the Koch Brothers last summer
He also tweeted that although he likes the Koch Brothers, he doesn't 'want their money'
A Koch Industries spokesperson said Trump's camp reached out 'a couple weeks ago' to request the meeting. A Trump spokesperson said the meeting would take place 'in the next week or so,' USA Today reported.
Trump, who has bragged about his ability to self-fund his presidential campaign, suggested some of his former Republican primary opponents were 'puppets' for meeting with the Koch Brothers last August.
'I wish good luck to all of the Republican candidates that traveled to California to beg for money etc. from the Koch Brothers. Puppets?' Trump tweeted on August 2 last year.
The mocking language from Trump came despite the fact that he seemed to eye an appearance at the event.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump filled out a questionnaire detailing his policy stances and submitted it to the Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, the Koch-sponsored group that organized the California event, Politico reported.
David Koch, left, and brother Charles Koch are billionaire brothers who helped create a broad network of nonprofit groups that control hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into politics
WHO ARE THE KOCH BROTHERS, AND WHAT MOTIVATES THEM? Who are the Koch brothers? Charles and David Koch, ages 78 and 74, are billionaire brothers who helped create a broad network of nonprofit groups that control hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into politics. Through their deep pockets, they are reshaping politics with an uncompromising agenda of reducing regulation, advancing libertarian ideas, promoting free-market Republican candidates and ousting Democrats. They have two other brothers, William and Frederick, who aren't involved in the effort. Where did they get their money? The Kochs inherited their father's company in Kansas, and turned Wichita-based Koch Industries into the second-largest privately held company in the nation. The conglomerate makes a wide range of products including Dixie cups, chemicals, jet fuel, fertilizer, electronics, toilet paper and much more. William and Frederick cashed out in 1983 and no longer have a stake in the company. How rich are Charles and David? With a fortune estimated at $41 billion each, Charles and David tie for fourth on Forbes' list of the richest Americans, and tie for sixth on Forbes' worldwide billionaires list. What's their secret? Charles, chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, attributes the company's success to his business philosophy, 'Market-Based Management,' which he's trademarked. Among its components: hiring and retaining people with the right values, and giving employees a bigger voice in decision-making. The company's growth strategy also includes reinvesting 90 percent of earnings. How much money do Charles and David put into politics? That's the big question. It's unanswered because the Kochs channel lots of money into nonprofit groups that don't have to identify their donors. The Washington Post and the Center for Responsive Politics have calculated that the donor network organized by the Kochs took in at least $407 million in the 2012 election cycle. However, not all of that money came from the Kochs themselves. David Koch's charitable giving has included $58 million donated to nonprofits that could include groups such as Americans for Prosperity, the CATO Institute and the Heritage Foundation, according to company spokeswoman Missy Cohlmia. In addition, the two brothers' direct political contributions to federal candidates and party committees totaled at least than $2 million over the past two decades. What motivates them? Family patriarch Fred Koch, who built refineries in the Soviet Union in the 1930s, became convinced of the evils of communism and instilled in his sons an aversion to government intrusion. As David said of their father in a 2012 interview with The Wichita Eagle newspaper in Kansas, he "was extraordinarily fearful of our government becoming much more socialistic and domineering. ... So from the time we were teenagers to the present, we've been very concerned and worried about our government evolving into a very controlling, socialist type of government." Source: Associated Press Advertisement
Last summer, the Koch brothers' operation refused to let Trump purchase data from its political tech firm i360 - data which is used to connect with potential voters - and also rejected a request from Trump to let him speak at another Koch-sponsored event in Columbus, Ohio, Politico reported.
In late July last year, Trump wrote in a tweet: 'I really like the Koch Brothers... but I don't want their money or anything else from them. Cannot influence Trump!'
Trump contributed about two-thirds of his own campaign funds as of December 31, 2015, a PolitiFact study found.
OpenSecrets.org reports that three-quarters of Trump's campaign funds are 'self-financed.' The non-profit group reported that the Trump campaign had raised a total of almost $61 million from internal and external sources as of April, and that about $58 million of that cash was already spent.
Speaking with the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, the finance chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Fred Malek, said that Trump's fundraising disadvantage as compared to Democratic rival Hillary Clinton 'huge and not widely understood.'
'Unless he's willing to write a huge personal check, which is unlikely, I believe Trump will have a financial disparity of $300 to $500 million,' Malek said.
Already in late May, a campaign insider warned that Trump's team might be running short of money.
'They know that they're not going to have enough money to be on TV in June and probably most of July, until they actually accept the nomination and get [Republican National Convention] funds, so they plan to just use earned media to compete on the airwaves,' an unnamed GOP source told the Washington Examiner.
For their part, the Koch brothers have ample funds to pour into the political projects of their choice.
The amount of money they spent during the 2012 election cycle has been estimated at $407 million.
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Muddied furniture and personal belongings clutter the backyards of hundreds of homes in Tasmania's north-west, which were hit by the worst storms and flooding since 1929.
Many homes and business were inundated by flood waters that ripped through Latrobe in Tasmania's north-west following the massive storms that lashed Australia's east coast.
State Emergency Services says at least 173 buildings have been affected by flood waters, with the service receiving 400 requests for help since Sunday.
Of these homes, 52 homes were severely damaged with 19 left completely uninhabitable.
Since Sunday three regions of the state have been hit by torrential rains and eight rivers are still flooded. Meanwhile 60 residents from the township of Lorinna were left stranded as the waters began to subside in other parts of the state, reported ABC.
Pictures of muddied furniture and personal belongings in the town of Latrobe sitting outside people's homes were captured after a huge flood ripped through Tasmania's north-west on Thursday
Residents began the task of cleaning up Latrobe (pictured) following the huge flood while. The State Emergency Service recorded about 52 homes damaged in the floods with 19 completely uninhabitable
A fence knocked over by the force of flood waters was spotted as residents began to clean up the debris (pictured). Since Sunday three regions of the state have been hit by torrential rains and eight rivers are still in flood
Ronald Sheehan's beloved home with all his belongings was washed from its foundations as floodwaters in northwest Tasmania ripped through his property.
Unable to get insurance, the 69-year-old's family and friends took to Facebook with his story appealing for temporary shelter.
The reaction from the local community has been swift as the nearby Mersey River began to swell and more than 1,000 users joined the appeal within a day.
About 30 people and local businesses posted offers of help including cash, a caravan and even two toilets.
A veritable army of local tradesmen and volunteers have put up their hands to help with reconstruction efforts. Mr Sheehan's son Ryan used the social media platform to express his gratitude for the public support.
He said: 'My family and I would like to thank everyone who has sent messages or offered assistance.'
People's backyards and lawns have been used to stockpile damaged furniture and belongings which are being transported to general waste bins for disposal
About 173 buildings have been recorded to be affected thus far and 400 requests for help have been made to State Emergency Services since Sunday. Residents in Latrobe banded together to help in the massive clean up of their small town (pictured)
Sofas lay soaked in the muddy water in front of people's homes while CDs and DVDs are thrown out unable to be used anymore (pictured) in the small town of Latrobe on Thursday
The reaction from the local community has been swift as the nearby Mersey River (pictured) began to swell and more than 1,000 users joined the appeal within a day. About 30 people and local businesses posted offers of help including cash, a caravan and even two toilets
Pictures of the gutted homes show pieces of furniture piled on top of each other and scattered across the mud caked floors.
Latrobe resident David Bauld is seen cleaning his partner Kathryn Bramich's 200-year-old home following the massive flood.
The Tamar River has become foamy as two flood peaks hurtle their way down stream. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull learnt first-hand how close Launceston came to catastrophe on Wednesday when the river peaked twice.
The Prime Minister stood on a viewing platform at Home Point on Thursday to inspect the surging water with Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman and local Liberal MP Andrew Nikolic. 'You must be very relieved,' said Mr Turnbull to the premier.
Thursday's visit is Mr Turnbull's second to Tasmania during the election campaign. A $58 million flood levee, completed last September, has proved a saviour for Tasmania's second-biggest city.
David Bauld (pictured) helps to clean up the 200-year-old home of his partner as they sift through what has been left behind since their home was consumed by water in the small town of Latrobe
Attempting to mop the remaining water from the floor Mr Bauld makes a start at removing the mud from the floors rinsing it into his pale (pictured) in his home in Latrobe
As residents of Latrobe (pictured) pick up the pieces a major flood warning was still in place for the Meander River, with moderate warnings for the Macquarie and South Esk Rivers, and minor flood warnings for the Jordan and North Esk Rivers
Emergency services have also warned of potential gastro outbreaks as the massive clean-up gets under way across the Tasmania north west where homes were covered in mud and water due to the floods (pictured)
Help was on its way to thousands of Tasmanians after the devastation claimed one woman's life and left two men missing. Homes and businesses were still under water in some areas on Thursday as emergency crews scoured flooded areas for the missing men.
Mr Turnbull said: 'Our thoughts are with all those affected, including those who have lost loved ones, those that have suffered damage to their properties and possessions, and all those enduring the emotional stress that such a natural disaster brings.'
Meanwhile Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten visited the State Emergency Services (SES) headquarters in Launceston as part of the 2016 election campaign.
A major flood warning was still in place for the Meander River, with moderate warnings for the Macquarie and South Esk Rivers, and minor flood warnings for the Jordan and North Esk Rivers. Emergency services have also warned of potential gastro outbreaks as the massive clean-up gets under way across the state.
The SES says people cleaning up need to avoid contact with contaminated water. SES Tasmania's Nick Wilson told ABC radio: 'A number of both emergency responders and community members in the northwest are starting to go down with gastro.
The SES says people cleaning up need to avoid contact with contaminated water which is soaked through their homes with a number of people coming down with gastro
Floodwaters are slowly subsiding but likely to take a week to completely recede and residents in places like Latrobe have piled their furniture into their homes to figure out what to do with all the damaged belongings
Pictures of the gutted homes show pieces of furniture piled on top of each other and scattered across the mud caked floors
'We suspect it's from water ingressing through their clothes and on their hands.'
Drinking water should be boiled before it was consumed in Conara, Scamander, Wayatinah, National Park, Rocky Creek and Colebrook, TasWater said.
Floodwaters are slowly subsiding but likely to take a week to completely recede, the SES says.
Rescue crews and police divers are still searching for 81-year-old Trevor Foster, and another unnamed man, who are feared dead after being washed away.
The floods claimed the life of a 75-year-old woman after her Latrobe home was inundated on Monday.
Residents evacuated from the Launceston suburb of Invermay have started returning home and police announced on Thursday the Charles Street Bridge in Launceston had reopened.
The Tasmanian government fears the damage bill from flooding in the state could top $100 million.
The Tasmanian government fears the damage bill from flooding in the state could top $100 million
The Tamar River (pictured) has become foamy as two flood peaks hurtle their way down stream. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull learnt first-hand how close Launceston came to catastrophe on Wednesday when the river peaked twice
Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten (pictured) visited the State Emergency Services headquarters in Launceston as part of the 2016 election campaign
A man whose brother was killed by a masked man in a gang related shooting has been arrested for drug importation.
Youssef Ahmad, 27, and another man, 30, were picked up by police in a drug sting in Punchbowl, south-west of Sydney's CBD, on Thursday morning.
Mr Ahmad is the brother of gangland figure and so-called Mr Big of Sydney crime, Walid 'Wally' Ahmad who was shot several times by a masked man at point blank range outside a Bankstown shopping centre on April 29.
The 27-year-old and his suspected accomplice were taken to Campsie Police station where they are expected to face charges on drug importation.
Police search a man during raids in Punchbowl on Thursday but release him without arrest
Youssef Ahmad, the brother of dead gangland figure Walid 'Wally' Ahmad (pictured), was arrested for suspected drug importation
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, police will allege the pair were involved in sneaking cocaine into the country from California via planes and the mail.
His Punchbowl home and another house on the same street was searched after his arrest, with one other man in a white van facing questioning.
The unidentified man's van was searched but he was allowed to leave without arrest after officers spoke to him about a broken tail light.
The planned raid was coordinated by Australian Federal Police, NSW Crime Commission and Organised Crime Squad in a joint operation to investigate relationships between American and Australian drug rings.
The unidentified man's van was searched but he was allowed to leave without arrest after officers spoke to him about a broken tail light
Two homes on Gowie Avenue in Punchbowl, south-west of Sydney's CBD, were searched on Thursday
The suspected drug dealer's brother was a convicted killer and had been known to operate as a stand over man.
He used his history of violence, including a stint in jail after shooting dead Mayez Dany at Greenacre in 2002, to intimidate those who challenged him.
He allegedly shot Mr Dany five times at an auto wreckers business after he refused his nephew entry to a nightclub and broke his jaw, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Ahmad was wanted by police for questioning after the fatal shooting of Safwan Charbaji which took place at his smash repairs business in Condell Park, shortly before his death.
According to police, Ahmad had been demanding local smash repair companies to direct a percentage of their business to his Condell Park shop in Sydney's south-west.
Police suspected that Ahmad's murder was 'payback' for Charbaji's death
The killing was captured on CCTV cameras and showed the shocking moment he was executed by a masked man.
Police suspected that Ahmad's murder (pictured) was 'payback' for Charbaji's death
Footage has emerged that shows the execution of a Sydney gangland figure who was shot at point blank range by a masked gunman at a shopping centre
CCTV vision shows a gunman sprint up to an outdoor table where Walid 'Wally' Ahmad is sitting
He can be seen lunging toward his killer, who is wearing a black cap, mask and hooded jumper, as he is shot several times before collapsing on the ground
The gunman sprinted up to an outdoor table where Ahmad is sitting and shoot him numerous times at point blank range.
Ahmad was seated with his bodyguard Nael Hadid, also known as Kojak, and a friend who attempted to alert him to the gunman was approaching from behind, The Daily Telegraph reported.
He attempted to lunge at his killer - who wore a black cap, mask and hooded jumper - before he was shot and collapsed on the ground in a pool of blood.
Mr Hadid, 51, was also shot and injured, while bystander Hoda Darwiche, 32, was hit with a stray bullet.
Ahmad's brother, who is expected to face charges on Thursday, is understood to have kept a 'low profile' in comparison to his other siblings, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Bystander Hoda Darwiche, 32, (pictured) had stopped to buy a coffee at a cafe when she was caught in the crossfire and shot in the leg after a bullet ricocheted
Ahmad's bodyguard Nael Hadid, also known as Kojak, was also shot during the incident
The women were each sentenced to 11 months' home detention in March
Their mother, 39, and midwife Kubra Magennis were also convicted
The sisters were six and seven when they were cut between 2009 and 2012
Vaziri, 59, is the first person in Australia to be jailed for genital mutilation
Shabbir Mohammedbhai Vaziri was sentenced to at least 11 months in jail
The leader of a Shia Muslim sect was sentenced to at least 11 months in jail on Thursday for attempting to cover up his role in the genital mutilation of two sisters when they were aged six and seven.
Dawoodi Bohra community leader Shabbir Mohammedbhai Vaziri, 59, will be the first person in Australia to be jailed for genital mutilation offences, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Vaziri was initially sentenced to a 11 months' home detention in March but Supreme Court Justice Peter Johnson reversed his decision on Thursday.
Dawoodi Bohra community leader Shabbir Mohammedbhai Vaziri (pictured), 59, was sentenced to 11 months in jail on Thursday for covering up his role in the genital mutilation of two young sisters
Mr Vaziri (centre) was convicted along with a mother who can't be named and midwife Kubra Magennis, after two girls under the age of 10 had their genitals cut or nicked in separate procedures in 2009 and 2012
'A strong message should be sent to male Dawoodi Bohra religious leaders that criminal acts such as those committed by the offender Mr Vaziri for the purposes of covering up the performance of khatna and deflect a police investigation of FGM offences ought to be met by sentences of full-time imprisonment,' Justice Johnson said.
Midwife Kubra Magennis, 72, who performed the mutilation on the girls during two separate procedures between 2009 and 2012, was sentenced to 11 months' home detention, as well as the girls' 39-year-old mother, who cannot be named.
The mother and Magennis were found guilty of mutilating each girl while Vaziri was convicted of acting as an accessory after the fact.
Their sentence hearing in March heard charges were laid after the girls told a female police officer and a social worker they had been subjected to 'khatna' performed by Magennis.
The tool used was described by the elder girl as something that 'looked a bit like a scissor'.
Vaziri helped the mother and midwife concoct a story for police and encouraged other Dawoodi Bohra followers in the community to lie or withhold information to protect the women.
The trio was the first to be convicted of genital mutilation offences in Australia.
Australia's longest serving inmate, the serial killer William MacDonald, was not given CPR despite wanting ;'full resuscitation' when he was admitted to a prison hospital last year with a strangulated hernia and died, aged 90.
MacDonald, known as 'The Mutilator for cutting off the genitals of the men he murdered, was taken to the secure wing of Prince of Wales Hospital on May 11, 2015.
The multiple murderer had previous discussed with jail doctors his 'end of life care' and asked for it to include 'full resuscitation and intubation', a coronial report says.
The report by NSW Deputy State Coroner (DSC) Teresa O'Sullivan - which reveals in fascinating details MacDonald's hidden life before and since his incarceration - says he was taken from his prison cell in 'severe pain'.
MacDonald, who lived in the aged care wing of Long Bay prison, was pronounced dead the following day.
The Coroner detailed a long list of medical conditions suffered by the Mutilator who, after five decades behind bars was mentally too terrified to be released from prison to the outside world.
Australia's longest serving prisoner William 'The Mutilator' MacDonald who died aged 90, pictured at the door of his cell in Long Bay's aged unit where he spent his last days before dying after five decades in custody
Detectives lead William MacDonald in handcuffs at the Criminal Investigation Branch after his arrest in 1963 for the mutlation murders of four 'down and out' men
The convicted killer who had murdered and mutilated four adults males in the early 1960 had become eligible for release 25 years after he was incarcerated, but despite encouragement for him to leave jail, MacDonald could not face life on the outside.
He told prison officers he was fearful of the world at large and that decades of confinement to his cell made him petrified of the world he once terrorised.
The Coroner's report said MacDonald, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young man, suffered from leg clots, a peptic ulcer, hernias, dementia and occasional diarrhoea.
He was not given CPR in Prince of Wales prison ward because it 'was only likely to result in negligible clinical benefit.
DSC O'Sullivan deemed this decision 'appropriate' and deemed MacDonald had died of 'natural causes', with the medical definition as 'complications arising from a gastrointestinal obstruction'.
MacDonald (in 1960s mug shot, top left, and police identikit drawings issued during his 'reign of terror') stabbed four men before cutting off their penis and testicles with a long-bladed knife on the streets of Sydney from 1961 and 1962
NSW Deputy State Coroner Teresa OI'Sullivan has released her findings on the death in custody of serial killer William MacDonald, saying it was right not to give him CPR even though he had a 'full resuscitation plan'
MacDonald, 90, was taken from his Long Bay cell to the secure wing of Prince of Wales Hospital on May 11 last year and by the following morning he was pronounced dead from an intestinal obstruction
She charted his life story from his birth as Allan Ginsberg in 1924 in Liverpool, England to his schooling, when he has 'discipline issues in his mid to late teens' and was treated by a psychiatrist 'who certified him as an erratic schizophrenic'.
He was conscripted into the British Army at 18 and served during World War II with the Lancashire Fusiliers.. MacDonald would later tell police that his 'irresistible urge to kill' was driven by his rape by a corporal in an air raid shelter when he was a teenager.
MacDonald died aged 90 - fifty years after he committed four grisly murders and was arrested on May 13, 1963
Receiving an 'honorable discharge with exemplary conduct', MacDonald emigrated to Canada in 1948 but ran out of money, and returned to England where his 'erratic behaviour' saw him admitted to the mental asylum at Crichton Royal Hospital in Scotland.
His mother arranged for his release soon after and in 1954 MacDonald arrived in Brisbane. He moved on to Adelaide and in 1955 was charged with 'indecent assault on a male person and two counts of gross indecency, after touching an undercover police officer in a public toilet.
He received a good behaviour bond, but skipped town for Ballarat, then Perth, then Hobart and with the new name of Alan Edward Brennan, on to New Zealand in 1959.
In 1961, he returned to Australia and found a job at the Postmaster General's Department in Sydney. A doctor who examined him described his personality as 'schizoid'.
It was then that MacDonald took to the streets armed with a long-bladed knife. He lured his victims, who were mostly down-and-outs sleeping rough around Sydney's inner city suburbs, into drinking sessions in parks and dark spots.
MacDonald's first murder victim was Brisbane man Amos Hurst, a man he met outside Roma Street station in Brisbane city after the hotels had shut on Saturday, March 19, 1960.
The pair went to 55-year-old Hurst's flat at Milton to drink heavily whereupon MacDonald was overcome suddenly with an 'impulse to kill' and put his hands around Hurst's throat 'and squeezed with all my might'.
THE DAY I MET AUSTRALIA'S FIRST SERIAL KILLER It was 2005 and William 'The Mutilator' MacDonald had been locked up for more than 40 years. He was still living in the once feared Long Bay Jail, although by then, it was no longer the prison which housed the nation's most feared criminals. And anyway, MacDonald was by then as meek and mild as an inmate could be. He was in his early 80s and he looked as if he wouldn't hurt a fly. I was walking through Long Bay's aged and frail unit and we came upon Arthur 'Neddy' Smith getting around on his walking frame. The one-time big man of Sydney's crime scene who was doing life for murder, but had gradually succumbed to Parkinson's disease. Then we walked up a row of cells and came to one with the door open. Inside sat a little old man in prison greens, his hair white and his eyes big and watchful. My companion, the late Bob Stapleton, who had worked as a media representative for Prisons NSW for decades, whispered in my ear: 'That's old Bill MacDonald, the one who used to mutilate his victims'. Bob nodded at MacDonald who nodded back. I studied The Mutilator for a moment. There was nothing frightening or extraordinary about him, just an old bloke who looked meekly back. He didn't say a word. Later I heard a story from one of the prison officers that MacDonald had been considered for release, but the old man confided in the guards that he was too frightened to leave prison. The outside world he had terrorised four decades earlier now terrified him. Candace Sutton Advertisement
When Hurst 'tried to struggle I hit him in the mouth' and then he 'put Hurst in the middle of the bed, took off trousers, shirt and shoes and put a sheet right over his head and tucked it in all round'.
The decomposition of Hurst's body when it was discovered and his history of heart disease initially led to a finding that he had died from natural causes, but by this time MacDonald had fled to Sydney where he embarked on a killing spree.
On June 4, 1961, a naked male body was found at the Sydney Domain Baths. The victim had been stabbed more than 30 times and castrated.
MacDonald, who would eventually confess to killing the man, Alfred Reginald Greenfield, and tossing his genitalia into Sydney Harbour, said he was compelled to murder Greenfield because he reminded MacDonald of the corporal who had raped him.
He had met Greenfield in Greens Park, Darlinghurst, near St Vincents Hospital, and lured him to the Domain baths to have a drink.
MacDonald then stabbed and killed Greenfield as he lay sleeping, again hacking off his genitals.
Five months later, a cook named Percy Nicholson found the mutilated body of Ernest William Cobbin at 5.25am on November 21, 1961, in Moore Park.
MacDonald spent 50 years in prison, much of it in Sydney's Long Bay Jail (pictured) after he was arrested over four mutilation murders back in May 1963
The discovery of MacDonald's next victim, who had been stabbed repeatedly and his genitalia severed in a public toilet, sparked public alarm and the then mystery killer was dubbed in the press 'The Mutilator'.
MacDonald had placed the genitalia into a plastic bag along with his knife and departed the scene.
A journalist who covered the case later told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'It's difficult now to imagine the level of panic in the city... Homeless men were fighting to get into hostels."
On March 31, 1962, MacDonald killed Frank Gladstone McLean, stabbing him six times in the neck in a Darlinghurst lane after a drinking session.
MacDonald sliced off McLean's genitals and placed them in a plastic bag, which he later discarded.
On November 3, 1962, MacDonald befriended Patrick Joseph Hackett and they had a drinking session together.
MacDonald stabbed Hackett in the neck , then after a struggle stabbed him in the heart and hid his body under the linoleum of the kitchen in Hackett's home where it went unnoticed for three weeks.
Arrested in 1963, MacDonald, then aged 39 years old, was sentenced to jail for life.
Three psychiatrists said he was insane and his defence counsel told the court how MacDonald would hear imaginary voices in the night telling him to 'Kill, Kill, Kill'.
It came as California introduced new legislation to allow people right to die
Said it is an 'absolute disgrace' that the terminally-ill can't die with dignity
Sir Patrick Stewart, who grew up in Yorkshire but has since moved to California, US, said it is an 'absolute disgrace' that terminally-ill people are denied the right to die legally at home in the UK
Sir Patrick Stewart is urging Britain to 'boldly go' and make assisted dying for the terminally ill legal as California grants a die-with-dignity law.
The Star Trek: Next Generation actor, who is patron of Dignity in Dying, said it is an 'absolute disgrace' that he is denied the right to die legally at home in the UK.
The 76-year-old, who grew up in Yorkshire but has since moved to California, US, said it was unacceptable that terminally ill patients can now die with dignity in one country but not another.
He said: 'In California, millions of people now have the ability to die with dignity in the event of terminal illness. It is an absolute disgrace that, as a Briton, I am denied this right at home.'
California has today fully implemented new legislation allowing terminally ill people the right to request life-ending medication from their doctor. The bill was approved on September 11 last year, the same day that an Assisted Dying Bill was defeated in the House of Commons in the UK.
California is the largest American state to be covered by an assisted dying law, following Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont.
Sir Patrick's appeal for a change to the assisted dying law in Britain was supported by London-based motor neurone disease sufferer Roch Maher who relies on a ventilator to breathe.
The 56-year-old told The Mirror: 'My body continues to fail and I lose abilities on a regular basis. I am in no hurry to die. However, my quality of life would benefit from my being able to have a clear strategy as to how to end my life when it becomes unbearable.
'As my life move towards its slow and painful end I would like to have a choice about avoiding the pain and uncertainty which is currently inevitable.
'I am also concerned for my family and extremely worried about the effect such a long and lingering death will have upon them.'
Assisted suicide remains a criminal offence in England and Wales, technically punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
But the practice has been legal in the Netherlands since 2002 and around 4050 patients a year end their lives in this way.
British MPs voted heavily against an Assisted Dying Bill in the the Commons last year, with the idea that doctors could be permitted to prescribe poisons to kill their patients rejected by 336 votes to 118.
But the courts in this country continue to lean in favour of laws permitting assisted dying.
Assisted suicide laws were transformed after former DPP and now Labour MP Sir Keir Starmer brought in new prosecution guidelines at the request of Law Lords.
Assisted suicide remains a criminal offence in England and Wales, technically punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Pictured: Protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in London as MPs reject the Assisted Dying Bill
These effectively mean that no-one who helps someone to die will be prosecuted for assisting a suicide, a crime that carries a 14-year maximum sentence, unless they did so for financial reasons.
The Supreme Court which replaced the Law Lords suggested in 2014 that a special court could be set up in which judges would have the power to decide case by case whether someone can be helped to die.
Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said the new legislation in California is a 'transformative moment for the cause of assisted dying globally'.
She added: 'The UK is being left behind. It is a national embarrassment that dying people are denied choice and control at the end of their life. Last September, MPs voted to defeat an assisted dying bill, despite 82% of the British public supporting such a law.
'The government of California listened to the public, 65 per cent of whom supported an assisted dying law.
'50 million Americans now have a choice over their deaths, should they be terminally ill, that every single person in Briton is denied.
'It's time our politicians listened to the people they claim to represent and allow the terminally ill the right to die with dignity.'
To talk to someone confidentially, call the Samaritans on 116 123. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alternatively, visit their website.
A man has died after being crushed by pallets of mushrooms at a plant in central Florida
A man has died after being crushed by pallets of mushrooms at a plant in central Florida.
Bruce Edward Stephenson Jr, 45, of Tavares was moving the pallets with a forklift at the Monterey Mushrooms Inc. plant in Zellwood on Monday evening when they began swaying, according to the Orange County sheriff's department.
Stephenson jumped off the forklift but the pallets fell on him before he could get away, a spokesman for the department told the Orlando Sentinel.
He was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Deputies and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating.
Monterey Mushrooms general manager Brian Hesse said he couldn't comment due to the ongoing investigation.
The company describes itself on its website as an 'international, multi-facility company with 10 mushroom-growing farms located throughout North America'.
In December, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued Monterey Mushrooms with a $6,000 penalty for the 'serious' violation of exposing employees to a 'fall hazard' in the harvesting area.
According to the OSHA report, employees had been observed 'working, walking and climbing onto the mushroom bed frames at a height of up to 8 feet.'
British and Italian authorities who claimed to have tracked down one of the world's most prolific people-smugglers may have caught the wrong man.
A man said to be Medhanie Yehdego Mered, 35, known as The General, whose continent-wide smuggling network has netted him more than 75 million, was arrested in the Sudan.
However, after images of the detainee was broadcast around the world, several people have come forward to cay that it is a case of mistaken identity.
Doubts: Both these pictures allegedly show Medhanie Yehdego Mered, but friends and family have come forward and said the arrested man, right, is an Eritrean refugee called Medhanie Tesfamariam Kidane
Wong guy? Claims of mistaken identity came after Italian authorities announced the arrest, and images of the man they say is Mered was published in international media
While Mered is a trafficking kingpin suspected of personally overseeing the perilous boat journeys thousands to Europe from Africa - the man shown off by Italian police on Wednesday is allegedly an Eritrean refugee.
Authorities in Italy and London are now urgently investigating the possibility that they may have been sent the wrong man from Sudan.
The man claimed to be Mered was arrested by local authorities at safe house in the Sudanese capital Khartoum last month after a year-long inquiry.
Italian investigators had linked up with the British National Crime Agency, the GCHQ listening station and officials in Sudan to catch him.
Police were so concerned about Mered's influence on corrupt local officials that they did not announce his capture until he was extradited to Italy.
The man authorities claim is Mered a.k.a. 'The General' was extradited from Sudan to Italy after being arrested and he will face people trafficking charges there
Authorities in Italy and London are urgently investigating claims that the wrong man had been extradited
However, after the announcement. several people contacted the media to say the man paraded by officers was not Mered.
They say the man seen being walked off a plane by Italian officials is a 27-year-old Eritrean refugee called Medhanie Tesfamariam Kidane.
Hes my best friend, hes innocent,' said one of Kidane's flatmates tracked down in Khartoum by The Guardian.
Kidane's cousin also spoke to the newspaper, adding: Its the wrong guy. Hes not a human trafficker. Hes from my family.
Meron Estefanos, an Eritrean broadcaster based in Sweden claimed to have been contacted by almost 400 people claiming that the man arrested is Kidane and not Mered.
Friends of Kidane also pointed out that photos of him bears no resemblance to photographs of Mered.
However, a police source claimed that they are certain that they have the right man, and that it was the initial picture of Mered that showed the wrong man.
'The picture [of a man in a blue shirt wearing a crucifix] was of another man with a similar name. We are sure we have the right man,' an Italian police source told The Times.
Detectives believe Mered has hidden huge sums of money in Dubai, America and Canada and was preparing for a new life in the West with his family.
Migrants wait at a fishing port in the Libyan city of Tripoli after being caught trying to board boats headed for Europe
The investigation into Mered began after 359 people drowned off the coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa in 2013. Prosecutor Geri Ferrara said of Mereds operation: We dont know the exact number of boats that sank because often nobody survived, but thousands of people drowned.
Mr Ferrara said there was evidence the gang tortured migrants in safe-houses in Libya. They certainly used violence and deprived the migrants of food and water.
Mereds wife Lidya Tesfu fled to Sweden as a refugee with the couples young son. Police suspect Mered was organising fake identity documents before travelling to join her. Secret phone taps caught Mered red-handed boasting about his profits and laughing about the plight of his victims.
The smugglers Tripoli-based network was responsible for the journeys of 10,000 migrants in just three months in 2014, as they charged up to 700,000 a boat.
Tom Dowdall, of the National Crime Agency, described Mered as a prolific people smuggler with an absolute disregard for human life. He added: Although he was operating thousands of miles away, his criminal activity was impacting the UK.
If the right man has been caught - and it is proven that he is Mered and not Kidane - is the right man, it would be the first time a suspected kingpin has been tracked down in Africa, and brought to face justice in Italy since Europe's immigration crisis started almost three years ago.
Italy has been on the frontline of the immigration crisis as some 170,000 migrants reached the country by sea in 2014 and 153,800 in 2015
Italian prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi said in a statement: 'Mered is accused of being the advocate and boss of one of the most important criminal groups operating in central Africa and Libya that smuggles people first across the Sahara desert and then the Mediterranean Sea.'
Mered, nicknamed 'The General' is suspected of working with a Ethiopian national, Ghermay Ermias, who is still at large.
Between them, they have allegedly raked in huge sums by bringing migrants from Libya to Italy across the Mediterranean on overcrowded and often unseaworthy boats.
Sicilian prosecutor Calogero Ferrara previously said that the two controlled an operation that was 'much larger, more complex and more structured than originally imagined.'
Mr Ferrara said they were opportunistic, purchasing kidnapped migrants from other criminals in Africa.
By his calculations, each boat trip of 600 people made the smugglers between $800,000 and $1 million before costs.
The smuggling networks have mostly eluded international law enforcement agencies because they are based on anonymous cells spread across many countries.
Italy has been on the frontline of the immigration crisis as some 170,000 migrants reached the country by sea in 2014 and 153,800 in 2015.
So far this year, more than 40,000 migrants have arrived.
More than 8,000 people are also believed to have died in the Mediterranean since the start of 2014, some off the Italian coast and others seeking to reach Greece.
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Half a million people are being given the chance to walk on water thanks to a new art installation over an Italian lake.
The 'Floating Piers' by artist Christo, which is his 23rd large-scale installation, is being set up over picturesque Lake Iseo in northern Italy and will open next week.
Since November, Christo, aged 80, and his team have been overseeing the assembly and anchoring of 220,000 floating poly-ethylene cubes to create a two mile undulating runway connecting the mainland with a pair of islands.
An aerial view showing the 'Floating Piers' installation which is beginning to take shape over Lake Iseo in northern Italy
The installation opens on July 18, and will allow people in the town of Sulzano to ealk to the small island of Monte Isola in the middle
Once the installation opens on June 18, 150 volunteers, among them lifeguards, will be posted on the piers and on boats around the clock to ensure safety
'The Floating Piers' is expected to draw half a million visitors during the longest days of the year to northern Italy's least-known big lake.
The artist said: 'For the first time, for 16 days, from the 18th of June to July 3, they will walk on the water.'
However, the project still awaits a final touch, the application of deep yellow fabric that the artist promises will dramatically shift from nearly red to brilliant gold under the effects of light and humidity.
Once the installation opens on June 18, 150 volunteers, among them lifeguards, will be posted on the piers and on boats around the clock to ensure safety.
Swimming is forbidden - but expected, despite the cold water temperatures and the entrance is free, with the entire cost of the 15 million euro ($17 million) project financed by the artist himself
The project still awaits a final touch, the application of deep yellow fabric that the artist promises will dramatically shift from nearly red to brilliant gold under the effects of light and humidity
The installation had originally been planned for the delta of the Rio de la Plata in Argentina but it failed to get planning permission
Swimming is forbidden - but expected, despite the cold water temperatures and the entrance is free, with the entire cost of the 15 million euro ($17 million) project financed by the artist himself.
Christo's projects are as much feats of engineering as they are works of art. He has brought in a team of athletes from his native Bulgaria to assemble the specially made, recently invented cubes and divers to anchor them to concrete slabs on the lake-floor, employing oil-rig-inspired two-week rotations.
The artist and his wife Jeanne-Claude, who died in 2009, originally envisioned it for the delta of Rio de la Plata in Argentina, in 1970 but they failed to get permission.
They then considered Tokyo Bay, but again failed to get the permits.
Christo explained: 'The project is done for ourselves. And if other people like it, it's almost a bonus, very much like a painter who (has) huge big canvases they like to fill it with color.
'You don't fill the canvas with color to please Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, you fill it with color because you like to have the joy to see this colour.'
Bulgarian-born artist Christo stand and directs his team as they assemble his art installation on the Italian lake
Christo brought in a team of athletes from his native Bulgaria to assemble the specially made, recently invented cubes and divers to anchor them to concrete slabs on the lake-floor, employing oil-rig-inspired two-week rotations
He eventually chose Lake Iseo for its calm waters and simple shoreline against the majestic Alpine foothills that some believe may have inspired the background of Leonardo's 'Mona Lisa.'
Christo suggests the hypothesis is made believable by the misty effect created by the lake climate, softening the mountain contours. In a painterly gesture, he said he made sure that the project offered vistas not only of the mountains, but also of the lake's medieval towns and verdant flora.
He was delighted with the finished project and instructed a boat driver to circle past the runway to create waves and smiled gleefully at the gentile oscillation of the platform.
Had the original project gone through, it would have been built with stodgier pontoons, lacking the kinetic grace allowed by the recently invented cubes.
Fed up with overhearing what his neighbor was getting up to in the bedroom, a hot-headed New Mexico man set fire to his own apartment in an attempt to find some peace and quiet in jail.
Reuben Cook, 36, told police he 'tried to burn anything he could think of' in his apartment at 10 pm on Sunday, leaving minor fire damage, the Albuquerque Journal reported.
'He stated that he heard people having sex upstairs and making a lot of noise,' was the wording used in Cook's official complaint. 'Mr. Cook stated that by starting the fires he could go to prison and get away from the noise.'
Peace at last? Reuben Cook serves time in jail after setting fire to his own apartment in an attempt to escape neighbor's noisy sex acts
His wish was granted after officers charged him with arson and hauled him off to the county jail. They also found a lighter in Cook's pocket, which the first-time arsonist said was used to start the blaze.
The man's father, David Cook, said his son hasn't been able to think logically since a stroke left him mentally impaired, according to a local outlet.
'They had to remove part of his brain,' Mr. Cook Sr. told the Journal. 'He's not in control of the things he thinks. It was not something he planned.'
Sarah Wollaston said she now believed she would feel a sense of 'loss and guilt' if she voted for a Brexit on June 23 and the Out campaign won
Downing Street has been accused of trying to bribe wavering MPs into backing EU membership after a senior Tory defected from the Leave camp.
Sarah Wollaston, a former GP and chair of the Commons health committee, shifted her position on Brexit slamming 'untrue' claims about how much money could be diverted to the NHS.
Former minister Grant Shapps has also declared he will be voting Remain in the referendum, while ex-International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell is set to announce his allegiance this weekend.
But Nadine Dorries lashed out at her Tory colleagues - branding Ms Wollaston a 'Cameron patsy' and suggesting that government whips were MPs offering jobs in return for backing.
Around a dozen Tory MPs have yet to declare their stance, with just two weeks to go until the key ballot on June 23.
They include sports minister Tracey Crouch and Treasury Select Committee chairman Andrew Tyrie - who has been heavily critical of the way both sides have campaigned.
In a post on her blog, Totnes MP Dr Wollaston said: 'My postal vote sits unopened in the kitchen.
'Far from tearing it open to do my bit for Brexit, I have been imagining how it would feel to wake up to that result on June 24.
'It would not be elation or freedom but a profound sense that something had been lost and guilt too if my vote had contributed to the turmoil ahead.'
The Vote Leave battle bus has toured the country with a claim some of the money could be spent on the improving the NHS but Dr Wollaston insisted it was misleading.
'I think right from the outset there are people within the Leave campaign who acknowledge in private that they know this is not true, but what they are trying to encourage is a discussion about the amount,' she told the BBC.
'Well, this is a kind of post-truth politics. Having come into public life complaining about open and honest data, I can't step foot on a battlebus or distribute a leaflet with information that I know to be untrue.
'And I've told them that.'
The 350million figure was dismissed as 'highly misleading' by the Treasury committee while the Institute for Fiscal Studies said it includes assumptions which are 'clearly absurd'.
Dr Wollaston warned there would be a 'Brexit penalty' on the NHS as withdrawal would damage the economy.
'The consensus now is there would be a huge economic shock if we voted to leave.
'Undoubtedly, the thing that's most going to influence the financial health of the NHS is the background economy. So I think there would be a Brexit penalty.'
But Mid Beds MP Ms Dorries questioned Dr Wollaston's motives and accused her of following the 'project fear WW3 crib sheet' - adding: 'She's a Cameron Patsy now!'
Ms Dorries tweeted: 'No10 bombarding Remain waverers with calls and texts begging not to change mind as they had a major defection. Desperate stuff.
'Sad that No10 were 1st to know about Wollaston's change of heart.
'Her decision to leave rings false - deliberately staged and political.'
Another MP, Michael Fabricant, said: 'Sarah Wollaston is WRONG when she said we have a net financial gain on medical research. We pay far more to the EU.'
No10 spin doctors were said to be ringing round trying to secure more defections.
But Dr Wollaston flatly denied that she had 'asked for or been offered any Government post'.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who pushed the 'open primary' format which saw Dr Wollaston selected to fight her Commons seat ahead of the 2010 election, hailed the move as a 'powerful intervention'.
A Vote Leave spokesman hit back saying: 'Sarah's decision is bizarre but we wish her well.
'Given her views on the EU in the past it is disappointing to suddenly see her repeating lines straight from the Remain campaign hymn sheet.'
Tory MP Nadine Dorries questioned Dr Wollastone's motivation and timing, and also suggested whips were going around offering jobs in return for support
Brexit-backing Tory John Redwood said he hoped Dr Wollaston would reconsider.
But he acknowledged the disputed 350million was the gross figure of the UK's contribution to the EU, before the rebate and the money that came back to the UK.
Former cabinet minister Mr Redwood told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I have always been very clear that the 350 million a week - it's actually slightly higher now because it has gone up since they first calculated it - is the gross figure. That's the total amount of the UK's contributions.
'You then need to allow for the fact that we get a rebate, we get some money back for farmers and universities and other good causes, and we would want to carry on paying all that money once we come out of the EU.
Dr Wollaston flatly denied having 'asked for or been offered' any government post before defecting
'So our Brexit budget has always concentrated on all the money we do send to them that we don't get back, which is about half of that gross total.'
He added: 'I hope Sarah will think again because she, like me, thinks we need to spend more money on health.
'We can do so out of all the money that we save and we would also be able to give that cancellation of VAT on fuel to people's households.'
But Labour's shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander - who yesterday issued her own warning about the NHS and Brexit - welcomed the move.
She tweeted: 'Good on Sarah Wollaston. She is right to call out the nonsense of the Leave Campaign's arguments on the NHS.'
Prime Minister David Cameron, seen in Downing Street yesterday, welcomed Dr Wollaston's defection to his campaign as a 'powerful intervention'
Announcing that he would be voting to Remain, Mr Shapps said: 'Having agonised about my own decision long and hard, I have finally reached the conclusion that in the end the potential turmoil for business is really quite difficult to ignore.
'I think that the uncertainty about market access for British companies and the potential that has to put jobs at risk, does just tip the balance in favour of remaining.'
Mr Shapps was Conservative chairman until last May's post-election reshuffle, when he joined the Department for International Development.
He quit the Government in November amid allegations about failures to prevent bullying of young activists.
Mr Mitchell said he would be announcing his position after chairing a debate in his Sutton Coldfield constituency on Saturday, which will feature Ukip leader Nigel Farage, former Cabinet minister Lord Heseltine and ex-Lib Dem leader Lord Ashdown.
'I hope this will help my constituents decide where they stand on the vital issue of Britain's membership of the European Union,' Mr Mitchell said. 'Sutton Coldfield will be hearing first hand from four of the clearest voices on Europe and biggest names in British politics as well as from two of our leading sixth formers and I shall be making my own decision on how to vote following this great event in Sutton Coldfield which I hope my constituents will find memorable, worthwhile and enjoyable.'
Billionaire JCB boss and Tory donor backs Brexit and tells his 6,000 staff Britain will 'thrive' outside the EU in a personal blow to Cameron and his gloomy economy claims
A billionaire manufacturing boss has launched an impassioned plea for Brexit in a devastating personal blow to David Cameron's Remain campaign.
In a letter explaining his stance to his employees, JCB boss and Conservative peer Anthony Bamford said the UK was a 'trading nation' that could 'stand on its own two feet'.
The intervention from one of the Tory Party's biggest donors is a significant boost for the Leave campaign as the referendum enters its final fortnight.
Lord Bamford is the first major employer to write to his staff and recommend a Brexit vote despite Downing Street efforts to tie up business support for staying in the EU.
In a letter explaining his stance to his employees, JCB boss and Conservative peer Anthony Bamford (left) said the UK was a 'trading nation' that could 'stand on its own two feet
But it also highlights a rift between the 70-year-old peer and his one-time political soulmate, William Hague, who was for years a strident Eurosceptic.
While Lord Hague yesterday launched a withering attack on Leave campaigners and backed the pro-Brussels camp, Lord Bamford has stuck to his guns.
In the open letter, the tycoon told his 6,000 UK staff that Britain has 'little to fear' outside the EU.
He added that he was confident that the UK and the company founded by his father 70 years ago will be just as successful after leaving the EU.
'You should be ashamed of yourself!': Rattled Osborne forced to admit pensioners WON'T be worse off after Brexit as he's mauled for scaremongering on live TV
George Osborne was last night attacked on live TV for claiming Brexit would hit pensioners as he reluctantly admitted their income would actually be protected.
Presenter Andrew Neil told the Chancellor he should be 'ashamed' of a pro-EU advert showing an elderly woman holding an empty purse.
Last month, Mr Osborne had prompted controversy by claiming that quitting the EU would trigger higher inflation, leaving pensioners losing as much as 32,000.
In last night's BBC interview, he continued to insist the elderly had 'a lot to be scared about if we leave the EU'.
Chancellor George Osborne tonight insisted Brexit held many risks and there was a lot to be scared of if the country decides to quit the EU in two weeks time
However, under heavy pressure from Mr Neil, he conceded pensioners would benefit from a 'triple lock' on their incomes.
This Government measure is enshrined in law and means the State pension will always rise by inflation or the rate of earnings or 2.5 per cent. Even if prices spike, their income will never rise by less than inflation.
During their fraught 30-minute encounter, Mr Neil pointed to the empty purse poster released by the Osborne-backed Britain Stronger in Europe group. He then told the Chancellor: 'You've been scaring pensioners. You should be ashamed of yourself.'
Government policy, known as the 'triple lock', guarantees pensions grow by at least 2.5 per cent, wage increases or inflation - whichever is largest.
Mr Osborne used the bizarre metaphor of a snakes and ladders board to warn Brexit could mean the country's economy could slip down the 'big snake'.
Mr Osborne insisted: 'You've attempted to say we are trying to scare the population - you've said it twice now.
'Frankly there is a lot to be scared about if we leave the European Union and we risk our economy. It's a risk to pensioners, it's a risk to home-owners, it's a risk to people in work.
'The state pension because we have a successful, strong, growing economy which we don't want to put at risk rises by the so-called triple lock.'
EU referendum result could face a legal challenge after ministers were accused of 'skewing' voting by extending registration by TWO DAYS because website crashed
The EU referendum result could be open to a legal challenge after the online voter registration process descended into 'a shambles', ministers were warned last night.
The deadline for voters to register online was extended by 48 hours after the official website crashed on Tuesday night in the run-up to the midnight cutoff, potentially denying thousands the chance to take part in the June 23 poll.
Chris Grayling, the pro-Brexit Leader of the House of Commons, made an emergency statement to say legislation will be introduced today to allow an extension to midnight tonight.
The Government voter registration website crashed last night just two hours before the deadline
But Bernard Jenkin, a Tory backbencher and Leave campaigner, warned that in extending the deadline by two days, when the website was down for only 90 minutes, the Government was on the 'cusp of legality'.
He said that if the Remain side narrowly wins the referendum, there could be a court injunction against the result. Mr Jenkin, chairman of the Commons public administration committee, told BBC Radio 4: 'We are not a banana republic. We shouldn't be making up the rules for our elections as we go along. This is a shambles.'
No 10 said the solution was arrived at after discussions with the Electoral Commission and opposition parties, and was 'legally watertight'.
Observers said those seeking to register at the last minute were more likely to be young Remain supporters.
Officially the Leave campaign welcomed the extension last night, but senior figures were said to be 'seething' at the decision.
A retired Canadian-Iranian professor who studies women's issues across the Middle East has been detained without charges in Tehran, her family said Thursday, the latest dual national held by authorities there since Iran's nuclear deal with world powers.
The detention of Homa Hoodfar, who until recently taught anthropology and sociology at Montreal's Concordia University, comes amid a widening targeting of Iranians with Western ties in the wake of the accord. Already, at least two Iranian-Americans and a U.S. permanent resident from Lebanon have been detained, likely at the hands of hard-liners opposed to the deal.
Hoodfar, 65, traveled to Iran in early February to see family after the death of her husband and retiring from Concordia, her niece Amanda Ghahremani said. She was also doing research at the archive of Iranian parliament's library as an election that month saw 17 women elected as lawmakers.
Homa Hoodfar, 65, traveled to Iran in early February to see family after the death of her husband and retiring, her niece Amanda Ghahremani says
Two days before she was due to fly out of Tehran in March, Iran's Revolutionary Guard raided Hoodfar's home, seizing her belongings and questioning her, Ghahremani said. After several days of interrogation, she was formally arrested and released on bail, though she and her lawyer still don't know what charges she faces, despite periodic questioning since, her niece said.
On Monday, the Revolutionary Guard summoned Hoodfar for questioning at Tehran's notorious Evin prison and since then she's been held incommunicado, Ghahremani said. Her family decided to go public with her detention Wednesday by talking to Canadian media in Montreal.
'We're very confused and baffled by what's going on because those who know Homa either personally or through her academic work know she's ... someone who's incredibly even-handed and balanced,' Ghahremani told The Associated Press. 'She's not political. She's not an activist. And if anything, she has worked to improve the lives of women in different contexts, including Iran.'
Two days before she was due to fly out of Tehran in March, Iran's Revolutionary Guard raided Hoodfar's home, seizing her belongings and questioning her, Ghahremani said
Calls to Iran's judiciary rang unanswered on Thursday, the start of the country's weekend. State-run media had no report on Hoodfar's detention. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Canada has not had an embassy in Iran since 2012, when its conservative-led government at the time cut diplomatic ties over the Islamic Republic's contested nuclear program and other issues. In the time since, world powers have reached a deal with Iran for it to limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.
On Wednesday, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion acknowledged that not having an embassy complicated matters. Italy has protected Canada's interests in Iran since 2012.
On Monday, the Revolutionary Guard summoned Hoodfar for questioning at Tehran's notorious Evin prison (pictured) and since then she's been held incommunicado, according to the retired professor's niece
'It would be easier to have an embassy in Iran, but it's not the case,' Dion said. 'We will do everything we can (by) working with the like-minded countries that are in Iran.'
Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary force charged with protecting the country's Islamic government, has increasingly targeted those with Western ties since the deal. A prisoner swap in January between Iran and the U.S. freed Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian and three other Iranian-Americans.
The ISIS-aligned United Cyber Caliphate has distributed a new 'kill list' which contains the names of 7,858 Americans.
The group, using the Russia-based app Telegram gave the names, addresses, and email addresses of 8,318 people in total, making it one of the longest kill lists ISIS have ever put out.
They urged their supporters to 'kill them strongly to take revenge for Muslims'.
Despite Telegram shutting down 78 ISIS related accounts in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, recruiters are still using the app to groom youngsters and spread ISIS propaganda
Vocativ reported that the kill list - published in English and Arabic - included the names of 1,445 people with addresses in California, believed to include many famous figures in Silicon Valley and Hollywood.
The list also has 643 names and addresses in Florida, 341 in Washington D.C., 333 in Texas, 331 in Illinois, and 290 in New York.
While most of those targeted were American, there were 312 'targets' in Canada, 69 in Australia and 39 in the U.K.
The other targets were in countries as varied as Israel, France, Indonesia, New Zealand and Jamaica.
Telegram said it shut down 78 ISIS related accounts in the aftermath of last year's Paris attacks, but jihadist recruiters are still using the app to groom youngsters and spread ISIS propaganda.
The list appeared on the app Telegram, one of the main applications ISIS uses to disseminate propaganda
In a statement released to Business Insider back in November, Telegram said: 'We were disturbed to learn that Telegram's public channels were being used by ISIS to spread their propaganda.
'As a result, this week alone we blocked 78 ISIS-related channels across 12 languages.'
But despite blocking the channels, many more are still active on the app.
Gang lords have raised 300,000 to offer as a reward for anyone who kills the new Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte.
The threat comes after the leader urged the public to join his anti-crime crackdown, where he said he would offer a huge bounty for anyone who killed a drug dealer.
Other officials in towns and cities around the Philippines have also began paying bounties for slain suspected criminals in an apparent attempt to ride on Duterte's success.
Gang lords have raised 300,000 to offer as a reward for anyone who kills the new Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, pictured
But now the president's newly appointed police chief, Ronald de la Rosa has revealed drug lords detained in the country's national jail have raised enough money to offer a reward for an assassination.
He explained: 'I received information that drug lords currently in National Bilibid Prison (NBP) met and agreed to match the 75,000 offered by Duterte per slain drug lord, and 73,000 per arrested drug lord.
'We [Duterte and dela Rosa] will be the target. I tell them, come on down, bring it on.
'When we assume office on June 30, lets see if you can still pay for our assassination.'
The threats were revealed after Duterte won the presidential election in the Philippines last month, running on a platform of a ruthless anti-crime campaign.
The threats were revealed after Duterte won the presidential election in the Philippines last month, running on a platform of a ruthless anti-crime campaign
After previously saying he would unleash the military and police on criminals, he said the public could go after them as well.
He told his cheering followers at the time: 'If they are there in your neighbourhood, feel free to call us, the police or do it yourself if you have the gun. You have my support.
'If he fights and fights to the death, you can kill him. I will give you a medal.'
He also stressed that drug addicts could not be rehabilitated and warned, 'if you are involved in drugs, I will kill you. You son of a whore, I will really kill you.
Duterte has previously been linked with vigilante 'death squads' that have killed scores of people in Davao and has vowed to widen his campaign when he becomes president
'I will pay, for a drug lord: five million (pesos)($107,000) if he is dead. If he is alive, only 4.999 million," he laughed.
Duterte has previously been linked with vigilante 'death squads' that have killed scores of people in Davao and has vowed to widen his campaign when he becomes president.
Others have followed his lead with the elected mayor of the central city of Cebu, Tomas Osmena, admitting he paid more than $3,000 to police officers for killing drug traffickers.
Backing dropped in Germany, France, Spain and UK compared to last year
Support for the EU has plummeted across Europe in the wake of the migrant crisis - and the French dislike it even more than Britons do, a survey has revealed - just weeks before the Brexit vote.
Just 38 per cent of respondents in France said they had a favourable view of the EU compared to 44 per cent in Britain.
And nearly a third of those questioned in France believe Brexit would be 'positive' for the EU - despite 'overwhelming sentiment' in all other countries surveyed that it would harm the bloc.
Dwindling support: Backing for the EU plummets across Europe in the wake of the migrant crisis - and the French dislike it even more than Britain, a survey has revealed just weeks before the Brexit vote (file picture)
The findings come just weeks before Britons vote in a referendum on whether to leave the 28-bloc institution.
The survey of 10 large EU states by the Washington-based Pew Research Center showed strong support for Britain to stay in the EU, with 89 percent of Swedes, 75 per cent of Dutch and 74 per cent of Germans viewing a so-called Brexit as a bad thing.
But most striking was a plunge in the percentage of Europeans who view the EU favourably, a development which appears linked to the bloc's handling of the refugee crisis and the economy.
The fall was most pronounced in France, where more than 61 per cent respondents said they had an unfavourable view of the EU.
Favourability ratings also fell by 16 points in Spain to 47 percent, by eight points in Germany to 50 per cent, and by seven points in Britain to 44 per cent.
Public support for the EU was strongest in Poland and Hungary, countries which ironically have two of the most EU-sceptical governments in the entire bloc.
The Pew survey showed that 72 per cent of Poles and 61 per cent of Hungarians view the EU favourably.
There has been a striking plunge in the percentage of Europeans who view the EU favourably, a development which appears linked to the bloc's handling of the refugee crisis and the economy
The survey claimed that much of the disaffection with the EU among Europeans 'can be attributed to Brussels' handling of the refugee issue' (file picture)
'The British are not the only ones with doubts about the European Union,' Pew said.
'Much of the disaffection with the EU among Europeans can be attributed to Brussels' handling of the refugee issue.
'In every country surveyed, overwhelming majorities disapprove of how Brussels has dealt with the problem.'
This was especially true in Greece, which has been overwhelmed by migrants crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey.
Some 94 percent of Greeks believe the EU has mishandled the refugee crisis. In Sweden it was 88 percent, in Italy 77 percent and in Spain 75 percent.
At 92 percent, Greeks were also the most disapproving of the EU's handling of the economy, followed by the Italians at 68 percent and French at 66 percent.
Roughly two-thirds of Greeks and Britons said powers should be returned to national governments from Brussels, far higher than in the other surveyed countries.
Do you know the dog owner? Email emma.glanfield@mailonline.co.uk or call 020 3615 2343
They called police but no further action taken and dog removed by RSPCA
Tried to help stricken animal but owner reportedly became verbally abusive
Commuters shocked to see woman dragging it along before abandoning it
Black Labrador seen sprawled out on pavement after apparently collapsing
Woman caught on camera appearing to drag dead dog on lead along street
This is the shocking moment a pet owner was apparently caught on camera dragging a dead dog along the pavement - before walking off and abandoning it when rescuers tried to come to its aid.
Horrified commuters said they were left 'disgusted' by the sickening act which occurred in the Mornington Crescent area of Camden, north London, at around 9.45am on Monday.
It is understood the dog collapsed and died during its morning walk, but instead of seeking help for the animal, the owner is alleged to have continued dragging its body along the pavement.
One commuter alleges the animal's owner verbally abused her when she tried to help the black Labrador, which is believed to have died due to an illness, before attempting to leave it behind.
WARNING: Distressing content
Horrified commuters said they were left 'disgusted' after spotting the woman apparently dragging her dead black Labrador along a pavement in Mornington Crescent, Camden, north London, at about 9.45am on Monday
One commuter alleges the animal's owner verbally abused her when she tried to help the black Labrador, which is believed to have died due to an illness, before attempting to walk off and abandon it altogether
The 26-year-old woman, who does not wish to be named but lives and works in north London, said she was told to 'f*** off' by the dog's owner when she rushed to help after it appeared unconscious.
She said: 'I was on my way to work and saw this woman arguing with a younger man.
'She had two dogs with her and one of them looked like it was lying down.
'The argument seemed quite aggressive so I went over and asked what was going on - but when I looked down at the dog I thought 'oh my god, it has passed out'.
'I looked at the dog again, and it was obvious that it was either unconscious or dead.
'Its owner was trying to drag it along the street and said to us 'f*** off, it's fine' and 'mind your own f****** business, he is just having a lie down'.
'Then she unclipped the dead dog's collar and went to walk off and just leave it there.
'It was absolutely horrible. I couldn't believe it - how could anyone just leave their dead dog's body on the pavement like that?
'I was just disgusted. People are sick.'
The eyewitness, who has dogs of her own, said the owner had another dog with her, a border collie cross with a long thick coat, which she claims was panting for water as temperatures soared to 21C in the capital.
The 26-year-old witness said she was told to 'f*** off' by the dog's owner when she rushed to help after it appeared unconscious. She later called police who sent officers to the scene (pictured) to investigate
The RSPCA confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances in relation to the 'tragic incident' while the Metropolitan Police said no further police action was required after officers removed the dead animal's body
The woman added: 'It was so weird - she was emotionless, then smiling and laughing.
'I and the other man who tried to help were both crying, and we were complete strangers.
'I am an animal lover myself and have only recently lost one of my own elderly dogs, so seeing that I couldn't understand how someone could be so emotionless.
'I was in bits when my dog died, and we did our best to give him a dignified end.
'I would certainly never have dragged him along the floor, or left his dead body there.
'If you do not care about your animals, why have them?'
The RSPCA confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances in relation to the 'tragic incident' while the Metropolitan Police said no further police action was required after officers removed the animal's body from the scene.
A spokesman for the RSPCA said: 'We understand that the dog had been unwell, had been to the vets and was due to return to the vets on Monday.
'Sadly, it seems the dog collapsed and died during a walk before the second appointment.
The commuter who witnessed the incident, a 26-year-old woman from north London who wishes not to be named, said she was 'disgusted' by what she had seen in a lengthy Facebook post shaming the dog's owner
Police put a cover over the dog before removing the body from the scene in Mornington Crescent, Camden
'This must have been very distressing for the dog's owners and we appreciate it must have also been very shocking and upsetting for members of the public who witnessed the incident and saw the body in the street.
'This appears to have been an extremely tragic incident in which a pet dog has suddenly died but there was no evidence to suggest any suspicious circumstances.'
A spokesman for Met Police said: 'Police were called on Monday to reports of a woman with a dead dog, on Lidlington Place, NW1.
'Officers attended and the woman was spoken to.
'Arrangements were made for the deceased animal to be taken away.
'At this stage there is no further police action required.'
Guard tells man that he will call the police if he fails to leave platform
Man is told he could be hit with 1000 fine and is
Trainspotter is confronted by a security guard on a platform in the UK
This is the moment a security guard threatens to call the police on a trainspotter after he accuses the man of trespassing on a platform.
The confrontation, which takes place at an unidentified station in the UK, shows the Network Rail employee telling the man his actions could see him hit with a fine.
The guard says: 'If you read the sign outside the gate, it's a 1000 fine for trespass, I have looked into it mate,' as the trainspotter continues to film the track.
Dispute: The Network Rail employee tells the trainspotter that his actions could see him hit with a 1000 fine
He adds: 'I'm fed up of you keep being on here. This is our route. So leave the platform or I will report you for trespass, unless you've swiped your Oyster card, which I don't think you have.'
The trainspotter then responds by asking whether he has broken any byelaws, to which the guard replies that 'he will be' because he 'hasn't swiped his card'.
Fighting his corner, the trainspotter tells the man that standing on a platform is not trespassing and the sign is referring to people encroaching on the track.
The guard then walks away from the confrontation and utters: 'Right, I'm going to phone the police anyway so I'll have you arrested if you're not off the platform.'
The trainspotter replies: 'I will leave if you want me to,' to which the guard responds: 'Ten minutes, because I have had enough mate,' while pointing to his watch.
The clip concludes shortly afterwards and it is not known how the dispute was later settled.
The way the footage has been edited also makes it difficult to determine what may have occurred before the video was captured.
According to the Network Rail website, which has guidelines for trainspotters, the transport company: 'Welcomes rail enthusiasts to our stations.'
Retort: The trainspotter says standing on a platform is not trespassing and the sign is referring to people encroaching on the track
The guard later walks away from the confrontation and threatens to call the police if the man doesn't leave
It asks people to let staff know at the Network Rail Reception Desk that they are on the platform so that they can go about their duties without 'concern as to your reasons for being there.'
But adds that trainspotters may be required to get a 'platform ticket' to be allowed access to platforms.
In terms of trespassing, the website asks people not to encroach on the tracks or 'any other part of the railway that is not available to passengers.'
The guidelines conclude with the note that occasionally staff may ask people to move to another part of the station or to leave it all together.
It adds that staff 'should be happy to explain why this is necessary'.
The British Transport Police said it was unable to comment on the video directly as the station has not been identified.
But discussing the rules generally, a Spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'If the station is open (i.e. no ticket barriers) the man is not breaking any laws by standing on the platform.
'It is not trespass, as he is not on the line, and he does not need a ticket to travel.
'That would change if hed gone through a barrier - then he would need permission from the station.'
MailOnline has contacted Network Rail for comment and is awaiting reply.
A mother-of-four who was banned from every hospital in the UK after being caught posing as a doctor twice has avoided jail.
Sarah Caine, 30, admitted she was 'terrified of going prison' before appearing before a court charged with impersonating a doctor and theft of medical equipment.
But the agency worker smiled as she left Stevenage magistrates court, Hertfordshire, yesterday after being handed a total fine of 440.
After admitting the charges last month, neighbours told how Caine had lied to them for months about being a doctor.
Sarah Caine, 30, pictured left and right posing in scrubs and medical gear, has admitted impersonating a doctor and stealing equipment from a hospital in Stevenage
She even posted several photos of herself on Facebook in surgical scrubs.
One shows her in medical uniform with a stethoscope around her neck and reads: 'Work can be a time for pulling faces.'
Speaking for the prosecution at the sentencing today, Rosalyn Smith said: 'On two occasions she entered Lister Hospital in Stevenage and impersonated a doctor.
'On January 14, the first occasion, she was seen by two nurses who knew her from having been a patient during the latter part of 2015.
'She told them she was a doctor and she had started training.
'She was seen sometime during the late afternoon in surgical scrubs, with a lanyard and a stethoscope around her neck.
Caine, pictured left and right, outside Stevenage Magistrates' Court, was given a 440 fine over the offences
The court heard she had even posted on Facebook, pictured, about her 'job' after telling neighbours in Stevenage that she was a doctor
'She (the nurse) thought that she was walking into A&E. She was heard saying she was there as 'part of her doctor training'.
'There is no CCTV in that part of the hospital but she is captured on CCTV in the A&E department at 5.40pm.'
On January 16 Caine returned and was seen entering the hospital at around 2pm wearing surgical scrubs, a stethoscope and carrying a green medical clipboard.
She spent the next seven hours wandering around the A&E paediatric, major surgery, paediatric and maternity wards before she was arrested by police at around 9pm.
Mrs Smith said: 'She was seen by a clinical support worker who assumed she was a doctor and thought she was training.
'At around 3pm she entered a part of the hospital that was not open to the public and then went into the paediatric unit.
'A nurse saw her holding a green folder. Another member of staff saw her and said he did not recognise her. She told him she was a doctor.'
At 6.40pm she was seen by a group of medical staff at the nurses station in the paediatric ward.
Mrs Smith said: 'At this time the nurses were sat at the station and she said to them 'I am doing my doctor training'.'
The hospital switched over shifts at around 7.40pm and Caine was approached by a doctor who asked what she was doing.
Caine managed to keep up the deception and was praised by friends for her 'hard work' at hospital, pictured
Mrs Smith said: 'She claimed she was a student nurse shadowing someone but she had lost him.
'The doctor encouraged her to stay where she was but she ran off.'
The police were then called and Caine was found and arrested at around 9pm.
Officers later searched her house in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, where they found a host of medical kit including surgical scrubs, bandages, syringes, saline, cannula equipment, blood culture bottles, three blood bottles, two disposable tourniquets and blank hospital forms.
All the items, which belong to the East and North Herts NHS Trust, have been recovered.
At the hearing at Stevenage Magistrates' Court last month Caine admitted two charges of impersonating a doctor and one of theft.
Caine was banned from attending any hospital in the UK under her bail conditions except in 'genuine medical emergencies'. This has now been lifted following the sentencing.
In mitigation, she told the court: 'I didn't actually mean to steal them (the medical equipment). They were just in my pocket (of the jacket she stole).'
She added: 'The reason I was in there was because my son was in there and I was looking for the doctor who looked after him.'
She was then stopped by magistrates before she continued: 'My son had MRSA.'
Fining her 440, chairman of the bench Leah Bretton said: 'We have heard what has been said and have taken into account your early guilty plea.
Caine stole equipment including scrubs and saline solution from Lister Hospital, pictured, in Stevenage
'For the theft we are fining you 135, for each of the charges of impersonating a doctor we are fining you 100.
'You must also pay a victim surcharge of 20 and a contribution towards the court costs of 85.'
Speaking outside the court Caine said: 'I'm happy with just a fine.'
As previously reported, a close friend described her as a 'Walter Mitty' character who had often boasted of being a doctor even though it was not true.
'I think she just wanted people to think she was a doctor to make herself look better,' the friend said. 'She liked to think she was better than everyone else.
'She didn't say what kind of doctor she was. I used to question her but she would never give me an answer.
'She said she was a doctor despite never studying for it. As far as I know she hasn't even got GCSEs.'
The woman, who did not want to be named, met Caine when both of their children were being treated at Lister Hospital and bonded on the ward.
Following the hearing, a spokesman for East and North Herts NHS Trust said: 'The trust is aware that Ms Caine pleaded guilty to several very serious charges, including attempting to impersonate a doctor.
A Cuban migrant who landed in Florida after a nine-day sea voyage on board a homemade boat was handed a 'Make America Great Again' cap moments after arriving in Florida.
The man was one of six migrants, including a heavily pregnant woman who spent nine days at sea before landing in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea in Florida.
The migrants had christened their boat 'The Tremendous Barack Obama' before embarking on the perilous journey
The six migrants, five of whom are pictured here, arrived in Florida from Cuba on a homemade boat
One of the migrants wore the Donald Trump cap while smoking a cigarette while sitting on the sand
The vessel was powered by a sail made from a bag used to carry ammonium nitrate fertilizer
The home made vessel traveled more than 250 miles as it sailed from Cuba, along the Florida coast
When the vessel was spotted approaching the shore, the coastguard was alerted and prepared to launch a helicopter and a cutter to intercept the migrants.
Tourist Cathy Crawley from Texas said she saw the group 'kissing the sand' after landed safely.
She told the Sun Sentinel: 'We thought somebody was wind surfing, then we saw several people in there. They were paddling like crazy,'
'They were so happy and their faces were just like, "we're alive and we're here." I've never seen anything like it.'
Witnesses gave the group food, water and towels before the authorities arrived at the beach.
The migrants had stored their identity documents in a bottle so they would not get wet during their journey to the United States.
Another witness, Diana Escobar said: 'At first, I thought it was a drowning. I'm happy for them after such a long voyage. And they got here right before the bad weather .'
Cuban migrants are almost always granted US citizenship if they are able to make it to dry land under the terms of the 1996 Cuban Adjustment Act.
If they are intercepted at sea they are almost certainly returned to Cuba.
However, many Cubans fear the normalization of relations with the Untied States could bring an end to this loophole to US citizenship
Witness Aiden Salazar told Local 10.com: 'The came ashore kissing the ground just thankful to be here.'
Sabina Wallace said visitors to the beach gave the migrants food and water after they landed. 'Other people brought them hamburgers and they said they didn't know what it was. It's kind of strange but awesome.'
Nigel Farage's former party aide is in jail for year-long sex attacks on a seven-year-old boy, it emerged today.
Aaron Knight, 30, was known as 'Young UKIP' as he campaigned for the party in South Thanet, Kent in 2014 ahead of last year's General Election - before switching his allegiances to Russell Brand.
At the same time he was grooming and abusing a schoolboy.
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He claims he quit the party for 'personal reasons' in September 2014, but a UKIP spokesman said he was dismissed for 'lack of performance'
And as Farage spoke about migrants sexually abusing British people, it was revealed his former employee is now serving a seven-year jail sentence for 'predatory' attacks on the child.
The mother of the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said hearing Farage talk of his fears of more migrant sex attacks if the UK doesn't leave the EU makes her 'blood boil'.
She told The Mirror: 'If Mr Farage and his mates in UKIP had been looking a bit closer to home, my son might have not been harmed in the way he has.
'I still can't believe Aaron Knight was able to worm his way into a job with UKIP like he did.
'He's just a disgusting individual. I will never be able to forgive him for what he has done to my child and my family.'
Knight, from Ramsgate in Kent, admitted two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of sexual assault on a child under 13.
Knight was brought in as the face of youth within UKIP and quickly became leader of the party's Young Independence group in Kent. He's pictured in August 2014 at a UKIP Question Time in South Thanet
At a UKIP Question Time in August 2014 (pictured), the sex offender told the crowd: 'South Thanet, this is our bastion, this is our stronghold'
He groomed the schoolboy between September 2013 and 2014 and engaged in sexual activity with him on several occasions.
He also warned the child not to tell his mother or anyone else about 'their secret'.
Aaron Knight, 30, was known as 'Young UKIP' as he campaigned for the party in South Thanet, Kent in 2014 ahead of last year's General Election
Knight, who changed his name from Grant Spain by deed poll, was sentenced to seven years in jail at Canterbury Crown Court on May 23 and was given a sexual harm prevention order.
Investigating officer PC David Greig, of Kent Police, said: 'Knight is a dangerous predatory paedophile who wormed his way into the trust of others before exploiting an innocent child for his own sexual gratification.
'I hope that thorough investigation and sentence reflects the dedication of Kent Police to bring these dangerous offenders to justice whilst allowing his brave victim, and his family, an element of closure.'
Knight worked as assistant campaign manager for Mr Farage who was aiming to become an MP for South Thanet.
He was brought in as the face of youth within UKIP and quickly became leader of the party's Young Independence group in Kent.
At a UKIP Question Time in August 2014, the sex offender told the crowd: 'South Thanet, this is our bastion, this is our stronghold.
'We are a people's party. We truly represent the people. It is now or never.'
He claims he quit the party for 'personal reasons' in September 2014, but a UKIP spokesman said he was dismissed for 'lack of performance'.
As Farage spoke about migrants sexually abusing British people, it was revealed his former employee is serving a seven-year jail sentence for 'predatory' attacks on a child under 13
In January last year, he told Sky News that he had switched allegiances from UKIP to Russell Brand.
He said: 'I thought UKIP were a people's party. But they say one thing and mean another.'
'Nigel Farage is a face man and a likeable character but there are other alternatives out there.
Gabriel Ben-Meir (pictured) was described as 'a valued member of the MTV family'
A man who killed an MTV music coordinator and another man during a series of Los Angeles robberies has been jailed for life without any hope of parole.
A judge called Jabaar Thomas, 31, a 'cold-blooded' murderer who had shown no remorse for the murder of Gabriel Ben-Meir and Marcelo Aragon.
Mr Aragon, a 35-year-old father-of-two, was shot dead on April 30, 2011 in Pico-Union and Mr Ben-Meir, 30, who worked on the MTV programmes Punk'd and Nitro Circus, was gunned down on May 8 outside his home in the upscale Wilshire neighborhood.
Two other people - Richard Anderson, 38, and Destiny Young, 34 - have pleaded guilty in connection with a series of robberies and await sentencing.
Mr Ben-Meir was shot in the back of the head as he walked from his BMW to his apartment after returning from work.
Neighbors said they heard a single shot being fired at about 1am, but nobody bothered to call police.
He was only found when a man out walking his dog saw his blood-drenched body and dialled 911.
Thomas and his accomplices used a shotgun to rob two donut stores, a liquor store as well as robbing Mr Ben-Meir and Mr Aragon.
Andrew Smith, Los Angeles police assistant commanding officer, said at the time of Thomas's arrest: 'When you're robbing people when they are walking home at night, it's just low-end crimes of opportunities by evil perpetrators.'
LAPD said the break in the case came when Wilshire Area Senior Lead Officer Spiro Roditis spotted a Crown Victoria which had been seen at the scene of the liquor store robbery.
Mr Ben-Meir was gunned down in the darkness only yards from his front door (pictured). Neighbors heard a single blast from a shotgun but nobody called police
When he flagged the car down he found Thomas and Young inside and they were both taken into custody.
Mr Ben-Meir's sister Alexis, a music manager who represents bands including Sum 41 and Good Charlotte, said at the time of her brother's death: 'He loved his job and was more passionate about music than anyone I have ever met.'
'He was not only my brother but my best friend. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and co-workers.'
A child psychiatrist allegedly caught filming a young boy in the bathrooms of a movie theatre in Canada has voluntarily stopped practicing medicine.
Dr Aaron Voon, 41, from Perth in Western Australia, was charged with making and possessing child porn and voyeurism by Canadian police on May 22.
Now he has undertaken not to practice medicine until the national board allows him to do so, according to WA Today.
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Dr Voon (pictured), who runs a pediatric clinic in Perth, Western Australia, was charged with possessing child pornography, making child pornography and voyeurism. He has undertaken to cease practicing medicine until he is reinstated by a national board
After his arrest, he was granted bail set at $75,000, with the conditions he does not use a camera, mobile phone or any other device that can send texts and pictures, and does not contact anyone under 18 unless they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
Dr Voon is also required to call a bail officer every Friday by landline.
His passport was returned to him so he could fly home to Perth, and it remains unclear if he will appear in court in Canada next week for his next hearing.
The child psychologist was filmed in an altercation with the father of the boy he allegedly filmed outside the bathrooms at West Edmonton Mall's Scotiabank Theatre, reported The Global News.
Footage shows the father grabbing hold of Mr Voon's arm, before he claims that Mr Voon was in the bathroom and had put his camera down next to his son.
The two men then demand for Mr Voon to 'show us your camera'.
'You were caught red handed with your camera angled when some boy was peeing' one of the men alleges whilst yelling at Mr Voon.
The footage of the incident was later posted online by a local news site.
Mr Voon had reportedly been watching a screening of The Angry Birds film before the incident took place.
He was arrested by Canadian police and charged with making and possessing child pornography, and voyeurism.
WA Today reported that administrators at Dr Voon's pediatric clinic, the Successful Development and Therapy Clinic in Cockburn Central, emailed parents and industry peers a message from Dr Voon.
Child psychiatrist Aaron Voon (right) was allegedly caught filming a young boy in the toilets of a cinema in Edmonton, Canada on May 22
Dr Voon was confronted by the boy's father outside the toilets, who grabbed him by the arm and yelled at him to show him what was on his phone
'Dear colleagues, patients and family,' the message reportedly read.
'A most terrible thing has happened with me in the past week whilst overseas which I will need to manage urgently... I will have to cease practice immediately indefinitely.
'For patients and family I am so sorry for leaving you so suddenly. I can honestly state that these issues have been TOTALLY separate from work and I have always provided you and your children with the best possible, safe and appropriate care.
'For colleagues, I seek your urgent support in taking over care ... my deepest apologies again and grateful appreciation for the past opportunity to work together.
'I hope that I will have the chance to work solidly on my personal issues and start afresh some time in the future.'
The father and bystanders are said to have restrained Dr Voon (pictured on the floor) until police arrived
When Daily Mail Australia contacted the clinic, an automated message said that due to unforeseen circumstances, the clinic would be closed indefinitely.
Dr Voon reportedly specialises in treating prepubescent children with social, emotional and behavioural issues and conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD and autism.
There was apparently a three-month wait-list for appointments at his clinic, which range from $750-$990 for 90 minutes for initial consultations, and $395-$445 for subsequent appointments.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the government was providing consular assistance to an Australian man who had been detained in Canada.
David Cameron's Remain campaign is using tactics worthy of Nazi propaganda chief Josef Goebbels, the founder of Ukip has claimed.
Professor Alan Sked also used a speech at the London School of Economics to suggest that Prime Minister David Cameron was a lunatic.
Prof Sked said Remain 'seeks to scare the voters with a Big Lie technique that Josef Goebbels himself would have been proud of'.
Alan Sked, pictured in 1996 announcing Ukip's first parliamentary candidates, compared the Prime Minister's campaign to Nazi propagandist Josef Goebbels in a London School of Economics Speech
The extraordinary remarks go far further Leave campaign complaints that the Government has coordinated grim economic warnings from its own departments, independent think tanks and international economic bodies.
Prof Sked went on to appear to question Mr Cameron's mental health, stating: 'We are told that Brexit - that is to say, the re-establishment of a harmless, normally self-governing, democratic Britain - would lead to war, genocide, economic collapse, terrorist infiltration, isolation and much worse.
'Not so long ago people who went around crying that the end of the world is nigh were locked up in lunatic asylums.
'Today they are allowed to live in Downing Street.'
Prof Sked said Britain in the past had to 'regularly to deliver Europe from Habsburg, French, Napoleonic, German and Nazi imperialism'.
He said: 'European democracy, as a result owes its emergence and survival in large measure to British sovereignty.
'Democratic nation states were never the cause of war in Europe; resistance to their emergence by supranational empires was.'
Prof Sked is now a harsh critic of the Ukip party he established in the 1990s.
In an astonishing interview ahead of the 2014 European Parliament elections - which were won by Ukip when the party secured 24 seats - he launched a personal tirade against Nigel Farage.
He branded Mr Farage 'alcoholic, dim and racist' and also claimed he admired Russian president Vladimir Putin because Putin is clearly a nasty piece of work and Nigel probably identifies with that.
A British backpacker who told his girlfriend not to call for help when he injured himself climbing a mountain in Vietnam has been found dead.
The body of Aiden Webb was found near Sin Chai Village, just days after he posted on Facebook that he was apologising to his family in advance for thinking he was reckless for climbing the mountain alone.
The 22-year-old from Norwich, Norfolk was last seen after setting out to climb the 10,000 foot Fansipan peak near Sa Pa in north west Vietnam on Saturday.
British backpacker Aiden Webb, 22, from Norwich, who has not been seen since Friday when he set out to climb a mountain in Vietnam
Mr Webb with his girlfriend Bluebell Baughan. She was the last person to hear from him after he called her to say he had fallen down a mountain and was injured
In the days before he went missing, he took to Facebook and spoke of his time trekking up mountains, caving, motorbiking and climbing mountains solo.
He wrote: 'Never had so much fun and never had my mind so clear and empty.
'Definitely no 'El Capitan', but regardless. This is something I've felt I've needed to do in a long time.
'(Apologies in advance to all family members who think I'm loco, and reckless I'm actually a very safe climber and know my limits).'
Both Miss Baughan and Mr Webb's aunt Lisa have been posting updates on Facebook to try and find him
After he went missing, forest rangers spent a week searching for him before drones were brought in to reach down ravines.
Mr Webb, pictured with his girlfriend, had been living in Cambridge, where he studied drama at Anglia Ruskin University
However, today park rangers found Mr Webb's body close to the location his girlfriend handed over to police at the foot of the mountain.
The head of the Hoang Lien National Park told the BBC: 'It is very sad that we found the British tourist body today at 12:50.
'The position is quite near the location that his girlfriend gave us, in Sin Chai Village.'
Mr Webb was a keen mountain climber but he injured himself after getting into trouble during the climb last week.
He had been keeping in contact with his girlfriend, Bluebell Baughan, through Facebook messenger but her messages stopped delivering to his phone.
The climber had told Miss Baughan not to get help for him as he was 'determined' to get to the top.
But he finally agreed after becoming cold and injured on the mountain and he sent his girlfriend his location.
The last message she received from her boyfriend of two years was at 6.18am local time on Saturday which jokingly said he had dropped her torch down a waterfall.
Speaking at the time he was missing, Miss Baughan said: 'I kept asking if I could get him help but he was determined that he would make it to the top of the mountain.
'He started to say he was getting cold and quite scared because he had hurt his arm and knew the climb to get back down would be extremely difficult.
Mr Webb had been climbing the Fansipan Mountain in Vietnam, pictured, when he fell and injured himself and he has not been seen since
'In the hours of the morning he decided to move but I told him to stay where he was.
'But he fell and hurt his knee quite badly and that's when he finally let me get him some help.'
The couple met at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, where Mr Webb studied drama and Miss Baughan studied performing arts.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is using Donald Trump's criticism of a federal judge to launch a broadside against congressional Republican leaders and Trump himself, in her latest stinging attack on the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.
Warren has been touted as a potential vice presidential running mate for Hillary Clinton, making her stinging rebukes of Trump an audition of sorts for a potential general election showdown after July's Democratic National Convention.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin have condemned Trump's claims that U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel can't preside fairly over a case involving Trump University because the U.S.-born Curiel is of Mexican descent and Trump wants to build a wall with Mexico.
'Judge Curiel is one of countless American patriots who has spent decades quietly serving his country, sometimes at great risk to his own life. Donald Trump is a loud, nasty, thin-skinned fraud who has never risked anything for anyone and serves nobody but himself. And that is just one of the many reasons why he will never be president,' Warren says.
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Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will reportedly endorse Hillary Clinton for president in the next week or two, but has already hit the ground running as an anti-Donald Trump voice who pulls no punches
The fall campaign will be a nasty one with Trump slinging mud at the Clintons and the former first couple leveraging loud supporters like Warren to amplify their own dirty work
But the far-left Massachusetts Democrat says McConnell and Ryan are really no better than Trump on the issue of judges.
She cites what she contends is McConnell's blockade of President Barack Obama's judicial nominees including Supreme Court pick Merrick Garland, and Ryan's acquiescence in the strategy.
'Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell want Donald Trump to appoint the next generation of judges. They want those judges to tilt the law to favor big business and billionaires like Trump. They just want Donald to quit being so vulgar and obvious about it,' Warren says.
'Donald Trump chose racism as his weapon, but his aim is exactly the same as the rest of the Republicans. Pound the courts into submission to the rich and powerful.'
Warren made the comments in a speech she planned to give to the American Constitution Society on Thursday night. Her office released excerpts in advance.
The liberal lawmaker increasingly has tangled with Trump, taking on a role that she seems able to execute more effectively than other Democrats, including presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Warren is the only female Democratic senator yet to officially back Clinton, but intends to make a formal endorsement in coming days, two sources with knowledge of her plans told The Associated Press late Wednesday. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.
Warren's ardent base of liberal supporters includes many who also backed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the 2016 race and may follow her lead more than that of any other leading Democrat, except perhaps for Obama.
'Trump isn't a different kind of candidate. He's a Mitch McConnell kind of candidate,' Warren said in her prepared remarks. 'Exactly the kind of candidate you'd expect from a Republican Party whose 'script' for several years has been to execute a full-scale assault on the integrity of our courts.'
Democrats and Republicans are in a seemingly endless dispute on judicial nominations, with each side claiming the other has been more obstructionist on the issue. Garland's nomination has languished since March while the Supreme Court, with eight justices instead of nine following Antonin Scalia's death, has issued a number of 4-4 rulings.
On Wednesday, Warren stood up on the Senate floor to challenge McConnell over the issue and try to move nomination votes by unanimous consent, but he denied her request and disputed her arguments.
'President Obama has had many more judicial nominees confirmed than President Bush did at the same point in his presidency,' McConnell said.
Residents of a Chicago suburb are angry and confused after a store opened selling diapers, soothers, cribs and rocking horses designed specifically for adults.
The shop, Tykables, in Mount Prospect caters for diaper fetishists and has a seven-foot crib, an oversized high chair and adult-sized playpen.
Owner John-Michael Williams said some of his customers needed adult diapers for medical needs but many others were 'Adult Baby Diaper Lovers'.
Owner John-Michael Williams in front of a stack of adult diapers. He says most of his sales are online but he thought the store would be good for those people who 'don't have access to a nursery' of their own
Diaper fetishism is closely related to paraphilic infantilism, also known as autonepiophilia, in which adults are sexually aroused by the idea of being a baby.
Mr Williams told WGNTV: 'The biggest concerns come from people who don't understand our business and what we do.'
Resident Greg Suarez said: 'It's really weird, especially for this area, when I found about it it was just kind of a shock, I didn't know people like that stuff.'
The store has an adult-sized rocking horse (left) and a giant playpen (right, behind owner John-Michael Williams)
Mr Williams in front of the 7ft tall crib. The town's mayor says there is nothing illegal about the products on sale in the store
Resident Greg Suarez said: 'It's really weird, especially for this area, when I found about it it was just kind of a shock, I didn't know people like that stuff.'
But Mount Prospect's mayor says it is not breaking any laws.
Arlene Juracek said: 'When you look at the codes and all the definitions, there's nothing pornographic about it, there's nothing that would violate any sense of decency.'
Mr Williams said most of his business is done online but he said the shop was designed for 'people to come and play, take pictures with. Not everybody has access to a nursery.'
Many residents expressed their outrage at a public meeting.
Brandon Richards said: 'It's hard for us to swallow in this community. This is not the community that I moved to.'
But another resident told the meeting: 'They're not having sex with their diapers on, they're having people feed them and act like a baby.'
Mrs Juracek told the public meeting: 'In addition to the parental concerns many of you have expressed, what we have here is quite personally one of a mayor's worst nightmares.'
Adults wanting to play as babies isn't harming anyone. And if that sexually arouses them it's okay Tyomi Morgan
Chicago-based sexuality coach Tyomi Morgan told Mail Online diaper fetishists were not pedophiles and had no truck with child molesters.
She said: 'These fetish players are not aroused by the idea of having sex with children. They are aroused by the idea of playing as children, wearing the clothing, being treated like babies. This desire hurts no one.
'This is the cardinal rule about sexual expression: any expression is okay as long as it doesn't harm yourself or anyone else.
'Adults wanting to play as babies isn't harming anyone. And if that sexually arouses them it's okay.
School did not deem the rearrangement as 'exceptional circumstances'
Her other son Lewis - who attends a different school - was allowed time off
School allowed original four days off - but refused to authorise one more
A mother-of-two was fined for taking her son out of school during term-time - despite their holiday being rearranged after terror fears.
Debbie Proudler had booked to take her sons Lewis, 13, and Ellis, ten, to Egypt's Sharm El Sheikh - but the trip had be cancelled due to high risks of terrorism.
This came as ISIS brought down a Russian aircraft, killing all 224 people on board and causing the majority of travel agents to halt all flights to the resort.
Parents Lee and Debbie Proudler with their sons Lewis (left) and Ellis (right) - the latter of which was not allowed to take an extra day off school after the family's holiday was rearranged due to a terror threat
Originally booked in December, Holbeach Travel, who booked the holiday for Debbie, rearranged the trip to another Egypt destination - but could only fly them out a day earlier than originally planned.
Lewis and Ellis were set to miss four days of the last week of school but this increased to five after the rearrangement.
While both schools approved the original break, Ellis' school, Blanford Mere Primary, in Kingswinford, West Midlands, refused to authorise the extra day when it was rearranged.
Debbie, from Kingswinford, told The Sun: 'Lewis's school was absolutely brilliant, they had no problem with it.
'But when I went in to explain the situation to Ellis' school, they just said "well we can't authorise it".'
Debbie was told the school could not approve the trip and was forced to take the Year 5 pupil out anyway - despite her protestations that terrorism is an exceptional circumstance.
Ellis Proudler (left) and his brother Lewis enjoyed a holiday at another destination in Egypt
She was unable to arrange the holiday for any other time as the travel agents could only fit in a rescheduled trip between December and April - and only had one option over the festive period.
The family run a gas business which shuts down over Christmas and so the holidays were the only time they could have flown out.
But on Ellis' return to school after the Christmas break, Debbie came home to find an education officer on her doorstep.
She was ordered to pay a 120 fine for taking Ellis out of school without authorisation.
The 39-year-old tried to fight the fine and explained the holiday was cancelled due to the Russian aeroplane tragedy, also pointing out that Ellis had a 93 percent attendance record for the year, and 97 per cent and 96 per cent for the two years before.
The officer eventually agreed to hold off on fining Debbie and advised the mother-of-two to go back to the school and ask again to have the one extra day authorised.
However after doing so, Debbie received a response from the headteacher saying the school governors did not deem terrorist threats as exceptional circumstances, and the request was refused.
She said she sent off several letters to the school governors, but had no luck in persuading them.
Debbie claims Holbeach Travel even sent a letter to the school in a bid to persuade them.
According to The Sun, Ellis' dad Lee Proudler, 43, eventually told Debbie to pay the fine - which had doubled as so much time had passed since it was first issued.
Blanford Mere Primary (pictured) in Kingswinford, West Midlands, refused Debbie Proudler to take her son Ellis out of school for one extra day after her holiday was rearranged due to a terror threat
The family had their holiday rearranged to a different Egyptian destination after a Russian aircraft was brought down in a terrorist attack last October (pictured)
The family were unable to arrange the holiday for any other time as the travel agents could only fit in a rescheduled trip between December and April - and only had one option over the festive period
Debbie branded the fine 'a joke' and said: 'It's ridiculous. We ended up paying 240 fine for one day as Blanford Mere Primary School do not see terrorist action a exceptional circumstances, for a child with very good attendance.'
Nikki Miller, headteacher at Blanford Mere Primary School, insisted the policy are 'national rules set by government' and said children can only have time off school in exceptional circumstances - which does not include holidays.
Lucy Bate, from Holbeach Travel said the company had helped the family the rearrange their trip and said she is 'appalled' that Debbie has been handed a fine.
Under the tyrannical rule of ISIS, Khadija Abdu Al-Muotee and her friends were not allowed to wear anything but full-body black burqas, billowing black dresses and black veils over their faces.
The strict dress code implemented by ISIS in the town of Abu Qalqal - and all their conquered areas in Syria - dictated that all women be covered from head to toe in black, under pain of death.
So when Abu Qalqal, south of Manbij in Aleppo, was liberated from ISIS rule, Mrs Abdu Al-Muotee swore to never wear black again.
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Free: Khadija Abdu Al-Muotee from the liberated town of Abu Qalqal, in Aleppo, northern Syria, celebrated not having to adhere to ISIS's strict dress code anymore
'Now I will only wear red!' an exhilarated Mrs Abdu Al-Muotee told Ara News after her town in northern Syria was freed from ISIS this week.
Celebrating the freedom of her home, Mrs Abdu Al-Muotee can be seen wearing a red leopard-print hijab decorated with flowers over a leopard-print dress with red patterns.
'They forced us to cover our faces with the Islamic veil and threatened to kill us,' she adds.
Video from Abu Qalqal shows women and children dressed in colourful clothes and adults no longer covering their faces in full niqab.
The crowd can be heard chanting 'We are freed! We are freed!'
Celebrating: Mrs Abdu Al-Muotee had sworn never to wear black again, and only dress in the colour red
Three cheers: Women and children in Abu Qalqal celebrate being liberated from ISIS
All dressed up: Celebrating her freedom to dress as she wishes, Mrs Abdu Al-Muotee opted for a a red leopard-print hijab decorated with flowers over a leopard-print dress with red patterns
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab alliance, have liberated several villages and small towns on the edges of Manbij.
Manbij is strategic town held by IS that serves as a waypoint between the Turkish border and the jihadists' stronghold of Raqa.
The SDF is now set to attack Manbij, 'within days', a U.S. military spokesman said Wednesday, helping clear the way for an eventual assault on ISIS's self-declared 'capital' of Raqqa.
The parents of an alleged ISIS member from Oxfordshire were today denied bail and held in custody after they appeared in court charged with sending their son money to fund terrorism.
John Letts and Sally Lane are accused of funding their 20-year-old son Jack Letts, known as 'Jihadi Jack', who left his Oxford home to travel to Syria.
He is believed to have joined ISIS after converting to Islam and becoming a jihadist - but his parents deny that he is involved with terrorism.
After the couple's first appearance in court today, a judge ordered that they should be remanded in custody until the next hearing.
Court: John Letts and Sally Lane outside Westminster magistrates' court where they face terror charges
John Letts, 55, is charged with three counts of making money available knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that it may be used for a terrorist purpose.
Lane, 53, is charged with the same three counts, and two further counts of attempting to provide money knowing it may be used to fund terrorism.
The couple attended Westminster magistrates' court this morning for the first hearing in the case after they were charged last week.
The court heard that they sent him around 1,700 and tried to send him another 1,000 over a four-month period between September and January, despite knowing it would be used for terrorism.
The couple only spoke to confirm their names and to plead not guilty to all the charges.
Son: This picture shows alleged extremist Jack Letts posing in war-torn Syria
Kathryn Selby, prosecuting, said: 'They are very serious offences. The case involved the repeated sending or attempted sending of money to Ms Lane and Mr Letts' son in Syria, in the city of Raqqa which is under terrorist control.
'Their son is believed to be at the very least linked to terrorism.'
The case was sent to the Old Bailey for a pre-trial hearing later this month.
Letts, a leading organic farmer and an expert on ancient grains, has appeared on Countryfile while Lane is a books editor.
Jack has posted pictures of himself in combat clothing posing near what is believed to be the Taqba Dam in war-torn Syria.
But his parents have strongly denied their son's ties to the barbaric terrorist organisation.
Letts previously told Channel 4 News: 'If there is any evidence that he's done anything violent, if anyone can prove any of these allegations... If you can show me any of that I'll be the first to believe it and I'll be the first to report it.
'Because I don't want a son who would do that type of thing, because that is not how he was raised, and I don't think that's him. That is not the kid that I recognise.'
Leanne Wall, 36, was murdered by her former partner William Mack, 39
A jilted ex-boyfriend broke into his lover's home and hid in the attic before sneaking down in the morning and throttling her with a belt while their 16-month-old daughter was in the home.
William Mack, 39, broke into the house, where Leanne Wall lived with their daughter Elise, leaving no sign of a break-in and hid in the attic.
When Miss Wall, 36, awoke to see to Elise, she was greeted on the landing by Mack, who pounced on her and headbutted her in the face.
He then throttled her with a belt and left her lying dead on her bed then fled, leaving their 16-month-old daughter alone in the house.
Police found the body after being called to reports of a 'concern for welfare' at the home in Bury, Greater Manchester.
The toddler, who was unharmed, was taken to a neighbour's house.
Jilted ex-lover Mack was later found wandering aimlessly along the nearby M60 motorway and was detained by police.
Mack initially denied murder but wept in the dock yesterday as he changed his plea to guilty at Manchester Crown Court, where he is due to be sentenced next week.
The murder is reminiscent of the 1994 Danny Boyle film Shallow Grave in which a chartered accountant hides in his attic and spies on his housemates as they feud over a stash of cash.
Miss Wall who worked as a business risk co-ordinator at a wealth management company is thought to have split with Mack in the weeks before her death last February.
It is believed she was at work when Mack turned up at the 1950s semi with food and water and broke into the house before sneaking into the loft and lying in wait - leaving no signs of a break in.
Miss Wall came home and is thought to have spent the evening watching TV before going to be bed - totally unaware that her killer was waiting in the attic.
William Mack (pictured) broke into her house when she was out and then hit in the attic all night, coming down in the morning when he headbutted her and throttled her with a belt
The victim's body's was found on the her bed at the home she shared with the couple's 16-month old daughter Elise in Whitefield, who was unharmed
Miss Wall who worked as a business risk co-ordinator at a wealth management company is thought to have split with Mack in the weeks before her death last February.
Mack was remanded in custody for reports. Elise is now being cared for by her grandparents Brian and Karen. Pictured is the scene in Bury, Manchester, after the murder
It is believed Miss Wall was at work when Mack turned up at the 1950s semi (pictured) with food and water and broke into the house before sneaking into the loft and lying in wait - leaving no signs of a break in
She woke up the following the morning at 7am and went to tend to her daughter only to find Mack stood in front of her.
Miss Shazia Aslam, prosecuting told an earlier hearing Mack 'headbutted' Miss Wall then used his 'hand and a belt to compress her neck'.
She said: 'The cause of death was compression or strangulation.' It is believed Mack checked on his daughter before phoning Leanne's father to tell him to come and collect the toddler.
Mack was remanded in custody for reports. Elise is now being cared for by her grandparents Brian and Karen.
In a statement they said Leanne was a 'hardworking mum with a big heart.'
Families can win a free night in the apartment by writing a 500-word letter describing why the deserve to stay
The apartment comes with a celebrity chef and a marine biologist who will take guests on tours of the reef
The wooden platform is anchored in the Coral Sea and is a stone's throw from pristine North Queensland beaches
A luxury apartment floating on top of the Great Barrier Reef has been listed on home-sharing site Airbnb
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Picture waking up in a floating apartment on top of the Great Barrier Reef as a cool breeze blows in off the Coral Sea.
Later, you work up an appetite snorkeling with tropical fish before a world-famous chef cooks you lunch using the freshest local ingredients.
Now imagine all this could be yours for the measly price of a short written letter.
An apartment floating in the Coral Sea on top of the Great Barrier Reef has been listed on home-sharing website Airbnb
Residents can take in stunning sunrises from the floating platform and with the pull of a curtain can soak up 360-degree views of the Coral Sea
Home-sharing service Airbnb is offering the opportunity for one lucky family to live in luxury on the Great Barrier Reef in July 2016.
The family will sleep offshore on a floating wooden platform anchored a stone's throw from one of the reef's stunning white-sand beaches.
They will experience spectacular sunrises and with the flick of a curtain can take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Coral Sea.
The listing on Airbnb describes the floating property as the 'opportunity to live in one of the most spectacular places on earth'
The wooden platform is anchored a stone's throw away from one of North Queensland's pristine beaches
As part of the package guests will be taken on a guided snorkeling tour of the reef's stunning underwater environment with a marine biologist.
And a beachside lunch, cooked fresh with local North Queensland ingredients, will be on the house courtesy of celebrity chef Neil Perry.
Airbnb Australian manager Sam McDonagh said the experience was not just an opportunity to live in luxury, but also to understood a threatened natural wonder.
Staying in the apartment was not just an opportunity to live in luxury, but also a chance to appreciate the reef's threatened environment
The apartment comes complete with its own celebrity chef - Neil Perry - who will cook guests a sumptuous lunch using fresh local ingredients
Mr McDonagh said: 'This is an opportunity to live at one of the most spectacular places on earth.
'Even if it is just for a night, it is not just about experiencing the unrivaled beauty of the location, it's about understanding how humans can better help and support this special environment.'
To enter the draw to stay in the apartment, contestants merely have to write a 500-word letter to AirBnb describing why they belong on the Great Barrier Reef.
Entries are open between June 9 and June 30.
Dame Kin Homer will collect her Damehood from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace today
A Whitehall mandarin dubbed 'Dame Disaster' for overseeing a series of 'catastrophic' failures during a high-flying Civil Service career will be officially honoured today.
Former HM Revenue and Customs chief executive Dame Lin Homer will collect her damehood from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace today.
The investiture ceremony will mark recognition for her public service particularly to public finance.
Her gong was announced in the New Year Honours list at the end of 2015.
Dame Lin hit the headlines in February at the height of a scandal over a tax deal with Google that saw the search engine giant commit to paying an extra 130million for the past decade.
The then head of the HMRC tax office admitted to MPs she was 'not a tax expert'.
Dame Lin also came under fire in January when she was accused of allowing HSBC to get away 'scot free' over the activities of its private Swiss bank.
Appearing before the Commons Public Accounts Committee, Dame Lin confirmed it was 'unlikely' that HSBC would face prosecution over claims its Swiss branch routinely helped wealthy clients evade tax.
Her admission drew an angry response from MPs on the committee, who said it was 'extraordinary' that HSBC would face no action from the British authorities even though it was domiciled in the UK.
Dame Lin faced further criticism after she claimed HMRC's customer service was improving, even though almost one in five calls were not answered within six minutes.
Last year she was slammed for her handling of tax-dodgers and, in a previous post, she also faced a scathing attack by MPs for her 'catastrophic leadership failure' when she was in charge of the UK Border Agency.
Dame Lin went on to become head of Britain's tax office but was forced to defend the department after securing only one prosecution from a list of 6,800 UK-related secret Swiss bank accounts provided in 2010 by French authorities.
HMRC said she had led the department 'through a period of recovery and significant performance improvements', including a reduction in the tax gap and an increase in the number of customer calls being answered from 48 per cent in 2011 to almost 90 per cent in December 2015.
It emerged last month, shortly after Dame Lin retired, more than three million people may be paying the wrong amount of tax because of a computer melt down at HMRC.
The National Audit Office warned that the customer service levels at the tax office have 'collapsed' following the sacking of thousands of call centre staff in a botched attempt to move services online.
As a result, the number of 'outstanding discrepancies' in HMRC's files has almost doubled from 2.4million in March 2014 to 4.6million as of March last year.
Dame Lin, pictured with Chancellor George Osborne after being appointed head of the HMRC, has faced a series of tough appearances with Commons committees during her high-flying Civil Service career
Also receiving an honour at the investiture ceremony today is Major Geoffrey Faraday of the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps.
He will become only the third person to receive the New Zealand Gallantry Star, awarded to him for gallantry in the field in Southern Sudan.
Gabriella Rummery, 10, will receive her late grandmother's CBE for services to dance and young people.
Jill Tookey, Gabriella's grandmother, set up and ran the National Youth Ballet for 29 years before she died this year, and Gabriella is a ballerina in the NYB.
Ms Tookey was also given permission from Charles to turn his book, The Old Man Of Lochnagar, into a ballet.
The NYB are dancing the ballet again later this year in Ms Tookey's honour, which was one of her last wishes.
She died from pancreatic cancer on Good Friday, March 25, this year.
As founder and artistic director of the NYB for 29 years she inspired and encouraged thousands of children to go on to professional careers in dance and the arts.
An Ohio woman says she feels like a 'prisoner' in her home because a deer has been attacking her outside.
Cindy Frost said that she's called police about the doe and asked for assistance in walking her dogs near her suburban Cleveland home located in Mentor-on-the-Lake.
'I feel like I'm a prisoner,' she told WJW. 'I can't take my dogs out for a walk.
'I can't even walk down to the end of my property and when I go to my car I'm looking all around.'
Cindy Frost (pictured) said that she's called police about the doe and asked for assistance near her suburban Cleveland home
She said she feels like a 'prisoner' in her home because a deer (pictured) has been attacking her outside
Frost said: 'I can't even walk down to the end of my property and when I go to my car I'm looking all around.' Her house in the suburban Cleveland neighborhood is pictured above
She said the deer charged her last week while she was taking her dogs out.
During the incident, Frost said that she had to fight the doe off with a dog leash and her fist, and tried to zigzag back and forth.
'She came right after me,' she told WJW. 'What saved me was my black top. She couldn't get her grip, that's the only thing that saved me.'
Luckily, the deer slipped on the black top allowing her to safely return inside, but the deer then circled her home.
Frost said the doe's fawn lives in her backyard and she noticed them on her property about two weeks ago.
She said the deer charged her last week while she was taking her dogs out. During the incident, Frost (picutred) said that she had to fight the doe off with a dog leash and her fist, and tried to zigzag back and forth
Frost said: 'She came right after me. What saved me was my black top. She couldn't get her grip, that's the only thing that saved me.' Pictured above is the deer near Frost's home
Last year, the what is believed to be the same deer killed her neighbor's Golden Retriever last year.
State wildlife officials say there's not much they can do, and that such encounters are likely quite common.
Experts with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife told her that does can 'become aggressive near their fawns but rarely attack.'
They claim the deer should move on in a few weeks.
However, if the animal's behavior continues to be aggressive, both the mother and baby could be euthanize, according to WJW.
'I don't want that. I'm an animal lover,' Frost said.
A high school cheer leader died of a suspected drug overdose after taking tainted ecstasy at a music festival in Texas.
Megan Tilton, 18, was attending the Free Press Summer Festival in Houston on Sunday when she collapsed.
The teenager was a cheerleader with The Woodlands High School Highsteppers and had been planning to go to college in Austin after the summer.
Megan Tilton, 18, pictured, died of a suspected drug overdose while attending a Texas music festival
Tilton, 18, pictured, was a cheerleader with The Woodlands High School Highsteppers
Tilton collapsed at the Free Press Summer Festival in Houston, Texas, pictured, on Sunday afternoon
Her mother Julie Tilton told ABC 13.com that the first time she realized there was a problem was when a doctor from the Memorial Hermann Hospital called her on Sunday: 'He said that at the festival, Megan was given a form of tainted ecstasy, and it stopped her heart.
'They were unable to revive her. They worked on her for a very long period of time but they weren't able to save her.'
Tilton admitted she could not believe that her daughter had taken drugs because they had spoken about the dangers only two months ago.
She added: 'We talked about this. She said, "mom I know all about this, I would never take anything like this. She was a very aware individual. She knew where she was going. She was smart, she was headstrong and she had a plan. She was supposed to start college, she was doing summer classes the next day and this was kind of the last thing before things got crazy.'
A GoFundMe account has been set up to pay for the youngster's funeral.
So far more than $34,000 has been raised for Megan's funeral expenses.
The appeal said: 'The Woodlands Highsteppers have lost one of their beloved 2016 graduates this weekend. Megan Tilton, 18, was looking forward to attending college in Austin this fall. Her family has struggled with hardships over the past two years after her father suffered a stroke.'
According to the Harris County Medical Examiner's office, the cause of death is not yet available.
Harris County Medical Examiner's Office is still to rule on the cause of Megan Tilton's death
The threat of a 'dirty bomb' terror attack on a European city is at its highest level since the end of the Cold War, international nuclear experts have warned.
ISIS's efforts to obtain nuclear materials, and continued threats to attack Western capitals contribute to experts' analysis that the threat of a bomb is higher than ever.
ISIS has used chemical weapons in Iraq and Syria and militants linked to both the Paris and Brussels attacks had been studying a Belgian nuclear power plant.
High risk: The threat of a nuclear bomb attack on Europe is at its highest level since the end of the Cold War (pictured is the Tihange nuclear plant in Belgium, believed to have been targeted by the Brussels bombers)
'ISIS has already carried out numerous chemical weapons attacks in Syria,' Moshe Kantor, head of Luxembourg Forum on Preventing Nuclear Catastrophe, said at a conference on Tuesday.
'We know it wants to go further by carrying out a nuclear attack in the heart of Europe.
'This, combined with poor levels of security at a host of nuclear research centres in the former Soviet Union mean the threat of a possible 'dirty-bomb' attack on a Western capital is high.'
He urged the United States and Russia, both nuclear powers, to cooperate on using their technological resources to monitor the illegal transportation of radioactive materials.
In March, it emerged that Brussels suicide bomber brothers Khalid and Ibrahim El Bakraoui had originally been considering an attack on a nuclear site in Belgium.
ISIS's efforts to obtain nuclear materials, and continued threats to attack Western capitals contribute to experts' analysis that the threat of a bomb is higher than ever
In what may have been preparation for an attack, the El Bakraoui brothers had filmed the daily routine of the head of Belgium's nuclear research and development programme.
It is thought the brothers' spying operation was possible preparation for a kidnap plot to force him to let them into one of Belgium's two atomic facilities.
However, it is likely they switched targets to the less well-guarded Zaventem airport and Maelbeek Metro station after authorities became suspicious.
Also on Tuesday, the Kurdish military warned that ISIS are planning on using using chemical weapons in future suicide bombings.
Peshmerga General Akram Mohammed Abdulrahman said that while ISIS has previously used both chemical weapons and suicide bombings separately, they are now looking to combine them.
ISIS's tactic involves training brainwashed teenage insurgents to carry out suicide bombings using munitions containing harmful chemicals, he told Russian media.
There have been previous reports of ISIS militants using mustard gas in their attacks on civilians in Iraq.
'Recently, the militants have been using chemical weapons and suicide bombers, and before it was adults, now - teenagers,' General Akram Mohammed Abdulrahman told Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
A refugee camp in Germany was burned down by migrants amid claims they were angry they had not received a wake-up for Ramadan breakfast, it has been reported.
The large fire ripped through the centre - home to 280 refugees - completely levelling the hall in the western German city of Dusseldorf on Tuesday.
Emergency crews treated 25 people for smoke poisoning before police started an arson investigation amid claims a mattress had been sprayed with lighter fluid then torched.
A refugee camp in Germany was burned down by migrants amid claims they were angry they had not received a wake-up for Ramadan breakfast, it has been reported
The large fire ripped through the centre - home to 280 refugees - in an exhibition hall in the western German city of Dusseldorf on Tuesday
Emergency crews treated 25 people for smoke poisoning before police started an arson investigation amid claims a mattress had been sprayed with lighter fluid then torched
More than a hundred refugees were evacuated from the centre as the blaze started to take hold
According to the German newspaper Express, two Moroccans living at the centre said Iranian security staff at the facility had 'deliberately' not woken those observing Ramadan ahead of their scheduled breakfast time.
The newspaper reports the two men as saying that a plan was then formed to start a fire.
Witnesses reported that there had been recurring tensions between followers of different religions in the Red Cross-run facility.
'During this time of Ramadan, there was one group that wanted to strictly observe the fast, and another that insisted on the usual timetables and usual servings,' said Ralf Herrenbrueck, spokesman for the prosecutors service.
'This had led on several occasions to disputes and altercations with officials of the German Red Cross,' he said in an interview with public broadcaster WDR.
'It got to the point where threats were made over what would happen if things didn't change, and that one threat was obviously implemented.'
German authorities last night said two North African men were suspected of starting the blaze and causing extensive damage 'as part of a dispute over food'. Refugees are pictured resting outside after the fire
TV footage of the blaze showed plumes of black smoke billowing into the air at the facility on the site of the city's trade fair
The centre had been on fire since midday but the fire service brought the flames under control during the afternoon
Since the start of the year, police had been called 89 times to the 65,000 sq ft hall, which was formerly part of the city's congress centre, reports said
Since the start of the year, police had been called 89 times to the 65,000 sq ft hall, which was formerly part of the city's congress centre, reports said.
German authorities last night said two North African men were suspected of starting the blaze and causing extensive damage 'as part of a dispute over food'.
Police and prosecutors said one of the two 26-year-olds was seen pouring flammable liquid onto a mattress and setting fire to it, while the other told fellow residents: 'We had to do it so that things change.'
Investigators said an argument over food is believed to have preceded Tuesday's fire.
They said Muslims who weren't observing dawn-to-dusk fasting during Ramadan had complained about what they said was a small lunch.
Prosecutor Ralf Herrenbrueck told ZDF television that both suspects have told authorities they are North African.
TV footage of the blaze showed plumes of black smoke billowing into the air at the facility on the site of the city's trade fair.
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Villagers from a town on the outskirts of Phnom Penh in Cambodia donned either grass skirts or sequinned dresses in the name of good luck and rain on Thursday.
Residents of Pring Ka-ek village mostly wore grass skirts, traditional body paint and masks decorated with bull horns, while some performers armed themselves with bamboo sticks.
However, others have a more modern take on the celebration - a traditional annual ceremony to ask a Spirit to help them protect their homes and animals.
A man is pictured with a big gold ring, a fake moustache and wads of US banknotes taking a photo with a friend who holds up a rose gold iPhone, while another paints their face to look like a clown and rides in on a scooter.
Chicken is cooked in bulk over a fire pit, skewered on long metal poles, and many residents arrive in ox carts. Many of the locals blacken their faces, if not their whole bodies.
The ceremony, Lok Ta Pring Ka-Ek, is also used to ask for rainfall, as it lies within rice planting season. 80 per cent of Cambodia's population of 14 million live in rural areas and 73 per cent rely on agriculture for their livelihood and rice is their main crop.
Cambodia has only just recently seen rain after its longest drought in the last four decades. The drought left about two-thirds of the country's 25 provinces short of water for drinking, rice planting, and other necessities.
Villagers wear grass skirts and skirts made from leaves and wield bamboo sticks in a ceremony to exorcise evil spirits and pray for rain
A man has his face painted ahead of the ceremony, at Pring Ka-ek village, northwest of Phnom Penh in Cambodia
Lok Ta Pring Ka-Ek is an annual ceremony for the villagers, who hope the festivities will bring good fortune to their town
Villagers continued their local traditions during the festival, by paying respect to the Neakta Pring Ka-Ek (Spirit house)
Men from the village cook chickens over a fire pit during the annual Lok Ta Pring Ka-Ek ceremony on Thursday
A Cambodian resident wearing a skirt made from branches performs on a tree during a ceremony at Pring Ka-Ek village
The ceremony is a local tradition, and has involves a number of performances by residents of the Cambodian village
A Cambodian man poses for a picture with his friend at the Lok Ta Pring Ka-Ek ceremony holding wads of fake US banknotes
A man painted in black with a red figurine around his neck prepares to perform at the ceremony to bring rain and good fortune
Young boys use cooking tools to cover their bodies in black paint ahead of the traditional ceremony on Thursday
A resident wears a mask resembling a bloody bull and has black paint on his body as he prepares to perform at the ceremony
Villagers don colourful costumes and body paint for the Lok Ta Pring Ka-Ek ceremony in a village north west of Phnom Penh
Villagers use coloured body paint to accentuate their eyebrows and moustaches and wear masks during the ceremony
A Cambodian resident brushes his hair back after painting his face black and white in preparation for Thursday's ceremony
An ox cart takes part in the annual Lok Ta Pring Ka-Ek ceremony. The cart is adorned with palm leaves and the Cambodian flag
A man from Pring Ka-ek village throws his fake US banknotes in to the air. In the background, other residents gather in elaborate costumes
A man painted in black, with his eyes, nose and lips highlighted in white, prepares for the annual ceremony in his village
Six men from Pring Ka-ek village wearing traditional costumes and body paint are ready to perform in Thursday's ceremony
Dr Paula Nicole 'Nikki' Shoemake, died of natural causes at OCH Regional Medical Center while in labor with her second daughter - who has also now died at one-week old
A baby girl has died a week after her surgeon mother passed away while giving birth to her.
Aubrey Caroline Patterson died peacefully, surrounded by family, according to an obituary released by Welch's Funeral Home in Starkville, Mississippi.
Her mom, Dr Nikki Shoemake-Patterson, died on June 1 while in labor with her third child at OCH Regional Medical Center.
The 40-year-old surgeon, of Starkville, died of 'natural causes during delivery of a baby', Oktibbeha County Coroner Michael Hunt ruled.
Aubrey died Wednesday, according to an obituary for Dr Shoemake-Patterson, WTVA reported.
'Aubrey Caroline was surrounded by family as she peacefully passed into her mother's arms in heaven,' the obituary read.
Shoemake-Patterson and Aubrey Caroline will be buried June 10.
Hunt told the Clarion-Ledger that he considered general surgeon, Dr Paula Nicole 'Nikki' Shoemake, a personal friend and described her death as a 'tragic loss to the community'.
A specific cause of the doctor's death will not be released until an autopsy has been completed.
The hospital confirmed Shoemake's death on their Facebook page Wednesday.
Aubrey Caroline Patterson (pictured) died peacefully, surrounded by family, according to an obituary released by Welch's Funeral Home in Starkville, Mississippi
'Our hospital family is mourning the loss of this beautiful woman who devoted her life to taking care of others.
'Please remember Dr Shoemake's family in your thoughts and prayers. She will be missed greatly but will never be forgotten,' the statement read.
The hospital's CEO, Richard Hilton, told the Ledger in a statement that the 'OCH family is very saddened with the loss of Dr Nikki Shoemake'.
He said she was 'an excellent surgeon who cared about her patients and was passionate about the practice of medicine'.
'She had an impact on countless lives and will be greatly missed.'
Hilton added that her untimely death is a 'loss for the people she would have treated'.
A specific cause of death will not be released until an autopsy has been completed. According to Shoemake's Facebook page, she has a son and a daughter (right), with her husband (left and right)
Coroner, Michael Hunt, who considered Shoemake a personal friend, said her untimely death is a 'tragic loss to the community'. She's pictured with her son
According to Shoemake's Facebook page, she has a son and a daughter, with her husband.
Though a specific cause of death can't be determined until the autopsy is completed, Beth Crisler Cook, a woman who identified herself as Shoemake's friend in a Facebook post, said Shoemake died of a pulmonary embolism while in 'natural labor', according to the Clarion-Ledger.
But Cook also wrote on Facebook that she was repeating what she 'had heard about the cause of her death'.
Several patients who were treated by Shoemake expressed their condolences to the family as well as hailed her as an 'awesome' surgeon who 'loved all of her family and her job'.
Shoemake joined the medical staff at OCH in 2008 as a general surgeon, hospital spokesperson Mary Knight told the Ledger.
She received her undergraduate degree in microbiology from Mississippi State University in 1998.
Originally from Tupelo, Shoemake was a 2003 graduate of the University of Mississippi medical school.
She also completed the first two years of her general surgery residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center before completing her residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, Connecticut.
Mississippi has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, with nearly 40 maternal deaths per every 100,000 births, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Shoemake joined the medical staff at OCH Regional Medical Center (pictured) in 2008 as a general surgeon
A hungry seagull had an accidental makeover after it fell into a huge vat of chicken tikka masala curry - and came out dyed bright orange.
The bird swooped down onto a container of 'waste' curry that had been left to cool outside a factory in Wales.
Perched on the side, it was trying to fish out bits of meat when it slipped and tumbled into the sauce.
Thankfully, workers found the beleaguered Herring seagull and handed it over to rescuers from animal charity animal charity Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre.
A hungry seagull ended up bright orange, pictured, after falling into a vat of chicken tikka masala curry
The bird, pictured, had swooped onto a container of 'waste' curry outside a factory in Wales when it lost its balance and fell into the sauce
It had to be thoroughly cleaned to stop the curry damaging his feathers and is now being nursed back to full-health at the centre near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, until it can be released back into the wild.
The colour of tikka masala comes from a mix of spices, including turmeric, which has a yellow pigment and tomato puree and paprika, which give off a red colour.
Mixed together they create a natural orange food colouring, which spread over and stained the bird's white feathers when it fell into the vat.
Lucy Kells, Veterinary Nurse at the Vale Wildlife Hospital, said: 'The gull is doing great now - he still smells a little of curry, but he is now much whiter.
'On Monday the receptionist bought a box through and said 'this one needs urgent attention.'
'The strong curry aroma actually hit us before we opened the box. It was absolutely overwhelming and I thought 'that smells absolutely fantastic.'
'The gull didn't actually seem too upset but we had to give him a shower and clean him with washing up liquid. Surprisingly, he was actually very well behaved.
It was saved by staff at the factory and handed over to the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre
The charity, based in Gloucestershire, gave the Herring gull a thorough wash to return it to a normal colour
'It took about half an hour and the curry came out better than we expected, but he still smells! I think it must be the turmeric.'
'Of course we don't like to laugh at animals, but because the gull was okay it was hard not to see the funny side.'
Miss Kells, 41, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, added: 'The gull was fishing for bits of chicken and lost his balance.
'One of our rescuers came and picked him up from the factory after they had pulled him out and put him in a box.
'We can't name the factory but staff informed me it was a waste vat of chicken tikka masala.'
The charity wildlife hospital will take care of the gull for a few more weeks or months until he can be released back into the wild in Wales.
Miss Kells added: 'We've been making sure he doesn't have an upset tummy.
'We want to make sure he is eating well as it's always a worry when an animal has ingested something quite spicy.
Nurses at the centre say the gull, pictured, is doing well after its ordeal but that it still smells strongly of curry
Staff were concerned over its stomach due to it ingesting spicy food, but believe it will make a full recovery
'He has been okay up to now though, so maybe he has a strong stomach.
'Gulls eat all sorts of things, but I expect this one has probably been put off curry now.
Stephens, 29, will face court on Friday following his arrest last week
Gangland widow Roberta Williams's son will face court after allegedly being caught with drugs and a gun.
It has been reported that Tye Stephens, 29, has been in custody since his arrest last week and is due to front court on Friday, according to The Daily Telegraph.
This comes a gangland feud requiring police intervention erupted - as living relatives of a dead underworld figure scrap over his empire.
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It has been reported that Tye Stephens (pictured), 29, has been in custody since his arrest last week and is due to front court on Friday
A 2006 photo of Carl Williams, who died in 2010, and his father George Williams, the Melbourne crime figure who died last month. Now, the remaining family of Williams are embroiled in a bitter scrap over his estate
An older photograph of Roberta Williams, Carl Williams' widow, who has now received an intervention order after attempting to force her way into her father-in-law's home which is occupied by his widow
Danielle Stephens (left), Mrs Williams' daughter, also has an intervention order against her. Here, she is pictured arriving at George Williams' funeral in May
Roberta Williams and other pall bearers carry George Williams' casket during his funeral in Melbourne in May
Police have become involved in the scrap over Mr Williams' estate, issuing intervention orders
George Williams died in May of a heart attack and since then, his daughter-in-law and grand-daughter have been issued intervention orders by police after trying to force their way into his former home, now occupied by his widow, Kathleen Bourke.
It's thought the property was left to Ms Bourke, but the mother-daughter duo believe she doesn't deserve it, according to The Age.
The duo, Roberta Willams - who was married to George's murdered son Carl - and her daughter Danielle Stephens are reported to have demanded a share of the $360,000 home - which has been rejected.
Ms Bourke said they have no legal claim and called Mrs Williams a 'greedy, spiteful woman' and 'the devil'.
Mr Williams changed his will in the months before his death to leave another property worth $760,000 to his granddaughter Dhakota - although she won't get much of the property's value as it's been seized by the ATO, according to The Age.
Mrs Williams is challenging changes to her father-in-law's will made eight months after her husband was killed in 2010 in Barwon prison.
Roberta Williams is the widow of Mr Williams' son, Carl (pictured) who was killed in Barwon prison in 2010
Pall bearers carry a gold coffin holding the body of Carl Williams at his funeral at St Therese's Catholic Church in Essendon, Melbourne in 2010
She and Ms Stephens are defending the intervention orders.
In further drama, Ms Bourke claimed Mrs Williams turned Mr Williams' funeral into a 'circus', getting into an altercation with another mourner and bringing a television film crew filming a show with her.
Ms Bourke said the funeral was a 'disgrace' and it was about Mrs Williams and her daughters more than Mr Williams.
The latest incidents come after rumours jewellery and cash were taken from Mr Williams' home after he died, aggravating family members.
Ms Bourke denied the rumours, saying the jewellery had only been misplaced.
Mr Williams' grand-daughter and Carl Williams' daughter, Dhakota (right), to whom he left a property worth more than $750,000. Left is Carl's step-daughter, Breanne Williams
Gordon Ramsay's restaurant empire has made a loss for the third year in a row but bosses are insistent that the firm is doing well and there are even plans to open more eateries.
The celebrity chef's firm, Kavalake, operates his 14 London-based restaurants and his 15 international eateries in locations such as Las Vegas, Versailles, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Despite turnover at the restaurants rising 12.6 per cent to 50.3million last year, the group reported losses of just over 1million when it published its official accounts yesterday.
The celebrity chef's firm, Kavalake, which operates his 14 London-based restaurants and his 15 international eateries in locations such as Las Vegas, Versailles, Hong Kong and Singapore, made a loss of 1m last year
The report shows that in the year to 31 August 2015, the group made a loss of 1,006,000 down from 1.5million the previous year and the third year in a row that it has failed to make a profit.
Despite the figures, Stuart Gillies, the chief executive of the Gordon Ramsay Group, said they were pleased with the results and were planning on opening new restaurants in the UK and abroad after securing 13million in funding from Barclays Bank.
In the directors' report, he said: 'The consolidated turnover for the group is 50.3million with like-for-like sales growth and new restaurant sales providing a substantial increase in turnover of 12.6 per cent.
'This increase reflects the improved performance of the UK restaurants and the development and opening of restaurants overseas.
'The group has also improved cost control over the year. The operating loss is Pounds 1 million compared to a loss of Pounds 1.5million in 2014.
'The group is actively looking for new restaurant locations both in the UK and internationally.
The report shows that in the year to 31 August 2015, the group made a loss of 1,006,000 down from 1.5million the previous year. Pictured: Gordon Ramsay's flagship restaurant in Chelsea, West London
'On 28 September 2015 the group secured a new 13million five-year banking facility from Barclays Bank, which will provide the group a strong financial platform to continue to drive the business forward, and will aid further expansion.'
Kavalake's debts stood at 21.5million, including a 14.2million loan from Ramsay himself, although that is down from 24.3million a year before.
The company says its hopes to return to profit in the next year.
The results come six years after Ramsay fell out with Chris Hutcheson, the father of his wife Tana and his business partner.
The bitter dispute was resolved only when Mr Ramsay paid a reported 2million to buy Mr Hutcheson's 30 per cent share of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, later renamed Kavalake.
This is the car used by a suspected murderer thought to have fled the UK by ferry - as disturbing questions were raised about how he was able to get asylum in Britain using a stolen identity.
Ali Qazimaj, who lived in the UK under the false name for up to 17 years, is at the centre of an international manhunt after Peter Stuart, 75, was found stabbed to death close to his Suffolk home.
His wife Sylvia, 69, is still missing but police now admit the chances of finding her alive are slim.
Officers today released two pictures of Qazimaj's silver Citroen C3 - registration KR06 GHU - found close to the Channel ferry terminal in Dover, Kent, early on Monday.
Pictures have been released of the car used by suspected double murderer Ali Qazimaj who is now on the run
Two pictures have now been made public of Qazimaj's silver Citroen C3 - registration KR06 GHU - found close to the Channel ferry terminal in Dover, Kent, early on Monday
Fugitive 'Ali Qazimaj' (left) lived in the UK under the false name for up to 17 years. The real Ali Qazimaj with his wife Ardiana (right) were questioned by police
Suffolk Police believe he may have used it to drive from Weybread, where Mr Stuart's body was found, to his home in Tilbury, Essex, and then on to Dover.
He is then thought to have caught a ferry to Calais while unaccompanied just after 7pm on Saturday.
It came as the Mail revealed Qazimaj was able to get asylum and live in Britain for years using a stolen identity, even working for a council, while posing as another man.
Detectives last night admitted they knew precious little about the suspect and were urgently seeking more information about his background.
British detectives put out an Interpol alert for Qazimaj, who they said was from Kosovo and had been granted asylum and a UK passport following the conflict in the former Yugoslavia.
But when officers in Kosovo interviewed the only man of that name and date of birth following a dawn raid yesterday, they found him to be a gentle carpenter who has never been to the UK and speaks no English. They told the shocked father of three that they believed he was a victim of identity theft.
That means British police effectively have no idea of the true identity of the man they are hunting in connection with the savage attack.
Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Parkes said today: 'We are gradually building a picture as we continue to make enquiries to trace Ali Qazimaj. New information is coming in all the time and this continues to be a fast-moving enquiry.
Police say hopes of finding missing Sylvia Stuart (left) alive are fading. The body of her husband Peter (second from left) was found in an area of woodland on Friday evening only 50ft away from the isolated house the couple shared. The couple's son-in-law Steve Paxman (right), 61, is being questioned
Investigation: Police and forensic teams had been searching the home of Ali Qazimaj in Tilbury on Monday
'Our enquiries continue to learn more about his roots and his links within the UK and overseas. We still need anyone who knows him, who may have spent time with him over the last few weeks or before this to get in touch and tell us more about his background so that we can trace his movements.'
He added: 'Clearly we believe he was in the Weybread area because he is a suspect in the murder of Peter. We believe he travelled down back into Essex and to Kent where his car was found.'
Qazimaj, who police said also used the name Marco Costa, is believed to have fled across the channel after the Stuarts were reported missing to police on Friday, June 3.
TIMELINE OF THE MURDER INQUIRY Thursday, May 28: Peter and Sylvia Stuart are last seen alive by relatives at a family gathering at their home in Weybread, Suffolk. Morning of Friday, June 3: The couple are reported missing. Friday night: Mr Stuart's body is found in an area of woodland on Friday evening only 50ft away from the isolated house he shared with his wife. It later emerges he died from multiple stab wounds. Sunday morning: A 61-year-old man from Leicester is arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday. It later emerged he is believed to be the couple's son-in-law, Steve Paxman, who remains in police custody. Early hours of Monday: A silver Citroen C3 belonging to Ali Qazimaj, 42, is discovered in a residential area in Dover. Monday morning: Suffolk Police issue an appeal, saying Qazimaj, of Tilbury, Essex, is wanted in connection with the murder investigation. Monday lunchtime: Officers reveal that Mrs Stuart could be alive and with Qazimaj - the man wanted on suspicion of stabbing her husband to death. However, they say hopes of finding the 69-year-old unharmed are fading with every passing minute. Advertisement
Mr Stuart was later found with multiple stab wounds in woodland 50ft from their isolated home in Weybread, near Eye in Suffolk.
The real Ali Qazimaj, who lives in Pec in western Kosovo, told the Mail he was devastated when he was confronted by officers over the killing yesterday. My family contacted my brother, who is a police officer, and he called me and told me to go to the police station.
When I got there they said I was wanted by Interpol about a murder in Britain. I was crying. It was a huge shock. I was so scared and stressed, I couldnt understand what they were talking about.
I said I didnt know anything about it. I have never been to Britain and I could not even if I wanted to, because I do not have a visa.
When the Mail showed the real Mr Qazimaj a picture of the murder suspect using his name, he said he had never met him.
The fake Qazimaj, a fork lift driver and former Thurrock council worker, was granted asylum in Britain in the 1990s during the Yugoslavian war and lived in the Thurrock area of Essex. He arrived in Britain sometime between 1999 and 2005, police said. His name appears on the electronic electoral roll from 2005.
A former neighbour of the suspect last night said he was prone to violent outbursts. David Skipper, 85, said he was assaulted by Qazimaj, adding: Hes a very violent chap. He is a short guy but is stocky and very strong.
He described the suspect as a gambling addict who was banned from entering a local betting shop after smashing a slot machine.
Police have launched legal proceedings to obtain a European arrest warrant for Qazimaj.
A spokesman said: We know precious little about him. He is a suspect in a murder investigation in which someone was repeatedly stabbed we have to assume he may be dangerous. We have no way of knowing if he is armed.
Seen on CCTV: Happily browsing in a farm shop, these are the last known movements of a murdered line dancing enthusiast and his missing wife - as police reveal the prime suspect in the case has fled abroad
Suffolk Police have released CCTV of the couple entering Goodies Farm Shop on Wood Lane in Pulham Market at 10.18am on Sunday May 29
Plea for help: Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen them or who has information regarding their whereabouts from this time until June 3 to get in touch
The pair were reported on missing on June 3 having last been seen at a family gathering on May 28
These are the last known movements of murdered line dancing enthusiast Peter Stuart and his missing wife
Sylvia Stuart (left), is the missing wife of murdered pensioner Peter Stuart (right) who was stabbed to death
Mr Stuart was found in woodland around 50ft from their isolated home. Pictured, forensic officers at the scene
It has emerged a 61-year-old man from Leicester arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday, is believed to be the couple's son-in-law, Steve Paxman. He is still in police custody (police are pictured searching his home)
Family: The couple's daughter Christy with her husband, dog breeder Steve Paxman. It has emerged he is the 61-year-old man from Leicester who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday. He has now been bailed
Search: Police outside the home of Christy and Steve Paxman in Loughborough, Leicestershire, this afternoon
A keen gambler, gun-obsessed loner and former council worker: What is known about the fugitive wanted over the murder of a Suffolk pensioner and his missing wife... as it's revealed the stepmother of the couple's son-in-law was the suspect's lover
By Sam Tonkin for MailOnline
Neighbours have described him as a gun-obsessed loner and keen gambler, but much about Ali Qazimaj's background and his links to the Stuart family remain shrouded in mystery
Neighbours have described him as a gun-obsessed loner and keen gambler, but much about Ali Qazimaj's background and his links to the Stuart family remain shrouded in mystery today.
What has been revealed is that the fork-lift truck driver was once the lover of previously arrested Steve Paxman's stepmother.
Mr Paxman, who this morning was released on bail, is the son-in-law of murdered Suffolk pensioner Peter Stuart and wife Sylvia. She is still missing but feared dead.
Qazimaj, 42, and Helen Paxman are believed to have struck up a relationship in 2005 when he was 33 and she was 69.
Mrs Paxman is said to have taken the now fugitive into her home after the pair met through her brother, who ran a car dealership.
A neighbour at the flat in Thurrock, Essex, which the pair once shared told The Times: 'Ali was sleeping rough on the benches.'
David Skipper, 85, said of Mrs Paxman and Qazimaj: 'He was here about five or six years. She fed and clothed him and she bought him a car.
'I think they started a relationship from almost the beginning.
'She told me one day that "all he ever thinks about is sex". She took to wearing trousers with him but previously she had worn short dresses.'
Mrs Paxman is thought to have died two or three years ago.
Qazimaj's whereabouts are unclear as police said he could be in France or elsewhere in Europe, as he is known to speak Polish and is said to have lived in the former Yugoslavia and Prague.
Yesterday neighbours said the Albanian, who previously worked for Thurrock Council, had bragged that he could kill someone. One 23-year-old woman said Qazimaj had once threatened to kill a neighbour during a row and boasted that he could pick locks and 'sort people out'.
She said: 'He would say stuff like he has got people in his country and if anyone did anything to him they would be gone.'
She added: 'He told a group of boys he would make them disappear. He said: "I'll stick them in a barrel and then no one would find them again".'
It is believed that Qazimaj, who is divorced and has a child with an ex-wife, used to work for Thurrock Council's cleaning services department but had taken time off after a 'meltdown'.
Forensic teams and police officers were seen at the Essex home of Qazimaj, who may have fled to France
Yesterday, one neighbour who lives close to Qazimaj's flat in Tilbury, Essex, described him as 'a weirdo'.
'His behaviour has always been very odd whenever I have seen him,' the unnamed neighbour said.
'I thought he was a drug dealer to be honest.
'I can speak Polish so he would speak to me in Polish but he never gave anything away.
'I only ever saw him on his own - I am not aware that he lived there with anyone.'
Police arrived at the property on Sunday night and sealed off the communal bins and placed an officer at the entrance to the flat.
Another neighbour said: 'He would pass my window and smile at me but then he would stand there waiting for a response.
'I found it really creepy.
'I didnt know him at all as Ive not been here very long but he gave me the creeps.'
Qazimaj is described as white, around 5ft 6ins tall, with brown eyes and dark brown greying hair. He was last seen on Friday in Essex.
His car, a silver Citroen C3, was found in a residential area of Dover at around midnight on Sunday.
The vehicle has been searched and will be forensically examined.
Teams of forensic specialists and officers with dogs were yesterday searching the couple's home
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The perfect home for an anti-social millionaire has come on the market - a former fort which was used to keep unwelcome visitors out of the Channel Islands.
Fort Richmond, on Guernsey, was built with high and thick granite walls by the British to thwart invaders from France during the 18th century.
During the Second World War, it was taken over by the Nazi occupiers who used it to deter the Allied troops from trying to reconquer the islands.
Atmospheric: Fort Richmond on Guernsey has gone up for sale for 2million after standing empty for three decades
Protection: The fort was built in the 18th century to guard Jersey against a possible invasion by the French
Fixer-upper: The building has planning permission to become a five-bedroom home but is currently somewhat Spartan
After lying empty for three decades, the fort is set to be converted into a luxury home, and is now up for sale for 2million.
But although the property has been granted planning permission to become a five-bedroom dwelling, the new owner will have to shell out hundreds of thousands of pounds for the work.
When it is completed, the home's amazing sea views will make it one of the most valuable and desirable homes on the island, which is known as an offshore hub for financial firms.
The fort was built as a gun battery for the Guernsey Militia to defend the Channel Island against an invasion threatened by Emperor Napoleon in the 18th century, but was never deployed.
The only time guns were fired in anger at the fortification was when it was used by the Germans during the Second World War.
Historic: The building has been used by British troops as well as briefly by the Nazis during the Second World War
Empty: The fort was used by a surfing club and then a youth group but it has stood near-derelict for 30 years now
Sparse: It will take the new owner hundreds of thousands of pounds in extra expense to bring the house into shape after it is sold
Luxury: The house will boast five bedrooms, some with en-suite bathrooms, as well as features such as a wine cellar
After the war it was leased by the local government to a surf club and then to a Christian youth group for its headquarters before being left empty and neglected.
Seven years ago the site was identified by officials as one of the vacant properties that could be sold off to raise money for the public coffers.
The coastal building that overlooks picturesque Vazon Bay covers two acres.
The new home will be spread over three floors and have a master bedroom with two en-suites, a sitting room and a dressing room as well as four more en-suite bedrooms.
There will be a wine cellar, office and a huge atrium in the middle of it.
Location: The building has amazing views out to sea and is not too far from town despite being situated in its own patch of land
Haunting: The building's eerie interiors are a reminder of its past as an intimidating military facility
Desolate: One of the kitchens in the fort, showing signs of neglect after the building's years of disuse
Ross Le Marquand, of estate agents Cooper Brouard, said: 'This is the first time Fort Richmond has been given consent to transform it from military to domestic use.
'It was built when England was worried about a Napoleon invasion from France but was not put into significant use.
'In the Second World War Winston Churchill took a decision not to defend the Channel Islands from the Germans and as a result the fort became part of Hitler's Atlantic Wall defence.
'It can now be offered for sale with planning permission in place which means that whoever buys it can do so in the certainty that they will be allowed to begin the conversion.
This is the moment Vladimir Putin's sailors stand on the bridge of their attack submarine and wave at Britain as they are escorted through the English Channel by the Royal Navy.
The Russian Stary Oskol submarine, which is laden with missiles and torpedoes, ventured into the North Sea where it was intercepted by the anti-submarine Type 23 frigate HMS Kent and followed along the coast of Dover.
The big boat was accompanied by Russian Naval vessel Altay as it was escorted from British waters. The sailors were seen taking pictures and using binoculars to get a look at Britain.
The Russian sailors were seen taking pictures and using binoculars to get a look at Britain
The Russian Stary Oskol submarine, which is laden with missiles and torpedoes, ventured into the North Sea
The big boat was accompanied by Russian Naval vessel Altay as it was escorted from British waters
It is believed the submarine has been tracked by the HMS Kent since Sunday after it left its home port in Severmorsk, in Murmansk Oblast, Russia, and travelled down Britain's eastern coast.
It is thought the submarine, which first set sail last year and is powered with a diesel-electric engine, is heading for the Black Sea to join the rest of Russia's fleet.
The Kilo-class Stary Oskol was photographed in broad daylight by marina berth holder Nigel Scutt, 49, who even made contact with the Russians.
He told MailOnline: 'We waved at them and they waved back. Then we gave a salute and they also saluted at us.
'It was the closest I have ever been to one. We stayed for about 20 or 30 minutes then left.
'It was quite interesting to see and quite unusual to come through the Dover Strait in broad daylight.
'But all subs have to be above the surface when passing through international water. The Straits
The Kilo-class Stary Oskol was photographed in broad daylight by marina berth holder Nigel Scutt, 49, who even made contact with the Russians
The Russian submarine was accompanied by its escort vessel Altay (pictured) in the English Channel
Vladimir Putin's new Stary Oskol submarine (pictured left), which is laden with missiles and torpedos, ventured into the North Sea where it was intercepted by the anti-submarine Type 23 frigate HMS Kent (right) on Sunday
It is believed the submarine (far left) has been tracked by the HMS Kent since Sunday after it left its home port in Severmorsk, in Murmansk Oblast, Russia, and travelled down Britain's eastern coast
Stary Oskol is named after a Russian town near the Ukranian border and is 75 metres long.
HMS Kent first intercepted the Russian sub on Sunday in the North Sea and followed it along its journey.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: 'This shows that the Navy is maintaining a vigilant watch in international and territorial waters to keep Britain safe and protect us from potential threats.'
HMS Kent is one of the newest of the Type 23 frigates within the Royal Navy arsenal. Built by BAE Systems on the Clyde, she was launched on May 27, 1998 by Princess Alexandra of Kent.
Rehman Chishti is paid 2,000 a month for 10 hours work for the King Faisal Center
The Commons standards watchdog today dismissed a complaint about Tory MP Rehman Chishti work for a think tank linked to Saudi Arabia.
The Gillingham and Rainham MP, a parliamentary aide to Attorney General Jeremy Wright, declared the 2,000 a month job on his register of interests in February.
Liberal Democrat Tom Brake wrote to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards questioning whether the arrangement - which commits Mr Chishti to 10 hours work a month - broke rules on paid advocacy.
Mr Chishti denied wrong doing in his work with the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies when Mr Brake's complaint emerged.
And this afternoon he said: 'The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has today dismissed these baseless allegations by Lib Dem MP Tom Brake and confirmed that no inquiry will be held on this matter.'
A spokeswoman for the commissioner said: 'The commissioner has considered the allegation and decided not to begin an inquiry.'
The King Faisal Center is a think tank and non-governmental pressure group that describes its work as 'supporting and developing research and studies that spread King Faisal's vision'.
Mr Chishti has twice mentioned a visit he made to Saudi Arabia during Commons debates this year.
The Times today reported Liberal Democrat Tom Brake had written to commissioner Kathryn Hudson, to raise concerns about the arrangement.
Mr Brake said: 'It is clear that, as he registered his role with the centre on the 24th February 2016, he knew at that point that he was going to receive payment from the centre.
'Is it a breach of the code for a member to advocate for a foreign government closely linked to an NGO in the knowledge that, in just a few days, they will be receiving payment from that NGO?
'Is there also a case to be made under section V, paragraph 10 of the code of conduct that receiving funding from an NGO, closely linked to the Saudi government, is not in the public interest?'
In response to the story, Mr Chishti told The Times: 'My role as an adviser to the King Faisal Centre, which is an independent think-tank based in Riyadh and not funded by the Saudi government, commenced on the 1st March 2016 and as far as I am concerned is declared with the House of Commons in accordance with its rules.'
In the declaration of interests, which first included his new role on February 24, Mr Chishti said he was an 'adviser' to the King Faisal Center
The Commons register of interest details all income MPs received over an above their basic salary - in Mr Chishti's case 74,962.
The Gillingham and Rainham MP is a parliamentary private secretary to Mr Wright - the lowest rung of the ministerial ladder and an unpaid role.
In the declaration of interests, which first included his new role on February 24, Mr Chishti said he was an 'adviser' to the King Faisal Center.
He said: 'The role will involve providing advice to the centre on its work on international relations covering Europe and the Middle East, for which I will be paid 2,000 per month until further notice.'
As Republican Donald Trump roils the GOP establishment with controversial comments like his remarks about 'Mexican' judge Gonazalo Curiel, prominent former members of Texas Senator Ted Cruz's campaign team are publicly calling for a 'revolt' at the GOP convention to strip the nomination away.
'Our delegates have an obligation come July to do what's right for the Republican Party, not just anoint Donald Trump,' Cruz's New Jersey state director Steve Lonegan told CNN Tuesday.
'I would love to see a revolt,' Lonegan continued. 'And what I'm seeing right now, it's time for the Republican Party to get some backbone and stand up against this guy.'
'It's time for a #DelegateRevolt!' he tweeted this week. Other members of Cruz's team have been calling for similar tactics.
Supporters of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's campaign are still searching for ways to keep Donald Trump from getting the GOP nomination at the Republican convention
Former Cruz New Jersey director Steve Lonegan is calling for a 'revolt' at the GOP convention
Bob Vander Plaats, a prominent Iowa conservative who co-chaired Cruz's campaign told NBC that 'everything's got to be on the table' including letting delegates pledged to Trump to buck him anyway, the Washington Examiner reported.
Iowa radio host Steve Deace told his listeners, 'You can end this and it's on you to do so. The rules permit you to do so.You have a choice to make: You can suffer the wrath of Trump's cult now, or you can suffer the wrath of the American voter later.'
Conservative host Hugh Hewitt, who held an attention-grabbing interview during the primaries where Trump flubbed questions about world leaders, wants the Republican National Committee to prevail on Trump to get out.
The effort to dump Trump is being fueled by Trump's latest controversial comments
'I think party ought to change the nominee,' Hewett said on his radio show Wednesday. 'Because we're going to get killed with this nominee. I have never said. that i waited until after the primary was over. I stayed Switzerland to the end,' he continued.
'The Republican National Committee needs to step in and step up and talk to him about getting out of the race,' Hewitt added.'They ought to get together and let the convention decide.'
Otherwise, he warned, Hillary Clinton will win the presidency and the Republicans could lose Congress.
'She's gonna be president unless Republicans change their nominee. When the dust clears we will have lost the House, we will have lost the Senate, we will have lost governorships.'
Cruz backer Bob Vander Plaats wants everything 'on the table'
The calls for Trump's ouster come after a primary season where he dispatched with 16 rivals and dominated the entire campaign season. No one came close to beating him in the delegate hunt, and Cruz dropped out after realizing there was no way to get more delegates through the primary process.
Cruz ended his presidential run with a series of blistering attacks on Trump.
'This man is a pathological liar,' Cruz said. 'He doesn't know the difference between truth and lies. He lies practically every word that comes out of his mouth.'
He termed Trump 'a narcissist at a level that I don't think this country has ever seen.'
Since that time, he's mostly stayed out of the fray, other than brief comments after he formally pulled out of the race.
The call for finding a way for pledged delegates to ignore the will of the voters who sent them to the convention comes as GOP leaders are fuming over some of Trump's latest controversial comments, including saying Judge Curiel couldn't issue fair rulings in a case involving Trump University because of his Mexican heritage.
House speaker Paul Ryan called the comment the 'textbook definition' of racism.
Trump's polling against Clinton has improved since he sewed up his party's nomination, but Clinton may have turned a corner in her own campaign with slashing new attacks on Trump as President Obama begins an effort to try to persuade Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to end his primary campaign against her.
Douglas Slade denies a series of sexual offences against young boys between 1965 and 1980
A founding member of the notorious Paedophile Information Exchange is on trial accused of a string of rape and sex assaults against boys as young as ten.
Former naval officer Douglas Slade, 74, was a key member of the network (known as PIE), which campaigned to legalise sex with children in the 1970s and 80s, the court heard.
Men would regularly call Slade in the late 60s to exchange information and ask for 'advice on how to get children to do things they didn't want to do,' it was alleged.
Slade appeared at Bristol Crown Court alongside friend and fellow former PIE member, Christopher Skeaping, 71.
Slade, formerly of Bristol, denies seven counts of indecent assault and six counts of buggery against five schoolboys between 1965 and 1980.
Skeaping denies one count of indecent assault against a 15-year-old boy, relating to an incident allegedly involving Slade, in 1980.
Supposed ringleader Slade - who would have been just 25 at the time of his first offence - lured boys to his home with the promise of meals and days out, the court heard.
Skeaping, meanwhile, had a motorbike collection which he used to attract teenage boys to his house in Hounslow, West London.
The youngsters - troubled boys from broken families who were seeking 'refuge' - were allegedly passed between 'predatory' men with a sexual appetite for children.
Another man involved in the group was Joe Devodee, who owned Joe's Joke Shop on Christmas Steps, in Bristol, the court heard.
Rupert Lowe, prosecuting, said some of the boys were raped and touched against their will but others believed they were consenting to the men's sexual advances.
He said: 'These defendants have lived in a time when homosexuality has changed from being a crime to being legalised to being protected from discrimination.
'But what has not changed in their lifetimes or in ours is that children should be protected from the sexual appetites of adults.
'In the 1960s and 1970s, Douglas Slade and Christopher Skeaping were friends.
'They shared an interest in sex with young boys and they each knew several other men who shared that same interest.
'They were both involved in an organisation called the Paedophile Information Exchange.
'It seems strange now that such an organisation can have existed without being shut down immediately but it did.
'One of the aims of the PIE was to lower the age of consent so that men could have sex with children without breaking the law.'
Bristol Crown Court (pictured) heard boys would be 'passed around' men in the group in the 1970s
Nine of the offences Slade faces relate to one boy, who he allegedly repeatedly abused, along with the boy's half brother, up to three times a week between 1976 and 1978, the court heard.
Mr Lowe said: 'When you are 14 or 15 and from a troubled background you don't realise you are being corrupted and exploited by older men for their own selfish pleasure.'
The court heard that on another occasion in the mid 70s, Slade held down and raped a different boy on the carpet of another man's home while the occupant was upstairs with a second child.
Slade also allegedly fondled a teenage schoolboy pupil while sharing a room with him after a party.
Mr Lowe said Slade acted with a sense of 'entitlement' and confidence while abusing his victims.
Skeaping, formerly of Hounslow, London, is accused of one count of indecent assault relating to an occasion in 1980 when a 15-year-old boy who sought refuge with him.
Slade and Skeaping were questioned by police last Autumn.
Both admitted being part of a group which existed before the PIE known as PAL - Paedophile Action for Liberation - but said they couldn't remember what the 'P' in the acronym stood for.
Your Honor, if it is all right, for the majority of this statement I would like to address the defendant directly.
You don't know me, but you've been inside me, and that's why we're here today.
On January 17th, 2015, it was a quiet Saturday night at home. My dad made some dinner and I sat at the table with my younger sister who was visiting for the weekend. I was working full time and it was approaching my bed time. I planned to stay at home by myself, watch some TV and read, while she went to a party with her friends. Then, I decided it was my only night with her, I had nothing better to do, so why not, there's a dumb party ten minutes from my house, I would go, dance like a fool, and embarrass my younger sister. On the way there, I joked that undergrad guys would have braces. My sister teased me for wearing a beige cardigan to a frat party like a librarian. I called myself 'big mama', because I knew I'd be the oldest one there. I made silly faces, let my guard down, and drank liquor too fast not factoring in that my tolerance had significantly lowered since college.
You don't know me, but you've been inside me, and that's why we're here today Excerpt from Stanford rape victim statement
The next thing I remember I was in a gurney in a hallway. I had dried blood and bandages on the backs of my hands and elbow. I thought maybe I had fallen and was in an admin office on campus. I was very calm and wondering where my sister was. A deputy explained I had been assaulted. I still remained calm, assured he was speaking to the wrong person. I knew no one at this party. When I was finally allowed to use the restroom, I pulled down the hospital pants they had given me, went to pull down my underwear, and felt nothing. I still remember the feeling of my hands touching my skin and grabbing nothing. I looked down and there was nothing. The thin piece of fabric, the only thing between my vagina and anything else, was missing and everything inside me was silenced. I still don't have words for that feeling. In order to keep breathing, I thought maybe the policemen used scissors to cut them off for evidence.
The statement that the victim read in court has been shared thousands of times online. Above, a picture of Turner on the night he was arrested
'You don't know me, but you've been inside me, and that's why we're here today.'
Then, I felt pine needles scratching the back of my neck and started pulling them out my hair. I thought maybe, the pine needles had fallen from a tree onto my head. My brain was talking my gut into not collapsing. Because my gut was saying, help me, help me.
I shuffled from room to room with a blanket wrapped around me, pine needles trailing behind me, I left a little pile in every room I sat in. I was asked to sign papers that said 'Rape Victim' and I thought something has really happened. My clothes were confiscated and I stood naked while the nurses held a ruler to various abrasions on my body and photographed them. The three of us worked to comb the pine needles out of my hair, six hands to fill one paper bag. To calm me down, they said it's just the flora and fauna, flora and fauna. I had multiple swabs inserted into my vagina and anus, needles for shots, pills, had a Nikon pointed right into my spread legs. I had long, pointed beaks inside me and had my vagina smeared with cold, blue paint to check for abrasions.
After a few hours of this, they let me shower. I stood there examining my body beneath the stream of water and decided, I don't want my body anymore. I was terrified of it, I didn't know what had been in it, if it had been contaminated, who had touched it. I wanted to take off my body like a jacket and leave it at the hospital with everything else.
On that morning, all that I was told was that I had been found behind a dumpster, potentially penetrated by a stranger, and that I should get retested for HIV because results don't always show up immediately. But for now, I should go home and get back to my normal life. Imagine stepping back into the world with only that information. They gave me huge hugs and I walked out of the hospital into the parking lot wearing the new sweatshirt and sweatpants they provided me, as they had only allowed me to keep my necklace and shoes.
I stood there examining my body beneath the stream of water and decided, I don't want my body anymore. I was terrified of it, I didn't know what had been in it, if it had been contaminated, who had touched it.
My sister picked me up, face wet from tears and contorted in anguish. Instinctively and immediately, I wanted to take away her pain. I smiled at her, I told her to look at me, I'm right here, I'm okay, everything's okay, I'm right here. My hair is washed and clean, they gave me the strangest shampoo, calm down, and look at me. Look at these funny new sweatpants and sweatshirt, I look like a P.E. teacher, let's go home, let's eat something. She did not know that beneath my sweatsuit, I had scratches and bandages on my skin, my vagina was sore and had become a strange, dark color from all the prodding, my underwear was missing, and I felt too empty to continue to speak. That I was also afraid, that I was also devastated. That day we drove home and for hours in silence my younger sister held me.
My boyfriend did not know what happened, but called that day and said, 'I was really worried about you last night, you scared me, did you make it home okay?' I was horrified. That's when I learned I had called him that night in my blackout, left an incomprehensible voicemail, that we had also spoken on the phone, but I was slurring so heavily he was scared for me, that he repeatedly told me to go find [my sister]. Again, he asked me, 'What happened last night? Did you make it home okay?' I said yes, and hung up to cry.
I was not ready to tell my boyfriend or parents that actually, I may have been raped behind a dumpster, but I don't know by who or when or how. If I told them, I would see the fear on their faces, and mine would multiply by tenfold, so instead I pretended the whole thing wasn't real.
I tried to push it out of my mind, but it was so heavy I didn't talk, I didn't eat, I didn't sleep, I didn't interact with anyone. After work, I would drive to a secluded place to scream. I didn't talk, I didn't eat, I didn't sleep, I didn't interact with anyone, and I became isolated from the ones I loved most. For over a week after the incident, I didn't get any calls or updates about that night or what happened to me. The only symbol that proved that it hadn't just been a bad dream, was the sweatshirt from the hospital in my drawer.
One day, I was at work, scrolling through the news on my phone, and came across an article. In it, I read and learned for the first time about how I was found unconscious, with my hair disheveled, long necklace wrapped around my neck, bra pulled out of my dress, dress pulled off over my shoulders and pulled up above my waist, that I was butt naked all the way down to my boots, legs spread apart, and had been penetrated by a foreign object by someone I did not recognize. This was how I learned what happened to me, sitting at my desk reading the news at work. I learned what happened to me the same time everyone else in the world learned what happened to me. That's when the pine needles in my hair made sense, they didn't fall from a tree. He had taken off my underwear, his fingers had been inside of me. I don't even know this person. I still don't know this person. When I read about me like this, I said, this can't be me, this can't be me. I could not digest or accept any of this information. I could not imagine my family having to read about this online. I kept reading. In the next paragraph, I read something that I will never forgive; I read that according to him, I liked it. I liked it. Again, I do not have words for these feelings.
'And then, at the bottom of the article, after I learned about the graphic details of my own sexual assault, the article listed his swimming times.'
The night the news came out I sat my parents down and told them that I had been assaulted, to not look at the news because it's upsetting, just know that I'm okay, I'm right here, and I'm okay. But halfway through telling them, my mom had to hold me because I could no longer stand up.
It's like if you were to read an article where a car was hit, and found dented, in a ditch. But maybe the car enjoyed being hit. Maybe the other car didn't mean to hit it, just bump it up a little bit. Cars get in accidents all the time, people aren't always paying attention, can we really say who's at fault.
And then, at the bottom of the article, after I learned about the graphic details of my own sexual assault, the article listed his swimming times. She was found breathing, unresponsive with her underwear six inches away from her bare stomach curled in fetal position. By the way, he's really good at swimming. Throw in my mile time if that's what we're doing. I'm good at cooking, put that in there, I think the end is where you list your extracurriculars to cancel out all the sickening things that've happened.
The night the news came out I sat my parents down and told them that I had been assaulted, to not look at the news because it's upsetting, just know that I'm okay, I'm right here, and I'm okay. But halfway through telling them, my mom had to hold me because I could no longer stand up.
The night after it happened, he said he didn't know my name, said he wouldn't be able to identify my face in a lineup, didn't mention any dialogue between us, no words, only dancing and kissing. Dancing is a cute term; was it snapping fingers and twirling dancing, or just bodies grinding up against each other in a crowded room? I wonder if kissing was just faces sloppily pressed up against each other? When the detective asked if he had planned on taking me back to his dorm, he said no. When the detective asked how we ended up behind the dumpster, he said he didn't know. He admitted to kissing other girls at that party, one of whom was my own sister who pushed him away. He admitted to wanting to hook up with someone. I was the wounded antelope of the herd, completely alone and vulnerable, physically unable to fend for myself, and he chose me. Sometimes I think, if I hadn't gone, then this never would've happened. But then I realized, it would have happened, just to somebody else. You were about to enter four years of access to drunk girls and parties, and if this is the foot you started off on, then it is right you did not continue. The night after it happened, he said he thought I liked it because I rubbed his back. A back rub.
Never mentioned me voicing consent, never mentioned us even speaking, a back rub. One more time, in public news, I learned that my ass and vagina were completely exposed outside, my breasts had been groped, fingers had been jabbed inside me along with pine needles and debris, my bare skin and head had been rubbing against the ground behind a dumpster, while an erect freshman was humping my half naked, unconscious body. But I don't remember, so how do I prove I didn't like it.
I thought there's no way this is going to trial; there were witnesses, there was dirt in my body, he ran but was caught. He's going to settle, formally apologize, and we will both move on. Instead, I was told he hired a powerful attorney, expert witnesses, private investigators who were going to try and find details about my personal life to use against me, find loopholes in my story to invalidate me and my sister, in order to show that this sexual assault was in fact a misunderstanding. That he was going to go to any length to convince the world he had simply been confused.
I was not only told that I was assaulted, I was told that because I couldn't remember, I technically could not prove it was unwanted. And that distorted me, damaged me, almost broke me. It is the saddest type of confusion to be told I was assaulted and nearly raped, blatantly out in the open, but we don't know if it counts as assault yet. I had to fight for an entire year to make it clear that there was something wrong with this situation.
'I was pummeled with narrowed, pointed questions that dissected my personal life, love life, past life, family life, inane questions, accumulating trivial details to try and find an excuse for this guy who had me half naked before even bothering to ask for my name. '
His attorney constantly reminded the jury, the only one we can believe is Brock, because she doesn't remember. That helplessness was traumatizing.
When I was told to be prepared in case we didn't win, I said, I can't prepare for that. He was guilty the minute I woke up. No one can talk me out of the hurt he caused me. Worst of all, I was warned, because he now knows you don't remember, he is going to get to write the script. He can say whatever he wants and no one can contest it. I had no power, I had no voice, I was defenseless. My memory loss would be used against me. My testimony was weak, was incomplete, and I was made to believe that perhaps, I am not enough to win this. His attorney constantly reminded the jury, the only one we can believe is Brock, because she doesn't remember. That helplessness was traumatizing.
Instead of taking time to heal, I was taking time to recall the night in excruciating detail, in order to prepare for the attorney's questions that would be invasive, aggressive, and designed to steer me off course, to contradict myself, my sister, phrased in ways to manipulate my answers. Instead of his attorney saying, Did you notice any abrasions? He said, You didn't notice any abrasions, right? This was a game of strategy, as if I could be tricked out of my own worth. The sexual assault had been so clear, but instead, here I was at the trial, answering questions like:
How old are you? How much do you weigh? What did you eat that day? Well what did you have for dinner? Who made dinner? Did you drink with dinner? No, not even water? When did you drink? How much did you drink? What container did you drink out of? Who gave you the drink? How much do you usually drink? Who dropped you off at this party? At what time? But where exactly? What were you wearing? Why were you going to this party? What' d you do when you got there? Are you sure you did that? But what time did you do that? What does this text mean? Who were you texting? When did you urinate? Where did you urinate? With whom did you urinate outside? Was your phone on silent when your sister called? Do you remember silencing it? Really because on page 53 I'd like to point out that you said it was set to ring. Did you drink in college? You said you were a party animal? How many times did you black out? Did you party at frats? Are you serious with your boyfriend? Are you sexually active with him? When did you start dating? Would you ever cheat? Do you have a history of cheating? What do you mean when you said you wanted to reward him? Do you remember what time you woke up? Were you wearing your cardigan? What color was your cardigan? Do you remember any more from that night? No? Okay, well, we'll let Brock fill it in.
I was pummeled with narrowed, pointed questions that dissected my personal life, love life, past life, family life, inane questions, accumulating trivial details to try and find an excuse for this guy who had me half naked before even bothering to ask for my name. After a physical assault, I was assaulted with questions designed to attack me, to say see, her facts don't line up, she's out of her mind, she's practically an alcoholic, she probably wanted to hook up, he's like an athlete right, they were both drunk, whatever, the hospital stuff she remembers is after the fact, why take it into account, Brock has a lot at stake so he's having a really hard time right now.
And then it came time for him to testify and I learned what it meant to be revictimized. I want to remind you, the night after it happened he said he never planned to take me back to his dorm. He said he didn't know why we were behind a dumpster. He got up to leave because he wasn't feeling well when he was suddenly chased and attacked. Then he learned I could not remember.
So one year later, as predicted, a new dialogue emerged. Brock had a strange new story, almost sounded like a poorly written young adult novel with kissing and dancing and hand holding and lovingly tumbling onto the ground, and most importantly in this new story, there was suddenly consent. One year after the incident, he remembered, oh yeah, by the way she actually said yes, to everything, so.
He said he had asked if I wanted to dance. Apparently I said yes. He'd asked if I wanted to go to his dorm, I said yes. Then he asked if he could finger me and I said yes. Most guys don't ask, can I finger you? Usually there's a natural progression of things, unfolding consensually, not a Q and A. But apparently I granted full permission. He's in the clear. Even in his story, I only said a total of three words, yes yes yes, before he had me half naked on the ground. Future reference, if you are confused about whether a girl can consent, see if she can speak an entire sentence. You couldn't even do that. Just one coherent string of words. Where was the confusion? This is common sense, human decency.
According to him, the only reason we were on the ground was because I fell down. Note; if a girl falls down help her get back up. If she is too drunk to even walk and falls down, do not mount her, hump her, take off her underwear, and insert your hand inside her vagina. If a girl falls down help her up. If she is wearing a cardigan over her dress don't take it off so that you can touch her breasts. Maybe she is cold, maybe that's why she wore the cardigan.
According to him, the only reason we were on the ground was because I fell down. Note; if a girl falls down help her get back up. If she is too drunk to even walk and falls down, do not mount her, hump her, take off her underwear, and insert your hand inside her vagina.
Next in the story, two Swedes on bicycles approached you and you ran. When they tackled you why didn't say, 'Stop! Everything's okay, go ask her, she's right over there, she'll tell you.' I mean you had just asked for my consent, right? I was awake, right? When the policeman arrived and interviewed the evil Swede who tackled you, he was crying so hard he couldn't speak because of what he'd seen.
Your attorney has repeatedly pointed out, well we don't know exactly when she became unconscious. And you're right, maybe I was still fluttering my eyes and wasn't completely limp yet. That was never the point. I was too drunk to speak English, too drunk to consent way before I was on the ground. I should have never been touched in the first place. Brock stated, 'At no time did I see that she was not responding. If at any time I thought she was not responding, I would have stopped immediately.' Here's the thing; if your plan was to stop only when I became unresponsive, then you still do not understand. You didn't even stop when I was unconscious anyway! Someone else stopped you. Two guys on bikes noticed I wasn't moving in the dark and had to tackle you. How did you not notice while on top of me?
You said, you would have stopped and gotten help. You say that, but I want you to explain how you would've helped me, step by step, walk me through this. I want to know, if those evil Swedes had not found me, how the night would have played out. I am asking you; Would you have pulled my underwear back on over my boots? Untangled the necklace wrapped around my neck? Closed my legs, covered me? Pick the pine needles from my hair? Asked if the abrasions on my neck and bottom hurt? Would you then go find a friend and say, Will you help me get her somewhere warm and soft? I don't sleep when I think about the way it could have gone if the two guys had never come. What would have happened to me? That's what you'll never have a good answer for, that's what you can't explain even after a year.
On top of all this, he claimed that I orgasmed after one minute of digital penetration. The nurse said there had been abrasions, lacerations, and dirt in my genitalia. Was that before or after I came?
To sit under oath and inform all of us, that yes I wanted it, yes I permitted it, and that you are the true victim attacked by Swedes for reasons unknown to you is appalling, is demented, is selfish, is damaging. It is enough to be suffering. It is another thing to have someone ruthlessly working to diminish the gravity of validity of this suffering.
My family had to see pictures of my head strapped to a gurney full of pine needles, of my body in the dirt with my eyes closed, hair messed up, limbs bent, and dress hiked up. And even after that, my family had to listen to your attorney say the pictures were after the fact, we can dismiss them. To say, yes her nurse confirmed there was redness and abrasions inside her, significant trauma to her genitalia, but that's what happens when you finger someone, and he's already admitted to that. To listen to your attorney attempt to paint a picture of me, the face of girls gone wild, as if somehow that would make it so that I had this coming for me. To listen to him say I sounded drunk on the phone because I'm silly and that's my goofy way of speaking. To point out that in the voicemail, I said I would reward my boyfriend and we all know what I was thinking. I assure you my rewards program is non transferable, especially to any nameless man that approaches me.
'This is not a story of another drunk college hookup with poor decision making. Assault is not an accident.'
He has done irreversible damage to me and my family during the trial and we have sat silently, listening to him shape the evening. But in the end, his unsupported statements and his attorney's twisted logic fooled no one. The truth won, the truth spoke for itself.
Alcohol is not an excuse. Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked. Having too much to drink was an amateur mistake that I admit to, but it is not criminal.
You are guilty. Twelve jurors convicted you guilty of three felony counts beyond reasonable doubt, that's twelve votes per count, thirty six yeses confirming guilt, that's one hundred percent, unanimous guilt. And I thought finally it is over, finally he will own up to what he did, truly apologize, we will both move on and get better. Then I read your statement.
If you are hoping that one of my organs will implode from anger and I will die, I'm almost there. You are very close. This is not a story of another drunk college hookup with poor decision making. Assault is not an accident. Somehow, you still don't get it. Somehow, you still sound confused. I will now read portions of the defendant's statement and respond to them.
You said, Being drunk I just couldn't make the best decisions and neither could she.
Alcohol is not an excuse. Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked. Having too much to drink was an amateur mistake that I admit to, but it is not criminal. Everyone in this room has had a night where they have regretted drinking too much, or knows someone close to them who has had a night where they have regretted drinking too much. Regretting drinking is not the same as regretting sexual assault. We were both drunk, the difference is I did not take off your pants and underwear, touch you inappropriately, and run away. That's the difference.
You said, If I wanted to get to know her, I should have asked for her number, rather than asking her to go back to my room.
I'm not mad because you didn't ask for my number. Even if you did know me, I would not want to be in this situation. My own boyfriend knows me, but if he asked to finger me behind a dumpster, I would slap him. No girl wants to be in this situation. Nobody. I don't care if you know their phone number or not.
You said, I stupidly thought it was okay for me to do what everyone around me was doing, which was drinking. I was wrong.
Again, you were not wrong for drinking. Everyone around you was not sexually assaulting me. You were wrong for doing what nobody else was doing, which was pushing your erect dick in your pants against my naked, defenseless body concealed in a dark area, where partygoers could no longer see or protect me, and my own sister could not find me. Sipping fireball is not your crime. Peeling off and discarding my underwear like a candy wrapper to insert your finger into my body, is where you went wrong. Why am I still explaining this.
You said, During the trial I didn't want to victimize her at all. That was just my attorney and his way of approaching the case.
Your attorney is not your scapegoat, he represents you. Did your attorney say some incredulously infuriating, degrading things? Absolutely. He said you had an erection, because it was cold.
You said, you are in the process of establishing a program for high school and college students in which you speak about your experience to 'speak out against the college campus drinking culture and the sexual promiscuity that goes along with that.'
Your damage was concrete; stripped of titles, degrees, enrollment. My damage was internal, unseen, I carry it with me. You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today.
Campus drinking culture. That's what we're speaking out against? You think that's what I've spent the past year fighting for? Not awareness about campus sexual assault, or rape, or learning to recognize consent. Campus drinking culture. Down with Jack Daniels. Down with Skyy Vodka. If you want talk to people about drinking go to an AA meeting. You realize, having a drinking problem is different than drinking and then forcefully trying to have sex with someone? Show men how to respect women, not how to drink less.
Drinking culture and the sexual promiscuity that goes along with that. Goes along with that, like a side effect, like fries on the side of your order. Where does promiscuity even come into play? I don't see headlines that read, Brock Turner, Guilty of drinking too much and the sexual promiscuity that goes along with that. Campus Sexual Assault. There's your first powerpoint slide. Rest assured, if you fail to fix the topic of your talk, I will follow you to every school you go to and give a follow up presentation.
Lastly you said, I want to show people that one night of drinking can ruin a life.
A life, one life, yours, you forgot about mine. Let me rephrase for you, I want to show people that one night of drinking can ruin two lives. You and me. You are the cause, I am the effect. You have dragged me through this hell with you, dipped me back into that night again and again. You knocked down both our towers, I collapsed at the same time you did. If you think I was spared, came out unscathed, that today I ride off into sunset, while you suffer the greatest blow, you are mistaken. Nobody wins. We have all been devastated, we have all been trying to find some meaning in all of this suffering. Your damage was concrete; stripped of titles, degrees, enrollment. My damage was internal, unseen, I carry it with me. You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today.
See one thing we have in common is that we were both unable to get up in the morning. I am no stranger to suffering. You made me a victim. In newspapers my name was 'unconscious intoxicated woman', ten syllables, and nothing more than that. For a while, I believed that that was all I was. I had to force myself to relearn my real name, my identity. To relearn that this is not all that I am. That I am not just a drunk victim at a frat party found behind a dumpster, while you are the All American swimmer at a top university, innocent until proven guilty, with so much at stake. I am a human being who has been irreversibly hurt, my life was put on hold for over a year, waiting to figure out if I was worth something.
My independence, natural joy, gentleness, and steady lifestyle I had been enjoying became distorted beyond recognition. I became closed off, angry, self deprecating, tired, irritable, empty. The isolation at times was unbearable. You cannot give me back the life I had before that night either. While you worry about your shattered reputation, I refrigerated spoons every night so when I woke up, and my eyes were puffy from crying, I would hold the spoons to my eyes to lessen the swelling so that I could see. I showed up an hour late to work every morning, excused myself to cry in the stairwells, I can tell you all the best places in that building to cry where no one can hear you. The pain became so bad that I had to explain the private details to my boss to let her know why I was leaving. I needed time because continuing day to day was not possible. I used my savings to go as far away as I could possibly be. I did not return to work full time as I knew I'd have to take weeks off in the future for the hearing and trial, that were constantly being rescheduled. My life was put on hold for over a year, my structure had collapsed.
I can't sleep alone at night without having a light on, like a five year old, because I have nightmares of being touched where I cannot wake up, I did this thing where I waited until the sun came up and I felt safe enough to sleep. For three months, I went to bed at six o'clock in the morning.
I can't sleep alone at night without having a light on, like a five year old, because I have nightmares of being touched where I cannot wake up, I did this thing where I waited until the sun came up and I felt safe enough to sleep. For three months, I went to bed at six o'clock in the morning.
I used to pride myself on my independence, now I am afraid to go on walks in the evening, to attend social events with drinking among friends where I should be comfortable being. I have become a little barnacle always needing to be at someone's side, to have my boyfriend standing next to me, sleeping beside me, protecting me. It is embarrassing how feeble I feel, how timidly I move through life, always guarded, ready to defend myself, ready to be angry.
You have no idea how hard I have worked to rebuild parts of me that are still weak. It took me eight months to even talk about what happened. I could no longer connect with friends, with everyone around me. I would scream at my boyfriend, my own family whenever they brought this up. You never let me forget what happened to me. At the of end of the hearing, the trial, I was too tired to speak. I would leave drained, silent. I would go home turn off my phone and for days I would not speak. You bought me a ticket to a planet where I lived by myself. Every time a new article come out, I lived with the paranoia that my entire hometown would find out and know me as the girl who got assaulted. I didn't want anyone's pity and am still learning to accept victim as part of my identity. You made my own hometown an uncomfortable place to be.
You cannot give me back my sleepless nights. The way I have broken down sobbing uncontrollably if I'm watching a movie and a woman is harmed, to say it lightly, this experience has expanded my empathy for other victims. I have lost weight from stress, when people would comment I told them I've been running a lot lately. There are times I did not want to be touched. I have to relearn that I am not fragile, I am capable, I am wholesome, not just livid and weak.
When I see my younger sister hurting, when she is unable to keep up in school, when she is deprived of joy, when she is not sleeping, when she is crying so hard on the phone she is barely breathing, telling me over and over again she is sorry for leaving me alone that night, sorry sorry sorry, when she feels more guilt than you, then I do not forgive you. That night I had called her to try and find her, but you found me first. Your attorney's closing statement began, '[Her sister] said she was fine and who knows her better than her sister.' You tried to use my own sister against me? Your points of attack were so weak, so low, it was almost embarrassing. You do not touch her.
You should have never done this to me. Secondly, you should have never made me fight so long to tell you, you should have never done this to me. But here we are. The damage is done, no one can undo it. And now we both have a choice. We can let this destroy us, I can remain angry and hurt and you can be in denial, or we can face it head on, I accept the pain, you accept the punishment, and we move on.
Your life is not over, you have decades of years ahead to rewrite your story. The world is huge, it is so much bigger than Palo Alto and Stanford, and you will make a space for yourself in it where you can be useful and happy. But right now, you do not get to shrug your shoulders and be confused anymore. You do not get to pretend that there were no red flags. You have been convicted of violating me, intentionally, forcibly, sexually, with malicious intent, and all you can admit to is consuming alcohol. Do not talk about the sad way your life was upturned because alcohol made you do bad things. Figure out how to take responsibility for your own conduct.
I am severely disappointed and feel that he has failed to exhibit sincere remorse or responsibility for his conduct. I fully respected his right to a trial, but even after twelve jurors unanimously convicted him guilty of three felonies, all he has admitted to doing is ingesting alcohol. Someone who cannot take full accountability for his actions does not deserve a mitigating sentence.
Now to address the sentencing. When I read the probation officer's report, I was in disbelief, consumed by anger which eventually quieted down to profound sadness. My statements have been slimmed down to distortion and taken out of context. I fought hard during this trial and will not have the outcome minimized by a probation officer who attempted to evaluate my current state and my wishes in a fifteen minute conversation, the majority of which was spent answering questions I had about the legal system. The context is also important. Brock had yet to issue a statement, and I had not read his remarks.
My life has been on hold for over a year, a year of anger, anguish and uncertainty, until a jury of my peers rendered a judgment that validated the injustices I had endured. Had Brock admitted guilt and remorse and offered to settle early on, I would have considered a lighter sentence, respecting his honesty, grateful to be able to move our lives forward. Instead he took the risk of going to trial, added insult to injury and forced me to relive the hurt as details about my personal life and sexual assault were brutally dissected before the public. He pushed me and my family through a year of inexplicable, unnecessary suffering, and should face the consequences of challenging his crime, of putting my pain into question, of making us wait so long for justice.
I told the probation officer I do not want Brock to rot away in prison. I did not say he does not deserve to be behind bars. The probation officer's recommendation of a year or less in county jail is a soft timeout, a mockery of the seriousness of his assaults, an insult to me and all women. It gives the message that a stranger can be inside you without proper consent and he will receive less than what has been defined as the minimum sentence. Probation should be denied. I also told the probation officer that what I truly wanted was for Brock to get it, to understand and admit to his wrongdoing.
Unfortunately, after reading the defendant's report, I am severely disappointed and feel that he has failed to exhibit sincere remorse or responsibility for his conduct. I fully respected his right to a trial, but even after twelve jurors unanimously convicted him guilty of three felonies, all he has admitted to doing is ingesting alcohol. Someone who cannot take full accountability for his actions does not deserve a mitigating sentence. It is deeply offensive that he would try and dilute rape with a suggestion of 'promiscuity'. By definition rape is not the absence of promiscuity, rape is the absence of consent, and it perturbs me deeply that he can't even see that distinction.
The probation officer factored in that the defendant is youthful and has no prior convictions. In my opinion, he is old enough to know what he did was wrong. When you are eighteen in this country you can go to war. When you are nineteen, you are old enough to pay the consequences for attempting to rape someone. He is young, but he is old enough to know better.
As this is a first offence I can see where leniency would beckon. On the other hand, as a society, we cannot forgive everyone's first sexual assault or digital rape. It doesn't make sense. The seriousness of rape has to be communicated clearly, we should not create a culture that suggests we learn that rape is wrong through trial and error. The consequences of sexual assault needs to be severe enough that people feel enough fear to exercise good judgment even if they are drunk, severe enough to be preventative.
The probation officer weighed the fact that he has surrendered a hard earned swimming scholarship. How fast Brock swims does not lessen the severity of what happened to me, and should not lessen the severity of his punishment. If a first time offender from an underprivileged background was accused of three felonies and displayed no accountability for his actions other than drinking, what would his sentence be? The fact that Brock was an athlete at a private university should not be seen as an entitlement to leniency, but as an opportunity to send a message that sexual assault is against the law regardless of social class.
The Probation Officer has stated that this case, when compared to other crimes of similar nature, may be considered less serious due to the defendant's level of intoxication. It felt serious. That's all I'm going to say.
The probation officer factored in that the defendant is youthful and has no prior convictions. In my opinion, he is old enough to know what he did was wrong. When you are eighteen in this country you can go to war. When you are nineteen, you are old enough to pay the consequences for attempting to rape someone. He is young, but he is old enough to know better.
What has he done to demonstrate that he deserves a break? He has only apologized for drinking and has yet to define what he did to me as sexual assault, he has revictimized me continually, relentlessly. He has been found guilty of three serious felonies and it is time for him to accept the consequences of his actions. He will not be quietly excused.
He is a lifetime sex registrant. That doesn't expire. Just like what he did to me doesn't expire, doesn't just go away after a set number of years. It stays with me, it's part of my identity, it has forever changed the way I carry myself, the way I live the rest of my life.
To conclude, I want to say thank you. To everyone from the intern who made me oatmeal when I woke up at the hospital that morning, to the deputy who waited beside me, to the nurses who calmed me, to the detective who listened to me and never judged me, to my advocates who stood unwaveringly beside me, to my therapist who taught me to find courage in vulnerability, to my boss for being kind and understanding, to my incredible parents who teach me how to turn pain into strength, to my grandma who snuck chocolate into the courtroom throughout this to give to me, my friends who remind me how to be happy, to my boyfriend who is patient and loving, to my unconquerable sister who is the other half of my heart, to Alaleh, my idol, who fought tirelessly and never doubted me. Thank you to everyone involved in the trial for their time and attention. Thank you to girls across the nation that wrote cards to my DA to give to me, so many strangers who cared for me.
Most importantly, thank you to the two men who saved me, who I have yet to meet. I sleep with two bicycles that I drew taped above my bed to remind myself there are heroes in this story. That we are looking out for one another. To have known all of these people, to have felt their protection and love, is something I will never forget.
of the four people killed in the attack
Witnesses have spoken of the horrifying moment when two gunmen disguised as ultra-Orthodox Jews burst into a busy restaurant in Tel Aviv, killing four Israelis and injuring nine people.
A British-born paramedic described how there was 'blood and other awful things' all over the restaurant where minutes earlier families and friends had dined.
The four victims have been identified as Ido Ben Ari, 42, Ilana Naveh, 39, Dr Michael Feige, 58, and Mila Mishayev, 32, police said Thursday.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Murdered: Mother-of-four Ilana Naveh, 39, had been celebrating a friend's birthday when she was shot in the chest by one of the terrorists at the restaurant in Tel Aviv on Wednesday night
Dr. Michael Feige, 58, head of the Israel Studies program at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and Ido Ben Ari, 42, an executive at Coca Cola were also killed in the attack
Fourth victim Mila Mishayev, 32, was taken to a nearby hospital but doctors could not save her life
The shooting, carried out by two West Bank Palestinians, targeted a crowded tourist and restaurant district in the heart of Tel Aviv, located across the street from the Israeli military's headquarters.
'The restaurant looked like a hurricane went through it there was blood, there were broken chairs and other awful things,' paramedic Avi Marcus told MailOnline.
Mr Marcus added that a colleague had told him that one of the gunmen 'was yelling about Allah' as he was arrested,
'The sounds were of people running to find shelter, running around with all types of stress symptoms, civilians were looking for the deceased.'
Arele Klein, a 45-year-old caterer and volunteer paramedic, had just finished a meeting nearby when he heard about the incident.
Devastated: Family members of Ido Ben Ari mourning his death at his funeral earlier this morning
The shooting, carried out by two West Bank Palestinians, targeted a crowded tourist and restaurant district in the heart of Tel Aviv, located across the street from the Israeli military's headquarters.
'He was yelling Allah': A male suspect was forced to the ground and stripped of his clothes by Israeli police, fearing he might be wearing explosives
'I received the call and I was one street away so I ran to the restaurant and got there so quickly that I heard the shots, several shots there was still shooting.
'As I ran to see where the shots, and as i did so I found a woman of around 40 on the floor with no heartbeat. I tried to resuscitate her, and we gave her electric shock. She is now in hospital in a very serious condition.
'I continued 100 metres to the restaurant, where there was a man in a serious condition, with no heartbeat.
There were several bullets still inside him, and we tried several life-saving procedures. quickly after he arrived in hospital he was declared dead.'
This man was later identified as Mr Ben Ari. When Klein went inside the restaurant he saw a 12-year-old boy who turned our to be Ben Ari's son.
'He was crying because he saw his father with blood.' He did not yet know that his father was dead.
'Before the attack they had been sitting there the father and his wife, and a son and daughter, sitting together having fun.'
Klein is an experienced paramedic with the Zaka organisation who has worked on many terror scenes, but said that this time he can't get the scene out of his head.
'To see the blood mixed together with the food and the coffee is very difficult the picture gets in to your head and it doesn't leave.'
Three of the murdered Israelis had children, and one was an award-winning university professor specialising in the state of Israel.
Married mother-of-four Ilana Naveh had been celebrating a friend's birthday when she was shot in the chest by one of the terrorists.
The Max Brenner restaurant was packed with diners just as the gunmen began to open fire with machine guns
CCTV footage have revealed the moment customers desperately ran for their lives to escape the gunmen, who opened fire at random with machine guns
Dressed in dark suits, the two gunmen pause to reload before executing a wounded man on the ground
Mr Ben Ari, whose wife was injured in the shooting, was an former IDF elite soldier who worked as an executive at Coca-Cola's Israeli headquarters, and the father of two children.
Dr. Feige had won proses for a book about Jewish fundamentalism and headed the Israel Studies program at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Witness Meital Sassi told Channel 10 TV she was out with her family celebrating her son's birthday when she heard shots and 'immediately understood it was a terror attack'.
'We ran like lightning with the baby and the stroller ... I yelled at people who didn't understand what was happening to run,' she said.
The parents of one of the nine injured have told of how their son miraculously survived getting shot in the head twice,
Asaf Bar was sat with his girlfriend at the busy Max Brenner cafe when the terrorists attacked and shot him in the head.
Amazingly, Mr Bar managed to stay concious throughout the ordeal and was rushed to hospital with his girlfriend, who escaped unharmed.
'He spoke to us now, he can move all his body parts. One bullet remains in his head and the other was removed,' his father told Jerusalem Post.
'He saw the two terrorists and they were laughing. In photographs[you can see] them aiming a gun half-a-metre away from him.'
Police said the two gunmen, both, in their twenties, are members of the same family from the Palestinian village of Yatta, near the West Bank city of Hebron, which has been a flashpoint for violence in recent months.
Ahmed Musa Machmara, the father of one of the terrorists, has just express edsurprise at his son's actions.
'The news is hard, because my son is not associated with any terrorist organisation or a political party.'
Israel has imposed a series of sweeping restrictions on Palestinian movement and deployed hundreds of additional troops to the West Bank in response to the attack.
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to meet with his Security Cabinet to discuss further responses, the Israeli military announced that it was deploying two additional battalions to the West Bank 'in accordance with situation assessments'.
The deployment, involving hundreds of troops, includes soldiers from infantry and special forces units.
Two shocked members of the public embrace each other after witnessing the horrors of the attack
Fighting for survival: Ambulance staff desperately attend to one wounded individual from the attack
At least nine other people were wounded in the shocking shooting incident, which took place in the centre of the Israeli city of Tel Aviv
Officials have confirmed that two gunmen were involved, with one attacker was captured while the other was reportedly wounded
Among the participants in the Security Cabinet meeting was Israel's new defence minister, Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of an ultranationalist party known for his hard-line views toward the Palestinians.
Before the meeting, Lieberman visited the site of the shooting and had a cup of coffee in a local cafe.
'I do not intend to speak and detail the steps we intend to take, but I am sure that I have no intention to stop at words,' he said.
Earlier on Thursday, defence officials suspended tens of thousands of special permits given to Palestinians to visit Israel during the current Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
COGAT, an Israeli defence body, said 83,000 permits for Palestinians in the West Bank to visit relatives in Israel had been frozen.
Special Ramadan permits were also suspended for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to visit relatives in Israel, travel abroad and attend prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, COGAT said.
Israel considers the Ramadan permits a goodwill gesture toward Palestinians.
In addition, the military said it had frozen Israeli work permits for 204 of the attackers' relatives, and was preventing Palestinians from leaving and entering the West Bank village of Yatta, the attackers' home village.
COGAT said entering or leaving will only be permitted for humanitarian and medical cases.
Shocking: Bloody handprints mark the walls of the Max Brenner restaurant in Tel Aviv, Israel
Pictures from the scene show a gun lying discarded underneath a chair at the cafe which came under attack
Tense times: Heavy armed Israeli security forces look nervous as they stand guard on the streets in Israel
Israeli security forces and emergency personnel are seen at the site of a shooting attack at a shopping complex
The military was also making preparations to demolish the family home of one of the attackers. Israel often responds to attacks by demolishing the homes of the assailants or their relatives - a tactic that is criticised by the Palestinians and human rights groups as collective punishment.
In Tel Aviv, extra police units were mobilised, mainly around the city's central bus station and train stations, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
Israeli security officials said the weapons were crudely improvised, indicating that a militant organisation was not involved.
They said the attackers did not have special Ramadan permits allowing them to enter Israel, but that they had sneaked into Israel illegally to carry out the assault, according to initial assessments.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, welcomed the attack but did not claim responsibility.
After the attacks the leader of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh took to Twitter to express his delight over the deadly shooting in Tel Aviv.
Posting from Gaza, he wrote: 'Glory and salutations to the Hebronites'. He followed the post with the victory sign emoji.
The incident occurred in an area of trendy cafes and restaurants very close to the central military headquarters and Defence Ministry compound
Hospital staff have been trying to save the lives of the wounded following the deadly attack in the city
Investigating: Forensic scientists examine the evidence at the scene of the horrific gun attack
The attack was the first following in lull after almost daily street attacks by Palestinians against Israelis which began in October and lasted several months
One person was in critical condition, with Israeli police describing the shooting as an apparent attack aimed against Israelis
Hamas official Mushir al-Masri called the shootings a 'heroic operation' and the group later issued an official statement promising the 'Zionists' more 'surprises' during Ramadan.
Islamic Jihad, another militant group, called the shooting a 'natural response' to Israel's 'brutal actions' against Palestinians. But it also did not claim responsibility for the attack.
Over the last eight months Palestinians have carried out dozens of attacks on civilians and security forces, mostly stabbings, shootings and car ramming assaults that have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans.
About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most identified as attackers by Israel. The assaults were once near-daily incidents but they have become less frequent in recent weeks.
Most of the attacks have been in east Jerusalem or the West Bank, territories Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war and which the Palestinians want for their future state.
German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned Wednesday's attack.
Katie Marie Miller allegedly stole over $112,000 from cash registers while working as a hostess at a Magic Kingdom restaurant, authorities say.
A former part-time Disney worker allegedly stole over $112,000 from cash registers while working as a hostess at a Magic Kingdom restaurant, authorities say.
Katie Marie Miller was booked into the Orange County Jail on Tuesday on charges of grand theft, scheme to defraud and making false statements, according to jail records.
The 29-year-old remained in jail Thursday, and is being held on a $61,100 bond.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Miller told investigators she started taking the money to help pay bills and it then became an addiction.
She said she didn't realize how much she'd taken until Disney's financial analysts confronted her.
Miller reportedly told investigators she started swiping the cash back in May 2013.
She swiped an average of $5,000 monthly from Columbia Harbour House over a nearly two-year period, Disney financial analysts revealed to deputies, according to the Sentinel.
Prosecutors issued a warrant for Miller's arrest two months ago.
She was arrested last month in Hopedale, Massachusetts, and brought to Orlando on Tuesday.
DailyMail.com has learned that Turner's sentence has already been shortened to just three months, and he will be released on September 2
Persky, who banned Turner from alcohol and drug use during his three years of probation, has not commented on the release of these photos
Judge Persky was aware of these images and text messages prior to sentencing Turner to just six months in prison
The phone of the Stanford rapist, which was confiscated by police, also contains messages where he talks about using LSD and MDMA
The pictures prove he lied to Judge Aaron Persky when he denied ever using 'illicit
A new picture has surfaced that show Stanford rapist Brock Turner with a hash pipe.
Prosecutors in the case now say that the image - and another of what appears to be a bong - prove that Turner partied and used drugs well before his college days, and lied to the judge in the case when he denied ever using 'illicit substances' in the past.
'Coming from a small town in Ohio, I had never really experienced celebrating or partying that involved alcohol,' Turner said in his letter to Judge Aaron Persky.
One image, obtained by ABC, shows Turner smoking a hash pipe according to prosecutors.
These images were found on the college student's phone, along with text messages that referenced doing LSD and MDMA.
Judge Persky had seen these images and text messages prior to sentencing Turner to just six months in prison.
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Consequences: The pictures prove Brock Turner lied to Judge Aaron Persky when he denied ever using 'illicit substances ' in the past claim prosecutors (above with hash pipe)
Timing: The image of the bong (above) which was found on Turner's phone came from a video recorded on December 27, 2014, a month before the rape
Turner (pictured left, from the night of his arrest, and right in a later sentencing photo) was sentenced to just six months in county jail for raping a 23-year-old in January 2015
The image of the bong which was found on Turner's phone came from a video of him that was recorded on December 27, 2014, almost a month before the rape.
He also asked about buying wax to 'do some dabs' in a December 18 text, referencing a form of butane hash oil, which is highly concentrated with tetrahydrocannabidiol, or THC.
Turner also said he took acid in a text message to a friend on July 25, 2014.
When his friend mentioned 'candyflipping', slang for taking LSD and MDMA together, Turner said: 'I gotta [expletive deleted] try that. I heard it's awesome.'
In another exchange with his sister on June 3, 2014, she asked, 'Did you rage last night?'
He said: 'Yeah kind of. It was hard to find a place to drink. But when we finally did could only drink for like an hour and a half.'
Turner stated in his letter to Judge Persky: 'Living more than 2,000 miles from home, I looked to the guys on my swim team as family and tried to replicate their values in how they approached college life.'
These photos however make it clear he had used drugs and alcohol well before his college days claim prosecutors, something that Judge Persky did not seem to take issue with when handing down his sentence.
DailyMail.com learned earlier this week that Turner will not even serve a full six months in prison either, with three months already cut off his sentence despite his lies to the court.
The 20-year-old will be released on September 2 after just three months behind bars.
Judge Persky also sentenced Turner to three years of probation and banned the 20-year-old from the possession and consumption of alcohol following his release from jail.
Turner will be subject to random drug and alcohol tests during the three years, during which he will also be prohibited from visiting places where alcohol is the primary item of sale.
Outrage: Judge Persky (above) was aware of these images and text messages prior to sentencing Turner to just six months in prison
Out in half the time: Turner is behind bars at the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, California, but will be released on September 2 after serving just half his sentence
He is now petitioning to be able to serve his probation in Ohio rather than California.
Turner no longer has any ties to California after Stanford not only expelled him but also banned him from stepping foot on their Palo Alto campus two weeks after the assault occurred.
More than a dozen people submitted letters to Judge Persky on behalf of Turner vouching for his character during the trail, which likely played some role in the lenient sentence he received for his attack.
Many of those supporters are now trying to distance themselves from those statements however, especially since they are now being published and the authors widely criticized for defending Turner after his assault.
Kelly Owens, who was Turner's high school guidance counselor at Oakwood High School in Dayton, Ohio wrote that the young man was 'undeserving' of prison in her letter to the court.
Owens went on to say in her letter: 'In spite of what was said about him during that time, what I know to be true is that he is a young man of character, integrity, possesses great love and respect for his parents, honors his friends, seeks opportunities to help others, and is absolutely undeserving of the outcome.'
She was forced to issue an apology however after the superintendent of the school district, Kyle Ramsey, said that not only was Owens' letter not vetted but that the district was unaware she had even submitted a statement on Turner's behalf in the case.
Owens said earlier this week in a statement that ran in the Dayton Daily News: 'In the statement I submitted to the judge during the criminal proceedings and before sentencing referencing Brocks character, I made a mistake.
'Of course he should be held accountable. I pray for the victim, her family and all those affected by this horrible event.
'I am truly sorry for the additional pain my statement has caused. I tell my students they have to be accountable, and Brock is no exception.'
Letters of support: Turner's friend Leslie Rasmussen (left) has backtracked on statement she made to the court about the convicted felon while Judge Margaret Quinn (right) is standing by her letter of support
Revising her statement: Rasmussen apologized profusely for her letter in a Facebook post on Wednesday night
Turner's childhood friend Leslie Rasmussen has also distanced herself from a character statement she wrote on behalf of the convicted felon that, despite her claims to the contrary, seemed to blame the victim.
'I dont think its fair to base the fate of the next ten + years of his life on the decision of a girl who doesnt remember anything but the amount she drank to press charges against him,' wrote Rasmussen.
'I am not blaming her directly for this, because that isnt right. But where do we draw the line and stop worrying about being politically correct every second of the day and see that rape on campuses isnt always because people are rapists.'
She went on to write that Turner, and others who commit similar acts, are 'not rapists' but 'idiot boys and girls having too much to drink and not being aware of their surroundings and having clouded judgement.'
She closed by stating: 'I would not be writing this letter if I had any doubt in my mind that he is innocent.'
Rasmussen backtracked on some of these statements however earlier this week in a long Facebook note, posted after she and her band Good English had multiple Brooklyn shows cancelled as a consequence of her letter and the outrage it caused among members of the public.
'I understand that this appeal has now provided an opportunity for people to misconstrue my ideas into a distortion that suggests I sympathize with sex offenses and those who commit them or that I blame the victim involved,' wrote Rasmussen.
'Nothing could be farther from the truth, and I apologize for anything my statement has done to suggest that I dont feel enormous sympathy for the victim and her suffering.'
She also stated: 'I know that Brock Turner was tried and rightfully convicted of sexual assault. I realize that this crime caused enormous pain for the victim. I dont condone, support, or sympathize with the offense or the offender.'
Family: Brock Turner arrives in court for his sentencing last Thursday with his mother while his brother and father follow behind
Heroes: Carl-Fredrik Arndt (left) and Peter Jonsson (right), the two men who came upon Turner and stopped the assault
Rasmussen then wrote a second post on Wednesday night, stating: 'As I said previously, as part of the sentencing process, I, and at least 39 others wrote character statements to the judge in the case.
'Although I was asked to share how I knew him, how long I have known him, his character and personality, time spent with him, activities together, and any other opinion I had on the matter, I was not there that night. I had no right to make any assumptions about the situation.
'Most importantly, I did not acknowledge strongly enough the severity of Brocks crime and the suffering and pain that his victim endured, and for that lack of acknowledgement, I am deeply sorry.
'I fully understand the outrage over Brocks sentencing and my statement. I can only say that I am committed to learning from this mistake. I am 20 years old, and it has never been more clear to me that I still have much to learn.'
Not all the 39 individuals who wrote letters in support of Turner are backing down however, including Margaret Quinn, an Oakwood Municipal Court Judge and former federal prosecutor who argued that Turner did deserve to serve any time in jail for his actions.
'There is no doubt Brock made a mistake that night - he made a mistake in drinking excessively to the point where he could not fully appreciate that his female acquaintance was so intoxicated,' wrote Quinn.
'I know Brock did not go to that party intending to hurt, or entice, or overpower anyone.'
Quinn said she will not comment on her letter any more, and revealed she had been receiving threats at her workplace.
'If people wanted to do some good instead of being so hateful, they would look at the whole cultural situation and how change could be affected on campuses,' she said in an interview with the Dayton Daily News.
'Its a sad situation for everyone. Theres a lot more to this story that what is on social media,'
EXCERPT FROM BROCK TURNER'S SENTENCING STATEMENT: The night of January 17th changed my life and the lives of everyone involved forever. I can never go back to being the person I was before that day. I am no longer a swimmer, a student, a resident of California, or the product of the work that I put in to accomplish the goals that I set out in the first nineteen years of my life. Not only have I altered my life, but Ive also changed [redacted] and her familys life. I am the sole proprietor of what happened on the night that these peoples lives were changed forever. I would give anything to change what happened that night. I can never forgive myself for imposing trauma and pain on [redacted]. It debilitates me to think that my actions have caused her emotional and physical stress that is completely unwarranted and unfair. The thought of this is in my head every second of every day since this event has occurred. These ideas never leave my mind. During the day, I shake uncontrollably from the amount I torment myself by thinking about what has happened. I wish I had the ability to go back in time and never pick up a drink that night, let alone interact with [redacted]. I can barely hold a conversation with someone without having my mind drift into thinking these thoughts. They torture me. I go to sleep every night having been crippled by these thoughts to the point of exhaustion. I wake up having dreamt of these horrific events that I have caused. I am completely consumed by my poor judgement and ill thought actions. There isnt a second that has gone by where I havent regretted the course of events I took on January 17th/18th. My shell and core of who I am as a person is forever broken from this. I am a changed person. At this point in my life, I never want to have a drop of alcohol again. I never want to attend a social gathering that involves alcohol or any situation where people make decisions based on the substances they have consumed. I never want to experience being in a position where it will have a negative impact on my life or someone elses ever again. Ive lost two jobs solely based on the reporting of my case. I wish I never was good at swimming or had the opportunity to attend Stanford, so maybe the newspapers wouldnt want to write stories about me. I wish I had the ability to go back in time and never pick up a drink that night, let alone interact with [redacted]. I can barely hold a conversation with someone without having my mind drift into thinking these thoughts. They torture me. All I can do from these events moving forward is by proving to everyone who I really am as a person. I know that if I were to be placed on probation, I would be able to be a benefit to society for the rest of my life. I want to earn a college degree in any capacity that I am capable to do so. And in accomplishing this task, I can make the people around me and society better through the example I will set. Ive been a goal oriented person since my start as a swimmer. I want to take what I can from who I was before this situation happened and use it to the best of my abilities moving forward. I know I can show people who were like me the dangers of assuming what college life can be like without thinking about the consequences one would potentially have to make if one were to make the same decisions that I made. I want to show that peoples lives can be destroyed by drinking and making poor decisions while doing so. One needs to recognize the influence that peer pressure and the attitude of having to fit in can have on someone. One decision has the potential to change your entire life. I know I can impact and change peoples attitudes towards the culture surrounded by binge drinking and sexual promiscuity that protrudes through what people think is at the core of being a college student. I want to demolish the assumption that drinking and partying are what make up a college lifestyle I made a mistake, I drank too much, and my decisions hurt someone. But I never ever meant to intentionally hurt [redacted]. My poor decision making and excessive drinking hurt someone that night and I wish I could just take it all back. Ive been shattered by the party culture and risk taking behavior that I briefly experienced in my four months at school. Ive lost my chance to swim in the Olympics. Ive lost my ability to obtain a Stanford degree. Ive lost employment opportunity, my reputation and most of all, my life. If I were to be placed on probation, I can positively say, without a single shred of doubt in my mind, that I would never have any problem with law enforcement. Before this happened, I never had any trouble with law enforcement and I plan on maintaining that. Ive been shattered by the party culture and risk taking behavior that I briefly experienced in my four months at school. Ive lost my chance to swim in the Olympics. Ive lost my ability to obtain a Stanford degree. Ive lost employment opportunity, my reputation and most of all, my life. These things force me to never want to put myself in a position where I have to sacrifice everything. I would make it my lifes mission to show everyone that I can contribute and be a positive influence on society from these events that have transpired. I will never put myself through an event where it will give someone the ability to question whether I really can be a betterment to society. I want no one, male or female, to have to experience the destructive consequences of making decisions while under the influence of alcohol. I want to be a voice of reason in a time where peoples attitudes and preconceived notions about partying and drinking have already been established. I want to let young people now, as I did not, that things can go from fun to ruined in just one night. Advertisement
Persky's leniency has been widely criticized, and signatures on an online petition calling for his ouster has already exceeded 500,000 signatures.
Senator Barbara Boxer on Tuesday decried Persky's decision and said: 'Six months for someone who viciously attacked a woman, especially after she was so brave to come forward, is outrageous.'
Stanford law professor Michele Dauber has vowed to start a more formal recall effort against Persky, but that is a difficult process rarely used in California.
The outrage surrounding Turner's sentencing was fueled in part by the 20-year-old's father, who wrote a tone-deaf letter calling the rape '20 minutes of action'.
On Sunday, Turner's father, Dan A. Turner, penned an open letter detailing his son's tribulations, which include consuming food 'to exist' when he once enjoyed eating ribeye steaks and other snacks.
Turner was convicted of assault with intent to commit rape of an intoxicated woman, sexually penetrating an intoxicated person with a foreign object and sexually penetrating an unconscious person with a foreign object.
Turner's victim made an emotional speech at Thursday's sentencing hearing explaining the devastating effect the rape has had on her life, and the letter has been viewed more than six million times since it was published on BuzzFeed News.
He meanwhile actually lied about the assault, telling police and his probation officer different versions of what happened on the night of the assault.
Turner told his probation officer that he and the victim had been talking and kissing prior to the assault, which contradicted what he had told police the night of the attack.
He also refused to admit that the victim was unconscious at the time claiming he had asked if 'she wanted sexual interaction' and was told 'yeah' in response.
The probation report discloses that the Santa Clara district attorney intervened to point out that the 'defendant was untruthful in his testimony' to the probation officer, which was made after his conviction.
In his statement, which was made to his probation officer and filed with sentencing documents, Turner claims to have been 'very drunk' and says he 'got close' with the victim at the party.
He continued: 'We danced and kissed. Then I asked her if she wanted to go back to my room with me.
'She agreed and we were walking back to my room and she slipped on a slope beside a wooden shed and I got down on the ground with her and we started kissing.'
However, in the statement he made to police immediately after the attack, Turner claimed to have met the victim outside and later told officers that he 'would not recognize her if he saw her again'.
Nevertheless, in his statement, Turner claimed the victim had 'made a positive response' when he brought up the idea of 'sexual interaction' adding:
'I idiotically rationalized that since we had been making out when each of us fell to the ground, that it would be a good idea to take things a step further since we were just in the heat of the moment at that location.
'I pull away from kissing her and whisper in her ear if she wanted me to finger her. She responds to me and acknowledges what I said with saying 'Yeah'.
'Having heard her response, I decided to take her underwear off.'
He added: 'I thought she was satisfied with the sexual interaction that had taken place based on her moaning and the way in which she held on to me with her arms on my back.'
This account was discredited yet again on Thursday morning by Stanford Ph.D student Carl-Fredrik Arndt, one of the two men who found Turner on top of his victim and managed to stop the assault.
Arndt stated that he and his friend came upon Turner dry humping an unconscious woman, and said that he did not even believe that the swimmer was drunk at the time, saying he did not appear to be intoxicated.
Sir John Major raged against the Leave campaign for claiming the EU is only for 'elites' today as he warned young voters not to take the trading bloc for granted.
The former Tory prime minister joined forces with his Labour successor Tony Blair in Northern Ireland and told an audience of sixth formers: 'The EU is not for the elite, it's for you - it's not for us, Tony and I aren't going to be here.'
At a warm joint appearance, Mr Blair demanded Vote Leave answer questions about how people would still travel freely for work and pleasure after a Brexit vote.
The former premiers also issued a warning about Brexit undermining the peace process in Northern Ireland and the wider United Kingdom - but they were condemned by Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers for reckless.
Sir John Major and Tony Blair today met on Northern Ireland's Peace Bridge as they joined forces to make the case for staying in the EU
The pair of former prime ministers made the landmark intervention standing side by side in Londonderry, a Northern Ireland city that was heavily militarised during the Troubles.
Sir John was challenged to explain why working class voters should support the EU when it appeared to be set up on behalf of 'elites'.
He replied: 'I'm working class - I come from Brixton. I lived there at a time of mass immigration, my family lived in two rooms in a multi-occupied and from time-to-time multi-racial house. So I am not part of any elite.
'Of course there are people across Europe who are elite but there are millions - 500 million people - who are in the European Union who have been strong supporters of it.
'This is part of the nonsense that people are being fed, that Europe is only for the elite.'
Sir John said Britain had been the 'sick man of Europe' when it entered the European community but will 'probably' soon be the biggest economy in Europe.
He said: 'When my generation left school, we put on a knapsack and we went to Brighton for the weekend.
'These days, young people leave school and university and they go around Europe, or they go around the world.
'They go around Europe with no visas, no inhibitions, no difficulties, and they see a different world from the one my generation saw.
'That is partly because of what has happened, that intermingling of different cultures, different spirits, different peoples, different backgrounds.'
Mr Blair said: 'This is not something to be given up easily, it's not something to be taken for granted - so don't take this vote for granted.'
Tory Sir John and Labour's Mr Blair made a possibly unprecedented joint appearance at a press conference in Londonderry this morning
The former political rivals - who contested the 1997 general election before Mr Blair's first landslide victory - shared jokes in a warm joint appearance
The former Labour leader said the common travel area sounded 'technical' but said it was how people moved around the island of Ireland.
And he claimed: 'Vote Leave's thing about Europe is not really about immigration, though that's the argument they use, they are anti social protection.
'They don't really want these rights at a European level and that is why it is important always to remember Europe also stands for a certain type of politics.'
He added: 'It is frankly irresponsible to said we should leave unless you are prepared to answer these critical points of detail that aren't technicalities but translate into lives and jobs and living standards and people's basic freedoms.'
Sir John and Mr Blair were instrumental in the peace process in the country and warned against a move which could put that stability at risk.
Sir John said: 'I believe it would be a dreadful mistake to do anything that has any risk of destabilising the complicated and multi-layered constitutional settlement that underpins stability in Northern Ireland.
'But that is what a British exit from the EU would do: it would throw all of the pieces of the constitutional jigsaw into the air again, and no-one could say where they might land.'
The pair of leaders said it was not a coincidence that every living former Prime Minister backed David Cameron in wanting to stay inside the EU
Warning that 'the unity of the United Kingdom itself is on the ballot paper in two weeks' time', the former prime minister added there is a 'serious risk' that Brexit could lead to a second independence referendum in Scotland, and this time the country could vote to leave the UK.
'The most successful union in world history would be broken apart for good,' he will say.
Mr Blair hit out at the Leave campaign, claiming it puts an 'ideological fixation' with Brexit ahead of the damage it would cause.
Brexit-backing Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said the former PMs were being 'highly irresponsible'
He said: 'I say, don't take a punt on these people. Don't let them take risks with Northern Ireland's future. Don't let them undermine our United Kingdom.'
He added: 'We understand that, although today Northern Ireland is more stable and more prosperous than ever, that stability is poised on carefully constructed foundations.
'And so we are naturally concerned at the prospect of anything that could put those foundations at risk.'
But Brexit-backing Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: 'Support for the peace process in Northern Ireland is rock solid.
'The vast majority of people in Northern Ireland believe their future should only ever be determined by democracy and consent and not by violence.
'I very much hope figures who played such an important role in the peace process would not suggest that a Brexit vote would weaken that resolve in any way.
'Whatever the result of the referendum, Northern Ireland is not going back to the troubles of its past and to suggest otherwise would be highly irresponsible.'
She insisted the common travel area between the UK and the Republic of Ireland would continue if there was a Leave win, even though the border would become the frontier between an EU member and a non-EU nation.
Ms Villiers said: 'There would be risks to manage but they are not significantly more serious than risks that are already managed effectively today through bilateral co-operation between the UK and Ireland.
Michelle Jahnke and her husband Mark had many sleepless nights wondering what was best for her and the baby
A woman who was diagnosed with cancer while she was pregnant has been describing her desperate fight to save her own life and that of her baby.
When Michelle Jahnke, 35, from Lemont, near Chicago, was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer four years ago it came as a bolt out of the blue.
She was working as a television news producer, ran every day and considered herself extremely healthy.
But she told CBS News: 'The day that I found out I had cancer, I say it was like a death sentence. I knew that if the disease wasn't going to kill me, the choice that they were telling me to make would.'
Five doctors told her she had a tumor on her colon and told her: 'This tumor needs to go. So you're gonna have to terminate your child.'
She said: 'I knew that if I was to do that, I would have died from a broken heart.'
Mrs Jahnke was desperate for another way which would save the baby but also give her a fighting chance of beating the cancer.
She visited Dr Blase Polite, an oncologist at the University of Chicago, who designed a special treatment plan which would involve some chemotherapy during the pregnancy.
Michelle Jahnke (pictured) underwent radiation therapy, chemo and surgery two months after Elana was born and now she is cancer-free
Mrs Jahnke and her husband Mark discussed all the implications and spent many sleepless nights considering the options before going ahead.
She said: 'Going to chemo emotionally was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It took a lot of faith to know that you're putting so much poison into your body, but yet believe that everything's gonna be OK.'
In November 2012 she gave birth to Elana by Caesarean section.
The baby weighed six pounds and was anatomically perfect, with no ill-effects from the chemotherapy.
Michelle Jahnke (right) describes Elana, who is now three, as her 'miracle baby'
Two months after the birth of her 'miracle baby' she had to start radiation therapy, followed by more chemo and then surgery.
But everything went well and she has been cancer-free now for two years.
Mrs Jahnke said: 'People say "You've saved her life. You were the brave one." (But) she saved my life. Had I not been pregnant, I don't know if I would've fought so hard. But knowing that I had to fight for her, for her life so that she could be born, and I can see her grow into a woman, I mean, that's every reason to live.'
The chief of the Met Police has urged Londoners to 'get stuck in' if they see a crime in progress.
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said people should give their 'best shot' if they see someone in distress and feel able to intervene, saying 'you should never turn your back'.
The Chief of the Metropolitan Police made the comments after talking about the Leytonstone tube station stabbing in December, which was filmed by various passers-by.
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Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said people should give their 'best shot' if they see someone in distress and feel able to intervene, saying 'you should never turn your back'
The Chief of the Metropolitan Police made the comments after talking about the Leytonstone tube station stabbing in December, which was filmed by various passers-by
Sir Bernard told LBC: 'My intuition is always yes, if you can, you should never turn your back, whether it is someone being ill in the street or needing some help, even if you only shout out your disapproval and the least you can do is ring the police.
'But if you're physically able and you've got some people around you then I would say give it your best shot.
'If you're not in that position. you don't feel able to intervene or you think your going to get hurt, say you've got a child with you, you're going to have to think twice about that.
'But my encouragement would always be, first of all to get some help on the phone, second get some help, get someone to get involved with them, thirdly make some noise, put that person on the back foot, and if you can actually get stuck in then give it a go.
'If you were the person waiting for help then you'd hope someone in the crowd's going to step forward.'
His comments were made in the light of the Leytonstone attack, after which members of the public were praised in court for intervening as Muhaydin Mire slit the man's throat.
However, the victim David Pethers had later complained how upset he was that no-one intervened and instead, a crowd of people caught the attack on their cameras.
A man could be heard saying 'you ain't no Muslim bruv,' a phrase that then went viral, after the attacker was heard shouting 'this is for Syria' as he slit his victims throat.
His comments were made in the light of the Leytonstone attack, after which members of the public were praised in court for intervening as Muhaydin Mire slit the man's throat
Shortly afterwards, Sir Bernard said that if eyewitnesses did not dare step in to stop a race-hate attack, they should simply record it and send the evidence to police.
He even said filming an assault was a good way to help the victim.
Certainly the use of the phone to record something that people are unhappy with is a good way of helping somebody who is under attack, the Metropolitan Police commissioner told a London Assembly meeting in December.
People dont always feel physically able to intervene but recording something to be later used as evidence is vitally important.
He said it was really helpful when people post clips on social networking sites. Scotland Yard later confirmed to The Mail on Sunday that his advice extended to witnesses of all crimes, not just racist abuse.
'However Renate Samson, of civil liberties group Big Brother Watch, last night warned that encouraging videos of crime to be posted online was worrying.
But said on Twitter she was told to 'start walking' when she asked for help
She claims she booked disability assistance in advance at Euston Station
Vicky Balch, 20, had right leg amputated after the disaster on the Smiler
A student who lost her leg in the Alton Towers horror crash has claimed Virgin Trains staff refused her disability help and told her to 'start walking' instead.
Vicky Balch, 20, who had her right leg amputated after the incident on the Smiler last year, took to Twitter to criticise the company, stating she had problems 'standing and walking'.
She claimed to have been left without help at Euston Station in London despite booking it in advance.
On Twitter she wrote: 'Another 20 min wait for help, 2 have refused, 1 told me to 'start walking' no seats to sit and wait either!
Vicky Balch, left and right, 20, had her right leg amputated after being seriously injured in the Smiler crash
In a series of Tweets she claimed to have been denied disability assistance at Euston Station by Virgin Trains
Miss Balch claimed she had booked help from Virgin at Euston Station, pictured, in advance but when she asked staff she was told to 'start walking'
'Booked assistance yday (sic) was refused help after waiting 20 minutes, happens every time I go to Euston station.
'[Disability assistance] Was booked but waited 20 mins, turned down twice. Hard for me to stand for periods of time and walking.'
The company replied to her tweets and confirmed it would investigate the issue.
A Virgin Trains spokesperson, added: 'We're really sorry that Vicky had this experience which is completely unacceptable.
'We're looking into it as a matter of urgency and will also be taking it up with Network Rail, who provide the disability assistance at Euston.
'We've offered Vicky a pair of free first class tickets to a destination of her choice whilst we investigate this.'
A National Rail spokesman added: 'We are very sorry that this happened to Ms Balch today and we apologise for not providing the level of service that she and other disabled passengers rightly expect and deserve.
We will be investigating what went wrong to ensure that unacceptable incidents like this don't happen again.'
Virgin Trains offers an assisted travel service that can be booked 48 hours prior to departure. Staff are supposed to help people on and off the train, reserve seats and wheelchair space, provide detailed journey information and any other assistance required.
As previously reported, Alton Towers is facing a 'very large' fine after admitting health and safety breaches over the disaster.
Miss Balch, 20, and Leah Washington, 18, both had to have a leg amputated after the horror smash at the Staffordshire theme park on June 2 last year, and three more ride goers were seriously injured.
Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, which owns the park, now faces paying a fine that could stretch into millions after pleading guilty to the rule breach in the landmark case at North Staffordshire Justice Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Virgin Trains responded via Twitter, pictured, and confirmed it would be investigating the incident
Miss Balch, left and right, recently returned to Alton Towers as part of her therapy to move on from the incident
Miss Balch was among five people seriously hurt in the crash, pictured, when their carriage smashed into another stationary one on the Alton Towers rollercoaster
It was also accepted that more could have been done to keep the ride goers safe ahead of the crash, which was caused by human error when staff manning the ride 'overrode' the controlling computer system's actions to stop the 18 million flagship attraction.
Daniel Thorpe, Joe Pugh, and Chandaben Chauhan were also badly hurt in the crash at the theme park when the carriage they were riding in smashed into a stationary carriage on the same track.
The trapped ride-goers then had to wait more than four hours to be freed from the crumpled carriage while rescue workers battled to reach them as they sat 25ft up in the air at an angle of about 45 degrees, pinned in by the mangled metal.
At a hearing in April, District Judge Jack McGarva warned that the 250 million-a-year turnover company faced 'very high culpability' over the incident and 'may be ordered to pay a very large fine'.
The family of a US woman whose Australian husband has been arrested following her death are struggling to comprehend the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Tamara Turner's son, Chuck Smith said his mother moved from the US to Australia to be with Melbourne man Steven Samaras after the pair met on Facebook.
'Only God knows what happened and why she had to go home when she did,' Mr Smith told the Herald Sun.
Steven Samaras (left) has been arrested following the death of his 49-year-old partner, Tamara Turner (right)
Mr Samaras (left) shared several photographs as he paid an emotional tribute to his partner (right)
Steven Samaras, 47, was arrested following the death of Tamara Turner, 49, after she was allegedly dropped off at Mildura Base Hospital about 7am on Monday.
He was arrested in the inner Melbourne suburb of Preston on Tuesday morning after a member of the public recognised the vehicle he was driving.
It has been reported that the couple married in February this year.
Speaking from the US Ms Turner's son, Mr Smith said: 'My mom was taken too early in life,' the publication reported.
According to The Age, Ms Turner was already dead when she was found dumped on a bench outside the hospital after suffering severe injuries from a violent assault.
Following the woman's death, the 47-year-old man took to social media to pay tribute to his 'gorgeous wife'
Police had earlier released images of a four-wheel-drive with a trailer attached in a bid to locate Mr Samaras, who is also known as Steven Kallouf.
Mr Samaras took Facebook to mourn the death of his 'gorgeous wife', who he claims died in his arms.
'Why God didn't you look after my Tamara, she was a one in a million, need more people like her, why take her away from me and leave me in sadness,' he posted.
'Fly high with the angels, your [sic] taken from me in this life gorgeous, but I will be with you in the next life. U [sic] didn't want to lose me and I lost you.
'I can't stop crying baby girl, I miss you so much. Passing away in my arms hurt me, I don't know what to say to the kids either.
Victoria Police had released a CCTV image of the white four-wheel-drive Mr Samaras was travelling in
Mr Samaras paid tribute on Facebook to his 'gorgeous wife' (pictured), who he claims died in his arms
Ms Turner was allegedly dropped off outside Mildura Base Hospital where she later died
Mr Samaras took to Facebook to share a series of emotional tributes following the death of his 'gorgeous wife'
His Facebook page features several photographs of Ms Turner, loved-up photos of the pair, and a video posted in October professing his love for her.
The social media posts suggest Ms Turner had moved to Australia from the United States to be with Mr Samaras and they married in February.
Homicide detectives remain in Mildura and will continue to investigate the death of the Ms Turner.
Police have not yet confirmed why they arrested Mr Samaras.
A piece of debris found on a remote south Australian beach is believed to be from an aircraft, experts say, raising the possibility it could be from missing MH370.
The shattered grey piece of wreckage, complete with internal honeycombing, was found on an isolated beach on the south eastern corner of Kangaroo Island, lying off the South Australian coast.
Until now, pieces that are 'almost certainly' from the missing Boeing 777 jet have been discovered only off the coast of South Africa and nearby islands, according to experts.
The debris found by local resident Samuel Armstrong on Kangaroo Island bears the stencilled words: 'Caution. No Step.'
A piece of debris found on an isolated beach on the south eastern corner of Kangaroo Island, off the South Australian coast, is believed to be from an aircraft, experts say - raising speculation it could be from MH370
Local resident Samuel Armstrong came across it while looking for driftwood on the beach
This is similar to a part found off the African coast - and when beachcomber Mr Armstrong came across it while looking for driftwood on the beach, he immediately believed it was from a plane.
He also thought it might be from MH370, 7 News reported.
'I stumbled across what it was and thought about planes that had gone done and where it came from.
'I have found things that could have been dropped off boats, which have come a long way, but this time I thought about planes that have come down and thought about MH370,' he said.
Oceanographer Jochen Kaempf said the area where the piece was found was consistent with the drift of the southern Indian Ocean, where experts believe MH370 came down in March 2014, killing all 239 passengers and crew.
The resident immediately believed it was debris from a plane and thought it could be from missing flight MH370
The piece of debris with honeycombing on the back bears the stencilled words: 'Caution. No Step.'
'The time scale is about right - this part could have been on the beach for a year or so,' he said.
The only other aircraft that has crashed in the region was a Cessna, killing the pilot, but that was in 2000.
The piece discovered by Mr Armstrong has been photographed and sent to authorities.
After studying pictures, authorities told 7 News they think it could be from an aircraft.
If the debris is confirmed as being from MH370, it will not help explain what happened to the plane, but will add to the strong belief that the jet came down in the region of the current search, some 2000km south west of Australia.
Drift patterns could have carried some parts towards Africa while other currents could have carried wreckage towards Australia, experts suggest.
She was arrested by Officer Beverly Leonard, who is an openly gay woman
Amber Heard's ex-girlfriend Tasya van Ree has accused a female police officer who arrested the star in 2009 of homophobia despite the fact the cop is openly gay.
Heard was accused of misdemeanor domestic violence towards van Ree in Seattle-Tacoma airport in 2009.
Officer Beverly Leonard, who has since retired, arrested Heard following the incident.
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Officer Beverly Leonard arrested Amber Heard at Seattle Tacoma airport in 2009 following an incident
Officer Leonard, who has since retired, arrested Heard on suspicion of domestic violence
Heard's ex-girfriend Tasya van Ree, who was the alleged victim in incident, accused the arresting officers of homophobia, unaware Officer Leonard, pictured, was openly gay and supported domestic violence charities
Van Ree described the incident 'as misinterpreted and over-sensationalized by two individuals in a powerful position'.
She also alleged homophobia.
But according to TMZ, Officer Leonard is openly gay and has posted photographs of her and her partner as well as attended Pride weekend.
She is also believed to have supported an organization which supports survivors of domestic violence.
A source told TMZ, Heard was arrested in 2009 for breaking the law.
'It's disheartening that Amber's integrity and story are being questioned yet again,' van Ree wrote in a statement to E! News.
Heard is pictured with famed love guru Dr Connell Cowan on Wednesday in Los Angeles
'She is an honest woman!' Amber Heard's ex Tasya van Ree says actress' 2009 arrest for domestic violence was 'homophobic'; Amber is seen in Los Angeles on Wednesday visiting a lawyer
'Amber is a brilliant, honest and beautiful woman and I have the utmost respect for her. We shared 5 wonderful years together and remain close to this day.'
It was reported this week that the actress grabbed van Ree's arm, was arrested and booked for misdemeanor domestic violence in a 2009 incident.
Her mugshot was taken and she appeared in court the following day.
However, insists van Ree, the attention the historic incident has gathered is misplaced.
'Beautiful': Tasya insisted the pair remained friends
Close: 'In 2009, Amber was wrongfully accused for an incident that was misinterpreted and over-sensationalized by two individuals in a powerful position,' Tasya writes
Dr Cowan co-wrote the book 'Smart Women/Foolish Choices: Finding the Right Men Avoiding the Wrong Ones'
'In 2009, Amber was wrongfully accused for an incident that was misinterpreted and over-sensationalized by two individuals in a powerful position,' she writes.
'I recount hints of misogynistic attitudes toward us which alter appeared to be homophobic when they found out we were domestic partners and not just "friends." Charges were quickly dropped and she was released moments later.'
Her statement came as Amber was seen visiting a lawyer in Los Angeles on Wednesday. She was also seen with Dr Connell Cowan on Wednesday.
It was reported by X17 Online that he is the famed clinical psychologist who co-wrote the book 'Smart Women/Foolish Choices: Finding the Right Men Avoiding the Wrong Ones'. He also co-authored 'The Art of War for Lovers'.
As they were: Amber (pictured, left) was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence towards her then partner Van Ree (right) in 2009
The 30-year-old made a low key arrival in a wide-brimmed hat as she arrived to see the love guru.
Amber looked preoccupied as she strolled into the private residence, dressed in a pair of loose jeans, smart black shirt and studded pumps.
TMZ also reported that Heard had asked cops to erase her domestic violence records after she started dating Depp.
Michele Shaw, Amber's lawyer, sent a letter to the Port of Seattle Police Department on November 14, 2011. In it she asked to delete the criminal history.
Shaw points out that under Washington law she was eligible because she was never prosecuted.
Covered all bases: While gay marriage was not legal at the time, former couple (pictured 2010) did everything that would make them as legally close to married legally changed her name to Amber Van Ree and stated the reason to do so as they were in a 'domestic partnership'
It was previously revealed that Heard once considered herself married to van Ree.
While gay marriage was not legal at the time, the couple did everything that would make them as legally close to married as possible.
The two women viewed themselves as a married couple even if on paper the word was not available to them eight years ago.
The actress went as far as changing her last name to match her photographer love's name.
On March in 2008 in California, the star legally changed her name to Amber Van Ree and stated the reason to do so as they were in a 'domestic partnership'. She later changed her name back to Heard.
Secret wedding: A source said the two women held a private ceremony three years after Amber changed her name to celebrate their love
Bruises: Amber claims the 52-year-old actor attacked her while drunk and high over last weekend - and it was not the first time that he had done so
Three months later, California started issuing marriage licences to gay couples but that was halted later that year, with gay marriage not legal in California again until 2013 and across the US until 2015.
It was Amber's continued friendship with her former wife that reportedly led to Johnny's alleged explosive anger at the star.
Amber claims the 52-year-old actor attacked her last month while drunk and high - and it was not the first time that he had done so.
Amber said in documents submitted to a Los Angeles court following her split from Johnny that she 'truly feared my life was in danger' more than once during the couple's 15-month marriage.
The star successfully argued she need restraining order against her estranged husband, who she says smashed up their home and threw his iPhone phone at her leaving her battered and bruised.
Amber said: 'Johnny has a long-held and widely acknowledged public and private history of drug and alcohol abuse. He has a short fuse.
'He is often paranoid and his temper is exceptionally scary for me as it has proven many times to be physically dangerous and/or life threatening to me.'
She also said: 'During the entirety of our relationship, Johnny has been verbally and physically abusive to me.
'I endured excessive emotional, verbal and physical abuse from Johnny, which has included angry, hostile, humiliating and threatening assaults to me whenever I questioned his authority or disagreed with him. I live in fear that Johnny will return to (our house) unannounced to terrorise me, physically and emotionally.'
A French court has convicted Uber and two of its executives of deceptive commercial practices and illegal business activity over its low-cost ride service.
The court fined the company 800,000 euros and fined regional Uber executive Pierre-Dimitry Gore-Coty 30,000 euros, and Uber's France general manager Thibaud Simphal 20,000 euros.
The court did not hand prison terms, and rejected a prosecutor's request that the two executives be barred from running any company for five years.
Standard taxis are furious about the threat being posed by online competition, and especially the US-based Uber service
Smoke filled the main Paris ring road in January as protesters torched tyres and blocked traffic during busy rush hour
And the fines, half of which were suspended, were much lower than the 100 million euros that traditional taxi services had sought.
They accused the low-cost UberPop service of unfair competition because it uses non-professional drivers.
UberPop is now banned in France but Uber still operates a service with professional drivers.
It was the first trial for Uber managers in France. During the trial, lawyers for Uber argued Simphal and Gore-Coty are not the legal representatives for Uber in France, have no such mandate from the shareholders and are only salaried managers dealing mostly with marketing and advertising.
A French court has convicted Uber and two of its executives of deceptive commercial practices and illegal business activity over its lowest-cost ride service
More than 200 UberPop drivers have been fined under fast-track procedures in France, and the company has already been convicted of deceptive commercial practices and fined 150,000 euros over UberPop by a Paris court.
The French Parliament voted to outlaw UberPop and other similar services in 2014, and Uber suspended its UberPop service in France last July. But its standard app-based service still prompts occasional strikes and clashes with taxi drivers.
In Spain and Italy, Uber is outlawed entirely.
In January, mass strikes across France exploded into violence as Paris taxi drivers brought roads to a standstill in a protest against the threat posed by Uber and other online competitors.
There was fighting on the ring road of the French capital as masked men and women stopped cars and other vehicles in the morning rush hour.
Concerns are held for a mother-of-four who left her home without her phone or a change of clothes on May 31.
Michelle Brebner, 35, has not been seen or heard from since 9am on the day she disappeared.
Her friends and family are worried about her safety.
Michelle Brebner, 35, (pictured) was last seen in Keperra, Brisbane, at 9am on May 31
The mother-of-four didn't turn up for work on the day she went missing, when police searched her home they found her mobile phone
The Brisbane mother-of-four 'always has her phone' according to close friend Belinda Benier.
Ms Benier said she wants to know her friend is safe and told The Courier Mail Michelle's family is worried sick.
'If she wants time off, that's fine. Just contact somebody,' Ms Benier said.
Michelle had recently started a new job in Fortitude Valley, when she didn't arrive an alarm was raised with police.
Michelle didn't take a change of clothes with her when she disappeared
Police are worried about Michelle and said she was last seen at a house in Silver Top Street, Keperra, at 9am the day she disappeared.
Michelle's car, a blue Hyundai Getz is also missing. The registration is 861TPT.
Michelle moved to Queensland a few years ago. Her family is still in South Australia.
Michelle's car is missing along with the mother. Her disappearance is out of character
A nine-year-old boy and a teenager are being hailed as heroes in Florida after they pulled an unconscious two-year-old from an apartment complex pool and resuscitated her.
The little girl, Keyuna Jordan, was swimming in the pool in Titusville unsupervised when she went underwater for almost two minutes, police said.
CCTV footage from the apartment building shows the girl's nine-year-old cousin pulling her out of the pool and carried her into a nearby cabana.
Thats when Breanna Moseley, 18, rushed over to help.
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Close call: This is the moment the little girl enters the water at the apartment complex pool in Titusville
Unsupervised: There were no adults at the pool. The girl is seen here struggling in the water
Hero: The toddler's nine-year-old cousin spotted her floating in the pool and carried her out
The boy is seen in CCTV footage putting the girl on a pool lounge. She was not breathing at the time
Breanna Moseley, 18 (right), rushed over to help and administered CPR. The girl then started breathing
'Honestly, I just wanted to cry. I wanted to break down. I was like, a little girl just died in front of me,' Mosely told WFTV.
Mosely, who said she had just arrived at the pool, recalled the CPR training she had done at school three years earlier.
'I walked over as quick as I could and saw she wasn't breathing. It was clear she wasn't breathing.
'I did mouth-to-mouth for a minute, did some light chest compressions. I didn't want to hurt her.'
Miraculously, Jordan began breathing. Paramedics arrived at the scene and transported her to hospital.
Police say there were no adults present and the Department of Children and Families was notified.
'I was like, a little girl just died in front of me': Breanna Moseley, 18, rushed over to help and administered CPR
Jordan was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital in Orlando as a precaution.
Jordan's aunt, Jasmine Johnson, told police that she sent Jordan to the pool with her cousins while she cleaned the apartment, according to officials.
A babysitter wept and begged forgiveness as a judge jailed her for five years after an 18-month-old boy died in her care.
Mason Beach died of a head injury in 2009 while being looked after by Lisa West, a day-care provider in Wentzville, Missouri.
In April a jury found West, 42, guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
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Lisa West, 42, moved to Chicago after her role in Mason Beach's death was exposed
The trial, in St Charles County, heard that West had struck the boy minutes after his mother dropped him off at her home.
She claimed he accidentally fell down the stairs.
The St Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper said the cause of death was blunt force trauma but West was only charged after an investigation of unlicensed home day-care in Missouri by the paper.
The investigation revealed that dozens of children had died between 2007 and 2011 in homes where the caregivers were not required to have training or insurance or stick to any safety standards.
In 2013 prosecutors finally reopened the investigation into Mason's death and the following year a grand jury indicted West on a felony child abuse charge, which was later changed to involuntary manslaughter.
Rebecca Beach said of her son Mason (pictured): 'We don't get to celebrate Mason's birthdays or holidays with him. Instead we go to decorate his grave'
Confirming the sentence - which had been recommended by the jury - Judge Rick Zerr also rejected the defense team's request for a new trial.
Earlier Mason's mother, Rebecca Beach, said her family would live with 'this nightmare for the rest of our lives'.
She said: 'We don't get to celebrate Mason's birthdays or holidays with him. Instead we go to decorate his grave.'
Mrs Beach said: 'The sentence she gave us was life - life without our child.'
West sobbed as told the judge Mason's death 'truly was an accident'.
She said: 'I want to say how sorry I am for all the pain everyone suffered because...of Mason's untimely death.'
Her attorney, Richard Sindel, said West had moved away from Missouri and now lived in Chicago.
He said the five-year sentence would compound the tragedy by taking her away from her five children and stepchildren.
A Labour frontbencher has taken a swipe at Jeremy Corbyn for pushing out-dated policies and failing to confront public concerns about immigration.
Sir Kier Starmer tipped by many as a future leader - said the party had been 'walking around' the key issue and would not win an election with 'backward looking' policies.
The stinging comments came amid mounting speculation that Mr Corbyn could face a leadership challenge if there is a Brexit vote in the looming referendum.
The veteran left-winger moved to head off growing criticism that his pro-EU campaigning has been half-hearted yesterday, signing up for a town hall style event to be broadcast on Sky News.
Jeremy Corbyn was campaigning for a Remain vote at the Guru Har Rai Gurdwara Sahib temple in West Bromwich today
London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned today that Labour had a 'monumental' responsibility to keep the UK in the Brussels club - although he also stressed that he thought Mr Corbyn had been 'working his socks off'.
Interviewed in The House magazine, shadow immigration minister Sir Kier delivered a damning assessment of the party's position eight months after Mr Corbyn took charge.
The former Director of Public Prosecutions, who became an MP last year, said voters had not been persuaded that Labour would make 'a difference to their lives', and warned that 'old ways of thinking' were not enough.
'The idea that the electorate will not vote for change is wrong. But they need to know that we've got a vision that corresponds with what they want out of their lives,' Sir Kier said.
'Most people have a pretty good idea of what they want for themselves, for their family, for their communities. And we have to put forward a vision that chimes with their vision.
'If you don't capture the ambition of the people who are going to be voting in 2020 then you're not going to win that election.
'Do we need a radical look at ourselves and rethink? Yes we do. But I'm absolutely clear that that rethink has to be one that starts with the 2020s and 2030s and doesn't start with a backwards look.
'You won't find the answers to tomorrow's questions in yesterday's answers, in recrafting, reinventing old ways of thinking, old theories, that are not relevant to the project ahead.'
On his immigration brief, Sir Kier said there was a perception that Labour had 'walked past a problem, walked round a problem, rather than confronted a problem'.
'We've got to confront it. I think you should walk towards a challenge, rather than away from a challenge,' he said.
'What we're picking up as we go around the country is the public rightly or wrongly, and in a sense it doesn't matter whether they're right or wrong think that Labour doesn't want to talk to them about immigration. They think we don't want to hear what they've got to say.'
In another apparent jibe at 'Corbynistas' who obsess with dogma rather than seeking electoral success, Sir Kier said: 'My ambition is Labour in power making decisions. If we're not in power we're not changing things. And we need to repeat that to ourselves in the mirror every morning.'
Mr Khan joined former cabinet members Alan Johnson, Yvette Cooper, and Harriet Harman at the top of London's Shard skyscraper to urge Labour to redouble its efforts in the referendum battle.
Jeremy Corbyn has faced criticism for half-hearted campaigning in the EU referendum. Sir Kier has been tipped as a potential future leader of the party
The mayor acknowledged the UK would 'survive' a Brexit vote, but said it would be 'diminished as a country'.
'It is Labour voters and supporters who will decide the outcome of this referendum. The Labour Party now has a monumental and historic responsibility on our shoulders - to keep Britain in the European Union.
'Every day we see another example of why David Cameron and the Tories simply cannot win this referendum as they lose credibility with the public. They are too divided and too riven by division. It now falls to us, and it's time for us to step up.
'It's up to us over the next two weeks - Jeremy, Harriet, Alan, Yvette, the whole shadow cabinet and every Labour MP, councillor, member, supporter and trade union member in Britain - the responsibility is ours. We don't want to look back in two weeks' time and think, `Did we do enough?`'
Mr Khan said: 'I'm not going to pretend that the world will end if there is a vote to leave the EU in two weeks' time. It won't. Of course we will survive. But there is no doubt we would be diminished as a country.'
Sir Kier Starmer, seen visiting a refugee camp in Dunkirk earlier this year, said Labour had 'walked around' the issue of immigration
Speaking to reporters, Ms Cooper dismissed speculation that Mr Corbyn secretly opposed EU membership as 'mischief-making'.
Mr Johnson said the party leader had 'been on a journey' since campaigning against the Common Market in 1975 and was now convinced Britain should stay in.
'Jeremy has been on a journey that has brought him to the conclusion that that is better for Britain's future,' said Mr Johnson, who described Mr Corbyn as a 'long-standing but now switched' former Eurosceptic.
Mr Johnson said Conservatives were taking a similar journey away from the 'narrow, isolationist, let's-go-off-into-the-cold vision' of the Leave camp, citing the defection of Tory MP and Commons Health Committee chairwoman Sarah Wollaston as a significant development.
He said Tory 'blue-on-blue' infighting had drawn attention away from Labour's message and left some supporters confused about where Mr Corbyn stood, but insisted that none would be in any doubt about the party's position by the day of the referendum.
'With the Conservative Party sinking further into chaos and anarchy, it's increasingly clear that it's Labour Party voters that will decide the outcome of the referendum,' said Mr Johnson.
Mr Corbyn and his Labour deputy Tom Watson were out drumming up support for the EU in West Bromwich today
From left to right, Sadiq Khan, Yvette Cooper, Harriet Harman and Alan Johnson took part in a pro-EU event at the top of the Shard in London today
MSNBC's morning news and talk show stepped further into the anti-Donald Trump camp on Thursday by comparing the Republican presidential candidate's proposed temporary ban on Muslim emigration to anti-Jewish edicts during Adolph Hitler's rise to power.
'Is this what Germany looked like in 1933?' asked Joe Scarborough, the co-host of 'Morning Joe.'
He was referring to Trump's December proposal for 'a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on' in the wake of Islamist terror attacks in Paris, France and San Bernardino, California.
Trump said last month that it was 'only a suggestion.' But Scarborough clobbered him for it on Thursday, a day after he criticized the GOP's presumptive presidential nominee for attacking a federal judge on the basis of his ethnicity by warning other Republicans to 'quarantine the racist.'
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GERMANY IN 1933? MSNBC 'Morning Joe' host Joe Scarborough compared Donald Trump's proposal for a temporary ban on non-citizen Muslim immigration to the prewar German Reich's initially slow marginalization of Jews before Hitler's mass-killings began in earnest
VICTOR: Trump closed out the Republican primary season on Tuesday and will soon embark on a lengthy campaign tour of swing states
NOT IMPRESSED: While Trump hasn't responded specifically to Scarborough's Thursday morning broadside, he made it clear that he doesn't expect much love from influential media outlets
'When you're talking about banning over 1.4, 1.5 billion people simply because of the god they worship, that is as un-American as anything he's said, as un-American as what he said about this judge,' Scarborough said.
YES, HE WENT THERE: Scarborough compared Trump to Adolph Hitler, the megalomaniacal German dictator responsible for the slaughter of 6 million Jews
'I was deeply disturbed throughout the Republican primaries to see the high number of Republicans who supported Trump's Muslim ban,' he said. 'I was disturbed, deeply disturbed by the high number of Republicans people in my party during those early primaries, saying they actually wanted to ban mosques from the United States of America.'
'Let me look straight into the camera so this can never be wiped clean, and I can never back off of it, because I never would anyway: That's un-American.
'That is every bit as un-American as people targeting Southern Baptists because they don't like Southern Baptists. That's every bit as un-American as people targeting Jews because they don't like Jews. That's every bit as un-American as people targeting Catholics because they don't like Catholics.'
The early years of Hitler's dictatorship in prewar Germany saw more than 400 new regulations and decrees designed to restrict all aspects of German Jews' public and private lives. Unchecked, his plan expanded to include concentration camps that killed more than 6 million Jews.
CUE MIKA: 'Morning Joe' co-host Mika Brzezinski scolded Republican leaders for being 'weak and spineless' and failing to corral Trump
Scarborough's co-host Mika Brzezinski blamed establishment Republicans for not reining in their candidate, in a week when MSNBC's daily morning chat show has completely turned on the real estate tycoon.
'At this point I think it was expected that he would pivot, it was expected that he would pull back,' she grimaced.
'It was expected that leaders in Washington, perhaps, would have some impact on him and be a part of that.'
'And you're not,'Brzezinski said, addressing the GOP. 'Because you're weak and spineless.'
PIVOT? Trump lashed out Wednesday at Scarborough not Hillary Clinton in his first attack of the general election, and the MSNBC morning host blasted him right back
She accused Trump of 'doubl[ing] down on this sort of hatred and kind of roiling up fear and hate between ethnic groups.'
A Trump spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday morning.
But Trump tweeted that '[a]s expected, the media is very much against me. Their dishonesty is amazing but, just like our big wins in the primaries, we will win!'
Wednesday morning after Scarborough attacked Trump's position on the Mexican-American judge hearing a federal lawsuit case filed against him in California, the billionaire tweeted: 'Nobody is watching @Morning_Joe anymore. Gone off the deep end - bad ratings. You won't believe what I am watching now!'
'You're biased,' Scarborough tweeted back at him, 'because by your own standards, you're not a real American. Your mother was a foreigner.'
Roseanna Marie Kiser, 33, of North Carolina has been charged with child abuse and battery on a law enforcement officer
A North Carolina woman has been arrested after police said she poured vodka into the eyes of a seven-year-old boy who splashed water near her at a hotel pool in Florida.
Authorities said Roseanna Marie Kiser, 33, was intoxicated and drinking from a bottle of vodka on Monday evening at the Sheraton Sand Key Hotel in Clearwater Beach.
At the time, police said several children were in the pool area swimming and playing when she became upset with the boy because he was splashing water near her, according to an arrest report.
Police said that is when Kiser opened the bottle of vodka and poured some of its contents directly into the boy's eyes and on his face before grabbing and pushing him into the pool.
When police were responding to a 911 call, police said they confronted Kiser in her hotel room, according to the Smoking Gun.
After being told several times that she was being escorted from the premises by hotel management, she allegedly fought with cops, elbowing and kicking officers.
The arrest report indicates she also repeatedly also kicked one police officer in the groin with her foot during her arrest.
Authorities said Kiser was arrested on Tuesday and charged with child abuse and battery on a law enforcement officer, WFLA reported.
She was released from jail on Wednesday after posting a $12,750 bond, according to the Smoking Gun.
It is unclear whether she has an attorney or if the boy was sustained injuries from the incident.
Kiser has been arrested after police said she poured vodka into the eyes of a seven-year-old boy who splashed water near her on Monday at the Sheraton Sand Key Hotel pool (above) in Clearwater Beach, Florida
Surgeons have pulled a live grenade out of a soldier's face in a hospital car park after the explosive was fired at him in a military accident.
The live device was removed under tense conditions outside the Military Hospital in Colombia's capital city Bogota amid fears it could detonate at any second.
A temporary operating theatre was set up in the car park of the hospital to avoid harming other patients in the event of an explosion.
Surgeons have pulled a live grenade out of a soldier's face after the explosive was fired at him by accident
The live device was removed under tense conditions outside the Military Hospital in Colombia's capital city Bogota amid fears it could detonate at any second
Authorities are still investigating how the grenade became lodged in the face of the soldier, named locally as Luis Eduardo Perez Arango.
Some reports said that the misuse of a heavy fire weapon equipped with a grenade launcher resulted in the explosive accidentally hitting the officer and becoming wedged in his skull.
X-ray images show the grenade buried deep in the solder's face.
The chief of surgery, William Sanchez, said: 'It was a decisive moment, logically one of stress and uncertainty, but there was no other option than to push on to save the life of the patient, even praying and asking God not to let a bigger tragedy happen.'
A temporary operating theatre was set up in the car park of the hospital to avoid harming other patients in the event of an explosion
The surgeon described how the team carried out the operation with extreme caution as they eased the potentially deadly explosive out
The surgeon described how the team carried out the operation with extreme caution as they eased the potentially deadly explosive out.
He said: 'We now have an established protocol. We logically did it outside the hospital, because if it were to activate it, it needed to be somewhere it would have the least impact.'
Hillary Clinton is fighting fire with fire, as she'll soon give an address critical of Donald Trump's economic policies.
The Donald has a speech planned for Monday that will address the Clintons' 'politics of personal enrichment,' he has said.
The Clinton speech will be modeled after the successful foreign policy speech in San Diego, which boosted her appeal in California a state that she easily won and got her audience laughing as she quoted to them some of Trump's lines.
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Donald Trump (left) plans to address the Clintons' 'politics of personal enrichment' in a speech on Monday, while Hillary Clinton (right) will attack Trump's views on the economy in a speech planned for later this month
Yesterday she previewed what she might say, though an aide told the Wall Street Journal she doesn't plan to deliver the address until later this month.
'While he may have some catchy sound bites, his statements on the economy are dangerously incoherent,' Clinton told the paper.
'They are deeply misguided, and they reflect an individual is temperamentally unfit to manage the American economy,' Clinton added.
Trump has run his campaign on his business credentials, entering the race almost a year ago now, by telling the audience gathered at Trump Tower, 'I'm really rich.'
He told the Des Moines Register that he was 'the most successful person ever to run for the presidency, by far.'
'Nobody's every been more successful than me,' he said at the time. 'I'm the most successful person ever to run. Ross Perot isn't successful like me. Romney I have a Gucci store that's worth more than Romney.'
In short, part of Trump's major appeal is how he can apply his business acumen to fixing the economy.
Clinton will likely counter that by bringing up some of his zanier proposals and calling them laughable.
'It's not hard to see how a Trump presidency could actually lead to a serious global economic crisis,' she told the Wall Street Journal.
The Democrat also brought up the civil lawsuit against Trump for his, as she called it, Trump University 'scheme.'
Hillary Clinton will model her economic attack after the foreign policy address she gave last week in San Diego, which gave the former secretary of state a boost in California
Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that he would be giving an address in six days that would be all about the Clintons and how they've used their three decades of government service to get rich
The lawsuit, and Trump's criticism of a Mexican-American judge, became a big political problem for the Republican presumptive nominee this week, as many in his own party suggested diminished support.
To hit Clinton back, Trump is drafting a 'charge sheet,' according to Politico, that he will unveil o Monday.
The Republican and former reality TV star has dredged up all sorts of scandals from the '90s to throw at Clinton, including past incidences of her husband's infidelity.
He'll try to further damage the former secretary of state's character, an area where she's already vulnerable, as her likability numbers are nearly as bad as Trump's and polls often find that voters find her untrustworthy.
Those close to Trump warn, however, that he should remain focused on more recent problems with Clinton's records, instead of giving the '90s a retrial.
'If you want to talk about issues of character, you can talk about infidelity and the corruption scandals, but there are more here-and-now things, more contemporary to what we're now discussing, that are where he's going to focus,' John Jay LaValle, a trump surrogate, told Politico.
'If Mr. Trump stays focused on issues like Benghazi, the email scandal and to the extent that she ws so willing to compromise on national security,' LaValle continued.
Held in contempt: Juror Deborah Dean (pictured outside the High Court today), 47, has avoided jail despite being found in contempt of court for signing off a letter to a convicted child rapist chin up (sexy)
A juror who signed off a letter to a convicted child rapist chin up (sexy) has avoided jail despite being found in contempt of court for telling him she'd 'fought his corner' during his trial.
Deborah Dean, 47, of Sheffield, wrote to Shakeal Rehman after he was jailed for raping a 13-year-old girl in 2014.
Dean had been on the jury at Rehmans trial in her home city and told him she had fought his corner in the deliberating room.
But when the letter - and others to one of his co-defendants, signed off with a kiss - came to light, she ended up on the other side of the judicial system.
Today, she accepted she was in contempt of court by revealing private jury matters, but was given a suspended sentence by the lord chief justice Lord Thomas.
It is clear that this court must always do everything it can to ensure that we preserve the integrity of trial by jury, said Lord Thomas.
Although he rejected her claim that she thought she was doing nothing wrong, the judge decided to suspend her three-month sentence for 12 months.
After the hearing, Dean posed for photographs outside the High Court with a friend, but when asked for comment broke down in tears.
Im sorry, she said repeatedly, but refused to say anything more.
The court heard Rehman, Usman Ali and others had been on trial at Sheffield Crown Court in connection with offences against a young girl.
She had gone missing from Sheffield and was picked up by men on the streets of Bradford city centre.
Over the next few days, she was repeatedly subjected to sexual abuse by several men, including rape by Rehman and a count of sexual activity with a child by Ali.
Rehman was ultimately jailed for 12 years and Ali for three.It was only later, as the men prepared an appeal, that the letters which Dean subsequently sent to them came to light.
In them, she complained about the other jurors, suggesting they were snobbish and had looked down on her because of her Sheffield accent.
She signed off her letters with an X and identified herself as Dee Dee.
Dean told both that, if they needed money, a letter or a visit, she would be there for them.
When quizzed, she accepted what she had done, but claimed she did not know she was in breach of a court order by revealing what happened in the jury room.
Mitigating, her barrister Craig Hassall said Dean had not done anything which affected the actual trial.
She had contacted the men because she felt sorry for them and wanted to make sure they were alright, he said.
Shakeal Rehman (pictured left), Usman Ali (right) and others had been on trial at Sheffield Crown Court in connection with offences against a young girl. Rehman was ultimately jailed for 12 years and Ali for three
At the time, she had been very unwell, having earlier suffered a brain hemorrhage, and was on medication.
She found her jury service more difficult than others might, given her serious medical condition, he said.
She remained true to her oath throughout the trial and dissented from the majority verdict.
She never had any intention to disrupt the trial.
Giving judgment, Lord Thomas, sitting today with Mrs Justice Whipple, said that, although she might not have known she was breaching a court order, she must have known what she was doing was wrong.
He added: As she has admitted what she has done, and taking account of all the other matters, we consider that the right sentence that should be imposed upon her is that she should receive a sentence of imprisonment of three months, but suspended for 12 months.
In a separate case, the judge imposed a nine-month suspended sentence on a juror who had done internet research into a defendant during a trial.
Taxi driver James Smith, 28, of Rainford, Merseyside, looked up a man who was on trial for serious firearms and drugs offences at Liverpool Crown Court in 2014.
Mr Smith admitted looking up the defendant and finding out about his previous dealings with police before disclosing the information to another juror.
Sentence: Dean accepted she was in contempt of court by revealing private jury matters, but was given a suspended sentence by the lord chief justice Lord Thomas at the High Court in London (pictured)
Lord Thomas said Mr Smiths actions had resulted in the trial being aborted, costing about 80,000 in wasted court bills.
However, because of the delay, he decided to suspend Mr Smiths nine-month term for a year.
Mr Smiths barrister Michael Bagley had argued that he had not planned to disrupt the trial, claiming instead to have just been curious.
He is someone who didnt have the wit or sophistication to hide what he had done, Mr Bagley told the judges.
Speaking afterwards, solicitor general Robert Buckland QC, who took the cases to court, said the pair had blatantly ignored instructions of judges in their trials.
One of the cases cost the taxpayer huge amounts of money when the trial had to be abandoned, he said.
This wastage of costs was completely avoidable.
Contempt of court of this nature involves serious wrongdoing and I instigated these proceedings as it was clearly in the wider public interest to do so.
Joseph Tudor, 36, from Gateshead, branded his victim a 'terrorist' as she was shopping at the store in Newcastle on January 20 this year
A shopper has been issued with a 45 fine for racially abusing a Muslim woman in an Asda supermarket - which campaigners have described as being 'a slap in the face'.
Joseph Tudor, 36, from Gateshead, branded his victim a 'terrorist' as she was shopping at the store in Newcastle on January 20 this year.
He shoved her in the shoulder causing her niqab to slip from her face.
The court heard how he then swore at her, shouting: 'Get that off, you're in the UK - have you not seen the news recently?
'There's no place for burkas in this country.'
Tudor was handed a 25-day community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement after he pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated assault.
He was also ordered to pay costs of 40 and a victim surcharge of 60 but was not told to pay any compensation to his victim.
Dipu Ahad, a Muslim councillor who helped support the victim, branded the sentence a 'slap in the face to anyone campaigning against Islamophobia'.
He added: 'Something a lot stronger would give a message to Islamophobics and racists that people are going to take it seriously.
'People are reluctant to report hate crime because they don't feel confident in the system, and this will make some more reluctant.
'There are people in the community who were happy that this man had admitted the offence, but when they heard what sentence he'd got, there was shock and anger.
'The victim has been scared to go out since, and others who have heard the story have also been scared.'
The victim told police 'her legs turned to jelly' following the incident and she was left with pain and discomfort in her shoulder.
Andrew Wigmore, defending, told magistrates: 'This was an abhorrent incident and a very unpleasant offence.
'Mr Tudor is very remorseful and does regret his actions.'
The court heard Tudor had 'a multitude of problems' including anger, depression and anxiety.
The incident took place at this Asda supermarket in Gosforth, in Newcastle on January 20 last year
Across England and Wales, police recorded 52,528 racial hate crimes in 2014-15, up from 44,471 in 2013-14.
To tackle the rising problem, David Cameron has ordered police forces in England and Wales to keep track of hate crimes aimed specifically at Muslims and publish them in their crime statistics this year.
An African migrant was shot dead by a policeman in a guest workers' camp in Italy after he allegedly slashed the officer in the face with a knife.
The victim, identified as Sekine Traore, 27, from Malia, had reportedly started a fight with another migrant staying in the camp in Rosarno, Calabria, which saw police being called to the scene.
Witness accounts of what led up to the deadly shooting differ, with some sating Traore was mentally ill and had suffered a psychotic episode, while others said he had picked fights on purpose.
Malian migrant Sekine Traore, 27, was shot dead by police in a migrant workers' camp in Rosarno, Calabria, southern Italy ( pictured is a separate workers' camp in Rosarno)
Traore had reportedly tried to steal from fellow seasonal workers in the vast tent camp in San Ferdinando, which sits on the outskirts of the southern city of Rosarno.
It is home to some five hundred migrants working as fruit and vegetable pickers in and around Rosarno, located on the 'toe' of the boot-shaped country, which is home to many orange groves.
Initially two policemen arrived at the scene and intervened, but called for back-up when they failed to calm Traore.
When Traore saw extra police arrive he lashed out with the knife, wounding one of the officers near the eye, the Corriere della Sera said.
Fearing a possible second attack, the officer shot the migrant in the chest, killing him instantly, it said.
The camps near Rosarno are home to hundreds of seasonal migrant workers who come to the region to work low-paid jobs as fruit and vegerable pickers
Shocked and angry migrants then circled the officers, who drew their weapons and called for more back-up.
The situation calmed down after several hours when police in riot gear arrived, but tension remained in the camp, the report said.
Dozens of migrants were taken to the local police station for interviews.
Rosarno is notorious in Italy for the climate of tension between its seasonal workers - many of whom hail from sub-Saharan Africa - security forces and local residents, and has been the scene of repeated clashes.
Two days of unrest in 2010 prompted more than 1,000 Africans to flee the Calabrian town after clashes left 67 people injured, between migrants, police officers and locals.
Doctors Without Borders at the time fiercely condemned local attitudes towards the migrants, saying conditions in the Italian tent camps were often worse than in refugee camps in Africa.
Nearly a quarter of a million people registered to vote on the first day of the extended window to sign up for the EU referendum - five times more than the number of people who were blocked when the website crashed.
Brexit campaigners accused David Cameron of 'desperate cheating' by extending the deadline for 48 hours, despite the website being down for just 105 minutes on Tuesday night.
The move has allowed 240,000 people to sign up for a vote, over half of whom are under the age of 35.
Brexit campaigners accused David Cameron (pictured visiting Hitachi Rail Europe in County Durham today) of 'desperate cheating' by extending the deadline for 48 hours, despite the website being down for just 105 minutes on Tuesday night
The government data (pictured) shows that more than half of the 240,000 people who signed up to vote on June 8 were under the age of 35
With research showing younger voters are more likely to back Britain staying in the EU, some Brexit campaigners have suggested the Government is trying to 'rig the referendum' by deciding to reopen voter registration by an extra two days.
MPs rushed through emergency legislation this afternoon to extend the deadline to midnight tonight and afterwards the Prime Minister again told his Twitter followers to make sure they are registered.
A total of 238,903 people registered yesterday, including 6,262 expats, with thousands more expected to take advantage of the extended deadline to register today.
This is far higher than the estimated 50,000 people who attempted to register during the 90 minutes when the website was down, which the Cabinet Office blamed on 'unprecedented demand'.
Pro-Brexit Tory MP Michael Fabricant said the decision to extend the deadline by two days to compensate for 90 minutes 'seems like desperate cheating' by the Government.
A total of 238,903 people registered on June 8, including 6,262 expats, according to government data (pictured)
Pro-Brexit Tory MP Michael Fabricant said the decision to extend the deadline by two days to compensate for the 105 minutes website glitch 'seems like desperate cheating' by the Government
MPs rushed through emergency legislation this afternoon to extend the deadline to midnight tonight and afterwards the Prime Minister (pictured visiting the Hitachi Rail Europe factory in County Durham today) again told his Twitter followers to make sure they are registered
Fellow Leave Tory campaigner Bernard Jenkin said the move by the Government was on the 'cusp of legality'.
THE DANCE STUDENT WHO MISSED DEADLINE BY JUST SIX MINUTES Student Jordan Parker tried for more than two hours to register before finally managing to do so six minutes past the deadline after the website started responding. The dance student called the website crash 'ridiculous' and said he had a friend in a similar situation. He added: 'I'm pleased with Cameron's comments but it has to be done. They are left with no other choice. It isn't just me, there are thousands of people. 'It's ridiculous they are saying they didn't expect the overwhelming numbers of people using the website. Concert websites run fine, this is a lot bigger than a concert. It is the biggest vote of my generation. 'I am hopeful it will now mean I can vote.' The De Montfort University student said he tried to register at university last week, but did not have access to his National Insurance number until he arrived home on Tuesday night. He said: 'This is the earliest I could get back and try to register.' Advertisement
Brexit campaigners are considering making a legal challenge of the 48-hour extension - and potentially the outcome of the June 23 vote.
The millionaire Ukip donor and co-chairman of the Leave.EU Brexit campaign group signalled he would bankroll a judicial review of the move if the result is close enough to be affected by the extra sign-ups, many of whom are expected to be in favour of staying in the EU.
The insurance tycoon Mr Banks said: 'For the Government to alter election law during an election period is absolutely unprecedented and unconstitutional.
'This isn't some democratic initiative, it's a desperate attempt by the Establishment to register as many likely Remain voters as possible before polling day.
'Terrific efforts have been made to target young people, thought to be more sympathetic to the EU, while older voters who backed Remain in 1975 but have grown heartily sick of the bloc after 40 years of broken promises were given a body swerve.'
He added: 'Taken together, we believe that the above constitutes a clear attempt to rig the referendum or, at a bare minimum, to load the dice.
'We believe it is unconstitutional at best and have been advised that with legitimate cause we could challenge this extension.
'We are therefore considering all available legal options with our legal team, with a view to potentially launching a judicial review now and after the outcome of the referendum on 23 June.'
A plane with a Vote Leave banner flies above the Royal Cornwall Show today, with more than 100,000 visitors expected to attend this year's show
The Prime Minister urged his Twitter followers today to make sure they are registered for the June 23 vote
David Cameron (pictured left at the Hitachi Rail Europe factory in Country Durham today and left, arriving at the company in the Britain Stronger In Europe battle bus) was accused of trying to 'rig the referendum' by extending the deadline to register to vote
You can't let the Brexiteers take the EU away, Tony Blair and Sir John Major tell young voters
Sir John Major raged against the Leave campaign for claiming the EU is only for 'elites' today as he warned young voters not to take the trading bloc for granted.
The former Tory prime minister joined forces with his Labour successor Tony Blair in Northern Ireland and told an audience of sixth formers: 'The EU is not for the elite, it's for you - it's not for us, Tony and I aren't going to be here.'
At a warm joint appearance, Mr Blair demanded Vote Leave answer questions about how people would still travel freely for work and pleasure after a Brexit vote.
Sir John Major and Tony Blair today met on Northern Ireland's Peace Bridge as they joined forces to make the case for staying in the EU
The former premiers also issued a warning about Brexit undermining the peace process in Northern Ireland and the wider United Kingdom - but they were condemned by Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers for reckless.
The pair of former prime ministers made the landmark intervention standing side by side in Londonderry, a Northern Ireland city that was heavily militarised during the Troubles.
Sir John was challenged to explain why working class voters should support the EU when it appeared to be set up on behalf of 'elites'.
He replied: 'I'm working class - I come from Brixton. I lived there at a time of mass immigration, my family lived in two rooms in a multi-occupied and from time-to-time multi-racial house. So I am not part of any elite.
'Of course there are people across Europe who are elite but there are millions - 500 million people - who are in the European Union who have been strong supporters of it.
'This is part of the nonsense that people are being fed, that Europe is only for the elite.'
Tory Sir John and Labour's Mr Blair made a possibly unprecedented joint appearance at a press conference in Londonderry this morning
The former political rivals - who contested the 1997 general election before Mr Blair's first landslide victory - shared jokes in a warm joint appearance
Sir John said Britain had been the 'sick man of Europe' when it entered the European community but will 'probably' soon be the biggest economy in Europe.
He said: 'When my generation left school, we put on a knapsack and we went to Brighton for the weekend.
'These days, young people leave school and university and they go around Europe, or they go around the world.
'They go around Europe with no visas, no inhibitions, no difficulties, and they see a different world from the one my generation saw.
'That is partly because of what has happened, that intermingling of different cultures, different spirits, different peoples, different backgrounds.'
Brexit-backing Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said the former PMs were being 'highly irresponsible'
Mr Blair said: 'This is not something to be given up easily, it's not something to be taken for granted - so don't take this vote for granted.'
The former Labour leader said the common travel area sounded 'technical' but said it was how people moved around the island of Ireland.
And he claimed: 'Vote Leave's thing about Europe is not really about immigration, though that's the argument they use, they are anti social protection.
'They don't really want these rights at a European level and that is why it is important always to remember Europe also stands for a certain type of politics.'
He added: 'It is frankly irresponsible to said we should leave unless you are prepared to answer these critical points of detail that aren't technicalities but translate into lives and jobs and living standards and people's basic freedoms.'
Sir John and Mr Blair were instrumental in the peace process in the country and warned against a move which could put that stability at risk.
Sir John said: 'I believe it would be a dreadful mistake to do anything that has any risk of destabilising the complicated and multi-layered constitutional settlement that underpins stability in Northern Ireland.
'But that is what a British exit from the EU would do: it would throw all of the pieces of the constitutional jigsaw into the air again, and no-one could say where they might land.'
Warning that 'the unity of the United Kingdom itself is on the ballot paper in two weeks' time', the former prime minister added there is a 'serious risk' that Brexit could lead to a second independence referendum in Scotland, and this time the country could vote to leave the UK.
'The most successful union in world history would be broken apart for good,' he will say.
Mr Blair hit out at the Leave campaign, claiming it puts an 'ideological fixation' with Brexit ahead of the damage it would cause.
He said: 'I say, don't take a punt on these people. Don't let them take risks with Northern Ireland's future. Don't let them undermine our United Kingdom.'
He added: 'We understand that, although today Northern Ireland is more stable and more prosperous than ever, that stability is poised on carefully constructed foundations.
'And so we are naturally concerned at the prospect of anything that could put those foundations at risk.'
The pair of leaders said it was not a coincidence that every living former Prime Minister backed David Cameron in wanting to stay inside the EU
But Brexit-backing Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: 'Support for the peace process in Northern Ireland is rock solid.
'The vast majority of people in Northern Ireland believe their future should only ever be determined by democracy and consent and not by violence.
'I very much hope figures who played such an important role in the peace process would not suggest that a Brexit vote would weaken that resolve in any way.
'Whatever the result of the referendum, Northern Ireland is not going back to the troubles of its past and to suggest otherwise would be highly irresponsible.'
She insisted the common travel area between the UK and the Republic of Ireland would continue if there was a Leave win, even though the border would become the frontier between an EU member and a non-EU nation.
Ms Villiers said: 'There would be risks to manage but they are not significantly more serious than risks that are already managed effectively today through bilateral co-operation between the UK and Ireland.
'I AM NOT HERE TO GIVE YOU THE VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH, I AM HERE TO GIVE YOU THE TRUTH': LARISSA'S SPEECH IN FULL
'Good afternoon. My name is Larissa Martinez and I am delighted to be standing here as the valedictorian of the class of 2016.
'In all, it's been a great year so far. As we are graduating today, the leader of the free world, Beyonce, dropped a new album Lemonade, and the greatest entertainer in our generation is leaving the White House.
'First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the parents and family members who are always there to make sure we would make it all the way to today.
'I would also like to thank all of the faculty and staff at McKinney Boyd because this school wouldn't be the same without them.
'Now I know some of you may be prepared to call me out, like Damian from Mean Girls, but I assure you that I do in fact go here.
'Even though two fifths of you don't know of my existence. To each and every single one of you I saw thank you.
'You taught me that it's OK to be different and to overlook those differences, and accept you for being yourself.
Martinez's classmates listened intently, many wearing their future schools on their mortar boards as she gave her speech
'You also taught me that it is OK to push people to the side while rushing to class.
'I would also like to give special thanks to the people that have changed my life in one way or another and have stuck with my for the last few years.
'I know I am not always the easiest person to deal, so thank you for being there when I needed you the most.
'I would also like to thank my sister Andrew for giving me one more reason to keep going when it all seemed pointless.
'Finally the person I am most thankful for is my mother.
'You've been there with me through thick and thin. You are my best friend.
'While most mothers move mountains for their children, you literally moved countries.
'Every sacrifice you have made, you have made for us.
'You are my number one fan and you never lost faith in me, even when I lost faith in myself.
'For that and many other things I will be eternally grateful.
'Let me be frank. I am not going to stand up here and give you the Hallmark version of the valedictorian speech.
'Instead I would like to offer you a different kind of speech. One that discusses expectations versus reality.
'Many of you see may see me standing up here and must think "Her life is pretty great. Her parents must be very proud."'
I decided to stand before you today, and reveal these unexpected realities because this might be the only chance I get to convey the truth to all of you, that undocumented immigrants are people too
'Those are only half truths. They are the expectations.
'My reality is slightly different. On July 11 it will be exactly six years since I moved to McKinney from Mexico City, where I was born and raised.
'When people see me standing up here, they see a girl who is Yale-bound and has her life figured out.
'But that is far from the whole truth. So now I would like to convey my fair share of realities.
'Reality number one: At the age of 11 I was nothing more than a girl with an abusive and alcoholic father who had to depend on her mother's strength.
'I was a girl with a dream that one day I would become an American and a girl that thought moving countries would solve all of the problems in her life.
'Unexpected reality number two: At the age of 12 I was faced with the task of having to adapt and embrace a new culture.
'Often my intelligence was questioned due to my background.
'I was also faced with giving up part of my childhood so I could look after my little sister Andrea while my mom worked from morning until late at night.
'School became my safe haven because, despite not having internet, a washing machine, or even my own bed.
'I always had knowledge at my fingertips thanks to my school.
'And I realized that my be the only way I could help my family.
'Although we do not all share the same struggles or the same obstacles throughout life, we do share some of the sentiments.
'I know what it is like to be put down, to have your achievements put down, to not be acknowledged to be powerless.
'So at this time I would like to commend each and every single one of you here for preserving through your own challenges and being the resilient human beings you wanted to be.
'And from not letting any obstacles getting in the way of you today.
'We all have struggles. Struggles we want to face behind closed doors because others discovered them, it would be at our must vulnerable state and we would never be looked at the same way.
'Well, after all of these years, I have finally mustered up the courage to stand before and share a struggle I have to deal with each and every day.
There will always be people that judge us, and set expectations based on their preconceived ideas of who they think we are and who they think we should be
'Unexpected reality number three: I am one of the 11million undocumented immigrants living in the shadow of the United States.
'I decided to stand before you today, and reveal these unexpected realities because this might be the only chance I get to convey the truth to all of you, that undocumented immigrants are people too.
'I was hesitant to speak about this today, because of the great divide in opinions concerning the topic of immigration in America.
'But I feel like I owe it to you to be honest, and I owe it to myself.
'The most important part of the debate, and the part most overlooked, is the fact that immigrants, undocumented or otherwise, are people too.
'People with dreams, aspirations, hopes and loved ones.
'People like me. People who have become a part of the American society and way of life and who yearn to help make America great again - without the construction of a wall based on hatred and prejudice.
'We are here without official documentation, because the US immigration system is broken.
'And it has forced many families to live in fear. I myself have even been waiting seven years for my application to be processed.
'So I hope that all of you leave here today knowing that we are trying to do it the right way, but we don't know how.
'I ask for all of you to try and look beyond the way the media portrays us and the dehumanizing accusations some politicians have made.
'I ask for you to please keep your hearts open and try to find the love and understanding that makes us human.
'Because after all we are people, just like you.
'While I can't predict the future, and tell you how successful you are all going to be.
'But by sharing my story today, I hope I can convince all of you that if I can break every stereotype based on what I am classified as - Mexican, female, undocumented - so can you.
'We do not have to let expectations become our reality.
'I am no expert in this journey we call life. But I am living proof that beating the system is possible.
'We do not have to conform to the limitations that others put on us.
'There will always be people that judge us, and set expectations based on their preconceived ideas of who they think we are and who they think we should be.
'However we have the ability to prove them wrong.
'In those moments when you need a reason to continue moving forward, close your eyes and picture yourself in the future setting.
'They told me I couldn't so I did.
while they investigate further
that a plea bargain would settle the case against the boy
A teenager already facing a maximum of 10 years in jail for hacking into guarded websites is now a suspect in other acts of cyber crime, a court heard on Thursday.
A plea bargain in Christies Beach Youth Court was expected to settle the case against the 15-year-old boy from Woodcroft, Adelaide, The Advertiser reported.
Police asked the matter be adjourned while detectives further investigated the boys alleged illegal online activities.
A teenager already facing a maximum of 10 years in jail for hacking into guarded websites is now a suspect in other acts of cyber crime
There are some other matters that detectives are investigating at the moment, and they may potentially lead to further charges being filed, Brevet Sergeant Kimberly White said.
The defendant, who was not present in court on Thursday, has not yet pleaded guilty to three counts of unauthorised impairment of computer systems.
The boy cannot be named under South Australian law.
He faces a maximum 10-year jail sentence if convicted.
Under his terms of bail he is prohibited from using the internet, the publication reported.
The offences occurred at Reynella on March 10, and at Woodcroft on April 4 and 6, police allege.
A plea bargain in Christies Beach Youth Court (pictured) was expected to settle the case against the 15-year-old boy from Woodcroft, Adelaide
According to court documents the boy directly caused an unauthorised impairment of electronic communications, knowing the impairment was unauthorised, and caused inconvenience.
His arrest came after a two-week fight by Adelaide- based internet provider NuSkope to protect Reynella East College, itself, and a government agency which has not been named from being hacked.
Among skills is using elbow to fend off sharks as its harder to bite through
During dive off coast of Grand Bahama Island, he shows off his technique
The expert uses food and wrestles with the predators to get them to attack
This is the astonishing moment a 'shark whisperer' teaches people how to survive a shark attack - by being bitten.
Brave Riccardo Sturla Avogadri, 49, has been working with the predators for 30 years, and pioneered the 'relax immobility' technique to hypnotise them.
But on a recent dive off the coast of Grand Bahama Island, the marine biologist demonstrated his techniques for surviving an attack by the sharp-toothed creatures.
Shocked onlookers captured the moment Riccardo Sturla Avogadri provoked the animals by teasing them with food, causing them to lock their jaws around his arm
The remarkable footage and photos show the three lemon sharks circling around the expert.
Shocked onlookers captured the moment he appears to provoke the animals by teasing them with food, causing them to lock their jaws around his arm.
Terrifying photos appear to show him wrestling with one of the sharks - but escaping relatively unscathed thanks to his survival techniques.
The moment was captured by stunned underwater photographer Troy Iloski, 49, who said the diver uses his elbow to stave off any real damage.
The engineer from Haskell, New Jersey, USA, said: 'Riccardo Sturla Avogadry is a highly experienced shark expert trainer.
'Riccardo is demonstrating to a group of students how to act in a emergency situation with a sharks.
Terrifying photos appear to show him wrestling with one of the sharks - but escaping relatively unscathed thanks to his survival techniques
The moment was captured by stunned underwater photographer Troy Iloski, 49, who said the diver uses his elbow to stave off any real damage
'Sharks use exploratory bites first to see what the object is made of.
'I as a photographer I have a big camera on the front of me and I use it as a shield to push away the feisty sharks.
'Using the elbow to push the shark away in a emergency situation is a common way to do it because is much harder for a shark to bite through three big arm bones at once.
'You never stick your hand out to push a biting shark away because hand bones are small and soft.
'Riccardo was not wearing chain mill armour suit and he got few light flesh wounds on his arms.
'The sharks are lemon sharks and the shark on the right is a male shark who is protecting and showing off on the front of the bunch of female lemon sharks.
'Male sharks are much more feisty because the high testosterone level.'
This is the humorous moment a flock of more than a thousand sheep stormed the streets of a Spanish city after escaping their field.
The footage was captured by police in Huesca after they were called to reports of sheep wandering the roads at around 4.30am.
The few stunned motorists still out and about could only look on in bewilderment as the flock of 1,300 sheep blocked Avenue Martinez de Velasco.
On the run: Police in Huesca, Spain were called to reports of sheep roaming the streets at around 4.30am
Let's go: The sheep were due to be taken to a new pasture at 7am that morning but became bored of waiting
According to Spanish media, the sheep were due to be transported to a new pasture at 7am that morning.
The sheep are apparently moved to this pasture around this time every year and it is where they spend their summer.
The shepherd who owns the flock had turned in for the night and was planning to wake early to escort the sheep to their new location.
But he was woken by police who informed him that the flock had apparently become fed up of waiting.
See ya: The shepherd was woken by police who informed him that his flock had hit the road without him
Unbelievably the crafty animals had decided to take the journey on their own, two and a half hours earlier than scheduled.
The sheep were later intercepted by the police and taken back to their original location until an appropriate hour.
The pastor, along with the police, then escorted the sheep to their new location at 7am, where it is believed the flock are now staying.
The video was posted to the Local Police Huesca Facebook page where it was viewed more than 45,000 times.
A family's pet dog was shot dead by sheriff's deputies when they got a call about a domestic disturbance but turned up at the wrong house.
They gunned down the 11-year-old husky mix, Buddy, after receiving a call from a neighbor in Hesperia, California.
The caller reported a disturbance at the house 'to the left' of his own but the deputies went to the house which was to the left as they approached it.
Buddy (pictured) was gunned down when he ran out to meet sheriff's deputies who had gone to the wrong house after a call about a domestic disturbance
Buddy's owner, Debra Blackmore, told KABC: 'I don't understand why the cops, when they knew they were at the wrong house and shot my dog, why didn't they rush him to the emergency?'
She later posted a picture of Buddy on her Facebook page and wrote: 'Rest in peace under your tree.'
Lieutenant Brad Toms, from San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, said when the deputies arrived they rattled a chainlink fence, hoping to alert any dogs on the property.
He said: 'A couple of small dogs ran out, barked at them, followed by a much larger dog who barked aggressively and charged toward the deputies.'
Lt Toms said the deputy fired his weapon, acting in self-defense, and he said an audio recorder on his belt supported his version of events.
The dog ran out and the sheriff's deputy opened fire, acting in self-defense STOCK IMAGE
Sheriff's department spokesman Cindy Bachman said: 'You can hear on their belt recording the dogs barking and almost immediately what sounds to be a larger dog, a deeper bark, a definitely different sound to it.
'You can hear the barking of that bigger dog getting closer to the deputies, and then there's one shot. The bullet struck the dog.
'The deputies on the property feared that they were going to be bitten by the dogs.'
The sheriff's department issued a statement saying they 'recognize the emotional impact the loss of a family pet has on this family and we extend our deepest sympathies. The officers involved in this incident feel terrible about what occurred but felt they had no other reasonable option at the time.'
They also said they offered to take the dog to a vet.
Bernie Sanders committed today to staying in the Democratic race until the last primary - next Tuesday in Washington - but suggested to reporters this afternoon that he could drop out immediately after.
'I will of course be competing in the D.C. primary,' he told reporters waiting for him outside the White House after his meeting with President Barack Obama. 'This is the last primary in the Democratic nominating process.'
Left unsaid was how long he would remain in the race - a sharp contrast from previous statements in which he committed to campaigning until the Democratic National Convention at the end of July - and whether he plans to continue actively challenging Hillary Clinton.
Sanders deliberately stated that his focus as he campaigns in D.C. would be on the District of Columbia's fight for statehood, an indication that he will no longer fight tooth and nail against Clinton, who on Tuesday became the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Foreshadowing a possible endorsement, Sanders said he would meet with her 'in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump.'
'I spoke briefly to Secretary Clinton Tuesday night, and I congratulated her on her very strong campaign,' he told reporters.
The U.S. senator left without taking questions from press and his campaign manager told DailyMail.com that he did not know when Sanders planned to get out.
An hour and a half later Obama endorsed Clinton via a video she sent out on Twitter and distributed to press by email.
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Bernie Sanders committed today to staying in the Democratic race until the last primary next Tuesday - but suggested to reporters this afternoon that he could drop out after that
Speaking to reporters outside the White House after his meeting with President Barack Obama, Sanders said his focus as he campaigns in the D.C. primary would be on the District of Columbia's fight for statehood
Sanders, who was accompanied by wife Jane, noted that he also talked to Hillary Clinton, who on Tuesday became the presumptive Democratic nominee, this week and looks forward to joining forces with her to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office
Today at the White House, Sanders strutted to the podium with his wife Jane at his side.
He repeated many of the familiar lines he's used throughout his campaign, raging against billionaires, Wall Street and articulating how the country needed to look out for the poor.
'These are the issues that we will take to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia at the end of July,' he said.
Just last Saturday Sanders was proclaiming that the convention would be 'contested' and that he was without a doubt going there to fight for the nomination.
By Monday his tone had shifted. Sanders said he'd assess the race after California voted and didn't want to talk about the future until then.
Sanders was mum on the future of his campaign today at the White House, leaving reporters to draw their own conclusions about where he stands.
There was no talk of superdelegate strategy he'd been pushing or the polls that say Sanders would be the stronger candidate against Trump.
His only reference to the Republican nominee was to say that 'Donald Trump would clearly to my mind, and I think to the majority of Americans be a disaster as president of the United States.'
'It is unbelievable to me, and I say this with all sincerity, that the Republican Party would have a candidate for president who in the year 2016 makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign,' he continued.
Sanders and his wife Jane arrive onstage for a rally in Washington, Thursday, after his meeting with Obama
Supporters cheer as Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders speaks during A Future to Believe In rally on Thursday
Sanders greets supporters during the rally. He has said he will work with Hillary Clinton to beat Donald Trump in the presidential election
'Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure Donald Trump does not become President of the United States.'
Sanders said he hoped his meeting would bring about both a plan to defeat the presumptive Republican nominee and 'create a government which represents all of us and not just the 1 percent.'
President Obama held the meeting at the White House with Sanders as a courtesy to the Democratic candidate, the White House said.
The president's press secretary would not say what the two discussed while indicating that the president's endorsement of Clinton wasn't a 'surprise.'
Obama taped the video on Tuesday before he talked to Clinton and Sanders, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, said.
The previous day the Associated Press and others had called the race for Clinton based on her superdelegate support. The president didn't endorse then as California, the largest state in the nation, was still to vote, as were five other states and the District of Columbia.
After polls closed in California, Obama let it rip, calling Clinton and Sanders and releasing a statement in support of Clinton as the Democratic nominee.
Sanders met with Harry Reid, pictured, and Vice President Joe Biden on his tour of Washington and moved forward with plans to rally his supporters near the D.C. armory this evening
His official endorsement came today in the form of a video that spread like wildfire on social media.
Soon after another one of Clinton's Democratic primary rivals, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who left the race after a terrible showing in Iowa, likewise put his weight behind the former secretary of state. Progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren did the same.
Meanwhile, Sanders met with Harry Reid, the Senate Democratic leader, and Vice President Joe Biden during his tour of Washington.
The vice president's office said in a statement Wednesday evening that the former Senate colleagues 'discussed the importance of what Senator Sanders' campaign has done to focus the conversation in this country on income inequality, the corrosive influence of big money in our campaigns and the need to reform our politics.
'The Vice President congratulated him on energizing so many new voters and bringing them into the Democratic Party,' it read.
'They discussed the need for the national conversation to continue to focus on the defining fight of our time: retaining and expanding access to the middle class, and the need for the Democratic Party to continue to embrace these new voters as we work toward victory in November.'
Sanders had left by the time the statement came out to rally his supporters near the D.C. armory.
He said today that he strongly supports D.C. statehood and would be talking about that tonight.
'The state of Vermont has about the same number of residents as Washington, D.C. has but we have two United States senators,' Sanders pointed out, along with one non-voting House member. 'That does not make sense.'
Sanders has been avoiding the press since his spectacular loss to Hillary Clinton on Tuesday night in California, a state that he thought he was in spitting distance to win.
Today at the White House he suggested that the margin would tighten upon further inspection. The count presently has Clinton up by almost 13 points in the Golden State.
He did not take questions from his travelling press corps on Wednesday when he arrived in Burlington, Vermont, for an overnight stay at his home, quickly greeting supporters before jumping back in his SUV.
And he came to the White House through a door not accessible to the media. After reading a statement outside the West Wing, he walked away without taking question from a rowdy pack of press.
The senator's campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, said he did not expect Sanders to answer questions from reporters at any time today, though another campaign aide said the Vermont senator planned to do the Sunday shows.
President Barack Obama is holding a meeting with Bernie Sanders at the White House this morning as a courtesy to the Democratic candidate
OLD PALS: The White House declined to say Wednesday what the president and Sanders would discuss, and Sanders has been avoiding the press since his spectacular loss to Hillary Clinton on Tuesday night in California.
Obama and Sanders are seen here walking into the Oval Office. Sanders bypassed the press on his way in, coming through a back door
The White House has walked a delicate dance over the past few days on its move toward an endorsement of Clinton.
President Obama made a congratulatory call to Clinton on Tuesday and sent out the statement referring to her as the Democratic nominee. Yet the White House said Wednesday that it shouldn't be taken as a formal endorsement.
Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters on the president's trip to New York that he did not 'anticipate any formal announcement of an endorsement in the presidential race from the president in advance of his meeting with Sen. Sanders.'
The endorsement video, which had been pre-taped, dropped directly after.
Earnest also said not to expect the endorsement to come when Obama appears on 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,' which he pre-taped last night but was held for broadcast until after his meeting with Sanders.
Sanders thanked President Obama and Vice President Biden in his remarks 'for the degree of impartiality they established during the course of this entire process.
'What they said at the the beginning is that they would not put their thumb on the scales, and in fact they kept their word, and I appreciate that very, very much,' he said, another indication that he's gearing up to concede.
After the meetings Sanders held a rally in Washington, where he made no mention of presumptive nominee Clinton.
Sanders was greeted with cheers of 'Thank you, Bernie' as he addressed about 3,000 people near RFK Stadium. He spoke of the need to address wealth inequality and the campaign finance system, but avoided mentioning Clinton.
President Obama made a congratulatory call to Hillary Clinton on Tuesday and sent out a statement referring to her as the Democratic nominee. Yet the White House said Wednesday that it shouldn't be taken as a formal endorsement. Today Obama backed Clinton a video released by the Clinton campaign that was actually shot on Tuesday
Sanders stopped off at the Peets coffee across from the White House before his meeting with the president. His campaign says he ordered a coffee and scone
On the pre-released clip of Obama sitting down with Fallon, the president was complimentary of the Vermont senator.
'I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas. And he pushed the party and challenged them,' Obama said.
Earnest, on the plane with reporters yesterday, said that 'the president believes that Senator Sanders has more than earned the right to make his own decision about the course of his campaign.'
The press secretary explained that the president is especially aware of the 'emotions and personal investment' that it takes to mount a campaign for the White House, echoing a bit of Clinton's speech last night when she recalled failing to win the nomination in 2008.
'And again, when you have performed as well as Sen. Sanders has he certainly exceeded everybody's expectations, possibly even his own, in terms of the support and enthusiasm that the would generate all across the country,' Earnest continued.
'He's earned the opportunity to make these decisions based on his own thinking and based on his own schedule,' the top flack added.
Earnest expressed the same sentiments today as he declined to say whether the president believes Sanders should drop out.
Obama, on the set of the Tonight Show, said he hoped in the 'next couple of weeks' the Democrats could 'pull things together.'
'And what happens during primaries,' Obama said, noting his own experience against Clinton in 2008.
President Obama didn't officially endorse Hillary Clinton when he taped Jimmy Fallon's show yesterday, according to the first clip that's out. The full interview will be released tonight
While President Obama has expressed that he wants to be on the campaign trail to hit Donald Trump, he's waiting until he speaks in person with Hillary Clinton's rival Bernie Sanders this morning
'You get a little ouchy,' he said.
Continuing to use the colorful vocab, Obama remembered his staff and supporter 'poppin' off' over something that somebody has said, 'and they start spinnin' stuff up.'
But Fallon cut to the chase.
'Now, is Bernie going to endorse Hillary?' the comedian asked.
'Is he ever going to drop out?' Fallon continued. 'Or he's gonna stay in?'
Obama noted that he and Sanders were going to meet on Thursday.
A restaurant has copped a $6,000 fine after neighbours complained it was belly dancing too loudly.
Hannibal Restaurant, a middle-eastern eatery in Sydney's trendy inner-west, was slapped with a warning two months ago after neighbours complained about its regular belly dancing shows.
As a dancer jiggled her way through her routine a few nights after the first objection, the council received another barrage of complaints about the 'offensive music', reported The Daily Telegraph.
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Sydney's Hannibal Restaurant has been fined by the council because it was belly dancing too loudly
The restaurant's manager Jimmy Yousif was subsequently fined $6,000 by the City of Sydney Council for breaching the terms of its development consent.
The council demanded Mr Yousif whose wife owns the restaurant paid the fine within 21 days, despite the fact it represented a month's takings.
Mr Yousif admitted the restaurant had a thin roof and that sound travelled easily to residents living above the venue.
Even so, the size of the fine seemed excessive for a small business struggling to pay its way, Mr Yousif said.
He added: 'I can't pay $6,000. I haven't taken a day off in four months.
'I've re-mortgaged my house to start the business.'
Belly dancing is a regular attraction at the venue, with one guest saying: 'What really made it worth it was the belly dancing'
Although the belly dancing was not popular with neighbours or council officials, visitors to the restaurant were far more enthusiastic.
One reviewer said: 'During the night loud music started playing and we had our own private belly dancer perform for us for about 15 minutes.
'It was lots of fun, I will return again.'
Another guest said: 'Great food, nice atmosphere but indeed what was really worth it was the belly dancer.'
Neighbours and council officials did not find the belly dancing so popular, labelling the noise 'audible and offensive amplified music'
The restaurant's manager, Jimmy Yousif, said the $6,000 fine represented a month's takings
The fine comes in the wake of the council pushing through unpopular 'lockout laws', which many claim are killing the city's once-vibrant nightlife.
A City of Sydney spokesman told The Daily Telegraph: 'The noise level is set under the conditions of development consent for the business and was substantiated as offensive noise within the affected resident's house.
Millions have driven by the quirky farm perched in between two motorway carriageways and pondered over the stubborn farmer who refused to be moved when the workmen arrived.
But a recently unearthed documentary has revealed that the couple who lived at Stott Hall Farm, west of Huddersfield, in West Yorkshire, were actually saved by a geological fault rather than their own resolve to make way for the M62.
Farmer Ken Wild had refused to sell his land that his father had purchased in 1934 when plans for the motorway on the moors were approved.
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Stott Hall Farm is a famous site between carriages on the M62, which snakes through Yorkshire countryside
Mr Wild and his wife Beth (pictured) were interviewed on an archived episode of Clegg's People, recently released by the British Film Institute
The couple were part of mass protests from farmers over the motorway, which would cut through miles of rural land.
Such protests included one rather desperate farmer trying to disrupt engineers by blaring music from speakers out of his home's windows.
But their farm was saved because the land beneath the 15 acres which now lies between the carriageways was too steep - making it impossible to build all six lanes on.
Mr Wild and his wife Beth were interviewed on an archived episode of Clegg's People, recently released by the British Film Institute.
Clad in tweed and walking the hill between the roads as his dogs herd sheep, he describes how close they were to having to leave.
In the 1983 documentary the farmer tells presenter Michael Clegg: 'Oh yes it looked like we would have to move but they found out that they couldn't get all six lanes together.'
Mr Wild also explains that he had around 70 acres of land when the motorway was built.
Mr Clegg and Mr Wild also talk of the huge scale of work that had to be done on a nearby reservoir, which was a necessary side project when the motorway was built.
Owner Ken Wild had refused to sell his land, that his father had purchased in 1934, when plans for the motorway on the moors near the town of Brighouse were approved.
The area in between the two carriageways spanned to around 15 acres and Mr Wild uses it to graze his flock
In the documentary, Mr Wild said he lost around 70 acres of land around his farm when the motorway was built
Despite rumours that the stubborn farmer could not be moved from the farm (picture), it was actually a geological fault in the land which meant the lanes could not be joined together that saved Stott Hall
Engineers had to build underpasses under each carriageway so that Mr Wild had access to other parts of his land and workmen to the reservoir.
But living beside the motorway came with its problems, and Mrs Wild - Ken's second wife - described how she had seen numerous fatal car accidents.
Once she was awoken at 4.20am to find an overturned lorry on their land and the driver climbing out of the broken windscreen.
The farm was subject of a 1983 documentary where Mr Wild was interviewed for the news programme on ITV
Engineers had to build underpasses under each carriageway so that Mr Wild had access to other parts of his land (pictured)
The farm (pictured) now has new owners who say they are committed to staying onsite despite the noise
She also described the impossible task of cleaning the house next to the motorway, which is covered in dust brought up by passing vehicles and sprayed with filthy water in the winter.
Mr Wild died in 2004, and the farm, which was also the subject of a second documentary called The Farmhouse, has since been bought by Paul Thorp and his wife Jill.
The couple say they are dedicated to staying at the farm - despite the noise from the motorway.
He told the BBC: 'Some days I wish I could switch (the motorway) off, but I haven't found the off-button yet! We just have to live with it, it's not going to go away is it?
Bill Shorten has signalled he may cut family welfare in a bid to balance the budget when a mother-of-eight questioned him on the campaign trail ahead of the July 2 Double Dissolution election.
The Opposition Leader was quizzed at a Brisbane forum on Wednesday night by the mother concerned about proposed cuts to the $3139 annual family tax benefit Part B.
'I'd like to say that everything can stay as it is but I think with the budget challenges we've got that promise can't be made,' Mr Shorten told the mother-of-eight.
Bill Shorten signalled there may be cuts under Labor to the $3139 annual family tax benefit Part B, which affects couple families - but not single or grandparent carers
The Opposition Leader made the suggestion at a Brisbane forum on Wednesday night (pictured) under questioning by a mother-of-eight
Labor has staunchly opposed the coalition's plan to cut the payment to parents with children over 13-years-old.
Mr Shorten said the opposition's focus on the payment was ensuring it went to those on incomes of less than $100,000.
He admitted some saving measures might be 'tough' and 'unpopular', according to Daily Telegraph, but insisted Labor's policy would leave families better off than under the coalition.
'We're going to be a much better bet than that other mob.'
Mr Shorten said the opposition's focus on the payment was ensuring it went to those on incomes of less than $100,000 (Mr Shorten pictured on Thursday)
Labor supported a cut to Part B of the benefit to coupled families, but not single parents and grandparent carers.
But it's still holding up legislation in parliament which abolishes a number of family bonus payments - about $700 for Part A and $350 for Part B.
'We will announce some new measures that better target family payments, while protecting those who need support the most. Families will still be better off under Labor,' a statement from the Labor campaign office supplied to Daily Telegraph said.
The coalition under Malcolm Turnbull want both supplements to be phased out by 2018 to pay for a childcare policy.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bill Shorten's office for comment.
Jon Platt was originally fined 120 for taking his daughter to Florida, but magistrates ruled that he had no case to answer because she attended school
The father who won a landmark case overturning a term-time holiday fine now faces yet another legal battle after the government ordered the local council to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Jon Platt originally won his case against the Isle of Wight Council at the High Court, where senior judges overturned the 120 fine he was given for taking his daughter to Florida.
However, they will now take the case tot he Supreme Court after the government - left red-faced by the ruling - offered to fund the case and provide legal counsel.
Mr Platt said he may lose his house if the expensive legal battle continues, and branded the appeal - which will be funded with cash meant for schools - 'a huge waste of taxpayers money'.
Mr Platt wrote on Facebook: 'UNBELIEVABLE!! The Isle of Wight Council, apparently on the Instructions of the DfE, have JUST announced a few minutes ago an appeal to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land!
'This is absolutely outrageous. A HUGE waste of tax payers money on an issue that is beyond any doubt. Utterly shocked.'
Jon Platt was originally fined 120 but magistrates ruled that he had no case to answer because she attended school regularly during the rest of the school year.
The local authority took the case to the High Court for clarification, and Mr Platt won the backing of the senior judges.
The ruling prompted the Government to announce that it would consider altering the law on absences during term-time, stipulated in section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996.
The fines were introduced by the former Education Secretary Michael Gove to improve attendance, but have angered many parents because of the huge mark-ups on holidays during school breaks.
The ruling was an embarrassing defeat for the government, and Minister of State for Schools Nick Gibb requested the council appeal to the Supreme Court with Department for Education funding.
After winning his case, Minister of State for Schools Nick Gibb has requested the council return to court to appeal against the decision, and has promised Department for Education (DfE) funding and legal counsel
An Isle of Wight Council spokesman confirmed that they today formally submitted papers to appeal the May 13 ruling, and the DfE will meet all the costs, which Mr Platt described as a 'blank cheque'.
If the appeal is granted, the DfE will then seek to become a joint party in the proceedings.
Mr Platt said he feared losing his home if costs were awarded against him, if the council won the appeal.
Mr Platt (pictured with fiancee Sally Barclay) posted on Facebook: 'UNBELIEVABLE!! The Isle of Wight Council, apparently on the Instructions of the DfE
He said: 'This is just staggering, absolutely staggering. The decision at the High Court was overwhelming, it was embarrassing for the council, they did not announce they would seek to appeal and they are only appealing because they have a blank cheque for future costs as well as the costs they have already spent.
'The consequences for me could be horrendous, it's a shocking position. They can spend whatever they like on this and I am one guy on his own trying to fight an army of QCs being paid out of taxpayers' money.
'They lost at the magistrates, they chose to go to the High Court and each time it ratchets up, it gets ever more risky for me when the other party has a bottomless pit.
'They could spend hundreds of thousands of pounds while I am not entitled to legal aid so I have a chance of losing everything as the costs are going to follow the decision.
'I am faced with this extreme situation and I can't extricate myself from this. I hope it does go to the Supreme Court as I have confidence in the justices to make the right decision.'
Council leader Jonathan Bacon said: 'Our initial response was not to expend further Isle of Wight Council money on pursuing an appeal.
'However, as a result of the formal request from the minister, the local and national importance of this issue, and the DfE's commitment to cover all the costs of the appeal and contribute to the council's previous costs, we have decided to lodge an appeal in order to resolve the issue for all.'
A DfE spokeswoman said: 'Children's attendance in school is non-negotiable.
'The evidence is clear that every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil's chance of gaining good GCSEs which has a lasting effect on their life chances.
'Unauthorised absence during term time doesn't just have an impact on the child's education, but also on teachers and other children.
Supporters of 'The Elephant Man' are calling for him to be buried in his home city of Leicester
In his lifetime the Elephant Man was exhibited as a freak show and displayed for all to see.
But more than a century after his death, a campaign is growing for Joseph Merrick to be given the dignity of a Christian burial.
His skeleton, which clearly shows the deformities that led to him being called the Elephant Man, is currently on display for medical students at Queen Mary University of London.
The university says this is in accordance with his wishes, but his current supporters suggest he would far rather have been buried with his family in his home city of Leicester.
Mr Merrick, who died in 1890, is believed to have suffered from Proteus Syndrome, a rare condition that causes overgrowth of skin, bone and muscle.
Born in Leicester, he began to develop abnormalities during his childhood, and his grotesque appearance and ginormous head made him an outcast.
He was only 5ft 2in tall but his head was vast, 36in in circumference, his forehead disfigured by bulges of bony material.
Masses of pink flesh protruded from his mouth, making his speech almost incomprehensible. His skin was covered in warts that gave out a terrible stench.
In his early twenties Mr Merrick joined a travelling freak show and ended up on display in a shop in East London.
He was later treated at Royal London Hospital where doctors realised that Mr Merrick, far from being 'feeble minded', was an intelligent and sensitive man.
He died from his worsening condition at the age of 27.
But his death parallels his life - and his skeleton has been on display for medical students at the hospital ever since.
Now supporters of the 'Elephant Man' have demanded he be brought back to Leicester to receive a proper Christian burial.
The Queen Mary University of London, part of the Royal London Hospital, claims Mr Merrick 'expected to be preserved after his death' - and will keep the skeleton.
But Valerie Howkins, 83, the granddaughter of showman Tom Norman, who discovered Mr Merrick, wants the authorities to bury his bones in his home city.
She told the BBC: 'It's just so sad that he had his flesh stripped from his bones and has been mounted in a glass cabinet for 120 years against his will.
'There was just no question when he died that he would go back to Leicester to be buried.'
She added how the reburial of Richard III in Leicester had made her 'doubly anxious' for Mr Merrick to be buried with dignity.
At the same time, Mrs Howkins is campaigning to clear the name of her grandfather, who has been portrayed in numerous accounts of Mr Merrick's life - including the 1980 film starring John Hurt - as a cruel man who exploited his disfigurement for his own gain.
She said she was 'incensed' by the fact her grandfather has been maligned for exploiting Mr Merrick - when he agreed to join the fairground circuit.
At the time, for many disabled or visibly different people, freak shows were their only means of making a living, since no one else would employ them.
She explained: 'My grandfather was a good man, a devoted father of nine, who treated his performers with decency and compassion, but most of all as human beings.'
She also said he 'never agreed' for his skeleton to be put on show in a glass case.
In his early twenties Mr Merrick joined a travelling freak show and ended up on display in a shop in East London
Jeanette Sitton, who founded the Friends of Joseph Carey Merrick, also wants him to be buried in Leicester.
'As Joseph Merrick was a devout Christian we know for a fact he would have wanted to be laid to rest,' she said.
'It's an almost certainty. We know he was a devout Christian and we know he did have a strong faith.'
After the Elephant Man's death, his friend and doctor Frederick Treves dissected his body and mounted his skeleton in the hospital's pathology department.
The skeleton including its large bulbous skull, is kept in a glass cabinet - which the university said is to 'allow medical students to view and understand the physical deformities resulting from Joseph Merrick's condition'.
Although it is not open to the public, medical students and doctors can book an appointment to view the skeleton.
The University defended its role and said: 'Those viewing the skeleton are expected to consider Mr Merrick's feelings and gain experience of the considerable challenges of living with his condition.
'It is understood that Joseph Merrick expected to be preserved after his death, with his remains available for medical education and research.
'As custodians of his remains, the university regularly consults with his descendants over their care.'
Mr Merrick believed his deformities were caused by his mother being frightened by an elephant when she was pregnant.
After joining the freak show in his early twenties, news eventually reached Frederick Treves, a surgeon in the London Hospital, who asked to view him privately.
Not long after, police shut down the show and Mr Merrick was taken on by an Italian showman - who stole all his money and abandoned him in Brussels.
Penniless and sick, he returned to London, unable to speak.
At Liverpool Street Station he attracted such a crowd that police were called. He handed them the visiting card he had kept from Dr Treves, who invited him to live in the Royal London Hospital.
After a high profile fund-raising campaign, he was given a room in the hospital where he began to attract visits from prominent members of society, including Princess Alexandra.
His appearance has become an urban legend and is the subject of the 1980 film and, more recently, a critically acclaimed play with Hollywood star Bradley Cooper.
Throughout the 125 years since his death there has been much speculation as to his condition.
Early diagnoses posited he had a combination of rare skin disorders while in the early 20th Century it was broadly accepted that he suffered from neurofibromatosis type I.
A former substitute teacher wept as she admitted sexting and performing oral sex on several of her high school students.
Linda Hardan of Prospect Park, New Jersey, is facing five years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree sexual assault and two counts of child endangerment as part of an agreement with prosecutors.
At one point during the hearing, the 22-year-old was sobbing so uncontrollably the judge gave her a moment to compose herself.
Former substitute teacher Linda Hardan from Prospect Park, New Jersey, wept in court as she admitted sexting and performing oral sex to former high school students. The 22-year-old (pictured in court in December 2014) is facing five years behind bars
She sent sexually explicit photos of herself to a 16-year-old student at a Haledon public school in November 2014.
Hardan, who graduated from Manchester Regional High School, also performed oral sex with another student of the same age and admitted that she engaged in similar sexual activity with a 14-year-old student the same month, the New Jersey Record reported.
Gyselle Da Silva, a Passaic County senior assistant prosecutor, said the state would recommend a sentence of up to five years in prison as part of the plea agreement.
When Hardan completes her prison sentence, she would be subject to registration and supervision requirements as a sex offender under Megans Law, and would be placed on lifelong parole.
Hardan was first arrested on November 21 after the unidentified teenager she reportedly assaulted in Wayne a day earlier complained to the police.
The 22-year-old sent sexually explicit photos of herself to a 16-year-old student at a Haledon public school in November 2014. She also performed oral sex with another student of the same age and admitted that she engaged in similar sexual activity with a 14-year-old student the same month
She also questioned in December 2014 after taking an eighth-grader to a location in nearby Paterson.
Following her arrest and subsequent charging, she was released on $200,000 bail in early December 2014 and has been required to wear an ankle-bracelet monitor.
The mother of a nine-month-old baby who was left permanently disabled after his stepfather, 33, bashed him hopes her ex-partner 'dies in jail'.
Eduardo Varas was sentenced to 13 years for the attack in Penrith Local Court with a non-parole period of eight and a half years.
The baby's mother left her child at a western Sydney home with her then partner Eduardo Varas, 33 for one hour on July 6, 2014.
When she returned she saw her young son's 'lifeless body surrounded by paramedics' according to Nine News.
Eduardo Varas, 33, put a 9-month-old boy he was asked to mind for an hour in hospital and hurt him so badly he was permanently disabled
The baby boy was so badly beaten he needed to have part of his skull removed and a shunt put into his brain
The left side of the baby's skull had to be removed to make way for a shunt in his brain, according to 7 News.
A leading trauma Doctor from Westmead Children's Hospital said the baby boy suffered three acts of violence including severe shaking, a blow to the abdomen and a hard knock to the head.
The head trauma could have been caused by the boy's head being smashed into a hard surface.
Varas will be placed in protective custody because the child's biological father is in the prison system
The boy's mother was furious with the sentence which could see Varas out of jail in eight and a half years.
'He's a monster how can you look at someone that could do that to my baby.'
'We've been given a life sentence... it's really not good enough,' she said.
A Pakistani mother who burned her teenage daughter alive as punishment for eloping to marry her boyfriend proudly shouted about her murder in the street afterwards.
Parveen Rafiq, tied her daughter Zeenat, 18, to a cot, doused her in kerosene and set her alight in the family home in Lahore, eastern Pakistan.
Mrs Rafiq then went outside and began shouting on the street to neighbours that she had killed the teen for bringing shame on her family, while beating her chest.
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Mother murder: Parveen Rafiq, tied her daughter Zeenat, 16, to a cot, doused her in kerosene and set her alight as punishment for eloping to marry her boyfriend.
Zeenat's 'crime' was getting married to her partner Hasan Khan, a motorcycle mechanic, before a court magistrate last month, Police official Sheikh Hammad said.
'Perveen killed her daughter Zeenat Bby burning her alive around 9:00 am on Wednesday,' Haidar Ashraf, a senior police official told AFP.
Khan's ethnicity - he is an ethnic Pashtun, while Zeenat was a Punjabi - was the main cause of the family's disapproval, according to the Rafiq family.
Zeenat's husband Khan told local TV station Geo News that the pair had eloped, but he had reluctantly allowed her to return to her family home after they promised they would hold a celebration and not harm her.
He said: 'After living with me for four days following our marriage, her family contacted us and promised they would throw us a proper wedding party after eight days. Then we would be able live together.
Burned alive: Zeenat Rafiq died after her mother and brother tied her up and set her on fire in the family home in Lahore, eastern Pakistan
Bragging rights?: After the killing of her daughter, Mrs Rafiq began shouting on the street to neighbours that she had killed the teen for bringing shame on her family, while beating her chest
Honour killing: Punjabi Zeenat's 'crime' was getting married to her Pashtun boyfirned Hasan Khan, a motorcycle mechanic, and her mother said the teenager had brought shame on the family
Perveen Rafique in the custody of Pakistani police after confessing to the murder of her daughter
'Zeenat was unwilling to go back to her home and told me that she would be killed by her family, but later agreed when one of her uncles guaranteed her safety.
'The day we eloped she had been abused, there was blood on her nose and on her lips,' Hassan told CNN. 'She was in distress; she asked me to take her away and marry her.'
'After two days, she called me and said that her family had gone back on their word and asked me to come to get her, but I told her to wait for the promised eight days. Then, she was killed.'
Hassan's mother Shahida Khan said that Rafiq's family 'had promised that not even one hair on her head would come to harm.'
'We called up her uncle and he told us that they will bring her back to us themselves -- we trusted them,' she told CNN.
Hassan Khan, her husband of 11 days, today buried his wife, who was found to have smoke in her lungs suggesting she was still alive when she was set on fire.
'We went to her house, she was gone, she was finished and they had thrown her burnt body on the stairs,' he said.
Ashraf, the police official, said Perveen and other family members had confessed to the crime and that police had seized kerosene oil from the scene.
At the victim's two-bedroom family home in a low-income southern neighbourhood of the city, Perveen's family remained defiant.
Naseem Bibi, Perveen's younger sister, told AFP: 'After killing her daughter, Perveen went out on the street, took off her shawl and started beating herself on her chest, shouting: 'People! I have killed my daughter for misbehaving and giving our family a bad name.'
'My sister declared a long time ago she would not allow her daughter to marry a Pashtun,' she said.
Family members comfort Hassan Khan, center, the husband of Zeenat Rafiq, at his home in Lahore, Pakistan
Defiance: Hassan Khan, shows his marriage certificate, proving that he married Zeenat in a civil ceremony, something which greatly angered her family
Fears: Mr Khan says his wife Zeenat had begged him not to let her family take her back to their house, as she feared they would kill her as punishment for eloping
The victim's sister Shazia also blamed Zeenat for defying her mother, but said she had urged her mother to cut ties with her instead of killing her.
Perveen's husband died several years ago and her relationship with her daughters had deteriorated, according to Shazia.
'Our mother became distressed because of her daughter's disobedience and because she felt there was no man in the house to rein her in.'
Nearly 1,000 women are killed each year in so-called 'honor killings' in Pakistan for allegedly violating conservative norms on love and marriage.
Last week, a 19-year-old teacher was tortured and burned alive for refusing to marry the son of her boss - a man twice her age.
Maria Sadaqat,was attacked in the village of Upper Dewal, outside the capital Islamabad, on Monday night, and died two days later as a result of injuries.
Local residents gather outside the home of Parveen Rafiq, who has confessed to killing her daughter for refusing to have a traditional wedding
The ambulance transporting the body of Zeenat Rafiq drives to the morgue of a local hospital in Lahore
Ms Sadaqat had recently been forced to leave her teaching job at the school, after the principal had begun harassing her when she turned down the proposal from his son, who was 'twice her age'.
Before she died, she managed to give a statement to the police, testifying that five attackers had broken into her home, dragged her out to an open area, beat her and set her ablaze.
The prime suspect in the case her former boss and the father of the man she refused to marry and the other four are all in custody.
A month earlier, police arrested 13 members of a local tribal council who allegedly strangled a girl and set her on fire for helping a friend elope. The charred body of 17-year-old Ambreen Riasat was found in a burned van.
he will run against Nationals minister Luke Hartsuyker
If he does
federal MP expected to run for seat of Cowper
, it has been reported
Rob Oakeshott has been considering contesting at the July 2 election, it has been reported.
The former independent federal MP is expected to run for the north coast NSW seat of Cowper against Nationals minister Luke Hartsuyker, according to The Australian.
Rather than run for his former seat of Lyne, the Nationals believed that Mr Oakeshott would run for Cowper because his hometown of Port Macquarie has been moved out of the Lyne electoral division.
Rob Oakeshott (pictured) has been considering contesting at the July 2 election, it has been reported
Nominations closed on Thursday with the electoral commission set to announce the candidates for each seat at midday on Friday.
When asked by The Australian Mr Oakeshott declined to comment on rumours, but did not rule it out.
Regarding Mr Oakeshott running only three weeks before the election Nationals state director Nathan Quigley said: 'I think he'd be mad- but that's never stopped him before,' The Daily Telegraph reported.
Mr Oakeshott retired from parliament ahead of the election in 2013.
It was believed he was a great chance to lose his seat of Lyne, citing the demands of running a regional seat as an independent.
Jay Mortimore was jailed for three years after being found with 1,000 LSD tablets when police searched him believing he may have been carrying fake money
The father of a family awarded thousands of pounds in compensation after they were forced to cancel their holiday abroad because fellow passengers refused to let them sit together is a convicted drug dealer.
Jay Mortimore was jailed for three years after being found with 1,000 LSD tablets when police searched him believing he may have been carrying fake money.
When they raided his home in Exeter, Devon, they discovered 2,000 of drug money hidden in his freezer and a lethal knuckleduster stashed in his car.
He was hauled to court and sent to prison - a sentence that he claims helped him turn his life around and transformed him into 'one of the top heavyweight cage fighters in the country'.
Speaking to The Sun today, he said: 'I am a hard worker and I have nothing to do with drugs any more. I just work and provide for my family.
'In 2008 I went to prison and I have done my time and I was away from my family for 14 months.
'Of course, I regret it, but it is in my past.
'I changed my life around. I fought across the world and had major sponsorship deals. I have imparted my knowledge to train others. There is no way I would have been able to do that if I was still into drugs.
'I could not have done anything like that if I was still involved in crime.'
The 35-year-old was yesterday celebrating after being awarded more than 4,000 in compensation following the cancellation of his family's half-term break to Tenerife.
He and wife Carolyn had spent 2,300 to head to the sun with children Brayden, seven, and Ryley, 12 - only to be kicked off their flight because there was not enough space.
The 35-year-old was celebrating after being awarded more than 4,000 in compensation following the cancellation of his half-term break to Tenerife. He and wife Carolyn spent 2,300 to head to the sun with children Brayden, seven, and Ryley, 12 - only to be kicked off their flight because there was not enough space
They were initially denied full compensation for their holiday last week - but EasyJet and Thomas Cook made a U-turn and offered them nearly twice the original cost of the getaway.
It came after the family suffered the heartbreak of arriving back from the airport after their failed trip to find that their beloved dog had to be put down.
Following the publicity and a massive outpouring of public sympathy, the travel giants agreed to give the Mortimores 3,640 plus 600 worth of holiday vouchers.
Mr Mortimore, 35, said: 'It's not the holiday we wanted, but they have done us a good deal and given us back more than we paid.
'We are still angry, especially as the boys have gone through it hard this week no matter how much money they give us.
'It's all gone crazy since we shared our story. It's still rubbish what we've been through but we're trying to make the most out of it.
They were initially denied full compensation for their holiday last week - but EasyJet and Thomas Cook made a U-turn and offered them nearly twice the original cost of the getaway
Brayden, who was hoping to go on his first foreign holiday, and Ryley, watch as their flight departs without them
'Later in the year we may use the holiday vouchers to go away for a long weekend or maybe we might have a small holiday next year in Spain.'
EasyJet had initially defended its policy of overbooking flights to limit the effect of no-shows, but later performed a U-turn.
A spokesman said: 'We protect families from any overbooking, so this situation should simply not have occurred.
'We should have been able to seat the Mortimore family together to enable them to travel and they will be fully compensated for their experience.
'EasyJet does everything it can to seat families together and has a sophisticated algorithm which seats families together more than 99 per cent of the time.
'On the rare occasion where this hasn't been possible we'll ask passengers onboard to move to accommodate families with young children. It is very rare that passengers aren't prepared to do so although this was the case on this flight.'
Thomas Cook added in a statement: 'Once we became aware we contacted them to offer our full support.
'We have reassured the family that we are taking this matter seriously, and that we have asked EasyJet to investigate why this occurred.
Ministers admitted today that the number of polling cards sent to non-eligible EU nationals and under-18s was 5,000 - 40 per cent higher than they previously said.
But Cabinet Office minister Oliver Letwin insisted the problem has now been 'cured' as he told MPs the Government will ensure the issues will not be repeated at future elections.
Last week the elections watchdog said 3,462 polling cards had been issued in error - EU nationals and even a 17-year-old girl among those sent voting slips despite being barred from taking part in the June 23 referendum.
Reports have emerged of referendum polling cards being sent to EU citizens who are not eligible to vote in the poll on June 23
EU nationals living in the UK are allowed to vote in council and European elections but they are barred from voting for MPs or in the referendum.
But numerous examples emerged last week of EU nationals being sent polling cards by their local councils.
Officials revealed a 'glitch' in election software called Xpress used by several councils failed to properly record the nationality of some voters.
The Electoral Commission said none of the affected voters would be allowed to take part on polling day.
WHO IS ALLOWED TO VOTE IN THIS MONTH'S REFERENDUM? The people on Gibraltar have been given a vote in this month's referendum despite not usually taking part in general elections Laws implementing this month's referendum based the franchise for the historic vote on who can vote in general elections. This includes all British and Irish citizens but excludes EU nationals who are living in the UK via free movement rules. EU nationals are allowed to take part in local and European Parliament elections. The rules create surprising anomalies - such as Nick Clegg's wife, the Spanish lawyer Miriam Gonzalez Durantez, who cannot vote. In addition, the European Union Referendum Act allows peers to vote and also extends the franchise to the population of Gibraltar who, given their close proximity to Spain, will be enormously affected by the result. Advertisement
Mr Letwin confirmed the scale of the problem as the Commons pushed through emergency legislation to extend the deadline to register to vote in the EU referendum to the end of Thursday.
The Government registration website crashed close to the original deadline of midnight on Tuesday, resulting in thousands of people being unable to submit their applications.
David Cameron caused outrage by deciding to reopen voter registration for 48 hours, despite the website only being down for 105 minutes.
The move allowed 240,000 people to sign up for a vote yesterday, over half of whom are under the age of 35.
With research showing younger voters are more likely to back Britain staying in the EU, some Brexit campaigners have suggested the Government is trying to 'rig the referendum' by extending the deadline.
Addressing concerns over polling cards being sent to ineligible voters in today's debate, Conservative MP Henry Smith told Mr Letwin: 'In terms of the checking of those who are eligible to vote, with large numbers seeking to be on the electoral roll, I from my constituency have had a number of reports of EU nationals being sent postal voting papers and also, just last night, somebody calling me to say their daughter who was 17 years old had received voting papers.
'What sort of assistance will be provided to electoral services officers and returning officers to ensure the vote is secure in that sense?'
Mr Letwin, in his reply, said: 'There has been, in a few cases, a problem with the issue of votes to people who were not eligible for voting.
'That problem has now been inspected and cured, and we need to make sure that in future elections it doesn't happen.'
Conservative former cabinet minister Liam Fox, a leading Leave campaigner, asked Mr Letwin: 'You say this problem of ballot papers being issued to those not eligible to take part in this election has been identified and cured.
'Can you therefore give us an idea of the scale of the problem? How many of these wrong ballot papers were issued?'
Mr Letwin replied: 'We believe it to be around 5,000. Nationally.'
As 240,000 extra voters register on the first day of the extended window to sign up for the EU referendum, Cameron is accused of 'desperate cheating' and 'rigging' the vote
Nearly a quarter of a million people registered to vote on the first day of the extended window to sign up for the EU referendum - five times more than the number of people who were blocked when the website crashed.
Brexit campaigners accused David Cameron of 'desperate cheating' by extending the deadline for 48 hours, despite the website being down for just 105 minutes on Tuesday night.
The move has allowed 240,000 people to sign up for a vote, over half of whom are under the age of 35.
Brexit campaigners accused David Cameron (pictured visiting Hitachi Rail Europe in County Durham today) of 'desperate cheating' by extending the deadline for 48 hours, despite the website being down for just 105 minutes on Tuesday night
The government data (pictured) shows that more than half of the 240,000 people who signed up to vote on June 8 were under the age of 35
With research showing younger voters are more likely to back Britain staying in the EU, some Brexit campaigners have suggested the Government is trying to 'rig the referendum' by deciding to reopen voter registration by an extra two days.
MPs rushed through emergency legislation this afternoon to extend the deadline to midnight tonight and afterwards the Prime Minister again told his Twitter followers to make sure they are registered.
A total of 238,903 people registered yesterday, including 6,262 expats, with thousands more expected to take advantage of the extended deadline to register today.
This is far higher than the estimated 50,000 people who attempted to register during the 90 minutes when the website was down, which the Cabinet Office blamed on 'unprecedented demand'.
Pro-Brexit Tory MP Michael Fabricant said the decision to extend the deadline by two days to compensate for 90 minutes 'seems like desperate cheating' by the Government.
A total of 238,903 people registered on June 8, including 6,262 expats, according to government data (pictured)
Pro-Brexit Tory MP Michael Fabricant said the decision to extend the deadline by two days to compensate for the 105 minutes website glitch 'seems like desperate cheating' by the Government
Fellow Leave Tory campaigner Bernard Jenkin said the move by the Government was on the 'cusp of legality'.
THE DANCE STUDENT WHO MISSED DEADLINE BY JUST SIX MINUTES Student Jordan Parker tried for more than two hours to register before finally managing to do so six minutes past the deadline after the website started responding. The dance student called the website crash 'ridiculous' and said he had a friend in a similar situation. He added: 'I'm pleased with Cameron's comments but it has to be done. They are left with no other choice. It isn't just me, there are thousands of people. 'It's ridiculous they are saying they didn't expect the overwhelming numbers of people using the website. Concert websites run fine, this is a lot bigger than a concert. It is the biggest vote of my generation. 'I am hopeful it will now mean I can vote.' The De Montfort University student said he tried to register at university last week, but did not have access to his National Insurance number until he arrived home on Tuesday night. He said: 'This is the earliest I could get back and try to register.' Advertisement
Brexit campaigners are considering making a legal challenge of the 48-hour extension - and potentially the outcome of the June 23 vote.
The millionaire Ukip donor and co-chairman of the Leave.EU Brexit campaign group signalled he would bankroll a judicial review of the move if the result is close enough to be affected by the extra sign-ups, many of whom are expected to be in favour of staying in the EU.
The insurance tycoon Mr Banks said: 'For the Government to alter election law during an election period is absolutely unprecedented and unconstitutional.
'This isn't some democratic initiative, it's a desperate attempt by the Establishment to register as many likely Remain voters as possible before polling day.
'Terrific efforts have been made to target young people, thought to be more sympathetic to the EU, while older voters who backed Remain in 1975 but have grown heartily sick of the bloc after 40 years of broken promises were given a body swerve.'
He added: 'Taken together, we believe that the above constitutes a clear attempt to rig the referendum or, at a bare minimum, to load the dice.
'We believe it is unconstitutional at best and have been advised that with legitimate cause we could challenge this extension.
'We are therefore considering all available legal options with our legal team, with a view to potentially launching a judicial review now and after the outcome of the referendum on 23 June.'
A plane with a Vote Leave banner flies above the Royal Cornwall Show today, with more than 100,000 visitors expected to attend this year's show
The Prime Minister urged his Twitter followers today to make sure they are registered for the June 23 vote
David Cameron (pictured left at the Hitachi Rail Europe factory in Country Durham today and left, arriving at the company in the Britain Stronger In Europe battle bus) was accused of trying to 'rig the referendum' by extending the deadline to register to vote
Britain enjoys biggest surge in exports for 13 years as Brexit fears spark sharp falls in the value of the pound
Britain enjoyed the biggest surge in exports for more than 13 years in April after Brexit fears sparked sharp falls in the value of the pound.
Official figures showed exports jumped by 9.1 per cent between March and April to hit 26.1 billion, the fastest month-on-month growth since January 2003.
This helped the UK's overall trade gap to narrow to 3.3 billion in April, the smallest since September, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Import and exports: The UK's trade deficit narrowed to its lowest level since September last year in April
With the figures revealing that more than half of exports go to non-EU countries, the Vote Leave campaign said it proved Britain could thrive outside the EU.
It also said the ongoing trade deficit with the EU - with Britain importing more goods from the continent than it sells in return - means a free trade deal will be in Europe's best interests after a Brexit vote.
The surge in exports comes after the pound has weakened ahead of this month's EU referendum, making British goods more attractive to overseas buyers.
Sterling hit a three-week low against the US dollar on Monday, falling as much as 0.9 per cent to 1.43 dollars, after polls showed the Brexit campaign gaining the lead, although it has since bounced back to 1.45 dollars after fresh surveys put the Remain camp ahead.
Partners: Germany and the US were the UK's main trading partners in the three months to April
Goods trade: The UK's trade deficit with the EU increased in April, while it narrowed with non-EU countries
The ONS said exports by volume leapt higher in April, rising by 11.2 per cent, the biggest increase since records began in 1998.
April's deficit in goods alone shrunk to 10.5 billion from 10.6 billion in March.
Steve Baker from the Vote Leave campaign said: 'The latest statistics show the trade balance is overwhelming in favour of the UK securing a free trade deal with the EU.
'After we Vote Leave, we will be part of the free trade zone that exists from Iceland to Turkey, but we won't have to give up control of our economy, democracy and borders while facing an EU bill of over 350 million a week.'
With the figures revealing that more than half of exports go to non-EU countries, Vote Leave's Steve Baker (pictured) said it proved Britain could thrive outside the EU
But the Remain campaign said today's trade figures reinforced how important membership of hte EU is, with 47 per cent of UK goods exports going to the EU - an 8 per cent month-on-month increase.
Former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie said: 'These latest statistics show the continued importance of the EU single market to British jobs and the economy.
'All the experts are clear, being in the EU's free trade single market is vital for British exporters and investment, creating jobs and opportunities, and ensuring the financial security of British families.
'Vote Leave need to come clean and admit that quitting the EU's single market area would be rolling the dice on our economic future.'
The overall trade deficit narrowed from a downwardly revised 3.5 billion in March, despite a 2 billion rise in imports to 36.6 billion, the ONS said.
Britain's trade gap has been in sharp focus amid the EU referendum debate, with the Remain camp warning trade could suffer if the UK votes to leave.
But the latest figures show the UK's reliance on the EU for trade may not be as great as suggested, with exports to non-EU countries accounting for more than half the total, reaching a new monthly record of 14 billion.
Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at IHS Insight, said: 'The April trade data lift hopes that UK exporters will increasingly be helped by the overall marked weakening of the pound over the coming months.'
He added that the figures, together with recent robust sales on the high street, suggest UK growth may hold up better than feared in the second quarter.
He is forecasting growth to remain unchanged at 0.4 per cent, having previously predicted a slowdown to 0.2 per cent-0.3 per cent.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said the improved trade deficit was a 'step in the right direction', but stressed there was 'more to do'.
It wants to get 100,000 more UK companies exporting by 2020 as part of a wider aim to export 1 trillion a year within the next four years.
David Kern, chief economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said the trade deficit remains 'unacceptably large'.
watch in horror as he violently smashes the kitten against brick
Sickening footage shows a man smashing a defenceless kitten against a brick wall in anger after police evicted him.
The brutal man and his family who were squatting in rundown buildings in Plekhanovo, a village in south-western Russia's Tula Oblast region, had been caught stealing gas from the local government.
The horrifying video shows the man in his twenties standing outside a house and carelessly picking up the tiny brown tabby kitten.
The brutal man and his family who were squatting in rundown buildings in Plekhanovo, a village in south-western Russia's Tula Oblast region, had been caught stealing gas from the local government
The horrifying video shows the man in his twenties standing outside a house and carelessly picking up the tiny brown tabby kitten
The assembled policemen watch his progress but are evidently completely unprepared for what happens next.
Holding it up in the air, the callous man shouts: 'This little kitten is a person too!'... and violently hurls the kitten against the side of the house - killing it instantly - before walking off like nothing happened.
The unnamed man was apparently trying to show the officers that the animal was just like him and that he did not want to lose his home - although quite how his murderous action was supposed to help his cause is unclear.
All it did was shorten the patience of the policemen who immediately stormed into the home to arrest him and take him away.
The entire gypsy village is being torn down due to their dire state and because they are illegally connected to the local gas supply. So far as many as 11 buildings in Plekhanovo have been demolished.
Local media said the man was facing a 800 (80,000 RUB) fine and a possible 3-year jail sentence but reports did not reveal what he was being charged for.
The assembled policemen watch his progress but are evidently completely unprepared for what happens next
Holding it up in the air, the callous man shouts: 'This little kitten is a person too!'... and violently hurls the kitten against the side of the house
The poor animal slams into the wall and bounces off - killed instantly on impact
He then walks off like nothing happened. The unnamed man was apparently trying to show the officers that the animal was just like him and that he did not want to lose his home
Jeremy Corbyn ramped up his campaigning for a Remain vote today amid criticism that he is half-hearted about our EU membership.
The Labour leader took questions from Bimingham University students and visited a Sikh temple with his deputy Tom Watson.
There has been mounting speculation that Mr Corbyn could face a leadership challenge if the looming referendum delivers a Brexit vote.
George Osborne, one of the leading figures in the Remain campaign, was also out on the campaign trail today.
Pictured mucking out a stable on a visit to a farm in the Scottish Borders, the Chancellor accused the Leave campaign of presenting a 'mean-spirited, divisive and negative view of the Britain' with its immigration.
Jeremy Corbyn attended a community meeting at the Guru Har Rai Gurdwara Sahib temple in West Bromwich today
George Osborne was also out campaigning today, pictured here mucking out stables on a visit to a farm near Galashiels in the SCottish Borders. He accused the Leave campaign of presenting a 'mean-spirited, divisive and negative view of the Britain' with its immigration
The veteran left-winger moved to head off growing criticism that his pro-EU campaigning has been half-hearted yesterday, signing up for a town hall style event to be broadcast on Sky News.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned today that Labour had a 'monumental' responsibility to keep the UK in the Brussels club - although he also stressed that he thought Mr Corbyn had been 'working his socks off'.
Talking to student nurses in Birmingham, Mr Corbyn said both sides in the referendum campaign were guilty of 'wildly exaggerated claims'.
'It is up to the public to get themselves informed,' he said. 'People need to think quite seriously about it.
'We're trying to reach out, but it's drowned out by utterly exaggerated claims in both directions.
'I don't join in with that.'
Mr Corbyn came under fire last week after giving a speech in which he attacked the Government's 'prophecies of doom' about the potential economic fallout from Brexit.
However, speaking to the next generation of nurses, he said he was 'for remaining' and claimed Britain risked a future as an 'insular, isolated place' if it opted for a divorce from Europe.
After speaking to Birmingham City University students on Thursday, he was asked by reporters if he believed the Remain and Leave campaigns were as bad as one another for 'exaggerated claims'.
He said: 'No, I think the Leave camp are probably worse on this.
'But I just ask people to think about the fundamental of this question.
'The fundamental is that if we stay in the European Union we're in a position to argue for improvements, argue for changes and to maintain a good economic relationship with Europe.
'If we leave there is a big question mark about what happens to an awful lot of jobs in Britain.'
The Labour leader was accompanied by deputy Tom Watson, MP for West Bromwich East, on the visit
The Labour leader dispensed with shoes and socks for the visit, while his deputy chose to keep his feet covered
Mr Corbyn, wearing a pro-EU badge, served food to worshippers at the temple
Mr Corbyn has ruled out sharing a platform with the Prime Minister to argue the case for Britain to stay in the EU.
Asked if there was a divide in the Remain camp between him and David Cameron, he said: 'Oh, me and David Cameron are not in agreement on many, many matters.'
Campaigning for Labour In For Britain, Mr Corbyn was joined by shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander on the visit to the university campus.
The politicians watched Eastern European nursing students from the Erasmus Exchange programme, on a week-long UK placement, demonstrate a patient transfer.
Afterwards, Mr Corbyn took questions from a group of students in their final year of studies.
He told them: 'I'm for remaining in the European Union to continue these relationships but also to improve working conditions across Europe and protect the social chapter.
'When so much trade and jobs depend on the EU we've got to think very carefully.'
Mr Corbyn also said he was committed to the future of the NHS, and claimed there would be 'less money for the NHS if we left the EU'.
He told students: 'I am totally committed to the NHS, it's the most civilised thing we have in Britain.
'The principle of universal healthcare, free at the point of use.'
Asked what would happen if Britain voted to leave, Mr Corbyn added: 'We'll become a more insular, isolated place.
'That's not to say everything is perfect within the EU, it isn't.'
Mr Corbyn and Mr Watson - whose leadership has been branded the 'Tom and Jerry show' - also went to the Guru Har Rai Gurdwara Sahib temple in West Bromwich.
Both men observed the rule that shoes must be removed - but Mr Watson kept his socks on while Mr Corbyn opted to go barefoot.
The leader also served food to worshippers during the visit.
During his visit to Scotland today, Mr Osborne attempted to paint the Brexit campaign as de-facto Ukip, who he claimed was 'taking over' the Leave side of the debate.
He said: 'What I see is that the Nigel Farage tendency is taking over their argument and you're increasingly getting this Farage version of Britain, with this talk of bodies washing up on the seashore and women being at risk of sexual assault from migrants,' he said.
'It is pretty disgusting and we want to say no to it.
'We want to say this is not the country we are, we are a country that is big and bold and strong and united.
'We want to say no to this mean-spirited, divisive, negative view of Britain that you get from Nigel Farage and co.'
Johnny Depp is looking to add even more cash to his estimated $400million fortune with news the actor is selling off his pricey collection of Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings.
Christie's announced in a press release on Thursday that Depp would be unloading parts of his collection at auction in London later this month.
He will be selling nine works in all, which he assembled over the course of 25 years, with most of the pieces completed in 1981 by the famed street artist.
The auction comes amidst Depp's very public divorce from wife Amber Heard, and her claims that he was abusive throughout their relationship.
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For sale: Johnny Depp (above with estranged wife Amber Heard in February) is auctioning off nine of his paintings by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Pricey meat: One of the paintings, Pork (above), is expected to fetch up to $5million
Among the pieces being sold by Depp is Basquiat's 1981 piece Pork, which was painted on a wooden door and is expected to bring in between $3.5 - $5million.
'Nothing can replace the warmth and immediacy of Basquiat's poetry, or the absolute questions and truths that he delivered,' said Depp of the artist.
'The beautiful and disturbing music of his paintings, the cacophony of his silence that attacks our senses, will live far beyond our breath.'
Depp and Heard were married in 2014 and she filed papers asking for a divorce in May after 15 months of marriage.
The couple did not have a prenuptial agreement which entitles her to half the money he made over the course of their relationship, which looks to be somewhere between $20 and $30million.
Heard, 30, had also asked a judge for spousal support and her legal fees to be covered during the divorce, but that was rejected by the court.
Depp, who turned 53 on Thursday, has been overseas touring with his band Hollywood Vampires and his next project looks to be the monster film The Invisible Man.
Heard meanwhile is preparing to take on her biggest role to date as Mera, the queen of the sea and Aquaman's love interest, in the upcoming Justice League and Aquaman movies.
Once Kaitlin is ready, he suspends her from a metallic frame
Its certainly not for the squeamish but volunteers in Croatia have been testing their body's pain threshold through an extreme new form of body piercing.
On the rooftop of an empty building in Zagreb, Dino Helvida carefully pierces his client Kaitlin's torso, legs and face before putting hooks through her skin.
Once Kaitlin is ready, he suspends her from a metallic frame, leaving her heavily tattooed body dangling horizontally in the air.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Shocking: Its certainly not for the squeamish but volunteers in Croatia have been testing their body's pain threshold through an extreme new form of body piercing
Once Kaitlin is ready, he suspends her from a metallic frame, leaving her heavily tattooed body dangling horizontally in the air
Helvida, 27, is a professional piercer and body suspension expert from Bosnia Herzegovina, who for the last six years has been hanging up the bodies of those brave enough to partake in what is an extreme form of body piercing, sometimes for hours.
The process is carefully done, and in this case Helvida works with his girlfriend Zorana. It involves first piercing the skin with needles, putting through metallic hooks, which are then attached to a thin rope to lift the suspendee off the ground.
'You can do one hook or you can do 100. You have different hooks for different positions and different hooks for different body parts,' Helvida told Reuters.
'So everything is really calculated and it's safe.'
It took Helvida around an hour to prepare Kaitlin, visiting Zagreb from the United States, for suspension.
Prepared: Helvida, 27, is a professional piercer and body suspension expert from Bosnia Herzegovina
Relaxing: Kaitlin, 28, appears the epitome of calm moments before she was hooked up
Painful: For the last six years, she has been hanging up the bodies of those brave enough to partake in what is an extreme form of body piercing, sometimes for hours
'It is painful. Piercing is painful, it's just like regular piercing,' Helvida said
Just hanging out: Kaitlin hangs from the metal hooks attached to the frame in the Croatian city of Zagreb
Devotees say the practice gives them a huge sense of well-being, and Kaitlin did not complain of discomfort once.
'It is painful. Piercing is painful, it's just like regular piercing,' Helvida said. 'Every time it's a new piercing and the wound heals really fast, it can heal in two weeks. I had hooks in my forehead and nobody can tell I had them.'
How long a person remains suspended varies, depending on their position and how they feel. 'Some people stay for four, five hours, some people need only three seconds,' he said.
In Zagreb, body suspension - which has elements of fetishism and performance art - is not as popular as in some other places such as the United States, according to Helvida, whose main business is body piercing.
'I watched a documentary (about body suspension) and when I saw it, I knew I had to do it,' he said. 'It's very hard to explain (what it feels like). For me, it's releasing all the negative and bringing all the positive in.'
Selfie time! The tattoo-lover said that the experience was quite painful and similar to a regular piercing
Ouch: Devotees say the practice gives them a huge sense of well-being, and Kaitlin did not complain of discomfort once
The 400 members of the Familiensport-und FKK-Bund Waldteichfreunde Moritzburg nudist group fear their lifestyle will come under threat (stock image)
Nudists in Germany have voiced concerns over proposals to construct a refugee shelter beside their beloved colony.
The 400 members of the Familiensport-und FKK-Bund Waldteichfreunde Moritzburg nudist group fear their lifestyle will come under threat when the migrant home opens.
They have cited the recent history of sexual assaults by refugees in Germany as an issue that makes them deeply uneasy about the proposal to construct the 1million building overlooking their getaway.
All the naturists choose to spend their time together in the nude.
Treasurer Petra Hoffman said: 'Since 1905, our more-than-400 members maintain a traditional way of life, the culture of nudity.
'I do not know if it wise to set up the asylum home here.'
Others said the introduction of the shelter would result in them moving away from the colony.
The regional government has confirmed that it is looking into the concerns of the nudists.
However, they insist the accommodation, in Mortizburg in the east of the country, will not be used in the summer months, when most nudists attend the retreat.
Kerstin Thoens, a spokeswoman for the district office of Meissen regional council, also said a large privacy screen would be erected to help further put the nudists at ease.
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She said: 'With mutual respect and tolerance there is certainly a way for peaceful coexistence.'
Germany has encountered a number of shocking migrant related incidents in recent months.
At New Year, hundreds of women were sexually assaulted in and around Cologne's central train station.
Germany has accepted more refugees than any other country in Europe, taking in 1.1 million in 2015, mostly due to Chancellor Angela Merkel's much criticised open-door policy
That same month, two elderly passengers on the Munich Metro were attacked by a group of young men of Middle Eastern appearance as they tried to protect a woman from being sexually harassed.
And just today, a refugee camp in Dusseldorf was burned down by migrants amid claims they were angry they had not received a wake-up for Ramadan breakfast.
The NYPD arrested a Citi bike rider on Wednesday night who was on his way to a blind date while attempting to 'penetrate' a road block set up for President Obamas motorcade in Manhattan.
However, judging by video of the cyclist being tackled by the cops and handcuffed, he was completely oblivious to the fact he was riding into a major security situation.
Daniel Provencio, 59, was riding across the city while listening to 'Call Me Maybe' on his way to a blind date when he was knocked over by the NYPD who were guarding the route of Obama's motorcade.
Daniel Provencio was riding across town on a blind date when he tried to cross the route of Obama's motorcade and was knocked to the ground by the NYPD and arrested and losing his latest chance of love
'Stop!': Cops signal a New York man on a Citi bike to stop before tackling him to the ground in Manhattan
While there were no visible blocks in place, the road had been closed for the Presidential motorcade
Footage shows an officer lunging at the biker and tackling him to the ground, before arresting him
Restrained: The incident occurred seconds before the motorcade came along 50th Street
Speaking to TMZ, Provencio revealed he had just arranged to meet another guy using an online dating website.
However, after spending several hours being quizzed by authorities, his potential date had lost interest and went home.
Provenico added: 'Manhattan men are huge on punctuality.'
Captured by a witness, the cellphone footage shows an officer lunging at the man as he approached the intersection of 50th Street and Park Avenue shortly after 6pm.
The road itself was not physically blocked, just the sidewalk, as the cyclist made his way down.
Officers on scene shouted and signaled for him to stop before grabbing him.
The man was then held down and arrested, as a secret service agent stood close by, as seen in the video.
Obama was in New York to tape an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Roads were temporarily closed all over Manhattan during peak-hour traffic as the motorcade made its way through.
The video shows the man being held down on the ground and handcuffed as a secret service agent watches
Official business: The incident occurred seconds before the motorcade came along 50th Street
Citi bike, New York's bike share system, was launched in 2013 and is the largest of its kind in the nation, NBC New York reported.
On the show President Obama called on Democrats to start 'pulling things together' in an appearance on Jimmy Fallon as sources say Elizabeth Warren will endorse Hillary Clinton and has not ruled out serving as her running mate.
Obama's first public comments at the end of the divisive primary fight came during a taped appearance on NBC's Tonight Show.
The president said he hoped that divisions between Democrats would start to heal in coming weeks, now that his former secretary of state has clinched the party's nomination for the presidential election.
Road blocks everywhere: Traffic banked up all over Manhattan on Tuesday night as streets all over were closed for the Presidential motorcade
President Barack Obama rides up Lafayette Street in his limousine for a fund raiser in New York City
However, the president did not explicitly endorse Clinton or call for rival Bernie Sanders to drop out.
Instead, he praised Sanders for bringing 'enormous energy' to the party and said he thinks the fight made Clinton a better candidate.
Obama also acknowledged that there are plenty of bruised feelings after the bitter fight and says it may take some time for Democrats to unite against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
'My hope is that over the next couple of weeks we're able to pull things together,' Obama said in his first public remarks since primary election wins on Tuesday in California and elsewhere propelled Clinton to victory over rival Sanders after a hard-fought, months-long campaign.
Joe Biden has praised the Stanford rape victim for her 'breathtaking' bravery and 'solid steel spine' after she spoke out against her attacker
Vice President Joe Biden has led politicians and celebrities who have lent their support to the Stanford rape victim after her attacker was sentenced to six months in jail.
Biden praised the 23-year-old woman, who has so far chosen to remain anonymous, for her bravery in speaking out in court against attacker Brock Turner, 20.
He was joined by the likes of California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who questioned the leniency of the sentence, and Texas representative Ted Poe who called for the removal of Judge Aaron Persky.
Elsewhere Chirlane McCray, wife of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio led a live reading of the victim's statement in court that included the likes of Sex and the City actress Cynthia Nixon.
Girls star Lena Dunham also offered her support, as did Brie Larson, who won an Oscar for her role in 'Room', in which she plays a woman who is kidnapped and raped.
In his open letter to Buzzfeed, Biden paid tribute to the woman's 'breathtaking' bravery, while at the same time attacking a 'broken culture' that allowed the attack to happen in the first place.
He wrote: 'I am filled with furious anger-both that this happened to you and that our culture is still so broken that you were ever put in the position of defending your own worth.
There has been widespread outcry at the case, including from Chirlane McCray, wife of New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (left), and actress Cynthia Nixon (right), after Brock Turner was sentenced to just six months in prison
Lena Dunham also led the Girls cast in honoring the victim while using the case to raise awareness about sexual violence against women
'It must have been wrenching to relive what he did to you all over again. But you did it anyway, in the hope that your strength might prevent this crime from happening to someone else.
'Your bravery is breathtaking. You are a warrior with a solid steel spine.'
In a touching tribute to the two Swedish students who stopped the attack when they happened upon the scene outside a frat house, he added: 'Thanks to you, I know that heroes ride bicycles.'
Biden is a longtime advocate for sexual assault victims who wrote the 1994 Violence Against Women Act.
Elsewhere, in a moving address to congress, Poe said bluntly that Judge Persky 'got it wrong' in sentencing Turner to just six months in jail, calling for him to be removed and for a longer sentence.
He said: 'His sentence is a mere six months in prison and three years probation, because the judge said a prison sentence would have a severe impact on him. Well isn't that the point?
'A prison sentence for rape should be longer than a semester in college.
'The defendant's dad called it a "steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action." Clearly Brock is a chip off the old block, and daddy will never be named "father of the year".'
Ted Poe, a congressman from Texas, spoke out against the sentence today, calling for Turner to serve more time and for Judge Persky to be removed
Turner (left and right) was convicted of taking the victim from a frat party, partially stripping her, digitally penetrating her, and then dry-humping her unconscious body behind some dumpsters
Poe added: 'Too often the focus is on defending and protecting and excusing defendants like Brock Turner.
'The entitlement mentality, being a good college athlete and self righteousness do not trump justice.
'In six months when Brock Turner is out of jail he will return to his life, the life of the victim may never be the same.'
Meanwhile Harris said she is concerned that the victim's voice 'was not heard' at the trial, and said there does not appear to be enough mitigating factors to justify the sentence.
She said: 'When someone is facing 14 years, which is what I believe was the exposure in this case, there has got to be extraordinarily mitigating facts to reduce it down to what I believe ended up being six months.
'And I don't know if the facts actually merit that kind of mitigation.'
The case also struck a nerve internationally. Social media users in China have begun protesting Turner's sentence on the networking site Weibo.
The posts frequently include images of women holding signs with messages of indignation, such as: 'It is rape when she's unconscious.'
Referencing Turner's swimming career and former Olympic hopes, another says: 'It is still rape when he is a good swimmer.'
Judge Persky, along with another municipal judge Margaret Quinn who wrote a letter in support of Turner, say they have both received threats because of their involvement in the case.
Meanwhile others, such as school counselor Kelly Owens and musician Leslie Rasmussen, a childhood friend of Turner, have both rowed back on statements they issued supporting him.
Persky has been prohibited from speaking out because Turner is appealing his conviction.
A fearsome Mexican drug cartel used a prison as an execution camp to kill 150 of their enemies, officials said yesterday.
Jailed members of the notorious Zetas gang are said to have worked with guards to bring kidnap victims into Piedras Negras prison, near the US-Mexico border.
There, victims were murdered and their bodies doused in fuel and incinerated in drums in different parts of the prison, said Jose Juan Morales, an official in the Coahuila state prosecutor's office.
Jailed members of the notorious Zetas gang are said to have worked with guards to bring kidnap victims into Piedras Negras prison, near the US-Mexico border. Pictured, police outside the jail in 2012
Ashes were often disposed of in a nearby river, officials said.
While some 150 are thought to have been murdered behind prison walls between 2009 and 2012, according to the Daily Telegraph, investigators have only uncovered the remains of seven victims.
The prisoners acted with the complicity of the guards, coming and going as they pleased, according to Mr Morales.
Gang members also allegedly manufactured 'tactical clothing' - including bullet-proof vests - and drove modified vehicles within prison grounds.
Gang member Ramon Burciaga Magallanes, who was jailed for kidnapping, has been identified as the ringleader of the prison operation.
He is one of five prisoners who have been arrested over deaths in the jail. They are accused of participating in the murders of the seven victims whose remains have been uncovered.
Coahuila has become one of Mexico's most violent states over the past decade. In 2012, more than 130 inmates escaped from the same prison in a massive breakout tied to organized crime.
Mexico's human rights ombudsman says as many as six out of 10 prisons in the country are controlled by members of organized crime.
Overcrowding, a shortage of guards and corrupt officials are frequently cited as reasons for the poor state of prison security.
A senior U.S. defense official says NATO troops are not at all prepared for a hypothetical face-off with Russia in the powder keg of Europe.
Michael Carpenter, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, spoke in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday about the current state of NATO forces in eastern Europe, where tensions are rising as Russia ramps up its military presence in the region.
Four months ago, the RAND think tank released a concerning report, speculating that it would take Russian forces just 60 hours to overtake NATO in the Baltic region.
A senior U.S. defense official says NATO troops are not prepared to defend the Baltic region from Russian forces. The news comes amid a two-week NATO exercise in eastern Europe. Above, Polish Army soldiers carry flags of some of the countries participating in the exercise on June 6
When Senator Cory Gardner asked Carpenter about the RAND report, Carpenter said that it was indeed true that NATO is not prepared.
However, Carpenter said that the U.S. could help beef up NATO presence in the region and make for a more even playing field by next year.
'Im confident by the end of 2017, when we have an additional armored brigade combat team worth of force posture on the eastern flank of the alliance, that we will be,' Carpenter said.
Carpenter's statements come as NATO carries out the largest war games exercise in Europe since the Cold War.
One thousand British troops, 12,000 Polish troops and 14,000 American troops, among other nations, are taking part in the two-week-long exercise aimed at 'checking the alliance's ability to defend its eastern flank'.
Russia has responded to the large-scale military exercise by sending a mass of troops westward, towards the border with Ukraine, where they are building a new military base.
Barack Obama's spokesman described the FBI's probe into Hillary Clinton's classified email scandal as a 'criminal investigation' on Thursday, less than an hour after the president endorsed his embattled former secretary of state to succeed him.
Josh Earnest told reporters during a White House press briefing that Obama was committed to keeping his hands off the investigation, trusting career investigators and prosecutors to follow evidence wherever it leads.
'That's what their responsibility is,' Earnest said. 'And that's why the president, when discussing this issue in each stage, has reiterated his commitment to this principle that any criminal investigation should be conducted independent of any sort of political interference.'
OOPS: White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Thursday that President Obama won't interfere with 'any criminal investigation' like the one Hillary Clinton faces over classified documents in her private emails
HE SAID WHAT? Clinton has referred to the FBI probe as a routine 'security inquiry,' resisting the idea that she could face criminal charges as she makes her run for the White House
A search Thursday through White House briefing transcripts for similar acknowledgements turned up none.
Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Short crowed to reporters that 'the White Houses admission that the FBI is investigating Hillary Clintons email server as a "criminal" matter shreds her dishonest claim that it is a routine "security inquiry".'
'This is another reminder of her reckless conduct as Obamas secretary of state, where her attempt to skirt government transparency laws exposed highly classified information and put our national security at risk.'
Obama gave Clinton his official nod Thursday in a video message, saying: 'I know how hard this job can be. That's why I know Hillary will be so good at it. In fact, I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office.'
In the press briefing that followed, a Fox News Channel reporter challenged Earnest on the question of whether civil servants in the U.S. Department of Justice might see the presidential endorsement as a signal that it was time to wrap up their investigations.
Clinton has been dogged for more than a year by charges that she exposed state secrets to hackers and foreign governments by keeping all her email correspondence on a private homebrew server while she was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013.
Depending on evidentiary nuances, that could violate the U.S. Espionage Act and subject Clinton to 10 years in prison, even if she put classified documents in an 'unsecured' location through simple negligence.
Clinton said Wednesday that she 'absolutely' will not face a criminal indictment.
More than 2,000 such documents have been identified in State Department reviews of emails that Clinton turned over in late 2014 nearly two years after she was supposed to. She also deleted more than 32,000 messages, unilaterally deeming them 'personal' in nature.
Earnest insisted that 'the reason that the president feels confident that he can go out and make this endorsement and record a video in which he describes his strong support for Secretary Clinton's campaign is that he knows the people who are conducting the investigation aren't going to be swayed by any sort of political interference.'
'They aren't going to be swayed by political forces. They know that their investigation should be guided by the facts and that they should follow the evidence where it leads. The President has complete confidence that that's exactly what they'll do,' he said.
The reporter asked Earnest whether or not Obama had ever discussed the FBI investigation with Clinton, who is now the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee.
'He has not,' the president's spokesman answered.
A police investigation is underway after two people and a dog were found dead on a boat on the Norfolk Broads.
Officers were called at around 4pm today over concerns that the boat had been moored for a long period without any sign of life on board.
Officers found the bodies of the two people and a dog inside the vessel, which was moored on the River Bure beside Wroxham Island on Wroxham Broad.
The boat has been sealed off while a probe begins and the deaths are being treated by Norfolk Police as 'unexplained'.
A police investigation is underway after two people and a dog were found dead on a boat on the Norfolk Broads. Officers were called at around 4pm today over concerns that the boat had been moored for a long period without any sign of life on board
Scenes of crime officers were ferried out to the remote spot by a boat to begin a search for clues.
The 20ft long cruiser is thought to have been tied to wooden posts on the island which act as 24 hour mooring points.
One possibility is that the people and the dog might have been poisoned by carbon monoxide from a faulty heater.
But police are understood to have not discounted the possibility that they could have fallen victim to crime.
Either end of the 50ft wide channel at the side of the island was cordoned off with fenders and scenes-of-crime tape as police began their investigation.
The flat-bottomed Hemsby lifeboat which responds to incident on the Norfolk Broads was also scene to the scene along with Coastguards.
Hemsby lifeboat second coxswain Gerard Roadley-Battin said: 'The island is around a mile from the village of Wroxham.
'A lot of hire craft come through the area. People start off in Wroxham and come down this way rather than going under a shallow bridge.
Officers found the bodies of the two people and a dog inside the vessel, which was moored on the River Bure beside Wroxham Island on Wroxham Broad
'For many people, it is the start of their Norfolk Broads holiday. They cannot move their boats at night, so people moor up at spots like this.
'It is not uncommon to see people mooring up for a rest or a spot of fishing.
'It could have been the case that a boater got suspicious that something was wrong after going past three times and seeing the boat still moored up.
'We were despatched by the Coastguard and when the crew arrived we realised there was two deceased and a dead animal on board.
'I don't know whether it was a privately owned boat or a hired cruiser.'
Mr Roadley-Battin added: 'Boats now have to be serviced if they have gas on board for cooking or heating.
The boat has been sealed off while an investigation begins and the deaths are being treated by Norfolk Police as 'unexplained'
'A lot of boats have gas and there is a potential for poisoning. At the moment, the deaths are unexplained so we just do not know.'
A local scout leader with scouts who were meeting to go kayaking on the Broad said: 'Wroxham Island is mainly reed and marsh.
'There are wooden posts where people can moor overnight. You can walk on the island, but there is not a lot to see.'
The island is around 600 yards long and between 10ft and 50ft wide and is around 400 yards from the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club.
The spot where the boat was found is around a mile from where a couple died in a murder and suicide on a hired cruiser in September 2012.
Scenes of crime officers were ferried out to the remote spot by a boat to begin a search for clues
The spot where the boat was found is around a mile from where a couple died in a murder and suicide on a hired cruiser in September 2012
American-born John Didier, 41, strangled hospice nurse Annette Creegan, 49, on the first night of their holiday while her 13-year-old daughter was asleep.
An inquest heard how he weighted down the body of Ms Creegan from Mitcham, Surrey, and dumped her in the River Bure near Salhouse Broad. He later drowned himself
A Norfolk Police statement said: 'Police were called to attend a boat on Wroxham Broad at 4pm this afternoon following concerns for safety due to the length of time the vessel had been moored in that location.
'On attendance officers found two people and a dog deceased within the boat moored near Wroxham Island.
'A seal has been put in place around the area whilst officers from Great Yarmouth CID determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
'Due to the early stages of police enquiries, the deaths are being treated as unexplained at this time. Any further updates will be issued proactively.'
The family of a Pakistani teen burned alive in an honour killing promised her new husband they would 'not harm a hair on her head' days before tying her to a bed and setting it ablaze.
Zeenat Rafiq, 18, died after her mother and brother tied her to a cot, doused her in kerosene and set her alight in the family home in Lahore, eastern Pakistan on Wednesday.
Hassan Khan, her husband of 11 days, who she married in a civil ceremony without her family's knowledge, today buried his wife, who was found to have smoke in her lungs suggesting she was still alive when she was set on fire.
He told CNN: 'Her relatives came and we told them that we're married now. They said, 'That's fine,' and asked us to send her home,' he said.
Burned alive: Zeenat Rafiq died after her mother and brother tied her up and set her on fire in the family home in Lahore, eastern Pakistan
Family members comfort Hassan Khan, center, the husband of Zeenat Rafiq, at his home in Lahore, Pakistan
Defiance: Hassan Khan, shows his marriage certificate, proving that he married Zeenat in a civil ceremony, something which greatly angered her family
'Her cousin gave the guarantee that nothing would happen to her. We were not sending her otherwise.'
The couple, who had eloped after knowing each other for five years, lived together at Mr Khan's family home for just three days after they were married when Zeenat's mother Parveen and her uncle pleaded with her to come home.
Hassan's mother Shahida Khan said that Rafiq's family 'had promised that not even one hair on her head would come to harm.'
'We called up her uncle and he told us that they will bring her back to us themselves -- we trusted them,' she told CNN.
Parveen Rafiq was arrested after her daughter's body was discovered and has since confessed to killing her daughter for refusing to have a traditional wedding. She is being held on suspicious of murder and her brother Ahmer Rafiq is being sought by police to answer a similar charge.
Zeenat's 'crime' was getting married to her partner Hasan Khan, a motorcycle mechanic, before a court magistrate last month, Police official Sheikh Hammad said
They asked her to have the marriage ceremony repeated in a traditional family function, instead of being labelled her whole life as someone who had 'eloped', Hammad added.
Mr Khan told the local Geo News TV station that his wife had feared the worst.
'Don't let me go, they will kill me,' Khan recounted his wife telling him.
Fears: Mr Khan says his wife Zeenat had begged him not to let her family take her back to their house, as she feared they would kill her as punishment for eloping
The marriage certificate that was to lead to a death: Hassan Khan, husband of Zeenat Rafiq who was burnt alive by Zeena'ts mother, shows their marriage certificate in Lahore, Pakistan
Nearly 1,000 women are killed each year in so-called 'honor killings' in Pakistan for allegedly violating conservative norms on love and marriage.
Last week, a 19-year-old teacher was tortured and burned alive for refusing to marry the son of her boss - a man twice her age.
Maria Sadaqat,was attacked in the village of Upper Dewal, outside the capital Islamabad, on Monday night, and died two days later as a result of injuries.
Ms Sadaqat had recently been forced to leave her teaching job at the school, after the principal had begun harassing her when she turned down the proposal from his son, who was 'twice her age'.
Local residents gather outside the home of Parveen Rafiq, who has confessed to killing her daughter for refusing to have a traditional wedding
The ambulance transporting the body of Zeenat Rafiq drives to the morgue of a local hospital in Lahore
Before she died, she managed to give a statement to the police, testifying that five attackers had broken into her home, dragged her out to an open area, beat her and set her ablaze.
The prime suspect in the case her former boss and the father of the man she refused to marry and the other four are all in custody.
A beloved family dog was shot and killed by deputies who went to the wrong house in response to a domestic disturbance call.
Debra Blackmore said Buddy, her 11-year-old Husky-Labrador Mix, did not even have a chance to bark before a deputy in Hesperia fatally shot him on Monday afternoon.
Authorities said as deputies approached the home, the dog was immediately aggressive and they thought he was going to attack so they shot him, according to The Los Angeles Times.
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Debra Blackmore said Buddy, her 11-year-old Husky-Labrador Mix (pictured), did not even have a chance to bark before a deputy in Hesperia fatally shot him on Monday afternoon
In tragic scenes from the incident, Buddy is pictured in a pool of blood. Authorities said as deputies approached the home, Buddy was immediately aggressive and they thought he was going to attack
In a Facebook post recalling the ordeal, Blackmore wrote Buddy did not have a chance to bark before he was shot. She asked for the public to share the post, letting 'people know wrong this was'
'It's totally wrong. It was not necessary,' an emotional Blackmore told NBC Los Angeles.
However, deputies later realized they had gone to the wrong home in response to the call.
On Monday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said deputies were called to a home in the 7300 block of Redwood Avenue at 12.34pm after a neighbor reported a domestic disturbance, but they ended up going to Blackmore's home by mistake.
Investigators said their was confusion over which was the correct home in regards to the call and that deputies were cautious as they approached the house.
'It being a fenced yard, thinking there might be dogs there, they rattled the fence,' San Bernardino County Sheriff Lt. Brad Toms told NBC Los Angeles.
Initially, authorities said it appeared there were no dogs at the home so they entered the gate and then encountered two small dogs.
Blackmore is pictured as she sobs while recounting the incidents that led to Buddy's death
On Monday, the deputies were called to a home in the 7300 block of Redwood Avenue at 12.34pm after a neighbor reported a domestic disturbance, but they ended up going to Blackmore's home by mistake
However, as they got closer to the home, Buddy followed in behind the other dogs with sheriff's officials saying he was 'immediately aggressive toward the deputies,' the Times reported.
Sheriff's officials said they thought Buddy was going to attack so one of the deputies shot him.
Blackmore said at the time her son and brother-in-law were at the home with Buddy and four other dogs.
'Buddy didn't have a chance to bark. They shot him with their 45. Didn't let any one see Buddy for 10 min,' Blackmore wrote in a Facebook post on Monday.
In an audio recording of the incident, a dog can be heard barking loudly before one single gunshot is fired, NBC Los Angeles reported.
When one of the men came out of the home to talk to the deputies, that is when deputies realized they had gone to the wrong home, according to the Times.
Blackmore said animal control officers determined Buddy needed to be taken to a veterinarian, but she said her family could not afford it.
'So our family dog lay bleeding to death while they removed the officer who shot him,' Blackmore wrote on Facebook.
Lt Brad Toms (pictured) said when deputies approached the home, they rattled the fence to alert any animals on the property
Following the ordeal, she said the sergeant in charge said 'they went to the wrong house and sorry.'
She also pleaded for the public to share her post and 'let people know how wrong this was.'
The sheriff's department has called the incident an 'unfortunate situation.'
Capt Greg Wielenga has offered to help the family with 'whatever steps,' according to the Times.
'The department and the officers involved in this unfortunate situation all recognize the emotional impact the loss of a family pet has on this family and we extend our deepest sympathies,' the department said in a statement.
'The officers involved in this incident feel terrible about what occurred but felt they had no other reasonable option at the time.'
However, Blackmore and her family are still outraged that something like this could happen.
'They just seem to think that, "Oh well, sorry,"' Blackmore told NBC Los Angeles.
'That needs to stop. They need to do their job better.'
After sitting out the Democratic primaries, Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Hillary Clinton for president on Thursday.
'I'm ready to get in this fight and work my heart out for Hillary Clinton to become the next president of the United States and to make sure that Donald Trump never gets anyplace close to the White House,' she told cable talk show host Rachel Maddow on MSNBC.
Her moment of jumping off the fence came just hours after President Barack Obama gave Hillary Clinton his own formal endorsement in a video, saying 'I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office.'
Warren has loomed in the background of Clinton's hard-fought primary against Sen. Bernie Sanders.
The senators are both darlings of the progressive left, but Warren seemed destined to embrace Clinton, woman to woman, however reluctantly.
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Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. gestures to the crowd after speaking at the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy 2016 National Convention on Thursday in Washington where she blasted Trump
A fired-up Warren endorsed Hillary Clinton on Thursday during an appearance on MSNBC
That's the ticket: Clinton and Warren talk during a confirmation hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2013
She resisted repeated 'draft Warren' efforts to get into the race, only to watch Sanders' own campaign transform into a nationwide movement.
Warren was the only female Democratic senator not to be swept up by the Clinton juggernaut until Thursday.
'Having a female fighter in the lead is exactly what this country needs,' she said on MSNBC.
'For 25 years ... the right wing has been throwing everything they possibly can at her. What she's done is she gets back up, and she gets back in the fight. You also have to be willing to throw a punch, and there are a lot of things people say about Hillary Clinton, but nobody says she doesn't know how to throw a punch.'
Warren later Thursday launched into an attack on Trump while speaking at the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy 2016 National Convention.
Warren used the far-left safe harbor of the Rachel Maddow Show to publicly embrace Clinton
She pointed to The Donald's comments about U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel who is overseeing two fraud cases against Trump University - calling the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, saying: 'Donald Trump is a loud, nasty, thin-skinned fraud who has never risked anything for anyone and who serves no one but himself.'
She added: 'Trump is picking on someone who is ethically bound not to defend himself exactly what you'd expect from a thin-skinned, racist bully.'
Trump has said that Curiel should be ashamed of himself but Warren was quick to point the finger at Trump.
'No, Donald you should be ashamed of yourself, ashamed.
'Ashamed for using the megaphone of a Presidential campaign to attack a judge's character and integrity simply because you think you have some God-given right to steal people's money and get away with it. You shame yourself and you shame this great country.'
Vice President Joe Biden also echoed Warren's remarks at the event, calling Trump's conduct 'reprehensible,' 'racist' and that the situation 'smacks of authoritarianism'.
Warren speaks at the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy 2016 National Convention
Warren launched into an attack on Trump, pictured, while speaking at the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy 2016 National Convention on Thursday
Warren has increasingly been using criticism of Curiel to launch a broadside against congressional Republican leaders and Trump.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin have condemned Trump's claims that Judge Curiel can't preside fairly over a case involving Trump University because the U.S.-born Curiel is of Mexican descent and Trump wants to build a wall with Mexico.
'Judge Curiel is one of countless American patriots who has spent decades quietly serving his country, sometimes at great risk to his own life. Donald Trump is a loud, nasty, thin-skinned fraud who has never risked anything for anyone and serves nobody but himself. And that is just one of the many reasons why he will never be president,' Warren says.
Warren withheld her endorsement for months, as every other female Democratic senator got on board. Pictured above on Thursday
During the MSNBC interview Warren also praised Sanders, singling him out for broadening the Democratic Party's appeal to a new audience of young and politically hungry progressives.
'He brought millions of people into the political process. Millions into the Democratic party, and for me, that's what this is all about,' Warren said.
'I also think what Bernie Sanders did was just powerfully important. He ran a campaign from the heart, and he ran a campaign where he took those issues and really thrust them into the spotlight.'
Sanders had today met with Obama before the President announced he was backing Clinton. After the meeting Sanders committed to staying in the Democratic race until the last primary but said he would work with Clinton to ensure Trump does not become president.
Sanders and his wife Jane conclude a rally outside of RFK Stadium in Washington after his meeting with Obama on Thursday
Warren praised Sanders for appealing to a young and politically hungry progressives. Above Sanders is pictured at a rally in Washington on Thursday after meeting with Obama
Sanders said he would meet with her 'in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump.'
'I spoke briefly to Secretary Clinton Tuesday night, and I congratulated her on her very strong campaign,' he told reporters.
After Obama met with Sanders he endorsed Clinton today in a video the Democratic presidential candidate posted to her Twitter.
It had been shot on Tuesday but was not released until today.
In it Obama praised Clinton and congratulated her 'on making history' as the first female Democratic nominee.
'I dont think theres ever been someone so qualified to hold this office. Shes got the courage, the compassion, and the heart to get the job done,' the president said.
Sanders is seen after meeting with Obama in the Oval Office to discuss the campaign with Obama
Obama and Sanders are seen above today at the Oval Office. After their meeting Obama released a video endorsing Clinton
Clinton said in a follow up tweet, 'Honored to have you with me, @POTUS. I'm fired up and ready to go! -H'. She also shared a Snapchat saying that the president says 'I'm with her' along with a picture of Obama and various speech bubbles offering backing her.
She also shared a Snapchat of his endorsement.
Obama will hold his first campaign event with Clinton on Wednesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, after the last Democratic primary on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
President Barack Obama endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in a video shot Tuesday but not released until today, pictured above
In the video Obama lists the reasons why he believes she is the right person for the job and among them says 'she's got courage'
Clinton shared a Snapchat on Thursday after Obama's endorsement. The president said: 'I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office'
As Clinton now focuses on uniting her fractured party after winning the California primary, forging a united front with Warren could help disgruntled Sanders supporters who are still licking their wounds.
There has even be a fresh round of talk about putting Warren on the ticket with Clinton, where she could serve as a younger alternative to the 74-year-old Sanders who doesn't have some of the baggage of being a Democratic socialist.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada has reportedly warmed to the prospect of Warren running on Clinton's ticket and favors the scenario.
He even commissioned a review of how to minimize the impact of Massachusetts law that governs Senate vacancies, since the state's Republican governor would get to appoint Warren's replacement if she left the Senate.
Several powerful unions, including the United Steelworkers, also have come on board.
Republican National Committee spokeswoman Lindsay Walters responded to the news by saying: 'By endorsing Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren has shown herself to be a sellout. Whether it's the Wall Street speech transcripts she refuses to release, her ties to the fossil fuel industry, or coziness with big banks, Hillary Clinton represents everything Elizabeth Warren supposedly stands against.'
Hillary Clinton is assembling a powerhouse team of surrogates, including Warren, Sanders, President Obama, and first lady Michelle Obama not to mention her own husband Bill Clinton
But the far-left Massachusetts Democrat says McConnell and Ryan are really no better than Trump on the issue of judges.
She cites what she contends is McConnell's blockade of President Barack Obama's judicial nominees including Supreme Court pick Merrick Garland, and Ryan's acquiescence in the strategy.
'Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell want Donald Trump to appoint the next generation of judges. They want those judges to tilt the law to favor big business and billionaires like Trump. They just want Donald to quit being so vulgar and obvious about it,' Warren says.
'Donald Trump chose racism as his weapon, but his aim is exactly the same as the rest of the Republicans. Pound the courts into submission to the rich and powerful.'
The liberal lawmaker increasingly has tangled with Trump, taking on a role that she seems able to execute more effectively than other Democrats, including presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Warren is the only female Democratic senator yet to officially back Clinton, but intends to make a formal endorsement in coming days, two sources with knowledge of her plans told The Associated Press late Wednesday. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.
Warren's ardent base of liberal supporters includes many who also backed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the 2016 race and may follow her lead more than that of any other leading Democrat, except perhaps for Obama.
'Trump isn't a different kind of candidate. He's a Mitch McConnell kind of candidate,' Warren said in her prepared remarks. 'Exactly the kind of candidate you'd expect from a Republican Party whose 'script' for several years has been to execute a full-scale assault on the integrity of our courts.'
Democrats and Republicans are in a seemingly endless dispute on judicial nominations, with each side claiming the other has been more obstructionist on the issue. Garland's nomination has languished since March while the Supreme Court, with eight justices instead of nine following Antonin Scalia's death, has issued a number of 4-4 rulings.
On Wednesday, Warren stood up on the Senate floor to challenge McConnell over the issue and try to move nomination votes by unanimous consent, but he denied her request and disputed her arguments.
'President Obama has had many more judicial nominees confirmed than President Bush did at the same point in his presidency,' McConnell said.
A devastated father broke down after calling 911 when he discovered his baby son had been murdered by the boys mother and demanded police officers let her out of their patrol car so he could kill her.
Scott Bass called authorities to report his fiance Tami Christianson had strangled their son Brody on Saturday.
King County Sheriffs Office deputies found the 16-month-old child dead at a home in the 1700 block of 264th Avenue Northeast in Redmond, Washington, KIRO7 reports.
Christianson, 36, is in custody at King County Jail in Seattle on $1million bail. She has been charged with second-degree murder.
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Scott Bass (pictured with Tami Christianson and Brody, left) called authorities to report his fiance had strangled their son on Saturday
After deputies took Christianson into custody, Bass wrote on Facebook that Christianson had murdered his only son
The couple, who live in Spokane, had been visiting Christiansons parents in Redmond at the time. Her parents and fiance were concerned about her ability to care for Brody, SeattlePI.com reports.
Bass put Brody down for a nap in his playpen around 3pm, according to probable cause documents.
Christianson entered the bedroom and emerged later with a dazed look on her face and with her clothes stained, according to police reports.
When Bass asked her what was wrong, she told him its done and that she did what she had to do.
The boys father then entered the room, where he found his son dead and the room soiled with vomit and feces.
He attempted CPR in a bid to save his son and called 911 and said the child had been choked by his mother, police said. A cause of death has not yet been determined.
During the call, he shouted murder and shouted: My girlfriend choked my baby!
As emergency personnel made their way to the scene, he reportedly continued to scream: She killed my son!
Bass put Brody (pictured left and right) down for a nap in his playpen around 3pm. Christianson entered the bedroom and emerged later with a dazed look on her face and with her clothes stained
When Bass asked her what was wrong, Christianson (pictured) told him that she did what she had to do
Deputies who arrived at the home at around 3.30pm on Saturday tried to interview Christianson, who reportedly repeated that she did what she had to do.
Bass was extremely emotional and deputies were forced to separate him from Christianson, according to police reports.
He repeatedly asked them to let her out of their patrol car, so he could kill her, SeattlePI.com reports.
Less than an hour later, he took to Facebook, writing: For everyone out there who thinks Tami Christianson is such a wonderful human being. I hope she rots in f****** hell!!! She just murdered my only son Brody. Her own son!!!!!!
Christianson does not have a criminal history, KIRO7 reports.
But her father told the station that Christianson, who has two others sons older than Brody, suffers from bipolar disorder and used to be addicted to prescription pills, but has been clean for three years.
According to charging documents, she has a history of suicide attempts and has also expressed a desire in the past to get rid of her son.
Christianson posed a clear danger to herself and others, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Hugh J. Barber wrote in court documents.
Bass (pictured with Brody) was extremely emotional and deputies were forced to separate him from Christianson
She also showed warning signs before her son was killed that had been ignored and has spoken about giving him up for adoption just a week before he died.
Christianson was spotted standing on the ledge of a skybridge last month, seemingly ready to jump.
After being involuntarily committed to Fairfax Behavioral Health in Kirkland, she was released with numerous pills to take.
When Brody was just two months old, she reportedly told his father: Im just going to kill that little f*****.
He reported the incident to police in Spokane, who reported there was no cause for concern.
Brodys grandmother mother Diana Bass has set up a GoFundMe page to help her son with burial fees and expenses.
She explained that he will be unable to return to his home in Spokane and will have to quit his job there.
This loss is due to one of the greater tragedies of mental illness in our society, she wrote. It is a heartbreaking situation on many levels when a mother is mentally unfit and society is ill-prepared to help in a meaningful way.
They were living in Spokane to help make ends meet. Scott, my son, cannot go back there now, she added.
All he ever wanted was a family and Brody was his life. Brody was the most precious happy go lucky boy. We are NUMB!!!
The 5,600 sq ft property includes a guest cottage and sits on acre of beach
Where Kerry hosted diplomats and heads of state, such as Tony Blair
Teresa bought the home with first husband Henry Heinz, who died in 1991
John Kerry and his wife have put her beloved Nantucket mansion on the market for $25million, a surprising move after spending much of his vacation there for the last two decades.
The estate has been owned by the family of Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, since 1982. Teresa and members of her family purchased it for $1.2m, when she was married to Sen John Heinz.
Kerry and Teresa would wed in the mansion in 1995, four years after the ketchup heir died in a helicopter crash.
The couple became a fixture of the wealthy island community 30 miles off Cape Cod in Massachusetts.
John Kerry and his wife have put their beloved Nantucket mansion on the market for $25million, a surprising move after spending much of his vacation there for the last two decades
The estate has been owned by the family of Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, since 1982. Teresa and members of her family purchased it for $1.2m
The mansion sits on an acre of beachfront land, with 5,600 sq ft of living space and a guest cottage in addition to the two-story main home.
There are five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms in the mansion, as well as an 81 st ft whirlpool, and two bedrooms and two bathrooms in the cottage, according to the Boston Globe.
The compound was the setting for the couple's famous annual July 4th party, and has hosted the likes of foreign diplomats and heads of states - including former British prime minister Tony Blair.
A special Secretary of State flag waves from a pole in the backyard when Kerry was in town, although he'd more often be spotted in the water sailing, wind-surfing and kite-boarding.
But there has also been scandals and bad memories at the mansion.
The mansion sits on an acre of beachfront land, with 5,600 sq ft of living space and a guest cottage in addition to the two-story main home
Kerry came under fire on the July 4 weekend of 2013 when he was photographed on his 76ft yacht near the estate. That same weekend Teresa suffered a seizure and had to be hospitalized.
Nearly 10 years earlier, footage of Kerry wind-surfing off the waters of the property were used in an attack ad during his presidential campaign against George W Bush that claimed he was a flip-flopper.
The sale comes at a time of major change for both Kerry and Teresa.
Kerry's time in the Obama administration will come to an end in January and Teresa will step down as chairwoman of Heinz Endowments in October.
The Secretary of State, currently on a diplomatic mission in China and the United Arab Emirates, would not comment on the sale.
He was last seen at the compound during the recent Memorial Day Weekend.
Kerry and Teresa wed at the mansion in 1995 and the couple became a fixture of the wealthy island
A grey-haired man attacked a woman with a hammer before dragging her and slamming her to the ground outside a shopping centre on Tuesday night.
The woman standing alone at 7.45pm in front of shops at Ringwood East, a Melbourne suburb, when she saw the man pull a balaclava mask over his face and run toward her with a hammer, Victoria police alleged.
Horrifying CCTV footage shows her grab the hammer and begin to wrestle with the man, aged between 50 and 60, when them put her in a headlock and pulled her across the road.
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Horrifying CCTV footage shows a graying middle-aged man allegedly attacking a woman in east Melbourne at 7.45pm on Tuesday (pictured)
The woman was standing alone in front of shops at Ringwood East when she saw the man, aged in his 50s or 60s, pull a balaclava mask over his face and run toward her with a hammer (pictured)
The man allegedly placed the woman in a headlock and threw her to the ground during the struggle (pictured)
A composite (pictured) of the alleged man has been released and police are asking for anyone with information to come forward
The woman continued to struggle as the man pulls her back across the roadway and throws her to the ground suddenly, CCTV footage shows.
'He has tried to choke her from behind when she screamed and alerted people in nearby shops,' Senior Constable David Price told The Herald Sun.
Two men are seen coming out of a shop, startling the man who police believe quickly left in a dark coloured twin-can truck and drove off without his headlights on.
'He has tried to choke her from behind when she screamed and alerted people in nearby shops,' Senior Constable David Price said
Police said the attack was random and the man didn't try and steal any of her belongings
Police said the attack was random and the man didn't try and steal any of her belongings.
The woman credited a self-defence course to her receiving only minor injuries during the fight, according to the Herald Sun.
'He is a disgusting human being and it's a horrible act,' she said.
The woman credited a self-defence course to her receiving only minor injuries during the fight
'He is a disgusting human being and it's a horrible act,' she said
A composite of the alleged man has been released and police are asking for anyone with information to come forward.
He is described as a Caucasian man who is about 185cm with a medium build and deep facial wrinkles.
Police said he was wearing dark jeans and a black hooded jumper.
A Texas high school valedictorian who revealed that she was undocumented on Twitter has claimed she didn't mean to cause offence.
Mayte Lara from Crockett High School in Austin, Texas, prompted a backlash when she tweeted: 'Valedictorian, 4.5GPA, full tuition paid for at UT, 13 cords and medals, nice legs, oh and I'm undocumented.'
The teenager has since spoken to reiterate that she does pay taxes and only wanted to highlight that anyone can overcome any obstacle.
She told the Austin American-Statesman: 'The reason I posted that tweet was to show others that you can accomplish anything, regardless of the obstacles you have in front of you.
'It was a common trend on twitter to highlight your success through a tweet like that, and I saw many other students from across the country doing the same and sharing the things theyd overcome, so I thought Id share mine.'
Mayte Lara from Crockett High School in Austin, Texas, prompted a backlash when she tweeted: 'Valedictorian, 4.5GPA, full tuition paid for at UT, 13 cords and medals, nice legs, oh and I'm undocumented'
The teenager has since spoken out, insisting she didn't mean to cause offence. She also wanted to reiterate that she does pay taxes and only wanted to highlight that anyone can overcome any obstacle
As the negative comments came in Lara was hurt and decided it best to distance herself.
'After seeing all the harassment going around, I thought it was best to just deactivate my twitter, in attempts to ignore the harmful comments,' she added.
'I dont know if Ill ever go back to Twitter, Ive realized that social media is filled with so many mean people, who always have something to say.
'But I just want everyone to understand that my tweet wasnt made to mock anyone. I just wanted to show that no matter what barriers you have in front of you, you can still succeed.
'And I do pay taxes, have a DACA which allows me to work and study here, and I have a social security number.'
Ms Lara's tweet soon went viral, with more and more people getting more and more angry about an illegal immigrant from Mexico getting a free scholarship to the University of Texas.
'Also, a lot of people think that because I used a Mexican flag emoji, Im not grateful for the opportunities this country has given me,' she told the Texas newspaper.
'Im extremely grateful. The only reason I used that emoji was to show that Im proud of my heritage, and to show that we can do great things.
'Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this country and the doors its opened up for me.'
After she posted the tweet, Lara was quickly targeted on social media.
Cuervo Jones tweeted: 'I did it legally, nobody should get a short cut.'
Sean DuVall wrote: 'Not exactly "living in the shadows" is she? We're a nation of laws. I abide by them and so should she.'
Dave S seemed to suggest that her appearance may have been partly responsible for her good fortune: 'put a white male in exact same situation: he has to take out $100k in student loans. It wasn't the GPA, honey.'
Ms Lara soon began to realize she had made a major error.
'I want all this attention from strangers to stop already,' she tweeted at one point.
Mayte Lara received a lot of offensive abuse on Twitter before her profile was deleted. She said she wouldn't be returning to Twitter after receiving the hurtful comments
UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS AND THE LAW: WHAT NOW FOR MAYTE? Federal law does not prohibit states from providing in-state tuition to undocumented students. Currently, at least 17 states, including Texas, have passed legislation allowing undocumented graduates of state high schools to pay in-state tuition for colleges and universities. To qualify in Texas, a student must: Graduate from a public or private high school, or receive a GED, in Texas; Reside in Texas for at least the 3 years leading up to high school graduation or receiving a GED; Reside in Texas for the 12 consecutive months right before the semester the student is enrolling in college; and Provide the institution an affidavit stating that they will file an application to become a U.S. permanent resident as soon as they are eligible to do so. Advertisement
A friend, Manuel Varela, tweeted her: 'I checked your tweet this morning and it BLEW up. LOL'
She replied: 'I know! I didn't think it would do that tbh and it's kinda scary and want to stop.'
Her Twitter account has since been deleted.
But she has had some support on Facebook.
Tee 'Baby' Hutton, who also goes to Crockett High, wrote: 'This is the the dumbest thing ever!!!
'Are you kidding me you all are worried about this young lady who work her butt off to get where she is today instead of the other insane stuff going on not only in the world but in America itself!
'Please leave her alone! You all just want to see people down! How about we start up lifting people instead of tearing them down! That's how you make America great again!'
Miss Hutton added: 'We love you girl do you and forget about these people. And when Harvard calls you up...you need to catch the first flight out! We Crocket Cougars got you're back you don't have to worry about that!!'
In the midst of the backlash, she received some some support from a fellow Crockett High School student, who wrote a Facebook post urging others to 'leave her alone'
Legally, Mayte is legally entitled to continue her studies at the university despite being undocumented. The Texas House Bill 1403 passed in 2001 enabled students, including those who were undocumented, to qualify as Texas residents and pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in the state
The fact that Lara has publicly admitted to being undocumented will not, however, compromise her offer of full tuition at University of Texas.
A spokesman for the university said: 'In accordance with state law, Texas universities - including the University of Texas schools - have for decades granted two-semester tuition waivers to valedictorians of Texas public high schools, without regard to their residency status.
'State law also does not distinguish between documented and undocumented graduates of Texas high schools in admissions and financial aid decisions. University policies reflect that law'.
Currently, at least 17 states have passed legislation allowing undocumented graduates of state high schools to pay in-state tuition for colleges and universities. These states are: Texas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
The Texas House Bill 1403 passed in 2001 enabled students, including those who were undocumented, to qualify as Texas residents and pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in the state.
Texas residents also are eligible to receive state financial aid. In-state tuition is much lower than non-resident tuition and has allowed thousands of immigrants in Texas access to education.
To qualify, a student must: Graduate from a public or private high school, or receive a GED, in Texas; Reside in Texas for at least the 3 years leading up to high school graduation or receiving a GED; Reside in Texas for the 12 consecutive months right before the semester the student is enrolling in college; and Provide the institution an affidavit stating that they will file an application to become a U.S. permanent resident as soon as they are eligible to do so.
Ironically the school Mayte Lara goes to is named after Davy Crockett, who lost his life fighting at The Alamo against the Mexican Army, which was trying to prevent Texas breaking away and eventually joining the U.S.
A Texas man says he was choked by deputies for smiling in his mugshot.
Christopher Johnson is suing the Harris County sheriff's office after two deputies allegedly assaulted him as he was being booked for suspected drunk driving last summer.
He says he was choked for half a minute during the July 25, 2015 booking process, ABC13 reported.
Johnson, who says he always smiles in photos, was allegedly berated for grinning in his mugshot by a deputy who said 'Take the picture right' and 'Man, stop smiling!'
Christopher Johnson is suing the Harris County sheriff's office after two deputies allegedly choked him for smiling in his mugshot as he was being booked for suspected drunk driving last summer
'This is how I always take my pictures,' Johnson says he replied.
Next, a second deputy stepped in, and joined the first officer in choking Johnson.
Money laundering politician Tom DeLay was allowed to smile in his mugshot when he was booked in 2005
The bizarre mugshot shows Johnson smiling as two men hold him by the neck.
Johnson's legal representatives say the event caused him to suffer significant pain and mental anguish. They say the incident violated Johnson's civil rights and seek compensation and punitive damages.
A police report accused Johnson of being uncooperative, something he denies.
In a statement to the New York Daily News, the sheriff's department said it has no policy against smiling in mugshots.
'It is not uncommon for detention personnel to assist impaired or uncooperative detainees during the booking photo process,' spokesperson Ryan Sullivan told the Daily News.
The Daily News reported that another inmate booked by the same department, U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, was allowed to smile in his mugshot when he was taken in for money laundering charges in 2005.
Jared Kline, 38, was found guilty of three charges of sexually assaulting female patients in D.C. area emergency rooms
A former Washington D.C. nurse was found guilty of sexually assaulting three patients while treating them in emergency rooms.
Jared Nathan Kline, 38, a traveling emergency room nurse, was charged with sexually assaulting four women at Washington University Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center and United Medical Center between 2013 and 2014.
He was charged with ten counts of second-degree assault, and on Wednesday was found guilty on three counts, two of which have aggravating circumstances, according to WUSA9.
Kline faces a maximum of two to five years in prison for each of the three guilty verdicts, according to The Washington Post.
When WUSA reporter Debra Alfarone contacted one of the alleged victims by text message and let her know the verdict, the woman replied, 'I feel content with knowing he's gonna be held responsible for something.
'I have closure, now I can work on putting this behind me and trusting medical professionals once again in time.'
Traveling nurse Jared Kline (coming out of court, above) was found guilty of three charges of second degree assault in D.C. but acquitted of all charges in Maryland
All four of the women said they were semi-conscious or disoriented when the alleged abuse occurred, according to NBC Washington.
In 2014, a woman being treated for an asthma attacked at United Medical Center said Kline took her hand and rubbed it on his genitals while checking her vitals signs. Later, she said she pretended to be asleep while he fondled her and kissed her until someone else walked into the room. She said he later texted her to let her know she'd left a makeup bag behind and wrote 'Any time, love, get better' after she picked it up.
She told police she had never given him her phone number.
When the young woman in question came forward to police, they realized he was a suspect in two similar incidents.
In 2013, a woman was at George Washington University Hospital when she reported that a nurse named Jared gave her a blanket and then groped her on her buttocks underneath it. She said he later came in several times to check her IV, and would push his genitals against her hand as he did so.
Female patients accused nurse Jared Kline of being a serial groper who frequently forced his genitals against their hands as he was treating them in emergency rooms and who groped them under blankets or while he thought they were sleeping
When quizzed by police, Kline told them he was a 'pretty lucky white guy' and that because he is 'particularly well-endowed' she may have grazed his penis by mistake, reported NBC Washington.
The woman texted her boyfriend while in the hospital, saying she wanted to leave and calling her nurse 'creepy.'
Several months later, he was accused by yet another patient of pushing his genitals against her hand.
In January, Kline rejected a plea deal that would have meant surrendering his nursing license and a maximum of three years in prison, reports WJLA. Now he could spent up to 15 years behind bars.
In February, he was acquitted of all charges involving the alleged sexual assault of a patient in a Bowie, Maryland emergency room.
In that case, the 22-year-old patient came to the Bowie Health Center complaining of pain. Kline set her up with an IV and she says she found that he had his clothed and erect genitalia pushed up against her arm. He said he was focused only on getting the IV in her arm, according to WTOP.
Britain is exporting a record amount to countries outside the crisis-hit European Union, it was revealed yesterday.
Leave campaigners said the official 14billion export figure was proof the country is less dependant than ever on the rest of the EU.
It emerged as one of the UKs most successful entrepreneurs insisted Britain can stand on its own two feet.
Lord Bamford, the billionaire chairman of JCB, said in an open letter to his 6,000 UK staff that the country has little to fear from cutting ties with Brussels and that his company and the whole of the UK will prosper just as much outside the EU.
Lord Bamford, (left) the billionaire chairman of JCB, said in an open letter to his 6,000 UK staff that the country has little to fear from cutting ties with Brussels and that his company and the whole of the UK will prosper just as much outside the EU
His intervention electrified the Leave campaign and came as data from the Office for National Statistics showed that the UK exported more to the rest of the world than the EU for the 20th month in a row defying warnings that the UK cannot survive on its own.
ONS figures also showed that Britain bought far more from its EU neighbours than they bought from us. Imports from countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Belgium jumped to a record 20.1billion in April a monthly increase of 1billion.
UK households are continuing to prop up the ailing EU economies by buying Spanish olive oil, Italian clothes and French wine.
Eurosceptics hailed the figures as proof that EU countries are more and more reliant on the UK to buy goods making a mockery of threats that Europe will impose swingeing tariffs on British exports if it goes it alone.
Professor Patrick Minford, a former adviser to Lady Thatcher and co-chairman of Economists for Brexit, said last night: These figures clearly demonstrate that we are a global trading nation. They also show why the EU cannot afford to impose trade tariffs on the UK because they sell so much to us.
Eurosceptics hailed the figures as proof that EU countries are more and more reliant on the UK to buy goods making a mockery of threats that Europe will impose swingeing tariffs on British exports if it goes it alone
Economists said the cheap pound was making exports cheaper. The Leave campaign has long argued this could provide a much needed boost for the UKs exporters
The UK exported 14billion of goods and services to non-EU countries in April, up 1.3billion in a month. During the same period 12.2billion was exported to the EU. The last time Britain sold more to the EU than the rest of the world was in August 2014.
Economists said the cheap pound was making exports cheaper. The Leave campaign has long argued this could provide a much needed boost for the UKs exporters.
However, Labour MP Chris Leslie insisted: These latest statistics show the continued importance of the EU single market to British jobs.
Lord Bamford, a Tory party donor, said his firm making diggers had forged trade links across the world. Just 22 per cent of its sales are now generated in the rest of the EU. He said: I am very confident we can stand on our own two feet.
Double killer: Avni Metra, 53, was in a defiant mood as he appeared at an extradition hearing in London
An Albanian double murderer brought to justice by the Daily Mail invoked European human rights laws yesterday in a last-ditch bid to remain in Britain.
Avni Metra, 53, was in defiant mood as he appeared at an extradition hearing in London, where it emerged that he is currently on police bail facing an accusation of rape.
Slouched beside an interpreter, and wearing a black leather bomber-jacket with an upturned collar, the former Albanian gang henchman made it clear he was determined to fight deportation.
He listened as his lawyer, Helen Dawson, confirmed the findings of a Mail investigation into his background that resulted in his dramatic arrest after 18 years on the run on Wednesday.
She confirmed he had entered the UK in 1998 using a false identity and posing as a refugee from Kosovo.
When District Judge Sheila Bayane asked the man who calls himself Avdul Mekra his real name, he obligingly spelt it out. A-V-N-I M-E-T-R-A, he said gruffly, stumbling over the letters. He also gave his correct date of birth.
But when told by the court clerk that he had the choice to return voluntarily to Albania, he sneered and spat out a one-word answer: Never!
In his absence Metra has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by an Albanian court for murdering two brothers in 1997.
He is said to have gouged out the eyes and sliced off the ears of one of his victims. In other developments in the case yesterday:
It emerged that taxpayers now face a substantial bill to pay for Metras legal costs as he fights extradition;
The killers ex-wife told the Mail she was in fear of her life after deciding to tell the truth about his background;
Police came under fresh pressure to hunt down Metras murder accomplice, Kadri Hoxha, 56, who is also facing a 25-year prison sentence in Albania and is believed to be in hiding in the UK.
Westminster magistrates heard yesterday that Metra opposes extradition in respect of two articles enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.
The first is Article 8, which protects the right to a family life. Miss Dawson argued that sending him home would contravene this because he was now settled in Britain and had a close bond with his four children by his former partner, all aged under 18.
The second objection is made under Article 10, which relates to the freedom of expression.
Miss Dawson reminded the court that Albania was undergoing a period of instability in 1997, when Metra allegedly committed the murders, and said he had certain political affiliations.
His cause for leaving [Albania] was related to the political situation at the time, she said.
Hideout: Metra's home in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire where the Daily Mail's reporters tracked him to
When Judge Bayane asked her what these affiliations were, however, his lawyer admitted she was not in a position to say.
The disclosure that Metra is under investigation over an alleged rape offence emerged as Miss Dawson argued that he should be allowed bail.
She attempted to present him as a steady, law-abiding man, saying he worked part-time as a labourer, and had lived for six years at the same address, in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
This was where the Daily Mail found him and where he opened the door to us with his hand hovering frighteningly beside two long knives, as shown in yesterdays dramatic front-page picture.
Miss Dawson pleaded that he ought to be allowed to return there, if necessary under curfew and wearing an electronic tag.
Spotted: Ex-gang henchman Metra was snapped doing his shopping (left) and the criminal held his head while being confronted by Daily Mail reporters
But Judge Bayane refused to grant bail, saying: I believe there are substantial grounds to believe you would not surrender.
She remanded hollow-eyed and unshaven Metra in custody. The full extradition hearing is due to take place on August 11.
His ex-wife Linda Lami, 38, who suffered terrible beatings during their 14-year marriage, spoke of the dangers of giving evidence against him.
She told the Mail: You dont understand the danger as English people the pressure Im under for doing this. Hell make me pay. Hell hunt me for the rest of my life.
Thinking of his friend before himself, a boy has melted the hearts of millions after he used more money than he was permitted by his mother to help a critically ill schoolmate.
Chen Junyao from Quanzhou, China's Fujian province, donated 200 Yuan (20) to his schoolmate who has a brain cancer, while his mother had only allowed him to give 100 Yuan (10), reports the People's Daily Online.
Scared of the consequences, the 11-year-old left an apology note on his mother's bedroom door, part of which read: ''Mom, I'm sorry. It's my bad.' But still I hope you let me donate the 100 yuan.'
Good friend: Chen Junyao from Quanzhou, China, has donated 20 to his sick schoolmate while his mother had only allowed him to give 10
According to the report, little Chen Junyao is a pupil of the Huangtang Primary School in the town of Hui'an, Quanzhou.
He has recently donated the 200 Yuan to his schoolmate, 14-year-old Chen Yasong, who came from an improvised family but needed treatment to remove his cancerous tumour.
Junyao's mother had allowed him to take 100 Yuan from his 'lucky money' and give it to Yasong. However, Junyao ended up handing in 200 Yuan during a donation ceremony at his school.
The boy wrote the letter after his mother became angry with him for using the extra part of his 'lucky money', which had been given to him by elders during New Year and is thought to be able to bring good fortune.
To explain why he did it, the boy wrote in the note:
'I know you are still angry about it, but has it ever occurred to you that Chen Yasong's family is at the end of their rope?
'He is afflicted with a brain tumor, and the treatment has cost them millions of yuan.
'Money aside, his mother washes her face with tears every day.
'That's why I want to donate some money, and why I lied to you, which I hope you can understand.
'I want to tell you: 'Mum, I'm sorry. It's my bad.' But still I hope you let me donate the 100 yuan. Thank you, my dear mum!'
Apology: The 11-year-old left a touching letter (picture) to his angry mother asking for her forgiveness
According to Chinese media, Junyao's apology was accepted by his mother.
She explained that she had already given him 100 Yuan to donate and she was expecting him to use his 'lucky money' for other things.
Junyao's touching note has also moved thousands of people on the Chinese social media platforms who praise his purity and generosity.
A user named 'a luo xiu si' wrote on Weibo: 'Such a good child! Hope you keep your sincerity, kindness and beautiful mind.'
Another user 'wo shi du 5868262762' wrote: 'Man's nature is good at birth. Hope he can always be so kind.'
'Habitude_z' commented: 'He should be forgiven for doing good deeds. If his family knew it was a white lie, they shouldn't have blamed him.'
Junyao's school organised a ceremony (picture) to help raise money for ill pupil Chen Yasong so he could receive treatment for his brain cancer
Chen Junyao schoolmate Chen Yasong was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour from the age of nine, according to the report.
His family have allegedly spent huge sums of money on treating the cancer which required four operations to remove.
However in May this year, he relapsed and doctors told his family that he needed to have surgery as soon as possible to remove it.
The operation costs 200,000 yuan (21,000).
The family have no money to pay for the operation as they used up all of their savings to pay for the previous four operations.
They decided to ask people in the torn to donate money to help go towards the costs.
Chinese media said more than 2,000 people have donated money to pay for the teenager's cause and the family decided to go ahead with the operation.
A Chinese student is critically injured after he was allegedly hit by one of his roommates for snoring too loudly during sleep.
The 15-year-old, named Ma Guorui, said he had been smacked hard in the head by the roommate during his sleep, reported the People's Daily Online.
Ma, from Yan'an, central China's Shaanxi Province, was diagnosed with a fractured skull as well as hearing loss in the left ear after his parents took him to the hospital the next day.
Severely injured: Ma Guorui (picture) suffered a fractured skull and hearing loss after being hit by roommate
Ordeal: The 15-year-old from China claimed he had been beaten because his roommate didn't like him snoring
Ma, who is a grade one student at the Affiliated Middle School to Yan'an University and shares a room with 12 other pupils, spoke about his ordeal to Chinese media this week.
According to his accounts, the incident took place at around 11pm on April 17.
Ma said that night one of his roommates had warned him not to snore. Then he went to bed as usual.
During his sleep, Ma woke up to a hard smack on the head from the same roommate, which led him to feel extremely painful in the skull, the teenager claimed.
Ma added that he threw up twice during that night and had to take sick leave the next day.
Ma's father, Ma Yanchun, told a reporter that the school called his wife on the same day saying their child was getting too ill.
He was immediately taken home by his mother.
Ma's father said: 'After he got home, he appeared to lack energy. He complained that his head hurt and he wanted to sleep.
Ma's family took him to the People's Hospital in Yan'an on April 19 and reported the case to the local police.
Helpless: Medical treatment has cost his family around 150,000 Yuan (15,800) and his family couldn't afford it
After a CT scan, Ma was diagnosed with a fracture in the temporal bone on the left side of his head.
He also suffered from hearing loss in his left ear.
Ma was given a craniotomy by the doctors, which means they temporarily removed a 'flap' of bone from the skull in order to reach the brain.
Ma's father said he and his wife are devastated that their son had to go through such hardship.
He said his teenager's recovery was not going well and he still couldn't hear with his left ear.
According to Ma Yanchun, the treatment has cost his family around 150,000 Yuan (15,800).
He said though the school had covered 100,000 Yuan, he and his wife could not pay the rest.
He added he had tried to contact the family of the roommate who had beaten his son, but was not able to get a reply.
The case is being investigated by the Talin Police Station of Yan'an.
Hiding posts on Facebook isn't a new feature, but stopping them from hitting your timeline is.
The social media giant is rolling out an option that lets desktop users publish updates only to News Feed - concealing them from the dedicated timeline where content is permanently save.
Called 'Hide From Your Timeline', this allows users to publish quick questions for friends or post statuses they'd rather not see on their own Timeline.
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Facebook is rolling out a new option that lets desktop users publish updates only to News Feed -- concealing them from the dedicated timeline where content is permanently save. Called 'Hide From Your Timeline', this allows users to publish quick questions for friends or post statuses they'd rather not see on their own timeline
WHAT IS THE NEW FEATURE? Hide From Your Timeline lets desktop users to publish quick questions for friends or post statuses they'd rather not see on their own timeline. Before today's new release, every Facebook post appeared on a person's profile and within their news feed, however there is an option in place that allows users to hide it from their time after it is published. Now users simply check a box that allows them to 'Create Posts Just for News Feed' and create a witty or meaningful update as usual. Advertisement
'The ability to hide a post from your Timeline already exists, and today we're testing a feature that would make it even easier to control where your posts live by giving you the option to publish a post only to News Feed and not to your Timeline,' a Facebook spokesperson told DailyMail.com in an email.
The fact that a status, question or ridiculous meme isn't permanently tied to your timeline may coincide with the idea the Facebook is encourage users to post more personal updates.
In April, reports revealed that the social network's 1.6 billion users are choosing to use the site to share news and links from other websites.
And sharing personal stories has dropped a total of 21 percent year-on-year across the platform.
'The Timeline on your profile is a great place to see a comprehensive history of your Facebook posts,' said the spokesperson.
'We've heard feedback that sometimes, you may want to share a post with friends and family via News Feed and not have that post be displayed on your Timeline.'
Before today's new release, every Facebook post appeared on a person's profile and within their news feed, however there is an option in place that allows users to hide it from their time after it is published.
FACEBOOK'S AI CAN READ YOUR POSTS: HOW DEEPTEXT WORKS DeepText uses deep neural network architecture to understand the meaning of text being shared on the site 'with near-human accuracy'. This system leverages deep neural network architectures, including convolution and recurrent neural nets and has the ability to perform world-level and character-level based learning. Facebook has begun this technology in Messenger, as it sits behind the scenes distinguishing text in conversations. For example, DeepText knows that when a user says 'I need a ride' they are talking about requesting a taxi. And when they say 'I like to ride donkeys', the system understands this is a casual conversation that requires no action. DeepText will also be able to understand language in users' statuses. If it reads that you are selling in item in the status, the system will automatically offer to cross-list it in your regional network to help if sell faster. The ultimately goal of DeepText is to give people information they need and want, rather than random advertisements that pop-up on their News Feed. Advertisement
Now users simply check a box that allows them to 'Create Posts Just for News Feed' and create a witty or meaningful update as usual, reports CNET who first spotted the new feature.
There is no comments about whether or not this feature will stick around or how many people have access to it.
This isn't the first feature that gives Facebook users more control of their profiles.
One of the earliest additions to the site was not allowing photos to appear until it was approved by the user.
This new feature can only be accessed using the desktop site. Users simply check a box that allows them to 'Create Posts Just for News Feed' and create a witty or meaningful update as usual. No comments about whether or not this feature will stick around or how many people have access to it
And posts can be sent out to specific users or kept completely private.
Although Facebook has stated levels of sharing still remain strong, new research suggests people are spending less time on social media apps.
London-based data collection company SimilarWeb studied the habits of Android users across the world, to monitor the changing popularity of social media apps.
We all have our good days, and other days where we just can't shake off a bad mood.
But until now, tracking the sometimes fleeting feeling of happiness has been tricky.
Now, Pebble is launching an update to their Health application with a new mood-tracking app called Happiness.
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The app operates in one-week cycles where it will prompt users to rate their mood and energy levels every day. Happiness will also gather details of who you are with, where you are, and what activities you have been doing
HOW DOES IT WORK? The app operates in one-week cycles where it will prompt users to rate their mood and energy levels every day. Happiness will also gather details of who you are with, where you are, and what activities you have been doing. Pebble then combines this data into a weekly email report. Advertisement
The firm recently took aim at their rival, Fitbit, launching two new devices - the Pebble 2 and Pebble Time 2 - that can track heart rate and the wearer's activity.
Pebble's latest move in tracking moods is designed to set it apart from rivals, who don't have a similar feature on their devices.
The app, created with the help of Stanford University, operates in one-week cycles where it will prompt users to rate their mood and energy levels every day.
Happiness will also gather details of who you are with, where you are, and what activities you have been doing.
Pebble then combines this data into a weekly email report.
So far, the app has been tested by employees at Pebble, who claimed that it helped them make tangible changes in their life, such as socializing with coworkers more often.
The app is available for the Pebble Core, Pebble 2, and Time 2, which will be released in January and can be downloaded on Pebble's App site.
Writing in Medium, head of data at Pebble, Susan Holcomb, said: '[We] noticed that the apps prompts subtly encouraged testers to adopt new behaviors.
The app operates in one-week cycles where it will prompt users to rate their mood and energy levels every day
So far, the app has been tested by employees at Pebble, who claimed that it helped them make tangible changes in their life, such as socializing with coworkers more often
'One tester realised that he was always saying no when the prompt asked if he drank water in the last hour, so he resolved to drink more water.
'Another took up yoga thanks to a recurring yoga-related question.
'Since the study only ran for a week, these changes are not likely to stick for a lifetime, but it is encouraging to note that subtle suggestions really can inspire healthier habits.'
WHAT ARE THE PEBBLE DEVICES? Pebble 2 and Time 2 are both smartwatches that monitor the wearers heart rate. Both are designed with multi-day battery life, are water resistant up to 30 metres liquid and have e-paper displays for easy reading outdoors and in work with iOS and Android smartphones. Pebble 2 is said to be the firms most affordable smartwatch and retails at $99 (68) - the Time 2 at $169 (117). Pebble has launched three new devices aimed at fitness addicts in the firm's third Kickstarter campaign that is raising $3.95 million (2.73 million) Although the Pebble Time 2 is the same size as the original Pebble Time, its screen is 50 per cent larger with 80 per cent more pixels. It lasts for about 10 days on a single charge and has a built-in heart rate monitor and microphone. Pebble 2 has the same built-in monitor and microphone, but only lasts a week on a single battery charge. Although the Pebble Core is included in the new line, it isnt a smartwatch but the ultimate device for runners. It is compact, lightweight and clips on to the users clothing, allowing them to work out without fumbling with a smartphone. The device streams music and syncs GPS data with Runkeeper, Strava and Under Armour Record. And it can be hacked and transformed into a magic button that can call an Uber, power a drone, track a pet and more. Advertisement
Pebble says the data on your mood is currently private and will not be shared with any third parties, although the app could analyze it in aggregate.
Additionally, Pebble has released two of its fitness algorithms to the public, in the hopes of making wearables useful to developers and relevant to healthcare researchers.
One algorithm helps detect motion and the second counts steps.
Speaking to The Verge, Nathaniel Stockham, a Stanford PhD student and Pebble collaborator, said Pebble made the algorithms available to 'encourage the use of a standard set of measures.'
Other fitness wearable companies, like Fitbit, have not yet released their algorithms.
The company has also published the results of a sleep study.
These showed that those who go to bed later are likely to be much more sociable than early birds.
Google may have a lot of projects on the go at the moment - but none quite like this one.
The company's co-founder, Larry Page appears to be secretly investing in flying cars.
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Page has personally provided 70 million ($100 million) to two startups developing the technology.
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Google's company's co-founder, Larry Page appears to be secretly investing in flying cars. According to Bloomberg Businessweek , Page has personally provided 70 million ($100 million) to two startups developing the technology.
THE FLYING CAR COMPANIES Zee.Aero was set up in 2010, working on a small, all-electric plane that could take off and land vertically essentially a flying car. While there was much speculation that the company was affiliated to Google, as their headquarters were next door, Zee.Aero fiercely denied the claims. However, it has since been revealed that Zee.Aero belongs to Larry Page, Google's co-founder. Zee.Aero now employs close to 150 people. Its operations have expanded to an airport hangar in Hollister, where a pair of prototype aircraft takes regular test flights. In 2015 a second competing flying-car startup called Kitty Hawk, also began operations in its headquarters very near Google's. Despite the apparent rivalry, Bloomburg have reported that Mr Page, has in fact been putting money into both Zee.Aero and Kitty Hawk. Advertisement
He has reportedly been funding Zee.Aero and Kitty Hawk, two rival companies based in California's Silicon Valley.
Zee.Aero was set up in 2010, working on a small, all-electric plane that could take off and land vertically essentially a flying car.
A patent from 2011 has emerged showing its designs for a flying car, and Bloomberg reports it is now pursuing a 'simpler, more conventional-looking design.'
While there was much speculation that the company was affiliated to Google, as their headquarters were next door, Zee.Aero fiercely denied the claims.
However, it has since been revealed that Zee.Aero does not belong to Google or its holding company, Alphabet.
Instead, it belongs to Larry Page, Google's co-founder.
Mr Page has demanded that his involvement stay hidden from the public, according to 10 people with intimate knowledge of the company.
In 2015 a second competing flying-car startup called Kitty Hawk, also began operations in its headquarters close to Google's.
According to business filings, Kitty Hawk's president is Sebastian Thrun, the head of Google's self-driving car programme and the founder of research division, Google X.
Despite the apparent rivalry between the companies, Bloomberg has reported that Page, has in fact been putting money into both Zee.Aero and Kitty Hawk.
Mr Page and Google declined to speak about Zee.Aero or Kitty Hawk, as did Mr Thrun.
According to Bloomberg Businessweek , Google co-founder, Larry Page, has been personally funding two startup companies who are developing flying cars
Zee.Aero was set up in 2010, working on a small, all-electric plane that could take off and land vertically essentially a flying car. Pictured is a Zee.Aero patent from 2011
Other companies working on flying cars include Terrafugia. Their TF-X concept car (illustrated) has fold-out wings with twin electric motors attached to each end
Bloomberg say that Mr Page's interest in the companies is a personal ambition and he even retained a 'man-cave' at one of the company's headquarters, where he was only referred to as 'GUS' - standing for 'the guy upstairs'.
While it is known that both Zee.Aero and Kitty Hawk have been working on designs for flying cars, the details of their designs are unclear.
Zee.Aero have kept their designs very much under wraps, with the only information on their website stating: 'We're designing, building, and testing better ways to get from A to B.'
However, it has been reported that Zee.Aero has hired aerospace designers and engineers from nasa, Boeing, and SpaceX, and has been testing two single-seater prototype designs - one that looks like a 'small conventional plane' and another with propellers along the sides.
Other companies, such as Aeromobil have also been trying to build a flying car
Fans of Harry Potter will remember the blue flying car which Harry and Ron use to reach Hogwarts - which was of course, fueled by magic. But flying cars that run in our real world could be closer than you think
Other companies, such as Terrafugia have also been trying to build a flying car, but have given suggested launch dates of 10 years from now in 2026.
However, technology is ever improving, and with access to better materials and autonomous navigation systems, it is thought that within the next few years we will have a self-flying car that takes off and lands vertically.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Mark Moore, an aeronautical engineer from Nasa, said: 'Over the past five years, there have been these tremendous advances in the underlying technology.
The periodic table's latest additions finally have names of their own.
Chemists officially accepted the four elements to the iconic table at the beginning of the year, but had given them place holder names until they could agree on what to call them.
Now elements 113, 115, 117 and 118 have been given their lasting names, three of which relate to where they were discovered and the remaining in homage to a Russian physicist.
Chemists officially added the four elements to the iconic table at the beginning of the year, but had given them place holder names until they could agree on what to call them. They will now be known as moscovium (element 115), tennessine (element 117), nihonium (element 113) and oganesson (element 118). Stock image
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry in Zurich, which rules on chemical element names, presented its proposal for public review, with the names submitted by the groups who discovered the elements.
They will now be known as moscovium (element 115), tennessine (element 117), nihonium (element 113) and oganesson (element 118).
The elements, which were verified by international bodies on 30 December 2015, are the missing jigsaw pieces needed to complete the seventh row of the periodic table.
Scientists from Japan, Russia and the US which uncovered the missing elements were invited to give permanent names to their new discoveries, which were ratified by the Iupac.
Moscovium (Mc) has been named after the Russian capital, Moscow, by its Russian discoverers.
Tennessine (Ts) was named after the US state Tennessee, by the international team from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
The elements' temporary names and symbols, which appear on existing periodic tables (pictured) will be phased out, with a new version of the table bearing the four new names and symbols for elements 113, 15, 17 and 118
THE FOUR NEW ELEMENTS Element name (symbol), number Elements discovered by: Nihonium (Nh) , 113
Moscovium (Mc) , 115
Tennessine (Ts) , 117
Oganesson (Og), 118 Japan, Riken Institute
US and Russia, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Advertisement
Nihonium (Nh), the first element to be discovered and named by scientists in Asia, has been named after Japan - with 'Nihon' one way to say the country's name in Japanese.
The remaining element, oganesson (Og) has been named to honour Russian physicist Yuri Oganessian, who discovered many super heavy elements.
Commenting on the new names, Iupac's Jan Reedijk, said: 'Although these choices may perhaps be viewed by some as slightly self-indulgent, the names are completely in accordance with Iupac rules.
'In fact, I see it as thrilling to recognize that international collaborations were at the core of these discoveries and that these new names also make the discoveries somewhat tangible.'
The new elements don't appear in nature, but are unstable reactive elements made in the laboratory. Although they were first discovered between 2003 to 2008, it took some years to verify and reproduce the results.
All discoveries had to be officially verified by a joint working group of two US-based bodies - the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAC).
These groups are the guardians of new admissions to the table.
Elements 115, 117 and 118 were discovered through a collaborative effort between US and Russian scientists, and were initially entered into the periodic table as ununpentium (Uup), ununseptium (Uus) and ununoctium (Uuo).
Professor Kosuke Morita (pictured) led a team of scientists that has been awarded the right to name a synthetic element they created, which will become element 113 on the periodic table
THE NOT-SO-NEW ELEMENTS The four elements, discovered by American, Russian and Japanese teams, don't appear in nature, but are unstable reactive elements made in the laboratory. Although they were first discovered between 2003 to 2008, it took some years to verify and reproduce the results. All four entered the periodic table with place-holder names, which will be replaced in newer versions of the table. They will now be known as moscovium (Mc, 115), tennessine (Ts, 117), nihonium (Nh, 113) and oganesson (Og, 118). Advertisement
The fourth element (113), was discovered by scientists at the Riken Institute in Japan, led by Professor Kosuke Morita, and had been called or 'ununtrium' (Uut).
The elements' temporary names and symbols, which appear on existing periodic tables will be phased out, with new version of the table bearing the four new names.
Earlier this year, the president of the Iupac, Dr Mark Cesa, added the organisation was 'pleased and honoured' to announce the new elements and to complete the seventh period of the table.
Dr Cesa added: 'We are excited about these new elements, and we thank the dedicated scientists who discovered them for their painstaking work, as well the members of the Iupac/Iupap joint working party for completing their essential and critically important task.'
Commenting on the nature of the four newest elements at the time, chair of the Iupac/Iupap joint working group, Professor Paul Karol, said: 'A particular difficulty in establishing these new elements is that they decay into hitherto unknown isotopes of slightly lighter elements that also need to be unequivocally identified.'
He added: 'But in the future we hope to improve methods that can directly measure the atomic number, Z.'
The new elements take their place in the seventh row, or period, of the periodic table.
The four are the first elements to be added to the table since elements 114 and 116 - Flevorium and Livermorium which were discovered in Russia and the US, respectively - were accepted by the Iupac/Iupap in June 2011.
When a loved one dies, family members may look to cremation or burial as a means to lay them to rest.
But some Neolithic Britons may have taken an altogether more violent approach to the idea of respectful burial, hacking their loved ones limb from limb before mixing their bones in a pit.
Chop marks and scrapes found etched into the bones of Stone Age Orkney islanders suggest they may have been smaller chunks by relatives, before their grisly remains were mixed in a communal grave.
Ancient bones found in a Stone Age tomb in the Orkney isles show scrape marks and scratches. One of the fragment, an upper arm bone (pictured left, and origin right), shows almost clinical cutting and repeated scratching patterns (centre images)
THE REASON BEHIND THE RITUAL Such brutal burial rites seem extreme by todays comparison, but may have been typical in the region thousands of years ago. Researchers have argued about similar instances of dismemberment and whether the dead were eaten or prepared in a ritualistic manner. In some megalithic tombs, archaeologists have found evidence of skulls and bones being arranged in patterns around the burial site. More modern examples of unorthodox burial rites include mummification in which the organs were removed, with the brain removed via the nose. More extreme still could be sky burials in Tibet, where corpses of loved ones are offered up to vultures and the elements on mountain tops Advertisement
A new forensic study of human remains on Orkney concludes that 'chop marks' and 'scrape marks' are evidence of deliberate dismemberment and 'defleshing activities'.
Academics believe the butchering of deceased loved ones around 6,000 years ago was done to remove their identity as individuals because dead ancestors were regarded as a collective group.
Chopping up remains and mixing them together also meant islanders could overcome the different rates at which the bodies of individuals tended to decay.
The grim new insights into the business of death in Stone Age Orkney have been revealed by Dr Rebecca Crozier, based at the University of the Philippines.
The archaeologist, who previously studied at Edinburgh University, is a specialist in human osteology, forensic archaeology and mortuary analysis.
The Orkney islands are home to at least 72 tombs - known as 'cairns' - dating back as far as 4,000BC.
The ancient burial sites have been the focus of dozens of archaeological studies over the years - with experts debating the mysterious details of how the ancient islanders buried their dead.
Dr Crozier's study of two ancient tombs at Quanterness and Quoyness involved re-analysing more than 12,275 bone fragments previously excavated from the tombs on mainland Orkney and Sanday.
Archaeologists examining thousands of bone fragments from the sites at Orkney found evidence suggesting bodies were hacked apart and had their flesh removed before they were buried. Pictured is a fractured thigh bone (left) with evidence of deep scrapes (centre) and repeated scratching patterns (right)
A GRISLY END FOR STONE AGE RELATIVES? Archaeologists looking at burial sites on Orkney found evidence that full bodies were brought to the tombs where mourners chopped them up and scraped their flesh from bone in a violent ceremony. The Orkney islands are home to at least 72 tombs - known as 'cairns' - dating back as far as 4,000BC. The ancient burial sites have been the focus of dozens of archaeological studies over the years - with experts debating the mysterious details of how the ancient islanders buried their dead. Archaeologists believe the butchering of deceased loved ones may have been carried out to remove their identity, as individuals because dead ancestors were regarded as a collective group. Advertisement
Previous studies by archaeologists found the bones of the dead Orcadians mixed together at the two sites rather than intact as full skeletons.
They concluded that the bodies had been burned or buried until the flesh was decomposed, before a selection of certain bones were moved to a tomb, as was the case in similar tombs in the south of England.
But in her study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, Dr Crozier found evidence that full bodies were brought to the tombs where mourners chopped them up and scraped their flesh from bone in a violent ceremony.
She used a method called the 'zonation system' - which helps archaeologists create an unprecedented detailed database of remains to draw parallels between marks found on different bones.
At the Quanterness site Dr Crozier found that the bones thought to be missing - giving evidence to the old theory - were in fact present, but broken into small pieces.
She also discovered 40 incidences of 'pitting' - dents in the bones indicating they have been hit hard with a 'striking tool'.
She points to one example of pitting, where a bone 'was struck twice with a stone tool of some sort'.
She also discovered ten examples of 'cut marks', 19 'chop marks' and three 'scrape marks' on bones.
This, she says, is evidence of 'dismemberment of human remains'.
The Orkney isles are the site of numerous Neolithic burial site, providing glimpses of life and death in early Stone Age communities of the British Isles
The Orkney islands are home to at least 72 tombs - known as 'cairns' - dating back as far as 4,000BC. Pictured is a typical chambered tomb built into the side of a hill
Pictured is the remains of a left thigh bone, with close ups of the arrow marks of areas showing evidence of fractures (top right) and scrape marks (bottom right)
Her research discovered similar 'modification' on 10% of the remains at Quoyness, adding, concluding: 'These characteristics are clearly suggestive of deliberate dismemberment.'
Attempting to explain the bizarre behaviour, discusses the idea of 'corporate identity' of the dead - where the Stone Age Orcadians thought of their dead ancestors as a collective, rather than as individuals.
She writes that the dismembering was an attempt to 'transform the individual to corporate identity' by breaking them up into an unidentifiable collection of remains, mixed together with other bodies.
This, she says, is 'an expression of shared ancestral belonging'.
Explaining why the islander violently dismembered their dead, rather than allowing them to decompose, she says: 'Whilst the stages of decay follow a predictable pattern, not all individuals will transform at the same rate.
A fragment of a lower jaw bone (pictured left) shows a fracture in the (bottom right) and scrape marks detailed (top right)
'Rate of decay may be influenced by situations ranging from, for example, the manner of death to the time of year.
'Therefore death, and more specifically bodily decay, would have posed a serious challenge to the Neolithic Orcadians' ability to impose structure upon their world.'
According to Dr Crozier, they the 'defleshing' activities were undertaken on 'individuals for whom the decay process had not concluded within a prescribed time-frame.'
This means that Orcadians set about chopping up their relatives if their bodies were not decomposing fast enough for their liking, some time after their death.
For most species in the animal kingdom, reproduction requires both a male and female.
But it appears that for a population of honeybees, this convention does not apply.
The isolated population of Cape bees in South Africa have evolved a strategy to reproduce without males.
The isolated population of Cape bees in South Africa have evolved a strategy to reproduce without males
HOW DO THE FEMALE BEES REPRODUCE? In the Cape bee, female worker bees are able to reproduce asexually by laying eggs that are essentially fertilised by their own DNA, which develop into new worker bees. Such bees are also able to invade the nests of other bees and continue to reproduce in this fashion, eventually taking over the foreign nests, a behaviour called social parasitism. Unfortunately, the explanation for this unique behaviour is unknown. Advertisement
The finding comes from a research team from Uppsala University in Sweden who studied the isolated population of Cape bees in South Africa.
They looked at the entire genome of a sample of Cape bees, and compared this with other populations of honeybees to try to understand the mechanism behind this asexual reproduction.
Matthew Webster, one of the researchers from Uppsala University, said: 'The question of why this population of honeybees in South Africa has evolved to reproduce asexually is still a mystery. But understanding the genes involved brings us closer to understanding it.'
Most animals reproduce sexually, where both males and females are required to produce offspring.
Honeybees normally abide by this norm - the female queen bee lays eggs which are then fertilised by sperm from male bees known as 'drones'.
However, one isolated population of honeybees living in the southern Cape of Africa has evolved a strategy to reproduce without males.
The researchers found striking differences in the genes of the Cape bees compared to other honeybee populations, such as the Asian bee (pictured)
In the Cape bee, female worker bees are able to reproduce without a male by laying eggs that are essentially fertilised by their own DNA, which develop into new worker bees.
These bees are also able to invade the nests of other bees and continue to reproduce in this fashion, eventually taking over the foreign nests, in a behaviour called 'social parasitism'.
Unfortunately, the explanation for this unique behaviour is unknown.
Mr Webster said: 'There are a handful of genes where certain genetic variants are found at very different frequencies in Cape bees compared to other African honeybees.
'For example variants in genes that affect cell division leading to egg production could explain how worker bees are able to lay eggs that develop into new worker bees, even though they are not fertilised.'
The researchers found striking differences in the genes of the Cape bees compared to other honeybee populations.
This could explain both the abnormal egg production without males, and the social parasitism.
Mr Webster said: 'This study will help us to understand how genes control biological processes like cell division and behaviour.
A lost section of the Great Wall of China has re-emerged from a reservoir nearly 40 years after it was covered by water.
Drought and increased water use has seen water levels in Panjiakou Reservoir in Kuancheng Man Autonomous County, Hebei Province, northern China, drop in recent years.
The huge reservoir was created in 1978 to provide water for the cities of Tianjin and Tangshan, located to the south.
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A section of the Great Wall of China that was submerged under a reservoir in 1978 has remerged from under the water when the Chinese government built a dam to provide water for trhe cities of Tianjin and Tangshan. Increased water use and drought has seen a section of the wall reappear above the surface (pictured)
WHY WAS THE WALL DROWNED In 1975 the Chinese government began building an enormous concrete dam across the Panjiakou pass in Kuancheng Man Autonomous Country, Hebei Province. The 353 feet high dam was built to provide drinking water for the growing population in cities down stream and to provide electricity from hydroelectric generators. Hundreds of homes in the town of Panjiakou were submerged as the water rose to produce the reservoir. Along with them was a remote section of the Great Wall of China that ran across the surrounding hills and through the Panjiakou pass. Just a small section has remained visible on an island that sticks out just off the shore of the reservoir in the dry season. When the water levels are higher, it is completely submerged. Advertisement
However, before the dam that created the reservoir was created, a large section of of the Great Wall ran down from the surrounding hills and through the Panjiakou pass.
A small section on an island off the reservoirs edge regularly becomes visible whenever water levels drop during droughts, making it a popular tourist attraction.
But increased agriculture and industrial activity in recent years has seen the water levels drop more than usual, exposing more of the lost section of wall.
Local news reports showed footage of the brickwork from the wall with parts of the towers that sat along it still intact.
The structure was built during the ming Dynasty more than 500 years ago as part of China's massive defensive wall.
A fortress was built at Panjiakou and the wall ran between it and a nearby fortress at Xifeng.
However, when construction on the 353 feet (107m) high Panjiakou Dam began in 1975, it saw the area submerged beneath 644,510 million gallons of water.
The town of Panjiakou was covered with 164 feet (50m) of water.
It has become popular for divers to visit the reservoir and explore the sunken section of China's Great Wall in the frigid waters.
While tens of thousands trudge along the most popular sections of the Great Wall of China during the height of the tourist season, this section sees less than 50 a year, according to Men's Journal.
In a piece for the magazine, James Sturz described what it was like to see the vast structure under water.
The brickwork can still be seen to be in good condition around the base of a small island that appears above the surface of the water during periods of low water (pictured)
A turret like structure is visible on top and is thought to stay visible apart from at time when the water is particularly high. However, as water use down stream has increased in recent years, the water has receeded, revealing more of the lost wall (pictured)
GREAT WALL OF CHINA: THE WORLD'S LARGEST MAN-MADE STRUCTURE The Great Wall of China is the world's largest man-made structure It is thought to be around 13,170 miles long. The wall was constructed in several sections over a period of around 1,000 years. Building work started during the Qin dynasty (259BC to 210BC) as part of a defensive line against enemies to the north. Large sections were built during the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) to help defend against the Mongolian tribes. The sections built during this period are what most tourists tend to visit today. The Great Wall also provided a border boundary that allowed the Chinese authorities to impose duties on goods carried along the Silk Road trade route. Source: MailOnline, History magazine Advertisement
The hills around Panjiakou Reservoir contain a remote stretch of the Great Wall (pictured), which attracts relatively few tourists compared to the busier sections
He said: 'Underwater, the Great Wall is an eerie Chinese Atlantis its hulk of bricks seems trapped in time as you drift above 100-foot parapets and float through tunnels all by yourself.
'The ultimate goal is a 'sally port' at 105 feet. A thousand years ago, these openings allowed defending troops to move from side to side, and there are very few of them anywhere on the wall.'
Local officials have said that despite a section of the wall reappearing above the water, they are not likely to do anything to keep it there.
When the current drought hitting the Hebei Province ends, it is likely the wall will disappear beneath the lapping water once more.
The Panjiakou Reservoir in Kuancheng Man Autonomous County, Hebei Province, northern China (shown on map), was built to provide drinking water to the surrounding cities
Occasional divers visit the reservoir to get a unique and close up look at the 500-year-old structure beneath the water. The sinking water levels are revealing bits of the wall that have not been visible for years (pictured)
The huge reservoir (pictured) has provided water and hydroelectric power since it was built in 1978
Keeping up with the Kardashians will be as simple as the click of a button with a new smartphone copycat app.
Simply taking a picture of someone in the street or at a red carpet event, will allow the app to identify all the items that make up the fashionable look.
It will then identify where they are sold, how much they cost and allow you to buy them on the spot for next day delivery.
Simply taking a picture of someone in the street or at a red carpet event, will allow the app to identify all the items that make up the fashionable look. It will then identify where they are sold, how much they cost and allow you to buy them on the spot for next day delivery
HOW IT WORKS Blippars smartphone app allows people to get immediate information of a vast array of objects as many as half a billion - simply by taking a picture of them. Once recognised, information and online links connected to the objects are flashed up on to the screen. Copycat fashion lovers will point their Apple or Android smartphone at the outfit they like, and tap the screen through the Blippar app, which identifies the item. If it is registered through the merchant the user is offered the chance to buy it with their pre-registered prepaid, debit or credit card. Advertisement
An advanced image-recognition scanner and app has been launched by Visa Europe amid claims it will be the future of clothes shopping.
The card giant has collaborated on the project with augmented reality app Blippar.
Blippars smartphone app allows people to get immediate information of a vast array of objects as many as half a billion - simply by taking a picture of them.
Once recognised, information and online links connected to the objects are flashed up on to the screen.
Copycat fashion lovers will point their Apple or Android smartphone at the outfit they like, and tap the screen through the Blippar app, which identifies the item.
If it is registered through the merchant the user is offered the chance to buy it with their pre-registered prepaid, debit or credit card.
The trial service will be tested by model Rafferty Law and DJ Nick Grimshaw Friday, at House of Hollands menswear show on the Strand.
The current Blippar app allows users to photograph - or blipp - of thousands of products and locate where to buy them on the internet, instantly
Guests will be able to scan outfits worn by models and buy them instantly. They will be delivered to shoppers on Saturday.
The brands founder, British designer Henry Holland, said: Being able to scan peoples garments through Blippar and purchase them pretty much off their back is an amazing technological development and one I have dreamt of as a consumer and a fashion business owner.
Visa said it hopes to make the technology available to other retailers this year. It was developed by Blippar and the Visa Europe Collab, which has offices in east Londons Tech City, Berlin and Tel Aviv.
Visa Europe Collab co-founder Hendrik Kleinsmiede said: Imagine a future where you can point your phone at a friends new outfit, only for the app to recognise and source that outfit in your size, and give you the option of having it sent straight to your home.
Ranjiva Prasad, Visa Europe Collabs principle technical architect, said: The concept is always-on shopping, make the whole world shoppable.
LG is unleashing the power of sound waves to combat India's mosquito epidemic.
It has launched a new line of televisions and an air conditioner they say does not use harmful chemicals, nor require filling or maintenance.
Called 'Mosquito Away', these devices use ultrasonic technology to emit sound waves that disable mosquitoes by paralyzing their nervous system.
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LG electronics has launched a new line of televisions and an air conditioner they say does not use harmful chemicals, nor require filling or maintenance. Called 'Mosquito Away', these devices use ultrasonic technology to emit sound waves that disable mosquitoes by paralyzing their nervous system
HOW DO THE TVs AND AIR CONDITIONER WORK? LG electronics has launched new line of televisions and air conditioners they say does not use harmful chemicals, nor require filling or maintenance. Called 'Mosquito Away', these devices use ultrasonic technology to emit sound waves to disable mosquitoes by paralyzing their nervous system. The television sets start at Rs 26,900 ($400) for a 32-inch screen and Rs 47,500 ($710) for a 42-inch screen. Mosquito Away 2 HP has a remote that allows users to operate the gadget -- whether to just cool the house, just repel bugs or both -- systems start around $500.00. In jet cooling mode, strong air blows out and the setting temperature automatically changes to 18C for 30 minutes, and turns back to the original setting temperature after 30 minutes. Advertisement
'LG is constantly introducing products based on Indian insights, making them more meaningful for the Indian consumers,' said LG Electronics director Howard Lee.
'The new Mosquito Away technology in television is an extension of this philosophy, transiting beyond viewing experience and truly building a healthy environment at home.'
The television sets start at Rs 26,900 ($400) for a 32-inch screen and Rs 47,500 ($710) for a 42-inch screen.
The firm claims the devices used in both the televisions and air conditioners complies with the regulations of global organisations and has been tested by International Institute of Biotechnology and Toxicology (IIBAT), India as well.
Mosquito transmitted diseases are a serious issue in India, some 1.13 million people in the country have reported severe cases and only 11 percent live in Malaria free zones.
However, some believe that if this technology is going to have an impact on the population LG has to rethink their prices.
According to the BBC, 29.8 percent of India's 1.21. billion population live below the poverty line, however others suggest the figure could be as high as 77 percent.
Mosquito Away 2 HP is an air conditioner with a unique function that generates an ultrasonic wave frequency over 30kHz -- completely harmless to human.
'It may be a convenient way to prevent mosquito bites you have ever experienced. You just need to push the 'Mosquito Away button,' explains LG. 'The Mosquito Away Device could even operate when A/C is off.'
Users receive a handheld remote that allows them to operate the gadget -- whether to just cool the room, repel bugs or both -- systems start around $500.00.
In jet cooling mode, strong air blows out and the setting temperature automatically changes to 18C for 30 minutes, and turns back to the original setting temperature after 30 minutes.
The television sets start at Rs 26,900 ($400) for a 32-inch screen and Rs 47,500 ($710) for a 42-inch screen. The firm claims the technology used in both the televisions and air conditioners complies with the regulations of global organisations (stock image of an LG television)
The South Korean firm tested this technology three times in a laboratory setting with the standard weather condition of Nigeria, Africa.
Tested by Institute of Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, the team used two chambers connected by six open winders one chamber assumed to be outside and the other to be inside.
Mosquitoes were released into the inside chamber and while Mosquito Away was active, the team counted how many of the insect fled from the rooms.
Users received a handheld remote that allows them to operate the gadget -- whether to just cool the house, just repel bugs or both -- systems start around $500.00. In jet cooling mode, strong air blows out and the setting temperature automatically changes to 18C for 30 minutes
Mosquito Away 2HP is an air conditioner with a unique function that generates an ultrasonic wave frequency over 30kHz -- completely harmless to human. 'It may be a convenient way to prevent mosquito bites you have ever experienced. You just need to push the 'Mosquito Away button,' explains LG
They found that the technology repelled about 62 percent of the mosquitoes released in the chambers after 24 hours.
However, LG has stated: 'Long term effect not tested and mosquitoes may become resistant.'
'This product is one of the ways to manage mosquitoes and not intended to replace other protective devices against mosquitoes.'
The South Korean firm tested this technology three times in a laboratory setting with the standard weather condition of Nigeria, Africa. They found that the technology repelled about 62 percent of the mosquitoes released in the chambers after 24 hours
Lenovo's new smartphone is smarter than your average handset - and is the first to include Google's Tango augmented reality sensors.
It allows the phone to sense your physical surroundings - such as the room's size and the presence of other people - and potentially transform how we interact with e-commerce, education and gaming.
Utilising Google's 3-year-old Project Tango, the new phone will use software and sensors to track motions and map building interiors, including the location of doors and windows.
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Sam Vang demonstrates playing with a virtual pet on the new Phab2 Pro phone at the Lenovo Tech World event in San Francisco. The smartphone will be clever enough to grasp physical surroundings, such as a room's size and the presence of other people, and potentially transform how we interact with e-commerce, education and gaming.
WHAT CAN TANGO DO? If Tango fulfills its promise, furniture shoppers will be able to download digital models of couches, chairs and coffee tables to see how they would look in their actual living rooms. Kids studying the Mesozoic Era would be able to place a virtual Tyrannosaurus or Velociraptor in their home or classroom and even take selfies with one. The technology would even know when to display information about an artist or a scene depicted in a painting as you stroll through a museum. Advertisement
Lenovo says the new Phab2 Pro phone will sell for $500 when it begins shipping in the U.S. in August.
The device is expected to be on store shelves by mid-September, in advance of Apple's anticipated release of the iPhone 7.
Actor Ashton Kutcher also appeared on stage to reveal the Moto Z and Moto Z Force, two modular smartphones that come with a series of 'magic dots' that enable users to attach extra features, including larger speakers and other modifications to change the phone's performance.
If Tango fulfills its promise, furniture shoppers will be able to download digital models of couches, chairs and coffee tables to see how they would look in their actual living rooms.
Kids studying the Mesozoic Era would be able to place a virtual Tyrannosaurus or Velociraptor in their home or classroom and even take selfies with one.
The technology would even know when to display information about an artist or a scene depicted in a painting as you stroll through a museum.
Tango will be able to create internal maps of homes and offices on the fly.
Google won't need to build a mapping database ahead of time, as it does with existing services like Google Maps and Street View.
Nonetheless, Tango could raise fresh concerns about privacy if controls aren't stringent enough to prevent the on-the-fly maps from being shared with unauthorized apps or heisted by hackers.
Lenovo announced its plans for the Tango phone in January, but Thursday marked the Phab2 Pro's debut at the Chinese company's technology conference in San Francisco.
The Phab2 Pro is coming out as phone sales are slowing.
People have been holding off on upgrades, partly because they haven't gotten excited about the types of technological advances hitting the market during the past few years.
Phones offering intriguing new technology could help spur more sales.
The device is expected to be on store shelves by mid-September, in advance of Apple's anticipated release of the iPhone 7.
But Tango's room-mapping technology is probably still too abstract to gain mass appeal right away, says Ramon Llamas, an analyst at the IDC research group.
'For most folks, this is still a couple steps ahead of what they can wrap their brains around, so I think there's going to be a long gestation period,' Llamas says.
Other smartphones promising quantum leaps have flopped.
Remember Amazon's Fire phone released with great fanfare two years ago? That souped-up phone featured four front-facing cameras and a gyroscope so some images could be seen in three dimensions.
HOW TANGO WORKS Project Tango combines 3D motion tracking with depth sensing to give your mobile device the ability to know where it is and how it moves through space. With Project Tango, developers can create applications that explore physical space around the user, including precise navigation without GPS, windows into virtual 3D worlds, measurements of spaces, and games that know where they are in the room and whats around them. Jeff Meredith, left, general manager and vice president of Android Chrome talks about the four cameras on the new Phab2 Pro phone during the keynote address at Lenovo Tech World event Thursday, June 9, 2016, in San Francisco. Advertisement
The device also offered a tool called Firefly that could be used to identify objects and sounds.
But the Fire fizzled, and Amazon no longer even sells the phone.
The Phab2 Pro also looks impressive, with a 6.4-inch display screen and four cameras to help perform its wizardry.
Despite all the fancy hardware, the key to the Tango phone's success is likely to hinge on the breadth of compelling apps that people find useful in their everyday lives.
If history is any guide, the early apps may be more demonstrative than practical.
The Phab2 Pro also looks impressive, with a 6.4-inch display screen and four cameras to help perform its wizardry.
Google had previously released experimental Tango devices designed for computer programmers, spurring them to build about 100 apps that should work with the Phab2 Pro.
Both large and small tech companies are betting that augmented realty, or AR, will take off sooner than later.
Microsoft has been selling a $3,000 prototype of its HoloLens AR headset.
Jeff Meredith, left, general manager and vice president of Android Chrome talks about the Phab2 Pro phone during the keynote address at Lenovo Tech World event.
Others, such as Facebook's Oculus and Samsung, are out with virtual-reality devices.
Google has one coming as well through its Daydream project.
While AR tries to blend the artificial with your actual surroundings, virtual reality immerses its users in a setting that's entirely fabricated.
With both, the devices out so far invariably require users to wear a headset or glasses.
In many cases, they also must be tethered to more powerful personal computers, restricting the ability to move around.
Tango uses software and sensors to track motions and size up the contours of rooms, which can empower a smartphone to map building interiors. Chinese technology company Lenovo is now giving consumers their first chance to buy a phone featuring the software
None of that is necessary with the Phab2 Pro.
Instead, you get an augmented look at your surroundings through the phone's screen.
'This has a chance to become pervasive because it's integrated into a device that you already have with you all the time,' says Jeff Meredith, a Lenovo vice president who oversaw development of the Tango device.
'You aren't going to have to walk around a mall wearing a headset.'
Google plans to bring Tango to other phones, but is focusing on the Lenovo partnership this year, according to Johnny Lee, a Google executive who oversaw the team that developed the technology drawn from previous research in robotics and the U.S. space program.
Google's innovative Project Tango is pictured. The technology uses 3D scanning sensors, similar to Microsoft's Kinect, to create whole maps of interior locations. It can be used by a device to automatically build a 3D map of anywhere the user is, allowing for far better indoor navigation
'The goal of Project Tango is to give mobile devices a human-scale understanding of space and motion,' said Johnny Lee from the ATAP-Project Tango Team. 'Our team has been working with universities, research labs, and industrial partners spanning nine countries around the world to build on the last decade of research in robotics and computer vision, concentrating that technology into a unique mobile device
Amazon's souped-up Fire phone (pictured) featured four front-facing cameras and a gyroscope so some images could be seen in three dimensions
'The goal of Project Tango is to give mobile devices a human-scale understanding of space and motion,' said Johnny Lee from the ATAP-Project Tango Team.
'Our team has been working with universities, research labs, and industrial partners spanning nine countries around the world to build on the last decade of research in robotics and computer vision, concentrating that technology into a unique mobile device.
'We are putting early prototypes into the hands of developers that can imagine the possibilities and help bring those ideas into reality.'
Other smartphones promising quantum leaps have flopped.
Amazon's souped-up Fire phone featured four front-facing cameras and a gyroscope so some images could be seen in three dimensions.
The device also offered a tool called Firefly that could be used to identify objects and sounds. But the Fire fizzled, and Amazon no longer even sells the phone.
The key to the Tango phone's success is likely to hinge on the breadth of compelling apps that people find useful in their everyday lives.
If history is any guide, the early apps may be more demonstrative than practical.
Google already has released experimental Tango devices designed for computer programmers, spurring them to build about 100 apps that will work with Lenovo's new phone.
At a conference for developers last month, Google demonstrated an app for picturing furniture in actual living rooms and for taking selfies with digital dinosaurs.
Both large and small tech companies are betting that augmented realty, or AR, will take off sooner than later.
Microsoft's HoloLens is taking huge steps in bringing teleportation closer to reality. A recent Microsoft Research video shows how the $3000 augmented reality system can be used to transmit 3D models of people anywhere in the world for face-to-face communication
AUGMENTED REALITY Microsoft has been selling a $3,000 (2,075) prototype of its HoloLens AR headset. Others, such as Facebook's Oculus and Samsung, are out with virtual-reality devices. Google has one coming as well through its Daydream project. While AR tries to blend the artificial with your actual surroundings, virtual reality immerses its users in a setting that's entirely fabricated. Microsoft invited pre-approved developers of the augmented reality goggles to put in their orders, which started to ship March 30th. HoloLens has 'see-through holographic lens' that use an optical projection system to create multi-dimensional full-colour holograms. In order to achieve this, the device has an optimal holographic density of 2.5k radiants. Advertisement
Microsoft has been selling a $3,000 (2,075) prototype of its HoloLens AR headset.
Others, such as Facebook's Oculus and Samsung, are out with virtual-reality devices. Google has one coming as well through its Daydream project.
While AR tries to blend the artificial with your actual surroundings, virtual reality immerses its users in a setting that's entirely fabricated.
With both, the devices out so far invariably require users to wear a headset or glasses. In many cases, they also must be tethered to more powerful personal computers, restricting the ability to move around.
None of that is necessary with Lenovo's Tango phone. Instead, users get an augmented look at their surroundings through the phone's screen.
'This has a chance to become pervasive because it's integrated into a device that you already have with you all the time,' said Jeff Meredith, a Lenovo vice president who oversaw development of the Tango device. 'You aren't going to have to walk around a mall wearing a headset.'
Google plans to bring Tango to other phones, but is focusing on the Lenovo partnership this year, according to Johnny Lee, a Google executive who oversaw the team that developed the technology.
A male passenger was arrested in Corfu after allegedly downing an entire bottle of vodka and then threatening to kill his girlfriend and children.
The 24-year-old suspect, who has not been named, was travelling on an easyJet flight from Manchester to the Greek island on Tuesday evening.
He was arrested when the plane landed and remains under police arrest.
The suspect is believed to be from Liverpool and was travelling to Corfu on easyJet flight EZY1977 (file photo)
The pilot on the flight, EZY1977, told Manchester Evening News: 'We have had a nightmare.
'The man threatened our cabin crew, me and passengers, and then threatened to kill his girlfriend and children who were on the flight with him.'
A witness said that the captain explained to passengers that the suspect drunk an entire bottle of vodka, according to the report.
The witness said: 'The captain said the passenger had drunk an entire bottle of vodka. He was not drinking the little bottles served by the cabin crew, he was drinking his own.'
The suspect, who is believed to be from Liverpool, is thought to have brought the vodka with him in his hand luggage.
Return flights to Manchester were delayed for over two hours as the same pilot had to give his statements to Greek police.
The 24-year-old passenger reportedly brought a large bottle of vodka on board the flight (file photo)
An easyJet spokesman told MailOnline Travel: 'Easyjet can confirm that flight EZY1977 from Manchester to Corfu on 7 June was met by the police on arrival in Corfu as a result of a passenger onboard behaving in a disruptive manner.
'Easyjet's cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time.
'Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously, do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour onboard and always push for prosecution.
British travellers could lose up to 300million a year if the UK leaves the EU on June 23, according to a new study.
Currently, holidaymakers from the UK are able to claim compensation against airlines for cancellations and delays of over three hours, whatever their destination.
However, if the UK is out of the EU, around 61 per cent of claims will no longer be covered by the law. And holidaymakers will no longer have the right to refreshments, accommodation or transfers while they wait out lengthy delays, either.
British travellers are currently covered by EU Regulation 261/2004, which allows European passengers to claim compensation against airlines in certain cases involving delays and cancellations
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, all European travellers can claim compensation against an airline in the event of cancellations, rerouting, delays and denied boarding - regardless of whether or not they have travel insurance.
They just have to be travelling on a flight departing from the EU or into the EU on an European carrier, to make a claim.
However, if the UK leaves the EU, a significant number of flights will no longer be covered under the regulation.
Flight compensation company EUclaim has looked at their data from 2011 to 2015 and estimated that around 61 per cent of the claims they process would no longer be covered by EU Regulation 261/2004 after Brexit.
After Brexit, around 61 per cent of current claims from UK passengers will no longer be covered by the current EU regulations
It estimates that around 1.75million UK passengers are delayed every year, which means that since 2011, British travellers have accrued around 2.7billion in claimable compensation from 66,769 flights.
In 2015, the claimable compensation for Brits was estimated at over 488million.
But after Brexit, 61 per cent of this, or just under 300million, will no longer be claimable.
In addition, British travellers would also lose their 'right to care', which stipulates that an airline must offer things such as refreshments, access to communications facilities and even hotel and transfers in the event of a prolonged delay.
Any legal proceedings covered under the regulation currently in process will be put on hold as well.
If Brexit take places British travellers would lose their 'right to care', which stipulates that an airline must offer things such as refreshments, access to communications facilities and even hotel and transfers in the event of a prolonged delay
Adeline Noorderhaven, UK Manager of EUclaim said: 'With such steep financial penalties, airlines have had to up their game. Since 2011, there has been a 32 per cent decrease in delays.
'If the UK leaves on June 23, this regulation would no longer be binding. There wouldn't be the same incentive to perform and our busiest transit hubs such Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester could begin to crumble under the pressure as airlines pull focus to the continent.'
She added: 'This regulation is tangible evidence for Brits of the benefits of staying in the EU.
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Harry Potter fans can step inside the wizard's magical universe at a new exhibition of props and original artwork from the movies.
The design studio that brought Harry's adventures to life in all eight films, MinaLima, has launched an exhibition so that muggles and magic-folk alike can see props including the Marauder's Map and Ron's Howler up close.
Hogwarts letters, The Daily Prophet newspaper and a range of items have been loaned from Warner Bros to display at the new London attraction.
Hogwarts letters, The Daily Prophet newspaper and a range of items have been loaned from Warner Bros to display at the new London attraction. Pictured are wanted posters of characters Sirius Black and Bellatrix Lestrange
Boasting around 50 props from the franchise, spread across two floors of a building in London's Soho, The House of MinaLima is free for visitors to enter
The London exhibition includes a cascading display of Hogwarts letters that are spilling out of the fireplace - just like in the film
Boasting around 50 props from the franchise, spread across two floors of a building in London's Soho, The House of MinaLima is free for visitors to enter.
The exhibition venue has been designed to look like it is straight out of the films and was chosen because 'its like Grimmauld Place in there, with narrow staircases, wonky walls, and low ceilings,' Eduardo Lima, one of the founders of the design studio, told Pottermore.
The venue is also just around the corner from the Palace Theatre, where Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two is now being staged.
Fans will be able to take some of the magic home as there is a chance to buy limited edition prints on the first floor of the venue, or replicas of the art the team created for the films on their website.
According to the MinaLima website, Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima started collaborating after meeting on the set of Harry Potter back in 2001.
Their website says: 'Over a decade later, we're still smiling. Partly thanks to the success we found designing the graphic props for all the Harry Potter fims.
'But also because of the people we meet, way we approach work, and designs we create.'
The exhibition venue has been designed to look like it is straight out of the films and was chosen because 'its like Grimmauld Place in there, with narrow staircases, wonky walls, and low ceilings,' Eduardo Lima, one of the founders of the design studio, told Pottermore
According to the MinaLima website , Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima started collaborating after meeting on the set of Harry Potter back in 2001
The design studio has also created artwork for the Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which will be hitting cinemas later this year
The design studio has also created artwork for the Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which will be hitting cinemas later this year.
On the other two floors of the four storey, House of MinaLima, the duo have shared some of their other iconic works, including illustrations from recent publications of Peter Pan and the Jungle Book.
The House of MinaLima will remain open until February 4, 2017 and does not charge for entry.
Fans will be able to take some of the magic home as there is a chance to buy limited edition prints on the first floor of the venue, or replicas of the art the team created for the films on their website
On the other two floors of the four storey, House of MinaLima, the duo have shared some of their other iconic works, including illustrations from recent publications of Peter Pan and the Jungle Book
Most of us have briefly nodded off on a train after a long day of work or a hard night out, but one passenger had a real scare when he woke up and was trapped inside.
The man called 999 and was rescued by British Transport Police when he finally came to and found himself alone on the empty and dark train, which was no longer in service.
He fell asleep on his journey from Liverpool to Manchester, but no one apparently bothered to wake him at the final stop.
The man woke up after the train had been moved to storage area near Manchester Victoria station (pictured)
It appears he wasnt detected by staff either, as he did not wake up until the train had been moved to a siding used for storing trains, near Manchester Victoria station.
The man had no idea where he was or how to exit the train, and he called 999 from his mobile phone around 8:15pm on Tuesday night.
Greater Manchester Police reported the incident on its City Centre Twitter account, writing: Oh dear. 999 at 8:15pm from man who fell asleep on train from Liverpool and is stuck on an empty train in a siding somewhere near Victoria.
Weve asked our good friends at [British Transport Police] to help us out with this one. Will hopefully have him on his way soon.
Police reported the incident on Twitter and requested help from British Transport Police to rescue the man
The 33-year-old man was travelling from Liverpool to Manchester when he fell asleep on the train
Twitter users shared their own stories of the times they or someone they know fell asleep on a train or bus and missed their stop.
One user wrote: Could have been worse. Husband once ended up in Nottingham having fallen asleep on a Liverpool train.
An officer responded: For me it was a night bus in London in my late teens.
Tuesday's incident was one of a number of unusual calls GMP City Centre have received this week.
On Twitter, police wrote: Its gonna be one of those days. 999 just in to drunk man in dingy [sic] in the water in Castlefield who cant steer or get out
Former Scandal star Columbus Short was given a 30 day jail sentence for violating probation in an assault case, according to a new report.
TMZ reported that prosecutors contended the actor violated probation after drug tests found the actor had continued smoking marijuana, and that the THC levels in his system were elevating by the week.
The judge sentenced the 33-year-old to 30 days in jail as well as six months in a residential drug treatment program when the actor appeared in court for a progress report on Wednesday.
Legal trouble: Former Scandal star Columbus Short, pictured in West Hollywood in 2014, was given a 30 day jail sentence for violating probation in an assault case, according to a new report
Short's lawyer argued that the actor's sister had passed last week from heart failure, yet the defense did not win over the judge, adds TMZ.
The actor, who was taken in to complete 24 days in jail as he had been in custody for six, found himself apologizing, TMZ adds.
The website also adds that, according to prosecutors, the actor has clocked in zero hours of community service.
His attorney, Ludlow B. Creary, says he expects his client will be released soon. He says Short has no comment on the court's findings.
Previously: Short pleaded no contest to felony assault in September and was sentenced to three years of supervised probation, two months of community labor and anger management counseling - here the actor is pictured in Hollywood in 2014
Short pleaded no contest in September to a felony count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury after he knocked out the man and broke his nose
Short was sentenced to three years' probation and two months of community labor, and he must take 26 anger-management classes.
The actor left Scandal after being charged in the assault case and a separate domestic-violence case involving his estranged wife.
Short previously attributed drug use to a troubling 2014 during an interview.
'I was struggling with drugs,' he admitted to Hollywood Access Live. 'I had a lot on my plate, and you know, I was using unhealthy ways to kind of self-medicate and deal with a lot of heavy duty stuff in my life.'
The Bachelor's original couple Anna Heinrich and Tim Robards have given their fans a serious case of vacation envy.
Chiropractor Tim and lawyer Anna took a trip to Positano where she posted a shot of herself arriving at Villa Boheme Positano Luxury Suites 'Italy' describing it as 'just magical' and 'heaven'.
Posing on the tiled terrace of the villa, she twists and twirls in the floaty dress, the sea and an expanse of sky behind her.
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Ciao bella: Former Bachelor star Anna Heinrich posted a shot of herself at the Villa Boheme Positano Luxury Suites to Instagram on Thursday declaring she had arrived
'We've arrived!', Anna captioned her Instagram shot tagging the luxury suites.
The 29-year-old revealed the news her beau and 'number one' Tim was joining her on the trip.
Anna stunned in a navy and red tribal Camilla kaftan that accentuated her slender waist and toned arms.
Her blonde hair was kept loose and she finished off her look with a pair of on-trend sunglasses.
Luxury: The reality TV stars are staying at the exclusive suites featuring Moorish-style architecture
The reality TV stars are staying at the exclusive Villa Boheme which boasts breathtaking views of southern Italy's Amalfi Coast.
A sophisticated resort featuring Moorish-style architecture, guests are able to look out onto the Sirenuse Islands.
The suites starting at 900 Euro ($1,369 AUD) offer a spectacular private terrace, stylish antiques, Vietri floor tiles and an authentic Italian breakfast.
Picturesque:The sophisticated resort allows guests to look out onto the Sirenuse Islands and marvel at the colourful sights
'Couldn't be any more EXCITED': Anna posted a shot to Instagram on Tuesday as she left Etihad Airways lounge at Sydney Airport before jetting off to Italy with Tim Robards for her mum's 60th birthday
The blonde reality star has been keeping fans on social media updated with her whereabouts.
'Couldn't be any more EXCITED. We're coming for you EUROPE,' Anna captioned her shot leaving the Etihad Airways lounge at Sydney Airport on Tuesday.
She added the hash-tags 'Jude's 60th' and 'family holiday', along with details of her outfit.
Meanwhile, Tim excitedly shared a shot of him in his plush leather seat on-board the aircraft, believed to be in First Class.
With a champagne flute beside him and his laptop across his legs, Tim captioned the shot: 'Can't complain...Smashing out my marketing assignment before take off!'
'Can't complain': Tim Robards also excitedly shared a shot of him in his plush leather seat onboard the aircraft, believed to be in First Class
'Italy here we come!! Anna's mum's 60th yeeeeew!'
While the couple will not be filming this European holiday for their YouTube show, they will still be sharing plenty of envy-inducing photos across social media.
However, Tim recently admitted that he is not set to get down on one knee during the romantic break, telling OK! Australia magazine last Thursday, 'it would be too cliched'.
Holiday time! The couple are looking forward to a romantic European getaway without cameras following them about, as the couple reveal they won't be recording the trip for their YouTube channel
Last October, Tim spoke about not wanting to propose on holiday when it's most expected and explained he wanted to be able to surprise his girlfriend.
Chatting on The Daily Edition, the reality TV star appeared nervous as he told Sally Obermeder and Tom Williams on the topic of marriage: 'We're definitely getting closer.
'I've gotta make something that's very left of centre, where she's not expecting it,' he said.
Still going strong: The couple of almost three years have been dogged by break up rumours over the past 12 months but say they say they are still solid
There was also plenty of speculation early in 2015 that the pair would get engaged after appearing together on the first series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here.
While joking on social media that if Anna won the series after getting down to the final week, he would propose on-air, the couple later revealed they had never planned to get engaged on the show.
'Anna said do not propose in the jungle,' Tim told OK! Australia last March.
'I think that would have been the most horrible proposal ever,' Anna added.
They went public with their split two weeks ago but have been separated for more than a month in secret.
Though that won't have made things any easier for former flames Daisy Lowe, 27, and Thomas Cohen, 26, who found themselves at the same London party on Wednesday night.
Reunited with her ex for the House Of Dior opening on New Bond Street, Daisy managed to paint on a smile through seductive red lips.
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Awkward: Former flames Daisy Lowe (left) and Thomas Cohen (right) awkwardly reunited at Dior Boutique Launch Party in New Bond Street on Wednesday night, one month after announcing their split
Covering up her famous curves, the brunette was playing it cool on the 'eat your heart out' front, plumping instead for a feminine pink shirt dress.
She teamed it with silver heels and a matching handbag, relying on her natural beauty to make an impact on arrival.
The fashion fan couldn't possibly have missed the London fashion house opening, despite the likely attendance of her not-so distant ex.
All smiles: The model painted on a bright smile, despite being in the presence of an ex
Looking cute: Rather than go overtly sexy, the brunette went for a cute, ladylike look
Accessorised: She carried a silver handbag to match her pointed shoes, offsetting it with red lips
Thomas was instantly recognisable by his kooky haircut but lurked in the shadows in all-black, dressed in a silver studded jacket with Gucci loafers.
The couple were not pictured together, thanks to the plethora of noteworthy celebrities keeping them company on Wednesday night, including Millie Macintosh, Donna Air and Pixie Lott.
Nevertheless, it's the closest they've come to a reunion since officially announcing the 'amicable' split to MailOnline at the end of May.
Confirming that they'd parted ways after five months, Daisy's representative said: 'Daisy and Thomas split about a month ago.'
Distinctive: The late Peaches Geldof's husband was wearing a pair of distinctive red shades
'Its all very amicable, they had lots of fun and a great time together. It just sort of fizzled out and had run its course.
The husband of Daisy's late friend Peaches Geldof only went public with his romance with Daisy at the start of the year, but are said to have noted a growing attraction as far back as October 2015.
She is known to have spent time with Thomas's two sons Astala, three, and Phaedra, two - from his marriage to Peaches - and he even met her famous father Gavin Rossdale in their time as an item.
He is currently promoting his debut solo album Bloom Forever, which featured tracks that were a tribute to Peaches.
All promotion: Thomas is currently promoting his debut solo album Bloom Forever
Meanwhile Daisy seemed to leave Tuesday night's Royal Academy of Arts summer exhibition with a mystery man in tow.
She's also been linked to former Popstars contestant turned West End star Darius Campbell, who she spent time with on two occasions in the days following the Thomas announcement.
Awkwardly, Daisy and Thomas also share multiple mutual friends, including Pixie Geldof (Peaches' younger sister), Alexa Chung and Nick Grimshaw.
Dolly Parton has been married to husband Carl Dean for five decades.
The lovebirds, who tied the knot on May 30, 1966, recently celebrated their Golden Anniversary with a private vow renewal ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee.
'If I had it to do all over, I'd do it all over again, and we did,' Dolly said. 'I'm dragging him kicking and screaming into the next 50 years.'
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Strong marriage: Dolly Parton has been married to husband Carl Dean for five decades. The longtime couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in Nashville, TN
'Wish us luck. In all honesty, the only way I was able to get Carl to do any of this in the first place was that it was a great opportunity for us to raise money for some very worthy causes,' she added.
Dolly's creative director and clothing designer Steve Summers helped design her an off-white dress for the special occasion while Carl opted for a classic suit.
The country icon, who recently kicked off her Pure & Simple Tour, her largest North American tour in more than 25 years, said: 'I'm dragging him kicking and screaming into the next 50 years. Wish us luck. In all honesty, the only way I was able to get Carl to do any of this in the first place was that it was a great opportunity for us to raise money for some very worthy causes.'
Flashback: The lovebirds, who tied the knot on May 30, 1966, recently celebrated their golden milestone with a private vow renewal ceremony in Nashville
The fiercely private pair have decided to sell the pictures from the ceremony to the highest bidder to raise money to benefit her Imagination Library literacy charity.
73-year-old Carl - who ran an asphalt-laying company - has shunned the limelight despite being married to one of the biggest stars in the world.
But for their special milestone, Carl has agreed to the publicity.
In addition to being photographed, Carl did his first interview, where fans submitted questions as well as Dolly.
'My first thought was I'm gonna marry that girl,' said Carl reacting to the first time seeing Dolly at the Wishy Washy Laundromat.
Her press-shy husband continued, 'My second thought was, Lord she's good lookin'. And that was the day my life began. I wouldn't trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth.'
Fate: The country icon and Carl were married in 1966 in the city of Ringgold, Georgia, and Dolly's mother was the only witness at the ceremony
Lasting love: The blonde beauty met the 'loner' at the Wishy Washy Laundromat the very day that she moved to Nashville, and they were married two years later
The complete exclusive interview will soon be released to coincide with the photos.
The blonde beauty recently opened up about her reclusive husband telling People magazine, 'My husband is a loner.'
The 9 To 5 songstress continued, 'He doesn't particularly care about being around anybody but me. He's just always asked me to leave him out of all this. He does not like all the hullabaloo.'
But Dolly added, 'He's always been supportive. He's like a brother and a father and a friend and a husband and a lover all of those things to me. I think he's kind of proud that we've been in it this long!'
The couple were married in 1966 in the city of Ringgold, Georgia and Dolly's mother was the only witness at the ceremony.
They had met just two years prior on the very day that the Rockin' Years hit-maker moved to Nashville.
Actress Tammin Sursok has told of the profound sense of feeling lost and isolated after giving birth to her daughter.
The 32-year-old former Home And Away star admits she spent the bulk of being a new mother 'obsessing' about regaining her identity as an actress and not relishing enough time with daughter Phoenix.
Writing on her blog Bottle + Heels, she says: 'I remember going to a spin class three months after my little one was born and the teacher spoke about feeling lost and I crumbled.
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'Lost': Tammin Sursok admits she spent the bulk of being a new mother 'obsessing' about regaining her identity as an actress and not relishing enough time with daughter Phoenix, two
'My life had changed the day my magnificent daughter came into the world': Tammin revealed Phoenix naturally became her focus as her own identity took several steps back
'I had caked old breast milk on my activewear. It truly hit a nerve. Lost, lost, lost.
'My life had changed the day my magnificent daughter came into the world,' she added.
Tammin, who lives stateside with her husband Sean McEwen, explains she had placed so much emphasis on her career defining her that when she stopped working to focus on Phoenix, she felt 'isolated.'
Fitness: The actress likes to stay trim for health and work reasons
Happy family: Tammin is married to Hollywood producer Sean McEwen and they live with their daughter in LA
'I spent time in my head and had obsessive thoughts about when I would get a job,' she writes.
The South African-born star, who first found fame as Danielle 'Dani' Sutherland on Home and Away, is married to Hollywood producer Sean McEwen and they live with their daughter in LA.
Earlier this year, Tammin confessed to Channel Nine's Today Show that her husband is desperate to expand their brood - sooner rather than later.
Siblings on the way? Tammin hinted her husband is keen to give Phoenix some siblings in the near future
Expanding the brood: Earlier this year, Tammin revealed to Channel Nine's Today Show that her husband is desperate to expand their family - sooner rather than later
My husband keeps trying to have a baby with me everyday,' she laughed.
The Pretty Little Liars star says that while she wants a bigger family, she is keen to learn from her mistakes, writing on her blog: 'I look back with slight regret.
'When we are graced with our next child, I hope to be more aware.
Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas have had a second son.
The 38-year-old actress and her 34-year-old husband - who co-star as Snow White and Prince Charming on 'Once Upon A Time' - welcomed Hugo Wilson Dallas into the world on June 1 in Los Angeles, according to E! News.
Ginnifer and Josh tied the knot in April 2014 and she gave birth to son Oliver Finlay Dallas one month later.
Family of four! Ginnifer Goodwin and husband Josh Dallas have welcomed their second son on June 1
The actress previously admitted she and Josh were eager to have as many children as possible.
She said: 'We'll have as many [children] as the universe will grant us.
'[Motherhood is] so much better [than I thought]. It makes me feel like acting is not at all creative, but being a parent, anybody who's a parent I want to like give an Oscar to.'
However, she joked the pair will be 'staffing up' and getting in a lot of help 'Downton Abbey style' to cope with a second baby.
Great name! The 38-year-old actress and her 34-year-old husband have named their second child Hugo Wilson Dallas
She said: 'The first time we thought we needed to be heroes and do everything ourselves. We thought, 'That's too LA for us!' so we went real hippy dippy. And this time we are going at it like Downton Abbey style - staffing up. We'll have like a nanny and an under nanny and an under under nanny...!'
The couple were also having a difficult time coming up with a name as they 'blew' their first choice for a boy on Oliver.
She added: 'We're trying on different things. It's hard because we are having a boy and we blew it. I mean, not blew it, but Oliver to us is like the best name on the planet.
'So, how do we follow Oliver with another name that's just as stunning?'
Plans for a big brood: The Once Upon a Time star has previously revealed she wants to have as many children as she can
Waleed Aly's wife Susan Carland has opened up about her decision to convert from Christianity to Islam at the age of 19, saying it 'felt like coming home'.
The respected sociologist admitted she originally thought Islam was a 'barbaric, outdated and sexist religion' but after detailed research she realised this was not the case.
She told The Australian Women's Weekly that these misconceptions still permeate society, with many still believing that 'Muslims are all terrorists and kill people'.
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Change: Waleed Aly's wife Susan Carland has explained her decision to convert from Christianity to Islam at the age of 19, saying it 'felt like coming home'
Susan, who attended the Uniting Church in Sydney as a child before switching to the Baptist Church as a teenager, said her mother originally opposed her decision to convert to Islam.
But she said: 'Becoming Muslim felt like coming home. It felt like a natural fit for me as a person.'
The Monash University academic now has two children with Gold Logie-winner Waleed, 37, who describes himself as a 'moderate Muslim'.
Misconception: The respected sociologist admitted she originally thought Islam was a 'barbaric, outdated and sexist religion' but after detailed research she realised this was not the case
Stereotypes: Susan told The Australian Women's Weekly that many still fear 'Muslims are all terrorists and kill people'
She has previously spoken about how she did not change religion for The Project presenter.
Speaking at an RTi Talk, Susan said that when people in the Muslim community suggested they would make a good couple, she told them: 'I wouldnt marry him if he was the last man on earth.'
Obviously she changed her mind and called him to say she had made a mistake, and the couple are now living happily together in Melbourne with their children Aisha, 13, and nine-year-old Zayd.
She told The Australian Women's Weekly that people have to be 'switched on' about the reality of Islam, rather than sticking to negative stereotypes.
Family: Waleed and his wife Susan have a nine-year-old son called Zayd
So cute! The couple also have a daughter, Aisha, who is 13 (but was one when this picture was taken)
'There's definitely still the fear and belief among certain people that Muslims are all terrorists and kill people, or if not they are sleeper cells,' Susan said.
The mother-of-two and her husband are trying to challenge these stereotypes - but they face a backlash for doing so.
Susan said previously spoken about how she has been targeted on social media because she wears a hijab and speaks out about the rights of Muslims in Australia.
Stunning: Susan donned a beautiful pale blue gown for the Logie awards
But she has turned each slander into a positive, by donating $1 to charity for every hateful tweet she receives.
Susan has donated $4,000 since October last year.
She has an intellectual interest in Islam, with her PhD examining how women tackle feminism.
The mother-of-two believes there is no contradiction between Islam and feminism.
She's been settling back into everyday life as her husband awaits sentencing after being convicted of insider trading last week.
And PR maven Roxy Jacenko put future worries aside to enjoy a family dinner in Sydney with stockbroker Oliver Curtis and their young children on Wednesday.
The mother-of-two opted for a pair of slinky jeans and a chic winter coat alongside her spouse, daughter Pixie, four, and two-year-old son Hunter.
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Moving on: PR maven Roxy Jacenko (R) put worries about husband Oliver Curtis' (L) upcoming sentencing for insider trading aside to enjoy a family dinner in Sydney with their two children Pixie and Hunter on Wednesday
Before dining at Golden Century Seafood Restaurant, Roxy shared a sharply-dressed family photo on her Instagram account.
Oliver, 30, wore a suit and dress shirt, while little Pixie - who is known as the 'Princess of Instagram' - displayed one of her signature head bows.
Meanwhile, the blonde businesswoman carried Hunter in her arms as they smiled for the camera in a stylish living room area.
A very modern family! The 36-year-old also shared an adorable photo of her children outside the Chinese eatery Golden Century Seafood Restaurant as they both clutched iPads
Later, Roxy shared a cute snap of her kids outside the trendy Chinese restaurant as they both clutched iPads.
In the social media snap, Pixie cuddled her little brother while keeping an eye on her tablet as they stood outside the restaurant.
The restaurant trip was likely a birthday celebration as the Sweaty Betty PR mogul turned 36 on Wednesday.
Birthday girl! Previously, Roxy shared a photograph of shiny new Cartier diamond ring which retails at $5,600, which may have been a gift from Oliver
She previously shared a photograph of shiny new Cartier diamond ring which retails at $5,600, which may have been a gift from Oliver.
Meanwhile, the investment banker was found guilty by a Supreme Court jury of conspiracy to commit insider trading last Thursday.
Oliver was released on bail and faces the prospect of up to five years in prison when he is sentenced next Friday.
Chloe Grace Moretz went for a casual look as she stopped for a coffee break.
The stylish actress wore a grey 'Dazed' shirt as she stopped by a Starbucks in Beverly Hills on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old added skinny blue jeans and checkered Vans slip-ons for her casual outing.
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Casual style: Actress Chloe Grace Moretz wore a 'Dazed' Tshirt as she stopped by a Starbucks in Beverly Hills on Wednesday
The Fifth Wave star looked relaxed, wearing her long blonde hair down and opting for minimal makeup.
She flashed a dark brown manicure and accessorized with a gold necklace and a number of gold rings.
Activist: The 19-year-old Clinton campaigner proudly diplayed her 'I Voted' sticker on her smarthpone
Stylish: The Fifth Wave star wore skinny jeans and Vans checkered slip-ons as she picked up her car from the valet
And the actress, who has been an outspoken supporter of Hillary Clinton, displayed her 'I Voted' sticker on her smartphone after casting her ballot in California's primary elections on Tuesday.
The teenager held an iced drink as she picked up her vehicle from the valet.
Chloe, who is dating model Brooklyn Beckham, said yesterday that her British boyfriend is used to strong women because he grew up with Victoria Beckham as his mother.
Casual: The actress added gold bangles and a slim gold necklace
And she revealed Brooklyn is supportive of her political activism.
'I mean his mom is a very powerful woman,' Chloe explained to Access Hollywood as she attended a Clinton event in LA on Monday.
'I think he admires kind of what I stand for and he's always like, 'Go do your political thing, Chloe!''
Shes known for working the social media circuit, often taking to her sites to document her life.
And during the school run on Thursday morning, Roxy Jacenko once again could not resist the urge to take a short Instagram video of her son, Hunter Curtis.
However, the two-year-old tot appeared slightly miffed with his mother taking a snapshot of him while he sat buckled up in his car seat.
'No Mum, no picture': Roxy Jacenko once again could not resist the urge to take a short Instagram video of her son, Hunter Curtis, during the school run on Thursday morning
No picture Mum, the youngster pleaded, while Roxy quipped: But I want to know where we are going, Im not quite sure.
Ignoring his persistent mothers plea to say where they were going, Hunter begged: No Mum, no picture Mum.
The post, which has been viewed over three thousand times, was simply captioned: 'Please Mum. Please. Off to school we go.'
Not impressed: However, the two-year-old tot appeared slightly miffed with his mother taking a snapshot of him while he sat buckled up in his car seat
Celebrations: The post - which has been viewed over three thousand times - comes one day after Roxy celebrated her 36th birthday with husband Oliver and their children, Hunter and four-year-old Pixie
It comes one day after Roxy celebrated her 36th birthday with husband Oliver and their children, Hunter and four-year-old Pixie.
During the days proceedings, the PR maven showed off a shiny new Cartier diamond ring, which retails at $5,600.
Sharing a snap of her hand with the bling on Instagram, the entrepreneur simply captioned the photo with her initials and a heart Emoji, followed by her husbands social media handle.
'RJ @1903oprc @cartier,' she captioned the image.
A very modern family! The 36-year-old also shared an adorable photo of her children outside the Chinese eatery Golden Century Seafood Restaurant as they both clutched iPads
It's unclear whether the impressive accessory was a gift from the Sydneysider's beau, who was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading last week. Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Roxy for confirmation.
Last Thursday, the jury delivered their verdict following a tense three-week trial where Oliver's former best friend and schoolmate John Hartman was pitted against him.
Mother-of-two Roxy remained dutifully by her husband's side during the trial.
Roxy's husband could face up to five years imprisonment and/or a $220,000 fine over the charge.
Birthday girl! Previously, Roxy shared a photograph of shiny new Cartier diamond ring which retails at $5,600, which may have been a gift from Oliver
She always looks impossibly svelte and glamorous after giving birth to six 'surprise' children in just eight years.
But former Neighbours star Madeleine West has insisted her enviable figure is all just 'smoke and mirrors'.
'Without my Spanx, I have no waist and without my push-up, I am less cup overfloweth, more empty windsock,' the 35-year-old told Women's Weekly.
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Enviable curves: Former Neighbours star Madeleine West said that without a push-up bra, she is 'less cup overfloweth, more empty windsock' after giving birth to six children, pictured in 2015
The actress met her partner, celebrity chef Shannon Bennett, 16 years ago at a dinner in Melbourne for Jamie Oliver and they have gone on to raise an impressive brood together.
After giving birth to twins Margaux and Xhalia 18 months ago, Madeleine said there is no chance of another new arrival.
'There will definitely, 100 per cent be no more,' she said.
Svelte: Madeleine has insisted her enviable figure is all just 'smoke and mirrors' after giving birth to six 'surprise' children in just eight years
Cute couple: The actress met her partner, celebrity chef Shannon Bennett (left), 16 years ago at a dinner in Melbourne for Jamie Oliver and they have gone on to raise an impressive brood together
'With the possible exception of an immaculate conception, there is no risk of the West-Bennett clan extending beyond the half dozen we are currently up to.'
She said she ended up with six 'surprise' children because no version of the pill works on her - and she has tried a few.
Now she lives in a home she calls 'Chateau Catastrophe' with Shannon and their children Phoenix, 10, Hendrix, eight, Xascha, five, Xanthe, 3 and twins Margaux and Xhalia, both 18 months.
She recently revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she sometimes puts her children to bed in their clothes for the next day.
The former Neighbours actress was criticised online for her alternative parenting methods, but she hit back, saying she was happy her statement was 'starting a conversation about parenthood'.
Busty: She told the magazine: 'Without my push-up, I am less cup overfloweth, more empty windsock', pictured (right) before and (left) after having six children
Glamorous: She always looks impossibly svelte despite having given birth to six 'surprise' children in just eight years
Happy family: Madeleine and her daughter Phoenix attend the Melbourne premiere of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' in 2012
Tips and tricks: Ms West previously talked through tips and tricks for getting by with multiple kids - she often holds a glass of wine during bath time - even if she doesn't drink it
Despite her exhausting schedule, Madeleine says she is ready to return to work in a new series called The Wrong Girl.
She also spoke about how giving birth to six children has helped appreciate her body in a new way.
Madeleine admitted that when she was a younger actress she equated her value with the way she looked, saying she suffered from 'head-up-my-own-arse-itis'.
The actress, who played Dee Bliss in Neighbours, said she believed her career was over when she fractured her skull after being hit by a bus on Sydney's Oxford Street in 2003.
Not expecting any more: Madeleine is pictured here when she was pregnant with twins in 2014
Organised mum: The actress also keeps constant to-do lists with appointments, affairs and long-term goals
She previously spoke about how she 'didn't recognise her own face' after suffering a brain hemorrhage and amnesia.
'When the doctors let me see myself in the mirror for the first time, my immediate thought was, 'My acting career is over' and I was ready to chuck it,' she told The Weekly Review.
'Apart from breaking a bunch of teeth and blowing out all the blood vessels in my eyes, I had a massive scab and big scar,' she said.
She was forced to confront her fears and overcame her anxiety about busy road and buses.
Ample cleavage: Madeleine flaunted her curves at the Logies in Melbourne in 2005
They have been tasked with working as a team to manipulate their housemates in the hopes of bagging their own spot in the Big Brother house.
But The Others already look to be turning on one another as former dominatrix Natalie Rowe accused Andrew Tate of being 'two-faced' during Wednesday night's episode.
As the six wannabe housemates sat and spoke in their tiny living quarters, the 53-year-old clearly felt it the perfect time to bring up a suspicious stare she claimed was thrown by the American Mensa member earlier in the day.
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Starting already! They have been tasked with working as a team to manipulate their housemates in the hopes of bagging their own spot in the Big Brother house but The Others already look to be turning on one another as former dominatrix Natalie Rowe accused Andrew Tate of being 'two-faced' during Wednesday night's episode
'I was talking to these guys and I saw you give a funny look,' she accused.
Vehemently denying any such look, he asked: 'Has anyone else seen me give a dirty look?'
Warning that she won't tolerate fake people, Natalie raged on: 'If somebody is two-faced and I found out they are two-faced then I'm cutting you off.'
Awkward! As the six wannabe housemates sat and spoke in their tiny living quarters, the 53-year-old clearly felt it the perfect time to bring up a suspicious stare she claimed was thrown by the American earlier in the day
Speaking later in the Diary Room, she confessed: 'I'm very dubious of the Chicago guy.
'I've got his number and I'm going to make sure at some point he gets to know what I think about him.'
Not hiding the fact that she is desperate to get into the Big Brother house, Natalie added: 'Jesus, help me. Give us this task so I can do what I need to do and get into the main house and cause mayhem and drama.'
Honest: Speaking later in the Diary Room, she confessed: 'I'm very dubious of the Chicago guy. I've got his number and I'm going to make sure at some point he gets to know what I think about him'
Outspoken: Admitting she is desperate to get into the Big Brother house, Natalie added: 'Jesus, help me. Give us this task so I can do what I need to do and get into the main house and cause mayhem and drama'
But her desire to get into the famous compound is also shared by her new arch rival, who later told Big Brother that he knows his intelligence will secure him a place in the house.
'I'm trying to actually complete the task which I feel has alienated me from some of the housemate but it's a risk you have to take,' he revealed.
'I'm intelligent enough to know that if you want to learn something you have to shut your mouth.
Game plan: The Others have been instructed to sabotage the Big Brother housemates in the hopes of securing a spot in the main house
'You can't make moves on a chessboard if you can't see the pieces.'
He added: 'I don't care if nobody down there likes me. I know where I genuinely am. I know I'm the most intelligent person in this house.
'I want to get in there and I'm going to do whatever it takes to do it.'
In it to win it: Natalie's desire to get into the famous compound is also shared by her new arch rival, who later told Big Brother that he knows his intelligence will secure him a place in the house
He's no stranger to the limelight having won worldwide acclaim for his roles in Band of Brothers and Homeland.
But Damian Lewis was more than happy to wait in the wings for his wife on Wednesday evening, when Helen McCrory took to the stage in the press performance of The Deep Blue Sea.
Obviously having impressed her husband, 45, the 47-year-old Peaky Blinders star couldn't help but smile as he gave her a hug in her dressing room following the show at the Lyttelton Theatre.
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Proud partner: Damian Lewis was more than happy to wait in the wings for his wife on Wednesday evening, when Helen McCrory took to the stage in the press performance of The Deep Blue Sea
Helen - who has gained critical acclaim in the BBC2 gangster period drama - stars in Terrence Rattigan's classic tale of love, lust, longing and loneliness.
Following her performance in the lead role of Hester Collyer the actress looked to be in high spirits - obviously having won a favourable response from the audience.
And it seems that her husband was bowled over by his wife's turn on the stage, as he beamed proudly while congratulating her.
Stealing the limelight? Obviously having impressed her husband, 45, the 47-year-old Peaky Blinders star couldn't help but smile as he gave her a hug in her dressing room following the show at the Lyttelton Theatre
Changing into a backless tangerine gown, which featured a small trail, Helen looked every inch the stage sire; oozing elegance whilst also showcasing her slender and trim figure.
Wearing her dark tresses pulled back in a messy bun, the London-born star showcased her naturally striking features, which were defined with a restrained amount of make-up.
Damian rocked a smart casual look, teaming a black printed shirt with navy trousers, whilst the actor showed off his ever-growing beard and red locks.
Celebrating? Following her performance in the lead role of Hester Collyer the actress looked to be in high spirits - obviously having won a favourable response from the audience - as Damian cuddled her
Queen of the night: Changing into a backless tangerine gown, which featured a small trail, Helen looked every inch the stage sire; oozing elegance whilst also showcasing her slender and trim figure
The Deep Blue Sea tells the tale of Hester Collyer, whose tempestuous and heart-breaking love life is made public following an attempted suicide.
Originally performed in London in March 1952, Rattigan's play seeks to pull back the fragile veneer of post-war civility, and sheds a light on the brutal sense of loss and longing felt collectively in the '40s and '50s.
First turned into a film in 1955, a new adaption as released in 2011, and saw a fledgling Tom Hiddleston as Freddie Page (Hester's lover) star opposite Rachel Weisz in the lead role.
And it seems that Helen's turn as the tragic Hester is set to be a success, as she received rave reviews.
Writing for The Telegraph, Ben Lawrence described her performance as 'simply wonderful,' whilst The Stage's Natasha Tripney declared the play a 'restrained, but still deeply moving production of a Rattigan masterwork'.
Jake Hall was back on his feet on Wednesday, walking for the first time since he was stabbed in an ugly Marbella nightclub brawl.
The 24-year-old Only Way Is Essex star described 'the best feeling in the world' as he shared a video of the moment he took his first steps since being left in intensive care in the Costa del Sol.
Jake almost lost a kidney when he was reportedly stabbed with a broken bottle in what is thought to have been a gang-related attack at celebrity hotspot Aqwa Mist, just over a week ago.
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Back on his feet: TOWIE's Jake Hall was back on his feet on Wednesday, just over a week after being stabbed at a Marbella nightclub
Still wearing his hospital clothes, the reality TV star was seen back on his feet on Wednesday as he gave a few air punches in the style of the late Muhammad Ali - though he still looked a little unsteady.
Jake wrote beside the video posted on his 306k-followed Instagram account: 'Today was best feeling in world being able to have a little walk'
It seems that Jake's recovery has also been pushed along by bedmate 'Eduardo,' who he referenced in a second picture caption of a group, taken inside the hospital.
Bedbound: Jake was left in intensive care in the Costa del Sol Hospital after a gang-related brawl at the Aqwa Mist nightclub, where he is thought to have been stabbed with a broken bottle
Fighting fit: In a new video, posted only on Wednesday, the star can be seen to give Muhammad Ali-style punches in the air
He wrote: 'Most amazing family me and Eduardo been pushing each other he getting better too! #graciaseduardo #legend'
Jake has remained defiant about making a strong recovery and posted his first message in the hospital bed eight days ago that simply said: 'You can't get rid of me that easily.'
One other such solid support has been on-and-off-screen girlfriend Chloe Lewis, who has kept a bedside vigil since news of the attack reached her in the same Spanish holiday resort.
Though recent posts on Chloe's social media have indicated that the incident hasn't caused her to reconsider the pair's future together, but made it clear Jake was still very much important to her.
Feeling good: He wrote beside the photo: 'Today was best feeling in world being able to have a little walk'
Still in hospital: He was still dressed in his hospital clothes but went without a shirt
Get well soon; He shared a group shot of the individuals who are helping him to recover
When he managed to raise his first smile for the cameras, Jake penned a thank you to his fans that gave a special mention to Chloe.
He wrote: 'I'm slowly getting better. my family @chloelewis91 and close friends have been here for me and love them very much'
Documenting his recovery in pictures, the TV star also shared the moment he was able to get washed and shaved for the first time.
The Essex native was attacked when a group of Liverpudlian friends he was with squared up to a gang of violent Londoners at Marbella's celebrity hangout Aqwa Mist.
Getting better: The hunk has been documenting his recovering, and was delighted to be able to shave and wash his hair this week
On the mend: Early on in his recovery, a bed-bound Jake posted a Twitter picture to say he was getting better
The two groups went for each other with broken champagne bottles and shards of glass from shisha pipes they had been smoking.
Several holidaymakers have spoken out after witnessing the aftermath of the incident.
Laura Wohlgemuth, who was queuing up outside the club at the time, told the Scottish Daily Record: 'Jake ran out into a car. Blood was everywhere.
'We thought we weren't going to get in but they just got a hose out and washed away blood.'
Stand by your man: Ex-girlfriend Chloe Lewis is thought to have been keeping a bedside vigil throughout
In the latest development, police questionned the Essex native from his bed in the hospital but he was said to have been ' fairly uncooperative'.
Police investigating the brawl have questioned three men and though the British trio were identified they were not arrested.
A spokesman for Spain's National Police, which is probing the incident under the coordination of an investigating magistrate, said: 'This matter is still under investigation. We cannot say any more at this stage.'
There for him: After learning of the news, Chloe - who was in the Spanish city with pals at the time - posted to say that their relationship status might not have changed but she was standing by him
The only way is up: Jake was in defiant mood when writing to his 157,000 followers
Feeling thankful: The Essex native appeared genuinely grateful for all the well-wishes he had received
A spokesman for Marbella town hall, who local police officers answer to, said: 'This matter is a National Police matter.'
A source close to the case said: 'Neither of the two police forces were told a man had been stabbed when they reached the nightclub.
'They came across the aftermath of a fight but encountered the typical wall of silence they get after night-time altercations in the area, especially those involving Brits.'
French queen Marie Antoinette had Le Petit Trianon at Versailles where she pretended to be a shepherdess in a miniature rustic hamlet as a way of getting away from it all.
And on Wednesday, Paris Hilton showed off her own version as she documented a visit to her dogs' mini mansion on social media.
The hotel heiress and socialite houses her beloved pooches in a two-story white Italian-style residence complete with a tile roof and wrought iron railings on an upper outdoor balcony.
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Just visiting! Paris Hilton took a trip to the dog house on Wednesday to check up on her menagerie of miniature pooches who live in their own mini-mansion in Beverly Hills
The dog house, in fact, is a smaller version of the kinds of splendid homes found on the palm tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills.
Inside the lucky pups have beds, feeding stations, air conditioning and heating while outside they enjoy the run of their own personal fenced-in lawn complete with a tree for their toilet needs.
There's a staircase leading from the ground floor to the upper floor that has a wrought-iron balustrade and the interior is decorated with bright pink paint and features a chandelier.
The property, that looks to stand about twelve feet high, also has several windows and outdoor light fixtures.
Play time: The hotel heiress and socialite sat on the front doorstep of the two-story Italian-style home to play with her furry friends who have the run of their own fenced-in lawn complete with handy tree
In the dog house! Inside the property is decorated in pink and features beds, feeding stations, air conditioning and heating as well as a wrought iron balustrade around the upper level
The former Simple Life reality star has a menagerie of pets and besides her dogs, she owns several cats and ferrets.
The 35-year-old showed off her furry friends in a series of Snapchat videos before finishing the tour with video of herself twirling around in her full-length summer dress.
The wraparound-style silver and black striped frock fell open at the front exposing her legs to upper thigh level as she walked.
It also had a plunging neckline that revealed her decolletage.
Dressed to the nines: Paris, 35, who's in demand as a DJ, wore a revealing full-length wraparound dress that showed off her legs and her decolletage in the video posted to her Snapchat and Instagram
She paired it with a cropped black cardigan and accessorized with a large statement necklace and over-sized sunglasses.
Her shoulder-length blonde hair was styled straight and left loose with a middle parting.
Paris is 'mom' to a selection of small breed dogs including Pomeranians, Mini Pinschers and Teacup Yorkies and Chihuahuas.
They even have their own Instagram page on which they document their luxury lifestyle, explaining: 'Our Mom is Paris Hilton. We are the cutest, smartest, coolest, best dressed pets in the world! We love our life! #Killingit.'
Maybe its a good laugh that keeps them looking young.
Because when comediennes Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders appeared together this week they seemed to have rolled back the years.
And judging by their sparkling smiles as they arrived at the Glamour magazine awards in London, they seem to know just how good they look.
Now: Maybe its a good laugh that keeps them looking young. Because when Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders appeared together this week they seemed to have rolled back the years
Miss French, 58, showed just how her recent weight loss has taken years off her, wearing a chic black draped gown and elegant silver jewellery.
And Miss Saunders, the star of Absolutely Fabulous looked, well, absolutely fabulous in glittering jewels and sophisticated smoky eye make-up.
The 57-year-old chose a sharp white coat to complement her short dress and vampish Yves Saint Laurent heels.
Both looked even more glamorous than they did 13 years ago when they attended London Fashion Week.
In the years since, both women have faced health scares. Miss Saunders discovered she had breast cancer in 2009.
Then: Both looked even more glamorous than they did 13 years ago when they attended London Fashion Week
After making her health battle public, she said: My oncologist decided on a six-month course of treatment that we all agreed sounded the business.
I made a note on the calendar. Six months and then back to normal. Job done.
Miss French decided to lose weight in 2010 after her doctor became convinced she had uterine cancer.
The results of a biopsy came back clear but The Vicar of Dibley star made the decision to have a hysterectomy anyway.
He is hotly rumoured to be dating British model, Roxy Horner.
But Leonardo DiCaprio's former love interest, Kendal Lee Schuler, was seen going about her business during a low-key outing in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon.
The 25-year-old model appeared to be makeup for the outing and was dressed in a flesh-baring blue mini dress.
Natural beauty: Leonardo DiCaprio's former love interest, Kendal Lee Schuler, stepped out to grab coffee with a friend in Sydney on Tuesday
Spending time in the city's exclusive suburb of Double Bay, Kendall was accompanied by fellow model, Avril Alexander.
The Australian beauty - who posed alongside Jason Derulo in a steamy shoot for Cosmopolitan magazine in 2014 - cut a relaxed and content figure as she hung out at the cafe with her pal.
The Chadwicks model paired her navy frock with a caramel fur vest, while toting her belongings in a black leather backpack.
He's got a type! The 25-year-old model reportedly dated Leo several years ago while he was filming in Australia. The actor is now reportedly dating British model, Roxy Horner (right)
Ladies' man: Leonardo, pictured here in 2016, has a penchant for dating pretty models
She kept her golden blonde locks out of her face, tying them back into a messy high bun.
After grabbing a bite to eat, Kendal was seen taking sips from her coffee and appeared preoccupied as she used her phone outside a shop.
Back in late 2011, the pretty blonde was rumoured to be dating Leonardo while he filmed his blockbuster film, The Great Gatsby, in Australia.
At the time, the Courier Mail reported the pair had been spotted together at a nightclub in Sydney after meeting in Los Angeles months earlier.
Laidback beauty: The Australian beauty, who posed alongside Jason Derulo in a steamy shoot for Cosmopolitan magazine in 2014, cut a relaxed figure as she hung out at the cafe
Showing Leo what he's missing! The leggy blonde flaunted her trim pins in a mini-dress and knee-high boots
According to the Sunday Telegraph, the actor shared a steamy relationship with the then 20-year-old during his time Down Under.
A source reportedly told the publication: 'Leo has told her she can visit any time she likes as long as she keeps it low key. She has taken him up on that opportunity already a couple of times.
'But she isn't silly - she knows this isn't serious and she is just enjoying the time with him,' they continued.
While adding the genetically-bless duo caught up 'three to four times' during his stay, they also explained Leonardo 'told her [Kendal] to be very discreet.'
Engorssed: After grabbing a bite to eat, Kendal was seen taking sips from her coffee and appeared preoccupied as she used her phone outside a shop
Pretty pals: For the casual outing in Sydney's exclusive suburb of Double Bay, Kendall was accompanied by fellow model Avril Alexander
More recently Leo has been rumoured to be spending time with British model, Roxy Horner - who famously dated Joel Essex.
The Sun claims the two were seen getting extremely close during a night out together in the UK recently and are thought to be 'seriously dating'.
'Leo didn't leave Roxy's side. After the club, they headed to the Chiltern, where a number of onlookers said the pair looked extremely cosy together,' a source told the publication.
They added: 'Roxy is a really sweet, caring normal girl. Shes naturally stunning and she has a lot in common with Leo. Theyre smitten and enjoy spending time together.'
The Wolf Of Wall Street star is said to regularly fly across the world to spend time with the 24-year-old model who fails from Essex herself.
The pair were also pictured together back in February following his BAFTA win.
Flawless: More recently, Leonardo has rumoured to be spending time with British model, Roxy Horner - who famously dated Joel Essex
Blonde beauty: The two were allegedly seen getting extremely close during a night out together in the UK recently and are thought to be 'seriously dating,' according to The Sun
Keeping it simple never looked so sexy.
Sofia Vergara embraced Los Angeles' fantastic spring time temperatures with a flirty but feminine look for a family lunch.
The 43-year-old showed off her famed curves - but in a much subtler way than usual - as she enjoyed a bite to eat with her loved ones in West Hollywood, California, on Wednesday.
White hot: Sofia Vergara embraced Los Angeles' fantastic spring time temperatures with a flirty but feminine look for a family lunch in West Hollywood, California, on Wednesday
For her lunch at Cecconi's, the Modern Family actress donned a matching two piece ensemble featuring a tight high-wasited embroidered skirt with a ruffle hem that ended just above her knees.
The star paired the scalloped-edged skirt with a matching cropped strapless top which had a large ruffle around it.
While Sofia is no stranger to ultra-tight clothes and low cut cleavage-bearing looks, Wednesday's outfit offered just a peak of her toned tum but was without her usual level of flesh flashing.
The Colombian beauty accessorized her look with a Chloe tan leather and raffia bag with gold accents and a pair of matching tan and woven raffia heels.
Changing it up: The 43-year-old showed off her famed curves - but in a much subtler way than usual - as she enjoyed a bite to eat with her loved ones
Ruffle some feathers: For her lunch at Cecconi's, the Modern Family actress donned a matching two piece ensemble featuring a tight high-wasited embroidered skirt with a ruffle hem that ended just above her knees
Topping it off: The star paired the scalloped-edged skirt with a matching cropped strapless top which had a large ruffle around it
Sofia bravely took on the restaurant's cobbled stone drive in the platforms which featured a thin six-inch high heel.
The star was joined at the lunch with her son Manolo and some of her cousins for a large fun family meal.
Excited to all be together, the group posed for a picture and gained a new family member - their waiter.
Careful there: Sofia bravely took on the restaurant's cobbled stone drive in platforms which featured a thin six-inch high heel
Restaurant reunion: The star was joined at the lunch with her son Manolo and some of her cousins for a large fun family meal
Both Sofia and her son posted the group snap in which the waiter jumped up in front of them to ensure he got to in the picture too.
The pair was far from worried about having their photo ruined.
Manolo joking on Instagram: 'Guess the waiter's part of the family now. #PrepareYourLiver.'
Welcome addition: Excited to all be together, the group posed for a picture and gained a new family member - their waiter
Sofia is trying to get in as much family time as possible of late, before her schedule starts to get very busy again.
Soon she will be simultaneously shooting her ABC comedy show and starring in The Brits Are Coming, alongside Maggie Q, Uma Thurman and Parker Posey.
The comedy follows a couple who escape to LA in order to avoid repaying a gambling debt, and launch a theft plan in the process.
Sarah Hyland was a ray of sunshine on an already sunlit red carpet on Wednesday.
The brunette beauty looked gorgeous in a colourful outfit as she arrived at the world premiere of Disney/Pixar animation Finding Dory in Hollywood.
The 25-year-old Modern Family star flashed a little bit of her midriff in an orange crop top and midi skirt.
Modern gal! Sarah Hyland put on a colourful display at the world premiere of Finding Dory in Hollywood on Wednesday
Sarah's multicoloured skirt hit just below the knee and she donned nude heels to complete the look.
She wore her locks in a casual ponytail with two portions framing her face.
The actress was there to support her Modern Family co-stars Ed O'Neill and Ty Burrell who both voice characters in the new movie.
Ray of sunshine! The 25-year-old actress sported an orange crop top with striped midi skirt
So stylish! The brunette beauty teamed her outfit with nude heels
Cute couple: Portia de Rossi and wife Ellen DeGeneres were super adorable as they arrived at the event. Ellen voices Dory in the movie
Ellen DeGeneres, 58, who voices Dory in the movie, showed up with her wife Portia de Rossi, 43, who looked stunning in a black and white gown.
The TV host kept her look more casual in a trendy bomber jacket and dark trousers.
The couple, who married in 2008, put on a loved-up display, holding hands and hugging for cameras.
Expecting: Holly Madison put her bump on parade in a cornflower blue dress
Family man: Mario Lopez also brought his brood
Hand full: Dean McDermott was on daddy duty with tots Finn, Stella, Hattie and Liam
Taking the plunge: Actress Katherine McNamara was a vision in pastel blue
In the spotlight: Black-ish star Marsai Martin teamed a floral skirt with white t-shirt
Holly Madison showed off her baby bump in a cornflower blue dress which featured flattering ruching around the tummy.
The 36-year-old former Playboy model is expecting her second child with husband Pasquale Rotella.
It's no surprise the event attracted lots of families including Mario Lopez who arrived with wife Courtney and their two children.
Brunette beauties: Cerina Vincent and Madison Pettis looked lovely in girly frocks
Adorable trio: A. J. McLean attended with his wife Rochelle and daughter Ava
Mellow yellow: Actress Garcelle Beauvais was super chic in a yellow coat-style dress while Beverly Mitchell opted for a lacy number
Dean McDermott also took over daddy duties while wife Tori Spelling spends time on the east coast.
The Finding Nemo sequel centres around forgetful fish Dory (DeGeneres) who embarks on a quest to reunite with her mother (Diane Keaton) and father (Eugene Levy) with help from Nemo (Hayden Rolence) and Marlin (Albert Brooks).
Finding Dory is released nationwide June 17.
Going solo: Modern Family stars Ed O'Neill and Ty Burrell voice characters in the flick
Just like dad! Tito and Kristin Ortiz posed with their sons Jesse and Jacob in matching outfits
With his trademark Stetson hat and southern drawl, Robert Murphy shot to fame as the 'Texan cowboy' in My Kitchen Rules.
And the much-loved TV personality looked every inch the classic American cowboy when he met his daughter Lynzey at Sydney Airport with a mountain of luggage - including one mysterious package.
Robert was seen hugging his daughter, who starred alongside him on the Channel Seven show, after returning from the US to scope out options for a Texas style barbecue joint on Wednesday.
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Reunion: My Kitchen Rules star Robert Murphy met his daughter Lynzey at Sydney Airport on Monday
He pushed a trolley through arrivals which was piled high with suitcases - including one long, arc shaped package covered in 'fragile' stickers.
It is not yet known what is inside the mysterious package.
Wearing his favourite black, wide-brimmed hat and leather cowboy boots, Robert, 62, beamed as he handed his daughter a matching Stetson.
What's in the package? Robert pushed a trolley through arrivals which was piled high with suitcases - including one long, arc shaped package covered in 'fragile' stickers
Fragile: It is not yet known what is inside the mysterious package
He also donned a grey T-shirt and black jeans for the reunion at the airport.
The 25-year-old, who is a qualified personal trainer, displayed her enviable physique with a tight, red turtleneck jumper which was slightly sheer.
She paired this with black skin-tight trousers and brown heeled boots.
Close bond: The pair were seen hugging when they met each other at the airport on Wednesday
Matching: Wearing his favourite black, wide-brimmed hat and leather cowboy boots, Robert, 62, beamed as he handed his daughter a matching Stetson
They both proved they had an extremely close bond during their stint on My Kitchen Rules.
Since appearing on the show, Robert has gone on to appear on Channel Seven's Aussie Barbecue Heroes, as a judge.
Robert has another daughter, Mareesha, who is studying to follow in her father's footsteps as a visual artist.
Beaming: The pair looked happy to be reunited after he returned from the US to scope out options for a Texas style barbecue joint
Enviable figure: The 25-year-old, who is a qualified personal trainer, displayed her physique with a tight, red turtleneck jumper which was slightly sheer
She is preparing to welcome her second child.
And Holly Madison looked ready to pop as she showcased her baby bump in a tight blue dress on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old was attending to the Los Angeles premiere of Finding Dory at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.
Ready to pop! Holly Madison looked ready to pop as she showcased her baby bump in a tight blue dress on Wednesday at the Los Angeles premiere of Finding Dory at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
She was joined by husband Pasquale Rotella and their three-year-old daughter Rainbow Aurora.
The Disney film hits theatres in the US on June 17.
Holly was seen the day before wearing a LBD teamed with a sensible pair of sturdy boots. Her blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail, and a pair of sunglasses shaded her eyes.
Blooming lovely! The 36-year-old showcased her pregnancy curves in the tight dress
Family affair: She was joined by husband Pasquale Rotella and their three-year-old daughter Rainbow Aurora
Coming soon: The Disney film hits theatres in the US on June 17
Holly and her husband Pasquale Rotella, who founded Insomniac events, are expecting their second child in August.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2013 in a ceremony at DisneyLand, also have a three-year-old daughter, Rainbow Aurora.
Holly is currently promoting her second memoir The Vegas Diaries, which she released last month.
Under the sea: The former Playboy mansion resident looked quite comfortable among the coral reef props
The new book gives the inside story of her life as one of Playboy boss Hugh Hefner's Girls Next Door, this time focusing on their Las Vegas escapades rather than their lives at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, as her first memoir Down the Rabbit Hole did.
Both tell-alls dish about the things that E! couldn't show in the reality series that ran from 2005 to 2009.
Bumping along! Holly seen the day before showing off her pregnant figure in a clinging black dress as she heads out in Los Angeles on Tuesday
Baby on board: The 36-year-old's LBD clung to her figure, showing off her growing bump
He's the '80s music legend known for his thought provoking lyrics and flamboyant 'New Romantic' style.
And Boy George swapped his signature androgynous look for a dramatic black and red suit as he joined Culture Club on stage in Perth, WA on Wednesday.
The 54-year-old oozed confidence as he sang the band's well-known hits, including Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, in front of the packed-out HBF Stadium crowd.
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New romantic look: Boy George (pictured) swapped his signature androgynous style for a dramatic black and red suit as he joined Culture Club on stage in Perth, WA on Wednesday
Boy George, real name George Alan O'Dowd, seemed to enjoy his return to the spotlight as he joined original band members Roy Hay, Mikey Craig and Jon Moss for the concert.
He opted for a quirky matching suit and hat featuring a distinctive noughts and crosses design, and a pair of over-sized sneakers.
The new wave band performed a mix of old and new songs, including the track More than Silence from their upcoming album Tribes.
Strike a pose: The 54-year-old oozed confidence as he sang the band's well-known hits, including Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, in front of the packed-out HBF Stadium crowd
In his element: Boy George, real name George Alan O'Dowd, seemed to enjoy his return to the spotlight as he joined original band members Roy Hay, Mikey Craig and Jon Moss for the concert
The British band are currently in the middle of their first Australian tour in over 15 years, and their Perth show was well-received by fans on social media.
Twitter user @StephJazz29 wrote: '@BoyGeorge you and the band were fantastic tonight. A night I will never forget. Thank you!'
And before the concert, @Ros_scriv tweeted: 'Woohoo can't wait to see @BoyGeorge #CultureClub in Perth tonight,' before adding the hash-tags 'My Childhood' and 'That Voice'.
Early days: Culture Club rose to fame in the 80s after releasing their hit single Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, which earned them a Grammy Award for Best New Artist the following year
Androgynous style: Culture Club's signature track Karma Chameleon, from their second album Colour by Numbers, sold over 1.5million copies, making it their most successful hit to date
It's a hit! The British band are currently in the middle of their first Australian tour in over 15 years, and their Perth show was well-received by fans on social media
Big Down Under: The group originally announced that they were playing major venues across Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne, before later expanding their tour due to public demand
Support: Twitter user @StephJazz29 wrote: '@BoyGeorge you and the band were fantastic tonight. A night I will never forget. Thank you!'
Hotly anticipated: Before the concert, @Ros_scriv tweeted: 'Woohoo can't wait to see @BoyGeorge #CultureClub in Perth tonight,' before adding the hash-tags 'My Childhood' and 'That Voice'
The group originally announced that they were playing major venues across Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne - missing out Adelaide, as well as Hobart and Darwin.
However, after a public outcry which saw fans express their disappointment on social media, Culture Club confirmed they had expanded their world tour.
The group, formed in London in 1981, last toured Australia in 2001 and there are reports this may be the final time the band perform Down Under.
They're back! The group, formed in 1981 and featuring guitarist Ray Hay (L), last toured Australia in 2001
Culture Club rose to fame in the early 80s after releasing their hit single Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, which earned them a Grammy Award for Best New Artist the following year.
Their signature track Karma Chameleon, from their second album Colour by Numbers, sold over 1.5million copies, making it their most successful hit to date.
The band first split in 1986 but have since reformed for several tours. They have sold a combined 50 million records across the globe.
She's known for living the high life and when it comes to accessories, PR queen Roxy Jacenko seems to live by the motto: the bigger is better.
The 36-year-old was seen flaunting her own $13,700 steel Rolex watch on Instagram, a matching timepiece to one belonging to her husband Oliver Curtis, who had flashed his on social media a day earlier.
The Sydney-based maven shared the snap of her arm candy with fans for a forthcoming event, A Conversation With Roxy Jacenko.
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Living the high life: PR maven Roxy Jacenko has flaunted her own $13,700 steel Rolex watch on Instagram after her insider trader hubby Oliver Curtis flashed his matching timepiece a day earlier
If you've got it, flaunt it! The Sydney-based maven shared the snap of her arm candy with fans for a forthcoming event, A Conversation With Roxy Jacenko
Roxy is said to have owned her timepiece since she was 26.
Indeed the successful entrepreneur has been seen wearing the same Rolex in throwback Instagram snaps of her out and about with her pals, one dating back to 2010.
On Wednesday, businessman Oliver inadvertently showed a glimpse of his steel Rolex in a social media snap taken just one week after being convicted of insider trading.
The image, uploaded by Roxy, showed her blowing out candles to mark her 36th birthday with Oliver and their son, Hunter, beside her.
I had mine first! Roxy is said to have owned her timepiece since she was 26, and has been seen wearing the same Rolex in throwback Instagram snaps of her out and about with her pals, this one dating back to 2010
And here's his: On Wednesday, businessman Oliver inadvertently showed a glimpse of his own steel Rolex in a social media snap taken just one week after being convicted of insider trading
Timeless: The Rolex, which sells for around $13,700, is identifiable by its signature crown symbol (pictured) positioned at the top of the face
The investment banker, whose lavish lifestyle came under scrutiny during his recent insider trading trial, was seen with the high-end Rolex dangling off his arm. The timepiece retails for around $13,700.
Experts say the watch is identifiable by its signature crown symbol on top of the face, holding a spot normally reserved for the number 12.
Oliver, 30, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading last Thursday, with the jury delivering its verdict following a tense three-week trial in Sydney.
The trial heard Oliver's former best friend and schoolmate John Hartman give evidence against him.
Bejewelled: The watch appears in another photograph posted by Roxy just before her husband's trial began
Roxy, who remained loyal to her husband and accompanied him to court each day, was seen leaving the courtroom in tears after the jury delivered its verdict.
The birthday image posted to her popular Instagram account showing her and Oliver is the first time the couple have been pictured together since the trial concluded.
The banker is yet to be sentenced but could face up to five years imprisonment and a $220,000 fine over the charge.
Showing her support: The PR queen accompanied her husband to court daily and remains steadfastly loyal
Here it is again: The watch appears to be one of the investment banker's favourites, and was worn by him for his trial
Over the course of the trial, the court heard Oliver traded using inside information from Mr Hartman on 45 occasions between May 2007 and June 2008.
The jury heard the pair made about $1.4 million from the trades and used the money on a lavish holiday to Whistler and Las Vegas, a $20,000 Ducati motorcycle and a $60,000 Mini Cooper.
Mr Hartman, who grew up with and attended school alongside Oliver, served 15 months imprisonment over insider trading charges, the jury heard during the trial.
He agreed to testify against Oliver and received a discounted sentence for assisting authorities.
Bling ring: Roxy also showed off a new $5,600 Cartier ring on Instagram as she celebrated turning 36 on Wednesday
Bill Murray during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday revealed the Ghostbusters crew stole from New York City stores while filming the 1984 comedy classic.
The 65-year-old actor appeared on the ABC late-night talk show along with co-stars Dan Aykroyd, 63; Annie Potts, 63, and 70-year-old Ernie Hudson.
'We stolewe had these uniforms on with these electronic things on, these guns, we were walking into stores on 57th street and saying ''We're going to have to look at some of this stuff'' and just walking out, it was crazy,' he laughed.
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Stole stuff: Bill Murray revealed during a chat show appearance on Wednesday that the Ghostbusters crew stole items from New York City stores while filming the 1984 comedy classic
'And with that car, every person should have a car like thatyou never have to stop for a red light,' he added.
Kimmel's sidekick and 'security guard' Guillermo Rodriguez dressed up as the famed Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and reclined on the stars during the early part of their interview.
'Well worth every one of the $7,500 that cost,' added the talk show host as he eyed the expensive costume Rodriguez was sporting.
Aykroyd recalled how the corpulent character came about.
Marshmallow man: Guillermo Rodriguez was dressed as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man
Original stars: Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts joined Murray on the talk show
In his lap: The Stay Puft Marshamallow Man at first sat on Murray's lap
On the couch: The guests were interviewed as Guillermo was sprawled on their laps
'It was so funny when John Deveikis came up with the first drawings, I said ''marry the Pillsbury Doughboy, the Michelin tire man and the Angelus marshmallow man, put them all together,'' so he draws them and I opened this FedEx and he's a sailor,' he laughed.
'Then in the movie Billy improvised this line ''he's a sailor'' which became one of the classics,' he recalled.
'It is a classic, something to the effect of ''he's a sailor, he's in New York we'll get him laid'',' laughed Kimmel.
Reminiscing about filming in the 1980s Aykroyd laughed about how he'd often bypass obtaining official permits on the streets of NYC.
Fond memories: Aykroyd talked about filming without permits as Hudson looked on
'Permitsno, no we don't need them, so we stole shots all over Fifth Avenue,' he laughed.
Aykroyd and Murray praised the new Ghostbusters movie that has a largely female cast.
'These women are performers,' exclaimed Aykroyd.
High praise: The star and co-writer of the original praised the actresses starring in the reboot
'These girls did a really good job,' agreed Murray.
Adding: 'And I can call them 'girls' because I am a boy'.
The cast were confronted with Ghostbusters super fans who have elaborate tattoos of them.
Good job: Murray agreed that 'these girls did a really good job'
Huge fan: Mike from Bristol had tattoos of the original cast on his leg
Leg work: The fan showed off his tattoos to the film's stars
'I get stopped in the street and people take selfies with my leg,' said Mike, from Bristol, U.K.
Murray then rolled up his sleeve to comically reveal an image of 'Mike from Bristol' on his lower arm.
'It was done after a couple of drinks,' he joked.
Show and tell: Murray showed off his tattoo of 'Mike from Bristol'
The actresses of the new Ghostbusters film, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones appeared earlier in Kimmel's show and later joined the original crew.
McCarthy admitted facing a daily struggle when trying to control the famed Ectomobile Cadillac.
'I had to drive it and I am not a good driver, really really bad,' admitted the SNL star.
Behind the wheel: Melissa McCarthy talked about driving the Ectomobile Cadillac as Kristen Wiig looked on
Their turn! After a visit from the original Ghostbusters cast, Jimmy chatted with the stars of the upcoming film, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Melissa, and Kristen
'You have to land it at a certain place, because that's where the camera isand I thought ''I am a stunt driver and I can do this,'' but I overshot the runway by about 12 feet every time,' laughed McKinnon, 32.
When Kimmel asked Leslie Jones who she liked best out of her fellow actresses she joked 'none of them'.
Adding: 'I think I might have learned the most from Kristen, because I'm trying to find a man and she told me to sit down and make a list'
Old and new: The new cast of Ghostbusters joined the originals
Sharing a laugh: The two casts looked to be having a blast as they both chatted on the late night talk show together, at one point bursting into laughter
As Kimmel frowned skeptically Wiig tried to explain her methodology.
'When I was single someone told me to make a listof just who you think the guy is going to be, and put it out in the universe,' she said.
Jones then pulled out her 'four page list' of requirements that included: 'Good kisser, good breath, nice teeth, not perfect but white and clean, nice hair, not perfect but not balding' and a 'nice butt.'
No bad blood here! The stars of the original gave the upcoming film a thumbs up, with Bill Murray gushing about the actresses as he said, of the movie: 'I couldn't be happier'
Coming soon: Leslie Jones, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon are shown in a still from the upcoming Ghostbusters reboot that will be in cinemas on July 15
In the bedroom she seeks a generous lover who is a 'freak but not creepy' with a 'nice penis, not too bigcircumcised and functioning all the time'.
Jones also admitted to being the most likely of the group to 'Google herself' the most likely to 'hold up production' on the film and to forget her lines.
The man who sings the Ghostbusters theme tune, Ray Parker, Jr, provided a musical interlude.
'I'm scared of the dark, I really am,' he joked.
Hip hop artist Post Malone also performed.
She is the star of hit NBC show Blindspot.
But surely no one was turning a blind eye when it came to Jaimie Alexander's outfit on Wednesday at a Toronto CTV Upfront.
The saucy 31-year-old looked in fine form indeed as she took the plunge in an elegant black gown while coiffing her hair into a pompadour style.
Looking gorgeous! She is the star of hit NBC show Blindspot but surely no one was turning a blind eye when it came to Jaimie Alexander's outfit on Wednesday at a Toronto CTV Upfront
While she has found success at last in her hit NBC programme Blindspot, in which she plays a mysterious tattooed woman who has lost her memory, the show has been beset with problems recently.
It has been also claimed that production on the show ground to a halt last week after four of the makeup artists that applied the actress's tattoos were fired, alongside a hairdresser.
Thankfully show bosses explained this had anything to do with Jaimie and said it was in fact 'a production/studio decision'.
Chic: The saucy 31-year-old looked in fine form indeed as she took the plunge in an elegant black gown while coiffing her hair into a pompadour style
It was especially sad as she previously talked about how close she was to her tattoist as she went through the laborous, up to seven hour, process to have the ink applied.
The actress, who is said to believe the ink used for the tattoos is toxic and making her ill, said: 'The makeup artist and I get some good coffee and good music and we chat, because Im naked, so its like nobodys pointing out the elephant in the room.'
She was also said not to get along with her co-star Sullivan Stapleton, who plays her potential love interest, FBI agent Kurt Weller.
Bag lady: Her heavily tattooed amnesiac character was found naked in a holdall at the start of season one
'She tried to have him fired and replaced, which is pretty amazing considering their characters are supposed to develop a romantic interest,' the source told Page Six.
Jaimie's publicist Craig Schneider denied the source's claims, who he said came from a disgruntled ex-employee, and branded them 'unfounded and inaccurate'.
They confirmed their relationship last week following months of speculatoin.
And Michael Klim, 38, and his fashion designer girlfriend Desiree Deravi didn't hold back in sharing an intimate moment from their recent getaway to Bali, in a post to Instagram on Thursday.
Tagging Michael in the upload on Desiree's account, the bikini-clad brunette beauty was seen posing on a board with a paddle in one hand.
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Paddling into romance! Michael Klim and his fashion designer girlfriend Desiree Deravi didn't hold back in sharing this intimate moment from their recent getaway to Bali, in a photo posted to Instagram on Thursday
In the caption, she wrote 'Sunset SUP' and tagged Michael's Instagram page before possibly alluding to the pair's romance with the hash-tag 'Island love'.
The photo is strikingly similar to a snap shared by the Australian sportsman on Thursday last week, which at the time, confirmed the duo's relationship status.
Taking to Instagram last Thursday to gush about his new flame, the six-time Olympic champion reminisced over the he time spent with the tanned beauty in Bali.
'My love': Michael confirmed his relationship with fashion designer Desiree Deravi in a throwback post to Instagram last Thursday
'Take me back please,' he captioned the throwback snap, which showed only half of his face submerged from the surf.
Desiree could just be seen in the background standing on a board and holding up a paddle in one hand.
Michael made sure to add the hash-tag 'mylove' and tagged her in the post.
A smitten Desiree also shared her own photo from the envy-inducing vacation with the father-of-three.
Holding on tight: The fashionista was also seen leading the competitive swimmer out into the crystal clear waters
Holding tightly onto Michael's hand, the fashionista appears to lead the competitive swimmer out into the crystal clear water.
'More, more, more,' she wrote alongside the picture.
Daily Mail has contacted a representative for the star to comment.
The pair were first spotted enjoying a casual lunch with friends in Bali in March.
First seen together: The pair were first spotted enjoying a casual lunch with friends in Bali in March
The two appeared to be relaxed and at ease as they cuddled up for a group shot.
Michael's estranged wife Lindy Klim has also moved on with Englishman Adam Ellis.
The pair were pictured attending a number of shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.
Speaking with Daily Mail Australia, the mother-of-three said she didn't predict falling back in love so soon after her split from Michael.
'[It's] completely not what I expected, to fall back into another relationship, but he's so lovely,' she said cheerfully. 'It's about time I got on with my life.'
Moving forward: Michael's estranged wife Lindy Klim (left) has also moved on with Englishman Adam Ellis (right)
She also said it was 'difficult' juggling single parenthood, and she wished Michael and his new flame Desiree Deravi 'all the best'.
Michael and Lindy, who tied the knot in 2006, announced their separation in a joint statement after months of speculation in February.
The pair's management told News.com.au: 'It is with much respect for each other that Michael and Lindy Klim have agreed to formally separate, believing that this decision is best for their family.'
'Michael and Lindy's children will always remain their highest priority, and their happiness will be Michael and Lindy's primary focus. We ask that you respect their privacy at this time.'
The pair have three children together - two daughters, Stella, 10, and Frankie, three, and son, Rocco, seven.
For once Madonna was left speechless.
The queen of pop posted a snap to Instagram on Wednesday night of her meeting with the leader of the free world President Barack Obama.
The photo was taken behind the scenes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
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Once in a lifetime: For once Madonna was left speechless; The queen of pop posted a snap to Instagram on Wednesday night of her meeting with the leader of the free world President Barack Obama; The photo was taken behind the scenes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
In the photo, the 57-year-old looks stunned as she leans against a wall while the president faces her.
She captioned the image: 'For Once I 'm Speechless...........President Obama @jimmyfallon'.
On the show President Obama called on Democrats to start 'pulling things together' in an appearance on Jimmy Fallon as sources say Elizabeth Warren will endorse Hillary Clinton and has not ruled out serving as her running mate.
Obama's first public comments at the end of the divisive primary fight came during a taped appearance on NBC's Tonight Show.
President Obama has called on Democrats to start 'pulling things together' in an appearance on Jimmy Fallon that was taped in New York on Wednesday
The president sad he hoped that divisions between Democrats would start to heal in coming weeks, now that his former secretary of state has clinched the party's nomination for the presidential election.
However, the president did not explicitly endorse Clinton or call for rival Bernie Sanders to drop out.
Instead, he praised Sanders for bringing 'enormous energy' to the party and said he thinks the fight made Clinton a better candidate.
Obama also acknowledged that there are plenty of bruised feelings after the bitter fight and says it may take some time for Democrats to unite against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Chelsea Handler took to Instagram on Wednesday to show off a tray of weed from her chat show guest Wiz Khalifa.
The 41-year-old talk show host smiled in the dressing room photo while holding a tray filled with green buds and rolling papers.
'It's weird that I have to book @mistercap on @chelseashow everytime I run out of weed,' Chelsea wrote in the caption for her roughly 2.5 million followers on Instagram.
Fresh buds: Chelsea Handler took to Instagram on Wednesday to show a tray of weed from her Chelsea chat show guest Wiz Khalifa
Wiz, 28, has been open about his cannabis use and left a tray of marijuana in his Rolls-Royce limousine on Tuesday while headed to Bootsy Bellows nightclub in West Hollywood, California.
The rapper - real name Cameron Thomaz - and ex-wife Amber Rose celebrated their divorce on Monday night at a Los Angeles strip club.
The couple - who have a three-year-old son named Sebastian - reportedly agreed to share legal and physical custody of their child, according to TMZ.
Cannabis user: Wiz, shown leaving a nightclub in West Hollywood on Tuesday, has been open about his pot use
Amber received $1 million as stipulated in the couple's prenuptial agreement along with $14,800-a-month in child support, while Wiz kept a Pennsylvania home and 10 cars.
Chelsea's new talk show on the Netflix streaming service premiered on May 11 and streams on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week.
Guests on her Chelsea show have included Megan Fox, Lizzy Caplan, Kate Hudson, Ashton Kutcher, Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore and Chris Martin.
Streaming show: Chelsea, shown earlier this month in Los Angeles, debuted her new chat show Chelsea on Netflix in May
Chelsea previously hosted Chelsea Lately on the E! network from 2007 to 2014 before moving to Netflix.
The talk show is part of Chelsea's deal with Netflix that also included her stand-up special Uganda Be Kidding Me Live and her four-part docu-comedy Chelsea Does.
Chelsea also has written five books that have made the New York Times Best Seller List.
Social media; The comedian shared a photo on Instagram on Monday of herself at Sony Pictures Studios
They were pictured letting their hair down together and enjoying a smooch in Cannes - but TOWIE star Chloe Sims maintains she's just friends with multi-millionaire Robert Tchenguiz.
However, the 33-year-old was out on the town with her pal once again on Wednesday evening as they were pictured leaving LouLou's private members in London's trendy Mayfair.
Chloe was dressed to the nines and struggled to contain her surgically enhanced assets in a daring lingerie-inspired dress at the bash which was also attended by Kourtney Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan.
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Close: She says they're nothing more than friends and Chloe Sims, 33, was pictured letting her hair down with multi-millionaire tycoon Robert Tchenguiz, 55, once again on Wednesday night at LouLous nightclub
Making an impression: Chloe was dressed to the nines and struggled to contain her surgically enhanced assets in a daring lingerie-inspired dress at the bash which was also attended by Kourtney Kardashian
She covered up a little in a matching duster jacket as she held onto a black satin clutch bag.
Completing her look with a pair of quirky shoes which had faux fur trims, she continued to show off her platinum blonde locks and perfectly applied make-up.
Meanwhile, Iranian-born entrepreneur Robert, 55, who is said to be worth 850m, wore an open shirt with jeans and trainers and he walked alongside Chloe.
Firm friends? Iranian-born entrepreneur Robert, who is said to be worth 850m, wore an open shirt with jeans and trainers and he walked alongside Chloe
That's one way to make an entrance: Completing her look with a pair of quirky shoes which had faux fur trims, she continued to show off her platinum blonde locks and perfectly applied make-up
Getting along nicely: Chloe recently denied reports that she was dating the tycoon, telling Closer magazine they are nothing more than friends
Chloe recently denied reports that she was dating the tycoon, telling Closer magazine they are nothing more than friends after they were pictured clubbing at the Cannes Film Festival.
She told the publication: 'My friend Robert invited me out because he goes every year. I'd love to back , but I'm still struggling with a hangover... I was out till the early hours each morning.
'I had the time of my life. It was so glamorous and I partied loads! I met Leonardo DiCaprio and I was so star-struck... He was really friendly and polite.'
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Chloe for further comment.
She told the publication: 'My friend Robert invited me out [to Cannes] because he goes every year. I'd love to back, but I'm still struggling with a hangover... I was out till the early hours each morning
In high spirits: Chloe flashes her pearly whites as she left the star-studded venue later that evening
Taking it all in her stride: Chloe walked a few steps ahead of her man as they made their way to their car at the end of the night
What's tickling her? Something appeared to be making Chloe giggle as she continued her sartorial sashay down the street
Long lost twins! Kourtney Kardashian and former party princess Lindsay Lohan were also later partying with the pair
They go way back! Chloe and Robert at the de Grisogono party during the 69th Cannes Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in May
The duo were most notably together at the De Grisogono party held at Eden Roc, Hotel du Cap, in Cannes, where they mingled with a host of A-list stars including Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner.
According to The Mirror, a representative for the star shut down rumours of a relationship, and insisted that the two are just friends who enjoy spending time together.
'They arent dating. Chloe is very close to Roberts sister, Lisa, and they are all hanging out and having fun together in Cannes,' her spokesperson told the publication.
Giggling away: Chloe placed her hand over her mouth as she sat in the backseat of the car
They had a gorgeous summery wedding near the beach in Noosa two weeks ago.
And on Thursday Morgan Kenny and Ryan Gruel jetted back into Brisbane from their overseas honeymoon to start their new life together.
The daughter of Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry and Ironman Grant Kenny was surrounded by family and friends as she wed her man in a relaxed ceremony last month.
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Honeymoon over: Lisa Curry and Grant Kenny's daughter Morgan Kenny jetted back into Brisbane on Thursday with her new husband, Ryan Gruel, following their honeymoon to start their new life together
Morgan strode out of Brisbane Airport to a waiting car in a casual and comfortable outfit, including a grey tank top tucked into white skinny jeans, showing off her trim figure.
The 25-year-old went make-up free after the long flight and tied her blonde locks into a messy bun, popping on a pair of over-sized sunglasses as she stepped out into the Queensland sunshine.
The newlywed appeared to be travelling relatively light with a brown Michael Kors handbag slung over her left shoulder, with a navy and white polka dot duffel bag hanging off her other shoulder.
Travelling light? After spending a couple of weeks on their honeymoon, the couple arrived back in Brisbane seemingly with just hand luggage on them
Plane chic: For the flight, Morgan donned a casual and comfortable outfit including a grey tank top tucked into white skinny jeans, which showed off her trim figure. Meanwhile her new hubby wore shorts and a light jumper
Ryan was doing most of the carrying, lugging a blue cabin-sized suitcase in one hand and a backpack over his shoulders with what appeared to be a couple of duty free bags also in hand.
Meanwhile Morgan's new hubby sported beige chino shorts with a blue light jumper layered over a T-Shirt, completing his look with black sneakers.
Ryans hair was completely unkempt from the rigours of travel and he was sporting a scruffy beard and dark wayfarers.
Natural look: The 25-year-old went make-up free after the flight and tied her blonde locks into a messy bun, and put on a pair of over-sized sunglasses as she stepped out into the Queensland sunshine
Light packer: The newlywed carried a brown Michael Kors handbag slung over her left shoulder, with a navy and white polka dot duffel bag hanging off her other shoulder
The former professional swimmer's daughter revealed she was engaged to her high school sweetheart, Ryan, in February 2015.
On the big day last month, Morgan stunned in a fitted backless gown with a fitted bodice and intricate lace overlay, which showcased her svelte frame.
The groom looked casual and relaxed for the beach-side ceremony, sporting a neutral-coloured suit and an open-collar shirt.
Beach ceremony: The bride stunned in a backless dress with a fitted bodice and lace overlay
Happy family: The mother-of-the-bride shared various snaps to her Facebook page, including one alongside her ex-husband and father-of-the-bride, Grant Kenny (third right)
High school sweethearts: Morgan stunned in a backless gown and Ryan looked smart and casual, in keeping with the relaxed ceremony
Morgan, 25, is one of Lisa and Grant's three children - including daughter Jaimi, 28, and son Jett, 21 - which they had during their 23-year marriage.
Lisa and Grant spend Christmas together with their children, and more recently they put their differences aside once more, as Lisa hosted their daughter Morgan's bridal shower at Grant's home.
Lisa has clearly been overjoyed about her daughter's marriage, taking to social media in 2015 to share the news of the engagement.
'Celebrating the engagement of our beautiful daughter Morgan to the most caring, kind and wonderful young man,' she wrote in a Facebook post.
'Congratulations to a beautiful couple and welcome to our family Ryan,' Lisa doted alongside a loved up shot of the couple.
Blushing bride! Morgan, who clearly takes after her mother, looked beautiful for her big day in Queensland
Beach vibes: The reception was held at Sails Restaurant on the beachfront in Noosa, and Morgan's entire family was there to help her celebrate
Beautiful day! Lisa couldn't hold back her joy the day after attending her daughter's wedding with her new beau Mark Tabone in Noosa, Queensland
In recent days, there's been heightened speculation that he's the next man to portray the slick and beloved fictional agent James Bond.
But Tom Hiddleston, 35, has now announced that he most definitely isn't the next in line to hit screens as the revered 007, a coveted role currently held by Daniel Craig.
'Im sorry to disappoint you, everybody. I dont think that announcement is coming,' said the actor as he addressed a crowd at Wizard World Comic-Con in Philadelphia over the weekend.
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Not in the running: Tom Hiddleston has announced that he isn't in line to be the next James Bond
'I am very gratified to hear the enthusiasm. Theres not much I can say that I havent already said your guess is as good as mine, to be honest.'
Earlier this week - as speculation over his potential for the role reached fever pitch - British screen star Tom was seen jetting over to Los Angeles.
Rumours had persistently swirled that he would play the next 007, after incumbent Daniel Craig reportedly turned down a potential 86 million deal to stay on as Bond for two more films.
Over and out? There has been much speculation that incumbent 007, Daniel Craig, will soon bow out of the role
Bookmakers recently suspended betting on the next actor to play the iconic British spy, with Tom the favourite to replace Daniel.
But, before his apparent confirmation otherwise, the actor always downplayed the speculation.
He previously said: 'Its a weird thing to have to deal with. Im having unreal conversations with people about this because I dont know where the rumours have sprung from.
Disappointing news: The actor, pictured with Chris Hemsworth, made the announcement while attending the Wizard World Comic Con in Philadelphia over the weekend
'Its difficult, because everyone has very strong opinions about Bond, and who should play him. My name is just an idea in peoples minds, yet its becoming overwhelming.
'I have no power to stop it, but I wish I could convince everyone that the whole thing is news to me.'
And Bond director Sam Mendes recently appeared to play down the idea that Tom could fill the shoes of Bond.
On duty: The screen stars teamed up for a Brotherly Love, Asgard Style Q&A discussion at the event
Speaking at the recent Hay on Wye Festival, the director of Spectre and Skyfall said the preference of the media and public has no bearing on who will be chosen by producer Barbara Broccoli.
'It's not a democracy - it's not the X Factor, it's not the Euro Referendum, it's not a public vote,' he told the audience, hinting current favourites Tom Hiddleston or Idris Elba may not necessarily be in the mix.
Mendes added: 'Barbara Broccoli chooses who is going to be the next Bond, end of story. And without that there would have been no Daniel Craig because public support for Daniel was zero.'
What are the odds: Bookmakers recently suspended betting on the next actor to play Bond
They touched down in Italy during the late hours of Wednesday night.
And love birds Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich wasted no time exploring the romantic Italian town of Positano.
Taking to social media on Thursday, the pair shared a passionate kiss as they posed for a photo while standing on the cliff edge over looking the endless seas.
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Picture-perfect: Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich shared a passionate kiss as they posed for a photo on Thursday while standing on the cliff edge over looking the endless seas of Italy
They both closed their eyes tightly for the picture while Anna wrapped her arms around her beau's toned toso.
In another snap shared from their day out, the blonde beauty flaunted her sun-kissed tan and cleavage as she slipped into a sleeveless dress which featured a plunging neckline.
The garment flowed loosely over her slender frame and finished just inches above the ground.
Happy couple: Tim and Anna posed for a scenic selfie during their outing in Positano
Flawless: In another snap shared from their day out, the blonde beauty flaunted her sun-kissed tan and cleavage as she slipped into a sleeveless dress which featured a plunging neckline
Dressed to impress: Tim also took to Instagram during the day to share a typical holiday shot of himself with the hill-based city as his backdrop
Anna covered her natural make-up face with a pair of reflective sunglasses while wearing her long locks out and tucked behind her ears.
Tim also took to Instagram during the day to share a typical holiday shot of himself with the hill-based city as his backdrop.
The former reality TV star dressed smart for the occasion as he opted for a pair of tight white jeands and a blue button-up shirt.
Ciao bella: The day earlier Anna posted a shot of herself arriving at Villa Boheme Positano Luxury Suites 'Italy' describing it as 'just magical' and 'heaven'
The day earlier Anna posted a shot of herself arriving at Villa Boheme Positano Luxury Suites 'Italy' describing it as 'just magical' and 'heaven'.
Posing on the tiled terrace of the villa, she twists and twirls in the floaty dress, the sea and an expanse of sky behind her.
'We've arrived!', Anna captioned her Instagram shot tagging the luxury suites.
The 29-year-old revealed the news her beau and 'number one' Tim was joining her on the trip.
The reality TV stars are staying at the exclusive Villa Boheme which boasts breathtaking views of southern Italy's Amalfi Coast.
Luxury: The reality TV stars are staying at the exclusive suites featuring Moorish-style architecture
A sophisticated resort featuring Moorish-style architecture, guests are able to look out onto the Sirenuse Islands.
The suites starting at 900 Euro ($1,369 AUD) offer a spectacular private terrace, stylish antiques, Vietri floor tiles and an authentic Italian breakfast.
The blonde reality star has been keeping fans on social media updated with her whereabouts.
Picturesque:The sophisticated resort allows guests to look out onto the Sirenuse Islands and marvel at the colourful sights
'Couldn't be any more EXCITED. We're coming for you EUROPE,' Anna captioned her shot leaving the Etihad Airways lounge at Sydney Airport on Tuesday evening.
She added the hash-tags 'Jude's 60th' and 'family holiday', along with details of her outfit.
Meanwhile, Tim excitedly shared a shot of him in his plush leather seat on-board the aircraft, believed to be in First Class.
'Couldn't be any more EXCITED': Anna posted a shot to Instagram on Tuesday as she left Etihad Airways lounge at Sydney Airport before jetting off to Italy with Tim Robards for her mum's 60th birthday
With a champagne flute beside him and his laptop across his legs, Tim captioned the shot: 'Can't complain...Smashing out my marketing assignment before take off!'
'Italy here we come!! Anna's mum's 60th yeeeeew!'
While the couple will not be filming this European holiday for their YouTube show, they will still be sharing plenty of envy-inducing photos across social media.
With sixty cameos filmed, celebs across the globe were clamouring for an appearance in the hugely anticipated Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.
It's been four years since Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley's characters Eddy and Patsy were last on screen, and for their first big screen venture they've been joined by some of the biggest Ab Fab fans out there.
In a MailOnline exclusive, familiar faces from fashion and Hollywood reveal their love for the iconic series.
They're fashion darling! Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are joined by a host of famous and fashionable faces for Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie
Runway queen Kate Moss has a key role in the movie, as Eddy and Patsy's mission to meet their fashion idol ends in a soggy disaster, when they accidentally push Kate into the river Thames at an uber fashionable party.
The resulting media storms leads Eddy and Patsy fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera.
Kate jumped at the chance to appear in the film, revealing that she always thought the original series 'was such an amazing take on the fashion business.'
Fashion victim: Runway queen Kate Moss has a key role in the movie, as Eddy and Patsy's mission to meet their idol ends in a soggy disaster
As well as Kate, designer to the stars Stella McCartney, Mad Men's Jon Hamm and Aussie A-lister Rebel Wilson, Barry Humphries aka Dame Edna Everage, Graham Norton, Jeremy Paxman, Dame Joan Collins, Pam Hogg, Perez Hilton and Wanda Ventham all appear.
Jerry Hall is also an Ab Fab fanatic gushing that 'all my girlfriends loved it!'
Jennifer Saunder points out that 'what people love is the two of them, it's the Patsy and Eddy relationship. And it's literally about let's have a laugh, let's put on silly clothes and let's get pi**ed.'
Jane Horrocks, who is back as Bubble goes one step further, musing that the show 'was the first of its kind. There's always been a bit of a taboo about women behaving badly on screen.'
They're back! It's been four years since Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley's characters Eddy and Patsy were last on screen
Women behaving badly: Jane Horrocks, who is back as Bubble (pictured with Lulu) says the show 'was the first of its kind. There's always been a bit of a taboo about women behaving badly on screen'
All star cast: Over sixty cameos were filmed for the movie, including Spice Girl Emma Bunton
Alongside Jane, the original cast are all back for more with Celia Imrie reprising her role as Claudia Bing and June Whitfield as Mother.
And Eddy's daughter Saffy of course is back with Julia Sawalha providing the voice of reason.
'It's got lots of lovely unexpected faces and some quite famous ones and it's got many of the old gang, it looks and is glamorous,' says Joanna.
Written by Saunders and directed by Mandie Fletcher, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie hits cinemas in the UK on July 1, 2016 with US and Australia release dates of July 22 and August 11, respectively.
The place to be: Joan Collins pops up in the film as Eddy and Patsy flee to the South of France
She's one of the most famous supermodels in the world and supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looks catwalk ready even when she's in a simple pair of jeans.
The 29-year-old fiancee of actor Jason Statham was pictured arriving at LAX airport on Wednesday, showing off her long limbs in her denims.
Looking casually cool, she completed her look with a simple white top and added a cropped floral bomber jacket which highlighted her slim waist.
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Stunning: Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked catwalk ready in jeans and a floral bomber jacket when she arrived at LAX airport on Wednesday
In true superstar style, she hid her eyes behind a pair of oversized sunglasses as she made her way through the terminal, holding a chic leather handbag on her arm.
Adding some extra inches to her height, the beauty wore a pair of sky high black strappy sandals, with her jeans cropped to just above the ankle strap.
Her caramel locks were artfully styled and cascaded down past her shoulders.
Beautiful: In true superstar style, she hid her eyes behind a pair of oversized sunglasses as she made her way through the terminal, holding a chic leather handbag on her arm
Hair she goes: Her caramel locks were artfully styled and cascaded down past her shoulders
Doing her thing: She kept her head down as she made her way out of the terminal
Bling thing: She continued to flash her beautiful diamond engagement ring
Earlier in the day, she was pictured stepping out in New York City, wearing the same bottoms but an altogether different look.
Rosie was spotted wearing a pretty white blouse with delicate buttons down the front and a scalloped collar, revealing a hint of her bra underneath.
The supermodel wore the top tucked into skinny jeans which highlighted her incredibly long legs.
Rosie gave her already statuesque 5ft 9in frame a boost in a pair of tan sandals featuring tassels, studs and chunky heels.
The British beauty left her golden hair down and sported perfectly applied make-up underneath her large sunglasses.
Rosie carried a soft black leather handbag and was chatting away on her mobile phone as she stepped out in Soho.
Denim darling: Rosie looked stunning in the same skinny jeans and an altogether different look as she stepped out in New York City earlier on in the day
Pretty as a picture: The supermodel teamed the tight denim with a delicate white blouse
Peekaboo: The top, which had a scalloped collar and cute buttons down the front, revealed a hint of Rosie's bra
Giving her frame a boost: The 29-year-old also sported tasselled and studded tan sandals with sky high heels
She also flashed the huge diamond engagement ring given to her by Jason Statham.
The happy couple confirmed their engagement in January after almost six years of dating, but they haven't revealed if they have set a wedding date yet.
Rosie was later seen leaving a hotel in the same jeans, but she had changed into a grey sweater with the words 'too late' scrawled across it.
She means business: Rosie was seen chatting away on her mobile phone as she strolled through Soho
Always glamorous: The British beauty left her golden hair down and wore perfectly applied make-up under her large sunglasses
Effortless: Rosie, who is engaged to Jason Statham, has mastered the art of off-duty model style
The star also wore black sandals and was seen dodging the rain as she headed into an awaiting car.
On Monday night, Rosie turned every head on the red carpet when she attended the CFDA Awards in a glittering gown.
And the following evening she was out again - only this time to see Beyonce's Formation World Tour.
Mixing it up: Rosie was seen leaving a hotel later in the day after changing her outfit
Keeping it casual: This time, the stunner was clad in a grey sweater with the words 'too late' printed across it
Not so sky high: She also changed into black sandals with a lower heel, but kept the same jeans on
Rosie is back in New York after travelling to Europe last month to attend the Cannes Film Festival, before spending some time in her native England.
As well as her ever-successful modelling career, the beauty has designed a line of lingerie and a line of cosmetics for M&S in the UK.
Rosie has also tried her hand at acting with roles in 2011's Transformers: Dark Of The Moon and Mad Max: Fury Road.
Rainy days: Rosie hid under an umbrella to dodge the rain as she made her way to an awaiting car
She's the latest beauty to be romantically linked to Leonardo DiCaprio.
And British model Roxy Horner enjoyed some retail therapy on Friday when she treated herself to lots of new lingerie at the Boux Avenue store inside Essex's Lakeside Shopping Centre.
The stunner flaunted her toned midriff in a black cropped Adidas jersey which she teamed with some high-waisted super-skinny grey jeans.
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Shopping spree: British model Roxy Horner enjoyed some retail therapy on Friday when she treated herself to lots of new lingerie at the Boux Avenue store inside Essex's Lakeside Shopping Centre
She turned her bottoms up so that her stylish heels were on full display, while she completed her urban-chic look with shades tucked in her top and a pale green cap.
The blonde beauty's complexion was flawless while her lips looked plump covered in a pink lipstick.
Roxy engaged the help of a sales assistant and could be seen browsing the shop's displays.
Star attraction: Roxy is the latest beauty to be romantically linked to Leonardo DiCaprio
Blonde beauty: She completed her urban-chic look with shades tucked in her top and a pale green cap
Model material: A pink satin camisole appeared to take her fancy with the model holding it up against her body to get an idea of how it would look on
Mirror mirror: Gazing into the mirror with one knee slightly bent, Roxy tilted her head as she admired the sexy number
A pink satin camisole appeared to take her fancy with the model holding it up against her body to get an idea of how it would look on.
Gazing into the mirror with one knee slightly bent, Roxy tilted her head as she admired the sexy number.
And after a lengthy spell in the store, Roxy finalised her purchases and emerged clutching three bags of items.
Lady in red: A vibrant red bra caught Roxy's eye as she browsed inside the shop
A helping hand: Roxy engaged the help of a sales assistant and could be seen browsing the shop's displays
Take your pick: The shop assistant held up a selection of bras so Roxy could have a closer look
The starlet - who famously dated Joey Essex - has been linked to Hollywood hotshot Leonardo and the pair have reportedly been spending plenty of time together, despite the long distance.
According to The Sun, the movie star, 41, regularly flies across the world to spend time with the model who hails from Essex herself.
They recently went dancing at Tape nightclub, before heading to trendy London haunt, the Chiltern Firehouse.
Eye-catching: Roxy no doubt turned plenty of heads on her way to the store
Worth the effort: The starlet - who famously dated Joey Essex - has been linked to Hollywood hotshot Leonardo and the pair have reportedly been spending plenty of time together, despite the long distance
A job well done: Roxy looked to have bought plenty of items if the size of her bag was anything to go by
A source told the paper: Leo didn't leave Roxy's side. After the club, they headed to the Chiltern, where a number of onlookers said the pair looked extremely cosy together.'
Adding: 'Roxy is a really sweet, caring normal girl. Shes naturally stunning and she has a lot in common with Leo. Theyre smitten and enjoy spending time together.'
Clearly they are fans of the Chiltern as they were pictured there together back in February following his BAFTA win.
Happy shopper: And after a lengthy spell in the store, Roxy finalised her purchases and emerged clutching three bags of items
Stunning! The blonde beauty's complexion was flawless while her lips looked plump covered in a pink lipstick
They've been inseparable for the past year and a half.
And Max George was clearly finding it difficult to bid farewell to his American beauty queen girlfriend Carrie Baker on Wednesday as he jetted out of Los Angeles.
The former star of The Wanted was seen passionately kissing Carrie before setting off for his flight home to the UK.
Leaving on a jet plane! Max George was clearly finding it difficult to bid farewell to his American beauty queen girlfriend Carrie Baker on Wednesday as he jetted out of Los Angeles
Max, 27, packed on the PDA with his pretty girlfriend, who looked emotional as she saw him through departures.
The ex boybander was dressed for his flight in head to toe black, teaming a tight t-shirt which showed off his tanned and tattooed muscles, with baggy trousers.
He added a pair of shades and slung a carry-on bag over his shoulder while clutching his passport and ticket.
Long goodbye: The former star of The Wanted was seen passionately kissing Carrie before setting off for his flight home to the UK
After experimenting with some longer locks over the past year, Max's signature shaved head was back.
Carrie, a Miss Oklahoma title holder, matched her man in black, showing off her figure in skinny jeans and a cropped top.
The blonde was keen to pack in some last kisses and hugs before Max, who has been working on some solo material, strolled off.
Don't go! Carrie looked emotional as she bid farewell to her handsome beau
Kiss me quick: The blonde was keen to pack in some last kisses and hugs before Max, who has been working on some solo material, strolled off
Emotional: The pair shared a lingering smooch in the departure lounge
On her Twitter account, Carrie told her fans she was distraught about Max's departure for the UK, tweeting earlier this week: 'My love is leaving in 3 days for 6 WEEKS!!!!,' and adding on Wednesday:
'Today is the day... Counting down the hours like,' alongside a heartbreak emoji.
The couple's romance was revealed in 2014 after Max relocated to LA in order to kick-start a career as an actor.
Matching: Both Carrie and Max wore head to toe black for the airport trip
Long distance: On her Twitter account, Carrie told her fans she was distraught about Max's departure for the UK, tweeting earlier this week: 'My love is leaving in 3 days for 6 WEEKS!!!!'
A source told The Sun at the time: 'Max is pinching himself daily. Not only has he quickly made a name for himself in LA but he gets to come home to one of America's most beautiful women.'
Max's new lady joins a roll call of beautiful women to have been wooed by his affable charm: he has been linked to the likes of Lindsay Lohan, Nina Agdal Lucy Mecklenburgh and Carmen Electra over the years.
However, his most famous relationship was with former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan, to whom he was engaged for a time before they split in mid-2012.
She's been flying under the radar on MasterChef Australia.
But on Thursday night's episode it was finally Elena Duggan's time to shine as she served the judges an unforgettable Spanish pork and rice dish.
'I reckon this is one of the best things we've ever eaten on MasterChef,' gushed Matt Preston after wiping his plate clean.
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'I reckon this is one of the best things we've ever eaten on MasterChef,' said Matt Moran after Elena Duggan blew the judges away with her Spanish pork and rice dish on Thursday's episode
George Calombaris added: 'This is a contestant who could win MasterChef.'
Gary Mehigan was blown away by the meal from the first bite, uttering 'my god' in ecstasy as the meat hit his lips.
'We talk about memorable dishes that contestants give us,' said Gary. 'And this is going to be something I'll never forget.'
Incredible: The tasty dish featured three kinds of pork, including a pork floss
this is going to be something I'll never forget,' gushed Gary Mehigan
'This is a contestant who could win MasterChef!' said George Calombaris after tasting the dish
Before the judges tucked in, Elena explained how she felt about the tasty meal.
'I was happy with all the elements, that's why they're all on the plate,' she said. 'Getting to fully indulge a passion, it's truly joyful.
'I love it,' she added, with tears in her eyes.
'I was happy with all the elements, that's why they're all on the plate,' said Elena before serving it
'Getting to fully indulge a passion, it's truly joyful,' said the art teacher
When it came time to present the winner of the challenge, Elena's spot at the top was a no-brainer.
'She cooked one of the best dished we have ever tasted on MasterChef,' said George, reiterating the judges earlier praise.
With tears of joy in her eyes yet again, Elena said: 'It doesn't feel real.'
Sadly, father-of-two Miles Pritchett was given the boot after failing to accurately execute an overly ambitious Japanese dish.
'I think the kids would be really proud of me,' said the 46-year-old as he exited the competition.
'It doesn't feel real,' cried the brunette beauty after being named the winner of the challenge
He lived in Japan for five years with his Japanese ex-wife, and is even the proud father of a Japanese chef.
But despite his many ties to The Land of the Rising Sun, Miles Pritchett was sent home on Thursday's MasterChef Australia after failing to impress with his Japanese cuisine.
'I think the kids would be really proud of me,' said the 46-year-old as he exited the competition.
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Sayonara: Miles Pritchett was booted from MasterChef Australia on Thursday after failing a Japanese cuisine challenge despite the fact that he specialises in Japanese food
Thursday's episode of MasterChef Australia was another dreaded elimination round, which saw six contestants cooking to keep their place in the competition.
The contestants were made to partake in a lucky dip, where their dish for the day would be determined by they pulled out of the bags - which contained a cuisine, and a 'hero ingredient'.
Japanese food enthusiast Miles seemed to get the best results from the get go, landing Japanese cuisine and fish as his ingredient.
'I definitely want to showcase my skills in Japanese cuisine, but it's a lot of pressure,' said the park ranger, who was already succumbing to nerves.
'I definitely want to showcase my skills in Japanese cuisine,' said the father-of-two, who lived in Japan for five years whilst married to a Japanese woman
'But it's a lot of pressure,' Miles added, feeling nervous about the high expectations
Elena prepared a Spanish pork and rice dish, which she was excited to make.
'I want to be inventive, so I want to have three textures of pork in this dish,' she said. 'I want to pull apart the fibers of the pork, deep fry that, and make a floss.'
'It looks wonderful,' said the judges and they gazed at the delicious dish from the sidelines.
'I want to be inventive, so I want to have three textures of pork in this dish,' said Elena Duggan, who was making a Spanish pork and rice dish
'It looks wonderful,' said the judges and they gazed at the delicious dish from the sidelines
Miles got himself back on track, channeling his pressure into a laser focus as he tackled his Japanese dish with gusto in a bid to impress the judges.
However, the judges and his fellow contestants expressed a concert that he may have been overly ambitious with the meal, creating something confusing instead of cohesive.
Elena later served her Spanish Pork and Rice meal to the judges, which she said she was 'really proud of' as she presented it to the finicky judges.
'I want to pull apart the fibers of the pork, deep fry that, and make a floss,' said Elena
New career: The 32-year-old art teacher dreams of making the leap into the food industry
The trio seemed in awe of the meal the moment it hit the table, discussing it in detail before even taking a bite.
'We talk about memorable dishes that contestants give us,' said Gary. 'And this is going to be something I'll never forget.'
'I reckon this is one of the best things we've ever eaten on MasterChef' gushed Matt.
'This is going to be something I'll never forget,' said Gary as he tried the amazing meal
'I reckon this is one of the best things we've ever eaten on MasterChef' gushed Matt Preston
Miles was last with his ambitious Japanese dish, but he seemed uncertain right off the bat as he admitted that the pressure had gotten to him.
It was criticised straight away for not featuring enough fish, which was the hero ingredient.
As expected, Elena was crowned the winner of the challenge.
'She cooked one of the best dished we have ever tasted on MasterChef,' said George.
'She cooked one of the best dished we have ever tasted on MasterChef,' said George Calombaris as he crowned Elena the winner of the challenge
Sadly, Zoe, Mimi, and Miles were in the bottom three, with Miles ultimately being sent home.
'What an absolute inspiration you are for fathers out there going out and doing something for themselves and their kids,' said George.
'We're really really proud,' he continued as he sent Miles home.
'What an absolute inspiration you are for fathers out there going out and doing something for themselves and their kids,' George told Myles as he sent him home
Her recent revelation that she gave her husband permission to cheat after losing her libido, caused shockwaves, but Saira Khan revealed she and Steven Hyde has reconnected intimately.
Talking to Loose Women on Thursday, the former Apprentice star said she was glad she said what she did as her relationship has improved for the better.
'We have taken some time out, that's all I will say,' she said. 'I've given him enough of a ride, well not in that sense, I don't mean that.
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'The huge burden has been lifted': Saira Khan reveals she and husband Steven Hyde have reconnected on an intimate level after giving him permission to cheat after they ironed out their issues
On the up: 'We have taken some time out, that's all I will say,' she said. 'I've given him enough of a ride, well not in that sense, I don't mean that' - pictured with him on the show last month
'It's been so empowering to talk about. So many thousands of women have been through the same thing. I would like to say thanks to the show.
'Thanks to all the fans who picked up a lady who was feeling really quite down. It's like a huge burden had been lifted from me.
'It was a scary moment which has become something we embraced.'
When the panel asked how things now stand between her and her husband, she replied: 'We're really happy, that's all I'll say.'
She said: 'It's been so empowering to talk about. So many thousands of women have been through the same thing. I would like to say thanks to the show'
Things are better now: 'Thanks to all the fans who picked up a lady who was feeling really quite down. It's like a huge burden had been lifted from me'
The girls: (L-R) Ayda Field, Linda Robson, Saira and Ruth Langsford
Claire Sweeney later came on the show and said in her ear: 'I'm so glad you've had sex now. So relieved you've got a little bit.'
The happier news follows Saira's recent appearance on the show last month, in which she broke down as her husband denied they were in an 'open relationship' and would never sleep with another woman.'
Saira has said earlier that week that she had given Steven permission to cheat on her due to her lack of libido.
But her husband of 11 years said he was 'devastated' and 'heartbroken' at the very suggestion - and said his wife should know that he would stand by her during this time.
Emotional: Saira had burst into tears live on air as she admitted that she no longer wants sex with her husband of 11 years
Explaining the reasons for her loss of libido today, Saira said: 'I have put the pressure on myself. I'm a working mum, I'm a daughter, I'm a friend, I'm a parent. There's a lot of pressure and I want to do everything well'
Earlier this week, Saira startled viewers of the ITV programme with her revelation that she had given her husband permission to sleep with another woman as she can no longer satisfy him in the bedroom
Steven joined the panellists on Loose Women to discuss his wife's revelation. He was 'pretty devastated' when his wife first suggested he sleep with someone else, saying: 'It's nothing that i would even contemplate'
Saira spoke to the panel before Steven appeared alone, saying: 'To be honest I was pretty devastated for her really, to think that she would even think, that she needed to say something like that to me, because it's something that I would never contemplate doing and never think about doing.
'The idea for me, of what people talk about as an open relationship is, well, it's just not for me, it's nonsense.
'So I felt really troubled, I felt heartbroken that she had got to such a point really, such a low point that she felt the need to say something like that.'
Saira revealed she had been 'quite frightened' about the reaction from her husband, who was at work at the time and normally shies away from the public eye - admitting that in hindsight she would 'probably not' have made the comments about avoiding sex with him.
Explaining the reasons for her loss of libido, Saira said: 'I have put the pressure on myself. I'm a working mum, I'm a daughter, I'm a friend, I'm a parent.
'There's a lot of pressure and i want to do everything well. When the pressure is there I think this (gesturing to her groin) shuts down.'
Discussing their relationship, Steven said: 'We're massively close and I think we've got a good marriage and a great family,' at which point a tearful Saira joined him on stage and embraced him in front of cameras
Happier times: Saira married internet company boss Steven Hyde, from Essex, in 2005 after they met in 2002
'When I talked about this it feels like a heavy burden has been lifted, it feels lighter.' She also thanked fans and viewers for talking about the 'taboo subject'.
Steven told panellists he was 'pretty devastated' when his wife first suggested he sleep with someone else, saying: 'It's nothing that I would even contemplate doing.
'An open relationship isn't for me. I felt heartbroken that she'd come to such a low point that she felt the need to say something like that.'
He added: 'We're massively close and I think we've got a good marriage and a great family,' at which point a tearful Saira joined him on stage and embraced him in front of cameras.
Panellist Sherrie Hewson, 65, said she thought Steven's response was 'wonderful', saying: 'I said the same thing to my husband... and he did.' The ex-Coronation Street actress was married to Ken Boyd for nine years before splitting in 2001.
After the show Saira tweeted a message to her husband, writing: 'Thank you @StevenPush for being my rock, I love you and so do all the girls and boys @loosewomen - You are an amazing person.'
Long-term romance: The TV personality and her husband Steven Hyde have been married for 11 years and raised two children together
'Am I the only one?': Saira's fellow panelists were surprised by her admission, but revealed they weren't always in the mood
She also thanked viewers on social media with a tweet saying: 'Thank you everyone watching @loosewomen today your support has been sooo overwhelming and humbling - thank you.'
Earlier this week, the presenter startled viewers of the ITV programme with her revelation that she had given her partner permission to sleep with another woman as she can no longer satisfy him in the bedroom.
Saira - who was the runner-up on the first series of The Apprentice in 2005 - confessed: 'I'm 46, I have a busy life and have two kids. I am so lucky.
'We used to have a fantastic sex life. I still love my husband, we cuddle up and it's lovely. We've been together for 11 years, but I'm not interested [in sex]. I don't want to.
'I've lost the desire and I find myself making excuses from around 6pm.'
The TV personality went on to admit she tried every trick in the book to avoid a tryst with her husband, until she finally fessed up and told him he should sleep with another woman.
She explained: 'The other day, I was dressed up to go out and he told me I looked nice and I was like, "Thanks!", and ran out of the door.
'I've lost the desire': The former Apprentice star said she used to make excuses to avoid sleeping with her husband until she told him how she was feeling
'As soon as he comes home, I panic and start saying, "I'm so tired!". I'm embarrassed to say this but I said to him you can go with someone else if you want.
While her fellow panelists were surprised by her confession, Coleen Nolan agreed that it was sometimes difficult to get into the right mood. She said: 'You don't always fancy it and then it takes 20 seconds to get in the mood and sometimes another 20 to do it'.
Saira's confession sparked a flurry of positive comments on Twitter, with many praising the star for her honesty.
One viewer wrote: 'I hear you sister! #loosewomen thanks for your honesty and candid discussion today on this sensitive subject,' while another added: 'you were very brave today, being so frank and honest. In the same boat, as are thousands of others.'
Honest: The Loose Women panelists were stunned by Saira's frank confession, but were wholly supportive
Saira admitted she was overwhelmed by the support, tweeting after the show: 'Wow ladies - so many of you out there feel like me I'm not alone. Thank you for all your lovely lovely messages today regarding the sex topic - I really appreciate it!! Xx'
The Apprentice star was also quick to respond to some criticism, after one tweeter told her that 'certain things should be kept in house. Here is hoping the children don't read this'.
'I like to share so it can help others and make people feel better that they are not the only ones!' Saira replied.
Saira married internet company boss Steve, from Essex, in 2005 after they met in 2002.
In 2008 the couple, who now live in Oxford, welcomed their baby boy, Zachariah via IVF. Saira suffers with endometriosis and had to undergo fertility treatment to get pregnant with her son.
When a second IVF attempt failed, the couple began the lengthy adoption process in the UK before turning to adoption abroad.
The Apprentice star and Steve adopted a baby girl, Amara, now five, from the Edhi Orphanage in Karachi, Pakistan.
'We adopted overseas because we were advised there needed to be a two-year gap between Zac and the child we were going to adopt,' she explained recently to New Day.
'We were told it wouldnt be possible to get a child in the time frame we were looking at in Britain so we went to Pakistan.'
Saira says that Amara gets on famously with her older brother Zac bar the odd, perfectly healthy sibling argument.
Thanks! Saira admitted she was overwhelmed by the support, tweeting after her apparance on the show
Hitting back: The Apprentice star was also quick to respond to some criticism earlier this week, after one tweeter told her that 'certain things should be kept in house. Here is hoping the children don't read this'
On social media, the star regularly celebrates her 'different' family, with a family shot posted in January accompanied by the post: 'My family is made up of a white Essex dude, an adopted Pakistani daughter, a mixed-race son and me - #embracedifference'
On Wednesday's show, the Loose Women stars also dished the dirt about whether or not they did the deed on their wedding nights.
'I did it three times. I remember it well as its the last time we did it', Coleen joked. 'Twice at night and first thing in the morning.'
Recalling her 2010 nuptials with long-term partner and co-presenter Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford joked, 'I thought, I really ought to, its my wedding night. It wasn't our finest one.'
When Coleen quizzed her, 'Was it with Eamonn?', Ruth was horrified, replying, 'Of course it was!'
Opening up: Ruth Langsford also discussed her 2010 wedding to long-term partner Eamonn Holmes
'It wasn't our finest one': The 56-year-old confessed to co-host Coleen that it wasn't their best night of passion
On Wednesday, Mr Hyde denied he has any such arrangement with his wife. However he declined to comment when asked why she would make the claims on national television if they were not true.
Miss Khans comments are a marked change from three years ago when, in an interview about the impact of a new fitness regime, she said: My sex life has gone from being near-dormant to absolutely fantastic. Having my husband tell me I look great is the best feeling.
And Mr Hyde has always been clear about how attractive he finds his wife. After her appearance on The Apprentice in 2005, he said: As soon as I met Saira, I was attracted to her.
She had the highest energy levels of anyone I know, which I thought was amazing. I was bowled over straight away.
He's still alive and kicking in the TV bloodbath that is Game of Thrones.
But if and when Raleigh Ritchie's Grey Worm, the leader of the Unsullied, follows the likes of Hodor and Ned Stark to the GoT graveyard, the multi-talented star has plenty to keep him busy, thanks to his successful career as a musician.
Raleigh, who acts under his real name Jacob Anderson, tells MailOnline exclusively that he has been enjoying juggling both for the past four years, sharing kissing scenes with former Hollyoaks beauty Nathalie Emmanuel before jetting off for club tours.
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Multi talented: If and when Raleigh Ritchie's Grey Worm follows the likes of Hodor to the GoT graveyard, the star has plenty to keep him busy, thanks to his successful career as a musician
As Grey Worm, the actor shared a memorable scene with Nathalie, who plays Daenerys Targaryen's trusted advisor Missandei, in season five when their characters finally kissed.
But Raleigh reveals that day's shoot didn't exactly go to plan. 'I had debilitating flu and I had to lie down all day!' he explains..
'Every single muscle in my body ached. I just felt really bad for Nathalie because I wasn't really talking to her throughout the day.'
Steamy: As Grey Worm, the actor shared a memorable scene with Nathalie, who plays Daenerys Targaryen's trusted advisor Missandei, in season five, when their characters finally kissed
Despite the less than romantic setting for their key scene, the actor says he loves working with fellow Brit and his pal Nathalie, 'especially because in this season Emila Clarke [who plays Daenerys] is off in other scenes. So it's really good to have an ally still there.'
The star is really proud of his talented co-stars like Emilia who's big screen career is flourishing, telling MailOnline 'It's really cool to see such good friends do so well outside of the show. That's the most inspiring thing.'
'It truly is such a weird thing but on that show everyone genuinely is so cool. I presented an award to Sophie Turner [who plays Sansa Stark] the other night at the Glamour Awards and it was just so nice, I have no right to be, but I'm so proud of her! She's an awesome actor and a really nice girl.'
Under the weather! Raleigh reveals that day's shoot didn't exactly go to plan: 'I had debilitating flu and I had to lie down all day!'
He's also really close to former Skins star Hannah Murray who plays Gilly on the show, gushing that 'I'd really like Grey Worm to meet up with Gilly.'
'Hannah is one of my best friends, that would be a good day, it would be a laugh, but probably not for everyone else!'
And it's not just the fellow Brits the Adulthood star has bonded with, as he explains that while he's noticed a different atmosphere between Brit and American sets, he's made firm friends with one show favourite.
'American's do it quite differently. If you work on an American show it feels a little more separate. But then Peter Dinklage is the dude, he's one of my favourite people to ever work with and he's an American so we can't discriminate!'
Close: The star is really proud of his talented co-stars, including Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), who Raleigh presented a gong to at the Glamour Women of the Year awards this week
Raleigh released his debut album You're a Man Now, Boy, in February and is hitting the UK festival scene this summer. He says his two careers go hand in hand, explaining:
'I tend to spend an indeterminate amount of time in Belfast or Spain for GoT. We tend to shoot for six months then we get asked back for days here and there so it works well alongside my music.'
'There was one instance last year where we shooting in SpainI did a week in Spain and then I had to fly to Paris at three in the morning, and then from Paris I had to drive to Manchester to a gig then I went off on tour. So that was pretty manic!'
And his fans love to follow his work outside of the show. 'It's really weird because if I get four or five people it's always like the last person that likes my music.'
Pals: Despite the less than romantic setting for their key scene, the actor says he loves working with fellow Brit and his pal Nathalie, an ex Hollyoaks star
'I'm always like "oh here we go another selfie" and then someone goes "I really like your album" so it's always nice to hear that, because it's something I've made myself.'
'I wouldn't say they're vastly different people, my fans for my music and GoT. You tend to get people who are fans of the show, and because they're fans of the show they follow everything we've done.'
'Sometime people though are like "I really like your music and I don't even watch Game of Thrones." And they're trying to be like "I don't care about that side of you". I quite like that!'
It seems there's something of a musical atmosphere on set as Raleigh explains 'with a show that big you're inevitably going to find everyone going off in different creative directions.'
'Iwan Rheon who plays Ramsay he's a songwriter. I met Kristian Nairn who plays Hodor for the first time the other day, who has a career as a DJ. By the way, he's a big dude, the tallest man I've every met in my life. I'm quite short so it's quite intimidating!'
All about the music: Raleigh released his debut album You're a Man Now, Boy, in February and is hitting the UK festival scene this summer
Next up for Raleigh is a summer of festivals as he heads to Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds while he's also behind the decks for the Moet NOW or Neverland party on Saturday.
'It's my first proper DJ set which I'm very excited about. It's something that I've always wanted to do and this party is all about embracing the new and living in the now and doing things that might scare you and being brave so that kind of suits me!'
'It's going to be a very eclectic set. You'll probably hear a bit of Lionel Richie, a bit of Craig David and then some hip hop tracks, who knows!'
Raleigh Ritchie is DJing at Moet & Chandons Now or Neverland party, on 11th June which marks the first ever champagne spray moment when racing driver, Dan Gurney won the 24 hours of Le Mans race, popped a bottle of Moet & Chandon and momentously sprayed it in celebration, creating history.
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She enjoys an amicable relationship with her ex Lee Mead, despite the pair divorcing in December last year.
And Denise Van Outen, 42, told Lorraine Kelly how the pair's unconventional approach benefits their daughter Betsy, six, when she appeared on Thursday's edition of Lorraine.
The TV personality said: 'He comes around every Monday and we all have dinner together. We don't have a set plan or anything like. I think we get on really well and we both always put our daughter first.'
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It works for them: Denise Van Outen, 42, told Lorraine Kelly how her unconventional relationship with ex Lee Mead, 34, benefits their daughter Betsy, six
The Essex native looked typically stunning for her televised appearance, showing off her lithe limbs in a thigh-skimming dress.
The longsleeved blue garment was adorned with swans, while she complemented it with a pair of strappy heels.
Age-defying Denise wore her blonde tresses in waves from a middle-parting and was in a playful mood as she posed for pictures outside the studio.
She was full of praise for Lee and revealed Betsy was a big fan of her dad's work.
Leggy display: The Essex native looked typically stunning for her televised appearance, showing off her lithe limbs in a thigh-skimming dress
Still good friends: Lee recently holidayed with Denise and Betsy in Dubai
Supportive: Denise was full of praise for Lee and revealed Betsy was a big fan of her dad's work
She said: 'Lee is currently on tour with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - he's a great entertainer - and she knows all the words to all the songs.
'She was singing the other day and we both noticed that wow, she is really good. She's definitely showing signs! But we don't want her to push her into anything.'
'I think with children you just have to let them live their own path.'
Denise also explained how she and Betsy supported Sky and British Cycling's Sky Ride initiative - mass participation cycling events, which are free to enter, taking place in cities across the UK this summer.
She said: 'Cycling is good for the legs! I love the feeling of being on my bike, it takes me back to my childhood!'
Lee and former Big Breakfast host Denise wed in the Seychelles in April 2009 after a whirlwind 18 month romance.
All smiles: The bubbly blonde was in high spirits for her interview
Co-parenting: Denise explained that Lee visits her and Besty for dinner every Monday
They originally met when Denise was a judge on TV talent show Any Dream Will Do, which contestant Lee went on to win and secured the leading role in the West End production of Joseph And The Technicolour Dreamcoat.
They announced their split in July 2013 before divorcing that December, but insisted they remained 'great friends' and shared co-parenting duties of little Betsy.
In a recent interview, Denise spoke of her great relationship with Lee, telling Fabulous magazine: 'I've no regrets about getting married to Lee at all.
'He's such a lovely person. There was no big fall-out and we got each other through [the divorce], really. We're friends, so we supported each other.'
They host a late night chat show at the exact same time on different networks.
And despite the race for ratings, James Corden had no problem exchanging more than pleasantries with his rival.
The 37-year-old actor made an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers on Wednesday night where he gifted a onesie with his show's logo on it for the host's newborn son.
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Showing off: James Corden represented his own chat show as he made an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers on Wednesday night
Friendly: The 37-year-old actor gifted a onesie with his show's logo on it for the host's newborn son
That was not the only branding the British comedian featured on the show as he came out in a hoodie and hat with the Late Late Show With James Corden logo emblazoned on them.
When asked by 42-year-old Seth about his 'product placement' outfit, Corden cheekily replied: 'Well it was just coincidence. I didn't really realize that I had all this.'
His promotional antics did not end up just there as he also brought his own mug from the CBS programme and later took off his hoodie to reveal a shirt with his logo on it.
Representing: He came out wearing a hat and hoodie with logos from his Late Late Show With James Corden show
Nothing but love: Despite their chat shows going head-to-head one another, the two men definitely have a good rapport with one another
Perhaps the funniest moment came when James said he brought a present for Seth's new son who was born just in March.
The Saturday Night Live alum unveiled a Late Late Show With James Corden onesie as he reacted by saying: 'I was definitely worried about this. This is my fear.
'You know what the heartbreaking thing is? He's already asked for this.'
When asked by 42-year-old Seth about his 'product placement' outfit, Corden cheekily replied: 'Well it was just coincidence. I didn't really realize that I had all this'
Branding: His promotional antics did not end up just there as he also brought his own mug from the CBS programme
Role reversal: They urged viewers to turn over to James' show and switched chairs with each other
The two went on to discuss James' highly-popular Carpool Karaoke gag as Seth asked who was the most intimidating to work with.
James replied: 'I was my most nervous when we were doing it for the first time which was with Mariah Carey because I'm a huge fan of hers.'
He went on to explain that he grew-up in a household where his father was away a lot while his mother and sister played plenty of Mariah, Whitney Houston and watching the movie Grease.
Gift: Perhaps the funniest moment came when James said he brought a present for Seth's new son who was born just in March
Proud: He removed his sweater to show off a T-shirt with his chat show's logo on it
Having a blast: The two went on to discuss James' highly-popular Carpool Karaoke gag as Seth asked who was the most intimidating to work with
Harmonizing: Mariah Carey was the first to do the Carpool Karaoke bit as James said he was most intimidated by her
The Into The Woods star joked: 'It's amazing that I'm married and have children.'
James went on to explain: 'When you meet someone like her, it's incredible. And you're thinking "I've been telling everyone that this is a good bit" and "why can't we get someone to do it?"
'And she was the only person that was brave enough to say yes is the truth. And when she started singing and we sung together, it was just so much fun.
And immediately right after I was like "Well outside of thinking this was for our show, this would be a travesty if I don't just enjoy doing it."'
Relaxed: The two men talked about the differences between paparazzi in the UK and US
Tickled: Seth poked fun at one of James' outfits while captured by a photographer
The two also chatted about his upcoming gig hosting the Tony Awards as they both gushed about the gala event.
James said that he has a plan for commercial breaks during the show which is to have people come up for karaoke-style performances at the Beacon Theatre as there will be so many talented performers in the building.
Corden is set to host the Tony Awards this Sunday, June 12 as it airs at 8pm on CBS.
They're one of the most lovable couples in Hollywood.
And Chris Pratt and Anna Faris proved their playful side once again this week as they embarked on a couple's wrestling class together.
Things got frisky pretty quickly between the duo as Pratt, 36, couldn't help but grab a handful of his wife's assets as she perched on his shoulders.
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Interesting moves: Anna Faris got to grips with husband Chris Pratt as the couple learned to wrestle with pal David Bautista
Saucy! The Parks and Recreation star couldn't help but cop a handful as the actress sat on his chest
The fun-loving twosome were being instructed by Pratt's Guardians of the Galaxy co-star David Bautista in the clip which Anna shared to Instagram on Wednesday.
The House Bunny star starts off bending over with her head between the actor's legs as she gets into position.
She then lets out a hearty scream as she flips upside-down and wraps her legs around Pratt's neck, pulling herself back to an upright position with a helping hand from the former WWE pro.
Taking instruction: Pratt, 36, held his wife's waist as she got into position
Getting into position: Bautista got the couple to shuffle forward a little so Anna didn't hit her head on a chandelier
This way! The former MMA pro guided the couple to make sure they didn't hurt themselves
The Parks and Recreation star then playfully places his hands on the Mom star's boobs as she looks down on him.
As she flips back down with her legs still on his shoulders the actor challenges the mother-of-one to do three sit-ups.
'No way... No honey I can't, don't make me do this' the Mom star replies but then does it anyway showing off her core strength.
Anna hosts a weekly podcast titled Unqualified which she describes as 'Not-so-great relationship advice from @annafaris & completely unqualified Hollywood types'
Bautista stars in episode 31 and the duo posed for a photo for the actress' Unqualified Instagram account.
One, two, three! Strong stomach muscles! Anna, flipped up so she was upside down
Hold tight! Anna's husband of almost seven years kept a solid grip on her as she made the risky maneuver
Hello again! The House Bunny star sat upright on the actor's chest
As she shared the wrestling clip on her Instagram, Anna wrote: 'My back-up plan: professional wrestler trained by @davebautista and @prattprattpratt @unqualified so lucky I didn't break my neck-thanks guys!'
Meanwhile, Anna and Chris, who married in 2009, enjoyed some family time at the beach on Tuesday.
They are currently staying in Atlanta while the actor films Guardians of the Galaxy 2.
The actress snapped a picture of Chris with their son Jack making sandcastles.
She captioned the sweet photo: 'Chris is hard at work building this amazingly creepy sand demon! Going to post sand demon tomorrow! I don't want to waste posts by flooding you! And I love you! Still learning'
Special guest: The former WWE star joined Anna for one of her 'Unqualified' podcasts this week
She's worked hard for her bikini body and has been proudly displaying her toned figure on her recent Magaluf minibreak.
But Megan McKenna found herself at the centre of a social media storm on Thursday when a fan accused her of having 'cellulite'.
The 23-year-old TOWIE star unleashed her famous temper, giving the online troll a taste of her wrath as she hit back with a quick-fire response.
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The offending picture: Megan McKenna found herself at the centre of a social media storm on Thursday when a fan accused her of having 'cellulite' after sharing this picture of her partying in Magaluf
The incident occurred when Megan uploaded a photo of herself at a pool party in the Spanish resort, living it up behind the DJ decks.
The brunette beauty can be seen looking over her shoulder, displaying her pert posterior in a black bikini.
However, her slender physique caused a troll under the name of 'bully bully' to query, 'u have cellulite?'.
Fiery-tempered: Megan lashed out, 'yeah do you have a problem with that! Every girl does! At least I don't edit the s**t out my pics unlike most people! #boreoff'
Megan lashed out: 'yeah do you have a problem with that! Every girl does! At least I don't edit the s**t out my pics unlike most people! #boreoff'.
The star then effortlessly brushed off the comment, continuing to post bikini pictures on social media.
Revealing she had returned home, Megan commented: 'To have this sushi again today would be perfect... But no. I'm rushing around in Essex'.
Pert posterior: Megan has worked hard for her amazing bikini body and has been proudly displaying her toned figure on her holiday
No cellulite here! The TOWIE star was in an excitable mood as she larked around the DJ decks
This year has already been particularly busy for the reality TV babe.
Megan joined TOWIE back in March after starring in Celebrity Big Brother two months earlier and she has proved to be a certifiable hit the the ITVBe audience.
It didn't take long for romance to blossom between Pete Wicks and Megan and by the time she was made a permanent cast member, she was said to have been 'bowled over' by him.
Megan and Pete have since enjoyed their first holiday together as they took their romance abroad in Dubai in May.
TOWIE invasion: Megan was also joined by James 'Arg' Argent at the grand opening of the Island Beach Club Pool Star on Wednesday
She's been treating her fans to racy snaps from a Caribbean paradise.
And Emily Ratajkowski, 25, showed off her stunning shape in a scenic shot taken at the luxury Amanyara Resorts on the island of Providenciales on Thursday.
The model stood atop a large rock at the water's edge wearing a stylish green two-piece bikini as she soaked up the view of the Turks and Caicos.
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Beach babe: Emily Ratajkowski, 25, showed off her stunning shape in a scenic shot taken at the luxury Amanyara Resorts on the island of Providenciales on Thursday
With her hands resting gently on the top of her bikini bottoms, the natural beauty gazed intently at the camera.
Her lengthy brunette locks fell freely down her front and the sunshine illuminated her petite physique.The busty beauty's waist looked enviably slim and her long legs were in perfect shape.
The idyllic holiday location featured a dramatic rock face directly behind Emily, while the horizon over the ocean was visible in the background.
Located southeast of Barbados, Providenciales belongs to the Turks and Caicos Islands -- an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
Beach babe: Model Emily Ratajkowski shows off her famous cleavage in a brown bikini as she holidays in a mystery exotic location
Nice view: The Blurred Lines model has been relaxing in the Turks and Caicos with her boyfriend Jeff Magid
Emily turned 25 on Tuesday and is no doubt enjoying every minute of her time on the beautiful island.
On Wednesday, the model-turned-actress posted a series of sexy photos of herself submerged in a glorious blue water.
Wearing a brown bikini and oversized straw hat, the London-born beauty showed off the fabulous figure which catapulted her to fame three years ago.
Come on in, the water's lovely: The model posted a series of sexy photos of herself submerged in a glorious blue sea
She joked that she was upping her 'hat game' with some oversized headgear, which managed to give shade to her whole body.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday she found a novel way to celebrate the quarter century milestone as she shared a sultry Instagram snap with her 6.5 million Instagram followers.
Posing from behind as she stared out over an idyllic landscape, the stunning model kept her caption simple, acknowledging her birthday by writing '25' with two peace emojis.
Clad in a skimpy lace teddy, the Gone Girl star showed off her incredibly perky posterior in the thong-style garment.
Shady lady: The 25-year-old decided to seek shelter from a huge oversized hat, which managed to give her whole body cover from the hot sun
Grazing one arm across her thigh and holding another hand out in front, Emily seemed at ease in the candid shot as she gazed out over the lake.
Wearing her chestnut coloured tresses loose and tousled, she framed her pretty face, which was just visible in the sizzling snap.
Emily treated her fans to another glimpse of her phenomenal frame on Saturday as she shared a sizzling throwback snap.
Birthday suit: She celebrated her 25th birthday on Tuesday. And Emily Ratajkowski found a novel way to celebrate the quarter century milestone as she shared a sultry Instagram snap with her 6.5 million followers
Taking to Instagram, she posted a sultry bikini shot captioned: 'Not in Greece but...' suggesting the image had been taken on a previous holiday.
Facing away from the camera, the actress flaunted her famously perky posterior whilst donning a pair of minuscule pink bikini pants.
Opting for mismatched swimwear, she donned a peach bikini top, showing off her incredibly tiny waist and toned physique.
Wearing her chestnut coloured locks loose and tousled, she posed sultrily with her head tilted past her shoulder, looking effortlessly chic and oozing glamour.
Sizzling: Emily treated her fans to another glimpse at her phenomenal frame on Saturday as she shared a sizzling throwback snap. Facing away from the camera, the actress flaunted her famously perky posterior
She's best known as the sexy model from the Blurred Lines video and last month Emily had her dancing shoes on once again.
The Gone Girl star put on a very busty display for the sexy routine, flaunting her abs in a skimpy white bra top and posting the results in an Instagram video.
She teamed the number with a pair of form-fitting jeans which were ripped at the knees and a complementary longline jacket.
Wahey in lingerie: Emily Ratajkowski shared a very busty video of herself dancing in a white bra top and matching outfit last month
Doing her thing: She teamed the number with a pair of form-fitting jeans which were ripped at the knees and a complementary longline jacket
While the video had no caption attached, she also posted another snap of her look, writing, 'all white night' alongside it.
It's been a busy week for Emily who also attended Soap & Glory's Beauty Boudoir at Wango Tango on Saturday, again sharing her fave moments on social media.
While there, she talked about her dream girl squad.
Loving life: While the video had no caption attached, she also posted another snap of her look, writing, 'all white night' alongside it
She's got the energy: The lovely lady appeared in high spirits as her pal continued to film her eye-popping moves
So nice, she posted it twice: She posted two extra snaps of herself and her look on the social media site
'In my girl squad, I guess it's girls but I would have loved to have Prince and I think that he would've worked with a girl squad.
'Beyonce, obviously. Lemonade is amazing and I think she'd be a really awesome person to hangout with.
'And then Lena Dunham, I'm lucky to know her in real life and she actually just had her birthday yesterday, she's a lot of fun.'
A new look: It's been a busy week for Emily who also attended Soap & Glory's Beauty Boudoir at Wango Tango on Saturday, again sharing her fave moments on social media
Good genes: She also shared a picture of herself out on the town with her gorgeous mother
She also spoke about her ultimate beauty crush, Lily Aldridge.
'I feel like I'm always referencing her pictures and whenever I'm getting my hair and makeup done I'm looking at things that she's done. Her and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - I think they are amazing!'
Finally, the confident beauty spoke about how she learned to feel so good about herself.
She said: 'I think it's really about not comparing yourself to other people and realizing especially with your physical body that's what you're given and learning to love that and accept that.
'Realize that everyone feels that way so you might be looking at someone and thinking, "oh they have everything I want" and they're thinking the same thing.
'So once you get past that you can start to really like yourself and everyone else around you responds to that as well.'
Body confidence: While at the Soap and Glory event, Emily spoke about how important it is to feel good about yourself
She said: 'I think it's really about not comparing yourself to other people and realizing especially with your physical body that's what you're given and learning to love that and accept that'
Joanna Krupa has had lots of time on her hands since she quit Real Housewives Of Miami in 2013
The 37-year-old model had the lovely look of leisure about her as she stepped out for breakfast in Malibu, California on Wednesday.
Joanna was cool yet summery in a maxi-length striped dress boasting varying hues of blue along with black fringe Mari A sandals.
Siren call: Joanna Krupa was cool and sexy in a blue-striped dress and fringed sandals by Mari A while out for breakfast in Malibu, CA on Wednesday
The frock fit her curvaceous figure snug around the bust and loosely from the waist on down to the tops of her chic shoes.
She was seen emerging from the clifftop eatery down a flight of steep stone steps, one hand clutching a bunch of material to lift the hem during her descent.
Joanna's blonde hair was swept to the side, catching the dappled sunlight as it fell over her shoulders.
Shades of blue: The model's long stress featured stripes in varying shades of blue
Starry descent: Joanna descended the steps in model stance while lifting the hem of her dress
Careful there: The Polish-born beauty looked down as she made her way down the last of the steep flight of stone steps
Her make-up was minimal with a hint of mascara and pink lip gloss to bring out her naturally fair features.
Joanna, who has been modeling lingerie for Esotiq, used Instagram to advertise her gorgeous assets on Wednesday.
The Polish beauty took a selfie in which she wore a grey T-shirt blasting the suggestion to 'call my agents.'
Message is loud and clear: The former Real Housewives Of Miami star advertised her assets in a slogan T-shirt in this selfie posted on Wednesday
Joanna, who wed nightclub owner Romain Zago in a lavish 2013 wedding that aired on Real Housewives Of Miami, was seen out with her husband in Beverly Hills on Monday.
The pair were on-trend in casual chic attire as they headed to lunch down a fashionable street.
On that occasion, Joanna looked hip in a thin striped dress, denim jacket and slip-on sandals with big framed shades concealing her eyes and her hair wrapped into a tight knot.
Romain was wearing a dark T-shirt and cargo shorts along with opaque dark sunglasses and flip flops.
Jessica Alba knows a thing or two about how to succeed, having fashioned a billion dollar-strong business.
The 35-year-old actress was straight As all the way at the Baby2Baby Graduation Event presented by her own The Honest Company in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Jessica looked chic in a long white jacket over a Draper James lace top and skintight capri jeans as she spoke encouragingly to the more than 70 high school graduates at a Los Angeles Unified School District campus.
Business chic: Jessica Alba was business class all the way at the Baby2Baby hosted Graduation Event presented by her own The Honest Company in LA on Tuesday
Her words spoke of their achievements and how they overcame financial restrictions and difficult circumstances to get to this point.
All of the students live below the level of poverty so Jessica's speech had an impact.
Jessica stood at the podium flanked by huge arrangements of white hydrangas, a big screen boasting Baby2Baby and The Honest Company logos behind her.
Speech: The 35-year-old spoke to 70 and more graduates living below poverty level about their amazing achievements while Baby2Baby presidents Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof looked on
Inspiration: Everyone was enthralled by Jessica's starry appearance
They got theirs: Jessica was a smiling co-host as she posed with a couple of guests who received a tote bag full of The Honest Company eco-friendly products
Her brown hair was parted center and allowed to hang loose over her shoulders with no apparent gels or fancy styling.
She kept her make-up clean to match the snowy white of her jacket and lacy top.
Afterwards, Jessica took time to pose with Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, presidents of Baby2Baby, and some of the other guests.
Here you go: The students lined up to get their goody bags
She's an angel: The former Dark Angel star linked arms with some of the students
The students were gifted with black totes filled to the top with eco-friendly products from The Honest Company.
After the event, Jessica was back to mommy mode as she celebrated her daughter's eighth birthday at Bouchon in Beverly Hills with husband Cash Warren and their younger daughter Haven, four.
Jessica was still clad in her bright ensemble with not a wrinkle detected on that bright white jacket.
Birthday girl: The mom-of-two celebrated daughter Honor's eighth birthday later on Tuesday at Bouchon in Beverly Hills with the family
Mommy duties never end: Jessica was still wearing her chic tailored outfit at the celebration and seemed in a more subdued mood as she waited at the valet with Honor and husband Cash Warren
By the end of the day it seems the multitalented actress was feeling a bit nostalgic, as she posted a sexy throwback snap of herself at a photo shoot in Hawaii.
In the photo, the beauty is posing in front of a large tropical palm in a one piece over the shoulder swimsuit.
Her somewhat fractured caption read 'jessicaalba#bts #tbt take me back to #Hawaii ?? @instylemagazine photo by @thomaswhiteside makeup @laurenandersen hair @dennisgots @honest_beauty on mah face ??'
Only Paris Hilton can pull off looking like the belle of the ball at the check-in gate.
The 35-year-old hotel heiress probably stopped traffic when she arrived to Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday ahead of a flight to Asia.
Paris was a sexy one in a billowing striped gown with deep-cut neckline and thigh-baring side split that were perhaps more befitting of a Hollywood party than an airport terminal.
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Here she is: Paris Hilton fluttered to LAX in a floating black and green striped dress with leg-baring split ahead of a flight to Asia on Wednesday
Her gown featured a network of black and teal-green stripes and the material floated with her movements while the back of her bolero jacket boasted the slogan 'Mermaid For Life.'
That was not so far-fetched considering Paris' jet-setting lifestyle.
The ends of her gown fluttered at her high heels while she headed to the departure gate with a silver bag looped over one shoulder and Jackie O shades covering her eyes.
Evening attire: The 35-year-old socialite appeared to be dressed for a ball as she made her way through the busy airport terminal
Madame 'Mermaid': Paris' jacket bore the interesting slogan 'Mermaid For Life'
Paris' long blonde hair cascaded in straight bands over her shoulder and down her back.
There was a smile on her face as she swished the long folds of her gown to better show off her toned long legs.
Before her fight, Paris took time out for an impromptu photo op on the terrace of her Los Angeles home beside her custom-built dog house.
The good life: The former star of The Simple Life enjoyed a photo op in front of her custom-built dog house before her flight
Shout out: Paris showed off more that billowing gown while complimenting the designer Michael Costello
'Beautiful day at the #DoggyMansion with my @HiltonPets,' Paris purred in the caption.
'Loving my @MichaelCostello dress. It's the perfect #SummerLook,' she added with a plug for the designer.
Earlier she shared a glimpse of the doggy mansion's roomy pink-painted interior complete with staircase and wrought iron railing.
Paris and her pooches: The hotel heiress cuddled up to her furry friends inside the pink-painted dog mansion
Paris recently attended the baby shower for her pregnant sister Nicky, 32, who is expecting her first child with financier husband James Rothschild this summer.
The sisters' younger brother Conrad, 22, hasn't fared so well having just been sentenced to two months in prison after he admitted to using drugs during his probation.
The famous family is 'disappointed' but not surprised, a source close to Conrad's parents Kathy and Rick Hilton told People.
'Of course they're disappointed, but the news wasn't a surprise for anyone,' the source said, adding: 'Conrad has had a drug problem for years, since he was a teen, and it's never gotten better.'
Joan Smalls returned to her home country of Puerto Rico this week to fulfill guest of honour duties at a grand opening.
The Victoria's Secret beauty looked effortlessly stunning as she attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new H&M store at The Mall San Juan.
Teaming a denim mini skirt with white bodysuit the 27-year-old's look was simple but very flattering, showing off her unbelievably long legs.
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Natural beauty: Joan Smalls looked effortlessly stunning at the opening of an H&M store in Puerto Rico on Thursday
Her home country: The 27-year-old Victoria's Secret model posed at the Mall of San Juan for a ribbon cutting ceremony
She teamed the look with tan suede heels with tie-straps and also wore some simply gold jewelry.
Her dark tresses fell in glamorous curls and she kept her makeup look fresh and natural.
The event came just days after Joan put in a glamorous appearance at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York.
Simple style: The Puerto Rican star wore a white bodysuit with cut-out detail and a denim patchwork mini skirt
Always time for a selfie! The model was centre of attention at the event
Home country: Joan grew up in Puerto Rico and moved to New York after college to start her modeling career
She wore an off-the-shoulder Givenchy gown with a Cleopatra-style wig.
After growing up in Puerto Rico, the 5ft 10in beauty's highly successful fashion career began when she moved to New York after college.
Since then, she has walked the runway for the most celebrated designers and fashion houses, featured on the most prestigious covers and appeared in popular music videos, including Beyonce's Yonce video.
Camera ready: The brunette's locks were styled in glamorous curls
VIP: The model drew impressive crowds at the Mall of San Juan
In 2014, Joan topped models.coms ranking of the 50 most sought-after models, and appeared on the Return of the Supermodel cover of American Elle.
She also made history when she became the first Latino model to represent Estee Lauder cosmetics, interviewing newcomer Kendall Jenner when she joined.
Joan has been dating entrepreneur Bernard Smith since 2011.
Her steely and cool-witted M met her end in Skyfall, slipping into death whilst cradled in James Bond's arms.
But while she bowed out of the 007 franchise in 2012, Dame Judi Dench is still a huge supporter of the films it would seem if her wardrobe on Thursday night was anything to go by.
Attending the 60th anniversary celebrations of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, the actress, 81, sported a subtle diamante design of the iconic 007 symbol.
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Still a fan: While she bowed out of the 007 franchise in 2012, Dame Judi Dench is still a huge supporter of the films it would seem if her wardrobe on Thursday night was anything to go by
Those diamonds aren't forever! Attending the 60th anniversary celebrations of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, the actress, 81, sported a subtle daimonte design of the iconic 007 symbol
Attending a star-studded gala evening, which saw the award's founder Prince Philip himself turn outs, the British icon jazzed up her black tie wardrobe with the tribute to the enduring spy movies.
Possibly taking inspiration from the title of the Sean Connery Bond romp, Diamonds Are Forever, Dame Judy appeared to pay tribute to the spy films and their hold on audiences across the world, with some sparkling diamante crystals.
The gun logo, which is comprised of the spy's handle, 007 - which she starred in for seven consecutive films - was affixed on the back of the Oscar-winning star's shoulder.
Lady in black: Dami Judi looked elegant in her floor-length black gown
Goofing around: Dame Judi shared a laugh with former Bond co-star Colin Salmon (left) and comedian David Walliams
Suave: Colin played Charles Robinson in three Bond films, while it looked like David may have been auditioning in his white tuxedo jacket
And while she may have been more than happy to feature the subtle and cheeky nod to the spy franchise, Dame Judi made sure her wardrobe was appropriate for the event.
Opting for classic flowing black dress, the Yorkshire-born star looked effortlessly graceful and elegant.
Featuring a scooped back neckline and slightly low-cut front, the actress embraced a more summery style whilst straying away from anything to daring or racy.
The Philomena star also sported some more clearly defined diamonds on her necklace, whilst she also accessorised her look with a pair of pearl earrings.
Subtle nod: Possibly taking inspiration from the title of Diamonds Are Forever, Dame Judy appeared to pay tribute to the spy films and their hold on audiences across the world, with some sparkling diamonte crystals
Mingling: Opting for classic flowing black dress, the Yorkshire-born star looked effortlessly graceful and elegant as she attended the event with her partner, David Mills (pictured together with the Countess of Wessex)
Here come the girls: Dame Judi was joined by her former Bond co-star Samantha Bond, who played Miss Moneypenny
Dame Judi wore her short silver locks in her trademark pixie cut, whilst she also subtly defined her famous features with a hint of make-up.
She was joined by several of her former Bond co-stars, including Colin Salmon and Samantha Bond, as well the film franchise's producer Barbara Broccoli.
Clearly delighted to be at the event, the actress was greeted with a warm smile by Prince Philip, as she and other guests mingled with the Queen's consort outside the grand mansion.
Other notable guests included the Earl and Countess of Essex, former Bond Sir Rodger Moore, and Joanna Lumley.
On her majesties secret service? Other notable guest included the Earl and Countess of Essex , former Bond Sir Rodger Moore (pictured)
Flashback: Former Bond girl Maryam D'Abo (who starred in 1987 Bond film The Living Daylights) and Bond producer and screenwriter Michael G Wilson chatted to Dame Judi over champagne
Fabulous! Ab Fab's Joanna Lumley was also in attendance
Sixties and Seventies sirens: Former Bond girls Jane (Live And Let Die) and Joanna Lumley (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)
Dame Judi first appeared as M - the head of MI6 - in 1995's Goldeneye, opposite Pierce Brosnan in the role of Bond (also his first outing in the franchise).
She went on to star alongside Pierce in three more films before the actor moved on from the role, and subsequently played the role opposite Daniel Craig in three of his four outings as 007.
Dame Judi full list of James Bond film credits include: Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), and Spectre (2015).
Garden party: (L-R) Fiona Hawthorne, Colin, Dame Judi, David, Michael G Wilson and David Mills
Catching up: Dame Judi was seen deep in conversation with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli
Long time no see: Colin and Dame Judi last worked together in Die Another Day in 2002
The garden with the golden gun: Party organisers had erected a giant 007 logo on the grass
Keri Russell was spotted escorting her birthday boy River - who turned nine on Thursday - to his Manhattan school.
Incredibly, just two weeks after welcoming her third child, the 40-year-old Golden Globe winner was already back into her black skinny jeans.
The former Mouseketeer - rocking a top-bun - completed her post-baby attire with a black T-shirt, white cardigan, matching plimsolls, and shades.
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Happy birthday! Keri Russell was spotted escorting her birthday boy River - who turned nine on Thursday - to his Manhattan school
According to Us Weekly, Keri's mother Stephanie and older brother Todd have been staying with her and helping with the newborn of unknown gender/name.
It's Russell's first child with British babydaddy and co-star in The Americans, Matthew Rhys.
'Keri and Matt both look overjoyed and are over the moon to be new parents,' a source told the mag.
'Matthew is really in love. They feel they should have always been together.'
Post-baby body: Incredibly, just two weeks after welcoming her third child, the 40-year-old Golden Globe winner was already back into her black skinny jeans
New Yorkers: The former Mouseketeer - rocking a top-bun - completed her post-baby attire with a black T-shirt, white cardigan, matching plimsolls, and shades
Crowded house: According to Us Weekly, Keri's mother Stephanie and older brother Todd have been staying with her and helping with the newborn of unknown gender/name
Last Friday, the acting couple brought their bundle of joy on an ice-cream run alongside half-siblings River and Willa, 4, Keri's kids with ex-husband Shane Deary.
Russell and Rhys reluctantly confirmed their relationship less than a year after she separated from the tall carpenter in the summer of 2013 after seven years.
On May 25, FX renewed their spy series for a final 10-episode fifth and sixth seasons following Wednesday night's finale.
Blended brood: Last Friday, Russell and her babydaddy Matthew Rhys brought their bundle of joy on an ice-cream run alongside half-siblings River and Willa, 4, Keri's kids with ex-husband Shane Deary
Coy couple: Russell and Rhys reluctantly confirmed their relationship less than a year after she separated from the tall carpenter in the summer of 2013 after seven years (pictured in 2015)
Soviet KGB agents: On May 25, FX renewed the acting duo's spy series The Americans for a final 10-episode fifth and sixth seasons following Wednesday night's finale
Meanwhile, the seventh episode of the 41-year-old Welshman's 13-part docu-series The Wine Show with Matthew Goode airs June 18 on ITV/ITV4.
The Dawn of the Planet of the Apes actress will next play Serena Knight in Gary Ross' Civil War drama Free State of Jones.
The Newton Knight biopic - starring Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Mahershala Ali - hits US theaters June 24 and UK theaters September 9.
Boozy bros: Meanwhile, the seventh episode of the 41-year-old Welshman's 13-part docu-series The Wine Show with Matthew Goode airs June 18 on ITV/ITV4
Only the previous evening, she was in the British capital, hanging out with Kourtney Kardashian.
But work commitments never cease for Lindsay Lohan, who hot-footed it from London to Milan on Wednesday to attend a jewellery event.
The 29-year-old actress was straight back on the red carpet too, acting as a special guest for Uno de 50, who were celebrating their 20th anniversary at the grand Palacio de Saldana.
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Busy bee: Lindsay Lohan served as a special guest for Uno de 50 on Thursday night as they celebrated their 20th anniversary at the grand Palacio de Saldana in Madrid
The redhead fitted in perfectly with the theme, dressing in a striking red puffball dress, with a manicure to match.
Her dress, accessorised with gold bangles and complementing shoes, was a throwback to her Mean Girls days and featured a Noughties-style bubble hem with a waistbelt and strapless aspect.
But she wore it well, leaving her copper-coloured locks loose with a light wave and a natural make-up look to emphasise her pretty features.
International: Linsday went for all red, returning to the red carpet after less than 24 hours away
Pouty star: With minimal make-up but maximum accessories, the stunner was party-ready
On the night, Lindsay gladly shared the red carpet with President and Director of the accessories brand, Jose Azulay.
Lindsay had taken a flight to the Spanish capital in the early afternoon on Thursday, departing London after less than a week.
Similarly, long-lost twin Kourtney - who is one of the five famous Kardashian-Jenner sisters - was making a swift exit from the UK, destined for her native LA.
No lost sleep here: Despite partying until 4AM with Kourtney Kardashian in London, Lindsay was not fatigued
Posing up: Lindsay gladly shared the red carpet with President and Director of the accessories brand, Jose Azulay
Lending her star power: The redhead wore a red bubble hem dress to suit the theme of the evening
Party-hard star: Lindsay looked refreshed, despite arriving in Madrid from London only hours before
Blowing kisses: The flirtatious redhead was seen blowing kisses on the red carpet
Mum-of-three Kourtney seemed to have fallen foul of hard-partying Lindsay's influence, and insiders claimed the duo were out until 4AM.
An onlooker told MailOnline about how Kourtney was feeling the next morning, explaining: 'She looked so tired after partying until 4AM that morning that she walked into the car door when she was trying to get in.'
They left Restaurant Ours together and went onto Loulou's nightclub, joined by Lindsay's rumoured fiance Egor Tarabasov, who was trailing behind the new besties.
New best friends: Lindsay and Kourtney were pictured handing out at Restaurant Ours and Loulou's until the early hours
Answering questions: As a special guest, the stunner was in high demand on the red carpet
Red carpet queen: She looked gorgeous as she arrived at Palacio de SaldaOa
Now her reality show Chasing Destiny is all wrapped up Kelly Rowland has a little more time on her hands to spend with her one-year-old tot Titan.
The songstress looked casual yet stylish as she took her son for a music class in Beverly Hills on Thursday, cradling the adorable boy in her arms.
Kelly, 35, flattered her figure in blue jeans and a clingy white bodysuit.
Mother and son time: Kelly Rowland looked casual yet stylish as she stepped out with her son Titan in Beverly Hills on Thursday
She added inches to her 5ft 8in frame with tan leather wedge sandals and shaded her eyes with stylish aviators.
Her raven tresses fell glossy around her shoulders and she accessorised with a dainty silver necklace.
Little Titan sported blue plaid shorts and a black t-shirt along with a tiny pair of black trainers
Tuesday night saw the finale of her new BET show Chasing Destiny, where Kelly went on the search for a new girl band.
Simply stylish: The songstress teamed blue jeans with a clingy white bodysuit and flashed a wave at fans as arrived at her destination
Summer chic! Kelly boosted her frame in some tan wedges
Content: The former Destiny's Child star doted on the adorable one-year-old tot on the outing
Kelly has handpicked and mentored a new group, yet to be named, consisting of Brienna DeVlugt, Gabrielle Carreiro, Kristal Lyndriette, Shyann Roberts and Ashly Williams.
She created and executive produced the show driven by her desire to see a group of black women at the top of the charts again.
The Dirty Laundry hitmaker married her longtime manager Tim Witherspoon in Costa Rica in May 2014.
The couple welcomed Titan in November that year.
She'll always look effortlessly chic, no matter the occasion.
And Jessica Hart proved this to be a truth as she stepped out in a relatively stylish ensemble for a low-key shopping spree in Capri, Italy on Thursday afternoon.
Accompanied by socialite Bianca Brandolini D'Adda, the 30-year-old nailed an off-duty chic look with aplomb by shrouding her slender figure in a colourful strapless maxi.
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Bella in Italia! Jessica Hart stepped out in a stylish ensemble for a low-key shopping spree in Capri on Thursday afternoon
The strapless garment worked wonders on her frame, slightly cinching in at her waistline before falling over her hips, with the fabric on the skirt pooling at her feet.
With her blonde tresses left loose over her shoulders, Jessica concealed her striking blue peepers beneath a set of designer shades while allowing her natural beauty to shine through.
She strolled along the rustic streets in simple black sandals, while toting her belongings in a gorgeous gold encrusted handbag.
Bright move: The 30-year-old model nailed an off-duty chic look with aplomb by shrouding her figure in a colourful strapless maxi
Classy as ever: The strapless garment worked wonders on her frame, slightly cinching in at her waistline before falling over her hips, with the fabric on the skirt pooling at her feet
Earlier this week, the model kept her figure under wraps, dressing her lean and slender frame in yet another bold outfit at the Sonia Rykiel presentation.
Posing up a storm inside New Yorks Madison Boutique, Jessica stood out in a white hand-printed shirt from the French brands latest collection, as well as tight black leather pants.
The leggy stunner kept the rest of her ensemble as low-maintenance as possible, but donned an envy-inducing pair of studded heels while adding a dash of designer decadence with a classic tote.
Very hands-on! The pretty model kept her figure under wraps as she dressed her lean and slender frame in yet another bold outfit at the Sonia Rykiel presentation earlier this week
Going for a very on-trend vibe, the Australian star rounded off the stylish proceedings with dark patent talons and a pair of pearl encrusted earrings.
Jessica's sighting comes soon after she was recently reunited with her model sister Ashley during this years Cannes Film Festival.
The famous siblings are based in the US, but often spend time together in Australia where they are regularly spotted hanging out at Sydney's Bondi Beach.
Courteney Cox showed off her classic style while out in Los Angeles.
The actress wore a crisp white blouse and blue jeans as she caught up with a friend in West Hollywood on Thursday.
The 51-year-old looked stylish in the classic white shirt and jeans combo.
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Classic style: Actress Courteney Cox wore a white blouse and blue jeans while out in West Hollywood on Thursday
Courteney appeared relaxed and flashed a small smile as she arrived back at her vehicle after chatting with her friend.
The actress, who is engaged to 39-year-old Snow Patrol rocker Johnny McDaid, pulled her dark hair back in a ponytail.
She wore a large dark ring, and added large gold hoop earrings and a gold chain.
Casual look: The 51-year-old accessorized with gold hoop earrings, a ring and a number of gold bracelets
Chic: The former Friends star looked relaxed as she met up with a friend while out in Los Angeles
The former Cougar Town star added a black watch and bracelets, and held a chic black leather handbag and bottle of water.
Tan slip-on sandals completed her minimalist look.
Northern Irish musician Johnny proposed to Courteney in June 2015 after two years of dating, but the couple split in December, reportedly over his reluctance to move to Los Angeles.
They reconciled this year and are again engaged and said to be planning a fall wedding.
On her way: Courteney added a black leather handbag and tan slip-on sandals
Engaged: The actress is engaged to Snow Patrol musician Johnny McDaid, after they called off their engagement last year before reconciling
Courteney and Johnny - who were introduced by mutual friend Ed Sheeran - are reportedly planning a small wedding and are looking at castles in his native Ireland, Life & Style reported.
'They are considering Castle Leslie where Paul McCartney married Heather Mills, as well as Ballintubber Abbey where Pierce Brosnan got married,' a source told the magazine.
'She really wants a low-key wedding with about 100 guests,' said the friend.
'Their good friend Ed Sheeran will be playing and Johnny will be singing a song he wrote especially for Courteney.'
The actress has an 11-year-old daughter, Coco, with her ex-husband, actor David Arquette.
Exaggerator will be in overdrive on the outside at Belmont Stakes
Hall-of-fame jockey Kent Desormeaux will saddle Preakness winner Exaggerator to run from the outside at Saturday's $1.5 million Belmont Stakes, the final leg of US thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.
The 3-year-old colt and runner-up in the Kentucky Derby drew the No. 11 post position in the field of 13 for the 148th running of the 1 1/2 mile race in Elmont, New York.
"If I could have a dream run, he would be forwardly placed, and I would be able to dreamingly decide when to pull the trigger," said Desormeaux of Exaggerator, who is trained by his brother Keith.
Jockey Kent Desormeaux rides Exaggerator onto the track for a training session ahead of the 148th running of the Belmont Stakes, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, on June 6, 2016 Al Bello (Getty/AFP/File)
Last year American Pharoah won the Belmont to become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.
The 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist is not running after dropping out last month because of a fever from a high white cell count. Nyquist, who finished third in the Preakness, is back in California.
Exaggerator is a 9-5 morning-line favorite for the race.
The 46-year-old Kent Desormeaux doesn't mind that his horse is challenging from the outside.
"I'd like to establish position preferably without him getting a grain of sand in his face," said Desormeaux, who returned to the track Tuesday after spending time in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Utah.
Stradivari, who ran fourth in the Preakness in his stakes debut, is the second choice at 5-1 from the number five post and Destin, sixth in the Kentucky Derby, is the third choice at 6-1 from the number two post. Both are trained by Todd Pletcher, a two-time Belmont winner.
Preakness runner-up Cherry Wine is 8-1 from the number three post.
Court action to quell student protest in Papua New Guinea
A court in Papua New Guinea has granted an injunction preventing students from protesting on campus with the country on high alert Thursday after violent clashes in the capital Port Moresby.
The sprawling Pacific nation, where crime and lawlessness is rampant, was rocked on Wednesday when police opened fire on students preparing to rally against Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, who is being investigated for corruption.
Casualty reports vary, with Police Commissioner Gari Baki saying 23 people were hurt and five critical. Amnesty International said it had information that 38 people were injured and blasted the shootings as "disgraceful".
Pngfm News (PNGFM NEWS/AFP/File)
O'Neill has blamed students for provoking the police by throwing rocks, but PNG opposition leader Don Poyle said it was wrong to shoot at unarmed civilians.
"Police have caused this situation. It is not the students. It is very easy to blame the students but the students were unarmed," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
According to the PNG Post Courier on Thursday, of the five in critical condition one was shot in the head with another taking a bullet in the chest. Others admitted to hospital were treated for minor injuries and released, it added.
Witnesses said the clashes broke out as students rallied to march from the University of Papua New Guinea to parliament and that police used tear gas and then opened fire in a bid to herd them back onto campus.
Students have been locked in a month-long standoff with authorities in the impoverished nation, north of Australia, and have boycotted classes as they demand O'Neill step aside over corruption allegations he denies.
O'Neill blamed "political agitators" for stirring the unrest and the National Court granted an order against members of the university's student council, restraining them from organising protests and from preventing students attending classes.
"The overwhelming majority of students simply want to go to class, sit their exams and proceed to the next semester," Education Minister Malakai Tabar said after the injunction late Wednesday.
"Hard working students have been held hostage by the people with political agendas and that has now been brought to an end by court order.
"We all know that the real ringleaders behind the incident are not students, and now it will be hard for them to hide amongst the student body."
- 'Come down hard' -
O'Neill has been wanted for questioning by anti-corruption police for the past two years but has refused to comply with a warrant for his arrest.
Police are investigating whether he authorised millions of dollars in illegal payments from the government to Paraka Lawyers, one of the nation's largest law firms.
When the arrest warrant was issued in 2014, O'Neill sacked the PNG police commissioner, fired his attorney-general and suspended numerous other justice department and police officials.
He also moved to disband the anti-corruption watchdog.
Police Commissioner Baki said an investigation was being conducted into the shootings and that all available police manpower would be on the streets Thursday to ensure peace and order and they would "come down hard on any opportunists who want to cause trouble".
Australia is Papua New Guinea's closest neighbour and largest aid donor, and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop insisted Thursday that "obviously lawful and peaceful protests should be allowed" in a democracy.
"PNG is a sovereign nation and we have made an offer of support or assistance in any way and I know that PNG would ask Australia if it thought it required help but that request has not been made," she added to reporters.
Witnesses said the clashes broke out on June 8 as students readied to march from the University of Papua New Guinea to parliament and that police used tear gas and then opened fire in a bid to herd them back onto campus Pngfm News (AFP)
Japan protests as Chinese navy sails near disputed isles
A Chinese naval ship sailed into waters surrounding disputed East China Sea islands for the first time early Thursday, prompting Tokyo to summon the Chinese ambassador to protest, the Japanese government said.
Russian naval ships were also seen in the area around the same time.
A Chinese naval vessel entered waters surrounding the Tokyo-administered isles, called Senkaku in Japan and also claimed as the Diaoyu islands by China, around 00:50 am (1550 GMT Wednesday), according to the Japanese foreign ministry.
Chinese coast guard vessels routinely travel around the disputed islands, known as the Senkaku islands in Japan and Diaoyu islands in China, but this was reportedly the first time a Chinese navy ship has been spotted Japan Coast Guard (JAPAN COAST GUARD/AFP)
It was a 3,963-ton Jiangkai class frigate, spotted by Japan's guided-missile destroyer Setogiri, the Japanese defence ministry said.
Contiguous waters are a 12-nautical-mile band that extends beyond territorial waters. Under international rules, they are not the preserve of any single country, although the resident power has certain limited rights.
"The fact that (China) sent a naval ship to the contiguous waters of our Senkaku Islands for the first time is an act that unilaterally increases tension and our nation is gravely concerned," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular briefing.
Relations between Japan and China deteriorated in 2012 when Tokyo "nationalised" some of the islets.
Since then, the two largest Asian economies have taken gradual steps to mend fences but relations remain tense.
Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki summoned Chinese ambassador Cheng Yonghua around 2:00 am to lodge a protest.
Saiki "expressed grave concerns and protested, while demanding the ship immediately leave our nation's contiguous zone," the ministry statement said.
During his meeting with Saiki, Cheng claimed the Chinese frigate was allowed to sail in the waters, Kyodo News said, citing an unnamed source.
The frigate left the zone at about 3:10 am, the Japanese government said.
Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, who was visiting Thailand, told Japanese journalists that Tokyo was taking a measured response.
"We will continue our calm handling of this issue so as not to unnecessarily escalate the situation," Nakatani said in an televised group interview.
"We will continue to act firmly in order to defend our territorial land, waters and air space," he said.
Chinese coast guard vessels routinely travel around the disputed islands.
Three Russian military vessels were also seen in the waters around the disputed islands around the same time, a Japanese defence official said.
The Russian ships entered the area around 9:50 pm Wednesday and left around 3:05 am Thursday, he said.
Suga said Japan was analysing whether the Chinese and Russian moves were in anyway related.
But he added that a lack of territorial disputes with Russia in the regional waters made its moves less concerning.
Ailing Thai king marks 70 years since accession to throne
Hundreds of orange-robed monks led ceremonies Thursday marking 70 years since Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended to the throne following the mysterious death of his brother, as anxiety grows over the health of the ailing octogenarian.
The 88-year-old king is the world's longest serving monarch and is seen as a unifying force in a nation bitterly divided along political lines.
But he is hospital-bound and underwent a heart operation on Tuesday, following months of treatment for various health problems -- including water on the brain.
Hundreds of orange-robed monks led ceremonies on June 9 marking 70 years since Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended to the throne following the mysterious death of his brother, as anxiety grows over the health of the ailing octogenarian Lillian Suwanrumpha (AFP)
His health is of grave concern to Thais, who revere the king and see him as a constant in a turbulent country that has seen numerous coups and repeated rounds of deadly political violence.
Bhumibol's image has been embossed by ritual and a publicity machine that sees giant portraits placed on streets and cinema-goers asked to stand for the royal anthem.
The leading royals are also shielded from criticism by a harsh royal defamation law that carries up to 15 years in jail for each charge.
The crown is also one of the world's richest, with a multi-billion-dollar property and investment portfolio.
Hundreds of well-wishers, most decked out in the royal colour of yellow, gathered outside the Grand Palace early Thursday as 770 monks began a day of celebration with an alms-giving ceremony.
"I want to make merit for the king to encourage him to have good health. That's how I can show loyalty to him even though he can't see it, that's fine," said 68-year-old Bangkok resident Chonmanee Smativat.
"I want him to know that we all love him. He has worked hard for Thais... since I was little I have seen how hard he works."
- Brother's death 'mysterious' -
Thais laud the king, who is known as Rama IX of the Chakri dynasty. They are taught from a young age about his well-publicised development schemes and economic strategies credited with lifting the kingdom out off poverty as many of its neighbours fell to communism.
But the kingdom is now cut in two with the arch royalist Bangkok elite and south pitted against the pro-democracy north and northeast, dominated by the political dynasty of billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Two coups have bloodied the Shinawatra clan over the last decade, the last in 2014 led by a Bangkok-based establishment that refuses to accept defeat at the polls.
The king has officially endorsed both coups.
Bhumibol ascended to the throne on June 9, 1946, after his brother was found dead from a gun shot wound at a Bangkok palace -- a death the king would describe decades later in a BBC documentary as "very mysterious".
Most Thais have known no other monarch.
Analysts attribute Thailand's seemingly intractable political conflict to a behind-the-scenes scramble for power by the Thai elite to secure their future once his reign draws to an end.
Bhumibol has not been seen by the public since September when the palace released a video of him being taken in his wheelchair to visit a shop inside Bangkok's Siriraj hospital.
His anointed successor is Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn but he is yet to draw the same level of devotion as his father.
Questioning and criticism of the monarchy is banned and there has been a surge of lese majeste convictions -- some as long as 30 years -- since the army grabbed power in 2014.
Some 770 monks began a day of celebration with an alms-giving ceremony Lillian Suwanrumpha (AFP)
Israel clamps down after deadly Tel Aviv cafe attack
Israel clamped down on Palestinian movements and planned to deploy more troops Thursday after Palestinian gunmen shot dead four people at a popular Tel Aviv nightspot, the deadliest attack in a months-long wave of violence.
Surveillance video that spread online showed two assailants dressed in black suits and ties calmly walking into a cafe before pulling out guns and opening fire.
Most patrons fled in panic, though some fought back at the cafe at Sarona Market in Israel's commercial capital.
Israel locked down the West Bank town of Yatta on June 9, as they searched for clues after two Palestinian gunmen shot dead four people at a popular Tel Aviv nightspot Hazem Bader (AFP)
Five people were wounded in addition to the four killed.
The cafe was open again Thursday and was about half full in the afternoon.
On the grass nearby, teenagers sat in a circle playing guitars and singing: "Don't be afraid, if you are alone, be strong."
Israel's government said it had revoked entry permits for more than 80,000 Palestinians during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, a move likely to further stoke tensions.
It was also sending two additional battalions -- hundreds more troops -- into the occupied West Bank.
New Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman ordered that the bodies of Palestinians killed while carrying out attacks no longer be returned to their families for burial, a spokesman said.
The policy is backed by Israeli hawks as a deterrent measure.
Enacting it was the hardliner's first major decision related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since he took office on May 30.
Wednesday night's victims were identified as Ido Ben Aryeh, 42, Ilana Nave, 39, Michael Feige, 58, and Mila Mishayev, 32, all Israelis.
One of their attackers was arrested, while the other was under guard in hospital after being wounded by gunfire.
They were identified as Khaled Mohammad Makhamrah, 22, and his cousin Mohammad Ahmad Makhamrah, 21, both from the Hebron area in the occupied West Bank.
- Ramadan measures -
It was a first major test for Lieberman, who has in the past threatened severe action against Palestinian "terrorists".
He visited the scene on Thursday and ordered lunch at the cafe where the attack occurred.
Israel's security cabinet met later at the defence ministry, across the street.
At the meeting, Lieberman reportedly pushed for even faster punitive demolitions of Palestinian attackers' homes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already fast-tracked such demolitions after the current wave of violence broke out in October.
It was not yet clear if the attackers were acting alone or as part of a larger plot.
A spokesman for Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and which is also present in the West Bank, called the attack a "heroic operation".
One of Israel's first responses was to revoke tens of thousands of Palestinian entry permits for Ramadan.
COGAT, the defence ministry unit which manages civilian affairs in the West Bank, said that 83,000 Palestinians would be affected.
The measures also included revoking work permits for 204 of the attackers' clan.
Israel's army locked down the Palestinian town of Yatta, where the assailants were from, with soldiers patrolling and stopping cars as they entered and exited.
"Yatta village has been completely cordoned off," the government said after the security cabinet meeting.
Netanyahu visited the scene of the shooting on Thursday evening for the second time in less than 24 hours.
In remarks broadcast live he said an accomplice of the two assailants had been arrested, but did not elaborate.
"I heard with appreciation the harsh and unequivocal condemnations from the leading capitals of the world on the matter of this heinous murder," he said.
"I did not hear such condemnation from the Palestinian Authority."
- 'Say no to terror' -
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's office said it rejected all violence against civilians, without condemning the attack outright.
UN Middle East peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov, said "all must reject violence and say no to terror".
"I am also shocked to see Hamas welcome the terror attack," he said.
Violence since October has killed at least 207 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese.
Most of the Palestinians were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities.
Others were killed in clashes with security forces or by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.
The violence has declined in recent weeks, though attacks have continued.
Tel Aviv saw two other major incidents this year.
In March, as US Vice President Joe Biden visited, a Palestinian went on a stabbing spree along the Tel Aviv seafront, killing an American tourist and wounding 12 people.
On January 1, an Arab Israeli killed three people in a rampage in the city.
Analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement-building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest.
Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause of the violence.
Last week in Paris, representatives from 28 countries, the Arab League, European Union and United Nations met to discuss ways of restarting Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
Negotiations have been at a complete standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014.
Mass shooting in Tel Aviv
Israeli soldiers guard a checkpoint at the entrance of the Palestinian village of Yatta in the occupied West Bank, on June 9, 2016 Hazem Bader (AFP)
Israeli soldiers check IDs at the entrance of the Palestinian village of Yatta in the occupied West Bank, on June 9, 2016 Hazem Bader (AFP)
Israel has suspended entry permits for 83,000 Palestinians during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan Hazem Bader (AFP)
Sudanese play shines spotlight on migrant crisis
As the small fishing boat is tossed around by a stormy Mediterranean, fear grips the African migrants crammed inside when they realise their flimsy vessel has begun to sink.
The scene is all too real for the thousands attempting the treacherous sea voyage to Europe each year in search of a better life.
It has been recreated in "Boat of Death", a play performed by Sudanese artists to highlight the perils of the wave of migrant sea crossings.
Sudanese actors perform the play 'Boat of Death' at the Ethiopian embassy in the capital Khartoum Ashraf Shazly (AFP)
"The main theme of the play is to deliver a message to the youth, to stop illegal migration and human trafficking," director Maher Saad told AFP after a performance at the Ethiopian embassy in Khartoum last weekend.
Dozens of spectators, including many Ethiopians, attended the show.
"I believe that theatre can deliver such a message because it has a direct and immediate impact," Saad said.
The play comes as the UN's refugee agency UNHCR accused Sudan, a key transit route for migrants, of forcibly deporting more than 400 Eritreans last month.
Many of those sent back were allegedly arrested as they tried to enter Libya from Sudan, which the European Union is working with in a bid to manage the flow of people hoping to cross the Mediterranean.
Human Rights Watch also criticised Khartoum, saying that those sent back to Eritrea were likely to face abuse from authorities there.
The United Nations says that around 5,000 Eritreans risk their lives each month to flee their country.
"Many of those travelling through Libya or perishing along the way have transited through Sudan," said Dalia El-Roubi, a spokeswoman for the International Organization for Migration, which funded "Boat of Death".
The 45-minute play, already performed three times in Khartoum, is expected to be staged in other cities as well.
- Sophisticated smuggling network -
"Boat of Death", with its haunting background score, ends in tragedy when migrants perish after their boat sinks.
Before setting sail, the characters negotiate with a smuggler, who subjects them to abuse and beats them.
"I wrote this play so that we reflect on these tragedies," said its author Rabia Youssef. "We have tried to keep the play simple, so that it can be performed on a small stage."
Roubi said people smugglers were to blame for tragedies such as that depicted during the performance.
"A sophisticated network of smugglers and traffickers enable movement of people from and through Sudan towards other countries," she said.
As Europe struggles with its worst migration crisis since World War II, UNHCR said last month that some 204,000 migrants and refugees had crossed the Mediterranean to Europe since January.
More than 2,500 people have died in 2016 while making the journey -- the vast majority of them between Libya and Italy.
Last week, hundreds of African migrants went missing after their boat sank off the Greek island of Crete.
And Italian police said on Wednesday that an Eritrean suspected of controlling a trafficking network that shipped thousands of people to Europe had been extradited to Italy from Sudan.
"Irregular migration and smuggling in migrants are by definition a hidden phenomenon, but the figures of arrivals on the European shores are telling," Roubi said.
- Global effort needed -
Sudan last month hosted a meeting of top European migration and law enforcement experts as it attempts to crack down on trafficking.
"Countries in the Horn of Africa region are source, transit and destination countries for migrants and refugees, and some are all three," a British Home Office official said at the end of the talks.
"We recognised that no one country can tackle these issues alone. We are inter-dependent."
In "Boat of Death", five Sudanese actors -- two women and three men -- are shown as African migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean.
They carry drums symbolising their African roots, and each has a unique motivation for the trip.
One young man raised funds by selling one of his kidneys, while one woman works as a waitress where she faces sexual abuse.
"The character I play is talking about the suffering of a woman who tries to migrate in order to give her family a better life," said actor Sana Saeed.
Although the subject matter is harrowing, Saeed said she was hopeful that the play could persuade young people considering the perilous crossing to Europe to think again.
"After the show some people told me that they could connect with the woman's suffering," she said.
Sudanese director Maher Saad speaks to AFP about the play 'Boat of Death', at the Ethiopian embassy in the capital Khartoum Ashraf Shazly (AFP)
Sudanese actress Sana Saeed performs in the play 'Boat of Death', at the Ethiopian embassy in the capital Khartoum Ashraf Shalzy (AFP)
Mexico backs India's nuclear suppliers group bid
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto backed India's bid to join a nuclear trade group as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Latin American nation.
Pena Nieto said Mexico, which is a member of the 48-nation NSG, will give its "positive and constructive support" to India as he praised Modi's "commitment" to the international nuclear non-proliferation agenda.
Modi, in the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Mexico in 30 years, was grateful as the two leaders met at the Los Pinos presidential residence.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (R) praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's (L) "commitment" to nuclear non-proliferation Yuri Cortez (AFP)
"I thank President Pena Nieto for his constant and positive support for India's membership" to the NSG, Modi said.
The 48-nation NSG governs global nuclear trade through guidelines that seek to prevent the proliferation of atomic weapons.
Modi received US President Barack Obama's support for admission to the NSG when he visited Washington before his brief trip to Mexico.
Obama's public display of support is likely to be noted in Beijing, which has been skeptical about nuclear-armed India's admission.
Pena Nieto also announced that the two nations were upgrading their ties from "privileged" to "strategic" partners.
Both leaders pointed to energy as an area where cooperation can grow, with Pena Nieto noting that Mexico enacted in 2014 a reform that opens the sector to foreign investments for the first time in decades.
"We agreed to promote investments based on the energy reform that Mexico has carried out so that Indian companies can invest in renewable energy," he said.
Fish eyes life inside a jelly's belly
A fish has been pictured swimming inside a jellyfish off Australia's east coast in a remarkable and rare image that has gone viral, with more than two million online views.
Underwater photographer Tim Samuel was in the water with a friend near popular tourist resort Byron Bay in December when they came across the little creature trapped inside the only slightly larger jellyfish.
The expression on the golden fish's face -- visible through the transparent jellyfish -- appears to be one of fear.
A small fish is seen swimming inside the belly of a jellyfish off the coast of Byron Bay in New South Wales, eastern Australia Tim Samuel Photography (www.instagram.com/timsamuelphotography/AFP)
"He was trapped in there but controlled where the Jellyfish was moving," Samuel wrote in a post on Instagram.
After the image was reposted by @discoverocean on Monday, Samuel said his phone started "going crazy".
"When @franny.plumridge and I stumbled upon it we knew we had found something special, but no idea just how unique and rare this sighting was," he wrote.
"I'm completely blown away by all the attention it is getting from all over the world."
Some speculated that the fish was being stung, while others pointed out that part of its tail appeared to be still outside the jellyfish, providing a clue to its apparent ability to steer.
Marine life expert William Gladstone confirmed the rareness of the shot which has been viewed more than 2.3 million times on imgur.
The academic from the University of Technology in Sydney told The Sydney Morning Herald he had seen a young trevally -- a species of fish -- hide among jellyfish, but had "never seen one like this where the fish is just a little smaller than the jellyfish".
Samuel said he had considered whether to "set the little guy free", but ultimately decided it was best to "just let nature run its course".
France says special forces in Syria advising rebels
France has deployed special forces in northern Syria to advise the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting the Islamic State group, a defence ministry official said Thursday.
"The offensive at Manbij is clearly being backed by a certain number of states including France. It's the usual support -- it's advisory," the official told AFP, without giving further details on the deployment.
France until now has only acknowledged the presence in the region of around 150 members of its special forces, deployed in Iraqi Kurdistan.
The Syrian Democratic Forces, a US-backed Kurdish and Arab alliance, are on the northern edge of Manbij, a strategic town held by IS Delil Souleiman (AFP/File)
The SDF, a US-backed Kurdish and Arab alliance, are on the northern edge of Manbij, a strategic town held by IS that serves as a waypoint between the Turkish border and the jihadists' stronghold of Raqa.
The French special forces will not intervene militarily themselves and are not supposed to engage in combat with IS militants, the defence ministry official said.
Tabqa, another IS-held transit town which lies near Syria's largest dam, is also under attack.
France has 2,500 men in its special forces, of whom around 400 are currently deployed in 17 countries, mainly in the Sahel, the military said.
French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had indicated last Friday, in remarks to a small state TV channel covering French politics, that French troops were helping operations at Manbij.
"We are providing support through weapons supplies, air presence and advice," he told the Public Senate channel.
In Iraqi Kurdistan, French special forces are already deployed, accompanying Kurdish peshmerga fighters to the front line near the city of Mosul.
The French help the peshmerga to locate and neutralise improvised explosive devices (IED) and to handle 20-millimetre guns supplied by France.
The IEDs, often buried in the ground and hard to spot, are the scourge of forces fighting IS.
Hundreds of French nationals have gone to Syria to fight alongside IS fighters, but the special forces "are not there just because there are French nationals there", the defence ministry official said.
France was targeted by jihadists in 2015, with shootings at the offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in January and then a series of attacks in the French capital in November. A total of 147 people were killed and hundreds were injured.
Several of the gunmen involved were French citizens who had returned from fighting in Syria.
Shabaab fighters raid Ethiopian base in Somalia
Shabaab fighters attacked an Ethiopian army base in central Somalia on Thursday, in the latest raid targeting foreign soldiers deployed as part of an African Union force in the country.
The Al-Qaeda linked militants attacked the base in Halgan in Hiran region, using a suicide car bomber and gunmen but there were wildly divergent accounts of the death toll.
The Shabaab quickly claimed to have killed 60 Ethiopian soldiers and lost 16 of its own fighters.
Ethopian soldiers are serving with the African Union force in Baidoa, Somalia Tobin Jones (AU UN IST/AFP/File)
Ethiopia's government said that figure was "an absolute lie" and claimed to have foiled the raid killing 101 militants.
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) gave a figure of 110 dead militants and Somalia's government initially said 120 Shabaab fighters were killed before doubling the figure to 240. In a statement the African Union added that "hundreds" of Shabaab fighters were captured.
- 'Huge blast' -
Casualty figures from this type of attack in isolated parts of Somalia are impossible to verify independently. The Shabaab generally exaggerates, while AMISOM usually downplays losses.
Residents in the area close to Halgan said the attack began when a vehicle driven by a suicide bomber exploded at the entrance to the base, after which shooting erupted between jihadist gunmen and Ethiopian soldiers.
"There was a huge blast and then heavy exchange of gunfire started," said Osman Adan, a resident living nearby.
The Shabaab launched its first such "swarming" style of attack a year ago and has since overrun forward operating bases manned by Burundian troops in Lego in June, Ugandan troops in Janale in September and Kenyan troops in El Adde in January.
While the countries contributing soldiers to the peacekeeping effort refuse to confirm casualty numbers, it is believed that scores of AMISOM soldiers were killed in each attack.
In the El Adde raid alone more than 140 Kenyan soldiers are believed to have been killed, although the Kenyan government has refused to confirm any numbers.
This is the first such raid on an Ethiopian outpost in Somalia but appears to have been less effective with local officials saying the base and town quickly returned to Ethiopian army and Somalia government control.
"There was a major attack this morning at Halgan... but they were driven back and their bodies are everywhere," said local official Guhad Abdi Warsame said.
The Shabaab was forced out of the capital, Mogadishu, five years ago but continues to carry out regular attacks on military, government and civilian targets in its battle to overthrow the internationally-backed administration.
The group typically intensifies attacks during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, but this year is considered critical, with the Shabaab eager to disrupt an expected change of government leadership due in the coming months.
Iraq suicide attacks kill at least 18
Two suicide bomb attacks near the entrance of a military base north of Baghdad and by a market in the Iraqi capital killed at least 18 people Thursday, police said.
Both explosions, claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, occurred at around 9:00 am (0600 GMT).
The attack by the entrance of one of Iraq's largest military bases in Taji, just north of Baghdad, killed at least seven people and wounded 18, a police colonel said.
Iraqi firemen extinguish a blaze at the site of a bomb attack in Baghdad on June 9, 2016 Ahmad al-Rubaye (AFP)
An interior ministry spokesman said soldiers were among the casualties.
A suicide bomb explosion in the capital's mostly Shiite neighbourhood of Baghdad Jadida killed at least 11 people and wounded 27, the same source said.
An AFP photographer on the scene said the blast caused widespread devastation in the area, which has been repeatedly hit.
A police humvee was badly damaged and several buildings were set on fire by the explosion.
A Baghdad health official confirmed the casualty figures for both attacks.
In a statement posted online, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks and named the two Iraqi suicide bombers.
Under heavy pressure on the battlefield, the jihadist organisation has struck back with bloody attacks in Baghdad.
The deadliest spate of bombings to hit the capital this year was in May when three attacks on the same day, including a devastating blast in Sadr City, killed close to 100 people.
The spike in Baghdad bombings added pressure on Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to declare the launch two weeks ago of an offensive to retake Fallujah, an IS bastion that lies just 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of the capital.
West Africa marks end of deadly Ebola outbreak
Liberia said Thursday it was free of Ebola, meaning there are now no known cases in west Africa of the tropical virus that has left more than 11,300 people dead in the region since late 2013.
Liberia was the country worst hit with more than 4,800 Liberians killed by the virus, and was awaiting the all-clear following the discharge of its last known patients in May.
"Liberia is again free of Ebola. We have just ended the incubation period following the last case," Sorbor George, chief of communication at the ministry, told AFP.
The Ebola epidemic began in Guinea in December 2013 and killed more than 11,300 people, devastating economies and health systems in the worst-affected countries in West Africa Zoom Dosso (AFP/File)
The west African nation has now passed the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold of 42 days -- twice the incubation period for the virus -- since the last known patient tested negative for the second time.
"WHO commends Liberia's government and people on their effective response to this recent re-emergence of Ebola," said WHO Representative in Liberia Alex Gasasira in a statement.
"WHO will continue to support Liberia in its effort to prevent, detect and respond to suspected cases," Gasasira added.
The country now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance for any new cases.
At its peak in 2014, Ebola sparked anxiety about a possible global pandemic and led some governments to threaten or unilaterally enforce travel bans to and from the worst-affected countries -- Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
The World Health Organization declared an end on June 1 to Ebola cases in Guinea, -- where it first broke out in December 2013 -- and in Sierra Leone on March 17.
However, previous declarations announcing the end of Ebola flare-ups in West Africa have been followed by new cases -- the virus has re-emerged three times in Liberia.
- Vigilance -
Health authorities were monitoring for new cases after a woman died of Ebola in the capital of Monrovia on March 31 after arriving from Guinea.
Two of her three children, aged five and two, subsequently tested positive for the virus.
The WHO has drawn biting criticism for its delayed response to the Ebola crisis and its failure to identify the outbreak.
Last month it got the go-ahead for a sweeping shake-up, including a $100-million war chest to battle future emergencies following the Ebola fiasco.
In all, the virus affected 10 countries, including the United States and Spain, with more than 28,000 cases reported.
The Liberian health ministry called on people to remain vigilant in order to avoid another outbreak in the future.
"We have been carrying on a sensitisation campaign. This campaign will continue, and we will still be in readiness to contain any eventual outbreak," George said.
The risk of infection lasts beyond the 42-day period because the virus can survive in certain bodily fluids of survivors, particularly sperm, where it can linger up to a year, according to experts.
In Paynesville, the Monrovia suburb where the most recent spate of cases were registered, residents were glad to be moving on.
"It is good to hear that Ebola is gone again, but from what we saw recently we remain resilient in our preventive measures. We don't want our neighbourhood's name to be attached to the outbreak," said Bubakar Sanor, 56.
"We are happy that our health workers are now up to the task, containing the virus with bravery and professionalism," he told AFP.
China's economic attache to its Sierra Leone embassy announced Thursday it would help to build a tropical disease research and prevention centre in the country to strengthen west Africa's readiness to combat Ebola and similar conditions.
"The recent Ebola outbreak damaged the country's economy and health sectors so we have decided to construct a research centre which will help in any future disease attack in the country and in the sub region, Shen Xiaokai told journalists.
West African Ebola outbreak John Saeki, Adrian Leung (AFP)
Syria newborns saved by staff after hospital attacks
Air strikes on a children's hospital and two others in the divided Syrian city of Aleppo sparked a desperate bid by medical staff to rescue at least nine newborns.
The UN's children's agency UNICEF and doctors at Al-Hakim children's hospital said Wednesday's attacks in the rebel-controlled part of the city were chilling.
The attacks happened within three hours and also targeted the nearby Al-Bayan hospital away and the Abdulhadi Fares Clinic, the agency said in a statement.
A Syrian nurse feeds a newborn who was evacuated by medical staff at a children's hospital following reported government bombardment which hit within a few hundred metres of the medical facility a day earlier, in Aleppo on June 9, 2016 Karam al-Masri (AFP)
"On Wednesday morning, the hospital was the target of an aerial raid and a barrel bomb fell near here. Thank God, there was only material damage," Riyadh Najjah, a doctor at the hospital, told AFP.
"Doors and windows and a few incubators were broken. That's why we had to bring the children to a safer place. Now, we are fixing the damage, and soon we will resume work," he added.
A leading paediatrician described the aftermath of the raid in statements to the Syria Campaign advocacy group.
"It was a horrible moment. The nurses were trampling each other to rush the babies to the basement, while many of them started to cry," said doctor Hatem, whose full name was not disclosed.
The nurses were worried the newborns would breathe in the dust and debris in the wake of the raid, he said.
"We expected that it would happen one day, and today is that day. There are now only 18 incubators left in eastern Aleppo."
The newborns all survived, said an AFP correspondent who toured Al-Hakim on Thursday.
He counted 10 newborns, some of them placed in the basement of the building.
While some cried others were fed with a bottle. Nurses were also regularly monitoring their heart rates on screens.
"Al-Hakim hospital, a UNICEF supported facility, is one of the few that still provides paediatric services. This is the second attack on the hospital," the UN children's agency said.
"Everyone must question their humanity when babies have to be taken out of incubators because of attacks on hospitals," said Peter Salama, its regional director for the Middle East and North Africa.
- 'Running out of options' -
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 15 people were killed in the attacks, most of them when the barrel bomb -- a crude and unguided explosive device -- was dropped on the area.
Aleppo was once Syria's commercial powerhouse, but it has been a battleground since 2012 when rebels seized the east of the city confining the army to the west.
Since then, the rebels have repeatedly pounded government-held areas with rocket and mortar fire, while the army has hit rebel neighbourhoods with air strikes.
Founded in mid-2012, Al-Hakim hospital has been forced to relocate multiple times in fear of government raids, said its funder, the Independent Doctors Association.
Syria's devastating conflict has killed more than 280,000 people and has seen hospitals destroyed across the country.
In April, doctor Hatem mourned the death of his colleague Mohammad Wassim Maaz, killed in an air strike at Aleppo's Al-Quds hospital which also claimed the lives of a dentist, three nurses and 22 civilians.
"I want every president to imagine that one of these newborns were his own son or daughter. Whatever they would do for their sons if they were bombed, they must do for these newborns."
Doctors in opposition-controlled parts of Aleppo city have raised alarm over medical conditions there, particularly as the last route out into the rest of the province is under near-daily bombardment.
"Aleppans' options are running out," said doctor Samah Bassas of the Syria Relief Network, an umbrella organisation of 60 humanitarian groups in Syria.
"The bombs we are used to. But if we are to be held under siege, hunger and disease will quickly take hold. Even more death is inevitable," she said.
Syrian newborns who have been evacuated by medical staff from a children's hospital in the rebel-held eastern Aleppo following reported government bombardment which hit within a few hundred metres of three medical facilities on June 8, 2016 Ismail Abdulrahman (AFP/File)
Syria approves aid convoys to all 19 besieged areas: UN
Syria has given approval for humanitarian convoys to reach all of the country's 19 besieged areas by the end of the month, the UN said Thursday, while warning that "approval... does not mean delivery".
"We were informed by our team in Damascus that basically there has been a permission, an approval... by the government of Syria for all 19 besieged areas," the United Nations envoy to the war-racked country, Staffan de Mistura, told reporters.
He stressed that Syria has given such approvals in the past before ultimately blocking convoys from distributing life-saving supplies.
Syria has given approval for humanitarian convoys to reach all of the country's 19 besieged areas by the end of this month, the UN says Fadi Dirani (AFP/File)
He made the comments after the weekly meeting of the Syria humanitarian taskforce, co-chaired by the United States and Russia, which has for months been trying to boost aid supplies to millions of Syrians in need.
That taskforce has faced pressure, including from France and Britain, to start air-dropping aid into besieged areas, with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's military continuing to block road convoys.
De Mistura insisted there had been no "backtracking" on air drops and that they "are still an option."
He indicated that the pressure placed on Damascus by the prospect of air drops had led to the road convoy approvals and voiced hope that a surge of aid deliveries in the coming weeks would make dangerous and costly air drops unnecessary.
"The proof is in facts, concrete facts, and that means deliveries," he said.
The UN envoy added that he wanted to see clear movement on those deliveries "in the next few hours", including to Daraya which has been under siege by government troops since late 2012.
De Mistura also said there appeared to be some progress on the release of detainees held by the regime, but provided few details.
"We did get the information today from one main source, but we would like to have more information, that some substantial number of (rebel) fighters appear to have been released," de Mistura said.
"We are waiting for those details," he told reporters.
The Syrian opposition has pressed the detainee question during peace talks, insisting those held by the government needed to be released in order for negotiations to move forward.
Reiterating what he told the UN Security Council last month, de Mistura said "the time is not yet mature" for talks to resume.
The last round of UN-brokered talks ended in April without a breakthrough and with the government and opposition still deadlocked on the crucial question of Assad's fate.
De Mistura said "technical talks" would continue in the coming weeks in various locations, including Damascus and Riyadh, where the main opposition High Negotiations Committee is based.
Deep-sea robot in Egypt to search for crashed plane
A vessel with an underwater robot arrived in Egypt on Thursday and is set to begin searching the Mediterranean for the wreck of the EgyptAir plane that crashed last month, authorities said.
The "John Lethbridge" research vessel, which Egypt has hired from the Deep Ocean Search company, would begin combing the seabed on Friday in the crash zone between the Greek island of Crete and Egypt.
What caused the Airbus A320 operating Flight MS804 from Paris to Cairo to go down on May 19, killing all 66 people on board, remains a mystery.
An EgyptAir A320 plane with 66 people crashed into the Mediterranean en route from Paris to Cairo on May 19, 2016 Andras Soos (AFP/File)
The vessel, whose equipment can locate and retrieve black boxes from the seabed, arrived in Alexandria on Thursday, said Egypt's civil aviation authority.
"The aircraft accident investigation committee for MS804 was at the port upon the arrival of the vessel," the authority said in a statement.
Committee members along with experts from Airbus are expected to embark before the ship leaves for the crash zone some 290 kilometres (180 miles) north of the Egyptian coast, a source close to the investigation told AFP.
A French navy vessel using deep-water listening devices picked up signals from one of the black boxes over a week ago, but so far it has failed to locate either it or the second recorder.
"For the moment we are hopeful of managing to locate these recorders while they continue to emit (pings)," said Remi Jouty, director of the French aviation safety agency BEA.
But he acknowledged "we have to be quick", in remarks to reporters in Paris.
The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have enough battery power to emit signals for four to five weeks.
The area where the plane went down is believed to be about 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) deep.
The "John Lethbridge" has a side scan sonar that provides digital images of the seabed, as well as a robot capable of diving to 3,000 metres.
Some small pieces of wreckage were retrieved from the Mediterranean last month, along with belongings of passengers, but no bodies have been found so far.
Investigators have said it is too soon to determine what caused the disaster.
While speculation initially centred on a terror attack, a technical fault has also not been ruled out, with automated messages sent by the plane shortly before its demise indicating smoke in the cabin and a fault in the flight control unit.
The crash took place seven months after the bombing of a Russian airliner over Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula in October that killed all 224 people on board.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack. There has been no such claim over the EgyptAir crash.
Canadian-Iranian anthropologist jailed in Iran
A Canadian-Iranian anthropologist, Homa Hoodfar, has been arrested and held in Iran since Monday, sources close to the case said Wednesday.
Hoodfar, 65, is a professor at Concordia University in Montreal, and also holds Irish nationality. She is being held at Evin prison, family members said in a statement.
Hoodfar, who has written several works on women and society in Islamic countries, went to Iran in February to do research on women's public role.
Canadian-Iranian anthropologist Homa Hoodfar is being held at Evin prison in Tehran, family members said in a statement Atta Kenare (AFP/File)
Hoodfar was previously arrested on March 10 a few days before her planned return to Canada before being released on bail. Her belongings were searched and she was held pending interrogation, the sources said.
Her passport was taken, and Hoodfar was interrogated, family spokeswoman Amanda Ghahremani said.
The Canadian government has said it is actively engaged in the case.
The jailing comes months after Canada renewed ties with Tehran that were broken off under the prior Conservative government.
Mothers comfort scared daughters after Pakistan 'honour killing'
Two young girls stand inches from charred bricks and ash, staring at the spot where a "kind and gentle" teenager who taught them the Koran was savagely burned by her mother for marrying the man of her choice.
Maham and Muskan were pictured Wednesday with their eyes riveted to the place where, just hours before, 16-year-old Zeenat Bibi was doused in kerosene and set alight.
That night, Maham's mother told AFP, she had to reassure her tearful and confused daughter that she loved her.
Pakistanis stand at the site where a teenager was burnt alive by her mother in Lahore on June 8, 2016 Arif Ali (AFP)
"She cried a lot and wept a lot, she did not eat anything," Rani Bibi, who shared the common last name with Zeenat's family, said Thursday.
"She slept with me. Before sleeping she asked many questions: 'Why was my teacher killed? Why did her mum kill her?'
"I said, 'Don't worry. You are my beloved daughter.'"
Maham, pictured in pink and black and frowning as she looked at the burn marks, told AFP she had seen her teacher's feet beneath the shroud covering her body.
"When I saw that I started weeping because my teacher was dead," the 10-year-old said. "I was so afraid."
Muskan, also 10, lived opposite Zeenat in Pakistan's teeming cultural capital of Lahore, and had been taught the Koran by her too, the child's grandmother Nasreen Bibi told AFP.
"Her face was very pale when she returned from the house," she said of her granddaughter. "She was looking very afraid."
Zeenat, both the women added, was "so kind and gentle".
Police have said the teenager was killed Wednesday by her mother after marrying Hasan Khan, her long-term boyfriend.
Burns covered 90 percent of her body. A post-mortem to determine whether she was still alive when she was set on fire was being conducted.
None of her relatives sought to claim her body, police said Thursday, leaving her new husband's family to bury her charred remains before dawn in a graveyard near the city.
- #NoMoreKillingGirls -
The vicious murder has sparked fresh calls for action against so-called "honour killings" in Pakistan.
Hundreds of women are killed by their relatives each year after allegedly bringing shame on their families in the deeply conservative Muslim country.
"I never (saw) such a mother in my whole life," Zeenat's mother-in-law Shahida Bibi told AFP.
"Zeenat was so cute, so simple, so innocent and so kind... I loved her very much."
Her own child is demented with grief, she said. "Our boy has gone mad."
"The family, which is supposed to be the basic unit of society, turning against their own child shows that there is something flawed in law and society," rights activist Hina Gilani told AFP.
The hashtag #NoMoreKillingGirls was being used by Pakistanis on Twitter Thursday and was officially trending in Karachi, the sprawling port megacity of 20 million.
"They are killing minds and souls," wrote one user in Karachi.
Tweeting the image of Maham and Muskan staring at the ash, @Veengasj added: "What r girls thinking & getting msg? Girls hv no value?"
Fear and depression has taken over the neighbourhood a day after the murder, residents said.
"Parents should protect their children," said Muhammad Asghar, a neighbour who has two daughters and one son.
His daughters, Amina and Fatima, were also students of Zeenat, he said.
They were visiting their grandparents when the teenager was killed, and learned of her death on television. "They phoned me... they were weeping, wanted to come home."
It is the first time such an attack has taken place in that neighbourhood, he said, but it frightened him so much he is now considering moving.
"We will start preaching to parents in this street to take care of their kids," said another neighbour, 60-year-old Firdaus Bibi.
The message will fall into a void at Zeenat's home, where the doors Thursday were locked closed.
"They have left," Ashgar said.
"Why they have gone, when everybody is coming to share their grief?"
Hassan Khan shows a picture of his wife Zeenat Bibi, who was burnt alive by her mother in the Pakistani city of Lahore on June 8, 2016
Pakistan human rights activists have called for the federal government to take steps to prevent "honour killings" Aamir Qureshi (AFP/File)
Lagos floating school collapses in heavy rains
A landmark floating school that provided classes to children on a lagoon in Nigeria's biggest city, Lagos, has collapsed during heavy rains, its headteacher said on Thursday.
"The structure collapsed at around 10:00 am (0900 GMT) on Tuesday following a rainstorm," the school's director, Noah Shemede, told AFP.
Shemede and the Amsterdam-based architects NLE said there were no casualties and that the floating school in the Makoko area of the city had been empty since March this year.
Children attend school in the main site of a floating school, near to a collapsed three-storey annex, on June 9, 2016 in Lagos Pius Utomi Ekpei (AFP)
The headteacher said 58 students who were using the facility as an annexe had been relocated to the main school nearby because of concerns from parents about the effects of annual rains.
Architect Kunle Adeyemi said the building was a prototype which had been used "intensively" over the last three years and a new building would be constructed to replace it.
"We are glad there were no casualties in what seemed like an abrupt collapse," he said in a statement.
"The prototype had served its purpose in time and we look forward to the reconstruction of the improved version amongst other greater developments of the community," he said in a statement.
Makoko has been dubbed the "Venice of Africa" but comparisons between the slum dwellings on stilts in the water and the historic Italian city end there.
The award-winning school, a three-storey triangular A-frame which floated on 250 empty plastic barrels fixed under a wooden base, was the tallest structure in Makoko and had become a landmark.
It provided 200 square metres (2,370 square feet) of floor space and was also used for social events in the desperately poor and neglected fishing community.
Shemede said the debris from Tuesday's storms was being cleared but complained of a lack of government assistance for people living on the water.
"The project is a private initiative for the Makoko waterfront community. The main school was built in 2007/2008 while the collapsed structure was built as an extension in 2012," he said.
"The entire school has a student population of 259. We want (the state) government to assist our community through the provision of social amenities."
Building collapses are common in Nigeria during the rainy season, which in Lagos normally starts in March or April, often because of shoddy building practices and sub-standard materials.
In March, at least 34 people were killed when a building under construction came down in the upmarket Lagos suburb of Lekki.
No charges for UK spies in Libya rendition case
British intelligence agents will not face charges over claims they were complicit in the illegal rendition and torture of two opponents of former Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi, prosecutors said on Thursday.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was "insufficient evidence" to bring a case over the treatment of Abdelhakim Belhaj and Sami al-Saadi and their families, who were forcibly transferred from Asia to Libya back in 2004.
There was evidence that a British official was in contact with foreign agents responsible for their rendition, the CPS said in a statement, but it "remains unclear what impact or influence" his involvement had.
Abdelhakim Belhaj speaks in his capacity as chairman of the Military Council of Tripoli at a press conference in the Libyan capital on January 3, 2012 Mahmud Turkia (AFP/File)
Cori Crider, a lawyer for campaign group Reprieve who is representing the Libyans, said the finding was "official acknowledgement that British officials were involved in this rendition".
She accused the CPS of bowing to political pressure, saying: "It is hard to escape the conclusion that this decision has a great deal to do with political power and very little to do with the rule of law."
Belhaj, a former Islamist fighter who later became Tripoli's military commander after Kadhafi was ousted in 2011, said he was "very disappointed" at the decision not to bring charges.
"If there is political interference with the courts, then it undermines British justice," he told the BBC.
Belhaj, who claims he was detained with his pregnant wife at Bangkok airport before being illegally transferred to Libya, where he was tortured, is currently suing the British government over his treatment.
The Supreme Court held hearings in November but has yet to make a ruling on whether the case can proceed.
Al-Saadi received 2.2 million ($3.5 million, 2.7 million euros at the time) from the British government in 2012 for his ordeal, although London did not admit liability.
He and his wife and four children were taken from Hong Kong to Libya, where he says he was subsequently tortured, in a joint British-US-Libyan operation in 2004.
London police launched an investigation into the possible complicity of British officials in 2012 and subsequently passed evidence relating to one suspect to prosecutors.
"Following a thorough investigation, the CPS has decided that there is insufficient evidence to charge the suspect with any criminal offence," said Sue Hemming, head of the service's special crime and terrorism division.
The CPS said British officials were not directly involved in the Libyans' treatment.
But one of them communicated with those responsible, shared aspects of what was happening with others in Britain and sought political authority for his actions.
The involvement of the MI6 foreign spy service in rendition operations prompted a split in Britain's intelligence community at the time, according to a recent report in The Guardian newspaper.
Eliza Manningham-Buller, director general of domestic intelligence service MI5 at the time, wrote to then prime minister Tony Blair to complain that MI6's actions were putting her own officers at risk, the newspaper reported.
Italy probes claim wrong man extradited for migrant trafficking
Italian prosecutors are investigating whether the wrong man was extradited to Italy on charges of running a migrant trafficking network after reports suggested it may be a case of mistaken identity.
Eritrean Medhanie Yehdego Mered, 35, dubbed "the general" and described as "cynical and unscrupulous", is accused of shipping thousands of people to Europe and sending some to a watery grave.
Italian police announced Wednesday that Mered, arrested in Sudan with the help of Britain's National Crime Agency, had been extradited to Italy, releasing video images and photographs of him being brought off a plane in Rome.
Shows a man presented as Medhanie Yehdego Mered, 35, an Eritrean suspected of controlling a migrant trafficking network, escorted by policemen upon his extradition from Sudan to Italy late on June 6, 2016
But Palermo prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi was forced to admit Thursday his team was "carrying out the necessary checks" after the BBC spoke to friends and family of the arrested man who said the authorities got the wrong man.
AFP also interviewed people in Sudan who said the detainee was not Medhanie Yehdego Mered.
"The identification of the suspect, his arrest, his handing over and his extradition to Italy were communicated to us in an official manner by the NCA and the Sudanese authorities through Interpol," Italian media quoted Lo Voi as saying.
An NCA spokeswoman said: "We're aware of the media reports. It's a bit too soon to speculate at the moment."
The detainee is due to go before a preliminary judge on Friday, the Corriere della Sera daily said.
Friends of the arrested man told AFP his name was Mered Tesfamariam, and he was a 27-year-old migrant.
"I know this man since he arrived in Sudan in 2014, his name is Mered Tesfamariam. The person who has been taken to Rome is not the general. The man taken to Rome doesn't even speak Arabic," Eritrean Tasfie Haggose, 38, said in Khartoum.
- Secret mover -
"The general is well known among Eritreans, especially among those who have tried to cross the Mediterranean," he said.
"The general moves secretly. He does not deal directly with people who want to migrate. He deals through mediators or brokers."
Fellow Eritrean Barhi Kobron, 28, said he too knew the detainee.
"This man used to move freely among people, which is not how the general behaves. The general has no house in Khartoum. He moves between Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, and between Khartoum and eastern Sudan."
And the Corriere della Sera spoke to an Eritrean in Palermo who said he had grown up with Mered Tesfamariam who was like "a brother" to him.
"What happened is wrong. My sister was with him in Khartoum and told me he was taken by the Sudanese police while he was at a coffee bar," the man identified only as Fishaye said.
The suspect Medhanie Yehdego Mered, on a wanted list since 2015 for people smuggling, is accused of packing migrants onto a boat that sank in 2013 off the island of Lampedusa, claiming at least 360 lives in one of the worst disasters in the Mediterranean.
Referred to in wiretapped conversations between his alleged subordinate traffickers as "the general", Mered is accused of organising the smuggling of up to 8,000 people a year on migrant boats.
Italy, Sudan and Britain had hailed his capture as a significant blow to the people smuggling business as Europe moves to stem the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean.
According to the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR), over 48,500 people have arrived in Italy by boat so far this year.
American IS defector faces terror charge
An American who joined the Islamic State group and escaped after becoming disillusioned appeared in US court Thursday to face federal terror charges in a case that could provide insight on the jihadist group.
Mohamad Jamal Khweis, a 26-year-old facing charges of providing material support to IS, was ordered held without bail at the hearing in his home state of Virginia.
The case could shed new light on a trend that has seen IS successfully recruit disenchanted youths, including from Europe and the United States, to fight on its behalf.
Mohamad Jamal Khweis, a 26-year-old Virginia man, is charged with providing material support to IS, according to a federal criminal complaint unsealed hours before he was due to appear in US court for the first time in his case
Khweis voluntarily gave himself up to Kurdish peshmerga forces on March 14 near Sinjar Mountain in Kurdish-controlled territory in northern Iraq, according to an affidavit submitted by a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sporting a timid look and not saying a word, Khweis looked over to his relatives seated in the courtroom, just hours after the unsealing of a federal criminal complaint against him.
"It was good to see him," Khweis's father said.
Khweis returned to the United States from the northern Iraqi city of Erbil late Wednesday, when he was placed in US custody.
Defense attorney John Zwerling suggested he may seek to throw out the government's evidence, which is based on statements his client gave to Kurdish and FBI officials.
"Everything is not as it appears in the government's pleadings," Zwerling told reporters.
Asked whether Khweis had been treated well while detained by Kurdish authorities, Zwerling simply responded "now he is," after being taken into US custody.
Khweis is due back in federal court in Alexandria, just outside Washington, on Tuesday for a detention hearing and on June 21 for a preliminary hearing.
- 'Gave himself' to IS -
Through a search of his electronic devices, investigators found that Khweis had been researching IS since December, with images of the World Trade Center burning on September 11, 2001, IS fighters and leaders, as well as maps of Iraq, Syria and Turkey, including known IS bastions.
During an interview with federal investigators, Khweis "stated he 'gave himself' to ISIL and that they controlled him," the affidavit read, using an acronym for the IS group.
"The defendant stated he was aware that ISIL wants to attack and destroy the United States. The defendant stated that ISIL wants America to be taken over."
In a video released online days after his arrest, Khweis describes his contacts with IS before stating that he had renounced the group's violent, extremist ideology.
Khweis later told the FBI that he had "provided misleading information in the video for self-protection," according to the affidavit.
During his interviews, Khweis said he was initially inspired to join IS because he believed they were engaged in "peaceful and humanitarian efforts."
In Turkey, on his way to IS territory, he used the code phrase "green bird" indicating his support for violent jihad, or holy war, in order to make IS recruiters feel at ease in dealing with him.
Libya unity forces in street battles with IS in Sirte
Forces loyal to Libya's unity government fought deadly street battles with the Islamic State group in Sirte, as they pressed an offensive to capture the jihadists' coastal bastion.
Clashes raged around the Ouagadougou conference centre, a sprawling complex that once hosted international summits in the era of ousted dictator Moamer Kadhafi which is now used as an IS command centre.
The loss of Sirte, Kadhafi's home town, would be a major blow to IS at a time when it is under mounting pressure in Syria and Iraq.
Libya's UN-backed unity government said it expected to announce the liberation of Sirte in "two or three days," after its forces thrust into the city centre Mahmud Turkia (AFP)
From early in the day, forces aligned with the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) pounded IS positions around the complex with heavy artillery fire.
Warplanes also carried out air strikes around the centre and other IS positions inside Sirte, according to social media accounts belonging to the anti-jihadist operation.
Two GNA fighters were killed and eight wounded and taken to a Misrata hospital, further east, the government said.
An AFP correspondent at the scene reported heavy street fighting about two kilometres (one mile) from the Ouagadougou centre.
GNA forces used tanks, rocket launchers and artillery, the correspondent said, while the jihadists responded with machineguns, mortar rounds and sniper fire.
"It was a war with planes and artillery, but now it is street fighting," said one GNA combatant, who declined to be named.
"We are fighting between houses, on the streets, and we won't back down before we eliminate them."
Power struggles have prevented Libya's fledgling government and its allies from ousting IS from its Gulf of Sidra safe-haven for a year.
The GNA, established in Tripoli more than two months ago, has been trying to unify violence-ridden Libya and exert its control over the entire North African country.
Foreign intelligence services estimate IS has 5,000 fighters in Libya, but its strength inside Sirte and the number of civilians living in the city are unclear.
- 'Crack pretty quickly'-
The GNA forces apparently pushed their way from the west into the city centre, and the AFP correspondent saw dozens of 4X4 vehicles deployed along the way.
A Libyan government official said "the battle wasn't as difficult as we thought it would be".
"Their force has dispersed," said the official. "They (Misrata forces) have taken almost all the city now."
The GNA on Thursday said it expected to announce the liberation of Sirte in "two or three days," after its forces thrust into the city centre.
"We're encouraged by the progress they're making," said US special envoy Brett McGurk.
"Once you have a credible force on the ground that moves against them, there is a chance that they could crack pretty quickly."
GNA forces launched the Sirte offensive in mid-May and have seized towns, a power plant and army barracks before Thursday's advance on the city centre.
But analysts have warned that recapturing Sirte would not end IS violence in Libya.
"What will happen to all the forces mobilised against IS?" asked Mohamed Eljarh of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East.
"And Haftar's forces? There is a risk that they turn against each other," he said.
Controversial General Khalifa Haftar is an opponent of the GNA who heads forces loyal to a rival government.
GNA troops are mostly made up of militias from western cities, notably Misrata, and the guards of oil installations that IS has repeatedly tried to seize.
On the GNA's Facebook page, prime minister-designate Fayez al-Sarraj called Friday on "all military forces to unite in the face of our common enemy... and to join the victorious forces".
But Ahmed al-Mesmari, a spokesman for Haftar's forces, told AFP that "the groups that are fighting IS in Sirte are illegitimate militias, loyal to an illegitimate government".
Haftar's forces have reportedly stopped in villages south of Sirte and not advanced on the city.
Map of Libya showing zones of influence and the latest fighting around Sirte Kun Tian, Thomas Saint-Cricq (AFP)
Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government launched the Sirte offensive in mid-May and have seized towns, a power plant and army barracks before advancing on the city centre Mahmud Turkia (AFP)
Sanders vows to 'work together' with Clinton
Thwarted presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders refused Thursday to bow out before the final Democratic primary next week, but said he would meet rival Hillary Clinton soon to foster party unity in the battle against Donald Trump.
"I spoke briefly to Secretary Clinton on Tuesday night and I congratulated her on her very strong campaign," said Sanders, sounding conciliatory after an hour-long White House meeting with President Barack Obama.
"I look forward to meeting with her in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump and to create a government which represents all of us and not just the one percent."
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said he will meet with Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton soon Mandel Ngan (AFP)
The Vermont senator was at the White House for discussions on how to heal rifts in the Democratic party after a testy primary campaign, and head united into the looming showdown with the presumptive Republican nominee.
Obama was looking to play peace broker, coaxing Sanders to recognize Clinton as the party's presidential nominee.
The meeting itself was a very public show of respect for Sanders' insurgent campaign.
The two men strode along the West Wing colonnade, both laughing at one point, with the president placing his hand on Sanders' back as he opened the door to the Oval Office.
"I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas," Obama said Wednesday. "I thought it made Hillary a better candidate."
"My hope is, is that over the next couple of weeks, we're able to pull things together," Obama said, recalling his own bitter campaign rivalry with Clinton in 2008.
"What happens during primaries, you get a little ouchy. Everybody does."
Sanders told his defiant supporters that "the struggle continues" Tuesday, even after crushing defeats to Clinton in California and New Jersey.
Obama was always certain to back Clinton, his former secretary of state, but he has so far refrained from making any formal endorsement.
Sanders thanked Obama, and his vice president Joe Biden, for not putting their hands on the scale during the primary race.
- High stakes -
From relative obscurity, Sanders garnered 12 million of the primary campaign's 27 million votes.
He tapped a deep well of anger among young voters who were the lifeblood of Obama's victories in 2008 and 2012.
The risk for Clinton is that Sanders overplays his hand or feels shunned -- and continues his insurgency.
Some Sanders supporters would like him to battle all the way to the party convention in Philadelphia next month.
Sanders said that he "will, of course, be competing in the DC Primary which will be held next Tuesday. This is the last primary of the democratic nominating process."
For diehard Sanders supporters, Clinton -- the former first lady, secretary of state and US senator -- is the epitome of a political establishment that has failed the people.
More pragmatic supporters are pressing for Sanders to leverage his newfound political clout.
They would like to see the party platform overhauled and reforms to the next nominating process in 2020 -- opening primaries to independent voters and curbing the role of bigwig "superdelegates."
Critically, Sanders supporters also want to see Clinton embrace more left-leaning policies, according to Neil Sroka of Democracy for America, a political action committee that endorsed Sanders.
"The degree to which the party unites behind Secretary Clinton is ultimately going to depend on the degree to which she picks up and embraces the political revolution and runs on the populist progressive issues that have been defining the primary," he said.
Sanders indicated that while he and Clinton continue to vie to put their stamp on the party, they could unite to defeat a common foe -- Trump.
Sanders said Trump would be "a disaster as president of the United States."
"It is unbelievable to me, and I say this in all sincerity, that the Republican Party would have a candidate for president who in the year 2016 makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign."
"Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power -- and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that Donald Trump does not become president of the United States."
US President Barack Obama (R) walks with Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders for a meeting in the Oval Office on June 9, 2016 at the White House Mandel Ngan (AFP)
Puerto Rico sovereignty takes blow at US Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court ruled against Puerto Rico Thursday in a battle over sovereignty, saying that in criminal prosecutions US jurisdiction takes precedence over that of Puerto Rico.
The broader issue of autonomy in the self-governing territory that has its own constitution was reflected in a criminal prosecution for firearms sales. Puerto Rican prosecutors argued they should be able to try two men who had already pleaded guilty in US federal court.
Defendants Luis Sanchez Valle and Jaime Gomez Vazquez pleaded guilty to illegally selling firearms, after each sold a gun to an undercover police officer.
Debate over Puerto Rico's sovereignty has recently been overshadowed by a debt crisis that has engulfed the US territory, underscoring its complicated relationship with the mainland Paul J. Richards (AFP/File)
Both men later moved to dismiss pending Puerto Rican charges against them. They said the charges were in violation of the US Constitution's double jeopardy clause, under which no defendant can be tried twice for the same alleged offense.
Writing for the majority, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan said "the 'ultimate' source of prosecutorial power remains the US Congress."
"Put simply, Congress conferred the authority to create the Puerto Rico Constitution, which in turn confers the authority to bring criminal charges," she wrote.
"That makes Congress the original source of power for Puerto Rico's prosecutors -- as it is for the federal government's. The island's Constitution, significant though it is, does not break the chain."
Justice Stephen Breyer dissented, and was joined by Sonia Sotomayor, saying that "the 'source' of Puerto Rico's criminal law ceased to be the US Congress and became Puerto Rico itself, its people and its constitution."
Debate over the Caribbean island's sovereignty has recently been overshadowed by a debt crisis that has engulfed the US territory, underscoring its complicated relationship with the mainland.
Jailed Saudi rights lawyer 'on hunger strike'
Imprisoned Saudi human rights lawyer and activist Waleed Abulkhair has begun a hunger strike in protest at ill-treatment by the authorities, a rights watchdog said on Thursday.
An appeals court in February last year upheld a 15-year jail term against Abulkhair on a series of charges including "inciting public opinion".
"The prison administration has not allowed him to take medical tests, prevented him from ordering appropriate foods that suit his health condition, and continues to prevent him from special visits or reading books or daily newspapers," the Gulf Centre for Human Rights said.
This undated handout file photo obtained on February 18, 2015, courtesy of the Abulkhair family shows Saudi human rights lawyer Waleed Abulkhair in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Abulkhair started his hunger strike on Tuesday at his prison in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, said the rights group which has offices in Beirut and Copenhagen.
It condemned prison administrators for "targeting" Abulkhair and called for his immediate release.
Abulkhair last year won the Ludovic Trarieux International Human Rights Prize, awarded by European bar associations to lawyers who defend human rights and fight intolerance and racism.
South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela was the first recipient of the prize.
Abulkhair defended Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, who was arrested in 2012 and convicted of insulting Islam.
Badawi is serving 10 years in jail and has received 50 lashes of a 1,000-lash sentence that caused international outrage.
2,000 Chad troops head to Niger for Boko Haram offensive: minister
Two thousand Chadian soldiers are on their way to Niger, ahead of a planned offensive against Boko Haram, Niger's defence minister said Thursday .
Military powerhouse Chad is a leading member of a multi-national force fighting the Nigeria-based Boko Haram fighters who have extended their attacks to neighbouring countries from their base in northern Nigeria.
Boko Haram on Friday attacked a military post in Bosso in Niger's Diffa region, killing 26 soldiers including two from neighbouring Nigeria, in one of its deadliest attacks in Niger.
Nigerien (L) and Chadian (R) soldiers in Bosso, Niger on May 25, 2015 Issouf Sanogo (AFP/File)
"We are preparing with Chad, as quickly as possible, an intervention operation in northern Nigeria. It's being prepared and speeded up," Defence Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou told a press conference in Niamey.
Troops from Nigeria and Cameroon will also be involved, he said.
On Wednesday the first of the 2,000 troops from Chad began arriving in neighbouring Niger Wednesday, a security source there said.
The counter-offensive will begin in southeast Niger, said Nigerian General Lamidi Adeosun, head of the multinational force that groups troops from the four countries together in the battle against Boko Haram.
Niger and Chad's troops will engage "immediately" while Nigeria will launch an operation from the south of its territory and Cameroon will push forward from the east flank.
The objective is to trap Boko Haram "in a pincer movement", the defence minister said.
"The strategic goal is to occupy the north of Nigeria in order to protect our borders," he added.
In March 2015 Chad and Niger launched an offensive on Nigerian soil and managed to chase Boko Haram insurgents from several of their strongholds.
However after the troops left the jihadists reoccupied Malam Fatori and Damasack.
Helicopters from Niger and Sukhoi fighter planes from Chad have already been bombarding Boko haram positions for days.
In last week's Boko attack in Niger's Diffa region, 55 insurgents were killed and "many" injured, according to Niger authorities, along with the 26 Niger soldiers in one of its deadliest attacks in Niger.
'I'm with her' - Obama backs Clinton for president
President Barack Obama endorsed one-time rival Hillary Clinton to be his successor, signaling to Democrats it is time to unify after a bitter primary campaign and beat Donald Trump.
"Tens of millions of Americans made their voices heard. Today I just want to add mine," Obama said in a video endorsement. "I'm with her."
Their first joint campaign event will take place next Wednesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
US President Barack Obama declares "I'm with her" in a video endorsing Hillary Clinton Timothy A. Clary (AFP/File)
Obama won the state in 2008 and 2012, but Democrats expect a tough fight this year.
Obama's endorsement, although long expected, is a shot in the arm for the Clinton campaign.
She has struggled for a year against leftist rival Bernie Sanders. The 74-year-old ran an unlikely grassroots campaign that swelled to a 12-million-strong movement.
Clinton finally clinched the nomination just days ago, prompting Obama to offer his backing.
"I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office," Obama said.
The 44th president's support gives Clinton a potent surrogate on the campaign trail.
Ex-presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton were so toxic by their eighth year in office that would-be successors kept them at arm's length.
By contrast, Obama is still one of the country's most popular politicians.
His approval ratings among black, Hispanic, young and liberal voters are stratospheric.
Clinton welcomed the vote of confidence: "Honored to have you with me, @POTUS. I'm fired up and ready to go!" she tweeted, echoing one of Obama's own campaign rallying cries from 2008.
In that primary race, Obama bested Clinton and eventually became the first black president. They later made peace, as Clinton became his first secretary of state.
Now the 68-year-old Clinton is trying to make history of her own by becoming the first female commander in chief.
Standing in her way is bombastic businessman Trump. He has shocked the world by becoming the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
"Obama just endorsed Crooked Hillary. He wants four more years of Obama but nobody else does!" Trump tweeted.
- 'Fascist threat' -
Trump's racially tinged rhetoric has split the Grand Old Party. A growing number of Republicans say they will not vote for him.
But "The Donald" appears to be uniting Democrats.
"We must come together to confront the fascist threat to our democracy presented by Donald Trump," said Martin O'Malley, who had sought the Democratic nomination and on Thursday also endorsed Clinton.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a darling of the left who had been pressed by supporters to mount her own White House bid, and who has since been discussed as a possible vice presidential pick, rounded out the high-profile Democratic endorsements.
"I am ready to get in this fight and work my heart out for Hillary Clinton," the liberal stalwart told MSNBC, "and to make sure that Donald Trump never gets any place close to the white house.
The timing of Obama's announcement appeared designed to push the process forward.
It came just an hour after he hosted Sanders in the Oval Office. Sanders has pointedly refused to bow out.
The two men strode along the West Wing colonnade laughing, a very public show of respect for Sanders' insurgent bid.
Sanders "has run an incredible campaign," Obama said, offering praise for raising issues like campaign finance reform.
The septuagenarian emerged from the White House vowing to continue his fight into next week -- but also saying he would meet Clinton soon to find ways to work together.
Later in the day Sanders held a rally in the capital Washington, which hosts the final primary of the season Tuesday.
"We have shown the world that you can run a winning national campaign without being dependent on Wall Street, drug companies or big money interests," Sanders told a crowd outside a stadium where he touched on his many campaign themes including alleviating income inequality and racial injustice.
"Thank you Bernie! Thank you Bernie!" the crowd chanted.
Some Sanders supporters would like him to battle all the way to the party convention in Philadelphia next month. For weeks he has pledged to do so, but it was notable that in Thursday's hour-long speech he made no mention of it.
For many, Clinton -- a former first lady, secretary of state and US senator -- is the epitome of a political establishment that has failed the people.
More pragmatic Sanderistas are pressing him to leverage his new-found political clout to shift the party to the left.
They would like to see the party platform overhauled and reforms to the next nominating process in 2020 -- opening primaries to independent voters and curbing the role of bigwig "superdelegates."
Hillary Clinton claims Democratic nomination
Barack Obama (L) asays of Hillary Clinton, "I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office" Emmanuel Dunand (AFP/File)
The IS in Libya since 2014
The Islamic State group, around which the noose tightened in its Libyan bastion Sirte on Thursday, moved into the country in 2014 amid chaos that followed the ouster of Moamer Kadhafi.
The jihadist organisation has become yet another player in the lawless North African nation, where rival authorities and militias are battling for control of territory and major oil reserves.
-- 2014 --
A destroyed vehicle is seen near the compound of the Egyptian embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli on November 13, 2014 after it was targeted by a car bomb explosion Mahmud Turkia (AFP)
- November 19: The US says it is "concerned" by reports that radical extremists with avowed ties to IS are destabilising eastern Libya, having already seized vast swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.
News reports say the eastern coastal city of Derna is emerging as an IS stronghold.
- December 27: A car bomb claimed by IS explodes outside the diplomatic security building in Tripoli without causing casualties.
-- 2015 --
- January 27: IS claims an attack on Tripoli's luxury Corinthia Hotel that kills nine people.
- February 15: IS releases a video showing the beheading of 21 Coptic Christians, all but one Egyptians, that the jihadists say they filmed in January. Egypt carries out air strikes on IS in Derna.
- February 20: IS claims suicide car bombings in Al-Qoba, near Derna, that kill 44. It says the attacks are to avenge losses in the air strikes.
- April 19: A new video shows the execution-style killing of 28 Christians originally from Ethiopia.
- June 9: IS announces it has captured Sirte, east of Tripoli.
- July 12: The group acknowledges it has been pushed out of Derna after weeks of fierce fighting with members of the town's Mujahedeen Council.
- November 13: The US bombs IS leaders in Libya for the first time and says it killed Abu Nabil, an Iraqi also known as Wissam Najm Abd Zayd al-Zubaydi. Libyan officials identify him as the head of IS in Derna.
-- 2016 --
- January 7: A suicide truck bombing at a police school in Zliten, east of Tripoli, kills more than 50 people, the worst attack since the 2011 revolution. It is claimed by the IS.
- February 5: US officials say the number of jihadists has almost doubled in Libya to about 5,000.
- February 19: A US air strike on a jihadist training camp near Sabratha, west of Tripoli, kills about 50 people.
- February 24: Some 200 jihadists briefly occupy the centre of Sabratha, but are ousted by militias.
- March 30: The head of Libya's UN-backed unity government, Fayez al-Sarraj, arrives at a naval base in Tripoli, despite the hostility of rival authorities.
May 31: UN special envoy Martin Kobler calls on all Libya's armed groups to unite against IS.
- June 4: Unity government forces say they have retaken a jihadist air base, Al-Gordabiya, south of Sirte.
- June 5: Sarraj rules out an international military intervention on the ground.
- June 9: Unity government forces enter the centre of Sirte where clashes continue with the IS, according to a spokesman.
Libyan supporters of "Fajr Libya" (Libya Dawn), a mainly-Islamist alliance, take part in a protest in Tripoli's central Martyr's Square on February 20, 2015, against recent Egyptian air strikes on Islamic State (IS) group bases in eastern Libya Mahmud Turkia (AFP/File)
Russia, Iran coordinate with Syria in Tehran talks
The defence ministers of allies Iran, Russia and Syria on Thursday held talks in Tehran on pressing the fight against opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The talks come as Damascus steps up its military campaign against both the Islamic State group and rebels in second city Aleppo whom it accuses of colluding with Al-Qaeda's Syria affiliate Al-Nusra Front.
Iranian Defence Minister General Hossein Dehghan said he and his counterparts from Russia and Syria were determined to deliver a "decisive" battle against "all terrorist groups".
Iranian Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan gives a speech at the 5th Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) in Moscow on April 27, 2016 Vasily Maximov (AFP/File)
Dehghan said the goal could be achieved by "blocking or preventing" these groups from receiving political support or weapons that could enable them "to conduct wider operations".
The fight against "terrorism" must be done based on "a mutual programme and specified priorities," he said after the talks, the results of which should be seen "in the coming days".
"We made decisions for what must be done on the regional and operational levels in an agreed upon and coordinated manner," state television website quoted Dehghan as saying.
"The terrorists and their supporters must know that the group fighting against them is determined to support this route until the end and will do so.
"The first step toward restoring security to the region is comprehensive ceasefire" and humanitarian aids, said Dehghan.
"We agree to a guaranteed ceasefire that doesn't lead to the strengthening of terrorists in this country," he said, adding that "supporting the Syrian army forces" was another major topic.
A Russian defence ministry statement before the meeting said talking points were "priority measures in reinforcing the cooperation between the defence ministries of the three countries in the fight with Islamic State and Al-Nusra terrorist groups."
Iran and Russia are Syria's main allies against the various armed groups fighting Assad, including IS jihadists.
Moscow has sent warplanes and special forces in support of his regime, while Tehran has deployed military advisers and trained and equipped pro-government militias.
The visit of Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu comes after Moscow's pledge to step up its air strikes against rebel forces in and around Aleppo.
Tehran has provided Damascus with military and financial support ever since the uprising against the Assad regime erupted more than five years ago.
Assad's position in the battle field received a major boost after Moscow intervened to help last September.
Russian forces helped government troops recapture the famed ancient city of Palmyra in March and are now backing a push towards Syria's largest dam at Tabqa in the Euphrates Valley.
Shoigu was also expected to hold separate bilateral meetings with Syrian General Fahd Jassem al-Freij and General Dehghan.
Recipe for success? US sandwich chain sued for non-compete rule
A US sandwich chain is being sued for locking its low-paid workers into non-compete agreements more typical of high-tech workers or top executives.
The state of Illinois, where Jimmy John's is headquartered, accuses the company of requiring employees to sign clauses barring them from working at competing sandwich stores within two miles of one of its outlets for at least two years after leaving the company.
"By locking low-wage workers into their jobs and prohibiting them from seeking better paying jobs elsewhere, (Jimmy John's) companies have no reason to increase their wages or benefits," said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan in a press release announcing the lawsuit.
The state of Illinois, where US sandwich chain Jimmy John's is headquartered, accuses the company of requiring employees to sign clauses barring them from working at competing sandwich stores for at least two years after leaving the company Mladen Antonov (AFP)
Employers typically use non-compete agreements when workers have access to confidential company information or trade secrets. High-tech companies might require them of employees writing proprietary code.
But in recent years, use of such agreements has expanded, and has been the source of some debate, especially in the tech industry where workers say they are used too often.
There have been reports of non-compete agreements popping up in a range of other professions, from yoga instructors to camp counselors.
Jimmy John's, which has 2,500 stores across the United States, said in a statement that it had stopped requiring the agreements.
"We made clear to the Attorney General that we would never enforce a non-compete agreement against any hourly employee that might have signed one," the company said.
In a similar lawsuit last year, a federal judge refused to grant an injunction against Jimmy John's non-compete agreements, because the judge said the agreements were never enforced.
When asked why the Jimmy John's required them in the first place, a company representative declined to comment.
Islamic State can't pay fighters, US Treasury says
Efforts to choke off the finances of the Islamic State group have left it unable to pay its fighters and spurred corruption within the group, a senior US official said Thursday.
Daniel Glaser, the Treasury's assistant secretary for terrorist financing, told Congress that a combination of bombing attacks on IS cash stores and oil shipments, locking it out of the banking system, and cutting off Iraq government cash flows to IS-controlled areas, has left the group struggling financially.
"As a result of these efforts, ISIL is struggling to pay its fighters and we have seen a number of ISIL fighters leaving the battlefield as their pay and benefits have been cut and delayed," he said, using the US's preferred acronym for Islamic State.
A damaged vehicle belonging to Islamic State group members in the village of al-Azraqiyah, Iraq Ahmad al-Rubaye (AFP/File)
"When we see indications that ISIL cannot pay the salaries of its own fighters and is trying to make up for lost revenue elsewhere, we know we are hitting them where it hurts.... ISIL, like any terrorist organization, needs money to survive," he said.
In written testimony for a House of Representatives committee hearing on security threats, Glaser said the US government's focused attack on the financial resources of Islamic State and other groups the US dubs terrorist have had significant impact.
Al-Qaeda, which has relied traditionally on money transferred from the Gulf region, has felt the result of efforts to block that funding, with the help of financial authorities in Gulf countries, he said.
But he said Gulf states need to do more using domestic laws to freeze funds and assets of suspect groups and individuals.
Glaser also claimed significant successes in cutting off finances for Lebanon's Hezbollah in efforts that have stretched from Asia to Latin America.
"Our actions are creating a hostile operating environment for Hezbollah, raising its costs of doing business, restricting its ability to move funds, and diminishing its revenue base," he said.
New 'cross-media' film explores millennial angst
Millennials are often labeled the "Peter Pan" generation, the kids who refused to grow up.
It's a theme gaining attention at the Los Angeles Film Festival this week, with the world premiere of "Heis," a cross-media project by French director Anais Volpe.
Using innovative filmmaking techniques "Heis" follows a 25-year-old artist, Pia, who returns home to live with her mother "because she lost everything all at once," said Volpe.
Filmmaker Anais Volpe, pictured on June 2, 2016, will premiere her cross-media project "Heis" at the Los Angles Film Festival Valerie Macon (AFP)
"Life often hits you like that -- you lose a lover, the friends you had in common, maybe also your job -- and somehow you have to find your inner balance again."
The project is simultaneously a feature film, a series of shorts and an art exhibition dissecting the ups and downs that millennials -- youths born in the '80s and '90s -- face as casualties of a stagnant economy and social uncertainty.
Called "the festival's strangest, most inventive-sounding offering" by the magazine LA Weekly, the film was selected by the festival, which runs through Thursday, among 5,000 applicants.
Alternating between funny, dreamlike and emotionally charged, "Heis" -- meaning one, or unity, in Greek -- is a rapid assembly of shorts that collide recent footage with old home video excerpts, voiceovers and television news excerpts.
- DIY approach -
Volpe sees cross-media projects like hers as a way of opening up film writing to new voices
"'Heis' is about that too -- the YouTube generation. We can access images and information rapidly and in abundance; we are always over-stimulated," she said.
The project initially took the form of five 11-minute long videos.
"Ultimately, I almost had a feature film," Volpe said. After rewriting the project and shooting new scenes, she decided the mini-series complimented the film.
Photos, objects from the shoot and a collection of videos and clips also form an exhibition that has traveled in France and England.
The young director shot the film in France, China and the US with a "micro-budget," which Volpe said symbolizes how many in the millennial generation manage to get by.
When she started the project, she shot iPhone video clips that she occasionally posted online, recording voiceovers at home with a small microphone.
"I could have asked for help from production houses, but I found it more interesting to take the DIY approach, because the film speaks to the struggles of young people," Volpe said.
Some 2,000 migrants rescued off Libya: Italian coastguard
Around 2,000 migrants were plucked to safety off the coast of Libya in the latest series of rescue operations in the Mediterranean on Thursday, the Italian coastguard said.
"The coastguards have coordinated 15 rescue operations, some 2,000 migrants are safe and sound," they said, adding that Italian navy vessels and ships from the EU's Frontex border agency and its Sophia military operation helped with the efforts.
More than 800 migrants were already rescued off Libya on Wednesday, mainly by vessels chartered by the aid groups Doctors Without Borders (MSF), SOS Mediterranee, MOAS and SeaWatch.
Illegal migrants sit on the dock at the Tripoli port after 117 migrants of African origins, including six pregnant women, were rescued by two coast guard boats off the coast of Libya on June 7, 2016 Mahmud Turkia (AFP/File)
The United Nations' refugee agency estimates that over 48,000 migrants, most of them sub-Saharan Africans, have arrived in Italy since the start of the year in search of a better life in Europe.
A similar number made the treacherous sea journey over the same period last year.
But unlike previous years, new arrivals are increasingly finding themselves marooned in overcrowded camps in Italy as countries further north have shut their borders, effectively blocking their overland passage into the rest of Europe.
Blue diamond sells for $25 mn in New York
A blue diamond from the South African mine famous for contributing to the British Crown Jewels sold for more than $25 million in New York on Thursday, Christie's said.
The auction house said the Cullinan Dream was the largest Fancy Intense Blue type diamond to go under the hammer and was snapped up by an absentee bidder for $25.4 million, including premiums.
Christie's said it is the biggest of four blue diamonds cut from a 122.52 carat rough discovered in 2014 at the Cullinan mine northeast of Pretoria where the biggest ever rough diamond was unearthed a century ago.
The Cullinan Dream sold for more than $25 million in New York, Christie's said on June 9, 2016 Kena Betancur (AFP)
The mine yielded the 530.20 Cullinan I, which is the largest polished white diamond in existence and part of the Crown Jewels housed at the Tower of London.
Thursday's sale comes weeks after a dazzling blue diamond once owned by Britain's late mining magnate Philip Oppenheimer fetched a record $57.5 million in Geneva.
Jewel auctions have seen a surging value of precious stones, as the world's ultra-rich invest in hard assets as a safeguard against stock market volatility.
The Cullinan mine is where a 3,106-carat diamond was discovered in 1905. It was presented to the British monarch King Edward VII and cut up, resulting in gems forming part of the British crown jewels.
DIVIDED AMERICA: Evangelicals feel alienated, anxious
BENTON, Ky. (AP) Pastor Richie Clendenen stepped away from the pulpit, microphone in hand. He walked the aisles of the Christian Fellowship Church, his voice rising to describe the perils believers face in 21st-century America.
"The Bible says in this life you will have troubles, you will have persecutions. And Jesus takes it a step further: You'll be hated by all nations for my name's sake," he said.
"Let me tell you," the minister said, "that time is here."
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, lead pastor Richie Clendenen speaks during a service at the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. Clendenen reflected on the gulf between his congregants and other Americans. Stepping away from the pulpit, microphone in hand, he walked the sanctuary aisles, and his rising voice underscored his warning about what's ahead. "The Bible says in this life you will have troubles, you will have persecutions. And Jesus takes it a step further: You'll be hated by all nations for my namesake. Let me tell you," Clendenen said, "that time is here." (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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EDITOR'S NOTE This story is part of Divided America, AP's ongoing exploration of the economic, social and political divisions in American society.
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The faithful in the pews needed little convincing. Even in this deeply religious swath of western Kentucky a state where about half the residents are evangelical conservative Christians feel under siege.
For decades, they say, they have been steadily pushed to the sidelines of American life and have come under attack for their most deeply held beliefs, born of their reading of Scripture and their religious mandate to evangelize. The 1960s ban on prayer in public schools is still a fresh wound. Every legal challenge to a public Nativity scene or Ten Commandments display is another marginalization. They've been "steamrolled," they say, and "misunderstood."
Religious conservatives could once count on their neighbors to at least share their view of marriage. Those days are gone. Public opinion on same-sex relationships turned against conservatives even before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide.
Now, many evangelicals say liberals want to seal their cultural victory by silencing the church. Liberals call this paranoid. But evangelicals see evidence of the threat in every new uproar over someone asserting a right to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages whether it be a baker, a government clerk, or the leaders of religious charities and schools.
America's divisions right-left, urban-rural, black-white and more spill daily into people's lives, from their relations with each other, to their harsh communications on social media, to their decisions in an acrimonious presidential election campaign. Many Christian conservatives feel there is another, less recognized chasm in American life, and they find themselves on the other side of the divide between "us" and "them."
Clendenen, preaching on this recent Sunday, reflected on the chasm between his congregants and other Americans.
"There's nobody hated more in this nation than Christians," he said, amid nods and cries of encouragement. "Welcome to America's most wanted: You."
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For evangelicals like those at Christian Fellowship, the sense of a painful reckoning is not just imagined; their declining clout in public life can be measured.
The turnabout is astonishing and hard to grasp for them and for other Americans since the U.S. remains solidly religious and Christian, and evangelicals are still a formidable bloc in the Republican Party. But a series of losses in church membership and in public policy battles, along with America's changing demographics, are weakening evangelical influence, even in some of the most conservative regions of the country.
"The shift in the last few years has really been stunning," said Ed Stetzer, executive director of Lifeway Research, an evangelical consulting firm in Nashville, Tennessee. "Nobody would have guessed the pace of change. That's why so many people are yelling we have to take our country back."
The Protestant majority that dominated American culture through the nation's history is now a Protestant minority. Their share of the population dipped below 50 percent sometime after 2008.
Liberal-leaning Protestant groups, such as Presbyterians and Lutherans, started shrinking earlier, but some evangelical churches are now in decline. The conservative Southern Baptist Convention lost 200,000 from its ranks in 2014 alone, dropping to 15.5 million, its smallest number in more than two decades.
The trend is reflected in the highest reaches of public life. The U.S. Supreme Court is now comprised completely of Jews and Roman Catholics. In the 2012 presidential election, the Republican nominees were a Mormon, Mitt Romney, and a Catholic, Paul Ryan.
"We've lost our home field advantage," Stetzer said.
At the same time, the Bible Belt, as a cultural force, is collapsing, said the Rev. Russell Moore, head of the Southern Baptist public policy agency.
Nearly a quarter of Americans say they no longer affiliate with a faith tradition. It's the highest share ever recorded in surveys, indicating the stigma for not being religious has eased even in heavily evangelical areas. Americans who say they have no ties to organized religion, dubbed "nones," now make up about 23 percent of the population, just behind evangelicals, who comprise about 25 percent, according to the Pew Research Center.
Christians who have been only nominally tied to a conservative church are steadily dropping out altogether. When Moore was growing up in Mississippi, any parent whose children weren't baptized by age 12 or 13 would face widespread disapproval, he said. Those times have passed.
"People don't have to be culturally identified with evangelical Christianity in order to be seen as good people, good neighbors or good Americans," Moore said.
Politically, old guard religious right organizations such as the Moral Majority and the Christian Coalition are greatly diminished or gone, and no broadly unifying leader or organization has replaced them. In this year's presidential race, the social policy issues championed by Christian conservatives are not central, even amid the furor over bathroom access for transgender people.
Clendenen said many in his church backed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who had positioned himself in the Republican primaries as the standard bearer for religious conservatives. Chris Haynes, a church band member and communications professor, said he voted for Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Some congregants now support presumptive nominee Donald Trump a thrice-married, profane casino magnate with a record of positions at odds with social conservatism. "It's like we're scraping the bottom of the barrel," for candidates, said Haynes' wife, Brandi, who teaches at the Christian Fellowship school.
White evangelical voters remain very influential in early primaries. About two-thirds of Iowa caucus voters this year said they were born-again Christians. In Mississippi, eight in 10 primary voters were evangelical. And they turn out at high rates in general elections.
But white evangelicals can't match the growth rate of groups that tend to support Democrats Latinos, younger people and Americans with no religious affiliation. In 2004, overwhelming evangelical support helped secure a second term for President George W. Bush, a Christian conservative who made social issues a priority. In 2012, evangelicals voted for Romney at the same rate yet he lost.
This is a far cry from 1976, which Newsweek declared the "Year of the Evangelical," when born-again candidate Jimmy Carter won the presidency and more conservative Christians were drawn into politics. Four years later, Ronald Reagan famously recognized the emerging influence of the religious right, telling evangelicals in Dallas, "I know you can't endorse me, but I endorse you and what you're doing."
No issue has more starkly illuminated conservative Christians' waning influence than the struggle over same-sex marriage.
Evangelicals were "all in" with their opposition to gay rights starting back with the Moral Majority in the 1980s, said Robert Jones, author of "The End of White Christian America." In the 2004 election, Americans appeared to be on the same page, approving bans on same-sex marriage in all 11 states where the measures were on the ballot. When President Barack Obama was first elected in 2008, just four in 10 Americans supported gay marriage.
But three years later, support rose to more than five in 10. And now the business wing of the Republican Party is deserting social conservatives on the issue, largely backing anti-discrimination policies for gays and transgender people. Younger Americans, including younger evangelicals, are especially accepting of same-sex relationships, which means evangelicals "have lost a generation on this issue," Jones said.
"This issue is so prominent and so symbolic," said Jones, chief executive of Public Religion Research Institute, which specializes in surveys about religion and public life. "It was such a decisive loss, not only in the actual courts, the legal courts, but also in the court of public opinion. They lost legally and they lost culturally."
Clendenen said he saw "a lot of fear, a lot of anger" in his church after the Supreme Court ruling. He said it made him feel that Christians like him had been pushed to the edge of a cliff.
"It has become the keystone issue," he said, sitting in his office, where photos of his father and grandfather, both preachers, are on display. "I never thought we'd be in the place we are today. I never thought that the values I've held my whole life would bring us to a point where we were alienated or suppressed."
Trump uses rhetoric that has resonance for Christian conservatives who fear their teachings on marriage will soon be outlawed as hate speech.
"We're going to protect Christianity and I can say that," Trump has said. "I don't have to be politically correct."
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If culture wars and the outside world once felt remote amid the soybean and tobacco farms around Marshall County, Kentucky, change of many kinds is now obvious to Clendenen's congregants.
Latino immigrants are starting to arrive in significant numbers, drawn partly by farm work. Muslims are working at chicken processing plants in the next county or enrolling at nearby Murray State University. On a recent weeknight, a group of women wearing abayas shopped in a Dollar General store near campus. Some gays and lesbians are out in the community, and Clendenen says he occasionally sees them at Sunday worship.
It was on the other side of Kentucky, in Rowan County, where clerk Kim Davis spent five days in jail last year for refusing on religious grounds to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples since the licenses would include her name. Gov. Matt Bevin recently tried to defuse the conflict by signing a bill creating a form without a clerk's name.
In New Mexico and Oregon, a photographer and a baker were fined under nondiscrimination laws after refusing work for same-sex ceremonies. Daniel Slayden, a Christian Fellowship member and owner of Parcell's, a popular bakery and deli near the church, has never been asked to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple but already knows how he'd respond.
"If a homosexual couple comes in and wants a cake, then that's fine. I mean I'll do it as long as I'm free to speak my truth to them," said Slayden, taking a break after the lunchtime rush. "I don't want to get (to) any point to where I have to say or accept that their belief is the truth."
The problem, many religious conservatives say, is that government is growing more coercive in many areas bearing on their beliefs.
They say some colleges citing a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that required school groups to accept all comers are revoking recognition for Christian student clubs because they require their leaders to hold certain beliefs.
Some faith-based nonprofits with government contracts, such as Catholic Charities in Illinois, have shuttered adoption programs because of new state rules that say agencies with taxpayer funding can't refuse placements with same-sex couples.
And religious leaders worry that Christian schools and colleges will lose accreditation or tax-exempt status over their codes of conduct barring same-sex relationships.
A 1983 U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowed the IRS to revoke nonprofit status from religious schools that banned interracial dating. In the Supreme Court gay marriage case, U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, representing the government, was asked whether something similar could happen to Christian schools, which often provide housing for married students. He responded, "It's certainly going to be an issue," causing a meltdown across the evangelical blogosphere.
It has come to this: Many conservative Christians just don't feel welcome in their own country.
They say they are either mocked or erased in popular culture. "When was the last time you saw an evangelical or conservative Christian character portrayed positively on TV?" Stetzer asked.
"The idea of what we call biblical morality in our culture at large is completely laughed at and spurned as nonsense," said David Parish, a former pastor at Christian Fellowship and the son of its founder. "The church as an institution, as a public entity we are moving more and more in conflict with the culture and with other agendas."
How to navigate this new reality? Most conservative Christians fall into one of three broad camps.
There are those who are determined to even more fiercely wage the culture wars, demanding the broadest possible religious exemptions from recognizing same-sex marriage.
There are those who plan to withdraw as much as possible into their own communities to preserve their faith an approach dubbed the "Benedict Option," for a fifth-century saint who, disgusted by the decadence of Rome, fled to the forest where he lived as a hermit and prayed.
There is, however, a segment that advocates living as a "prophetic minority," confidently upholding their beliefs but in a gentler way that rejects the aggressive tone of the old religious right and takes up other issues, such as ending human trafficking, that can cross ideological lines.
Clendenen is cut from this mold. Now 38, he came of age when the religious right was at its apex, and he concluded any mix of partisan politics with Christianity was toxic for the church.
A congregant once lobbied him to participate in Pulpit Freedom Sunday, an annual conservative effort to defy IRS rules against backing politicians from the pulpit. Clendenen stood before the congregation and endorsed ... Jesus.
He prays for President Barack Obama, considering it a Christian duty no matter his opposition to the president's policies. But Clendenen believes few Americans who support same-sex marriage would show him or his fellow evangelicals a similar level of respect. "On any front that we speak on, we're given this label of intolerance, we're given this label of hate," Clendenen said. (He said evangelicals are partly responsible for the backlash, however, because of the hateful language some used in the marriage debates. "I don't see the LGBT community as my enemy," he said.)
He uses the word persecution to describe what Christians are facing in the U.S., even though he feels strange doing so. He has traveled extensively to help start churches in other countries, and knows the violence many Christians endure. A map of the world is posted in his office with pins in the places he's visited, including Romania and Kenya. And yet, he feels the word applies here, too.
He ruminated on all of this as he prepared to head into his sanctuary to lead the Sunday service.
Some good may come of these hard times, he believes. Conservative Christians who have been complacent will have to decide just how much their religion matters "when there's a price to pay for it," he said. Christianity has often thrived in countries where it faces intense opposition, he noted.
Preaching now, Clendenen urged congregants to hold fast to their positions in a country that has grown hostile to them. And as the worship service wound down, he issued a final exhortation.
"Don't give up," he said. "Don't let your light go out."
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AP reporter Allen G. Breed and photographer David Goldman contributed to this story.
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, a parishioner reads the bible before a service at the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. The congregation is one of more than 80 in the surrounding community, by pastor Richie Clendenen's count. Yet, even in this deeply religious swath of western Kentucky, a state where about half the residents are evangelical, conservative Christians feel under siege. They say that, for decades, they have been steadily pushed to the sidelines of American life and have come under attack for their most deeply held beliefs. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, parishioners pray during a service at the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. Religious conservatives could once count on their neighbors to at least share their view of marriage. Those days are gone. Public opinion on same-sex relationships had turned against conservatives even before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide last year. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, parishioner Megan Wagner bows her head in prayer during a service at the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. Many evangelicals say liberals want to seal their cultural victory by silencing the church. Liberals call this paranoid. But evangelicals see evidence of the threat in every new uproar over someone asserting a right to refuse recognition of same-sex marriages, whether it be a baker, a government clerk, or the leaders of religious charities and schools. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, lead pastor Richie Clendenen speaks during a service at the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. "The Bible says in this life you will have troubles, you will have persecutions. And Jesus takes it a step further: You'll be hated by all nations for my namesake. Let me tell you," Clendenen said, "that time is here." Amid nods and cries of encouragement, he continued: "There's nobody hated more in this nation than Christians. Welcome to America's most wanted: You." (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, Breonna Logothetis, right, and Karlee Phillips, both 16, lay out on the grass during a youth gathering at sunset outside the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. The congregation is one of more than 80 in the surrounding community, by pastor Richie Clendenen's count, and a congregant joked the churches here are so packed on Sundays "it's the best time to go to Wal-Mart." (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, youths play a game of wiffleball during a gathering at sunset outside the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. In this deeply religious swath of western Kentucky, a state where about half the residents are evangelical, conservative Christians feel under siege. They say that, for decades, they have been steadily pushed to the sidelines of American life and have come under attack for their most deeply held beliefs. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, youths sit under a sign at a baseball field during a gathering at dusk outside the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. For evangelicals, like those at Christian Fellowship, the sense of a painful reckoning is not just imagined; their declining clout in public life can be measured. The turnabout is astonishing and hard to grasp, for them and for other Americans, since the U.S. remains solidly religious and Christian, and evangelicals are still a formidable bloc in the Republican Party. But a series of losses in church membership and in public policy battles, along with America's changing demographics, are weakening evangelical influence, even in some of the most conservative regions of the country. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, youths hold hands for a prayer during a gathering at sunset outside the Christian Fellowship Church in Benton, Ky. Nearly a quarter of Americans say they no longer affiliate with a faith tradition. It's the highest share ever recorded in surveys, indicating the stigma for not being religious has eased, even in heavily evangelical areas. Americans who say they have no ties to organized religion, dubbed "nones," now make up about 23 percent of the population, just behind evangelicals, who comprise about 25 percent, according to the Pew Research Center. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Monday, April 11, 2016 photo, Daniel Slayden, owner of Parcell's Deli, Grille and Bakery, sits for a portrait after the lunchtime rush at his business in Benton, Ky. "If a homosexual couple comes in and wants a cake, then that's fine. I mean I'll do it as long as I'm free to speak my truth to them," said Slayden, taking a break after the lunchtime rush. "I don't want to get any point to where I have to say or accept that their belief is the truth." (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Monday, April 11, 2016 photo, Brandi, rear and Chris Haynes, near, sit on the living room floor of their home as their daughter, Evie, 3, puts a puzzle together in Murray, Ky. Haynes, who plays in the church worship band and teaches communications at Murray State, said he voted for John Kasich in the primary. Haynes said Trump brings out the worst in people. "It's like we're scraping the bottom of the barrel,'' said Brandi. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, leaflets sit in the window of the local Republican party office in Benton, Ky. Politically, old guard religious right organizations, such as the Moral Majority and the Christian Coalition, are greatly diminished or altogether gone, and no broadly unifying leader or organization has replaced them. In this year's presidential race, the social policy issues championed by Christian conservatives are not central, even amid the furor over bathroom access for transgender people. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, Richie Clendenen, lead pastor at Christian Fellowship Church, is photographed for a portrait after conducting a service, in Benton, Ky. No issue has more starkly illuminated conservative Christians' waning influence than the struggle over same-sex marriage. Clendenen said he saw "a lot of fear, a lot of anger" in his church after the Supreme Court ruling. He said it made him feel that Christians like him had been pushed to the edge of a cliff. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, Richie Clendenen, lead pastor at Christian Fellowship Church, left, is embraced by congregant Judd Deaton, after a service while dining with his wife Jenny at a restaurant in Benton, Ky. Clendenen prays for President Barack Obama, considering it a Christian duty no matter his opposition to the president's policies. But Clendenen believes few Americans who support same-sex marriage would show him or his fellow evangelicals a similar level of respect. ''On any front that we speak on, we're given this label of intolerance, we're given this label of hate," Clendenen said. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Tuesday, April 12, 2016 photo, Richie Clendenen, lead pastor at Christian Fellowship Church, top, prays with congregant Cathy Rutledge in the hospital as she recovers from a bout of pneumonia in Paducah, Ky. Clendenen uses the word persecution to describe what Christians are facing in the U.S., even though he feels strange doing so. He has traveled extensively to help start churches in other countries, and knows the violence many Christians endure. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, Richie Clendenen, lead pastor at Christian Fellowship Church, returns home after conducting an evening service, in Benton, Ky. Clendenen, 38, came of age when the religious right was at its apex, and he concluded any mix of partisan politics with Christianity was toxic for the church. A congregant once lobbied him to participate in Pulpit Freedom Sunday, an annual conservative effort to defy IRS rules against backing politicians from the pulpit. Clendenen stood before the congregation and endorsed ... Jesus. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, Richie Clendenen, lead pastor at Christian Fellowship Church, holds his son Trey, 11, after returning home from conducting an evening service, in Benton, Ky. "I feel like we're being made to accept everything that everybody else has said," explained Clendenen, "but at the same time our ideas, the truth that we hold so dear and the word of God isn't being tolerated whatsoever." (AP Photo/David Goldman)
In this Sunday April 10, 2016 photo, Trey Clendenen walks into his room before going to bed in Benton, Ky. In this deeply religious swath of western Kentucky, a state where about half the residents are evangelical, conservative Christians feel under siege. They say that, for decades, they have been steadily pushed to the sidelines of American life and have come under attack for their most deeply held beliefs. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Q&A: A look at white evangelical angst over declining clout
Conservative Christians are anxious about their future after losing the fight over gay marriage, and amid the growing share of Americans who have left organized religion. Here's a look at why white evangelicals are feeling so alienated from other Americans and at the changes fueling this anxiety.
WHAT'S CHANGING?
The U.S. remains solidly Christian, but between 2007 and 2014, the share of Christians in the country dropped from about 78 percent of the population to just under 71 percent, according to the Pew Research Center.
The decline was fueled mostly by losses among Roman Catholics and mainline Protestants. However, even in parts of the Bible Belt, conservative Christians who hadn't been very active in church are now feeling more comfortable saying they're no longer religious. The membership ranks of some evangelical denominations, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, are shrinking.
At the same time, the segment of Americans who say they have no particular religion has increased from 16 percent to 23 percent, Pew found. That's close to the share of evangelicals, who comprise just over 25 percent of the population.
At the same time, evangelicals are wrestling with being on the losing side of the fight over same-sex marriage. It was not only a defeat on a deeply significant religious and moral issue, but also evidence of a lack of conservative Christian influence over public opinion. More than half of Americans now support same-sex marriage.
Politically, white evangelicals remain one of the most important blocs in the Republican Party, and they continue to shape the early presidential primaries. But with the diminishment of old-guard religious right groups, Christian conservatives no longer have a unifying leader. As a result, evangelicals are splintering, diluting their influence. And they can't match the growth rate of groups who tend to support Democrats: Latinos, young people and people who are unaffiliated with a religion.
WHY ARE CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANS SO ANXIOUS?
Evangelicals are deeply worried about the fallout from the spread of LGBT rights and the growth of secularism.
They point to cases like the fines levied on a New Mexico photographer and Oregon baker for refusing business related to gay weddings. Conservative Christians fear their schools and colleges could lose their tax-exempt status or accreditation over codes of conduct barring same-sex relationships.
A 1983 U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowed the IRS to revoke tax-exempt status from religious schools that banned interracial dating. In the Supreme Court gay marriage case last year, U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, representing the government, was asked whether something similar could happen to Christian schools, which often provide housing for married students. "It's certainly going to be an issue," he responded, causing alarm in the evangelical blogosphere.
And religious conservatives worry about new rules added to government contracts that will affect faith-based social service agencies. For example, Catholic Charities in Illinois shuttered its adoption program over a new state rule that agencies with taxpayer funding can't refuse placements with same-sex couples.
Gay rights groups consider these changes a welcome corrective to decades of discrimination. They contend conservatives are using conscience rights and religious freedom complaints as an end run around advances for LGBT people. But conservative Christians say they are just seeking a balance between religious liberty and civil rights.
HOW ARE EVANGELICALS REACTING?
Evangelicals are debating whether they should even more fiercely wage the culture war, withdraw back into their own communities or stay engaged with Americans of other views, not only to help shape public discussion of morality but also to try and bring people into the church.
Christian publishers are churning out books and Bible studies on this last strategy, such as "Onward," by Russell Moore, "Thriving in Babylon," by Larry Osborne, and "Good Faith, Being a Christian When Society Thinks You're Irrelevant or Extreme," by Gabe Lyons and David Kinnaman.
America's beauty hasn't faded. Has its greatness?
Americans agree on this much: They are disgusted with politics.
They look toward Washington and see a broken federal government, a place where politicians seem more interested in self-preservation than We the People. Things don't seem much better in state capitals, and, who knows? Lead-tainted water may be pouring out of their kitchen faucet next.
Yet Americans say they still believe in America, the experiment in democracy that the founders described as a place where the government should protect the rights of ordinary people to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There's something at the core of America they long for, even if it's hard to define and seems distant in 2016.
This combination of 2016 photos shows, top row from left, Dana Craig, 15, of River Falls, Wis.; Kimberly Jung, 29, of Chicago and Rodney Kimball, 74, of West Bethel, Maine; middle row from left, Allene Swanson, 22, of Chicago; Craig House, 32, of St. Louis and Mike Poling of Delphos, Ohio; bottom row from left, Amal Kassir, 20, of Colorado; John Moore, 74, of New Orleans and Russ Madson, 45, of Birmingham, Ala. The Associated Press interviewed a wide range of Americans to get a sense of what they think about the nations greatness in the twilight of President Barrack Obamas eight years in office. (AP Photo)
Donald Trump proclaims he will "make America great again." Hillary Clinton counters that America "has never stopped being great." But what does that even mean? And who defines greatness? A billionaire businessman, a former secretary of state or an aging musician in New Orleans?
What about the woman in Illinois who served in the U.S. military in Afghanistan?
Or the industrial worker worried about his job in Alabama?
The Associated Press interviewed a wide range of Americans to get a sense of what they think about the nation's greatness in the twilight of President Barack Obama's eight years in office. The responses were as different as Americans themselves, yet a theme emerged: Compared to other nations, the United States is at least good, probably even great. But there's a lot of work to be done.
"Yes, America is great. It could be a lot better if the politicians weren't fighting each other all the time ...," said Rodney Kimball, a 74-year-old stove dealer in West Bethel, Maine. "The government needs to start doing what's right for the people."
America is divided by political party, choice of media, income, gender, race or ethnic group, religious faith (or not), generation, geography and general outlook on the country's future. Pundits have proclaimed the electorate angry and wondered if the nation can ever recover the sense of unity experienced in the immediate aftermath of the al-Qaida attacks that took place 15 years ago this September.
The current dearth of confidence in the nation's politics and government is striking. Recent polling by the AP and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows just 13 percent of Americans are proud of the 2016 election, and 55 percent feel helpless. Only 10 percent have a great deal of confidence in the overall political system, with 4 percent having a great deal of confidence in Congress, 15 percent in the executive branch, and 24 percent in the Supreme Court. Few Americans see either political party as responsive to ordinary voters.
Although their America is still a land of shining seas, spacious skies and majestic mountains, many express a deep sense of disenchantment and uncertainty in their own lives.
"I think that America as an idea is one of the most beautiful ideas that the world has ever known. I think that American opportunity and ingenuity has built some of the most incredible technologies and innovations today," said Allene Swanson, 22, of Chicago. "And still, when I look around, I see a country that seems like it's crumbling. I see people who are hungry and broke and who are struggling a lot."
For some, real success has always seemed out of reach. The old textile mill across town is a reminder, dark and empty because labor was cheaper in Southeast Asia or Latin America; the manufacturing plant on the outskirts of the city uses steel imported from China.
Employment has rebounded since the great recession, but wages are stagnant. Forget saving for a home millions work more than one job just to keep food on the table and the lights on. What happened to the American dream?
That's what is being asked in places like inner city St. Louis, home to 32-year-old Craig House. He lives with his grandmother in a sea of burned-out buildings and abandoned schools not far from a hip, trendy part of town.
"America has always been great, just not for me and my people. For us it's been the worst ever," said House, shaking his head as he takes a long drag off his cigarette. "People come from all over the world, Arabs own this, that. Black man don't own nothing."
Known as "Deacon" in his native New Orleans, 74-year-old guitarist John Moore remembers a time when America was headed in the right direction, when everything seemed to be coming together. It was in the 1960s, when black people like Moore were seeing an end to racial segregation; when women were gaining equality; when politicians were taking a stand to end poverty despite the turmoil of protests over the Vietnam War.
"Those were the best years," said Moore, tears welling in his eyes in the living room-turned-recording studio of his shotgun house. "And then they were destroyed right before my very eyes when they assassinated all of our leaders. Robert Kennedy. John Kennedy. Martin Luther King. Malcolm X. All of our leaders. And, you know, that was the end of hope. We had no more hope."
Hope returned, at least for some, in 2008 when a mixed-race lawyer with a foreign-sounding name won the White House. Obama's election seemed to prove that anyone could accomplish anything in America.
Yet the years that followed have seemed more unsettling than uplifting to many. Today, some people want more from their government. Others just want it to go away as much as possible.
"I expect less government, less regulation," said Russ Madson, 45, a steel industry worker looking for better opportunities in Birmingham, Alabama. "Our country was built by people like the Rockefellers, Edison, Henry Ford pioneers. And today they couldn't do what they did because of regulation."
But others expect more of government. Agriculture consultant and farmer Mike Poling of Delphos, Ohio, expects good governance and leadership "and nothing less."
"That's what got us to this point and that's what made America great," said Poling, 58. "What made America great is its people. That's what built the country. Our forefathers had the foresight to draft the Constitution, the Bill of Rights that has laid the groundwork for (the) nation carrying on for 200 years and continues to guide us."
Yet American greatness isn't just about words scrawled on yellowed paper and kept in a vault at the National Archives. A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, daughter of immigrants from Hong Kong, 29-year-old Kimberly Jung sees it as something deeper, a challenge to every citizen.
"I believe greatness is a responsibility," said Jung, of Chicago. "It's a dual state of mind in which you know your power or you know what resources you have but also your weaknesses. And you harness that set of strengths and weaknesses to work with a group and form a team and do great things."
That striving for the common good is somehow AWOL in America right now, people say.
"If there was one thing I could change about this country it would be to sit here and get us focused back on the country itself and not on our own self-interest," said Poling, the Ohio farmer. "I think we've lost track of what built this country, and that is the fact we came together as a body of one to build it and make it great."
In a sprawling country of 319 million people, it's easy for most anyone to tuck themselves away in suburbia, the rural heartland, an urban ghetto or a gentrified neighborhood and see only those things outside the front window or just down the street. People can turn on the echo chamber of cable TV or the internet and forget what high school student Dana Craig says America really is: A great place built on the idea that everyone should get an equal opportunity, a chance.
"Throughout history (I am) not sure we did the best job in keeping up with these principles and reaching those goals in the way that we want to, but I think what defines our greatness is our ability to continue working toward these goals even if we are not necessarily perfect in them," said Craig, 15, of River Falls, Wisconsin.
Whether they opt for Trump, Clinton or someone else this November, Americans say the state of the union isn't good enough. Amal Kassir sees her own future caught up with the chance the country has right now to make itself into something better.
Kassir, a 20-year-old college student in Colorado, was born in Denver to a father from Syria and a mother from America. A poet who also works in her family's Middle Eastern restaurant, Kassir describes her own life as being intertwined with that of the United States.
Is America great? Yes, she says. And it's also her best chance.
"No doubt whatever greatness I'm capable of comes from being in this place," she said.
___
Associated Press writer Mike Householder in Delphos, Ohio; video journalists Peter Banda in Denver and Teresa Crawford in Chicago; and photographer Bob Bukaty in Portland, Maine, contributed to this report.
In this May 14, 2016 photo, wood stove and antique dealer Rodney Kimball speaks during an interview at his shop in West Bethel, Maine. "America is great but it could be a lot better if the politicians weren't fighting all the time like they are now," he said. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
In this Tuesday, April 12, 2016 photo, musician "Deacon" John Moore holds his guitar in New Orleans. At 74, he remembers a time when America was headed in the right direction, when everything seemed to be coming together. It was in the 1960s, when black people like himself were seeing an end to racial segregation; when women were gaining equality; when politicians were taking a stand to end poverty despite the turmoil of protests over the Vietnam War. "Those were the best years," said Moore. "And then they were destroyed right before my very eyes when they assassinated all of our leaders. Robert Kennedy. John Kennedy. Martin Luther King. Malcom X. All of our leaders. And, you know, that was the end of hope. We had no more hope." (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
In this April 21, 2016 image made from video, Allene Swanson, 22, prepares packages of saffron grown by Afghan farmers for distribution, at her workplace in Chicago. "I think that America as an idea is one of the most beautiful ideas that the world has ever known. I think that American opportunity and ingenuity has built some of the most incredible technologies and innovations today," she says. "And still, when I look around, I see a country that seems like its crumbling. I see people who are hungry and broke and who are struggling a lot." (AP Photo)
In this March 27, 2016 photo, Craig House, 32, stands in front of his home in St. Louis. He lives with his grandmother in an area with burned-out buildings and abandoned schools not far from a hip, trendy part of town. America has always been great, just not for me and my people. For us it's been the worst ever," he says. "People come from all over the world, Arabs own this, that. Black man don't own nothing." (AP Photo/Robin McDowell)
In this Thursday, April 21, 2016 image made from video, Mike Poling, 58, tends to cows at his farm in Delphos, Ohio. The agriculture consultant and farmer expects good governance and leadership "and nothing less." "Thats what got us to this point and thats what made America great," he says. "What made America great is its people. That's what built the country. Our forefathers had the foresight to draft the Constitution, the Bill of Rights that has laid the groundwork for (the) nation carrying on for 200 years and continues to guide us." (AP Photo/Mike Householder)
In this May 19, 2016 photo, Kimberly Jung, 29, poses for a photo in Chicago. A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, she believes, "... greatness is a responsibility. Its a dual state of mind in which you know your power or you know what resources you have but also your weaknesses. And you harness that set of strengths and weaknesses to work with a group and form a team and do great things." (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)
In this Tuesday, May 31, 2016 photo, high school student Dana Craig, 15, stands at her locker in River Falls, Wis. Craig says America is a great place built on the idea that everyone should get an equal opportunity, a chance. "Throughout history (I am) not sure we did best job in keeping up with these principles and reaching those goals in the way that we want to, but I think what defines our greatness is our ability to continue working toward these goals even if we are not necessarily perfect in them," said Craig, 15, of River Falls, Wis. (AP Photo/Robin McDowell)
In Montana, neighbor vs neighbor over welcoming refugees
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) For the world, the photograph of a Syrian 3-year-old in a red T-shirt and black sneakers, his lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach, was a horrific symbol of the desperation of hundreds of thousands of refugees.
For Mary Poole, a young mother haunted by "those little shoes ... the little face," it was an inspiration.
She and members of her book club asked: Why not bring a small number of Syrian families to Missoula?
In this April 12, 2016 photo, mountains rise behind a fence on land belonging to Gloria Roark, a vocal opponent of refugees coming to her state, near Clearwater, Mont. What started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should take care of our own before worrying about newcomers. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
She knows now that this was a "romantic" notion. "It wasn't even a grain of sand in my brain that people wouldn't want to help starving, drowning families," she says. "I didn't do this to be controversial. I didn't do this to stir the pot."
But it did. And what started as a clash over a single issue welcoming dozens of refugees to this peaceful corner of western Montana soon erupted into a larger feud over Islam, big government and the idea that Americans should "take care of our own" before worrying about newcomers.
Demonstrators took to the streets carrying signs with wildly divergent views: "Rise Above Fear, Refugees Welcome" versus "No Jobs, No Housing, No Free Anything." Neighboring counties and in some cases, neighbors locked horns. Some refugee opponents warned Islamic State terrorists could infiltrate their communities.
Missoula Mayor John Engen traces this turmoil to broader fears that have gripped the country. "We have been programmed to be very afraid since 9/11 and to think of people who aren't white Anglo-Saxon Americans as 'other' and we should be afraid of people who are 'other," he says.
But Ray Hawk, a commissioner in Ravalli County, just south of here, says the threats are real. "These are folks that have declared war on the United States," he says.
The conflict reflects what's happening across the nation in an election year dominated by immigration rhetoric including calls by Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, to build a border wall, deport massive numbers of immigrants living in the country illegally and temporarily ban Muslims from entering the U.S.
More generally, Montanans are like other Americans who ask: How are we to live together, as one nation, when we are so estranged?
At a time when Americans are polarized over matters ranging from gay marriage to guns, the rift over refugees is yet another "incarnation of the larger divide in the country," says the Rev. Joseph Carver, whose congregation at Missoula's St. Francis Xavier Parish overwhelmingly favors bringing refugees to town.
Carver, like others here, believes the spark that ignited this conflict is fear. "Refugees," he declares, "are seen as a threat to our way of life."
Missoula is an island of progressive blue surrounded by a sea of conservative red, so disagreements with neighbors aren't unusual. But for many, something feels different about this particular feud in this particular election year. Hostilities seem greater somehow directed not only at those seen as "other" but even some who've long called this place home.
"This is the first time I actually look behind me as I walk. I've been here 42 years," says Samir Bitar, an Arabic studies professor at the University of Montana. "It's like every part of my identity is coming under attack, including my American identity."
Montana is not a diverse state. Nearly nine of 10 residents are white and only 2 percent of the population is foreign-born, according to Census figures. Since 2012, the state has welcomed just 13 refugees from Cuba and Iraq, according to officials.
But if there's one place primed to roll out a welcome mat, it's Missoula, a laid-back college town (it's home to the University of Montana) with coffee houses, bike trails and a peace center named after the first woman member of Congress, who happened to be a pacifist. The community also has a recent history of helping refugees: Hmong, Ukrainians and Belarusians have been resettled here in decades past.
So when Poole and others formed a group called Soft Landing, they quickly expanded their plan to include not just Syrians but all refugees and turned to the International Rescue Committee to lead the resettlement. Their efforts were endorsed by Missoula's mayor, most council members and the three Democratic county commissioners, who sent letters to federal officials.
Elsewhere, however, the objections were fierce.
In Ravalli County, commissioners drafted a letter opposing refugees, after presiding over a packed hearing. And in testimony, letters and at rallies, some Montanans argued that Muslims or others from the Middle East some opposed all refugees could impose new financial pressures and threaten the American way of life. Many said their biggest fear was the U.S. government couldn't conduct adequate screening.
"It doesn't make any difference if they're Muslims, Russians, whatever. You have to know who they are, what they've been doing in the past," says Jim Buterbaugh, a construction worker in Whitehall, Montana, who organized three opposition rallies.
The other side weighed in with reminders of America's history of providing sanctuary to those who've fled war and oppression, pointed to a lengthy screening process, and noted that other refugees had resettled successfully in the state.
Shawn Wathen, a bookstore owner in Ravalli County, was appalled his 18-year-old son was booed when he testified in support of the refugees. Wathen sees the rejection of refugees as a blend of misinformation, economic anxiety and fear of the unknown.
"You name whatever religious or ethnic group they can always be seen as the 'other,'" he says. "It just surpasses any notion of reason ... that kind of idea that they are not us, and therefore they pose a threat."
The International Rescue Committee has met with Missoula officials to prepare for the refugees about 100 will come over a year. The agency plans to reopen a resettlement office here this fall, after a 25-year absence. Those most likely to be relocated include Congolese, Afghans and Syrians.
Mary Poole is looking forward to their arrival, expecting it will change the life of her 17-month-old son, Jack.
There will come a day, she says with a smile, when "he will be able to sit in a school next to someone of a different color, of a different language, of a different culture and be able to learn that he lives in a global world.
"I don't think we can be insulated anymore."
___
Sharon Cohen, a Chicago-based national writer, can be reached at scohen@ap.org.
In this April 14, 2016 photo, activist and Soft Landing founder Mary Poole works at home in Missoula, Mont. Haunted by the 2015 photo of a Syrian refugee boy washed ashore in Turkey, she and members of her book group asked: Why not bring a small number of Syrian families to Missoula? "It wasn't even a grain of sand in my brain that people wouldn't want to help starving, drowning families. I didn't do this to be controversial. I didn't do this to stir the pot," she says. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, activist and Soft Landing founder Mary Poole plays with her dog at home in Missoula, Mont. Haunted by the 2015 photo of a Syrian refugee boy washed ashore in Turkey, she and members of her book group asked: Why not bring a small number of Syrian families to Missoula? "It wasn't even a grain of sand in my brain that people wouldn't want to help starving, drowning families. I didn't do this to be controversial. I didn't do this to stir the pot," she says. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, a frontier battle is depicted in a painting hanging on the wall in the Ravalli County Commissioners offices in Hamilton, Mont. What started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should take care of our own before worrying about newcomers. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, Gloria Roark, a vocal opponent of refugees coming to her state, drives near her ranch land outside Clearwater, Mont. Roark helped organize anti-refugee rallies, including at the state capital and another in Missoula. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, Jim Buterbaugh and Gloria Roark, opponents of refugees coming to their state, talk on ranch land belonging to Roark near Clearwater, Mont. Buterbaugh says, It doesnt make any difference if theyre Muslims, Russians, whatever. You have to know who they are, what they've been doing in the past. Are you going to go downtown and take five people off the streets and move them into your house without knowing who they are? Nobody in their right mind would do that." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, Jim Buterbaugh, a vocal opponent of refugees coming to his state, stands on ranch land belonging to a friend near Clearwater, Mont. It doesnt make any difference if theyre Muslims, Russians, whatever. You have to know who they are, what they've been doing in the past, says Buterbaugh, a construction worker who organized three opposition rallies, including one at the state capitol. Are you going to go downtown and take five people off the streets and move them into your house without knowing who they are? Nobody in their right mind would do that." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
This April 14, 2016 photo shows a street corner in Hamilton, Mont., the county seat of Ravalli County. Though the sparsely populated state is home to seven Indian reservations, nearly nine of 10 residents are white, according to Census figures. Only about 2 percent are foreign-born. Since 2012, the state has welcomed just 13 refugees from Cuba and Iraq, according to officials. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Samir Bitar, Arabic studies professor at the University of Montana, speaks during an interview on the campus in Missoula, Mont. Bitar moved to Montana as a 16-year-old to attend college in Missoula and has been here for 42 years. But he says because of current anti-Muslim sentiments in the U.S., he feels threatened in a way he never has before. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Samir Bitar, Arabic studies professor at the University of Montana, teaches Arabic language class on campus in Missoula, Mont. Bitar has lectured for decades across the state without controversy _ until 2016, when about a dozen people in the nearby town of Darby objected to his planned talk at the library. The reason: They didnt want a Muslim in their town, according to the librarian. The library board voted. Bitar spoke and received a warm reception. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Samir Bitar, Arabic studies professor at the University of Montana, walks to his class on campus in Missoula, Mont. Bitar, a Palestinian who moved to Montana as a 16-year-old to attend college in Missoula, finds current anti-Muslim sentiments in the U.S. disheartening. People now are motivated by pure emotion and not really thinking in logical terms, he says. Fear turns into hatred. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, bison graze near Hamilton, Mont., in Ravalli County. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, Missoula Mayor John Engen exits city hall in Missoula, Mont. I think that the war on terror has produced an internal war on compassion, he says. We have been programmed to be very afraid since 9/11 and to think of people who aren't white Anglo-Saxon Americans as `other and we should be afraid of people who are other. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, Missoula Mayor John Engen speaks during an interview outside city hall in Missoula, Mont. I think that the war on terror has produced an internal war on compassion, he says. We have been programmed to be very afraid since 9/11 and to think of people who aren't white Anglo-Saxon Americans as 'other and we should be afraid of people who are other. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, bighorn sheep run along a steep mountainside outside Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, Ray Hawk, a Ravalli County commissioner, speaks during an interview in Hamilton, Mont. These are folks that have declared war on the United States, he says, worried that terrorists could pose as refugees. Their war is terrorism and thats the way theyre going to do it. And I dont feel that we need to give them that chance. Now, if the government gets a handle on this thing and has a way to vet these people, Im all for them. I love to see anybody come into America and succeed. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this Feb. 1, 2016 photo, Dee and John Gibney, right, sit holding anti-refugee signs and watch a small group of counter protesters at far left during a rally, in Missoula, Mont. What started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should take care of our own before worrying about newcomers. (Tom Bauer/The Missoulian via AP)
In this March 1, 2016 photo, Michael Capozzoli, left, and Warren Little express differing views on the refugee resettlement debate, in Missoula, Mont., during a rally organized in support of efforts to provide local resettlement help for refugees. What started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should take care of our own before worrying about newcomers. (Kurt Wilson/The Missoulian via AP)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, Shawn Wathen stands for a photo inside his bookstore in Hamilton, Mont., the county seat of Ravalli County. Wathen, who has called the sprawling Bitterroot Valley home for 20 years, sees the rejection of refugees as a blend of misinformation, economic anxiety and fear of the unknown. "It surpasses any notion of reason ... that kind of idea that they are not us, and therefore they pose a threat, he says. There's just that sense the horde is out there and if we don't circle the wagons ... we're going to be overrun and poor white America is going to suffer." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, surfers ride an artificial wave created in the Clark Fork River in downtown Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Jameel Chaudhry, University of Montana campus architect, speaks during an interview on the campus in Missoula, Mont. A native of Kenya and a member of the small Muslim community in the area, says he senses a new hostility. "All of a sudden WE are the problem. Weve never had this before, and I've been here 20 years. We didn't have this even after 9/11." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Jameel Chaudhry, University of Montana campus architect, walks on the campus in Missoula, Mont. A native of Kenya and a member of the small Muslim community in the area, says he senses a new hostility. "All of a sudden WE are the problem. Weve never had this before, and I've been here 20 years. We didn't have this even after 9/11." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, runners make their way down a hillside overlooking the University of Montana campus in Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, peace activist Betsy Mulligan-Dague stands next to a wall covered in bumper stickers at the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, which she directs, in Missoula, Mont. Mulligan-Dague works with Soft Landing, a non-profit organized to help with the resettlement of refugees in the area. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, pedestrians walk past the entrance to the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, in Missoula, Mont. Rankin, a pacifist who was the first woman member of Congress, was the only vote against declaring war on Japan after the Pearl Harbor attack. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
Q&A: A look at the refugee crisis dividing some Americans
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) A clash in past months over whether to welcome a small number of refugees to western Montana erupted into a larger feud over Islam, big government and the idea that Americans should "take care of our own" before worrying about newcomers. Demonstrators supporting and opposing refugees gathered by the hundreds at rallies. Tempers flared as the two sides squabbled over the threat of Islamic terrorism and the need to help desperate people fleeing violence.
Here's a look at issues surrounding what a local pastor called "one incarnation of the larger divide in the country."
WHAT'S THE FUSS ALL ABOUT?
In this March 1, 2016 photo, Michael Capozzoli, left, and Warren Little express differing views on the refugee resettlement debate, in Missoula, Mont., during a rally organized in support of efforts to provide local resettlement help for refugees. What started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should take care of our own before worrying about newcomers. (Kurt Wilson/The Missoulian via AP)
The fate of hundreds of thousands of Syrians fleeing the chaos and bloodshed of their nation's five-year-old civil war mushroomed into an international humanitarian crisis last fall when they began flooding into Europe and the Middle East. The scope of the tragedy was captured in one image that focused new attention on the urgent need for countries to address the crisis: A photo of a 3-year-old refugee who had drowned and washed ashore in Turkey.
President Barack Obama pledged to increase to 10,000 the number of Syrian refugees welcomed in the U.S. by the end of September, but the pace of entries has been exceedingly slow. That plan was met with resistance by most Republican governors and the GOP presidential candidates, who argued the government didn't have an adequate screening system to prevent terrorists from slipping into the U.S.
HOW ARE POLITICAL LEADERS REACTING?
Reaction has been split almost entirely along party lines. Following the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California, GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the U.S. He has also spoken against accepting Syrian refugees.
More than half the nation's governors all but one Republicans also called for a halt to, or expressed reservations about, resettling Syrian refugees in the U.S., saying concerns needed to be resolved first. States included: Alabama, Indiana, Texas and Wisconsin. The lone Democrat was from New Hampshire.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said: "There may be those who will try to take advantage of the generosity of our country and the ability to move freely within our borders through this federal resettlement program, and we must ensure we are doing all we can to safeguard the security of Americans."
One supporter, Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy of Connecticut, recently expressed this counterview: "When people will rise up to defame a religious group or a gender group or women, then Americans of good principle and strong heart need to say, 'Not in my land, not in any land.'"
ARE ANY STATES ACCEPTING REFUGEES?
From Oct. 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, 2,805 Syrian refugees had arrived in the U.S., according to State Department data .
More than two-thirds were resettled in 10 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. In the same period, the U.S. has accepted almost twice the number of refugees from Iraq and almost three times as many from Myanmar.
From May 1, 2011, (shortly after the civil war began) to May 31, 2016, 4,674 Syrian refugees resettled in the U.S. The following is a breakdown by state:
Arizona: 368, Arkansas: 1, California: 496, Colorado: 36, Connecticut: 118, Florida: 267, Georgia: 178, Idaho: 37, Illinois: 291, Indiana: 82, Kansas: 13, Kentucky: 154, Louisiana: 28, Maine: 5, Maryland: 71, Massachusetts: 105, Michigan: 505, Minnesota: 15, Missouri 74, Nebraska: 13: Nevada: 28, New Hampshire: 8, New Jersey: 158, New Mexico: 10, New York: 165, North Carolina: 190, Ohio: 179, Oklahoma: 3, Oregon: 33, Pennsylvania: 364, Rhode Island: 34, South Carolina: 2, Tennessee: 62, Texas: 359, Utah: 43, Virginia: 44, Washington: 116, West Virginia: 1, Wisconsin: 18.
These states had none: Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming. Also, the District of Columbia.
From May 1, 2011 to May 31, 2016, more than 336,000 refugees have come to America, according to the State Department. Those from Myanmar, Iraq, Bhutan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo account for more than three-fourths of the total.
IS THIS KIND OF DEBATE UNUSUAL?
America has a long history of wariness of refugees. Last November, after the Paris terrorist attacks, a Gallup poll found that Americans, by 60 to 37 percent, opposed taking in refugees fleeing Syria. In 1978, there was a 57 to 32 percent opposition to accepting Indochinese boat people, and in 1946, after World War II, the public was against welcoming displaced people from Europe, including Jews, by 72 to 16 percent.
Generally, Americans tend to favor refugees with whom they share some connection political, religious or personal and the public has little interaction with Muslims, says David Haines, a professor emeritus at George Mason University who has written extensively about refugees.
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Chicago man suing city over shooting arrested on warrant
CHICAGO (AP) Chicago police arrested a man on a murder warrant Wednesday, just moments after he announced he is suing the city over being shot by officers seven times in 2014.
Police arrested 25-year-old Dominiq Greer after a news conference Wednesday at his attorney's office. He was arrested on suspicion of killing 22-year-old Kevin Larry on May 27 and has not been formally charged.
"We became aware he was holding a press conference for a civil suit against the police department, and the police department doesn't wait to apprehend people accused of murder," said Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesman for the department.
Greer's attorney, Eugene Hollander, was surprised by the arrest.
"It's definitely a surprise to me. He was going to grab an Uber back home and as he was waiting a squad car pulled up," Hollander told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Hollander didn't return a call from The Associated Press seeking comment on the allegations.
Police say Larry was found shot in the chest after they responded to a report of shots fired at an apartment.
After the killing, the police department issued an "officer safety alert" regarding Greer. The alert, which also referred to Greer by an alias, "Domo," said he was overheard by witnesses saying he would "not be taken alive."
Moments before Greer's arrest, Hollander and Greer had announced the lawsuit, which seeks $15 million over Greer's July 4, 2014, shooting.
Greer said he had illegally obtained a gun to protect himself following a friend's 2014 death and had it with him when police approached him and a friend in the early morning hours of July 4.
Greer admits running from police but said he tossed the gun aside before he was shot.
"I thought I was (going to) die," Greer said Wednesday. "I asked them why they was shooting me like that so many times."
Greer spent eight days in a hospital.
He was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, a charge that is still pending.
A review of Greer's case by the Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates police shootings, found the gun fired when Greer tossed it. The review concluded officers reacted to the gunshot by firing at Greer and fired again when they ordered him to raise his hands but he did not.
Greer and Hollander showed a video of the pursuit that they say backs up his claims.
That video was not among others released by Chicago police last week related to scores of excessive-force investigations.
The Latest: Southwest plane to St. Louis returns to Vegas
LAS VEGAS (AP) The Latest on the return of a St. Louis-bound Southwest Airlines flight to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (all times local):
3:55 p.m.
A Southwest Airlines official says no emergency was declared before a St. Louis-bound commercial flight returned to Las Vegas to check whether the aircraft had a blown tire and tail damage.
McCarran International Airport spokeswoman Christine Crews said Flight 511 took off from Vegas about 12:50 p.m. Wednesday and the pilot reported about 1:45 p.m. that the aircraft was returning.
Officials said the Boeing 737 landed safely a little after 2:10 p.m.
Airline spokesman Dan Landson called the landing uneventful. He says the aircraft taxied to the terminal, where it was checked by maintenance workers and cleared to return to service.
Landson said there were 174 passengers and six crew members aboard. That was one fewer than the airport reported.
A Federal Aviation Administration spokesman says the agency will investigate.
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2:55 p.m.
Officials say a Southwest Airlines flight was already in the air for nearly an hour before calling in an emergency to return to the Las Vegas airport.
McCarran International Airport spokeswoman Christine Crews said the St. Louis-bound Boeing 737 aircraft called about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday to report that its tail may have hit something or there was a possible blown tire.
The flight took off from Vegas about 12:50 p.m., and it landed safely and normally back there at 2:13 p.m.
None of the 181 people aboard Southwest Airlines flight 511 were injured, and there were no obvious signs of property damage.
The Clark County Fire Department responded per protocol, clearing the scene at 2:19 p.m.
The Latest: Deal in bodies-in-suitcases case delayed
MILWAUKEE (AP) The Latest on attempts to reach a plea deal for a former suburban Milwaukee police officer accused of leaving the bodies of two women he's accused of killing in suitcases along a Wisconsin highway (all times local):
6 p.m.
A proposed plea deal has been delayed for a former suburban Milwaukee police officer charged with ditching the bodies of two women he's accused of killing in suitcases along a rural Wisconsin highway.
The Wisconsin case against Steven Zelich was expected to wrap up Wednesday when he was to enter a plea and be sentenced on two counts of hiding a corpse in Walworth County.
But Judge David Reddy said he was concerned that things were happening too quickly after the initial plea agreement was changed just before the hearing.
The Janesville Gazette (http://bit.ly/1OdObTf ) reports Zelich's attorney agreed to set the case for trial to have more time to talk to his client. The jury trial is set for Oct. 3.
The 54-year-old Zelich has already been sentenced to 35 years in prison in the 2012 death of 19-year-old Jenny Gamez, of Cottage Grove, Oregon. Authorities are hoping to extradite him to Minnesota, where he's charged in the death of the other victim.
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9:40 a.m.
A former suburban Milwaukee police officer accused of killing two women and ditching their bodies in suitcases along a rural Wisconsin highway is facing extradition to Minnesota where he's charged in the death of one of the victims.
The Wisconsin case against Steven Zelich is expected to wrap up Wednesday when he enters a plea and is sentenced on two counts of hiding a corpse in Walworth County. The 54-year-old Zelich has already been sentenced to 35 years in prison in the 2012 death of 19-year-old Jenny Gamez, of Cottage Grove, Oregon.
Newspaper publisher holds essay contest to find new owner
HARDWICK, Vt. (AP) As he approaches his 71st birthday, Ross Connelly is ready to retire as editor and publisher of the 127-year-old community newspaper in Vermont he and his late wife bought three decades ago.
He was unsuccessful at selling the weekly Hardwick Gazette, so he came up with a novel way to find a new owner: an essay contest that kicks off on Saturday, his birthday.
If he gets at least 700 essays, he'll pick a winner from among them. He's looking for someone who can show they can handle the responsibility of providing strong local coverage at a time when people are increasingly relying on the internet and social media for their news.
"We want to hear from people who can hold up a mirror in which local citizens can see themselves and gain insights into the lives within their communities," Connelly said in an online news release. "We want to hear from people with a passion for local stories that are important, even in the absence of scandal and sensationalism. We want to hear from people who recognize social media is not the same as a local newspaper."
The newspaper is based in Hardwick, a community of about 3,000 residents in northern Vermont. The new owner also must be committed to the community.
"The winner of this contest will demonstrate this is a business that employs local people that keeps the money we earn in the communities we cover, that is here week after week because the people who live here are important," Connelly said.
Connelly and his late wife Susan Jarzyn bought the newspaper in 1986 after moving to Vermont from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She died in 2011. He said now seems like a good time to retire.
The entry fee is $175, and contestants are expected to write up to 400 words about their skills and vision for owning a weekly newspaper with paid subscriptions.
The winner also will assume ownership of the newspaper's historic building, equipment, website and proprietary materials needed to operate the business. The newspaper is printed offsite at a press not owned by the paper.
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Argentine energy minister hit by Shell shares controversy
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) Argentina's government is defending its energy minister who is facing growing criticism for continuing to own shares to Royal Dutch Shell, where he was an executive of the local branch.
Juan Jose Aranguren became energy minister in December. He reported about $1.1 million in Shell's class A shares in a wealth statement that was released this week.
Cabinet chief Marcos Pena said Wednesday that "the law is very clear" and there is no conflict of interest.
But critics say Aranguren has privileged information about the oil market and could benefit.
German Emanuele of the non-governmental organization Poder Ciudadano says Aranguren is breaking the public ethics law and should sell his shares in the company.
Complaints mount against Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is coming under fire for her decision to ask Donald Trump for a contribution around the same time her office was being asked about a New York investigation of alleged fraud at Trump University.
Massachusetts trial attorney J. Whitfield Larrabee on Wednesday filed complaints against Bondi with the state's ethics commission, as well as the organization that regulates lawyers. Meanwhile, State Sen. Dwight Bullard, a Miami Democrat, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch requesting an independent probe into Bondi's actions.
Bondi released a statement saying "these attacks are without merit" and have "no basis in fact."
A Maui judge is ordering the release of a woman accused in the death of her twin sister after finding there's no probable cause for a murder charge.
Court records show Judge Blaine Kobayashi ordered the release of Alexandria Duval during her preliminary hearing Wednesday.
Prosecutors say Duval, who changed her name from Alison Dadow, intentionally caused the death of her sister when she allegedly drove them off a cliff last week.
Anastasia Duval, whose previous name was Ana Dadow, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told police they heard them arguing before the crash and that the passenger was pulling the driver's hair.
Anastasia, left, and Alexandria Duval, known as Alison and Ann Dadow before they changed their names, stand in the window of their yoga studio in West Palm Beach, Florida
Anastasia and Alexandria Duval, 37, went over the steep Hana Highway bluffs in their vehicle - Anastasia was killed
Alexandria Duval listens in court during her preliminary hearing Wednesday, June 8, 2016 - she was released today by Maui judge
Identical twin sisters Alexandria and Anastasia Duval always lived together, played together and worked together, operating what were once two of the hottest yoga studios in the Palm Beach, Florida, area.
They would finish each other's sentences, and while they had boyfriends, their relationship seemed to come first.
But after a reality TV project fell through, the two descended into a cross-country spiral of business failures, debts, arguments and drunken run-ins with the law that all came to a tragic end last week.
That was when their SUV plunged off a 200-foot cliff in Hawaii during what was described as a hair-pulling fight over the steering wheel.
Anastasia, 37, was killed, and Alexandria was arrested and jailed on second-degree murder charges, accused of deliberately causing her sister's death.
Her lawyer says it's not true.
Anastasia, left, and Alexandria Duval stand in the window of their yoga studio in West Palm Beach, Florida. The identical twins' SUV plunged off a 200-foot cliff on Maui, Hawaii's rocky shore on May 29 during what was described as a hair-pulling fight over the steering wheel
Leslie McMichael, who became the sisters spiritual adviser after meeting them at a Kabala center in Florida, called it a horrible turn of events.
'They were beautiful twins with so much life. They were so funny. They were such a machine together that people would stop and watch them,' she said.
Authorities said Alexandria was behind the wheel of a Ford Explorer on May 29 when witnesses saw the sisters arguing on Mauis Hana Highway, a perilously narrow, twisting route along a scenic stretch of coastline.
A witness cleaning a family gravesite on the highway shoulder told police that he heard a woman screaming in the vehicle and that the passenger was pulling the drivers hair and the steering wheel.
The SUV accelerated, made a hard left turn and crashed into a rock wall, then went over the cliff, authorities said.
Anastasia was pronounced dead at the scene. Alexandria was hospitalized in critical condition but appeared in court Monday with her arm in a sling.
The twins had been fighting and drinking earlier on the day of the crash, Federico Bailey, Anastasias boyfriend, told the Maui News. He said they had gone camping together for the Memorial Day weekend.
The sisters relationship involved distrust and constant fighting but also love, he said: 'When they drink, their personalities change.'
Alexandria Duval was arrested on second degree murder charges after the vehicle she was in with her twin dove over Maui cliffs and Anastasia was killed
Alexandrias lawyer, Todd Eddins, disputed the allegations against her, saying she 'did not try to harm herself or the person she most loved and was closest to in the world.' He called it a heart-shattering tragedy for the sisters family.
Before they changed their names from Alison and Ann Dadow, the twins ran two popular Twin Power studios in Palm Beach County, Florida, from 2008 to 2014.
Brett Borders, a former student of theirs, said they held the best yoga classes he has ever taken. 'They were very good at picking and training yoga instructors. They were very consistent. The best teachers around. It was just very high quality,' he said.
The sisters were living large, with fancy cars, before they suddenly closed the studios and bolted town, leaving behind bewildered customers and friends and many debts. Employees and vendors complained they hadnt been paid, and customers memberships were rendered worthless.
McMichael said their downfall began after they were approached by reality television producers who wanted to feature them on a show.
They had outgrown one of their studios, in well-to-do Palm Beach Gardens, but instead of annexing a neighboring storefront as planned, they were persuaded by the producers to lease space on the priciest, trendiest street in West Palm Beach, McMichael said.
They were banking on the TV income to make it work, but then the show fell through and they were stuck with a lease they couldnt afford, she said.
'They were all but in. They had set up their lives around' the show, McMichael said. 'When it didnt happen, they were in too much debt.'
Anastasia and Alexandra Duval went over the cliffs while in gorgeous Maui, tragically Anastasia was killed
This photo, taken May 30 from a drone, captures the scene of the white vehicle the twins were in on the rocks
The sisters moved to Utah and opened a yoga studio in the high-end ski town of Park City in 2014. They had several run-ins with the police during the two years they lived in the state, and faced charges including drunken driving, intoxication and leaving the scene of an accident.
In January 2014, they were kicked out of a restaurant when their drinking got out of hand, according to police. Officers said the twins fought with each other and with police who arrived after their car slid into a ditch. Hair-pulling was also involved.
The sisters had a close bond but struggled with alcoholism as their Park City studio floundered, said Utah lawyer Craig Chlarson. They never mentioned their success in Florida, but never seemed like theyd purposely hurt or take advantage of anyone, he added.
The twins legally changed their names in Utah in 2014 to write a book together, according to court documents. Both women filed for bankruptcy around the same time and reported around $150,000 in debts each, including two 2013 Porsche Boxsters.
Looking for a new start, they moved to Maui in December and planned to open yoga studios, according to Alexandrias attorney. But they were soon charged with disorderly conduct and terroristic threatening over a Christmas Eve incident.
Their rowdy behavior doesnt tell the twins full story, said McMichael, the spiritual adviser.
Referring to them by their previous names, she described Alison (later Alexandria) as outgoing with a 'big, dominant personality and a tendency to drink too much sometimes, and called Ann (Anastasia) 'the sweetest, kindest, most level-headed person you would ever meet.'
McMichael said the pair, whose mother had died when they were five, always lived together and put their relationship ahead of their boyfriends.
Michigan Legislature OKs $617M bailout for Detroit schools
LANSING, Mich. (AP) The Michigan Legislature narrowly approved a $617 million bailout and restructuring of Detroit's debt-ridden school district early Thursday, two years after the state spent money to help the city government emerge from bankruptcy.
The legislation will soon reach Gov. Rick Snyder for his expected signature. The Republican-controlled Senate passed a main bill 19-18 late Wednesday, and the GOP-led House followed with the bare minimum 55-54 vote.
The financially and academically ailing 46,000-student Detroit Public Schools has been managed by the state for seven years, during which it has continued to face plummeting enrollment, deficits and, more recently, teacher sick-out protests.
Under the bills, the district would be split in two and control would be returned to an elected school board. A commission of state appointees would oversee the district's finances, similarly to how it now reviews the city's budgeting as part of a $195 million state rescue in 2014
The new debt-free district would educate students. The old district would stay intact for tax-collection purposes to retire $617 million in debt over 8 years, including $150 million in transition costs to launch the new Detroit Community Schools.
Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, a West Olive Republican, called it a "realistic compromise" despite fierce opposition from Democrats, including those who represent city residents.
"I know many will weigh in with opinions on how we could have done better, and (we) all hear criticism about this compromise. But at the end of the day, our responsibility is to solve the problem," he said. "There are more than 45,000 students who depend upon DPS and deserve a stable, quality education option."
In unusually pointed floor speeches, furious Democrats accused Republicans of bowing to the politically influential school-choice lobby instead of passing a bipartisan measure that would have stabilized the district long term.
Sen. Morris Hood III of Detroit called the GOP majority a "coward" and questioned why not even one Detroit legislator was part of the negotiations on the deal.
The vote came more than a year after the Republican governor proposed an overhaul. He said debt was crushing Detroit Public Schools and warned that insolvency would leave the state with billions of dollars in liabilities and stifle Detroit's recovery post-bankruptcy.
Before Wednesday's action, there had been fairly broad agreement on the need to help the district.
But Democrats united against the bills, expressing concerns that the money would fall short of what is needed to adequately help a district decimated by declining enrollment both due to population loss and many students in the city attending publicly funded charter schools or suburban schools.
Some Republicans were reluctant to offer taxpayer support to the state's largest school district that for decades has grappled with mismanagement and corruption, while others joined with Democrats in contending the deal failed to include a commission to regulate the opening of new schools, including charters that have drawn students away from traditional neighborhood schools crucial to city's long-term revival.
Sen. Bert Johnson, a Highland Park Democrat, said the legislation is "paternalistic" and "unethical."
"If you do this, you are systematically spelling the end of the Detroit Public Schools system," he said. "Parents are already concerned that what they hear about their school district is enough that I think it's going to drive enrollment further into the ground."
With all votes in, Kuczynski celebrates win in Peru election
LIMA, Peru (AP) Former World Bank economist Pedro Pablo Kuczynski won the majority of votes in Peru's closest presidential contest in five decades, election officials announced Thursday, even as his rival Keiko Fujimori has yet to concede defeat.
Four days after voting, electoral officials said that all ballots had been processed and Kuczynski had won 50.1 percent compared to 49.9 percent for the daughter of imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori.
Supporters immediately celebrated outside Kuczynski's campaign headquarters while the apparent president-elect made a plea to his opponent and other rival political forces for dialogue.
Presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski acknowledges the crowd at the end of a news conference in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Kuczynski won the majority of votes in the country's closest presidential contest in five decades, Peruvian electoral authorities said Thursday. His rival Keiko Fujimori has yet to concede however. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
"We receive this virtual verdict with great humility because Peru has huge challenges ahead of it," Kuczynski told reporters in his first remarks after the tally was known. "We shouldn't confuse dialogue with weakness. We're going to be decisive but we're going to work on behalf of all Peru because many Peruvians feel the train has left them behind and we want everyone to get on board."
Even as messages of congratulations poured in from presidents around Latin America, Fujimori's campaign seemed in no rush to recognize defeat. After electoral authorities presented their results Thursday, she left her campaign headquarters, where she was holed up in meetings all day, and returned to her home without making any remarks to the throngs of journalists waiting outside.
Aides say she is waiting for the National Electoral Board, the nation's top electoral authority and which sits above the election officials who made Thursday's announcement, to proclaim a winner before conceding.
Fujimori's last hope is some 173 handwritten tallies representing as many as 50,000 votes that were sent to the board for review. Among the irregularities detected by Fujimori's campaign were counting more ballots than actual voters at certain polling stations, and allegations that volunteers from Kuczynski's campaign worked at multiple polling stations in violation of electoral law.
Still, experts say it's almost impossible for Fujimori to make up the roughly 40,000 vote difference to overtake Kuczynski.
Fujimori was the favorite to win the runoff but lost ground in the final stretch as fellow conservative Kuczynski warned voters that the corruption and criminality associated with her father's authoritarian rule could return.
Alberto Fujimori is serving a 25-year jail sentence for corruption, organized crime and sanctioning death squads. While he is loathed by many in Peru, he is revered by others for taming Maoist Shining Path guerrillas and hyperinflation, and Sunday's election was seen partly as a referendum on his iron-fisted rule in the 1990s.
Dozens of supporters of Fujimori have held demonstrations outside the electoral board to denounce what they said were fraud. But Fujimori's aides have refused to talk in such stark terms and say that the interests of Peru override whatever political differences exist between the two campaigns.
While the campaign ended bitterly, with Kuczynski abandoning his preferred technocrat's discourse and accusing Fujimori of being the harbinger of a "narco state," most observers expect him to try and work with his former rival.
That's part a reflection of shared ideology both candidates embrace a pro-business agenda and Kuczynski supported Fujimori in the 2011 presidential runoff and the political reality facing Kuczynski, whose fledgling movement has 18 of 130 seats in congress compared with a solid majority of 73 seats for Fujimori's Popular Force party.
Kucyznski would be Peru's oldest president, at age 77. The son of a Jewish-Polish immigrant father, Kuczynski's first stint in government in the 1960s was cut short by a military coup. He ended up moving to the U.S. where he worked at the World Bank and then embarked on a successful career in business. He also served as finance minister twice and Peru's prime minister under President Alejandro Toledo.
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This story was corrected to say that Kuczynski received 50.1 percent of the vote not 51.1.
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Goodman reported from Bogota, Colombia.
Joshua Goodman is on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjoshgoodman His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/joshua-goodman
Franklin Briceno on Twitter at https://twitter.com/franklinbriceno His work can be found at: http://bigstory.ap.org/author/franklin-briceno
A supporter of presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, dressed as a cavy or Peruvian guinea pig, poses for photo as supporters await results, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Former World Bank economist Pedro Pablo Kuczynski won the majority of votes in the country's closest presidential contest in five decades, Peruvian electoral authorities said Thursday. His rival Keiko Fujimori has yet to concede however. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
A supporter of presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski smiles after learning that Peruvian electoral authorities announced that her candidate won the majority of votes in the country's closest presidential contest in five decades, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Four days after voting, the electoral board said that all ballots had been processed and Kuczynski had won 51.1 percent compared to 49.9 percent for the daughter of imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Supporters of presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski celebrate after learning that Peruvian electoral authorities announced their candidate won the majority of votes in the country's closest presidential contest in five decades, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Four days after voting, the electoral board said that all ballots had been processed and Kuczynski had won 51.1 percent compared to 49.9 percent for the daughter of imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Flanked by his running mates Martin Vizcarra, left, and Mercedes Araoz, right, presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski acknowledges the crowd at the end of a news conference in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Kuczynski won the majority of votes in the country's closest presidential contest in five decades, Peruvian electoral authorities said Thursday. His rival Keiko Fujimori has yet to concede however. Kuczynski's wife Nancy Lange is pictured second from left. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski speaks during a news conference flanked by with his wife Nancy Lange, second from left, and his running mates, Martin Vizcarra, left, and Mercedes Araoz, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Four days after voting, the electoral board said that all ballots had been processed and Kuczynski had won 51.1 percent compared to 49.9 percent for the daughter of imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)
Presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski smiles as he leaves a news conference, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Four days after voting, the Peruvian electoral board said that all ballots had been processed and Kuczynski had won 51.1 percent compared to 49.9 percent for the daughter of imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski speaks during a news conference in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Kuczynski won the majority of votes in the country's closest presidential contest in five decades, Peruvian electoral authorities said Thursday. His rival Keiko Fujimori has yet to concede however. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)
Presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski speaks during a news conference in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Kuczynski won the majority of votes in the country's closest presidential contest in five decades, Peruvian electoral authorities said Thursday. His rival Keiko Fujimori has yet to concede however. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)
Supporters of presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski celebrate after learning that Peruvian electoral authorities announced their candidate won the majority of votes in the country's closest presidential contest in five decades, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Four days after voting, the electoral board said that all ballots had been processed and Kuczynski had won 51.1 percent compared to 49.9 percent for the daughter of imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Supporters of presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski celebrate outside his campaign headquarters in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. With 99.5 percent of the polling stations counted, front-runner Kuczynski was ahead of rival Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Supporters of presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski celebrate outside his campaign headquarters in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. With 99.5 percent of the polling stations counted, front-runner Kuczynski was ahead of rival Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Supporters of presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski celebrate outside his campaign headquarters in Lima, Peru, Thursday, June 9, 2016. With 99.5 percent of the polling stations counted, front-runner Kuczynski was ahead of rival Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of imprisoned ex-President Alberto Fujimori. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Scandal-prone Brazil government casts doubt on impeachment
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) When Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was impeached and suspended last month, her permanent ouster seemed all but certain.
Rousseff's impassioned argument that she was the victim of a modern-day coup d'etat had fallen on deaf ears in Brasilia, as majorities in both chambers of Congress voted to show her the door.
But the government of interim President Michel Temer may be doing more to persuade senators to rethink their stance on Rousseff than she ever could while in office.
FILE - In this April 13, 2016 file photo, Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff is framed between two Brazilian national flags during a meeting at the Planalto Presidential Palace in Brasilia, Brazil. When Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was impeached and suspended last month, her permanent ouster seemed all but certain. But the government of interim President Michel Temer may be doing more to persuade senators to rethink their stance on Rousseff than she ever could while in office. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File)
In light of a series of damaging leaked audiotapes, the abrupt exit of two ministers, allegations of corruption against other interim officials and baffling decisions by Temer, including appointing a Cabinet of all white men, some senators say they are reconsidering their final vote on the matter.
"This is very serious," opposition Sen. Cristovam Buarque told The Associated Press of the deluge of scandals rocking Temer's administration. "We have to be even more cautious with any decision we make about Dilma's impeachment. A lot can happen before this is over."
Buarque voted to impeach Rousseff, but says he is now undecided on permanent removal.
Rousseff's fate will be determined by a trial in the Senate, which could take place as soon as July. To permanently remove her, a super majority of 54 of the chamber's 81 senators is needed. If Rousseff is removed, Temer will serve the remainder of her term, which goes through 2018.
Sen. Acir Gurgacz, who also voted for impeachment, is another of at least a half-dozen senators who have publicly said they are rethinking their final vote since Temer, Rousseff's vice president turned nemesis, took over on May 12.
"The crises in the Temer government will influence my opinion, and that of the majority," Gurgacz told the daily Folha de S. Paulo, adding that if the missteps continue "the scorecard can flip-flop."
It wouldn't take many senators to change the balance.
The vote to impeach and suspend Rousseff was 55-22, just one more than the minimum needed for permanent ouster. Rousseff is accused of using sleight of hand accounting techniques in managing the federal budget to hide yawning deficits. She has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Instead, she and her supporters maintain the real reason for her removal was to halt a sprawling investigation into billions of dollars in kickbacks at Petrobras, the state oil company.
Over the last two years, dozens of businessmen and top politicians have been arrested, tried and jailed for their part in the colossal graft scheme.
While Rousseff has paid for it politically many of the crimes took place during 13 years that her Workers' Part was in power she repeatedly refused to intervene in a process she said Brazil badly needed.
Leaked audiotapes that began emerging within weeks of Temer taking power, have bolstered arguments that impeachment was really about Petrobras, not breaking fiscal rules.
In one, Temer's planning minister, Romero Juca, proposes a "pact" between politicians of all parties, the media and the Supreme Federal Tribunal, the country's highest court, to remove the left-leaning Rousseff and "stop the bleeding" of the Petrobras investigations.
After the leak, Juca abruptly announced he was taking a leave of absence. A few days later, Transparency Minister Fabiano Silveira resigned after a recording emerged in which he is heard advising politicians targeted by the probe. The secret recordings also captured the head of the Senate and former President Jose Sarney brainstorming ideas to weaken the investigation.
The recordings were likely made by Sergio Machado, an ex-senator and former head of another state oil company, Transpetro. Machado, who was being investigated in the Petrobras scandal, reached a plea deal with prosecutors.
Temer is clearly on the defensive.
Last week, he felt compelled to promise "for the umpteenth time" that the Petrobras investigation wouldn't be compromised. On Monday, he called a news conference to deny claims that two others in his government, the tourism minister and women's secretary, would be let go because of corruption allegations.
Even before the leaks, Temer's judgment was being questioned. His decision to appoint an all-white male Cabinet was condemned by groups nationwide. He has also been roundly criticized for other moves, such as folding the Culture Ministry into the Education Ministry. A wave of nationwide protests pushed Temer to relent and bring back the Culture Ministry.
Rafael de Paula Aguiar Araujo, a political scientist at the Pontifical Catholic University in Sao Paulo, dismissed suggestions that some senators were rethinking their final vote on Rousseff's fate.
"These comments are like trial balloons to see if they can get concessions," said Araujo, who said ultimately he didn't see the Senate bringing Rousseff back.
Indeed, despite the turmoil of the interim government, it would be hard to make the case that Rousseff's return represents a solution.
Her government had become paralyzed during her last months in office. When Rousseff was impeached, the once-popular leader's approval ratings hovered around 10 percent and polls showed that 61 percent of Brazilians wanted her out. Perhaps the biggest catalyst for her downfall, though, was the worst recession to hit Latin America's largest economy since the 1930s, which has no end in sight.
Believing there are no good solutions, a growing group of legislators is working to draft legislation to call new elections. For that to happen, both Rousseff and Temer would have to resign or be removed from office.
"New elections would be difficult but not impossible," said Francisco Fonseca, a political science professor at Fundacao Getulio Vargas, a university in Sao Paulo. "Brazil isn't a steady or stable country right now."
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Prengaman reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Associated Press writer Stan Lehman in Sao Paulo contributed to this report.
FILE - In this April 17, 2016 file photo, a demonstrator holds a sculpture depicting Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff as an Aedes aegypti mosquito during a march demanding her impeachment in Sao Paulo, Brazil. When Rousseff was impeached, the once-popular leaders approval ratings hovered around 10 percent and polls showed that 61 percent of Brazilians wanted her out. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, File)
In this May 12, 2016 photo, Brazil's acting President Michel Temer smiles as he stands with his newly appointed ministers, during the inauguration ceremony at the Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil. In light of a series of damaging leaked audiotapes, the abrupt exit of two ministers, allegations of corruption against other interim officials and baffling decisions by Temer, including appointing a Cabinet of all white men, some senators say they are reconsidering their final vote on the impeachment of suspended President Dilma Rousseff. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
FILE - In this May 13, 2016 file photo, a woman holds a sign with a message that reads in Portuguese; "Never Temer" to protest the government of acting President Michel Temer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Even before a series of damaging leaked audiotapes, Temers judgment was being questioned. His decision to appoint an all-white male Cabinet was condemned by groups nationwide. He has also been roundly criticized for other moves, such as folding the Culture Ministry into the Education Ministry. A wave of nationwide protests pushed Temer to relent and bring back the Culture Ministry. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File)
FILE - In this May 24, 2016 file photo, Brazil' acting President Michel Temer speaks during the swearing-in ceremony of his new culture minister at Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil. Temer has felt compelled to promise for the umpteenth time that the Petrobras investigation wouldnt be compromised. On Monday, June 6, 2016 he called a news conference to deny claims that two others in his government, the tourism minister and womens secretary, would be let go because of corruption allegations. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File)
FILE - In this May 24, 2016 file photo, ministerial staff use brooms to scrub the office door of the Transparency Minister Fabiano Silveira demanding his resignation, in Brasilia, Brazil. Just two weeks after he was appointed by interim President Michel Temer, Silveira resigned after a recording emerged in which he is heard advising politicians targeted by Operation Car Wash, a wide-ranging corruption probe of the state oil company Petrobras. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File)
FILE - In this March 29, 2016 file photo, Eduardo Cunha, speaker of Brazil's lower house of Congress, second front left, Romero Juca, vice president of Brazil's largest party, the Democratic Movement Party, and Eliseu Padilha, a former transportation minister, celebrate their decision to abandon President Dilma Rousseff's governing coalition, at the National Congress, in Brasilia, Brazil. Leaked audiotapes that began emerging within weeks of interim President Michel Temer taking power, have bolstered arguments that Rousseff's impeachment was really about Petrobras, not breaking fiscal rules. In one, Juca, Temer's planning minister, proposes a pact between politicians of all parties, the media and the Supreme Federal Tribunal, the countrys highest court, to remove the left-leaning Rousseff and stop the bleeding of the Petrobras investigations. After the leak, Juca abruptly announced he was taking a leave of absence. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File)
Ryan stresses border control, immigration in security plan
WASHINGTON (AP) House Speaker Paul Ryan is proposing to secure U.S. borders by overhauling the immigration system and installing robust defenses to keep out extremists, criminals and drug cartels.
The plan is part of a national security strategy the Wisconsin Republican will unveil on Thursday. It's a key plank in a broader policy blueprint he is crafting that seeks to unite Republicans amid the frequent distractions triggered by Donald Trump's unconventional presidential campaign.
The focus on immigration and border protection tracks with one of the cornerstones of Trump's platform. Ryan calls for the use of "high fencing" along border areas, but steers clear of the billionaire candidate's signature issue: building a wall to keep people from illegally entering the United States from Mexico.
FILE - In this May 24, 2016 file photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. faces reporters at Republican National Committee headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington. Ryan is proposing to secure U.S. borders by overhauling the immigration system and installing robust defenses to keep out extremists, criminals and drug cartels. The plan is part of a national security strategy the Wisconsin Republican will unveil on Thursday, June 9, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Trump also has proposed banning all Muslims from entering the country, which Ryan has rejected.
"America must secure the border once and for all by accelerating the deployment of fencing, technology, air assets and personnel," Ryan's strategy reads. "We also must overhaul our immigration system for national security reasons."
Ryan said the U.S. has repeatedly failed to eliminate serious vulnerabilities in the immigration system, citing the inability to verify comprehensively whether visitors to the U.S. actually leave when their visas expire.
The plan also hammers President Barack Obama for what Ryan and other Republicans have said is a failed foreign policy. He listed Obama's refusal to enforce "its red line in Syria" and the international nuclear deal with Iran among the examples.
Ryan outlines in broad strokes a series of measures for defeating the Islamic State group and other extremists. He advocates relying on "local forces" in Iraq and Syria to defeat militants, but indicates Republicans must be prepared to deploy U.S. troops if necessary.
"We cannot take options off the table, because doing so telegraphs weakness to our enemies and emboldens them," he said.
Ryan's policy blueprint is aimed at defining what Republicans are for, not just what they are against.
In a video posted last week, he made an appeal to frustrated Republican voters who are supporting Trump, the party's presumptive nominee.
"We can get angry and we can stay angry or we could channel that anger into action," Ryan said in the video.
The few specifics Trump has offered on defense and foreign policy issues have rattled Republicans and unnerved U.S. allies. The billionaire candidate has pledged, if elected, to bring back the use of waterboarding it causes the sensation of drowning and worse against captured militants. Congress has outlawed waterboarding along with other so-called enhanced interrogation techniques.
Trump also said he would order the military to kill family members of extremists who threaten the U.S., a position he has since retreated from after being heavily criticized. And he's questioned whether NATO and America's other key alliances have become obsolete.
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With women in combat, taking the 'man' out of job titles
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) Engineman? Yeoman? Not so fast. Now that women will be allowed to serve in all combat jobs, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are dropping "man" from some of their job titles to make them inclusive and gender-neutral.
Much like the term "fireman" has evolved to "firefighter" and "policeman" to "police officer," an engineman could be called an engine technician and a yeoman could be called an administrative specialist.
"This is one more step in how our force has changed," Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said in an interview Friday. "Our force has evolved, our force is different. And I believe it's stronger and better."
The US Marine Corps is dropping man from many roles - although infantryman is likely to remain
Some Army and Air Force titles end in "man," too, but the services aren't considering changing them. The names are historically significant, and the focus now is on bringing women into the jobs rather than on what to call them, both services said.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the military in December to open all military jobs to women, including the Marine Corps and special operations forces like Navy SEALs and Army Green Berets.
During a visit to Newport, Rhode Island, in late May, Carter was asked by The Associated Press whether job titles that end in "man" should change throughout the military. Carter spoke about the benefits of opening jobs to women to make "full use of the wonderful talents of half of the population of the country."
"Signifying that in all appropriate ways is, I think, exactly that, very appropriate and needed," he said.
Carter said that he didn't offhand have a good alternative for titles that were stripped of "man," but that someone smart was going to figure it out.
Mabus called in January for a review of Navy and Marine titles. There are nearly two dozen in the Navy that end in "man" and roughly a dozen in the Marines.
Mabus said he wants titles that more accurately convey who is doing the job and what the job is.
"In the overall scheme, it's a small thing, but I think it's important because it's what sailors and Marines call each other, and words do matter," he said.
Mabus, who is reviewing the services' recommendations now, said the Navy and Marines will announce changes this summer.
Some iconic titles will stay the same, and others will change to make the jobs easier to understand outside of the military, which will help when sailors and Marines are looking for civilian jobs, he added.
For example, few civilians know what a hospital corpsman does, Mabus said. A corpsman could be called a medic or an emergency medical technician, much like "messman" was previously changed to culinary specialist, he added.
A female yeoman told a senior Navy official that "administrative specialist" would be a better title than yeoman, Mabus said.
Lory Manning, a retired Navy captain, said that there are fairly easy substitutes for many of the titles, and that they should be brought up to date.
"It's time for us to let go of telling women, 'You're just included. We don't call you out by sex, but just know you're part of mankind,'" said Manning, a senior fellow at the Service Women's Action Network. "When you hear that 'man' at the end, the image is a male image."
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Jerry Pionk said his service branch might consider such changes in the future if it helps accomplish missions. The bigger challenge is that the Army will start to train the first female soldiers to serve in the front-line combat branches later this summer, including the infantry, he added.
Infantrymen have walked the battlefields and engaged the nation's enemies for centuries, and "there are a lot of emotions around that," Pionk said.
National Infantry Museum Director Frank Hanner served as an infantryman.
"No matter what they call us, we'll do the job," Hanner said.
Air Force spokeswoman Capt. Brooke Brzozowske said a job title review is not currently underway or being considered in the Air Force.
NASA takes 23,000-foot view of the world's coral reefs
COCONUT ISLAND, Hawaii (AP) Coral reefs have almost always been studied up close, by scientists in the water looking at small portions of reefs to gather data and knowledge about the larger ecosystems.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is taking a step back and getting a wider view, from about 23,000 feet above. NASA and top scientists from around the world are launching a three-year campaign Thursday to gather new data on coral reefs like never before.
Using specially designed instruments mounted on high-flying aircraft, the scientists plan to map large swaths of coral around the world in hopes of better understanding how environmental changes such as global warming, acidification and pollution are affecting these delicate and important ecosystems.
In this Tuesday, June 7, 2016 photo, Eric Hochberg, left, principal investigator for the CORAL (Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory) project, and lead NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist Michelle Gierach, right, look at reefs in Oahus Kaneohe Bay, near Kaneohe, Hawaii. NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and reef scientists from around the world are announcing the launch of a campaign Thursday, June 9, to gather new data on coral reefs like never before. Using specially designed instruments mounted on high-flying aircraft, the scientists are embarking on a mission to map large swaths of coral around the world in hopes of better understanding how environmental changes are impacting these delicate and important ecosystems. The CORAL team will study the reefs of Hawaii, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and Australias Great Barrier Reef over the next three years. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
"The idea is to get a new perspective on coral reefs from above, to study them at a larger scale than we have been able to before, and then relate reef condition to the environment," said Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences' Eric Hochberg, who is principal investigator for the project, called the Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory, or CORAL.
Hochberg and the project's lead NASA scientist, Michelle Gierach, were in Oahu's Kaneohe Bay with The Associated Press on Tuesday to gather baseline data in the water.
While the primary science will be conducted using instruments that create detailed images of the sea floor from above, the team also must take baseline measurements in the ocean to validate the data, Gierach said.
Coral reefs drive many tourist economies around the world, but they provide much more than pretty places to dive and snorkel, Gierach said. Reefs are critical habitat for the majority of the fish that people consume and also protect shorelines from dangerous storm surges and rising ocean levels.
Recently, scientists have developed pharmaceutical applications from coral reefs, including painkillers that are not habit-forming, Hochberg said.
"Just realizing that though you may not see a coral, that you may not have your backyard be within this beautiful environment that we're in right now, corals are impacting you, they are globally important," Gierach said. "We have to understand how they're changing so we can make some managed decisions about their future."
Reefs are among the first ecosystems to be dramatically and directly affected by global warming, according to researchers.
The International Society for Reef Studies Consensus Statement, published in 2015, said up to 50 percent of coral reefs have been "largely or completely degraded by a combination of local factors and global climate change" over the past few decades.
Julia Baum, assistant professor of biology at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, has done extensive research on coral reefs and said the data gathered from this kind of project could prove highly valuable for international reef scientists and the conservation community.
Baum said coral reef science has been limited by the lack of broad data sets like this project plans to provide and that the research could complement information collected in the water if it's made openly available to the scientific community. CORAL researchers said all data will be made public.
"As scientific divers, we're limited by the depth we can work at and the amount of bottom time that we have while we're diving, so much of underwater marine science, especially on coral reefs, is a painstakingly slow process," she said.
The CORAL team will study the reefs of Hawaii, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and Australia's Great Barrier Reef over the next three years.
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Online:
http://airbornescience.jpl.nasa.gov/campaign/coral
www.coral.bios.edu
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Follow Caleb Jones on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalebAP . See more his work at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/caleb-jones
In this Tuesday, June 7, 2016 photo, a CORAL (Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory) optical measurement instrument is deployed in Oahus Kaneohe Bay, near Kaneohe, Hawaii. NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and reef scientists from around the world are announcing the launch of a campaign Thursday, June 9, to gather new data on coral reefs like never before. Using specially designed instruments mounted on high-flying aircraft, the scientists are embarking on a mission to map large swaths of coral around the world in hopes of better understanding how environmental changes are impacting these delicate and important ecosystems. The CORAL team will study the reefs of Hawaii, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and Australias Great Barrier Reef over the next three years. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
In this Tuesday, June 7, 2016 photo, CORAL (Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory) team members Brandon Russell, a postdoctoral student at the University of Connecticut COLORS Lab, left and Rodrigo Garcia, a postdoctoral student at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, right, prepare to deploy optical measuring instruments in Oahus Kaneohe Bay, near Kaneohe, Hawaii. NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and reef scientists from around the world are announcing the launch of a campaign Thursday, June 9, to gather new data on coral reefs like never before. Using specially designed instruments mounted on high-flying aircraft, the scientists are embarking on a mission to map large swaths of coral around the world in hopes of better understanding how environmental changes are impacting these delicate and important ecosystems. The CORAL team will study the reefs of Hawaii, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and Australias Great Barrier Reef over the next three years. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2015 file photo, a patch of coral reef is shown in Hawaiis Kaneohe Bay off the island of Oahu near Kaneohe, Hawaii. NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and reef scientists from around the world are announcing the launch of a campaign Thursday, June 9, 2016, to gather new data on coral reefs like never before. Using specially designed instruments mounted on high-flying aircraft, the scientists are embarking on a mission to map large swaths of coral around the world in hopes of better understanding how environmental changes are impacting these delicate and important ecosystems. The CORAL (Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory) team will study the reefs of Hawaii, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and Australias Great Barrier Reef over the next three years. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2015 file photo, fish swim over a patch of coral reef in Hawaiis Kaneohe Bay off the island of Oahu. NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and reef scientists from around the world are announcing the launch of a campaign on Thursday, June 9, 2016, to gather new data on coral reefs like never before. Using specially designed instruments mounted on high-flying aircraft, the scientists are embarking on a mission to map large swaths of coral around the world in hopes of better understanding how environmental changes are impacting these delicate and important ecosystems. The CORAL (Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory) team will study the reefs of Hawaii, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and Australias Great Barrier Reef over the next three years. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)
In this Tuesday, June 7, 2016 photo, CORAL (Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory) project lead scientist Michelle Gierach from NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory conducts baseline research of reefs in Oahus Kaneohe Bay, near Kaneohe, Hawaii. NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and reef scientists from around the world are announcing the launch of a campaign Thursday, June 9, to gather new data on coral reefs like never before. Using specially designed instruments mounted on high-flying aircraft, the scientists are embarking on a mission to map large swaths of coral around the world in hopes of better understanding how environmental changes are impacting these delicate and important ecosystems. The CORAL team will study the reefs of Hawaii, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and Australias Great Barrier Reef over the next three years. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
In this Tuesday, June 7, 2016 photo, Eric Hochberg principal investigator for the CORAL (Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory) project, takes part in baseline measurements of reefs in Oahus Kaneohe Bay, near Kaneohe, Hawaii. NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and reef scientists from around the world are announcing the launch of a campaign, Thursday, June 9, to gather new data on coral reefs like never before. Using specially designed instruments mounted on high-flying aircraft, the scientists are embarking on a mission to map large swaths of coral around the world in hopes of better understanding how environmental changes are impacting these delicate and important ecosystems. The CORAL team will study the reefs of Hawaii, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and Australias Great Barrier Reef over the next three years. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
Police commissioner: Witnesses to teen slaying must step up
BOSTON (AP) Boston's police commissioner on Thursday admonished students at a city high school for not coming forward with information about the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old classmate.
"Enough with this stop snitching stuff," Commissioner William Evans said. "We've got a mother who lost her 17-year-old son. Step forward. Have some courage and solve this one."
There have been no arrests in the brazen daylight shooting Wednesday outside a pizza parlor just down the street from Jeremiah Burke High School that left three other people injured: two other teens and a 67-year-old woman. Authorities have not released the victims' names.
An investigator checks under a car at the scene of a multiple shooting outside the Jeremiah E. Burke High School, in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Police are searching for a suspect in the brazen daylight shooting that left one student dead and three other people wounded. (Angela Rowlings/Boston Herald via AP)
"We know there are students that know exactly what happened," Evans said at the school as Mayor Marty Walsh and school Superintendent Tommy Chang looked on.
Evans said the shooting may have been sparked by some sort of earlier dispute, but it remains under investigation.
Students said they heard six or seven shots just after a fire alarm went off inside the school, but the shooting and alarm appear to be unconnected, Evans said.
Additional grief counselors have been brought into the school to help students cope, Chang said.
"Our job is to bring normalcy to this school today," he said.
Victoria Johnson, a student at the school, said she was friends with the teen who was killed. She told WBZ-TV that she had just said goodbye to him.
"He just gave me a hug and said 'stay safe.' That's what we say every day when we leave school," Johnson said. "He gave me a hug and I said the same back to him."
Police Commissioner William Evans, right, speaks as Mayor Marty Walsh listens after a multiple shooting outside the Jeremiah E. Burke High School, in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Police are searching for a suspect in the brazen daylight shooting that left one student dead and three other people wounded. (Angela Rowlings/Boston Herald via AP)
Israeli options may be limited after Tel Aviv shooting
JERUSALEM (AP) Israel imposed travel restrictions Thursday on tens of thousands of Palestinians and sent hundreds of additional troops into the West Bank in response to a deadly shooting at a popular Tel Aviv tourist spot. But as the nation's leaders vowed tough responses, they stopped short of taking wider-scale military action.
The attack has presented Israel's newly configured Cabinet, and its firebrand new defense minister, with its first big test. A relatively muted response by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet reflected the lack of options that Israel seems to have as it grapples with a nine-month wave of violence.
The shooting, carried out by two West Bank Palestinians, was among the deadliest and most brazen attacks since violence erupted last September. Tel Aviv's Sarona district, a popular shopping and restaurant area, was packed with people enjoying a warm evening outdoors when it was targeted late Wednesday. Four people were killed.
People console each other near the scene of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire in central Tel Aviv Wednesday night, killing three people and wounding at least five others, Israel police said. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
After Thursday's Security Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu went to the site of the attack and said Israel would prevail in its struggle against Palestinian militants.
"This nation is strong. They will not defeat us," he said, accusing Palestinian leaders of failing to condemn the attack. "That just reminds us who and what we face. We will win."
Netanyahu has repeatedly blamed Palestinian incitement for fueling the ongoing violence. The Palestinians say the fighting stems from frustration over nearly 50 years of Israeli military occupation.
In the West Bank, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement condemning violence, but made no direct reference to the Tel Aviv shootings.
"The presidency has repeatedly emphasized that it stands against attacks on civilians, regardless of their sources or justifications," the statement said.
Throughout the fighting, Abbas, an opponent of violence, has stopped short of explicitly criticizing attacks on Israel, arguing that Israel bears responsibility for the bloodshed and wary that he could be seen as weak by his people.
In Israel's initial response to the shooting, COGAT, an Israeli defense body, said early Thursday that it had frozen 83,000 permits for Palestinians in the West Bank to visit relatives in Israel during the current Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Special Ramadan permits were also suspended for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to travel out of the blockaded territory and to attend prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
The army also announced that it had deployed two additional battalions comprising hundreds of troops from infantry and special forces units to the West Bank.
Among the participants in the Israeli Cabinet meeting was the new defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of an ultranationalist party known for his hard-line views toward the Palestinians.
"I promise that everyone who was involved in this murderous terror attack will not evade punishment and we will reach them and bring them to justice," he said.
Despite the tough language, the Cabinet announced no additional action.
Even amid widespread anger over the shooting, Israeli officials appear to have few choices for confronting the violence that has killed 32 Israelis and some 200 Palestinians since September.
Officials believe the attacks, mostly stabbings, car rammings and shootings, have been carried out by assailants acting on their own with primitive weapons, making them difficult to predict or stop.
Wednesday's shooting, for instance, was carried out with a rudimentary homemade gun. Police said they were raiding metal shops believed to be making the makeshift weapons.
In addition, Palestinian security forces in the West Bank continue to coordinate with Israel in trying to halt militants.
Still, if similar attacks persist, or if they become deadlier or more organized, Israel may have no choice but to launch broader action, as it has done in the past.
In 2002, Israel launched a broad invasion in the West Bank following a wave of suicide bombings. And more recently, the kidnapping and killings of three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank two years ago helped trigger a series of events that escalated into a 50-day war against militants in the Gaza Strip.
The attackers Wednesday were identified as cousins from Yatta, a West Bank village near the city of Hebron, which has been a focal point of the recent violence. Israel said they were not members of Hamas or other armed groups, and that they had sneaked into Israel illegally.
The military said it froze work permits for 204 of the attackers' relatives and imposed checkpoints to restrict movement in and out of the village. Netanyahu announced the arrest of a third suspect who aided the attackers, and the army began preparations to demolish the homes of the assailants a tactic criticized by the Palestinians and human rights groups as collective punishment. By evening, troops had largely pulled out of the village, though checkpoints remained in place, residents said.
Extra police units were deployed in Tel Aviv on Thursday, mainly around the central bus station and train stations, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.
Police also announced plans to deploy thousands of additional officers during Friday prayers at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque, where thousands of people are expected. But Israel made no restrictions on access to the mosque. In the past, it has banned young Palestinian males from Friday prayers at times of trouble, raising tensions and sparking clashes.
During Wednesday's attack, two Palestinians dressed in black suits opened fire at the Max Brenner restaurant in Sarona. One of Tel Aviv's most popular destinations, it is often crowded with visitors and soldiers taking a break from their duties at the nearby military headquarters.
Israeli forces shot and arrested one of the attackers, while the second gunman was arrested unharmed. In a bizarre twist, Israeli media said the second assailant was apprehended after disguising himself as a victim and taking refuge in an off-duty police officer's apartment.
The wife of the officer told Channel 2 TV that as they entered their home near the attack scene, a man in a suit walked in with them and asked for water. "We didn't suspect anything. We thought that he just seemed panicked" from the attack, she said.
She said her husband grabbed his police hat and gun and ran outside. Later he encountered the other attacker wearing the same black outfit and realized who was in his apartment.
"My husband's big fear, he was sure he would come back to find us all dead," said the woman, who was identified only as the daughter of a former Israeli police chief. She said her husband rushed home and arrested the gunman.
Police identified the victims as Michael Feige, a 58-year-old sociologist and anthropologist at Ben-Gurion University, and Ido Ben Ari, a 42-year-old veteran of an elite army unit who was an executive at The Coca-Cola Co.'s Israel branch. Two other slain victims were identified as Ilana Naveh, 39, and Mila Misheiv, 32.
Hundreds of people attended Ben Ari's funeral in central Israel, where his father called on Israeli leaders to find a solution to the violence. "We elected you so that you would stop the bloodshed," he said.
In Yatta, Ahmad Mussa Mahmara, the father of one of the attackers, said his son has two uncles serving life sentences in Israeli prison. But he said his son had no political affiliation.
"We didn't expect this," he said.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two major Palestinian militant groups, welcomed the attack but did not claim responsibility.
Israeli police officers examine the scene of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire in central Tel Aviv Wednesday night, killing three people and wounding at least five others, Israel police said. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli police officers stand guard at the scene of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire in central Tel Aviv Wednesday night, killing three people and wounding at least five others, Israel police said. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli police officers examine the scene of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire in central Tel Aviv Wednesday night, killing three people and wounding at least five others, Israel police said. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli police officers examine the scene of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire in central Tel Aviv Wednesday night, killing three people and wounding at least five others, Israel police said. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
This video still image taken from APTN shows the scene of a shooting in central Tel Aviv, Israel on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at bystanders near the popular open-air market on Wednesday night before being detained, Israel police said. (AP Photo/APTN)
This video still image taken from APTN shows the scene of a shooting in central Tel Aviv, Israel on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at bystanders near the popular open-air market on Wednesday night before being detained, Israel police said. (AP Photo/APTN)
Stanford sex assault case gives parents a teachable moment
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Gena O'Brien was catching up on headlines this week when she stumbled across a young woman's account of her life since she was sexually assaulted at Stanford University a statement to the former student-athlete who attacked her as she lay unconscious behind a dumpster 16 months ago.
O'Brien has two sons, ages 10 and 14. The older boy is a competitive swimmer, like 20-year-old Brock Turner was before his arrest. In the raw words of an assault survivor, O'Brien recognized a teachable moment.
She read portions of the woman's statement out loud to her ninth-grader while he was getting ready for school and made him promise to read all 12 pages when he was done studying for finals.
FILE - In this June 2, 2016 file photo, Brock Turner, right, makes his way into the Santa Clara Superior Courthouse in Palo Alto, Calif. Some parents are using the unusual publicity surrounding the sentencing of the student-athlete, Turner, at Stanford to talk to their own children about sexual misconduct, binge drinking, personal responsibility and other tough topics, supplementing their own thoughts with the powerful words of the victim in the case. (Dan Honda/San Jose Mercury News via AP, File) MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
"There are so many golden truths in there, stark truths," said O'Brien, a hairdresser who lives with her family in Berkeley. "It's about victimizing somebody, and somebody's feelings of being a victim of something. And I want my boys to have empathy."
With the six-month jail sentence Turner received last week generating widespread publicity, some parents are using the case to talk with their children about sexual misconduct, binge drinking, personal responsibility and boundaries. It's an opportunity that even comes with primary sources the victim's statement, a plea for leniency that Turner's father wrote to the sentencing judge that are helping fuel discussions about rape with young people.
"Let's not kid ourselves about this. One of the reasons we are resonating with this so much is two people caught the person it's not a 'she said, he said.' Two white men caught him," said Rosalind Wiseman, author of a book about modern boy culture called "Masterminds & Wingmen." ''The other reason is (the victim) did an amazing job of articulating her experience."
Wiseman, a parent educator and bullying expert with two sons ages 13 and 15, said she wants her children to read the assault survivor's statement. But she also plans to discuss how social privilege played out in the case, how women who report rapes are often discounted, how boys and men also experience sexual violence and how difficult it can be to do the right thing, like the two graduate students who stopped Turner and held him until police arrived.
"It does them no good to talk in sound bites to our children about these kinds of issues," she said. "We have to be able to tell them they will be in situations that are really uncomfortable or messy, and it's possible people we love might do things we are not proud of. And we have to use the opportunity to ask, 'What do you think is the most important take-away from this for how you conduct yourself?'"
Jeffrey Shinbrot, an attorney in Los Angeles who has three sons ages 9 to 13, found in the harrowing details of Turner's behavior a way of illustrating a point he had been trying to hammer home for a while. Namely, that some of the hip-hop lyrics his boys mindlessly sang normalized misogynistic behavior he considered neither normal nor cool.
"I said, 'Look you guys, this is how serious the things you are repeating in music are.' I really wanted them to understand the seriousness of those types of acts and the seriousness of the acts the lyrics are describing," Shinbrot said. "Did it sink in? Who knows."
Margaret Silverman of Orinda has an 18-year-old son heading off to college in the fall. She remembers speaking with him when he was a high school freshman about communicating well with his future sexual partners, about respecting that both he and the girls he was interested in had the right to say no.
While touring the university her son will attend in September, they heard about a campus fraternity that had been suspended after police broke up a party and found a woman passed out on a couch. Silverman told him she hoped he would be the one to notice, to pay attention rather than ignore, if he found himself in a situation like that a message she plans to deliver again.
"I'll be reminding him, 'If you see a buddy of yours acting out, I would hope you would have the sensibility to say, 'Hey dude, leave her alone, let's get out of here.'"
FILE - This undated booking file photo provided by Santa Clara County Sheriff shows Brock Turner, a former Stanford University swimmer, who received six months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman. With the jail sentence Turner received last week generating widespread publicity, some parents are using the case to talk with their own children about sexual misconduct, binge drinking, personal responsibility and other topics. (Santa Clara County Sheriff via AP, File)
Judge even-handed in black man's police custody death case
BALTIMORE (AP) The judge overseeing the emotionally charged case of a young black man who died in police custody is a former federal prosecutor who used to put dirty police officers on trial.
Friends and colleagues describe Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams, an African-American, as an even-handed judge who has a sense of humor but doesn't tolerate courtroom grandstanding. People on both sides of the Freddie Gray case agree he's the best judge for the job.
Williams will decide perhaps the most important trial in the Gray case. Officer Caesar Goodson faces a second-degree murder charge in the death of Gray, whose neck was broken in the back of a police wagon last spring. Goodson waived his right to a jury in favor of placing his fate in Williams' hands. His trial begins Thursday.
With careful staging, Obama backs Clinton, nudges Sanders
WASHINGTON (AP) Testifying to Hillary Clinton's grit and experience, President Barack Obama endorsed his former secretary of state's bid to succeed him on Thursday and urged Democrats to line up behind her. It was all part of a carefully orchestrated pressure campaign aimed at easing Clinton rival Bernie Sanders toward the exit and turning fully to the fight against Republican Donald Trump.
Obama's long-expected endorsement, delivered via an online video, included a forceful call for unity and for "embracing" Sanders' economic message, which has fired up much of the liberal wing of his party. Obama sought to reassure Democrats that Clinton shares their values and is ready for the job.
"Look, I know how hard this job can be. That's why I know Hillary will be so good at it," Obama said. "I have seen her judgment. I have seen her toughness. I've seen her commitment to our values."
President Barack Obama walks with Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., down the Colonnade of the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Obama's testimonial came less than an hour after the president met privately with Sanders at the White House to discuss the future of the senator's "political revolution" one that will not include him taking up residence at the White House. Sanders emerged from the meeting subdued and indicated he had gotten the message.
Although he stopped short of endorsing Clinton, the Vermont senator told reporters he planned to press for his "issues" rather than victory at the party's July convention and would meet with Clinton "in the near future" to discuss ways to defeat Trump.
At an evening campaign rally at Washington's RFK Stadium, Sanders made no mention of Clinton, of trying to win over the party insiders known as superdelegates or of pressing his case at next month's Democratic National Convention.
He barely mentioned next Tuesday's primary election in the city, the last on the Democratic primary calendar.
"It would be extraordinary if the people of Washington, our nation's capital, stood up and told the world that they are ready to lead this country into a political revolution," Sanders said in the final sentence of an hour-long address.
In another sign of Democratic unification, Sen. Elizabeth Warren also endorsed Clinton. The Massachusetts senator had been the only holdout among the Senate's Democratic women, and her endorsement sends a signal to Sanders' progressive supporters that it's time to unite around the party's presumptive nominee.
"I am ready to get in this fight and work my heart out for Hillary Clinton to become the next president of the United States and to make sure that Donald Trump never gets anyplace close to the White House," Warren said on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show."
Clinton declared victory over Sanders on Tuesday, having captured the number of delegates needed to become the first female nominee from a major party. Her late and somewhat sputtering victory set off a fresh round of private phone calls and back-channel negotiations, all aimed at sussing out Sanders' demands, easing him out of the race without angering his die-hard supporters and putting the full-court press on Trump.
Obama's endorsement and Sanders' visit were the public culmination of that work.
The White House taped Obama's endorsement video at the White House on Tuesday, before Clinton claimed victory in the primary, and had alerted Sanders earlier in the week that it was coming. Sanders came prepared with his statement.
The careful choreography was part of the Democrats' attempt to show some respect to the senator, even as they steered him toward the campaign off-ramp.
Obama greeted Sanders and his wife in the residence and then strolled with the senator, smiling and laughing warmly, past the Rose Garden to the Oval Office, as cameras recorded the moment.
The ceremony and scrutiny didn't appear to faze Sanders. Ever the everyman, he started the day by stopping for a cup of coffee and a scone at the Peet's coffee shop across from the White House, while dozens of reporters awaited his arrival.
Sanders' campaign spokesman Michael Briggs had little to say about the conversation with the president, saying the men discussed "how we can all work together to create an economy that works for all people and not just the 1 percent."
Leaders on Capitol Hill underscored Obama's message. After leaving the White House, Sanders met with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and later with Vice President Joe Biden.
"He's not worn down, he's not bitter, he's not angry," Schumer said after meeting with Sanders. "I told him I was proud of him and what he accomplished."
The party's delicate handling of the Vermont senator reflected Sanders supporters' deep distrust of the Democratic establishment and its meddling in the primary.
Obama made a point of staying publicly neutral through the sometimes-bitter race, mindful that his involvement could tarnish his standing with parts of his own loyal coalition, namely young people and progressives.
Clinton is now counting on the president to help bring those voters on board. Obama has said he's "fired up" and ready to get started.
Obama has competition in courting Sanders supporters. Trump has said he welcomes Sanders' voters "with open arms."
On Tuesday, he responded to Obama's endorsement by tweeting: "Obama just endorsed Crooked Hillary. He wants four more years of Obama but nobody else does!"
The Clinton campaign tweeted back, "Delete Your Account."
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Associated Press writers Ken Thomas, Erica Werner, Laurie Kellman and Lisa Lerer contributed to this report.
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Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP and Kathleen Hennessey at https://twitter.com/khennessey
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Online:
Obama endorsement video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9W0F2mz1jc
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks at a rally in Washington, Thursday, June 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and his wife Jane Sanders leaves after speaking to reporters outside the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 9, 2016, following a meeting with President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
US military lifts some restrictions on sailors in Japan
TOKYO (AP) The U.S. Navy lifted some restrictions on off-base activity in Japan on Friday but maintained a prohibition on alcohol consumption as the military tries to repair aggravated relations with a Japanese public outraged by recent alleged crimes.
U.S. Naval Forces Japan said in a statement that sailors are now allowed to leave base when they are off-duty. The restrictions were imposed Monday following the weekend arrest of a U.S. sailor for alleged drunken driving.
In a separate case, Japanese police on Thursday said a U.S. military contractor arrested on suspicion of abandoning the body of a young woman on Okinawa is now officially the prime suspect in her murder and rape.
FILE - In this Friday, May 20, 2016 file photo, police officers escort Kenneth Shinzato, center, an American working on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, out of Uruma Police Station in Uruma on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa to turn him over to the public prosecutor's office on suspicion of abandoning the body of a woman who disappeared last month. Japanese police said Thursday, June 9, 2016, that the U.S. military contractor arrested on suspicion of abandoning the body of the woman is now officially the prime suspect in her murder and rape, in a high-profile case that has sparked outrage on the southern island.(Ryosuke Ozawa/Kyodo News via AP, File) JAPAN OUT, CREDIT MANDATORY
The arrest took up a significant part of a Japan-U.S. summit that was held a week later, causing President Barack Obama to apologize. The U.S. military in Okinawa issued an order two days later restricting celebrations and off-base drinking.
Police arrested 32-year-old Kenneth Shinzato, who is also a former Marine, on May 19 after he told investigators where they could find the woman's body in a forest, three weeks after she disappeared. An autopsy on the decomposed body could not determine the cause of death.
Police said that Shinzato hit the 20-year-old woman on the head with a club, dragged her into the weeds and raped her, while strangling her and stabbing her with a knife. Kyodo News service reported that Shinzato told police that he drove around for a few hours to find an assault target.
Born Kenneth Gadson, reportedly from New York City, he is married to a Japanese woman and used her family name, Shinzato. He worked at Kadena Air Base as an employee for a contractor that provides services to U.S. bases on Okinawa.
Okinawa Gov. Takeshi Onaga, who has demanded that the central government do more to reduce the military burden on the southern islands, called the crime "extremely inhuman and dastardly" and "unforgivable."
Tensions were already high over a plan to relocate a Marine Corps air station to a less-populated part of Okinawa. About half of about 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan are on the island, and many residents resent the burden they bear for the defense of Japan and the region. They want the air station to be moved off Okinawa.
The Futenma relocation is part of a broader plan to reduce the impact of U.S. military bases that was triggered by the 1995 gang rape of a teenage girl by three American servicemen. The latest murder has sparked calls for a further reduction of American bases, as well as a revision of the Status of Forces Agreement, under which the handover of suspects accused of crimes while on duty or on base to Japanese authorities is not compulsory.
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Associated Press writer Satoshi Sugiyama contributed to this report.
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Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at twitter.com/mariyamaguchi
Thai king marks 70 years on the throne - from hospital bed
BANGKOK (AP) Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, on Thursday marked his 70th year on the throne from his hospital bed, immobile and wracked by a variety of age-related ailments that have made Thais wonder what their world would be like without him.
There was a time when Bhumibol (pronounced "Poo-me-pon") would lead his aides on treks through swamps and over mountains to learn what was on the minds of his subjects in the most far-flung areas of his realm. But the 88-year-old guest of honor is unlikely to make a public appearance this week.
For most of the past decade the king has lived in a hospital in a new wing built for him for treatment of various problems, according to regular palace statements on his health. The ailments have sapped his strength and taken him gradually out of the public eye. On Tuesday, he underwent an operation to clear an artery; doctors said the results were satisfactory.
Under Article 112 of the criminal code, anyone who 'defames, insults or threatens the king, queen, heir-apparent or regent' faces up to 15 years in prison. Pictured are the Thai royal family with King Bhumibol Adulyadej centre stage
"I really can't think about the country without the king ... it's just impossible to do so," said Nonthawit Kanlapanayut, a 23-year-old trader at Thailand's biggest food processing conglomerate. "The monarchy is at the core for Thai people."
Ten years ago, the ceremonies for his 60th diamond jubilee were splendid. Golden royal barges glinted in a twilight procession, gliding down the Chao Phraya River, for an audience that included representatives of 25 of the world's royal families, who also attended an opulent banquet the next day. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary Thais jammed Bangkok's Royal Plaza to hear their king wearing a gold brocade robe and flanked on a palace balcony by his family deliver a short speech calling for national unity.
This year's 70th anniversary will not go unmarked. On Thursday morning, 770 monks were ordained during religious ceremonies at a newly built throne hall in the palace temple complex, and fireworks will accompany a candlelight gathering near the ceremonial Grand Palace. Long lines formed outside banks to buy for 100 baht a special commemorative 70-baht banknote, worth about $2 -- encased in a yellow paper frame, the color of the royalty. Commuter trains were packed with people wearing yellow shirts.
Bhumibol took the throne in 1946 as a teenage boy under difficult circumstances: His 20-year-old brother, King Ananda, had been shot dead in his palace bedroom.
The absolute monarchy had been ended by an army coup in 1932, leading to a series of military dictatorships. Old royalists slowly but successfully helped the young Bhumibol regain power and influence for the monarchy.
Their efforts were aided in no small part by the king's charisma, rectitude and genuine devotion to seeing his nation develop. Admirers and critics alike credit the king with steering the nation through the turbulent decades of the 1960s and '70s, when neighboring countries fell prey to war and totalitarian rule.
"Being king for so long is an accomplishment," Thai studies scholar Kevin Hewison wrote in recently published comments. He noted that the monarchy was in poor political and economic shape when Bhumibol took over, but he and advisers were "able to make it 'great' again, not to say wealthy, politically powerful and part of the what the elite likes to think is the fabric of Thai society."
The royal palace doesn't talk about the king much and it didn't respond to calls for comment on this article. The king is widely loved by his people, but open discussion of the monarchy is an extremely sensitive because strict lese majeste laws make criticism of the royal family punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The king is known to be the wealthiest monarch in the world with net wealth assessed by Forbes to be more than $30 billion, although most of it is owned by the crown as an institution, including land, a bank and an industrial conglomerate.
However, the past decade has taken a toll not only on the king's health, but also on Thailand's body politic. When Bhumibol spoke at his 60th anniversary in 2006 and called for unity, Thailand was sliding into crisis. A billionaire populist politician, Thaksin Shinawatra, had become prime minister, and his popularity and political power rooted in electoral democracy rubbed traditional royalist power-holders the wrong way.
Just three months after the king's balcony speech, the army deposed Thaksin in a coup, setting off a sustained and sometimes violent political conflict that has left the country socially and politically polarized between Thaksin's supporters many of them poor rural residents and opponents.
The barely concealed involvement of palace circles in the army takeover also dragged the monarchy down to the level of a political player, tarnishing its image as an honest broker above the fray. Thaksin's opponents ostentatiously touted their royalist credentials. Bhumibol was still widely admired, but the consensus that used to value a royally-supervised democracy over popular democracy was severely eroded.
Weakened by age and ill health, Bhumibol meanwhile was unable or unwilling to exercise his personal prestige to promote reconciliation, which he had often done in the past during coups and political conflicts.
Now there was a void. In 2014, the army stepped in again, and declared that it would be calling the shots, even if a promised 2017 election established a facade of democratic rule.
It also started enforcing vigorously a law that makes criticism of the monarchy a crime. Critics say the law's loose interpretation has allowed the military government to detain even those criticizing the junta. Calls to the junta spokesman were not returned.
"Much of the old reverence is gone; even among royalists, it has been replaced by a politics of intolerance and persecution," says Michael Montesano, a Thailand expert who works with Singapore's Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. "At the same time, younger members of the royal family have, not least because the times have changed, been unable to play anything like the role that the king played decades ago."
The accelerating decline in the king's health underlines another concern: How smooth a succession can be arranged in a country where the vast majority of people have known no other king?
The king's only son and heir apparent, 63-year-old Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, is a controversial figure, even among royalists. He does not command the same respect and affection as his father.
"Under the best of circumstances, the monarchy will in the future play a purely ceremonial, rather passive role. The tensions and rhetoric of the past decade, along with the emergence of a more politically aware electorate, mean that the widely accepted unifying role that the monarchy played in the past is probably over," says Montesano.
In the absence of a unifying figure, there is fear that Thailand will descend into political turmoil as the rural supporters of Thaksin already given a taste of their electoral power will be emboldened to take on the so-called royalists who want to maintain the status quo and their power in what one expert defines as "royal democracy."
"Royal democracy is only possible because of him. It is not an exaggeration to say that without him, royal democracy might not survive," said Thongchai Winichakul, a Thai scholar and professor of history at University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Thailand's political future is highly uncertain."
FILE - In this Aug. 1, 2013, file photo, Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, left, and Queen Sirikit leave Siriraj hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, on Thursday June 9, 2016, marks his 70th year on the throne. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)
In this Tuesday, June 7, 2016 photo, a Buddhist monk walks past portraits of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok, Thailand. King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, on Thursday June 9, 2016, marks his 70th year on the throne. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
In this Tuesday, June 7, 2016 photo, a shopkeeper places portraits of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej outside her shop in Bangkok, Thailand. King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, on Thursday, June 9, 2016, marks his 70th year on the throne. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Buddhist monks line up to receive offerings from devotees outside Grand Palace during the 70th anniversary celebrations of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 9, 2016. King Bhumibol is the world's longest-reigning monarch. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Awkward: Dems dance around the word 'quit' on Sanders
WASHINGTON (AP) What to do when one presidential candidate clinches her party's presidential nod but her effectively vanquished rival refuses to leave the race?
First, avoid saying the words "quit" or "exit" and "Bernie Sanders" in the same discussion, according to interviews with Democrats the day after Hillary Clinton claimed her place in history.
"Unify," ''come (or pull) together," ''do the right thing" and even "it" seemed to be the euphemisms of choice for Democrats pressed Wednesday to say what they want Sanders to do now. This week, the Vermont senator has meetings with President Barack Obama and Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, thought to be discussions that touch on what's widely believed to be inevitable: Sanders' exit from the race. But Sanders has said he'll press through until the last Democratic primary, in the District of Columbia on Tuesday.
In this June 7, 2016, photo, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks at a rally in Santa Monica, Calif. What to do when one presidential candidate clinches her partys presidential nod but her effectively vanquished rival refuses to leave the race? First, avoid saying the words quit or exit and Bernie Sanders in the same discussion, according to interviews with Democrats the day after Hillary Clinton claimed her place in history. (AP Photo/John Locher)
For many, the recalcitrance reflects genuine affection for the gruff, 25-year congressional veteran who says he's a democratic socialist and has battled Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination for a solid year.
For Democrats broadly, it's about not ticking him off and alienating the 45 percent of Democratic delegates pledged to vote for him or the legions of supporters who have flocked to his campaign in the primaries. Clinton will need them in her general election fight against Republican Donald Trump.
Leading Democrats that Sanders accuses of rigging the nomination process do not want to "feel the Bern" of division more than they are feeling it now.
Here's a selection of words they used in the first, delicate day after Clinton's big night:
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HINT, HINT
"It's time that we move forward and unite the party." Clinton, in an interview Wednesday with The Associated Press.
NOT THE WRONG THING
"I think Bernie's going to do the right thing." Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.
IT'S A PROCESS
"The sooner the better in terms of at least beginning the process." Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.
IT
"I want him to be himself. Be himself! Be free to make his choices. He's got to be free. However he wants to do it. But I have a deep love for him. Whatever choice he makes, I got a profound love for Brother Sanders." DNC platform committee member Cornel West.
A PLAN FOR...SOMETHING
"He needs to take the time he needs to come up with his own strategy, but we fully expect he will do that." Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.
SHHH
"I'll talk to Bernie tomorrow and I'll talk to you guys after I do that. Until then I think I'm better off just keeping quiet about it." Reid.
HOPE AND CHANGE
"I would hope that Sen. Sanders is going to do everything he can to support the Democratic ticket and make sure that Donald Trump is not the next president." Sen. Jean Shaheen, D-N.H.
DNC: YOU FIRST
"I expect that there will be an overture, a genuine overture, to integrate (Sanders') message and the 45 percent of the delegates that are going to be pledged to Bernie, and the convention (will include) an opportunity to validate that. Those discussions have to happen." Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz.
ULTIMATELY, IT'S ON SANDERS
"His decision really is his to make." Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
THE MESSAGE MATTERS
"I think the focus is on what he says and not exactly when he says it." Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.
INCENTIVE
"I think Sen. Sanders has been and will continue to be a very constructive influence." Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
BERNIE, COME HOME
"Bernie is a good senator and he will continue to be a good senator." Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
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Associated Press writers Erica Werner and Matthew Daly contributed to this report.
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Follow Laurie Kellman on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/APLaurieKellman
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, gets a kiss from his wife, Jane O'Meara Sanders, at a rally Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., right, speaks at a rally Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)
House passes bill to help ease Puerto Rico's debt
WASHINGTON (AP) The House on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a rescue package for debt-stricken Puerto Rico, clearing a major hurdle in the ongoing effort to bring relief to the U.S. territory of 3.5 million Americans.
The strong bipartisan vote was 297-127 for the legislation that would create a financial control board and allow restructuring of some of Puerto Rico's $70 billion debt. The measure now heads to the Senate, just three weeks before the territory must make a $2 billion payment.
In a rare display of political unity, the bill had the support of President Barack Obama, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif. speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, June 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
"The Puerto Rican people are our fellow Americans. They pay our taxes, they fight in our wars. We cannot allow this to happen," Ryan said in imploring lawmakers, especially reluctant conservatives in the GOP caucus, to back the bill during debate.
The legislation would allow the seven-member control board to oversee negotiations with creditors and the courts over reducing some debt. It does not provide any taxpayer funds to reduce that debt.
It would also require the territory to create a fiscal plan. Among other requirements, the plan would have to provide "adequate" funds for public pensions, which the government has underfunded by more than $40 billion.
Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla said Thursday that he didn't like the plan but it is the least harmful alternative for Puerto Rico. "This will protect us from the chaos that will result from an inevitable default that looms on July 1," he said.
The White House said just after the vote that the Senate should act quickly.
"We urge leaders in both parties to build on today's bipartisan momentum and help Puerto Rico move toward lasting economic prosperity," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.
The Senate has not yet acted, but senators said this week that they are watching the House vote. Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Senate Republican, says that it's likely that the Senate will take up the House version of the bill if it passes the House.
Puerto Rico has missed several payments to creditors and faces the $2 billion installment on July 1. A lengthy recession has forced businesses to close, driven up the unemployment rate and sparked an exodus of hundreds of thousands of people to the U.S. mainland. Some schools on the island lack proper electricity and some hospitals have said they can't provide adequate drugs or care.
The island's only active air ambulance company announced this week that it has suspended its services.
"It is regrettable we have reached this point, but it is reality," said Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico's representative in Congress.
Despite leadership support, the measure faced opposition from some in the ranks of both parties, as some bondholders, unions and Puerto Rican officials have lobbied against it. Some conservatives said it would cheat bondholders, while some Democrats argued the control board has colonial overtones.
Democrats and labor unions have also opposed a provision in the bill that would allow the Puerto Rican government to temporarily lower the minimum wage for some younger workers. A Democratic amendment that would have deleted that provision was rejected, 225-196.
Still, Pelosi said the bill will provide the people of Puerto Rico with the tools they need to overcome the crisis and move forward.
"Today, more than 3 million of our fellow American citizens in Puerto Rico are facing a fiscal and public debt emergency that threatens their economy, their communities and their families," Pelosi said.
In a push to get the bill passed, Obama summoned House Democrats with ties to Puerto Rico to a meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday, including supporters and opponents of the measure.
Ahead of the vote, some bondholder groups tried to pick off conservatives with the argument that the bill is unfair to creditors and tantamount to a bailout for the territory.
Some conservatives strongly opposed the bill, expressing concern that it could set a precedent for financially-strapped states.
"If Congress is willing to undermine a territory's constitutionally guaranteed bonds today, there is every reason to believe it would be willing to undermine a state's guarantee tomorrow," said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif.
Others are supporting it. Idaho Rep. Raul Labrador, a Republican born in Puerto Rico who is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, helped negotiate the legislation and has worked to sell it to colleagues.
Rep. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin, a Republican who sponsored the bill, fought back against the idea that the legislation is a bailout of any sort.
"The bottom line is, this bill doesn't spend any taxpayer money bailing anybody out," Duffy said.
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Follow Mary Clare Jalonick on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MCJalonick
Myanmar's betel chewers swallowing hard at high prices
THANPHYUYONE, Myanmar (AP) It's as vital to life in Myanmar as cheese is to France or tea to Britain. For millions of people in the Southeast Asian country, the day is incomplete without chewing the juicy, teeth-staining parcels of betel leaf wrapped around areca nut and a slake of lime.
But Myanmar's dedicated legions of red-toothed betel nut chewers are now having to swallow hard at the thought of paying double for what's known as "kun-ya," thanks to extreme weather that has caused a sharp spike in prices of the ingredients for the addictive stimulant.
A severe drought this summer wreaked havoc on betel leaf and areca nut farms, which rely heavily on irrigation. This was followed by violent rainstorms that debilitated the remaining crop.
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, a habitual " kun-ya" eater with some betel leaves in his mouth smiles in Yangon, Myanmar. Chewing "kun-ya" as vital to life in Myanmar as cheese is to France or tea to Britain. For millions of people across Myanmar, the day is incomplete without chewing the juicy, teeth-staining parcels of betel leaf wrapped around areca nut and a slake of lime. (AP Photo/ Gemunu Amarasinghe)
Nowhere is the poor harvest more greatly felt than in Thanphyuyone, a village where every morning farmers pick mature leaves that are lined inside bamboo baskets and sent to wholesale markets in nearby Yangon, the country's commercial capital.
"Betel farmers usually rely on the water from the village reservoir to grow betel leaves, but as this year brought us drought, we lost a huge amount of betel leaves and there was nothing we could do," said Kyi Lwin, a 42-year-old betel farmer.
The extreme weather variations have been blamed on El Nino, a warming of parts of the Pacific Ocean that changes weather worldwide.
The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.80 to $2.50 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of the shortage, the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. That's as much as the daily wage of a construction worker.
"It has only happened this year," said Myo Lin Tun, a seller in the Thirimingalar wholesale market in Yangon.
Chewing of kun-ya goes back centuries in Myanmar. Every village, town and city in the country has small kiosks that usually sell packs of four kun-ya portions for about 10 cents. In Yangon, 25-year-old construction worker Phyo They Paing grumbles that he now gets only half the usual bang for his buck.
"I used to get four packets for 100 kyats and I was happy with that," he says. "But now I just get two. I'm pretty disappointed with that."
The betel leaf is wrapped around a mixture of areca nuts, lime, spices and sometimes tobacco. Aficionados chew them throughout the day, filling their mouths with a red sludge of betel juice and saliva that they dispose of with abandon in the open. Great red streams of the juice line sidewalks, bus stops, walls, public restrooms and everywhere else.
What's left are teeth and gums stained red.
A recent Health Ministry and World Health Organization survey showed that 62 percent of men and 24 percent of women in Myanmar use smokeless tobacco products such as kun-ya, carrying a serious risk of oral cancer.
Many who sport the giveaway red teeth are bus, truck and taxi drivers who say its stimulant quality helps them stay alert.
Last month, the government issued an order instructing all employees not to chew betel during office hours and not to allow betel vendors inside government facilities.
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Htusan reported from Yangon.
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, a vender stacks betel leaves in a basket at a market in suburban Yangon, Myanmar. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, people gather around a " kun-ya" seller at a market in Yangon, Myanmar. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, a retail seller wraps "Kun-ya" at a market in Yangon, Myanmar. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, a vender sorts betel leaves at a market in suburban Yangon, Myanmar. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, a retail seller, left, buys betel leaves from a wholesale vender at a market in suburban Yangon, Myanmar. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo wholesale venders sort and stack betel leafs at a market in suburban Yangon, Myanmar. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, a worker chews betel while sorting betel leaves at a wholesale market in suburban Yangon, Myanmar. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, a retail seller, balancing a bag of betel leaves on her head, pays for what she bought from a wholesale vender at a market in suburban Yangon, Myanmar. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, a retail sellers display betel leaves at a market in suburbs of Yangon, Myanmar. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, a mobile " Kun-ya" seller walks at a market in Yangon, Myanmar. Chewing "kun-ya" as vital to life in Myanmar as cheese is to France or tea to Britain. For millions of people across Myanmar, the day is incomplete without chewing the juicy, teeth-staining parcels of betel leaf wrapped around areca nut and a slake of lime. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/ Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo a man stuffs a " Kun-ya" parcel in his mouth in Yangon, Myanmar. Chewing "kun-ya" as vital to life in Myanmar as cheese is to France or tea to Britain. For millions of people across Myanmar, the day is incomplete without chewing the juicy, teeth-staining parcels of betel leaf wrapped around areca nut and a slake of lime. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this Friday, June 3, 2016 photo, red streams of betel juice and saliva spat out by a kun-ya chewer remain on a sidewalk in a market in Yangon, Myanmar. Chewing "kun-ya" as vital to life in Myanmar as cheese is to France or tea to Britain. For millions of people across Myanmar, the day is incomplete without chewing the juicy, teeth-staining parcels of betel leaf wrapped around areca nut and a slake of lime. The bright green betel leaves, as large as an adult palm, normally cost $1.8 to $2.5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). But because of a shortage the price has gone up nearly four times to 11,000 kyat or $9 per kilogram. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
Islamic State suspect faces terrorism charges in Germany
BERLIN (AP) German prosecutors say they've charged a 30-year-old man with membership in the Islamic State group, alleging that he fought with the group in Syria in 2013.
Prosecutors said Thursday that German citizen Abdelkarim El B., whose last name wasn't given in line with privacy laws, took part in fighting near Aleppo. He's alleged to have filmed on his cellphone as he and others cut the ears and nose off the corpse of an enemy fighter, and fired shots into the head.
He was arrested in February 2014 after he left Syria for Turkey. After his release nearly a year later he returned to Germany where he was arrested in February 2015.
Permits for killing Indian wildlife spark government row
NEW DELHI (AP) An Indian Cabinet minister accused her colleagues in the Environment Ministry on Thursday of failing to protect the country's wildlife by allowing states to cull populations of monkeys, elephants, wild boars and antelopes.
The permissions are inspiring a public "lust for killing," said the minister for women and child development, Maneka Gandhi. She joined animal rights activists in accusing the Environment Ministry of playing politics by siding with farmers who complain that the animals are damaging their crops, despite the overall decline of most animal populations.
The sharp criticism of an Indian minister by another is unusual in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, where Cabinet members generally keep silent except to espouse approved national policies or reiterate pledges to boost the economy.
FILE- In this Sept. 15, 2015, file photo, a wild elephant from a nearby hill of India's northeastern Meghalaya state, sprays water on itself as it stands and eats grass in the wetlands of Telalia, on the outskirts of Gauhati, India. An Indian Cabinet minister says her colleagues in the Environment Ministry are failing to protect the country's wildlife by allowing states to cull populations of monkeys, elephants, wild boars and antelopes. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File)
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, apparently surprised by the criticism from within his own administration, declined to respond directly to Gandhi's remarks, except to say that the permissions given for killing wildlife are targeted, scientifically safe and legal if requested by local authorities.
"If there is a proposal by a state government, we allow killing of animals in a certain area for a certain period for scientific management. That's the existing law," he said.
Gandhi said, however, that the approvals are encouraging a frenzy of killing, including in areas where no permission was given.
"There is a lust for killing. It's shameful," Gandhi said. She said a family of gunmen from the southern city of Hyderabad "is going around killing animals across the country" with impunity.
Javadekar and other officials in the Environment Ministry did not comment on the allegations.
Protecting wildlife is a point of pride for many Indians, who laud their nation's pioneering tiger conservation program launched in the 1970s and note the religious reverence paid to monkeys, elephants and cows considered to be the earthly embodiments of Hindu gods.
Nevertheless, wildlife conservation experts have raised alarms about threats to animals from rapid economic development, polluting industries, deforestation and human encroachment into animal habitats as the human population grows beyond 1.25 billion people.
The country's animals are also threatened by rampant poaching, the result of high demand for tiger bones, rhino horns, pangolin scales and other animal parts used in traditional Chinese medicine. Endangered songbirds and threatened turtles are routinely found for sale in markets as pets.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, generally considered to be the most comprehensive, lists hundreds of Indian species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered and at risk of becoming extinct.
Gandhi and animal rights activists said authorities should instead be educating people about avoiding conflicts with animals, using noisemakers and fences to prevent animals from encroaching on farmland, and better protecting wild habitats from pollution and development.
Kosovo opposition ends parliament boycott, no tear gas used
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) Kosovo's main opposition political party has returned to Parliament after three months and has not interrupted its proceedings.
The Self-Determination Movement party on Thursday ended its parliament boycott though two of its allies continue it.
Since September, the opposition used tear gas canisters to disrupt parliament's work. Their rallies outside routinely turned into violent clashes between protesters and police to reject a deal between Kosovo and Serbia giving more powers to ethnic Serbs in Kosovo and another one on a border demarcation pact with Montenegro.
The European Union has asked Kosovo to approve the border demarcation with Montenegro before its citizens enjoy the visa-free regime in most of its member countries.
Body of 1 of 2 missing workers found in gravel pit
Rescue crews found the body of one of two men missing in a landslide at a gravel pit in southern Mississippi early Thursday and used their hands to dig through mud and slush to free him from a piece of heavy equipment, a state official said.
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency director Lee Smithson said rescue crews found the body about 1:30 a.m. and it was pulled out of the excavator just before 7 a.m.
The family has been notified, but the man's name was not released out of respect for his relatives, Smithson said.
In this photo released by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, a new crane is used to assist in the recovery efforts to remove two workers buried under a landslide at the bottom of a pit at Green Brothers Gravel Co., in Crystal Springs, Miss., Tuesday, June 7, 2016. (Ray Coleman/Mississippi Emergency Management Agency via AP)
Copiah County Coroner Ellis Stuart told The Associated Press that the Mine Safety and Health Administration would release the worker's name.
"From here on out now, our efforts will redouble to find the other missing worker," Smithson said.
Smithson said safety is the No. 1 priority in the search, which is an around-the-clock operation.
Earlier this week, Smithson identified the two missing men in a Facebook message as Emmitt Shorter and James "Dee" Hemphill and offered condolences to their families.
State emergency officials said the men were operating heavy equipment for Green Brothers at a pit in Crystal Springs when they were buried in 10 feet to 12 feet of mud, slush and sluice about 11:30 a.m. on June 3.
Heavy pumps were brought in Monday to remove mud and slurry caused by rain at the landslide site.
"I can only again stress our sympathy and prayers to those dear family members who have kept this vigil, how heartbreaking it must be," Gov. Phil Bryant told reporters during a Monday afternoon briefing after meeting with family members at the gravel pit in rural Copiah County.
William O'Dell, MSHA assistant district manager, told reporters Monday that the agency will investigate the incident. The agency is supervising about 25 people working on recovery efforts.
"As far as Green Brothers' violation history, at this point we haven't really focused on the history of that," O'Dell said. "We're solely focused on our recovery operations."
MSHA has cited the particular mine for 26 "significant & substantial" violations since 1993, according to online records. Green Brothers, based in Crystal Springs, also operates other gravel mines.
Norman Ford, an assistant vice president of Green Brothers, was not in the office Thursday for comment on the recovery operation.
On Monday, Ford read a statement but took no questions from reporters.
"Please continue to ask for comfort for these families and strength for us to press on for the only mission that matters, the recovery of our guys and their loved ones," Ford said, his voice breaking.
In this Monday, June 6, 2016 photo, a new crane is moved into position to assist in the recovery efforts to remove two workers buried under a landslide at the bottom of a pit at Green Brothers Gravel Co., in Crystal Springs, Miss. (Sarah Fowler /The Clarion-Ledger via AP) NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
Emergency crews work on Monday, June 6, 2016, try to recover the bodies of two men buried when a gravel pit caved in Friday in Crystal Springs, Miss. William O'Dell, MSHA assistant district manager, told reporters Monday that the agency is working to recover the bodies without further injuries and will investigate the incident later. (Elijah Baylis/The Clarion-Ledger via AP) NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
Emergency crews work on Monday, June 6, 2016, try to recover the bodies of two men buried when a gravel pit caved in Friday in Crystal Springs, Miss. William O'Dell, MSHA assistant district manager, told reporters Monday that the agency is working to recover the bodies without further injuries and will investigate the incident later. (Elijah Baylis/The Clarion-Ledger via AP) NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
People work on Monday, June 6, 2016, try to recover the bodies of two men buried when a gravel pit caved in Friday in Crystal Springs, Miss. William O'Dell, MSHA assistant district manager, told reporters Monday that the agency is working to recover the bodies without further injuries and will investigate the incident later. (Elijah Baylis/The Clarion-Ledger via AP) NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
In this Friday, June 3, 2016, photograph, workers and authorities evaluate what process they need to employ to safely move out dirt to make a path to the two workers buried under a landslide at the bottom of a pit at Green Brothers Gravel Company near Crystal Springs, Miss. Emmitt Shorter and James "Dee" Hemphill were operating a track hoe and a dump truck when a quicksand-like slurry engulfed their vehicles. Officials believe the men to be dead. (Eli Baylis/The Clarion-Ledger via AP) NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
Turkey suspends sale of fertilizers containing nitrate
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkey is temporarily suspending the sale of fertilizers containing nitrate that are used to make explosives, Turkey's agriculture minister said Thursday, after two car bombings this week killed 17 people.
The country is suffering from a surge of violence since last summer when a fragile peace process with the Kurdish rebels collapsed and Islamic State militants mounted attacks inside Turkish territory.
On Tuesday, suspected Kurdish militants exploded a car bomb in Istanbul as a police bus was passing by, killing six police officers and five civilians. A day later, a suicide car bombing targeting a main police station in the town of Midyat, near the border with Syria, killed three police officers and three civilians. An Interior Ministry official has said authorities have strong evidence that both attacks were carried out by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.
People watch after a Kurdish rebel suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle outside a police headquarters in Midyat, near Turkey's border with Syria, Wednesday, June 8, 2016, killing four people, according to Turkish officials. An Interior Ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the issue, said two civilians and two women police officers were killed, in addition to the bomber. (IHA via AP) TURKEY OUT
News reports said assailants had used a half-ton of explosives in the attack against the police headquarters in Midyat.
"As of now, the sale of fertilizers containing nitrate that are used for explosives has been frozen in Turkey," Agriculture Minister Faruk Celik said in an interview on state television.
Turkey had already taken measures to control and track the sale of fertilizers but Celik said the measures had proven insufficient. He said security officials have temporarily seized 64,000 tons of fertilizers containing nitrate from retailers.
On Thursday, a police officer who was wounded in the Midyat attack died in a hospital, raising the death toll in the bombing to six. Two women police officers were also among the dead.
The PKK is considered a terror organization by Turkey and its allies.
Residents look at the destroyed police headquarters building, in the town of Midyat, southeastern Turkey, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle outside the police headquarters near Turkey's border with Syria Wednesday, killing several people, according to Turkish officials. News reports said the assailant rammed the vehicle into protective concrete blocks surrounding Midyat's main police station located on a street lined with cafeterias, shops and businesses. (AP Photo/Mahmut Bozarslan) TURKEY OUT
A view of destroyed police headquarters building, in the town of Midyat, southeastern Turkey, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle outside the police headquarters near Turkey's border with Syria Wednesday, killing several people, according to Turkish officials. News reports said the assailant rammed the vehicle into protective concrete blocks surrounding Midyat's main police station located on a street lined with cafeterias, shops and businesses. (AP Photo/Mahmut Bozarslan) TURKEY OUT
Police officers stand outside at the destroyed police headquarters building, in the town of Midyat, southeastern Turkey, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle outside the police headquarters near Turkey's border with Syria Wednesday, killing several people, according to Turkish officials. News reports said the assailant rammed the vehicle into protective concrete blocks surrounding Midyat's main police station located on a street lined with cafeterias, shops and businesses. (AP Photo/Mahmut Bozarslan) TURKEY OUT
Jordan sets Sept. 20 as date for parliament elections
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) Jordan is to hold parliament elections on Sept. 20, the country's Independent Elections Commission announced on Thursday.
The balloting for 130 members of parliament will be the first under a new electoral law. Critics and opposition figures have said the new rules, while an improvement, don't go far enough in encouraging the formation of political parties in place of tribal politics.
The vote is also coming at a time when the main political opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood, is fractured and in disarray.
Jordan also faces growing economic and security problems, caused in part by fallout from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.
In this climate, political reforms have been on hold.
Earlier this year, the outgoing parliament adopted constitutional amendments that consolidated the already considerable powers of King Abdullah II, giving him, among other things, the sole authority to appoint leaders of the security forces and members of the constitutional court.
The last parliament election was held in January 2013, under a system in which a voter could only vote for one candidate in his or her district.
Under the new law, a voter can choose as many candidates as there members of parliament representing the district. In the upcoming election, Jordan will be divided into 23 electoral districts.
The new rules also reduced the number of members of parliament from 150 to 130. Fifteen seats are reserved for women, nine for Christians and three for ethnic minorities.
Setbacks seen for Islamic State in Syria, Iraq, Libya
BEIRUT (AP) U.S.-backed fighters in Syria converged from three sides on an Islamic State stronghold near the Turkish border Thursday, while Iraqi special forces pushed deeper into Fallujah, one of the last bastions of the militant group in western Iraq.
In Libya, IS militants were fleeing their stronghold of Sirte as forces loyal to a U.N.-brokered government advanced, with some fighters reportedly cutting off beards and long hair to blend in with civilians.
The anti-IS offensives posed a significant challenge to the extremist group as it tries to stave off multiple attacks across parts of Syria and Iraq, where it declared a so-called caliphate in 2014, and in more recently seized territory in chaotic Libya.
This Wednesday June 8, 2016 video grab shows smoke rising from the city of Manbij, Syria. U.S.-backed fighters on Thursday closed all major roads leading to the northern Syrian town of Manbij, a stronghold of the Islamic State group, and surrounded it from three sides, officials and Syrian opposition activists said. The town is one of the largest areas held by IS in the northern Aleppo province. (ARAB 24 via AP)
If the U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces capture Manbij, it will be the biggest strategic defeat for IS in Syria since July 2015, when it lost the border town of Tal Abyad, a major supply route to the militants' de facto capital of Raqqa.
Manbij, which had a prewar population of 100,000, is one of the largest IS-held urban areas in northern Aleppo province and is a waypoint on an IS supply line between Raqqa and the Turkish frontier.
In a sign of the town's perceived significance, the SDF's advances were accompanied by intense airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition battling the IS militants. The U.S. Central Command said the coalition has conducted more than 105 strikes in support of the battle to liberate Manbij.
The airstrikes recalled the battle for the Kurdish town of Kobani in northern Syria. That campaign saw hundreds of U.S. airstrikes to support Kurdish forces who wrested Kobani from IS in January 2015 after four months of fighting that left the town in ruins.
Since then, members of the U.S. and French military have joined in to advise the anti-IS forces in northern Syria.
Syrian journalist Mustafa Bali, who visited the front lines in Manbij, told The Associated Press the extremists didn't appear to be preparing to withdraw from the town as they had from other areas. On Wednesday, black smoke covered Manbij as militants set tires ablaze in an apparent attempt to cut visibility from coalition warplanes, he said.
"Daesh is preparing for a battle inside the city," Bali said, using an Arabic acronym for the IS group. SDF official Nasser Haj Mansour said Wednesday about 15,000 civilians had fled.
A statement by the Military Council of the City of Manbij, which is part of the SDF, said all roads from the east, north and south have been cut. Its forces are now close enough to target IS militants inside the town, but they are holding off storming it to avoid civilian casualties, the statement added.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said SDF fighters are about 800 meters (yards) from the last main road linking Manbij with the city of Aleppo. At least 132 IS militants, 21 SDF fighters and 37 civilians have been killed since the SDF offensive began on May 31, the Observatory said.
In France, an official confirmed that French special forces are offering training and advice to SDF fighters. The French forces are with SDF fighters who are fighting IS, according to the official from French Defense Ministry. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk publicly.
Last week, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said his country's forces were participating.
"We are helping with arms, we are helping with aerial support, we are helping with advice," he said. The U.S. also has about 300 special operations forces embedded with the SDF in northern Syria.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that while the time is not yet right for new peace talks on the Syrian civil war, the failure to reach an agreement soon will probably mean an escalation in the conflict,
Ban stressed the urgency of an early August deadline set by the U.S. and Russia, co-chairs of the International Syria Support group, for "at least the beginnings of a serious agreement."
He also urged the Syrian government to allow unhindered humanitarian access to civilians under siege in the country.
The Islamic State group has suffered setbacks on several fronts in the region where it captured large swaths of territory two years ago, including the loss of the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra earlier this year.
In Iraq, elite counterterrorism forces rolled into southern Fallujah on Wednesday under U.S.-led coalition airpower, the first time in more than two years that government troops have entered the IS-held city west of Baghdad. The militant group fired back with mortars and rockets.
Fallujah is one of the last IS strongholds in Iraq and government forces last month began a large-scale operation to recapture it. Iraqi troops have slowly won back territory, although IS still controls parts of the north and west, as well as the second-largest city of Mosul.
An online statement from the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for two suicide attacks in Iraq one that killed 19 people and wounded 46 in a mostly Shiite neighborhood of Baghdad and another that killed 12 people and wounded 32 in the town of Taji, north of the capital. The figures were confirmed by medical officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.
U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner condemned the bombings as "barbaric terrorist attacks," and he praised the "progress being made by Iraqi forces on the battlefield" in Fallujah.
The Sunni militant group often targets Iraq's Shiite majority, security forces and government officials. Baghdad has experienced near-daily attacks recently that officials see as an attempt by IS militants to distract the attention of security forces from the front lines in places like Fallujah.
In Libya, IS militants were retreating from the city of Sirte as militia fighters allied to a unity government pushed into the city in tanks and pickup trucks mounted with machine guns, according to officials and video posted on social media.
The capture of Mediterranean coastal city capped a monthlong offensive by Libyan militias. Sirte is the only major IS-held city outside Syria and Iraq.
The pro-government militias, mostly from Misrata in western Libya, have been the main fighting force for the U.N.-brokered unity government installed in Tripoli this year.
Reflecting the stepped-up fight against IS, the U.S. military said a second carrier group is nearing the Mediterranean to bolster operations, the first time two U.S. carriers will be in those waters at the same time since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
U.S. European Command spokesman Lt. Col. David Westover said the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and its strike group of guided-missile cruisers and destroyers were in EUCOM's area of responsibility in the Atlantic en route to the Mediterranean.
The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group already is in the Mediterranean. U.S. 6th Fleet spokesman Lt. Shawn Eklund says the warships are there to carry out anti-Islamic State actions and to reassure European allies. "When we put carriers in place, it sends a signal," he said.
In Iran's capital of Tehran, meanwhile, Russian, Syrian and Iranian defense ministers met to discuss developments in the region, according to Iran's state TV.
Iran is for a cease-fire in Syria "that doesn't help terrorists to get more powerful," Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan was quoted as saying by Iranian media. There were no reported comments from Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Syrian counterpart, Gen. Fahd Jassem al-Freij, on a cease-fire.
Russia and Iran are the main backers of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Tehran has provided the Syrian government with military and political backing for years. A number of Iranian soldiers have been killed in Syria.
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George reported from Camp Tariq, Iraq. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Lori Hinnant in Paris, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and Michael Astor at the United Nations contributed to this report.
Lebanon bans import of Syrian produce
BEIRUT (AP) Lebanon's Agricultural Ministry is banning the import of Syrian produce in an effort to protect Lebanese farm revenues.
Agriculture Minister Akram Chehayeb says he is trying to protect "production and farmers" in the country. He says authorities will crack down on cross-border smuggling.
Warren on attack against Trump as she gets behind Clinton
WASHINGTON (AP) Sen. Elizabeth Warren threw her support behind Democrat Hillary Clinton for president Thursday, following President Barack Obama in sending a signal to progressive voters now backing Bernie Sanders that it's time to unite around the presumptive Democratic nominee.
"I am ready to get in this fight and work my heart out for Hillary Clinton to become the next president of the United States and to make sure that Donald Trump never gets anyplace close to the White House," the Massachusetts senator said on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show."
Warren was the only holdout among the Senate's Democratic women and, given her stature among liberals, her endorsement could be an important boost for Clinton. She also is being floated as a potential vice presidential pick for Clinton.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks at the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy 2016 National Convention, Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Ahead of her endorsement Thursday, Warren spoke to the American Constitution Society and attacked Trump as a "loud, nasty, thin-skinned fraud."
Trump "has never risked anything for anyone and serves nobody but himself. And that is just one of the many reasons why he will never be president," Warren said in the scathing broadside also aimed at the top two Republicans in Congress.
The liberal lawmaker increasingly has tangled with Trump, taking on an attack-dog role that she seems able to execute more effectively than other Democrats, including Clinton herself. Trump has lashed back, labeling her "Goofy Elizabeth Warren" and ridiculing her claims to Native American heritage.
Warren took aim at Trump's contention that U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel can't preside fairly over a case involving Trump University because the U.S.-born Curiel is of Mexican descent and Trump wants to build a wall along the border with Mexico.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., both have strongly condemned those comments, but Warren, D-Mass., argued that McConnell and Ryan are really no better than Trump on the issue of judges. She cited what she contends is McConnell's blockade of Obama's judicial nominees and Ryan's acquiescence in the strategy.
"Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell want Donald Trump to appoint the next generation of judges. They want those judges to tilt the law to favor big business and billionaires like Trump. They just want Donald to quit being so vulgar and obvious about it," Warren said.
"Donald Trump chose racism as his weapon, but his aim is exactly the same as the rest of the Republicans. Pound the courts into submission to the rich and powerful."
McConnell's office pushed back against Warren's criticism. Spokesman Don Stewart said, "If Sen. Warren held her current beliefs about ensuring votes for all nominees when her party was engaged in serial and unprecedented filibusters against women and minorities during the Bush administration, she kept them to herself."
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Associated Press writer Steve LeBlanc in Boston contributed to this report.
Judge drops $1,590 fine that began with dirty license plate
GRANTVILLE, Ga. (AP) A judge in rural Georgia who fined a woman $1,590 for having no decal on her car's license place canceled the fine this week.
Grantville Municipal Court Judge Lisa Reeves canceled the fine without explanation Tuesday, less than three hours after an attorney told the court that she was representing Linda Ford, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported (bit.ly/1X9ojul).
Ford was put on probation in February because the judge said she owed the money. By Tuesday she had paid $300 toward the fine, but it would have totaled $1,722 with additional state-mandated fees.
The judge's decision came six days after The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on the large fine.
Ford's ordeal began when she was stopped for having a dirty license plate and an officer found the plate had no decal to prove her registration was up to date.
Ford had the decal in her glove box and showed it to the officer, the newspaper reported. She said she had forgotten to attach it while her car was in the shop for repairs months earlier. The officer cited her anyway because Coweta County records showed that her registration was suspended.
Sarah Geraghty, an attorney with the Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta, said the county's records were wrong.
When Ford faced a hearing in December, she took documents showing that her registration was current, but the newspaper reports that Reeves fined her $720 for failure to have a current decal on her license plate. She made partial payments, but Reeves hiked the fine up to $1,590.
Ford was ordered to report to a probation officer periodically until the fine was paid.
"It does something to you on the inside," Ford said about being on probation. "I was ashamed. People at work knew. I didn't act the same. My hair started to come out because I was so stressed out."
Reeves didn't immediately return messages seeking comment on Thursday.
Geraghty told the newspaper that similar problems happen statewide.
"Too often the goal of money collection is put in front of the more legitimate goals of public safety and rehabilitation," she said.
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Prosecutors won't charge UK officials over Libya renditions
LONDON (AP) British prosecutors announced Thursday that they will not charge British officials or spies over the detention and rendition of two opponents of the former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
Abdel Hakim Belhaj and Sami al-Saadi allege the British government and its MI6 intelligence agency colluded with American authorities in their kidnappings and ill-treatment.
The men were detained with their families in southeast Asia in 2004 and sent to Gadhafi's Libya, where they were imprisoned. They accused former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and a former senior MI6 officer, Mark Allen, of responsibility.
The British government denies complicity in rendition or torture.
Police asked prosecutors to consider charges against one suspect, who was not identified.
Sue Hemming of the special crime and counterterrorism division at the Crown Prosecution Service said there was "insufficient evidence to charge the suspect with any criminal offense."
The service said there was evidence that the suspect had "been in communication with individuals from the foreign countries responsible for the detention and transfer of the Belhaj and al-Saadi families" and had sought political authorization for some of his actions.
But it said Britain could not prosecute for aiding or abetting kidnap because the alleged offenses took place abroad, and there was not enough evidence to bring charges of aiding or abetting torture.
Belhaj told the BBC he was "very disappointed that individuals responsible will not be prosecuted."
Ex-Romanian president gets Moldovan citizenship
CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) Moldova has given Romania's former president citizenship in recognition of his work to strengthen ties between the historical allies.
Spokeswoman for Moldova's president's office, Ana Samson, said Thursday that Traian Basescu, who was president of Romania from 2004-2014, and his wife Maria had received citizenship following a request they submitted in March.
As president, Basescu opened the door for hundreds of thousands of Moldovans with Romanian grandparents to become citizens of European Union-member Romania.
He lobbied for Moldova to move closer to the EU and supported reunification between the neighbors. Moldova was part of Romania until 1940.
Moldova signed an association agreement with the EU in 2014 despite opposition from Russia.
The Latest: FEMA authorizes funds to help fight Arizona fire
YARNELL, Ariz. (AP) The Latest on a wildfire burning near Yarnell, Arizona. (all times local):
3:45 p.m.
Federal authorities have authorized the use of federal funds to assist the Arizona Department of Forestry fight a brush fire burning near Yarnell.
A brush fire burns in Yarnell, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The brush fire threatened structures Wednesday in the north-central Arizona town of Yarnell the scene of a 2013 wildfire in which 19 members of an elite firefighting crew were killed. Some residents on the town's east and west sides were being told to evacuate their homes as a precaution, Yavapai County sheriff's officials said. (Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs.
The fire is believed to be human-caused and already has burned about 2 square mile of brush and grass.
The flames broke out Wednesday, leading about 250 people to evacuate their homes close to Yarnell, a community about 60 miles northwest of Phoenix where a 2013 blaze killed 19 members of an elite firefighting crew.
Authorities ordered additional evacuations Thursday, including about 30 homes in the Peeples Valley Area, as they feared the fire might make its way down to Highway 89.
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2:30 p.m.
Authorities have ordered additional evacuations for a brush fire near Yarnell, an Arizona community where a June 2013 blaze killed 19 members of an elite firefighting crew.
About 30 homes in the Peeples Valley area were evacuated Thursday afternoon as authorities fear the fire might make its way down to Highway 89.
That brings the total of evacuees to near 300 in the area. But authorities remain confident that the fire won't grow out of control and containment could still be made by sometime early next week.
Fire officials on Thursday put the fire near Yarnell at roughly 2 square miles, up from the square mile estimated late Wednesday.
They say the fire is 10 percent contained and still burning away from Yarnell.
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12:35 p.m.
A brush fire burning outside an Arizona town near where 19 firefighters died in a 2013 wildfire has been mapped as being twice as large as previously estimated.
Fire officials on Thursday put the fire near Yarnell at roughly 2 square miles, up from the square mile estimated late Wednesday.
Bureau of Land Management spokesman Delores Garcia says the fire continues to burn but that the doubling in its estimated size is a result of GPS mapping.
Containment remains at 10 percent, and Garcia says the fire continues to burn away from Yarnell.
She says authorities now believe State Route 89 through Yarnell can be reopened Thursday evening.
There had been talk of reopening the highway Thursday afternoon but Garcia says fire managers want to avoid any congestion for movement of firefighting equipment during the heat of the day.
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7:45 a.m.
Officials say weather conditions are favorable for fighting a brush fire burning outside an Arizona town near where 19 firefighters died in a 2013 wildfire.
The fire has burned nearly a square mile but incident commander RobRoy Williams says its growth slowed overnight. He says light winds Thursday morning are blowing the fire away from Yarnell and that the weather forecast is favorable for several days.
Around 200 firefighters and other personnel are assigned to the fire, which is 10 percent contained.
Williams says the origin of the fire is under investigation but a human cause is suspected.
About 250 to 300 residents left their homes but Williams say the evacuation order could be lifted as early as Thursday afternoon if favorable conditions continue.
The fire has not burned any homes but three structures such as sheds have burned.
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6:55 a.m.
Calm weather near an Arizona community allowed firefighters to get some sleep overnight as they resume the fight against a wildfire that has burned nearly a square mile of brush and grass.
The fire is burning near Yarnell, where a 2013 blaze killed 19 members of an elite firefighting crew.
Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Dolores Garcia says 250 to 300 people left their homes in Yarnell about 60 miles northwest of Phoenix.
Garcia says winds may pick up late Thursday but calm and cooler conditions with higher humidity overnight helped firefighters.
There have been no reported injuries. The fire has burned close to Yarnell but so far the only structures reported to have burned are three unoccupied buildings such as sheds.
The cause of the fire isn't known.
A helicopter aids in the effort to extinguish a brush fire in Yarnell, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The brush fire threatened structures Wednesday in the north-central Arizona town of Yarnell the scene of a 2013 wildfire in which 19 members of an elite firefighting crew were killed. Some residents on the town's east and west sides were being told to evacuate their homes as a precaution, Yavapai County sheriff's officials said. (Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
A brush fire burns in Yarnell, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The brush fire threatened structures Wednesday in the north-central Arizona town of Yarnell the scene of a 2013 wildfire in which 19 members of an elite firefighting crew were killed. Some residents on the town's east and west sides were being told to evacuate their homes as a precaution, Yavapai County sheriff's officials said. (Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
Watchdog report faults prison system on medical spending
WASHINGTON (AP) The federal prison system is spending too much on medical care for inmates by overly relying on outside doctors and hospitals, the Justice Department's watchdog said in a report Thursday.
The Bureau of Prisons likely spent at least $100 million more than the Medicare rate on outside medical care in the 2014 budget year, according to an inspector general report. All of the 69 prison facilities analyzed for the report paid reimbursement rates higher than those paid by Medicare.
The report was issued amid a continued increase in prison health care spending, a growth driven in part by an aging inmate population with various medical needs.
Unlike other federal agencies, the Bureau of Prisons which purchases outside medical care for roughly 170,000 inmates nationwide negotiates its own rates for medical services with providers. Those providers are able to charge the BOP a premium above the Medicare rate because the BOP, unlike other federal agencies, is not covered by a statute under which the government sets the reimbursement rate.
Justices rule against Puerto Rico in fight over criminal law
WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled against Puerto Rico in a politically charged dispute over the island's power to enforce its own criminal laws.
The justices ruled 6-2 that the U.S. territory can't prosecute people for local crimes if they've already been convicted of similar charges in federal court.
The ruling helps clarify the island's legal status at a time when the issue has caused deep divisions between officials from the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
The court sided with two men who said the principle of double jeopardy prevented Puerto Rico officials from prosecuting them on weapons charges after they had already pleaded guilty to federal charges for the same offense.
Puerto Rico officials had argued that the island could still bring charges under its own laws something that the 50 states have power to do under the principle of state sovereignty.
Writing for the court, Justice Elena Kagan said Congress remains the "ultimate source" of the island's legal power even though Puerto Rico has its own constitution.
"Put simply, Congress conferred the authority to create the Puerto Rico constitution, which in turn confers the authority to bring criminal charges," Kagan said. "That makes Congress the original source of power for Puerto Rico's prosecutors as it is for the federal government's. The island's constitution, significant though it is, does not break the chain."
Justice Stephen Breyer dissented, saying that over time, the source of Puerto Rico's criminal law "ceased to be the U.S. Congress and became Puerto Rico itself, its people and its constitution." He was joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor whose parents were born in Puerto Rico.
The case is one of two high court disputes over Puerto Rico's legal authority. In the second case to be decided later this month, the justices are considering whether the island can deal with its fiscal crisis by restructuring the debt of its financially ailing public utilities. A lower court said the island does not have that power.
The criminal case involves Luis Sanchez Valle and James Gomez Vazquez, who pleaded guilty in federal court to selling illegal firearms. When Puerto Rican officials later charged them under local laws, they moved to dismiss the charges on double jeopardy grounds.
The Puerto Rico Supreme Court ultimately sided with the men, ruling that the island is not a separate sovereign. The Puerto Rican government said that decision stripped the island of the ability to enforce its own criminal laws without federal interference and ignored the power of Puerto Rico's people to pass their own laws.
The Caribbean island has been a territory since the United States acquired it in 1898. It gained some autonomy in 1952 when it adopted its own constitution with the approval of Congress and was allowed to enact its own local laws.
The Obama administration had argued that Puerto Rico's power to enforce local laws really comes from Congress, which in theory could take it away. That position angered Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla, who complained to the United Nations that the government was reversing its prior position and standing in the way of "meaningful self-government" by the people of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico Justice Secretary Cesar Miranda said the decision will have "a limited impact on criminal prosecution," but added that it is now up to Puerto Rico officials to decide the future of their relationship with the United States.
Ricardo Rossello, president of Puerto Rico's pro-statehood party, said the ruling demonstrates what he called the fallacy of the island's current political status.
"It is once again proven that we live in a colony," said Rossello, who is running for governor this year. "It's time to join forces to ensure that the will of the people is validated at the polls and obtain the only status option that guarantees us equal treatment like that of other U.S. citizens: statehood."
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Russia calls for targeting groups in Syria that breach truce
MOSCOW (AP) Russia's foreign minister says opposition groups in Syria failing to respect a truce brokered by Moscow and Washington must be targeted.
Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that it will be "counterproductive" to keep waiting for opposition groups to abide by the cease-fire that went into effect on Feb. 27, adding they must bear full responsibility for violations.
The Islamic State group and al-Qaida's branch in Syria, the Nusra Front, are not covered by the truce. Russia has demanded that other opposition groups, which Washington considers moderate, leave areas controlled by Nusra. Russia set a deadline for Syrian opposition units to withdraw from areas occupied by Nusra, but then agreed to give them more time to pull out.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, welcomes Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh before their talks in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The talks focused on bilateral ties and the situation in Syria. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
Belgian judge approves extradition of 2 attacks suspects
BRUSSELS (AP) A Belgian judge ruled Thursday that two suspects in the Nov. 13 Paris attacks can be extradited to France, but at least one of them is unlikely to go soon because he is being investigated for possible links to suicide bombings in Brussels.
Belgian federal prosecutors said in a statement that the judge ruled European arrest warrants issued for Mohamed Abrini and Mohamed Bakkali by French judicial authorities are enforceable.
Bakkali, 29, is believed to have rented the Brussels apartment where suicide vests used in the attacks that killed 130 in Paris were assembled, and where fugitive suspect Salah Abdeslam hid out for a time before being captured by Belgian police.
Police officers guard the entrance as a car arrives at the federal court building in Brussels on Thursday, June 9, 2016. A Belgian judge will decide Thursday whether to satisfy a French request to extradite Mohamed Abrini, a suspect in the Brussels Airport bombing, so he can be questioned in France about his suspected role in the Nov. 13 attacks that killed 130 in Paris. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
The part Abrini, 31, is suspected of having played in the Paris carnage has always been murky. French authorities put out a bulletin for his arrest soon after the Nov. 13 attacks, when it emerged he had driven to Paris from Brussels with Abdeslam that week.
The French renewed the arrest bulletin for Abrini the day of the Brussels bombings, but he has not been named as one of the members of any of the three known teams of attackers at France's national stadium, the Bataclan concert hall, or the cafes and bars.
Before Thursday's hearing in the pretrial chamber of the Brussels Tribunal, Belgian prosecutors told The Associated Press they don't anticipate turning over Abrini to the French anytime soon. They are still investigating him over the March 22 suicide bombings at Brussels Airport. He has acknowledged being the "man in the hat" filmed by security cameras there in the company of the two bombers.
A total of 32 victims died in the blasts at the airport and in a separate suicide attack soon afterward in the Brussels subway.
The Brussels judge on Thursday ordered Abrini held in detention for another month in connection with the Brussels attacks, as well as five other suspects. Four other people arrested in Belgium for suspected links to the Paris attackers were also ordered kept in custody for an additional month.
"No additional information will be given regarding further proceedings," Belgian federal prosecutors said in their statement.
The Islamic State extremist group has claimed responsibility for the Paris and Brussels attacks. British officials have said Abrini is believed to have traveled to England last summer and met with Islamic radicals there, but have offered no further details.
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Lori Hinnant contributed from Paris
Police officers guard the entrance as a car arrives at the federal court building in Brussels on Thursday, June 9, 2016. A Belgian judge will decide Thursday whether to satisfy a French request to extradite Mohamed Abrini, a suspect in the Brussels Airport bombing, so he can be questioned in France about his suspected role in the Nov. 13 attacks that killed 130 in Paris. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
Police officers guard the entrance as a car arrives at the federal court building in Brussels on Thursday, June 9, 2016. A Belgian judge will decide Thursday whether to satisfy a French request to extradite Mohamed Abrini, a suspect in the Brussels Airport bombing, so he can be questioned in France about his suspected role in the Nov. 13 attacks that killed 130 in Paris. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
Never forgotten: WWII sailor's remains returning home to NY
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Alfred Wells wasn't supposed to be on board the USS Oklahoma the morning the Japanese launched their surprise attack on U.S. warships and military bases in Hawaii.
By the time the bombing was over, the Oklahoma had capsized at its berth in Pearl Harbor, entombing the bodies of more than 400 servicemen, including Wells, who was standing watch on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, in place of another sailor who wanted to go ashore for the day.
This weekend, nearly 75 years after he was killed in the attack that drew the United States into World War II, Wells' remains will be laid to rest in a veterans' cemetery in his upstate New York hometown. Despite the passing of the decades and the deaths of most of his immediate family, Wells wasn't forgotten by his relatives.
Alfred Wells of Syracuse is seen in an undated photo provided by his grandaughter, Shannon Enochs. Wells of Syracuse was 32 when he was among the 429 crewmembers of the USS Oklahoma killed on Dec. 7, 1941. The remains of Wells are scheduled to arrive in his upstate hometown of Syracuse for burial Friday, June 10, 2016. His funeral service is Saturday followed by burial in a veterans cemetery in Syracuse. (Shannnon Enochs via AP)
"His name never left the lips of the family," said the sailor's 78-year-old nephew, Wayne Konseck, whose mother was one of Wells' five sisters
Japanese planes hit the Oklahoma with multiple torpedoes, causing the battleship to capsize quickly. Thirty-two men were rescued via holes cut through the hull, but 14 Marines and 415 sailors were killed. The Navy spent 2 years recovering remains from the ship, but the military wasn't able to identify most of them, and buried hundreds as "unknowns" in a Honolulu cemetery.
Last year, the Pentagon's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency began digging up their remains, saying advances in forensic science and technology have made identification more feasible. DPAA announced last week that Wells' remains had been identified using DNA samples provided by a cousin and other evidence. Of the 388 Oklahoma crewmembers remains disinterred in 2015, a total of 28 have been identified, according to the DPAA.
News of Wells' identification finally brought a sense of relief for his family, which includes just two surviving sisters among the eight Wells children who grew up in Syracuse. Alfred, the oldest, was just 17 when he joined the Navy in 1927, serving aboard the USS Arizona and rising to the rank of machinist's mate first class. He left the Navy in March 1941, bought a house in Southern California for his wife and two young daughters and looked for work. Unable to find a job, he re-enlisted five months later and was assigned to the Oklahoma.
Wells, 32, agreed to swap places with another sailor who was supposed to stand watch on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, according to accounts family members passed along to Konseck, who was three years old when his uncle died.
Konseck, a retiree living near Syracuse and a Navy veteran himself, believes his uncle would have been at his duty station in the Oklahoma's engine room when the attack began. Of the 21 U.S. vessels sunk or damaged, only Wells' former ship, the Arizona with 1,177 killed, lost more crewmembers than the Oklahoma.
Wells' wife and daughters have died, as have five of his seven siblings.
Konseck will be at the Syracuse airport when his uncle's remains arrive Friday, a day before Wells' funeral and burial at a veterans' cemetery in Syracuse. Konseck will be joined by Wells' surviving sisters, Mary Lou Schmeltzer, 89, and Virginia Rhodes, 91, who live outside of Buffalo and Syracuse, respectively.
For Konseck, who was inspired by his uncle's memory to also join the Navy at 17, it's a bittersweet end to a beloved relative's long overdue homecoming.
Growing pains for Fathom cruises to Cuba, Dominican Republic
Carnival's new Fathom brand cruises to Cuba and the Dominican Republic, launched in May, appear to be experiencing growing pains.
Both offerings are different than anything else in the industry: The Cuba trips are the first U.S. cruises to the island nation in 40 years, and initially generated tremendous excitement. But travelers are giving them mixed reviews, complaining of confusion over how the tours are organized.
The cruises to the Dominican Republic, meanwhile, which invite passengers to volunteer on projects like reforestation and teaching English, are proving to be a hard sell and have been steeply discounted, with the initial $1,540 ticket price cut to as low as $249. "People don't know why they would want go and pay to work somewhere," said travel agent Gloria Hanson. "People want a vacation."
FILE - In this May 2, 2016 file photo, Carnival's Fathom cruise line ship Adonia arrives from Miami in Havana, Cuba. The Cuban itinerary, with its educational and cultural experiences, is not a typical cruise vacation, and feedback from passengers and travel agents about the Fathom's first few trips has been slightly mixed. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File)
Hanson sailed Fathom's other itinerary to Havana in May and said that while it was a fascinating experience, that trip was different from standard cruises too. "This cruise is not for everybody," she said. "It's a tiring cruise. You're walking, walking, walking. You're not coming back to the ship to have drinks and party. It's not that kind of a cruise."
Even Fathom's ship, Adonia, is different from the glitzy megaships that have become standard in the U.S. cruise industry. Adonia is smaller than many ships, carrying just over 700 passengers. It also has no casino and doesn't offer the comedy clubs and Broadway-style productions that cruise passengers have come to expect.
Tara Russell, who heads the Fathom brand and has been on several of the cruises, says she's not worried.
"We are pioneering two products the world has never seen," said Russell in an interview. She said bookings have increased daily, many passengers have booked second trips, and the company is expanding marketing efforts, especially for the voluntourism trips, by reaching out to faith-based and alumni groups.
But travel agents say Fathom's reception has been lukewarm. "Fathom seems to be having a slow start and the agent members of CruiseCompete are not 100 percent certain the ship will ever sell out," said Heidi Allison-Shane, editor-at-large for CruiseCompete.com. She said CruiseCompete has had a number of requests for information about Fathom, "but very few bookings."
Hanson said passengers to Cuba were confused about how the tours are organized. Many signed up for excursions organized by the ship, not realizing they could have created their own itineraries without violating U.S. rules that limit Americans visiting Cuba to certain types of activities like cultural exchanges.
"I was under the impression you had to do everything with the cruise line," Hanson said. "That part was very confusing." In addition, Fathom randomly assigned passengers to visit museums, historic sites or performance venues without giving them a choice. And while Hanson raved about a meal she had in an excellent private restaurant in Cuba, other passengers had mediocre food in state-run eateries.
The Cuba cruise Hanson took also lacked "crucial talks about the ports you're going to. Every cruise I've ever gone on always had a seminar talking about tomorrow's port and the things to do." Hanson said that type of information is especially important for Cuba because Americans have been cut off from the country for so long.
Russell said Fathom has already tweaked some programs with additional changes coming to give passengers more information, flexibility and customization in tour options. Some tour guides are also being given more training to upgrade their skills.
Russell added that because U.S. policies on Cuba "are changing every day," the company had a hard time adjusting programs to keep pace. "It would be crazy to think that everything would have gone perfectly. We were negotiating policy last minute," she said.
Sharon Kenny, a writer for Porthole Cruise Magazine, took Fathom to Cuba and the Dominican Republic and said both experiences were worthwhile. But she said travelers need to understand that this is "not the traditional cruise in that you're not going to be drinking hard, you're not going to be in a bathing suit."
Kenny recalled crowds in Havana greeting them with shouts and high-fives, and said she still gets teary remembering a woman who told her: "We're so glad you're here. We've been waiting for you so long."
Kenny's experience in the Dominican Republic was also meaningful. "I have volunteered on other worthy causes before, but I'm often left wondering if what I did really mattered," she said. But she was certain that the work her Fathom group did replacing a dirt floor in a family's home with concrete made an impact. Others who volunteered with Fathom in the Dominican Republic agreed, speaking glowingly of their experiences planting trees, teaching English and sorting cocoa beans in a chocolate factory.
Colleen McDaniel, managing editor of CruiseCritic.com, was on the first sailing to the Dominican Republic and said "it's a radically different idea."
"They've launched a brand new product nobody's ever attempted before," she said. "They are still fine-tuning and doing some tweaking and they'll be the first to tell you that. They're very open to feedback. After every excursion you are given a survey to give your immediate feedback, what did you think of this and how would you make improvements. They're really listening and trying to make changes."
Russell acknowledged that "Fathom is not for everyone." But she added: "We're very pleased with the progress we're making."
FILE - In this May 2, 2016 file photo, Carnival's Fathom cruise line ship Adonia arrives from Miami in Havana, Cuba. The Cuban itinerary, with its educational and cultural experiences, is not a typical cruise vacation, and feedback from passengers and travel agents about the Fathom's first few trips has been slightly mixed. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File)
Number of evacuees rises to near 300 in Arizona brush fire
PEEPLES VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) A brush fire pushed evacuations to about 300 as more people fled homes Thursday near Yarnell, an Arizona community where a 2013 blaze killed 19 members of an elite firefighting crew.
The flames broke out Wednesday, leading about 250 people to evacuate their residences close to Yarnell, about 60 miles northwest of Phoenix.
Authorities ordered additional evacuations Thursday, including about 30 homes in the Peeples Valley Area, as they feared the fire might make its way down to Highway 89.
Department of Public Safety Sgt. Angelo Trujillo directs a driver to turn around at a roadblock on Highway 89 at Hayes Ranch Road in Peeples Valley, Ariz., Thursday, June 9, 2016. Fire officials on Thursday put the fire near Yarnell at roughly two square miles, up from the one square mile estimated late Wednesday. (Tom Tingle/The Arizona Republic via AP) MARICOPA COUNTY OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
That brought the total number of evacuees to near 300 in the area, but authorities remained confident the fire would not grow out of control and containment could still happen by sometime early next week.
"It's still a situation where we want to err on the side of safety for residents," said Mike Reichling, a state fire official. "We want to make sure that they are out of there just in case."
The fire, which is believed to be human-caused, already has burned about 2 square mile of brush and grass.
Light winds of 5-10 mph Thursday were blowing flames away from Yarnell, said Dolores Garcia, a Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman.
Firefighters have a perimeter around 10 percent of the fire and the weather forecast calls for favorable conditions over the next several days, said RobRoy Williams, the incident commander. "We're looking very good," he said.
Yarnell resident Peggy Starcher left her home with her two dogs but wasn't quite sure why she was being evacuated.
"They stopped, said there's a fire and we go, 'What fire?' At that time it's on top of the cell towers (on the mountaintops) and I'm grabbing animals and trying to think of what to grab and throw in the car and they said, 'You got five minutes,'" Starcher said from a gas station in Peeples Valley, 4 miles north of Yarnell.
"I'm just glad my animals are safe, my home is safe and nobody lost any lives," she said.
The Red Cross said 14 people spent Wednesday night at a shelter at a college in nearby Prescott.
Calm winds and cooler conditions with higher humidity overnight helped slow the fire, allowing firefighters to get some rest, Garcia said.
About 240 personnel, including six firefighter crews, were assigned to the blaze. They were supported by 20 fire engines and several aircraft.
There have been no reported injuries. No homes were reported destroyed but the fire burned three structures such as sheds.
Yarnell resident Shannon Smith, who lost her home in the 2013 fire, was one of the few on her street who decided not to follow mandatory evacuations this time around after seeing the fire was at least a mile away. Her car is packed just in case.
She said neighbors have been in constant contact and offered to help each other pack, ensure doors are locked and deliver food and water.
"That is just a beautiful aspect of tragedy, how close we as a community have grown and healed through what we all went through," she said. "And this, I'm sure, is stirring it up for a lot of people."
The 19 firefighters killed in June 2013 were members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots trapped by flames in a canyon the deadliest U.S. tragedy for wildland firefighters in several decades.
Officials said brush clearing and other preventative work done in the community since the 2013 fire helped firefighters keep the latest fire out of the town by connecting areas already cleared of brush with new fire lines and burnout areas.
Without that work, "we would not have been successful," Williams said.
News video Thursday morning showed the fire burning in several areas of desert brush east and north of Yarnell with a large plume of smoke rising above the hills around the town.
A long reddish stain from fire retardant dropped by a large air tanker late Wednesday was visible between those areas and the town itself.
Helicopters were dipping in small ponds in the area Thursday, filling up with water and dumping it on the flames along the ridge tops.
A seven-mile stretch of State Route 89 through Yarnell was shut down because of the fire.
Williams said Thursday morning that the stretch of highway might be reopened Thursday afternoon, but Garcia said fire managers later decided to leave it closed through the heat of the day to avoid hindering the movement of firefighting equipment.
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Associated Press writers Paul Davenport and Walter Berry in Phoenix and Felicia Fonseca in Flagstaff contributed to this report.
Firefighters and other first responders gather at Model Creek School in Peeples Valley, Ariz., early Thursday morning, June 9, 2016. Firefighters were trying to get a handle on the Tenderfoot Fire, which burned near Yarnell Wednesday. Fire officials on Thursday put the fire at roughly two square miles, up from the one square mile estimated late Wednesday. (Tom Tingle/The Arizona Republic via AP) MARICOPA COUNTY OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
A brush fire burns in Yarnell, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The brush fire threatened structures Wednesday in the north-central Arizona town of Yarnell the scene of a 2013 wildfire in which 19 members of an elite firefighting crew were killed. Some residents on the town's east and west sides were being told to evacuate their homes as a precaution, Yavapai County sheriff's officials said. (Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
A helicopter aids in the effort to extinguish a brush fire in Yarnell, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The brush fire threatened structures Wednesday in the north-central Arizona town of Yarnell the scene of a 2013 wildfire in which 19 members of an elite firefighting crew were killed. Some residents on the town's east and west sides were being told to evacuate their homes as a precaution, Yavapai County sheriff's officials said. (Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
A brush fire burns in Yarnell, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The brush fire threatened structures Wednesday in the north-central Arizona town of Yarnell the scene of a 2013 wildfire in which 19 members of an elite firefighting crew were killed. Some residents on the town's east and west sides were being told to evacuate their homes as a precaution, Yavapai County sheriff's officials said. (Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
A brush fire burns in Yarnell, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The brush fire threatened structures Wednesday in the north-central Arizona town of Yarnell the scene of a 2013 wildfire in which 19 members of an elite firefighting crew were killed. Some residents on the town's east and west sides were being told to evacuate their homes as a precaution, Yavapai County sheriff's officials said. (Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
The Latest: Smuggling suspect faces interrogation
STOCKHOLM (AP) The Latest on questions about the arrest of a man accused of being a kingpin in a Mediterranean migrant smuggling network (all times local):
5:45 p.m.
A lawyer for the Eritrean man extradited to Italy on accusations he was a kingpin in a Mediterranean migrant smuggling network says his client faces his first interrogation Friday amid claims by his family and others that police got the wrong man.
Attorney Michele Calantropo tells The Associated Press that the family of his client is trying to find documentation to prove that he is Medhanie Tesfamariam Kidane.
Italian authorities on Wednesday announced that they had in custody a key suspect in a long-running human trafficking investigation, who had been extradited to Italy from Sudan. They identified him as Medhane Yehdego Mered and showed video of him disembarking from a plane.
But Meron Estefanos, a Sweden-based Eritrean broadcaster who said she has interviewed Mered in the past, says the man in the video isn't Mered.
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12:30 p.m.
Chief Prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi in Palermo, Italy, says his office is checking into reports that authorities may have arrested the wrong man in a major people-smuggling operation.
An Eritrean broadcaster based in Sweden says scores of people, including relatives of the man extradited to Italy, told her the man arrested is Medhanie Tesfamariam Kidane, an Eritrean refugee, not Medhane Yehdego Mered, a prime suspect in the transport of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe.
Lo Voi says his office is checking but that the news reports that they had the wrong guy were "unusual."
"We are undertaking the necessary checks, but this seems unusual," he tells The Associated Press.
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11:30 a.m.
An Eritrean broadcaster based in Sweden is raising questions about whether Italian authorities have arrested the wrong man in a major people-smuggling investigation.
Meron Estefanos, who is well known in the worldwide Eritrean refugee community, tells The Associated Press that scores of people, including relatives of the man extradited to Italy, told her he is Medhanie Tesfamariam Kidane, an Eritrean refugee, not Medhane Yehdego Mered, a prime suspect in the transport of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa to Europe.
Contacted about the reports on Wednesday night, Palermo, Italy, chief prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi said he hadn't heard them and had no reason to believe Italy had the wrong man.
2 who backed ex-Stanford swimmer in assault case apologize
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) With outcry growing against those who stood by a former Stanford University swimmer who sexually assaulted an unconscious woman, a childhood friend and a high school guidance counselor have apologized for writing letters of support urging leniency for Brock Turner.
The case against the one-time Olympic hopeful has gripped the country, with letters to a judge from Turner's family and friends drawing outrage from critics who say they are shifting blame from a 20-year-old man who won't take responsibility for his actions. Meanwhile, a searing message the victim read to Turner at his sentencing has been called a courageous account of the effect the assault has had on her life.
Taking into account more than three dozen letters from character witnesses and a recommendation from the county probation department, Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky sentenced Turner to six months in jail and three years' probation for attacking the intoxicated 23-year-old woman behind a campus dumpster in January 2015. He tried to flee, but students tackled and pinned him down until police arrived.
This January 2015 booking photo released by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office shows Brock Turner. The former Stanford University swimmer was sentenced last week to six months in jail and three years' probation for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, sparking outrage from critics who say Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky was too lenient on a privileged athlete from a top-tier swimming program. (Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office via AP)
The judge cited Turner's clean criminal record and the effect the conviction will have on his life.
The term triggered criticism that a star athlete from a privileged background had gotten special treatment. Prosecutors had asked for six years in prison.
Turner will only serve three months behind bars, with his expected release date listed as Sept. 2, according to online inmate records. County jail inmates serve 50 percent of their sentences if they keep a clean disciplinary record.
Calls to the county Department of Correction weren't immediately returned Thursday.
Defendants can solicit letters of support from family, friends and others for judges to consider before sentencing. One of them came from Kelly Owens , a guidance counselor at Oakwood High School in Dayton, Ohio, where Turner attended.
She had told the court that her former student was "absolutely undeserving of the outcome" of a jury trial that resulted in his conviction of three felony counts of sexual assault.
"I plead with you to consider the good things the positive contributions he can make to his community if given a chance to reclaim his life," Owens wrote.
She regrets writing a letter to the judge and acknowledged it was a mistake, her school district said in a prepared statement Wednesday.
"Of course he should be held accountable," Oakwood City School District Superintendent Kyle Ramey quotes Owens as saying. "I am truly sorry for the additional pain my letter has caused."
Ramey declined to comment beyond his statement or make Owens available for an interview.
The letters have come from all sides.
Turner's father also wrote a letter to the judge defending his son and echoing the dozens of other letters from friends and mentors.
"His life will never be the one that he dreamed about and worked so hard to achieve. That is a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action out of his 20 plus years of his life," wrote his father, Dan A. Turner. "The fact that he now has to register as a sexual offender for the rest of his life forever alters where he can live, visit, work, and how he will be able to interact with people and organizations."
Leslie Rasmussen, a childhood friend of Turner's, also faced blowback for writing a supportive letter. She had blamed campus drinking culture and political correctness for his drunken life choices.
"I was not there that night. I had no right to make any assumptions about the situation," according to a posting Wednesday on a Facebook page that appears to be Rasmussen's. "Most importantly, I did not acknowledge strongly enough the severity of Brock's crime and the suffering and pain that his victim endured, and for that lack of acknowledgement, I am deeply sorry."
Rasmussen didn't respond to messages sent via Facebook. A listed phone number appears to be disconnected.
People angry about her letter took to social media to demand Rasmussen's indie rock band Good English be dumped from at least four shows that included some Brooklyn clubs hosting a small music festival.
The graphic message the victim read in court gained widespread attention as she described her anger and emptiness. Vice President Joe Biden released an open letter to the woman Thursday.
"I do not know your name but your words are forever seared on my soul," wrote Biden, who penned the 1994 Violence Against Women Act and is involved in the White House's "It's On Us" campaign against campus sexual assault. "Words that should be required reading for men and women of all ages. Words that I wish with all of my heart you never had to write."
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The Latest: Hungary to close its largest migrants center
ATHENS, Greece (AP) The Latest on Europe's immigration crisis (all times local):
6:50 p.m.
Hungary says it is planning to close its largest remaining reception center for migrants and refugees.
Pope Francis is hugged by migrants of the San Francesco association at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Fabio Frustaci)
Janos Lazar, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff, said Thursday that the complex in the town of Bicske, near Budapest, is no longer needed because the government has managed to stop the migrant flow.
The Bicske facility is supposed to hold about 500 people, but usually operates well above capacity. In December, Hungary closed the reception center in the eastern city of Debrecen, which could hold 1,200 people and opened during the 1990s wars in the former Yugoslavia.
Dozens of migrants a day are still arriving in Hungary, most by breaching the razor-wire fence built last year on the border with Serbia. Nearly all leave quickly for Germany and other Western destinations.
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5:25 p.m.
Greek authorities say they have returned 13 Syrian refugees to Turkey under an agreement between that country and the European Union to stop the flow of migrants and refugees to Europe.
Police said the six men, three women and four children were flown Thursday from the island of Chios to Adana in Turkey on a flight chartered by Frontex, the European border patrol agency. It said those returned had not applied for asylum and returned voluntarily.
Under the EU-Turkey deal, those arriving clandestinely on Greek islands from Turkey from March 20 face being returned to Turkey unless they successfully apply for asylum in Greece. The rate of returns has been slow after thousands applied for asylum. So far fewer than 500 people have been returned under the deal.
FILE - In this Thursday, May 26, 2016 file photo, The NATO German warship FGS Bonn departs from the harbor of the city of Izmir, Turkey. The FGS Bonn is part of the NATO flotilla patrolling the Aegean Sea in an effort to curb migrant activity between Turkey and Greece. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)
Pope Francis poses for a family picture with migrants of the San Francesco association at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Fabio Frustaci)
21 states suing Delaware over abandoned money orders
WASHINGTON (AP) Twenty-one states on Thursday sought more than $150 million in uncashed money orders from Delaware, where more than 1 million businesses take advantage of friendly incorporating laws and unclaimed financial property is a major source of state revenue.
A lawsuit filed directly to the U.S. Supreme Court is another escalation in an ongoing dispute involving uncashed money orders from Dallas-based MoneyGram, which has been submitting unclaimed money to Delaware.
MoneyGram is incorporated in Delaware just like more than half of all publicly traded companies in the U.S., and about two-thirds of the Fortune 500 companies. Delaware benefits significantly from rules that ultimately routes unclaimed property to the company's state of incorporation instead of the state of origin.
As a result, abandoned property is the third-largest source of general fund revenue for Delaware, and is expected to total more than half a billion dollars in the current fiscal year.
Other state officials contend the MoneyGram checks should be sent back to the state of purchase. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have previously sued Delaware over the same issue, which the Supreme Court has yet to consider.
"We are committed to get this money for unclaimed MoneyGram checks reverted to the states, claiming what rightfully belongs to our taxpayers," said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who announced the lawsuit in Washington.
A Delaware official disputed the allegations and last week asked the Supreme Court to keep the status quo.
"Delaware cannot speculate why Texas did not intervene in the existing Supreme Court case, but is hopeful that the Supreme Court will provide all states with guidance on how companies should handle this particular type of unclaimed property in the future," said Thomas Cook, Delaware's secretary of finance.
Other states in the lawsuit are Arkansas, Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah and West Virginia.
Under U.S. Supreme Court rulings, states follow a two-tier priority scheme for reporting and claiming abandoned property.
Venezuela opposition leader hit with a pipe in the face
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) The leader of Venezuela's congressional opposition bloc was hit in the face and bloodied Thursday as he attempted to make his way into a government building.
Photographs circulating online showed Congressman Julio Borges being attacked with a pipe by men he identified as government supporters. He spoke at a press conference after the attack with blood streaming down from his nose and mouth, and bloody stains on his button-down shirt.
It was not clear what the pipe was made of.
In this photo provided by Elyangelica Gonzalez, Venezuelan opposition Congressman Julio Borges arrives to the National Assembly after he was attacked by government supporters during a protest outside the National Electoral Council, CNE, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Opposition members were turned back from the headquarters of Venezuela's electoral body where the group attempted to enter to demand the government allow it to pursue a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro. (Elyangelica Gonzalez via AP)
Borges had been attempting to enter the headquarters of the country's electoral body in downtown Caracas with other opposition figures. Security was heavy, with lines of police looking on.
Borges accused police of pushing him toward gangs loyal to President Nicolas Maduro.
"Government supporters beat us with total impunity with pipes, stones, and explosives that went off in the middle of a group of lawmakers," Borges said. "Maduro, what we want is to vote."
The opposition is pushing for a recall referendum against Maduro this year. They accuse elections officials of dragging their feet to delay the process. Officials have accepted an initial round of signatures calling for a referendum, but the process has many more steps to go.
Borges said electoral officials refused to meet Thursday.
Later that day, Maduro struck an unusually conciliatory tone and condemned the incident during a televised address.
"I disavow violence in all of its forms; today, tomorrow and always," he said. "I condemn today's violence in downtown Caracas, which was a product of right-wing provocations. I call on the people to never fall for those provocations again."
It was a day of violence and chaos in the increasingly restive capital.
Across town, a smaller group of young people faced off with police. Students had planned to march from Venezuela's top university to elections headquarters, but hundreds of police in riot gear blocked the way. Students covered their faces with Venezuelan flags and threw bottles, stones and sticks while police lobbed tear gas.
In the city's largest slum, dozens of people looted bakeries and food trucks in a spat of food-related violence that has become increasingly common in recent weeks.
Opposition Congressmen Julio Borges, wearing a helmet, is escorted by his bodyguards away from the National Electoral Council, CNE, as a government supporter insults him in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Opposition members were turned back from the headquarters of Venezuela's electoral body where the group attempted to enter to demand the government allow it to pursue a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Opposition protesters are removed from the entrance of the headquarters of the National Electoral Council, CNE, by Bolivarian National Guards in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Opposition members were turned back from the headquarters of Venezuela's electoral body where the group attempted to enter to demand the government allow it to pursue a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Opposition Congressman Julio Borges speaks to the press at the National Assembly after he was attacked, by men who he identified as government supporters, during a protest outside the National Electoral Council, CNE, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Opposition members were turned back from the headquarters of Venezuela's electoral body where the group attempted to enter to demand the government allow it to pursue a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro. (AP Photo/Nelson Rivero)
Opposition Congressmen Gilbert Caro, left, is pushes out by a Bolivarian National Guard as he tries to enter the National Electoral Council, CNE, headquarters during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Opposition members were turned back from the headquarters of Venezuela's electoral body where the group attempted to enter to demand the government allow it to pursue a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A government supporter shouts insults at opposition lawmakers and protesters at the National Electoral Council, CNE, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Opposition members were turned back from the headquarters of Venezuela's electoral body where the group attempted to enter to demand the government allow it to pursue a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
DIVIDED AMERICA: Pondering whether America's still great
Americans agree on this much: They are disgusted with politics.
Yet Americans say they still believe in America, the experiment in democracy that the founders described as a place where the government should protect the rights of ordinary people to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There's something at the core of America they long for, even if it's hard to define and seems distant in 2016.
Donald Trump proclaims he will "make America great again." Hillary Clinton counters that America "has never stopped being great." But what does that even mean?
This combination of 2016 photos shows, top row from left, Dana Craig, 15, of River Falls, Wis.; Kimberly Jung, 29, of Chicago and Rodney Kimball, 74, of West Bethel, Maine; middle row from left, Allene Swanson, 22, of Chicago; Craig House, 32, of St. Louis and Mike Poling of Delphos, Ohio; bottom row from left, Amal Kassir, 20, of Colorado; John Moore, 74, of New Orleans and Russ Madson, 45, of Birmingham, Ala. The Associated Press interviewed a wide range of Americans to get a sense of what they think about the nations greatness in the twilight of President Barrack Obamas eight years in office. (AP Photo)
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EDITOR'S NOTE This story is part of Divided America, AP's ongoing exploration of the economic, social and political divisions in American society.
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The Associated Press interviewed a wide range of Americans to get a sense of what they think about the nation's greatness in the twilight of President Barrack Obama's eight years in office. The responses were as different as Americans can be, yet a theme emerged: Compared to other nations, the United States is at least good, probably even great. But there's a lot of work to be done.
"Yes, America is great. It could be a lot better if the politicians weren't fighting each other all the time ...," said Rodney Kimball, a 74-year-old stove dealer in West Bethel, Maine. "The government needs to start doing what's right for the people."
America is divided, and the current dearth of confidence in the nation's politics and government is striking. Recent polling by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows just 13 percent of Americans are proud of the 2016 election, and 55 percent feel helpless. Only 10 percent have a great deal of confidence in the overall political system.
Although their America is still a land of shining seas, spacious skies and majestic mountains, many express a deep sense of disenchantment and uncertainty in their own lives.
"I think that America as an idea is one of the most beautiful ideas that the world has ever known. I think that American opportunity and ingenuity has built some of the most incredible technologies and innovations today," said Allene Swanson, 22, of Chicago. "And still, when I look around, I see a country that seems like it's crumbling. I see people who are hungry and broke and who are struggling a lot."
For people like 32-year-old Craig House, real success has always seemed out of reach. He lives in inner city St. Louis with his grandmother in a sea of burned-out buildings and abandoned schools, not far from a hip, trendy part of town.
"America has always been great, just not for me and my people. For us it's been the worst ever," said House. "People come from all over the world, Arabs own this, that. Black man don't own nothing."
Known as "Deacon" in his native New Orleans, 74-year-old guitarist John Moore fondly recalls the 1960s, when black people like him were seeing an end to racial segregation; when women were gaining equality; when politicians were taking a stand to end poverty despite the turmoil of protests over the Vietnam War.
"Those were the best years," said Moore, tears welling in his eyes in the living room-turned-recording studio of his shotgun house. "And then they were destroyed right before my very eyes when they assassinated all of our leaders. Robert Kennedy. John Kennedy. Martin Luther King. Malcom X. All of our leaders. And, you know, that was the end of hope. We had no more hope."
Hope returned, at least for some, in 2008 when the election of Barack Hussein Obama as president seemed to prove anyone really could accomplish anything in America.
Yet the years that followed have seemed more unsettling than uplifting to many. Today, some people want more from their government. Others just want it to go away as much as possible.
"I expect less government, less regulation," said Russ Madson, 45, a steel industry worker looking for better opportunities in Birmingham, Alabama. "Our country was built by people like the Rockefellers, Edison, Henry Ford pioneers. And today they couldn't do what they did because of regulation."
But others expect more of government. Agriculture consultant and farmer Mike Poling of Delphos, Ohio, expects good governance and leadership "and nothing less."
"That's what got us to this point and that's what made America great," said Poling, 58. "What made America great is its people. That's what built the country. Our forefathers had the foresight to draft the Constitution, the Bill of Rights that has laid the groundwork for (the) nation carrying on for 200 years and continues to guide us."
Yet American greatness isn't just about words scrawled on yellowed paper and kept in a vault at the National Archives. A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, daughter of immigrants from Hong Kong, 29-year-old Kimberly Jung sees it as something deeper, a challenge to every citizen.
"I believe greatness is a responsibility," said Jung, of Chicago. "It's a dual state of mind in which you know your power or you know what resources you have but also your weaknesses. And you harness that set of strengths and weaknesses to work with a group and form a team and do great things."
That striving for the common good is somehow AWOL in America right now, people say.
"If there was one thing I could change about this country it would be to sit here and get us focused back on the country itself and not on our own self-interest," said Poling, the Ohio farmer.
Whether they opt for Trump, Clinton or someone else in November, Americans say the state of the union isn't good enough. Amal Kassir, a 20-year-old college student from Denver, sees her own future caught up with the chance the country has right now to make itself into something better.
"No doubt whatever greatness I'm capable of comes from being in this place," she said.
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Associated Press writer Mike Householder in Delphos, Ohio; video journalists Peter Banda in Denver and Teresa Crawford in Chicago; and photographer Bob Bukaty in Portland, Maine, contributed to this report.
In this May 14, 2016 photo, wood stove and antique dealer Rodney Kimball speaks during an interview at his shop in West Bethel, Maine. "America is great but it could be a lot better if the politicians weren't fighting all the time like they are now," he said. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
In this Tuesday, April 12, 2016 photo, musician "Deacon" John Moore holds his guitar in New Orleans. At 74, he remembers a time when America was headed in the right direction, when everything seemed to be coming together. It was in the 1960s, when black people like himself were seeing an end to racial segregation; when women were gaining equality; when politicians were taking a stand to end poverty despite the turmoil of protests over the Vietnam War. "Those were the best years," said Moore. "And then they were destroyed right before my very eyes when they assassinated all of our leaders. Robert Kennedy. John Kennedy. Martin Luther King. Malcom X. All of our leaders. And, you know, that was the end of hope. We had no more hope." (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
In this April 21, 2016 image made from video, Allene Swanson, 22, prepares packages of saffron grown by Afghan farmers for distribution, at her workplace in Chicago. "I think that America as an idea is one of the most beautiful ideas that the world has ever known. I think that American opportunity and ingenuity has built some of the most incredible technologies and innovations today," she says. "And still, when I look around, I see a country that seems like its crumbling. I see people who are hungry and broke and who are struggling a lot." (AP Photo)
In this March 27, 2016 photo, Craig House, 32, stands in front of his home in St. Louis. He lives with his grandmother in an area with burned-out buildings and abandoned schools not far from a hip, trendy part of town. America has always been great, just not for me and my people. For us it's been the worst ever," he says. "People come from all over the world, Arabs own this, that. Black man don't own nothing." (AP Photo/Robin McDowell)
In this Thursday, April 21, 2016 image made from video, Mike Poling, 58, tends to cows at his farm in Delphos, Ohio. The agriculture consultant and farmer expects good governance and leadership "and nothing less." "Thats what got us to this point and thats what made America great," he says. "What made America great is its people. That's what built the country. Our forefathers had the foresight to draft the Constitution, the Bill of Rights that has laid the groundwork for (the) nation carrying on for 200 years and continues to guide us." (AP Photo/Mike Householder)
In this May 19, 2016 photo, Kimberly Jung, 29, poses for a photo in Chicago. A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, she believes, "... greatness is a responsibility. Its a dual state of mind in which you know your power or you know what resources you have but also your weaknesses. And you harness that set of strengths and weaknesses to work with a group and form a team and do great things." (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)
In this Tuesday, May 31, 2016 photo, high school student Dana Craig, 15, stands at her locker in River Falls, Wis. Craig says America is a great place built on the idea that everyone should get an equal opportunity, a chance. "Throughout history (I am) not sure we did best job in keeping up with these principles and reaching those goals in the way that we want to, but I think what defines our greatness is our ability to continue working toward these goals even if we are not necessarily perfect in them," said Craig, 15, of River Falls, Wis. (AP Photo/Robin McDowell)
Senate rejects effort to increase defense by $18 billion
WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate on Thursday shot down a bid to increase the Pentagon's budget by nearly $18 billion to pay for more weapons and troops, a bitter loss for defense hawks who pushed for the infusion of money to begin reversing what they say is a decline in the U.S. military's readiness for combat.
Democrats demanded but failed to secure an equal boost in spending for nondefense programs, including efforts to combat the Zika virus and opioid addiction.
Senators rejected the plan by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, to add $17.8 billion to the account the Pentagon uses for financing wartime operations. The extra money would have been used to buy additional ships, jet fighters and helicopters and to reverse planned cuts in the number of service members.
FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2016 file photo, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, accompanied by committee members Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., center, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., participate in a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate has rejected an effort to add nearly $18 billion to the Pentagon's budget for additional weapons and troops. The measure fell four votes short as senators shot down the plan crafted McCain. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
The vote was 56-42, four short of the 60-vote threshold necessary to move ahead on the amendment to the defense policy bill.
"You vote 'no' on this and the consequences will be on your shoulders," McCain cautioned his Senate colleagues before the vote. "The military is not ready."
Eleven Republicans joined 31 Democrats in rejecting the measure.
McCain and other Republicans said the money would fill severe budget shortfalls caused by a budget agreement reached last year that restricts defense spending to predetermined levels. The deal, however, doesn't cover the wartime account. The Obama administration sought $58.8 billion for the account, known as overseas contingency operations.
Many lawmakers who supported the budget agreement nonetheless objected to what they called "arbitrary limits" that they say have left the armed forces undersized and unprepared to meet growing worldwide threats.
Senior U.S. defense officials have previously warned that adding more money for defense could create more problems than it solves unless there are corresponding increases in subsequent years.
In a recent letter to his Senate colleagues, McCain depicted a U.S. military in free fall, frayed by more than 15 years of near-constant demands. He said he feared a future in which U.S. troops are sent into battle "without sufficient training or equipment to fight a war that will take longer, be larger, cost more and ultimately claim more American lives than it otherwise would have."
But Democrats and close to a dozen Republicans, including several strong fiscal conservatives, refused to go along. Democrats said a central tenet of the budget deal is that any increases in government spending be split equally between defense and nondefense.
The top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, proposed an equivalent funding boost for programs not managed by the Pentagon but which Reed and other Democrats said are also essential to U.S. national security.
Reed's amendment sought $18 billion for the battle against the Zika virus and opioid addiction, border and airport security, rebuilding the nation's highways and water infrastructure, targeting the Islamic State's finances, and more. But the amendment failed to a meet 60-vote threshold, losing 55-43.
A program that allows Afghan civilians who assisted the American-led coalition to escape being harmed or killed by the Taliban is in danger of expiring due to a procedural dispute that led to a harsh exchange of words in the Senate.
An amendment to extend and expand the so-called special immigrant visa program bogged down late Thursday after Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, objected to voting on the measure.
Afghans who receive the visas can resettle in the United States. A bipartisan group of senators want to extend the program through 2017 and grant an additional 2,500 visas.
But Lee, who said he supports the Afghan visa program, demanded that senators also agree to a vote on his amendment. His measure prevents the government from detaining indefinitely U.S. citizens who are suspected of supporting a terrorist group and are apprehended on American soil.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., objected to a vote on Lee's amendment, leading to a stalemate. Graham said Lee's amendment could lead to terrorists being treated as criminals instead of enemy combatants.
McCain assailed Lee for refusing to budge. He said blocking the vote on the visa program amounted to signing the "death warrants" of Afghans who helped the United States.
"They're going to die if we don't pass this amendment and take them out of harm's way," McCain said to Lee. "Don't you understand the gravity of that?"
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DIVIDED AMERICA: In Montana, neighbors at odds over refugees
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) For the world, the photograph of a Syrian 3-year-old in a red T-shirt and black sneakers, his lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach, was a horrific symbol of the desperation of hundreds of thousands of refugees.
For Mary Poole, a young mother haunted by "those little shoes ... the little face," it was an inspiration.
She and members of her book club asked: Why not bring a small number of Syrian families to Missoula?
In this April 12, 2016 photo, mountains rise behind a fence on land belonging to Gloria Roark, a vocal opponent of refugees coming to her state, near Clearwater, Mont. What started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should take care of our own before worrying about newcomers. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
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EDITOR'S NOTE This story is part of Divided America, AP's ongoing exploration of the economic, social and political divisions in American society.
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She knows now that this was a "romantic" notion. "It wasn't even a grain of sand in my brain that people wouldn't want to help starving, drowning families. I didn't do this to be controversial. I didn't do this to stir the pot."
But it did. And what started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this peaceful corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should "take care of our own" before worrying about newcomers.
Neighboring counties and in some cases, neighbors locked horns.
Demonstrators took to the streets: "No Jobs, No Housing, No Free Anything," proclaimed some opponents' signs. Some warned that Islamic State terrorists could infiltrate their communities; others suggested that the federal government, long accused of tyranny in its dealings with the West, was at it again.
The refugees' supporters did not back off. "Rise Above Fear, Refugees Welcome" they declared.
Missoula's mayor, John Engen, was among them. "I think that the war on terror has produced an internal war on compassion," he says. "We have been programmed to be very afraid since 9/11 and to think of people who aren't white Anglo-Saxon Americans as 'other' and we should be afraid of people who are 'other.'"
This did not occur in a vacuum. What's happened here reflects what's happening across the nation in an election year dominated by inflammatory rhetoric over immigration, including calls for building a border wall, the mass deportation of immigrants living in the country illegally, and temporarily banning Muslims from entering the U.S.
And more generally, Montanans are like other Americans who ask: How are we to live together, as one nation, when we are so estranged?
At a time when the public is polarized over issues ranging from gay marriage to guns, the Rev. Joseph Carver, pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish, sees this as just another "incarnation of the larger divide in the country." His congregation, which gathers in a towering 124-year-old brick structure with frescoes, ornate scroll work, is overwhelmingly in favor of refugees.
Carver, like others here, believes the spark that ignited this conflict is fear. "Refugees," he declares, "are seen as a threat to our way of life."
Montana is a place of great beauty, with its snow-capped mountains, Ponderosa pines, bighorn sheep, bison and elk. Fly fishermen reel in trout from shimmering streams. College kids can be spotted kayaking on the Clark Fork River on cool spring nights. And a bookstore owner can point to the park down the street where a moose is known to frequent.
It is not, however, a diverse place. Though the sparsely populated state is home to seven Indian reservations, nearly nine of 10 residents are white, according to Census figures. Only about 2 percent are foreign-born. Since 2012, the state has welcomed just 13 refugees from Cuba and Iraq, according to officials.
But Missoula, site of a World War II detention center for Japanese-Americans, Italian merchant seamen and others, has a recent history of embracing refugees. The International Rescue Committee resettled the Hmong in the late 1970s and through the 1980s; some remain as farmers. Later, another agency brought Ukrainians and Belarusians here.
With its coffee houses, murals and bike trails, Missoula has a laid-back feel. It is home to the University of Montana, as well as a peace center named for Jeannette Rankin, a pacifist who was the first woman member of Congress and the only vote against declaring war on Japan after the Pearl Harbor attack. The center's philosophy is captured on a wall lined with bumper stickers "Peace is Patriotic," ''Books Not Bombs" and "Practice Nonviolence" and a stenciled message on a front window: "Refugees Welcome."
When Poole, a jewelry maker, and others formed a group called Soft Landing, they quickly expanded their plan to include not just Syrians but all refugees and turned to the International Rescue Committee to lead the resettlement. Their efforts were endorsed by the mayor, most council members and the three Democratic county commissioners, who sent letters to federal officials.
But Missoula is an island of progressive blue surrounded by a sea of conservative red, and often diverges politically from other communities in Montana.
Just to the south, in rural and Republican Ravalli County, a county commissioners' hearing over the issue was moved to a middle school gym to accommodate the hundreds who showed up for what turned into a raucous meeting. Several pro-refugee speakers were jeered .The commissioners formalized their opposition in their own letter to federal officials and Flathead County, nearly 130 miles north of Missoula, did the same weeks later.
In testimony and letters in Ravalli County, those saying "no" outlined their objections. They argued that Muslims or others from the Middle East could create the kind of chaos seen in Europe, impose an enormous tax burden and wouldn't be able to assimilate because they don't share American values. Many said their biggest fear was the U.S. government couldn't conduct adequate screening. Some spoke of apocalyptic visions of terrorists posing as refugees making their way to the quiet countryside.
"There's no 800 number you can call into Morocco or Libya or any one of those places ... and say, 'Can you check the identity of this person?' Without the ability to properly vet them, it's literally putting Americans' lives at risk," says Eli Anselmi, who felt compelled to write a letter even though he lives three hours away in Bozeman.
The risk may be minimal, he says, but the potential harm is great. "Let's say that you have a bowl of M&Ms ... and there are two that have cyanide. Will you eat from that bowl?"
Ray Hawk, a Ravalli County commissioner, has similar worries. "These are folks that have declared war on the United States," he says. "Their war is terrorism and that's the way they're going to do it. And I don't feel that we need to give them that chance. Now, if the government gets a handle on this thing and has a way to vet these people, I'm all for them. I love to see anybody come into America and succeed."
Supporters of the refugees weighed in with reminders of America's tradition of providing sanctuary to those who've fled war and oppression; some cited their own family history. They spoke of empathy, pointed to a lengthy screening process and noted the other refugees who resettled here successfully in recent decades.
Shawn Wathen, a bookstore owner in Ravalli County, was appalled his 18-year-old son was booed when he testified in support of the refugees and then later cursed by some opponents. Wathen wrote the commissioners, accusing them of "xenophobic grandstanding." One replied that he was "ignorant."
Wathen, who has called the sprawling Bitterroot Valley home for 20 years, sees the rejection of refugees as a blend of misinformation, economic anxiety and fear of the unknown.
"It surpasses any notion of reason ... that kind of idea that they are not us, and therefore they pose a threat," he says. "There's just that sense the horde is out there and if we don't circle the wagons ... we're going to be overrun and poor white America is going to suffer."
America has a long history of wariness of refugees.
Last November, shortly after the Paris terrorist attacks, a Gallup poll found that Americans, by 60 to 37 percent, opposed taking in refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war. In 1978, there was a 57 to 32 percent opposition to accepting Indochinese boat people, and in 1946, after World War II, the public was against welcoming displaced people from Europe, including Jews, by 72 to 16 percent.
Generally, Americans tend to favor refugees with whom they share some connection political, religious or personal and the public has little interaction with Muslims, says David Haines, a professor emeritus at George Mason University who has written extensively about refugees.
He says the public doesn't understand the rigorous vetting process. "The risks from refugees are really low because it's an extremely well-screened population," he says. "But it's hard for people to settle down on this issue, especially in a highly politicized context."
In Missoula, academics and religious leaders have expressed alarm about the harsh tone of the presidential campaign, especially comments aimed at Muslims by Donald Trump. In April, they sponsored "Celebrate Islam Week" at the university in hopes of countering the trend.
Among the participants was Samir Bitar, an Arabic studies professor who arrived at the University of Montana in the 1970s as a 16-year-old freshman, raised a family and has spent most of his adult life here.
Bitar has lectured for decades across the state without controversy until this year, when about a dozen people in the nearby town of Darby objected to his planned talk at the library. The reason: They didn't want a Muslim in their town, according to the librarian. The library board voted. Bitar spoke and received a warm reception.
But the tone and atmosphere are decidedly different now, he says.
"This is the first time I actually look behind me as I walk. I've been here 42 years," he says. "It's like every part of my identity is coming under attack, including my American identity."
Recently, two students accepted Bitar's challenge to walk around wearing Muslim head gear to see how people would react. One young man donned a kufi, or skull cap, and classmates wouldn't sit next to him, Bitar says. While working at a deli, the student was rebuffed by a customer's wife who said: "'We're not going to have a Muslim help us.'"
Bitar, who is Palestinian, finds it all disheartening. People now are "motivated by pure emotion and not really thinking in logical terms," he says. "Fear turns into hatred."
Jameel Chaudhry, the campus architect, a native of Kenya and another member of the small Muslim community, says he, too, senses a new hostility.
"All of a sudden WE are the problem," he says. "We've never had this before, and I've been here 20 years. We didn't have this even after 9/11."
Chaudhry attributes this attitude to Trump, accusing the presumptive Republican nominee of stoking fears for political gain.
"He's become the champion of the anti-Muslim, anti-refugee movement," he says. While that group talks of being tired of political correctness, Chaudhry sees something else: "They don't want the other races coming in here."
But those who've publicly spoken out against refugees bristle at suggestions they're racist. They say they're trying to protect their communities.
"It doesn't make any difference if they're Muslims, Russians, whatever. You have to know who they are, what they've been doing in the past," says Jim Buterbaugh, a construction worker who organized three opposition rallies, including one at the state Capitol. "Are you going to go downtown and take five people off the streets and move them into your house without knowing who they are? Nobody in their right mind would do that."
He and others are upset they have no vote on this issue. State and local governments legally don't have authority to bar refugees, though they can refuse to directly provide local services, according to Haines. Last fall, more than half the nation's governors declared their opposition to accepting Syrian refugees, saying a pause was needed until security concerns are addressed.
That sense of being shut out of decision-making reflects a wider distrust of the government in parts of the West, where federal policies involving land, water and endangered species often clash with energy, timber and grazing interests. Though the refugee debate is different, it exposes the same raw nerves among opponents, who also question the economic and social impact.
In a letter to her commissioners, Ravalli County resident Birte Nellessen said, "to fool ourselves that we are helping 'poor folks driven out of their homeland by war' is ridiculous. They openly and blazingly state that they are coming to destroy us and our culture. ... Why we would spend any of our hard earned money on people like that?"
Nellessen, who moved to the U.S. from Germany 20 years ago, says officials should instead support local folks in need and that a smarter course would be to send supplies or money to help refugees rebuild in their homeland.
"I mean, what's a Syrian or Kenyan going to do in winter in Montana? Seriously."
The answer is coming. The International Rescue Committee has met with Missoula's mayor, police chief and others to prepare for the refugees about 100 will come over a year's time. The agency plans to reopen a resettlement office here this fall, after a 25-year absence. Those most likely to be relocated include Congolese, Afghans and Syrians who will have no family ties, so they'll have to live within a 50-mile radius of the office.
Mary Poole is looking forward to their arrival.
About 750 people have signed up to help refugees make the transition, she says. One former Missoula resident now living in Mongolia wants to get involved when she returns.
Poole is already thinking ahead, too, about how this could change the life of her 17-month-old son, Jack.
She envisions a day, she says, when he "will be able to sit in a school next to someone of a different color, of a different language, of a different culture and be able to learn that he lives in a global world. ... I don't think we can be insulated anymore."
Poole knows resistance remains, and still meets with those who don't want refugees here. She says she's even made friends with some vocal opponents, recently inviting them to her house for a barbecue.
"We're asking for compassion," she says, "and must be able to give that ourselves."
And there's always a chance to win some over.
"They are us,' she says of the opponents. "They are part of our community, and in order for this to be as successful as it possibly can be, it's about being in it together."
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Sharon Cohen, a Chicago-based national writer, can be reached at scohen@ap.org
In this April 14, 2016 photo, activist and Soft Landing founder Mary Poole works at home in Missoula, Mont. Haunted by the 2015 photo of a Syrian refugee boy washed ashore in Turkey, she and members of her book group asked: Why not bring a small number of Syrian families to Missoula? "It wasn't even a grain of sand in my brain that people wouldn't want to help starving, drowning families. I didn't do this to be controversial. I didn't do this to stir the pot," she says. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, activist and Soft Landing founder Mary Poole plays with her dog at home in Missoula, Mont. Haunted by the 2015 photo of a Syrian refugee boy washed ashore in Turkey, she and members of her book group asked: Why not bring a small number of Syrian families to Missoula? "It wasn't even a grain of sand in my brain that people wouldn't want to help starving, drowning families. I didn't do this to be controversial. I didn't do this to stir the pot," she says. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, a frontier battle is depicted in a painting hanging on the wall in the Ravalli County Commissioners offices in Hamilton, Mont. What started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should take care of our own before worrying about newcomers. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, Gloria Roark, a vocal opponent of refugees coming to her state, drives near her ranch land outside Clearwater, Mont. Roark helped organize anti-refugee rallies, including at the state capital and another in Missoula. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, Jim Buterbaugh and Gloria Roark, opponents of refugees coming to their state, talk on ranch land belonging to Roark near Clearwater, Mont. Buterbaugh says, It doesnt make any difference if theyre Muslims, Russians, whatever. You have to know who they are, what they've been doing in the past. Are you going to go downtown and take five people off the streets and move them into your house without knowing who they are? Nobody in their right mind would do that." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, Jim Buterbaugh, a vocal opponent of refugees coming to his state, stands on ranch land belonging to a friend near Clearwater, Mont. It doesnt make any difference if theyre Muslims, Russians, whatever. You have to know who they are, what they've been doing in the past, says Buterbaugh, a construction worker who organized three opposition rallies, including one at the state capitol. Are you going to go downtown and take five people off the streets and move them into your house without knowing who they are? Nobody in their right mind would do that." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
This April 14, 2016 photo shows a street corner in Hamilton, Mont., the county seat of Ravalli County. Though the sparsely populated state is home to seven Indian reservations, nearly nine of 10 residents are white, according to Census figures. Only about 2 percent are foreign-born. Since 2012, the state has welcomed just 13 refugees from Cuba and Iraq, according to officials. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Samir Bitar, Arabic studies professor at the University of Montana, speaks during an interview on the campus in Missoula, Mont. Bitar moved to Montana as a 16-year-old to attend college in Missoula and has been here for 42 years. But he says because of current anti-Muslim sentiments in the U.S., he feels threatened in a way he never has before. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Samir Bitar, Arabic studies professor at the University of Montana, teaches Arabic language class on campus in Missoula, Mont. Bitar has lectured for decades across the state without controversy _ until 2016, when about a dozen people in the nearby town of Darby objected to his planned talk at the library. The reason: They didnt want a Muslim in their town, according to the librarian. The library board voted. Bitar spoke and received a warm reception. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Samir Bitar, Arabic studies professor at the University of Montana, walks to his class on campus in Missoula, Mont. Bitar, a Palestinian who moved to Montana as a 16-year-old to attend college in Missoula, finds current anti-Muslim sentiments in the U.S. disheartening. People now are motivated by pure emotion and not really thinking in logical terms, he says. Fear turns into hatred. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, bison graze near Hamilton, Mont., in Ravalli County. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, Missoula Mayor John Engen exits city hall in Missoula, Mont. I think that the war on terror has produced an internal war on compassion, he says. We have been programmed to be very afraid since 9/11 and to think of people who aren't white Anglo-Saxon Americans as `other and we should be afraid of people who are other. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, Missoula Mayor John Engen speaks during an interview outside city hall in Missoula, Mont. I think that the war on terror has produced an internal war on compassion, he says. We have been programmed to be very afraid since 9/11 and to think of people who aren't white Anglo-Saxon Americans as 'other and we should be afraid of people who are other. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, bighorn sheep run along a steep mountainside outside Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, Ray Hawk, a Ravalli County commissioner, speaks during an interview in Hamilton, Mont. These are folks that have declared war on the United States, he says, worried that terrorists could pose as refugees. Their war is terrorism and thats the way theyre going to do it. And I dont feel that we need to give them that chance. Now, if the government gets a handle on this thing and has a way to vet these people, Im all for them. I love to see anybody come into America and succeed. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this Feb. 1, 2016 photo, Dee and John Gibney, right, sit holding anti-refugee signs and watch a small group of counter protesters at far left during a rally, in Missoula, Mont. What started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should take care of our own before worrying about newcomers. (Tom Bauer/The Missoulian via AP)
In this March 1, 2016 photo, Michael Capozzoli, left, and Warren Little express differing views on the refugee resettlement debate, in Missoula, Mont., during a rally organized in support of efforts to provide local resettlement help for refugees. What started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should take care of our own before worrying about newcomers. (Kurt Wilson/The Missoulian via AP)
In this April 14, 2016 photo, Shawn Wathen stands for a photo inside his bookstore in Hamilton, Mont., the county seat of Ravalli County. Wathen, who has called the sprawling Bitterroot Valley home for 20 years, sees the rejection of refugees as a blend of misinformation, economic anxiety and fear of the unknown. "It surpasses any notion of reason ... that kind of idea that they are not us, and therefore they pose a threat, he says. There's just that sense the horde is out there and if we don't circle the wagons ... we're going to be overrun and poor white America is going to suffer." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, surfers ride an artificial wave created in the Clark Fork River in downtown Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Jameel Chaudhry, University of Montana campus architect, speaks during an interview on the campus in Missoula, Mont. A native of Kenya and a member of the small Muslim community in the area, says he senses a new hostility. "All of a sudden WE are the problem. Weve never had this before, and I've been here 20 years. We didn't have this even after 9/11." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, Jameel Chaudhry, University of Montana campus architect, walks on the campus in Missoula, Mont. A native of Kenya and a member of the small Muslim community in the area, says he senses a new hostility. "All of a sudden WE are the problem. Weve never had this before, and I've been here 20 years. We didn't have this even after 9/11." (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 12, 2016 photo, runners make their way down a hillside overlooking the University of Montana campus in Missoula, Mont. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, peace activist Betsy Mulligan-Dague stands next to a wall covered in bumper stickers at the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, which she directs, in Missoula, Mont. Mulligan-Dague works with Soft Landing, a non-profit organized to help with the resettlement of refugees in the area. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
In this April 13, 2016 photo, pedestrians walk past the entrance to the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, in Missoula, Mont. Rankin, a pacifist who was the first woman member of Congress, was the only vote against declaring war on Japan after the Pearl Harbor attack. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
California pot growing houses linked to Mexican cartel
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Authorities have raided 10 California marijuana grow houses and arrested at least 15 people in connection with operations that police say are linked to a major Mexican drug cartel.
The Oakland Tribune reported (http://bit.ly/28nxNGy) Thursday that authorities seized hundreds of pounds of marijuana in Oakland with an estimated street value of nearly $4 million.
They also confiscated growing equipment and materials, along with two assault rifles and a revolver, the newspaper reported.
Alameda County Narcotics Task Force members used flash-bang grenades to get into the homes. No injuries were reported.
Sheriff's Lt. Derrick Hesselein, the task force commander, says the organized operation is paying Mexican nationals to grow pot for the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico.
Hesselein said the investigation began a month ago based on tips from the community.
Medical marijuana is legal in California.
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The Latest: Hundreds gather at vigils for bicyclists killed
COOPER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) The Latest on a crash that killed five bicyclists near Kalamazoo, Michigan (all times local):
12 a.m.
Hundreds of people have gathered for memorial services honoring the bicyclists who were killed and injured when a pickup truck struck their group on a road in Michigan.
Hundreds bikers stand before a silent bike ride in Kalamazoo, Mich., Wednesday, June 8, 2016, to supporting the cyclists who were killed and injured in a crash the day before. Police fielded complaints that a pickup truck was being driven erratically just minutes before the vehicle slammed into a group of bicyclists in western Michigan, killing several, authorities said. (Chelsea Purgahn/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
The Kalamazoo Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/1PNIxId ) more than 600 people attended memorial services at two area churches Thursday night.
At one service, those in attendance used nine candles representing the five cyclists who were killed Tuesday and the four who were hurt to light hundreds of others.
The cyclists were part of a group that called themselves "The Chain Gang." An organizer said they biked regularly for the exercise, the enjoyment of being with friends and safety in numbers.
The 50-year-old driver of the truck was charged Thursday with five counts of second-degree murder and four counts of reckless driving in the crash in Cooper Township, north of Kalamazoo.
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4 p.m.
A prosecutor in western Michigan says the investigation into a crash that killed five bicyclists and injured four others continues.
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting says "the filing of formal charges" Thursday against 50-year-old Charles Edward Pickett Jr. is only the first step in the legal process.
He adds that police are continuing to gather information on what led up to Tuesday evening's crash in Cooper Township.
Pickett Jr. was charged Thursday with five counts of second-degree murder and four counts of reckless driving resulting in serious injury.
The bicyclists were part of a group that called themselves "The Chain Gang," who ranged in age from 40 to 74. They were five miles into a weekly 30-mile ride when they were struck from behind.
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3:25 p.m.
A Michigan prosecutor has charged 50-year-old Charles Edward Pickett Jr with five counts of second degree murder after a pickup truck crashed into a group of bicyclists and killed five people.
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting also charged him Thursday with four counts of reckless driving resulting in serious injury to four others near Kalamazoo.
The bicyclists were part of a group that called themselves "The Chain Gang," who ranged in age from 40 to 74. They were five miles into a weekly 30-mile ride when they were struck from behind on a road in the western Michigan countryside.
Police say they had received complaints about a pickup driving erratically and were searching for it minutes before the crash.
It was not immediately known whether Pickett has an attorney.
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1 p.m.
The condition of one of four bicyclists injured in a crash that killed five others has improved.
Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo reports that Sheila Jeske has been upgraded to fair condition from serious. Paul Runnels remains in serious condition at that hospital.
Paul Gobble is in serious condition and Jennifer Johnson is in fair condition at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
They were injured Tuesday evening on a country road north of Kalamazoo in Cooper Township where they were struck from behind by a pickup truck that reportedly had been driving erratically. The driver was a 50-year-old man who fled but was caught by police shortly afterward. He remained in custody Thursday.
County prosecutor Jeffrey S. Getting said he expected a report Thursday from the sheriff's department and other agencies that would help determine whether charges would be filed.
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2:15 a.m.
A day trip in the southwestern Michigan countryside ended tragically for a group of bicyclists when a pickup truck plowed into them.
Five were killed and four injured in the Tuesday crash.
Stunned biking enthusiasts joined relatives and friends of the riders in mourning them the next day. They left flowers, a commemorative "ghost bike" and a small wooden cross at the scene and gathered for a 5-mile "silent ride.
The driver, a 50-year-old man who fled but was caught by police shortly afterward, remained in custody Wednesday.
County prosecutor Jeffrey S. Getting said he expected a report Thursday from the sheriff's department and other agencies that would help determine whether charges would be filed.
A ghost bike is displayed as a memorial Wednesday, June 8, 2016, in Cooper Township, Mich., where five bicyclists where killed and four where injured by an oncoming vehicle. A prosecutor says police were seeking a pickup truck due to reports that it was driving erratically minutes before five adults in a group of bicyclists were struck and killed on a street in western Michigan the night before. (Tom Brenner/The Grand Rapids Press via AP) ALL LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL TELEVISION INTERNET OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
A cross and flowers are placed in lieu of a memorial at the the scene of a fatal crash that happened Tuesday evening involving several bicyclists in Cooper Township, Mich., on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Several people were killed and others were seriously injured. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
CORRECTS FROM COPPER TO COOPER- Police and rescue workers attend to the scene after multiple bicyclists were struck by a vehicle in a deadly crash Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in Cooper Township, Mich. (Chelsea Purgahn/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
A cross and flowers are placed in lieu of a memorial at the the scene of a fatal crash that happened Tuesday evening involving several bicyclists in Cooper Township, Mich., on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Several people were killed and others were seriously injured. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Kalamazoo Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Getting speaks with media about a fatal crash involving several bicyclists at the Kalamazoo Township Police Department in Kalamazoo Township, Mich., on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Police investigate the scene after multiple bicyclists were struck in a deadly crash Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in Cooper Township, Mich. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
FAA: No psychological testing needed of airline pilots
WASHINGTON (AP) The Federal Aviation Administration has ruled out requiring psychological testing for airline pilots in favor of enhanced mental health support programs in response to a crash last year in which a German pilot deliberately flew an airliner full of passengers into a mountainside, agency administrator Michael Huerta said Thursday.
Psychological tests are ineffective because they reveal a pilot's mental health for only a moment in time without providing insight into whether the pilot will suffer problems later, Huerta told reporters at a news conference. Instead, he announced several steps the FAA and industry are taking to encourage more voluntary self-reporting by pilots of mental health problems. Airlines and pilot unions will be encouraged to expand programs to assist pilots, including the use of "peer-to-peer" programs that connect troubled pilots with other pilots for help and make mental health hotlines available.
The agency also began additional training for aviation medical examiners earlier this year to help them spot mental health warning signs.
FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2013, file photo, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Huerta testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. The FAA has ruled out requiring psychological testing for airline pilots in favor of enhanced mental health support programs in response to a crash last year in which a German pilot deliberately flew an airliner full of passengers into a mountainside, Huerta said June 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The steps are based on recommendations made by an industry advisory committee.
"We need to do more to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness in the aviation industry so pilots are more likely to self-report, get treated and return to work," Huerta said.
Michael Berry, the FAA's deputy flight surgeon, drew a distinction between testing and evaluation. Currently no psychological testing is required of airline pilots, but they are routinely evaluated on how they handle stress during tests of their flying skills.
Pilots are also required to undergo a medical exam annually or every six months, depending on their age, that is administered by an FAA certified medical examiner. Most of the exam is devoted to the pilot's physical condition. Examiners aren't required to ask specific mental-health questions. However, they evaluate a pilot's mental health based on their conversation with the pilot during the exam.
Pilots are also required to fill out a health form in conjunction with their visits that asks whether they've ever been diagnosed with or are being treated or taking medications for a mental illness. While examiners can decline to issue a medical certificate, they don't currently alert the FAA to mental health concerns, Berry said. Just 1.1 percent of U.S. airline pilots are denied medical certificates at the time of their exams, and only .05 percent are finally denied a medical certificate after the FAA considers all the medical information, according to the FAA.
Airlines generally require pilots to take psychological tests before hiring them, but they are primarily personality tests used to judge whether a prospective pilot will fit well with the company rather than attempts to uncover mental illness, Berry said.
On March 24, 2015, co-pilot Andreas Lubitz locked Germanwings Flight 9525's captain out of the cockpit and deliberately set the plane on a collision course with a mountainside in the French Alps. All 150 people aboard, including Lubitz, were killed. An investigation revealed that Lubitz had concealed from his airline that he was being treated for a relapse of severe depression and that he had been treated in the past for suicidal tendencies. Germany has strict patient privacy regulations and Lubitz's doctors didn't inform the airline of his condition.
The French agency that investigated the crash recommended aviation authorities reconsider how pilots' mental health is examined and monitored.
The Aerospace Medical Association, which researches aviation health issues, is asking the American Medical Association to set a national standard that clarifies when public safety trumps patient privacy and whether congressional legislation is needed to allow examiners to alert the FAA to a pilot with a mental health condition that should prohibit flying, Berry said. Requirements also vary widely from state to state, he said.
Cases of pilot suicide are extremely rare. In 2012, the captain of a JetBlue flight was locked out the cockpit by the first officer and subdued by passengers after he started acting erratically. The captain later was found not guilty by reason of insanity of a charge of interference with a flight crew and was transferred to a mental health facility.
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Follow Joan Lowy at twitter.com/AP_Joan_Lowy. Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/joan-lowy
Israel cracks down on Palestinian workshops producing guns
JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli security forces are cracking down on metal workshops in the West Bank suspected of manufacturing a crude homemade gun, which has emerged as the weapon of choice for Palestinian attackers in months of deadly assaults on civilians and soldiers including in this week's Tel Aviv shooting that killed four Israelis.
Welded together from spare parts of various weapons and pipes, it looks like a short-barreled submachine gun, with a long magazine.
The weapon, known by its street name "Carlo," was used by the two Palestinian gunmen who killed four people and wounded five others in a popular Tel Aviv area filled with crowded shops and restaurants on Wednesday night, as well as in several other attacks since the current round of violence erupted in September.
This undated photo provided by the Israeli Police shows a handmade gun produced in the West Bank. Welded together from spare gun parts and pipes, the gun looks like a handgun but with an extended barrel and a long magazine of bullets. The weapon, known by its street name "Carlo," was used by Palestinian gunmen to kill four people and wound five others in Tel Aviv on Wednesday night as well as several other attacks since the current round of violence erupted in September. (Israeli Police via AP)
"There has been an increase in security operations in and around the West Bank area to try and find factories where the weapons are made," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told The Associated Press.
He said the quality of the workmanship varies from gun to gun, depending on the materials and the manufacturer.
Palestinians have used them "in a number of terrorist attacks over the past few months," Rosenfeld said.
According to an Israeli intelligence official, the homemade gun has become the weapon of choice for Palestinian gunmen, ousting the Kalashnikov that has traditionally been in use.
Carlo's popularity stems from availability, he added.
"Real weapons" are now hard to find and expensive in the West Bank due to raids carried out by Israel as well as those undertaken by forces of the Palestinian government, which rules about a third of the territory.
Carlo is somewhat based on the Swedish "Carl Gustav" submachine gun because it's easy to copy with the materials at hand, the intelligence official said. Hundreds are believed to be in circulation, he added, speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to talk to reporters.
Over the last eight months and including the assault in Tel Aviv on Wednesday Palestinians have carried out dozens of attacks on civilians and security forces, mostly stabbings, shootings and car ramming assaults that have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans.
About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most of them identified by Israel as attackers. The rest died in clashes with Israeli troops. The assaults were once near-daily incidents but they have become less frequent in recent weeks.
Obama: Young people need a chance to show their talents
WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama says young people are talented, but need a chance to show it.
Obama commented at a luncheon Thursday with Washington-area young men who participate in a White House mentorship program.
About 40 young men and women are participating. Obama, his wife, Michelle, White House staff and appointees serve as mentors.
President Barack Obama, flanked by Jonathan Legessee, left, and Kevin Melgar, has lunch with participants in the White House Mentorship and Leadership Program, Thursday, June 9, 2016, in the Diplomatic Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Obama says 11 men in the group are planning to study at Morehouse, Stanford and Yale universities, and enlist in the Marine Corps.
He says their plans show how talented young people are, but adds that they need to be given opportunities to show what they can achieve.
Obama says he and Mrs. Obama will keep mentoring young people after he leaves office in January.
President Barack Obama speaks during lunch with young men in the Diplomatic Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The group participated in the White House Mentorship and Leadership Program. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Sistine Chapel replica unveiled in Mexico City
MEXICO CITY (AP) Renaissance art lovers in Mexico won't need to travel to Vatican City to see the glories of the Sistine Chapel.
A private art project has created a temporary replica of the chapel in Mexico's art deco Monument to the Revolution.
People were lined up on Thursday to see the replica, which is open free to the public through June 30.
Visitors stand inside a replica of the Sistine Chapel in Mexico City, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The Vatican granted permission for the construction of the life-size model that required millions of photographs to be made of the actual building. (AP Photo/Nick Wagner)
"I got the idea two years ago with my brother, inside the Sistine Chapel," said Gabriel Berumen, creative director and producer of the replica. "When we walked inside and saw its beauty we said 'Can we replicate this? Of course we can, in Mexico', that's when the dream began."
The Vatican-approved Mexican replica was created using more than 2.7 million photographs printed on cloth and hung from a metal framework. The replica not only includes the frescos of Michelangelo, but sculptures and decorations also adorn the life-size model.
Pope Julius II who was pontiff from 1503 to 1513, hired Michelangelo to paint the ceiling, which was completed in 1512. The nine central panels illustrate the episodes of Genesis, from the creation of man to the fall, the flood and the resurgence of humanity with the family of Noah.
"Particularly in Mexico I think this benefits a lot of people; it's something marvelous that a lot of people don't have access to. People who can't travel to Rome can witness the replica; it's a blessing," said Alberto Salvador, exhibit assistant.
It once would have been considered a political miracle as well. Among the Mexican heroes entombed beneath the simulated chapel is Plutarco Elias Calles, the president who led a ferocious crackdown on the church in the 1920s that resulted in open warfare. Tight restrictions on the Catholic church remained in place for more than half a century.
Visitors look at a replica of the Sistine Chapel in Mexico City, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The Vatican granted permission for the construction of the life-size model that required millions of photographs to be made of the actual building. (AP Photo/Nick Wagner)
Visitors are reflected on the floor of a replica of the Sistine Chapel in Mexico City, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The Vatican granted permission for the construction of the life-size model that required millions of photographs to be made of the actual building. (AP Photo/Nick Wagner)
A man looks at the artwork inside a replica of the Sistine Chapel in Mexico City, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The Vatican granted permission for the construction of the life-size model that required millions of photographs to be made of the actual building. (AP Photo/Nick Wagner)
The Latest: Biden pens letter to Stanford sex assault victim
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) The Latest on a six-month jail sentence for a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sex assault (all times local):
1:25 p.m.
Vice President Joe Biden has written an open letter to the woman who was sexually assaulted by a former Stanford University swimmer after an emotional message she read to her attacker in court gained widespread attention.
This undated booking photo provided by Santa Clara County Sheriff shows Brock Turner a former Stanford University swimmer who received six months in jail for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman. Dan Turner, Brock's father has ignited more outrage over the case by saying his son already has paid a steep price for "20 minutes of action" and said in a letter to the judge that the conviction of his son, on three felony sexual assault charges has shattered the 20-year-old, who has lost his appetite. (Santa Clara County Sheriff via AP)
Biden, who wrote the 1994 Violence Against Women Act and is involved in the White House's "It's On Us" campaign against campus sexual assault, sent the letter to BuzzFeed News on Thursday.
It draws attention to the six-month jail sentence for 20-year-old Brock Turner, which drew outrage.
The vice president wrote to the victim: "I do not know your name but your words are forever seared on my soul." He says her statement should be required reading, though they're "words that I wish with all of my heart you never had to write."
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10:55 a.m.
A high school guidance counselor and a childhood friend of a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault have apologized for writing letters of support ahead of his sentencing.
Oakwood High School counselor Kelly Owens of Dayton, Ohio, told her school district Wednesday that she shouldn't have gotten involved in the case. She told the judge that 20-year-old Brock Turner was "absolutely undeserving of the outcome" of the trial.
The judge sentenced Turner to six months in jail last week for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, outraging critics who argue the penalty is too light.
A posting Wednesday on a Facebook page that appears to be that of Turner's friend Leslie Rasmussen says she made a mistake and apologizes for not acknowledging the severity of the crime.
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9:30 a.m.
A former Stanford University swimmer whose six-month sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman ignited widespread outrage will leave jail three months early.
Online inmate records show 20-year-old Brock Turner is expected to be released from the Santa Clara County jail on Sept. 2. He was booked June 2.
County jail inmates serve 50 percent of their sentences if they keep a clean disciplinary record. Calls to the county Department of Correction weren't immediately returned Thursday.
Turner was convicted of attacking the woman he met at a fraternity party in January 2015 and was sentenced last week to six months in jail and three years' probation.
The sentence triggered criticism that a star athlete from a privileged background had gotten special treatment. Prosecutors had asked for six years in prison.
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New program reunites Filipino World War II vets with family
WASHINGTON (AP) Rudolpho "Rudy" Panaglima was just 13 when he joined his father in a Filipino guerrilla unit that worked in secret with the U.S. Army during World War II.
His youth helped Panaglima sneak past Japanese forces as a courier and scout, bringing back information, food and medicine to U.S. soldiers in the mountains of the Philippines, near his home in Cagayan.
Panaglima was among more than 250,000 Filipinos who fought with the United States during World War II, including at least 60,000 who were killed. After the war ended, President Harry Truman signed laws that stripped away promises of benefits and citizenship for Panaglima and other Filipino veterans.
Filipino-American World War II veteran Rudolpho Rudy Panaglima, right, speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Thousands of Filipino-American World War II veterans living in the U.S. including Panaglima, will be reunited with family members who live outside the U.S under a new immigration program. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii watch. (AP Photo/Matthew Daly)
Now 70 years later, Panaglima and other veterans are winning some of their benefits back. The veterans received lump-sum payments as part of the 2009 economic stimulus law, and as this week are eligible to be reunited in the U.S. with relatives living in the Philippines.
Panaglima, now 86, says two of his four grown children have been waiting to come to the U.S. since 1995. Under a program authorized by President Barack Obama, two sons living in the Philippines will soon move to suburban Washington to care for Panaglima and his wife, Pura, 83.
"That is what I am dreaming because of our age now," said Panaglima, who was the featured speaker Thursday at a Capitol ceremony marking the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program. The program will allow an estimated 2,000 to 6,000 Filipino-American World War II veterans living in the U.S. to be reunited with family members who live outside the U.S., mostly in the Philippines.
"Filipino World War II veterans have been waiting patiently for decades to be reunited with their families," said Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, who worked with the Obama administration to create the program, which took effect Wednesday. The veterans and their spouses most of whom are in their eighties or nineties "will finally be able to apply to bring their adult children to the United States," Hirono said.
Retired Maj. Gen. Tony Taguba, a Philippines-native who served in the U.S. Army for 34 years, said the reunification program begins to right a wrong "deeply rooted in American history."
"Slowly but surely our country has taken leadership to correct this injustice," Taguba said Thursday, noting that Filipino veterans who helped win World War II "paid a huge price."
For those who survived, "the humiliation and indignation they suffered still resonate," Taguba said.
Under the new program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will allow Filipino veterans and their spouses to apply for a grant of parole that allows family members to come to the United States as they wait for immigrant visas to be approved. In limited cases, some relatives will be able to seek parole on their own behalf if the World War II veteran or spouse is deceased.
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66 face drug, weapons, racketeering charges in gang sweep
BOSTON (AP) Authorities say more than 60 gang members from Boston and other cities in eastern Massachusetts have been charged with drug, weapons and racketeering charges.
Prosecutors allege that the 66 people charged Thursday were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline in East Boston, Chelsea, Brockton, Malden, Revere and Everett. They were identified as leaders, members and associates of the 18th Street Gang, the East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Gang.
More than 70 guns were seized during the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz responds to questions from reporters during a news conference at the federal courthouse, Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Boston. Law enforcement officials say more than 60 alleged gang members from Boston and other cities in eastern Massachusetts have been charged with drug, weapons and racketeering charges. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
In total, 53 people have been charged in federal court. Thirteen others have been charged in state court.
Prosecutors say the investigation revealed significant cocaine, crack and heroin dealing committed by gang members.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, top center, responds to questions from reporters while standing behind a table covered with guns during a news conference at the federal courthouse, Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Boston. Law enforcement officials say more than 60 alleged gang members from Boston and other cities in eastern Massachusetts have been charged with drug, weapons and racketeering charges. Officials said the firearms displayed at the news conference were seized during the investigation. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Test runs start for Panama Canal expansion
AGUA CLARA, Panama (AP) The first test runs along the newly expanded Panama Canal began Thursday as tugs nudged the bulk cargo carrier Baroque into the first level of locks on the Atlantic side of the canal.
The expanded locks have increased the technical difficulty of maneuvering larger ships through the canal. But some of the challenges were eased by the weather during the test run, with it being a sunny day without much wind.
And the Baroque, at 836 feet in length, is not as big as the New Panamax behemoths, which measure up to 1,200 feet and which will begin transiting the waterway when it is opened.
A Malta flagged cargo ship named Baroque navigates the Agua Clara locks as the first test of the newly expanded Panama Canal, in Agua Clara, Panama, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The canal's expansion project will be inaugurated on June 26. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
The Baroque, rented for the operation, wasn't carrying cargo on the first run through the Agua Clara locks, which took about three hours.
"The test went very well," said engineer Giuseppe Quarta of Salini Impregilo, one of the firms contracted to build the expansion. "Today, we weren't worried about the time."
Workers and canal administrators were on hand to witness the tests, and workers unfurled a banner that read, "We built the canal."
The formal opening of the expanded canal is scheduled for June 26, about a year and a half behind schedule.
The $5.25 billion expansion is expected to double the canal's capacity, tap new markets such as liquid natural gas shipments and cut global maritime costs by an estimated $8 billion a year.
Under the new system, tugboats have to engage in tricky maneuvers in a confined space inside the locks themselves to keep the bulky New Panamaxes from banging into the walls or even crushing the tugs if they lose control.
Under the old system, tugboats' engagement with ships had been limited to guiding them in open waterways and to the entrance of the locks, where powerful locomotives known as "mules" took over, latching on and keeping the vessels in place as the water level is raised or lowered.
Panama Canal workers watch the Malta flagged cargo ship named Baroque, a Post-Panamax vessel, navigate the Agua Clara locks during the first test of the newly expanded Panama Canal, in Agua Clara, Panama, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The canal's expansion project will be officially inaugurated on June 26. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
Workers watch a Malta flagged cargo ship named Baroque, a post-Panamax vessel, as it becomes the first post-Panamax vessel to navigate through the Agua Clara locks in the newly expanded Panama Canal, in Agua Clara, Panama, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The canal's expansion project will be officially inaugurated on June 26. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
Workers take selfies with the Malta flagged cargo ship named Baroque, a post-Panamax vessel, as it navigates the Agua Clara locks during the first test of the newly expanded Panama Canal in Agua Clara, Panama, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The canal's expansion project will be officially inaugurated on June 26. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
Workers take photographs of the Malta flagged cargo ship named Baroque, a post-Panamax vessel, as it navigates the Agua Clara locks during the first test of the newly expanded Panama Canal in Agua Clara, Panama, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The canal's expansion project will be inaugurated on June 26. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
Bolivia: 2 disabled protesters killed in a demonstration
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) A drunk driver in Bolivia ran into a protest by people with disabilities, killing two of them, authorities said on Thursday.
Four other people were injured in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba. The demonstrators have been protesting in wheelchairs and crutches since March 21 to demand a hike in annual government aid that now amounts to about $143.
They also staged protests near the presidential palace in the Bolivian capital and slept on a tent in the middle of an avenue in Cochabamba.
A disabled woman lights a candle before two mock coffins, symbolizing protesters with disabilities who died last night, in La Paz, Bolivia, Thursday, June 9, 2016. The two protesters were run over by a drunk driver as they slept in their encampment in Cochabamba, one of many cities where disabled people are carrying out an ongoing protest to demand an increase in state benefits, from the annual 1,000 Bolivianos, to a monthly stipend of 500, or about $73 dollars. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Police arrested a 21-year-old female driver and a passenger. The government said the driver crashed her car into a security barrier protecting the tents.
The group representing the demonstrators called for a national day of mourning and is holding a wake.
On Thursday, some protesters took the caskets of the victims to a private clinic in Cochabamba where President Evo Morales is recovering from knee surgery after tearing ligaments during a weekend soccer game.
Polygamous leader Lyle Jeffs let out of jail until trial
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Polygamous sect leader Lyle Jeffs has been let out of jail pending trial on accusations he helped orchestrate a multimillion-dollar food stamp fraud scheme, but he'll be relegated to home confinement in Salt Lake City more than 300 miles from his community on the Utah-Arizona border.
U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart granted Jeffs' latest request to be released on Thursday following a hearing in Salt Lake City attended by nearly 30 sect members. Stewart cited the fact that the other 10 defendants already out have complied with conditions set by the court.
Stewart also acknowledged that Jeffs' jail time would be longer than expected with the trial being pushed back to October. Jeffs' attorney, Kathryn Nester, said his constitutional rights would have been violated if he was jailed until trial.
FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2015 file photo, Lyle Jeffs leaves the federal courthouse in Salt Lake City. Polygamous sect leader Jeffs is being let out of jail pending trial on accusations he helped orchestrate a multimillion-dollar food stamp fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 9, 2016 granted Jeffs' latest request to be released, citing the fact that the other 10 defendants already out have complied with conditions set by the court. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
Jeffs was ordered to wear a GPS monitor and stay in a Salt Lake County house, except for a few reasons such as work, doctor's appointments and court hearings. He is prohibited from talking with witnesses, co-defendants and his brother, imprisoned sect leader Warren Jeffs.
Nester asked that her client be allowed to speak with his immediate family but Stewart denied the request after he decided it's too difficult to determine who would fit in that category. It's not known how many wives and children Lyle Jeffs has, but top-ranking leaders commonly have more than a half-dozen wives and dozens of children.
Members of the sect, known as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, believe polygamy brings exaltation in heaven. The group is a radical offshoot of mainstream Mormonism, which disavowed polygamy more than 100 years ago.
Federal prosecutors argued that Lyle Jeffs should remain behind bars because witnesses will be scared to cooperate with government investigators out of fear that he will send them away on repentance missions or order other punishment. Prosecutor Tyler Murray said Jeffs already talks to dozens of people daily from jail about every aspect of their lives, including work and where they live.
"If he can wield that power in detention, the threat is much greater when he is out," Murray said.
Stewart, who had previously sided with prosecutors in denying Jeffs' request to be let out, said he doesn't think Jeffs will have any more influence from his house in Salt Lake County than he does in jail.
Lyle Jeffs was the only defendant still behind bars among 11 people indicted and arrested in February on charges of diverting at least $12 million worth of federal benefits.
Prosecutors say sect leaders instructed followers to buy items with their food stamp cards and give them to a church warehouse where leaders decided how to distribute the products to followers.
They say food stamps were also cashed at sect-owned stores without the users getting anything in return. The money was then diverted to front companies and used to pay thousands for a tractor, truck and other items, prosecutors say.
All the defendants have pleaded not guilty to fraud and money laundering charges.
Sect members stood shoulder-to-shoulder against a courthouse hallway wall Thursday as they waited to get in. On one end, men wore jeans and dark-colored blue or green button up shirts. The women, on the other end, wore dark-colored versions of their typical prairie dresses, their hair neatly coiffed in updos.
Jeffs smiled at his followers as he came and exited from court, wearing a button down shirt and vest rather than jail jumpsuit he's worn at previous hearings.
FILE - This Feb. 23, 2016, booking file photo released by the Davis County, Utah Jail shows Lyle Jeffs. Polygamous sect leader Jeffs is being let out of jail pending trial on accusations he helped orchestrate a multimillion-dollar food stamp fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 9, 2016 granted Jeffs' latest request to be released, citing the fact that the other 10 defendants already out have complied with conditions set by the court. (Davis County Jail via AP, File)
Conservative takes former Speaker Boehner's House seat
WASHINGTON (AP) Republican Warren Davidson was sworn into the House on Thursday to take former House Speaker John Boehner's long-held seat, elected with the backing of the same conservatives who helped drive Boehner from Congress.
Davidson, 46, a former Army Ranger and businessman, became a cause celebre for conservative groups who craved the symbolic triumph of capturing Boehner's old district in southwestern Ohio.
Boehner served 25 years in Congress and became speaker after Republicans won House control in the 2010 elections. He quickly won the enmity of tea party conservatives elected that same year and outside conservative organizations, who said he was too willing to broker compromises with President Barack Obama.
House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., left, shakes hands with Rep.-elect Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, right, before Davidson is officially sworn in on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Davidson's wife Lisa watches, center. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
In brief House floor remarks after taking the oath of office, Davidson suggested that lawmakers are well positioned to take a dominant role in their perennial struggle against the White House.
"The founders intended us to have a strong Congress," he said. "And especially with the presidential race the way it is, Congress truly has an opportunity to show real leadership."
Boehner, 66, abruptly resigned from Congress last fall amid efforts to pass budget legislation over the objections of conservatives.
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., succeeded him as speaker. He has so far had better relations with conservative Republicans, but at times found it difficult to win their support.
Davidson will serve the remaining seven months in Boehner's term and is the prohibitive favorite to be re-elected to a full two-year term this November.
A Boehner aide said the former speaker was in Ohio Thursday. In a statement, Boehner said his successor "can be counted on to continue the fight for a smaller, less costly, more accountable federal government."
Backed by television ads paid for by conservative groups, Davidson won a March primary over 14 GOP rivals. He then cruised to easy victory in Tuesday's special election over Democratic and Green Party rivals in the Republican-leaning district.
The conservative Club for Growth spent $1.1 million to support Davidson. The House Freedom Fund a political committee financed by hard-right lawmakers in the rebellious House Freedom Caucus contributed $43,000.
"We've got a conservative guy, a Freedom Caucus type of guy, who's now in Congress," caucus leader Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said of Davidson. He said it "just so happened" to be Boehner's seat.
The Senate Conservatives Fund, which backed Davidson, praised him as "a principled conservative who won't cut deals with the Democrats."
Conservatives' expenditures overcame $250,000 by the Credit Union National Association and $281,000 by Defending Main Street, which backs mainstream conservative Republicans. Those groups supported Davidson's chief foe in the primary, state Rep. Tim Derickson.
Conservatives also spent heavily to help defeat Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., in a runoff primary this week. She lost to a fellow incumbent, Rep. George Holding, after new district lines forced the two colleagues to face each other. Ellmers had not previously represented most voters in the new district.
Ellmers is the only House GOP incumbent so far this year to lose a primary election, with mainstream GOP groups successfully fending off conservative challenges in Texas, Illinois, California and other states.
Republicans now have a 247-188 House majority. Democrats are expected to narrow that margin in November's election but fall short of the 30-seat gain they would need to win control.
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Associated Press writer Dan Sewell in Cincinnati, Ohio, contributed to this report.
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This story corrects the location of Davidson's district. It is in southwestern, not southeastern, Ohio.
AP Interview: Billionaire Koch fed up with politics as usual
WASHINGTON (AP) Billionaire Charles Koch, one of America's most influential conservative donors, said he is fed up with the vitriol of the presidential race and will air national TV ads that call on citizens to work together to fix a "rigged" economy that leaves behind the poor.
Koch, in a telephone interview with The Associated Press, described Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton as part of personality politics at its worst. He said that's why neither he nor the political and policy groups he controls are playing much of a role in the presidential election. Instead, in an unusual strategy, the ads will be paid for by his private company, Koch Industries.
"Both the primaries and the general (election) seems it's more, 'You're the enemy, you're evil, or you're stupid,' or whatever ad hominem attacks on each other," Koch said, "rather than trying to find common ground so different opposing views can learn from each other and we can find better solutions."
FILE - In this photo May 22, 2012 file photo, Charles Koch speaks in his office at Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas. Koch, one of the most influential conservative donors, said he is fed up with the vitriol of the presidential race and will air national TV ads that call on Americans to work together to fix a rigged economy that leaves behind the poor. (Bo Rader/The Wichita Eagle via AP, File)
Democrats, who have spent years vilifying Charles and David Koch, are unlikely to see them as unifiers. The brothers steer hundreds of millions of dollars their own money and from like-minded donors whose identities are largely kept private into electoral politics and mostly Republican efforts at all levels of government.
While the Kochs have supported most of the previous GOP presidential nominees, they have a far less favorable view of Trump. A billionaire himself, Trump wrote on Twitter last year that most of his GOP rivals were "puppets" of the Kochs. The bad blood reflects the tensions between Trump and some of the Republicans' biggest donors, which could hurt his fundraising efforts.
Still, Charles Koch said his policy team plans to meet with Trump's policy team, at the request of the Trump campaign. He added he'd be happy to arrange the same sort of chat with Clinton's camp. Koch said he'd "love to get them on board" with any of his political ideas, the same feeling he has about Trump.
With a campaign they're calling "End the Divide," the Kochs are taking a page from the playbook of other Republican leaders eager to talk about something other than their party's flame-throwing nominee.
They're plowing ahead with recommendations from a study the Republican Party made after its 2012 nominee, Mitt Romney, lost to President Barack Obama. It found the party has been harmed by a perception "that the GOP does not care about people."
Also offering a kinder, gentler Republican counterweight to Trump: House Speaker Paul Ryan. On Tuesday, he held forth at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic in Washington to outline House Republicans' plan to reduce poverty.
The Koch ads are part of a branding strategy for their multibillion-dollar conglomerate, based in Wichita, Kansas. But their long-time political activism means the campaign doubles, in a way, as a Republican effort.
The 60-second ad has the feel of something coming from a political candidate, with language that might appeal to supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
It shows Americans in contrasting neighborhoods and homes, and some people who look content and others who appear stressed. A narrator says: "Look around: America is divided. Between success and failure. With government and corporations picking winners and losers. Rigging the system against the people. Creating a two-tiered society."
Before directing viewers to an "End the Divide" website hosted by Koch Industries, the narrator says, "It's time to remove the barriers, to end the divide, to replace winner-take-all with a system where we all can win."
Many of Koch's policy prescriptions on issues such as education reform, government regulation and reducing poverty align more closely with Republicans. Yet Koch says he could find common ground with Democrats on some things, pointing to his partnership with the White House and Democratic senators on efforts to reduce incarceration.
It's not a comfortable fit. Obama and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid are among those who have called out the Kochs by name, with Reid denouncing them from the Senate floor as "un-American."
Koch said those sorts of attacks "are not about to stop me."
Koch said that because he's not a politician worried about the next election, he has the flexibility to make an issues-based appeal to Americans through ads, which will air starting Friday on national networks, cable channels and online.
"We're not running a popularity contest. We're not promising people things that can't be delivered," Koch said. "We're trying to encourage people to think about how do I succeed by helping others improve their lives" even if it involves doing things that "may not win me votes or get me a lot of money."
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Driver of pickup charged with murder in bicyclists' deaths
DETROIT (AP) A Michigan prosecutor filed murder charges Thursday against the 50-year-old driver of a pickup truck that struck a group of bicyclists out for a casual ride, killing five of them and seriously injuring four others.
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting charged Charles Pickett Jr. of Battle Creek with five counts of second-degree murder and four counts of reckless driving in the crash Tuesday in Cooper Township north of Kalamazoo.
Pickett is hospitalized and in police custody. He will be arraigned as soon as his health permits, Getting said during a Thursday afternoon news conference.
A ghost bike is displayed as a memorial Wednesday, June 8, 2016, in Cooper Township, Mich., where five bicyclists where killed and four where injured by an oncoming vehicle. A prosecutor says police were seeking a pickup truck due to reports that it was driving erratically minutes before five adults in a group of bicyclists were struck and killed on a street in western Michigan the night before. (Tom Brenner/The Grand Rapids Press via AP) ALL LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL TELEVISION INTERNET OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Getting cited patient privacy laws and declined to discuss why Pickett was hospitalized or his condition.
Police are continuing to gather information on what led to the crash and the charges were the first step in the legal process, he said.
He did not release details of what caused the crash, but said state police are analyzing evidence.
"There's been some speculation about, first, that he was drunk, second that there was something else in his system, third, now nothing at all is in his system," Getting said of Pickett. "I would encourage all of you to wait. Take a breath. All of this information will come out. This is a process that takes time."
Getting added that he will wait on reports from state police crime lab "before I tell anyone what was or was not in his system at the time."
Often, in suspected drunken driving cases, blood samples of the drivers are taken for testing to determine how much if any alcohol is in that person's system.
The bicyclists ranged in age from 40 to 74. They were five miles into a weekly 30-mile ride when they were struck from behind near a park.
Police said they had received complaints about a pickup being driven erratically and were searching for it minutes before the crash on the two-lane road.
The driver fled on foot but was caught by police shortly afterward.
"I know some of the specifics about where he was, where he came from," Getting said of Pickett. "I can't go into specifics on that."
If convicted of second-degree murder, Pickett could face up to life in prison.
The bicyclists were part of a group that called themselves "The Chain Gang."
Mark Rose, who co-founded The Chain Gang about 15 years ago, said its members weren't "hardcore," but biked regularly for the exercise, enjoyment of being with friends and the "safety in numbers." He said he dropped out several years ago to focus on running.
"They were just casual cyclists who enjoyed the ride," said Rose, 58, of Galesburg.
Killed in the crash were Debra Bradley, 53; Melissa Fevig-Hughes, 42; Fred Nelson, 73; Lorenz Paulik, 74; and Suzanne Sippel, 56. The injured bicyclists were Paul Gobble, 47; Sheila Jeske, 53; Jennifer Johnson, 40; and Paul Runnels, 65.
Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo reported that Jeske was upgraded to fair condition from serious. Runnels remained in serious condition at that hospital.
Gobble was in serious condition and Johnson was in fair condition at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
On Thursday night, hundreds of people attended memorial services at two area churches in honor of the victims.
A cross and flowers are placed in lieu of a memorial at the the scene of a fatal crash that happened Tuesday evening involving several bicyclists in Cooper Township, Mich., on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Several people were killed and others were seriously injured. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Kalamazoo Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Getting speaks with media about a fatal crash involving several bicyclists at the Kalamazoo Township Police Department in Kalamazoo Township, Mich., on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Police investigate the scene after multiple bicyclists were struck in a deadly crash Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in Cooper Township, Mich. (Bryan Bennett/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Hundreds bike in solidarity during a silent bike ride in Kalamazoo, Mich., Wednesday, June 8, 2016, supporting the cyclists who were killed and injured in a crash the day before. Police fielded complaints that a pickup truck was being driven erratically just minutes before the vehicle slammed into a group of bicyclists in western Michigan, killing several, authorities said. (Chelsea Purgahn/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Hundreds bike in solidarity during a silent bike ride in Kalamazoo, Mich., Wednesday, June 8, 2016, supporting the cyclists who were killed and injured in a crash the day before. Police fielded complaints that a pickup truck was being driven erratically just minutes before the vehicle slammed into a group of bicyclists in western Michigan, killing several, authorities said. (Chelsea Purgahn/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
People prepare for a silent bike ride in Kalamazoo, Mich., Wednesday, June 8, 2016, supporting the cyclists who were killed and injured in a crash the day before. Police fielded complaints that a pickup truck was being driven erratically just minutes before the vehicle slammed into a group of bicyclists in western Michigan, killing several, authorities said. (Chelsea Purgahn/Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL RADIO OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Kenya fires 302 police officers as it fights corruption
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) A national commission in Kenya announced Thursday it has fired 302 police officers who refused to be vetted as part of reforms of the police force.
The reforms are aimed at restoring public confidence in an institution repeatedly implicated in endemic corruption and human rights abuses.
The National Police Service Commission said Thursday that the officers, most of them in the traffic department, will receive dismissal letters from police chief Joseph Boinnet, who is also a member of the commission.
The decision to dismiss the officers was reached at a board meeting held at the commission's offices on Tuesday, commission Chairman Johnston Kavuludi said.
Kenya is vetting all its police officers as part of a reform package the government agreed to undertake after adopting a new constitution in 2010. So far at least 3,000 officers have been vetted with close to 100 fired.
The adoption of the new constitution and police reforms were part of an agreement that ended post-election violence following a flawed presidential poll in December 2007 that left more than 1,000 people dead. Kenya's police force was accused of taking sides during the violence.
The police force is the most corrupt institution in Kenya, according to global anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.
Eric Kiraithe, the government spokesman, said in his previous job as police spokesman that corruption in the police force runs deep and wide.
The vetting of some 80,000 officers, which started in December 2013, has been criticized for overlooking the human rights records of senior police officers who have been accused of sanctioning and participating in extra-judicial killings of suspects.
A U.N. expert on extra-judicial, summary and arbitrary killings said Kenyan police are a law unto themselves and carry out carefully planned, systematic and widespread killings of individuals. An investigation by The Associated Press last year found that many ordinary officers on the beat have turned into killers doling out death to terror suspects, civilians and even children.
Navy admiral pleads guilty to lying in bribery probe
SAN DIEGO (AP) A Navy admiral on Thursday pleaded guilty to lying to federal authorities investigating a $34 million fraud scheme involving a Malaysian contractor known as "Fat Leonard" becoming the highest-ranking military official to be taken down in the wide-spanning scandal.
It is extremely rare for an admiral to even face criminal proceedings.
Rear Adm. Robert Gilbeau, 55, is believed to be the first active-duty Naval flag officer to be charged in federal court.
RETRANSMITTED WITH UPDATED CAPTION INFORMATION- Rear Adm. Robert Gilbeau enters the federal courthouse in San Diego on Thursday, June 9, 2016. Gilbeau pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to federal authorities investigating a $34 million fraud scheme involving a Malaysian contractor known as Fat Leonard. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
At a hearing in San Diego on Thursday, Gilbeau stood before the judge with a small, fluffy white service dog and told the court matter-of-factly that he was guilty as charged. He declined to comment after the hearing.
Prosecutor Mark Pletcher said more will come out at his sentencing hearing Aug. 26 when the evidence will show Gilbeau's "pervasive attempt to mislead the investigation."
Pletcher said it will also show how he continued to "deny the nature of his relationship" with Leonard Glenn Francis, who has admitted to bribing Navy officials with more than $500,000 in cash, prostitutes, luxury hotel stays and a staggering amount of others gifts in exchange for classified information to help his company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia.
Francis' company which has provided fuel, food and other services to Navy ships in Asia for two decades overbilled the maritime branch by more than $34 million, according to court documents.
Gilbeau was not charged like other Navy officials with accepting any bribes. Pletcher said the charge coincided with the evidence and the admiral was being treated like any other defendant "irrespective of his rank."
So far 14 people have been charged in the case including 11 current or former U.S. Navy officials. Half have pleaded guilty. They include a commander who was sentenced to 78 months and ordered to pay $95,000 in restitution to the Navy after admitting he redirected ships to ports where Glenn Defense Marine Asia could grossly overcharge the Navy.
According to the plea agreement, Gilbeau admitted that he lied when he told investigators that he had never received any gifts from Francis, nicknamed "Fat Leonard," because of his wide girth.
Gilbeau told investigators that he "always paid for half of the dinner" when he and Francis met about three times a year. He also destroyed documents when he learned of the probe in September 2013, according to the plea agreement, according to court documents.
Francis has been convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Prosecutors can recommend 12 to 18 months in jail for Gilbeau, according to a plea agreement. But defense attorney David Benowitz said he would "fight hard" to ensure his client a decorated Naval officer does not spend any time behind bars.
The maximum sentence is up to five years in jail.
Three Navy admirals were censured for accepting from Francis extravagant gifts and dinners costing thousands of dollars.
Prosecutors have said they are investigating as many as 200 people but have declined to say whether any are of equal or higher ranking than Gilbeau.
Gilbeau has spent 37 years in the Navy and is still on active duty. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart during the 2007 Iraq surge. His most recent post was a desk job working as a special assistant to the commander of the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command. He was moved to the position after the Navy learned he was being investigated.
Before that, Gilbeau served from 2011 to 2013 at the Defense Contract Management Agency International, where he was responsible for the global administration of the Defense Department's most critical contracts outside the United States.
Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, said Gilbeau failed to meet the expectations the United States has of its military members.
"It damages the trust that the nation places in us, and is an embarrassment to the Navy," he said.
North Dakota GOP gubernatorial campaign enters homestretch
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) After months of rallies in tiny town cafes and fundraisers in big city venues, the Republican candidates for North Dakota governor are making their final push in an intense, expensive and often acrimonious campaign between longtime friends that has focused largely on leadership qualifications as the state's oil revenues decline.
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and his GOP rival, multimillionaire and former Microsoft executive Doug Burgum, both are big on swagger but say they will continue to fight for every available vote leading up to Tuesday's primary election.
"I'm feeling confident," said Stenehjem, the GOP's endorsed candidate, who intends to focus the remaining days of his campaign shaking hands, kissing more babies and reminding people to vote. On Friday, he'll wave to crowds and hand out campaign buttons, bumper stickers and his trademark Tootsie Rolls to parade-goers in the southeastern farming community of Oakes during its annual Irrigation Days festival.
FILE - In this May 10, 2016, file photo, North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, a Republican candidate for governor, speaks during an interview in Bismarck. Stenehjem faces former Microsoft executive and entrepreneur Doug Burgum in the June 14 primary. (Tom Stromme/The Bismarck Tribune via AP, File) MANDATORY CREDIT
"This is the point where it's all about retail politics and something I've done many times before and what I enjoy most," said Stenehjem, who was first elected attorney general in 2000 and has been easily re-elected ever since.
Burgum is looking forward to continuing his statewide tour in a 42-year-old bus with a leaky roof that already has logged some 16,000 miles and lost its muffler twice along the campaign trail.
Burgum said he has visited some 60 North Dakota towns that have a population of more than 1,000 people, and dozens of smaller ones. In the past few days, he has made campaign stops in more than a dozen communities and plans many more prior to Tuesday as his bus tour heads east to his base in Fargo.
"We feel great about our campaign," he said. "We know we are going to win."
Stenehjem and Burgum have been longtime friends. Burgum's late brother, Brad, was Stenehjem's roommate at the University of North Dakota law school. Brad Burgum also served as treasurer for Stenehjem's successful bid for state House in 1976.
The two candidates have exchanged Christmas cards for years. But as the primary nears, the Stenehjem-Burgum matchup has gotten increasingly prickly, with both campaigns accusing the other of negative campaigning.
Burgum has tried to paint Stenehjem as part of an establishment that has done a poor job at managing money and has put the state's future in doubt. Stenehjem said on many occasions that North Dakota is "well-positioned" to handle the downturn in oil and farm prices and the state needs an experienced hand at the helm.
It is a much different and expensive race than what Stenehjem has faced in his political career. The money chase in the contest dwarfs fund-raising for any previous governor's race, he said.
The latest campaign filings show Stenehjem has raised more than $1 million in campaign donations for the primary race, including shifting $145,000 from his past attorney general campaign treasury within the past week. Burgum has raised about $1.1 million, or about $60,000 more than Stenehjem's total, filings show, but he also has personally funded his campaign. And though he won't say exactly how much, Burgum said he intends to spend more of his own money than what he gets in donations. State law does not require candidates to disclose their own contributions.
Burgum has a much greater presence in television, radio and internet advertising, but Stenehjem said the disparity does not worry him. Stenehjem is a native of Mohall who grew up in Williston and has a wide geographic base, having lived in western, eastern and central North Dakota.
"I think a lot of people in North Dakota already know me and trust me," Stenehjem said.
Burgum, whose barrage of ads is especially prevalent online, makes no apologies for spending his own cash.
"Wayne has a 40-year political career and virtually 100-percent name recognition," Burgum said. "When you believe in something, you want to put everything you can into it."
Amid fundraising worries, Trump gathers potential donors
NEW YORK (AP) Presumptive GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday summoned allies and Republican Party heavyweights to kick off a general election fund-raising operation and push back against the notion that his late-starting cash collecting would be outgunned by Hillary Clinton's.
"We'll raise what we need to raise," Paul Manafort, the campaign's chief strategist, told reporters after a lunch meeting. He suggested that the money needed to win the race is "not as much as people think."
"We have enough to win," Manafort said.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pops up from his secret service vehicle to wave at crowds as he leaves Trump Tower in New York, Thursday June 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Trump loved to boast during the primaries that he was self-funding his campaign though he also did accept donations and he poured in more than $40 million of his own money into the bare-bones campaign. The move to an expensive, national general election campaign, however, requires a far bigger operation, so the Trump campaign signed a joint-fundraising agreement with the Republican National Committee last month.
But the Trump campaign has been slow to raise money, only scheduling a few fundraisers. He had previously said he wanted to raise $1 billion for the battle against Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, but this week said he would be aiming to raise far less.
"I think Donald is learning how to be a candidate," said John Catsimatidis, a billionaire oil refinery owner who has donated to both parties and ran for mayor as a Republican in 2013. "He's a very bright guy. He's very fast on his feet. And he really loves America."
The Manhattan meeting at Trump Tower kicked off the Trump Victory Fund, the joint cash-raising operation with the RNC that plans to gather money both for his candidacy and for House and Senate GOP candidates. Traditionally, a candidate's fundraising operation is launched months before a candidacy is declared.
Some traditional Republican donors have been slow to open their wallets to Trump and there has been concern that the candidate's recent criticisms of a federal judge would be an obstacle to giving. Trump had suggested that an Indiana-born judge of Mexican decent overseeing the fraud case into Trump University would not be impartial because the celebrity businessman wants to build a wall along the U.S. southern border.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Trump backer who attended Thursday's 60-person meeting, said of Trump's remarks about the judge: "'People make mistakes and then they take it back," according to Catsimatidis.
Catsimatidis said Trump boasted of his ability to get free media coverage, negating the need to run a costly advertising campaign. Trump, who has several fundraisers scheduled for the coming weeks, also said he planned to compete in Democrat-friendly states like New Jersey, California, Maryland and Pennsylvania this fall.
Attendees said specific fundraising goals or which pro-Trump Super PAC to support, were not discussed.
Neither Trump nor RNC chairman Reince Priebus, who also attended the meetings, spoke to reporters.
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Contact Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire
Paul Manafort , senior aid to Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump leaves the Four Seasons hotel in New York, after a GOP fundraiser, Thursday, June 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Paul Manafort , senior aid to Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump leaves the Four Seasons hotel in New York, Thursday, June 9, 2016, after a GOP fundraiser. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie leaves the Four Seasons hotel after a GOP fundraiser, Thursday, June 9, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Corey Lewandowski, left, campaign manager for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, leaves the Four Seasons hotel in New York, Thursday, June 9, 2016, after a GOP fundraiser. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Obama urges LGBT community to keep pushing for equality
WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama says the nation has made important strides in providing the LGBT community with equality and justice, but more work is needed.
Obama is speaking at a White House reception in recognition of LGBT pride month, an annual event in his administration.
He says there is more work to do when gay and bisexual men make up two-thirds of new HIV cases and when transgender persons are attacked, even killed, just for being who they are.
President Barack Obama speaks as he has lunch with young men in the Diplomatic Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Obama has endorsed Hillary Clinton to succeed him as president. The move came after Obama met with her rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
PKK claims attack against police in southeast Turkey
ISTANBUL (AP) A Kurdish rebel group has claimed responsibility for a suicide car bombing at a police station in southeastern Turkey.
The outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, issued a statement on Thursday identifying the bomber as "Dirok Amed."
The attack in the town of Midyat on Wednesday killed three police officers and three civilians.
Turkish officials also suspect the PKK -- considered by Ankara and its allies to be a terrorist group -- was behind a Tuesday car bomb attack in Istanbul. That attack targeted a police vehicle during morning rush hour and killed 11 people.
Turkey is suffering from a surge of violence since last summer when a fragile truce with the Kurdish rebels collapsed.
Communities at risk of flooding 'deserve certainty from government', say MPs
The Government must not just react to flooding events as they occur, MPs have urged in the wake of the winter floods which racked up a 1.3 billion bill.
The parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) warned of a lack of long-term strategic planning to protect communities at risk, with government spending on flood defences fluctuating year by year.
The MPs issued their warning in a report which follows the storms in December 2015 and January 2016 that caused floods in the north of England and Wales and parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland , with insured losses totalling 1.3 billion.
Flooding in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, as MPs warned of a lack of long-term strategic planning to protect communities at risk
In the face of more frequent and intense flooding because of climate change, "it just isn't good enough" for the Government to react to events as they occur, the committee's chairwoman Mary Creagh said.
Government f unding for flood defences was initially cut in the last Parliament and only increased in reaction to floods in winter 2013/14, the report said.
The condition of flood defences had declined due to cuts in the amount of money to maintain them.
Important infrastructure was not currently protected to a consistent standard, while local councils were not getting enough support to develop plans to deal with flooding, it found.
The Government has committed to spend 2.3 billion on building new defences and to protect spending on maintaining existing defences.
But the MPs warned they were "sceptical" the Government would reach its target of protecting 300,000 properties, as it was based on an optimistic forecast that assumed the greatest efficiency in spending decisions.
And the committee said it was surprised to learn the extra 700 million funding for flood defences announced in this year's Budget was based on a "political calculation" and may not be allocated with the same strict economic criteria as the 2.3 billion.
This could lead to inefficiencies in flood investments, poor decision-making and outcomes that were potentially unfair to some regions, the report said.
Ms Creagh said: "We know that flooding is projected to get worse and and occur more frequently because of climate change, so it just isn't good enough for government to react to flooding events as they occur.
"Communities at risk deserve certainty from government."
And she said: "The Government needs to put money into the upkeep of existing flood defences as well as investing in new defences.
"Failure to do so can have terrible consequences for residents and businesses when defences fail.
"Any decline in the condition of critical flood defences represents an unacceptable risk to local communities in flood prone areas," she said, urging the Government to aim to have almost all critical defences meeting the "required" condition by 2019.
Peter Box, environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said councils were at the sharp end of dealing with flooding, and were doing everything they could to protect communities and reduce risks to residents.
"However, we agree with the committee that councils need to be better supported by government.
"New measures that could make a positive difference include devolving new flood defence funding to local areas, further incentives for private sector investment in flood defences and mandatory flood-proof requirements for new homes and offices," he said.
An Environment Department (Defra) spokesman said: "Our six-year capital investment programme for flood defences will bring an end to year-on-year fluctuations in spending so communities can have certainty in future funding.
"Our National Flood Resilience Review will be published shortly, delivering immediate actions to better-protect communities ahead of this winter.
"This will be followed by our 25-year environment plan later this year setting out a new approach to managing our rivers across whole catchments, keeping homes, businesses and infrastructure safer from flooding."
The National Flood Forum welcomed the report and said it hoped the findings would influence the Government's resilience review "significantly".
The flood victim support charity's chief executive, Paul Cobbing, said "much, much more" was needed for communities to feel safe from flooding.
"As it stands, long-term flood risk management is inadequate to deal with the scale of the problem, both in approach and in the level of funding," he said.
Stress-related illness among prison workers at highest level in five years
Stress-related illness among prison staff has hit a five-year high following major cuts to the workforce, new figures have revealed.
Prison staff in England and Wales took off 54,519 days due to stress in 2014-15 - up from 53,290 the year before and 46,886 in 2012-13, figures obtained by the Press Association under Freedom of Information laws show.
The rise comes amid growing concerns at the state of Britain's prisons and is revealed just a month after staff staged a walkout at Wormwood Scrubs because they "don't feel safe".
Prison staff in England and Wales took off 54,519 days due to stress in 2014-15
Frances Crook, chief executive of The Howard League for Penal Reform, said the figures were just "the tip of the iceberg" and warned that the service is in crisis.
Between 2010 and 2011, 51,649 days were taken off due to stress by prison workers and in 2011-12, 50,051 were lost.
At HMP Downview, an all-women prison, each member of staff took an average of 4.7 days off due to stress in 2014-15 - the highest rate in the country.
Staff at HMP Leicester each had 4.3 days off with stress-related illness during this period, and workers at HMP Feltham had 4.1.
Ms Crook, who has been working with prisons for 30 years, said many employees were "reticent" to report stress-related illness and warned that rates could be much higher.
She said she had never seen jails "in such a bad state" and pointed to high suicide rates among prisoners - with around one inmate taking their own life every four days - as a source of trauma for workers.
"If you are a prison officer and you have to cut someone down who is hanging - imagine how stressful that is," she said.
"Prison officers save lives - they cut people down and save lives."
During the last five years the prison workforce has shrunk by almost 30%, from 46,090 members of staff in 2010-11 to 32,430 in 2014-15.
Ms Crook said a lack of staff and management in "overwhelmed" prisons had increased pressure on workers.
"They've cut out and got rid of a lot of prison officers, but they have also got rid of a lot of middle managers and governor grades," she said.
"So not only are you a prison officer along with around 150 prisoners, but you've got no management. There's so little management behind you, there's no-one to talk to or go and ask for help from, there's no supervision.
"You don't get that support, and you need it if you are in a very stressful job. You need a colleague or a manager.
"I'm not surprised you are seeing increased levels of stress - but there's a back story to it that is even more concerning."
In May, staff at Wormwood Scrubs prison walked out over health and safety concerns following a number of assaults on staff.
Mike Rolfe, of the Prison Officers' Association (POA), said at the time that the London jail was "flooded with drugs, mobile phones and weapons".
Official figures have also revealed soaring levels of violence and self-harm behind bars.
Data covering England and Wales shows there were a total of 100 apparent self-inflicted deaths in the year to March - the highest level for more than a decade.
There were nearly 5,000 attacks on staff in 2015, a jump of more than a third compared with the previous year.
Ms Crook said working in a prison had a "knock-on-effect" on mental, emotional and physical health.
She recently met a prison officer who had worked in a local jail who told her "he had spent his life shouting at his family" because "that's the way he behaved - he had to behave" at work.
The figures, which include staff in both operational and non-operational roles in public jails, showed "exactly why prisons are so badly in need of reform", a spokesman for the Prison Service said.
A package of reforms for Britain's prisons was announced in the Queen's Speech, including more autonomy for governors and plans to improve education.
Justice Secretary Michael Gove has also announced emergency funds for English and Welsh prisons to tackle violence and high suicide rates among prisoners.
The POA said it had criticised the National Offender Management Service (Noms) "year on year" for failing to recognise and support staff suffering from stress-related illness.
"The service has become more violent and as a result the working environment has deteriorated," a spokesman said.
"The changes to working arrangements has resulted in a return to the long hours culture which only makes staff more tired and vulnerable to stress-related illnesses. Staff are fearful of reporting stress symptoms for the fear of being dismissed.
"The real problem is that more than 60% of staff are continuing to work when they need professional support and counselling."
A spokesman for the Prison Service said: "These figures show exactly why prisons are so badly in need of reform. Dedicated prison staff work in an extremely challenging environment in which, on a daily basis, they face unique circumstances unlike any most others in the public sector.
"We are investing 1.3 billion to transform the prison estate over the next five years to better support rehabilitation and tackle bullying, violence and drugs.
"The safety, welfare and well-being of our staff is a top priority and we will always ensure prisons have enough staff to run safely and securely."
Albanian murderer faces extradition after being arrested in Hertfordshire
An Albanian double murderer on the run in the UK faces extradition after being caught in the Home Counties.
Avni Metra was wanted by Interpol after a court in Albania convicted and sentenced him over two brutal killings in his absence.
The 53-year-old was arrested as he drove through Watford, Hertfordshire, on Wednesday by officers from the Metropolitan Police after a tip-off from the Daily Mail.
Metropolitan Police officers arrested the suspect as he drove through Watford
Argos shrugs off takeover 'distraction' to post sales rise
Retailer Argos notched up its best sales performance for two years as it shrugged off poor early spring weather and the "distraction" of its 1.4 billion takeover by Sainsbury's.
Owner Home Retail Group said like-for-like sales at Argos edged 0.1% higher in the 13 weeks to May 28, while total sales rose 2.6% to 868 million, thanks to a surge in online sales.
The group said its digital makeover was bearing fruit as internet sales rose 16% in the quarter - its strongest growth for more than three years - with online sales making up almost half of all revenues.
Like-for-like sales at Argos edged 0.1% higher in the 13 weeks to May 28
John Walden, chief executive of Home Retail, said the group's sales rise came against a "challenging backdrop of constrained seasonal product sales due to poor weather, on top of a deflationary pricing environment".
Home Retail has had an eventful past few months, selling off its DIY chain Homebase to Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers for 340 million in February and agreeing a 1.4 billion takeover by Sainsbury's a month later.
The deal is being looked at by the Competition and Markets Authority (CNA), but is expected to go through in the third quarter.
Papua New Guinea court bars university protests after violence
By Matt Siegel
SYDNEY, June 9 (Reuters) - A Papua New Guinea court has granted an injunction barring university students from protesting on campus after dozens of people were wounded during clashes between student protesters and police in the capital, Port Moresby.
A groundswell of political unrest in recent weeks has surged in the country, just to Australia's north, amid calls for Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to resign over corruption allegations.
The government said initial reports that up to four people had been killed were incorrect. An official at the Port Moresby General Hospital said 38 casualties had been treated there, including four with bullet wounds, but no deaths.
Students and officials said police fired on the public and used tear gas to disperse crowds during a protest at the University of PNG's Waigani campus in Port Moresby. Protests were later reported in the PNG highland cities of Goroka and Mt. Hagen, and in Lae on the north coast.
Papua New Guinea Higher Education Minister Malakai Tabar welcomed the court order blocking students from resuming their rolling protests, blaming the violence on "thuggery" and the opportunists in the political opposition.
"The overwhelming majority of students simply want to go to class, sit their exams and proceed to the next semester," Tabar said, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
Thousands of students across PNG have been protesting and boycotting classes for weeks amid growing political unrest.
O'Neill, who came to power in 2011 promising to reign in corruption, denies allegations he authorized millions of dollars in fraudulent payments to a leading law firm.
Student protest leader Noel Anjo told Reuters on Thursday the protesters had no intention of giving up, noting that the injunction barred students from protesting but not other members of civil society.
"We're not going to give up. The students are not going to give up until and unless the prime minister resigns or surrenders himself to police and is arrested and charged," Anjo said by phone from Port Moresby. "This fight will continue."
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop urged Australians travelling in Papua New Guinea to exercise caution, saying Canberra's influence only went so far in influencing the "very volatile" situation.
Kuczynski keeps narrow lead as Peru tallies presidential votes
By Mitra Taj
LIMA, June 8 (Reuters) - Former investment banker Pedro Pablo Kuczynski inched closer to winning Peru's presidency three days after Sunday's election, holding on to a slim but steady lead over rival Keiko Fujimori with just 1 percent of votes left to tally.
Fujimori, daughter of the Andean country's imprisoned ex-president Alberto Fujimori, was trailing Kuczynski by 0.25 percentage point on Wednesday, a difference of about 42,000 votes.
Peru's electoral office ONPE said it would announce results with 100 percent of ballots processed early on Thursday. However, ONPE will not include scores of unclear ballots that regional electoral panels will settle in coming days.
Statisticians said that even if a majority of unclear ballots came out in Fujimori's favor, it would probably not be enough.
"The volume is no longer so big that it would allow her to first of all, close the gap, and on top of that, win enough to claim victory," said Manuel Saavedra, the director of the only polling firm out of three that had put Fujimori ahead of Kuczynski in its exit poll on Sunday.
Fujimori has largely remained out of the public eye since late on Sunday, when she urged her supporters to wait for complete results. Her critics on Twitter and Facebook have started to call for her to concede victory to Kuczynski.
Fujimori's supporters, however, said they were still holding onto hopes that she might come out on top.
"I still hold onto that dream," congresswoman Luisa Maria Cuculiza said in broadcast comments.
Kuczynski's team said it saw victory as likely and had started preparing paperwork needed for a possible transfer of power from President Ollanta Humala.
"But it's all just preliminary, because we're only going to make moves when all ballots are processed," Kuczynski's running mate Martin Vizcarra told reporters in broadcast comments.
Fujimori had been the favorite to win the election a little over a week ago. But Kuczynski, a 77-year-old former World Bank economist and ex prime minister, caught up with her in final opinion polls after Fujimori was stung by scandals involving her close advisors and he was seen as winning the final debate.
Mexico backs Indian bid to join nuclear suppliers' non-proliferation body
By Frank Jack Daniel
MEXICO CITY, June 8 (Reuters) - Mexico supports India's efforts to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Wednesday, in a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic push to end his country's isolation over its nuclear arms programme.
India's bid to join the NSG is due to be discussed at a plenary session of the 48-member group in Vienna on Thursday.
"Mexico recognizes India's interest in joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group," Pena Nieto said, with Modi at his side at the Mexican president's Los Pinos residence. "As a country we have a positive and constructive backing for this."
India is also poised to join the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) after talks this week between Modi and U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington.
Both groups would give India greater access to research and technology, but China has so far blocked Indias accession to the NSG.
Mexico supported India's membership because of Modi's "commitment to the agenda of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation," Pena Nieto said.
New Delhi's bid for full membership, if granted, would tip the balance of power in South Asia against its arch-rival Pakistan, whose own application has been backed by China, despite questions over its proliferation record.
Pena Nieto's support is a boost for Modi, but he must still win China's support to seal India's membership of the non-proliferation body. The NSG holds its annual meeting in South Korea later this month.
"I thank President Pena Nieto for his positive and constructive support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group," Modi said at the end of a whirlwind week of global diplomacy in which he also won support from Switzerland.
Mexico's backing represents a historic policy shift for the country, which has held a firm position on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation for decades.
One of Mexico's crowning diplomatic achievements was the 1967 Treaty of Tlatelolco, which declared Latin America and the Caribbean a zone free of nuclear weapons.
India made its formal bid for membership last month after winning a waiver in 2008 allowing it to trade in commercial nuclear technology.
Somalia Islamist militants attack base of Ethiopia troops
By Feisal Omar and Abdi Sheikh
MOGADISHU, June 9 (Reuters) - Somalia al Shabaab militants stormed into a base used by Ethiopian troops after ramming a suicide car bomb into the entrance on Thursday in the latest assault on soldiers serving with the African Union's AMISOM force, the Islamist group said.
The base at Halgan town lies in a region of central Somalia about 300 km (185 miles) north of the capital, Mogadishu.
Residents said they heard a huge explosion at the base and a heavy exchange of gunfire shortly before dawn. They reported gunfire could still be heard at least an hour after the initial blast.
"Our fighters stormed the Halgan base of AMISOM," al Shabaab's military operations spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters. He said the group used a suicide car bomb and then militants had exchanged fire with Ethiopian troops there.
"It was a huge blast. It destroyed the gate and parts of the base," he said.
AMISOM had no immediate comment.
The group often launches gun and bomb attacks on officials, Somali security forces and AMISOM in a bid to topple the Western-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam on Somalia.
Iran halts liquefied petroleum gas exports to Japan - Mehr agency
ANKARA, June 8 (Reuters) - Iran said on Wednesday it had stopped exports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Japan, but there were other customers available to buy the Islamic republic's LPG, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
The report did not give a reason but difficulties for shippers in obtaining insurance have continued to hamper Iranian LPG exports despite the lifting of international sanctions.
Japan's official customs-cleared trade data showed it last imported Iranian LPG in February 2012, before tough Western sanctions on tanker coverage for Iran came into effect.
In 2010, Japan imported about 861,000 tonnes of LPG from Iran, accounting for about 7 percent of total imports of the fuel, the data showed.
"Our LPG exports to Japan have stopped ... At the present, insurance issues and supplying of LPG carriers have been almost resolved," Mehr quoted the head of the Association of Petrochemical Industry Corporations (APIC) Ahmad Mahdavi as saying.
"There are no limitations for the exports of the LPG in the post-sanctions era ... a myriad of customers are calling for Iran's LPG to the extent that the demand exceeds the supply."
Mahdavi did not elaborate.
"One major obstacle facing LPG exports has been supplying of ships ... Since the removal of sanctions, some buyers of Iran's LPG have managed to receive the product through their own LPG carriers," he said.
Iran's years of economic isolation ended when crippling international sanctions were lifted in January after an agreement was reached ending a dispute over Iran's nuclear programme. International companies, including Japanese ones, have expressed interest and readiness to boost trade with Iran.
Some international shipping companies have remained reluctant to handle Iranian exports because of remaining U.S. restrictions on Tehran that prohibit trade in U.S. dollars or the involvement of U.S. firms, including banks and reinsurers.
Unlikely casualty in California's renewable energy boom: natural gas
By Nichola Groom
June 9 (Reuters) - In February of 2001, then California Governor Gray Davis stood at the site of Calpine Corp's new Sutter natural gas power plant and unveiled his plan to fast-track construction of similar stations to add 20,000 megawatts of modern, efficient generation to the state in three years.
Natural gas, Davis said, was "the most environmentally friendly, clean, appropriate fuel" to help the state move beyond the energy crisis it had just endured and enable its 34 million residents "to enjoy the good life that California represents."
Today, the plants inaugurated that day are among the casualties of a monumental shift in the U.S. energy landscape.
An unexpected combination of oversupply of natural gas and a boom in solar and other renewable energy has depressed power prices and threatened the viability of natural gas plants that sell power into the Golden State's electricity market. These developments are good for consumers and the environment, but tough on power producers who placed huge bets on natural gas.
"The world is really changing for these independent power producers," said Michael Picker, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, in an interview. "We don't need a lot of gas."
Calpine, in fact, shut down its Sutter plant earlier this year because of "poor economics." And rival Dynegy has said it plans to leave the California market, citing the state's focus on renewables.
To offset losses, Rockland Capital, Calpine and other plant owners, including General Electric and the Carlyle Group's Cogentrix, are asking the state for help. They argue that it is in the state's interest to support the natural gas plants because they provide stability and reliability -- attributes that are important to the state's power grid and something weather-dependent wind and solar can't offer.
If the plants don't get needed support, their owners have warned, a critical safety net for the grid could disappear.
GE, which owns the Inland Empire Energy Center in Southern California, said in a statement that state policies "rank reliability and cost as low priorities," adding that generators may be forced to shut down prematurely.
And in a letter to California officials in April, Rockland Capital called its 13-year-old La Paloma plant in Kern County "one of the victims" of the rise of large amounts of renewable power, and warned the plant could shut down later this year.
Power producers want more long-term contracts that will compensate them for being there when wind and solar power are unavailable or when demand is particularly high.
"You do need natural gas generation as a backup for solar," said Andrew Bischof, an analyst who tracks the power industry for Morningstar.
Nuclear power plant owners have made similar arguments in Illinois and New York, where they are competing with renewables and cheaper gas-fired power. But last week, nuclear power plant operator Exelon said it would close two Illinois plants due to a lack of progress on state legislation to support them.
Texas faces similar challenges due to an abundance of wind energy, but the Lone Star state has far more nuclear and coal-fired power than California, which would see shakeouts first.
SOLAR'S RISE
Built largely after California's 2000 and 2001 energy crisis, the state's new fleet of natural gas plants were meant to address a shortfall in power supplies and fuel population and economic growth for decades to come.
Some plants had 10-year contracts that have now lapsed, while others were built to support the state's spot power market.
But power prices in California fell to their lowest level since at least 2001 last year, and in 2016 so far are trading even lower. The low price of natural gas, thanks to the fracking boom, is largely responsible. But renewables also depress spot prices because those prices are determined by the cost of the fuel source, which for wind and solar is zero.
California's big push for renewable power began in earnest with Davis' successor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a decade ago. He set a goal for the state to obtain 33 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2020, an ambitious target that the state's top three utilities are on track to exceed because of government support for wind and solar power and a dramatic drop in the price of those technologies.
Graphic on growth of renewable energy in California: http://tmsnrt.rs/1U7HvVX
At the same time, rooftop solar capacity has soared faster than expected while older gas-fired power plants have not retired as quickly as state energy officials had projected.
On a recent Thursday, solar was able to provide more than 40 percent of the state's power in the middle of the day -- making the state's new goal of sourcing 50 percent of its power from renewables by 2030 seem in reach.
With eight times the solar capacity online than there was just three years ago, gas-fired units built to satisfy mid-day demands are increasingly being asked to kick in quickly as the sun goes down.
Last month, California's grid operator, the Independent System Operator, said in a report that revenue estimates for many natural gas power plants are substantially below their fixed costs, adding that new gas-fired capacity "does not appear to be needed at this time."
Relief is not expected soon. A Moody's report last year forecast that margins for gas power generators selling into California would fall an additional 30 percent by 2019.
Strong quake rattles Indonesia's Lombok, no tsunami
MATARAM, Indonesia, June 9 (Reuters) - An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck off the Indonesian island of Lombok on Thursday, the United States Geological Survey said, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
The earthquake, which hit 234 km (145 miles) south of Lombok, at a depth of 29 km (18 miles), also briefly startled tourists on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.
The quake was strong, with tremors lasting for three to four seconds, but did not trigger a tsunami alert, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman of Indonesia's Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
U.S. sees no major Islamic State links to Boko Haram, despite claims
By Jonathan Landay, Warren Strobel and Phil Stewart
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Reuters) - After Boko Haram killed more than two dozen soldiers in Niger last week, it claimed the attack in the name of Islamic State-West Africa Province -- a title meant to tell the world it is an arm of the Syria-based extremist group.
But U.S. officials tell Reuters they see no evidence that Boko Haram has received significant operational support or financing from Islamic State, more than a year after the brutal West African group's pledge of allegiance to it.
That assessment, detailed by multiple U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggests Boko Haram's loyalty pledge has so far mostly been a branding exercise designed to boost its international jihadi credentials, attract recruits, and appeal to the IS leadership for assistance.
The U.S. view of Boko Haram, which won global infamy for its 2014 kidnapping of 276 school girls, as a locally-focused, homegrown insurgency is likely to keep the group more to the margins of the U.S. fight against Islamic State in Africa.
The U.S. military's attention is largely centered on Libya, home to Islamic State's strongest affiliate outside the Middle East and where the United States has carried out air strikes. No such direct U.S. intervention is currently being contemplated against Boko Haram, officials say.
"If there is no meaningful connection between ISIL and Boko - and we haven't found one so far - then there are no grounds for U.S. military involvement in West Africa other than assistance and training," said one U.S. official, using an acronym for Islamic State.
"This is an African fight, and we can assist them, but it's their fight," the official added.
In public comments, senior U.S. officials have said they are closely watching for any increased threat to Americans from Boko Haram and any confirmation of media reports of deepening ties with IS.
Despite suffering a series of setbacks, Boko Haram remains lethal. It launched its deadliest raid in over a year last week, killing 30 soldiers and forcing 50,000 people to flee when it took over the Niger town of Bosso. Chad has sent 2,000 troops to Niger to prepare a counterattack against the group, two senior military sources said on Wednesday.
U.S. military action against ISIL in Iraq and Syria is conducted under legislation Congress passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and authorizes the use of American military power against "those responsible for" those attacks. As the Obama administration has interpreted it, that includes Islamic State as a third-generation descendent of Osama bin Laden's core al-Qaeda group, but not Boko Haram, said the official.
U.S. officials acknowledge their intelligence about the internal structure and leadership of Boko Haram is imperfect.
But the United States has closely tracked ISIL's leadership, finances and other activities, including its cooperation with other groups such as its branch in Libya, to which Islamic State has sent fighters, commanders and other support.
Multiple U.S. officials said they have seen no evidence that Islamic State leaders, based in Syria and Iraq, have transferred significant amounts of cash or weapons or sent high-level representatives to Nigeria.
The absence of such evidence comes as the administration of President Barack Obama debates how Washington and its allies can best support Nigeria and its neighbors. Some U.S. lawmakers already argue that U.S. aid to the region has been too heavily weighted towards security.
DEBATE ON ASSISTANCE
U.S. security assistance to the four African countries plagued by Boko Haram - Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon - has soared to more than $400 million since 2014, surpassing aid for governance, human rights, education and rebuilding infrastructure, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report.
The Obama administration is poised to approve the sale of 12 attack aircraft to Nigeria, Reuters reported last month.
The United States also has offered to send a Special Operations mission to advise Nigerian units, and has dedicated more intelligence and surveillance assets to help African forces fight Boko Haram.
Still, some U.S. government experts warn that defeating it requires Nigeria to boost policing, education and development in its Muslim-dominated northeast and to crack down on corruption.
Administration officials say that it's easier to win congressional support for military assistance to fight extremist groups - especially if defense contracts are involved - than it is to muster backing for steps to attack radicalism at its roots.
While it is estimated to have killed more than 15,000 people since 2009, Boko Haram has not attacked U.S. interests and has deep roots in Nigeria's Christian-Muslim divide, which long predates the Syrian-based Islamic extremist group.
Those uncertainties have fueled tension over how best to combat the group, and even how to characterize it. In public, U.S. officials rarely call the group Islamic State-West Africa Province, the name it adopted in March 2015.
There have been periodic reports of cooperation between Boko Haram and ISIL's Libyan branch. In April, the New York Times cited a U.S. general in reporting that an arms convoy believed bound for Boko Haram from Libya was intercepted in Chad, providing one of the first concrete examples of cooperation.
PROPAGANDA SUPPORT
A U.S. counter-terrorism official, however, said that American intelligence has no evidence to support that report. The region is awash in arms, and it's nearly impossible to determine who is sending what to whom, this official said.
U.S. officials told Reuters that they assess that slicker Boko Haram videos prominently displaying Islamic State logos were produced by ISIL operatives outside the region.
"It was clear to us that there (were) not guys in Nigeria sitting at their laptop putting this stuff together," one official said.
A senior U.S. intelligence official said that some Boko Haram fighters have traveled to Libya to "work with Islamic State elements", and that its shadowy leader Abubakr Shekau has established a relationship with the IS Libya branch.
But another U.S. official viewed Shekau's pledge of allegiance to ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi "primarily as a rebranding exercise" aimed at boosting the stature of his group, whose leaders previously said it was aligned with al-Qaeda.
U.S. officials and private experts say they fear that as the African military pressure intensifies, the extremists could shift from a regional campaign of suicide bombings, rape and pillage to striking international targets.
"The resources and intent of ISIL to attack Western targets, combined with Boko's ability and strength in that part of Africa is a mix that causes great concern," another U.S. official said.
Senator Chris Murphy, a Foreign Relations Committee member, said that whatever its cooperation with Islamic State, Boko Haram is so deadly that Nigeria and its neighbors should get U.S. help to crush the group.
Papua New Guinea court bars university protests after violence
By Matt Siegel
SYDNEY, June 9 (Reuters) - A Papua New Guinea court has granted an injunction barring university students from protesting on campus after dozens of people were wounded during clashes between student protesters and police in the capital, Port Moresby.
A groundswell of political unrest in recent weeks has surged in the country, just to Australia's north, amid calls for Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to resign over corruption allegations.
Papua New Guinea is developing lucrative resource projects with energy majors ExxonMobil and Total that have made it a major gas producer. But corruption and violence are endemic in the island nation of seven million, raising concerns about its long-term stability.
The government said initial reports that up to four people had been killed in the clashes on Wednesday were incorrect. An official at the Port Moresby General Hospital said 38 casualties had been treated there, including four with bullet wounds, but no deaths.
Students and officials said police fired on the public and used tear gas to disperse crowds during a protest at the University of PNG's Waigani campus in Port Moresby. Protests were later reported in the PNG highland cities of Goroka and Mt. Hagen, and in Lae on the north coast.
Papua New Guinea Higher Education Minister Malakai Tabar welcomed the court order blocking students from resuming their rolling protests.
"The overwhelming majority of students simply want to go to class, sit their exams and proceed to the next semester," Tabar said, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
Thousands of students across PNG have been protesting and boycotting classes for weeks. They want O'Neill, who came to power in 2011 promising to reign in corruption, to face allegations he authorized millions of dollars in fraudulent payments to a leading law firm.
Student protest leader Noel Anjo told Reuters on Thursday the protesters had no intention of giving up.
"The students are not going to give up until and unless the prime minister resigns or surrenders himself to police and is arrested and charged," Anjo said by phone from Port Moresby. "This fight will continue."
O'Neill is facing multiple corruption investigations and has used the power of his office to avoid facing charges, said Paul Barker, director of the Institute of National Affairs think tank in Papua New Guinea.
"He has a strong vested interest in not stepping down because obviously if he steps down, his position to protect himself and deal with the public officers who are involved in investigations and prosecutions is substantially weakened," Barker told Reuters from Port Moresby.
Romania - Factors to watch on June 9
Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Thursday.
TRADE DATA
Romania's statistics board to release trade data for April at 0600 GMT.
DEBT TENDER
Romanian debt managers tender 300 million lei ($75.95 million) worth of Feb. 2025 treasury bonds.
PUBLIC SECTOR WAGES
Romania's technocrat government on Wednesday approved a planned overhaul of public sector wages, estimated to cost the budget roughly 3.5 billion lei ($885.7 million) over this year and next.
CEE MARKETS
The kuna fell to a 2-1/2 month low against the euro on Wednesday, in contrast to other Central European currencies, after the Croatian government's coalition moved to the brink of collapse.
For the long-term Romanian diary, click on
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For an index of all diaries, click on
Czech Republic - Factors To Watch on June 9
PRAGUE, June 9 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Czech financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Czech Republic: GMT + 2 hours) =========================ECONOMIC DATA========================== Real-time economic data releases.................... Summary of economic data and forecasts........... Recently released economic data.................. Previous stories on Czech data............. **For a schedule of corporate and economic events: http://emea1.apps.cp.thomsonreuters.com/Apps/CountryWeb/#/2E/events-overview ==========================NEWS================================== UKRAINE: Central European countries asked the European Union on Wednesday to free up funds to help Ukraine deal with a growing number of people displaced by conflict. Story: Related stories: MIGRANTS: European Union ministers will look on Friday into ways of stemming the flow of migrants who set sail for Europe from Libya and elsewhere in north Africa after a deal with Turkey has cut arrivals via Greece to a trickle. Story: Related stories: CEE MARKETS: The kuna fell to a 2-1/2 month low against the euro on Wednesday, in contrast to other Central European currencies, after the Croatian government's coalition moved to the brink of collapse. Story: Related stories: =======================PRESS DIGEST============================ OKD: The government will decide by the end of June on whether to provide a loan to OKD, the insolvent mining unit of New World Resources. Hospodarske Noviny, page 3 * For a story on the loan: FDI: GE Aviation is looking at sites near the Kbely airfield in Prague and near Aero Vodochody for a planned factory to build motors for smaller planes and drones. E15, page 1 Reuters has not verified the stories, nor does it vouch for their accuracy. For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX For updates on CEE currencies TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets Prague Newsroom: +420 224 190 477 E-mail: prague.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com ($1 = 23.7580 Czech crowns) (Reporting by Prague Newsroom)
Somali militants say kill 43 soldiers in attack on Ethiopian base
NAIROBI, June 9 (Reuters) - Somali Islamist militant group al Shabaab said on Thursday it had killed 43 soldiers in an attack on a base of Ethiopian troops serving with the African Union's AMISOM force in the Horn of Africa nation.
An AMISOM spokesman had no immediate comment. The force usually says it is up to the troop-contributing country to announce casualties. In the past, casualty figures cited by al Shabaab have been much higher than official numbers.
Somali Islamists attack Ethiopian military base in Somalia
By Feisal Omar and Abdi Sheikh
MOGADISHU, June 9 (Reuters) - Somalia's al Shabaab Islamist militant group attacked a military base of Ethiopian soldiers serving with an African Union force on Thursday, with both sides saying they had inflicted a heavy toll on their opponents.
Al Shabaab said a suicide car bomb rammed the entrance to the base in the central town of Halgan and its fighters overran the site, killing 60 soldiers with the loss of 16 of its own militants.
"It was a huge blast. It destroyed the gate and parts of the base," Al Shabaab's military operations spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters.
The group's fighters exchanged fire with Ethiopian soldiers and repelled a counter attack by Djibouti troops deployed from another base in the area.
Al Shabaab regularly attacks AMISOM, which is made up of about 22,000 soldiers and police from African nations supporting Somalia's government and army in the fight against the al Qaeda-linked militants.
The group's insurgency aims to drive out AMISOM, topple Somalia's Western-backed government and impose its strict version of Islam on the Horn of Africa state.
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Kibet, spokesman for the African Union's AMISOM force, dismissed al Shabaab's toll as a "falsehood" but did not give a casualty figure.
"AMISOM forces killed 110 al Shabaab and captured a large cache of weapons," he told Reuters by telephone.
Residents in Halgan, which lies in a region about 300 km (around 190 miles) north of the capital Mogadishu, said they heard a huge explosion and heavy exchanges of gunfire shortly before dawn. Shots rang out at least an hour after the initial blast, they said.
"AMISOM has now retaken (the town) after regrouping. But the town is mostly deserted," resident Osman Gelle told Reuters by phone from Halgan. "I counted five civilian dead bodies. Stray bullets hit them in their houses."
He said he had seen four helicopters land. AMISOM has said it is starting to deploy helicopters with AMISOM to provide more rapid military support, after several bases came under heavy al Shabaab attack. It also uses helicopters to ferry casualties.
Casualty figures cited by officials and al Shabaab are usually wildly different.
Slovakia - Factors To Watch on June 9
BRATISLAVA, June 9 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Slovak financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Slovak Republic: GMT + 2 hours) =========================ECONOMIC DATA======================== Real-time economic data releases.................. Summary of economic data and forecasts......... Recently released economic data................ Previous stories on Slovak data.......... **For a schedule of corporate and economic events: http://emea1.apps.cp.thomsonreuters.com/Apps/CountryWeb/#/1C/events-overview ========================EVENTS=============================== BRATISLAVA: Statistics office will release foreign trade data for April. Related stories: =========================NEWS=============================== UKRAINE - EU: Central European countries asked the European Union on Wednesday to free up funds to help Ukraine deal with a growing number of people displaced by conflict. Story: Related stories: For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX Main currency report TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets News editor of the day: Jason Hovet on +420 224 190 476 E-mail: prague.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com
Qatar fund set to buy major stake in Ireland's Eir - Irish Times
DUBLIN, June 9 (Reuters) - Qatar's sovereign wealth fund is set to buy a major stake in Irish telecoms firm Eir, the Irish Times reported on Thursday, in a move that would likely support its plans to hold off from a stock market flotation for now.
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is on course to acquire York Capital, Eir's second-largest shareholder's stake of about 15 percent, in addition to a number of smaller shareholdings owned by other hedge funds, the newspaper said, without quoting any sources.
The Irish Times said it understood New York hedge fund Anchorage, which owns almost 38 percent of the company formerly known as Eircom, would remain the largest shareholder following the transaction.
Spokespeople for Eir and the QIA could not immediately be reached for comment.
Eir pulled out of what would have been a third initial public offering (IPO) of shares in 15 years in 2014 and its chief executive told Reuters in April it had no intention of intention of seeking an IPO in the short or medium term.
QIA, estimated by industry tracker Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute to hold $256 billion of assets, is known as an investor in high-profile European assets such as the Shard skyscraper and Harrods department store in London, as well as Credit Suisse and Volkswagen.
PRESS DIGEST - RUSSIA - JUNE 9
MOSCOW, June 9 (Reuters) - The following are some stories in Russia's newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
VEDOMOSTI
www.vedomosti.ru
- A little-known company based in Crimea has insured the construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge from Russia to annexed Crimea. Russia's top insurers have shied away from the project to avoid the risk of falling under Western sanctions, the daily says.
- The state owes 3.7 billion roubles ($58.3 million) to Arkady Rotenberg's company building the bridge to Crimea.
- The decline of Russia's economy has stopped but it remains stagnant, Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev writes in the paper.
- Russia's railways monopoly is considering attracting European companies to the construction of high speed rail lines as they more willingly share their technologies, the daily says, writing about Russia's deal with China on building the Moscow-Kazan high-speed railway.
- Andrei Belousov, a presidential economy aide and an ex-economy minister, could be appointed to head Rosneft's board of directors, the daily says.
KOMMERSANT
www.kommersant.ru
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has recommended that the government suspend the creation of new zones with tax privileges in Russia as they failed to ensure fast development of regional economies.
- The defence ministers of Russia, Syria and Iran are meeting in Tehran on Thursday to discuss the situation in Syria.
NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA
www.ng.ru
- Russia could offer Turkmenistan its assistance in guarding the boarder with Afghanistan and could also provide it with morden weapons which was tested in Syria and proved to be very effective, the daily says.
- The bulk of capital inflow from Russians working abroad came last year from Ukraine and reached $2.2 billion, analysts say, commenting on World Bank reports on migrant worker remittances across the world.
AstraZeneca sells rights to anaesthetics for up to $770 mln
By Ben Hirschler
LONDON, June 9 (Reuters) - AstraZeneca has sold the marketing rights to a portfolio of anaesthetics for up to $770 million in the latest so-called externalisation deal to raise funds for investment in new drugs.
South Africa's Aspen Pharmacare will market the seven established medicines outside the United States under the deal, which follows the sale of U.S. rights to the anaesthetics 10 years ago to Abraxis, now part of Fresenius Kabi.
Aspen will pay AstraZeneca $520 million upfront and up to $250 million in sales-related payments, as well as double-digit percentage trademark royalties, the companies said on Thursday.
Aspen Chief Executive Stephen Saad said it was an "excellent opportunity" for the South African firm and its shares jumped 10 percent in Johannesburg. AstraZeneca stock fell 0.8 percent.
The agreement covers Diprivan, used for general anaesthesia, EMLA, a topical anaesthetic, and five local anaesthetics. The anaesthetics, which are sold in more than a hundred countries, had sales in 2015 of $592 million.
AstraZeneca will continue to manufacture and supply the products on a cost plus basis to Aspen for an initial 10 years.
AstraZeneca has used externalisation income from licensing out products in non-core areas, such as neuroscience, to help fund investment in new medicines in cancer and other fields.
Externalisation has helped underpin AstraZeneca's profits at a time it is facing a raft of patent expiries on previous blockbuster drugs, such as cholesterol fighter Crestor and heartburn medicine Nexium, but it has led to criticism about the quality of earnings from some analysts.
U.S.-backed forces tighten grip around Islamic State in Syria's Manbij
BEIRUT, June 9 (Reuters) - U.S.-backed forces fighting Islamic State near the Syrian-Turkish border said on Thursday they had reached the militants' last main route in and out of their stronghold in the area, the city of Manbij.
Monitors confirmed that the Syria Democratic Forces - an alliance which includes the powerful Kurdish YPG militia and Arab allies - had advanced to within firing distance of the road, one week into a campaign to push the militants out of their foothold along the frontier.
Washington hopes the operation will choke off Islamic State's last major link to the outside world - the militants have used the border for years to receive supplies and manpower, and more recently to send back fighters for attacks in Europe.
"We have reached the road that links Manbij and Aleppo, from the west," Sharfan Darwish, spokesman for the Syria Democratic Forces-allied Manbij Military Council, told Reuters.
Darwish appeared to be referring to the highway between Manbij and Islamic State-held al-Bab, further west. That highway also leads onto Aleppo.
A statement from the Manbij Military Council said its forces had already cut Islamic State supply lines leading north, east and south from the city, and were now close enough to Manbij itself to be able to fire on Islamic State militants.
Darwish would not comment on whether the SDF was planning an assault on the city itself. He told Reuters on Wednesday forces was poised to enter, but were being cautious due to the civilian presence there.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said the SDF were in firing range of the main road leading west, positioned less than a kilometre away from it. They were effectively in control of all highways into Manbij, it said.
Civilians in the city and surrounding countryside were fleeing the fighting, the Observatory added.
It said more than 130 Islamic State militants had died since the Manbij offensive was launched, as well as more than 20 SDF fighters.
The U.S. military said on Wednesday the SDF had suffered about a dozen killed and more than 100 wounded.
The SDF, which is also fighting against Islamic State in neighbouring Raqqa province, is backed by U.S.-led air strikes and assisted by U.S. special forces.
YPG fighters have already captured much of northeast Syria near the Turkish border, but their advance west of the Euphrates river to close off the frontier once and for all was limited by strong opposition from Turkey, which considers the YPG its enemies.
Iran arrests visiting Iranian-Canadian scholar - rights group
ANKARA, June 9 (Reuters) - Iran has arrested a visiting Canadian-Iranian expert in gender and Islam, campaigners said on Thursday, at least the fifth detention of a dual-national reported in recent months.
Homa Hoodfar, who teaches at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, was held on June 6, the New York-based International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran (ICHRI) said. Iranian authorities were not available to comment.
"Her home was searched by (Iran's elite) Revolutionary Guards agents who took away several personal items including her mobile phone, laptop, identification and academic research papers," the rights group said.
"Since then she had been interrogated several times."
It said the 65-year-old, who also holds an Irish passport, had suffered a stroke in the past and was feeling under psycholigical pressure.
Her family issued a separate statement urging the Canadian, Irish and Iranian governments to secure her freedom.
"We, the Homa Hoodfar family, are very worried about her well-being and hold Judiciary officials responsible for her health," the family added.
Several dual nationals, including people with French, British and U.S. passports, have been arrested in Iran over security-related issues, according to Iranian Judiciary officials. Iran refuses to recognise dual nationality.
British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a 37-year-old project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the news agency's charitable arm, was arrested in early April in Tehran by members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, judicial sources said.
Another British-Iranian businessman, Kamal Foroughi, was arrested in May 2011, the sources said.
German parliament condemns Turkish threats against lawmakers
BERLIN, June 9 (Reuters) - The president of Germany's parliament condemned threats against German lawmakers of Turkish origin after the Bundestag last week passed a resolution declaring the 1915 massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces a genocide.
Ankara rejects the idea that the killings of Christian Armenians during World War One amounted to a genocide. Following the resolution there have been death threats and verbal attacks against German politicians with Turkish roots.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said German lawmakers of Turkish origin who voted for the resolution have tainted blood and that their blood must be tested in a lab.
"Every person that tries to put pressure on individual lawmakers with threats must know they are attacking the entire parliament," Norbert Lammert said to loud applause as he opened the parliamentary session on Thursday.
Lammert said he was shocked that threats against the parliamentarians had been backed by high-ranking politicians, and said parliament would respond with all legal options.
"I wouldn't have thought it possible that in the 21st Century, a democratically elected president would link his criticism of democratically elected lawmakers in the German Bundestag with doubts about their Turkish descent and describe their blood as tainted," he said.
Erdogan is a crucial ally for Chancellor Angela Merkel in tackling Europe's migrant crisis.
Last week's resolution has triggered a Turkish outcry. On Thursday, Turkey's economy minister said it threatened the friendship between the two countries, but he stopped short of detailing specific retaliatory measures.
Merkel has dismissed Turkey's reaction as "incomprehensible" and Germany invited a senior Turkish diplomat to the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday to discuss Ankara's response.
Martin Schulz, a member of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) and president of the European Parliament also strongly rebuked Erdogan for his comments, Spiegel Online reported.
Norway, Sweden to meet green energy target under joint scheme
OSLO, June 9 (Reuters) - Norway and Sweden's joint scheme to boost renewable energy generation, set up in 2012, is on track to deliver 28.4 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2020, Norway's energy regulator said on Thursday.
The scheme, the only one of its kind in the world, pays energy producers a premium for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable power they can sell on the market.
Consumers are required to buy "green" certificates corresponding to a certain share of their total power use and the authorities able to adjust that share or quota every two years.
"Figures from first-quarter 2016 shows that there was 15.5 TWh of new power generation built in Norway and Sweden under the electricity certificate scheme since it was established in 2012," the regulator said in a statement.
"This means that the scheme is well on track to reach the target of 28.4 TWh by 2021." This target is roughly equivalent to renewable power generation in neighbouring Denmark.
The regulator said it had proposed a downward adjustment in the renewable quota because power consumption in Norway was higher than expected. The Swedish regulator will recommend an increase in the quota for Swedish consumers until 2020.
In Sweden and Norway, there is now 6 TWh of renewable power under construction under the joint scheme, of which 2.3 TWh is in Norway, NVE said.
Australia investigates washed up debris for any link to missing MH370
MELBOURNE, June 9 (Reuters) - Australian officials are checking what looks to be debris from an aircraft found on an island off the coast of South Australia to see if it may have come from the Malaysian aircraft MH370, which disappeared more than two years ago, a government spokeswoman said on Thursday.
"We're waiting for further information and we'll examine each component as it comes in. At this stage, there is nothing definitive and we'll follow our normal procedure," a spokeswoman for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau told Reuters.
"All we know is that there is wreckage."
Australian television station Channel Seven reported that the debris was found by a someone searching for driftwood on Kangaroo Island. Footage showed a fragment of white wreckage with a honeycomb symbol and printed words saying, "Caution no step".
Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014 with 239 passengers and crew on board shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur bound for Beijing, in what has become one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries.
A first piece of the Boeing 777, a wing part known as a flaperon, washed up on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion in July 2015. Malaysia and French authorities confirmed it was from the aircraft.
Two pieces of debris discovered later in South Africa and the Mauritian island of Rodrigues were almost certainly from the jetliner, Malaysia's transport ministry said last month.
Second specialist vessel to join EgyptAir search on Friday
PARIS, June 9 (Reuters) - A second ship equipped with specialist search devices will join the hunt for the "black box" flight recorders and the wreckage of an EgyptAir jet on Friday, the head of France's air-accident investigation agency said on Thursday.
A French naval supply vessel picked up a signal from one of the two recorders on June 1 and Egypt has chartered a second vessel operated by Mauritius-based Deep Ocean Search, equipped with sonar equipment and an underwater vehicle.
Remi Jouty, director of the BEA air accident agency, which is advising Egypt on the underwater search, said the first ship continued to pick up locator signals from the first recorder, whose location had been narrowed to within 1 to 2 kilometres.
Pending the search for the two recorders, the Egyptian-led investigation is still "very far" from understanding why Flight 804 crashed into the Mediterranean on May 19, killing all 66 people on board, Jouty told aviation journalists in Paris.
Each recorder, one containing cockpit voice recordings and the other data from the Airbus A320 jet, is attached to a beacon designed to emit acoustic homing signals for 30 days, giving search teams limited time to detect the second box.
Jouty said he was sorry that French recommendations to extend the battery life to 90 days, first made in December 2009 following the Atlantic crash of an Air France jet and still not implemented worldwide, had taken so long to be acted on. The new rules take effect in 2018.
Each recorder is contained inside a strong bright-orange housing and attached to a beacon, or pinger, which sends out acoustic signals about once a second after a crash.
To recover the black boxes from the seabed 3,000 metres below the surface, investigators will need to narrow the signals to within a few metres and establish whether the pingers are still connected to the recorders, Jouty said.
How long it takes after that to recover the crucial pieces of evidence will depend partly on whether they are accessible or trapped inside the aircraft's structure, he told Reuters.
"It is difficult to imagine the recovery taking less than a week once they are located," he added.
Once recovered, the recorders would be handed to Egyptian authorities, who are expected to read them in the country's air crash investigation laboratory in Cairo.
If they are damaged they could be sent abroad for further analysis or back to their U.S. manufacturer, Honeywell.
Egyptian investigators said in a statement they had also received radar data from Egyptian air defence that could help explain what happened in the plane's final minutes.
The Greek defence minister has said Greek radar showed the plane swerved sharply and plunged from cruising altitude to 15,000 feet before disappearing from the radar.
WHO declares Liberia free of active Ebola virus transmission
MONROVIA, June 9 (Reuters) - Liberia has reached the end of active Ebola virus transmission, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday, the fourth such declaration from one of the west African countries at the epicentre of the world's worst outbreak of the disease.
The declaration means it has been 42 days since the last confirmed patient tested negative for a second time for the disease.
Liberia first declared itself free of the virus in May 2015 but Ebola flared up again three times, most recently when a woman contracted it after travelling to neighbouring Guinea and infecting her two children, the WHO said.
The WHO declared Sierra Leone free of the deadly haemorrhagic fever on March 17 and Guinea on June 1.
Tolbert Nyenswah, head of Liberia's Ebola reponse team, told Reuters the country had strengthened its surveillance and response capacity and its laboratory system since the start of the outbreak.
"We've proven we can contain the outbreak, we can intervene very swiftly," said Nyenswah.
Liberia, like Guinea before it, will now need to undergo an additional 90 days of heightened surveillance as the disease can live on in survivors' bodily fluids for months.
China leads resistance to India joining nuclear export club
By Shadia Nasralla and Francois Murphy
VIENNA, June 9 (Reuters) - China is leading opposition to a push by the United States and other major powers for India to join the main club of countries controlling access to sensitive nuclear technology, diplomats said on Thursday as the group discussed India's membership bid.
Other countries opposing Indian membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) include New Zealand, Ireland, Turkey, South Africa and Austria, diplomats said.
The 48-nation NSG aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons by restricting the sale of items that can be used to make those arms.
India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington, even though India has developed atomic weapons and never signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact.
Opponents argue that granting it membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate India's rival Pakistan, which responded to India's membership bid with one of its own and has the backing of its close ally China.
"By bringing India on board, it's a slap in the face of the entire non-proliferation regime," a diplomatic source from one of a handful of countries resisting India's push said on condition of anonymity.
A decision on Indian membership is not expected before an NSG plenary meeting in Seoul on June 20, but diplomats said Washington had been pressuring hold-outs, and Thursday's closed-door meeting was a chance to see how strong opposition is.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry wrote to members asking them "not to block consensus on Indian admission to the NSG" in a letter seen by Reuters and dated Friday.
China, however, showed no sign of backing down from its opposition to India joining unless Pakistan becomes a member. That would be unacceptable to many, given Pakistan's track record -- the father of its nuclear weapons programme sold nuclear secrets to countries including North Korea and Iran.
"China, if anything, is hardening (its position)," another diplomat said.
Most of the hold-outs oppose the idea of admitting a non-NPT state such as India and argue that if it is to be admitted, it should be under criteria that apply equally to all states rather than under a "tailor-made" solution for a U.S. ally.
French special forces on ground in northern Syria - govt source
PARIS, June 9 (Reuters) - French special forces are advising rebels on the ground in northern Syria in an offensive against Islamic State fighters for control of the border town of Manbij, the military said on Thursday.
An army spokesman said Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had confirmed that France was providing weapons, air support and advice in the campaign aimed at driving Islamic State from territory along the Syria-Turkey border.
"We never go into details about anything to do with special forces, which are by their nature special. You won't get any details to protect these men's activities," army spokesman Colonel Gilles Jaron told a regular news briefing.
Germany failing to deal with surge in hate crimes - Amnesty
BERLIN, June 9 (Reuters) - Germany is failing to deal with a surge in hate crimes such as attacks on asylum homes and there are signs "institutional racism" is a problem among law enforcement agencies, an Amnesty International report said on Thursday.
The human rights group said that even before the influx of more than a million migrants to Germany last year, authorities had not adequately investigated, prosecuted or sentenced people for racist crimes.
It pointed to the discovery in 2011 of a small neo-Nazi cell, the National Socialist Underground (NSU), which murdered nine immigrants and a policewoman between 2000 and 2007.
"With hate crimes on the rise in Germany, long-standing and well-documented shortcomings in the response of law enforcement agencies to racist violence must be addressed," Amnesty researcher Marco Perolini said.
Justice Minister Heiko Maas said his ministry would carefully evaluate Amnesty's report and examine whether action needed to be taken.
"One thing is clear - a state under the rule of law can never accept racist violence. We need to do everything we can to quickly catch the perpetrators and rigorously punish them," he said in an emailed statement.
After a 19-month inquiry into the NSU, a parliamentary committee said a combination of bungled investigations and prejudice enabled the NSU to go undetected for more than a decade.
The Amnesty report said Germany should set up an independent public inquiry to look over the NSU investigations as well as how Germany classifies and investigates hate crimes.
It said part of the problem was that there was a high bar on considering a crime racist in Germany and treating it as such.
Attacks on asylum shelters surged to 1,031 in 2015, up from 199 in the prior year and 69 in 2013, data from the Interior Ministry shows. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has said the number is likely to rise again this year, with 347 such attacks registered in the first quarter of 2016 alone.
While refugees who arrived in Munich last September were applauded and handed sweets, the mood has since soured, with concerns about integration and security rife, and support for the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) rising.
Pope to visit Auschwitz during trip to Poland in July
VATICAN CITY, June 9 (Reuters) - Pope Francis will visit the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau during a visit to Poland on July 29, the Vatican said on Thursday.
Both of Francis's immediate predecessors, Pope Benedict, a German, and Pope John Paul, a Pole, also visited the site during their pontificates.
Nazi German occupying forces established the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi camp during World War Two in the southern Polish town of Oswiecim, around 70 km (43 miles) from Poland's second city, Krakow.
The visit will take place during Francis's pre-planned trip to Krakow for an international gathering of Catholic youth. Poland remains a staunchly Roman Catholic country.
Between 1940 and 1945 Auschwitz developed into a vast complex of barracks, workshops, gas chambers and crematoria, where about 1.5 million people, most of them Jews, died.
Soviet Red Army troops liberated the camp on January 27 1945.
During a visit to Rome's synagogue in January, Francis appealed to Catholics to reject anti-Semitism and said the Holocaust, in which some six million Jews were killed, should remind everyone that human rights should be defended with "maximum vigilance".
Russia grounds Su-27 fighter jet fleet after fatal Moscow crash
MOSCOW, June 9 (Reuters) - The Russian air force grounded its entire fleet of Sukhoi-27 fighter jets on Thursday after a fatal crash near Moscow which aviation sources told Russian agencies looked like the result of some kind of technical failure.
Viktor Bondarev, the head of the air force, ordered the country's fleet of the twin-engined fighter jet grounded until the reasons for the crash had been determined, Russian agencies reported.
Russia is believed to have over 300 of the fighter jets in service. The United States complained in April that one of them had made aggressive manoeuvres near a U.S. reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea, a charge Russia rejected.
Thursday's crash occurred just outside Moscow and involved an SU-27 that was part of the country's famous aerobatic demonstration team, the 'Russian Knights,' who have overflown annual Red Square military parades in the past.
The Russian Defence Ministry was quoted as saying that the pilot of the downed plane, who was killed, did not have time to eject because he had used his last seconds to steer the aircraft away from a populated area.
Vietnam communists tighten grip after victory in strictly vetted vote
HANOI, June 9 (Reuters) - Vietnam's Communist Party entrenched its power monopoly on Thursday after results of last month's parliamentary election showed its members winning 96 percent of seats, and trouncing most of the independent candidates it had approved to run.
Results showed 67 million people, or 99.35 percent of eligible voters, cast ballots in the May 22 election, which saw only 21 non-party members elected to the 500-seat chamber, down from the 42 in the last term.
Though parliament has long been regarded as a dull affair in a country that has only one political party, the election run-up attracted a buzz of interest due to attempts by more than 100 ordinary people to run as independent, or self-nominated candidates.
All but 11 of them failed to get on the ballot due to the party's strict vetting process, among them dissidents, businessmen and celebrities, some of whom were testing the sincerity of the party's promises of greater inclusiveness.
Only two self-nominated candidates won seats and the other 19 non-party members elected had been nominated by state institutions. Four seats were unfilled because of insufficient turnout in four provinces, officials said, without elaborating.
Deputy assembly chairman Phung Quoc Hien said the high national turnout showed the ballot was a success, even with some instances of fraud and calls on social media for a voter boycott.
"Our people, our voters have shown a spirit of performing their right and their duty," Hien told reporters.
Parliament has traditionally served as a rubber stamp for the party's policies, but some experts and diplomats say debate has become more lively, with ministers grilled in televised sessions, laws sent back for re-drafts, and liberal legislation passed, including recognition of transgenders and the decriminalisation of same-sex unions.
The party's top brass were spared embarrassments in what is the only national election the public gets to vote in, with the leadership triumvirate retaining their seats in the house, which starts its five-year term next month.
U.N. switches to "technical" Syria talks, hears of prisoner release
GENEVA, June 9 (Reuters) - The United Nations will not hold another round of Syria peace talks in Geneva until officials on all sides agree the parameters for a political transition deal, which has an Aug. 1 deadline, the U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Thursday.
"The time is not yet mature for the official third round of the intra-Syrian talks," de Mistura told reporters.
Suspected smuggler extradited to Italy is wrong man - Sudan witnesses
By Khalid Abdelaziz
KHARTOUM, June 9 (Reuters) - Eritreans in Sudan said on Thursday that a man extradited to Italy and accused of being a kingpin in an international people-smuggling ring was actually one of their friends and police had arrested the wrong man.
Italian and British officials said on Wednesday they had worked together to secure the arrest of Medhane Yehdego Mered, nicknamed "the General", in Sudan and hailed his extradition as a rare victory in the struggle against human trafficking.
Italian police released a video of the man they said was Mered arriving at an airport in Rome, but two Eritreans who live in Sudan told Reuters on Thursday it was a case of mistaken identity.
Instead the man is Medhanie Tesfamariam Berhe, an Eritrean refugee who wanted to emigrate to Europe, the two friends said. Other Eritrean witnesses in Sudan told Britain's Guardian newspaper the same thing.
"I know personally the man arrested and extradited to Italy and he is the wrong person. He came to Sudan recently and still cannot speak Arabic, but his first name is the same as Medhane," Haile, a 45-year-old Eritrean refugee in Sudan, told Reuters.
A second Eritrean man, Tisfai, said: "For sure the person who was arrested is not the General... It is difficult to capture the General because he is like a ghost, moving from one place to another."
Both men declined to given their full names for fear of reprisal by gangs or Sudanese authorities, they said.
Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) said on Wednesday it helped track down Mered in Sudan. In response to the Guardian article, an NCA spokesperson said: "This is a complex multi partner operation and it is too soon to speculate about these claims."
Palermo prosecutors are scheduled to hold a first interview with the alleged smuggler on Friday in Rome, where he is being held.
Because they have numerous recordings of Mered in telephone conversations, prosecutors are considering the use of voice recognition software to help determine whether they got the smuggler or someone else, judicial sources said.
The court's chief prosecutor, Francesco Lo Voi, told Reuters he had no comment at this time, but Ansa news agency quoted Lo Voi saying "the arrest, delivery and extradition to Italy were officially communicated by the National Crime Agency and Sudan authorities through Interpol."
Two lawyers have been named to defend the Eritrean man held in Rome. Neither was immediately available for comment. He was detained in Khartoum by Sudanese police on May 24 on an international arrest warrant, and was brought to Italy on a state plane late on Tuesday.
African budget carrier Fastjet picks new CEO from rival airline
JOHANNESBURG, June 9 (Reuters) - African budget airline Fastjet Plc said on Thursday it had appointed the outgoing CEO of rival Mango Airlines as its chief executive, sending its shares 16 percent higher.
Nico Bezuidenhout, who joins Fastjet on Aug. 1, will be filling a position that was vacant for nearly three months after the previous CEO resigned due to pressure from the company's second-largest shareholder.
Unlisted Mango did not immediately name a new chief executive, but said in a statement it would appoint an acting CEO after Bezuidenhout leaves his post at the end on July.
London-listed Fastjet and Mango, a unit of South African Airways (SAA), are part of a wave of low-cost airlines expanding operations in Africa as they seek to capture middle-income travellers who are tired of dangerous road journeys but cannot afford major international carriers.
The new airlines hope to undercut larger carriers by offering "no frills" services, replicating a model pioneered by European airlines like Easyjet and Ryanair.
Mango's parent company SAA has been surviving on state-guaranteed loans, and the loss-making national carrier is in the middle of a turnaround strategy that will include cutting costs and cancelling loss-making routes.
Fastjet's former boss Ed Winter stepped down on March 18, weeks after Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who owns a 12 percent stake in the carrier through a private investment vehicle, called a general meeting to dismiss Winter.
Ivory Coast land disputes threaten new violence as war refugees return
By Joe Bavier
FETE, Ivory Coast, June 9 (Reuters) - Stepping off a river ferry onto the soil of his native Ivory Coast for the first time since he fled civil war five years ago, Innocent Weley Nonmah left behind the harsh life of a refugee and an Ebola epidemic that prolonged his family's exile.
But coming home he had a new worry: that his five hectares of farmland might have been occupied by members of a rival ethnic group.
"I need to be close to my fields," said the 33-year-old cocoa and palm oil farmer, who returned last month from exile in Liberia with his pregnant wife and four children.
"I need to go and see with my own eyes ... that there is something there for me," he said, after a gruelling journey aboard a battered minibus over dirt tracks winding through Ivorian forests.
Ethnically charged disputes over land in Ivory Coast's fertile west played a central role in more than a decade of turmoil in the world's leading cocoa producer. When a contested 2010 presidential election erupted into a five-month civil war, those tensions fuelled some of the conflict's worst bloodshed.
A post-war economic recovery has made Ivory Coast the darling of investors in Africa. But as refugees from the war trickle back - around 16,000 have returned since December, leaving 22,000 still in Liberia - unresolved disputes over land could reignite violence.
Nonmah and his family had carried their few possessions bundled in cloth as they travelled in the bus with "Love and Trust" emblazoned on the rear doors, rattling past cocoa groves and palm oil plantations along Ivory Coast's western border.
They were dropped off in the closest major town to their home village of Fete. The U.N. refugee agency charged with bringing Ivorian refugees home still deems Fete too dangerous to return to, so Nonmah has not been able to check on his farmland.
But he said there was no sign of the community he had left behind in surrounding areas. In angry comments pointing to the tensions still simmering in Ivory Coast, he said: "There are people there, but not us. They are foreigners."
MIGRANT FARMERS
Nonmah is a member of the Krou ethnic group, many of whom fled the fighting in 2011 when forces loyal to presidential election winner Alassane Ouattara fought to install him after his rival, Laurent Gbagbo, refused to cede power. The Krou were among the groups that had supported Gbagbo.
But the roots of the conflict run much deeper, and include disputes over who is "Ivorian" in a land full of migrant farmers from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.
Ivory Coast's first president after achieving independence in 1960 - Felix Houphouet-Boigny, who ruled for three decades - flung open the doors to migrants from across West Africa, seeking labour to develop the nation through agriculture.
To encourage people to work plantations, he declared that the land belonged to whomever grew cash crops on it.
The plan worked. Today, in addition to its cocoa dominance, Ivory Coast is Africa's leading natural rubber exporter, a major producer of palm oil and a regional player in the cotton sector. Last year it became the world's top producer of cashew nuts.
But the economic success came at the cost of a simmering conflict that pits ethnic groups who feel dispossessed of their native lands against migrant farmers.
Immigrants make up nearly a quarter of Ivory Coast's population of 23 million inhabitants, according to a 2014 census. In many areas of the fertile west, ethnic groups like the Guere, Bete and Krou - who settled there centuries ago - are outnumbered by immigrants and people who have moved from other parts of Ivory Coast.
The main newcomers to the west are President Ouattara's Dioula group, which includes people from Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea as well as from northern Ivory Coast, most who have arrived since the 1970s. During the civil war they were targeted by militias allied to ex-president Gbagbo, who is facing trial in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity.
Ethnic violence has occasionally resurfaced since the war. In 2014, two raids by unidentified fighters killed nearly two dozen people in Fete, including prominent members of the immigrant community.
The government blamed those attacks on Liberian mercenaries who had fought for Gbagbo. But Fete's village chief Roger Loma Kapet said people from the Dioula community - "foreigners", he called them - used those attacks as pretext to burn the nearby Krou village of Djimane to the ground three days later.
"It was revenge," said Djimane's village chief Jacques Nemlin Douai, who returned from Liberia last month to discover part of his land occupied by a migrant neighbour.
'BAD FAITH'
Fengolo is a sprawling village in western Ivory Coast, bisected by a highway and surrounded by cocoa trees. Dieka Issa Ouattara, a leader of the local Dioula community there, still shudders to think of the civil war years.
"They killed people. They raped women. Their goal was to chase the foreigners off land they'd already sold and to take it back," he said of the pro-Gbagbo militias.
To avert further violence, Ivorian lawmakers are trying to resolve the underlying land tensions once and for all. In 2013, they voted to require landholders to officially register property ownership claims within 10 years, or else the land would revert to the state.
"There is a lot of bad faith in the management of land. It's often hard to determine the true nature of land rights," said Constant Zirignon Deble, director of rural lands at the Ministry of Agriculture. "That is a source of conflict."
The law says Ivorian citizens will be granted land titles, while non-citizens will be given leases that can last generations.
But, three years on, the process is struggling in a country where land sales have long been subject to traditional customs, contracts are often scribbled on a scrap of paper, if anywhere, and property boundaries are rarely formalised.
The government estimates that to cover all of Ivory Coast's land holdings, it will need to issue around a half a million titles. Only 2,500 have thus far been printed.
The cost and bureaucracy of registering land is daunting for many farmers. It requires those applying for titles to prove there are no counter-claims to their property, which Fengolo's Ouattara fears could open the floodgates to countless new disputes and lead to migrants being stripped of their rights.
"I didn't budge from my land during the crisis," he said. "If the state comes to remove us from our land after these 10 years, we won't move. They'll have to kill us all."
Sylla Yakouba, a 62-year-old retired government employee, spent several thousand dollars to register his 25 hectares in a process that required two separate land surveys, two rounds of affidavits from his neighbours and repeated trips to the commercial capital Abidjan.
But he said the process is impossible for most poor farmers, who are often faced with the choice between buying fertiliser or paying a child's school fees. "Hardly anyone has done their papers," he said.
The government has pledged to streamline the process and make it more affordable, and Deble said the law should be seen as a source of security for land claims, not a threat.
"We are very aware that this is not an easy operation," he told Reuters. "But if we don't do something today, it will be even worse tomorrow."
US may turn to Canada for help with new NATO force in east Europe
By Robin Emmott and Wiktor Szary
BRUSSELS/WARSAW, June 9 (Reuters) - The United States could turn to Canada to help it establish a new NATO force in eastern Europe as a deterrent against Russia because it is struggling to win support from its European allies, diplomats say.
Despite its show of force with a military exercise across eastern Europe this month that involved more than 20 NATO and partner countries, the alliance is moving slowly in its efforts to build a rotating force of 4,000 troops on its eastern flank in Poland and the Baltics.
Only Britain and Germany have said they are willing to contribute, by providing a battalion of about 1,000 troops each. The United States will provide a third battalion, leaving NATO requiring one more country to provide a fourth.
"European allies have reasons why they can't come forward. They're thinly stretched, at home, in Africa, in Afghanistan. They just don't have the money," said a senior NATO diplomat involved in the discussions.
The reluctance of some European governments to help the military build-up, the biggest since the end of the Cold War, reflects internal doubts over whether the alliance should be more focused on combating militant groups and uncontrolled flows of migrants, mainly from the Middle East and North Africa.
"There are divisions within NATO," said Sophia Besch, a European defence expert at the London-based Centre for European Reform think tank. "Some allies feel the focus should be on the south."
Unity is crucial for NATO as Moscow and Washington accuse one another of intimidation close to the NATO-Russia border. NATO and Russia feel threatened by each other's large military drills and are at odds over the crisis in Ukraine.
Any sense in the United States that Europe is unwilling to pay for its own defence could be damaging. U.S. President Barack Obama has suggested European powers were "free riders" during the 2011 Libya air campaign, and U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has accused them of not paying their fair share.
A senior Polish diplomatic source familiar with the negotiations said NATO would not allow the build-up to fail as it had already been announced, and because Russia might exploit it as a sign that NATO is unwilling to defend Poland.
"The summit in Warsaw will be President Obama's last (NATO summit) and the U.S. wants it to be a success. It will ensure that the fourth framework country is found, possibly by leaning on Canada," the source said. "Washington will bend over backwards here."
"PERSISTENT" PRESENCE
Former communist states in NATO want to bolster its eastern defences without stationing large forces permanently, worried since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine that Moscow could invade Poland or the Baltic states in days.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed such an idea this week, saying he saw no threats in the region that would justify the area's militarisation.
Russia has also said the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's large-scale military exercise in eastern Europe undermines trust and security, and that it is concerned by the movement of NATO's military infrastructure towards its border.
NATO defence ministers will next week formally agree on the plan for four battalions to be involved in the new force, part of a deterrent made up of forces on rotation and warehoused equipment ready for a rapid response force in case of attack.
That force includes air, maritime and special operations units of up to 40,000 personnel.
While saying they seek to avoid a return to the Cold War, when 300,000 U.S. service personnel were stationed in Europe, NATO generals describe it as a "persistent" but not a "permanent" presence to avoid breaking a 1997 agreement with Moscow limiting the deployment of combat forces.
Britain is likely to deploy to Estonia, Germany to Lithuania and the United States to Latvia. The United States will also supply an armoured brigade to rove around the eastern flank. Only Poland appears to be left out at this stage.
While the United States is increasing its military spending in Europe to $3.4 billion in 2017, defence cuts in Italy, Belgium and France during the euro zone debt crisis complicate military planning.
France says it is focused on fighting militants in Syria and Mali, while there are also tensions with Poland's new right-wing government, which is seeking to rescind on a $3 billion helicopter tender with Airbus, diplomats say. Airbus was provisionally selected by the previous administration.
Spain is leading NATO's special "spearhead" force that can deploy in less than a week. Smaller countries such as Denmark say they do not have the resources to deploy a battalion.
Italy, a major buyer of gas from Russia -- on which the European Union depends heavily for energy supplies -- is wary of taking a tough line on Moscow.
Rome is also upset with central and eastern European states for not showing more willingness to take refugees fleeing North Africa across the Mediterranean and into Italy.
That leaves Canada, which has 220 armed forces personnel in Poland.
"Canada is actively considering options to effectively contribute to NATO's strengthened defence and deterrence posture," said a spokesperson for the Canadian Department of National Defence.
Cambodian Khmer Rouge cadre says Westerners 'burnt to ashes' on his watch
By Prak Chan Thul
PHNOM PENH, June 9 (Reuters) - The first member of Cambodia's notorious Khmer Rouge regime jailed for the 1970s "Killing Fields" atrocities admitted on Thursday brutally murdering four unidentified Westerners and burning their bodies with piles of tyres.
Kaing Guek Eav, alias "Duch", is testifying at an international tribunal's long-running second case against the deputies of late Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, whose four-year reign of terror in pursuit of a peasant utopia killed at least 1.8 million Cambodians.
Duch said "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea had personally instructed him to execute four Westerners, including two Americans, at a school that was turned into a torture centre, where more than 14,000 people were killed.
He said the foreigners were killed because they had trespassed into Cambodian waters. The identity of the foreigners remains unknown.
"They were interrogated and smashed per instruction," Duch told the court.
"They had to be burnt to ashes so there is no evidence that foreigners were smashed by us."
Most of the Khmer Rouge victims died of starvation, torture, exhaustion or disease in labour camps, or were bludgeoned to death during mass executions carried out across the country.
The majority of Cambodians alive now were born after the bloody era and are enjoying a peace and growth and embracing the capitalism the Khmer Rouge had deplored.
Nuon Chea and former head of state Khieu Samphan are on trial at the U.N.-backed court for war crimes and genocide. Now in their 80s and in declining health, they were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014 for crimes against humanity.
Their complex case was divided into two to ensure justice was delivered while they were still alive. Two of their co-defendants, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith, are dead.
Pol Pot died in 1998.
Though other aging cadres have been indicted, there is little optimism a decade-old tribunal fraught with delays, political interference and funding problems can bring justice and closure to Cambodia.
Duch, 73, was jailed for life in 2010 for crimes against humanity. Earlier this week, he reiterated he was only acting on instructions from the Khmer Rouge's upper echelons and from Nuon Chea to execute prisoners.
"No form of punishment on earth would be fair for what they did to the four foreigners and millions of Cambodians and their family members," said Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia.
The Documentation Center, which has conducted research into the killings by the Khmer Rouge, lists 79 foreigners among those killed at the Tuol Sleng torture centre, most of them Vietnamese and Thai but including four Americans, three French, two Australians, one Briton and one New Zealander.
Bulgarian banker appealing against Serbian extradition ruling -lawyer
BELGRADE/SOFIA, June 9 (Reuters) - The main shareholder in Bulgaria's collapsed Corporate Commercial Bank is appealing against a Serbian court ruling that he can be extradited to Bulgaria, his Bulgarian lawyer said on Thursday.
Bulgarian prosecutors have charged Tsvetan Vassilev with embezzling funds from the bank and are seeking his extradition from Serbia, where he has lived under police supervision since September 2014. Vassilev has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The Balkan country's fourth largest lender failed in 2014, triggering its biggest banking crisis since the 1990s. In March, Bulgaria launched a 2.2 billion leva ($1.28 billion) lawsuit against Vassilev.
Vassilev's Sofia-based lawyer Konstantin Simeonov, told Reuters an initial ruling in the case in Serbia had allowed the banker to be extradited. "But the ruling has not been enforced because there is an appeal against it," Simeonov said.
Belgrade-based lawyer Vladimir Beljanski, who also represents Vassilev, said "we have no final, binding, court decision", but did not give further details.
A court spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
If Serbia's Court of Appeals rules against Vassilev, the country's justice minister will be responsible for his handover to Bulgaria. It has already overturned one extradition ruling, citing procedural errors and sending Vassilev's case back to the lower court a year ago.
Budget carrier Flybe says cost cuts to boost profit amid headwinds
June 9 (Reuters) - British budget airline operator Flybe Group Plc expects its profit to grow next year as the company cuts costs to cope with slow demand and fierce competition, Chief Executive Saad Hammad said.
Like other carriers, Flybe has been hit by oversupply in the industry as well as weak demand for travel to Europe in the aftermath of recent attacks in Paris and Brussels.
After several years of losses, the company embarked on a turnaround plan in 2013, buying aircraft instead of leasing them, slashing jobs and exiting unprofitable routes.
"We believe we can fly through this turbulence and come out the other side with enhanced profit delivery in the next financial year," Hammad told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.
Flybe said it expected cost savings of 4 million pounds ($5.8 million) this year and 8 million pounds next year from buying aircraft instead of leasing.
"We see aircraft ownership costs as a major opportunity for Flybe," Liberum analysts wrote in a note.
Hammad said flights to Europe would comprise more than 40 percent of the company's capacity this year compared with about 30 percent last year.
Larger rivals IAG and Air France KLM have cut back on their growth plans due to low demand.
Flybe reported an adjusted pretax profit of 5.5 million pounds for the year ended March 31 - its first annual profit as a listed company - compared with a loss of 25.4 million pounds a year earlier.
Unit costs excluding fuel fell 2.2 percent in constant currency.
Liberum analysts estimated a normalised pretax profit of 22.2 million pounds for Flybe in the current year.
Turkey bans sale of some fertilisers after bomb attacks
ISTANBUL, June 9 (Reuters) - Turkey has banned the sale of fertilisers containing ammonium nitrate, which can be used in explosives, after at least half a dozen car bomb attacks this year, the agriculture minister said on Thursday.
The move comes after 11 people including six police officers were killed on Tuesday in a car bomb attack on a police bus during morning rush hour in central Istanbul. Newspaper reports said the explosives used were fortified by fertilisers.
"As of yesterday, Turkey has banned the sale of fertilisers which could be used as explosives," Agriculture Minister Faruk Celik told state broadcaster TRT Haber, adding that 64,000 tonnes had so far been seized.
Shares in fertilizer producers dropped over three percent on the Istanbul stock exchange.
NATO member Turkey faces security threats on several fronts, including from Islamic State militants who have been blamed for two suicide bombings in Istanbul, and Kurdish militants blamed for this week's attack in the city.
Violence in the predominantly Kurdish southeast is at its worst in two decades after a ceasefire between the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the state collapsed last July. Security forces in the region have frequently been targeted by car bombs and similar attacks have hit the capital Ankara.
Celik said prior to the ban, the fertiliser with ammonium nitrate which can be used to reinforce explosives was available for sale at 9,700 locations across Turkey.
The Haberturk newspaper said the government was also planning additional measures to tighten controls on the movement of fertilisers, including installing a chip on packages and increasing audits on importer companies.
Fertiliser producer Bandirma Gubre Fabrikalari (BAGFAS) said in a statement to the stock exchange that it had suspended its fertiliser production with nitrate content.
The company produced nearly half a million tonnes of chemical fertilisers in 2015, according to its annual report. BAGFAS shares were down 3 percent while shares in Gubretas , another producer, fell nearly 4.5 percent.
Virginia man charged with supporting Islamic State -U.S. Department of Justice
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Reuters) - A Virginia man who allegedly trained with Islamic State in Syria for nearly one month earlier this year was charged in a complaint unsealed on Thursday with providing material support to the militant group, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
Nigerian militant group says Niger Delta could break away -statement
ABUJA, June 9 (Reuters) - A Nigerian militant group, which has claimed a string of attacks on oil pipelines in the Niger Delta, said on Thursday the region might break away.
"We want our resources back to restore the essence of human life in our region for generations to come because Nigeria has failed to do that," the Niger Delta Avengers group said on its website.
In yellow fever war, WHO readies plan to stretch vaccine supply
By Ben Hirschler
LONDON, June 9 (Reuters) - The worst yellow fever outbreak in decades, which has killed 325 people in Angola and spread as far as China, has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to draw up plans to eke out vaccine supplies by using one-fifth of the normal dose.
Alejandro Costa, team leader for emergency vaccination and stockpiles, said an expert meeting would consider the plan next week, paving the way for the WHO to advise countries to shift to the lower dose on a emergency basis if necessary.
Fears of a wider outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease were fuelled this week by the confirmation of locally transmitted yellow fever in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A major outbreak in the city would leave healthcare authorities with little choice but to cut the dose per patient.
"If we have to vaccinate Kinshasa, that would be a trigger," Costa said in a telephone interview on Thursday. "We don't have enough vaccine. Kinshasa has a population of 12 million to 14 million people and we only have today around six million doses."
Concerns about limited vaccine supplies have been building for some time, with independent medics calling for low-dose use in an article The Lancet journal in April.
Limited scientific research suggests a one-fifth dose works as well as the full dose, although it is not clear if it lasts as long. Studies to date have also only involved adults, so it is uncertain how well children would be protected.
The current outbreak of yellow fever was first detected in Angola in late December 2015 and has since spread into DRC, Congo-Brazzaville, Kenya and Sao Tome, as well as to China, which has close commercial ties with oil-rich Angola.
DEPLETED STOCKPILE
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies called on Wednesday for an immediate scale-up in response, warning that limited vaccine supplies and other problems could turn Angola's epidemic into a larger crisis.
While the population in the Angolan capital of Luanda is now almost completely vaccinated, this has depleted the world's emergency stockpile of vaccines, and a slow vaccination campaign has allowed the virus to spread elsewhere.
Yellow fever is transmitted by the same mosquitoes that spread the Zika and dengue viruses, although it is a much more serious disease. The "yellow" in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients.
Although approximately six million vaccine doses are kept in reserve for emergencies, there is no quick way to boost production when there is a spike in demand, as at present.
FDA seeks suspension of 4,402 illegal prescription drug websites
June 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday it, along with international authorities, has formally sought to suspend 4,402 websites that illegally sell potentially dangerous, counterfeit or unapproved prescription drugs to U.S. consumers.
The move is part of a global effort being led by the INTERPOL, the world's largest police organization, to identify the makers and distributors of illegal prescription drugs.
The FDA said its Office of Criminal Investigations, Office of Regulatory Affairs, and Center for Drug Evaluation and Research were part of the enforcement action, which ran from May 31 to June 7. (http://1.usa.gov/1UDxltm)
The FDA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspected international mail facilities (IMFs), and then sent formal complaints to domain registrars requesting the suspension of the 4,402 websites, the U.S. health regulator said.
In addition, the FDA said it has also issued warning letters to operators of 53 websites that illegally sell unapproved and misbranded prescription drug products to U.S. consumers.
The FDA said it and other federal agencies screened and seized illegal drug products received through IMFs in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York.
These screenings resulted in the detention of 797 parcels which, if found in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, will be refused entry into the country and destroyed, the FDA added.
Resistance to India joining nuclear suppliers group softens
By Shadia Nasralla and Francois Murphy
VIENNA, June 9 (Reuters) - A U.S.-led push for India to join a club of countries controlling access to sensitive nuclear technology made some headway on Thursday as several opponents appeared more willing to work towards a compromise, but China remained defiant.
The 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons by restricting the sale of items that can be used to make those arms. It was set up in response to India's first nuclear test in 1974.
India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington, even though India has developed atomic weapons and never signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact.
But China on Thursday maintained its position that the Non-Proliferation Treaty is central to the NSG, diplomats said.
The handful of other nations resisting India's admission to the group, including South Africa, New Zealand and Turkey, softened their stance somewhat, opening the door to a process under which non-NPT states such as India might join, diplomats said.
"There's movement, including towards a process, but we'd have to see what that process would look like," one diplomat said after the closed-door talks on Thursday aimed at preparing for an annual NSG plenary meeting in Seoul later this month.
Opponents argue that granting India membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate India's rival Pakistan, an ally of China's, which has responded to India's membership bid with one of its own.
Pakistan joining would be unacceptable to many, given its track record. The father of its nuclear weapons programme ran an illicit network for years that sold nuclear secrets to countries including North Korea and Iran.
"By bringing India on board, it's a slap in the face of the entire non-proliferation regime," a diplomatic source from a country resisting India's bid said on condition of anonymity.
Washington has been pressuring hold-outs, and Thursday's meeting was a chance to see how strong opposition is.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry wrote to members asking them "not to block consensus on Indian admission to the NSG" in a letter seen by Reuters and dated Friday.
Most of the hold-outs argue that if India is to be admitted, it should be under criteria that apply equally to all states rather than under a "tailor-made" solution for a U.S. ally.
No clear answer in probe of $81 mln Bangladesh cyber heist -FBI
By Jonathan Spicer
NEW YORK, June 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is working quickly to figure out who perpetrated the cyber heist of $81 million from Bangladesh Bank's account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in February, but there are no definitive answers yet, an FBI official said on Thursday.
"We don't have a definitive answer to that question in terms of exactly who. There are a number of different tentacles to that, that we are looking at. And we're working as fast as we can to get a resolution," said Richard Jacobs, assistant special agent in charge of the cyber branch at the FBI's New York office.
"For the time being, that's about all I can say about the Bangladesh case," he said at a cyber law conference here when asked whether the theft had the hallmarks of state-supported hackers or of an inside job.
In early February, thieves hacked into the central bank of Bangladesh's interface with the global SWIFT messaging network and peppered the New York Fed with payment instructions. Most of the requests were blocked, but four were filled, amounting to $81 million that went to accounts in the Philippines and that remains missing.
OFFICIAL-UPDATE 1-U.N. sees no formal Syria peace talks for now
By Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay
GENEVA, June 9 (Reuters) - The United Nations will not hold another round of Syria peace talks in Geneva until officials on all sides agree the parameters for a political transition deal, which has an Aug. 1 deadline, the U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Thursday.
In the meantime, a series of "low-profile" technical meetings will be held in various cities to discuss issues ranging from the role of the Syrian army and national institutions after any peace deal, de Mistura said.
"I have informed the Security Council just a few days ago ... The time is not yet mature for the official third round of the intra-Syrian talks," de Mistura told reporters.
"Why? Because we are aware that a third round needs to be a concrete one," he said, adding that this meant steps toward a political transition to end the five-year war.
"The first of August is attainable, should be attainable and we should be aiming at that one," de Mistura said.
De Mistura also said he had heard from Russia about the release of a "substantial number" of fighters detained by the Syrian government, but he wanted to get confirmation and more details, including on whether some were political prisoners.
More than 100,000 people are believed to be languishing in government detention centres after five years of civil war. An unknown number are held by rebel and jihadi groups after being abducted.
A former staff member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) joined de Mistura's team last month to tackle the issue of detainees, a move long sought by the opposition.
"(The release of detainees) may coincide with the holy month of Ramadan or (may be) a unilateral decision and gesture by the government to want to show an intention of addressing ... what is a huge concern and a huge problem, we are talking about thousands and thousands (of people)," de Mistura said. Muslims around the world began observing Ramadan on Monday.
The Syrian government has given its approval for U.N. land convoys to 15 of 17 government-besieged areas in June, but the proof will be concrete deliveries, de Mistura said, speaking after the weekly meeting of the humanitarian task force.
In the meantime, the option of air drops by helicopters and air lifts to besieged areas - which require Damascus's approval to use its air space - remain on the table, although land convoys are cheaper and more efficient, he said.
Venezuela opposition lawmakers say they were attacked during anti-Maduro protest
By Girish Gupta
CARACAS, June 9 (Reuters) - Venezuelan opposition lawmakers said they were attacked by pro-government groups during a protest at the electoral board headquarters on Thursday to demand a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro.
The incident came amid rising tension in Venezuela, where a deep economic crisis is fuelling increasing protests over chronic shortages of food and other goods, as well as organized marches to demand Maduro's departure.
Lawmakers tweeted photos of National Assembly majority leader Julio Borges with blood dripping from his nose and mouth and spilling down onto his shirt and suit jacket.
"Several lawmakers were attacked, the National Guard did nothing to defend us," said opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido on Twitter.
There was no immediate comment from the government.
The group of opposition deputies was trying to get into the elections council headquarters to demand the agency speed up the process of verifying signatures of people seeking the recall referendum.
Venezuela's Supreme Court has blocked protests near the council offices, saying it is concerned about security after violence at some recent opposition demonstrations.
Riding a wave of public ire over the punishing economic crisis, Venezuela's opposition coalition won control of the National Assembly legislature in elections last December, and has vowed to bring down Maduro this year.
Ruling Socialist Party officials say there is not time this year to organize the referendum, under the complicated procedures for such a vote. They say the opposition should have begun its drive in January rather than April, and say thousands of fraudulent signatures of dead people were included in an initial collection.
The opposition says a compliant election board, staffed mainly by Maduro loyalists, is deliberately dragging its feet on verifying signatures.
The timing is important: if Maduro lost the vote and left office this year, a new presidential election would be held, but if he departed in 2017, his vice president would take over. That would guarantee continuity for the ruling "Chavismo" movement - named for Maduro's late predecessor Hugo Chavez - for two more years.
In a recent protest, opposition leader Henrique Capriles burst onto a highway and was pepper-sprayed in the face by a security official in the melee. Democratic Unity coalition (MUD) head Jesus Torrealba was attacked by a handful of men throwing stones and punches during a march to protest power cuts earlier this year.
U.N. chief blasts Saudi pressure after Yemen coalition blacklisting
By Louis Charbonneau and Michelle Nichols
UNITED NATIONS, June 9 (Reuters) - United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday that Saudi Arabia had exerted "unacceptable" undue pressure on the world body after a U.N. report blacklisted a Saudi-led military coalition for killing children in Yemen.
Riyadh had threatened to cut its funding of U.N. programs in response to the blacklisting last week and suggested a fatwa - an Islamic legal opinion - could be placed on the world body, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
The U.N. announced on Monday it had removed the coalition from its annual child rights blacklist pending a joint review by the organization and the coalition of child deaths and injuries during the year-long war in Yemen.
Ban described the decision as one of his most painful and difficult and said millions of other children likely would suffer if funding for U.N. programs was cut off.
"Children already at risk in Palestine, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen and so many other places would fall further into despair," he told reporters. "It is unacceptable for member states to exert undue pressure."
Ban did not specifically say the Saudis had threatened to cut off funding.
Saudi U.N. ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi also reiterated his denials that Riyadh threatened Ban over the blacklist.
"It is not in our style, it is not in our genes, it is not in our culture to use threats and intimidation. We have the greatest respect for the United Nations institution," Mouallimi told reporters shortly after Ban spoke.
Diplomatic sources said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir had called U.N. political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman several times to complain about the report, which names states and armed groups accused of violating the rights of children during conflicts.
Mouallimi then met with Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson on Monday.
The U.N. said Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh also contacted Ban's office to protest the listing of the coalition. Diplomats said Egypt, Kuwait and Qatar did likewise.
The Saudi-led coalition includes UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal and Sudan.
One senior U.N. official described Ban's choice as between the "plague and cholera."
The United States backed Ban's remarks on Thursday and said the U.N. chief had invited the Saudis and coalition members to discuss the report in New York on June 17.
"The U.N. should be permitted to carry out its mandate, carry out its responsibilities, without fear of money being cut off," State Department spokesman Mark Turner told reporters.
RIGHTS GROUPS ANGRY
The Saudi-led coalition began a military campaign in Yemen in March last year with the aim of preventing Iranian-allied Houthi rebels and forces loyal to Yemen's ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh from taking power.
Some 6,000 people, about half of them civilians, have been killed there since last March, according to the U.N.
The Houthis, Yemen government forces and pro-government militia have been on the U.N. child rights blacklist for at least five years and are considered "persistent perpetrators." Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is also on the blacklist.
Ban, who is in the final year of his second term and seen as a possible presidential candidate in his native South Korea, said a key concern of the Saudi-led coalition was that it had been listed alongside terrorist and extremist groups.
Human rights groups accused the U.N. chief of caving to pressure from powerful countries and said he risked harming his U.N. legacy.
Rights groups say the blacklist pressures warring parties to comply with international law, and that over the past 15 years some 20 governments and armed groups had taken steps to end violations of child rights in a bid to be removed from it.
The latest report blamed the Saudi-led coalition for 60 percent of the 510 child deaths and 667 injuries in Yemen in 2015. Ban said he stands by those figures, while Mouallimi has described them as "wildly exaggerated."
The annual report is produced at the request of the U.N. Security Council.
The 15-member council has not intervened in the controversy. It did not get involved last year when Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas were left off the blacklist after being included in an earlier draft.
Ban took a veiled swipe at the council on Thursday.
Mexico's Pemex says fighting crude leak from pipeline in Tabasco
MEXICO CITY, June 9 (Reuters) - Mexican state run oil company Pemex on Thursday said it was working to contain a crude leak in a duct running from its Tokal 1 well to the city of Cunduacan in the Gulf state of Tabasco and that it had closed other wells in the area.
Italy's Padoan sees no banks needing bailout fund on horizon
ROME, June 9 (Reuters) - Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said on Thursday he saw no immediate need for Italy's bank bailout fund to be used to recapitalise any more lenders after Veneto Banca completes its 1 billion euro initial public offering launched this week.
Asked in an interview with Reuters if he saw any other banks needing the Atlante fund to backstop a cash call in the near future, Padoan replied: "I don't see any others," adding with a smile, "If you see any let me know."
Italy set up Atlante in April with mostly private support to prop up a banking sector struggling with 360 billion euros ($408 billion) in bad loans by buying up soured debts and acting as an investor of last resort for rights issues at weaker lenders.
The fund has already taken a 99 percent stake in ailing mid-tier bank Popolare di Vicenza after investors spurned its 1.5 billion euro capital raising, and is expected to also take over fellow regional lender Veneto Banca.
That has raised concerns that the 4.25 billion euro fund will end up using the bulk of its resources to bail out weaker banks instead of focusing on the more structural issue of helping lenders offload bad loans.
Padoan said he hoped that UniCredit, Italy's largest bank by assets, would name a new chief executive quickly, following Federico Ghizzoni's decision to step down last month.
Padoan said he was not worried that a replacement had not yet been found, but he added: "I hope they do it quickly." He said he expected a new CEO would be named within "a few weeks" and fully installed by the end of the summer.
Padoan said the government was looking at ways to use a public company called Societa per la Gestione di Attivita (SGA) to invest in financial instruments issued by Atlante, to give the fund more firepower and tackle the bad loans problem.
"It's a very technical issue but we are looking into ways to mobilise the resources of SGA, which are a few hundred million euros," he said.
French court rejects Moroccan suit against ex-boxer
PARIS, June 9 (Reuters) - A French court threw out a defamation lawsuit on Thursday that was filed by the Moroccan government against a former boxer who said he was kidnapped and tortured by the Moroccan counter-espionage service on the orders of its chief.
Today's ruling came after a hearing in April of this year on the defamation suit, which was filed on Feb. 26, 2015, against Zakaria Moumni, 36. Moumni had said he was tortured for four days at a detention centre near Rabat in 2010.
The case soured ties between France and its former colony when a French investigating magistrate demanded security chief Abdellatif Hammouchi be questioned when he was believed to be Paris in 2014.
Morocco, which denies that the dual national was maltreated, halted judicial cooperation with France for nearly a year over the affair.
On Thursday, the Paris criminal court ruled that a state could not claim defamation as if it were an individual, "since that would be too extensive an interpretation of a law, which like any penal statute, must be applied strictly".
Venezuela opposition attacked as they seek progress on Maduro recall
By Girish Gupta
CARACAS, June 9 (Reuters) - A group of Venezuelan opposition lawmakers said on Thursday government supporters attacked them as they tried to enter the electoral board headquarters to press their demand for a recall referendum against unpopular socialist President Nicolas Maduro.
National Assembly majority leader Julio Borges said 10 lawmakers had been allowed to enter the premises to demand the agency speed up verification of signatures for the referendum, but that a National Guard general then ordered they be pushed towards militant pro-government groups called "colectivos."
The Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Supreme Court has blocked protests near the board, citing security concerns following violent demonstrations.
Tension is rising in Venezuela as a severe economic crisis fuels protests over chronic food shortages and marches to demand Maduro's departure.
A video tweeted by opposition lawmaker Marialbert Barrios showed a group trying to enter the building by crossing a barricade of security forces, who pushed them back using what appeared to be pepper spray.
A photo taken by French wire service AFP appeared to show a man hitting Borges with a pipe.
"The colectivos acted with total impunity - they had pipes, motorbike helmets, rocks, explosive artifacts, and they used them against us," Borges told journalists as blood dripped from his nose and mouth onto his shirt and jacket.
HUNGER, ANGER
Hundreds of students protested in Caracas on Thursday, with some throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces.
"We're not here for any political party; we're here for the Venezuelan people. People are hungry, people are angry," said Rafael Torres, 19, an economics student.
Venezuela's opposition, riding the wave of public ire over the crisis, won control of the National Assembly in a December election but says the election board is under the sway of the government and is dragging its feet on the referendum.
Government officials have said there is no time this year to organize the vote. If Maduro lost a referendum in 2016, a new presidential election would be held, but if he departed in 2017, his vice president would take over.
Maduro, 53, says the opposition is seeking a coup with help from the United States, but opposition leaders scoff, saying it is the government, the military and grassroots militants which are turning increasingly violent.
European ruling on olive tree cull sparks fear in Italy
ROME, June 9 (Reuters) - European countries can be forced to cull olive trees to stop the spread of a deadly bacterium, the European Union ruled on Thursday, sparking concern in a grove-dotted region of Italy.
The EU court rejected an appeal from an Italian tribunal over a European Commission order to destroy all olive trees potentially infected with the Xylella fastidiosa pathogen, called "olive tree leprosy".
The controversial cull order came into force last year in the Puglia region in Italy's "heel", but the regional Italian court suspended it and questioned the Commission directive.
In response, the Luxembourg-based EU court said in a written ruling that removing both infected plants and apparently healthy ones nearby was necessary to stop the spread of the bacteria, which is carried by flying bugs.
Puglia governor Michele Emiliano said he wanted to meet European authorities to discuss compensation for farmers affected by the "drastic measures that risk unimaginable consequences for our countryside and our economy".
In a statement, Emiliano added that he wanted "a plan to safeguard our irreplaceable woodland assets, starting from our centuries-old olive trees".
When Xylella fastidiosa, which dries out the plants' leaves, was diagnosed in Puglia in 2013, it was the first time it had been found in Europe. It later spread further north and blighted the harvest in Italy.
The EU court said it had not conclusively proved a causal link between the bacteria and the rapid drying out seen in some Italian olive trees, but said there was a "strong correlation" which justified the cull.
Matteo Salvini, leader of the eurosceptic Northern League party, hit out at the ruling, comparing the European Union to the Soviet Union. "Will the next order be to pull out all the grapevines in Chianti or the Veneto?" he asked.
Isabel dos Santos pledges transparency, efficiency at Angolan state oil giant
By Ed Cropley
LUANDA, June 9 (Reuters) - Angolan state energy giant Sonangol is spinning off non-core investments in areas such as banking and real estate into a separate fund to allow it to focus exclusively on oil, new CEO Isabel dos Santos said on Thursday.
In her first interview since being appointed last week, the daughter of Angola President Jose Eduardo dos Santos also pledged to bring openness and efficiency to the 40-year-old company that is frequently criticised as opaque and unwieldy.
"We're very committed to transparency. We're very committed to improving our profits at Sonangol and to improving our organisation," she told Reuters in the staff canteen at the company's swish headquarters in central Luanda.
The 43-year-old, a major investor in various Angolan and Portuguese telecoms, banking, media and energy companies, is ranked as Africa's richest woman by Forbes magazine.
Dos Santos dismissed suggestions that it was her family connections rather than business acumen that led to her appointment last week after the surprise dismissal of the Sonangol board.
Some analysts have seen the move as a sign of President dos Santos -- Angola's ruler for the last 36 years -- putting close family members in charge of key pillars of the economy ahead of 2018, when he has said he intends to step down.
"It's not because of politics," the Sonangol chief executive said of her appointment. "I was brought into this project because of my experience from the private business sector."
She also confirmed that Sonangol would be split into three units, one overseeing its oil operations, another logistics and the third handling the management of concessions to international energy companies.
Like other energy businesses, Sonangol has been hit hard by the decline in oil prices and Dos Santos emphasised the need to find ways to improve margins by lowering the unit cost of producing a barrel of oil.
In particular, Sonangol officials have spoken of operators in Angola sharing logistics infrastructure to reduce overheads.
Angola is now ahead of Nigeria as Africa's top producer because of militant violence that his hit output in the Niger Delta region.
FIXING THE MENU
Dos Santos said the restructuring would have taken place regardless of the oil price collapse, given the rapid development of Angola's economy since the end in 2002 of a devastating civil war, during which Sonangol was often called upon to provide basic services such as housing and hospitals.
"It is a state company and it was always the provider for many, many things for the country. If we required social housing or if we had issues regarding health, it was always a company that contributed," she said.
"But the country has grown. There are a lot more businesses. You have a thriving banking sector, the real estate market is there, you can see all the construction. There are other companies, so Sonangol can push back a little bit from its non-core areas."
Angola, which relies on oil exports for 95 percent of its foreign exchange, is often cited by anti-bribery campaigners as one of the world's most corrupt countries. President dos Santos has said he has a "zero tolerance" approach to graft.
Isabel dos Santos said she intends to change the culture at Sonangol, improving relations with oil majors such as Chevron , Total and BP while breaking down internal barriers with down-to-earth gestures such as using the staff canteen.
"We're a team. It doesn't matter what job you have in a company, whether you're at the top, bottom or in the middle," she said in the canteen.
U.S. allies tighten grip around Islamic State stronghold in Syria
By John Davison and Ahmed Rasheed
BEIRUT/BAGHDAD - June 9 (Reuters) - U.S.-backed militia drew within firing distance of the last road into an Islamic State stronghold in northern Syria on Thursday, part of a wave of new offensives putting unprecedented pressure on the self-declared caliphate.
The effective encirclement of Manbij by a militia called the Syria Democratic Forces is part of an assault launched last week, backed by U.S. air power and American special forces, to seal off the last stretch of Syrian-Turkish frontier.
It marks the most ambitious advance by a group allied to Washington in Syria since the United States launched its military campaign against Islamic State two years ago.
Simultaneously, Russia is backing a separate advance by forces of the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against Islamic State in another part of the country.
And in Iraq, at the opposite end of Islamic State territory, the Baghdad government has sent forces to try to storm the Islamic State bastion of Falluja, an hour's drive from Baghdad.
Islamic State has also lost territory in recent weeks to Kurds in northern Iraq and anti-Assad rebels in Syria as its disparate enemies attack on a number of fronts.
But it demonstrated on Thursday it can still mount deadly attacks deep inside the territory of its foes. It claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings that killed at least 24 people in Baghdad, and was presumed to be behind a suicide bombing that killed a Western-backed rebel leader in southern Syria.
A five-year-old multi-sided civil war in Syria and a weak government in Iraq have made it impossible to wage a single coordinated campaign against the militants. But Washington and other powers hope this year will see the tide turn against Islamic State, which has ruled over millions of people in Iraq and Syria since declaring its caliphate in 2014.
SDF SEIZES ALL ROADS INTO MANBIJ
In Syria, Washington has long lacked capable proxies on the ground, but has found its first strong allies in the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), formed last year by recruiting Arabs to join forces with a powerful Kurdish militia.
The SDF launched its new offensive last week against the city of Manbij, Islamic State's main bastion near the Syria-Turkish border west of the Euphrates River.
The overall aim is to shut the Turkish-Syrian frontier, which has served for years as Islamic State's only major route to the outside world for manpower and material, and more recently for followers returning to Europe to carry out attacks.
An SDF spokesman said on Thursday his group had reached the last road into Manbij from the west, having previously cut off supply routes from north, south and east.
"We have reached the road that links Manbij and Aleppo, from the west," Sharfan Darwish, spokesman for the Syria Democratic Forces-allied Manbij Military Council, told Reuters.
A monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, confirmed that the SDF had advanced to within firing distance of the western road, positioned within a kilometre of it, and were now in effective control of all routes into the city. Civilians in the city and surrounding countryside were fleeing.
Darwish would not comment on whether the SDF was planning an assault on the city itself. He told Reuters on Wednesday forces was poised to enter, but were being cautious due to the civilian presence there.
In southern Syria, where a range of anti-Assad rebel groups include Western-backed nationalists, one of the founders of a rebel alliance called the Free Syrian Army's Southern Front was killed by a suicide bomber suspected to belong to Islamic State.
Saleem Bakour, a colonel in the Syrian army who defected to the rebels, had led rebels in battle against Islamic State fighters who pushed south after being driven out of the city of Palmyra by Russian-backed government forces in March.
"The martyr was one of the toughest leaders who fought Daesh (Islamic State). We are committed to fighting them to the end," Southern Front spokesman Issam el-Rayyes said.
BAGHDAD BOMBINGS
In Iraq, Islamic State claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings that killed at least 24 people in Baghdad on Thursday. Such bombings have become frequent again in the capital in recent weeks, after months in which security there had improved despite Islamic State's control of swathes of territory in the provinces.
The deteriorating security in the capital prompted Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to order an assault on Falluja, Islamic State's closest bastion to the capital, two weeks ago. It began in earnest last week with troops sweeping into southern rural districts, and they entered the built-up areas of the city for the first time this week.
The Iraq assault on Falluja has the support of U.S. air power, but veers from Washington's battle plan, which called for the government to focus its forces on Mosul, Islamic State's de facto Iraqi capital further north.
Falluja, where U.S. forces fought the heaviest battles of their own 2003-2011 occupation of Iraq, has long been a stronghold of Sunni Muslim insurgents opposed to the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad.
U.S., Britain back South Sudan war crimes court
By Michelle Nichols
UNITED NATIONS, June 9 (Reuters) - The United States and Britain pledged on Thursday to support African Union efforts to set up a hybrid court to try war crimes committed during South Sudan's civil war after the country's leaders backed away from their commitment to the tribunal.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his deputy and formal rival Riek Machar called on the international community on Tuesday to reconsider creating such a court and instead support a mediated peace, truth and reconciliation process.
Kiir and Machar committed to an African Union hybrid court under a peace deal they signed in August that says no government or elected officials could be immune from prosecution. Some fighting continues in the oil-rich country.
United Nations sanctions monitors told the Security Council in January that Kiir and Machar qualified to be sanctioned over atrocities committed during the war.
"The United States will continue to make every effort to both support the African Union in its establishment of the hybrid court and to promote reconciliation among the people of South Sudan," Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations David Pressman told the U.N. Security Council.
Kiir's sacking of Machar as his deputy in 2013 sparked a brutal conflict and renewed fighting between Kiir's Dinka and Machar's Nuer people. More than 10,000 people have been killed and the world's youngest country, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 with strong U.S. support, has been torn apart.
"Part of the challenge of rebuilding a nation lies with pursuing both justice and reconciliation, but not one at the expense of the other," said Pressman. He added that Washington was surprised and disappointed by Kiir and Machar's call to halt plans for the tribunal.
The United States has threatened to impose sanctions on Kiir and Machar if they backtrack from the peace agreement.
Britain also reiterated its support for the hybrid court.
German army chiefs eye large purchases of tanks, radios
BERLIN, June 9 (Reuters) - The German army needs billions of euros worth of new radios, tanks and other equipment in the coming years, Lieutenant General Joerg Vollmer, the inspector general of the German land forces, told reporters on Thursday.
"The biggest issue we have is communication," Vollmer said, noting that starting in 2020 manufacturers will no longer be required to maintain spare parts for the existing radios and other communications equipment.
Vollmer said the new equipment was needed given huge increases in the amount of data being transmitted, including maps. Germany recently announced plans to increase military spending as part of an overall drive by NATO to shore up its defenses in the wake of Russia's intervention in Ukraine in 2014.
The army also needed to rebuild its ability to lay down mine barriers, and build bridges, Vollmer said. He cited a need for 31 of the LEGUAN bridge-laying tanks built by Krauss Maffei Wegmann, a privately-held German firm.
"A brigade that has tanks, but no LEGUAN bridge-layers is clearly at a disadvantage," Vollmer said.
Twenty-one U.S. states sue Delaware over unclaimed checks
WASHINGTON, June 9 (Reuters) - Twenty-one U.S. states led by Texas and Arkansas on Thursday announced a lawsuit against Delaware, accusing it of violating federal law by snatching up to $400 million in unclaimed checks that should have gone to other states.
"Delaware has our money," Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said at a news conference outside the U.S. Supreme Court.
The suit was being filed directly at the Supreme Court, which typically hears cases only on appeal from lower courts but accepts certain lawsuits brought by one state against another.
Paxton, a Republican, said the amount owed to the 21 states bringing the case exceeds $150 million and could reach $400 million in unclaimed checks for 49 states.
The lawsuit focuses on "official checks" such as cashier's checks, traveler's checks and money orders, not personal checks.
The 21 states contend that Delaware and global financial transaction firm MoneyGram International Inc violated federal law by sending uncashed MoneyGram checks to Delaware instead of returning them to where they were purchased.
Paxton said under federal law, the unclaimed checks should go to the state where the financial transaction was initiated. That means if an unclaimed official check purchased in Texas remained unclaimed, the proceeds should go to Texas.
But Paxton said Delaware has been playing by a different set of rules under which the proceeds of unclaimed checks from financial institutions incorporated in Delaware, where many businesses are incorporated, were sent to Delaware no matter where the transaction was initiated.
"This practice not only violated federal law, but it is wrong and it is unfair," Paxton said.
Thomas Cook, Delaware's secretary of finance, said the issue has been the subject of two prior lawsuits filed by Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in federal district courts this year.
"Delaware disputes the allegations in those suits and, to bring some clarity to this issue, filed an action in the U.S. Supreme Court last week to resolve the outstanding legal question," Cook said, adding that the state was puzzled why Texas did not intervene in the existing cases.
For Delaware, unclaimed money and property is a source of cash to plug budget holes, and account for 13 percent of the small state's annual revenue.
Dallas-based MoneyGram, which is incorporated in Delaware, said in a statement, "This is a dispute among states over which state has the priority to property escheated to the State of Delaware in good faith by MoneyGram."
The states that joined Texas and Arkansas in the lawsuit included: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah and West Virginia.
Mozambique says statement on finance minister sacking was false
MAPUTO, June 9 (Reuters) - Mozambique's presidency said on Thursday that a statement about the sacking of Finance Minister Adriano Maleiane, who has been at the centre of two weeks of negotiations over a delayed $178 million loan repayment, was incorrect.
"The statement sent to the press was false," Estefanio Muholove, the spokesman for President Filipe Nyusi, told Reuters.
State-owned Mozambique Asset Management (MAM) missed the repayment on May 23. Since then Maleiane has been leading discussions with Russia's VTB Bank to try to resolve the outstanding payment on the $535 million loan.
He told parliament this week that Mozambique Asset Management was looking at restructuring the loan, updating business plans or bringing in strategic partners to try to avoid a default.
The loan from VTB was taken out to finance shipyards in Maputo and the northern town of Pemba in expectation of a rapid takeoff in the offshore gas sector.
Delays to gas projects and at least $1.35 billion in secret government borrowing have created a foreign debt burden that has plunged one of the world's poorest countries into economic crisis.
When images of violence and news of the killing of an SP and SHO in Mathura flashed on the screens, it shook everybody.
BJP was the first to move in, and despite the initial embarrassment of its MP Hema Malini's Twitter faux pas, it blazed guns on the ruling Samajwadi party government.
How close this can be construed as a precursor to the UP Assembly elections in 2017 was made clear by what was to follow.
First BJP sent its national secretary Shrikant Sharma, who is also a local resident of Mathura, to the spot, where he singlehandedly fielded questions on Hema Malini's absence, and kept the questions alive on how Ram Vriksha Yadav became a cult reader, and had a free reign to run his kingdom.
In the interim, local MP Hema Malini, who was shooting in Mumbai rushed to Mathura. She flew to Delhi first and was in Mathura by evening. Initially, she appeared reserved, then she too began to hit out on the issue of law and order in Uttar Pradesh. She asked why the media was not questioning the Akhilesh Yadav government. The BJP formed a committee of three MPs and two MLAs and dispatched it to Jawahar Bagh area, and to assess the situation first-hand.
BJP MP Hema Malini questioned why UP police did not take action in the matter during the last two years. Photo PTI
In a rally in Kanpur, BJP president Amit Shah challenged UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, and asked him to take action against his uncle Shivpal Yadav, who, BJP alleged, is behind the Mathura violence.
Home minister Rajnath Singh, too, swung into action. In a BJP rally, he taunted the SP government and said they should order a CBI probe if it has nothing to hide.
Union minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti landed at the spot along with a BJP delegation and became embroiled in slanging match with UP police officers who had stopped them from going forward.
Strangely, the main opposition party in UP, Bahujan Samaj Party, kept a fair distance from the situation. In press conferences, Mayawati only pressed for an independent probe.
UP BJP leaders got a sense that they were able to successfully push their political opponents on the back foot. One local politician told me that he felt buoyed by the all-round coordination between the state and the central leadership. The BJP came out looking like the only party which was seen as protesting against this gunda raj and cult of Ram Vriksha Yadav.
They also point out that when party president Amit Shah singled out SP as their main opposition in Uttar Pradesh, instead of BSP, it was an attempt to subtly send a message out to a section of fence-sitters and upper caste voters that BJP was contending for the top post this elections.
BJP state leaders feel the Mathura violence has given them a plank to unofficially launch their UP campaign.
A senior Congress leader who visited Jawahar Bagh twice, conceded in private, BJP has had a good run with the Mathura violence narrative. He said this was also a missed opportunity for Congress and its state leaders to take on SP, who chose to send Nirmal Khatri, someone the media barely recognises. "Where was Raj Babbar or Jatin Prasad or any other recognisable face?" The very fact that a senior police officers was killed, who happens to be a Brahmin, he says, would have helped Congress gain political ground. But the party is not thinking. Everybody is busy chalking out strategies.
Though Samajwadi Party leaders limited themselves by taking on Amit Shah, to restrain from taking political mileage out of the situation, it was clear they were rattled by BJP's onslaught.
The ripples Mathura violence has caused rang so clear for SP, it pushed its latest entrant Amar Singh to say the BJP shouldn't politicise the violence in Mathura. "These very forces were silent on sponsored violence in Gujarat; murderous attack on Congress leader VC Shukla in Chhattisgarh. If chief ministerss then had resigned then Akhilesh Yadav can also be asked to resign."
Notwithstanding criticism from their political opponents, BJP leaders it seems are all too pleased with themselves with the way Mathura violence panned out for the party. They feel it has galvanised its state leaders and cadre.
The status of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) within the Pakistani constitutional framework has been an issue that has ebbed and flowed over the past 60 years. Previously, sectarian strife and the demographic restructuring of the region were reportedly responsible for the playing up of this issue.
However, more recently, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project finally moving ahead, the issue has reignited owing to the perceived lack of scope and role of the region in the CPEC.
In addition, the complex nature of the larger Kashmir issue always looms large. Consequently, the constitutional status of G-B poses a tricky question to the Pakistani government; if left unresolved, it can cause serious trouble to the CPEC project.
G-B, previously known as the Northern Areas, was part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, and currently falls under Pakistan-governed Kashmir. The exact status of G-B is undefined and the region has existed in a state of political limbo for decades.
The $46 billion, approximately 3,000 km-long CPEC will pass through Gilgit-Baltistan.
In contrast, the Pakistani government, in 1947, had almost immediately provided the rest of the Pakistan-governed Kashmir or better known in Pakistan as "Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK)" with the instruments of being a state, through the accordance of a special status.
There has since been a long-standing debate on whether or not Gilgit-Baltistan should be accorded the constitutional status by merging it as Pakistans fifth province.
In recent years, the resentment among the people of G-B against the Pakistani authorities has risen. Till the 1990s, the political demands in G-B were largely focused on civil rights and a constitutional status at par with AJK, but off late the demand has been growing for complete inclusion as the fifth province of Pakistan, if full autonomy is not an option.
Additionally, G-B, with a Shia majority, has had its share of religiously motivated and sectarian violence which the locals believe has been a ploy by the federal governments to divert attention from the issues of autonomy. This has only contributed to the local populations grievances about subjugation by Pakistan.
Furthermore, people in the region have complained that the hydroelectric, tourism, mineral, and trade revenues of the region were being unethically directed away to the federal coffers and used by other provinces.
Pakistans G-B conundrum: Power generation woes, CPEC and Chinese interests versus the larger Kashmir issue
At times, Pakistans power generation falls 40 per cent short of demand, and around a third of the total power generation comes from oil-fired power stations. However, as per the Asian Development Bank (ADB), G-B has the potential to produce nearly 30,000-50,000 MW of energy.
Along the Karakoram Highway, the potential of run-of-the-river projects is phenomenal. At Bunji alone, a project of 7,400MW of energy can be established along with two additional projects, of 2,000MW each, upstream from this location. These alone can meet much of Pakistans energy requirements. The region has enormous water resources as almost all the peaks are covered with heavy snow in the winter, and yet, less than 10 per cent of the total hydroelectric potential of the region has been tapped for local use.
In addition, this region has notable reserves of copper, coal, iron, silver, and gold among other metals and minerals. The region also has reserves of Uranium-238.
The $46 billion, approximately 3,000 km-long CPEC will pass through Gilgit-Baltistan; however,as the region is a disputed territory, the federal government has not even invited G-B representatives to any national-level meetings on CPEC. A discontented population at the head of the economic corridor can very well derail the entire project, which does not bode well for the people of G-B and Pakistan.
The biggest question, though, that lies at the heart of granting G-B a constitutionally binding provincial status, is the issue of Kashmir. Politically integrating Gilgit-Baltistan as a province will leave Pakistan in a precarious position, as it will run the risk of compromising its broader Kashmir agenda.
This will also require amending Pakistans Constitution (Article 258), which, in turn, will be almost improbable to achieve without a decisive political mandate and the endorsement of the Army.
Therefore, the path towards making G-B a province provisional or permanent is not going to be an easy one. The Kashmiri leadership on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) have been united in their stand against the granting of constitutional and provincial status to G-B, as they believe it will dilute and undermine the cause for Kashmiri freedom.
However, this current and real stimulus for a renewed consideration to make G-B a province also needs to be analysed through another important lens, ie, Chinas long-term strategy in Pakistan, and specifically in G-B.
There have been plenty of reports over the years of Chinese troops being deployed in G-B; however, the Chinese government has attributed this to the construction and maintenance of the Karakoram Highway which has been a vital strategic route into China and has reportedly also been used for the supply of nuclear material, missiles, and other related components and to the general economic and infrastructure development of the region.
Even before the region gained elevated importance because of the CPEC, G-B has been of strategic importance to China because of the issue of the Uighur refugees, its proximity to the Siachen glacier, and the massive hydro-potential of the region.
For now, this has turned into a quintessential zero-sum game because if economics are to overcome politics and G-B is to get an elevated status in Pakistan's Constitution, then it will also imply a strategic departure from the country's traditional policy on Kashmir which will have profound ripple effects on the Kashmir dispute on both sides of the LoC.
Additionally, this will result in Islamabad assuredly losing its credibility as a supporter and champion of the Kashmiri cause. On the other hand, the region is also vital to Pakistan for the smooth progress of the economically beneficial CPEC, and also for its hydro-potential.
Maneka Gandhi, known animal lover, has spoken out against environment minister Prakash Javadekar on a decision to kill wild animals. This is significant because apart from being an animal lover, Gandhi is a BJP Union minister (women and child development), and her stand assumes importance from a political perspective.
Secondly, her stand assumes significance because in this instance, she is right.
Women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi.
Javadekar's ministry has decided to give permission to states to shoot the animals they consider "vermin" or pests.
Gandhi has questioned this approach, asking how the environment ministry can take such an anti-wildlife stand, and said that this shows a "lust for killing".
While there are provisions to move or kill animals that are a danger to human lives or property, there has never been such a push from the Centre to be trigger-happy.
Different states have different ideas for what is vermin, and many states appear eager to kill wild animals. These animals may not be widespread everywhere, and are certainly not vermin everywhere.
Environment minister Prakash Javadekar.
For instance, Goa was under pressure to declare porcupine and peacocks as vermin. Himachal Pradesh has declared monkeys (rhesus macaque) as vermin, and many other states have put wild boar and nilgai on their hit-list.
Meanwhile, 200 Nilgais have already been shot in Bihar. More than 200 wild boars have been shot in Maharashtra.
There are two immediate reasons why this really is a lust for killing. Firstly, many herd animals have pack sociologies. With the sudden loss of pack members, chances of human-wildlife conflict go up. For instance, in the case of monkeys, killing one or two troop members randomly will increase their aggression towards people.
In the case of trophy hunting of elephants in Africa, field observations have established that herds which lose members to shooting behave in erratic and uncharacteristic ways.
Ustad, the man-eater of Ranthambore.
They can attack people, they don't follow traditional mores of behaviour, and they are disoriented and confused. In essence, animals can behave like humans do when a family member is lost.
Secondly, and perhaps more significantly for human society, we need to reflect on whether we want a trigger-happy culture. Many of these new rules mean that pretty much anyone can shoot a target animal. They also impute you can trap, beat and torture animals. Globally, we have been descrying shootings.
Campus shootings, or shooting in the name of religion, IIT grad Mainak Sarkar shooting his professor over a professional disagreement - they are all examples of violence and intolerance, compounded by artillery.
Shooting an animal because it damages crops or snatches mangoes from us is also some sort of a professional disagreement.
But, these are valid concerns. Wild animals that cause damage need to be dealt with. But we are not addressing the concerns in the right way. By opening the floodgates to kill, shoot and poison, we are opening the floodgates to the worst in us.
From a society that has been largely tolerant - tolerance comes even from many marginalised communities which suffer damage due to traditional values - we may be becoming the one of gun cowboys.
It's also important to note that much of the shooting is being organised by powerful local political groups or rowdy elements. It has been pointed out that the social results of such an exercise would be further taxing on the poorest; and these exercises may empower the rowdy or rich, and not the most marginalised.
Harambe, the gorilla.
Instead of advocating this "shoot (any number) first, and think later" approach, we need scientific approaches to reducing numbers of animals that can harm us.
This is why the Himachal Pradesh High Court has called for a stay on shooting monkeys in Shimla. We need a sound and systematic approaches to controlling wild animal populations, and none give instant results (probably why they are not popular).
For instance, we need to control artificial feeding and garbage. We can't feed monkeys with one hand, and shoot them with the other. For crop damage, the emphasis still needs to be on crop-protection, fencing and providing compensation.
My final concern on what kind of society we want to be is also one linked to the shooting and punishment of animals, which has divided the world.
Harambe, a cool male gorilla was shot in the Cincinnati zoo to save a four-year-old boy who went into his enclosure. Two lions were shot in a zoo in Chile to save the life of a man who stripped his clothes off and entered their pen on purpose.
Cecil, the lion.
Cecil, a celebrity lion in Zimbabwe, was gunned down by an American dentist for trophy hunting, even though the benefits of trophy hunting are little understood.
In Ranthambhore, a wild tiger named Ustad was moved into a zoo on charges of man-eating. All these incidents have sparked grief, outrage and heated arguments from both sides of the "human" and "animal" lobby.
But the most throbbing question they throw up is: what do these kinds of shootings do to our human consciousness? How do we deal with the regret, after killing something on just a hunch?
Narendra Modi has been visiting almost two countries every month as the prime minster of India. On a five-nation tour, the highlight so far has been his address to the joint session of the United States Congress, during a three-day trip to Washington DC to meet US President Barack Obama for the seventh time.
Addressing the Congress is a significant personal achievement for someone who not so long ago was virtually banned to enter the American territory for nearly a decade. To shed the pariah status at the global stage, Modi has also consciously made efforts in fabricating his friendship with Obama, and has gone miles to be seen as close to him.
Much has been written already about this "unnatural" friendship. Whatever the quality of the friendship between Modi and Obama, the relationship between two large countries is not guided by personal equation between leaders, but over the convergence of their core national interests.
Addressing the Congress is a significant personal achievement for someone who was virtually banned to enter American territory for nearly a decade.
Thus, in order to evaluate Modis US visit, it is not important how many times Modi called Obama as his "param mitra" in the joint address to the press, but to see how that "mitrata" has translated into bilateral relationship.
The "realist" Obama, in the final days of his presidency, is single-mindedly pursing containment policy vis-a-vis China to secure Americas core national interest, particularly in the Asia-pacific region. In pursuit of that goal, he has not "hesitated" to be friends with anyone, even recently travelling to Vietnam and eating bun cha with chopsticks. The only thing that binds Obama with Modi is his priority to create a military alliance against a growingly assertive China.
No other than Modis defence minister Manohar Parrikar has recently described that the military cooperation has become the "central pillar" of the India-US relationship.
In April, India committed itself to a Logistic Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with the United States, which will open up its military bases to the Americans. This will allow American fighter planes and warships to use Indian facilities. LEMOA is one of the three "foundational agreements" which guide the high technology cooperation between the United States and its other defence partners.
India is regularly engaged in joint naval exercises with the United States. Serious negotiations are going on over the joint patrolling of the Indian Ocean as well. Indias military purchases from the United States have taken a big leap in recent months. India is planning to build its own aircraft carrier with technological support from the US. India is also negotiating with US to get jet engine technology.
Cooperation over nuclear energy and comprehensive military cooperation are the two cornerstones of the joint statement issued after the Obama-Modi meeting on June 7, 2016. The major outcome of Modis visit is that the United States has formally recognised India as a major defence partner, and India is fast becoming an American ally.
It is not surprising that immediately after arriving in Washington, Modi went to Arlington Cemetery to pay tribute to American soldiers with US defence secretary Ashton Carter. Ironically, when Modi was with defence secretary, secretary of state John Kerry and trade secretary Jack Lew were in China, and this reflects that military, not trade is becoming the core of this bilateral relationship.
Whatever India has got from the "defence" focused cooperation with the United States is nothing for the Modi administration to boast of. In 2003, at the time of Iraq war, Bush administration had proposed exchanges of logistic facilities, to which the then Prime Minister AB Vajpayee had wisely declined.
Since 2005, the United States has been time and again pressurising India to be its defence partner and get into the three "foundational agreements" for military cooperation. The "weak" UPA government had resisted the pressure, while the Modi government has succumbed to it.
For more than a decade, India has been resisting the allure of turning to an American ally due to changing global politics. Whether anyone likes it or not, China has already become a serious and fast ascending global power. China does not need India as much as India needs China to achieve its economic development, energy security and to break into exclusive global power clubs.
Modi visited Switzerland and Mexico before and after his US trip in order to get these countries support for Indias application to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Their support does not make much sense besides the photo-ops, while China has openly come out against Indias inclusion. While Modi is dragging the country to a US-led military alliance against China, someone has to be unrealistically optimistic to hope to get the Chinese nod for Indias NSG membership.
As the reports have started to come out, Indias application for NSG membership is unlikely to be accepted in the groups meeting on June 20. Moving India from previous regimes balancing act to a pro-American tilt, Modi has made it almost certain that China will harden its opposition to Indias application to join the exclusive club for years to come. US does not have the power anymore to push China in Indias favour. Since the 2008 economic crisis, much has changed in global power equation.
NSG membership will not be the only casualty in Modis push for joining American-led alliance against China. Modis gambit will also cost Indias quest for permanent seat at the UN Security Council. China is the only permanent member with a veto that has not come out openly supporting Indias bid. If Modi hopes to bring a change in Chinas position, that will be only possible by working with Chinese leadership, not by being part of a military alliance against it. India getting a permanent seat in the UN Security Council looks like a distant dream.
Last year, when Leslee Udwin's BBC documentary India's Daughter was broadcast in the Western world, there was widespread condemnation that saw India being labelled the "rape capital of the world".
The Nirbhaya incident - which admittedly was one of India's darkest moments - was relentlessly exploited by the West to paint a picture of India as a No Woman's Land full of rapists and ne'er-do-wells.
As recently as last month, US Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, a member of the US foreign relations committee, gave a speech in Delhi about how India should "do better" to address violence against women and other human rights issues.
Give me a break.
I'm tired of Americans pretending like they have a moral high ground. Somehow, they have managed to convince the world that their own judicial system is sound when nothing could be further from the truth. I'd like to draw senator Cardin's attention to a recent instance on his own turf.
How is it that a case of sexual assault as deplorable as the one in Stanford University is not condemned by the world media to the extent Nirbhaya was? The Delhi incident was definitely extreme in its barbarity to a point which warranted universal objurgation.
Udwin's documentary not only captured the essence of the perpetrators' pig-headed reasoning but also held Indian society culpable for leading to such an unfortunate crescendo. However, the Stanford case is doubly horrendous; first due to the crime itself and then for the punishment meted out to the criminal.
Consider the facts: a young woman has one too many drinks after attending a fraternity party. She wakes up on a stretcher and is informed that she was sexually assaulted by a stranger.
Brock Turner's father also had a mere-Monu-ko-kuch-nahin-hona-chahiye moment.
She has no recollection of the event because she was unconscious. Her rapist would have walked away free (and presumably repeat the offence), had it not been for two Swedish men who came to her rescue and caught Brock Turner red handed.
This is an open and shut case. Medical examinations confirmed rape, the two witnesses testified and the culprit was in custody. The jury gave a unanimous guilty verdict on three counts of sexual assault.
However, the presiding judge Aaron Persky gave Turner a laughable sentence of six months in county jail instead of the six years he was facing. With good behaviour he can get out in three months.
The fact that the judge in question is a Stanford alumnus definitely seems to have clouded his judgement. Judge Persky thought that, "a prison sentence would have a severe impact on him. I think he will not be a danger to others".
I thought the whole point of a prison sentence was that it should have a severe impact on the criminal. And it's nice to know that the judge "thinks" that Turner won't be a danger to others. I mean, it's not like he was trying to rape an unconscious woman behind a dumpster like a dangerous person would.
It turns outs that Brock Turner also happened to be a star swimmer at Stanford. His defence counsel (and several American media outlets) used this to paint him as an "All-American swimmer" who had a moment of weakness and a fall from grace.
It bears reminding (for those with similarly warped vision) that Brock Turner is not a swimmer who committed a rape; henceforth he is a rapist who used to be a swimmer.
I remember how some years back I had gone to a movie-theatre to see the film No One Killed Jessica. In it, when the mother of a politician is informed that her son had fatally shot the eponymous victim, she urges her husband that "kuch bhi karo, mere Monu ko kuch nahin hona chahiye".
This simple dialogue made the whole theatre erupt in laughter. It's funny because despite finding out that her son is a murderer; her parental instinct makes her only think of his safety and not the gravity of his crime.
It was funny until it struck me later that the mother of the man who killed Jessica Lal (on whose real life shooting the film was based), would have almost certainly uttered something similar to her husband.
Brock Turner's father also had a mere-Monu-ko-kuch-nahin-hona-chahiye moment when he requested the judge to not give his son jail time as, "it would be a steep price to pay for '20 minutes of action'."
He also puts emphasis on how his son no longer enjoys eating big Rib-eye steaks like he used to. It is appalling that his plea seems to have worked on judge Persky. I would like to draw the attention of these Neanderthals to two separate cases in Shillong and West Bengal, where two mothers took their sons to the police after they suspected them of committing rape.
Being women themselves, these mothers perhaps had enough empathy to know that in matters of sexual assault, it is not the duration of the crime but its savagery that affects the victim.
If you haven't yet read the Stanford victim's impact statement to her attacker, then I urge you to do so at the earliest. It's a heartbreaking document that dispels all misconceptions that one may have about consent and its limits.
There are some who pretend to dance in the grey and not know the extent of the havoc that they wreak. Much to the victim's chagrin, Brock Turner has refused to take responsibility for his actions and continues to blame alcohol and the "party culture" at Stanford for his supposed downfall.
Making an argument that would even embarrass ML Sharma (defence lawyer in Nirbhaya case), Turner's lawyer bizarrely claimed that his client had an erection when apprehended because it was a cold night. It appears that the laws of human biology - much like America's criminal laws - don't apply to good swimmers.
After the lenient sentencing, there was a petition to have the judge recalled from his position. There was hope that perhaps by removing Persky from his seat of power, a strong message could be sent across America to those who fail to denounce the rape culture taking root across the country's college campuses.
But because reality is not an episode of Law & Order, it has been confirmed that judge Aaron Persky will be getting a new six-year judicial term.
One in five women is raped in America each year (more than 90 per cent sexual assault victims don't report the assault). At 93 rapes reported per day, India's statistics are nothing to be proud of either.
However, when adjusted for population, India has one of the lowest per capita rates for sexual assault.
This does not suit the American narrative of India as a nation where human rights go to die. Here's a not so fun fact: 1,134 African-American men were killed by US Police in 2015... Nine times more than other American groups.
It's also a fact that if an African-American man was on trial for the same crimes as Brock Turner, then no one would give a damn if he was a good swimmer.
Last year when I was in Vietnam, I happened to spend an afternoon in the ruins of My Son, a cluster of Hindu temples constructed by the kings of Champa between the 4th and 14th century AD.
Our local guide was downcast as he recounted how the Americans carpet-bombed the entire area during the Vietnam War in 1968 and all but erased a site of such rich archaeological value.
By coincidence, that night I switched on my hotel TV and stumbled upon The Monuments Men in which a sappy George Clooney says, "You can wipe out an entire generation, you can burn their homes to the ground and somehow they'll still find their way back. But if you destroy their history, you destroy their achievements and it's as if they never existed. That's what Hitler wants and that's exactly what we are fighting against."
Having seen first hand the damage that US caused to Vietnamese history, I was suddenly cognisant of American hypocrisy.
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Novant Health UVa Health System Culpeper Medical Center recently recognized 65 employees for their years of service. Each year, the service awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of employees, according to hospital spokeswoman Mary Kay Campbell.
On May 9, all honorees received a certificate and a badge accent showing their years of service, ranging from five to 45 years. This year, three employees received special recognition for being the longest-tenured employees at Culpeper Medical Center: Ann Morton, with 45 years, and Patti Jenkins and Sue Gordon, each with 40 years.
Culpeper Medical Center began because of the dedication of this community, said Greg Napps, CEO of Culpeper Medical Center. It is not surprising that we have three employees who have spent more than 40 years serving our organization and the people of our community. I am honored to work beside these committed leaders.
Morton has held the role of administrative assistant of the medical-surgical unit for 37 of the 45 years. She joined Culpeper Medical Center in her early 20s, working first as a nurses aide in the medical-surgical unit and then as a nurses aide on the nightshift in labor and delivery and the emergency department.
I pretty much like everything I do as a secretary, Morton said. As long as Im able to, I plan on working.
Jenkins has been the administrative assistant and scheduler for the operating room for 30 years. She joined the medical center at 17 years old in 1976 as a part-time employee in the purchasing department during her senior year of high school. Jenkins spent 10 years in that department before taking her current role in the operating room.
Ive enjoyed working here, Jenkins said. I feel like its family. I think the hospital is beneficial to the entire community. You dont have to travel out of town to receive the services that are available here.
Gordon began a new role in April at Culpeper Medical Centers cardiology practice at the medical outpatient office. She began working at Culpeper Medical Center as a nurse in the intensive care unit. She worked as a critical care nurse until 1999 and then switched to medical outpatient nursing, which includes infusions, injections, IVs and placement of peripherally inserted central catheters.
I look back and where has 40 years gone? Gordon said. How blessed Ive been to have Culpeper Medical Center as my first job, and hopefully, my retirement job. I just think I wouldnt know how to occupy my time if I didnt have the hospital.
This story has been updated from its original version.
A half-dozen horses already reportedly mistreated and neglected at a Somerset rescue were seized Wednesday from a different horse rescue outside of Richmond due to poor conditions and lack of care, according to a news release Thursday from Orange County authorities.
Peaceable Farms owner Anne Williams, of Somerset, surrendered 11 horses seized by police in October to New Beginnings Horse Rescue in Aylett in King William County, according to the news release from the Orange County Commonwealths Attorneys Office, Orange County Sheriffs Office and Orange County Attorney.
More than half of those horses were among a second police seizure, by King William authorities, this week at New Beginnings, a privately owned facility.
Orange County Animal Control faced a crisis situation eight months ago at Peaceable Farm involving more than 100 horses, and the agency was led to believe that New Beginnings was a legitimate rescue organization, according to the news release.
It is deeply discouraging that these horses have suffered abuse and lack of care again, the news release said.
The horses surrendered or seized from Peaceable Farms 81 in all were in various ailing stages of emaciation and poor health, resulting in Williams being charged with 27 counts of animal cruelty as part of a pending case against her. Various other dead animals were removed from the purported animal rescue, a site the Orange County Sheriff described as an animal hoarding situation.
Thursdays press release said Orange County does not have jurisdiction over the horses that have now been apparently been abused and neglected for a second time at New Beginnings over which King William County has jurisdiction.
Unfortunately, animal rescue organizations in the Commonwealth of Virginia do not have state oversight, the news release said. They are not inspected or regulated.
The news release said Orange County authorities understand and share the deep concern and frustration of those who are outraged at the suffering the horses have endured.
The fact that the situation in King William County is strikingly similar to what occurred in Orange County last October underscores the reality that the lack of oversight, inspection and regulation of animal rescue facilities in Virginia limits the ability of local government to prevent, manage or budget for these situations, the release said.
The King William Sheriffs Office seized 42 horses from New Beginnings on Wednesday, according to Sheriff J.S. Walton.
The seizure was a result of an ongoing investigation into animal cruelty by the farm owners, according to a news release from Walton. Animal control deputies had received multiple complaints of malnourished and unhealthy horses with little or no food or water.
On Thursday, authorities charged Cassy Newell Reed, the owner of New Beginnings Horse Rescue, with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Reed has been summoned to appear June 16 in King William General District Court for arraignment on the charges.
Walton said the horses seized from New Beginnings including the half-dozen previously seized from Peaceable Farms were now in the custody of animal control.
A phone call to New Beginnings went straight to voice mail Thursday and the mailbox was full. A message seeking comment was sent through social media.
According to the New Beginnings web site, the horses they house come from owner surrender, county seizures, kill pens and auctions.
Some have arrived sick, sore and others arrive simply because their owners couldnt afford them anymore, according to the web site. Judgment is not passed and if at all possible, we will try to help anyone who calls.
As a collective we have shed tears over the abuse and neglect as well tears of joy as a down and out horse becomes a close family friend to a new owner, according to the New Beginnings web site.
Anne Williams, of Somerset, also faces 13 felony charges of embezzlement related to her alleged misuse of donations given to Peaceable Farms. She pleaded not-guilty to the charges on June 2.
A domestic situation turned deadly Tuesday night in Culpeper County, resulting in two fatalities.
Shortly before 9 p.m., a 51-year-old female fled her home in the 13000 block of Gray Street just west of the town of Culpeper off of Sperryville Pike after getting into an argument with and being threatened at gunpoint by her estranged husband, Willis N. Walker Jr., 49, of Culpeper, according to Virginia State Police. The woman ran to a neighbors house for refuge and Walker followed her.
During a press conference Wednesday morning at the Culpeper County Sheriff's Office, Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins said Walker fired a shotgun at his estranged wife outside and fired toward the door of the neighbors' house before forcing his way inside.
"He fired more than one shot to try to breach the door," Jenkins said.
After entering the house, Walker allegedly shot and killed a 74-year-old James Stewart. Walker then searched the house for his estranged wife, whom he found and violently assaulted, Jenkins said.
A second adult female, aged 70, who was hiding in the house with Walker's estranged wife, called 911 and CCSO deputies responded to the residence within minutes and began setting up a perimeter around the house, Jenkins said.
At least three sheriff's deputies responded to the call, a department spokesperson said.
Jenkins said Walker exited the house, believing his wife to be dead, and told the police he had killed two people.
Walker reportedly refused to comply with repeated commands to put down his weapon, and began walking towards the deputies with the shotgun, at which time CCSO Sgt. Chad A. Abate of the CCSO fired one shot at Walker, Jenkins said.
Afterwards, Jenkins said the CCSO personnel tended to Walker and administered CPR until the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
According to a press release from the Virginia State Police, Walker died at the scene. His remains have been transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Manassas for examination and autopsy.
Walkers estranged wife was transported to Novant Health UVa Health System Culpeper Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, Jenkins said.
The 70-year-old female who called 911 was not injured in the incident. No deputies were injured in the incident, Jenkins said.
Jenkins said, at his request, both fatal shootings are being investigated by the Virginia State Police.
Jenkins said, as a firearms instructor for 20 years, he believes the CCSO officers who responded to the scene acted appropriately and "showed great restraint" in handling the situation.
"Domestic disputes are something that can easily turn deadly," Jenkins said, adding that many law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty fall responding to reports of domestic violence.
Jenkins offered prayers and condolences to the family of the neighbor who was killed during the incident.
During a brief question and answer session with local media, Jenkins said that Walker had no prior history of domestic violence or other interactions with local police.
Jenkins said Abate was the night supervisor on duty for the department.
Abate is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps with 14 years experience in law enforcement. He has served with the CCSO for four years, a department spokesperson said Wednesday.
Vince Vala can be reached at vvala@starexponent.com or (540) 825-0771 ext. 132 and Allison Brophy Champion can be reached at abrophy@starexponent.com or (540) 825-0771 ext. 101.
FISHERSVILLE Even though Augusta County is about three hours from the Chesapeake Bay, the Valley still leaves quite the impact on the waterway. Animals on the regions many farms can easily get into local streams and rivers, allowing waste and pollutants to contaminate the water. And all that water eventually winds up in the Bay.
On Wednesday, local farmers and members of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation gathered together with state Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon, at David Surratts farm on Long Meadow Road to celebrate Chesapeake Bay Awareness week.
Hanger is a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the local Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Augusta County Farm Bureau. He has formed a great relationship with the farming community and its efforts to help protect the bay, according to Rick Shiflet, chairman of the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District.
We want to work for the Chesapeake Bay, Hanger said. And by celebrating awareness for it this week, the community can learn more. The efforts in the commonwealth have proven to be helpful, as local farmers are eager to work with the Chesapeake Bay foundation to help improve the Bays health.
Surratt is one of several local farmers working to improve local water quality and by extension, the Bay and show clear and visible examples of his efforts. On his farm, he has placed fences along the stream line, which allow cattle to roam along the property without getting into, and fouling, the water.
This year, the state funded the highest amount ever to this project to help clean up the bay, Kenny Fletcher, Virginia Chesapeake Bay Foundation Communications Coordinator said. Hanger has been very instrumental in this in order to create a cost efficient plan to keep the area clean.
Hanger says he hopes increased awareness of the Bays pollution problem and the Valleys role in it will help continue improvements to the waterways health.
We are hoping that this week of celebrating the Bay will continue next year, and many years hereafter, Hanger said. It has a huge impact on the Valleys economic vitality, and adds to the growth of the area.
Clarice Ellinger is a news correspondent for The News-Virginian.
As Alice observed in Wonderland, things get curiouser and curiouser.
Todays curiosity arrives in the form of a quite unusual opinion filed by a circuit court judge in Augusta County an opinion that essentially says that Gov. Terry McAuliffes executive order restoring civil rights to convicted felons is so poorly drafted that it may not mean that the governor says it means.
The eight-page opinion filed by Judge Victor Ludwig is remarkable in many ways, not the least of which is that it exists at all. Circuit court judges typically dont write opinions they preside over trials, they issue orders, they uphold or deny motions. Written opinions are typically the province of appeals courts. But Ludwig who five years ago was in the running for a seat on the Virginia Supreme Court and might still harbor dreams of such an appointment wrote one anyway.
The occasion was a motion filed in an upcoming trial over which he is set to preside Friday. The lawyer for the defendant who is charged with a long list of sex crimes involving a girl under 10 years old took notice of McAuliffes recent order and filed a motion asking to revisit the list from which jurors will be chosen. More to the point: Now that McAuliffe has restored the civil rights of approximately 206,000 convicted felons, perhaps some of those felons should be included in the jury pool?
Its a clever argument, one that at least one other lawyer in Virginia has advanced since the governors action and others likely will not that they hope to win the initial motion, but with an eye toward creating a legal point on which they can later appeal a conviction.
Ludwig could have simply denied the motion. He could have stopped at his explanation that the jury pool is always changing as people move in and out of communities and register to vote but theres no legal obligation to update the jury list week by week, day by day, perhaps hour by hour.
Instead, he went further. Much further. He examined McAuliffes order itself. Even more curiously, Ludwig didnt challenge the constitutionality of the order (a group of Republicans led by Speaker of the House Bill Howell is doing that in the form of a lawsuit now pending before the Virginia Supreme Court). Indeed, Ludwig accepts that I do not see much limitation on the Governors power.
However, Ludwig also concluded that McAuliffes order may be too ambiguous to be enforced.
Whats ambiguous about Now, Therefore, I, Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by and through the authority vested in me under Article V, Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia, do hereby order the removal of the political disabilities consequent upon conviction of a felony imposed by Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia . . .?
Plenty, Ludwig says. What followed was eight pages of the kind of legal parsing that makes most eyes glaze over but which causes lawyers eyes to pop wide open.
Well do our best to make it simple. Actually, Ludwig does a pretty good job himself. It is, at best an ambiguous pronouncement, the judge writes. The Governor conflates his power to restore civil rights with his authority to remove political disabilities, apparently assuming they are the same thing. Ludwig then goes on to explain why theyre different things.
Whats at issue here is the legal difference between the governor restoring the right to vote to convicted felons who have completed their sentence and whether he can then allow those restored felons to serve on juries, hold elected office, or serve as notary publics.
Ludwig says the governor has certainly done the former but questions whether he has done the latter three things, at least in the order he signed. The governor cited Article II, Section 1, which speaks to restoring the right to vote. But the other political disabilities the governor lists come under other sections of the constitution. The governor clearly wanted to remove those disabilities he said so in his order but Ludwig asks: Is his order so poorly written that he failed to do so?
If Ludwig is right, this would have two political effects: One, it would embarrass the governor for having done sloppy work on one of his signature achievements. Two, it would also undercut the Republican argument that the governor is making it possible for convicted felons to sit on juries.
Ludwig would also make a very fine (and exacting) copy editor. He zeroes in the official summary which accompanied the governors order, which details the history of Virginia disenfranchising felons. The summary refers to this law. Wrong, Ludwig says. This isnt a mere law. Its the Constitution of Virginia, a very different thing.
The judge then proceeds to reprimand the governor for his failure to note the profound legal difference between the two, the way a schoolmaster might remonstrate a wayward schoolboy for failing to understand a basic point of a lesson. The constitution, the judge reminds the governor, is not to be unilaterally amended by the Executive Branch, however imperial it might fancy itself to be (no doubt following the example of the Executive Branch of another sovereign).
Those who know how to read the legal language take that as a swipe at President Obama.
All this from a circuit court judge in a rural county.
By the time Ludwig is done, he not only denies the defendants motion, he also eviscerates the governor (or at least his staff) for issuing an order so clumsily written that it may only accomplish one-fourth of what the governor said it did. Perhaps with a twinkle in his eye, Ludwig also manages to quote the poet T.S. Eliot. After all this legal examination of the governors order, the judge says, we arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.
Will Ludwigs opinion make any difference? Who knows?
But it does make things curiouser and curiouser.
Roanoke Times
Degner was selected during a teleconference call of the 6th Congressional District Democratic Committee Tuesday night, said Joe Fitzgerald, the committee chairman.
Degner replaces prior nominee Tom Howarth of Front Royal. Howarth was nominated at the 6th District Democratic Convention in May, but withdrew last week for health reasons, Fitzgerald said.
Degner decided on his bid over the weekend, Fitzgerald said. Degner has been a member of Harrisonburg City Council for eight years and had previously decided not to seek re-election to council.
He holds B.S. and M.B.A.degrees from James Madison University, and works as a communications training consultant and real estate agent.
Fitzgerald said he is pleased with Degner's nomination. "I think Kai is uniquely qualified to take advantage of this opportunity,'' he said. "He is a good voice for the party and for progressive values."
The 6th District seat is currently held by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Goodlatte, seeking his 13th term, is opposed by Harry Griego in next week's GOP primary.
Degner could not be reached for comment, but did offer a direct letter to Goodlatte on his candidate website.
He told the incumbent that he hopes for honest disagreement during the campaign and that "we can model the civil and fact-based debate this country is so sorely missing."
Degner offered a laundry list of issues for the campaign debate in his letter that include reforming the criminal justice system, supporting middle class families, ensuring safety and security, curbing climate change, protecting those most vulnerable and continuing momentum on the economy.
The challenger also promised to listen to all voters in the 6th District, which includes a large swath of the Shenandoah Valley, including Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County.
James Madison University political scientist Bob Roberts said Degner has a daunting task taking on Goodlatte.
"He has no chance. He has no money. He will not be able to raise money,'' said Roberts in an emailed response. "The 6th Congressional District is one of the most Republican districts in the United States. The only possible approach is that Goodlatte has been in Congress too long and it is time for a change."
You may contact Bob Stuart at (540) 932-3562 or bstuart@newsvirginian.com.
Ford India will soon start exporting the second generation Figo to the United Kingdom. The hatchback is christened as KA+ in the UK and will replace the KA, which was based on the Fiat 500s platform. The all-new Ford KA+ is available for customers in the UK to order with a starting price of 8,995 (Rs 8.85 lakh). The deliveries of the Made-in- India car will commence from later this year. The + has probably been added just to indicate that the vehicle has grown dimensionally as it will replace the three-door KA being sold there. It will sit below the extremely popular Fiesta hatchback in Europe.
Manufactured at Fords Sanand plant in Gujarat, the UK model of the Figo has undergone heavy customisation to suit European preferences.
Major changes include standard equipment which now includes six airbags, Fords Sync voice-activated phone and audio system, a smartphone docking station, a speed limiter and hill start assist. The car will be available as a five-door with two trims Style and Zetec.
READ: Ford India's brand transformation campaign
Against the Indian version, the handling and the ride of the Ka+ are also more suited to European markets. Based on the global Ford platform, the car is claimed to have class-leading front headroom and rear legroom. Overall, it rides a little low and is 20mm shorter than the Fiesta.
Under the hood, the car is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre motor, which is similar to the 1.25-litre pot offered in the Fiesta. The engine however could be tuned to come in two power outputs 69.9 PS and 85.1PS, the latter to be not available at the time of the launch.
The Ka+ will be the third iteration of Fords Ka series of cars after the original premium city car Ka from around two decades back and the second Ka that was produced with Fiat in Poland.
The latest car carrying the Ka moniker has also come in as a sort of coming of age for Ford. Having distanced itself from the budget end of the market, Ford has finally acknowledged the Kia Rio and Dacia Sandero as the Ka+s rivals. Have anything to share about the Figo alias Ka+? Let us know in the comments section below.
Source: CarDekho.com
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Prathipati Pulla Rao and Andhra Bank MD and CEO and President of SLBC Suresh N. Patel release a book on AP state credit plan in Vijayawada on Thursday. (Photo: DC)
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has released the state credit plan in bankers meeting here on Thursday. As per the plan, Rs 1,65,538 crore is the estimated credit for 2016-2017, out of which Rs 83,000 crore is for the agriculture sector.
Mr Naidu requested the bankers to complete the targets accordingly and that the government would provide all possible support to meet the targets. The government would release Rs 3,500 crore for the second term agriculture loan waiver scheme on June 22, he said, and added that the bankers should pay the amount to farmers immediately.
He also requested the bankers to provide loans as per the action plan and support the state development. He expressed displeasure on the diversion of funds for non-allocated departments.
As a result, development targets are not reached as per specific plans. The bankers and the government should work in coordination to avoid problems, he added.
Mr Naidu said that women of self-help groups would work as bank representatives in villages. The government is implementing various welfare schemes at the grassroot level, he said, and that the bankers cooperation is required for it.
The Nabard has allocated only Rs 500 crore for smart villages and which is not sufficient, he said, and requested the bankers to increase the allotments in double. He said that groundwater reserves have increased from various plans of the state government.
The results would come in near future from these plans, he added. Ministers P. Pulla Rao, Ganta Srinivasa Rao and several officials were also present. Total loan plan is Rs 1,65,538 crore, Rs 1,25,538 crore was allocated for priority sector and Rs 40,000 crore for non-priority sector.
Mumbai: For Anil Kapoor, doing both television shows and films is a tough ask and he looks up to Aamir Khan for inspiration. Anil has been maintaining a fine balance by doing both television show and films.
At the trailer launch of '24- Season 2', Anil said, "It is a tough ride to do both TV and films. Aamir Khan has always been a leader and inspiration. He is younger than me and sometimes you learn from them."
He further added, "I remember while doing 'Satyamev Jayate' he did nothing else. I have had lot of film offers including an international film but I couldn't do it as I had to shoot in July-August. We will focus on '24'."
The first season of his television show '24', based on the American series of the same name, came in 2013 and now the actor is back with the second season. "I work in films as well. I was committed to do two films - 'Dil Dadakane Do', 'Welcome Back'. The kind of show '24' is we need to do that kind of preparation. Writing also takes time. In the future we would take less time," he added.
On the other hand, Aamir was totally amazed with the quality of work happening on television with shows like Anil's '24'. He said, "One of the few actors I like to see on screen is Anil Kapoor. I look forward to his work. I think the energy that Anil has is amazing, he has child-like curiosity and enthusiasm about the work he does and I love that about him."
Aamir was all praise for the show, he said, "It (trailer)was amazing. I can't imagine to see this scale...I feel like I am watching film, there is no difference. It's wonderful to see this quality of work happening on television. Abhinay Deo has done wonderful job. There are no doubts in my mind that it is going to fly."
Veteran actor Anupam Kher was elated to spend the afternoon with his Silver Linings Playbook co-star Robert De Niro at his residence in New York. The actor, who is in the US, to promote the cause of gender equality, took a detour to visit his friend and also to attend a Woody Allen concert in The Carlyl Hotel.
Expressing his delight, the 61-year-old actor took to his social networking page and posted a picture, writing, Life is beautiful & blessed when world's Best Actor Robert De Niro invites you 4 lunch at his home in NY. Jai Ho.:)"
Life is beautiful & blessed when world's Best Actor Robert De Niro invites you 4 lunch at his home in NY. Jai Ho.:) pic.twitter.com/Miop1C36rN Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) June 8, 2016
Anupam played a supporting role of a Psychiatrist in Silver Linings Playbook that starred Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in leading roles. Robert played the role of Bradleys father in the film.
Watching Woody Allen live is one of d highlights of my stay in New York. Here is a clip of d concert for you all.:) pic.twitter.com/dU0NMSzSmn Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) June 7, 2016
While in New York, Kher also attended a jazz concert of filmmaker Woody Allen. Later, he shared a video from the concert and captioned it, "Watching Woody Allen live is one of d highlights of my stay in New York. Here is a clip of d concert for you all."
Jamshedpur: Parents of television actor Pratyusha Banerjee, who died in April, today said they will launch a signature campaign in her home town Jamshedpur to garner support for a CBI probe into her "pre-planned cold-blooded murder".
Alleging tardy pace of investigation by Mumbai police into the actor's death, Shankar Banerjee and Soma Banerjee said, "We demand a CBI probe into Pratyusha's murder to unearth the truth. Who are behind Pratyusha's boyfriend, Rahul Raj, who was booked for abetment of suicide and criminal intimidation in connection with her death? How come he is roaming scot-free as if he is the son-in-law of the police despite being an accused in the Pratyusha's murder?".
We want justice and demand a capital punishment for Rahul, they said, announcing that they will launch a signature campaign to garner support for CBI probe into the matter. The campaign will take place at Bata Chowk in Sakchi
market from 5 pm to 8 PM, they said. Tomorrow's campaign is preceded by an online campaign today where around 700 people have already shown their support for a CBI probe.
"We will also meet Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and the Chairperson of Women Commission in Ranchi day after tomorrow in support of the demand," they said.
The parents alleged that Pratyusha was not allowed to maintain any relationship with her parents by the accused and was being administered drug by him and was under its influence.
Demanding for a custodial interrogation of Rahul by the police, they said while police have been arresting persons for committing lesser crimes against woman, Rahul was not yet arrested in the case of Pratyusha, who was "murdered" cruelly.
About Rahul's mother allegedly not facing media, they also charged that Rahul's parents particularly his mother was either totally involved in Pratyusha's death or else she was well aware about Rahul's character.
"He (Rahul) has cheated and looted nine girls," the actor's father said stating that they are gathering evidences against Rahul and succeeded to some extent.
On April 1, the 24-year-old actress, who shot to fame for her role of Anandi in the hit TV series "Balika Vadhu", allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself inside her flat at Goregoan area of western suburbs.
Police are trying to ascertain whether Pratyusha was in financial trouble or had any dispute with Rahul.
Mumbai: On Wednesday (June, 8th), Bollywoods Dabangg Khan, Salman was snapped at the Mumbai airport. Arriving in style, Salman got everyones attention but it was the beautiful lady who walked right after him that got people talking.
Walking right behind Salman was his rumoured lady love Iulia Vantur, who looked as gorgeous as ever. This is the second time that the actor has made a public appearance with his alleged beau.
Salman Khan snapped at the airport with rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur. (Photo: Viral Bhayani)
Iulia Vantur made her quick exit from the airport. (Photo: Viral Bhayani)
Ever since Salman Khan made his first public appearance with his Romanian long time rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur at Preity Zinta's wedding reception, a lot of speculations regarding the actors marriage started making rounds.
Soon enough, another report stated that the actor was prepping for a December wedding with Iulia. Salmans family members have locked the actors 51st birthday (December 27) as his wedding date. Double celebration?
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who garnered critical acclaim for her performance in Balas Tharai Thappatai returns to Ktown again with the women-centric horror film Ammayi. Having completed a Malayalam flick with Mammootty, reports suggest that Varu is essaying the titular role in Ammayi, which has supernatural elements. The film started shooting officially recently in the city, and the lead hero Vinay Rai, who is on and off in Tamil cinema, was right there on time although the Poda Podi actress was missing!
Apparently, Varalaxmi is on holiday in Singapore and she had already informed the crew about her inability to attend the mahurat on Thursday. An intense story, the film has music by maestro Ilaiyaraaja. Talking to the media, debut director Shankar said, A film in the horror genrere quires someone who has master control over the background score. When I conceived the subject, I could not think of anyone else other than Raja sir for the music. His music will take our project several notches higher.
Vinay said, It is a big honour to work with Raja sirs musical score. It has a great script and I want to thank my fans who always support me. Speaking to DC from Taiwan, Varu said, I am quite excited to have bagged my first horror film and am looking forward to doing it. I am also happy that I am sharing the screen with my close friend Vinay and have got the big opportunity to work with Ilaiyaraaja sirs music for the second time after Tharai....
Though she was reluctant to talk about the story, she adds, Ammayi is not the typical horror movie you see of late. I would say it is a drama-horror outing with a lot of twist and turns.
Chennai: A college student in Chennai who underwent a hair transplant procedure last month to treat his slight baldness ended up dead just two days after the surgery. Santosh, 22, had developed a fever immediately after the 10-hour-procedure that involved 1,200 hair transplants and passed away on the third day in a private hospital.
His parents claim that the doctors at the Advanced Robotic Hair Transplant Centre who had treated Santosh were not professional surgeons and that the anaesthetist left soon after the procedure began. Both doctors responsible for the treatment are absconding.
"They earn fifty to sixty lakhs every day. For them, only money matters. They don't value life. I lost my son in a short time. This should not happen to anyone. We need justice, arrest both doctors," Santoshs mother Ms Josbeen said. It is reported that she had paid Rs. 73,000 for her sons hair transplant procedure.
Authorities state that the hair transplant centre had acquired a license only to run a hair salon which too expired two months ago. Despite having qualified doctors, the centre lacked the infrastructure to handle any complications resulting due to a surgery. It did not have an operation theatre or even a sterile place, officials observed. The centre has now been sealed by authorities and the drug controller has also recovered a huge stock of medicines that were kept over there without a licence.
The owners of the Advanced Robotic Hair Transplant Centre have now been sent a notice by the state medical council. The case has led the health department to recommended strict regulations for centres that deal with surgical procedures like hair and wart removal while masquerading as beauty salons, spas and hair treatment centres.
A case of suspicious death has been filed by the police. Officials are also working on getting Santoshs body exhumed as he was buried without a post mortem. A police officer, who did not want to quoted said that the hair transplant centre is actually based out of Pune and has 17 centres in seven cities.
When Nar Kumari delivered her son, she believed that her baby boy was perfectly healthy like most other children. However merely 15 days after she took her son Ramesh Darji home, she noticed that her sons skin began to peel and was turning into thick, black scales. In fact, Rameshs skin condition, known as Harlequin ichthyosis, has now gotten so bad that it has caused the 11-year-old boy to be unable to walk and talk just like a stone statue.
Ramesh's grave illness has confined him within the walls of their home. (Credit: YouTube)
His skin started peeling off 15 days after he was born and then the new skin began to grow very thick, Nanda, Kumaris husband, told MailOnline. It hardened and turned black; we had no idea what to do about it. No one helped us. Instead doctors in Baglung, the remote Nepalese region where the family resides, simply said that this was a fungal infection and that they could offer no help. The child suffers from Harlequin Ichthyosis, which is an extremely rare and severe genetic disorder, that causes the skin to grow seven times faster than normal. Kumari shares that by his fifth birthday, Ramesh had begun to complain about experiencing pain and couldnt even walk. His grave illness has confined him within the walls of their home, which is why he has never been to school. As Rameshs father is a poor labourer, the family had a tough time trying to meet the childs medical expenses.
Fortunately, a video about the little boy that was circulated on social media, led a charitable trust help them pay for Rameshs hospital bills. He is currently receiving treatment at the Kathmandu Medical College where doctors at first removed the scales from his body. Dr Sabina Bhattrai, assistant dermatology professor, says, He was in a really bad state when he was admitted. We had to remove the scales from his body and it was painful. After that Ramesh was given antibiotics for a period of two weeks to prevent infections. Medicines and moisturiser were also applied on his body to remove the dead skin.
Ramesh skin had started peeling off and became thick and black merely days after birth. (Credit: YouTube)
Doctors are hopeful that physiotherapy sessions will enable Ramesh to walk again as his bones and muscles are not weak by birth. Nanda admits that he still feels guilty about not being able to do something sooner. I feel really sad and helpless to have failed him. Since the layers of skin have been removed hes even able to speak better. As parents we failed him. My only wish is to see him walk again now, he says.
The political declaration builds on a previous UN AIDS plan approved five years ago by placing more emphasis on those most vulnerable to HIV infection.
United Nations, United States: UN member-states agreed on Wednesday to fast-track their response to end the AIDS pandemic by 2030 despite a last-minute bid by Russia to dilute efforts to focus on drug users and gay men.
A political declaration was adopted by the 193-nation General Assembly that stressed the need to help intravenous drug users, sex workers, gay men, transgender people and prisoners who are at high risk of contracting HIV.
The HIV epidemic has been in decline over the past decade, but there are still 36.7 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told delegates that "AIDS is far from over," and that the world had an opportunity over the next five years to "radically change the trajectory of the epidemic."
Ban appealed for treatment and services "without discrimination" to all people living with HIV. He singled out "young people, migrants, women and girls, sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender people and prisoners."
The political declaration builds on a previous UN AIDS plan approved five years ago by placing more emphasis on those most vulnerable to HIV infection.
It sets out three targets to be reached by 2020: reducing new HIV infections, reducing mortality rates and eliminating HIV-related discrimination.
Russian amendments fail
Russia late Tuesday demanded changes to the new focus by adding references to national legislation in provisions that mention gay men, drug users and prisoners, diplomats and civil society groups said.
The amendments were rejected over fears that these would allow Russia, Iran and other countries that criminalize homosexuality to deny antiretroviral treatment and other services to gay men.
Russia has also balked at harm-reduction treatment such as syringe and needle programs, even though the majority of HIV infections in that country are linked to drug injections.
Russia's Health Minister Veronica Skvortsova told the gathering that while more must be done to end HIV/AIDS, governments have a "sovereign right" to decide on their public health strategy.
The three-day meeting opened with a call to action from Nelson Mandela's grandson, Ndaba, whose father Makgatho died of AIDS in 2005. Makgatho was the late South African president's last surviving son.
Ndaba Mandela urged the leaders of 35 countries that deny entry visas to people living with HIV including Russia and Singapore to "end travel restrictions now."
"Bigotry and fear do nothing but spread the virus," he said.
In the lead-up to the conference, Russia, 51 Muslim countries, Cameroon and Tanzania blocked 22 LGBT groups from receiving accreditation to the conference.
After the United States and the European Union protested the exclusion, 16 groups were included in delegations from other governments and non-governmental groups.
When forests are cleared and set in flames, the carbon in the trees is released as carbon dioxide - the main greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. (Representational image)
Oslo: Norway has become the first country to stop clear-cutting of trees, a huge step toward curbing global deforestation.
At the rate we are going, the worlds rain forests could completely vanish in 100 years. In their pledge last week, Norwegian lawmakers also committed to find a way to source essential products such as palm oil, soy, beef and timber so that they leave little to no impact on their ecosystems.
Its a pledge Norway made at the U.N. Climate Summit in 2014, alongside Germany and the United Kingdom. This move could be potentially transformative.
According to the United Nations, the production of palm oil, soy, beef and wood products contributed to a little less than half of total tropical deforestation.
When forests are cleared and set in flames, the carbon in the trees is released as carbon dioxide - the main greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Norway has shown its commitment to a cleaner environment in other ways.
Rainforest home to vast treasury of life. In 2008, the country gave Brazil $1 billion to help fight deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.
Partying all night might sound like a bit of an exaggeration in the city, but this weekend could make your all-nighter dreams come true! The fifth edition of the Sunrise Festival in our favourite weekend getaway, Pondicherry, will bring international musicians and artistes from across India together for the only all-night music festival in the country!
The marketing firm A Corporate Affair began this in 2013 and it has only grown from then on. It is challenging because Pondicherry isnt a big city. It is accessible, though, so we expect to see a lot of people from Bangalore and Chennai, says Rafiushan Pasha of Plugg Networks, the festival consultants.
He goes on to say, Well go from 7 pm to 7 am with artists like DJ Kura, wholl be making his debut in India, along with other EDM, techno, and progressive house artists from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Chennai. Well also have gourmet food trucks so the party will be on till the sun comes up.
DJ Rohit, who will be one of the performers at the event says, This is my third time performing and Im very excited because the crowd has been getting better each year. We hope to see at least 3000 people this year, which is great. The party is going to be on the beach and the music will keep going till you see the sun rise completely. All the nine DJs have completely different genres and so people will find new music and enjoy it! Talking about his set, he says, I love to introduce new music to people so that they can enjoy it elsewhere. My crowd knows what I play but this one-hour set will be extremely different and full of energy.
DJ Clement, another well-known Indian DJ who has performed alongside David Guetta and Like Mike tells us, This is my first time performing in Sunrise and Im very excited about it. I love the place and I think its a better version of Goa, he laughs and adds, Ill be performing groovy house this time.
He also comments on the music scene in South India and says, Its really nice to see that music is moving around. Its important to support local DJs instead of only renowned people. I hope people also make this a travel experience. Well, if this doesnt already sound like a blast, we dont know what does!
The man has been charged with "raping under lawful custody", a broad criminal charge that includes sexual assault. (Representational Image)
New Delhi: Delhi police have arrested the head of a children's home after six girls all under 10 accused him of sexually assaulting them and filming the acts, an officer said Thursday.
R S Meena was charged on Wednesday over the alleged assaults at the government-run home in New Delhi which houses children rescued from trafficking, begging and labour rackets.
"We arrested the accused after recording statements of the victims and the officials," assistant commissioner of police Satish Kain told AFP, adding that medical tests confirmed sexual assault.
He has been charged with "raping under lawful custody", a broad criminal charge that includes sexual assault.
More than 50 children aged between six and 10 live at the facility in the capital, where young people from around the country are often brought illegally for bonded labour.
Police are investigating whether Meena also assaulted other girls during his one-year-stint as superintendent of the home.
The 45-year-old is accused of luring the girls to a room on the pretext they needed a "check-up" and then gagging and assaulting them, before threatening to throw them out if they raised the alarm.
He also allegedly filmed the assaults on his mobile phone and took selfies, police said.
The girls complained about the assaults to the caretaker who had been away from the facility when the offences occurred.
The special CBI court on Thursday reserved its order till June 20 on the application moved by Shyamvar Rai, Indrani Mukerjea's former driver, to become an approver in the Sheena Bora murder case. (Photo: Facebook)
Mumbai: The special CBI court on Thursday reserved its order till June 20 on the application moved by Shyamvar Rai, Indrani Mukerjea's former driver, to become an approver in the Sheena Bora murder case.
Rai had moved an application in the court last month seeking to become an approver and sought pardon. CBI, too, said that they have no objection to making Rai an approver. Meanwhile, the lawyers of other accused objected to Rai's application to turn an approver.
One of the lawyers also said that the court should satisfy itself that Rai is disclosing all the facts in the case. Expressing his desire to turn an approver, Rai had said he wanted to "disclose all truths" as he had taken part in Sheena's murder.
Recording his statement before the court, Rai had said he was under "no pressure, threat or coercion" to reveal the facts in the case and was "repentant" about his act. Rai had written a two-page letter to the court last month seeking pardon in the case while stating that he wants to reveal everything.
Rai was the first accused to be arrested in the case in August 2015, taking the lid off the murder, after he was picked up in connection with an arms case. Last year, Rai had recorded his confessional statement before the magistrate under Section 164 of CrPC, which, unlike the police statement, is admissible in the trial.
Key accused in the case, Indrani Mukerjea, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and Rai had allegedly strangled Sheena (24), Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car in April 2012. Sheena's body was found in a forest in Raigad.
The crime, which came to light in August last year, is allegedly linked to certain financial dealings. The trio were arrested in August last year while Indrani's husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea was held in November.
According to CBI, Peter was part of the murder conspiracy. While Peter and Khanna are lodged in Arthur Road prison, Indrani (43) is in Byculla womens' jail in Mumbai.
Hyderabad: The Jubilee Hills police on Thursday arrested 11 persons for kidnapping Tollywood actor Kale Srinivas including the managing director of a regional news channel and a home-guard deputed with the CID. The actor had escaped the clutches of his captors and had filed a police complaint.
Cops said the accused had targeted the actor after taking permission from Shiva Kumar, MD of the channel, to use the channels name to extort money from him. Posing as journalists and cops, they had kidnapped Srinivas.
Police seized Rs 74,000, two cars and a gold chain from the gang. Those arrested were T. Shiva Kumar, MD of Studio 9 News, Md. Jaleel, crime reporter,
G Raju, cameraman,
E. Jagadeeshwar Reddy, a home-guard with CID, T. Sanjeeva Reddy, N. Kanti Madhu, Shaik Saleem and sex workers Vijaya Durga, Gowri, Raji and Vijaya. Two others are absconding.
West Zone DCP A. Venkateswar Rao said that Jaleel, Raju and Jagadeeshwar hatched a plan to extort money from the brothel house organisers and those who visited these places. They shared their plan with Shiva Kumar, who allowed them to use the channels name and extort money in exchange for a share.
Jagadeeshwar, posing as a CID officer and the others as journalists, went to Srinivas residence and threatened him by saying that he was running a brothel and would be booked for the same. When he pleaded innocence, they kidnapped him and drove across the city.
They then contacted the sex workers and threatened them with the uploading of their profiles online and carried out a fake sting operation at the residence of Srinivas and extorted Rs 84,000 cash and a gold chain. They gave Rs 20,000 to Shiva Kumar, the DCP said.
Later they forcibly withdrew Rs 2000 from Srinivas debit card. Srinivas somehow managed to escape and lodged a complaint with Jubilee Hills Police. The arrested persons were produced before court on Thursday. Cops are on the lookout for Laxmi Durga and Priya who were part of the operation.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal filed by Lt Col Shrikant Purohit, one of the main accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, against the trial court's order refusing him bail.
A division bench headed by Justice Naresh Patil, asked Purohit to approach the trial court with a fresh bail plea. The trial court should hear it expeditiously, if possible within six weeks, the HC said.
Read: Colonel Purohit collected money for weapons and explosives: NIA
The judges also asked the lower court to consider the supplementary charge sheet filed by National Investigation Agency where it has dropped the charges under stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act.
The `new material' in the supplementary charge sheet should be taken into account by the trial court while hearin the bail plea, the HC said.
Purohit had argued that he was in jail for more than seven years and as NIA had concluded the investigation, he should be set free on bail.
Read: NIA doesn't oppose Sadhvi Pragya's bail plea in Malegaon blast case
The trial court has consistently refused bail to Purohit since 2010. His last bail plea was rejected in October last year, following which he moved the High Court.
Among other things, Purohit's appeal claimed that the trial court should have appreciated the fact that he has "an outstanding meritorious record and that he risked his life to fight against terrorism across the country." He had been framed, it said.
On May 13, NIA filed a supplementary charge sheet giving a clean chit to six accused, including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. It also said Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act was not applicable in the case.
Six persons were killed in a blast at Malegaon, a Muslim-majority town in north Maharashtra, in September 2008.
Of them, 64 people were convicted by the local courts for violating the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR). (Photo: Representational Image)
Aizawl: Police arrested 74 non-tribal people in Aizawl for not having valid Inner Line Permit (ILP), an official pess release said on Thursday.
Of them, 64 people were convicted by the local courts for violating the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) said on Thursday.
The statement said that 64 non-tribal people were deported on Wednesday by transporting them to the Mizoram-Assam border.
At least 2,221 BEFR violators have been arrested during this year of which 2,040 people were pushed back after being convicted by the courts of law.
People from outside the states of Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are required to have ILPs to enter and work in the three states under the BEFR, 1873.
Chandigarh: Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh on Thursday said he has written to producers of Bollywood film "Udta Punjab", requesting them to provide him uncensored CDs of the drug-themed movie to release it in Amritsar on June 17.
Singh said he will then release the "uncensored" copies of "Udta Punjab" in Majitha town of Amritsar district on June 17, the scheduled release date of the movie which is in the eye of an escalating censorship row.
"Since Majitha, like Mexico, is the epicentre of drug trade in Punjab, it was decided to release the movie there, Singh said in a statement here.
The MP from Amritsar said he has written to the producers of the movie, Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor, urging them to provide the uncensored CDs so that he can release it on the scheduled date to coincide with the film's worldwide release.
"The purpose of releasing the movie in Majitha was to tell ruling Akalis and BJP that no matter to what extent they try to go to gag the truth, I will expose it at any cost," Singh said.
"Not only do we want to highlight the harsh reality of Punjab but also assert the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by our Constitution which is being infringed upon by BJP at the behest of Akalis, using the Censor Board", he alleged in his letter to the producers.
"I guarantee you that I will take the entire responsibility of the legal implications, if any, for releasing the uncensored CDs as we want truth to be told no matter at what price", he said.
Singh said that the movie will be shown only on the day of release in Majitha as a protest and "defiance against the dictatorial attitude" of the Censor Board.
Hyderabad: An open letter to TS minister K.T. Rama Rao, written by an AP citizen ridiculing his calling Telangana as a newborn state in every speech, is making the rounds of social media.
The writer asks if Telangana is really the youngest state, if so then how does it have a Metro Rail project, Microsoft, Google and an IT eco-system? How does a new state have a surplus budget? AP is the youngest state as it does not even have an operational capital, wrote the unidentified person who only said he/she was a citizen of AP.
Ive seen you deliver few speeches; like the one when Tim Cook, Apple CEO, visited Hyderabad and another one you delivered at the TIE conference in Silicon Valley. I love the way you deliver those talks. But in every speech you refer to Telangana as the youngest state of India. If it is really the youngest state, how does it have a mega capital ready and operating from day 1, ISB, IIIT and IIT-Hyderabad producing great talents, best airport in the country and a mega cyber city fully functioning and generating thousands of crores of taxes for your party to spend on advertising? None of these qualities seem to be that of a newborn state, stated the letter.
According to the writer, the youngest state in the country would be a state that the country itself is not ready to help. The letter stated: Why do I have a feeling that AP is the youngest state that the country has to take care of until it is strong and independent? The fact that AP doesnt have a capital to function from makes it the youngest state. APs employees arent ready to move to its capital for lack of facilities and its CM is operating from a temporary building in the new state. A state trying hard to build IIT, IIM and other institutes, for which the funds given by the Government of India wont even cover the infrastructure.
The writer said Andhra Pradesh was the youngest because a state without an IT sector, industries and a state that was in budget crisis every quarter was a new state. The letter has been shared and liked many times on social media. One Mr Ankit Naidu posted, True spirit of an Andhraite, the actual new born state is been ignored.
Lt Col Rai (inset) had served in the Army for 16 years and was deployed in the super high altitude area for the last one year. (Photo: DC)
A senior Army officer from West Bengal died at Siachen Glacier apparently due to highly hostile weather. Lieutenant Colonel Ambarish Rai, the officer of the 821 Light Regiment of the Artillery, died in Tayakshi area of Siachen Glacier on June 6 due to a heart attack, according to Eastern Command sources.
"The area where Lt Col Rai was posted is super high altitude at 19,000 ft, with extremely inhospitable climate and harsh terrain. Acute lack of oxygen and sub zero temperature make daily life of soldiers a challenge in such areas," explained a senior Army officer.
Born and brought up at Nilgunge Road in Barrackpore of North 24 Parganas, Lt Col Rai had served in the Army for 16 years and was deployed in the super high altitude area for the last one year. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.
The officers body was brought to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on June 8. Senior Army officers of the Eastern Command laid wreaths to pay their homage to him.
On Thursday morning Lt Col Rai's body was cremated with full military honours in Barrackpore.
His cremation was attended by a large number of people at Barrackpore. The army station commander of Barrackpore and many other senior officers paid their last respects to the officer before the cremation.
Patna: Bihar police on Thursday arrested five persons in connection with the 10+2 toppers' scandal, while former Bihar School Examination Board chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh and Bishun Rai College principal Bachha Rai, the lead player in the merit muddle, continued to abscond.
Read: Bihar board chairman resigns in wake of Class 12 exam scandal
Those arrested and send to jail included Vikeshwar Prasad Yadav, the principal-cum-centre superintendent of Government Boys High School Rajendra Nagar, Patna and Sanjiv Kumar Suman, a Mathematics teacher of the same school; Shambhu Nath Das section officer and Ranjit Kumar Mishra, assistant, both working at the confidential wing of the Inter Council and Shail Kumari, principal-cum-centre superintendent of GA Inter College, Hajipur, said SSP Patna Manu Maharaj.
The SSP, who heads the SIT probing the case, said both Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh and Bachha Rai were absconding.
Read: Bihar chief minister calls for direct action against 'education mafia'
"The process to include names of the two absconding persons in the FIR is currently underway and they will be arrested as there are ample evidence against them," he said.
"Prima facie, there are ample evidence against Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh. Proof of tampering exam copies and evaluation have been found, which was in the knowledge of the ex-BSEB chairman," the SSP, who visited the Examination Board on Wednesday to search for evidence of the irregularities, said.
"Bank accounts of Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh will be scrutinised. Besides, Singh's call records and his family members' phone records will also be studied for more details in the case," the SSP said.
The police on Thursday raided the residence of Bachha Rai in Vaishali and seized his laptop, diary, some admit cards and answer sheets. The SSP, however, did not give details of the seized answer sheets.
Arts topper Ruby Rai and first ranker in Science stream Saurabh Shrestha hailed from Bachha Rai's college. His own daughter Shalini Rai, who is also named in the FIR, is also under investigation.
Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh resigned as BSEB chairman on Wednesday after the noose started tightening around him in the scandal. He has been replaced by Patna Commissioner Anand Kishore.
The state education department has also changed Harihar Nath Jha and named Anoop Sinha as its new Secretary. Both the new appointees have taken charge.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday said it would pronounce on June 28 its verdict on a petition filed by a women's group challenging ban on entry of women inside the sanctum sanctorum of Haji Ali dargah in the city.
A division bench of justices VM Kanade and Revati Mohite-Dhere asked the petitioner and trust officials to submit orders, if any, passed by the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court in similar places, including Sabrimala and Shanisingnapur temples, where entry of woman had been banned.
Read: Trupti Desai enters Haji Ali, skips sanctum sanctorum
The bench said it would study the cases and pass an order accordingly.
The court has reserved its judgement on the plea filed by two women, Zakia Soman and Noorjehan Niaz, challenging the ban on women's entry in the sanctum sanctorum of the dargah.
The PIL states that gender justice is inherent in Quran and the decision contravenes the Hadith, which proves that there is no prohibition on women visiting graves.
The Maharashtra government has told the court that women should be barred from entering the inner sanctorum of Haji Ali dargah only if it is so enshrined in the Quran.
The ban on women's entry cannot be justified if it is on the basis of an expert's interpretation of the Quran, the then Maharashtra Advocate General Shrihari Aney had argued.
On whether the court can interfere in the customs and traditions of a religion, Aney had said, "If the religion (Islam) is going to fall if women are allowed entry, then the ban should prevail over fundamental rights."
The dargah trust had defended its stand saying that it is referred in Quran that allowing women close proximity to the dargah of a male saint is a grievous sin.
Advocate Shoaib Memon had said, "Women are not allowed inside mosques in Saudi Arabia. They are given a separate place to pray. We (trust) have not barred women. It is simply regulated for their safety. The trust not only administers the dargah but also manages the affairs of religion."
The judgement by the Milan Court of Appeals has made it clear that bribes were paid by UK-based AgustaWestland, a sister concern of Italy's Finmeccanica. (Photo: Representational Image)
New Delhi: In a move to expedite probe of some high-profile cases, the Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an Additional Director which will exclusively investigate important cases like VVIP chopper scam and alleged loan fraud by beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallaya.
Official sources said the SIT will be headed by Additional Director Rakesh Asthana, a 1984 batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, who headed the state SIT that probed the burning of Sabarmati Express train at Godhra in February 2002. He was also associated with the fodder scam probe.
Read: VVIP chopper scam: Centre initiates process to blacklist Finmeccanica
According to the sources, the SIT will initially look into the cases like the VVIP chopper scam and alleged bank loan fraud by Mallaya. The probe into the chopper scam after conviction of former heads of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland by an Italian court changed "the understanding" of the investigating agency regarding the Rs 3,600 deal which was allegedly clinched after bribing some Indians, the sources said.
Read: VVIP chopper scam: ED summons former Indian Air Force Chief SP Tyagi
The sources said the judgement by the Milan Court of Appeals has "made it clear" that bribes were paid by UK-based AgustaWestland, a sister concern of Italy's Finmeccanica.
The SIT will now probe who were the beneficiaries of the kickbacks and ascertain the chain of fund flow. Responses to Letters Rogatory sent in this regard are awaited.
Read: AgustaWestland deal: Why is your name on Italy list? BJP asks Sonia
Another case the SIT would probe relates to alleged diversion of loans of thousands of crores of rupees taken by Kingfisher Airlines to their foreign accounts.
New Delhi: CBI on Thursday questioned Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in connection with its probe into allegations of disproportionate assets amassed by him during his tenure as Union Minister. CBI sources said the 81-year-old Chief Minister appeared for questioning at the agency headquarters here.
The agency had initiated an inquiry which had allegedly showed that as Union Minister during 2009-2012 (UPA rule), Singh had allegedly accumulated assets worth Rs 6.03 crore (approx) in his name and in the name of his family members which were found to be disproportionate to his known sources of income, CBI has said.
The FIR filed with a designated court in Delhi under the Prevention of Corruption Act, named Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh, LIC agent Anand Chauhan and Chunni Lal Chauhan. The allegations have been refuted by Singh.
In a statement, CBI spokesperson had said it was further alleged that Singh had invested his unaccounted income in LIC policies in his name and in the name of his wife and other family members through a private person by showing the same as agricultural income.
"This was done by creation of a MoU purportedly dated June 15, 2008 for maintenance of an apple orchard, with the said private person (Chauhan) for a period of three years. The private person had allegedly deposited Rs five crore cash (approx) in his own bank account and debited the same through cheques for purchasing various LIC policies in their names," CBI had said.
It had said Singh allegedly attempted to legitimise the same as agricultural income by filing revised Income Tax Returns in 2012.
"The agricultural income as claimed by him in his revised ITRs was not found to be tenable. The then Union Minister had allegedly accumulated other assets disproportionate to known sources of income," CBI has alleged.
Chennai: It was a grand auto theft straight out of the Hollywood movie 'Gone in 60 seconds' starring Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie. The copycat thieves struck a Hyundai automobile parking yard in Manappakm, Chennai and drove away with 7 SUVs early on Wednesday morning after killing the lone guard.
Chennai cops may have proved smarter than their celluloid counterparts as they recovered five cars within three hours of the heist. All the SUVs driven away were Hyundai Cretas, which are a top selling model.
According to the police, early on Wednesday morning at around 4 am, a 7-member gang approached the yard of Hyundai Motors in which 63 vehicles were parked. The 54-year old Manoharan was guarding the premises and when he heard noises of stones being pelted at the gate he when to check, which is when 7 men barged in after attacking him. They es-caped with seven SUVs.
Later in the morning, a police patrol van found brand new vehicles at Gangai Amman Koil Street in Valasaravakkam. The suspects may have fled on seeing the cops.
Though there was no CCTV surveillance at the yard, which started operating only a week ago, the police are now browsing the footage from other cameras on the street to try and trace the suspects. Police noted stickers with fake vehicle registration numbers had been stuck on the gleaming new vehicles. The auto thieves had come prepared with the stickers hoping to hijack the cars. They also seemed to know where the keys were kept.
It looks like people familiar with the operations of the company are involved the theft, sources said and police are questioning people with such a background. A manhunt has been launched for the perpetrators even as efforts are on to trace the other two cars.
Hyundai officials thanked the police for their swift action. They explained that the company had taken possession of the yard recently in Manapakkam and that a security system is just being put in place.
The court had on Monday held the five accused guilty in the 2014 gang-rape case.
New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Thursday sought maximum punishment for five convicts involved in the gang-rape of a 52-year-old Danish woman.
Meanwhile, the Delhi court has reserved its order for pronouncing the quantum of punishment on the convicted till Friday.
The court had on Monday held the five accused guilty in the 2014 gang-rape case.
All five adult accused namely Mahendra alias Ganja (24), Mohd Raja (22), Raju (23), Arjun (21) and Raju Chakka (22) were held guilty under Sections 376 D, 366, 342, 395 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Nine men, including three juveniles, were accused of robbing and raping the 52-year-old Danish woman at knife-point near New Delhi railway station in January 2014 after she sought directions to her hotel in Paharganj area.
The Additional Solicitor General had earlier on May 26 fixed the matter for judgement after he concluded hearing final arguments of both the Delhi Police and the defence counsel.
While the prosecution submitted that all evidence nails the accused, the defence counsel claimed that his clients were innocent.
Shyam Lal, one of the accused, died in February in Delhis Tihar Jail and the proceedings against him in this case were abated.
The three minors are facing proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board in connection with this case.
The judge said the date for pronouncement of quantum of sentence will be decided on Friday. (Photo: Video grab)
Counsel for the 24 convicted in the 2002 Gulberg Society massacre, which left 69 people including former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri dead, on Thursday sought lenient punishment for those guilty by the court which indicated that it will on Friday decide on the date of pronouncement of the quantum of sentence.
The special SIT court is hearing arguments made by the defence on mitigating circumstances and other factors before determining the sentence for the convicts.
Read: Gulberg massacre: Court to announce sentence tomorrow
On Monday, prosecution had sought death penalty for all the 24 people convicted for the gruesome killings.
Special Judge PB Desai on Thursday heard the lawyer for accused Abhay Bhardwaj, who presented lengthy arguments against demands for capital punishment or life sentence till death, made by the prosecution lawyer.
Read: Gulberg massacre: Prosecution seeks death penalty for convicts
The judge said the date for pronouncement of quantum of sentence will be decided on Friday after hearing the SIT lawyer, especially on the aspects of compensation to families of the victims, which has been sought by the victims' lawyer.
The court had on June 2 convicted 24 people and acquitted 36 others, while dropping conspiracy charges. Out of the total 66 accused, six had died during the trial. Of the 24 convicted, 11 have been charged with murder, while 13 others including VHP leader Atul Vaidya, have been convicted for lesser offences.
While making his submission, Bhardwaj said the court should consider mitigating circumstances for convicts including their prior criminal record, age, socio-economic background, possibility of rehabilitation, and whether they can reform, before pronouncing their sentence.
Citing various judgements of the Supreme Court, he argued that all judgements are on reformative thinking unless prosecution proves that the convicts can't be reformed under any circumstances.
He cited the case of Mohammad Jamaluddin Nasir who was found guilty of killing five policemen and injuring 13 others during attack on American Centre in Kolkata, and whose capital punishment was reduced to life sentence by the Supreme Court.
He also cited the case of Vyas Ram, a member of Ranbir Sena who was found guilty of killing 35 considered to be communist sympathisers in a Bihar village, whose capital punishment was also reduced to life sentence.
New Delhi: Union Minister Maneka Gandhi on Thursday slammed the Environment Ministry for allowing culling of wild animals, saying she cannot understand this "lust" for killing, but Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar defended the action insisting it is done on request of states to protect crops.
The outburst from Maneka, who holds the Women and Child Development portfolio and is an animal rights activist, came after the recent killing of 200 'nilgai' (blue bulls) in Bihar, which she termed as "biggest ever massacre", even as the row led to criticism from opposition which alleged that there is no cohesion in the government.
Maneka said the Union Environment Ministry "is writing to every state government, allowing them to provide a list of animals that can be killed so that the Centre can give permission.
"This is happening for the first time. I don't understand this lust for killing of animals."
However, Javadekar insisted that it was "scientific management" of animal population and the permissions for killing animals designated as 'vermin' were restricted to particular areas and time period.
Maneka claimed the Centre has allowed killing of 'nilgai' in Bihar, elephants in West Bengal, monkeys in Himachal Pradesh, peacocks in Goa and wild boars in Chandrapur even when the wildlife departments of states are saying they do not wish to kill animals.
On the 'nilgai' killing in Bihar, she said it has happened when neither the village head nor the farmers have called for their killing.
Responding to the charge, Javadekar said it is being done as per existing law and is not a central government programme.
"As per existing law when farmers face a lot of problems and their crops are completely damaged and when state government sends a proposal, only then we allow (culling) and grant approval to the state government's proposal for a particular area and time period for scientific management.
"It is not a programme of the central government. The law is such," he said.
Maneka said 53 wild boars have been killed in drought-hit Chandrapur in Maharashtra and the Environment Ministry has allowed killing of 50 more, even when the state wildlife department does not want that.
The opposition parties alleged that there is no teamwork or cohesion in the government.
"The Ministries do not have cohesion among them. This is not the first time such a thing is happening. All ministries are clashing and that is why work is stalled. There is lack of teamwork," JD(U) spokesman Ajay Alok said.
NCP spokesperson Rahul Narvekar said, "There is no synchronisation between various ministries of the government, thanks to one single person dictating terms. This is another example of bad governance."
Mexico City: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left for home after wrapping up a brief visit to Mexico on the final leg of his five-nation tour, which also took him to the US and Afghanistan.
"Thank you Mexico. A new era in India-Mexico ties has begun and this relationship is going to benefit our people and the entire world," Modi tweeted.
"Five days, five countries! After a productive visit to Mexico, the last leg of his journey, PM departs for Delhi," External Affairs Minister Vikas Swarup tweeted.
Five days, five countries! After a productive visit to Mexico, the last leg of his journey, PM departs for Delhi pic.twitter.com/UX6K6CW2XG Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2016
The tour, that began on June 4, saw Modi visiting Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico with an aim to bolster ties.
Besides addressing a joint sitting of the US Congress, Modi received the backing of two key Nuclear Suppliers Group members - Switzerland and Mexico - for its bid to secure the membership of the 48-nation bloc.
He also held wide-ranging talks with President Barack Obama at the White House following which the US recognised India as a "major defence partner".
The court had on Wednesday asked both Lamba and Sharma to appear before it on Thursday with an open mind to resolve the issue. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: No amicable resolution was arrived at in Delhi High Court on Thursday in the dispute between AAP MLA Alka Lamba and BJP MLA O P Sharma, who was suspended from Delhi Legislative Assembly for next two sessions for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the former.
After around two hours of in-chamber proceedings before Justice Manmohan Singh, no settlement could be arrived at between the two sides, senior advocate Aman Lekhi, representing Sharma, told the media. The matter will now be taken up for hearing tomorrow by the court.
The court had on Wednesday asked both Lamba and Sharma to appear before it today "with an open mind" to resolve the issue. The direction had come when the court was hearing a petition filed by Sharma against his suspension from the House on March 31 for next two sessions.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Lekhi said it was originally agreed by both sides to withdraw the statements made against each other in a verbal exchange, but later Lamba did not agree to it.
He also said that a draft of a unilateral apology to be tendered by Sharma was brought by the other side, but the BJP legislator refused to accept that.
Lekhi further said that the decision of the Delhi legislative assembly to suspend Sharma was "illegal, arbitrary and malafide". Sharma had moved the court now as a two-day special session of Delhi Legislative Assembly has commenced on Thursday.
Delhi government had yesterday told the court that Sharma has not "regretted" on what he had said about Lamba.
Referring to a report of an Ethics Committee of the Delhi assembly on the issue, the government had said that Sharma was given chances to express regret on his remarks but he had refused.
The Ethics Committee had earlier "unanimously" recommended stripping Sharma of his membership for his remarks against Lamba and being "unrepentant" about it.
Sharma had earlier said "my intention was not to hurt Lamba as she is like my sister, but if she felt offended I express regret over it".
It's the 10th address of Modi in a Foreign Parliament. Afghanistan, Australia, Nepal, the UK, Fiji, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Canada, Mongolia and now USA. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the US Congress, saying he has created a "new symphony" in Indo-US ties.
"What a speech by PM @narendramodi to US congress. He created a new symphony in India US ties in his 50 minute oratory," he tweeted soon after Modi concluded his speech. Naidu also claimed that Modi has been recognised as "a new world leader" by US Congress which, he said, applauded the Prime Minister several times for his "vision on humanity".
What a speech by PM @narendramodi to US congress. He created a new symphony in India US ties in his 50 minute oratory... 1/ M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 8, 2016
"PM @narendramodi hailed as a new world leader by US Congress. His statement of vision for humanity applauded by Congressmen clapping 61 times," he said in another tweet.
PM @narendramodi hailed as a new world leader by US Congress.His statement of vision 4 humanity applauded by Congressmen clapping 61 times 2 M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) June 8, 2016
Naidu, who holds the portfolio of Parliamentary Affairs, said it is the 10th address by Modi in a foreign Parliament.
"It's the 10th address of our PM in a Foreign Parliament. Afghanistan, Australia, Nepal, the UK, Fiji, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Canada, Mongolia and now USA," he said.
He said Moid is directly communicating with people's representatives and laying out road map for relationship with these countries.
He alleged that RSS unleashed violence in Pinarayi soon after the poll results were declared. (Photo: PTI)
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday accused RSS of unleashing violence in his hometown of Pinarayi in Kannur district even as BJP alleged he was spreading lies to cover up the "political violence".
"RSS activists are now concentrating on my hometown and trying to create a false impression that it is difficult to lead a normal life in Pinarayi," Vijayan told reporters in a meet-the-press programme in Thiruvananthapuram.
Read: Not thought of any post for VS Achuthanandan: Pinarayi Vijayan
He alleged that RSS unleashed violence in Pinarayi soon after the poll results were declared.
RSS activists were "smart" in spreading "false propaganda", the Chief Minister said, alleging their real objective was to trigger communal violence.
"Whenever communal violence erupted in the country, RSS' false propaganda was behind it," he said, replying to a question.
Meanwhile, BJP slammed the Chief Minister's statement saying it was Vijayan who was spreading "lies to cover up the political violence" occurring in his home constituency.
BJP state general secretary M T Ramesh said Vijayan's remarks were "unbecoming" of the position he held. "Vijayan has the moral responsibility to ensure justice even to BJP and RSS activists," he said at a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram.
The BJP leader also alleged that the Chief Minister was not only justifying the "inhuman activities" happening in Pinarayi but also giving green signal to violence.
The state has attained a surplus status four years after facing a massive deficit of 16,141 MU in 2012-13 when the districts faced a power cut for over 16 hours a day.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu has not only transformed itself from a power deficit to surplus position but also emerged as the state with largest energy surplus of 11,649 million units in 2016-17 in the country.
As against the states estimated energy requirement of 1,03,808 million units for the year 2016-17, the availability is 1,15,455 MU and hence the surplus will be 11,649 MU, according to the annual Load Generation Balance Report for 2016-17 published by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) which estimates the anticipated power requirements and availability in the different states and also the demand and supply at peak load levels.
The power surplus Tamil Nadu is followed by Maharashtra (11,333 MU), Madhya Pradesh (8,853 MU), Delhi (5,774 MU), Gujarat (4,380 MU), and Karnataka (3,240 MU). In contrast, West Bengal faces the highest energy deficit of 7,257 MU in the country followed by Uttar Pradesh (7,044 MU) Bihar (6,656 MU) and Andhra Prad esh (4,136 MU), as per the report. The state has achieved power surplus status after eight years, says a senior Tangedco official.
The state has attained a surplus status four years after facing a massive deficit of 16,141 MU in 2012-13 when the districts faced a power cut for over 16 hours a day. Tangedco was able to supply power without enforcing scheduled power cuts since 2014 and industries were allowed to consume power without any restrictions since June last year.
The state was able to achieve this turn around in the power supply position with the commissioning of new power projects and signing of long term and medium term power agreements. We will be able to remain power surplus till 2021 with several thermal power projects are planned to be executed, said the official. The annual growth in power requirement ranging from 600 mw to 1000 mw would be easily met, the official added.
With the state becoming power surplus, the government has lifted the ban on private generators including wind farms from selling power outside the state from June 1. The private generators including wind mills are free to enter into contract with other discoms to sell power, the official said.
The state being a power surplus will have a substantial impact on the pace of industrial development and employment generation.
Surplus power situation will naturally help the industrial growth, Tamil Nadu Electricity Consumers Association president S. Dinakaran told DC. He said that power issue has been sorted out but other issues still remains.
Hyderabad: The risk factors in separating conjoined twins Veena and Vani include them becoming coma-tose, becoming crippled for life and dying on the operation table, doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences have stated.
The doctors have said that intricate neurological veins are intertwined between the two and the surgery would be highly risky. A detailed report was sent to the government of Telangana state and Niloufer Hospital.
Twins share vital blood vessels
Veena and Vani are fused at the skulls but have separate brains. Dr Ramesh Reddy, professor and head of the department of pediatric surgery said, A similar concern had also been shared by the doctors from the UK who had examined the girls in 2015. AIIMS doctors have confirmed the same and we have conveyed it to the parents.
Doctors at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in the UK were confident despite the odds. Neurosurgeons Dr David Dunaway and Dr Owase Jeelani had said that there was an 80 per cent chance of separating them. This stand had the doctors in the hospital elated, but they are now in a somber mood following the AIIMS observation.
A file picture of Veena and Vani
The twins parents, Mr Naga and Ms Maragani Murali, were called to the hospital on Thursday and told about the AIIMS doctors apprehensions. With surgery being ruled out, they were asked to take the girls back.
A senior doctor said, They have been staying in the hospital since April 2006. Now, they are 13 years old and it is not possible for them to continue staying here. The parents have been told the same and they need to take them back.
The parents have asked for five days to consult with their family members. They said that they didnt have the expertise to take care of the girls or the requisite amount of money. A Niloufer doctor said, They are looking for some donations and also the help of caregivers to look after the twins.
Veena and Vanis history
Oct. 15, 2003: Veena and Vani born in Warangal. First tests carried out in Guntur General Hospital.
April 2006: Veena and Vani shifted to Niloufer Hospital, where they have been ever since, in a room on the third floor.
Jan. 16, 2008: Veena and Vani placed under care of Dr Ashish Mehta, neurosurgeon from Breach Candy Hospital. The idea of surgery discussed but dropped.
Dr Keith Goh of East Shore Hospital, Singapore, who had operated on Iranian twins Ladan and Laleh Bijani, explained the difficulties. Parents refuse consent.
Doctors at Niloufer hospital ask government to rehabilitate the girls as they were not mingling with children of their age. The parents were farm workers and stated that it was not possible for them to take care of the girls.
January 2012: The parents told the state government that if there was any development in the field of medicine and if surgery was feasible, the state government would have to bear the costs.
February 2015: Dr David James Dunaway, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at London, who performed separation surgery on one-year-old Sudanese twins, contacted. Doctors were optimististic of Veena and Vanis chances, but it was unclear who would pay for the stay and treatment at London.
Bhopal: Maoists early on Thursday morning attacked an operating base camp of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Ranapal in Chhattisgarhs south Bastar district of Kondagon by launching rockets and opening fire targeting around 100 troopers deployed there.
However, no casualties were reported from ITBP which succeeded in repulsing the Naxal attack after nearly a three-hour-long gunfight with the insurgents, a senior district police officer said.
This was the first time; Naxals used rocket launchers to attack security forces in the three-decade history of Leftwing extremism in Bastar division, comprising seven districts.
The rocket launchers appeared to be indigenously developed. There was no mark of either any manufacturing company or a country in the shells of the rockets recovered at the attack site, the police officer told this newspaper. The use of the projectile weapons this time by the Naxals has taken us aback. They have been fired from close range. The weapons have been fitted with direction tools as well, pointing towards R&D they are doing, an ITBP officer said.
Children below five and teenagers who ride cycles and bikes are the most vulnerable to dog bites. (Representational image)
Hyderabad: While the GHMC has issued a statement that incidents of dog bites have decreased in the city compared to previous years, two such cases have been reported in less than a week. The municipal body had gathered stats from IPM and Fever Hospital without any data from private hospitals where most dog bite cases are treated.
As per the GHMC Commissioners report, there hasnt been a rabies case in the twin cities in the last two years. As per the survey conducted by the Institute of Preventive Medicines, Narayanguda, around 61,749 dog bite cases were reported in 2015-16. However, the number would be more if cases from private hospitals were to be taken into account.
Mr Achyuta Rao of the State Commission of Protection of Child Rights said that in the recent Vanasthalipuram case for instance, the seven-year-old boy Rohit was admitted to a private hospital and not IPM.
GHMC does not collect data from area hospitals and primary health centers, but only from Fever and IPM (IPM is not a hospital but many visit due to availability of the vaccine). Those who need to be admitted but cannot afford it go to Fever Hospital, while minor cases go to private centers; so the data is not true. It is the primary duty of the veterinarian head in every circle to visit colonies where most cases are being reported. There is a need for both male and female dogs to be sterilized. As per reports 28 dog bite cases were reported in May 2016 in Greater Hyderabad, Mr Achyuta Rao told this newspaper.
The growing population of stray animals is directly proportionate to availability of food, and with the festival season ahead and easy availability of wasted food on the streets, the population of stray animals is likely to increase as those from the citys outskirts will migrate in search of food.
Children below five and teenagers who ride cycles and bikes are the most vulnerable to dog bites, GHMC officials added. Also, the numbers are increasing in other municipal bodies that have no animal population control scheme.
GHMC vows sterilisation
The GHMC staff has been asked to sterilise all dogs in the city under the Animal Birth Control programme within six months. GHMC commissioner Dr B. Janardhan Reddy said the corporation would extend financial help to private veterinary doctors to do the operations. The National Animal Board charges about Rs 100 for birth control operations and extra for anti-rabies vaccines. The GHMC will extend a similar package to private hospitals.
New Delhi: With India being seen by many observers globally as virtually a de-facto US ally now, given the close proximity and strategic partnership that the two nations share, Pakistan which already has fair-weather friend China for support has reached out to Russia which has been Indias trusted defence partner and closest friend for decades in its earlier incarnation as the Soviet Union.
Pakistans adviser to the PM on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz spoke to Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov for Russian support for a non-discriminatory approach on NSG expansion to non-NPT states.
Pakistan is also pitching for NSG membership in what is being seen as an active instigation by Beijing. Moscow has been peeved for sometime now due to the ever-growing proximity between India and the US, especially in the past two years of the Modi government.
With India buying military aircraft from the US, Russia had embarked on a move to sell military helicopters to Islamabad, highlighting that the two countries may be growing closer. Matters havent helped that the US and Russia have become bitter rivals over Ukraine and Syria. The Russian support for the Crimea region of Ukraine and its support to the Assad regime in Damascus have pitched it in direct confrontation with the US.
It is this faultline that Islamabad now hopes to exploit. With India seen by some to be moving away from Russia in the global power game and further into the American sphere of influence, Pakistan seems to be reaching out to Russia that would be ironical as Pakistan was the cold war ally of the US.
Jaipur: Two MLAs of National Unionist Zamindara Party on Thursday joined a training camp organised by BJP for the election to four Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan.
BJPs pressure tactics worked as two Zamindara Party MLAs joined its camp. Kamini Jindal, along with fellow legislator Sona Devi Bawari arrived at a Jaipur hotel where the ruling party has camped its legislators till voting.
Kamini is daughter of businessman B.D. Agarwal, founding president of the party. Three days ago the police had opened up an old case against Mr. Agarwal who is CMD of Vikas WSP, which is one of the the largest producer of gwar gum in the world.
Raids were conducted on his house, office and factory to arrest him. Kamini Jindals husband is also an IPS officer currently posted in Jaipur.
With Zamindara Partys support BJP is now fully assured of winning all four seats, leaving no scope for Congress supported independent candidate industrialist Kamal Morarka. The BJP now has support of 166 MLAs including 160 of its own, four independent and two from Zamindara Party.
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday summoned former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief S P Tyagi in connection with its money laundering probe in the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal. They have asked him to appear before them on Monday.
Tyagi has been accused of influencing the the 3,600-crore deal for VVIP helicopters in favour of Italy's AgustaWestland, during his tenure as the IAF chief. However, he has repeatedly denied the allegations against him and earlier this week had reiterated his innocence.
"My first reaction is shock... How can anybody say this, on what basis?" Tyagi had said on Wednesday when asked whether he was involved in the VVIP chopper scam.
Read: Why no CBI raids against Cong leaders, Kejriwal asks Narendra Modi
"They have blamed me for corrupt practices in which I changed the height to assist AgustaWestland, although this decision was not against the public interest. But I was nevertheless being (called) corrupt," the former IAF chief said.
"It would appear that the part of the loot came to me. I am shocked," he said.
Referring to the case, he said, "This is not a new case. (It has been) going on for years. All the evidences were also presented to the court in Milan itself. The trial court in Milan gave judgement in which they said there was no case of corruption."
Read: AgustaWestland deal: Amit Shah targets Sonia Gandhi , asks to come clean
The Parliament today saw a high-voltage war of words on the VVIP chopper deal, with BJP and Congress sparring over the issue.
The parties launched a privilege war in Parliament as Amit Shah attacked Sonia Gandhi again asking her to explain a "number of relaxations" given to tainted chopper manufacturer AugustaWestland that he said "compromised" nation's interests.
Read: AgustaWestland deal: Why is your name on Italy list? BJP asks Sonia
Targeting Gandhi, he raised questions telling Congress that instead of adopting an attitude of "thief scolding the cop" should feel "ashamed" and "come clean".
Following up on his demand yesterday that Gandhi should name the bribe takers in the Rs.3,600 crore deal, Shah demanded that Gandhi should answer the questions to people of the nation regarding the deal.
The Congress hit back and dared the government to come out with the truth in the deal in the next two months instead of issuing threats and launching a "malicious" campaign.
"If government has the guts, it should come out with truth in the matter in the next two months when the Monsoon session of Parliament will commence", Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters.
Subramanian Swamy, who has needled Congress on the issue for the past two days, tabled a breach of privilege notice in the Rajya Sabha against Azad for his statement that the then UPA government had blacklisted Finmeccanica, the parent company of AugustaWestland.
The Congress countered it by giving a similar notice against the defence ministry for making a statement on the deal outside the House when Parliament is in session.
Of the 10,254 animal bite cases attended by the ARV clinic at the Institute of Preventive Medicine. 3,249 patients (31.68 per cent) were 15 years or younger. (Representational image)
Hyderabad: Most dog-bite victims are children as they are easy prey and dont retaliate. Also, children often tease and chase dogs, aggravating them in the process.
Ms Vasanthi Vadi, secretary for the NGO Peoples for Animals said that two days after minister K.T. Rama Rao took charge of municipal administration, there was an alleged dog bite death.
When we investigated the case, the family admitted that the kid was not bitten by a dog. She had gone to relieve herself. She saw a sleeping dog, got scared and slipped and fell. She hurt her head and died due to a blood clot. The death had nothing to do with the dog, she said.
She said strays are most vulnerable and are blamed for dog-bites. If you tease them, even pets get irritated. Many dont know how to interact with dogs. They abuse them, tie them up, she said.
Often kids dont know how to react. If they start running, a dogs tendency is to chase. Young dogs think its a game. Often, young dogs will hold your hand with their teeth, those who own dogs know this. But others take this as a dog bite, Ms Vadi said.
A city-based study done in 2015 and published in Indian Journal of Applied Research to determine the incidence and analysis of animal bite cases among paediatric age groups revealed that more than 51 per cent of animal bite victims were children.
Mr T. Dinesh Kumar Singh, retired deputy director IPM, Hyderabad said that the most vulnerable age group was 15 years or less.
Of the 10,254 animal bite cases attended by the ARV clinic at the Institute of Preventive Medicine. 3,249 patients (31.68 per cent) were 15 years or younger.
Of the total number, 95 per cent of the victims were exposed to dogs, of which 52 per cent were pets, 8 per cent street dogs and 34 per cent observable stray dogs (abandoned pet dogs), and the rest were pets from the neighbourhood, according to the study.
Another researcher, Ms Saileela Kondapa-neni, professor of microbiology, at the KIMS, told this newspaper, There is a need for education, awareness, pre-exposure prophylaxis and booster for children in rabies endemic areas. The research community has to cater information to policy makers, enabling them to bring effective legislation.
Hyderabad: The US Consulate in Hyderabad does not have enough staff.
Every day each officer conducts 100 student visa interviews. The lack of staff is resulting in a long wait for students who have applied for visas.
Though the rush is only during the summer, many students whose waiting time ought to be two to three weeks now have to wait for a month to get a slot, US consulate officials said.
Also the consulate counsels students not to fall prey to fraudulent education consultants who provide fake papers. The US consulate in Hyderabad is severely under staffed; we are working with the Indian government on increasing the number of diplomats. We witness heavy rush of application over 1,000, during summer. Presently we have 17 officials who conduct around 100 interviews per day. Our new consulate at Gachibowli which is the largest consulate section in India, will have 52 interview windows, said Mr Jaime Fouss, consular chief at the US Consulate here.
The authorities also warned students not to produce fake documents. The consulate checks on the education and financial documents while approving the student visa. Our officials are well trained to identify fake bank accounts. If caught the student is likely to be arrested and blacklisted. The student will never be able to enter the US, he said.
The US consulate has counselling centres, at the St Francis Degree College, Begumpet (where a walk-in is allowed on Thursdays), and another at the consulate where an appointment is required. Students can also check the website, the diplomat added.
According to US consulate records, the number of student visa applications in the last three years had increased by 80 per cent. The consulate observed Student Visa Day on Thursday when a few students were given their visas the same day. Currently, 1.32 lakh Indian students are enrolled in US institutions of higher education, making them the second largest group after the Chinese.
Chennai: With the AIADMKs clout in Delhi going up with 50 MPs in Parliament who are much needed for the BJP government to pass crucial Bills, the DMK is moving towards to a strong anti-saffron line.
Although, the BJP is comfortable in the Lok Sabha, it needs the support of other parties in the Rajya Sabha as it does not have the required strength to pass Bills. After the election of three AIADMK MPs to the Rajya Sabha, the AIADMKs strength had gone up to 13. The total number of AIADMK MPs is now 50, making it the third biggest party in the country.
Ahead of Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaas visit to Delhi on June 14, the DMK senses that the BJP is trying to placate the AIADMK after the saffron partys rout in the Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lost no time in greeting AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa for the success in the Assembly polls and the state BJP unit had stopped its attacks on the ruling party.
DMK leader M. Karunanidhi had earlier appreciated the BJP on some issues including revision of the ST list and followed an issue-based approach towards the BJP. However, two weeks after the Assembly election results, on June 3, the DMK chief strongly attacked Modi for greeting Jayalalithaa before the announcement of election results.
Karunanidhi also wanted the unity of democratic, socialist and secular forces in the country. His statement assumes significance at it came at a time when disciples of Socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, are trying to cobble together a new front at the national level.
The DMK leaders will be keenly watching the kind of welcome for Jayalalithaa at the national capital and the Centres responses to the Chief Ministers various demands. The DMK will have no option left other than to strongly oppose the BJP, when it becomes a close friend of DMKs arch political rival.
However, one of the DMK functionaries said the party had always stood for secularism and democracy, irrespective of political alliances at the national level and the party would continue its fight for secular, democratic principles. Even when the DMK was part of the Vajpayee government, it was based on a promise that the Centre would not follow a communal agenda, he added.
Kakinada: Eminent Kakinada leader Mudragada Padmanabham launched indefinite fast along with his family members to protest the arrests of accused who had allegedly set ablaze an express train and two police stations in East Godavari district's Tuni town during Kapu reservation movement on January 31.
The police have arrested seven accused in the incident two days back. Mudragada has sought issuance of GO from the AP government such that the arrested get released immediately as they are innocent. He has also given an ultimatum to the chief minister N.Chandrababu Naidu.
However, the government has expressed that it wouldnt be able to take suitable action in connection with the incident.
The leader has launched an indefinite fast and has warned the government that in case the police tried to arrest him, he would consume poison.
Besides, he have asked the police not to hide the misdeeds of Chandrababu Naidu who is a cheater. He also demanded that the Chief Minister should be put behind bars before the police arrest him.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Development Studies (RGIDS) at Neyyar Dam is at the centre of a controversy over the alleged non-payment of dues to the constructing company, Heather Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.
It has filed a complaint with the subordinate judges court here against Congress president Sonia Gandhi, PCC chief V.M. Sudheeran, his predecessor Ramesh Chennithala and director Hidur Muhammed for non-payment of Rs 2.78-crore dues.
Heather, based at Sasthamangalam, has sent a legal notice asking Mrs. Gandhi or her authorized person to appear before the court by June 25.
Earlier in November last also, it had sent legal notices to Mrs Gandhi, Mr. Sudheeran, Mr. Chennithala and Mr. Muhammed. During the last weekend, the KPCC had held its two-day camp executive meeting at RGIDS, 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
The media was told that Mr. S. M. Rajeev, company chairman, was running from pillar to post to get the dues towards the construction of the 40, 000 sq ft building on a five-acre campus. Mrs Gandhi had launched the RGIDS on September 29, 2013 when Mr. Rajeev was also felicitated. His lawyer V. A. Baburaj told DC that the total expenditure for the construction was four times the dues of Rs 2.78 crore.
Ever since the RGIDS construction was completed, my client has been knocking on all doors to get the dues. But nothing has happened so far which forced us to send a legal notice against the top leaders of the Congress, said Mr Baburaj. The project was commissioned during Mr Chennithalas tenure as KPCC president in 2005. Mr Chennithala later told reporters that there was a dispute over the payment which would be settled soon. In fact Mrs. Gandhi had asked the party to clear the dues after receiving a legal notice which went unheeded.
In New Delhi, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the suit was an unwarranted and shoddy attempt to involve the Congress president.
Noting that there was an ongoing dispute between the engineers who built the institute and the contractor who executed the work, Mr Surjewala said the contractor had filed a civil suit.
The issue has been almost sorted out. Within 24 hours, KPCC leaders Chennithala, Sudheeran and all parties will sit together and settle the issue. There is neither any criminality involved nor any default of payment, he added.
With a majority of the 1.79 lakh voters spread across Belagavi, Bagalkot and Vijayapur districts in the graduates constituency being Lingayats, both parties have fielded candidates from the community. (Representational image)
Bengaluru: The ruling Congress and the BJP may be locked in a close contest in both the north-west graduates and teachers constituencies , but a few popular independent candidates could upset their calculations in the Legislative Council elections held here on Thursday.
With a majority of the 1.79 lakh voters spread across Belagavi, Bagalkot and Vijayapur districts in the graduates constituency being Lingayats, both parties have fielded candidates from the community. While sitting MLC, Mahantesh Koujalgi of the Congress is hoping to defeat prominent businessman Hanumanth Nirani of the BJP, veteran leader, M B Nadagouda of the f JDU is also a favourite.
Although several BJP leaders rallied behind him in his campaign , Mr Nirani, a first timer, took no chances and worked hard to woo the new voters enrolled in all three districts. Brother of former minister, Murugesh Nirani, he heads the noted Nirani Group of Industries in Bagalkot.
Unlike him, however, Mr Koujalgi , an experienced politician, did not receive the backing he needed from the states Congress leadership during his campaign with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself abruptly cancelling a party rally organised in Belagavi last week in his support. But to his advantage, all the Jarkiholi brothers stood by him over the last few weeks..
Minister Satish Jarkiholi is all praise for Mr Koujalgis involvement in steps for the welfare of graduates and unemployed youth over the last five years.
Guinness book for Horatti if he wins again
Moderate polling was witnessed during elections to the Council from two graduates' and two teachers' constituencies on Thursday. Among the contestants, Mr Basavaraj Horatti of Janata Dal (S), Mr Arun Shahpur of BJP and Mahantesh Shivananda Koujalgi of Congress are seeking re-election. Six-time MLC Basavaraj Horatti would create history if he succeeds in winning from North West Teachers constituency this year. While North West Graduates' constituency recorded 48 per cent voting, South Graduates' constituency recorded 44 per cent voting.
Amaravati: The Guntur Telugu Desam office will become the main office of the party in AP. TD national secretary N. Lokesh visited the TD office in Guntur on Thursday and inspected the facilities in the modified office. He interacted with the TD leaders about using the office as TD central office and conducting state-level meetings here. However, the TD activists, followers and students who wanted to meet the young leader were disappointed as Mr Lokesh did not come out from the office till 9 pm.
Mr Lokesh inspected all the rooms of the renovated NTR Bhavan and enquired about the available facilities with Guntur West MLA,M. Venugopal Reddy and other party leaders. He gave some suggestions about changing the direction of the meeting hall dais.
Mr Lokesh said that the Guntur TD office is now the state TD office and all important meetings of the TD would be held at Guntur. He came to NTR Bhavan at 3 pm and inspected the building till 5 pm. Later, he conducted a meeting with TD MLCs and leaders of Telugu Nadu Udpadhaya Sangham, a teachers wing of TD.
Mentioning about the hold of Communists over the teachers unions, Anaganwadi workers and other unions, MR Lokesh asked the TD leaders to get hold over those sections, mainly teachers. He said that the Communist parties are continuing their hold over teachers unions, but recently the teachers are turning towards the TD.
He suggested the TNUS to attract majority of the teachers into the TNUS. He further suggested the leaders to attract other sections of the society into the unions affiliated to the TD.
Mr Lokesh said that the TD government, despite having deficit Budget, gave 43 per cent fitment to government employees, including teachers and said that soon the government will start upgradation of language pundits and physical education teachers posts.
New Delhi: Former minister Gurudas Kamat had a long meeting with senior Congress leader A.K. Antony on Thursday against the backdrop of his recent announcement that he was resigning and leaving active politics.
He also met Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, separately but declined to spell out his plans.
While the AICC has categorically and squarely denied that Mr Kamat had resigned, saying he was a very seasoned and experienced leader and an integral part of the Congress family, speculation is rife on his future plans.
It is unclear if he would continue as AICC general secretary in-charge of Gujarat and Rajasthan, or if he will get another assignment, after the issues he raised with the leadership are tackled.
Modi received standing ovations as many as nine times according to unofficial count and was applauded by scores of times by the members of the Congress. (Photo: AP)
Prime Minister Narendra Modis June 6-8 visit to the United States was part consolidation, some top-down review of old declarations, pushing of core interests by both sides, but above all a choreographed shifting of India a notch closer towards a quasi-alliance more than partnership, less than alliance. Two core interests in play were: climate change and the Paris Accord that are for President Barack Obama legacy issues; and civil nuclear cooperation, including membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which for India has become a barometer of US goodwill. The standard Indian position on climate change has been that polluters pay, which the Kyoto Protocol, effective 2005, prescribed as binding emission targets on Annexe B parties. India and most developing countries were exempt from these.
The first commitment period ended in 2012 and the second and final one runs till 2020. The cardinal principle was common but differentiated responsibilities, implying that developing countries not having contributed to the post-industrial age greenhouse gases got differently treated. The post-Kyoto debate shifted dramatically with the rise of Chinese emissions, now at 20 per cent of the worlds total, making it the top emitter. The US is next, with 17.8 per cent, then Russia at 7.53 per cent and India at 4.1 per cent. The differentiated responsibility argument became moot with impending climate disaster. India thus came under pressure to modify old positions and stop hurtling towards higher total emissions on the pretext of growth and poverty alleviation.
Leading to the Paris Accord it was calculated that if no action was taken, the mean global temperature would rise in 2100 by 4.5C; if current policies under the Kyoto Protocol were followed by 3.6C; but if the Paris pledge was accepted, even then by 2.7C. To avoid environmental disruption, the upper limit of temperature must ideally not exceed 2C, the pre-industrial age as the benchmark.
While India rejected emission limits, its strategy, since the Manmohan Singh government, has been to accept increasing the mix of renewable and nuclear in Indias energy bouquet and cap energy intensity per unit of production, making production more energy-efficient. This was happening in any case as the Chinese made most smelting industries outside China unproductive. In fact, US emissions havent risen due to more natural gas use and offshoring of polluting industries.
At Paris India, in exchange for cooperation, sought finance and technology for transition to the low carbon economy for itself and the developing world. The Paris Accord conceded a Green Climate Fund, comprising a non-binding commitment of $100 billion a year to developing nations.
President Obama considers the Paris Accord part of his legacy and would like it operationalised before his term ends in January 2017. For that, 55 of 190-odd signatories, with at least 55 per cent of global emissions, must ratify it. Ratification by India, a major developing nation, would be a catalyst. But Mr Obama must first get the US Senate to approve American ratification, which Donald Trump, Republican nominee for President, is opposing. The US sweetened the deal for India by offering to finance renewable energy projects. The second core issue is civil nuclear cooperation. Its no coincidence that the NSG was created in 1975, immediately after Indias nuclear test in 1974.
The other three regimes Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement then followed to snap shut Indian access to all imaginable dual-use technologies. The civil nuclear cooperation issue was complicated by two events just as the UPA government was shepherding the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill through Parliament in 2011. One, a dormant case on the Bhopal gas tragedy resurfaced, raising public anger over malfeasance by multinationals.
Two, Japan witnessed the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Both conflated in the public mind and heightened concern over the safety of nuclear power and whether the liability of foreign suppliers for defective products that could cause disasters should not be indefinite. Parliament thus passed a stringent law imposing comprehensive and constructive liability on suppliers. American companies and others shied away from investing in India, fearing this onerous law. The Indian government was politically unable to amend it, but worked around it to allay suppliers fears by joining the Convention on Supplementary Compensation and creating an insurance pool to act as a liability buffer.
It has now been announced that contracts for the sale of six AP1000 reactors of Westinghouse have been fast-tracked, with a one-year limit for closure. That has still left Indian membership of the NSG dangling, as the Chinese came out in open opposition, finding an unlikely ally in the New York Times. Both argue that India must sign the NPT prior to joining the NSG. This is disingenuous as France and some other nations joined the NSG before signing the NPT. The US newspaper alleges India does not conform to NPT/NSG commitments.
The NPT nuclear weapon state members make two commitments: not to proliferate and to work towards nuclear disarmament. China has breached the former, while all five have dodged the latter. India, on the other hand, has always been and still is a votary of complete nuclear disarmament. The Indian record on non-proliferation is unimpeachable. While India joining the MTCR was inevitable after it pacified the Italians over their marine issue, it is uncertain how China will act now that Mr Modi has got the last few objectors like Switzerland and Mexico onboard.
India will not rush to ratify the Paris Accord, awaiting US and Chinese moves. In any case, for civil nuclear commerce, it has a NSG waiver. NSG membership, which China will try to link to client Pakistan being similarly adjusted or some other Sino-Indian compromise over Chinese access to the Indian market, can wait. Mr Modis five-nation trip has thus managed to consolidate old bonds and open some new paths.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sails full steam ahead in courting the United States, as though ideologically driven. In Washington this week for his third major bilateral summit with President Barack Obama since September 2014, Mr Modi spoke gushingly as he went about praising US entrepreneurship and democracy to persistent applause in the US Congress. He noted in his address to Congress that India-America ties had overcome the hesitations of history, meaning the melting away of Indias past reservations about US militaristic policies around the world of which it wanted no part after more than a century of supplying troops and supplies for British colonial conquests.
Appropriately enough, in light of changing realities, the PMs trip commenced with paying respects at the Arlington Cemetery to commemorate fallen American soldiers. In the joint statement signed during the PMs visit, the US now recognises India as a major defence partner, and would facilitate technology-sharing to a level that is commensurate with cooperation with major allies. To all intents and purposes, we may now deem ourselves an ally of the United States, although that specific term is avoided, for it entails such close military coordination that despatch of troops in aid of each others mission may become inescapable.
With the help of the US, India has, in effect, just become a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime. Washington has also publicly re-affirmed its support to Indias application to the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and the US has indicated its desire to help India become a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group. These four export-restrictive regimes for different kinds of weaponry play a key hand in framing rules that impact international security.
India, for its part, appears on board to sign the three foundational pacts with the US so that it dovetails its defence cooperation with that of the Pentagon. The text for LEMOA, which deals with supplies and fuel for each others militaries, is now ready. Work may now proceed on CISMOA and BECA, which deal with communications interoperability and security, as well as cooperation in the areas of sensors and satellites.
The security cooperation focuses sharply on the Pacific and the Indian Ocean areas, giving the impression of being China-centric. But to the west of India, to begin with Pakistan, there is hardly any reference except to name some terrorist groups. US support to Pakistan may in fact now increase since Washington would not like to lose out to Beijing in Islamabads affections. These are issues our policy makers must contend with.
The blockbuster Marathi film Sairat (Wild), rated as the most important film of 2016, has grossed Rs 80 crores in 29 days and is heading towards surpassing the Rs 100-crore magic figure. It is also rated as the highest grossing Marathi film of all time. However, amidst its phenomenal success, a campaign against its director Nagraj Manjule has been launched by the Akhil Bhartiya Maratha Mahasangh, accusing him of projecting their community in a negative light. While honour killing is a reality in many communities, Marathas are being singled out and deliberately targeted, Rajendra Kondhare, its president, is reported to have remarked.
The film, which follows the formula of fatal love often seen in Hindi movies, is set in rural Maharashtra. The romantic involvement of a dalit youth and the daughter of a rich and influential zamindar meets its inevitable end. Nitish Nawsagare, a law professor at the reputed ILS Law College in Pune and a dalit rights activist, affirms that honour killing and brutal violence against a dalit youth who dares to fall in love with an upper caste girl is a regular occurrence. Most cases are not even registered as honour killings and conviction is rare as investigations get botched up due to the police-political-upper caste nexus.
Among the many cases that are being followed up by his organisation is the gruesome murder of a 17-year-old schoolboy, Nitin Agge, whose father is a daily wage labourer in Kharda village, Jamkhed taluka, Ahmednagar, in April 2014. He was dragged out from school and killed brutally by the brother of the girl, along with his friend and uncle, for speaking to an upper caste girl in his school. In October 21, 2014, a young boy along with his parents was brutally hacked to death in Javkhede Khalsa-Kasarwadi, in Ahmednagar, on the suspicion that the young boy Sunil Jadhav (19) was in an illicit relationship with a married woman in his neighbourhood.
In Janaury 2013, in Sonai, Ahmednagar, dalits from the Mehtar community working in educational institution owned by the relatives of the accused were killed because a sweeper, Sachin Gharu, was in love with an upper caste Maratha girl studying in the same college. The caste lines are so rigidly drawn among Marathas that even when a Maratha girl marries a brahmin she is not spared as the Kolhapur murder case, that occurred in December 2015, reveals. Megha Patil, who married Indrajit Kulkarni against the wishes of her family, was killed by her brothers.
When the landlady hearing shrieks from their apartment rushed to help, she was pushed aside by the assailants, who were fleeing the spot. She found the couple lying in a pool of blood with their throats cut. A scene similar to the one portrayed in Sairat. In May 2015, in Bodwad village of Jalgaon, a dalit wedding party attacked for playing Ambedkar songs by the dominant Maratha and Mali castes. Fourteen people were arrested and charged under the caste atrocities law.
However, the police also claimed the situation between the communities was tense as some dalit boys allegedly harassed women from the upper-caste community. So the boys who were attacked were charged with assault of women.
According to dalit activists, in every instance of caste atrocities, there is political pressure and usually there is a counter-case in an attempt to weaken the case of dalits. They add that for every hate crime that is widely reported, there are several others that find little or no place in the mainstream media.
In 2014, for the first time, the National Crime Records Bureau report Crimes in India listed murders under the category of honour killings and reported 28 such cases. While Madhya Pradesh tops the list with seven cases, Maharashtra comes a close second along with Punjab with five cases each. Neighbouring Karnataka recorded 13 honour killings since 2011, an indication of hardening social identities. So honour killing can no longer be viewed as a North Indian phenomenon.
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court in May 2011 held honour killings as a slur on the nation and termed it a barbaric, feudal practice that ought to be stamped out. It directed the courts to view such cases in rarest of rare category for awarding the death penalty. But convictions in honour killing cases are extremely rare and most accused are able to go scot-free by exerting economic and political influence over the local investigating machinery.
While honour killing was one of the issues flagged for discussion at the recent consultation for women lawyers held in Pune (June 1-3) where around 50 lawyers from 10 districts attended it, another disturbing trend that was discussed was virginity tests by caste panchayats. Advocate Ranjana Gawande of the Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti described the hold local panchayats have over women and their sexuality.
A 22-year-old girls marriage was forcibly annulled because the husband reported to panchayat members that the white bedsheet that was spread on the bridal night did not have any bloodstains. The panchayat concluded that the girl was a khota maal (tainted commodity). When the girl and her mother wanted to file a police complaint, the father locked them up in a room. Despite all this, the girl was willing to take virginity test, where she would have to run naked covered by a white cloth of a metre and a half while hot balls of wheat flour (atta) would be thrown at her to prove her.
Another issue that was discussed was the high rate of child marriage among these and other castes. The report indicates child marriage among Hindus is far more rampant than among Muslims, though Muslim law is not codified and the age at which marriage is permitted is when the girl attains maturity. It appears that codification of Hindu laws has not had any impact on them.
Another Hindu custom which was discussed at length was the revival of the devadasi ritual in Maharashtra-Karnataka border areas. While due to the legislation, campaign and strict monitoring, the cases of dedication of young girls had declined, there is a recent revival bolstered up by the extreme drought that the entire area is suffering which is the worse drought in recent areas. The only way these poverty-stricken families belonging to the lower caste can stay afloat is to sell their daughters virginity.
They made a telling comment to the reporter: We cannot sell our fallow cows, so we have no choice but to sell our daughters. The choice was easy for a community which does not see a way out of their miserable conditions except to put the virginity of their daughters on sale. Their men have no source of earning and women have to support their families by selling themselves either as devadasis or prostitutes.
In another incident that occurred in February 2012, Asha, an MSW graduate who was working in KEM Hospital, was killed as she expressed her wish to marry a boy from a lower caste, to her father in the village. The same night, the father hacked her to death when she was asleep and then surrendered himself to the police. Honour killings, devadasis, virginity tests, dowry deaths and domestic violence the stark reality of extreme brutality facing Hindu women across castes and tribes in Maharashtra is captured in these words.
Keeping with tradition, newly discovered elements can be named after a mythological concept or character, a mineral or similar substance.
Geneva: Names for the four newly discovered elements with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 have been proposed as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine and oganesson respectively, IUPAC has announced.
In December last year, The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) had verified the discoveries of four new chemical elements, and assigned atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 to them. The 7th period of the periodic table of elements was complete as a result of the discovery.
The discoverers had been invited to propose names which are now disclosed for public review. A five-month public review is now set, expiring on November 8, prior to the formal approval by the IUPAC Council.
Keeping with tradition, newly discovered elements can be named after a mythological concept or character (including an astronomical object), a mineral or similar substance, a place, a property of the element, or a scientist.
The names of all new elements in general should have an ending that reflects and maintains historical and chemical consistency. This should be in general -ium for elements belonging to groups 1-16, -ine for elements of group 17 and -on for elements of group 18.
Finally, the names for new chemical elements in English should allow proper translation into other major languages. For the element with atomic number 113, the scientists at the RIKEN Nishina Centre for Accelerator-Based Science in Japan proposed the name nihonium and the symbol Nh.
Nihon is one of the two ways to say Japan in Japanese, and literally means the Land of Rising Sun. The name is proposed to make a direct connection to the nation where the element was discovered. Element 113 is the first element to have been discovered in an Asian country.
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Allis tweet has presently been retweeted more than 62,000 times and liked by almost 55,500 people ever since it was posted earlier this week.
A severe contrast in searched images pronounces Googles search algorithm as a racist. In a bizarre incident, a Virginia resident Kabir Alli happened to search for some images on Google. He entered the term three black teens on Google and was shocked when the search engine displayed police mugshots instead of plain photos. On the other hand, he was stunned when he searched for three white teens and got to see normal images that he would have wanted earlier.
YOOOOOO LOOK AT THIS pic.twitter.com/uY1JysFm8w July 3rd. (@iBeKabir) June 7, 2016
As reported by The Guardian, Alli posted a video clip on Twitter where he is himself carrying out a straightforward search of three black teenagers, which overwhelmingly turns up prisoners mugshots.
Further he said now lets change the colour and changes it to whiteand to his surprice, it shows stick photos of smiling, wholesome young people, highlighting the pervasiveness of racial bias and media profiling.
Allis tweet has presently been retweeted more than 62,000 times and liked by almost 55,500 people ever since it was posted earlier this week.
Alli told The Guardian that he had heard about the discrepancy in the search results from his friends and When I saw the results for myself I was shocked. Some users responded to his tweet calling Google racist.
Googles search results are created through various algorithms. Though Google is not a racist, they should look into the matter and have the same corrected and place additional control over similar topics.
The Guardian also highlights an earlier incident where a student searched for unprofessional hairstyles for work and professional hairstyles for work and received similar results.
I saw a tweet saying "Google unprofessional hairstyles for work". I did. Then I checked the 'professional' ones pic.twitter.com/5KLg7FZ6Hq madikizela malema (@BonKamona) April 5, 2016
In a similar case last year, Google had also showed up two black people tagged as Gorillasin its new photo app, and apologised for it later.
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The OnePlus 3 will be up for auction starting June 9.
Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus is ready to woo customers with its upcoming device OnePlus 3, which will be available on Amazons online portal from June 15. However, there is good news for customers in India who are looking forward to acquire the device as soon as possible.
OnePlus has partnered with Droom, a pioneering online market place, to conduct the first ever smartphone auction in India. This will allow OnePlus fans or loyal customers to bid on the Droom platform to win five OnePlus 3 smartphones even before it goes on sale on Amazon on June 15.
The company said that the entire proceeds from the auction will be donated to charity chosen by the OnePlus community through a voting session on the companys forum.
Giving a logical reason behind the plan to hold an auction, Vikas Agarwal, General Manager, India at OnePlus said, We are excited by the response from the OnePlus community to our latest flagship. Through this unique smartphone auction, we want to offer our loyal fans an opportunity to get their hands on the first few OnePlus 3 smartphones in the country, even before it goes on sale while also contributing to the society.
The auction is set to commence on June 9 and will end on June 12. Among the total number of individuals who will take part in the auction, the top five highest individual bidders for the device will be proud owners of the OnePlus 3, even before it goes on sale.
And thats not all; the five bidders will also get a surprise element attached to the device, as per the company.
Following is a step-by-step guide for fans wishing to participate at the auction:
Bidders need to head over to the Droom website to participate in the auction
Registration is mandatory for eligibility as bidders will need to login to the portal
Bidding will commence from Rupee 1, with no cap on the final amount for bids
Every bid increases the price of the OnePlus 3 smartphone by Rupees 5
Auction goes live from June 9th, 4 PM to June 12th, 3:59:59 PM
A live leaderboard on the product page will be provided to showcase the top 10 bids in real time
The top 5 bidders will be sent a link to purchase the phones they bid for, immediately after the auction closes
The phones will be delivered after the global launch scheduled on June 14th
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In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was driven by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to a restaurent for dinner. (Photo: AP)
Mexico City: India on Thursday received crucial support of Mexico in its bid to become member of the NSG ahead of a plenary meeting of the 48-nation bloc whose members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced his country's support to India's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on a range of bilateral and global issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. (Photo: AP)
"Mexico supports positively and constructively India's membership of the NSG," the Mexican President said at a joint media interaction with Modi.
On his part, the Prime Minister thanked Mexico for its support and called the country an important partner for India's energy security.
"We are looking to move beyond buyer-seller relationship and into a long-term partnership... We have agreed to develop a roadmap of concrete outcomes to upgrade our ties to a Strategic Partnership," said the Prime Minister who arrived here earlier in the day from Washington on the last leg of his five-nation tour.
Read: Modi in US: Obama backs India's NSG bid, vows help against terror
In their talks, Modi and Nieto explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas including in trade and investment, information technology, climate change and energy.
Later, Pena Nieto drove Modi to a restaurant for dinner, a Mexican vegetarian fare. "In a very special gesture, President @EPN personally drives @narendramodi to a restaurant for Mexican vegetarian fare," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a photo that showed the 49-year-old Nieto behind the wheel with Modi sitting beside him.
The two headed to a restaurant called 'Quintonil' to bond over vegetarian dinner.
Bonding over bean tacos! President @EPN and PM @narendramodi share a meal pic.twitter.com/ckmsmpjWo7 Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2016
"Bonding over bean tacos! President @EPN and PM @narendramodi share a meal," Swarup tweeted along with photos showing the two leaders chatting away while sitting at a table in the restaurant.
Mexico is a key member of the NSG and its support to India's bid for entry into NSG is seen as important. Modi had visited Switzerland, another key member of the NSG, before travelling to the US, and the European country - known to have strong proliferation concerns - had announced its support to India's candidature for the atomic trading club.
Support of Mexico and Switzerland is seen as important in the wake of China opposing India's NSG membership arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday. The US and many other NSG member countries have supported India's inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record.
The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid.
India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on May 12.
The NSG looks after critical issues relating to the nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Its membership will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed India's case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to the US this week was "very, very rich and productive" as significant progress was made in wide range of areas from civil nuclear energy to defence and trade, America's top diplomat in New Delhi has said.
"This is a very very rich and productive visit," US Ambassador to India Richard Verma told PTI after the conclusion of Modi's visit, during which the Prime Minister held meetings with US President Barack Obama and addressed a joint sitting of the Congress.
"I think the takeaway was deepening and broadening of the relationship in so many ways. It was a real testament to our friendship," said Verma, who was present in most of the meetings Modi had with US government officials including with Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
"The Prime Minister said there is a new symphony ready to play," said the top US diplomat of Indian-origin, referring to Modi's speech to the Congress.
"Substantively we did so much as well, civil nuclear, defence, climate, energy, new consulates, people-to-people contacts, cyber, trade, across the board," the Ambassador said referring to various agreements reached during and in the run up to the Prime Minister's fourth trip to the US. Verma said the two leaders spent several hours together at the White House on Tuesday.
"The mood was exceptionally positive. They had very good discussions on regional issues, economic issues, it's a whole range. They really had very important set of discussions. I think the mood was quite constructive," he said.
Observing that defence is the "big part" of India-US relationship, he added that "now we have moved well beyond just defence".
"We have so many other areas. Clean energy finance, education, increasing consular, travel, India's admission into global entry programme, for example. So we are putting into place all those pieces to really make the relationship as the Prime Minister and President said the defining relationship of the century," Verma said.
"I think, this relationship stands on itself," he said when asked about the apprehensions in the Chinese media on a strong India-US ties.
"The Prime Minister said it best that our two countries can have such a positive impact on peace, on prosperity and security. And that such a great result of this friendship is getting stronger," he said.
The President and Prime Minister, meeting seven times in less than two years, he said, is part of their effort "to make sure that we solidify the gains made".
"I think, they enjoy getting together. And they know that the issues that we confront together are serious and require their personal attention. So just to give you the example of the Paris Climate Agreement, which would not have happened without the President and the Prime Minister coming together.
"That's the model of global leadership that our two countries can play in the future. And so these meetings are helpful in that regard," he said.
Washington: The Sikh-American community's "compassion and forgiveness" in the aftermath of the 2012 Gurudwara shooting incident in Wisconsin in which six people were killed has been a "lesson", US House of Representatives
Speaker Paul Ryan told Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
Ryan, who is a representative from Wisconsin's First District, received Prime Minister Modi at Capitol Hill here and offered his condolences for the shooting incident four years ago that shook the Indian-Americans, especially the Sikh community.
"Following shooting incident in Gurudwara in my constituency, the Sikh community's compassion and forgiveness has been a lesson," Ryan was quoted as telling Prime Minister Modi by spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup, in a tweet.
Six people were killed and four others injured when 40-year-old Wade Michael Page, a white supremacist and US Army veteran, opened indiscriminate firing in a Gurudwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on August 5, 2012.
No one else was injured in the incident. It was a targeted attack, the police said in a statement. (Photo: Representational Image)
Toronto: A 56-year-old prominent Sikh real estate developer was shot dead in broad daylight in Canadas Richmond city in what authorities are describing as a brazen target killing.
Amarjit Singh Sandhu was shot in the parking lot of a shopping centre in Richmond, British Columbia, as shoppers and restaurant diners witnessed the shooting. Sandhu died in hospital after Saturdays broad daylight shooting that left his truck riddled with bullets.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police were called to the spot and found the man suffering from gunshot wounds. They reported several bullet holes in the drivers side door of the black pickup truck.
No one else was injured in the incident. It was a targeted attack, the police said in a statement. The police released a vague description of a man wanted in connection with the murder of Sandhu. The suspect is described as a non-white male in his early to mid 20s.
Sandhu was listed as president of Sandhill Developments Ltd. He and the company are named in more than 80 civil lawsuits in British Columbia dating back to the 1990s.
In a recent case, Sandhu took the Khalsa Diwan Society to court. His actions led to an election being called for leaders at the Ross Street gurdwara in Vancouver, scheduled for September.
An official with the party opposed to changes Sandhu was seeking at the temple believes the shooting was unrelated.
To my knowledge just for the sake of an election nobody would take such a big risk, Ranjit Hayer of the Khalsa Diwan Society was quoted as saying.
People at the gurdwara registering to vote in the election said Sandhu was at the gurdwara before he went to Richmond and was gunned down.
A male witness was quoted by Richmond News as saying that Sandhu was killed while standing next to his black truck.
Washington: With Pakistan obviously in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said terrorism is being "incubated in India's neighbourhood" and pressed for action without making any distinction against groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Taliban and ISIS who share the "same philosophy of hate, murder and killings".
In his address to the joint sitting of US Congress here, he said terrorism has to be fought with "one voice" as he commended the American Parliament for sending out a clear message by refusing to "reward" those who preach and practice terrorism for political gains, an apparent reference to the blocking of sale of 8 F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.
Read: Time for India, US to work together for the world: Modi
In the course of his 45-minute speech, he covered all major aspects of the growing relationship between India and the US, particularly strategic ties and civil nuclear cooperation, and emphasised that the two countries should leave "constraints of the past" behind as the "foundations of the future are firmly in place".
Dressed in trademark white kurta pyjama and grey-coloured half-jacket, Modi was warmly received by the American lawmakers who interrupted his address more than 40 times to cheer him, a few times by standing. When his predecessor Manmohan Singh addressed the US Congress in 2005, his speech was applauded 33 times, according to Sanjay Baru, who was the Media Adviser to the then Prime Minister.
Read: India could be 'ideal partner' for American businesses: Modi
Observing that India-US "relationship is primed for a momentous future", the Prime Minister said a strong partnership between the two countries can anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa and from Indian Ocean to the Pacific.
"It can also help ensure security of the sea lanes of commerce and freedom of navigation on seas," he said, adding India is already assuming its responsibilities in securing the Indian Ocean region.
He used the occasion to pitch apparently for the UN reform as he said, "But the effectiveness of our cooperation would increase if international institutions, framed with the mindset of the 20th century, were to reflect the realities of today."
Modi, who invoked Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in his speech, said India and the US, the world's largest and oldest democracies, had learnt a lot from each other's philosophies and practices, making them "natural allies".
"As we deepen our partnership, there would be times when we would have differing perspectives. But, since our interests and concerns converge, the autonomy in decision-making and diversity in our perspectives can only add value to our partnership," he said, adding "So, as we embark on a new journey, and seek new goals, let us focus not just on matters routine but transformational ideas."
Read: Constitution is govt's holy book, freedom of faith and speech enshrined in it: Modi
He said these ideas should focus "not just on creating wealth but also creating value for our societies; not just on immediate gains but also long term benefits; not just on sharing best practices but also shaping partnerships; and not just on building a bright future for our peoples, but in being a bridge to a more united, humane and prosperous world.
"And, important for the success of this journey would be a need to view it with new eyes and new sensitivities. When we do this, we will realise the full promise of this extraordinary relationship."
Highlighting India's growth of 7.6 per cent and the immense opportunities it offers, the Prime Minister said, "In every sector of India's forward march, I see the US as an indispensable partner."
Read: India has not claimed IPR on Yoga: Modi tells US lawmakers
He noted that many Americans believe that a stronger and prosperous India is in the strategic interest of the US and said, "Let us work together to convert shared ideals into practical cooperation. There can be no doubt that in advancing this relationship, both nations stand to gain in great measure."
As the US businesses search for new areas of economic growth, markets for their goods, a pool of skilled resources, and global locations to produce and manufacture, India could be their ideal partner, Modi said.
He said transformative American technologies in India and growing investment by Indian companies in the United States both have a positive impact on the lives of the citizens of the two countries.
Talking about the commonalities, the Prime Minister told the American lawmakers that like in the US Congress, Indian Parliament also reflects a spirit of bipartisanship. "I am informed that the working of the US Congress is harmonious. I am also told that you are well-known for your bipartisanship. Well, you are not alone. Time and again, I have also witnessed a similar spirit in the Indian Parliament, especially in our Upper House. So, as you can see, we have many shared practices," he said.
Read: Insightful, historic: US lawmakers praise Modis address, get autograph
While mentioning about the ties between India and the US, Modi said the pioneers had shaped a development partnership very early on, "even when the meeting ground was more limited", with the genius of Norman Borlaug bringing the Green Revolution and food security to India.
"Fast forward to today. The embrace of our partnership extends to the entirety of human endeavour from the depths of the oceans to the vastness of the space....Ties of commerce and investment are flourishing. We trade more with the US than with any other nation. And, the flow of goods, services and capital between us generates jobs in both our societies.
"As in trade, so in defence. India exercises with the United States more than we do with any other partner. Defence purchases have moved from almost zero to ten billion dollars in less than a decade.
"Our cooperation also secures our cities and citizens from terrorists, and protects our critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Civil Nuclear Cooperation, as I told President Obama yesterday, is a reality," Modi said.
Noting that the 21st century has brought with it great opportunities, he said it also comes with its own set of challenges. "Inter-dependence is increasing. But, while some parts of the world are islands of growing economic prosperity; other are mired in conflicts," he added.
Read: US lawmakers introduce bill for special global ties with India
Talking in the context of Asia, Modi said the absence of an agreed security architecture creates uncertainty. "Threats of terror are expanding, and new challenges are emerging in cyber and outer-space. And, global institutions conceived in 20th century, seem unable to cope with new challenges or take on new responsibilities," the Prime Minister said.
"In this world full of multiple transitions and economic opportunities, growing uncertainties and political complexities, existing threats and new challenges, our engagement can make a difference by promoting cooperation not dominance; connectivity not isolation; respect for global commons; inclusive not exclusive mechanisms; and above all adherence to international rules and norms," he said.
He said India and the US may have been shaped by differing histories, cultures, and faiths "yet our belief in democracy for our nations and liberty for our countrymen is common. The idea that all citizens are created equal is a central pillar of the American constitution."
Modi said the founding fathers of the two countries too shared the same belief and sought individual liberty for every citizen of India. "There were many who doubted India when, as a newly independent nation, we reposed our faith in democracy. Indeed, wagers were made on our failure. But, the people of India did not waver," he said.
"Our founders created a modern nation with freedom, democracy, and equality as the essence of its soul. And, in doing so, they ensured that we continued to celebrate our age old diversity. Today, across its streets and institutions, in its villages and cities, anchored in equal respect for all faiths; and in the melody of hundreds of its languages and dialects. India lives as one; India grows as one; India celebrates as one," Modi said.
The Prime Minister hailed the US Congress, describing it as a "temple of democracy" from which democracies world over had learnt. "It manifests the spirit of this great nation, which in Abraham Lincoln's words, 'was conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal'," he said, adding that the opportunity to address it was "honouring the world's largest democracy and its 1.25 billion people."
Modi became the fifth Indian Prime Minister to address the joint sitting of US Congress. Earlier, Rajiv Gandhi had addressed it on July 13, 1985, P V Narasimha Rao on May 18, 1994, Atal Bihari Vajpayee on September 14, 2000 and Manmohan Singh on July 19, 2005.
After addressing the US Congress, a reception was hosted for Modi jointly by the Foreign Relations Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate as well as the India Caucus.
Speaking at the reception, he said that whenever he met any Senator or Congressman, he felt the warmth that goes beyond diplomacy and saw a desire to see what the two countries can do to preserve the values for the benefit of the world.
He said there was a time when there was curiosity in America about what India is.
Then came the time when US started recognising India, to realise there are a lot of shared values which can build on relationship, he said.
Subsequently, the time came when the two countries started thinking about how the ties can be advanced for each other. Now the two countries are stepping into an era in which they think beyond what each can get from the other to see "what we can do together for the world. Be it climate change, terrorism, poverty, healthcare, there numerous, together we can find solutions," he said.
"Russia actually has air assets on the ground in Syria and ostensibly has the permission of the Syrian government to fly."
Washington: The United States suggested today that if Syria continues to block efforts to drop food aid to its besieged communities that Russia might want to use its own planes for the task.
Foreign capitals have asked the World Food Program to plan an air bridge to save thousands of Syrian civilians facing starvation in communities besieged by Bashar al-Assad's forces.
But Assad has refused to permit such flights and on the ground his troops block UN road convoys in some areas or to remove vital supplies from others before they reach rebel-held towns.
State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Russia, which with Washington is co-chair of the International Syrian Support Group, had passed on a Syrian offer to permit one convoy on Friday.
But he expressed skepticism that Assad would indeed allow unfettered humanitarian access to the town of Daraya and said that this would not be enough in any case to meet its needs.
The spokesman went on to accuse Russia of not living up to its commitment, made at a May 17 ISSG meeting in Vienna, to push Assad to support the planned UN humanitarian air drops.
"We are obviously disappointed, to put it mildly," Toner told reporters, adding that Secretary of State John Kerry had spoken to Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
"But, you know, you talk about air assets and permission, and Russia actually has air assets on the ground in Syria and ostensibly has the permission of the Syrian government to fly."
Asked if this meant he was suggesting that Russia itself carry out the food drops, since Assad was unlikely to block his ally's flights, Toner said: "I am suggesting."
"They are on the ground with air assets in Syria and are able to carry out these kinds of operations," he added.
Later, a senior State Department official confirmed that Washington was "throwing down a gauntlet" to see if Moscow was serious about aiding beleaguered Syrian civilians.
Washington: The Obama administration has opposed the move of the US Senate to impose conditions on the USD 300 million aid to Pakistan, saying restrictions would "unnecessarily complicate" progress in bilateral ties and would be against America's national interest.
The White House said the Obama administration objects to Senate version of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), which would make Pakistan ineligible for the Secretary of Defence's waiver authority unless he provides a certification to the congressional defence committees.
Passing the NDAA-2017, Senate Armed Services Committee last month blocked USD 300 million US military aid to Pakistan unless the Defence Secretary certifies to the Congress that Islamabad is taking demonstrable steps against the Haqqani network.
"We share the Committee's concerns regarding the threat posed to our forces and interests in Afghanistan by the Haqqani network and we continue to engage with Pakistan at the highest levels regarding the need for concerted action specifically against the group," the White House said.
The restriction imposed by the Senate would "unnecessarily complicate progress in US-Pakistan bilateral relationship on this issue and would limit the Secretary of Defence's ability to act in the US national security interest", it said.
NDAA is scheduled to come up before the Senate for voting this week. Senate version of the NDAA differed with that of the House on many issues including Pakistan.
The House version of the bill, passed last month, calls for blocking USD 450 million of the USD 900 million US aid to Pakistan in coalition support fund. The Senate version has reduced both the figures respectively to USD 300 million and USD 800 million.
However, for release of this fund, both seek certification from the Secretary of Defence that Pakistan is taking action against the Haqqani network. The White House had made similar objection to the House version of the NDAA.
NDAA-2016, which ends on September 30, makes it mandatory for the Defence Secretary to certify that Islamabad is taking action against the Haqqani network for the release of last USD 300 million of the coalition support fund to Pakistan. The Defence Secretary has not taken a decision yet.
The explosion in the capital's New Baghdad area also wounded up to 35 civilians, a police officer said. (Photo: Representational Image)
Baghdad: A suicide car bomb attack ripped through a commercial area of a majority Shiite neighbourhood in Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 15 civilians and wounding dozens, officials said.
The explosion in the capital's New Baghdad area also wounded up to 35 civilians, a police officer said. The explosives-laded car was parked in a crowded area and casualty figures could be higher, he added.
A medical official confirmed the casualty figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to brief the press.
In an online statement, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it targeted Shiite militia members. The Associated Press could not verify the authenticity of the statement, but it was posted on a militant website commonly used by the extremists.
IS, a Sunni extremist group, often targets Iraq's Shiite majority. Baghdad has seen near-daily attacks in recent weeks, though the mainly Shiite area of southern Iraq has been spared much of the violence.
The deadly attacks in Baghdad and beyond are seen by Iraqi officials as an attempt by the militants to distract the security forces' attention from the front lines. The attacks came a day after Iraqi special forces pushed into the IS-held city of Fallujah in a large-scale military operation launched last month.
Fallujah, which is about 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Baghdad, is one of the last major IS strongholds in western Iraq. The extremist group still controls territory in the country's north and west, as well as Mosul, Iraq's second largest city.
Police said one of the detained men had links to Abu Jandal, an influential Indonesian militant fighting with IS in Syria. (Photo: AFP)
Jakarta: Indonesian police said on Thursday they have arrested three Muslim extremists who were planning to launch Islamic State-inspired suicide bombings in the country's second-biggest city.
The police's elite anti-terror squad detained the men in Surabaya, on the country's main island of Java, on Wednesday and seized bombs and firearms, said national police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar. He said the group planned to attack public places and government offices in the city in the coming weeks, without giving further details.
"The were influenced by IS on social media," Amar said, referring to Islamic State jihadists, who have declared a "caliphate" in large areas of territory that they have seized in Iraq and Syria. They were inspired by IS leaders' speeches, says Amar.
Police said one of the detained men had links to Abu Jandal, an influential Indonesian militant fighting with IS in Syria, but did not give further details. Analysts say that Jandal and other Indonesians in Syria have been competing to impress IS's leaders by encouraging their followers back home to launch attacks, and have on occasion provided funds and guidance.
A second suspect had been jailed for drugs offences in the same prison as several convicted militants. Jails are considered hotbeds of radicalism in Indonesia. Police did not give details on the third man.
Amar said the men were not involved in a suicide bombing and gun attack in Jakarta in January, that left four civilians and four attackers dead and was claimed by IS.
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, has suffered several Islamic extremist attacks in the past 15 years, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people.
A crackdown had weakened the most dangerous networks, but the emergence of IS has proved a potent new rallying cry for radicals. Hundreds of Indonesians have travelled to the Middle East to join the jihadists, stoking fears that extremist groups are being revived and more attacks could be on the horizon.
Malaysia: In a horrifying incident, a three-year-old boys penis was ripped off after his pants got tangled in an escalator in Western Malaysia, according to a report in The DailyMail.
The toddler was sitting on a moving escalator when his pants got tangled in the metal. His penis got ripped off and he was seen crying out of pain, said the fire team who rushed to the spot to rescue him.
The rescue team used crowbars to detangle his pant. The team took about half-an-hour to dislodge the boy.The panels of the escalator were removed to take out the boy. The toddler was immediately rushed to the hospital. Doctors are looking after the boy and he is recovering gradually.
The escalator apparently had been installed without a valid certificate of fitness, officials said.
The operator, who was running the escalator despite not maintaining it or renewing its certificate of fitness (CF), could face up to a 20 lakh rupees fine or two years' jail if found guilty, said Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH) director general Mohtar Musri.
"We checked the safety devices they had on the escalator and the CF. Based on our investigations, they did not comply," Musri said.
However, this incident is not an isolated one. There have been similar incidents in the recent past. Last month a toddler was injured after his hand got stuck in an escalator at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. In February, a three-year-old had part of his foot severed after a similar incident.
Authorities have advised parents to pay closer attention to their children while using the escalator.
The man's penis was severed by his wife after she found out that he was cheating on her. (Photo: Screen grab)
Pattaya: In an attempt to get back at her husband who was cheating on her, a woman in Thailand severed his penis with a box cutter. According to a report in The DailyMail, the man was cheating on his wife with her best friend.
The shocking incident took place at a Thai tourist spot in Pattaya. The woman under question lured her husband and duped him into taking off his pants. Thinking that his wife, a fried chicken seller, wanted to have sex, the man took off his pants, immediately after which the woman took a box cutter and slashed his penis.
Writhing in pain, the man shouted for help. He started bleeding profusely and was immediately rushed to the hospital. His wife accompanied him to the hospital.
Doctors are looking after him, however his complete recovery has not yet been assured.
The police are waiting for the man to recover so that they can pursue the case and book the perpetrator.
Richard Huckle would take pictures and videos of him assaulting children. (Photo: YouTube screenshot)
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's police chief said on Thursday that British officials did not hand over enough information to investigate convicted British paedophile Richard Huckle, as questions arose over the Southeast Asian country's handling of the case.
Huckle, 30, was given 22 life sentences in a London court on Monday after admitting 71 charges of sex abuse against children in Malaysia and Cambodia from the ages of six months to 12.
Malaysia faces increasing pressure to explain the lack of action after British officials said they told their counterparts in Kuala Lumpur about his suspected behaviour more than 18 months ago. Malaysians have expressed outrage on social media over the apathy shown by law enforcement and government officials.
Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed that authorities were informed of Huckle and his suspected behaviour before his arrest in 2014, despite earlier comments from other police officials that they had only been told in April this year.
But British officials were unable to provide them with more details regarding Huckle's victims and activities, Khalid said, adding that Malaysia's death penalty made it difficult for British police to cooperate fully.
"That was our main obstacle when dealing with European countries, because by law, they are unable to cooperate with us because we carry out capital punishment," he said.
"When his case went to trial, it was only then that we knew that it was 23 victims, and that it involved our citizens and only then we could start tracing them," Khalid said.
Huckle is believed to have targeted nearly 200 children in Malaysia and Cambodia over a span of nine years, posing as a photographer, English teacher and philanthropist to gain access to impoverished families.
Khalid said he would ask that Malaysian officers be allowed to interrogate Huckle in prison in order to get more details on his crimes and victims.
A Malaysian NGO has started holding workshops on sexual abuse for children of a poor Indian community, once a haunt of Huckle's.
"Now that this case is over, I hope that the British authorities will no longer hold back any information from us," he said.
He did not rule the possibility of extradition, despite the fact that Huckle had already been convicted and sentenced.
"When we have enough evidence and information to make an extradition application, that is one of the options we are looking at," Khalid said.
US-led coalition air strikes supporting the assault by Kurdish and Arab fighters, launched on May 31, have also left 30 civilians dead. (Photo: AP)
Beirut: More than 130 Islamic State group fighters have been killed in a US-backed offensive on the key jihadist-held city of Manbij in northern Syria, a monitoring group said Thursday.
US-led coalition air strikes supporting the assault by Kurdish and Arab fighters, launched on May 31, have also left 30 civilians dead, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Syrian Democratic Forces have been pushing west from the Euphrates River and have nearly encircled Manbij, a key point along IS's main supply line from the Turkish border to its eastern Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.
The SDF alliance has surrounded the city from the north, east and south. Early on Thursday its fighters were advancing towards the main road leading west out of Manbij, according to Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.
A statement on Thursday by the SDF's Manbij operations centre said its fighters were now close enough to target IS positions inside the city.
The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of activists and medical sources inside Syria, said 132 IS jihadists and 21 SDF fighters had been killed since the start of the offensive.
"Most of the Daesh fighters were killed in air raids by the international (US-led) coalition," Abdel Rahman told AFP, using an Arabic acronym for the group.
He said dozens of bodies of IS fighters had been found on Thursday morning in small villages east of Manbij. Coalition air raids supporting the assault also killed at least 30 civilians, including 11 children, the Observatory said. They are among a total of 447 civilians killed in coalition raids since they began in Syria in September 2014, according to the monitor's tally.
The Observatory says it determines whether strikes are carried out by Syrian, Russian or US-led coalition aircraft based on their locations, flight patterns and the types of planes and munitions involved. A spokesman for the US defence department said on Wednesday that the final assault on Manbij could take place within days.
The activists said one of Wednesdays strikes hit near the Bayan hospital in the rebel-held Shaar neighborhood, killing 10 people. (Representational image)
Beirut: Airstrikes on rebel-held districts of Syrias contested city of Aleppo on Wednesday, including one that struck near a hospital, killed 15 civilians and wounded many others, as fighting in the countrys largest city intensified once again, opposition activists said.
The northern city has seen an uptick in violence in the last two days, with government forces pounding rebel-held eastern parts of the city with airstrikes while rebels are shelling western, government-held districts.
The activists said one of Wednesdays strikes hit near the Bayan hospital in the rebel-held Shaar neighborhood, killing 10 people. Videos uploaded on the internet by activists show massive destruction, fires and thick black smoke billowing from buildings.
Wounded people are seen being loaded into ambulances. A body covered in thick gray dust is lying face down on a street littered with debris. The Independent Doctors Association, which describes itself as a cross-border Syrian humanitarian organization providing health care to the province and the city of Aleppo, said on its Twitter account that an airstrike hit a childrens hospital it runs, destroying one floor.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition monitoring group, said 10 civilians were killed in Wednesdays attack, including children. It said the airstrike hit a motorcycle repair shop in a square near the hospital. Five other civilians were killed in strikes that hit nearby districts, bringing the death toll to 15.
In a recent incident a local media company flew a drone over the presidential palace in Kabul. (Representational Photo: AFP)
Kabul: Afghan authorities today banned media companies from using drone cameras, citing security concerns in a country wellknown for the rampant use of unmanned military aircraft.
"The interior ministry respectfully announces to all national and international media that they should not use drone cameras... as that can create problems for security institutions," the ministry said in a statement.
The statement did not specify the security concerns but the decision comes after a recent incident in which a local media company flew a drone over the presidential palace in Kabul while covering a huge anti-government protest.
US-led coalition forces have widely used drones for surveillance purposes and to carry out airstrikes against insurgent groups.
A US drone killed Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor last month, in a rare attack deep inside Pakistan.
Days later the Taliban announced Haibatullah Akhundzada as their new leader, elevating a low-profile religious figure as the insurgent group steps up attacks against the Western-backed Afghan government.
Maria Naz, and her mother Shazia Begum were arrested in Rawalpindi after Naz's aunt lodged a complaint claiming she had received offensive texts from them. (Photo: AFP)
Islamabad: Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday bailed a mother and daughter who had been in jail for two months for allegedly sending "vulgar" texts and pictures to another woman, a defence lawyer said.
Maria Naz, 19, and her mother Shazia Begum were arrested in Rawalpindi, a garrison town adjoining the capital, Islamabad, by the Federal Investigation Agency after Naz's aunt lodged a complaint claiming she had received offensive texts from them, defence lawyer Zulfiqar Bhutta told AFP.
The court granted bail "as the prosecution admitted that it had found no incriminating material from the cell phones of both", Bhutta said. His statement was confirmed by court officials.
He said the women had been "wrongly" framed to pressure them into withdrawing a civil case regarding a property dispute with Naz's aunt.
The police arrested 62 protesters from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, according to the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Circle. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP)
Kathmandu: Over 150 members of a splinter Maoists group were arrested on Thursday in Nepal after they vandalised vehicles and hurled patrol bombs while trying to enforce a strike to press for the release of their cadres arrested during previous protests, paralysing normal life.
The CPN-Maoist faction led by Netra Bikram Chand enforced the strike. The protesters vandalised nine public buses and taxis in different parts of the capital for defying their call for the strike. A truck driver was injured when Maoist cadres hurled a petrol bomb on moving vehicle in Rautahat district.
There was very thin movement of public and private transport services. Schools and colleges were closed due to the strike. However, markets remained open in most of the places in the capital despite the strike.
The police arrested 62 protesters from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, according to the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Circle. Nearly 90 agitators were arrested from Sarlahi, Kaski, Kalikot, Sunsari, Banke and Chitawan districts as they were trying to enforce the shut down.
A large number of security personnel have been deployed on the streets of the capital to prevent any untoward incident. CPN-Maoist, which is a splinter group of the main Maoist party, that is part of the government.
The Maoists, who staged a ten-year insurgency against the state, entered mainstream politics in 2006. The main Maoist party suffered a number of splits after many former rebels accused its leaders of betraying their original revolutionary ideals.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the growing strategic ties between India and the US and accused that Washington approaches Islamabad whenever it needs it and abandons it when it does not.
"Pakistan will convey its concerns to the US over the latest issues in the bilateral ties," Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said, adding a high-level meeting is planned here between the two nations tomorrow.
The US approaches Pakistan whenever it needs it, and abandons it when it doesn't need Pakistan, Dawn newspaper quoted Aziz as saying.
His comments came a day after the two countries signed a number of agreements for security cooperation during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US.
Pakistan is also upset that President Barack Obama has backed India's bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
"We firmly conveyed it to the US that maintaining effective nuclear deterrence is critical for Pakistan's security and only Pakistan itself can determine how it should respond to growing strategic imbalance in South Asia," Aziz said.
He said Pakistan has decided to take up the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an alleged Indian spy, with the UN and other international forums.
He claimed that the statement made by Director General of India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) that no evidence linked Pakistan to the Pathankot attack has vindicated Pakistan's position in attack probe.
The perpetually oscillating Pak-US relationship is once again at low as reflected by the Congressional restriction on financing of F-16 fighter jet's sale from Foreign Military
Financing programme, due to which Pakistan lost the opportunity to buy the jets, the paper said.
The relationship was further strained when the US carried out a drone strike in Balochistan, killing Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour, which was termed by Pakistani leadership a violation of the country's sovereignty.
The Election Commission of India has sought a report from the Returning Officer for Rajya Sabha elections on a complaint that the Congress moved some Independent MLAs to Mumbai ahead of the polls.
The direction from the commission to Returning Officer S Murthy came on Wednesday morning with an instruction that the matter be treated as most urgent.
JD(S) MLA M T Krishnappa filed a complaint with the commission, accusing the Congress government of moving 10 Independent legislators to Mumbai so that they could vote for the Congress on the polling day.
The Rajya Sabha polls are scheduled for Saturday. The complaint stated that these MLAs had signed on the nomination papers for JD(S) candidate B M Farook but had now suddenly changed their loyalty to the Congress.
Murthy told reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday that because of time constraints, he was compiling newspaper reports on the whereabouts of the legislators and would be sending them to the commission shortly.
There is no time to send letters to the legislators seeking their reaction, the officer said.
This is the third report the commission has sought from the Returning Officer in the run-up to the polls. The first report pertained to the sting operations by two television channels, that purportedly showed four MLAs discussing the sale of votes for the RS polls.
The second report was about a complaint that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had been wooing Independent MLAs by offering Rs 100-crore special development grants to each of their constituencies.
The first report was sent to the commission on Monday. Murthy said he sent the second report with the reply from the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) on Tuesday evening. The CMO had replied that Siddaramaiah had not promised any special grants to Independent MLAs.
Political parties in the state are gearing up to face elections to the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha scheduled for June 10 and 11 respectively. This is despite the Election Commission yet to take a final decision on complaints about electoral malpractices in the Rajya Sabha elections.
MLAs form the electoral college in both the elections. The Congress, BJP and JD(S) have made voting for both the polls mandatory for their legislators.
The JD(S) will hold its legislature party meeting on Thursday evening, while the Congress and the BJP will hold their meetings on Friday morning. Government chief whip in the Legislative Assembly Ashok Pattan said he has issued a whip to all Congress MLAs making it mandatory for them to vote according to the preference assigned in the slips provided to them. All MLAs have been asked to be in Bengaluru by Thursday evening, he said.
As many as eight candidates are in the fray for seven seats for the Council elections and five candidates are in the fray for fours seats in the Rajya Sabha elections.
The votes of nine Independents and MLAs of smaller parties are crucial in both the elections.
Three of the Independent MLAs Satish Sail, Arvind Chandrakanth Patil and Mankala Vaidya, who had left for Mumbai, are expected to return to Bengaluru on Thursday. A batch of Congress MLAs, including S T Somashekar, Byarthi Basavaraj and Muniratna will also return to Bengaluru on Thursday. We have completed our trip to Shirdi and will reach Bengaluru tomorrow night, Somashekar said.
Dinner cancelled
The Congress usually holds a dinner for its legislators ahead of the elections but has cancelled it this time to avoid media speculation about who attends or skips it, Pattan said. The BJP Legislature Party (BJPLP) will be held on Friday at 9 am at the party headquarters and whips will be issued on the same day, party sources said.
JD(S) sources said that party will allocate first and second preference votes to MLAs for Council polls during the legislature party meeting on Thursday.
MLAs have been asked to cast their first preference votes to party Rajya Sabha candidate B M Farook during the election to the Upper House.
The letter despatched to all legislators states that action will be initiated under the Anti-Defection law against those who absent themselves or indulge in cross-voting.
Asked why the Congress is issuing a whip to MLAs when it is a secret ballot for the Council polls, state Congress chief G Parameshwara said it is to ensure that all MLAs
follow instructions of the party on voting.
Digvijaya Singh, Congress party in-charge of Karnataka, is expected to arrive in Bengaluru on Thursday evening.
The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to reward those who provide information on bogus ration cards and diversion of food grains meant for the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said the Food and Civil Supplies department has fixed Rs 200 as the reward to those who help the government to identify a bogus card.
The department will give five per cent of the total value of the PDS commodities, including kerosene, as the reward to those who help prevent their diversion, he added.
The Cabinet also approved Karnataka Affordable Housing policy which envisages providing shelter to all. The policy has been drawn up in such a way that the state Housing department will be able to utilise funds being made available by the Union government under various housing schemes, he added.
Another policy on the development of slums was also approved. It aims at the development of 2,804 slums across the state.
About 7.5 lakh families are living in these slums. The policy has been drawn up with the help of Indian Institute of Human Settlement.
The Cabinet approved a proposal to implement a railway project connecting Tumakuru and Davangere at a cost of Rs 1,801 crore.
The government has collected about Rs 4,000 crore by way of royalty and other taxes in three mining districts of Ballari, Chitradurga and Tumakuru.
The same has to be utilised for the development of the affected districts as per the Supreme Court order.
The government has, therefore, sought the apex courts permission to use the money to take up the railway project. An estimated 2,135 acres has to be acquired for the project, Jayachandra added.
House for freedom fighterThe Cabinet decided to provide free of cost a Karnataka Housing Board house to 97-year-old freedom fighter from Tumakuru, Umapathi Sastry.
The nonagenarian had recently obtained the Karnataka High Court order to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Chief Minister had assured him to provide a house, Jayachandra said.
The Cabinet authorised Siddaramaiah to appoint a new chief secretary as the incumbent Arvind Jadav is due to retire on June 30.
The government is considering names of senior IAS officers Upendra Tripati, Subash Chandra Khuntiya and K Ratna Prabha for the post Jayachandra said.
A UK court today dropped a case of "sexual grooming" against an Indian-origin British journalist and columnist Hasan Suroor for lack of evidence and declared him not guilty.
Suroor, who was arrested by British Transport Police (BTP) last November after an anti-paedophile sting operation in London, is now planning to sue the vigilante group, Unknown TV, behind the sting for damages.
"Following a further review of the case there is now no longer a realistic prospect of conviction," the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) told Blackfriars Crown Court in a written submission today.
The judge ruled that he had decided to return an "unequivocal verdict of not guilty".
A written order declaring Suroor innocent is to be issued on June 24 along with a ruling on his application for his legal costs to be reimbursed.
Suroor's lawyer Paul Mason said: "The robust stand we took has paid off."The CPS is yet to officially comment on the case.
Suroor had been caught on camera as he was confronted by members of Unknown TV, organisers of the sting operation who alleged he was waiting for a 14-year-old girl.
A member of the anti-paedophile vigilante group had allegedly posed as a 14-year-old and allegedly solicited Suroor on social media.
Groups such as Unknown TV pose as minors on dating and social networking sites in an attempt to catch adult men who solicit sex with minors.
India today secured Mexico's backing in its bid to become member of the NSG as it aggressively scouted for support ahead of a crucial meeting of the 48-nation nuclear trading bloc in Vienna.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced his country's support to India's membership for the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a major focus on further deepening cooperation in a range of areas including trade and investment, information technology, energy and space.
"Mexico recognises India's bid to be part of the NSG. As a country, we are going to be positively and constructively supporting India's request in recognition of the commitment by Prime Minister Modi to the international agenda of disarmament and non proliferation of nuclear weapons," Nieto said at a joint media interaction with Modi.
On his part, the Prime Minister thanked the Mexican President for his country's support and called Mexico an important partner for India's energy security. He said both the countries have agreed to work and develop a "roadmap of concrete outcomes" to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership.
He added: "We both feel that our growing convergence on international issues allows us to join our capacities to strengthen international regimes of strategic importance. I thank President Pena Nieto for Mexico's positive and constructive support for India's membership of the NSG."
Modi on Monday visited Switzerland, another key member of the NSG, and the European country - known to have strong proliferation concerns - had announced its support to India's candidature at the bloc that looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology.
Membership of the grouping will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector. A meeting of the NSG later today in Vienna is scheduled to discuss India's membership application which will be followed by another meeting on June 24 in Seoul.
India has been reaching out to NSG member countries seeking support to its membership.
China has been opposing India's membership at the premier club, arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The US has been strongly supporting India and asked various NSG members to support New Delhi's bid.
The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday. The US and many other NSG member countries have supported India's inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record.
Earlier this week, India cleared all hurdles in getting membership of the the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a key anti-proliferation grouping, as no member country opposed its entry into it.
Membership of the group will help India access high-end missile technology. The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed India's case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
In their talks, Modi and Nieto deliberated extensively on expanding cooperation in trade and investment.
Complimenting the Mexican President for his reform initiatives, the Prime Minister said he was focusing on reforming India's economic and governance structures, adding that sharing of best practices can benefit both the countries.
"Mexico is an important partner for India's energy security. We are now looking to move beyond a buyer-seller relationship, and into a long-term partnership.
"Information technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, and automotive industries are among key growth areas of our commercial linkages. But, there is potential to expand our commercial and investment, and Science and Technology partnerships in new areas.
"In this regard, President and I agreed to find ways to deepen our cooperation in Space, and science and technology," said Modi.
He said both sides decided to prioritise "concrete projects" in areas of agricultural research, bio-technology, waste management, disaster warning and management, and solar energy.
"I would like to particularly thank President Pena Nieto for his support to the International Solar Alliance. It will transform the global canvas for solar technology, especially for developing and Small Island Developing countries," said the Prime Minister.
Modi also quoted renowned author Octavio Paz. He said: "Friends, In his book 'In Light of India', the great author Octavio Paz wrote, 'I can understand what it means to be Indian, because I am Mexican'. Of course, it is true the other way too! I believe we have succeeded today in strengthening this mutual understanding further. "It has been a wonderful visit," he added.
Later, both sides issued a joint statement which said the two leaders recognised the opportunities to define the path of the "India-Mexico Privileged Partnership for the 21st Century" to promote growth of bilateral ties and cooperation in global issues reflecting a broad convergence of long-term political, economic and strategic goals.
They also reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, said the joint statement.
It said they instructed the Foreign Ministers of both countries to develop a roadmap of the privileged partnership under the framework of the Seventh Mexico-India Joint Commission Meeting to be held in Mexico later this year.
Both sides welcomed with satisfaction the successful conclusion of the Climate Change Conference held in Paris in December 2015 and applauded the signing by both countries of the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, the joint statement said, adding they committed to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, as well as to develop new and renewable sources of energy to meet the developmental challenges of their respective countries.
"The two countries will update the bases of cooperation according to a convergent and comprehensive plan, will evaluate the progress made in diverse fields and will set new objectives and themes to strengthen the agenda of bilateral relations," the joint statement said.
Both sides also reaffirmed the importance to have an "effective multilateral system", with the United Nations at its core, and agreed on the importance of continuing to support the progress in the process of comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council.
It said the two leaders had a detailed exchange of views on the regional issues of mutual interest, including the political and economic developments in Latin America, the CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) and the Pacific Alliance, as well as the current situation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Modi and Nieto stressed the necessity of developing a greater connectivity between the two countries and encouraging cooperation in various sectors including infrastructure, pharmaceutical, energy, automobile, Information and Communication Technology, agriculture, and food processing among others.
It said the two sides agreed to explore ways and means to boost the objectives of the International Solar Alliance.
The two sides exchanged points of view and welcomed the opportunities offered by the convergence between the National Digital Strategy of Mexico and the Digital India Initiative, which share common objectives, said the joint statement.
It said they welcomed collaboration in space science, earth observation, climate and environmental studies, and the efficient use of space-related resources available in India as well as in Mexico for remote sensing, advance warning for disaster prevention and launch of satellites between the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
President Nieto cordially invited the Modi to Mexico again on a state visit in the near future.
Modi also invited Nieto to pay a state visit to India. "They agreed that suitable dates would be worked out through diplomatic channels," the joint statement said.
The Prime Minister arrived here earlier in the day from Washington on his last leg of the five-nation tour.
Mexico Prez drives Modi to restaurant
In a special gesture, Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto on Thursday drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a restaurant for dinner, a Mexican vegetarian fare, PTI reports from Mexico.
In a very special gesture, President @EPN personally drives @narendramodi to a restaurant for Mexican vegetarian fare, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a photo that showed the 49-year-old Nieto behind the wheel with Modi sitting beside him.
The two headed to a restaurant called Quintonil to bond over dinner.
The two leaders pledged to continue promoting the shared goals of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as solutions with multilateral perspective, as well as to continue promoting cooperation on international security issues.
The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid. India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on May 12.
A day after an explosion in a private bus in Haryana, police are questioning several persons to find out who was carrying the chemical powder which had triggered the blast.
A 6-member IB team from Delhi also reached Fatehabad district, where the incident had occurred, and collected samples.
We are investigating the matter and for this we have formed four teams. We have been questioning several local villagers and others in a bid to find out who could have been carrying the chemical powder whose samples have been sent to Forensic Sciences Laboratory at Madhuban. The sample report is awaited, Fatehabad SP O P Narwal said on Wednesday.
He said it was possible that someone was carrying the chemical powder for scaring away birds from agricultural fields by causing an explosion.
We are trying to reach to the person who was carrying this. We are yet to identify him, but we are hopeful to trace him soon. The injured and other passengers have not been able to say how the explosion occurred, he said.
He said that an IB team from Delhi reached the spot and took some samples for analysis. Narwal said that police had identified a few retailers who sell this chemical powder to farmers.
The explosion took place in a bus on Tuesday at around 11 am near Bhuna in Fatehabad, following which panicstricken passengers jumped out. A couple had sustained injuries in the incident.
The explosion came two weeks after a low-intensity blast had taken place in a state-run bus near Pipli in Kurukshetra, leaving 12 passengers injured. Narwal, however, stressed that yesterdays explosion bore no similarity to the earlier incident.
One thing is clear that yesterdays incident bore no similarity to the Pipli bus incident, he said.
Haryana witnessed three low-intensity blasts this year excluding the one yesterday, two of which occurred in trains in Panipat. The explosion in the bus on May 26 had occurred when the vehicle was on its way from Sonepat to Chandigarh.
On January 16, a bomb blast had taken place in a passenger train at Panipat railway station. The explosive material was planted in a compartment next to the engine but there was no casualty.
On May 13, an explosion had rocked an EMU train which had reached Panipat from Delhi and had been moved to the yard. Again, there was no casualty.
Keeping in view the series of incidents, Haryana government Tuesday decided to install CCTV cameras in all State Roadways buses.
Student organisations said they are willing to discuss the possibility of having common entrance tests for admission to undergraduate courses in Delhi University, after the BJP MP Vijay Goel mounted criticism on the varsity's cut-off based admission process.
DU has received over 2 lakh registration for more than 60,000 undergraduate seats since the online admission process was launched on June 1. Closing date of registration is June 19.
Good idea
The RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad told DH that having common entrance tests looks like a good idea, as the cut-off based admission process is a flawed way to screen applicants from various state and national boards.
Earlier on Tuesday, Goel sought reservation for Delhi students, saying the state boards cant be equated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), claiming that exam malpractices are rampant in some state boards. The Rajya Sabha MP even met DU Vice Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi to discuss the issue.
Weed out disparities
We agree that there is a need to weed out disparities. No student should be at a disadvantage due to the marking scheme. But there is a need to discuss the issue with all stakeholders, ABVP spokesperson Saket Bahuguna said. He added that some state boards are not generous in awarding marks to students.
This year, the university is conducting entrance tests for postgrad and MPhil courses at five centres outside Delhi.
It's the first foray for DU outside the Capital. According to the varsity authorities, over 1 lakh students applied to various postgraduate programmes in DU.
But Bahuguna said conducting a common entrance test for over 60,000 undergraduate seats in DU will be a way more daunting and mammoth task. Its a welcome step, but a lot of thought needs to be put into it, he added.
Chhatra Yuva Sanghrash Samiti (CYSS), the student wing of Aam Aadmi Party, said its also open to the idea of a common entrance test. The proposal should be discussed in the university, CYSS General Secretary Anmol Panwar said.
As for the postgrad courses, he said the varsity should conduct entrance exams at more centres outside Delhi next year. DU colleges are known for posting jaw-dropping cut-offs, sometimes ranging between 95-100 %.
Five men posing as Delhi Polices Crime Branch officials stopped a cashier near east Delhis Ghazipur mandi, asked him to show his bag, and then ran away snatching it.
The bag snatched by the fake cops had Rs 33.3 lakh cash in it, the police said. The incident happened around 3 pm on Wednesday near east Delhis Ghazipur fish market when Jaspal, 35, a cashier working with a fish merchant was going to his office in Chandni Chowk.
The victim had come to the fish market to collect payment from the fish traders. After collecting the money when he was returning back in an auto, five men sitting in a Swift Dzire car with a registration number of Haryana signaled the auto to stop. They asked the victim to come out from the three-wheeler, said a police officer.
Once out of the auto, the 5 men, all in plain clothes, introduced themselves as Delhi Police officials working with the Crime Branch. They asked him where he was going and what is in his bag.
When Jaspal told them that he is a cashier and going back to his office in Chandni Chowk, the men asked him to prove his credentials by showing them his bag. Jaspal refused to show his bag to them as he got suspicious, the police said.
When the victim refused to show his bag, the men started manhandling him in a bid to wrestle the bag away from his possession, said the police officer. The moment the victim lost the possession of his bag, the five immediately ran away from the place.
The police have registered a case and investigation has been ordered. The police are also questioning the victim to know more about the incident as well as authenticate his complaint. The auto driver in which the victim was travelling is also being questioned, the police said.
A man from Rajasthan who eloped with a woman and brought her to his cousins house in Delhi was killed by her parents.
The body of Vishal Tailor, 25, a resident of Gurera village in Rajasthans Sikar district, was found on the railway tracks near Ghaziabads Vijay Nagar on Saturday, the police said.
Ghaziabad police registered a zero FIR and handed over the body to the officials from west Delhis Uttam Nagar police station. Delhi Police have registered an FIR for abduction, murder and concealment of evidence and are trying to trace the accused.
According to the police, Tailor had eloped with a girl from his village and brought her to his cousin sisters house in west Delhis Rama Vihar on May 29. There, his uncle Suresh Kumar informed the womans father Mukesh Joshi that the couple was there.
The next day Joshi, along with his uncle and son, reached the house. They tried a lot to persuade the couple, and took the couple out saying that they wanted to talk to them in private, an officer said.
They then put the couple in a car and drove away, the police said. Suresh Kumar tried calling Joshi a number of times but he didnt take the call. On June 4, Joshi switched off his phone, and the next day Suresh Kumar reported the matter to the police.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Suresh received a call from Ghaziabads Crossing Chowki police booth, informing him that the Vishals body has been found. Suresh Kumar and his family members reached Ghaziabad and identified the body.
On their complaint, Ghaziabad police registered a zero FIR and then transferred the case to the Delhi Police. The police is planning to send a team to Rajasthan to track the accused. They are also taking the help of the Rajasthan Police in the case.
The Delhi Police are likely to seek full life term for five convicts for gang-raping a 52-year-old Danish woman at knifepoint near the New Delhi railway station two years ago, in a city court on Thursday.
Additional Sessions Judge Ramesh Kumar II, who on June 6 had convicted the five men, is scheduled to hear on Thursday the arguments on the quantum of sentence to be awarded to the convicts.
Under the new law, the offence of gang-rape entails a minimum jail term of 20 years and a maximum of imprisonment till remainder of natural life.
Special Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava said the crime was committed in a barbaric and inhuman manner and he would demand the maximum punishment for the convicts, that is imprisonment till the remainder of natural life.
The manner in which this act has been committed is barbaric and inhuman and, despite mercy plea by the woman, she was not let off for about five hours. She was beaten while committing rape and the weapon of offence was also used in commission of crime, he said.
Legal aid counsel Dinesh Sharma, who represented all the convicts, said he would seek leniency for his clients and file an appeal against the judgement before the Delhi High Court.
Charges
The court has convicted Mahender alias Ganja (27), Mohd Raja (23), Raju (24), Arjun (22) and Raju Chakka (23) for the offences under sections 376 (D) (gang-rape), 395 (dacoity), 366(kidnapping), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of IPC.
The sixth accused, 56-year-old Shyam Lal had died in February this year and proceedings against him were abated. Three other accused in the case are juveniles and inquiry against them is in progress before the Juvenile Justice Board.
According to the prosecution, the five men, all vagabonds, had robbed and gang-raped the Danish tourist at knifepoint on the night of January 14, 2014, after leading her to a secluded spot close to the Divisional Railway Officers Club near the railway station.
The victim had come here on January 1, 2014, and stayed for a couple of days before leaving for Agra. After visiting several places, she returned to Delhi on January 13, 2014, and stayed in a hotel in Paharganj near the station.
On the next day when she was returning to her hotel, she lost her way and had asked one of the accused for directions when the men waylaid and gang-raped her. During the trial, the accused had claimed innocence.
In a special gesture, Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto today drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a restaurant for dinner, a Mexican vegetarian fare.
"In a very special gesture, President @EPN personally drives @narendramodi to a restaurant for Mexican vegetarian fare," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a photo that showed the 49-year-old Nieto behind the wheel with Modi sitting beside him.
The two headed to a restaurant called 'Quintonil' to bond over vegetarian dinner."Bonding over bean tacos! President @EPN and PM @narendramodi share a meal," Swarup tweeted along with photos showing the two leaders chatting away while sitting at a table in the restaurant.
Earlier, Nieto also took to Twitter to welcome Modi, who flew in from Washington for a brief visit to Mexico.
"It's an honor to welcome you to our country, PM @narendramodi. I trust that your stay in @Mexico will be both productive and pleasant," he wrote.
After a media interaction together, Modi and Nieto signed copies of their joint photograph.
Upon his arrival in Mexico for the brief visit, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community.
"Memorable welcome for PM @narendramodi in Mexico City. The enthusiastic Indian community turns out in large numbers," Prime Minister's official twitter handle posted along with a video.
"I thank the Indian community in Mexico City for a very warm welcome," Modi said in another tweet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day visit to the US this week was "very, very rich and productive" as significant progress was made in wide range of areas from civil nuclear energy to defence and trade, America's top diplomat in New Delhi has said.
"This is a very very rich and productive visit," US Ambassador to India Richard Verma told PTI after the conclusion of Modi's visit, during which the Prime Minister held meetings with US President Barack Obama and addressed a joint sitting of the Congress.
"I think the takeaway was deepening and broadening of the relationship in so many ways. It was a real testament to our friendship," said Verma, who was present in most of the meetings Modi had with US government officials including with Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
"The Prime Minister said there is a new symphony ready to play," said the top US diplomat of Indian-origin, referring to Modi's speech to the Congress.
"Substantively we did so much as well, civil nuclear, defence, climate, energy, new consulates, people-to-people contacts, cyber, trade, across the board," the Ambassador said referring to various agreements reached during and in the run up to the Prime Minister's fourth trip to the US.
Verma said the two leaders spent several hours together at the White House on Tuesday.
"The mood was exceptionally positive. They had very good discussions on regional issues, economic issues, it's a whole range. They really had very important set of discussions. I think the mood was quite constructive," he said.
Observing that defence is the "big part" of India-US relationship, he added that "now we have moved well beyond just defence".
"We have so many other areas. Clean energy finance, education, increasing consular, travel, India's admission into global entry programme, for example. So we are putting into place all those pieces to really make the relationship as the Prime Minister and President said the defining relationship of the century," Verma said.
"I think, this relationship stands on itself," he said when asked about the apprehensions in the Chinese media on a strong India-US ties.
"The Prime Minister said it best that our two countries can have such a positive impact on peace, on prosperity and security. And that such a great result of this friendship is getting stronger," he said.
The President and Prime Minister, meeting seven times in less than two years, he said, is part of their effort "to make sure that we solidify the gains made".
"I think, they enjoy getting together. And they know that the issues that we confront together are serious and require their personal attention. So just to give you the example of the Paris Climate Agreement, which would not have happened without the President and the Prime Minister coming together.
"That's the model of global leadership that our two countries can play in the future. And so these meetings are helpful in that regard," he said.
China has expressed serious concern over India initiating an anti-dumping probe against Chinese steel products as it sought a 'fair' and 'transparent' investigation in line with WTO rules.
China is highly concerned by Indian trade remedy measures against Chinese steel products, the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday.
Excess steel production capacity is a global challenge. Countries should unite to face up to it, rather than abuse trade remedy measures, the Ministry said in a statement, adding that China and India should "properly handle trade frictions."
The ministry said it hoped the Indian government could conduct a fair and transparent investigation in line with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, and refrain from trade remedy measures.
India launched an anti-dumping investigation in April into hot-rolled steel coils imported from China.
It is the fourth such probe against China this year, state-run Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement.
The south-west monsoon today advanced to parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Rayalaseema region and is expected to cover other parts of the state in one or two days, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
"The monsoon, which hit Kerala yesterday, covered parts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh up to Anantapur in Rayalaseema," Y K Reddy, Director In-charge of IMD Hyderabad told PTI.
The remaining parts of Andhra Pradesh are expected to be covered in one-two days and entire Telangana is expected to be covered in four-five days, he said.
In its daily weather report for Andhra Pradesh, the IMD said rain occurred at many places over Rayalaseema and at a few places over coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Jammalamadugu and Punganur in Rayalaseema received 7 cm of rainfall, the report said.
In its daily weather report of Telangana, the IMD said rain occurred at a few places over the state. Madnur in Nizamabad district recorded 8 cm of rainfall, followed by Jukkal in Nizamabad with 7 cm of rainfall.
The passport of defence consultant Sanjay Bhandari, who was recently in news for allegedly holding a 'benami' property in London for Robert Vadra, has been impounded by Income Tax department in connection with its probe in a tax evasion case against him, officials said today.
Official sources said the travel document of Bhandari has been impounded by the investigating officer of the case under relevant sections of the Passport Act.
They said the action was taken by tax sleuths as they "apprehended" he may leave the country to impede investigation in the case.
The department has also summoned Bhandari for a fresh round of questioning in the wake of further leads in the case, they said.
Efforts to contact Bhandari on his phone did not fructify.
The department is also mulling booking him under the stringent anti-blackmoney law.
It has shared a "seizure memo record" with the Ministry of Defence made after searches against him in order to ascertain if they were of "sensitive" and "secret" nature, they said.
The IT department, which conducted searches on his premises in April, is also awaiting replies to some of its queries in this case from overseas locations and a case under the new law could only be made post success in this endeavour, they said.
The IT department has already approached British Virgin Islands (BVI), the UK, UAE, Switzerland and a few other countries in order to take its probe forward and obtain further details about the transactions and investments made by Bhandari and some companies he purportedly owned and operated.
The Enforcement Directorate has also served a notice on him seeking details of his bank accounts and assets.
They said probe in the tax evasion and assessment of income of Bhandari and a few others is on after the searches were conducted at multiple premises.
The tax sleuths claimed to have recovered certain emails that talk about renovation of a costly apartment in London in 2010 which was allegedly owned by Vadra, son-in-law of Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
Vadra's legal firm has denied that he owned the London property directly or indirectly. It also denied Vadra has any business ties with an arms dealer or his aide.
In a related development, Income Tax department has approached the Defence Ministry for certain documents pertaining to the Rs 2,800 crore deal for Pilatis trainer jets and some other deals in which Bhandari's companies were allegedly involved
A US-led push for India to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) made some headway on Thursday as several opponents appeared more willing to work towards a compromise, but China remained defiant.
The 48-nation NSG aims to prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons by restricting the sale of items that can be used to make weapons. The NSG was set up in response to Indias first nuclear test in 1974.
India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington, though India has developed atomic weapons and never signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact.
But China on Thursday maintained its position that the NPT is central to the NSG, diplomats said. A handful of other nations resisting Indias admission to the group, including South Africa, New Zealand and Turkey, softened their stance somewhat, opening the door to a process under which non-NPT states such as India might join, diplomats said.
Theres movement, including towards a process, but wed have to see what that process would look like, one diplomat said after talks on Thursday aimed at preparing for an annual NSG plenary meeting in Seoul later this month.
Opponents argue that granting India membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate Indias rival Pakistan, an ally of China, which has responded to Indias membership bid with one of its own.
Pakistan joining would be unacceptable to many, given its track record. The father of its nuclear programme ran an illicit network for years that sold secrets to North Korea and Iran.
New Zealand, Ireland, Turkey, South Africa and Austria also oppose bid
China not to back down till Pak made member
Decision not expected before June 20 NSG plenary in Seoul
BrahMos to Vietnam
India has stepped up efforts to sell the BrahMos missile to Vietnam and has at least 15 more markets in sight. Experts say the move reflects concerns in New Delhi about Chinas growing military assertiveness, reports Reuters.
Alaska looked magical. As it was the fall season, most trees in Fairbanks had turned a golden-russet colour and were snow-topped. We stayed in a cottage called Knoll House, 40 km from the Fairbanks city, perched on a small hill and surrounded by the forest, and had lovely views and walkways to ourselves.
Our first trip was a cruise ride to take a look at the life of an Alaskan tribe called Athabaskans. It was amazing to note how people adapt to harsh climatic conditions. During winters, when the whole countryside got inundated with snow, they used sled helmed with Alaskan huskies for transport, as without their help, people can easily get lost in the snow wilderness. Moose flesh and other meat was dried and stored for winter.
The next trip was to Chena Hot Springs. It was a 2-hour-drive from Fairbanks. Here hot water from very deep was brought up to form a pool. So we had the experience of sitting in a naturally warm pool.
As the Aurora Ice Museum was at the same venue, we went in wearing parkas to withstand the extreme temperatures inside. The sculptures took our breath away. There was a huge bar with all paraphernalia completely made of ice!
We also went for a dog sledding expedition, experiencing the ride on a sled pulled by a pack of Alaskan huskies, which obeyed the commands of the handler. Later, we spent some time petting the puppies and the handler told us a fascinating fact that psychology plays an important role in the mental makeup of dogs.
We spent a whole day at the University of Alaska, enjoying the fine arts complex, especially the native art. We bought mugs of hot chocolate and enjoyed sipping on them, sitting outside the building and looking at the hills tinted golden brown, stretching faraway.
Next on our itinerary was a trip to the Arctic Circle, travelling along the Dalton Highway. First we reached the Santa Claus House, North Pole, where Its Christmas everyday. This place is marked for Christmas fun. There is a 42-feet-tall Santa Claus statue, which is the tallest in the world.
As we drove across the mighty Yukon River, we saw a herd of caribou crossing. We saw the first signs of snow, got out of the vehicle and clicked several photographs on the snow. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline dominated the view along this highway.
At last, we reached the Arctic Circle. We took a long while clicking pictures standing, sitting and climbing on the board saying Arctic Circle.
Our driver/guide prepared some hotdogs for us, setting up a temporary table and some chairs, tut-tutting about our being vegetarians and teetotallers and missing out on the wines and non-vegetarian delicacies that Alaska offered. So we had those hotdogs, semi-warm tea from a flask sitting in darkness lit only by some torches.
As we travelled back from the Arctic Circle to the Fairbanks city, we could see the violet sky, lit by stars and the snow covered trees glinting silver in the moonlight. This is the image of Alaska that I will always carry in my mind.
(The author can be reached at sudharamnath2@rediffmail.com)
It is said that Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet and statesman of the Chu kingdom, drowned himself by attaching a heavy stone to his chest and jumping into the Miluo River in 278 BCE at the age of 61.
Locals, in vain, tried to save him; they even searched for his body in their boats. When that didnt work, they began throwing cooked rice into the river, hoping the fishes would eat the rice instead of his body.
A tradition that began a long time ago has now turned into one of Chinas favourite festivals the Dragon Boat Festival. A day of celebration, in honour of the locals who tried hard to save the poet, it showcases myriad colours and some delightful dishes.
The festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month according to the Chinese lunar calendar, is being celebrated with much enthusiasm at Vivanta by Taj M G Road at their Chinese restaurant, Memories of China till June 14.
Executive Chinese master chef, Lai Hin Tong William, along with the culinary team of Taj have come up with a menu specially for the event, with a showcase of a 100 dishes.
Keeping with tradition, they are serving Rice dumpling Zongzi with chicken and egg yolk. The sticky rice when combined with authentic Chinese flavours, becomes a dish worth trying.
Chef Lai Hin says, I have been cooking Chinese food for the last 43 years so I strive to get authentic flavours. There are many restaurants that serve local Chinese food but none of that is authentic. He adds that it is a lack of knowledge about the cuisine that makes Indians relish the fusion flavours.
Also, authentic Chinese food is served only at 5-star hotels, which isnt affordable to everyone. Because they insist on authenticity, Memories of China whips up some of the best dishes the cuisine has to offer, without losing the traditional essence.
Though the number of non-vegetarian dishes outnumber the vegetarian ones, its worth a visit. Pokchoy and water chestnut dumplings and Wok tossed lotus stem, water chestnut and honey bean are some light dishes to start with. One should also try their Crispy roast sesame chicken and Deep fry prawns with ginger spring onion and soy.
Sauteed lobster with egg white, Roast Peking duck, Fried lotus root, Alphonso tiramisu and Coffee bean chocolate coins are other dishes.
According to Chef Lai Hin, the Dragon Boat Festival, along with Tomb Sweeping Day, the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival and Moon Festival, are days when you can taste the best of Chinese cooking as they are celebrations.
Coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit, Qatar has signed an agreement with Indias Rs 40,000 crore National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) evincing interest in investing in the infrastructure sector.
With a view to attracting investments from Qatar under the umbrella of NIIF, the NIIF entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) on June 5, during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Doha, the finance ministry said. The objective of the MoU is to facilitate QIA, the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar to study investment opportunities in the infrastructure sector in India and develop a framework for exchange of information with regard to such investments opportunities, in order to enable both sides to decide on joint investments.
It will remain in effect for 12 months during which period, both parties will discuss and agree on the terms, principles, criteria for such investments. The NIIF shall share with QIA a pipeline of investment opportunities available in the infrastructure sector in India.
After decades of mistrust and fitful reconciliation efforts, India and the United States made a turn toward cooperation on Tuesday, and Donald Trump can claim at least some of the credit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making his second visit to the White House in two years, announced a crucial step toward ratification of the Paris agreement to limit greenhouse gases, bringing the accord close to full implementation.
The two sides also announced that they intended to complete a deal in which India will buy six nuclear reactors from Westinghouse by June 2017, fulfilling an agreement struck in 2005 by President George W Bush. The price is still under discussion, but more difficult issues like liability have been resolved.
We continue to discuss a wide range of areas where we can cooperate more effectively in order to promote jobs, promote investment, promote trade and promote greater opportunities for our people, particularly young people, in both of our countries, President Barack Obama said in the Oval Office during the meeting.
Modi responded with his own praise of the burgeoning partnership. When Obama visited India in January 2015, Modi referred to him as Barack and thanked him for his deep personal commitment to their friendship. In the Oval Office on Tuesday, Modi referred to the president as my friend Obama.
The United States is well aware of the talent that India has, Modi said in Hindi. We and the United States can work together to bring forward this talent, and use it for the benefit of mankind and use it for the benefit of innovations and use it to achieve new progress.
Modi has made clear that he intends to set aside decades of standoffishness rooted in Indias colonial experience to cement closer ties with Washington, in part because the next American leader may not share Obamas enthusiasm for India.
The news media in India has extensively chronicled comments by Trump that critics have said were racist, his America First views and his unorthodox campaign. While Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has said little about India, his vows to tighten immigration policies worry Indian officials. Modi wants to get as much as he can out of Obamas last months in office, said Ashley J Tellis, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
For the Americans, the most important part of Modis visit was his announced intention to formally join the Paris climate change agreement by the end of this year. So far, countries representing about 50% of global emissions have announced that they will submit legal paperwork to the United Nations documenting their compliance with the deal.
The pact will become binding when at least 55 countries representing 55% of global emissions formally join. The inclusion of India, the worlds third-largest emitter after China and the United States, would guarantee that the deal will go into effect before the next US president takes office.
Trump has vowed to cancel the Paris climate agreement if elected, something Obama is eager to prevent. Once the accord enters into legal force, no nation can legally withdraw for four years.
If the Paris agreement achieves ratification before Inauguration Day, it would be impossible for the Trump administration to renegotiate or even drop out during the first presidential term, said Robert N Stavins, the director of the environmental economics programme at Harvard.
Obama and Modi also announced a separate agreement to cut the use of hydrofluorocarbons, potent planet-warming chemicals produced by coolants in refrigerators and air-conditioners.
India and the US have been at odds on the details of such a deal, but the agreement announced on Tuesday means both governments now expect in October to sign on to an international accord to phase out the chemicals. Phasing out the chemicals could reduce by 25% the expected warming of the planet by the end of the century.
This is the most significant step the international community could take to reduce climate warming, Brian Deese, a senior adviser to Obama, said in a call with reporters.
The two sides also announced joint efforts for the United States to invest in Indias renewable energy development, including the creation of a $20 million finance initiative.
The last time Modi visited, in September 2014, he was invited to dinner but announced that he was observing a religious fast. So Obama had the awkward task of eating before a guest who sipped only water. This time, at a working lunch, Modi ate. On Wednesday, Modi became the fifth Indian prime minister to address both houses of Congress.
Military partnerships
The two countries finalised a deal that allows their forces to help each other with crucial supplies, and the United States formally recognised India as a major defence partner, which should allow India to buy some of the most sophisticated equipment in the US arsenal.
Indias increasing willingness to form military partnerships with the United States is, in part, a result of its deepening worries about China. Recent patrols by Chinese submarines in the Bay of Bengal have unnerved New Delhi, and a 2014 visit to India by the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, did nothing to soothe Indian sensibilities, as Chinese troops made an incursion into border territory that India claims as its own. Chinas refusal in the months since to resolve the territorial claims at the heart of the standoff has quietly infuriated Indian officials.
Another reason Washington and New Delhi have grown so close is the increasingly testy relationship between the United States and Pakistan, Indias longtime rival. Although Pakistan is formally an ally of the United States, US officials have made clear that India has displaced Pakistan in US interests and hearts.
We have much more to do with India today than has to do with Pakistan, Defence Secretary Ash Carter said in April. There is important business with respect to Pakistan, but we have much more, a whole global agenda with India, agenda that covers all kinds of issues.
International New York Times
The South Central India Union of Seventh Day Adventist Group (SDAG) has field a petition before the High Court for rescheduling the II PUC Economics and History supplementary exams for students of SDAG. The exams are scheduled for July 2 and 9 respectively.
The petitioners have said that the SDAG Christians observe Saturday as the day for 'Sabbath' throughout the year and are not expected to engage in any type of work on that day.
The practice is a command issued by religious law and it should be strictly observed and practised, they stated.
A representation was also given to the director of the Department of Pre-University Education not to conduct any exams on Saturdays as students from SDAG cannot attend it, but the representation went unheeded, they stated.
The petitioners contended that with the scheduling of the exams on two Saturdays, SDAG students will have no other option. This will be tantamount to violation of the freedom to profess, practise and propagate the religion as enshrined in Article 25(1) of the Constitution of India. The petitioner contended that the department, which is a state machinery, has to protect and preserve religious observations.
The timetable of the exams directly comes in the way of the communitys religious practice, the petitioner stated. Hearing the petition, Justice Aravind Kumar directed the state government to file objections and adjourned the next hearing to June 13.
DH News Service
The Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) request to appeal against the discharge of Lakshmi Aruna, wife of former minister G Janardhana Reddy, in the Associated Mining Company (AMC) case has been turned down by the Centre.
Sources said that almost eight months after a Special CBI court discharged Aruna and IAS officer M E Shivalingamurthy in the AMC case, the Directorate of Prosecution under the Ministry of Law and Justice has only cleared the appeal against Shivalingamurthy.
In 2012, the CBI filed the charge sheet against Reddy, Aruna, the then director of Mines and Geology Shivalingamurthy, the then deputy director of Mines and Geology S P Raju, Reddy's personal assistant Mehfooz Ali Khan, the then range forest officer Mahesh Patil and deputy conservator of forests S Muthaiah. The CBI court had discharged Aruna and Shivalingamurthy before the stage of hearing the charge.
The court held that though Aruna had signed on the documents pertaining to the businesses of AMC, the prosecution could not establish the guilty mind behind the act.
The CBI (Bengaluru) had sent a proposal to file an appeal against the discharge of the accused before the High Court. After much efforts, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has accorded permission to challenge discharge of Shivalingamurthy. CBI sources say that the Directorate of Prosecution had sent the report to the DoPT for a final decision.
It is learnt the Directorate of Prosecution has opined that there is lack of evidence to suggest criminal intent of Aruna in signing documents related to illegal activities of the company. She was one of the directors of AMC.
The CBI had stated that the illegal mining carried out by AMC had caused a loss of Rs 480 crore to the state exchequer. The charge sheet stated that Aruna and Reddy took over the AMC in July 2009 and with illegal mineral dispatch permits, the company carried out mining, transportation and export of iron ore. The CBI case was that the company had mined 6.28 lakh MT. Sources confirmed that soon an appeal will be filed challenging the discharge of Shivalingamurthy.
Deccan Mining case
Meanwhile, the CBI is awaiting clearance to challenge the dropping of charges against all the accused in Deccan Mining Syndicate Pvt Ltd (DMS) case. A CBI special court had dropped charges against all the accused in the Rs 1,232-crore iron ore mining case against DMS. The CBI had filed the charge sheet in 2013.
The other accused in the case were CEO of DMS Ritesh Milap Chand Jain, its Managing Director Rajendra Kumar Jain, the then Secretary, Commerce and Industries Shamim Banu, the then Principal Secretary M Vishwanathan, Deputy Director, Mines and Geology S K Raju and police inspector Ramakant Y Hullur.
DH News Service
If India has been left behind China in sourcing uranium from Africa, it is for the fact that it did not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Indias non-NPT status has not only been making it difficult for it to get a seat in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, but also stands in the way of New Delhi sourcing uranium from Namibia and other countries in Africa.
President Pranab Mukherjees visit to Namibia next week is likely to provide New Delhi yet another opportunity to nudge the government of the Southwest African nation to start exporting uranium to India. India and Namibia signed the Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy in August 2009. The agreement was intended to provide the framework for India to import uranium from Namibia.
But the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty or the Pelindaba Treaty restricted Namibia from going ahead for commercial implementation of the agreement and supplying uranium to India. The Pelindaba Treaty, which was adopted in 1996 and came into effect in July 2009, prohibits its signatories across Africa from entering into nuclear commerce with the countries that did not sign the NPT and do not allow full-scope safeguards by the International Atomic Energy Agency on their nuclear materials and facilities.
We have raised this issue with Namibia and we would again try and impress upon them that India is a very good market for the uranium, said Secretary (Economic Relations) at the MEA, Amar Sinha.
The CBI on Thursday formed a SIT headed by Additional Director Rakesh Asthana to probe important cases like VVIP chopper scam and a loan default case involving Vijay Mallya.
Asthana, a 1984 batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, had earlier headed the state Special Investigation Team (SIT) that probed the burning of Sabarmati Express train at Godhra in February 2002. He was also involved with the fodder scam probe.
The constitution of the SIT is aimed at speeding up the probe in controversial cases.The initial assignment for the SIT would be the probe into AgustaWestland chopper scam in which about Rs 360 crore bribe was paid to Indian politicians and bureaucrats, according to reports. Mallyas case is also on the priority list of the SIT.
Official sources said these were the two cases which would be taken up by the SIT first.
The chopper scam has returned to the limelight recently after an Italian court convicted former heads of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland on charges of corruption. The verdict has changed the understanding of the investigating agency regarding the Rs 3,600 deal. The Italian court has made it clear that bribes were paid to finalise the deal in its favour. The SIT will probe who are the beneficiaries of the kickbacks and ascertain the chain of fund flow. Responses to Letters Rogatory sent in this regard are awaited.
Mallyas case is also on the focus after the liquor baron left the country on March 2 using his diplomatic passport which he got as a Rajya Sabha member. His passport was withdrawn but Indias request for deportation was not accepted by Britain.
Efforts are on now by India to get him extradited. Mallya is facing investigations in connection with the default of Rs 9,431 crore loan he took from 17 banks in the country for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.
DH News Service
The constitution of the SIT is aimed at speeding up the probe in controversial cases
The initial assignment for the SIT would be the probe into AgustaWestland chopper scam in which about Rs 360 crore bribe was paid to politicians and bureaucrats, according to reports
Mallyas case is also on the priority list
Official sources said these were the two cases which would be taken up by the SIT first
Ara Deputy Mayor , Basant Singh, was shot at on Thursday when he was returning home after a morning stroll. Singh sustained bullet injuries, but he is said to be out of danger.
He was rushed to a local hospital which, in turn, referred him to Patna Medical College and Hospital. When I was returning from morning walk, two unidentified youths on motorcycle intercepted me and fired at me. Initially, I could not make out that I have been shot. Only when blood started oozing out and I felt the pain, I realised the youths have shot at me, said Singh.
The deputy mayor is also into transport business and the police feel the shootout could be fallout of business rivalry.
Five Independent MLAs, who were away in Maharashtra with Congress leaders, will arrive in Bengaluru on Friday morning.
Sources in the Congress said the Independents will vote for candidates of their choice in the Legislative Council elections scheduled on Friday. But the ruling party wants them to vote for its third candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls. The Congress needs the support of Independents to win the third Rajya Sabha seat.
The Congress had entrusted legislators S T Somashekar, Munirathna and Byrati Basavaraj, close aides of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with keeping the independents together. The Independents were kept away in Maharashtra, fearing horse-trading.
They reportedly visited many pilgrim centres, including Shirdi, in order to escape media glare, sources said. Meanwhile, AICC observers for the Legislative Council and Rajya Sabha elections, Digvijaya Singh and K V Thomas, arrived in Bengaluru on Thursday. They held a meeting with KPCC president G Parameshwara and took stock of preparations for the elections.
The party has fielded three candidates in the Rajya Sabha elections Jairam Ramesh, Oscar Fernandes and K C Ramamurthy.
R B Thimmapur, Rizwan Arshad, Allum Veerabhadrappa and Veena Achaiah are its candidates for the Council elections.
The party had directed all its MLAs to attend its legislature party meeting on Friday morning. Party president G Parameshwara is likely to issue a whip to all the members at the meeting, sources added.
Government chief whip P M Ashok has already issued a whip to all the MLAs.
Several people from Bishada village on Thursday moved court seeking registration of an FIR against Mohammed Akhlaq and his family, accused of cow slaughter. Last September, Akhlaq was lynched and his son Danish seriously wounded following rumours that the family cooked beef at home.
During a mahapanchayat last week, villagers slammed the government for refusing to lodge a case against Akhlaq and his family, and continued incarceration of several youths in the incident. Members of the Jat community from Bishada and adjoining villages had given the Uttar Pradesh government 20 days to prosecute Akhlaq and his family and warned of an agitation if their demands were not met.
The court petition comes days after a report from the Mathura forensic laboratory stated that the meat found in the victims house was that of a ''cow or its progeny''. An earlier report prepared by another lab in the state had concluded it was mutton.
The petition filed by the families of those in jail sought a directive from the court to the police to register a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act against Akhlaq's family. The district court in Noida will hear the case on Monday. Sources said the family would be given time to submit their reply.
The Dadri lynching incident had triggered nationwide outrage and the Akhilesh Yadav government had drawn flak even from international organisations.
DH News Service
The Karnataka Employers Association has submitted a memorandum to the Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Employees Provident Fund Organisation, V P Joy, on relocating the EPF Appellate Tribunal.
At present, it is located at the regional office of the EPF on the outskirts of Bengaluru and has been causing inconvenience to workers, a press release from the association said.
It has requested the commissioner to shift its location to the central location of Bhavishyanidhi Bhavan, No 13, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road in the city.
Even on the eve of the crucial elections to the Legislative Council scheduled for Friday, there were no signs of rebellion ebbing in the Janata Dal (S).
Heated words were exchanged between Magadi MLA H C Balakrishna and JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy at the legislature party meeting held in Vidhana Soudha on Thursday.
Balakrishna, who has not been seeing eye to eye with JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy, minced no words at the meeting to question the style of functioning of the leadership. He was the only MLA from the rebel camp to turn up at the meeting. Despite the party issuing a whip, MLAs B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, N Cheluvarayaswamy, Akhanda Srinivasa Murthy and Iqbal Ansari, who are branded as rebels, did not show up.
Balakrishna made no attempts to rein in his temper. Arguments between him and Kumaraswamy were so loud that they could be heard even in the corridors of the Vidhana Soudha. Media is not allowed to attend legislature party meetings.
Balakrishnas major contention was that the father-son duo have taken unilateral decisions while finalising candidates for the Rajya Sabha and Council polls. He was heard shouting, "When Vijay Mallya was selected as a Rajya Sabha candidate, our opinion was taken. But the decision to field Farook was taken unilaterally. Why is the party now pointing fingers at Zameer and me for not toeing the party line?
At one point it was decided that another meeting be held under the leadership of Balakrishna. Following this, both Kumaraswamy and Balakrishna were closeted in the antechamber. Later, Balakrishna, Sorab MLA Madhu Bangarappa along with two others legislators left to meet the rebel MLAs. The outcome was not known.
The meeting which was scheduled to begin at 4.30 pm, started only around 5.30 pm with hardly a dozen MLAs turning up. Finally, about 30 MLAs of the total 40 made it. Besides Farook, two candidates contesting the Council polls were also present.
MLAs Mallikarjun Khuba, N H Konaraddi, D C Thammanna, Bhima Nayak too were absent as they were busy with the elections from teachers and graduates constituencies.
The meeting decided that 30 first preference votes be alloted to partys first candidate for Council polls, K V Narayanswamy. But there was no decision till late in the night regarding the first preference votes to be allotted to the second candidate S M Venkatpathi.
The elections to the Legislative Council on Friday will boil down to a straight fight between the second candidates fielded by the BJP and the JD(S).
Given the votes with political parties, all the four candidates fielded by the Congress - Veena Achaiah, R B Thimmapur, Allum Veerabhadrappa, Rizwan Arshad - are comfortably placed. So are the first candidates of the BJP and the JD(S) V Somanna and K V Narayanaswamy respectively.
The Congress will be left with eight excess votes which will be shared equally among its four candidates, party sources said. The Congress is not taking any chances this time as it learnt a bitter lesson in 2012 polls when its official candidate Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi was defeated due to cross-voting though the party had issued a whip.
The fight now is between the second candidates of the BJP and JD(S), Lehar Singh and S M Venkatpathi respectively. A candidate needs a minimum of 29 votes to get elected. The ruling Congress has 123 MLAs, while the BJP and the JD(S) have 44 and 40 respectively.
The BJP is 14 votes short for its second candidates victory and the JD(S) by 18 votes. Talks between the BJP and the JD(S) for a pre-poll understanding had failed. According to sources in the BJP, the party has approached all the nine independent MLAs to support Singh and has got favourable responses. The sources said two MLAs from BSR-Congress - T H Suresh Babu and S Thippeswamy - and one KJP MLA Guru Patil Shirval have indicated that they will be voting for the BJPs second candidate, thus giving an edge to Singh.
Still, Singh will be short of two votes. The BJP has also sought the support of the five rebel legislators from the JD(S) led by Chamarajpet MLA B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan. The BJP is hoping that at least two of these rebel MLAs will cross-vote and back the BJP candidate. The JD(S) has not been as active as the BJP to ensure that its second candidate gets required number of votes, sources said.
BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa and Congress leader D K Shivakumar are said to have come to a tacit understanding. The deal is that the Congress will not interfere in the BJPs plan to secure votes for its second candidate in the Council polls. At the same time, BJP will not interfere in the Congress strategy to get votes for its second candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls scheduled for Saturday.
All the three parties have issued whips to their MLAs mentioning the candidate to whom they have to allot their first preference votes. The Congress and JD(S) have scheduled their legislature party meetings on Friday morning.
NOTA option
For the first time, None of the Above (NOTA) option will be available on ballot papers for Legislative Council elections on Friday. Returning Officer S Murthy told reporters in Bengaluru that ballot papers will also have photographs of the candidates. He said the entire polling process and the counting to be taken up later in the day, will be videographed.
The Centre will organise mass Yoga demonstrations at six locations including the Connaught Place here to mark International Day of Yoga on June 21, notwithstanding the main event will be held in Chandigarh this year.
Besides, at least 100 residential societies have also been marked for holding Yoga sessions here from 7 am to 8 am when Chandigarh will witness this years mega show of mass Yoga performance at Capitol Complex.
School students selected from across the country will demonstrate their Yoga skills during three-day National Yoga Olympiad organised by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The Olympiad will be held on the NCERT premises from June 18.
The Ministry of Ayush is expecting about 10,000 people for the Yoga events. The main event will be organised by the Central government in Chandigarh during which about 30,000 people are expected participate.
The Prime Minister recently confirmed that he will attend the International Yoga Day celebrations in Chandigarh. Mass Yoga demonstrations in the national capital will be held under the aegis of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation in collaboration with Sri Sri Ravishankars Art of Living Foundation, Ramdevs Patanjali Yoga Peeth and other NGOs.
Students of three schools who were denied permission to take up their SSLC examinations will be permitted to write the supplementary exams with a fresher tag.
In all, 47 students from across the state were denied admissions to take exams this year. These students would be permitted to take up the supplementary examinations and would be treated as ex school candidates (candidates having completed an academic year in the school and having the mandatory 75% attendance).
Director of Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) Yashoda Bopanna told Deccan Herald that these students would be given a fresher status.
While students of Swami Vivekananda School in Sarayipalya (Bengaluru) were denied hall tickets as their school did not have recognition, students from H K P school in Haveri did not get admission as the school had approached the Board in the last minute seeking recognition, she said.
The school officials came to us in the last minute seeking recognition. They came in the last week of March. It was not possible to complete the formalities in such short duration. Hence they could not be given permission, she added.
Students from Government Composite Junior College, Koppal did not qualify to take up the exam as they lacked required attendance. On investigation it was found that out of 27 students, one had the requisite attendance. This student would be permitted to write the exam, said Yashoda. The SSLC supplementary examinations are scheduled to take place between June 20 and June 27.
Amid the raging controversy, Deputy Chief Minister and Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said on Thursday that he would not prejudge the issue (Udta Punjab) before the film is out.
Badal said the government has not banned the film. Whether to or not to allow its release is an issue between the producers and the Central Board of Film Certification. The government has nothing to do with it, said Badal.
For all I know, the film in question may even be an attempt to correct the distorted picture of Punjab as drug haven painted by some opportunistic non-Punjabi persons, political parties and leaders. If so, we will welcome the film, said Badal.
He clarified that it was absurd to even suggest a governmental intervention at this stage.
Neither the chief minister nor me or anyone else at the political or administrative level in the government or the party has seen the film so far. So how can we take a call on whether or not the film would affect the peaceful atmosphere in the state through a vulgar and humiliating presentation of present day Punjab and Punjabis, Badal added.
Congs take
Punjab Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh said he will release an uncensored version of the movie in Majitha town in Amritsar district on June 17, the scheduled date of the release of the movie.
I have purposely chosen Majitha for the release of the movie, as not only has the town turned into Punjabs Mexico, but also for the reason that the name has become synonymous with chitta (the synthetic drug) that has destroyed and devastated an entire generation in Punjab, the state Congress chief said.
Capt Amarinder said he has written to the producers of the movie, Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor, urging them to provide the uncensored CDs. The opposition Congress is lending all support to the movie which is based on the spiralling menace of drugs in Punjab.
DH News Service
Starting June 12, Bengalureans can visit mango orchards in Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts for eight Sundays and pluck the fruits of their choice to take home. The trip will be free, so will be lunch. They will have to just pay for at least six kilos of mango.
The Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Limited has modelled the initiative after apple and cherry festivals in the west. The trip will be restricted to Bengalureans this year. People in other parts of Karnataka can look forward to similar trips in the next year, the corporations chairperson, Kamalakshi Rajanna, told Deccan Herald.
The first trip will be held on June 12. Thereafter, all Sundays, till the end of July, when the mango season ends, will have such trips.
Tourists will be taken to Chikkaballapur and Kolar orchards of the farmers who have 5-10 acres of land and are registered with the APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority). Tourists will be given free pick-up and drop facilities. Lunch made by locals and farmers will be served to them, the chairperson added. But only one person from a family can go on the trip. Their family members can also visit the orchards, but they should bear their travel and food expenses. This is not a family trip, Kamalakshi said. A kilogram of Alphonso mangoes will be sold at Rs 40. Other varieties will cost less.
DH News Service
First trip on July 12. Two buses of 80 people each will leave Cubbon Park, Bal Bhavan gate.
Registrations open on Friday and close at 3 pm, June 11.
People can register at www.ksmdmcl.org, giving their full name and contact details.
Identity proof must while boarding the bus.
Booking will be on first come first served basis.
For subsequent trips, priority for previous trip applicants.
A government-appointed expert committee, which went on a field inspection of Varthur lake on Thursday, experienced during the four-hour visit what local residents face every day: contaminated froth flying all around and into their faces.
The nine-member team had some unpleasant encounters. It surveyed two waste weirs and inlet points. It noticed construction debris dumped on one side of the lake and unsegregated waste lying on the other. Locals pointed to a portion of the lake that had been encroached upon. The committee instructed the Revenue Department to survey the area and submit a report.
The visit is part of the governments efforts to revive Bellandur and Varthur lakes, two of the dirtiest waterbodies in Bengaluru. Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, Mahendra Jain, is chairperson of the committee. The committee had inspected Bellandur lake on June 2. The team was unable to sail into Varthur lake in Army boats, as it had done in Bellandur. Poor communication between the Bangalore Development Authority (which is custodian of the lake and organised the field inspection) and the Army personnel led to dropping of the plan.
The committee has so far met twice and made two field visits. Jain said there was an immediate need to instal a large sewage treatment plant at Bellandur lake and a smaller one at Varthur lake. Our priority is Bellandur lake as water flows downstream from here to Varthur, he said.
On the request of locals, the team also visited Ammanikere in Kundlahalli, where waste is being illegally dumped. The committee found that a portion of the lake land was under litigation with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which needed to be examined.
Next course of action
The committee will meet next on June 16 and decide the next course of action on reviving the two lakes. It will submit the reports of its field visits to the government.
The Cabinet will have to approve the recommendations. Jain said people and nonprofits could send suggestions to the Urban Development Department by June 16.
T V Ramachandra, committee member and professor at Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc, said the committee discussed accepting a proposal to revive the lakes. He said civic officials had suggested diverting sewage downstream, but it was inappropriate as that would contaminate water downstream to villagers and onward to Tamil Nadu. The only solution is to treat the sewage, he said.
DH News Service
A merchant ship which developed a leak on its starboard and was in danger of sinking off the Goa coast was rescued by the Navy and Coast Guard on Thursday.
MV Infinity I from Panama carrying 1,750 tonnes of tar was being escorted to the Karwar port and was expected to arrive by late Thursday night.
The ship, which left Kandla port in Gujarat and was sailing towards Karwar, developed a leak around 7.30 pm on Wednesday from the Goa coast.
As water entered the ship and the ship crew failed to plug the leak, it was in danger of sinking.
The Navy, on an alert, despatched its ship INS Trikand along with a four-member team, including two officers, on a rescue mission. Using a high-efficiency pump, Naval personnel pumped out the water from the merchant ship.
Goa Coast Guards Amal and Shoor vessels, besides a tug boat, assisted in the rescue. Another vessel INS Kondal and a helicopter were kept in reserve to evacuate the endangered ships crew if the situation went awry The captain apart, 14 Indian crew members were on board the ship. The ship from Panama was saved from sinking and is being escorted to Karwar port, Karwar Coast Guard PRO M S Rajan told DH.
Union Minister Maneka Gandhi on Thursday hit out at the Environment Ministry for allowing state governments to kill animals.
Defending his ministry, Prakash Javadekar said, Such permissions are given on the request of the state governments to protect crops.
Inspector General (Wildlife) S K Khanduri has issued a statement that no permission was given to kill either deer, peacock or elephants.
The outburst, which is seen as an embarrassment to the Narendra Modi government, comes after 200 blue bulls (nilgai) were culled in Bihar in the last six days.
However, Maneka, who is Women and Child Development Minister, charged that the Centre permitted the killing of nilgai in Bihar, elephants in West Bengal, monkeys in Himachal Pradesh, peacocks in Goa and wild boars in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, despite the respective wildlife departments saying they do not wish to kill animals.
Maneka, who surprisingly did not criticise the states, described the mass shooting of the blue bulls as the "biggest-ever massacre" born out of lust for killing in the Environment Ministry. To defuse the controversy generated by Maneka, an animal rights activists, Khanduri pointed out that there are many complaints from MPs, peoples representatives, state governments and farmers about their crops being heavily damaged in certain parts of the country.
DH News Service
In consultation with the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (KRITFC) and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Manager announces that, due to unusually low numbers of Chinook Salmon in the Bethel Test Fishery, no additional subsistence fishing opportunities have been declared at this time. The Refuge Manager, in consultation with the KRITFC and ADF&G will continue to assess in-season information on a regular basis and will provide a subsistence fishing opportunity as soon as conditions warrant.
The current Bethel Test Fishery cumulative catch per unit effort for Chinook Salmon is 28, as compared to 196 on this date in 2016 and 144 in 2015. Harvest estimates from this years June 12, 12-hour subsistence fishing opportunity indicate that 2,360 Chinook Salmon were harvested out of approximately 5,500 total salmon. This is in contrast to the subsistence harvest estimate from this same date last year, when 4,500 Chinook Salmon were harvested out of approximately 5,300 total salmon.
We appreciate everyones sacrifice during this time of uncertainty regarding the strength of our Chinook Salmon run. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is dedicated to conserving subsistence species and providing opportunities for the rural subsistence users on the Yukon Delta. This appears to be a time when we need to take a very conservative approach to fisheries management so we can continue to sustain healthy Chinook Salmon runs and provide subsistence opportunities into the future.
Access up-to-date information on fishing opportunities by visiting the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page or www.fws.gov/refuge/yukon_delta/. Questions? call the Refuge at (907) 543-3151 or at (800) 621-5804.
For more information contact Ken Stahlnecker, Refuge Manager at (907) 543-3151.
This News Release is from the Department of Interior/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge in Bethel, AK.
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From the Salmon State
May 18, 2022 (Bethel, Alaska) Alaska Native community leaders are attending the NovaGold. (NYSE: NG) Annual General Meeting today to raise Indigenous rights concerns and call on NovaGold to withdraw from the proposed Donlin open pit gold mine, which threatens a major tributary of the Kuskokwim River.
In advance of the Barrick Gold AGM in early May, nine Tribes in the Kuskokwim region sent a letter calling on Barrick, NovaGolds equal partner, to withdraw financial support from the project and also sent the letter to NovaGold prior to their annual meeting today.
The Donlin Project poses too much risk to our lands and our food security, which we have an obligation to protect for future generations, said Beverly Hoffman, Orutsararmiut Tribal Citizen and esteemed Elder. We are asking NovaGold: What will it take to walk away from Donlin?
Opposition to the controversial open pit cyanide leach gold mine has dramatically increased in recent years, including formal opposition by the Association of Village Council Presidents, which represents 56 Tribal Governments in the Kuskokwim region, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and the National Congress of American Indians.
Indigenous communities in the Kuskokwim region are some of the few remaining who subsist. for a living a lifestyle that would be directly harmed by mining gold from Donlin, said Sophie Swope, Orutsararmiut Tribal Citizen and young woman who would like to know it is safe to feed her children-to-be treasured traditional foods. I want NovaGold to know that there is a lot of local opposition to this project.
As proposed, the massive industrial operation would destroy thousands of acres of wetlands and streams, create billions of tons of waste, increase mercury levels in neighboring waters, destroy salmon and salmon habitat, create a massive pit lake containing arsenic, mercury, and selenium that requires treatment in perpetuity, and which could lead to harm to salmon and salmon habitat if everything does not go as predicted.
Tribes have appealed two state permits to the Alaska Superior Court the water certification permit and the right of way permit for the 300-mile natural gas pipeline.
The full list of Tribes signed onto the letter include: Orutsararmiut Native Council, Native Village of Eek, Kasigluk Traditional Council, Chuloonawick Native Village, Kongiganak Traditional Council, Native Village of Tununak, Chevak Traditional Council, Native Village of Napakiak and Kotlik Traditional Council.
On May 3rd, Alaska Native community leaders also attended the Barrick Gold (NYSE: GOLD) Annual General Meeting to raise indigenous rights concerns and call on Barrick to withdraw from the proposed Donlin open pit gold mine, which threatens the headwaters of the Kuskokwim River. In advance of the AGM, nine Tribes in the Kuskokwim region sent a letter calling on Barrick to withdraw financial support from the project.
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Thank you for finding our loved ones
To the Search & Rescue Volunteers of Alakanuk, Emmonak, Kotlik, and Mountain Village
Thank you so much for volunteering your time and resources to help search for our daughters, Patience and Haley, last month. Your willingness to help on short notice is much appreciated and helped contribute to their safe return and a positive outcome. We could not have found them without you. Special thanks goes to Jason Fancyboy and Jeff Unok of Kotlik who found them, fed them, made sure they were warm, and delivered them home safely. God bless all of you that helped with their safe return! Thank you so much, the Alstrom and Moses families.
Audrey Alstrom
Anchorage, AK
A GREAT BIG Bethel THANK YOU!
The 2017 Bras n Bros fundraiser event sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary Post 10041 at the end of January was a success due to the involvement of several state, city and local agencies and businesses PLUS the selfless contributions of time from many individuals.
THANK YOU to the Robert V. Lindsey VFW Post 10041, YKHC and YKHC Injury Prevention, Lynden Air Frieght, Bethel Police Department, Bethel Fire Department, Immaculate Conception Church, the Magic Man, Mike Calvetti, Gold Rush Liquor and Swansons Store.
With everyones support, the VFW Auxiliary raised over $8,000.00 for scholarships, funeral and medical assistance, Americanism, Veterans recognition and Veterans family support.
LaTesia M. Guinn
VFW Auxiliary Bras n Bros Chairperson
Post 10041, Bethel AK
Lets stand as one, not as divided tribes
It has been a while since I last wrote. To my displeasure of some leaders of this region, I dont need to name names as you know who you are. There are a select few of us without getting compensated are trying our best to help this region.
I personally have spent countless hours of phone conversations with some respected and tireless elders and real leaders that affect our economically depressed region. I applaud those that had the courage to attend last weeks first YK Delta Intertribal Conference. Alcohol was the main topic first day and many of the attendees were affected by this very hard topic.
From my perspective it was a good turnout.
Many spoke out mostly because there already have been many preventable and premature deaths. Young and old have died from alcohol since the liquor store opened. I would like for the City of Bethel to reconsider their position with the two that are open now. The AC and BNCs licenses to operate. Needless to say the BNCs store has not been operating after the leaders of that corporation advocated publically that it is time. Time for the younger generation to learn how to drink moderation and what not.
One old man from Bethel testified when the Wild Goose was open back in the late 70s which was heartbreaking. As for the AC liquor store, what has it brought to our delta? Are they going to send food, attention, comfort, and especially LOVE to those children that are being neglected? The money that AC liquor store earns is only benefitting a Canadian company. I can only imagine if they earned 2.7 million last quarter to date this delta contributed over 5 million dollars by now.
It is time that we stand as one not as divided tribes. These organizations that you tribes erected have their own agendas. We tried and cried wolf but never got heard but turned the other way. With that being said I hope you tribes can come together. We can all agree to disagree as united tribes and great people of this Yupik, Cupik, Cupig, and Athabaskans of this great region.
Steven M Alexie
Napaskiak, AK
You, Womens History, and the Power of Social Security
March is Womens History Month a time to focus not just on the past, but also on the challenges women continue to face. Nearly 60 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women, and in the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nations history. Knowing this, you can be the author of your own rich and independent history, with a little preparation.
Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for over 80 years. With longer life expectancies than men, women tend to live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income. With the national average life expectancy for women in the United States rising, many women will have decades to enjoy retirement. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a female born today can expect to live more than 80 years. As a result, experts generally agree that if women want to ensure that their retirement years are comfortable, they need to plan early and wisely.
You can start with a visit to Social Securitys Retirement Estimator. It gives you a personalized estimate of your retirement benefits. Plug in different retirement ages and projected earnings to get an idea of how such things might change your future benefit amounts. You can use this valuable tool at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
You should also visit Social Securitys financial planning website at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners. It provides detailed information about how marriage, widowhood, divorce, self-employment, government service, and other life or career events can affect your Social Security.
Your benefit is determined based on your earnings. You can create your personal my Social Security account to verify that your earnings are correct. Your account also can provide estimates of future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.
If you want more information about how Social Security supports women through lifes journey, Social Security has a booklet that you may find useful. It is Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know. You can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10127.html.
Robin Schmidt
Social Security Administration
Alaska Public Affairs Specialist
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by Grant Fairbanks
I havent been sleeping well since I attended the state Department of Environmental Conservations meeting here in Bethel on Jan. 23rd. concerning Donlin Golds pollutant discharge permit and their Waste management permit.
After reading the 17 page document and then researching what it would allow to be released into Crooked Creek and then the Kuskokwim I became very angry, worried and just plain upset with the documents.
The state of Alaska and the Federal EPA will allow Donlin Gold to dump treated mine water into Crooked Creek of a lesser quality than the water that is present today. Once the mine starts it is possible that during low water periods in winter the only water in the creek could be treated mine outfall waters. There are no studies that show if the resident fish in Crooked Creek can survive in this treated but polluted waters.
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation on one hand is tasked with protecting our water supplies but they are also mandated to accommodate important economic developments. This is based on the economic benefits of the mine to regional corporation shareholders and mine employees but this does not take into effect the significant environmental risks and disruptions that mining of this type will impose on residents of the Kuskokwim and their subsistence way of life.
The draft environmental impact statement for this mine discloses that mercury deposition to nearby watersheds could increase by about 42 percent. Temperature changes resulting from mining could affect the fish and other life in the Crooked Creek watershed during the summers and impact spawning and incubation of the resident fish.
Very few people know that the water treatment for the mine will be needed in perpetuity, meaning for hundreds and thousands of years. If this treatment fails then the landowners will be responsible for the clean up.
Im very worried about the mercury contamination of the watershed and the tundra close to the mine. The EPA guidelines will allow Donlin Gold to release more than 3200 pounds of mercury into the atmosphere every year. This is 40 times more than all industries in Alaska per year. The fugitive dust from the mine will surround the countryside and go as far as Crooked Creek. The mercury loading of this area will be a big problem in the future because this area is one of the largest subsistence fisheries in Alaska. Mercury concentrations in fish tissue in this area is already at a high level and this mine will knock us out of the ballpark.
Recently there circulated a petition to the Department of Fish and Game to tighten the rules for salmon habitat and 32,127 Alaskans signed the petition asking the Dept. of Fish and Game to better protect salmon. In Juneau a similar bill was written, HB 199, to protect Salmon habitat from activities that would cause harm to salmon. If a project will significantly impact salmon habitat then it would be put through a vetting process by ADFG to make sure salmon will be protected.
Sure this will cost the mining companies more money but it will make sure there are salmon for our grandchildren. The lower 48 has lost almost all of their salmon stocks and Alaska is the last stronghold.
Donlin Gold talks a good PR story but past history shows that they havent been able to run a clean gold mine. Donlin Golds partner, NovaGolds only mine was located outside of Nome at Rock Creek and the mine closed shortly after startup due to water quality issues. Barrick the other Donlin Partner in 2013 made national news when their Pascua-Lama mine on the border of Chile and Argentina was closed by the courts due to 33 charges and issued a total closure sanction for 5 breaches concerning impacts to flora and fauna, incomplete monitoring and discharge of acidic waters into a river.
You think we should trust these guys with our fish, berries, air and water? Our state and federal regulations are so full of loopholes that the chances of this mine not harming our land is zero to none.
There are a few states that have outlawed mines that have water treatment in perpetuity. In fact the state of Alaska has never licensed a mine of this type. In fact there is the new saying, pathway to walk-away, meaning that if a mine cant close down its water treatment plant after 10 years past closure then it shouldnt be permitted.
Are we so stupid to believe the state and the mine will have money to operate a water treatment plant 33 years from now? Are we so gullible to believe that Donlin will be forced to have financial responsibilities after they close the mine? What happens in 2083 when the mine leaks into Crooked Creek during the coldest winter on record and there is no one on site with massive amounts of equipment to clean up a disaster? What happens to the water treatment plant in 2062 when the pumps break and the weather is so bad that planes cant fly for a week? There should not be what ifs.
This is why I cant sleep. Ive read almost all the technical papers and mine plans and there are too many unanswered questions. Donlin should not be issued permits while there are so many questions of importance. Their designs of many aspects of the mine havent been tested in real life. Their water treatment plant outflow water hasnt been tested on our fish. Their mercury recovery systems have not been tested as to their proposed percentages. Their past history makes me very worried. The current federal EPA leadership is developmental and not an environmental protection agency. Our own state political arena only cares for the projects and not the future of the health of the environment. We have a perfect storm here.
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The Alaska Federation of Natives, the states largest statewide Native organization, chose for its 2022 Convention keynote speaker Representative Mary Sattler Peltola. After winning the special election and becoming the first Alaska Native and the first woman as the U.S. House of Representative for Alaska, the AFN board and leadership invited Representative Peltola to help honor the diversity and resilience of our Alaska Native communities past, present, and future.
History was made this fall with Representative Peltolas victory, said Julie Kitka, AFN President. We wanted to continue celebrating her win as its a win for all of Alaska. With this representation come equity for our people and for our communities. Representative Peltola has stated that her purpose of being a Representative for all of Alaska continues the legacy of the late Congressman Don Young.
This years convention theme is Celebrating Our Unity. Since time immemorial, our way of life has centered around community, respect, and strength. We value the sum of all parts, over the individual contribution. We are stronger as one, and we are better for it. While there is always more work to be done, we are deeply proud of the way our people come together. This years annual convention will take place October 20 22, 2022 at the Denaina Center in Anchorage, Alaska.
With this years theme and with Representative Peltola as our keynote, AFN honors the unity among all of our Alaskan communities, families, and organizations working together, said Kitka. Together we can take on the challenges of today and those that lay ahead.
The annual AFN convention is the largest representative yearly gathering in the United States of any Native peoples. Policy guidelines and advocacy statements are set by the dozens of resolutions passed by voting delegates at the convention. Each year the AFN Convention, evening cultural performances, arts showcase, and exhibit fair draws over 5,000 attendees. The proceedings are broadcast live statewide via television and radio and webcast to 70 countries worldwide.
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Daniel Radcliffe Is Not Sure About Watching Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Play
A new drug for type 2 diabetes could be developed using an ingredient from a cyanide antidote.
A lean gene was found to reverse the condition in mice and now scientists are looking to reproduce the findings in humans.
A protein named TST was identified because it detoxifies harmful waste products accumulating inside fat cells from unhealthy eating.
The breakthrough was made by researchers at Edinburgh University and could pave the way for a low-cost medicine to treat type 2 diabetes.
Mice bred with high levels of TST did not become obese or develop type 2 diabetes despite being fed high-calorie foods.
The overweight mice with type 2 diabetes were then given a TST-activating drug called Thiosulphate used to treat cyanide poisoning, with the results showing it led to better diabetes control among the animals.
Professor Nik Morto, lead researcher on the study, said: Gaining this unique insight into the genes of healthy leanness could lead to a completely new approach to treating diabetes associated with obesity.
Its a proof of concept. Its a starting point to develop drugs that target this protein. Thiosulphate is cheap but developing new drugs can be costly and take up to 15 years. There is no quick fix.
The research was published in Nature Medicine and was funded by the Wellcome Trust as well as Slovenian Research Agency.
Along with the pending Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, this is another setback for Googles plans in India
Googles plans and subsequent proposal to cover Indian cities, tourist spots and places of cultural and natural significance on Google Street View has been rejected by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India. The Ministry has cited security concerns to reject the 360-degree street level panoramic imagery tools implementation with respect to places in India.
In general, Indian security agencies have been careful and wary of such image-based mapping information being available freely online, as according to reports, terror attacks in India in the past have heavily relied on image based reconnaissance to be carried out successfully. Regarding this specific proposal, official sources reveal that after a detailed security analysis, it was rejected because of the conclusion that it compromises Indias security, especially at places of such high interest.
The Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016, which is still under debate, might bring about changes to this space and help resolve this rejection, according to Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju.
Google Street View has been quite widely implemented in the United States, Canada and a number of European and Asian countries as well. In India, Google did have experimental launches in a number of places of tourist significance like the Taj Mahal in Agra, The Gateway of India in Mumbai, Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, Red Fort and Qutub Minar in Delhi, Mysore Palace in Mysore and several other landmarks across the country. It also already covers several university and office campuses across the country, who have participated in partnership with Google.
The Google Street View service has been in extensive use online and works in tandem with other Google mapping tools such as Google Maps and Google Earth. If added, the places that support Google Street View will show up as blue spots or blue paths on the map once the street view toggle is pressed, and once it is enabled, the user can navigate normally in the first person. The information is usually obtained by putting a camera on top of a car, but Google also uses various other alternatives based on special requirements, like trekkers, bicycles, boats, snowmobiles, underwater equipment and even camels!
In the past, Google has faced some problems with regulations in specific countries and has a history of finding out solutions that can work with the government as well as its own plans. It is yet to be seen how Google deals with this setback. Stay tuned to our website for further updates regarding this.
The OTA update should reach all ZenFone Max units within the week.
Asus has announced the rollout of the Android Marshmallow v6.0 to its ZenFone Max ZC550KL smartphone, the older variant that was launched last year. The announcement was made on the company's official forums, and should reach all units within a week via an OTA update. However, users can also manually check for the update by going to Settings > About > System Update.
The new software number for the update is 13.8.26.31, and brings with itself the usual suite of Android Marshmallow features such as Google Now on Tap, Doze, improved app permissions and more. In addition to this, Asus Email, Asus Calendar, and Asus Messaging will no longer be preloaded on the device, and the company recommends Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Messenger to be used for the same purpose instead. Further, Asus has warned that Android Marshmallow will not support App2SD, and advises users to move apps to the internal storage before upgrading.
It should also be noted that the update is only valid for the original Asus ZenFone Max that was launched in India back in January. The upgraded variants of the device, which were launched recently, are already running on Android Marshmallow. Asus had started rolling out the Marshmallow update to select devices earlier this year, mentioning that other smartphones will receive the update from April onwards.
Motorola's Moto Z comes with three Moto Mods, which add extra battery, projector-like capabilities and additional audio support.
The rumoured Moto Z smartphone is official now. Taking the flagship position over the Moto X series, the new device comes with the Moto Mods concept. The company has announced three Moto Mods to start with, here at the Lenovo Tech World, in San Francisco. These include an extra battery pack, which adds to the phone's 4050 mAh battery, the Moto Insta-Share Projector mod that Lenovo claims can project up to 70 inches, and a JBL SoundBoost mod, which gives the Moto Z Dolby Atmos audio capabilities, claims Motorola. The Moto Z will be available worldwide, from September this year, and it is unclear when it is headed to India. It is worth noting that the Moto Z hasn't officially replaced the X series, and there may still be more Moto X smartphones. Motorola also announced the Moto Z Force smartphone, which comes with the shatterproof display technology, which we saw on the Moto X Force earlier. (Watch the live hands on of both the phones, below)
Further, the new Moto Z is powered by a Snapdragon 820 SoC, along with 4GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB storage options. The device comes with a 13MP rear camera, and 5MP front camera, and a 5.5 inch QHD display. Interestingly, Motorola has also done away with the 3.5 mm headphone jack, opting instead for USB audio, through the Type C port.
Motorola will also be offering customisable back covers for the Moto Z, for those who aren't interested in the Moto Mods. The Moto Z, however, has a unibody metal design, which is identical to what we've seen through various leaks till now.
In essence, Motorola seems to have taken what LG had in mind with its LG G5, and made it simpler. The new Moto Mods are essentially modules, that fit as back covers, which fit on the Moto Z, using proprietary magnetic connectors, developed by Lenovo. This, according to the company, makes it snap on, providing a more seamless experience. It is worth noting, that unlike the modules for the LG G5, the Moto Z's Moto Mods are hot-swappable, meaning you can simply pull out one module and attach the other, without having to turn off your phone.
In addition, Lenovo also seems to be much more serious about its Moto Mods, than LG with its modules. The Chinese company has announced a developer initiative for third parties to make more such mods, and says that other mods are already being developed. According to Lenovo, this is a first of its kind hardware developer program, in the world.
Moto Z with the JBL SoundBoost Mod attached to it
Lenovo also announced a $1 million funding program for Moto Mod makers. "Need a little help with your Moto Mods idea? Weve got you covered: The Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group (LCIG) will be setting aside seed equity funding to spur innovation on the Moto Mods platform. In addition, the LCIG has set aside $1,000,000 in equity funding for the individual or company that creates the best Moto Mods prototype by March 31, 2017," the company wrote in a blog post.
The Moto Z has both Moto Mod attachments and the regular Style Cases.
We are on the show floor, at the Lenovo Tech World, in San Francisco right now, and will be bringing you all the updates from here. Stay tuned for more on the Moto Z and Lenovo's new Project Tango-based smartphone.
Flip phones were a rage back in the day when Moto Razr was a thing. Can they hit the trend again?
With Android coming into existence, phones with keypads started to fade and today almost all phones aport the flat candy bar design. However, Samsung is still making flip phones for selected regions. New leaked details suggest that the Korean electronic giant is testing a new Android based flip phone in its India facility. The said device is listed as a SM-G160 in a leaked shipment listing. The last flip phone from Samsung had the model number SM-G150, by the name Samsung Galaxy Folder.
The Samsung Galaxy Folder, which was launched last year is only available in Japan and some other south Asian countries. The original Galaxy Folder had a 3.8-inch TFT display with a 400 x 800p resolution. It features a Quad-core SoC and 1.5GB of RAM, along with 8GB of storage. There was an 8MP camera at the back and a 2MP camera at the front. The device ran on Android 5.1 Lollipop. The device had a good design as far as flip phones are concerned. All that said, the phone never made it to other countries, owing to low popularity of such a form factor. The last Android flip phone from Samsung was launched in India back in 2013.
However, when Motorola recently teased us with a Moto Razr video, we were all looking forward to see a new flip phone, but sadly Moto isn't making one. The thing is, the clamshell form factor is a bit restrictive in terms of space, compared to the regular candy bar form factor. Hence, we might not be able to get the best of hardware in a flip phone. So, the question stands, do we really need a flip phone in this day and age?
Antofagasta shares dropped on Thursday as Canaccord Genuity downgraded the stock to hold from buy and lowered its target price to 475p from 550p.
Canaccord said changes to the Chilean tax regime through 2018 may pressure Antofagastas net margin and dividend.
The company has a stated payout ratio of 35% now, but on our forecasts of a lower net margin going forward we think only a 2% dividend yield is likely through 2018, according to Canaccord analysts Tim Huff and Nick Hatch.
We do not see the potential for Antofagasta to return to a +3% dividend yield until after 2018.
The analysts said while they see potential for operational progress in the coming three years at Antofagasta, tax pressures will weigh.
They said signs of a greater cost focus at the half year stage would be positive for the stock under Ivan Arriagada, who was appointed chief executive in April.
While the stated strategy remains unchanged at Antofagasta, we see potential for Ivan to take on a greater cost focus in the coming 2-3 years.
While the past four years have been focused on portfolio repositioning and necessary (but unpopular) capex spend in a downturn, Antofagasta could now be well positioned to deliver moderate volume growth and cost consolidation.
Shares plunged 6.20% to 423.70p at 1026 BST.
Fevertree Drinks: Berenberg upgrades to buy with a target price of 810p.
AO World: JP Morgan keeps at neutral with a 200p target.
WH Smith: JP Morgan stays at overweight with a target price of 1850p.
Lancashire Holdings: UBS keeps at neutral with a target of 610p.
Admiral Group: Berenberg upgrades to hold with a target price of 1657p.
IHG: Credit Suisse stays at outperform with a 3000p target.
Workspace Group: JP Morgan reiterates overweight with a target of 1100p and Deutsche Bank stays at buy with a 1150p target.
Antofagasta: Canaccord downgrades to hold with a 475p target.
Whitbread: Credit Suisse keeps at outperform with a target price of 4900p.
Sainsbury: Deutsche Bank reiterates buy, 310p target.
Astrazeneca: Berenberg stays at buy with a 4950p target.
A French court has fined Uber and two of its executives for running an illegal transport service with non-professional drivers, on Thursday.
Uber POP connected anyone with a car and drivers license to offer a taxi service as opposed to registering with the authorities.
Uber was fined 850,000, half will be suspended. Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, director for Europe, Middle East and Africa was fined 30,000 and Thibaud Simphal, head of Uber in France was fined 20,000.
They were found guilty of deceptive commercial practices and accomplices in operating an illegal transport service.
Although Uber has been caught up in many legal disagreements it was the first time executives form the worlds most valuable venture-capital backed start-up had gone on trial.
Uber operates in 60 countries, but last week Uber POP was banned in Germany after an appeal. It is illegal in Italy and Span, and is awaiting appeals in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The company said they banned Uber Pop last summer and that they are disappointed by the decision and will appeal.
They also said that the European Commission published guidelines which support services like Uber.
The European Commission said EU countries should only ban business from the sharing economy like Uber, Airbnb and BlaBlaCar as a last resort.
One of Britains leading businessmen has told his 6,000 employees in the UK that there is very little to fear from leaving the European Union and he is confident that the country can stand on its own two feet. In the first such letter from a Brexit supporter to his workforce, Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, set out the case for leaving the bloc, saying that it was of diminishing economic importance. The Times
Margaret Thatcher's defence secretary during the Falklands War has suspended his membership of the Conservative Party because of David Camerons tirade of fear during the EU referendum campaign. Sir John Nott, who served in the Government between 1979 and 1983, has warned that Mr Cameron and George Osborne have poisoned the debate with their frenetic warnings about the consequences of a Brexit. - The Telegraph
Amazon is stepping up its battle against British supermarkets with the launch of fresh food deliveries on Thursday. The online specialists Amazon Fresh service will offer more than 130,000 groceries to homes in north and east London, including thousands of fresh produce, dairy and bakery items that the company has not previously sold in the UK. The Guardian
House prices are heading for a short-term dip amid uncertainty over the EU referendum outcome, according to surveyors. For the first time since 2012, more surveyors expect prices to fall in the next three months than those predicting an increase, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) said. The Mirror
Twenty million Vodafone's customers in the UK are being urged to look closely at their bills following a huge rise reported problems. Thousands of new complaints have been received and it is suspected there has been a massive problem with IT systems at the telecoms giant. The major gripe has been with billing errors after a new system was introduced at the end of last year. - The Daily Mail
Tesco Mobile is offering customers a discount on their bills if they are willing to view an advertisement on their phones, as the company looks to find new ways to help marketers avoid ad-blocking software. Financial Times
Miners and homebuilders weighed on the main UK equity benchmarks the most, against a backdrop of sovereign bond yields slipping to record lows and some market commentary flagging the risk of sharp drops in equity markets.
The yield on the benchmark 10-year Gilt closed one basis point lower at 1.24%, having hit 1.22% earlier in the day, its lowest level since at least 1989, according to Bloomberg data.
Similarly-dated German and Swiss debt were also to be seen at record lows on Thursday.
To take note of, billionaire investor George Soros had recently taken a more 'active' role at his family office after growing increasingly concerned regarding the outlook for the world's economy and the risk of large near-term market risks, according to Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal.
His strategy apparently included buying gold and shares of gold miners.
Investors were also thought to be increasingly wary ahead of the upcoming US Fed policy meeting on 15 June, followed by close behind by the EU referendum.
Indeed, gold futures were one of the few bright spots in the market, together with stock in Randgold Resources and Fresnillo, with all of them defying a bounce in the US dollar from one-month lows.
As of 21:15 BST, front month COMEX-traded gold futures were up by 0.74% to $1,271.70/oz. In parallel, the US dollar spot index was advancing 0.40% to 93.97.
That same dollar strength also appeared to be the main factor behind weakness in crude oil futures and some metals' pricess; hence in part the drops seen in shares of oil equipment&services outfits and miners.
However, the main trigger for the drop in copper futures appeared to be fresh reports that copper stockpiles at LME warehouses were continuing to pile up.
Three-month LME copper futures finished the session lower by 1.8% to $4,505.00 per metric tonne.
In a research note sent to clients and dated 7 June, analysts at Macquarie highlighted how inventories had jumped 27.6% in two days to 196.2kt. The FT reported on Thursday that inventories had reached 213,225 tonnes that same day, following another 9,000 tonne increase.
"Whatever the motivation, copper stocks have gained 27.6% in just two days, to 196.2kt, considerably easing the previously tight LME forward curve," the Australian broker said.
Housing stocks were weighed down by the latest RICS house price balance, which fell from +39 in April to +19 in May.
In parallel, a poll conducted by Reuters revealed that on average economists expected house prices in the UK to grow 4.1% in 2017 if the 'Remain' camp comes out on top in the 23 June referendum, but to be flat should the opposite occur.
Automobiles&Parts also retreated, with shares of the sole UK-listed outfit in that universe, GKN, retreating, despite positive comments from the likes of UBS.
"In May, China passenger vehicle retail sales posted growth of +14.5%yoy (+10.2%ytd) from 8.1%yoy in April (according to China car association CPCA). We attribute the higher than expected sales growth to an improvement in consumer confidence on the back of a more benign macro picture.
"For GKN and Aisin, we don't think the improving newsflow in China autos is priced in," UBS analyst David Lesne said in an extract of a research report published on 8 June.
Mobile Telecommunications fared worst, dragged lower by shares of Vodafone after going ex-dividend.
Top performing sectors so far today
Industrial Metals & Mining 1,300.03 +0.69%
Fixed Line Telecommunications 4,840.30 +0.63%
Electronic & Electrical Equipment 4,375.00 +0.48%
General Industrials 4,720.61 +0.28%
Real Estate Investment & Services 2,725.19 +0.24%
Bottom performing sectors so far today
Mobile Telecommunications 4,923.05 -4.74%
Mining 9,285.04 -3.62%
Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution 13,194.74 -2.75%
Automobiles & Parts 6,434.36 -2.13%
Construction & Materials 5,313.68 -1.83%
12 teens charged in standoff at Ohio youth prison
Twelve teens are charged with rioting, inducing panic, escape and vandalism in a takeover of the Indian River youth prison school.
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KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) Officials are moving forward with a road project that will increase access to hundreds of acres of forest land in southeastern Alaska and could help facilitate a proposed timber sale.
The Alaska Division of Forestry announced Monday it awarded a $3.5 million contract for construction of the forest road. The 8.5-mile path will connect the Lewis Reef area to an existing logging road on Vallenar Bay and establish access to state land on Gravina Island, according to a news release from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
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Real Estate Buzz: Things are looking up in Seattle as new bars and restaurants open in high places
Real Estate Reporter By NAT LEVY Real Estate Reporter
Rooftop decks are a must-have in new office and apartment buildings, but mostly those scenic views are only for the people who live and work there. But some developers are figuring out that putting a bar or restaurant on top will let more people enjoy the views and monetize the roof.
The latest example is the Thompson Seattle hotel. The roof of the 12-story, 158-room hotel at 110 Stewart St. has a restaurant called Scout and a bar and lounge called The Nest. Both will be operated by Josh Henderson of Huxley Wallace Collective.
The hotel opened June 1, and Scout and The Nest will open by June 13.
Amanda Parsons, general manager of Thompson Seattle, said The Nest will be the tallest hotel rooftop bar and lounge in Seattle. Thompson has put rooftop bars and restaurants on other boutique hotels in its international chain, and decided it made sense here given how much people like to be outside on a nice day.
Outdoor enjoyment is such a fabric of the local Seattle culture, we wanted to bring that concept to life within the property, Parsons said. We noticed how frequently local patios fill up when the sun is shining and wanted to provide an environment for locals and guests to indulge in the sunshine and the surroundings.
Courtesy Thompson Seattle [enlarge] The roof of the Thompson Seattle hotel will have The Nest lounge and bar, and a restaurant called Scout.
But we know it isn't always sunny in Seattle, so the spaces also have indoor options.
Thompson Seattle is part of a mixed-use complex at First and Stewart that also includes 95 apartments. The complex is owned by a limited liability company that's a partnership of Geolo Capital and Touchstone executives Douglas Howe and Shawn Parry.
Olson Kundig designed the shell and core, and Jensen Fey Architecture & Planning worked with Studio Munge on the interiors. Turner Construction Co. is the general contractor.
Tom Kundig, principal and owner at Olson Kundig, said a rooftop restaurant and bar was part of the plan all along. He called the roof the building's fifth facade, and said you have to carefully consider how the parts, such as mechanical devices, venting and more, are assembled on the top of the building so it is still both a visually and acoustically beautiful experience.
At Kemper Development Co.'s Bellevue Place, the rooftop restaurant Daniel's Broiler has been a draw for years. Kemper's Lincoln Square expansion will have a rooftop restaurant on the 31-story office tower.
Jennifer Leavitt, vice president of marketing for Kemper Development, said rooftop public amenities like restaurants create memories and unique experiences for tourists and locals alike.
These become major destinations both for our local community guests and a tourism visitor moment, Leavitt said. In addition, they become a stellar office amenity for meetings and private events.
Courtesy city of Kenmore [enlarge] The Town Green will have a community building and public plaza.
A smart village in Kenmore
Developing a downtown center for Kenmore has been a top priority since the city incorporated in 1998 and it's finally coming together.
The center is called Kenmore Village and it recently won a partnership award for 2016 from the Washington State Governor's Smart Communities Awards program.
Kenmore is working with MainStreet Property Group to develop housing, retail, a park and a medical office at 68th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 181st Street.
MainStreet couldn't be more excited to partner with the city of Kenmore to help fulfill their vision for growth, development and revitalization for the Kenmore downtown core, said Kim Faust, senior vice president of MainStreet Property Group. The solid collaboration between MainStreet and the city has accelerated the pace of the downtown development, and it's exciting to see the sense of pride and community in the area.
In January, MainStreet opened the first apartments at the site: Spencer 68 Apartments + Lofts, a 138-unit complex. The second phase of that project is under construction now, with another 58 units that will open this winter.
Dahlin Group Architecture of Pleasanton, California, and GGLO designed both Spencer 68 phases. GenCap Construction Corp., an affiliate of MainStreet, is the general contractor.
Construction is underway on another MainStreet project at Kenmore Village: Linq Lofts + Flats with 94 apartments and 20,000 square feet of retail leased to EvergreenHealth. That project opens this fall.
Dahlin Group is architect on the project and GenCap is the general contractor for Linq.
The Town Green will have sidewalks, a public plaza, outdoor seating, a water feature, and a community building with a two-sided fireplace, meeting spaces and some retail. Town Green and the community building should be done this fall.
The public-private partnership for Kenmore Village met all the key criteria for the award: public participation, community benefits, vision, high quality design and sustainability.
Buzzing off
This is my last Buzz.
After almost four years at the DJC I am moving on to cover technology at Geekwire. It has been a pleasure getting to know the DJC community and writing about so many iconic projects in Seattle. When I started, I had little knowledge about commercial real estate. I couldn't define incentive zoning (though to be fair, I can only kind of do that now), and I had no clue what a cap rate was or how to calculate the price per square foot.
But over the years I like to think I gained a pretty decent grasp of the business, and now I can tell you what's going into almost every hole in the ground in this city.
Seattle today looks so much different from when I moved here in 2009 and even when I started at the DJC in 2012. I am excited to watch as all of you continue to put your mark on the skyline.
And as a 30-year-old renter, I kindly request that someone build more condos so I can buy a place.
Best of luck! If any of you want to reach me, I am at natjlevy@gmail.com.
Got a tip? Contact DJC real estate editor Brian Miller at brian.miller@djc.com or call him at (206) 219-6517.
Previous columns:
Diversity is one of our nations greatest strengths. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride month, we celebrate our rich diversity and renew our enduring commitment to equity. The dedication and contributions of our Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual service members and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender civilians have had an immeasurable impact on our National Security and the Department of Defense.
Our nation was founded on the principle that individuals have infinite dignity and worth. The DoD, which exists to keep the nation secure and at peace, must always be guided by this principle. In all that we do, we must show respect for our service members, civilian employees, and family members, recognizing their individual needs, aspirations, and capabilities.
The Department of Defense has made a lasting commitment to living the values we defend - to treating everyone equally - because we need to be a meritocracy. We have to focus relentlessly on our mission, which means the thing that matters most about a person is what they can contribute to a national defense (Carter, 2015.) This article acknowledges the painstaking labor of Americans whose personal sacrifices and determination were instrumental in the struggle for civil rights.
June was selected as Pride month to commemorate the events of that month in 1969, known as the Stonewall riots an event that lasted three days. Patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York, resisted police harassment of the LGBT community (The White House, 2009). The Stonewall riots were recognized as the catalyst for the Gay Liberation movement in the United States. However, the struggle for civil rights in the LGBT community actually began much earlier.
Dr. Frank E. Kameny fought for gay rights more than a decade before the Stonewall riots. He served in World War II, and later as a civil service astronomer with the U.S. Army Map Service (Smith, 2016). According to the Library of Congress, Kameny was fired and banned from federal employment in 1957 because he was gay (Francis, 2011). He was not the only one; more than 10,000 gay and lesbian employees were forced out of their jobs during the 1950s and 1960s.
After being fired, Kameny filed a lawsuit against the government which he lost. Losing the first lawsuit, Kameny filed an appeal of which he lost. He brought the first civil rights action regarding sexual orientation to the Supreme Court of the United States, arguing that the governments actions toward gays were an affront to human dignity (Smith, 2016). The Court denied his petition. He preserved and continued to fight for civil rights for 18 years, until the U.S. Civil Service Commission reversed its policies excluding homosexuals from government employment. Fifty years after he was fired, the U.S. Civil Service Commission issued Kameny a formal apology for being fired solely on the basis of his sexual orientation.
On 1 June 2009, President Barack Obama issued Proclamation No. 8387 for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. The President pointed to the contributions made by LGBT Americans both in promoting equal rights to all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. He ended the proclamation by calling upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists. On 22 December 2010, the Dont Ask, Dont Tell (DADT) Repeal Act became law (Lee, 2010). Certification occurred in July 2011, and full implementation of the Act occurred in September 2011. LGB military members can now serve openly, with honor and integrity.
In June 2015, the DoD updated its military equal opportunity program to protect service members against discrimination because of sexual orientation. The Departments ongoing commitment to living the values it defends, includes treating everyone equally. Diversity is more than race, gender, and ethnicity it means diversity of thought, ability, background, language, culture, and skill.
For more information on Pride Month please visit the Equal Opportunity (EO) SharePoint site at https://dm.eim.acc.hedc.af.mil/355FW/EO/Lists/Announcements/AllItems.aspx or contact the Equal Opportunity office at 228-5509. Information for this article was derived from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute web page at https://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/presentations.cfm?CatID=13.
References:
Carter, A. (2015), Remarks at LBGT Pride Month Ceremony. http://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech-View/Article/606678
Francis, C. (2011), 50th Anniversary if a Legal Revolution. http://kamenypapers.org/
Lee, J. (2010). The President Signs Repeal of Dont Ask Dont Tell: Out of Many, We Are One. https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/12/22/president-signs-repeal-dont-ask-dont-tell-out-many-we-are-one
Smith, D. (2016), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. https://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/presentations.cfm?CatID=13
The White House. (2009), Presidential Proclamation LGBT Pride Month. https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-lgbt-pride-month
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is clearly down with a vengeance on dropped calls. After its move to penalise telecom operators was blocked by the Supreme Court (See: Thwarted on call drop penalty, Trai mulling other steps), it has now asked government to amend the law to allow it to impose penalty of up to Rs10 crore on mobile operators and a jail term of up to two years on their executives for any violation of the regulatory framework. This follows a Supreme Court judgement quashing a Trai order that asked telecom operators to compensate subscribers for call drops at the rate of Re1 per call with a cap of Rs3 a day. The regulator has now suggested to the Department of Telecom amendments in various provisions in the Trai Act, 1997, with a view to be an "effective sector regulator" (Trai seeks Act amendment to penalise call drops). "If a service provider violates any direction, order or regulations made under this Act or terms and condition of licence, service provider to be liable for penalty which may extend to 10 crore rupees," Trai said in its communication to the Department of Telecom (DoT). The regulator said that after a detailed examination of the Supreme Court judgement it has concluded on the need for seeking greater clarity in protecting interest of consumers, grievance redressal and enforcement of its regulations and orders. "In order to be an effective sector regulator Trai needs to be statutorily empowered to enforce its direction, orders, regulations as well as terms and conditions of licence issued to service providers through imposition of penalties for contravention of such regulations directions etc," Trai said. The regulator has proposed amendment of Section 29 of the Trai Act 1997 which is about penalty for contravention of its directions, and also sought introduction of three new sub-sections 29 A, 29 B and 29 C. Trai wants the amended section 29 to have provision for imprisonment and fine for violators. "Section 29 may be substituted with ... if a person violates direction of the authority, such personnel shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may be extended to two years and shall be liable to fine which may be extended to Rs15 lakh," Trai said. In case the violation continues there should be provision of additional fine that can be extended to Rs15 lakh for every day till the time default continues, it said. At present, Trai can impose a fine of up to Rs2 lakh for a violation and in case default continues penalty of Rs2 lakh can be imposed till the time of breach of rules. At present, disputes between consumers and telecom operators are not taken up by consumer courts as a Supreme Court judgement of 2009 had barred seeking any such relief under the Consumer Protection Act, saying a special remedy is provided under the Indian Telegraph Act. The regulator has proposed a new Section 29 B under which if a company furnishes false report knowingly then it will also be considered as violation of the Trai Act. Recently, telecom operators had disputed the regulator's test drive findings over call drops. While Trai's test drive found poor quality of network resulting in call drops, operators contested the findings and said that they comply with the benchmark set by the regulator. As per proposed Section 29C, the penalties imposed under Section 29 and its sub-section will be in addition to any other penalties imposed on telecom companies for a violation. The National Telecom Policy 2012 envisages to undertake legislative measures to bring disputes between consumers and telecom service providers within the jurisdiction of consumer forums established under the Consumer Protection. The Policy envisages "to review the TRAI Act with a view to addressing regulatory inadequacies/ impediments in effective discharge of its functions" but government is yet to execute it.
A Dothan business is helping NASA move forward with its Orion deep space exploration project.
Space Science Services provides metallurgical testing for NASA to ensure that various metal components used in metal structures are sound. The company checks welds to ensure theyre in good condition and also inspects metal components to ensure theyre in working order. Space Science Services uses a number of imaging technologies to inspect components, including radiographic testing and ultrasound testing.
Our primary focus is non-destructive testing, said Dan Geiger, Space Science Services vice president. Our testing allows us to inspect what NASA has and not destroy what they want to use.
Space Science Services is currently working on NASA projects including modification of the structure complex for the mobile launch platform for the Orion Project and testing on the vertical assembly building platform for that project. These platforms provide a place for engineers and technicians to stand while theyre building the Orion rocket.
Space Science Services has been in business since 1961 and has had a site in Dothan for about 25 years. It employs 43 people 23 here in Dothan and 20 in Orlando, Florida. The company opened a location in Dothan during a boom in the local aircraft industry.
In addition to its work with NASA, the company also works with local aircraft and helicopter companies and structural steel fabrication and mechanical pipe fabrication companies. The company also works with Geotechnical Engineering Companies.
Geiger said the company also does work for NASCAR, inspecting various metal components for safety.
The Orion Project will send manned craft into deep space. The program is expected to take humans farther in space than ever before, eventually reaching Mars. The Orion capsule will serve as the exploration vehicle. Delta IV heavy rockets will propel the craft into space.
Space Science Services was recently acquired by Applied Technical Services. ATS, a Marietta, Georgia company, employs about 700 people.
Court records show a 71-year-old woman allegedly repeatedly choked and struck a 5-year-old boy child with a belt in her care at the daycare she owned and ran in Abbeville.
Henry County Sheriff William Maddox said investigators with the Abbeville Police and Henry County Sheriffs Investigative Unit arrested 71-year-old Mary Malone Clark on Tuesday and charged her with felony aggravated child abuse.
Records show investigators charged Clark with repeatedly striking the 5-year-old victim on more than one occasion with a belt and choking him between May 1, 2014 to present.
Records show Clark was booked into the Henry County Jail on $10,000 bail.
There was a complaint from a citizen who had a video of child abuse taking place at the daycare, Maddox said. I know there was more than one child as a victim.
More charges are pending in the ongoing investigation.
Maddox said Clark was the owner of the J & M Daycare in Abbeville.
Abbeville Police Chief Noel Vanlandingham could not be reached for comment for additional details in connection with the Mary Malone Clark arrest.
According to Barry Spear, the public information manager for the state Department of Human Resources, Clarks daycare was shut down by law enforcement. Clark then voluntarily surrendered her license for the daycare with DHR on May 18.
Spear also said in an email corporal punishment is not allowed in any licensed daycare homes or centers in Alabama.
OPELIKA -- The end is near in the felony ethics trial of indicted Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard.
The defense rested its case just after 10 a.m. Thursday, after an intense morning of testimony from Hubbard himself the sole witness called on by the defense.
Hubbard was on the stand for a little more than an hour Thursday, during which time Special Prosecutor Matt Hart finished his cross examination of the defendant before Hubbard came under redirect.
Hart, on cross, claimed that Hubbard, testifying for the third day in his own defense, contradicted past statements he made in a 2014 proffer for the state.
Hart said Hubbard, in a March 21, 2014 meeting with attorneys, claimed to have been told that the American Pharmacy Cooperative Inc. language that was temporarily inserted into the 2014 General Fund budget would have given the pharmacy cooperative an advantage over a pharmacy benefit manager for Medicaid, though he had not read the language before he voted.
Hubbard testified yesterday that he did not learn what the language was about until just before the House vote, when he was approached by his former chief of staff Josh Blades and lobbyist John Ross.
I believe thats what I said yesterday, Mr. Hart, said Hubbard, adding he first heard about what the language contained when he was called off the House floor.
Hubbard is accused of attempting to put language into the 2014 General Fund budget that would have given an edge to the American Pharmacy Cooperative Inc. -- a client of Hubbards by making it the only agency with the ability to bid on a contract then-related to Medicaid, and voting for that budget.
Hart said Blades contradicted statements Hubbard made in the proffer when he testified on May 25 that Hubbard directed him to use his contacts to help secure a patent for CV Holdings LLC subsidiary Sio2.
In the statement, Hart claimed Hubbard testified that he made all the contacts himself.
I thought I said Josh did, said Hubbard.
Hart asked Hubbard if he understood Blades to have been a state employee at the time.
Hubbard answered yes, but I also understand that to be related to Sio2, not related to my contract.
Prosecutors accuse Hubbard of using his office to solicit a monthly $10,000 contract with CV Holdings LLC, and lobbying officials for the company.
Hart said Hubbard also previously claimed that lobbyist Tim Howes business didnt charge any commission for media buying so that the ALGOP would benefit by being able to buy 15 percent more advertising, when the Howe Group did, in fact, take a commission.
On cross examination, Hart also questioned Hubbard about an email Hubbard sent to lobbyist Michael Mitchell on behalf of Capitol Cups, attempting to get the company a meeting with Publix officials to discuss selling its cups to the grocery store chain.
Hubbard held a private consulting contract with CV Holdings Capitol Cups at the time for $10,000-a-month information he did not disclose in the exchanges with Mitchell and Mitchells subordinates.
Hubbards signature on the emails read Speaker of the House.
In redirect, Hubbard said he didnt know he could change the automatic signature on his emails, and it was a mistake.
Hubbard further claimed Mitchell was a long-time friend of his and that he was just seeking advice from him on where to go.
Hubbard mentioned Mitchell had died a few years ago from an aneurysm.
Hart reproached and asked Hubbard how close the two were. He told Hubbard the prosecution had spoken to Mitchell just days ago, and that he is still alive.
Hubbard said he must have gotten the person confused with someone else.
The defense told Circuit Court Judge Jacob A. Walker III it has no more witnesses.
The prosecution called Sen. Pro Tem Del Marsh to the witness stand.
Marsh said he served as the finance chair of the ALGOP in 2008.
He testified that he was never part of the decision to hire Craftmaster Printers, an Auburn business in which Hubbard holds partial interest, for the partys printing needs and that he did not recall there ever being a meeting in which ALGOP employees decided to hire Craftmaster a claim the defense has made repeatedly.
Prosecutors accuse Hubbard of using his position as ALGOP chairman to direct business to the Auburn Network, a consulting agency owned by Hubbard, and Craftmaster Printers, in which Hubbard holds partial interest.
Trial is set to resume at 2:30 p.m.
Closing arguments are expected to get underway this afternoon.
Hubbard was indicted in October 2014 on 23 felony ethics charges of using his political office for personal gain.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two to 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $30,000 for each count. He would be removed from office if convicted of any of the charges.
Hubbard has long maintained his innocence, and continued to serve as speaker of the house during the 2016 legislative session.
A heavily-used Houston County road will receive a much-needed resurfacing soon, but preliminary work needed to repair the road could cause periodic detours.
The Houston County Commission is expected to approve on Monday the resurfacing of County Road 55 from the Ashford city limits to Nobles Road. The early estimated cost of the 6.1-mile project is about $1.145 million. The project will be paid for primarily through federal funds, but the county must pay about $229,000 in matching funds.
However, County Engineer Barkley Kirkland said Thursday that 17 cross drains within the 6.1-mile stretch must be replaced first. The county must pay for the cross drain replacement. Cost of the replacement is still being calculated.
Repair of the drains often means traffic must be blocked both ways since the pipes cross completely under the road.
Kirkland said the county borrowed video equipment from the City of Dothan to inspect each of the cross drains to determine their worthiness. He said all must be replaced.
According to traffic data from the Alabama Department of Transportation, more than 1,000 vehicles travel most portions of the road during any given 24-hour period. Traffic is heaviest near Ashford at U.S. Highway 84.
The resurfacing project is expected to be bid at the end of the month and paving could begin as soon as August.
The county commission will also consider the following items during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, June 13, at 10 a.m. in the third floor chambers at the Houston County Administrative Building:
Approving the acceptance of a Justice Assistance Grant for the Houston County Sheriffs Office. The countys portion is about $5,163. Sheriff Donald Valenza said the money would likely be used to fit two deputy vehicles with video equipment.
Accepting or rejecting a liquor license for Wades 109 Bar, 4542 South Highway 109.
Request to award a bid for janitorial services for county buildings
Request to amend budget for the Road and Bridge department, which includes an additional $500,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for storm repairs, and an increase in the contract services budget line of $154,635 for road repairs and an additional project.
Request to award a bid for motorgrader blades
Request to approve surplus items to be sold on Govdeals.com, including five old sheriffs vehicles, 11 office chairs, one copy machine, two Honeywell surround heaters, one metal desk, four eight-shelve metal filing cases and one coat rack.
For Seth Quintero, performing is as natural as breathing.
Quintero, 8, performed Little Toy Guns by Carrie Underwood on Wednesday at the Dothan Civic Center for a talent show kicking off the states summer feeding program.
Quintero said he was thrilled with the opportunity to perform.
When I was three I started having a dream and this makes me feel that my dream may come true one day, Quintero said.
Quintero was among more than a dozen local children who sang, danced, solved Rubiks cubes and demonstrated other talents on stage.
The summer feeding program gives free meals to children through a variety of approved providers in communities throughout the state. The purpose of the program is to provide healthy meals to school-aged children during the summer months, when they are out of school and may have limited access to healthy food. Any child in Alabama 18 and under is eligible to be served by the program.
According to the USDA, about 15.3 million children live in homes where continuous access to nutritious food is a challenge.
Debra Beyah, pastor of Mount Olive Christian Fellowship Church, leads one of the community providers of meals. Beyah said Thursdays event was a kick-off to the local program and provided students with a chance to shine.
Kym Watford, 17, performed the song Mama by August Alsino at the event. Watford said his mother recently moved, but came back to town to see him perform.
Watford has performed in show choir for years and said he gets his love for music from both his parents. Watford said performing in public isnt scary at all; in fact, he describes it as uplifting.
You just have to know what you want and what youre doing it for, he said.
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And how much would you expect to pay? Well wait, because the Leata's interior was blinged out and fitted with cruise control, power windows and a powered driver seat. And the original rear window was shrouded and inset to give the appearance of an opera window. Another 1970s US luxury hallmark.
Emphasizing the estimated $6 billion economic power of outdoor recreation on Montanas public lands, Gov. Steve Bullock on Thursday announced three steps to bolster public lands access in the state.
These plans are not only the right thing to do for Montanans and their families and future generations, theyre also the right thing to do for Montanas economy and our businesses, Bullock said in a news conference in Billings Riverfront Park.
The governor told the group of about 30 people that he has directed the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to hire a public access specialist in an attempt to get anglers, hunters and other recreationists on to the states nearly 2 million acres of inaccessible public property.
Montanas public access specialist will be on call to troubleshoot concerns from the public, and when warranted to help open up inaccessible places that all Montanans have a right to, Bullock told the group. That can be anything from helping to unlock the padlock that shouldnt be on a road or to helping find creative ways to figure out ways that we can access public lands.
Rest of the plan
The other two prongs of the access initiative involve the Legislature. One would ask legislators to establish a Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation in the governors office of Economic Development. As described in a handout, the office would be charged with developing and implementing a strategic plan for Montana to consciously shape our outdoor economic future and to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the growth of the outdoor industry.
Thirdly, the governor would like the Legislature to untie the restrictions it has placed on the spending of Habitat Montana funds. The Habitat Montana Program was created by the Legislature in 1987 to protect wildlife habitat through the purchase of conservation easements, leases or outright land buys. The program is funded mainly by nonresident hunting license fees.
Bullock said the current restrictions, which were placed on the fund by Republican legislators and dont allow any land to be purchased, dont make sense.
"It sounds like career politician Steve Bullock is doing gymnastic maneuvers to deflect attention from his C rating from the NRA," said Aaron Flint, GOP gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte's campaign spokesman. "If state agencies can't enhance and protect public access, then we need new leadership, not more bureaucracy."
Astute crowd
Gathered in the crowd were some of the areas, and states, most ardent wildlife and public land access activists.
John Gibson, who helped found the Public Lands/Waters Access Association, which has fought to restore access along several roads across the state, said he appreciates Bullocks attempts but worries that nothing will get done.
I come from a bureaucracy, the Forest Service, where you see a lot of plans and positions that went nowhere, Gibson said. I think the governor is sincere, but hell be challenged at every corner by the Legislature.
The Bureau of Land Managements Montana-Dakotas office created an access specialist position in 2008 to great fanfare, but budget cutbacks and changes in administration seemed to blunt that effort. In the past two sessions of the Legislature, there have been bills introduced that would require anyone who gated and padlocked a road previously open to public travel to first justify they had the right to close it, instead of the current situation where landowners block access and leave it up to the county or private individuals to contest the closure in court. Both bills never made it out of committee, Gibson said.
The good-old-boy system is alive and well in the Legislature and in county government, Gibson said.
Governor's race
Access has become a prominent issue in this years governors race after it was reported that Gianforte sued Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks over an easement across his Bozeman property. Gianforte has said the lawsuit was not about denying the public access through his property along the East Gallatin River in Bozeman, but the lawsuit has made political hay for the Bullock campaign.
Gianforte was also recorded saying at a campaign stop in Malta that FWP is at war with landowners in the state trying to extract access and using extortion to do it.
Bullock took a few swipes at Gianforte, a self-made multi-millionaire, by saying, In our state, the size of your checkbook doesnt designate whether you can spend a day alone with a fly rod on a river. You dont have to own a big piece of property to experience some of the best hunting and fishing in the world. Experiences that people around the world truly feel lucky if they can experience once in their lifetime.
Gianforte has said he supports recreational access to public lands, the states stream access law and does not back a state takeover of federal lands being pushed by some conservative groups.
Economic indicators
Bullocks message about the importance of public land access to Montanas economy was echoed at Thursdays presentation by The Base Camp outdoor store founder Scott Brown, executive director of Visit Billings Alex Tyson and Zoo Montana director Jeff Ewelt.
The great thing about public lands is they dont discriminate, Ewelt said. They are part of our American heritage.
A recent survey examining the importance of public lands to Montanans was also cited by the speakers, including University of Montana professor Rick Graetz. He noted that across political boundaries the poll found Montanans were united in their support of public lands.
The thing I took away from our poll is that public lands are a catalyst for our economy, Graetz said.
So, governor, youve read Montanans well, Graetz said. I think what youre proposing is going to be a beacon to people around the United States: entrepreneurs, people with small businesses, who know the value of natural amenities to an educated workforce. I think what youre doing is going to be a real set of fireworks for Montanas economy as we go forward.
Cllr John McGahon says he is quite excited about the visit here of US Vice President Joe Biden later this month.
US Vice President Joe Biden will visit Cooley and Carlingford later this month during his trip to Ireland.
Biden will visit the smallest county in his official trip to Ireland, where he will also visit Mayo and Dublin, from 21 to 26 June. He wishes to trace his ancestry as research has established that his mothers grandparents were originally from the Cooley Peninsula.
Fine Gael Councillor for Dundalk-Carlingford, John McGahon thinks the visit will be a great boost for tourism in the locality.
I believe hes coming around the 21st of this month, Cllr McGahon told the Democrat. Its an incredibly exciting prospect that the Vice President of the United States will be coming here not only to my electoral area but the Cooley Peninsula.
I think it will be great for tourism for the area and its another string in the bow of everyones ability to promote the Cooley Peninsula as a tourist destination, not only at home but abroad too.
I remember when I was around 9 years of age and my dad was a councillor at the time, and he took me up to the Square to meet President Bill Clinton when he visited here. So its quite nice now that its me who is a county councillor, nearly 15 or 16 years on, and Ill have my own opportunity to meet the Vice President.
Research by respected genealogist Megan Smolenyak traced President Obamas Irish roots to Moneygall in Offaly and now links Biden to north Louth.
Bidens great-great-grandfather, Owen Finnegan from the Cooley Peninsula, was the first of his family to move to America, arriving in New York in 1849 bringing along the rest of his family a year later. Interestingly, like Obamas ancestor, Kearney, Bidens ancestor was also a shoemaker.
The details of his visit have been kept under wraps as even the Carlingford and Cooley Peninsula Tourist Board have no information on it. Security is key around the Vice President.
Mr Biden is certainly expected to make the trip to the Cooley Peninsula when he arrives in Louth and is expected to give a speech on Irish American history when he makes his visit here. It is believed that Bidens family originated in a house which, in a very Irish development, is now a pub. The Lily Finnegans pub in Whitestown in Carlingford, could possibly receive a visit from the Vice President during his trip to drink a pint of Guinness.
Vice President Biden officially announced his visit last month at the Kennedy Centre in Washington DC, when he and Taoiseach Enda Kenny were at the opening night of a three-week festival marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising.
Mr Biden had said at the event: I am proud to be descended from Irish immigrants, from county Mayo and county Louth. Being Irish has shaped my entire life.
World Youth Day is a worldwide encounter with the Pope which is typically celebrated every three years in a different country.
A group of seventeen are travelling from the peninsula of Cooley to World Youth Day in Krakow with the Armagh Diocese .
One of the seventeen travelling is Niamh Mc Parland. The most recent WYD was celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 23rd to 28th, 2013.
Niamh Mc Parland: It is a great opportunity to meet like minded people who have the same belief and faith that sometimes you cannot see or experience in your locality in Ireland. Three million people ranging from 15 to 30 years old will be in attendance and to get that sort of atmosphere will be a great experience. On the final day were going to see the pope. There will be a real sense of community at the event.
WYD is an event open to all young people who want to take part in a festive encounter with their contemporaries centred on Jesus Christ.
This event allows participants to experience in first person the universality of the Church.
The event aims to share a persons faith in Christ with many people around the world.
World Youth Day is different from other pilgrimages due to the fact that it is full of younger people.
The day is all about celebrations and celebrating the faith we have. The sheer size of it, there are 100 people from the armagh dioceses going.
There are 3 million from the world going. They have to close down the city for the days that were there, she said.
The Armagh diocese planned that there would be 100 people going but applications were open to everyone. Demand was so high that people were put on waiting lists to get a chance to be part of the celebrations.
Some of the Armagh diocese have been before and said there was a party atmosphere.
There will be a lot of talks about our faith, choirs, camping out in big parks, the pope will say a mass and there will be a discussion led by him. We will also be exploring the city and learning about the culture, she added.
World Youth Day is a unique way to deepen your faith and to grow closer to Christ. By the means of prayer and the sacraments, thousands of people share their interests and ambitions together. Krakow is important because it has strong ties with pope John Paul the second. The city has many links to catholic faith and has so many cathedrals that link to the Catholic religion.
I wanted to go when it was in Barcelona back in 2011 but that was the year I sat my leaving cert and it clashed with my results coming out. There was just too much going on to be out of the country. So I am really looking forward to it because its my first opportunity to go, she concluded.
A night of music with Henry Mac and Friends will be held In Long's Pub on 10th June at 9pm in aid of the pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland. Tickets are 10 and can be purchased from 0870536200.
1- Artisans Annual Exhibition:
The local art group Artisans will launch their annual exhibition of paintings in the Louth County Library in Roden Place tonight at 7pm.The event will feature the work of 25 local artists. The annual exhibition will be launched by local TD Declan Breathnach and will run from then until Saturday June 18th.
2- Brexit Seminar:
This Friday there will be a seminar on the upcoming referendum in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The impact of Britain exiting the European Union on Ireland as a whole will be discussed at a local conference. The event is being jointly hosted by the European Parliament Information Office and the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).
The event runs from 10am to 1pm and will have local MEP Mairead McGuinness, Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy, Dr Anthony Soares of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, Edgar Morgenroth of the ESRI and Tom Arnold of the IEEA as speakers.
3- Retro Italia 90 Night In Russells Saloon:
A Retro Italia 90 Night in aid of SOSAD will take place in Russells Saloon in Park Street this Sunday. The fundraiser for the local suicide prevention group has been organised to coincide with the start of Euro 2016, with the event getting underway at 6pm.On the night you will be able to relive Irelands famous victory over Romania in Genoa almost 26 years ago.A BBQ will also be held with all proceeds on the night going to SOSAD.
4- Clan na Gael GFC Centenary Celebration:
Clan na Gael GFC will hold their centenary celebration dinner this Saturday in their clubrooms in the Ecco Road.The event will be attended by GAA president Aogan O Fearghail. Tickets are on sale now from the club, priced 15.
Congratulations! Youre in the final stages of setting up your ecommerce business and your product will soon be in the hands of eager customers.
Now you need to decide how you want your customers to pay for the products they buy on your site. This involves finding a payment processing partner, the company responsible for handling transactions between your customers cards and your bank account.
Choosing a payment provider that fits your business is no easy task. With a variety of providers vying for your business, how do you find the right solution at the right price?
Here are our top 5 factors to consider when choosing a payment partner:
Be aware of the contract term and early termination fees:
Some providers lock you into a contract which can last for up to 5 years. The decision you make today may be one that youre stuck with for a very long time. Take this into consideration should your business need change, especially in the scenario that you require earlier termination. Be sure to address the fees and penalties associated before entering any agreement. You should stick with your preferred provider because of the positive experience and the growth of your business, not because youre locked in to a lengthy contract.
Consider the technology:
Several major payment gateways were designed before smartphones and tablets, and havent changed since. Bear this in mind if you want to provide a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience that your customers will come back for! If youre working with a developer to implement your payment processing, get their expert and honest advice on the back-end technology. Ecommerce is a fast-paced discipline; youll want to choose a system that can cater to your growing business and future needs.
Customer support is key
Unexpected situations arise at the most inconvenient of times. Minimise disruption to your business by making sure your payment provider is always available to help with customer support from a real person. You could spend hours or even days working on problems that a payments expert can resolve within minutes.
Currency options:
An important factor when selling to international customers is your ability to advertise prices and process transactions in their local currency. Take note of the different currency options offered, if any, as a lot of payment processors only support AUD currency transactions. This is a key consideration if you want to give your customers the option to pay in the currency they choose, or if youre considering a global expansion further down the line.
Pricing and hidden costs:
Cost is a key decision-making factor when choosing a payment processor, but dont fall into the trap of simply going for the lowest rate. Many payment processors have hidden costs that can depend on any number of factors such and type of credit card and processing options. Steer clear of those who will sneakily charge you a minimum monthly fee just for having the account open, or exit fees when you need to upgrade to another provider.
As you can see, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the payment provider thats right for your business. Take the time to understand the features, prices, and support available to help your business, and youll be well on the way to ecommerce success.
About the author
Chris Dahl is Director of Sales & Growth at Pin Payments, Australias first all-in-one payment provider, making it easier than ever for businesses to accept payments around the world without a traditional gateway or merchant account.
Mule deer numbers in southeastern Montana have rebounded after a bleak and steep decline that hit bottom in 2012, prompting Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff to recommend increasing the doe harvest this season.
The populations are currently at 147 percent of the long-term average, said John Vore, Game Management Bureau chief, said in a Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Dillon on Thursday.
These actually are the good old days, echoed Region 7 supervisor Brad Schmitz.
That population increase is based on surveys in 14 trend areas spread across the prairie and rugged breaks of FWPs Region 7, a management area comprised of Garfield, Rosebud, Custer, Powder, Carter, Fallon, Dawson, Prairie, Wibaux and a portion of Treasure counties.
The decline
In 2012 mule deer numbers had fallen by as much as 55 percent in portions of Montana. By 2014 the Fish and Wildlife Commission had cut all mule deer doe B tags across the state, and prior to that had enacted about a 90 percent reduction in mule deer doe tags.
Biologists began seeing a rebound last year when they counted 91 fawns per 100 does; the long-term average was 73 fawns per 100 does.
Deer numbers are now higher than they were during years when nearly 11,000 B licenses were sold, read the commissions agenda item on the matter. Now is the time to apply additional antlerless harvest to avoid the unsustainable high numbers and wide population fluctuations of the past.
Vore said that criticism from some members of the public that the trend areas arent representative of the region were disproved when the department examined the movement of 1,100 collared deer across the landscape.
We know they move on and off those trend areas, he said. About two-thirds move up to 60 miles.
He said the surveys also reflect mule deer populations on habitat open to hunting.
So we are pretty confident this reflects whats going on with deer populations there, Vore added.
Flattening the curve
Mule deer populations are notorious for reaching a peak about every 15 years before declining. Vore and Schmitz said by increasing the doe harvest the department hopes to flatten out the peaks and valleys of those wide population swings.
To do that, the department has proposed increasing doe licenses from 4,500 to 7,500 this season. The agency is also proposing to allow the region to bump up the total harvest to 11,000 without coming back to the commission for approval if deer numbers remain high.
Allowing the region that flexibility provides game managers the ability to increase the harvest if game damage complaints increase, Schmitz said.
This system is extremely helpful for us biologically and socially, he said.
The proposal will go out for public comment until June 24 before being considered by the commission at its next meeting on July 14.
Balancing act
Schmitz explained the population decline and revival this way. Prior to 2011 there were a lot of older does on the landscape that arent as reproductively proficient but that still eat a lot of browse. When those older deer died off and were replaced by younger, more fertile does, the population began to rebound.
The trick now is to keep the population low enough to ensure there is adequate browse on the landscape, Schmitz explained, while also respecting the tolerance of landowners who have to deal with more deer on their alfalfa fields.
Mention Yellowstone National Park and golden eagles are not a species likely to spring to mind like bison, elk, wolves or bears.
Doug Smith is hoping to change that perception.
Yellowstone is a large-mammal park, so theres not the money invested into bird (research), said Smith, Yellowstones senior wildlife biologist. Were trying to build birds up to the level they deserve. Were trying to elevate the status of some of these bird species.
For five years Smith led the Yellowstone Raptor Initiative, a study designed to collect baseline data on golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and Swainsons hawks with a lesser focus on American kestrels, prairie falcons and owls. That study ended last year.
This year Smith cobbled together funding to enable wildlife biologist Dave Haines and an intern to intensively examine golden eagles, a predator species whose stronghold is the western United States, including a talon-hold in the Northern Range of Yellowstone.
High count
Considering the mountain habitat and high elevation of Yellowstones Northern Range, the region would appear to be marginal golden eagle habitat. They are more at home in the desert, grasslands or tundra areas with wide swaths of open ground inhabited by rabbits, marmots, ground squirrels and other small mammals.
Yet the raptor initiative found 28 golden eagle territories, the majority of them in the Northern Range which is the area roughly between the North and Northeast entrances to Yellowstone.
We didnt think there were six to eight parkwide, so that by itself is really huge, Smith said. We were really wrong.
The parks previous bird biologist retired in 2007. No one was hired after that to save money. And golden eagles were never a studied species in the park, with emphasis instead given to monitoring peregrine falcons, osprey and bald eagles.
Doug did such a good job on wolves they gave him all of the other wildlife, wolf researcher Rick McIntyre joked.
Wolf tie
In addition to being prime territory for golden eagles, the Northern Range also is the premier region for gray wolves in Yellowstone, home to the majority of the parks packs.
The link between the two very different predator species may be elk. The Northern Range once held a population of almost 20,000 elk before wolves were reintroduced in 1995. Following wolf restoration, the elk population steadily declined before rebounding to about 4,000 last year.
Since golden eagles are a long-lived species up to 30 years Smith theorizes that their population may have grown so dense in Yellowstone thanks to the availability of elk that died during the parks harsh winters prior to 1995, providing a carcass food source. With wolves return to the landscape, the big canines started accounting for more elk deaths in the park. Smiths wolf staff has documented golden eagles along with a variety of other predators like coyotes, foxes and bears feeding on those wolf-killed elk.
Now most carcasses are derived from carnivores, Smith said.
We monitor wolf kills all winter, he added. Virtually every wolf kill gets a golden. And we think there may be an influx (of goldens) in the winter tied to wolf kills.
An Alaskan researcher who has radio-tagged golden eagles in Denali National Park and Preserve has recorded some of those birds traveling to Yellowstone or farther south to spend the winter.
Theyll wander, and once they find prey theyll sit, Smith said.
One of the big questions the Yellowstone researchers face is whether the declining elk population and a relatively low rate of nesting success by Yellowstone golden eagles are indeed related. If so, it could mean that the parks golden population may soon decline as older eagles die and arent replaced by new ones.
Down nationally
Nationally there is also a concern about a decline in the golden eagles once robust population in the American West. Some environmental groups have blamed the drop in golden eagle numbers on an increase in wind turbines. The turbines are sometimes placed in areas that are ideal golden eagle hunting grounds.
When they are foraging, theyre less aware of their surroundings because they latch on to prey and dont pay attention to the blades moving around, Haines said. In a stoop to catch prey, golden eagles may reach 150 mph. And actually, the end of the blade is moving pretty fast.
Increasing development on the golden eagles hunting grounds whether its housing developments, oil and gas drilling or wind turbines could also displace golden eagles since they like solitude and as their prey base decreases or disappears. Wildland fires that destroy habitat for prey animals are another factor. Studies have also documented elevated lead levels in raptors that have eaten from big game carcasses killed by hunters who use lead bullets.
Three years ago the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the Western Golden Eagle Conservation Team to study the variety of threats golden eagles face and to recommend ways to reduce unnecessary deaths.
Surrounded
Yet on two sides of Yellowstone in the Bighorn Basin to the southeast and in the Livingston area to the north separate studies have documented relatively strong populations of golden eagles, although their numbers can ebb when theres a decline in the food base.
This is a conundrum: why were flanked by two productive areas but we have a super high density, Smith said.
We never should have reached that density based on our prey base, Haines added.
Typically, Haines said robust populations of golden eagles are associated with a strong prey base that allows the big birds to concentrate on that one mammal.
In the places where they are most successful, they tend to specialize, Haines said.
Part of the Yellowstone golden eagle study is focused on what prey helps the golden eagles build up enough calcium to lay eggs.
We think its carcasses, he said.
Although combing through golden eagle nests has shown they are generalists in Yellowstone following egg laying, eating everything from pronghorn and deer fawns to bluebirds and owls.
Hanging on
Although this years study of golden eagles was put together on a shoestring budget, Smith is hoping to extend the work for at least one more season.
Essentially we get a data point a year, Haines said. To miss a year would have thrown off our analysis.
More information will help the scientists reach a better understanding of why so many of the eagles are using this high mountain landscape, as well as establish a point of reference for any future studies of the big raptors as Earths climate changes.
Golden eagles need to be on the lips and minds of visitors, just like other wildlife in Yellowstone, Smith said. If people know about them, conservation follows. If people dont know about them, nobody cares.
Its a big thing for me. I cut my teeth on wolves, and now birds are part of my job.
Become a city high-flyer with Bellway
Britons are on the move: the ONS has reported that UK residents made a staggering 12 million visits abroad during the first three months of 2016, which is a 14% increase on the same period last year. For the growing numbers of frequent flyers, homes situated near an airport are the ideal choice. So Old School, the final phase at Bellways So Stepney development in E1, is perfect for this market, located just five minutes from London City Airport, offering flights to over 25 destinations , perfect for jet-setting Brits who are always on the go.
So Old School is a collection of one and two bedroom apartments within an expertly restored 19th Century school building. Some of the original external facade still remains, including arched windows, high ceilings and ornate brickwork, contrasted by stylish modern interiors. Located in East London, the development is ideal for professionals commuting to the City and Docklands, as well as those venturing overseas for business trips and holidays. Located off a quiet residential street, the apartments also benefit from a secure entry system, making them the ideal lock-up-and-leave properties for extended getaways.
Emma Denton, Head of Sales at Bellway Homes Thames Gateway, comments: With more and more UK residents jetting off each year, a large proportion of house hunters will be looking for properties with excellent travel connections, such as an airport nearby. So Old School offers potential buyers looking for such a property a stylish collection of urban apartments which are easy to maintain and can be left without a fuss while holidaying. Only two apartments remain at So Old School, so wed encourage frequent flyers to visit the development and see how convenient the location is for themselves.
The apartments at So Old School offer a superior specification, with contemporary units and a range of integrated appliances. The living /dining areas are open plan, making a hassle-free design that is easy to maintain. Residents also benefit from large double bedrooms, with the master bedrooms boasting en suite shower rooms and fitted wardrobes.
The original arched windows are present in most of the apartments, allowing sunlight to stream in, making for wonderfully bright homes.
When not in sunnier climes, residents are well located for leisure facilities, transport connections and green spaces. Stratford City Westfield nearby offers a cinema, bowling alley, casino and a range of over 300 shops, restaurants and eateries. For nightlife, Shoreditch is less than a mile away and boasts a top selection of bars and clubs.
For residents who like to exercise and soak up the fresh air, Shandy and Mile End Parks are a stones throw away, as well as the Stratford Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which offers 560 acres of expansive greenery to venture into.
For residents who require domestic transport connections, the Underground stations at Mile End and Stepney Green offer Hammersmith and City, District and Central line services. From nearby Whitechapel, London Overground services are also available, and will benefit from Crossrail from 2018.
Just two 2-bedroom apartments now remain, with prices starting from 679,995. For more information, visit bellway.co.uk.
A second shipment of marijuana was discovered in a Jefferson Bus Lines' travelers' luggage.
Duy Nguyen, 33, appeared Wednesday in Yellowstone County Justice Court on a charge of criminal possession with intent to distribute.
Yellowstone County Justice Court Pro Tem Judge Lance Lundvall ordered Nguyen held at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility in lieu of a $7,500 bond.
According to court documents, Billings Police responded Tuesday to a call for a luggage inspection at Jefferson Bus Lines, 1830 Fourth Ave. N.
A baggage handler had noticed suspicious luggage that originated in Seattle and was headed to New York. An officer asked the baggage handler to make an announcement that the the owner of the luggage needed to come to the counter.
The officer noticed a man leave the bus station after the announcement and followed him out. The officer identified the man as Nguyen. The officer asked Nguyen where he was going.
According to court documents, Nguyen told the officer he was headed to Chicago for a wedding and hadn't brought any baggage with him. Nguyen's ticket said he was headed to New York and had the name "David Lee" on it. Nguyen could not provide his birthday, address or phone number. The officer also noticed Nguyen was shaking.
The officer searched the luggage and found multiple vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, amounting to about 112 pounds. The officer also searched Nguyen and found keys belonging to the luggage. The luggage said "David Lee," the same as Nguyen's ticket.
Nguyen was arrested and taken to jail. During a search of Nguyen's belongings, banking documents showed a money transfer of $4,200.
Nguyen was the second man this week to be charged with intent to distribute after drugs were found in another set of baggage on Jefferson Bus Lines. Thirty-one bags of marijuana were found Sunday in a suitcase and a backpack belonging to 19-year-old passenger, Kaine Hanson.
Hanson was charged with a felony count of criminal possession with intent to distribute, as well as misdemeanor obstruction.
Judge Pedro R. Hernandez allowed Hanson to be released on his own recognizance. He will be placed on GPS monitoring and not allowed to leave the state.
However you might define him, this man is who he is.
This is part of a story series about the lives of transgender people. Read the introduction here.
Codie Stone isnt big on labels. He accepts them as a fact of life in our society. But for Stone, what matters most is living his life authentically. He just wants to be who he is.
Stones gender identity wasnt always clear to him. In fact, he says he didnt have the classic transgender experience of knowing since he was a kid that the female gender he was assigned at birth didnt reflect his true self. Instead, the 31-year-old Stone says, his transition happened over many years.
It was a very slow, gradual understanding that people were living their lives differently and that I had a lot more options than I thought I did.
He remembers crying when his mother tried to make him wear dresses. There were a lot of times growing up when I wanted to express myself differently I cut my hair short even though my mother didnt like it and I got in trouble, he says. But it wasnt until I was in college that I let myself consciously think about the fact that I could be different from other people.
Stone had a turbulent childhood, growing up with an abusive stepfather. Living in a conservative part of Ohio, no one pushed him to talk about sexuality or gender, for which Stone is grateful.
I ignored everything related to sexuality and things that didnt feel normal about me, he says. It was not a safe place to explore things like that.
In college, Stone began taking classes in gender studies, sexuality, womens studies and sociology, which ultimately led to multiple degrees, including bachelors and masters degrees in sociology. As he began meeting new people who were open to different ideas, his view of the world expanded.
I met my first out lesbian and that was exciting to me. I came out as bisexual, and then as a lesbian, after I met a women and started dating her. I had never thought of myself as anything but a woman, and here I was dating a woman. It was an awkward thing to figure out and tell people, but it seemed to make the most sense. Here was the label that fit me.
Stone admits that as an adult, hes always had a masculine expression, and when he identified as a lesbian he was a butch lesbian. In college, though, he really began delving into gender roles.
I thought, Its okay, Im just a different kind of woman, and I could live with myself that way, he says. But as I learned there were people who were doing things to live in a more comfortable way, I didnt have to be that woman. Im very pro-woman, but I could be more comfortable in my own skin.
At that point, Stone began thinking of himself as genderqueer, which is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity doesnt fit within the constraints of the binary of female and male.
It wasnt long before he began meeting some transgender men. Although Stone didnt necessarily relate to most of them they were into hyper-masculine stuff thats never been me, he says it opened his eyes to the existence of transgender people.
Later, when Stone and his partner, Lisa, moved to Kalamazoo, his perspective was broadened even more while volunteering to help pass the citys non-discrimination ordinance in 2009.
That was where I met the first trans guy I ever felt a connection with. He asked me what pronouns I used and I didnt know no one had ever asked me. I couldnt give him an answer. It was the first time I knew I had an option I could make a choice, I didnt have to say the thing everyone expected me to say, the thing that didnt make me feel like myself. At first I chickened out and said I didnt care about pronouns, but over time I started using male pronouns. It felt good and right.
And it got Stone thinking. During that campaign he realized that living and expressing a male gender identity was important to him. For Stone, that meant beginning hormone replacement therapy with testosterone.
I was very into passing as male and being seen as male by others. As Ive been on T for the last six years, I find myself less into identifying in that masculine male-ness. I feel like I just do things I like to do, and society says those are male things or those are female things. Im not a fan of the whole mainstream male culture, so its hard for me to feel a connection with everything I associate with that. Im just trying to be me, and if people ask for a label Ill give them whatever is easiest to get them through conversations.
Personally, Stone identifies as trans masculine genderqueer. But he admits that hell sometime gauge the situation and present himself in a way that makes the most sense. For example, there are times he feels safer relying on his ability to be seen as a cisgender male someone who was assigned male at birth.
I rely on that privilege for safety if I need to, he says.
Acknowledging that privilege and the danger many transgender people face being outed against their will is one reason Stone signed on to be a named plaintiff in lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Michigan against the Michigan Secretary of State. The lawsuit is challenging a department policy that makes it impossible for many transgender individuals to correct the gender on their drivers licenses and other forms of identification, something thats already easily done on federal documents such as passports. The case is back in court this week.
Because Stone was born in Ohio, a state that doesnt allow people to change their birth certificates, Michigans current law would mean he could never change the gender marker on his drivers license.
I dont care about the label, but I know the State of Michigan cares about the label. Id rather have an M on my drivers license if I get pulled over. I have a beard. I dont look very feminine. I dont know what would happen if I got pulled over. But given the option, Id like to get an M on my drivers license to better reflect how society sees me and how I choose to express myself. And I have a certain privilege that many other transgender people dont, because they might not look traditionally cisgender. I have the opportunity to safely put myself out there to help the community, so I want to do that.
Even though hes part of the transgender community, Stone has a deeper view of the experience of being trans than many other people do. He teaches in the Gender and Womens Studies department at Western Michigan University and is working on his Ph.D. in sociology. For his dissertation, hes been interviewing transgender people in Michigan about their experiences with discrimination and microaggressions.
Although its still early in the research process, one thing Stone says has struck him is the resiliency of the transgender people he has interviewed.
Im talking to people about experiences with discrimination and microaggressions subtle types of messages like Youre unworthy or We dont respect you, he says. A lot of times thats unintentional, but it puts a lot of pressure on trans people.
He says the emotional toll microaggressions take on transgender people has come up repeatedly in his research.
Trans people have to think about how theyll respond to someone who may not even realize what they said was offensive, so it puts trans people in this very confusing place. But every person Ive talked to has said, Im going to live my life for me and be free and be the person I want to be. Especially when I talk to trans people of color, people living in places where its more dangerous to be an out trans person, it says a lot about the ability of oppressed people to thrive to really do more than survive, but to thrive.
Stone is open about the fact that he experiences anxiety and depression, even though he lives in an affirming community and has the unwavering support of his partner of nearly 11 years, Lisa, who has stayed at his side throughout his transition.
If everyone had a partner like mine, there would be no more war in the world, Stone says. I feel incredibly, ridiculously lucky to have her in my life.
He is also thankful for his friends and allies in Kalamazoo. In a few weeks, hell be teaching a class about so-called bathroom bills which includes two now introduced in the Michigan Legislature and the debate over whether trans people are people with rights, as Stone puts it.
Its exhausting. There are people in Kalamazoo who have offered to talk to my class about these issues if I dont feel like I can. Knowing there are others who can help with that if Im not in the emotional place where I can be as effective as I want to be is a huge relief. If allies want to help, picking up that burden for someone is an example of how to be a great ally. Im so grateful to have such amazing friends and allies.
In the end, Stone still doesnt care about labels, but he has made his peace with them.
The longer Ive been on hormones and my outer physical appearance matches what society expects, the more free I feel I can be in the way I express myself, he says. But the label is not the most important thing. Im just me.
Read all the stories in this series HERE.
[Photos courtesy of Codie Stone, shown at top on Halloween with Butler.]
By the end of the year, Android devs will be able to use a trust API from Googles Project Abacus in their apps, Google ATAP Director Dan Kaufman suggested at last weeks I/O conference.
The API, which will run in the background continually, is aimed at doing away with passwords.
It will use a smartphones sensors to check users current locations, typing patterns and voice patterns, as well as for facial recognition. It will create a cumulative trust score that will authenticate users so they can unlock their devices or sign into applications.
Well go out to several very large financial institutions for initial testing this June, Kaufman told developers. If the tests go well, Google plans to release the API to Android devs worldwide by year end.
I think the issue is Google isnt trusted itself and has a horrid history of losing interest in initiatives once theyre launched, remarked Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.
The potential for aggravation with both the customer and the financial institution is impressive and likely will stand as a huge barrier to adoption, he told TechNewsWorld. Generally, a failure would lock users out of their accounts.
Trust API Issues
The problem has always been that a really good biometric such as a retinal scan or fingerprint typically is hard to collect, observed Michael Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.
Less than reliable biometrics are easy to collect but require validation, usually by collecting several but the more you collect, the more chances for authentication failure, he told TechNewsWorld.
If biometrics fail, a standby such as a password or some form of support infrastructure to do a reset is required, and this could be complex for both the user and the service provider, Jude pointed out.
On the positive side, when [the trust API] works, it could provide a faster, more secure, consistent method of gaining access to secure sites, Enderle suggested.
However, Googles reputation of being unsecure, of not following through, of not listening to partners, and the complexity of the solution stand against this effort, he said.
Potential Privacy Problems
An API-based security protocol will put personal information in the cloud to some extent, Jude noted, so the question will be, do you trust your service provider with that kind of information?
Further, the trust API will be always on, running continually in the background, and that could be a concern especially because many Android apps send back users information to devs, often without the knowledge of the devices owner.
That always-on feature means users it will be easy to track users and with Americans being concerned about surveillance without warrants by the NSA, the FBI and various police agencies, there might be a backlash.
On the other hand, the feature could make it easier to track terrorist or criminal suspects.
There has been at least one legal ruling requiring a suspect to unlock a cellphone protected by fingerprint authentication, and with user information more readily available, law enforcement might push harder to seize data.
This is a problem, Jude said. This approach to security potentially opens a lot of personal information up to coercive disclosure. Im just waiting for someone to build a countermeasure that lets users clear a mobile data device with a voice command.
Other Possible Issues
The trust API may not be quite as accurate as Google asserts.
@chrismessina @pmarca very cool until I break my leg or hand & can't auth to any services to get healthcare info since my behavior is diff
Shaun Cooley (@shauncooley) January 10, 2016
What happens if a users biometrics change because of outside factors? If, for example, the users facial features or typing patterns or voice or speaking patterns are altered because of an accident or due to an injury or illness?
That question has yet to be answered.
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BOSTON Workers at Polartec have appealed to long-time partner Patagonia to buy its Lawrence, MA manufacturing site in a desperate plea to save jobs. The move comes after its California-based owner Ventura Inc. confirmed its intention to close the facility by the end of 2016.
In a new letter to Patagonias CEO, Rose Marcario, a coalition of allies and experts has joined workers to ask Patagonia to take direct ownership of Polartec, saying such a move would secure environmental and quality standards, save a living piece of American labour history, and preserve 350 jobs.
RED LODGE Those closest to John Charles JC Graham on the night deputies shot and killed him said officers had no choice.
That was the testimony Thursday in Red Lodge, where a coroners inquest began in the case involving Carbon County Sheriffs Office deputies. The inquest took place in the courthouse in Red Lodge before a jury of five women and two men, as well as an alternate juror.
After 15 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned its decision that deputies Chad Glick and Jeremy Neibauer were justified in shooting Graham.
Park County Coroner Al Jenkins presided at the inquiry. Carbon County Attorney Alex Nixon and Deputy County Attorney Scott Pederson questioned the witnesses.
In his testimony, Glick said that he saw Graham walk out of the house at an aggressive pace toward a barricade of law enforcement vehicles. Glick and Neibauer said that they felt and heard a shot fired in their direction when Graham exited.
I felt that I had to stop the threat, Glick said.
Graham, 41, was killed during an incident on March 7 in Joliet. Among the witnesses were Gail Stradtman, Grahams mother, and Katie Rushton, Grahams girlfriend. They both testified that Graham was experiencing serious mental health issues that night and that he ultimately fired first toward the officers.
In her emotional testimony, Stradtman said that the officers were not at fault.
Had they not been there, Katie would not have been alive today, and they had no choice, she said.
In recounting the night, Stradtman and Rushton said that Graham was having hallucinations. His anger and other problems had become more visible since the death of his grandfather shortly before March 7, they both testified. Stradtman said that Graham, a Navy veteran, had dealt with mental issues since he left the service.
Early in the evening, Rushton said that Graham was talking to two men in the corner of the bedroom in her house. There were no men there, Rushton said. Stradtman said that Graham would occasionally see grey people when nobody was there.
Graham continued to act erratically and grabbed his .30-06 rifle.
He pretty much told me that Im going to be a witness in a shootout, Rushton said.
Rushton said that Graham threatened her with it. Stradtman, who showed up later, testified that Graham pointed the gun at her.
When Stradtman arrived at the house, shed already dialed 911 and made a report.
I told them that my son was having a psychotic breakdown, she said.
Before law enforcement arrived, Rushton testified that Graham had fired the rifle out of the windows and through a glass door. Bob Reed, a Joliet pastor and reserve Carbon County Sheriffs Office deputy, was first on the scene. He met Stradtman coming out of the house.
Reed testified that he heard two shots, but he didnt know which direction the bullets went. He said that he took refuge behind his car and Stradtman left the scene shortly after.
At this point, Im figuring things are not good, Reed said. My very first thought was that he had killed himself and killed Katie.
Back-up arrived about nine minutes later. Glick was the first full-time officer on the scene, according to Reed. Neibauer and Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Shane Warehime showed up after that and other deputies followed.
Reed testified that he didnt see Graham come out of the house, but he heard the sound of the gunfire change.
When he came out the front door, it was much louder still, he said. I heard the front shot and I started to shift position to where I could see what was happening out in front of the house.
Glick said he felt the concussive blast of Grahams shot, as if he were at a firing range. Neibauer said he felt the shot. Neither officer saw a muzzle flash.
Warehime, the highway patrol trooper at the scene, testified that the bullet from Grahams final shot was lodged in a Pontiac car that was in front of the house. He referenced a photo of the car with a damaged but not broken spot on the windshield.
Warehime also provided dash cam video from his squad car, which was shown at the inquest. It showed Graham leaving the house and walking in Glicks direction. Seconds later, the Glick and Neibauer opened fire.
He definitely had a look of purpose on his face, Glick said. And intent.
He added that it appeared Graham was starting to bring the rifle to his shoulder. After Graham was down, a deputy with EMT training moved in with Glick and Neibauer to assist.
Dr. Robert Kurtzman, a forensic pathologist for the Montana Department of Justice, testified that Graham died from three gunshot wounds. A toxicology screen found small amounts of alcohol and methamphetamine. It also showed an anti-seizure and anti-psychotic medications in his system.
Glick and Neibauer, the deputies, were placed on administrative leave following the incident. Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan said on Thursday that they have already returned to work.
Nixon has the ultimate say on whether charges are filed, but he said after the inquest that he will respect the jurys verdict.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
Tony ODonnell pulled off the upset of Tuesdays primary election, defeating incumbent Kirk Bushman for southeast Montanas Public Service Commissioner.
ODonnell, no stranger to close races, won the 29,637-vote race by 581 votes. For much of the evening, the two candidates were within 50 votes of each other. Rarely does a PSC commissioner get unseated in a primary election, but its also rare for other commissioners to back a challenger. ODonnell had that advantage.
I committed that no one in any race would out work me, ODonnell said. The Billings Republican was involved in a recount in state legislative races. He lost narrowly to Rep. Margie MacDonald in 2014.
ODonnell was ready to launch another legislative campaign, but told The Gazette earlier this year that he was approached about running for PSC by other commissioners who were dismayed with Bushman.
Commissioners Brad Johnson, Roger Koopman and Travis Kavulla not only endorsed ODonnell, they held a Billings fundraiser for the challenger and penned letters to the editor endorsing ODonnell.
The commissioners knock on Bushman was they considered him too friendly to utilities regulated by the PSC and not as favorable to utility customers. The PSC is supposed to balance the interests of the two parties.
When companies sought to add small renewable energy projects to NorthWestern Energys portfolio, Bushman was reluctant, his fellow commissioners pointed out. Bushman told The Gazette his decision wasnt against renewable energy projects, but rather making sure that NorthWestern customers were getting favorable rates for power. He did not return calls Wednesday.
When NorthWestern Energy asked for approval to buy 11 hydroelectric dams from PPL Energy for $900 million, Bushman voted yes. The company originally sought permission to have the entire purchase price borne by its customers. Ultimately, the purchase price was lowered to $870 million.
Kavulla criticized Bushman for not being in the office much. He told The Gazette there were hearings where Bushman seemed to be learning about issues at times when the PSC should have been making decisions, not asking questions.
ODonnell told voters Bushman was difficult to work with, partly because of the commissioners background as an engineer.
Three commissioners supported me. The reason why is engineers have this tendency to think theyre the smartest guys in the room, and maybe they are, ODonnell said. But that tends to give them an adversarial role in the room.
Because no Democrat in PSC District 2 the district includes Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Fallon, Powder River, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure and Yellowstone counties ODonnell has won the seat without a general election race. He said he will soon travel to Helena to begin learning about the job, which will become his in January.
Yellowstone County and former inmate Fred Miller have settled a claim for $150,000 in which Miller alleged the jail was negligent in providing medical care that would have likely diagnosed his throat cancer.
The county and Miller reached the settlement last month after a mediation session on May 18. Settlement documents are expected to be filed by June 30.
The county elected to settle to avoid years of protracted appeal litigation that would have spawned from the Miller case. It was just a prudent decision, said Kevin Gillen, a deputy county attorney who handles civil litigation.
The county is not admitting any liability with the settlement, Gillen said.
Millers attorneys, Justin Stalpes of Bozeman and Alex Rate of Livingston, could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
Miller sued the county seeking $3 million in damages alleging negligence, cruel and unusual punishment and violation of his rights.
Miller claimed that while incarcerated, he submitted multiple requests for care that jail medical staff never properly answered. Had the jail responded, it could have prevented his cancer from progressing, he said.
Miller continued filing requests for medical treatment until his transfer to Missoula in 2010, where a biopsy determined he had stage 4 throat cancer. He served his sentence and was subsequently released.
A Yellowstone County jury in October 2015 awarded Miller $250,000 after a trial. But state District Judge Michael Moses, who presided, voided the award because the panel did not find that lack of care caused Millers chronic health problems.
The judge also agreed with Millers attorneys that the verdict was unclear and granted Miller a new trial.
The county appealed Moses ruling to the Montana Supreme Court. A ruling by the Supreme Court on May 17, the day before the mediation session, would have allowed a new trial.
Gillen said the county doesnt know why the jury answered the verdict form the way it did, but said that any negligence attributed to the county was not the substantial factor in injuries to Miller.
Meanwhile, Yellowstone County is seeking a new provider for medical and mental health services at the jail.
RiverStone Health, which has been providing medical and dental service at the jail since 2011, recently notified the county it would not be renewing its contract. The contract expires June 30, but RiverStone said it will continue service through Sept. 30. RiverStone also will continue to provide dental services.
Gillen said at the time of Millers incarceration, the jails policy was to provide dental care but that it could not find any dentists to provide the service.
We could not get dentists to come into the facility or send our inmates out for care, he said.
With RiverStone, the jail started transporting inmates to its clinic then built a dental facility in the jail where inmates are treated, Gillen said.
Yellowstone County commissioners this week approved a request for proposal for medical and mental health services at the jail.
Gillen said the countys intent is to find one provider for both services. If that is not possible, the county could split up the contract.
In addition, the county on Monday came to a spirit of agreement with Billings Clinic to provide telemedicine service for inmates needing acute mental health care, Gillen said. The service would provide medication and guidance for inmates who need immediate attention, he said.
The Billings Clinic telemedicine service would continue regardless of the contracting with another provider for mental health care, Gillen said.
Ely, Cambridgeshire is best known for its majestic cathedral dubbed the 'Ship of the Fens' because it dominates the flat landscape. The city, which is the second smallest in England, is about 14 miles north-northeast of Cambridge and about 80 miles by road from London.
13:33, 25 OCT 2022
WASHINGTON One of the mysteries of Campaign 2016 is why the Iran nuclear deal has vanished as an issue. But a new book reveals some startling details about how the diplomacy with Tehran began in secret, long before reformers took power there, and the crucial role played by presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
The diplomatic narrative is laid out in "Alter Egos," by New York Times White House correspondent Mark Landler. He's the first to disclose the full extent of the Omani "back channel" to Iran that opened in 2009 through a colorful fixer named Salem ben Nasser al-Ismaily.
Landler's account shows how early and extensively Clinton and her State Department staff were involved in the Iran talks, despite her initial wariness. And in a campaign where Donald Trump often advocates a blunderbuss approach to foreign affairs, this story is a reminder that breakthroughs often come via strange and invisible pathways ones that, in this case, the administration sometimes sought to obscure.
The Ismaily contacts began in May 2009, just four months after President Obama had taken office, when Dennis Ross, a top adviser to then-Secretary Clinton, met the 51-year-old Omani at the State Department.
At that first meeting, the Omani surprised the Americans with "an offer by Iran to negotiate" about the nuclear program, writes Landler. Obama had already sent a secret letter to Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing negotiations but had received a diffident response. "Ismaily assured Ross he could bring the Iranians to the table" and that Oman would be "an ideal venue for secret negotiations."
Both promises turned out to be true. First, though, came the uproar of the Iranian presidential election in 2009 and the brutal suppression of the "Green Revolution." Some critics have argued that Obama's eagerness for a diplomatic opening to Iran blunted the U.S. response to the stolen victory by hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
But the Omani mediation track continued. After Iran seized three American hikers in July 2009, Ismaily secretly began negotiating their release. The first was freed in September 2010, the other two a year later. Ross and a colleague traveled to Oman in December 2010 to hear more about the channel. Clinton had a similar exploratory talk with Oman's sultan in January 2011, though she wrote that she initially saw the opening as a "long shot."
John Kerry was jumping into the Oman channel even before he became secretary of state. He got to know Ismaily during the hiker negotiations and made several visits to Oman in 2011 and early 2012. Kerry also met the Omani intermediary in London, Rome and Washington.
"In his zeal to jump-start the negotiations, Kerry passed several messages to the Iranians through Ismaily," according to Landler. One of these messages may have been crucial: Kerry, still a senator and thus not formally speaking for the administration, suggested that under a nuclear agreement, the Iranians would be able to enrich uranium, Tehran's baseline demand. "In some ways, Kerry and his enthusiastic Omani go-between were merely cutting to the chase," writes Landler.
More secret meetings through the Oman channel followed in 2012 with Clinton's top aides, Deputy Secretary Bill Burns and Deputy Chief of Staff Jake Sullivan. Then, in 2013, the train began to accelerate with Kerry's appointment as secretary of state and Hassan Rouhani's election as president of Iran. By the end of that year, an interim nuclear agreement had been reached.
Sullivan explained in an email that although Clinton was skeptical at first about the Omani contacts, they proved important: "Without that channel, we likely would have spent the fall of 2013 trying to figure out who to talk to and how."
Landler's book also underlines the question of whether the administration's media campaign, led by deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes, emphasized the post-Rouhani chapters in its public telling of the story, and obscured the largely unnoticed early contacts through the Oman channel. A New York Times Magazine profile of Rhodes argued last month that this impression "was largely manufactured for the purpose for selling the deal."
The administration's hand was also visible in the State Department's deletion of footage of a December 2013 press briefing asking about secret negotiations with Tehran.
The Iran nuclear agreement deserves more attention in this campaign. Kerry and Obama may have concluded it, but Clinton helped get it started. Trump needs to explain why the world would be safer without this deal, and how he would have negotiated a better one. And the administration needs to explain why it opted for secrecy on a landmark agreement.
In a strong Primary Election turnout, Yellowstone County voters directed local government to beef up services to senior citizens and to make long-needed improvements at the jail.
The senior services levy won with a whopping 74.17 of the vote. As a result, property taxes will rise slightly less than 2 mills and the county will have an additional $578,000 a year to support services that help keep older adults healthy in their own homes.
A coalition of senior advocates waged an energetic campaign with Yes for YES (Yellowstone Elder Services) yard signs, direct mailing and rally events. The Billings Gazette received more letters to the editor in support of the senior levy than any other issue or candidate in this election. No one spoke publicly against the levy.
Proponents, including leaders of the Adult Resource Alliance and Big Sky Senior Services, two local nonprofits that receive some levy funding, started the campaign with a plan showing the public exactly how the new funds would be used, if voters approved. Senior advocates packed a standing-room-only County Commission meeting this spring when commissioners unanimously voted to put the levy increase proposal on the June 7 ballot.
Low-key jail campaign
The jail borrowing that voters authorized Tuesday (with 57.18 percent in favor) wont raise taxes, but it will resolve growing problems of overcrowding, inadequate housing for women and worn-out infrastructure.
The jail proposals success is all the more remarkable because it was a low-key campaign that mostly involved Sheriff Mike Linder and county Finance Director Kevan Bryan speaking to local groups. County Commissioner John Ostlund spoke up for the jail project in a Gazette guest opinion. But there were no ads, no mailings, no rallies. Commissioners Jim Reno and Bill Kennedy also supported the request for authority to borrow up to $9.7 million for the jail project, to be repaid with existing county revenue sources.
Congratulations to Linder and Bryan for devising this frugal, feasible plan to address the public safety issues in our 30-year-old jail. Now the challenge for them and the County Commission is to deliver the improvements promised within the proposed financial plan.
With a turnout of 46.94 percent, Yellowstone County exceeded Tuesdays statewide average of 44.65 percent. The 42,350 Yellowstone County residents whose ballots were counted Tuesday effectively turned three incumbents out of office.
3 lame ducks
Three-term County Commissioner Jim Reno narrowly lost his bid for a fourth six-year term to Denis Pitman, a former Billings city councilman. Theres no Democrat on the November ballot, so Pitman, the GOP primary winner, will be the commissioner in January.
Another Republican, Terry Halpin, defeated Kristi Lee Boelter, who was seeking a second four-year term as clerk of District Court. Although the GOP primary was a three-way race between Halpin, Boelter and Richard Nixon, Halpin actually won a majority of the votes, finishing with 50.96 percent, according to unofficial results from the Yellowstone County Elections Department.
Again, there is no Democratic candidate in November, so Halpin, a long-time judicial assistant and former deputy clerk, is assured of taking office in January.
Tony ODonnell defeated fellow Republican Kirk Bushman in a tight race Tuesday to win the District 2 seat on the Montana Public Service Commission. The district-wide vote gave ODonnell the win 15,102 to 14,528 for incumbent Bushman: a 51 percent to 49 percent margin, according to the Secretary of State website. In Billings, the hometown for both candidates, ODonnell garnered 52.38 percent of the votes, according to the Yellowstone County Elections Department. Also in this race, there is no Democrat on the November ballot, so ODonnell will start a six-year PSC term in January.
As we congratulate Pitman, Halpin and ODonnell, we call on the incumbents to do their very best to serve the people of Yellowstone County for the remaining seven months of their terms. Reno, Boelter and Bushman have a lot of work yet to do. The remainder of this year also should be a time for the newly elected to educate themselves on the duties of the offices they will hold in 2017.
Editor's note: The original article posted on June 9 contained information on a show that aired last week about a murder case in Montana. This has been updated with the correct information.
Friday night's episode of "Dateline NBC" will examine the murder trial of Joseph Campbell, which ended in a mistrial.
Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton will be featured on the program.
Campbell was charged in the 2013 death of Timothy Newman, 53, near Augusta. In March, the jury trial was deadlocked, and a mistrial was declared.
The episode will air at 8 p.m., Friday, June 10.
Kourtney Kardashian has managed to stay out of the headlines in the last several months, but that's mostly because her sisters Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner have been dominating them. Yet, there's a new report that suggests we'll be hearing more from her as the reality television star's life is supposedly spiraling out of control, as she's been going on a partying binge that she just can't stop.
If it weren't enough that Kourtney has been dealing with her ex Scott Disick (who has been battling addiction problems of his own) and bad boy Justin Bieber, now sources say that the celebrity mom's behavior is also quite "troubling." She and Scott have three children together, Mason, Penelope and Reign.
On a recent trip to Las Vegas with her girlfriends, one insider told Naughty Gossip, "Kourtney was a complete mess ... She stayed out till 6 AM and barely made on the private jet home .... "
The report also goes on to call her a "hot mess." Although there are plenty of paparazzi photos that show Kourtney going in and out of Hollywood night clubs since her breakup with Scott, the brunette beauty has not made any comments about the most recent allegations.
Scott, for his part, has been making an effort to stay sober for the sake of the couple's three kids.
HELENA Alarmed by the number of military veterans in Montana who take their own lives, state officials want to explore establishing a state-based suicide prevention hotline to improve access to emergency counseling among despondent veterans.
Montana has among the nation's highest rates of suicides in the country, not only among veterans but the general population.
State officials say 50 veterans in Montana killed themselves last year, with about 560 suicides over the past 10 years.
While a national suicide hotline exists specifically for veterans, some officials say Montana-based telephone counselors could be more responsive to the needs of the state's veterans.
State Sen. Dee Brown, who chairs the State Administration and Veterans' Affairs Interim Committee, has raised alarm about the suicide rate. She said the committee is just beginning to discuss how best to improve telephone counseling services for veterans.
"I've heard from a lot of veterans who try to call for help, and sometimes all they get is a recording telling them to call 911. The first voice they hear should be a live person," Brown said in an interview as her committee assembled Wednesday to again address suicides.
During a session of the committee in April, Brown dialed a suicide hotline. It was answered by someone located on the East Coast, she said.
"If we don't take care of our veterans at home, why the hell are we sending them abroad to die?" Brown asked.
Juliana Hallows, the suicide prevention coordinator at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, told the committee on Wednesday that hotline services already exist and have been much improved since the hotline came under fire two years ago.
Veterans' groups had complained that previous iterations of the VA's hotline did not connect veterans immediately with a counselor, but required callers to hang up and call another number.
While a state-based hotline would give veterans more options, Hallows said, "a Montana-specific hotline would be redundant." She said veterans who call a national hotline will get the emergency counseling they need before being referred to a local mental health professional.
Experts say there are numerous factors that lead some veterans to kill themselves, including social isolation and limited access to mental health care.
The noble gases, also called rare gases, such as xenon, are the most inert atomic group, but can become reactive under extreme conditions. An international team of scientists used a combination of several synchrotron techniques and ab initio modelling to investigate a possible direct reaction between xenon and oxygen at high pressure. Their results demonstrate that xenon is reactive at pressures relevant to the Earths interior. This study, published in Nature Chemistry, could help to resolve the so-called missing xenon paradox by providing evidence for a possible storage of this element in the deep Earth planet.
The noble gases, also called rare gases, such as xenon, are the most inert atomic group, but can become reactive under extreme conditions. An international team of scientists used a combination of several synchrotron techniques and ab initio modelling to investigate a possible direct reaction between xenon and oxygen at high pressure. They managed to synthesise two oxides under high pressure. Their results demonstrate that xenon is reactive at pressures relevant to the Earths interior. This study, published in Nature Chemistry, could help to resolve the so-called missing xenon paradox by providing evidence for a possible storage of this element in the deep Earth planet.
Noble gases are characterised by their high chemical stability. The high school paradigm in chemistry classes states that nothing can force a noble gas atom into chemical bonding. This inertness is used in geochemistry, where the quantities of noble gases contained in the Earths different layers is used to build models of the evolution of the deep Earth and atmosphere.
Of the six noble gases, one especially puzzles researchers: xenon (Xe). The chemistry of xenon is much more complex than expected. In fact, the binding of the external electrons to the ionic core of a noble gas atom decreases when the size of the atom increases, and xenon is one of the biggest rare gases (by order of size: neon, argon, krypton, xenon, radon). Since the 1960s, compounds containing oxidized xenon (which has lost some external electrons) have been synthesised; but xenon oxides are unstable. Recently, theoretical proposals have emerged for the formation of strongly bonded and stable xenon compounds under pressure. However, experimental data for xenon oxides have not been reported previously at the high pressures at which xenon oxides might become stable.
Laser-heating set-up on the ESRF's beamline ID27 dedicated to high-pressure X-ray diffraction. Credit: ESRF/McBride.
Xenon is a geological enigma. The atmosphere contains much less xenon than expected from the composition of the stony meteorites similar to those which have formed the Earth some 4.54 billion of years ago. One proposal for resolving this missing xenon paradox is that xenon is stored in the deep Earth, thus motivating a study to provide a better understanding of the chemistry of xenon under geologically relevant pressures (up to 3.6 million atmospheres at the centre of the Earth).
The team of researchers investigated the possibility of a chemical reaction under high pressure between xenon and oxygen, which is the most abundant element in the Earths mantle. Mixtures of xenon and oxygen gases were loaded into diamond anvil cells, then compressed up to the million-atmosphere range and heated with an infrared laser to induce reactions. Indeed, reactions were observed and the products have been characterised with microfocused X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption on beamlines ID27 and BM23 dedicated respectively to these techniques, at the ESRF, the European Synchrotron, Grenoble, France. Experimental data were interpreted with the help of ab initio1 modelling performed at the University of Cambridge, which also predicted new compounds stable under high pressure. Two oxides were synthesised thanks to the combination of these techniques: Xe 2 O 5 and Xe 3 O 2 (the latter was ab initio predicted).
Left: An open diamond anvil cell. The conical diamond is visible in the centre of the left disk. Right: A very thin beam of synchrotron X-rays is sent to the sample compressed between two diamond anvils; the diffraction pattern of deflected X-rays is recorded on a bidimensional detector. A chemical reaction is detected by the appearance of a new diffraction pattern which characterizes the products. Credit: ESRF.
Sakura Pascarelli and Mohamed Mezouar, scientists in charge of the ESRF beamlines, explain The structure of the new oxides has been solved thanks to the high performance of the European Synchrotron and the combination of several techniques: XRD (X-ray diffraction), at ID27, and XAS (X-ray absorption) at BM23, coupled to ab-initio modelling. The use of these complementary methods was essential for the unambiguous determination of long and short range order in these materials. Its a complex scientific problem with many experimental challenges that have been overcome for the first time .
These two compounds are predicted to be stable above about 0.5 million atmospheres, which is lower than previous estimates and indicates greater chemical reactivity in xenon oxides than previously thought. This is due to an unexpected role of d electrons in the bonding. This study also shows that xenon atoms adopt mixed valence states in the oxides stable at the lowest pressure (+4 to +6 oxidation state in Xe 2 O 5 , 0 to +4 in Xe 3 O 2 ), yielding unusual chemical formulas for oxides. This may be a general trend in compounds formed under high compression.
Structures of the stable xenon oxides. a, Xe 2 O 5 and b, Xe 3 O 2 . Xenon atoms are shown in blue shades and oxygen atoms in red shades. The oxygen atoms have an oxidation state of -2, and the darker shade of red indicates an oxygen atom that bonds only to one xenon atom. The oxidation states of the xenon atoms are indicated by different shades of blue. (Courtesy of Nicholas Worth, University of Cambridge)
Agnes Dewaele, main author, CEA, explains: There is increasing evidence that xenon becomes very reactive under high pressure. In addition to our study, calculations have recently predicted that xenon reacts with iron and nickel, the major components of the Earths deepest envelope, the core, under relevant conditions; this remains to be verified experimentally. We dont know yet how this reactivity has affected the path of xenon atoms after the Earths accretion. However, these studies suggest that the geochemical definition of xenon, which is classified as a volatile and atmophile2, could be revised, as well as the use of xenon isotopes to date processes of the Earths differentiation3.
1- A calculation is said to be ab initio (or "from first principles") if it relies on basic and established laws of atomic physics without additional assumptions or special models. 2 - An atmophile element is a chemical element whose existence in nature in the solid state is marginal. Because of their volatility, atmophiles are very rare elements within the Earth and are mostly present in the atmosphere. 3 - The differentiation of the Earth means the mechanisms that resulted in core formation, mantle, crusts, atmosphere, that is to say envelopes with very different chemical composition from a star of initially homogeneous composition.
References
CHEYENNE, Wyo. A jury has convicted a Cheyenne couple of five counts of child abuse and one count of abusing a vulnerable adult.
The jury returned the verdicts Wednesday against Dennis and Emily Larkins.
Emily Larkins is a former chairwoman of a Laramie County organization that helps low-income families and children.
The couples were charged last year after their teenage daughter showed school officials a photograph of a large, dark bruise on her younger brother.
The couple also was accused of abusing four siblings who were their adoptive children, including one who is now an adult.
Charlotte, N.C., June 9, 2016 - A study of emergency department (ED) patients with symptoms of gonorrhea or chlamydia found that three in four patients who were treated with antibiotics actually tested negative for these sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to a new study presented at the 43rd Annual Conference of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
Researchers from St. John Hospital & Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan, examined records of more than 1,103 patients who underwent STD testing in the ED to identify the extent of unnecessary antibiotic use. Genital cultures are commonly collected from patients with signs and symptoms of STDs; however, results are not immediately available, and antibiotics are often prescribed without a confirmatory diagnosis.
Of the 1,103 patients tested, 40 percent were treated with antibiotics for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia; of those treated, 76.6 percent ultimately tested negative for having the STD. Of the 60 percent who went untreated, only 7 percent ultimately tested positive for either or both STDs.
"We have to find the appropriate balance between getting people tested and treated for STDs, but not prescribing antibiotics to patients who don't need them," said Karen Jones, MPH, BSN, RN, infection preventionist, St. John Hospital & Medical Center. "There is a tricky balance between not furthering antibiotic resistance by over-prescribing, but also still getting people treatment for STDs they might have."
The study also examined how certain symptoms were associated with positive STD cultures. For example, in male patients, 60.3 percent with penile discharge and 57.5 percent with inflammation of the urethra tested positive for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. In female patients, 25 percent with inflammation of the cervix and 27 percent with cervical motion tenderness tested positive for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. Thirty-five percent of patients who disclosed they had more than one sex partner also tested positive for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. "Focusing on these clinical predictors may improve unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in patients without true disease," said Jones.
"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly a third of antibiotics prescribed in doctors' offices, emergency rooms, and hospital-based clinics in the U.S. are not needed," said APIC 2016 President Susan Dolan RN, MS, CIC, hospital epidemiologist, Children's Hospital Colorado. "Improving the use of antibiotics is a national and international priority to help prevent antibiotic resistance which would threaten our ability to treat even the simplest of infections."
APIC 2016 Annual Conference, June 11-13 in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the most comprehensive infection prevention conference in the world, with more than 60 educational sessions and workshops led by experts from across the globe and attended by nearly 4,000 professionals. The conference aims to provide infection preventionists, physicians, researchers, epidemiologists, educators, administrators, and medical technologists with strategies that can be implemented immediately to improve prevention programs and make healthcare safer. Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #APIC2016.
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ABOUT APIC
APIC's mission is to create a safer world through prevention of infection. The association's more than 15,000 members direct infection prevention programs that save lives and improve the bottom line for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. APIC advances its mission through patient safety, implementation science, competencies and certification, advocacy, and data standardization. Visit APIC online at http://www.apic.org. Follow APIC on Twitter and Facebook. For consumer information, visit APIC's Infection Prevention and You website.
Charlotte, N.C., June 9, 2016 - Can you use the "ick factor" to get healthcare workers to clean their hands more often? Yes, according to a new study being presented on June 11 at the 43rd Annual Conference of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
The infection control team at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan, used images of bacterial growth to provoke feelings of disgust and motivate hospital staff to comply with hand hygiene guidelines. The team developed a book of images containing bacterial cultures of differing types and levels of contamination, as measured by Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) meter readings. They tested the images on hospital units that had low hand hygiene compliance rates, and over a two-month period, they visited those units 10 times, sampled workers' hands for bacteria, and then showed them pictures of cultures similar to the contamination on their hands. Compliance increased by between 11 and 46 percentage points in units where the study was conducted.
"Hospital staff wanted to wash their hands after looking at the book and picturing similar contamination on their own skin," said Ashley Gregory, MSL (ASCP), an infection prevention specialist who co-led the project. "Using this example, other institutions may be able to change behavior and improve their hand hygiene compliance rates by influencing staff to connect the images of microbial contamination with non-adherence to hand hygiene guidelines."
The program also motivated healthcare personnel (HCP) to take ownership of the environmental cleaning of their workspace. By comparing the ATP readings taken from phones, mobile work stations, and computer mouse devices to the photos in the book of germ images, HCP were able to visualize the contamination on the surfaces surrounding them.
"Hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection, and yet it can be one of the most difficult benchmarks to improve," said APIC 2016 President Susan Dolan, RN, MS, CIC, hospital epidemiologist, Children's Hospital Colorado. "The visual nature of this approach proved successful for the team at Henry Ford Health System, and it may offer an effective strategy for other healthcare facilities that are looking for ways to change behavior and improve hand hygiene compliance."
Henry Ford's infection control team was inspired by new research from St. John's Research Institute in the United Kingdom, which found that leveraging emotional motivators in Indian villages was more effective at promoting behavioral changes in hand hygiene than traditional messaging.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700,000 healthcare-associated infections occur in U.S. acute care hospitals every year. It is well documented that effective hand hygiene helps reduce the spread of infections. Despite this evidence, HCP practice hand hygiene less than half of the times they should.
APIC 2016 Annual Conference, June 11-13 in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the most comprehensive infection prevention conference in the world, with more than 60 educational sessions and workshops led by experts from across the globe and attended by nearly 4,000 professionals. The conference aims to provide infection preventionists, physicians, researchers, epidemiologists, educators, administrators, and medical technologists with strategies that can be implemented immediately to improve prevention programs and make healthcare safer. Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #APIC2016.
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ABOUT APIC
APIC's mission is to create a safer world through prevention of infection. The association's more than 15,000 members direct infection prevention programs that save lives and improve the bottom line for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. APIC advances its mission through patient safety, implementation science, competencies and certification, advocacy, and data standardization. Visit APIC online at http://www.apic.org. Follow APIC on Twitter and Facebook. For consumer information, visit APIC's Infection Prevention and You website.
A new high-impact journal for chemists marks a leading biomedical publisher's first foray into the physical sciences. Cell Press, the home of Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology, launches Chem this July and officially begins the expansion of its portfolio to meet the needs of the wider research community.
Chem (@Chem_CP) aims to be a true sister journal to Cell by positioning itself as the "journal for exciting chemistry." Each issue will include original research articles that move the field forward, as well as front matter and reviews that explore how chemistry and its sub-disciplines can be a force for good. Nearly 100 advisory board members and a small committee of "next-generation advisors" will work with Chem's editors to continually develop the journal's scope and ambitions.
"One thing that's always struck me is that chemistry doesn't get the recognition it deserves and is key, in my view, to solving a number of global challenges," says Editor-in-Chief Robert Eagling, who came to Cell Press from the Royal Society for Chemistry. "Chem will first and foremost be about the conceptually new idea or innovation, but we're also trying to build on that and get authors to think about the potential impact of their research."
As a Cell Press publication, Chem will provide the same personal engagement with editors, dynamic presentation options, and hospitality that authors have come to expect. And like its flagship sister in biology, Chem will publish cutting-edge, thought-provoking advances across the breadth of the discipline, from physical chemistry to atmospheric and organic chemistry.
"This is an exciting time for Cell Press as we transition from being a recognized leader in publishing in biomedicine to a recognized leader in publishing across all scientific disciplines," says Cell Press CEO Emilie Marcus. "With its first issue 40 years ago, Cell had the ambitious goal of transforming the discipline of biology for both scientists and society; we have high expectations for Chem to do the same for chemistry."
Four papers are now available for preview ahead of the first issue at http://www.cell.com/chem/home. These include:
1. Bypassing Faulty Ion Channels
Ion-channel dysfunction is the underlying cause of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, in which passive chloride ion transport is impaired. One solution is to create small molecules that can carry chloride through membranes, replacing the need for functioning channels. However, many of these transporters exhibit a side effect of pH-gradient disruption, which can lead to cell death. Anthony Davis of the University of Bristol, Philip Gale of the University of Southampton, and colleagues show the first examples of transporters with a high selectivity for chloride over other ions in the cell, which now makes the biomedical application of these transporters a more realistic option.
Wu et al.: "Nonprotonophoric Electrogenic Cl? Transport Mediated by Valinomycin-like Carriers" http://www.cell.com/chempr/fulltext/S2451-9294(16)30002-X / 10.1016/j.chempr.2016.04.002
2. A Stable Phosphorous Carbene Analog
Discovered more than two decades ago, stable carbenes (molecules with unusually bonded carbon atoms that had been thought to only exist during chemical reactions), now have a broad range of applications ranging from synthetic chemistry to material and biological sciences (e.g., Teflon). Guy Bertrand of the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues add to the carbene family by showing that with the right substituents, the phosphorus analogs, namely phosphinidenes, can be isolated at room temperature, allowing their chemistry and reactivity to be explored.
Liu et al.: "A Singlet Phosphinidene Stable at Room Temperature" http://www.cell.com/chempr/fulltext/S2451-9294(16)30001-8 / 10.1016/j.chempr.2016.04.001
3. Transforming Biomass without Fossil Fuels
Renewable resources and bio-based feedstocks may present a sustainable alternative to petrochemical sources to satisfy modern society's ever-increasing demand for energy and chemicals. However, the conversion processes needed for these future biorefineries will likely differ from those currently used in the petrochemical industry. In this review, David W. Flaherty of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dean Toste of the University of California, Berkeley, and colleagues survey approaches to producing chemicals from renewable sources and describe strategies for the conversion of these chemicals into fuels.
Wu et al.: "Production of Fuels and Chemicals from Biomass: Condensation Reactions and Beyond" http://www.cell.com/chempr/fulltext/S2451-9294(16)30004-3 /10.1016/j.chempr.2016.05.002
4. Encapsulating Enzymes
Metal-organic frameworks are porous yet robust materials for encapsulating and protecting enzymes from degradation. In order for enzymes to be broadly applicable as catalysts in industry, they need to be protected from denaturation under harsh conditions. Omar Farha of Northwestern University and colleagues show the applicability of a metal-organic framework that can protect enzymes so that they maintain high enzymatic activity. The long-term goal is to encapsulate specific enzymes that can be used for the detoxification of chemical-warfare agents.
Li et al.: "Toward Design Rules for Enzyme Immobilization in Hierarchical Mesoporous Metal-Organic Frameworks" http://www.cell.com/chempr/fulltext/S2451-9294(16)30003-1/ 10.1016/j.chempr.2016.05.001
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Cell Press (@CellPressNews), an imprint of Elsevier, is a leading publisher of scientific research and reviews. We drive science forward and promote cross-pollination of ideas with our passion for excellence and commitment to innovation. Our aim is to engage the scientific community by communicating important, exciting discoveries made today that will impact the future of research. Visit http://www.cell.com/. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University Medical Center, and NewYork-Presbyterian, found that patients who did not adhere to their medication schedule for chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disease, prior to a breast cancer diagnosis were twice as likely to skip oral adjuvant hormonal therapy. Patients who skipped medications for their chronic conditions had a 23 percent non-adherence rate to hormone treatment, compared with 10 percent for those who took one or more drugs for their conditions prior to a breast cancer diagnosis.
The study is among the first to associate prior medication adherence patterns and subsequent adherence for breast cancer drug therapy. Findings are published online in JAMA Oncology.
This large population-based study was based on data from the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan, a medical and pharmacy insurance claims database. The researchers identified 21,255 women 18 years or older who were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010-2012 and had filled two or more prescriptions for tamoxifen and/or an aromatase inhibitor. Overall, 16 percent were non-adherent to their hormone replacement therapy.
"Given the fact that medications used in oncology are potentially life-saving or life-prolonging, it is surprising that non-adherence to these medications is common," said Alfred I. Neugut, MD, PhD, Myron M. Studner Professor of Cancer Research and Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and lead author of the study.
Age had a strong association with adherence versus non-adherence. Compared to women with breast cancer between the ages of 55 and 64, women younger than 45 years and those between the ages of 45 to 54 were more likely to be less adherent, as were those 75 years of age or older. Women who were African-American, being treated by a specialist other than a medical oncologist, as well as those who had poor belief in the treatment's efficacy, lower financial resources, and higher co-payments for the drug, were also less likely to adhere to the treatment. As the 30-day out-of-pocket costs rose from $5, there was a gradual increase in non-adherence.
Having a greater number of chronic conditions and a history of non-adherence to chronic medications in the year prior to a patient's breast cancer diagnosis--regardless of the number of medications a woman was taking--was also associated with not taking the medications. "This finding revealed that those who are non-adherent to chronic medications are at increased risk for non-adherence to hormone therapy and could benefit from vigilance and possible future interventions," noted Dr. Neugut.
Of the women studied, 62 percent initially used aromatase inhibitors, while 38 percent started with tamoxifen. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) used at least one prior medication for a chronic condition. These included common drugs for six chronic conditions: diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The average rates of non-adherence in the year prior to the hormone therapy were substantial: 37 percent for diabetes; 28 percent, hypertension; 30 percent, hyperlipidemia; 21 percent, thyroid disease; 32 percent, osteoporosis; and 38 percent, gastroesophageal reflux disease.
"Non-adherence to hormone therapy for breast cancer can have significant impact on survival outcomes," said Dr. Neugut, who is also co-director of the Cancer Prevention Program at NewYork-Presbyterian. "The hope is that by identifying patients at highest risk for non-adherence and having a detailed history of medication use, interventions can be developed and targeted at higher- risk groups."
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Co-authors: Xiaobo Zhong, MS; Jason D. Wright, MD; Melissa Accordino, MD; Jingyan Yang, MHS; and Dawn L. Hershman, MD, MS.
The study was supported by the Department of Defense (grant BC043120), the American Medical Association, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Witten Family Foundation. Dr. Neugut has served as a consultant to Pfizer, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, United BioSource Corporation and serves on the Medical Advisory Board of EHE, Intl. No financial conflicts are reported.
About Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health
Founded in 1922, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health pursues an agenda of research, education, and service to address the critical and complex public health issues affecting New Yorkers, the nation and the world. The Mailman School is the third largest recipient of NIH grants among schools of public health. Its over 450 multi-disciplinary faculty members work in more than 100 countries around the world, addressing such issues as preventing infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, maternal and child health, health policy, climate change & health, and public health preparedness. It is a leader in public health education with over 1,300 graduate students from more than 40 nations pursuing a variety of master's and doctoral degree programs. The Mailman School is also home to numerous world-renowned research centers including ICAP (formerly the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs) and the Center for Infection and Immunity. For more information, please visit http://www.mailman.columbia.edu
Columbia University Medical Center provides international leadership in basic, preclinical, and clinical research; medical and health sciences education; and patient care. The medical center trains future leaders and includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, public health professionals, dentists, and nurses at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. Columbia University Medical Center is home to the largest medical research enterprise in New York City and State and one of the largest faculty medical practices in the Northeast. For more information, visit cumc.columbia.edu or columbiadoctors.org. About NewYork-Presbyterian
NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nations most comprehensive healthcare delivery networks, focused on providing innovative and compassionate care to patients in the New York metropolitan area and throughout the globe. In collaboration with two renowned medical school partners, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian is consistently recognized as a leader in medical education, groundbreaking research and clinical innovation. For more information, visit www.nyp.org
June 9, 2016 -- Research conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and Public Health Solutions examined the reasons why men who have had sex with both men and women choose not to disclose their sexual orientation -- particularly to their wives and girlfriends. Results show that men wanted to avoid the stigma and homophobia they felt certain would lead to strong negative emotional reactions and profound changes in their relationships. Findings are published online in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Using a large, ethnically diverse sample, the researchers examined the reasons these behaviorally bisexual men offered for why they had not told --a nd frequently never planned to tell -- their friends, family, and female partners about their sexual orientation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 203 behaviorally bisexual men in New York City who had never disclosed their same-sex behavior to their female sexual partners. To be eligible, men had to be at least 18 years of age; not self-identify as gay; and report having had sex with a man and sex with a woman in the past year. Men were recruited from Internet websites, print ads, and nonparticipant referrals.
"Our results clearly identify the need for public education campaigns to dispel myths about bisexual men--that bisexual men are not gay, do not have HIV, and are not necessarily non-monogamous," said Eric W. Schrimshaw, PhD, associate professor of Sociomedical Sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health. "Further, the anticipated negative reactions from female partners suggest the need for strategies to assist behaviorally bisexual men disclose their sexual history in ways that minimize negative reactions and work with the couple to preserve the relationship."
The men consistently reported anticipating stigma for having sex with men and specified a number of reasons for non-disclosure, including anticipation of negative emotional reactions; anticipation of negative changes in relationships; belief that their family, friends, and female partners held stigmatizing attitudes toward homosexuality; and prior experience with negative reactions to disclosure.
Men in the study did not report a heterosexual identity, identity uncertainty, or other identity issues as reasons for non-disclosure. "Rather our findings suggested that non-disclosure of sexual orientation among behaviorally bisexual men is often used as a strategy to avoid anticipated stigmatizing responses from their social network such as ridicule, rejection, and victimization," said Schrimshaw.
Perhaps the most novel reason identified for non-disclosure was that all men commonly viewed the religious and/or cultural background of their friends, family, and female partners as a barrier to disclosure because they believed it contributed to the anticipation of rejecting reactions. Theories on disclosure of sexual orientation among gay men are conflicting. "While some research suggests that disclosure of sexual orientation is part of identity development and that disclosure occurs after they become more confident and self-accepting of their sexual identity, this was not our finding," said Martin J. Downing, Jr. of Public Health Solutions.
The researchers say their findings show that bisexual men may be more likely than gay men to anticipate stigmatizing reactions from others. However, they caution that their research did not compare bisexual men's reasons to those of gay men, and therefore it is still unclear whether gay men perceive less sigma (and therefore are more likely to disclose) or if gay and bisexual men experience similar levels of stigma perceptions prior to disclosure. "Such research is critical to understanding the potential causal order between stigma and disclosure among both gay and bisexual men," noted Dowling.
Earlier research by Schrimshaw suggested that high levels of emotional distress among behaviorally bisexual men are a result of concealment of their sexual orientation. "Thus the current findings provide new insights into why non-disclosure could result in greater emotional distress," said Schrimshaw.
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The research was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (R01-MH076680). Daniel J. Cohn of Cornell University is a co-author.
About Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health
Founded in 1922, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health pursues an agenda of research, education, and service to address the critical and complex public health issues affecting New Yorkers, the nation and the world. The Mailman School is the third largest recipient of NIH grants among schools of public health. Its over 450 multi-disciplinary faculty members work in more than 100 countries around the world, addressing such issues as preventing infectious and chronic diseases, environmental health, maternal and child health, health policy, climate change & health, and public health preparedness. It is a leader in public health education with over 1,300 graduate students from more than 40 nations pursuing a variety of master's and doctoral degree programs. The Mailman School is also home to numerous world-renowned research centers including ICAP (formerly the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs) and the Center for Infection and Immunity. For more information, please visit http://www.mailman.columbia.edu
Patients with antibodies to biological infliximab are less likely to benefit from infliximab biosimilar (CT-P13)
London, United Kingdom, June 08, 2016: The results of a study presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2016) showed that when antibodies develop in response to the biological treatment Remicade (infliximab), they also cross-react with the biosimilar of infliximab (CT-P13: Inflectra or Remsima). These findings suggest that antibody-positive patients being treated with Remicade should not be switched to treatment with the biosimilar, since these antibodies will interact with the new drug and potentially lead to a loss of response. ,
Biosimilars are similar to biotechnologically created proteins, but have been approved after the patent for the original branded product has lapsed. Unlike chemically-created generic drugs, the biosimilar molecule is not identical to the original product; it is highly similar. Over the past decade, several biosimilars have been introduced into medicine with the goal of reducing treatment costs and increasing accessibility to therapy for patients. The first infliximab biosimilar in Europe is marketed under two brand names: Inflectra (made by Hospira) and Remsima (made by Mundipharma).
Biopharmaceuticals (or 'biologics'), such as infliximab, have revolutionised the treatment of many rheumatic diseases. However, some patients generate an immune response to such drugs, with the resultant antibodies potentially limiting their clinical efficacy and safety.3 Infliximab is a TNF- inhibitor which, in the European Union, is approved as an effective treatment of various inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.
"While most studies show there are no significant differences in clinical response between a biosimilar and the original product, some physicians and patient advocacy groups have expressed concern about how interchangeable they really are, and whether it is safe to switch from the brand name version to the biosimilar," said lead author Dr Daniel Nagore of Progenika Biopharma, Derio, Spain.
"Our results have shown that all the antibodies that developed in patients being treated with Remicade cross-reacted with the biosimilar. The presence of these anti-infliximab antibodies is likely to enhance clearance of the drug from the body, potentially leading to a loss of response, as well as increasing the risk of side effects. Therefore, in patients where biological infliximab is ineffective due to the presence of circulating antibodies, switching to its biosimilar will lead to the same problems," Dr Nagore concluded.
The study included 250 rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis patients undergoing Remicade treatment who had never been previously treated with the biosimilar, and 77 control patients. Using assays to assess concentrations of anti-infliximab antibodies, half (50.4%) of the Remicade-treated patients tested positive for anti-infliximab antibodies, and 100% of those who tested positive for anti-infliximab antibodies also exhibited antibody reactivity against the biosimilar.
These results are aligned with previous infliximab antibody data among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases being treated with Remicade. Further studies are now planned with biosimilar-treated patients to better assess the potentially different immune responses associated with biologics.
Abstract Number: OP0015
###
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress
Press Office in the London Suite at ExCel London during EULAR 2016 or on: Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com
Onsite tel: +44 (0) 7725 915 492 / +44 (0) 7786 171 476
Twitter: @EULAR_Press
Youtube: Eular Pressoffice
About EULAR
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an umbrella organisation which represents scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMD) throughout Europe.
EULAR aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, and treatment of RMD and the rehabilitation of those it affects.
EULAR underlines the importance of combating rheumatic diseases not only by medical means, but also through a wider context of care for rheumatic patients and a thorough understanding of their social and other needs. EULAR is supported in this mission by its 45 scientific member societies, 36 PARE
(People with Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe) organisations, 22 HPR (Health Professionals in Rheumatology) associations and 23 corporate members.
The EULAR Annual European Congress of Rheumatology is the foremost international medical meeting announcing the latest research on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. EULAR 2016 is expected to attract over 14,000 delegates from around 120 countries. Most if not all professions working in the vast field of RMD will be represented.
To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: http://www.eular.org
References
1. EULAR 2016; London: Abstract OP0015
2. Ruiz-Arguello MB, Maguregui A, Ruiz Del Agua A, et al. Antibodies to infliximab in Remicade-treated rheumatic patients show identical reactivity towards biosimilars. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016 Mar 10. pii: annrheumdis-2015-208684. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208684. [Epub ahead of print]
3. Ben-Horin S, Heap GA, Ahmad T, et al.The immunogenicity of biosimilar infliximab: can we extrapolate the data across indications? Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2015; 9, supp1: 27-34
4. Ben-Horin S, Yavzori M, Benhar I, et al. Cross-immunogenicity: antibodies to infliximab in Remicade-treated patients with IBD similarly recognise the biosimilar Remsima. Gut; 2015 Apr 20. pii: gutjnl-2015-309290. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2015-309290 [Epub ahead of print]
London, United Kingdom, 8 June 2016: Results from patient-focused initiatives unveiled at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2016) have highlighted the importance of seeking and better understanding the patient perspective, as well as actively encouraging patient participation, to optimise care of rheumatic diseases.
Findings from these patient-focused initiatives show:
Although many patients are satisfied with their RA treatment, non-adherence persists and many would like to discuss and/or change their currently prescribed treatment, but don't discuss it through fear of their care being compromised
How patients with rheumatic diseases and their HCPs highly value patient participation in multidisciplinary team conferences, with treatment plans developed in partnership encouraging greater patient commitment and better outcomes
How patients can usefully be involved in updating clinical training programmes by making healthcare providers and medical students more aware of the patients' perspective as an important step towards optimising care in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Patient survey highlights importance of treatment conversations between patients and HCPs
Although many patients are satisfied with their RA treatment, non-adherence persists and many would like to discuss and/or change their currently prescribed treatment, but don't discuss it through fear of their care being compromised. This was the main finding from a patient survey, developed by the RA NarRAtive global advisory panel, which was designed to better understand the perspective of patients regarding management of their RA and interactions with their physicians.1
The RA NarRAtive initiative is the first survey of its kind to simultaneously evaluate the patient/HCP relationship and communication, as well as patients' experience and satisfaction with treatment and disease management.
More than 3,600 adults with RA from 13 countries responded to the patient-based survey. Almost one-half of RA patients under HCP care acknowledged that dialogue with their physician would optimise management of their condition. However, around six out of every ten respondents felt uncomfortable raising treatment/disease concerns to their HCP, feeling anxiety about raising too many questions and consequentially being perceived as a difficult patient.
Although the current treatment goal for physicians is to achieve clinical remission or low disease activity, patients most commonly defined successful treatment as a reduction of pain and/or joint swelling/inflammation (81%) and improvements in quality of life (77%).
"Further understanding the responses from this survey will be important to facilitate communication between patients and HCPs, with the ultimate aim of improving treatment outcomes," said lead author Ms Cheryl Koehn, President of Arthritis Consumer Experts, Vancouver, Canada.
Of the 2,139 RA patients receiving medication, just over one-third admitted to not taking it as prescribed. Overall, just over three-quarters of patients currently taking RA medication were satisfied with their treatment regimen; however, 70% desired fewer medications, more than one-half were worried their medications would fail, and more than one-half wanted more medication choices. Aspects of current prescribed treatment that RA patients would most like to change included: number and frequency of medications (35%); side effects (34%); access to, or cost of treatment (30%); availability of monotherapy (25%); alternative to subcutaneous injections (18%); inconvenience or limitations from medication (16%); and mode of administration (12%).
Stimulating patient participation in treatment planning improves outcomes
The perceptions and values of patients and HCPs about the role and degree of active involvement of patients in multidisciplinary team care have received little attention to date. This study demonstrates how patients with rheumatic diseases and their HCPs highly value patient participation in multidisciplinary team conferences, with treatment plans developed in partnership encouraging greater patient commitment and better outcomes.
To explore views about the meaning and role of patient participation in team care, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were held with 12 HCPs and 10 patients with rheumatic diseases who were eligible for or had participated in multidisciplinary treatment, but had yet to be introduced to a team conference. Then, following patient participation in a team conference, telephone interviews were held with eight patients, and five HCPs were involved in a focus group.2
"Overall patients and HCPs highly valued patients' membership in the multidisciplinary team conference. Although HCPs needed to get used to this approach, they reported experiencing an open, honest and truthful team dialogue with their patients. A truly shared treatment plan, developed in partnership between patients and HCPs, led to a greater patient commitment to their treatment. Our hope is that by making this standard clinical practice, we can improve treatment adherence in this challenging disease area," said lead author Ms Johanna Vriezekolk of the Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Although patients' involvement in team care varied from passive receiver to a meaningful exchange with their HCP, opportunities for improvement were identified, including providing more information about treatment, facilitating patient involvement in goal-setting, planning and evaluation of treatment, and stimulating patient's responsibility of care.
Some patients admitted feeling tense, however, overall, the atmosphere was felt to be safe. Patients experienced an honest, transparent and respectful interaction between themselves and their HCPs. They felt they were taken seriously, their needs were taken into account, treatment goals were set in mutual agreement, and the resulting therapeutic interventions were clear and satisfactory.
Expert patients provide vital perspective in updated medical educational programmes
Patient Partners are expert patients who train medical students, general practitioners and other healthcare providers about the clinical presentation of and treatment challenges associated with RA. A direct objective is to improve musculoskeletal examination skills, facilitating appropriate referrals, fast diagnosis and early treatment initiation.
"The update of the Belgian 'Patient Partners' programme is a good example of how much added value expert patients are able to provide to clinical training programmes. Making medical students and healthcare providers aware of the patient perspective is an important step towards optimal care in RA," said lead author Mr Jef Van Rompay of the Patient Partners Program, Vosselaar, Belgium.
Based on new data about early intensive treatment strategies, patient beliefs and preferences in early RA, as well as the hurdles to implement optimal care strategies, the patient perspective was incorporated into four new content modules covering treatment delay, perceptions about medication, patients and their environment, and active participation.3
The development of these new modules involved seven patient partners with RA who took the lead in the project, supported by one rheumatologist, one nurse specialist and two doctoral researchers active in the field of early RA.
###
Abstract Numbers: OP0014-PARE, OP0248-PARE and OP0269-HPR
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress Press Office in the London Suite at ExCel London during EULAR 2016 or on:
Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com
Onsite tel: +44 (0) 7725 915 492 / +44 (0) 7786 171 476
Twitter: @EULAR_Press
Youtube: Eular Pressoffice
About EULAR
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an umbrella organisation which represents scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMD) throughout Europe.
EULAR aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, and treatment of RMD and the rehabilitation of those it affects.
EULAR underlines the importance of combating rheumatic diseases not only by medical means, but also through a wider context of care for rheumatic patients and a thorough understanding of their social and other needs. EULAR is supported in this mission by its 45 scientific member societies, 36 PARE (People with Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe) organisations, 22 HPR (Health Professionals in Rheumatology) associations and 23 corporate members.
The EULAR Annual European Congress of Rheumatology is the foremost international medical meeting announcing the latest research on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. EULAR 2016 is expected to attract over 14,000 delegates from around 120 countries. Most if not all professions working in the vast field of RMD will be represented.
To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: http://www.eular.org
References
1. EULAR 2016; London: Abstract OP0248-PARE
2. EULAR 2016; London: Abstract OP0269-HPR
3. EULAR 2016; London: Abstract OP0014-PARE
4. Smolen JS, Breedveld FC, Burmester GR, et al. Treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: 2014 update of the recommendations of an international task force. Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 75: 3-15.
5. http://www.patient-partners.be/ [Accessed 16 May 2016]
Nice, France - 9 June 2016: A 15 year study in 1.1 million patients with atrial fibrillation has found that women are 23% more likely to be hospitalised for acute ischaemic stroke than men. The research was presented today at CARDIOSTIM - EHRA EUROPACE 2016 by Dr Ghanshyam Shantha, a cardiovascular disease fellow at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, US.1
Dr Shantha said: "There is evidence from around the world that women with atrial fibrillation receive less anticoagulation for stroke prevention than they need. Just 30% of women who should receive this medication actually get it, compared to nearly 60% of men."2
He continued: "We also know that women do not get state-of-the-art ablation and other highly advanced treatments for atrial fibrillation at the same level as men. What is not known is whether these deficiencies in access to care translate into poorer outcomes."
The current study investigated whether gender had an impact on the rate of hospitalisation for ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study used information from the National Inpatient Sample, a nationally representative hospitalisation database in the US. It holds data on 8 million patients admitted to around 1000 randomly selected hospitals in 46 states during 1998 to 2012.
The study included the 1.1 million patients in the database who had been admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. The investigators examined whether there was any gender difference in the rate of hospitalisation for acute ischaemic stroke.
Across the 15 year period, the rate of stroke hospitalisation in patients with atrial fibrillation was 2.64% in women and 2.15% in men. After adjusting for stroke risk factors including age, diabetes, hypertension, previous stroke and heart failure, the researchers found that women had a 23% higher risk of being hospitalised for stroke than men.
Treatments for atrial fibrillation have improved over the past 15 years, so the investigators looked at whether the impact of gender on stroke hospitalisation had changed over time. They found that women consistently had a higher risk of stroke hospitalisation than men, with a 27% higher risk in 1998-2002, a 23% higher risk in 2003-2007, and a 22% higher risk in 2008-2012.
Finally, the researchers assessed whether the gender differences persisted in different subcategories such as age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and region. Women had a higher risk of stroke compared to men regardless of whether they were less or more than 65 years of age, Caucasian or non-Caucasian, low or high socioeconomic status, and lived in one region or another.
Dr Shantha said: "However you slice, dice, and divide the data, women do poorer than men in terms of admissions for acute ischaemic stroke. This was true overall, across different time periods, and in all subcategories. There is no particular region where women with atrial fibrillation get worse care. In those with high socioeconomic status, women do worse than men, and among those with low socioeconomic status women do worse than men. Women have second-rate outcomes across the board."
"There is a debate about whether it's the biology and something naturally in women that predisposes them to stroke or whether healthcare providers are failing to give adequate care," continued Dr Shantha. "Our findings corroborate the previous evidence that women receive less treatment and support the conclusion that the gender discrepancy is due to inadequate stroke prevention care in women and not biology."
"Our results may have implications for resource allocation and policy decisions in terms of how we can prioritise women's health among patients with atrial fibrillation," added Dr Shantha. "We also need more research on why many women do not get evidence based care."
Professor Michael Giudici, senior author and Director of Arrhythmia Services at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said: "Women have a tendency to put everyone else first and say 'don't worry about me'. They need to 'worry about me' a little more. Women may have more subtle symptoms so they need to pay more attention to their blood sugar and blood pressure and not delay seeking treatment."
###
Authors: ESC Press Office
Tel: +33 (0) 4 92 94 86 27
Email: press@escardio.org
Notes to editor
SOURCES OF FUNDING: The study was performed at the University of Iowa without outside funding.
DISCLOSURES: Dr. Giudici receives research funding from Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Boehringer-Ingelheim, and Zoll. Dr. Shantha has no disclosures.
References and notes
1Dr Shantha will present the abstract 'Gender differences in the rates of hospitalizations for acute ischemic stroke among patients with atrial fibrillation in the United States: A 15 year experience involving 1.1
million patients' during the Moderated poster workshop 137: Atrial fibrillation which takes place on 9 June from 15:30 to 16:00. 2Bhave PD, Lu X, Girotra S, Kamel H, Vaughan Sarrazin MS. Race- and sex-related differences in care for patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12(7):1406-1412.
About CARDIOSTIM - EHRA EUROPACE
CARDIOSTIM - EHRA EUROPACE is an established, international conference attracting key opinion leaders, well-recognised scientists, physicians, allied professionals and industry.
About the European Heart Rhythm Association
http://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Communities/European-Heart-Rhythm-Association-(EHRA)/EHRA
The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) is a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Its aim is to improve the quality of life of the European population by reducing the impact of cardiac arrhythmias and reducing sudden cardiac death. EHRA promotes science and education in the field of cardiac arrhythmias with a special focus on atrial fibrillation (AF). Besides patient engagement programmes, EHRA organises scientific and educational events for physicians and allied professionals. In cooperation with other associations and societies EHRA promotes the quality of care for patients with AF with the publication of international consensus documents.
About the European Society of Cardiology
http://www.escardio.org/
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) represents more than 95 000 cardiology professionals across Europe and the Mediterranean. Its mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Europe.
Information for journalists attending CARDIOSTIM - EHRA EUROPACE 2016
CARDIOSTIM - EHRA EUROPACE 2016 takes place 8 to 11 June at the Nice Acropolis Convention Centre. The full scientific programme is available here
http://cardiostim.event.y-congress.com/ScientificProcess/Schedule/index.html?setLng=en#filtersPanel=true
To register please contact Catherine Rouille on +33 6 73 62 57 61 or contact@cr-communication.fr
Griffith University researchers are part of an international team of scientists that has announced the discovery of ancestors of Homo floresiensis - the enigmatic species of pygmy-like humans discovered more than a decade ago on the Indonesian island of Flores.
In September 2003, the partial skeleton of a primitive human adult female was excavated from Liang Bua, a limestone cave in the west of Flores. Known as LB1, this skeleton is the most extreme human ever discovered - astonishingly short, only about a metre tall, and with a brain smaller than that of a chimp, this tiny individual lived and died around 70,000 years ago.
Now, as reported in Nature this week, fossil remains of hominins that are similar in size but at least ten times older have been excavated at Mata Menge, a site in open grasslands 70 km east of Liang Bua, in Indonesia. A fragment of a hominin lower jaw and several isolated teeth were found in a layer of sandstone which had been deposited by a lakeside stream around 700,000 years ago.
Dr Adam Brumm from Griffith's Research Centre of Human Evolution says this new finding is the most stunning breakthrough yet to help with our understanding of the origin of 'hobbits'.
"We have unearthed fossils from at least three individuals, including two children, along with stone tools that are almost identical to those made by the much younger Homo floresiensis," said Dr Brumm, an archaeologist who first commenced fieldwork at Mata Menge in 2004 along with colleagues from the Geology Museum and Geological Survey Institute in Bandung, Indonesia.
"There is a striking similarity in size and form between the Mata Menge hominins and the Liang Bua hobbit, which is surprising given the former are at least several hundred millennia older.
"This suggests the Mata Menge individuals belonged to a population of ancient hobbit-like hominins that gave rise to Homo floresiensis. They may even have been a very early form of hobbits, which would mean this species existed for far longer than anyone had anticipated."
Ever since the first hobbit bones were discovered scientists have struggled to make sense of where the previously unknown species, Homo floresiensis, fits into the human family tree.
It is thought that these creatures evolved from an archaic branch of hominins that existed long before the emergence of our own species in Africa some 200,000 years ago. However, the experts are divided over just which member of the hominin group spawned the Flores hobbits.
The distinctive anatomy of Homo floresiensis has led to two intriguing hypotheses. The first is that hobbits descend from Asian Homo erectus, or 'Java Man', an early hominin that reached the island of Java to the west of Flores roughly 1.5 million years ago, and which was similar in height to modern humans. It is suggested a small group of these hominins may have become stranded on Flores and over time reduced in body size. This would be a unique case of hominins conforming to the 'Island Rule', whereby mammals cut off on islands with limited food and no predators become small if they were big (dwarfism) or big if they were small (gigantism).
The second possibility is that Homo floresiensis stems from far more ancient precursors, such as Homo habilis or even an ape-like australopithecine, primitive hominin forerunners currently known only from the early fossil record of Africa.
All of this speculation about the origin of Homo floresiensis had reached a standstill until the discovery of these latest fossils.
"While only a handful of fossils has been found at Mata Menge so far, characteristic features of the teeth strongly imply an ancestral relationship with Homo erectus," Dr Brumm said.
"This lends weight to the theory that the hobbit was a dwarfed version of the famous Java Man, which somehow got marooned on the island. The fact that they were found with fossils of extinct pygmy elephants (Stegodon) and giant rats also supports the idea of an isolated group of Homo erectus undergoing a dramatic evolutionary change owing to the Island Rule."
Until more complete hominin fossils are revealed, however, Dr Brumm says the mystery of the hobbit's beginning has not yet been conclusively resolved.
"We were expecting a simple answer," he says. "We didn't get one: no one thought the ancestor of the hobbit would itself have looked like a hobbit. I do think Homo floresiensis was a dwarfed Homo erectus, but identifying the true ancestor requires more fossil evidence".
The presence of fossils from multiple individuals at Mata Menge, however, does suggest additional skeletal remains are likely to be found, and the team is now searching for funds to expand the scale of excavations at this site and at other fossil localities on the island.
"Mata Menge is a goldmine," says Dr Brumm. "I expect that further excavations at this site will eventually yield a hominin skull, which will finally allow us to put a face and a name to the hobbit's ancestor. Then we will know how this experiment in human evolution got started".
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Background: The Mata Menge research was funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery grant (DP1093342), with support from the Geological Survey Institute of Bandung, Indonesia. The excavations are led by an Indonesian-Australian team from Bandung's Geology Museum (GM), the Research Centre of Human Evolution (RCHE) at Griffith University, and the Centre for Archaeological Science (CAS) at the University of Wollongong. Dr Adam Brumm, senior research fellow at RCHE and head of its archaeology program, directed the fossil dig with Iwan Kurniawan (GM), Dr Gerrit van den Bergh (CAS) and the late Prof Mike Morwood (CAS). Radioisotopic dating of fossil teeth was undertaken by Prof Rainer Grun, Director of RCHE, and Dr Mathieu Duval, a postdoctoral researcher due to commence his ARC Future Fellowship at RCHE in late-2016. The hominin fossils were described by Japanese palaeoanthropologist Prof Yousuke Kaifu from the Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo.
Established in 2016 as an initiative of Griffith University, and based within the Environmental Futures Research Institute, RCHE is the first academic centre focused specifically on telling the story of the evolutionary history of modern humans and archaic hominins in Southeast Asia and the wider Australasian region. Recent findings published by RCHE members include the discovery on Sulawesi of some of the world's oldest surviving rock art, and the revelation that hominins inhabited this Indonesian island prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens.
THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. A Thermopolis man convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in a 2014 crash that left one person dead and injured two others has been sentenced to serve at least six years in prison.
Cody Shinost was sentenced to six to eight years in prison after being found guilty of aggravated homicide. He was also given a suspended sentence of four to six years for causing serious bodily injury.
Shinost is accused of drunken driving in the crash that killed Madisen Price and injured Delanie Price and Dylan Balstad.
Shinost told the court at his sentencing that he's made positive life changes since the incident.
The judge acknowledged his efforts, but said it didn't mitigate the seriousness of the crime.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, today announced seven recipients of its two Avenir Award programs for HIV/AIDS and genetics or epigenetics research. The awards will support exciting approaches with tools such as genome editing and smart phone technologies, as well as studies of epigenetic changes in brain cells and couples-based HIV prevention. The Avenir (the French word for "future") Awards provide grants to early stage investigators who propose highly innovative studies. Each of the seven scientists will receive up to $300,000 per year for five years to support their projects.
The five HIV/AIDS projects receiving awards propose to explore a wide range of approaches, including: using a novel immunization strategy to develop a HIV vaccine for individuals with substance use disorder; utilizing a new genome editing technique to identify genes required for HIV latency to support development of therapeutic targets; evaluating the cost-effectiveness of strategies aimed at improving awareness of HIV status and subsequent linkages to care; testing the effectiveness of smart-phone mobile health technology to collect patient information that may aid in HIV treatment adherence; and developing and evaluating a couples-based HIV prevention program for young substance-using males. The genetics and epigenetics research awardees are focused on two areas: identifying novel roles for the neurotransmitter dopamine in the regulation of patterns of neuronal gene expression to allow for development of more effective therapeutics; and examining epigenetic changes that occur in different types of brain cells to understand the interaction between cannabis abuse and other psychiatric disorders.
"NIDA is very pleased to support these pioneering approaches to advancing addiction science in the areas of epigenetics and HIV/AIDS," said NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D. "It's extremely gratifying to be able to support investigators in the early stages of their scientific careers."
The Avenir Award Program for Research on Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS supports scientists interested in pursuing pioneering research approaches for improved prevention and treatment, long term retention in care, and ultimately, eradication of HIV within substance using populations infected with, or at risk for, HIV/AIDS. The Avenir Award Program for Genetics or Epigenetics of Substance Abuse supports early stage investigators engaged in promising research in the field of genetics or epigenetics of substance abuse. Epigenetics studies how environmental factors influence changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
Awardees are listed below:
HIV/AIDS Research
Daniel Lingwood, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
Project: Defining and Exploiting a Genetic Template for an HIV Vaccine
Alexander Marson, Ph.D., University of California, San Francisco
Project: Functional Testing of Host Genes That Control HIV Latency in Primary Immune Cells
Michael Newcomb, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
Project: A New Approach to Integrating Primary and Secondary HIV Prevention in Young Male Couples
Sunil Solomon, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
Project: Reaching the Hardest of the Hard-to-Reach
Ryan Westergaard, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project: Optimizing HIV Care for Patients with Substance Use Disorders using Predictive Analytics in a Mobile Health Application
Genetics or Epigenetics Research
Ian Maze, Ph.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City
Project: Roles for Histone Monoaminylation in Cocaine-Induced Transcriptional and Behavioral Plasticity
Francesca Telese, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
Project: Epigenomic Approaches to Study the Gene Networks Underlying the Cannabis Effect on Genetic Vulnerability to Psychosis
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Read more about the Avenir Award Program. For information about NIDA's AIDS Research Program, go to http://www.drugabuse.gov/AIDS. Read more about NIDA's Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology Research Branch.
Lingwood, Marson, Newcomb, Solomon, Westergaard, Maze, and Telese are funded under grant numbers DA042422, DA042423-01, DA042417, DA040244-01, DA042424-01, DA042078-01, and DA042232-01, respectively.
About the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world's research on the health aspects of drug use and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy, improve practice, and advance addiction science. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs and information on NIDA research and other activities can be found at http://www.drugabuse.gov, which is now compatible with your smartphone, iPad or tablet. To order publications in English or Spanish, call NIDA's DrugPubs research dissemination center at 1-877-NIDA-NIH or 240-645-0228 (TDD) or email requests to drugpubs@nida.nih.gov. Online ordering is available at drugpubs.drugabuse.gov. NIDA's media guide can be found at http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/dear-journalist, and its easy-to-read website can be found at http://www.easyread.drugabuse.gov. You can follow NIDA on Twitter and Facebook.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.
NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health
Researchers report in PLOS Biology the mechanism by which streptomycin, one of the oldest and most widely used antibiotics, penetrates into bacterial cells. The study performed by scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center and their colleagues also reveals a potential way for developing new drugs to treat drug-resistant infections.
The co-lead authors are Robin Wray and Dr Irene Iscla, and co-corresponding authors are Drs Paul Blount and Junmei Wang, all from UT Southwestern Medical Center. The work was in collaboration with Dr Hua Li and Ya Gao from the School of Pharmacy at Tongji Medical College at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly serious threat to global public health. In this context, the group led by Dr Blount set out to identify compounds that would inhibit bacterial growth by altering the properties of the bacterial 'emergency release valve' -- the mechanosensitive channel MscL. MscL, a transmembrane protein with a pore, is found in the vast majority of bacterial species where it helps the cell to tolerate sudden decreases in external osmolarity by releasing solutes from inside the cell. Previous studies had shown that mutations in MscL, which led to a pore that opens more easily, were detrimental to bacterial growth. Surprisingly, Dr Blount and his colleagues found that the expression of MscL increased the potency of a variant of streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin. These results were published in Nature Communications.
Because MscL is a channel and dihydrostreptomycin increase the flux of solutes when MscL was expressed, Dr Blount and his collaboration followed the hypothesis that dihydrostreptomycin could bind and open MscL.
In the current study, using a combination of biochemical, molecular, and computational approaches, the researchers found that dihydrostreptomycin binds to a specific site of MscL and modifies its conformation, allowing the flux of solutes out of, and, surprisingly, of dihydrostreptomycin into the cell. This discovery is quite remarkable.
Streptomycin has been studied for decades, and it is firmly established that it kills bacteria mostly by interfering with protein synthesis. However, the mechanisms by which this large, bulky, and charged antibiotic accesses the inside of the bacterial cell had remained unknown until now.
Although dihydrostreptomycin channel activation is insufficient by itself to effect slowed growth or cell death in bacterial cells resistant to streptomycin's activity on protein synthesis, it is clear that the drug does directly bind and modify the MscL channel pore. In addition to solving old mysteries, the study holds promise for the discovery of new antibiotics that target the MscL channel.
Dihydrostreptomycin now serves as the first definitive example where the direct and specific binding of a compound to the MscL channel can cause at least partial, if not full opening of the MscL channel pore. If a compound could be identified that led to the more complete opening of the MscL channel or held it open for longer periods of time, it would be a worthy antibacterial candidate.
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In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Biology: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1002473
Citation: Wray R, Iscla I, Gao Y, Li H, Wang J, Blount P (2016) Dihydrostreptomycin Directly Binds to, Modulates, and Passes through the MscL Channel Pore. PLoS Biol 14(6): e1002473. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1002473
Funding: The work was supported by Grant I-1420 of the Welch Foundation, Grant RP100146 from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas, and GM061028 from the National Institutes of Health. II is supported by Grant 12SDG8740012 from the National American Heart Association. HL is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Grant No. 81473254. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
PHILADELPHIA -- The Pew Charitable Trusts today named 22 exceptional early-career scientists as Pew scholars in the biomedical sciences. The 2016 class of Pew biomedical scholars is drawn from prestigious institutions across the country, with each scholar receiving four years of flexible funding to pursue foundational, innovative research.
"For more than thirty years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has proudly supported outstanding biomedical researchers at the start of their careers, encouraging the kind of creativity that leads to remarkable discoveries," said Rebecca W. Rimel, president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts. "The members of this exemplary group join a community of scientists that they will learn with, and learn from, for the rest of their lives."
Pew's 2016 biomedical scholars become part of a thriving community of scientists dedicated to collaboration and mentorship: Each year, scholars meet to discuss their research among peers, explore different areas of biomedical science, and spark ideas.
"Today, funding for basic research is more important than ever," said Craig C. Mello, Ph.D., a 1995 Pew scholar, 2006 Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine, and chair of the national advisory committee for the scholars program. "But early-career scientists require support in other ways, too. The Pew biomedical programs provide new scholars with a wealth of practical advice and encouragement from other scientists -- which we all need to be successful."
Among the 22 scholars, five were selected for their dedication to studying the human brain as it ages, with support from the Kathryn W. Davis Peace by Pieces Fund. The research conducted by these scholars will improve scientific understanding of health challenges connected with the inevitable process of growing older.
The 2016 Pew scholars in the biomedical sciences are:
Christopher D. C. Allen, Ph.D.
Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center
University of California, San Francisco
Immunology
Kristian G. Andersen, Ph.D.
Scripps Research Institute
Immunology
Martha W. Bagnall, Ph.D.
Washington University School of Medicine
Neuroscience
Trevor Bedford, Ph.D.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterVirology
Donita C. Brady, Ph.D.
University of Pennsylvania
Cancer biology
Gloria A. Brar, Ph.D.
University of California, Berkeley
Molecular biology
Marco Gallio, Ph.D.
Northwestern University
Neuroscience
Wendy R. Gordon, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Biochemistry
Jun R. Huh, Ph.D.
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Immunology
Lauren Parker Jackson, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University
Cell biology; structural biology
Roozbeh Kiani, M.D., Ph.D.
New York University Langone Medical Center
Neuroscience
Peter W. Lewis, Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Biochemistry
Dengke Ma, Ph.D.
University of California, San Francisco
Physiology
Eyleen J. O'Rourke, Ph.D.
University of Virginia
Genetics; physiology
Nitin Phadnis, Ph.D.
University of Utah
Genetics; evolutionary biology
Maksim V. Plikus, Ph.D.
University of California, Irvine
Developmental biology
Lei S. Qi, Ph.D.
Stanford University
Bioengineering
Katherine S. Ralston, Ph.D.
University of California, Davis
Parasitology
Dragana Rogulja, Ph.D.
Harvard Medical School
Neuroscience
Mikhail G. Shapiro, Ph.D.
California Institute of Technology
Bioengineering
Radhika Subramanian, Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Biochemistry; molecular biophysics; cell biology
Michael M. Yartsev, Ph.D.
University of California, Berkeley
Neuroscience
Visit the program page to read the scholars' full abstracts and learn more about the program.
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The 2016 classes of Pew-Stewart scholars for cancer research and Pew Latin American fellows were also announced today.
The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Learn more at http://www.pewtrusts.org.
PHILADELPHIA -- The Pew Charitable Trusts today announced the newest class of Pew Latin American Fellows in the Biomedical Sciences.
Ten innovative postdoctoral scientists from Latin America will receive two years of funding to pursue research at laboratories and academic institutions in the United States. The fellows hail from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, and their research interests range from studying the neurobiology of taste to unraveling the gene networks that control plant growth.
The Latin American fellows will conduct their work under the mentorship and guidance of some of the United States' most distinguished researchers in biomedical science, including alumni of the Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences program.
"Pew's Latin American fellows program grew from a desire many of our Pew scholars expressed for greater opportunities to exchange knowledge and collaborate across borders," said Rebecca W. Rimel, Pew's president and CEO. "The individuals selected today are just embarking on exciting careers that will expand frontiers in biomedical science, and joining a network of scientists whose work has the potential to improve human health and well-being around the world."
A central component of the program is an additional award given to fellows who return to Latin America after their time in the United States and establish independent research labs. About 70 percent of past fellows have taken advantage of that opportunity and are using their training in the U.S. to help build much-needed infrastructure for scientific exploration in the region.
"For 25 years, this program has been able to identify the most talented graduate students in Latin America and provide them with opportunities for advanced training in outstanding laboratories in the United States," said Torsten N. Wiesel, M.D., the 1981 Nobel laureate in physiology or medicine, and chair of the program's national advisory committee. "Many fellows have gone on to leadership positions at Latin American universities and research institutes, where they are inspiring and nurturing new generations of biomedical researchers."
The 2016 Pew Latin American fellows and their U.S. mentors are:
Rodrigo A. Aguilar, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Jeannie T. Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Molecular Biology
Vinicius de Andrade-Oliveira, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Yasmine Belkaid, Ph.D.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Immunology
Jose A. Canovas, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Charles Zuker, Ph.D.
Columbia University
Neuroscience
Daiana A. Capdevila, Ph.D.
Laboratory of David P. Giedroc, Ph.D.
Indiana University
Microbiology
Silvina A. del Carmen, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Carla V. Rothlin, Ph.D.
Yale University
Immunology
Ileana Licona, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Ruslan Medzhitov, Ph.D.
Yale University
Immunology
Guilherme A. P. de Oliveira, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Edward H. Egelman, Ph.D.
University of Virginia
Structural Biology
Priscilla C. Olsen, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Michel C. Nussenzweig, M.D., Ph.D.
The Rockefeller University
Immunology
Daniel Rodriguez-Leal, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Zachary B. Lippman, Ph.D.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Molecular biology; genetics
Cecilia A. Silva-Valenzuela, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Andrew Camilli, Ph.D.Tufts University School of MedicineMolecular biology; microbiology
Visit the program page to read the fellows' full abstracts and learn more about the program.
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The Latin American fellows program, launched in 1990, is part of Pew's strategy to invest in young scientists who are exploring questions fundamental to advancing human health. New classes of the Pew-Stewart Scholars for Cancer Research and the Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences were also announced today.
The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Learn more at http://www.pewtrusts.org.
Set to compile the largest biodiversity data collection for Europe to date, the EU-funded FP7 project Building the European Biodiversity Observation Network (EU BON) has now launched the beta-version of its European Biodiversity Portal.
Despite being a beta version, this release already addresses the main aim to offer a unique service for analysing and understanding biodiversity change in Europe. For instance, users can explore how relative abundance of species (within a larger group) changes over time by using big data mediated by GBIF. There is also a spatial browser for locating datasets in any part of the world, which may be usable for computing the EBVs for species populations.
Additionally, an online analytical data processing (OLAP) toolbox has been included in this release. Based on GEOSS technology, the new portal lets users harvest and simultaneously access data from several directories, including GBIF, LTER, EuMon (coming), PESI, and GEOSS sources.
Started in 2012, the five-year project EU BON has been working towards building this new European Biodiversity Portal where scattered and various information and tools are collected, highlighted and widely shared for future research.
The service will provide all interested parties with a professional database platform with a large amount of implications. For example, coordinators can receive information about related monitoring programs in different countries. Initiatives could integrate their data and compare the trends and status across different countries and regions.
"The ultimate goal of EU BON is to build a comprehensive European Biodiversity Portal that will then feed into a Global Portal currently developed by GEO BON. This initiative will provide a completely new holistic way for analyzing global trends and processes.", concludes Dr. Hannu Saarenmaa, University of Eastern Finland and Work Package leader in EU BON.
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To learn more about EU BON, its tasks and work so far, and the Biodiversity Data Portal, please visit http://eubon.eu
We invite everyone to test the new portal and send us their feedback and suggestions for improvements via our Feedback Form.
Contacts:
Dr. Hannu Saarenmaa
Email: hannu.saarenmaa@uef.fi
Antonio Garcia Camacho
Email: antonio.garcia.camacho@csic.es
Future Martian explorers might not need to leave the Earth to prepare themselves for life on the Red Planet. The Mars Society have built an analogue research site in Utah, USA, which simulates the conditions on our neighbouring planet.
Practicing the methods needed to collect biological samples while wearing spacesuits, a team of Canadian scientists have studied the diverse local flora. Along with the lessons that one day will serve the first to conquer Mars, the researchers present an annotated checklist of the fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, lichens, and vascular plants from the station in their publication in the open-access journal Biodiversity Data Journal.
Located in the desert approximately 9 km outside of Hanksville, Utah, and about 10 km away from the Burpee Dinosaur Quarry, a recently described bone bed from the Jurassic Morrison Formation, the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) was constructed in 2002. Since then, it has been continuously visited by a wide range of researchers, including astrobiologists, soil scientists, journalists, engineers, and geologists.
Astrobiology, the study of the evolution and distribution of life throughout the universe, including the Earth, is a field increasingly represented at the MDRS. There, astrobiologists can take advantage of the extreme environment surrounding the station and seek life as if they were on Mars. To simulate the extraterrestrial conditions, the crew members even wear specially designed spacesuits so that they can practice standard field work activities with restricted vision and movement.
In their present research, the authors have identified and recorded 38 vascular plant species from 14 families, 13 lichen species from seven families, 6 algae taxa including both chlorophytes and cyanobacteria, and one fungal genus from the station and surrounding area. Living in such extreme environments, organisms such as fungi, lichens, algae, and cyanobacteria are of particular interest to astrobiologists as model systems in the search for life on Mars.
However, the authors note that there is still field work to be executed at the site, especially during the spring and the summer so that the complete local diversity of the area can be captured.
"While our present checklist is not an exhaustive inventory of the MDRS site," they explain, "it can serve as a first-line reference for identifying vascular plants and lichens at the MDRS, and serves as a starting point for future floristic and ecological work at the station."
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Original source:
Sokoloff P, Hamilton P, Saarela J (2016) The "Martian" flora: new collections of vascular plants, lichens, fungi, algae, and cyanobacteria from the Mars Desert Research Station, Utah. Biodiversity Data Journal 4: e8176. doi: 10.3897/BDJ.4.e8176
HOUSTON -- (June 9, 2016) -- Astronomers searching for the galaxy's youngest planets have found compelling evidence for one unlike any other, a newborn "hot Jupiter" whose outer layers are being torn away by the star it orbits every 11 hours.
"A handful of known planets are in similarly small orbits, but because this star is only 2 million years old this is one of the most extreme examples," said Rice University astronomer Christopher Johns-Krull, lead author of a new study that makes a case for a tightly orbiting gas giant around the star PTFO8-8695 in the constellation Orion. The peer-reviewed study will be published in The Astrophysical Journal and was made available online this week.
"We don't yet have absolute proof this is a planet because we don't yet have a firm measure of the planet's mass, but our observations go a long way toward verifying this really is a planet," Johns-Krull said. "We compared our evidence against every other scenario we could imagine, and the weight of the evidence suggests this is one of the youngest planets yet observed."
Dubbed "PTFO8-8695 b," the suspected planet orbits a star about 1,100 light years from Earth and is at most twice the mass of Jupiter. The team that compiled the evidence was co-led by Johns-Krull and Lowell Observatory astronomer Lisa Prato and included 10 co-authors from Rice, Lowell, the University of Texas at Austin, NASA, the California Institute of Technology and Spain's National Institute of Aerospace.
"We don't know the ultimate fate of this planet," Johns-Krull said. "It likely formed farther away from the star and has migrated in to a point where it's being destroyed. We know there are close-orbiting planets around middle-aged stars that are presumably in stable orbits. What we don't know is how quickly this young planet is going to lose its mass and whether it will lose too much to survive."
Astronomers have discovered more than 3,300 exoplanets, but almost all of them orbit middle-aged stars like the sun. On May 26, Johns-Krull, Prato and co-authors announced the discovery of 'CI Tau b,' the first exoplanet found to orbit a star so young that it still retains a disk of circumstellar gas. Johns-Krull said finding such young planets is challenging because there are relatively few candidate stars that are young enough and bright enough to view in sufficient detail with existing telescopes. The search is further complicated by the fact that young stars are often active, with visual outbursts and dimmings, strong magnetic fields and enormous starspots that can make it appear that planets exist where they do not.
PTFO8-8695 b was identified as a candidate planet in 2012 by the Palomar Transit Factory's Orion survey. The planet's orbit sometimes causes it to pass between its star and our line of sight from Earth, therefore astronomers can use a technique known as the transit method to determine both the presence and approximate radius of the planet based on how much the star dims when the planet "transits," or passes in front of the star.
"In 2012, there was no solid evidence for planets around 2 million-year-old stars," Prato said. "Light curves and variations of this star presented an intriguing technique to confirm or refute such a planet. The other thing that was very intriguing about it was that the orbital period was only 11 hours. That meant we wouldn't have to come back night after night after night, year after year after year. We could potentially see something happen in one night. So that's what we did. We just sat on the star for a whole night."
A spectroscopic analysis of the light coming from the star revealed excess emission in the H-alpha spectral line, a type of light emitted from highly energized hydrogen atoms. The team found that the H-alpha light is emitted in two components, one that matches the very small motion of the star and another than seems to orbit it.
"We saw one component of the hydrogen emission start on one side of the star's emission and then move over to the other side," Prato said. "When a planet transits a star, you can determine the orbital period of the planet and how fast it is moving toward you or away from you as it orbits. So, we said, 'If the planet is real, what is the velocity of the planet relative to the star?' And it turned out that the velocity of the planet was exactly where this extra bit of H-alpha emission was moving back and forth."
Johns-Krull said transit observations revealed that the planet is only about 3 to 4 percent the size of the star, but the H-alpha emission from the planet appears to be almost as bright as the emission coming from the star.
"There's no way something confined to the planet's surface could produce that effect," he said. "The gas has to be filling a much larger region where the gravity of the planet is no longer strong enough to hold on to it. The star's gravity takes over, and eventually the gas will fall onto the star."
Additional team members were Wei Chen and Sarah Frazier, both of Rice; Jacob McLane of the University of Texas at Austin; David Ciardi and Julian van Eyken, both of NASA's Exoplanet Science Institute; Charles Beichman of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Maria Morales-Calderon of Spain's National Institute of Aerospace Technology; and John Stauffer, Andrew Boden and Luisa Rebull, all of the California Institute of Technology.
The team observed the star PTFO8-8695 dozens of times from the University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis, Texas, and the Kitt Peak National Observatory 4-meter telescope in southern Arizona.
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The research was supported by NASA's Origins of Solar Systems program, the National Science Foundation and the NAU/NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Research Internship program.
High-resolution IMAGES are available for download at:
http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/06/0609_PLANET2-PTFO8-b-lg-rfavdj.jpg
CAPTION: An artist's impression of likely new giant planet PTFO8-8695 b, which is believed to orbit a star in the constellation Orion every 11 hours. Gravity from the newborn star appears to be pulling away the outer layers of the Jupiter-like planet. (Image by A. Passwaters/Rice University based on original available under CC license at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kepler-70b.png)
http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/06/0609_PLANET2-mayall-lg-vvl8ol.jpg
CAPTION: The Orion constellation as seen over the Mayall 4-meter Telescope on Kitt Peak. (Image courtesy of J. Glaspey/NOAO/AURA/NSF)
https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/news/gallery/smith-telescope-colorful-clouds
CAPTION: Astronomers used the Harlan J. Smith Telescope at the University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis, Texas, to search for planet PTFO8-8695 b. (Image courtesy of Ethan Tweedie Photography)
http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/05/0525_PLANET-cmjk-lg-12wbufn.jpg
CAPTION: Christopher Johns-Krull (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)
http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/05/0525_PLANET-prato-med-2e340rk.jpg
CAPTION: Lisa Prato (Image courtesy of L. Prato/Lowell Observatory)
The study and research data are available at: http://arxiv.org/abs/1606.02701
Related planet-hunting research from Rice:
Astronomers find giant planet around very young star -- May 26, 2016
This release can be found online at news.rice.edu.
Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.
Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,910 undergraduates and 2,809 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for best quality of life and for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
Physician-assisted death was supported by a majority of California and Hawaii residents, regardless of their ethnicity, who responded to an online survey, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
The study also found that older people were more likely than younger people to believe it is OK to allow physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients who request them, and that the most religious or spiritual people were the least supportive of this idea. But even among those who declared that religion or spirituality was very important to them, a majority still supported the practice.
The study will be published online June 9 in the Journal of Palliative Medicine to coincide with the date that California's End of Life Option Act takes effect. The act was signed into law Oct. 9, 2015. Physician-assisted death is illegal in Hawaii.
"It is remarkable that in both states, even participants who were deeply spiritual (52 percent) were still in support of physician-assisted death," said the study. "Both genders and all racial/ethnic groups in both states were equally in support of PAD."
'Surprisingly positive'
"The response was surprisingly positive across all ethnic groups," said VJ Periyakoil, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine, who is the lead and senior author of the study. Those taking the survey marked their ethnicities as African American, Latino, white, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander or Asian.
"I was surprised that people who were deeply spiritual were still positive overall," she added.
To conduct the study, researchers developed an online survey that asked participants to respond, true or false, to whether they believed it is acceptable to allow a physician to prescribe medication, at the request of a terminally-ill patient, in order to end that person's life.
"We wanted a broad question that didn't specify what kind of medication, that didn't say oral pills or self-administered, none of that," Periyakoil said. Participants were also asked: "How important is your faith/religion/spirituality to you? (Unimportant, somewhat important, important and very important.)"
Participants responded to the online survey, which was housed and stored on a secure Stanford server. Data was collected from July through October 2015.
Among the 1,095 responses from California and 819 from Hawaii, the majority -- both in California (72.5 percent) and Hawaii (76.5 percent) -- were supportive of PAD.
"Older participants were more supportive of PAD compared with their younger counterparts in both states," the study said. "Persons who reported that spirituality was less important to them were more likely to support PAD in both states."
For those who said religion/faith/spirituality was very important to them, about 52 percent were in favor of PAD, the study found.
"The act of deliberately hastening death is not supported by most religions. ... Thus it is not surprising that in our study participants who reported faith to be most important to them were least in support of PAD," the study said.
Need for cultural sensitivity
Periyakoil, an expert on end-of-life care and director of the Stanford Palliative Care Education and Training Program, stressed that it's important for physicians in California to prepare for the new law. In addition to training in end-of-life conversations and being aware of cultural differences, physicians need to be honest with their patients, Periyakoil said.
"Just be upfront," she said. "Tell patients, 'Listen, this is a very hard topic for all of us.'"
In particular, primary care physicians will inevitably be faced with questions from patients, she said.
"It takes a tremendous amount of courage on the patient's part to ask these questions," Periyakoil said. "How the doctor responds initially to the patient's question is very important and will set the tone for the rest of the interaction about this sensitive issue."
The study provides evidence that patients of various ethnicities and religious backgrounds will be seeking information from their physicians on the issue, many of them at what may be the most vulnerable time in their lives, she said.
"We stress that requests from diverse patients have to be approached with great cultural sensitivity," the researchers wrote in the study.
The study asserted that because of the number of complex provisions in the law -- such as the requirement that medication must be self-administered by a mentally competent patient -- it will actually affect only a tiny fraction of seriously ill patients.
This has been borne out in Oregon, which in 1997 became the first state to pass an assisted-suicide law.
"Only a small sliver of the population will be eligible for the End-of-Life Option Act, and of those eligible, only a portion are likely to utilize this option, and no one ethically opposed would likely do so," the study said. "For example, of the 34,160 Oregonians who died in 2014, only 155 received a lethal prescription and 105 utilized it."
Although long-debated in California, the issue of physician-assisted death gained momentum after Brittany Maynard, a 29-year-old Californian who was terminally ill, decided to move to Oregon in 2014 to end her life rather than suffer the pain and debilitation caused by brain cancer.
"As California is a highly populous majority-minority state, we are soon going to learn how diverse racial and ethnic groups respond to legalizing physician-assisted death," Periyakoil said. "In order to alleviate suffering for all seriously ill patients, it is extremely important that we also provide excellent palliative care early in the illness process."
Periyakoil's teaching module on physician-assisted death, which is posted on the medical school's website, is designed to be used as a discussion aid for both patients and physicians. It is available at https://palliative.stanford.edu/physician-assisted-death.
The other Stanford co-authors of the paper are Helena Kraemer, PhD, professor emerita of biostatistics in psychiatry, and analyst Eric Neri.
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Periyakoil's work is supported by the Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (grants R25MD006857 and U54MD010724).
Stanford's Department of Medicine also supported the work.
The Stanford University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation's top medical schools, integrating research, medical education, patient care and community service. For more news about the school, please visit http://med.stanford.edu/school.html. The medical school is part of Stanford Medicine, which includes Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. For information about all three, please visit http://med.stanford.edu.
Print media contact: Tracie White at (650) 723-7628 (traciew@stanford.edu)
Broadcast media contact: Margarita Gallardo at (650) 723-7897 (mjgallardo@stanford.edu)
A new use of chemotherapy followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) has fully halted clinical relapses and development of new brain lesions in 23 of 24 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) for a prolonged period without the need for ongoing medication, according to a new phase 2 clinical trial, published in The Lancet. Eight of the 23 patients had a sustained improvement in their disability 7.5 years after treatment. This is the first treatment to produce this level of disease control or neurological recovery from MS, but treatment related risks limit its widespread use.
MS is among the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, with around 2 million people affected worldwide. It is caused when the immune system attacks the body, known as autoimmunity. Some specialist centres offer aHSCT for MS, which involves harvesting bone marrow stem cells from the patient, using chemotherapy to suppress the patient's immune system, and reintroducing the stem cells into the blood stream to "reset" the immune system to stop it attacking the body. However, many patients relapse after these treatments, so more reliable and effective methods are needed.
Dr Harold L Atkins and Dr Mark S Freedman from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, and colleagues tested whether complete destruction, rather than suppression, of the immune system during aHSCT would reduce the relapse rate in patients and increase long-term disease remission. They enrolled 24 patients aged 18-50 from three Canadian hospitals who had all previously undergone standard immunosuppressive therapy which did not control the MS. All patients had poor prognosis and their disability ranged from moderate to requiring a walking aid to walk 100m, according to their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores [1].
The researchers used a similar method of aHSCT as is currently used, but instead of only suppressing the immune system before transplantation, they destroyed it completely using a chemotherapy regimen of busulfan, cyclophosphamide and rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin. Dr Atkins explains that this treatment is "similar to that used in other trials, except our protocol uses stronger chemotherapy and removes immune cells from the stem cell graft product. The chemotherapy we use is very effective at crossing the blood-brain barrier and this could help eliminate the damaging immune cells from the central nervous system."[2]
The primary outcome of the study was multiple sclerosis activity-free survival at 3 years (as measured by relapses of MS symptoms, new brain lesions, and sustained progression of EDSS scores) which occurred in 69.6% of patients after transplantation.
Out of the 24 patients, one (4%) died from hepatic necrosis and sepsis caused by the chemotherapy. Prior to the treatment, patients experienced 1.2 relapses per year on average. After treatment, no relapses occurred during the follow up period (between 4 and 13 years) in the surviving 23 patients (figure 2). These clinical outcomes were mirrored by freedom from detectable new disease activity on MRI images taken after the treatment. The initial 24 MRI scans revealed 93 brain lesions, and after the treatment only one of the 327 scans showed a new lesion (figure 2).
Furthermore, progressive brain deterioration typical of MS slowed to a rate associated with normal aging in 9 patients with the longest follow-up, and 8 (35%) of 23 patients had a sustained improvement in their EDSS score at 7.5 years after treatment. At 3 years, 6 patients (37%) were able to reduce or stop receiving disability insurance and return to work or school. Eight (33%) of the 24 patients had a moderate toxic effect and 14 (58%) patients had only a mild toxic effect related to transplantation.
Dr Freedman highlights the need to interpret the results with caution: "The sample size of 24 patients is very small, and no control group was used for comparison with the treatment group. Larger clinical trials will be important to confirm these results. Since this is an aggressive treatment, the potential benefits should be weighed against the risks of serious complications associated with aHSCT, and this treatment should only be offered in specialist centres experienced both in multiple sclerosis treatment and stem cell therapy, or as part of a clinical trial. Future research will be directed at reducing the risks of this treatment as well as understanding which patients would best benefit from the treatment."[2]
Writing in a linked Comment, Dr Jan Dorr, from the NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charite-Universitatsmedizin, Berlin, Germany, says: "These results are impressive and seem to outbalance any other available treatment for multiple sclerosis. This trial is the first to show complete suppression of any inflammatory disease activity in every patient for a long period...However, aHSCT has a poor safety profile, especially with regards to treatment-related mortality."
He adds: "So, will this study change our approach to treatment of multiple sclerosis? Probably not in the short term, mainly because the mortality rate will still be considered unacceptably high. Over the longer term (and) in view of the increasing popularity of using early aggressive treatment, there may be support for considering aHSCT less as a rescue therapy and more as a general treatment option, provided the different protocols are harmonised and optimised, the tolerability and safety profile can be further improved, and prognostic markers become available to identify patients at risk of poor prognosis in whom a potentially more hazardous treatment might be justified."
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
This study was funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation.
[1] The Expanded Disability Status Scale is a method of quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis and monitoring changes in the level of disability over time. Patients enrolled in this study had EDSS scores between 3 and 6 https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/expanded-disability-status-scale-edss.
[2] Quotes direct from Author and cannot be found in text of Article.
NOTE: THE ABOVE LINK IS FOR JOURNALISTS ONLY; IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE A LINK TO THIS PAPER FOR YOUR READERS, PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING, WHICH WILL GO LIVE AT THE TIME THE EMBARGO LIFTS: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)30169-6/abstract
By watching brightly glowing HIV-infected immune cells move within mice, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have shown how infected immune cells latch onto an uninfected sister cell to directly transmit newly minted viral particles. These interactions allow HIV to spread efficiently between these immune cells, known as CD4+ helper T cells. The research, published online today in Cell Reports, challenges the long-held perception that the primary route of HIV infection of immune cells is from free-floating viral particles that move within tissue and blood fluids.
While HIV cell-to-cell transmission has been observed in test tube experiments, this is the first study to capture these interactions in a living animal. Although cell-to-cell infection does result in release of abundant solo viral particles, direct transmission from HIV-infected immune cells to other cells -- which can then replicate in clusters of these cells -- is a much more efficient route to quickly spread the virus, researchers say. It may be particularly important in allowing the virus to spread in the body even before it is detectable in the blood.
Previous studies in cell culture have indicated that cell-to-cell infection may help HIV to resist antibodies and potent therapies. This study provides direct evidence that these interactions do occur in infected immune tissues, and highlight the importance of considering cell-to-cell transmission in developing new treatments.
"All HIV treatment to date has been based on the free-floating virion model," says Benjamin K. Chen, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, and Immunology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "We believe that the sensitivity to antibodies used as potential HIV treatment and to certain antiretroviral drugs can be decreased by cell-to-cell transmission. Agents that efficiently block cell-to-cell transmission may help reduce the HIV viral reservoir, and vaccines that can neutralize this transmission may also help prevent or control HIV."
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If left untreated, HIV can progress and develop into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). More than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV infection. Globally, more than 39 million people have been infected.
Glowing proteins track HIV movement
Lead author Kenneth M. Law, a graduate fellow in Dr. Chen's laboratory, attached green fluorescent molecules derived from jellyfish and red glowing proteins from coral onto variants of HIV. The researchers then introduced the two strains into mice transplanted with a human immune system and watched in real time as HIV spread from one CD4+ helper T cell to another.
"We could visualize hot spots of infection within lymphoid tissue, which has millions of cells moving dynamically within the tissue," says Mr. Law. "By focusing just on the green and red glowing cells, we could monitor how an infected cell influences uninfected cells."
Using an advanced imaging technique called intravital microscopy, the researchers followed the movement and interaction of HIV-infected cells in the spleen of mice. They watched as infected cells induced contact with uninfected cells, and the uninfected cell would then pause for a time on the infected cell--building a physical connection between them.
Scientists describe these infectious connections as virological "synapses" because they resemble the way that cells of the nervous system or the immune system communicate through intimate cell-to-cell connections.
A mutation factory
The investigators believe the proteins that make up the HIV virion are being assembled at the site of the bridge and then directly moved to the cell being infected. Cell-to-cell infection allows several viruses to simultaneously pass between the connected cells. The researchers found that multiple viruses could infect a single cell through virological synapses.
This pathway allows multiple copies of HIV to transmit together from cell to cell, a genetic property that can help mutant viruses to accumulate. This may help explain the high mutation rate that allows the virus to escape from immune responses, says Mr. Law. "The genetic mixing that happens when a cell is infected with multiple HIV virions can lead to novel genetic recombination that then gets passed into the next immune cell that is infected."
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Co-authors of the study include Alice W. Yewdall, Rebecca K. Lee and Olga L. Herrera, from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Dominik Wodarz and Natalia L. Komarova from the University of California, Irvine.
The study was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (F31DA036425, R01AI074420, R01AI093998, and Avant Garde DA028866), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM113885), and Burroughs Wellcome Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Fund.
About the Mount Sinai Health System
The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services -- from community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care.
The System includes approximately 7,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 12 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked as one of the nation's top 10 hospitals in Geriatrics, Cardiology/Heart Surgery, and Gastroenterology, and is in the top 25 in five other specialties in the 2015-2016 "Best Hospitals" issue of U.S. News & World Report. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital also is ranked in seven out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 11th nationally for Ophthalmology, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel is ranked regionally.
For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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BOSTON (June 9, 2016) -- Cecilia A. Silva-Valenzuela, Ph.D., has been selected as one of ten Latin American Fellows in the Biomedical Sciences by The Pew Charitable Trusts, and will receive two years of funding to pursue research in the United States. Silva-Valenzuela is a postdoctoral scholar in the department of molecular biology and microbiology at Tufts University School of Medicine.
The Pew Latin American Fellows Program, whose alumni have gone on to receive some of the highest distinctions in Latin American science, supports young scientists from Central and South America by funding two years of postdoctoral studies with distinguished mentors in the United States. Silva-Valenzuela, a native of Chile, will work in the laboratory of Andrew Camilli, Ph.D., Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at the Tufts University School of Medicine. He is also a member of the Molecular Microbiology program faculty at the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts.
The Camilli lab investigates a novel use for specialized viruses to stop the spread of cholera. These viruses, known as bacteriophages, have the ability to destroy the bacteria that causes cholera. The team aims to determine which types of these phages can effectively eliminate the cholera bacteria in water.
"The cholera bacteria cycles between living in humans and bodies of water. If we can identify which bacteriophages are most adept at destroying the cholera bacteria in contaminated water, then we may be able to effectively prevent transmission to humans and avoid future cholera outbreaks," says Silva-Valenzuela.
Silva-Valenzuela received a doctorate in biomedical sciences in 2014 from the University of Chile, where she worked with Drs. Ines Contreras and Carlos Santiviago. She also worked in the laboratory of Dr. Michael McClelland of the University of California, Irvine, during her doctoral training. Last year, she accepted a postdoctoral position with Camilli, who himself is a 1997 Pew Scholar.
Established in 1990, The Pew Latin American Fellows Program has invested in young scientists who are exploring questions fundamental to advancing human health. In addition to the two years of postdoctoral funding, a subsequent award is given to fellows who return to Latin America after their time in the U.S. and launch independent research labs. Roughly 70 percent of past fellows have taken advantage of this opportunity and are using their training in the U.S. to build much needed infrastructure for scientific exploration in Latin America.
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About Tufts University School of Medicine and the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences
Tufts University School of Medicine and the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences are international leaders in medical and population health education and advanced research. Tufts University School of Medicine emphasizes rigorous fundamentals in a dynamic learning environment to educate physicians, scientists, and public health professionals to become leaders in their fields. The School of Medicine and the Sackler School are renowned for excellence in education in general medicine, the biomedical sciences, and public health, as well as for innovative research at the cellular, molecular, and population health level. The School of Medicine is affiliated with six major teaching hospitals and more than 30 health care facilities. Tufts University School of Medicine and the Sackler School undertake research that is consistently rated among the highest in the nation for its effect on the advancement of medical and prevention science.
(Edmonton, AB) The Alberta Diabetes Institute at the University of Alberta has awarded important financial support to another Alberta-based diabetes research project and renewed two projects to continue research that has already shown promising results. The Alberta Diabetes Institute: Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Research Fund is aimed at supporting research in diabetes with a focus on novel discoveries with a high potential for commercialization.
The research fund is a $600,000 partnership between the Alberta Diabetes Institute, Janssen Inc. in Canada (part of the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson), the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Diabetes Foundation.
"The impact that this research could have, on helping thousands in Alberta manage type 1 and 2 diabetes is incredible," said Brad Fournier, Executive Director -- Alberta Diabetes Foundation. "Each investment must deliver benefit to Albertans and we are confident this will be achieved with these worthy investments."
"Alberta is rapidly becoming a global leader when it comes to diabetes research. By supporting these innovative projects, our government is helping improve the prevention, treatment and management of diabetes. This investment is part of our government's commitment to building a stronger and more diverse economy," said the Honourable Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade.
"This fund represents a unique partnership between Janssen, the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Diabetes Foundation that is directly aimed at transforming great ideas into real-world solutions for people living with diabetes," said Dr. Peter Light, director of the Alberta Diabetes Institute.
In collaboration with the Alberta Diabetes Institute, experts from Johnson & Johnson Innovation identified the high-potential opportunities from projects submitted by medical researchers across Alberta.
The selected fund recipients are:
Selective Angiostatin Neutralization for the Promotion of Therapeutic Angiogenesis in Diabetic Peripheral Artery Disease
Principal Investigator: Dr. Paul Jurasz, University of Alberta
Cuff-Based Electronic Mosquito: A Minimally-Invasive Microsystem for Pseudo-Continuous Monitoring of Glucose Levels in Diabetics (renewal)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Martin P. Mintchev, University of Calgary
Characterization of Islet-Specific ZMIZ1 Knockout Mice (renewal)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Patrick MacDonald, University of Alberta
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For further details on the J&J: ADI Research Fund, please visit http://www.adi.ualberta.ca
More than three million Canadians currently live with diabetes. This private-public partnership fund will accelerate the development of health-care technologies within Alberta, a province known for life-changing research in the causes, prevention, treatment and management of diabetes.
Netflix binge-watching versus a hike in the woods. A cheeseburger versus kale salad. Fentanyl versus Tylenol. New UC research from the University California, Berkeley, suggests our brain activity could be influenced to make the healthier choice.
In recording moment-by-moment deliberations by macaque monkeys over which option is likely to yield the most fruit juice, UC Berkeley scientists have captured the dynamics of decision-making down to millisecond changes in neurons in the brain's orbitofrontal cortex.
The findings, reported this week in the journal Nature Neuroscience, shed new light on internal decision-making processes -- particularly with regard to habitual behaviors -- and help target the brain circuitry for implants to treat such neuropsychiatric disorders as anxiety, depression and addiction.
"If we can measure a decision in real time, we can potentially also manipulate it," said study senior author Jonathan Wallis, a UC Berkeley neuroscientist and professor of psychology. "For example, a device could be created that detects when an addict is about to choose a drug and instead bias their brain activity towards a healthier choice."
Located behind the eyes, the orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in decision-making and, when damaged, can lead to poor choices and impulsivity.
While previous studies have linked activity in the orbitofrontal cortex to making final decisions, this is the first to track the neural changes that occur during deliberations between different options.
"We can now see a decision unfold in real time and make predictions about choices," Wallis said.
Measuring the signals from electrodes implanted in the monkeys' brains, Wallis and fellow researchers tracked the primates' neural activity as they weighed the pros and cons of images that delivered different amounts of juice.
A computational algorithm tracked the monkeys' orbitofrontal activity as they looked from one image to another, determining which picture would yield the greater reward. The shifting brain patterns enabled researchers to predict which image the monkey would settle on.
For the experiment, they presented a monkey with a series of four different images of abstract shapes, each of which delivered to the monkey a different amount of juice. They used a pattern-recognition algorithm known as linear discriminant analysis to identify, from the pattern of neural activity, which picture the monkey was looking at.
Next, they presented the monkey with two of those same images, and watched the neural patterns switch back and forth to the point where the researchers could predict which image the monkey would choose based on the length of time that the monkey stared at the picture.
"Effectively we could now see the decision unfold and make predictions about the animal's choice," Wallis said.
The more the monkey needed to think about the options, particularly when there was not much difference between the amounts of juice offered, the more the neural patterns would switch back and forth.
"Now that we can see when the brain is considering a particular choice, we could potentially use that signal to electrically stimulate the neural circuits involved in the decision and change the final choice," Wallis said.
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Erin Rich, a researcher at the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at UC Berkeley, is lead author of the study. The research was funded by grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health.
CINCINNATI--Early findings by researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine suggest that the use of a second generation cancer drug, carfilzomib, may provide an improved approach for the reduction of antibodies in potential kidney transplant candidates. The research team includes members from UC Transplant Clinical Research, UC's Division of Hematology Oncology and the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's Biomedical Informatics division.
This pre-transplant drug therapy approach is aimed at reducing antibodies in kidney transplant candidates with greater success than with traditional methods and with reduced side effects.
Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins that in most instances are good because they help fight infection, but people can also make antibodies that work against other humans, which is often a major barrier to transplantation.
"Carfilzomib has been well tolerated by the first group of six study patients who experienced antibody reductions between 31 to 100 percent," says the study's lead author Simon Tremblay, PharmD, research associate in the UC College of Medicine's transplant research programs.
The study's preliminary findings will be presented at the annual American Transplant Congress on June 13, in Boston, Mass., where Tremblay will be awarded the American Transplant Society's Young Investigator award.
Since 2008, the UC research team has been developing therapies that target plasma cells--the cells that make antibodies. The first generation of drug therapy studied was the cancer drug bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor that, like carfilzomib, is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of multiple myeloma. In that 50 person study, which was published in 2015, a significant decrease in antibodies was observed.
Furthermore, transplanted patients had low rejection rates and the chances of developing a new antibody against their kidney was also low. In addition, in some patients, antibodies remained suppressed for several months--something that has not previously been described with other approaches.
In the same scientific session, James Driscoll, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the UC College of Medicine's Division of Hematology Oncology, will present the results of translational research studies in the carfilzomib-treated patients. Driscoll will present new genomic data on plasma cells isolated from patients prior to and after receiving carfilzomib therapy.
"Our gene expression profiling studies in normal human plasma cells are giving us a detailed, comprehensive view of how plasma cells survive and avoid the death inducing effects of carfilzomib," says Driscoll. These studies, he says, were performed in collaboration with Bruce Aronow, PhD, at Cincinnati Children's.
Carfilzomib is one of four new regimens--described as "second-generation plasma cell targeted therapies that are being evaluated by the UC transplant Clinical Research Team, " says the principal investigator on both studies, E. Steve Woodle, MD, UC Health transplant surgeon and director of the division of transplantation at the UC College of Medicine.
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Additional UC researchers on the study include Adele Shields, PharmD; Rita Alloway, PharmD, Alin Girnita, MD, and Paul Brailey of the Transplant Immunology Division at the Hoxworth Blood Center.
Funding for this study came from Amgen Pharmaceuticals. Woodle and Alloway have received past grant funding and honoraria from Amgen.
Athens, Ga. - A new study provides the first evidence that links melting ice in Greenland to a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification--faster warming of the Arctic compared to the rest of the Northern Hemisphere as sea ice disappears.
The findings show that the predicted effects of Arctic amplification, as described in previous studies, occurred over northern Greenland during summer 2015, including a northern swing of the jet stream that reached latitudes never before recorded in Greenland at that time of year.
The study, published today in Nature Communications, included researchers from University of Georgia, Columbia University, University of Liege, City College of New York, University of Leeds and the University of Sheffield.
The Greenland ice sheet, Earth's second largest after Antarctica, holds enough ice that if it were to melt entirely, it would raise average global sea level by about 7 meters, or almost 23 feet. Learning more about the drivers of melting is essential to discerning how much sea level will rise and by how much in the future and how Greenland's freshwater runoff will affect ocean circulation and ecology.
"During the past two decades, we have seen increasing melt from the Greenland ice sheet, culminating in a very large melt event in the summer of 2012," said study co-author Thomas Mote, a University of Georgia professor in the department of geography. "Last year was unique in the extensive melting that occurred on the northern reaches of the ice sheet, an area that usually has rather modest melt compared to southern Greenland. We identified an unusual configuration of the jet stream toward northern Greenland that led to this melt pattern."
Rising global temperatures are melting Arctic sea ice, leaving dark open water that absorbs more solar radiation and causes faster warming in the Arctic. While Arctic amplification is well documented, its effects on the atmosphere are still debated. One theory among scientists is that the shrinking temperature difference between the Arctic and the temperate zone will lead to a slowing of the jet stream. Normally, when the jet stream circles the northern latitudes, the frigid polar air is separated from warmer air in the south. Slower winds, however, could create wilder swings that would allow warm, humid air to penetrate farther north.
"The Greenland ice sheet is one of the most important contributors to sea level rise since 2000," Mote said. "Moreover, some recent work has shown how meltwater runoff can affect ocean productivity and circulation in southern Greenland. However, we don't yet have a good understanding of how increased melt in the north might affect surrounding oceans and the dynamics of the ice sheet."
Northwest Greenland's summer melt started last June when a high-pressure ridge squeezed off from the jet stream and moved westward over Greenland and hovered over the Arctic Ocean, the study shows. Clear skies and warmer weather in northern Greenland from this high-pressure system resulted in record setting surface temperature and meltwater runoff in the northwest. With less summer snow falling and melting underway, northern Greenland's reflectivity also decreased and the water absorbed more heat from the sun, further increasing melting.
Northern Greenland's wind patterns also changed from the usual west to east direction to east to west. Only two other years on record show east to west wind averages in July and both were slower. Further, the jet stream's northernmost ridge swung nearly 2 degrees farther north than the previous July record, set in 2009.
The same atmospheric pattern had a different impact on southern Greenland, where new melting records have been set over the past decade. The south saw more snow during summer 2015 and less melting than previous years.
"How much and where Greenland melts can change depends on how things change elsewhere on Earth," said the study's lead author Marco Tedesco, a research professor at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and adjunct scientist at NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. "If loss of sea ice is driving changes in the jet stream, the jet stream is changing Greenland, and this, in turn, has an impact on the Arctic system as well as the climate. It's a system, it is strongly interconnected, and we have to approach it as such."
The authors don't fully confirm Arctic amplification as the cause of the warming, but say the results of their study fit the description of possible effects as predicted by other researchers. Whether the patterns seen in 2015 will continue in the future is uncertain. This spring, Arctic sea ice set another record low for its maximum extent for the year.
"Greenland also experienced early season melt in early April of this year comparable to April 2012. Record-setting melt occurred later that summer, but it is too early to tell whether the same will hold true in 2016," Mote said.
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Additional co-authors are Xavier Fettweis of University of Liege; Jeyavinoth Jeyaratnam, James Booth and Rajashree Datta of City College of New York; and Kate Briggs of University of Leeds.
The study, "Arctic cut-off high drives the poleward shift of a new Greenland melting record," was supported by funding from NASA's Interdisciplinary Data Science Program, NASA's Cryosphere Program and the National Science Foundation and is available at http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2016/160609/ncomms11723/full/ncomms11723.html.
A special issue of the academic journal Deep-sea Research II, published recently, is devoted to expanding understanding of the global issue of chemical munitions dumped at sea. The publication was edited by Margo Edwards, interim director of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa's (UHM) Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, and Jacek Beldowski, Science for Peace and Security MODUM ("Towards the Monitoring of Dumped Munitions Threat") project director at the Polish Academy of Sciences--two international leaders in the assessment of sea-dumped military munitions and chemical warfare; and the effects on the ocean environment and those who use it.
"The overarching objective of the special issue of Deep Sea Research II is to collate and compare results from two of the most comprehensive studies of sea dumped chemical munitions to promote data sharing and constrain the factors that influence where and how to mitigate the damage," said Edwards.
Whereas today chemical warfare agents (CWA) are destroyed via chemical neutralization processes or high-temperature incineration, the internationally accepted practice in the early to middle 20th century was sea disposal of excess, obsolete or unserviceable munitions, including chemical warfare materiel.
In 1970, the U.S. Department of Defense discontinued this practice and in 1972 an international treaty, the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, was developed to protect the marine environment. By the time this treaty, referred to as the London Convention, was signed by a majority of nations, millions of tons of munitions were known to have been disposed throughout the world's oceans.
Since 2007, the Hawai'i Undersea Military Munitions Assessment (HUMMA) has been assessing sea-disposed military munitions in a region south of the island of Oahu, Hawai'i. Scientists at UHM and Environet and members of the U.S. Army collaborated to assess the condition of munitions casings; effects on seafloor ecosystems; and the presence of metals and CWA in sediments and shrimp.
The results of those studies, published in the current issue of Deep Sea Research II, document that the forty munitions examined in detail in the HUMMA field area pose little, if any, risk to human health while simultaneously recognizing that these forty are only a subset of the hundreds of likely chemical munitions in the area.
Illustrative of the mystery of the vast ocean, the HUMMA project enabled discovery of a new species of sea star, Brisingenes margoae nov. sp.--named in honor of Edwards. This unique species and other sea stars were collected using the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology's Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory submersibles.
The Chemical Munitions Search and Assessment (CHEMSEA) was conducted in the Baltic Sea from 2011 until 2014. In combination, the studies from CHEMSEA published in Deep Sea Research II recognize sea-dumped munitions as a point source of pollution in the Baltic Sea, although its contribution appears to be low and limited to deep, anoxic basins. Acute toxicity to humans from CWA (e.g., mustard, Adamsite) is unlikely given recorded concentrations, although adverse effects of chronic exposure on fish populations cannot be excluded.
The collected articles from the CHEMSEA and HUMMA projects projects in the special issue of Deep-sea Research II present a number of techniques that are useful for the complex in-depth investigation of munitions dumpsites. Results show that sea-dumped munitions in both project areas do not represent direct risk for humans except in cases of exposure due to recovery, although in the more confined Baltic Sea with limited water exchange, munitions can have adverse impact on the ecosystem.
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Young people are less likely to be ageist when their friends have friendships with older adults, research led by psychologists at the University of Kent has shown.
Even when young adults have no social contact with older adults in their everyday life, if they are aware of a friend who is friends with an older adult this can increase their positive attitudes towards older adults as a whole, the researchers found.
Psychologists Lisbeth Drury and Professor Dominic Abrams of Kent's School of Psychology, and Dr Paul Hutchison, London Metropolitan University, surveyed young adults to conduct the study, which is published online in the British Journal of Social Psychology.
Those responding indicated how often they had social contact with older adults, whether they experienced it as good contact, if they were aware of any friendships their friends had with older adults and how positively they felt towards older adults.
The researchers found that young adults who experienced good quality contact expressed less ageism towards older adults. More importantly, even young adults with no direct experience of older adults expressed less ageism when they knew of a friend that had a friendship with an older adult.
This indirect effect occurred because knowing that other young people in their close social network have positive relationships with older adults reduced young adults' anxieties about interacting with older adults and made such relationships seem more widespread and acceptable.
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The research, entitled Direct and extended intergenerational contact and young people's attitudes towards older adults (Lisbeth Drury; Dr Paul Hutchison, Professor Dominic Abrams) was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, Age UK, and the South East Doctoral Training Centre. See: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjso.12146/abstract
For interview requests contact Martin Herrema at the University of Kent Press Office.
Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879
Email: M.J.Herrema@kent.ac.uk
News releases can also be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/news
University of Kent on Twitter: http://twitter.com/UniKent
Notes to editors
1.Lisbeth Drury is an ESRC-Age UK CASE doctoral student and Professor Dominic Abrams, FBA, is Director of the Centre for the Study of Group Processes at the University of Kent. Dr Paul Hutchison is a senior lecturer at London Metropolitan University.
2.
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: third for overall student satisfaction in the 2014 National Student Survey; 23rd in the Guardian University Guide 2016; 23rd in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2016; and 22nd in the Complete University Guide 2015.
In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent is in the top 10% of the world's leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its 'Table of Tables' 2016.
Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014). It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality.
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.
In 2014, Kent received its second Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
Do you wish more research could be done about a certain health condition? Thanks to a new tool, you can gather your network and make it happen.
The University of Michigan Health System is crowdfunding research from ideas that were suggested by the public with a new platform called WellSpringboard.
WellSpringboard allows anyone to submit an idea. Once a U-M researcher agrees to take up the idea, it's time for the public to donate online, volunteer to be contacted to possibly take part, or share it with their networks.
"This is a great way to get together as a community to address what our patients are passionate about," says Peter Higgins, M.D., Ph.D., a gastroenterologist who specializes in inflammatory bowel diseases. He was one of the first researchers to write a proposal for a WellSpringboard idea.
An idea for IBD research
Take Eric Polsinelli, who explains his idea in the video below. He struggled with his inflammatory bowel disease up until he got an ostomy.
"It was a challenge to do anything," Polsinelli says. "Losing control of your body and your life is difficult."
When he heard about WellSpringboard through Higgins, Polsinelli thought it could be a way to find patient information backed by evidence.
"A lot of what you find online is anecdotal or pseudoscience," Polsinelli says. "I'd like to see research that shows evidence of what you can do to improve your physical or mental health while dealing with IBD."
Higgins works to improve the quality of life for those with IBD, so it was the perfect match.
"This is a project we've been pondering for a while," Higgins says. "Flares come out of the blue and disrupt patients' lives, so we're going to incorporate an activity tracker to see if it helps identify when someone is at risk for a flare."
Higgins' proposal will involve recruiting subjects who have recently had a flare of IBD and started on steroids. He'll study dozens of patients with IBD and outfit them with a fitness tracker.
He wants to measure heart rate because patients with IBD tend to have higher heart rates during flares, sleep because it's difficult to sleep during a flare, and steps because it's difficult to find the energy to be active during a flare.
"We thought an activity monitor might be able to measure those subtle changes in sleep, heart rate and activity that occur before a flare begins," Higgins says. "If it works, we may be able to help IBD patients know when a flare is coming, allowing them to address these warning signs with their IBD doctor before the clinical symptoms of a flare begin."
Another project: Home CPAP and infections
June Insco has a CPAP machine for her sleep apnea, a condition that affects 10 to 20 percent of Americans. She heard about WellSpringboard, and it made her think of a concern she's had for some time about the machine that helps her keep breathing throughout the night.
"I didn't get a lot of good instruction up front about cleaning it, and even though I do clean it every week, it sometimes has a musty odor," Insco says. "CPAPs are a fairly new phenomenon, so I wonder what kinds of studies have been done on the long-term effects of using them, particularly with respiratory issues."
When Tiffany Braley, M.D., M.S., a neurologist whose research focuses on sleep and its relationship with the immune system, saw Insco's request, she knew she could investigate. Braley explains her proposal in the video below.
"It was a topic I've been asked about before, but I hadn't considered researching this important issue until June's WellSpringboard request came through," Braley says.
Braley's project will examine electronic medical records of 4,000 patients with obstructive sleep apnea who started using CPAP at U-M. She'll evaluate upper respiratory infection rates in patients before and after they start CPAP, to see if CPAP use leads to changes in infection rates."CPAP is the most effective way to treat sleep apnea, but only about half of patients actually use this treatment regularly," Braley says. "Concern about infection may be a barrier to regular CPAP use. If funded, this project will allow us to investigate a potential barrier that may be discouraging some patients from using CPAP, and provide vital information about the safety of CPAP treatment."
Funding in process
The first two projects have begun funding. Each idea, once paired with a research project, has 30 days to reachits fundraising goal. Both are from the five initial priority areas, which include:
Children's heart disease
Children's cancer
Sleep problems
Adult diabetes
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's and colitis
If they reach their crowdfunding goals, the researcher will receive the money and can get started on the research. If a project doesn't meet its goal, the donations will be used to support other WellSpringboard research in the same category. The site is still taking research ideas, even as matched ideas begin the funding process.
"We hope that the innovative combination of crowdsourcing research ideas, and crowdfunding the ones that researchers agree to study, will prove successful and be a model for other academic medical centers and research institutes," says Matthew M. Davis, M.D., the U-M physician and researcher who leads the team that helped WellSpringboard get off the ground.
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In collaboration with labs in Japan, Spain and Sweden, University of Oregon scientists open a pathway to design and put biradical compounds to work
EUGENE, Ore. - June 9, 2016 -- University of Oregon chemists have synthesized a stable and long-lasting carbon-based molecule that, they say, potentially could be applicable in solar cells and electronic devices.
The molecule changes its bonding patterns to a magnetic biradical state when heated; it then returns to a fully bonded non-magnetic closed state at room temperature. That transition, they report, can be done repeatedly without decomposition. It remains stable in the presence of both heat and oxygen.
Biradical refers to organic compounds, known as open-shell molecules, that have two free-flowing, non-bonding electrons. Producing them using techniques to control their electron spin, and thus provide semiconducting properties, in a heated state has been hampered by instability since the first synthetic biradical hydrocarbon was made in 1907.
"Potentially our approach could help to make organic solar cells more efficient than silicon solar cells, but that's probably far in the future," said UO doctoral student Gabriel E. Rudebusch, the paper's lead author. "Our synthesis is rapid and efficient. We easily can make a gram of this compound, which is very stable when exposed to oxygen and heat. This stability has been almost unheard of in the literature about biradical compounds."
The four-step synthesis of the compound -- diindenoanthracene, or DIAn -- and how it held up when tested in superconducting materials were detailed in a proof-of-principle paper published online May 23 by the journal Nature Chemistry. The UO team collaborated with experts in Japan, Spain and Sweden.
The molecular framework for the new molecule involves the hydrocarbon anthracene, which has three linearly fused hexagonal benzene rings, in combination with two five-membered pentagonal rings.
"The big difference between our new molecule and a lot of other biradical molecules that have been produced is those five-membered rings," said co-author Michael M. Haley, who holds the UO's Richard M. and Patricia H. Noyes Professorship in Chemistry. "They have the inherent ability to accept electrons or give up electrons. This means DIAn can move both negative and positive charges, which is an essential property for useful devices such as transistors and solar cells. Also, we can heat up our molecule to 150 degrees Celsius, bring it back to room temperature and heat it up again, repeatedly, and we see no decomposition in its reaction to oxygen. The unique features of DIAn are essential if these molecules are to have a use in the real world."
Haley's lab is now seeking to develop derivatives of the new molecule to help move the technology forward into potential applications.
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Co-authors with Rudebusch and Haley were: Jonathan L. Marshall, a former doctoral researcher in Haley's lab; Lev N. Zakharov of the UO's Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon; Kjell Jorner and Henrik Ottosson of Sweden's Uppsala University; Kotaro Fukuda and Masayoshi Nakano of Osaka University in Japan; Carlos J. Gomez-Garcia of the University of Valencia in Spain; and Jose L. Zafra, Iratxe Arrechea-Marcos, Guzman L. Espejo, Rocio Ponce Ortiz, and Juan Casado, all of the University of Malaga in Spain.
The National Science Foundation supported the research at the UO (grant CHE-1301485 to Haley). Additional funding support came from organizations within the governments of Spain, Japan and Sweden.
Source: Michael Haley, professor of chemistry, UO Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 541-346-0456, haley@uoregon.edu, and Gabe Rudebusch, UO doctoral student, ger@uoregon.edu
Note: The UO is equipped with an on-campus television studio with a point-of-origin Vyvx connection, which provides broadcast-quality video to networks worldwide via fiber optic network. There also is video access to satellite uplink and audio access to an ISDN codec for broadcast-quality radio interviews.
Links:
Paper abstract: http://www.nature.com/nchem/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nchem.2518.html
Haley faculty page: http://chemistry.uoregon.edu/profile/haley/
Haley lab: http://haleylab.uoregon.edu/index.html
UO Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry: http://chemistry.uoregon.edu/
SALT LAKE CITY, June 9, 2016 - When new AIDS virus particles bud from an infected cell, an enzyme named protease activates to help the viruses mature and infect more cells. That's why modern AIDS drugs control the disease by inhibiting protease.
Now, University of Utah researchers found a way to turn protease into a double-edged sword: They showed that if they delay the budding of new HIV particles, protease itself will destroy the virus instead of helping it spread. They say that might lead, in about a decade, to new kinds of AIDS drugs with fewer side effects.
"We could use the power of the protease itself to destroy the virus," says virologist Saveez Saffarian, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Utah and senior author of the study released today by PLOS Pathogens, an online journal published by the Public Library of Science.
So-called cocktails or mixtures of protease inhibitors emerged in the 1990s and turned acquired immune deficiency syndrome into a chronic, manageable disease for people who can afford the medicines. But side effects include fat redistribution in the body, diarrhea, nausea, rash, stomach pain, liver toxicity, headache, diabetes and fever.
"They have secondary effects that hurt patients," says Mourad Bendjennat, a research assistant professor of physics and astronomy and the study's first author. "And the virus becomes resistant to the inhibitors. That's why they use cocktails."
Bendjennat adds that by discovering the molecular mechanism in which protease interacts with HIV, "we are developing a new approach that we believe may be very efficient in treating the spread of HIV."
However, he and Saffarian emphasize the research is basic, and that it will be a decade before more research might develop the approach into news AIDS treatments.
Figuring out the role of protease in HIV budding
Inside a cell infected by HIV, new virus particles are constructed largely with a protein named Gag. Protease enzymes are incorporated into new viral particles as they are built, and are thought to be activated after the new particles "bud" out of infected cell and then break off from it.
The particles start to bud from the host cell in a saclike container called a vesicle, the neck of which eventually separates from the outer membrane of the infected cell. "Once the particles are released, the proteases are activated and the particles transform into mature HIV, which is infectious," Saffarian says.
"There is an internal mechanism that dictates activation of the protease, which is not well understood," he adds. "We found that if we slow the budding process, the protease activates while the HIV particle is still connected to the outer membrane of host [infected] cell. As a result, it chews out all the proteins inside the budding HIV particle, and those essential enzymes and proteins leak back into the host cell. The particle continues to bud out and release from the cell, but it is not infectious anymore because it doesn't have the enzymes it needs to mature."
Budding HIV needs ESCRTs
The scientists found they could slow HIV particles from budding out of cells by interfering with how they interact with proteins named ESCRTs (pronounced "escorts"), or "endosomal sorting complexes required for transport."
ESCRTs are involved in helping pinch off budding HIV particles - essentially cutting them from the infected host cell.
Saffarian says scientific dogma long has held "that messing up the interactions of the virus with ESCRTs results in budding HIV particles permanently getting stuck on the host cell membrane instead of releasing." Bendjennat says several studies in recent years indicated that the particles do get released, casting some doubt on the long held dogma.
The new study's significance "is about the molecular mechanism: When the ESCRT machinery is altered, there is production of viruslike particles that are noninfectious," he says. "This study explains the molecular mechanism of that."
"We found HIV still releases even when early ESCRT interactions are intentionally compromised, however, with a delay," Saffarian says. "They are stuck for a while and then they release. And by being stuck for a while, they lose their internal enzymes due to early protease activation and lose their infectivity."
Bendjennat says by delaying virus budding and speeding "when the protease gets activated, we are now capable of using it to make new released viruses noninfectious"
How the research was done
The experiments used human skin cells grown in tissue culture. It already was known that new HIV particles assemble the same way whether the infected host cell is a skin cell, certain other cells or the T-cell white blood cell infected by the virus to cause AIDS. The experiments involved both live HIV and so-called viruslike particles.
Bendjennat and Saffarian genetically engineered mutant Gag proteins. A single HIV particle is made of some 2,000 Gag proteins and 120 copies of proteins known as Gag-Pol, as well as genetic information in the form of RNA. Pol includes protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase - the proteins HIV uses to replicate.
The mutant Gag proteins were designed to interact abnormally with two different ESCRT proteins, named ALIX and Tsg101.
A new HIV particle normally takes five minutes to release from an infected cell.
When the researchers interfered with ALIX, release was delayed 75 minutes, reducing by half the infectivity of the new virus particle. When the scientists interfered with Tsg101, release was delayed 10 hours and new HIV particles were not infectious.
The scientists also showed that how fast an HIV particle releases from an infected cell depends on how much enzyme cargo it carries in the form of Pol proteins. By interfering with ESCRT proteins during virus-release experiments with viruslike particles made only of Gag protein but none of the normal Pol enzymes, the 75-minute delay shrank to only 20 minutes, and the 10-hour delay shrank to only 50 minutes.
"When the cargo is large, the virus particle needs more help from the ESCRTs to release on a timely fashion," Saffarian says.
Because HIV carries a large cargo, it depends on ESCRTs to release from an infected cell, so ESCRTs are good targets for drugs to delay release and let HIV proteases leak back into the host cell, making new HIV particles noninfectious, he says.
Bendjennat says other researchers already are looking for drugs to block ESCRT proteins in a way that would prevent the "neck" of the budding HIV particle from pinching off or closing, thus keeping it connected to the infected cell. But he says the same ESCRTs are needed for cell survival, so such drugs would be toxic.
Instead, the new study suggests the right approach is to use low-potency ESCRT-inhibiting drugs that delay HIV release instead of blocking it, rendering it noninfectious with fewer toxic side effects, he adds.
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health. Saffarian also is funded as an investigator with USTAR, the Utah Science Technology and Research economic development initiative.
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University of Utah Communications
75 Fort Douglas Boulevard, Salt Lake City, UT 84113
801-581-6773 fax: 801-585-3350
unews.utah.edu
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday announced that Minnesota's rapidly declining moose herd may warrant protection under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The federal agency is responding to a petition filed last year by the Center for Biological Diversity that moose in Minnesota, which have declined by 60 percent over the past decade, need federal protection to ensure their survival.
"Based on our review... the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the U.S. population of the northwestern moose,'' the agency stated in its response.
The Fish and Wildlife Service will now start a full "status review" of moose in the midwest to determine whether they will be listed. The public has 60 days to comment on the agency's preliminary finding, but the listing process could take several years.
The agency's finding applies only to the subspecies of moose, Alces alces andersoni, found only in Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin and Isle Royale in Lake Superior.
Collette Adkins, a Minneapolis-based attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, said federal protection of moose would highlight the harm caused by a warming climate and failed effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions. It's believed that warmer temperatures in the Northland already are spurring moose heat stress in winter and summer, more parasites such as brainworm and possibly more disease, making moose that don't die directly more vulnerable to wolves.
Adkins said endangered status will "bring additional federal dollars for research on the plight of the moose and provide additional habitat protections that are needed to help moose weather our warming world."
"The Endangered Species Act is the best tool we have to prevent extinction of our moose," Adkins said. "I'm saddened that moose are in such big trouble that they need the Act's protection but relieved that help is likely on the way for these iconic symbols of the North Woods."
"The Endangered Species Act is saving the wolf,'' Adkins added. "And it can save the moose too."
The Native American group Honor the Earth was also on the petition seeking endangered status.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in February released the result of its annual moose survey that estimated this winter's population at about 4,000. That's up a tick from 3,450 moose estimated in 2015, but wildlife experts say the change is statistically insignificant. Overall, northeastern Minnesota moose numbers remain less than half what they were a decade ago, when the population was at nearly 9,000.
Some moose researchers have said moose could be gone from Minnesota within a decade or two if the decline doesn't stop.
"Moose are not recovering in northeastern Minnesota,'' Glenn DelGiudice, the Minnesota DNR's top moose researcher, said in releasing the survey results earlier this year. "It's encouraging to see that the decline in the population since 2012 has not been as steep. But longer-term projections continue to indicate that our moose population decline will continue."
The same sort of decline hit northwestern Minnesota moose in the 1990s - with plateaus then continued declines -- and that population never recovered, dwindling from 4,500 to less than 100 today.
In addition to counting moose, the DNR is leading a broad, multi-agency study of why moose are dying faster than they can rebuild the population. In recent years researchers have confirmed that wolves are taking some of the adult moose that perish. Wolves also are killing a majority of the calves that researchers were able to recover.
But other factors -- especially disease, parasites and warm-weather stress -- appear to be killing most of the adult moose that researchers are able to find and verify thanks to GPS collars.
The Ecological Society of America has named University of Washington professor Jerry Franklin its "Eminent Ecologist" of 2016. The award, considered the organization's most prestigious accolade, honors a senior ecologist who has made significant, long-standing contributions to the field of ecology.
Franklin, who in his 60-year career has bridged philosophical gaps between traditional logging-oriented forestry and ecology, is credited with being the first scientist to focus research on old-growth forests, and for challenging clear-cutting practices to mold a "new forestry" dedicated to healthy forest ecosystems.
"There are a lot of really excellent people who are part of the Ecological Society of America," said Franklin, a professor in the UW's School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. "I certainly didn't ever expect this award."
"As one of the world's premier forest ecologists, Jerry Franklin transformed forest ecology and management in the U.S. and left an indelible mark on ecology writ large. Jerry seamlessly blended science and management throughout his career and his infectious enthusiasm for trees, ecosystems and landscapes has inspired several generations of ecologists. He is richly deserving of this recognition by ESA," said Monica Turner, the organization's president and a professor of zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Franklin started his career with the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Research Station in western Oregon, then became a UW professor in 1986 after 30 years as a forester. He worked for former President Bill Clinton on the controversial Northwest Forest Plan, the series of federal policies and guidelines that stopped clear-cutting of old-growth and refocused the Forest Service's mission on nurturing forest ecosystems and their biological diversity.
Franklin also advised the U.S. House of Representatives and continues to work with the Obama administration on forest policy issues.
"The evolution of the science of forests as ecosystems has matured," Franklin said. "The application of that science and how you go about managing forests in that way is perhaps the most important thing I've done. But it started with the old-growth."
"I was really frustrated that nobody knew anything about old-growth forests. I was bound and determined that one way or another we were going to learn something about them. I thought perhaps we were only creating a historic record of something that would be extinct, but in the end, we ended up still having a lot of old-growth here."
A group of Franklin's former graduate students -- many of them now professors -- nominated him for the prestigious award. Central to the nomination were numerous letters of support from Franklin's colleagues around the world -- accomplished professors, deans and scientists who cited his impact, particularly early in their careers.
"All of these colleagues jumped at the chance to write a letter supporting him," said Andrew Larson, an associate professor of forest ecology at the University of Montana and a former student of Franklin's, who organized the nomination.
"The letters were breathtaking. These are globally recognized people, and to read the things they said about him was incredible."
Franklin's work is ingrained in the fields of forestry and forest ecology in ways that are hard to match.
"His influence is so great that it's hard to have conversation in the field without his name coming up. I can't even count the number of times I've been at a meeting and high-level speakers are compelled to mention him and invoke him in their work," Larson added.
Throughout his career, Franklin played a significant role in developing major, multi-institutional programs aimed at incorporating ecological principles at the broadest scale, including the International Biological Program in the 1960s and early 1970s, and later the Long-term Ecological Research Program.
He was the first program officer for the Ecosystem Studies Program at the National Science Foundation, where he helped nurture long-term ecological research around the country.
In Washington, among many other research efforts, Franklin secured funding to establish the Wind River Canopy Crane in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to study old-growth tree canopies, a research program that lasted 16 years.
Despite a staggering list of achievements, published papers and awards, Franklin is just a nice guy, humble to the core, colleagues say. He has advised nearly 50 graduate students and continues to teach undergraduate courses in ecology and forest management. His favorite place to teach is in the woods, and most of his students get to experience a week or two of lectures under immense ponderosa pines and Douglas-fir trees.
The Ecological Society of America will honor Franklin and its other award winners at the organization's annual meeting this August in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The society, founded in 1915, is the world's largest community of professional ecologists. The 10,000 member organization publishes six journals and a membership bulletin and broadly shares ecological information through policy, media outreach and education initiatives.
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Contact Franklin at jff@uw.edu or 206-543-2138. For information about the award, contact Liza Lester at the Ecological Society of America: 202-833-8773 ext. 211 or LLester@esa.org.
Ecological Society of America's news release: http://www.esa.org/esa/2016-esa-awards/
Posted with photos: http://www.washington.edu/news/2016/06/09/jerry-franklin-named-2016s-eminent-ecologist-by-leading-ecological-group/
I wrote a couple weeks ago about Nicholas Kristofs New York Times column, A Confession of Liberal Intolerance, in which he argued that conservatives, particularly evangelical Christians, faced harsh discrimination in academia and that liberals should embrace intellectual diversity on campus. His descriptions of discrimination sounded uncannily like what some ID proponents have faced.
Now, in a follow-up article, Kristof makes clear that he doesnt think tolerating differences in academia should extend to dissent from evolution:
Mixed in here are legitimate issues. I dont think that a university should hire a nincompoop who disputes evolution, or a racist who preaches inequality. But as I see it, the bigger problem is not that conservatives are infiltrating social science departments to spread hatred, but rather that liberals have turned departments into enclaves of ideological homogeneity. Sure, there are dumb or dogmatic conservatives, just as there are dumb and dogmatic liberals. So lets avoid those who are dumb and dogmatic, without using politics or faith as a shorthand for mental acuity. [Emphasis added.]
What? First, Kristof groups dissent from evolution with racism. Second, he labels anyone who questions evolutionary theory as a nincompoop. Not only is this not complimentary, but it ignores the growing scientific dissent from neo-Darwinism.
Of course, Kristof finishes by offering reasons to accept political diversity, including that stereotyping and discrimination are wrong, intellectual diversity is helpful to universities, and covering multiple points of view increases the relevance of the university to ongoing policy discussions.
But Kristof is inconsistent. This rare academic freedom advocate doesnt think tolerance should apply to alternate viewpoints on evolution. He gives no thoughtful reason for this exception.
There is, as I mentioned, ongoing scientific debate over whether evolutionary mechanisms can explain lifes diversity. In Altenberg, Austria, in 2008, a group of 16 distinguished biologists got together to discuss holes in neo-Darwinism. Out of this conference came the book Evolution: The Extended Synthesis. The scientists of The Third Way of Evolution reject intelligent design, but question the ability of natural selection and random mutations to generate diverse biological species.
The late biologist and member of the National Academy of Sciences Lynn Margulis stated, New mutations dont create new species; they create offspring that are impaired. Over 950 PhD scientists have signed the Scientific Dissent from Darwinism list, publicly affirming they are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutations and natural selection to account for the complexity of life.
For a summary of evolutionary theorys weaknesses along with links to scientific articles challenging the major mechanisms of neo-Darwinism, read Casey Luskins article, The Top Ten Scientific Problems with Biological and Chemical Evolution.
Kristof also says, We liberals should have the self-confidence to believe that our values can triumph in a fair contest in the marketplace of ideas. Good! But a fair contest implies familiarizing yourself with competing ideas that are out there in the marketplace.
That he has not apparently done, at least when it comes evolution. Rather than dismiss dissenting scientists as nincompoops, Kristof could stand to spend some time on self-education.
Photo source: Argonne National Laboratory [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
Additional mineral acre tracts have been revealed to have been assigned to the wrong trust back in 1943, according to State Land Commissioner Lance Gaebe.
Auditors in a recent review found multiple mineral tracts were assigned to the Youth Correctional Center trust in Mandan rather than to the Ellendale trust. After further investigation, the inflated figure for the YCC trust was determined to be $6.1 million rather than $2.8 million.
Roughly two-thirds of the recommendations in a performance audit of the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands have been addressed or are in the process of being dealt with, the departments head revealed this week.
Gaebe told the five-member North Dakota Board of University and School Lands on Wednesday that the department reviewed tracts that have been leased for oil and gas exploration or have been producing.
Of the 121 active tracts that have been critically examined thus far, one third were incorrectly assigned to the Youth Correctional Center trust. There are approximately 450 tracts that are identified in the database as being owned by the YCC, which all will ultimately be reviewed, Gaebe said in a memo to the board.
The department has reassigned the tracts to the proper trust allocation within its database and adjusted the paper records to document the correction. In addition, accounting adjustments have been made transferring $6.1 million from the YCC Trust to the Ellendale Trust, Gaebe said.
The fix for what was paid out will require legislative action during next years session, Gaebe said. His office requested and received direction Wednesday from the Land Board to put forward legislation to correct the past errors. Distributions to the trusts will continue for the current biennium to avoid any disruption to trust beneficiaries.
Gaebe also asked for and received a one-time exception from the Land Boards distribution calculation policy. He said this will allow the department to use corrected fund balances for both trusts for the past four years, as determined by staff, to determine distributions for the 2017-19 biennium.
The most confusing part was explaining the process, Gaebe said of Wednesdays meeting.
Gaebe said the department has also developed a database from which to track the progress made on recommendations in the audit. At the April board meeting, Gov. Jack Dalrymple directed Gaebe to have the recommended changes made and to keep the board updated.
In documents provided to the board, a total of 35 items in the performance audit were listed as being completed, with another 34 items in the process of being addressed and the final 34 were pending action.
They have developed an extensive plan to address the audit. Theyre definitely moving forward on a plan of action, Jeff Zent, a spokesman for Dalrymple, said.
Canadian Dollar (CAD) exchange rates struggle today thanks to safe-haven demand and dipping crude oil prices.
The GBP to CAD exchange rate has taken a nosedive today, in the wake of German finance ministry comments.
The Pound has lost out notably against the Canadian Dollar today, due to a theory from the Germany Ministry of Finance that a Brexit could cut the UK out of the single market.
The CAD exchange rates have been a stable option, in spite of gold and oil prices dropping.
In spite of oil prices falling back from their recent highs towards the end of the week the Canadian Dollar exchange rates (CAD) continued to trend higher, especially against the Pound (GBP).
However, a discouraging showing on this afternoons Canadian employment data could yet see the GBP/CAD exchange rate regain some ground.
Some of Sterlings gains today have come from EU Referendum news, where it is thought that extending the voter registration deadline may be enough to clinch victory for an In vote.
The Canadian Dollars counteracting force in the GBP/CAD exchange rate pairing today can be attributed to a continuing rise in the cost of gold.
As traders await the publication of the Bank of Canadas (BOC) Financial System Review and the accompanying press conference from Governor Stephen Poloz, the Canadian Dollar softened versus some of its major peers.
Conversely, the British Pound advanced versus most of its currency rivals after trade data showed the deficit was reduced in April.
The Pound Sterling to Canadian Dollar exchange rate was trading within a range of 1.8348 to 1.8490 during Thursdays European session.
Below are the latest live FX rates for your reference:
On Wednesday the Pound to British Pound exchange rate (GBP/GBP) converts at 1
At time of writing the pound to pound exchange rate is quoted at 1.
Today finds the pound to euro spot exchange rate priced at 1.151.
At time of writing the pound to us dollar exchange rate is quoted at 1.148.
At time of writing the pound to australian dollar exchange rate is quoted at 1.787.
NB: the forex rates mentioned above, revised as of 26th Oct 2022, are inter-bank prices that will require a margin from your bank. Foreign exchange brokers can save up to 5% on international payments in comparison to the banks.
Pound Sterling (GBP) Exchange Rates Climb despite Ongoing Brexit Uncertainty
As the argument between the Remain and Leave campaign heats up in the UK, uncertainty regarding the outcome has caused marked Sterling volatility of late.
Domestic data has taken a back-seat to opinion poll results, but a few days respite from fresh polls has allowed for greater impact from domestic ecostats.
Todays data showed that the UKs trade deficit narrowed on all three measures, suggesting the impact of political uncertainty has not been as harsh as economists had predicted.
Scotiabank Predict Weak CAD Exchange Rate Futures on Central Bank Policy Outlook
Reduced market sentiment and falling crude oil prices weighed on demand for the Canadian Dollar today.
The fall in oil prices has been linked to trader profit taking after falling US stockpiles caused black-gold to reach 2016 highs.
Analysts at Scotiabank predict Canadian Dollar exchange rate weakness to come, stating;
We maintain a bias to CAD weakness on the basis of relative central bank policy and continue to highlight CADs recent oil-driven divergence from levels implied by yield spreads. Note that the 2Y U.S.-Canada yield spread has held steady around 25bpts for much of the past week. Domestic risk will be elevated into the end of this week as we look to Thursdays release of the Bank of Canada Financial System Review and Fridays employment data. Gov. Poloz has continued to highlight the rise household vulnerabilities and the Reviews release could weigh on CAD sentiment. Measures of implied CAD volatility have climbed for much of the past week, increasing the cost of short-term protection against CAD weakness.
Each year in nearly every part of the country, swaths of farmland are turned over as yet another family farm is pushed out by tightening profit margins, rigged markets and the ever-constricting power of a few corporations. In a year of falling farm prices, the fight to keep family farmers on the land is as urgent as ever.
Why fight for family farmers? Because family farmers are stewards of the land, key threads in the fabric of our rural communities and local economies. They support us in ways that can't be done by distant corporations that are looking out first and foremost for their own bottom line.
North Dakota is unique in its commitment to family farm agriculture. For 84 years, that commitment has been enshrined in a state law affirming that our land belongs in the hands of people and that farming should stay in the family not corporations. Measure 1 attacks that commitment and the very soul of North Dakota.
Efforts to undo long-standing laws like North Dakotas anti-corporate farming law are about increasing corporate profits and the control of corporations over our farm and food system. Its about hastening farm consolidation and squeezing every profit possible out of the soil, water, animals and people of rural America in order to fill Wall Streets coffers. It is yet another step in a long push to remove family farms from the American landscape.
Similar measures have cropped up in states across the country and North Dakotans are rightly asking who is behind initiatives like Measure 1and who profits from them. One can find a few clues in the case of Missouri.
In 2013, Missouri state legislators spurred by hefty donations from the meatpacking giant Smithfield Foods dissolved the states long-held law banning foreign corporations from owning Missouri land. This happened at the same time as Smithfields buyout by Hong Kong-based Shuanghui International. Today, the Chinese-based company legally owns 42,000 acres of farmland in Missouri, which are being used for mega-industrial confined animal feeding operations and processing facilities.
These corporate-backed measures ultimately pit people against each another. They roll back the ability of local communities to determine whats best for them. They grant corporate interests the right to extract wealth from local communities, with little regard for the quality of life, the caliber of jobs or the health of the soil and water upon which local people depend.
Citizens are told that their long-held values are getting in the way of progress, or that the family farm is obsolete. But the truth is just the opposite: Corporate farming is destroying our present; the family farm is our future.
On June 14, your no vote will protect North Dakotas proud legacy of family farm agriculture. Its a legacy worth preserving.
You used the be able to apply for an extension of 3 months if you went to the DHA office in person. This can be a bit hit and miss depending on who you see but is worth a try if you are in Dubai.
If your not here or if they don't allow it, you need to reapply if the eligibility letter has expired. The psv/Dataflow report remains valid so that part doesn't need repeating but the license payment and exam will need to be redone unfortunately.
Ok so I wonder if anyone had experiences with this.
I am actually German but moved away when i was 18/19 and now I am 40 and wanted to move back for a while for family related reason.
I am currently in Kiel and having a really hard time finding my own apartment cause I have not yet looked for a job.
It's like the chicken and the egg-I need a place to stay (obviously) so I can go hunt for work in the area OR I need a job first in order to prove that I am a good tenant ! LOL
Basically everybody looks at me like I'm some alien cause I arrived 3 days ago and do not have employment.
Here is the thing.....I was always a freelancer without steady income so this was an issue in foreign countries too..but I always got apartments no problem cause I explained the sitch and offered to pay more deposit or more montths rent in advance (which then was never relly asked for but people then believed i was trustworthy enough)
so here rent is so cheap ,yet nobody wants to rent to me !!!!
I even printed out all my account statements to show I can-if wished -pay for months or a year in advance and still have plenty of money, but people seem to believe i am weird ! and they said an income would be better cause i COULD after all just buy a new car and then spend all my money.
UHH its exhausting and i need a place. should I just lie about a job? right now i am renting from airbnb and i am looking for work but still.. weird how everything is so complicated here.
would anyone have advise???? was anyone in a similar sitch?
Shepi said: Congrats , mine is taking very long I guess I will need to follow up weekly. I really need this ID to update so many things. Do you also have to do the same at traffic department, if yes please will you keep me posted? Click to expand...
I moved my South African drivers licence which l obtained via the illegal ID to Traffic register when l surrendered the illegal ID book, l guess my next step is to convert it back to my new SA ID Number.To sort your ID issue, who are you speaking to at DHA, its important that you speak to the right people otherwise you will go rounds and rounds without getting a solution. I see you attempted to apply an ID based on spouse PR in 2015, but l managed to get this done in just under 6 months.I see you opted not to be contacted privately through forum, can you please find a way we can contact each other out of record, l just need to have a better understanding of how your situation is
The strength of Swiss franc has contributed to Switzerland becoming the most expensive European country for expats and four Swiss cities top the European rankings in a new survey.The Swiss city of Zurich is the most expensive location in Europe and moves up to second place in the global rankings in the latest Cost of Living survey published by ECA International, provider of knowledge, information and software for the management and assignment of employees around the world.It is the second year that Zurich has topped the European rankings and the survey also shows that British cities have fallen dramatically in the global rankings with London down 17 places.The report suggests that the upcoming referendum on the future of the UK in the European Union has created uncertainty that has pushed UK cities down the global rankings due to the weakening pound. London has fallen out of the top 50 most expensive cities in the world to 65th position, down 17 spots from last year.Uncertainty due to the UK referendum on EU membership, Brexit, has led to a reluctance from foreign investors to hold UK assets which has pushed down the value of the pound, said Steven Kilfedder, manager of cost of living and remuneration services.The weakened pound means that UK businesses are paying more when sending staff to work overseas but it is cheaper to bring staff to the UK, he added.All other ranked locations in the UK have tumbled down the global rankings with Edinburgh falling to 102nd place, down from 79th last year. Cardiff is now ranked at 123rd place and Belfast has dropped 32 positions to 143rd in 2016.The weakening of the Norwegian krone in response to the declining oil sector contributed to Oslos continued tumble down the rankings. Oslo was the worlds most expensive location for expatriates surveyed in 2013, it has since fallen to 20th position globally.The euros appreciation between surveys has seen the majority of Eurozone locations rise in the global rankings with Dutch, Belgian and Swedish locations among those rising most.Amsterdam has risen from 129th place to 117th while Brussels moves further into the global top 100 to 86th place, up 14 places from last year. Stockholm has also risen by 10 places this year to 45th place.Although prices in Russia have soared since international sanctions were imposed, cities there plummeted down the list of the most expensive locations for expatriates. The rouble, also affected by the fall in oil prices, weakened significantly over the twelve months between surveys outweighing price increases.Moscow, in 12th position five years ago, is now 181st in the latest global rankings. Moscow has experienced the third most significant fall in the European rankings in the March 2016 survey. The most prominent rise in the global rankings within Europe was seen in Prague, up 24 places from last year to 205th position in 2016.ECA International has been conducting research into cost of living for more than 40 years. It carries out two main surveys per year to help companies calculate cost of living allowances so that their employees' spending power is not compromised while on international assignment.The surveys compare a basket of like for like consumer goods and services commonly purchased by assignees in over 450 locations worldwide. Certain living costs, such as accommodation rental, utilities, car purchases and school fees are usually covered by separate allowances. Data for these costs are collected separately and are not included in ECAs cost of living basket.
Wayne Stenehjem understands the peaks and valleys of North Dakotas economy. He knows that when the economy hits a valley we tighten our belts. That is what Gov. Jack Dalrymple is asking state agencies to do and Stenehjem supports that effort.
Stenehjem also understands that the Legislature, elected by the people of North Dakota, makes the laws and spends the money and that, as governor, he achieves nothing without their support. The negative portrayal of our states Legislature this campaign cycle couldnt be further from the truth. Our state was prepared for the current revenue shortfall. Though the Legislature did not know when the revenue deficit was coming or in what exact amount, we have been building funds for the past three sessions to be ready for this day.
Economic development has much to do with timing being in the right place at the right time. Stenehjem understands that economic development is a grassroots effort. The state of North Dakota has invested in economic development through the Department of Commerce, the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Development Fund, Regional Development Centers, and Small Business Development Centers, all of these supporting the local, grassroots economic development centers. Collectively, these agencies employ hundreds of North Dakotans preparing to take advantage of economic opportunities, and their hard work has helped our economy to diversify greatly over the past decade.
The governor plays a huge supporting role in this effort, which is fundamentally a team effort in coordination with the Legislature, state agencies, and the good people of North Dakota. Stenehjem supports this grassroots economic development effort and he is the most qualified candidate for the job. He is my selection for the next governor of North Dakota.
Doug Burgum promises that if he is elected governor, he will bring new ideas and a new vision to North Dakota. He also made the claim that his main competitor in the gubernatorial race, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, is just a "good old boy" with "no new ideas." This claim could not be further from the truth.
First, let's look at all the good that Wayne's ideas have already done for the state. Since becoming attorney general in 2001, he has proposed legislation that has greatly decreased the amount of drug abuse in North Dakota, launched the state's sex offender website, sponsored legislation to eliminate domestic violence, fought for the right to life for all people at all stages of development, and established the 24/7 sobriety program. This list only scratches the surface of the reputable programs that Stenehjem has brought to North Dakota.
As governor, Wayne has promised to address prison overcrowding by focusing on addiction and substance abuse. Wayne has also put forward a plan to solve our technical workforce shortage by ramping up science and math teachings in our elementary and secondary schools. Ultimately, his plan would allow interested students to earn an associate's degree from high school.
Stenehjem has proven himself to be a true, committed leader for North Dakota. That is why the North Dakota Family Alliance, NRA, N.D. United, Sen. John Hoeven, Gov. Jack Dalrymple, and many other conservative leaders have endorsed him, and it is why I will be voting for Stenehjem on June 14.
A company headed by the wife of famed inventor Dr. Julio Palmaz looks to be the winner for bankrupt Palmaz Scientific Inc.s assets after no other parties submitted bids by the 5 p.m. deadline Wednesday.
Vactronix Scientific Inc. has offered $22.6 million for Palmaz Scientifics assets in whats been dubbed a stalking-horse bid, or first bid. Any other bidders had to offer at least $23.1 million, all cash, and make a $250,000 deposit by the deadline.
A hearing to approve the sale is scheduled for Friday before U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Craig Gargotta.
Palmaz Scientific, a medical technology company co-founded by Dr. Palmaz, inventor of a heart stent thats credited with saving millions of lives, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March after essentially running out of cash. Its primary assets consist of 256 issued U.S. and international patents and 182 pending patents, according to the website of Gerbsman Partners, a San Francisco firm hired to sell the assets.
The patents cover an array of medical applications, including drug delivery devices, valves, grafts and angioplasty balloons, the website adds.
Intellectual property lawyer David Rosenbaum estimated that it would cost between $16 million and $19 million to re-create Palmaz Scientifics patent portfolio, according to Gerbsmans website.
William Kingman, a San Antonio bankruptcy lawyer for Palmaz Scientific, said he didnt know why there were no other bidders for the assets but said a fair number of parties conducted due diligence.
They just decided they didnt want to make an offer that exceeded Vactronixs proposal, Kingman said.
Palmaz Scientific started in 2008 with the idea of developing the next generation of stents, but the company never produced any recurring revenue.
A handful of Palmaz Scientifics 300-plus investors sued for fraud. The company, which blamed its inability to raise more capital on a negative campaign of false information, filed its own lawsuit against investors for tortious interference and defamation. The litigation has been on hold since the bankruptcy filing.
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Vactronix is headed by Amalia Palmaz and comprises some of Palmaz Scientifics original investors. The state of Texas, which was Palmaz Scientifics largest unsecured creditor and is owed $4.4 million, is slated to receive a comparable amount of preferred shares in Vactronix. The state had made a secured loan to Palmaz Scientific through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund in 2010. The state stands to receive a 15.2 percent stake in Vactronix, though that could be diluted if the company is successful in raising money from investors.
Vactronixs $22.6 million bid for the assets is a combination of cash and credit, which represents the amount of the debt owed to the company and other Palmaz-related entities. The bid is conditioned on approval of Palmaz Scientifics reorganization plan, which creditors and shareholders still have to vote on. A confirmation hearing is expected to be held June 27. Any objections would be heard at that hearing.
Under the plan, Palmaz Scientifics unsecured creditors are expected to be paid in full. In addition, a litigation trust would be set up to collect the proceeds from some of the companys outstanding lawsuits against other parties. The money would go to investors if Palmaz Scientific wins. That includes a 2014 lawsuit against Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP of Washington, D.C., and Houstons Baker Botts LLP regarding their representation of Dr. Palmaz and his companies in a dispute. The trust also would receive any potential claims on Palmaz Scientifics directors and officers liability insurance.
pdanner@express-news.net
Twitter: @AlamoPD
Texans are losing money to scammers offering fake jobs, according to the Better Business Bureau office covering San Antonio and the surrounding area.
More than $20,000 has been lost from more than 100 employment-related scams in Texas in the last year, the Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin said Thursday.
Nationally, a total of $1.1 million in losses has been tracked by the BBB, stemming from 1,200 reports of job scams.
Money is lost mainly by scammers offering illegitimate jobs requiring out-of-pocket expenses for background checks, credit reports or administrative fees before an interview.
If an employer wants you to pay even if they say its for certification or training materials dont do business with them. Additionally, job seekers should never provide bank account information until they have officially been hired, a BBB advisory issued Thursday states.
The bureau maintains a scam tracker in which people who have been victimized can report what has happened to them.
An anonymous Houston victim reported a $700 loss to the BBB scam tracker in March. The victim said the job offer came in a text message, after which the victim said he or she was interviewed and offered a job at a health care solutions company.
After some training, the victim was instructed to deposit checks in his or her personal account to purchase software necessary for the job, after which the victim lost money.
My bank account was shut down for attempt of fraud since the check information was not valid, the victim reported, according to the BBBs scam tracker. The victim contacted the company. Not only was I not an employee, but they did not know of anyone I mentioned, the victim said.
The bureau recommends that job seekers research companies offering jobs by contacting the firms independently to check if they are hiring new workers. Many scammers use names that are similar to reputable companies to trick job seekers, according to the BBB advisory.
The bureau also advises not to give out Social Security numbers or bank account information before meeting someone from the company in person.
Some false job offers will promise high pay for short hours for little or no experience in the job field, the bureau added. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, the bureau states.
Job seekers, including students looking for summer jobs, can go to the WorkSource Solutions Alamos network of career centers to find available job positions, said Susan Ashmore, interim deputy executive director for the San Antonio-based, 12-county agency that is part of the Texas Workforce Commission.
Reputable companies that are hiring also may be found online at www.workintexas.com, Ashmore said.
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Otherwise, job seekers can visit grocery stores or retailers in person so they can see a physical presence, Ashmore said.
Job seekers should be wary when a job offer comes from a company with only a P.O. box, not a physical address, or from a company that says it is relocating to the job seekers city, Ashmore said.
Another red flag is when a company states it will pay the employee in cash, she said.
Teenagers especially should not believe job offers made through social media, Ashmore advised. Its not a real job. Social media can be used to target vulnerable people, she said.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a job scam can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, online at www.ftc.gov, and the local BBB office. The San Antonio BBB office telephone number is 210-828-9441. Scams may be reported online to the BBB Scam Tracker on the bureaus website, www.bbb.org/central-texas/.
dhendricks@express-news.net
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Theres never a bad time to toss a steak on the grill, but why not take a meat craving in a different direction and try grilling Brazilian style?
Were talking about the style native to Southern Brazil, and explained nicely in Churrasco: Grilling the Brazilian Way, by Evandro Caregnato, culinary director of Texas de Brazil, a Dallas-based restaurant with a location in downtown San Antonio.
Most of us know Brazilian grilling as the restaurant experience where we stuff ourselves uncomfortably from a seemingly never-ending procession beef, pork, chicken and lamb served by costumed gauchos.
Those simply-grilled meats are at the heart of the culture of Southern Brazil, Caregnato said.
When you bring family and friends together, you have the churrasqueira, the grill burning the charcoal, the smoke, he said. Start with the caipirhina, people start getting relaxed, start laughing, talking, telling jokes.
Its an experience rooted in the colonial era, when the offspring of indigenous people who intermarried with Spanish and Portuguese explorers didnt find acceptance among either group. Instead, they took up a nomadic life on the Pampas, the fertile, grassy region that now includes parts of Argentina, Uruguay and the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.
In that area, the cows and horses brought by the explorers thrived and became the center of a culture and industry. Over the years, the outdoorsman became recognized as an archetype, much the way that the cowboy is in much of the United States and the vaquero is in Northern Mexico. In Brazil, that means the gaucho, with an accent on the u.
Today, these restaurants, known as churrascarias, sit throughout the country, but their birthplace is Rio Grande do Sul, Caregnato said.
Brazil is a huge country. The cuisine is very diverse. Some places are all about seafood and youll find very little beef, lots of vegetables, Caregnato said. But in South Brazil, its 100 percent beef.
And its definitely doable in an American household, far away from the Pampas. Brazilian-style grilling is a simple but not easy preparation.
There are some items, like the picanha (a prized sirloin cut), use just a simple preparation, he said. No marinating, no rubbing, just salt over open flames. Nobody would dare change anything.
So how do you unleash your inner gaucho?
You have to get a good quality meat, Jovani Gava, former general manager at Galpao Gaucho, who is currently in Napa, California, opening the restaurants second location. For the red meats, use sea salt only. It preserves the taste of the meat.
Then make sure to get a good supply of lump charcoal made from a wood, and let it burn until the coals are white hot. You dont want a live fire. Although it would be cool, you dont need to build or buy a special grilling box and buy heavy skewers for the meats just cook on your regular charcoal grill.
Although theres no marinade or extra seasoning for the beef, others have a marinade, and every family does it differently.
Some families use wine, red wine, some families use white wine, some add a little brandy mixed with beer, Caregnato said. For chicken, never beef.
Indeed, Galpao Gaucho marinates its chicken in a mixture of beer with just a little cognac, Gava explained.
For sides, keep things simple. A Brazilian potato salad, with mayonnaise and cornishons, is a classic accompaniment, and our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com, features recipes for apple salad.
Then follow the accompanying recipes, invite lots of friends and say obrigado (thank you) to the gauchos who gave us these fun dishes.
etijerina@express-news.net
@etij
Mayor Ivy Taylor and two North Side council members said Wednesday they support cutting community safety-net funding for social service agencies in order to redirect that money for workforce development.
Other council members bristled at the idea during an all-day meeting in which the council worked on setting priorities for the upcoming annual city budget. Taylor sided with Councilmen Mike Gallagher and Joe Krier, who want to send a message to local agencies that they cannot depend forever on municipal funding.
With all due respect, I think one of the most important things we should do is not send a message to these organizations that they have funding forever and ever and ever, Gallagher said. I think its absolutely essential that we establish term limits.
The idea of limiting the number of years that delegate agencies could get city funding doesnt appear to have enough support to become policy. There are about 65 agencies that seek on a biennial basis about $20.1 million in annual city funding.
The council on Wednesday considered reducing funding for children and family services by $341,153 to about $4.8 million, and reducing funding for community safety-net programs by $1.3 million to about $8.6 million. Those cuts would add an additional $454,730 to youth services and $1.2 million to workforce development.
Taylor said she believes the city would better serve its population in need by being proactive and break(ing) those chains of generational poverty by increasing access to job training. She said she believes the private sector and San Antonio community will step up to help fund children and family services in a way they wouldnt proactively support workforce training.
Krier suggested theres too much overhead expense in funding 65 agencies, all with their own directors and executive staff.
The best thing we could do for most of the people is to try to get them and people in their family a good job, he said.
Councilman Roberto Trevino pushed back against Krier and Gallagher, reminding them that he is a product of the Boys and Girls Club. Trevino said we dont have a finish line, meaning that there will never be a time that social service agencies arent needed.
Decreasing (funding) seems to be the opposite direction of the way we should be going, he said.
The council will delve deeper into the 2016-17 budget later this summer.
jbaugh@express-news.net
Twitter: @jbaugh
North East Independent School District officials confirmed Wednesday that two girls involved in a fatal accident allegedly caused by a former space shuttle commander were enrolled in NEISD schools prior to their deaths.
Jayla Latrice Parler, 13, had finished 6th grade at White Middle School, and Niomi Deona James, 11, completed the 5th grade at Camelot Elementary School according to NEISD spokesperson Aubrey Chancellor.
No other details on Parler and James were immediately available.
Former NASA astronaut James Halsell Jr. faces two murder charges for his role in the accident, which occurred in rural Alabama on Monday according to authorities. Police said that alcohol and speed may have been factors in the crash.
Halsell is free on $150,000 bond.
The Tuscaloosa News reported that court documents showed troopers said they found an empty package of sleeping pills and an empty wine bottle in a motel room where Halsell had stayed before the crash.
Troopers said a vehicle driven by Halsell collided about 2:50 a.m. with a Ford Fiesta in which James and Parler were riding. The girls were thrown from the car and died. Neither was wearing a seat belt.
A motorist who stopped to offer aid told officers Halsell tried to take his pickup, appeared drunk and was bouncing around, a troopers statement said.
The girls' father, Pernell James, 37, had driven to Texas to pick them up in Houston for a summer-long visit to Alabama, said Dennis Stripling, mayor of the town of Brent.
"It's very tragic, a sad thing that has happened," Stripling said. "They were like 20 minutes from home when this accident happened."
James was released from a hospital Tuesday. A woman in his car, Shontel Latriva Cutts, 25, was also hospitalized.
Service for the sisters will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The Bushelon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
The crash happened in a remote, wooded area on the edge of Tuscaloosa County with no highway lampposts. A set of swerving skid marks could be seen, along with a patch of blackened pavement and grass on the tree-lined shoulder of the highway.
Halsell, who told officers he was driving to Louisiana to pick up his son, did not remember the wreck, documents said.
Halsell's vehicle rear-ended the car carrying the children, documents showed, pushing the vehicle across a lane and causing it to flip.
"Halsell's speech was slurred, eyes were dilated, clothes disheveled and he was unstable on his feet and smelled of alcohol," the trooper wrote in a court deposition, according to the newspaper.
Halsell graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1978 and later finished first in his class at test-pilot school. He wanted to go to space so much he applied for every NASA astronaut class from 1978 to 1990, when he was accepted.
An online biography by NASA said Halsell went to work in the aerospace industry in 2006 after a career that included five shuttle flights starting in 1994. He spent more than 1,250 hours in space, serving as commander on three shuttle missions and pilot on two others.
He also led NASA's return-to-flight planning team after space shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry in 2003.
In Brent, Stripling said City Hall is collecting monetary donations to help the girls' family with funeral expenses and other needs.
Staff writers Elizabeth Lepro and Mariah Medina and the Associated Press contributed to this story.
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AUSTIN Following Hillary Clintons presumptive victory as the Democratic presidential nominee, several of the states top female politicians chimed in on her historic achievement. Former Sen. Wendy Davis even went as far as to say Clinton could win Texas.
I think she has a shot, Davis, a Democrat from Fort Worth, said Wednesday afternoon.
Clinton clinched the Democratic nomination Tuesday over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders when she won the California, New Jersey and New Mexico primaries, making her the first woman to become the presidential nominee for a major party.
I felt really overwhelmed honestly, said Davis, who lost the 2014 gubernatorial election to Greg Abbott. It was such an important moment for women. Hundreds and thousands of women have paved the way for this moment to finally arrive.
For former San Antonio state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, Clintons victory is a testament that women can do anything.
When she was younger, Van de Puttes mother would tell her and her sisters that they would be the first generation of women that were defined by their own achievements, not those of their husbands or fathers.
For me personally, (Clintons victory) was a reaffirmation of the hopes and dreams that my mother had for the women of this generation, Van de Putte said. As a mother for me, it is absolutely an exclamation point on what I was able to always tell my daughters, that little girls can do anything. And now as I look into the faces of my granddaughters theres no question that any option for the future will be open to them.
Still some arent quite as excited to see Clinton clinch the nomination.
Shes the first, said former Bexar County District Attorney Susan Reed, a Republican who was the first female DA in the county. So it always means something to be the first. And Im glad of that. Im just sorry its Hillary.
Former County Judge Cindi Taylor Krier said she cant put party aside when considering a political candidate and wants to judge a candidate based on their merits, not sex, but is glad to see more women involved in politics.
I think gender is a factor voters can consider. I dont think its the only factor, and I never ran that way, Krier, a Republican, said, saying she thinks at times Clinton relied too heavily on being a woman during her campaign.
Although Clintons nomination is historic, Rebecca Deen, the political science department chair at the University of Texas at Arlington, said the glass ceiling is not yet shattered.
We have a saying in social science. One data point does not a trend make.
Van de Putte said she thinks the road will still be difficult for female politicians.
Just because youre the first, it doesnt get any easier being the second or a third, Van de Putte said. Its when its no longer a story, then it is a give-in.
Deen said Clinton was able win the nomination this time by learning from her mistakes during the 2008 race, explaining this time around Clinton did a much better job of balancing her softer side with her harder edge.
Another thing that she did that is much more typical of men in that she ran, failed and ran again, Deen said.
San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor also weighed in on the nomination, expressing excitement as a mother of a daughter.
As mayor of San Antonio, Im a nonpartisan elected official, so Im not going to endorse any candidate in a partisan race, Taylor said in an email. But as a mom, Im excited that one more limit has been removed from my daughters future. I grew up with the example of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, who 44 years ago ran for the Democratic presidential nomination. A woman finally gaining the nomination is an historic occasion and will serve as an inspiration for all girls.
edearman@express-news.net
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An intergovernmental panel making plans for San Antonios yearlong Tricentennial Celebration in 2018 took action Wednesday to ramp up publicity and fundraising this summer.
The 19-member Tricentennial Commission overseeing a nonprofit government corporation in charge of the citys 300th birthday also passed a resolution authorizing the boards five co-chairs to serve as an oversight subcommittee, approving and monitoring actions of the CEO.
A few members raised concerns that the change, intended to give the commission more agility, might undermine the groups commitments to oversight and diversity. Edward Benavides, commission CEO, said the full panel can be updated as needed and through weekly staff reports.
It is our intent to be as inclusive as we possibly can be, said Robert Thrailkill, commission president and general manager of the Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel.
The commission, which kicked off its planning process in January, hopes to begin a yearlong extravaganza on Dec. 31, 2017, celebrating San Antonios evolution from a frontier village to a major city, with art exhibits, community service, concerts, lectures, educational programs and other activities.
Plans include privately generating up to $9 million through sponsorships and fundraising, for a total of $15 million, including $3 million being sought for 2017 from the city, and another $3 million from Bexar County.
The commission has used digital billboards, displays at San Antonio International Airport and appearances at Fiesta to encourage locals and visitors to save the year 2018. A May 1-7 celebration week will commemorate the anniversary of the May 1, 1718, founding of Mission San Antonio de Valero and the May 5, 1718, founding of the village of San Antonio de Bejar.
Asia Ciaravino, the commissions chief operating officer, said she hopes to use opportunities to co-brand with the tricentennial logo to attract corporate sponsors and create a buzz about the celebration.
Six tricentennial officials joined a local delegation that traveled last month to Spain and the Canary Islands, rekindling relations with officials there for the first time since 1975, Benavides said. Commission Co-Chair Katie Luber said the Spanish and Canary Island dignitaries were excited to celebrate the 300th anniversary of San Antonio with us.
The commission also approved a proposal to hire Trinity University Press to publish a coffee table book for release in April 2018, reflecting the citys culture, history and pride. In addition to $120,000 in city and county funds budgeted for the book, the publisher would raise any additional money needed, and be responsible for making it available for purchase online and in bookstores.
Commission Co-Chair Lionel Sosa asked that four commissioners give the publisher positive guidance as to the things that we want to make sure that this book does not leave out, because it is legacy, and its important to our history.
shuddleston@express-news.net
Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
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The acrimony that enveloped Bexar County commissioners this week over a lucrative security contract could have been avoided if only county officials had asked the right questions and not overlooked key information.
They should start doing that, especially as another contentious issue looms on the horizon: a request this week by Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood for his criminal investigators to carry assault rifles at the courthouse complex and beyond.
The Bexar County Sheriffs Office already provides security at the courthouse, employing 114 full-time and 20 part-time armed, licensed peace officers.
LaHoods investigators also carry guns just not the big ones, yet.
Theyd be assault rifles, semi-automatic, LaHood told me on Wednesday. Theyre like assault rifles that military use and SWAT.
Were a law enforcement agency as well, he continued. We serve warrants. We look for witnesses. Were the first responders for the secured floors: 4, 5, 6 and 7. So even the Bexar County deputies God forbid, if there was an active shooter in the courthouse they wouldnt come into our floors.
LaHoods request for six assault rifles at a cost of $2,167 was met with polite bafflement by Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau at commissioners court. (LaHood did not attend the meeting.)
This is the first time weve known anything about it, Pamerleau told commissioners. We would certainly like to have a conversation with the DAs office on the intended use (of the rifles.)
One use, presumably, would be to provide enhanced firepower to Willie Ng: LaHoods chief investigator and the president of Blue Armor Security Services.
Since 2013, Blue Armor has provided security for the county at locations other than the courthouse. In November 2014, LaHood asked Ng to consider a position as chief criminal investigator in his new administration.
That marked the first time that officials overlooked information: a clause in Ngs contract that barred county employees from holding the contract.
In a letter sent Tuesday to commissioners, Ng wrote, My immediate concern was the Blue Armor contract with the county. I called the purchasing department and spoke to Bob Meyers twice over the next month to ask if accepting employment would create a problem The answer was there is no problem.
Obviously, there was a problem. Two months later, Assistant District Attorney Ed Schweninger asked commissioners to remove the clause in Ngs contract barring county employees from holding such contracts.
At the time, commissioners chose to do nothing, according to Schweninger.
More than a year later, with the contract out again for bid, Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff warned that Ngs bid was a conflict of interest. LaHood reacted with indignation, arguing that state law allowed his chief investigator to hold a contract with the county and calling Wolff a liar.
County staff ended up recommending a different firm: AMTEX Security.
Commissioners renewed Blue Armors contract anyway in part because the county did not ask the right questions in vetting AMTEX.
In February, the president of AMTEX was arrested in Nueces County, where the firm was providing security at the courthouse. Wesley Terry, who later stepped down as president, was accused of improperly operating the company; Nueces County terminated its contract.
That was not brought up when I did reference checks, Mary Quinones, purchasing agent for Bexar County, told commissioners.
LaHood scoffed at that explanation on Wednesday.
How did the (evaluation) committee not find that? he said. I mean, did they call Tio Joe? We need to work on the process because, as you saw, as a county, we need to look at that because we can subject ourselves to liability.
Thats good advice. County officials should apply it to LaHoods own request for assault rifles.
They should ask the right questions now. Would assault rifles in the hands of criminal investigators make the courthouse a safer place or a more dangerous one?
bchasnoff@express-news.net
FARGO -- An anonymous donation has helped North Dakota State University establish a $4.5 million endowment for entrepreneurship.
The local business community has been telling the school's leadership it needs to encourage entrepreneurship, NDSU President Dean Bresciani said Wednesday, June 8, at 1 Million Cups, a weekly entrepreneurial meetup in Fargo.
"Unfortunately, there's only so many resources to spread around," said Bresciani. He said the anonymous donor hopes the $3 million donation will encourage others to donate to the school. The donation was supplemented with $1.5 million from the Challenge Fund, a state grant for higher education institutions.
The gift is in honor of Jim Ozbun, who was president of NDSU from 1988 to 1995, and establishes an endowed chair to focus on "nurturing faculty excellence in entrepreneurship education" and encouraging students to "pursue big ideas and innovative thinking," NDSU said in a news release.
Bresciani said the donation will also go toward scholarships, which he intends to be awarded to students in any discipline, not only business. NDSU offers a six-course certificate program in entrepreneurship open to all students regardless of major.
"In a perfect world, all of our students would have training in entrepreneurship," he said.
Students in engineering, for example, also need training in entrepreneurship, Bresciani said.
Armon Myrick, an NDSU manufacturing instructor, said the engineering school tries to foster interest in entrepreneurship in its students.
"Learning new things, and entrepreneurship is about learning new things, is part of the draw," Myrick said.
The head of the University of North Dakota's School of Entrepreneurship said the donation to North Dakota's only other research university for an endowed chair of entrepreneurship is a positive thing for the whole state.
"My reaction is congratulations to them," Executive Director and Chairman Tim O'Keefe said. "That success on their part does nothing other than validate the value of entrepreneurship as an educational pursuit and that it bodes well for entrepreneurship education in the entire region."
UND established its an endowed chair in entrepreneurship in 2009, thanks to a $2 million donation from Rod and Barbara Burwell.
Bruce Gjovig, director of the UND Center for Innovation, said the center and NDSU Research Park have worked together for years by hosting seminars and working with clients.
"We're making an assumption good collaboration will continue," Gjovig said.
The President Jim Ozbun Chair of Entrepreneurship is the university's third endowed chair.
The other two are the Neil C. Gudmestad Endowed Chair of Potato Pathology and the CHS Chair in Risk Management and Trading. All three were established within the past three years and received matching funds from the North Dakota Higher Education Challenge Fund.
Bresciani said the endowment is one of the biggest the school has received. In September, the school received $3.6 million from architect and painter Jim Falck to go toward scholarships, program development, faculty development and international programs for the visual arts department.
The school's business school will begin searching nationally to find the chair's first holder. Bresciani said the amount of funding that will go toward scholarships depends on how much the chair will be paid.
Ozbun, a native of Flasher, completed bachelor's and master's degrees in soil science from NDSU before returning to Fargo for the end of his academic career. He and his wife, Sonja, live in Dickinson.
Ozbun said he was honored to have his name on the endowed chair for entrepreneurship, in a statement included in the NDSU news release.
In his tenure as president, Ozbun assisted in gaining approval for the construction of the Fargodome and established a doctorate program in pharmacy, the Division of Fine Arts, the Research Foundation and first Staff Senate in North Dakota.
Forum News Service reporter Anna Burleson contributed to this report.
Polizia di Stato / Getty Images
ROME An Eritrean man accused of organizing an extensive people-smuggling network that led to the deaths of hundreds of Africans trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea has been captured in Sudan and extradited to Italy, authorities said Wednesday.
Italian authorities said Medhanie Yehdego Mered, 35. was seized in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, on May 24 and flown to Rome late Tuesday.
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. Follow-up of a cohort of patients in the United Kingdom has demonstrated associations between smoking and a higher risk of development of multiple sclerosis (MS), progression of MS-related disability, higher risk of premature death, and shortened life expectancy.
The findings highlight the need for clinical trials of the effects of quitting smoking and provide data that will be useful in the development of effective intervention strategies.
Dr. Cris S. Constantinescu
Dr. Cris S. Constantinescu of the University of Nottingham (England) discussed findings from the Nottingham University Hospitals MS Clinics database at the annual meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.
Although smokers had higher levels of comorbid conditions, it appeared that the influence of smoking is independent of the presence of comorbid conditions. Those who gave up smoking could do as well as nonsmokers, said Dr. Constantinescu.
While ample epidemiologic evidence indicates that smoking is a driver of the development and progression of MS, there are few hard data. To gain insight, the researchers analyzed data on over 1,200 MS patients throughout England who were followed up beginning in the mid-1990s. About 60% of the patients had relapsing-remitting MS. The duration of MS and smoking were both about 20 years. About 60% of men and 50% of women were current smokers.
Regular smokers were 64% more likely to develop MS than were nonsmokers. Having ever smoked carried a 44% increased risk of MS (both P less than .001). MS patients who grew up in a household where one parent smoked were 50% more likely to become regular smokers. The risk climbed to 85% if both parents were smokers.
No association was evident between smoking and the development of primary progressive MS, but current smokers were almost 2.5 times more likely to develop secondary progressive MS. Smoking correlated with more severe MS disability, compared with nonsmokers. Ex-smokers had risks similar to those of nonsmokers of developing secondary MS and in the level of disease severity.
Every year a person refrained from smoking decreased the risk of severe disability by 5%. Current and ex-smokers displayed increased psychological and physical detriments of MS.
In a subgroup of 923 patients, of whom 80 died, current smokers were almost 3 times and 1.5 times more likely to die, compared with never smokers and ex-smokers, respectively, and were twice as likely to die as were people without MS in the UK general population.
The findings have prompted studies into major aspects of smoking, such as the age when smoking begins, the success of various smoking cessation programs, and development of interventions. Some of the data discussed at the meeting were published in 2013 (Brain;136:2298-2304) and some are part of a manuscript in preparation.
Hello again friends,
Its all in the timing and this year, with a planting season that has not been the friendliest, there seems to be a fair split between optimism and pessimism heading into another season.
Activity in the fields has ramped up considerably over the last few weeks and even seems to be winding down for some. Knowing that it often takes 110 days or more for corn to mature and soybeans can be up to 90 days to maturity, there is still some flexibility in planting plans if needed.
Final dates
In Ohio, the final planting date for corn was June 5 and for soybeans, it is June 20. If by chance, the weather takes an ugly turn and you are prevented from planting due to weather conditions or you experience failed acreage, please contact both your crop insurance agent and your local FSA office within 15 calendar days of the final planting date or disaster to report these acres.
The importance of reporting prevented planting/failed acres should not be overlooked. Reporting both prevented planted and failed acres allows for historical yields to be maintained for crop insurance, FSA programs ARC/PLC and NAP.
It is recommended for all producers who have prevented planted acres to check with their crop insurance agent before reporting these acres to the FSA to ensure the accuracy of the report, as requirements for historical planting differs between crop insurance and the USDA.
County committee
In only a few weeks time, the nomination period opens for those county committee terms that are expiring. The nomination period opens June 15. Farmers in every county benefit from these individuals who have taken the time to serve agriculture as a county committee member at their local FSA office.
Committee members play a vital role by helping local farmers manage tough financial times and natural disasters. They make decisions on local applications for federal farm programs and disaster relief. Committee members serve a three-year term and represent the townships surrounding their homes (their local LAA).
They are nominated and then voted on by active producers in those same townships. As the FSA county committee supports all producers in their community, anyone who is interested is strongly encouraged to nominate themselves or another eligible candidate or contact their local FSA office for more information.
The nomination period runs until August 1.
Weigh your risks
With the weather finally breaking, I know many of you have been spending long hours in the fields. I know of several farm-related accidents over the last month that have resulted in serious injury or death.
In our haste to beat the weather, we tend to push the limits of both machinery and men and then we end up paying for that. Being guilty of this myself, I can honestly say that in the 40 years or so that I have been involved in farming, when I reflect back, usually standing there scratching my head at the fine mess Ive made, there has not been a single time when the risks I had taken were worth the potential reward.
Benjamin Franklin was spot on when he stated that An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Please be safe!
Thats all for now,
FSA Andy
Two Republicans fighting for the GOP nomination for governor said Wednesday they dont agree with Donald Trumps accusations that a federal judge presiding over a lawsuit on Trump University is biased because of his Mexican heritage.
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Fargo entrepreneur Doug Burgum distanced themselves from Trumps comments as they close in on Tuesdays primary election that will decide which candidate advances as the GOP nominee and likely favorite in November.
Forum News Service surveyed the two candidates and top GOP officeholders after state Rep. Eliot Glassheim, D-Grand Forks, issued a statement early Wednesday calling on his Republican opponent, Sen. John Hoeven, to follow the example of other Republican leaders by disavowing what Glassheim called Trumps racially charged and factually false attacks on Indiana-born Judge Gonzalo Curiel.
Stenehjem said he cant know if Trump is a racist, but there is no doubt his comment is racist in nature and offensive under any circumstances.
I disavow his statement and reject his assessment of the judges motivation, Stenehjem said in an emailed statement. This incident is entirely inappropriate and unacceptable for anyone to make, and especially so for anyone who seeks to be president.
Burgums campaign was much briefer in its response, saying through communications manager Kate Mund, Doug does not agree with Donald Trumps comments or language. Mund said the campaign would have no further comment.
Both Stenehjem and current Gov. Jack Dalrymple have previously said they will support the official GOP nominee who emerges from the Republican National Convention July 18-21 in Cleveland. Burgum has said he endorses Trump but not necessarily all of his comments.
Stenehjem said Wednesday he favored another candidate through the presidential primaries but has committed to support the eventual nominee, and I will still do so. He said in the interest of North Dakotas economy, we cannot afford the alternative.
We expect better from our presidential candidates and I hope that as November approaches we can see Mr. Trump become more presidential, he said.
Don Larson, Hoevens chief of staff and state director who advises his campaign after hours, provided an emailed statement saying, Senator Hoeven disagrees with the comment that Donald Trump made about the judge, he feels that the comment was wrong, and he shouldnt have said it.
Hoeven who has said hell support the nominee but hasnt endorsed Trump outright still supports the real estate mogul as the partys presumptive nominee, but believes he needs to refrain from these types of negative comments and focus on the issues, with positive solutions, Larson wrote.
Rep. Kevin Cramer, who was the first to endorse Trump among the states top GOP elected officials, also drew fire Wednesday from his Libertarian challenger, Fargo businessman Jack Seaman, for not denouncing Trumps comments.
I believe Trumps comments to be racist, I condemn them, and I call on Kevin Cramer to do the same, as did Speaker of the House Paul Ryan by calling them the textbook definition of a racist comment, Seaman said in a statement.
In an interview Wednesday, Cramer said he disagrees with Trumps comment about the judge, saying, I dont think a persons race has a thing to do with their ability to be objective.
But Cramer also said he doesnt believe Trump is racist at all.
Because if he was racist, hed confine his criticism to a race. Donald Trump offends everybody equally, Cramer said, adding, For him, its business. Its probably ill-mannered, its probably not great politics, but its also part of what some people actually like about him.
Trump said Tuesday that his comments about the judge had been misconstrued and that he doesnt believe ones heritage makes them incapable of being impartial, CNN reported. He added that he also has concerns as to my ability to receive a fair trial because of his status as the presumptive nominee and his campaigns focus on illegal immigration, the cable network reported.
Cramer said he expects more cringe-worthy comments from Trump between now and November.
As he learns the business of being a presidential candidate hell get better at it like we all do, he said.
Dalrymple spokesman Jeff Zent said Wednesday the governor hadnt seen the video of Trumps comments about the judge and didnt feel comfortable talking about it until he views it for himself and gets the full context.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Wednesday backed away from his pledge to support the GOP nominee whoever that is, saying he wants Trump to renounce what he said about the judge, Politico reported. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., withdrew his endorsement of Trump on Tuesday, citing the former reality TV stars latest comments and past attacks on Hispanics, women and the disabled like me.
Is there any joy quite like ending a school year and busting through the doors toward summertime fun? Ive many times wished every adult could have just a couple weeks of total freedom from every single thing starting June 1, just to maintain that unequaled thrill once a year.
Little farmer
Oliver, with the wisdom of a 5-year-old, told me that he is really, really, really done with school but he thinks it should have happened a few weeks ago when his dad needed his help in the fields. This is a boy who could study a tractor-implement magazine just to see what they got for the longest time.
If he has the choice between a toy, a colorful childrens book or a farm newspaper, there is no doubt he will pick the farm publication without even a moments hesitation. His favorite reading time is spent in the family car, heading to a Lake Erie cabin for a long weekend. Its a good way for a little farmer to catch up on the latest in the implement world.
Hay tunnels
When I think of our childhood summers, it seems to me we rarely sat still. We didnt take many long trips or we might have sought reading material, too. Most of our days, in between milking and chores, were spent finding something to do out of the confines of the house. The hay and straw mows captivated us for hours on end, especially when half-empty the point before summers crops filled them too tight to play. We worked so hard moving bales around, creating caves and tunnels and amazing little rooms.
My sister Debi, who would one day become Olivers grandmother, once insisted we build a chapel way up high in the mow for her Barbie dolls wedding. Ken was the lucky guy, and Barbie deserved the very best wedding we could conjure up. My sister was the original wedding planner. It fell to me to carry shoe boxes filled with important trinkets and clippings from old Sears catalogs for that big event.
Swimming
We loved to swim, climb trees, and spend hours exploring the woods. I remember swimming in a creek that ran through my grandfathers farm. The water then seemed clear and always cold. We would wade in knee-high water, searching for tadpoles to take home in glass jars. It was our own science study. Not too many years later, there was no life in that water, polluted from upstream.
Rainy days
On rainy days, we often played on the stairs in our house. We played school there, with good students getting promoted to the next grade by moving up a step. If someone acted up or did not listen while the older sister-teacher read a story to us, you might get sent all the way back to the first step. If you made it all the way up to where the stairs took a curve to the landing, you might even get to be a teachers assistant.
New games
When we ran out of our own made-up games, visiting cousins taught us new ones. A small pedestal bedroom lamp, wrapped in a towel and held under an arm, became a game called Spotlight, the bed our stage. We could choose to sing or dance when our turn came. We made up little skits, dressed up in any garb we could turn in to Hollywood costume.
On those early days of summer, school days behind us, it felt like we had all the time in the world. Hey, its done raining! someone would proclaim, and our troupe headed outdoors for the next made-up game, no fancy equipment required.
With the annual Canada trip just days away, its time to return to the classroom for a lesson in conversion.
After all, theres not a person in Ontario, or any Canadian province for that matter, who cares a bit about gallons, quarts and pints; nor do they care about paper dollars, inches and feet, or the current temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
Conversions
As many times in the past as officials here and abroad insisted that life would be better if the US would adopt the metric system of measurement is the exact amount of times that this country has refused to convert.
Yes, we do indeed use the metric system here and there but for the most part weve agreed to adopt the you cant make me extended chin attitude.
So let the rest of the world go outside to enjoy the sun when it is 22 degrees, bake a 0.45 kilogram pound cake and measure bolts of cloth with a meter stick.
Fuel up
All right class, sit up straight and listen closely. Your boats six-gallon gas tank will take 22.8 liters. We know that because one gallon is equal to 3.8 liters and one quart is the same as 0.95 liters. Who cares?
You will if you watch the gas pump spinning like a pin-wheel as it measures liters, not gallons. And yes, gas in Canada is priced by the liter and a liter is usually priced at a dollar or a bit more.
Money
Speaking of cost, this year is an especially great bargain because your US dollar is worth a lot more than a Canadian dollar at least 25 percent more, possible quite a bit more.
But know this; if you are to hand a US 50 dollar bill to some venders, you may not see any discount for your dollar.
Most places will be fair, or somewhat fair, but think a little about the advantage of exchanging your money at the first bank you find on the north side of the boarder.
Now repeat after me: I will go to a bank, not a money vender, so that I get the correct exchange rate as determined that day.
Speed
If you drive a vehicle of recent vintage you will probably be able switch your speedometer to metric so your speed is measured in kilometers per hour instead of miles per hour.
Older vehicles sometimes have both printed on the speedometer face. You can also find a free app on your phone which measures speed very accurately.
When the sign reads 100 it means 100 kph, not mph. that is 62 mph. One US mile is equal to 1.6 kilometers. One kilometer is equal to .62 miles.
An easy conversion, although close but not exact, is to simply multiply kilometers by 0.6, so if the sign reads 300 to your next stop it translates to about 180 miles.
Temperature
Now comes something a little tougher the temperature. The metric system measures temperature in Celsius and is quite simple, but converting it to Fahrenheit is not.
You better write this down on a flash card for further memorization.
The test for this exercise comes after waking on the first morning when the radio reports a morning temp of 16 degrees. He or she is actually encouraging you to get up to a nice day.
To convert that to Fahrenheit multiply by 9, divide your answer by 5, and then add 32. The correct answer is 62.8 degrees, a morning temp that will end up being a pleasant 70 degree day.
More conversions
Step on a scale and your plump 250-pound score might be something like a svelte 112.5 kilograms. And your tires will hold about 30 plus psi of air or 200 plus kPa in Canada.
They are both measures of pounds-force per square inch as we know it but in north of the border jargon it is a measure of kilopascals. Nothing to it.
The Medina Soil and Water Conservation District received a small grant to assist farmers comparing cropfields for carbon dioxide emissions as a direct indicator of soil health.
The purpose of the effort is to have 25 participating farmers compare on farm conditions where one field has received cover crops and another field has not. The grant allowed us to purchase enough testing for 50 soil samples for 25 farms.
How it works
What we will do is solicit farmer participation, visit the farm and discuss which fields would make the most sense to draw small soil samples from and then proceed with the testing.
The testing involves taking soil temperature, bringing the soil samples back to the office, placing the soil in jars, weighing the sample, placing a reader or reactor into the jar, sealing it, and waiting 24 hours.
After 24 hours, we will read the reactor color which is an indicator of CO2 emissions. This would translate into a rating indicating degree of soil health.
CO2 emissions
We have learned that Carbon Dioxide emissions is a direct indicator of micro-biological activity in the topsoil which can be tied back to organic material in the topsoil.
Corn and bean rotations have proven to be tough on organic material over time.
Many cropfields can have high fertility, good pH, good drainage and good erosion controls, but they may not represent good soil health.
Organic matter
A standard goal for the majority of farmers is to have sufficient organic matter present and available for crop production. Livestock farmers typically should have higher organic matter numbers than crop farmers with their manure applications.
Cover crops for grain operators can be part of a field management plan to build up organic matter and start reclaiming advantages like moisture retention, micro-biological activity, weed suppression and overall soil health.
As a former Trumbull County District Conservationist, Bill Penn would say, we need to put more hair back in the plaster.
More information
When we complete the testing, hopefully we can share the results around late September in my next column.
All tests will remain anonymous. Our source for the Respiration Test Systems is Solvita, Mfr Woods End Laboratories Inc., P.O. Box 297, Mount Vernon, Maine 04352.
Call 207-293-2457 or visit www.solvita.com for more information. Solvita even has some YouTube presentations for viewing.
The source of our grant was the Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Ohio Department of Agriculture.
NORTH LIMA, Ohio The Pinelakers 4-H held a meeting May 26 at Mount Olivent Church in North Lima. Members were reminded about the Streetscape Service Project held June 4, and the mandatory market animal meetings. Members talked about fair booth ideas and PopShop sign-ups for Friday morning of the fair.
The family camping trip to Camp Fredrick in August still needs confirmation. Handels Ice cream cards will be sold in June and July as a club fundraiser. The make-up quality assurance and market livestock skill-a-thon will be held June 20 at MCCTC. Leaders confirmed that everyone had their animal projects. The clover buds made bird houses from recycled materials. They will be hung up throughout the summer, then taken to the fair for display. The next club meeting will be June 23.
GREENWICH, Ohio After working more than 30 years as an engineer in the automotive industry, Huron County farmer Howard Krikke went back to his roots in 2006.
He and his wife, Jane, both grew up in farming and have had their own farm since the mid-1980s. When the automotive industry began slowing down, he returned to farming full-time.
But going back for the Krikkes also meant going forward.
Instead of just crop farming which was in both of their backgrounds Howard and his wife took on a new venture: swine production.
I looked at it as a business, he said. Could I do a cash flow of this thing, could I make money with it, and could I do it right.
Their first double-wide swine barns were built 10 years ago, and today the Krikkes finish about 10,000 head a year, as contract producers for Kalmbach Feeds. They also farm about 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans.
Their daughter, Emily, is 25 and works three days a week as a registered nurse in Akron. On her days off, she helps on the farm.
Engineering skills
Howards background in engineering helped him when he worked for General Motors and Ford and it also helped him plan and maintain his swine operation.
His swine barns are strategically located about a half-mile off U.S. Route 224, and are bordered by a woodlot, that helps to block wind and filter any odors. In back of the barns is a wet area that acts as a natural water recharge system collecting clean runoff water from the roofs and driveway, and percolating back into the ground.
The manure from the barns is applied to his crop ground, injected beneath the surface, and provides a source of fertilizer.
We kind of have a natural cycle, Howard said.
He estimates that his hogs use about 2.5 million gallons of water a year, but he says hes putting nearly double that amount back into the water system by diverting runoff into the recharge system.
Conservationists
Howard and Janes dedication to conservation earned them the Ohio Livestock Coalitions Environmental Stewardship award in 2012, and in 2013, they were awarded a national Environmental Stewardship Award by the Pork Checkoff.
The Krikkes focus on four stewardship values: ensuring an abundant food supply, providing for quality of life and making a profit, civil relations and preserving natural resources.
As Howard puts it, We want people to drive by and say thats the kind of place where I want my food raised.
Because the manure is injected, and because the barns are strategically located, odor is kept to a minimum. But the Krikkes work with their neighbors and also take some free pork to them each year, to help keep good relationships.
Nutrient management
Howard does field nutrient testing to determine how much manure each field needs, and he follows a comprehensive nutrient management plan, which helps ensure nutrients are being applied properly, and kept out of the watershed.
The nutrient issue is especially important to the Krikkes, since their water drains north, toward Lake Erie.
His farm is just east of the Western Lake Erie basin, where new manure regulations were recently put in place. But he tries to farm the same way as those being regulated knowing that down the road, he could be.
If we dont do a good job, regulations are coming, he said. We have to be, as farmers, conscientious of what we do. We cant just throw it on the ground and walk away. Were responsible for what happens.
Producing swine
As part of the contract, the Krikkes own the farm and buildings, while Kalmbach Feeds owns the hogs and provides the feed and veterinary care. The barns are divided into large, 625-pig pens, and the pigs are sorted through a computerized scale system known as auto-sort, which weighs and sorts them according to their weight.
The automated sorting system makes handling the swine less stressful for the animal and the farmer, and the Krikkes feel its been a key contributor to their low mortality rate.
But modern swine farming is still hands on in there with the pigs, said Jane Krikke.
The Krikkes can medicate individual hogs on their own, but for broad medication, they rely on a veterinarian.
Well do whatever we can, within reason, to try to save an animal or take care of it, Howard said.
One of the things they do for their hogs is enforce biosecurity. Most people are not permitted near the barns, due to the risk of carrying in harmful bacteria, and those who do enter, have to comply with strict sanitation rules.
In addition to Emily, the Krikkes have two other daughters, Kate and Molly. A fourth daughter, Laura, died when she was 6, from childhood cancer.
Although Emily is committed to nursing, she said farming is in my blood, and something she cant get away from.
She is a past American FFA Degree recipient and said she enjoys telling patients about farming, when shes at the hospital.
More improvements
Looking ahead, Howard wants to make additional improvements to the barns, including a new computer monitoring system that will include camera monitoring, and have wifi access in the barns. If he decides to expand, he has the ground to do that, as well.
Whatever the farm does next, it will be well-engineered.
Howard said its been a win-win to have farming and engineering in his background. Farming has given him the practical knowledge to know what works, and engineering taught him how to take his ideas a step further.
But one thing he still cant engineer is the weather nor the challenges of everyday life.
We dont really own this ground, we pay expensive rent for it is what we do, he said. This is all Gods creation and we feel fortunate to be able to work with it, and we owe Him the responsibility to do our best with it.
BUCYRUS, Ohio Pfeifer Dairy is truly a family affair. When the Pfeifer family made the decision to increase the milking herd on their Crawford County farm in 2012, from 300 head to over 500, they did it with the next generation in mind.
We never pushed our kids to be a part of the farm, said Jenny Lynne Pfeifer. But after her husband, Ed, had to have back surgery in 2013, their son, Mark, took on the challenge. It was a neat way for Mark to discover if working on the farm was what he wanted to do, she said.
I like working with the milk cows and the field work, said Mark, 20, who helps his father with breeding and herd management. I do really anything Dad and Kent do, he said, which loosely translates to, when Mark is home from college, he is taking on any jobs his father and uncle, Kent Stuckey, have for him.
Mark is not the only next-generation family member rising to the occasion. His cousin, Zack Stuckey, 21, has taken charge of the calf operation on the farm. I call myself the calf manager, said Zack, who coordinated the addition of a new calf and heifer facility, completed earlier this year.
The barn houses over 250 head, and replaces a handful of rented barns located anywhere from 1 mile to 6 miles away. Zack did all the math (on this facility), said his father, Kent Stuckey. This barn will pay off in seven to eight years with labor savings, and rent savings. The calf facility is just one of the new additions that have come to the farm in the last few years.
Family history
Pfeifer Dairy has been a family-run operation for almost 115 years. Established in 1902 by Edward Pfeifer, the dairy is now into its fourth and fifth generations working on the farm. I started farming with my dad once I could walk, said Chuck Pfeifer, who says he is semi-retired from the dairy and leaves most of the work to his son, Ed; son-in-law, Kent; and their children.
Im old and getting out of the way, he said, but the farm is still enjoyable for him. Every day there is something new and different, said Chuck. Now I am able to be more flexible.
Partnership
The farm is a partnership between Kent and Ed Pfeifer. Ed manages the cows and everything that entails, mainly herd health and nutrition, breeding and employee management. The Pfeifers have around 1,150 head of Holstein, Montbeliarde and Swedish Red crosses. All growth has been within in our herd, said Ed, who attributes that growth to cross-breeding. He chose the unusual breeds based on their longevity and highbred vigor.
The production may not be as much milking three times a day and producing around 80 pounds of milk per cow, per day but breeding has made better growth (in our herd). It has also contributed to a lower cull rate.
Calf care
The quality of animal care at a young age has also attributed to the herds longevity and growth. Two years ago, they installed a pasteurizer to feed waste milk to the calves, said Zack. Feeding whole milk instead of milk replacer cuts out the time it takes to mix up the milk replacer. The rate of gain has been very good, since switching to whole milk, he added. We have better calves and they grow faster.
New and old
A big adjustment in cattle inventory called for a big adjustment in housing and storage space, which is what has kept the Pfeifer family busy the past few years. The first freestall barn, built in 1994, is still in use, but once the herd size began to increase, the first of two new freestall barns went up in 2012. A third freestall barn was completed in 2014, with each new barn housing up to 200 head.
When the new freestalls were built, a sand lane was put in. Sand is scraped into a piping system and flushed out of the barn with water into the pit outside the barns. Water continues to run back and forth until the sand is clean. Ed said they are able to recover 90 percent of the sand they use through this process. The milking parlor, which was also built in 94, has had a few upgrades over the years to accommodate herd growth. A 6,000-gallon bulk tank was put in and the double three herringbone parlor was upgraded to a double twelve.
Feedstock
More animals also means more feed that needs to be stored somewhere. An extra storage shed was built in the fall of 2015, along with a grain mill, that allows workers to fill wagons in a sheltered station out of the winds that can blow pretty fiercely across that flatlands of Crawford County.
Kent manages the grain side of the operation. Pfeifer Dairy rents over 1,000 acres of ground and plants mostly corn, soybeans and wheat, which provides the feedstock for the operation. We are 100 percent no-till, said Kent. Its been a challenge to get there, but we finally did it.
A board member of the Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District, Kent is a proponent of cover crops on the farm, using mostly cereal rye and annual rye.
Raising cover crops helps tremendously with manure (management) and soil structure, he said. I like to see something growing all the times. And its not always the most highly sought-after position on the farm, but someone has to do the book work. Jenny Lynne heads up the payroll and bookkeeping on the farm, and feeds calves and pitches in wherever she is needed.
Embracing farm life
Jenny Lynne grew up in Salem, Ohio, and didnt have the farm upbringing her husband did. Living on the farm is different for me. I studied ag at Ohio State, but I didnt like it, she said. It was a little bit of a challenge at first. The long hours were new to me. She can remember being so nervous when her husband was working late on the farm when they first got married.
But Ive learned to embrace the farm life, she said. And both Jenny Lynne and Laura Stuckey agree, they wouldnt want to raise their kids any other way. Laura daughter of Chuck and wife to Kent grew up feeding calves and driving all kinds of tractors on the farm, she said.
When Kent and Laura got married, they settled in his home state of Indiana, where his family had an orchard, before moving back to her home farm (Pfeifer Dairy) in 1994. Laura spends most of her time managing the Pickwick Place market in Bucyrus, which she and her husband and two other couples partner on. Their middle son, Ethan, 17, heads up the produce and orchard operation at the market.
Work ethic
I cant think of a better way to raise children (than on a farm). It creates a good work ethic, she said. A work ethic that has translated into the next generation showing great interest in taking over the farm. Mark says he plans to continue working on the farm full-time once he graduates from the University of Akron (he is currently a sophomore). Ed and Jenny Lynnes youngest daughter is in sixth grade, and she says she is going to be a farmer, said Jenny Lynne. She enjoys taking blood samples alongside her father.
After what seems like a whirlwind of construction and farm improvements, Ed Pfeifer said, We are just planning to catch our breath.
The Prairie Doc: We need to be more intentional with antibiotics
A consortium of nine academics from the University of Bristol has been awarded 1.5 million to carry out research on antibiotic resistance (AMR) in animals and the risks it poses to humans.
The award, from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) is part of the AMR in the Real World call.
A major aim of the University of Bristol project is to test whether AMR bacteria from cattle causes drug resistant infections in humans.
Project lead Dr Matthew Avison, from the Universitys School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, said: "People carry AMR bacteria in their intestines, which get in through the mouth for example as a contaminant of food or water, or because of poor personal hygiene.
"Most of the time these bacteria do little harm, but occasionally they get into places they shouldnt, for example, the urinary tract.
"Here they can cause unpleasant symptoms that need treating with antibiotics. Tens of thousands of these urine infections occur in the UK every year.
"AMR means the infection will be drug resistant. The patient will be ill for longer, will get more ill than they otherwise would, and, in extreme cases some people will die."
"There is little doubt that over-using antibiotics in farm animals and pets increases the number of AMR bacteria in those animals, just as it does in humans.
"There is also strong evidence that AMR bacteria present in farm animals can spread to humans having close physical contact with them (e.g. farm workers).
"However, there is considerable debate about the extent that AMR bacteria can spread more widely.
"For example, when people eat food contaminated with bacteria from animals or interact with environments contaminated with animal wastes. Our research project will add much needed data to the debate.
"We really dont know if AMR bacteria from cattle are a significant cause of drug resistant infections in humans.
"To find out, we will follow a sample of 500,000 people from Bristol and the surrounding regions, over a one year period, and determine how many urine infections are caused by AMR bacteria that we also find in dairy cows."
Whether transmission of AMR bacteria from animals to humans is a significant threat or not, there is a drive to reduce AMR levels in bacteria in animals. The project also aims to identify how that might be achieved.
Dr Kristen Reyher, from the Universitys School of Veterinary Sciences and lead of the cattle part of the project said: "We are working with farmers, veterinarians, retailers and government bodies to encourage responsible use of antibiotics.
"We are leading the way with our own farm animal veterinary practice, having reduced our use of critically important antibiotics to almost nil over the past six years while continuing to improve animal health and welfare.
"As others follow our lead, this AMR in the real world project will allow us to document how the patterns of AMR bacteria on dairy farms change in response to reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock."
Cattle bacteria in the environment
The project will also examine how the wider population is exposed to bacteria from dairy cattle. Dr Avison said: "The levels of bacteria in milk are low, and in pasteurised milk very low indeed, so the risk of picking up AMR bacteria by consuming dairy produce is very small.
"People might, however, encounter cattle bacteria in the environment, for example while walking on public footpaths that pass through farmland. We want to see if this is a real possibility."
In order to answer this question, the study team will enrol the help of dog owners in Bristol and surrounding regions.
Puppies will be recruited via a pioneering research project recently launched in the University of Bristols School of Veterinary Sciences called Generation Pup led by Dr Rachel Casey and funded by Dogs Trust.
The study team will monitor levels of AMR bacteria in puppies by testing their faeces before they start going outside and after several months of regular walks along public footpaths, checking to see if the puppies pick up AMR bacteria detected on the footpaths.
Dogs picking up AMR bacteria
Dr Avison said: "My chocolate Labrador Wilma has a particular affinity for cow pats.
"Walking with her across farmland, it struck me that if anyone is picking up AMR bacteria from cattle it will be her.
"So we want to test whether this happens across a range of different dogs, walking in different places, and at the same time we want to learn about other risk factors for dogs picking up AMR bacteria; for example whether they themselves have been given antibiotics."
Dr Casey said: "This project is a unique opportunity to build on the existing strengths of Generation Pup and answer key questions about potential bacterial and AMR transfer between cattle and dogs.
"Its hugely exciting to be part of a project that brings together AMR data for multiple species under one geographical roof."
The final strand to the project will put the animal to human AMR transmission work into context by determining the effect of antibiotic use in humans by GPs on the levels of AMR bacteria in people, and what happens when that antibiotic use is reduced.
Professor Alastair Hay, a GP and Professor of Primary Care in the University of Bristols School of Social and Community Medicine said: "The recent and very welcome news that the use of antibiotics by GPs and nurses in primary care is reducing provides a natural experiment.
"We will look to see if these reductions in antibiotic prescribing are translating into reduced rates of antibiotic resistant urine infections.
"Urine infections are the most common bacterial infection, and the most common antibiotic resistant infection treated by the NHS.
"If we find that a reduction in antibiotic prescribing has led to a reduction in the number of antibiotic resistant urine infections, it will be positive news for patients, GPs and nurses in primary care suggesting they are on the right track."
The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has launched a nationwide campaign in partnership with the National Association of Care Caterers (NACC) to raise awareness of the latest egg safety advice for vulnerable groups and remind caterers of their nutritional value for older people.
The campaign follows the report by the Governments Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) earlier this year which concluded that British Lion eggs can safely be eaten runny, even by pregnant women, babies and elderly people.
Andrew Joret, Chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, said: "We have been confident for some time that the safety record of British Lion eggs means that vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, babies and elderly people should be able to consume them when runny.
"There is also evidence to suggest that egg consumption can be highly beneficial for older people, helping to guard against issues such as sarcopenia.
"And besides being highly nutritious, we also know that many of them would love to enjoy a traditional soft-boiled egg again."
The report recommended that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) should now consider amending its long-standing advice that vulnerable groups should avoid raw or lightly cooked eggs - for eggs produced under the British Lion scheme, or a demonstrably-equivalent comprehensive scheme.
The campaign will see the BEIC speaking at NACC regional meetings in Wales, Scotland, South East, South West, North and Midlands throughout June and July, highlighting the findings of the ACMSF report and encouraging caterers and operators to specify British Lion eggs to ensure that their residents benefit from the expected change in the official FSA advice on eggs over the coming months.
A digital campaign has also been developed, with an e-shot outlining the change in advice set to be distributed to all NACC members in mid-June.
The EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) needs to become a 'Common Sustainable Food Policy' to remain relevant for the 21st century, according to a new report from the Food Research Collaboration.
The briefing paper, Does the CAP still fit?, argues that policy makers need to address and integrate currently disparate food issues alongside agricultural matters.
These issues include carbon reduction, water conservation, food waste reduction, public health and consumer satisfaction.
The authors Professor Alison Bailey, Professor Tim Lang and Dr Victoria Schoen say this overarching approach is necessary for the UK as well as Europe, regardless of the outcome of the countrys referendum on EU membership.
In addition to laying out options for the future direction of CAP, the paper reviews its history, purpose, impact, finances and changes over time.
The authors argue that the CAP, far from being stuck, has been continuously reformed since it was introduced as a response to post-war food insecurity in 1962.
But they say the food system of today is very different, with food service a much larger employer than farming.
Does the CAP still fit? is the third paper on the links between UK food and the EU to be published by the Food Research Collaboration (FRC), an initiative of the Centre for Food Policy at City University London funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
Key points in the report include:
The CAP has gone through at least seven rounds of reform since it began in 1962.
The Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development in Brussels has only 1,000 civil servants, yet accounts for over a third of the total EU budget. Defra in the UK has 2,000 for England alone.
Although considerably below the 70% seen in the 1980s, the CAP now absorbs less than 40% of the EU budget and this is set to decline further.
In the UK, farmers receive only 10 billion of the 198 billion that UK consumers spend on food per year. Many farmers rely on the additional income from subsidies to keep them in farming.
Four broad options about CAPs purpose and preparations for the next phase of reform are explored in which CAP: (a) weakens significantly; (b) evolves pragmatically; (c) becomes a rural development policy; or (d) becomes a Common (Sustainable) Food Policy.
The CAP has changed, cut subsidies and is a major funder of environmental gains the report summarises these rounds of reform and what has motivated them.
CAP has 'many problems' and must change 'radically'
The authors state that not all reforms have been beneficial, CAP has many problems and it must be changed radically.
The paper also states that the evidence for overhauling international food systems is overwhelming but the public health impact of farm output is not taken seriously enough.
The authors argue politicians and policy makers seem unable to grasp the enormity of what needs to change.
Professor Tim Lang, of the Centre for Food Policy at City University London and senior advisor to the FRC, said: "CAP has been the butt of jokes and myths about inefficient Europe.
"In fact, CAP has constantly changed over the last 60 years. Our critique is that, today, it is still too focused on farming when it needs to be reconnected with public health, ecosystems and feeding people well.
"Whether the UK is in or out of the EU, these goals are needed.
"CAP should become a Common Sustainable Food Policy. This is what the scientific evidence suggests.
"The problem is that policy-makers are either too hesitant or dazzled by a belief that technology will resolve future food problems. They cannot. Food culture also needs to change."
'Serious realignment of policy objectives with farming needed'
Dr Victoria Schoen, Research Fellow for the FRC, said: "The CAP has certainly taken us away from a post-war situation of food insecurity and has attempted to adapt over time.
"Now a serious realignment of policy objectives with farm, food and rural realities is needed to maintain a healthy, sustainable food system in the future."
Professor Alison Bailey, of Lincoln University in New Zealand (formerly at the University of Reading), said: "What is required now of the CAP is a return to the focus on why it was introduced in the first place.
"The provision of food whilst being mindful of how that food is produced, supporting the producers, providing adequate nutrition for consumers, whilst maintaining animal welfare standards and protecting the environment."
The Food Research Collaboration (FRC) is an initiative of the Centre for Food Policy at City University London, funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
The FRC facilitates joint working amongst and between academics and civil society organisations (CSOs) to improve the UK food system. It is a unique collaboration of 500 academic and CSO members.
The Midlands leading agricultural lawyer has urged farmers and landowners to protect themselves against potential damage from the growing use of drones.
Steven Corfield, head of FBC Manby Bowdlers Agricultural & Rural Services team, said people should make sure they are insured against problems that might be caused by the airborne devices over farmland.
Steven said: "On April 18, an Airbus A320 with 132 passengers approaching Heathrow was hit by a drone and not surprisingly this has increased awareness of the dangers of flying drones.
"Drones can cause damage to people, livestock and buildings, even if they are licensed and operated properly.
"The use of airborne drones has developed at a staggering pace and the legal system is trying to catch up with the regulation necessary to control them."
Steven, who was named at the leading agricultural lawyer in Shropshire and the West Midlands last year, said there had also been unreported cases involving potential damage to persons and livestock.
"In day-to-day life, it is understandable that the police, security and emergency services need to make use of drones as they are an efficient and economical way to carry out surveillance.
"The Civil Aviation Authority has set some rules on who can operate drones and under what conditions but the difficulty for a lot of landowners is the infringement that comes from smaller drones which are bought for hobby use," he added.
Civil Aviation Authority rules currently state that an unmanned aircraft must never be flown beyond the normal unaided line of sight of the person operating the drone - this is generally measured as 500 metres (1,640 feet) horizontally or 122 metres (400 feet) vertically.
Can easily spoke livestock
Anyone using a drone for commercial use has to have permission from the CAA in which respect the operator has to show that they are sufficiently competent and if the drone is over 20kg, it is only legal to use it in certain certified danger areas which are closely monitored.
An unmanned aircraft fitted with a camera must always be flown at least 50 metres distance away from a person, vehicle, building or structure and it must not be flown within 150m of a congested area or large group of people, such as a sporting event or concert.
Steven added: "Land and livestock owners should make sure their insurance policies cover damage caused by drones whether its to people, buildings or livestock.
"Animals could easily get spooked by the use of even a small drone which could cause injury or death and that has financial implications for a farmer.
"Likewise people who use drones would be well advised to insure themselves against damage caused by their drones in case they face legal action from a farmer or landowner.
The Civil Aviation Authority does have the power to stop drones flying in specified zones if there are security issues.
The Environment Audit Committee report released today states that funding for river maintenance has decreased by 6 per cent from 2010-15.
The report has exposed that whilst the government claims funding has increased every five years, this has only been due to the establishment of emergency funding in response to the 2013 floods.
The report stated: "During the last Parliament funding was initially cut and only increased due to the reactive funding injection following the winter 20132014 floods.
"This is worrying because the independent Worsfold review demonstrated a relationship between flood maintenance spending and the good condition of critical flood defences.
"As the money required to maintain these defences fell, so did the number of these defences which meet the Environment Agencys required condition.
"Any decline in the condition of critical assets represents a real world and unacceptable risk to local communities at risk of flooding.
"We are concerned that the Government only released this review when we requested it and it has been published only on our website."
The report also expressed concerns about the level of flooding infrastructure.
The report stated: "Nationally significant infrastructure is not currently protected to a consistent standard.
"Infrastructure companies should be mandated to report their target resilience level, why this target is appropriate and what progress they are making to achieve it.
"While there was national policy in place to plan for future flooding events this did not always translate through to the local level.
"Government should, in the short term, provide more support to local authorities to enable them to adopt a plan and, in the medium term, support and encourage local authorities to develop joint local plans that properly take account of flood risk management.
Agricultural land needs sustained maintenance budgets
NFU environment forum chair Mark Pope said: "Sustained and increased maintenance budgets are vital to ensure repairs are made to river channels and flood defence structures.
"An unacceptable flood risk is posed to urban and rural communities and productive agricultural land when this maintenance is not undertaken.
"We support the governments decision to secure a further total 3bn in capital works from 2016-21.
"But were questioning whether an annual maintenance budget of 170m is sufficient - the Environment Agency reports that 170m is at the lower end of the budget required for maintenance works.
"This increases the likelihood of both river channels and flood defence structures falling into disrepair."
Suitable compensation for farmers
The NFU and other farming unions across the UK continue to lobby for greater transparency in funding for flood and coastal risk management.
Government has stated that part of the addition 700m pledged by the government during the 2016 budget will be assigned to Natural Flood Risk Management.
Mark Pope added: "The NFU believes that that Natural Flood Risk Management, in the right location, does have a role to play in mitigating flood risk as part of a total catchment management so long as there is suitable compensation for farmers.
"Partnerships are crucial to the development of Natural Flood Management, with funding for these flood mitigation services being provided by all stakeholders who benefit.
"However Natural Flood Risk Management is not a panacea solution and will never replace the need for river maintenance and the construction of hard-engineered structures."
AHDB has today (9 June) published its latest Fertiliser Market Outlook in response to calls from the industry for independent insight into global inputs price trends.
Following feedback on a pilot edition launched in December, the publication has been refined to help levy payers make informed and timely fertiliser purchase decisions.
It includes an analysis of recent industry consolidation, including the failed merger of CF Industries and OCI, as well as supply and demand fundamentals and prices for nitrogen, phosphate and potash.
Giles Blatchford, AHDB Head of Farm Economics, said: "Were pleased how quickly people have embraced this new publication after piloting it with just a small group of levy payers.
"It demonstrates that there is a real need within the industry to get to grips with fluctuating input costs, rather than solely focusing on output prices.
"Weve had some excellent constructive feedback and have incorporated these comments into the latest edition to make it of greater value and relevance to growers and producers across the piece," he added.
The bimonthly Fertiliser Market Outlook is part of a wider AHDB programme of work to support agricultural businesses to build competitiveness in the face of market volatility.
This includes a complementary project to provide UK fertiliser spot prices, due to launch later this year.
At Cereals event next week (15 16 June), the AHDB Market Intelligence team will be encouraging visitors to take the long view to build business resilience, using the wide range of tools, information and expertise freely available to levy payers.
It will form part of a package of activity to upskill the industry on risk management, the commodity cycle and business strategy, led by the AHDB Volatility Forum, which next meets at Livestock Event on 6 7 July.
The launch of the Welsh Government's consultation on new Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) in Wales is expected in the coming weeks.
A nitrate vulnerable zone is a conservation designation for areas of land that drain into nitrate polluted waters, or waters which could become polluted by nitrates.
NFU Cymrus Rural Affairs Board has stressed the need for sound science to be at the heart of Welsh Government policy making.
In line with the Nitrates Directive, EU Member States are required to undertake a review to assess and designate areas as NVZs every four years.
The Welsh Government consultation is expected to put forward proposals for a number of new designations, including a significant area in Pembrokeshire.
NFU Cymru Rural Affairs Board Chairman Hedd Pugh said: "Any new NVZ designations in Wales are likely to have a significant impact on farm businesses and the wider rural economy.
"Proposals also have to be considered in the context of difficult market conditions across all sectors which will challenge the ability of some farmers to make the investments required to comply with the regulation.
"It is, therefore, of vital importance that designations are only taken forward where the evidence is robust and where it can be demonstrated that comprehensive monitoring has been undertaken by Natural Resources Wales."
'Voluntary rather than regulatory measures'
Mr Pugh continued: "We have received assurances from Welsh Government that the consultation on new designations will be launched at the same time as the consultation on the Action Programme of Measures.
"This will allow the farmers affected to gain a better understanding of the costs and effects to their individual businesses.
"This should be accompanied by a full Regulatory Impact Assessment that sets out the increased costs and regulatory burden on farm businesses together with the anticipated levels of improvement in water quality as a result of the Action Programme so the full cost-benefit of regulation can be fully understood.
"We remain convinced that the best outcomes and greatest progress across a number of environmental objectives, including water quality, can be achieved through voluntary rather than regulatory measures.
"We call on Welsh Government to explore options to take forward a voluntary approach within potential NVZ areas, in line with the experimental powers identified in the new Environment (Wales) Act 2016."
"Production of the best quality suckler beef is under threat unless margins improve," says NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman, Wyn Evans, at a Meirionnydd NFU Cymru county meeting this week.
During the meeting, members indicated that the benefits of the PGI status of Welsh Beef; Farm Assurance, through the Red Tractor; and consumer trust and recognition of these schemes are not reflected in the end price to farmers.
Wyn Evans continues: "Retailers and processors are asking for our quality PGI product, but price paid often fails to recognise the cost of production involved.
"The payment grids for finished cattle fail to adequately pay a premium, with the added complication of increasing penalties for higher weight cattle squeezing margins even further.
"There is scope within the Wales Rural Development Programme (RDP) for the introduction of initiatives to help maximise the productivity and competitiveness of the Welsh beef industry.
Supporting on-farm investment
"Welsh Government can help the sector through increasing opportunities under the Sustainable Production Grant scheme (SPG) and the introduction of a small grant scheme in the RDP to support on-farm investment in new equipment and technology.
"The environmental benefits of suckler beef as part of a mixed grazing regime on the hills and uplands of Wales are well recognised.
"We believe there are opportunities to encourage suckler beef production through agri-environment schemes under the Wales RDP."
Meirionnydd NFU Cymru County Chairman, Geraint Rowlands said: "Id like to thank Wyn Evans for addressing our meeting.
"The beef suckler sector is under extreme pressure with the continuing depression in prices. However there is demand for our quality product so we need to make sure that this demand is reflected in the price that were paid."
The Royal Three Counties Show took the farmyard into the playground yesterday (Wednesday 8 June).
Children of Milestone School in Longlevens, Gloucester were treated to a day to remember with Ronaldo, the Champion Hereford Bull, Acorn the Pig and Dolly the sheep and her friends along with a gleaming tractor paying a visit to the special educational needs school.
The initiative took place to celebrate that this year the Royal Three Counties Show - the largest livestock and equine event in the country and a landmark event in the agricultural calendar - will welcome more children than ever before to immerse themselves in the fun of the farm.
The 2016 event swill see record numbers of schools in attendance with over 3,500 children from over 60 schools paying a visit. This is double figures from the previous year.
Milestone School are also planning a full visit to the Royal Three Counties Show, which takes place from 17th - 19th June, with over 120 pupils from the school coming along to what will be a highlight of their summer term.
Milestone School is a special needs school and many of the pupils are unable to come along to the show because of the challenges they face.
The Royal Three Counties Show took the magic of the premier event to these pupils for one day only to ensure they don't miss out on the immense benefits agriculture can offer SEN children.
Rural Secretary Lesley Griffiths has emphasised the Welsh Governments commitment to increasing the sustainability and resilience of the Welsh natural environment and rural communities.
The commitment comes as figures reveal the first online-only CAP Single Application Form (SAF) has been a resounding success, with 16,252 applications received by the 16 May deadline.
The SAF is used by farmers to claim their CAP Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and land-based rural development payments.
The move online was established to provide a new modern service for farm businesses, simplifying and improving processes and access to information.
Wales is leading the way in the UK as the only home nation to provide a 100% digital approach to these applications.
'Drive to modernise the services to farming community'
Welcoming the news, the Cabinet Secretary said: "As Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, I am looking forward to leading work that affects every corner of Wales from improving the quality of the air we breathe to the development of a world-class food and drinks sector.
"I recognise the significance of the farming industry to Welsh communities, our natural resources and to the strength of the national economy.
"Farming accounts for the management of over 80% of our land area, the delivery of a wide range of goods and services to society, the quality of our landscapes and a thriving food and drinks industry, where the supply chain accounts for 17% of the jobs in Wales.
"Our move to online SAF applications for the CAP is a major part of our drive to modernise the services we provide to the farming community, reducing bureaucracy, and making best use of new technology to allow applications to be processed more quickly and efficiently.
"This in turn gives farmers more time to focus on the important business of farming.
"Our leading online performance was greatly aided from working with the farming unions and agents who have offered assistance to many farmers in making their applications.
"I am grateful to them all for helping make the RPW Ar-lein/Online system such a success."
Rural Payments Wales (RPW) hs also provided extensive one-to-one support to 1,680 farmers, with meetings taking place at six RPW offices across Wales.
Feedback from farm businesses who have taken advantage of the additional support offered by RPW has been overwhelmingly positive.
In addition, the RPW Customer Contact Centre assisted thousands of farmers over the telephone, with over 12,000 calls in the last month alone, and operated extended opening hours in the last couple of weeks to meet customer needs.
Peter Gilmour, a veteran of five America's Cup campaigns and WA sportsman of the year in 1987, now president of the Australian Wagyu Association and owner of Irongate Wagyu, Albany has also been ramping up the Wagyu game here in WA and has been assisting other producers.
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Bernie Sanders won big across North Dakota in the states Democratic-NPL presidential preference caucus Tuesday, earning more delegates than self-declared nominee Hillary Clinton in 42 of 47 districts, party figures show.
The Vermont senators dominance is likely to embolden his supporters to put even more pressure on the states five unpledged superdelegates to back him at the Democratic National Convention next month in Philadelphia.
Regional press secretary Diane May said the Sanders campaign has been actively talking to superdelegates in all states and will be ramping that up now that the caucus and primary season is winding down, with the District of Columbias primary next Tuesday being the last contest.
Weve always said that in states where we had an overwhelming victory, the superdelegates should vote the way of the people, and in North Dakota, they should vote the will of the caucus-goers, she said.
Of the five superdelegates, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp has endorsed Clinton and national committeeman Chad Nodland is committed to Sanders. Dem-NPL chair Kylie Oversen, vice chair Warren Larson and national committeewoman Renee Pfenning have said they dont expect to commit until the convention.
Heitkamp stuck by her endorsement of Clinton in an emailed statement Wednesday.
Every day in the U.S. Senate I fight for all North Dakotans and for rural America, and we need a presidential candidate who will do the same, just as Secretary Clinton will, because thats the North Dakota way, she said.
Oversen said a Sanders campaign staffer asked her Monday to support him if he won the caucus. She had already received a number of similar requests Wednesday morning from Sanders supporters via Facebook and email, pausing during a phone interview to say, Actually, I just got one from Australia.
Ive been pretty consistent that I want to see the entire process play out without pledging, she said.
North Dakota hosted the only caucus out of six nominating contests Tuesday, the others being primaries. Sanders won the Montana primary while Clinton took New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota and the biggest prize, California.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Clinton led 2,765 to 1,864 in the overall delegate count 2,191 to 1,816 in pledged delegates and 574 to 48 in unpledged superdelegates, according to an Associated Press. Clinton has already passed the 2,383-delegate threshold needed to clinch the nomination, but superdelegates are free to switch their allegiance at any time before the convention.
Sanders cruised to a 253-101 victory in delegates in North Dakotas caucus, with an additional 40 delegates uncommitted.
Clinton managed to pick up more delegates than Sanders in just three districts. The former secretary of state fared best in District 23, which includes the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation and Eddy, Nelson, Griggs and Steele counties, receiving seven delegates to Sanders two.
Clinton came out ahead 4-2 in District 33 in Mercer, Oliver and Morton counties and 4-3 in District 15 in Towner and Ramsey counties.
Two districts gave the candidates three delegates each: District 14, located in Pierce, Sheridan, Wells, Benson and Kidder counties, and District 2 in Williston.
Democratic-NPL Party Executive Director Robert Haider said he was not surprised at all by Sanders solid showing in the state.
The strong support and the strong grassroots organization he had here, they brought out a lot of new people and a lot of energy, he said.
Delegates selected Tuesday will convene June 18 in Bismarck to elect 18 pledged delegates who will attend the national delegates along with the five superdelegates.
Haider said Tuesdays caucus turnout was far in excess of what we were expecting, but the party wont publicly release turnout numbers.
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WILLISTON A district judge ruled Wednesday in favor of the city of Willistons ordinance that forces man camps to close July 1, but the parties will face off in federal court on Monday in a separate case.
Northwest Judicial District Judge Paul Jacobson denied a motion from Target Logistics and Lodging Solutions that sought a court injunction against the city of Williston for its workforce housing ban in and around city limits.
Target Logistics and Lodging Solutions, which jointly own and operate 1,035 worker housing beds north of Williston, petitioned the court to order two-year extensions of their temporary housing permits.
Bismarck attorney Scott Porsborg, who is representing the city of Williston, said the judges denial of the motion essentially means the case filed in Williams County is dismissed, though he said the plaintiffs can appeal.
Obviously the city is pleased, Porsborg said.
But a separate legal challenge in U.S. District Court is still pending, and oilfield services company Halliburton is now joining the legal fight against the city.
Halliburton petitioned to intervene in the case, and will join plaintiffs Target Logistics and Lodging Solutions in making oral arguments against the city of Williston at a hearing scheduled for Monday in Bismarck.
Halliburton, a customer of Target Logistics, owns the Muddy River Lodge in Williston, which is currently closed due to the oil slowdown but the company has said it wants to maintain the facility to have a housing option for workers when activity picks up.
Halliburton said in its court petition that one of the most drastic aspects of the citys ordinance is that it requires companies to remove man camps and reclaim the land by September, without allowing for the buildings to be repurposed. Halliburton said in the petition demolishing the lodge would cost the company $3 million.
Porsborg said the city doesnt object to Halliburton joining the case because the company is making the same legal arguments against the ordinance as the workforce housing providers.
In two heated meetings, Williston city commissioners voted 3-2 in November to approve the July 1 sunset date and then voted 3-2 in March against a compromise that would have kept some man camps open.
The companies challenging the ordinance argue that the city of Williston approved it in an attempt to fill apartment buildings and hotels, which have struggled with high vacancy rates with the oil slowdown.
City officials say the workforce housing permits were always intended to be temporary.
Name of the book: Do You Know Any Good Boys?
Author: Meeti Shroff-Shah
Publisher: Pan Macmillan India
Price: Rs250
Indian society and Indian parents, who worry perpetually about what the aforementioned society thinks, certainly dont make it easy for young people to meet, date, fall in love and marry. Enter the next option: meeting the guy in the traditional arranged marriage setup. But this too can be a lengthy and frustrating affair.
For instance, it took author Meeti Shroff-Shah two-and-half years to find the one. During the course of her search, she met more than 40 men, and thats not counting the ones I spoke to on the phone, she says in her foreword. This makes her the best person to write a 'womans guide to arranged marriage.
Funny in parts, the book takes the reader through the journey of Meetis arranged marriage. It gives us an insight into the scheme of things in the arranged marriage scenario. And if you are among those being set up with Prince Charming, this book is definitely for you. You will find answers to all your questions, such as how to make a biodata, what to expect from the first meeting, and how to make sure he is not a deranged fanatic.
The fact that Meeti persevered and eventually found the one, is good news. It fills you with hope. Like the author, all you need to do is keep perspective, try to see the humour of the situation, and believe that the next guy you meet could be Mr Right.
IN FOCUS: HOT LIPS
A bold shade of lipstick can transform your outfit. From matching tones to playing up bright hues, these stylistas know how to work that pout, finds photographer Samir Rana
Sanmati Shetty
20, fashion student
My style is a mix of structure and comfort, designer wear and thrift pieces. I love how this fuchsia lip colour stands out against the grey and black.
Sana Bano Khan
21, fashion intern
I always choose flowy silhouettes over fitted clothes since my style is all about comfort. My favourite lip shades at present are mauve and pop colours.
Juhi Godambe
22, blogger
The two words that describe my style are minimalistic and chic. I invest in key wardrobe stapleslike this lavender suit Ive worn with a similar shade of purple lip colour.
Naina Kurien
25, digital researcher
Im all about playing with basics and neutral colours. You cant go wrong pairing a nice shade of red lippie with an all-white outfit.
Movies based on true stories have a strange way of piquing our interest. While Raman Raghav 2.0 that will release soon, may have already given your weekends a purpose, lets take a look at films inspired by criminals.
Raman Raghav 2.0
Anurag Kashyaps thriller that will release on June 24 is inspired by Mumbai serial killer Raman Raghav. In the 1960s, Raghav created terror by bludgeoning pavement dwellers to death with a steel rod. When he was finally caught, he admitted to committing 41 murders.
The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Alison Blake, recently visited two readymade garment (RMG) factories in Gazipur to extend UK's support to develop worker's safety and provide skill training to Bangladeshi RMG workers.
Blake visited Echotex and Dalas Fashions in Bangladesh. Both the factories receive support from the UK through the Skills and Employment Programme in Bangladesh (Sudokkho) and the UK's work to support National Action Plan for the Ready-made Garment Sector in Bangladesh (the SNAP-B Programme).
The UK has increased its support to improve safety and workplace conditions in Bangladesh post the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013.
The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Alison Blake, recently visited two readymade garment (RMG) factories in Gazipur to extend UK's support to develop worker's safety and provide skill training to Bangladeshi RMG workers. Blake visited Echotex and Dalas Fashions in Bangladesh. Both the factories receive support from the UK through #
Blake said, With increasing competition in the global apparels trade, Bangladesh needs to maintain its competitive edge and capitalise on its largest asset - its human resources. Investing in the skills development of its workforce, as Echotex has done using its in-house facilities, will help it do this. (HO)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
In order to achieve sustainable and profitable sales growth and long-term value creation for shareholders, premium lifestyle products supplier Ralph Lauren will evolve its finance related aspects like cost structure, restructuring activities, etc as a part of its Way Forward Plan.
Ralph Lauren will evolve its product, marketing and shopping experience to increase desirability. It will reduce supply chain lead times with better sourcing and multi-channel distribution and expansion strategy. It will also right-size cost structure and have an ROI driven financial model to make more investments in the brand.
The company will incur restructuring activities' expenses of up to $400 million and of $150 million (inventory charges), which will result in cost savings of approximately $180-220 million annually.
In order to achieve sustainable and profitable sales growth and long-term value creation for shareholders, premium lifestyle products supplier Ralph Lauren will evolve its finance related aspects like cost structure, restructuring activities, etc as a part of its Way Forward Plan. It will also strengthen its leadership team.#
It will also strengthen its leadership team and create a more nimble organisation by moving from an average of 9 to 6 layers.
We have assessed every value-creating component of the company and, with our Way Forward Plan, we will build on our strengths, refocusing on our core brands and instilling a financial discipline that is highly focused on return on investment, Stefan Larsson, president and CEO of Ralph Lauren commented.
Our multi-year growth plan will lead Ralph Lauren one of the few truly iconic brands in the industry to profitable sales growth and long-term shareholder value creation, he added. (MCJ)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India
In a memorandum to Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar, the Tirupur Exporters Association has sought his assistance in addressing issues hampering the growth of exports including the lack of Free Trade Agreements.The TEA also wants a list of fabric items to be included for import under Export Performance Certificate, without payment of duty so as to get the real benefit of the announcement in the Union Budget 2016 -17 and enhance our competitiveness in the global market.
In a memorandum to Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar, the Tirupur Exporters Association has sought his assistance in addressing issues hampering the growth of exports including the lack of Free Trade Agreements. The TEA also wants a list of fabric items to be included for import under Export Performance Certificate, without payment of duty so as to#
The TEA is particularly interested in a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union.'Last year, the garment sector totally exported RMG worth $17 billion and out of this, $6.28 billion (36.97 per cent) value of garment was destined to the European Union. It still has the potential to enhance exports in the EU once the level playing field is provided to the sector, it said in the memorandum.The memorandum once again underlined that India's main competitor, Bangladesh, as a least developed country , is now enjoying the duty free market in European Union and has exported about $15 billion in 2014 -15 to EU market alone, more than double of India's garment exports to the EU.While Bangladesh's total garment exports $26 billion in 2014-15, TEA said it is confident that India could dent the market share of Bangladesh once Free Trade Agreement is implemented with an additional advantage of being Compliances oriented factories.Once FTA with EU takes place in the month of September this year, our exports to EU will grow and witness a growth rate of 30 per cent in successive years and double in next three years apart from employment generation of 30 lakh workers. We request the Hon'ble Minister to help to expedite the FTA with EU so that the exports will grow, it said.The TEA also reiterated its demand for formalising the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Canada to reverse to trend of falling exports to that country.Bangladesh and Cambodia which are entitled to the least developed countries tariff treatment have stolen a march over India while Pakistan and Vietnam also continue to get benefit under General Preference Tariff (GPT). Indian garments have lost competitiveness after imposition of customs duty about 20 per cent.TEA said it is confident that once CEPA is formalised, India could compete with these countries effectively and export will grow by 30 per cent.The TEA also requested Gangwar to expedite the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Australia, saying the agreement could boost India's garment exports to Australia by 30 per cent. The CECA was originally scheduled to come into force in June 2015.The Association stressed that after FTAs with EU, CECA with Australia and CEPA with Canada, there will be an increase of 30 per cent exports to these countries from the existing level and at the same time, the exports to the rest of countries will grow by 10 per cent. According to the TEA's projections, India's total garment exports would grown to $33 billion once these FTAs are signed.
UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings has urged delegates to back an ILO Convention on Supply Chains.In his address at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Jennings criticised those who would oppose the Convention and described them as barriers to progress, contrasting them with UNI and its sister global union IndustriALL and the Bangladesh Accord. The Accord is regarded as a blueprint for change in supply chains.Jennings said, UNI Global Union and IndustriALL are proud of this achievement. The Accord has brought the world to change policy and practice on supply chains at this ILC.My emotions flow from the Rana Plaza tragedy of 2013. The race to the bottom evidenced in all its squalor and human desperation. Over 1,000 deaths. Families scarred by loss. Condemned by negligence. A supply chain based on lies, deception, corruption and a woefully inadequate local health and safety environment, with government and private employer complicity.Jennings said the ILO was now itself standing at the crossroads on supply chains and is faced with a choice of global magnitude. The low road of avoiding responsibility to millions of workers who toil in the supply chain. Or a higher road to decent work.Don't blow this opportunity. Governments: demonstrate that you 'have the back' of your workforce. Don't accept foreign investment at any cost. The business community: show that it cannot be business as usual, he told delegates.Jennings condemned those who sought to unfairly criticise the Bangladesh Accord:The Bangladesh Accord has made progress on the ground. Independent. Transparent. Inclusive. Lives saved. Safety improving.
The ILO role was critically important and essential in the pursuit of compensation. The Bangladesh Government is an enemy of freedom of association and is now using its poisonous policy to eliminate a union presence in the IT sector.
Jennings concluded by quoting Muhammed Ali, the legendary boxer who died at the weekend, Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.
So ILO 2016 don't shy away from the fight, YES to an ILO Supply Chain Convention. Let's make it happen. (SH)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
Myanmar government has rejigged its top investment clearing body, the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC), responsible for approving major local and foreign investments, the President's Office said on Wednesday.The new commission, comprising 11 members, will be chaired by Planning and Finance Minister U Kyaw Win. Commerce Minister U Than Myint will be its new vice president while U Aung Naing Oo, MIC secretary under the former government, retains his position in the new MIC.
Myanmar government has rejigged its top investment clearing body, the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC), responsible for approving major local and foreign investments, the President's Office said on Wednesday. The new commission, comprising 11 members, will be chaired by Planning and Finance Minister U Kyaw Win. Commerce Minister U Than#
The MIC usually meets several times a month to consider and approve a small number of investments, but has been out of action for more than 10 weeks.Since the last meeting in March, when an unusually large number of projects were approved, foreign and local companies have submitted around 100 proposals for appraisal.Most are for garment manufacturing and fishery products manufacturing.Under the draft Myanmar Investment Law a merger of the Foreign Investment Law and the Myanmar Citizens Investment Law the MIC may become independent. At present, it answers directly to the President's Office.In addition to paving the way for MIC independence, the Myanmar Investment Law is expected to ease some restrictions on business and support an increase in foreign investment.Approved investment for 2015-16 fiscal hit $9.4 billion the highest figure since 2010. Around $4 billion of this was approved in the final month in March when the MIC was dissolved at the end of the former government's term. (SH)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
Kareena Kapoor Khan's pregnancy rumours has become the talk of the town! Although, the couple (Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan) has not confirmed the news yet, Kareena's latest outing at the UNICEF event added fuel to the rumour.
At the event, Kareena was seen uncomfortable and her hand was protectively hovering her abdomen, which grabbed many eyeballs. And now, Saif's 'Begum' has been spotted partying with friends.
Among others, celebrity stylist Tanya Ghavri and the famous Pakistani fashion designer Faraz Manan were spotted at Kareena's private bash.
Check Out All The Pictures Here:
In the pictures, Kareena can be seen without a tinge of make-up and yet she looks gorgeous! She is surely a perfect example of natural beauty.
During the shoot of Ki And Ka, Kareena also did a photoshoot for Faraz Manan in Dubai and the duo shares a warm equation with each other.
Apart from partying with close friends, one more thing is keeping Kareena Kapoor busy these days. So what is it? Photoshoots! Yes, recently, Kareena's photoshoot pictures landed on the social media and she is looking simply breathtaking. (You can see the photoshoot pictures in the slides above).
Forget Aishwarya's Purple Lips! Amy Jackson Sports Yellow Lips In Her Latest Photoshoot
As far as the work front of the Kareena Kapoor is concerned, she was last seen in R Balki's Ki And Ka and is currently gearing up for her upcoming film, Udta Punjab. The film also casts Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh in the key roles.
Interestingly, from the past few days, the film is continuously in the limelight owing to its 94 cuts(as reported by HT) made by Censor Board.
Yesterday (June 8 ,2016) Film Producers' Guild of India president Mukesh Bhatt appealed to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to remove Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani as, he said, Nihlani can 'only do harm to the industry'.
Forget Aishwarya's Purple Lips! Amy Jackson Sports Yellow Lips In Her Latest Photoshoot!
"This is a manipulative game; a corrupt system is prevailing in our CBFC which I have to say with a lot of shame. And if despite knowing that, Pahlaj Nihalani still sits on the chair, it is a matter of shame for him as well as for us. I appeal to the ministry that he should be removed immediately."
"I say this on behalf of the entire film industry as president of the Film Producers' Guild of India. Film industry does not want him to sit there because he doesn't deserve to," added Mr Bhatt.
Bhatt said Nihalani kept delaying the process for 'Udta Punjab' despite being a 'film man' by taking time to watch it and not giving written approval even after watching it.
He said that the producers have invested close to Rs.60 crore in the film, which is under threat.
"Who is going to pay this? Is the government going to pay this? or the CBFC? I want Pahlaj Nihalani to answer. This is unpardonable."
"In broad daylight, we have been held to ransom by a state organisation, and this is absolutely appalling. We will not take it anymore," he added.
'Udta Punjab' has reportedly been suggested 89 cuts by the censor board.
The ongoing battle between Udta Punjab and CBFC has taken an ugly turn. The list of cuts, which is suggested by CBFC for the film, is out and the audiences are losing their cool over CBFC's insane decision.
Among the 94 cuts, below are the seven cuts made by CBFC, which are simply 'ridiculous' and 'senseless'. From not using words like Punjab and Parliament, to chopping off the important shots of the film, CBFC has literally turned the film into a mini clip!
Click Below And Check Out All The Seven Cuts:
New Pics: Amidst Pregnancy Rumours, Kareena Parties With Hubby & Friends!
From Bollywood Superstar Aamir Khan to film-maker Zoya Akhtar, many actors have come forward to support Udta Punjab's release and here's what they told:
"It's very unfortunate. I'm pained that the film is going through this. As per my knowledge, it is based on drug addiction and delivers a social message. I don't think there is anything that should be cut or audience should be kept away," Aamir said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai.
Whereas film-maker Zoya Akhtar too, expressed her anger on the CBFC's 89 cuts and said, "You can't certify something as adult and then give 89 cuts. We are in constant denial of what is going on in the society. It's like it does not exist. There is no drug problem, there is no marital rape, there is no racism... It's just ridiculous."
Keep watching this space to keep yourself updated on the latest news related to Udta Punjab controversy and don't forget to hit comments section below to share your views on the same.
Nagarahavu teaser which was released on Youtube last week is creating waves online as it has already created a few records in terms of views.
The teaser has clocked a record 1 Million views on Nagarahavu official YouTube channel. Not only the Kannada version, the Tamil version, Shivanagam's teaser which was released on Sony Music India's YouTube channel has over 6 Lakh views.
Sahasa Simha Dr Vishnuvardhan and Sandalwood Queen Ramya fans have really liked the teaser and along with fans, even normal audience have given thumbs up to the teaser. This is the reason why the teaser was trending on You Tube for a couple of days. This has raised the expectations on the project.
Apart from Kannada and Tamil, the teaser of Telugu version Nagabharanam, was also released online and as expected even this is garnering good response amongst Tollywood fans. The movie will be simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil versions by end of the July/August.
Along with the fantastic VFX work from Makuta Team (which is behind big ticket projects like Bahubaali), Guru Kiran's background music in the teaser was also appreciated. The songs composed by Gurukiran will be released very soon in a grand event through Sony Music.
Jayantilal Gada is presenting the movie which is produced by Sohail Ansari and Dhaval Jayantilal Gada under Blockbuster Studios in association with Pen Movies and Inbox Pictures Pvt Ltd. HC Venu is the director of photography and Jo Ni Harsha is the editor.
Star cast of the movie includes Sahasa Simha Dr Vishnuvardhan created in VFX, Ramya, Diganth, Vivek Upadhyay, Rajesh, Mukul Dev, Sadhu Kokila and others. Dialogues are penned by MS Ramesh and lyrics by Nagendra Prasad and Kaviraj.
Siddique, the versatile actor has always been vocal about his bonding with Mammootty and Mohanlal. In a recent interview, Siddique revealed how Mohanlal inspired him to make a comeback into films.
The actor was going through an extreme difficult phase, after his first wife committed suicide. Both the film industry and media blamed Siddique for his wife's drastic step, to the much pain of the actor.
He was unable to concentrate on anything and started rejecting film offers. One day, late writer-director Lohithadas approached him for a special cameo appearance in his Mohanlal starrer Kanmadam.
Lohithadas convinced him to accept the offer after much persuasion and revealed that Mohanlal suggested him for the role. Siddique, who accepted the offer, reached the location in Mumbai for the shoot.
He travelled with Mohanlal to the location and at that time, the complete actor insisted him to concentrate on his career. Mohanlal also suggested him to think about a second marriage and start a family life all over again.
When Siddique told him that he can't bear a tragedy again, Mohanlal made him realise that everyone is dealing with their own issues. The actor stated that tragedies are not the end of life.
Mohanlal's words deeply influenced Siddique's mind and he decided to go for a fresh start in both his life and career. Now, he is both a successful actor and family man who leads a happy life with his wife and three kids.
Well, Mohanlal might not have had a Malayalam release since Kanal which released in October 2015, but he definitely is making the wait worth it.
According to the reports, Mohanlal's next two releases would be two Telugu films, which would be released in Tamil and Malayalam also.
The actor is all set to do something that he hasn't done so far. Mohanlal would be dubbing for himself in Telugu, for both the films Manamantha and Janatha Garage.
Interestingly, both the films would be having simultaneous Malayalam versions also. The Malayalam version of Manamantha has been titled as Vismayam.
The actor would also dub for the Tamil versions of both these films. So, Mohanlal would dub for all the three versions of the films, something very few actors in South Indian cinema have done.
Vismayam has been directed by Chandrasekhar Yeleti and it would feature Mohanlal in the role of an Assistant Manager of a super-market. The film also has actress Gautami in an important role. The film is expected to hit the theatres in July.
Janatha Garage directed by Koratala Siva has one more schedule to be completed and the film starring Jr NTR would hit the theatres in August.
Meanwhile, there hasn't been any official confirmation about Mohanlal's much awaited film Puli Murugan. Earlier, the film was expected to hit theatres on Eid, but had to push forward the dates due to various reasons.
A recent buzz had suggested that Suriya, who was last seen in the sci-fi time traveling thriller 24, might be roped into director Sundar's upcoming historical movie, which is tipped to be on the lines of Telugu film Magadheera.
Now, a source close to the project has confirmed that the Aadhavan actor is indeed in talks with the production house, and if everything goes well, he might be roped in to play the lead.
Speaking to Times of India, the source has said, "Discussions are on with Suriya, and we are sorting out the dates. We are also in talks with a top actress from Bollywood, but we haven't signed any of the actors."
There were reports that suggested the makers are interested to get Deepika Padukone on board. But a birdie close to the actress has denied it and has added, "Deepika is not in talks for any Tamil film. As of now, she is busy with other commitments."
According to the report from the leading daily, only the technicians have been finalised.
"As of now, we have only finalised the technicians. Kamala Kannan, who did the VFX for 'Baahubali', will be roped in for this film, too. Sundar sir is still working on the script, and will take some time for the official announcement," the source has added.
Meanwhile, Suriya is busy shooting for S3, the sequel to his superhit films Singam and Singam 2. Being directed by Hari, who had helmed the prequels, S3 will have Anushka and Shruti Haasan playing important roles.
While Harris Jayaraj has been roped in to compose tunes for the movie, Priyan and VT Vijayan have been brought on board to take care of the cinematography and editing, respectively. S3 is being bankrolled by KE Gnanavel Raja.
Also Read: Look Who Is Making Her Cinema Debut With Vijay Sethupathi's 'Dharma Durai'!
Indian auto parts manufacturer Samvardhana Motherson Autosystems Group BV (SMRPBV) completed its debut dollar bond overnight on Wednesday, with analysts speculating proceeds will fund a US M&A deal.
The Uttar Pradesh-based company has been expanding rapidly in recent years and wants to quadruple revenues by 2020 through a 50/50 mix of organic and inorganic growth.
This expansion is highly likely to be funded by increased borrowings given the documentation for SMRPBV's $300 million December 2021 deal (callable 2019) allows for "significant additional debt", in the words of S&P.
This factor and the company's less well-known brand name were two key reasons why its bond deal offered an attractive premium over nearest comparable Tata Motors.
However, syndicate bankers commented that, since Tata Motors does not provide a direct benchmark, investors' fair value estimates spanned a very wide 1%-5% range.
But pricing at par on a coupon of 4.815% appears to have been the sweet spot given the deal traded up to 100.375%/100.875% during Asian hours on Thursday.
The BB+ rated senior secured transaction had initially been marketed around the 5.25% level before indicative pricing was tightened in by 37.5bp. This led to a peak order book of $1.4 billion before dropping to $1.1 billion, with participation from 140 investors.
By geography, the Reg S deal was split 60% Asia and 40% Europe/Middle East. By investor type, 66% went to fund managers, 17% to banks, 16% to private banks and 1% to others.
"We spent a lot of time explaining their business and so did the company," one syndicate banker said. "We started at the 5.25% level since we knew we'd get critical mass there and most investors worked with us down to 4.875%, confident in the execution."
A second syndicate banker added, "At the end of the day most investors felt this deal needed to come at a premium to Tata Motors after factoring in the less well-known brand name, rating differentials and status within the capital structure.
"Tata Motors is also not a direct comparable because it is much more liquid and trading at technically tight levels."
Ba2/BB rated Tata's 4.625% April 2020 senior unsecured bonds were trading on a mid-price of 104.25% to yield 3.43% on Thursday. The secondary market trading levels of the group's bond complex suggests a one-year maturity extension would bring a new 2021 bond out around the 3.73% level.
This means that one notch higher rated SMRPBV has offered more than a 100bp premium.
The group also has two outstanding euro-denominated bonds, which were issued in 2014 and 2015. The new deal has priced through both on a like-for-like basis.
A 4.125% July 2021 bond (callable 2017) was trading on a yield-to-worst of 3.529% on Thursday, while a 3.7% June 2025 bond was at 5.392%.
One big factor in the deal's favour was its rarity value. There has been very little high-yield issuance from Asia recently and nothing from India in a year.
A number of equity analysts are also very bullish on the company, which is determined to break into the market share of global giants such as Johnson Systems.
In a recent report, ICICI Securities said it prefers its parent Mumbai-listed Motherson Sumi Systems above Tata Motors over the next year because it is continuing to win a lot of new orders and diversify its client base.
The group derives 85% of its revenues outside of India, particularly from Europe where it works for Audi (28%), Volkswagen (14%) and BMW (8%).
However, it is also setting up new factories in China and Mexico, which ICICI says are ramping up this quarter and should improve overall ebitda margins.
Revenues increased from $3.74 billion in the financial year to end March 2015 to $4.57 billion in the year to March 2016. By 2020, SMRPBV is targeting $20 billion.
Credit Suisse believes these may be impacted by potential headwinds affecting the global car industry, which is showing signs of sales peaking in both Europe and North America.
S&P said debt to Ebitda stood at 2.78 times at the end of March compared to 2.37 times one year ago, while free funds from operations to debt is at 24.17% compared to 28.29% a year ago.
Joint global co-ordinators for the bond deal were ANZ, DBS, Deutsche Bank and HSBC with Barclays and Standard Chartered as joint bookrunners.
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - Consumer prices in China were up 2.0 percent on year in May, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday. That was beneath forecasts for 2.3 percent, which would have been unchanged from the April reading. Food prices were up 5.9 percent on year. On a monthly basis, consumer prices slipped 0.5 percent after dipping 0.2 percent in April. The bureau also said that producer prices fell 2.8 percent on year versus expectations for a decline of 3.2 percent after sliding 3.4 percent in the previous month. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar weakened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday. The Australian dollar fell to nearly an 8-month low of 1.0498 against the NZ dollar, from an early high of 1.0634. The aussie dropped to 1.5263 against the euro and 0.7467 against the U.S. dollar, from an early more than a 5-week high of 1.5190 and a 5-week high of 0.7504, respectively. Against the yen and the Canadian dollar, the aussie edged down to 79.65 and 0.9476 from early 2-day highs of 80.27 and 0.9515, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.02 against the kiwi, 1.56 against the euro, 0.77 against the greenback, 83.00 against the yen and 0.97 against the loonie. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND--(Marketwired - June 08, 2016) - Innovative online broker Your Trade Choice is always seeking the next great investment opportunity. The respected currency exchange company has recently turned its attention to Mexico, a generally quiet and underappreciated market, as recent changes in China and Europe have significantly altered the economic landscape. Enjoying a strong trade partnership with the U.S., Mexico appears primed for growth and should continue to lure interest in its potential from areas such as production and exported goods. Couple these assets with ongoing national efforts to implement fiscal reforms and bolster infrastructure, and it becomes clear why Your Trade Choice welcomes Mexico's larger role on to the world's financial stage.
Mexico's economic gains are not a sudden, massive boom, but rather, a steady movement in a positive direction that began months ago. As of last January, Mexican industrial production had experienced its fastest development in four months, thanks to expansion in the construction sector; as a result its economy climbed .6 percent between December 15 th , 2015 and January 16 th , 2016 alone. This upturn represents an unadjusted increase of 2.3 percent when compared with reports from the same timeframe during the previous year -- a great sign of things to come from the world's 11th-highest GDP (when based on purchasing power parity [PPP]). Additionally, the declining trend in sagging European economies leaves a vacancy for Mexico to ascend into the world's GDP top ten.
The expectations for the entirety of 2016 are cautious but positive, charting projected growth at about the same rate as the U.S. Reasons for optimism are plentiful, especially concerning continued outside investment in Mexico. Predictions suggest that demand will rise for its national exports, particularly by the U.S. market. And while future landmark investments that could be considered transformative have yet to be confirmed, the precedent for a solid manufacturing industry already exists and continues an upward trajectory.
Though its GDP remains second only to Brazil in Latin America, many forecast that a full-scale influx of capital will likely take until the end of this decade, but Your Trade Choice has already been focused on what these changes mean for those with interest in the foreign currency exchange market. The Mexican peso, which is currently offered at a low price compared with other currencies, should be considered a prospective bargain that should regain value after the oil markets stabilize. Investments in the peso must be considered apart from other financial risks one might take in its sister nations of Latin America; Mexico is a unique country with a singular position as a North American trading partner of the U.S.
Your Trade Choice is a leading global expert in financial services. The New Zealand company specializes in Forex and CFD (Contracts For Difference) trading, and has used its expertise to develop a wide range of professional trading platforms for foreign exchange transactions around the world. Your Trade Choice is an entrusted investment partner, providing private and institutional clients with insightful guidance and unparalleled customer service experience.
Your Trade Choice -- Leading Provider of Forex & CFD Trading: http://yourtradechoicenews.com
Your Trade Choice -- Offers Unique Training Tools for Forex Trading: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trade-choice-offers-unique-training-032527181.html
Your Trade Choice -- Offers Advice for Beginner Forex Traders: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/your-trade-choice----offers-advice-for-beginner-forex-traders-2016-05-26-0160017
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ControlPROnline.com
TEL: 202.759.4575
www.ControlPROnline.com
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO--(Marketwired - June 08, 2016) - Financial expert and Director of Simple Trading Corporation Limited, Julio Cesar Diaz Witwicki believes that the foreign exchange market provides opportunities for investors, as it turns close to $4 trillion in investments daily. Starting out with forex trading can be very risky for the inexperienced investor, but with proper education, professional guidance, and a simple Internet connection, it has now become a viable option for novice individuals. All forex transactions occur over the counter (OTC) or from computer networks between traders around the world, and not from a central exchange, which is one of the reasons for its higher risk potential, but also for its greater accessibility over other types of investing.
According to the expertise of Julio Cesar Diaz Witwicki, the forex market can be strategically divided into two main categories: hedging and speculating. Hedging is a way for investors to protect against losses by trading currency pairs. By hedging against losses caused by the fluctuation in currencies, they can focus on generating revenues. Traders can also hedge their foreign currency exposures to gain as much as possible from their investments. Most investors, however, will be drawn to speculation strategies, which involve trading financial assets that often have higher risk. Speculation strategy is based on the future market value being higher or lower relative to another currency. Since currency trading depends on active fluctuations, there are a handful of currencies that speculators stick to.
While hedging and speculating deals with the relative value of currencies, Julio Cesar Diaz Witwicki outlines other popular types of currency trading strategies. Arbitrage trades, for example, are when an investor buys and sells the same security at slightly different prices, hoping to make a small, risk-free profit. To generate a substantial profit from these rare investments, however, investors need to trade in large quantities to make up for the small price differentials.
No matter the strategy, Julio Cesar Diaz Witwicki recommends that the investor first develops an understanding of the currencies and their tendencies for fluctuations to begin identifying patterns. Every day, there are many events around the world that create movement in the markets, and knowing the popular currency pairs will aid in understanding where other opportunities lie as well. The new investor must become fluent not just in the currencies, but also in the patterns and indicators on the daily chart, which is the primary tool that most strategies will be based on. Learning to interpret charts can take years, but there are beginning strategies that anyone can read within minutes when shown.
Leader within the technology and finance industries worldwide, Julio Cesar Diaz Witwicki is the Director of Simple Trading Corporation Limited, a leading market expert and pioneer in reliable trading. He is also the Manager and Private Advisor of Strelaline, a Mexican telemarketing company specializing in providing customer care and call center services. Outside of his busy schedule, Julio is involved in many philanthropic activities including actively volunteering at the DESEM Young Entrepreneurs organization and ONG "Manitos Unidas," a non-governmental organization that focuses on the promotion, aid, and development of the Third World countries.
Julio Cesar Diaz Witwicki -- Financial and Technology Expert: http://www.JulioCesarDiazWitwickiNews.com
Julio Cesar Diaz Witwicki -- Chilean Economy Exceeds Experts' Forecast: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/julio-cesar-diaz-witwicki-chilean-034658856.html
Julio Cesar Diaz Witwicki -- Praises Chile's Emphasis on Solar Power: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/julio-cesar-diaz-witwicki-praises-032337327.html
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DAVIS, CA and AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwired - June 09, 2016) -
News Highlights:
JupiterMesh is the robust, low-power industrial IoT wireless mesh network with flexible data rates that enables neighborhood and field area communications for utilities and municipalities deploying intelligent grid and smart city solutions. Announced at the June 2016 ZigBee Alliance members meeting, JupiterMesh is the world-wide trademarked brand for the communications solution.
The JupiterMesh technical profile specification is built on open IETF and IEEE standards and includes advanced technologies such as IPv6, frequency hopping, multi-band operation, authentication, encryption, and key management to drive industry realization of interoperable multi-vendor implementations that scale and are secure and easy to manage.
A successful JupiterMesh specification verification and interoperability event was held at Powertech Labs Inc. (a subsidiary of BC Hydro), with engaged participation from smart grid leaders; Itron, Landis+Gyr and Trilliant, embedded technology specialists; Exegin and Vencore Labs (a.k.a., Applied Communication Sciences (ACS)), and semiconductor vendors; Analog Devices, Atmel (a subsidiary of Microchip Technology) and Texas Instruments.
Announced today at the ZigBee Alliance members' meeting, JupiterMesh is the robust, low-power industrial IoT wireless mesh network with flexible data rates that enables neighborhood and field area communications for utilities and municipalities deploying intelligent grid and smart city solutions. JupiterMesh has been created within the proven stakeholder consensus standards development process of the ZigBee Alliance.
JupiterMesh provides a complete solution package, including:
Technical profile specification, detailing requirements from existing open standards for OSI Layers 1 through 4, including: IEEE 802.15.4e & IEEE 802.15.4g for Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layers (PHY) including CSMA or TSCH modes of operation to ensure optimum performance for different use cases; IETF network and application protocols such as; IPv6, 6LoWPAN, UDP, TCP, RPL, CoAP, and others with multicast feature to ensure Internet style machine-to-machine behavior over mesh networks; ETF security protocols such as; PANA, EAP-TLS and HIP-DEX for network access authentication and key distribution, and AES-128-CCM-based message authentication and encryption; Sub-1 Gigahertz and 2.4 GHz ISM bands as well as multiple modulation techniques (FSK, O-QPSK, OFDM) to ensure global regulatory compliance and acceptance.
Specification validation, compliance testing, interoperability verification, certification programs, and a global network of test houses.
Brand identity and commercial collateral for stakeholder promotion.
Since JupiterMesh defines Layers 1 through 4 of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, it provides a standard IPv6 interface layer capable of transporting existing metering communications protocols, such as IEC TC13's globally-deployed and highly interoperable DLMS/COSEM, ANSI C12, OpenADR, GOOSE, IEC 61850 and DNP3 as well as evolving solution-specific IP-based applications. JupiterMesh answers the industry's call to provide higher data rates for smart metering, lower latencies, bandwidth management for demanding smart grid applications, security, reliability for critical industry requirements, and support for battery-powered end-nodes.
"JupiterMesh provides the enhanced communications capabilities that enable new applications and use cases for electric, gas and water utilities and smart cities that are driving the Active Grid," said Ed Eckert, Itron's Director of Standards and ZigBee Alliance Board Director. "These include applications to improve grid and pipeline safety, efficiency, and reliability; to accommodate renewable and distributed generation integration; and to drive improvements in consumer-facing applications such as demand response, energy efficiency and conservation."
"JupiterMesh has been created by a really strong ecosystem of Smart Grid and Industrial IoT specialists and promises to deliver true multi-vendor interoperability in the market," said ZigBee Alliance President & CEO, Tobin Richardson. "JupiterMesh is also ready for the future evolutions such as deterministic networking and efficient spectrum sharing being worked on today in the IEEE and IETF."
The JupiterMesh development work is being delivered by ZigBee Alliance stakeholder member companies including; Analog Devices, ARM, Atmel (a subsidiary of Microchip Technology), Exegin, Itron, Kroger, Landis+Gyr, NXP, Renesas Electronics, Silicon Labs, Texas Instruments, Trilliant and Vencore Labs (a.k.a., Applied Communication Sciences (ACS)).
To learn more about the JupiterMesh solution, visit www.jupitermesh.org.
The ZigBee Alliance, an open, non-profit ecosystem of more than 400+ companies from 37 countries, is developing and promoting the world's leading IoT standards across a wide range of consumer, commercial and industrial monitoring and control applications. To join the ZigBee Alliance and help shape and accelerate the Internet of Things, get inspired here.
Contact:
Heather Chesterman for the ZigBee Alliance
Magnet PR Group
heather@magnetprgroup.com
+1-714-389-5588
SEATTLE (dpa-AFX) - Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) announced Thursday plans for a new technology development center in downtown Minneapolis that will create 100 full-time, technology-focused jobs. The company said the Minneapolis office will include multiple roles like software development engineers and managers who will be tasked with developing and innovating technology solutions that enhance Amazon's operations. Further, Amazon is donating $10,000 plus mentoring support to local nonprofit Code Savvy to fund its Technovation[MN] program. The program focuses on technology entrepreneurship led by girls that helps participants build problem-solving apps and create business plans. Amazon employees at the new office will also be offering mentoring support to Code Savvy. In Minnesota, Amazon currently has hundreds of employees and is in the process of hiring an additional 1,000 full-time employees for its new Shakopee, Minnesota, fulfillment center. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates and ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --31 October through 3 November 2016 is UAE eHealth Week. The 2016 UAE eHealth Week will highlight the best healthcare and wellness in support of the goal for the UAE to be the happiest country in the world. Returning to the two cities for the second year after a successful run in 2015, UAE eHealth Week will continue critical conversations surrounding healthcare, wellness and technologies.
"Healthcare and wellness is a major part of our everyday lives. Healthcare in the UAE touches everyone. HIMSS, together with the UAE government and hospital partners are bringing the very best of innovation to this 2016 event," announced Jeremy Bonfini, Executive Vice President, HIMSS International.
UAE eHealth Week will kick-off in Dubai on 31 October and 1 November at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center located in Dubai Healthcare City. UAE eHealth Week will feature topics that will transform the face of UAE healthcare including:
Genomics and Personalized Medicine
Pathology Informatics and Project Management
Innovations in the Hospital
Business Intelligence and Outcomes-Driven Decision Making
Mobility and Connected Health
For the first time ever, the Genomics Middle East (GenoME) Conference will come to the UAE on 31 October after its successful launch in Saudi Arabia this May. GenoME seeks to empower patients and doctors with extremely powerful genetic information that now can be more affordably unlocked.
Wearable Technologies that enable patients to monitor their health will also be the showcased through the second WATCH society conference on 1 November in Dubai, held in conjunction with the UAE eHealth Week. Wearable technologies will support wellness in the UAE, enable medical research breakthroughs and give hospitals new insights into patient lifestyles.
On 2 and 3 November, UAE eHealth Week moves to Abu Dhabi where the newly opened Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will host the event. Cleveland Clinic will showcase its facility and accomplishments in HIT adoption through hands-on visits.
Early bird registration and calls for submissions are now open.
Visit www.uaeehealthweek.org for more information.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- PetroMaroc Corporation plc (TSX VENTURE: PMA) (the "Company" or "PetroMaroc") is pleased to announce that following receipt of the TSX Venture Exchange approval, it has completed a secured, non-convertible debenture financing (the "Financing") of Cdn $0.39 million (the "Debentures"). The Debentures mature on September 30, 2016 (the "Maturity Date") and bears interest at a rate of 15% per annum, calculated and payable in arrears, in cash, on the Maturity Date (please see the Company's press release dated June 1, 2016, which is available under PetroMaroc's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, for details of the Financing). No warrants have been issued, and no commission and/or finders' fee have been paid in connection with the Financing. The Debentures are subject to a four-month hold period under Canadian securities laws from the date of issuance.
About PetroMaroc
PetroMaroc is an independent oil and gas company focused on its significant land position in Morocco. The Company has a 50 percent operated interest in the Sidi Moktar licence area covering 2,683 square kilometres, which interest is subject to a sale and purchase agreement with Sound Energy plc dated 8 March 2016. PetroMaroc is working closely with Morocco's National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) as a committed long-term partner to unlock the hydrocarbon potential of the region. Morocco offers a politically stable environment to work within and has favourable fiscal terms to energy producers. PetroMaroc is a public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "PMA".
Additional information about the Company can be found at www.petromaroc.co and under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of PetroMaroc in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.
Contacts:
PetroMaroc Corporation plc
Martin Arch
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
+44 (0) 20 3137 7756
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY US PERSON OR NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS.
9 June 2016
NB PRIVATE EQUITY PARTNERS LIMITED REGISTERED NUMBER 47214 (the 'Company')
Annual General Meeting
Date of Annual General Meeting
The Company will hold its Annual General Meeting at 1.45pm (London time) on 4th August 2016 at Lefebvre Place, Lefebvre Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey for the transaction of the following business, all proposed as ordinary resolutions for the purposes of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) (the 'Companies Law').
Ordinary Business - To be proposed as Ordinary Resolutions
1. To receive and adopt the Audited Financial Statements, the Directors' report, and the Auditors' report for the year ended 31st December 2015.
2. To approve the Directors' remuneration for the year ended 31st December 2015.
3. To appoint John Falla as a Director of the Company, retiring in accordance with Article 26.2 of the Company's Articles of Incorporation.
4. To re-appoint Peter von Lehe as a Director of the Company, retiring in accordance with Article 26.2 of the Company's Articles of Incorporation.
5. To re-appoint KPMG Channel Islands Limited, who have indicated their willingness to continue in office, as Auditors of the Company and to hold office until the next Annual General Meeting.
6. To authorise the Directors to determine KPMG Channel Islands Limited's remuneration.
Special Business - To be proposed as Ordinary Resolutions
7. THAT the Company be authorised in accordance with section 315 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (the 'Companies Law'), to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 316 of the Companies Law) of its own Class A Shares, provided that:
a. the maximum number of Class A Shares authorised to be purchased shall be 7,313,705 Class A shares (being 14.99 per cent. of the Class A Shares in issue (excluding Class A Shares held in treasury) as at the date of this Notice of AGM);
b. the minimum price which may be paid for a Class A Share is US$0.01;
c. the maximum price which may be paid for a Class A Share is an amount equal to the higher of (a) 5 per cent. above the average market value of the Class A Shares on the regulated market where the repurchase is carried out for the five business days before the purchase is made and (b) the higher of (i) the price of the last independent trade and (ii) the highest current independent bid price, in each case on the regulated market where the purchase is carried out;
d. such authority shall expire at the annual general meeting of the Company in 2017 unless such authority is varied, revoked or renewed prior to such date by an ordinary resolution of the Company; and
e. the Company may make a contract to purchase Class A Shares under such authority prior to its expiry which will or may be executed wholly or partly after its expiration and the Company may make a purchase of Shares pursuant to any such contract.
8. THAT the Company be and is hereby authorised, in accordance with and to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, to hold any Class A Shares purchased by it as treasury shares provided that the aggregate number of Class A Shares held as treasury shares shall not at any time exceed 10 per cent of the total number of Class A Shares in issue at that time AND THAT the Company be and is hereby authorised to cancel any Class A Shares purchased by it as treasury shares.
9. To extend the power of the Board to issue Shares, under Article 4.12 of the Articles of Incorporation, for a further five years.
Rights of Shareholders to Receive Notice Pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, only Class B Ordinary shareholders are entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting.
Rights of Shareholders to Attend Pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, only Class B Ordinary shareholders are entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting.
Total Shares and Voting Rights As at the date of this information, the Company has issued share capital of:-
51,940,972 Class A Ordinary shares (3,150,408 of which are held by the Company in treasury); 10,000 Class B Ordinary shares; and 32,999,999 Zero Dividend Preference Shares.
Pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, only Class B Ordinary shareholders are entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting.
For further information, please contact:
NBPE Investor Relations +1 214 647 9593
Neustria Partners +44 20 3021 2580 Nick Henderson Nick.Henderson@neustriapartners.com Robert Bailhache Robert.Bailhache@neustriapartners.com Charles Gorman Charles.Gorman@neustriapartners.com
Heritage International Fund Managers Limited Sonja Woods (Company Secretary) +44 1481 71600
ABOUT NB PRIVATE EQUITY PARTNERS LIMITED NBPE is a closed-end private equity investment company with class A ordinary shares admitted to trading on Euronext Amsterdam and the Specialist Fund Market of the London Stock Exchange. NBPE has ZDP shares admitted to trading on the Specialist Fund Market of the London Stock Exchange and the Daily Official List of The Channel Islands Securities Exchange Authority Limited. NBPE holds a diversified portfolio of direct income investments, direct equity investments and fund investments selected by the NB Alternatives group of Neuberger Berman, diversified across private equity asset class, geography, industry, vintage year, and sponsor.
ABOUT NEUBERGER BERMAN Neuberger Berman, founded in 1939, is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages equities, fixed income, private equity and hedge fund portfolios for institutions and advisors worldwide. With offices in 19 countries, Neuberger Berman's team is more than 2,100 professionals and the company was named by Pensions & Investments as a 2013, 2014 and 2015 Best Place to Work in Money Management. Tenured, stable and long-term in focus, the firm fosters an investment culture of fundamental research and independent thinking. It manages $243 billion in client assets as of 31 March 2016. For more information, please visit the Investment Manager's website at www.nb.com.
This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security. NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and the States of Guernsey Policy Council. NBPE is registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets as a collective investment scheme which may offer participations in The Netherlands pursuant to article 2:66 of the Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financial toezicht). All investments are subject to risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE's investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains 'forward-looking statements.' Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.
The Company has not been and will not be registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 'Investment Company Act'). The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (the 'Securities Act'), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered, sold, resold, pledged, delivered, distributed or transferred, directly or indirectly, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in a manner which would not require the Company to register under the Investment Company Act. No public offering of the securities of the Company has been or will be made in the United States.
Notice of AGM: http://hugin.info/137843/R/2019037/749484.pdf
This announcement is distributed by GlobeNewswire on behalf of GlobeNewswire clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: NB Private Equity Partners Limited via GlobeNewswire [HUG#2019037]
A0MXLBB28ZZX8R1021
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 --HPE Discover -- Workspot (workspot.com), a leader in next generation Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), announced today with HPE the availability of the HPE Reference Configuration for Workspot VDI on HPE Hyper Converged 380.
The Workspot solution redefines client virtualization (VDI) and enables IT to go from zero to client virtualization in 60 minutes. Built on a foundation of next generation technologies, Workspot is transforming the hybrid infrastructure. HPE's new Hyper Converged 380 (HC 380) solution offers a highly available server and storage infrastructure that is deployable in 15 minutes. Like the HPE HC 380, Workspot's unique cloud native architecture allows IT to deploy client virtualization in 60 minutes. Together, this solution becomes the ideal platform for customers looking for the rapid deployment and expansion of client virtualization desktops.
The HPE Reference Configuration for Workspot VDI on HPE HC 380 is available now and details the validated solution. The secret behind Workspot's speed is its cloud native, control plane architecture. By separating the control and data planes, Workspot simplifies client virtualization deployments by replacing the complex mash of operational front end of load balancing, brokering, databases, web portal, and provisioning services with a cloud service. By eliminating those components, Workspot VDI deploys in 60 minutes on the HPE HC 380, requiring only IT generalists, not client virtualization specialists, and less IT resources overall.
"The HPE HC 380 and Workspot VDI solution enables IT to get client virtualization up and running quickly and simply. IT can set up the HPE HC 380 to transform infrastructure in under 15 minutes. In another 60 minutes, IT can deliver Workspot's VDI on the HPE HC 380. This is a revolution of simplicity for IT, and simplicity reduces cost," states Amitabh Sinha, CEO and Co-founder of Workspot.
"HPE hyper converged infrastructure delivers unparalleled platform simplicity, ease of use and performance to customers," said Michael Tan, director, Product Management, HPE. "Workspot extends our platform value further by reducing the complexity and operational cost of end user computing through its innovative cloud-based management."
By simplifying operations, Workspot is lowering IT costs and gaining rapid time-to-value.
For more information about Workspot, please visit us at HPE Discover at booth #611 and www.workspot.com/HPE.
About Workspot
Workspot, the leading cloud-based provider of VDI 2.0, is the fastest and simplest solution for enterprise mobility and remote access. In 60 minutes, Workspot solves the corporate challenge of securely delivering apps, desktops and data to any device with a single frictionless user experience across mobile, Mac and PC platforms. Workspot connects users to all apps and data leveraging existing investments in the datacenter and without migrating data to the cloud. Based in Cupertino, California, Workspot is recognized by Gartner as a "Cool Vendor" in endpoint computing.
Media Contact
Jessica Hasson
PulpPR for Workspot
jessica@pulppr.com
Gene Kim to Host DevOps 'Luminaries Night' Reception During Conference
PORTLAND, Oregon, June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --IT Revolution (http://itrevolution.com), the industry leader for advancing DevOps, today announced it will be offering the first look of its soon-to-be-released "DevOps Handbook" as a special bonus to all attendees at DevOps Enterprise Summit London 2016 (http://events.itrevolution.com/eu/). As the premier industry conference for leaders of large, complex organizations implementing DevOps in the UK and Continental Europe, DevOps Enterprise Summit (DOES16) London is expected to sell out and is scheduled for June 30-July 1 at the Hilton London Metropole. Tickets for the conference are going quickly, but are still available at: (http://bit.ly/doesldnreg).
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160322/346968LOGO
Following in the footsteps of the popular book, "The Phoenix Project," this fall, Gene Kim, Jez Humble, Patrick Debois and John Willis will release "The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-class Agility, Reliability, and Security in Technology Organizations." The book is designed to be a prescriptive guide, describing the technical practices, cultural norms and architecture required to replicate the amazing transformation that Bill Palmer and team performed at Parts Unlimited in "The Phoenix Project." Co-authors Gene Kim, Patrick Debois and John Willis will be in attendance at the conference, and IT Revolution will host a signing in its booth at the event.
"We are excited to offer the first look of the upcoming "DevOps Handbook" for the attendees of DOES16 London," said Kim. "Registrants of the conference will be the first to own a preview copy before its official release later this fall. It promises to reinforce all the great real-world examples of DevOps in action that registrants will see during our upcoming two-day Summit."
In addition, on Thursday, June 30, IT Revolution will host a "Luminaries Night" during the conference's evening reception. "We're assembling some of the people that the industry admires most who have helped shape the DevOps movement since the very beginning," Kim said. In addition to the outstanding conference speakers, Dominica DeGrandis, Patrick Debois, Damon Edwards, Simon Morris, Dan North, James Smith, Steven Thair, John Willis and more will be available to meet and speak with attendees. The event will take place in the Monarch Suite of the Hilton London Metropole Hotel from 5 to 7 p.m. BST.
IT Revolution also is hosting a chance to win a one-hour "Ask Me Anything" session with Gene Kim during DOES16 London. Attendees can spend the hour asking any questions they wish, such as, "Where did the stories from The Phoenix Project come from?" or "If there was one thing you could change about DevOps, what would it be and why?"
IT Revolution and Premier Sponsor HPE Software are excited to present the inaugural DOES16 London event, a conference for the leaders of large, complex organizations implementing DevOps principles and practices. The goal is to give leaders the tools and practices they need to develop and deploy software faster and to win in the marketplace. The full program is available online and can be found here: (http://bit.ly/doesldnagenda).
Join the DOES16 Conversation
Interested in joining DevOps Enterprise speakers for an online social media chat? DOES16 organizers will be hosting a CrowdChat on Thursday, June 9 at 11am EDT / 4pm BST. To join the conversation, please visit: (https://www.crowdchat.net/chat/c3BvdF9vYmpfMjE0Nw).
For more information about DOES16 London, please visit: (http://events.itrevolution.com/eu/).
Share This: Only 3 Weeks Away from DOES16 London! Register now to get a preview copy of DevOps Handbook: http://bit.ly/doesldnreg @DOESsummitEU IT
About IT Revolution
IT Revolution assembles technology leaders and practitioners through publishing, events, and research. Our goal is to elevate the state of technology work, quantify the economic and human costs associated with suboptimal IT performance, and to improve the lives of one million IT professionals by 2017.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2016) - International Lithium Corp. (TSXV: ILC) (the "Company" or "ILC") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the drill programme announced on 11 April 2016 at the Avalonia Lithium Project located in Counties Carlow and Wicklow, Republic of Ireland.
Highlights of the drilling include the discovery of a new pegmatite body in the Aclare area. Three drill holes intersected the previously unknown pegmatite phase 450 metres east of the main Aclare pegmatites. This new pegmatite is hosted in a granite sill parallel and adjacent to the granite sill hosting the main Aclare pegmatites where drill hole ACL13-04 intersected 2.23% Li2O over a drill width of 23.3 metres, including 3.43% Li2O over 6 metres (Company news release dated June 25, 2013). All widths reported are drill widths and have not been converted into true widths. The discovery proves the lateral extent of the lithium pegmatite occurrences is greater than previously known, consequently opening more ground for potential discoveries.
Spodumene bearing pegmatite boulders were discovered in field walls between the new pegmatite and the Aclare mineralization. These boulders contain spodumene crystals that are greater than 40 centimetres in length and some of the largest identified on the property to date.
About the Drill Program
A total of 23 diamond drill holes comprising 1,756 metres of NQ sized core were completed in the central part of the Avalonia Project's lithium belt and entirely within County Carlow. Of these, 10 holes focussed on further delineating pegmatites in the Aclare area. Down-dip extension and infill drilling was used to delineate the distribution of lithium and rare metals in the system and identify thickening vectors of the pegmatite body.
Four of the delineation drill holes tested a geophysical feature interpreted to be the granite-schist contact to the immediate northeast of the Aclare pegmatites. In the Aclare area, proximity to the hanging wall contact of granite sills is considered highly prospective for hosting lithium-bearing pegmatites. These four holes demonstrate that magnetic surveys can trace these granite sill contacts within the schist.
Core samples have been cut and collected for all pegmatite intersections and prospective units, which amounted to 15% of the total core recovered. Samples have now been shipped to the Bureau Veritas laboratory in Krakow, Poland for processing. All analytical results are pending.
Planned Work
Additional work is planned for later this summer in the Moylisha area where the Company previously reported 1.50% Li2O over 5.6 metres in drill hole MOY13-02 (news release dated June 25, 2013). The work will include trenching to develop drill targets in this area where there are extensive boulder trains of spodumene bearing pegmatite and some grab samples returned assays as high as 4.59%, 3.45%, and 3.27% Li2O (Company news release dated January 31, 2012). These boulders have not yet been traced back to source. Grab samples are by definition selective and may not represent average grades on the property. Pending analytical results further drilling may be planned to target potential sources of the newly enhanced boulder train at Aclare.
Gary Schellenberg, CEO, International Lithium Corp. comments, "This programme was successful in both delineating further mineralization at one of the project's main lithium pegmatites, and testing earlier stage targets we have advanced along the belt. Developing the pegmatite at Aclare is a high priority, but we also firmly believe in the potential for significant undiscovered pegmatites along the entire 30-kilometre belt. We are particularly looking forward to returning to explore the extensive pegmatite boulder trains at Moylisha"
John Harrop, P.Geo, FGS, is a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 and has supervised the preparation of technical information contained in this press release.
About International Lithium Corp.
International Lithium Corp. is an exploration company with an outstanding portfolio of projects, strong management ownership, robust financial support and a strategic partner and keystone investor Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., a leading China based lithium product manufacturer.
The Company's primary focus is the Mariana lithium-potash brine project, a joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. within the renowned South American "Lithium Belt" that is the host to the vast majority of global lithium resources, reserves and production. The 221 square kilometre Mariana project strategically encompasses an entire mineral rich evaporate basin that ranks as one of the more prospective salars or 'salt lakes" in the region.
Complementing the Company's lithium brine project are rare metals pegmatite properties in Canada known as the Mavis, Raleigh, and Forgan projects and one in Ireland (Avalonia project). The Avalonia project is under option to strategic partner Ganfeng Lithium and the Mavis project with strategic partner Pioneer Resources Limited (PIO:ASX). The Mavis, Raleigh and Forgan projects together form the basis of the Company's newly created Upper Canada Lithium Pool designated to focus on acquiring numerous prospects with previously reported high concentrations of lithium in close proximity to existing infrastructure.
With the increasing demand for high tech rechargeable batteries used in vehicle propulsion technologies and portable electronics, lithium is paramount to tomorrow's "green-tech" economy. By positioning itself with solid development partners and acquiring high quality grass roots projects at an early stage of exploration, ILC aims to be the green tech resource explorer of choice for investors and build value for its shareholders.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Kirill Klip
President, International Lithium Corp.
For further information regarding this news release contact Caroline Klukowski (Corporate Communications) at 604.687.7551 or view the website at www.internationallithium.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, historical estimates should not be relied upon, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements. News release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
CALGARY, AB --(Marketwired - June 09, 2016) - Australia is the world's most attractive region for mining investment, according to an annual global survey of mining executives released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian policy think-tank.
"Despite a global downturn of commodity prices, governments worldwide can offer competitive, transparent, and stable mining policies to encourage exploration and investment," said Kenneth Green, Fraser Institute senior director of energy and natural resources and director of the Fraser Institute Survey of Mining Companies, 2015.
The annual survey rates 109 jurisdictions around the world based on geologic attractiveness and the extent government policies encourage or deter exploration and investment.
Western Australia ranks as the number one jurisdiction in the world for mining investment. In addition to being blessed with an abundance of mineral potential, miners give the jurisdiction's government credit for having transparent mining policies, a strong legal system, clear regulations and skilled labour force.
In total, three Australian jurisdictions finished in the top 10 worldwide: Western Australia (1), Northern Territory (7) and South Australia (10).
Canada and the United States also fare prominently in this year's survey. Saskatchewan is the top-ranked Canadian province -- second overall -- while Nevada is the top U.S. state placing third. Five out of the top 10 worldwide jurisdictions are, in fact, in North America.
Two European jurisdictions complete the top 10 list -- Ireland (4) and Finland (5).
"Europe's median investment attractiveness score experienced a notable increase. As in previous years, a number of European countries continue to be praised for their attractive policy environments, which include clear licensing policies and efficient permitting processes," said Taylor Jackson, Fraser Institute policy analyst.
Chile, ranks 11 th overall, remains the most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin while Honduras (107 th ) and Venezuela (108 th ) continue to be among the least attractive jurisdictions in the world for investment.
The African continent, as a whole, continues to better its performance since 2012, buoyed by Burkina Faso (29 th ). As a region, Africa now ranks ahead of Oceania, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and Argentina for its investment attractiveness.
Worldwide investment attractiveness rankings (Top 10):
1. Western Australia
2. Saskatchewan
3. Nevada
4. Ireland
5. Finland
6. Alaska
7. Northern Territory
8. Quebec
9. Utah
10. South Australia
Worldwide investment attractiveness rankings (Bottom 10):
109. La Rioja
108. Venezuela
107. Honduras
106. Greece
105. Solomon Islands
104. Chubut
103. Guinea (Conakry)
102. Kenya
101. Mendoza
100. Rio Negro
Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook
The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institute's independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dr. Kenneth P. Green
Senior Director, Natural Resource Studies
Fraser Institute
Tel: 403-216-7175 x426
E-mail: ken.green@fraserinstitute.org
OXFORD, England, June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
elocube puts on site generation of disinfectants in commercial kitchens
Ozo Innovations (Ozo) launches the elocube to enable commercial kitchens and food processing companies to generate a powerful disinfectant onsite. The elocube uses patented technology to transform food grade salt and water into a powerful solution that removes fat and kills the pathogens associated with food poisoning. The elocube allows new cleaning approaches which do not rely on hot water and caustic chemicals.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160609/377450 )
Tests undertaken by a leading UK food industry organisation show that the elocube's solution is a very effective disinfectant and cleaner which is also non-tainting to food. The potent, pH neutral, solution removes fat deposited on grease traps and cooking utensils at room temperature.
A series of independent laboratory tests to determine the disinfection efficacy showed that the elocube solution killed 99.99% of Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli and inactivated the winter vomiting virus (norovirus). The disinfectant is effective in both clean and dirty test conditions. With elocube, restaurants can have confidence in their cleaning and disinfection processes.
In trials, Ozo's customers have demonstrated that its products deliver:
Simple, robust disinfection and cleaning throughout the kitchen and food processing environment to comply with stringent food hygiene standards
Compelling, food industry appropriate, disinfection of hard surfaces in food service environments
Effective decontamination of drains - known to be a reservoir for Listeria monocytogenes - in food processing sites
- in food processing sites Removal of grease in busy restaurants without using caustic chemicals
"Achieving the highest standards of hygiene and food safety is business critical for our customers. The newly launched elocube offers a simple, efficient and safe way to maintain hygienic and clean food preparation environments every single day," said Rowan Gardner, CEO of Ozo Innovations Ltd.
About Ozo Innovations
Ozo develops and markets products based on electrolysed water and gaseous ozone for effective cleaning, disinfection, crop protection and food safety. The company works with leading food processors and scientists to prove the efficacy and efficiency of their electrolysed water products. Ozo has been supported by a number of Innovate UK grants that have co-funded the initial development of its intellectual property.
Ozo is Article 95 listed for the provision of the relevant active substance under the EU Biocide Product Regulations (BPR).
ozoinnovations.com
For more information please contact:
Rowan Gardner, CEO, Ozo Innovations Ltd
Telephone: +44(0)1865-891012
Email: rowan@ozoinnovations.com
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Latvia's foreign trade deficit decreased further in April from a year ago, as imports fell faster than exports, figures from the Central Statistical Bureau showed Thursday. The trade deficit narrowed to EUR 164.0 million in April from EUR 184.8 million in the corresponding month last year. It was also below March's shortfall of EUR 192.0 million. Exports fell 7.0 percent year-over-year in April and imports slipped by 7.7 percent. On a monthly basis, exports edged up 0.04 percent in April, while imports dropped by 2.7 percent. The country's main export partners during April were Lithuania, Estonia, Germany and Poland. Imports also largely came from Lithuania, Poland, Germany and Estonia. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
From 24th to 27th May 2016, yourtyres.co.uk took part in the REIFEN trade fair in Essen, presenting the entire range of Delticom B2B Services for a sustainable tyre retail business.
The trade fair appearance proved extremely positive: we enjoyed hundreds of interesting and constructive discussions with international clients and media representatives.
From 24th to 27th May 2016, Delticom's exclusive online shop for car workshops, tyre retailers and wholesalers Yourtyres.co.uk presented all the services, tools and benefits of Delticom B2B Services at the REIFEN trade fair in Essen. For four days, twelve experts from the entire Delticom B2B area from the Head of Retail and experts on the installation partner concept to the Sales Manager of motorbike tyres and the Service Team Leader informed customers, potential customers and members of the international press about the performance and service module for vehicle companies and tyre retailers. Countless trade visitors learnthow the concept of trading partners can make the tyre business sustainable, as well as improving profits and reaching new customer groups. Yourtyres.co.uk provided information on the flexible trading system based on partnership and the strategic added value that workshops and dealers can gain from the Delticom B2B Service module without having to sacrifice their independence.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160609005614/en/
Twelve experts from the entire Delticom B2B area took part in the REIFEN trade fair in Essen (Photo: Business Wire)
"I'm happy how we were able to transmit our sales approach, "tyre trade with a system", to trade visitors in Essen, especially dealers and workshops", summarised Andreas Faulstich, Head of B2B at Delticom AG. "The Delticom e-commerce concept and our B2B and B2C shops enable us to bring dealers and customers together with great success we show how wonderfully online and offline trade can grow together and we've been doing it for over 15 years." During the fair, staff held several hundred interesting and constructive discussions with international customers and media representatives from all over the world.
New sales support concepts for tyre dealers and workshops
Yourtyres.co.uk showed trade fair visitors the new sales support concepts to be launched in Germany and later rolled out across Europe. These include the "Delti Wheel Storage" switching platform, the mobile tyre service and the new installation partner platform www.deltipartners.com. The latter offers installation partners, among other things, the ability to agree fixed dates with customers from Delticom's B2C online shops such as www.mytyres.co.uk via an online appointment calendar this facilitates keeping the appointments and saves time and effort for both the workshop and end customers. Both the use of thewww.deltipartners.com installation partner platform and the online appointment calendar is free of charge, there is no contractual obligation.
Michael Naujokat, a partner from Reifen-Technics in Hanover, reported on his experience with the mobile tyre service as a trade customer of yourtyres.co.uk and provider of the mobile tyre service in collaboration with Delticom B2B: "Every day, I find the same thing: there is a strong demand for mobile tyre fitting, it's an attractive offer. As a mobile tyre service partner of yourtyres.co.uk, you become part of a top team. I benefit from the strong sales structure of all the Delticom online shops, their know-how and their expertise in logistics. I particularly appreciate the transparent, reliable collaboration of the partnership approach. Well-organised, punctual support gives me flexibility and facilitates my day-to-day business."
In addition to explaining the classic benefits of online shopping in wholesale shop Yourtyres.co.uk, the Delticom B2B specialists were also available to answer questions: no extra charges and no contractual obligation, great flexibility and access to an extensive range of tyres for practically every type of vehicle, car accessories, spare parts and TPMS-ready complete wheels and rims. For wholesalers with retail businesses, tailored packages offer attractive conditions. At the fair, prospective customers were also able to ask the Delticom B2B experts about computerised product data transmission.
"We are delighted with our presence at REIFEN 2016 and the many discussions we enjoyed. Both the fair and our "DELTI COMe together" provided us with the ideal platform to present our Delticom B2B Services to an interested industry audience", stated Susann Dorsel-Muller, member of the Delticom AG Board."At the fair we were once again able to demonstrate Yourtyre.co.uk's commitment to build collaborative partnerships with our dealers. In a changing market environment, we want to develop and grow sustainable models together. Our expectations were fully met and we are delighted that Delticom B2B Services received such a warm welcome our trade fair experience has been an all-round positive one."
Delticom B2B Services complete info at a glance:
If you missed it, you can get a quick glimpse of Yourtyres.co.uk at REIFEN 2016 in the following video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bih_z_vbcls
For more information on how Delticom B2B Services enables a sustainable tyre business for car workshops and tyre retailers, go to the website shown below (initially in English):
www.autoreifenonline.de/delticom-b2b-services-english.html
About Yourtyres.co.uk
Yourtyres.co.uk is the exclusive British online store from Delticom AG for workshops, retailers, wholesalers, tyre fitters/service stations and car accessories. With over 15 years' expertise in the online tyre business, the www.yourtyres.co.uk specialist B2B team offers its clients a spectacular range of car and motorbike tyres of all brands and dimensions for all types of vehicles, tyres for light trucks, trucks and buses, custom tyres, complete wheel sets, car spare parts and accessories, engine oil and batteries. In addition to favourable purchasing conditions, retail clients benefit from the online shop's time-saving tyre search function, high availability, reliable delivery thanks to in-house warehouses, as well as a simple registration process with no hidden costs from the very first tyre.
Information on Delticom B2B Services (in English): www.autoreifenonline.de/delticom-b2b-services-english.html
Online shops for dealers and workshops in the UK: www.yourtyres.co.ukand 26 further countries like www.probanden.nl (NL), www.probanden.be (BE), www.rengas123.com (FI), www.dinedekk.com (NO), www.dinedaek.dk (DK), www.autoreifenonline.de (DE), www.autoreifenonline.at (AT) and www.autoreifenonline.ch (CH)
Information about the company: www.delti.com
Tyre tests: www.tyretest.com
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160609005614/en/
Contacts:
insignis Agentur fur
Kommunikation GmbH (GPRA)
Henning Jahns
Tel.: +49-511-132214-14
Fax: +49-511-132214-99
delticom@insignis.de
or
Delticom AG
Anne Lena Peters
Tel.: +49-511-93634-8909
Fax: +49-511-93634-8301
anne.lena.peters@delti.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Actinium Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ATNM) announced its presence at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging or SNMMI Annual Meeting that is being held June 11 - 15, 2016 in San Diego, California. Representatives from Actinium's executive management team will be on hand to conduct meetings with nuclear medicine physicians and company representatives attending the SNMMI Annual Meeting. In addition, the company will be hosting an educational event on Monday, June 13, 2016 focused on Iomab-B, which will soon begin the pivotal Phase 3 SIERRA trial in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are over the age of 55 prior to a bone marrow transplant (BMT), and alpha particle radioimmunotherapy, which is the basis of Actinium's Actimab-A therapy that is being studied in a Phase 1/2 trial in patients newly diagnosed with AML who are over the age of 60. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE:I), operator of the world's first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, today announced that its subsidiary, Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A. ("Intelsat Jackson") has extended the Expiration Date and Withdrawal Deadline for its previously announced tender offers (the "Tender Offers") to purchase its 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2022 (CUSIP No. 45824TAM7) (the "2022 Notes"), 5% Senior Notes due 2023 (CUSIP No. 45824TAP0) (the "2023 Notes") and 7% Senior Notes due 2021 (CUSIP No. 45824TAG0) (the "2021 Notes" and, together with the 2022 Notes and the 2023 Notes, the "Securities") for up to $625,000,000 in aggregate cash consideration (excluding accrued and unpaid interest on the Securities and excluding fees and expenses related to the Tender Offers). Intelsat Jackson further announced that the Early Tender Date with respect to the Tender Offers will be the Expiration Date, as extended, and that, accordingly, all Securities tendered in the Tender Offers by the Expiration Date and accepted for payment will receive the Total Consideration, which includes the Early Tender Premium (each as defined in the amended and restated Offer to Purchase dated as of May 17, 2016 (the "Offer to Purchase")). Intelsat Jackson's obligation to accept and pay for Securities in the Tender Offers remains subject to satisfaction or waiver of the Financing Condition (as defined below) and the other general conditions described in the Offer to Purchase.
As of 5:00 PM on June 8, 2016, the Tender Offers were over-subscribed with approximately $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of the Securities (constituting approximately 51.2% of the currently outstanding the Securities) tendered.
Intelsat Jackson commenced the Tender Offers on May 12, 2016. The new Expiration Date, which also will be the date by which tenders must be received for holders to receive the applicable Early Tender Premium, and Withdrawal Deadline will be 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on June 22, 2016, unless extended or earlier terminated by Intelsat Jackson, for each series of Securities. Accordingly, all Securities tendered by the Expiration Date, including those tendered prior to today's extension of the Early Tender Date and not withdrawn, will be eligible to receive the Total Consideration (which includes the Early Tender Premium). All other terms and conditions of the Tender Offers, as previously announced and described in the Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal, remain unchanged.
The following table sets forth certain key dates of the Tender Offers, as extended. Further information may be found in the Tender Offer Materials (as defined below):
Key Date Calendar Date Launch Date May 12, 2016 Expiration Date, Early Tender Date and Withdrawal Deadline 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on June 22, 2016, unless extended or earlier terminated by Intelsat Jackson. Final Settlement Date The Final Settlement Date is currently expected to be June 23, 2016.
The Tender Offers are being conducted pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, the accompanying amended and restated Letter of Transmittal, the press release dated June 1, 2016, this press release and Intelsat S.A.'s or Intelsat Jackson's other press releases used in the Tender Offers (collectively, the "Tender Offer Materials"). Intelsat Jackson's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, Securities validly tendered pursuant to the Tender Offers is subject to, and conditioned upon, having obtained debt financing (the "New Debt Financing") in a minimum aggregate principal amount that will generate sufficient proceeds, in addition to cash on hand, to purchase the tendered Securities, including payment of the Total Consideration and any fees payable in connection with the Tender Offers, subsequent to the date hereof and on or prior to the Final Settlement Date, on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to Intelsat Jackson (the "Financing Condition"). Intelsat Jackson's current intention is to satisfy the Financing Condition by issuing long-term senior secured debt securities but, subject to market conditions and at Intelsat Jackson's sole discretion, Intelsat Jackson may elect to enter into alternative debt financing. There can be no assurance any such New Debt Financing will be available, and thus no assurance that the Financing Condition will be satisfied.
As of 5:00 PM on June 8, 2016, approximately $581,593,000 aggregate principal amount of 2022 Notes (constituting approximately 71.3% of the currently outstanding 2022 Notes), approximately $1,173,769,000 aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes (constituting approximately 58.7% of the currently outstanding 2023 Notes), and approximately $275,283,000 aggregate principal amount of 2021 Notes (constituting approximately 23.9% of the currently outstanding 2021 Notes), have been tendered in the Tender Offers.
Questions regarding the Tender Offers may be directed to Guggenheim Securities, LLC at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attn: Liability Management Group, Phillip Laroche, ((212) 293-3035 (phone) or Phillip.Laroche@guggenheimpartners.com (email). Requests for the Tender Offer Materials may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at 65 Broadway Suite 404, New York, New York 10006, Attn: Corporate Actions, (212) 430-3774 (for banks and brokers) or (866) 470-4200 (for all others).
Intelsat Jackson is making the Tender Offers only by, and pursuant to, the terms of the Tender Offer Materials. None of Intelsat Jackson, the Dealer Manager, the Information and Depositary Agent nor their respective affiliates makes any recommendation as to whether Holders should tender or refrain from tendering their Securities. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender Securities and, if so, the principal amount of the Securities to tender. The Tender Offers are not being made to holders of Securities in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or blue sky laws require the Tender Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Tender Offers will be deemed to be made on behalf of Intelsat Jackson by one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.
This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any new securities, including in connection with the New Debt Financing, nor does it constitute an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. Capitalized terms used in this press release but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Tender Offer Materials.
About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world's first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat's Globalized Network combines the world's largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
Intelsat Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this news release, including statements regarding the Tender Offer and the New Debt Financing, constitute "forward-looking statements" that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. When used in this release, the words "may," "will," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "project," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "intend," "potential," "outlook," and "continue," and the negative of these terms, and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.
The forward-looking statements reflect Intelsat's intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Intelsat's control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks. Known risks include, among others, market conditions and the risks described in Intelsat's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015, and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and risks and uncertainties related to our ability to consummate the New Debt Financing and the Tender Offers.
Because actual results could differ materially from Intelsat's intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about the future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements with caution. Intelsat does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160609005512/en/
Contacts:
Intelsat
Dianne VanBeber, +1-703-559-7406
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
dianne.vanbeber@intelsat.com
Following the recent Rome conference Freedom with Justice: Rerum Novarum and the New Things of Our Time, held in celebration of 125th anniversary of Leo XIIIs 1891 encyclical on private property, the Industrial Revolution and the spread of Marxist ideology, Actons Samuel Gregg was interviewed by Shalom World TV.
Vatican journalist Ashley Noronha, who hosts the India-based religious news magazine Voice of the Vatican, asked Gregg what was the the connection between religious and economic freedom and how traditional Catholic social teaching is responding to contemporary threats such liberties. This is what he had to say:
Many people, including myself and the Acton Institute, are very concerned that freedom is increasingly taken for granted today. We see in Western Europe, and even in the United States, the rise of political and social movements that prioritize equality over freedom. And this has implications for not just for the liberty of commerce or business and of individuals. It is increasingly having implications for religious liberty, which in many respects, is the first freedom, because what you believe about the nature of the divine, or even if you are not a believer, is really one of those freedoms that really helps to determine lots of other freedoms and liberties in society as a whole.
So were taking the view, he said, that economic liberty and religious liberty are seriously under erosion today, especially here, I must say, in Western Europe.
Toward the end of the interview, Gregg said that modern Catholic social doctrine has some profound things to say about how we elevate and promote freedom, but also remind us what is the end of human freedom what is the goal of human freedom which we would argue is human flourishing.
Watch the full segment here and follow the discussion on social media via the hash tag #125onFreedom.
Espoo, Finland, 2016-06-09 13:31 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --SRV GROUP PLC PRESS RELEASE 09.06.2016, AT 14.30SRV signs contractor agreement for Ring Road I tunnel projectSRV has been selected to implement the Ring Road I tunnel project to be completed at Keilaniemi, Espoo. In the project, Ring Road I traffic will be diverted into an underground tunnel, and a park will be built above it. The agreement on the Ring Road I tunnelling contract was signed with the City of Espoo today, 9 June 2016, after which the contract will be transferred to SRV order backlog. The total value of the contract is approximately EUR 50 million.The contract is part of the Ring Road I Keilaniemi project, in which a cohesive, attractive town will be built from the areas of Otaniemi, Keilaniemi and Tapiola in Espoo.The tunnelling project will be implemented in two stages, the first of which is due to take place in 2016-2018. In the first stage, a 220 metre-long tunnel will be built and, above it, a green deck. Ultimately, the tunnel is intended to approximately 440 metres long, but the final part of the tunnel will be implemented later, in the second construction stage."The project will impact Ring Road I traffic for a number of years. Ring Road I will be moved in July on to a detour route at the location of the tower building plots. All arrangements during construction work will be planned and implemented with care, so that the inconvenience caused by the construction site is as low as possible," says Sami Korhonen, Production Director.City of Espoo has decided to sell two residential plots at Keilaniemi to SRVThe transfer of Ring Road I to a tunnel is an essential element of development plans for the entire Keilaniemi area. The tunnelling will enable the construction of the tower buildings planned for the area. At the same time, SRV is continuing preparations for the implementation of a residential tower project at Keilaniemi. The plan is to build four residential towers and parking facility to the east of the tunnel being constructed at Keilaniemi.As part of the overall plan, Espoo City Board's Trade and Competitiveness Division has decided to sell two residential plots at Keilaniemi to SRV, and preliminary agreements on the sale of these plots were signed on 13 May 2016. SRV has not yet made a final decision on the construction of the plots. When implemented, the Keilaniemi Towers will be Finland's tallest residential buildings, with the tallest tower reaching nearly 145 metres in height. A total of more than 1,000 housing units are planned for the four towers. Provision has also been made for the location of commercial and office premises in the vicinity of the towers."The Ring Road I tunnelling will facilitate the further development of whole area and, above all, the construction of new housing next to good transport links, in which respect the project fully supports SRV's strategy. There is demand for small apartments located on good transport links in Helsinki Metropolitan Area, an excellent example of this being the REDI project, which we are currently implementing at Kalasatama in Helsinki," explains Timo Nieminen, SRV's Executive Vice President, Project Development in Finland.Further information:Timo Nieminen, Executive Vice President, tel. +358 400 424 552, timo.nieminen@srv.fi Sami Korhonen, Production Director, tel. +358 40 519 5926, sami.korhonen@srv.fi Paivi Kauhanen, Senior Vice President, tel. +358 50 598 9560, paivi.kauhanen@srv.fiwww.srv.fiYou can also find us in the social media:Facebook LinkedIn Twitter InstagramSRV - Building for life
LONDON, June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Jose Silva Cardoso. European Journal of Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology, 2016;2(1):14-7. http://doi.org/10.17925/EJAE.2016.02.01.14
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/276718LOGO )
Published recently in European Journal of Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology, the peer-reviewed journal from touchCARDIO, Jose Silva Cardoso discusses the important findings from the PARADIGM-HF study. This study indicated that the angiotensin receptorneprilysin inhibitor, LCZ696, is superior to enalapril in reducing the risks of cardiovascular death and of hospitalisation for heart failure in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
The full peer-reviewed, open-access article is available here:
http://doi.org/10.17925/EJAE.2016.02.01.14
Disclosure:Jose Silva Cardoso has consulted and received speaker fees and investigational grants from Novartis. He was the National Coordinator of PARADIGM-HF for Portugal. This article is a short opinion piece and has not been submitted to external peer reviewers, but was reviewed by the Editorial Board before publication.
About touchCARDIO.com
touchCARDIO (a division of Touch Medical Media) publishesEuropean Journal of Arrhythmia & Electrophysiologyy, a peer-reviewed, open access, bi-annual journal specialising in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of cardiology. The aim of these reviews is to break down the high science from 'data-rich' primary papers and provide practical advice and opinion on how this information can help physicians in the day to day clinical setting. Practice guidelines, symposium write-ups, case reports, and original research articles are also featured to promote discussion and learning amongst physicians, clinicians, researchers and related healthcare professionals.
http://www.touchCARDIO.com
For inquires please contact:
Nicola Cartridge - Managing Editor
editor@touchmedicalmedia.com
Providing practical opinion to support best practice for busy healthcare professionals.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Theratechnologies inc. (TSX: TH) regretfully announces that the Government of Quebec, the province where EGRIFTA was discovered, has refused to add it to the list of reimbursed medications.
The decision by the Quebec Minister of Health, Gaetan Barrette, is based on a recommendation by the Institut national d'excellence en sante et services sociaux, INESSS, which concluded that the decrease of visceral adipose tissue in HIV patients does not constitute a therapeutic advantage. Nevertheless, INESSS recognizes the efficacy EGRIFTA and the quality of its clinical studies.
"The decision of the Government of Quebec is sad and disappointing both from a scientific and economic perspective. It has been scientifically demonstrated that the reduction of visceral adipose tissue is directly associated with several comorbities including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Excess visceral adipose tissue in HIV patients is a real and well documented concern among renowned experts in the field," said Luc Tanguay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Theratechnologies Inc.
"In addition, the government is sending a message that supporting research is not a priority. It is quite paradoxical that, after supporting the development of EGRIFTA through tax credits, the government will not accept to reimburse it," added Mr. Tanguay.
"We urge the minister to reconsider this decision for the sake of patients and the image of Quebec, and we are ready to fully collaborate with him on this. To that effect, we will submit to INESSS, within the prescribed timelines, a request for a revision of their decision," concluded Mr. Tanguay.
Theratechnologies submitted to INESSS a comprehensive dossier which included data that lead to public and private reimbursement by a large number of governmental agencies and insurers in Canada and in the United States.
About Theratechnologies
Theratechnologies (TSX: TH) is a specialty pharmaceutical company addressing unmet medical needs to promote healthy ageing and an improved quality of life among HIV patients. Further information about Theratechnologies is available on the Company's website at www.theratech.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Forward-Looking Information
We refer potential investors to the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Information Form dated February 24, 2016 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other risks and uncertainties carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release and represent our expectations as of that date.
We undertake no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.
Contacts:
Denis Boucher
EXOCET Public Relations inc.
514-913-1957
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Sparton Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SRI) ("Sparton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the full payment of RMB 15.265 million (approximately $C3.2 million) was received by the Company's client for the commissioning of the Zhangbei Project's 8 Megawatt Hour Vanadium Flow Battery on June 7, 2016, from the battery's owner, State Grid North China Company Limited ("State Grid"). (Please see Sparton news release dated April 4, 2016 for background).
Commissioning Acceptance and Payment Confirmation
The Company's China operating subsidiary, Jiujiang Sparton Vanadium Trade and Tech Co. Ltd. ("JJSP"), had successfully completed commissioning of the battery and it was accepted by State Grid in late February 2016, at which time, State Grid was invoiced by JJSP's client, the battery builder.
Proceeds of the payments will be disbursed by the client under a court-supervised payment process. After certain payments are deducted by the court, expected to be in the range of RMB13 million (approximately C$2.6 million), the balance (approximately C$600,000) will be paid to JJSP by its client. JJSP will then repay VanSpar, the Company's funding vehicle for this project (see below for further details).
A three-year monitoring and maintenance program for the Zhangbei Project battery has been prepared and accepted by State Grid. This program will result in annual payments of approximately C$1.14 million, which will fully accrue to JJSP from its client. After deduction of annual expenses and estimated warranty costs (estimated at C$250,000) it is expected that payments of up to C$900,000 will accrue to JJSP and VanSpar annually under this program.
Funding
Funding for the commissioning work and ongoing maintenance has been arranged by VanSpar Mining Inc. ("VanSpar"), a 90.4% owned Sparton subsidiary. The funds were raised through an offering of convertible debentures which would, if the conversion feature is exercised by all of the current debt holders, reduce Sparton's ownership in VanSpar to approximately 84%, fully diluted. Funds raised by VanSpar were advanced to JJSP, which is 90% owned by VanSpar. JJSP, as a Chinese incorporated entity, has the commissioning and maintenance contract with the builder of the battery. Additional financing efforts by VanSpar are continuing to support the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the battery.
Company President, Lee Barker, commented: "Payment by State Grid, after a rigorous commissioning program, is another positive step forward for the Company. The funds received will ensure coverage of repayment for the debt financing we arranged to support this work. The ongoing maintenance program revenue over the next 3 years will also provide cash flow. As an extension to our subsidiary's success in assisting with the commissioning and maintenance program, we are continuing to pursue the opportunity to become directly involved in this industry. Advanced negotiations are underway, related to funding and potential acquisition of an international vanadium battery manufacturing group in association with strategic partners. The payment deductions would be applied as a reduction to the purchase price of the battery manufacturer should the Company proceed with this acquisition. Both of these opportunities arose out of our activities in pursuing vanadium exploration and mining opportunities in China. Those vanadium exploration and mining objectives continue to be part of Sparton's long-term plans."
About the Zhangbei Project
The Zhangbei Project, jointly launched in May 2010 by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Bureau, is operated by State Grid. It is located approximately 180 km north of downtown Beijing, near Zhangjiakou, in Hebei Province. It integrates wind power, solar power, energy storage and smart grid transmission technologies. Clean power generated by this project supplies a portion of north China's energy needs. The energy storage equipment currently installed includes the 8 Megawatt Hour Vanadium Flow Battery commissioned through the efforts of JJSP.
Zhangbei is China's largest wind and solar energy electricity generation and storage installation. It currently includes 500 megawatts of wind power and 100 megawatts of solar power, as well it is the world's largest battery energy storage station. It covers a total land area of 200 square kilometres and is a key component of China's Golden Sun Photovoltaic Solar Pilot Project.
The project is in Phase 2 of development and proposals for up to 100 megawatt hours of additional energy storage may be forthcoming. A Phase 3 is also planned.
Because the renewable energy generated and stored by this project supplies a portion of north China's energy needs, it will play an important role in China's "clean, green" 2022 Winter Olympics, which has several competition sites based nearby. The 8 Megawatt Hour Vanadium Flow Battery is a key element in the storage and release of clean electricity into the north China power grid. Currently, about 25 megawatt hours of energy storage capacity is installed at Zhangbei and project planning forecasts this to increase to approximately 100 megawatt hours. State Grid is expected to install additional vanadium flow batteries to support this expansion.
International Energy Storage Initiatives
In parallel to many international programs supporting energy storage projects in Europe, Asia and North America, the China Central State Energy Authority announced this week that is was instituting subsidy programs for energy storage projects in approximately 20 provinces in northwest, central and northeast China. These are expected to be similar to programs in Europe, the US and several provinces in Canada. It is clear that vanadium flow battery installations will be a large component of these projects and the international demand for this technology is now gaining wide acceptance and recognition in the marketplace.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release involves forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, financings, equipment commissioning processes and other transactions being pursued, and all such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although the Company believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such forward-looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein.
We Seek Safe Harbour.
Contacts:
Sparton Resources Inc.
A. Lee Barker, M.A Sc., P. Eng.
President and CEO
647-344-7734 or Mobile: 416-716-5762
647-344-7734 (FAX)
info@spartonres.ca
www.spartonres.ca
LONDON, June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Marie-Pia d'Ortho, Holger Woehrle, Michael Arzt
European Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases, 2016;2(1):Epub ahead of print DOI: http://doi.org/10.17925/ERPD.2016.02.01.1
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Published recently in European Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases, the peer-reviewed journal from touchRESPIRATORY, d'Ortho et al. discuss current and future use of adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). ASV is a form of non-invasive positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy that differs from other PAP devices. It includes features to overcome both obstructive and central sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) events. In the Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing with Predominant Central Sleep Apnea by Adaptive Servo-Ventilation in Patients with Heart Failure (SERVE-HF) study, ASV significantly reduced SDB events in patients with systolic heart failure (HF) and predominant central sleep apnoea (CSA), but did not improve outcomes, and there was increased mortality risk in the ASV group. Although the SERVE-HF results represent a paradigm shift for ASV, they are only applicable to a small subset of ASV-treated patients, and there is no evidence suggesting that ASV use should stop altogether. There are a number of other indications and patient groups for whom ASV may be useful, effective and safe, including patients with treatment-emergent CSA, central apnoeas associated with long-term opioid therapy without alveolar hypoventilation, idiopathic Cheyne-Stokes respiration, after ischaemic stroke and those with HF with preserved ejection fraction. Additional research is required to better define the mechanism of increased risk associated with ASV identified in SERVE-HF and to more clearly characterise the specific patient phenotypes who benefit from ASV therapy.
The full peer-reviewed, open-access article is available here:
http://doi.org/10.17925/ERPD.2016.02.01.1
Disclosure:Marie-Pia d'Ortho has received grants from Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and ADEP Assistance, grants and personal fees from ResMed, Philips Respironics and IP Sante and personal fees and non-financial support from Vitalaire. Holger Woehrle is an employee of ResMed Germany. Michael Arzt has received unrestricted grant support from Philips Home Healthcare Solutions, ResMed Germany and the German Foundation for Cardiac Research (Deutsche Stiftung fur Herzforschung); he is also the holder of an endowed professorship from the Free State of Bavaria at the University of Regensburg that was donated by Philips Home Healthcare Solutions and ResMed Germany.
About touchRESPIRATORY.com
touchRESPIRATORY (a division of Touch Medical Media) publishesEuropean Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases, a peer-reviewed, open access, bi-annual journal specialising in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of respiratory and pulmonary diseases. The aim of these reviews is to break down the high science from 'data-rich' primary papers and provide practical advice and opinion on how this information can help physicians in the day to day clinical setting. Practice guidelines, symposium write-ups, case reports, and original research articles are also featured to promote discussion and learning amongst physicians, clinicians, researchers and related healthcare professionals.
http://www.touchRESPIRATORY.com
For inquires please contact:
Carla Denaro - Managing Editor
managingeditor@touchmedicalmedia.com
Providing practical opinion to support best practice for busy healthcare professionals.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- In March 2016, Tanzanian Royalty Exploration Corporation (TSX: TNX)(NYSE MKT: TRX) (the "Company") declared force majeure under its Joint Venture Agreement for the Re-Development of the Buckreef Gold Mine with State Mining Corporation of Tanzania ("Stamico"). This was appropriate and necessary in order to protect our personnel, property and vested interests in our mines. In our case, over two hundred illegal miners invaded our camp following a controversial speech by a government official. For reference see our news release dated March 3, 2016.
The Company thereafter moved to open negotiations with Stamico in order to resolve these issues in Tanzania. The Company consulted counsel and was apprised by counsel that we had a viable avenue of relief in the Canadian Tanzanian Economic Treaty of 2013 ("the Treaty"). The aim of the Treaty is to intensify economic co-operation and promote sustainable development for the mutual benefit of both countries and to create and maintain favourable conditions for investments by investors of one party in the territory of the other party, and includes provisions for the promotion and reciprocal protection of such investments favour the economic prosperity and sustainable development of the two Parties by stimulating investment initiatives.
For further information regarding the Treaty, please see:
Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/fipa-apie/tanzania-text-tanzanie.aspx?lang=eng
We are a Canadian company that has invested $93,500,000 CDN in Tanzania. Our desire is not to litigate with Tanzania. Our goal is to carry on our corporate business in Tanzania and fulfill our contractual commitments in peace and harmony with the support of the Canadian and Tanzanian governments.
The Treaty between the governments is binding on the governments themselves under the auspices of the United Nations. It is in the best interests of the Company to move forward with better government to government relations. We wish to work in harmony. We will endeavour to achieve our goals and work in peace and harmony through this Treaty without huge legal costs to the Company. By invoking its rights under the Treaty, the Company is satisfied that it can safely declare the force majeure situation to be alleviated, and move forward to resolve issues in reliance on this international Treaty between the Governments of Canada and the United Republic of Tanzania.
We will make continued progress reports as appropriate and necessary in regard to this matter.
Due to these new developments we anticipate an expeditious return to processing and will apprise you accordingly.
Respectfully submitted,
James E. Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer
The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE Amex Equities have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Contacts:
Tanzanian Royalty Exploration Corporation
Investor Relations
1-844-364-1830
www.TanzanianRoyalty.com
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - June 09, 2016) - Quaterra Resources Inc. ("Quaterra" or the "Company") and its subsidiary Singatse Peak Services LLC ("SPS") today announced results from Hole GHH-001, the sixth and last
hole of a drill program to explore and further define the Bear deposit, a large porphyry copper system on the Company's 52-square mile property in the historic Yerington Copper District of Nevada. The drill program is being funded with option payments to SPS by Freeport-McMoRan Nevada LLC ("Freeport Nevada").
Highlights
Hole GHH-001, the sixth and final drill-hole of the current program, is located in Ground Hog Hills about 6,000 feet south of previous SPS holes. It was drilled vertically to a depth of 2,017.5 feet and cased for possible future deepening. Sporadic zones of copper mineralization were intersected which are interpreted as an extension of Bear mineralization to the north.
Table 1. Significant intercepts from Ground Hog Hills drill hole GHH-001*
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOLE GHH-001 From To Interval Interval % ppm ppm ppm -------------------------------------------------------------------------- feet feet feet meters Cu Mo Au Ag -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 350.0 380.0 30.0 9.1 0.15<2 0.007 0.6 536.7 665.3 128.6 39.2 0.21 14 0.016<0.5 956 1000.7 44.7 13.6 0.11 3 0.017<0.5 1606.6 1651 44.4 13.5 0.23 48 0.014<0.5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Drill intercepts are based on actual core lengths and may not reflect the true width of mineralization.
Note: 1 ppm = 1 gram per tonne
Discussion
Hole GHH-001, located in an area with no historic drilling, was drilled to a depth of 400 feet with an RC rig. Mineralization included ten feet of supergene enriched chalcocite mineralization averaging 0.33% copper beginning at a depth of 230 feet and 30 feet of oxide copper averaging 0.15% copper beginning at 350 feet. Core drilling below 400 feet intersected primary chalcopyrite mineralization, including 128 feet of 0.21% copper and narrow, widely spaced sulfide veins containing elevated to highly anomalous antimony, arsenic, cobalt, zinc, molybdenum, gold, silver and copper averaging greater than one per cent. This mineralization occurs within a propylitically altered cap interpreted to overlie potassically altered copper mineralization at depth.
The entire six-hole exploration drilling program, which commenced in August 2015, totaled 20,274.5 feet. The five holes at Bear, including twin hole B-048, totaled 18,257 feet. Results from Hole B-048 supported historic assays from Hole 23B drilled in 1966 by Anaconda. Drilling results from holes B-049 to B-052 were successful in extending the Bear mineralization an additional 2,000 feet north-northeast by 3,000 feet northwest-southeast, with the average mineralized intercept in these four step-out holes averaging approximately 1,000 feet in thickness. The Bear system remains open in three directions. Copper mineralization is overlain by ubiquitous propylitic alteration with moderate to strong phyllic alteration, often laced with tourmaline veining and flooding. Significantly higher grades, if present, will most likely be found where quartz monzonite is cut by quartz monzonite porphyry dikes as occurs at the nearby Yerington mine. (Please see separate drill hole press releases on the Company website for more details).
The Bear porphyry copper deposit currently covers more than two square miles. Work is underway to identify the most prospective areas for additional drilling, both within the area of widely spaced historic drill holes and beyond the limits of known mineralization.
Hole locations are shown on a map available on Quaterra's website at http://quaterra.com/projects/quaterras-yerington-copper-projects/bear-deposit/. A video of the current drill-program at the Bear deposit is available for viewing on the Company website at http://quaterra.com/quaterra-video-2015-bear-drilling/.
For background on the Bear deposit, Quaterra's Yerington project and the option agreement with Freeport Nevada please see the news release dated November 17, 2015, or visit the Company website at www.quaterra.com.
Quality assurance and control
Core samples were either sawed or split by SPS personnel in Yerington, Nevada, and shipped to Bureau Veritas Minerals NA - Inspectorate America Corporation, an ISO certified assaying/geochemistry facility, in Reno, Nevada, for sample preparation. Gold analyses are assayed in Bureau Veritas' lab in Reno using their "FA430" procedure (fire assay with atomic absorption finish) with a 5 ppb Au detection limit. Prepared pulps are shipped to Bureau Veritas' lab in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, for analysis using their "MA 300" procedure for 35 element ICP-ES analysis. Commercially prepared standards and blanks are inserted by SPS at 50-foot intervals to insure precision of results as a quality control measure. SPS has a chain of custody program to ensure sample security during all stages of sample collection, cutting, shipping, and storage.
SPS engaged a reverse circulation (RC) drill rig for a portion of hole GHH-001 located at Ground Hog Hills. RC samples were shipped to the Bureau Veritas Minerals NA facility in Reno, Nevada, for sample preparation and analyses following the same procedure and protocol, including inserted blanks and standards, as that of the core samples described above.
Technical information in this news release has been approved by Thomas Patton, Ph.D., the CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.
About Quaterra Resources Inc.
Quaterra Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: QTA) (OTCQX: QTRRF) is a copper exploration and development company with the primary objective to advance its U.S. subsidiary's copper projects in the Yerington District, Nevada.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Thomas Patton, Chairman & CEO
Quaterra Resources Inc.
Disclosure note:
Some statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements under Canadian securities laws and within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified in this news release by words such as "believes", "anticipates", "intends", "has the potential", "expects", and similar language, or convey estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives, potential outcomes, expectations, or goals. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. In particular, forward looking statements in this news release include or assume that the Company will receive all option payments owing, that exploration results on the Bear deposit will define further mineralization, that historic exploration results will be confirmed by new exploration, that further drilling will extend the boundaries of the known high-grade mineralized area, and that drill results from the current drill program point to a large copper system. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. A summary of risk factors that apply to the Company's operations are included in our management discussion and analysis filings with securities regulatory authorities, and are publicly available on our website. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information please contact:
Thomas Patton
Chairman & CEO
Quaterra Resources Inc.
604-641-2758
PUNE, India, June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
According to the new Market Research Report "Microwave Level Sensor Market, By Sensing Technology, Monitoring Type, Application (Industrial, Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Water & Wastewater, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power), Geography - Global Forecast to 2022", is expected to grow from USD 662.4 million in 2015 to USD 1,237.4 million by 2022, at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2016 to 2022.
Browse 39 tables and 34 figures spread through 87 pages and in-depth TOC available on
"Microwave Level Sensor Market, By Sensing Technology, Monitoring Type, Application (Industrial, Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Water & Wastewater, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power), Geography - Global Forecast to 2022"
http://www.micromarketmonitor.com/market-report/microwave-level-sensor-reports-2103488935.html
Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.
The need for accuracy in various process industries, such as chemicals & petrochemical, food & beverages, gasoline, paint, pharmaceutical, ceramics, metals & mining, pulp & paper, and biotechnology industries has increased. Therefore, there is a high demand for microwave level sensors in these industries, owing to their accurate measuring capacity despite various barriers. . For instance, microwave level sensors can be used for the measurement of viscous materials in chemical plants, despite the vapor, heat, and false reflections.
For more Inquiries: http://www.micromarketmonitor.com/contact/2103488935-inquery_before_buy.html
The market size of industrial application segment is expected grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The main reasons for the rapid growth of industrial application include increasing demand from process industries, such as chemicals & petrochemical, food & beverages, gasoline, paint, pharmaceutical, ceramics, metals & mining, and pulp & paper industries.
Asia-Pacific segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR till 2022. The microwave level sensor market in Asia-Pacific is currently on a prosperous growth curve in terms of consumption of microwave level sensors in various end-use industries, such as food & beverage, chemicals, and semiconductors.
Key Players of Global Microwave Level Sensor Market includes:
Endress+Hauser AG (Switzerland), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), Siemens AG (Germany), Magnetrol International, Incorporated (U.S.), and VEGA Grieshaber KG (Germany) are the key players operational in the global microwave level sensor market.
This report analyzes market trends, drivers, and challenges with respect to the global microwave level sensor market, and forecasts the market till 2022. It also provides a detailed view of the market across five regions, namely, North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW).
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India.
Tel: +1-888-502-0539
Email: sales@micromarketmonitor.com
LONDON, June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Patrick Vermersch, Ralf Gold, Chris Holloway, Alex Rovira , Gavin Giovannoni, Mondher Toumi. European Neurological Review, 2016;11(1):41-7. http://doi.org/10.17925/ENR.2016.11.01.41
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/276718LOGO )
The opportunities and challenges of managing multiple sclerosis in countries across identified in an article published recently in European Neurological Review the peer-reviewed journal from touchNEUROLOGY. In this review, Patrick Vermersch et al, assert that despite recent therapeutic advances, there are many deficiencies in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Diagnostic and monitoring measures, guidelines, development of new treatments and best practice care are often suboptimal. These shortcomings were discussed at two MS multi-stakeholder colloquia that were convened in Brussels, Belgium in May 2014 and May 2015, and gathered experts from a range of different specialities to identify the key issues and propose means of tackling them. After considering all the testimony and discussion, the organising committee drew up a list of 10 calls to action, which included: increase awareness and understanding in the EU about the burden of MS; obtain better insights into the direct and indirect cost burden of MS; (re)define treatment goals and clinical study endpoints; develop new tools to better capture the total clinical burden of MS; develop a protocol to standardise magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); develop biomarkers of treatment response prediction and disability progression; integrate drug licensing and cost-effectiveness decision-making processes; develop separate European Medicines Agency guidelines for evaluating follow-on products of non-biological complex drugs and biologicals; implement a set of evidence-based standards of care and incentives to support people with MS to remain physically and mentally active. Addressing these ambitious calls to action requires cooperation from various health bodies and governments and some will require additional funding, but they are achievable and worthwhile. They would help minimise disease impact and would reduce disease progression and the consequent burden on people with MS, their caregivers, and on health budgets. These calls to action set out a strategy for future MS management and Vermersch et al believe they should be acted upon with urgency.
The full peer-reviewed, open-access article is available here:
http://doi.org/10.17925/ENR.2016.11.01.41
Disclosure:Patrick Vermersch has received consulting fees and honoraria from Bayer Schering, Biogen Idec, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Teva, Genzyme-Sanofi, Almirall and Roche. He has also received research support from Bayer Schering, Biogen Idec, Merck-Serono, and Teva. Ralf Gold has received research support and speaker's honoraria from Bayer Schering, Biogen, Chugai, ELAN, Merck Serono, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme and Teva and consulting honoraria from ZLB Behring, Baxter and Talecris. Chris Holloway has received honoraria or consultation fees from Teva. Alex Rovira serves on scientific advisory boards for Biogen Idec, Novartis, Genzyme, and OLEA Medical, and on the editorial board of the American Journal of Neuroradiology and Neuroradiology. He has received speaker honoraria from Bayer, Genzyme, Sanofi-Aventis, Bracco, Merck-Serono, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, OLEA Medical, Stendhal, Novartis and Biogen Idec, and has research agreements with Siemens AG. Gavin Giovannoni has received personal compensation for participating on advisory boards in relation to clinical trial design, trial steering committees and data and safety monitoring committees from: Abbvie, Bayer Schering Healthcare, Biogen Idec, Canbex, Eisai, Elan, Fiveprime, Genzyme, Genentech, GSK, GW Pharma, Ironwood, Merck Serono, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Synthon BV, Teva, UCB Pharma and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Mondher Toumi has provided consul ting through Aix Marseille University and through Creativ- Ceutical to most companies engaged in commercialising MS products: scientific board contribution, presentation in scientific meeting, strategic consulting.
About touchNEUROLOGY
touchNEUROLOGY (a division of Touch Medical Media) publishesEuropean Neurological Review, a peer-reviewed, open access, bi-annual journal specialising in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of neurology. The aim of these reviews is to break down the high science from 'data-rich' primary papers and provide practical advice and opinion on how this information can help physicians in the day to day clinical setting. Practice guidelines, symposium write-ups, case reports, and original research articles are also featured to promote discussion and learning amongst physicians, clinicians, researchers and related healthcare professionals.
http://www.touchNEUROLOGY.com
For inquires please contact:
Carla Denaro - Managing Editor
managingeditor@touchmedicalmedia.com
Providing practical opinion to support best practice for busy healthcare professionals.
PUNE, India, June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
By 2020, connected car market research estimates that connected car services will account for nearly $40 Billion in annual revenue, driven by a host of applications, including but not limited to infotainment, navigation, fleet management, remote diagnostics, automatic crash notification, enhanced safety, UBI (Usage Based Insurance), traffic management and even autonomous driving.
Complete report Connected Car Market spread across 357 pages, analyzing 230 companies and provides 83 data figures is now available at http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/404223-the-connected-car-ecosystem-2015-2030-opportunities-challenges-strategies-forecasts.html
TheConnected Car Ecosystem: 2015 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecastsreport presents a thorough assessment of the connected car market including OEM connected car programs, and enabling technologies and key trends. The market driver and challenges of the industry along with an analysis of the key applications and opportunities has been mentioned. The collaborative initiatives, regulatory landscape and standardization, along with the future roadmap, value chain, ecosystem player profiles and strategies have all been vigorously researched. The report also presents market size forecasts for connected car services from 2015 through to 2030. The forecasts are segmented for three connectivity models - embedded, tethered, and integrated; and five application categories - Communications & Infotainment, Navigation & Location Services, Vehicle Management, Safety & Security, and Driver Assistance & Autonomous Driving. The report also encompasses five regions - Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, North America, and Latin & Central America along with the 17 leading countries. The report comes with an associated datasheet covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report.
The Connected Car marketreport provides answers to the following key questions that is customary to any industry player like how big is the connected car market opportunity, or the trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth, or how is the ecosystem evolving by segment and region. Not only this, the report gives answers to queries like what will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow, or which countries and submarkets will see the highest percentage of growth, or the future prospects of self-driving cars and cooperative V2X applications. In addition to these, the impact of government mandates and initiatives on the adoption of embedded connectivity, and the future prospects of self-driving cars and cooperative V2X applications, do LTE and 5G technologies pose a threat to the 802.11p standard for V2X communications, and what strategies should automotive OEMs, mobile operators and connected car platform specialists adopt to remain competitive have all been elaborately explained.
The proportion of connected car service revenue for driver assistance systems and autonomous driving applications is expected to dramatically increase from merely 5% in 2014 to over 11% by 2020. Largely driven by connected car services, Big Data and analytics technology investments in the automotive sector are expected to reach $5 Billion by 2020, following a CAGR of over 14% between 2015 and 2020. The connected car market continues to consolidate, with larger players investing in acquisitions to increase their market share, capability, revenue and geographic reach. Last but not the least, the report emphasizes on the face that many mobile operators have expanded beyond their traditional role as connectivity providers, to offer end-to-end connected car platforms directly to automotive OEMs and aftermarket suppliers. Order a Copy of Report at http://www.reportsnreports.com/purchase.aspx?name=404223
Companies discussed in the report are 21ViaNet Group, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), Abalta Technologies, Accenture, Acura, Aeris Communications, Agero, AGL (Automotive Grade Linux), Airbiquity, Alcatel-Lucent, Alibaba Group, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Allstate Insurance Company, Alpine Electronics, Altera Corporation, Amdocs, America Movil, Analog Devices, Apple, Arada Systems, ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses, Japan), Arynga, Association of Global Automakers, AT&T and more.
Another related report is Global Connected Car M2M Connections and Services Market 2016-2020 that says the market research analyst predicts global connected car M2M services market to grow at a CAGR of over 30% while the connections market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 28% during the forecast period. This report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global connected car M2M connections and services market for 2016-2020. Complete report available at http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/458712-global-connected-car-m2m-connections-and-services-market-2016-2020.html
Explore other reports on IT & Telecommunication market at http://www.reportsnreports.com/market-research/information-technology/.
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MOMENTUM graduation 2016.jpg
MOMENTUM 2015-2016 Graduates (Photo courtesy of GMD Photography)
BIRMINGHAM, AL - Twenty-seven highly selected women business leaders graduated on May 19 from MOMENTUM, Alabama's preeminent women's leadership program. The graduation, hosted by Alabama Power Company, celebrated and honored the accomplishments of the thirteenth MOMENTUM graduation class.
This graduation marks the completion of MOMENTUM's rigorous nine-month program, which over 300 women have completed. Alumnae now include over 28 women C-suite executives (15 of whom are CEOs or CFOs), 9 judges, and over 12 nonprofit CEOs. MOMENTUM graduates have achieved executive positions in the fields of law, HR, education, technology, medicine, public utilities, banking, construction, manufacturing, insurance, and more. Graduation commencement speaker Dr. Cameron Vowell, MOMENTUM alumna, philanthropist and civic leader, spoke about "And They Said It Couldn't Be Done," focusing on the impact of public/private partnerships in Alabama.
Two highlights included the presentation of 2015-2016 MOMENTUM Legacy Project, a collaborative art project by the graduating class, directed this year by artists Joy Godsey and Rachel Panter. A second artistic highlight was the presentation of a commissioned quilt for MOMENTUM by Gee's Bend Quilters Collective. The Gee's Bend quilt was an outcome of MOMENTUM's special award and recognition of Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway, representing the Collective during the March Conference.
Barbara Royal, MOMENTUM CEO, said, "It is increasingly clear that to thrive, Alabama's government, nonprofit and business organizations need to broaden and strengthen their leadership infrastructure. MOMENTUM works with over 70 organizations to do so, and with this class we add another 27 outstanding women with sharpened skills to support our decision makers to meet their Alabama's challenges."
Since 2002, MOMENTUM has worked to promote, train, empower, and network women leaders in Alabama by providing them with the tools, resources, and environment to grow and develop in both their personal and professional spheres of influence. Congratulations to the 2015-2016 MOMENTUM Class graduates:
Kristie Barton, Alabama Power Company
Laura Clarke, BBVA Compass
Becky Crain, Regions Bank
Karen Everitt, ProAssurance
Beth Francis, Brookwood Baptist Health
Linda Friedman, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Alison Grizzle, AL State Department of Education
Gwen Hall, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of AL
Rachel Harvey, Brasfield & Gorrie
Connie Hill, PhD, Girls Inc. of Central Alabama
Michelle Holmes, Alabama Media Group
Lisa Imbragulio, JD, Samford University
Sarah Mitchell, Walter Energy, Inc. (retired)
Atisthan Roach, Vulcan Materials Company
Amy Savoie, Protective Life Corporation
Terri Scarborough, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Susan Sellers, JD, St. Vincent's Foundation
Julie Shedd, American Cast Iron Pipe Company;
Jennifer Skjellum, TechBirmingham
Farah Sultan, MD, Vitalogy Wellness Center
Katherine Sweatt, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
Kim Tew, Synovous/First Commercial
Teresa Thornton, Alagasco
Jenny Wakeford, Children's of Alabama
Letitia Watkins, VIVA Health, Inc.
Tricia Wells, HealthSouth Corporation
Melissa Wheeler, Luckie & Company
MOMENTUM, a well-established 501(C)(3) organization, identifies top-level candidates and addresses the challenges facing women in leadership roles. Through skills-based training and mentoring, MOMENTUM helps build the capabilities of Alabama's emerging female leaders by offering best practices for top-level managers. A vigorous one-to-one mentoring program gives participants access to a pool of highly respected, experienced senior leaders for individualized problem solving, as well as personal and professional development. For more information about this yearly program, please visit www.momentumleaders.org.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- EnerGulf Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: ENG)(FRANKFURT: EKS) ("EnerGulf" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a signed Letter of Intent to acquire certain interests in offshore Gulf of Mexico oil and gas prospects, as well as provide a Company update.
Gulf of Mexico - Acquisition of Rights
EnerGulf entered into a letter of intent ("LOI") with Texas South Energy, Inc. (OTCBB: TXSO) ("Texas South") to participate in six offshore Gulf of Mexico prospects owned and operated by GulfSlope Energy Inc. ("GulfSlope") (OTCBB: GSPE). Subject to the execution of definitive agreements and the Company's financial obligations therein, the LOI provides for participation by the Company in drilling one well on Block 378, Vermilion Area, South Addition ("Canoe Prospect") and a second well on either the Canoe Prospect or Block 375, Vermilion Area, South Addition ("Selectron Shallow Prospect"). The Company has made a US$200,000 payment for its interest in the Canoe Prospect. On June 27, 2016, the Company will pay an additional US$200,000 for its interest in the Selectron Shallow Prospect. Upon payment, the Company will own a 43.75% non-operated working interest and will have certain cost interest obligations in the Canoe and Selectron Shallow Prospects.
The LOI also provides for the payment of US$400,000 on June 27, 2016 for the acquisition of an undivided 25% non-operated working interest in the following sub salt prospects: Block 870, Ewing Bank and Block 914, Ewing Bank ("Alpha Prospect"); Block 904, Ewing Bank and Block 948, Ewing Bank ("Beta Prospect"); Block 348, Ship Shoal, South Addition ("Baryon Prospect"); and Block 371, Eugene Island, South Addition ("Proton Prospect"). All blocks are operated by GulfSlope.
As additional consideration, EnerGulf has agreed as a term of the definitive agreement to issue to Texas South a warrant to purchase up to 7,000,000 common shares of EnerGulf exercisable for a three year term at a price of CDN$0.06 per share.
If EnerGulf fails to meet any payment obligation under the LOI, it will lose the right to participate in the prospect to which such non-payment applies. Furthermore, its participation right in any funded prospects will be reduced proportionately based on the actual payments made relative to the total payment obligations under the LOI.
Texas South (OTCBB: TXSO) is a Houston based oil and gas exploration company with interests in the US Gulf of Mexico.
GulfSlope (OTCBB: GSPE), also based in Houston, is an exploration company focused on the Gulf of Mexico under the leadership of its Chairman and CEO, John Seitz, the former President and CEO of Anadarko Petroleum.
Albania - Block 8
EnerGulf has been issued a Production Sharing Agreement ("PSA") for Block 8 in the Republic of Albania. The Company will evaluate the optimal development strategy for the Block. Block 8 is one of the largest oil and gas blocks in the Republic of Albania, a member of NATO and an official candidate for membership in the European Union. The Company also acquired various chromite properties in Albania and is currently evaluating its strategic options.
Namibia - Block 1711
EnerGulf is awaiting the 3D program required of the operator and remains committed to the very prospective block.
Lotshi Block (Democratic Republic of Congo "DRC")
EnerGulf intends to seek a further extension of the Lotshi Block Production Sharing Contract with the government of the DRC. The Company remains committed to the DRC and the Block's potential in the face of current industry difficulties.
Addition of Advisors
In connection with the Gulf of Mexico acquisition, EnerGulf has named John B. Connally III and James M. Askew as Advisors to the company.
Mr. Connally, a Houston, Texas based independent energy investor, is a former partner of the law firm Baker Botts in Houston, Texas specializing in corporate finance transactions in the oil and gas sector. Mr. Connally has participated in founding various oil and gas ventures. He served as a founding director of Nuevo Energy and was a founding director and former CEO of both Pure Energy Group, Inc. and Pure Gas Partners. Mr. Connally currently serves as Chairman of the Lt. Governor's Energy Advisory Board in Texas.
Mr. Askew is a Houston, Texas based independent oil and gas investor. He is a co-founder and formerly served as EnerGulf's President and as a Director. He is also a founder, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Texas South and is a founder, former President and former Director of GulfSlope. Mr. Askew has been active as an investor and entrepreneur in oil and gas projects for over 20 years.
Debt Settlement with Columbus Gold
The Company has entered into a debt settlement agreement dated June 1, 2016 for the settlement of existing debt in the amount of CDN$50,925 owed to Columbus Gold Corp. ("Columbus"), a company that provided head office and management services to EnerGulf until May 31, 2016. Under the settlement agreement, half of the debt was forgiven and cancelled, and subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange, the remaining half will be exchanged for common shares of the Company at a price of CDN$0.05 per share, for an aggregate issuance of 509,250 common shares to Columbus. The shares will be subject to a four-month hold period.
About EnerGulf
EnerGulf is a publicly traded international oil and gas exploration company with property interests located in the Gulf of Mexico, Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of Albania.
On Behalf of the Board of EnerGulf
"Ernest B. Miller IV"
Ernest B. Miller IV, CEO
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This release may include certain forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law including without limitation Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("forward-looking statements"). In particular, and without limitation this news release contains forward-looking statements respecting the Company's proposed entry into a definitive agreement with Texso for the purchase by the Company of a portion of the drilling rights to be acquired by Texso from GulfSlope and the consideration to be included therein; the Company's intention to seek an extension of the Lotshi Block Production Sharing Contract; completion of the proposed shares-for debt settlement with Columbus, which is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange; the future prospects for the Company; management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations; and general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including without limitation assumptions about the following: Texso's ability to complete the acquisition of certain drilling rights to concerning the Canoe and the Selectron Prospects from GulfSlope; the ability by EnerGulf to thereafter complete a definitive agreement with Texso; the time frame within which a development strategy will be determined for Block 8 in the Republic of Albania, and the associated costs, permitting, and other requirements being met, if at all; the expectation that the Democratic Republic of Congo will be willing to entertain negotiations as to the extension of the Lotshi Block and that an extension can be agreed upon on terms that are acceptable to EnerGulf; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to carry out its goals and objectives; changes in the business or prospects of the company; unforeseen circumstances; general business and economic conditions, including those impacting the oil and gas industry and the global economy as a whole; and ongoing relations with employees, consultants, partners and joint venturers. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and we undertake no obligation to update any of the foregoing except as required by law.
Contacts:
EnerGulf Resources Inc.
Jonathan Buick
The Buick Group
416-915-0915
jbuick@buickgroup.com
BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The German trade surplus hit a monthly record in April despite a fall in exports to countries outside EU, data from Destatis showed Thursday. Overall exports did not change from March after rising 1.9 percent. Economists had forecast a 0.9 percent drop for April. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.2 percent on a monthly basis compared to March's 2.3 percent decline and a 1.2 percent rise economists had forecast. Consequently, the trade surplus rose slightly to a record EUR 23.9 billion from EUR 23.7 billion in the previous month. Meanwhile, the unadjusted trade surplus fell to EUR 25.6 billion from EUR 26.2 billion in March. Year-on-year, exports advanced 3.8 percent, reversing a 0.5 percent drop. Meanwhile, imports remained flat in contrast to March's 4.3 percent decrease. Exports to the EU countries advanced 7.3 percent, while shipment to countries outside the EU slid 0.7 percent. At the same time, the current account surplus decreased to EUR 28.8 billion from EUR 29.9 billion in March. Nonetheless, the figure was above the expected level of EUR 21 billion. Carsten Brzeski, an economist at ING Bank NV, said new evidence that the German economy is struggling to gain further moment. The strength of the domestic economy, also on the back of the positive short-term impact from the refugee influx, is currently the best insurance against a sharp slowdown, Brzeski noted. However, several external risks but also domestic political uncertainty and the reluctance to step up structural reforms are the biggest hurdles for future growth, he added. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO and TORONTO, CANADA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Impulsora del Desarrollo y el Empleo en America Latina, S.A.B. de C.V. ("IDEAL"), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB") and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan ("Ontario Teachers'") announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement to establish a new partnership ("Newco") in which IDEAL will retain a 51% ownership while CPPIB and Ontario Teachers' will collectively own the remaining 49%.
Under the terms of the agreement, IDEAL will contribute its 99% equity interest in Autopista Arco Norte, S.A. de C.V., the concessionaire of the Arco Norte toll road ("Arco Norte"), to Newco; while CPPIB and Ontario Teachers' together will commit an equity investment of Ps$ 19.4 billion (C$1.35 billion) in exchange for shares representing 49% of the capital stock of Newco. CPPIB will own a 29% ownership interest in Newco and Ontario Teachers' will own a 20% stake.
Arco Norte is one of the largest federal toll road concessions in Mexico and still has a long remaining concession length of more than 30 years. It is a 223-kilometre toll road bypass that surrounds Mexico City in the north, northeast, and northwest region to connect the states of Mexico, Puebla, Hidalgo and Queretaro, while providing a critical link with major trade corridors.
IDEAL, CPPIB and Ontario Teachers' are committed to the responsible, long-term ownership and development of Arco Norte and will leverage on this partnership to continue investing in the infrastructure sector in Mexico.
"This strategic partnership represents an exciting opportunity for IDEAL's continued growth and investing in infrastructure development in Mexico," said Alejandro Aboumrad, CEO of IDEAL. "CPPIB and Ontario Teachers' are world class partners and we look forward to expanding our partnership in the near future."
"Arco Norte represents our first infrastructure investment in Mexico and enables us to invest in an established, modern toll road of significant size alongside IDEAL and Ontario Teachers'," said Cressida Hogg, Managing Director and Head of Infrastructure, CPPIB. "This investment fits well with CPPIB's strategy to invest in core infrastructure assets with long-term, stable cash flows in key global markets. We look forward to building our relationship with the partners."
"We are thrilled to partner with IDEAL and CPPIB on a critical transportation asset in Mexico. This investment provides a strong foundation for continued growth of our infrastructure portfolio in Mexico and the rest of Latin America," said Andrew Claerhout, Senior Vice-President, Infrastructure & Natural Resources at Ontario Teachers'. "Arco Norte is an attractive asset with long-term growth potential that will provide income to pay pensions."
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to IDEAL, and Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to CPPIB and Ontario Teachers'.
ABOUT IDEAL
IDEAL is an independent publicly traded company listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BVM: IDEALB1.MX). IDEAL engages in the development, promotion, operation and administration of infrastructure projects in Mexico and Latin America.
IDEAL is one of the largest infrastructure companies in Latin America with 21 infrastructure concessions in different sectors including toll roads, water, energy, social infrastructure and logistic terminals.
ABOUT CANADA PENSION PLAN INVESTMENT BOARD
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is a professional investment management organization that invests the funds not needed by the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to pay current benefits on behalf of 19 million contributors and beneficiaries. In order to build a diversified portfolio of CPP assets, CPPIB invests in public equities, private equities, real estate, infrastructure and fixed income instruments. Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, New York City and Sao Paulo, CPPIB is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm's length from governments. At March 31, 2016, the CPP Fund totalled C$278.9 billion. For more information about CPPIB, please visit www.cppib.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
ABOUT ONTARIO TEACHERS' PENSION PLAN
The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Ontario Teachers') is Canada's largest single-profession pension plan, with C$171.4 billion in net assets at December 31, 2015. It holds a diverse global portfolio of assets, 80% of which is managed in-house, and has earned an annualized rate of return of 10.3% since the plan's founding in 1990. Ontario Teachers' is an independent organization headquartered in Toronto. Its Asia-Pacific region office is located in Hong Kong and its Europe, Middle East & Africa region office is in London. The defined-benefit plan, which is fully funded, invests and administers the pensions of the province of Ontario's 316,000 active members and retired teachers. For more information, visit otpp.com and follow us on Twitter @OtppInfo.
Contacts:
IDEAL
Rodrigo Mondragon
Investor Relations
+52 (55) 11031300 ext. 1347
rmondragonr@ideal.com.mx
CPPIB
Mei Mavin
Director, Corporate Communications
+44 (0) 203 205 3515
mmavin@cppib.com
Dan Madge
Senior Manager, Media Relations
+1 (416) 868-8629
dmadge@cppib.com
Ontario Teachers'
Deborah Allan
Vice-President, Communications
T: +1 (416) 730-5347
deborah_allan@otpp.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Prism Medical Ltd. ("Prism Medical" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: PM) today announced the departure, effective June 8, 2016, of the Company's Chief Financial Officer, Rose Papastamos.
"On behalf of the Company and our Board of Directors, we thank Rose for her service to the Company and wish her well in her future endeavours," said Ross Scavuzzo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
The Company is currently in advanced negotiations with a qualified candidate for the Chief Financial Officer position and anticipates finalizing an agreement this month.
About Prism Medical Ltd.
Prism Medical is a vertically integrated manufacturer and leading provider of equipment and services used to move and handle mobility challenged individuals in a safe and dignified manner. Prism Medical's products are marketed under the brand names of Prism Medical, ErgoSafe, Waverly Glen and Nightingale in the homecare, acute care and long-term care markets throughout North America. The Company offers solutions that encourage improved care, quality of life and mobility, while seeking to lower the overall cost of the caregiving function in a number of ways, including reducing the incidence of handling-related injuries among caregivers. In addition, the Company through its network of Nightingale dealers provides an integrated suite of products and services that make home care a viable option for many people. For further information visit Prism Medical's website at www.prismmedicalltd.com or www.sedar.com.
Forward-looking statements
This announcement may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Prism to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Prism Medical Ltd.
Ross Scavuzzo
Chief Executive Officer
416-260-2145
rscavuzzo@prismmedicalltd.com
www.prismmedicalltd.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "Solegear") (TSX VENTURE: SGB) has received an initial purchase order from All Source Security Container Mfg Corp. ("All Source") for Solegear's good natured brand of plant-based office organization products.
All Source is North America's leading manufacturer and distributor of commercial document security and destruction equipment and office accessories. The good natured products will be made available to All Source's commercial customers across North America.
"Both Solegear and All Source are experiencing rapidly increasing demand from leading companies for products and services that can reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable resources," said Paul Antoniadis, CEO of Solegear. This agreement with All Source to offer good natured office organization products, along with their existing security and destruction products, provides Solegear with access into an established U.S. B2B customer base, particularly amongst Fortune 1000 brands. These companies are actively seeking ways to increase employee satisfaction, and employees are making it very clear that they expect healthier, safer workplaces that include comprehensive sustainability programs."
"All Source is excited about the opportunity to partner with Solegear to promote and distribute their line of office products made from plant-based materials," said Pete Pancel, CEO of All Source. "As a company, we pride ourselves on finding and delivering solutions for our customers through development of innovative and sustainable products. Working with Solegear, a company that has developed an innovative and renewable product line, aligns and complements our strategy. We look forward to growing our partnership, providing product solutions to our customers and improving sustainability in the work place."
Powered by Solegear's independently certified 85% plant-based bioplastic, good natured office organization products specifically target the $12+ billion North American home and business organization market primarily dominated by traditional, fossil fuel-based plastics, which according to California's leading Proposition 65, often contain chemicals of concern that are potentially harmful to the environment and human health.
About Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc.
Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SGB) is an innovator in the field of next generation bioplastics made from annually renewable plant-based sources. Committed to the principles of Green Chemistry, Solegear is driven by its mission to create healthier, safer and stronger communities by fundamentally changing the way plastics are made.
Solegear's proprietary bioplastic formulations, Polysole and Traverse, are designed to meet today's social and corporate requirements to lower carbon emissions, reduce waste and remove toxicity typically associated with traditional petroleum-based plastics. Together with its partners, Solegear custom engineers, produces and distributes its high-performance bioplastics as resin, sheets and finished goods with some of the highest percentages of renewable, plant-based materials currently available in the industry.
For more information: www.solegear.ca and www.mygoodnatured.com
About All Source Security Container Mfg. Corp.
All Source is North America's largest manufacturer of document shredding bins, carts, consoles and associated office accessories for the document destruction industry. The company is continually committed to providing the highest quality products, leading turnaround times and superior customer service.
All Source's team of experts and professionals have been key in delivering high quality products, service and advice to the shredding industry. With their market know-how, experience and commitment they have been able to offer promptness in solving client queries and delivering excellent products.
For more information: www.allsourcemfg.com
On behalf of the Company:
"Paul Antoniadis" Chief Executive Officer and Director
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibilities for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Information in this news release that is not current or historical factual information may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Such factors include, among others, the risk that: (i) future orders may not be placed by the customer; and (ii) that sales projections may not be within the current range forecasted.
When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.
Other than as required under securities laws, we do not undertake to update this information at any particular time.
Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on our current estimates, expectations and projections, which we believe are reasonable as of the current date. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. All forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement.
Contacts:
Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc.
Paul Antoniadis
Chief Executive Officer and Director
604-998-4058
www.solegear.ca
Investor Contact:
Caleb Jeffries
Kin Communications
1-866-684-6730
SGB@kincommunications.com
Media Contact:
Elisha McCallum
FleishmanHillard Vancouver
778-668-0185
Elisha.McCallum@fleishman.ca
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Silver Bear Resources Inc. ("Silver Bear" or the "Company") (TSX: SBR) is pleased to announce the results of a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") feasibility study (the "Study") for the Vertikalny Central deposit of its Mangazeisky Silver Project (the "Project") in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia. NI 43-101 Technical Report in respect of the Study and the Project will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this release.
Graham Hill, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "I am very proud to announce the Study confirms that the exploitation of the Vertikalny Central deposit at our Mangazeisky silver project remains very robust even under the current silver price and economic conditions. The positive Study results validate our objective of fast-tracking the development process, and increase our confidence in assertively moving forward with the first phase of mining. I firmly believe that our team has designed a mine plan that optimises profitability and that the processing technology will maximise recovery and minimize technical risks at the lowest cost. I am also extremely proud of our construction and operational team at site and in Yakutsk for the tremendous accomplishments in mobilizing around 7,500 tons of equipment and construction materials to site along this year's winter road, thus enabling us to proceed with construction plans this year."
"Our recent Mineral Resource update at Mangazeisky North deposit (press release April 13, 2016) supports our medium term objective of increasing mine life and further improving project economic performance by establishing a multi-pit single plant mining operation on the Mangazeisky property. Our near term objective is to plan the work that would be necessary to bring Mangazeisky North into production. In addition, we will continue to look at the development of Vertikalny to exploit the deeper level resources."
"Last year we successfully drilled 6,656 metres of core in addition to approximately 13,000 cubic metres of trenching. The data is being compiled from this work that should allow us to update our resource statement and provide further positive information on future developments in the second half of 2016."
Feasibility Study Highlights
-- The pre-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate is US$79.7 million, the pre-tax IRR is 43.6%, and the payback period is 2.1 years. -- With the Far East Tax Incentives, the post-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate is US$70.7 million, the IRR is 40.2%, and the payback period is 2.2 years. -- Assumptions include a variable silver price of US$16.00/oz, US$17.25/oz, and US$18.00/oz during the first year of production, second year of production, and the remaining project life, respectively, with a life of mine ("LOM") weighted average silver price of US$17.74/oz; exchange rate applied is RUB66.00/USD. -- Initial capital costs of US$48.6 million. -- Total Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 801,000 tonnes at a diluted average grade of 772 g/t Ag for 19.9 million troy ounces of silver. -- Total Vertikalny Central Indicated Mineral Resources of 23.4 million troy ounces of silver at an average grade of 909 g/t Ag, in addition to Inferred Mineral Resources of 13.4 million ounces of silver at an average grade of 615 g/t Ag. -- Processing an average of 110,000 tonnes of ore per annum. -- Production of 16,787,000 ounces of silver over a 7.3-year LOM -- Average metallurgical recovery of 84.4% silver.
Project Execution
The Company intends to take advantage of the favourable outcome of the feasibility study, and the positive outlook on the silver price, by implementing an aggressive fast-track execution plan to complete construction by the end of 2016, with steady state production starting in Q1 2017. In anticipation of this, and in compliance with the Russian regulatory approval process, a licensed Russian design institute (EMC Mining LLC ("EMC") in St Petersburg) was commissioned in 2015 to complete the detailed design of the processing facility and associated mine site infrastructure. The Company procured all major equipment for delivery during the 2015/2016 winter road season and began construction. The Company has proceeded with construction in advance of regulatory approval for the project and expects that all of the permits needed for construction and operation will be in place prior to the start of production.
More favourable weather between March and November will facilitate the completion of the construction of major infrastructure with specific focus on completing the buildings to provide shelter during mechanical and electrical installation and the start of commissioning planned for Q4 2016.
The detailed Study results can be found in Appendix A.
Qualified Persons
Study consultants were led by Tetra Tech (UK) and comprised an independent, multidisciplinary team including SRK Consulting (UK) Limited ("SRK") and Environmental Resource Management Consultants Inc. ("ERM").
Each of the Qualified Persons noted below is independent within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the information in this release relevant to the portion of the Study for which they are responsible. Each has verified the underlying data relevant to the portions of the Study for which they are responsible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tetra Tech (UK) Arunasalam Vathavooran, PhD, CEng, MIMMM Damian Hicks, MIEAust CPEng Guy Roemer, PE Jacques du Toit, CEng, PrEng, MScEng, PMP Laszlo Bodi, MSc, CEng, PEng Robert Davies, BSc (Hons), CGeol, EurGeol, FGS Sabry Abdel Hafez, PhD, PEng Saunjay Duggal, MSc, PEng ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SRK Consulting (UK) Houcyne El Idrysy, PhD, CGeol, FGS Limited Krysztof Czajewski, BSc, PEng Max Brown, BSc, MSc, CEng, MIMMM Michael Beare, BEng, CEng, MIMMM Sergey Sabanov, BSc, MSc, PhD, CEng, MIMMM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Environmental Resource Derek Chubb, PEng Management Consultants Inc. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filing of Technical Report - Mangazeisky North Mineral Resource Update
The Company is also pleased to announce that on May 30th, 2016 it filed the NI 43-101 Technical Report ("Technical Report") for the Mineral Resource estimate update of its Mangazeisky North deposit, located within its wholly-owned Mangazeisky Project. Tetra Tech (UK) prepared the Technical Report and it supports the Company's announcement of April 13, 2016.
To view and download the Technical Report, please visit www.sedar.com under the Company's profile. The report will also be available on the Company's website at www.silverbearresources.com.
About Silver Bear
Silver Bear (TSX: SBR) is focused on the development of its wholly-owned Mangazeisky Silver Project, covering a licence area of approximately 570 km2 that includes the high-grade Vertikalny deposit, located 400 km north of Yakutsk in the Republic of Sakha within the Russian Federation. The Company was granted a 20-year mining licence for the Vertikalny deposit in September 2013 and completed a Feasibility Study in Q2 2016. Other information relating to Silver Bear is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com as well as on the Company's website at www.silverbearresources.com.
Cautionary Notes
This release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Wherever possible, words such as "intends", "expects", "scheduled", "estimates", "anticipates", "believes" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements.
All of the results of Study of constitute forward-looking statements and information, including estimates of internal rates of return, net present value, future production, proposed mining plans and methods, mine life estimates, cash flow forecasts, metal recoveries, and estimates of capital and operating costs. Furthermore, with respect to this specific forward-looking information concerning the development of the Mangazeisky Project, the company has based its assumptions and analysis on certain factors that are inherently uncertain. Uncertainties include among others: (i) weather conditions; (ii) unforeseen changes in geological characteristics; (iii) metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization; (iv) the ability to develop adequate processing and other infrastructure; (v) the price of silver; (vi) the availability of equipment and facilities necessary to complete development; (vii) the cost of consumables and mining and processing equipment; (viii) unforeseen technological and engineering problems; (ix) accidents or acts of sabotage or terrorism; (x) currency fluctuations; (xi) changes in laws or regulations; (xii) the availability and productivity of skilled labour; (xiii) the regulation of the mining industry by various governmental agencies; and (xiv) political factors.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this release reflect management's current beliefs based upon information currently available to management and based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Silver Bear cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements or information. A number of factors could cause events and achievements to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to risk factors identified by Silver Bear in its continuous disclosure filings filed from time to time on SEDAR in addition to those stated above. These factors should be considered carefully and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve significant known and unknown risks, assumptions and uncertainties that may cause Silver Bear's actual results, events, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Silver Bear has attempted to identify important risks and factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors and risks that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements and information are made as of the date of this release, and Silver Bear assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, unless otherwise required by law.
This release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation (including estimated future production from the Mangazeisky Project, the anticipated tonnages and grades that will be mined and the estimated level of recovery that will be realized), which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on: (i) fluctuations in the silver price; (ii) results of drilling, (iii) metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licenses. Mineral Reserves are also disclosed in this release. Mineral Reserves are those portions of Mineral Resources that have demonstrated economic viability after taking into account all mining factors. Mineral Reserves may, in the future, cease to be a Mineral Reserve if economic viability can no longer be demonstrated because of, among other things, adverse changes in commodity prices, changes in law or regulation or changes to mine plans.
Appendix A Project Performance Summary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item Units Value ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silver Price (LOM Weighted Average) US$/troy oz 17.74 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exchange Rate RUB/$ 66.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Revenue ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantity of Ore (LOM) kt 801.01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silver Head Grade g/t 772 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recovered Silver koz (troy) 16,787 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unit Operating Costs $/t processed 154.38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Key Financial Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Net Cash Flow US$ million 107.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax NPV at a 5% Discount Rate US$ million 79.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax IRR % 43.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-tax Payback Years 2.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Without the Far East Tax Incentives ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-tax Net Cash Flow US$ million 65.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-tax NPV at a 5% Discount Rate US$ million 45.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-tax IRR % 28.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-tax Payback Years 2.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- With the Far East Tax Incentives ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-tax Net Cash Flow US$ million 96.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-tax NPV at a 5% Discount Rate US$ million 70.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-tax IRR % 40.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-tax Payback Years 2.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Production Cost ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Cost US$/troy oz Ag 7.97 recovered ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital Cost (excluding contingency) US$/troy oz Ag 3.35 recovered ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Cost US$/troy oz Ag 11.32 recovered ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The Far East Tax Incentives (Russian Federal Law No.267-FZ) allows the use of a reduced tax rate for profit tax purposes-zero rate for federal tax and a reduced rate for regional tax based on a prescribed time frame.
Cash costs include all on-site operating costs (mining, processing, and general & administrative) and off-site costs (refining costs, silver transportation, and insurance). Capital costs include all the initial sustaining capital requirements.
Geology & Mineral Resource
The Vertikalny Central deposit is a steeply dipping structurally controlled epithermal vein system that cross cuts the sedimentary host rocks. The mineralisation is expressed as breccias comprising siderite-sphalerite-galena and silver sulphosalts. Mineralisation is usually associated with the presence of vertical dykes of intermediate to basic composition.
At Vertikalny Central a total of 237 holes have been drilled and 42 trenches excavated over a strike length of 2 km since 2007. In total, 34,384 m have been drilled, and trench excavations extend to 1,689 m.
Mineral Resources for a series of satellite deposits included in the Mangazeisky property are summarised in Table 1 below. The satellite deposits include Vertikalny Northwest located 1 km to the north of Vertikalny Central, Nizhny Endybal situated approximately 2.5 km east of Vertikalny Central, and the Mangazeisky North deposits located 7 km to the north of Vertikalny Central.
Table 1 provides a summary of all of the Current Mineral Resources within the Mangazeisky property. The Indicated Mineral Resource at Vertikalny Central are inclusive of the stated Mineral Reserves.
Table 1 Total Resources for the Mangazeisky Property ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated Resource Inferred Resource Resource ------------------------------------------------------- Cut-off Grade Contained Grade Contained Grade Ag Ag Metal Ag Ag Metal Ag Deposit (g/t) Tonnes (t) (g/t) (Troy oz) Tonnes (t) (g/t) (Troy oz) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vertikalny Central 335 800,000 909 23,400,000 680,000 615 13,400,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vertikalny Northwest 335 310,000 458 4,600,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nizhny Endybal 150 710,000 316 7,200,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mangazeisky North 150 304,000 626 6,100,000 98,000 671 2,100,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mangazeisky South 150 60,000 246 500,000 ============================================================================ Total - 1,104,000 831 29,500,000 1,858,000 466 27,800,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: The effective date of the Vertikalny Central and Northwest Resource is 10th of February 2015. The effective date of the original Nizhny Endybal Resource estimate was 11th of September 2012, this resource was re-stated with a higher cut-off grade on the 10th of June 2015. The effective date of the Mangazeisky South Resource is 10th of June 2015. The effective date of the Mangazeisky North Resource is 31st March 2016.
Mineral Resource estimation parameters:
-- Resource estimates were completed in Geovia Surpac version 6.7, using 3D block models. -- Silver grades were estimated using ordinary kriging. -- Density was estimated using inverse distance weighting. The density at Nizhny Endybal, Vertikalny Northwest, and Mangazeisky South was assigned based upon arithmetic mean sample results for relevant domains. -- Grade interpolations were constrained within appropriate wireframe modesl representing minereaization and lithologies. -- Overall silver recoveries of 90% were assumed at Vertikalny Central and Northwest, and 80% recoveries were assumed at satellite deposits.
Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves to not have demonstrated economic viability. There are no known legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources.
Mineral Reserve
Mining will comprise two sequential phases: open pit and underground. The open pit (the first four years of production) will consist of a conventional drill, blast, load, and haul operation, using the current fleet on site, supplemented with leased equipment. Capital for the open pit will only be spent on trucks, lighting units, pumps, site office facility, and light vehicles.
As Vertikalny is a steeply dipping ore body in the range of 60 to 90 degrees, for underground mining the shrinkage stoping method using a modern, trackless style operation with electrical powered jumbos will be employed. Mining will advance from the bottom upwards in horizontal slices, with a portion of the broken ore left in place from which miners can work. Three areas were identified for the mine design: the North, Central, and South zones. The North and Central zones will be accessed by ramp and the South Zone by adit.
In accordance with Russian standard practice the open pit design includes 30% dilution and 95% mining recovery. Given the selectivity of the underground mining method and equipment, the dilution was limited to 15 cm on each of the hanging wall and footwall (30 cm total) and integrated into the stope optimisation process. It is assumed that 95% of the diluted material, including pillar material, will be recovered. The open pit and underground cut-off grades are 250 g/t and 405 g/t, respectively. The Mineral Reserve statement is as of September 30, 2015 and is shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Total Reserves for Vertikalny Central Deposit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantity Ag Grade Ag Metal Content Category (kt) (g/t) (koz) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proven - Open Pit - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proven - Underground - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Probable - Open Pit 413 875 11,625 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Probable - Underground 388 663 8,261 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Mineral Reserves 801 772 19,886 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Processing
The feasibility study process plant design is based on 110,000 t/a capacity, with a LOM average silver grade of 772 g/t, and is expected to provide an average silver recovery from oxide ore of 85.0%. The average silver recovery of the primary (unoxidized) ore (a small portion of the plant feed scheduled at the end of mine life) is expected to be 69.6%.
The process flowsheet consists of a standard crushing and grinding circuit, followed by gravity concentration and cyanide tank leach of the gravity tails. The gravity concentrates will be processed by intensive cyanidation. The leached slurry from the tank leach and intensive cyanidation will go through a simple counter current decantation washing system and the pregnant solution will be processed by direct electrowinning to recover silver metal in powder form with a purity exceeding 99.9% Ag.
Tailings
The tailings management facility ("TMF") will consist of a dry stack facility, contained within a fully-lined pad, surrounded by a series of containment bunds. A clarification pond to store all process affected fluids before retreatment is included in the design. The TMF will be constructed 0.2 km northeast of the plant site, and will cover an area of 7.69 ha. Approximately 0.8 Mt of tailings material will require storage over the 7.3-year LOM.
Capital and Operating Costs
The total estimated initial capital cost for the design, construction, installation, and commissioning of all facilities and equipment is $48.6 million (Table 3).
Table 3 Capital Cost Summary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Initial Sustaining Total Area ($) ($) ($) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mining 2,200,117 4,681,011 6,881,128 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Processing 12,841,010 700,000 13,541,010 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Infrastructure 4,425,111 - 4,425,111 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Utilities 1,774,145 - 1,774,145 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TMF 1,311,541 1,325,776 2,637,317 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Site Facilities 4,918,917 - 4,918,917 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Off-site Facilities 101.454 - 101,454 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project Indirects 9,288,107 70,867 9,358,974 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EPCM 3,167,264 20,248 3,187,512 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Owner's Cost 2,579,552 100,000 2,679,552 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allowances (including contingency) 5,965,010 831,232 6,796,242 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 48,572,228 7,729,134 56,301,362 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The LOM operating cost estimate for the Project consists of mining, processing, and G&A costs (which includes TMF and site water management costs) and is estimated at $154.38/t processed (Table 4).
Table 4 LOM Averaged Operating Cost Summary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unit Cost Area ($/t processed) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mining 61.83 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Processing 51.96 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- G&A 40.58 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 154.38 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tetra Tech investigated the sensitivity of NPV and IRR to the key project variables of silver price, exchange rate, capital costs and operating costs.
Sensitivities
The Project's pre-tax NPV, calculated at a 5% discount rate, is most sensitive to silver price followed by exchange rate, on-site operating costs, and capital costs, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Pre-tax NPV Sensitivity Analysis: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Figure1-SBR.pdf
The Project's pre-tax IRR is most sensitive to silver price followed by exchange rate, capital costs, and on-site operating costs (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Pre-tax IRR Sensitivity Analysis: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/SBR-Figure2.pdf
Approval Process
The Company plans to complete the Russian design documentation required for the State review by the end of Q2 2016. Following regulatory review and approval of the project, which the Company estimates could be granted in Q3 2016, the Company will be in a position to apply for a Permit for Construction, followed by the balance of construction and operating permits shortly thereafter.
The Company acknowledges that there is a risk associated with undertaking construction in advance of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals. It is possible that the regulatory approvals process may result in production delays and /or mandated design changes that may lead to modification of constructed site components.
Contacts:
Silver Bear Resources Inc.
Graham Hill
President and Chief Executive Officer
Russia T: +7 916 731 5673
info@silverbearresources.com
Silver Bear Resources Inc.
Judith Webster
Investor Relations Manager
T: +416 453 8818
jwebster@silverbearresources.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Trevali Mining Corporation ("Trevali" or the "Company") (TSX: TV)(LMA: TV)(OTCQX: TREVF)(FRANKFURT: 4TI) provides a mine and mill commissioning update for its Caribou Zinc Mine in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick. A detailed description and discussion is provided below and progress highlights are as follows:
Caribou Mill - key commissioning & preliminary production statistics (figures rounded)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 2016 Q1-2016 April 2016 May 2016 (MTDii) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tonnes Mined 191,005 58,564 57,103 10,560 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tonnes Milled 200,670 60,032 53,038iii 13,350 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Mill Tonnes-per- dayi (TPD) 2,675 2,636 2,874iii 2,907 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Head Grades % Zinc 5.9% 6.1% 5.7% 6.4% Lead 2.6% 3.0% 2.6% 3.2% Silver - Oz (ounces)/ton 2.0 oz/t 2.7 oz/t 2.3 oz/t 2.8 oz/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Recoveries % Zinc 71% 74% 78% 79% Lead 58% 57% 58% 55% Silver (in Lead concentrate) 38% 32% 31% 33% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Concentrate Produced DMT (dry metric tonnes): Zinc 17,732 5,832 5,041 1,470 Lead 7,586 2,634 1,968 583 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Concentrate Grades % Zinc 47.8% 46.4% 47.2% 46.2% Silver - Oz (ounces)/ton 4.0 oz/t 5.3 oz/t 5.1 oz/t 4.8 oz/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lead 39.3% 39.6% 40.2% 40.5% Silver - Oz (ounces)/ton 20.3 oz/t 19.5 oz/t 19.9 oz/t 21.0 oz/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- i. Exclusive of downtime for scheduled mill servicing and maintenance cycle days. ii. June MTD as of June 7, 2016. iii.In late-May an electrical storm affected northern New Brunswick including the Caribou site. Unfortunately this resulted in an unplanned mill shut-down following a series of lightning strikes with both the SAG and Ball Mill motors shutting-down following power surges. Prior to re- starting site operations our electrical contractor completed detailed examination of both motors over the following days which resulted in loss of throughput during this period. The mill is currently processing at approximately 2,900 tpd in June month-to-date.
Caribou Zinc Circuit Summary
During May-2016 and June-2016 Month-to-Date ("MTD") the Caribou metallurgical team made very significant improvements on increasing zinc recoveries towards entitlement ranges as outlined in the Caribou PEA report (see Technical Report on Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Caribou Massive Sulphide Zinc-Lead-Silver Project, Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., on the Company's website or on SEDAR).
The Company continues to focus on highlighted areas for metallurgical improvement with modifications to be implemented during ongoing scheduled maintenance periods (please see News Release TV-NR-16-11, May 11, 2016 for details). Modifications completed during May, and which are ongoing include:
-- Primary grind: Continues to consistently trend lower year-to-date at increasingly higher throughputs. In January the primary grind averaged 41 um versus 36 um in May. Work is ongoing and the mill team is currently optimizing the ball charge (smaller media) in Ball Mill #1. -- Zinc recoveries continue to trend higher as the metallurgical team continues to improve the plant process water quality (essentially manage the calcium content). -- IsaMill redundancy work is complete.
Ongoing scheduled optimization initiatives include:
-- Increase in the number of sample stations for the on-stream sample analyzer. -- SAG Mill modifications, primarily installation of newly designed lifters and shell liners will commence in June and continue during scheduled shut downs throughout the summer period. -- Cyclone control optimization to further increase circuit stability - June. -- Pumping infrastructure including capacity and electrical upgrades are in progress. Standby pumps are also being rebuilt. The upgrades are designed to result in improved performance when handling the finely ground process feed.
Caribou Mining
With the zinc circuit essentially de-risked, site is focusing on underground operations. The technical services team continues to de-bottleneck underground operations. Progress during the month includes the successful implementation of a production drill/blast QA/QC program. Site continues to liaise closely with our service provider in this regard and Trevali's Peruvian blasting consultant, who is now on site, to provide additional support. Fleet availability is also anticipated to improve with the arrival of a new underground scoop in early June.
Stope drawpoint extraction rates continue to exceed PEA planned rates, by up to 4 times more productive, through innovative design. Utilization of new planning tools and modeling has provided additional truck capacity at the drawpoint.
The Company remains committed to its plan to ramp mine production to 2,500-2,700 tpd by the end of Q2.
Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance
EurGeol Dr. Mark D. Cruise, Trevali's President and CEO, Paul Keller, P.Eng, Trevali's Chief Operating Officer 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. 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.
ABOUT TREVALI MINING CORPORATION
Trevali is a zinc-focused, base metals mining company with one producing operation in Peru and another currently undergoing commissioning in Canada.
In Peru, the Company is actively producing zinc and lead-silver concentrates from its 2,000-tonne-per-day Santander mine.
In Canada, Trevali owns the Caribou mine and mill, Halfmile mine and Stratmat deposit all located in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick. The Company is currently commissioning its 3,000-tonne-per-day Caribou mine.
The common shares of Trevali are listed on the TSX (symbol TV), the OTCQX (symbol TREVF), the Lima Stock Exchange (symbol TV), and the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol 4TI). For further details on Trevali, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.trevali.com) and to Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors of
TREVALI MINING CORPORATION
Mark D. Cruise, President
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States private securities litigation reform act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Company's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to, update such statements containing the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to statements as to: the Company's plan to prepare a new PEA for its Halfmile and Stratmat properties, the accuracy of estimated mineral resources, anticipated results of future exploration, and forecast future metal prices, expectations that environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, political, marketing or other issues will not materially affect estimates of mineral resources. These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies.
These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in spot and forward markets for silver, zinc, base metals and certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar and Peruvian sol versus the U.S. dollar); risks related to the technological and operational nature of the Company's business; changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Peru or other countries where the Company may carry on business in the future; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining,; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources as properties are mined; global financial conditions; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; the Company's ability to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions and to mitigate other business combination risks; challenges to, or difficulty in maintaining, the Company's title to properties and continued ownership thereof; the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, and changes in project parameters to deal with unanticipated economic or other factors; increased competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel, and their costs. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
Trevali's production plan at the Caribou Mine is based only on measured, indicated and inferred resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Trevali's production plan at the Santander Mine is based only on indicated and inferred mineral resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is therefore no certainty that the conclusions of the production plans and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) will be realized. Additionally, where Trevali discusses exploration/expansion potential, any potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
We advise US investors that while the terms "measured resources", "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize these terms. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the material in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold within the United States, absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
The TSX has not approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.
Contacts:
Steve Stakiw
Vice President, Investor Relations
and Corporate Communications
(604) 488-1661 / Direct: (604) 638-5623
sstakiw@trevali.com
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 --POLSINELLI, an Am Law 100 firm, announced today that Ying Wang has joined the New York office of its Capital Markets and Commercial Lending Practice Group, where she will partner with clients to navigate the complex world of international and domestic banking, finance and capital markets.
Prior to joining Polsinelli, Wang held positions with two of the largest Chinese international banks. She has extensive experience in cross-border banking and finance transactions, including acquisition and leveraged financing, commercial real estate financing, syndicated and bilateral lending transactions, and debt products. Wang regularly advises international financial institutions and other corporate clients in such areas as derivative products including rate, credit, interest, foreign exchange and commodities, securities lending, banking regulation compliance, internal corporate governance policies, and other complex matters in international banking, foreign exchange and capital markets. She brings strong relationships with the international banking community to the firm and expects to build on these relationships to help broaden and deepen the practice scope for Polsinelli.
"Ying's most welcome arrival gives us the opportunity make our broad financial services platform and national reach available to her clients and other Chinese banks and investors," said Dan Flanigan, Chair of the firm's Financial Services & Real Estate Department and Managing Partner of the New York Office.
"I'm very pleased to join a firm with such a broad and diverse financial services practice," said Wang. "I am especially attracted by their strength in all types of banking and finance practices such as structured finance and real estate finance. I expect my clients will also be very excited to take advantage of the firm's geographic footprint of 19 domestic offices radiating outward from New York across the entire nation."
Wang speaks frequently at bar and industry seminars on topics addressing the latest regulatory, financial and legal developments. She is a member of the Banking Law Committee and a previous member of the Futures & Derivatives Committee of New York City Bar. She sat at the Legislative and Policy Committee of Institute of International Bankers (IIB).
Wang holds her LLB, with distinction, from Peking University School of Law, her J.D., cum laude, from Peking University School of Law, and her LL.M. from New York University School of Law.
Photo available upon request
About Polsinelli:
real challenges. real answers.(SM)
Polsinelli is an Am Law 100 firm with more than 800 attorneys in 19 offices, serving corporations, institutions, and entrepreneurs nationally. Ranked in the top five percent of law firms for client service*, the firm has risen more than 50 spots over the past five years in the Am Law 100 annual law firm ranking. Polsinelli attorneys provide practical legal counsel infused with business insight, and focus on health care, financial services, real estate, intellectual property, mid-market corporate, and business litigation. Polsinelli attorneys have depth of experience in 100 service areas and 70 industries. The firm can be found online at www.polsinelli.com. Polsinelli PC. In California, Polsinelli LLP.
* 2016 BTI Client Service A-Team Report
For more information, contact:
Dan Flanigan
Polsinelli
Email Contact
816-360-4260
Adam Friedman
Adam Friedman Associates
Email Contact
917-675-6250
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Six children have drowned in Zimbabwe on Tuesday while pastors were baptizing them in a river in the eastern part of the country, reports quoting police said. The tragic incident took place in a river in Mashonaland East province. Police said they arrested two pastors from an apostolic church in Muriwo village, who organized the event, and tried to flee after the children drowned. Police acted on a tip off from a passer-by, who was alerted by a four-year-old boy who escaped from the river shivering with cold, the provincial police spokeswoman said in a statement. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar declined against its most major counterparts in European trading on Thursday amid risk aversion, as European markets fell on worries about slowing global economic growth and falling oil prices.
Crude oil prices declined on profit-taking after a huge rally to 10-month highs.
Crude for July delivery slipped $0.60 to $50.63 per barrel.
Canadian oil supplies are ramping up after the Alberta wildfires, and U.S. rig counts are expected to rise as big oil takes advantage of higher prices.
Caution about slowing global growth, uncertainty surrounding the Brexit referendum and the recent strength of the euro amid diminishing expectations for a near-term rate hike by the Federal Reserve triggered the risk-off mood in markets.
In economic front, data from Statistics Canada showed that Canada new housing price index rose 0.3 percent in April, the biggest since October, primarily driven by new housing prices in Ontario.
This follows a 0.2 percent increase in March and matched economists' expectations.
The loonie was trading mixed in Asian deals. While the currency held steady against the euro and the greenback, it declined against the aussie and the yen.
In European deals, the loonie slipped to a 2-day low of 1.2766 against the greenback, off its early high of 1.2670. The loonie may find support around the 1.295 mark.
Data from the U.S. Labor Department showed that the number of people filing first-time unemployment benefits unexpected dipped last week.
The initial jobless claims came in at 264,000 for the week ended June 4. This was down 4,000 from the previous week's revised level of 268,000.
Pulling away from an early high of 84.34 against the Japanese yen, the loonie hit a 3-day low of 83.44. The next possible support for the loonie-yen pair is seen around the 82.00 area.
Data from the Cabinet Office showed that Japan's core machine orders tumbled 11.0 percent on month in April.
That missed forecasts for a decline of 3.4 percent following the 5.5 percent increase in March.
The loonie retreated to 0.9484 against the aussie, from a high of 0.9454 hit at 7:30 am ET. This may be compared to an early Asian session's 2-day low of 0.9515. On the downside, 0.96 is likely seen as the next support level for the loonie.
On the flip side, the loonie resumed gains against the euro with the pair trading at 1.4425. The pair ended yesterday's trading at 1.4457. Continuation of the loonie's uptrend may lead it to a resistance around the 1.42 level.
European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said that Eurozone must hasten with structural reforms as the cost of delaying them further is too high, by hurting labor and productivity that reduces economic potential in the long run.
'There are many understandable political reasons to delay structural reform, but there are few good economic ones, Draghi said in a speech at the Brussels Economic Forum. 'The cost of delay is simply too high.'
Looking ahead, U.S. wholesale inventories data for April is set to be published shortly.
At 11:15 am ET, Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz is expected to hold a press conference about the Financial System Review in Ottawa.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
On the eastern coast of Florida, about 120 miles north of Miami, theres a very special research center. It serves as a field station specializing in marine biodiversity and Florida ecosystems, especially that of the Indian River Lagoon one of the most biologically-diverse estuaries in North America. The center serves as a destination for scientists around the world who are interested in studying the extraordinary biodiversity in the area as well as ocean and coastal processes at large.
Aerial view of the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit and the Smithsonian marine Station. http://www.sms.si.edu/.
This center is the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, and its mission is to support and conductscholarly research in the marine sciences, including collection, documentation and preservation of south Floridas marine biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as education, training, and public service.
The Smithsonian has had a presence in Fort Pierce since 1969. While the station and facilities have grown and evolved tremendously over the past four decades, a $10 million donation from Suzanne and Michael Tennenbaum in 2012 launched a project that further expands the Stations contributions to worldwide coastal marine biodiversity and ecosystem research.
Entitled the Tennenbaum Marine Observation Network (TMON), the project establishes the first worldwide network of coastal ecological field sites and will provide an unprecedented understanding of how marine biodiversity is affected by local human activities and global change, such as ocean warming, acidification and rising sea levels. The Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce was named one of five field sites in the project, which aims to incorporate an additional ten new sites within the next decade.
Dean Janiak, Biologist, TMON/MarineGEO, Smithsonian Marine Station at Ft Pierce.
Dean Janiak has served as a biologist on TMON and the related Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO) program at the Fort Pierce Marine Station for the past year and a half. Before joining the station in Florida, he served as the Head Technician in the Benthic Ecology lab at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Maryland. With a B.Sc. in Biology from Humboldt State University and an M.Sc. in Marine Sciences from the University of Connecticut, Janiak has a passion for marine ecology, invasion biology, and life histories a passion which attracted him to the position in Fort Pierce.
I would consider myself a general marine ecologist with a particular interest in how marine invertebrate communities are both formed and maintained in space and time, explains Janiak. When we travel out into the field and see communities of animals living in close proximity to each other, we could assume that they just randomly arrived there and have made a living. However, most species actually have gone through a harrowing adventure to get to where they are. Besides how they got there, the animals themselves are unbelievably diverse. I would argue that within meter 2, in many parts of the ocean you could find more diversity than any zoo or aquarium could ever show you. Because of this, much of my interests are in not only why communities look the way they do but also what species or groups of species make up these communities. In particular, I do a lot of research in an unusual type of habitat artificial habitats (e.g. docks, marinas, seawalls, etc.) which are actually pretty common. While they tend to have a positive effect for those installing them (storm protection, recreational boating), we have little knowledge on how they function in terms of the animals on them and how they contribute to the overall system. For example, a large percentage of non-native species are found in these types of habitats, and one of the topics I am interested in is the consequences of these species spreading into more pristine, native habitat like seagrasses or reefs.
Such research is dependent upon information contained within published literature.
In my opinion, there is no way to do science of any kind without having a solid background on what has been done in the past, affirms Janiak. Unlike past history where we must learn from our mistakes in order to be successful, the sciences allow us to learn from our accomplishments. Each species is unique in its evolutionary journey and should be treated as such. Identifying a species and learning about how that species makes its living requires an extensive use of the library system.
Traditionally, access to historic literature can be difficult to obtain, even for researchers working at institutions with extensive library collections such as those that Janiak has access to through the Smithsonian Libraries. While Janiak is quick to point out that he benefits enormously from the e-journal subscriptions and robust ILL services offered by the Smithsonian, being stationed in Florida, away from the library base of his home institution, means that his opportunity to access the Librarys physical collections are limited. Even the speediest ILL services inevitably introduce delays into the research process. The Biodiversity Heritage Library (of which Smithsonian Libraries is a founding Member), however, is revolutionizing scientific research, providing researchers across the globe with free and immediate access to the information and publications they require to study life on Earth.
BHL is a great resource for trying to find things that have typically been forgotten by most, applauds Janiak. [It provides access to] literature that would be otherwise impossible to find or know that it even existed. From a research perspective, I use BHL as a starting to point to find taxonomic information on a particular species or group that I am working on. As we move closer and closer to new age molecular approaches to identifying species, we are losing people who can simply look at an animal and tell you what it is, why it is that, and the interesting way that it makes a living. I think that much of this knowledge would be lost if BHL was not trying to keep this information available.
Rockworm (Marphysa sanguinea). An example of one of the species found in the Indian River Lagoon. Image Credit: Dean Janiak.
In particular, BHL has proven to be a useful resource for the TMON project, providing information that supports research on global change.
TMON has at its core to understand biodiversity and how it changes through time, explains Janiak. I think that we are all aware that the climate is changing, and it is natural for change to occur. There are built-in positive and negative feedback loops that allow the climate to do so. I think the problem is that this change is happening at a rapid rate and we, in a single generation, can see this happening. It is therefore important to have access to a biodiversity library that has done so well to document the past, as this is vital to our understanding of the future.
Thanks to the free online access to biodiversity literature provided by BHL, combined with the extensive resources offered by the Smithsonian Libraries, Janiak has the information he needs to follow his research passions.
I have always been career-minded and have also always wanted to be a part of something special with the caveat that it must come with a constant challenge. I think that the Smithsonian has not only offered me that but has also given me the opportunity to build a career with all the resources that I would need plus that relentless challenge that keeps me engaged and excited each day. Its essentially like the popular kid at school asking you to play in their sandbox; you never want to leave.
______________________
This post may contain the personal opinions of BHL users or affiliated staff and does not necessarily represent the official Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) position on these matters.
SAN DIEGO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Although children are not usually thought about in regards to cosmetic surgery, San Diego facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Hilinski reveals that many boys and girls undergo what is known as otoplasty, or ear pinning, at his practice. The purpose of this procedure is to improve the appearance of protruding or abnormally shaped ears. Dr. Hilinski explains that ear surgery proves highly beneficial for children as young as four or five years of age who are self-conscious about their ears.
The best age for otoplasty will vary based on the individual concern and physical development of each child, says Dr. Hilinski. He goes on to explain that children typically have reached 80% of their adult ear size by this young age, making it an appropriate time for them to address their ear concerns. By addressing the problem early, Dr. Hilinski notes that children can often avoid much of the teasing from peers at school, which has been known to leave a lasting poor impression on their self-image.
The facial plastic surgeon is pleased to help boys and girls protect -- and improve -- their self-confidence when their abnormal ear shape embarrasses them. He says that parents often notice this concern when their children consistently try to hide their ears with their hair. Dr. Hilinski believes that although this is a cosmetic surgery, it can help preserve their emotional well-being for the long-term.
For any children uncomfortable with the look of their ears, Dr. Hilinski stresses the importance of consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with performing the ear pinning procedure.
About John Hilinski, MD
Dr. Hilinski has dual board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Head and Neck Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School; completed residencies at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center; and underwent fellowship training at the University of Illinois, Chicago Medical Center and the University of California, San Diego Cancer Center. Dr. Hilinski is an active member of several professional associations, including the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is available for interview upon request.
For more information, visit drhilinski.com or facebook.com/drhilinski.
To view the original source of this press release, click here:
https://www.drhilinski.com/news-room/san-diego-facial-plastic-surgeon-on-benefits-of-otoplasty-for-children
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3018132
Dr. John Hilinski
3720 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 296-3223
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Rainmaker Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: RIR) ("Rainmaker") is extremely pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement whereby the Company can acquire a 100% interest in the Sarcobatus Flats Lithium property ("Sarcobatus"), located in Nye County, Nevada. The Sarcobatus property comprises 48 placer mining claims, issued by the US Bureau of Land Management, covering approximately 1,000 acres (405 hectares). Importantly, Sarcobatus is anticipated to be a Lithium Brine project as opposed to a hard-rock deposit, known for much lower costs and faster time to production. Rainmaker intends to embark on a first phase exploration program as soon as possible, and will report further on targets and dates in the near future.
Sarcobatus is located approximately 70km South-East of Clayton Valley, home to the only producing Lithium mine in the United States owned by Albermarle. This area of Nevada has seen a rapid rise of exploration activity, including Pure Energy's announcement of 816,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Access to the Sarcobatus Flats property is excellent, as the project lies directly adjacent to a main US highway, the US 95. With easy access to this flat and arid property, exploration costs are expected to be low (shallow drill holes), with minimal environmental impact.
"Sarcobatus is a truly high-potential lithium project which stood out from the pack as being particularly attractive for a number of reasons", commented Chris Healey, P. Geo., CEO of Rainmaker. "We have been monitoring the surging lithium market as well as the deals being done in the space, and while I tend to critically scrutinize exploration assets given my 48 years as a geologist in the mining sector, the Sarcobatus lithium opportunity in Nevada hosts a number of key advantages both in terms of its geological characteristics as well as the acquisition terms negotiated by Rainmaker. We believe we can advance exploration quickly and economically, with the goal of discovering and developing a low cost lithium producer on the site, in mining-friendly Nevada."
The Sarcobatus Lithium asset is located within a valley that is over 30km long and 19km wide, into which streams from an approximately 2,070 km2 drainage basin empty. The source rocks are quartz-rich volcanics that contain anomalous amounts of lithium. Sampling of salt flats within the basin indicate lithium values in sediment samples ranging from 150 to 300 ppm (USGS Professional Paper 918, Lithium in Unconsolidated Sediments and Plants of the Basin and Range Province, Southern California and Nevada). The lithium content of soils and vegetation in the Sarcobatus Flats property compare favorably with samples from Clayton Valley. The company's qualified person has not independently sampled the property, nor has he independently verified the quoted results. The company is relying on the data reported by the United States Geological Survey in the report cited above.
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
-- Lithium: Critical mineral for batteries powering electric cars, amongst many tech purposes -- Favourable Terms: Share acquisition, cash reserved for exploration -- High-Potential Project: Sarcobatus samples indicate lithium values 150 - 300ppm -- Location: Mining-friendly Nevada -- Large Land Package: Approximately 1,000 acres including 48 placer mining claims -- Infrastructure & Accessible: Sarcobatus sits adjacent to US highway 95 -- Low-Cost Exploration: Shallow drill holes and ability to expediently advance exploration -- Rapid Advancement: Lithium Brines tend to require less drilling to discover resource -- Low-Cost Development/Production: Lithium Brine deposits tend to have the lowest costs
RAINMAKER OPTION DETAILS
Rainmaker negotiated the option in order to most optimally align current vendors with Rainmaker shareholders. The Company believes that the terms offer maximum upside, without costing cash to the Company, which will instead be utilized in exploring the project directly. Additionally, Rainmaker maintains the ability to assess and reassess progress at various intervals before completing the full share purchase. Under the option agreement, Rainmaker can earn an undivided 100% interest in the property by making the following payments:
I. Shares of the company valued at US $35,000 (at a deemed price of US $0.07 per share) within seven days of the company receiving all necessary approvals from the TSX-V, and II. US $75,000 in cash or shares in the company at the first anniversary, and III.US $100,000 in cash or shares in the company at the second anniversary, and IV. US $150,000 in cash or shares in the company at the third anniversary, and V. Spending no less than US $50,000 on exploration of the property in each of the first three years, and VI. Reserving a 2% NSR to the optionor, 50% of which can be purchased by the company for US $1,000,000 before the fifth anniversary of the agreement.
ABOUT RAINMAKER
Rainmaker Resources is a TSX-V listed company focused on creating shareholder value. Rainmaker controls the option to acquire the Sarcobatus Flats Lithium project in Nevada.
Rainmaker currently also owns a 12.5% Joint Venture interest in a Uranium asset known as Dufferin Lake. Dufferin Lake is operated by NexGen Energy, a public company with a large portfolio of assets and a market capitalization of over $800-Million.
The Rainmaker team is led by President & CEO Chris Healey, a professional geologist with nearly 48 years of experience. Mr. Healey was CEO of Titan Uranium, which was acquired by Energy Fuels (a TSX and NYSE listed company). Mr. Healey spent 5 years managing US Operations for Cameco, including the acquisition of several major mining assets. As a geologist, Mr. Healey was involved in the discovery of the world's two largest high grade Uranium deposits (as Cameco's District Geologist on the discovery team for Cigar Lake, and Senior Geologist - Evaluations for McArthur River).
RAINMAKER SARCOBATUS MAP: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1058310_t.pdf
LITHIUM BRINE ADVANTAGES
Lithium Brine deposits are becoming known for their low costs and quicker exploration-to-production timelines. Drilling Lithium Brine deposits is cheaper on a per-meter basis, and moreover require less drilling overall.
CORPORATE UPDATE
Rainmaker is also pleased to report final closing of its prior announced private placement (see News Release dated May 27th 2016) for gross proceeds of just over $200,000, positioning Rainmaker to advance its new Lithium asset in Nevada pursuant to the option agreement. Sunel Securities has been an instrumental partner in connection with Rainmaker's two most recent successful financings, which have allowed the Company to advance to this point.
Website currently under construction to reflect recent developments, for further information about the company, please see the company's profile at www.sedar.com.
Chris M. Healey, P. Geo, President of Rainmaker, is the qualified person, under National Instrument 43-101, who is responsible for the technical content of this release. This news release has been prepared on behalf of the Directors of Rainmaker Resources Ltd., who accept responsibility for its contents.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com).
Contacts:
Rainmaker Resources Ltd.
Chris Healey, President & CEO
(778) 996-1810
Chris@rainmaker-resources.com
www.rainmaker-resources.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- This press release is issued pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues.
On May 27, 2016, Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (the "Issuer") completed a transaction whereby an existing SuperLig MRT production profit participation/royalty (the "Profit Participation") was increased to CAD$7.3 million and then converted (the "Conversion") into units of the Issuer (the "Units"), pursuant to a previously-announced agreement between the Issuer and Concept Capital Management Ltd. (the "Offeror"), dated December 8, 2015, as amended on March 4, 2016 and May 16, 2016 (the "Profit Participation Agreement").
Each Unit issued in connection with the Conversion was comprised of one common share in the capital of the Issuer (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at a price of CAD$0.38 per Common Share for a period of three years from the issuance date of the Warrant.
Immediately prior to the Conversion, the Offeror directly or indirectly held beneficial ownership of, and control and direction over, 22,633,945 Common Shares and 14,157,895 Warrants, representing approximately 9.4% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis) or approximately 14.4% upon exercise of the Warrants (assuming the exercise of all of the Warrants beneficially owned by the Offeror, and that no other securities, including those convertible into, or exercisable for, the Issuer's securities, are issued, converted or exercised).
Pursuant to the Conversion, the Offeror converted CAD$1.0 million of its investment in the Profit Participation in exchange for 3,448,276 Units, comprised of 3,448,276 Common Shares and 3,448,276 Warrants. The Units were acquired by the Offeror at a Conversion rate or price of CAD$0.29 per Unit.
Accordingly, immediately following the completion of the Conversion, the Offeror directly or indirectly holds beneficial ownership of, and control and direction over, a total of 26,082,221 Common Shares and 17,606,171 Warrants, representing approximately 9.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis) or approximately 15.3% upon exercise of the Warrants (assuming the exercise of all of the Warrants beneficially owned by the Offeror, and that no other securities, including those convertible into, or exercisable for, the Issuer's securities, are issued, converted or exercised).
The Units referred to above were acquired for investment purposes. The Offeror elected to convert CAD$1.0 million of its investment in the Profit Participation in exchange for 3,448,276 Units so that the Offeror could progressively expand its ownership position in the Issuer, giving the Offeror broader exposure to all of the Issuer's economic opportunities rather than earn payments derived from an individual production stream.
The Offeror and/or one or more of its affiliates may, depending on market and other conditions, increase or decrease its beneficial ownership of Common Shares or other securities of the Issuer whether in the open market, by privately negotiated agreement or otherwise.
The Offeror is an "accredited investor" (as such term is defined in National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 45-106")) because the Offeror is a "person" (as such term is defined in NI 45-106) in respect of which all of the owners of interests, direct, indirect or beneficial, except the voting securities required by law to be owned by directors, are persons that are "accredited investors".
The Issuer is located at 210 Waterfront Drive, Suite 106, Bedford, Nova Scotia, B4A 0H3. The Offeror is located at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, MH 96960, Majuro, Marshall Islands. A copy of the early warning report to which this news release relates can be obtained from CCM LTD E-mail info@ccm-ag.com or on the SEDAR profile of the Issuer at www.sedar.com.
Contacts:
Concept Capital Management Ltd.
Frank Hogel
Advisor
011491742062678
MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - German auto giant BMW Group (BMW.L, BAMXF.PK, BAMXY.PK) has won a contract to supply the Los Angeles Police Department with 100 electric cars, beating competition from California-based rival Tesla Motors, Inc. (TSLA).
BMW will lease 100 of its fully-electric plug-in compact BMW i3 vehicles for use in the LAPD's transportation fleet. The vehicles will form part of the Police Department's non-emergency fleet vehicles and will be used as transportation vehicles for officers and in community outreach initiatives.
The initiative is in keeping with the LAPD's focus on efficient use of resources and Los Angeles' 'Sustainable City Plan' goal that more than half of all new City vehicles be fully electric.
The selection of the BMW electric cars comes after a field trial during which a BMW i3 was evaluated alongside other electric vehicles, including a Tesla Model S P85D. Production of the P85D has been discontinued.
While Tesla's P85D is larger and quicker than the BMW i3, the German electric car has a base price of $42,000, or just half the price of the Tesla vehicle.
With 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor, the BMW i3 is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery and can go 80 to 100 miles on a single electric charge.
Partly due to its compact size and use of light-weight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic or CFRP in its construction, the BMW i3 has a tight turning radius and the agility required to navigate congested city streets.
BMW said its software data system will integrate with the LAPD's fleet management system, enabling the police department to electronically receive critical vehicle data needed to effectively maintain their fleet.
BMW is also designing a web tool that will allow the department to track their fleet in near real-time. This is expected to contribute to improved deployment and utilization as well as the efficient charging of the fleet of BMW i3s.
Greenlots, a provider of open standards-based distributed energy resource solutions, will supply 100 Level 2 chargers and four DC fast chargers to LAPD.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
University City has a 98% occupancy rate across the neighborhood, due in large part to its walkability and close proximity to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Penn Medicine and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The properties were in the beginning stages of a renovation program. "Both properties offered the buyer excellent upside potential by renovating the assets and re-positioning them from a local tenant base into student housing," stated Mark Duszak, Director of Rittenhouse Realty Advisors. New and renovated units in University City lease for 200% to 300% higher than in-place rents at The Netherlands and Chester Plaza.
The new owners plan to continue the renovation plans to reposition the properties into the premier apartment residences in University City. "The buyer, Zanderco Mgt., is an established operator who has been aggressively buying properties in this neighborhood over the past two years, given the strong demographics and the growth of "Eds and Meds" in the recent past," noted Corey Lonberger, Managing Partner of Rittenhouse Realty Advisors.
Ken Wellar, also a Managing Partner, added: "University City is one of the hottest markets in Philadelphia and is attracting investors from all over the country that want be a part of the major growth this area has seen. Within the last year, RRA has closed close to 100 million dollars in multi-family deals in this rapidly redeveloping neighborhood."
For more information on current rates or to view our available listings visit www.RittenhouseRealty.com.
Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rittenhouse Realty Advisors is a real estate advisory firm with an extensive focus in the brokerage of multi-family communities throughout the northeast region of the United States. Formed in February 2013 by a group of advisors with more than 30 years of commercial investment sales experience, our focus is on multi-family and mixed-use properties with significant residential components.
www.RittenhouseRealty.com
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Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/6/9/11G102214/Images/CHESTER-FRONT-8adec9760026a05b82617830a491000b.jpg
Press Contact:
Corey Lonberger and Ken Wellar
Managing Partners
215-454-2852
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 10:00 am ET Thursday, the Commerce Department will release its wholesale trade data for April. The consensus estimate calls for a 0.1 percent month-over-month increase in wholesale inventories. Ahead of the data, the greenback traded mixed against its major rivals. While the greenback rose against the franc and the euro, it held steady against the pound and the yen. The greenback was worth 1.1323 against the euro, 0.9631 against the franc, 1.4465 against the pound and 106.55 against the yen as of 9:55 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- This news release corrects and replaces the release for Cortex Business Solutions Inc. issued today at 10:46 am EST. The corrected release follows.
Cortex Business Solutions Inc. (TSX VENTURE: CBX), an online business-to-business, network as a service, that helps companies reduce invoice processing times by connecting and interacting with each other, today announces the appointment of Joel Leetzow and Elena Dumitrascu to key roles on the leadership team for PIDX International.
PIDX International is committed to the standardization of business processes that deal with the exchange of data between trading partners in the Oil & Gas business. The list of standards that PIDX provides encompasses XML schemas, as well as Best Practices Documents, Business Process Guidelines, Implementation Guides, Industry Code Lists, the Data Dictionary and the Petroleum Industry Glossary.
Joel Leetzow, President & CEO of Cortex, has assumed the role of PIDX's Chairperson of Marketing Committee tasked with setting the marketing strategy for the PIDX membership. The role of Chairperson is a volunteer role, but one that Mr. Leetzow sees as being critically important to the betterment of the industry. Mr. Leetzow commented, "I'm extremely honored to be given the opportunity to work with my peers in the oil & gas community to shape the marketing strategy for PIDX and to elevate awareness of the standardization of business processes throughout the industry."
Elena Dumitrascu, VP Business Development and Sales for Cortex, has been involved with PIDX's Field Ticket initiative. In her role acting as an industry resource tasked with raising awareness and promoting the adoption of field ticketing capabilities within the Oil & Gas market.
In addition, Darryl Gate, VP, Client Services, will be representing Cortex at the PIDX US Spring Conference on June 9th, 2016 in Houston. As part of his presentation, Mr. Gate will provide insights into maximizing existing investments in ERP and building strong vendor relationships. He will also be discussing the future of eBusiness and its role in the Buyer/Supplier partnership along with thoughts surrounding the adoption of new technologies and the importance of standardization for the purpose of supporting efficient business practices.
About PIDX International
PIDX International provides a global forum for delivering the process, information and technology standards that facilitates seamless, efficient electronic business within the Oil and Gas industry and its trading community. PIDX is made up of Oil and Gas Industry Standards leaders in the facilitation of Electronic Commerce, with a focus on developing and leveraging Electronic Standards to take advantage of Industry Best Practices.
About Cortex Business Solutions
Cortex Business Solutions Inc. (TSX VENTURE: CBX) is a business-to-business network that enables electronic invoicing for buying and suppling organizations. The Cortex network offers flexible connection methods to reduce the time required to process invoices and tools that leverage existing customer technologies and processes. Access to the Cortex Network enhances the exchange of documents allowing companies to connect and interact with each other to grow their businesses.
For more information, please visit www.cortex.net.
Contacts:
Investor Relations Contacts:
Joel Leetzow
President and CEO
jleetzow@cortex.net
403-219-2838
Sandra Weiler
CFO
sweiler@cortex.net
403-219-2838
Andrew Stewart
Director, Marketing & Investor Relations
astewart@cortex.net
403-219-2838
www.cortex.net
BEVERLY, MA--(Marketwired - June 09, 2016) - Cellceutix Corporation (OTC: CTIX) (the "Company"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies with oncology, dermatology, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic applications, is pleased to announce that, yesterday, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the Company's motion to dismiss the securities class action lawsuit brought against the Company by a plaintiff represented by the Rosen Law Firm.
The ruling dismisses all claims against Cellceutix, denies the plaintiff's request to file an amended complaint, and orders that the case be closed. Writing on behalf of the Court in a 39-page ruling, the Honorable Judge Katherine Polk Failla dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety (Case 1:15-cv-07194-KPF), concluding:
For the reasons stated in this Opinion, Defendants' motion to dismiss Plaintiff's SAC [Second Amended Complaint] is GRANTED. Plaintiff has requested leave to replead, without presenting any concrete means of remedying the deficiencies identified in this Opinion. Because Plaintiff has previously been given leave to replead, and because the Court finds that any further repleading would be futile, Plaintiff's request is DENIED. See Loreley Fin. (Jersey) No. 3 Ltd. v. Wells Fargo Sec., LLC, 797 F.3d 160, 190 (2d Cir. 2015) (identifying futility as a proper ground for denying leave to replead); see generally United States ex rel. Ladas v. Exelis, Inc., - F.3d -, No. 14-4155-cv, 2016 WL 3003674, at *9 (2d Cir. May 25, 2016). The Clerk of Court is directed to terminate all pending motions, adjourn all remaining dates, and close this case.
"We are extremely pleased with Judge Failla's decision," commented attorney Michael J. Sullivan, lead counsel for Cellceutix and former U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. "From the outset, of this case, it was our opinion that the claims were both meritless and frivolous, so we were gratified that after careful consideration, to see Judge Failla agree to dismiss this case in its entirety. An anonymous libelous article caused this case to be filed. The author intended and in fact caused the price of Cellceutix's stock to decline. This type of manipulation of publicly traded stock is illegal and causes harm to companies and investors. We continue to work with regulators, prosecutors and law enforcement to assist in identifying the anonymous individuals and organizations intent on manipulating the value of a company's stock by publishing dishonest articles in online forums, and other venues. Such 'short and distort' tactics are illegal, detrimental to our securities markets, and must stop."
"We are extremely pleased with the ruling," stated Leo Ehrlich, Chief Executive Officer of Cellceutix. "I greatly appreciate the work of the Ashcroft Law Firm. They never wavered in their support, and put forth a zealous defense of our Company against these baseless claims. Frivolous class action lawsuits are a huge burden on the biotech industry, negatively impacting shareholders and patients alike. Not only is a company materially damaged, but promising treatments and cures under development are put at greater risk of not making it to market. These actions caused significant damage to our Company and shareholders. We hope that the dismissal of this case and all its ramifications sends a powerful signal to others to think twice about pursuing such actions."
The Court's opinion dismissing the lawsuit can be found on http://cellceutix.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/49-Memo-Opinion-and-Order-MTD-GRANTED.pdf
About The Ashcroft Law Firm
The Ashcroft Law Firm was founded by former U.S. Attorney General, Governor and Senator John Ashcroft, and has offices in Boston, MA, Washington, DC, St. Louis, MO, and Austin, TX. See http://ashcroftlawfirm.com/ for more information.
Cellceutix clinical trials on Clinicaltrials.gov:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=cellceutix&Search=Search
Alerts:
Sign-up for Cellceutix email alerts is available at http://cellceutix.com/email-alerts/ - sthash.CRfqSmmY.k6MzKBo8.dpbs
About Cellceutix:
Headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, Cellceutix is a publicly traded company under the symbol "CTIX". Cellceutix is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies in multiple diseases. Cellceutix believes it has a world-class portfolio of compounds and is now engaged in advancing its compounds and seeking strategic partnerships. Cellceutix's anti-cancer drug Kevetrin concluded a Phase 1 clinical trial at Harvard Cancer Centers' Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Cellceutix is now preparing its FDA application for a Phase 2 ovarian cancer study. In the laboratory Kevetrin has shown to induce activation of p53, often referred to as the "Guardian Angel Gene" due to its crucial role in controlling cell mutations. Cellceutix is in a Phase 2 clinical trial with its novel compound Brilacidin-OM for the prevention of Oral Mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer. Brilacidin-OM, a defensin mimetic compound, has shown in an animal model to reduce the occurrence of severe ulcerative oral mucositis by more than 94% compared to placebo. Cellceutix's anti-psoriasis drug Prurisol completed a Phase 2 trial. Prurisol is a small molecule that acts through immune modulation and PRINS reduction. Cellceutix's lead antibiotic, Brilacidin, has completed a Phase 2b trial for Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections, or ABSSSI. Top-line data have shown a single dose of Brilacidin to deliver comparable clinical outcomes to the FDA-approved seven-day dosing regimen of daptomycin. Brilacidin has the potential to be a single-dose therapy for certain multi-drug resistant bacteria (Superbugs). Cellceutix has formed research collaborations with world-renowned research institutions in the United States and Europe, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the University of Bologna. More information is available on the Cellceutix web site at www.cellceutix.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause Cellceutix's actual results and experience to differ materially from anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward looking statements. Cellceutix has in some cases identified forward-looking statements by using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "hopes," "estimates," "looks," "expects," "plans," "intends," "goal," "potential," "may," "suggest," and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations that involve risks, changes in circumstances, assumptions and uncertainties. Among other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements are Cellceutix's need for, and the availability of, substantial capital in the future to fund its operations and research and development; including the amount and timing of the sale of shares of common stock to Aspire Capital; the fact that Cellceutix's compounds may not successfully complete pre-clinical or clinical testing, or be granted regulatory approval to be sold and marketed in the United States or elsewhere. A more complete description of these risk factors is included in Cellceutix's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Cellceutix undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to any such forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable law or regulation.
INVESTOR AND MEDIA CONTACT:
Cellceutix Corporation
Leo Ehrlich
Email contact
SKF (STO:SKFB) (STO:SKFA) (Pink Sheets:SKFRY) (LSE:SKFB) today announces the consolidation of its manufacturing facilities in North America, including the closure of its sites in San Diego, California and Baltimore, Maryland.
Restructuring costs are expected to amount to around SEK 300 million, of which around SEK 100 million will be accounted for during Q2 2016 and the remainder as they occur. The consolidation is expected to generate full year cost savings of around SEK 220 million from 2019, whereof around SEK 70 million is expected to be achieved in 2018.
Luc Graux, President, Bearing Operations, says: "These activities will strengthen our position in North America, making us more competitive and better able to support our customers, by improving the utilisation of our manufacturing assets. They also provide the foundation for investments in the further development of our manufacturing processes and technologies."
Production will be transferred from the Group's site in Hanover, Pennsylvania, to Flowery Branch, Georgia. Taking customer commitments into account, the move will consolidate production of spherical roller bearings and large size roller bearings into our existing bearing manufacturing operations in Flowery Branch. With a stronger, more efficient manufacturing base, the Group will be better able to serve its North American customers.
Production of rings and seals for the aerospace industry will be relocated to Hanover from SKF's existing factory in Baltimore, Maryland, which will be closed. Discussions over the effects this will have on employees in Hanover and Baltimore will occur with their respective employee representatives.
Investments totalling SEK 150 million will be made in upgrading machinery and manufacturing processes in Hanover and Flowery Branch, part of the Group's strategy to implement world-class manufacturing technologies.
Manufacturing and development of condition monitoring solutions will be moved from SKF's existing site in San Diego, California, to other sites in Europe. This will enable the Group to offer customers better condition monitoring solutions, faster, as the development team will be centralised in the same region, close to the rest of SKF's technical competence centres across Europe. A technical support team will remain in San Diego, but in a separate facility.
The Y-Bearing and Units production channels in Puebla, Mexico, which serve North American customers within the agriculture segment, will be closed, with production transferred to other SKF sites.
Consolidation of the sites in Hanover, Flowery Branch, Baltimore and San Diego is expected to take approximately 18-24 months. The closure of the Y-Bearing and Units production channels in Puebla, Mexico is expected to be completed during the summer of 2016.
Aktiebolaget SKF (publ)
SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. SKF is represented in more than 130 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2015 were SEK 75 997 million and the number of employees was 46 635. www.skf.com
SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160609005970/en/
Contacts:
For SKF:
PRESS:
Theo Kjellberg, +46 31 337 6576
mobile: +46 725-776576
Director, Press Relations
theo.kjellberg@skf.com
or
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Patrik Stenberg, +46 31-337 2104
+46 705-472 104
Head of Investor Relations
patrik.stenberg@skf.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Donald Trump's former butler Anthony Senecal, who created controversy by calling for President Barack Obama's death, insists the presumptive GOP presidential nominee is not racist. Speaking at Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club in Boca Raton, Florida, the longtime former butler at Trump's estate, the Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, said there was no credence to criticism that Trump is racist, the Tampa Bay Times reported. 'I saw him working with everybody-you know, the Hispanics, the blacks, the foreigners. I mean, he would talk with any of them, all of them,' Senecal said, adding that 'There isn't a racist bone in his body.' He was referring to controversial comments Trump made about Hispanic Judge Gonzalo Curiel overseeing a lawsuit into Trump University. Trump said he doubts if he was receiving a fair trial in the case, because the judge is 'Mexican'. However, after facing a backlash from other members of the Republican Party, Trump claimed his comments about the federal judge have been misconstrued. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a hate message posted on Facebook by Senecal in March, calling to kill Obama. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- IDenta Corp (OTC PINK: IDTA) CEO, Yaacov Shoham, made the following important announcement:
"Last month, in May 2016, I was invited to present the company's different detectors for illicit drugs, explosives and the sniffer before several Argentinian homeland security federal agencies. The different meetings have been organized by IDenta's local representative company: Security Team Network S.A. - Buenos Aires.
The Argentinian company has released the following report:
Yaacov Shoham - Visit Report IDENTA
1
Date: 17th May 2016
Location: Metropolitan Police - Criminalistics Department
Attendees: Commissioners Luis Alberto Rodriguez (Head department Chemical Laboratory), Sergio Gustavo Lozano (Scopometric Department) and Guillermo Daniel Galdame (Director and Criminalistics).
Type of demo: Reagents for drugs (cuspers) + Sniffer + TATP (explosives)
Type de reagents: Cocaine, General Screening
Level of success / satisfaction of demo: High. They were able to detect and identify all the substances. TATP detection problem for lack of substance (Not detected for lack of presence).
Comments: They were satisfied with the evidence. Today they are using spray and reagents Sirchie but have problems with false positives. Also they wanted to see the ballistics bag (BTK) but Yaacov did not have it. It is a small developing department.
Probabilidades de venta: Media-Alta. Tambien de reactivos para explosivos y un kit BTK para Criminalistica. Le pase a la gente de Criminalistica (explosivos) los folletos y el catalogo de IDENTA por USB en el momento. La compra se concentra a traves de la jefatura de la Policia (Investigaciones).
Sales odds: Medium-High. Also reagents for explosives and Criminalistics BTK kit. We left them IDENTA USB, Brochures and catalog. The purchases are concentrated through the Chief of Police (Investigations).
Following Steps: Commissioner Rodriguez already asked prices of the reagents. We have to send an official quote for drugs and reagents, Sniffer and a BTK kit. Request BTK updated price to Yaacov.
Yaacov Shoham - Visit Report IDENTA
2
Date: 17th May 2016
Location: Military House
Attendees: Principal Paul Gray (Explosives Section Chief of Presidential Custody Division) + Marcelo Idonia and 2 more persons from the Presidential Custody.
Type of demo: Explosives Reagents. More demo than presentation because of the lack of material to be analyzed.
Type de reagents: Explosives
Level of success / satisfaction of demo: High.
Comments: They were satisfied with the presentation. Today they are working with the Department of Explosives of the PFA and have problems with false positives.
Sales odds: High. Sniffer and explosives reagents. The purchase can be made through the Military House or through the PFA Explosives.
Following Steps: Next meeting to be held with Marcelo Idonia and send an official quote for the Sniffer and the explosives reagents.
Yaacov Shoham - Visit Report IDENTA
3
Date: 18th May 2016
Location: National Gendarmerie Argentina, Scientific Police
Attendees: Ministry of Security (Ruben Rodriguez Head of Logistics, Emiliano Pardo Scientific chief Pol.) And delegates from the 4 forces: Prefecture (Drug Trafficking), PSA, GNA (Scientific) and PFA (Dangerous Drugs).
Type of demo: Drugs Reagents + Sniffer
Type de reagents: Cocaine, General Screening, Heroin
Level of success / satisfaction of demo: Medium-High. They could detect and identify a large majority of substances. But we did not have enough time to conduct all the tests. There were issues recognizing substances mixed with shampoo and in other cases also for the lack of reagents for General Screening force.
Comments: They asked many questions and were satisfied with the evidence. Now a days they are using spray and reagents but have problems with false positives. They wanted to see other tests but failed for lack of time.
Sales odds: Alta. De Sniffer y de reactivos para drogas. Se concentrara y se hara a traves del Ministerio de Seguridad. Ya preguntaron por los precios. Luego de la demo me llamaron de PFA drogas (Subcomisario Gauto) y pidieron informacion porque ya estaban haciendo un informe (positivo) para elevarselo al Ministerio y a la administracion para armar un expediente.
Following Steps: Raise an official listing of drugs reagents and a Sniffer to Ruben Rodriguez. Also quote similar prices for PFA Drugs Division.
Yaacov Shoham - Visit Report IDENTA
4
Date: 18th May 2016
Location: PFA Explosives Brigade
Attendees: Commissioner Mauricio Barrera (Chief Operations and Countermeasures Division), Deputy Commissioner and Inspector Bujan Maximiliano Morel.
Type of demo: Drugs Reagents + Sniffer.
Type de reagents: General Screening + TATP (Explosives) + Nitrate.
Level of success / satisfaction of demo: High. They were able to detect and identify all substances.
Comments: They were very satisfied with the evidence. Today they are starting to use reagents from IDENTA after receiving them recently from the Israeli Embassy. They have a SABRE 4000 but have problems with false positives and detecting TATP.
Sales odds: High. For both reagents for explosives and for the Sniffer.
Following Steps: Send Commissioner Barrera a quote for the Sniffer and the reagents for explosives.
Yaacov Shoham - Visit Report IDENTA
5
Date: 20th May 2016
Location Aduana (Drug Trafficking)
Attendees: Gerardo Esquivel (Head of Intelligence), people of intelligence and operational sector delegates.
Type of demo: Reagents for drugs + Sniffer
Type de reagents: Cocaine, General Screening, n-Bome
Level of success / satisfaction of demo: High. They were able to detect and identify all substances except the n-Bome.
Comments: They were very satisfied with the evidence. Nowadays they are using reagents from Netherlands but have problems with false positives. They requested a new date for further testing with Sniffer and reagents at the Port of Buenos Aires as the Foreign Trade suffers from many substances with false positives and would like to see the reaction of the reagents IFDENTA. They need a solution for the new drug n-Bome. Yaacov took the composition and configuration of this drug for future development in IDENTA.
Sales odds: High. In June Aduana will be receiving a lot of money (as Ezquivel comment) and they look forward to buy electronic devices (sniffers) but now they want to stop the purchase to be able to buy IDENTA products.
Following Steps: Arrange with IDENTA and Gerardo Esquivel a new date with the visit of Yaacov and Baruch to make a presentation and demos at the Port.
ABOUT IDENTA
Since 2003, IDenta Corporation has been recognized as a worldwide leader in the development of proprietary on-site drug, drug precursor and explosive detection kits. IDenta develops, manufactures and distributes products for both the professional and civil markets which consistently pass the highest qualifications and testing procedures of law enforcement and security agencies around the world.
The link to the YouTube video describing IDenta's Sniffer is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvNDxS5-k1U&feature=youtu.be
DISCLAIMER
Certain of the statements contained herein may be, within the meaning of the federal securities laws, "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations as of the date hereof, and the company does not undertake any responsibility to update any of these statements in the future.
IDenta Corp.
Yaacov Shoham
CEO
+972-52-6554487
fpi@drugsdetector.com
www.identa-corp.com
www.touch-know.com
Regulatory News:
VEXIM (Paris:ALVXM) (FR0011072602 ALVXM PEA-PME), a medical device company specializing in the minimally invasive treatment of vertebral fractures, today announced the strengthening of its executive team with the appointments of: Sebastien Lemoine as VP International Sales and Market Development and Francois Cathelineau as VP Operations.
Sebastien Lemoine is appointed Vice-President International Sales and Market Development
With 19 years of successful experience combining strategic and operational responsibilities in the medical device industry, Sebastien Lemoine will manage Vexim's international commercial development in strategic countries, such as Brazil, China, South Africa, Australia and South Korea. Vexim estimates that international sales outside the United States could reach 25% of the Group's overall turnover by 2020.
Before joining Vexim, Sebastien Lemoine was VP of the "Large Joints" Business Unit at Tornier. There, he led one of the three global Business Units whose turnover reached about 40 million. He developed a successful commercial strategy in over 30 countries in collaboration with subsidiaries and distributors. In 2014 he notably drove revenues up 10% in a flat market. At Tornier, Sebastien Lemoine also served on corporate Committees such as the Intellectual Property Board, Grants Donations Committee and Corporate Compliance Committee. Prior to this role Sebastien Lemoine was Business Unit Director Spine at Zimmer France. In this role he executed the integration of the product Portfolio following the acquisition of Abbott Spine, and grew the business from 2.5 million to 5 million in two years. He joined Zimmer France in 2007 as Director of Marketing. Earlier, Sebastien Lemoine had a 10-year career at Stryker in various roles including R&D, European Marketing and Business Development positions. He graduated from SupMeca Paris in mechanical engineering and also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration.
Francois Cathelineau is appointed Vice-President Operations
Francois Cathelineau will lead R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Clinical Studies, Quality, Reimbursement Regulatory affairs teams to support Vexim's growth and build operational excellence. Strategic projects within this organization include the development and completion of the Spinejack FDA study in the United States, the development of new and innovative products for vertebral fractures treatment and the implementation of a top class operational structure to support Vexim's growth.
Francois Cathelineau brings 15 years of successful experience in Product Development and Operations Management, in several industries and international environment. Before joining Vexim he was leading EMEA service supply chain at GE Healthcare, supporting a $1.4Bn business, and a member of the global service supply chain leadership team. He joined GE Heathcare in 2005 and held different positions with increasing responsibilities within Manufacturing, New product introduction, Quality Management, Product Development and support for Sales Operations. He worked earlier for the automotive group PSA and began his career in 2001 at Pechiney Alcan.
Francois Cathelineau owns an Advance Master degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ecole MinesParisTech and a Master in Finance and Economics from Sciences-Po Paris.
Financial reporting schedule:
First half-year 2016 results: on July 20th, 2016*
* indicative date, subject to changes
About VEXIM, the innovative back microsurgery specialist
Based in Balma, near Toulouse (France), VEXIM is a medical device company created in February 2006. The company has specialized in the creation and marketing of minimally-invasive solutions for treating traumatic spinal pathologies. Benefitting from the financial support of it longstanding shareholder, Truffle Capital1 and from BPI public subsidies, VEXIM has designed and developed the SpineJack, a unique implant capable of repairing a fractured vertebra and restoring the balance of the spinal column. The company also developed the MasterflowTM, an innovative solution for mixing and injecting orthopedic cement that enhances the accuracy of the injection and optimizes the overall surgical procedure. The company counts 62 employees, including its own sales teams in Europe and a network of international distributors.
VEXIM has been listed on Alternext Paris since May 2012. For further information, please visit www.vexim.com
SpineJack 2, a revolutionary implant for treating Vertebral Fractures
The revolutionary aspect of the SpineJack lies in its ability to restore a fractured vertebra to its original shape, restore the spinal column's optimal anatomy and thus remove pain and enable the patient to recover their functional capabilities. Thanks to a specialized range of instruments, inserting the implants into the vertebra is carried out by minimally-invasive surgery, guided by X-ray, in approximately 30 minutes, enabling the patient to be discharged shortly after surgery. The SpineJack range consists of 3 titanium implants with 3 different diameters, thus covering 95% of vertebral fractures and all patient morphologies. SpineJack technology benefits from the support of international scientific experts in the field of spinal surgery and worldwide patent protection through to 2029.
MasterflowTM 2, a high-performance orthopedic cement delivery system
The MasterflowTM is an innovative solution for mixing and injecting orthopedic cement that enhances the accuracy of the injection and optimizes the overall surgical procedure for treating vertebral compression fractures. The device provides a better control of the injection of biomaterials into the spine. A complement of the SpineJack, the MasterflowTM stands out for being both easy to use and precise, particularly in its ability to stop the cement delivery instantly without inertia. The MasterflowTM contributes to reducing pain in patients. Its first sales were recorded in the U.S. in February 2015, and the system has also received the CE marking in February 2015, a mandatory conformity mark for products marketed in Europe.
Name : VEXIM
ISIN code: FR0011072602
TickerALVXM
1 Founded in 2001 in Paris, Truffle Capital is a leading independent European private equity firm. It is dedicated to investing in and building technology leaders in the IT, life sciences and energy sectors. Truffle Capital manages 550m via FCPRs and FCPIs, the latter offering tax rebates (funds are blocked during 7 to 10 years). For further information, please visit www.truffle.fr and www.fcpi.fr.
2 This medical device is a regulated health product that, with regard to these regulations, bears the CE mark. Please refer to the Instructions for Use.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160609005585/en/
Contacts:
VEXIM
Vincent Gardes, Tel.: +33 5 61 48 48 38
CEO
investisseur@vexim.com
or
PRESS
ALIZE RP
Caroline Carmagnol Wendy Rigal
Tel. +33 1 44 54 36 66
Tel.: +33 6 48 82 18 94
vexim@alizerp.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, will deliver the keynote address at the Hospital for Sick Children's Centre for Brain & Mental Health inaugural conference dedicated to increasing awareness of pediatric brain and mental health issues.
Prior to the address, Minister Duncan will tour the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning. Media are invited to join the tour.
Media availability and photo opportunities will take place following the keynote address.
Date: Friday, June 10, 2016 Time: Tour: 11:30 a.m. Keynote address: 12:00 p.m. Location: Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning Salter Auditorium 686 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario
Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin
Contacts:
Veronique Perron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Science
343-291-2600
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
Regulatory News:
The negotiations between SAS (STO:SAS)(OSE:SASNOK) and the pilots' unions NSF and SNF in Norway have been concluded. The parties have agreed to new collective bargaining agreements and all SAS-flights to, from and in Norway will depart as scheduled.
SAS has been in negotiations with the two pilots' unions since the middle of April, and from 7 June the process has continued at the National Mediator's Office in Oslo. This mediation process has now resulted in new collective bargaining agreements. The agreements are effective from April 1, 2016 and are valid for one year.
It is good that we have reached an agreement with the Norwegian pilots' unions. We thereby avoid any disturbances in Norway and our passengers can fly with us as planned, says Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO of SAS.
The negotiations between SAS and the Swedish pilot union SPF continues in Sweden.
For more information
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160609006078/en/
Contacts:
SAS press office Norway
+47 64 81 88 00
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Cypress Development Corp. (TSX VENTURE: CYP) (OTCBB: CYDVF) (FRANKFURT: C1Z1) ("Cypress" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it held its annual general meeting on June 08, 2016. The Company reports that Donald C. Huston, James Pettit, Donald G. Myers and Amanda Chow were re-elected directors of the Company. Shareholders also re-appointed Davidson & Company, Chartered Accountants, as auditors and approved the renewal of the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan.
About Cypress Development Corp.:
Cypress Development Corp. is a publicly traded lithium and zinc-silver exploration company advancing projects in the State of Nevada, U.S.A.
Cypress' Clayton Valley Lithium Project is located in the heart of the Clayton Valley lithium brine exploration area of Esmeralda County, Nevada. The Company's 1520 acre Clayton Valley Project is located within 0.5 mile south of lithium brine wells belonging to the Albemarle Silver Peak Mine and the property shares its western boundary with Pure Energy's Northern Resource Area. 2016 sampling results show 2 kilometers of north-south strike of outcropping claystones that assay approximately 1,100 ppm Li on average and include a 1.0 kilometer strike length zone that averages 1350 ppm Li. The outcropping claystones are believed to represent uplifted portions of the stratigraphy within which the lithium brines of the basin are found and produced. A planned drilling program targeting lithium brines at Cypress' Clayton Valley Project will also include shallow holes targeting the wide areas of lithium rich claystones discovered at surface.
Cypress Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Nevada location map:
http://www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com/i/maps/CYP-Clayton-topo-satalite-small.jpg
To find out more about Cypress Development Corp. (TSX VENTURE: CYP), visit our website at www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com.
Cypress Development Corp. has approx. 24.1 million shares issued and outstanding.
CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP.
DONALD G. MYERS, Director
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.
Contacts:
Cypress Development Corp.
Donald G. Myers
Director
604-687-3376 or Toll Free: 800-567-8181
604-687-3119 (FAX)
Cypress Development Corp.
Don Huston
President & CEO
604-687-3376 or Toll Free: 800-567-8181
604-687-3119 (FAX)
info@cypressdevelopmentcorp.com
www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com
NEW YORK, June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Reviving Economic Conditions Coupled With Growing Automobile Production and Sales to Drive Romania Tire Market Through 2021
According to recently released TechSci Research report, "Romania Tire Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021", tire market in Romania is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 7% during 2016-2021. Rapid urbanization, expanding automobile fleet and growing infrastructure development have been identified as the major factors anticipated to boost demand for tires in the country over the next five years. Moreover, presence of various global tire manufacturers, such as SC Continental Automotive Products S.R.L., Michelin Romania S.A. and S.C. Pirelli Tyres Romania S.r.l., is further anticipated to boost the tire market in the country over the next five years.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 )
Browse 22 market data Tables and 20 Figures spread through108 Pages and an in-depth TOC on
"Romania Tire Market"
http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/romania-tire-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2021/691.html
Passenger car segment is forecast to dominate the overall Romania tire market over the next five years owing to increasing purchasing power and growth in the number of nuclear families in the country. North-West & Central Region of the country accounted for the largest volume share in the country's overall tire sales in 2015, and the same trend is anticipated to continue through 2021. Some of the major companies operating in Romania tire market are SC Continental Automotive Products S.R.L., Michelin Romania S.A., and S.C. Pirelli Tyres Romania S.r.l., among others.
Download Sample Report @ http://www.techsciresearch.com/sample-report.aspx?cid=691
Customers can also request for 10% free customization on this report.
During the forecast period, automobile production in Romania is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 6%, thereby triggering the demand for tires. Moreover, as per the National Bank of Romania, the country received Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) worth USD360 million in 2015. Government of Romania plans to invest this FDI amount in the development of various sectors, such as construction, logistics, real estate, etc. in the country. Due to proactive government initiatives coupled with increasing automobile production, the tire market in Romania is anticipated to register healthy growth rate over the next five years." said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm.
"Romania Tire Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021" has evaluated the future growth potential of tyre market in Romania, and provides statistics and information on market structure, imports and trends. The report is intended to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyses emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges and opportunities available in Romania tyre market.
Browse Related Reports
Global OTR Tire Market By Vehicle Type (Mining, Construction and Industrial Equipment, Agriculture Vehicles, and Others), By Demand Category (OEM Vs. Replacement), By Region, Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2011 - 2021
http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/global-otr-tire-market-by-vehicle-type-mining-construction-and-industrial-equipment-agriculture-vehicles-and-others-by-demand-category-oem-vs-replacement-by-region-competition-forecast-and-opportunities-2011-2021/637.html
Ukraine Tyre Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2020
http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/ukraine-tyre-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2020/229.html
Hungary Tyre Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2020
http://www.techsciresearch.com/report/hungary-tyre-market-forecast-and-opportunities-2020/235.html
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TAMPA, FL--(Marketwired - June 09, 2016) - College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving saw average franchisee revenue skyrocket 51% from 2014 to 2015, according to the company's recently filed Franchise Disclosure Document.
Among 30 franchisees who reported sales figures for all weeks in 2015, average gross revenues in 2015 were $730,553 -- up from about $482,000 the year before. For franchisees who offered both junk hauling and moving services to customers, revenue was $824,555 in 2015.
This is the third consecutive year of double-digit growth for College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk, which continues to expand nationwide and is opening dozens of new locations in 2016.
"Our success proves that you can take a business as simple and old-school as junk hauling and moving and turn it into an amazing opportunity by providing franchise support, building a great culture and building a great brand," CEO and co-founder Omar Soliman said. "When (co-founder) Nick (Friedman) and I started this business, we envisioned helping people nationwide duplicate the success we've had in Washington, D.C., and Tampa, and that vision is becoming a reality."
Happy franchisees, happy customers
College H.U.N.K.S. sales growth is powered by happy franchisees. The company was recently named to Franchise Business Review's Top 50 list of franchise companies with excellent franchisee satisfaction ratings, which is the result of a survey of more than 26,000 franchisees representing hundreds of brands.
Franchisees benefit from a strong, attention-grabbing brand. College H.U.N.K.S. has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC's Shark Tank, CNBC's Blue Collar Millionaire, HGTV's House Hunters, AMC's The Pitch, Bravo's The Millionaire Matchmaker, TLC's Hoarding: Buried Alive and Fox Business, as well as in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, The Huffington Post, Forbes, Inc. and more. The publicity has made College H.U.N.K.S. a familiar brand, even in areas we don't yet serve. Our bright orange and green trucks and catchy name attract attention from potential customers wherever we go.
"It's a brand that, just by going out and being in public, generates a lot of excitement," said Steve Arvoy, who opened his College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving business in Northwestern Virginia in March. "This big bright orange truck with the name 'College H.U.N.K.S.' gets a lot of attention. People are like, 'Hey, we like the name. That's awesome!' I had a lady at a gas station walk right up, and that happens often. They come to you! They ask questions. They're intrigued and interested, and they ask what we do."
Franchisees also benefit from a company culture that emphasized teamwork, building leaders, and fostering entrepreneurship among franchisees' employees. Employees join College H.U.N.K.S. to learn how to run a business -- not just for a job lugging furniture and other items. Franchisees mentor employees and impart valuable business skills and knowledge about best practices for customer service, marketing, scheduling and management.
Low startup costs
College H.U.N.K.S. growth has also been powered by a simple ROI equation -- franchisees continue to see strong revenue growth, and startup costs are extremely reasonable.
To learn more, visit www.collegehunksfranchise.com.
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/6/9/11G102248/Images/College_Hunks_Franchise-135e93061ee58b14a9f63ff4a3294a46.jpg
Embedded Video Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mry7vNbXPpQ
College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk
866-766-0540
Danielle Wright Kimble
Danielle.wright@chhj.com
Frank Morrison
frank.morrison@chhj.com
According to the latest market research report by Technavio, the global online children apparel marketis expected to exceed USD 225 billion in revenue by 2020.
In this report, Technavio covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global online children apparel market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report takes into account revenue generated from the online retail sales of children's apparel.
"The average amount of money spent online per transaction and the number of transactions that take place online are on a rise. Increase in the number of internet users and the 'buy it now' attitude contributes significantly to the growth of this market. In addition, the ease and time-saving aspect of online shopping, along with the wide range of products largely encourages consumers to shop online rather than in physical stores," said Brijesh Kumar Choubey, one of Technavio's lead industry analysts for apparel and textiles
Global online children apparel market by geography 2015
Americas 37.24%
37.24% APAC 28.98%
28.98% Europe 28.10%
28.10% MEA 5.68%
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Online children apparel market in the Americas
The online children apparel market in the Americas was valued at USD 6.36 billion in 2015. Rise in demand for luxury and high-quality products, demand for new products, and growing internet penetration will drive the market in the Americas during the forecast period. However, stagnant birth rates in key countries such as the US will have considerable negative impact on the market. In 2013, the US had a birth rate of 13 births per 1,000 people, which is an encouraging prospect. To tap the lucrative market, many new brand launches are anticipated over the next four years.
Online children apparel market in APAC
The online children apparel market in APAC was valued at USD 4.95 billion in 2015. APAC is expected to maintain the highest growth during the forecast period. The market in this region is expected to grow as a result of its high population, growing disposable incomes, and the demand for online retail. One of the major drivers in this region is its high population of infants and toddlers, which accounts for about half of the population of infants and toddlers worldwide. In 2015, the APAC region was home to about 311 million infants and toddlers and the number is expected to climb further in the years to come.
Online children apparel market in Europe
The online children apparel market in Europe was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2015. Europe is gradually regaining its economic stability after the Eurozone debt crisis and has started to exhibit considerable presence in the online retail of children's apparel. Countries such as Germany and the UK had high internet penetration rates, over 75%, in 2015. In Europe, the online sales of apparel in general are high, with the UK accounting for 17%, Germany for 33%, and France for 20% of the online retail of apparel in Europe.
Online children apparel market in MEA
The online children apparel market in MEA was valued at USD 970 million in 2015. improving economic conditions in the Middle East and the growing internet and smartphone penetration are likely to emerge as key drivers of the growth of this market. One of the top online retailers of children's clothing in this market is Markavip.com, based in Amman, Jordan. The company sells major luxury brands at discounted rates through flash sales. Other notable players in the market include namshi.com, Lebelik.com, and MySouk.com. The entry of foreign players will likely drive sales and provide customers with a wide array of websites to shop from in the future.
Browse related reports:
Global Children's Wear Market 2016-2020
Children's Footwear Market in China 2015-2019
Baby Clothing Market in the US 2015-2019
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Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies.
Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users.
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Washington D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2016) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that a former consultant to two China-based private equity firms has agreed to pay more than $756,000 to settle insider trading charges.
The SEC alleges that Guolin Ma traded on confidential information he obtained while advising the two firms as they pursued a buyout of Silicon Valley-based OmniVision Technologies, a maker of optical semiconductor devices. Ma, an optical physicist who primarily resides in China, attended key meetings and performed technical due diligence related to the potential acquisition of OmniVision, and he received timeline and strategy documents from the firms.
According to the SEC's complaint filed in federal court in San Jose, Calif., one of the firms advised by Ma joined a group of Chinese investment firms in making a bid to buy OmniVision. Ma stockpiled 39,373 shares of OmniVision stock through a series of purchases in April and May 2014 while possessing nonpublic information. OmniVision's stock price rose 15 percent when the proposed acquisition was publicly announced in August 2014, allowing Ma to generate $367,387 in illegal profits.
"Guolin Ma breached a duty of trust and confidence to the private equity firms when he bought thousands of shares of OmniVision stock while aware of the impending transaction," said Joseph G. Sansone, Co-Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division's Market Abuse Unit. "It was a costly mistake because the settlement requires him to pay back double his illegal trading profits."
Without admitting or denying the allegations in the SEC's complaint, Ma agreed to pay disgorgement of $367,387 plus interest of $21,986 and a penalty of $367,387. The settlement is subject to court approval.
The SEC's investigation was conducted by Amanda Straub and supervised by Steven Buchholz of the Market Abuse Unit. They were assisted by trial counsel E. Barrett Atwood and Wade Rhyne in the San Francisco Regional Office. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
09 June 2016 Change in the ownership structure Today Acron (Moscow Exchange and LSE: AKRN) was informed about change in the ownership structure. Norka Investments S.a.r.l. (Luxemburg) acquired 15.60% of the shares in JSC Acron. Granadilla Holdings Limited (Cyprus) that previously held 15.60% of the shares in JSC Acron reduced its stake to 0. Contacts for media: Tatiana Smirnova Tel.: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196) Public Relations Contacts for investment companies: Ilya Popov Tel.: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252) Investor Relations Additional information: Acron Group is a leading global vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia with a diversified product portfolio consisting of complex and straight nitrogen-based fertilisers, as well as industrial products. In 2015, the Group's sales volume was 6.3 million tonnes. Acron sells its products in 60 countries. Russia and China are its key sale markets. In 2015, the Group posted consolidated revenue under IFRS of RUB 106,055 million (USD 1,740 million) and net profit of RUB 16,706 million (USD 274 million). Acron's shares are listed on the Moscow Exchange and its global depositary receipts are traded on the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs over 13,000 people. A high degree of vertical integration, including three chemical production facilities, a phosphate mine, a potash-mining project, wholly owned transport infrastructure and an international distribution network, create a platform for the Group's dynamic growth. Further information is available on our website at www.acron.ru/en. This announcement is distributed by GlobeNewswire on behalf of GlobeNewswire clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: ACRON via GlobeNewswire [HUG#2019437] B3BS5Q4R1017 Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- On behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Intergovernmental Affairs), announced today at the Annual Meeting of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, that the Government of Canada is making an investment in new infrastructure to help prevent the spread of invasive Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes and their tributaries.
This additional $8 million investment over two years to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission will contribute to Canada's ongoing commitment to protecting the Great Lakes. This new infrastructure funding will improve physical barriers that prevent Sea Lamprey from accessing suitable spawning and nursery habitats in the upstream reaches of several Great Lakes tributaries.
Sea Lampreys are an incredibly destructive invasive species. Since entering Lake Ontario over 200 years ago, Sea Lampreys have inflicted significant economic damage and harm to the fishery and ecosystem. Canada's Sea Lamprey Control Program (SLCP) uses several techniques to target Sea Lampreys during different stages of the life cycle including lampricides, physical barriers and trapping. The SLCP has been effective in controlling this aggressive and resilient invasive species, and remains critical in restoring balance to the Great Lakes ecosystem.
The investment will be directed towards the maintenance and improvement of low-head physical barriers, as well as the rehabilitation of dams built for other purposes that also serve an important role in Sea Lamprey control.
Quick Facts
-- Sea Lampreys are a parasitic invasive fish that attack and kill other species of fish that support recreational, commercial and indigenous fisheries in the Great Lakes. -- First introduced in the 1800s, Sea Lampreys are responsible for the almost complete decimation of the Great Lakes fishery by the mid-20th Century. -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada contributes $8.1 million annually to the Sea Lamprey Control Program. The $8 million announced today is in addition to this ongoing annual funding. -- The Sea Lamprey Control Program has reduced Sea Lamprey populations by 90 percent in most areas of the Great Lakes. -- The Great Lakes Fishery Commission was established in 1955 by the Canadian/U.S. Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries. The Commission coordinates fisheries research, controls the invasive Sea Lamprey, and facilitates cooperative fishery management among the state, provincial, tribal, and federal management agencies.
Quotes
"The Great Lakes are an integral part of the economic and cultural make-up of Canada. Our Government is committed to protecting the health of the Great Lakes and the multi-billion dollar fishery. This investment to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission will strengthen our Sea Lamprey control measures and improve the health of the Great Lakes fishery for years to come."
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is an excellent example of how Canada and the United States are working together to support economic prosperity and environmental protection. This new investment will support our efforts to address serious aquatic issues affecting both sides of our shared border."
Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Intergovernmental Affairs)
"Critical infrastructure used in the fight against harmful invasive species is deteriorating and putting our $7 billion fishery at risk. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for its pledge of $8 million to repair and replace sea lamprey barriers. Because the fishery depends on sea lamprey control, today's announcement demonstrates the Canadian Government's commitment to a healthy, vibrant Great Lakes. We look forward to continued strong support from the government."
Dr. Robert Hecky, Chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Associated Link
Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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Contacts:
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Patricia Bell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - June 09, 2016) - In a lecture on the "Musical Soundscapes of Morocco" at the Library of Congress on Monday as part of the Washington Jewish Music Festival, ethnomusicologist Dr. Samuel Torjman Thomas hailed Morocco's "inherent diversity" as "one of the most valuable elements of Moroccan society and perhaps one of the most promising elements for humanity in general."
Through photos, maps, sound recordings and even live performances of Moroccan Arabic and Hebrew songs, Dr. Thomas showcased Morocco's ethnic, regional and topographic diversity and the North African kingdom's long history "as a conduit point between East and West... at the cusp of North Africa."
"There are several languages that are spoken in Morocco," he said, referring to Arabic, French, Hebrew, Spanish, and a number of dialects. "With all that linguistic diversity comes also diversity in religion and even in racial backgrounds." He noted, too, Morocco's varied geography -- its valleys and mountain ranges, its beaches and deserts. Calling Morocco "a nexus point," Dr. Thomas said, "I think that is very fundamental as well to Moroccan culture, to the development of Moroccan culture over the centuries."
In recent years, Morocco has prioritized its promotion of religious and cultural diversity through a variety of means, including several projects overseen by King Mohammed VI to rehabilitate the country's many Jewish sites -- including the "Houses of Life" project that has restored 167 Jewish cemeteries across the country. The King has called this project "a testimony to the richness and diversity of the Kingdom of Morocco's spiritual heritage. Blending harmoniously with the other components of our identity, the Jewish legacy, with its rituals and specific features, has been an intrinsic part of our country's heritage for more than three thousand years. As is enshrined in the Kingdom's new Constitution, the Hebrew heritage is indeed one of the time-honored components of our national identity."
Adopted by referendum in 2011, the Moroccan constitution states that the country's unity "is forged by the convergence of its Arab-Islamist, Berber and Saharan-Hassanic components, nourished and enriched by its African, Andalusian, Hebraic and Mediterranean influences," and emphasizes Morocco's attachment "to the values of openness, of moderation, of tolerance and of dialogue for mutual understanding between all the cultures and the civilizations of the world."
Dr. Thomas, who serves as Director of Curriculum and Institutional Programming at the Brooklyn Music School and is an adjunct Assistant Professor of ethnomusicology and Jewish studies at several campuses of the City University of New York, is the artistic director of the New York Andalus Ensemble -- a large multiethnic ensemble featuring a choir and instrumentalists performing traditional music of North Africa and Spain in Hebrew, Arabic, and Spanish. The event was co-sponsored by the Library of Congress's American Folklife Center and Hebrew Language Table.
The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials, and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/6/9/11G102263/Images/IMG_3464-761366114989b10aafcea182a9da656d.JPG
CONTACT:
Jordana Merran
202.470.2049
jmerran@moroccanamericancenter.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 9, 2016) - Commander Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CMD) ("Commander") is pleased to announce that five directors have been elected at the Company's annual general meeting held June 8, 2016, in Vancouver, B.C. The Board includes returning directors Robert Cameron, Eric Norton, David Watkins, Bernard Kahlert and newly elected director Brandon Macdonald. Mr. Macdonald is a finance and mining professional with background in junior company management, governance and financing holding a B.Sc. degree in geology from UBC and an MBA from Oxford. Two former directors, Brian Abraham and Mark Lotz did not stand for reelection but remain as advisors to the Company. Commander wishes to thank them for their long and generous support to the Company during their tenure on the board.
Commander also wishes to announce the appointment of Stephen Wetherup to the position of Vice President of Exploration. Mr. Wetherup has over 20 years of global experience including work with Phelps Dodge Corporation of Canada. He is also Vice President Geology with Caracle Creek International Consulting.
Commander Resources is a Canadian focused exploration company pursuing the prospect generator model that has leveraged its success in exploration through partnerships and sale of properties, while retaining equity and royalty interests. Commander has a portfolio of base and precious metal projects across Canada and significant equity positions in Maritime Resources Corp. (MAE-TSX.V) and Aston Bay Holdings (BAY-TSX.V). Commander also retains royalties from properties that have been partnered, optioned or sold and has created a portfolio of significant royalties on gold and copper assets. The Company is also engaged in discussions with Bearing Resources Inc. (see news release dated May 5, 2015 and reconfirmed in news release dated March 16, 2016 ) to acquire their portfolio of exploration properties and royalties for 13 million common shares of Commander and $15,000 in cash. The Company is well funded with approximately $1,000,000 in cash and in excess of $5,000,000 in marketable securities.
Stock Option Grants:
The board of directors reports the grant of 1.3 million incentive stock options to directors and officers and contractors of the Company under its stock option plan, in accordance with the Company's compensation policy. The options are exercisable for five years at a price of five cents per share and are subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Robert Cameron
President and CEO
For further information, please call:
Robert Cameron, President and CEO
Toll Free: 1-800-667-7866
info@commanderresources.com
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
BEIJING, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- West Mountain Environmental Corp. (the "Company" or "West Mountain") (TSX VENTURE: WMT) announced that its proprietary Thermal Phase Separation (TPS) technology has been recognized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection 3iPET Program as a Top 100 Environmental Remediation Technology. The award was presented to West Mountain at the 2016 Global Clean Tech and Green Finance Summit held on June 7th - 8th in Beijing.
The 3 iPET Program was created by the Foreign Economic Cooperation Office of the Ministry of Environmental Protection for China to identify, assess and deploy the best available environmental technologies from around the world to China. Glenn Antle, Executive Vice President of West Mountain China, said, "I want to thank our Chinese partners, the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Dadi, BCEER and Yantai Jereh for their efforts to bring this important technology to China."
West Mountain, one of the first Western environmental soil remediation companies to come to China, has been operating in China since 2012. "Our Chinese team has built a reputation in the market for efficiency, reliability and success on major soil remediation projects across the country," states Timothy Mahoney, President and CEO. "With our knowledge of the Chinese market, we are working hard to bring to China the best environmental remediation technologies available."
About West Mountain
West Mountain is an established Canadian environmental solutions company specializing in the thermal treatment of a variety of hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams. Through its subsidiaries it employs a unique indirectly heated, closed loop technology that allows it to extract even the most hazardous contaminants from soil and industrial sludge converting much of it into reusable oil and synthetic natural gas that it uses to sustain the process. This methodology offers significant opportunity for greenhouse gas reduction over traditional hazardous waste destruction technologies. The Company's management team maintains expertise in hazardous waste management and contaminated site remediation with experience spanning North America and 15 countries internationally.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements.
Although West Mountain believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because West Mountain can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements in respect of future business opportunities for the deployment of the TPS technology China.
Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and West Mountain undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts the responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
West Mountain Environmental Corp.
Mr. Timothy Mahoney
President and CEO
561 626 9311
tim@wmtenv.com
www.wmtenv.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Romios Gold Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RG)(OTC PINK: RMIOF)(FRANKFURT: D4R) ("Romios" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement with the sale of 2,900,000 flow-through units ("FT Units") at $0.07 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of $203,000. The securities issued are subject to a hold period expiring on October 10, 2016. The Company is Offering up to a further 2,900,000 FT Units for up to a further $203,000 and up to 3,400,000 working capital units (the "WC Units") of the Company at a price of $0.06 per WC Unit for up to $204,000 (collectively, the "Offering"). The Company will leave the Offering open until the earlier of the sale of the WC Units and the remaining FT Units or July 13, 2016.
The funds from the Offering will be used for a drill program on the Company's Lundmark-Akow Lakes property. The drill program will test the significance of the geophysical anomalies which are deeper than those tested in previously drilled holes. See the Company's Press Release dated May 19, 2016. The Lundmark-Akow Lakes claims are located just north of Goldcorp's Muselwhite Mine, within the North Caribou Lake greenstone belt in the Patricia Mining Division, northwestern Ontario.
Each FT Unit was priced at $0.07 and consisted of one (1) common share and one-half (1/2) of one share purchase warrant. Each full Warrant (a "Warrant") entitles the holder to purchase one (1) common share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.15 per Warrant Share until the earlier of: (i) June 9, 2017; and (ii) in the event that the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is at least $0.20 for twenty (20) consecutive trading days, and the 20th trading day (the "Final Trading Day") is at least four (4) months from the Closing Date, the date which is thirty (30) days from the Final Trading Day (the "Trigger Date"). The Company paid cash finder's fees of $4,900 and issued 70,000 broker warrants ("Broker Warrants") in respect of the first closing. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder to acquire a common share, priced at $0.07 until June 9, 2017.
Each WC Unit is priced at $0.06 and consists of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant (a "WC Warrant"). Each WC Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) common share (a "WC Warrant Share") exercisable for a period of one (1) year following the Closing Date, subject to earlier expiry on the Trigger Date, at a price of $0.12 per WC Warrant Share.
Each further FT Unit is priced at $0.07 and consists of one (1) common share and one-half (1/2) of one Warrant. Each full Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) Warrant Share exercisable for a period of one (1) year following the Closing Date, subject to earlier expiry on the Trigger Date, at a price of $0.15 per Warrant Share.
Eligible Finders may receive up to 7% of the value of proceeds of the sale of FT Units or WC Units in cash and up to 7% of the number of WC Units or FT Units sold in the form of broker warrants. Each broker warrant entitles the holder to acquire one (1) common share of Romios at $0.07 for FT Units sold and $0.06 for WC Units sold for a period of one (1) year from the Closing Date.
Insiders of the Company subscribed for 900,000 FT Units of the Offering. The insider private placements are exempt from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") by virtue of the exemptions contain in section 5.5(a) and 5.7(1) (a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value of the consideration for the securities of the Company issued to the insiders did not exceed 25% of its market capitalization.
All securities issued pursuant to the above referenced private placements are subject to a statutory four month hold period.
About Romios Gold Resources Inc.
Romios Gold Resources Inc., a progressive Canadian mineral exploration company established in 1995, is engaged in precious and base metal exploration primarily focused on gold, silver and copper in its properties in British Columbia centrally located between Galore Creek Mining Corporation's large copper-gold-silver deposit and Barrick's high grade gold mine at Eskay Creek. Romios has other property interests in Ontario, Quebec, and Nevada.
This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward- looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Tom Drivas
President and Director
(tel) 416-221-4124
(fax) 416-218-9772
(email) romios@romios.com
Frank van de Water
Chief Operating Officer and Director
(tel) (416) 221-4124
(email) fvandewater@rogers.com
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/09/16 -- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today marked the conclusion of a successful trip to San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Minister Bains led the Canadian delegation at the 2016 BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of scientific leaders and biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. There he engaged with key global industry leaders to discuss partnerships within the innovation ecosystem and ways to support growing firms.
While at the 2016 BIO International Convention, Minister Bains promoted pharmaceutical investment and partnership opportunities in Canada and highlighted the many competitive advantages of the Canadian biotech R&D ecosystem, including high-quality research capabilities, clinical trial expertise and the lowest business operating costs in the G7. Minister Bains also took part in BIOTECanada's Gold Leaf Awards ceremony, which recognized Canadian excellence in life sciences, and met with global and Canadian industry leaders.
After attending the 2016 BIO International Convention, Minister Bains met with the C100, a group of Canadian investors, entrepreneurs and executives living in Silicon Valley. Minister Bains and the C100 members discussed the state of innovation in Canada as well as financing strategies for successful Canadian firms both at home and abroad. The Minister also toured the headquarters of networking company Cisco Inc. to explore innovation partnerships and investment in Canada.
Quote
"Canada is recognized around the world for having a strong pharmaceutical MNE footprint of R&D and manufacturing facilities and a health care system that has both strong national and regional components. With these, our life sciences industry is poised for growth and well positioned for new investments-particularly in the areas of regenerative medicine, oncology, neurology, clinical trials and health innovation systems. Canada is also known as a source of skilled talent and fresh ideas when it comes to information and communications technologies. Through the government's Innovation Agenda, we will strengthen industrial capabilities, grow new dynamic and globally oriented companies and generate quality jobs in both of these important sectors of the economy."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Quick facts
-- The Canadian pharmaceutical and medical device sector accounts for 81,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in R&D. -- The pharmaceutical sector's domestic exports are valued at $9.8 billion, doubling in value over the last five years. The sector counts a range of players-firms that have grown in Canada as well as global companies- involved in developing and manufacturing diagnostic tools, drugs and vaccines. -- In 2015, Canada's information and communications technologies sector numbered more than 37,000 firms and contributed nearly 585,000 jobs to Canada's economy. -- Canadian information and communications technology firms spent more than $4.6 billion on R&D and exported more than $22 billion worth of goods and services in 2015.
Related product
- Speech: BIO 2016 Gowling WLG Luncheon
Associated link
- BIOTECanada Gold Leaf Award recipients (PDF)
Follow Minister Bains on social media.
Twitter: @MinisterISED
Contacts:
Philip Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/22/16 -- Giyani Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: WDG) (JSE: GIY) ("Giyani") announces the results from its annual general and special meeting of shareholders held in Toronto on September 21, 2016 (the "Meeting").
Election of Directors
At the Meeting, shareholders elected the following to the Giyani Board of Directors: Duane Parnham, Scott Breard, John Petersen, and Eugene Lee.
Appointment of Auditor
At the Meeting, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, were re-appointed as auditors of Giyani for the ensuing year and the Board of Directors have been authorized to fix their remuneration.
Approval of Stock Option Plan
Annual ratification of the Giyani rolling Stock Option Plan was also approved by shareholders at the Meeting.
In accordance with National Instrument 51-102, a report of the voting results for each resolution presented at the Meeting will be filed and available under Giyani's profile on www.sedar.com.
Giyani also sold 2,910,000 common shares of Canoe Mining Ventures to an insider for proceeds of $87,000.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Giyani,
Duane Parnham, Executive Chairman
Contacts:
Scott Breard
289 837 0066
info@giyanigold.com
HONG KONG (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Friday release October numbers for producer prices, highlighting a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Producer prices are expected to be flat on month and slip 2.6 percent on year after showing flat on month and down 3.2 percent on year in September. Japan also will see September results for its tertiary industry index, with forecasts suggesting a decline of 0.2 percent on month following the flat reading in August. The Bank of Korea will wrap up its monetary policy meeting and then announce its decision on interest rates. The central bank is widely expected to keep its benchmark lending rate unchanged at 1.25 percent. Malaysia will provide Q3 figures for GDP and current account, as well as September data for industrial and manufacturing production. GDP is expected to add 0.6 percent on quarter and 4.0 percent on year after gaining 0.7 percent on quarter and 4.0 percent on year in Q2. The current account surplus in the second quarter was 1.88 billion ringgit, while industrial production jumped 4.9 percent in August and manufacturing production climbed 4.6 percent. Hong Kong will see Q3 numbers for GDP; in the second quarter, GDP was up 1.6 percent on quarter and 1.7 percent on year. Indonesia will release Q3 numbers for current and financial account; in the second quarter, the current account deficit was $4.68 billion and the financial account surplus was 7.42 billion. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/11/16 -- Western Energy Services Corp. ("Western") (TSX: WRG) announces that it intends to release its 2016 second quarter financial and operating results after market close on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 and has scheduled a conference call and webcast to begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. MDT (12:00 p.m. EDT) on Wednesday, July 27, 2016.
The conference call dial-in number is 1-866-223-7781
A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible on Western's website at www.wesc.ca by selecting "Investors", then "Webcasts". Shortly after the live webcast, an archived version will be available for approximately 14 days.
An archived recording of the conference call will also be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call until August 10, 2016 by dialing 1-800-408-3053 or 905-694-9451, passcode 5894344.
Western is an oilfield service company which provides contract drilling services in Canada through its division Horizon Drilling and in the United States through its wholly-owned subsidiary Stoneham Drilling Corporation. In Canada, Western also provides well servicing through its division Eagle Well Servicing and provides oilfield rental services through its division Aero Rental Services.
Contacts:
Western Energy Services Corp.
Alex R.N. MacAusland
President and CEO
403.984.5916
403.984.5917 (FAX)
Western Energy Services Corp.
Jeffrey K. Bowers
Senior VP Finance and CFO
403.984.5916
403.984.5917 (FAX)
www.wesc.ca
PumpUp Inc., a Toronto, Canada-based health and fitness community, received an investment from Social Discovery Ventures (SDV).
The amount of the deal was not disclosed.
Led by Founder & CEO Garrett Gottlieb and co-founder & president Phil Jacobson PumpUp operates an online community that allows users to share and achieve health goals. The companys app, which has been downloaded 5 million times, allows users to share challenges and achievements, track fitness, and receive support from a global community of like-minded people.
The company is also backed by General Catalyst Partners, Azure Capital Partners, Freycinet Investments, Relay Ventures and angels.
FinSMEs
09/06/2016
ePatientFinder, an Austin, Texas-based healthcare technology company, secured $8.2m in Series B funding.
A strategic healthcare technology investor syndicate made the investment.
The company, which has raised nearly $11m in total funding, intends to use the funds to accelerate growth.
Co-founded by Tom Dorsett, Tushar Jain, Greg Sweatt and Dillon Krug, ePatientFinder operates a Clinical Trial Exchange platform that connects life-science companies with a network of physicians within clinics, hospitals and accountable care organizations that identify and refer patients for potential clinical trial enrollment.
The Clinical Trial Exchange is deployed through numerous top-tier electronic health record (EHR) and health IT partnerships. Over time, the company intends to add additional healthcare providers and EHR partners to the exchange, further accelerating the growth of the referring provider network.
FinSMEs
09/06/2016
Hireology, a Chicago, IL-based provider of employee selection management technology, raised $12m in Series C venture capital funding.
The round was led by Baird Venture Partners with participation from existing investors Bain Capital Ventures and Lightbank.
The company intends to use the funds to continue to expand operations.
Led by Adam Robinson, co-founder and CEO, Hireology provides web-based, data-driven hiring management software that allows HR managers to analyze the behaviors of top-performing employees and create systems for identifying the best candidate for the job by streamlining and improving their hiring process.
The company currently serves over 3,000 businesses.
FinSMEs
06/06/2016
When I Work, a St. Paul, Minn-based platform to schedule, track time and communicate with hourly employees, secured $15m in Series B funding.
The round was led by Drive Capital with participation from Arthur Ventures and High Alpha.
The company, which has raised $24m to date, intends to use the funds to acquire engineering, product, and sales and marketing talent, to continue developing more customer-inspired functionality within its products, and create new collaboration and communications tools purpose-built for the hourly workforce.
Led by Chad Halvorson, CEO, When I Work serves businesses that manage hourly workers and shift-based work schedulesfrom small brick-and-mortar businesses with 10-person teams up to 10,000-employee enterprises. The companys platform currently offers two core products: Scheduling and Time & Attendance, which together, allow managers to create or update work schedules, approve shift change requests, drops, time off, track payroll expenses, reduce overtime and communicate with employees.
Today, more than 50,000 workplaces in a wide cross section of industries from healthcare and hospitality to restaurants, retail and service-based organizations use When I Work.
FinSMEs
08/06/2016
Switch, a NYC-based mobile job search platform, raised $4m in series A funding.
The round was led by Seek, a global employment company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with participation from Rhodium, Marker and Metamorphic Ventures, as well as Colle Capital and Frontier Ventures.
The company, which has raised $6.4m in total funding, intends to use the funds to enhance product features, develop strategic partnerships and expand adoption among jobseekers and hiring managers.
Founded in 2014 by CEO Yarden Tadmor, Switch leverages algorithms to match talent with companies such as advertising agencies, technology firms, media, banks, hedge funds and retailers via an iOS and Android app.
Launched in January of 2015, Switch is attracting corporate recruiters and hiring managers at companies of all sizes such as Yahoo, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Tesla, Microsoft, Citi, NBCUniversal, MediaCom, MRM//McCann, Uber, Amazon and more, which will be charged on a performance basis.
Companies only pay when qualified candidates express interest and apply by swiping right on Switch. Companies pay $99 for 10 applicants or $999 for 150 applicants.
Switch is also beta testing a cost per hire model, with companies taking no risk and only paying a flat fee when they make an actual hire.
FinSMEs
08/06/2016
Trax Image Recognition, a Singapore-based image recognition platform for retail, raised US$40m in Series C funding.
The company, which has raised a total of US$78m with existing shareholders, intends to use the funds to expand its global operations with a focus on North America, for product development and technical innovation.
Founded in 2010, Trax provides consumer good companies and retailers in over 40 countries with an image recognition platform to turn shelf images into real-time actionable insights to control performance gaps, identify category opportunities and increase revenue at all points of sale.
Led by Dror Feldheim, Chief Commercial Officer, and CEO Joel Bar-El, Trax serves top brands such as Coca-Cola, AB InBev, Heineken, Nestle and Henkel.
The company has over 220 global employees, 130 of which are based in the companys R&D and Computer Vision Centre of Excellence in Tel Aviv, Israel. Trx also has offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America and South America.
FinSMEs
09/06/2016
Netra, Inc., a Boston, MA-based provider of a visual intelligence and search platform, closed $1.85m seed funding.
The round was led by Launchpad Venture Group and NXT Ventures with participation from Zelkova Ventures, Mark Cuban, Berwind LLC and other angels.
The company, which has raised $2.45m in total funding, intends to use the funds to accelerate team growth, product development and sales.
Led by Richard Lee, CEO, Netra has developed four patent-pending technology that allows users to organize photos and videos online, extracting data and insights to understand consumer intent and preferences, and drive visual discovery. The platform, which came out of research from MIT CSAIL, offers an analytics dashboard to brands and agencies, and API access to social listening platforms and e-commerce sites.
In addition to the funding, the company signed an agreement with Kantar Group, one of the largest global data investment management firms, to license its proprietary IRIS Visual Intelligence software.
Netra was a part of Techstars Boston 2015 class.
FinSMEs
09/06/2016
A petition by Soma and Shankar Banrjee, demanding a CBI probe into the death of their daughter, the TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee, garnered over 1,000 signatures on Wednesday. The Banerjees held a public rally at Bata Chowk in Sakchi market in their hometown, Jamshedpur, to drum up support for their campaign.
Till now, more than 1000 people have signed on the banner supporting our demand for a CBI probe into the death of Pratyusha. There is no space left on the banner but people are still putting their signatures on it," Shankar Banerjee said.
The rally was preceded by an online petition, which also collected some 700 signees.
Pratyushas parents believe that the actress who was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her Mumbai apartment on 1 April was a cold-blooded murder and are seeking capital punishment for her live-in partner Rahul Raj Singh.
Singh, who was booked on charges of abetting Pratyushas suicide, is currently out on bail.
The Banerjees also said that they would be approaching President Pranab Mukherjee with their request for an impartial probe into Pratyushas death, failing which, they would seek permission for euthanasia, reported Hindustan Times.
With PTI inputs
At the annual review meeting of the finance minister with heads of public sector banks on 6 May, Arun Jaitley said the government will protect from scrutiny of investigative agencies banks that enter into "commercially prudent" settlements to clean up bad loans. The fact that PSUs have run up more than Rs 4 lakh crore of non-performing assets (NPAs) is a crying indictment of the fact that banks have been anything but "commercially prudent" in lending to big corporates. The recent snafu by Bank of Baroda in freezing the accounts of Manmohan Singh, a Uttar Pradesh farmer, for being a "guarantor" for Vijay Mallyas loan, goes to prove that the imprudence in lending is matched and compounded by the shoddy, casual approach in recovering the same bad loans. This case was dismissed as a technical error by BoB. Firstpost dug deep to understand how this technical error might have occurred. This series of reports, which attempts to give you a peep into why and how these NPAs are created in the first place, will also demonstrate why the finance ministers offer of constitutional protection for banks from commercially prudent settlements should be extended extremely prudently.
On to the second part:
***
Flat number 506 in a Slum Redevelopment Authority building in Vile Parle East, Mumbai, is hardly the place you would expect a director of Kingfisher Airlines to live.
But if you were an officer of Bank of Baroda, trying to salvage whatever you can from a Rs 550 crore loan to Vijay Mallya that has gone horribly bad, this is perhaps where you would have ended up looking for Subhash R Gupte, former acting chairman and managing director of Air India. Gupte, a seasoned aviation professional, was till recently on the board of Kingfisher Airlines and is, according to the bank, a guarantor to the loan. (Gupte resigned from the Airline board on 2 April 2014.)
Perhaps, we have overstated the banks inclination for due diligence. It is more likely that you would have landed up at this address if you were a reporter. For Bank of Baroda there was the easier option of freezing the bank account of Subhash R Gupta, 24 who lives in this flat and earns his living as a security guard at a Kandivli facility assuming he could be Subhash R Gupte, 76, director of Kingfisher Airlines!
Just like in the case of Manmohan Singh, the farmer from Uttar Pradeshs Khajuria Naviram village whose account was frozen assuming he was Manmohan Singh Kapur, another independent director on Kingfisher Airlines board, in this case, too, the bank exercised the easier option. It just put a lien on his account.
Here is how it happened. In December 2015, when it became clear that Vijay Mallya was unwilling to pay up the Rs 9,000 crore he owned to a consortium of 17 banks led by the State Bank of India, BoB which had lent him Rs 550 crore, put out a list of nine names and directed various branches in India to put a lien on their accounts (freeze).
At item number 5 on the list was Manmohan Singh. The savings account number listed against this name was 164101000xxxx7, account balance Rs 1,277 and branch Nand, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh). It was frozen on 15 December 2015. Manmohan Singhs name corresponded with that of Manmohan Singh Kapur and thats how, BoB explained, the goof up occurred: "The accounts under reference were erroneously lien marked by the bank, owing to similarity of name and few credentials with the guarantors of Kingfisher Airlines. However on realising this, the bank took swift action to reverse the lien on these accounts and funds are made available to the customer immediately."
Technical errors can and do happen, but what followed on item number 9 on the list would make it difficult to cut BoB any slack. At item number 9 was the name of Subhash R Gupta. His savings account number in BoBs Bandra branch, Mumbai, was listed as 038401000xxxx1 with a balance of Rs 93. Yes, all of rupees nine.three. ninety-three! His name, as already pointed out, corresponded with Subhash R Gupte, a member of Kingfisher Airline board.
Thats not all, at item number 6 was the name of Subhash Ramdulare Gupta, at item number 7 was another Subhash R Gupta and at item number 8 yet another Subhash R Gupta, all of them with savings accounts/fixed deposits with the Khar branch of BoB. The balances in their accounts are way healthier than the earlier two accounts cited, but nothing to suggest that they may have the capacity or the audacity to stand guarantee for a loan of Rs 550 crore to Vijay Mallya.
Here is the document, showing all the names, including that of Vijay Mallya and three of his kin:
That is one technical error too many for one letter to be riddled with. And this was no ordinary case. This was about recovering a Rs 550 crore loan to Mallya at a time he was making national headlines. The stink was too strong for us to ignore.
So, we set out to find the real identities of all the Guptas named in the banks freeze-list. We first landed up at the banks Bandra branch where Subhash R Gupta, 24, had his account (038401000xxxx1). That the bank would cite client privilege to deny us information about him, was a no-brainer. So we spun a story. We claimed we had stood guarantee for Subhash R Gupta in a loan he had defaulted on. We requested the bank to give us his contact details so that we could pursue the matter with him. After being denied any help for about an hour, we ran into a person who knew Gupta. He reluctantly gave us Guptas mobile number.
We called Subhash R Gupta. A young voice answered the phone. He said he was Subhash R Gupta, a security guard in a Kandivali facility. Upon being told that his name had appeared on a list of director/guarantors of Vijay Mallyas humungous loan, he was confused more than shocked. He did not know Vijay Mallya, much less about his loans or being guarantor for one of them. He confirmed he had an account in BoBs Bandra branch, he also confirmed the account number as his. Bingo!
We told him we would like to meet him to clarify this matter. We reassured him because we knew that was the reality that he had nothing to worry about. It was a mistake on the part of the bank and it could be easily rectified.
Early next morning we landed up at his Vile Parle house. Subhash R Guptas elder brother Ganesh R Gupta spoke to us from a half-open door. He was extremely unwilling to talk to the media. He did not wish to be photographed either. Cameraman Jonathan kept his camera rolling and we could catch glimpses of Subhash Gupta behind Ganesh. He peeped out only once to tell us excitedly, "Wait a minute. There is no signature of mine on this paper. How did my name appear on this then?"
Ganesh Gupta told us exactly what we had anticipated to hear from him. Subhash Gupta opened the account in August 2014 to avail of the insurance scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. Subhash has not operated the account or visited the branch in a long time. The bank did not inform him about the freeze order on his account. And, of course, they had no idea who in the heavens was Vijay Mallya.
Listen to what Ganesh R Gupta and Subhash R Gupta told Firstpost:
That only solves the mystery of one Gupta out of the four named in the list. If Subhash R Gupta, 24, security guard and resident of Flat no 506 was mistaken for Subhash R Gupte, the director on the board of Kingfisher Airlines, where was the need to repeat the mistake three times over? Three other Guptas Subhash Ramdulare ( SB a/c 039901000xxxx8), Subhash R Gupta (FD a/c 039903000xxxx2) and Subhash R Gupta (FD a/c 039903000xxxx1), all have their accounts in Khar. We were told at the branch that these three accounts were held by three different individuals (as opposed to three accounts held by one person). That may or may not be accurate, it is for the bank to clarify, but the fact remains that on a list ordering the freezing of accounts for a Rs 550 crore loan default, the bank mixed up the names of very important persons with very regular persons. And did that many times over.
Can this be passed off as a regular technical error? What is the import of this string of errors? What does it say of the processes and procedures for giving big loans to big corporates?
We will examine all this in the following part of this series on the great Vijay Mallya loan puzzle of BoB.
Disclosure: For some portions of the investigation, Firstpost correspondents withheld their identities and used sting cameras. Since the purpose was to gather facts that expose lack of due diligence at the top echelons of the bank rather than compromise officials at the lower end of the systemic chain, we are playing only the audio of key conversations and using just one freeze-frame of Subhash R Gupta.
NEW YORK The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is working quickly to figure out who perpetrated the cyber heist of $81 million from Bangladesh Bank's account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in February, but there are no definitive answers yet, an FBI official said on Thursday.
"We don't have a definitive answer to that question in terms of exactly who. There are a number of different tentacles to that, that we are looking at. And we're working as fast as we can to get a resolution," said Richard Jacobs, assistant special agent in charge of the cyber branch at the FBI's New York office.
"For the time being, that's about all I can say about the Bangladesh case," he said at a cyber law conference here when asked whether the theft had the hallmarks of state-supported hackers or of an inside job.
In early February, thieves hacked into the central bank of Bangladesh's interface with the global SWIFT messaging network and peppered the New York Fed with payment instructions. Most of the requests were blocked, but four were filled, amounting to $81 million that went to accounts in the Philippines and that remains missing.
The FBI, Bangladesh police and other foreign authorities are investigating the incident, which is among the world's biggest known cyber heists.
(Reporting by Jonathan Spicer; EDiting y Steve Orlofsky)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
NEW DELHI India's steel ministry will seek to extend a floor price on steel imports beyond August, a senior steel ministry source said, as the country looks to keep up its protectionist barriers to stem the tide of cheap foreign products.
New Delhi imposed the minimum import price (MIP) on 173 steel products in February, helping cut inbound shipments last month to their lowest level in at least 14 months. The MIP expires in August.
The steel ministry will call for the extension of MIP for as long products are being dumped in India, the official, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media, told Reuters.
India is the world's third-largest steel producer with a total installed capacity of 110 million tonnes. But the industry says its margins have been squeezed due to cheap imports from China, as well as Russia, Japan and South Korea.
To shield domestic mills, India in March extended safeguard import taxes on some steel products until 2018 and has begun probing the possible dumping of cheap steel from China, Japan and South Korea.
Last month it also imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on seamless tubes and pipes imported from China.
Countries including Japan, Taiwan, Canada and Australia have accused India of restrictive trade practices with the country's steel import policies drawing wide criticism at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
A spokesman for the steel ministry said it was premature to discuss floor prices while the trade ministry, which decides whether MIP remains beyond August, was not immediately available for comment.
Recommendations that follow detailed investigations are generally accepted by the trade ministry.
(Editing by Douglas Busvine and David Evans)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The joint session of the three BJP-run Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCDs) on Thursday was stopped abruptly after a clash broke out between the BJP and AAP councillors.
The fight ensued after a few BJP councillors allegedly beat up an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor when the latter refused to remove his party's cap during the session.
According to this report, the event was a first-of-its-kind, as the MCDs were holding the session to discuss their issues with the AAP-led government at Ramlila Maidan.
AAP councillor Rakesh Kumar who belongs to a Dalit community had come to attend the joint session of MCD sporting a party cap. Some BJP councillors raised objections and asked him to remove the cap.
Watch: Clash between AAP and BJP councillors at MCD joint session in Delhi.https://t.co/q9ZFIUu2tj
Reports say that initially Kumar removed his cap but later wore it again which triggered a verbal duel between some BJP councillors and him. Later the BJP councillors allegedly slapped Kumar several times before others intervened in the matter.
Kumar then filed a complaint with North MCD Mayor Sanjeev Nayyar who assured him of taking appropriate action.
Shortly after the incident, AAP leader Ashutosh demanded a police inquiry under the SC/ST Act.
BJP has again showed its anti-Dalit attitude by beating up AAP's Dalit councillor Rakesh Kumar in Ramlila ground. Police should register case under SC/ST Act against BJP councillors who beat up Dalit leader of AAP, Rakesh Kumar, Ashutosh tweeted.
Following the incident, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his anger on Twitter. "Utterly shameful. BJP is a party of gundas. Rakesh is Dalit. BJP assaulting Dalits all over India in a systematic way," he said.
On Wednesday, a number of councillors from BJP-ruled MCDs led by three mayors staged a protest outside Kejriwal's residence, demanding clearance of their pending dues by the AAP government.
With inputs from agencies
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the Centre was ready for a CBI probe into the Mathura violence that claimed 29 lives, provided the Uttar Pradesh government demands it.
"Thousands of people had grabbed land in Mathura and the state government was unaware. If state government demands a CBI probe, we are ready for it," he said here.
Singh was addressing a rally where he highlighted the various schemes of the Narendra Modi government during its two years in office.
Earlier this week as well, Singh had dared the state government to recommend a CBI probe into the Mathura clashes.
Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a judicial probe into the Mathura violence.
The probe will be conducted by a retired judge of Allahabad High Court and the inquiry committee has been asked to submit its report within two months.
Two police officers, were among the 29 people killed during the clashes between encroachers and police in Mathura last week.
The violence had claimed the lives of Superintendent of Police (City) Mukul Dwivedi and SHO Santosh Kumar.
Political parties had been demanding a judicial inquiry into the violence. BJP's Mathura MP Hema Malini had demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Prakash Javedkar held the SP government responsible for the Mathura incident.
"It's shameful that such incident took place near DM and other government offices in Mathura. Why is the state government not demanding CBI probe into it," he said in Firozabad.
He said that after witnessing misrule of SP and BSP, people of the state are now in favour of BJP.
GAUTIER, Miss. -- Gautier Police are searching for 23-year-old Timothy Kyle Seaman, also known as "Timbo" in connection with a June 6 shooting in Gautier that left another man wounded.
Officers responded to the area of C.W. Webb Road shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Monday following a report of a shooting in the area.
When they arrived, officers found a 21-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. The victim was transported to the hospital, treated for his injury, and later released.
After a thorough investigation, police issued an arrest warrant for aggravated assault for Seaman.
If you have information regarding this case, contact the Gautier Police Department or the Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers.
This story will be updated as new details become available.
Lucknow: A PIL was on Thursday filed in the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, seeking a CBI inquiry into the Mathura violence.
It is likely to come up for hearing on 13 June.
The Public Interest Litigation, filed by IP Singh of Azamgarh district, seeks a direction to dismiss the judicial commission constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the incident where clashes between the police and encroachers left 29 people dead last week.
Petitioner's counsel Ashok Pandey said his client has also prayed for a probe by CBI or a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
On 7 June, the Supreme Court had refused to order a CBI probe into the incident.
A vacation bench of Justices PC Ghose and Amitava Roy had said it was not inclined to pass any order in the matter and asked the petitioner to approach the High Court.
Aurangabad: In a blistering attack, Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra were worse than the government of Nizam.
Nizam was the former Muslim ruler of the princely state of Hyderabad. Aurangabad and some parts of Marathwada were a part of this state in the past.
"BJP government is the father of Nizam's government," Raut told a party function in Aurangabad.
Shiv Sena is in alliance with BJP both in the state and the Centre.
Raut also took a swipe at the foreign tours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Whenever we ask anybody about the PM, we learn that he is in Switzerland, in London, France, Iran or elsewhere," he said.
During the campaigning for Assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala and other states where BJP has very little presence, Modi addressed dozens of rallies but he did not have time to visit and see the plight of the drought-struck Marathwada, said Raut.
If the Prime Minister was serious about the problems of farmers, he should come and see the situation in Marathwada, he said.
Without naming BJP leader Eknath Khadse, who had to resign from the state cabinet over allegations of corruption, Raut said Shiv Sena had earlier stated that BJP had many "bubbles" which would soon burst. "Recently one of the bubbles burst," he said.
Yashpal Malik was a relatively unknown entity until 2010, when the Jat community launched a stir in Haryana. His demandreservation for Jats across the country in the central list of other backward classes (OBCs)catapulted him as a leader representing the demands of the Jat community at a national level on reservation issue.
As the national president of the Akhil Bharatiya Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (ABJASS), Malik has been trying to consolidate the Jats across the country in the name of reservation. The realtor-turned-leader of the Jat quota movement, Malik who hails from Uttar Pradesh, talks about various aspects of the second phase of the agitation in an interview to Firstpost.
Excerpts:
Why does the Jat quota movement, whose second phase began on 5 June, appears to be fizzling out with people distancing from it?
Its not true that people are distancing from the movement. In fact more people are joining our peaceful demonstrations. They are supporting our movement, but due to the Haryana governments high-handed, unethical and unconstitutional approach towards the Jat youth involved in the movement, theres a terror factor working. Many of our cadres have been arrested, though they were not involved in the violence. People are afraid, but there is anger amongst them. In fact, people outside the Jat community participated in our last meetings and demonstrations.
Is it that some of the leaders of the Jat community in Haryana do not consider you as their leader for this movement as you belong to Uttar Pradesh?
See, Im not a political leader. Im the national president of AIJASS, an organisation that has taken up the reservation issue and it has its presence in 13 states. At state levels, we have state presidents. So, the logic of accepting me as a leader of Jat community doesnt hold true. The people who are spreading this rumourthat Im not accepted in Haryanaare either political ones or from the government.
Despite the movement taking a violent turn, with agitators going on a rampage that killed 30 people and caused immense loss to property in February, why have you gone for a second round?
Neither in the past nor at present did we support or take recourse to violence. Since the government didnt pay any heed to our long-standing demand, we have launched this second phase of agitation, but have done so peacefully.
Wasnt ABJASS involved in the violence?
An incorrect perception has been created against us to show our organisation in bad light. Our people were not involved in the violence, and the rampage happened in February. It was a manufactured riot caused by the Haryana government and politicians. The politicians used petty criminals from slums as political touts in creating violence. Could the BJP stop its MP from Kurukshetra, Rajkumar Saini, who runs an OBC Brigade from delivering threatening speeches? Its a sorry state of affair that the Prakash Singh Committee indicted bureaucrats and police officials, but spared politicians. Is it possible that without the support of political masters, the bureaucracy can help the rioters? This conspiracy has been hatched just to defame Jats.
Do you think the Jats need reservation?
There is already reservation for Jats in nine states. Jats are not seeking reservation in the manner Patels or Gujjars are seeking it. Jats already had reservation in Haryana from 1991 to 1994, which was scrapped by Bhajan Lal in 1995. The farmers community in Haryana belongs to the OBC category and eligible for reservation. But it was the former Prime Minister VP Singh who conspired to weaken Devi Lal and divide the farmers. Jats are being kept out due to political rivalry. If Jats are getting reservation in nine states, why they are not being included in the central list? The Jats are only demanding their rights.
What do you have to say on the Supreme Court rejecting your case for reservation?
The Supreme Court rejected it because of political game. The Supreme Court cancelled it as the Congress leader Kumari Selja got a report from National Commission for Backward Classes stating that Jats as prosperous and have no right to reservation. No survey was done. The Congress gave reservation outside the purview of law, the apex court cancelled it. KC Guptas survey in 2012 clearly states that Jats in Haryana are backward but the government ignored the survey then and deliberately didnt give us reservation under the OBC category. In fact, the Mandal Commission report and the Justice Gurnam Singh Commission report also declared 10 castes including Yadavs, Gujjars and Sainis as backwards, but the government turned a blind eye to all the surveys and reports.
Whats your plan for the second phase of the agitation?
Were going for peaceful demonstrations and public meetings. Already we have staged demonstrations in the villages of UP, Haryana and Punjab. Our next destinations are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Delhi. Weve focussed on villages instead of towns because in a village, you can identify the members in a gathering unlike in a town. During the first phase of our agitation in February, anti-social elements got mixed up as a part of the gathering that we had in towns like Rohtak, Jhajjar and Sonipat, and created a rampage. Resultantly, ABJASS got a bad name and many of our members were arrested. Our immediate agenda is that the government should meet our demands.
What next if the government doesnt accept your demands?
There is nothing in the hands of public; its always the government (or party) in power that makes things happen according to its advantage and interest. If government fails to listen to our demands, we wont take recourse to violence or any action like blocking of highways and railway tracks. The Jats will take a political decision. It will reflect during the forthcoming assembly elections in UP and Punjab, where the community has considerable influence.
Even if Anthony had a year to analyze and dissect each piece...(he couldn't tell if it would)... stand the harsh light of public exposure.
WUWT insider Willis Eschenbach tells you all you need to know about Anthony Watts and his blog, WattsUpWithThat (WUWT). As part of his scathing commentary , Wondering Willis accuses Anthony Watts of being clueless about the blog articles he posts. To paraphrase: Click here to read more.
Even as Narendra Modi made US lawmakers swoon inside House Chambers, while addressing a joint session of the US Congress, some of the comments he made in that virtuoso speech which will surely go down as one of his finest and a high point in Indian diplomacy were at variance with the situation back home.
Before I delve into the oddities that somewhat sully the prime minister's portrayal of the idea of India that he projected so adroitly in Capitol Hill on Wednesday, let us understand what his stated ambition is, vis-a-vis his and India's future.
Modi, quite simply, envisions India as a global superpower and as prime minister, wants to be the main architect of it, leaving behind a permanent legacy that can compete with and even overshadow the one left behind by the man whom he carefully chose not to name yesterday Jawaharlal Nehru. If India's first prime minister gets to be called the 'maker of modern India', Modi wants to be known as the maker of 21st century India.
Towards that end, he has been working tirelessly and the latest whirlwind world tour is just another instance of a punishing schedule that the PM has kept for himself, ever since assuming office at 7 RCR.
At stake, presently, is an opportunity of being part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), an exclusive group of nuclear vendors comprising 48 nations. The annual plenary session is just around the corner and Modi has already been able to garner support for India's inclusion, from Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann, POTUS Barack Obama and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.
Whether or not that will be enough is a moot question tackled in-depth by Jaideep Prabhu in here.
But even as India, the world's fastest growing economy, stands at the cusp of history, and Modi attempts to portray it as the growth engine rooted in democracy that the world so desperately needs, the noise emanating out of the country on some issues severely undercuts the prime minister's best efforts.
While addressing the joint session of US Congress for instance, Modi brought in a reference to BR Ambedkar and hinted that the founding father of the Indian Constitution was impacted deeply by the US Constitution, while he was a student at Columbia University, over a century ago. It was an ingenious touch, linking two nations with a common strand. And it drew warm applause.
But while he was extolling the virtues of Ambedkar in the US, back home in Delhi, Ram Bahadur Rai, the recently-appointed chief of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), a government-funded art centre, was busy questioning Ambedkar's role behind the framing of Indian Constitution, calling it a "myth".
Rai, a former RSS pracharak, told Outlook magazine in an interview that Ambedkar had little to do with the Indian Constitution, beyond correcting the English of a civil servant who supplied the material and that his role was "a myth, a myth, a myth."
While Modi was telling the US lawmakers that "Constitution is his government's real holy book", Rai was quoted as saying in the interview that India's "Constitution is a haven for lawyers lawyers wrote it, the kind with no connection to India's nature or culture... and is broadly, a new testament of our gulaami (slavery)".
Beyond undermining BJP's Dalit outreach and sparking another predictable political wrangling ahead of the upcoming UP Assembly polls, Rai's comments are an indication that try as Modi might to harness India's "profound social and economic change" to build the kind of future that its 1.25 billion citizens deserve, the biggest obstacles in his path will come not from his political rivals, but from hotheads who belong to his own ideological moorings.
And as an administrator, Modi will be sorely tested by his ability to strike a balance between keeping them in check while ensuring that the growth story does not become awry.
"Freedom of faith, speech and franchise, and equality of all citizens, regardless of background, are enshrined as fundamental rights (in the Indian Constitution)", Modi said to the august house in Capitol Hill, even as a fierce debate rages back home over Udta Punjab, which censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani a self-anointed Modi chamcha has put on the chopping block for basing its central theme on drug and substance abuse in the state of Punjab.
"Yes, I am a chamcha of Narendra Modi as Anurag Kashyap said. I am proud to be, a Modi chamcha (acolyte). Should I be a chamcha of the Italian Prime Minister instead?" the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief said, while facing a barrage of questions over his role in refusing to give clearance to the movie, unless the filmmakers acquiesce to a demand of 94 cuts.
Producer Anurag Kashyap has refused to make the cuts and has sought legal intervention. We haven't heard the last word on this issue yet.
The Centre, when approached by filmmakers on the removal of Nihalani, correctly point out that they cannot intervene beyond referring it to another committee. But between the ping-pong game of various committees, the image which emerges is that of a country still not mature enough to take a honest look at its problems.
And this message is at variance with the prime minister's attempts at hard selling India as a mature democracy that seeks mutually beneficial foreign investment. It also irreparably harms his own legacy.
Hearing a public interest litigation, taken up by the Bombay High Court suo motu in April this year, the HC on Wednesday demanded factual details from the Maharashtra government on the exact number of persons who migrated to Mumbai and neighbouring districts from drought-hit areas of the state.
The high court asked the state government what steps it had taken to help and rehabilitate such 'drought refugees'. A division bench of Justice VM Kanade and Justice MS Sonak directed the government to submit the details on 10 June.
A bench headed by Chief Justice DH Waghela in April this year had taken cognisance of a news report on the plight of drought refugees who had migrated from Nanded to Mumbai. The affected people, according to the report, had no access to food and drinking water, and had no means to secure a roof over their heads in the city.
Government pleader Abhinandan Vagyani also informed the court that shelter and other facilities have been provided to some drought refugees. The bench said they will require actual details. "Give us data in respect of even one family. We would like to ensure in future such thing does not happen. Even a single instance we'll look into it," said Justice Kanade adding that the bench needed factual data to pass directions.
The state government had earlier said that it does not know the exact number of people who have migrated to Mumbai and adjoining areas from the drought-affected districts. The high court also asked the government pleader to inform the court on the number of people who have been displaced and how many of them were provided shelter.
The matter was adjourned till 10 June.
The attention given to the upcoming plenary session of the Nuclear Suppliers Group is surprising, given that there is little chance of anything being accomplished. The biggest item on the agenda is, of course, the admission of India into the trading cartel, which is vehemently being opposed by China and perhaps also by Austria, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand and the Netherlands.
Anyone who thought that the matter would be closed with the ratification of the India-US nuclear deal in 2008 was only deluding themselves: Although China sulked over the exception made for India to enter into the international civilian nuclear market, it is now extracting its pound of flesh by insisting on a uniform set of principles for membership to the NSG and advocating the admission of its client, Pakistan, to the group as well.
Beijing's position, ostensibly, is that there should be clear criteria to join the 48-nation group of nuclear vendors. Exceptions should not be made for anyone, including India, because they inevitably weaken the entire nuclear non-proliferation regime. China also insists that all members of the NSG should be signatories of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
On the surface of it, China's stance may appear reasonable. In fact, Mark Hibbs of the Carnegie Endowment has raised some of the same issues in his thorough analysis of the prospect of expanded NSG membership. Hibbs suggests that the cartel carefully consider its membership policies for four reasons; of relevance to our discussion is the ambiguity created in the NSG's non-proliferation mission by making an exception to allow nuclear trade with India in 2008.
Since 1992, the NSG has required that any non-nuclear weapons state wishing to purchase items on the group's trigger list be a party to a full-scope safeguards agreement with the IAEA. The United States, in its support for India's membership to the NSG, has advocated that India be made an exception to this rule. However, given India's non-signatory status to the NPT, not to mention its nuclear weaponisation since 1998, several members of the NSG have felt that doing so would undermine the relationship between the NPT and the NSG. This relationship, though not enshrined in the guidelines, is implicit in the several factors considered for membership mentioned in INFCIRC/539 as well as the institution's history.
States averse to Indian membership have argued that if a non-NPT state were to be given admission, there would have to be substantial benefits. Although rules-based membership seems fair, the NSG should nonetheless retain its flexibility in exceptional cases. A non-NPT state seeking NSG membership would have to demonstrate a good track record of non-proliferation, support international efforts towards the reduction and elimination of fissile material inventories, and not be an obstruction in the proceedings of the consensus-based group.
These principles must be taken with a generous pinch of salt: The international nuclear regime, in the half-century of its existence, has been marked by hypocrisy. The NPT reserved for five countries the right to nuclear weapons in perpetuity while extracting a promise from all others to abjure from them. Nuclear arsenals grew to the beat of exhortations to others to disarm; testing begat simulations and warheads were modernised even as perorations urged the international community to stop producing fissile material. The United States helped Israel acquire nuclear weapons and pointedly looked away as China helped Pakistan do the same in the 1980s.
At the same time, European nations rushed to protect their firms who had been caught in conducting illicit nuclear trade from prosecution. There was not even a squeak from the nuclear controls regime when China announced in 2010 that it would grandfather the sale of two more reactors to Pakistan under a 2003 bilateral agreement China had promised upon joining the NSG in 2004 that there would be no more sales. In 2013, Pakistan announced that two more reactors from China were under consideration.
Yet how well does India satisfy the NSG's criteria for membership? Regarding the non-proliferation treaty, India reminded the NSG that accession to the NPT is not a criterion for membership France was not a member of the NPT until 1992 though it was a founder member of the NSG in 1975.
On the second condition a good non-proliferation record, India has a better history than even some of the NSG members. For that matter, equating the Indian and Pakistani applications for membership, as China has done, is, even by the NSG's own standards, quite disingenuous. India has not sold nuclear technology to third parties and opened over half of its nuclear infrastructure to international inspections while Pakistan is infamous for its AQ Khan network that spread nuclear know-how from Pyongyang to Tripoli. Islamabad's institutionalised use of terrorism as state policy adds to its instability and with the fastest growing nuclear arsenal in the world, it is a testament to the nuclear regime's Janus-like trait that it is not under severe sanctions.
The NSG is also concerned that a new member might disrupt the proceedings of the group. Depending upon what one views as disruption, there might be some validity to this fear. It is unlikely that India will stand in the way of a Pakistani membership if it meets all the criteria for nuclear safety and security that have been laid out by the nuclear regime. It is, after all, in India's interest that Pakistan's nuclear establishment be as transparent and accessible to the international community as possible.
However, it is quite likely that Delhi objects to clauses that excludes non-NPT countries as this will limit its own ability to engage in nuclear commerce and technical collaboration. If India is allowed into the NSG, the group will either have to amend the INFCIRC/254 (Part II here) that distinguishes nuclear weapons states from others for purposes of trade to create a hybrid category for India or insert India-specific language in every document the NSG produces. Ironically, this will help Pakistan as well by keeping the door open for non-NPT countries. While this may militate against the NSG's values, it also underscores the cartel's double standards.
The hostility to Indian membership is surprising for one more reason: In 2011, after the NSG plenary meeting in Noordwijk in the Netherlands, the group decided to tighten norms for enrichment and reprocessing equipment and technology exports. Among the several new criteria, one states that the country receiving such technology or equipment must be a member of the NPT. Given this partial reneging on the India-US nuclear deal, it leaves India only to purchase nuclear reactors and fuel. This, it already does without being a member of the NSG. Without any technical grounds remaining, is the opposition to India merely a matter of form, of style rather than substance?
Some analysts have argued that membership to the NSG is about status for Delhi, as its nuclear arsenal is about prestige. What they fail to explain is how the status of being a member of the NSG has helped some of its present members such as Belarus, Croatia, Cyprus, or Serbia.
India's entry into the NSG is unlikely in the foreseeable future, not because Delhi has failed to live up to non-proliferation standards but because it throws a spanner into Beijing's geopolitical calculations. If China was somehow persuaded to remove its veto on Indian accession, their price would be too high to be worth the trouble. India has tried to join the NSG by bringing its export controls and nuclear policies in line with the international norms; it has also tried directly lobbying the various member states and tried to use Washington's influence where necessary. The only option available to it now is to create a parallel nuclear market by developing its own nuclear industry and stepping up exports.
India has had decades of experience building and operating pressurised heavy water reactors. Given their smaller size, they are also cheaper than other commercial designs available in the international market. Indian PHWRs would be an excellent option for economically less developed states or states just beginning to consider nuclear energy. In the future, India can also expand the menu to include its light water, fast breeder, or thorium reactors. If India can emerge as a major exporter to such markets, it would be in the NSG's interests to bring India within the fold. Just as the potential of India's nuclear energy market was a factor in persuading Washington of the benefits of bringing India into the world nuclear market, India as a nuclear vendor would have its own persuasive power.
Two obstacles prevent this course of action: The Indian nuclear industry is not yet capable of manufacturing to such scale, and India lacks the financial strength to offer the generous lines of credit nuclear vendors usually extend. The first of these can be resolved: The reason Indian industry has lagged behind is that there has been no interest in nuclear power in India. In seven decades of its nuclear programme, India has hardly built 21 reactors; as a comparison, France built nearly 60 reactors in 20 years and the United States 100 reactors in about the same time. Without a concerted effort to expand nuclear energy within the country, the economies of scale will not be created to persuade Indian industry to expand its capabilities in research, design, and manufacturing. If the private sector were allowed greater collaboration with India's nuclear conclave, progress would be faster.
India cannot rely on its friends or the international community to ease this logjam. As the NSG operates by consensus, it would need the goodwill of each and every member of the group, including its rival, China. Even with US assistance, that looks unlikely. Instead, India must look to itself to create a situation that will bring the NSG knocking on its door.
That vision and ambition is so far nowhere to be seen in Delhi.
Washington: Thwarted presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders arrived at the White House Thursday for talks with President Barack Obama on how to unite the Democratic party after a testy primary campaign.
Obama is to play peace broker, coaxing Sanders to recognize Hillary Clinton as the party's presidential nominee and focus with her on beating Republican rival Donald Trump in November.
The two men strode along the West Wing colonnade, both laughing at one point, with the president placing his hand on Sanders' back as he opened the door to the Oval Office.
Obama is expected to tread softly "hearing Sanders out," according to a Democratic source familiar with preparations for the White House meeting and offering him a very public show of respect for his insurgent campaign.
"I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas," Obama said Wednesday. "I thought it made Hillary a better candidate."
"My hope is, is that over the next couple of weeks, we're able to pull things together," Obama said, recalling his own bitter campaign rivalry with Clinton in 2008.
"What happens during primaries, you get a little ouchy. Everybody does."
Sanders told his defiant supporters that "the struggle continues" Tuesday, even after crushing defeats to Clinton in California and New Jersey.
But there is unlikely to be fist-thumping or angry demands for Sanders to face political reality and drop out.
"I think there is a recognition that this is emotionally very challenging," said the Democratic source, who asked not to be named.
"Sanders has poured his energy into this, there is a tremendous amount of pressure. It's like a battleship -- it takes a while to change course."
Sanders and Obama have spoken three times in the last month and are said to have a good rapport.
Obama was always certain to back Clinton, his former secretary of state, but he has so far refrained from making any formal endorsement.
"I think she is whip smart. She is tough." Obama told The Tonight Show.
High stakes
From relative obscurity, Sanders garnered 12 million of the primary campaign's 27 million votes.
He tapped a deep well of anger among young voters who were the lifeblood of Obama's victories in 2008 and 2012.
The risk for Clinton is that Sanders overplays his hand or feels shunned and continues his insurgency.
"Clinton finds herself in a shaky position she could not have imagined last year," said Larry Sabato, head of the University of Virginia Center for Politics.
"Weakened by the self-inflicted wounds of her email controversy and her inability to generate enthusiasm in major parts of the Democratic coalition, Clinton has been forced to spend precious time, money, and energy fighting Sanders right to the end."
Some Sanders supporters would indeed like him to battle all the way to the party convention in Philadelphia next month.
For diehard Sanders supporters, Clinton the former first lady, secretary of state and US senator is the epitome of a political establishment that has failed the people.
More pragmatic supporters are pressing for Sanders to leverage his newfound political clout.
They would like to see the party platform overhauled and reforms to the next nominating process in 2020 -- opening primaries to independent voters and curbing the role of bigwig "superdelegates."
Critically, Sanders supporters also want to see Clinton embrace more left-leaning policies, according to Neil Sroka of Democracy for America, a political action committee that endorsed Sanders.
"The degree to which the party unites behind Secretary Clinton is ultimately going to depend on the degree to which she picks up and embraces the political revolution and runs on the populist progressive issues that have been defining the primary," he said.
Baghdad: Two suicide attacks in and outside the Iraqi capital killed at least 27 people and wounded dozens on Thursday, officials said. The deadliest attack took place in a commercial area of a majority Shiite neighborhood in Baghdad. At least 15 civilians were killed and 35 wounded, police said.
Another suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into an Iraqi army checkpoint north of Baghdad, killing at least 12 people, police said. Seven civilians and five troops were killed in the attack in the town of Taji, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the capital, a police officer said. At least 28 people were wounded, he added.
Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to brief the press.
In an online statement, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the New Baghdad attack, saying it targeted Shiite militia members. It later claimed responsibility for the Taji bombing in a second online statement, saying it was targeting the Iraqi army.
The Associated Press could not verify the authenticity of the statements, but they were posted on a militant website commonly used by the extremists.
The Sunni militant group often targets Iraq's Shiite majority, security forces and government officials. Baghdad has seen near-daily attacks in recent weeks.
The deadly attacks in the capital and beyond are seen by Iraqi officials as an attempt by the militants to distract the security forces' attention from the front lines. The attacks came a day after Iraqi special forces pushed into the IS-held city of Fallujah in a large-scale military operation launched last month.
Fallujah, which is about 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Baghdad, is one of the last major IS strongholds in western Iraq. The extremist group still controls territory in the country's north and west, as well as Mosul, Iraq's second largest city.
WASHINGTON U.S. President Barack Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton's White House bid on Thursday and called for the Democratic Party to unite behind her after a protracted battle with Bernie Sanders for the party nomination.
Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, said it "means the world" to her that Obama has her back.
The endorsement increases pressure on Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, to bow out of the race and lend his support to Clinton so the party can focus on campaigning against Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the Nov. 8 election.
"It is absolutely a joy and an honour that President Obama and I over the years have gone from fierce competitors to true friends," Clinton told Reuters in an interview.
Obama defeated Clinton in the 2008 Democratic primary, and she went on to serve as secretary of state in his first term as president. After an unexpectedly tough battle this time around against Sanders' challenge from the left, this week she clinched the number of delegates needed to win the party nomination, becoming the first woman to lead a major U.S. party as its White House candidate.
Obama, who enjoys strong approval ratings after nearly eight years in office, will appear with Clinton next week in Wisconsin, her campaign said.
"I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office," Obama said of Clinton in a video. "I'm with her. I am fired up, and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary." His endorsement had been expected since she clinched the nomination.
Trump assailed the endorsement on Twitter: "He wants four more years of Obamabut nobody else does!
Clinton's campaign responded, "Delete your account."
Sanders, who galvanized young voters with his calls for more social equality and measures to rein in Wall Street, has been reluctant to concede the race, despite concerns among Democratic Party leaders that continuing party divisions could hamper Clinton's efforts to beat Trump.
The senator met with Obama at the White House earlier on Thursday, and said afterward he would work with Clinton to defeat Trump. Democratic Senator Harry Reid, who met separately with Sanders on Thursday, said the Vermont lawmaker had accepted that Clinton was the nominee.
Sanders told reporters on Thursday, however, that he would stay in the race to compete in the final Democratic primary vote in Washington, D.C., on June 14.
Obama recalled the party unity that followed his prolonged primary battle against Clinton in 2008, and that saw him elected in November that year.
"Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders may have been rivals during this primary, but they're both patriots who love this country and they share a vision for an America that we all believe in," Obama said in the video.
Nearly half of Americans in a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey approved of Obama's handling of his presidency, a high mark for a president at this point in the job. Among Democrats, his approval rating was 82.3 percent, though 84.3 percent of Republicans in the poll disapproved of his leadership.
SEEKING UNITY
Senior Democrats are seeking a delicate balance between the need to unite behind Clinton in the looming battle against Trump while not alienating Sanders and his supporters.
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, like Sanders a progressive and fiery critic of Wall Street, is preparing to endorse Clinton in the coming weeks after staying neutral in the Democratic primary, people familiar with her thinking told Reuters.
Clinton said she and Warren had similar views about key issues such as economic policy and protecting the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which Warren pushed to start.
"I'm really pleased to have her good ideas and support," Clinton said of the Massachusetts senator.
In the interview with Reuters, Clinton said her overall economic package, including plans to rein in Wall Street and cut taxes for the middle class, would come during the first 100 days of her presidency if she defeats Trump.
Clinton has previously said a plan to generate jobs by investing in transportation and other infrastructure spending and immigration reform would be among other early priorities.
"One of the things that President Obama said yesterday is he thought his job was to remind the American people what a really serious job this is, the tough choices, the hard decisions, the high stakes in choosing a president and commander in chief," Clinton said.
"And I know how important it is to get off to a really good start in the White House," she said.
While Democrats focused on unity, Republicans were still grappling with controversy over Trump's attacks on Mexican-American U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is overseeing fraud lawsuits against Trump's defunct real estate training school.
Former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich told reporters on Thursday the Trump situation was "fine." But he suggested Trump should change tactics toward making more measured remarks, as he did in a speech after primary elections this week.
Trump, a wealthy real estate developer who became the party's presumptive nominee last month after seeing off 16 rivals, is well behind Clinton's campaign in terms of fundraising and policy infrastructure.
On Thursday, his top donors were holding their first official meeting in New York.
(Reporting by Emily Stephenson, additional reporting by Ginger Gibson, Steve Holland, Roberta Rampton, Megan Cassella, Doina Chiacu, David Morgan, Susan Cornwell and Alana Wise in Washington; Editing by Alistair Bell and Frances Kerry)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
WASHINGTON U.S. President Barack Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton's White House bid on Thursday and called for Democrats to unite behind her after a protracted battle with Bernie Sanders for the party nomination.
Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, said it "means the world" to her that Obama has her back in a bruising campaign for the Nov. 8 election.
The endorsement increases pressure on Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, to bow out of the race and lend his support to Clinton so that the party can focus on defeating Donald Trump, the Republican candidate.
"It is absolutely a joy and an honour that President Obama and I over the years have gone from fierce competitors to true friends," Clinton told Reuters in an interview.
After an unexpectedly tough battle against Sanders' challenge from the left, former first lady Clinton made history when she reached the number of delegates needed to win the party nomination this week. That made her the first woman to lead a major U.S. party as its White House candidate.
Obama, who enjoys strong approval ratings after nearly eight years in office, will appear with Clinton on the campaign trail next week in Wisconsin.
The two were opponents in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary race, which Obama won, but they buried their rivalry and she served as his secretary of state for four years. Clinton is the 2016 candidate who the White House believes will best safeguard Obama's legacy.
"I don't think there's ever been someone so qualified to hold this office," Obama said of Clinton in a video. "I'm with her. I am fired up, and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary."
Trump assailed the endorsement on Twitter: "He wants four more years of Obamabut nobody else does!
Clinton's campaign tweeted a brash response: "Delete your account."
Sanders, who galvanized young voters with his calls for more social equality and measures to rein in Wall Street, has been reluctant to concede the race, despite concerns among leading Democrats that continuing party divisions could hamper Clinton's efforts to beat Trump.
TOWARD THE EXIT
Obama and other senior Democrats are seeking a delicate balance of rallying the party behind Clinton, while not alienating Sanders and his supporters.
In what appeared to be an attempt to gently ease Sanders toward giving up his campaign, Obama met the Democratic socialist for about an hour in the White House, laughing warmly as they walked into the Oval Office.
Though Sanders told reporters afterward that he still plans to compete in the final nominating contest in Washington, D.C. on June 14, he said he would work with Clinton to defeat Trump.
Sanders was then welcomed on Capitol Hill by Senator Harry Reid, the top Democrat in the Senate. Reid said the lawmaker from Vermont was in a good place with his Democratic colleagues. He suggested that Sanders was close to acknowledging defeat by Clinton.
I didnt hear a single word about him trying to change the fact that she is the nominee, I think hes accepted that, Reid told reporters.
In the endorsement video, Obama recalled the party unity that followed his prolonged primary battle against Clinton in 2008.
"Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders may have been rivals during this primary, but they're both patriots who love this country and they share a vision for an America that we all believe in," Obama said.
Nearly half of Americans in a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey approved of Obama's handling of his presidency, a high mark for a president at this point in the job. Among Democrats, his approval rating was 82.3 percent, though 84.3 percent of Republicans disapproved of his leadership.
Clinton is also set to receive the endorsement of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren on Thursday night, according to media reports. Warren, like Sanders, is a progressive and fiery critic of Wall Street.
Clinton said she and Warren had similar views about key issues such as economic policy and protecting the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which Warren pushed to start.
"I'm really pleased to have her good ideas and support," Clinton said of the senator from Massachusetts.
Trump said in an interview with Reuters last month that he would try to dismantle the Dodd-Frank law.
In the interview with Reuters, Clinton said her overall economic package, including plans to rein in Wall Street and cut taxes for the middle class, would come during the first 100 days of her presidency if she defeats Trump.
Clinton has previously said a plan to generate jobs by investing in transportation and other infrastructure spending and immigration reform would be among other early priorities.
"One of the things that President Obama said yesterday is he thought his job was to remind the American people what a really serious job this is, the tough choices, the hard decisions, the high stakes in choosing a president and commander in chief," Clinton said.
"And I know how important it is to get off to a really good start in the White House," she said.
Trump, a wealthy real estate developer who became the party's presumptive nominee last month after seeing off a large group of rivals, is well behind Clinton's campaign in terms of fundraising and policy infrastructure.
On Thursday, his top donors were holding their first official meeting in New York. Trump also met with industry leaders in New York at an event organised by oil billionaire Harold Hamm.
(Reporting by Emily Stephenson, additional reporting by Ginger Gibson, Steve Holland, Roberta Rampton, Megan Cassella, Doina Chiacu, David Morgan, Susan Cornwell, David Morgan and Alana Wise in Washington; Editing by Alistair Bell and Frances Kerry)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the growing strategic ties between India and the US and accused Washington of approaching Islamabad whenever it needs it and abandons it when it does not.
"Pakistan will convey its concerns to the US over the latest issues in the bilateral ties," Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said, adding that a high-level meeting is planned here between the two nations tomorrow.
The US approaches Pakistan whenever it needs it, and abandons it when it doesn't need Pakistan, Dawn newspaper quoted Aziz as saying.
His comments came a day after the two countries signed a number of agreements for security cooperation during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US.
Pakistan is also upset that President Barack Obama has backed India's bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
"We firmly conveyed it to the US that maintaining effective nuclear deterrence is critical for Pakistan's security and only Pakistan itself can determine how it should respond to growing strategic imbalance in South Asia," Aziz said.
He said Pakistan has decided to take up the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an alleged Indian spy, with the UN and other international forums.
He claimed that the statement made by Director General of India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) that no evidence linked Pakistan to the Pathankot attack has vindicated Pakistan's position in attack probe.
The perpetually oscillating Pak-US relationship is once again at low as reflected by the Congressional restriction on financing of F-16 fighter jet's sale from Foreign Military Financing programme, due to which Pakistan lost the opportunity to buy the jets, the paper said.
The relationship was further strained when the US carried out a drone strike in Balochistan, killing Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour, which was termed by Pakistani leadership a violation of the country's sovereignty.
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When it's all about "Me! Me! Me!" it can be hard for a politician to exploit his opponent's vulnerabilities.
It's unclear that the Sun King can deliberately take the focus off his magnificent self. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
This may seem to be an odd critique of a politician who is a connoisseur of the well-wrought insult, but veteran political observer Stu Rothenberg wonders if Donald Trump is too narcissistic to go negative effectively. He makes a point worth pondering :
[M]ost competitive presidential campaigns are about a single objective: making the race a referendum on the opponent, particularly if he or she is a long-time politician who has high negatives. Thats how Barack Obama won a second term. He defined Mitt Romney and ran against that caricature he created (with Romneys help, of course). But whether its because he really doesnt understand campaigns, or more likely, that his obvious narcissism makes it impossible for him to see that any topic could be more interesting than himself, Donald Trump continues to make the 2016 election a referendum on his accomplishments, his past statements and his beliefs. That braggadocio may have worked in a crowded primary with weaker-than-anticipated opponents and a GOP grassroots that wanted red meat and a pure outsider with a flair for entertainment. But it is much less likely to work in a two-way sprint for the White House.
Failing to use the earned media a major-party nominee automatically receives to keep the focus on his opponent's vulnerabilities certainly squanders some important opportunities. For one thing, Clinton's negatives are the sole common ground for Republicans in this general election. For another, incumbent fatigue after two Democratic presidential terms is a significant asset for the GOP. Trump's narcissism could help Democrats make the election a "two futures" choice in which the natural desire for change in a period of high "wrong-track" sentiment does not accrue to the GOP.
Indeed, Trump is showing signs of missing cues to go after that other object of his party's unifying hatred, Barack Obama, and to tie Clinton to his perceived failures. As Rothenberg points out, last weekend the mogul could have been exploiting the fears aroused by May's deeply disappointing jobs report, instead of picking a self-destructive fight with the federal judge presiding over the time bomb of Trump U .
More generally, not to put too fine a point on it, it would be smart for Trump to make swing voters and marginal Democratic voters think about anything and everything other than his own self. This may be the one thing he finds impossible. Every politician from the lowliest aspirant to town dogcatcher probably looks in the bathroom mirror and occasionally sees glimpses of a future president of the United States. But Trump manages to stand out as someone who sees a Sun King, the focal point of his very own solar system.
I don't know of anyone in the thin ranks of his advisers who could go to Donald Trump and say, "Boss, you need to get over yourself!" But that may be the advice he needs to hear.
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has joined the board of directors for Pluralsight , a Utah-based ed-tech company that provides online courses in various subjects, including software development and information technology, the news site Fast Company reported Thursday.
Duncan told Fast Company that he sees Pluralsight, which is reportedly worth more than $1 billion and is funded by Silicon Valley interests , as a way to provide more learning opportunities to a broad group of people, including those who traditionally may not have access to such courses. Pluralsight CEO Aaron Skonnard said he hopes to eventually have the company provide free or discounted subscriptions to the courses to people from low-income and otherwise disadvantaged communities.
Duncan said he loves the energy and idealism of Silicon Valley, but added, "[I]f were not talking explicitly about more [women], more minorities, then were just leaving a huge part of our country on the sidelines, and thats untenable to me.
According to Business Wire, the company of 500 employees offers 4,700 courses authored by more than 1,000 experts.
In March, the former secretary announced he was joining the Emerson Collective , a philanthropic and advocacy organization, as a managing partner, and would work in Chicago to help dropouts and young people with criminal records.
Duncan isnt the first former high-ranking education official from President Barack Obamas administration to join forces with Silicon Valley in some fashion. As we reported, one of his former deputy secretaries at the Education Department, Jim Shelton, announced last month that he would lead a philanthropic education initiative recently begun by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg , the founder of Facebook.
Last month, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Pluralsight in U.S. District Court, alleging that it failed to specify to its customers the steps for cancelling its subscription services, according to the Norcal Record, which covers courts in northern California.
Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
By Alyson Klein and Andrew Ujifusa
Proposed accountability regulations for the Every Student Succeeds Act have been out for about two weeks. So what do the folks who will actually have to spearhead these new plans think?
We asked a bunch of state chiefs for their take. Many said they were still digesting the proposal, but a few were willing to give us some early thoughts.
Mitchell D. Chester, Massachusetts:
Overall, Chester found a lot to like in the regulations. He gave the U.S. Department of Education a thumbs-up, for instance, for its requirement that struggling schools improve on at least one academic measurelike reading and math scores, or graduation ratesand not just on the indicator of school quality and student success (something like school climate) before they are allowed to move on from targeted or comprehensive improvement.
I would be disappointed, he said, if you could move out of those categories while still failing to teach young people to read and do math well.
And he thought the department did a good job of handling how states should cope with testing opt-outs. ESSA kept in place the requirement under the previous law that 95 percent of students take tests, but left it up to states to figure out how to cope with schools that dont meet the participation threshold. The draft regulations call for states to take serious actiona slap on the wrist isnt enough.
Chester praised that approach. This is an area where Congress tried to split the baby, he said. The opt-out piece has to have consequences.
He also doesnt have a problem with a requirement that states come up with a summative rating for their schools. Thats something the Bay State already does, through a system that rates both schools and districts. (We wrote about its system here .)
Massachusetts is mulling some changes to make its system fit with ESSA, Chester said. For instance, the state will need to pick its indicator of student success or school quality. Its early going, but Chester said hes intrigued by the idea of measuring school climate, and/or access to rigorous coursework, both of which he thinks have the potential to move the needle on achievement.
Stephen Pruitt, Kentucky:
Pruitt on the other hand, has a few bones to pick with the proposal. (We talked to him for this story .) For one thing, hes not happy that states would have to label schools in need of comprehensive support at the beginning of 2017-18, using data from the 2016-17 school year, before new ESSA systems are truly up and running. (He sent this letter to the Education Department expressing his displeasure before the regulations were released.)
The timeline creates a problem, frankly, for the integrity of the system, Pruitt said. I want our system to get a fresh start so that people can have some trust in the system.
Also, Pruitt is not a fan of the requirement that states give each school a summative rating. He thinks that is way too limiting and could cause schools to miss some key nuances that a dashboard, or other broader rating system would capture. (To be clear, in addition to the summative rating, states need to provide any information that theyre putting into it, so parents would get a chance to see dashboards, too.)
I think it sort of masks things that do create a better educational environment for kids, Pruitt said. I think its better for a parent to be able to look at a set of indicators and be able to see that a school with, say, an achievement gap has recently expanded its course offerings.
You wouldnt get that [nuance] if you just scored 78, he told us.
June Atkinson, North Carolina:
Like Chester, Atkinson told us says the way the draft regulations handle the school-quality and student-success indicators when it comes to turnarounds and interventions strike the right balance.
I think thats in the right direction, Atkinson said. And she also likes how the regulations allow states to define what a consistently underperforming group of student means. More from Atkinson in this story .
LeEco is the latest international smartphone maker which is seeking exemption from the mandatory 30% local sourcing norm to open single branded retail stores in the country, as per a latest PTI report.
The Chinese handset maker had applied for single brand retail licence with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in April this year. A foreign company needs to manufacture 30% of its goods in India to be able to operate retail stores in the country. Currently, LeEco operates via online model however, just earlier this week the company announced that it will start selling the smartphone in New Delhi and Mumbai in the first phase and will expand by opening 70% retail stores across India that contribute to mobile sales.
LeEco India Smart Electronics Business COO Atul Jain told PTI,
We have also asked the government to give us an exemption on it, on the 30 per cent (local sourcing) norm. We havent heard from them as yet on where the status is. But we believe the application is on right now, so its really with the government to come back to us.
Jain stressed that as LeEco is a hi-tech company it should be waived off the 30% local sourcing condition. Last month, the government rejected Apples plea of exempting the mandatory sourcing norm. Xiaomi is another smartphone maker that had applied for single brand retail licence in March however earlier this month the company withdrew request for exemption of the sourcing condition.
LeEco recently announced that it sold 5 lakh smartphones in its first 100 days in India, since first sale from February 2nd, 2016. In March the company announced plans to make a significant investment of over US$ 10 million to set up this CDN/cloud infrastructure.
source
Xiaomi is all set to launch its Mi Community in India on on June 20th. This will allow MI customers to share their feedback, participate in contests, take part in launch events in India and more easily. Xiaomi has already started beta test registrations, which will begin on June 14th. 500 Mi Community beta testers will get early access to new forum for Mi fans in India and other goodies.
Beta testers will also get to test MIUI 8 early and share their feedback. Xiaomi will also launch Mi Pop party in India that is coming soon. Xiaomi will reveal more details about the party in the community soon. You can register for Mi Community India here.
Mi Community Beta Tester get: Exclusive beta tester medal on new forum, Mi Community
Tickets for next product launch event in India and exclusive prizes for selected contributors
Head start in your points in Mi Community that you can use to apply for our Explorer programs
Win other awesome prizes from our online contests on Mi Community during the beta period
Check out the video below in which Hugo Barra, Vice President of Xiaomi Global explain everything about the Mi Community in India.
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As early as this fall, beer, wine, and spirits manufacturer and marketer Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ 3.92%) may spin off its Canadian wine business in an initial public offering on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Bloomberg News, which reported the details on a move management had previously disclosed it was considering, reports that the IPO could be worth $1 billion in Canadian dollars, or about $787 million at current exchange rates.
If the executive suite does end up greenlighting the spin-off, some shareholders may wonder about the rationale. In Constellation's fiscal 2016 annual report, filed in April, the company reaffirmed its self-description as the "the leading wine company" in Canada, as it owns eight of the top 25 wine brands. The noted beverage giant lists among its impressive Canadian assets eight wineries spanning 1,700 total acres, one distillery, a production facility, and a distribution center.
Reviewing a bit of history may bring perspective to the proposed deal. The Canadian wine business was formed in 2006 upon Constellation's mid-year acquisition of Vincor International, Inc. In Constellation's first complete fiscal year of operating the new division, sales hit $449.8 million, which, at the time, accounted for nearly 12% of total company revenue of $3.78 billion. Significantly, the transaction enabled Constellation to pick up important brands that still enjoy appreciable market share today, including Jackson-Triggs and Inniskillin, the No. 1 wine and ice-wine labels in Canada, respectively.
Since the purchase, completed at a price of nearly $1.5 billion, the Canadian wine business has grown steadily, but not in dramatic fashion. Revenue peaked in fiscal 2014 at approximately $698 million. This past year, in part because of the U.S. dollar's strength against the Canadian dollar, the top line reached only $587.5 million. That's a compounded annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 3.5% over the past eight fiscal years. Today, given the recent acquisition of Mexican beer brands and the scaling up of Constellation's beer business, Canadian wine sales account for just under 9% of total annual revenue of $6.5 billion.
But why spin off a market-leading business?
During the company's fiscal fourth-quarter 2016 conference call on April 6, CEO Rob Sands offered management's reasoning behind its exploration of the IPO:
"As we continue to transform the company, the focus and resources we've put behind strategic initiatives to support sustainable, value-generating, long-term growth are also evolving. This effort would provide better visibility to the Canadian business, which delivered excellent financial performance in 2016."
We can glean a few cogent points from this statement. First, Sands hints that the internal rate of return for the Canadian wine platform doesn't measure up to the return of the overall business. Recall the rather middling revenue growth rate, and consider that Canadian dollar weakness also hurts profits when they're converted into greenbacks on the company's quarterly reports.
The second inference is that under new public ownership, and fueled by its own cash and borrowing capacity, the Canadian business wouldn't have to compete for resources with other Constellation revenue streams to grow. Factor in the faster revenue growth and higher profits Canadian shareholders would see as returns get expressed solely in Canadian dollars, and the deal begins to make sense.
Persuasively, in the quoted earnings call, Sands mentioned that Constellation would use its share of the IPO proceeds to reduce debt on the parent company's books. Constellation is a serial purchaser of alcoholic beverage brands and actively invests in expanding manufacturing capacity. Thus, we can assume that after divestment, Constellation will essentially free up more borrowing for new acquisitions, or for capital expenditure, either of which will theoretically produce a higher return on capital than the Canadian operation.
In sum, it appears that despite holding the dominant market position in Canada, the wine business north of the border is underperforming its internal peer groups. Confirmation of this hunch can be found in the unconfirmed IPO pricing. If the offering indeed raises just under $800 million, the market will value the wine division's sales at about 1.3 times fiscal 2016 sales. Compare this with Constellation's overall business, which currently trades at nearly 4.75 times fiscal 2016 sales. This gap provides more than enough reason to set the wine business free and to allow it to increase its long-term value independently.
The school board for the Portland, Ore., school system recently adopted a resolution saying it would stop using instructional materials that cast doubt on climate changea move that some national groups have labeled censorship.
The resolution, passed unanimously last month, says that the district will abandon the use of any adopted text material that is found to express doubt about the severity of the climate crisis or its root in human activities. It was spurred by Bill Bigelow, a former Portland public school teacher who is now the curriculum editor of Rethinking Schools magazine, which focuses on social justice in education, and the environmental group 350 PDX, among others.
The environmental advocates began analyzing curricula used in Portland as part of a larger project looking at how schools should teach climate change, reports Joy Resmovitz of the Los Angeles Times. In two textbooks found in almost every Portland high school , they found passages on climate change that they considered understated and out of date, she wrote. Soon, teachers, parents, and students joined their meetings, and began discussing language for a resolution to deal with this civilization-changing crisis, Bigelow said.
Mike Rosen, a school board member and environmental scientist, introduced the resolution to the board. It passed without much fanfare.
But then, the story began making the rounds on the Internet. Jim Lakely, the director of communications for the right-leaning Heartland Institute, wondered in a blog whether the district might start burning books next . Its the logical next step, right? he wrote. Because, apparently, their textbooks are infected with terms like might, may, and could in some passages that address climate change. We must make sure those doubts dont accidentally infect the minds of the children they are charged with indoctrinating. So why not purge all the sin from the books by fire[?]
The National Coalition Against Censorship said that for all its good intentions, the resolution raises serious concerns, including that its dangerously over-broad.
Social studies texts accurately describing the political debate around fossil fuels and climate change, for instance, would presumably contain comments from individuals who express doubt about the severity of the climate crisis, the group wrote in a statement. If such material is excised from the curriculum, will students be prepared to faceand argue withclimate change denial when they encounter it in the world outside school?
Rosen told the L.A. Times that the resolution is not about burning or destroying textbooks. What were talking about is getting up-to-date texts, he said.
Even the editorial board at the states largest newspaper, the Oregonian , which says it agrees that humans are affecting climate change, has questioned the districts action. The boards climate-change resolution is not intended to teach students to think critically, which is what schools should do, the editorial board wrote. Its designed, instead, to produce acolytes.
Portland isnt the only place still using texts that treat climate change as an uncertainty. A Stanford study recently found that textbooks being used in California middle schools are out of step with general scientific understanding about climate change . About 97 percent of climate scientists agree that climate change is due in large part to human activity.
Interestingly, its a bit unclear whether the resolution in Portland was really necessary. Oregon is among the 18 states that have adopted the Next Generation Science Standards . While the standards dont address textbooks specifically, they do include the statement that human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earths mean surface temperature (global warming). So it should be understood thats what students will learn in the classroom.
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Despite staunch opposition from Detroits mayor and state lawmakers, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder will likely sign a series of bills designed to bail out the citys debt-ridden Detroit public schools.
The $617 million legislative package would provide $467 million to help pay off the districts debt, and $150 million in transition costs to create a new, debt-free district to educate students.
State lawmakers from Detroit lobbied against the legislative package, but their colleagues in the legislature faced a choice: Back the plan or allow the district to go into bankruptcy, which could end up costing the state much more than the $617 million. The district was expected to run out of money at the end of June.
Under the plan, Detroit voters will elect a new school board in November with members taking office in January. The state would retain some oversight of the districts finances under the new deal, but it would represent a significant change for the district, which has been run by state-appointed managers since 2009.
Despite the planned return to local control, some Detroiters remain upset that the legislative package didnt include the Detroit Education Commission, their plan for a mayor-appointed panel that would have some authority over public and charter schools in the city, especially on where the schools are located.
The plan does allow for an advisory council that would produce reports on where schools and transportation are needed in the city, but their recommendations wouldnt be binding.
The bills now head to Snyders desk. He signaled his support for the legislation in a series of tweets Thursday.
This is an unprecedented investment for the education of Detroit children. Paying off decades of debt directs new funding to classrooms #DPS Governor Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) June 9, 2016
These bills keep $ in the classroom for students, stabilize careers for teachers and provide fiscal accountability for all MI taxpayers #DPS Governor Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) June 9, 2016
This is a new #DPS district. The debt will be repaid, the emergency managers no longer necessary. Bankruptcy wont hang in the balance. Governor Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) June 9, 2016
House & Senate approved legislation restores local control. Leaders for the new district will be chosen this November by Detroit voters #DPS Governor Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) June 9, 2016
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Based on investors' initial reaction to Intuit's fiscal 2016 third-quarter earnings results, many were expecting more from the QuickBooks and TurboTax provider. Despite beating vaunted analyst expectations and boosting its online subscriber base -- an ongoing focus of CEO Brad Smith's transformation efforts to shift business to the cloud -- Intuit stock declined about 2% following its solid quarter.
It didn't take long for investors to overlook the supposed weaknesses of Intuit's quarter, however. As it stands, the stock is bumping up against its 52-week high of $108.68 a share. This stock price run is great for shareholders, but is it too late for investors still on the sidelines? The answer is yes, for a few reasons, until Intuit is able to show signs of life in a couple of key areas.
Image source: Getty.
Generally, when a company reports better-than-expected revenue and earnings than Wall Street estimates, particularly when the results are improvements year over year as well, shareholders are rewarded with a stock price pop. Intuit accomplished both, which is likely the reason its stock seems to have gained favor among investors over the past couple of weeks.
Analysts had expected revenue of $2.25 billion and non-GAAP (excluding one-time items) earnings per share (EPS) of $3.19, both of which would have been better than the year-ago quarter. Intuit pleasantly surprised with an 8% jump in sales to $2.3 billion and adjusted EPS of $3.43, an impressive 20% improvement compared to fiscal 2015's third quarter.
Virtually every one of Intuit's key segments grew revenue year over year last quarter, including a 37% jump in QuickBooks online revenue, and increases in both online payments and payroll sales -- though not everything turned up rosy for Intuit last quarter, despite its stock price nearing year-long highs.
Intuit naysayers point to its "meager" 45% jump in QuickBooks online subscribers in Q3 as a troubling sign of things to come. The problem is investors and pundits have become used to Intuit reporting 50% plus year-over-year subscriber growth. That, combined with Smith's forecast of a 37% to 40% increase expected this fiscal year, is an early indication that Intuit's market is becoming saturated.
Challenges ahead
As it stands, Intuit's TurboTax is the runaway leader in online tax filing, accounting for an estimated 70% of electronically filed returns last year. Though Intuit's online consumer tax preparation market dominance remains, big boys including H&R Block are fighting for a piece of its pie.
H&R Block is still preferred by many brick-and-mortar businesses, which continue to comprise its astounding 15% share of the entire tax marketplace. But H&R Block intends to fight Intuit for e-filers, and its online solution matches Intuit's TurboTax features and offers its web users something TurboTax can't: a face-to-face consultation with a tax pro should hiccups arise with a return.
Both customer saturation causing a slowdown in QuickBooks subscriber growth and growing competition for TurboTax are legitimate concerns, which is why it's necessary to get solutions including Intuit's newly named ProConnect jump-started. ProConnect is a rebranding of Intuit's suite of solutions in an effort to "create greater value for tax and accounting professionals."
Marketing value-added services for Intuit's many small-business owners and tax pros could help give it the boost it needs to diversify its revenue sources further. Currently, Intuit garners 70% of its revenue from its consumer tax group. While Intuit's small-business group sales -- thanks to QuickBooks growth, albeit slower than expected -- climbed 12% to $580 million, ProConnect sales were one of the weak spots, declining 3% last quarter.
Intuit's slowing subscriber growth, increasing competition, and its lack of revenue diversification are by no means overly concerning. They're to be expected. However, in light of the fact that Intuit's stock price is already at analysts' targets and a year-long high, hold it if you own it. But for new investors, Intuit offers too little short- to mid-term upside at current levels to warrant buying in.
The article Can Intuit Inc. Stock Continue Its Positive Run? originally appeared on Fool.com.
Tim Brugger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Intuit. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
At 4.1%, Philip Morris International's dividend is quite tempting. But much like its cigarettes, it may not be what's best for you. That's because when you invest in Philip Morris, or any cigarette stock for that matter, you're investing against a major trend: the decline in smoking rates in many areas of the world. The impact of this can be seen in Philip Morris' cigarette sales volumes, which have declined in each of the past three years.
In my experience as an analyst and market-beating portfolio manager, I find it's much easier -- and profitable -- to invest in businesses that are positioned to benefit from powerful long-term trends. In this regard, Philip Morris investors may wish to consider swapping their shares for those of Starbucks .
Image source: Starbucks.
At 1.4%, Starbucks' dividend is currently significantly lower than that of Philip Morris. Yet unlike the cigarette maker, Starbucks -- and its shareholders -- are profiting from two major growth trends. The first is a multi-decade increase in coffee consumption around the world.
Image source: International Coffee Organization.
In fact, global demand for coffee is likely to rise nearly 25% from 2015's levels by 2020, according to the International Coffee Organization. Developing nations are leading the charge, as coffee drinking is becoming increasingly popular in massive, but still largely untapped, markets such as China and India.
Starbucks is moving quickly to capitalize on this profit opportunity. The coffee king plans to open 500 cafes annually in China over the next five years. During Starbucks' 2016 shareholder meeting, CEO Howard Schultz went so far as to say: "I wouldn't be surprised if one day our business in China is bigger than the U.S. market. It's that big an opportunity."
But it's not only coffee that will drive Starbucks' growth in the years and decades ahead; the company is also well positioned to benefit from the rising popularity of tea. Starbucks is rolling out its Teavana line of beverages in India this year -- a massive market that management believes holds tremendous potential for growth. "Starbucks will have a major business in India and the number of stores here will rival many of the large markets we have around the world," said Schultz.
Yet another intriguing market for tea can be found right here in the United States. The U.S. market for tea has grown exponentially over the last 25 years -- from less than $2 billion in 1990 to an estimated $11.5 billion in 2015, according tothe U.S. Tea Association.Even better, plenty of growth still lies ahead, with total retail sales for tea expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 5% to6% over the next five years, as per the Beverage Marketing Corporation.
Within the past year, Starbucks has sold more than $1 billion of Teavana beverages in the U.S., representing year-over-year growth of 11%. To capture more of this fast-growing market, Starbucks just recently announced a new partnership with Anheuser-Busch InBev to launch the first Teavana ready-to-drink teas in the United States. The deal will give Starbucks access to Anheuser-Busch's massive wholesaler network, and Anheuser-Busch will lead the production, bottling, and distribution of Teavana RTD beverages to retailers nationwide. As such, this deal has the potential to significantly increase Starbucks' and Anheuser-Busch's share of the U.S. premium RTD tea category -- a market that already exceeds $1 billion in annual sales.
All told, Starbucks gives its shareholders many ways to win. With the long-term growth of both coffee and tea consumption set to propel its revenue and earnings higher in the decade ahead -- and with a payout ratio of only around 40% -- Starbucks is well positioned to grow its dividend at a rate of 10% to 15% annually for the foreseeable future. Contrast that with Philip Morris, whose declining sales and profits -- and sky high payout ratio of more than 95% -- could make it difficult for the company to maintain its dividend, much less raise it in the coming years. As such, Starbucks appears poised to significantly outperform Philip Morris on a total return basis (share price appreciation plus dividends) in the years ahead. Investors in the cigarette titan may wish to consider swapping their shares for those of the coffee king.
The article Forget Philip Morris International Inc: This Dividend Stock Is a Better Buy originally appeared on Fool.com.
Joe Tenebruso has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The Baojun 560, an affordable compact crossover SUV, has sold very well for GM in China. Image source: General Motors
General Motors said that its sales in China grew 17% in May, on strong results for its premium brands and big sales of SUVs.
How GM's brands performed in China in May
In addition to its familiar Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac brands, GM's vast China operation also sells less-expensive passenger vehicles under its Baojun brand, and Wuling-brand commercial vehicles, mostly small vans.
Cadillac sales rose 30% from a year ago to 8,568 vehicles. That's still far short of the numbers put up by the three big German luxury-car brands in China month after month, but it's a noteworthy result. GM has made it clear that it has a long-term vision for Cadillac in China, and it has seen strong success, particularly with its crossovers and the XTS sedan.
Buick sales rose a tremendous 61% year over year, to 100,864 vehicles. Buick has long been a favorite brand of Chinese consumers, and it does especially well with its Excelle family of compact sedans and with its SUVs. The Excelles include a recently overhauled sedan (Excelle GT) and a hatchback (Excelle XT). Both are closely related to the U.S.-market Buick Verano. Excelle sales nearly doubled from a year ago, accounting for almost half of Buick's sales in China last month.
The Buick Excelle GT is one of GM's best-sellers in China. It's a close sibling of the U.S.-market Buick Verano and Europe's Opel Astra. Image source: General Motors
Much of the rest was SUVs: Buick SUV sales were up 24%, driven by continued strong demand for the Encore and Envision. GM will launch a revamped version of the Encore in China later this month.
Sales for the affordable Baojun brand jumped 80% to 43,515, led by the Baojun 730 minivan and the Baojun 560 crossover SUV. Both have been big sellers for much of the last year.
Not all the news was good, as the Chevrolet brand continued to slip. Chevy sales in China in May fell 24% to 38,114 vehicles. Chevrolet has been hurt by the end of government incentives that favored its small Sail sedan, which was developed specifically for the Chinese market. GM just rolled out the all-new Malibu (sold as Chevy's flagship "Malibu XL") in China and plans to add several additional models to boost the brand's sales in coming months.
The Wuling brand has also had a tough time over the last year, hurt by a broad decline in demand for commercial vehicles. But things may be stabilizing: Wuling sold 104,170 vehicles in May, down 5% from a year ago.
Year to date, GM's sales in China are up 4.3% over last year's record result.
What GM said about its sales in China last month
"GM vehicle deliveries in China achieved robust growth in May," said GM China chief Matt Tsien in a statement. "While demand for our SUVs, MPVs and luxury vehicles remained strong, we also saw impressive demand for passenger car models such as the Buick Excelle GT."
The upshot: GM is doing well in a challenging market
GM is locked in a tight race with arch-rival Volkswagen for the China sales crown. Its gains in May, powered by strong demand for SUVs and the recently revamped Excelle GT, should help it keep pace in the world's largest auto market -- and should help deliver another strong profit in the second quarter.
The article General Motors Sales Surge in China on Demand for Buicks and SUVs originally appeared on Fool.com.
John Rosevear owns shares of General Motors. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
IBM recently signed a new $300 million, 10-year IT "infrastructure as a service" (IaaS) agreement with Dubai's Emirates Airline. The deal will help the world's fourth-largest carrier of international passengers encrypt its data in near real-time and improve the efficiency of its passenger support systems. The new platform will also enable Emirates to build its own apps using IBM's APIs.
The new partnership with Emirates could strengthen IBM's Technology Services and Cloud division, which posteda 1.5% annual sales decline last quarter due to sluggish enterprise spending, intense competition, and currency impacts. The expansion of its IaaS efforts can also help IBM's Bluemix compete more effectively against cloud platform leaders like Amazon 's AWS and Microsoft 's Azure.
This is notably the second major deal IBM has recently made with a Dubai-based airline. Last October, it signed a more expansive 10-year deal with Etihad Airlines for its cloud, mobile, security, analytics, and cognitive computing services worth $700 million.
Letting Emirates create its own apps complements Big Blue's partnership with Apple, which put IBM's cloud-based apps on iOS devices. That partnership helped Apple expand its enterprise footprint and IBM gain more cloud customers. The new deal gives Emirates a more efficient way to create cloud-based apps, and IBM tethers more data to its analytics business.
Higher sales of z System mainframes and data storage devices, which will both be used in the partnership, could strengthen the Systems division, where sales plummeted 21.8% last quarter due to lower demand for enterprise hardware. IBM has struggled against Intel in the data center market, but it's carved out a niche with its high-end z System mainframes.
But will the deal move the needle?
IBM's partnerships with Emirates and Etihad are encouraging, but the company will need a lot more partnerships to keep pace with Amazon and Microsoft in the ongoing cloud platform wars. These partnerships also probably won't help IBM reverse its 16 straight quarters of sales declines -- which is the crucial figure which most investors are watching for hints of a turnaround.
The article Instant Analysis: IBM Inks a $300 Million Deal With Emirates
Many automakers believe that fully autonomous cars will hit public roads within the next decade. Research firm PWC estimates that the entire connected-car market will grow from $35 billion in 2015 to $128 billion by 2020, andBI Intelligence believes that the percentage of new cars which are shipped "connected" to the Internet could rise from 13% in 2015 to 75% in 2020.
Those bullish forecasts have driven various chipmakers into a land grab in the automotive chip market. To see if any of these chipmakers are viable investments, investors should run those companies through this 10-question gauntlet.
Auto chipmakers sell a wide variety of components. For example, Nvidia sells Tegra chips for infotainment systems and end-to-end computing solutions for driverless cars. Mobileye sells ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) that use cameras and radars to spot and avoid obstacles, and EyeQ computer vision chips for semi-autonomous driving.
Many of these chipmakers' interests clearly overlap. Nvidia's Tegra chips directly compete against Mobileye's EyeQ and Qualcomm's Snapdragon A chips. NXP Semiconductors -- the largest automotive chipmaker in the world -- recentlylaunched its own "plug-and-play" BlueBox computing system for driverless cars to counter Nvidia's Drive PX platform and Mobileye's upcoming EyeQ5 chip for autonomous cars.
The price of the product matters greatly. About 90% of the world's top automakers install Mobileye's ADAS because its mix of cheaper cameras and radars is much less expensive than a fully autonomous LIDAR-based system, which can cost between $8,000 to $30,000. If a company's product is too expensive, it probably won't be adopted by a wide range of automakers.
Bigger companies can bundle various automotive chips together to undercut smaller rivals. For example, NXP can bundle its existing automotive chips, which aren't used for ADAS or driverless purposes, with BlueBox. Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Mobileye lack that major advantage.
Chipmakers need to have a wide enough moat to fend off potential rivals. Qualcomm can leverage its expertise in connected chips with integrated modems to link cars to the Internet. Nvidia might use its experience in graphics processing to pull ahead in the computer vision race. Without a distinct competitive advantage, a chipmaker could get lost in the shuffle.
Many chipmakers talk about connected cars as a new pillar of growth, but the products only generate a small percentage of overall sales.Delphi Automotive , one of the biggest auto component suppliers in the world, is frequently mentioned as a driverless car leader because it's beentesting its prototype vehicles on public roads. However, the electronics and safety unit, which sells ADAS and autonomous solutions, only generated 18% of its sales last quarter. By comparison, NXP's automotive chip segment accounted for 36% of its top line last quarter.
Delphi's driverless Audi. Image source: Delphi Automotive.
7. Is the company part of a broader IoT alliance?
Tech companies have been splitting the connected-car market into various alliances with shared communication standards for the Internet of Things (IoT). On the chipmaking front, Qualcomm's AllSeen Alliance has been fighting a winning battle against Intel's Open Interconnect Consortium. NXP joined AllSeen earlier this year, indicating that connected cars will be compatible with smart homes, appliances, wearables, and other IoT gadgets.
8. Is the company a buyout target?
As the market for connected automotive chips grows, the market will likely consolidate as smaller players get gobbled up by larger players. Mobileye, with an enterprise value of $8.2 billion and a first mover's advantage in the ADAS market, is frequently mentioned as a potential buyout target for larger chipmakers. There's also been a lot of buzz lately about Qualcomm making a bid for NXP, which could help the world's largest mobile chip maker dominate the auto industry. However, don't base your investment thesis on the potential of a buyout, which might never happen.
9. Is the company's stock overvalued?
Since connected cars are considered a hot growth market, a "pure play" stock like Mobileye trades at a lofty 115 times earnings. Meanwhile, NXPI, a "mature" chipmaking stocks with a growing stake in automotive chips, only trade at 20 times earnings. When buying any stock, consider whether it is a good buy now. The price-to-earnings ratio is one metric to consider.
10. What will happen to the company if driverless cars don't catch on?
Last but not least, investors should consider what could happen to the company if demand for driverless cars is weaker than expected. A recent poll by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found that just 15.5% of respondents were interested in autonomous vehicles. In that scenario, diversified chipmakers like Nvidia would be a better bet than top-heavy companies like Mobileye.
But that's just the beginning
If a chipmaker passes all these tests, it might be a sound investment in the growing connected and driverless car market. However, investors should still dig deeper and do their homework before buying shares in any of these companies.
The article 10-Point Checklist for Investing in Driverless Cars originally appeared on Fool.com.
Leo Sun owns shares of Qualcomm. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Nvidia, NXP Semiconductors, and Qualcomm. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
DeBord believes that acquiring Uberwould allow Apple to jump to the head of the pack, since Uber is the market leader in many ride-hailing markets. In addition, it could help prevent a future potential downround for Uber, where it raises capital at a lower valuation than the prior round. That could help "stabilize" the current status of unicorn valuations, too, says DeBord.
It's basically a given that Apple is exploring transportation, electric cars, and mobility. There's been way too much hiring activity for Apple not to be looking into these areas. But just in case there was any question about it, the recent $1 billion investment
I've been covering Apple regularly for quite a few years now, so I know how this goes. The Mac maker's large and growing cash hoard is a source of endless speculation about what Apple should or shouldn't buy. The latest instance is Business Insider's transportation editor Matt DeBord, who believes that Apple should scoop up Uber
The price is not right
First and foremost, Uber is insanely expensive. Just last week, the company raised $3.5 billion in fresh cash from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The deal valued the ride-hailing start-up at a massive $62.5 billion, unchanged sequentially from a $2.1 billion venture capital funding round from December.
Adding a take-out premium will push that figure much higher -- at least $80 billion, by DeBord's estimation. He rightly points out that much of Apple's cash is locked overseas and would be subject to hefty repatriation taxes if brought home to fund an acquisition. That would add a cool 35% to the total bill, but DeBord suggests that Apple should fund the deal with stock.
The challenge is that with Apple shares trading in the neighborhood of $100, that would require issuing 800 million fresh shares, representing nearly 15% dilution compared to the current 5.5 billion shares outstanding. Issuing 800 million shares would also eliminate virtually all of the accretive benefits of Apple's share repurchase program over the past four years. Specifically, Apple has retired nearly 1.1 billion shares of stock since the capital return program was initiated in 2012, leading to significant earnings accretion over time. Investors won't want to give most of that back.
Besides, $80 billion would be over 25 times greater than Apple's largest acquisition to date (Beats for $3 billion), which itself was six times larger than the previously largest acquisition ever. The vast majority of Apple acquisitions are under $500 million, although CEO Tim Cook has recently suggested that Apple's acquisitions may go higher as it does not want to be limited by price if the deal makes sense.
On top of all of this, I tend to believe that Uber is grossly overvalued to begin with. Leaked documents from earlier this year suggest that the company generated around $660 million in net revenue in the first half of 2015, leading to nearly $1 billion in net losses.
The unicorn problem is not Apple's problem
Another idea is that Apple could "save" the unicorns in Silicon Valley right now by stepping in with a blockbuster acquisition. An Uber downround could put many private start-up valuations at risk.
Not only is the trend of private valuations not Apple's problem, but a decline in start-up valuations would actually benefit the company. Apple acquires a company every three to four weeks, and often only cares for technology and talent. The company generally has no interest in buying revenue streams, so declining valuations would reduce the price tag for many potential acquisitions.
Ethics and regulations
Uber also has a reputation for being a somewhat unethical company, most recently exemplified by its leasing program, Xchange
Time and time again, Uber has shown an active disdain for essentially all forms of regulation that could hinder its growth, even common-sense regulations that are intended for consumer safety. The company, along with rival Lyft, just recently voluntarily pulled out of Austin, Texas, because it lost a regulatory fight over fingerprint-based background checks for drivers. Uber has been sued in countless cities and countries around the world for operating illegally.
Apple would never operate like this, actively defying laws and regulations put in place for consumer protection. Considering its massive global business and brand, Apple adheres to all relevant laws and regulations in the markets that it participates in and the regions where it operates. Another clash of values.
As a longtime shareholder, I'd be severely disappointed if Apple even considered buying Uber.
The article 3 Reasons Apple, Inc. Should Not Buy Uber
Finding winning stocks is tough. That's why we Fools tend to hold on tenaciously when we think we have bought a winner.
So what stocks do we currently own that we plan on holding forever? We asked that very question to a team of Fools, and they picked Alphabet(NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL),Brookfield Property Partners(NYSE: BPY), andMarketAxess Holdings (NASDAQ: MKTX).
Image source: Getty Images.
Google is growing up into a cross-sector conglomerate
Anders Bylund(Alphabet): " Never" is a very long time, but I certainly don't have any plans to sell my holdings in Alphabet for the foreseeable future.
The company is best known for its Google-branded range of online tools and services today. Through Google, Alphabet dominates the lucrative fields of online search and advertising. YouTube is another market-defining property under the Google umbrella. The Android platform for smartphones and tablets also dominates its industry on a global level, again under Google's aegis. It's safe to say that you know what the company does, and you probably use its services every day. The Google segment provided 99% of Alphabet's total revenue in the recently reported fourth quarter.
In short, Alphabet is Google. And with Google's sales rising 22% year over year, driving operating income 17% higher, that's not a bad thing.
But Alphabet won't look like that forever.
The minuscule "other bets" segment is tiny and unprofitable today but represents Alphabet's long-term future. The internet as we know it may go away as quickly as it rose out of nowhere in the 1990s, replaced by whatever comes next. (No, I can't tell you what that might be. If I knew, I'd be getting rich developing that idea rather than talking about the current state of affairs. Sorry.)
So Alphabet is getting ready for the day when online search and marketing no longer supports a strong business foundation. Other bets include self-driving cars, advanced medical research, the Google Fiber high-speed internet service, and the Nest line of smart thermostats. Beyond these familiar names, Alphabet is working up many more not-so-obvious business ideas out of the public eye.
Any or all of these experiments may turn into profitable businesses one day, and the Alphabet company was designed to contain many long-term bets on the far future. Some of the so-called moonshots contain an online element, but others don't. In short, Alphabet is remaking itself as a whole new kind of industry-spanning conglomerate.
With or without the internet, Alphabet will be around for the very long haul. The company is just getting started, using Google to kindle the fires under a brand new bundle of growth engines.
A core real estate holding
Matt DiLallo (Brookfield Property Partners): I'm a firm believer that investors should hold some form of real estate for the long term. The numbers back up this view, as investors who added real estate or other alternatives to a portfolio of stocks and bonds have significantly outperformed those holding a more traditional portfolio over the long term. While there are plenty of good ways to get into real estate, the best, in my opinion, is by investing in Brookfield Property Partners.
The real estate partnership owns a core portfolio of office properties in gateway cities around the world and a significant stake in leading U.S. mall owner General Growth Properties (NYSE: GGP). In addition, it has investments in several opportunistic real estate funds that hold stakes in a variety of other property classes, including multi-family, industrial, and hospitality. That makes it a one-stop shop for real estate investing.
These real estate portfolios throw off very predictable cash flow, 80% of which Brookfield Property Partners distributes back to investors through a generous payout currently yielding 5.3%. Meanwhile, the company reinvests the other 20% into redevelopment projects to obtain higher rents. The upside from those redevelopment projects, when combined with rent escalations and development projects in the pipeline, provide Brookfield with the ability to increase its payout by 5% to 8% annually over the long term. That steadily growing payout, along with capital appreciation across its portfolio, should drive 12% to 15% annual returns for investors over the long term, which is why this is one stock I'd never consider selling.
This disruptor has a long runway ahead
Brian Feroldi(MarketAxess Holdings): Did you know that the majority of fixed-income trading still takes place over the phone or by email? Given the ubiquity of electronic trading in the stock market, I was shocked to uncover this fact.
But now MarketAxess is attempting to bring the bond markets into the 21st century. The company operates the biggest online bond-trading platform in the world, making it easy for its users to buy, sell, or researchfixed-income securities. Not only does this platform make far more sense than holding one-on-one conversations to transact, but it also brings a whole new level of transparency to this market.
Being the top dog in this small but growing niche provides MarketAxess with a big advantage. Just like every other marketplace, bond buyers and sellers will naturally gravitate toward the largest platform since it maximizes their chance of getting a good price on either side of the transaction. This network effect will make it nearly impossible for a potential rival to catch up.
One big financial benefit of running an electronic trading platform is that it costs the company very little to add one more user. That means the company's margins can consistently expand over time, allowing profits to grow at a much faster rate than revenue.
MKTX Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts
Over time, I'm convinced that the benefits of trading electronically will persuade more and more market participants to sign on the company's platform. With plenty of market share left for MarketAxess' to capture, I think the company's torrid revenue and profit growth rates should only continue from here. That why I plan on holding on to my MarketAxess shares indefinitely.
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Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Anders Bylund owns shares of Alphabet (A shares). Brian Feroldi owns shares of Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and MarketAxess Holdings. Matt DiLallo owns shares of Brookfield Property Partners. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and MarketAxess Holdings. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Gang Leader's Trial Highlights Perils of Criminal Justice Work
This week an already-imprisoned gang leader in North Carolina stands trial for the kidnapping of an assistant district attorney's father, among other crimes, like planning to kill his defense attorney. The chilling tale took place in 2014, when Kevin Melton ordered the hits from his prison cell.
But the story began when the victim's son prosecuted Melton in 2012, reports CBS News. Now Melton is facing a life-sentence for ordering his attorney and the prosecutor dead -- a plan that was botched by underlings who kidnapped the assistant district attorney's dad accidentally and are testifying against Melton in exchange for deals with the prosecution.
Accidental Kidnapping
Frank Janssen was accidentally kidnapped, allegedly under orders from the "Godfather" Kevin Melton. The gang leader was recorded telling his underlings to kill the prosecutor's father after they grabbed him instead of his kid. On the fourth day of his captivity, just before he was going to be killed and details about disposing of his body were being finalized, a SWAT Team rescued Janssen from his captors.
Federal prosecutor Leslie Katherine Cooley told jurors that authorities had a recorded conversation that captures Melton ordering someone to put a plastic bag over Frank Janssen's head, cinched tight, and wait until the lack of air "do what it do."
The gang leader reportedly founded United Bloods Nation, an East Coast offshoot of a Southern California gang, during a 1980s stint in a New York state prison. Melton is accused of ordering numerous hits with cell phones smuggled into his prison cell and his trial is expected to last three weeks. As for his crew, they all struck deals.
Let's Make a Deal
Melton's nine co-defendants made deals with prosecutors and are testifying against the gang leader. In exchange they were spared severe charges in other cases. Melton's defense counsel, Gerald Beaver, is highlighting this at trial, calling into question the veracity of testimony elicited for forgiveness. "Look at the witnesses' motivations to try and please the government. ... Every one of those witnesses have received a plea agreement," Beaver said.
While that may be true, it does not necessarily mean that the crew is lying about their leader. If he is convicted, Melton is facing another life sentence, this time in federal prison rather than state. But that is hardly reassuring considering how active he has apparently managed to be while incarcerated.
Talk to a Lawyer
If you are accused of a crime, consult with a criminal defense lawyer today. Don't delay. Many attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to discuss your defense.
Related Resources:
On Monday, Apple will hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, kicking it off with a keynote to make some announcements. Here's what investors can expect from the event.
Apple CEO Tim Cook at an Apple event. Image source: Apple.
Software, software, software
Apple investors and customers probably shouldn't get excited about seeing any new products. This year, rumors point to an event strictly focused on software.
New versions of iOS, OS X, watchOS, and tvOS are expected to be introduced during Monday's keynote, according to MacRumors' 2016 WWDC rumor roundup.Here's a summary of some of the most-interesting rumors ahead of the event:
A Siri SDK: Perhaps one of the most-prominent rumors is that the Apple voice assistant, Siri, may get a software development kit, or SDK, which will enable the voice assistant to work with third-party apps in more-integrated ways.
MacRumors explains:
Siri for Mac: Siri is widely expected to finally come to OS X, which would mean Mac users would finally have access to Siri on their Mac devices.
Updates for watchOS and tvOS: Rumors about specific features that may come to watchOS or tvOS haven't gained any traction ahead of the event, but Apple does promise on its website that attendees will "learn about the future" of these operating systems -- so there certainly will be new features announced.
Why WWDC is more important than ever
Apple's iPhone sales represent well over half the company's sales, and an even greater portion of its profits. With growth coming to a halt, and even becoming negative in the company's most-recent quarter, Apple's progress in software is becoming increasingly important. Without the iPhone serving as a catalyst for revenue growth, investors are relying on Apple to continue improving software in a way that both keeps customers loyal, and better monetizes them.
Apple recently acknowledged the growing importance of software and services by introducing a new metric it calls "installed base-related purchases." This metric accounts for revenue from services like iTunes, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and apps.
Apple App Store. Image source: Apple.
Apple's installed base-related revenue increased 27% in Q2 compared to the year-ago quarter. In comparison, Apple's iPhone revenue declined 18% during the same period.Improved user interfaces in the company's operating systems, and applications running these services, is critical to driving Apple's installed base-related purchases higher.
Apple's WWDC keynote will take place on Monday morning at 10:00 AM PST at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. The event will be streamed live on Apple.com, and on Apple devices.
The article Apple, Inc.'s Big Event on Monday: What to Expect originally appeared on Fool.com.
Daniel Sparks owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
For most oil companies having a project as large as Surmont offline for that lengthy period of time would be quite the blow. However, the 50/50 partners won't see as dramatic an impact on their overall production due to the sheer size of their global operations. In ConocoPhillips' case, it had expected to produce 1.5 million to 1.54 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, or BOE/d, during the second quarter, so it could still be within its guidance range despite the reduced output from Surmont. Meanwhile, output at Total would also be minimally impacted given that it's production was nearly 2.5 million BOE/d last quarter.
This past week ConocoPhillips and its joint venture partner Total started to reactivate wells at their Surmont oil sands project, which had been shut down for nearly a month. As of earlier this week the company had activated 25% of the wells, with hopes of restarting all 156 wells as quickly as possible. That said, the partners don't expect Surmont to be back up to its pre-fire production level of 60,000 barrels per day until early July.
Canada's energy sector has been hit hard over the past couple of years. Not only have very weak oil prices impacted producer profitability, but the recent wildfires in the oil sands region have impacted production. That said, with the wildfires moving away from the region, producers like ConocoPhillips are finally starting to reactivate facilities that were shut down as a precaution. It's an important step for the company because it had been expecting the oil sands to be a key growth driver during the downturn.
Growth remains on track
Having said all that, while Surmont is a relatively minor portion of both companies' current production it's expected to be a key driver of growth going forward. That's because the partners recently completed a major expansion of the project, which is expected to boost its production up to a peak of 170,000 barrels per day when it completes its ramp up by the end of next year. That increased production is going to be material for ConocoPhillips because it was expected to help offset its declining production from U.S. shale.
The good news is that the company believes that it is still "absolutely on track" to hit its production peak on time despite the minor setback from the wildfires. That's largely due to the fact that the company found very minor damage to the facility, leading to no impact on its operations going forward nor its ability to ramp production.
Foster Creek. Image source: Cenovus Energy Inc.
No impact to FCCL
While ConocoPhillips and Total had to shut down their Surmont facility due to the wildfires, ConocoPhillips and its other Canadian oil sands joint venture partner, Cenovus Energy , didn't need to shut down their Foster Creek/Christina Lake (FCCL) joint venture. That's noteworthy because those facilities are actually more meaningful to ConocoPhillips' current production given that the two facilities combined to produce nearly 138,000 barrels per day net to ConocoPhillips last quarter. Further, both projects are also in the midst of being expanded, which will add approximately 100,000 barrels per day additional production capacity by the end of the year, which will be split evenly between ConocoPhillips and Cenovus Energy. Given their larger current size, if both facilities went offline for an extended period of time it would have had a more meaningful impact on ConocoPhilips' production than Surmont. Though, that would have paled in comparison to the potential impact on Cenovus Energy's production given that last quarter the FCCL joint venture accounted for roughly 70% of the company's total oil output.
Investor takeaway
With the wildfires moving away, ConocoPhillips can finally restart its Surmont project. Even better, that project wasn't damaged, which keeps it on pace to ramp up its production as expected. That positive outcome, along with the fact its other oil sands joint venture wasn't impacted by the wildfires, means ConocoPhillips dodged a real bullet given that it was counting heavily on its oil sands growth projects to keep its production afloat during the downturn.
The article ConocoPhillips Finally Fires Back Up This Key Oil Growth Project
General Motors posted strong sales gains in China last month. Image source: General Motors.
General Motors wasn't the only automaker facing tough questions last month when its sales in the U.S. market plunged 18%. Its crosstown rival Ford also took some heat, as did the entire industry as it posted its steepest monthly sales decline in six years -- although some of the decline was due to a calendar quirk that inflated May 2015 sales.
But then, shortly after itsmixed and slightly disappointing sales monthin the U.S. market, GM showed a completely different face when it produced a nearly opposite month in China.
May record
One quick way to calm investors after a plunge in U.S. sales last month was to report a great month in China. That's what General Motors did when the automaker and its joint ventures delivered a May record of more than 295,000 vehicles, a whopping 16.9% increase from the prior year's May.
As most of us know, sales of SUVs have been accelerating here in the U.S. as well as in China, but GM had good things to say about its passenger car segment, too.
"GM vehicle deliveries in China achieved robust growth in May," said GM Executive Vice President and GM China President Matt Tsien in a press release. "While demand for our SUVs, MPVs and luxury vehicles remained strong, we also saw impressive demand for passenger car models such as the Buick Excelle GT."
Brand umbrella
Let's break it down a bit further, zooming in on some of the brand highlights under General Motors' umbrella. Starting with Buick, which continues to sell in high volumes in China: The brand's deliveries were up a staggering 61% year over year to more than 100,000 units in May. Buick SUVs and MPVs continued to sell at a strong pace, topping last May's result by 24%, selling nearly 31,000 units.
GM's Chevrolet Malibu XL. Image source: General Motors.
Chevrolet, which is GM's brand with the highest volume of sales in the U.S., posted a 24% decline in China last month to 38,114 units. Though this is disappointing, there is a glimmer of hope with deliveries of its new flagship sedan, the Malibu XL, as sales jumped 37% from the previous month. It's one of a handful of new Chevrolet models on the cusp of being released onto Chinese roads over the next few months; investors can hope that the rollout of new vehicles will help boost sales of a lagging Chevrolet brand in China.
General Motors' Wuling brand tallied deliveries of more than 104,000 units last month, which was a 5% decline from the prior year's May. Honestly, despite a decline in sales, it wasn't as bad as expected with the ongoing weak demand in the brand's mini-commercial-vehicle business. Another brand surging with the increased demand for SUVs and MPVs was Baojun, which delivered more than 43,000 units in China last month, an impressive 80% jump over the prior year.
For full-year 2015, GM sold more than 3.6 million vehicles in China, and Detroit's automaker remains about 4.3% ahead of that pace through the first five months of 2016, with sales topping 1.5 million units.
General Motors sales in China were good enough to calm some investor anxiety after disappointing sales figures in the U.S., but there are still concerns about China's market overall as competition continues to increase and investors wonder if demand is primarily being fueled by government tax incentives. While the sales figures are nice, investors will want to keep an eye on the company's margins throughout 2016 to better understand if increased pricing competition is weighing on profitability -- so far, so good, which points to another very strong quarterly report next month.
The article General Motors' Sales Were Jekyll and Hyde Last Month originally appeared on Fool.com.
Daniel Miller owns shares of Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Image source: Getty Images.
What:Investors in Array BioPharma , a clinical-stagebiotechnology company focused on cancer, had a prosperous May. A handful of developments caused the company's stock to jump more than 18% during the month, according to data fromS&P Global Market Intelligence.
ARRY data by YCharts
So what:Although the company's stock finished out the month strong, it got off to a rocky start, owing to mixed results in its first-quarter earnings report.
Revenue for the quarter came in at just over $43 million, which clobbered the $30 million Wall Street had projected. However, the company failed to turn the revenue beat into gains on the bottom line, showing a net loss of $0.16 per share for the quarter. That was quite a bit higher than the $0.12 net loss analysts were expecting.
However, things turned around in the middle of the month, after Array BioPharma CEO Ron Squarer gave an investor presentation at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Healthcare conference. The talk clearly resonated with investors: Shares reversed course and started heading higher once his talk was over.
Shares really took off a few days later, after the company released additional data on two of its late-stage clinical compounds -- binimetinib and encorafenib -- that it planned to showcase at the 2016 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting.
Array BioPharma annouced that it would present additional data from a study that tested binimetinib's ability to treat NRAS gene-mutant melanoma, a cancer with a high mortality rate. The data showed that patients who used binimetinibshowed progression-free survival of 5.5 months, a significant improvement over the 1.6 months for patients treated with dacarbazine. Management said it will use the data to submit an application for approval to the FDA in June.
The company also shared data from its phase 2 trial of encorafenib, which is being tested as a potential treatment forBRAF gene-mutant colorectal cancer. Currently thethird most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., colorectal cancer claims 50,000 lives each year.
Data from the study suggests that median overall survival for patients who used encorafenib could exceed a year, a substantialimprovement over the currentbenchmark of about four to six months. The data gave management enoughconfidenceto move the drug into phase 3 trials, which are expected to commence later this year.
Now what:With the company's first compound nearing submission to the FDA, it's an exciting time to be an investor in Array BioPharma. Better yet, Array BioPharma is still benefiting from Novartis' misfortune, as its former partner was forced toreturn global rights back in 2014. Novartis is still funding a good portion of the clinical work necessary to continue to develop the drug.
More recently, Array BioPharma signed a commercialization deal with Pierre Fabre, a privately held French drug developer with more than $2 billion in global sales. In exchange for signing away global rights to both binimetinib andencorafenib in a number of countries, Array received an upfront$30 million fee and the potential to earn up to $425 million in milestone payments, plus double-digit royalties.
Array BioPharma also looks like it has plenty of capital on hand. The company ended the quarter with more than $118 million in cash on its books, plus another $63 million in accounts receivable, which still includes money Novartis owes it. That amount of capital should be enough for the company to continue to fund operations for at least two more years, at least at current spending levels.
Given the positive clinical news and upcoming submission, there's a lot to like about Array BioPharma. Still, there's plenty that can go wrong here, so only investors with strong stomachs for risk should consider investing.
The article Here's Why Array Biopharma Inc. Gained 18.1% in May originally appeared on Fool.com.
Brian Feroldi has no position in any stocks mentioned.Like this article? Follow him onTwitter where he goes by the handle@Longtermmind-setor connect with him on LinkedIn to see more articles like this.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Image source: Getty Images.
What:Investors in Ironwood Pharmaceuticals had a May to smile about. A handful of positive events caused investors to cheer, sending shares up more than 19% during the month, according to data fromS&P Global Market Intelligence.
IRWD data by YCharts.
So what:Here's a brief overview of what caused the company's share price to jump:
First, Ironwood released results from its first quarter during the month, and investors largely applauded the results. Net sales of Linzess -- the company's treatment for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation, which it jointly owns with Allergan PLC -- grew 44% to $137 million in the first quarter. That fast growth allowed Ironwood to grow its total revenue to $66 million during the period, up a huge 128% over the year-ago quarter.
The huge top-line growth allowed the company to shrink its non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) net loss to only $11.7 million for the quarter, or $0.09 per share. That was a substantial improvement from the $33.2 million loss in the first quarter of 2015, and came in well ahead of the $0.16 loss that analysts were projecting.
Ironwood and Allergan continued to expect Linzessto grow fast over the coming years, forecasting that net sales are on track to exceed $1 billion by 2020. Better yet, Ironwood believes that the fast growth will allow it to become cash flow positive by 2018.
In addition, Ironwood captured investors' attention during a presentation that it gave at the 2016 UBS Global Healthcare Conference, as shares jumped in the days following the meeting.
The combination of good quarterly results mixed with the investor presentation were more than enough to allow the bulls to take over, causing shares to spike.
Now what:Ironwood has several developments in place that give it a good chance of continuing to grow its revenue quickly. Ironwood and Allergan continue to get Linzesson more insurance companies' formularies, expanding patients' access to the drug. The two companies also recently launched a direct-to-consumer campaign with the goal of increasing consumer awareness.
Ironwood and Allergan also believe that they are on track to launch a 72 mcg dose of Linzessearly next year, which they believe will increase the market potential of the drug.
Ironwood is also working to get Linzessapproved in markets around the world. During its report the company announced that its other marketing partners Astellas Pharma and AstraZeneca have already submitted the drug for approval in Japan and China, respectively. If that goes well it will open up brand-new markets for the drug, greatly enhancing the company's revenue growth potential.
The only potential headwind ahead for Ironwood is SynergyPharmaceuticals. Synergy's drug plecanatide is currently pending FDA approval for treatingchronic idiopathic constipation, and if it gets the green light on its January 29, 2017 PDUFA datethen it might be able to steal some market share away from Ironwood and Allergan. In clinical trials patients who used Synergy's plecanatide reported lower rates of severe diarrhea than Linzessdisplayed in its own trial, which could give it an edge with providers. That makes Synergy a company that Ironwood's investors will want to watch closely.
To help combat that potential threat, Ironwood is already in phase 2b trials with its next-generation drug, and it has also targeted a number of other disease states with its pipeline. If any of them pan out, then the company's rapid growth rate might not be harmed by Synergy, so this might be a good stock for growth investors to consider putting on their radar.
The article Here's Why Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Jumped 19.52% in May originally appeared on Fool.com.
Brian Feroldi has no position in any stocks mentioned.Like this article? Follow him onTwitter where he goes by the handle@Longtermmindsetor connect with him on LinkedIn to see more articles like this.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Wynn Palace in Macau. Image source: Wynn Resorts.
Over the last few years, gaming stocks have gone from being high-risk investments to ones that consistently pay a solid dividend. Wynn Resorts was one of the first to pay a dividend, and today it's paying $2.00 per year to investors, or about a 2% dividend yield.
But earnings can be volatile in gaming, and that payout may not be as safe as those of other dividend stocks. Just how safe is Wynn Resorts' dividend? Let's look at the numbers.
How expensive is Wynn Resorts' dividend?
At the end of the first quarter, Wynn Resorts had 101.7 million shares outstanding on a fully diluted basis. And its $0.50-per-share quarterly dividend means the company needs to generate $50.8 million per quarter in cash flow, on top of paying for debt, to maintain its dividend.
Interest expenses (adjusted for a one-time benefit) are currently $70.4 million per quarter. So, it's really $121.2 million Wynn Resorts needs to generate from operations to cover debt and the dividend. That's the bar investors should look for Wynn to reach.
How much cash does Wynn Resorts generate?
The best way to figure out cash flow from a gaming company is by looking at adjusted EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. This number is essentially the cash generated by a resort that can then be used to pay for the cost of debt, taxes, and earnings to shareholders.
In the first quarter, Wynn Resorts generated $300.3 million in adjusted EBITDA, which is nearly 2.5 times the amount needed to cover interest and the dividend. For the sake of the dividend, we also need to look at cash generated in the U.S., because the Macau operations are publicly traded in Asia and are only 72.3% owned by Wynn Resorts. Dividends from Macau may also be subject to U.S. taxes. But Las Vegas generated $109.0 million in the quarter, more than enough to pay the dividend and the U.S. portion of the company's debt load.
Rendering of Wynn Boston Harbor, which is currently under construction. Image source: Wynn Resorts.
What about growth?
The numbers above show that Wynn Resorts is generating plenty of money to maintain its dividend, but that doesn't take into account future growth projects. Wynn Palace will open later this summer in Macau, and projections are that it will add at least $150 million, if not $250 million in EBITDA per quarter. Since most of the debt to pay for this project is already on the balance sheet, this is incremental cash flow that could be used to pay down debt, increase the dividend, or even add cash to the balance sheet.
Wynn is also building Wynn Boston Harbor, which has a price tag around $1.7 billion. When completed, it will generate even more cash within the U.S.
Wynn's dividend is safe...for now
Right now, it appears Wynn Resorts' $0.50-per-share dividend each quarter is safe, especially when you consider the growth projects on the horizon. But investors will want to watch gaming revenue in Macau to ensure that operating conditions don't deteriorate far enough that the dividend will need to be cut. That's the biggest risk to the dividend, but if Macau recovers, we could see a bright future for this dividend stock.
The article How Safe Is Wynn Resorts' Dividend? originally appeared on Fool.com.
Travis Hoium owns shares of Wynn Resorts, Limited. The Motley Fool owns shares of Wynn Resorts, Limited. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
While Costco does not have gas stations at all of its clubs, the ones that do all work roughly the same. Aside from in New Jersey and Oregon, where full-serve stations are legally mandated, all Costco gas stations are self-serve, with traffic flowing only in one direction.
The chain gives people a lot of reasons to spend $55 each year for its "Gold Star" membership, but it's possible that all those other areas of potential savings don't matter if you just buy one thing regularly from the retailer. If you join Costco and take advantage of its on-site gas stations, that alone may be worth the price of joining, depending on how much gas you buy, if the Costco station is convenient for you, and what competing stations charge.
Costco members join the warehouse club for a variety of reasons. Some people carefully shop across all the aisles, looking for bargains, while others focus solely on food or even outliers like hearing aids, eyeglasses, tires, or travel deals.
To buy gas, customers must either swipe their Costco membership card or pay via a Costco gift card. The chain does not take cash or checks, only credit cards. Costco also does not name its gasoline provider, instead offering a number of assurances on its website that its gas meets "top-tier" standards as set forth by a number of automakers including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, and Mercedes Benz.
How much will you save?
Costco does not promise a certain amount of savings. The chain also declined to comment for this story. Exactly how much you will save on gas varies by market, time of year, and by what other gas stations choose to do. Anecdotally, in the two markets where I live -- Hartford, Connecticut, and West Palm Beach, Florida, Costco has the cheapest gas of any area station with the savings varying from a few cents to around $0.15 from the next-cheapest.
For example, as of the morning of June 9, miamigasprices.com, a GasBuddy.com website, shows that gas in the state of Florida averages $2.34 while multiple Costco stations have prices of $2.19 per gallon, according to information submitted by drivers. There are other stations in that range, but when looking at the lowest reported prices, Costco consistently comes in below the average. That does not mean there are not outlier stations that equal Costco's pricing, but in a broad sense the chain is consistently cheap. Gasbuddy.com has geographic search capabilities that you can get to starting at the miamigasprices.com site here
Dialing in for a more specific example, GasBuddy shows the Costco near Hartford, Connecticut, coming in at $2.21 a gallon, $0.07 lower than the next-lowest reported station.
That's generally in line with findings from The Christian Science Monitor SavingAdvice.comWal-Mart , also has gas stations, and its prices rival Costco's.
There's no definitive number by which Costco is always lower, but in a conservative broad sense let's say over the course of a year you will save $0.07 per gallon compared to any station other than Sam's. Of course there can be local exceptions and The Christian Science Monitor noted that markets like Chicago, which have a heavy tax burden, saw less fluctuation between high- and low-priced stations.
That said, if you save $0.07 per gallon while using the roughly 15 gallons of gas each American household consumes each week, according to numbers from the Energy Information Administration
Of course, how much you actually drive, the mileage you get, and whether it's feasible to always get your gas from a Costco has to be considered. Numbers will fluctuate throughout the year, but it's important to examine your own situation and do the math for yourself.
Also, any savings estimates based on buying gas at Costco are purely based on pump prices. It's possible you would save more money using rewards programs from credit cards, supermarkets, or other methods to gain a discount which Costco does not offer.
Is it worth joining Costco just for gas?
While the numbers above are just a very broad estimate and the actual savings could be a little better or a little worse, in a broad sense, joining Costco just for gas works for people who drive more than the average American. If you fill up more than once a week -- and can do so at a Costco -- you should recoup the $55.
It's important to do the math where you live. These numbers work for me in Connecticut and Florida, but gas prices vary widely depending upon where you live. Remember to factor in any possible other ways to save on gas (like rewards programs) and analyze your own situation.
Of course, unless you drive well more than the average citizen of the United States does, it's not worth spending $55 up front for a small savings. The real value is in viewing the gas savings as paying for a membership that otherwise might no have been a good deal for you. Even average gas consumers could offset most, if not all of the cost of a Gold Star membership, essentially making every other perk Costco offers free.
The article Is It Worth Paying $55 for a Costco Membership Just to Buy Gas?
Image source: Getty Images.
Nearly everyone has aspirations of retiring comfortably, and the smartest way to achieve this goal is by investing in high-quality companies over the long term. The biggest challenge for investors is figuring out which stocks to choose, since there are more than 7,000 publicly traded companies.
This challenge can be compounded for investors in their 50s who have a tough choice to make between preserving their capital and growing their nest egg to ensure that they don't outlive their savings. If you recall, the broad-based S&P 500 plunged more than 50% during the Great Recession, and this swan dive is still front-and-center in the minds of people in their 50s, some of which remain distrusting of the stock market with retirement on the horizon.
Cheap stocks that could be perfect for investors in their 50s
However, there are a handful of cheap stocks that appear to perfectly fit the bill of what investors in their 50s are looking for. In other words, they have established business models that can stand the test of time and can help preserve a capital investment, but there's also plenty of opportunity for growth and share-price appreciation.
If you're in your 50s, these cheap stocks could be perfect for you.
Bank of America
Stating in the financial sector, I'd encourage investors in their 50s to seriously consider Bank of America , which I believe offers compelling valuation for a brand-name company. Keep in mind there could be some bias here, as Bank of America is a long-term holding in my personal portfolio.
Image source: Bank of America.
Three things, in particular, could make Bank of America quite attractive. First, as in most money-center banks, Bank of America's profitability is heavily tied to its net interest margin. When the Federal Reserve holds lending rates low, it makes it difficult for banks to earn substantial profits off their interest-bearing assets. The Fed is at the cusp of a monetary tightening cycle, which is likely to see lending rates rise and net interest margins expand. My suggestion is that lending rates will probably normalize over the long run, which should expand Bank of America's margins and allow it to potentially double its dividend in the coming years.
Second, bad legacy loans and legal settlement costs tied to the mortgage meltdown in 2008-2009 have held back Bank of America. While no investors welcomed these charges, Bank of America is successfully putting these settlements into the rearview mirror. By doing so, investors are now able to make better year-over-year operating result comparisons. Better clarity is something investors should view positively.
Finally, we have Bank of America's brand-name and massive branch network within the United States. Banks aren't exactly raking in the positive vibes with consumers, but B of A's infrastructure and brand awareness does help its cause when it comes to customer retention and acquiring new clientele.
Bank of America is currently valued at just nine times forward earnings, and it's my suspicion that adjusted full-year EPS could tip the scales at $2-plus before the decade is over. It's an intriguing consideration for investors in their 50s.
Apple
Among technology stocks, I would suggest investors in their 50s give strong consideration to Apple despite its recent troubles.
Image source: Apple.
Apple's share price came under heavy fire following the release of its fiscal second-quarter results in late April. Its report featured the first year-over-year sales decline in 51 quarters, as well as the first-ever year-over-year decline in iPhone sales. Some pundits have suggested that Apple could be yesterday's news, but I'd kindly disagree.
Apple's biggest impact moving forward could be as a platforms company. Don't get me wrong: Apple still has a faithful following of iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, and according to Interbrand in 2015 it was the most valuable brand name in the world. When Apple introduces new products, consumers are interested, plain and simple. However, it's Apple's push into music, payment platforms, smart watches, and even automobiles that should intrigue consumers. Apple is expanding its universe of products under one umbrella to create new channels of revenue and partnership opportunities. Innovation is far from dead at Apple.
Another thing Apple certainly isn't missing is cash. Apple ended its latest quarter with a whopping $230 billion in cash and cash equivalents, and it's seemingly growing this hoard by about $40 billion to $50 billion per year. This cash pile has allowed Apple to enact a cumulative $250 billion return policy between share buybacks and dividends, which only works to encourage long-term investors to hang on. As long as Apple's cash flow remains healthy, its cash will help put in a floor on its downside potential.
Apple is currently trading at just over six times Wall Street's forward profit estimates once you strip out cash, which I believe is a compelling valuation when combined with its 2.3% dividend yield.
CVS Health
Investors in their 50s would also be wise to consider CVS Health , the nation's largest pharmacy by market share.
Image source: CVS Health.
The investment thesis behind CVS Health is pretty easy to understand: We're growing older as a country, and older Americans require more care, which plays right into CVS Health's long-term plan to improve consumer well-being.
CVS Health generates the majority of its profits from its pharmacy and pharmacy-benefits management operations. This would mean that gaining and retaining pharmacy customers is CVS Health's top priority. But no two prescriptions are alike. For CVS and other pharmacy operators, generic drugs generate the best margins. Although generics typically cost 10% to 20% of what branded drugs run, pharmacies can purchase generics in bulk at exceptionally low costs and then earn big profits by filling a lot of generic scripts. According to IMS Health, generic-drug prescriptions are on track to grow from 88% of all scripts to as high as 91% to 92% of all scripts by the end of the decade, which works in CVS's favor.
CVS is also poised to take advantage of a growing number of older Americans. Based on estimates from the Census Bureau, the number of elderly people in the U.S. is set to double between 2010 and 2050 to almost 79 million, whereas the number of the oldest old, defined as 85 and older, is expected to more than triple. An aging population often needs regular preventative care, which is an opportunity for CVS Health to expand all facets of its business.
Healthcare is a sector expected to see sustained growth in the decades that lie ahead, and CVS could be front-and-center in this expansion.
The article These Cheap Stocks Could Be Perfect for Investors in Their 50s originally appeared on Fool.com.
Sean Williamsowns shares of Bank of America, but has no material interest in any other companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen nameTMFUltraLong, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle@TMFUltraLong.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. It also has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. and recommends Bank of America and CVS Health. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Image source: Getty Images.
What: May was a rough month for California Resources . The company's poorly received first-quarter earnings report kicked off a selling spree, which cut the stock's value by a quarter last month.
So what: California Resources reported an adjusted net loss of $100 million, or $0.26 per share, for the first quarter. While that did beat analysts' expectations by $0.05 per share, it was another weak showing for the struggling oil and gas producer. The main culprit behind its struggles were low oil and gas price realizations during the quarter, which were the weakest in the company's history.
Another big weight is the nearly $6 billion in debt on its balance sheet, which the company has been working to address through a combination of debt exchanges and the use of free cash flow to pay back borrowings. In fact, despite the very weak oil prices last quarter, California Resources was able to generate $87 million in free cash flow to bolster its balance sheet.
That said, the company wants to do more and is assessing all its options to improve leverage. It could explore a debt-for-equity exchange, for example. With market conditions improving, it is cracking open the door for these exchanges once again. In fact, last month Chesapeake Energy completed two such exchanges. In Chesapeake Energy's case, it diluted its existing shareholders by 10% in return for a 4% reduction in its outstanding debt. While those debt-for-equity exchanges weighed heavily on Chesapeake Energy's stock last month, they also removed a meaningful amount of debt that had been weighing down its balance sheet.
Now what: California Resources has been hit hard by the oil market downturn due to its debt-laden balance sheet. While the company has made some progress in reducing outstanding debt, more work remains. It's the uncertainty surrounding the route the company will take that's putting pressure on the stock right now and will continue to do so until a substantial amount of its debt has been addressed.
The article Why California Resources Corp.'s Stock Slumped 25% in May originally appeared on Fool.com.
Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Image source: Flickr user Stockmonkeys.com.
What: After AbbVie Inc. expanded a collaboration with the company to work on therapies for cystic fibrosis, shares in Galapagos NV jumped 30.5% last month, according toS&P Global Market Intelligence.
So what:On April, 29, AbbVie and Galapagos announced that the two were expanding their cystic fibrosis partnership.
Specifically, AbbVie has agreed to increase the potential milestones it will pay Galapagos for phases 1 and 2 trials to $600 million from the $350 million promised previously. The increase is due to success the two are having in creating multiple therapies that may be used in a triplet combination therapy addressing up to 90% of 80,000 patients globally diagnosed with this life-altering disease.
The companies plan to initiate human trials of triplet therapy in patients with an amenable F508del mutation beginning next year. In pre-clinical studies, triplet combinations under development have shown that they can significantly increase chloride transport when compared to Orkambi. Orkambi won approval for use in F508del patients in 2015 and in the first quarter, Vertex Pharmaceuticals reported Orkambi sales of $223 million.
Momentum stemming from the expanded partnership with AbbVie was strengthened in late May when Gilead Sciences announced plans to movefilgotinib -- a drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that's being co-developed with Galapagos -- into phase 3 trials. A phase 3 study in rheumatoid arthritis will commence in the third quarter. Gilead Sciences also announced plans to initiate phase 3 studies of filgotinib in Crohn's disease and phase 2/3 studies in ulcerative colitis in the coming months.
Other key collaboration terms remain in place: tiered royalty payments on net sales, ranging from mid-teens to 20%. Galapagos retains commercial rights toChinaandSouth Korea, and has an option to co-promote inBelgium,Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Now what:Galapagos' collaborations appear to be progressing smoothly, and given that its work with AbbVie and Gilead Sciences targets billion-dollar blockbuster indications, investors are right to be encouraged.
However, investors should remember that the cystic fibrosis drugs are in the earliest stages of development, and because of that, there's no telling what the clinical outcome of trials may be. Additionally, while filgotinib has shown solid efficacy and safety in trials so far, plenty of phase 3 trials miss their mark, so there's risk associated with the Gilead Sciences program, too.
Overall, Galapagos is an incredibly intriguing company that's got top-tier partnerships and potentially top-selling medications in the works. Stashing Galapagos away in risk-tolerant portfolios could be profit-friendly over the long haul, but investors will need to expect a lot of pops and drops along the way due to how many trials it's got planned.
The article Why Galapagos NV Shares Soared 30.5% in May originally appeared on Fool.com.
Todd Campbell owns shares of Gilead Sciences.Todd owns E.B. Capital Markets, LLC. E.B. Capital's clients may have positions in the companies mentioned. Like this article? Follow him onTwitter where he goes by the handle@ebcapital to see more articles like this.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Gilead Sciences and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
9th Circuit: No 2nd Am. Right to Concealed Firearms in Public
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that citizens do not have a Second Amendment right to carry concealed firearms in public. The California federal court that covers states Arizona, Nevada, Oregon Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Hawaii as well found that laws requiring gun owners to show "good cause" for carrying concealed handguns were not an unconstitutional restriction on a person's right to bear arms.
So what, specifically, did the court say, and what does this mean for gun owners nationwide? You can read the full opinion below:
Good Cause?
California generally prohibits concealed carry and only issues permits when a person can show good cause for possessing a concealed firearm in public. County sheriffs had the freedom to define good cause, but alleging personal safety alone was not enough to secure a permit. San Diego County, where the case began, defined good cause as "a set of circumstances that distinguish the applicant from the mainstream and causes him or her to be placed in harm's way."
After Edward Peruta was denied a concealed carry permit in San Diego he sued, claiming the regulation infringed on his Second Amendment rights. A lower court agreed, but the Ninth Circuit overturned that ruling, stating, "the Second Amendment does not preserve or protect a right of a member of the general public to carry concealed firearms in public." Additionally, the court said officials may enact "any prohibition or restriction a state may choose" on the carrying of concealed guns.
Good Case?
The Ninth Circuit's decision aligns with previous rulings by the Second, Third, and Fourth Circuits that cover states in the northeast and eastern seaboard. The Seventh Circuit, which covers Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, recently struck down an Illinois statute similar to California's.
The issue seems destined for the Supreme Court -- Judge William A. Fletcher, who authored the opinion noted that the highest court in the land has yet to decide whether Second Amendment protections include a person's right to carry a firearm openly in public, let alone concealed. Until then, the Ninth Circuit's decision will stand, and you can read it in full below:
Edward Peruta v. County of San Diego by FindLaw
The Los Angeles Police Department is adding 100 fully electric BMW i3s to its fleet. Image source: BMW.
German luxury-car giant BMW finally beat out Tesla Motors in a bid to provide Los Angeles with electric police cars.
What BMW and the LAPD said
BMW said on Wednesday it had won a bid to supply the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) with 100 fully electric BMW i3 sedans.
The i3, a small sedan made largely of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic in an innovative manufacturing facility, won't be seeing emergency duty with the department. It'll be part of the LAPD's transportation fleet, used for community outreach and business purposes -- not as a patrol or pursuit vehicle.
BMW said the LAPD chose the i3 in part because of its connectivity. The i3's "ConnectedDrive" technology suite can be used to support fleet management applications, BMW said. The company will provide the LAPD with a web-based tool that will allow the department to track the cars in real time. The LAPD will lease the i3s for $387 per month (per car) for 36 months.
According to BMW, the LAPD began field-testing electric vehicles from several different manufacturers in September of 2015. The Los Angeles Times reported that Tesla's high-performance P90D was among the vehicles considered; it's not clear why the Teslawasn't chosen, but its high cost was almost certainly a factor.
What it means for BMW and for electric cars
It's a high-profile win for BMW, which has recently seemed to be dithering over its commitment to battery-electric vehicles. The i3 has been hailed by auto-industry watchers as a significant advance, but sales have not lived up to the company's expectations.
Aside from Tesla's offerings, electric cars have been a tough sell to retail buyers in the last few years. But more and more government agencies have expressed interest in the technology. That's especially true in pollution-conscious California, which has led the nation in air-quality regulations for years -- and it may be a route via which makers of electric vehicles can increase sales (and visibility) of their products.
According to The Los Angeles Times report, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said his department is working with several automakers in an effort to create an electric vehicle more directly suited to use as a police cruiser. Beck expects electric vehicles "will absolutely be the patrol cars of the future" -- and that may lead to the wider adoption of electric-vehicle technology.
The article Why the Los Angeles Police Department Is Buying Electric BMWs originally appeared on Fool.com.
John Rosevear has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tesla Motors. The Motley Fool recommends BMW. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
During an interview with the Fox Business Networks Liz Claman, Hillary Clinton Supporter and Democratic Strategist Tom Baer discussed some of Clintons family history and why presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump should not be the next president.
Baer believes that Clintons family history, has given her the motivation to become a stronger politician and presidential candidate.
She stands on the shoulders of her mother, Dorothy, who as an eight-year-old went from Illinois to California with her young sister because that home had broken up. And that inspires Hillary, not just to do what shes doing, but to spend a lifetime helping women and girls, he said.
Baer explained why he doesnt trust Trump.
First of all, a lot of what [Trump] says, frankly, are lies and Hes been hanging out with a bunch of Clinton haters and they filled him full of junk, which is what youre going to hear, he said.
Baer also called Trump a landlord without the same amount of political experience as Hillary Clinton.
Today weve reported this gross tragedy in Israel [shooting at Tel Aviv market]. Who would you rather have in the Oval Office dealing with this, Donald Trump, a landlord, thats all hes ever done in his life or Hillary Clinton with her experience, he asked.
Baer added at the end of the day, the decision by Americans as to who to vote for is going to be made based upon whats best for America and best for them, and He [Donald Trump] is so over his head, its kind of sad, he said.
According to Reed, Trump is aligned with evangelicals on many of the core issues.
The second thing is, emphasize the fact that he shares their views on certain core social, cultural and moral issues, life, marriage, support for the state of Israel, opposition to the Iran nuclear deal and support for religious liberty. He is good on every one of those, said Reed.
On Trumps shifting view on the issue of abortion, Reed said, Thats not new for a Republican nominee. Remember, Mitt Romney was pro-choice a few years before he was the Republican nominee, George H.W. Bush was pro-choice, became pro-life. Ronald Reagan signed the most liberal abortion law in America in the late 60s as governor of California and was a pro-life hero by 1980.
Reed offered advice to Trump on how to handle the issue of abortion on the campaign trail.
So all Donald Trump has to do is, as those prior nominees did, make it clear, I changed my views, Reed said.
More from FOXBusiness.com
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said on Thursday he would work with his party's presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton to defeat Republican Donald Trump, though he did not immediately drop out of the White House race.
Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, spoke outside the White House after a meeting with President Barack Obama, as Democrats pressured him to end his campaign and support Clinton after a hard-fought primary race.
He said he would compete in the final Democratic primary vote in Washington, D.C., on June 14, thus formally staying in the presidential race.
Clinton, the former secretary of state, won enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination this week and become the first woman to lead a major U.S. party as its presidential nominee.
Sanders said he spoke briefly to Clinton on Tuesday night and congratulated her on her "strong campaign."
"I look forward to meeting with her in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump and to create a government which represents all of us and not just the 1 percent," he said.
"It is unbelievable to me - and I say this in all sincerity - that the Republican Party would have a candidate for president who in the year 2016 makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign," Sanders said, referring to Trump.
Sanders' campaign has previously said he would carry his populist campaign to the Democratic National Convention in July, when the party's nominee is formally chosen.
Obama, who is expected to endorse Clinton soon, welcomed Sanders to the White House, chatting and chuckling as they walked into the Oval Office. Sanders will meet with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, in the afternoon.
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, like Sanders a progressive and fiery critic of Wall Street, is preparing to endorse Clinton in the coming weeks after staying neutral in the Democratic primary, people familiar with her thinking told Reuters.
Republicans, meanwhile, are still grappling with the controversy over Trump's attacks on Mexican-American U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is overseeing fraud lawsuits against the billionaire's defunct real estate training school.
Former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich told reporters on Thursday the Trump situation was "fine." But he suggested Trump change tactics toward making more measured remarks as he did in a speech after primary elections this week.
Trump comes into the general election well behind Clinton's campaign in terms of fund-raising and policy infrastructure. On Thursday, his top donors were holding their first official meeting in New York.
(Reporting by Emily Stephenson; Writing by Doina Chiacu and Megan Cassella; Editing by Bill Trott and Alistair Bell)
A Brooklyn music festival cut a girl band from its lineup after it was revealed that its drummer a childhood friend of the convicted Stanford University sex attacker penned a letter to the California judge in his defense.
The Northside Festival posted on its Facebook page Tuesday that the Ohio-based band Good English is no longer playing the multi-day music fest due to recent information brought to our attention.
Leslie Rasmussen, a drummer for the three-sister rock band from Oakwood, Ohio, wrote a letter to Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky defending Brock Turner, the ex-Stanford swimmer who sexually assaulted an unconscious woman behind a dumpster in 2015 and blamed his conviction on political correctness.
I dont think its fair to base the fate of the next ten + years of his life on the decision of a girl who doesnt remember anything but the amount she drank to press charges against him, Rasmussen wrote in the letter in which she called Turner innocent.
I am not blaming her directly for this, because that isnt right. But where do we draw the line and stop worrying about being politically correct every second of the day and see that rape on campuses isnt always because people are rapists.
The letter continued, This is completely different from a woman getting kidnapped and raped as she is walking to her car in a parking lot. That is a rapist. These are not rapists. These are idiot boys and girls having too much to drink and not being aware of their surroundings and having clouded judgment.
Rasmussen chalked up the case to a huge misunderstanding.
Turner was found guilty of three felony sexual assault counts for the January 2015 attack.
Before Northside Festival announced that it had booted Good English from the lineup, angry people took to social media to express their outrage.
Leslie Rasmussen is in a band called Good English and are playing a string of shows soon. Please dont support them, wrote Twitter user @dangitanh.
Facebook user Hazel Oosterhof wrote on the Facebook page for Northside Festival, you profile yourself as a stage for [..] thought-leaders and as an encouragement to think outside the box. Step up your game and show what kind of out-of-the-box you do and do not support. Dont let Good English play.
Northside Festival replied to the post, This was brought to our attention and the band is no longer playing.
Users cheered the festival on their Facebook page for nixing the band, which five Brooklyn venues were set to host this weekend.
Good move guys, thanks for protecting the women of New York, wrote Danielle Guercio.
This story first appeared in the New York Post.
Another Katie Couric documentary has come into question.
Couric, who already faced backlash for questionable editing in her documentary "Under the Gun," is now being accused of doing the same thing with her 2014 film "Fed Up."
A subject from "Fed Up," which focuses on the food industry and obesity, has come forward to say he was misrepresented in the documentary.
"They had reached out to me...and indicated to me that they were particularly interested in having a diversity of viewpoints," Dr. David Allison, who appeared in "Fed Up," told FOX & Friends.
Allison said he was taped for 90 minutes, but the film only included a small fraction of his interview. The clip used shows Allison as he loses his train of thought and appears uncertain of how to answer a question.
Allison was discussing whether sugary beverages contribute more to obesity over other foods, when Couric, off-camera, asks him to back up his claims with scientific evidence. Allison begins to answer, stops and then asks if he can pause to gather his thoughts. The interview then cuts off.
He says the film failed to show the rest of his answer.
"[I was told that] if at any point something didn't come out quite right...just go back and redo that...that's what I was doing," Allison explained of his pause.
He added, "She also made clear to me that I should speak in terms that people who aren't trained scientists could understand...I wanted to carefully choose my words...I gave a very clear answer after that pause...I wasn't as clever as the people in ['Under the Gun'] to tape [the interview] myself."
The segment that caused backlash from "Under the Gun" shows nearly 10 seconds of silence after Couric asks the activists how felons or terrorists could be prevented from purchasing a gun without background checks.
Audio of the actual exchange leaked in May and revealed an almost immediate response to the question.
Couric wrote in a message on the film's website that she regrets not raising her initial concerns about the segment "more vigorously."
A rep for Couric did not immediately return FOX411's request for comment. A rep for The Weinstein Company, who produced "Fed Up" did not immediately return FOX411's request for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Kansas woman gave birth last week to a 14.4-pound baby, and the boy is making headlines for the quirky nickname his nurse reportedly gave him.
When they took him out, the nurse said, Its a mini sumo wrestler, Gina Hilton, mom to newborn Moses William Hilton, told Fox 8. I said, Why? Then they showed me him, and I was like, That is a sumo wrestler!
Baby Moses isnt the biggest baby born in the world or even the United States. According to Guinness World Records, those honors respectively belong to a boy weighing 22 pounds in Aversa, Italy, in 1955, and a boy weighing 22 pounds in Seville, Ohio, in 1879. The Italian baby was born healthy, while the baby born in Ohio, referred to as Babe, died about 11 hours after birth.
Hiltons newborn remains in the hospital as nurses monitor his blood sugar and jaundice, but Fox 8 reported he is expected to be discharged home soon.
A 9-month-old Arizona boy suffered second-degree burns over 30 percent of his body after his mother unknowingly sprayed him with scalding hot water while filling up a play pool, KTLA reported.
Dominique Woodger of San Tan Valley, Ariz., told KNXV that she was unaware of the waters temperature when she turned on the faucet, as it had been sitting in the sun all day. Temperatures on Tuesday, the day of the incident, reached 115 degrees, which means the water may have been upwards of 150 degrees.
I thought he was crying because he was mad he hates when he gets sprayed in the face, Woodger said, according to KTLA. I didnt think that it was burning him.
She noticed his skin turned red and had begun blistering on his right side.
Phoenix Fire Department Capt. Larry Subveri told KTLA that just 10 seconds of exposure to water at that temperature can result in a second-degree burn.
Woodger said her son is expected to recover, but wants other parents to be careful when turning out outside water in the heat.
Just be careful. Touch it before you let your kids near it, she said.
The family of a Canadian woman who died after a fatal kiss from her boyfriend are speaking about the deadly consequences of severe allergies and how to properly manage them. Myriam Ducre-Lemay, who died at age 20, was severely allergic to peanuts but hadnt shared that with her new boyfriend, CTV News reported.
The unidentified boyfriend reportedly ate a peanut butter sandwich before kissing her, which proved fatal for Ducre-Lemay. She allegedly tried to use an asthma pump inhaler once she began having trouble breathing, and the boyfriend called 911. Paramedics administered a dose of epinephrine but she suffered cardiopulmonary arrest on the way to the hospital, CTV News reported.
A coroners report indicated that she did not have her Epipen or MedicAlert bracelet on her at the time of death, CTV News reported. She also allegedly told people that her allergy had decreased.
Dr. Christine McCusker, head of pediatric allergy, immunology and dermatology at the Montreals Children Hospital told CTV News that the key to managing allergies is to tell others about them and to carry an Epipen.
You have to say, Listen guys, Ive got food allergies, Ive got my Epipen, if there is a problem, help me, she told CTV News.
She said that teens and young adults ages 15-30 are most at risk for anaphylactic shock because theyre likely to take more risks.
Micheline Ducre, Ducre-Lemays mother, said she hopes her daughters death will convince others with severe allergies to discuss them with others.
The quality of care doesn't suffer when surgeons-in-training are new at their jobs, according to a survey of patients hospitalized for surgery. In fact, the patients felt care was better during those periods.
Every July 1, newly graduated medical students start their first year of training as surgeons, and older surgical trainees are promoted to take on new responsibilities.
"Multiple studies have shown that obtaining care at academic medical centers in July is just as safe as any other month of the year," Dr. Cornelius Thiels of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota told Reuters Health by email.
But how do patients feel about the process?
"We wanted to ensure that patients were not only having the best outcomes during this yearly time of transition but also having the best experience with their care," Thiels said.
He and his colleagues surveyed 10,822 patients having various kinds of surgeries in 2013 or 2014, including 1,674 (15 percent) who were admitted to the hospital in July or August.
Overall patient quality wasn't lower during these times. In fact, "surgical patients had equal, and by some measures improved, perceptions of their care" in July and August, the authors reported.
The researchers tallied patients' responses to come up with an overall score, plus subscores for communication with physicians, pain management and communication about medicines, care transition and discharge information.
The global score and all subscores were similar between patients admitted in July or August compared with those admitted in any other month, the study team found.
They did see some seasonal variations, with better scores in July and August than in September/October or January/February.
Dr. Karl Bilimoria of Northwestern University in Chicago, who has studied the effect of surgical residents on patients but wasn't involved in the new research, told Reuters Health that in July and August, there may be more vigilance and extra staffing to make sure surgical residents receive supervision and patients receive the best care.
He's not sure, however, that the new results reflect teaching hospitals everywhere. "The survey only looks at a single institution and it's the Mayo Clinic," one of the best hospitals in the country, he said.
Patients who seek care at this hospital are highly motivated and will travel great distances to get there, he said - which means that how patients view care at the Mayo Clinic may not be the same as how they'd view care at a hospital in their neighborhood.
Big Game Hunters Can't Force Airlines to Ship Their Trophies Home
Despite all the public backlash against Minnesota dentists travelling to Zimbabwe to shoot celebrity lions and countries auctioning off the right to hunt species whose numbers are already threatened by poaching, there are still people that want to travel to exotic places, see beautiful animals, and kill them dead. And there are still nations that will allow people to riddle endangered species with bullets. But there might not be a way for folks to get their big game trophies home anymore.
A federal court in Texas has ruled that Delta (and, presumably other similarly conscientious airlines) doesn't need to transport a hunter's endangered rhino trophy, upholding the airline's ban on "Big Five" trophies.
Trophy Case
U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn concluded airlines and other common carriers are free to place restrictions on cargo, so long as their restrictions apply equally to all passengers. And just because the ban on Big Five trophies affects big game hunters specifically doesn't make the restriction illegal:
Delta's policy bans its shipment of Big Five trophies. Obviously, it does not ban the hunting of Big Five game. Such hunters are free to ship allowed cargo with Delta, including trophies of other game. Although, because Plaintiffs are hunters or other parties who benefit from the hunting of the Big Five, Delta's ban negatively affects them, that impact does not mean Delta's decision is unlawful or actionable.
Therefore Lynn dismissed a lawsuit from conservation groups, safari clubs, and Corey Knowlton, a hunter who was attempting to transport the carcass of an endangered black rhino from Namibia to Texas.
The Big Five
Delta's ban on wildlife trophy transport is limited to the Big Five: the African lion, African elephant, African leopard, Cape buffalo, and the white or black rhinoceros. The prohibition was put into place a year after Walter Palmer gunned down Cecil, a beloved lion in Zimbabwe. Knowlton's lawsuit argued that if Delta allowed other trophies it had to allow the Big Five as well, a claim Delta called an absurdity: "If it were true, an airline that accepted hunting shotguns as checked baggage would also have to accept AK-47s and grenade launchers. Not surprisingly, the case law rejects this position."
Airlines are generally given wide latitude to determine what cargo and passengers they will transport, and the freedom to prohibit certain classes of cargo from appearing on their planes. This decision just reinforces that prerogative.
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A blood diagnostic kit that can detect infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B in just two hours is helping to track and better treat diseases in resource-poor regions of the world.
The device - SAMBA (Simple AMplification Based Assay) - was developed by a team of Cambridge scientists headed by Dr Helen Lee, who says the device is robust, simple and precise.
"It's really quite simple; the patients come in and the sample is taken. And that then gets tested. Within 90 minutes you get the results. And so you can really decide whether their drug, their treatment is being effective or if they have developed resistance, whether they are infected or not infected. So really you can get a result in 90 minutes of an extremely complicated test," Lee told Reuters, adding, "Normally to do this type of testing it's done in a machine the size of a Mini [car], and we've reduced it to the size of a coffee machine that literally anyone can use."
More than ten years in development, the first iteration of the machine had to be completely re-designed to overcome environmental factors, such as dust and heat.
"The SAMBA I machine, which is the first generation of this machine, for two days it didn't work in Malawi because the temperature in the lab went to 38 degrees Centigrade. So we ended up having to redesign SAMBA II to widen the temperature, now it can go to 40 degrees Centigrade," said the University of Cambridge researcher.
The simple test uses a tiny drop of the patient's blood which is loaded into the machine and mixed with a combination of chemicals and reagents in a disposable cartridge that changes color if a virus is present in the blood or plasma sample. It also evaluates the viral load in a patient's blood, critical for determining the effectiveness of treatment.
The invention solves a number of fundamental problems of infectious disease detection in remote and resource-poor areas. Primarily, the test can be carried out by personnel with minimal training.
Lee and her team demonstrated how the reagents and blood sample are loaded into the machine in separate, individually shaped compartments: "It needs to be so intuitive that when you open it [the machine] up and you put it in, there is only one way you can put it - you couldn't put it wrong. And so we have actually simplified the procedure in such a way that I always think that anyone who can cook can do it."
Each SAMBA machine can run four samples at a time, at a cost of 17 USD for each test. It runs on electricity but can be battery powered in case of energy outages.
Crucially, the test delivers accurate results without the need for reagent refrigeration thanks to innovative freeze-drying that allows the test kit not only to remain stable at room temperature but also withstand heat up to 55 degrees Centigrade.
"The reagents need to be so stable because it needs to be able to be transported in the truck, which often can go to 50 degrees Centigrade. And also it needs to be able to be stored at room temperature because there is no refrigerator or there is very little room for the refrigerator," said Lee.
Sub-Saharan Africa has for decades been the epicenter for HIV, the virus that causes Aids. Nearly three quarters of all people with HIV live there.
In Malawi, an estimated one million people were living with HIV in 2013 and 48,000 died from HIV-related illnesses in the same year, according to UNICEF. Every year around 10,000 children die of the virus, a number the agency says could be tackled by early diagnosis and better medical care.
Huge strides have been made in recent years in identifying and treating those with HIV. South Africa, with the world's largest HIV and Aids treatment program, has seen HIV-related deaths decline to 140,000 in 2014 from 320,000 in 2010, according to recent government figures.
However, in developing countries with isolated communities, treatment remains an uphill battle.
Lee said that SAMBA II is perfect for 'test and treat' facilities while the patients are on site, thereby eliminating the time gap between testing and when diagnosis results are ready.
"It's very important to me that the tests are done then and there, and the results are given to them then and there. And the appropriate treatment or counseling should take place in one trip."
Lee's spin-off company, Diagnostics for the Real World, has raised around 85 million USD in grants from organizations including the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the medical research charity The Wellcome Trust, the Children's Investment Foundation (CIFF) and UNITAID to help fund development of the device and key implementation in resource-poor regions of Africa. The company says the tests have been used to screen 40,000 people for HIV in Malawi, Uganda and a growing number of other sites.
On Thursday (June 9) Lee won the Popular Prize at the European Inventor Award organized by the European Patent Office, winning nearly two-thirds of the votes in an online poll. EPO President Benot Battistelli said: "The overwhelming public vote for Helen Lee recognizes her major contribution to the early detection and treatment of infectious diseases in areas most in need."
On January 12, 2016, the day of President Obamas final State of the Union Address, Iran captured 10 American sailors when their boats wandered into Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf. During the 15 hours the sailors were held, Iran humiliated them, forced an American female sailor to wear a hijab, and released photos of Americans with their hands up surrounded by armed Iranian soldiers.
The sailors also were interrogated, filmed while crying and forced to apologize at gunpoint. One of the sailors was forced to make a video apologizing for wandering into Iranian territory and thanking Iran for your hospitality and your assistance.
Despite the mistreatment and humiliation of the U.S. sailors, Secretary of State John Kerry thanked Iran for treating the sailors well and credited improved U.S.-Iran relations due to the nuclear deal with Iran for the quick resolution of this incident.
Congressman Randy Forbes (R-Virginia) recently said the full details on how badly the American sailors were mistreated by Iran will shock the nation but wont be released for at least a year because the Obama administration has classified this information.
Why is this information classified? Who is the U.S. government keeping it from?
Not Iran, since the Iranian government knows what happened.
But this raises an even more serious issue. Congressman Forbes says Americans will be outraged when they learn the full details of how Iran mistreated our sailors. But I am already outraged by what was publicly released about this incident. What could have happened that the Obama administration does not want us to know?
The full details on Irans capture and humiliation of the U.S. sailors have been classified by the Obama administration for one reason to hide this information from the American people so it does not lead Congress to pass new sanctions against Iran that could cause Tehran to back out of the presidents legacy nuclear deal with Iran.
This is part of a pattern of the Obama administration concealing and explaining away any behavior by Iran which could threat the nuclear deal.
Obama officials have denied that ballistic missile tests by Iran this spring and last fall violated the Iran deal or UN Security Council resolutions. Written on the side of some of these missiles were the words, Israel should be wiped off the Earth.
I wrote in National Review in March that as what was probably a secret side deal to the nuclear agreement with Iran, IAEA reports on Irans nuclear program have been dumbed-down and will not publicly disclose Iranian violations of the nuclear agreement.
We know from a May 5, 2016 New York Times profile of National Security Council adviser Ben Rhodes that the Obama administration conducted a campaign of deception to sell the nuclear deal with Iran and manipulated journalists to publish stories supporting it. We now know from Congressman Forbes that the Obama administration is using classification rules to conceal from the American people information that could undermine the Iran deal.
Mr Forbes plans to address this matter with legislation that would increase sanctions on Tehran for its treatment of the U.S. sailors in order to hold Iran accountable for its aggressive behavior.
While I applaud Congressman Forbes for this legislation, more must be done about this incident: Congress must release the classified report on how Iran mistreated our sailors.
The classification of this report is a serious abuse of presidential authority since it clearly was classified for domestic political reasons and not to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information to a U.S. adversary. The American people and the U.S. Congress deserve to know exactly what happened to the America sailors and to use this information to assess for themselves President Obamas nuclear diplomacy with Iran.
Congress can legitimately release this report from the floor of the House or Senate using the speech and debate clause of the Constitution which the Supreme Court ruled in the 1972 Gravel v. United States case exempts members of Congress from prosecution for reading classified material into the public record.
Suggesting that Congress break classification laws and regulations is a very serious matter. But if there ever was a moment to do this, because of the nuclear deal with Iran this moment has come.
The agreement is an affront to the Constitutional prerogatives of Congress since the president refused to submit it as a treaty for ratification by the Senate. A majority of Congress voted against the Iran agreement last September but it survived since it was not defeated with filibuster-proof majorities.
House Intelligence Committee member Mike Pompeo (R-Kansas) is pressing for a formal congressional investigation on whether the Obama administration deliberately misled Congress about the Iran deal last summer to prevent Congress from voting to disapprove the deal.
The nuclear deal is a dangerous fraud that will do little to address the growing threat from Irans nuclear program. A senior Obama aide has admitted the administration sold this agreement to the American people through a campaign of lies and deception.
Irans behavior has grown much worse since the Iran deal was announced in July 2015 by increasing its support to the Assad regime and a Shiite insurgency in Yemen, continuing its threats to Israel, recent threats to down U.S. Navy ships in the Persian Gulf, and other belligerent behavior.
We have a lawless president in the White House with an incompetent foreign policy who has run roughshod over Congress for seven years. By releasing the classified report on how Iran mistreated the 10 U.S. sailors it captured last January, Congress can stand up to this administrations abuse of authority and serial dishonesty. Unless Congress can identify a valid national security reason for the classification of the report on, it should release this report from the floor of the House or Senate ASAP.
When it comes to eating at a barbecue joint theres an unspoken code of conduct. You dont order salad, you dont use a fork and if youre a cross-dressing cowboy with an affinity for stiletto heels you dont use the ladies room.
And that brings me to a story from the pages of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about a small-town barbecue joint that inadvertently found itself right smack in the middle of the big debate over transgender bathrooms.
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John Sanford owns BBQ on the Brazos located about 30 minutes or so southwest of the stockyards in Fort Worth. Its the place to go for brisket in Cresson -- population 741.
A few years back, a truck driver, who also worked as a rodeo cowboy, would show up to order a plate of barbecue.
Now, that in and of itself would not be terribly unusual or newsworthy.
But this particular cowboy was partial to wearing ladies garments. He was a cross-dresser.
Sometimes hed have on hot pants, a mini-skirt and six-inch stilettos, John told me matter-of-factly.
It really wasnt that big of a deal until the cross-dressing truck driver and rodeo cowboy used the ladies room.
Lets just say his powder room preference went over about a well as a plate of barbecue tofu.
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I have no problem (with cross-dressers) doesnt bother me a bit, John said. But he cant go into the ladies room.
We just prefer that everybody use the right restroom, he added. Thats the nicest way to say it.
So they put a sign on the bathroom door clearly explaining bathroom etiquette at BBQ on the Brazos: No men allowed in womens bathroom please.
The cross-dressing trucker told the staff that he felt uncomfortable using the mens room but agreed to comply with their wishes.
If you are a man you cant go into the ladies restroom, John said. I dont know if its a Texas thing (but) it should be a world thing. I dont know what all the debate is about.
Thats because folks who live in the Lone Star State were blessed with a double-dose of common sense. They understand that youre supposed to use the bathroom that corresponds to your God-given plumbing.
Meanwhile, New York City liberals are so confused over politically correct potties, they cant figure out if theyre supposed to stand, squat or lift their leg.
The NYC Commission on Human Rights just spent $265,000 in tax money to let folks they should Look Past Pink or Blue and use whatever restroom they so choose.
So how did the BBQ on the Brazos bathroom policy become national news?
Well, it turns out a reporter for the Star-Telegram is a regular customer and one day he noticed the bathroom sign. Questions were asked. Stories were told. And before you could say, pass the barbecue sauce, the tiny barbecue joint in Cresson became the lead story around the water cooler.
Cross-dressing cowboy not welcome in ladies room at North Texas barbecue joint, the headline screamed.
John said the sign had nothing to do with politics and had absolutely nothing to do with the transgender controversy.
Its not whether you are gay or transgender or black or white or yellow or pink. To me it doesnt matter, he said. If you walk through my door Ill be happy to fix you a plate of barbecue.
But if they come be sure to use the right restroom, he added.
As for the Texas cowpoke with a fondness for hot pants John says there are no hard feelings.
For what its worth barbecue-lovers across the fruited plain come in all colors, shapes and shoe-sizes. And John said its not all that unusual for cross-dressers to feast on his ribs and smoked turkey sandwich.
I guess stranger things have happened, he told me.
I paused for just a moment but quickly decided not to ask a follow-up question.
Some things are best left unspoken.
What happens in the barbecue joint should stay in the barbecue joint.
With all due respect to those Democrats in the nations capital holding a presidential primary next Tuesday, the jurys already rendered its verdict.
Donald Trump will be the Republicans nominee the first nonpolitician to earn that distinction since Dwight Eisenhower back in 1952. Hillary Clinton will do the honors for the Democrats the first woman to lead a major party into a general election.
As the dust settles on whats been an adventurous past twelve months (my timeline starts with Trumps campaign kickoff remarks on June 16 of last year), here are five surprises in this unorthodox election year.
1. No Love For Guvs. Reams of paper and a sea of terabytes and petabytes (plus a small ocean of distilled spirits) will be devoted to the art and science of explaining the political phenomenon that is Trump.
So lets focus elsewhere.
Once upon a time, there were 17 Republican presidential candidates nine of them past or present governors.
It didnt take long for the herd to thin. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the early darling of the Republican big-money crowd, didnt advance past South Carolina. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a favorite of the chattering class given his folksy appeal and history of winning contentious elections, didnt even make it to Iowa. Nor did former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the first of the 16 GOP fatalities.
In the end, not a single Republicans governor came close to denying Trump the nomination yes, that includes Ohio Gov. John Kasich, the last big-name state executive standing. It's the first time in 20 years that a GOP governor wont head into the national convention either leading or second in delegates amassed.
The significance? The 31 Republican governors nationwide are the GOPs security blanket its best hope for rehabilitating the partys brand. Should Republican primary voters continue to reject every presidential hopeful whose message begins with: As weve proven in my state . . .? If so, the GOP will have to look elsewhere for new leaders.
2. A Familiar March and April. The Republicans surprise ending notwithstanding, the early GOP primaries and caucuses served their purpose: Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina whittled the field to a more manageable number.
Of the 12 Republican candidates with active campaigns going into the calendar year, seven didnt make it past February. Two more contenders Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson didnt make it past the second Tuesday in March.
The funny thing: for Republicans, 2016 played out a lot like 2012. Four years ago, Mitt Romney won big in the early-March Super Tuesday (7 of 10 states, 223 delegates to only 112 for his closest rival). But it wasnt until the end of April, after Romney had swept all eight of the months primaries, that the Republican National Committee declared a presumptive nominee.
And 2016? Trump received 255 delegates 37 more than Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the first of the two Super Tuesdays. The second time around, Trump steamrolled Cruz, 228-51. After losing Wisconsins April 5 primary, Trump swept the months remaining contests. The RNCs papal blessing: it came on May 3, only eight days later than Romneys four years before.
3. Fool Me Once, Fool Me Twice. Two millennia before anyone first uttered triangulation, there was a pragmatist by the name Aristotle who thus observed: Youth is easily deceived because it is quick to hope.
2008s deception: Barack Obama convincing Generation Y to side with him rather than Hillary Clinton, then failing to deliver on a laundry list of progressive promises (including that over-the-top rhetoric about slowing the rising oceans and healing the planet).
Fooled once, how did Gen Y react? By falling even harder for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. He received over 70% of the under-30 in this years Democratic primaries versus only 60% for Obama. And he earned more youth votes than Clinton and Trump combined. This, despite such Danish socialist pie-in-the-sky concepts like single-payer heath care, monster tax hikes and free college tuition that will never see the light of day in Congress.
Once all the Democratic votes are counted, a quarter of Sanders support will have come from young voters, as compared to only 10% for Clinton. The significance: Americas millennial generation is now 80-million strong. Its the largest age group in over a century. Clinton needs the voting bloc on board and en masse if shes to defeat Trump.
By the way, the youth vote isnt just an American enigma. Across the pond, the 18-29 turnout may decide the fate of this months Brexit vote. Down under, Australian election officials ponder what to do with the one-quarter of that nations 18-to-24-year-olds who havent bothered to enroll to vote.
4. 59 Flavors Of Unconventional. This wasnt the first time that America was graced by presidential candidates who were, to be polite about it, unorthodox.
In 1992, Ross Perot garnered nearly 19% of the national vote despite coming across as the daft uncle youre glad visits only once a year. In both that and the subsequent presidential contest, Pat Buchanan tormented the GOP establishment as, basically, a parochial-school bully shoving around a field of timid WASPs.
In 2016, Trump and Sanders took the concept of unconventional to new heights. They challenged their parties power structures, they wagered on free media and perceived momentum trumping nut-and-bolts organizing. At all times, they turned common sense on its head (no way an avowed socialist should fare well in a capitalist economy; an anti-immigrant message should stand little chance in a nation that embodies the immigrant dream).
In the end, Trump and Sanders combined won 59 primaries and caucuses (36 for The Donald, 23 for Bernie) about 57 more than most expected, other than New Hampshire and Vermont.
Not too shabby.
5. Party Down Both Parties, That Is. In an election in which control of both the White House and Congress are very much in doubt, which national party would you rather not be at this hour?
A Republican presidential field that supposedly was the GOPs strongest in decades instead was largely defined by its inability to deny Trump the nomination, much less take him on in debates and daily discourse. Should Trump lose this fall, its the same quandary for Republicans in 2020: outsiders, pragmatists and conservatives wrestling over the partys conscience.
Not that the Democratic Party is any picnic. Consider Clintons rivals for the nomination: a 74-year-old socialist with little to show despite a quarter of a century on Capitol Hill, plus three relative obscure former officeholders. For Clinton, surviving Sanders was more about perspiration than aspiration.
How fragile is the Democratic existence? Should tragedy (or a criminal indictment) suddenly befall Clinton, the party elders mostly likely would turn to Vice President Joe Biden a personable but gaffe-prone two-time presidential loser attempting the rarity of a sitting vice president trying to ascend to the Oval Office.
Collectively, its two parties that are offering American arguably the most uncomfortable lot of nominees since 1968 and the choices of Hubert Humphrey, Richard Nixon and George Wallace coincidentally, the first presidential election in which Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were eligible to vote.
All the more reason why they should appreciate the nations quandary.
When it comes to comprehending Americas system of justice, Donald Trump seems uninformed.
His attack against a federal judge presiding over two civil fraud cases against the now-defunct Trump University proves it. He insists that U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who was born in Indiana, is unfit to hear the cases because he is of Mexican ancestry. And, after all, the presumptive presidential nominee has vowed to build a wall along the southern border.
Neither law nor facts support Trump
The heritage or ethnicity of a judge is not, by itself, a conflict of interest recognized by the law. It never has been. Nor is race, religion, gender or anything related to personal identity. For Trump to say so reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of our court system. And for someone like Trump who has spent so much time litigating in courtrooms across America, it is astonishing.
There is no evidence Judge Curiel has rendered any decision influenced by his own heritage or by Trumps remarks about Mexicans or constructing a wall. Trump saying so doesnt make it so.
Yet, Trump claims he has been treated unfairly because the judge ruled against him on several pre-trial motions. As a chronic litigant, Trump might want to read the U.S. Supreme Court decision in U.S. vs. Grinell Corp. (384 U.S. 563, 1966) in which the high court ruled that losing motions is not evidence of judicial bias.
If you read Judge Curiels pre-trial decisions in the Trump University cases, they are all judicially sound, well-reasoned and legally justified. There is no evidence Trump is being treated unfairly, as he claims. Trump lost those motions because neither the law nor the facts were on his side. In other words, he lost fair and square.
Trumps lone defender
Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales seems to stand alone as Trumps defender. He argues that Trump can ask Judge Curiel to recuse himself based on the appearance of impropriety. Huh?
Since when is looking like something a legitimate basis for anything in the law? It is not. In courtrooms, we require evidence and proof. Especially when accusations are leveled against judges.
Of course, Trumps lawyers are free to ask the judge to recuse himself. But given their clients vitriol, have you wondered why Trumps attorneys have chosen not to? The reason is simple. They have read the federal law on judicial disqualification which provides the following specific grounds for recusal:
? Personal bias
? Personal knowledge of the evidence
? Was as a lawyer or adviser to the case
? Has a financial interest in the outcome
? Has a relative connected to the case
(Source: 28 U.S.C. 455)
The first ground, personal bias, is the relevant one. The law requires that it be proved or reasonably demonstrated, not merely alleged. And it does not arise merely because of a judges heritage. The U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit made that point abundantly clear in the case of MacDraw v. CIT Financial (157 F.3rd 956, 2d Cir. 1998):
It is intolerable for a litigant, without any factual basis, to suggest that a judge cannot be impartial because of his or her race and political background.
So, Alberto Gonzales is wrong. If Trump were to follow his advice, he could be sanctioned, as the litigants were in the above-referenced case when they accused the judge of bias without any reasonable basis for making such an argument.
Twisted logic
When caught in an untenable argument, Trump often doubles-down instead of backing off. That is what he did this past weekend, when he said he doubted that a Muslim judge could remain neutral.
Lets extend Trumps logic to other scenarios. Does this mean a Jewish judge cannot handle cases involving Jews? Black judges cannot preside over affirmative action or racial discrimination cases? Female judges cannot sit on the bench during a trial involving abortion or womens issues? Maybe white judges should recuse themselves whenever any of the litigants are white. Or black. Or whatever. In Trumps universe, there would be no judges left.
Given some of his comments on the campaign trail, maybe that is what he has in mind.
Theres been a lot of talk today about Bernie Sanders meeting with President Obama. Would he drop out? Or would he hold on until the Democratic convention in July?
Well, we still don't know.
Sanders pretty much stuck it to President Obama by not acquiescing to the idea of party unity. At least not publicly today. He only said he would work together with Hillary Clinton to help defeat Donald Trump. Remember, Sanders knows he has a lot of power. He won 22 states in the Democratic primary process -- and received more than 12 million primary votes.
Yes, Sanders did give a hat tip to those voters today to support Hillary Clinton. But Donald Trump will also actively court them and some will go to him.
The bigger story, to me, is the immense political leverage Sanders still has as the loser. Hillary Clinton may be the first female presidential candidate in this country -- but its actually Sanders who will forever change the Democratic party -- as a socialist -- making it drift further to the left.
Earlier this week, my Paris-based colleague, Dr. Shimon Samuels and I met with senior officials in Berlin that focused on the implications of 1 million Middle Eastern migrants/refugees coming to Germany. Social integration and the challenge of changing the problematic attitudes brought from their cultures about women, gays, and Jews was the focus of many of our conversations.
But despite the serious challenges we confronted in our meetings we were buoyed by the newfound resolve we heard in Brussels, Paris, Rome, and Berlin: European authorities are united in their revulsion of and commitment to defeat terrorism in their midst. They tell us they will not shirk from confronting the multiple global and homegrown threats and are determined to secure the safety and security of their citizens.
Yet, that commitment disappears at Israels borders. The latest outrage took place in the midst of the Middle Easts most tolerant city, Tel Aviv on Wednesday.
On a beautiful evening, two nicely dressed young men, ordered food and then took out weapons and murdered four Israelis and gravely wounding many others.
The perpetrators, who were later caught by police, are now being celebrated throughout the Palestinian Territories and globally online, as heroes.
Everyone in Israel knows that such brutal attacks will continue. Why should the terrorist butchery stop, when the world rewards such behavior?
France, which cannot secure its own streets from young Muslim toughs and which has suffered devastating terrorist attacks, found time to convene a conference last week to promote an international peace plan for the Israel/Palestinian conflict. They didnt bother consulting with or inviting Israelis to the table, though the Jewish State will be expected to pay the bill. Palestinians will continue to enjoy billions in aid (most of which disappears into the deep pockets of the corrupt Palestinian Authority) from the European Union, from the United States, from human rights NGOs and from Church groups, no matter what terrorist outrage is unleashed on Israelis.
For Palestinians, terrorism does pay. They have been given a moral free pass by much of the world. So even Europe struggles to uncover terrorist cells, to come up with ways to stop hateful theology and pro-terrorist social media from infecting a generation of disaffected Muslim youth in their midst, they provide a moral blank check to Palestinian terrorism and continue to write real checks to help pay for hate education and a virulently anti-Israel media.
There are rumors about that President Obama will instruct our UN Ambassador Samantha Power, not to veto a French-led Security Council Resolution this Fall that will make draconian one-sided demands of Israel in the name of peace. The boilerplate reaction to the murders of the four Israelis by our State Department reveals more in what it doesnt say:
The United States condemns todays horrific terrorist attack in Tel Aviv in the strongest possible terms. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and our hopes for a quick recovery for those wounded. These cowardly attacks against innocent civilians can never be justified. We are in touch with Israeli authorities to express our support and concern.
Not one word of rebuke of the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah and Gaza City. Those crocodile tears dried almost before they were shed.
Heres the bottom line. Israelis want peace but need a peace partner. Isaac Herzog, head of Israels pro-peace Left publicly stated that a two-state solution is impossible right now because there is no Palestinian partner.
If the EU, President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry, the NGO community, the international Media truly want to leave a legacy of peace for The Holy Land, they must start holding the Palestinians to the same standard of all civilized people. Anything less will kill prospects for peace and ignite more chaos and bloodshed.
Even a cursory review of Donald Trumps economic proposals for the United States reveals what business associates have known for years: Mr. Trumps comprehensive grasp of economic issues, domestic and global, is exceptional. He has built his fortune thanks in no small part to his understanding of the way the economy really works, both at home and around the world. But his goals extend well beyond returning our country to prosperity. They also include fighting terrorism so that America and our allies may live in peace.
Terrorism and the hatred that fuels it come in many forms. In the 68 years since Israel achieved independence, its enemies have sown terror and sought to undermine the Jewish state by invading Israels borders, firing rockets over them, and digging terror tunnels underneath them.
Just recently, another tragic act of terrorism aimed at Israel occurred as terrorists took the lives of four innocent Israelis at a crowded market in Tel Aviv.
After the attack, displays of fireworks in Hebron and Gaza were organized to entice Palestinian children and give Israels enemies an opportunity to spread anti-Semitic teachings and poison young minds with hate. But these physical manifestations of terrorism, which Israel will continue to fight, are not the only tactics that Israels enemies have employed.
In the 21st century, they have sought to cripple Israels economy with three additional ones: boycott, divestment and sanctionsor BDS, for short. BDS is a modern manifestation of anti-Semitism, plain and simple.
BDS hurts Israelis, Palestinians and the hope for peace. The BDS movement is not interested in promoting peace and coexistence. It is not interested in forging a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.
In a recent example of these tactics, a BDS campaign succeeded in forcing the beverage firm SodaStream to relocate out of the West Bank. As a result, 500 Palestinians, who had received identical pay and benefits to their Israeli colleagues, lost their jobs. So not only is BDS anti-Semitic in its objective of harming Israeli-owned businesses, but it even runs counter to the interests of the very Palestinians it claims to champion, by increasing their incidence of poverty.
Besides endangering Palestinian livelihoods by seeking to harm the economy, BDS tactics threaten peace in other ways. When seeking to foster negotiations between parties to a conflict, progress requires establishing trust and common purpose.
The peacemakers objective is to narrow the differences between opposing sides, rather than to exacerbate them. But economic warfare, which is coercive by nature, tends to fuel intransigence, sharpen differences and deepen distrust. Whether in interpersonal relationships or international ones, coercion almost never brings about enduring, peaceful solutions. It intensifies divisions between people, when the goal should be to bridge them.
In spite of the propaganda spread by BDS leaders as to their movements true purpose, there are many examples of individuals, organizations and legislatures who have seen through the BDS movements lies and shown the strength to reject the hatred at the core of BDS. For example, just today, the American Anthropological Association voted to reject a BDS resolution calling for the academic boycott of Israel. Had it passed, this resolution would have had a significant, adverse impact on the ability of Israeli universities to spread valuable Israeli research throughout the world, research which, by its very nature, is meant to better the lives of individuals around the world. There are other bright spots in the academic world as far as rejection of BDS is concerned.
This past March, more than 230 members of the Columbia University faculty responded to a letter in which 70 members of Columbias faculty demanded that Columbia boycott, divest and sanction Israel. The response rightfully and courageously defended Israels thriving democracy and noted that Israel protects the individual rights of all citizens, including Arabs as well as Jews.
This response also noted the important point that Israel withdrew unilaterally from Gaza, which now is a base for attack on Israeli civilians. Outside of academia, individuals have expressed their strong opposition to BDS and their state legislatures have responded and dealt the BDS movement powerful setbacks. Legislatures have introduced anti- BDS bills in twenty states, and in seven of the states, the bills have been signed into law: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, South Carolina, and recently, Iowa. Certain countries, such as France and Canada, have also taken official positions opposing the boycotts.
Regrettably, the BDS movement seeks to weaken Americas strongest ally in the Middle East, isolate a bulwark against the radical Islamic terrorism that threatens us all, and demonize a democracy that stands for human rights and confers full citizenship on Israeli Jews and Arabs alike.
Arabs living in Israel are the freest in the world! Inexplicably, the BDS movement singles out Israel for criticism rather than any of the regimes that actually oppress people.
This double standard exposes the BDS movements hypocrisy and true motivations. By attacking only Israel, BDS leaders turn attention away from the genuine sources of Arab suffering in the world and unmask themselves for the centuries-old anti-Semitism they embody.
We have a responsibility to call out the BDS movement and its fellow travelers who inflame the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Bringing people together across a negotiating table is a skill for which Donald Trump is well known, and few can rival his track record of resolving complex problems by arriving at mutually agreeable solutions.
No leader, nation or international body should coerce Israelis and Palestinians into an agreement and expect peace to follow. Instead, Mr. Trump understands that a president who values listening, empathy and persuasion can go a long way to bring the two sides closer.
We need a president who can lead both sides toward peace while renewing Americas commitment to Israel, the one true democracy in the Middle East.
The time has come for a businessman who understands the economy and will fight terrorism in all its forms to be president.
We need Donald J. Trump.
Republican Warren Davidson was sworn into the House on Wednesday to take former House Speaker John Boehner's long-held seat, elected with the backing of the same conservatives who helped drive Boehner from Congress.
Davidson, 46, a former Army Ranger and businessman, became a cause celebre for conservative groups who craved the symbolic triumph of capturing Boehner's old district in southeastern Ohio.
Boehner served 25 years in Congress and became speaker after Republicans won House control in the 2010 elections. He quickly won the enmity of tea party conservatives elected that same year and outside conservative organizations, who said he was too willing to broker compromises with President Barack Obama.
In brief House floor remarks after taking the oath of office, Davidson suggested that lawmakers are well positioned to take a dominant role in their perennial struggle against the White House.
"The founders intended us to have a strong Congress," he said. "And especially with the presidential race the way it is, Congress truly has an opportunity to show real leadership."
Boehner, 66, abruptly resigned from Congress last fall amid efforts to pass budget legislation over the objections of conservatives.
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., succeeded him as speaker. He has so far had better relations with conservative Republicans, but at times found it difficult to win their support.
Davidson will serve the remaining seven months in Boehner's term and is the prohibitive favorite to be re-elected to a full two-year term this November.
A Boehner aide said the former speaker was in Ohio Thursday. In a statement, Boehner said his successor "can be counted on to continue the fight for a smaller, less costly, more accountable federal government."
Backed by television ads paid for by conservative groups, Davidson won a March primary over 14 GOP rivals. He then cruised to easy victory in Tuesday's special election over Democratic and Green Party rivals in the Republican-leaning district.
The conservative Club for Growth spent $1.1 million to support Davidson. The House Freedom Fund -- a political committee financed by hard-right lawmakers in the rebellious House Freedom Caucus -- contributed $43,000.
"We've got a conservative guy, a Freedom Caucus type of guy, who's now in Congress," caucus leader Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said of Davidson. He said it "just so happened" to be Boehner's seat.
The Senate Conservatives Fund, which backed Davidson, praised him as "a principled conservative who won't cut deals with the Democrats."
Conservatives' expenditures overcame $250,000 by the Credit Union National Association and $281,000 by Defending Main Street, which backs mainstream conservative Republicans. Those groups supported Davidson's chief foe in the primary, state Rep. Tim Derickson.
Conservatives also spent heavily to help defeat Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., in a runoff primary this week. She lost to a fellow incumbent, Rep. George Holding, after new district lines forced the two colleagues to face each other. Ellmers had not previously represented most voters in the new district.
Ellmers is the only House GOP incumbent so far this year to lose a primary election, with mainstream GOP groups successfully fending off conservative challenges in Texas, Illinois, California and other states.
Republicans now have a 247-188 House majority. Democrats are expected to narrow that margin in November's election but fall short of the 30-seat gain they would need to win control.
Bernie Sanders returned to Washington Thursday for a high-stakes meeting with President Obama and later, Harry Reid where one of his key demands in exchange for a chance at party peace could be nothing less than the removal of Democratic boss Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
The Vermont senator, whose Democratic presidential campaign is still kicking despite Hillary Clinton clinching the nomination earlier this week, sat down for an Oval Office meeting with the president Thursday morning. Fox News has learned Wasserman Schultzs leadership of the Democratic National Committee is one issue he could bring up in the unity huddle.
Sanders and the DNC chairwoman have been at odds for months, with Sanders team long accusing her of helping now-presumptive nominee Clinton.
Whether Sanders seeks and the president would even consider a Schultz sacrifice is the open question.
I dont see how she makes it through the convention, one Democratic lawmaker told Fox News. The key to Hillary winning is getting Sanders supporters on board.
So far, Obama and even Clinton have resisted applying public pressure on Sanders to drop out, though their patience may soon wear thin. Thursdays meetings will be a chance to test what it is Sanders is looking for, with party leaders eager to bring his millions of supporters back into the fold.
Speculation over Wasserman Schultz position has swirled for months, however, and so far she has retained the public support of the White House. Obama also endorsed her earlier this year in her House primary battle.
Asked Wednesday about the possibility of Sanders seeking her removal during meetings Thursday with Obama and Senate Minority Leader Reid, D-Nev., Wasserman Schultz said shes not worried about her job.
I'm going to be remaining as the chair of the Democratic National Committee as President Obama has asked me to do until January 21, 2017, and I appreciate the presidents support, she said.
As for concerns about being able to unify the Democratic Party, she said: "Im very confident that we are going to be unified."
Still, Fox News has learned some factions in the Democratic Party as well as Sanders loyalists have pushed for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, as a potential replacement at the helm of the DNC. Gabbard is a Sanders supporter, which could help with outreach to Sanders backers and bring Sanders himself into the fold.
When asked if she was interested in being party chair, Gabbard told Fox News she was not.
She also noted she has not called for the DNC to relieve Wasserman Schultz of her duties.
Gabbard said she has no plans at this point to meet with Sanders in Washington on Thursday.
However, Gabbard said Sanders should continue to fight through the convention.
If you look at the people who voted for Sanders, their voices should be heard, Gabbard said.
Fox News Chad Pergram and Michelle Macaluso contributed to this report.
Pennsylvania AG's Own Twin Sister Accuses Office of Discrimination
It's been a rough few years for Kathleen Kane. The Pennsylvania Attorney General was arrested and charged with felony perjury, "official oppression," and obstruction of justice last spring -- all stemming from her (alleged) leaking of internal memos meant to embarrass rival prosecutors. A few months later, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court revoked her license to practice law. It was quite a blow to the state's top prosecutor.
And now, Kane is facing allegations of wage and gender discrimination -- from here very own twin sister.
Kane's Porngate Controversy
For two years, Kane has been fighting for her political survival. Once a rising star and often-mentioned potential senatorial candidate, Kane has seen most of her political prospects disappear following the scandal over her leaked memos and failure to prosecute fellow Democrats following a bribery investigation.
Kane is accused of leaking evidence that a state prosecutor in charge of investigating the AG had failed to pursue charges against a Philadelphia civil rights activist -- and had passed around racist and pornographic emails while on the job.
The scandal, involving both the emails and the leak, became known as "Porngate." And, as always, it wasn't the crime so much as the cover up that landed Kane in hot water.
In April of 2015, a grand jury found that Kane had repeatedly mischaracterized her role in the leak, lied on the stand, and attempted to pin her improprieties on subordinates who had opposed her actions. Kane has since lost her law license, her husband, and most of her political prospects.
Et Tu, Brute?
Now Kane's office faces claims from her own twin sister that it paid her less because of her gender. Deputy Attorney General Ellen Granahan, Kane's twin, has filed a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission, alleging wage and gender discrimination. According to Granahan, her salary of $88,509 is 17 to 37 percent lower than what her colleagues earn for similar work -- men and women, both.
This is not the first time Granahan has made the news. Kane's twin had worked for the Pennsylvania government for years prior to Kane's election as AG. However, a few months after Kane assumed the office, Granahan was promoted and put in charge of the state's child predator prosecutions. Kane was investigated for nepotism, but eventually cleared of any wrongdoing.
Granahan's new gig came with a 20 percent raise, but it apparently didn't put her on par with other deputy AG's. She filed her complaint against the attorney general's office on December 30th, though news of it broke just yesterday. There's no word if the AG has officially responded.
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A federal appeals court in San Francisco ruled Thursday that people do not have a Second Amendment right to carry concealed weapons in public, in a sweeping decision likely to be challenged by gun-rights advocates.
An 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the 7-4 ruling, upholding a state law requiring applicants to show "good cause," such as a fear of personal safety, to carry a concealed firearm.
The judges, further, definitively dismissed the argument that a right to carry a concealed weapon was contained in the Second Amendment.
"We hold that the Second Amendment does not preserve or protect a right of a member of the general public to carry concealed firearms in public," Judge William Fletcher wrote in the majority opinion.
If challenged, it could set up a Supreme Court battle.
Critics have long charged that the 9th Circuit has a history of liberal-leaning decisions. Thursday's ruling overturns a 2014 ruling by a smaller panel, and resulted from a case in which a sheriff in San Diego County required applicants to show supporting documents, such as restraining orders against attackers, in order to get a permit.
Celebrities who fear for their safety and those who routinely carry large amounts of cash were often given permits.
Judge Consuelo M. Callahan, dissenting in Thursday's ruling, said the restrictions were tantamount to an infringement of the Second Amendment rights of Americans.
In the context of present-day California law, the Defendant counties limited licensing of the right to carry concealed firearms is tantamount to a total ban on the right of an ordinary citizen to carry a firearm in public for self-defense, Callahan wrote.
Because the majority eviscerates the Second Amendment right of individuals to keep and bear arms as defined by Heller and reaffirmed in McDonald, I respectfully dissent, Callahan said.
Gun rights groups blasted the decision.
Once again the 9th Circuit showed how out of touch it is with mainstream Americans, C.D. Chuck Michel, president of the California Rifle and Pistol Association one of the plaintiffs in the case -- said in a statement. This decision will leave good people defenseless, as it completely ignores the fact that law-abiding Californians who reside in counties with hostile sheriffs will now have no means to carry a firearm outside the home for personal protection.
The New York-based gun control organization Everytown called the ruling "a major victory for public safety," while California Attorney General Kamala Harris hailed "a victory for public safety and sensible gun safety laws."
During oral arguments before the panel, Paul Clement, an attorney for the plaintiffs, argued that the self-defense standard should be sufficient and asking for more violates the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
California Solicitor General Edward DuMont countered that there was a long and rich tradition of restricting concealed weapons in cities and towns. California officials sought to intervene in the case after the San Diego sheriff declined to appeal.
California officials said loosening concealed weapons permitting standards and allowing more people to carry guns threatens law enforcement officials and endangers the public.
Clement countered that there was no evidence that crime went up in counties such as Fresno and Sacramento that had more permissive "good cause" standards.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A series of emails between American diplomats in Pakistan and Washington over drone strikes are the focus of the criminal probe involving presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's handling of classified information, according to a report Thursday by The Wall Street Journal.
The emails in 2011 and 2012 were sent through a "computer system for unclassified matters" that gave the State Department input into whether a Central Intelligence Agency drone strike went forward, congressional and law enforcement officials briefed on the FBI probe told the Journal.
Some of those emails were then sent by then-Secretary of State Clinton's aides to her personal email account and private server, officials told the Journal.
The vaguely worded messages, however, didnt mention the CIA, drones or details about the targets, the Journal reported.
The emails were written within the often-narrow time frame in which State Department officials had to decide whether or not to object to drone strikes before the CIA pulled the trigger, officials told the newspaper. The still-secret emails are still a part of the ongoing FBI investigation.
In January, the intelligence community deemed some of Clintons emails too damaging" to national security to release under any circumstances, a U.S. government official close to the ongoing review told Fox News. A second source, who was not authorized to speak on the record, backed up the finding.
The determination was first reported by Fox News, before the State Department formally announced that seven email chains, found in 22 documents, will be withheld in full because they, in fact, contain Top Secret information.
Law-enforcement and intelligence officials told the Wall Street Journal that State Department deliberations about the covert CIA drone program should have been conducted over a more secure government computer system designed to handle classified information.
State Department officials told FBI investigators they communicated via the less-secure system on a few instances, sources told the Wall Street Journal, which happened when decisions about imminent strikes had to be relayed fast and the U.S. diplomats in Pakistan or Washington didnt have ready access to a more-secure system, either because it was night or they were traveling.
Emails sent over the unclassified computer system sometimes were informal discussions that occurred in addition to more-formal notifications through secure communications, the officials said.
One exchange reported by the Journal came before Christmas in 2011 when the U.S. ambassador sent a note about a planned strike that sparked an email chain between Clinton's senior advisers. Officials said the exchange was clear those involved in the email were having discussions because they were away from their officials and didn't have access to a classified computer.
Click for more from The Wall Street Journal.
There is a price for everything, and everyone, on Capitol Hill.
There is a price for legislation. Not in the way a corrupt lobbyist might buy off a lawmaker. But there is a threshold that members of Congress, aides and interest groups are willing to accept in order to attain a particular outcome or policy goal.
Its all transactional.
Everyone tabulates the going rate for legislation and political advantage. Lawmakers realize theyll have to expend capital to get their way. But they want to be as thrifty as possible.
The bargaining starts Thursday as Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., parachutes into Washington to meet with President Obama followed by a Capitol Hill conclave with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. There is significant pressure in Democratic ranks on Sanders to withdraw from the campaign now that Hillary Clinton has sewn up the nomination. But Sanders backers arent so sure.
What will the president and Sanders seek? Party unity. Democrats know they must forge unity between the Clinton and Sanders factions of the party. Otherwise, Clinton could encounter a tough time against Donald Trump.
That means Sanders holds some cards. Precisely what Sanders wants is unclear but he could be in position to name his price.
Top Democratic lawmakers tried to portray everything in the best possible light Wednesday.
I certainly believe Bernie Sanders will be working hard for Hillary Clinton, proffered House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra, D-Calif. Sanders will recognize his agenda will move forward when Hillary Clinton is out there campaigning for president of the United States.
A price tag dangles off all of this, amid some speculation that Sanders may even seek the removal of Democratic Party boss Debbie Wasserman Schultz (though the chairwoman says shes not worried).
On a separate front, the House on Thursday is expected to debate and vote on a bill to help Puerto Rico grapple with its staggering debt and forestall a July 1 default. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., back the measure. But passage demands a special mixture of Democrats and Republicans.
People are watching to see if a majority of House Republicans ultimately support the package or if Democrats are required to lug most of the freight. However, Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., notes theres a price for Democrats.
A lot of support on our side depends on what [amendments are] ruled in, said Grijalva. The Arizona Democrat worried about poison pill amendments fundamentally changing the measure. That could cost Democratic votes.
Its delicate enough, said Grijalva.
Basic House operations also hinge on a value.
Such was the case when Ryan vowed to return the House to regular order. The objective meant Ryan wouldnt micromanage the outcome of legislation from the leadership suite and would allow lawmakers to write and amend legislation.
Republicans began recalibrating the cost when the House defeated a measure two weeks ago to fund energy and water programs.
The GOP leadership wants to block controversial amendments on spending bills. That would shield Republicans from having to take tough votes on controversial social issues like transgender restrooms, LGBT rights and flying the Confederate flag. Otherwise, the House may vote to defeat additional spending packages, like the energy and water plan.
Faced with the possibility of the House defeating spending bills, the GOP now intends to structure rules that govern the amendment process. As a result, the House may only entertain a set list of amendments which come to the floor.
This is a change for most spending bills. Many appropriations packages enjoy a free-wheeling amendment process where lawmakers can offer most anything. But Ryans decision has incensed some conservative members who believe the speaker may be reneging on his promise not to intercede.
Meantime, Ryan told rank-and-file members he tried to maintain an open amendment process. But the price meant the House might not approve appropriations packages. The speaker blamed poison pill amendments which could derail the bills.
Heres what happened when the House sank the energy and water spending plan:
The House voted in favor of an amendment from Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-N.Y., which would bar LGBT discrimination in federal contracting. Then the House rejected the overall bill 305-112. Ryan claims Democrats took the bill down as a scant six Democrats voted yes. But only 106 Republicans voted yea. Fox News is told Ryan believes structuring what amendments are in order would weed out poison pill amendments.
Democrats counter that Republicans shouldnt be afraid of voting against LGBT discrimination.
Ryan argues Democrats should pay a price, too. If they so ardently support the Maloney amendment, they should vote for the overall bill as well.
Most everything in politics teeters on a ledger. Politicians must strike a balance between a reward or penalty. And it would be easier if lawmakers could somehow just make it all work out magically.
They might get their shot late this afternoon.
Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, brings illusionist David Copperfield to the Capitol for a discussion about the congressmans resolution to recognize magic as a rare art form and national treasure.
Perhaps Copperfield can exclaim abracadabra and solve all of these issues without anyone expending any political capital.
Capitol Attitude is a weekly column written by members of the Fox News Capitol Hill team. Their articles take you inside the halls of Congress, and cover the spectrum of policy issues being introduced, debated and voted on there.
Most voters feel the upcoming election matters more than ones in the past. At the same time, majorities dislike the presumptive nominees -- and think they lack the integrity to hold the nations highest office.
Eighty-five percent say theres more than usual at stake in this years presidential race, according to a Fox News poll released Thursday. Thats up from 70 percent who felt that way in 2012. Clinton (83 percent) and Trump supporters (87 percent) are about equally likely to feel like theres more at stake.
The new poll shows Hillary Clinton with a three-point edge over Donald Trump (42-39 percent) in a hypothetical matchup. Thats within the polls margin of error.
CLICK TO READ THE POLL RESULTS
The poll was conducted Sunday through Wednesday -- right as Clinton finally captured enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination. Trump hit that mark May 26.
Clintons edge over Trump is due to a six-point drop in support for him rather than an increase for her. Trump was up by 45-42 percent three weeks ago (May 14-17, 2016). Since then, he lost three points among self-identified Republicans and 11 points among independents.
Clinton is ahead among blacks (+76), unmarried women (+34), women (+18), lower-income households (+14), and voters under age 30 (+13).
Trump is preferred among white evangelicals (+42), whites without a college degree (+25), whites (+16), men (+15), and independents (+5).
Expect the race to remain tight, as people are pretty set with their choice.
Voters were asked if there is a chance their candidate could say or do something that would make them change their mind before Election Day. More than 8-in-10 Clinton backers say there is no chance at all (57 percent) or only a small chance (24 percent). Sentiment is almost identical for Trump supporters: 57 percent say no chance and 23 percent say just a small chance.
Voters may be committed to their candidate, but that doesnt necessarily mean theyre happy about it. Trump supporters are split between being happy to vote for him (51 percent) and holding their nose (48 percent). Clinton backers are more upbeat: 60 percent happy vs. 37 percent holding their nose.
For comparison, in March 2000, only one quarter of George W. Bush supporters (24 percent) and those backing Al Gore (25 percent) said they would have to hold their nose.
Both candidates have reason for optimism. Among just those extremely or very interested in the election, Trump is up by 45-41 percent. Thats because more Republicans (78 percent) than Democrats (67 percent) are interested.
On the other hand, far more see Clinton (69 percent) as qualified to be president than feel the same about Trump (47 percent). And more than twice as many think she is very qualified: 37 percent Clinton vs. 17 percent Trump.
Clintons attacks on Trump during her recent foreign policy speech seem to draw directly on sentiments expressed by voters in this poll, says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducts the Fox News Poll with Democratic pollster Chris Anderson.
Voters have serious doubts that Trump is qualified and are concerned about his temperament.
By wide margins Clinton is rated higher on having the knowledge (+33 points) and temperament (+27 points) to serve effectively as president. More voters also see her as likeable (+8 points).
Roughly 6-in-10 say Trump is not likeable (58 percent), and he does not have the knowledge (59 percent) or temperament (62 percent) for the job.
By a 39-point margin, voters think Trump is the one who will shake things up in Washington.
Majorities feel Clinton (54 percent) and Trump (58 percent) lack the integrity to be president.
Some 36 percent of Republicans and 22 percent of Trump supporters think he does not have the temperament to be president.
While many voters find their choices odorous, they see stark choices -- a knowledgeable, qualified candidate or one with the wrong temperament who will shake things up, says Anderson.
It says a lot about the country that the race is so close right now, but it is hard to imagine it stays like that into the fall unless Trump can convince voters he will keep his cool as president.
Five months from today the election will be over. Who do voters think will win? Right now 46 percent say Clinton and 40 percent say Trump.
Clinton and Trump are generally liked within their respective parties. She garners a 76 percent favorable among Democrats and he gets 73 percent among Republicans.
Overall, however, voters view Trump and Clinton negatively. Fifty-eight percent have an unfavorable view of the GOP nominee, including 49 percent who view him strongly unfavorably. Clintons unfavorable is 56 percent. That includes 43 percent strongly unfavorable.
Those negatives could go higher given the name calling thats already started.
Views are mixed over Clinton calling Trump a fraud, as 43 percent think thats an accurate characterization, while 50 percent disagree. By a 49-47 percent margin, voters agree with Trumps crooked Hillary nickname.
Do people want to hear more? Forty-seven percent say theyre more likely to change the channel when Trump comes on television, while 46 percent say turn up the volume. For Clinton, 52 percent change the channel, while 41 percent turn it up.
Pollpourri
By a 61-36 percent margin, voters distrust the government. Voters who trust the government back Clinton (+40 points); those who dont, back Trump (+21).
The poll shows theres potential support for an independent candidate. In the Clinton-Trump matchup, seven percent of voters volunteer the response someone else. In addition, in a three-way contest that includes Libertarian Gary Johnson, he receives 12 percent, yet Clinton still tops Trump by 39-36 percent.
Bernie Sanders continues to gain popularity: 54 percent of voters view him favorably, up from 44 percent in March and 34 percent in September.
The poll finds Sanders ahead of Trump by 11 points in a potential matchup (49-38 percent).
The Fox News poll is based on landline and cellphone interviews with 1,004 randomly chosen registered voters nationwide and was conducted under the joint direction of Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R) from June 5-8, 2016. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points for all registered voters.
A writer for the Huffington Post is defending his recent op-ed that "a violent response is the logical approach to stopping presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Jesse Benn wrote in the op-ed titled Sorry Liberals, A Violent Response To Trump Is As Logical As Any, posted on Monday, [T]heres an inherent value in forestalling Trumps normalization. Violent resistance accomplishes this.
"These denunciations of violence from anti-Trump protestors rest on the misguided view that the divide Trumps exposed is a typical political disagreement between partisans, and should be handled as such.," he wrote. "This couldnt be further from the truth. Trump might not be a fascist in the 20th century European sense of the termthough many of his supporters arebut he might represent its 21st century US version."
"Violent resistance matters. Riots can lead to major change," Benn wrote. "Its not liberal politicians or masses that historians identify as the spark underlying the modern movement for LGBTQ equality. Nor was it a think piece from some smarmy liberal writer. It was the people who took to the streets during the Stonewall Uprising."
"Assuming anti-Trump protests should be strictly focused on electoral politics and not these broader goals would be a detrimental oversight," he wrote. "Understanding European anti-fascists use of violent tactics to shut down large rallies from White Supremacists can be illustrative here. Because while Trump isnt leading full bore White Supremacist rallies, there is value in making it clear that even his fascism-lite has no place in civilized society."
Benn took to Twitter to defend his piece.
"It is funny I wrote that piece specifically calling out liberals but its #AltRight fanatics/White Supremacists throwing a tantrum over it," he wrote.
It'd make what happened in #SanJose look like a spat between preschoolers. #Trump supporters are among the most violent people in the US. Jesse Benn (@JesseBenn) June 8, 2016
He also received plenty of backlash online.
Some1 needs to step up and take out people like @JesseBenn that incite violence vs innocent ppl.His hate speech needs retaliation #trump2016 wguy13 (@wguy13) June 8, 2016
@JesseBenn I think your beliefs are dangerous so i hope you get mugged on the way home. Its for the good of America really. Plutonium Field (@PlutoniumField) June 8, 2016
If that wasnt enough, The Huffington Post also included a not-so-subtle editors note at the bottom of an article Wednesday on a survey about Trumps controversial Latino judge comments. The addendum noted: Donald Trump regularly incites political violence and is a serial liar, rampant xenophobe, racist, misogynist and birther who has repeatedly pledged to ban all Muslims 1.6 billion members of an entire religion from entering the U.S.
All this comes nearly a week after an editor with the website Vox was suspended for a series of tweets encouraging protesters to "start a riot" at Donald Trump rallies shortly after the Republican candidate's supporters were attacked outside a San Jose rally the night before.
"We welcome a variety of viewpoints, but we do not condone writing that could put others in danger, the site's founder, Ezra Klein, said in a statement announcing the suspension of Emmett Rensin.
Rensin, deputy editor for the site's first-person section, had taken to Twitter as reports first emerged of the chaotic scenes last Thursday night outside the California rally, where protesters confronted supporters of the presumptive GOP nominee as they departed. Supporters were punched, and one woman was seen on film being hit with an egg and other trash.
His state is hosting the Republican convention in just about 40 days, but Ohio Gov. John Kasich told Fox News hes absolutely prepared to go to Cleveland without endorsing presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump.
The former presidential candidate, who suspended his campaign last month, made clear he still has deep reservations about the brash billionaire businessman and that he feels no special obligation to come around just because the Party is coming to his town.
Its trending poorly, Kasich told Fox News Bill Hemmer, when asked if hed support Trump.
Were like two companies, you know, we have a different vision, a different value system and a different objective. The divisiveness, the division, the name-calling, it just doesnt go down well with me.
Kasich revealed that he and Trump did speak about two weeks ago. He said the ball is in his court.
But he categorically ruled out being Trumps running mate.
There was never a chance of that, Kasich said. There was never ever, ever any consideration.
Its unclear whether Kasich is even under consideration, though Trump told Bloomberg Politics in a piece published Wednesday hes narrowed his short-list down to about four or five people. Trump reportedly said that list includes former rivals, and at least one who has not endorsed him.
Trump did not name names.
Kasich is hardly the only prominent GOP figure still reluctant to get behind Trump. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz also hasnt done so since suspending his presidential campaign and a steady procession of GOP figures, even those who have endorsed Trump, have condemned his recent claims that a federal judge weighing a Trump University case has a conflict of interest due to his Mexican heritage.
Kasich called those comments just terrible.
He also challenged Trump on policy, including his stated reluctance to take on certain entitlements.
Are you kidding me? Of course, we have to deal with entitlements, Kasich said.
Despite these comments, Kasich said hell still give Trump a chance, speculating, He can change.
He added: I'm not going to endorse Hillary Clinton, that's for sure.
Meanwhile, Trump has tried to move past the internal party tensions over his presumptive nomination. His staff was meeting Thursday in Washington with congressional members and aides. As the final GOP primaries were held Tuesday, he also issued a lengthy written statement explaining and defending his comments on the federal judge, in a bid to put the controversy behind him.
And at least one senior Washington lawmaker, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, backed him up while causing some controversy for himself in the process. According to The Des Moines Register, Grassley likened Trumps comments to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor once touting the judgment of a wise Latina.
I think that you dont have any more trouble with what Trump said than when Sotomayor said that when she was found saying in speeches that, quote, A wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male, he reportedly said. I dont hear any criticism of that sort of comment by a justice of the Supreme Court.
When Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a minimum wage bill into law in March, it was the highest statewide wage floor in the U.S. It was also the most convoluted, setting three different wages and raise schedules depending on the area's population.
Wages will rise to $12.50 in rural Oregon, $13.50 in mid-size regions and $14.75 in greater Portland, all by the year 2022.
But before the ink was even dry, Democrats, who control the state House, Senate and governor's office, announced they wanted to change the bill that was rammed through in a five-week legislative session despite fierce Republican opposition.
"They just wanted to pass something," said economist Eric Fruits, a Portland Republican. "They were really worried about the 15 Now people sending something to the ballot, and I think they got so snakebit they would have passed anything that was called a minimum wage increase."
Labor unions, spearheaded by the S.E.I.U., had been collecting signatures for a $15 statewide wage initiative and hoping to build on recent victories in several cities.
But Oregon Democrats acted before state economists even had a chance to weigh in. Last week, state analysts concluded in a prepared forecast the high wage will "result in approximately 40,000 fewer jobs in 2025 than would have been the case absent the legislation."
Orchard owner John Zielinski said his family business will take a big hit.
"When those pears and apples are sold on the market, they're not going to give us any more money because we're from Oregon and have a higher pay rate," said Zielinski of E.Z. Orchards.
Rural counties threatened to file a lawsuit against the state, calling the minimum wage a maximum mess and an unfunded mandate. Oregon's constitution allows local governments to opt out of state programs that raise costs significantly and are not funded by the legislature.
Hearing the outcry, Democratic leaders quickly admitted they may have messed up. They promised a fix-it bill next year allowing for a lower training wages for young workers and some new hires.
But not everyone in the party or the public is onboard with the proposed changes. Low wage worker activists and some Democrats fear a loophole that will be abused.
"I think having a sub-minimum wage, while it might sound good, could end up hurting the very people we're trying to help," said Democratic state Senator Diane Rosenbaum.
Republican leaders support the fixes, including a possible exemption for some Eastern Oregon farmers who, if nothing changes, will have to pay $5 more per hour for labor than their competitors across the state line in Idaho.
President Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton to succeed him in the White House Thursday, saying she has the "courage" for the job and vowing to hit the campaign trail for her soon -- in a video message posted just moments after meeting with her primary rival Bernie Sanders.
"I know how hard this job can be. Thats why I know Hillary will be so good at it," the president said, in the video posted on Clinton's campaign site. "In fact, I dont think theres ever been someone so qualified to hold this office."
The president made clear he would no longer stand on the sidelines, even as Vermont Sen. Sanders vows to stick out the race at least through the final primary in Washington, D.C., next Tuesday.
The Clinton campaign separately announced that she and Obama would campaign together June 15 in Green Bay. Clinton tweeted that she's "fired up."
Honored to have you with me, @POTUS. I'm fired up and ready to go! -H Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 9, 2016
Presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump immediately fired back.
To which the Clinton campaign tweeted: "Delete your account."
Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden voiced his support of Hillary Thursday evening at the American Constitution Society's national convention.
"Anybody who thinks that whoever the next president is -- and God willing, in my view, it will be Secretary Clinton."
The White House, meanwhile, said Obama recorded the video on Tuesday, the day Clinton effectively wrapped up the nomination.
The video was released shortly after Obama met in the Oval Office with Sanders.
Sanders afterward struck a conciliatory tone Thursday, saying he plans to meet soon with Clinton to discuss how they can work together to defeat Donald Trump.
The Vermont senator said he still plans to compete in next Tuesdays Washington, D.C., primary, the final contest on the calendar. And he said he plans to take his message to the Democratic National Convention in July.
He did not, however, say specifically whether he would still be an active candidate by then, taking no questions from the press before heading over to a meeting with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.
The meeting with Obama was private. They met for over an hour, and Fox News is told no staff or aides were present.
But his tone, compared with his defiant speech early Wednesday after Clinton clinched the Democratic nomination, appeared to soften.
While offering no endorsement himself, Sanders said he spoke with Clinton and congratulated her on her very strong campaign.
And Sanders thanked Obama for his impartiality throughout the process. He said he and Vice President Biden lived up to their pledge not to put their thumb on the scales.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest later said Sanders has the right to make campaign decisions on his own timeline. Another former primary candidate, ex-Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, did endorse Clinton, saying "it is time now to unite our party."
Clinton and Obama, along with other party leaders, are eager to bring Sanders and his supporters into the fold.
The president's endorsement reflects their desire to unify as the general election battle between Clinton and presumptive rival Trump intensifies.
Sanders acknowledged a common political enemy, railing against Trump in his brief remarks to reporters Thursday afternoon and saying hell do everything in his power to prevent Trumps election.
As for what he wants, Sanders said hell continue to fight what he called the drift toward an oligarchic society. He lamented childhood poverty rates, crushing college debt, crumbling infrastructure and other woes and said these are the issues hell bring to the Philadelphia convention.
Whether that means a fight to overhaul the party platform or a last-ditch bid to somehow deny Clinton the nomination remains to be seen.
One demand Sanders was thought to be considering as part of a party-unity deal -- is the removal of Democratic boss Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Sanders and the DNC chairwoman have been at odds for months, with Sanders team long accusing her of helping now-presumptive nominee Clinton.
Whether Sanders sought and the president would even consider a Schultz sacrifice is unclear.
I dont see how she makes it through the convention, one Democratic lawmaker told Fox News. The key to Hillary winning is getting Sanders supporters on board.
Speculation over Wasserman Schultz position has swirled for months, however, and so far she has retained the public support of the White House. Obama also endorsed her earlier this year in her House primary battle.
Asked Wednesday about the possibility of Sanders seeking her removal, Wasserman Schultz said shes not worried about her job.
I'm going to be remaining as the chair of the Democratic National Committee as President Obama has asked me to do until January 21, 2017, and I appreciate the presidents support, she said.
In the wake of last week's fatal Blue Angels jet crash in Tennessee, a San Francisco lawmaker wants to ban the famed F/A-18 fighter jets from being able to fly over his city -- and, in his words, "strafe neighborhoods."
City Supervisor John Avalos, who long has waged a public battle decrying the squadron's aerial acrobatics over San Francisco -- at one point calling them loud "killing machines" -- has introduced a nonbinding resolution to require the jets to only fly over the bay.
He says the ban on flights over populated areas is needed to protect residents, and give them peace of mind.
Its about them crashing and hitting a building a place where people live, Avalos told the San Francisco Chronicle. Its about the terror that they cause in people when they strafe neighborhoods. Thats something I hear about all the time when Blue Angels fly overhead.
While facing plenty of Twitter backlash for his comments, Avalos claimed a majority of residents oppose the flyovers that take place during the annual Fleet Week in October.
Fact there's a large number of ppl who don't want them flying over SF in LARGE proportion to the ppl who want them. https://t.co/YodxW8L1lD John Avalos (@AvalosSF) June 4, 2016
Despite his complaints, Avalos told the Chronicle he expects the resolution, which he introduced on Tuesday, will not pass.
Avalos' office did not respond to calls for comment. A Navy spokesman also did not return a request for comment on the proposal.
It is not the first time Avalos was part of a move to ban the Blue Angels.
As a staffer for then-Supervisor Chris Daly in 2007, Avalos reportedly helped write a similar resolution that never moved beyond the committee level.
When one supporter of the Blue Angels pointed out that the military protects his freedom of speech, he replied:
Then why are you so bothered by what I say? Unfortunately, more than anything they just maintain US power uber alles https://t.co/aPDZsHKlgN John Avalos (@AvalosSF) June 5, 2016
Last year, Avalos used Fleet Week as an opportunity to launch an all-out Twitter assault on the military.
Maybe the rain and the fog means no Blue Angels!...#wishfulthinking John Avalos (@AvalosSF) October 10, 2015
.@tolles U expect me to LIKE war planes buzzing SF w/feel good jingoism? Just the THOUGHT of a crash over the city s/b enuf to shut it down John Avalos (@AvalosSF) October 10, 2015
Even in a city of colorful politicians, Avalos is good at grabbing headlines.
In 2012, he was conflicted over whether to name a ship after Harvey Milk, one of the nations first openly gay politicians, who was gunned down by a colleague in 1978. Avalos wondered how Milk might have felt about the idea, so he used a Ouija board to solicit his opinion.
The Board ended up backing the resolution to name a ship after Milk, who had served in the Navy before getting a seat on the Board of Supervisors.
Street Law Brings Law School to the Kids
Love kids? Love the law? Still a student yourself? Well, Street Law might be for you. Street Law is a long-running, grassroots legal education effort that sends law students into high schools, to teach practical legal lessons to the youth.
The program helps give kids basic legal literacy (more than they'd get watching CSI, at least) on fundamental legal issues, from civil rights law, to criminal law, to employment law, while also helping law students develop their leadership skills and a commitment to public interest.
Street Law 101
Street Law grew out of a program at Georgetown Law that sent law students into Washington, D.C. high schools to engage with and educate their community on the law. Forty-four years later, and Street Law now has programs across 100 different law schools, bringing community-focused legal education to students from Los Angeles to New York City -- and then some. Street Law has even grown to become international in scope, with programs in Jordan, Ghana, and Azerbaijan, plus 37 other countries.
Through the law school program, Street Law works with students to bring legal education into the classroom, providing resources, teaching materials, and curriculum development assistance. Those programs can cover everything from the rights of student workers, to basic criminal law issues, to important Supreme Court cases.
On top of the law student programs, Street Law also offers professional development opportunities for teachers, international exchange programs, and a legal diversity pipeline program focused on getting young people of color to pursue a legal career.
Good for Both High School and Law Students
Obviously, the major beneficiaries of Street Law programs are the high school students. But law students gain as well. For law students with an interest in youth and the law, Street Law can be an important way to connect those passions.
And for aspiring J.D.'s who don't even care about kids, there's still plenty to gain. "Even if you're a law student who's not interested in working on youth issues, Street Law can be a valuable experience," says Alexandra Mateus, a 3L who is president of the University of Southern California's Street Law program. "Having to get up in front of a classroom of judgmental teens is really good for your public speaking skills. Plus, because a lot of lesson plans are based on the 1L curriculum, such as torts, you are gaining a deeper understanding of the material."
Related Resources:
The pundits gave Hillary Clintons victory speech something close to a standing ovation, while their applause was rather tepid for Donald Trump reading off the prompter.
But the two de facto nominees faced dramatically different challenges on Tuesday night, and Trumps was far tougher.
Clinton, after all, had finally knocked out Bernie Sanders, even if he remains in mathematical denial, and was celebrating the milestone for her gender as she broke the glass ceiling she had only cracked eight years ago.
Trump was trying to douse a firestorm within his own party, and that meant dousing his flame-throwing style. He had spent the previous few days being ripped apart by the media, along with Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and other GOP leaders.
Then, in a classic bait and switch, some in the pundit class who had insisted that Trump give a serious speech panned him for being too flat.
Reading a scripted speech is not a felony. Pols do it all the time. But while Trump was restrained and disciplined, he did sound at times like he was reciting a generic politicians address, complete with canned applause lines like I will never, ever let you down.
Having declared in a statement that hes done talking about his comments challenging the fairness of the judge in the Trump U. case because of his Mexican heritage, the billionaire made this oblique reference:
Now I know some people say I'm too much of a fighter. My preference is always peace, however and I've shown thatBut if I'm forced to fight for something I really care about, I will never, ever back down and our country will never, ever back down.
The subliminal message: And if I get a little carried away at times, so be it.
Look, few speeches are as make-or-break as the press insists. Ordinary voters dont care about a pivot as much as the commentators who chronicle these things.
But Trump is in an extraordinary situation. The Senate majority leader said he should apologize for his remarks about Judge Gonzalo Curiel. The House speaker said the comments were a textbook example of racism. Marco Rubio said he tried to warn people about this side of Trump.
Its not that Trump is dependent on their endorsements. Its the failure of the Republican establishment that created the conditions for Trump to capture the nomination.
But there is a growing sense of a civil war within the party that could be damaging. When GOP Sen. Mark Kirk un-endorses Trump by saying he doesnt have the temperament to be president, its no surprise that Clinton used such language in her own speech.
Hillary isnt a great orator, but in the last two weeks she has found a more conversational and confident speaking style.
As a man, Im not allowed to talk about her voice without getting flak on Twitter, but four female journalists on MSNBC said she has learned to modulate her tone instead of trying to shout over the crowd.
Clinton embraced her gender-based journey at the top of the speechsomething she barely acknowledged in 2008and theres no question that she is different than every other major-party nominee since 1788. Television anchors are wearing themselves out using the word historic.
Hillarys emerging theme seems to be that she will unify the country while Trump is tearing his own party apartand shell hammer away at that until he is able to shift the media focus back to her. Hell attempt that in a speech next week, teased as the Clintons turning the politics of personal enrichment into an art form.
We went through numerous cycles in the primaries when Trump would act more presidential, only to start picking fights again with pols and pundits. Thats one reason veterans like McConnell are pleading with him to stay "on message."
But Trumps great appeal has been that hes not a carefully calibrated politician, that he speaks from the gut, that he sounds like a real person. In the hothouse environment of a general election, he has to avoid pointless distractions. But he also cant abandon the street-fighting style that got him the nomination.
The Senate on Thursday failed to clear a set of procedural hurdles that would have ended the debate on a plan to boost defense funding to counter the effects of sequestration as well as a measure that would add money for the Zika virus.
The defense funding face-off started with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., introducing a proposal that would raise defense spending by tapping into a war funding account.
Democrat Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island countered and requested spending $18 billion on domestic programs by using funds earmarked for military operations against the Islamic State.
On Thursday, both amendments failed to clear key procedural votes. Sixty votes are needed to pass the proposal. McCains measure failed 42-to-56 while Reeds failed 43-to-55.
The Senate also shot down a proposal by the Obama administration for additional funding to fight the Zika virus.
The administration requested $1.9 billion in February that would allow officials to continue Zika prevention efforts and begin studying long-term effects of people infected by the disease.
The House and Senate each passed their own Zika bills that would provide funding at levels lower than the administrations request.
The attorney leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's defense in a civil fraud suit related to Trump University donated to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign earlier this year.
According to the Center for Responsive Politcs, Daniel Petrocelli gave $2,700 to the Clinton campaign this past January, two months after he was brought onto the case. Yahoo News, which first reported the donation, also reported that Petrocelli has been a financial backer of Clinton's campaigns dating back to her first run for the Senate in 2000.
Trump has been on the defensive for most of this week over comments he made about U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is presiding over the case. He said that Curiel cannot be impartial in the case, considering Trump has vowed to build a wall along the southern U.S. border to keep out Mexican rapists and drug dealers.
On Tuesday, Trump claimed his earlier remarks had been "misconstrued."
In an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity Tuesday, Trump turned his ire to the law firm that filed the class-action suit, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd.
"The law firm gave hundreds of thousands I think it was $900,000 or $700,000 in speaking fees to the Clintons," Trump said. "Plus, they contributed tremendous amounts of money to the campaign ... The whole thing is disgusting."
In fact, the website LawNewz reported that California-based Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd paid the Clintons a total of $675,000 for speeches dating back to 2009.
Petrocelli is best known for successfully arguing that ex-NFL star O.J. Simpson should be held criminally liable for the 1994 stabbing deaths of his ex-wife and her friend, despite Simpson being acquitted of murder in a criminal trial.
Finland is preparing to seal 5,500 tons of dangerously radioactive nuclear waste in 26 miles of tunnels for the next 100,000 years. AFP calls it "the world's costliest and longest-lasting burial." Finland generates more than one-third of its electricity through nuclear power, and the radioactive waste that creates needs to go somewhere, TRT World reports.
Most countries store the waste in temporary above-ground facilities. Finland will be the first country to bury it permanently. The tunnels are called Onkaloor "The Hollow"and are located on the island of Olkiluoto.
According to Nature, it took more than 30 years for the site to be agreed upon. The Hollow got final approval last year, and the first batch of nuclear waste is expected to be interred in 2020.
The last of it will be buried in the 2120s, and the tunnels will be permanently sealed. After 100,000 years, the nuclear waste will no longer be radioactive or dangerous.
But that's a lot of time to plan for (100,000 years ago, Finland was covered in ice and Neanderthals ruled Europe). To prevent radioactive materials from leaking, the waste will be sealed in iron casts, then into copper canisters, then into clay.
The capsules will be buried 1,380 feet underground in the tunnels, which will then be filled with more clay. Experts say the nuclear waste will be safe from water, ice, and shifting rocks.
The project is expected to cost $4 billion. And while Greenpeace and others are concerned about safety, neighbors in Olkiluoto seem to be OK with it.
"Personally, I believe that when [the waste] is placed deep down there with care and expertise, it is better than how it is now around the worldplaced wherever," a vegetable farmer tells AFP.
(The rest of the world's nuclear waste could find a home in the Australian Outback.)
This article originally appeared on Newser: 1,380 Feet Below Finland, $4B Tomb Being Built
You'll soon see four new names on the periodic table of the elements, including three that honor Moscow, Japan and Tennessee.
The names are among four recommended Wednesday by an international scientific group. The fourth is named for a Russian scientist.
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, which rules on chemical element names, presented its proposal for public review. The names had been submitted by the element discoverers.
The four elements, known now by their numbers, completed the seventh row of the periodic table when the chemistry organization verified their discoveries last December.
Tennessee is the second U.S. state to be recognized with an element; California was the first. Element names can come from places, mythology, names of scientists or traits of the element. Other examples: americium, einsteinium and titanium.
Joining more familiar element names such as hydrogen, carbon and lead are:
-- moscovium (mah-SKOH'-vee-um), symbol Mc, for element 115, and tennessine (TEH'-neh-seen), symbol Ts, for element 117. The discovery team is from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
Vanderbilt physics professor Joseph Hamilton, who played a role in the discoveries, proposed naming an element for Tennessee. He had hoped to use the symbol Tn, but it had been used in the past and couldn't be reassigned to the new element.
-- oganesson (OH'-gah-NEH'-sun), symbol Og, for element 118. The name honors Russian physicist Yuri Oganessian.
-- nihonium (nee-HOH'-nee-um), symbol Nh, for element 113. The element was discovered in Japan, and Nihon is one way to say the country's name in Japanese. It's the first element to be discovered in an Asian country.
The public comment period will end Nov. 8.
In the 13th century, Kublai Khangrandson of Genghis Khanconquered China, effectively ruling over all of it from Beijing. The Mongolian bestowed upon his dynasty a Chinese name, Yuan, and built a palace that Marco Polo described as "the greatest ... that ever was," with a vermilion, yellow, green, and blue roof and a dining hall with a capacity of 6,000, per the BBC.
But Polo's writings have been among the best remains of the imperial palace, which effectively disappeared sometime after the Yuan dynasty's 1368 enduntil, perhaps, now. The South China Morning Post reports that archaeologists believe they know where the Yuan palace was built.
The Forbidden City served as the palace for the Ming and then Qing dynasties, and the Post reports that it's long been thought the Yuan palace stood near there.
A little closer than "near," it turns out: Archaeologists found a 10-foot-thick "rammed earth and rubble foundation" beneath three previous layers of construction done under early and late Ming and Qing rulers.
Wang Guangyao, the deputy director of the Palace Museum's Institute of Archaeology, tells the Post the style of the foundation is identical to the ruins of another capital of the Yuan dynasty.
Wang adds that the size of the foundation is atypical of Yuan buildings and suggests it could have been part of a massive hall. It's not the only recent Kublai Khan-related find: Last July archaeologists found a portion of the hull of a ship he sent as part of an armada that tried in vain to invade Japan, the Telegraph reported.
(Another recent, "truly miraculous" find: the original Alamo?)
This article originally appeared on Newser: Palace Marco Polo Called 'Greatest Ever' May Have Been Found
More From Newser
For the past several years, the Army has been developing and deploying a cutting-edge headset called TCAPS, Tactical Communication, and Protective System, designed to protect the hearing of its soldiers. The high-tech hearing protection system can deaden loud noises while also improving ambient sounds that are necessary for situational awareness.
The Army developed the headset following a Department of Veterans Affairs report that pinpointed tinnitus and hearing loss as the most common service-related disabilities among veterans. Soldiers typically are issued foam earplugs to protect their hearing, but few wear the ear protection because it blocks all noise, making it difficult to hear commands and listen for both friendly and enemy troop movement. As a result of not wearing ear plugs, many soldiers suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss both during and after their service terms. According to the report, more than $1.1 billion was paid out for hearing-related injuries in 2009, and this number is expected to continue to rise.
Related: Tesla's Bioweapon Defense Mode can save you from a military-grade chemical attack
On the outside, the $2,000 headset looks like your typical earbud with customizable foam inserts for different ear canals and a loop to hold it securely to the ear. On the inside is sophisticated technology that can detect high decibel noises and lower their intensity so they are received within normal ranges. On the other side of the spectrum, the headset also can pick up soft background sounds and amplify them.
Besides noise cancellation and augmentation, the TCAPS unit also has some convenience features. It can be charged using traditional AC outlets, vehicle batteries and even solar power. It also can connect to smartphones, radios, and other communication gear. Audio communications company Invisio produces the headset for the military and is no stranger to the technology. The company currently holds several patents covering audio and headset technology and supplies similar communication systems to law enforcement agencies.
When the TCAPS were first introduced in 2014, several thousand units were deployed to soldiers in military bases throughout the U.S., including Fort Bliss, Texas; Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and Fort Drum, New York. The headset was well received by the soldiers who praised it for its comfort and hearing protection.
"This device is ten times better than the basic foam ear pro [protection] and head-set we had! I can connect this to my tactical radio, communicate with my soldiers on ground and higher up, while still protecting my hearing" said Staff Sgt. Nathaniel D. Burton, Company Alpha, 1st Battalion, 87 Infantry Regiment, Fort Drum, New York in a prepared release on the Army's website. They army has issued more than 20,000 units since they were first released two years ago.
Disney officials have submitted plans to the city of Anaheim, Calif. to begin construction on a new luxury hotel at Disneyland.
The proposal, the first for a West Coast Disney hotel property in 20 years, would be the fourth hotel located at the resort, reports the OC Register.
Plans reveal a 700-room, four-diamond hotel with plenty of luxury amenities including two pools, a fitness facility, concierge service and a kids play area. Guests will also be able to dine al fresco on the hotels rooftop restaurant, overlooking the park to catch Disneylands nightly firework display over Sleeping Beauty Castle. The average nightly rate is rumored to be $450.
Walt Disneys own Imagineering team will design the hotel and surrounding areas, which haven't been themed yet, according to Disneyland officials.
The new hotel comes as the resort starts construction on the 14-acre Star Wars land, expected to boost attendance to the park when it opens in late 2018 or 2019.
With Star Wars coming and the convention center [expansion] opening next year, theres a lot of good stuff happening here in Anaheim, Anaheim councilwoman Lucille Kring told the OC Register, noting that the new property is likely to be a boon to the local economy.
Currently, the Disneyland Hotel and the Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are the only two properties in the city that fit AAAs strict guidelines for the luxury four-diamond rating. Disneys Paradise Pier is considered a three-diamond property.
If the proposal is approved by the city, construction on the unnamed project is set to start in 2018, with an opening slated for 2021.
One of the graduate students who came across a former Stanford University student raping a woman behind a campus dumpster described the experience as "shocking and disturbing" in an interview Wednesday with Fox News' Greta Van Susteren.
Carl-Fredrik Arndt said he was riding his bicycle alongside a friend when they both came across Brock Turner -- a former star swimmer and Olympic hopeful -- raping an unconscious, 23-year-old woman in January 2015.
Arndt told Van Susteren in the "On The Record" interview that the woman wasn't moving when he first arrived at the scene, even as he tried to shake her. He added that she had a dress on, but it was pulled up.
"It was a horrible thing to experience for anyone," he said. "It was very shocking and disturbing."
After first briefly talking with Turner, Arndt said the then-freshman then tried to run away until he was chased down by the two men and held until campus police arrived.
When asked if he thought Turner had been intoxicated, Arndt said he "could run" and "was not sluring at all."
Arndt did not want to comment when questioned on what he thought of the California judge who gave Turner six months in jail for raping the unconscious woman, but said he wanted to speak out on what he saw because "this an important issue that people care about when it comes out."
More than 745,000 people had signed an online petition Wednesday calling for the removal of the judge, even as the jurist began a fresh term on the bench Tuesday after running unopposed.
The petition was started in response to Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky's sentencing of Turner to six months in jail and ordering him to register as a sex offender following his conviction in March on three counts of sexual assault. Prosecutors were pushing for the judge to sentence Turner to six years in prison -- though the maximum sentence could have been up to 14 years.
Defense attorneys sought a four-month sentence, while probation officials suggested a six-month sentence, to which Persky ultimately agreed.
In his ruling, Persky, who also attended Stanford, cited Turner's age, no "significant" prior legal problems and said he carried "less moral culpability" because he was drunk the night of the attack.
Persky also said that state prison could have a "severe" impact on Turner's life -- a statement that has ignited national outrage.
The Change.org petition, which as of Wednesday morning had 608,240 signatures, calls for Persky's removal from the bench. Ironically, Persky began a new judicial term on Tuesday after running unopposed for his seat.
"Judge Persky failed to see that the fact that Brock Turner is a white male star athlete at a prestigious university does not entitle him to leniency," the Change.org petition reads.
"He also failed to send the message that sexual assault is against the law regardless of social class, race, gender or other factors," it says.
There also is a separate White House petition calling for Persky's impeachment. Although both petitions were likely to clear the threshhold for requiring a response from the White House, it is unclear what, if anything, the Obama administration can do about the case or the judge's term on the bench.
Turner's father, Dan Turner, added to the controversy, writing that his son's life "will never be the one that he dreamed about and worked so hard to achieve. That is a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action out of his 20-plus years of life."
At Turner's sentencing, meanwhile, the victim read a 12-page statement in court, addressed primarily to Turner and taking him to task for not taking responsibility for his actions.
She did not criticize the university and thanked the graduate students who tackled Turner and summoned police.
"I stood there examining my body beneath the stream of water and decided, I don't want my body anymore. I was terrified of it, I didn't know what had been in it, if it had been contaminated, who had touched it," she said. "I wanted to take off my body like a jacket and leave it at the hospital with everything else."
"I don't sleep when I think about the way it could have gone if the two guys had never come. What would have happened to me?," she added. "That's what you'll never have a good answer for, that's what you can't explain even after a year."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Dont want your child to spend the summer watching TV, playing video games or complaining that theres nothing to do? A summer business can be a fun way to encourage creativity and confidence.
These business ventures aren't really about making money. In fact, if extra income is the priority for the summer, a job is the safer route. But starting a business provides an invaluable life experience for kids, plus it develops very practical skills like organization, money management, problem solving and communication.
If your budding entrepreneur shows interest in starting a business this summer, here are a few tips to help make the experience a positive one:
1. Choose a business. Let them pursue their passion.
Its important that your child is passionate about what he or she is doing. You want them to enjoy the experience and not lose interest and be back on the couch by the end of June.
Related: 5 Ways to Teach Your Children to be Kidpreneurs (Infographic)
If your child doesnt already have a specific business idea in mind, have them make a list of their favorite things to do. If they love animals, they could start a pet-walking or pet-sitting business. Maybe they want to make candles and sell them on Etsy. They could hold an acting workshop for younger kids in the neighborhood, teach music lessons or even design a mobile app.
Its okay to think outside the box. Zappos founder Tony Hsieh started a worm farm at the age of nine, with the goal of becoming the number one worm farmer in the world. Resist the urge to say things wont work or that no one would pay for their idea. This process is a learning experience; the end result doesnt necessarily matter.
2. Set goals and make a plan.
Have your child think about all the nuts and bolts needed to turn their idea into a reality. What kind of equipment, supplies or training do they need? If theyll be mowing lawns, what do they need? A lawn mower, gas for the lawn mower, etc. If theyll be baby sitting, should they take a CPR or first aid course beforehand?
They should write down their goals for the business, including both financial goals and anything else they want to achieve. It will be fun and educational to revisit these goals in September.
3. Introduce the concept of money management.
A summer business is a great way to introduce kids to basic money management skills as well as complex topics like calculating gross profits and managing overhead. Teenagers can keep track of income and business expenses. Younger kids can practice adding up price totals and counting change.
Related: This Teen Paid for College by Selling on Etsy. Here Are 5 Ways She Did It.
You may need to give your child money to kick start their business. If so, have them itemize all their upfront costs, so they know exactly how much is needed. You could offer to fund a certain amount, as long as they contribute some of their own birthday money or allowance. You could even hold an investor meeting where your child pitches their idea to you and outlines their financial needs.
4. Work on customer service and communication skills.
Being an effective communicator and empathetic listener are essential building blocks for entrepreneurship. Help your child develop how to succinctly explain their product/service and understand their business value proposition. Stress the importance of customer service, and encourage your child to listen to and accommodate special requests when needed.
5. Manage the legal requirements.
Child business owners are subject to the same rules and legal requirements as adults. You can find out if any local licensing or permits are needed by checking with your local city/county clerks office.
In some cases, you may actually want to create an official company structure, but only if youre concerned that the business will take off or put your familys assets at risk. For example, our oldest son loves designing apps. If it seems that an app will be commercially successful on iTunes, well decide to roll it under our holding company. And, if we didnt already have a holding company, wed form an LLC (Limited Liability Company) for it. You can decide the scope of your childs business and your familys liability protection needs.
Related: 3 Ways to Teach Your Kids About Entrepreneurship
6. Pay taxes.
If your childs earnings are greater than $400, theyll need to file their own tax return. Most likely, they wont be in a position to owe any income tax, but they will need to pay self-employment tax. Help them prepare for this ahead of time -- perhaps setting aside 15 percent of the earnings for tax time. Theyll report their business income and expenses on Form 1040 Schedule C, and self-employment tax is reported on Schedule SE. And in case youre wondering -- yes, you can still declare your child a dependent even if they file their own return.
The most important thing to remember is that the process should be fun. Entrepreneurship is a labor of love, not just labor. Its also about taking chances, making mistakes, learning from those mistakes and doing it all over again. Keep those messages front and center throughout the journey.
A brush fire forced more evacuations as a precaution near Yarnell, an Arizona community where a 2013 blaze killed 19 members of an elite firefighting crew, officials said Thursday.
The flames broke out Wednesday, leading about 250 people to evacuate their homes close to Yarnell, about 60 miles northwest of Phoenix.
Authorities ordered additional evacuations Thursday, including about 30 homes in the Peeples Valley Area, as they feared the fire might make its way down to Highway 89.
That brought the total number of evacuees to near 300 in the area, but authorities remained confident the fire would not grow out of control and containment could still happen by sometime early next week.
The fire, which is believed to be human-caused, already has burned about 2 square mile of brush and grass.
Light winds of 5-10 mph Thursday were blowing flames away from Yarnell, said Dolores Garcia, a Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman.
Firefighters have a perimeter around 10 percent of the fire and the weather forecast calls for favorable conditions over the next several days, said RobRoy Williams, the incident commander. "We're looking very good," he said.
Yarnell resident Peggy Starcher left her home with her two dogs but wasn't quite sure why she was being evacuated.
"They stopped, said there's a fire and we go, 'What fire?' At that time it's on top of the cell towers (on the mountaintops) and I'm grabbing animals and trying to think of what to grab and throw in the car and they said, 'You got five minutes,'" Starcher said from a gas station in Peeples Valley, 4 miles north of Yarnell.
"I'm just glad my animals are safe, my home is safe and nobody lost any lives," she said.
The Red Cross said 14 people spent Wednesday night at a shelter at a college in nearby Prescott.
Calm winds and cooler conditions with higher humidity overnight helped slow the fire, allowing firefighters to get some rest, Garcia said.
About 240 personnel, including six firefighter crews, were assigned to the blaze. They were supported by 20 fire engines and several aircraft.
There have been no reported injuries. No homes were reported destroyed but the fire burned three structures such as sheds.
Yarnell resident Shannon Smith, who lost her home in the 2013 fire, was one of the few on her street who decided not to follow mandatory evacuations this time around after seeing the fire was at least a mile away. Her car is packed just in case.
She said neighbors have been in constant contact and offered to help each other pack, ensure doors are locked and deliver food and water.
"That is just a beautiful aspect of tragedy, how close we as a community have grown and healed through what we all went through," she said. "And this, I'm sure, is stirring it up for a lot of people."
The 19 firefighters killed in June 2013 were members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots trapped by flames in a canyon the deadliest U.S. tragedy for wildland firefighters in several decades.
Officials said brush clearing and other preventative work done in the community since the 2013 fire helped firefighters keep the latest fire out of the town by connecting areas already cleared of brush with new fire lines and burnout areas.
Without that work, "we would not have been successful," Williams said.
News video Thursday morning showed the fire burning in several areas of desert brush east and north of Yarnell with a large plume of smoke rising above the hills around the town.
A long reddish stain from fire retardant dropped by a large air tanker late Wednesday was visible between those areas and the town itself.
Helicopters were dipping in small ponds in the area Thursday, filling up with water and dumping it on the flames along the ridge tops.
A seven-mile stretch of State Route 89 through Yarnell was shut down because of the fire.
Williams said Thursday morning that the stretch of highway might be reopened Thursday afternoon, but Garcia said fire managers later decided to leave it closed through the heat of the day to avoid hindering the movement of firefighting equipment.
An assault suspect led police in South Florida on a wild chase Wednesday -- not in a car, but on an ATV.
He and two other teens tried escaping on all-terrain vehicles, Homestead police said. They told reporters they caught two of the teens quickly, but it took nearly half an hour to nab the third suspect.
The teens had engaged in a fight in South Dade Park before the alleged assault, according to investigators.
The third suspect, wearing a black hoodie, sped off in the ATV along a canal and through a marshland in Miami-Dade County with police on his trail, WSVN reported. He largely stuck to paths too narrow for police cruisers -- but a police helicopter kept a close eye on him.
At one point, the suspect drove into a ditch and appeared to give up before he was able to get his ATV moving again. Eventually, he slowed down, got off the ATV, and surrendered.
Police identified the suspects as Brian Ponce, Zachary Rivero and Oscar Miranda, all 16, and all behind bars.
Click for more from WSVN.
Police in Ellsworth, Maine, said the 13-year-old girl who vanished Wednesday checked herself into a hospital sometime Thursday afternoon.
Police did not detail Khaitlynn Prosser's condition.
Earlier, The Ellsworth American reported that police were in a full-court press to find the teen.
The girl was reportedly seen hitchhiking and getting into a dark car, which was posted on the Ellsworth Police Departments Facebook page.
Authorities in Boston are searching for a suspect in a daylight shooting near a high school that left one student dead and three others wounded on Wednesday.
The shooting took place near Jeremiah E. Burke High school in the citys Dorchester neighborhood just after a fire alarm went off in school.
"We don't know whether it was just a fight that spilled out of the school. Unfortunately, as we know now, kids don't fight anymore with their hands. They run and get weapons," Police Commissioner William Evans said in an afternoon news conference.
Students said they heard about six or seven shots ring out and when the gun fire stopped, a 17-year-old student was dead and three others, including two teens and a 67-year-old woman, were wounded.
"When a 17-year-old dies on the street, coming out of school, then we all should be outraged, and shame on anybody who doesn't step up to the plate and help us solve this," Evans said.
According to WFXT-TV, police said there was no indication of a drive-by shooting.
Law enforcement officials have urged the community to help identify whoever was responsible for the shooting.
One homicide is too many homicides. A mother and parents are going to be notified today that their son has been killed. And I think that we have to do more and we need the entire community to do more," said Mayor Marty Walsh.
Victoria Johnson, a student at the school, said she was friends with the teen who was killed. She told WBZ-TV that she had just said goodbye to him.
"He just gave me a hug and said 'stay safe.' That's what we say every day when we leave school. He gave me a hug and I said the same back to him," Johnson said.
The deceased student nor the wounded victims have been identified.
At a school committee meeting Wednesday night Superintendent Tommy Chang said trauma counselors would be at the school Thursday for students and staff.
"We send our condolences to the family and pray that one day we can see an end to senseless violence in this city and this country," Chang said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A California familys dog was mistakenly shot and killed by law enforcement officers who went to the wrong home Monday while responding to a domestic violence call, The Los Angeles Times reported.
The deputies reportedly arrived at the wrong home and rattled the fence to see if there were any dogs outside the home. Once inside the gate, two small dogs approached them and a larger Husky mix, the report said.
Officials from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said the deputies felt threatened and one fired at the dog named Buddy.
The department and the officers involved in this unfortunate situation all recognize the emotional impact the loss of a family pet has on this family and we extend our deepest sympathies. The officers involved in this incident feel terrible about what occurred but felt they had no other reasonable option at the time.
The dog was shot but did not die right away. The family members declined veterinarian intervention because they said they could not afford it. The sheriffs office said they offered to help the family with whatever steps.
A Hawaii judge ordered the release of a woman accused in the death of her twin sister Wednesday after finding no probable cause for a murder charge.
According to court records, Judge Blaine Kobayashi ordered the release of Alexandria Duval during her preliminary hearing.
Prosecutors say Alexandria Duval, who is also known as Alison Dadow, intentionally caused the death of her identical twin sister Anastasia Duval, also known as Ann Dadow.
"We will have to see what other evidence we can find by furthering the investigation," Maui Prosecuting Attorney John Kim told the Associated Press when asked what prosecutors plan to do next.
Despite the judge's ruling, defense attorney Todd Eddins said he was trying to bail her out Wednesday evening. He said she was still jailed because of charges related to a previous arrest involving disorderly conduct.
She's eager to get to upstate New York in time for her sister's funeral, Eddins said.
"She's grateful but she's still traumatized by the whole series of events," he said.
The 37-year-old sisters were driving in a Ford Explorer on Hana Highway when they crashed into a rock wall last week, plunging about 200 feet onto a rocky shoreline. Anastasia Duval was pronounced dead at the scene. Her sister was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Witnesses told police they saw the two sisters arguing while the vehicle was stopped and said the passenger was pulling the drivers hair, Maui Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Emlyn Higa said. Then they saw the vehicle "accelerate forward and then take a sharp left over the cliff," he said.
According to another witness, the driver appeared to be in a rage before the vehicle went over the cliff, according to probable cause documents filed in court.
The vehicle's air-bag control module showed that the driver didn't attempt to brake before accelerating, making a hard left and hitting the wall, the documents said.
After being extricated from the vehicle, the driver only identified herself as Alex, the document said. Alexandria Duval was arrested Friday at the Seaside Hotel.
"We had information after she was discharged from the hospital she attempted to fly out of the jurisdiction Wednesday night," Higa said Tuesday. She wasn't able to leave Wednesday and had flight arrangements to fly to the West Coast Friday night, prompting police to arrest her, according to the court documents.
"All we know is she was trying to leave the state," Higa said. "We were afraid she would try to leave the country as well."
It's not clear when the twins changed their names, Higa said. Their Hawaii driver's licenses are in their new names, bearing the same Haiku address, he said.
They're originally from Florida, where they ran a successful yoga business, and moved to Hawaii in December from Utah, defense attorney Todd Eddins said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Having cut his teeth in the traditional winemaking world of picturesque estates run by stodgy, old-guard oenophiles in New Zealand and Australia, Ben Parsons saw an industry that was stale and needed a kick in the ass.
Now the Infinite Monkey Theorem (IMT), Parsons 8-year-old winemaking venture -- based in an industrial stretch of Denver, of all places -- is kicking butt with a business model he calls back-alley winemaking. In short, hes delivering top-shelf wine to the masses in a number of ways, including 250-milliliter cans sold in four-packs. His inspiration: the beer worlds microbrew revolution. The craft brewing industry has kind of nailed it, he says.
For Parsons, a product of the respected oenology program at the University of Adelaide in Australia, its about bringing wine to a wide audience rather than adhering to the staid romantic vision for how wine should be made and dispensed. You can make wine anywhere, he says. You dont need to have a winery next to a vineyard, tucked away in some exotic place. So I thought, Why not put a winery in the city where 85 percent of the population lives, and where you can become part of the citys culture?
Parsons commitment to sourcing local fruit for his wines means that those produced for kegs and bottles at his 15,000-square-foot facility in Denver are made largely from grapes grown on the western slope of Colorado. His newly opened Austin, Texas, winery and tasting room leans heavily on Texass winegrowing region, where, he says, high temperatures, among other factors, result in a strange chemistry that makes it a challenge to produce good wines.
But Parsons and IMT thrive on strange chemistry. Last year Parsons concept jumped from odd experiment to bona fide cultural movement: The companys sales of canned merlot, Moscato, rose and white-blend wines increased from 180,000 cans to a projected 1.5 million this year. Now Parsons says hes looking to leave the monkeys footprint in other cities where people prefer their wine without the pretense.
Read about more unconvenal decisions that paid off here.
In The Business of Good, serial and social entrepreneur Jason Haber intertwines case studies and anecdotes that show how social entrepreneurship is creating jobs, growing the economy, and ultimately changing the world. In this edited excerpt, Haber profiles TOMS Shoes, which is the poster company for the one-for-one model of social entrepreneurship.
Social entrepreneurship in America seeks to solve vexing social problems. It builds bridges to those who have otherwise been left behind. And social entrepreneurship isnt limited to the developing world -- its a global movement. In the developed world, social entrepreneurs can take aim at societal problems at home or abroad. Theyve established companies that provide aid in Darfur or even next door.
How do they do it? The for-profit space uses consumer markets to power change at home and abroad. The nonprofit sector develops innovative programming and partnerships to deliver lasting and meaningful results. And when it all comes together, the results can be extraordinary.
By 2006, more and more social entrepreneurs were operating in the developed world, using our consumer markets to foster change. Especially interesting was the one-for-one model, whose pitch went something like this: You buy X, we do Y. No company came to embody this model -- its strengths or its shortcomings -- like TOMS Shoes.
For many Americans, the first exposure to TOMS came through a commercial. It was May 5, 2009. Season eight of American Idol was well underway, and more than 23 million people tuned in that night. During a commercial break, AT&T aired the 60-second version and, as they say, the rest is history. TOMS Shoes saw an instant spike in business, going from 9,000 visitors a day on their website to 90,000.
Heres what the ad says:
My name is Blake, and Im the chief shoe giver at TOMS shoes. I operate my entire business from my phone. I need a network with great coverage because for every pair of shoes we sell, we give a pair away to a child in need. It would be impossible to do this without a network that works around the world.
The visual, audio, and emotion crescendo comes on the words . . . because for every pair of shoes we sell, we give a pair away to a child in need. Its a touching ad and made all the more significant because its true.
What was so powerful about the ad? Why did it strike such a chord with Americans? It had to do with the message and the messenger. The ad featured the founder of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoskie, who single-handedly redefined social entrepreneurship in America.
Mycoskie is one of those people who just breathes entrepreneurship. He started his first venture, a laundry business, while in college. He then started an advertising company that he later sold and pursued other ventures as well. Mycoskie had what turned out to be one of his 15 minutes of fame as a contestant on the CBS reality show The Amazing Race.
During a trip to Argentina, Blake met women who were collecting shoes to give to children so they could meet the school dress code. That conversation spurred Mycoskie into thinking more deeply about how he could help these children and more. He came up with a plan that centered on a single, elegant solution. He would start a shoe company, and for every pair he sold, he would donate one to a child in need.
With its unique one-for-one model, fun branding, and stylish shoes, TOMS was a hit with customers. The one-for-one model Ive found is really effective in allowing a consumer to know exactly whats going to happen. There is no ambiguity; theres no crazy accounting. You buy a pair of shoes; we give a pair of shoes to a child in need, Mycoskie says.
By 2013, the company had given away its 10 millionth pair. That of course means it had also sold its 10 millionth pair.
As an added benefit, Mycoskie notes, When you incorporate giving into your business, your customers become your marketers. We spend very little money on adverting and marketing.
The company simply exploded and is on the way to unicorn status (thats a $1 billion valuation in startup-speak). In 2014, the company hit a valuation of $625 million and sold a 50 percent interest to Bain Capital.
With more than 10 million pairs donated and a company valuation of over $600 million, TOMS was the embodiment of social entrepreneurial excellence. They did well for their company while at the same time doing well for society at-large. Or did they?
In the world of international development, TOMS spent years at the center of conversation, and not for the right reasons. Writing in The New York Times, Adriana Herrera of Fashioning Change said, Rather than solve the root cause of why children dont have shoes, TOMS has created a business model that actually needs poor children without shoes in order to sell its shoes. Those children are an essential part of the companys marketing. In this same article TOMS admitted that its not in the business of poverty alleviation.
At worst, it promotes a view of the worlds poor as helpless, ineffective people passively waiting for trinkets from shoe-buying Americans, Vox Media declared. While the shoes themselves probably wont lead to any kind of disaster, that worldview can lead to bad policies and real, serious harm.
So on one hand, you have a growing, thriving company thats giving away shoes. On the other hand, you have the social mission. Is it really working?
This gets back to the root of what social entrepreneurs do. They really dont just give away stuff. That hasnt worked. Social entrepreneurs go deeper to solve the heart of the problem.
It would have been easy for TOMS Shoes to ignore the critics. But TOMS did something else. They listened.
In the fall of 2013, Mycoskie decided to change course. If youre really serious about poverty alleviation, our critics said, then you need to create jobs, he wrote. At first I took that personally, but then I realized they were right.
Mycoskie decided to take aim at the underlying issue behind why people would need donated shoes in the first place: poverty. The way he saw that, the best way to alleviate poverty would be through education and jobs.
TOMS built shoe-manufacturing facilities in places like Haiti, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Over 700 jobs have been created to date. Theyve teamed up with giving partners and launched programs beyond their traditional one-for-one model. The company has moved to tackle clean water, vision, safe birthing, and bullying. Staying true to their for-profit social entrepreneurial roots, for each expanded social benefit, theres a new product to offer to consumers.
TOMS eyewear delivers not only free eyewear to those in need, but also an eye exam along with surgery and medical treatment when required. TOMS Roasting Company, launched in 2014, provides a weeks supply of clean water to a person in need. A TOMS Bags purchase secures materials and training so health-care workers can deliver babies safely. TOMS StandUp Backpack funds programs here in the U.S. to combat bullying. On the newly launched TOMS Marketplace, social entrepreneurs can sell their products to TOMS vast customer base.
TOMS went for a more holistic approach to servicing the developing world. TOMS Roasting Company acquires its coffee from small plantations in places like Peru, Malawi, Rwanda, Honduras, and Guatemala. According to Mycoskie: I think once people understand the impact they can make buying a cup or bag of coffee, it will create an even stronger connection to TOMS than they might have already had. And thats what business is about. They havent abandoned their original one-for-one model, but theyve listened to the criticisms and made adjustments.
Four people were expected to attend the funeral Tuesday of a 91-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who died last month with no known living relatives.
But 20 minutes before the ceremony at Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia-- a caravan of cars created a traffic jam.
Word got out on social media that Serina Vine could have been buried alone, and an estimated 200 people, including veterans, showed up to pay their respects for the woman who worked in radio intelligence from 1944 to 1946, The Freelance-Star reported.
I said to myself: unacceptable, William Jones, a retired Marine told The Freelance-Star. We serve together, so therefore we should not die alone.
Vine lived the last 20 years of her life at the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Washington.
Pastor Dwight Micheal, who works at Quantico, reportedly delivered the eulogy. He said some may look at Vines life and be unimpressed, but if you looked deeper, you may get a more accurate picture of who she was.
She was fluent in three languages, which served her well in radio intelligence for the Navy, Micheal said. (He noted that most people get by barely knowing one language.)
Micheal pointed out that Vine graduated from the University of California at a time when higher education wasnt an expectation for most women. In her later years, Vine took great joy in dressing up her church on Sunday.
Little was known about the woman they were all honoring. For the diverse crowd that included some bikers in leather vests, those details did not matter.
We might not know much about sister Vine, but what we do know is she should be remembered as one who had a character to serve and that she contributed to the life that we enjoy today in this nation, Micheal said.
Images of the Confederate battle flag are set to be removed from two stained glass windows honoring Confederate Civil War icons at the Washington National Cathedral, the Episcopal Church said in a statement Wednesday.
In the latest example of the growing effort to remove images of the controversial emblem from public places, the Washington, D.C., cathedral will use plain glass to replace the sections the flags are currently on, Reuters reported.
The cathedrals governing body, the Chapter, made the decision on Friday to remove the flag portions, The Washington Post reported. Private donors will pay for the work.
The 8-by-4-foot windows honoring generals Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee were installed in 1953 to foster reconciliation between parts of the nation that had been divided by the Civil War, the cathedrals then-dean, the Rev. Gary Hall, said in 2015. But Hall said last year the flags represented on the windows had no place in the church.
Other windows which feature the flag will be left in place and used as a focal point during a series of upcoming public forums on race, the cathedral said. The first forum, What the White Church Must Do, is set for July 17.
The debate about displaying the Confederate flag reached a fever pitch after nine African-American parishioners were shot and killed at a South Carolina church in July 2015. The accused shooter Dylann Roof, who was seen in photos displaying the Confederate flag, is set to go on trial next year and faces the death penalty.
Two Canadian families are suing Atlanta sperm bank Xytex for selling them sperm advertised as coming from a healthy PhD candidate in neuroscience engineering with an IQ of 160. In actuality, Donor #9623 was diagnosed in 2000 with "schizophrenia, narcissistic personality disorder, a drug-induced psychotic disorder, and significant grandiose delusions."
MSN:
While he was a donor, Donor #9623 was hospitalized for mental health reasons and arrested several times, according to court documents. In addition, he had no degrees, was a convicted felon and had been arrested for burglary, trespassing, driving under the influence and disorderly conduct.
The donor is believed to have fathered 36 children.
A North Carolina gun seller won a duel with his local bank, after the lender denied his web-based business its services, erroneously citing a controversial banking regulation, he told FoxNews.com Thursday.
For months, Luke Lichterman had tried to get his Hometrust Bank branch to process purchases, but officials told him a 2013 Department of Justice regulation dubbed Operation Choke Point barred them from serving a risky business, he said.
"When I asked the bank representative what other businesses are considered 'risky,' the first word out of his mouth was 'pornography, Lichterman, who is 75 and disabled from a serious car accident, told FoxNews.com. I was both deeply offended and highly amused by that.
Lichtermans online store, http://www. huntinganddefense.com , takes digital payments, but without his banks help he would have been forced to used costly transaction services that would have taken a huge bite out of his already-thin profit margins, he said.
"I was aware of Operation Choke Point and that it was intended to make it impossible for people with a fraudulent business to do banking, Lichterman said. But I sell firearms, which is constitutionally protected, and am licensed by the federal government to sell firearms.
Fortunately for Lichterman, after several discussions with bank officials, some negative publicity and pressure from Second Amendment advocacy groups, the bank reversed its position.
"The pressure brought by groups like the Second Amendment Foundation against 'Operation Choke Point' and financial institutions who were intimidated by the Obama administration has resulted in not only exposing the attack on the lawful firearms industry but has forced many banks to back off this attack on a constitutionally protected right," said Alan Gottlieb, founder of the Second Amendment Foundation.
Lichterman can now use a check processing service that costs him 10 cents per transaction rather than a credit card service that charges 4.5 percent.
Kelsey Harkness, a journalist with The Daily Signal who broke the story on the controversial DOJ programs impact on firearms dealers, said despite the Obama administrations repeated attempts to keep Operation Choke Point under wraps, Americans continue to find out about it when legally-operating small business owners are caught in the crossfire.
The only reason Luke Lichterman was able to get his account back was because he went public with his story it makes you wonder how many other innocent business owners are being victimized by this secretive government program without even knowing it," Harkness said.
Other types of businesses impacted by the 2013 banking regulation, Harkness reported, include coins and bullion dealers, ammunition dealers, credit repair services, dating services, fireworks sales, money transfer networks and tobacco sales.
Critics say the program is misguided and heavy-handed and has coerced third-party financial institutions into cutting off funds and credit to businesses that are legal but may not be politically favored.
That has caused those businesses to seek funds at higher rates from less well-established sources or go out of business altogether, said John Malcolm, director of the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies and the Ed Gilbertson and Sherry Lindberg Gilbertson Senior Legal Fellow for The Heritage Foundation.
The greatest impact, of course, will be felt by small business owners, who will have to scratch and claw to survive, Malcolm said. If fraud is what the government wants to stop, then it should investigate and target practices that are actually fraudulent, not practices it finds legal-but-distasteful.
A spokesperson contacted from HomeTrust Bank in Asheville, N.C., did not return a call from FoxNews.com. Neither did officials at the Justice Department.
Authorities have charged a 67-year-old Virginia man with fatally shooting his daughter and her husband during an argument at their home.
Fairfax County Police said in a statement that Hiep Van Le argued with his son-in-law, 45-year-old Dang Ngo, on Wednesday. As the fight escalated, Le's 40-year-old daughter, Sophia, got involved. Police say Hiep Van Le displayed a gun and shot them.
Another family member called police. When officers arrived, police say they found Ngo dead outside and Sophia Le critically wounded inside. Sophia Le was taken to a hospital, where she later died.
Police arrested Hiep Van Le at the home. He's charged with two counts of second-degree murder. It couldn't immediately be determined if he has a lawyer.
Police say a teenage boy and two young girls at the home were not injured.
There was a time not too long ago when Snapchat was touted as an app solely for sexting. The majority of people believed it was a fad that would be gone as quickly as it appeared. The reality? Snapchat is a social media powerhouse. Look at the stats:
100 million active daily users
active daily users 10 billion daily video views
daily video views 65 percent of 18-24 year olds use the app
of 18-24 year olds use the app Revenue target of $300 million in 2016
For the few out there who dont see the power of this platform, you can stop reading now. The rest of us will learn and begin to reap the rewards.
Related: Why Your Company Needs To Be On Snapchat Right Now
In February 2016, Snapchat released to the public the ability to create geofilters to everyone with an account. This means that those interesting -- and sometimes funny -- add-ons you see when people snap you, can now be created and published by you. This feature is no longer reserved for the corporate giants of the world.
Brand awareness opportunity.
The ability to create geofilters is a major key to any company's viral marketing campaign. The cost per impression is insanely cheap compared to YouTube and other outlets -- so cheap that even small businesses can afford it.
The play? Your company is heading to a conference, and you are looking for that special something to impress potential clients -- to reach them in a completely understated way. You want an additional touch point to reach these potential clients before they even get to your booth or see your signage. Snapchat can help.
Snapchat has laid it all out for you. Pay them $5, and they let you draw a fence around 20,000 square feet for an hour to promote your brand. This is as easy as it gets. If you target the right locations, your geofilter will interact with highly qualified potential customers -- and everyone they know on Snapchat. We're talking massive impressions for cheap. The filter doesnt leave the snaps it was added to, so you will potentially gain conversions for the next 24 hours.
Related: 4 Ways to Boost Your Business Using Snapchat
Still not convinced?
I began to think about applications for geofilter marketing, including how I could pitch the use of this to my boss. I did a bit of research about the location of an upcoming conference that my company would be attending in San Antonio. I set up a Snapchat campaign and found out I could cover the entire event -- 184,617 sq. ft. -- for nine hours and it would cost a total of $35.
Yep, you read that right! In comparison, a YouTube ad campaign can cost you anywhere from $0.10 - 0.30 per view. To put that into perspective, you would only get 115-350 YouTube views for the price of unlimited Snapchat interactions.
Run this campaign for two conference days -- 18 hours total -- and youre looking at an ad spend of about $70 with no limit on the number of impressions. This is a no brainer!
Final thoughts.
Anyone trying to build brand awareness at an event should be running a Snapchat on-demand geofilter campaign. The bottom line -- if you are creative and use this powerful tool correctly, you have the ability to walk away with some insanely low cost per 1,000 impressions (CPM).
Related: The Quick Guide to Using Snapchat for Business in 2016
If you are headed out to an event and are looking for something extra -- something that will put you above the competition and add to your marketing touch points -- use Snapchat. If you are not including Snapchat geofilters in your marketing strategy, then you need to reevaluate. Youre missing out on deep impressions and meaningful interactions.
The court file of a former Stanford swimmer convicted of raping a woman behind a campus dumpster reportedly shows that he lied to a judge about his history of drinking and drug use, labeling himself as inexperienced in that field before his sentencing.
The San Jose Mercury News reported Wednesday that prosecutors Alaleh Kiancercis file on Brock Turner contains texts and photos found on Turners cellphone indicating that he used drugs and alcohol in high school.
The prosecutor told Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Judge Aaron Persky about the lies during Turners sentencing hearing, but Persky failed to comment on Turners dishonesty.
According to the paper, material found on Turner's phone included video of him smoking from a bong and drinking out of a liquor bottle. The date capture indicated the video was taken Dec. 27, 2014 more than a month before he assaulted a woman on the Stanford campus.
A series of other text messages show that Turner was asking friends for wax so he could do some dabs. Dabs are a potent form of marijuana that is a THC-concentrated mass. References to Turner buying, smoking or sharing marijuana date back to April 2014 when he was still living in Ohio.
The Mercury News also reported that Turner boasted about doing acid in a text message to a friend.
In a letter to the judge, Turner had portrayed himself as an inexperience drinker and a person with high moral values.
"Coming from a small town in Ohio, I had never really experienced celebrating or partying that involved alcohol, he wrote. "Living more than 2,000 miles from home, I looked to the guys on my swim team as family and tried to replicate their values in how they approached college life."
The judge received several letters supporting Turner.
Retired federal prosecutor Margaret M. Quinn blamed the entire assault on alcohol.
"There is no doubt Brock made a mistake that night -- he made a mistake in drinking excessively to the point where he could not fully appreciate that his female acquaintance was so intoxicated. I know Brock did not go to that party intending to hurt, or entice, or overpower anyone, she wrote.
Turners older sister Caroline asked the judge to spare prison time because of a devastating irreverisible effect of what she described as "a series of alcohol-fueled decisions.
Turner's father, Dan Turner, added to the controversy, writing that his son's life "will never be the one that he dreamed about and worked so hard to achieve. That is a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action out of his 20-plus years of life."
At Turner's sentencing, meanwhile, the victim read a 12-page statement in court, addressed primarily to Turner and taking him to task for not taking responsibility for his actions.
She did not criticize the university and thanked the graduate students who tackled Turner and summoned police.
"I stood there examining my body beneath the stream of water and decided, I don't want my body anymore. I was terrified of it, I didn't know what had been in it, if it had been contaminated, who had touched it," she said. "I wanted to take off my body like a jacket and leave it at the hospital with everything else."
"I don't sleep when I think about the way it could have gone if the two guys had never come. What would have happened to me?," she added, addressing Turner directly. "That's what you'll never have a good answer for, that's what you can't explain even after a year."
Ultimately, Turner received a six-month jail sentence. The decision has sparked outrage nationwide, with some calling for Judge Persky's removal from the bench.
In his ruling, Persky, who also attended Stanford, cited Turner's age, no "significant" prior legal problems and said he carried "less moral culpability" because he was drunk the night of the attack.
Persky also said that state prison could have a "severe" impact on Turner's life.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Click for more from the San Jose Mercury News.
A Belgian judge has ruled that a suspect in the Nov. 13 Paris attacks can be extradited to France, but he is unlikely to go soon.
Belgian federal prosecutors said in a statement that the judge ruled Thursday that a European arrest warrant issued for Mohamed Abrini by French judicial authorities is enforceable.
Before the hearing, Belgian prosecutors told The Associated Press they don't anticipate turning over Abrini to the French anytime soon. They are still investigating him over the March 22 suicide bombings at Brussels Airport. He has acknowledged being the "man in the hat" filmed by security cameras in the company of the two bombers.
ISIS fighters desperately clinging to the embattled city of Fallujah in the face of an overwhelming liberation force are literally stealing blood from civilians to heal their wounded, witnesses told FoxNews.com.
Reeling from a months-long siege and facing a force of 20,000 Iraqi government troops, Iranian-supported militia and a civilian population sensing pending freedom, the black-clad occupiers of the city some 40 miles west of Baghdad have resorted to the unthinkable. ISIS fighters are accosting people on the street and in their homes, forcing them to give blood for wounded fighters and leaving some drained and dying in the streets, a witness inside the city told FoxNews.com.
ISIS now have a large number of wounded fighters and is desperate for blood, the Iraqi source said. Many of the civilians couldnt get even two meals a day for a long time, so theyre very ill and weak.
Iraqi forces are trying to retake the city without destroying it or worsening a burgeoning humanitarian crisis, according to military officials. Their effort to free the city neighborhood-by-neighborhood and even door-to-door also is being slowed by the dug-in terrorist army dwindling firepower.
ISIS is using a lot of snipers and plenty of IEDs, Capt. Omar Nazar, head of an elite unit in the Iraqi Emergency Response Division, told FoxNews.com. They have booby-trapped a lot of homes and they are moving civilians around to use them as human shields.
The battle for Fallujah is strategic as well as symbolic. After Mosul, Fallujah is Islamic States key stronghold in Iraq, and the city of 300,000 was the scene of some of the bloodiest urban combat with U.S. forces in 2004. ISIS took control of it two years ago.
The operation on the ground is being executed by various security divisions, including Iranian-supported militias, Iraqi Army forces, Iraqi federal police and Sunni police forces from Fallujah who are being primed to hold the city once ISIS is defeated, along with U.S.-led coalition airstrikes from above.
Government forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes, have smashed through three ISIS perimeters, taken control of the citys main hospital and a key bridge across the Euphrates and killed regional ISIS commander Abu Amir Ansari. The closer Iraqi forces get to liberating the city, the more desperate the black-clad terrorist army now under siege becomes.
As the liberating forces gingerly move in, ISIS is scrambling to repel them with car bombs, snipers and artillery, and stocking the front line with foreign fighters, according to military officials.
The battle is considered a test for the looming, and likely bloodier battle to retake Mosul, the countrys second-largest city. The forces have successfully taken back other large cities such as Ramadi the capital of Anbar Province late last year, but most of the city was razed to the ground in the operation.
Ali Abd Al Hassan, a member of the Iraqi Special Operations Golden Brigade, said that the approach this time is vastly different.
The operation is to liberate Fallujah, not destroy it, he said, adding they are attempting to secure safe lanes for people to flee and intend on dropping leaflets from the air to inform people on what directions they can go before any military activity takes place.
The United Nations estimates that as many as 90,000 civilians could still be trapped inside the volatile city. Several have died in their attempts to escape, including some who drowned in makeshift rafts trying to cross the Euphrates.
Human rights groups have raised deep concern for the absconding residents not only under the threat of ISIS, but concern that the mostly Sunni residents have and will suffer at the hand of Shia militias in revenge attacks.
We are committed to the human rights treaties and agreements, we conduct our operations as far away as possible from residential areas, an authorized official with the Saraya Al Ashura popular mobilization unit, which is operating alongside the Iraqi Army to victoriously reclaim a number of Fallujah-surrounding villages. We are not interacting with the civilian population and only fighting in close combat against ISIS so we dont have to use our rockets, which could cause severe damage to them.
Steven Nabil contributed to this report.
He must have counted too many sheep.
A 1,300-strong flock of sheep had to be rounded up in a Spanish city after their shepherd fell asleep, The Telegraph reports.
Huge flock of sheep invades Spanish city https://t.co/5spTS3Oiq6 pic.twitter.com/6sltIezH21 The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 9, 2016
Police in Huesca on Tuesday morning got the unusual alert that the large flock was running around, trying to navigate the streets and causing a huge commotion.
The shepherd was supposed to be guiding the sheep past the city to hills where the animals could graze during the warm summer months, The Telegraph added.
Police found the herder who was still dozing and with his help were able to move the sheep away from the city.
Israel on Thursday imposed a series of sweeping restrictions on Palestinian movement and deployed hundreds of additional troops to the West Bank in response to a Tel Aviv attack that killed four Israelis.
The shooting, carried out by two West Bank Palestinians, targeted a crowded tourist and restaurant district in the heart of Tel Aviv and was among the deadliest and most brazen attacks in a nine-month wave of violence. The area is located across the street from the Israeli military's headquarters.
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to meet with his Security Cabinet to discuss further responses, the Israeli military announced that it was deploying two additional battalions to the West Bank "in accordance with situation assessments." The deployment, involving hundreds of troops, includes soldiers from infantry and special forces units.
Among the participants in the Security Cabinet meeting was Israel's new defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of an ultranationalist party known for his hard-line views toward the Palestinians. Before the meeting, Lieberman visited the site of the shooting and had a cup of coffee in a local cafe.
"I do not intend to speak and detail the steps we intend to take, but I am sure that I have no intention to stop at words," he said.
Earlier Thursday, defense officials suspended tens of thousands of special permits given to Palestinians to visit Israel during the current Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
COGAT, an Israeli defense body, said 83,000 permits for Palestinians in the West Bank to visit relatives in Israel had been frozen. Special Ramadan permits were also suspended for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to visit relatives in Israel, travel abroad and attend prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, COGAT said.
Israel considers the Ramadan permits a goodwill gesture toward Palestinians.
In addition, the military said it had frozen Israeli work permits for 204 of the attackers' relatives, and was preventing Palestinians from leaving and entering the West Bank village of Yatta, the attackers' home village. COGAT said entering or leaving will only be permitted for humanitarian and medical cases.
The military was also making preparations to demolish the family home of one of the attackers. Israel often responds to attacks by demolishing the homes of the assailants or their relatives a tactic that is criticized by the Palestinians and human rights groups as collective punishment.
In Tel Aviv, extra police units were mobilized, mainly around the city's central bus station and train stations, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
The "Sarona" compound, the scene of Wednesday's shooting, quickly reopened.
In the attack, two Palestinians dressed in black suits opened fire at the Max Brenner restaurant in Sarona, killing four Israelis and wounding nine others. Sarona, home to dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants, is one of Tel Aviv's most population destinations and is often crowded with visitors and soldiers in uniform taking a break from their duties at the nearby headquarters.
Police identified the victims as Michael Feige, 58, a sociologist and anthropologist at Ben-Gurion University, and Ido Ben Arieh, 42, a veteran of an elite army unit who was an executive at the Coca-Cola Co.'s Israel branch, his wife, who was injured in the attack, told Israeli media. Two other victims were identified as Ilana Naveh, 39, and Mila Misheiv, 32.
Police said the two gunmen in their twenties were members of the same family from the Palestinian village of Yatta, near the West Bank city of Hebron, which has been a flashpoint for violence in recent months. One gunman was injured and was being treated in an Israeli hospital. The other was apprehended by security.
Israeli security officials said the weapons were crudely improvised, indicating that a militant organization was not involved. They said the attackers did not have special Ramadan permits allowing them to enter Israel, but that they had sneaked into Israel illegally to carry out the assault, according to initial assessments.
Ahmad Mussa Mahmara, the father of one of the attackers, said his son has two uncles serving life sentences in Israeli prison.
"We didn't expect this. My son is young and has been in Jordan for the past four years, and just came here for the past five months. He does not have any political affiliation," Mahmara said.
The military interrogated Mahmara Wednesday night at his home, where his son was staying. Soldiers took measurements of the home in preparation for demolishing it, the military said.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, welcomed the attack but did not claim responsibility. Hamas official Mushir al-Masri called the shootings a "heroic operation" and the group later issued an official statement promising the "Zionists" more "surprises" during Ramadan.
Islamic Jihad, another militant group, called the shooting a "natural response" to Israel's "brutal actions" against Palestinians. But it also did not claim responsibility for the attack.
Over the last eight months Palestinians have carried out dozens of attacks on civilians and security forces, mostly stabbings, shootings and car ramming assaults that have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans. About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most identified as attackers by Israel. The assaults were once near-daily incidents but they have become less frequent in recent weeks.
Most of the attacks have been in east Jerusalem or the West Bank, territories Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war and which the Palestinians want for their future state.
German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned Wednesday's attack.
"Murder and terror are completely without justification and cannot be used as an instrument of political disagreement," said Steinmeier.
An Israeli police official told Fox News that Palestinians were celebrating the terrorist attack that left four dead in central Tel Aviv Wednesday night.
Israel Police Superintendent Micky Rosenfeld told On the Record with Greta Van Susteren that Israelis will mourn those killed at the Sarona market for the next week and vowed that further action would be taken.
Unfortunately, within the West Bank area we have seen Palestinians celebrating this attack, said Rosenfeld. Meanwhile here in Israel ... we will be mourning for a week over the people that were lost -- and we are talking about four innocent people that were shot to death, literally shot and killed at close range for no reason whatsoever.
The attack, one of the deadliest in an eight-month wave of violence, took place around 10 p.m. local time in an upscale area of cafes and restaurants near the central military headquarters and Defense Ministry compound. A Fox News producer in Jerusalem confirmed five others were wounded in the attack and in severe condition.
The two attackers were described to Fox News as Palestinian cousins from Yata in the Hebron area of the West Bank who were known to Israeli authorities. The gunmen disguised themselves as Orthodox Jews, a law enforcement source told Fox News.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, welcomed the attack and claimed the shooters as members of the organization. Hamas official Mushir al-Masri called the shootings a "heroic operation" and the group later issued an official statement promising the "Zionists" more "surprises" during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The Times of Israel reported that Fatah, Hamas' rival, issued a statement on Twitter saying Israel was "reaping the repercussions of choosing violence against the Palestinian people."
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing Palestinian media, reported early Thursday that Israeli military forces had surrounded Yatta and were preparing to carry out arrests and interrogate family members of the attacks.
"Whatever action has to be taken will be taken based on the security assessments that will be carried out and implemented both tonight as well as tomorrow morning, Rosenfeld told "On The Record."
Rosenfeld told Fox News that one of the suspects was shot by police and the other was captured by authorities. He said the suspect wounded by police is in moderate condition at a nearby hospital.
The weapons used by the attackers included a Karl Gustav improvised machine gun, Israeli police told Fox News. Haaretz reported that the assailants had no prior criminal record and had entered Israel illegally.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his defense minister and security leaders shortly after the attack and then traveled to the scene. He called the attack a "cold blooded murder by despicable terrorists," according to a statement from his office.
Meital Sassi told Channel 10 TV she was out with her family celebrating her son's birthday when she heard shots and "immediately understood it was a terror attack."
"We ran like lighting with the baby and the stroller.... I yelled at people who didn't understand what was happening to run," she said.
Tel Aviv district police chief Moshe Edri told Haaretz there was no prior terror alert before the shooting took place.
The Ynet news website showed CCTV footage of civilians running into a nearby restaurant to take cover.
Shlomi Hajaj, director of the market, told Channel 10 that security guards at the entrance "prevented the attackers from entering the facility, averting a bigger disaster as the compound was packed with people."
Channel 10 cited witnesses as saying the two attackers were dressed in suits and ties and spent time in a nearby restaurant, sitting at the bar, before the attack. It showed footage of police forensic teams dressed in white suits examining items in restaurants at the scene.
U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner condemned the "horrific terrorist attack" in a statement, saying "cowardly attacks against innocent civilians can never be justified."
Israel has been struggling to cope with eight months of Palestinian attacks that have killed 28 Israelis and two Americans. About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most identified as attackers by Israel.
Most of the attacks have been in east Jerusalem or the West Bank, territories Israel seized from Jordan in the 1967 war which the Palestinians want for their future state.
But Tel Aviv, Israel's most cosmopolitan city, has not been spared.
A member of Israel's Arab minority went on a shooting rampage on New Year's Day, killing three people. And in March a Palestinian went on stabbing spree, killing an American and wounding 7 other people before he was shot and killed.
Fox News' Jennifer Griffin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Russia grounded its entire fleet of Sukhoi-27 fighter jets Thursday after an apparent technical glitch caused one of the aircraft to crash near Moscow, killing the pilot.
Russia is believed to have more than 300 of the jets in service. One of the aircraft flew within 100 feet of a U.S. surveillance plane over the Baltic Sea in April, a senior U.S. defense official told Fox News.
Viktor Bondarev, the head of Russias air force, ordered all Su-27s to be grounded Thursday until investigators could determine the specific cause of the crash, Reuters reported, citing Russian news agencies.
The plane involved in the crash was part of the "Russian Knights," an aerobatic demonstration team.
Russias defense ministry was quoted as saying that the pilot didnt have time to eject because he decided to steer the aircraft away from a populated area before the crash.
Click for more from Reuters.
The periodic table of elements will soon be updated with four new names, including three that honor Moscow, Japan, and Tennessee. A total of four new names were recommended Wednesday by an international scientific group, and the fourth is named for a Russian scientist.
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) makes decisions about new chemical element names. The organization presented these four names today for public response. The discoverers of each new element suggested the names.
From IUPAC's announcement:
Following the earlier claims for discovery of elements 113, 115, 117, and 118, the discoverers have been invited to propose names. The following are now disclosed for public review: nihonium and symbol Nh, for the element 113; moscovium and symbol Mc, for the element 115; tennessine and symbol Ts, for the element 117; and oganesson and symbol Og, for the element 118.
From the Associated Press:
The four elements, known now by their numbers, completed the seventh row of the periodic table when the chemistry organization verified their discoveries last December. Tennessee is the second U.S. state to be recognized with an element; California was the first. Element names can come from places, mythology, names of scientists or traits of the element. Other examples: americium, einsteinium and titanium. Joining more familiar element names such as hydrogen, carbon and lead are: Moscovium (mah-SKOH'-vee-um), symbol Mc, for element 115, and tennessine (TEH'-neh-seen), symbol Ts, for element 117. The discovery team is from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. Nihonium (nee-HOH'-nee-um), symbol Nh, for element 113. The element was discovered in Japan, and Nihon is one way to say the country's name in Japanese. It's the first element to be discovered in an Asian country.
Oganesson (OH'-gah-NEH'-sun), symbol Og, for element 118. The name honors Russian physicist Yuri Oganessian.
Public comment will be accepted through Nov. 8, 2016.
A Syrian man who was detained in France and exposed a terror ring in Germany, told officials that the cell contained more people than the three who were arrested last week, according to officials familiar with the mans testimony.
The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that the mans revelations are increasing concerns that the Islamic State (ISIS) could be close to carrying out an attack in Europe once again.
Authorities in France, Germany and the Netherlands are examining the testimony from the man, only identified as Saleh A., who walked into a Paris police station in February and claimed to be part of an ISIS sleeper cell numbering between 10 and 20 people, unidentified officials with knowledge of the investigation told the Journal.
The mans testimony led to the arrest of three Syrian men in three different German states last week, federal prosecutors said. The men reportedly got into Europe under the cover of asylum-seeking Syrians and were preparing to attack the city of Dusseldorf.
One German official told the Journal that Saleh A.s statements are central to the investigation. German and French authorities are working closely together on the case.
According to one French official, Saleh A. told police that the cell was waiting instructions from a man named Abu Doujana Al Tunisi, supposedly the head of foreign fighters for ISIS.
Another official said that Saleh A. had told investigators that 10 people would participate in the attack on Dusseldorf.
The arrests have heightened concerns that ISIS had smuggled hundreds of foreign fighters into Germany among some 1 million refugees who arrived in the country since last fall. That notion had previously been dismissed by German authorities.
Two of the three suspects had been living in refugee camps before their arrests. Saleh A. was registered in a camp in a town outside Dusseldorf. Stephan Adams, who runs the officer for the mayor of Kaarst, said that Saleh A.s request for asylum was still being processed.
The other three suspects who were arrested were only identified as Hamza C., 27; Mahood B., 25; and Abd Arahman A. K., 31.
Mahood B. had lived in a refugee shelter in the middle class neighborhood of Mulheim in western Germany. Hamaza C. had lived in a shelter in the eastern German town of Bliesdorf.
Abd Arahman A.K. had prior knowledge of building explosive vests back in Syria in 2013, a prosecutor told the Journal. He had been living in a rented apartment in the southwest German town of Leimen.
Prosecutors said that Saleh A. and Hamza C. joined ISIS in Syria in 2014 and got instructions from the group's leadership to carry out an attack in Dusseldorf. After receiving their orders, the two traveled to Turkey and then separately to Germany through Greece.
Their plan was to attack Dusseldorf passerbys with guns and explosives, but the German prosecutors office said there was no indication that concrete plans for the attack were underway.
German officials have warned for months that the refugee crisis could create a chaotic situation. Nonetheless, thousands have been let into Germany, many without background checks, leaving authorities in the darks about who was in the country and what their real intentions were.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Click for more from The Wall Street Journal.
U.S.-backed fighters on Thursday closed all major roads leading to the northern Syrian town of Manbij, a stronghold of the Islamic State group, and surrounded it from three sides, officials and Syrian opposition activists said.
The town is one of the largest areas held by ISIS in the northern Aleppo province. Many of its residents fled in advance of the upcoming battle.
Manbij is a waypoint on an ISIS supply line between the Turkish border and the extremist group's de facto capital, Raqqa. If the U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces capture Manbij, it will be the extremists' biggest defeat in Syria since government forces captured the central historic town of Palmyra in March.
The U.S. Central Command said the operation to free Manbij is part of the "moderate Syrian opposition" efforts to clear areas along the border with Turkey from ISIS. Members of the American and French military have been advising forces fighting ISIS in northern Syria.
A statement by the Military Council of the City of Manbij, which is part of the SDF, said that all roads from the east, north and south have been cut. The group said they are now close enough to target IS inside the town, but they are holding off storming Manbij to avoid civilian casualties.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said SDF fighters are about 800 yards from the last main road linking Manbij with the city of Aleppo, saying that the road is now closed by fire fights.
The Observatory said that since the SDF offensive began on May 31, 132 ISIS fighters, 21 SDF fighters and 37 civilians have been killed.
Mustafa Bali, a Syrian journalist who visited the front lines in Manbij on Thursday, told The Associated Press that the extremists don't appear to be preparing to withdraw from Manbij as the had from other areas. He added that on Wednesday black clouds covered the city as ISIS set tires alight to apparently obscure visibility inside Manbij and prevent airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition planes flying overhead.
"Daesh is preparing for a battle inside the city," Bali said, using an Arabic acronym to refer to ISIS.
SDF official Nasser Haj Mansour said on Wednesday that some 15,000 civilians had fled Manbij.
The U.S. Central Command said that since the start of their offensive to liberate Manbij, SDF's Syrian Arab Coalition had freed 344 square kilometers from ISIS control. It said that the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve has conducted more than 105 strikes in support of the battle to liberate Manbij.
"The Syrian Arab Coalition is leading the operation and will be responsible for securing Manbij once it is freed," the statement said. It was an apparent attempt to calm Arab residents of Manbij, who fear that the Kurdish fighters, who are predominant in the SDF, will also enter the town.
The statement said coalition advisers are assisting the fighters in the battles "with command and control from nodes located behind the forward line of friendly forces."
It said the U.S.-led coalition airpower had destroyed 108 ISIS fighting position, 31 vehicles, 17 heavy weapons, two weapons caches and one vehicle borne improvised explosive device.
In France, an official confirmed that French special forces are offering training and giving advice to SDF fighters. The official with the French Defense Ministry said its forces are with SDF fighters who are fighting against ISIS.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record. He did not provide other details.
In a round-table interview last week, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said French forces were participating. "We are helping with arms, we are helping with aerial support, we are helping with advice," he said.
The U.S. also has around 300 Special Forces embedded with the SDF in northern Syria.
Also Thursday, the U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said that the Syrian government had granted approval for humanitarian aid to be delivered to 19 U.N.-designated "besieged areas" in Syria by the end of the month. He cautioned that having these approvals granted would not automatically translate into actual aid deliveries. In the past, aid convoys have been stopped last minute or had some cargo taken off.
Capriottis Celebrates Its Ruby Anniversary
Award-Winning Sandwich Shop Commemorates 40 Years in Business
June 09, 2016 // Franchising.com // LAS VEGAS, NV Capriottis Sandwich Shop, an acclaimed restaurant franchise that first opened its doors in 1976 in the Little Italy section of Wilmington, Delaware with the goal of serving great sandwiches and capturing the hearts of turkey lovers is celebrating its 40th Anniversary throughout the month of June with its Celebrating Extraordinary 40 initiative and sweepstakes. Capriottis fans will have the opportunity to win a $40 gift card by visiting experience.capriottis.com.
The first Capriottis opened without any aspirations of being anything more than a local hoagie shop where they slow-roasted whole turkeys in-house overnight. As its popularity grew, the founders friends and family began wanting to expand Capriottis in their respective areas, and as a result began franchising in 1987. After moving to Las Vegas in 1991, the founders opened a location in the city and began franchising locally after gaining a foothold in the region. The concept filled a void in the sandwich category with its fresh, homemade premium product and unique flavor profiles. In 2008, best friends and business partners Ashley Morris and Jason Smylie purchased Capriottis after being multi-unit franchisees for three years, increasing the brands footprint from 42 units to more than 100 in 18 states and Washington D.C.
Capriottis growth and development over the last 40 years is attributed to the un-ending support of our dedicated fans across the country, said Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriottis. With our top-quality, premium sandwiches, unique company culture and experience in franchising, Capriottis has come a long way since first opening our doors in 1976, and we look forward to continued success in the next 40 years.
Throughout its growth, Capriottis has upheld the founders tradition of slow-roasting whole all-natural Butterball turkeys in house and hand shredding them each morning to feature in their extraordinary signature subs and salads. Capriottis celebrated sandwiches include, The Bobbie, made with homemade turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo on a freshly-baked roll and the Capastrami, made with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and cole slaw. The brand also features a wide array of salads, soups, and delicious vegetarian subs and sandwiches like the Veggie Cole Turkey, made with vegetarian turkey, provolone cheese, cole slaw, and mayo topped with Russian dressing.
In 2015, Capriottis expanded its menu for the very first time since the brands inception to include CAPS 2.0, which allows guests to pair their favorite sandwich with a new line of premium salads and soups. In addition, beginning this month, Capriottis restaurants, in select markets, will feature their own craveable twist on breakfast sandwiches.
Capriottis is on track to open 16 restaurants in 2016, putting its year-end target at more than 110 locations. In 2017, they aim to open 35 locations and hope to be up to 50 restaurants a year by 2018. This year they have opened six locations in California, Delaware, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada and Nebraska. Additionally, there are currently locations in development in both new and existing markets such as Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Nevada and Tennessee. Capriottis is also actively seeking franchise partners to help develop and grow the brand in Maryland, Northern Virginia, the Upper Mid-West and Pennsylvania.
For additional information regarding Capriottis, please visit www.capriottis.com. For franchise information please visit www.ownacapriottis.com or call Bruce Evans at (702) 736-3878.
About Capriottis Sandwich Company
Founded in 1976, Capriottis Sandwich Shop, is an award-winning sandwich shop that remains true to their 40 year tradition of slow-roasting whole, all natural turkeys in-house every day. Capriottis fresh ingredients, homemade subs and unique menu items have won numerous accolades including being named one of the 10 Great Places for a Surprising Sandwich by USA Today and many Best of awards across the country. Capriottis cold, grilled and vegetarian subs, cheese steaks and salads are available at 100 locations in 18 states and federal districts across the U.S. including: Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Washington D.C. Capriottis signature sub, The Bobbie, was voted The Greatest Sandwich in America by thousands of readers across the country and reported by AOL.com. Capriottis fans can also download the CAPAddicts Rewards app for iOS and Android, where they can earn and redeem rewards. For more information, visit capriottis.com. Like Capriottis on Facebook, follow on Twitter or Instagram.
SOURCE Capriottis Sandwich Company
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In a pre-sentencing letter to the judge released today by the New York Times, convicted rapist Brock Turner fails to own any responsibility for raping an unconscious woman behind a trash dumpster on Jan. 17, 2015. Turner's plea letter reads like a laundry list of white male privilege lost. It touched the white male judge in all the right places. Turner begs for leniency in his letter, and he got it.
"I've been shattered by the party culture and risk taking behavior that I briefly experienced in my four months at school," writes the former Stanford University student. "I've lost my chance to swim in the Olympics."
Turner blames the sexual assault he committed on a campus culture of excessive alcohol consumption, peer pressure, and "sexual promiscuity."
There's no way Brock Allan Turneroh by the way, did you see his swimming times?could have raped a woman because he's a fucking rapist.
In a letter to Judge Aaron Persky of the Santa Clara County Superior Court which was submitted before his ridiculously wrist-slap of a sentence, Turner says: "I am the sole proprietor of what happened on the night that changed these people's lives forever. I would give anything to change what happened."
The New York Times published a copy of his letter today. In it, Turner also says that his decision to rape an unconscious woman behind a trash dumpster on the Stanford campus left him "a changed person." I'll bet! It changed the woman he raped, too.
Here, let Brock Turner tell you more about what he has lost by raping that anonymous woman.
"I've lost my ability to obtain a Stanford degree. I've lost employment opportunities, my reputation and most of all, my life."
That's right. Because he raped an unconscious woman behind a dumpster, he literally lost his life.
"These things force me to never want to put myself in a position where I have to sacrifice everything," the rapist continued.
"I would make it my life's mission to show everyone that I can contribute and be a positive influence on society from these events that have transpired. I will never put myself through an event where it will give someone the ability to question whether I really can be a betterment to society. I want no one, male or female, to have to experience the destructive consequences of making decisions while under the influence of alcohol. I want to be a voice of reason in a time where people's attitudes and preconceived notions about partying and drinking have already been established."
What is the moral of Brock Turner's rape-to-redemption story?
"I want to let young people know, as I did not, that things can go from fun to ruined in just one evening."
In addition to his six-month jail sentence, which is insanely lenient compared to the 14-year maximum, Turner will serve three years' probation and must register as a sex offender.
Get your tiniest violin ready to play the saddest song in the universe, because he also lost his swimming scholarship to Stanford, and the university banned him from ever stepping foot on the campus again.
That punishment was "a steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action," according to Brock Turner's dad.
"In Stanford Rape Case, Brock Turner Blamed Drinking and Promiscuity" [Liam Stack, New York Times]
Want to get even more pissed off? Stanford had one rape every two weeks before Brock Turner was caught on Jan. 17, 2015.
From the Daily Beast:
After being shamed out of the Tribeca Film Festival, Anti-Vax hoaxer Andrew Wakefield continues to spread his lies. Someone in Kansas City thought giving time to Vaxxed, his conspiracy flick, was a good idea.
Via The Kansas City Star:
The anti-vaccination documentary "Vaxxed" was set to be part of this spring's Tribeca Film Festival in New York. But then the festival and one of the film's defenders, actor Robert De Niro, came under fire and pulled the film.
Now Kansas City area audiences will have a chance to see the controversial film for themselves
Wakefield is the British gastroenterologist who claimed to link autism to the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. (De Niro has an autistic child.) Since then, his research has been called "an elaborate fraud," and Wakefield's medical license was revoked.
The teacher crisis is real, and were not going to work our way out of it simply by making it easier to hire teachers.
This week, the Internet Archive is hosting a three-day event (which finishes today) called The Decentralized Web Summit, whose goal is to figure out how to build a new Internet that is "locked open," an idea that emerged from Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle's 2015 series of talks and articles about how technologists can build networks and protocols that are resistant to attempt to capture, monopolize and control them.
I attended the first two days, and the event was inspiring and brilliant. Speakers included Vint Cerf, one of the inventors of the core Internet technologies; and Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the web.
The New York Times story about the first day captures some of the flavor of optimism and urgency in the room, and the sense that Edward Snowden's whistleblowing revealed that the Internet had become a system of nightmarish control and surveillance that disproportionately benefited the powerful and corrupt at the expense of everyone else.
Twenty-seven years ago, Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web as a way for scientists to easily find information. It has since become the world's most powerful medium for knowledge, communications and commerce but that doesn't mean Mr. Berners-Lee is happy with all of the consequences. "It controls what people see, creates mechanisms for how people interact," he said of the modern day web. "It's been great, but spying, blocking sites, repurposing people's content, taking you to the wrong websites that completely undermines the spirit of helping people create." So on Tuesday, Mr. Berners-Lee gathered in San Francisco with other top computer scientists including Brewster Kahle, head of the nonprofit Internet Archive and an internet activist to discuss a new phase for the web.
The Web's Creator Looks to Reinvent It
[Quentin Hardy/NYT]
(Image: Jason Henry)
MacPherson, an assistant member of the Human Biology and Public Health Sciences divisions at Fred Hutch, is an expert in developing preclinical models that can help shed light on the biology of tumor development, progression and relapse. For his research he turned to characteristic genetic mutations in SCLC, which can provide clues to tumor biology. Genes in the Myc family, especially L-Myc, are often amplified in SCLC, which implies they may influence cancer development or recurrence. The teams findings suggest that treatments that target a specific pathway regulated by L-Myc could augment current therapies.
Weve showed that L-Myc is important in SCLC cells, and not just when its amplified, he noted. Basal levels of L-Myc are important in the biology of SCLC and could be therapeutically targetable.
They found that forcing SCLC precursor cells to produce L-Myc (or other Myc family members) at high levels caused them to take on characteristics of tumor cells. In two different preclinical models of SCLC development, the team saw that removing the gene encoding L-Myc dramatically reduced the number of small-cell lung tumors.
MacPherson, Park and colleagues showed that L-Myc promotes tumor development by turning on genes that regulate pathways involved in protein synthesis. Upping L-Myc levels, in turn, led to increased protein production. A drug to target protein-production pathways, called CX-5461, is already in clinical testing for blood cancers. When the researchers used this drug to suppress protein-production pathways in a preclinical model of SCLC, they found that it either prompted tumor regression or prevented progression of disease.
Now we need to look more deeply at the potential of inhibiting [protein synthesis] in SCLC patients, MacPherson said. His teams findings suggest that even normal levels of L-Myc play a role in SCLC development, and other research suggests that extra copies of the gene may be critical to the biology of SCLC relapse after treatment.
MacPherson and colleagues plan to continue testing the efficacy of CX-5461 in various preclinical models to see whether this drug may be combined with current therapies to prevent relapse after initial treatment response or target relapsed disease. In collaboration with clinicians at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the team has developed models using patient samples in which they will measure the efficacy of CX-5461 against SCLC.
Sabrina Richards / Fred Hutch News Service
Marketing Republic Releases Free Report On the Multi Million Lead Gen System
Marketing Republic has released a free report on How to Generate More Sales Leads Without Cold Calling,Secrets of the Multi Million B2B Sales Prospecting System. Download the the report at no cost here - http://www.outreach2.com/
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Marketing Republic has today released a free report titled: "Secrets of the Multi Million B2B Sales Prospecting System". This report aims to help all the business owners who are frustrated they are not achieving their business goals and hitting their sales targets as they cannot find enough sales leads. With this proven B2B Sales Prospecting process, Marketing Republic teach clients how to implement sales prospecting campaigns into their business fast. It also aims to show entrepreneurs 8 crucial steps to generating more sales leads, enrolling more Clients & generating more profits in their business. The aim of the report is to help business owners create more time, freedom and to make more money..
The report has been made openly available and at no cost by Marketing Republic. It's available to the general public, thought leaders within the B2B Business Development and Telemarketing in the UK market and anyone with an interest in How to Generate More Sales Leads Without Cold Calling.
The report was also written with a specific focus on Entrepreneurs / Sales Directors / Business Owners / Marketing Directors since Stefan Boyle, author of the report, believes "Having been in the position many of our clients are in, when they are stressed, frustrated and worried their business is not achieving it's potential, we wanted to help more entrepreneurs achieve their goals. It's vital in competitive market places to have the latest skills and techniques and we felt this free report would make things a lot easier for small business owners who have enough on their plate already. We wrote this report with entrepreneurs and small business owners in mind as it's our mission to help as many of them across the UK and around the world to achieve their business goals.."
When asked about why they released the report at this time, Stefan Boyle, CEO at Marketing Republic said: "In my business, we help many corporate clients and clients with high value propositions to build a database of prospects who fit their Ideal Customer Profile and build email and telemarketing campaigns to reach out to those people, start conversations and engage with those prospects so our clients close more deals, faster. I wrote this free report as I wanted to share the knowledge and experience I and my team have discovered from thousands of hours of testing, research and running campaigns in over 21 countries. We've created millions of in sales pipeline for our clients and it's very exciting for us to share that knowledge with other entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to grow their business faster."
Interested parties can find the report ready to download, for free, at http://www.outreach2.com/
Marketing Republic was founded in 2012 and is a leading B2B Sales Development and Lead Generation Agency, using a unique approach they have developed called the OUTREACH Formula 2.0 - The business is a leading telemarketing and lead generation agency running sales prospecting campaigns for clients looking for an effective, proven way of growing their business, with B2B Business Development and Telemarketing services. It is best known for running their unique and proven sales prospecting process for clients who want better quality sales leads, with prospects who fit their Ideal Customer Profile, so the chances of closing deals with the prospects is significantly higher. Marketing Republic make sure they over deliver every step of the way with campaigns that incorporate database building, email campaigns and telemarketing follow up to qualify the best quality sales leads..
The unique position Marketing Republic has within its industry, gives them the authority to produce such a report on How to Generate More Sales Leads Without Cold Calling because having run campaigns in multiple languages, in over 21 countries, with clients with up to 7 figure sales propositions, they have spent many thousands of hours refining and developing their own B2B sales prospecting methodology, called the OUTREACH Formula 2.0 - Marketing Republic help clients define their Ideal Prospects, their USP and create email campaigns that get response, ready for Outbound telemarketing teams to qualify in depth. This consultative sales prospecting process means higher quality sales opportunities and greater close rates.
For example, as the report aims to solve how many business owners are frustrated they are not achieving their business goals and hitting their sales targets as they cannot find enough sales leads. With their proven B2B Sales Prospecting process, Marketing Republic teach clients how to implement sales prospecting campaigns into their business fast., it gives valuable information to the reader that will ultimately benefit them by showing business owners and entrepreneurs there is a proven way to improve the effectiveness of their sales team so they close more business with their Ideal Clients and hit their sales targets. Knowing about this will ultimately benefit the reader with a more effective sales process and more clients, increased sales and profits. This insight simply wouldn't be possible, or their advice nearly as effective, without the 4 years spent in the B2B Business Development and Telemarketing industry the UK running both local and global campaigns.
More information on Marketing Republic can be found at http://www.marketing-for-business.com/
The Report "Secrets of the Multi Million B2B Sales Prospecting System" can be downloaded at http://www.outreach2.com/
For more information about us, please visit http://www.marketing-for-business.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Stefan Boyle
Email: priority@marketing-for-business.com
Organization: Marketing Republic
Address: 2 Caxton Way, Watford Business Park, Watford, Herts. WD18 8UA
Phone: 08458625550
Release ID: 118535
For more information visit r
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Vintage and Antique Costume Jewelry Dealer Rainbow's End Launches New Website
Arlene Hjulian continues to buy and sell vintage jewelry after being a successful Ruby Lane & eBay seller.
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LIVINGSTON, TEXAS, June 1, 2016 - Arlene Hjulian has announced the launch of her brand new website. At the Rainbow's End site, shoppers can now find a wide variety of designer signed, unusual and beautiful vintage and antique jewelry that has been hand-selected by Hjulian.
For the past 8 years, Hjulian has offered her carefully curated selection of antique and vintage jewelry via the web mall Ruby Lane. She has also been an eBay seller since 1998 and has a 100% positive feedback rating. Now, shoppers can find the Rainbow's End collection at its own dedicated website.
Hjulian's journey in the vintage and antique costume jewelry niche began when she was a traveling occupational therapist and started collecting vintage and antique jewelry for her two daughters as something fun to do in new places all over the US. Hjulian learned how to repair and restore jewelry while studying and learning more about vintage and antique jewelry. The journey led to the creation of Rainbow's End.
Along the way, Hjulian became a charter member of the Vintage Fashion and Costume Jewelry (VFCI) Collectors' Club, which was replaced by Costume Jewelry Collectors International.
In 2003, she remarried, and within a year, both Hjulian and her husband were diagnosed with cancer. When both of them completed treatment, they began traveling the country as full-time motorhomers. Now, through Rainbow's End, Hjulian is sharing the treasures they find along their journeys with the world.
"We still give some of the pieces we find to our six grandchildren to start collections and instill a love of these beautiful wearable works of art in yet another generation," said Hjulian.
The new Rainbow's End website makes it easy for shoppers to peruse the collection of beautiful, unique jewelry the Hjulians find. With detailed, large images of each piece and intricate descriptions for each item, Rainbow's End delivers a wealth of information about each piece so that shoppers can select the perfect jewelry for their needs.
According to Hjulian, since the launch of Rainbow's End, she has shipped to 44 states in the United States and 22 countries around the world, including Ireland, Italy, Greece, France, Russia, Spain, and Canada.
At the Rainbow's End website, shoppers can also find testimonials, information about the company, articles about jewelry and vintage costume jewelry, and more. Further information can be found at Arlene's Rainbows End.
About Rainbow's End
Rainbow's End strives to offer unusual, designer signed, and beautiful unsigned jewelry at very affordable pricing. Prices at Rainbow's End are usually significantly lower than prices elsewhere for the same or comparable pieces.
For more information about us, please visit https://www.arlenesrainbowsend.com
Contact Info:
Name: Arlene Hjulian
Email: arlene@arlenesrainbowsend.com
Organization: Arlene's Rainbows End
Address: 237 Rainbow Drive #13764, Livingston, TX 77399
Phone: (361) 355-1061
Source: http://marketersmedia.com/vintage-and-antique-costume-jewelry-dealer-rainbows-end-launches-new-website/118705
Release ID: 118705
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Crusading law prof Tim Wu who coined the term "Network Neutrality" and literally wrote the book on telcoms, corruption, and networks as a force for corruption or liberation has a new gig: he's "Senior Enforcement Counsel and Special Advisor" to the New York Attorney General, and he's on the warpath.
First up is Time Warner Cable, a company that provides excellent services at a reasonable price said no one ever. Wu and the AG office distributed open source network monitoring service to New Yorkers and produced a dataset showing, to the third decimal place, just how terrible Time Warner's Internet offering is. He's written them a blazing open letter laying out the problems that they've documented and asking what Time Warner's going to do about it.
Wu shot my dwarf in the back with a crossbow when we were in elementary school together in Toronto, but with this towering and powerful invective, he has redeemed himself at last. All is forgiven, Tim.
Mohammed Zaman, founder of Easingwold Jaipur Spice restaurant in the UK, was sentenced to six years in prison for serving a nut-powder curry to a man with a nut allergy. The victim, who asked Zaman not to give him food with nuts, died from anaphylactic shock immediately after eating it.
After the sentencing, the restaurant issued a fauxpology that concluded with an advertisement for new desserts:
Wealth management firm NPG and its life assurance company Private Estate Life will now operate under one brand name as it looks to simplify the groups structure.
NPG Wealth Management, which specialises in life assurance advice, provides cross-border financial solutions through Private Estate Life.
The two firms have now adopted a single shared name, OneLife, which it hopes will boost growth.
According to Marc Stevens, chief executive of OneLife, the firm has simplified the group structure over the past two years in a bid to improve quality and efficiency.
The group also hopes to overturn conventional attitudes to life assurance by developing solutions for increasingly mobile wealthy clients, he said.
Mr Stevens said the firm is looking to increase its presence in the UK, where he sees a bulk of opportunities in the life assurance space, from the companys base in Luxembourg.
OneLife is launching two new products for the UK market this month: a life assurance contract called Wealth UK offering full portability to internationally mobile clients, and Capitalisation UK, a capital redemption bond which will provide tax benefits without the need for lives being assured.
Mr Stevens said: Changes in the UK wealth management marketplace, from a clampdown on aggressive tax avoidance schemes to new restrictions on access to resident non-domiciled status, are making compliant tax deferral vehicles more popular than ever.
Both of the new products offer considerable benefits over traditional asset portfolios, including the absence of capital gains tax liability on asset switches.
OneLife, which has 6bn (4.7bn) in assets under management, relies on a network of selected partners, including private banks, family offices and independent financial advisers.
Blair Cann, financial planner at Hertfordshire-based M Thurlow & Co, said: This is a niche market company based in Luxembourg dedicated to servicing the ultra rich.
I have to say that I have never heard of either of the two parts now being joined and I dont anticipate coming across it very often in its new guise.
I much prefer to deal with household names, not least because our client bank is relatively conservative and in the main would be uncomfortable with such an organisation.
I also think you need more than a name change to boost your growth.
katherine.denham@ft.com
UK house prices are expected to experience a short-term drop for the first time since 2012, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors survey.
Central London house prices are already falling, with 35 per cent more polled property professionals reporting that prices had fallen rather than risen over the past month.
While prices are continuing to climb modestly across the rest of the UK, this trend looks set to fade, with 10 per cent more respondents predicting that prices would fall rather than increase over the coming three months.
London and East Anglia are expected to be worst hit, with 43 per cent (net balance) and 33 per cent (net balance) of respondents respectively stating prices will fall over the next quarter.
Rics chief economist Simon Rubinsohn pointed out that unfortunately, for the many young people looking to enter the property market, it is unlikely this will mean the emergence of a more affordable market.
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. 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. Simon Rubinsohn
Certainly, thats the story we are hearing from our members. There is not at this point a sense that a fundamental shift is taking place in the market.
Buyer demand fell across the UK for the second consecutive month and at the fastest pace since 2008, with a third more Rics members stating demand decreased last month.
The survey also revealed that in the longer term, while house prices are expected to regain momentum, rents look set to outpace them with UK rents predicted to increase by 4.7 per cent year-on-year for the next five years, compared to house price increases of 4.1 per cent.
The number of agreed sales also fell for the second consecutive month, with a net balance of 22 per cent of respondents reporting a fall rather than an increase in activity.
Meanwhile, chartered surveyor e.survs latest mortgage monitor confirmed a further slowdown in home lending in May, ahead of the EU referendum, meaning house purchase lending activity has fallen to a 12-month low.
Last month saw 65,113 house purchase approvals (seasonally adjusted), down 1.7 per cent from 66,250 in April.
This is the lowest monthly figure for home purchase loans since the 64,626 granted in May 2015 and follows monthly declines seen in April (minus 5.8 per cent) and March (minus 3 per cent)..
Richard Sexton, director of e.surv, said: The EU referendum is causing some nervousness within financial circles and bringing new unknowns with it.
Juggling these challenges will be key to maintaining the current health of the mortgage market and lenders should brace themselves for possible surprises.
Scottish Widows has launched an online pension transfer tool allowing members of multiple corporate schemes to consolidate their schemes into one account.
The Lloyds-owned company pitched the new service as a tool for members that cant afford advice.
However, the service only allows members to consolidate into, not out of, a Scottish Widows corporate pension scheme.
But a spokesperson for the company said if members decided to consolidate with another scheme, they could still use the assessment tool to decide whether consolidation was a good idea.
A spokesman for Scottish Widows claimed the tool would give corporate advisers an additional selling point.
On top of providing advice to higher income members, the spokesman said it would allow those with smaller pots to access something akin to advice.
The tool stresses, though, that it does not provide financial advice.
The tool allows transfers from all defined contribution corporate and personal schemes.
It does not allow transfers from defined benefit schemes or schemes with guaranteed benefits, or transfers that are part of a block transfer.
It will only transfer out of schemes that are not currently receiving contributions.
David Holton, corporate propositions director at Scottish Widows, said the new tool aims to fulfil an unmet customer need to be able to consolidate pension assets simply.
He said: It particularly helps support advisers when they are working on pension transfers across an entire scheme.
In this instance, the adviser can concentrate on more complex customer needs on an advised basis, with more straightforward cases being transferred to the self-service section on the website.
Scottish Widows are also working towards enabling individual customers to access the service.
Nigel Sycamore, a corporate financial adviser and director of Clear Workplace, said any transfer tool should first of all compare features such as fees and member benefits.
He said: Justification of a transfer is the most important thing. We wouldnt want to be tranferring peoples savings unless we knew they were going into something better.
james.fernyhough@ft.com
Ed Smith who headed up the Financial Advice Market Review Secretariat at the Financial Conduct Authority, has laid out his predictions of what a good outcome for the regulators Advice Unit will look like.
At the beginning of June, the FCA launched its Advice Unit which is aimed at firms seeking to offer cheaper, technology-led alternatives to face-to-face advice.
The Advice Unit was announced in the Financial Advice Market Review report and will focus on helping firms develop fully or partly automated online services and other models that use technology to deliver lower cost advice.
Speaking at a conference held in London today (9 June) on the future of life and pensions, Mr Smith responded to a question from chair Steve Jenkins, director of financial markets at the Chartered Insurance Institute on what good would look like in terms of the success of the Advice Unit in two or three years time.
He said: We see it helping all sorts of automated models and companies not just firms that are in the market but firms that are thinking about entering the market.
The key criteria is that its an automated model of some form, it does not have to be a full robo-advice model it could be a piece of technology that helps reduce the cost of face to face advice.
It could be a way of doing an automated fact find, these sorts of things but the key thing is that it lowers the cost of that advice and makes mass market advice more likely, more available.
Mr Smith added the FCA has been talking to a number of different firms ranging from banks to small start ups about the project.
He added: What would good look like? What good would look like is that weve helped to bring a number of models to market that are genuinely innovative that actually do help to reduce the cost of that advice, giving people advice on a cost effective basis and also in an engaging way.
Its not just about cost its also about engagement - so thats what good looks like. Im not pretending its easy but I think weve got a good stab at that.
Mr Smith added there are a lot of interesting good models present already in the market, and this was a question of building on those and giving firms the confidence to develop their own models and navigate the regulatory space.
The Members of Parliament voted in favour of the far-ranging, massively invasive spying bill after the Tories agreed to minor improvements, like dropping the requirement for mandatory crypto backdoors if they would be infeasible or expensive to implement.
The vote went 444 to 69.
Next, the bill goes to the House of Lords, who've historically been unfavourable to surveillance legislation. We can and will put pressure on them to do the right thing, but it looks grim.
The version of the bill passed Tuesday states that companies can only be asked to remove encryption that they themselves have put in place and if doing so is technically feasible and not unduly expensive. This provision would allow a company ordered to break encryption to appeal to the Secretary of State that doing so would pose a prohibitively costly or otherwise damaging challenge. The bill states that the government will likely reimburse communications companies, including mobile operators, for the cost of complying with the new legal obligations, such as the requirement to retain records of all the websites its customers visit for at least a year. Civil rights and privacy advocates have also opposed the bill and the revisions the government made in the final version haven't mollified them. "Minor botox has not fixed this bill," Shami Chakrabarti, the director of the civil rights group Liberty, said when the final version was introduced in March.
U.K. Commons Passes Controversial 'Snooper's Charter' Bill
[Jeremy Kahn/Bloomberg]
UK Parliament Ignores Concerns; Moves Snooper's Charter Forward
[Mike Masnick/Techdirt]
Kansas rancher Daniel Mushrush rears Red Angus cattle, following in the footsteps of his parents and grandparents.
Big trucks and clever technology are needed to work on more than 4,000ha, and there are no government subsidies for ranchers to fall back on.
He shares five reasons why he and the rest of his family need to get out of the right side of the bed each day.
1. Coyotes want to eat your calves
Coyotes are a constant problem and there are lots in eastern Kansas, explains Daniel, who runs a spring and autumn calving block in the Flint Hills.
His eldest daughter, Sadie, can name all of her cats stolen by coyotes out of the yard.
See also: Efficient ranching: Smaller cows build big returns in US
Daniels control method is a coyote call that mimics a wounded rabbit to call them in and then either a .243 or Ar-15 to shoot them.
He says: The Ar-15 actually is a great gun for coyotes because so many shots are at a running target and follow-up shots are necessary.
2. Bulls need delivering 3,000 miles
Vast and expansive, US cattle country is dotted with commercial producers requiring Mushrush bulls.
One bull delivery route sees Daniel and family travel 3,000 miles in four days, crossing seven states.
Other routes take them 17 hours north-west to Wyoming and 700 miles south through Oklahoma and into Texas.
Mushrush Red Angus holds its bull sales every year at the ranch near Strong City, offering discounts on bull buyers picking up their own purchases.
With a young family to take care of, Daniel and wife Christine must factor in toilet and nappy changing stops on the way to some far-flung customers.
3. All hail the mighty pickup
Pickups are massive and have massive demands placed on them, expected to pull 14 big hay bales or 15 cull cows to market on goose-neck trailers.
A lot is expected from ranchers, too, with most requiring the same commercial licences as professional truckers.
Mushrush Red Angus sold a pickup they really liked for a smaller one because of government bureaucracy, recalls Daniel.
Keep in mind our trailer is the same size that was pulled by the larger pickup, so I have less stopping ability and control but Im legal.
4. Bulls send you text messages
Expansive and desolate, ranching country in Kansas puts one lonely cow on 3.2-4ha plots, which means technology can help you find them.
Drones and tracking technology can save hours (and days) of searching for a cow and calf, a sick heifer or a bull that needs taking home.
In east Kansas, stocking rates are about one cow to 4-4.8ha, but further west in Utah, Wyoming and Nevada, cows might even get as much as 60ha to graze.
Daniel is looking at installing Cattletraxx eartags to locate where cattle are down to a few feet.
It will alert me if a bull leaves his group of cows via text message, says Daniel. It is amazing technology.
5. You torch your land
Every spring, thousands of Kansas hectares are set ablaze by ranchers to kill off last years sun-scarred and frost-beaten tallgrasses.
Wildfires, however, are a problem and can be deadly. Back in March, a wildfire started in Oklahoma and was blown north into Kansas.
Media reported that more than 1,600sq km of cattle grazing and prairie land were destroyed, as well as 16 homes.
Controlled fires leave new space for fresh growth, kill parasites and weeds and continue an ancient tradition undertaken by the native people of the Flint Hills.
Things can threaten to get out of hand from time to time, though, and Daniel has had his own near-misses with fire.
Despite all of the above, Daniel reassures that, while things may be bigger over in the US, baler twine and duct tape still go a long way to solving lifes little problems.
The chairman of JCB has written to all his staff to explain why he will vote to leave the EU in the upcoming referendum.
In a letter sent to the machinery companys 6,500 workers, Lord Bamford said he voted to stay in the Common Market in 1975, but he did not vote for a political union.
Lord Bamford explained that JCB was a global company selling to 150 countries and 78% of its turnover comes from the UK and non-European countries.
See also: NI farmers favour Brexit in show of hands
Although 22% of JCBs trade is completed with EU countries, the billionaire businessman said the company would continue to trade with Europe irrespective of whether we remain in or leave the EU.
I believe that JCB and the UK can prosper just as much outside the EU, so there is very little to fear if we do choose to leave Lord Bamford
Lord Bamford said: The UK is a trading nation and the fifth largest economy in the world.
I am very confident that we can stand on our own two feet. I believe that JCB and the UK can prosper just as much outside the EU, so there is very little to fear if we do choose to leave.
However, Lord Bamford told workers it was up to them to decide how they should vote in the referendum on 23 June.
After more than 40 years in the EU, I will be voting to leave, he said. How you vote is entirely a decision for you.
Above all, do please cast a vote one way or the other your opinion counts and your vote counts.
JCB has donated millions of pounds to the Conservative Party over the last 15 years, including more than 1m in the 2014-15 financial year.
Lord Bamfords letter will be a blow to prime minister David Cameron, who is touring the country to encourage people to vote to remain in the EU.
'Dance Moms' Season 6 Spoilers: Jojo Siwa Quits Show and Abby Lee Miller Dance Company?
Jojo Siwa has the biggest personality in "Dance Moms" Season 6, and when she's not around you're definitely going to notice it. So when she went MIA for a couple of group photos, many have wondered if Jojo Siwa has already quit "Dance Moms" and no longer dances for Abby Lee Miller Dance Company.
'Dance Moms' Season 6: Where is Jojo Siwa?
Fashion & Style reported that "Dance Moms" Season 6 Abby Lee Miller shared a photo on Instagram with the caption, "These girls certainly were not at the pool today!"
Only four of the Abby Lee Dance Company students and "Dance Moms" Season 6 dancers were on the photo, Nia Sioux, Kendall Vertes, Kalani Hilliker, and Brynn Rumfallo.
Since Jojo Siwa was the only member of the ALDC and "Dance Moms" Season 6 that wasn't on the photo, it gives the impression that she may have gotten on Abby Lee Miller's nerves when she went to the pool, based on Miller's Instagram caption.
After their performance that weekend, ALDC and the only original "Dance Moms" member left, Nia Sioux, also shared a photo on Instagram.
It also featured Kendall Vertes, Kalani Hilliker, Brynn Rumfallo, Abby Lee Miller and assistant choreographer, Gianna Martello, confirming that Jojo Siwa wasn't present at the "Dance Moms" Season 6 Fierce National Dance Competition in Calabasas, California.
'Dance Moms' Season 6: Did Jojo Siwa quit the show?
International Business Times suggests that Jojo Siwa may have followed Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler's footsteps. Abby Lee Miller's prized talent Maddie Ziegler and her younger sister Mackenzie, also known as Mack Z, left "Dance Moms" for good to focus on their individual careers outside the Lifetime show.
After several photos emerged of the "Dance Moms" Season 6 dancers without Jojo Siwa, yet another photo was shared without the 13-year-old.
Kalani Hilliker's mom, Kira Girard shared an Instagram photo of all the mom and kids of "Dance Moms" Season 6 minus Jojo Siwa and her mom, fueling the rumors even more that Siwa is no longer a part of ALDC and "Dance Moms" Season 6.
Abby Lee Miller or Jojo Siwa herself has yet to confirm or deny the rumors. Right now, "Dance Moms" Season 6 fans will just have to cross their fingers that one of these days Jojo Siwa will finally show up at the Abby Lee Dance Company studio.
In India and Pakistan, the variety of traditional sweets prepared for special occasions seems infinite. One popular treat is laddu (or ladoo), sweet little sugary carb balls. They're basically cookies, and they're munched at big celebrationsweddings, births, and the like.
In Pakistan's Punjab province in mid-April, 2016, Umar Hayat's family was celebrating the birth of a child. The Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported that Mr. Hayat invited "scores of relatives" over to his mud hut, and served about 11 pounds of laddu purchased from the nearby Tariq Hotel and Sweet Shop. Everyone, kids and adults, gobbled the sweets down. Then they began vomiting.
For 31 of these party-goers, it was the last thing they ate in their lifetime.
From The Washington Post (via The Independent:)
But as they did, they started vomiting, one after the other, in quick succession. They were rushed to the local hospital, Dawn reported, where they only became sicker. Then, one by one, they started dying. By Thursday of that week, 12 members of Hayat's family were dead, among them eight sons, a daughter and three grandchildren. At the same time, several dozen others who had purchased sweets from the same Tariq Hotel and Sweet Shop, also took horribly ill and were rushed to the hospital. By this week, 19 more who had consumed the sweets were dead.
A police officer in the area suggested that a worker at Tariq Hotel and Sweet Shop may have "inadvertently" added pesticide to the laddus mix.
"There was a pesticide shop close by which was being renovated, and the owner had left his pesticides at the bakery for safe keeping," Gulf News reports the officer said.
Turns out it wasn't inadvertent at all. Someone deliberately poisoned the sweets.
Dawn and other news outlets reported last week that the mystery of the deadly sweets has been solved.
After interrogating dozens of people, authorities say they found out who was responsible for the mass poisoning: 18-year-old Khalid Mahmood, the younger brother of the sweet shop owner.
Mr. Mahmood confessed to spiking the laddu with a pesticide because he wanted "to teach [his brother] a lesson," he is said to have told police, adding that his older brother "tortured him."
From Dawn:
Fatehpur police arrested Tariq and Khalid with their 13-year-old servant Hamid. Forensic lab report revealed that blood sample of the victims contained chlorfenapyr (pesticide).
Various media reports in Pakistan said Khalid confessed to lacing the laddus with the poison Chlorfenapyr. Abb Takk TV reported that police recovered an empty bottle of the highly toxic pesticide, stashed away in a sunflower field.
There's a Wikipedia entry for the tragedy here. Snip:
A pesticide shop, close by the bakery where the sweets were bought, was being renovated, and the owner had left his products at the bakery for safekeeping. Mahmood may have used a small packet in the sweet mixture. A man bought 5kg of laddu for the celebration of a newborn on 17 April. At least 50 people consumed the sweets and ten of them died the same day. On 25 April, the death toll rose to 23 with 52 people still being treated at various hospitals. On 1 May the death toll rose to 33 with 13 people in hospital.The baby lost his father, six of his uncles and one aunt.
Related coverage:
"A village haunted by mass poisoning" [Dawn]
"26 killed after eating poison sweets in Pakistan, official says" [CNN]
Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 Rumors, Release Date & Update: Elegant New Flip Phone Coming Soon?
We find ourselves in the age of large-screened or phablet-built smartphones which technically leave no trace of the iconic foldables phones had before. Companies such as Samsung and Motorola had their roster of models to show but there is a chance that the former may be coming out with a successor to its Samsung Galaxy Folder (SM-G150) phone soon.
Such cropped up after an alleged device marked SM-G160 popped up over the Zauba import database. The Samsung Galaxy Folder, probably an unknown for some, was not exactly a device that carried impressive specs though it was still and Android foldable phone.
With that in mind, will Samsung take those points into consideration and come out with a more alluring foldable phone? If not, the alleged Samsung Galaxy Folder successor may as well be a waste of time if such is the case.
There will be some folks who may be interested in getting one, mostly out of curiosity and convenience. Looking over the roster of Samsung flagships, the Samsung Galaxy Folder is admittedly something that does not carry the same hype as the Samsung Galaxy S7 or even the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 6 or 7.
Looking over the spec sheet, the Samsung Galaxy Folder successor will feature a 3.8-inch screen (480x800 pixels) which will remain diagonal.
Other possible specs (per rumors) may include 1.5 GB of RAM, an 8 MP camera, a 1,800 mAh battery and something that will likely have Andoid 6.0 Marshmallow.
From the rumoured specs alone, it looks like the Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 (SM-G160) will be in the mid-range phone category, and is something likely to be made available only in Asia.
The Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 is not exactly the top-of-the-line phone one would consider, particularly the ones who exhaust the advanced features available today. But, for the ones who want something handy (not to mention iconic), the flip phone should get its fair share of attention and sales especially with a revamped elegant design.
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia was among the right people enshrined on the memorial wall on Saturday, Oct. 21.
For the last 10 years, any time K9 Deputy Bus did his job well, hed get a reward usually a treat or his favorite chew toy.
On Wednesday, nearly 50 people gathered outside of the Benton County Courthouse to reward Bus once again this time with a retirement plaque, a certificate and a bone.
Bus joined the Benton County Sheriffs Office in December 2005 and served with partner and handler Deputy Jim Weikel throughout his career. Weikel said a dual-certified K9, trained to handle both patrol and narcotics detection, with 10 years of experience is rare, but Bus is a special dog.
Its a bittersweet thing, because this dog loves to work, Weikel said. He deserves this retirement. But hes going to be sad not getting to go to work with me every day.
Weikel said Wednesday that he will never forget the first time Bus made an impact on the department. It was about 10 years ago, when the Sheriffs Office received a report of a suspicious package at a UPS Store. Employees at the store reported that a customer, claiming to be sending a candle and a videogame, didnt blink at a $125 shipping fee based on its weight. Weikel and Bus took the call and within seconds of their arrival, Bus bolted for the package and immediately alerted to it. After obtaining a search warrant and opening the package, Weikel opened it up and found a candle and a videogame.
I started thinking, oh no, we screwed up, Weikel said. But, just like he was trained, Bus didnt move.
A deputy executing the search warrant picked up the candle, which was unusually heavy, and peeled it apart.
He digs out an inch of wax, and there inside was a cocaine ball the size of a billiard ball, Weikel said. To me, all I could smell was a blackberry-scented candle. But Bus knew and he wasnt wrong. Thats when we knew this was something pretty special. It blew us all away.
Over the next 10 years, Bus would go on to make about 50 captures (with five street bites) while on patrol and more than 200 successful drug sniffs while on narcotics detection.
Looking back on the work they did together, Weikel said deciding to become Bus handler was one of the best decisions hes ever made.
Until you do this, you really have no idea what youre getting into. But if I went back, absolutely Id do it again, in a heartbeat, he said. It was a baptism by fire, but it has been a very rewarding partnership, I think for both of us.
Sheriff Scott Jackson honored Bus Wednesday with the Sheriffs Award Medal the third highest commendation at the department.
Throughout his career, which is many years more than what is typical for a K9, Deputy Bus has consistently achieved high quality and exceptional service to the community, Jackson said in front of the crowd gathered at the ceremony. His efforts were above and beyond that which is normally expected of a law enforcement K9.
Jackson said that although several K9s around the state have been forced into retirement due to the passage of Measure 91, which legalized recreational marijuana in Oregon, Bus' retirement was due to old age. The dog is 12 years old.
Undersheriff Greg Ridler said that, because of Bus precision in drug-sniffing, and apprehending suspects, and his calm presence at community events, the Sheriffs Office had three dogs for the price of one.
He was a hard worker and a good buddy to all of the deputies, Ridler told the crowd. Bus will be greatly missed here at the Sheriffs Office, but knowing he will enjoy retirement with people, Deputy Jim Weikel and his wife Jen, who care deeply about him, will be a fitting reward for Deputy K9 Bus.
As part of his retirement, Bus will continue living with the Weikels. Jen Weikel said the couple owns three other dogs, and even though Bus has been Jims partner for 10 years, the dog has always been a part of the family.
Hes always been very bonded with Jim, but when Jim has left town hes always been a great dog and fine with me taking care of him, Jen said. Hes not a pet dog, even now with the retirement, but hes always been a great dog. And were going to be very happy to have him home and with the family.
Oct. 20, 1939 May 25, 2016
A smartie he was quite. Philippe Carroll
A meticulous scholar and gracious gentleman is beyond the glass. Carleton W. Carroll died in Corvallis on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.
Born in Rochester, New York, on Oct. 20, 1939, to Clayton and Beatrice Carroll, Carl graduated from Ohio State University, and studied in France on a Fulbright scholarship. While there visiting Mulhouse, he met Paulette Flick, and they were engaged a few weeks later, marrying June 27 and July 27, 1963.
Professor of French language for 27 years at OSU, Carl began teaching in Corvallis in 1974, moving from a teaching position at University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he received his masters in 1965, and his Ph.D. in 1968.
A specialist in Medieval French, he contributed to a number of editions and translations of Arthurian French romances most notably Chretien de Troyes's "Erec et Enide." His seminal work earned him a knighthood from the French government, the Ordre des Palmes academiques, for his contributions to French culture and education.
Carl is preceded in death by his parents, sister Virginia Harper, and his wife, Paulette. Carl will be remembered fondly by his brother, Alan Carroll, family, colleagues and friends.
A celebration of Carl's life will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, at the Arts Center in Corvallis.
A lover of word games, clever lyrics and word combinations, architecture, cats, nature, and food, Carl now has an entirely new set of adjectives from which to draw!
Growing up in Indias Gujarat province, Parth Khimsaria never seriously considered attending college in America.
But his parents wanted him to at least consider the possibility. So they drew up a list of more than 100 U.S. universities, painstakingly ranking each one on a number of factors, from academic offerings to campus safety.
And, when he was accepted at Oregon State University, they scraped together the money for the costs of attendance not covered by scholarships.
Almost everyone (in India) would do anything for their kids, Khimsaria said. That whole family thing is pretty huge.
Not having the support system of an extended family was a big challenge for Khimsaria when he arrived on the Corvallis campus five years ago.
Basically, I had to pave the way for myself, he said. As an international student, I felt I always had to prove myself a little more. (But) I realized Oregon State has a lot of resources available.
As he learned to take advantage of the many student support services on campus, Khimsaria also found ways to share that knowledge as a student assistant with the International Student Peer Mentoring Program.
He also spent a lot of time helping out in the Beth Ray Student Success Center, serving as a supplemental instruction leader in math, physics and business calculus. During his time at OSU, Khimsaria estimates, he led more than 900 study tables.
It felt good to give back.
That has been the whole thing, because a lot of people helped me along my journey, Khimsaria said.
Everything that goes around comes around. Its all a circle.
Perhaps his proudest moment at OSU was the day he landed his first paid internship through MECOP, the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program.
It was 2 or 3 in the morning in India, but I called my dad, he recalled. I said, Dad, I got this internship. Im going to be working at this company and youre not going to have to support me anymore.
A second MECOP internship turned into a career opportunity.
Khimsaria will graduate from OSU on Saturday with dual bachelors degrees in industrial and manufacturing engineering with a minor in business and entrepreneurship. Two and a half weeks later, hell start work as a manufacturing engineer with silicon wafer fabrication equipment maker Lam Research in Tualatin after vacationing in California with his family.
Now Khimsaria has a younger brother who wants to be an engineer and hopes to attend college in Canada. Khimsaria already has assured their father that some of the salary from his new job will go to finance his siblings education.
It was understood: If I help you, youll help your brother, Khimsaria says matter-of-factly. That way we keep passing the torch. Maybe someday he will help my son.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.
Corvallis Police Department
TUESDAY, JUNE 7
HARASSMENT: 2:45 p.m., 3600 N.W. Samaritan Drive. An officer responded to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for a report of an out-of-control patient. Hospital staff reported that William Scaffidi, 56, of Corvallis spit on at least three people after emergency room staff members tried to discharge him from the hospital. Scaffidi was arrested and charged with three counts of harassment.
Benton County Sheriff's Office
MONDAY, JUNE 6
DUII: 11:10 p.m., Southwest Philomath Boulevard and 53rd Street. A deputy arrested and charged Joshua Michael Stork, 32 of Corvallis with DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangering. The deputy reported that Stork was seen on a motorcycle driving about 100 mph in a 45 mph zone. Stork had a reported blood alcohol content of 0.17 percent.
Article
Protecting the worlds oceans an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy
The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Scientists identify drugs to target Achilles heel of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia cells
New research, by the Universities of Glasgow and Manchester, has revealed an Achilles heel of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) and found drugs to successfully target this weakness and eradicate the disease in mice.
Video on the Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia research
The study, which is published in Nature today, analysed both CML and normal blood stem cells and found two proteins that were key to the survival of CML stem cells. The group, which has been working on this research for more than six years, then developed a drug combination to simultaneously target these critical proteins and kill the cancer stem cells, while largely sparing normal cells.
The interdisciplinary research team, led by Professor Tessa Holyoake from the University of Glasgow and Professor Tony Whetton from the University of Manchester, used a range of techniques to show that these two proteins (p53 and c-Myc) act as gateway controllers in CML.
Guided by the concept of precision medicine (the right drug, at the right time, for the right effect in the patient), the team designed a new treatment to exploit this critical weakness in the cancer. Using CML cells transplanted into mice, the authors demonstrated that drugs targeting these two proteins killed the cells that cause the leukaemia, effectively eradicating the disease.
The results have potential implications for other cancers including acute myeloid leukaemia and brain tumours. The researchers are now keen to build on their work by beginning human trials in patients with drug-resistant CML.
Professor Holyoake, who led the team from the Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, said: We are certainly excited by the results shown in the study. The research a fantastic example of precision medicine in action is at an early stage, but the data we collected has revealed two weaknesses in CML and a potential drug approach to eradicating these key stem cells.
We also could not have achieved such an excellent result without all the generous stem cell donations from both CML patients and other members of the public, so it is important to say thank you to them.
The team used a range of techniques in their research including proteomics (the large scale study of quantities, structures and functions of proteins).
Professor Whetton said: We have found a way to kill leukaemia stem cells which could lead to a cure of chronic myeloid leukaemia instead of managing the disease. We are really excited that our new proteomics approaches helped to achieve this.
There are so many other diseases where we can use the same proteomics approach to find precision medicine solutions for patients. We have the largest clinical proteomics centre in Europe in Manchester so we really look forward to contributing to this work.
Current therapy for CML is with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) which effectively hold back the disease, but do not cure it. If the therapy is stopped, the leukaemia relapses in the majority of patients, requiring CML patients to remain on treatment for their lifetime. These drugs, as well as being costly to administer, can cause a number of side effects including diabetes and vascular problems. It is the dual issues of cost and toxicity in current CML treatment that has driven this particular piece of research.
Dr Matt Kaiser, Head of Research at Bloodwise, said: Advances made in treatment for this type of leukaemia have, thanks to research, been one of the great medical success stories of recent years, with the transformation of a usually fatal cancer into a lifelong manageable condition for most patients. The only hope of a permanent cure at the moment is a gruelling stem cell transplant, which doesnt always work and would not be suitable for many patients to even consider. Although its early days, these hugely significant findings suggest that targeted drugs could be developed to cut the cancer off at its roots while sparing healthy cells, providing hope of more effective and kinder treatments.
Dr Aine McCarthy, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: By recognising the important roles p53 and MYC play in helping chronic myeloid leukaemia stem cells to survive, this study has identified two new ways to target and kill these cells. Excitingly, this early-stage laboratory work also showed that two experimental drugs which target the effects of these molecules can kill CML stem cells in mice. The next step will be to test if this combination works the same way in people, and if it is safe to use.
The study, Dual targeting of p53 and c-Myc selectively eliminates leukaemic stem cells is published in Nature. The research was funded by Bloodwise, Cancer Research UK, The Howat Foundation, Roche, Constellation Pharmaceuticals, the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office, Friends of Paul OGorman, and the British Society for Haematology start-up fund.
About the Research
The research team used an unbiased approach to their work, which involved a series of laboratory tests complemented with computational analyses and proteomics. Human stem cell samples were collected from CML donors and tested against donated stem cells from healthy individuals.
After gathering protein and RNA data from CML and healthy cell types, they used computational analyses to identify the likely protein interactions controlling CML stem cells. The proteins p53 and c-Myc were revealed as controllers in cancer but not in the normal stem cells. Using CML cells transplanted into mice they demonstrated that drugs targeting this dual hub killed the CML stem cells.
About CML
CML is a blood cancer affecting less than 1% of the population with more than 700 new patients diagnosed in the UK each year. It causes the body to make too many white blood cells, which over time fill the bone marrow and reduce the number of healthy white blood cells.
As a result of CML sufferers surviving longer (85% live for more than five years after being diagnosed) there is a growing economic cost associated with current therapy costing between 40,000 and 70,000 Euros for one patient per year in Europe.
CML was also the first cancer found to have a genetic mutation. As a result science has used CML as a learning model to understand how other cancers work, and importantly how patients become resistant to drug therapy.
enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 6557 or 0141 330 4831
Lebanon finds spy device hidden in fake rock
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 5:9AM
The Lebanese army says it has dismantled a spy device hidden inside a fake rock in the Chouf forest district southeast of the capital, Beirut.
Troops found a device in a fake plastic rock in the green area between Barouk and Ain Zhalta in southwestern Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) said on Tuesday.
Three locked bags were found next to the artificial rock with cables hanging out of them, it said.
According to the army, the bags were used to operate the device, which was connected to a sound amplification system. The military has launched an investigation.
The Lebanese army and Hezbollah have in the past dismantled several surveillance devices, some of which belonged to Israel.
Israel has continued to use offensive tactics aimed at creating chaos in Lebanon. It has planted devices not just on Hezbollah's civil telecommunication networks, but also on its military ones.
Two Daesh terrorists captured
The army also arrested two suspected members of Takfiri Daesh terrorist group on the outskirts of the country's northeastern town of Arsal, which borders Syria.
The army said the two suspects, who were hiding in a secret compartment in a pickup truck, were detained in the Wadi Hmayyed area of Arsal on Tuesday, Lebanese newspaper The Daily Star reported.
Lebanon is suffering from the spillover of militancy in neighboring Syria, where foreign-backed terrorists have been fighting government forces since 2011.
Daesh and al-Nusra Front, which is a branch of al-Qaeda operating in Syria, have been active on the outskirts of Arsal.
The militants briefly overran Arsal in August 2014, taking several Lebanese army and police forces hostage, some of whom were executed. In December last year, most of the captives were released as part of a prisoner swap deal.
Assisting Syrian army forces, fighters with the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have thwarted several Daesh attacks.i
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Don't take sides in South China Sea row: Beijing to Washington
Iran Press TV
Tue Jun 7, 2016 1:15PM
China has called on the United States to avoid taking sides in the South China Sea dispute and instead play a positive role in preserving peace in the disputed region.
State Councilor Yang Jiechi, China's top diplomat who outranks the foreign minister, made the request at the end of the annual US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing on Tuesday.
"China hopes the US will scrupulously abide by its promise to not take sides in relevant territorial disputes and play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea," Yang said.
The Chinese official further reiterated his country's right to protect its territorial sovereignty, emphasizing that maritime issues should be resolved by the parties involved through consultation.
"China respects and protects the right that all countries enjoy under international law to freedom of navigation and overflight," he added.
The official made the remarks a few days after US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter warned China against any provocative behavior in the contested region.
Carter said Chinese construction on a South China Sea islet, which is also claimed by the Philippines, would prompt "actions being taken" by the US and other nations.
He also noted that that Beijing risks building a "Great Wall of self-isolation" with its military activity in the disputed waters.
The comments come as the Philippines, a longtime US ally, is waiting for a ruling from a tribunal in The Hague later this month after it went to court in 2013 seeking clarification on its economic entitlements in the South China Sea. However, China says it will not respect the court's decision.
Beijing claims nearly all of the strategically vital South China Sea which is also claimed in part by Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The contested waters are believed to be rich in oil and gas.
China accuses the US of interfering in the regional issues and deliberately stirring up tensions in the South China Sea. Washington accuses Beijing of carrying out "a land reclamation program" in the disputed territory.
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UN human rights expert deplores sentencing of Tajikistan opposition leaders
7 June 2016 A United Nations human rights expert today expressed dismay at the lengthy sentences imposed last week on the leadership of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT).
The deputy party heads, Saidumar Husaini and Muhammad Hayit, were sentenced to life imprisonment on 2 June. According to reports, 11 other high-ranking officials were sentenced to jail terms ranging from 2 to 28 years.
"The harsh sentencing of multiple opposition leaders reflects the steady increase of restrictions on freedom of expression in Tajikistan," said David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression. "The crackdown on IRPT over the last year silenced one of the few opposition voices in the country, seriously compromising the prospects for public participation in Tajikistan's political life."
"Authorities in Tajikistan refer to their concerns regarding the threats of extremism and terrorism while justifying their actions," noted Mr. Kaye. "Yet, imposing such drastic and arbitrary measures against opposition and religious leaders is not only unacceptable but dangerous as it only helps to radicalize those pushed out of public debate."
The Special Rapporteur stressed that "stability can never be achieved through the repression of all forms of dissent."
Mr. Kaye said that during his visit to Tajikistan in March, he shared with the Government his "profound concern" that the ban of IRPT, the arrest and closed trials of its leadership which were not subject to any form of public or even UN scrutiny were clearly incompatible with international human rights standards.
The Special Rapporteur noted that the prospects for freedom of expression and democracy in the country seem distant after the constitutional referendum in May, which banned any religious parties and allowed the president to run for an unlimited number of terms.
He also repeated his call for the release of all persons detained on political grounds and expressed alarm at reports on the continued intimidation of the IRPT leaders' lawyers and relatives.
"I received disturbing reports that relatives of IRPT members were prevented by the police from trying to reach the UN office after the verdict was announced, and were taken to a district court where they were threatened to be arrested and fined for not obeying to the Police," Mr. Kaye said. "This is totally unacceptable and furthers the climate of fear in the country."
IRPT members were sentenced on accusations of participation in a criminal group, incitement of national, racial or religious hatred, murder, terrorism, appeals to violent change of the constitutional order, illegal possession or transfer of weapons, and armed rebellion. Yet evidence detailing the accusations has been completely hidden from view, the Special Rapporteur said.
Mr. Kaye's appeal has also been endorsed by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai, and the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt.
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Minot B-52s begin Baltops 16 flying ops
By Senior Airman Sahara L. Fales, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs / Published June 08, 2016
ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England (AFNS) -- A B-52H Stratofortress aircrew from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducted their first flying training mission in support of the multinational exercise Baltops 16 on June 7 from Royal Air Force Fairford.
Baltops is an ongoing cooperative training effort to promote security in the Baltic region with participants from about 17 nations. The training exercise allows participants to demonstrate their own unique roles in contributing to regional and global stability and to train for deployments in support of multinational contingency operations.
"There is a lot going on in this exercise," said Lt. Col. Mike Maginness, the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. "We will be all over the region working with many multinational partners, doing everything from cruise missile training and sea mining, to targeting pod work with the joint terminal attack controllers. It's a great opportunity for our crews to integrate across the entire spectrum of capabilities that the B-52 has, as well as train with our allies."
Baltops provides an opportunity for NATO partner nations to engage in realistic maritime training to build experience, teamwork and strengthen interoperability.
"In today's world, we will very rarely go at any fight alone," Maginness said. "We have staunch allies throughout the region; our traditional NATO partners have been with us for the last 70 years. It is important to train how we fight, and this a tremendous opportunity to do so, while demonstrating United States' commitment in the region."
Air Force officials also stated that another important feature of this deployment to RAF Fairford is the ability to take an operating location, which typically isn't active, and stand up an active workplace and start pushing operations in a short amount of time.
"This is what we would do in a real-world situation so practicing it and knowing that we have that capability just makes us a more effective force," Maginness said.
During the first B-52 mission, the aircrew integrated with allies and practiced overcoming language barriers to execute the mission. Participants varied from Swedish airborne warning and control system controllers, to NATO Navy vessels and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons in an air interdiction and force employment exercise.
"This was a great beginning to a complex and comprehensive exercise," said Capt. Patrick Clements, a 23rd EBS flight commander. "We just went out and had a fighter intercept exercise involving other players -- not just in the air. Later on this week we're going to ramp up and push our allies as well as ourselves during a Navy and Air Force mining exercise."
During sorties, the strategic bombers are scheduled to conduct training flights with ground and naval forces around the region to showcase their capability to project airpower anywhere and anytime. This is the third year Air Force Global Strike Command has participated in this exercise as part of their deployment to the European area of responsibility.
For 10 days, the aircrew will fly more missions in support of exercises Baltops 16 and Saber Strike 16. In addition, the B-52 will make appearances in several air shows throughout countries such as Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
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Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq
From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 08, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Strikes in Syria
Bomber, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 10 strikes in Syria:
-- Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed an ISIL crane and an ISIL front-end loader.
-- Near Manbij, eight strikes struck five separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL-used bridge.
Strikes in Iraq
Fighter and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted 15 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government:
-- Near Fallujah, three strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL front-end loader, an ISIL weapons cache and an ISIL heavy machine gun and denied ISIL access to terrain.
-- Near Habbaniyah, two strikes destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL staging area and denied ISIL access to terrain.
-- Near Haditha, two strikes destroyed an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL staging area and an ISIL artillery piece.
-- Near Mosul, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL command-and-control node.
-- Near Qayyarah, two strikes struck an ISIL staging area and an ISIL headquarters.
-- Near Ramadi, a strike damaged an ISIL tactical vehicle.
-- Near Rawah, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Tal Afar, two strikes struck an ISIL modular oil refinery and destroyed an ISIL supply cache.
Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
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U.S. Department of Defense
Press Operations
News Transcript
Presenter: Colonel Christopher Garver, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman June 08, 2016
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col. Garver via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq
CAPTAIN JEFF DAVIS: Okay. Good afternoon.
Chris, I want to make sure you can hear us and we can hear you.
COLONEL CHRISTOPHER GARVER: Jeff, I can hear you just fine.
CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. Great. You look great and we're -- you have an eager crowd here that's anxious to -- to hear your first brief. Welcome to the -- to the job and we look forward to -- to you keeping us informed.
COL. GARVER: Well, thank you, Jeff. And greetings from Baghdad, Pentagon Press Corps. Glad to see everyone today.
I'm Colonel Chris Garver for those of you who don't know me. I am the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve public affairs officer and now spokesperson as well.
For those of you I've worked with before, it's good to see you again and I'm glad to be able to work with you again. For those of you I haven't worked with yet, I know we'll be able to do that over the coming months.
My battle buddy Steve Warren is safely home back in the U.S. and I would like to publicly thank him for his service while here with the Combined Joint Task Force. During that time, the last nine months when Steve was here, we tried to be as informative and transparent for you as we could be and tried to provide you as much context and understanding as we can about the most complex operation of which I've been a participant in the last 27 years.
I want to assure you that we will continue to do that.
As -- so as always, I've got an opening statement regarding the major ongoing operations and then I'll be glad to take your questions.
Now to show where we continue to pressure Daesh across the breadth and depth of the combined area of operations in both Iraq and Syria, I'll focus first in Iraq on Fallujah then near Manbij in Syria. I'll come back to Iraq and talk about shaping operations around Mosul.
And if we could bring up the map, it's the standard map that we use. I'll reference that throughout.
So in Fallujah, star one, operations continue to clear the town on multiple axes entering the city. Brigades from three Iraqi Army divisions, the counterterrorism service units, federal police and tribal fighters from the Anbar province are pushing in towards the center of Fallujah proper.
For the northwest of Fallujah City, brigades from the 14th Iraqi division have been clearing the Saqlawiyah district. For the southeast of the city, brigades from the 1st Iraqi Army Division have been clearing towards the city near the Euphrates River.
Farther to the south along the Euphrates, elements of the 17th and 8 Iraqi Army divisions and Anbar tribal fighters have been back-clearing bypassed areas to clear out pockets of Daesh.
The 8th Iraqi Army division also has been clearing to the west of the city in the vicinity of the Fallahat district.
The counterterrorism service is on the southern edge of the city proper and has been clearing before entering into the city itself. The federal police and popular mobilization forces are continuing the isolation of the Fallujah area and have cleared some suburban neighborhoods around the city.
The fighting and the approaches to the city has been significant, especially in the south. As a city that first fell to Daesh, they have had two years to prepare defenses and the ISF have run into Daesh fighters in complex defensive positions with extensive tunnels, berms, obstacles and IEDs used as mine fields as we have seen before.
Additionally, Daesh has been offering stiff resistance, fighting with heavy machine guns and indirect fire from mortars and artillery.
We are still trying to asses the overall intent of Daesh in the city, whether they intend to try to hold to the last man or if they will abandon their defenses as the ISF fighters -- as the ISF fights deeper into the city. As you know, we've seen both of these in the past.
The coalition conducted airstrikes in the last three weeks in Fallujah in support of the operation, including 31 in the last week and seven in the last 48 hours. We continue to also support the operation through the sharing of intelligence and providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for ISR through the Iraqi security forces.
We have conducted hundreds of hours of surveillance over Fallujah and continue to help the Iraqis develop the intelligence picture inside the city.
Now there is great concern about the state of the civilians inside Fallujah. The Iraqi government has the lead for its citizens as they flee from the fighting throughout the area and they are being supported by international humanitarian organizations of which the U.S. is a significant contributor.
The government of Iraq is working to increase the amount of shelters available for civilians as they anticipate their escape from the city as the ISF clears farther in.
This is still going to be a tough problem and people here are watching it carefully. But the CGTF position remains the best way to help the people of Fallujah is to quickly and decisively defeat Daesh and remove its influence from the city.
Moving over to Syria, operations continue against Daesh near the town of Manbij in northern Syria, which is star two on the map.
Over the past several days, the Syrian Democratic Forces, led by the Syrian-Arab Coalition and comprised of approximately 85 percent local Arabs fighting to liberate their homeland, has continued to make significant progress in seizing territory from and further isolating Daesh around Manbij.
Manbij is strategically important to Daesh because they rely on its proximity to a border to smuggle in foreign fighters, supplies and export terrorism to the West. It is an important line of communication between Raqqah, the capital of their so-called caliphate, and outside Syria.
The SDF launched the attack a week ago, attacking from multiple points to the east of Manbij, the southern-most position being near the Tishreen Dam. The force of more than 3,000 troops advanced along multiple axes from east to west towards Manbij. The SDF has made significant progress so far, including successfully executing a river crossing operation across the Euphrates River north of Tishreen.
The SDF performed an improved bridge river crossing, a significant military operation in its own right, and then they secured, repaired and reopened the Qarah Quzah Bridge known as Q2, across the Euphrates. The control and restoration of this bridge has enabled the SAC-led forces to deliver much-needed humanitarian supplies to their neighbors, as well as push the attack.
The SDF has met heavy resistance from Daesh at the onset of the operation and at points along the way. We assess that Daesh will fight hard to retain Manbij as it is the key terrain on the line of communication out of Raqqah. Daesh has employed the tactics we have seen before as they defend and then cede territory, including the extensive use of IEDs to slow advancing forces and significantly damage the infrastructure they have lost.
The SDF continues to press the attack toward Manbij, though the cost has been high. They have suffered approximately a dozen killed and more than 100 wounded during the fighting. Their losses include the death of Abu Layla, the leader of a Shams Al-Shamal, a multi-ethnic unified local liberation force and sub-organization of the Syrian-Arab Coalition.
Layla was wounded on the front lines with his troops and succumbed to his injuries two days later. Our condolences go out to his family and the forces under his command.
Coalition forces continue to provide advisory assistance and supporting airstrikes. Since the start of the operation, we have conducted 102 airstrikes in Manbij; 84 of those strikes occurred since the start of the ground operation last week. We are also continuing to provide intelligence and ISR support.
Back in Iraq near Mosul, two significant operations have taken place as the coalition continues shaping operations for the eventual liberation of Mosul. On May 29, Peshmerga forces conducted a swift attack to the east of Mosul to extend their forward line of troops, or FLOT, and to control the Khazir River, a north-south running river approximately 12 kilometers to the east of Qaraqosh, which is approximately 40 kilometers to the east and south of Mosul in Nineveh province and is located at star three on the map.
The Peshmerga attacked from north to south, cleared eight villages, moved the FLOT from the east side of the Khazir River to the west side, and extended it approximately 15 kilometers. The Peshmerga units encountered moderate resistance from Daesh fighters in the area, but by the end of the day secured their tactical objectives and consolidated their new FLOT.
The coalition supported the attack with advisers and by conducting 22 engagements with multiple aircraft, which destroyed fighting positions, tunnels, machine guns, mortars, rocket rails, and a vehicle-borne improved explosive device, or VBIED. This attack denied Daesh the use of the river as a line of communication and pushed their area of influence back to Mosul. But most importantly, it liberated eight villages of Iraqis no longer under Daesh control.
Also near Mosul, on star four, two nights ago, the coalition struck another Operation Tidal Wave II target to degrade Daesh's revenue from elicit oil and natural gas activities. This Tidal Wave II target was an area known as the Abaatim oil black market, located approximately nine kilometers to the west of Mosul.
As we have seen in the past, Daesh will bring together a large number of trucks to transfer stolen oil for distribution on the black market. The coalition struck the group of more than 100 trucks using the same techniques that we have used before to mitigate civilian casualties; a show of force with aircraft and warning leaflets dropped before the attack.
The attack destroyed the bulk of the tanker trucks and we had no reported civilian casualties in the strike. We continue to keep the pressure on Daesh on all fronts while we continue to support the combat operations ongoing throughout Iraq and Syria.
In regards to this pressure against the breadth and depth of it's so-called caliphate, one last word about Daesh. We see that Daesh continues to not be able to mount large-scale attacks and only able to mount small-scale localized attacks designed to terrorize and disrupt as opposed to retaking territory that they have lost, and they are shifting tactics to conduct more suicide attacks than military attacks.
But this does not mean the enemy is defeated yet. Daesh still remains dangerous and still retains the ability to attack both military forces and civilian targets, as we have seen in northern Baghdad recently.
As Iraq enters the holy month of Ramadan, we expect Daesh to attempt more high-profile, headline-grabbing attacks to sow terror and to distract from the fact that they keep losing militarily on the battlefield.
So with that, I'll be glad to take your questions. And I saw Bob was in the audience, so --
CAPT. DAVIS: Go ahead, Bob.
Q: Colonel Garver, a couple of questions for you on Fallujah. Could you elaborate on your description of the civilian situation there, the humanitarian problems there? And how many civilians do you estimate are in the city? And also, do you have an estimate of the number of Islamic State fighters in the city?
COL. GARVER: So as I mentioned in the opening statement, we're watching carefully the humanitarian situation inside Fallujah. We've seen estimates from 20,000, 30,000, upwards of 90,000, 100,000 civilians inside the city. And the answer is we don't rightly know yet, and that's part of what we try to build in the intelligence picture as we go forward.
But the fight around the civilians is being conducted very carefully. Our strikes, as you know, go through a complex process to clear those strikes and make sure that what we shoot at is what we want to hit and what the Iraqis want us to hit and what they approve us to hit. The prime minister has also issued a directive to the Iraqi forces involved in the fight, saying be cautious around the civilians, be careful about fighting around them.
We've had a couple thousands civilians come out of Fallujah so far -- I don't have the exact numbers as to how many have come out -- and have been moved into displaced persons camps being run by the Iraqis and supported by the international coalition. The international organizations that are working on humanitarian aid.
As I said, the United States supports that, but the CJTF is not directly supporting that, other than through information-sharing with the -- those -- those humanitarian assistance partners.
Your second question was -- I don't remember your second question. I'll go onto the -- the Daesh fighters inside the city. Again, we've seen upwards of a couple thousand down to maybe several hundred inside the city. As we are kind of on the edge of the actual city itself and CTS and the other forces are getting in position to launch into the city proper, we'll know more once those forces are inside the city.
And as you know, it's very difficult to kind of figure out inside a city who is a fighter, who is a civilian, especially when they're hiding inside buildings and operating out of urban area -- especially one as old and dense as Fallujah.
So we've seen on the low side several hundred, on the high side, a couple thousand and we're trying to, of course, nail that down as the forces approach.
What was your second question, Bob?
Q: I was asking you whether you could -- you know, explain a little more completely what the nature of the crisis is for the human -- is it starvation for the civilians? Aside from, obviously, the possibility of, you know, getting caught up in the fighting. But is there a food problem and other issues?
COL. GARVER: Well the Iraqis are working to make sure that as the citizens come out, they've got food, they've got water, they've got shelter.
The Iraqis are increasing the number of -- shelters outside of the city. They're working to try to do that right now, anticipating more civilians coming out of Fallujah as the fighting continues.
Our role, of course, in all of that is providing advice and assistance and any coordination we can do between the organizations, but that's really an issue between the Iraqis and the humanitarian aid organizations providing them support.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Courtney Kube.
Q: Hi, Chris. One thing on -- following on Bob's question. What about the reports that some of the Iraqi security force aligned PMF or other troops are actually the ones who are engaging in some of these humanitarian issues. Like there's been some reports of beatings and even executions of civilians trying to flee Fallujah by some of these PMF.
COL. GARVER: Hey, Courtney. And yes, we've seen those reports. We're very concerned about them. The Iraqis are very concerned about them. From the CJTF perspective, we expect our partners to operate within side the international norms, the laws of armed conflict.
From the training that the young soldiers get in the BPCs to what our senior leaders are engaging with Iraqi senior leaders about and Syrian senior leaders about behaving inside the LOAC, the Law of Armed Conflict, is a great concern to us.
We know that the prime minister has ordered an investigation and we think that's the right course inside the Iraqi chain of command to look into these incidents. But we're very concerned about those reports.
Q: And I just had two things -- two clarifications from your opening statement. When you said that the SDF is 85 percent local Arabs, are you referring to specifically the SDF that are engaged in the operation in and around Manbij? You're not talking about the entire SDF, right?
COL. GARVER: No, it's just the 3,000 fighters that are involved in this operation.
Q: (inaudible) -- question. And then on the -- the Pesh you've extended the forward line of troops closer to Mosul, are there any U.S. advisers with those Pesh as they've been pushing forward towards Mosul?
COL. GARVER: There are U.S. advisers. There are coalition advisers that are with the Peshmerga units. There are -- and of course, they're not out on the front lines, you know, but they're at the headquarters. But they are coalition advisers with those units, yes.
Q: So just to be clear, they're actually with them as they're pushing the forward line -- they may not be at the, quote/unquote "front lines," but they are actually with those units as they're pushing towards Mosul?
COL. GARVER: Yeah -- that is correct. When the -- when the -- the units are out in the field, the advisers are at the headquarters, same as we've done in the past, same as we've been doing.
Q: Thank you.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Cami McCormick.
Q: Hi, Colonel Garver. It's Cami.
I wanted to follow up on the civilians in Fallujah first. You said that the best way to protect the civilians there was to quickly take the city, but we've been hearing over the last few days from Iraqi authorities over and over again that they've slowed operations for the same reason, to protect civilians.
The U.S. military -- you said in the past that it's been frustrated with the pace of Iraqi operations in these various offensives. Is that an issue here? Does the U.S. feel like the Iraqis should be moving faster into Fallujah than they are? And is there a difference of opinion over how best to protect civilians? And I have a follow-up.
COL. GARVER: Okay. There's no difference of opinion about protecting the civilians. We're trying to protect civilians with every strike, and of course, we want the -- the Iraqi government to protect civilians with its ground movements as well. So we are, you know, right aligned with that concern.
For the pace of the operations, you know, we've said before this is going to happen at the Iraqi pace. We've had different timelines that have been put out there as to how fast they want this operation to go. The closer you get into Fallujah, the tighter the city becomes, the harder the fighting becomes. It -- it's hot here in June, as you know, and that all makes it harder to fight inside the city.
But we're prepared to support them at the pace that they go and at the -- the -- the pace that they conduct the operation. Significantly different than what we saw last year with Ramadi is the units keep moving forward. They keep taking terrain. They keeping engaging gash -- Daesh. They're -- they are continuing to fight all throughout the area.
So different type of operation, different pace of operation, but we also see the Iraqi units out, continuing to engage and continuing to fight the enemy.
Q: And a follow-up on the -- the various groups that are in Fallujah, the federal police, the tribal fighters, the counterterrorism, the Iraqi army. There have been reports that there's a lack of coordination between these groups and some are taking orders from -- from some and some are taking orders form others.
I know you say that the Iraqi government is in the lead here, but how much of an issue are you finding that that is?
COL. GARVER: Well, the Baghdad operation center is the overall command and control headquarters for the operations inside Fallujah, and the Baghdad operation center commander is the commander of the operations ongoing. And they -- all forces involved in the operation are taking orders from the prime minister, as they should be.
There's been reports that we've seen of slowness based on discussions about the plan. That's certainly something that you're going to have in any fight. The closer you get to an objective, the more the commanders learn about what's going on. They are either confirming or denying their enemy template so that they -- the enemy is or is not what we thought it was when we came in, the ground is or is not what we thought it was when we came in.
And so you've got to converse about that and commanders have to talk; that's what commanders do. But we see them continuing to operate together, continuing to move forward and we have not seen any instances where units participating in the operation are not taking orders from the -- the Baghdad (inaudible) center and from the prime minister.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Kasim Ileri.
Q: This is Kasim with Anadolu News Agency. My question will be related to Manbij. We have seen that some elements of YPG are also with the Arab forces fighting in Manbij. And also, we saw -- also, we have seen that Turkey has been putting -- expressing concerns about the YPG presence in that area.
Have you assured Turkey that the -- there will not be YPG elements in Manbij after the city is freed from Daesh?
COL. GARVER: There are YPG elements participating in the operation to secure Manbij and they are in more of a support role in this operation. The plan developed by the SDF is that the Syrian Arabs will seize the city and then will control the area afterwards.
Turkey is aware of that plan. I don't want to speak for our NATO partners, but we know that they are aware of the plan, and we know that the plan is that the Syrian Arabs will control that area after it is taken from Daesh.
Q: So, to what extent do the U.S. and Turkey and SDF coordinated this operation?
COL. GARVER: Well, we have advisers with the SDF on the ground. They are providing advice and planning and assistance all along. So we clearly as a coalition were involved in the development of the plan. But this is an SDF plan and we are supporting their plan with strikes, with planning support, certain elements with logistical support.
We know that we've shared information with Turkey, but it is the coalition and the SDF have been intimately involved in the development of the plan.
Q: And just last question, colonel. How many Daesh fighters are in Manbij? Do you have any estimation?
COL. GARVER: Again, we're trying to figure that out as we get closer. We're looking for potential reinforcements trying to come in the city. We think that there's anywhere upwards of a couple thousand, but I don't have an exact figure to give you. I wish I had an exact figure. I might not give it to you, but at least I wish I had an exact figure of how many fighters are inside the city right now. But we're looking at that very carefully, and that's what all the ISR that we have is trying to determine exactly how many fighters are inside the city.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Carlo, and then Carla.
Q: Hey, colonel. It's Carlo Munoz with the Washington Times. Just a quick follow-up on your statement about the possibility of high-profile attacks during Ramadan this year. I mean, we've heard this warning being said year-in, year-out during this time, when -- during the beginning of Ramadan.
Is there anything in particular that you're picking up in Baghdad that is going to indicate that this will be a tougher Ramadan season for U.S. coalition forces there? And I do have a follow-up.
COL. GARVER: I don't think there's a specific intel thread that we've pulled that would give us specific information. If we had actionable intelligence, we would go out and action on it, or pass it to the Iraqis to action on. But we have -- we saw an attack in Baghdad today, where they attacked a market. And we've seen continued attacks inside the northern parts of Baghdad where they can come in.
And again, we feel they're trying to do this to detract from the overall reality, which is they're losing on the battlefield and they are -- they're not making any gains in all this year. It's been loss after loss after loss. And now they're surrounded in Fallujah and the fight in Fallujah is not going their way either.
So, I don't think it's a specific intel thread that we've pulled that makes us think that, but it is a general warning and understanding about the tactics they use. They've been attacking Baghdad repeatedly over the last few weeks, and so we don't anticipate a let-up of that during the Ramadan period.
Q: A quick follow-up, colonel. You mentioned the pressure that Iraqi forces and U.S. advisers are putting on I.S. in Fallujah. Are you starting to see effects in terms of improved security in Baghdad because of the increased pressure? Because Prime Minister Abadi announced the offensive right as things were really getting bad in Baghdad, so there seems to be a connection there.
COL. GARVER: Well, I think some in the Iraqi government, some inside Baghdad itself felt many of the attacks -- (inaudible). Sorry, I had a feedback issue there.
The -- some inside of the Iraqi government, some inside of Baghdad itself felt the attacks were coming out of Fallujah. The attack on Fallujah has not, to this point, changed the rhythm of which they continue to try to launch these terror attacks inside Baghdad, and attack police check points, police -- and markets, the softer targets that they're trying to attack.
But the operation is just getting really into the though fighting phase inside Fallujah. We would expect that any real result is going to come out of that in the coming weeks.
CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. Next to Carla Babb.
Q: Hi, colonel. Carla Babb, with Voice of America.
Two questions, and then a -- just a couple of checks. The first one, there has been a reporter for VOA that said that some of the people coming out of Fallujah say that the men are checked on a list -- on like a blacklist. And if they're on that list, they get taken away.
Have you heard anything about this list and how the Iraqis and making this list? Has the coalition been in touch with the Iraqis about this?
COL. GARVER: Well, Carla, I can tell you, I don't know of a list.
What I do know is, as the civilians have come out of Fallujah, they have been screened for security purposes off of information that the Iraqi government keeps -- intelligence that the Iraqi government keeps.
And you would completely expect any military-aged male, who may be a Daesh fighter trying to exfiltrate with the civilians and end up inside a displaced civilians camp, you would expect the Iraqi government to take those procedures to screen them, and make sure that they -- what -- they're putting people safely with their families. And if there are fighters in there, they're weeding them out and sending them to detention.
So, that has been going on as the civilians have been coming out of -- out of Fallujah itself. Completely understandable, and as one would expect.
Most of the screened civilians are back with their families. It's an Iraqi-led operation, and they've been the ones doing that. But we know that the operation has been going on.
Q: And what's going on out of the -- with the Mediterranean? How many attacks are coming from the U.S. ship in the Mediterranean right now against the Islamic State?
COL. GARVER: Well, the Harry S. Truman was supporting OIR when it was down in the Gulf as it's now moving into the Mediterranean. It continues to support and it also provides presence to the other theater commanders. They continue to provide support; I don't have the specific number of strikes that they have conducted off that.
But they do continue to provide those strikes. It's just a continuation of what they did while they were closer in the region in the Gulf.
Q: And then two quick checks. The first one is, do we have an updated number of Islamic State fighters? Because I -- I mean, we have been told that the numbers of foreign fighters trickling in had been cut down to the -- couple hundred a month with an estimate a few weeks ago.
Have we -- we got X, a number for the total number of fighters across Iraq and Syria now?
COL. GARVER: Well, we are still using the estimate of 19,000 to 25,000. As -- and that's a difficult number, as you can imagine, to try to figure out. We have taken operations to try to reduce the number of foreign fighters as they flow in. The operation in Manbij will help to reduce the number of foreign fighters flowing in and out of Syria.
They also, though -- we know that Daesh is conscripting fighters. They are impressing young men, even children, into their ranks to become fighters. So they're trying to regenerate their forces from inside the so-called caliphate. So pinning down an exact number is tough. We have a whole bunch of intel people who are working on that, trying to figure that out, but we're still officially suing the estimate of 19,000 to 25,000 for what's inside Iraq and Syria.
Q: Last check you had said 67 strikes into Fallujah from the coalition. Colonel Ryder gave us the number 65 strikes into Fallujah on Friday and I know you had said there were about seven over the last few hours or so. Can we just get a double-check on that to get the -- the final number of strikes into Fallujah, just to -- just to make sure everything's -- you guys are counting strikes the same is probably something like that?
COL. GARVER: So the 67 was right, and I did it based on a specific period of time, the last three weeks. We can give you the -- you know, the overall numbers that we've done inside the last month. But I -- I did it based on the last three weeks, the last week and the last 48 hours. So those are the numbers that I had provided to you.
But obviously, every day it's going to change and increase. So what he talked about on Friday was just a different -- different calendar time of what those strikes were. But I can -- we can get that to you, Karla.
Q: Thanks.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Kevin Baron.
Q: Hi, colonel. How are you?
Back to Manbij, I wonder if you could talk about what plan there is or -- or advice you guys are getting toward the -- what happens next? Meaning, you just said the SDF is expected to take and hold the city, but from all reports, the -- ISIS is being attacked also by Assad's forces, by -- and there's Turkish plans as well and Assad is attacking the opposition right next in Aleppo.
So what are the assurances and what kind of plan do you have with -- with these two other groups of the SDF taking the city and holding it? And is there any expectation of U.S. forces having to be either on the ground or doing any other kind of supply or support beyond ISF and logistics?
COL. GARVER: All right, there are a couple different parts to that question, there. I'll try to hit them -- try to hit them both. The first is we don't see a danger of collision right now between Syrian forces, Assad's forces, and our partners on the ground fighting Daesh.
Part of that is because our partners are fighting Daesh, and we've seen the Syrian forces fight Daesh, we've seen them fight the opposition inside Syria. Inside Aleppo, that's not really where Daesh is. Where our guys are fighting is where -- is where Daesh is, where our -- our forces that we're partnered with.
So we don't see an imminent danger of collision between these two forces. We're keeping track of the forces. If we did see something that concerned us in that way, we would certainly let our partner on the ground know. And the Syrians have an extensive local intelligence network. This is their home territory that they're fighting in, clearly. As we said, most of them are local Arabs to this area.
In terms of division of labor after the fight, the Syrian Democratic Forces are the ones providing that plan. They're the ones who are going to figure out what to do with their consolidated gains, just as they've done all the way back to al-Hawl and all the area that they're liberated from Daesh in the northern regions of Syria.
Our plan remains the same. As you know, 300 U.S. forces, and there's other coalition forces providing support inside Syria and I won't go into specifics about, you know, who or how many or what they're doing.
But they're providing advice and assist, and there are no plans, as far as I'm aware, there are no plans to put U.S. forces on the ground later in a -- in a support role, once the operation is completed.
Q: Thanks, sir.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next to David Martin.
Q: Chris, you haven't mentioned Raqqa yet. Does the Syrian army continue to move from west to east toward Raqqa? And are the Russians continuing to support that movement?
COL. GARVER: Well, and David as you know, it's a great question. We try not to be the spokesperson for the Syrians or the Russians, but we have seen their movement toward Raqqa.
They are to the south and west of Raqqa and are heading in that direction. I won't get into their specific intent behind what they're going to do, but it does look like they're heading toward Raqqa at that point.
And what's important for us is, first of all, anything that -- that puts pressure on Daesh, we support. But there is no coordination between us and those forces at this time. The forces we support are focused on Manbij right now, and that's where we're supporting them.
Q: The -- I think the last we heard was that the -- the Syrian army was about 20 miles west of the Tabqa Airbase. Where would you put their position today?
COL. GARVER: The last update I got was that that was about right. But I have not checked in the last few hours to see how many -- you know, how far they had moved today.
So, that's -- the last known position that I can give you, I think we can take a look at that in future updates to keep you informed as well. Like I said, don't want to really become a spokesperson for the Russians, don't want to have Twitter fights with them, either.
But that's -- that's about where we had seen them earlier today.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Joe Tabet.
Q: Colonel Garver, back to Manbij. How confident you are that the SDF will enter the city? Is it something that you expect soon?
Is it a matter of hours, days?
COL. GARVER: Not a matter of hours. I think they're a matter of days out.
Again, at the pace they're moving now and at the speed that they've been able to fight the enemy, we think they're matter of days before they conduct the attack on the city.
That being said, the enemy gets a vote. And if Daesh puts up a stiffer resistance, that could slow down, you know, just in any type of normal fighting.
But we think they're not hours out, we think they're days out. And we anticipate that assault to come in the coming days.
Q: Could you confirm, or can we say that the city of Raqqa will be next after Manbij?
COL. GARVER: Well, we've been clear that, as the capitol of the caliphate, Raqqa is a target that we eventually want to get to.
We continue to conduct shaping operations and strikes inside Raqqa against Daesh in order to continue pressure on them as part of the putting pressure on them across the battle space.
I'm not going to be able to say whether that's the next the target, or there's another place the SDF is going to go. I'm not going to get into the future, you know, operations. But we've been clear all along, our plan is to destroy Daesh, reduce their effectiveness as a military force.
They're inside Raqqa, and so eventually, we're going to get there.
Q: Last question, sir. Will you recommend to the SDF to drop the plan of entering Raqqa if the Syrian army enters the city?
COL. GARVER: That's a pretty hypothetical question.
We would have to see what the situation on the ground is, and I really don't want to get into the hypotheticals of it. It's all dependent on a lot of figures -- a lot of, you know, planning coordination, planning factors that we don't have that in this discussion. So I'm just going to have to say I couldn't tell you at this time.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Christina Warren.
Q: Hi, colonel. Thanks for doing this.
I just wanted to follow up on Courtney's question about the U.S. advisers with the Pesh in northern Iraq. When you say "headquarters," are you talking about division-level headquarters? Or lower levels, brigade, battalion, at the team level? How far away from the, you know, front line are those advisers?
COL. GARVER: Well, they are off the front line, with the irregular Iraqi army divisions. Our U.S. advisers are at the division level. Some of our coalition partners will partner farther down the chain, down into the brigade level as well. We've talked about potentially moving U.S. advisers at a lower level, but we have not yet done that in this operation.
Q: Secondly, on Fallujah, exactly how is the U.S. military mitigating the risk or civilian casualties, you know, other than dropping the flyers saying put white sheets on your rooftops? Is it really up to the Iraqi forces to be able to transfer information about civilian casualties from airstrikes?
And I wanted to ask about the 100 hours of ISR. What timeframe is that over?
COL. GARVER: OK, a couple of different questions there. I'll try to make sure I get them both.
The first is the Iraqis dropped the leaflets over Fallujah telling its citizens to put white sheets on the roofs. That was not a coalition operation. That was an Iraqi operation to do that. And the Iraqis do their own leaflet drops repeatedly and regularly across the countryside.
In terms of clearing fires, when you're clearing fires into the city, you have to first identify the targets. And that's either done through ISR or it's done through forces on the ground that are in contact. The closer you get in, the more it relies on the forces on the ground because you've got to know where your friendly forces are at the same time you're worried about the enemy.
So we get a call from the Iraqis saying "we want fire in this location." The targeteers will figure out what is the right target to attack; what is -- you know, what is the right target to attack, what is the description of the target, what is the weapons system that we choose, and what is the delivery platform. It could be anything from an AC-130 to an F-22 to an MQ-1, you know, surveillance plane, remotely piloted vehicle.
Then that has to be cleared through the Iraqis to say, "this is where we think the target it; do you have friendly forces in the area?" And the Iraqis have to tell us, "We don't have any friendly forces in the area" and "we don't see any civilians in the area." At the same time, we're looking with our own ISR to make sure we don't see civilians in the area.
Then we engage the target. That can all be done very quickly. We've been doing that for more than a year here in Iraq, almost two years, coming on two years. And the -- the process to do that can be done very quickly in the middle of the battle to support those forces on the ground.
And I lost the last part of your question. What was the last part of your question?
Q: The 100 hours of ISR -- over what time period is that?
COL. GARVER: Right. Yeah. It was "hundreds" with an "s" -- hundreds of hours of ISR. And that's been developing the picture in Fallujah for weeks. It's as the -- as the situation's been developing, as we've been approaching this, we've put hundreds of hours of ISR over Fallujah to help build the intelligence picture.
Q: Thanks.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Luis Martinez.
Q: Hey, Chris. Question about -- what you're talking about the pressure points across the battle space. It seems like this might be the most pressure that ISIS has been throughout the campaign, throughout the spectrum there.
How are they dealing with it? When they were in Kabani they sent reinforcements there repeatedly. Are you seeing that across the battle space -- battle space? Are they -- do they seem to be integrated as a command structure across that battle space or is it more of just regional command?
COL. GARVER: That's a great question, Luis, and what you get is kind of a different answer depending on where you look. The farther you get out from the two hubs, being Raqqah and Mosul, the more is becomes regional and we think that they practice diversified command, pushdown command where the local commanders are making decisions in the fight, looking for reinforcements, that sort of thing.
It's been harder for them to move. It's harder for them to reinforce. Everywhere we've got pressure, that's a place that you can't send fighters from. We still have operations going on in the Euphrates River Valley in Iraq and hit Haditha and they're clearing in Ramadi, in fact.
Those fighters are not displacing up towards Mosul. More fighters aren't coming from Mosul to be able to reinforce that. Any fighters that can get in, these are very small numbers of fighters. They don't -- we don't see the convoys of big trucks where they're moving around. So it's getting harder for them to reinforce, it's getting harder for them to resupply.
We saw reports that commanders in Ramadi, who had surrendered their positions and left were later executed by Mosul for doing so. So I think they send kind of mixed messages to their subordinate commanders about how -- what they expect of them and how they expect them to perform on the battlefield.
But we -- we definitely see increased pressure in Iraq, in Syria and as we've said all along, the goal is to increase that pressure, the make the enemy fight in multiple directions at once. If you're only fighting them in one place, he's got the whole expanse of his territory to move and reinforce and resupply.
If we're trying to fight him in as many places as we can at once, all of that is preventing him from doing that and we get -- we've rather fight 50 fighters here than all the fighters in that location and then have to turn around and fight all the fighters again in another location.
So making enemy fight in multiple locations, in multiple directions is always preferred to just a single point of attack. So we feel the pressure is being put on Daesh. We're working to put that pressure on Daesh -- (inaudible) -- leaders, our strikes against the oil and natural gas revenue. -- (inaudible) -- strikes against all of those positions as well. So we're trying to keep that pressure on, definitely.
CAPT. DAVIS: Next we go for a follow up to Courtney.
Q: Hey, Chris. One more thing from your opening statement. You mentioned this new operation Tidal Wave II target. Do you know how many -- do you have any kind of estimate on how much money that may have cost ISIS or any kind of like numbers on that.
And then is this the fifth Tidal Wave II strike or do you happen to know what number that is?
COL. GARVER: It is over 100. I think we're over 125 right now. And remember, every time we hit a oil platform in Syria out in the desert near Deir ez-Zor, those are all Tidal Wave strikes. So all of those strikes are strikes against the illicit oil operations.
In terms of truck strikes, as we've done before, I don't have the exact number off the top of my head. And they're still doing assessments of how effective the strike was. After we -- we hit the targets, there was so much smoke in the air, it was difficult to kind of do a final assessment of the -- of the -- you know, of the target, what kind of damage we did and then what kind of economic impact that has.
We've seen estimates that they've lost up to like 30 percent of their oil revenue across the caliphate, but -- but based on what we've hit, we think that we've had about -- that we've hit kind of the best 50 percent of that 30 percent and we've reduced their revenue by about 50 percent.
But those are estimates right now. It's very hard to kind of figure that out. They were making a lot of money before. They're still making money, but not as much and we're trying to, you know, destroy those assets so that they can't -- they can't use them for -- for selling black market oil.
Q: And if I could also -- just one more on Fallujah. You said that the U.S. and the Iraqis are very concerned about these reports of civilians being beaten or tortured or whatever on their way out or even killed, but does the U.S. military have any evidence that that's actually occurring? At this point, do you have any -- do you have reason to believe that that actually is happening or not?
COL. GARVER: We have not confirmed those reports ourselves. The -- like I said, the prime minister has come out and said he is aware of it and has launched an investigation, but we have not independently confirmed those reports ourselves, no.
Q: Thank you.
CAPT. DAVIS: Then Kevin Baron had a follow-up as well.
Q: Colonel, just thinking off of Luis' question about ISIS command and control, could you talk a little bit about the technology they're using to communicate and move around compared to -- the comparative advantage to U.S. and coalition forces? But what are you seeing and how has that changed or been degraded throughout -- you know, before these ops and throughout?
COL. GARVER: Kevin, great question. I don't want to go -- you know, I don't want to get into too technical specifics. I'm not a signals officer or an intel officer, so I don't even know if I could go into too technical of detail.
But we have seen changes in their communication structure, and they use multiple methods of communicating. They use cellphones, they use push-to-talk radios, they use the internet, send e-mails. As we know, they've communicated using different apps on the battlefield. They're on the internet -- excuse me -- while they're on the battlefield.
So they use multiple methods of -- of communicating and trying to conduct command and control. As we tap into those resources, as we tap into networks, it forces them to try to change and use something else. So we have gone after communications, cellphone towers. We've gone after communications assets.
We're trying to target their ability to command and control. We hit the headquarters building, but we also know that the headquarters building is where, you know, all the radios were that they were using to command and control their -- their fighters.
So they still have the ability to command and control. We assess that it's degraded because of the strikes that we've done. We continue to strike those -- those headquarters targets. And I don't have a specific percentage of degradation or how much, you know, more difficult it is. And sometimes, we identify a system we can listen to or look at and we may not hit that right away because we want to keep using that to gather intelligence. Just blowing it up right away maybe takes that intelligence away from us.
So some things they're using, we may be listening, we may be watching, but we're not going to hit it right away because we want to gather intelligence off of it.
Q: Thank you.
CAPT. DAVIS: All right. Last call.
Chris, thank you very much for your time today. We appreciate you coming to us later than normal and I hope we didn't interfere with your -- with your chow for the evening. We look forward to seeing you back next week.
COL. GARVER: Yeah, no. I got it put in the fridge. I'm good. And appreciate the -- appreciate the opportunity to talk to everybody. Looking forward to the next few months of being able to do this with y'all. It's good to work with those who I've worked with again and glad to meet the ones that I haven't yet.
So thanks, Jeff. Appreciate it.
CAPT. DAVIS: Thanks. Thanks, everybody.
-END-
http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/794640/
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U.S. Department of Defense
Press Operations
News Release
No. NR-208-16 June 08, 2016
Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work's Meeting With Montenegrin Minister of Defense Milica Pejanovic-Djurisic
Deputy Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson provided the following readout:
Today, Deputy Secretary Work welcomed Montenegrin Minister of Defense Milica Pejanovic-Djurisic to the Pentagon, where they discussed opportunities to further cooperation and emerging security challenges.
Work applauded Pejanovic-Djurisic and her country for their expanded contributions to NATO missions. Additionally, the deputy secretary congratulated Montenegro on the recent signing of its Accession Protocol, which sets the stage for ratification by the 28 NATO allies, and emphasized U.S. support for Montenegro's NATO membership.
Work also thanked the minister of defense on Montenegro's contributions in Afghanistan.
Work reiterated the department's commitment to sustaining strong bilateral relationships and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to our allies and partners.
http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/794803/
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Exercise Habu Sentinel 16 tests Marines' CBRN response capabilities
US Marine Corps News
By Sgt. jessica Quezada | June 8, 2016
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Element Marines from 3rd Marine Division, CBRN defense platoon, Headquarters Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, tested their operational capabilities during exercise Habu Sentinel 16 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, from May 30 to June 8, 2016.
As the annual capstone exercise for the division's response element, this event encompasses multiple objectives specific to CBRN response and validates unit standard operating procedures in an unfamiliar training environment.
"Habu Sentinal is a 3rd Marine Division CBRN exercise specifically tailored to the CBRN response element, which is a small 15-man team within the platoon that is tasked with handling events that are beyond the scope and scale of traditional CBRN capabilities . . . [including] support of combat operations and humanitarian and disaster relief efforts," said Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Joy, CBRN defense officer with 3rd MarDiv. "The CBRN response element this year has been reinforced with members of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing . . . and when we came to Iwakuni, we incorporated the Marine Aircraft Group 12 CBRN Marines as well."
The initial stages of the exercise reintroduced Marines to the assessment and consequence management equipment, hazardous material operations and CBRN response element mission sets that range from combat operations to installation support.
Provided to each major subordinate command for their platoons to utilize, the Marine Air Ground Task Force ACM set provides the division with enhanced CBRN proficiencies above those available to subordinate units, including CBRN technical rescue and the necessary response capabilities to support national military strategy for countering weapons of mass destruction and other contingency operations.
"Although MAG-12 does not have an ACM set, as CBRN Marines, they are required to know how to utilize and employ this equipment; so we folded them into the unit and they've been training with us," said Joy. "ACM equipment goes beyond your traditional mission orientated protective posture gear that's associated with CBRN defense. This gear is for areas where the gas mask doesn't work, the MOPP suit doesn't provide adequate protection, and the equipment isn't sufficient to detect the hazards in the air."
Hazardous materials operations were conducted throughout the exercise to give present units an opportunity to employ the ACM set while conducting reconnaissance in simulated battlefields suspected of having CBRN threats.
"First we conducted a radiological monitor survey mission where we obtained background readings in a Tomodachi-like scenario," said Michael Cox, installation CBRN protection officer at MCAS Iwakuni. "The Marines learned what capabilities they had, how to plan their mission, how to execute their mission and . . . we got real world information back to use in our all hazards threat assessment."
Marines operated at the station's Disaster Village and utilized the tower to descend as if entering an underground bunker suspected of containing chemical weapons. Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force also observed this entire evolution to acquire knowledge of their tactics, procedures and technical abilities.
"We observed their gear and training and learned a lot from them," said JGSDF Maj. Keisuke Eguchi, officer in charge of the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical unit with the 13th Brigade in Kaita, Hiroshima. "Our anti-chemical training that we have conducted focuses on how to deal with mass casualties in huge areas. However, this training showed us how to conduct a mission in a dangerous location, with a small group of personnel and in a difficult area to enter . . . We want to adopt these things into our training in the future."
Units later responded to a simulated hard landing crash site involving a static display Japanese Shin Meiwa PS-1 aircraft located near the station's harbor. In the scenario, the plane reportedly flew through a haze of radioactive clouds and is carrying contaminated casualties from the combat area.
This scenario allowed III MEF personnel to provide CBRN response, emergency security measures, casualty assistance, hazard mitigation, and also illustrated MCAS Iwakuni's strategic location in the Pacific theater as a staging area for forces during contingency operations.
"The end result behind all of this cross training between the installation, the division and the MAW is they understand our requirements, we understand their capabilities and how they can fit them into our installation protection management program," said Cox.
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, stationed at MCAS Iwakuni, assisted in scenarios as well by providing a taxiway combat off-load. Pallets suspected of radiological contamination slid from the cargo bay of a KC-130J onto the taxiway where CBRN Marines were staged nearby in order to respond swiftly and effectively.
"We found the contamination and decontaminated the cargo as necessary," said Sgt. David Gale, CBRN response element team leader with 3rd MarDiv. "That scenario specifically was something that happened during the Tomadachi event . . . and definitely helped us practice for possible real-world situations, so it's good training."
At exercise conclusion, coordinators included multiple CBRN threats to ensure Marines were tested on a variety of subject matter specific to CBRN response and mitigation.
Marines responded to a simulated call from infantrymen clearing a structure where they came into contact with a list of laboratories containing chemical weapons such as ricin and botulism.
"We changed it up a little bit this last scenario to supporting an infantry unit on the ground during an engagement," said Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan B. Davis, CBRN officer in charge with MAG-12. "All throughout the week we worked through different scenarios, including missions that support WMD sites on the peninsula, support of the installation and support of airfield operations."
As situations ranged from simple issues to complex threats, CBRN personnel gained experience, knowledge and broader perspectives that could be applied in operations world-wide. Additionally, exercises such as Habu Sentinel allow individuals from other units to cross-pollinate information and create a synergistic approach to combating CBRN threats.
"I've learned how to work with different teams, which is pretty refreshing," said Cpl. Chelsea Roy, rigging team leader with 3rd MarDiv. "We learned how others operate and got better ideas of how to do things in the CBRN community . . . it's a pretty awesome opportunity."
Habu Sentinal 16 is the third iteration of this exercise and is expected to become more complex with new training locations and new participating allies from the region.
"It has been a fantastic learning experience for us and a great way for operational forces to support the installation," said Joy. "If something were to happen, we would need to be able to plug in with the tenant organizations here and the host nation emergency responders, and that's what we're proving to be effective while we're here."
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NATO Secretary General: Georgia is moving closer to the Alliance
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
08 Jun. 2016
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (8 June 2016) for talks on the Alliance's partnership with Georgia and ongoing reform efforts. During a joint press conference with President Margvelashvili, Mr. Stoltenberg praised Georgia for its contributions to Euro-Atlantic security and its strong commitment to NATO.
The Secretary General thanked Georgia for its role in Allied operations, noting that "Georgian troops have been standing shoulder to shoulder with NATO for many years." He highlighted that Georgia is the third-largest contributor to NATO's Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, and welcomed Georgia's impressive defence reforms.
Mr. Stoltenberg also underscored NATO's commitment to Georgia's security: "Over the past two years, we have put in place a Substantial NATO-Georgia package of support to strengthen Georgia's defence capabilities and implementation is well on track." He noted that the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre in Tbilisi is up and running and joint exercises have started. He added that 30 NATO experts are supporting Georgia's ongoing defence reforms. "At the Warsaw Summit next month, we will further strengthen our package of support for Georgia," said Mr. Stoltenberg.
During their talks, the Secretary General and President Margvelashvili discussed Georgia's progress in consolidating its democratic institutions, and ongoing efforts to strengthen rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. Mr. Stoltenberg welcomed Georgia's continuing reform efforts and highlighted that NATO will continue to support Georgia in moving closer to the Alliance.
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Chinese FM statement on settling disputes between China, the Philippines in South China Sea through bilateral negotiation
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 10:11, June 08, 2016
BEIJING, June 8 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a statement on settling disputes between China and the Philippinesin the South China Seathrough bilateral negotiation. Following is the full text of the statement:
Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China on Settling Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea Through Bilateral Negotiation
(8 June 2016)
China and the Philippines are neighbors facing each other across the sea, and the two peoples have enjoyed friendship over generations. Before the Philippines' unilateral initiation of the South China Sea arbitration on 22 January 2013, the overall situation in the South China Sea had remained stable despite certain disputes between China and the Philippines therein. Thanks to China's efforts, China and the Philippines carried out friendly consultations on, among others, establishing dialogue mechanisms and engaging in practical cooperation and joint development, and have achieved positive outcomes in this regard. However, ever since its initiation of the arbitration, the Philippines has unilaterally closed the door of settling the South China Sea issue with China through negotiation, and has, while turning its back on the bilateral consensus regarding managing differences, taken a series of provocative moves that infringed upon China's legitimate rights and interests. This has led to dramatic deterioration of China-Philippines relations as well as of peace and stability in the South China Sea. China is firmly opposed to the Philippines' unilateral actions. China adheres to the solemn position of non-acceptance of and non-participation in the arbitration, and will stay committed to settling the relevant disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation.
I. It is the common agreement and commitment of China and the Philippines to settle their relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation
China has all along stood for peacefully settling territorial and maritime delimitation disputes through negotiation with States directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law. On issues concerning territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation, China never accepts any recourse to third party settlement, or any means of dispute settlement that is imposed on it. Territorial sovereignty issues are not subject to the United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). With regard to maritime delimitation disputes, China made, pursuant to Article 298 of UNCLOS, an optional exceptions declaration in 2006, excluding disputes concerning, among others, maritime delimitation from the UNCLOS third party dispute settlement procedures.
It is not only the Chinese government's consistent policy, but also a clear agreement reached between China and the Philippines, to settle their relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation.
The 10 August 1995 Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines concerning Consultations on the South China Sea and on Other Areas of Cooperation states that "[d]isputes shall be settled in a peaceful and friendly manner through consultations on the basis of equity and mutual respect", and that "a gradual and progressive process of cooperation shall be adopted with a view to eventually negotiating a settlement of the bilateral disputes." Afterwards, China and the Philippines reaffirmed the consensus on settling the South China Sea issue through bilateral negotiation and consultation in a number of bilateral documents, such as the 23 March 1999 Joint Statement of the China-Philippines Experts' Group Meeting on Confidence-Building Measures and the 16 May 2000 Joint Statement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on the Framework of Bilateral Cooperation in the Twenty-First Century.
On 4 November 2002, China and the ten ASEANMember States signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), in which the Parties concerned solemnly "undertake to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign States directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea".
Afterwards, China and the Philippines reaffirmed this solemn commitment they had made in the DOC in a number of bilateral documents, such as the 3 September 2004 Joint Press Statement between the Government of the People' s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the 1 September 2011 Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines.
II. China and the Philippines have never conducted any negotiation on the subject-matters of the arbitration initiated by the Philippines
According to the Philippines, China and the Philippines have engaged in a number of exchanges of views since 1995 on the subject-matters of the arbitration initiated by the Philippines but the disputes have remained unsettled, and the Philippines has good reasons to believe that it is meaningless to continue the negotiations and it therefore has the right to initiate the arbitration. The fact, rather to the contrary, is that the two States have by far never engaged in any negotiation on the subject-matters of the arbitration.
China and the Philippines have held multiple rounds of consultations on the proper management of disputes at sea, but have by far had no negotiation designed to settle the relevant disputes in the South China Sea. China has on a number of occasions proposed with the Philippines the establishment of a China-Philippines regular consultation mechanism on maritime issues; however, to date, there has never been any response from the Philippine side. On 1 September 2011, the two countries issued the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Philippines, reiterating the commitment to settling the disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation. Thereafter, China, for many times, proposed restart of the China-Philippines consultation mechanism for confidence-building measures, but this proposal has once again fallen on deaf ears. It is completely groundless for the Philippines to claim that it is meaningless to continue the negotiations, and that the Philippine side has had to initiate the arbitration.
III. The Philippines' unilateral initiation of arbitration goes against the bilateral agreement on settling the disputes through negotiation and violates the provisions of UNCLOS
The South China Seaarbitration was unilaterally initiated by the Philippines. In doing so, the Philippines has turned its back on the agreement reached and repeatedly reaffirmed by China and the Philippines on settling the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation and violated its own solemn commitment in the DOC. This is a violation of the principle of Pacta sunt servanda and an abuse of the UNCLOS dispute settlement procedures. It goes against international law, including UNCLOS.
First, by unilaterally initiating the arbitration, the Philippines has violated its agreement with China to settle the relevant disputes through bilateral negotiation. In relevant bilateral documents and the DOC, China and the Philippines have agreed to settle through negotiation their disputes in the South China Sea and reaffirmed this agreement many times. The above bilateral documents between China and the Philippines and relevant provisions in the DOC are mutually reinforcing and constitute a binding agreement, by which both sides have chosen to settle the relevant disputes through negotiation. The Philippines' breach of its own solemn commitment is a deliberate act of bad faith.
Second, by unilaterally initiating the arbitration, the Philippines has violated the right, as provided for in UNCLOS, of a State Party to UNCLOS to choose the means of dispute settlement of its own will. Article 280 of Part XV of UNCLOS stipulates that: "Nothing in this Part impairs the right of any States Parties to agree at any time to settle a dispute between them concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention by any peaceful means of their own choice." Article 281 of UNCLOS provides that: "If the States Parties which are parties to a dispute concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention have agreed to seek settlement of the dispute by a peaceful means of their own choice, the procedures provided for in this Part apply only where no settlement has been reached by recourse to such means and the agreement between the parties does not exclude any further procedure". Given that China and the Philippines have made an unequivocal choice to settle the relevant disputes through negotiation, and have excluded third party settlement procedures, including arbitration, the third party dispute settlement procedures stipulated by Part XV of UNCLOS is thus non-applicable in this regard.
Third, by unilaterally initiating the arbitration, the Philippines has breached Article 283 of UNCLOS regarding the duty of exchange of views. The Philippines deliberately misrepresents certain consultations with China on maritime affairs and cooperation, all of a general nature, as negotiations over the subject-matters of the arbitration, and uses this as an excuse to claim that bilateral negotiations have been exhausted. This is despite the fact that the two States have never engaged in any negotiation on those subject-matters. Such claim made by the Philippines is fundamentally contrary to facts, and must have been made with ulterior motives.
IV. China will adhere to the position of settling the relevant disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea through negotiation
China is a major force for upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea. China is a staunch supporter of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It is committed to upholding and promoting international rule of law and shall always respect and act in accordance with international law. While firmly safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, China adheres to the position of settling disputes through negotiation and consultation and managing differences through relevant rules and mechanisms. China endeavors to achieve win-win outcomes through mutually beneficial cooperation, and is committed to making the South China Sea a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship.
On issues concerning territory and maritime delimitation, China does not accept any means of dispute settlement imposed on it; nor does China accept any recourse to third party settlement. The door of China-Philippines bilateral negotiation is always open. China will remain committed to settling through negotiation the relevant disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law. China urges the Philippines to immediately cease its wrongful conduct of pushing forward the arbitral proceedings, and return to the right path of settling the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation with China.
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China urges Philippines to immediately cease arbitral proceedings
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 21:04, June 08, 2016
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday again urged the Philippines to stop its arbitral proceedings and return to the right track of settling relevant disputes in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation with China.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the comment at a routine press briefing.
The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a statement saying that disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea should be settled through bilateral negotiation.
Hong said that by unilaterally initiating the arbitration in 2013, the Philippines had turned its back on the possibility of solving the issue through negotiation, leading to a dramatic deterioration of relations between China and the Philippines.
China and the Philippines have reached consensus on settling maritime disputes through bilateral negotiation in a number of bilateral documents, but the two countries have never engaged in any negotiation on the subject-matters of the arbitration, said Hong.
By unilaterally initiating the arbitration, the Philippines has violated its agreement with China as well as its own solemn commitment in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), he said.
This is an abuse of the dispute settlement procedures of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and is against international law, including UNCLOS, he added.
The door of China-Philippines bilateral negotiation is always open, he said. "China will remain committed to settling through negotiation the relevant disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law."
"China urges the Philippines to immediately cease its wrongful conduct of pushing forward the arbitral proceedings, and return to the right path of settling the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation with China," Hong said.
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Beijing calls on Washington to halt spy flights over East China Sea
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 7:46PM
Beijing has called on Washington to halt its surveillance flights over the East China Sea after Chinese jets intercepted a US flight in the region.
"The United States continues close reconnaissance activity, which significantly undermines China's security at sea. This is what causes the problem. We urge the United States to stop this activity and prevent such incidents in the future," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei on Wednesday.
He further stressed that his country reserves its right to carry out self-defense measures.
On Tuesday, US officials said a Chinese J-10 fighter jet intercepted a US plane flying over the East China Sea, in an "unsafe manner."
The US Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft was flying above the sea when it was approached by the jet with a "high rate of speed as it closed in" up to 100 feet (30 meters), noted an unnamed US official.
The incident occurred as US Secretary of State John Kerry was in the Chinese capital for talks on trade deals and regional stability.
Earlier, Kerry announced that the US would deem China's establishment of an air defense zone over the region as a "provocative and destabilizing act."
"Let's not resolve this by unilateral action; let's resolve this through rule of law, through diplomacy, through negotiation. And we urge all nations to find a diplomatic solution, rooted in international standards and rule of law," he added.
Another "unsafe" intercept was reported in mid-May, when two Chinese J-11 tactical aircraft confronted a US EP-3 reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea.
China has on multiple occasions called on the US to stop close reconnaissance activities but tensions appear to be escalating between the two powers.
The US has been accused of taking provocative measures around China particularly in the South China Sea, which is already gripped by a regional dispute over territory.
Washington accuses Beijing of carrying out what it calls a land reclamation program in the South China Sea by building islands in disputed areas. China, however, accuses the US of meddling in the regional issues and deliberately stoking tensions there.
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Rebels kidnap 100 civilians in DR Congo: UN
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 6:27PM
Suspected Ugandan rebels have kidnapped about 100 people during an attack in the troubled northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UN says.
Lieutenant-Colonel Martin Amouzou Codjo, spokesman for the UN Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO), told a press briefing on Wednesday that members of Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) abducted the civilians during an assault on two villages during the attack in Bas-Uele province on June 4.
He said rebels also went on a looting spree across the volatile region. "These attackers also kidnapped nearly a hundred people to carry the loot," Codjo told a press conference in the capital, Kinshasa.
The spokesman also strongly denounced the regular atrocities committed by the ruthless LRA against civilians in the northeast of the African country.
Formed in 1986, the LRA is engaged in an armed rebellion against the Ugandan government in what is now one of Africa's longest-running conflicts that has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians and displaced another two million.
The LRA roams between Uganda, Sudan, the DR Congo and the Central African Republic. Led by Joseph Kony, the rebel group is accused of widespread human rights violations including murder, abduction, mutilation, and the sexual enslavement of women and children.
Ugandan, Congolese and South Sudanese troops have set up a joint force to hunt the rebels in the dense forest area bordering the three countries.
The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants for Kony and other top leaders of the LRA on charges of war crimes and anti-human crimes. Kony remains elusive after a decade-long manhunt.
According to the UN, the LRA has killed more than 100,000 people and kidnapped more than 60,000 children, forcing many of them to become child soldiers.
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Two US F-16s crash after mid-air collision
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 2:38PM
Two American F-16 warplanes have crashed over eastern Georgia after a mid-air collision during "routine night-flying operations."
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, when at around 9:15 pm the South Carolina Air National Guard jets collided over a military area in Jefferson County, Georgia and then hit the ground, the South Carolina Air National Guard stated on Facebook.
The guard said that the pilots of the single-seat aircraft safely ejected after the impact and there were no reports of possible injuries.
According to Colonel Nicholas Gentile, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, pilots were "highly experienced" and some of the most senior in the wing.
The pilots' names were not released because of the ongoing investigation, he noted.
Gentile added that the aircraft were completely destroyed after the crash but the two pilots were released from hospital after sustaining minor injuries.
A command center has been set up in Louisville to locate the missing wreckage of the F-16s which crashed in a wooded area.
Officials have set up an initial safety board to investigate the matter. The US Air Force is also launching a detailed safety investigation.
The incident comes on the heels of several other crashes over the recent weeks.
Only last week, the US Navy lost one of its Blue Angels pilots after his F/A-18 jet crashed shortly after takeoff in Smyrna, about 24 miles (39 km) southeast of Nashville, while he was practicing for an air show. The elite aerial acrobatics team cancelled all upcoming performances after the crash.
Earlier in Colorado, another air show pilot from the Thunderbirds squadron was forced to eject his F-16 before hitting the ground during a graduation ceremony attended by President Barack Obama who later visited the unnamed pilot.
Meanwhile in late May, two US Navy F/A-18 fighter jets crashed after an "in-air mishap" which led to their collision during a routine training mission, according to American military officials.
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Chad sends 2,000 forces to Niger to fight Boko Haram
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 3:40PM
Chad has sent some 2,000 troops to neighboring Niger to help the fight against Boko Haram following last week's terrorist attacks by the Takfiri militants in the Nigerien town of Bosso.
The "heavily armed" soldiers will "search everywhere for Boko Haram," a military source said Wednesday.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Tuesday that some 50,000 people have fled the town of Bosso in Niger's troubled Diffa region near the Nigerian border following deadly attacks by Boko Haram terrorists.
Boko Haram militants first took the town of Bosso on Friday in an attack, during which 26 soldiers, including two from Nigeria, were killed. A total of 55 militants from the Nigeria-based militant group were also killed during the fierce fighting.
The terrorists reportedly torched military barracks, police facilities and looted shops during the terror campaign in the town. The ambush and looting came as Niger's army was preparing to attack Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, which straddles Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
Nigerien troops later retook Bosso on Saturday, but the militants once again took over the town on Sunday night.
The mayor of Bosso, Mamadou Bako, and a military source confirmed the takeover on Monday, but the Nigerien government denied it.
Regional countries have created a joint military force that plays a key role in helping Nigeria fight the terrorist group. Back in February, the four littoral nations of Lake Chad launched a military campaign, together with a contingent from Benin, to confront the threat from Boko Haram militants in the region.
The Boko Haram terrorist group, which has pledged allegiance to the Daesh Takfiri militant group, has killed thousands of people, mostly civilians, since it launched its terrorist activities in Nigeria in 2009.
The Takfiri militant group has intensified its campaign of terror since President Muhammadu Buhari came to power in the African country in May 2015.
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UK warship intercepts Russian submarine near English Channel
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 10:36AM
The British navy has intercepted a Russian submarine as it was cruising toward the English Channel, UK media report.
The Stary Oskol was being escorted by Britain's frigate HMS Kent on Tuesday evening and passed the Strait of Dover on Wednesday morning, they said.
The Russian vessel was first detected in the North Sea where NATO ships are controlling the area.
Daniel Thomas, the commander of HMS Kent, said that detecting the Russian submarine "was a combined effort with NATO allies and shadowing such units is routine activity for the Royal Navy."
British warships also intercepted a Russian frigate last month on its way to the Black Sea.
In March, a British warship monitored a Russian destroyer and its support ships which were returning from a deployment to Syria.
Tensions have risen as NATO has stepped up its military buildup near Russia's borders since it suspended all ties with Moscow in April 2014.
Senior officials in Moscow have repeatedly accused NATO of seeking a confrontation, describing the military buildup as a threat to security in Europe.
Russia has also criticized NATO's expansion to include countries in the Western Balkan region, saying the move directly harms Russia's strategic interests in the area.
On Tuesday, Reuters said Russia is building an army base near its border with Ukraine as part of its frontline in a growing confrontation with NATO.
Russia is building up forces on its western frontiers at a time when the NATO alliance is staging major military exercises and increasing deployments on its eastern flank.
Reuters said a makeshift army camp was being built, with large numbers of newly-arrived servicemen and military vehicles, in the Russian town of Klintsy about 50 km (30 miles) from Ukraine.
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Dozens injured, 4 dead in riots across PNG
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 7:44AM
Dozens of people are wounded and four reported killed in Papua New Guinea after police open fire on a student demonstration in the capital and riots erupted across the country.
Clashes erupted in the capital Port Moresby on Wednesday as more than 1,000 students prepared to march from their campus to parliament, where the premier was due to face a no confidence vote.
Students have boycotted their classes at the University of PNG for a month, asking O'Neil to resign because of corruption allegations.
A groundswell of political unrest has surged in the island nation, just to Australia's north, in recent weeks amid calls for O'Neill to resign over corruption allegations.
Noel Anjo Kolao, an anti-corruption campaigner who organized the demonstration, said police had blocked roads and pointed their guns at students.
"Then they started shooting at them," Kolao said.
PNG media and one international aid agency said a clinic at the university had reported up to four students had been killed, although there was no confirmation.
"Now there is a very big clash with the public and with the police just outside the Port Moresby General Hospital," a hospital official, quoted by the Reuters news agency, said.
Papua New Guinea was ranked as one of the most corrupt states in the world in 2012.
In 2014, a national anti-corruption watchdog accused O'Neil of corruption and issued an arrest warrant for him. He, however, has refused to comply with the warrant.
The premier disbanded the watchdog, dismissed the police commissioner and his attorney general and suspended a number of police and justice department officials.
Police have been investigating whether O'Neil authorized millions of dollars in illegal payment to a national law firm.
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Nazarbaev: Aqtobe Attacks Orchestrated From Abroad
June 08, 2016
by RFE/RL
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has claimed that the attackers who carried out the recent attacks that rocked the northwestern city of Aqtobe "received instructions from abroad," and suggested that suspects will face the death penalty.
The June 8 comments were the first made by the Kazakh leader since dozens of gunmen carried out the attacks on June 5, prompting a "counterterrorism operation" and leaving a growing death toll of more than 20 dead, including attackers.
There have been no credible claims of responsibility for the attacks, which targeted two gun shops and a National Guard base and have left the country in a state of high alert, with several attackers still at large.
In separate statements posted to the president's official website, Nazarbaev said that "pseudo-religious radical movements who received instructions abroad" were behind the attacks, and that "a person who has taken up arms and killed people should be punished with the death penalty."
The long-serving president introduced a moratorium on capital punishment in 2003 and the death penalty was officially abolished in 2007, but the country's constitution makes an exception in cases of terrorist acts.
Also on June 8, Nazarbaev was quoted by his official website as telling security chief Vladimir Zhumakanov that in the course of the continuing manhunt, suspects "should be eliminated in the case of armed resistance."
"We are aware that they are in the region, we have identified them, and local people have been warned about it," Nazarbaev said.
The claim that the attackers had received instructions from abroad offered no indication of who may have given the instructions.
The Interior Ministry told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service on June 8 that 13 suspected attackers were killed and four of them injured, while six remain on the run. Nine have been arrested, according to the ministry.
Kazakhstan plans to hold a national day of mourning on June 9 to commemorate the victims, the president's website announced.
Security chief Zhumakanov said during his meeting with Nazarbaev that the authorities had identified and questioned 20 people who allegedly "refused to take part in the preparation stage" of the Aqtobe attacks. Zhumakanov provided no further details.
Kazakh police spokesman Almas Sadubaev has said the attackers are suspected to be followers of "nontraditional religious movements," a term often used in Central Asia to describe Islamic extremist groups.
Kazakhstan's Senate, however, in condemning what it described as a "foul criminal attack" against the country's peace and stability, has said the perpetrators' actions had "nothing to do with religion."
The country is in a state of high alert, but there are signs that life is returning to normal in Aqtobe. RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reported that businesses and schools have reopened and public transportation has resumed normal operations in the city of nearly 400,000.
Funerals took place on June 8 for three of the civilians killed, the service reported.
The Aqtobe incidents are a rare burst of violence in the tightly controlled country of around 18 million people.
Kazakhstan witnessed major protests against planned agricultural-land reforms in April and May. More than 1,000 activists were detained around those demonstrations, and many received 10-15-day jail sentences after being convicted of planning or attending the unsanctioned rallies.
Written by Farangis Najibullah, with reporting by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, Tengrinews.kz, and Akorda.kz
Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/nazarbaev-aqtobe-attacks- orchestrated-from-abroad/27786356.html
Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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UN to continue to follow up on human rights abuse allegations in Central African Republic
8 June 2016 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said he has taken note of the release earlier this week of a report by Human Rights Watch on the Central African Republic (CAR), stating that he shares the non-profit organization's concerns regarding impunity for human rights violations.
In a note to correspondents released by his office last night, the Secretary-General said that in the case of the allegations against troops by the Republic of Congo in CAR, he expects that the Republic of Congo will ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are held fully accountable.
The note underscored that since the allegations first came to light in 2014, the UN has been actively engaged, at various levels, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and Field Support (DFS), with the African Union and the Republic of Congo authorities on the issue through a variety of formal and informal channels.
The Security Council was also informed through the Secretary-General's report of the International Commission of Inquiry on the Central African Republic (December 2014).
The Secretary-General and the UN will continue to follow up on these cases, as they have been doing over the course of the past two years, according to the note.
The note also included a summary of actions taken by the UN concerning the events described in the Human Rights Watch report, which took place from 2013 to 2015.
Regarding the reported disappearance of 11 people in March 2014 in Boali, CAR, while in the custody of Republic of Congo peacekeepers serving under the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), the note said the occurrence was investigated by the UN's human rights staff in CAR, who conducted three investigation missions to ascertain the facts, the first one in July 2014.
The results of the UN human rights investigations were provided to the host authorities and later to the Security Council through the International Commission of Inquiry's report. The implicated Republic of Congo unit was repatriated before the transfer of authority to the UN and was not "re-hatted" when the mission became a UN peacekeeping operation in September 2014, the note said.
The UN was not informed of the exhumation of the mass grave in February 2016, according to the details provided. The protection of this burial site is a national responsibility and the Mission provided all information it had gathered during its investigations to the CAR authorities, the note stressed.
Turning to the reported killing of two individuals in June 2015 in Mambere, CAR, by Republic of Congo peacekeepers serving under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), the note said the incident was investigated promptly by MINUSCA, with the Mission publically reporting the facts on 10 June 2015 in a press release.
Twenty contingent members of the Republic of Congo, including two commanding officers, were repatriated on disciplinary grounds and banned from future service with UN peace operations. A Headquarters-led Board of Inquiry was convened by DFS in April 2016 and its findings will be made public soon, the note said.
The note also said that in May 2016, the UN received preliminary information from Republic of Congo authorities on various investigative and judicial processes that are under way, as well as interim disciplinary measures that have been imposed on individuals and commanders implicated in these incidents. In a note verbale dated 12 May, the Republic of Congo expressed "profound regret" and pledged to ensure that justice will be done.
The UN continues to follow up actively on the outcome of these processes, the note to correspondents said.
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Ghani Introduces Key Security Nominees to Afghan Parliament
by Ayaz Gul June 08, 2016
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday introduced his nominees for the posts of minister of defense and head of intelligence to parliament for approval.
Masoom Stanekzai and General Abduallah Khan Habibi have been nominated to head of the National Directorate of Security or NDS and Defense Ministry respectively. A vote is expected next week.
The action was taken as Afghan officials confirmed the Taliban gunned down at least 12 security personnel who had been abducted by the insurgents Tuesday evening in the eastern Ghazni province. The Taliban has also warned other Afghan forces of a similar fate if they do not desert their posts.
Stanekzai served as the caretaker defense minister for nearly a year before being assigned the new job. He could not win parliamentary approval in 2015 when Ghani nominated him to head the ministry after his earlier two choices were also rejected by lawmakers.
Habibi was chief of staff of the Afghan Defense Ministry until last month, when he was appointed as its acting head.
The parliamentary introduction of the two men came amid sustained criticism of Ghani's national unity government for allowing caretakers to run the two key institutions despite deteriorating security.
It also came ahead of NATO's summit scheduled for next month (July 8-9) in Warsaw, where the alliance is set to "stress" its "long-term commitment" to Afghanistan. NATO withdrew the bulk of its troops from the war-torn country in 2014.
Afghan Second Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danish, while introducing the nominees for the two key positions, said the government hopes the lawmakers will support its decision.
He went on to say that parliamentary approval is crucial to enabling NATO partners of Afghanistan to win future military assistance for Afghan forces at the Warsaw summit.
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Support personnel, F-16s enhance partnership with Poland
By Senior Airman Erin Babis, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs / Published June 09, 2016
LASK AIR BASE, Poland (AFNS) -- About 350 personnel are supporting 20 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and the 138th Fighter Wing at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, as part of bilateral flying training with the Polish Air Force.
The Aviation Detachment 16-3 training is aimed to improve familiarization of operational and logistical processes, to maintain joint readiness, and build interoperability capabilities.
Lt. Col. Jason Repak, the commander of Detachment 1, 52nd Operations Group, said, "Aviation Detachment 16-3 is a great opportunity for our (deployed) aircrews to hone their operational skills from a forward operating location."
He explained the importance of the unit's forward presence and highlighted how hosting rotational training strengthens the U.S. and Polish alliance.
"The AvDet purpose is to maintain a small footprint in a key region at minimal cost with strategic impacts," he said. "Our enduring presence allows the U.S. to build upon a strong relationship with our Polish allies. The AvDet strengthens this relationship by fostering an environment for unique bilateral training opportunities while bolstering regional security as the sole long-term (U.S. Air Force) unit presence in Eastern Europe."
The aviation detachment is a 10-person unit from the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, stationed in Poland to support quarterly rotations of flying missions. This recurring training is conducted in coordination with the government of Poland to bolster interoperability between nations.
The current enduring presence at Lask AB and the detachment's presence in Poland make it possible to host multiple allied air force elements and serve as a regional hub for air training and multinational exercises.
"Every rotation brings its own unique set of opportunities to explore new ways to train together and to increase our respective capabilities," Repak explained. "This particular rotation involves a fairly complex allocation of forces to four strategically important exercises."
While in Poland as part of quarterly training for AvDet 16-3, the participating units will also support the concurrent exercises Baltic Operations 2016, Saber Strike 2016, Swift Response 2016 and Anakonda 2016.
"Living and working with the Polish every day reinforces bilateral ties while strengthening relationships and interoperability between U.S., Poland and NATO," Repak said. "Periodic rotational forces are a means to bolster this relationship by creating opportunities to train together and share best practices between U.S. and Polish operators, maintenance and support personnel."
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Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq
From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 09, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.
Strikes in Syria
Bomber, fighter, attack, and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 16 strikes in Syria:
-- Near Raqqah, four strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL vehicle-bomb factory and destroyed six ISIL oil pump jacks and an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Manbij, 11 strikes struck 10 separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed nine ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL mortar system and damaged a separate ISIL fighting position.
-- Near Mara, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL fighting position.
Strikes in Iraq
Bomber, fighter, ground-attack and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted 18 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government:
-- Near Huwayjah, a strike struck an ISIL improvised weapons factory.
-- Near Beiji, a strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle-borne bomb.
-- Near Fallujah, two strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed 23 ISIL fighting positions, eight ISIL light machine guns, six ISIL heavy machine guns, two ISIL recoilless rifles, an ISIL supply cache and an ISIL rocket propelled grenade system and denied ISIL access to terrain.
-- Near Habbaniyah, a strike destroyed an ISIL vehicle.
-- Near Haditha, two strikes struck an ISIL staging facility and destroyed three ISIL vehicles and an ISIL weapons cache.
-- Near Kisik, a strike stuck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL tunnel system.
-- Near Mosul, three strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL assembly areas.
-- Near Qayyarah, five strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, an ISIL weigh station, an ISIL beddown location, an ISIL headquarters and an ISIL meeting site and destroyed an ISIL weapons cache.
-- Near Ramadi, a strike destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL heavy machine gun.
-- Near Sinjar, a strike destroyed an ISIL rocket rail and an ISIL supply cache.
Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike.
Part of Operation Inherent Resolve
The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.
Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
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NATO Secretary General discusses Warsaw Summit with Dutch Prime Minister
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
09 Jun. 2016
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in The Hague on Thursday (9 June 2016) to discuss the Alliance's agenda for the Warsaw Summit in July. Mr. Stoltenberg praised the Netherlands for being a "committed NATO Ally," making valuable contributions to NATO's collective defence in Europe and helping to project stability beyond the Alliance's borders.
During their talks, the Secretary General and Prime Minister Rutte discussed the next steps NATO will take at the Warsaw Summit to respond to a more challenging security environment. Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted how NATO is adapting its defence and deterrence posture and increasing the readiness of its forces. "We are going to increase our forward presence in the eastern part of our Alliance. We have agreed that the forward presence will be a multinational presence," said the Secretary General.
The leaders also discussed how NATO can further project stability beyond its borders. Mr. Stoltenberg underscored the importance of enabling local forces to fight terrorism and secure their own countries. "We can help them, train them, build local capacity so that they are able to stabilise their own countries," he said.
Highlighting NATO's support to assist with the refugee and migrant crisis, the Secretary General thanked the Netherlands for its contribution to NATO's deployment in the Aegean Sea. He stressed that the number of crossings has significantly reduced and welcomed the broadening of international efforts to stem the flow of illegal trafficking and migration. He added that NATO will continue to step up its cooperation with the European Union. "I look forward to the Summit because the aim is to be able to lift the EU-NATO cooperation to a new level," said Mr. Stoltenberg.
The Secretary General also underlined the importance of meeting the defence spending pledge made at the Wales Summit in September 2014. He welcomed the Netherlands' efforts to increase defence spending and stressed that this is a first step towards increasing investments in NATO's collective defence and shared security.
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US, Philippines kick off military drills near S China Sea
Iran Press TV
Thu Jun 9, 2016 4:0PM
The United States and the Philippines have kicked off this year's annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) joint military exercises.
The CARAT Philippines 2016, which started this week and will end on June 10, sees US Navy and Marine Corps conduct exercise missions with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in multiple locations across the Southeast Asian country and in waters near Subic Bay and Palawan, near the disputed South China Sea.
The year's war games focus on combined operations at sea, amphibious landings, diving and salvage, maritime domain awareness, and community service events, said the US Navy's Task Force 37, which belongs to the Seventh Fleet and coordinates exercises for Southeast Asia.
In addition to military engagements, the two navies will also engage in professional exchanges, training seminars, as well as civic action projects and other cultural activities, the task force noted.
The guided missile destroyer USS Stethem, the landing dock ship USS Ashland, and the diving and salvage ship USNS Salvor are among the American gear participating in the exercises.
The forces are being accompanied by a US P-8 or Poseidon spy aircraft, known as the Pentagon's most effective submarine hunting weapon.
Philippine Navy assets and units included in the drill involve the Minesweeper Frigate BRP Rizal, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar frigate, a Landing Craft Heavy vessel and a lightweight AW109 helicopter.
CARAT is part of US Navy's joint naval exercises with nine partners in South and Southeast Asia Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Lestewhich began in 1995.
CARAT Philippines, described by officials as the most complex drill so far, comes days after CARAT Malaysia which kicked off the series on June 1.
Additional phases of CARAT will occur through November this year.
The war games are expected to prompt reactions from China, which claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea.
There have been growing disputes between China and its neighbors, including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, that lay claim to some parts of South China Sea.
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An honest essay has numerous characteristics: original thinking, a good structure, balanced arguments, and plenty more.
But one aspect often overlooked is that an honest essay should be interesting. It should spark the readers curiosity, keep them absorbed, make them want to stay reading and learn more. An uneventful article risks losing the readers attention; whether or not the points you create are excellent, a flat style, or poor handling of a dry subject material can undermine the positive aspects of the essay. The matter is that a lot of students think that essays should be like this: they believe that a flat, dry style is suited to the needs of educational writing and dont even consider that the teacher reading their essay wants to search out the essay interesting. You might want to have online essay editor service to boost your confidence in writing with an error-free output. Academic writing doesnt need to be and shouldnt be bland. The excellent news is that there is much stuff you can do to create your essay more attractive, while youll be able only to do such a lot while remaining within the formal confines of educational writing. Lets study what theyre.
Have an interest in what youre writing about
Dont go overboard, but youll be able to let your passion for your subject show.
If theres one thing bound to inject interest into your writing, its being fascinated by what youre writing about. Passion for a subject matter comes across naturally in your essay, typically making it more lively and fascinating and infusing an infectious enthusiasm into your words within the same way that its easy to talk knowledgeably to someone about something you discover fascinating.
Include fascinating details
Another factor that may make an essay boring maybe a dry material. Some topic areas are naturally dry, and it falls to you to form the article more interesting through your written style and by trying to seek out fascinating snippets of knowledge to incorporate, which will liven it up a small amount and make the data easier to relate to. A way of doing this with a dry subject is to create what youre talking about that seems relevant to the critical world, as this is often easier for the reader to relate to.
Emulate the fashion of writers you discover interesting
When you read lots, you subconsciously start emulating the fashion of the writers you have read. Reading benefits you a lot, as this exposes you to a spread of designs, and youll start to require the characteristics of these you discover interesting to read.
Borrow some creative writing techniques
Theres a limit to the quantity of actual story-telling youll do when youre writing an essay; in the end, essays should be objective, factual and balanced, which doesnt, initially glance, feel considerably like story-telling. However, youll apply a number of the principles of story-telling to create your writing more interesting.
consider your own opinion
Take the time to figure out what its that you think instead of regurgitating the opinions of others.
Cut the waffle
Rambling on and on is dull and almost bound to lose the interest of your reader. Youre in danger of waffling if youre not completely clear about what you wish to mention or havent thought carefully about how youre visiting structure your argument. Doing all your research correctly and writing an essay plan before you begin will help prevent this problem.
Editing is a vital part of the essay-writing process, so edit the waffle once youve done a primary draft. Read through your essay objectively and eliminate the bits that arent relevant to the argument or labor the purpose.
employing a thesaurus isnt always a decent thing
Avoid using unfamiliar words in an essay; theres too great a likelihood that youre misusing them.
You may think that employing a thesaurus to seek out more complicated words will make your writing more exciting or sound more academic, but using overly high-brow language can have the incorrect effect.
Avoid repetitive phrasing
Please avoid using the identical phrase structure again and again: its a recipe for dullness! Instead, use a variety of syntax that demonstrates your writing capabilities and makes your writing more interesting. Mix simple, compound, and complicated sentences to avoid your paper becoming predictable.
Use some figurative language
Using analogies with nature can often make concepts more accessible for readers to know.
As weve already seen, its easy to finish up rambling when youre explaining complex concepts mainly after you dont know it yourself. One way of forcing yourself to think about a couple of pictures, present it more simply and engagingly is to form figurative language. This implies explaining something by comparing it with something else, as in an analogy.
Employ rhetorical questions
Anticipate the questions your reader might ask.
One of the ways ancient orators held the eye of their audiences and increased the dramatic effect of their speeches was by using the statement. A decent place to use a statement is at the top of a paragraph, to steer into the following one, or at the start of a replacement section to introduce a brand new area for exploration.
Proofread
Finally, you may write the top interesting essay an instructor has ever read. Still, youll undermine your good work if its plagued by errors, which distract the reader from the particular content and can probably annoy them.
Israel to send hundreds more forces to West Bank
Iran Press TV
Thu Jun 9, 2016 1:36PM
Israel is set to deploy hundreds more troops to the occupied West Bank after a shooting attack at a shopping center in Tel Aviv that the regime blamed on Palestinians.
In a Thursday statement, the Israeli military said the reinforcements include soldiers from infantry and special forces units.
"In accordance with situation assessments, the Judea and Samaria (West Bank) Division will be reinforced by two additional battalions," the statement read.
The authorities in Tel Aviv have declined to provide details on the exact number of troops. However, battalions are usually made up of several hundred troopers.
The regime also suspended entry permits for tens of thousands of Palestinians in the wake of Wednesday's deadly shooting in Tel Aviv. Based on the measure, all permits issued for family visits during the holy month of Ramadan are canceled.
The move will deny entry to 83,000 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and some 200 residents of the Gaza Strip into Israel.
The developments came after a shooting in Tel Aviv left four Israelis dead and several others wounded.
Initial reports said the attackers were dressed as "ultra-Orthodox" Israelis, but police later claimed they were of Palestinian origin.
Police announced that one assailant was arrested and another was taken to hospital after being shot following the incident that took place at the Sarona food and retail market near the Israeli military's main headquarters on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, the Israeli regime forces are preventing Palestinians from leaving and entering the West Bank village of Yatta, which the regime's police say is home to the attackers.
Tensions have been running high in the occupied West Bank since last October.
Since then, at least 213 Palestinians, including children and women, have lost their lives at the hands of Israeli forces in what is regarded as the third Palestinian Intifada (uprising).
The uprising came after the Israeli regime imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinians into the al-Aqsa Mosque in al-Quds (Jerusalem) in August last year.
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'US carrier deployment sends a message to Russia'
Iran Press TV
Thu Jun 9, 2016 5:0AM
The United States is sending Russia a message by deploying a new aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean, says a report.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) entered the US 6th Fleet area of operations in support of US national security interests in Europe, the US European Command (EUCOM) has announced.
The carrier's unplanned diversion from the Middle East to the eastern Mediterranean has been described as a clear message to Russia, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Since November, it has carried out many strikes against Daesh (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria.
The report quoted US Rear Admiral Bret Batchelder, the highest-ranking officer on the carrier, as telling reporters that the deployment was meant to reassure America's allies within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of the US effort to maintain the balance of power in the Mediterranean.
"It is a demonstration of capability. That's for sure," he said. "There are undoubtedly folks who are watching that and this is just a graphic representation of what we're capable of."
The carrier replaces the USS Harry S. Truman, another US aircraft carrier, which was in the region for some eight months.
Meanwhile, an unnamed military official in Washington said the latest shift was a signal to Moscow and a show of the American Navy's capabilities.
"It provides some needed presence in the Med to checkthe Russians," the official said. "The unpredictability of what we did with Truman kind of makes them think twice."
Russia has maintained a contingent of about 10 to 15 ships in the Mediterranean for three years over the conflict in Syria.
The US official added that the ship's position in the Mediterranean could help America and its allies to launch operations against ISIL in Libya.
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Danish Government Approves $3Bln Purchase of F-35 Fighters From US
Sputnik News
20:04 09.06.2016(updated 20:24 09.06.2016)
Defense contractor Lockheed Martin said in a press release that government of Denmark has backed an order of 27 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, which amounts to $3 billion.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The government of Denmark has backed an order of 27 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, which amounts to $3 billion, defense contractor Lockheed Martin said in a press release on Thursday.
"Denmark's parliament agreed to a deal with Lockheed Martin to spend $3 billion, or 20 billion kroner, to buy 27 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets on replacing its aging fleet of fighter planes," the release stated.
The company said it was honored by the Danish authorities' decision, and added that Denmark has become the 11th country to order F-35 jets.
The F-35 project is the most ambitious and expensive weapon system in the history of the US Defense Department, with a cost of some $1.5 trillion.
Sputnik
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Update: air strikes against Daesh
9 June 2016
British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh
Latest update
- Monday 6 June Tornados struck a large truck-bomb factory near Mosul, while Typhoons provided close air support around Fallujah.
- Tuesday 7 June Tornados destroyed a weapons stockpile near Fallujah.
- Wednesday 8 June Reapers attacked targets near Raqqa in Syria, and Qayyarah in Iraq; Typhoons and Tornados supported Iraqi ground operations in both Fallujah and east of Mosul.
Detail
Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s continued to provide close air support on Monday 6 June to the Iraqi operation to liberate Fallujah. A coalition surveillance aircraft spotted a group of Daesh terrorists taking up position in a building to the west of the city, allowing them to be quickly targeted by the Typhoons using a Paveway IV guided bomb. In northern Iraq, intelligence had located a large truck-bomb factory near Mosul and two RAF Tornado GR4s armed with 1000lb Enhanced Paveway II guided bombs were tasked with its destruction. A single EPW II destroyed the factory.
Operations around Fallujah continued on Tuesday 7 June, when Tornados successfully attacked a weapons and ammunition stockpile hidden to the south-east of the city.
The following day, Tornados conducted three attacks to support Iraqi ground forces engaged in firefights with terrorists inside Fallujah. Despite the close proximity of the Iraqi forces, the GR4s were able to deliver simultaneous attacks with Paveway IVs against two strongpoints housing Daesh machine-gun and artillery teams. They then struck a further machine-gun position when it also opened fire on the Iraqis.
Typhoons also contributed to the Fallujah operations, using Paveway IVs against two groups of Daesh extremists armed with a light machine-gun and rocket-propelled grenades. In northern Iraq, another Typhoon mission successfully attacked a Daesh-held building east of Mosul, whilst a Reaper used a GBU-12 bomb to demolish a building where another coalition surveillance aircraft had observed terrorists unloading supplies. A second Reaper patrolled over Syria and employed a Hellfire missile to destroy a Daesh truck travelling at speed on the open road south of Raqqa.
Previous air strikes
2 May: Typhoons provided further support to the Iraqi forces near Fallujah, striking a machine-gun team in a bunker and a 23mm anti-aircraft gun. In northern Iraq, Tornados used two Paveways to destroy a Daesh-held building and a nearby weapons store north of Mosul, then flew south to the Qayyarah region where Iraqi forces were engaged in a firefight with a group of terrorists manning a fortified position. Despite the close proximity of the friendly forces, very precise strikes with two Paveways and two Brimstones helped destroy the Daesh group.
3 May: An RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft conducting reconnaissance over the village of Batnay, north of Mosul. A truck-bomb was identified inside a compound and struck using a Hellfire missile, resulting in a very large explosion. The Reaper then provided targeting support to a successful strike by coalition fast jets against a group of Daesh fighters and their vehicle. Two Tornados were also tasked to operate over Batnay, and they successfully destroyed a further Daesh vehicle with a direct hit from a Brimstone. In western Iraq, Typhoons provided further close air support to Iraqi forces near Fallujah, striking a mortar team and their vehicle hidden under trees south of the city.
4 May: A Reaper identified a truck-bomb, concealed underneath a tarpaulin, next to a road in western Iraq. The crew checked that there were no civilians or friendly forces at immediate risk and used a Hellfire missile to score a direct hit on the vehicle, detonating the explosives safely. South of Fallujah, a pair of Typhoon FGR4s used a Paveway IV guided bomb to destroy a building where a group of extremists, armed with a heavy calibre automatic weapon. In the same area, a Tornado GR4 flight dropped four Paveways on a weapons stockpile, two Daesh-held buildings, and a tunnel entrance. RAF aircraft also supported Kurdish forces in the north of the country, where another Tornado flight bombed a group of Daesh fighters and a mortar team, the latter positioned in a small copse of trees.
5 May: Tornado missions in support of Iraqi and Kurdish operations demolished a terrorist position north-east of Mosul on around Mosul and Fallujah, while Typhoons bombed a tunnel and a mortar south-west of Fallujah.
6 May: Daesh terrorists were spotted unloading rockets and mortar projectiles from a number of small boats and a barge on the Euphrates in Anbar province. A Tornado reconnaissance patrol, armed with Brimstone missiles, was first on the scene and prevented the initial load of weapons from being driven away, hitting the terrorists' truck with a Brimstone while they were still loading it. A Paveway-armed flight of Typhoons then arrived and used its bombs to destroy the weapons on the shore, and sink the barge. The same Typhoon flight also attacked a mortar position south-west of Fallujah. A second Tornado flight destroyed two heavy machine-gun positions on the north bank of the Euphrates, downstream from the recently liberated town of Hit. In northern Iraq, Typhoons struck another mortar, north-west of Mosul.
8 May: Typhoons were active south of Fallujah, where a rocket launcher was identified in the open with three known caches of ammunition stored nearby. All four targets were struck with Paveway IV guided bombs and successfully destroyed.
9 May: RAF Typhoon FGR4s, armed with Paveway IV guided bombs, conducted successful attacks against a group of Daesh extremists hiding in a tunnel network dug into a riverbank north-west of Kirkuk and against two rocket launcher positions north of Mosul.
Other Typhoons, and Tornado GR4s provided close air support to the Iraqi troops operating in the Euphrates valley. The Typhoons struck a mortar position north of the Al Asad airbase, while the Tornados destroyed a terrorist command post situated nearby in a riverside building in the midst of a palm grove.
10 May: RAF Sentry airborne command and control platforms have also been playing their part in the overall direction of the air campaign against Daesh. A typical Sentry mission saw it controlling some 40 coalition aircraft operating over Syria and Iraq, including several RAF reconnaissance missions.
11 May: Tornados again assisted Iraqi ground forces in the Euphrates valley, when they came up against a heavily defended Daesh building, which was demolished with a Paveway.
12 May: A Typhoon flight used three Paveways to hit Daesh positions ahead of a Kurdish offensive to the south-west of Kirkuk.
13 May: Two RAF Reapers provided close air support to the peshmerga as they advanced, conducting a total of four attacks with three Hellfires and a GBU-12 guided bomb. They destroyed mortar teams and a Daesh supply truck, as well as providing surveillance support to a coalition air strike which destroyed a terrorist strongpoint. Tornados were meanwhile again assisting Iraqi ground forces in the Euphrates valley, and destroyed two Daesh-held buildings on the northern bank of the river.
15 May: A pair of Typhoons conducted successful simultaneous attacks north-west of Fallujah, which destroyed a bunker and an engineering vehicle.
16 May: RAF support to Iraqi ground forces along the Euphrates continued when Tornados used a Paveway bomb to destroy a small Daesh bunker containing ammunition supplies.
17 May: Tornados operated north of Mosul and conducted a successful attack with Paveways on a group of three buildings near Bashiqah, which housed weapon stockpiles. The same day, a Typhoon flight used a pair of Paveways to destroy two machine-gun positions which Daesh were attempting to establish on the northern bank of the Euphrates near Hit following their recent defeat by the Iraqis in the town.
18 May: Flights of Typhoons and Tornados both participated in a series of attacks on Daesh installations north of Tal Afar. The Typhoons employed eight Paveways to attack a cluster of buildings used by the terrorists for command and control, accommodation, and vehicle and weapon storage. The Tornados delivered four Paveways to destroy a further command post and three ammunition stockpiles.
19 May: Tornados from RAF Akrotiri patrolled the Mosul area. North of the city, they used a Paveway IV guided bomb to destroy a tunnel in which a group of Daesh extremists were based, then moved to the east of Mosul where 15 rocket launchers had been stored by the terrorists. Three Paveway IVs were used against ammunition stockpiles, before three Brimstone missiles were used to destroy the rocket launchers. The small warhead and high precision of the Brimstones avoided any structural damage being caused to the surrounding buildings.
Typhoons were also active over northern Iraq that day, operating north of Tall Afar where they employed a pair of Paveways to demolish a large weapons store, then two more Paveways against two other Daesh-held buildings.
20 May: Intelligence analysis pinpointed two Daesh headquarters in north-west Syria, located 10 and 25 miles respectively north of Aleppo near the fighting along the Mar'a Line. A pair of Tornado GR4s were tasked with their destruction. One of the command posts was in a very solidly constructed building, this was targeted with two Enhanced Paveway II 1000lb bombs. A pair of 500lb Paveway IVs were used against the second headquarters. Both targets were destroyed by direct hits.
With the Iraqi ground forces preparing to launch their offensive to liberate Fallujah, Typhoons provided close air support to their operations around the outskirts of the city. A stockpile of components for improvised explosive devices was destroyed with one Paveway and a terrorist strong-point with a second.
22 May: Further close air support was provided around Fallujah, when Tornados bombed a tunnel complex where weapons and ammunition were stored.
23 May: Tornados used a Brimstone missile against a further mortar team near Fallujah. Not far away, Iraqi ground forces were in close combat north of Habbaniyah assisted by a pair of RAF Typhoons that struck a mortar team and a rocket position with Paveways. In the north of the country two more Typhoons contributed to a coalition strike on Daesh installations west of Mosul, a workshop preparing truck-bombs was assigned as the RAF target and successfully demolished by a Paveway. Across the border, in eastern Syria, an RAF Reaper identified a terrorist checkpoint north-west of Dayr az Zawr and destroyed it with a Hellfire missile.
24 May: A Royal Air Force Reaper remotely piloted aircraft patrolled near Bayji, where Daesh terrorists were engaged in combat with Iraqi forces. The Reaper used one Hellfire missile to destroy an artillery gun that was firing on the Iraqi troops, it then used a second Hellfire to break up an attempted Daesh attack along a gully. In northern Iraq, Tornado GR4s attacked a Daesh-held building near Qayyarah with a Paveway IV guided bomb. With the Iraqi offensive to liberate Fallujah well under way, a pair of Paveway-armed Typhoons provided close air support west of the city, where they destroyed three stockpiles of terrorist weapons and ammunition.
25 May: Typhoon operations west of Fallujah continued, when they patrolled the area leading to Habbaniyah and on to the outskirts of Ramadi. They conducted a series of Paveway IV attacks, accounting for two Daesh positions, including a heavy machine-gun team, as well as an artillery piece and a bunker.
26 May: They returned to the same area the following day, hitting an ammunition cache that had been spotted near the destroyed bunker. They then struck a building north-east of Fallujah where a large group of terrorists had been reported massing for a counter-attack. In the north, Tornados bombed two terrorist-held buildings and a tunnel near Mosul. Later in the day, a Typhoon flight was tasked with eliminating a group of suicide bombers who had been spotted north of Baghdad, preparing for an attempted diversionary attack on the security cordon around the city; a Paveway IV demolished the building in which they were hiding.
27 May: Intensive air operations along the Euphrates valley around Fallujah and the wider area continued. Typhoons silenced two sniper teams with Paveway strikes, then intervened in a closely fought combat between Iraqi troops and Daesh near Habbaniyah; particular care and precision was needed to avoid causing casualties to the Iraqi forces, but three successful Paveway attacks were accomplished. A second Typhoon flight destroyed a light anti-aircraft gun that was firing on Iraqi personnel near Hit, whilst a pair of Tornados used a Brimstone missile to destroy a truck-bomb in the same area. A Reaper was also active over the Euphrates, using a Hellfire to destroy a vehicle-mounted terrorist team, armed with rocket-propelled grenades, on the outskirts of Fallujah.
29 May: Despite these efforts around Fallujah, the Kurdish forces in the north were not neglected: Tornados bombed a mortar position near Mosul. There were two further attacks near Mosul on Sunday 29 May, conducted by Typhoons against another mortar position and a large truck-bomb that was being prepared for use. In the south, near Hit, a Tornado patrol destroyed a Daesh vehicle with a Brimstone missile.
30 May: Intelligence work had identified two factory sites in northern Syria, between Al Bab and Manbij, producing improvised explosive devices. A pair of Tornados, armed with 1,000lb Enhanced Paveway II bombs, conducted a deliberate strike on the two sites. A Tornado reconnaissance patrol near Mosul used a Paveway to attack a group of terrorists, and a Brimstone to destroy their support vehicle. Typhoons also destroyed three weapon stockpiles to the east of Mosul. Another Typhoon mission maintained a close air support presence over Fallujah, and, working very closely with a coalition surveillance aircraft, used Paveway IVs to attack an armed truck and a Daesh fighting position.
31 May: Tornados used Paveway IV guided bombs to destroy two heavy machine-guns that were threatening the advancing Iraqi forces; one, mounted on a truck concealed in a palm grove north of Fallujah, the second in a building on the southern outskirts of the city. In northern Iraq, a Typhoon and a Reaper provided assistance to the Kurdish peshmerga and Iraqi forces.
The Typhoons destroyed the headquarters of a local Daesh commander to the south-east of Mosul, using Paveway IVs, while the Reaper assisted a coalition aircraft in targeting an engineering vehicle used for constructing defences near Qayyarah, then used its own Hellfire missiles against two terrorist mortar teams. Both the Typhoons and the Reaper then flew south to add their weight to air operations over Fallujah. The Typhoons successfully attacked a third heavy machine-gun position. The Reaper kept close watch on a group of terrorists test-firing and loading weapons, including a heavy machine gun, onto a supply truck. The reaper then destroyed the truck with a direct hit from a Hellfire missile.
Further west, along the Euphrates, near the recently liberated town of Hit, a second Reaper provided support to Iraqi forces consolidating the security of the surrounding area. The Reaper destroyed both a machine-gun team and a vehicle carrying a recoilless anti-tank gun with its Hellfires.
1 June: Reapers were in action again, one patrolled the skies above Qayyarah, where a camouflaged set of loaded rocket launch rails were spotted and destroyed with a Hellfire missile. A second Reaper patrolled over eastern Syria and western Iraq, and located a terrorist check-point on the Iraqi side of the border, west of Al Qa'im, which was stopping the free movement of traffic. Again, a Hellfire missile was employed and the check-point successfully attacked.
Two Tornado missions provided reconnaissance and close air support to Iraqi forces around Fallujah. One pair of Tornados used Paveway IVs to conduct simultaneous attacks on two Daesh-held buildings close to a canal to the south of the city; one building housed a terrorist sniper team, the other a recoilless anti-tank artillery piece. Both targets were destroyed by direct hits. The second Tornado flight successfully silenced a heavy-machine-gun positioned in a third Daesh strongpoint after it opened fire on the advancing Iraqi troops.
2 June: Three successive flights of Tornado GR4s and Typhoon FGR4s provided close air support to Iraqi units on the southern outskirts of the city. One Tornado flight conducted four attacks with Paveway IV guided bombs, striking a bunker and three teams of terrorists armed with an anti-tank gun, rocket-propelled grenades and a heavy machine-gun. A second Tornado mission delivered simultaneous attacks on two Daesh-held buildings, then a third bombing attack on a heavy machine-gun position that had opened fire on Iraqi troops. The Typhoon flight dealt with a further artillery piece, using a Paveway IV.
In northern Iraq, another pair of Typhoons struck a group of terrorists spotted advancing towards peshmerga positions near Kisik, then headed to an area south-east of Mosul where they used three Paveways to attack more extremists mustering in and around a large warehouse.
3 June: Operations over southern Fallujah continued when a pair of Typhoons conducted Paveway attacks on two Daesh strongpoints which had opened fire on Iraqi forces with machine-guns and other weapons. Two Reaper remotely piloted aircraft patrolled over the city the following day, exploiting their long endurance and excellent surveillance capabilities to provide persistent overwatch for the Iraqi troops on the ground.
During the course of Saturday, the Reapers delivered five attacks, using two GBU-12 guided bombs and three Hellfire missiles, against two machine-gun teams, two Daesh firing positions and a tunnel network. They also provided assistance to five other air strikes conducted by coalition fast jets on terrorist positions.
5 June: Tornados were again in action over southern Fallujah. A factory producing improvised truck-bombs was struck with a pair of Paveway IVs, destroying two vehicles that were being prepared for use, and two further attacks with Paveways accounted for two anti-tank weapons.
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AU: Over 100 Shabab Militants Killed in Base Attack
by Abdulaziz Osman, Harun Maruf June 09, 2016
The African Union force in Somalia says soldiers killed more than 100 al-Shabab militants who attacked a military base Thursday.
Officials and residents say the militants set off a car bomb and then tried to storm the Ethiopian base in the village of Halgan, about 260 kilometers north of Mogadishu.
Colonel Joseph Kibet, a spokesman for the AU force AMISOM, told VOA's Somali service that Ethiopian and Somali government troops drove back the pre-dawn assault. "The initial reports say at least 110 militants were killed in the attack," he said.
The Somali Ministry of Defense says at least 120 militants were killed.
The chairman of the village, Guhad Abdi Warsame, told VOA that al-Shabab launched two attacks, one targeting a housing area for Ethiopian troops, the other a base for the Somali government. He said both attacks failed and that the attackers' "bodies lie in the village."
Residents have confirmed that Ethiopian and government troops are in control of Halgan.
Al-Shabab's claims
Al-Shabab's official radio station, Andalus, says the group killed 43 Ethiopian troops in the attack and destroyed the base. The group told Reuters that it has lost 16 of its fighters.
Residents said at least 5 civilians were killed during the crossfire.
Suicide car bombs coupled with assaults on bases have been the hallmark of al-Shabab raids against AU bases in Somalia over the past year.
Previous attacks killed 54 Burundian soldiers in Leego town, 19 Ugandans in Janaale and more than 100 Kenyans in El-Adde.
The AU force been stationed in Somalia since 2007 to fight al-Shabab. The group, which has pledged allegiance to al-Qaida, wants to overthrow the Somali government and turn Somalia into a strict Islamist state.
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Drone Strike Strains US-Pakistani Talks on Afghanistan
by Ayaz Gul June 09, 2016
The U.S. drone attack that killed the Afghan Taliban's leader last month in Pakistan damaged "mutual trust" between Islamabad and Washington, intensified hostilities in Afghanistan and seriously set back peace efforts for that war-ravaged country, a Pakistani authority said on the eve of new talks.
As senior U.S. officials and their Pakistani counterparts prepare to meet Friday, the Pakistani prime minister's adviser on foreign policy, Sartaj Aziz, said the drone attack put fresh strains on the already uneasy U.S.-Pakistani relations. He predicted the issue would have "long-lasting implications."
The U.S. delegation visiting Islamabad includes Peter Lavoy, senior director for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the U.S. National Security Council, and Richard Olson, the U.S. special representative to the two neighboring countries.
Topic No. 1 at their meeting is the May 21 drone attack that killed Afghan Taliban Mullah Akhtar Mansoor. Traveling under a pseudonym following a secret trip to Iran, Mansoor was driving through Pakistan's border province of Baluchistan when his vehicle was destroyed by rockets fired by unmanned U.S. aircraft.
'Negative consequences'
Pakistani authorities contend that Mansoor had been about to agree to join peace talks between the warring sides in Afghanistan at the time he was killed. Aziz told reporters Thursday his government believes the drone strike had only "negative consequences... no positive things."
"Not only has it violated our sovereignty," the Pakistani foreign policy adviser said, "but it has damaged the trust in our relationship with America, and it has also undermined the peace process in Afghanistan."
Islamabad acknowledges that insurgent leaders are among nearly 3 million Afghan refugees now living in Pakistan for years, in some cases but denies that Pakistani intelligence supports Taliban-led violence in Afghanistan.
Obstacles to peace talks
Pakistan has encountered many difficulties in trying to arrange peace talks between the Taliban and the Kabul government, Aziz said, in part because there is "no unanimity of views" within Afghanistan on whether Kabul should engage in peace talks with the Taliban.
Pakistan is determined to play whatever role it can to facilitate peace talks, Aziz said: "Our message for the Afghan government is that you need to show patience and send messages to the Taliban to let them know what will they gain if they come to the table for peace talks."
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Is the Pentagon Safe From Cyberattacks?
by Carla Babb June 08, 2016
A hacker only needs to succeed once to break into a system.
One tiny flaw a singular vulnerability found and an entire wall of cyberdefense can crumble.
The influx of data available in the invisible, interconnected cyber realm has become "both an opportunity and a challenge," Steve Welby, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Defense Department's Chief Technology Officer, told VOA in an exclusive one-on-one interview.
"Almost everything we're doing in the department is software enabled," Welby said. "There's almost no system today where new capabilities aren't being inserted much faster than ever before by downloading apps into our systems."
The increased speed and capability comes with a major vulnerability to cyberattacks, making the fortification of the cyber realm arguably as critical as the defense of air, land, sea and space.
"The tradition in cybersecurity is to put a Band-Aid on, and when that doesn't work, put another Band-Aid on top of it," Strategic Technologies Program Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies James Lewis told VOA. "It's the wrong approach."
Lewis argues there are other militaries out there particularly the Russians with cyber capabilities that are equally as good as the United States' abilities. Until there's a new, better protected system in place for the U.S. military, hackers with unlimited time and resources eventually can find ways to break through.
"It's not so much that our defenses are weak. It's just that they are hard to defend against," he said.
Why is cyberspace so hard to defend?
The Department of Defense built the first workable prototype for the internet decades ago with the goal of sharing data. The point of the cyber realm, Welby said, was connecting people, without an eye toward providing protection.
Even as security experts today see the need to balance connectivity with protection, the technology market's dynamics are making it hard to change the status quo.
"People want convenience. They want stuff to work and connect immediately, and security doesn't come anywhere near that as a priority," Lewis said.
That means the Pentagon, not the commercial sector, is largely left with the task of brainstorming new systems that are inherently defensible from design.
Welby says the military is doing just that with three techniques researching new computer architecture, providing arenas for the private sector to produce new cyberdefenses and developing new software that can communicate defensive techniques with the user.
"That idea of having systems that can explain its behavior is an exciting one and is at the root of an entirely new field of cyberdefenses that we're just starting to explore," Welby said.
Experts say the best defense is refreshing and modernizing systems. But the reluctance of Congress to fund the purchase of new systems could lead to major security problems in the near future, Lewis said.
"Within three years, five years, they [opponents] know every bug, they know every opening, they know every vulnerability, so the system isn't protectable anymore," he told VOA. "Some of the stuff the Defense Department is running is over 20 years old, so there's no way to protect that."
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has courted several technology developers to help the Pentagon as it seeks to improve America's cyber, land, air, sea and space defenses. Carter will meet later this week with Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX and the product architect of Tesla Motors.
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Virginia Man Charged with Providing Material Support to ISIL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 9, 2016
In a criminal complaint unsealed in the Eastern District of Virginia today, Mohamad Jamal Khweis, 26, of Alexandria, Virginia, was charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The complaint was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI's Washington Field Office.
Khweis was detained by Kurdish Peshmerga military forces on March 14, 2016 in northern Iraq after leaving an ISIL-controlled neighborhood in Tal Afar, Iraq. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Khweis admitted to renting a car in Alexandria and flying out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport to begin his travel to join ISIL in mid-December 2015. His travel included stops in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands before ultimately crossing into Syria through Turkey with the help of ISIL facilitators. Khweis admitted that he stayed in an ISIL safe house in Raqqa, Syria, with other ISIL recruits who were going through an intake process, and at one point during the intake process, answered yes when asked by ISIL if he would be a suicide bomber. Khweis also admitted to participating in ISIL-directed religious training for nearly one month in preparation for his service to ISIL.
Khweis will have his initial appearance at the federal courthouse in Alexandria today at 2 p.m. EDT before U.S. Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson of the Eastern District of Virginia.
This case is being investigated by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Fitzpatrick of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Raj Parekh of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.
16-663
National Security Division (NSD)
USAO - Virginia, Eastern
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American IS Suspect Back in US to Face Terror Charges
by Jeff Seldin June 09, 2016
The U.S. is filing terrorism charges against a 26-year-old American citizen who first made headlines when he was detained by Kurdish peshmerga forces in northern Iraq after claiming he was trying to escape from the Islamic State terror group.
An American citizen who fled the United States and joined the Islamic State terror group before claiming to have undergone a change of heart is back in the country to face terror charges.
Looking thin and ragged, Mohamad Jamal Khweis was escorted into a federal courtroom Thursday in Alexandria, Virginia. He wore a dark blue T-shirt and grayish slacks, while sporting a closely cropped haircut.
His father, mother and brother waved at him anxiously. According to his defense attorney, the family was seeing Khweis for the first time since he left to join IS.
Khweis first made headlines when he was detained by Kurdish peshmerga forces in northern Iraq in March, becoming one of just a handful of American IS to be captured on the battlefield.
Khweis, who said little during his initial court appearance, is charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support to IS. The counts carry a maximum penalty of 20 years behind bars, a $250,000 fine and a lifetime of supervised release.
Khweis was not required to enter a plea, and his lawyer cautioned against reading too much into the government's court filings.
"Everything is not as it appears," Attorney John Zwerling told reporters outside the courthouse.
Parts of the case laid out in the court documents conflict with the story Khweis told Kurdistan 24 TV just days after he was detained.
Case against Khweis
According to the criminal complaint, FBI agents interrogated Khweis while he was in Kurdish custody in Iraq.
He admitted he had researched IS in the U.S., watched propaganda videos of IS fighters carrying out terrorist operations and execution, and became interested in actually traveling to the self-declared caliphate in mid-2015.
In December 2015, he boarded a flight at Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport to London, staying there for several days before continuing on to Turkey and crossing the border into Syria.
Once in the IS stronghold of Raqqa, he was sent to a safe house, where he was questioned by IS officials and given the name Abu Omar al-Amriki.
"The defendant stated another ISIL member asked him if he wanted to be a suicide bomber," FBI Special Agent Victoria Martinez wrote in the criminal complaint unsealed Thursday, using an Islamic State acronym. "The defendant answered 'yes.' "
"The defendant stated that he thought this question was intended to test his commitment," Martinez added.
Also while in Raqqa, Khweis described how he and other foreign recruits met with Jaysh Kalifa, often described as IS's elite military unit.
"The representatives explained that their group was responsible for accepting volunteers from foreign countries who would be trained and sent back" to conduct terror operations, according to the complaint.
Still, investigators say Khweis maintained he only touched a firearm once, moving a gun that was left on a couch so he could sit down.
Powerful message
"It's a very unique case," said Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. "Very rarely do you get a criminal complaint with this level of detail."
Hughes warned the details could be damning.
"He wasn't a naive kid that didn't know about ISIS," Hughes said. "It's very clear that Mohamad went in there bright-eyed and knew what he was getting into."
Counterterror experts like Hughes say Khweis' case also presents the U.S. with an opportunity to deliver a powerful message to other Americans who may be tempted to join IS or other violent jihadist groups.
"To have a guy like this who can say, 'Listen, I was there,' is very, very important," said Mubin Shaikh, an expert who has worked with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and testified before U.S. lawmakers in Congress.
"What this one guy can do is more valuable than millions of dollars of advertising, of Twitter accounts," he said.
The key, according to Shaikh, is that based on initial evidence indicating that Khweis left voluntarily and does not seem to "have blood on his hands" the Alexandria, Virginia, resident is part of a category of foreign fighters who can be rehabilitated.
Inconsistencies
Yet questions remain about Khweis' case, and some of the information he shared during his on-camera interview with Kurdish television does not match what he told the FBI investigators.
"I wasn't thinking straight," Khweis said in English during a heavily edited portion of the interview. "I made a bad decision to go with [a] girl and go to Mosul."
He also described how the Iraqi girl, the sister of a woman married to an IS fighter, made all the arrangements for the journey.
The criminal complaint, however, makes no mention of any girl.
There are also some questions about what Khweis was carrying with him when he surrendered to Kurdish forces, including his Virginia driver's license, three mobile phones, memory cards, two bank cards, and more than $450 in U.S. bills.
John Zwerling, Khweis' attorney, said the 26-year-old had been in Kurdish custody in Irbil since his surrender. He said that Kurdish officials were present with Khweis at all times, even during the interrogation session by FBI agents.
Happy to have Khweis back
Zwerling said Khweis' parents are glad their son is back in the U.S.
"The love him," he said. "They're very anxious, but they're glad he's back."
At the time of his capture by Kurdish forces, Khweis' parents expressed shock, saying they had no idea he was in Iraq or had ties with any extremist groups.
"We thought he was in Canada lately," a woman who identified herself as Khweis' mother told VOA. "We also know he has been traveling to Turkey."
The parents said they are of Palestinian background. The father said he came to the U.S. in 1988.
VOA's Sirwan Kajjo contributed to this report.
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China military fleet to get 1,000 large strategic aircraft
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 9:26AM
The Chinese military's aerial transport squadron is to be boosted by as many as 1,000 large strategic aircraft, with Beijing seeking to model the force after its American and Russian counterparts.
"More than 1,000 Y-20s will be needed," said Zhu Qian, the head of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Britain's IHS Jane's military journal reported.
The official was referring to the Xian Y-20 aircraft, which is under development by China's Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation.
Commonly referred to as Chubby Girl, the plane has been designed to be capable of flying as far as 4,500 km (2,700 miles) with a max payload of 66 tons. With its wings 50 meters (164 feet) apart, it also surpasses any other Chinese aircraft in size.
The Chinese military's National Defense University had previously recommended the production of 400 of the aircraft.
Zhu said the new estimate of 1,000 is "based on the experience of the United States and Russia," in an indication of China's intention to rival the countries' airlifter fleet.
The plane's range "means it can reach everywhere in Europe and Asia, the US state of Alaska, Australia, and North Africa," according to the Chinese People's Daily.
Qian said China planned to build "300-ton, 400-ton and even 600-ton aircraft."
The military's Air Force has also announced that its fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighter was to enter the production phase.
'US plane intercepted'
On Tuesday, unnamed US military officials told CNN that one such warplane had intercepted a US plane flying over the East China Sea in an "unsafe manner."
The Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement later, "Judging by the report, the US side is again deliberately hyping up the issue of the close surveillance of China by US military aircraft."
"Chinese military pilots consistently carry out operations in accordance with the law and the rules, and are professional and responsible," the statement read.
On June 1, the Chinese Air Force said it was still testing the aircraft, its first stealth fighter, which has been built to mirror Lockheed Martin's radar-evading F-22 Raptor.
It said the warplane would soon enter service but Chinese media suggested it had already joined active fleet.
Washington has been pursuing a widely-advertised shift to Asia, dubbed the pivot to Asia strategy since 2011.
The White House argues that no region is more important to Washington's long-term interests than Asia.
Some political observers, however, believe the US is trying to use the strategy to impose its hegemony and thwart China's declared peaceful rise in Asia.
Based on the strategy, the administration of US President Barack Obama has been seeking closer ties with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
It has also been increasingly critical of China's activities in the disputed islands claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea and, on occasions, dispatched aircraft and warships on patrols close to the territories.
Last month, the Pentagon said two Chinese fighter jets flew within 50 feet (15 meters) of a US EP-3 aircraft over the South China Sea.
China has claimed most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in trade is shipped every year.
Washington has accused Beijing of militarizing the South China Sea after creating artificial islands. Beijing, in turn, has criticized increased US naval patrols and exercises in Asia.
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S.Korea expresses worry about DPRK's restart of plutonium reprocessing
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 11:18, June 08, 2016
SEOUL, June 8 -- South Korea's unification ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs on Wednesday expressed deep worry about a report that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) had restarted plutonium reprocessing activities at its main nuclear complex.
Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon Hee told a press briefing that it was well-known for the DPRK to have pursued various reprocessing activities to secure additional plutonium, noting that South Korea has been closely monitoring relevant situations with a serious concern.
Jeong added that close cooperation between South Korea and the United Stateshas been maintained in regards to the matter.
His comments came after reports that Pyongyang had restarted production of plutonium fuel citing an unidentified senior U.S. State Department official.
According to the official, the DPRK took spent fuel in the past from the 5-megawatt reactor at Yongbyon to take it to the reprocessing facility. The same activities are happening in Yongbyon, a city some 100 km northeast of its capital Pyongyang.
Pyongyang shut down the graphite-moderated reactor at Yongbyon in 2007 in accordance with agreements reached at the six-party talks, exploding the cooling tower in June the next year.
The DPRK, however, declared the resumption of the 5-megawatt reactor operations in April 2013, right after adopting the so-called simultaneous developments in economy and nuclear weapons.
The disarmament-for-aid talks to dismantle the DPRK's nuclear program, which involve South Korea, the DPRK, China, the United States, Russiaand Japan, have been halted since late 2008.
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DPRK Minister of People's Armed Forces on Nuclear Deterrent for Self-Defense
Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS)
Pyongyang, June 9 (KCNA) -- Army General Pak Yong Sik, minister of the People's Armed Forces of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, issued a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the 2016 Asia Security Conference was held in Singapore recently.
If the objective of the conference had been to ensure security in Asia, it should have discussed and solved necessary practical measures.
But the defense chiefs of the U.S., Japan and south Korea held a confab irrelevant to the conference at which they cried out for "thoroughly enforcing the sanctions against the north" and boosting "cooperation," claiming that the DPRK's fourth nuclear test and missile launch are a "violation" of the UNSC's "resolution" and international law.
In the end, they blustered that they would not hastily opt for dialogue before the DPRK clarifies its "will to dismantle its nukes" and discussed the issue of boosting military cooperation in the efforts to cope with the "threat from the north" including the increased "sharing of military information about the north" by kicking off a missile warning drill in July.
It is the height of shamelessness for them to mislead public opinion by terming the DPRK's dignified nuclear force for self-defense and Strategic Force a "threat" even at the international security conference, the statement said, and went on:
The U.S. is the only nuclear criminal state in the world and the largest nuclear weapons state in the world.
Japan is a militarist state which is vociferating about a military giant and nuclear weaponization after throwing away even the showy "Pacifist Constitution" and "three non-nuclear principles".
The south Korean puppet forces are crying out for even "nuclear weaponization to counter the north's nukes", not content with getting frantic with confrontation while conducting Hyonmu missile launching test with the firing range of 800 km they claimed capable of putting all areas of the DPRK in the striking range at the prodding of their masters U.S. and Japan.
Openly revealed at the tripartite confab was the scenario to further intensify new hostile acts against the DPRK while taking issue with its nukes and missile "threat".
It is preposterous for those wholly responsible for ensuring peace and security on the Korean peninsula to justify their attempt at aggression, blaming others.
Availing ourselves of this opportunity, we reiterate our stand that nuclear deterrent for self-defense is an all-powerful treasure sword tightly held by the DPRK to cope with the hostile forces' moves for invading it.
Our warning is by no means an empty talk.
Any force hostile to the DPRK is bound to go to ruin.
This is proved by history. -0-
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N Korea Accuses South of Reconnaissance Activities Beyond Maritime Border
Sputnik News
08:06 09.06.2016(updated 18:04 09.06.2016)
North Korea has accused Seoul of violating its territorial waters and airspace and carrying out reconnaissance missions beyond the maritime border, the South Korean Yonhap news agency reports.
TOKYO (Sputnik) Yonhap cited North Korea's state news agency (Central News Agency, or KCNA) as saying on Thursday that South Korea's reconnaissance drones flew over the maritime border (Northern Limit Line) in the Yellow Sea and into North Korean airspace to carry out aerial reconnaissance on Tuesday.
KCNA also said that a South Korean Navy patrol boat and four fishing boats crossed into North Korea's territorial waters five times on Tuesday.
North Korea threatened to counteract to what it labeled as Seoul's "military provocation," Yonhap said.
In May, North Korea warned that it would open fire at any South Korean warships that trespass the maritime border following an incident involving North Korean patrol and fishing vessels.
The South Korean Navy fired warning shots at North Korea's fishing boat and patrol boat as they trespassed across the maritime border in the Yellow Sea. According to the South Korean military, the North Korean vessels returned to the northern side immediately after the warning shots were fired.
Pyongyang's January hydrogen bomb test, as well as the launch, a month later, of a long-range rocket to allegedly place a satellite into orbit, in defiance of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, led to a spike in tensions with Seoul and more sanctions having been imposed on North Korea by the UNSC and the United States.
South and North Korea are still formally at war, as no peace treaty was ever signed after the Korean War of 1950-1953.
Sputnik
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Indian PM Modi Addresses US Congress, Calls for Closer Ties
by Wayne Lee June 08, 2016
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday and called for a closer relationship between India and the U.S., particularly in the area of terrorism.
"The fight against terrorism has to be fought at many levels. And the traditional tools of military, intelligence or diplomacy alone would not be able to win this fight," Modi said before members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
"We have both lost civilians and soldiers in combating [terrorism]. The need of the hour is for us to deepen our security cooperation," he added.
In addition to terrorism, some congressional members are interested in India's positions on nuclear and maritime security, and military threats from China, North Korea and Iran.
Modi's trip to the U.S. is an attempt to strengthen the burgeoning relationship between the two countries. It is also an opportunity for Modi to assert India as a global power and tout its economy as the world's fastest growing.
White House meeting
Modi met with U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday and afterward Obama announced India would proceed with the construction of six nuclear reactors that will be built by U.S. companies, the result of a landmark civilian nuclear agreement the two countries reached in 2008.
The White House is also working with Modi to finalize an agreement on defense logistics. And Modi and Obama announced after their meeting that India would approve the Paris climate accord by year's end.
House Speaker Paul Ryan invited Modi to address a joint meeting of Congress Wednesday, the fifth Indian prime minister to do so since 1985. The last speech was delivered in 2005 by Modi's predecessor, Manmohan Singh.
Modi's speech before Congress was delivered after years of being ignored by the U.S. over religious violence in his home state. He was denied a U.S. visa in 2005 after Indian authorities found the government in his home state of Gujarat, where he was the top official, was responsible for Hindu-Muslim riots there in 2002 that claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims.
U.S. officials generally avoided Modi until he became prime minister in 2014, and since visited the U.S. four times.
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Iran urges reciprocal measures by E3/EU+3 to advance JCPOA implementation
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Vienna, June 8, IRNA -- Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Reza Najafi on Wednesday stressed that reciprocal measures and full implementation of the commitments by E3/EU+3 is the essential foundation of the JCPOA.
Nafafi made the remarks addressing a meeting of IAEA Board of Governors.
Following is the full text of Najafi's comments at the Wednesday meeting:
In the Name of God
The Compassionate and the Merciful
Mr. Chairman, Director General, Distinguished Colleagues,
At the outset, I would like to appreciate the Agency's efforts regarding the monitoring and verification of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mr. Chairman,
Since the JCPOA Implementation Day, when all provisions of previous United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions as well as the Boards' resolutions on Iranian nuclear issue were terminated, Iran has continued to fully implement its share of the deal which was monitored and verified by the Agency.
As we have stated from the beginning of this process, reciprocal and full implementation of the commitments by E3/EU+3 is the essential foundation of the JCPOA and the crucial part of the agreement for its longevity. Comprehensive lifting of all UNSC sanctions and all unilateral or multilateral nuclear-related sanctions which were legally materialized must lead to further cooperation with Iran in all fields.
Although results of the JCPOA on cooperation with Iran have been progressed and new agreements in different fields particularly in economy and trade are being signed, the pace of their implementation is not adequate. The E3/EU+3 have a clear obligation to implement the JCPOA "in good faith and in a constructive atmosphere, based on mutual respect, and to refrain from any action inconsistent with the letter, spirit and intent of the JCPOA that would undermine its successful implementation". Making statements are not enough. They should demonstrate their good faith in practice and action on the ground.
Mr. Chairman,
The JCPOA and the Board resolution GOV/2015/72 has requested the Director General "to provide written updates before each regular quarterly Board meeting". We note the recent update provided by the Director General (GOV/2016/23) which demonstrates that the nuclear related measures were fully implemented by Iran. In our view this update still could be a shorter one and some unnecessary information could be avoided. In the meantime, my delegation once more would like to recall that in addition to the provisions of Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Article 5 of the Additional Protocol for protection of confidential information, the JCPOA clearly requests the Agency "to take every precaution to protect commercial, technological and industrial secrets as well as other confidential information coming to its knowledge". In this regard, the efforts of the Safeguards Department of the Agency are appreciable. However, such efforts should be redoubled since we are approaching an important step in the implementation of the Additional Protocol regarding the initial declaration.
While we continue to fully implement our commitments, we carefully monitor the implementation of the obligations of the other parties under the JCPOA.
For the last speaker before me, as usual you heard an irrelevant statement. For the Zionist regime of Israel that has never acceded to any international treaties banning weapons of mass destruction and has never forgone the use and development of WMDs, including nuclear weapons, has never let any IAEA inspector to go into its unwarranted clandestine nuclear facilities, and sitting on tens of nuclear warheads, talking about proliferation concern is ridiculous.
Let this regime continue to cry wolf about the safeguarded peaceful nuclear programs of the other IAEA members. But certainly it can no more create a smokescreen for Israeli nuclear weapons program which is a real threat to regional and international peace and security.
Thank you Mr. Chairman
9341**1416
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President Rouhani: Removal of sanctions improves people's conditions
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, June 8, IRNA -- President Hassan Rouhani underlined the importance of the removal of the sanctions which were imposed against Iran on the economic conditions of Iranians.
'People faced a new sanction everyday before the Joint Comprehensive Plans of Action (JCPOA), but now we are witnessing an opening everyday which is praiseworthy,' President Rouhani said on Wednesday, addressing the members of country's supreme councils.
He underlined that by making use of the openings of the post-sanctions era, the government should prepare the grounds for people and the country's development and progress in all areas, especially that this situation has been created under the good security conditions.
'The political, economic, cultural and defense powers together form the national power and everyday new subdivisions are added to this,' President Rouhani added.
2050**2050
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Iran Navy provides safety for 2,500 vessels in high seas: Sayyari
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Bushehr, June 8, IRNA -- Iran Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habbibollah Sayyari said on Wednesday that so far 41 Iranian fleets dispatched to the Gulf of Aden have succeeded to provide safety of 2,500 cargo and tanker vessels in open seas.
Speaking in a local gathering in this southern province, Sayyari said presence of pirates in the region has led to the lack of security in the Gulf of Aden.
'The Iranian Navy is safeguarding the country's sources and interests in high seas,' stressed the commander.
He added that presently, the 41st flotilla, consisting of Lavan logistic warship and Shaheed Naqdi destroyer, was dispatched to the Gulf of Adan to safeguard maritime routes used by cargo ships and tankers.
Sayyari stressed that currently the Iranian Navy has attained self-sufficiency in maintaining and repairing its vessels as well as constructing and modernization of missile carriers, destroyers and other equipment.
He added the Iranian Navy would unveil its latest surface and sub-surface vessels by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2017).
9060**1394
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Civilians fleeing Fallujah 'facing double jeopardy' - UN rights chief
7 June 2016 The United Nations human rights chief today urged the Iraqi Government to take immediate measures to ensure that all people fleeing the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)-occupied city of Fallujah are treated in strict accordance with international human rights and international humanitarian laws.
"There are extremely distressing, credible reports that some people who survive the terrifying experience of escaping from ISIL, then face severe physical abuse once they reach the other side," the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, said in a news release.
"Eyewitnesses have described how armed groups operating in support of the Iraqi security forces are intercepting people fleeing the conflict, separating the men and teenage boys from the women and children, and detaining the males for 'security screening', which in some cases degenerates into physical violations and other forms of abuse, apparently in order to elicit forced confessions. There are even allegations that some individuals have been summarily executed by these armed groups," he added.
Mr. Zeid said that while the Iraqi security forces have a legitimate interest in vetting individuals fleeing ISIL-controlled areas to ensure they do not pose a risk to security or to identify individuals who may have committed crimes, such vetting must only be carried out by entities authorised to do so by Iraqi law.
"Where individuals are being held by other armed groups not legally authorised to detain individuals, the Government must ensure they are either handed over or released safely," he stressed. "It is paramount that all individuals fleeing the violence around Fallujah must be assumed to be civilians without links to armed groups, unless there is clear and cogent evidence to the contrary."
The High Commissioner added that the security vetting must be carried out in a transparent manner, in full compliance with international law. If there is substantive information that a particular individual may have committed crimes or may constitute a security risk, the person can be detained in compliance with the law, and the detention must be subject to appropriate judicial review.
"The Prime Minister, and other political, community and religious leaders have made very welcome statements, calling on all those involved in the military operations to do their utmost to protect civilians in all circumstances and to ensure accountability for any individuals perpetrating violations. I urge the Government to take immediate, concrete steps to ensure that these calls are translated into action," Mr. Zeid said.
"The Government must show its commitment to protecting civilians by fully investigating reports that people who have suffered two and a half years of living hell under ISIL, and have faced enormous difficulties and dangers getting out of Fallujah alive, are now facing double jeopardy in the form of serious human rights violations after they have escaped. Those allegedly responsible for these violations must be brought to justice," he insisted.
According to the Mr. Zeid's Office (OHCHR), since January 2014, when Fallujah was captured by ISIL, at least 22,169 civilians have been killed and 43,435 wounded in Iraq. These casualty figures are said to be considered as an absolute minimum as they do not include Anbar Province, where Fallujah is located, and also do not include people who died from secondary effects of violence, such as lack of water, food, medicines or health care.
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Iraqi PM urges military to intensify battle for Fallujah liberation
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 5:34PM
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has urged the country's military commanders to intensify the liberation operation for the city of Fallujah in Anbar province.
According to Iraq's al-Maalomah news website, Staff Major General Ismail al-Mahalawi, the head of the Anbar Operations Command, said the Iraqi premier and commander-in-chief made the remarks while visiting the headquarters of the West Baghdad Operations Command in al-Mazraa camp, east of Fallujah.
Abadi called on the military commanders to increase the momentum of the fight against Daesh in order to purge Fallujah of terrorists as soon as possible, Mahalawi added.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Iraqi Joint Special Operations Command, Yahya Rasool al-Zubaidi, said the security forces are advancing towards the center of Fallujah.
He further said the Daesh terrorists are using the strategy of planting mines and explosive devices to prevent security forces from advancing as they can't confront the forces, adding, "Our battle is a military engineering" one.
This comes as a commander of the volunteer forces fighting alongside the Iraqi military against Daesh urged the residents of Fallujah to evacuate the city in order to provide the security forces with the appropriate opportunity to purge the city of the Takfiri terrorists.
Hadi al-Ameri, who is also the head of Iraq's Badr Organization, called on Anbar police, popular forces and the tribes to take part in the liberation operation.
He also called on the local and federal authorities to provide the necessary requirements to receive the residents who have fled the city.
Late last month, the Iraqi prime minister announced the start of the liberation operation of the Daesh-held Fallujah, nearly 70 kilometers west of the capital city of Baghdad.
Gruesome violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since Daesh terrorists launched an offensive in June 2014, and took control of portions of the Iraqi territory.
Iraqi army soldiers and fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units are seeking to win back militant-held regions in joint operations.
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Iraqi forces retake more areas near Fallujah in Anbar
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 1:42PM
Iraqi forces have managed to liberate more areas near the strategic city of Fallujah in Anbar province from the control of the Daesh terrorist group, tightening noose around the militants in the city.
Iraq's counter-terrorism forces regained control of the neighborhood of al-Shuhada al-Thaniya to the south of the Fallujah on Wednesday, according to the Arabic-language al-Sumaria news website.
According to the report, the forces raised the Iraqi flag over the buildings of the district and are continuing to advance towards other areas.
The development comes as Lieutenant General Abdelwahab al-Saadi, the commander of Fallujah Liberation Operations, said on Tuesday that government forces, together with fighters from the allied Popular Mobilization Units, are poised to liberate Fallujah from Daesh within the next few days.
On May 22, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the liberation operation of the Daesh-held Fallujah. Nearly 70 kilometers west of the capital Baghdad, the strategic city in the Anbar province has been under the Takfiris' control since 2014.
Daesh oil depot hit in Mosul
Meanwhile, Iraq's air raids destroyed an oil depot of Daesh terrorists in the center of Mosul city in the province of Nineveh on Wednesday.
The fighter jets targeted the depot in Suq al-Maash area in Mosul. Iraqi sources say the facility is one of Daesh's largest oil depots.
The air attack also destroyed at least 20 oil tankers belonging to Daesh.
Gruesome violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since Daesh terrorists launched an offensive in June 2014, and took control of portions of the Iraqi territory.
The militants have been committing heinous crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, and Christians.
Iraqi army soldiers and fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units are seeking to win back militant-held regions in joint operations.
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Iraq PM sacks intel. chief, other officials
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 6:53AM
Iraq's prime minister has fired the country's intelligence chief, the head of the state media, and the chief executives of six state-owned banks amid calls to enact reforms within the political and economic establishments.
Haider al-Abadi on Tuesday replaced Zuhair al-Gharbawi, the chief of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, with Mustafa Kadhimi.
Muhammad Abdul Jabbar al-Shabut, at the head of Iraqi Media Network until now, was also replaced with Faisal Radhi.
"New bank directors will be appointed to reactivate the banking sector and the national strategy that aims to create jobs and provide loans to industrial, housing and commercial projects," said Abadi's office in a statement. The affected banks included the Commercial Bank of Iraq.
Save Shabut, all the officials had been appointed by the premier's predecessor Nouri al-Maliki.
Also on Tuesday, hundreds of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square in the late evening, urging the containment of corruption and the formation of a technocrat government in the country.
The establishment of such a government has been stalled by persisting differences in the Iraqi parliament, which has to endorse a newly-proposed cabinet line-up by Abadi.
Last month, the Iraqi capital witnessed uproarious protests, mostly by the supporters of influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, against rampant corruption within the country's ruling structure. Many people were killed or injured during the rallies.
On May 20, Abadi called on the nation to set aside political differences and unite against the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group, which has been ravaging the country since June 2014.
Earlier in May, Sadr's followers broke into the parliament compound inside the capital's fortified Green Zone, protesting a stalled vote to endorse Abadi's ministerial nominees in the chamber.
Later, however, they stormed Abadi's own office building, also in the Green Zone, apparently in protest at government corruption.
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Japan expresses concern over possible DPRK plutonium production, Abe visits spy satellite HQ
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 20:43, June 08, 2016
TOKYO, June 8 -- The Japanese government on Wednesday said that it was liaising with the United States and South Korea over concerns that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) may have resumed its production of plutonium for possible use in nuclear warheads.
Japan's top government spokesperson, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, told a press conference that Japan was "gravely concerned" at the reports of plutonium production and views the potential development of such with consternation.
Suga stated that the Japanese government is "working in cooperation with the United States and South Korea on information gathering and surveillance."
Suga's remarks follow a report carried by Reuters as quoting a senior U.S. State department official as saying that a processing plant in Pyongyang is operational again, which suggested the renewed production of possible weapons-grade plutonium by the DPRK.
Underscoring the reports, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also said it has noticed increased activity at the plant in question.
On Wednesday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, for his part, paid a visit to the nation's Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center, which is located in the capital, and is the operational headquarters of Japan's network of intelligence satellites.
The visit by Abe, according to his top spokesperson, was to motivate the workers there and oversee their duties and the facility in general, in a move that could also be interpreted as a sign that Tokyo is gearing up to deal with more ballistic missile launches from the DPRK that have been occurring since the start of this year, or at least ramp up its own surveillance.
Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, however, recently canceled the deployment of the ministry's Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) surface-to-air guided missile interceptors, saying there was no immediate threat from potential ballistic missile launches from the DPRK.
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Japan Military Ready to Reciprocate to Territorial Waters Intrusion
Sputnik News
14:58 09.06.2016(updated 15:16 09.06.2016)
The Japan Self-Defense Forces are ready to "react correspondingly" amid possible intrusion into the country's territorial waters, the chief of the JSDF's Joint Staff said Thursday.
TOKYO (Sputnik) The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are ready to "react correspondingly" in an event of crossing into the country's territorial waters, Katsutoshi Kawano, the chief of the JSDF's Joint Staff, said Thursday.
Earlier in the day, Japan's Kyodo news agency said that Tokyo expressed concern over the crossing of a Chinese navy ship in a contiguous zone just outside Japanese territorial waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which are claimed by both Tokyo and Beijing.
"The unilateral actions that result in increasing tensions are causing concern. We would like to avoid the escalation of the situation, but in the event of invasion into territorial waters, we will react correspondingly," Kawano said.
Kawano added, that the Chinese ship had been radio contacted but he did not elaborate on the details of the negotiations.
Relations between Japan and China have been strained by a dispute over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. The Japanese, who have claimed the islands since the 19th century, call them the Senkaku Islands, the name mostly recognized globally, while in China they are known as the Diaoyu Islands.
In 2014, Japan and China agreed to reduce tensions over the disputed islands. However, Chinese vessels repeatedly intruded into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in 2015.
Sputnik
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Prominent Islamic State Leader Killed in Libyan Sirte
Sputnik News
20:50 09.06.2016(updated 21:04 09.06.2016)
"Emir of the Daesh" was killed in the Libyan coastal city of Sirte in a clash between the Libyan militia and the Daesh terrorists, local media reported Thursday.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) So-called Emir of the Daesh Hamid Malouqa Al-Zliteni was killed in downtown of the Libyan coastal city of Sirte in a clash between the Libyan militia and the Daesh terrorists, local media reported Thursday.
Five captured Daesh militants told that at least three local senior Daesh figures managed to flee the city, Libya Observer reported.
On Saturday, the Ghardabiya airbase, just 12 miles south of Sirte, was retaken by the Libyan militia.
Libya has been in a political and security vacuum since the 2011 Arab Spring uprising and the ouster of the North African nation's long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Years of instability created a political and security vacuum in the country that was filled by Islamist militants. Daesh forces gained a foothold on the Libyan coast by capturing the cities of Sirte and Derna.
The Daesh is a militant jihadist group outlawed in many countries, including Russia.
Sputnik
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Putin Preaches Free-Press Gospel At State-Run Media Forum
June 07, 2016
by RFE/RL
Russian President Vladimir Putin has told a media forum in Moscow that information should not be subject to "repressive actions," comments that come amid mounting signs that his government is stepping up efforts to curtail dissenting voices in the Russian media.
Putin told the June 7 conference sponsored by the state-run media behemoth Rossiya Segodnya that "information should be objective from all viewpoints and should not be subjected to any repressive actions with the goal of correcting it."
He also appeared to lob a thinly veiled accusation of hypocrisy at Western officials, suggesting that "some authorities" voice support for media freedoms when it serves their interests and dismiss information they dislike as "propaganda."
Russian authorities have steadily tightened control over the national media -- and television in particular -- during Putin's 16 years in power, including through forced ownership changes, the replacement of key editorial personnel, or simply squeezing them off the airwaves.
Since the beginning of Putin's third presidential term in 2012, international rights groups and Western governments have criticized what they describe as an escalating effort by the Kremlin to rein in reporting critical of the government.
The RBC media group, which has published investigative stories on Putin's family and wealthy associates, saw its top editors resign en masse earlier this month after disputes with the company's management.
The resignations were widely seen as the result of pressure from authorities, who had conducted a series of tax and other investigations into the company.
'Search For Truth'
Addressing the June 7 media forum, Putin said journalism "is the search for truth" and that "the truth and objectivity of information remain the most important thing."
"Of course, it is important for the representatives of authorities in all countries of the world to ensure the freedom of dissemination of information," he said.
While Putin voiced support for media freedoms, he and other top officials have long accused Western governments and media outlets of attempts to destabilize the country with critical reporting.
In April, Rossiya Segodnya chief and television anchor Dmitry Kiselyov held up a copy of RBC's newspaper and accused the holding of helping the United States with its deep coverage of the Panama Papers financial-document leak, in which Putin's friends and allies figure.
Putin himself in April called the Panama Papers leak a "provocation" by "employees of official U.S. institutions."
Concerning the sponsor of the conference, which was titled A New Era Of Journalism: Farewell To The Mainstream, Putin said he hopes Rossiya Segodnya "will continue, as it has in previous years, to objectively tell about our country's foreign and domestic policy" and about the "attractive" investment climate of the Russian economy, which has been hit hard by flagging oil prices and Western sanctions.
Rossiya Segodnya replaced Russia's major state-run news agency RIA Novosti, which was dissolved in a 2013 decree by Putin and folded into the new media conglomerate. The move was widely seen as a Kremlin push to consolidate its messaging in the state-run media.
'I Know Everything About Myself'
During Putin's visit to the Rossiya Segodnya headquarters on June 7, German journalist Hubert Seipel presented him with a book he wrote about the Russian president.
Putin, a fluent German speaker whose KGB service landed him in East Germany for five years that included the fall of the Berlin Wall, spoke briefly with Seipel in the author's native language.
He reportedly said that he has never read any book about himself because "I know everything about myself."
Speaking to reporters in Russian, Putin said he warned Seipel that the author would face backlash back home if he wrote the book "objectively" -- an apparent dig at alleged bias about him in Germany. "And if he wrote it like they wanted him to [in Germany], then everything will be fine."
With reporting by TASS and RIA Novosti
Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-putin- press-freedom-media-forum/27784901.html
Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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Nuland: Russia Feeling 'Pain' Of U.S. Sanctions
June 08, 2016
by Mike Eckel
WASHINGTON -- A top U.S. official says economic sanctions continue to be the most powerful leverage Washington has over Russia, and that those measures have thwarted potential Russian efforts to seize larger swaths of Ukrainian territory, including the capital.
Victoria Nuland, assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, also told lawmakers on June 7 that Moscow remained in violation or "out of compliance with" some major arms-control treaties, including the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, known as the INF.
Coming just weeks before an important NATO summit in Warsaw, Nuland's comments before a Senate committee gave some indication of what that summit's agenda will include, with Russian military maneuvers in Eastern Europe and the Middle East likely to take center stage.
That summit will be preceded by a meeting of European Union leaders in Brussels, where officials are expected to renew sanctions against Russia that were imposed alongside analogous U.S. measures following Moscow's forcible annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014.
U.S. and European officials have linked the lifting of those sanctions -- which, together with the drop in world oil prices, have pummeled the Russian economy -- to the implementation of the Minsk cease-fire accords aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Kyiv's forces in eastern Ukraine.
"I think the largest piece of leverage that we have on Russia is the sustainment over two years of deep and comprehensive sanctions across the U.S. and the EU countries," Nuland told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"So again this is why we are advocating -- because Minsk is not being implemented -- that the sanctions have to be rolled over again," she added.
Pressed by Senator Marco Rubio (Republican-Florida) about the effectiveness of the sanctions, Nuland insisted that they have impacted Russian policy.
"We have deterred further land grabs in Ukraine, and that was a real risk when we first started with sanctions -- that they would try to run all the way to Kyiv and Kharkiv," she said. "I will tell you now that the Russians are now openly talking about the pain of sanctions, including when we work with them on the Minsk thing. So they know what it's going to take to get these sanctions rolled back."
Michael Carpenter, a top Russia official from the Defense Department who also testified before the committee, warned that Russia was adding more weaponry and military capability to the Black Sea peninsula in an effort to prevent the United States or its allies from operating in the region.
Both Nuland and Carpenter were also pressed by senators on Russian compliance with the INF treaty, as well as with the 2002 Open Skies agreements.
The State Department has charged that Russia is building a ground-launched cruise missile that violates the INF. Moscow has consistently denied those allegations and asserted that a U.S. missile defense system for Eastern Europe violates the treaty.
On the Open Skies treaty, which allows treaty members to conduct aerial inspections of one another's territory to review military facilities and troop positioning, Russia is seeking to conduct a U.S. flight using new high-tech cameras and surveillance equipment.
But some senators and Defense Department officials worry the overflight will reveal too much to the Russians. Moreover, the State Department has alleged Russia is improperly restricting U.S. flights over strategic regions in the Caucasus and over the Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad.
Both Nuland and Carpenter defended the treaty and its procedures for permitting overflights, and noted that a U.S. refusal to allow the requested Russian flight would potentially hurt future U.S. flights.
Nuland also touched on the Kremlin's longstanding accusation that NATO's eastward expansion in the 1990s is to blame for the current tensions in Europe, saying Moscow failed to take advantage of Western offers for greater collaboration.
An article published recently in a Harvard University academic journal, and an accompanying op-ed in the Los Angeles Times, argued that NATO and the United States violated assurances given in the waning days of the Soviet Union that the alliance would not seek to absorb former Warsaw Pact members.
"I completely reject this narrative of grievance that it's somehow our fault," she said.
"I frankly think that Russia did not take advantage of the opportunity that NATO put before it for cooperation," Nuland added. "We really could have gotten to a place with a different attitude in the Kremlin."
Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/article/27785575.html
Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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Syria's Assad Vows Victory Against Outside Foes
by Edward Yeranian June 07, 2016
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday reiterated his pledge to defeat Islamic terrorists and their supporters and to quash what he claims are the destabilizing goals of neighboring Turkey.
In an address to the country's newly elected parliament Tuesday, Assad accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of aiding the Islamic State. The Syrian leader said Aleppo his country's largest city and a chief battleground would become a "graveyard" for Erdogan's dreams.
Assad also repeated previous vows that his forces would "liberate every inch of Syria," claiming such a victory was the "only option." He went on to thank allies Russia, China, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militia for their support.
Charges of foreign meddling
Assad repeatedly has accused other regional and international powers of trying to dismantle his country by playing one religious sect off another. He claims that outside powers want to impose an ethnic and sectarian constitution on the country, trying to turn natives into rivals and enemies and prepare the way for a possible division of Syria.
He said sectarian regimes fail because they pit one community against another and encourage alliances with outside parties.
The Syrian president went on to accuse alleged foreign "enemies" of working to destroy the country's institutions, including its military, and to undermine its national currency and economy.
But Khattar Abou Diab, who teaches political science at the University of Paris, told VOA he thought Assad himself was responsible for "destroying the army and the country's infrastructure." Diab said that, since the conflict's outset in 2011, the Syrian president has been "seeking a military solution, using violence and repression."
Blaming United States
Assad blamed the United States for unraveling of the cease-fire agreement between government forces and rebel fighters, which went into effect in late February. He claimed the U.S., which worked with Russia to broker the deal, was "unable to force its allies to observe its conditions." That included a temporary truce and the ability to deliver humanitarian aid to besieged areas.
Gulf-based analyst Theodore Karasik says that without the "vigorous support" of allies Moscow or Tehran, Assad would "not have rejected the Geneva III process," nor would he have "threatened Turkey's president by name" in his speech before parliament. Assad, he argues, has now "opened the next chapter of the disaster known as Syria," based on the "difference in definition" over which belligerents are "terrorists" and extremists.
The Syrian president appeared to distance himself from the recent U.N.-sponsored peace negotiations in Geneva, insisting his government had only agreed to talk to U.N. mediator Stefan de Mistura and not to invited opposition forces. The peace talks faltered in April.
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Iran supporting guaranteed ceasefire in Syria: Defense minister
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, June 9, IRNA -- Iran supports a guaranteed ceasefire in Syria in case it does not let the terrorists renew their power, says Iran's defense minister.
We agree with such a guaranteed ceasefire, said Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan in an anti-terrorism conference here on Thursday.
Iran has always supported talks for resolving the Syrian crisis, General Dehqan said in the three-partied meeting also attended by Russian Defense Minister Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu and Syrian Defense Minister General Jasim al-Farij.
Iran supports resolution of Syria crisis through dialog among Syrians, he noted.
The commander referred to the volatile situation in the region which, he said, has its roots in the expansionist and aggressive policies of the United States, Israel and certain countries supporting terrorism.
An all-out fight against terrorism has always been on Islamic Republic's agenda.
Iran, as a victim of terrorism, will go on with its serious and full-fledged fight against Takfiris, Zionists and terrorists in order to establish stability and security in the region and the world, he added.
Dehqan underlined the continuation of a decisive fight against terrorists in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and other countries and urged denying financial and political support for them until their complete annihilation and restoration of peace to the war-torn region.
Establishing a comprehensive ceasefire, providing humanitarian reliefs and at the same time, by not letting terrorists to access resources, are going to constitute the preliminary steps towards restoration of peace in the region, the Iranian General said.
Pointing to the fact that takfiri terrorist groups are in pursuit o9f no moral principles, the defense minister said that US, Saudi Arabia and some other regional states' support for a so-called moderate opposition is not justifiable and it proves how fragile and fabricated is their anti-terrorism claims.
Dehqan said that today the claimants of human rights have closed their eyes to the criminal acts committed against innocent people of Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
Use of chemical weapons by Daesh and the possibility of their access to the nuclear weapons already raising alarms among the think tanks in the West, if realized, is a catastrophe and can put an end to the global security.
The commander condemned the joint operation by the Zionist and Saudi regimes in support of terrorism, adding that uniting with the enemies of mankind and Muslims, will have dangerous consequences for the Saudi rulers and Muslim nations of the region and the world will not tolerate this strategic mistake.
Dehqan called for decisive, rapid, comprehensive and consolidated action against terrorism, adding that the trilateral meeting of Tehran was held to discuss this objectives.
He asked all the Syrian groups to adopt peaceful ways and rational approaches in line with the will of Syrian people and negotiate with the country's legitimate government in order to establish peace and repel the danger of terrorism.
The defense minister thanked his Russian and Syrian counterparts for attending Tehran's anti-terrorism trilateral meeting.
He expressed hope that with collaboration and adopting strategic decisions, the dangerous plot that aims to destabilize the region, provoke separatism and damage the sovereignty of national authorities get defeated.
During the meeting, Russian and Syrian defense ministers also expressed their views on ways of promoting cooperation in the face of terorism terrorism.
The Russian and Syrian defense ministers thanked Iran for holding the meeting.
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Damascus forces advance closer to Raqqah: Syria envoy
Iran Press TV
Thu Jun 9, 2016 3:31PM
The Syrian ambassador to Russia says Damascus forces have advanced close to Raqqah, the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group's stronghold in Syria, being now only 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from the city.
"The Syrian army is moving successfully, it is now some 20 km from Raqqah," Riyad Haddad said on Thursday, adding that the militants are leaving their bases "possibly to hide."
Haddad further linked growing terrorist attacks targeting civilians in Syria to the terrorists' inability to resist the Syrian armed forces.
A Syrian military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said government troops, backed by Russian air power, are now closer to Raqqah than the armed units of the Syrian Democratic Forces, a coalition of Kurdish and Arab forces.
"We are gradually moving towards al-Raqqah from the south and from the west and are now closer to it than opposition forces, which are acting jointly with the US," he said.
Raqqah city, on the northern bank of the Euphrates River, about 160 kilometers east of Aleppo, was overrun by Takfiri terrorists in March 2013, and in 2014 was proclaimed the center for most of the terrorists' administrative and control tasks.
Syrian forces are now engaged in a military offensive to liberate the Daesh-held city.
Elsewhere, a Russian ceasefire monitoring center in Syria warned that al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front terrorists continue to shell populated areas in Aleppo Province.
"Mortars and multiple rocket launchers have shelled the populated localities" across the embattled region, said a representative of the center.
The Syrian envoy also accused Turkey of planning to form an "incubator" for terrorist groups in northern Syria, underlining the necessity for closing the border between the two states in a bid to cut the flow of arms to militants.
"There is a need to close the Syrian-Turkish border and ban terrorists, weapons, funding intended for terrorist activities, there is a need to impose tough sanctions on those who allow that," Haddad said.
He further warned that "terror will backfire on the countries that have used this card."
Damascus regards Turkey as one of the main supporters of the militants fighting the government forces in the Arab country.
Intra-Syrian dialogue should be resumed: Lavrov
In another development on the diplomatic front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed worries Thursday about a halt in the Syria peace talks, highlighting the need for the resumption of negotiations between warring sides.
Lavrov made the remarks at a press conference with his visiting Jordanian counterpart, Nasser Judeh.
"We now see considerable progress on the issue of delivering humanitarian assistance to the needy population, we see the constructive efforts made by the Syrian government, and we believe that, nevertheless, more can be done here," Lavrov said.
The latest round of the UN-brokered indirect negotiations between Syria's rival parties began in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 13.
However, the talks were brought to a halt after the main foreign-backed opposition group walked out of the discussions to protest at what it called the Syrian government's violation of a shaky ceasefire.
Damascus dismissed the accusation, saying the truce was violated by foreign-backed militants.
The nationwide cessation of hostilities, brokered by Moscow and Washington, was introduced in February, but renewed violence in recent weeks has left the ceasefire in tatters.
Touching on the truce, the top Russian diplomat renewed his call for the ceasefire to be strictly observed in the Arab country.
He also reported progress on delivering humanitarian assistance in Syria, but added that more can be achieved in that regard.
Meanwhile, United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said the world body will not hold another round of peace talks on the crisis in Syria until officials on all sides agree the parameters for a political transition deal with the August 1 deadline.
"The time is not yet mature for the official third round of the intra-Syrian talks," de Mistura told reporters in Geneva on Thursday.
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French special forces operating in N Syria: Source
Iran Press TV
Thu Jun 9, 2016 2:33PM
France has dispatched special forces to the northern city of Manbij near the Turkish border in an alleged bid to advise Syria Kurdish forces fighting Daesh terrorists, a French defense ministry source says.
"The offensive at Manbij (in Aleppo Province) is clearly being backed by a certain number of states including France. It's the usual support it's advisory," the unnamed official told AFP on Thursday.
The French troops are cooperating with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that is a coalition of Kurdish and Arab forces, the official added.
He further went on to say that the French special forces will not intervene militarily themselves and are not supposed to engage in combat with Daesh militants.
Last Friday, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had indicated that the French soldiers were helping an operation at Manbij, saying, "We are providing support through weapons supplies, air presence and advice."
The strategic city of Manbij, located in Syria's Aleppo Province, is a key point along Daesh's main supply line from the Turkish frontier to its Syrian stronghold of Raqqah.
Last week, the SDF launched an offensive to push the Takfiri extremists out of Manbij.
According to the US military, the raid on Manbij is being led by 3,000 Arab fighters, 500 Kurdish forces and around 300 US special operations forces on the ground. The American troops are said to be acting as advisers while staying some distance back from the frontline.
Gains against terrorists in Manbij
In another development on Thursday, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian forces have surrounded Manbij from the north, east and south.
Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the UK-based monitoring group, said the Syrian troops were advancing towards the main road leading west out of the Syrian city.
According to a Thursday statement by the SDF's Manbij operations center, the Syrian forces were close enough to target Daesh positions inside the city.
A total of 132 Daesh elements and 21 SDF fighters had been killed since the start of the Manbij assault.
French special troops in Iraqi Kurdistan
France has also deployed around 150 members of its special forces to Iraqi Kurdistan.
French troops are accompanying Kurdish peshmerga forces to the frontline near the Iraqi city of Mosul. They are also said to be helping locate and neutralize improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and to handle guns supplied by France.
Paris is also part of a US-led coalition which has been striking so-called Daesh targets both in Iraq and Syria since 2014; however, the raids have done little to eliminate Daesh terrorists, killing, instead, many civilians and targeting infrastructure in both countries.
Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. Damascus regards a number of countries as the main supporters of the militants fighting the government forces in the Arab country.
Many European nationals are fighting within the ranks of the terrorist groups operating in Iraq and Syria, with 1,700 French citizens believed to be among the terrorists, latest figures show.
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Race to Raqqa: Coordination Between Syrian Army and Rebels 'Quite Real'
Sputnik News
20:03 09.06.2016(updated 20:28 09.06.2016)
Daesh has found itself in dire straits in the al-Raqqa region: the terrorist organization is being simultaneously attacked by the Syrian Arab Army assisted by Russia and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces.
The Russian-backed Syrian Arab Army (SAA) continues its march toward Raqqa, while the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) the US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance have reached the northern outskirts of Manbij in eastern Aleppo.
There is no coordination between the two armies at least, officially, Georges Malbrunot of Le Figaro notes.
"I would rather say that although it [the coordination] is unseen, it is quite real," an unnamed UN diplomat with knowledge of the matter told Malbrunot.
Earlier US Department of Defense spokesperson Peter Cook told journalists that the United States and Russia are not coordinating ground operations against Daesh in Syria.
Daesh commanders are seemingly alarmed about being cut off in the Aleppo governorate due to the two separate offensives launched by the SAA and the SDF, Al Masdar News reported.
"ISIS [Daesh] not only faces an imminent defeat in the Aleppo governorate but also expulsion from the Turkish-Syrian border, the Islamic State's last land connection to the outside world," the media outlet emphasized.
According to Al Masdar News, on Wednesday, the SAA's 555th Regiment of the 4th Mechanized Division and Desert Hawks liberated the last five kilometers of highway that leads up to the Rasafeh Crossroad in western Raqqa.
Meanwhile the SDF, who have liberated several dozen villages in the course of their ten-day offensive, briefly entered a neighborhood in the northern part of Manjib on Wednesday morning but were forced to retreat.
Manjib and its surroundings are of vital importance for Daesh, Malbrunot underscores. The crux of the matter is that the region serves as a transit route for the terrorist organization. New jihadists, weapons and money are coming into the city from Turkey via Jerablus (Jarabulus), located 30 kilometers north of Manjib. If the SDF takes control over Manjib and Jerablus, Daesh will be cut off from this important logistical axis. Needless to say, it would deal a heavy blow to the extremists.
Malbrunot explains that the SDF is supported by the US Air Force, a hundred American Special Ops troops and a handful of British SAS soldiers. Officially neither American nor British troops are taking part in frontline military operations.
However, the fact that some of them have been injured in the course of military operations proves otherwise, the French journalist remarks, citing the SDF sources.
In his Wednesday interview with Sputnik, Kurdish politician and a member of the opposition "Syrian Democratic Council" Raizan Heidu suggested that in the face of the SAA advance toward Raqqa Daesh militants will try to capture the Syrian city of Aleppo and declare it their new capital instead of Raqqa.
"The northern suburbs of Aleppo, in particular the village of Mare, are facing continuous attempts from Daesh to conquer it, to prevent the battle for Raqqa and to extend control over the city of Azaz," Heidu told Sputnik.
It is worth mentioning that the SAA has had no presence in Raqqa since August 2014. By liberating the city Damascus may finally upset Daesh's applecart and drastically change the course of war in Syria.
"It is good that Daesh fighters have to act on several fronts simultaneously," Haytham Manna, a member of the SDF, told Malbrunot.
And still, according to the Syrian opposition rebel, the SAA will be able continue its advance on Raqqa only if Daesh does not stab it in the back from the west-central Syrian city of Hama.
Manna warned that there is the possibility that Daesh will regroup and send its forces to the south, toward Jordan's border in the face of the "double-offensive" from the SAA and the SDF.
Sputnik
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Erdogan Signs Law Stripping Turkish Lawmakers Of Immunity
June 07, 2016
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signed a bill into law that lifts the parliamentary immunity of lawmakers.
The law paves the way for the prosecution of pro-Kurdish lawmakers and other legislators who oppose Erdogan's government.
The legislation was proposed by Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party after Erdogan accused deputies from a pro-Kurdish party -- the People's Democratic Party (HDP) -- of being an arm of outlawed Kurdish rebels.
Erdogan has repeatedly called for the prosecution of those lawmakers on terrorism-related charges.
The vote has been criticized by officials in Germany and the European Union.
It also has been condemned by Turkish opposition lawmakers, who have vowed to fight against it.
The HDP backs Kurdish and other minority rights. It denies the accusations that it is the political arm of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
With support from 376 deputies in Turkey's 550-seat parliament, a May 20 vote in favor of the government-backed bill was enough to avoid a public referendum.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/turkey-erdogan-parliamentary- immunity-stripped-law-signed/27785020.html
Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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Turkish police targeted in deadly car bombing
Iran Press TV
Wed Jun 8, 2016 8:32AM
Turkish security sources say at least four people have been killed after a powerful car bomb attack hit a police station in the southeastern province of Mardin on Wednesday.
The attack, a day after 11 people were killed in a bombing in Istanbul, targeted the police station in the town of Midyat, north of the Syrian border in the mainly Kurdish region.
The explosion left four people, including a pregnant policewoman, dead and several others wounded, according to the Dogan news agency.
Images carried by Turkish media showed a massive plume of black smoke rising from the rubble of the severely-damaged police station.
The windows of houses in the neighborhood were shattered by the force of the blast and ambulances and fire engines were dispatched to the scene.
State-run Anatolia news agency blamed "terrorists" in a reference to militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Tuesday's attack was the fourth on Istanbul this year, dealing another blow to the tourism industry.
Turkey is battling PKK militants, who have killed hundreds of members of the security forces in the southeast.
The army has been waging an intense offensive, with so-called "clean-up" operations in several towns in the southeast.
Activists have accused the security forces of causing huge destruction to urban centers and killing civilians.
The government however says the operations are essential for public safety, blaming the PKK for the damage.
Over 40,000 people have been killed since the PKK took up arms in 1984 demanding an independent state.
Turkey, a member of NATO and the US-led coalition, has also stepped up its operations in northern Syria.
The country is worried by the advances of Kurdish forces who are supported by the US.
Last month, Ankara furiously protested to the US after American special operations troops appeared wearing the patches of Kurdish forces in Syria.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the US is "two-faced" for refusing to call the Syrian Kurdish militia terrorists, reflecting Ankara's growing irritation at Washington's backing of the group.
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Savchenko Says Willing To Hold Peace Talks With Separatists
June 08, 2016
by RFE/RL
Ukrainian airwoman Nadia Savchenko says she is willing to talk with Russia-backed separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine to try to end the nation's two-year-old conflict.
Savchenko told Ukrainian media on June 7 she believes direct peace talks with separatist leaders would be more effective than the current, unproductive talks that have included Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany.
"The first step is extending the anti-Russian sanctions, because Russia does not yet understand that it needs to step back. The second step is to establish direct communication with the [separatists] without the Minsk Agreements. To establish direct internal communication without the third and fourth sides," Savchenko said on Radio Era.
She said she is ready to personally meet with leaders in separatist-held parts of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Aleksandr Zakharchenko and Igor Plotnitsky.
Zakharchenko was quoted as saying on June 8 that the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic is prepared to hold talks with Savchenko, but only as part of the Minsk peace process.
"We do not choose negotiators from the Ukrainian side," he reportedly said. "We will talk to the ones they send."
The separatist envoy to the four-party peace talks that began last year in the Belarusian capital, Denis Pushilin, earlier said both Zakharchenko and Plotnitsky would be willing to meet with her if Ukraine gave her formal envoy status.
"It's truly strange, but Ms. Savchenko has so far been the only person to come up with the idea of starting a direct dialogue with Donbas representatives, while this is exactly what the Minsk Agreements stipulate," he told Interfax.
"Therefore, if Nadia Savchenko is invested with all the necessary powers, we will be ready to maintain dialogue with her," he said.
Savchenko was freed in a prisoner exchange with Russia last month after nearly two years in custody and was sworn in as a lawmaker in Ukraine's parliament last week.
She was captured in eastern Ukraine by separatists in June 2014 and transported to Russia, where she was convicted of providing coordinates for a mortar attack that killed two Russian journalists.
Based on reporting by AP, Interfax, and TASS
Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/savchenko -says-willing-hold-peace-talks-with- separatists/27785600.html
Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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Jonathan Marquette Hicks, 41, and Ronnie McDowell McCain, 32, both of Milton, North Carolina, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder on Wednesday in connection with last Saturdays shooting of Miguel Wenstley.
Both suspects are being held without bond in the Caswell County Detention Center and have their first court appearance scheduled for June 15.
Investigation into the case is still ongoing with the help of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Greensboro Violent Criminal Apprehension Team.
The Caswell County Sheriffs Office expects to make additional arrests.
Vancouver, B.C. / TheNewswire / June 9, 2016 - Avarone Metals Inc.. (CSE: AVM) (Frankfurt: W2U1; WKN: A14SVX) (the "Company" or "Avarone") is pleased to announce it has received chemical assay results from its Phase One surface sampling program on its 100% owned Moab Lithium Project in the South Big Smoky Valley, Nevada. The sampling was carried out in April 2016 to investigate lithium concentrations in the uppermost 1.5m of the playa and a total of 20 bulk samples were analyzed.
The results of this sampling program not only confirmed the presence of lithium in alluvial gravels and clays but also indicated anomalous values of both boron and potassium.
Highlights from the sampling program are:
o Lithium values as high as 70 ppm in sediments, boron 160 ppm, and potassium 6300 ppm
o Lithium concentration in all sediment samples averaged 31.5 ppm, boron 50.5 ppm, potassium 2620 ppm
Management believes these results are very significant in that they were taken by pick, shovel and hand auger and contain large amounts of waste material. The lithium values encountered exceed the 20 ppm cut-off grade used by Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. to calculate their mineral resource in the neighboring Clayton Valley.* Furthermore, 14 of the 20 samples exceeded the 20 ppm cut-off grade. The results also correlate well with results reported by Ultra Lithium Inc. from their Big Smoky Valley project, which is adjacent to the Moab Lithium Project, in the South Big Smoky hydrogeological system. (* Technical Report dated July 2015 by Raymond P. Spanjers, MS, PG.)
The samples were shipped to Western Environmental Testing Laboratory ("WETLAB"), an EPA accredited independent laboratory in Sparks, Nevada. Samples were analyzed for lithium, potassium, boron, and magnesium using Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, Online Edition, Methods for Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water, EPA-600/4-79-020, and Test Methods for Evaluation of Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods (SW846), 3rd Edition. WETLAB used its own quality control and quality assurance protocols for sample analysis.
Avarone will be executing Phase Two of exploration on its Moab Lithium Project this month utilizing a Vibracore drill and a Shaw diamond drill with large diameter NQ2 and AQ rods respectively for superior sample recovery. The Phase Two short hole drilling program, which is fully permitted for up to 20 holes, is designed to investigate up to a maximum depth of 50m. The purpose of the drilling will be to test subsurface layers for lithium and other commercial elements.
The Moab Lithium Brine Project ("Moab") is a typical playa-type brine deposit model and its geological setting is similar to Clayton Valley, home to the only lithium producing brine operation in North America. A playa is an internally drained brine deposit, the surface of which is primarily composed of silts and clays in which lithium can accumulate from the surrounding source rocks during successive evaporation and concentration events. Evaluation of regional gravity data has led to the hypothesis that the Big Smoky Valley has been in-filled with an estimated 2000-2500m of alluvial fill and may have the potential to host a significant mineral deposit.
"The interpreted depth of sediments at Moab is in the order of several thousand meters and, as such, we have touched only the surface; still this is a key first step and we are very excited by these positive results. Our next phase of short hole drilling will provide a more accurate assessment of the project at depths up to 50m. The salt-bearing zones, in addition to the volcanogenic clays encountered at Moab, confirm previous observations made by historical USGS surveys on both the Moab property as well as Ultra Lithium's contiguous property, which is currently being drilled within the same enclosed basin," said CEO Marc Levy.
About Lithium in Nevada
Lithium is a scarce and technologically important element produced primarily from brines and pegmatites. Although it is a non-renewable resource, it is used in conjunction with renewable energy technologies and hybrid automobiles, primarily in the form of Li-ion batteries, currently the most widely applied battery technology in many electronic devices. The consumption of lithium carbonate is on the rise and so far global production has kept pace with demand.
The Big Smoky Valley, located in the Range Province in southern Nevada, is an internally drained, fault bounded and closed basin approximately 3 kilometers wide and 14 kilometers long. Geological modeling suggests that lithium-rich brines have been transported and deposited in the both the Clayton and Big Smoky Valleys since the Pleistocene era. The primary exploration model is to identify and map basins with ground gravity surveys and evaluate the chemistry of salts and sediments therein with RC or rotary-mud drilling. In the later stages of exploration, downhole geophysics and seismic reflection surveys are also utilized to define lithium-bearing aquifers.
The technical content of this news release has been prepared under the supervision of Peter Born, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
AVARONE METALS INC.
Marc Levy
CEO
For more information contact the Company at:
Telephone: (604) 669-9788
Facsimile: (604) 669-9768
Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. We seek Safe Harbor.
Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 9, 2016) -
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX:NCU) ("Nevada Copper" or the "Company") announces that it has closed its previously-announced Cdn$4 million equity offering of common shares at Cdn$0.60 per common share (the "Offering"). The Offering, which was qualified by prospectus, was fully subscribed, including the full exercise of the 15% over-allotment option, resulting in total gross proceeds to the Company of Cdn$4.6 million. The final prospectus for the Offering was filed on June 3, 2016. At closing, Nevada Copper issued 7,666,667 common shares in the Offering, bringing the post-closing number of issued and outstanding common shares to 88,168,125.
A syndicate of agents, co-led by GMP Securities L.P. and Dundee Securities Ltd. (the "Co-Lead Agents") and including Haywood Securities Inc. (collectively with the Co-Lead Agents, the "Agents"), acted as agents in respect of the Offering. Total debt and equity financings of Nevada Copper over the past week now total Cdn$15.1 million, including the Cdn$4.6 million gross proceeds of the Offering plus Cdn$10.5 million of debt funding announced on June 3, 2016. The debt financings include a US$5 million (Cdn$6.6 million) draw from a subordinated convertible loan facility with Pala Investments Ltd. and an advance of US$3 million (Cdn$3.9 million) under the Company's existing senior secured loan facility with an affiliate of Red Kite Mine Finance. Details of the Offering and the loan advances were previously announced on May 27, 2016 and June 3, 2016.
The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used by the Company at its fully-permitted Pumpkin Hollow project in Nevada for engineering, ongoing property maintenance, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless an exemption from such registration is available.
Strategic Review Underway
With the near-term funding requirements of the Company now fulfilled and the Pumpkin Hollow project fully permitted, management and the Company's board of directors can now turn their full attention to a review of Nevada Copper's strategic options. Strategic involvement may take the form of a joint venture partnership with the sale of a minority direct project interest; a sale of the Company; project bank debt with, or without, associated offtake; or combinations of the foregoing.
Nevada Copper, with the support of its major stakeholders, will take the time necessary to carefully consider the strategic alternatives that are reflective of fair value for the Pumpkin Hollow project as a fully-permitted project, in an ideal location, with abundant infrastructure.
Pumpkin Hollow Copper Project
The Pumpkin Hollow project (the "Project") is "shovel-ready", subject only to finalization of the development plan and associated financing. As a fully-permitted, large-scale copper project located on 10,680 acres of private land in mining-friendly Nevada, the Project has attracted attention from lending institutions, engineering firms, copper smelters, State and local officials, as well our industry peers.
Giulio Bonifacio President & CEO comments: "We are fortunate to have a large degree of development flexibility at Pumpkin Hollow. We have two primary development concepts, a first-phase standalone underground, and a large combined open-pit/underground operation, both permitted and the subject of prior feasibility studies. However each of the two primary development options could be developed on an initial smaller scale at lower cost, focussed on higher grade zones, and expanded to their full potential as and when higher copper prices dictate. We will review these lower cost options as part of our strategic review process.
On the exploration front, the Project has considerable exploration upside in both the open pit and underground zones. The North open pit deposit is open to the south and north and, now that we control the surface and mineral rights in the northern area as a result of the Federal land purchase, permitting of drilling is much faster. The "saddle zone" between the North and South zone, where several high grade copper intersections have been made, continues to hold considerable promise. The Eastern underground deposits remain open to expansion. The JK34 zone between the East and E2 zones is highly prospective and, if further drilling is successful, could be brought into reserves and extend the life of the underground portion of the Project."
NEVADA COPPER CORP.
Giulio T. Bonifacio, President & CEO
We seek safe harbor.
Vancouver, BC / TheNewswire / June 9, 2016 - Dajin Resources Corp. ("Dajin") (TSX-V: DJI) (OTC: DJIFF) (Frankfurt: A1XF20) is pleased to announce favourable results from an auger brine and sediment sampling program conducted in April, 2016, at its 100% owned Teels Marsh Lithium project, Mineral County, located 50 miles northwest of the producing lithium brine operation in Clayton Valley, Nevada. The sampling program provided detailed information in the northwestern portion of the playa, where a total of 20 brine samples yielded concentrations as high as 71 parts per million Lithium, averaging 19 parts per million and Boron concentrations as high as 930 parts per million, averaging 227 parts per million. Sediments associated with these brines have Lithium concentrations as high as 740 parts per million, averaging 475 parts per million. Boron concentrations are as high as 11,800 parts per million and averaging 2,600 parts per million.
These results, when combined with earlier auger sampling completed in late 2014 and early 2015, confirm that Lithium concentrations in near surface (12 feet (3.6 metres)) sediments increase from east to west in the playa, from a low of <50 parts per million in the northeastern portion of the playa to a high of 740 parts per million in the northwestern portion of the playa. Lithium brine concentrations from shallow levels of most the playa are less than 10 parts per million but increase to a maximum of 71 parts per million in the northwest portion of the playa. Elevated Lithium concentrations in the northwest are believed to be related to concealed geothermal waters that are known to occur in the subsurface on the northwestern, western, and southwestern margins of the playa.
Previous Geoprobe sampling in 2015 to depths of up to 200 feet (60 metres) was limited to the eastern portion of the playa where dryer ground conditions allowed easier access, but where Lithium concentrations in shallow sediments are low. Nevertheless, sediments retrieved from the deeper portions of cored Geoprobe holes (10 to 30 feet (3 to 9 metres)) have significantly higher concentrations (average 169 parts per million Lithium) when compared to sediments at shallower depths (surface to 10 feet; surface to 3 metres) (average 32 parts per million Lithium). This suggests potential exists for greater lithium concentrations at deeper levels within the closed basin.
The 20 brine samples discussed herein were filtered at 5 microns in the field and acidified prior to shipment to the laboratories. Standard and blank samples were included, and the fluids have been analyzed at several laboratories as part of an on-going QA/QC program. Research to document the characteristics of Lithium in the brines and sediments is in progress at the University of British Columbia, funded with a National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) research grant (see press release dated March 21, 2016).
"These are some of the best Lithium brine numbers to be announced outside of Clayton Valley in Nevada for some time", commented Brian Findlay, President and CEO. "We are still in the early stage of exploration at Teels Marsh, and we are anxious to begin our initial drilling to test the potential for finding significant Lithium brines at depth."
Initial drilling at Teels Marsh is planned for the fall of this year. A seismic survey currently in progress will be combined with detailed gravity and structural models to define structural basins and aquifer targets.
The technical information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements of National Instrument 43-101 and has been reviewed and approved on behalf of Dajin Resources Corp. by Dajin Directors, Dr. Catherine Hickson, P. Geo and Dr. Mark Coolbaugh, CPG, the Qualified Persons.
About Dajin: (www.dajin.ca)
Dajin is an early stage energy metals exploration company holding a 100% interest in 265 placer claims known to contain Lithium and Boron values in the Teels Marsh region of Mineral County, Nevada. These claims, which cover 5,282 acres (2,138 hectares), are adjacent to the birthplace of US Borax Corp's first borax mine. Dajin also holds 191 placer claims covering 3,851 acres (1,558 hectares) in the Alkali Lake region of Esmeralda County, Nevada. Dajin has entered into an option agreement with Nevada Energy Metals Inc. (TSX-V:BFF) to explore these claims located 7 miles (12 kilometers) northeast of Rockwood's Clayton Valley Lithium operations.
Dajin also holds a 100% interest in concessions or concession applications in Jujuy Province, Argentina that were acquired in regions known to contain brines with Potassium, Lithium and Boron values. These concessions total approximately 93,000 hectares (230,000 acres) and are located in the Salinas Grandes/Guayatayoc salt lakes basin adjacent to concessions held by Orocobre Ltd. (TSX-T:ORL), who is partnered with Toyota Tsusho. In July 2015, Dajin executed an agreement with the Tres Morros Cooperativa for exploration of the San Jose Project consisting of 4,400 hectares (10,873 acres) of mineral concessions (San Jose and Navidad) within the Salinas Grandes salar.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of DAJIN RESOURCES CORP.
Brian Findlay, President
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility
for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jun 9, 2016) - Cypress Development Corp. (TSX VENTURE:CYP) (OTCBB:CYDVF) (FRANKFURT:C1Z1) ("Cypress" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it held its annual general meeting on June 08, 2016. The Company reports that Donald C. Huston, James Pettit, Donald G. Myers and Amanda Chow were re-elected directors of the Company. Shareholders also re-appointed Davidson & Company, Chartered Accountants, as auditors and approved the renewal of the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan.
About Cypress Development Corp.:
Cypress Development Corp. is a publicly traded lithium and zinc-silver exploration company advancing projects in the State of Nevada, U.S.A.
Cypress' Clayton Valley Lithium Project is located in the heart of the Clayton Valley lithium brine exploration area of Esmeralda County, Nevada. The Company's 1520 acre Clayton Valley Project is located within 0.5 mile south of lithium brine wells belonging to the Albemarle Silver Peak Mine and the property shares its western boundary with Pure Energy's Northern Resource Area. 2016 sampling results show 2 kilometers of north-south strike of outcropping claystones that assay approximately 1,100 ppm Li on average and include a 1.0 kilometer strike length zone that averages 1350 ppm Li. The outcropping claystones are believed to represent uplifted portions of the stratigraphy within which the lithium brines of the basin are found and produced. A planned drilling program targeting lithium brines at Cypress' Clayton Valley Project will also include shallow holes targeting the wide areas of lithium rich claystones discovered at surface.
Cypress Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Nevada location map:
http://www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com/i/maps/CYP-Clayton-topo-satalite-small.jpg
To find out more about Cypress Development Corp. (TSX VENTURE:CYP), visit our website at www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com.
Cypress Development Corp. has approx. 24.1 million shares issued and outstanding.
Cypress Development Corp.
DONALD G. MYERS, Director
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.
CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT OPERATIONAL REVIEW
TORONTO, June 9, 2016 /CNW/ - Resolute Performance Fund ("Resolute" or "we"), an investment fund managed by Resolute Funds Limited, the largest shareholder of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX: WDO) ("Wesdome" or the "Corporation"), today calls on Wesdome to commission an independent review to assess the Corporation's mining operations and to develop concrete solutions to address the operational issues plaguing the Corporation.
Resolute is the largest shareholder of Wesdome, holding 33,350,000 shares or approximately 25.7% of the outstanding shares. We are a long-term investor, having made our initial investment in Wesdome in April 2010. Over the past six years Resolute has been a huge supporter of the Corporation and our interest is, and has always been, to maximize shareholder value. We are a patient investor, but our patience has been stretched to the limit by Wesdome's failure to address its ongoing operational issues.
In its press releases and management proxy circular, Wesdome is trying to deflect attention from its operational issues and make Resolute, our investment manager Thomas Stanley, and the Corporation's independent director Rostislav Raykov the issue. Do not be misdirected.
The real issue is the operations of Wesdome. Over the last five quarters, operational results have been poor and are deteriorating. In 2015, Wesdome lost $0.04 per share compared to a profit of $0.11 per share in 2014. Gold production in 2015 dropped to 50,470 oz from 52,757 oz in 2014. This year has started off significantly worse. Gold production dropped to only 8,036 oz in the first quarter of 2016. At the same time, the Corporation's cash burn was $7.3 million. All-in sustaining costs have soared to $2,501 in the first quarter of 2016, almost double the $1,368 all-in sustaining costs reported in the third quarter of 2015.
Wesdome has done three equity financings in the last nine months. One in October 2015, one in December 2015, and one in April 2016, cumulatively diluting the stock by 17.3 million shares. We fear that if the operational issues are not resolved and the cash burn continues, more dilutive financings will be required in the short term in light of anticipated capital expenditure requirements.
Since October 2015 Resolute has been trying to get explanations from Wesdome with respect to the operational issues and to understand the path forward to correct them. Unfortunately Wesdome has been unwilling, either privately or publicly, to adequately address these issues. None of the correspondence we received from Wesdome's Special Committee addressed the operational issues nor have their press releases, including their latest one issued yesterday. Resolute raised its concerns privately with Wesdome several months ago. It was only Wesdome's failure to provide concrete answers to our concerns that lead us to reluctantly make this issue public.
Wesdome failed badly in meeting its 2015 guidance. Despite this, Philip Ng, Wesdome's Chief Operating Officer, received a discretionary bonus of $92,000. This concerns us. Wesdome has now failed to meet its guidance for first quarter 2016. Consequently, we have concerns about the credibility of Wesdome's guidance for 2016.
Wesdome continues to publicly berate its independent director Rostislav Raykov. From our perspective Mr. Raykov has been one director actually focusing on resolving the operational issues and has been asking the tough questions. That is why Resolute is supporting Mr. Raykov and intends to vote for Mr. Raykov's election to the board at the upcoming shareholders meeting.
Wesdome has accused Resolute of wanting a fire sale. Let us be clear, we don't desire a fire sale. Resolute is, however, fully prepared to consider a sale of the Corporation at the right price. We have seen no concrete plan to address the pressing operational issues at Wesdome no matter how many times we have asked. If Wesdome is unable to demonstrate that they have the ability to run their mines properly, the Corporation should be sold, at the right price, to someone who can.
In its March 2016 corporate presentation, Wesdome states that it is "Operating Two of Canada's High Grade Gold Mines" with Eagle River underground ranking second and Mishi Open Pit ranking third. With these quality assets, it is incumbent on the Corporation to develop a clear understanding of why operations have fared so poorly and how the situation can be improved. In light of Wesdome's apparent failure or inability to do so, we are calling for the Corporation to commission an independent review to assess its operational issues, to consider what plans, if any, the Corporation has to address these issues, and to develop practical concrete solutions that can be promptly implemented to remedy the situation.
Wesdome has set the time and date of the upcoming shareholders' meeting as 11am EST on June 14, 2016 and a deadline for submission of proxies of Friday, June 10, 2016 at 11:00am EST.
At the shareholders meeting, Resolute intends to vote:
FOR the election of Nadine Miller, Rostislav Raykov, Barry Smith and Rowland Uloth; and
WITHHOLD on the election of Duncan Middlemiss, Charles Page and Bill Washington.
About Resolute Performance Fund and Resolute Funds Limited
Resolute Funds Limited, a Toronto-based investment management firm, is the investment manager of the Resolute Performance Fund, the sole fund it manages. The Resolute Performance Fund is an open-end investment trust that was established on June 2, 2005. The objective of the Fund is to provide superior investment returns over the long term by investing primarily in Canadian equity securities with growth potential. Tom Stanley is the President and Chief Investment Officer of Resolute Funds Limited. Mr. Stanley previously managed the Resolute Growth Fund, a Canadian public mutual fund, from December 3, 1993 to June 2, 2006.
Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption
Resolute is not hereby seeking to be a proxyholder of any other shareholder at the upcoming shareholder meeting. Nonetheless, Resolute is relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations to make this public broadcast solicitation. The following information is provided in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations.
This solicitation is being made by Resolute, and not by or on behalf of the management of Wesdome.
The address of Wesdome is 8 King Street East, Suite 811, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1B5.
If proxies are solicited for the Wesdome shareholders' meeting, they may be solicited by mail, telephone, email or other electronic means as well as by newspaper or other media advertising, and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of Resolute or its investment manager, who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, Resolute may solicit proxies in reliance upon the public broadcast exemption to the solicitation requirements under applicable Canadian corporate and securities laws, conveyed by way of public broadcast, including through press releases, speeches or publications, and by any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws. Resolute has engaged the services of The Laurel Hill Advisory Group Company ("Laurel Hill") to assist Resolute in an advisory role in connection with the meeting of shareholders of Wesdome, however, Laurel Hill will not be soliciting proxies on behalf of Resolute. All costs incurred for the solicitation will be borne by Resolute.
Shareholders of Wesdome have the power to revoke proxies previously given by them. Revocation of proxies for registered shareholders of Wesdome can be effected by an instrument in writing (which includes a proxy bearing a later date) signed by a shareholder or the shareholder's attorney duly authorized in writing (in the case of a corporation, such instrument must be executed under its corporate seal or signed by a duly authorized officer or attorney for the corporation) which is either delivered to Computershare c/o Proxy Dept., at 100 University Avenue, 8th Floor Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1, Canada any time up to and including the close of business on the last business day preceding the day of the shareholder meeting, or any adjournment thereof, or deposited with the meeting Chair prior to the hour of commencement on the day of the meeting. A beneficial shareholder of Wesdome who has submitted a proxy may revoke it by contacting the intermediary through which the beneficial shareholder's common shares are held and following the instructions of the intermediary respecting the revocation of proxies.
To the knowledge of Resolute, neither Resolute nor any of its managers, directors or officers, or any associates or affiliates of the foregoing has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter currently known to be acted upon at the meeting of Wesdome shareholders other than the election of directors.
SOURCE Resolute Funds Limited
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 9, 2016) -
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Ultra Lithium Inc. (TSX VENTURE:ULI) ("Ultra Lithium" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the drill core and groundwater samples from its first drill hole indicate presence of Li-bearing brine at the South Big Smoky Valley brine lithium project.
The following are the highlights of the data collected from hole BSH16-01:
Assay results receive to date indicate anomalous values of lithium in drill core samples. The drill core logs show the presence of volcanic clays, organic matter and tuff at various depths which are documented to be contributed from Late Miocene to Pliocene tuffaceous lacustrine facies of the Esmeralda Formation. Several geological studies consider the Esmeralda Formation to be the source of lithium brine in the South Big Smoky and Clayton valleys. There are a few gypsum layers within sand and clay layers. The amount of volcanic material and tuffs increases with depth.
The drill core data shows the presence of multiple sand aquifers down to a drilled depth of 1,000 feet (305 metres) below surface. Water level as measured on June 04, 2016 was at 2 feet (0.6 meters) below ground surface indicating artesian water pressure from a confined aquifer at 349 to 479 feet (106 to 146 metres). The aquifer is comprised of sand with intervening thin clay layers.
Assays of groundwater samples taken at various intervals to a depth of 1,000 feet (305 metres) using Harris Exploration's sampling technique indicated anomalous values of lithium. The Company has installed a well and has taken representative groundwater samples. The Company will disclose the result of the analyses on these waters samples as they are available.
Based on (CSAMT) geophysical survey data, two potential brine targets were interpreted at this borehole location. Drilling results confirmed that the first target continues down to approximately 500 feet (152 metres) below surface, whereas the second target begins at 700 feet (213 metres). The second target is expected to continue down to 1,800 feet (549 metres) below surface which was the proposed depth of this hole. Harris Exploration, the drilling contractor was only able to drill down to 1,000 feet (305 metres) with core drilling and the hole was stopped due to artesian water pressure.
Dr. Weiguo Lang, CEO of Ultra Lithium, stated that, "We are very pleased with the information received from the first 1,000 feet of core drilling showing presence of brine and artesian groundwater aquifers. After this encouraging data, the Company has planned to bring a more powerful drill rig to complete this hole down to a depth of 1,800 feet and to drill the second hole to a depth of 2,200 feet. The brine target in the second hole is deeper and thicker than the first hole based on the previous geophysical survey (CSAMT). We are looking forward to the remaining assay results to gain a better understanding of the Big Smoky hydrogeological system."
Sampling and QA/QC:
All the samples are shipped to Western Environmental Testing Laboratory in Sparks, Nevada, which is an US EPA accredited independent laboratory. The samples are being analyzed for lithium, potassium, boron, and magnesium using Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, online edition, Methods for Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water, EPA-600/4-79-020, and Test Methods for Evaluation of Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods (SW846), Third Edition.
It is important to note the groundwater sampling method used by Harris Exploration is their proprietary technique of taking groundwater samples at a desired depth where a perforated probe is inserted at the last drilled interval and water is allowed to collect and retrieved at the surface through wireline. The sample retrieved using this technique has influence from drilling fluids and surrounding sediments, and the Company is disclosing these results only as qualitative indications of lithium within the brine systems at the Big Smoky Project. After completing and developing this well, groundwater samples were collected using submersible pumps and have been submitted to the laboratory for analysis. The Company is evaluating the drill core and groundwater samples assay results received so far. A comparison of groundwater sampling with Harris's dedicated sampling method and the samples retrieved using the submersible pumps will be carried out once complete results are available. The Company intends to carry out multiple rounds of water sampling to compare data using different methods.
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., a qualified person, as defined by NI 43-101 who works as a consultant with the Company.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kiki Smith, CFO
About Ultra Lithium Inc.
Ultra Lithium is an exploration and development company with a focus on the acquisition and development of lithium assets. The Company is currently focused on North American acquisitions and exploring its Big Smoky Valley Project located in Nevada, USA.
About the South Big Smoky Valley Brine Lithium Project:
The Company holds a 100% interest in the Big Smoky Valley Project comprising 659 placer claims covering approximately 13,000 acres' land located in Nevada, USA. This Project has geological conditions favourable for hosting Lithium enriched brines. The Project is located 16 miles to the north of Albemarle Corp.'s Silver Peak mine which is the only brine lithium producing project in North America, and has been producing lithium from brines since 1966. The Company has completed a ground CSAMT geophysical survey and surface sediment / water sampling programs on the project and started drilling in 2016.
Imagine that you turn up at your friends' place for dinner. The front door is open, and you head in to find your mates are busy in the kitchen, assembling the lasagne. They wave you over to the table, you sit yourself down and dinner gets underway. Now imagine if, as soon as the tiramisu is over, they go off to do the dishes, leaving you to make your own way out, closing the door behind you.
I see this scene play out in restaurant land night after night. We're forgetting our manners. One of the true joys of dining out is to be greeted warmly at the door by someone who seems genuinely pleased to see you. Diners at Noma Australia this year were welcomed by up to 20 smiling staff members, and farewelled just as warmly. At Melbourne's Flower Drum and Sydney's Tetsuya's, you are practically carried to the table like a long-lost child.
But a warm welcome and farewell should not be dependent on $200 tasting menus and the luxury of having a score of hosts. Running a public-facing business, when you boil it down, is about good manners.
Terry Durack. Photo: Josh Robenstone
In the Middle East and China, this respect for the guest is instinctive, regardless of cost or number of staff. Italians can't help themselves. At Sydney's Fratelli Paradiso, they'll greet your dog by name. At Melbourne's Cafe Di Stasio, they'll remember how you like your Campari.
It's the same with the Thai, Spanish, Greek, Jamaican, Indian and Balinese. Even the smallest French patisserie will acknowledge your presence with an immediate sing-song of "Bonjour m'sieur, bonjour madame". As for the Japanese, just walk into Harajuku Gyoza, Ippudo and practically every other Japanese restaurant in the world, and the staff will suddenly yell "Irrashaimase!" at the tops of their voices in welcome. It does the heart good, once it has started beating again.
Saying hello, goodbye and thank you is like slathering mortar onto the bricks of our existence, building relationships and connections with each other. You can feed me deep-fried cane toad between times, but you'll still score points for a brief but pleasant acknowledgement of my presence on arrival and being there when I leave. These small, human gestures cost very little, yet mean so much. Thank you for reading this, and I hope to see you again soon.
Illustration by Sam Bennett.
Terry Durack is chief restaurant critic for The Sydney Morning Herald and senior reviewer for the Good Food Guide.
You're not alone if the thought of hunching over a bowl of hot noodle soup, the broth steaming up your glasses while shovelling noodles into your mouth, makes you actually and longingly dewy-eyed for the cold weather. Looking for noodle-soup inspiration? Here's our top 12 places get your slurp on.
Dong Ba
Don't be afraid. The slick of chilli oil in each bowl of bun bo hue isn't half as spicy as you think. This spicy beef noodle soup originally from central Vietnam is a specialty here. Thick ropes of rice noodles swim among shaved slices of beef, hunks of pork and peppery pork loaf. Add extra lemongrass chilli paste from the table condiments tray. Skip the pigs blood if you prefer.
5/117 John Street, Cabramatta, 02 9723 0336 (also in Bankstown)
Pho from Pho Tau Bay, Cabramatta. Photo: Wesley Lonergan Photo: Wesley Lonergan WLO
The bun bo hue at Dong Ba, Cabramatta. Photo: Edwina Pickles
Happy Chef
A back-lit photo menu offers more than 50 noodle soup options, each customisable with your preference for thin egg noodles, fresh rice noodles, dried rice noodles or flat egg noodles. Seafood wonton noodle soup is reviving and the king prawn laksa is richly satisfying but we love No. 1, a Cambodian combination noodle soup with prawn, beef mince, pork liver, blood jelly and pork intestines in a clear chicken broth.
Sussex Centre, Level 3, 401 Sussex Street, Haymarket, 02 9281 5832
Jugemu & Shimbashi
The soba noodles here are made fresh every day by hand with freshly milled Tasmanian organic buckwheat. Time your visit right and you can watch the noodle master in the front window. Savour the toothsomeness of fresh soba with juicy slices of duck and mushroom in a dried bonito and soy-based soup or try the walnut soba noodles in a nutty sesame and walnut soup. Vegetarian soup bases are available.
246 Military Road, Neutral Bay, 02 9904 3011
Soba dumpling soup from JuGeMu & Shimbashi, Neutral Bay. Photo: Marco Del Grande
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Manpuku, Kingsford
Ten types of ramen await at Manpuku, Japanese for "all health and happiness". Broths are based on chicken or pork and you can choose from three types of noodle. Order the salt-based chicken soup for something lighter or go full throttle with the collagen-rich pork tonkotsu. The soy-based pork and chicken soy (No. 7) is a treat too. Traditional conical bowls should keep your soup hot until the last drop.
482 Anzac Parade, Kingsford, 02 9662 136 (also in Chatswood)
Mie Kocok Bandung
Mie kocok means "shaken noodles" in Indonesian, a specialty of Bandung city in West Java. Springy egg noodles arrive in a light beef soup with all kinds of beef bits including a giant meatball stuffed with a quail egg like an Indonesian scotch egg. Order the yamien for crinkly noodles topped with beef mince. Soup on the side can be sipped separately or poured onto the noodles as you please.
Shop 1, 108 Maroubra Road, Maroubra, 0423 587 878
Malay Chinese Takeaway
The spicy richness of one of Sydney's best laksas is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside. Thin vermicelli noodles and bobbing puffs of deep fried tofu soak up this fragrant coconut milk soup, customised with your choice of chicken, beef, vegetables, tofu, prawn or mixed seafood. Prefer something lighter? The har mee special on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays yields two kinds of noodles in an intense prawn broth.
Shop 1, 50-58 Hunter Street, Sydney, 02 9231 6788
Chicken soup from Malay Chinese Takeaway, Sydney. Photo: Jennifer Soo
New Thainatown
Sure you could order the hot and sour tom yum noodle soup but you'll notice the Thais around you tucking into bargain bowls of $4 boat noodle soup. This fragrant herbal soup is thickened with pigs blood and dotted with nuggets of crackling. You pick between pork and beef balls. Yen ta fo is another favourite, rice noodles and a bounty of seafood tinted pale pink from fermented soybean paste.
91 Goulburn Street, Sydney, 02 9211 0090
Shop 12, 117 John Street (enter from Hill Street), Cabramatta 02 9726 4583
Spring River
Crossing-the-bridge noodles is a classic Yunnan dish, a chicken, pork and duck-based soup served in a clay pot for maximum heat retention. The kitchen can serve it ready-to-eat but it's much more fun to do it the traditional way and cook it yourself. That means a parade of plates holding meat, vegetables, egg and noodles that you add in a specific order. Staff will provide a crash course in instructions.
Shop 2, 203 Thomas Street, Haymarket, 02 9211 5881
Sun's Burmese Kitchen
Mohinga is Burma's version of pho, most popular at breakfast but readily eaten any time of day. This hearty fish soup is known for its balance of sweet, sour and salty; we're talking ginger, lemongrass, tamarind, shrimp paste and turmeric. Dig past the mound of split chickpeas, hard-boiled egg and fresh coriander and you'll find a tangle of rice vermicelli noodles. Shards of deep fried crackers provide a welcome crunch.
10 Tulloch Street, Blacktown, 02 9676 2837
Pho Tau Bay
Slurp as loud as you like at this Cabramatta institution, ladling out restorative bowls of pho for more than 35 years. The clear beef broth has a deep intensity, rounded out by the sweetness of aromatic spices. Seven types of pho include chicken, beef and seafood. Also try hu tieu, tumble of bouncy tapioca noodles in a clear pork and fried red shallot soup draped with either seafood or chicken.
12/117 John Street, Cabramatta, 02 9726 4583
Get slurping at Pho Tau Bay, Cabramatta. Photo: Wesley Lonergan.
The Mandoo
This narrow 20-seater in Strathfield's Korea Town is always busy, known for its handmade dumplings (mandoo) and noodles. Cosy up with the beef bone noodle soup, tinted milky white after boiling beef bones at high heat, or succumb to the spicy seafood noodle soup, jam-packed with prawns, mussels, squid and crab. Both come with kalguksu, handmade knife-cut wheat flour noodles that are pleasurably chewy. Complimentary kimchi is a hospitable bonus.
12a The Boulevarde, Strathfield, 02 9701 0949 (also in Eastwood)
Yang Guo Fu Malatang
Choose your own adventure at this self-serve station for malatang, a Sichuan-style hot and numbing soup charged by weight. Choices include bean curd sheets, bamboo shoots, lotus roots, leafy greens, exotic mushrooms and a dazzling assortment of fish cakes. Pick your noodles and ask for raw beef or housemade Harbin sausage at the counter. After cooking they'll add seasonings accept them all but get the chilli sauce on the side.
Dixon House Food Court, 413415 Sussex Street, Haymarket, 0414 388 878/0431 317 777 (Also in Chatswood)
After the kidney is cleaned and trimmed of any excess tissue, it is ready to be placed into Susan Cantu. "It almost looks like a raw chicken breast," said Dr. Francis Wright, director of the abdominal organ transplant program at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio.
SHARE Dr. Francis Wright begins to connect the kidney removed from Courtney Beach to an artery inside Susan Cantu in a procedure that will allow Cantu to live free of dialysis treatments. Susan Cantu, 20, is wheeled down a hallway in Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio to the operating room to go through her third kidney transplant since birth. Cantu lost her last kidney over a year ago because of a glitch that ended her government medical coverage. She was unable to get the medication to keep the kidney functioning. Dr. Luke Shen, watching a video monitor, works to remove a kidney from Courtney Beach, 26, of San Angelo. Beach donated a kidney to Susan Cantu, also of San Angelo, who has been plagued with kidney problems since birth.
By Justin Zamudio
Every day, a person's kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to sift out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water. The wastes and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores urine until releasing it through urination.
The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. People with a family history of any kind of kidney problem are also at high risk for kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Total or nearly total and permanent kidney failure is called End-stage Renal Disease. If a person's kidneys stop working completely, the body fills with extra water and waste products. The condition is called uremia. Hands or feet may swell, and the person will feel tired and weak because the body needs clean blood to function properly.
In 1909 the first kidney transplant experiments were performed in humans in France using animal kidneys. A surgeon inserted slices of rabbit kidney into a child suffering from kidney failure, and although immediate results were excellent the child died about two weeks later.
In 1933 the first human-to-human kidney transplant was performed. Unknown to doctors at the time, there were mismatches in donor and recipient blood groups and the donor kidney never functioned.
In 1954 the first truly successful kidney transplant was performed in Boston from one twin brother to the other. This was done without any immunosuppressive medication because the two brothers were a perfect match.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas Transplant Institute and Stanford University Medicine
SAN ANTONIO ? Faith and devotion is what brought Courtney Beach and Susan Cantu together as organ donor and recipient, but it was state-of-the-art medical science that guided their successful transplant surgeries.
The two young San Angeloans, both devout Christians, believe it was nothing short of an act of God.
There was only a 5 percent chance they would be a match, and that was not the only challenge.
Other transplant hospitals rejected Cantu's application for her third kidney transplant, saying it would be "too risky," but Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio was ready to put its surgical staff to work.
Prayer came before the operations, but the procedures were a display of the latest advancements in transplant surgery by highly skilled medical experts.
Here is how the transplant unfolded in the operating rooms:
Courtney Beach's surgery comes first.
He lies on his right side as the surgical team of six, including Dr. Luke Shen, the man leading the surgery, surrounds him. His head faces away from Shen toward an anesthesiologist, who constantly monitors his vital signs and adjusts the flow of medication through an IV connection.
Beach is covered except his stomach.
Shen cuts a 3-inch incision under Beach's navel, a cut just big enough to pull the kidney through, then makes two larger, chopstick-like incisions on Beach's left side, which will allow him to maneuver a laparoscope ? an instrument with a bright light and camera at the ends and several attachments ? into Beach's body so he can see what he is doing.
Trocars, sharp implements a few inches long, are placed at the incision points. The trocars' hollow openings allowed Shen to insert the different laparoscopic tools, including the light and camera.
Shen's eyes are glued to one of the two large high-definition video screens that hover over Beach's body and display the visual feed from the laparoscope as he works with its arsenal of instruments. The task has been made somewhat less restrictive by a procedure in which Beach's abdomen was inflated with carbon dioxide, creating space inside the operating field.
Belying the intensity of the occasion, the atmosphere in the dimly lit operating room is peaceful. Alanis Morissette and other alternative-rock hits create a relaxing background for the constant, rhythmic beeping of machines that monitor Beach's vital signs. Between requests for surgical tools, Shen makes small talk and jokes with his staff as he works inside Beach's torso.
After about 90 minutes of cutting through flesh and fat tissue and suturing blood vessels, Shen is ready to remove the kidney, which is now connected to Beach only by a single artery.
Across the hallway, Dr. Francis Wright is preparing Susan Cantu, but he and his team aren't quite ready for the kidney. Shen uses a suction device to remove blood around the kidney and takes photos of it with a high-definition camera. He would later give these photos to Beach for a keepsake.
About 10 minutes pass before Wright comes into the surgery room and watches as Shen severs the artery and removes the kidney. Pulling it through the incision just under Beach's navel, Shen wraps the organ in gauze as it comes out.
On a table by the laparoscopic instruments sits a small bucket of ice. Immediately after the kidney leaves Beach's body, it is placed on the ice and taken away by Kelly Rains, a procurement specialist who would act as Wright's right-hand man during Cantu's surgery.
Rains covers the kidney, which is about the size of a chicken breast, with a cloth as he takes it across the hall. He maneuvers the kidney around the surgical staff overlooking an unconscious Cantu to a table in the corner of the room. Rains puts the kidney in the middle of the table and pulls a chair to the side of it.
Across from him, Wright is ready to go to work.
Cantu's operating room is starkly different from Beach's, brightly illuminated with a spotlight pointing directly at the kidney on the table.
Sounds in the room are louder, from the monitoring machines and staff chatter to the Chubby Checker on the oldies station playing from a radio in the corner.
Cantu's supine form is covered, with only her head and stomach exposed. To get into her body, the surgical staff reopens a 9-inch scar from a previous transplant.
A large retractor is inserted to hold the cavity open so Wright can get his hands inside Cantu.
Wright, meanwhile, sits at the table bearing the kidney, and using a scalpel removes every last trace of fat from the surface of the organ. "Sprucing it up," he says.
"It's kind of another operation here on ice, and that's just to get it ready," he says.
Rains helps Wright sew stitches into the numerous renal veins on the kidney, a 30-minute process of precision cutting and stitching.
Wright leaves thread at the openings of the valves that will connect the kidney to Cantu's artery and bladder.
Once it is prepared, he picks up the purplish organ and wraps it in gauze. The end product resembles a taco.
As the surgical staff stands by, Wright delicately, like a crane operator, lowers the kidney into the gaping cavity in Cantu's torso.
Once the kidney is in position, Wright goes to work connecting it to Cantu's body.
The kidney, deprived of blood and oxygen, had become pale as time elapsed, but the moment the surgeon splices it onto the artery and releases the blood flow, the kidney comes alive.
The small organ, which had been pale and purplish, turns red and begins to throb.
"That's good news, the kidney immediately went to work," Wright says.
After attaching veins to the kidney, Wright connects the organ to the renal tubes leading to the bladder.
Wright, looking like a man who has done more than 2,000 such procedures, closes up Cantu's body with stitches and staples.
Beach and Cantu, awake after three hours of surgery, are rolled to a recovery room, then moved to the Intensive Care Unit. Wright goes to speak to the families.
"She is doing fine," he says. "It's a very nice kidney she has there. It was producing urine before we could even hook it up to the bladder. We were able to stay where we wanted to, and stay out of the abdomen where there were all those other old surgeries and scar tissue. She should recover pretty well from this."
Ernest Cantu asks about Courtney Beach's condition.
"Oh, he's doing fine," Wright says. "Everything went good with him. He'll be waking up feeling quite sore. But other than that, everything's going to be OK."
Shannon Findley is framed by two of her works of art she created in the Akron Children's Hospital art therapy program on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 in Akron, Ohio. Findley's daughter A'Kira Hunter has been a patient at the hospital since her birth on Aug. 15, 2014. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/TNS)
SHARE Shannon Findley adjusts the shade above her daughter A'Kira Hunter's bed at Akron Children's Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 in Akron, Ohio. A'Kira has been a patient at the hospital since her birth on Aug. 15, 2014. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/TNS) Shannon Findley paints a colorful tile in the Akron Children's Hospital art therapy program on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 in Akron, Ohio. Findley's daughter A'Kira Hunter has been a patient at the hospital since her birth on Aug. 15, 2014. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/TNS) Brittany Grant holds her daughter Kandice Ramsey next to a painting she created in the Akron Children's Hospital art therapy program on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 in Akron, Ohio. Kandice has been a patient at the hospital since September 14, 2014. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/TNS) Brittany Grant paints a colorful tile in the Akron Children's Hospital art therapy program on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 in Akron, Ohio. Grant's daughter Kandice Ramsey has been a patient at the hospital since September 14, 2014. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/TNS)
By Cheryl Powell Akron Beacon Journal (Tns)
AKRON, Ohio Painting and drawing isnt just kids play at Akron Childrens Hospital.
The pediatric hospital has been encouraging parents to participate in a variety of free art therapy programs that also are offered to patients.
For two hours every Tuesday afternoon, Akron Childrens Hospital art therapist Molly Kohut opens the doors to the Emily Cooper Welty Expressive Therapy Center for patients, parents and siblings alike to draw, paint, doodle and create during Art Therapy Open Studio.
Kohut also offers other programs and goes directly to patient rooms for individual sessions with families who cant attend groups.
It is important for them to take a moment out and have some self-care, Kohut said. At this hospital, were really focused not only on patient-centered care, but family-centered care.
Shannon Findley has been a regular at the weekly drop-in art sessions since her daughter, AKira Hunter, was transferred to Childrens in critical condition in August after being born three months premature.
The first-time mother and nurses aide from Columbus was visiting family in the Youngstown area when she had an emergency Caesarean section after her liver and kidneys began shutting down.
Findley has been staying nearby at the Ronald McDonald House in Akron in the rare moments she steps away from AKiras bedside while the baby girl continues to struggle with numerous health problems.
I dont want to miss anything, she said. They cant promise me shell live.
But every Tuesday, she slips away for a couple of hours to create art that will decorate her daughters bedroom when AKira finally gets to go home.
Some of the items, including paintings of Hello Kitty and SpongeBob and a tiny easel with the words Princess AKira are displayed throughout AKiras space in the neonatal intensive-care unit.
During one session, Findley drew a picture of St. Michael a fighting Angel, just like her daughter. On a recent afternoon, she painted a beach scene on a ceramic tile.
Findley said the art sessions help her escape and deal with the stress and anxiety she has experienced throughout her daughters ordeal.
It gives me some time to not just sit there in the room, she said. I just like art, period.
The Expressive Therapy Center opened several years ago in a former rooftop play area that was enclosed with a glass ceiling. The bright, colorful center includes areas for art, music and dance.
Studies have suggested that worried, stressed-out caregivers can benefit from the distraction and expression offered by picking up a paint brush or participating in other forms of art, particularly in group settings.
One study published last year in the professional journal Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology found that parents of children with chronic pain who participated in a group art therapy program felt a greater level of support.
Parents with critically ill children often feel so much is out of their control, Kohut said. Creating artwork is an opportunity for expression and control.
Brittany Grant of Mantua, Ohio, often attended the weekly drop-in sessions in the therapy center while her 5-month-old daughter, Kandice Ramsey, spent several months in the pediatric intensive care unit after undergoing two open-heart surgeries to correct a congenital birth defect.
Weve been through so much, not knowing if she would survive, Grant said this week before her daughters discharge. It was so nice having a program like this where you could go and have stress taken away.
People dont need to be experienced artists to benefit from art therapy, Kohut said.
Were here for everybody, she said.
PHOTOS BY Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun/TNS ABOVE: Stephanie Gamble designed the space in this Annapolis, Md., home near the water in subtle beach decor. RIGHT: Blues in Gamble's home design evoke a subtle beach decor.
SHARE The chandelier over the dining room table makes its own design statement. Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun/TNS Blues in Stephanie Gamble's home design evoke a subtle beach decor.
Lighter color palette can give decor a 'coastal' feel
By John-John Williams Iv, The Baltimore Sun (TNS)
When starting a recent project at a client's Ocean City, Maryland, home, interior designer Phillip Smith wasn't looking to create an obvious beach home feel.
Smith focused on color, reflective objects and natural fibers to tap into the spirit of the beach. It was an approach that worked for his clients, a couple who liked it so much that what began as a small bathroom remodel turned into a redo of their three-bedroom home.
Moreover, it highlighted the fact that it's possible to achieve a beachy look without resorting to gimmicks like seashells, anchors or bushels of crabs.
Designer Stephanie Gamble also created a subtler "beach feel" in the main floor of her clients' 1930s' three-level Annapolis, Maryland, home without even setting out to do so.
"We didn't intend for it to be coastal; it just worked out that way," said Gamble, owner of Baltimore-based interior design company The House Downtown.
Gamble said details such as anchoring the living room with a neutral-colored sofa and hanging artwork in hues of blue, green and white made the home feel like a property in Ocean City or the Outer Banks.
"Having a water view from several of the windows was an unconscious influence,"Gamble said.
Gamble worked with a lighter color palette, which wound up giving the home its "coastal" feel.
You can follow Gamble's and Smith's examples to transform your digs into a comfy beach pad without being too gimmicky. Restraint, Gamble said, is key.
"The nautical theme is always classic, but it's kind of expected," Gamble said. "You can never really go wrong with navy, white and a little splash of red. But why not do something a little unexpected? Do the theme sparingly."
"Paint color is huge," Smith said. "You can change the entire look by painting."
He suggested painting cabinets white or adding watercolor prints to bare walls.
"You look at those and you get the feel of waves, and the colors are reminiscent of water," he said.
Another great way to incorporate color and get that beach-like vibe is through art, according to Gamble."Use artwork that isn't necessarily pictures of boats," she said. "We used serene imagery, which is very fluid. That felt like water."
ACCESSORIES
You don't have to shun beach paraphernalia altogether. For example, Smith mounted two colorful surfboards, one in the upstairs loft and one in the living room, in his clients' Ocean City home.
"They had sentimental value," he said. The owners "met as a lifeguard and umbrella girl. (The surfboards) belonged to him. They're colorful, bright, saturated colors. They really pop out nicely against the neutral walls."
Smith has incorporated a lot of glass and reflecting materials into his project, including using mirrors whenever he got a chance.
"Mirrors remind you of iridescent shells and pearls," he said. "Any time you can use something that has a reflective quality, it gives a water feel."
Instead of the expected seashells or anchors, Gamble opted for a less popular, but still beachy, accessory: coral.
"I put a piece on a coffee table," she said. "The key is not to put it everywhere. Be very subtle. When you take it and run, it becomes a little much. Use the trends and the typical beach-themed items very sparingly."
COLOR
From the large beige couch and cream-colored leather ottoman to the white lacquer dinning room table, Gamble used lighter tones to create a more serene atmosphere in her clients' Annapolis home.
"We were going (for) the lighter, airier feel," she said.
"Although a gray-blue coastal palette is dominant elsewhere in the house, the homeowners didn't want to overplay the blue tones in the decor inside the living room. The slate surround of the fireplace, cream-colored sofa and light blue runner on the table reinforce a neutral color scheme with sparing use of nautical blues."
Gamble used blue in the form of artwork and lamps to create a coastal feel. Accent pieces were also in shades of blue, as well as neutrals and light greens.
"Use anything that is calming," she said.
FABRIC AND TEXTURE
Gamble favored the use of linen and light-hued leathers for furniture covers and finishes, and used grass cloth for the walls.
"It creates that casual, comfortable feel that invokes coastal," she said. "Use anything light. Stay away from velvet."
Smith wanted to mimic the weathered outdoors once he determined that the Ocean City house would have a beachy feel. He advised using teak and resin furniture.
"It reminds you of wood," he said. "I used faux wood tile floor throughout the kitchen and living area. It reminds you of bamboo."
In the kitchen, Smith used sand-colored granite countertops that reminded him of sand dunes.
"It kind of snowballed from there," he said.
Standard-Times file
SHARE Walters Sutton Winston Col. Kimberlee Joos
By Trish Choate Standard-Times Washington Bureau Contact Washington Correspondent Trish Choate At 202-664-9439 Or Choatet@Shns.Com. Follow Her On Twitter @Trish_In_Dc.
WASHINGTON ? An Air Force report casts a spotlight on sex crimes at Goodfellow Air Force Base: An airman raped a woman who nodded off in his dorm room. He is doing four years' time, and the Air Force booted him out of the service.
Another airman was a serial groper, fondling female classmates over a span of months. He was kicked out of the Air Force and is a registered sex offender.
The Goodfellow cases are listed in a recently released report, "Air Force Sexual Assault Court-Martial Convictions 2010-31 August 2013."
In 102 tersely worded entries, the report describes sex crimes at 50 bases in the United States and overseas with "significant sexual assault convictions." It lists nine cases for Joint Base Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio where a sex-crime scandal has roiled the service.
Goodfellow has three entries, including the case of an airman who sexually assaulted a male airman and a female airman at The Presidio of Monterey, an Army garrison in California. The airman who inappropriately touched them was with a unit under GAFB's 17th Training Wing but housed at The Presidio.
The cases are symptomatic of the larger problem the Air Force is grappling with: sexual assault in the ranks.
Col. Kimberlee Joos, commander of Goodfellow's 17th Training Wing, said base leaders are 100 percent committed to providing a base environment that doesn't tolerate sexual assault at work or off-duty.
"I am committed to ensuring each allegation of sexual assault is thoroughly investigated and individuals who commit sexual assault are held fully accountable for their actions," Joos said in an emailed statement.
Joos assumed command of the base in May. During 2012, Col. Mark Damiano, who now is assigned to the Pentagon, was the commanding officer.
Most of the service members, civil servants and contractors at Goodfellow are law-abiding people serving honorably and proudly, Joos said. They stick to "a culture of dignity and respect for all."
"Unfortunately, there are a few individuals among our ranks who do not," Joos said.
Former Airman 1st Class Paulo Walters and former Airman 1st Class Christopher J. Winston, 21, are two of them.
After a drinking session in August 2012 with several friends at Goodfellow, Walters raped a woman who fell asleep in his dorm room at Goodfellow. He was convicted of rape Aug. 17 and was sentenced to confinement for four years, a bad conduct discharge and reduction in grade to E-1.
The victim was a female airman. Walters is doing time at Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar, San Diego, Calif.
Winston repeatedly groped three female classmates during the period from July to October 2012 while in tech school at Goodfellow. He was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact and indecent language April 18. He is a registered sex offender in FBI, Texas and Illinois databases.
By law, sex offenders must register in the state they live in, and military sex offender are no exception.
"When a military member is discharged from the service, Air Force corrections ensures that the subject's state of residence is properly notified that a subject with a qualifying conviction is moving into the state's jurisdiction," Robert Martinez, Goodfellow public information officer, said in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, who represents the San Angelo area, said releasing the information holds the Air Force accountable for preventing and prosecuting sexual assault.
"It is imperative that Air Force leadership continue to take this issue seriously and protect all of its personnel," Conaway, a Midland Republican, said in a statement.
Another West Texas congressman also approved of the release of the information.
"I'm glad there's a commitment to transparency about how these cases are being handled, and I'm hopeful that will help us reduce these incidents," U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, a Lubbock Republican, said in a statement.
The 62-page report marks the first time the Air Force has released such a list of convictions, according to the Air Force Times.
"I think what they're trying to show is that they take these incidents seriously and prosecute people," U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, a West Texas Republican from Clarendon, said in an interview.
Goodfellow cases at a glance
Cases listed under Goodfellow Air Force Base in Air Force sex-crimes report:
Airman 1st Class
Paulo Walters
The case: Walters, the soon-to-be victim and several friends were drinking in the dorms August 2012 on Goodfellow Air Force Base. The victim fell asleep in Walters' dorm room and awoke to him raping her. She reported the assault the next day to the sexual assault and response coordinator.
Trial: Walters was convicted of rape at a general court-martial Aug. 17.
Sentence: Four years' confinement, a bad conduct discharge and reduction in grade to E-1.
Confined: Air Force corrections officials to determine final confinement location.
Airman 1st Class
Christopher J. Winston
The case: Winston repeatedly sexually harassed female classmates for four months while attending tech school at GAFB. He groped three female classmates' breasts, buttocks and groins on multiple occasions between July 1 and Oct. 30 in 2012.
Trial: Winston, 21, was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact and indecent language at a general court-martial April 18.
Sentence: Bad conduct discharge, forfeiture of $701 per month for six months and reduction in grade to E-1.
Sex offender registration: FBI, Texas and Illinois
Airman 1st Class
John R. Sutton II
The case: While a student at the Defense Language Institute at The Presidio of Monterey in California, Sutton pressed his genitalia against the buttocks of a male airman and groped a female airman's breast. The assaults occurred between May 1-19, 2012, in their dorm building.
Trial: Sutton, 21, was convicted of two counts of wrongful sexual contact at a general-court martial Oct. 31, 2012.
Sentence: Sutton was sentenced to confinement for 30 days, bad conduct discharge and reduction in grade to E-1.
GAFB connection: Sutton was never stationed at Goodfellow. He belonged to the 517th Training Group housed at The Presidio, an Army garrison. But the 517th TG falls under the 17th Training Wing at GAFB.
Sex offender registration: North Carolina
Sources: "Air Force Sexual Assault Court-Martial Convictions 2010-31 August 2013" and Goodfellow Air Force Base Public Information Office
SHARE Contributed by Stacey Leigh Patterson Junior League of San Angelo President-Elect Stacey Leigh Patterson, left, JLSA President Lindsey Elliott and AJLI President Ellen Rose receives the International Award for Membership Recruitment and Engagement on behalf of JLSA at The Association of Junior Leagues International's 94th Annual Conference.
By Staff Report
The Junior League of San Angelo recently was last month for its Membership Recruitment and Engagement program at the The Association of Junior Leagues International's 94th annual Conference.
Through an efficient social media campaign and reforming JLSA membership requirements, JLSA moved from having a membership stagnation four years ago to recruiting 47 new members in 2015-16 and 46 in 2016-17, with 110 women on the recruitment list.
"I am so proud of what our league has been able to accomplish. Winning an award of this caliber shows how much work and dedication our league has put in, not only in growing our membership, but in training women to be leaders in our community," said JLSA President Lindsey Elliott.
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The following editorial appeared in Monday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
It is a testament to the life of Muhammad Ali that no one could ever be indifferent about him or what he stood for in the 74 years he was with us. The three-time heavyweight champion of the world was so much more than the best exemplar of a sport he dominated by either force of personality or pugilistic skill for close to two decades.
Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali was a man of conscience who put his ambitions on the line by refusing to fight overseas on behalf of his country in an unjust war. He was a man of faith who stood up for his beliefs when identifying with the Nation of Islam was to invite being marginalized.
He was an unrepentantly proud African-American at a time when blacks were just emerging from second-class citizenship sanctioned by American law and custom. Ali was a man of uncommon wit, undeniable charisma and principled action. He was a terror in the ring and a first-rate humanitarian outside of it.
Ali was so famous (and reviled in some circles) that he could walk down the street of any city or village on the planet and be recognized at the height of his fame. World leaders and celebrities were reduced to giddiness in his presence.
When he developed Parkinson's disease as the result of the many blows to the head he suffered in the ring, he didn't retreat from public view or feel sorry for himself. Much of the country fell in love with him again years after he left the ring when he carried the Olympic torch in advance of the Atlanta games in 1996. ...
Muhammad Ali once spelled out what he wanted as his legacy: "I would like to be remembered as a man who won the heavyweight title three times, who was humorous, and who treated everyone right. As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him, and who helped as many people as he could.
As a man who stood up for his beliefs no matter what. As a man who tried to unite all humankind through faith and love. And if all that's too much, then I guess I'd settle for being remembered only as a great boxer who became a leader and a champion of his people. And I wouldn't even mind if folks forgot how pretty I was."
Yes, Muhammad Ali will be remembered for this and so much more.
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By Harold Byler
When Bill Clinton was in the Oval Office, my youngest son was living in Cottage Grove, Oregon, and had children in the local public high school. Hillary Clinton, with her communist agenda to equalize all students, used some towns in Oregon to introduce her outcome-based education system. With the power of her husband, she was able to offer federal money to schools in Oregon that accepted a pilot project for her system.
As part of her system, no grades were given for the students' courses. As a result, there were no report cards and no diploma was given. Instead, after two years, they were given a Certificate of Initial Mastery and finally a Certificate of Advanced Mastery. The program did not rely on any specific measures but rather how the students felt about what they accomplished. "Did they feel that they did well?"
Parents were very upset, because they did not know how their children were doing in school. My daughter-in-law helped organize a group of parents to protest this change, to no avail.
There is no documentation of the effects on the children, but it must have been traumatic without any motivation to achieve and knowing that their parents were not being notified of their performance, good or bad.
The children were actually taught to ignore their parents. Alert parents in the Cottage Grove High School OBE experiment found instructions to their school administrators along these lines in the U.S. government-issued Community Action Tool Kit from the office of the Secretary of Education.
When the first senior class graduated (of course, nobody had failed to pass any course), a major problem appeared. When some of the graduates applied to colleges, they were not accepted. The colleges required transcripts of their high school grades, and there weren't any transcripts because there weren't any grades and they had not studied conventional subjects.
As far as I know, none of those students were able to attend college. A group of parents filed a lawsuit and forced the school board to replace the superintendent and restore the old school system.
This is just one of the many indications of Hillary Clinton's communist thinking and why communism has always failed. Performance must be rewarded, and lack of effort must be corrected, to provide motivation for achievement.
My experience, described above, is just the tip of the iceberg. Hillary was following the teachings of her friend, Saul Alinsky, the radical communist community organizer and political activist, who became the idol of Barack Obama. Alinsky followed the teachings of Vladimir Lenin, whose cornerstone was health care control to create a revolution and communist takeover. He also advocated taking over education to control children by creating a common core of political indoctrination.
This involved a completely new method of teaching that replaced the basic "three R's" with political indoctrination. Gov. Bill Clinton introduced a form of this into one school in Arkansas in 1979, which involved isolating the 17-year-olds from all contact with their parents and the outside world for six weeks, while introducing them to a new paradigm of relative morality determined by group consensus.
Students were taught to totally ignore their parents, to listen to them and then forget them.
Outcome-based education was introduced in 1983, and is being progressively spread to all schoolchildren. It is already securely embedded in the system adopted by the U.S. Department of Education for public schools across the country. The federal "Goals 2000 Educate America Act" itself contains plans (S. 1150) to eventually replace the high school diploma with the Certificate of Initial Mastery, awarded through OBE.
One of the schools that incorporated OBE in its experimental stage was Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, the site of a student-led massacre a decade later.
A mandatory curriculum in Virginia public elementary schools in 1983 introduced a course in which children were required to earn a Certificate of Mastery in "Clear Mind." As 6-year-olds, they were introduced to a teacher-guided trance state and were taught to resort to an imaginary friend to rid themselves of a "mud mind" and achieve a "Clear Mind" (and not to discuss it with their parents).
Hillary Clinton favorably quoted psychiatrist Brock Chisholm, head of the UN's World Health Organization: "We have swallowed all manner of poisonous certainties fed us by our parents. ... Whatever the cost, we must (reject) the mistaken old ways of our elders. ... If it cannot be done gently, it may have to be done roughly or even violently."
Hillary must not be allowed to become our president! We must protect our children from radical indoctrination. Parents alone must have the authority and responsibility for their children's education. Mothers are not here just to produce babies for the hierarchy.
Harold Byler lives in Brady.
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By B.J. Lashley-Hassell
I have read and reread the article in last Thursday's Viewpoints section, "Honor veterans, and, while you're at it, respect duly elected president."
I too watched with such tenderness the president's (first ever) visit with our former enemy, Japan. No other president of the United States ever thought that visiting Hiroshima was the proper thing to do.
Seeing our president speaking with survivors and families of survivors sent shivers through me. Just trying to imagine the horror they survived, they still wanted to be in the presence of a person who actually could have been the one who made and ordered that last-ditch effort to end a terrible war.
The old gentlemen hugging our president was a moment that no one could observe and not be touched. Can one imagine what was going through those old men's minds? You could read on our president's face the tenderness and humility he felt. What a moment for our country and the world.
I was married to a young man who went to fight in Vietnam. I have a half-brother who spent months submerged in a nuclear submarine patrolling the oceans of the world. They did feel proud to serve and protect.
The televised events on CNN and other networks seemed to be more interested in what a man named Trump felt. This was not the time to ask Trump anything; it was not about him. He never served in the armed services. This was and is about men and women who did answer the call and served our country well.
The writer is correct that many people around the world do think highly of our president. I have dear friends who live in Europe and Canada. We email regularly about our president, the coming elections and what is in the future for relations between the United States and the world. To say they are worried is an understatement.
I have come under great criticism for my past letters to this paper in defense of our president. Many of our citizens feel he has contributed nothing during his two terms of office. Name another president who visited a country we almost leveled from this planet and observe the feelings shown by the citizens of that nation welcoming him. I guess history will one day tell the true story.
Thanks to the Viewpoints writer for the service he gave to and for his country.
B.J. Lashley-Hassell lives in San Angelo.
Of all the things required to be a good leader in a community, here's the one that is least discussed: courage. One reason is that it sounds so wildly out of proportion. Courage is what soldiers and firefighters have; it's not something we normally expect of mayors, council members, city managers, business leaders and concerned citizens.But shouldn't we? Courage is the mastery of fear in the service of something worthy. Physical courage in facing enemy fire or entering a burning building fits the definition. But so does social courage, which involves facing the disapproval of those we care about. This is the kind of courage that is important to communities.That's because, on occasion, we need respected leaders, motivated not by anger or vanity but by love, to tell us things we don't want to hear. When time proves these leaders right, we have a special place for them in our civic memories. These are the people for whom statues are erected and streets named.There are times when courageous leaders come forward in groups. In Atlanta, it was the 1950s and '60s, when the city confronted racial segregation and, with great difficulty, defeated it. Some of these leaders became national figures -- Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Young, Ralph Abernathy -- while others are remembered mostly in Atlanta: William B. Hartsfield, Ralph McGill, Donald Hollowell, Jacob Rothschild, Eugene Patterson, Ivan Allen Jr.Most times, though, courageous leaders step up alone or in twos and threes, which makes their work especially lonely. Where do you see this courage?One is in the "lonely advocate," the person who sees the future more clearly than others and withstands ridicule or censure in pointing it out. The leaders of Atlanta in the 1950s and '60s were examples. But so was Victor Steinbreuck, an architect who became in the 1960s a clarion voice for saving the buildings that made Seattle special . He became a writer and organizer, but he was also unafraid of leading protest marches. If you've enjoyed Pike Place Market, you can thank Victor Steinbreuck. He was instrumental in saving it from the wrecking ball.Then there's the opposite of the lonely advocate, the "lonely opponent." This is the leader who asks us not to step forward but to step back from some action that is popular and emotionally satisfying but wrong. Take 15 minutes to read the extraordinary story of Greggor Ilagan, the young Hawaii County council member who could not give in to something his most vocal constituents wanted-and you'll see what I mean.Finally, there's the "lonely leader," a person who takes on a nightmare issue with no clear solutions because it's important and no one else is stepping forward. Cook County, Ill., Board President Toni Preckwinkle has done this several times in her remarkable career, including in 2013 in dealing with jail overcrowding in Chicago I can't tell you where the courage of these leaders comes from. Probably from somewhere deep inside. But I can tell you what separates them from the obstinate, for which they are sometimes mistaken.First, as I've already mentioned, courageous leaders act out of love, not egotism. They genuinely want to help their city with a problem that needs solving or help citizens avoid a terrible mistake. And they act reluctantly. Compare this to gadflies and political mavericks. They have no reluctance to stand against the majority; that's their "brand." And their actions aren't expressions of love; they are part of their branding.Second, the courageous ones are those who've studied the issue thoroughly and listened to people respectfully. That, too, is a sign of love. They are not going to put their community through the stress of controversy if it can be avoided.Finally, time proves the courageous right. This may be a comfort to those who've lost their jobs because they stood for the right things, stood against the wrong, or shouldered the burdens the rest of us shirk.Then again, perhaps these remarkable leaders don't need comforting. After all, they have courage.
when Darrin McGillis started as an Uber driver in Miami-Dade County, he was pretty happy. In his first two months on the job, he made almost $10,000. Even when the company cut fares nationwide, he didnt mind. He just traded in his sedan for an SUV to collect higher fares as an Uber XL driver. But McGillis feelings changed when someone on a scooter hit his car during a passenger drop-off and Uber refused to compensate McGillis for repairs. After weeks of disagreement over what the company owed, Uber directed its insurance provider to pay for the damages. Then, it deactivated his account.McGillis, not surprisingly, has changed his tune about the company. Uber doesnt care about the passengers or the drivers, he says. They care about the money. Its all about the money.McGillis isnt alone in feeling frustrated about his experience. Former Uber drivers in a handful of states have filed lawsuits over everything from unpaid business expenses to the companys practice of discouraging tips. In April, Uber agreed to pay $100 million to disgruntled drivers in California and Massachusetts who felt they were getting too little in pay and other compensation.But that settlement didnt address the companys most controversial policy -- its practice of treating its drivers as independent contractors, thus making them ineligible for most worker benefits, such as a guaranteed minimum wage, workers compensation and sick days. McGillis poses a more fundamental threat to Ubers way of doing business. Thats because he isnt suing the company for damages. Hes simply doing what most workers do when they get fired: Hes asking for unemployment benefits.According to Uber, McGillis isnt entitled to unemployment because he wasnt an employee. The company says it functions as a digital marketplace, connecting self-employed business owners (drivers) with customers (riders), while collecting a fee for making the introduction. Drivers must sign a contract that says theyre independent contractors, not employees, before they can take any passengers.Still, McGillis filed his claim, and the Florida Department of Revenue concluded that he had indeed been an employee and was due unemployment benefits. At a hearing held last year to examine the claims made by McGillis, as well as by a woman who used to drive for Uber, a supervisor from the Department of Revenue explained why both were approved for unemployment. She got paid commissions. She got paid bonuses. She did not bill. He did not bill. She indicated that they told her when and where and how -- the sequence to do the work. She had an identification badge as well. And she received training those types of things are considered to be various means of control.The Florida ruling drew national media attention because Uber has a multibillion-dollar valuation and more than 400,000 drivers across the country. If all those drivers had to be treated as employees, the aggregate costs might threaten its very business model. The company appealed the ruling and offered McGillis $5,000 to drop his claim. But McGillis made a counter offer of $8,000, and when he never heard back, he continued to pursue the unemployment compensation he believed was owed to him.The dispute remains unresolved. An appellate agency, the Department of Economic Opportunity, reversed the ruling on McGillis claim, and as of mid-May, he was awaiting a final decision by the states Third District Court of Appeal.The McGillis case is at the center of a larger national debate about the legal status of people who work in the app-based gig or sharing economy. San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and many other cities have recently passed labor laws intended to raise wages and mandate worker benefits. All these cities are seeing a growth in app-based businesses that dont classify their workers as employees. Labor advocacy groups, such as the National Employment Law Project (NELP), point out that a $15 minimum wage is far less effective when more and more people are working under business arrangements that deny them protections. If we care about wages, we need to care about people working for Uber, says Rebecca Smith, NELPs deputy director.The stakes for state and local government are high. If the workers are indeed employees, the businesses ought to be paying into state funds for workers compensation and unemployment insurance. While no one has tried to estimate the potential revenue lost to states because of the nonemployee classification, the federal government misses out on a minimum of $3 billion to $4 billion in uncollected taxes for this reason each year, according to the nonprofit Jobs with Justice.Even so, officials have been reluctant to take a hard stand against Uber, and a 2015 National League of Cities report explains why. The reports authors interviewed public officials in 11 cities about their experience dealing with sharing economy businesses. Elected leaders recognized that the businesses might be breaking local transportation laws, but they felt a pressure to maintain their citys reputation as a welcoming place for innovation. Being friendly to innovation was so critical to economic development that most cities decided they would let the companies operate illegally and figure out the regulatory details afterward.This is a challenge in a lot of jurisdictions, says Seattle City Councilmember Mike OBrien, who has sponsored legislation recognizing the labor rights of ride-sharing drivers. Theres something that is very innovative about how [Uber and Lyft] use technology and how they think about mobility. And theres something thats very old-school about how they are making billions and billions of dollars on the backs of the lowest wage workers who have the smallest voice in our political system.it drew protests from some transportation officials who worried about how existing regulations for taxis and for-hire drivers would apply to ride-sharing companies. Their concerns were mostly about traffic congestion and public safety. Would the vehicles clog busy downtown intersections? Did drivers have insurance? Could their cars pass a safety inspection? Would companies hire drivers with criminal records?But in the last year, a different set of actors has begun to weigh in: state labor commissioners. Part of the reason theyre looking at Uber is the proliferation of complaints about low pay and the companys deactivation practices. According to a study by Alan Krueger, a Princeton economist, and Jonathan Hall, Ubers director of policy research, the median hourly earnings for UberX -- people using their personal vehicles -- was below $19 across 20 major cities in October 2014. After including business expenses, such as tolls and gas, the pay would have been lower. And those numbers predate Ubers move to cut fares last year (the same cut that prompted Darrin McGillis to switch to UberXL). Smith of NELP says shes met drivers whose real hourly pay is currently closer to $3.While Uber is by far the most frequently cited villain in sharing economy labor disputes, the same kinds of lawsuits are being filed against other companies that insist their app-enabled workers arent employees. In the District of Columbia, former workers for Postmates, the app-based courier service, allege that the company is violating the districts minimum-wage law and failing to reimburse couriers for essential business expenses, such as gas and phone data. Handy, a company that connects customers to painters, plumbers and housecleaners, has faced lawsuits over the alleged misclassification of workers. In response to a similar suit last year, Instacart, a grocery shopping and delivery service, announced it would offer its shoppers -- but not its drivers -- the option of becoming part-time employees with benefits. So Uber isnt alone in using the independent-contractor model. But its sheer size has attracted more lawsuits and media attention than other such companies.So far, Ubers early success overcoming transportation regulations has not translated into success in disputes over workers rights. Last September, a state board in Alaska concluded that Ubers drivers were employees and that the company owed the state almost $78,000 in unpaid workers compensation taxes for a six-month trial run in Anchorage. Uber settled with the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development and agreed not to operate in Alaska unless it reclassifies its drivers as employees. Last summer, the California Labor Commission ruled that an Uber driver was an employee and that the company owed her about $4,100 in reimbursable business expenses, such as out-of-pocket maintenance costs. The company is appealing the ruling.With the McGillis claim and the California Labor Commission case still undecided, Uber opted to pay $100 million to settle the separate California drivers lawsuit. Under the settlement, the company agreed to revise its deactivation policy, allowing drivers to remain active while appealing their termination. Drivers will also be able to solicit tips, which Uber currently discourages. While the settlement might be seen as a concession by Uber, labor advocates expressed some disappointment that the lawsuit didnt go to trial and receive a court ruling. By settling, Uber avoided having to classify its drivers as employees with benefits.The next legal battle over the employment status of ride-sharing drivers could take place in Oregon. Last fall, Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian released an advisory opinion that he, too, considered Uber drivers to be employees, not independent contractors. Avakian said he had been fielding requests for clarification from state legislators and the Portland transportation commissioner, and wanted to signal how he would rule in future cases.The definition of an employee varies by state and industry, but in Oregon a workers status is determined by an economic realities test. Avakian listed several factors in that test, such as the degree of control exercised by the alleged employer and the extent to which the work performed is integral to the alleged employers business. While Uber drivers use their own vehicle and may accept or reject ride requests, Avakian wrote, Uber exercises a significant degree of control over the drivers actual work. Uber hires and fires its drivers, disciplines poor-performing workers and sets fares. The drivers work is not only integral but a necessary part of Ubers business, he wrote. By many measures, Avakian argued, the drivers appeared to have an employment relationship with Uber.Obviously states have a direct financial interest in reclassifying Uber drivers -- and other sharing economy workers -- as employees. It would mean an immediate boost in tax revenue. But Avakian also noted the importance of enforcing proper classification so that the Ubers of the world dont have an unfair advantage over other businesses with employees on the payroll. When a company skirts its responsibility to pay employer taxes, he says, its creating an uneven playing field for employers who do follow the rules.In all likelihood, states will arrive at different conclusions about the employment question, forcing the National Labor Relations Board and federal courts to take up the issue. When Jesse Panuccio, then director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, denied McGillis unemployment claim, he spent four pages explaining why he thought the California and Oregon labor commissioners were mistaken in their assessments. Uber operates not as an employer, but as a middleman or broker for transportation services, he wrote. Uber is no more an employer to drivers than is an art gallery to artists. Panuccio also gave deference to Ubers argument that McGillis had consented to being counted as an independent contractor when he was hired.Certainly if businesses are misclassifying workers for any purpose, Panuccio wrote, state and federal labor authorities should rectify those cases. But ... the real shift in our economy is that technology is allowing hundreds of thousands of people to go into business for themselves. We should not malign (or, perhaps, misclassify) that trend as worker misclassification.Uber offers a different argument for classifying their workers as independent contractors: The drivers want it. In response to a request for comment, an Uber spokesperson cited internal data showing that drivers prefer the flexibility of being their own bosses, setting their own hours and having the freedom to work for other companies. But Uber appears to be looking for compromises that concede some benefits without treating drivers as full-blown employees. In May, the company struck a five-year deal that allows drivers in New York City to form a guild affiliated with a prominent machinists union. Drivers are able to appeal deactivations, and buy discounted services, such as roadside assistance, but they still arent guaranteed a minimum wage or overtime. In a prepared statement, David Plouffe, the Uber adviser and former White House strategist, made his case for why a union-like guild was better than reclassifying drivers as employees with benefits. Theres no one-size-fits-all approach, he said, that can address the myriad different needs of the drivers using our app.how to properly classify Uber drivers, some local policymakers think theyve found a third option: allow independent contractors to bargain collectively for benefits. In December, the Seattle City Council passed legislation that allows ride-sharing drivers to form a union and participate in a bargaining process.Were trying to be innovative on behalf of workers here to give them some leverage in negotiations, says OBrien, the Seattle councilman who sponsored the legislation. Theres this race to the bottom to see how cheap you can go, often on the back of workers. I fundamentally believe that the cost of living for those workers should be borne by the people who use that [ride-sharing] system. It shouldnt be a system where the workers get paid below living wages and then the public is expected to tax ourselves to pay for affordable housing or discounted electric utilities or whatever.The Seattle law is novel in the sense that its supporters arent challenging Ubers classification of drivers as independent contractors. They dont fit neatly either as the employee or the independent contractor, OBrien says. I think its possible that we need more classes of employment, but that may be years in the making. In fact, some countries, such as Canada andGermany, already have an intermediate classification called dependent contractor for freelancers who work mostly for one business and receive some protections, but not as many as full-time employees.As with just about everything else in the debate over drivers employment status, the Seattle ordinances future is uncertain. In March, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sued the city, arguing that the unionization ordinance violates federal antitrust laws. Even if the law survives the chambers challenge, it would still be at least a year before Uber and Lyft drivers could take a vote on whether they want to form a union.Despite that uncertainty, New York City Councilmember Brad Lander has already called for replicating the Seattle ordinance in other places. Independent contractors are currently excluded from most city, state and federal civil rights and workplace protections, Lander wrote in a recent brief. This can be easily remedied by cities that have such laws by extending them to cover contingent workers.The first of these efforts is already in the works. In March, California Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez introduced a bill that would allow Uber drivers and other independent contractors in the gig economy to form union-like groups and bargain collectively for wages and benefits. Its considered a longshot this year, and officials in other states are waiting to see what happens with it.I think were at the beginning of this story about workers and the on-demand economy, says Mariah Montgomery, a strategist for the Partnership for Working Families, a national labor advocacy group. Its going to require the testing out of new ideas. Were wading into uncharted territory here, but its important to see whats possible.
Short-term rental companies like Airbnb could face big fines and criminal charges if they advertise hosts who haven't registered with the city, under legislation unanimously passed by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.The 10-0 vote renders moot a threat by Mayor Ed Lee to veto the measure, as the board has the eight votes needed to override a veto.After the vote, Airbnb said the ordinance, proposed by Supervisors David Campos and Aaron Peskin, is "legally questionable" and that it will consider "all options" moving forward.Broadly speaking, the legislation's passage is another loss for Airbnb and other short-term rental companies, such as VRBO and HomeAway, which have seen a growing backlash to the business model of helping residents turn their homes into short-term hotels.On May 1, Berlin enacted a ban on residents renting out entire apartments through Airbnb and its competitors in an effort to preserve affordable housing. Last year, Santa Monica banned short-term rentals altogether.San Francisco caps short-term rentals on entire homes at 90 days a year. It also requires all short-term rental hosts to register with the city under a law that took effect in February 2015. But only roughly 1,400 of the estimated 7,000 or more residents who rent their homes and rooms have done so, the city estimates.Under Campos and Peskin's bill, short-term rental companies would have to verify that all listings have a valid San Francisco registration number before posting them online. When the city flags rentals that appear not to be registered, the listing services would be required to respond with details about those properties within one business day or face fines. Funds generated from the new plan would go to an affordable housing fund.Companies that disregard the law would face fines of up to $1,000 a day per listing and misdemeanor charges.Campos called the ordinance a "modest piece of legislation" and compared it to the obligations rental car companies face."If you are a rental car agency, you have to make sure the person that you rent that vehicle to has a license before you rent them a car. That is exactly what we are asking the short-term platforms to do here," Campos said.Supervisor Scott Wiener, who has supported Airbnb in recent legislative and electoral fights, voted for the ordinance but said the real problem was that the city makes it too hard for people to register. Hosts complain that registering can take multiple trips to different city departments. Once that's done, they are required to submit an itemized list of all the "furniture, appliances, supplies, equipment and fixtures" in their rentals, which the city then taxes.Wiener amended Campos and Peskin's ordinance to require the city's Office of Short Term Rentals to report back to the board on streamlining the registration process.Supervisor Mark Farrell, who has backed Airbnb in the past, recused himself from the vote because he has business interests in a short-term rental company.Meanwhile, technology law groups have warned that the legislation appears to conflict with federal law shielding online platforms from liability for content generated by their users.Airbnb said in a statement after Tuesday's vote that "an estimated 1,200 San Franciscans avoided foreclosure or eviction by hosting on Airbnb, and this legally questionable proposal puts their housing at risk without offering any real solutions to fix the complex (registration) process."Lee's spokeswoman, Christine Falvey, said the "mayor remains concerned that this law will not withstand a near-certain legal challenge and will in practice do nothing to aid the city's registration and enforcement of our short-term rental laws."Academics who study short-term rentals said a key question is whether the city can enforce the ordinance."The question of whether it can actually be done is important," said Paavo Monkkonen, an assistant professor in the department of urban planning at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Monkkonen, who has consulted for Airbnb in the past, pointed to the experience of Portland, Ore., which has a similar law to the one passed Tuesday.Last fall, Portland sued HomeAway for failing to display the registration numbers, collect hotel taxes and meet other requirements."What we have seen in city after city is that without data from Airbnb -- which the company refuses to provide -- these sorts of interventions have not been effective," said Steven Hill, a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C. "If San Francisco wants to regulate Airbnb, it must be willing to 'go to the mat' -- legally speaking -- to get the data from Airbnb."
Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed into law a bill that intends to give ex-convicts a greater chance at re-entering the workforce.Dubbed "Ban the Box," the legislation prevents state employers from asking about past criminal history on a job application. But it does not prevent an employer from asking about it during an interview or doing a criminal background check, which is required for certain positions.Advocates of the program say the measure, which is being implemented in cities and states across the nation, is merely an attempt to get a foot in the door, so ex-convicts can explain the circumstances of their previous arrest in person while being judged initially on their qualifications."They can get integrated back into society with a better opportunity to get a job and become productive members of society," Edwards said before signing the bill into law. "They'll be tax payers, if you will, rather than tax consumers because we know that people who cannot be employed typically remain dependent on state services."The mandate only affects state employers, and not private businesses.But the measure was opposed by some business lobbyists fearful this measure could potentially lead to broader implementation of the regulation.Rep. Julie Emerson, a Republican co-sponsor of the bill, said she would not support a government mandate that private businesses adhere to the policy, but she hopes the state sets an example to other employers."But of course we'd love to see them implement it on their own," she said of private businesses. "There's absolutely no mandate but we encourage them to look into it."Holly Harris, an advocate of the measure with the U.S. Justice Action Network, noted that the backers of the bill made for "strange political bedfellows."While it was sponsored by Baton Rouge State. Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, a Democrat, and many other Democrats who have pushed for criminal justice reform, it also had key support from the Louisiana Family Forum, a power conservative organization in the state.It was also co-sponsored by State Rep. Julie Emerson, a Republican from Carencro.Harris said the Family Forum's support was absolutely crucial to getting Republican support in the House, where it passed by a single vote."Had those conservative voices not been in the conversation, we wouldn't be here today," Harris said. "But these programs save money, they put people back to work and they strengthen families. All of those are conservative principles and to be able to have (Family Forum President) Gene Mills standing next to the governor on this, that provides the narrative that anyone should be able to vote for this."Mills said his organization has a number of church members who are volunteers in the prison system."They work with men and women who come from all walks of life and one thing we find in common is that the grace of God can occur anywhere and it often occurs in our penal system," Mills said. "You've got to believe in second chances and you got to prepare people for those second chances. It's not a coincidence, and it can be done very intentionally."To date, 23 states have adopted similar policies for governmental jobs, and seven of those states have extended the legislation to apply to private employers.Just last year, East Baton Rouge Parish implemented the policy, a measure led by Marcelle when she sat on the Metro Council. The City of New Orleans put the policy in place in 2013.New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu applauded the state law on Wednesday, noting that the City of New Orleans hired 80 people with past criminal records after the policy was put in place.
One lawmaker called it "electioneering." Another grew emotional as she recounted being snubbed by a priest. A third wrote a Facebook screed that became the buzz of the House of Representatives.Legislators expressed outrage this week after, they said, they had been named by priests at Mass or in parish bulletins, or in other ways rebuked by the Catholic Church, for supporting a bill to let child sex-abuse victims sue individuals and private institutions decades after the abuse occurred.Rep. Nick Miccarelli, a Catholic from Delaware County, said he was stunned Sunday to see his name printed alongside what he called "lies" and "distortions" in the weekly bulletin at his Eddystone parish. By his count, at least a dozen other House members reported having been singled out by the church or its advocates in recent days."A lot of the members would tell you responses have been nothing short of threats to claims of betraying their faith," Miccarelli, a Republican first elected in 2008, said the day after his Facebook post about the campaign made the rounds in Harrisburg.Several legislators facing reelection said they felt targeted for retribution as Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput leads a push to stop the bill from becoming law.The measure would give victims until age 50 - instead of 30, as the law now allows - to sue their abusers or the institutions that employed or supervised them. It won near-unanimity in the House this spring but faces an uncertain fate in the Senate.The church, among the biggest opponents, has warned that the bill's retroactivity could lead to a wave of lawsuits, and unfairly cripple parishes and schools that deserve no blame for sexual attacks that happened decades ago.Ken Gavin, a spokesman for Chaput, confirmed that pastors this weekend in "many instances" shared with worshipers how certain lawmakers had voted on the bill."The bill is public and the voting records are public," Gavin said in an email Wednesday. "There's nothing wrong with sharing that information. Obviously, parishioners are very concerned about this legislation. For those constituents to contact elected officials to voice such concern is a very normal thing."The push from the pews was not new or unexpected from Chaput. He used the same approach as bishop of Denver to help defeat a similar bill a decade ago. Other dioceses subsequently replicated the approach in response to statute-of-limitations proposals in their states.But some on the receiving end said they believed the effort went beyond simply educating the congregation.The House overwhelmingly passed the measure - all but 15 of 195 members voted in favor of it.Still, Rep. James R. Santora, another Delaware County Republican, said that even stalwart church supporters like him were finding themselves under attack. "I believe everyone that voted for the bill is being targeted," he said, including himself in that list but declining to say how he had been targeted.To Santora, the naming of lawmakers inside churches and in parish bulletins smacked of "electioneering." He questioned the propriety of the church's telling worshipers, as he saw it, that their elected officials were not worthy of votes come November.It also bothered Santora that, to the church, it made no difference that he had helped secure millions of public dollars to help the archdiocese finance Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia. Or that his late mother worked for the archdiocese. Or that his children attend Catholic school."We're constantly advocating for the church," Santora said, "and now we're the enemy."At Mass Saturday and Sunday at St. Dorothy's in Drexel Hill, the pastor did not name him, Santora said, but did read a letter from Chaput urging parishioners to contact the Senate Judiciary Committee.After that, calls and emails began flowing in, including from a major church donor who asked Santora to explain why he had supported the bill.Santora said he did so because as a Catholic, he felt it was the moral thing to do."I had a choice," he said. "Do I choose victims, or do I choose the rapists or the abusers? I chose the victims."During an interview Tuesday, Rep. Martina White of Northeast Philadelphia appeared visibly moved as she described hearing a few days ago that she would no longer be welcome at some constituent events in her district. She said a priest told her aide the reason was White's support in April of House Bill 1947."When you think of the Catholic Church, you think of acceptance and forgiveness and a community that's available to you," said White, a first-term Republican, who belongs to St. Christopher's in Somerton and attended 12 years of Catholic school."Being disinvited," she said, choking back tears, "you feel cut off."A letter on the issue distributed to St. Christopher's parishioners over the weekend didn't identify her, White said, but it did name Sen. John Sabatina, a Democrat from Northeast Philadelphia. He did not respond to a request for comment.Another legislator said to have been shaken after hearing his parish priest call him out by name at Mass was Rep. Thomas Murt of Montgomery County, according to Miccarelli, who said he discussed it with Murt. A Republican and Iraq War vet, Murt did not respond to a request for an interview.In recent letters distributed to worshipers and through Catholic schools, Chaput and others have expressed many of the same concerns that, when brought to the table in Colorado, helped defeat a change to the civil statute of limitations there.They say the bill is unconstitutional because it allows retroactive filing of civil claims, is selective because the retroactivity does not apply uniformly to public schools and state institutions, and could bankrupt schools and parishes by allowing a flood of lawsuits for clergy abuse.Gavin also noted that the archdiocese had taken action in recent years to help victims of clergy abuse, dedicating more than $13 million since 2002 "to provide victim assistance to individuals and families, including counseling, providing medication, eliminating barriers to travel and child care, and providing vocational assistance as well as other forms of support."Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R., Montgomery) has taken no position on the bill, committing only to hold a hearing Monday on its constitutionality.The committee vice chairman, John Rafferty Jr. (R., Montgomery), said Wednesday that he, too, attended Mass over the weekend and listened as the congregation was encouraged to contact its senators. Rafferty, the GOP nominee for state attorney general, declined to name his parish and said he wasn't specifically named.But, he said, "I was disappointed and discouraged by the church's message."None responded to that message as Miccarelli did.After enduring what he called such "bully tactics," he went on Facebook on Monday night and publicly excoriated his church, St. Rose of Lima, for singling him out in what he said was an inaccurate summary of the bill. That passage in the church bulletin read:Supporters point out that the bill would not prevent people from suing public institutions for child sexual abuse on the grounds of gross negligence.On Tuesday, Miccarelli distributed copies of the church bulletin page to members on the House floor and began to hear stories of similar campaigns. Demand was so strong for the copies, he said, he had to make more.Despite the pressure, he, like other legislators, said he would not change his stance on the bill.Said Miccarelli: "I would much rather be chastised from the altar than to be damned for not allowing justice to be done."
On Wednesday, in the morning, at Emerald Train Station, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Mrs Kaye de Jersey attended a community morning tea where the Administrator addressed guests.
Following, the Administrator and Mrs de Jersey boarded the Spirit of the Outback for a Vice-Regal Carriage train journey to Longreach.
Following, aboard the Spirit of the Outback, the Administrator and Mrs de Jersey greeted passengers and Queensland Rail staff.
In the afternoon, at the 'Tree of Knowledge Memorial', Barcaldine, the Administrator and Mrs de Jersey attended a community celebration marking the arrival of the Spirit of the Outback, where His Excellency addressed guests.
In the evening, at Longreach Train Station, the Administrator and Mrs de Jersey attended a community barbeque to mark the completion of the Vice-Regal Carriage train journey where His Excellency addressed guests.
SALT LAKE CITY By now, there's a fair chance many public-sector IT officials are tired of hearing the phrase big data tossed around, and they likely have no real idea as to how to harness the awesome power of the data each agency has been collecting for years now.It isnt as simple as categorizing it, stripping out the rough stuff and slapping a vague search feature on the whole shebang. There are much more important things to consider when it comes to sifting through the out-and-out treasure trove your agency calls its data.Take, for example, the lessons learned from a computer science expert who has looked at massive data sets born out of complex DNA structures. While you might instinctively question the relevance of this type of work in relation to, say, the enormous customer data amassed by your states Department of Motor Vehicles or Health and Human Services agency, there are some very real correlations.Miriah Meyer is an assistant professor with the University of Utah School of Computing. Her travels have landed her in the midst of data-heavy research projects where she was forced to ask, What are you after here? Meyer discussed her challenges with big data on June 7 at the Utah Digital Government Summit.As a society weve gotten really good at creating data, at measuring things," she said. "But one of the challenges we are facing right now is what do we do with all of this data? How do we actually use it to improve our lives, our health, well-being, and learn more about the world around us?Beyond simply presenting the data in a clear way, there is a need to assess the real purpose of the sets. What are you hoping to get from the information? This question, however basic, is often overlooked in the rush to clean up data and get it disseminated to the poor souls that will try to make sense of it.In one big data project, the assistant professor worked with a Harvard medical team researching fruit fly DNA, which forced her to step out of the binary computer sciences and into the shoes of those gathering the data.Through clarification and mapping out the intent of the information, Meyer said she was able to better provide visualization tools that opened access to a wider array of information and allowed the team to reassess other incorrect assumptions about their work.In dealing with data, there are two main approaches that people are taking today. The first one is really about trying to take these large complex data sets and using advanced statistical methods to reduce them down to sets of numbers and values that we can actually wrap our head around, she said. [The other approach] is visualization, which is very near and dear to my heart.Meyer said the process of working with any new collaborators always requires what she called data counseling to establish the project parameters and turn the large messy questions into crisp, clear guidelines for effective data visualization tools.This tool was something that we integrated into their workflow and allowed them to ask a whole series of scientific questions that they hadnt anticipated two years before, she said.But it isnt all about which data sets make it into a data platform; sometimes its about how you present it all visually. Choosing the correct visualization channel to encode the information can open up or limit the usefulness of the tools.And there are a number of ways to present the data by color coding, density, volume, area angle, slope, length the list goes on.It turns out that channels, like color, are actually the worst things that you could use for encoding numbers, as opposed to spatial location, such as position along an axis or length, she said. It turns out for us that its a lot more natural to understand changes in position than changes in color. So, visualization has a lot of these sorts of underlying, fundamental principles that we rely on in order to create active visualization tools.Meyer also said that big data tools should be viewed as more of a valuable resource than an end product or outcome.I think a lot of times, people still think of visualization as really being the icing on the cake, its the thing you do at the end of the process. Its about these pretty pictures you create," she said. "But I really want to encourage you to think about visualization as not just about creating pretty pictures, but its really about a deep investigation into sense-making."
Performance Philly Through a partnership with the Pew Charitable Trusts, the department of the Philadelphia Chief Administrative Officer also is striving toward performance-based management. As part of a program called Performance Philly, the office will meet with city departments and cross-departmental teams. The meetings are to be centered around creating accountability and identifying causes of sub-par performance.
This organizational structure really makes the most sense because it is a cabinet-level position that is elevating all the support functions of the government and focusing and focusing on efficiency and effectiveness across government, said CAO Rebecca Rhynhart. It is not in the mayors office, which I actually think is important because Im much closer to all of the departments in this structure and equal level to the managing director and the finance director. To have a cabinet-level position thats focused on modernization, efficiency and effectiveness is just a way to elevate it and help with execution, because I think a lot of it comes down to execution.
Soon after Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney was inaugurated in January, he gained a reputation in some circles as the Anti-Nutter , often doing the opposite of what people believe his predecessor would have done. The man he replaced, Mayor Michael Nutter, who held office for eight years, stewarded over a city that became renowned for its technological prowess.It's still too early to tell whether Kenney will succeed in upholding that legacy, but his approach is proving different, indeed. Officials herald the new organizational structure as a salve to the citys operational scrapes and a future vehicle for an innovative 18F-style group. But Nutter fans claim the CIO role is being buried in the org chart and that Philadelphias technology effort is flagging.The changes to Philadelphias technology structure and approach are substantial. They include a new chief information officer, Charles Brennan , who was appointed in January; the shutting down of the Mayors Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM); and vast changes to the citys overall reporting structure.Instead of reporting to the city manager and the mayor, as in the old administration , the CIO now reports to a new office, the chief administrative officer, a role held by former budget director Rebecca Rhynhart. The CAOs office also appropriated some of the CIOs innovation responsibilities, leaving more traditional functions like legacy system upgrades, IT capital projects and the administration of two franchise agreements to the CIO.The changes are controversial if for no other reason than the loss of the Mayors Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) as a symbol of innovation. Philadelphias MONUM spawned experiments like Textizen, a mobile texting platform to help working groups sustain audience engagement, and FastFWD , a public-safety-centric startup accelerator.MONUM was seen as a way to foster innovation in the city, but it only worked if the office was given a chance to mature, according to proponents of the model. But after funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies ran out, MONUMs limited reach became evident, and allowing that flame to die was the right decision, said Andrew Buss, Philadelphias director of innovation management.They were limited in the sense that because they were in the mayors office, they were not really embedded well enough in a lot of the city departments to have trust with those departments, Buss said. I look at our work as a model where we really do reach across departments and convince people that were interesting enough and important enough to work with and then its kind of a collaborational model going forward so that we are involved with many more departments that way.Last month, the CAOs office became an even stronger focus of the citys technology effort. A two-person open data team and seven-person Alpha team were moved from the Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) to the CAOs office following a culture change brought on by Charles Brennans leadership style, the Philly Voice reported. The two teams were combined into a new entity called the Office of Open Data and Digital Transformation that reported to Rhynhart. City officials explained the move aligns with the mayors vision for an influential and integrated innovation and performance arm operating out of the CAOs office, while allowing the new CIO to focus on serving IT solutions to its customers inside city government.Chief Data Officer Tim Wisniewski was also removed from under the CIOs office and relieved of his Web service responsibilities, allowing him to focus on open data full-time. Former Philadelphia Chief Data Officer Mark Headd tweeted support of the new structure earlier this month, piggybacking on a comment he made last year that, I think shoehorning a public-sector CDO into the tech agency, reporting up to CIO is a mistake.I think whats happening now is actually good and its good for the city, Buss said. The advantage of creating this new office CAO is that it really does have as its central mission the idea of improving government efficiency in some way. We think of technology as so embedded in innovation and also in improving processes. Its kind of a logical fit in my mind for a lot of our work to be very closely aligned with this chief administrative officer.In recent years, the CIOs office has become a hub of innovation and cauldron for brewing internal process improvements. But in Philadelphia, much of that has been shifted to the CAOs office. Rhynharts challenges dont always require technological solutions, but her job is to improve processes, so the transition is understandable, particularly for a mayor who, at least for now, is focusing on internal operations over outreach.And improving Philadelphias operations is keeping Rhynhart busy. Her office is modernizing procurement through the launch of a small-bid platform called Dispatch, building an electronic submission system, creating a more user-centric website through Alpha and updating the citys capital and space management.Rhynhart spends her days thinking about things like how much office space a city worker uses. Today, Rhynhart explained, the city uses about 200 square feet per employee, while the private sector uses around 150 to 180 square feet per employee. If they can rework how staff are laid out, the city could get out of some of its leased space and save taxpayer money, she said.Right now, the city manages its physical space on blueprints, Rhynhart said. Theres no system. Where everyone sits in every city building is done on blueprints and interns walk the floors every so often and note down physically on paper where people are sitting and where changes have gone. That is not where a modern government should be. So, were looking to procure some sort of space management tool.Rhynhart may not be a technologist, but she has an affinity for detail. Despite the criticism for his organizational changes, Mayor Jim Kenney may just know what hes doing. And its not all blueprints. Rhynharts vision is a government that allows innovation to spread quickly.Were calling the new office the Office of Open Data and Digital Transformation because the idea is that once the Alpha website is finished, hopefully later this summer, she said, then that team can function almost like the way 18F functions and can be an internal consultant to other departments around the city.Its still too early to judge how well the citys new approach to technology and innovation is working, according to former Philadelphia CIO Adel Ebeid, who estimates that the city has until early fall before any criticism may be warranted, if theres not a clear vision and road map in place by then.From having worked 28 years in government, the head of technology, regardless of what that title is, really needs to be wired to the person whos driving the agenda. And sometimes it takes a while to figure out what the right balance is between keeping the lights on and innovating with intent moving forward, said Ebeid.The emergence of titles like the chief digital officer or Philadelphias CAO raises questions of what all these roles mean, how they fit together and where priorities should lie, he said.Time will tell if thats really a brand-new role with a brand-new portfolio or if thats the CIO reimagined, Ebeid said. Regardless of what we call those titles, I really think the three most important things are the executive courage to make things happen, the recognition that technology is important for cities to move forward, and [that] innovation is important to modernize the services that government offers to citizens. As long as those three key ingredients are intersecting, I think technology in that city should flourish and go way beyond anyones expectations.Not all are so forgiving. Rich Negrin, the citys former managing director, said that throwing out the projects, offices and relationships built by the previous administration is a regression.I dont think the structure matters all that much with one very clear exception, he said. I do believe that if youre going to prioritize innovation and technology across the city, its the most important administrative thing youre engaged in because it touches everything. And if youre looking to drive efficiencies and make an impact, theres no better ROI than investing in technology and investing into people in the technology side. The CIO, I think, has to report to the mayor.Philadelphia evolved into a technology powerhouse thanks to the former CIOs close working relationship with the previous mayor, Negrin said. Technically, Ebeid reported to Negrin, but in reality it was closer to a dual-reporting role, he explained, where Ebeid had much more direct contact with Mayor Nutter than any other commissioner. That structure was created to emphasize the role of technology and innovation in the city.One of governments most frequently cited shortcomings is how ponderous it is. Just when it looks like something is finally getting done, new leadership enters and replaces the old programs before they had a chance to mature and affect any potential for change they might have harbored. And thats exactly whats happening here, Negrin said.Theyve created an additional layer there where not only is the CIO not reporting to the citys managing director, but is reporting to a new role [the CAO], and we all know that new roles really struggle in government, he said. Take a look at who theyve hired. Take a look at their priorities and whats happening. Im OK with that if you just come out and say it, but to say that you care about innovation and then you make [these] hiring decisions.Improving processes internally is important, Negrin admitted, but working with external partners and building relationships with the community should be a city priority too. Philadelphia had a set of innovation initiatives underway a Mayors Innovation Fund The Philadelphia Social Innovations Lab , an Innovation Academy , as well as community outreach programs for STEM education and hackathons that needed further nurturing. But judging by the citys approach today, it doesnt look like the new mayor is interested in doing that, Negrin said.Are they doing any of that stuff? Theyre not, he said. Theyre using [the lab] as what I didnt want it to be, which is a glorified conference room. Im hearing from the community that many of the relationships we had worked really hard to forge with the local tech community which is thriving here in Philadelphia is just not there anymore. Folks are paying attention to this because what the administration could have done, and what I really hope theyll do is if they could build on what we did as a foundation, not unravel a lot of it. And some of its being unraveled.CIO Charles Brennan said hes confounded by these criticisms because things are much better under the new structure. He explained several misconceptions people have about the new structure, the changes to his office, and the future of innovation in Philadelphia. Reporting directly to the mayor, for instance, would not be favorable, Brennan said.I think I get a bigger say in a way, because Rebecca meets with the mayor on a regular basis and concerns that I have go through her, and Ive been here five months now and I can tell you I have not had one issue, Brennan said. I dont believe the last CIO sat down with Mayor Nutter and told him about all the projects I dont believe that that happened.A Philadelphia city official who spoke toon the condition of anonymity said the new structure makes for a more responsive CIO office. I think people are thrilled that [Brennan] is here and that he is focusing on what we need to run our operations and function, and we need to do core things and it was hard to get that done, he said. It would be great [to do more innovation] if we were in a place where we could do it all, but were not there yet. We have a long way to go. A really, really long way.In contrast, for years, major systems needed to keep the city running were not getting the attention they needed, according to the source. We would have problems with [the systems], we would reach out, we wouldnt really get solutions, we wouldnt get answers, he said. They would call back and, yeah, yeah, yeah, were going to look into it. You just never got real clear answers.According to Brennan, a comparison of the two mayors organizational charts reveals that while the structures are vastly different, the CIO reports to a similar role in both cases the city manager in former Mayor Nutters case and the CAO in Mayor Kenneys case. Kenneys city manager oversees many more offices than Negrins did, so reporting to the city manager would also not give the CIO enough face time, Brennan pointed out.I think what [Negrins] looking at is a structure that hes not familiar with and never worked under, Brennan said. So, I dont know how he would ever know how things are working here. I wouldnt know Rich Negrin if he walked in the door, to be honest with you.As for criticisms that the citys innovation functions are being shut down, Brennan responded by saying its simply not true, and that everything is still operating the same as it has been or better.The only thing we do with the Innovation Lab is we open it up to more people to use it than had been used before, Brennan said. Its still exactly where it is, its got the same equipment in it, the same people and more still use it. The Innovation Academy is going to go forward and were going to have an outside vendor do that because our long-term plan is to bring that inside.As for the employees who were upset by the culture change enforced upon Brennans entrance, the CIO defended his decisions, particularly his enforcement of the citys rule requiring employees to work in the office.I believe some people who were hired under the prior administration may have been led to believe they could work remotely, but it absolutely violates the policy here, and I enforce the policy. And I believe the policy is correct, he said. I think its a much more collaborative atmosphere when people work together; working remotely I dont think it's necessarily a good idea for the city now.The most important thing is that OIT serves its internal customers well, and their customers are much happier with this new arrangement than they were under Nutter, Brennan said.My customers are the police department, the fire department, licenses inspections, the water department, he said. I could go on and on and on. They are my customers. When I go around to my customers, the ones that I have to be successful for, they will tell you universally that they like the approach we are taking in this administration, which is for me to serve their needs. They set the agenda. I carry out the agenda.
(TNS) -- Measure AA, a landmark $12 annual parcel tax in all nine Bay Area counties to fund wetlands restoration and flood control projects around San Francisco Bay's shoreline, appears to have won approval from voters.The measure, which would raise $25 million a year for 20 years, and needed two-thirds to pass, and had 69.3 percent in favor Wednesday morning with all 4,643 precincts counted.Although there are still some provisional and mail-in ballots that were postmarked on Election Day left to be counted, Measure AA had 837,162 yes votes by 6 a.m. Wednesday -- more than 31,000 above the two-thirds threshold from a total of 1,208,704 cast.A milestone for the preservation of San Francisco Bay, Measure AA, which will raise roughly $500 million over the next 20 years, ranks as the largest environmental measure ever approved in the Bay Area. It equals Measure WW, a $500 million parks bond approved by voters in 2008 to fund the East Bay Regional Park District."Tonight's vote is a resounding victory for wildlife and people who want a healthy, beautiful bay for future generations," said David Lewis, executive director of Save the Bay, in Oakland.The measure was backed by environmental groups such as Save the Bay, the Audubon Society and the Nature Conservancy, along with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Bay Area Council, PG&E, Google and Facebook. Supporters raised more than $2.3 million while opponents, mostly local taxpayer groups who said it was unfair to charge inland homeowners the same rate as bayfront property owners and large corporations, ran a voluntary campaign.The idea behind the measure was to provide a local source of funding toward the estimated $1.5 billion job of restoring thousands of acres of tidal marshlands around the bay, from Marin to Alviso, Mountain View to Richmond. Doing so, experts say, will not only bring back wildlife but give the Bay Area a strategy to deal with rising sea level in the decades ahead.A study in October by more than 100 scientists, coordinated by the Coastal Conservancy and other organizations, found that 54,000 acres of wetlands -- an area twice the size of the city of San Francisco -- need to be restored around the bay in the next 15 years to provide protection from surging storms. The alternative is concrete sea walls, which can cost more and would turn the bay into a giant bathtub over time, with far fewer birds, fish and other wildlife, the report concluded.Driven by melting ice and expanding warming water, the bay and the Pacific Ocean off California will rise up to 1 foot in the next 20 years, 2 feet by 2050 and up to 5 feet by 2100, according to a 2012 study by the National Academy of Sciences. "We will now be able to address one of our most pressing regional issues -- protecting San Francisco Bay from the threat of rising seas and a changing world climate." said Carl Guardino, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, a San Jose business-based organization that helped organize the Yes on AA campaign.The first-ever local tax before voters in every Bay Area county, the measure's apparent success could mean more regional votes on other issues in the years ahead, from transportation to housing. The vote provided a window into the Bay Area's political leanings, with the more liberal counties, such as Marin and San Francisco voting in favor and the more conservative counties, including Napa and Solano, against.Also Tuesday, voters approved Measure A, which extends the Santa Clara County parks charter fund and earmarks 1.5 cents per $100 of assessed property tax value to county parks, raising about $57 million a year.
The Multiple Online Identities Dilemma
e-Drivers License, Better Business Practice Initiatives Gain Steam
Moving Ahead in Identity and Access Management
SALT LAKE CITY To call effective access management a challenge would seem to many government IT professionals a complete understatement. Changing employees, shifting roles, and disjointed agencies and systems make giving the right people secure access a hard-to-hit moving target, to say the least.In Utah, a state consistently poised at the intersection of government and technology, officials are looking to the future to a time when employees, businesses and the general public have seamless and secure access to the systems they need, and nothing more.Officials discussed the challenges and their current gate-keeping efforts at the Utah Digital Government Summit held June 7.Utahs Chief Technology Officer David Fletcher says identity is not a simple as it might have been in the days before technology was infused in nearly every facet of daily life. The idea of multiple identities belonging to the same person has evolved as a very real concept in the online arena.People have lots of identities; some of them they want to protect more than others, some of them they dont really care about," he said. "In the world that we live in, especially if we look at millennials and that population, theyre all about sharing their identity, right?"While you may be comfortable sharing sensitive information with a health-care network or bank, you likely would not be willing to share the details of your health history with an employer or social network.He points to a need for a long-term strategy that includes buy-in from the state and local partners. At the national level, he said programs like the push to create an identity ecosystem through the National Strategy for Trusted Identities is Cyberspace (NSTIC) is one area where government and the private sector are looking at more secure, verifiable identity management.I think we are entering a new era for digital ID. Weve got a lot of things coming together that all relate to ID and not just for access management, but also for data analytics applications, just tons of different things that we are doing across the enterprise that we can do better if we have a more comprehensive strategy that we can all buy into for ID, Fletcher said. We need a strategy that is going to encompass citizens, as well as businesses, as well as government entities so that we can provide a more secure and easy-to-use identity ecosystem in the future.Fletcher said he sees multifactor identification becoming more prominent in the state and local technology domain.The division of agencies and their business services not to mention the challenges of identity management was part of the impetus for Rep. Bruce Cutlers, R-Murray, legislation to establish a single sign-on business database to store information on the companies doing business in the state.The legislation, signed in late March 2016, would create a centralized, multiagency portal to allow more seamless interactions between government and businesses operating in the state.My initial thought was, as I went out and was working with the groups working on children in poverty, was that the right hand doesnt know what the left hand is doing, Cutler told attendees. Each individual has their identity, each of us is unique, so the concept is that we are starting with businesses because there are fewer regulations with what we can share and what we cant share.The goal is eventually, you are you," he continued. "When you log in, you get the access to whatever you should get access to. Its a big, huge goal. Its tremendous, but thats where we want to go.Another major initiative underway at the state level is the potential adoption of electronic drivers licenses, which could be viewed via smartphone. Recommendations will go before the Legislature within the next few months.From use at airport security checkpoints and the bank to restaurants and bars, the drivers license has unintentionally become a major form of identification. Its become, for many people, their primary form of identification, Fletcher said.To date, human resources has been largely responsible for acting as the source of truth when it comes to on-boarding new employees and defining their roles within the larger organization.As they leave, Darrus McBride, an IT manager with the Department of Technology Services, said there is potential for automation in the process of withdrawing access. Role-based access is currently managed by the application owner.We need to work on a strategy to connect everybody, he said, adding that authentication mechanisms like OpenID Connect, that pass access tokens instead of passwords, are a valuable tool in the identity management space. The simple identity layer can be used with enterprise, business and mobile applications.The future is there for us to grab, but we cant grab the future if we hang onto the past, he said. Moving ahead, we have to think creatively, weve got to be maybe more open to certain technologies that have been up and coming and are here that we havent adopted yet. Thats whats going to change and revolutionize us."
From our founding to the present, American history is filled with reminders of the sacrifices of patriots who took up arms when the call went out to defend their country and the principles that we hold dear. We just observed Memorial Day, when we recognize the high price paid by more than one million men and women in the Armed Forces. This week, we commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy. We are reminded that when the call comes for the common defense, the men and women of our Armed Forces continue to fulfill their duty with bravery. Whether serving in the Middle East or defending our allies around the world, our troops and their families deserve our strong support. Congress has an obligation to do its job to provide for our national security.
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense, to raise and support armies, and to provide and maintain a navy. Through the annual defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress authorizes resources for the most important duty of the United States government. Today, our military must be better equipped to respond to threats such global terrorism, as well as to project strength in strategic regions where Iran, Russia and China seek to have more sway showing that America will defend its national interests and allies abroad.
Under the current Administration, our military has not received the level of support necessary to meet current defense needs. For example, the Marine Corps and the Air Force have resorted to scrounging for equipment and spare parts including pulling parts from planes displayed in museums in order to maintain aircraft properly. The size of the U.S. Army is currently on track to fall to the lowest level since 1940. The U.S. Navy has the fewest ships since 1915. Combat readiness has suffered. The Presidents proposed defense budget would also for the third year in a row deny service members a pay raise.
With this years NDAA, which I voted for last month, Congress is taking the steps necessary to fully fund and rebuild our military and provide for our troops. It would stop the hemorrhaging of our troop levels by preserving an army of 480,000 and adding thousands of marines and airmen. The NDAA provides service members with a 2.3-percent pay increase, as well as boosts funds for much-needed training. We do not take American military strength or our troops for granted.
Our troops have proven their mettle time and again. We should not ask them to do more with less. Put simply, this years NDAA fulfills Congress constitutional duty to provide for our national defense.
Fernando Alonso says his former team Ferrari has improved since 2014.
The Spaniard left the fabled Maranello team for McLaren-Honda, declaring that he would rather build up a new project rather than finish second for more years.
"Ferrari is better this year than last year," he admitted to Germany's Sport Bild. "The gap to Mercedes last year was bigger, despite the three wins."
Alonso's comments come amid an apparent mid-season dip for Ferrari, who are yet to join Mercedes and now even Red Bull in the winner's circle in 2016.
Alonso's Ferrari successor, Sebastian Vettel, agrees that the red team is better this year.
"Last year we were in no man's land," he is quoted by the Telegraph newspaper.
"This year by nature the gap is smaller, we are closer, we probably haven't had smooth races like we had in the beginning last year, so things didn't yet come together which is also our fault," Vettel added.
Ferrari is reportedly pushing ahead with a vengeance for Canada, upgrading its turbo unit, preparing aerodynamic improvements and revising the suspension to solve the 2016 car's problem of 'turning on' the tyres in qualifying.
Alonso continued: "Ferrari is doing everything right, but Mercedes is just too strong.
"The lead they got with the hybrid engines in 2014 was so great that they still benefit today. But the changes in the chassis for 2017 could shake up the field and Ferrari will be strong again," the Spaniard added.
For now, many expect that Ferrari will struggle even to speed back past Red Bull, who in Barcelona and Monaco were Mercedes' biggest competitor.
"The biggest lesson for us has been how dangerous Red Bull can be," Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said ahead of the Montreal race, according to DPA news agency.
Former F1 driver and now German-language Sky pundit Marc Surer said in Canada: "I think (Daniel) Ricciardo is due a win, whether it rains or not."
(GMM)
Are Tuni Violence Accused Worse Than Naxalites?
Former minister and Kapu strongman Mudragada Padmanabham, who has been struggling to find an excuse to revive the agitation for Kapu reservations, has found it, when the police arrested five youth, who were accused in the violent incidents that took place during the Kapu garjana meeting held at Tuni in January this year.
Mudragada on Thursday launched indefinite fast, which is his old tactic, at his residence in Kirlampudi, demanding that the arrested youth be released immediately.
He wondered why the government had arrested the youth in the name of participating in the violence, when it had gone soft with more violent groups like Naxalites and terrorists.
Did you not release Naxalites from jail in the past following the kidnap of IAS officers? Did you not release the extremists to rescue an MLA? Did the government not release dreaded terrorists for the sake of the daughter of a Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir? What happened to the rules then? If you talk about rules, our jails would have been clogged with agitators, he argued.
Padmanabham, who is spearheading the stir for reservation in education and jobs in Andhra Pradesh to his community, had earlier accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of ignoring the assurances given to Kapus.
The announcement comes after a field trial during which a BMW i3 was evaluated alongside other EVs on the streets of Los Angeles as part of the LAPDs every day fleet. Ultimately, the BMW i3 was selected due to a combination of EPA rated best-in-class efficiency, reliability and state-of-the-art ConnectedDrive services, which can be used to support fleet management applications. BMWs knowledge of charging infrastructure and the availability of a large network of BMW i centers for servicing the fleet in a convenient and cost effective way also played into the decision, the company said.
BMW of North America won its bid to supply the Los Angeles Police Department with 100 battery-electric BMW i3 vehicles for use in the departments transportation fleet. ( Earlier post .) Los Angeles currently has a 50% EV procurement guideline for all new light duty fleet vehicles, which will go to 80% by 2025 as called for in the Los Angeles Sustainable City pLAn.
The BMW i3 police cars began hitting the streets of Los Angeles this spring badged with an LAPD insignia. As the departments non-emergency fleet vehicles, the BMW i3s will be used throughout the department as transportation vehicles for officers and in community outreach initiatives.
BMWs software data system will integrate with the LAPDs fleet management system which will allow the department to electronically receive critical vehicle data needed to effectively maintain their fleet. BMW is also designing a web tool that will allow the department to track their fleet in near real-time, contributing to improved deployment, utilization, and the efficient charging of their fleet of BMW i3s.
Greenlots, a global provider of open standards-based distributed energy resource solutions, will supply 100 Level 2 chargers and four DC fast chargers to LAPD.
Due in large part to its compact size and use of light-weight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) in its construction, the sustainable, fully-electric BMW i3 has a tight turning radius and the agility needed to navigating congested city streets.
The BMW i3 is the first purpose-built electric production vehicle to be made primarily of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). With 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor, the fully electric BMW i3 is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, good for 80-100 miles of emission-free driving and has been rated the most fuel efficient EPA-certified vehicle by the US Department of Energy. Agile and engaging to drive, the BMW i3 is ideally suited for dense urban areas.
The BMW i3 has a base MSRP of $42,400 and the range-extender model starts at $46,250, before any federal or applicable state incentives.
June 9, 1967
Egypt joined Israel and Jordan Thursday in officially accepting a U.N. cease-fire in the Middle East war. Syria also accepted the truce despite earlier reports of intensified fighting on the Syrian-Israeli border, according to reports from Damascus. Syria was the last of the major warring Mideast countries to accede to the U.N. demand. Secretary General Thant read the acceptance by the United Arab Republic at another crisis session of the Security Council, this one summoned by the United States.
North Carolina students performed the worst theyve done in more than 20 years on national tests of reading and math performance showing how much achievement has declined since the pandemic. Reading and math scores in the state dropped from three years ago for fourth- and eighth-grades on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP. The results released on Monday by the U.S. ...
JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP /Getty Images
Airbnb reportedly will start collecting Connecticuts 15 percent sales tax from people who book lodgings using the room-sharing website.
Under existing state law Airbnb hosts have been required to remit the 15 percent tax, according to an October 2015 report by the state Office of Legislative Research. Airbnb has not been collecting sales tax at the time rooms have been booked online, however, with the report not specifying how much revenue Connecticut may have been losing from any delinquent Airbnb hosts.
Ned Gerard / Ned Gerard
GREENWICH The art works, science and natural history on display at the Bruce Museum. and the Greenwich Historical Society with its tours of the Bush-Holley House, will be free to visit on Saturday as part of the states Open House Day.
Each year, attractions, museums, galleries and other organizations open their doors to visitors free or at discounted admission and offer giveaways, special offers and hands-on activities for children as part of the Open House program of the Connecticut Office of Tourism.
Contributed / Contributed photo
On June 7, we marked the 49th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. For the first time in over 2,000 years, a united Jerusalem was once again under Jewish sovereign control.
Prior to the Six Day War, the Jordanians would not permit Jews to visit their Holy Site.
Time for some Burger Queens. Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images
Burger King is learning firsthand that putting your company entirely in the hands of men is not the Canadian way of running a business. A large group of shareholders in Restaurant Brands International, the parent company created by the chains 2014 acquisition of Tim Hortons, say theres way too much testosterone on the companys all-male board, which they, as a Vancouver-based group, see as a national embarrassment.
Burger King a company already run by a bunch of kids, somewhat fittingly made the very tax-advantageous move across the border after forming RBI with Timmys, and the people at OceanRock Investments note that prior to this merger, their beloved Canadian coffee chain had three women on its 12-person board of directors. Post-merger, RBI shrunk the board down to 10 members, 0 percent of whom are women.
Given the current investment and corporate governance climate in Canada, we believe RBIs all-male board is a step backwards for diversity at the company, OceanRocks CEO Fred Pinto said, adding, Its an odd position to take in Canada. RBI holds its annual meeting today, and the investor group says it will present a proposal demanding the company commit in writing to a diversity policy, plus create an actionable plan to increase gender diversity on both the board and in senior management. Wisely, the groups also making pretty overt references to the fact that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who can do no wrong, made his cabinet 50 percent women.
[CBC, Bloomberg]
Traditional appetizers include sweetly smoked bone-in sole with sweet-and-sour soy sauce. Photo: Jed Egan
New Yorks Chinese-food scene is nothing if not vibrant, but its not every day a veteran restaurateur from the Peoples Republic decides that, for her next act, shell open a restaurant in New York. Chongqing, Sichuan, native Zhu Rong is a New York rookie, but she opened the first of her Yuxiang Renjia restaurants back in 1998, launching ten locations before selling the business in 2006. Two years later, she branched out with Madam Zhus Kitchen, which now has six locations in Beijing, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. Now, Rong has arrived in New York with Haos Noodle and Tea by Madam Zhus Kitchen, which soft-opened on Monday at the well-trafficked corner of 401 Sixth Avenue in the West Village. If all goes to according to plan, Haos wont be the only Madam Zhus in New York: Rong hopes to open other restaurants, like a Sichuanese hot-pot spot.
The stylish but not preening dining room stretches surprisingly far back, with a bar (the liquor license is pending) up front and a back dining room with spread-out tables. Pillows are plentiful, tall windows pour in light, and the walls are decorated sparingly with art, like Arne Svenson photography and, near the bar, a pair of Maira Kalman illustrations. It gives the restaurant an uncrowded feeling, and theyll take advantage of that with lunch, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by afternoon tea from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. starting tomorrow.
Unlike the strictly Sichuanese Yuxiang Renjia, Madam Zhus menu is more cosmopolitan, a blend of Sichuanese, Shanghainese, and Cantonese food with some original dishes thrown into the mix. The chainlets American debut maintains that spirit, with an extensive and ambitious menu full of interesting dishes. Its divided into six sections marked by lunar calendar events: salads, traditional appetizers, entrees, rice and noodles, dim sum, and desserts. So appetizers like Le Shan chicken served in a cold broth and seasoned with Sichuan peppercorn, chile oil, and ginger and mung-bean noodles in chile oil mingle with dim sum like sticky rice bacon siu mai and tian mian pork buns. Salad could be mean delightfully crunchy celtuce marinated in light soy sauce and chile oil, while noodles crisscross from Sichuan (the classic dan dan mian; another with a hot-pot-inspired broth) to Suzhou (yang chun noodle soup) and Taiwan (minced-pork noodles.)
Entrees are mostly protein-centric plates, and its where four of the restaurants original dishes are found. Only one was brought over from China: the seared beef medallions with black-pepper sauce and walnuts. For New York, Rong and her chefs have created a play on Sichuanese shui zhu yu, or fish cooked in water, called Madam Zhus fish stew, made with serrano chiles and fresh Sichuan peppercorns; glazed beef ribs made in the sticky Shanghainese-style but with the atypical addition of morels; and what you might call Chinese-style chicken-cooked shrimp. The last, crispy shrimp saute, is lightly battered and prepared in the style of delicately fried chicken, something the restaurants creative marketing director Di (Julia) Long (who translated for Rong) says is a novel approach. Theres a selection of seven teas for drinking after the meal, as well as a trio of specialty drinks including chrysanthemum-ginger-honey concoction. Check out some of the food and space:
A Madam Zhus original: beef with black-pepper sauce, walnuts, and garlic chips. Photo: Jed Egan
Homemade noodles served in a beef-stock-based soup inspired by Sichuanese-style hot pot. Photo: Jed Egan
Le Shan chicken is one of several cold appetizers available. Photo: Jed Egan
Sichuan chicken made with tangerine peel, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, and star anise. Photo: Jed Egan
The glutinous rice and sweet-potato cake dessert is inspired by the Sichuan street snack. Photo: Jed Egan
Tea time. Photo: Jed Egan
Its a nice place to hang out. Photo: Jed Egan
The bar. Photo: Jed Egan
Menu [PDF; note that its a large file]
Hao Noodle and Tea by Madam Zhus Kitchen, 401 Sixth Ave., nr. W. 8th St.; 212 633 8900
Watch out for nuts in the exhilarating new desserts. Photo: Jaipur Spice/Facebook
It took almost a month, but Jaipur Spice, the British restaurant whose owner sneaked peanuts into the curry to save money, has finally said how sorry it is for killing an allergic customer. Okay, no, it didnt do that at all the joints actually just issued a crass plug for its food and merely couched it as an apology. In owner Mohammed Zamans absence (as hes now busy serving six years in prison), his son Emraz popped off an email to Jaipurs mailing list promisingly titled Our Apology, and it manages to touch on their collective remorse for one full sentence before seguing into more pressing matters. Like its new line of desserts:
[We] sincerely apologise to all our loyal customers for the recent heavy press surrounding the Easingwold branch and the somewhat disappointing decision for our founding father Mr Zaman. Mistakes have been made and this is no excuse but now is a time to move on as Mr Zaman so wishes.
We are now in the process of launching a new dessert menu and have hired an exclusive pastry chef from London to design this. Our philosophy, started by our founder, [Mohammed] Khalique Zaman, was and still is to create real quality Indian cuisine of the highest standard.
With exhilarating flavours and subtle aromas Jaipur Spice will transform your perception of Indian food Youll spot the difference the moment the food arrives ! !
[ITV]
Absolute perfection. Photo: Liz Clayman
The city, perhaps surprisingly, is experiencing something of a nacho renaissance. This is good. The places below, however, make versions that are somehow crispier, cheesier, more loaded with toppings, and just plain better than everyone else in town.
The Absolute Best 1. El Atoradero
708 Washington Ave., nr. Prospect Pl., Prospect Heights; 718-399-8226 Blue corn is Denisse Lina Chavezs calling card. At the relatively new Brooklyn location of her storied Cheap Eats favorite, that corn is nixtamalized in house and pressed out each day into floppy tortillas. Leftovers are fried to make chips, which then go on to serve as the base of the restaurants glorious nachos. Get them with meat, preferably chorizo, which Chavez make Atlixco-style, which means its a nod to her hometown in Puebla. It is soft and salty and has the vivid red shine of pepperoni on a pizza slice. Beyond its helping of citrusy Mexican oregano, the ingredients are secret, Chavez says. Thats fine. There are other things on these nachos worth considering, like pickled jalapenos, crumbled cotija, and the odd briny carrot slice. Crema is applied in a weblike squiggle; Monterey Jack and Cheddar melt together in a blanket of cheese. Jagged edges of chips poke through a huge dollop of avocado in the center of the plate, and the black beans are simmered with garlic, epazote, and chiles. No one raves about beans, but these are big and imported, like much of Atoraderos larder, and should inspire sonnets.
2. Empellon al Pastor
132 St. Marks Pl., at Ave. A.; 646-833-7039
The words cerebral and queso arent usually uttered in the same breath. Both come to mind, though, at Alex Stupaks East Village bar and tortilleria, where a line from Nietzsche turns up as wall graffiti. The paper tray of loaded house nachos just $10 feels hefty, but the housemade tortilla chips are light. The calibrated dose of Tex-Mex-inspired queso sits on just the right side of gut-bomb territory and allows the other flavors to assert themselves. The salsa verde is on a serrano kick, and theres a garlicky undercurrent to the guajillos and smoky chipotles in the salsa roja. Crema and cilantro help cool the dish while giving it some color, and the proteins stand out: Black beans are braised in beer with al pastor scraps. Stupaks chorizo, meanwhile, is made with pasilla Oaxaquena and actual beef bouillon, which may as well be a secret weapon.
3. El Cortez
17 Ingraham St., nr. Bogart St., Bushwick; 347-599-2976
White American cheese, rendered volcanically gooey, informs the base layer of these nachos, which at first dont seem too different from the famed Cadillac version served at sister spot the Commodore. But these chips are spruced up with snappy green-onion slices and radish rounds and other greenery, as if these nachos are working on their beach body. A comparison to salad seems apt, but the chile de arbol salsa, as red and saturated as fake blood, reins in the breeziness with an undercurrent of pleasantly numbing heat. Like their precedent at the Commodore, though, the nachos at Stephen Tanner and Chris Youngs Bushwick spot are the ideal way to cap off four or more hours of day-drinking. Plates of these should follow multiple rounds of the restaurants Orange Julios in the same way pots of gold tend to show up at the ends of rainbows.
Many Pokemon fanatics are impatiently awaiting for the most anticipated mobile release of the year. Niantic Labs, creators of geo-based game Ingress, has been working closely with Nintendo for the release of Pokemon Go.
We hope that E3 will bring us answers to our questions regarding the app such as the pricing model, release date, gameplay mechanics, and how to train and catch Pokemon. Itll be interesting to see how Nintendo plans to market and sell this game if its not already ad-supported.
E3 starts less than a week away on Tuesday, June 14 when Nintendo will also be holding a live stream of the E3 event via Nintendo Direct. The live event starts at 09:00 PT and will also reveal more information about the new Pokemon Sun and Moon games that will be coming to Nintendo 3DS.
Via
The limited edition Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition smartphone is now available to pre-order in Indonesia. The device is priced at IDR 14.999 million, which translates into around a whopping $1135 at current exchange rates.
When the phone was officially announced by the South Korean company last month, it was revealed that the products included in the package may differ by markets and mobile operators. Here's what included for Indonesia:
Pre-orders will be delivered starting June 24. This comes just a day after the Russian pricing and availability details of the handset were revealed. It's worth mentioning that only select regions - including (but not limited to) China, Singapore, Korea, Latin America, and Russia - will get the device.
Source | Via
Maybe you're one of those people who looked at the HTC Vive's $799 price and thought "that's way too cheap". In that case, you'll be happy to hear that the Taiwanese company has a solution for you starting today.
It's called the HTC Vive Business Edition and it costs $1,200 in the US, 849 in the UK, and 1,080 in the Eurozone. What do you get for that amount of cash? The exact same package you'd get by paying $799 as a consumer, plus a dedicated customer support line and the ability to buy more than one headset. Seriously, that's it.
Like the consumer version, the Vive Business Edition also ships with two controllers, two base stations, and four face cushions. But hey, if you're a business and are dying to hold your meetings in VR for whatever reason, then by all means go and grab a few hundred of these. Your employees will surely line up to thank you. Perhaps. The Vive BE will be out in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and France this month.
Source | Via
Introduction
To get the disclaimers out of the way, this is obviously not coming straight from Beijing's Latin Quarter. Although a certain penchant for all things French is not entirely incredible, you can bet LeEco has a keener eye on neighboring India - probably its biggest potential source of revenue after the home market.
The brand's ascension to prominence was perhaps faster than anything we've seen - although obviously China's growing and outward-looking industry has been supplying more than enough examples to follow.
There's always a first time but consider this: it is only a phone from an obscure Chinese company - yet pretty soon you may end up reading first reviews of le what's electric car. Yes, LeEco is all over the place from digital content and film production to smartphones and autonomous vehicles.
And yes, we may have passed on the Le 1s and the original Le Max, but there was no way we miss the opportunity to review the Le Max 2.
Although it's not the big mac on LeEco's menu - the original Le Max still standing at a staggering 6.33" tall - the Le Max 2 is almost every bit as impressive on paper. It's an all-metal smartphone with a massive 5.7" Quad HD display, powerful Snapdragon 820 chip with 4 or 6GB of RAM, great imaging capabilities and a custom eUI launcher on a Marshmallow core, a combo that did manage to surprise us.
Key features
5.7" 1440p IPS display of 515ppi
Heavily customized eUI 5.6 on top of Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Snapdragon 820 chip: quad-core Kryo processor (up to 2.15GHz), Adreno 530 GPU, 4GB or 6GB of RAM
21MP Sony Exmor RS IMX230 camera sensor with a dual-tone LED flash, phase-detection AF, optical image stabilization; 2160p video recording @30fps
8MP front-facing camera with 1080p@30fps video recording
32GB or 64GB of built-in storage
Dual SIM functionality
Cat. 12 LTE (600/150Mbps); Dual SIM; Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.2; NFC; IR blaster; GPS/GLONASS/Beidou; USB Type-C port, USB On-The-Go
Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner
Active noise cancellation via a dedicated mic
3,100mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0
Main disadvantages
Sealed battery
No memory expansion (no card slot)
Lacks a 3.5mm audio jack
The sealed battery and absent microSD slot are the rule that makes exceptions that much sweeter, so we are not going to spend too much time on those. Duly noted, let's move on.
Our bigger concern is the battery. Even with Marshmallow pulling the strings, we're not convinced it's enough for such an ample phablet with such a pixel-rich screen and powerful chipset. Of course, we would love it if the LeEco Max 2 manages to put our doubts to rest.
We are definitely not fans of ditching the 3.5mm audio jack either, especially in a phone that's obviously not even trying to break any slimness records.
Yet, the Le Max 2 is ready for our detailed hardware checkup and will get every chance to justify all the design choices. We're pulling it out of the box to spin it around right after the break.
Special thanks to HonorBuy.com for providing the review unit.
Asus is currently racing to make its self-imposed deadline of end of this quarter for releasing updates to Android 6.0 Marshmallow for its devices. We've already seen the Zenfone 2 Laser tasting the Marshmallow treat, and starting today it's time for the Zenfone Max to join in on the fun.
The Taiwanese company has officially announced that the rollout of the Marshmallow update for the Zenfone Max ZC550KL has commenced. As this is a staged release, expect about one week to pass before all Zenfone Max units ever sold will receive that coveted update notification. If you have the phone and are impatient, you can check for the update manually by going to Settings > About > System Update.
The new software version is 13.8.26.31. Aside from bringing with it everything that you'd expect from Google's Marshmallow release (quick recap: Now On Tap, new permissions, Doze Mode and App Standby for improved battery life, minor improvements here and there), Asus has also thankfully removed quite a bit of bloatware.
Thus, following the successful installation of the update, you'll no longer have Asus Email, Asus Calendar, and Asus Messaging pre-loaded. The company recommends you use Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Messenger instead, which we assume most people have been doing anyway. A final note is that Marshmallow won't support APP2SD functionality, so if you've used that before then make sure you move all apps to the phone's internal storage before you install the new software.
Source | Via
Timeline for One UI 5 rollout revealed: Galaxy S and Z models to get it by the end of the year
If you're a fan of Sony's Small Apps feature and are planning to purchase one of the Japanese company's Xperia X series smartphones, there's some bad news: the feature has been removed from the new line-up.
Image via: xda-developers
This was confirmed by a member of the official Sony Xperia support staff on the company's Mobile Talk forums, saying that "this is according to the specification, and how Google has defined it" - we aren't sure what that means in context of the feature.
For those who aren't in the know, Small Apps - as Sony explains - are miniature apps that run on top of other applications on the same screen, to enable multi-tasking.
Source | Via
France sentences Uber to pay 800,000, two executives to pay fines as well
Uber has been an active presence in courts all over Europe, and faced bans in Netherlands, France, Romania, Bulgaria, and Italy. Many other countries are still investigating Uber and decisions are yet to be made.
In the wake of those struggles the French criminal court has finally come up with a decision - Uber has to pay a 800,000 fine, half of it as a suspended sentence.
Two of its executives - Uber France CEO Thibaud Simphal and Uber Europe GM Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty - are also fined to pay 30,000 and 20,000 respectively. Half of those penalties are suspended, too.
UberPop has ceased operation since July 2015, but it has already broken enough French laws to be prosecuted in court and eventually convicted.
The French court and government went after Uber not only because of its illegal operations but also because it tried to obstruct the investigation by hiding documents from the police.
Uber is still progressing handsomely as it has taken a $3.5 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, but it has to change a lot to operate in Europe and coexist with local laws.
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Haiti - Justice : Me Jean Danton Leger constitutes a threat dixit the Bar
In a note dated 8 June, the Council of the Bar of Port-au-Prince, expresses "its indignation at the unacceptable actions of the Government Commissioner" near the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince, Me Jean Danton Leger, cited before the correctional chamber of the tribunal by a group of citizens who feels aggrieved by the acts of pursuit https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17675-haiti-flash-me-jean-danton-leger-prosecuted.html
The Council explains that "Ignoring its obligations to contribute to a peaceful distribution of justice and to ensure good order in the court, Me Jean Danton Leger, for the welcome he reserved the protesters invading the Palace of Justice, reveals that the latter respond only to him and therefore takes responsibility for the obstruction of justice to investigate his case as well as attempts of threats to lawyers and desecration of Batonnier.
No one is above the law [...] The one who, by its function, is empowered to prosecute offenders in court must show restraint and respect for the law when it is personally implicated" believing the behavior of Me Jean Danton Leger "[...] reflects a profound disregard for the institutions of the Republic, including the court and the Bar of Port-au-Prince.
The behavior of Me Hean Danton Leger constitutes a threat for the exercise of the legal profession. Of lawyers in the precincts of the temple of Themis, have been subjected to threats and insults under the complacent gaze of police and security officers.
The Bar Association of Port-au-Prince appeals to the higher authorities of the Government Commissioner since ultimately, his actions may disrupt the necessary harmony between the Bar of Port-au-Prince and the judicial authorities.
[...] The rule of law, whose the Bar of Port-au-Prince, is the guardian, do not adapt to these reprehensible behavior."
See also :
https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17650-haiti-justice-the-carli-outraged-and-revolted-of-actions-of-me-danton-leger.html
https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17613-haiti-flash-note-of-protest-against-the-political-persecution-gives-results.html
https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17605-haiti-flash-new-wave-of-bans-to-leave-the-territory.html
HL/ HaitiLibre
Published on 2016/06/08 | Source
Pictures of Lee Sun-bin in the role of Jo Mii-joo in the OCN drama "Squad 38" were released on the 9th.
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Jo Mi-joo became a con-woman after Yang Jeong-do (Seo In-guk) who helped her out of a multi-phase company.
Lee Sun-bin is dancing seductively in a club in the pictures. She looks like she's really into the music and she has an unreadable expression on her face. She's wearing a sexy one-piece which exposes her body line.
Director Hwang Joon-hyeok from CJ E&M said, "Lee Sun-bin is immersed in Jo Mi-joo".
Meanwhile, in "Squad 38", a tax collector and a legendary conman join forces to scam delinquent tax payers of their money. The drama is written by Han Jeong-hoon and directed by Han Dong-hwa. The first episode can be seen on June 17th at 11PM.
Published on 2016/06/08 | Source
Lee Joon-gi's agency Namoo Actors said on June 7th, 'Lee Joon-gi departed to Beijing today to attend a press conference for his movie, 'Under the Sicily Sun'.
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'Under the Sicily Sun' is a Chinese romance movie starring Lee Joon-gi and Zhou Dongyu and directed by Lin Yu-Hsien.
As soon as Lee Joon-gi arrived at the airport in Beijing, his fans rushed to the airport to see him. Lee Joon-gi in casual clothes signed his autograph for his fans and responded with smiles. He had to leave the airport quickly due to the safety issues and his schedule; he was touched by the warm welcoming from his fans.
Lee Joon-gi's agency Namoo Actors said, "His Chinese fans favor his loyalty and manliness seen through his action acting and love the wide spectrum of his acting performances. In this upcoming movie, Lee Joon-gi will be able to present his melodrama acting again after a long time".
Chinese movie, 'Under the Sicily Sun' starring Lee Joon-gi is opening in August in China.
Published on 2016/06/08 | Source
Actors Hwang Jung-min, Ha Ji-won, Lee Min-ho, T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) and Kim Ji-won are attending the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival on the 11th.
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According to sources, Hallyu stars have been invited to step on the 'Greatest Red Carpet in Asia': Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Jet Li, Fan Bingbing, directors Ang Lee and Wong Kar Wai. Hollywood celebrities such as Ian McKellen, Bradley Cooper and other are also going to be there.
The 19th Shanghai International Film Festival will be held for 9 days starting on the 11th.
Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby.
11:52, 25 OCT 2022
uilding apprentice in Victoria was subjected to appalling bullying and physical abuse over a two-year period from his boss and colleagues, leading to severe emotional trauma, a court has found.
The apprentices manager at construction company Quality Carpentry and Building Maintenance, Wayne Allan Dennert, pleaded guilty to workplace safety violations in Geelong Magistrates' Court. He was convicted and fined $12,500.
The apprentice was forced to swallow methylated spirits, had hot drill bits held to his skin and had sandpaper scraped on his face. Mr Dennert also snatched the apprentices phone and posted sexually explicit comments to a female friends social media page.
In other instances of bullying, co-workers placed a live mouse in the apprentices shirt, sprayed liquid nails in his hair, spat on him and held him down whilst others painted on his face. The bullying was encouraged and actively participated in by Mr. Dennert.
Marnie Williams, health and safety director with Worksafe Victoria, condemned Mr. Dennerts behaviour.
"No employee should have to suffer such cruel, vicious and repeated behaviour at work, particularly a young man just starting his working life," she said. "Because of their inexperience, young workers are particularly vulnerable to psychological and physical risks in the workplace, which is why superiors and employers must take a real interest in their health and safety."
"Today's conviction will be a permanent reminder to him, and the community in which he works, that he failed completely."
The apprentice, who began employment with Mr. Dennert at the age of 16, said he continued to suffer from anxiety, depression, nightmares and insomnia as a result of the workplace bullying, describing the emotional impact as more traumatic than the physical abuse.
The apprentice, who began employment with Mr. Dennert at the age of 16, said he continued to suffer from anxiety, depression, nightmares and insomnia as a result of the workplace bullying, describing the emotional impact as more traumatic than the physical abuse.
"I would rather be burnt, bruised, assaulted, drenched in glue, water, paint, weeks old coffee and spat on all over again than to relive a week of the psychological torment I endured," he said in court.
ding supermarket chain Coles has announced it will not be implementing recommendations from the Fair Work Commission (FWC) regarding its 2014-17 Store Team Agreement.An agreement between Coles and the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) was supported by the FWC in 2015, and was also endorsed by over 90 percent of the supermarkets employees. However, amid speculation the new deal may have meant some workers would be paid below award rates, the FWC urged further changes.Coles has now rejected those changes, saying in a statement, These suggested changes are impractical for our team members, would significantly reduce the level of service we can provide our customers, and would not represent the agreement our team members voted overwhelmingly to endorse.Coles said its store team members will revert to conditions covered by the 2011 Retail Agreement, while meat team employees will be covered by state-based agreements from prior to the 2014-17 Agreement.The supermarket stated that no team members will see any reduction in their base rates of pay, there will be no reduction in penalty rates, and that Coles will honour its wage increase for July that was part of the 2014-17 Agreement.A specific of the FWCs recommendations was to limit the number of penalty rate hours worked by Coles employees. In explaining why this was rejected, Coles said, We felt it was unfair for our team members to be required to work at times that may be inconvenient to them as a result of a legal action they had no part in bringing.Over the coming months, we will hold listening sessions with our team members around Australia to understand what is most important to them about working at Coles, the statement added. These listening sessions will help inform what we do next. The SDA said it was "disappointed" by Coles' decision and has urged the retail chain to commence negotiations for a new agreement.
ording to Jack Delosa, founder of entrepreneur educational institute The Entourage, employers can promote innovation through intrapreneurs: workers who take full ownership of their role and responsibilities while thinking creatively about their function and the value they bring to the firm.
A traditional employee comes to work, watches the clock, gets their pay and is relatively disengaged, he said.
An intrapreneur comes to work because they believe in the vision of what the organisation is trying to achieve. They come to work because they care about their customers or if theyre in HR they care about the people in the organisation.
This group of workers can even share some of the risk-taking characteristics of entrepreneurs, Delosa added, although this may be limited by the structure of the organisation.
There are certain political dynamics in play in any existing corporation so for me intrapreneurship is not necessarily about thinking like an entrepreneur its thinking more innovatively about your role.
Although intrapreneurs have a tendency to want to try new things without requiring prior data to back up their decision, they will need to do this within the guidelines of the organisation.
This type of attitude is vital to bring innovation into a firm, Delosa said. However, most organisations will fail to achieve this because they use analogical reasoning: the belief that something will work in the future because it has worked in the past.
The true entrepreneur and intrapreneur will instead use principle reasoning, examining what is true today and then expanding on those foundations. Elon Musk is one such example, he noted.
Rather than looking at what was in place yesterday as a perimeter for whats possible tomorrow, people such as Elon Musk look at what was achieved yesterday and build out from that point.
This doesnt mean making wild uncalculated guesses about the future, Delosa added.
Great innovation is often the result of both good and bad judgment from the past which you only learn through experience.
To foster this kind of creativity, Delosa said that firms can back up new ideas with praise and rewards.
When you give people permission to think creatively and to behave creatively and truly back it up thats when you start to see creativity flowing.
If employees do make a mistake, dont jump down their throats but recognise this as an essential step along the path to learning more and innovating within the firm, he added.
Reba Moretz figured that in all of her years she had never been to the dedication of a bridge until Thursday.
The bridge dedication was in honor of her and her husband.
Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson, several local dignitaries, friends and family members celebrated the dedication of the Reba and Grady Moretz Jr. Bridge at the intersection of U.S. 321 and Chestnut Ridge Parkway. The parkway leads to the Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge, which is a post-acute care center and set to open later this year.
As most of you know, these two individuals obviously care very deeply about the well-being of this region, having impacted it in so many ways, Tennyson said. Just as Grady and Reba have spent decades helping connect this areas residents to valuable opportunities, this bridge will physically connect those who need it to critical medical care.
Echoing the key points of Governor McCrorys 25-Year Vision plan for North Carolina, Tennyson said, In fact, this couple and this bridge also truly embody what our department works to accomplish throughout the state better connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare and recreation, and opening new doors for communities across the state.
Richard Sparks, CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, opened the remarks by recognizing the Moretz family, the N.C. Department of Transportation and the entire state. Tennyson followed with his own thank-yous and congratulations.
Bridge and highway dedications are of the highest honors our department can bestow, and these two are certainly deserving of such a significant and symbolic recognition, Tennyson said. From this day forward, all who cross over this bridge will be reminded of the tremendous difference Reba and Grady have made, and will continue to make, for countless individuals in this community.
Tennyson closed by handing the Moretz family a metal replica of the sign that is now posted at the intersection. Blowing Rock mayor J.B. Lawrence followed with comments before Reba Moretz took to the podium. She closed her speech with a clever original poem.
The bridge is part of a new half-mile access road constructed into the facility. The J.W. Hampton Company of Boone was awarded the $4.2 million contract for the project, which was funded through an Appalachian Regional Commission grant. Construction began in August 2014, and the road was completed.
The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge is built on a 68-acre site close to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock. It will replace Blowing Rock Rehabilitation & Davant Extended Care Center (formerly Blowing Rock Hospital).a
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Blackrock: Investing opportunities to consider before the second half
Harvest posted on Wed 8 Jun 2016 Permalink Print
Markets today are characterized by low returns and lots of me-too trades, but its important to remember low return doesnt mean no-return. So where do we see opportunities?
My colleagues and I mention a few in our recent BlackRock Investment Institute publication Global Investment Outlook: Q2 2016. Heres a quick look at four in particular to consider before the second half.
To read this article:
(Forbes) Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Wednesday unsealed a criminal complaint that claimed a hedge fund manager raised $20 million from a New York City correctional officers union through kickbacks.
Murray Huberfeld, who has been linked to Platinum Partners, was arrested at his home on Wednesday morning. Platinum Partners is a $1.3 billion hedge fund firm built by Mark Nordlicht. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara claims Platinum Partners and Huberfeld are mired in a swamp of dirty transactions where union money, political donations and Wall Street sometimes intersect. Bharara also claims that Huberfeld is a founder and part owner of Platinum Partners and that he may have been playing a leading role at Platinum Partners that the hedge fund firm had not publicly acknowledged.
To Read this article:
Sister-city cooperation is mainly known as a tool for cultural and educational exchange. However, during recent years sister-cities from both countries have also started to concentrate on the economic impacts of the cooperation. The potential in Chinese markets and investments is a key driver for Finnish companies, whereas Chinese companies are interested in finding new technologies and solutions as well as cooperation partners from Finland.
Economic cooperation between Finland and China has been lively for decades. Still, business cooperation, especially between small and medium size companies, could be more active. Part of this is due to the fact that China is a huge, very different, and challenging market for Finnish companies.
From my personal experience in working with Chinese commerce and officials, I can say that the sister-city relations are highly valued in China. Im joined in this opinion, for example, by Mr. Jari Gustafsson, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, and former ambassador to China, who has often emphasized the importance of sister-city relations for business.
These relations have still remained an underused tool with a lot of hidden potential. I would dare to say that Finnish companies who have participated in sister-city cooperation agree with me and Mr. Gustafsson. By attending visits and events in Chinese sister-cities, companies have been able to make business contacts which they would not be able to find otherwise.
The cities of Helsinki, Vantaa, and Espoo are good examples when it comes to using their sister-city relations with Chinese counterparts in making new openings for local companies.
Moi Helsinki, a cultural event with six business satellite matchmaking seminars, was organized in Beijing in May. It was the first time when the sister-city relationship of Helsinki and Beijing was also used to promote business cooperation. During the week over 50 Finnish companies showcased the best of their know-how to Chinese companies.
The annual Business Forum matchmaking seminar is a successful example of economic cooperation between the cities of Vantaa and Jinan. The companies attending have made deals, sales contracts, cooperation agreements as well as useful networks for the future.
Espoo in turn has well-functioning sister-city relations with Shanghai, with the main focus on innovation and science. These relations have resulted, for example, in active cooperation with Chinese science and technology parks.
These are only some of the examples of long-lasting and well-developed sister-city relations in Finland. These are excellent channels for enhancing business opportunities in China. I would therefore strongly encourage Finnish companies interested in Chinese markets to utilize the platforms and networks that have already been developed.
Its been said so many times that some see it as a cliche, but the truth is that our small country is much bigger and successful when we work together. Sister-city business cooperation is a great example of that.
www.helsinkibusinesshub.fi
Harri Jaskari (NCP), Kai Mykkanen (NCP), Saara-Sofia Siren (NCP) and Juhana Vartiainen (NCP) claim in the pamphlet, titled Paluu Tulevaisuuteen (Eng. Back to the Future), that the majority of parliamentary work is, in fact, needless.
Four Members of Parliament have voiced their ostensible exasperation with parliamentary work in a pamphlet published on Wednesday.
Ninety per cent of official parliamentary work is needless, they state in a press release.
The inefficiency of parliamentary work, however, is a taboo and kept a secret by means that border on collective deception, Jaskari, Mykkanen, Siren and Vartiainen estimate. We must burst the bubble and rid ourselves of the deception, they write.
You could say practically regardless of the subject matter that anything you do before a government proposal is presented is important and anything you do after that is useless. Members of Parliament regrettably do not start their official work until a government proposal has been submitted to the Parliament.
The quartet points out that reports and legislative amendments presented by the Government seldom undergo significant changes in the Parliament.
The role of ruling party members in committees and plenary sessions is to ensure government proposals are passed. The role of opposition members is to reprimand the Government and draw up counter-proposals, the fate of which is already known to everyone.
They propose that the current system of plenary sessions be abolished because the most productive co-operation and dialogue between different representatives and parties takes places exclusively in parliamentary committees.
Members of Parliament nonetheless share a keen interest in finding rational solutions when they are not under the watchful eye of the media. The committees can at best serve as meeting places for people with shared interests, strong-minded people from a variety of political and regional backgrounds. Committee work is, at its best, the most rational part of the work of Members of Parliament, they write.
Establishing a good rapport with the media is unnecessary in committee work.
In Sweden, the authors of the pamphlet point out, senior members of parliamentary committees have also been officially appointed as the spokespersons of their respective parties on certain subject areas. They are also the ones whose thoughts are heard during plenary sessions.
Finland should in this respect follow in the footsteps of its western neighbour.
Placing a greater emphasis on the role of committees could perhaps help conceptualise who has prepared a particular matter [for discussion] and from what viewpoint in conjunction with offering committees a real role in drafting government proposals during the preliminary discussions, propose Jaskari, Mykkanen, Siren and Vartiainen.
They also estimate that too many of their colleagues are afraid of the media attention that ensues a missed plenary session. Were that not the case, there would be more time to prepare bills and have preliminary discussions.
Aleksi Teivainen HT
Photo: Petteri Paalasmaa Lehtikuva
Source: Uusi Suomi
Moldavian visitors get closeup look at farming
Nadejda Russu samples wine at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards.
Alan Ward stooped to point a finger at the lower part of a merlot grape vine.
In a hard freeze we may have to cut one off, he said of the vines. But weve got one, two, three that we can pull from.
The listeners were farmers and business people from Moldova, here on an agriculture mission to learn about American farming, packing and marketing. As an interpreter translated, Ward explained the Geneva double curtain trellis that allows more sunlight to pour in to the vines, increasing production.
We get 50 percent more per acre with less spraying, said Ward, an Edneyville native and financial adviser who founded Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards five years ago. If we get a rainy season and its wet, the extra vine gives us more photosynthesis on cloudy days. We win a lot of national and international awards but were a family farm. Were not mass production.
The mid-day visit to the vineyard on Chestnut Gap Road was the third stop for the international ag tourists. They started the day at Jason Daviss North River Farms in Mills River, where they looked at hay production, and next traveled to see Allen Hendersons apple slicing operation. Wednesday afternoon they visited apple grower Wayne Pace, blackberry and blueberry grower Steve Dalton and Noble Cider owner Trevor Baker before enjoying dinner at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
I am interested to see how the research institute through extension teaches farmers to produce the best fruits and vegetables, said Iurie Fala, who runs a 170-member export organization of fruit and vegetable growers in Moldova.
A partnership of the Cochran Fellowship Program, the CALS International Programs and the cooperative extension service through N.C. State University, the program fosters the exchange of farming information.
At the winery, the guests sipped wines from St. Paul and enjoyed bites of rich German chocolate before moving on to apples, berries and hard cider.
Henderson County allows them to see all these different commodities in one location and thats why they like to come here, said Marvin Owings, the Henderson County cooperative extension director.
Patrick Whelan is alleged to have stolen 600 from shop
A young man accused of assaulting a shop assistant while armed with a meat cleaver has been sent forward for trial.
Patrick Whelan (20) allegedly left the victim with a cut to the scalp following the robbery.
It is alleged that about 600 was taken by the accused from the convenience store.
Whelan, with an address at Greenfort Crescent in Clondalkin, appeared before Blanchardstown District Court charged with robbery.
The incident allegedly took place at the Daybreak store, Woodview Grove in Blanchardstown, on July 27 last year.
He is also charged with possession of a carving knife and a meat cleaver in the same incident.
Whelan is further accused of seriously assaulting a shop assistant and with allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle.
In relation to the allegations, it was previously claimed that Whelan, who was armed with a meat cleaver, stole about 600.
Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan further alleged that the shop assistant was assaulted during the robbery.
The court also heard that the investigation file contains 15 witness' statements and 16 exhibits.
Penalties
A state solicitor said the DPP had directed trial on indictment in the circuit court on the charges, where the penalties upon conviction are greater than in the district court.
A state solicitor said the book of evidence was ready and had been served on Whelan, who goes forward to the present sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Judge David McHugh gave Mr Whelan the formal alibi warning.
The judge also assigned defence solicitor Fiona Brennan and one junior counsel on free legal aid.
Judge McHugh ordered that a copy of a video interview which gardai conducted with the accused be furnished to his legal team.
As part of his bail conditions, Whelan has been ordered to stay out of Blanchardstown, except for court appearances.
He has also been ordered to have no contact with the alleged injured party or any witnesses.
Mr Whelan has not yet indicated how he will plead to the charges.
The accused was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court later this month.
A five-man New IRA hit team stalked Dublin's north inner city looking to murder two leading gangsters after one of their associates was shot dead in the bitter gangland feud.
Sources said the dissident republican murder squad from the North spent several days and nights prowling the streets.
One of the men the would-be assassins were hunting is a volatile member of the New INLA crime faction and is now missing.
He had fled the country and is the chief suspect for the murder of Gareth Hutch (35), whose funeral took place last Friday.
He is also a suspect for the murder of Hutch's uncle, Eddie Hutch Snr (59), who was shot dead at his north inner city home on February 8 in a revenge attack for the Regency Hotel bloodbath.
The older Hutch was shot up to nine times after gunmen broke in through his front door.
The brother of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, he was seen as a soft target as he was never involved in major crime and had no central involvement in any of the feuding.
Thug
The New INLA thug is now wanted for questioning in relation to three of the seven feud murders to date. He previously served a lengthy sentence for explosives offences and in recent months was part of a gang involved in extortion, criminal debt collection and drug-dealing. The outfit are also involved in a number of legitimate businesses.
It is only in the past fortnight that their links to the Kinahan cartel have become clear.
The missing hitman is understood to have fled to the UK in the aftermath of Gareth Hutch's murder - the seventh in the ongoing feud - on the morning of May 24.
The Herald revealed yesterday that family members and associates of the missing man fear he has been murdered himself. Gardai have no intelligence that he is dead, and it is understood that officers believe he is hiding out in Scotland.
That view is not shared by those who are close to him.
The economic recovery is partly to blame for the massive hikes in insurance premiums, Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said.
During a Dail debate on the spiralling cost of insurance the minister said the industry cites many reasons for the price rises.
"Claims frequency has increased as a result of increased economic activity and increasing miles travelled per car. This is not being counter-balanced by a drop in the number of accidents," he said.
Mr Noonan said consumers were also being "directly impacted" by the cost of using the legal system to settle disputes and compensation awards that result.
He indicated Fine Gael will not oppose a motion from Fianna Fail seeking a taskforce to investigate what is driving prices up. However, while he is open to the idea of "broad taskforce" he wants to wait for the outcome of a review of the market that is already underway within his department.
He said the current review will consider issues such as a National Claims Register that would log all pay-outs whether made in or out of court.
"The current lack of data presents difficulties from a policy analysis and development perspective. Accurate timing and accessible information on claims in particular would assist insurers, including new entrants, in assessing the Irish market," he said.
Fianna Fail is expected to win a Dail vote tonight which criticises the lack of action to stop prices rises and calls for a package of measures.
Some consumers have seen a 60pc increase in the cost of their motor insurance since January 2014 and 34pc hike in the past year alone.
Fianna Fail finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said: "Motorists are required to have a minimum of third party insurance cover, so the cost of motor insurance is a major issue for family finances.
Reeling
"Increases of 200 to 300 are now typical for customers renewing their policy. Motorists are absolutely reeling from these dramatic price increases."
"Up to 2013 we were in a period of falling motor insurance premiums. However, the benefits that were achieved from concerted action to reduce costs are now evaporating. In our view there is an obligation on the state to respond to these soaring premiums."
The Labour Party is to back the Fianna Fail motion and while Sinn Fein is supportive of its content they have tabled a number of amendments.
Halloween is coming! Here's when to trick or treat in your town
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On June 2, superintendent of police Mukul Dwivedi and station house officer Santosh Yadav, both posted in Mathura, died carrying out a reconnaissance of the area to evict the encroachers on government land.
The following day, a convoy of the Border Security Force was attacked by militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, and three BSF men were killed while nine troopers were injured.
On June 4, assistant sub-inspector Bashir Ahmed Ahangar and constable Reyaz Ahmed of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who were managing the traffic at the main bus stand in Anantnag, were attacked by suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba militants. They later died of bullet injuries.
Hardly a day passes when news of policemen laying down their lives in the line of duty is not reported. In 2014, the Central Reserve Police Force alone lost 323 of its personnel. In 2015 till August, 434 police persons died in the line of duty. For their sacrifices, their families are paid a pittance.
Read: In Uttar Pradeshs land grab cases, BJP smells a political opportunity
There are no rules governing what their families can claim. The ex-gratia or compensation varies from state to state. Most states assure family members that one of them will get a job in the state government. Among the states, Madhya Pradesh is known to pay the maximum compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of police persons killed in the line of duty.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh has cleared a proposal for paying Rs 50 lakh to the families of the personnel of the central paramilitary forces killed in action. This is over and above the compensation given by the states.
In the Mathura incident, after the initial announcement of Rs 20 lakh as compensation to the families of the policemen, the amount was enhanced to Rs 50 lakh by UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav.
In Delhi, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for constable Narottam Dass of the Central Reserve Police Force, who lost his life in a landmine blast in Gaya in February last year. Dass was from Najafgarh in Delhi. Earlier this year, he announced a similar amount for a Delhi Police constable who died on duty.
Compare this to the paltry Rs 2 lakh paid by the Jharkhand government to the family of BSF trooper Krishan Kumar Dubey, who was killed by terrorists from Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir last year.
Read: 3 BSF jawans killed, 5 injured in ambush by terrorists in South Kashmir
Variations in compensations need to be looked into. The ministry of home affairs can play a pivotal role in this by bringing the states on one platform, in order to create some uniformity.
MP Nathanael is a retired inspector general of police, CRPF
The views expressed are personal
Modern artist Jogen Chowdhury simply signs as Jo. His paintings, though, chronicle complex issues: sexuality, politics, poverty. Ahead of his show this weekend, we get an experts guide to his work
Jogen Chowdhury (77) celebrates an Indian approach to art, one that blends contemporary techniques with traditional imagery. The modern artist is equally at ease depicting scenes of idyllic rural life as he is portraying the brutality inflicted on the Abu Ghraib prisoners in Baghdad. He has also been prolific in terms of the mediums explored: ink and pastel on paper, oil on canvas, watercolour on paper, and pen on paper.
Read: Coming full circle: SH Raza on making art at 94 and the bindu motif
Born in a village near Kotaliparha in current-day Bangladesh, he grew up in a refugee settlement in erstwhile Calcutta. He made art his medium of evaluating his milieu. Through his use of bold lines, cross-hatching and distorted figures, hes portrayed the starkness of poverty he witnessed first-hand.
Story of Woman, Oil on canvas. This work comprises five canvases, each measuring 60 x 60 in (The Arts Trust)
This weekend, an exhibition titled A Jogen Chowdhury Show Beyond Expectation, will showcase 22 works by the artist, from 2002 to 2014. The highlight is the largest painting Chowdhury ever made: a mammoth 25ft x 5ft five-panel work titled Story of a Woman, which chronicles erotic tales.
The other works on display reflect the different subjects that Chowdhury was fascinated with such as human faces and emotions, relationships and nudes.
Tushar Sethi, director, Institute of Contemporary Indian Art (ICIA) and auction house Astaguru, reveals five aspects of Chowdhurys life and work:
His art adapted to the times.
In the early stages of his career, Chowdhury had to resort to basic resources such as oil, ink, and cheap newsprint, since canvases were expensive.
The beautiful face, Pen & Ink with Pastel on Paper, Cross Hatch (The Arts Trust)
He is synonymous with the Cross Hatch technique.
It is a technique where layers of parallel lines are applied at a different angle to create textures that define light and shadow. This auction showcases many such works from the recent past. One of those works is, in fact, his only large painting in the last 25 years.
Speaking about his association with the technique, he says, When I was in college at Kolkata, as a senior student, I was fond of making cross hatchings or criss-cross lines to give shades to objects or human figures. It came spontaneously to my drawings done in pencil or pen and ink. I probably preferred the technique of using black ink and cross hatchings as our personal life and surroundings were also very dark and complex due to Partition. Moreover, during my college days, we had no electricity at home. That forced me to draw and paint mostly in black when I used to draw or paint at night with the help of a lamp.
Artist Jogen Chowdhury (HT file photo)
The Partition had a big impact on his life and work.
In his biography, titled Jogen Chowdhury Enigmatic Visions (by R Siva Kumar), he says, When we came over to Kolkata after Indias Independence in 1947, we were completely cut off from our previous life in eastern Bengal. We were still living in a village at the time of World War II and even though we did experience faint repercussions of the war such as the famine that came in its wake which took a toll on life in Bengal, we were spared its real impact. However, the communal riots between Hindus and Muslims which we saw after arriving in West Bengal, was the first experience to cast a dark spell on our minds and thoughtsOur life was in turmoil after the Partition. Our dream of a peaceful settlement was shattered. Even though I have come a long way since then, at times those childhood memories still haunt me.
Interior (with couple), Pen & Ink with Pastel on Paper (The Arts Trust)
The city of Paris impacted his oeuvre.
After he returned from Paris (where he did his Masters), Chowdhury found himself in a quest to find his own identity vis-a-vis the achievements of the western artists. This is also the phase where he was able to establish his own style. He started by drawing with black ink on paper to capture living and non-living objects. The works in this phase were grounded in dreams and super-realism. The later phase was more social and dream-like, derived from fantasy and imagination.
Man in Bed, Pen & Ink with Pastel on Paper (The Arts Trust)
He was the art keeper at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
As the art keeper (similar to a curator), he moved to Delhi in 1972 for the job. Over 15 years, he extended his range of subjects to include men and women, political leaders, gods and goddesses, rural folk, leaves and flowers. However, his style still remained the same. He had a huge studio at his disposal, giving him an opportunity to explore larger canvases. This is also the phase when he painted quite a few of his significant works.
Dead, Watercolour on paper (The Arts Trust)
Fact file
> After studying at the Government College of Art and Craft, Calcutta (1960), he went to Paris and did his Masters at the Ecole Nationale Superieur des Beaux Arts (1965).
> He worked as a textile designer for five years in Chennai.
> After being the art keeper at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he moved to Santiniketan where he taught in the painting department and retired in 1999. He still resides there.
> In 2014, he was the first artist-in-residence at Rashtrapati Bhavan and stayed there for 14 days.
A Jogen Chowdhury Show Beyond Expectation is on June 11, 12pm to 6pm
At: St Regis, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Call: 6162 8000
Entry: Free
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The BJP MLA from Nepanagar assembly constituency in Burhanpur district Rajendra Dadu, 53, died in a road accident in MPs Sehore district on Thursday night.
He was on his way to Bhopal to attend the BJPs legislature party meeting held at the CM House when the car he was travelling in skidded and plunged into a roadside ditch. He died on the spot.
There were 3 more persons including the MLAs gunman in the car who sustained injuries. They were rushed to Chirayu hospital.
Talking to the Hindustan Times, superintendent of police Sehore Manish Kapuriya confirmed the information regarding death of the MLA.
On receiving the information about the MLAs death, the BJP legislature party meeting was immediately postponed. Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was reported to have left for Sehore.
All the BJP MLAs were asked to reach Bhopal by June 9 to attend the legislature party meeting and stay in Bhopal till the polling for Rajya Sabha election on June 11.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan today said that he found it challenging playing an extremely simple and realistic character in the upcoming Hindi thriller film TE3N.
My role is very simple and that of a normal person from the middle class. I am playing my age. But being simple in front of the camera is very difficult and challenging, said Amitabh Bachchan.
Director Ribhu Dasgupta had told him that he did not want extraneous behaviour in his acting.
Sometimes when I felt it (acting) was okay, he would come and tell me to tone it down, Bachchan, 73, said.
Read: Amitabh Bachchan painted Delhi Pink and no one came to know
Read: Udta Punjab controversy: Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan speak out
In the entire film, the effort was to show things as real without going over the top. The producer didnt want to shoot in sets and so we shot in real locations.
Everything looks natural. After I saw the film it was very comforting to see something like this done, Big B said.
He praised the younger lot of actors like Irrfan Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt for being simplicity to their acting. Even after 47 years in the industry I am still learning. There is a lot to learn from the young generation. Everyday is a learning experience, he said.
Watch: Amitabh Bachchan in TE3N trailer
Produced by Sujoy Ghosh, TE3N also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in lead role and Vidya Balan in a special appearance. Big B is playing the role of an Anglo-Indian in the film.
Bachchan said having lived in Kolkata for seven-eight years during the sixties, he was aware of the life of the Anglo-Indian community in the city.
Names of Punjabs cities, the name of the state itself and a dog named Jacky Chain these are just a few of the 94 cuts that Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has demanded in the adults-only Udta Punjab.
The board has given 13 suggestions to films producers, which effectively mean a mammoth 94 cuts, along with an A certification for the film that focuses on Punjabs drug problem.
Udta Punjabs co-producer Anurag Kashyap tweeted late on Wednesday that the suggestion of CBFC is a 13-pointer list that demands 94 effective cuts in the film starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh.
The board has asked names of nine cities including Jashanpura, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Tarantaran, Moga and Ludhiana to be deleted from the film, along with a scene where a signboard says Punjab.
Read: Anurag Kashyap drags CBFC to court over Udta Punjab
@shubhaS 9 names of cities is 9 cuts.. two words from songs are two cuts.. on the last count they were 94 cuts as per the 13 points.. Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) June 8, 2016
The board has also objected to around 20 abusive words including k*tti (bi***), chitta ve (a slang for drugs) and har**mi (bas****). They also want the words election, MP, MLA and Parliament taken out from the film.
Read: Accusations, politicking in the air as Udta Punjab row gets bigger
The CBFC, headed by Pahlaj Nihalani, also has a problem with a dog being named Jacky Chain as it appears to be named after the Hollywood star Jacky Chan. The makers have also been asked to remove objectionable scenes from the third song in the movie and to delete close-up shots of people injecting themselves with drugs.
Anurag Kashyaps Phatom Pictures and Balaji Motion Pictures have co-produced Abhishek Choubeys Udta Punjab.
CBFC has said that a scene showing the hero (Shahid) urinating in front of a crowd needs to be removed and a disclaimer added in the movie which reveals efforts made by the government to tackle drug problem. The Indian Express reported that the disclaimer to be included should read, The film focuses on the rising menace of drugs and the war against drugs and is an attempt to show the ill-effects of drugs on todays youth and social fabric. We acknowledge the battle against drugs being fought by the government and the police. But this battle cant be won unless the people of India unite against the menace.
Here is the complete list of cuts demanded by the CBFC
These cuts come despite the CBFC giving the film an A certification that technically means the film can only be watched by adults.
Watch Shahid Kapoor in title track of Udta Punjab
The politics
With Punjab due for state elections, the controversy has assumed political overtones. The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which fancies its chances in the northern state, criticised the board. The two parties also accused Punjabs ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP alliance of exercising influence to censor the movie.
The SAD government, an NDA partner in power in Punjab for nine years, says the film tarnishes the image of the state and its people.
Read: Anurag compares India with North Korea over Udta Punjab row
Barbs engulfed the bitter censorship row over Udta Punjab after Nihalani suggested that Kashyap took money from Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP to make the movie, a charge the party dismissed promptly. The Delhi chief minister said Nihalanis allegation proved he had acted against Udta Punjab, a dark drama on drug menace in the state, under instructions from the BJP.
Nihalanis statement makes it amply clear he has stopped the film on BJPs instructions What else could one expect in the Modi regime, he said.
Nihalani denied he was under pressure from the Centre to censor the film. The board was being allowed to do its job, he said.
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Actor Purab Kohli recently had his share of patriotism when he got a chance to spend time with the Sikh Regiment in Mumbai. To prepare for his role in film-maker Nikhil Advanis next, Purab met the jawans last weekend.
A source close to the actor says that it was an enriching experience for him.
Purab interacted with around 12 of them, and heard their stories. He even met some jawans who had fought the Kargil War in 1999. He also spent time observing them in their surroundings, their speech, dialect, body language and parading skills.
Read: After Hip Hip Hurray, Purab Kohli hopes his new TV show will impress you too
Talking about the experience, Purab says, Theres something about meeting defense personnel. It stirs you from inside. I met some jawans from the Sikh Regiment who are posted in Mumbai. I was intrigued when they told me that they actually prefer being at the border, guarding the nation rather than enjoying the luxuries of a peaceful posting. I was also surprised to know that some of them had seen my previous film, Airlift (laughs). They enjoyed the portrayal of patriotism in it.
Read: Purab Kohli to play a war prisoner in a TV show
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WASHINGTON: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos did not wait for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to re-pitch India. He announced a $3-billion (around Rs 20,000-crore) investment in the country before Modis presentation. The Prime Ministers pitch offering India as a new engine of global growth, backed by accomplishments of his two years in office came later, as Bezos listened intently.
Bezos announcement comes at a time when domestic e-commerce companies, including Flipkart and Snapdeal, are struggling to bring in fresh funds. In June 2014, Amazon had announced an investment of $2 billion in the country.
I can assure you its only the beginning and as we say in Amazon, its only day one, Bezos said at an event hosted by US India Business Council (USIBC) on Tuesday. The investment would aid startup sand help India become an innovation hub, he added.
Amazon plans to open a web services cloud region in India this year in Hyderabad, thereby making India the companys largest software engineering and development centre outside the US. The fresh investment will be used to build this development centre.
Bezos said the Hyderabad centre would create jobs and career development opportunities for thousands of people. We have already created some 45,000 jobs in India and continue to see huge potential in the Indian economy.
Turning to the Prime Minister behind him on stage, Bezos said: The people of India are incredibly dynamic. When I peer into the future of India, what I see is unlimited India.
USIBC chair man John Chambers said he believed the bodys member companies could invest around $45 billion over the next few years, in addition to the $41 billion announced in 2014.
Modis pitch to a hall full of big American investors or their representatives was not very different from the one he had delivered in exactly the same DC auditorium in 2014. Only this time, he had two years of accomplishment to back him up.
We have managed to overcome the odds to register an impressive economic performance, the Prime Minister said. In the last two years, we have taken a comprehensive package of reforms, which go beyond mere economic reforms first, employed right macro-economic policies to create a strong foundation. Two, implemented policies to stimulate growth and employment through investment and trade. Three, adopted policies to make sure benefits reached the poor and weaker sections. And, four, a frontal attack on corruption.
It was a good, solid speech, said Sadnanad Dhume of American Enterprise Institute. Modi is not interested in dangling the carrot of market-based reforms to attract business. He wants multinationals to invest in India, but on his terms.
Faced with devaluation by several investors, Flipkart is struggling to raise funds at its preferred valuation. Reports in the past few weeks have suggested that negotiations with investors are prolonging on account of difference in the valuation of the e-tailers business. Over the last three months, Flipkarts enterprise value has been slashed to below $10 billion from a peak of $15 billion a year ago. Snapdeal, too, has faced rejection by several investors, according to reports.
Amazon has 21 fulfilment centres (warehouses) in India, with more than 5 million cubic feet of storage space. With the latest funding, its total investment in India will be higher than the total funds raised by Flipkart ($3.2 billion) and Snapdeal ($1.6 billion).
The government on Thursday ruled out capping of airfares in the backdrop of passenger complaints against arbitrary tariff hikes. The government said that competition among the airlines would take care of the problem.
Civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said restricting the airfares would not make good business sense as it could also jeopardise the governments regional connectivity plan as such a move may discourage airlines to fly on non-profitable routes.
He, however, said a slew of passenger-centric measures including time-bound grievance redressal mechanism would be unveiled very soon, emphasising that Indias civil aviation market was the fastest growing in domestic passenger travel demand.
The minister said at least 32 airports built by Airport Authority of India at a cost of at least Rs 3,000 crore over the years were lying unconnected and putting any restriction on market-driven fares may jeopardize governments plan to start flight services to those airports.
Read: Govt looks to reduce cancellation charges for air tickets
Holding that putting a cap on airfares may have an adverse impact on growth of aviation sector, Raju said his Ministry keeps a continuous tab on price movements to ensure that the rates are under check.
His comments come at a time when the government is discussing ways to address issues related to steep fluctuations in airfares, especially during peak seasons and natural calamities. Minister of state for civil aviation Mahesh Sharma had last month announced that the capping of fares would be announced soon.
Floors and caps go together. If you just say I will only cap (air ticket prices) then you wont have any airline. Anyone doing business doesnt want to make loss, he said.
Indias domestic aviation market has clocked a growth rate of 22 per cent in the last one year, the highest for any country.
India has surpassed Japan to become the worlds third-largest oil consumer, with its oil demand galloping 8.1% in 2015, according to BP Statistical Review of World Energy.
With demand of 4.1 million barrels per day, India is the third-largest consumer behind US (19.39 million bpd) and China (11.96 million bpd).
India accounted for 4.5% of world oil consumption in 2015. Indias demand growth surpassed Chinas 6.3% expansion.
US oil consumption grew 1.6%, which accounts for 19.7% of the total world pie of 95 million bpd in 2015.
Japan slipped to the fourth spot after its oil usage contracted 3.9% to 4.15 million bpd in 2015. In 2014, it used 4.3 million bpd, ahead of Indias 3.84 million bpd.
The review shows that global demand for primary energy grew only 1% in 2015, which is significantly slower than the 10-year average.
This reflected continued weakness in the global economy and lower growth in Chinese energy consumption as the country shifts from an industrial to a service-driven economy, it said.
Oil remained the worlds leading fuel, accounting for 32.9% of global energy consumption and is gaining market share for the first time since 1999.
Coal came in as the second-largest fuel by market share (29.2%). Natural gas market share of primary energy consumption stood at 23.8%.
Global oil consumption grew 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd), or 1.9% nearly double the recent historical average (+1%) and significantly stronger than the increase of 1.1 million bpd seen in 2014, it said.
Growth was well above recent historical averages in the US (1.6%) and the EU (1.5%) while Japan recorded the largest decline in oil consumption.
Outside the OECD, net oil importing countries also recorded significant increases: China (6.3% or 7,70,000 bpd) once again accounted for the largest increment in demand while India (8.1% or 3,10,000 bpd) passed Japan as the worlds third-largest oil consumer, the review said.
But this growth was offset by weaker growth in oil producers so that oil demand in non-OECD as a whole (2.6%) was below its recent historical average. Global oil production increased even more rapidly than consumption for the second consecutive year, rising by 2.8 million bpd, or 3.2%, the strongest growth since 2004.
Production in Iraq (7,50,000 bpd) and Saudi Arabia (5,10,000) rose to record levels, driving OPEC production up by 1.6 million bpd to 38.2 million bpd, exceeding the previous record reached in 2012.
MUMBAI: Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday advised software exporters not to get perturbed too much by the visa issue for sending professionals into their largest market, the US, saying American companies cannot survive without their help.
Do not be unnecessarily perturbed by the US visa issue. I dont think American companies can survive without our companies. They cannot, Prasad told a meeting organised by the industry lobby IMC.
He said concerns surrounding the visa issues have been taken up at the highest level and exuded confidence of finding a solution to it.
The minister elaborated that the issue of massively hiking the visa fees apart from restricting the number of IT professionals entry into the US, has been raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Barack Obama and he himself has also discussed it with his US counterpart.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a state visit to the US.
Stating that countrys IT industry has clocked exports of $108 billion last fiscal, Prasad said they currently serve a majority of the Fortune 500 companies through their presence in 200 cities spanning 80 countries.
Job losses due to the shift to cheaper alternatives like India have always been a very contentious issue in the US, and the emergence of the ultra-right Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate has only heightened fears in the sector.
In Maharashtra, and arguably across the country, the state is increasingly identified with real estate. Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan tells a story of how passing any legislation to regulate land transactions is an onerous task. Once, Chavan attempted to change land rules with respect to multi-storey parking and higher floor space index (FSI) in Mumbai with the aim of ushering in greater transparency. There was total silence in the Cabinet meeting when the proposal was mooted. Some of my Cabinet colleagues looked at me as if I was committing a sin, recalls Chavan. The reaction wasnt surprising: Every floor added to a Mumbai skyscraper guarantees several hundred crore to the builder and his political benefactor.
Like Chavan, the present Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis is an honourable man. As an Opposition leader, it was Fadnavis who highlighted many land scams in the state, including the infamous Adarsh society project. In government too, Fadnavis has earned a well-deserved reputation for personal integrity. But like his predecessor, Fadnavis, too, is slowly learning that individual honesty doesnt guarantee systemic change. The resignation last week of the Maharashtra revenue minister, Eknath Khadse over land grab charges is evidence that even when governments change, certain bad habits dont.
Read | All you need to know about Khadse and why he matters in Maharashtra BJP
Read | End of old order in the Maharashtra BJP?
Declaring an all-out war on corruption, the prime minister promises, Na khaoonga na khane doonga. In an address to NRIs in Qatar, Modi says he is being targeted because he had stopped the mithai (sweets) of the corrupt. Few would doubt the prime ministers intent: On the issue of financial corruption, Modis kurta jacket is unstained so far and he deserves credit for at least putting an element of fear in the hearts and minds of those who are prone to misuse their power. But how would Modi account for the prima facie corruption case against Khadse, a senior BJP leader who only just missed out on the big prize of chief ministership?
Read | On the right track in Maharashtra
There are three takeaways from the Khadse episode. First, having an upright man at the top is no guarantee that the entire team he leads will be equally honest. A coalition government, as Manmohan Singh in Delhi and Chavan in Mumbai discovered, makes it even more difficult to act against allegations of corruption involving a cabinet colleague (which is why former Maharashtra PWD minister Chhagan Bhujbal was acted against and jailed only when the government changed). At least Modi and Fadnavis can act against a senior minister because they are secure in the knowledge that their actions will not bring down the government. But the very fact that even today the BJP is hesitant to publicly condemn Khadse for his deeds is a reflection of the limitations of political power: Given Khadses status as an assertive OBC leader, the BJP doesnt want to be seen on the wrong side of caste calculations.
Read | With Khadses exit, BJP loses an OBC face in Maharashtra
Second, corruption remains the ultimate political equaliser. The BJP can claim to be a party with a difference, in contrast to the Congress, only because the latter has spent more years in power. Absolute power corrupted the Congress and reduced a once formidable organisation to a fast disintegrating carcass. Which is why the Congress party today will itself gain limited traction by exposing the BJPs corruption. However, what is increasingly apparent, is that in states where the BJP has been in power long enough to savour the mithai, its leaders are equally prone to manipulating the system for personal benefit. Recent examples in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and even in a post-Modi Gujarat suggest that corruption isnt an exclusive Congress preserve.
Third, and crucially, land remains a primary source of capital accumulation for the political class across the country. There isnt a state in India where the ruling elite have not sought to tweak land rules for profiteering. The most favoured route has been to dereserve or denotify agricultural land and free it up for commercial use. By a single stroke of the pen, hundreds of acres of prize land is made available to builders and industrialists: The rate of return runs into several multiples. This model is most lucrative in and around the big metros of the country: Be it Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or even a Kolkata.
Read | Affordable housing just an excuse to open up land
Pune is a classic example of how an entire citys landscape has been transformed by a thriving politician-builder-bureaucrat-underworld nexus. Once a pensioners dream retirement home, it is now a concrete nightmare. A few years ago, the municipal authorities found as many as 66,000 illegal buildings in Punes Pimpri-Chinchwad suburb. When the collector attempted to demolish them, he was transferred out.
When the builders sought political protection, the government moved in to regularise the structures. RTI activists who raised their voice were silenced by gangsters, while investigative reports in the media were also quietly buried. While NCP leader Sharad Pawars nephew Ajit Pawar is seen as the citys unquestioned political supremo, the Pune municipal corporation has witnessed unholy alliances between almost every party in the state.
Read | Yesterdays illegal building is today legal, thanks to Fadnavis
Its not just Pune. Last year, I travelled to the Mumbai suburb of Vasai-Virar for a function. Thirty years ago, this was an ideal picnic spot: The lush banana plantations and green cover offered respite from the citys claustrophobic environment. In 1989-90, I was part of a team of reporters who exposed how agriculture land in the suburb was being dereserved and members of Dawood Ibrahims gang were being used to settle disputes. Our investigations almost brought down the then Pawar-led Congress government in the state. Now, nearly three decades on, the banana plantations are almost gone amidst rampant construction. What else has changed, I asked a local journalist. Well, many of the netas we exposed are now actually builders or partners in private building companies!
Post-script: One of the more serious allegations against Khadse is that phone records suggest he was in contact with Dawood. The allegations are still not substantiated but let me raise an inconvenient question: What if similar phone records showed that Dawood was in touch with Asaduddin Owaisi or an Azam Khan? How would the anti-national narrative play out then?
Read | Dawood calls: No police clean chit to Eknath Khadse?
Rajdeep Sardesai is a senior journalist and author
The views expressed are personal
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NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: A Bollywood movie on drug abuse in Punjab turned into a full-blown legal and political battle on Wednesday with the filmmakers moving court over censored parts, which Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said were done at the BJPs bidding.
Barbs engulfed the bitter censorship row over Udta Punjab after censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani suggested that filmmaker Anurag Kashyap took money from Kejriwals Aam A ad mi Party (AAP) to make them ovie, a charge the party dismissed promptly.
AAP has emerged as a strong player in Punjab that goes to the polls next year and wants to turn drug abuse into a political campaign, accusing the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP government of promoting the illicit trade.
The Delhi chief minister said Nihalanis allegation proved he had acted against Udta Punjab, a dark drama on drug menace in the state, under instructions from the BJP.
Nihalanis statement makes it amply clear he has stopped the film on BJPs instructions What else could one expect in the Modi regime, he said.
Besides the BJP, Kejriwals party targeted Nihalani as well, calling him a puppet of the Prime Minister.
He used to make third-grade films. He considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi his action hero and is close to the BJP. But for that he would not even have been in the censor board, forget being its chief, AAP leader Dileep Pandey said.
For their part, the Akalis stuck to the demand for a ban on the movie, saying the film distorted Punjabs image.
Artistes should be role models and movies should inspire people but this film is hurting sentiments of people which is unacceptable ... some political parties want to defame Punjab, said Prem Singh Chandumajra, the party parliamentarian for Anandpur Sahib.
The BJP-led Centre refused to be drawn into the controversy, saying a court order prevents it from intervening in the censor boards decision.
In 2000, the Supreme Court dismissed the Union governments appeal to retain powers to review decisions of the censor board or an appellate tribunal for film clearances.
I completely reject it that the government has any role or intervened to stop its release. AAP survives on controversies. It creates controversies for political purpose, Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.
He said the Akali Dal-BJP government in the state was doing an excellent work and Punjab has no drug problem as depicted in the movie.
Akali rival Dal Khalsa said the drug menace is a harsh reality and it has been plaguing the state since before the Akalis came to power and even when Punjab was ruled by the Congress. But the Akalis approach towards the problem is like a pigeon closing its eyes on seeing a cat, thinking she doesnt exist, said party spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh.
He said Udta Punjab should be released without cuts, which is unlikely because the censors recommended an A certificate for the film with at least 13 cuts.
Filmmaker Kashyap dragged the censor board to the Bombay high court, saying Nihalini demanded 89 cuts to the Shahid Kapoor-starrer and even asked him to drop the name of the state from the title. The petition will be taken up on Thursday while the film is slated for release on June 17.
While the 43-year-old filmmaker is seeking legal redress, the censor chief, in an exclusive interview to Hindustan Times, hit back and said the film was littered with expletives and vilified Punjab. Mr Kashyap is like a child being denied a toy, he said.
Asked about Nihalanis allegations that he took money from AAP, Kashyap said: You really want me to answer that? I dont know what to say. I have not taken money. I wish someone would give me money so that I can make more films. I have lots of ideas.
As the duo slugged it out, a more hostile slugfest was fought among the political parties. The Congress and AAP, which fancies its chances in the northern state, criticised the board. The SAD, an NDA partner in power in Punjab for nine years, says the film tarnishes the image of the state and its people.
At a Congress briefing, party spokesman Ajoy Kumar said the controversy is the BJPs and RSSs standard operating procedure.
By nature, the RSS and BJP are against freedom of expression. That is in their DNA. They continue to terrorise people who speak against them, he said. (With inputs from Amritsar, Chandigarh and agencies)
MUMBAI: The censorship row over Udta Punjab saw the film fraternity come out in support of the movie at a packed press conference on Wednesday and superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan join the chorus against the censor boards demands.
Co-producer Anurag Kashyap was joined by the films director Abhishek Chaubey and cast Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt as well as filmmakers Ekta Kapoor, Imtiaz Ali, Zoya Akhtar, Sudhir Mishra and Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt among others at the press conference called by the Indian Film and Television Directors Association.
Speaking of the boards demand for numerous cuts and changes, Chaubey said ,Two days ago, I called up my producers and told them lets take the cuts and go ahead with the film... But the next day, we decided against it. We thought, agar ab chup rahe toh kabhi koi achi films nahi banegi (if we stay silent now, we wont ever be able to make good films).
The censor board has a bullying attitude and is resorting to lies... Its unfortunate we have to justify our honesty. At every stage, we need a government-approved stamp, said Kashyap. We want the film to be released as it is and we will fight till we can.
Requesting the government to sack censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani, Mukesh Bhatt said, A person who is a roadblock and not a facilitator should be removed His moves are malicious and vicious. He lies, delays the process and bullies the person. A producer is held ransom by the board. The film is exposed to a loss of 60 crore. Who is going to pay for that?
We havent seen the film, so the content can be judged only after it is released. But as filmmakers, we are not bound to tolerate this, said Imtiaz Ali.
Accusing the board of delaying tactics, the makers of Udta Punjab said they had to move the high court to get a copy of the boards demands. Nihalani, however, claimed the list was ready on Monday itself but no one had come to collect it.
Calling for a system where there is certification rather than censor, Bachchan said on the sidelines of his film promotion, When you kill our creativity, you kill our soul I am not aware of the Udta Punjab issue. But it is unfortunate there is going to be a delay that they have to fight their way to the high court.
Khan said the films social message Punjabs drug problem should not be kept from the audience. As per my knowledge, it (the film) is based on drug addiction and delivers a social message. I dont think there is anything that should be cut.
Seeking freedom of speech for every Indian, he said, The voice of the filmmaker shouldnt be throttled.
NEW DELHI: Increasing incidents of misbehaviour by drivers of cabs operating with taxi aggregators has forced the transport department to rethink the rules for issuing the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge.
PSV badge is mandatory for those driving a commercial vehicle. To obtain a badge, the driver needs to undergo a two-day training in courteous behaviour.
The need for a rethink arose because as per the PSV rule the driver has to be a resident of Delhi. But since the demand for drivers has gone up multiple times after the entry of taxi aggregators in the public transport domain, the transport department is thinking of allowing people from other states to drive commercial vehicle. But this will be done after studying the system for issuing licences and other approvals in other states.
Most of the incidents of misbehaviour involved drivers who did not have a PSV badge. Before they get a PSV badge, the drivers had to go through rigorous tests and training. Also, their antecedents are verified properly and that is why chances of them indulging in crimes are lesser, said a transport department official.
But now since the demand for cab drivers has gone up, we may allow people from NCR to obtain a PSV badge in Delhi, if they have a similar badge from their state, the official said.
Sources said most of the drivers operating with taxi aggregators do not have a PSV badge. Taxi companies have requested the transport department to accept badges of other states and allow drivers from UP and Haryana to ply.
When someone has the PSV badge, it means his primary occupation is driving and he is serious about the job. However, it is difficult to get a driver with PSV badge because of the current rule. We hire drivers only with PSV badge but would want the government to expand the limit. PSV badge is important for security and just like the domestic help or tenant verification, verification for badge can be done by police, said Rahul Kapani, director of Meru group of companies.
Sources said that in a recent meeting with the transport department, representatives of other companies had requested the transport department to resolve this problem. Kapani said that if not to far-off states, the limit of PSV badge should at least be extended to NCR towns so that drivers from Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida are allowed to operate cabs in Delhi.
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NEW DELHI: The superintendent of a Delhi-government-run-childrens home in Lajpat Nagar was arrested after six minor girls at the hostel accused him of sexually assaulting them and filming the act last week.
Police said six more girls at the hostel which houses children rescued from trafficking and child labour rackets have levelled similar charges and their statements would be recorded soon.
Police said 45-year-old RS Meena was sacked with immediate effect and booked under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and for rape under lawful custody. A woman welfare officer who was in charge of the children at the time was also dismissed.
The incident reportedly took place on June 2 when the caretaker of the home stepped out for some official work and left the children all under 10 years oldin the care of Meena and the welfare officer.
According to the FIR, Me en at old the officer to take charge of the boys who are housed separatelyand said he would monitor the girls. He reportedly took the girls to a separate room. He then took them one by one to another room, locked it from the inside and assaulted them. When the girls cried in pain and tried to get away, he told them he was conducting a check-up and allegedly gagged them. The girls said he also filmed the act. Shortly after, he left for the day.
The crime came to light when the caretaker returned two hours later and the girls detailed the incident to her. She reported the matter to the governments social welfare department which in turn informed the Child Welfare Committee. The CWC approached the police and an FIR was registered leading to Meenas arrest on Tuesday night.
The facts of the complaint were verified and the superintendent was arrested. Three girls recorded their statements before the magistrate on Wednesday and three others will do so on Thursday. A medical examination was also conducted and the girls will undergo counselling sessions, a senior police officer said. Six other girls will record their statements soon, police said.
In a statement, the Delhi government said, Women and Child Welfare Minister Sandeep Kumar on Friday ordered the termination of two officials with immediate effect, who were working at the Lajpat Nagar Village Cottage Home for children, and also ordered registration of an FIR against the Superintendent of the Home. The stern action followed the ministers inspection of the Home, since he had received information that some girl children had complained about the Home Superintendent having misbehaved with them.
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Delhi Police on Thursday sought the maximum sentence for the five people convicted for the gang-rape of a 52-year-old Danish woman near the New Delhi railway station in 2014.
The way the crime has been committed, it demands maximum punishment of imprisonment for remainder of life prescribed under the new law for the offence of gang-rape, special public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava told a city court.
The crime was committed with a foreigner and a message should be sent to the society that rule of law prevails in India and wrong-doers would be dealt with an iron hand, Shrivastava said.
He said that the offence had caused a dent to the reputation of the country.
Counsel Dinesh Sharma, who represented the convicts, sought leniency on the grounds that they were in their 20s and belonged to poor background.
Additional sessions judge, Ramesh Kumar II, after hearing the arguments on the quantum of sentence, reserved the order for Friday.
The judge had convicted Mahendra alias Ganja (27), Mohd Raja (23), Raju (24), Arjun (22) and Raju Chakka (23) under sections 376 (D) (gang-rape), 395 (dacoity), 366 (abducting woman), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.
Under the new law that came into force in 2013, the offence of gang-rape entails a minimum jail term of 20 years and a maximum of imprisonment till remainder of the natural life of convicts.
The law was amended to ensure more stringent punishment for those convicted of sexual offences.
Nine men, including three juveniles, were accused of abducting, raping and robbing the Danish woman at knifepoint in the night of January 14, 2014, after she asked for directions to her hotel in Paharganj. She was taken to a secluded placed, beaten up and raped.
One of the accused Shyam Lal (56) died in February in Tihar Jail and the three minors are facing proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board.
The Delhi Assembly on Thursday set up a special panel to investigate the alleged irregularities by lieutenant governor Najeeb Jungs office while restoring the licence of a ration shop. The shops licence was revoked by the Delhi governments food and supplies department.
The House adopted a motion moved by AAP legislator Saurabh Bharadwaj to form a nine-member panel after Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha raised the issue and pleaded with the assembly to take a serious view of the matter. He said it was a fit case to be considered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Jha said the ration shop owner claimed she had paid R12.5 lakh to get the licence restored. The L-G misused his office and circumvented rules to set aside the decision of the state government, he said.
Allegations against L-G are v serious. Enquiry committee set up by Delhi Assembly will find the truth. I urge all to cooperate in enquiry (sic), chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.
The matter relates to an order passed by the L-G on April 13, in which Jung as an appellate authority revoked the food and supplies departments order cancelling the licence of the fair price shop in Burari.
The L-G office clarified that the order was passed as it was a case of appeal under clause 6 (8) of the Delhi Specified Articles (Regulation of Distribution) Order 1981.
Jung dismissed the allegations by quoting a couplet by Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar: Umr-e-daraaz maang kar laaye they chaar din/ do arzoo mein kat gaye aur do ikhtalaf mein.
On an appeal filed by the aggrieved widow shopowner, (the) Lt. governor as an appellate authority, after hearing all sides, including the department of food supplies & consumer affairs, has passed a considered and detailed order, based on facts placed before him in his court, setting aside the cancellation of the licence of the fair price shop and restoring the licence to the widow, a statement from the L-G office said.
Read: AAP and BJP in a sessions war over municipal corporations
The Burari legislator, however, said the L-G had circumvented rules besides failing to follow the principle of natural justice as he passed the order without giving a chance to the stakeholders an opportunity to defend themselves.
The AAP legislator said criminal proceedings should be initiated against the L-G under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Case must be initiated under section 420, 409 and 120 (B) of the Indian Penal Code, he said.
The terms of reference set for the special inquiry committee includes looking into the procedure adopted by the authorities concerned in cancelling the licence of the ration shop. It will look into the veracity of the restoration of the cancelled licence as ordered by Delhi L-G and examine whether there was a mala fide intent.
The committee included BJP legislator Jagdish Pradhan but he was later replaced by AAP MLA Bhavna Gaur after the two BJP legislators, Pradhan and Vijender Gupta, opposed the formation of the committee.
The committee is politically motivated. We oppose the move, Gupta, the leader of the opposition, said. Earlier, a motion on alleged corruption in notifying aap-based bus aggregator policy by Gupta was turned down by the Speaker.
After cases of intrusion and repeated security threats, the Delhi airport operator is constructing a second wall of defence along the existing boundary wall of Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
According to sources, Delhi Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been concerned about a possible threat to the airport, especially from National Highway-8 on which side the planes descend.
Sources in Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said that at least 70% of the work on the second wall is over. Once it is complete, the runway and even the temple inside the airport boundary will not be visible from the road.
Close to the airport, the plane is at a low height and can be targeted from the road. Also, the runway is easily visible. We had asked the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) to construct another boundary wall along the existing wall that is 40 kilometres long, said a Delhi Police official. The new wall is higher than the existing wall and no one will be able to see the runway from outside after the construction is complete, he added. A barbwire will also be installed on it once the entire work is completed.
There will be a distance of 10 meter between the two walls to be used as a patrolling track by the police. This will also help strengthen the Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) as the security agencies were not happy with the current arrangement. PIDS was supposed to be installed before the Commonwealth Games in 2010 but got delayed for several reasons.
The four-layered PIDS with physical and covert detection systems including taut wire, buried cable, CCTV cameras and radars was finally installed in 2013 around the existing perimeter wall of the airport. However, it has not been used till now.
We havent taken over the PIDS yet as it still gives a false alarm sometimes. There is a need to protect the boundary wall and develop a system, which is foolproof, said a CISF official.
The airport operator had claimed that the system would be effective in any kind of weather and help in enhancing the efficiency of the security personnel in responding to security breaches. The outer periphery of the airport (almost 35 km) is also manned by watchtowers and patrolling teams of CISF.
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A Delhi court reserved its order on the quantum of sentence to be awarded to the five men held guilty of abducting, raping and robbing a 52-year-old Danish tourist in the capital in January 2014 for Friday.
Additional sessions judge Ramesh Kumar II -- who convicted accused Mahendra alias Ganja (27), Mohd Raja (23), Raju (24), Arjun (22) and Raju Chakka (23) -- will pronounce its verdict on quantum of sentence on June 10.
The prosecution sought maximum punishment for all the convicts saying that the crime was not only brutal to the victim but has also dented the image and reputation of the country.
Severe punishment will send a strong message in society, the prosecution said.
The accused have been convicted under sections 376 (D) (gangrape), 395 (dacoity), 366 (abducting woman), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.
The five convicts had gangraped the Danish woman at knife point near the New Delhi railway station.
Under the new law that came into force in 2013, the offence of gangrape entails a minimum jail term of 20 years and a maximum of imprisonment till remainder of natural life of the convicts.
The defence has said it would challenge the trial courts verdict before the Delhi high court.
Nine men, including three juveniles, were accused of abducting, raping and robbing the 52-year-old Danish woman at knife-point near New Delhi railway station in the night of January 14 two years ago after she asked for directions to her hotel in Paharganj area of the city. She was taken to a secluded placed, beaten up and raped.
One of the accused - Shyam Lal (56) - died in February in Tihar Jail while the three minors are facing proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board.
Sexual violence against women has been a problem in India, particularly in Delhi. Parliament amended the law to toughen jail sentences for rapists and overhauled policing procedures in the wake of the December 16 gangrape of a para-medical student on a moving bus in 2012. She later died in a hospital in Singapore, triggering large scale protests.
The prosecution had examined 27 witnesses to prove their case against the accused did not lead any evidence. But they denied the charges contending a day prior to the incident they had hired a prostitute and had physical relations with her.
NEW DELHI: The police on Wednesday released 65 protesters who were detained after a clash broke out outside Manipur Bhawan on Sardar Patel Marg in Chanakyapuri on Tuesday night.
Protests outside Manipur Bhawan turned violent with around 34 people, including 15 police personnel, injured.
Around 500 protesters were outside the Bhawan demanding a meeting with chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh. T Romeo, convener of the Manipur Tribal Forum the group under which different student tribal associations were protesting said the violence was started by Manipur Rifles personnel posted inside the Bhawan.
The groups were protesting against the exclusion of the Naga Peoples Front from the all-party delegation led by Ibobi who met Union home minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the Inner Line Permit System-related bill in the state. The tribal groups are against the inner line permit system.
A delegation was to meet the chief minister. We were all waiting at the gate and around four members from each tribal student group were to meet him. Around 10pm, we were told by the Manipur rifles that the CM was not inside. We wanted to verify their claims and asked them to open the gates, said Romeo.
Romeo said that the protesters started banging the gates of the Manipur Bhawan.
Bruce, a protester, said, It started when a Manipur Rifles jawan pelted a brick at the protesters. The protesters got furious and threw the brick at them. There was stone pelting from both sides. The police reached the spot and ordered lathi-charge, said Bruce.
Police said they had registered a case of rioting but had not arrested anyone in the case.
A senior police officer said three vehicles, including a PCR van, was damaged and that a 15 police personnel was injured in the stone pelting.
Delhi University is transgender friendly but only on the application form.
For the second year, the premier university is accepting applications under the other gender category but apart from a section on the form, there are no facilities that can encourage transgender applicants to join.
The single policy decision related to transgender applicants was taken last year. It said they will be barred from taking admission in womens colleges.
Read more: Transgender aspirants may not be admitted to womens colleges
This rule remains unchanged. Any other policy decision, such as reservation, percentage benefit or infrastructure upgrades were not discussed specifically. If need be then the university will provide infrastructure and other requirement, said Manoj Sinha, member of the admission committee and Aryabhatta College principal.
Last year, 66 aspirants had applied under the category but nor a single one joined either because they did not meet the cutoff or because they did not find the facilities and attitudes welcoming. This year, there are six applicants from the category so far.
The other category was introduced in the undergraduate form in 2015 and in the postgraduate form in 2014.
A study conducted by the universitys department of adult, continuing education and extension confirms that no student in this category was admitted to DU in 2015-2016.
The study said it could be because of the lack of supporting infrastructure, grievance committees, formal orientation programme, and sensitisation programme for students and faculties.
There should be clear directives from the higher authorities such as UGC or the vice-chancellor for more trans-inclusive policies and resources. There is a need to revise the anti-discrimination policy in the light of transgender students, said Rajesh, who conducted the study and does a community outreach programme with such people.
DU does not want to acknowledge the presence of transgender students. Since it is an open campus there is a need for elaborate sensitizing and creating awareness. Forget about infrastructure, the university first needs to put grievance redressal mechanism in place, said Rafiul a member of DU Queer Collective an informal group that works on gender.
Read more: DU students helping transgenders earn livelihood and respect
Unlike DU, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) gives deprivation points to transgender students during admissions.
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NEW DELHI: Three sophisticated firearms, including a Brazilian-made Taurus pistol equipped with laser lights and another pistol used exclusively by the US army, have been recovered from two alleged interstate gangsters involved in a series of murders and extortions in Haryana and Delhi, police said on Wednesday.
The gangsters were arrested on Saturday by a crime branch team from Khera Khurd village in outer Delhi. The criminals allegedly fired at the cops but they managed to dodge the bullets and over power the attackers.
Gyanender alias Gadgu and Rajeev Dahiya alias Raju are members of the Kartar Mandot hi gang which is fighting a bloody battle with the Sunda Pehalwan/Himmat gang for over 30 years.
More than 50 members of these gangs have been killed during this period.
The last time the gangs were in the news when Gadgu killed four people in 2011. A cash reward of Rs 1 lakh was announced on Gadgus arrest by the Haryana Police. Raju, an alleged proclaimed offender, is also a parole jumper. He was last arrested in connection with murder cases in Delhi.
Gadgu and Dahiya were arrested on June 4 following information that they were trying to take shelter in Delhi, Ravindra Yadav, joint commissioner of police (crime branch) said. Head constable Satish received information that the two will pass through Bawana canal in Khera Khurd village in a white Verna. A trap was laid, said Yadav.
The police team spotted the Verna car and blocked the way. The driver tried to reverse the vehicle but was blocked by another team.
The two occupants got down from the car with weapons in their hands.
Gadgu fired at head constable Satish who narrowly escaped and overpowered him. Raju fired a bullet at constable Sonu but was overpowered as well, said the joint CP.
A Taurus pistol fitted with laser lights, one pistol used by the US army, and a carbine along with 66 cartridges were recovered. The cartridges include foreign-made hollow point bullets, Yadav said.
The Taurus pistol costs anywhere between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 40 lakh and is not sold in India.
The police are trying to find the source of the weapons. The two are misleading us. We are questioning some more people, said Yadav.
Police suspect the guns and cartridges could have been smuggled from Pakistan by militants.
NEW DELHI: Women applicants wanting to take admission in Delhi University can also apply to DUs Non-Collegiate Womens Education Board (NCWEB) which offers two undergraduate courses BA Programme and BCom.
NCWEB, which started its admission process for undergraduate courses on June 1, has gone fully online. From filling the online admission form to paying the admission fee, the board will process everything online.
The last date to fill the application form is June 19.
NCWEB, which admits only female students from Delhi, has a total of 6,084 seats.
The first cutoff list will be released on July 12 and admissions will continue for the next three days after which a second cutoff will be released on July 15. A total of five cutoff lists will be released.
There are 13 DU colleges that function as teaching centres for NCWEB, including Hansraj College and Jesus and Mary College. The classes are conducted only on Sundays.
NCWEB, which only offers two undergraduate courses, is preferred by students who want to pursue professional courses such as diploma while pursuing an undergraduate degree to become more employable by the end of three years, said Anju Gupta, officiating director NCWEB.
The Non-Collegiate students are, however, not allowed to pursue any other full-time degree course. Students have to submit their original certificates at the time of admission and the annual fee is approximately Rs 3,500 per year. However, no fee is charged from disabled students.
Women students get enough time to pursue professional courses and even do regular jobs as they are free for six days a week. Our classes only happen on Sundays so these students can do career enhancement courses during weekdays, Gupta said.
Gupta said NCWEB is fast becoming the first choice of women students with high grades, who want to pursue a profession or any professional course. Last year also we had many students who had scored above 90 % joining NCWEB, she said.
Gupta said that NCWEB is also providing its students with the option of taking up skill development courses in association with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
NSDC is holding skill development classes for students in various courses, said Gupta.
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NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: The Delhi Police team brought alleged kidney racket kingpin, T Rajkumar Rao, from Rajarhat in West Bengal to Delhi on Wednesday night.
Rao was produced before the Barasat court which gave the police a three-day transit remand.
Rao (39) was arrested from his Rajarhat residence in a joint operation of the Bidhannagar and Delhi Police. Rao was under the scanner of Delhi Police team which was camping in Kolkata for the last two-three days.
Interrogation of Rao revealed he had been running the racket with Aseem Sikdar in Delhi, Kolkata, Coimbatore and Jalandhar since 2010. He shifted base to Kolkata after the racket in Coimbatore was busted in 2013.
Experience of working as a medical representative in these cities helped Rao develop contacts with employees at hospitals and pathological labs who further supplied him information about patients who needed kidneys.
Rao had roped in touts from across the country whose job was to find potential kidney donors and convince them to donate their kidney for money. Sikdar was Raos representative in Delhi and Jalandhar. The two used to contact each other through chats on Skype and Facebook to avoid police attention, said a police officer adding Sikdar had met Rao as a kidney donor and later became a member of his gang.
Meanwhile, Dipak Kar, another accomplice of Rao, surrendered before the Bidhannagar police on Wednesday afternoon.
Teams of southeast Delhi Police arrested one more donor from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the kidney racket that was busted last week at Apollo Hospital.
The donor, identified as Bhanu Pratap, donated his kidney to a woman from Nagpur on the instructions of Satya Prakash alias Ashu, one of the five arrested members of the racket. While the gang had taken ` 20 lakh from the womans family the kidney transplant, Pratap was paid only ` 4 lakh.
Pratap is the 10th person arrested so far in the racket. Three donors, a married couple and a woman from Siliguri, wife of another arrested racketeer, Devashish Mauli, were arrested on Tuesday morning.
Both Pratap and Bhanu are expected to reach Delhi by Wednesday.
Police are now looking for Raos close aides Shama and Dipankar.
The son of an exporter was shot dead outside his home in the upscale Sector 16A in Faridabad on Wednesday night, police said.
Ankit Amar, 33, had just reached home and was about to get off his car when the assailants shot him, the police said. Ankit is the son of leading henna exporter Prem Amar.
A wounded Ankit managed to reach his house and knock at the door. As his family rushed outside hearing the sound of bullets he collapsed. The family rushed Ankit to a nearby private hospital where he was declared brought dead.
The CCTV footage of the area shows three people shooting Ankit. The footage also shows Ankit reach his house and then falling to the ground.
Senior police officers, including deputy commissioner of police (NIT) PC Panwar, visited the crime scene and the hospital. Ankits body was handed over to his family on Thursday after post-mortem. The funeral was performed on Thursday.
The police have detained three people for questioning after the victims father told the police that some relatives with whom they had a property dispute could be behind the murder.
Two of them were identified as Vijay Gupta, a businessman from Noida, Vinod Gupta, a businessman from Faridabad, and an unidentified person from Faridabad Sector 14.
We have picked up all the three persons named in the FIR and we are interrogating them, said Hanif Qureshi, Faridabad police commissioner. Prima facie the murder seems to be a fall out of some property dispute but we are investigating all possibilities. We are collecting CCTV footage also, the commissioner said.
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NEW DELHI: No seats will be added in Delhi University this year as the humanities and science courses that were to start in some colleges have been put on hold after the University Grants Commission (UGC) asked them to start them on a self-financing mode.
Even the Delhi government colleges have been asked to put the process on hold.
The courses are new in some colleges and may already be offered in other colleges. There are at present 54,000 seats in 63 DU colleges and the new step would have added more than 2,000 seats.
These courses were approved by the admission committee last year but they could not be introduced as the admission process had already started.
The university could not allow self-financing courses to be started in DU colleges. So the introduction of the courses was put on hold, said a senior university official. For taking admission in a self-financing course, the students would have to pay a lot more than the normal fee paid for similar undergraduate level courses in DU.
The courses that were approved were Political Science in St Stephens College, BSc (Hons) in Physics at Daulat Ram College, BA (Hons) Sociology and Geography at Indraprastha College for Women.
Kalindi College was to start honours courses in Botany, Zoology, Chemistry and Geography. Similar such approvals were given to nearly 20 other colleges.
We are hoping these issues would be resolved and we would be able to start it from this year. We have already written to Delhi government with certain queries, said GK Arora, principal, Bhim Rao Ambedkar College.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain the bail plea of sacked Uttarakhand minorities panel chief Sukhdev Singh Namdhari, accused in a 2012 shootout here that killed liquor baron Ponty Chadha and his brother Hardeep, saying the charges against him were grave.
A vacation bench comprising Justices PC Ghose and Amitava Roy said, We are not interested in entertaining the petition. The charges against you are grave.
The bench took strong note of the fact that Namdhari earlier secured interim bail on health grounds from the trial court during the pendency of his regular bail plea in the Delhi High Court.
It is strange. The trial court grants you interim bail when the bail petition is pending in the high court, it said.
Namdhari, in his plea before the apex court, said he was not keeping well and hence he should be enlarged on bail during the pendency of trial.
In April this year, the trial court had cancelled the interim bail of Namdhari and sent him to jail. The trial court had said the main complainant, Nandlal Mahto, had turned hostile in the matter and it could not be ruled out that Namdhari had threatened him. Namdhari, the alleged main conspirator in the case, was granted interim bail on November 27 last year on medical grounds, which was extended from time to time.
NEW DELHI: Businessmen from over two dozen industrial clusters in the city on Wednesday urged the Delhi government to restrain the MCDs from collecting conversion charges in the industrial areas and sealing properties for non-payment.
Citing provisions under the Delhi Industrial Development, Operation and Maintenance Act, 2010 (DIDOM Act) that came into force from March 28, 2011, the traders told industries minister Satyendar Jain that the government must ensure that all industrial clusters come completely under the DSIIDC.
The demand by traders comes at a time when the AAP government and the BJP-ruled MCDs have been locking horns over financing and functioning of the civic bodies.
As per the mandate, property owners in an industrial cluster willing to change the land use of property from industrial to commercial need to pay conversion charge to the DSIIDC. The traders informed the minister that a factory owners forum has also moved court over the issue and the Delhi high court has issued notice to the municipal corporations.
The factory owners requested the minister to ensure that both the government and the traders be on the same page before the court. The DIDOM Act clearly mandates that all powers on industrial units rests with the DSSIDC. But the MCDs have continued to interfere by collecting conversion charges and sealing properties, said Brajesh Goyal, convenor of AAP traders wing.
The minister assured the traders of co-operation, Goyal said. The next hearing in the high court is scheduled for July 13.
Two persons were killed and another was injured after a wall collapsed on them in outer Delhis Aman Vihar late on Wednesday night.
Amula (55) died on the spot and her son Rajesh (23) succumbed to injuries during treatment.
Another person, Kalicharan, sustained injuries and has been admitted in hospital.
According to the police, Amula and Rajesh were sleeping on the terrace at night when the wall of the adjacent house collapsed on them.
The locals, who woke up on hearing the thud, informed the police and the fire department. It took around 30 minutes for the rescue team to pull out the duo trapped under the debris.
The police have registered a case of negligence against the owner of the house and investigation has begun.
The DM and SDM of Rohini went to the spot and announced a compensation for the family of the deceased.
WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday pushed for deeper ties with the US, describing it as an indispensable partner as he called for isolating countries that harbour and sponsor terror groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Islamic State.
During his address to a joint sitting of the US Congress, Modi made no mention of Pakistan but it was clear who he was referring to. While specifically naming Pakistan-based LeT, Modi said the policy to counter terror must delink religion from the menace and make no distinction between good and bad terrorists.
Modi addressed members of the House of Representatives and the Senate a day after his meeting with President Barack Obama, who backed Indias candidature for the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group. The two sides also agreed on the building of six nuclear reactors in India and measures to ratify the Paris climate accord.
In every sector of Indias forward march, I see the US as an indispensable partner, said Modi, whose remarks were repeatedly applauded by the lawmakers.
Many of you also believe that a stronger and prosperous India is in Americas strategic interest. Let us work together to convert shared ideals into practical cooperation.
The Prime Minister described terrorism as the biggest threat not just in Afghanistan, but elsewhere in South Asia, and globally.
In the territory stretching from west of Indias border to Africa, it may go by different names, from Laskhar-e-Taiba, to Taliban to ISIS. But its philosophy is common: of hate, murder and violence, said Modi, who was clad in a white kurta-pyjama and grey waistcoat with a handkerchief in the colours of the national flag tucked in his pocket.
Though the shadow of terrorism is spreading across the world, it is incubated in Indias neighbourhood, he said.
Without naming Pakistan, he commended members of the US Congress for sending a clear message to those who preach and practice terrorism for political gains.
Refusing to reward them is the first step towards holding them accountable for their actions, he added.
His remarks were an apparent reference to the blocking of a US subsidy for the sale of eight F- 16s to Pakistan by American lawmakers. Several leading lawmakers have recently questioned Pakistans role in the war on terror and accused it of duplicity.
Modi said the fight against terrorism must be based on a policy that isolates those who harbour, support and sponsor ter rorists; that does not distinguish between good and bad terrorists; and that delinks religion from terrorism.
Also, for us to succeed, those who believe in humanity must come together to fight for it as one, and speak against this menace in one voice. Terrorism must be delegitimised, he said.
Terrorism, he said, has to be fought at many levels and the traditional tools of military, intelligence or diplomacy will not be able to win this fight, he said while calling for deeper security cooperation with the US.
Both nations stand to gain in great measure while advancing their relationship, Modi said.
As the US businesses search for new areas of economic growth, markets for their goods, a pool of skilled resources, and global locations to produce and manufacture, India could be their ideal partner, he said.
Indias strong economy and growth rate of 7.6 % per annum is creating new opportunities for mutual prosperity, while transformative American technologies in India and growing investment by Indian companies in the US have a positive impact on the lives of the people, he added.
Today, for their global research and development centres, India is the destination of choice for the US companies. Looking eastward from India, across the Pacific, the innovation strength of our two countries comes together in California, Modi said.
Statecraft goes easier with the United States behind you. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the US Congress on Wednesday about the US being an indispensable partner he was speaking to something he has come to realise: The US is the worlds technology leader, and has the greatest influence in the globe. Even with the US relative economic decline and the prevarication that have marked the Barack Obama administrations foreign policy, any world leader with as ambitious a domestic and regional agenda as Mr Modi will find Washington almost essential to accomplish these goals.
Read | In rousing speech to US Congress, PM Modi signals new moment in ties
Post the Cold War India-US ties have been on an upward trajectory marked by sharp drops and unexpected rises. The exemption from global nuclear sanctions rammed through by the George W Bush administration marked a high. The second Manmohan Singh government was its antithesis, where Mr Obama lost interest in a prime minister unable to fulfil anything that he promised to do. Mr Modi and Mr Obama have probably found the right balance: A relationship with a strong economic and civil society foundation one with a strategic convergence in some areas. But nothing strong enough to make India and the US to consider themselves in an alliance and nothing negative enough to see the two become antagonistic in any fundamental way.
Read | US indispensable partner; terror is incubated in Indias neighbourhood: Modi
Mr Modis speech and his visit underlined where the two countries overlap the most concerns about China and terrorism and disagree the most Afghanistan and Pakistan. The most remarkable development of the past two years is the evolution of a strong relationship over climate change, something close to the hearts of both Mr Modi and Mr Obama. If India achieves its aggressive renewable energy goals, it will be in large part to successfully harnessing the US financial prowess and technology.
Read | India has not claimed intellectual property rights on yoga: Modi to US Congress
Yet there are clouds on the horizon. The most worrisome being the rise of non-mainstream presidential contenders like Donald Trump. This indicates that the post-War foreign policy consensus that made the US such a dependable country to work with is unravelling bringing with it many uncertainties. Mr Modi has rightly sought to concretise or resolve as many outstanding issues between the two countries, even if it means working with a lame duck administration and impressing US legislators. What has been accomplished is to ensure that a fundamental US policy regarding this country is to promote and support the rise of India on the world stage, in rain and shine, for better or worse, and irrespective of who rules in Washington.
With the admission season on in DU, any kind of information that clears confusion regarding the process, cut-offs or important dates is no less than treasure. Of course, theres assistance from seniors, parents and volunteers in the varsity, but the more, the merrier.
A saviour of sorts for anxious DU aspirants is Delhi University Community Radio (DUCR), 90.4 MHz, which was started in 2007.
Read: As admissions loom, DU teachers up ante on evaluation freeze
The radio station is airing two admission special shows, prepared by DU administration and student volunteers. Aired for half an hour daily, DU Ki Hulchul starts at 10.30am while Admission Express starts at 2pm.
RK Singh, consultant at DUCR, says, Since admissions are on, we decided that it would be best to have shows that would address various admission concerns of the students. The admission specials started on June 1 and will go on till the admissions are on.
The shows are prepared by student volunteers. (Amal KS/HT)
In DU Ki Hulchul, volunteers provide information on admission process formalities, cut-offs, information on open days, and admission process dates. Anil Kumar, a senior volunteer, says, As the name suggests, the show is all about the current hulchul in the campus which is the online admission process. We also talk to students who have come to the campus about the problems theyre facing.
The second show, Admission Express airs recordings of Open Day sessions and provides information on two colleges of the varsity everyday. Kumar adds, During this show, we broadcast the Dean of Students Welfare Associations session at the Open Days. These recordings are thirteen minutes long and are very helpful for those who cannot attend the Open Day sessions. As for colleges, we provide information regarding location of the college, its history, alumni, courses, facilities and how to get there.
Read: DU admissions: 1% cap in cutoff relief to girls faces criticism
On June 19, when the Open Day sessions come to an end, DUCR will start giving information on two courses every day, outlining the subjects one will have to study under the course, the colleges it is available in and so forth.
The volunteers at the radio station also address queries sent in by their student listeners. Pooja Singh, a senior volunteer, says, One can send admission-related questions by emailing them to us, on Whatsapp or by calling us on our landline number (all details available on their website: www.ducr.du.ac.in), says Pooja Singh, a senior volunteer. She adds that owing to the large number of queries sent in by students, DUCR is considering making their shows longer.
Read: Online admissions! Sale ki vaat lag rahi hai: DU vendors
Tidbits from the rich history of Delhi University
1) Not many know that DUs Foundation Day is May 1 and a flag hoisting ceremony takes place to mark the day every year.
2) The college building of Indraprastha College for Women, also the oldest womens college in DU, was given the heritage status in the year 2002.
3) The Viceregal Lodge, which is the office of the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, has a rich history to it. Slain freedom fighter Bhagat Singh was confined in a hidden chamber in the buildings basement. In this building, an heiress, Edwina Ashley, a guest at the Viceregal Lodge, was proposed for marriage by Lieutenant Louis Mountbatten. The room in which this proposal was made is now the office of the registrar of the University of Delhi, and also carries a plaque commemorating the event.
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Contradicting the popular belief, researchers have now linked anorexia nervosa an emotional disorder fuelling an obsessive desire to lose weight with the pleasure derived from weight loss rather than the fear of gaining weight.
A study from Frances Inserm, Paris Descartes University and Sainte Anne Hospital suggests that patients felt pleasure at becoming thin rather than fear of becoming fat, an idea that contrasts with current hypotheses.
Read: Anorexia could be triggered by stress, dieting, genetic risk
In fact, the three international criteria for diagnosing the eating disorder, often associated with psychological distress, are restricted food intake leading to weight loss, distorted perception of weight and body, and fear of being fat.
To avoid being influenced by the subjective discourse of patients suffering from disease, the researchers used a skin conductance test to measure the rate of perspiration on their skin when exposed to various images. The emotion caused by seeing certain images leads to a rapid and automatic increase in perspiration, which can be measured objectively.
The three international criteria for diagnosing anorexia, often associated with psychological distress, are restricted food intake leading to weight loss, distorted perception of weight and body, and fear of being fat. (Shutterstock)
The researchers showed pictures of people with different body weights (thin, healthy, overweight) to 70 female patients consulting doctors at the Clinic for Mental and Brain Diseases (CMME) at Sainte Anne Hospital in Paris.
The results were clear. Seeing pictures of thin bodies provoked a positive emotional reaction in patients suffering from anorexia nervosa, while no particular reaction was noted in healthy subjects. The scientists explain the increase in perspiration when viewing images of thin bodies by the presence of a specific form (allele) of a gene linked with the anorexia nervosa. The disease is, in fact, partly genetic.
Read: Are Facebook, Instagram and YouTube causing eating disorders?
Showing the 70 patients images of people of healthy weights or overweight people provoked more or less the same reaction among anorexia sufferers and healthy subjects.
The discovery unveils a different approach for future work in the field of anorexia nervosa, with research oriented on reward systems rather than phobic avoidance.
The researchers also suggest that therapeutic approaches such as cognitive remediation and mindfulness therapy could have a beneficial effect on the disease.
Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.
Actress Renee Zellweger, who is making a return to the big screen in Bridget Joness Baby, has slammed critics for scrutinising her weight gain for the film.
Zellweger, who is making a comeback after a six-year hiatus from Hollywood, had to gain weight for reprising her role as Bridget Jones in the third instalment of the Bridget Jones film franchise. However, she did not think that gaining weight for her role was a big deal, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Read: Heres Renee Zellweger in first look of Bridget Joness Baby
I put on a few pounds. I also put on some breasts and a baby bump. Bridget is a perfectly normal weight and Ive never understood why it matters so much, Zellweger told Vogue Britain. No male actor would get such scrutiny if he did the same thing for a role.
Zellwegers appearance made headlines in 2014 after social media commenters said she was unrecognisable. She attributed the change in her looks to a more fulfilling life.
The actress also explained the reason for her absence from the big screen. As a creative person, saying no to that wonderful once-in-a-lifetime project is hard. But I was fatigued and wasnt taking the time I needed to recover between projects, and it caught up with me. I got sick of the sound of my own voice. It was time to go away and grow up a bit, Zellweger said.
The 47-year-old tells British Vogue she found anonymity during her time off so she could not be defined by her image and have exchanges with people on a human level.
A film on Persian poet Jalaluddin al-Rumi is in the works after the Oscar-winning writer of Gladiator, Dave Franzoni, was reportedly signed on to pen the script.
Franzoni and producer Stephen Joel Brown told the Guardian that although its too early to begin casting, they hoped Leonardo DiCaprio would play Rumi in the upcoming biopic on the 13th century Muslim poet.
David Franzoni said he hoped to challenge the stereotypical portrayal of Muslim characters in western cinema by giving a face and a story to the Sufi scholar whose epic poetry has been translated into many languages and remains hugely popular in the United States.
The rumours that DiCaprio is a frontrunner to play Rumi havent gone unnoticed on social media, where many have been quick to call out the blatant whitewashing at play, and a hashtag, #RumiWasntWhite has emerged.
Read: The curse of Leonardo DiCaprio? 5 times he shouldve won an Oscar
Many are questioning why a Hollywood biopic about one of the most-lauded Muslim poets in history should cast a white actor to play Rumi. Others are pointing at the makers failure to consider Persian actors for the movie.
But this isnt the only example of Hollywood casting white actors to play people of colour: Another famous white guy, Robert Downey Jr, is being eyed to play Shams of Tabriz, the Iranian spiritual advisor to Rumi.
Earlier, the February blockbuster flop Gods of Egypt too cast white actors (and extras) to play ancient Egyptians, and Scarlett Johansson was recently cast to play an Asian character in a live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, based on a comic series.
But even before the casting is finalised, film fans are protesting using the Twitter hashtag #RumiWasntWhite.
Sample some of the reactions:
So, Idris Elba can't play Bond because that is a white character but Leonardo DiCaprio can play Rumi. #RumiWasntWhite Madiha Sajid (@madihasaj) June 7, 2016
OMG. #RumiWasntWhite Please sign this petition and tell Hollywood: No to whitewashing #Rumi! https://t.co/wHyCSqlm4N Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) June 7, 2016
remember when idris elba wasn't "english enough" to play james bond, but it's chill if leo dicaprio plays rumi #RumiWasntWhite a a m i n a (@aaminasdfghjkl) June 7, 2016
So they want a white man to play Rumi, a SUFI PERSIAN poet, but when they need a terrorist they find Muslim actors so easily #RumiWasntWhite Aayesha (@AayeshaJ) June 7, 2016
Police on Thursday arrested five persons in connection with the 10+2 toppers scandal, while former Bihar School Examination Board chairman Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh and Bishun Rai College principal Bachha Rai, the lead player in the merit muddle, continued to abscond.
Those arrested and sent to jail included Vikeshwar Prasad Yadav, principal-cum-centre superintendent of Government Boys High School Rajendra Nagar, Patna and Sanjiv Kumar Suman, a Mathematics teacher of the same school; Shambhu Nath Das section officer and Ranjit Kumar Mishra, assistant, both working at the confidential wing of the Inter Council and Shail Kumari, principal-cum-centre superintendent of G A Inter College, Hajipur, said SSP Patna Manu Maharaj.
The SSP, who heads the SIT probing the case, said both Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh and Bachha Rai were absconding.
The process to include names of the two absconding persons in the FIR is currently underway and they will be arrested as there are ample evidence against them, he said.
Prima facie, there are ample evidence against Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh. Proof of tampering exam copies and evaluation have been found, which was in the knowledge of the ex-BSEB chairman, the SSP, who visited the Examination Boardon Thursday to search for evidence in the irregularities, said.
Bank accounts of Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh will be scrutinised. Besides, Singhs call records and his family members phone records will also be studied for more details in the case, the SSP said.
Police raided the residence of Bachha Rai in Vaishali and seized his laptop, diary, some admit cards and answer sheets. The SSP, however, did not give details of the seized answer sheets.
Arts topper Ruby Rai and first ranker in Science stream Saurabh Shrestha hailed from Bachha Rais college. His own daughter Shalini Rai, who is also named in the FIR, is also under investigation.
Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh resigned as BSEB chairman on Wednesday after the noose started tightening around him in the scandal.
He has been replaced by Patna Commissioner Anand Kishore. The state education department has also changed Harihar Nath Jha and named Anoop Sinha as its new Secretary.
Both the new appointees have taken charge .
UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav hit back at BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday, saying that the country still had not forgotten the Gujarat riots.
He said this at a book launch ceremony at his official residence, when asked for a comment on BJP president Amit Shahs take that the centre can control UPs law and order if the state government is unable to do so.
The country has still not forgotten Gujarat, he said, in an apparent attempt to counter Shah charge that the Centre would set everything right in a day if the UP government accepts its failure. Ham sab ek din mein theek kar denge (we will get everything in order in a day), Shah said on Tuesday.
Yadav also countered Shahs statement that the BJP had supported an independent candidate in the Rajya Sabha and fielded an additional candidate in the Parishad polls to defeat the SP and the BJP. See, as far as the Samajwadi Party is concerned, we know we are winning. We are in favour of fair polls. As far as horse trading charges go, tell me, who is responsible for it?
One should not become too ambitious, he added.
To a query on Sadhvi Prachis rather objectionable take on Muslims, the CM said, Why dont you remember Mahatma Gandhi who said to not see, hear or speak evil?
At the event, the CM also allowed Amik Khan, a Jhansi boy to showcase his skills with clay.
Khan, who entered the Limca Book of Records with his ability to make any character on clay, impressed the CM by making a cycle, the Samajwadi Partys election symbol. As the compere informed the audience that Khan used to make shapes on flour earlier but gradually shifted to clay, someone from the audience suggested, perhaps because aata (flour) is costlier.
At this the CM remarked, yeh bhi phans gaye acche din ke chakkar mein (they too were fooled by acche din promise).
Earlier, the CM pointed out how his government gave laptops to 18 lakh students. My critics said a lot of things. What they couldnt succeed in doing was to remove netajis and my photos from the laptops or find fault with them, he said.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced he will release uncensored copies of Bollywood movie Udta Punjab in Majitha town near Amritsar on June 17.
The movie has run into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over references to Punjab and the drugs racket in the state.
The Congress leader said: Majitha town, like Mexico, is the epicentre of drugs trade in Punjab. It was decided to release the movie there. The movies release is scheduled for June 17.
Read: How censor board made Udta Punjab bleed: Here are all the 94 cuts
Amarinder said he has written to movies producers Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor, urging them to provide copies of the uncensored movie on compact discs so that he can release it simultaneously with its worldwide premiere.
The purpose of releasing the movie in Majitha is to tell the (ruling) Akalis and the BJP that no matter to what extent they try to go to gag the truth, I will expose it at any cost, Amarinder said in a statement here.
Not only do we want to highlight the harsh reality of Punjab, but also assert the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by our Constitution, which is being infringed upon by the BJP at the behest of the Akalis, using the censor board, the Congress leader said in the letter to the producers.
Amarinder also clarified to the movies producers that all the legal onus of releasing the uncensored CDs of the movie will be on him only.
I guarantee you that I will take the entire responsibility of the legal implications, if any, for releasing the uncensored CDs as we want the truth to be told, no matter at what price, he said.
Read: Accusations, politicking in the air as Udta Punjab row gets bigger
He said Majitha town in Amritsar district had become synonymous with chitta (synthetic drug, in common parlance) that has affected an entire generation in Punjab.
The Congress leader clarified that in order to ensure that the commercial interests of the producers are not hurt, the movie will be shown only on the day of the release at Majitha, as a protest and defiance against what he called was the dictatorial attitude of the CBFC, and also in border areas as people there rarely get a chance to watch the movies in theatres.
Complimenting the movies producers for portraying the harsh reality of Punjab on the big screen, the Lok Sabha member from Amritsar said the film depicted the ground reality in the state.
Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a restaurant for dinner -- a Mexican vegetarian fare --- on Thursday.
In a very special gesture, President @EPN personally drives @narendramodi to a restaurant for Mexican vegetarian fare, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a photo that showed the 49-year-old Nieto behind the wheel with Modi sitting beside him.
The two headed to a restaurant called Quintonil to bond over vegetarian dinner.
PM Narendra Modi and Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto bond over vegetarian dinner. (Photo credit: @MEA India)
Bonding over bean tacos! President @EPN and PM @narendramodi share a meal, Swarup tweeted along with photos showing the two leaders chatting away while sitting at a table in the restaurant.
Bonding over bean tacos! President @EPN and PM @narendramodi share a meal pic.twitter.com/ckmsmpjWo7 Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2016
Earlier during the day, Mexico president announced his countrys support to India on Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership.
Mexico supports positively and constructively Indias membership of the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group), Nieto said at a joint media interaction with Prime Modi, who flew in here from Washington after addressing a joint sitting of the Congress.
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh arrived at the CBI headquarters on Thursday morning to face questioning in a disproportionate assets probe over alleged irregularities, including those linked to an antedated agreement associated with his apple orchard.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been investigating the chief minister and his wife since last September over allegations related to amassing of disproportionate assets worth Rs 6 crore during his 2009-12 stint as a steel minister in the UPA II government.
Apart from Singh, the CBI is examining his then aide, insurance agent Anand Chauhan, for allegedly trying to camouflage the money as proceeds of agricultural income not taxed in India from Singhs 105 bigha apple orchard Shrikhand, located in the state.
The money was used to allegedly purchase 19 insurance policies -- via Chauhan -- in the names of Singh, his wife, and his children. Singh later revised his Income Tax returns for the three years, allegedly attributing a huge jump in income to the orchards higher sales.
The CBI suspects the authenticity of these sale receipts and a June 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concluded between Singh and Chauhan as a result of which the orchards upkeep was entrusted to the latter.
Dismissing the CBI allegations, the chief minister had earlier claimed this was a case of political vendetta by the NDA government that was conspiring to destabilise his government.
After registering the case last September, the CBI is questioning Singh for the first time. The agency had however taken his version in the Preliminary Enquiry that preceded the filing of the regular case.
The June 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) comprised of a stamp paper and a few pages of judicial papers, which were antedated, said a CBI source on condition of anonymity.
An antedated contract is one where the date of the contract is prior to the date on which the agreement was actually drawn up.
The MoU between Singh and Chauhan was for managing the maintenance and sale proceeds of the orchard, with a 2% commission on the sale proceeds.
The CBI, which suspects the authenticity of the photocopy provided, is yet to receive the original MoU document. A Rs 5 stamp paper that was part of the memorandum had allegedly not been sold to the accused, raising doubts over its veracity.
Singh and Chauhan could not be reached for comment but they had earlier denied any wrongdoing. Rejecting the allegations as baseless, one of Singhs aides said, If the CBI thinks the MoUs stamp paper is irregular, the vendor should answer the agencys queries.
The Delhi high court had earlier asked Singh to join the probe and told the CBI that he could not be arrested without the courts consent.
As part of a separate money-laundering probe, the Enforcement Directorate had earlier moved to attach assets worth around Rs 8 crore belonging to Singh and his family.
A US-led push for India to join a club of countries controlling access to sensitive nuclear technology made some headway on Thursday as several opponents appeared more willing to work towards a compromise, but China remained defiant.
The 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons by restricting the sale of items that can be used to make those arms. It was set up in response to Indias first nuclear test in 1974.
India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington, even though India has developed atomic weapons and never signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact.
But China on Thursday maintained its position that the Non-Proliferation Treaty is central to the NSG, diplomats said. The handful of other nations resisting Indias admission to the group, including South Africa, New Zealand and Turkey, softened their stance somewhat, opening the door to a process under which non-NPT states such as India might join, diplomats said.
Read: Why NSG membership matters to India: All you need to know
Theres movement, including towards a process, but wed have to see what that process would look like, one diplomat said after the closed-door talks on Thursday aimed at preparing for an annual NSG plenary meeting in Seoul later this month. Opponents argue that granting India membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate Indias rival Pakistan, an ally of Chinas, which has responded to Indias membership bid with one of its own.
Pakistan joining would be unacceptable to many, given its track record. The father of its nuclear weapons programme ran an illicit network for years that sold nuclear secrets to countries including North Korea and Iran.
Read: As Modi comes calling, Mexico backs India bid to join NSG
By bringing India on board, its a slap in the face of the entire non-proliferation regime, a diplomatic source from a country resisting Indias bid said on condition of anonymity.
Washington has been pressuring hold-outs, and Thursdays meeting was a chance to see how strong opposition is.
United States secretary of state John Kerry wrote to members asking them not to block consensus on Indian admission to the NSG in a letter seen by Reuters and dated Friday.
Most of the hold-outs argue that if India is to be admitted, it should be under criteria that apply equally to all states rather than under a tailor-made solution for a US ally.
Mexicos president said on Wednesday his country now backs Indias membership bid. One Vienna-based diplomat said it had softened its stance but still opposed the idea of India joining under conditions that did not apply equally to all.
Read: Indias NSG bid: Too much diplomacy, too little action
The backing the second in a week after Switzerland came on a day the 48-member grouping held a closed-door meeting in Vienna to discuss Indias membership bid.
Earlier this week, Switzerland, which like Mexico had strong reservations on Indias entry to the NSG, announced its support when Modi travelled to the Alpine country.
India is already poised to join the missile technology control regime (MTCR) after talks this week between Modi and US President Barack Obama. Both groups NSG and MTCR will give India greater access to research and technology.
The US and many other NSG member countries have supported Indias inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record. A final decision is not expected before an NSG plenary in Seoul on June 20, but diplomats in Vienna said Washington was pressuring the hold-outs, and Thursdays meeting was a chance to see how strong the opposition is.
Dinner diplomacy is at its best, as major political parties are busy counting their bad eggs ahead of voting for the 13 Vidhan Parishad and 11 Rajya Sabha seats scheduled to take place here on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
As voting for 13 Vidhan Parishad seats takes place a day before the Saturdays Rajya Sabha polling, parties can keep a close watch on the pattern of voting on Friday and review their strategy accordingly.
Barring the BSP that has about 12 surplus votes for the Rajya Sabha, the candidates of all other parties the Samajwadi Party, the Congress and the BJP supported independent candidate Preeti Mahapatra have to make arrangements for extra votes. The BSP with 80 MLAs is yet to clear suspense over its surplus votes and speculations are rife over possible scenarios.
Read:Court orders bring relief to Congress in MP ahead of RS polls
As BSPs Bala Prasad Awasthi, Samajwadi Partys Ram Pal Yadav, Nationalist Congress Partys Fateh Bahadur and Apna Dals RK Verma are among the proposers of BJP supported candidate Preeti Mahapatra, all the parties are also making attempts to lure MLAs of other parties and the independents.
The Samajwadi Party with a strength 229 MLAs would need at least 10 more votes (Ram Pal Yadav may go with Mahapatra). While the Rashtriya Lok Dals move to transfer its 8 votes may have come as a breather to the SP and the Congress, the possibility of crossing voting within their own ranks and attempts for poaching by the rivals are giving sleepless nights to their poll managers.
The SP also has support from some smaller parties and the independents. Absence of its nearly 15 to 20 MLAs at the dinner hosted by SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Wednesday has sent alarm bells ringing in the partys camp.
Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav exuded confidence about the victory of partys candidates saying, See as far as the Samajwadi Party is concerned we know we are winning. We are in favor of fair polls. But as far as the horse trading charges go, tell me who is responsible for it? One should not become too ambitious.
Alarm bells are also ringing in Congress camp as the party with 29 MLAs needs at least six additional votes to ensure victory of its Rajya Sabha candidate Kapil Sibal. Absence of three to four MLAs at both the Congress Legislature Party meeting and subsequent dinner hosted by CLP leader Pradeep Mathur on Wednesday raised serious concerns in party circles.
Read:Independents add fizz to usually staid Rajya Sabha elections
As one of the MLAs is undergoing treatment at Mumbai, the party is making arrangements for a chartered plane or air ambulance to enable the legislator reach Lucknow for voting at the earliest. Mathur has also exuded confidence about victory of partys candidates in Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishad polls and said there were no possibilities of any cross voting by the party MLAs.
The party, however, has decided to host another dinner for its legislators on Thursday to ensure that all of them reach Lucknow for voting. The BSP and the BJP are also holding dinners for their legislators.
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The Bombay high court appeared upset with the censor board during a hearing on a possible ban on Udta Punjab on Thursday, asking how the onscreen depiction of signboards with Punjab written on them in border areas posed a threat to India.
The query from the division bench of justice SC Dharmadhikari and justice Shalini Phansalkar-Joshi referred to the censor boards directive to remove an opening scene of the Shahid Kapoor-starrer that showed display board with Punjab written over it.
The court also disapproved the boards directives to the film producers to delete words like MLA (Member of legislative assembly), MP (Member of Parliament), election and reference to political parties.
Read | How censor board made Udta Punjab bleed: Here are all the 94 cuts
We dont understand this delete this, delete that, the judges said.
The hearing comes amid growing national outrage over the censor boards proposed cuts to the movie, a move that many say violated free speech.
The HC bench was also angry with the Central Board of Film Certifications (CBFC) order to delete references to various cities and towns from Punjab, shown in the movie slated to be released on June 17.
The judges cited examples of Hindi war films released in the past.
This country has fought wars, so some reference of some place is bound to be reflected in the war films, the judges said. Will mere reference to some cities and towns provoke people or offend their sentiments?
The matter will be heard again on Friday.
Read | On Udta Punjab row: I am being blackmailed, silenced, says Anurag Kashyap
The producers of Udta Punjab approached the high court complaining about lack of communication from the board about the certification of the film produced by Anurag Kashyaps Phantom Films and Ekta Kapoors Balaji Motion Pictures.
The producer contended there was ample discussion in the media about the CBFC decision but they had not received any official communication.
On Wednesday, Phantom Films amended its petition and also incorporated in it the challenge to all the 13 suggestions made by the board while granting A certification for the film.
The counsel for the production house, senior advocate Ravi Kadam, said they had strong objections to all the 13 suggestions of the Board.
Read | Amarinder says will release uncensored copies of Udta Punjab on June 17
Kadam cited an example of the suggestion asking them to delete the sign board shown in opening of the film and pointed out that the Board had made the suggestion on the ground that the display of the board would be a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of India.
This shows complete lack of application of mind and arbitrariness on part of the Board, Kadam said also pointing out that the other cuts relate to some abusive words used in two songs, reference to various cities from Punjab and words like election, MLA, MP etc.
Advait Sethna, on the other hand, submitted that issuance of an A certificate to a film does not mean that the film could be allowed to be screened with whatever filmed by the producer.
He refuted the allegation of arbitrariness, pointing out that the producer was heard before passing of the order and there were reasons for suggesting the cuts. He, however, expressed difficulty to point out the issues with the cuts saying the reasoning behind it could not be understood without viewing the movie.
Also read | Radical changes in film certification to be announced soon: Jaitley
Ramapati Devi squats on a cot in her thatched hutment - her hands twisted like a malleable wire and legs deformed like oars - staring with her emotionless eyes.
Her husband Ganauri Ram, who has a big lump on his bent back, slowly walks up to her and gives her water.
Unable to speak, she gestures that she wants to lie down but a stiff backbone prevents her from spreading her legs and back straight on the cot. Despite being in severe pain himself, the generous husband places a couple of soiled, tattered pillows around her.
Ramapati is barely 50 but she looks at least 20 years older. Her bone structure is changing with each passing day as she helplessly bears the painful development pleading for death.
She wants death and so do I. Wondering how long will we have to endure these painful changes in our bodies, Ram, 55, said gently covering her with a soiled bed sheet before he going back to his chair.
The couple from Jharkhands Pratappur village in Garhwa district is suffering from skeletal fluorosis, a disease caused by excessive accumulation of fluoride in bones. Local doctors have given up hope on them and they cannot afford treatment in any other hospital.
A flouride removal filter fitted with a tube well to save villagers from fluorosis needs repair at Pratappur village in Garhwa. (B Vijay Murty/ Hindustan Times)
An endemic
Around 220 km north of Jharkhand capital Ranchi, in this village of Dalits death lurks in every family. There are dozens of people with crippled bones and damaged joints, many bedridden with multiple fractures, slowly dying in the absence of treatment.
There are a few families that have lost more than two to three members and the remaining ones too are counting their last days.
Putan Ram, 45, calls himself the most unfortunate person on earth. Five years back his was a happy family of five brothers, their wives and children. He lost four of his brothers in as many years.
His two widowed sisters-in-law also suffer from skeletal fluorosis and surviving on medicines supplied by local doctors. All of us are going to die sooner, he said pointing towards his 10-year-old nephew Ranjit with stunted growth and deformed bones in both his legs.
Koshila Devi suffering from fluorosis is bedridden for last five years legs have given up strength at Pratappur village in Garhwa. (B Vijay Murty/ Hindustan Times)
Several youngsters in their early thirties with decayed teeth look double their age as if afflicted with progeria a rare genetic condition in which symptoms resembling aspects of ageing are manifested at an early age.
Prevention is the only solution to check fluorosis deaths, local civil surgeon Dr T Hembrom said. We can only give supporting medicines, he added.
Counting deaths
The list of sufferers is endless but the government is yet to wake up and treat it as a calamity.
In the last five years, Pratappurs two tolasGatiyahi and Harijanhave lost 60 people to fluorosis. Of them, at least seven have died in the last one and half months.
A stop at the village bares the governments tall claims of bringing the poor and downtrodden, especially the Schedule Caste, to the mainstream. In Pratappur, it has miserably failed to guarantee their right to life.
Elders of Harijan tola suffering from fluorosis have bent backs and cannot walk without stick at Pratappur village in Garhwa. (B Vijay Murty/ Hindustan Times)
The government here, it seems, is only left to count bodies. No major effort is evident to rescue and rehabilitate the remaining people.
A board by the governments water and sanitation department standing at the entrance of Harijan Tola advices people not to consume water from tube wells affected by fluoride.
Villagers, however, complained they have nowhere to go to fetch water when the government has failed to make alternative arrangements as the entire area has a high fluoride concentration in groundwater.
An ambitious effort to provide piped drinking water to this village from a nearby river lies in limbo for the last three decades.
A piped water supply project is underway to reach clean drinking water to the people, Garhwa deputy commissioner Dr Neha Arora said conceding that the situation was alarming. She added land has been earmarked for setting up of a water treatment plant in the affected village.
Husband of skeletal fluorosis patient Rampatia Devi offering water at Pratappur village in Garhwa. (B Vijay Murty/ Hindustan Times)
Hindustan Times first highlighted Pratappur residents plight in August 2011.
After the intervention of the then Union rural development minister Jairam Ramesh, a five-member team from New Delhis Fluorosis Research and Rural Development Department (FRRDD) travelled to Pratappur. The team, led by executive director AK Susheela, suggested several measures to save people from the crippling disease and eventual deaths.
Five years hence, HT revisited the village and found that none of the suggestions made by the team have been implemented. Only one tube well in the entire village was fitted with a fluoride removal filter but that too had stopped functioning.
I am aware of the problem persisting in Pratappur and have raised the issue in the assembly quite a few times, BJP legislator, Dr Dipu Charan Ram, said assuring to take up the matter with the government again.
In Jharkhands fluorosis-crippled village, hapless govt counts bodies
The Bharatiya Janata Party hopes to use the Mathura clash between police and squatters last week to its advantage, with a peoples campaign to free land from encroachers in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.
The party feels the campaign will energise its cadres in the build up to the state assembly elections in early 2017 and pit them directly against the ruling Samajwadi Party.
The clash between the police and members of an obscure sect squatting on 280 acres of government land on June 1 left at least 27 people, including a superintendent of police, dead. The BJP has alleged that the squatters enjoyed the patronage of the SP leadership, a charge refuted by the ruling party.
Read: Mathura clashes: Scarred for life, cult children recall bade pitaji
BJP president Amit Shah, in a meeting of party officials in Kasganj on Tuesday, announced that people can email (kabja.hatao@bjp.org) their complaint about illegally occupied land or properties whether public or private in their areas.
The BJP cadres will launch a peoples campaign to free the properties of illegal occupation. This will put our workers in direct touch with the people on one hand and pit them against the ruling SP on the other. No encroachments can happen without the support of the ruling party, a BJP leader said in New Delhi.
Reacting sharply to the campaign and the accusation, SP spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said BJP workers should pass on the information they receive to the state government. The BJP is always looking at ways to politicise everything. Is UP the only state where there are encroachments?
Read: Violent ideology, bizarre demands: Secretive world of the Mathura cult
The BJP also believes the campaign will help it wean Dalits, who make up over one-fifth of the electorate, away from the Bahujan Samaj Party. Politics in the state has been bipolar for the last decade and a half with either the SP or the BSP forming the government.
The party says that Dalits are at the receiving end of most cases of illegal occupation of smaller plots of land or private properties.
Dalits are exploited at the hands of Samajwadi Party, while they are used by the Bahujan Samaj Party Dalits can only progress under BJP rule and only BJP can work for their welfare, Shah said in Kasganj.
By the end of the month, Shah would have travelled and connected with booth-level officials of the party from all six regions of UP, a BJP leader said. Each of the 403 constituencies has around 350 booths.
The Mathura violence has given the opposition parties enough ammunition to begin the battle for the 2017 assembly elections. Bahujan Samaj chief and four-time UP chief minister Mayawati has attacked the Samajwadi Party and has sought the UP CMs resignation.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has also expressed his displeasure at the sliding law and order in the state.
More than 80 per cent of the low-cost drugs used to combat the HIV globally are manufactured in India and have helped scale up access to treatment across developing countries, said Indias Health Minister J P Nadda at the United Nations on Thursday.
The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a new political declaration that recognises the critical importance of affordable medicines, including generics, in scaling up access to affordable HIV treatment.
Sh @JPNadda: India is proud of being a leading partner in the global fight against AIDS epidemic #HLM2016AIDS pic.twitter.com/AJdlj3CjQS Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) June 9, 2016
Targeted interventions based on close collaboration with and empowerment of communities and civil society with appropriate funding from the government have helped deliver key life saving services to the affected population, Nadda said in his address to the 193-member Assembly.
One million people living with HIV get free anti-retroviral therapy to treat the infection in India. Deaths due to AIDS in India have been reduced by nearly 55 per cent since 2007, while new HIV infections saw a 66 per cent fall since 2000, he said.
Sh @JPNadda at #HLM2016AIDS: India has managed the challenge effectively. Deaths due to AIDS have been reduced by nearly 55% since 2007 Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) June 9, 2016
These remarkable successes would not have been possible without access to affordable medicines. The low cost generic medicines produced by the Indian pharmaceutical industry have been instrumental in scaling up access to HIV treatment not only in India but in other parts of the world, especially in the developing countries most affected by this scourge, said Nadda.
Security forces staged a flag march in Jharkhands Satbarwa town on Thursday to diffuse tension following clashes between Hindu activists and Muslim traders over transportation of cattle the previous night.
Several parts of Jharkhand have witnessed communal violence and related incidents over the past few months. Two Muslim cattle herders including a minor boy were killed and hanged at Jhabar village in the states Latehar district in March triggering nationwide outrage.
Police said in the latest incident, activists of Hindu rightwing groups on Wednesday night attacked Muslim cattle traders in Palamu disrtrict and freed more than 100 bovines that were being allegedly taken for slaughter.
The traders, however, said the livestock was being taken for transportation outside the state.
The cattle herders were allegedly thrashed when they protested the seizure by the locals.
Sources said that the cattle were later forcibly taken away by a group of Muslims from the Satbarwa police station where they were kept.
Read | Police bows to cow vigilantes demand in Jaipur, removes SHO
They (the cattle smugglers) attacked us and ran away with the cattle right in front of the police station when we were herding the cattle to hand them over to the police. We suspect that it was not possible without police support, said Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leader Vikas Tiwary.
Irate over the audacity, villagers blocked the movement of vehicles on the national highway 75 for more than 30 minutes besides trying to set on fire a bike. The blockade was lifted after police assured action.
Palamu superintendent of police Mayur Patel said, The situation was totally under control. The locals had seized cattle being transported outside and had informed the police.
The SP, however, denied that the cattle herders were thrashed by the mob. We have not received any complained in this regard.
Palamu deputy superintendent of police PR Barwar said a flag march was carried out to instill confidence among the locals.
He, however, denied complaints regarding transportation of cattle, its seizure and subsequent release. We will act once any complaint is lodged in this regard.
Drawing a line between the judiciary and the executive, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday that courts cannot perform the functions of the executive and that the independence of the two will have to be strictly maintained.
Jaitley said if the executive failed to perform its function, the courts could direct it to do so, but they could take over the executive function.
Speaking at the Indian of the Year 2015 awards of CNN News 18, he said if the judiciary failed to act, the executive could take up that role on the plea that there are mounting pending cases. Similarly, courts also cannot take over the executive function.
Lets first of all be clear about two basic facts. Fact one, the independence of judiciary is certainly required and must be maintained at all cost. Fact two, the judiciary unquestionably has the power of judicial review. I dont think anybody has the power to dispute that. It is essential for democracy, he said.
Stating that the argument that judiciary steps in when executive does not act was a questionable proposition, he said: when the executive does not act judiciary can tell and direct the executive to act. But the judiciary cannot perform executive function. Executive function has to be performed by executives.
Jaitley, who also holds the charge of Information and Broadcasting Ministry, said just as independence of judiciary was essential, so was separation of powers.
The Parliamentary function has to be performed by Parliament, nobody else can pass or approve a Budget. The executive function has to be performed by the executives. Courts cannot perform an executive function. It can direct the executive to perform its function, if it is not acting, he said.
Jaitleys comments came close on the heels of Chief Justice of India T S Thakur asserting that judiciary intervened only when the executive failed in its constitutional duties.
The CJI also said: the government should do its job instead of hurling accusations and that the people turn to the courts only after they are let down by the executive.
T Rajkumar, the alleged mastermind of an organ-trafficking racket at Delhis Indraprastha Apollo hospital, owned two houses, including a palatial building, in Kolkata. The 39-year-old gave lavish four-figure tips to even the local barber.
Rajkumar, who was living for the past three years in the Rajarhat area of the citys north-east fringes close to the airport, posed as a big trader of saline solution with business interests abroad.
Read | Delhi kidney racket kingpin arrested in Kolkata, three more held
Rajkumar, who lived with his wife and son, kept aloof from his neighbours.
I never saw anything suspicious. I only heard that he had business interests abroad, and dealt in saline, said a middle aged woman, living close to Rajkumars house.
I used to see Rajkumar very rarely. He always used to keep to himself, she said.
According to the locals, he purchased a small house in the Khamar Shibtala area of Rajarhat in 2013 and recently built a huge, luxury edifice 200 metres away from the first house.
On Monday, he had thrown a feast marking his Griha Pravesh - house warming ceremony - into the new residence called Seven Hills.
A day later, invitation cards reached the locals for Rajkumars wedding anniversary. There were around 250 invitees.
But as the party was on, came the denouement. Policemen from Delhi knocked on the door, and arrested him for being the ringleader of the organ racket.
The arrest has come like a bolt from the blue for the neighbours. And stories have now started circulating about the man and his extravagant lifestyle.
We are now hearing that he was a spendthrift. That he used to give tips of Rs 1,000 to the barber in local saloons for a mere hair cut. Even while travelling the short distance from his residence to the airport, he used to pay the driver Rs 2,000.
Rajkumar was on Wednesday presented at the Barasat court, which gave him on a three-day transit remand to Delhi Police.
He has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy for trading in human kidneys.
Police busted the racket on June 2 with the arrest of two Indraprastha Apollo Hospital employees and three touts on the charge of persuading poor people to sell their kidneys.
Read | Kidney racket: Delhis AAP govt sets up 5-member probe panel
Investigators have claimed the members of the gang persuaded poor people from various parts of the country to donate their kidney in exchange for money and also prepared forged papers, including identity proofs to establish the relationship between the donors and the recipients.
The recipients were charged large sums while the donors were given paltry amounts.
People falling prey to the gang came from various parts of the country including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Tamil Nadu.
The Maharashtra government has decided to celebrate the 21st day of every month as Yoga day across all schools, colleges and universities in the state.
State school and higher education minister, Vinod Tawde, had recently held a meeting with yoga institutions including Shri Shri Ravishankars Art of Living, Ramdev Babas Patanjali Yog Samiti, Samarth Vyayam Mandir Bharat Swabhiman Nyas and others to consider various ways to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21 at the district level.
In the meeting, it has also been decided that 21st of every month will be celebrated as Yoga day across all schools, colleges and universities of Maharashtra, he said.
Read: Yoga without Om is like exercise and song, says Naik
Read: Schools should organise yoga day every month: Maha education minister
He added that it was also decided that every district would set up a Yoga Day committee to plan a Yoga Mahostav (Yoga Festival) every year in between January 12-21. A separate state-level committee will monitor and coordinate with these committees.
Schools, colleges, technical and medical colleges in the state will help promote yoga during the festival, Tawde said.
Swami Vivekanands birth anniversary, January 12, is celebrated as Yuvak Din (Youth Day) in the country. So during 10 days from January 12 to 21, all schools and colleges will have to organise the Yoga festival aiming in 40,000 villages across the state, Tawde said.
Two central ministers faced off over animals rights on Thursday with Maneka Gandhi slamming an indiscriminate killing of wildlife only to be told by Prakash Javadekar that the culling was for scientific management of rising vermin population.
The confrontation put the spotlight back on conservation challenges in India due to shrinking wildlife habitats and growing human activities that have led to rising incidents of man-animal conflicts.
Around 500 wild boars and 200 blue bulls (nilgai) have been killed since the ministry started giving permission in December, 2014 to kill vermin the official term used for animals considered unwanted -- in response to requests from states hit hard by human-animal conflicts.
Gandhi, the women and child development minister, held Javadekar personally responsible for killing the animals and said she could not understand the lust for killing animals.
Environment ministry writing to every state&allowing killing of animals. Elephants,wild boars,monkeys: Maneka Gandhi pic.twitter.com/SeKaDSxtPJ ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
First time Environment ministry is giving permission to kill animals,don't understand this lust for killing:Maneka Gandhi,Union Minister ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
(The) environment ministry is writing to every state, asking which animal should be killed and that they will give permission for it, said Gandhi, who was the environment minister in the previous NDA government.
In Bengal, they (environment ministry) have permitted the killing of elephants, in Himachal Pradesh they have ordered killing of monkeys, and in Goa they gave permission to kill peacocks, said Gandhi, a vocal animal rights campaigner.
Javadekar said the permissions to kill wildlife are targeted, scientifically safe and legal if requested by local authorities. His ministry officials denied Gandhis claim that permission has been granted for killing peacocks and elephants.
It is on the recommendation of state govts, also its an old law: Prakash Javadekar on Maneka Gandhi's allegations pic.twitter.com/nvLpWuDP0c ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
It is not a programme of the central government. The law is such, Javadekar said, referring to section 62 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Every year, hundreds of acres of standing crops are destroyed by herds of animals that venture out of the forests in search of food. Efforts by people to protect their farmland often lead to fatalities on both sides.
Around 840 people have died in conflict with tigers and elephants since 2012 in India, according to recent government data. Though the number of animals killed in these conflict zones is officially around 35, activists say it does not include the leopards and elephants clubbed or poisoned by villagers.
The NDA government gave life to the provision of culling animals after former cabinet secretary TSR Subaramaniam asked the ministry to issue an advisory to state governments.
Junior agriculture minister Sanjeey Balyan also assured the states that animals would be allowed to be killed even though the advisory said it can be done only as the last resort.
However, proposals submitted by state governments reveal that most of them opted for culling without exploring other options.
Gandhi found support from animal rights groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA). They are likely to challenge the ministrys permissions in the Supreme Court.
Animal rights activists say authorities should educate people on how to avoid conflicts with animals by using noisemakers and fences to prevent animals from encroaching on farmland, and better protect wild habitats from pollution and development.
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Maoists fired rockets and opened gunfire at a camp of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh in the early hours today.
Officials said the attack was launched at the company base of the 41st battalion of the ITBP Force in Ranapal area after a large number of Maoists surrounded it from three sides.
The attack was launched at about 12:40 am and ended at 3 am today. Four rockets were fired inside the camp. Both the sides exchanged about 600 rounds of bullets, they said.
Maoists later retreated in the jungles and no casualties were reported on the forces side.
It is estimated that about 100 armed Maoists launched the attack, they said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here from the US on the fifth and final leg of his five-nation tour.
Hola Mexico! PM @narendramodi lands in Mexico city for an important evening of diplomacy, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted on Thursday.
Hola Mexico! PM @narendramodi lands in Mexico city for an important evening of diplomacy. pic.twitter.com/fUxxeTRchl Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 8, 2016
Mexican foreign minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu was present at the airport to receive Modi.
Ruiz Massieu was in New Delhi in March this year and in a meeting with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, both leaders explored the possibility of taking bilateral relations to a higher level.
This is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Mexico after then prime minister Manmohan Singhs visit in 2012 for the G20 Summit.
Modi will hold bilateral talks with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto during which the issue of Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is expected to come up.
On June 6, Switzerland, an important member of the NSG, extended support to Indias membership in the group during Modis stopover in Geneva en route to the US from Qatar.
Bilateral investments will be a major focus during the talks in Mexico. Two-way trade between India and Mexico stands at around $6 billion.
Within Asia, India is the largest importer of crude oil from Mexico. Indias major exports to Mexico include pharmaceutical products and automobile parts.
According to Indias ambassador to Mexico Muktesh Pardeshi, there are 50 Indian companies in Mexico which have created around 10,000 jobs.
Pakistans foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz expressed concern on Thursday over growing India-US defence relations that are disturbing strategic and conventional balance of power in the region.
The US approaches Pakistan whenever it needs it, and abandons it when it doesnt need the country, Aziz was quoted as saying by the media. Pakistan will convey its concerns to US over the latest issues in the bilateral ties, Aziz said, adding Pakistan and US officials are expected to meet in Islamabad on June 10.
Read: Pakistan lobbying to stop Indias NSG bid, says Sartaj Aziz
We firmly conveyed it to the US that maintaining effective nuclear deterrence is critical for Pakistans security and only Pakistan itself can determine how it should respond to growing strategic imbalance in South Asia, he said.
But Aziz added dialogue is the only solution to all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India.
The remark by Aziz, the adviser to the prime minister on foreign affairs, came after the US strongly backed Indias bid for membership to the NSG.
Read: Why NSG membership matters to India: All you need to know
The US backing came at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday during which the two sides also inked agreements to boost security and defence cooperation.
Islamabad has stepped up its diplomatic outreach among members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in a bid to stall New Delhis chances of gaining membership to the NSG.
Read: Mexico backs India, China leads resistance at NSG meeting
The Pakistan foreign ministrys UN Desk on Wednesday held a briefing in Islamabad for diplomatic missions of NSG member-countries to put forward its argument against Indias membership and to push for its own entry to the elite group.
At the meeting, Pakistan warned that country-specific exemptions could negatively impact strategic stability in South Asia.
Both Pakistan and India have applied to be members of the 48-member NSG that regulates global nuclear commerce.
India is being backed in its bid by several major NSG members, including the US.
Two days after India was designated major defence partner of US, top Pentagon official Frank Kendall is expected to visit capital next month to review existing transfers and identify new high end technologies to bolster New Delhis military capabilities.
Kendall, under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, will reach Delhi on July 27 for the Joint Technology Group meeting with Indian defence secretary G Mohan Kumar as his counterpart.
Under-secretary Kendall is the US points person for the bilateral Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
Top government sources told Hindustan Times that the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) has already been finalised and no further official level signing would be required for its implementation.
The finalised agreement allows India and US militaries to take each others support for fueling and supplies of ships, aircraft and armoured vehicles for training, humanitarian missions and disaster relief missions with one time squaring of financial accounts each year.
In case of military operations, the permission would be reviewed on case to case basis by both sides. For instance, India could help US military for Afghan operations but could exercise its options if the Americans are planning operation against a regime which is close to New Delhi, a senior Indian official.
Official sources said with India virtually being part of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Kendall could discuss transfer of armed high altitude long endurance drones as well as offer aircraft and naval systems under the Make in India initiative.
PM Narendra Modi and President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto are issuing a joint statement. Below are the highlights:
We are now looking to move beyond our buyer-seller relationship. IT, Energy, Pharma and automotive are key growth areas
We have agreed to develop a roadmap of concrete outcomes to upgrade our ties to a Strategic Partnership.
Mexico an important partner for Indias energy security. We are looking to move beyond buyer-seller relationship and into a long-term partnership.
I thank President of Mexico for supporting Indias membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group
This is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Mexico after then prime minister Manmohan Singhs visit in 2012 for the G20 Summit.
Bilateral investments will be a major focus during the talks in Mexico. Two-way trade between India and Mexico stands at around $6 billion.
Within Asia, India is the largest importer of crude oil from Mexico. Indias major exports to Mexico include pharmaceutical products and automobile parts.
According to Indias ambassador to Mexico Muktesh Pardeshi, there are 50 Indian companies in Mexico which have created around 10,000 jobs.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday the quota within quota system would be implemented in UP once again, if his party came to power.
Singh, who was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh between October 2000 and March 2002, was addressing a social justice meet (Samajik Nyay Sammelan) organised by the Gorakhpur region of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mau.
Assembly elections to the state will be held next year.
The state and the nation cant develop well without the progress of the Most Backward Castes. For ensuring their growth, they need a separate quota. The benefits of reservation meant for scheduled castes (SC) and other backward castes (OBCs) should not be confined to a few castes only, he averred.
On the Jawahar Bagh incident in Mathura, Singh said the Centre was ready for a CBI probe into the clashes.
If the state government demands a CBI probe, we are ready for it. In case the state doesnt, a CBI probe will be carried out into the matter if the BJP comes to power in the state, he said.
Training his guns at the UP government, he alleged that it was extending benefits to some special people. It distributed drought relief funds among its own people. It kept police recruitment confined to a few districts only, Singh said.
About the Congress, he said it set a record of corruption during its rule at the Centre. Corruption stalled development. Despite many programmes, penury could not be removed. Youths didnt get jobs. But after coming to power two years ago, the BJP-led central government ended corruption, he claimed.
Highlighting the achievements of the Centre, Singh said, During the last two years, Indias position has strengthened across the globe. Now, we have a special place in the international politics. Despite slowdown, India has successfully managed to maintain its economic growth and development.
He also said interviews in group C and D jobs were done away with and that roads were being constructed at a swift pace.
The Centre has fixed a target of making 25,000 kms of road in 2016-17. It has also taken various decisions to improve the income of farmers, Singh said.
The sudden resignation of Karnataka woman police officer Anupama Shenoy as deputy superintendent of police in Ballari district sparked a controversy, after she accused labour minister PT Parameshwar Naik of interference in her work.
Though chief minister Siddaramaiah advised director general of police (DGP) Om Prakash to withhold Shenoys resignation, she dared Naik in Facebook post to resign.
PT Parameshwar Naik, I have resigned. When are you resigning? Shenoy said in the post in Kannada, after people sought his resignation for forcing her to quit as DSP at Kudligi in the states northern district.
Naik, a lawmaker of the ruling Congress from Hoovina Hadagali in Ballari district, about 320km from Bengaluru, is also in-charge of the backward district.
Naik, however, denied any wrongdoing and dared Shenoy to reveal when he had interfered with her official work or in the discharge of her duties in his district.
I dont know why Shenoy resigned. I have nothing to do with her resignation. And who is she to ask me to resign, Naik told reporters here on Wednesday.
In her brief letter to the DGP on June 4, Shenoy said she was resigning for personal reasons.
In her second FB posting on early Wednesday, Shenoy she had hinted at releasing a CD (compact disk) and an audio tape against Naik which, she claimed, could be watched only after midnight.
Daring Shenoy to release the CD and the audio tape, Naik said he was unaware of her posts in social media as he does not use Facebook or WhatsApp.
I dont know anything about the CD and what she meant by saying it could be watched only after midnight. Ask her about it. Let her release the CD instead of blackmailing me, Naik retorted.
Referring to Shenoys brothers (Achyut) remarks to Kannada news channels on Tuesday that his sisters Facebook account was hacked and posts were fabricated, Naik said the cyber police should investigate and find out the truth.
In a related development, Siddaramaiah asked Naik to come clean on the charges Shenoy levelled against him.
Russian atomic power corporation Rosatom is looking forward to participating in the Make in India programme and assembly of fuel rods and control system components appear to be on the cards, an official said.
Oleg A Grigoryev, vice-president of TVEL, Rosatoms fuel company, told IANS in an interview on the sidelines of the Atomexpo 2016 that it was looking forward to assembling fuel rods in India.
On similar lines, Andry Butko, Director of Rusatom Automated Control Systems (RASU), said that some components for nuclear power plants can be assembled in India. Gradually, components can be produced in India for use at home, by Russia and for exports.
This comes as an India-Russia joint venture, the nuclear power plant at Kudankulam, which has two of its reactors up and running while four more are in the pipeline. The two countries also plan to build 12 more reactors in the next two decades.
Grigoryev said his company is open to the proposal for localising some production in India, but added that it will be feasible only when more nuclear reactors are commissioned.
We understand India has a strong desire to localise; we are open for such cooperation. We can localise the assembly, Grigoryev said.
The fuel rods can be assembled in India using the fuel pellets we supply. We have already developed and signed a roadmap with schedule and specification of what has to be done, but much depends on the number of units, he said.
A facility for assembly of fuel rods with just two reactors functioning in the present situation will not be profitable, he said.
Butko, on similar lines, said that India and Russia have a programme for localisation of manufacturing in the field of nuclear power.
The other aspect is that of deep localisation, when we produce in India some components for India, Russia and also other countries, he said.
RASU is official business integrator of comprehensive industrial automation solutions provided by Rosatom for the international market. It builds the control systems for nuclear power plants, which can be called the brain of the plant.
Currently India and Russia have a programme for localisation of components of nuclear power plants. There is an intergovernmental agreement on localisation and we are ready to become a part of it with our systems as well, Butko said.
A Programme of Action for localisation of manufacturing in India for Russia-designed nuclear plants was signed between Indias Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Rosatom in December 2015.
The programme includes joint machinery production, especially for nuclear power plants, as well as cooperation in the fields of joint development, mastering and technological support for heavy and power engineering industries.
The announcement by India and the US to begin preparatory work on building six nuclear reactors in India has been hailed as a milestone in strengthening ties between the two nations.
But Tuesdays declaration during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Washington has fanned a fresh bout of disquiet in Ranasthalam block of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh where the six reactors with total capacity of 6,000 MW are to be built.
The reactors were originally planned to be built in Gujarat, but opposition by locals over land acquisition forced the authorities to relocate the project to Andhra Pradesh.
A similar protest is now brewing at the proposed new site that is dotted with coconut groves.
Villagers likely to be displaced are demanding higher compensation while those in adjoining areas are also seeking a payout in view of the potential nuclear hazards.
To be built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in technical collaboration with the US-based Westinghouse Electric, the contractual agreements between the two are expected to be concluded by June 2017.
The first two reactors will come up in the next five years and thereafter, one reactor will be built every year, GV Ramesh, Chief Project Engineer of NPCIL, told HT.
Andhra Pradesh is a power-surplus state and these reactors will go to augment the national grid. But Ranasthalam locals are wary of the nuclear project, saying it threatens their future. The reactors will require 2,071 acres of land and will displace 1,983 families in five villages: Kovvada, Ramachandrapuram, Gudem, Kotapalem and Tekkali.
As with every big development project, compensation for land is the issue that is agitating the locals. According to state revenue officials, the locals will be paid roughly Rs 13-14 lakh per acre. But the villagers are demanding more.
The government has offered to pay Rs 25 lakh per acre to the people who are getting displaced by the international airport coming up at Bhogapuram in the adjacent Vizianagaram district, which is hardly 20 km away. Why cant we be given the same amount? asked Rama Rao, a local resident.
Ravi Kiran of Ramach-andrapuram, who is likely to lose 20 acres, insists even Rs 25 lakh is not good enough. My poultry farm in the area itself fetches me Rs 24 lakh a year, besides another Rs 3 lakh from coconut plantation in seven acres, he said.
Suri Babu, a farmer of Kovvada, feels helpless. I have no other means of livelihood, if they take away my land. They have to pay me good compensation, he said.
Thats not all. Residents of 42 villages within a five-km radius of the proposed plant are also seeking compensation and have threatened an agitation if their demands are not met.
In anticipation of the Washington announcement, local revenue officials completed the survey for land acquisition earlier this week.
Of the total extent of land, 1,470 acres belongs to the government but was assigned to local farmers. Another 600 acres belong to private individuals, Srikakulam revenue divisional officer B Dayanidhi told HT.
The land acquisition notification will be issued soon after the completion of the social impact assessment of the project, he said.
But acquiring land is going to be easier said than done. Anti-nuclear activists had been protesting ever since Ranasthalam was identified by the NPCIL as an ideal site for a nuclear power project a decade ago.
There are several issues such as extent of radioactive emissions, pollution to be caused by nuclear dust, and the impact of effluents on fish and groundwater, pointed out EAS Sarma, a former union energy secretary and an important voice against nuclear power.
With resentment high among locals, such voices of opposition are set to get louder.
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A stalker poured hot oil on a man whose daughter he failed to kidnap, on Wednesday night.
The victim, who runs a snacks stall near Banaras Bank Chowk, was admitted to the Sadar Bazaar Hospital with burn injuries. His wife and two customers who were in the stall at the time of the attack, were discharged after first aid.
I was working in my stall with my daughter and wife when Vikas Kumar, who was once my neighbour, came there and started abusing me. He was angry as I had registered my protest with his family over his failed kidnap attempt, said the girls father.
Vikas Kumar was accompanied by his sister and a few friends during the hot oil attack, he added.
I went to Kumars house to make a complaint to his parents about his kidnap attempt of my daughter two days ago. In fact, Kumar was stalking my daughter for the last many days, forcing us to move to a different locality, he said.
Police also said anger at the complaint made to his family prompted Kumar to carry out the attack.
Deputy superintendent of police (city) Ashish Anand, said investigation into the matter was on.
The police have received a formal complaint. We are inquiring into the matter. The statements of the girl and her father have been recorded. An FIR will be registered, he said.
China on Thursday dismissed reports that its policy towards Pakistan had changed because state media had telecast a documentary that purportedly blamed the Lashkar-e-Taiba for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.
Dubbed in Chinese, the documentary made by the US and Britain, Seconds from Disaster: Mumbai Massacre, showed television footage of the attacks and the narration referred to the involvement of Pakistan-based terror groups in the coordinated assaults.
The telecast of the documentary prompted reports from Hong Kong and Beijing that China had apparently publicly acknowledged the role of Pakistan its all-weather ally in the attacks for the first time.
On Friday, the foreign ministry said there was no change in its policies and dismissed the reports. In a written reply to Hindustan Times, spokesperson Hong Lei said the ministry had checked and found the film was a Chinese-dubbed American documentary.
What it said does not represent the position of the Chinese government. Chinas position on the issue of counter-terrorism remains unchanged, Hong said. He did not mention Pakistan in his statement but made it clear there was no connection between its policies and assertions made in the documentary.
The introduction of the documentary states: On November 26, 2008, terrorists attack two luxury hotels (one of them the famous Taj Mahal Hotel), a Jewish educational centre, a cafe and a train station in Mumbai, killing 166 people. They also placed pipe bombs in two taxis, which killed the drivers whilst driving to a hotel.
Five other episodes of the documentary series about other incidents were telecast on Chinese state television, including two on the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan and the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and oil spill.
Officially, China says it is against all forms of terrorism and will cooperate in global counter-terror efforts.
China is also Pakistans closest economic, strategic and military ally. The $46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a high-profile part of President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative connecting Chinas Xinjiang to Pakistans Gwadar port.
China had earlier blocked Indias attempt to sanction LeT commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai attacks, at the UN Security Council. In March, Beijing put a technical hold on New Delhis bid to get a UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, accused of masterminding the attack on Pathankot airbase.
In light of Chinas consistent and strengthening ties with Pakistan, the telecast of a documentary on the Mumbai attacks hardly signifies a policy shift.
India is presuming Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhars guilt by seeking a ban on him, Pakistans foreign adviser Sartaj Aziz told Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview.
India accuses Azhar of masterminding the January attack on the Pathankot airbase and wanted him added to the UN Security Councils sanctions list, but the move was blocked by China.
We follow a principled position on this. The Security Council system is meant for al Qaeda and related organisations but India is trying to use the forum to point fingers at Pakistan vis-a-vis groups and
individuals, Aziz said in response to why Pakistan took Chinas help to block the move.
Read | Pakistan concerned over growing India-US ties, says Aziz
India alleges that the groups and individuals are sponsored by our intelligence agencies. You are presuming Masood Azhars guilt. You mentioned agencies in the resolution. Indias National Investigation Agency has also said Pakistans agencies are not involved in Pathankot.
Ties between India and Pakistan have been on a downswing after the Pathankot attack in which seven soldiers and four Pakistan-based terrorists were killed.
Aziz acknowledges this. As far as Pakistan is concerned, friendly relations with all our neighbours remain our cornerstone but there are obstacles. The lack of trust is the most obvious obstacle and the only way forward in overcoming the trust deficit is dialogue, he said.
Read | India never opened window of opportunity; Pak not desperate for talks: Aziz
India and Pakistan had agreed to resume the comprehensive dialogue after meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Nawaz Sharif and between the national security advisers. But the Pathankot attack has led to a deadlock. India has sought strong and effective action against the JeM, while Pakistan wants the dialogue process to continue.
Making terrorism an excuse for not talking is not justified, Aziz said. We have had good cooperation on Pathankot and even sent a team to India. Blaming us for not doing enough is not justified. It is for
India to decide whether they want to break the logjam or not. We dont deny the need for a discussion on terrorism and it is one of the eight topics under the comprehensive dialogue.
Foreign secretaries of the two nations were scheduled to resume talks in mid-January but the meeting was postponed after the Pathankot attack.
Read | Pakistan seeks US backing for Nuclear Suppliers Group membership
Modi and Sharif continue to stay in touch and speak to each other over the phone but the two countries have made little headway in having a structured dialogue.
Also, Modi has accepted an invitation by his Pakistani counterpart to participate in the Saarc summit that Islamabad will host in November. But will the lack of effective action against the Pakistan-based JeM militant group make it difficult for him to go?
Aziz offers a solution. The resumption of dialogue will provide the opportunity to discuss all issues so that Modis visit can provide the basis for further initiatives.
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Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday appointed the wife of superintendent of police Mukul Dwivedi, who lost his life during Mathura violence last week, as a gazetted officer.
The decision to appoint Archana Dwivedi as a gazetted officer was taken at a cabinet meeting, an official release said in Lucknow.
Dwivedi was killed last week in clashes that broke out after activists of Azad Bharat Vidhik Vaicharik Kranti Satyagrahi indulged in widespread violence at Jawahar Bag in Mathura when police tried to evict them from large tracts of government land they had occupied for over two years, following an order of the Allahabad high court.
Read | Mathura clashes: SP Dwivedi lynched by protesters as fellow cops fled
Upper caste Rajput men allegedly mowed down a Dalit man in Rajasthans Nagaur district over a land dispute on Thursday, bringing the focus back on mounting cases of caste-based atrocities in India.
Police said three Rajput men called Prabhu Bawaria near a dhaba on Thursday to have a discussion over the disputed strip of land but allegedly crushed him under their jeep. The incident occurred in Jasoori village under the Makrana police station of Nagaur district.
The frightened Dalit family said the murder brought back memories of the Dangawas massacre in the state last year, when four Dalit people were killed over a land dispute. My brother was killed after crushing under the jeep in a similar fashion to what the powerful did in Dangawas, said Kalu Bawaria, Prabhus younger brother. The strongmen in the area keep threatening us to renounce our claim on the land. Police said they registered a case and launched a manhunt to book the suspects Anil Singh, Sumer Singh and Ghanshyam.
We have formed teams to nab them, Amarjeet Singh, circle officer, Makrana, said.
The family alleged they mortgaged 19 bighas of land to a local moneylender to borrow Rs 20,000 four years ago but didnt get the plot back even after clearing the loan payments six months ago.
The moneylender Sunil -- asked for `40,000 more as outstanding amount and refused to give back the land, alleged Dhanka Devi, Prabhus aunt. He later allegedly forged documents and sold the land to Anil and Sumer Singh.
NSG -- the three letters have dominated the news and virtually tailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he closes his five-nation tour.
Member countries are meeting in Vienna on Thursday and are also expected take up India and Pakistans applications.
Islamabad sought the membership 10 days after New Delhi. So, here is your guide to what is NSG (short for the nuclear suppliers group), why India is keen on it and why it has come to define Indias strategic goals in the last few days?
1. A reiteration of non-proliferation credentials
Founded in the aftermath of Indias nuclear test in May 1974, the NSG is a club of 48 countries dedicated to curbing nuclear arms proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that could foster nuclear weapons development.
An American initiative, its objective was to make India join the non-proliferation treaty. India has stayed away from discriminatory NPT.
It was 2008 civil nuclear deal with the US, seen as a validation of Indias non-proliferation credentials, which paved the way for Delhis NSG bid.
The NPT remains a biased regime that classifies the world into the nuclear-haves (the US, and Russia, the UK, France and China) and have-nots (all other countries). There is little to suggest that big five will work for a world free of nuclear weapons.
2. Clean energy push
India is a growing country with massive energy needs. It has set for itself an ambitious goal of sourcing 40% of its power from non-fossil sources and here is where nuclear energy comes into play. India will need latest technology and NSG membership will come in handy. Though it got a one-time NSG waiver in 2008, the country needs constant access to global markets and a stable trading framework
3. It helps domestic firms
A place on the nuclear trading table will help Indian companies such as the Walchandnar Industries Limited (WIL) and L&T to expand business. India has a robust indigenous nuclear industry that worked mostly in isolation as international sanctions were slapped every time a nuclear test was conducted. An NSG membership will make these companies comply with international norms and make it easier for them to ply their trade abroad.
4. Make in India
New Delhi and Moscow have announced a plan to build reactors in India to sell them to other countries, a move expected to give a push to the Modi governments Make in India initiative. It will not only generate jobs but also help in technology development. As an NSG member, India will be better placed to implement the initiative.
5. End of the nuclear winter
One of the objectives of the 2008 nuclear deal was that the US would help India get into export-control regimes such as the NSG, the MTCR (missile technology control regime), Australia Group and Wassenar Arrangement. As a member of these groupings, India will have access to defence, space and nuclear technologies. The MTCR is done, of the remaining, the NSG is most crucial. Admission to the MTCR will open the way for India to buy high-end missile technology and surveillance drones such as Predator.
Read | Indias NSG bid: Too much diplomacy, too little action
India bids for Nuclear Suppliers Group entry via MTCR membership
As Modi comes calling, Mexico backs India bid to join NSG
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Police in Indore on Wednesday said they had solved the murder of Rajkumari Kataria, adding that the weapon used is yet to be recovered and will be searched for after the accused is quizzing.
Kataria was brutally murdered inside her Baikunthdham colony house on Tuesday.
Police have zeroed in on Sonu Sarkade, a small-time mechanic and labourer, as the main suspect. He has been booked under various sections of the IPC and further investigation is on. Police said he was employed by a school near Katarias house.
On the day of the murder, Sonu was called by Kataria for some work in the bathroom. Sonu asked for Rs 3,000 as labour charges but Kataria was giving him only Rs 300. He had an altercation with her and turned violent, hitting her with a sharp-edged weapon many times. She died on the spot, said DIG (Indore) Santosh Kumar Singh.
He then tried to search money or ornaments in house but could not find them easily hence he rummaged the cupboards and decided to leave the house as soon as possible, Singh added.
The police said that Sarkades clothes were stained with blood, so he wore a jacket and reached his home in the Annapurna locality of the city.
Sonu then left the city with his wife and kids. We started tracing him... He fled to Ujjain and then left the state but he was nabbed, the DIG said.
Police said that they are quizzing Sonu and the murder weapon is yet to be recovered. We have a lot of physical evidence against him and other evidence will be gathered after he will be quizzed in police remand, the DIG said.
This is not the first time Sarkade has been accused of homicide. DIG Singh said he was booked for murder in 2006 but was later acquitted after the victims husband allegedly turned hostile in court.
Mumbaiites who are concerned over the various provisions made in the draft Development Plan (DP), which will shape the citys future in the next two decades, can now submit their suggestions or objections to it online.
To ensure better public participation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has created a link on its official website (www.mcgm.gov.in) for the citizens to submit their suggestions and objections to the draft DP. It has also put up a format online to submit the written objections/suggestions.
Though citizen groups and experts have raised objections over various proposals in the draft DP published in February last year, the civic body has so far received just 380 responses. Experts and activists are appealing to citizens to identify and report the problems in the draft DP, for which various organisations have started conducting seminars.
To register suggestions online, a citizen has to first register as a user. The civic body has also given a comment form on the website for the citizens to use it to write in their suggestions/objections on that form before sending. The civic body has put in place a DP team to solve the queries of the citizens relating to their plot and the reservations marked on the plots. The suggestions and objections on draft DP 2034 will be accepted until July 29, said civic officials.
The BMC has so far received around 380 suggestions and objections in the past ten days after it invited citizens to respond. While 266 citizens have registered online for recording their concerns related to the draft DP, 114 have submitted their concerns in writing to the civic body. The civic officials said they have found 44 objections so far that can be considered.
A civic officials said, We want more public participation and thus have deployed our DP team to explain the maps to the citizens in case of any confusion. However not many objections are concrete at this stage but through a proper hearing suggestions/objections will be heard as the process of DP will be followed.
Meanwhile, activists and various organizations have started conducting seminars to educate the citizens about the need to voice their opinion on the DP and also the objectionable provisions in the document. While the organizations such as Urban Design Research Institute are appealing citizens through e-mails to study the draft DP and register their views at the earliest, Hamara Shehar Abhiyan has been conducting seminars to explain provisions of the proposed DP that could affect their lives. It also conducted a consultation programme on Wednesday where various housing provisions mentioned in the DP were discussed at large. The provisions such as development of slums, rehabilitation and resettlement, cessed buildings specified in the DP were discussed.
PATNA: Nearly 500 files claimed to be related to the multi-crore fodder scam, in which former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav was convicted, have reportedly been stolen from Bihar secretariat.
The theft took place despite police increasing security in the state following an input from intelligence agencies regarding a possible terrorist attack in Bihar.
A 50-page FIR has been lodged against unknown persons at Sachivalaya police station on the basis of section officer Satyendra Kumars statement.
Police said the secretariat employees found the locks of the two cupboards in which the files were kept broken and the files missing.
Sachivalaya DSP Ashok Kumar Choudhary said most of the stolen files pertained to various high court cases, including one involving Jagdish Sharma, a fodder scam suspect.
However, animal husbandry minister Awadhesh Kumar Singh denied that the files were related to the infamous fodder scam.
He said a three member panel had been set up to inquire into the matter.
This is the second such incident in a span of four years.
Following the incident, BJP leaders slammed the states Grand Alliance government and accused it of being involved in a conspiracy.
The reports suggest that the files were related to fodder scam and there could be a conspiracy, which must be unraveled, said BJP state chief Mangal Pandey. Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy too asked for a probe to find out if the files were linked to the fodder scam.
RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav, currently out on bail, was convicted in the scam in 2014. The fodder scam involves the fraudulent withdrawal public money to the tune of ` 950 crore from the treasuries of undivided Bihar by the Animal Husbandry Department, when the RJD chief was the chief minister.
In October 16, 2012 altogether 11 hard disks were stolen from the office of the welfare department located on the secretariat premises.
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AGRA: About 24 Netaji cult members died in the police action in Jawahar Bagh on Thursday and around 300 were arrested, according to official figures. But where did the rest of Ramvriksh Yadav followers go?
About 3,000 squatters occupied Jawahar Bagh till June 2. But after the police action, the whereabouts of many of them are unknown. They were seen running on Mathura roads and were beaten by the locals but were allowed to move on. But on Friday, they were not seen anywhere, fuelling apprehensions that the number of deaths could have been more, as suggested by Tarani Kumar Gautam, who claims to be Ramvrikshs lawyer. Jawahar Bagh remained closed from Friday till Sunday and only local administration and police had access.
After Kans, the ruler of Mathura in Hindu mythology, no one was more hated by Mathura residents than Ramvriksh. Once police action began on Thursday night, encroachers ran to save themselves through any exit available, including the police lines. They were seen running on tehsil road, said Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, a lawyer who had filed a petition in the HC to get Jawahar Bagh vacated by the squatters.
The cult members were seen running here and there and were beaten up by those who had gathered on roads near Jawahar Bagh. However, no one was nabbed as police was focusing on action within Jawahar Bagh, he said.
There were reports that were asking the address ofJaiGurud ev Ashram on Agra Delhi highway in Mathura. However, the management of Jai Gurudev Ashram denied any link with the squatters.
Mathura administration and police had also appealed to residents to not give them shelter. So it seems highly improbable that any of the residents housed them.
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MUMBAI: More than 200 Muslim men from across the country have lent their support to women who are campaigning for the abolition of triple talaq, a practice where the husband can unilaterally end a marriage by repeating the word talaq, or divorce, thrice.
The group Muslim Men for Gender Justice, consisting of lawyers, doctors, students, businessmen and film makers, released a statement on Wednesday.
The statement supports the campaign by the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA) and other groups for the abolition of triple talaq and nikaah halala, which says that a couple divorced through triple talaq cannot remarry unless the woman marries again and gets separated from her second husband.
The men have said that triple talaq violates constitutional principles of gender parity and non-discrimination. They have said that the practice is both un-quranic and un-constitutional. They said that while triple talaq, also called instant divorce, is banned in more than 21 countries including Pakistan, Indian religious leaders wanted it to be continued.
Religious and patriarchal institutions, across religions, are not going to change, and they have to be compelled to change, said Irfan Engineer of Institute of Islamic Studies, Mumbai, who has signed the statement.
Lyricist Hasan Kamal who signed the statement said that they have been campaigning since 2003 to get triple talaq banned.
When we spoke to some scholars in the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, to our astonishment we found that they agreed with us but did not have a majority in the board, said Kamal.
PUNE: Prompt help extended by the Prime Ministers Office saved a seven-year-old girls life.
Vaishali, a class 2 student from Pune, had a hole in her heart. When her parents found it difficult to arrange money for the expensive surgery, they approached many public representatives and social organizations for help, but to no avail.
When doctors told Vaishalis father that she has to undergo a surgery costing Rs 3 lakh, we all lost hope, said Pratap Yadav, her uncle.
Last month when Vaishali was watching PM Narendra Modis TV programme Beti bachao, beti padhao she became hopeful and wrote to the PM explaining her situation. When Vaishali wrote to the PM, her family thought it was yet another futile attempt. But the PMO replied promptly and ensured her the best possible treatment.
When people from the administration came looking for us, we were very surprised. Today when our daughter is recovering fast, Pratap Yadav said.
According to the district administration, after receiving Vaishalis letter, the PMO wrote to them. A call from Shrikar Pardeshi, director in PMO, to Pune district collector Saurabh Rao expedited the matter. Based on the school identity card Vaishali had attached with her letter, the administration traced the family. Then the administration approached Ruby Hall Clinic for Vaishalis open heart surgery, Rao said.
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NEW DELHI: Veteran journalist KK Katyal passed away at a local hospital on Wednesday morning after a brief illness at the age of 89.
During his career spanning several decades, he worked with The Statesman, Hindustan Times and The Hindu. He served as the chief of The Hindus Delhi bureau when the newspaper launched its edition in the national capital.
Katyal was also the founder president of the India chapter of the South Asia Free Media Association, a body of media persons recognised by the SAARC.
He was awarded the GK Reddy Memorial prize in 1994 by the then PM PV Narsimha Rao for his columns and analyses. Hailing from Jhang, now in Pakistan, he was widely travelled and was known for his extensive political and diplomatic contacts.
He also worked towards improving relations with Pakistan. Katyal is survived by his wife Darshan and daughters Anita and Sugita, who are both journalists. (With agency inputs)
A woman who voluntarily teaches ragpickers children at Bhovapur in Ghaziabad after her office hours, recently sought help from every possible quarter and tweeted to the Union HRD ministry, the Prime Ministers Office, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and the UP government to help her students get admission to schools for continuing their formal education.
The Uttar Pradesh government was the only one to notice her messages and responded a few hours later.
Arpna Chandail hails from Doda in Jammu & Kashmir and presently stays in Ghaziabad. She works with a television channel and teaches children after office hours at a makeshift school in Bhovapur, Ghaziabad, near the Delhi border.
The school is run from a house in Bhovapur and the owner and I teach nearly 40-45 children who come from deprived families, mostly engaged in ragpicking. These children have no access to formal schooling. We tried to get them admitted to a nearby government primary school but the school admit children only up to the age of 10, Chandail said.
Some of the children we teach were admitted to the school but others, in the age group of five to 14 years, are still in dire need of formal education. Some of the children are also engaged in ragpicking. So, I tweeted to every possible quarter for help, she said.
On July 7 morning, Chandail tweeted, @CMOfficeUP @yadavakhilesh Sir please hlp in schooling of rag pickers children at Bhowapur Kaushambi Need your help (sic).
@HRDMinistry @PMOIndia want the rag picker children to get into school, Trust me Bhowapur govt. school is not worth going. Plz do something (sic), her tweet to HRD Ministry and PM Office said.
Chandail also tagged the Twitter handles of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and his minister Manish Sosodia in her tweets, stating, @ArvindKejriwal @msisodia please take them in Gazipur school. Bhowapur govt school is not worth going. In trouble because of Delhi UP issue (sic).
@CMOfficeUP @yadavakhilesh Sir please hlp in schooling of rag pickers children at Bhowapur Kaushambi Need your help pic.twitter.com/8fEIvk3bFU Arpna Chandail (@Arpna_Chandail) June 7, 2016
Chandail also tagged a photograph of the children who come to the non-formal school in Bhovapur every day in the evening.
The office of UP chief minister responded within 4-5 hours, @Arpna_Chandail @yadavakhilesh we will get the department concerned to look into it. Thanks for bringing into our notice (sic).
@Arpna_Chandail @yadavakhilesh we will the department concerned to look into it. Thanks for bringing into our notice. CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) June 7, 2016
The tweet was followed by swift action -- a message was sent to Ghaziabad district administration to immediately send a team of officials to check on the children in Bhovapur. Later, Chandail also got a call from Ghaziabad district magistrate DM Vimal Kumar Sharma.
On June 8, Ghaziabad administration sent a team of officials to Bhovapur which undertook a survey of children taught by Chandail and also other children living in the vicinity.
We had sent a team of officials to make a survey of the locality. Our team identified 40 children who need formal education. Now we are trying to get them admitted to government as well as private schools nearby to ensure that they get formal education, DM Sharma said.
Every possible effort will be put in to get the children admitted to formal schools. The admissions will be undertaken at the earliest, Sharma said.
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A 62-year-old woman was bludgeoned to death by unidentified men when she was alone at her house in the posh Dayal Nagar locality of Ghumar Mandi in Ludhiana on Thursday.
The deceased had been identified as Mridula Sachdeva, wife of an industrialist. The accused also tried to strangle her with a piece of wire, said the police, ruling out robbery as the motive behind the murder as there were no signs of forced entry into the house. The accused didnt take away cash or jewellery worn by the victim. The police said the accused fled on a scooter parked in the house after committing the crime.
The incident came to light at 1.30pm when the victims maid spotted her body lying in a pool of blood. She raised the alarm and called the neighbours, following which the police were informed. The victims husband, Ravinder Sachdeva, who runs a spare parts factory, was not home.
The police have recovered a blood-stained iron rod and a wire used to kill the victim from the spot.
Station house officer (SHO), Division Number 8 police station Gaurav Taura said: Prima facie it appears that an acquaintance is behind the killing. We are questioning former employees and the domestic help. He added personal enmity could be a reason behind the murder. The victims husband, who was in a state of shock, was not able to give his statement to the police.
The police are scanning the closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage installed in the area to get a clue about the killers.
The woman is survived by her husband and two daughters, who are settled in Sydney and Saudi Arabia.
A case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against unidentified accused.
Following the shoot-on-sight orders issued by security agencies on most of the strategic air bases of the country, now posters carrying warning messages have been pasted on most of the walls of Pathankot Air Base.
The posters read both in Hindi and Punjabi that anybody trying to intrude into the air base would be shot at without any warning.
Under normal circumstances in the past, a warning used to be issued before shooting an intruder while the clear instructions passed now contains only shooting orders.
The posters have also been pasted on the rear side of the walls from where the Pakistani militants had sneaked into the air base, who later were killed in the 82 hours long encounter in January this year.
The wall surrounds air base and has a large number of villages sharing their boundaries with the Air Force Station spread in nearly 23 acres of land.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that on some specific input, the security forces, which include Punjab Police, Border Security Force (BSF) and Army have increased their vigil on the border villages; while a flag march in nearly twenty border villages in Narot Jaimal Singh Block and Bamyal Post was also taken out early on Thursday morning.
However, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pathankot Rakesh Kaushal, who termed this flag march as a routine practice, claimed that the march was to instigate the sense of confidence among the villagers, who are also helping security agencies by passing on information from time to time.
He claimed that on zero line in nearly twenty villages, this flag march was taken out and we are keeping a close eye on the shepherd community, which has settled here on the border villages and can be used by the infiltrating militant groups for their purposes, he added.
He admitted that Air Force authorities have pasted posters, which was their own style of keeping their area guarded from any intrusion, SSP said.
Pathankot Air Base was attacked on January 2 this year by heavily armed militants, who were later killed by the security agencies; while three militants had stormed Dinanagar Police Station last year, who were also gunned down by the SWAT team of Punjab Police.
As a part of celebrations to mark NDA governments two years in power, the state unit of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has started preparations in full swing to welcome union finance minister Arun Jaitley in Bathinda on June 19.
The finance minister would talk about the achievements of the central governments in the past two years and how the various schemes started by the centre have helped the people at grass root level. The finance minister will also have a meeting with BJP workers and office bearers.
The saffron party who is in alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) both at the centre and the state would look to make its presence felt in SAD dominated area, months before assembly polls.
In their effort to ensure maximum audience for the event, BJPs core committee has sent its senior leaders in the fields especially in Bathinda parliamentary constituency to mobilise party workers and people for the event.
Union minister for food processing, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who also represents Bathinda constituency, would also be present on the occasion.
BJP district presidents of Mansa, Muktsar, Faridkot and Bathinda districts are conducting meetings of office bearers of its mandals, to discuss arrangements for a large audience.
BJP MP Shwet Malik, who is overseeing the arrangements, will also visit the district on June 11 to take stock of the preparations.
BJPs district president Mohit Gupta said at least six meetings were being held every day to ensure adequate arrangements for finance ministers visit.
The workers especially in the urban areas have been appealed to ensure their presence. The day to day report of preparations is being sent to core committee on daily basis, Gupta said.
Meanwhile, as per Jaitleys itinerary, he will visit Amritsar on the same day to lay foundation stone of Indian Institute of Management (IIM). He is also expected to meet state chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Nearly three weeks after an 18-year-old filed a rape complaint against SAD leader and former sarpanch of Gorkha village Kulwinder Singh, police are yet to arrest the accused. Accusing police of inaction, farmers under the banner of Kisan Sangharsh Committee (KSC) have threatened to resume their agitation.
KSC activists had staged protests on May 24 and June 3, demanding action against the accused. The case was registered against the SAD leader on May 21 at Sadar police station under section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Two days after the FIR was lodged, police arrested the complainant in an old murder case in which she was a co-accused, resulting in outrage.
An altercation took place between KSC activists and pro-SAD sarpanches who were came out in support of the accused, on June 3. However, the farmers lifted their dharna after police promised that the accused would be arrested by June 7.
As the accused is yet to be arrested, the farmers on Wednesday conducted a meeting at a gurdwara in Piddi village to chalk out the future course of action. They said a protest will be staged outside the SSP office on June 24 if police are not able to arrest the SAD leader.
Police are making false promises. Its been nearly weeks since the FIR was registered. However, the accused is roaming free. Police are under pressure from ruling politicians, said KSC state president Satnam Singh Pannu.
Deputy superintendent of police (city) Harpal Singh said raids are being conducted to arrest the accused.
Regular flight operations from Shimla airport finally resumed on Thursday after a hiatus of nearly four years.
A nine-seater air carrier is set to connect Shimla airport from Chandigarh and Gaggal (Kangra).
Air services will be provided by Air Himalayas in collaboration with IIC Technologies Limited, Hyderabad. The flight will connect Chandigarh, Shimla, Kullu and Dharamsala through Cessna Grand Master Cervan nine-seater aircraft.
Due to thundershowers and overcast sky on Thursday, the flight could not take off from Chandigarh in time and arrived in Shimla around 45 minutes late from the scheduled time.
A small air carrier was flagged off by urban development minister Sudhir Sharma who travelled in the same flight to Gaggal in Kangra.
Non-scheduled flights used to land at Jubbarhatti airport, which is about 20 kilometres from the capital town, but it is for the first time in four years that a regular service has been started.
The flight from Chandigarh to Kullu will take off at 8.50am and from Kullu to Chandigarh at 9.50 am, Chandigarh to Shimla at 10.50 am, Shimla to Gaggal at 11.30 am, Gaggal to Shimla at 1 pm and Shimla to Chandigarh at 2.20 pm every day, said Air Himalayas founder and managing director Budhi Prakash Thakur. He said the fare for the Shimla-Chandigarh flight is Rs 2,500 while it is Rs 8,000 for other routes.
We have made a commitment to fly the plane even if there is a single or no passenger at all, he said, adding, I am hopeful the service will be successful with time.
Shimla airport director Sunil Maggirwar said after Supreme Court directives, other scheduled flights would likely start soon. It is an effort of local air service provider. Our runway is ready after upgradation, he told HT.
Supreme Court has also directed national air carrier Air India to start flights to Shimla. In 2012, flights from the airport were suspended in the wake of soil erosion, leading to runway shrinkage from 4,100 feet to 3,800 feet. The Kingfisher Airlines stopped operations on September 6, 2012, affecting high-end tourism in and around the capital city.
In a trial run in February this year, an ATR-42 aircraft landed at the airport. In May 2013, President Pranab Mukherjee flew to the city in an Indian Air Force chopper that landed at Kalyani helipad. About 30 employees of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and 65 of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the facility have been idle for years.
Daily flight schedule
Chandigarh to Kullu: 8.50am
Kullu to Chandigarh: 9.50 am
Chandigarh to Shimla:10.50 am
Shimla to Gaggal: 11.30 am
Gaggal to Shimla: 1 pm
Shimla to Chandigarh: 2.20 pm
Quote: We have made a commitment to fly the plane even if there is a single or no passenger at all, Budhi Prakash Thakur, Air Himalayas founder and managing director
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More than 150 disabled military personnel who either got injured in a war or war-like situation got together at the Chandimandir military station on Wednesday to relive their memories at a function by a non-government organisation, the War Wounded Foundation (WWF).
Lance Naik Ashok Kumar of Bhiwani was just 23-year-old when during 1999 a bomb blast and a bullet he took in his stomach left him 60% disabled.
Kumar was at Chandimandir Military Station on Wednesday during a War Wounded Foundation (WWF) rally of specially challenged personnel.
Recalling the incident, Kumar said, It was July 24, 1999. The 16 Grenadier mounted the attack on point no. 5063 hill near LoC with about 30 soldiers. But the next day we realised that it was surrounded by Pakistan on three sides who countered heavily to stop reinforcement from the fourth side. One bullet hit my helmet, but I survived. A bomb exploded near me in which my leg suffered serious injur. A bullet also pierced through my stomach.
He added, I didnt want to get caught by Pakistanis. I continued the attack. We thought the post was in Pakistans hands while they thought it was with us. No reinforcements came. I was left with 2 hand grenades. I took out their pin and thought that I would throw them. But my hands were not working. Finally, the fighting ceased on July 26, 1999. I got first treatment on July 27. After that I remained under treatment for 2 years. I was told that I was paralysed and couldnt walk. But yoga helped me. Kumar was boarded out in 2001. He appeared for interviews for post of messenger, canteen salesman and jail warden. Due to corruption in Haryana I couldnt get any job, he said. Land mafia also encroached upon my land but no one helped me. I was hopeless but then I met WWF people. Now I help other disable soldiers and have been associated with Baba Ramdev and Sri Sri Ravishankars organisation and doing social work, he said. He is still fighting for his land.
COLONEL WIPED OUT TERRORISTS
68-year-old Col SS Pathania (retd) is 100% disable now and moves on wheel chair. But his memory is razor sharp as he remembers the details of action point by point.
It was January 16 of 1993 in border area of Punjab. Panchayat elections were going on. Around noon, we got the information that terrorists and police were engaged in a battle and one SHO had been killed. We reached the spot. We got over the roof of the house where the terrorists were holding up. We threw grenades and fired. Two out of three terrorists were killed in around 2 hours of fighting, but then a police party of 12 jawans arrived with a SSP, he said. He added, They wanted to show something as we were about to complete the operation. They put the house on fire. One of the head constables fell down from the roof. The lone terrorist started firing but the police party along with SSP fled. We rescued the head constable and killed the third terrorist.
In the operation Col Pathania got injured as bullets hit his stomach. His spine got injured. Hailing from Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh (HP), he now runs a petrol pump at Sector 34, Chandigarh. The lesson we learnt from it was that paramilitary and police shouldnt be deployed when Army is engaging, he said. He retired in 1997.
INJURED, MAJOR GEN CUT OFF HIS FOOT
Maj Gen Ian Cardozo (retd) was the first officer with an artificial limb to command a battalion and later a brigade. Settled in Delhi, Cardozo is vicepresident of WWF. Recalling the incident, in which he got injured during the 1971 war, he said, We were given the task to capture Sylhet, now in Bangladesh. By the time we received our orders, we had already lost 30 officers and many had got injured. It was the first heli-borne operation of the Indian Army.
Cardozo was a Major at that time. They had a strength of about 4,000. We were just 684. We were to be linked up with the Army in 48 hours. We did not take food, blankets but were carrying extra ammunition. The link up with the Army did not take place for 10 days. We went without food and water. For food, we did get some help from abandoned huts and drank muddy water by filtering it through handkerchiefs.
They had artillery, mortars and MMGs, whereas we were short of ammunition. We used our Khukris. BBC helped us by running a story that a brigade of Gurkhas had landed at Sylhet. From Pakistans artillery fire, medical inspection room got destroyed. There was no medicine, no surgery could be carried out. Maj Gen Cardozo stepped on a mine and injured his leg. I was in a bad state. There was no medication. I asked my batman for Khukri. I told him to cut off my foot. He said he couldnt do it. Then I took the Khukri and cut the foot on my own. I asked my batman to bury it off. Cardozo said. Dhaka had fallen. I asked my CO to call a chopper so that I could be evacuated. But no chopper was available as they were ferrying VIPs for surrender ceremony.
SPLINTERS ARE STILL IN MY BODY
Havildar Sajan Singh was 35-year-old in 1988 when as part of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka he came under missile attack. It was on January 4, 1988. I got injured in a missile attack. The splinters are still in my body. I became paraplegic, said Singh. He was soon boarded out of the Army in 1990. I used to get just `900 as pension. I wasnt getting help from anyone, but then WWF guided me, Singh, who hails from Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan said.
VETERAN WORRIED ABOUT MENTALLY CHALLENGED SON
Havildar Prahlad Singh, 63, got injured while leaving for Op Pawan in Sri Lanka. He hails from Rajasthan and is 100% disabled. He had spent 12 years in Paraplegic Rehabilitation Home, Mohali. But now he is living with his family in Jaipur. He is worried about his mentally challenged son Dileep Singh, 30. Who would take care of him, he said.
LEFT FENDING ON THEIR OWN
Mangal Singh, 65, is also from Rajasthan and is 100% disabled. He got injured in a mine blast. My father is not getting the attendants allowance. We are clueless where to go, said his son Nandu Singh.
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Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced that he would release uncensored copies of the movie Udta Punjab in Majitha in Amritsar district on June 17, the scheduled date of release of the movie. Majitha is the constituency of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and Punjab revenue minister Bikram Singh Majithia, who has been accused by political rivals of aiding the illicit drug trade.
Amritsar MP Amarinder, who had earlier faced flak for opposing demands of a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the minister, said, Since Majitha, like Mexico, is the epicentre of drug trade in Punjab, it was decided to release the movie there.
However, about how he would get such copies, a press release issued by his media office said, Capt Amarinder has written to the producers of the movie, Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor, urging them to provide the uncensored CDs so that he can release it on the scheduled date to coincide with the worldwide premier of the movie on June 17.
Not only do we want to highlight the harsh reality of Punjab, but also assert the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by our constitution which is being infringed upon by the BJP at the behest of the Akalis, using the censor board, Amarinder has said in the letter to the producers, according to the release .
Also read I Five steps to know Punjabs drug problem
He has also clarified to the producers that all the legal onus of releasing the uncensored CDs of the movie will be on him only. I guarantee you that I will take the entire responsibility of the legal implications, if any, for releasing the uncensored CDs as we want truth to be told no matter at what price, he has written.
At the same time he took a dig at censor board chairman Pahlaj Nihalani for his unfailing devotion towards the BJP with his irrational attitude and utterances.
Also read I The cuts that have clipped wings of Udta Punjab
With just a few days left to catch the magic of glowing fireflies, head to the hilly ranges on the outskirts of Mumbai
OK, lights out, everyone. Our trek leader Vishal Khond hushes us.
Were under a large twinkling tree, at 1.30 in the morning. Its mighty canopy and the surrounding bushes light up erratically and, then, its all black again. The fireflies are putting on a good show. We stand in pin-drop silence, gazing at the hundreds of fireflies, until one of us gasps in awe. We all turn our heads to follow the sound, but the flies have hopped branches by then.
Were at the Prabal Machi plateau in the Sahayadris, the base of which is Thakurwadi a 45-minute rickshaw ride from Panvel railway station. Fireflies can be spotted only for two to three weeks before the onset of the monsoon, and night treks are organised by various groups.
We reach the base of the hill around 8pm, and start the hour-long climb. Post a terribly humid hike, we reach the rocky plateau and have a hearty dinner. Bhakri and chicken gravy for the meat lovers and baingan ki sabzi with jwari roti (a Maharashtrian speciality) for the vegetarians, alongside a helping of rice and dal. The only establishment there is one where 20 to 25 trekkers sit in a row and have their plates set on a long table. The cook doles out rotis at great speed for hungry trekkers. We then set out to explore the plateau for large trees that typically house fireflies.
Fireflies are bioluminescent insects (winged beetles, actually) that produce a yellow glow to attract mates. (Shutterstock)
Fireflies are bioluminescent insects (winged beetles, actually) that produce a yellow glow to attract mates. They dont buzz around too fast like house flies, enabling us to trick a few into landing on our palms. When you spot one on a leaf close to you, hold your palm abutting it. The fly might think your palm is an extension of the leaf and, voila, it walks right on to it.
READ MORE: Travel: All you wannabe glocal trekkers, this is how its done
Under a giant tree, we sit awhile, mesmerised, watching the flies shimmer. They arent like stars that have a constant dim glow; theyre more like blinking fairy lights. But, erratic you cant continuously spot a fly, because it glows only for a few seconds at a go. However, by the time the glow from that fly faints, others around it light up. Some of us try to capture the flies on camera. Its not easy without a flash or any light source, the camera registers nothing but darkness. And a flash, or a torch, would not only wash out the scene, but scare the flies away.
We walk back to our sleeping spots, discussing whos planning to hike to the top to see the Prabal Fort, from which Prabalgadh gets its name. Summer nights are mosquito-free on the plateau, and the cool breeze makes it a great spot for camping. We did not have tents, unlike one other group that we came across. But that wasnt a problem some of us spread out newspapers, some had bedsheets, and a few lay on sleeping bags. Snoring trekkers, though, as we discovered, can be a problem. But the starry blanket above makes the noise worth it.
Prabal Machi branches out to Prabalgadh and Kalavantin Durg (Sanjoy Dhananjay)
The following morning, breakfast consists of poha and egg bhurji, and we begin our descent. Graded easy on difficulty level, Prabal Machi branches out to Prabalgadh and Kalavantin Durg. Both these peaks, at 2,300ft, are achievable for new trekkers, and can be reached the following morning, without much huffing and puffing. Its best to continue the ascent at dawn, though, as it gets hot and humid post 7.30am. The reward of reaching these peaks is the beautiful views of the Matheran ranges and a glimpse of the peaks of Chanderi, Shrimallang, Irshalgadh, Karnala and Manikgarh.
READ MORE: Travel; On a mango trail: The best-kept secrets of Ratnagiri
Before you go: 5 things to know, pack
-End of May to beginning of June is the best time to spot fireflies.
-Wear a good pair of hiking shoes. Avoid floaters and slippers at all cost.
-Things to carry on the trek: Two litres of water, a torch, a sleeping bag, and a tent, if you want the complete camping experience. Use a backpack to carry these, and not a sling bag or a jhola.
-In the company of fireflies, make as little noise as possible, and do not use the camera flash.
-On the trail, adopt the Leave No Trace policy and do not litter.
1. Bhandardara
From Kasara, the hike up to Bhandardara can be set upon from various villages.
Mumbai Travellers will organise a trek on June 11 and 12.
Visit: mumbaitravellers.in to register.
Price: Rs 1,000 onward per person
Bhandardara Lake
2. Peth Fort
From Karjat, head to Ambivali village which serves as the base for the ascent. Spot the fireflies and spend the night at Pethwadi. Locals can arrange for dinner as homestay options with bare minimum facilities.
Tattva Adventures is organising a trek here on June 11 to 12.
Price: Rs 1,000 per person
The climb to Peth Fort (Photo: Aditya Madanapalle)
3. Rajmachi
Spend the night at Udhewadi. Locals can arrange for dinner as homestay options with bare minimum facilities.
Trek Mates India will organise a trek through Rajmachi, up to Kondane caves, on June 11 and 12.
Visit: trekmatesindia.com to register Price: `1,200 per person
Wild Rangers will organise a trek on June 11 and 12.
Call 9664906108 to register
Price: Rs 1,200 per person
Travel Trikon will organise a trek on June 11 and 12.
Email: traveltrikon@gmail.com to register
Price: Rs 1,200 per person
Rajmachi Fort
4. Naneghat
This is a mountain pass near Junnar (Pune district). From Kalyan, reach Vaishakhare, the base village for the trek. Carry dinner and breakfast, and spend the night camping at the caves atop Naneghat.
Naneghat
5. Prabal Machi
Trek Mates India will organise a trek on June 11 and 12.
Visit: trekmatesindia.com to register
Price: Rs 880
Mumbai Travellers will organise a trek on June 11 and 12.
Visit: mumbaitravellers.in to register
Price: Rs 1,100 per person
Wild Rangers will organise a trek on June 11 and 12.
& 9664906108 to register
Price: Rs 800 per person
Prabal Machi plateau: To the left are the twin peaks of Kalavantin and Prabalgadh (Photo: Sanjoy Dhananjay)
Model Aishwarya Choubey, who has filed a police complaint with Mumbai Police alleging that former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan sent her lewd messages, has shared screenshots of the said messages and an alleged audio clip of her conversation with the actor.
Aishwarya told Hindustan Times that she met Ajaz, who was seen in the seventh season of Bigg Boss, in April this year.
I know Ajaz is not a star but neither am I a big name. When I came to Mumbai, a friend told me that he (Ajaz) is a good person and advised me to stay in touch as he could suggest some work for me. I would have never stayed in touch had I not thought we were friends, she said.
Read: Former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan booked for sending lewd messages to model
She alleged that things took a different turn soon after their first meeting and she received vulgar pictures just 10-15 days later.
When he first sent me vulgar pictures, I just deleted them as I stay with family. I told him that I do not want anything physical and was only interested in pure friendship, she added.
The model said she filed an FIR against Ajaz last Saturday.
Khan, however, claimed that it was just a publicity stunt and added that police have not summoned him. She is a liar. I only met her three or four times at parties. Thank God, I never met her alone. This is her publicity stunt and it is not the first time she has done it. Earlier, she claimed that Salman Khan was dating her and she was all set to play the lead in one of his upcoming films. No one reported it then because they were scared of Salmans lawyers. But who cares for Ajaz Khan, the former Bigg Boss contestant added.
In the eight-minute-long conversation shared by Aishwarya, the duo is heard having an argument wherein Ajaz kept reminding her that he has always helped her. Aishwarya, however, insists that she trusted him as a friend and is disappointed. She also says that she did not want any other relationship with Ajaz except for a pure friendship.
He also threatened her, Tumhara kabhi kuch nahi hoga.
Listen to their entire conversation here:
Ajaz also warns her that no one will believe her and reminded her that he had introduced her to Ramu, perhaps referring to filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. She confirmed she last met Ajaz during Varmas birthday party.
Read: Pratyusha Banerjee death- Bigg Boss Ajaz Khan alleges planned murder
She reportedly approached the police on Monday night. If the police found her complaint valid, they would have approached me or arrested me. I havent received any communication from the Versova Police Station, Ajaz said.
Kiran Kale, a senior inspector with the Versova police station, confirmed they have lodged Aishwaryas complaint.
We have registered an FIR under Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 509 (word, gesture or act insulting the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code, Kale said.
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Priyanka Chopra and Hollywood actor Sarah Michelle Gellar seem to have formed a mutual admiration club. In an interview the 33-year-old Quantico actress said that during her school days in the USA she used to look up to Gellar as Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Read: Priyanka Chopra is humbled by her Time magazine cover
When I was in high school in America, I didnt see anyone, who looked like me hardly ever. I just thought that was normal because you dont know any better. So I used to idolise so many other people, like Sarah Michelle Gellar on Buffy.
I told u to watch out @therock haha! That's how we roll at #baywatch .. This was too fun! A video posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 16, 2016 at 9:52pm PDT
Thank u for the kind words @SarahMGellar Buffy got me through some rough years in high school. Much love. @latimes https://t.co/JN9dzD1lGe PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) June 7, 2016
But when I went back to India at age 17 and started travelling for work, that was when I slowly realised that we dont all look like one person, Priyanka said.
Gellar, 39, who was touched by the praise, took to Twitter to thank the Baywatch actress.
Read: Read what The Rock wrote about Priyanka Chopra in the Time 100 issue
@priyankachopra I love watching you (and all that you represent) so you can imagine how honoured I was at the mention, she wrote.
Priyanka replied, thanking her for helping her overcome tough times.
Thank you for the kind words @SarahMGellar Buffy got me through some rough years in high school. Much love. @latimes, she tweeted.
Follow @htshowbiz for more
Somali al Shabaab militants said their fighters rammed a suicide car bomb into a base of Ethiopian troops serving with the African Unions AMISOM force, stormed inside and killed 43 soldiers on Thursday.
Residents near the base in the central town of Haglan said they heard a huge explosion and then heavy exchanges of gunfire shortly before dawn. Shots ran out at least an hour after the initial blast, they added.
There was no immediate comment from AMISOM, which is made up of troops from African nations supporting Somalias Western-backed government in its fight against the al Qaeda-linked militants.
AMISOM usually says it is up to troop-contributing countries to announce casualties. In the past, casualty figures cited by al Shabaab have been much higher than official numbers.
Our fighters stormed the Halgan base of AMISOM, al Shabaabs military operations spokesperson Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters.
Musab said several al Shabaab fighters died, but did not give a number.
It was a huge blast. It destroyed the gate and parts of the base, the he said, adding al Shabaab fighters overran the base and drove out the Ethiopian troops before withdrawing.
Al Shabaab fighters also repelled a counter attack by Djibouti troops deployed from another base in the area, he said.
The group often launches gun and bomb attacks on officials, Somali security forces and AMISOM in a bid to topple the government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam on Somalia.
In January, Kenyan troops serving with AMISOM suffered heavy losses when al Shabaab made a dawn raid on their camp in El Adde, near the Kenyan border. Al Shabaab said it killed more than 100 soldiers but Kenya gave no exact casualty figure.
A seven-year-old Japanese boy who survived almost a week in a forest after his parents left him at the side of a road was released from a hospital this week, smiling and waving to a crowd cheering the happy ending. Public criticism of the father, who made Yamato Tanooka get out of the car to punish him for misbehaviour, has faded, and police reportedly wont pursue charges. Some possible explanations why:
Is leaving a child behind considered abuse in Japan?
Abandoning a child, or anyone who needs care, is a crime punishable by up to five years imprisonment in Japan. However, its generally enforced when someone abandons a person with no intention of retrieving him or her despite awareness of a life-threatening risk. In this case, the father returned for his son a few minutes later, but the boy had disappeared.
Are attitudes toward what constitutes abuse different in Japan?
Apparently so. The Japanese Embassy in the United States urges Japanese nationals to be cautious with their children in America. It warns that corporal punishment, a father bathing with his little daughter, or leaving a child outside a supermarket in a shopping cart all generally accepted in Japan could be taken as child abuse subject to criminal charges. Remember, youre not in Japan, the embassy says on its website.
Why are attitudes different?
In Japan, the concept of childrens rights and protection is relatively new. Its more common for children to be considered the property of their parents, rather than individuals with their own rights. In a country of conformity, good parents are expected to control their kids. Borderline cases of child abuse are more often viewed as a family matter rather than a crime.
Are attitudes changing?
Japan signed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994, prompting it to enact the Child Abuse Prevention Act of 2000. The act defines four types of child abuse physical, emotional, sexual and neglect largely modeled on the U.S. definition, but does not include penalties. Instead, guidance centers, governments and schools officials are instructed to intervene in possible abuse cases. The case of the 7-year-old boy split public opinion. While many criticized the father for going too far, others sympathized with him over the challenges of parenting and said they faced similar punishment as children.
What is the current trend in Japan regarding child abuse?
Japanese are increasingly coming forward to report child abuse cases, with the government attributing this largely to a growing awareness of the issue. Since Japan started collecting data in 1990, the number of cases, including suspected ones, reported to child guidance centers has increased more than sevenfold, with nearly 89,000 in 2014, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Emotional abuse was the most common type of case, at 40 percent, followed by physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. The most vulnerable were elementary schoolchildren, and mothers were most often the perpetrators. From 2004 to 2014, there were 1,009 child fatalities in abuse cases, according to the ministry.
A prominent Conservative MP in Britain defected from the Vote Leave camp as two former prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair jointly appealed on Thursday for the country to remain in the European Union in a show of cross-party support, putting Brexiteers on the back foot.
Uneasy with the Vote Leave camps claim that Britain sends 350 million pounds a week to Brussels and leaving the EU would free the money for the National Health Service, Sarah Wollaston, a former doctor, announced that she was switching to the Remain camp.
Wollaston said: For someone like me who has long campaigned for open and honest data in public life I could not have set foot on a battle bus that has at the heart of its campaign a figure that I know to be untrue, signalling the first major defection between the two camps as the acrimonious campaign reached new levels ahead of the referendum on June 23.
Making another passionate case for Britain to remain in the EU, Major and Blair repeated their known arguments in the University of Ulster in Londonderry, and alleged that the Vote Leave camp was not providing details on key issues such as economy and immigration.
Boris Johnson, one of the leading lights of the Vote Leave camp, was scheduled to appear in a live telecast on Thursday night with Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. There are fears that a Brexit vote will trigger another referendum on Scotlands independence from the UK. Leaving the EU, Major said, would ensure that the UK would be broken apart for good.
Taking on arguments of the Vote Leave camp, Blair said casually waving away key issues was unforgivably irresponsible.
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Israel on Thursday said it had suspended entry permits for 83,000 Palestinians during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan following a shooting in Tel Aviv that killed four people.
All permits for Ramadan, especially permits for family visits from Judea and Samaria to Israel, are frozen, said a statement from COGAT -- the unit which manages civilian affairs in the occupied West Bank.
It said that 83,000 Palestinians would be affected, adding that hundreds of residents of the Gaza Strip who had received permits to visit relatives and holy sites during Ramadan would also have access frozen.
COGAT announced the measures after two Palestinians opened fire at a popular Tel Aviv nightspot near Israels military headquarters late on Wednesday, killing four people in one of the worst attacks in a months-long wave of violence.
Read: Palestinian gunmen kill 4 Israelis in Tel Aviv, 5 wounded
It said it had frozen permits for 204 relatives of one of the alleged attackers.
Israel had announced last week it was relaxing restrictions on the movement of Palestinians, mainly from the West Bank, but also those living in Gaza, during Ramadan.
It had planned to allowed up to 500 people from Gaza to attend Friday prayers at the Israeli-controlled Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem over the holy month, which began on Monday.
Violence since October has killed at least 207 Palestinians, 28 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese.
Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were killed in clashes or by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.
A Chinese naval ship sailed into waters surrounding disputed East China Sea islands for the first time early on Thursday, prompting Tokyo to summon the Chinese ambassador to protest, the Japanese government said.
Russian naval ships were also seen in the area around the same time.
A Chinese naval vessel entered waters surrounding the Tokyo-administered isles, called Senkaku in Japan and also claimed as the Diaoyu islands by China, around 00:50am (1550 GMT Wednesday), according to the Japanese foreign ministry.
It was a 3,963-ton Jiangkai class frigate, spotted by Japans guided-missile destroyer Setogiri, the Japanese defence ministry said.
Contiguous waters are a 12-nautical-mile band that extends beyond territorial waters. Under international rules, they are not the preserve of any single country, although the resident power has certain limited rights.
The fact that (China) sent a naval ship to the contiguous waters of our Senkaku Islands for the first time is an act that unilaterally increases tension and our nation is gravely concerned, chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular briefing.
Relations between Japan and China deteriorated in 2012 when Tokyo nationalised some of the islets.
Since then, the two largest Asian economies have taken gradual steps to mend fences but relations remain tense.
Japanese vice foreign minister Akitaka Saiki summoned Chinese ambassador Cheng Yonghua around 2am to lodge a protest.
Saiki expressed grave concerns and protested, while demanding the ship immediately leave our nations contiguous zone, the ministry statement said.
During his meeting with Saiki, Cheng claimed the Chinese frigate was allowed to sail in the waters, Kyodo News said, citing an unnamed source.
The frigate left the zone at about 3.10am, the Japanese government said.
Japans defence minister Gen Nakatani, who was visiting Thailand, told Japanese journalists that Tokyo was taking a measured response.
We will continue our calm handling of this issue so as not to unnecessarily escalate the situation, Nakatani said in an televised group interview.
We will continue to act firmly in order to defend our territorial land, waters and air space, he said.
Chinese coast guard vessels routinely travel around the disputed islands.
Observing that the two years of Modi government have resulted in a deterioration in human rights and religious freedom in India, human rights activists have called for making the issue a part of the US regular dialogue with India.
Progress on human rights in India will continue to falter unless the Modi administration takes better steps to ensure justice and accountability for all citizens, protect vulnerable communities, and protect the free exchange of ideas and dissent, said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director, Human Rights Watch.
Lack of effective implementation of laws and policies remain a persistent challenge, Sifton said during a hearing on Challenges & Opportunities: The Advancement of Human Rights in India organised by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on Tuesday.
Government officials are not held accountable and impunity persists for police and other security personnel who are shielded by laws from being prosecuted for serious human rights abuses, he claimed.
Read: In rousing speech to US Congress, PM Modi signals new moment in ties
We urge members of Congress to press the United States to prioritise these vital issues with Indias government, and to raise them directly in interactions with the Indian government, in the months and years ahead, Sifton said during the Tuesday hearing, held soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Barack Obama at the White House.
While the Indian government is not directly involved in perpetrating these crimes, the silence of Prime Minister Modi and government authorities is deafening, Jeff King, president, International Christian Concern said.
Martina E Vandenberg, President of Human Trafficking Pro Bono Legal Centre, demanded that in light of Indias failure to take decisive steps to combat human trafficking, India be ranked as Tier 3 in the 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report.
Read: As it happened: Modis address to US Congress
Ajit Sahi, Civil Liberties Campaigner & Investigative Journalist, was of the view that both the State as well as non-state actors violate human rights in India on a massive scale, often in conjunction with each other.
To begin with, it is imperative that the Indian government bring in place a mechanism by which police officers who falsely framed innocent people in terror cases can be punished for their illegalities. Another demand is that the government recognise the wrongs committed and suitably compensate and rehabilitate the victims of such fraudulent criminal cases, Sahi said.
Islamabad has formally asked the US administration and Congress to support its application to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), saying the atomic trading club should adopt a non-discriminatory approach that treats India and Pakistan equally.
Pakistans ambassador to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani, said in a letter to the US Senate committee on foreign relations that Islamabad had taken a series of steps that qualify it for joining the NSG, the Dawn newspaper reported on Thursday.
While US President Barack Obama endorsed Indias application to join the NSG after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, the US administration and Congress are unwilling to support Pakistan, the report said.
Read: China leads resistance to India joining nuclear export club
Pakistans close ally China is among the countries opposing Indias application. The NSG makes decisions by consensus and India cannot join without Chinas support.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that criteria-based, non-discriminatory approach, which treats both Pakistan and India equally, while also simultaneously binding them to appropriate non-proliferation commitments, will not only strengthen the non-proliferation regime but also promote strategic stability in South Asia, the letter said.
Pakistans desire to participate in the NSG stands on solid grounds of technical experience, capability and well-established commitment to nuclear safety, Jilani wrote.
He added Pakistan had operated secure and safeguarded nuclear power plants for more than 42 years, and that safe and sustainable nuclear energy is essential for the countrys future energy security.
The letter further said Pakistan is willing to accept the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards on all foreign supplied nuclear reactors and nuclear materials similar to the safeguards in place at all of the countrys civil nuclear facilities.
Read: Why NSG membership matters to India: All you need to know
Referring to the waiver granted by the NSG in 2008 following the India-US civil nuclear deal, Jilani said Pakistans view was corroborated by incontrovertible evidence and public export analysis that the approach of granting country-specific exceptions, such as the NSG waiver in 2008, has neither benefited the non-proliferation regime nor the objective of regional strategic stability.
The letter claimed reports on significant upcoming fissile material facilities and build up of unsafeguarded weapon usable fissile material in Pakistans neighbourhood raise larger security and stability concerns for the region.
Pakistans foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz said on Thursday expressed concern over growing India-US defence relations that are disturbing strategic and conventional balance of power in the region.
The US approaches Pakistan whenever it needs it, and abandons it when it doesnt need the country, Aziz was quoted as saying by the media. Pakistan will convey its concerns to US over the latest issues in the bilateral ties, Aziz said, adding Pakistan and US officials are expected to meet in Islamabad on June 10.
Read: As Modi comes calling, Mexico backs India bid to join NSG
We firmly conveyed it to the US that maintaining effective nuclear deterrence is critical for Pakistans security and only Pakistan itself can determine how it should respond to growing strategic imbalance in South Asia, he said.
But Aziz added dialogue is the only solution to all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India.
Islamabad
Pakistan has cleared two projects worth billions of dollars for building a gas pipeline and upgrading the main line of Pakistan Railways to improve traffic for a bilateral economic corridor, the media reported on Thursday.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), a finance arm of the government, gave the nod for both projects ahead of loan negotiations with China, The Express Tribune reported. China will provide loans equivalent to 85% of the cost of both projects
According to documents, the cost of upgrading Pakistan Railways main line and establishing a dry port near Havelian is $8.2 billion, which the Chinese government will finance with a $7-billion concessionary loan.
The project is part of the $46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is covered by the framework agreement for the corridor that was signed during the April 2015 visit of the Chinese president to Pakistan.
In the railway project, 15% of the cost will be borne by Pakistan and 85% will be financed by Chinese financial institutions. Pakistan Railways currently accounts for less than 4% of the countrys traffic volume, which the government intends to increase to at least 20% by 2025.
The project envisages upgrading the railways main line from Karachi to Peshawar with a length of 1,872 km, including the 91-km Lodhran-Khanewal section and 55-km Taxila-Havelian section.
The major work will involve upgrading 1,598 km of double and single track and overhauling 930 km of double line. The construction of a 676-km new track from Lalamusa to Peshawar, construction of tunnels, bridges and culverts along with allied structures and facilities for 25-ton axle load capacity are also part of the project. The project is planned to be completed in two phases in five years by 2021. The first phase will be completed by December 2017 and the second by 2021.
The CDWP also cleared the Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG terminal and pipeline project at an estimated cost of roughly $2 billion, including a $1.4-billion Chinese loan.
Two Palestinians opened fire near a popular open-air market in central Tel Aviv on Wednesday night, killing four Israelis and wounding at least five others in one of the deadliest attacks in an eight-month wave of violence.
The shooting occurred at the Sarona market, a series of restored buildings that have been transformed into a popular tourist spot filled with crowded shops and restaurants. The complex is across the street from Israels military headquarters and is often filled with tourists and young soldiers in uniform.
Two terrorists opened fire at civilians, Tel Aviv district police commander Moshe Edri said, adding that one of the detained attackers was being treated for a gunfire wound.
Police had initially said there might be a third attacker but later ruled that out after extensive searches and examining security camera footage.
Tel Avivs Ichilov Hospital said the four slain Israelis had been brought to the facility in critical condition and later died of their wounds.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his defense minister and security leaders shortly after the attack and then traveled to the scene. He called the attack a cold blooded murder by despicable terrorists, according to a statement from his office.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, welcomed the attack but did not claim responsibility for it. Hamas official Mushir al-Masri called the shootings a heroic operation and the group later issued an official statement promising the Zionists more surprises during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan.
Meital Sassi told Channel 10 TV she was out with her family celebrating her sons birthday at the Sarona market when she heard shots and immediately understood it was a terror attack.
We ran like lightning with the baby and the stroller, she said. I yelled at people who didnt understand what was happening to run.
Channel 10 aired CCTV footage from inside a restaurant showing two men in suits shooting at diners as they run away from their tables. One of the attackers shoots a man on the ground and waves a knife before running out.
Shlomi Hajaj, director of the market, told the station that security guards at the entrance prevented the attackers from entering, averting a bigger disaster as the market was packed with people.
Police said the two gunmen were members of the same family from the Palestinian village of Yatta, near the West Bank town of Hebron, which has been a flashpoint for violence in recent months.
Over the last eight months Palestinians have carried out dozens of attacks on civilians and security forces, mostly stabbings, shootings and car ramming assaults that have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans. About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most identified as attackers by Israel. The assaults were once near-daily incidents but they have become less frequent in recent weeks.
Most of the attacks have been in east Jerusalem or the West Bank, territories Israel seized from Jordan in the 1967 war which the Palestinians want for their future state.
But Tel Aviv, Israels most cosmopolitan city, has not been spared.
A member of Israels Arab minority went on a shooting rampage on New Years Day, killing three people. And in March a Palestinian went on stabbing spree, killing an American and wounding 7 other people before he was shot and killed.
US state department spokesperson Mark Toner condemned the horrific terrorist attack in a statement, saying cowardly attacks against innocent civilians can never be justified.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement he was shocked that Hamas leaders chose to welcome this attack.
Youll soon see four new names on the periodic table of the elements, including three that honor Moscow, Japan and Tennessee.
The names are among four recommended Wednesday by an international scientific group. The fourth is named for a Russian scientist.
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, which rules on chemical element names, presented its proposal for public review. The names had been submitted by the element discoverers.
The four elements, known now by their numbers, completed the seventh row of the periodic table when the chemistry organization verified their discoveries last December.
Tennessee is the second US state to be recognized with an element; California was the first. Element names can come from places, mythology, names of scientists or traits of the element. Other examples: americium, einsteinium and titanium.
Kosuke Morita, researcher of Riken (Institute of Physical and Chemical Research) who led a group discovered element 113, poses for a photo with a periodic table of the elements after the element was named, during a press conference at the institution in Wako, northwest of Tokyo, Thursday, June 9, 2016. (AP Photo)
Joining more familiar element names such as hydrogen, carbon and lead are:
moscovium (mah-SKOH-vee-um), symbol Mc, for element 115, and tennessine (TEH-neh-seen), symbol Ts, for element 117. The discovery team is from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
Vanderbilt physics professor Joseph Hamilton, who played a role in the discoveries, proposed naming an element for Tennessee. He had hoped to use the symbol Tn, but it had been used in the past and couldnt be reassigned to the new element.
oganesson (OH-gah-NEH-sun), symbol Og, for element 118. The name honors Russian physicist Yuri Oganessian.
nihonium (nee-HOH-nee-um), symbol Nh, for element 113. The element was discovered in Japan, and Nihon is one way to say the countrys name in Japanese. Its the first element to be discovered in an Asian country.
An official at a Japanese institute involved in the discovery said the name was chosen to recognize government funding for the project. We wanted to show our research has been supported by the Japanese people, said Kosuke Morita, a research group director at the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-based Science.
The public comment period will end November 8.
Syrian rebels have reopened a vital supply line by capturing two villages from the Islamic State jihadist group as it came under pressure on a range of fronts in Syria and Iraq.
IS has controlled large areas of both countries since declaring its self-styled caliphate in 2014 but is losing territory in the face of separate assaults.
In Syria, pro-government forces, rebels and a US-backed Arab-Kurdish alliance are all engaged in offensives to squeeze the extremists supply lines, while Iraqi forces are advancing on the IS-held city of Fallujah.
The Damascus regime has also kept up its assaults on opposition areas, particularly in second city Aleppo, where at least 15 civilians were killed on Wednesday in bombing by pro-government forces.
North of the city, rebel fighters re-opened a key supply route linking their two main bastions in Aleppo province: Marea and Azaz.
In late May, IS captured several villages between the two towns, cutting off access to the Turkish border for Mareas opposition forces.
But early Wednesday, rebels backed by Islamist groups launched simultaneous attacks from both Marea and Azaz, squeezing IS jihadists out of the villages of Kafr Kalbin and Kaljibrin and reopening the road, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Observatorys Rami Abdel Rahman said IS fighters even pulled back from towns and villages east of the supply route, including Dudyan near the border.
In Aleppo, barrel bombs dropped from government helicopters killed 10 people near Al-Bayan hospital in Shaar neighbourhood, said the Observatory.
We have three operation rooms and all the equipment inside them was damaged because of the force of the explosion, doctor Marwan al-Radwan told AFP.
Life returning to Marea
An AFP photographer saw bodies wrapped in bloodied white bags outside the hospital, while inside, the force of the blast had knocked supplies and parts of the wall onto the floor.
The hospital said a staff member was wounded.
The UN childrens agency, UNICEF, said two other medical facilities were also hit, Al-Hakim hospital and Abdulhadi Fares clinic, like Al-Bayan in the rebel-held eastern part of the city.
The Observatory said five other civilians -- including two children -- were killed in attacks on the Al-Marja and Al-Maadi districts.
It later reported seven rebel fighters killed in bombardment of Aleppos eastern Al-Sakhur neighbourhood.
I was expecting the regime to respect this holy month (of Ramadan) and to hold off on shelling, said Abu Mohammad, 65.
Were afraid to go out into the streets in the morning or at night when we break our fast.
IS forces had long coveted Marea and battered the town for over a year with deadly car bombs and suicide attacks.
Its advance last month forced thousands to flee Marea and sparked fears the rebels would lose one of their last major northern hubs to the jihadists.
Life is gradually returning to Marea, journalist Mamoun Khateeb told AFP from the flashpoint town.
Khateeb himself was in Azaz when the IS offensive began and was only able to return to his hometown of Marea on Wednesday.
After the road was re-opened, some people have come back and weve even seen trucks selling vegetables enter the town, he said.
Advance in Fallujah
ISs supply line leads from Jarabulus on the Turkish-Syrian border south through the town of Manbij and winds southeast along the Euphrates through the town of Tabqa and on to Raqa city.
The Arab-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, who receive air support from a US-led coalition, reached the northern edges of Manbij overnight, said the Observatory.
And regime fighters with Russian air cover were slowly edging towards Tabqa, where IS has sent fighters and weapons ahead of a potential battle.
The Kurdish and Arab alliance was set to attack Manbij within days, a US military spokesman said, helping clear the way for an eventual assault on the jihadists stronghold of Raqa.
At the pace theyre moving now and at the speed that theyve been able to fight the enemy, we think theyre a matter of days before they conduct the attack on (Manbij), Baghdad-based military spokesman Colonel Chris Garver told reporters.
In Iraq, government forces backed by paramilitary groups and air support from the US-led coalition were advancing within IS-held Fallujah.
On Wednesday, the Iraqi fighters seized a southern neighbourhood in Fallujah city, said Sabah al-Nuaman, the spokesman for the elite counter-terrorism service fighting in the city.
Held by IS since January 2014, Fallujah is one of the most important bases of the jihadist organisation and the second-largest city in Iraq still under its control.
A 56-year-old prominent Sikh real estate developer was shot dead in broad daylight in Canadas Richmond city in what authorities are describing as a brazen target killing.
Amarjit Singh Sandhu was shot in the parking lot of a shopping centre in Richmond, British Columbia, as shoppers and restaurant diners witnessed the shooting.
Sandhu died in hospital after Saturdays broad daylight shooting that left his truck riddled with bullets.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police were called to the spot and found the man suffering from gunshot wounds. They reported several bullet holes in the drivers side door of the black pickup truck.
No one else was injured in the incident.
It was a targeted attack, the police said in a statement.
The police released a vague description of a man wanted in connection with the murder of Sandhu. The suspect is described as a non-white male in his early to mid 20s.
Sandhu was listed as president of Sandhill Developments Ltd. He and the company are named in more than 80 civil lawsuits in British Columbia dating back to the 1990s.
In a recent case, Sandhu took the Khalsa Diwan Society to court. His actions led to an election being called for leaders at the Ross Street gurdwara in Vancouver, scheduled for September.
An official with the party opposed to changes Sandhu was seeking at the temple believes the shooting was unrelated.
To my knowledge just for the sake of an election nobody would take such a big risk, Ranjit Hayer of the Khalsa Diwan Society was quoted as saying.
People at the gurdwara registering to vote in the election said Sandhu was at the gurdwara before he went to Richmond and was gunned down.
A male witness was quoted by Richmond News as saying that Sandhu was killed while standing next to his black truck.
A high-ranking Swedish military official will be the new head of the United Nations mission tasked with monitoring the ceasefire line between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
Major General Per Gustaf Lodin, 59, also a logistics expert, was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as the Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission for the United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) in India and Pakistan, the UN said.
Maj Gen Lodin succeeds Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana, who completes his two-year assignment as Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission for the UNMOGIP on July 2.
India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).
With a military career in the Swedish Army beginning in 1978, Major General Lodin most recently held the position of Director of Procurement and Logistics for the Swedish Armed Forces.
Previous to this, he was the deputy director of the National Armaments for Sweden and deputy chief of staff at the Swedish Armed Forces.
According to the Security Council mandate given in Resolution 307 of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control and the working boundary between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.
As of March 31 this year, UNMOGIP has 44 military observers, 25 international civilian personnel and 47 local civilian staff.
The observer group is financed by the United Nations regular budget and appropriations for biennium 2014 -- 2015 are 19.64 million dollars.
Wounded Veterans Continue to Serve Comrades and Country in the Military Order of the Purple Heart
You can order copies of the Vietnam June 2013 issue, with Rolling Thunder Official Guide included: http://historynetshop.com/vnrt13.html
With two more combat veterans joining Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in President Barack Obamas cabinet, three Vietnam War Purple Heart recipients now hold high positions in a presidential administration. Secretary of State John Kerry was awarded his Purple Hearts in 1969 and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel still carries shrapnel in his chest from wounds suffered in 1968.
More than 350,000 Purple Hearts were awarded to those wounded on the battlefields of Vietnam. Many of those recipients will be among the tens of thousands of veterans in Washington this Memorial Day weekend for Rolling Thunder.
Based on the Revolutionary War award of merit created by George Washington, the Purple Heart dates back to 1932, when it was established to honor those wounded in combatretroactive to World War I. Soon after, the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) was formed for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. It received its Congressional charter in 1958 and is the only veterans service organization composed strictly of combat veterans. Some 1.8 million individual Purple Hearts have been awarded.
While the Military Order of the Purple Heart membership is exclusive, the orders mission and extraordinary services extend to all veterans, allowing members to play a unique role in supporting other wounded service members. At 45,000 members, among the smaller veterans service organizations, the MOPHs influence and work on behalf of all veterans is growing. Likewise, the organizations outreach to eligible Vietnam War veteransmany of whom may not even be aware of its existenceis growing as well. Perhaps thats because just as Vietnam veterans now fill many top positions in government and business, todays top MOPH leaders also served in Vietnam. All of the elected national leaders of the order are Vietnam veterans, as are the top officials of its fundraising arm, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation.
John Jack Leonard, who as MOPH adjutant serves as CEO/COO, entered the Marines in 1963. As a second lieutenant in Vietnam, he was severely wounded near Hill 55 in northern I Corps on August 19, 1969. Leonard retired in 1990 as head of Logistics Plans and Operations at Marine Corps Headquarters.
Frank Van Hoy, MOPH national service director, responsible for staffing and the training of national service officers and support staff in its offices across the country, served in Special Forces on his first tour in Vietnam in 1968. He suffered severe wounds in combat against a large enemy force while at a Special Forces team site. After his recovery in the United States, Van Hoy went to flight school, and during his second combat tour in 1970 he got his second Purple Heart piloting a
UH-1 gunship. After that, said Van Hoy, I stayed the hell away from Vietnam.
It was during and immediately following World War II that the MOPH saw its largest membership. We were close to 300,000 members in the late 1940s, early 1950s. Leonard said. That coincided with the tremendous growth of other veterans organizations, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. After this great growth spurt, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and several other fraternal veterans organizations were chartered by Congress and assumed their mission to serve and advocate for all veterans of all wars.
Like other veterans groups, the MOPH has experienced a natural decline in membership as World War II and Korean War veterans age. According to Leonard, most who join a veterans service organization tend to do so when they reach their mid-40s or -50s. Another factor, said Leonard, is that there are more things to be involved in and people are working longer and retiring later, so they dont always have the time that the World War II and Korean War veterans had. Also, the MOPH has none of its own posts or lodges, like the American Legion or the VFW, so there is little presence in communities to help draw in new members.
We make no bones about being real big, said Leonard, who joined in 2004. So there has not been an awful lot of promotion, dedicated membership drives and awareness campaigns until recently.
Leonard noted that Purple Heart veterans from recent wars and conflicts are joining at an impressive rate. Currently, we have almost 3,000 new members from the latest wars and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Leonard said. We also now have 88 female members. He attributes the aberration of seeing more recent-war members to the organizations active presence at many Veterans Affairs facilities.
Of our 77 manned offices, more than 70 of those are within VA facilities, said Leonard, and our full-time trained veteran advocates are there to assist veterans of all branches to get their benefits. There is no membership requirement to receive those services, but because of the services we deliver, we believe that is increasing our membership among the youngsters.
And while the process of becoming a member would appear to be cut and dried, Leonard notes: We have about a 20-percent failure rate for those who apply. A veteran might claim to have a Purple Heart, but it is not established in acceptable documentationfor instance its not on their discharge papers, not on field reports and they cant produce a general order or field order. We get fairly frequent requests from World War II veterans who claim their records were lost. We are pretty good at unraveling those cases to find whos eligible and whos not.
The MOPH has a range of programs, from scholarships to Americanism to Purple Heart highway designations, but its National Service Program, staffed by 140 specially trained service officers, has the greatest impact across a broad spectrum of veterans. The folks who man our offices are paid, Van Hoy stressed, and trained and accredited by the VA to assist veterans on their claims. He said the success of the National Service Program is borne out by the fact that in 2012 the order processed some 21,000 VA claims, resulting in $298 million of benefits and compensation awarded to the veterans. Van Hoy added, If there is merit, we will assist veterans in appealing denied claims through the appeals process. Failing that, a veteran has the option to appeal his case to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Affairs. We are the only veterans service organization that represents veterans to the court without charge. Under certain circumstances, the MOPH will assist veterans dependents as well.
I put our service up against any other service organization, said Van Hoy. Im not saying they arent good, I just know how well trained our people are.
Beyond the formal service program, as a brotherhood of those wounded in combat, MOPH members offer hope and inspiration to todays wounded warriors. We are probably the greatest sounding board for seriously wounded veterans, including those who suffer from amputations, traumatic brain injuries [TBI] and post-traumatic stress [PTS]. We have plenty of members who have suffered and survived these injuries, and through our programs we will reach out to any veteran, member or not, if they are identified as having post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury issues and problems.
We preach to our members that if you have a Purple Heart, you probably have PTS, said Van Hoy. We know veterans with PTS have a difficult time talking about it with just anyone, but you put them with a veteran, especially one with a Purple Heart, and they will open up easier and quicker. We can make inroads sometimes just by being a buddy and pointing the veteran in the right direction.
In the MOPH Hospital Visitation Program, members have an immediate impact at a critical time for a wounded warrior. We can break the ice, Leonard noted, and say Hey, youre talking to another guy who got a Purple Heart. We can compare scars and trade stories and get themand often their spousesto open up. We emphasize full recovery and drive home the point that there is a life after service. There is nothing more rewarding for one of our members.
The order also boasts a very active Veterans Affairs Volunteer Program. Last year MOPH members dedicated some 138,000 hours in VA medical facilities and veteran homes, equating to saving the VA about $3 million over the course of the year, or 65 to 70 full-time equivalent VA employees, said Leonard. Through its Student Volunteer Scholarship Program, the organization also recruits and trains young people who then assist veterans when they are in the hospital or at home. It gives about 3,000 awards a year to outstanding ROTC cadets in high school and college as well as scholarships for MOPH members, dependents and survivors.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart has a presence on Capitol Hill and has given input on legislation to correct and upgrade the Department of Defense criteria for the Purple Heart award, specifically related to TBI and PTS.
The organization played a leading role in one of the most significant recent changes related to the Purple Heart award when POWs who died in captivity were made eligible. Leonard said the group remains active with issues related to POW/MIAs and is regularly briefed by JPAC, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, on the latest developments related to the ongoing recovery of remains in Vietnam.
Stressing that its never too late for Vietnam veteran Purple Heart recipients to join the MOPH, Leonard urged, They need to join so their legacy is protectedand they get the added benefit of talking with their bros.
NO HONOR FOR INFORMERS
The story of the Molly Maguires (August 1999) is, in fact, merely the story of the continuing persecution of the Irish by their Anglo-Saxon masters transferred across several thousand miles of ocean. In this case those masters are personified by the mine and railroad owners, especially Franklin Gowen. The case of James McParlan is also a familiar one in the long history of the Irish race. The rich and powerful in Ireland had always found informers willing to betray their people and sell their souls for a few pieces of silver. So heres an Irish toast to the Molly Maguires, who, if they did commit excesses, did so with the desperation of the oppressed, and heres the back of our hands to James McParlan, informer.
Joseph Gannon
Plainfield, Connecticut
CONNECTION
Probably by coincidence, the August issue includes both an illuminating article by Joseph H. Bloom on the Molly Maguires and a photograph of Arthur Conan Doylebut no one connects the two. Sad. One of Doyles Sherlock Holmes novels, The Valley of Fear, centers on a fictionalized version of the McParlan-Molly Maguire affair and has Birdie Edwards, the McParlan character, later pursued by Professor Moriarty, Holmes great adversary.
Robert L. Hunt
Birmingham, Alabama
READERS DISAGREE
As one who served 20 years in the U.S. Army and also happens to be a Jew, I would like to respond to Mr. Barry Siegels letter (Mailbox, August 1999) concerning Jeannette Rankins vote against entering World War II.
Everything I have read indicates that Rankin voted her conscience in 1941. She was certainly consistent, having voted against entering World War I some 24 years before. While she may have been naive and misguided, I cannot see how this would make her anti-Semitic. In this republic there have always been those whose consciences forbade their taking up arms. This has always been a cherished right in this country. I carry in my wallet a small card with the words of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes: If there is any principle of the Constitution that more imperatively calls for attachment than any other, it is the principle of free thoughtnot free thought for those who agree with us, but freedom for the thought we hate.
How refreshing it is to find a congressional representative who voted her conscience as opposed to those today who take polls to see which way the wind is blowing before taking a stand.
Gerson J. Subotky
Vine Grove, Kentucky
PLUS 900 YEARS
I have been a subscriber for many years and always enjoy the articles. But, on page 10 of the August 1999 issue I found a very major error. In the box about the Ulm Pishkun Buffalo Jump it says the jump was apparently in use as long ago as A.D. 500, more than a century before the Europeans introduced the horse to North America
I taught history for 36 years and Europeans were NOT in the Americas, much less North Dakota, in A.D. 600.
Steve Moseley
La Jolla, California
Editors reply: Mr. Moseley is certainly correct. The word should have been millennium, not century.
The unexpected and unnecessary Loring-Jackson incident almost derailed
two promising military careers.
When Major General William Wing Loring led the successful Confederate defense of Yazoo Pass in March 1863 (see story, P. 46), he unwittingly earned himself a new nickname. Personally directing his mens fire, Loring cried in the heat of battle: Give them blizzards, boys! Give them blizzards! From that moment on, he was known as Old Blizzards.
The fact that Loring was in Mississippi at all was due to a serious run-in he had experienced a year earlier with a fellow general who sported an even more famous nicknameStonewall. Indeed, the Loring-Jackson incident very nearly derailed the military careers of both men.
At the time of the incident, Loring was serving under Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Ironically, in light of what later transpired, Loring assured Confederate Secretary of War Judah Benjamin that he was happy to be taking part in Stonewall Jacksons campaign, seconded by a command as ardent in the cause as any in the country, men who will cheerfully endure all the hardships incident to a winter campaign.
The subsequent campaign saw more than its share of wintry hardships. Devastating snowstorms, biting winds and frozen roads made the march to Romney, Va., an unending logistical nightmare. Inexplicably, Jackson had Lorings men lead the march, instead of his own more experienced troops. When the Union force at Romney withdrew ahead of Lorings men, Jackson personally blamed Loring for prematurely halting his column.
The unsatisfactory conclusion of the campaign was followed by what Loring and his men took to be a pointed insult from Jackson. While Jacksons pet lambs were allowed to winter in the comparative comfort of colonial Winchester, Lorings men were ordered to remain behind at Romney, which had been thoroughly picked over by the departing Union troops. Loring forwarded to Jackson a petition signed by 11 of his officers protesting the conditions at Romney, which were described as the most disagreeable and unfavorable that could well be imagined.
Not trusting Jackson to forward the letter, Loring permitted one of his aides, Colonel William Taliaferro, to personally take a copy to Richmond. There, Taliaferro buttonholed every congressman he could find in the capital, complaining loudly and vociferously about Jacksons leadership, and ultimately secured an audience with Confederate President Jefferson Davis himself. He showed Davis a map of the region and never saw anyone so surprised. The president agreed that Jackson had committed a grave error by leaving Lorings men at Romney and instructed Secretary of War Benjamin to act promptly to redress the error.
Benjamin immediately sent a telegram to Jackson, warning: Our news indicates that a movement is being made to cut off General Lorings command. Order him back to Winchester immediately. Jackson did as directed, but fired off an angry letter to Benjamin that same day, noting: With such interference in my command I cannot expect to be of much service in the field, and accordingly respectfully request to be ordered to report for duty to the Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington.Should this application not be granted, I respectfully request that the President will accept my resignation from the Army.
Like Loring, Jackson knew how to play a political hand. He also sent a personal letter to Virginia Governor John Letcher, his longtime sponsor, complaining that Benjamins actions had been a naked attempt to control military operations in detail from the Secretarys desk at a distance, and would prove ruinous to the army in the future. Jackson piously protested that he was not saying anything against the secretary of war, adding, I take it for granted that he has done what he believed to be best.
In the face of much abuse, Benjamin hastily backed down, writing a flattering letter to Jackson urging him to reconsider his decision to resign and notingperhaps ironicallythat the people of that District with one voice have made constant and urgent appeals to you, in whom they have confidence. At the same time, Benjamin transferred Loring to Georgia, away from Jacksons unforgetting wrath. Jacksons subsequent demand for a court-martial of Loring was quietly allowed to wither away.
The only permanent good to come from the Loring-Jackson feud was Benjamins switch from secretary of war to secretary of state, a position for which he was better suited, both politically and temperamentally. As for Jackson, it was neither the first nor last time he would clash with subordinates who did not measure up to his own austere and quasi-religious definition of duty. Few mere mortals could, or did. R.M.
Roy Morris, Jr., Editor, Americas Civil War
RPG-7 Specs Launch Tube Length: 37.4 in.
Launch Tube Weight: 8.92 lbs.
Launch Tube Diameter: 40mm
Projectile Weight: 4.4 lbs.
Max.Range: 962m
Max.Effective Range: 300m
Max. Armor Penetration: 440mm
Introduced into Soviet service in 1962 and provided to North Vietnam starting in 1966, the RPG-7 was carried by every infantry squad in the Peoples Army of Vietnam. Although it saw its initial combat in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, the RPG-7 gained its vaunted international reputation in Vietnam. The rocket first came to the American publics notice during the 1968 Tet Offensive, where it was employed to deadly effect in the fighting in and around Hue. More accurate, longer-ranged, easier to use and far more powerful than the RPG-2 that it replaced, and more powerful than the much heavier 57mm recoilless rifles North Vietnam had received from China and the Soviet Union in the 1950s, it proved to be an equalizer in infantry vs tank combat.
The RPG-7, whose designation stands for Ruchnoy Protivotankoviy Granatometor hand-held anti-tank grenade launcheris a recoilless, muzzle-loaded, shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon that fires a fin-stabilized rocket with a shaped charge warhead. The Chinese license-built version is called the Type 65 RPG. Of several variants the Soviet Union produced, the RPG-7V was the version deployed to Vietnam.
Loading consists of inserting the assembled B-41 rocket into the launch tube, with the booster section going into the tube first. The Soviet Union introduced a high explosive anti-personnel round in the 1970s, but it was probably not used in Vietnam.
The RPG-7 was simple to use in a close-range engagement, but the optical sights design made it very challenging to estimate range and deflection. The range marks were based on the operators estimate of the targets vertical dimension. An inaccurate perception of target height ensured a corresponding error in range estimate and launch tube elevation. It was not uncommon for an operator to be off by as much as 10-15 percent in engagements beyond 200 meters. More important, he had to estimate wind deflection because the RPGs slow flight speed (under 300 meters per second) and aerodynamic shape made it very susceptible to crosswinds. However, the PAVNs preference for hugging tactics to inhibit Allied artillery effectiveness probably also negated the RPG-7s shortcomings as a long-range weapon. It gave each PAVN squad its own direct fire anti-armor weapon and remains in service with that army and those of 39 other nations to this day.
The RPG-7 remains the direct support infantry weapon of choice among global revolutionary movements. Its continued popularity attests to its low-cost utility and effectiveness.
Facts, information and articles about Battle Of Peachtree Creek, a Civil War Battle of the American Civil War
On the sultry evening of July 17, 1864, Lieutenant General John Bell Hood finally got the job he had long coveted. At his headquarters just north of Atlanta, he received a telegram from Richmond notifying him that he had been promoted to the temporary rank of full general and given command of the hard-pressed Army of Tennessee. For the 33-year-old Kentuckianand the future of the Confederacy as a wholeit was a fateful moment brought about by a peculiar combination of personality, misfortune, self-promotion and politics.The pattern of Hoods military career had been established early on. As a youth, he used the influence of his congressman uncle to wrangle an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. There, he proved to be a less-than-gifted student and an all-too-representative member of a particularly unruly class of cadets. Although nearly expelled, Hood graduated in 1853 and subsequently won an appointment as second lieutenant in the newly formed 2nd U.S. Cavalry. Serving on the frontier, the young lieutenant quickly demonstrated what would be the hallmark of his professional life, compensating for his limited intellectual depth and modest strategic abilities with reckless boldness and undoubted courage.
When the Civil War began, Hood quickly gained fame as one of the Souths most aggressive officers. His boldness also made him one of the nascent Confederacys most rapidly promoted military leaders. From cavalry captain in 1861, he rose to the rank of major general by the fall of 1862, along the way winning high praise for his courage and conduct at the Seven Days battles, at Second Manassas and on other fields of battle.Hoods recklessness sometimes carried a high price. At Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, fragments from an exploding shell ripped through the generals arm and permanently paralyzed his left hand.
When Hood returned to the saddle againsomewhat prematurelyat Chickamauga that September, a Minie bullet shattered the upper portion of his right thigh, forcing an amputation that would have killed a lesser man. A lesser man also might have given up command after such severe wounds. Not Hood. He loved to fight and savored the adulation that his wounds brought him from an adoring public.While convalescing at Richmond after receiving his wounds at Gettysburg and Chicka-mauga, Hood was celebrated and toasted as the latest hero of the South. He hobnobbed with the citys elite, was feted at formal receptions and courted the beautiful young socialite Sally Buck Preston. He also visited and rode around town with Jefferson Davis. Never one to pass up an opportunity for self-promotion, Hood fawned over the Confederate president. He once suggested that Davis, who fancied himself a military expert, take field command, unabashedly gushing, I would follow you to the death.By February 1864, Hood had successfully parlayed his battlefield wounds and Richmond politicking into a major promotion.
As a corps commander in General Joseph Johnstons Army of Tennessee, then in winter camp at Dalton, Ga., the ambitious Hood seized the opportunity to further his career. He sent secret letters to Richmond, overstating the armys perilous condition, downplaying Johnstons frequent requests for cavalry, and openly expressing his disappointment that the commanding general had not taken the initiative to advance into Tennessee and Kentuckyexactly what Davis and the Confederate high command had repeatedly urged Johnston to do.In undermining his immediate boss, Hood needed little help. Instead of taking the offensive, the ever-cautious Johnston spent May and June retreating again and again through northern Georgia toward Atlanta. He incorrectly reasoned that the increasing length of opposing Maj. Gen. William T. Shermans supply line, which stretched north to Chattanooga and Nashville, would make Shermans offensive untenable. Failing that, Johnston hoped to entice his numerically superior opponent into attacking already fortified positions. Indeed, in late June, Sherman assailed entrenched and strongly manned Kennesaw Mountainand lost. But the Confederate commander could not follow up his victory, and both generals soon reverted to their previous tacticsJohnston retreating to carefully prepared entrenchments, and Sherman blithely marching around his flank.
All the while, Richmond authorities grew more and more apprehensive about the safety of Atlanta. Georgias largest city was a vital manufacturing center and storehouse for Confederate military supplies. It was also a transportation center with railroads that radiated in every direction. Losing Atlanta would be a devastating military blow to the Confederacy and would boost Northern morale sapped by three long years of bloody war.By early July, Johnston was at Vining Station, on the north bank of the last major natural barrier to Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River. Amazingly, the Southern commander sat by idly as Sherman feinted to the west and south while preparing to cross his army upstream in the direction of Roswell. On July 8, Maj. Gen. John Schofield, who led the small Army of the Ohio, sent an infantry detail wading across a fish dam in the rain-swollen river. The few Confederates on the south bank offered little resistance.
The following day, Colonel James Brownlow, a Union cavalry officer and son of outspoken East Tennessee Unionist William G. Parson Brownlow, ordered a cavalry detachment to cross the river at Cochrans Ford. Finding the water too deep to wade, Brownlows men stripped to the skin and crossed naked, taking nothing but their guns and cartridge boxes and wearing only their blue hatsperhaps to avoid being arrested as out-of-uniform spies. They captured four undoubtedly startled Confederates and would have gotten more, said Brig. Gen. Edward McCook, but the rebels had the advantage in running through the bushes with clothes on.
Still, McCook concluded, it was a very successful raid for naked men to make.Sherman had expected every possible resistance in the crossing the Chattahoochee River, and he was delighted with the lack of Southern opposition. Oddly enough, even before the river crossings, the usually aggressive Hood had proclaimed his position untenable and urged the army to fall back. After learning of the Union crossings to the east, Johnston characteristically obliged. On the moonlit evening of July 9, the Army of Tennessee slipped quietly across the Chattahoochee.In Richmond, long-standing anxiety turned to alarm. Johnston did nothing to allay anyones fears. In the days that followed, he offered no new strategy to deal with the crisis, while renewing his frequent requests for cavalry reinforcements and even suggesting that it would be a good idea to redistribute the Union prisoners at Andersonville in south Georgia.
Hood sensed that his grand opportunity was at hand. On July 14, he told General Braxton Bragg, a close friend and adviser to Jefferson Davis, We should not, under any circumstances, allow the enemy to gain possession of Atlanta. In a flourish of self-promotion, Hood added: I have, General, so often urged that we should force the enemy to give us battle as to almost be regarded reckless by the officers high in rank in this army, since their views have been so directly opposite. I regard it as a great misfortune that we failed to give battle to the enemy many miles north of our present position. Please say to the President that I shall continue to do my duty cheerfully and faithfully.Georgia Senator Benjamin H. Hill also sensed that Johnstons military career was in extreme jeopardy. After visiting the beleaguered general, the senator returned to Richmond, briefed Davis on the situation in Georgia and subsequently telegraphed the inert commander that he must give battle. For Gods sake do it, he begged.It was to no avail. On July 16, Johnston informed Davis that his army was outnumbered 2-to-1 and that my plan of operations must, therefore depend upon that of the enemy. It is mainly to watch for an opportunity to fight to advantage. In fact, the Army of Tennessee, with approximately 55,000 men present for duty, was outnumbered on the order of 1 1/2-to-1. But that hardly mattered to Davis. He was looking for assurance that his reluctant commander had a specific plan in mind to save Atlanta, and it was now painfully apparent that he did not.
Some of the presidents advisers suggested that longtime corps commander Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee would be the ideal choice. In fact, Davis had offered Hardee the job the previous November after Braggs embarrassing rout at the Battle of Missionary Ridge. A stickler for military protocol, Hardee, a veteran of the peacetime army, had turned him down, noting that Johnston was his senior in rank. In any case, Davis cared little for Hardee either personally or politically and was not about to make him another offer. In the end, the Confederate president found all possible successors lacking, and he turned, as a last resort, to his young friend and protege John Bell Hood.
Davis knew well that his choice was a risky one. His most trusted commander, General Robert E. Lee, agreed that Hood was a bold fighter, but added, I am doubtful as to other qualities necessary. Hoods Northern opponents felt the same way. They knew that Hood lacked battlefield cunning and cleverness, but they never doubted that he would attackand attack boldly. Schofield, who had roomed with Hood and tutored him in math at West Point, told Sherman, Hell hit you like hell, now, before you know it. As events soon proved, this was no exaggeration.
The new Confederate commander realized as well as anyone that he had gotten the job because of his reputation for aggressiveness. He was a lifelong disciple of the Lee and Jackson school of fighting, which favored large, open-field attacksnever mind that by 1864 Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson was dead and Lee himself had given up massed assaults in favor of fighting behind breastworks. Times had changed, but John Bell Hood had not.On July 18, Hood asked Confederate authorities in Richmond to keep Johnston in command at least until the current crisis had passed. Whether the request was a matter of Victorian courtesy and protocol or was based on a genuine concern for the situation at the time is hard to say. Either way, neither Davis nor Johnston had any interest in doing so. The deposed Virginian did tell Hood that his plan had been to strike Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas Army of the Cumberland as it crossed Peach-tree Creek from the north. (Interestingly, the former commander never shared this plan with Davis. Had he done so, he might have retained command.)
Hood liked the idea and, after assessing the military situation that day and the next, decided that he would do as Johnston suggested, with one exception. Instead of hitting Thomas as he crossed Peachtree Creek, he would strike him after he had crossed and before the Federals had time to dig in. Hoods plan was more risky than Johnstons, but it did offer the opportunity to deliver a more decisive blow.On the night of July 19, Hood met with his corps commanders to explain his plan. Major General Benjamin F. Cheatham, temporarily in command of Hoods old corps, would form battle lines several miles northeast of Atlanta. With the support of Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheelers cavalry and 3,000 state militia under the command of Maj. Gen. Gustavus Smith, he was expected somehow to hold at bay Schofield, two divisions of Maj. Gen. O.O. Howards IV Corps and Maj. Gen. James B. McPhersons entire 20,000-man Army of the Tennessee, which was astride the Georgia Railroad at Decatur.
Meanwhile, Hardee and Maj. Gen. A.P. Stewart would hit the slowly advancing Thomas from right to left and in succession. They would drive the Yankees north and west, penning and destroying them at the angle formed by the confluence of Peachtree Creek and the Chattahoochee River. The attack was to begin at 1 p.m. the following day.Hoods plan offered promise. There was a gap of nearly two miles between Thomas left and Schofields right. And, just as Hood had calculated, Thomas was crossing the last of his divisions but had not yet formed line of battle or entrenched on the south side of the creek by the morning of July 20. Moreover, Sherman had convinced himself that any Confederate attack would be made against Schofield and McPherson, not Thomas, which was one reason he had made his headquarters with Schofield, near the center of his line. On the evening of July 19, Sherman ordered Thomas to move toward Atlanta at daylight. With McPherson, Howard, and Schofield, the red-haired Ohioan wrote later, I would have ample to fight the whole of Hoods army, leaving you to walk into Atlanta, capturing guns and everything.On the morning of the 20th, Hood began moving his troops into line. However, he soon learned that Cheatham was too far north to cover the Union advance from Decatur. In response, he instructed the Tennessean to slide to the south and ordered Hardee and Stewart to sidestep a half-mile each to maintain contact with their right. Unfortunately, Cheatham continued to shift south for not one but two miles. Hardee could not move a half-mile and still maintain contact. Without further instructions from Hood, who was not on the field, Hardee continued to march to his right, while a frustrated and angry Stewart, eager to attack, followed. Time and opportunity were rapidly slipping by.As Hoods corps moved to the right, Union artillery served notice that the long-feared Yankee hordes were rapping on Atlantas door. About noon, two 20-pounder Parrott shells exploded near the corner of Ellis and Ivy streets, killing a young girl who was walking through the intersection with her parents. The brief shelling also gave noisy proof that Schofield and McPherson were moving on the city, albeit at snail-like speed.Finally, at 3:30 p.m., the bulk of the Army of Tennessee was ready to advance toward Peachtree Creek. Thomas was ill-prepared for the coming attack. Although captured Rebels had told him that heavy enemy forces were in his front, Thomas had still not fully deployed his lines. On his left, Brig. Gen. John Newtons detached division from the IV Corps was busily entrenching and throwing up barricades on a ridge top along Peachtree Road, three-fourths of a mile south of the creek.Major General Joseph Hookers XX Corps, to Newtons right, was largely undeployed and arrayed in an irregular V-shaped pattern. His 3rd Division, led by Brig. Gen. William T. Ward, milled about in the creek bottom several hundred yards to Newtons right and rear. Beyond Ward, Brig. Gen. John W. Geary had formed his 2nd Division along and beyond Collier Road, which ran east to west and connected Peachtree and Howells Mill roads. To Gearys right and 500 yards to the rear, Brig. Gen. Alpheus Williams 1st Division rested near the creek and along nearby ridges. Major General John Palmers XIV Corps was entrenched still farther to the right and rear and seemed in no hurry to move abreast of Hooker.The long saunter to the right was not a complete disaster for Hood. Although Newton and Geary were spending the afternoon busily strengthening their positions, by sheer luck Hardees line now overlapped the Union left. Major General William Bates division had moved unobserved into the gap to the east of Newton. His assignment was to deliver a devastating blow to the Union flank while Maj. Gen. William H.T. Walkers division assailed the front. Hardee anxiously awaited Bates attack, but it never came. The Tennessean was trapped in a tangle of brush and briars in Clear Creek valley, to the east of Peachtree Road, and could not find Newtons left.
Hardee then ordered Walker forward. Advancing two of his brigades along the right and left of Peachtree Road, Walkers whooping gray lines ran headlong into a semicircular line of Union barricades and breastworks. Newtons 2,700 battle-tested Midwesterners, still shoring up their defenses, dropped their shovels and unleashed a murderous fire on the stunned Confederates. Those who had forced their way around Newtons right quickly found themselves under a galling flank fire and retreated in short order.Walkers right, moving along the slopes east of the road, fared better, at least momentarily. Newton had formed his line in a T, with Colonel John W. Blake, temporarily in command of Brig. Gen. George Wag-ners brigade, posted in the rear and fronting Peachtree Road. Blakes men had just commenced building barricades of posts and rails when Walkers men burst from the woods. The first Rebel, said an Ohio corporal,seemed to be making strides of about 15 feet, and as he came in sight of our line he called out at the top of his voice: Here they come, boys! By God, a million of them! For a while, it appeared that Walker would turn Newtons left, but massed artillery near Peachtree Creek, which Thomas himself had posted, took the steam out of Walkers assault with shot, shell and canister. For all his trouble, Walker had gained nothing and had lost a competent brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Clement H. Stevens of South Carolina, who was unhorsed and mortally wounded by a shot in the head.As Hardee attacked on the extreme right, Stewart ordered his right division, commanded by Maj. Gen. William W. Loring, into action. Relaying Hoods orders, Stewart told Lorings men, We must carry everything, allowing no obstacle to stop us. He said that the fate of Atlanta depended on the outcome of the battle. His soldiers took the message to heart.On Lorings right, Brig. Gen. Winfield Scott Featherston led his Mississippians some 800 yards over the ridges and deep ravines to their front. The rough ground and dense growth of vines and brambles formed an almost impenetrable jungle that scrambled the Mississippians lines but did not stop them from chasing off the enemy skirmishers. Stopping and re-forming, Featherston waited in vain for the expected attack of Hardees left division, commanded by Brig. Gen. George Maney and posted in the woods to Featherstons right.
Hearing nothing on his right and assuming that there were no Federals in Maneys front, Featherston ordered his men forward on the double-quick. Yelling as they ran, they soon hit Newtons right and dashed into the gap between Newton and Geary, striking Wards three brigades in front and temporarily driving back his advancing blue lines. Midway across the open field in their front, Major Martin Oatis 22nd Mississippi encountered a boggy marsh overgrown with tall marsh grass and a small creek [Tanyard Branch] running through it. As his companies crowded together to cross the marsh and the creek, a blistering enfilade of musketry and the artillery cut down many of [my] bravest and best officers and men. Unable to re-form, the 22nd continued in a ragtag assault of broken lines and disordered ranks.Newtons right soon gave way in considerable confusion but then re-formed and opened a deadly fire on the Mississippians right. Featherston now found his outnumbered troops nearly surrounded and under a murderous fire from the front, right and rear. Those in front of Ward seemed completely addled. They were now, the Union general wrote, in the wildest confusion, firing in all directions, some endeavoring to get away, some undecided what to do, others rushing into our lines. After holding his dearly won ground for only a few minutes, and with no support on his right, Featherston retreated through the woods and across the open fields to the sunken Collier Road. Those lucky enough to return with him collapsed from exhaustion in the intense midafternoon heat.Featherstons men had suffered 616 casualties in their brief but violent attack. That was more than Wards entire division sustained in the battle and far more than Newton did; his division suffered only 102 casualties from both Hardees and Lorings assaults. The 31st Mississippi alone reported 164 casualties out of 215 men engaged, for a staggering casualty rate of 76 percent.Ironically, Featherstons initial success might have turned into a complete rout of the Union forces if Hardee had supported him with Maneys division or if he had committed Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburnes crack division, which was being held in reserve. Instead, Maneys two lead brigades watched as well as they could from the woods, while his rear brigades took refuge on the back side of a wooded ridge. Although Hardee later sent Maney on a belated and half-hearted assault, it was not until after Featherstons retreat. Loring was justifiably angry. In his after-battle report, he tersely commented, What caused this delay on the part of the division on my right in making the attack I am unable to state.
Hood also blamed Hardee, perhaps with justification. His senior corps commander was unquestionably bitter that he had not been appointed to army command. After all, Hardee had deferred to Johnston at Dalton, and now he thought it was his turn for promotion. In addition, before the war Hardee had been Hoods superior in the 2nd Cavalry and then had been his peer during the entire Atlanta campaign. He believed that he knew Hood well enough to judge him to be unequal in both experience and natural ability to so important a command. Whatever the reason, Hardees failure to commit Maneys division and his overall conduct at Peachtree Creek left much to be desired. It cost the Confederates dearly.Lorings left brigade (he had only two, the other was guarding the armys left flank) advanced in line with Featherston and struck Geary in front. Following Thomas general orders to advance toward Atlanta, the Union brigadier had spent the morning driving enemy skirmishers from the ridges around Collier Road and throwing up rail barricades. That done, he advanced his skirmishers again. Noticing a high and narrow timbered hill still farther ahead and on his right, Geary ordered the 33rd New Jersey Regiment to occupy it. On his way up the hill with the regiment, the Pennsylva-nian met three prisoners who were quite communicative, saying that there were no large bodies of their troops within two miles. Indeed, as the New Jersey regiment took up its outpost, the woods seemed blissfully quiet. Not a man of theirs, said Geary, was to be seen or heard in any direction.Brigadier General Thomas M. Scotts largely Ala-bamian brigade suddenly burst from the woods in the Union front and seconds later on the right, at a range of less than 75 yards. Giving a Rebel yell and firing steadily, they rushed the flabbergasted New Jersey regiment. The fire was terrific, said Lt. Col. Enos Fourat of the 33rd. The air was literally full of deadly missiles; men dropped upon all sides; none expected to escape. The surging Alabamians demanded the surrender of the New Jersey state flag, and when it was not forthcoming, they shot down the color-bearer and carried off the prize. Fourat was embarrassed and saddened by the loss of the flag and by his rapid retreat, but as he correctly commented, To stand longer was madness.The Rebel assault struck Geary as magnificent. Pouring out from the woods they advanced in immense brown and gray masses, with flags and banners, he wrote, many of them new and beautiful, while their general and staff officers were in plain view, with drawn sabers flashing in the light, galloping here and there as they urged their troops on to the charge. Geary could not help but notice, too, that the enemy seemed to rush forward with more than customary nerve and heartiness in the attack, which was unfortunate for the surprised New Yorkers, Pennsylvanians and Ohioans.
Geary had stacked his three brigades one behind the other on the ridges and ravines south of the Peachtree Creek valley. With Williams division still hundreds of yards to the rear, Scotts men completely enveloped Gearys right. A colonel of the 147th Pennsylvania became aware of the battle not by the sounds of firing but by the disorganized masses of men as they rushed by the right of my line. The soldiers seemed panic-stricken, and the officers manifested a lack of energy, coolness, and determination that was truly deplorable. Many threw away knapsacks, guns and accouterments in their pell-mell flight.
Riding up on a splendid horse, Hooker rallied Gearys hard-pressed troops and helped re-form the lines. Boys, he said, I guess well stop here. It is hard to say whether Hooker spoke with a nonchalance born of confidence or with a genuine and well-founded uncertainty. In either case, the New Yorkers, Pennsylvanians and Ohioans quickly re-formed and linked up with Williams left brigade.Artillery batteries posted on the ridge and across the creek poured a rapid fire of case shot, shells and canister into the victory-sensing Confederates. At one point, the swarming Southerners overran a section of Captain Henry Bundys 13th New York Independent Battery but fell back when other artillery and rallying infantry opened fire at close range. Bundys gunners suffered heavily in the struggle. One of his dead was struck by nine rounds, another seven. So hot was the rebel infantry fire, said a New Jersey adjutant, that many of the spokes of the wheels of his [Bundys] pieces were almost cut in two.Like Featherston in the ravines and creek bottom to the east, Scott could not sustain his initial success. He, too, lacked the numerical strength and flank support to drive the better part of two Union divisions into Peach-tree Creek. Ultimately, Gearys re-formed lines took Scott in flank. Together with the advance of Williams left brigade and with murderous artillery fire, Gearys assault eventually sent the battered, bloodied and exhausted Confederates back toward a sheltering ravine.Almost simultaneously with Loring, Stewart sent Brig. Gen. Edward Walthalls division up the Howells Mill Road. Ahead, soldiers of the 123rd New York were napping, playing cards and discussing rumors that the enemy was in retreat and that they would likely enter Atlanta the next day. Corporal Rice Bull and his companions were congratulating themselves on this unexpected good luck when suddenlythere was a rifle shot on our front. Then came the all-too-familiar Rebel yell. Said Bull, A look of surprise and almost consternation came to every face.
The New York regiment and the rest of Brig. Gen. Joseph Knipes Union brigade quickly formed a line around the Embry House in an effort to stave off the advance of Walthalls left. The Arkansas brigade soon passed down a ravine, struck Knipe in flank and briefly challenged the strongly entrenched left of the XIV Corps near the creek. However, Knipe changed front to the west to catch at least part of the advancing Confederates in flank. The musketry was so rapid and the afternoon heat so intense that some weapons ignited prematurely, sending bullets and ramrods flying.To relieve the pressure on the Confederate left, division artillery chief Major William L. Preston personally posted a battery on the slope of an open field to the left of the road. As the battery lieutenant rapidly shifted fronts to counter fire from two directions, a shot from an opposing battery struck and killed the major. News of this death would be especially hard on Hood. Preston was the brother of Hoods erstwhile fiancee, Buck.Meanwhile, Walthalls right brigade was passing down an 80-foot-deep ravine to the east of Howells Mill Road. Colonel E.A. ONeals Alabama and Mississippi troops, yelling like demons, temporarily unnerved the Federal brigade in their front. In hand-to-hand fighting, ONeal forced his way through to an open field, but like his predecessors under Loring, he was taken in flank by Gearys men, who now held the ridge top. Before long, ONeals and all of Walthalls men had to retrace their steps.Although the firing continued until dark, the battle had essentially ended. Pressed and temporarily broken, the Union lines had withstood the onslaught; the field belonged to them. They had suffered nearly 2,000 casualties, but they had inflicted 2,500 on their opponents and captured seven stands of colors. To their credit, the Federals had held the field without reinforcements. Only later was Sherman to learn of the threat that Thomas had faced and the ferocity of the three-hour battle he had fought. At 3:25 p.m., Sherman had sent a message that surely must have brought a wry smile to Thomas face: All your troops should push hard for Atlanta, sweeping everything before them.Hood and Stewart were convinced that had Hardee fought with as much vigor as Loring and Walthall, the Confederates would have carried the day. They had a point; Hardee had only committed a relatively small portion of the troops under his command, and he had done so piecemeal. Not only did he fail to commit Maneys entire division at what proved to be the most critical moment in the battle, but he also held back Cleburnes much-feared division, which was not sent to reinforce Cheatham until late in the afternoon.Indeed, the brunt of the attack had fallen to a mere half-dozen Confederate brigadestwo under Walkers command, two led by Loring and two commanded by Walthall. In effect, Hood had surrendered his overwhelming numerical superiority. The fault for this was as much his as anyones. The commander had visited Stewart in the morning, but he had not remained on the field to supervise the opening moves or the execution of the battle. Hood had also underestimated the quickness with which Thomas men could throw up barricades and breastworks. Newton and Geary had both fashioned effective defenses while Hardee and Stewart were shifting to the right. These works had proved costly to the Confederates, although such entrenchments would never have stopped Hood from attacking.Two days after the Battle of Peachtree Creek, the lank Kentuckian marched Cheatham and Hardee to the south to strike Shermans opposite flank. The move was reminiscent of Stonewall Jacksons spectacular flank march and attack at Chancellorsville; the outcome was not. As at Peachtree Creek, the Confederate attacks were poorly coordinated, and once again Hood backed off. This time his casualty list totaled 8,000.Undeterred, Hood attacked six days later at Ezra Church and again on August 31 at Jonesborough. By September 1, the last supply line to Atlanta had been severed, and Hood was forced to abandon the city. In six short weeks, his army had suffered a staggering 17,000 casualties.In late September, Davis tried to justify his appointment of Hood. He told an audience in Macon that he had put a man in command who I knew would strike an honest and manly blow for the city, and many a Yankees blood was made to nourish the soil before the prize was won. Johnston was not impressed with the presidents rationale and subsequently referred derisively to Hood as the Striker of Manly Blows.What Davis failed to mention was that Hoods quick loss of Atlanta had buoyed Northern morale and given President Abraham Lincoln a huge boost in his bid for re-election against Democratic hopeful George B. McClellan. Unwittingly, Hood had dealt a crippling blow to Southern hopes for a negotiated peace.But then John Bell Hood was a warrior, not a politician. After the fall of Atlanta, he swung his battered army north into Tennessee. In late November, he ordered the suicidal attack at Franklin that, for all practical purposes, destroyed the Army of Tennessee as an effective fighting force.The subsequent defeat at Nashville two weeks later ended Hoods military career. His lifelong tenacity and aggressiveness had taken him to the pinnacle of command and left himand the Army of Tennesseein defeat. On the fateful evening of July 17, Secretary of War James A. Seddon had warned Hood, Be wary no less than bold. He was giving advice to the wrong man, at the wrong place and the wrong time. Hood was always bold; he was never wary.
This article was written by Phil Noblitt and originally appeared in the September 1998 issue of Americas Civil War magazine. For more great articles be sure to subscribe to Americas Civil War magazine today!
Id seen that name before, of course; indeed, I had stepped over it several times a day going in and out of my apartment buildings elevator. But Id never thought about the person behind the company or, frankly, the history of elevators. To me they seemed like little more than a nifty convenience. And Otis, I knew, hadnt even invented the elevator. European castles and monasteries atop steep mountains used pulleys and large rope-drawn baskets big enough to hold a person as far back as the medieval period, and Henry Waterman constructed an elevator-like mechanism in 1850, although its intended passengers were barrels and other bulky goods. Then Elisha Otis came along and, I learned, did more than just improve the design: He transformed the world.
Otis hailed from Halifax, Vt., just above the Massachusetts border, but theres nothing in the town to commemorate its most famous son. Connie Lancaster, a local historian, who helped me piece together the paper trail that led to Otis birthplace, and Laura Sanders, town clerk since 1967, organized a visit to the site for me.
We meet at the town hall and make our introductions before piling into Lauras car and hitting the road, turning left onto Branch then right onto Brook. After about two miles Brook ends at Green River Road. We turn right and head four miles to Perry Road, where we park. This is as far as we can drive.
Its about a three-quarter-mile walk through the woods, Connie says.
Im warned that theres poison ivy along the trail, and, while looking down, I notice bizarrely shaped animal tracks.
Those are moose prints, Laura tells me, and theyre fresh.
Ive never seen a moose before. Im guessing theyre pretty harmless?
Theyll attack if theyre in rut.
In a rut? You mean, like, depressed?
In rut. It means theyre looking to mate.
Laura cautions me to be careful of the widow-makersthe large broken maple limbs dangling precariously above us. As Im simultaneously watching out for poison ivy, moose in heat and falling branches, I see Connie stop for a moment and check her map.
Found it! she calls out. From where were standing, I can see a long, squat stone wall about 40 feet away. Broken steps lead up to what would have been an entrance to the old house, and theres a hearth and central chimney with a root cellar several feet below.
Elisha Graves Otis was born here on August 3, 1811, the youngest of six children. He mastered woodworking and engineering skills on the family farm, and at 19 started bouncing between New York and Vermont, dabbling in carpentry, operating his own gristmill, running a freight-hauling business and manufacturing high-end carriages. In 1845 he settled in New York with his second wife (his first had died in 1842) and two young sons, Charles and Norton, and was eventually hired by a bedstead manufacturing company to oversee the installation of all machinery in its new factory. To raise heavy equipment and lumber from floor to floor, Otis erected a Waterman-type hoist. Nothing fancy or unique at first. But he knew these lifts were inherently dangerousropes could break, sending workers plummeting to their deathsso Otis jerry-built vertical safety brakes using a wagon spring, rope and ratcheted guide rails for the hoist platform. In 1852 he built two safety hoisters for his employer, Benjamin Newhouse, and a third for a neighboring company impressed with the concept.
Newhouse soon closed the bedstead operation, and Otis incorporated the E.G. Otis Company to design and build safety hoists, for lifting not only goods and supplies but people. There were, alas, no takers, and by the end of 1853 he had a total inventory worth $122.71, including two oil cans, a secondhand lathe and the accounting ledger that recorded his measly earnings. Otis, doubtful he could overcome the publics fear and distrust of the earlier, notoriously accident-prone mechanisms, considered heading west to capitalize on the Gold Rush.
Enter P.T. Barnum, who was enthralled by Otis innovation. In 1854 Barnum paid Otis $100 to stand on an elevator platform suspended by a single rope high above gathering onlookers inside the Crystal Palace, constructed for the 1853 Worlds Fair in New York. Barnums showmanship was infectious; the normally unpretentious Otis doffed a top hat and, after a short pause to ensure that he had the crowds rapt attention, ordered an ax-wielding assistant to cut the rope. When it snapped, the platform plungedabout two feet. Spring-released brakes automatically locked, and Otis calmly assured the relieved spectators, All safe, gentleman. All safe.
At last he was in business. After fulfilling orders for about three dozen freight lifts, Otis installed the worlds first safe passenger elevator on March 23, 1857, inside E.V. Haughwout & Co.s Manhattan chinaware and glass emporium at 488 Broadway (now a registered landmark). Demand grew and Otis was finally seeing years of hard work come to fruition.
And then on April 8, 1861, 49-year-old Elisha Otis died of diphtheria, leaving the company in the hands of his two sons. Fortunately, they proved even more adept at business than their father. Charles and Norton weathered the economic slump during the Civil War and oversaw exponential growth in its aftermath.
Otis safety elevators doubled or tripled building heights. Those who remember the Broadway of twenty years ago can hardly walk the street now without incessant wonder and surprise, Harpers magazine observed soon after Otis died. The transformationis always going on before the eye. Twenty years ago it was a street of three-story red brick houses. Now it is a highway of stone, and iron.
By 1872 there were 2,000 Otis Brothers & Co. elevators in service. Theirs was the brand of choice in finer hotels, high-rise apartments and stores nationwide, although they did have competitors. One company believed that an airtight shaft would prevent an elevator from crashing more effectively than a braking system. Theoretically, the falling car would eventually slow to a halt on a cushion of air. When, during a demonstration, the test car came screaming down to ground level carrying eight brave passengers, it blew out the first floor doors, injuringbut thankfully not killingeveryone inside. The company quickly went out of business.
Otis expanded abroad, and an early assignment included the Eiffel Tower, opened in 1889 in celebration of the French Revolutions centenary. Otis was selected over European engineers because it could best solve the challenge of installing elevators within the towers curved legs. One by one other prestigious landmarks installed Otis elevators, carrying the brand into the 21st century: the Kremlin, Vatican, Empire State Building, United Nations, Kennedy Space Center, World Trade Center, Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai World Financial Center and Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is currently the tallest building in the world. Steam and hydraulic-powered motors have given way to electric and computerized systems, and time- and life-saving features have appeared incrementally. Fatal accidents happen, but very rarely. On average, 26 people are killed by elevators each yearcar crashes, by comparison, account for the same number of fatalities every five hoursand repairmen are the most likely victims. When something does go wrong, however, it goes hideously wrong, as any online search using the keywords elevator and decapitations will attest.
Laura starts rallying us back to her car so I dont miss my flight from Boston. I thank them for their help, and we discuss the need for a marker in the vicinity of Otis birthplacecloser to Perry Road than way out in the woods where no one would see it.
With exactly two hours to make the two-hour trip, I race to Logan Airport. Having lived in Massachusetts as a kid, Ive seen the Boston skyline hundreds of times flying in and out of Logan, and long ago I lost that sense of awe when a plane rises over a city, especially after sunset. But tonight, with my forehead pressed against the plastic window, Im newly transfixed by the expanding grid of blinking, multicolored lights below, and I think of other favorite skylinesManhattan, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, MiamiIve seen. All of them, and thousands more across the globe, sprouted up because of Elisha Otis. A subsidiary of United Technologies since 1976, the Otis Elevator Company remains unmatched in size and reach, carrying the equivalent of the worlds population every four days on 2.3 million elevators and other people movers in 200 countries and territories. No other form of public transportation comes close.
Elisha Otis underestimated how drastically his work would reshape the global landscape; he didnt bother to patent his innovation for seven years, an eternity in patent registration. (And having already filed numerous other patents for railcar brakes, a steam plow and a bake oven, Otis wasnt exactly ignorant of the process.) But he was lucky. During those seven years, none of his competitors thought his automatic safety elevator idea was worth stealing, replicating or patenting either.
If you would like to share a little-known site where history happened, please visit www.HereIsWhere.org.
A little before noon on the 7th of April, 1865, General Grant, with his staff, rode into the little village of Farmville, on the south side of the Appomattox River, a town that will be memorable in history as the place where he opened the correspondence with Lee which led to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. He drew up in front of the village hotel, dismounted, and established headquarters on its broad piazza.
[Major General Edward O.C.] Ord and [Major General John] Gibbon had visited the general at the hotel, and he had spoken with them as well as with [Major General Horatio G.] Wright about sending some communications to Lee that might pave the way to the stopping of further bloodshed. Dr. Smith, formerly of the regular army, a native of Virginia and a relative of [Confederate Lieutenant] General [Richard S.] Ewell, now one of our prisoners, had told General Grant the night before that Ewell had said in conversation that their cause was lost when they crossed the James River, and he considered that it was the duty of the authorities to negotiate for peace then, while they still had a right to claim concession, adding that now they were not in condition to claim anything. He said that for every man killed after this somebody would be responsible, and it would be little better than murder. He could not tell what General Lee would do, but he hoped he would at once surrender his army. This statement, together with the news that had been received from [Union Major General Philip H.] Sheridan saying that he had heard that General Lees trains of provisions which had come by rail were at Appomattox, and that he expected to capture them before Lee could reach them, induced the general [Grant] to write the following communication:
Headquarters,
Armies of the U.S.
General R.E. LEE,
Commanding C.S.A:
5 p.m., April 7th, 1865
The results of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States army known as the Army of Northern Virginia.
U.S. Grant,
Lieutenant-General
This he entrusted to [Brigadier] General Seth Williams, adjutant-general, with directions to take it to [Major General Andrew A.] Humphreyss front, as his corps was close up to the enemys rear-guard, and have it sent to Lees lines. The general decided to remain all night at Farmville and await the reply from Lee, and he was shown to a room in the hotel in which, he was told, Lee had slept the night before. Lee wrote the following reply within an hour after he received General Grants letter, but it was brought in by rather a circuitous route and did not reach its destination till after midnight:
April 7th, 1865.
General: I have received your note of this date. Though not entertaining the opinion you express of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender.
R.E. Lee, General
The next morning before leaving Farmville the following reply was given to General Williams, who again went to Humphreyss front to have it transmitted to Lee:
April 8th, 1865.
General R.E. Lee,
Commanding C.S.A.
Your note of last evening in reply to mine of the same date, asking the conditions on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, is just received. In reply I would say that, peace being my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist uponnamely, that men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified from taking up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged. I will meet you, or will designate officers to meet any officers you may name for the same purpose, at any point agreeable to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received.
U. S. Grant,
Lieutenant-General.
General Grant had been marching most of the way with the columns that were pushing along south of Lees line of retreat; but expecting that a reply would be sent to his last letter and wanting to keep within easy communication with Lee, he decided to march this day with the portion of the army of the Potomac that was pressing Lees rear-guard. After issuing some further instructions to Ord and Sheridan, he started from Farmville, crossed to the north side of the Appomattox, conferred in person with [Army of the Potomac commander, Major General George G.] Meade, and rode with his columns. Encouraging reports came in all day, and that night headquarters were established at Curdsville in a large white farmhouse, a few hundred yards from Meades camp. The general and several of the staff had cut loose from the headquarters trains the night he started to meet Sheridan at Jetersville, and had neither baggage or camp-equipage. The general did not even have his sword with him. This was the most advanced effort yet made at moving in light marching order, and we billeted ourselves at night in farm-houses, or bivouacked on porches, and picked up meals at any camp that seemed to have something to spare in the way of rations. This night we sampled the fare of Meades hospitable mess and once more lay down with full stomachs.
General Grant had been suffering all the afternoon from a severe headache, the result of fatigue, anxiety, scant fare, and loss of sleep, and by night it was much worse. He had been induced to bathe his feet in hot water and mustard, and apply mustard plasters to his wrists and the back of his neck, but these remedies afforded little relief. The dwelling we occupied was a double house. The general threw himself upon a sofa in the sitting-room on the left side of the hall, while the staff-officers bunked on the floor of the room opposite to catch what sleep they could. About midnight we were aroused by Colonel Charles A. Whittier of Humphreyss staff, who brought another letter from Lee. [Grants chief of staff, Brigadier General John A.] Rawlins at once took it in to General Grants room. It was as follows:
April 8th, 1865.
General: I received at a late hour your note of to-day. In mine of yesterday I did not intend to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be frank, I do not think the emergency has arisen to call for the surrender of this army, but as the restoration of peace should be the sole object of all, I desired to know whether your proposals would lead to that end. I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia; but as far as your proposal may affect the Confederate States forces under my command, and tend to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to meet you at 10 a.m. to-morrow on the old stage road to Richmond, between the picket-lines of the two armies.
R.E. Lee, General
Lieutenant-General U.S. Grant.
General Grant had been able to get but very little sleep. He now sat up and read the letter, and after making a few comments upon it to General Rawlins lay down again on the sofa.
About 4 oclock on the morning of the 9th I rose and crossed the hall to ascertain how the general was feeling. I found his room empty, and upon going out of the front door saw him pacing up and down in the yard holding both hands to his head. We were soon joined by some others of the staff, and the general was induced to go over to Meades headquarters with us and get some coffee, in the hope that it would do him good. He seemed to feel a little better now, and after writing the following letter to Lee and dispatching it he prepared to move forward. The letter was as follows:
April 9th, 1865.
General: Your note of yesterday is received. I have no authority to treat on the subject of peace. The meeting proposed for 10 A.M. to-day could lead to no good. I will state, however, that I am equally desirous for peace with yourself, and the whole North entertains the same feeling. The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood. By the South laying down their arms, they would hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed. Seriously hoping that all our difficulties may be settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, etc.,
U.S. Grant,
Lieutenant-General.
It was proposed to him to ride during the day in a covered ambulance which was at hand, instead of horseback, so as to avoid the intense heat of the sun, but this he declined to do, and soon after mounted Cincinnati and struck off toward New Store. From that point he went by way of a crossroad to the south side of the Appomattox with the intention of moving around to Sheridans front. While riding along the wagon road that runs from Farmville to Appomattox Court House, at a point eight or nine miles east of the latter place, Lieutenant Charles E. Pease of Meades staff overtook him with a dispatch. It was found to be a reply from Lee, which had been sent in to our line on Humphreyss front. It read as follows:
April, 9th, 1865.
General: I received your note of this morning on the picket-line, whither I had come to meet you and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your proposal of yesterday with reference to the surrender of this army. I now ask an interview, in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday, for that purpose.
R.E. Lee, General
Lieutenant-General U.S. Grant.
Pease also brought a note from Meade, saying that at Lees request he had read the communication addressed to General Grant and in consequence of it had granted a short truce.
The general, as soon as he had read these letters, dismounted, sat down on the grassy bank by the roadside, and wrote the following reply to Lee:
General R.E. Lee,
Commanding C.S. Army:
Your note of this date is but this moment (11:50 A.M.) received, in consequence of my having passed from the Richmond and Lynchburg road to the Farmville and Lynchburg road. I am at this writing about four miles west of Walkers Church, and will push forward to the front for the purpose of meeting you. Notice sent to me on this road where you wish the interview to take place will meet me.
U.S. Grant,
Lieutenant-General
He handed this to Colonel [Orville E.] Babcock of the staff, with directions to take it to General Lee by the most direct route. Mounting his horse again the general rode on at a trot toward Appomattox Court House. When five or six miles from the town, Colonel [Frederick C.] Newhall, Sheridans adjutant-general, came riding up from the direction of Appomattox and handed the general a communication. This proved to be a duplicate of the letter from Lee that Lieutenant Pease had brought in from Meades lines. Lee was so closely pressed that he was anxious to communicate with Grant by the most direct means, and as he could not tell with which column Grant was moving he sent in one copy of his letter on Meades front and one on Sheridans. Colonel Newhall joined our party, and after a few minutes halt to read the letter we continued our ride toward Appomattox. On the march I had asked the general several times how he felt. To the same question now he said, The pain in my head seemed to leave me the moment I got Lees letter.
About 1 oclock the little village of Appomattox Court House, with its half-dozen houses, came in sight, and soon we were entering its single street. It is situated on some rising ground, and beyond the country slopes down into a broad valley. The enemy was seen with his columns and wagon trains covering the low ground. Our cavalry, the Fifth Corps, and part of Ords command were occupying the high ground to the south and west of the enemy, heading him off completely. Generals Sheridan and Ord, with a group of officers around them, were seen in the road, and as our party came up General Grant said: How are you, Sheridan? First-rate, thank you; how are you? cried Sheridan, with a voice and look that seemed to indicate that on his part he was having things all his own way. Is Lee over there? asked General Grant, pointing up the street, having heard a rumor that Lee was in that vicinity. Yes, he is in that brick house, answered Sheridan. [Lee was waiting for Grant in Wilmer McLeans home.] Well, then well go over, said Grant.
The general-in-chief now rode on, accompanied by Sheridan, Ord, and some others, and soon Colonel Babcocks orderly was seen sitting on his horse in the street in front of a two-story brick house, better in appearance than the rest of the houses. He said General Lee and Colonel Babcock had gone into this house a short time before, and he was ordered to post himself in the street and keep a lookout for General Grant, so as to let him know where General Lee was.
The house had a comfortable wooden porch with seven steps leading up to it. A hall ran through the middle from front to back, and on each side was a room having two windows, one in front and one rear. Each room had two doors opening into the hall. The building stood a little distance back from the street, with a yard in front, and to the left was a gate for carriages and a roadway running to a stable in rear. We entered the grounds by this gate and dismounted. In the yard were seen a fine large gray horse, which proved to be General Lees, and a good-looking mare belonging to Colonel [Charles] Marshall [Lees military secretary]. An orderly in gray was in charge of them, and had taken off their bridles to let them nibble the grass.
General Grant mounted the steps and entered the house. As he stepped into the hall Colonel Babcock, who had seen his approach from the window, opened the door of the room on the left, in which he had been sitting with General Lee and Colonel Marshall awaiting General Grants arrival. The general passed in, while the members of the staff, Generals Sheridan and Ord, and some general officers who had gathered in the front yard, remained outside, feeling that he would probably want his first interview with General Lee to be, in a measure, private. In a few minutes Colonel Babcock came to the front door and, making a motion with his hat toward the sitting-room, said: The general says, come in. It was then about half-past one of Sunday, the 9th of April. We entered, and found General Grant sitting at a marble-topped table in the center of the room, and Lee sitting beside a small oval table near the front window, in the corner opposite the door by which we entered, and facing General Grant. Colonel Marshall, his military secretary, was standing at his left.
The contrast between the two commanders was striking, and could not fail to attract marked attention as they sat ten feet apart facing each other. General Grant, then nearly forty-three years of age, was five feet eight inches in height, with shoulders slightly stooped. His hair and full beard were a nut-brown, with a trace of gray in them. He had a single-breasted blouse, made of dark-blue flannel, unbuttoned in front, and showing a waistcoat underneath. He wore an ordinary pair of top-boots, with his trousers inside, and was without spurs. The boots and portions of his clothes were spattered with mud. He had had on a pair of thread gloves, of a dark-yellow color, which he had taken off on entering the room. His felt sugar-loaf stiff-brimmed hat was thrown on the table beside him. He had no sword, and a pair of shoulder-straps was all there was about him to designate his rank. In fact, aside from these, his uniform was that of a private soldier.
Lee, on the other hand, was fully six feet in height, and quite erect for one of his age, for he was Grants senior by sixteen years. His hair and full beard were a silver-gray, and quite thick, except that the hair had become a little thin in front. He wore a new uniform of Confederate gray, buttoned up to the throat, and at his side he carried a long sword of exceedingly fine workmanship, the hilt studded with jewels. It was said to be the sword that had been presented to him by the State of Virginia. His top-boots were comparatively new, and seemed to have on them some ornamental stitching of red silk. Like his uniform, they were singularly clean, and but little travel-stained. On the boots were handsome spurs, with large rowels. A felt hat, which in color matched pretty closely that of his uniform, and a pair of long buckskin gauntlets lay beside him on the table.
General Grant began the conversation by saying: I met you once before, General Lee, while we were serving in Mexico, when you came over from General [Winfield] Scotts headquarters to visit [Lieutenant Colonel John] Garlands brigade, to which I then belonged. I have always remembered your appearance, and I think I should have recognized you anywhere.
Yes, replied General Lee, I know I met you on that occasion, and I have often thought of it and tried to recollect how you looked, but I have never been able to recall a single feature. After some further mention of Mexico, General Lee said: I suppose, General Grant, that the object of our present meeting is fully understood. I asked to see you to ascertain upon what terms you would receive the surrender of my army.
General Grant replied: The terms I propose are those stated substantially in my letter of yesterdaythat is, the officers and men surrendered to be paroled and disqualified from taking up arms again until properly exchanged, and all arms, ammunition, and supplies to be delivered up as captured property.
Lee nodded an assent, and said: Those are about the conditions which I expected would be proposed.
General Grant then continued: Yes, I think our correspondence indicated pretty clearly the action that would be taken at our meeting; and I hope it may lead to a general suspension of hostilities and be the means of preventing any further loss of life.
Lee inclined his head as indicating his accord with this wish, and General Grant then went on to talk at some length in a very pleasant vein about the prospects of peace. Lee was evidently anxious to proceed to the formal work of the surrender, and he brought the subject up again by saying: I presume, General Grant, we have both carefully considered the proper steps to be taken, and I would suggest that you commit to writing these terms you have proposed, so that they may be formally acted upon.
Very well, replied General Grant, I will write them out. And calling for his manifold order-book, he opened it on the table before him and proceeded to write the terms. The leaves had been so prepared that three impressions of the writing were made. He wrote very rapidly, and did not pause until he had finished the sentence ending with officers appointed by me to receive them. Then he looked toward Lee, and his eyes seemed to be resting on the handsome sword that hung at that officers side. He said afterward that this set him to thinking that it would be an unnecessary humiliation to require the officers to surrender their swords, and a great hardship to deprive them of their personal baggage and horses, and after a short pause he wrote the sentence: This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage. When he had finished the letter he called Colonel (afterward General) Ely S. Parker, one of the military secretaries on the staff, to his side and looked it over with him and directed him as they went along to interline six or seven words and to strike out the word their, which had been repeated. When this had been done, he handed the book to General Lee and asked him to read over the letter. It was as follows:
Appomattox Ct. H., VA.,
April 9, 1865.
General R.E. Lee,
Commanding C.S.A.
General: In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th inst., I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, to wit: Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly [exchanged], and each company or regimental commander to sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery, and public property to be parked, and stacked, and turned over to the officers appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by the United States authorities so long as they observe their paroles, and the laws in force where they may reside.
Very respectfully,
U.S. Grant,
Lieutenant-General.
Lee took it and laid it on the table beside him, while he drew from his pocket a pair of steel-rimmed spectacles and wiped the glasses carefully with his handkerchief. Then he crossed his legs, adjusted the spectacles very slowly and deliberately, took up the draft of the letter, and proceeded to read it attentively. It consisted of two pages. When he reached the top line of the second page, he looked up, and said to General Grant: After the words until properly, the word exchanged seems to be omitted. You doubtless intended to use that word.
Why, yes, said Grant; I thought I had put in the word exchanged.
I presumed it had been omitted inadvertently, continued Lee, and with your permission I will mark where it should be inserted.
Certainly, Grant replied.
Lee felt in his pocket as if searching for a pencil, but did not seem to be able to find one. Seeing this and happening to be standing close to him, I handed him my pencil. He took it, and laying the paper on the table noted the interlineation. During the rest of the interview he kept twirling this pencil in his fingers and occasionally tapping the top of the table with it. When he handed it back it was carefully treasured by me as a memento of the occasion. When Lee came to the sentence about the officers side-arms, private horses, and baggage, he showed for the first time during the reading of the letter a slight change of countenance, and was evidently touched by this act of generosity. It was doubtless the condition mentioned to which he particularly alluded when he looked toward General Grant as he finished reading and said with some degree of warmth in his manner: This will have a very happy effect upon my army.
General Grant then said: Unless you have some suggestions to make in regard to the form in which I have stated the terms, I will have a copy of the letter made in ink and sign it.
There is one thing I would like to mention, Lee replied after a short pause. The cavalrymen and artillerists own their own horses in our army. Its organization in this respect differs from that of the United States. This expression attracted the notice of our officers present, as showing how firmly the conviction was grounded in his mind that we were two distinct countries. He continued: I would like to understand whether these men will be permitted to retain their horses?
You will find that the terms as written do not allow this, General Grant replied; only the officers are permitted to take their private property.
Lee read over the second page of the letter again, and then said: No, I see the terms do not allow it; that is clear. His face showed plainly that he was quite anxious to have this concession made, and Grant said very promptly and without giving Lee time to make a direct request:
Well, the subject is quite new to me. Of course I did not know that any private soldiers owned their animals, but I think this will be the last battle of the warI sincerely hope soand that the surrender of this army will be followed soon by that of all the others, and I take it that most of the men in the ranks are small farmers, and as the country has been so raided by the two armies, it is doubtful whether they will be able to put in a crop to carry themselves and their families through the next winter without the aid of the horses they are now riding, and I will instruct the officers I shall appoint to receive the paroles to let all the men who claim to own a horse or mule take the animals home with them to work their little farms. (This expression has been quoted in various forms and has been the subject of some dispute. I give the exact words used.)
Lee now looked greatly relieved, and though anything but a demonstrative man, he gave every evidence of his appreciation on this concession, and said, This will have the best possible effect on the men. It will be very gratifying and will do much toward conciliating our people. He handed the draft of the terms back to General Grant, who called Colonel T.S. Bowers of the staff to him and directed him to make a copy in ink. Bowers was a little nervous, and he turned the matter over to Colonel Parker, whose handwriting presented a better appearance than that of any one else on the staff. Parker sat down to write at the table which stood against the rear side of the room. Wilmer McLeans domestic resources in the way of ink now became the subject of a searching investigation, but it was found that the contents of the conical-shaped stoneware inkstand which he produced appeared to be participating in the general breaking up and had disappeared. Colonel Marshall now came to the rescue, and pulled out of his pocket a small box-wood inkstand, which was put at Parkers service, so that, after all, we had to fall back upon the resources of the enemy in furnishing the stage properties for the final scene in the memorable military drama.
Lee in the meantime had directed Colonel Marshall to draw up for his signature a letter of acceptance of the terms of surrender. Colonel Marshall wrote out a draft of such a letter, making it quite formal, beginning with I have the honor to reply to your communication, etc. General Lee took it, and, after reading it over very carefully, directed that these formal expressions be stricken out and that the letter be otherwise shortened. He afterward went over it again and seemed to change some words, and then told the colonel to make a final copy in ink. When it came to providing the paper, it was found we had the only supply of that important ingredient in the recipe for surrendering an army, so we gave a few pages to the colonel. The letter when completed read as follows:
Headquarters,
Army of Northern Virginia,
April 9th, 1865.
General: I received your letter of this date containing the terms of the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia as proposed by you. As they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th inst., they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipulations into effect.
R.E. Lee, General
Lieutenant-General U.S. Grant.
While the letters were being copied, General Grant introduced the general officers who had entered, and each member of the staff, to General Lee. The General shook hands with General Seth Williams, who had been his adjutant when Lee was superintendent at West Point, some years before the war, and gave his hand to some of the other officers who had extended theirs, but to most of those who were introduced he merely bowed in a dignified and formal manner. He did not exhibit the slightest change of features during this ceremony until Colonel Parker of our staff was presented to him. Parker was a full-blooded [Seneca] Indian, and the reigning Chief of the Six Nations. [Actually, Parker had been elected one of 50 sachems of the Iroquois Confederacy in 1851.] When Lee saw his swarthy features he looked at him with evident surprise, and his eye rested on him for several seconds. What was passing in his mind probably no one ever knew, but the natural surmise was that he at first mistook Parker for a Negro, and was struck with astonishment to find that the commander of the Union armies had one of that race on his personal staff.
General Lee now took the initiative again in leading the conversation back into business channels. He said:
I have a thousand or more of your men as prisoners, General Grant, a number of them officers whom we have required to march along with us for several days. I shall be glad to send them into your lines as soon as it can be arranged, for I have no provisions for them. I have, indeed, nothing for my own men. They have been living for the last few days principally upon parched corn, and we are badly in need of both rations and forage. I telegraphed Lynchburg, directing several train-loads of rations to be sent on by rail from there, and when they arrive I should be glad to have the present wants of my men supplied from them.
At this remark all eyes turned toward Sheridan, for he had captured these trains with his cavalry the night before, near Appomattox Station. General Grant replied: I should like to have our men sent within our lines as soon as possible. I will take steps at once to have your army supplied with rations, but I am sorry we have no forage for the animals. We have had to depend upon the country for our supply of forage. Of about how many men does your present force consist?
Indeed, I am not able to say, Lee answered after a slight pause. My losses in killed and wounded have been exceedingly heavy, and, besides, there have been many stragglers and some deserters. All my reports and public papers, and, indeed, my own private letters, had to be destroyed on the march, to prevent them from falling into the hands of your people. Many companies are entirely without officers, and I have not seen any returns for several days; so that I have no means of ascertaining our present strength.
General Grant had taken great pains to have a daily estimate made of the enemys forces from all the data that could be obtained, and judging it to be about 25,000 at this time, he said: Suppose I send over 25,000 rations, do you think that will be a sufficient supply?
I think it will be ample, remarked Lee, and added with considerable earnestness of manner, and it will be a great relief, I assure you.
General Grant now turned to his chief commissary, Colonel (now General) M.R. Morgan, who was present, and directed him to arrange for issuing the rations. The number of officers and men surrendered was over 28,000. As to General Grants supplies, he had ordered the army on starting out to carry twelve days rations. This was the twelfth and last day of the campaign.
Grants eye now fell upon Lees sword again, and it seemed to remind him of the absence of his own, and by way of explanation he said to Lee: I started out from my camp several days ago without my sword, and as I have not seen my headquarters baggage since, I have been riding about without any side-arms. I have generally worn a sword, however, as little as possible, only during the actual operations of a campaign.
I am in the habit of wearing mine most of the time, remarked Lee; I wear it invariably when I am among my troops, moving about through the army.
General Sheridan now stepped up to General Lee and said that when he discovered some of the Confederate troops in motion during the morning, which seemed to be a violation of the truce, he had sent him (Lee) a couple of notes protesting against this act, and as he had not had time to copy them he would like to have them long enough to make copies. Lee took the notes out of the breast-pocket of his coat and handed them to Sheridan with a few words expressive of regret that the circumstance had occurred, and intimating that it must have been the result of some misunderstanding.
After a little general conversation had been indulged in by those present, the two letters were signed and delivered, and the parties prepared to separate. Lee before parting asked Grant to notify Meade of the surrender, fearing that fighting might break out on that front and lives be uselessly lost. This request was complied with, and two Union officers were sent through the enemys lines as the shortest route to Meadesome of Lees officers accompanying them to prevent their being interfered with. At a little before 4 oclock General Lee shook hands with General Grant, bowed to the other officers, and with Colonel Marshall left the room. One after another we followed, and passed out to the porch. Lee signaled to his orderly to bring up his horse, and while the animal was being bridled the general stood on the lowest step and gazed sadly in the direction of the valley beyond where his army laynow an army of prisoners. He smote his hands together a number of times in an absent sort of a way; seemed not to see the group of Union officers in the yard who rose respectfully at his approach, and appeared unconscious of everything about him. All appreciated the sadness that overwhelmed him, and he had the personal sympathy of every one who beheld him at this supreme moment of trial. The approach of his horse seemed to recall him from his reverie, and he at once mounted. General Grant now stepped down from the porch, and, moving toward him, saluted him by raising his hat. He was followed in this act of courtesy by all our officers present; Lee raised his hat respectfully, and rode off to break the sad news to the brave fellows who he had so long commanded.
This article was written by Mark H. Dunkelman and originally published in the May 2000 issue of Civil War Times Magazine.
For more great articles, be sure to subscribe to Civil War Times magazine today!
*The Century Magazine between 1884 and 1887. The magazines editors then included it in their 1887 compilation, Battles and Leaders of the Civil War. We have reproduced most of it here, lightly edited for clarity and length.
We were committed to a style that was as cinematic as possible, in the sense that every conceivable visual element was leaving enough mystery in the frame so the audiences aesthetic interest is engaged.
We Shall Remain, the ambitious five-part American Experience series on PBS that began April 13 with About the Mayflower and concludes May 11 with Wounded Knee, is a collaboration of a number of people and organizations. The producing entity for American Experience, WGBH, sought out a host of scholars and creative artists to work on the project. Two of them are Ric Burns and Chris Eyre. Ric is an award-winning documentary producer, director and writer (The Way West, Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film) and long-time contributor to American Experience. He wrote and directed Tecumsehs Vision. Chris is one of the most sought-after Native American filmmakers. He has directed Smoke Signals, a landmark Native American film that won many awards, and other film and television projects. Chris directed three programs, After the Mayflower, Tecumsehs Vision (with Ric Burns) and Trail of Tears. Though they had not collaborated before, Ric and Chris met on the project and hit it off immediately. In this Historynet.com interview they sit down together to talk with Jay Wertz about the series, its production, and how to place it in the body of visual literature of American history.
HistoryNet.com: This is the most ambitious television history ever done on North American Native Americans. Why has it taken until now to get something like this accomplished?
Ric Burns: You have history where passions are still very much alive; its not just a cliche to say the struggle goes on. The dust is still settling on what it means. I feel in just 15 years weve moved into yet a new phase of a very complicated, four-century relationship between European Americans and the people who inhabited the continent for thousands of years before. I think we now see in Native American history a kind of image of American history we dont see it as a marginal thing any longer. We see it as part of the mainstream to the degree that if you dont know it, you dont know your own history. And that would be as true for a non-Native American as for a Native American.
Chris Eyre: Historically when traumas happen, as in the Native American experience, it takes some distance for people to truly reflect in a way thats truthful. I think Native people are progressing and healing, and I think were looking back in a progressive way at a major trauma that happened over generations, and audiences are more accepting of that than theyve ever been.
RB: I think theres a really strong way in which, to some degree, were all Native Americans now
CE: Yeah.
RB: Were much more conscious that we live, all of us, on a fragile, finite planet, and we need to husband resources and understand our relationship and bearing to other people, other life forms, and to the planet itself. It is, in a way, poetically inevitable. We find ourselves as a people and as a nation and as a species having to understand the modes of accommodation and mutuality and reciprocity that were the heart-blood of many Native American cultures. That gives relevance, optimism and hopefulness to a very dark history.
CE: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, the book, that was a mile marker, everybody said, Oh, it was so horrible. The next huge mile marker was Dances with Wolves where everybody celebrated the Indians, and I think We Shall Remain is kind of a denominator in that its neither of those things; its a very complicated human story, dark and triumphant, of the tenacious past of Americans that forged the America we know.
HN: These stories required different treatments, yet a common theme had to be established for the series in We Shall Remain. What would you say this common thread is?
RB: There was an attempt to do two things. One, to not just tell the story as its been told before, but to tell of Native Americans as human beings struggling in real places and real times. They put their pants on one leg at a time and had flaws and conflicts and struggled. And that is complicated history. For example, when you have a slave-holding, plantation-owning Christian Cherokee leader (John Ridge) being murdered by members of his own tribe at a key point in time, you know youve got a very complicated story. Tecumsehs complicated as well. He was considered a renegade in his own tribe. If we present him as a real person then Chris and I have done our job.
CE: The thread for me, the thing that binds the five (programs) together is that we know we werent told the whole truth in public school, we know theres more. Ric and I were fortunate to be able to scratch the surface and then dig deeper and learn things ourselves and actually bring people like Tecumseh to life, even if its just for a couple of minutes on screen. What that master of politics and leadership must have been like! Thats a gift that we get to participate in, to respect what Tecumseh was and (to do the same for) all the leaders.
HN: It seems to me stylistically the programs use an unusual photographic style muted tones, natural vistas, perhaps used symbolically, as well as tight close ups, wandering camera shots and soft focus at times. What about this?
RB: Chris and I and our really brilliant director of photography Paul Goldsmith went out to Indiana to try and figure out how to follow through on what executive producers Mark Samels and Sharon Grimberg wanted the series to be, which was to be different but not just different for its own sake to somehow to push past the cliches of reenactment on the one hand and the cliches of historic documentary films on the other.
We were so fortunate to draw as our cameraman Paul Goldsmith. There was kind of a natural synergy that took place between the three of us. The camera too often discloses too much, gives the audience too much you see it all and theres nothing left to the imagination. We were committed to a style that was as cinematic as possible, in the sense that every conceivable visual element rack focus, atmospherics, aerial photography was leaving enough mystery in the frame so the audiences aesthetic interest is engaged in making sense of the story. And once we got it, we were like kids in a candy store. Chris, was that your experience?
CE: I have to say, in looking back, I feel like it would be presumptuous of Ric and I and everybody else to think that we could reenact the Trail of Tears, which was an incredible event of human tenacity. To sit there and say we are going to articulate visually what Tecumseh must have been doing thats a huge responsibility to be placed on anybody. You think of Crazy Horse, who never had his picture taken. As filmmakers, I think it would be a little irresponsible to think we could show everything and ask people to believe it. Its really about the things you dont see that allow these characters to live.
RB: Its the worst idea in the world to take two strong-willed directors and put them in charge of the same project, but it just worked out like gangbusters. Its been a kind of complete mutuality every step along the way. I have to say this has been one of the most delightful working relationships Ive had.
HN: Given the incursions of civilization on Indian Country over many years, how hard was it to find these pristine vistas and natural settings?
RB: Thats such a brilliant point, especially (for scenes) east of the Mississippi. In every conceivable way, real and metaphorical, the culture of the United States clear-cut the geography east of the Mississippi. What it must have been like to be in those old growth forests in the early 19th century! But down they came and by the mid-19th century they were gone.
We werent able to find anything but memories of that geography in the first three episodes because thats all thats left. When we found a haunted piece of land north of Lafayette, Indiana, along the Wabash (River) where the Battle of Tippecanoe was fought in the fall of 1811 once we found that, it became our holy ground. Even though you could look off to the edge and see cornrows, that land has a feel.
CE: I remember standing in a field in Indiana and at the same time Ric and I spotted a tree that was probably 200 years old and we said, thats some of the ground of the history that were telling. We literally had to go and find elements of memory that were still around. We shot at the actual physical location of where Prophetstown was and that was a tree that was probably there at that time.
HN: This was a five-year project. What were the most difficult aspects of preparation, production and editing, and what took the most time to accomplish?
RB: For me I think it was finding our way to a filming style that didnt push people away but drew them in. And that was a process that began before any real footage was shot. It began with the conviction that Mark and Sharon had, that led to Skip bleaching the negative so that it had that muted look that you were talking about, Jay. From wardrobe to make-up we were absolutely committed to making everything as anthropologically and historically accurate as possible. At every level, the desire was to create high impact, and that took a long time, a lot of research, a lot of commitment, and some fits and starts. Every movie is really made in the editing room thats where ultimately it always feels like the high-wire act of filmmaking takes place and once we got great material then it was a really humbling process going over the same ground again and again and again in the editing room, to try to make it work.
This is not something that youll see anywhere else, a seven-and-a-half hour film with this kind of commitment to the complexity of the story, to getting it right, off-camera as well as on, to get a full buy-in and participation of Native American groups from all across the country. What I think you can feel in every frame of this film is the commitment to try to get it right.
HN: You dont distinguish in subtitle between Native and non-Native scholars. Was this intentional?
RB: Yes. Im a firm believer that the human imagination is such that we can reach out and understand each other. And thats why John Sugden, a Yorkshire lad now in his sixties from the north of England with an accent that sounds like hes the fifth Beatle, turns out to be the greatest biographer Tecumseh ever had. And when he talks, you want to be sure hes being identified by his vocation and not his nationality.
CE: Theres this curious notion that there should be this utopian movie where its all Native: the historians are Native and the crews Native and the actors are Native and somehow that would make it a better movie. But then you get people like John Sugden. You would never expect he would be the expert. But it takes that kind of people. Thats the utopia, putting all those people together and shaking it up and out comes this great movie.
HN: There are other historic periods, tribes and personalities among Native Americans with stories just as important as these. Do you think the proper and sensitive telling of these stories will be achievable on television or film based on the trail forged by We Shall Remain?
RB: No. If those films work, itll be because people have put in every once of what they have to try to make that kind of transformation take place. I hope people are inspired by the work (weve) done on this series. I hope theyre inspired to look back into the American past, but I also know that its tough to do.
CE: I feel that we helped audiences hopefully touch Tecumseh and the Prophet. Thats what it is for me. Thats I want to do, is to be able to touch these historic figures.
RB: I hope it plants seeds, not so much blazes a trail. I hope it lights a spark and makes people want to know more and want to reach out further with their own hearts and minds. If that happens, then thats fantastic.
Jay Wertz frequently writes on history in film, television, music and other forms of popular culture for the GreatHistory Website.
According to new study published in the journal Nature Yale and MIT astronomers have detected a supermassive black hole devouring cold gas for the first time.
"This diffuse, hot gas is available to the black hole at a low level all the time, and you can have a steady trickle of it going in," Michael McDonald, assistant professor of physics in MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, told MIT News.
The supermassive black hole at the centre of the Abell 2497 Brightest Cluster Galaxy doesn't seem to favour hot meals as previously thought. Rather, it's dining on very cold clouds of molecular hydrogen, with dashes of carbon monoxide and other "impurities" thrown in.
"Every now and then, you can have a rainstorm with all these droplets of cold gas, and for a short amount of time, the black hole's eating very quickly," McDonald said. "So the idea that there are these two dinner modes for black holes is a pretty nice result."
The clouds are moving at speeds of up to 355 kilometers per secondthat's almost 800,000 miles per hourand might be only 150 light years away from its edge.
Scientists have proposed an cold gas meal was conceivable in principle, however the most recent finding offers the hard proof.
"It's simply a beautiful, clean demonstration of cold gas moving inward toward the heart of a galaxy," Grant Tremblay, an astrophysicist at Yale University in Connecticut and lead author on the study, told Space.com.
@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Hillary Clinton ain't gonna pick Bernie Sanders for her running mate neither she nor the Vermont senator has any interest in pairing up after a tense primary he still won't admit is over.
But who she does pick could make a difference in winning over Sanders' fierce supporters though it's not her first criteria as she looks for a second-in-command.
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HNGN Pick 2016
China on Thursday rebutted a warning from Tokyo, just hours after Japan expressed a strong vow to protect its territory following a Chinese naval vessel sailing close to islands, known as Senkaku in Japanese, claimed by both countries.
The Diaoyu islands are Chinese territory, asserted the defense ministry in Beijing, contending that Chinas navy has every right to sail through those waters.
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HNGN Pick 2016
T he Tube map is the essential guide for Londoners searching for a new home not too far from work and friends, and in a budget-friendly area.
Now, would-be buyers can see at a glance the average cost of homes, per square foot, within half a kilometre of each Tube stop.
Good-value areas with fast commutes
The data, compiled by Totallymoney.com, reveals that Bromley-by-Bow, in east London, is a good place to start if you're looking for a flat on a budget with an easy commute.
On the borders of Zones 2 and 3, the journey to Liverpool Street already takes less than 10 minutes on the District and Hammersmith and City lines.
Commutes across London will get even quicker when the high-speed Crossrail station opens at Whitechapel, four stops from Bromley-by-Bow.
Prices average about 358,000, or according to the research, 450 a square foot. Only a quarter of Tube stops offer similar value or less.
Prices of flats in west London's North Acton are similar. Also on the Zone 2/3 border, this Central line station will be just over a 10-minute walk from the Crossrail station at Acton mainline and property prices are tipped to rise in both areas.
Property prices per square foot at every London Tube station: click to open and enlarge the full map:
Source: asking prices of properties listed on Zoopla, May 2016. Map created by Totallymoney.com / totallymoney.com
Why measure average property prices per square foot?
"Many buyers tend to think of value in terms of number of bedrooms and total price," says Hamptons International's research director, Johnny Morris. "Measuring per square foot - the total price of a home divided by the floor area - gives a bit more transparency, after all, space can be flexible."
But it's not a perfect measure. Joe Gardiner, from Totallymoney.com, explains: "Across London we see smaller properties, such as flats, offering the worst value for money with an average price per square foot of 913. This is 22 per cent more than the average semi-detached home."
So, the comparison works best when you're comparing like with like.
The cheapest line
The research also reveals that the Metropolitan line has the cheapest average property prices, at about 500 a square foot.
But to find a flat for that price you'll have to head out to Northwick Park, in Zone 4, and beyond - the route stretches into Zone 9.
Predictably, prices are up to three times higher than this as the line hits Zone 1 and the City.
Morris says: "Londoners will generally pay more to live near a Tube station, whether theyre buying a house or renting. Generally, the closer to the station and better connected that stop the more people will pay to live there.
"But the rule doesnt always apply, particularly in outer London. The most expensive areas are a little way from the station, clustered around the best schools and the nicest streets."
The cheapest stop
At 294 per square foot, Loughton, in Zone 6, on the eastern section of the Central line has the cheapest asking prices on the entire Tube network.
N ew research from property experts JLL shows its possible just to buy in Zone 1 for less than 600,000, and in swathes of Zone 3 for under 215,000.
Londons affordability problems are well documented, says Nick Whitten, residential research associate director at JLL and author of todays report. However, the good news is that there are still relatively affordable one-bedroom flats on the market.
Heres where to start your search
CHEAPEST ZONE 1 POSTCODES: E1, WC1 AND W2
While Aldgate is attracting high-end developers building for deep pockets, neighbouring Whitechapel remains the most affordable area in central London.
Some people are quick to dismiss this cosmopolitan area as too gritty, yet others love it for being real. However, no one can argue that its location isnt good slap-bang on the City fringe, and with Spitalfields and Brick Lane on the doorstep. Next year it will join the Elizabeth line formerly Crossrail with speedy train links to the City and West End.
697,491: average price of a one-bedroom flat in Paddington (above) and Bayswater / Daniel Lynch
Rory Willmott of estate agent Winkworth believes in the area. I suspect in the next five to 10 years you will see a dramatic change in Whitechapel with little coffee shops popping up and new homes built. It will never be the next Shoreditch, but it is going to look a lot better.
Where Average price of a one-bedroom flat Average per sq ft 1 E1: Aldgate and Whitechapel 575,444 1,069 2 WC1: Bloomsbury and Holborn 610,052 1,133 3 W2: Paddington and Bayswater 697,491 1,295
The compromise: the best-value housing in Whitechapel is ex-local authority, and while these flats tend to be solidly built, with good-size rooms, the estates are ugly and depressing, with little green space in the area.
CHEAPEST ZONE 2 POSTCODES: SE14, E3 AND SE8
Sandwiched between hip Deptford and hipper Peckham, New Cross Road is shabby but to the north and south are some nice streets of period houses, many converted into flats.
Transport links are also excellent. It is on the East London line, and Overground services to Cannon Street take just 11 minutes.
Becky Munday, managing director of Mundays estate agents, sees the area changing fast particularly in the Telegraph Hill conservation area where one-bedroom flats sell for up to 400,000.
London skyline: Telegraph Hill, just south of New Cross / Daniel Lynch
The best-value flats are to be found in New Cross Road itself. It is still 20 to 25 per cent cheaper than Peckham, says Munday. There is a new Curzon Cinema and all the local pubs and shops are improving fast.
Where Average price of a one-bedroom flat Average per sq ft 1 SE14: New Cross 277,072 514 2 E3: Mile End and Bromley-by-Bow 330,088 613 3 SE8: Deptford and Rotherhithe 336,005 624
The compromise: New Cross Road roars with traffic and is seriously unpretty, with no cafe culture.
CHEAPEST ZONE 3 POSTCODES: E6, E13 AND E7
This corner of east Londons star is on the rise thanks to the ongoing regeneration of Royal Docks and the planned redevelopment of West Ham FCs old Boleyn Ground.
A network of parks means E6 is surprisingly green, with good transport links and multicultural charm the Indian restaurants are great. Beckton is on the DLR, with good links to Canary Wharf and the City, while East Ham has the District and Hammersmith & City lines.
New flats in the Royal Docks are too costly for first-timers, and the Boleyn Ground homes will carry a premium, but there is value in local Eighties developments.
Where Average price of a one-bedroom flat Average per sq ft 1 E6: East Ham and Beckton 174,710 324 2 E13: Plaistow 206,072 382 3 E7: Forest Gate 215,044 399
The compromise: the late-20th century architecture isnt uplifting. Not much nightlife or cafe culture.
They're on the bathroom counters, in the drinking glasses and even on the television remotes. Hotel guests may bring their own sanitizing wipes and sprays, but at the end of the day, visitors rely on management to provide a clean, comfortable room for them to enjoy. The reality is that these dangers lurking in hotel rooms most often go unnoticed.
According to a study conducted by the University of Houston, television remotes and light switches are hotspots of bacterial activity in hotel rooms. Visitors don't think twice about touching these everyday appliances and therefore expose themselves to unwelcome health hazards. It has also been found that you don't necessarily get what you pay for when it comes to luxury hotel suites one study found that expensive hotels have more bacterial agents than economy hotel chains. Of the hotel rooms included in this study, the television remotes in the luxury rooms had over eight times as many harmful contaminants as those in more budget-friendly lodgings. Whirlpool tubs, another away-from-home treat that many hotel guests indulge in, are also one of bacteria's favorite hideaways. In one study, Texas A&M microbiologist Dr. Rita Moyes found that 100 percent of water samples taken from hotel whirlpool tubs tested positive for contaminants that can cause rashes, urinary-tract infections and even pneumonia.
The solution? Innovation.
Hotels and commercial businesses around the world are deploying more solutions the global disinfectant market is expected to reach over $2.9 billion by 2017. Sales of disinfectant sprays, gels and wipes have grown in recent years and the market for disinfection solutions keeps growing. Although these products can reduce the germ count on surfaces, existing solutions are limited. They're expensive, generate excessive waste and often include harsh chemicals like bleach. Reusing disinfection wipes that are intended for single-surface use can also lead to nasty cross-contamination no one wants the same wipe that's cleaning a toilet seat to be cleaning their drinking glasses. The same problem occurs as maids move from room to room with mops and brooms: any bacteria picked up during their rounds are spread across their entire maintenance route.
New technologies are filling these gaps in the market and improving disinfection capabilities. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light has been used for disinfection for many years, preventing bacteria from reproducing on surfaces and in water to create a sterile environment. However, many limitations exist that restrict widespread application.
UV-C technologies have usually been powered by mercury-vapor lamps. Although mercury lamps have made traction in delivering industrial disinfection, limitations associated with mercury have prevented the development of a full range of applications. Mercury lamps not only involve the use of toxic material one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern according to the World Health Organization but they are also fragile, bulky and notoriously difficult to use, requiring constant maintenance and frequent replacement.
Rather than vaporizing toxic mercury to generate UV light, UV-C LEDs use semiconductor technology to achieve the same benefits, while completely eliminating the risks associated with mercury-vapor based technologies. UV-C LEDs are not only safer but also power-on instantly. They are also more compact and offer higher power density than mercury vapor lamps, without creating harmful ozone during the disinfection process.
Due to recent advancements, UV-C LED technology is now available in its most powerful form, producing concentrated disinfection power with a device 6.5 millimeters wide. UV-C LED can also be powered by battery and can be integrated into a mobile platform like the white LEDs in the smart phone camera flash. This turns your phone into a handheld UV sanitation wand enabling disinfection on demand and on the go. With the advanced sensing and imaging capability of today's smart phone devices, consumers can measure and calculate the area dosage of UV, and achieve up to 99.9999% disinfection efficacy within 10 seconds on high risk areas such as door knobs, remote controls and utensils. With their short wavelengths and high power density, UV LEDs quickly deactivate the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, thereby preventing disease.
The hospitality market holds enormous potential for the deployment of UV-C LEDs, which can be incorporated into a range of products, from self-disinfecting whirlpool tubs and toilet seats to hotel room surface cleaners. Television remotes, alarm clocks and even throw pillows can be disinfected within seconds by inserting the item into a UV-C machine. Coffee maker water tanks could include UV-C LEDs to disinfect areas that are not regularly cleaned. Hot water does not necessarily kill all bacteria but UV-C does! With the ability to disinfect everything from doorknobs to drinking glasses, UV-C eliminates potentially dangerous bacteria, including germs that cause skin diseases, nasty colds and drug-resistant infections such as MRSA.
The possibilities are endless. Just as microchips sparked a flurry of innovation that generated incredible hardware and devices that most of us never imagined, UV-C LED technologies promise to do the same. UV-C LEDs can help hotels deepen relationships with customers, giving guests around the world peace of mind, strengthening their brand and furthering healthier and more productive experiences.
Kaitlyn Finegan
Senior Account Executive - antenna
760-578-1431
RayVio Corp.
In just a few years customers have changed visibly. Surely you have noticed, but to what extent? Steeped in the marketing principles of the previous decades, we are still trying to find our bearings, to try to break down a population that is increasingly resistant to any classification. The X, Y Z generational approaches are a reassuring way to feel as if we have identified, analyzed and understood them Can we be so certain?
Not so long ago, customers were paradoxical customers, whose behavior changes with their desires and means. They have progressively become consum-actors, concerned about the significance and consequences of their purchases. Now they have become community consum-entrepreneurs, who create their products and services while they buy them. The sharing economy has naturally begun to ride the wave of the latter two trends while advocating responsible, shared, economic consumption and above all inventing products and services that the existing big companies did not think to suggest.
Marketing is changing dimension and running after new behaviors rather than being ahead of them and sensing them in advance. In the 90s, a major manufacturer of audio-visual products was proud to affirm: "You dreamed about it? Sony did it". Today, he who can tell what the hotel customer is dreaming today or tomorrow is truly clever. Marketing is no longer prospective, it is intuitive. The customer confidently tells to marketers: "I use the product I really want, not the one you think I want."
The boundaries between manufacturers and consumers, particularly in terms of services, have been dismantled. The same couple can, one weekend, in exchange for some cash, be an attentive and nearly professional AirBnB host to another couple of "guests" on a quest for discovery, authenticity, conviviality. And these roles can be inversed the following week or month. The disintegration of the commercial circuit model is underway, and where it will end is unknown.
Today's generations no longer know or no longer wish to accept the old rules. Communications about collaborative start-ups insist on freedom and an absence of restrictions. The customer becomes autonomous and questions everything. It's no longer enough to be king; they dictate their conditions without worrying too much about detail. Georges Clooney may continue to shout out "What else?" to convince us his coffee is self-evident; but customers well start asking "So what? What is so extraordinary about it that I cannot live without it? And what if I prefer to share my cup of coffee at the kitchen counter with my host du jour, who shares his quarters with me?"
The customer is increasingly eternally dissatisfied, search for a dream, an instant, a sensation, a pleasure, often divided. Social and economic, philosophical and existential conventions, like so many reassuring boundaries for community life, seem to be dissolving. Good or bad? Who is to judge? Is this just simple transition or a mutation towards a new kind of society known as participatory? Too soon to say! These are all challenges, but the Chinese would call them opportunities that must be taken on.
Like active bifidus, what happens inside shows on the outside. Changes in ways of thinking will result in different ways to consume, get around, eat, seek accommodations, travel. More than ever, the marketing of tomorrow will be reactive, seizing upon each micro change. Whence the same need to invent a hotel supply that can evolve, that is easily adaptable, increasingly putting mind over matter without neglecting the essentials in the 21st-century customer's panoply of needs. It would be a mistake to think they will give up their gadgets, on the contrary they will use them to express themselves, to express their wishes in real time. Good luck! It won't be easy to manage!
The connection between tourism and transportation is so close that often people use 'travel' as a synonym for tourism. In fact, in many languages, tourism is another way to express travel. Even in English it is hard to miss the connection between the words 'tour' and 'tourism'. Transportation methods allow us to travel. Unfortunately, in an age in which elegance has given way to a form of pedestrian practicality, and terrorism is psychologically connected to transportation systems, the tourism industry cannot avoid transportation issues. With the exception of hiking, transportation companies are linked to tourism in four major areas. These are aviation security, maritime security including cruise security, railroad security, and road-/highway security including buses, private cars and vans. Furthermore, there are those in the green movement who seek to limit travel due to climate change. No one know the full impact of limiting travel, especially air travel, on tourism, but we may guess that both long-haul destinations and international travel will be impacted if there are less travel opportunities. Below Tourism Tidbits presents and overview of these four areas and how they impact tourism along with suggestions for improvements.
Aviation
Flying has gone from an integral and pleasurable part of the tourism experience to something that must be suffered through. In today's world flying has not only lost its elegance. Although in relation to cost of living and current wages, flying is not expensive, it is perceived to be expensive. All too often smiles have been replaced with frowns, and airplane seats have become exercises in endurance. We cannot blame all of aviation's problems on the airlines. They too are captives to government regulations, and often must implement policies, which they would prefer not to enforce. Despite this fact, the public has a tendency, as is true in all forms of tourism, to bundle its frustrations and find the airline industry guilty. This frustration is especially high due to the a la carte manner in which airlines now charge and to the low cost of fuel. The result has been a difference between a perceived price and a true price. To add to the frustration airline passengers must undergo a number of other difficulties. Among these are:
a. Poorly designed terminals that result in long lines,
b. Great distances between gates or difficulties from transiting from one terminal to another,
c. High costs of basic services at terminals coupled with poor quality,
d. The high cost of airport parking,
e. Slow baggage delivery and/or lost baggage,
f. A great deal of interconnected bureaucratic layers that tend to undercut each other rather than aid each other,
On the other side of the ledger there have been several improvements. Among these are:
a. Many terminals now offer free internet service,
b. Children's play areas,
c. Higher quality shops and restaurants,
d. A greater number of executive clubs or work areas
In the background is the continual trauma of terrorist attacks against the airline industry. Although air travel is the safest form of transportation, the media's emphasis on the air travel industry coupled with the some people's fear of flying produces higher levels of anxiety than it does in other forms of transportation. It cannot be stated too strongly that should the tourism industry not deal with air travel's real and perceived problems, it puts itself a great risk.
Air transportation security has so far been reactive rather than proactive. Until recently most security measures have been adapted to stop a repeat of an attack. Thus, one person had a shoe bomb, and millions had to remove their shoes. On the other hand all too little has been done to check those who are checking passengers and luggage nor is it clear how those who are working on the airplane prior to departure or upon landing are investigated and cleared.
The airline industry also must now have to deal with the issue of "climate change". Pro-ecology tourism groups are asking people to fly less. Such a policy would not only destroy numerous travel destinations, for example, the Caribbean and Hawaii are to a great extent air travel dependent, but also make business travel either a great deal more expensive or almost impossible.
Issues of Maritime Security
Maritime tourism or aquatic tourism covers a broad range of topics. The term includes everything from cruises to boating, from beach vacations to white water rafting. Each of these aspects has its own challenges and issues. In reality we can separate maritime travel and tourism from aquatic tourism. Aquatic tourism is anything that deals with travel or recreation and water. Maritime tourism is a subset and deals with travel versus pure recreation and by means of a commercial carrier, be that a ferry or a cruise ship.
Maritime tourism, especially in the cruise industry has had a number of challenges. These include, ship board fires, issues of piracy, issues of terrorism, issues of assault of all kinds from robbery to sexual assault, people falling or being pushed overboard and health issues such as the Nordau virus. To add to this extensive list, cruise companies must often deal with off-ship problems, such as crimes against their passengers while on shore, boarding issues and issues of passport control.
Aquatic tourism involves a number of other safety and security issues. These include issues of boat safety, water purity, swimming pool usage and vigilance, safety of equipment. When dealing with the ocean there are nuermous problems of visitors not understanding that the ocean is both a place of enjoyment and a place to be respected and of caution. An example of how dangerous the oceans can be was the terrible tsunami that occurred in the Indian Ocean basis in 2004. In reality no one knows for sure how many people were swept out to sea and drowned but estimates are that well over 100,000 died that day in just a few minutes.
Both aquatic and maritime safety need to take into account that many people do not understand the ocean nor do they full appreciate its force and might. What is true of the ocean is also true of rivers, lakes and even beaches. Tourism centers that use water transportation must make sure that signage is clear, that rules are not only understood but enforced and that employees are well trained and highly professional.
Next Month TT will offer part II of this series.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. and MCLEAN, Va. Hilton Worldwide's (NYSE: HLT)Hampton by Hilton brand, the global mid-priced hotel that serves value-conscious and quality-driven travelers around the world, today announced the opening of its newest property, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Falls Church/Seven Corners. The 159-room hotel joins the Hampton by Hilton family of more than 2,100 Hampton by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton hotels.
The hotel, located at 6430 Arlington Boulevard, is managed by Baywood Hotels. Hampton Inn & Suites Falls Church/Seven Corners is nearby popular area attractions including Cherry Hill Farmhouse and several homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also approximately 20 minutes from the nation's capital.
"We're excited to debut our newest hotel, which is just a short distance from Washington D.C. and other business districts," said Rick Lutchman, general manager. "With our complimentary shuttle service and signature Hampton breakfast, our guests will have a comfortable and convenient place to stay while they experience the attractions of the nation's capital and the great shopping and dining options of Falls Church."
The hotel provides guests a fresh start to each day with On the House hot breakfast which includes eggs, oatmeal and waffles. In addition, the hotel provides Hampton's On the RunTM Breakfast Bags filled with a multi-grain bar, an apple, an artisan breakfast bread loaf and a bottle of water with a flavor packet for those guests on the go, available Monday through Friday.
Hampton Inn & Suites Falls Church/Seven Corners also offers amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center with complimentary printing, a 900 square foot meeting space that can accommodate up to 70 people, and indoor pool and a fitness center. The hotel also offers complimentary parking.
Each guestroom includes high-quality amenities, including the brand's signature Clean and fresh Hampton bed, LCD TV, microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker. Inviting suites are also available, offering additional space and a comfortable sleeper sofa. Each guest is guaranteed to be satisfied with every stay, or they don't pay, and that's the 100% Hampton Guarantee.
Designed as an extension of the guestroom with a variety of seating and lighting options for both leisure and business travelers, the new hotel features the Perfect Mix Lobby. Within the lobby, guests can find TREATS, a food and beverage shop filled with snacks, toiletries, local merchandise and drinks for purchase.
Hampton by Hilton team members proudly exhibit a unique culture described as Hamptonality. This term describes each hotel's approach to friendly customer service and anticipation of guests' needs and providing travelers with helpful suggestions about area attractions, historical facts and fun things to do around town. Hampton by Hilton hotels are infused with local photography and artwork, highlighting each property's connection and support to its own community.
Hampton Inn & Suites Falls Church/Seven Corners participates in Hilton HHonors, the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn Points & Miles on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. HHonors members always get our lowest price with our Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton. For more information or to make reservations, please visit Hampton Inn & Suites Falls Church/Seven Corners or call +1 703 538 1000.
Read more about Hampton by Hilton at www.hampton.com and news.hampton.com.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,800 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2021 World's Best Workplaces list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. In 2021, in addition to opening more than one hotel a day, Hilton introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 128 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Jennifer Hughes
Director, Brand Public Relations - Hilton Worldwide
+1 901 374 6518
Hilton
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The 30.3% profit drop at hotels in Beirut in April is further to a 38.7% decline in March, suggesting that the market is now on the decline, according to the latest data from HotStats.
The 30.3% profit drop at hotels in Beirut in April is further to a 38.7% decline in March, suggesting that the market is now on the decline, according to the latest data from HotStats.
Despite the terrorist attacks in November 2015, growth in the market was maintained until early 2016, with average room rate increasing by 16.5% year-on-year to $106.76 in the 12 months to February 2016, but has since suffered a year-on-year rate decline in both March (-6.5%) and April (- 10.5%).
The decline in achieved average room rate over the last two months has been primarily responsible for the 6.8% year-to-date drop in RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) to $79.10 from $84.86, as occupancy in the Lebanon capital has broadly remained stable.
The savings in labour (+8.6%) and overheads (+6.9%) on a per available room basis in April, were not sufficient to offset the 14.6% decline in TrevPAR (Total Revenue per Available Room) and as a result the profit per room drop in the Beirut market this month contributed to the 23.9% year-to- date decline in GOPPAR (Gross Operating Profit per Available Room).
Ancillary Revenue Growth Tempers TrevPAR Decline at Dubai Hotels
Profit per room at Dubai hotels has now declined by 22.7%in the 36 months to April 2016 on a rolling 12-month basis and whilst hotels have, broadly, managed to maintain occupancy at approximately 87.0% in the first four months of 2016, it has been at the expense of a significant drop in average room rate, which fell by 9.6% year-to-date, equivalent to a $31.87 decline.
As a result of the movement in occupancy and achieved average room rate, year-on-year RevPAR for Dubai hotels fell by 10.5% year-to-date, to $258.04 from $288.24 in the same period in 2015. And although food and beverage revenue had been on the decline since December 2014, dropping by 15.3% to $125.22 in the rolling 12 months to December 2015, year-to-date revenue in this department has increased by 1.7% against the same period in 2015.
In addition, Dubai hotels recorded a 17.2% year-on-year increase in conference and banqueting revenue per available room, to $20.39 from $17.40 in 2015.
The increase in ancillary revenues has helped to temper the decline in TrevPAR somewhat, to -6.6% in the four months to April 2016, but despite savings in both labour (+1.0%) and overheads (+2.9%) on a per available room basis, profit per room at Dubai hotels dropped by 11.4% year-to-date.
Profit Per Room at Sharm El Sheikh Hotels Now in Negative Territory
Profit per room at hotels in Sharm El Sheikh was recorded at just $0.50 in April, a 97.9% decline on the same period in 2015 with year-to date GOPPAR recorded at -$2.85, a 116.7% decline on 2015 performance of $17.04.
Despite hotels in the Egyptian resort recording a 26.8% RevPAR increase in the 12 months to September 2015 to $34.82 from $25.50 in the 12 months to September 2014, as the city recovered from the Arab Spring in 2011, the downing of Russian tourist plane Metrojet 9268 by terrorists in October 2015 quickly halted this upward trajectory. Since that time, Sharm El Sheikh has witnessed a significant decline in visitor numbers and the risk of travelling to the area remains high, according to the UK Foreign Office.
Unsurprisingly, year-on-year room occupancy for the first four months of 2016 has plummeted by 31.2 percentage points, to just 28.1%. This decline in volume, in addition to a 15.8% year-on-year drop in average room rate, contributed to the 60.1% year-to-date fall in RevPAR to just $12.95.
Whilst Sharm El Sheikh hoteliers have tried desperately to reduce costs in order to salvage profit, with a 24.3% reduction in payroll costs, coupled with a 23.8% saving in overheads, profit per room has continued to plummet into negative territory.
Click here ( Adobe Acrobat PDF file) to view full the report.
HotStats provides two reporting tools to hoteliers:
Our unique profit and loss benchmarking service which enables monthly comparison of hotels performance against their competitors. It is distinguished by the fact that it provides in excess of 100 performance metric comparisons covering 70 areas of hotel revenue, cost, profit and statistics providing far deeper insight into the hotel operation than any other tool.
Our latest innovation in daily revenue intelligence, MORSE. Amongst its reporting are daily and highly granular market segmentation metrics as well as distribution channel and source of booking analysis. It takes daily market intelligence to a whole new level.
For more information contact:
Enquiries
+44 (0) 20 7892 2241
enquiries@hotstats.com
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In year-over-year comparisons, the country's occupancy decreased 3.0% to 68.9%. However, average daily rate for the week was up 4.7% to CAD149.44, and revenue per available room grew 1.6% to CAD102.93.
The Canadian hotel industry reported mixed results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 22-28 May 2016, according to data from STR.
In year-over-year comparisons, the country's occupancy decreased 3.0% to 68.9%. However, average daily rate for the week was up 4.7% to CAD149.44, and revenue per available room grew 1.6% to CAD102.93.
Among the provinces, Ontario reported the only increase in occupancy (+2.8% to 73.8%) as well as the largest increase in RevPAR (+14.9% to CAD112.72). ADR in the province rose 11.8% to CAD152.75.
Prince Edward Island posted the largest increase in ADR (+12.8% to CAD137.17), driving double-digit growth in RevPAR (+10.1% to CAD68.61).
Saskatchewan reported the largest decreases across the three key performance metrics. Occupancy fell 23.6% to 52.0%; ADR was down 11.6% to CAD122.62; and RevPAR dropped 32.4% to CAD63.76.
Newfoundland and Labrador was the only other province to see a double-digit decline in occupancy (-13.9% to 66.1%) and RevPAR (-13.7% to CAD98.99).
About STR
STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.
Top line growth fuelled a 27.4% year-on-year increase in profit per room at hotels in Barcelona this month as the city welcomed more than 11,000 delegates to the International Liver Congress (ILC), according to the latest data from HotStats.
Top line growth fuelled a 27.4% year-on-year increase in profit per room at hotels in Barcelona this month as the city welcomed more than 11,000 delegates to the International Liver Congress (ILC), according to the latest data from HotStats.
The ILC is the flagship event for the European Association for the Study of the Liver and this is the first time it has been hosted at the Fira Barcelona, having previously been held at the Reed Messe in Vienna in 2015.
Hotels in Barcelona typically achieve strong room occupancy levels in the month of April, illustrated by the 79.6% recorded in 2015, as the city remains a hugely popular tourist destination and a key economic hub for Europe. And whilst the additional volume in the city contributed to a 1.9 percentage point increase in room occupancy, to 81.4%, it was the weight of demand which enabled hoteliers to significantly leverage average room rate to record a 13.1% year-on-year increase, to 215.69 from 190.63 in the same period in 2015.
The growth in rooms revenue, in addition to the increase in revenue derived from the food and beverage (+18.7%) and conference and banqueting (+31.6%) departments, on a per available room basis, contributed to a 16.5% increase in TrevPAR (Total Revenue per Available Room) for the month.
The strong April performance enabled hoteliers in Barcelona to continue their upward performance trajectory, with a profit per room increase of 9.1% recorded in the city in the rolling 12 months to April 2016.
Profit Plummets as Vienna Hotels Lament Loss of Liver Congress
Profit per room at hotels in Vienna declined by 29.3% in April as the nomadic ILC event and associated volume of delegates and subsequent revenue sources moved on to Barcelona.
Whilst the profit decline for the month is significant, it is as much a realignment towards previous performance levels than a concerning trend, with the citys hoteliers recording a 62.1% year-on-year increase in GOPPAR (Gross Operating Profit per Available Room) when they hosted the event this time last year as it moved from London.
That said, Vienna does not benefit from the wealth of alternative demand sources enjoyed by other European capital cities and significant declines in achieved rate were recorded in the residential conference (-29.5%), corporate (-10.3%) and Best Available Rate (-17.3%) segments this month.
As a result of the 12.1% decline in achieved rate, RevPAR at hotels in Vienna fell by 16.2% to 98.64 in April, but remained well above the level recorded in April 2014, at 93.99.
More concerning for Vienna hoteliers, will be that the drop in performance this month contributed to the continued downward trajectory in profit per room since the turn of the year and as a result year-on-year GOPPAR has fallen by 26.0% in the first four months of 2016.
Warsaw Hotel Profit Performance Going from Strength to Strength
Hotels in Warsaw have had a particularly strong start to 2016, with the 39.9% year-on-year increase in profit per room recorded in April contributing to the year-to-date increase of 9.7%.
The year-to-date growth is further to the 6.0% increase in profit per room recorded in 2015 and has been primarily fuelled by the 9.4% increase in achieved average room rate, with the greatest margin of rate growth recorded in the leisure (+27.0%) and Best Available Rate (+13.6%) segments.
Room occupancy growth at hotels in the Polish capital in April has also been significant, at 8.2 percentage points for the month. This is in line with the increase in passenger numbers at Chopin Airport, which grew by 10% year-on-year to a record 932,000 passengers for the month, the nineteenth month of continuous growth in passenger numbers at the airport.
Click here ( Adobe Acrobat PDF file) to view full the report.
For an inside view of a local or regional market place in the hotel sector, bespoke HotStats reports are available. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.hotstats.com to view a sample report.
HotStats provides two reporting tools to hoteliers:
Our unique profit and loss benchmarking service which enables monthly comparison of hotels performance against their competitors. It is distinguished by the fact that it provides in excess of 100 performance metric comparisons covering 70 areas of hotel revenue, cost, profit and statistics providing far deeper insight into the hotel operation than any other tool.
Our latest innovation in daily revenue intelligence, MORSE. Amongst its reporting are daily and highly granular market segmentation metrics as well as distribution channel and source of booking analysis. It takes daily market intelligence to a whole new level.
For more information contact:
Enquiries
+44 (0) 20 7892 2241
enquiries@hotstats.com
Hoteliers in the North West of England recorded an 11.7% year- on-year increase in profit per room in April fuelled by a 19.5% increase in the achieved rate in the residential conference segment, according to the latest data from HotStats.
Hoteliers in the North West of England recorded an 11.7% year- on-year increase in profit per room in April fuelled by a 19.5% increase in the achieved rate in the residential conference segment, according to the latest data from HotStats.
Despite a 0.1 percentage point decline in room occupancy, RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) increased by 5.7% for the month, with the residential conference segment contributing to a 5.9% uplift in achieved average room rate, to 80.88 from 76.41 during the same period in 2015. In addition to the growth in the residential conference segment rate, an 8.2% increase in conference & banqueting revenue on a per available room basis was recorded, which contributed to a 5.5%increase in TrevPAR (Total Revenue per Available Room) to 109.00 for the month.
Whilst year-on-year payroll levels were up by 3.3% on a per available room basis, as a result of the growth in total revenue, hotels in the North West recorded an 11.7% increase in profit per room in April, which contributed to year-to-date growth of 1.6%.
Newcastle Hoteliers Feel the Pinch as New Supply Dilutes Top and Bottom Line Performance
Despite recording an 8.5% year-on-year increase in profit per room this month, year-to-date GOPPAR (Gross Operating Profit per Available Room) has dropped by 5.5% in 2016 against the same period in 2015 as new supply has contributed to a dilution of headline performance levels.
Whilst hotels in Newcastle were able to record a 0.1% increase in RevPAR in April, year-to-date this measure has fallen by 7.7%, which has primarily been as a result of a 5.7 percentage point decline in room occupancy, suggesting that the hotels within our sample have been impacted by new openings.
As regional economic indicators for the North East have remained positive, the supply increase in Newcastle has been significant, with an increase of 817 branded hotel rooms since the beginning of 2015, which have included the 251-bedroom
Crowne Plaza Stephenson Quarter, 160-bedroom Hampton by Hilton, 222-bedroom Motel One and the recent opening of the 216-bedroom Premier Inn (The Gate).
Although food & beverage revenue remained broadly stable at 29.87 per available room, which has tempered the year-to-date decline in TrevPAR to 4.4%, a 1.6 percentage point increase in payroll as a proportion of revenue contributed to the decline in profit per room for Newcastle hotels in the four months to April 2016.
Stratford-upon-Avon Hotels Bounce Back in April Despite Shift in Easter Trade
Although the Easter holidays moving from April to March this year has upset the balance slightly for hotels in Stratford-upon- Avon, they have responded well recording a 26.7% increase in profit per room for the month, as hotels in the town were able to drive volume and price in the commercial segment.
Whilst hotels in the Stratford-upon-Avon market are typically heavily reliant upon demand from the leisure segment in April, volume from this source (ie individual leisure and group leisure) fell to 25.6% of total roomnights sold from 31.9% during the same period in 2015.
In its place, demand from the commercial sector increased to 43.1% of total demand, due to an increase in the volume of demand attributed to the residential conference (+8.2 percentage points) and corporate (+1.5 percentage points) segments. The shift in demand also contributed to the 56.3% increase in conference & banqueting revenue on a per available room basis at hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon for the month and the subsequent 8.8% year-on-year increase in TrevPAR.
Despite the uplift in April, year-to-date RevPAR at Stratford- upon-Avon hotels remains 2.2% behind the same period in 2015 with profit per room now 9.5% below, as payroll levels have increased by 2.1 percentage points in the first four months of 2016, to 38.6% of total revenue from 36.5% during the same period in 2015.
Click here for full report (PDF)
For an inside view of a local or regional market place in the hotel sector, bespoke HotStats reports are available. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.hotstats.com to view a sample report.
HotStats provides two reporting tools to hoteliers:
Our unique profit and loss benchmarking service which enables monthly comparison of hotels performance against their competitors. It is distinguished by the fact that it provides in excess of 100 performance metric comparisons covering 70 areas of hotel revenue, cost, profit and statistics providing far deeper insight into the hotel operation than any other tool.
Our latest innovation in daily revenue intelligence, MORSE. Amongst its reporting are daily and highly granular market segmentation metrics as well as distribution channel and source of booking analysis. It takes daily market intelligence to a whole new level.
For more information contact:
Enquiries
+44 (0) 20 7892 2241
enquiries@hotstats.com
The Island House Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Hotel History: The Island House Hotel (1852), Mackinac Island, Michigan
1. The Island House Hotel (1852), Mackinac Island, Michigan
From its beginning over 150 years ago as a waterfront beach house to the family-restored hotel it is today, the Island House has opened its doors to over a million tourists from around the world. With its handsome Victorian structure and family-owned intimacy, Mackinac Island's oldest hotel is a tradition not be missed.
Originally constructed for Charles O'Malley in 1852 as beachfront resort, the Island House was one of the first summer hotels on Mackinac Island. In 1865, Captain Henry Van Allen, a Great Lakes skipper, purchased the resort, thus beginning a family tradition that would last nearly 75 years. During this time he moved the hotel about 300 feet off the shore to its present location to allow for future expansion. Under Captain Van Allen's direction, the Island House was deemed the Island's "best family hotel" as Mackinac Island was voted the most popular summer destination in America.
Upon his passing, Captain Van Allen bestowed the property to his daughter. Mrs. Rose Van Allen Webster who became proprietor of the hotel in 1892. Together with her husband, whom she met while he was stationed at Fort Mackinac, the Websters added the distinctive looking East and West wings in 1895 and 1912. The Island House enjoyed the benefits of these additions for the next 25 years as Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis and New York socialites were treated to afternoon high teas and full orchestra ballroom dancing. Mrs. Webster retained ownership of the Island House until her passing in 1938.
After Mrs. Webster's death, the hotel stood vacant for several years, as its maintenance and taxes were too burdensome for her heirs. In 1945, the state took over the property and for a brief period the hotel was used to house the Moral Rearmament movement which came about just after World War II. The group moved to Mission Point two years later and the hotel again stood vacant until 1949.
Hoping to restore the property, a group of investors formed the Island House Incorporated in 1949. Despite the best attempts of various stockholders, by 1969 the Island House had deteriorated so greatly that the Chairman of the Mackinac Island State Park, W.F. Doyle, believed it would need to be torn down. It was not until 1972 that the Island House would return to its early popularity. Three of Mackinac Island's well-known businessmen, Harry Ryba, son James, and son-in-law Victor Callewaert, recognized the Island House's status as a Michigan landmark.
They purchased the lease to the hotel and vowed to return the Island House to its original grandeur. Throughout its incredible restoration, every step was taken to preserve the striking architectural features of the hotel exterior, including its many columns, porch spindles, gables, windows and door styles. During this two-year project the Island House was closed to the general public, but re-opened with a spirited celebration on June 23, 1972. The final triumph came on August 11, 1973, when the hotel was acknowledged by the State of Michigan as a Michigan Historical Landmark.
Since the time of the original restoration, the Island House has undergone continuous renovations to provide the best accommodations possible for guests. From the addition of an elevator to the introduction of air conditioning, the Island House prides itself on having some of the best amenities on the Island.
After extensive renovations during the 1980s, the next major change for the Island House came in 1995. The property underwent an extensive archeological dig to assure there were no burial grounds or fossils. This cleared the way for the first addition to the hotel since 1912. This 5,400 square foot addition resulted in an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and three suites. Also included in this was the Ice House Bar & Grill. The restaurant was named after the Island's oldest ice house located on the northwest corner of the property.
In this same year, the 1852 Grill Room was reconfigured, remodeled and made handicap- accessible with the addition of a lift. To accommodate all guests, a lift was also added to the veranda making the main areas of the hotel barrier free. Mackinac Island's oldest hotel now complies with all ADA regulations. Today the Island House is owned and operated by the Callewaert Family.
The Island House is the only hotel on Mackinac Island that is located within the pristine boundaries of the Mackinac Island State Park 1,700 acres of the best that Michigans natural resources have to offer. With its beautifully renovated guestrooms and breathtaking views of the marina and Mackinac Harbor, the Island House Hotel offers the best of all possible worlds past and present and a timeless escape from the ordinary.
The Island House Hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
*excerpted and expanded from my book Built To Last: 100+Year-Old Hotels East of the Mississippi, AuthorHouse 2013.
2. Available Now: Great American Hoteliers Volume 2: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry
If you want to order an autographed hardcover copy (with dust jacket), send a check for $43.00 to:
Stanley Turkel
147-03 Jewel Avenue
Flushing, N.Y. 11367
Be sure to include your mailing address.
About Stanley Turkel, CMHS
Stanley Turkel was designated as the 2015 and the 2014 Historian of the Year by Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This award is presented to an individual for making a unique contribution in the research and presentation of hotel history and whose work has encouraged a wide discussion, greater understanding and enthusiasm for American History.
Turkel is a well-known consultant in the hotel industry. He operates his hotel consulting practice serving as an expert witness in hotel-related cases, providing asset management and hotel franchising consultation. He is certified as a Master Hotel Supplier Emeritus by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
Stanley Turkel is one of the most widely-published authors in the hospitality field. More than 275 articles on various hotel subjects have been posted in hotel magazines and on the Hotel-Online, BlueMauMau, HotelNewsResource and eTurboNews websites. Two of his hotel books have been promoted, distributed and sold by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (Great American Hoteliers: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry and Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels East of the Mississippi). A third hotel book (Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels in New York) was called "passionate and informative" by the New York Times. His fourth hotel book was described by the New York Times: Nostalgia for the Citys caravansaries will be kindled by Stanley Turkels... fact-filled... Hotel Mavens: Lucius M. Boomer, George C. Boldt and Oscar of the Waldorf.
All of these books can be ordered from the publisher by visiting www.stanleyturkel.com.
Stanley Turkel, CMHS
917-628-8549
stanturkel@aol.com
www.stanleyturkel.com
Warp Records has just announced the release with an odd nod to old-fashioned magazine advertisements.
Aphex Twin a.k.a Richard D. James is well known for his eccentricities, so it comes as no surprise that the flyers he sent out to announce his EP would be just as strange.
The flyers act as a type of 50s style advertisement trying to promote a product.
The following is included as part of the product information: The Aphex Twin Cheetah EP uses digital sound generation techniques combined with wave sequencing technology to bring you sounds with movement and depth rarely found on records today.
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In laymans terms, the album will include seven new tracks and will be released on vinyl, CD, cassette, and as a digital download through Warp Records.
In 2014, James came out of a thirteen-year retirement with the release of the album Syro. He has released some music in the time since, but this will be the first major release hes produced in two years. It comes out in one month on July 8.
The rockabilly group from Las Vegas will be in Dublin this Saturday.
The Delta Bombers return to Dublin on Saturday, June 11.
The Las Vegas rockabilly group have been intermittently touring the globe since 2008, and for the fourth time they will be back at Dublins legendary Thomas House to perform with The Terrorsaurs and special guest Lou Ferns of the band Desperados.
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Using a blend of '50s style rock and roll with a touch of the blues, The Delta Bombers create a powerful sound that resonates on the stage during each live performance. The gig starts at 8pm and tickets can be purchased for 12 at the door.
The play will reportedly revolve around the heist of the Shaolin Clan's one-of-a-kind album
A group of Theatre producers are seeking funding for their Wu-Tang, Bill Murray and Martin Shkreli inspired musical, about an attempted heist of the Clan's only physical album in existence Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.
The backstory for the play revolves around the notorious pharmaceutical CEO, Shkreli, who became the internet's most hated man for buying the rights to the AIDS drug Daraprim and increasing the cost of the drug by an exorbitant amount.
The millionaire villain grew even more unpopular after it was revealed that he was the buyer of Wu-Tang Clans one-of-a-kind album for $2 million. It was rumoured that one of the LP's hilarious clauses was that active Wu-Tang members were entitled to team up with actor Bill Murray and execute a heist or caper to get back the album.
This contract clause has since been rubbished by all parties, but it is being used as the story for the proposed Wu-Tang musical.
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Watch the fund-me trailer below.
RISHON LEZION, Israel - It was an unlikely scene for what has the trappings of a major scam, an office in a dingy building housing a car repair shop a short drive from the glittering Mediterranean Sea. But from here, eight immigrants from Europe allegedly conspired to dupe major multinational companies out of millions of dollars.
Most of them spoke French, the others Italian. Using their language skills and familiarity with European business practices, they telephoned employees at some of Europe's biggest companies, identified themselves as top executives and tricked workers into transferring large sums of money to bank accounts in their control, police said. Among the companies targeted, according to police and suspects' lawyers: Kia Motors, Hugo Boss and Chanel.
It was a classic "fake CEO" or "fake president" scam, a scheme used by criminals worldwide that has robbed companies of some $1.8 billion in just over two years, according to the FBI. Most of the eight suspects in the latest case are either jailed or under house arrest.
A free man
But not the man who boasts of pioneering the scam years ago, inspiring copycats like these around the globe: French-Israeli con artist Gilbert Chikli. He mysteriously remains a free man, living in luxury in his villa in a seaside Israeli city as French authorities try to bring him to justice over a massive con for which he was previously convicted.
"If they have a problem, they can come see me. They know my address. I am not fleeing," Chikli told the Associated Press by telephone. "Send them my regards."
The case illustrates how financial crime has globalized faster and more efficiently than the law enforcement that is trying to fight it.
Israel extradited Chikli to France to stand trial in 2008 for defrauding HSBC, Thomson, Accenture and other companies out of 6.1 million euros, and attempting to extract over 70 million euros from at least 33 others. But in 2009, Chikli says he chartered a private plane and flew back to Israel.
Sentenced in 2015
A French court in May 2015 sentenced him in absentia to seven years in prison. Instead, he's been hanging out at his private swimming pool.
France issued two requests to Israel for Chikli's arrest, the French Justice Ministry said. The first came the year after he escaped prosecution in France. The second came this January, according to a copy of the Interpol notice obtained by AP. It was issued just two weeks after the release of a new heist-thriller film based on Chikli's life story, starring Julie Gayet, the companion of French President Francois Hollande. Chikli's wife, Shirly, attended the Paris premiere of "Je Compte sur Vous" - released in English as "Thank You for Calling."
Still, Israeli officials show no signs of going after Chikli, even as they prosecute his alleged copycats for similar crimes. Israel's police and Justice Ministry declined to explain why, saying they do not discuss individual cases. Israeli police said they work with law enforcement from around the world to clamp down on fraud.
France's Justice Ministry said the Interpol notice issued against Chikli is the equivalent of a provisional arrest warrant, with an aim to extradite a criminal to France. But Interpol cannot force a country to comply with arrest notices.
WASHINGTON - As the House nears a critical vote on allowing energy companies to freely sell U.S. crude around the world, support for the change was eroding Wednesday on Capitol Hill.
Houston Democratic Rep. Gene Green said he would vote against oil export legislation without stronger safeguards for refineries that could be hurt by unfettered crude trade. The White House threatened to veto the bill. And a gambit by Republican leaders aimed at luring more Democrats to the measure threatened to backfire amid opposition from influential conservative groups.
The White House's opposition, lodged in a "statement of administration policy" could stiffen the resolve of some Democrats leaning toward a "no" vote but facing intense pressure to support exports. The Office of Management and Budget used the statement to urge Congress instead focus its efforts on moving away from fossil fuels.
Exports are a top priority for oil companies that have laid off thousands of workers and shut down rigs as crude prices have plummeted 55 percent, from $107.26 per barrel in June 2014 to $47.81 on Wednesday.
Although widespread foreign crude sales "are no panacea," export bill sponsor Joe Barton, R-Ennis, said Wednesday that they could give a modest boost to U.S. oil prices that are discounted compared to international benchmarks. Energy companies have aggressively lobbied lawmakers to support Barton's bill, which would undo a 40-year-old ban on most U.S. crude exports.
Some domestic refiners want to preserve the current policy, which only applies to raw, unprocessed crude and does not affect petroleum products such as the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel they sell to buyers worldwide.
Green is feeling pressure from both sides. His congressional district, which includes the Houston Ship Channel, encompasses both upstream oil producers and downstream refiners, including Valero Energy Corp.
He has been flooded with calls, emails and visits ahead of the expected House vote Friday. A group of independent oil producers pushing exports aired TV advertisements targeting Green last month. And after Green supported the exports bill in a House energy panel vote, he won applause from the Greater Houston Partnership.
But Green said the legislation was always a work in progress. When he voted yes in the committee last month, Green stressed he would seek refinements, including a continued role for the Commerce Department, which vets proposed exports now.
"I'd love to vote for crude oil exports," Green said in an interview Wednesday, "but I really want someone minding the store and looking over the shoulder. I just want to leave something in place at the Department of Commerce so they can still monitor it."
The House Rules Committee rejected Green's bid Wednesday to allow floor debate on two proposed changes, including an amendment allowing the secretary of commerce to block exports that are "inconsistent with the national interest."
A second amendment would have authorized the president to put licensing requirements or other restrictions on exports during a national emergency or if the foreign sales push prices "significantly above world market levels."
Green said he fears exporting high-quality U.S. oil could give foreign refineries an advantage over their domestic competitors.
"In our area, we like having manufacturing jobs in those refineries, and I want to make sure these manufacturing jobs are protected," Green said. "We need to protect our domestic refining operations."
Even without Green's support, the legislation has backing from 16 Democrats who signed on as co-sponsors. But House Republican leaders want to lure more Democrats to the measure, hoping that a big bipartisan vote will improve the legislation's odds in the narrowly divided Senate.
Courting Democrats, they added an unrelated provision that would authorize the government to pay more to privately owned ships enrolled in the government's Maritime Security Program.
Sixty U.S.-flag vessels are enrolled in the program, which obligates them to be available to the Department of Defense during times of war or national emergency, in exchange for an annual $3.1 million stipend. Under the provision in the oil exports bill, those payments would climb by 61 percent, with big beneficiaries including Maersk Line, which has 18 container ships enrolled. Some of the money ultimately helps pay for the unionized U.S. crews on the ships.
Conservative groups Heritage Action and FreedomWorks blasted the maritime measure.
"The payoff is even more incredible considering a new president, who will take office in about 15 months, has the authority to lift the ban," said Dan Holler, communications director for Heritage Action, in a blog post. "There is no reason lawmakers should cede to the cronyism demands of longshore unions and a handful of massive international shipping companies."
Maritime interests argue that the security program is essential to national defense - and a far cheaper alternative than the U.S. buying and building its own similar fleet of vessels for an emergency.
Oil export backers stressed the new maritime provision is more than offset by the potential $1.4 billion the government is projected to collect in new royalties and lease rental payments by allowing crude to be widely sold overseas.
Billionaire investor George Soros has returned to the trading desk and is betting that a recession is on the horizon, highlighting some of the negative economic signals that many pundits have chosen to ignore.
Whether you love him or hate him, Soros has made his fortune accurately predicting major swings in national economies. Lately he's been concentrating on electing Democrats and giving away his money, which is why his return to trading dominated the financial news Thursday morning.
The Wall Street Journal broke the story that Soros is buying gold and selling stocks. Soros sees more trouble ahead, particularly from China.
"China continues to suffer from capital flight and has been depleting its foreign currency reserves while other Asian countries have been accumulating foreign currency," the newspaper quoted Soros as saying in an email. "China is facing internal conflict within its political leadership, and over the coming year this will complicate its ability to deal with financial issues."
But the United States economy has its own fair share of worrisome economic signals. Industrial production has turned negative, the business investment rate is slowing, inventories are climbing and consumer spending is weakening.
Historically, all of those things indicate an economic recession. Consider that we've enjoyed one of the longest recoveries, albeit a weak one, since the 2008 Great Recession, and the economic cycle appears due for a downturn.
Economists, predictably, are fiercely debating the data. Unemployment is down and wages are up, but productivity is also down and personal debt is up. The website Business Insider also reports that JP Morgan bank's proprietary recession risk indicators show the odds of a coming recession at about 50-50 and rising.
A national recession would exacerbate Houston's already slowing economy.
Oil prices have led to more than 50,000 local layoffs in the energy industry, with thousands more people losing their jobs as the pain radiates into other industries. The region will be lucky to add any jobs at all in 2016.
Meanwhile, Houston has its first see-through building now that Conoco has decided not to move into a brand-new 22-story tower in the Energy Corridor. The region now has 10 million square feet of office sublease space on the market, the equivalent of 20 medium-sized skyscrapers.
Bill Gilmer, director of the Institute for Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston, has repeatedly said that the region's diverse economy will mitigate the impact of the energy industry collapse as long as the larger U.S. economy grows.
A national recession would take away that cushion. It also would suppress energy prices, which tend to track with the gross domestic product.
Soros is far from a perfect economic prognosticator, but he did make $1 billion by predicting the 2008 recession. That's why the financial world is buzzing about his decision to take control of his $30 billion fund again. They want to figure out what he's seeing, and a lot of investors will follow his lead.
When Houston voted on whether to protect the rights of transgender people, some of the biggest supporters were corporate leaders who are fighting for similar protections across the country.
The billionaire Koch brothers, the owners of Koch Industries, have spent millions to promote conservative politicians.
In both cases, corporations and their CEOs have gone beyond lobbying for laws and regulations that will benefit them, and they've become more directly involved in electoral and partisan issues, part of a growing trend of mixing business and politics.
Why companies are risking their brand identity is the subject of a recent article on Governing.com. Corporations apparently feel they need to take a stand as their customers become more strident in their personal politics.
Activists have targeted corporations since the 1960s, demanding that they conduct business in a way that doesn't hurt customers, employees or the environment. This has given rise to the corporate social responsibility report, where companies grade themselves and tout their exemplary behavior to customers.
"Researchers have found that today's young adults are more inclined to buy products from a company such as Apple if they believe its values are in line with their own beliefs," the article states. "Those between the ages of 26 and 35 are 21 percent more likely to buy from a company they feel reflects their values, according to Melissa Dodd at the University of Central Florida."
Companies are also concerned about recruiting the best workers, and it turns out that millennials are particularly concerned about social issues. That was a major concern for the Greater Houston Partnership and the Texas Association of Business when Houston denied transgender people equal protection.
"Tolerance has become an essential value to most millennials," the article said. "Companies that want to target that enormous demographic as potential employees feel they must be seen as on board with gay rights."
On the other side of the spectrum, privately-held companies like Hobby Lobby feel traditional values and personal freedoms are at risk. They feel that taking strong positions against political issues like mandatory free access to birth control not only reflects their values, but builds their brand.
In all cases, these are big gambles. Target is currently undergoing a conservative-led boycott because it allows transgender people to choose what bathroom they want to use. The company has stood by the decision, but will likely pay a price for it.
The deepening divisions within U.S. society along political lines is becoming more stark, and the 2016 election is unlikely to bring unity. Customers and potential employees are demanding more from corporations than products and paychecks, forcing them deeper into electoral and partisan politics.
This is an uncomfortable position for all companies. After all, a firm's mission is to make a profit not policy. But sadly, it's a reflection of today's divided society.
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Blue crabs aren't just food in Maryland. They're a way of life, steamed by the score and sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning or baked into golden brown cakes. Summer sellers hawk blue crab on roadsides. The crustaceans get top billing in seafood displays and fetch premium prices.
But Chesapeake Bay doesn't reliably support the region's crab habit, and when the harvest falls short, estuaries like Galveston and Trinity bays pick up the slack. They make Houston's Hobby Airport a major seafood hub during part of each year.
There, thousands of pounds of blue crab pulled from coastal Gulf of Mexico make their way onto commercial flights on their way to the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest and West Coast, eventually reaching party trays, restaurant kitchens, seafood markets and casino buffets.
"It's one of the single largest commodities we carry out of Houston," says Wally Devereaux, Southwest Airlines' senior cargo and charter director.
In addition to passengers, Southwest frequently moves high-tech goods, medical equipment and other products. But during the long crab season, Devereaux says, "we measure everything in crabs."
The carrier ships them for connoisseurs like Jim Blouin, 66, a lifelong resident of Maryland's capital, Annapolis.
"It's an event," Blouin says. "It's camaraderie: You sit down, eat crabs and talk, which is something that people don't do anymore."
Southwest's daily crab runs often start in Chambers County, where, at the end of West Bayshore Road in Oak Island, south of Anahuac, crabbers bring about two loads per day to T&Y Seafood owner Tom Ly's docks. Those catches come from areas around Galveston Bay.
By afternoon, refrigerated trucks have ferried more loads from Port Arthur and Louisiana to Ly's refrigerated warehouse.
Five workers donning gloves, rubber boots and hair nets sort the crabs by gender, size and quality. They dip the crabs in an ice bath to deaden their reflexes so they don't claw each other in transit.
Males - typically larger, meatier and pricier - are shipped together, apart from their smaller, female counterparts with red-tipped claws. Once they're weighed, T&Y calls vendors and lets them know the catch of the day and takes orders.
The crabs are packed into boxes, with destinations scrawled on the side in Sharpie. On a recent afternoon, the catch yielded 64 boxes. The majority were bound for Baltimore, with others headed for Albuquerque, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix.
After a quick trip by refrigerated truck to a Southwest cargo facility at Hobby, the boxes are tagged, stacked into cargo trucks, rolled to the plane and up the conveyor belt, then carefully placed in the belly cargo hold separate from luggage while passengers board.
By 8:50 p.m., the flight pulls away from the gate and departs on a direct path to Baltimore-Washington International Airport, where the crabs are offloaded and ready for sale by morning and ready for restaurants by lunch.
Ly supplies his crabbers with bait to lure the next day's catch. The shipping cycle repeats itself daily through the March-to-December crabbing season, the peak of which can yield hauls topping 6,000 pounds per day.
With temperature-sensitive cargo like fresh seafood, the entire supply chain must run on time from the docks to the airport so Ly, his customers and his crabbers can make their daily sales, said Bill Parker, area sales manager with Southwest.
The majority of Southwest's crab cargo ships through Hobby Airport, with some of the other through New Orleans. Those airports have good direct links because crabs - or, increasingly, crawfish going out and Maine lobster coming in - must move along nonstop flights. With 161 departures per day to 55 cities, Hobby fits the bill, Southwest spokesman Dan Landson said.
The woes of the Chesapeake Bay region's fishery are well documented. It has been in a boom-bust cycle for years, with annual landings that can vary by millions of pounds and scientists studying everything from environment to crab migration patterns to pinpoint why.
Since 2000, Chesapeake Bay landings - the amount of blue crab brought to the bay's docks - have mostly ranged between 46 million and 60 million pounds with a peak of 103.6 million pounds in 2010 and a low of 46.1 million pounds in 2003, National Marine Fisheries Service data show. Shellfish and oysters have also had bouts with blight.
The Chesapeake region's voracious appetite for blue crab remains consistent.
The Gulf of Mexico has helped come to the rescue. The abundant bays and estuaries ringing the Gulf from Texas to Florida provide the right balance of fresh and saltwater for food sources and reproduction, said Mark Fisher, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department coastal fisheries researcher based in Rockport.
But the Gulf isn't immune to harvest changes and production declines. Texas landings hit their peak in 1987, when crabbers hauled in 11.7 million pounds. The state's crab catch has never really been huge relative to Louisiana, which dominates with annual landings that range in size from 36 million to 53 million pounds.
Texas historically accounts for only about 4 percent of Gulf production, said Andrew Ropicki, marine economics extension specialist with Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. Latest data from National Marine Fisheries Service show about 2.2 million pounds were brought to docks along the Texas coast in 2014, ranking third among Gulf states behind Louisiana and Florida's west coast.
Gulf Coast landings throughout the region have zigzagged downward since the 1980s for reasons natural and man-made. Populations of fish, a main predator, have skyrocketed in the Gulf in recent decades.
"There's more finfish than there has ever been," Fisher said. These and other predators particularly have taken away juvenile crabs between 1 and 3 inches wide.
In 1998, Texas added crab licenses to the state's commercial fishing license buyback program. Through 2014, the state retired 22 percent of commercial crab licenses. That has lowered the number of commercial crabbers in Texas waters and helped ease crab population pressure, Fisher said.
Crab landings measure what's brought to docks and taken ashore. After that, it's up to suppliers and distributors how much they send to local restaurants and markets, and how much they'll ship away.
In an era when people are more conscious about the origins of their food, Maryland diners are paying attention. The state's Department of Natural Resources has instituted "True Blue," a labeling initiative that tells diners if the crab meat they're consuming was caught and processed in-state.
Vendors volunteer to have their invoices audited for confirmation. Those that meet the minimum criteria of at least 75 percent local crab meat can place stickers on menus and labels, said Karen Knotts, who administers the program. About 150 markets and restaurants in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia participate.
However, the Chesapeake's highs and lows make local availability a constant concern. That allows for lucrative business for both Southwest and Texas suppliers like Ly. Southwest meets with its suppliers ahead of the summer peak months to discuss ways to make the process more efficient.
"Texas seafood's a premium everywhere," Parker said. "People want it out of the Gulf."
Connoisseurs like Blouin can taste a clear difference. The more brackish Chesapeake makes Maryland blue crab's meat sweeter than the saltier, harder-shelled cousins fished out of the Gulf. But the Gulf of Mexico's warmer temperatures mean there's a longer production season.
Blouin thinks most Chesapeake residents can get by the difference as long as crabs are plentiful.
"The Texas crabs, the Florida crabs, the Louisiana crabs, they supplement what we have because we consume so many," he said.
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Aspiring financial and commerce warriors know they need to both "hard" and "soft" skills to succeed. It's the same with classical musicans.
In business, the hard skills are all about statics, marketing, computers, and such. For a musician, the hard skills are different, everything from fingerings and bowings to counting time and reading music with facility.
But where soft skills are concerned, the two worlds start to look similar. Like business folk, classical musicians must master networking, time management, self-confidence, interpersonal relations and the culture of their profession.
And that's where the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival comes in.
For 27 years, the annual festival, held at the University of Houston's Moores Music School, has attracted talented young musicians, usually in their early 20s, from across the country. They come together to play in the TMF Orchestra, performing ambitious and challenging programs.
Saturday evening's kickoff festival concert is a fine example of the meaty concerts the TMF Orchestra presents. The program includes three big, colorful scores by Ottorino Respighi: "Roman Festivals," "The Fountains of Rome" and the "Pines of Rome."
More Information 'Roman Holiday' Presented by the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Moores School of Music, University of Houston, 3333 Cullen Tickets: $15-$25; 713-743-3313, uh.edu/class/music/tmf See More Collapse
Thanks to years of training in colleges and conservatories, the musicians selected to participate at TMF already have the hard skills to perform Respighi's Roman Trilogy.
But where soft skills are concerned, they have things to learn. And, according to three musicians who have been part of the TMF, the festival places special emphasis on the development of those skills.
Bulgarian-born cellist Lachezar Kostov has been associated with the TMF since 2011 - first as a student, or a "fellow," as they're called, and now as an instructor.
"The fellows learn what being a classical musician in the 21st century is all about," Kostov, says from Baltimore, where he recently won a position in the Baltimore Symphony. "You can't be a one-trick pony, who only does one thing. And It's not just about how well you play. Keeping a job in an orchestra, or maintaining a freelance career, are things that we teach at TMF."
This year, Kostov will be teaching 10 student cellists. He'll also give a lecture about orchestral auditions and participate in a panel discussion about relationships between musicians' unions and orchestral management.
Another alumnus, French horn-player Anni Hochhalter, has pursued a career in chamber music, as a member of Houston's Windsync Wind Quintet. Hochhalter was a TMF fellow in 2009 and 2011, and she credits the festival with giving her the skills she needed to establish her ensemble.
"The instructors encouraged us to perform in all kinds of public spaces," she says. "This requires a different skill-set, and you learn to appeal to a broader audience. I don't know that I had those skills at the time, but I do today."
Now, she says, her experience at TMF is "coming full circle." This month, she'll lead a workshop entrepreneurship for classical musicians.
"When I was a student, I participated in these kinds of workshops," she says. "Now, I look forward to sharing everything I've learned with the students."
Bass-player Eric Larson - a member of the Houston Symphony who has been teaching at TMF for 15 years - explains that the festival is structured to introduce students to the working environment of a professional orchestra.
"In university, music students might spend a month preparing an orchestral concert. But at TMF, they have to do it in a week," he says. " This simulates the schedule of a professional orchestra.
"Also, the students don't just learn from the faculty, they learn from one another."
A week after Saturday's Respighi blowout, on June 18, the TMF Orchestra will tackle Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Symphony No. 1," plus works by Anton Webern and Alban Berg with Houston Symphony conductor laureate Hans Graf will be on the podium.
On June 25, the concert will be mostly Russian, featuring Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet" overture and Igor Stravinsky's "Petrouchka." Benjamin Britten's "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra" (narrated by St. John Flynn) rounds out the program. This performance also will be presented free of charge on June 24 at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
For the "Grand Finale" on July 2, the orchestra will play Richard Strauss's expansive "Alpine Symphony," plus Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds in E Flat." All concerts are at Moore's School of Music, unless otherwise noted.
The U.S. Supreme Court may rule as soon as Thursday on a years-long legal fight over the University of Texas at Austin's use of race in admissions. It's a case that could have broad implications for affirmative action nationwide, but many experts say that's unlikely.
UT considers race as a factor for roughly 25 percent of student applicants who are not admitted under a state law that grants automatic admission up to the top 10 percent of students of a high school's graduating class.
Abigail Fisher, a white applicant from Sugar Land whose grades did not put her at the very top of her class, sued UT after she was denied admission in 2008. Fisher claims UT admitted minority students with lower grades than hers, violating the 14th Amendment in denying her admission.
The case has drawn the eyes of higher education leaders across the nation, fearful that the high court could strike a blow to affirmative action policies. The court's ruling is expected this month before its current session ends. But experts said this week a more narrow ruling from the high court is likely. Only seven justices will weigh in on the case, and the court has been reluctant to issue broad rulings after Justice Antonin Scalia died in February.
"I wouldn't expect it to make a bold ideological ruling," said Paul Brace, a political scientist at Rice University.
The smaller makeup of the court is unique to the case and will be key to any outcome. Justice Elena Kagan, an expected would-be vote for UT, recused herself because she worked on the case as solicitor general. Because of that, when the case was argued before the high court late last year, many thought a 4-4 split is the best UT could hope for.
Without Kagan, UT could likely count on just three justices -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen G. Breyer. Four justices -- Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia, Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Samuel A. Alito Jr. -- have been critics of affirmative action. With a tie vote, the UT policy could continue.
Without Scalia and Kagan, a tie is impossible. With a smaller group making the decision, a "blockbuster" ruling is unlikely, said Herman Schwartz, a professor in the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D.C.
Justice Anthony M. Kennedy will be the swing vote. Kennedy wrote the opinion in 2013 that sent the case back to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, asking that the panel provide a stricter test to UT's policies, which the university had to prove were necessary because race-neutral admissions policies were not working.
Though he tends to be more conservative, Kennedy has been "reluctant" to broadly condemn affirmative action in the way that the other conservatives on the court have, said Louis Michael Seidman, a professor of constitutional law at Georgetown University Law Center.
There's a good chance the court, then, will issue a ruling narrowly tailored to UT's policies -- which are quite different than most admissions policies across the nation, because of the state's top 10 percent automatic acceptance law.
"The bottom line is, I think, they're not going to want to go all the way to knock it out and I think they'll try to find some middle ground, at least for this case," Schwartz said.
Still, UT's supporters have said that even a ruling focused solely on the state flagship's policies -- which are unique, because state law requires UT to automatically admit the best high school students -- could have widespread influence nationally on other universities' consideration of race in admissions.
"There is a lot at stake here," Rachel Kleinman, an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, said last year before the court heard oral arguments in the case. "I think any ruling on affirmative action stands to change things nationally, even if it's just a chilling effect ... Any ruling that technically applies to UT will certainly have other colleges and universities scrambling to make sure they're in compliance."
When Texas lawmakers deregulated the state's electricity market, the idea was to make power cheaper for Texans. But more than decade later, the Houston Chronicle reports that Texas consumers pay more in deregulated energy markets. The reasons are complex and even elusive.
So what's going on? How does Texas' deregulated electricity market work?
Deregulation came through hundreds of amendments made to the state's 107-page Public Utilities Code in 1999. That legislation, Senate Bill 7, broke apart most of the state's public utilities and fundamentally transformed the way Texans get their power.
"SB 7 was one of the most important laws ever adopted for the Texas energy market," said R. A. Dyer, a policy analyst at the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power, a nonpartisan group that has tracked the effects of deregulation.
Through most of the 20th century, power in Texas was regulated as a public utility. Texans relied on a single local provider, whether a municipal utility in cities, an investor-owned utility or an electric co-op in rural places. These entities usually owned the power plant, the power lines and the customer service network that helped people plug in. In the Bayou City, that was Houston Lighting & Power.
Rates were tied by law to the cost of fuel (mostly coal or natural gas).
More for you Texas consumers pay more in deregulated electricity markets,...
Deregulation, lawmakers hoped, would create a competitive marketplace and lower prices. If customers could choose between rival electric providers, then those providers would become eager to do everything possible to reduce their costs and win more customers.
"Competition in the electric industry will benefit Texans by reducing rates and offering consumers more choices," said Gov. George Bush upon signing deregulation into law.
It happened in two phases, addressing wholesale power in 1995 and everything else in 1999 with SB 7. The old utilities, then monopolies on energy, were each "unbundled" and broken into three companies: generation (power plants), transmission (power lines) and retail (customer service and billing). HL&P split into Reliant Energy, CenterPoint Energy and Texas Genco, now owned by NRG Energy.
RELATED: HL&P name will vanish as Reliant splits in half
And the market was opened to new players.
"For the first time they allowed retail providers to set up shop and start marketing their power to anyone who wanted to buy from them. That was not permitted before," Dyer said.
So a complex marketplace emerged, with private power generators offering their product for sale to retailers across the state. Only the transmitters remained regulated, because cities can't have multiple private companies stringing power lines wherever they want.
That marketplace did away with the old system, in which local plants produced power for local consumption. A power retailer in Houston would have to buy electricity wholesale from a power generator somewhere in Texas, and if the best deal the found came from San Angelo, then so it was.
That put new demand on the state's power grid, and the managing entity, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, drastically evolved its operations.
RELATED: Power company sues grid operator over demand, supply projections
The state phased in deregulation in order to allow new competitors. It enforced a price floor on the former monopolies, barring them from charging rock-bottom rates to shut startups out of the industry. Those restrictions faded in 2007, once newcomers had time to get established, and the energy market became deregulated.
The law let municipally-owned utilities and co-ops exempt at will, which is why Austin and San Antonio still have public electric providers.
HO/AFP/Getty Images
The Navy this week issued a sweeping ban on alcohol consumption for about 19,000 sailors in Japan.
In addition, all off base passes have been cancelled and Navy personnel are restricted to their barracks when not at work. Sailors who live off-base will be permitted to travel to and from work and take care of necessary family obligations like childcare drop off and pick up, officials said.
Concerned about water quality in flood-stricken areas, Brazoria County officials on Wednesday urged residents to receive a tetanus shot at any county health department clinic.
Shots are free for first responders and flood victims.
Clinics in Angleton, Brazoria, Clute, Alvin and Pearland are offering the Tdap vaccine shots; residents were asked to call ahead before visiting a clinic.
County Judge Matt Sebesta received a shot on Wednesday morning.
Sharon Trower, Brazoria county's emergency management spokeswoman, said that contaminated water is a concern for the area.
"We are asking people to stay out of the floodwaters. It is unsanitary; it's full of bacteria. A lot of people have septic systems that are being inundated with water and pushing contaminated water through the flood plain," Trower said.
Meanwhile, the city of Richwood issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents Tuesday. Motorists are unable to drive through some roads in Audubon Woods I and Glenwood Bayou Section II of Richwood due to high water. For a list of road closures, visit: http://brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/engineering/road-bridge-closures.
Brazoria County had ordered the mandatory evacuation of additional areas Tuesday as the city of West Columbia battled rising floodwaters from the Brazos River with sandbags and pumps. A curfew was also put in effect.
Sebesta previously had required the evacuation of residents of the Sugar Mills subdivision and Buffalo Camp Farms, and of the area near FM 1642 west of Rosharon and the city of Holiday Lakes.
Although no new mandatory evacuations had been issued as of 1 p.m. Wednesday, Trower said that officials were monitoring rising water across the county.
Jones Creek, in southern Brazoria county, was one area of concern. She also said that County Road 288 between Lake Jackson and Angleton was seeing alot of water from the Bastrop Bayou nearby.
Some 100,000 residents have been affected by the flooding in Brazoria, Trower said. The coastal county is home to more than 300,000 residents.
The number of homes affected by the damage is still unknown.
"We are not gonna know that until we dry out a little bit," Trower said.
Lt. Juan Gomez from Brazoria Salvation Army said they're accepting monetary donations to help flood victims. The Salvation Army is providing food to flood victims and first responders.
"We are in a difficult situation. This flood, it completely took us by surprise," Gomez said.
Brazos River levels are holding, Trower said. Water levels in West Columbia and Brazoria had not crested as of Wednesday afternoon.
Officials urged those who want to make a donation to help flood victims to contact their local relief organizations. Those that can accept donations include the United Way, the Salvation Army, Brazoria County Dream Center, Helping Hands and Hearts Hospice, and Habitat for Humanity.
An Aryan Brotherhood of Texas prison gang captain contends he was lied to by federal prosecutors and his own lawyer about how much time he'd get behind bars if he pleaded guilty to racketeering instead of risking going to trial.
Rusty Duke - who in 2014 became the last of 73 people convicted in a massive Houston-based anti-gang probe - took the witness stand Thursday in an unusual hearing to have his guilty plea and 18-year prison sentence set aside.
Duke contends he was repeatedly promised behind the scenes that he'd be sentenced to only 10 years only for drug-dealing crimes, not the attempted murder of a fellow gang member who had betrayed him.
After a two-hour hearing Thursday, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake said he'd make a ruling on the request.
READ MORE: Houston Aryan gang member makes Most Wanted list
Duke's former lawyer and two prosecutors also took the witness stand Thursday. The government contends Duke knew he'd get no less than 18 years in the case, as described in the plea agreement and other documents in the court file. Duke originally had faced up to life in prison.
Robert Jones, the longtime Houston lawyer who originally represented Duke, testified that Duke's claims to confusion are part of a scheme now playing out in court.
"I believe Mr. Duke's statement in the transcript are consistent with his attempt to scam everybody all the time," Jones said. "I believe it was a contrived effort on his part to mislead anyone in the system."
He described Duke as a drug dealer who manipulates people and would do anything to make money, including join Aryan Brotherhood.
READ MORE: 52 white supremacists arrested on meth trafficking charges
Also called to testify were U.S. Department of Justice trial lawyer David Karpel, who is based in Washington, and Timothy Braley, a Houston-based assistant U.S. attorney. Both said no secret deals were cut with Duke and that he would never have gotten a deal for just 10 years in prison.
Duke contends otherwise. He said he knew the judge could legally give him more than 10 years, but that he'd been privately promised he'd get 10 years if he signed the plea agreement and told the judge he hadn't been threatened or promised anything special.
"We've got to make it look like we are doing our job," he quoted them as saying.
Braley testified that Duke had sought a ten-year sentence from the start but was told that 18 years was the "rock bottom" minimum sentence he could get.
Correspondence, including email between Duke's lawyer and the government seemed to back up Braley's testimony.
READ MORE: Cooperation from former Aryan Brotherhood leader deemed invaluable
Duke's new attorney, Jeremy Gordon, has said that as part of an "assembly line" system of criminal justice, defendants can be mislead by their lawyers,
"I do not believe the public is aware of how common it is that attorneys--whether because of overburdened workloads or otherwise--fail to properly advise their clients before they plead guilty," Gordon, a former prosecutor, told the Chronicle.
Duke's request comes in the wake of a probe by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in which every defendant was convicted. All pleaded guilty exceot two, who were convicted in trials.
Duke was a major methamphetamine dealer in North Texas, according to court documents. As part of his 18-page plea agreement, he admitted to assisting in the attempted murder of a fellow gang member who allegedly tried to steal Duke's drugs and pointed a gun at Duke's father.
Another gang member, carrying out a retaliation attack for Duke, tried to shoot the man in the face, but the gun misfired.
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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Thursday called on the state to declare the Zika virus a public health emergency and dedicate money toward local efforts to fight it.
At a news conference at a tire dump in north Houston, Turner said he has written the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requesting it make funding available to protect Houston residents from the mosquito-borne virus. The agency has a balance of $130 million in its solid waste disposal fees account that could be used, the mayor said.
"This pile of tires is ground zero in a fight against the Zika virus," the mayor said. "There is a critical need for help in paying for this massive effort. We have programs already under way and would welcome state help in funding them."
Turner said his office is talking with Gov. Greg Abbott about the request, though it is the TCEQ that would need to declare Zika an emergency threat to the public health and make funding available. A spokeswoman at TCEQ said the agency is reviewing the mayor's request.
Abbott's office did not specifically respond to questions about Turner's request, but said that "Texas is working with our local and federal partners to ensure Texans are protected from the Zika virus."
A spokesman for the governor said Abbott on Thursday participated in a governors' conference call hosted by the White House and led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Tom Frieden to discuss strategies to address the Zika threat and efforts to combat the virus."
Turner said the city would use any state funding to increase the frequency of cleaning up any receptacles that hold standing water discarded along the road, develop and distribute educational materials about how residents can prevent Zika transmission and establish additional trash drop-off locations.
Since February, the city's solid waste department has hauled off 3,000 tons of debris and 19,000 tires as part of its effort to reduce mosquito-breeding sites. The effort is expected to cost $3.6 million this year, Turner said.
Also on Thursday, the World Health Organization recommended that people living in areas where the Zika virus is circulating should consider delaying pregnancy to avoid having babies with birth defects. The virus has been linked to abnormally small heads and brain damage in infants born to infected mothers.
The WHO issued the guidance this week because of new evidence the virus is sexually transmitted more than previously thought. The virus has spread from Brazil, the epicenter of the epidemic, to 46 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. Puerto Rico is the only part of the United States where there is known to be local transmission of the virus. There have been 12 confirmed cases in Harris County, all involving people who acquired the infection elsewhere. Texas has 41 reported cases.
Earlier this week, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick asked President Barack Obama for emergency funding for Zika virus prevention statewide, warning that the summer could bring a large-scale outbreak, especially following weeks of widespread floods. Patrick wrote Obama that "it is only a matter of time before Zika is locally transmitted by mosquitoes."
Federal funding is still tied up in Congress, four months after President Barack Obama requested $1.9 billion in emergency funding. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY, the majority leader, said Wednesday that congressional negotiators are now ready to reconcile the bills approved by the Senate ($1.1 billion) and the House ($620 million).
Turner said that the call for Zika to be declared a public health emergency is "a bipartisan cause." He was joined at the news conference by state senators Sylvia Garcia and Sarah Davis and state representatives Senfronia Thompson and Armando Walle. Davis called the appeal for emergency state funding for prevention efforts "the fiscally conservative thing to do."
After deliberating just more than an hour, a federal jury in Houston concluded Wednesday that a Montgomery County school district was not liable for damages to a teacher who fought in Iraq and experienced a flashback during a pep rally.
The teacher, Stephen Seidel, claimed the school had not provided reasonable accommodation for his post traumatic stress disorder.
Attorney Erik Nichols, who represented the New Caney Independent School District, said he felt the jury reached the appropriate decision in rejecting Seidel's claims.
"It's very unfortunate for Mr. Seidel," he said. "We definitely feel a great deal of sympathy for Mr. Seidel and his condition."
Seidel's attorney declined to comment after the jury's decision. Seidel was not present in the courtroom.
New Caney ISD acknowledged that Seidel had been diagnosed with PTSD after discharge from the military. His mental disability stemmed, in part, from having been propelled by a mortar blast into the side of a building, according to Seidel's testimony in U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison's court.
And there was no dispute that New Caney High School Principal David Loyacano agreed when Seidel was hired in 2011 that the science teacher would not be required to attend pep rallies because of his PTSD. Instead, he would patrol the halls.
The case boiled down to whether Seidel's department chair had the authority to tell Seidel he must accompany his students to a particularly high-voltage pep rally, called a "Lip Dub" rally, on the last day before winter break in 2012.
Two emails, including one in all capital letters, had instructed all teachers to attend. Seidel knew he was exempt, but when his department head insisted he be there despite his protest that he was a combat vet, he assumed she was speaking with authority. And he followed instructions, according to testimony.
The packed rally - which featured T-shirt and confetti cannons, loud screaming and popping balloons - triggered a series of flashbacks. Seidel has not returned to work since that day and has qualified as 100 percent disabled under Social Security. He testified that he feared going to sleep because of the nightmares and feared returning to work because he might endanger students.
The school district argued that the principal, the ultimate authority, never rescinded the pep rally accommodation. Seidel should have conferred with the principal before attending, the district contended.
Between 11 and 20 percent of American veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD, according to the Veteran's Administration. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers must provide reasonable accommodation for employees who have a disability.
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Errors by a Houston Ship Channel pilot were the probable cause of a collision between two ships that led to a major chemical spill last year in the busy, narrow waterway, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The federal agency tasked with investigating marine and aviation accidents nationwide concluded that the pilot's failure to communicate as he guided the Conti Peridot through thickening fog toward the Port of Houston contributed to its collision with an outbound chemical tanker. It also found that the pilot failed to adequately control the 33,036-ton vessel.
The crash on March 9, 2015, caused the spill of 88,000 gallons of a hazardous substance called methyl tert-butyl ether, or MTBE - a volatile and highly flammable substance used as an additive in gasoline.
The collision between the Conti Peridot and the 29,289-ton tanker, the Carla Maersk, is the fifth accident in the Ship Channel investigated by the NTSB since 2011. Two of the most recent crashes involved heavy fog, communication errors and major chemical or oil spills, NTSB reports show. Pilot errors were flagged in at least three of those cases.
In a summary of the latest investigation released in Washington this week, NTSB chairman Christopher Hart urged Houston officials to take action to improve safety in the channel especially during the onset of heavy fog.
"Houston's port is one of the busiest in the world. Vessels of all shapes and sizes must successfully share the waters of the Houston Ship Channel, "Hart said. "They range from small sport watercraft and fishing boats to deep-draft ships ... It is vitally important that all of these diverse vessels, large and small, be able to navigate this narrow channel safely."
Hazardous weather
The new NTSB report specifically calls on the port's Lone Star Safety Committee - a diverse Houston-based group that includes pilots, government officials and industry representatives - to study how to improve safety in heavy fog or other potentially hazardous weather conditions. Among measures the agency recommended considering are increased vessel separation, one-way traffic and/or anchoring.
The report also called on Houston pilots to emphasize "better bridge management" and "timely communication."
A spokesman for the Houston Pilots Association, Henry de la Garza, said the pilots welcomed "the release of the NTSB findings and recommendations."
"We will reserve any comment until we have read and studied the full report and discussed it with our port partners," he added. "Until then we are in no position to say anything about it."
On the day of the accident the Conti Peridot, a 623-foot-long bulk carrier, was inbound from Mexico with a load of steel coils at about 9:30 a.m. That same morning, the Carla Maersk, a chemical tanker, was outbound from the Port of Houston, laden with nine million gallons of MTBE. Both vessels were guided by Houston-based pilots who boarded the vessels while visibility was good, according to the NTSB.
Then a dense fog rolled in. By 11:30 a.m., Houston pilots suspended additional in-bound travel, but those already in the channel continued to make their way through.
At times, the pilot aboard the Conti Peridot could barely see the bow only 400 feet away. After meeting and passing the first of a line of outbound ships, he began to lose control of the vessel, Hart said in his statement.
Barely a minute before meeting the tanker Carla Maersk, the Conti Peridot's pilot radioed a warning: "Try to miss me, coming across the channel." By then, it was too late. At 12:30 p.m. the bow of the Conti Peridot struck the tanker, causing $8.2 million in damage. The resulting chemical spill prompted an order for area residents to shelter in place to avoid toxic fumes. The channel remained closed for three days.
The Port of Houston's online records show that in December 2015, the agency's Pilot Board Investigation and Recommendation Committee conducted its own review of the collision and unanimously found that both pilots "acted with prudent seamanship."
As part of the testimony, the committee was told that the Conti Peridot lacked sufficient power and did not respond as expected to the pilot's commands. The committee recommended further training, but no disciplinary action.
Pilot board to meet
Port of Houston commissioners, who also act as the Board of Pilot Commissioners, voted in March to defer action until the NTSB released its full investigation. Port spokesman Lisa Ashley, said Wednesday that the pilot board will meet to consider the full NTSB report whenever it becomes available.
After its hearing, the committee proposed that Capt. Chris Reeser, the pilot for the Conti Peridot, work to develop or refine his bridge leadership skills and instructed him to record his problems with the Conti Peridot in so-called "ship notes." Reeser and his attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.
In some ways, the collision was similar to another accident studied by the NTSB that occurred in heavy fog on the channel on March 22, 2014, that created the largest oil spill in Texas in a decade - the collision of a bulk carrier with a towing vessel pushing a line of tank barges filled with heavy fuel oil.
In that case, NTSB officials described the "probable cause" of the accident as the towing vessel captain's decision to try to cross the channel far too late. But the NTSB also faulted the pilot and the captain for failing to communicate and blamed port officials for failing to help prevent such collisions through better policies and planning.
Though communications can always be improved, Richard Ford, a former Coast Guard official who serves on the Port of Houston's pilot board investigations committee, said he's skeptical about how much can be done through planning to respond to the shifting waves of fog that present a recurring seasonal hazard and can be impossible to detect.
"You can always be assured that between January and the first of May that you're going to have accidents that are attributable to fog - response times are down for everybody - there's less room for error," he said.
Shipping traffic through the Houston Ship Channel resumed Thursday after a three-day shutdown caused by the collision of two ships that spilled a flammable chemical into the vital waterway.
The U.S. Coast Guard lifted the closure of the channel between Morgan's Point and the Hartman Bridge, a five-mile stretch that connects Houston's oil refineries and other port facilities to the Gulf of Mexico.
Some 90 ships were waiting to pass through the area since Monday, when the Liberian bulk carrier Conti Peridot collided with the Carla Maersk, a double-hulled tanker carrying 216,000 barrels of the fuel additive MTBE, or methyl tertiary-butyl ether.
Vapors suppressed
The flammability of its vapors complicated the operation. Crews could not move the damaged tanker until they suppressed the vapors with a high-density foam.
After tests showed no signs of vapors seeping from the vessel, it was moved Thursday to the turning basin at Barbours Cut, officials said. Pilots began to move outbound ships through the area at about 9:30 a.m.
The closure had raised concerns about the toll to one of the busiest ports in the nation, with at least one oil refiner cutting back on production because of traffic delays. While the economic impact was not immediately clear, officials said they were pleased with how quickly the Coast Guard had cleared the waterway.
"It shows the teamwork and cooperation we have as a community," said Niels Aalund, senior vice president of the West Gulf Maritime Association, a trade group representing terminal operators and vessel owners. "We know the economic impact it could have."
Activists urge monitoring
Environmentalists also said they were pleased by the emergency response but called for continued monitoring of the spill's impacts on marine life. The Galveston Bay Foundation described it as a "ghost spill" because MTBE is a colorless liquid that dissolves easily in water.
"You can't see the spill anymore, but that doesn't mean it's gone away," said Bob Stokes, president of the foundation. "People are in a hurry to move past this and say everything is good. But we don't know anything yet. We still don't know how much has been spilled. But there is no doubt that MTBE is toxic in a marine environment."
Officials said there have been no reports of fish kills or other harm to wildlife in the area since the spill. The Coast Guard said it is continuing to take air and water samples.
The cause of the collision, meanwhile, is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
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WASHINGTON - Under mounting pressure from Democratic leaders to abandon his presidential campaign, Bernie Sanders returned home to Vermont on Wednesday following dispiriting losses to Hillary Clinton. He vowed to fight on for a political revolution but showed signs he would bow to the inevitable and bring his insurgent effort to a close.
For Sanders, as his remarkable White House bid runs out of next stops, the only question is when. Just as important for Sanders is how to keep his campaign alive in some form, by converting his newfound political currency into policies to change the Democratic Party, the Senate or even the country itself, on issues including income inequality and campaign finance reform.
United against Trump
To that end the senator was to travel to Washington on Thursday to meet with President Barack Obama and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and speak at a rally. Obama is expected to endorse Clinton as soon as Thursday after his meeting with Sanders, and Reid is prepared to discuss with Sanders how the self-described democratic socialist might advance his goals back in the Senate.
Neither Clinton nor Republican candidate Donald Trump had public events Wednesday, both preparing for the next big hurdle between themselves and the White House - a five-month head-to-head race to November.
Clinton told The Associated Press in an interview, "I think it's time that we move forward and unite the party and determine how we are going to defeat Donald Trump, which is our highest and most pressing challenge right now."
She said of Sanders: "He has said that he's certainly going to do everything he can to defeat Trump. I'm very much looking forward to working with him to do that."
Ahead of Thursday's meetings, Sanders' Democratic colleagues were growing increasingly outspoken in nudging him to wind down his campaign and throw his support behind Clinton. However, most stopped short of calling on him to drop out right away.
"Let him make that decision. Give him time," Vice President Joe Biden said when asked if it was time for Sanders to halt his effort. Biden was arranging calls with both Sanders and Clinton to discuss the race before making a public endorsement of his own.
Sanders promised to continue his campaign to the last primary contest, in the District of Columbia next Tuesday. But about half his campaign staff is being laid off, two people familiar with the plans said Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Come together by November
Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said it was time for the party to unite, "the sooner the better," and Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida said Sanders should "stand down."
Even Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the one Senate Democrat to endorse Sanders, said in an interview Wednesday, "We have a nominee, that nominee is Hillary Clinton (and) congratulations to her for winning the Democratic primary."
Of Sanders, he said, "I think he's laying the groundwork to make sure that we have a unified party at the convention and go into the November battle shoulder to shoulder."
Sanders declined to talk to reporters in Vermont. His campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, declined to identify Clinton as the presumptive nominee, saying it was "a term of art that the media uses."
Though the White House has signaled for days that a presidential endorsement is imminent, Obama has sought to give Sanders the space to exit the race on his own terms. He has promised to campaign full throttle for the Democratic nominee.
Damage control for Trump
As the Democratic race was wrapping up, Republicans were unraveling anew. Despite handily winning GOP contests in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota and Montana on Tuesday, Trump was in damage control mode over his ethnicity-based attacks on a Hispanic judge that had party leaders in fits. After one senator rescinded his endorsement and House Speaker Paul Ryan called the comments "racist," Trump sought to calm worries with a rare, scripted speech in which he insisted to voters he "will never, ever let you down."
Despite Ryan's concerns about Trump's remarks, the speaker reaffirmed his support in a closed-door meeting with fellow GOP lawmakers Wednesday.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - FBI agents found hundreds of classified documents on Paula Broadwell's home computers in Charlotte during their investigation into her relationship with then-CIA Director David Petraeus, according to newly unsealed FBI documents obtained by the Charlotte Observer.
More than 300 of those documents were classified as secret, according to a 2013 FBI affidavit accompanying the agency's request to search Petraeus' Arlington, Va., home.
Broadwell never charged
The documents, which were unsealed Tuesday by the U.S. District Court in Eastern Virginia, offer new details of the sweeping federal investigation into the relationship between Broadwell, a Charlotte author, and Petraeus, a highly decorated military commander, the subject of Broadwell's book as well as her former lover.
The probe uncovered their affair, revealed their mishandling of classified documents and lead to Petraeus' resignation as head of the CIA. Last year, Petraeus pleaded guilty in Charlotte to a misdemeanor charge of mishanling government documents and was fined $100,000.
Broadwell, the author of Petraeus' biography, was never charged. Legal experts say her role as a journalist made any prosecution problematic.
Broadwell did not respond Wednesday morning to a phone message and email seeking comment. Neither did her Washington-based attorney, Robert Muse. Jacob Sussman, the Charlotte member of Petraeus' defense team during his plea hearing, also could not be reached.
The documents, partially redacted, have been sealed for more than three years. At the time of the search warrant request, the FBI asked that the affidavit remain sealed to protect an ongoing investigation. It was released in response to a public information request by the media.
The affidavit is signed by a Charlotte-based FBI agent. :
The documents show that when confronted by the FBI, both Broadwell and Petraeus appeared to mislead investigators about their extensive exchange of classified material, most of it involving military and diplomatic operations during Petraeus' years as commander of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Petraeus admitted his affair with Broadwell during an October 2012 interview with the FBI in his CIA office. But he said he never gave classified information to her. That answer led some prosecutors to recommend that Petraeus be hit with a felony charge of obstructing a federal investigation. As part of his plea deal with Charlotte-based prosecutors, Petraeus admitted he lied to the FBI.
Discussed secrets
Interviewed in Charlotte, Broadwell claimed to have gotten some of the documents doing research for her book but "was unable to provide specifics as to how she obtained them. Broadwell advised that she never received classified information from Petraeus," the affidavit says.
On the contrary, the new documents include details of multiple emails between the two over classified records, including the "black book" diaries and logs Petraeus kept as commander.
The FBI also gathered recordings Petraeus made as military commander in the Middle East in which he discussed information classified as "Top Secret" with reporters.
In an audio file taken from Broadwell's home in November 2012, Petraeus can be heard discussing "sensitive military campaigns and operations" with reporters from The Washington Post. His only demand was to be referred to in the subsequent stories "as a senior military officer," the affidavit says.
Bernie Sanders has been telling us the system is rigged by the Superdelegate system, even though he was behind by 3 million votes in the primaries and caucuses. This race isn't even as close as it was in 2008, when Hillary Clinton conceded to Barack Obama, but Sanders still can't let it go. He is vowing to fight on. Clinton is an imperfect candidate, but she won. Give it a rest, Bernie.
Click through the gallery below to see many more cartoons by Nick Anderson.
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" usually serves as the go-to film for voters hoping to be inspired by the political process. But for Houstonians who have been flooded out of their homes, might we recommend replacing Jimmy Stewart with Jerry Maguire.
Here it is: Show me the money.
Or, to quote a woman at U.S. Rep. John Culberson's town hall meeting this week: "I don't want prayers, I want money!"
It was a moment of brutal honesty at Monday's open mic in the Pershing Middle School auditorium. As Chronicle reporter Dylan Baddour documented, the meeting served as an opportunity to vent for about 200 residents from Brays Bayou-area neighborhoods worst hit by the May 2015 and April 2016 floods. Those folks have heard plenty of thoughts and prayers, but few answers about why their homes have flooded and what will make it stop.
As one man put it: "What the hell is going on?"
Culberson has been quick to point out the $194 million in federal funding he's secured for Brays Bayou since 2002. There's the money, but apparently it isn't enough. Project Brays - an Army Corps of Engineers and Harris County Flood Control District plan to widen and improve Brays Bayou - was supposed to be completed in 2014. The current due date is 2021, and the project is still $34 million short.
Flood control construction projects have been approved all across the Houston region, but don't expect to see a shovel break ground until they're properly funded. Greens Bayou, which flooded apartments in north Houston during the Tax Day floods, needs $34 million. White Oak Bayou needs $70 million. Clear Creek needs $90 million.
It used to be that representatives could use an earmark to direct the Army Corps of Engineers to put politically important projects at the top of the list. Now discretion is largely left up to executive agencies.
That's why U.S. Rep. Al Green, a Democrat, proposed a bill that will authorize $311 million in supplemental disaster funds to be spent exclusively for flood control projects in the Houston area. That proposal, House Bill 5025, will set a 10-year deadline for spending these funds and already has 72 co-sponsors, including every Republican representative in the Houston delegation.
"It hasn't been tried since I've been in Congress that a group of members would come together on such a good, bipartisan basis," Rep. Gene Green, a Democratic co-sponsor, told the editorial board.
The best thing that Houstonians can do to push the bill along is tell their friends and relatives across the country to encourage their own representatives to support the Tax Day Floods Supplemental Funding Act. Consider those phone calls and emails to be the thoughts and prayers that flood survivors really need.
Flood control is the sort of project where Congress is either going to pay now or pay later. Whether through FEMA spending, flood recovery or lost federal investments - floods cost Texas more than $3 billion last year, largely from damaged infrastructure - taxpayers will eventually bear a burden from these natural disasters. Paying for prevention up front will save us in the long run.
As Houston dries out and we learn more about recent floods, Culberson's frustrated constituents will, we hope, get the answers they need. Until then, Al Green and Gene Green and their colleagues are working to help Houston at least get the money we need to prepare our city for the next big storm.
Just imagine
Regarding "Trump's war on the media endangers democracy" (Page A21, Wednesday), besides Donald Trump's dislike of the media, I am concerned about what else he does not like. I can imagine a President Trump pushing a federal law making it illegal to criticize the president - punishable by long prison terms. At that point, he might as well be Vladimir Putin and our nation will be in deep trouble.
Andrew Scott, Spring
Warning signs
Regarding "Trump to surrogates: Escalate criticism of judge, journalists" (Page A9, Tuesday), Donald Trump's recent, indefensible statement about Judge Gonzalo Curiel, a federal judge overseeing a class action lawsuit against the defunct Trump University, and his ethnicity have made it unconscionable to vote for him.
Truly Trump has crossed the line of no return. His behavior to the judge was lawless and disgraceful. He does not have the character to have his hand on the nuclear control button. If there was ever a time for a third-party candidate, it is now.
Trump's behavior is even more frightening because most people show off their best side when running for office. How would Trump behave if he were president of the United States of America?
Nancy Porche, Cypress
GOP leadership
As a group, the Republican Party leadership condemned Donald Trump as someone unfit for the presidency. They described Trump as a buffoon, a cancer, a con man, and were so concerned about his lack of qualifications they all agreed he would be a disaster as president and commander-in-chief.
They did everything they could think of to keep him from the nomination.
Now that he has been awarded the nomination by the party's voting base, with a few notable exceptions, they are all now endorsing the man they previously declared unfit for the presidency. The media keep asking these folks open-ended questions about their change of heart that allows them to avoid admitting the obvious fact that they are putting self-interest, power and party above doing what is best for the country.
I would love to see someone ask them all one simple "yes" or "no" question. That question should be, "Isn't endorsing someone you believe is unqualified for the presidency unethical, amoral, unpatriotic, and a betrayal of our democracy?" If they say it is not, then ask them to explain how that can be.
Ray Pickens, Pearland
PARK CITY, Utah - At this time four years ago, Mitt Romney summoned the leading figures in the Republican Party to this mountain resort at the start of his general-election campaign. He was then the standard-bearer of a party united and seemingly confident about its future.
Today, the GOP is divided and anxious, and as many of these same people gather with Romney once again, they now represent a party in exile, retreating to the political wilderness of Deer Valley and powerless in what has become the party of Donald Trump.
Romney will open his annual ideas festival here Thursday evening with the Republican Party newly riven by issues of race, following Trump's accusations against a federal judge of Mexican heritage. The controversy has escalated concerns about Trump's electability and the possible fallout from his candidacy on other GOP candidates.
Romney has been the most visible spokesman for the "Never Trump" movement. But the guest list includes both those hostile to Trump as well as some of his allies - including Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, some of Trump's top fundraisers, and endorsers such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Sen. Bob Corker., R-Tenn.
The Experts and Enthusiasts summit, or E2, is not a "Stop Trump" confab by design. Still, the gathering of mostly Republican business and political leaders is sure to showcase their desperation for a viable candidate other than Trump and serve as a reminder of the futility of their efforts so far to defeat him.
"I'm not interested in going and being part of a crowd and following," said John Rakolta Jr. of Michigan, a national finance co-chairman of Romney's campaigns who is not supporting Trump. "This is a time to really dig deep and have those debates about what direction we should be going in. I'm not looking for everybody agreeing."
The E2 summit is the first of what will be many events in which Republican elites begin to talk and think about a post-Trump era, in the event that he loses to presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Many of the roughly 300 people assembling at the five-star Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley for three days of colloquiums and seminars will be thinking about who might lead their party after November.
"I am not expecting we will sit by the campfire singing 'We Shall Overcome' and group-hugging," said GOP strategist Ana Navarro, a Trump critic. "Mitt Romney and other like-minded leaders can have a big influence on the reconstruction of the post-Trump Republican Party. We need to start those conversations now."
The event comes amid chatter in some Republican circles about ways to establish party rules that could somehow deny Trump the nomination at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next month. Those conversations underscore the continuing discomfort with Trump, yet have produced nothing concrete, either in terms of a clear strategy or a consensus alternative candidate.
Romney has steadfastly refused to run again, though the reunion here of his friends and allies is expected to produce some encouragement from well-wishers for him to reconsider, as it has the previous two years here.
"We're at the point now where Mitt is the last dog in this fight who can run a credible third-party effort," said Republican strategist Rick Wilson, who has tried, unsuccessfully so far, to draft a Trump alternative. "There will be tremendous pressure on him."
John Weaver, another GOP strategist, predicted the Romney gathering will yield no credible solution to Trump. "Some of them will have chardonnay, some will have spring water, they'll wring their hands, they'll bemoan the state of the party and then they'll leave," he said.
The E2 summit is not intended to be a political forum, but rather is a Romney-designed version of the Aspen Ideas Festival.
"It's never meant to be a presidential event," said Spencer Zwick, a Romney confidant and finance chairman of his campaigns who helps run the event. "We created E2 to provide an opportunity for like-minded individuals to talk about ideas related to American leadership - in the business community, political sphere and public policy."
Romney will deliver remarks in a closed-door session, and he has no plans to make public statements or give media interviews, his aides said. "He's trying to not make this full of drama on purpose," said Ron Kaufman, a Romney adviser and friend.
Some attendees said they will be watching carefully for how Romney and Ryan interact. The two have been close since running together on the GOP presidential ticket in 2012, but they split on the issue of Trump, with Romney vowing never to vote for him and Ryan offering his endorsement, though only after a period of awkward deliberation. The House speaker has since criticized Trump for his attack on the federal judge, Gonzalo Curiel, which he called the "textbook definition" of racism.
"That's the $64,000 question," said one attendee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid offending either man. "There's the father figure and the mentee together with two very different viewpoints of what one ought to do in this election."
Past and potentially future presidential candidates will be in attendance, among them Ryan; Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who lost to Trump in this campaign; and two rising stars, Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Ben Sasse of Nebrasksa. Sasse has been outspoken in his opposition to Trump, although he rebuffed entreaties from Romney, among others, to run this year as an independent.
Other GOP politicians scheduled to be here are Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and Reps. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina and Carlos Curbelo of Florida. Also in attendance will be veterans of Romney's campaigns, including strategist Stuart Stevens, a vocal Trump critic.
Some donors in attendance are helping Trump raise money, including New York financier Anthony Scaramucci and California restaurant executive Andy Puzder. Another Trump fundraiser, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, also has been planning to attend.
"Mitt's a friend of mine," Puzder said. "I think he would've made a great president. He's one of the most decent men I know and he feels very strongly about Donald Trump. But I've said before that I would support Donald Trump if he were the nominee. He's the nominee."
A person familiar with the conference plans said that neither Steven Mnuchin, Trump's campaign finance chairman, nor New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican who spoke at last year's E2 and is chairing Trump's transition project, were invited to speak.
Priebus is expected to make the case for party unity and Ryan is prepared to provide more detail to attendees about his discussions with Trump over the past month and why he came to endorse him, according to a Republican who has been in touch with both men.
James Baker, a Republican elder statesman and former secretary of state, is scheduled to speak, but Republicans are not the only featured guests. Leon Panetta, a former defense secretary under President Barack Obama, will also address the group. Organizers believe he may make the case against Trump as a national security danger.
Zwick characterized the Romney loyalists in attendance as divided over Trump, with some steadfastly opposed and many more on the fence still.
"There's a quiet majority in the middle who are not sure what to do," he said. "Many of these donors feel free to support Hillary Clinton. They don't represent anybody but themselves. They don't feel an obligation to protect and promote the Republican Party."
Rakolta said he looks forward to "intellectual tension" over the three days in Utah.
"The politics will be sort of a sideshow, because frankly that's what it is," Rakolta said. "The whole thing is a sideshow."
If there is one scene that has become standard at the Capitol the last few legislative sessions, it is students giving often tearful testimony about their lives in Texas. They know no other home but Texas and they are undocumented since their parents brought them to the United States when they were infants, they tell lawmakers considering whether to undo the states 15-year-old law that allows them to receive in-state college tuition benefits.
Republicans have failed in recent sessions to get this done, so we can expect to see the whole thing play out again when state lawmakers convene in January.
Two Texas high school seniors have made headlines in the last few days for the ways they announced their undocumented status. Mayte Lara, who graduated from an Austin high school this month, tweeted a list of her accomplishments.
Valedictorian, 4.5GPA, full tuition paid for UT, 13 cords/medals, nice legs, oh and Im undocumented, wrote Lara, who later told the Austin American-Statesman that she is allowed to stay in the country under President Obamas deferred action program for immigrants who arrived here as children.
Her critics quickly came alive online, however, accusing Lara of celebrating that her parents broke federal law to bring her here. Several Twitter users told her via the social media site that they alerted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to Lara. One user, @cuevro_jones, shared a screen shot of the ICEs Homeland Security Investigations tip form where he purportedly reported Lara.
I did it legally, nobody should get a short cut, he tweeted at her.
Another undocumented immigrant from a high school near Dallas reveled her status in her valedictorian speech. Calling herself one of the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the shadows of the United States, Larissa Martinez, of McKinney, told WFAA that a part of me feels like I was meant to do this before she heads to Yale University on a full scholarship.
That is the case for many of the undocumented kids who show up at the Capitol every other spring to testify against bills to rip up the Texas Dream Act. They say they have to speak out, as much as some of them risk deportation by so publicly announcing their undocumented status. They have become organized, however, and if past sessions are any indication, they are prepared to wait hours to testify in front of committees, especially in the Senate, that are certain to pass a Dream Act repeal bill.
There is much more that is unknown before we see that scene again, though, because the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of President Obamas immigration executive actions by mid-summer. The country will have a new president around the time Texas legislators meet again under the Pink Dome, too, and this years election could not present a starker distinction on these issues.
As Hillary Clinton furiously courts Latino voters who helped put Obama in the White House, and Republican Donald Trump promises to kick out undocumented immigrants and build a wall, stories like Lara and Martinezs will be even more popularized in the coming months. It also is safe to say that Trump may have one or two more bad weeks, like the last few, before November. When all the dust settles, one way or another, Austin will be ground zero again.
A group of concerned citizens have formed a committee and partnered with a structural engineer in an attempt save the Fine Arts Building on the campus of Houston Schools.
The Community Coordinating Committee (CCC) said via a press release its goal is gathering reliable, fact-based information about the preservation and restoration of the building that was erected in 1921 as Houstons new high school. The group said it wishes to return the building to a safe and functioning facility to both enhance student opportunities and preserve district resources.
The Houston school board is considering demolition of the structure that was vacated in 2008 and no longer used by the district. Four demolition bids were received by a May 31 deadline and will be reviewed at Tuesdays monthly meeting.
CCC said it has partnered with Kevin Skibiski, a structural engineer and associate vice president of Horner & Shifrin, Inc., of Springfield. Skibiski was on Houstons campus Saturday, according to CCC president John Impey, and observed the exterior of the Fine Arts Building.
Impey said Skibiski reported the buildings structural condition detailed as having framing issues inadequate for loading conditions by Pinnacle Design Consultants of Springfield in 2008 has not changed. Skibiski has reviewed a video of the interior recorded by the Houston Herald and plans to request access for himself from the district, CCC member Karen Cavanaugh said.
He sees no changes in the foundation, CCC said in the news release, concluding the foundation presents no structural issues.
Instead of demolition, the committee suggests restoring the building and making it a multi-purpose facility that could provide an auditorium/gymnasium, office and storage space, bathrooms and possible rental income. The group also suggests utilizations such as the Exceptional Child Cooperative, social services outreach, college or university classes and technical classes.
We suggest that with the money saved from new construction and the additional space the building would provide, CCC said in its news release, the district will be able to once again expand program offerings and put technical devices into the hands of all our students and teachers from elementary through graduation.
CCC said it will work with the district to secure restoration from private funding, grant opportunities and current district funds. The group has presented plans to the school board and Superintendent Scott Dill.
CCC said it is delighted to have received such encouraging news to share with the school and community. Those interested in joining the group should call 417-967-2358.
PDF: CCC asks questions about buildings future
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Tips for HR to foster awareness and support Employee engagement is increasingly recognized as a vital part of successfully executing strategy, especially in the face of escalating competition and an accelerating pace of change. To be most effective, however, employee engagement cannot be the purview of human resources alone; nor can it be merely handed off to managers who are often too busy to take on one more thing. It takes a partnership across the organization. Getting buy-in from senior leaders to front-line managers could take some convincing. Fortunately, there is a clear business case to be made for employee engagement as key to delivering more and achieving broader business goals. Here are some ways HR can help foster greater awareness and support for employee engagement. Engagement for Driving Strategy Employee engagement seeks to improve performance and increase productivity by creating conditions that foster commitment to organizations on the part of employees and a willingness to go the extra mile. Engagement has the greatest impact on business outcomes, however, when work environments also enable employees. Otherwise, employees may be engaged by the goals and enthusiastic about making a difference, but will become frustrated because they are held back by jobs that do not suit them or work environments that impede them. When employees are highly engaged and equipped to succeed they are better able to deliver more. They will be...
pite being a Fortune 100 company, attracting graduates to Philip Morris International is not without its challenges, said director of HR Graeme Smith.To find talented individuals in one of the worlds toughest markets, the global tobacco firm has had to develop a new global internship program, INKOMPASS, which offers university students the chance to work at Philip Morris and potentially take up a job there.This program is not just an ordinary internship; rather its a journey of learning through self-discovery, Smith said.Developed by all business departments and HR, the program features a two-cycle structure through which interns are placed in multiple departments for some hands-on experience.Interns are trusted to deliver against tangible business objectives, he said. For example, this year a pair of interns working in procurement are executing a project to implement our paperless office program which will remove a business expense as well as help the environment.Smith said that while INKOMPASS was meant to demonstrate precisely what was needed to work at Philip Morris, this was only half the journey.While we have a great program we still faced the challenge of connecting with the best new talent, he said. The solution to recruiting was to roll up our sleeves, get into the weeds and find them ourselves.In order to reach Generation Y, Philip Morris implemented a bold campaign, interactive website and two-way communication via social media networks. In this way, the firm was able to identify possible students who were the best fit, he said.During the internship, continuous feedback and individual mentors are used to develop the interns. Project buddies are also there to provide professional workplace training.As part of our two-cycle structure, interns who are successful in reaching the second cycle will be given the opportunity to delve deeper into a specific department or functional area.At this stage, interns work on individual projects which aim at revealing the functions challenges, opportunities and processes. Top performers will then be offered a job, Smith said.While its difficult for companies to recruit great young talent, our experience is showing that dedicated, engaging programs pitched where your target audience gathers is beginning to yield promising results.
Attitudes towards Aboriginal people are worse in Western Canada, according to a study which reveals an East-West divide in perceptions.
Environics Institute for Survey Research polled about 2,000 Canadians and found a noticeable difference in general impressions and knowledge of Aboriginal people between Eastern and Western Canada (except for B.C.).
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Residents of Saskatchewan (41 per cent), Manitoba (35 per cent) and Alberta (32 per cent) were much more likely to believe that Aboriginal people themselves were the biggest obstacle to equality in Canada.
One-quarter of Canadians picked government policy as the biggest challenge for Aboriginal people, with Quebec residents more likely to agree with this statement. A smaller portion of respondents (18 per cent) put the primary responsibility on the attitudes of the Canadian public.
"If you want reconciliation, you need to make space in your mind, your heart and spirit to get rid of the misconceptions you have about Indigenous Peoples." Perry Bellegarde, Assembly of First Nations
The regional divide was also apparent when asked if Aboriginal peoples should have unique rights as first inhabitants, with the majority of Canadians in the Territories, Quebec, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces agreeing to this statement.
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In contrast, the majority of people in Alberta (51 per cent), Saskatchewan (55 per cent) and Manitoba (52 per cent) believed that Aboriginal people were the same as other marginalized groups in Canada, and did not deserve special status.
Overall, roughly seventy per cent of respondents felt that Aboriginal peoples experience discrimination on a similar level to South Asians and black people, but were evenly split on whether injustice faced by Muslims was better or worse.
Perry Bellegarde, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said the study shows non-Aboriginal Canadians have a ways to go when it comes to attitudes towards Aboriginal people. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)
Assembly of First Nations' National Chief Perry Bellegarde told CBC News that the results show that Canadians still have a long way to go.
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"If you want reconciliation, you need to make space in your mind, your heart and spirit to get rid of the misconceptions you have about Indigenous Peoples," Bellegarde said. "The stereotype that Indigenous Peoples are dumb, stupid, lazy, drunk and on welfare put that aside."
The study said the notable difference in responses comes from the profile of the Aboriginal populations in the various Canadian regions.
General impression largely unchanged
Across Canada, six in 10 respondents said that their general impressions of Aboriginal people has not changed over the past few years and one in 10 reported having a worse impression now than before.
While most respondents recognize Aboriginal peoples as first inhabitants, they're still divided on whether they should be granted special rights, with national opinion remaining similar to a 2009 poll.
Only 26 per cent said their impression has improved due to increase in knowledge of Aboriginal people and of Aboriginal people featured in the media.
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Stories about Canada's missing and murdered Indigenous women may have increased knowledge of Aboriginal people for non-Aboriginal populations.
On a more positive note, the study suggested that non-Aboriginal people in Canada are more knowledgeable about Aboriginal issues than ever before, especially on the topic of residential schools.
The number of non-Aboriginal Canadians having heard or read about residential schools have increased significantly since 2008, with respondents citing the abuse of students, separation from families, and mistreatment of Aboriginal people as the most common things they knew about.
Increased media attention of the TRC report, the Idle No More movement, and missing and murdered Indigenous women, may have helped increase that knowledge of residential schools.
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School districts across the country have also been prioritizing Aboriginal education. Last year, the B.C. government announced it would add Aboriginal history to the primary school curriculum, and the University of Winnipeg approved a motion that required all students to take a course on indigenous studies in order to graduate.
TRC report goes unnoticed
Despite the increased knowledge of general Aboriginal issues, the reports of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission seem to have gone unnoticed by many Canadians.
Only four in 10 non-Aboriginal people reported being aware of the document, and only one-third of that number knew anything specific about the many recommendations in the report.
Started in 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was a comprehensive, cross-country study of the impact of residential schools. The commission has released 94 calls to action to address the legacy of the schools.
The Environics survey polled 2,001 adults who did not self-identify as Aboriginal about their views on Aboriginal people and issues, with a margin of error of 2.2 per cent. The survey was conducted over the phone in both English and French.
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Brian Jean's command of Alberta's Wildrose Party might soon be under scrutiny after a constituency association called for a leadership review.
The Wildrose board in Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills passed a resolution on Tuesday calling for annual leadership reviews and a review at the party's annual general meeting in October, CBC News reported.
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Controversies in the media
It has been a rough few weeks for the Wildrose Party.
MLA Derek Fildebrandt was briefly suspended from the party after responding to a constituent's homophobic comment towards Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne's sexuality in late May. He has since apologized.
On Monday, nine Wildrose MLAs apologized for comparing the NDP government's carbon tax to a genocidal famine that killed millions of Ukrainians in the 1930s.
Leadership questioned
Some party members say the controversies show trouble brewing for the party.
Ronda Klemmensen, president of the Strathmore-Brooks Wildrose constituency, told the Brooks Bulletin that Fildebrandt still has support despite being briefly suspended by his party.
"This was a massive overreaction or at worst a backroom political power play to get rid of Derek. Obviously Derek has massive support in our constituency as well as right across Alberta, she said.
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Another insider suggested discontent with party leadership has been simmering for awhile.
Theres been some issues in the news that maybe havent put Wildrose in a positive light, Carl Christensen, president of the Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills constituency association, told The Calgary Herald after Tuesday's meeting.
Wildrose member Dave Hanson is MLA for the Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills riding
Jean has been a popular figure within the party since his election as party leader in March 2015.
At the party's annual general meeting last year he received a 78 per cent approval rating from delegates, reported iPolitics.
Jean issued a statement Wednesday in response to the request for a review.
"I'm not surprised there are some members who are uncomfortable with setting a bold new vision for Wildrose," Jean wrote, "but I have travelled every corner of Alberta and am confident the vast majority of members and conservaitves across the province want to see Wildrose broaden our tent and consolidate conservatives heading into the next election."
CORRECTION - June 10, 2016: An earlier version of this story stated Derek Fildebrandt's social media comment poked fun at Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. The story has been corrected to note that he was responding to a constituent's inappropriate post, and has since apologized.
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Finance Minister Bill Morneau and astronaut Chris Hadfield are among the 130 participants invited to this year's highly-secretive Bilderberg Meetings.
The conference, set to take place from June 9 to 12 in Dresden, Germany, invites the world's rich and influential to have "informal discussions" about "major issues facing the world." This year's topics include migration, the Middle East and "Precariat and middle class."
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Fellow Canadians Yoshua Bengio, a computer science professor at Universite de Montreal, and Heather Reisman, founder and CEO of Indigo Books and Music, will also attend the meetings.
You can find the full list of participants here.
'Private nature'
The meetings, founded in 1954, do not produce any resolutions. There are no votes and no minutes are recorded.
"The meetings are held under the Chatham House Rule, which states that participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s) nor any other participant may be revealed," the organization said in a press release.
The conference's "private nature" allows attendees to have discussions without having to worry about the "conventions of their office," it added.
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Due to the meetings' exclusivity and secrecy, they've become a large target for conspiracy theorists who label it as a meeting of elites planning a new world order. Some even think it's a forum to decide who the next U.S. president will be.
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A Nevada boy is now recovering from an injury that less than one per cent of people survive likely thanks to strangers.
Killian Gonzalez was in a car with his mom May 22 in Idaho when she hit another vehicle head-on during a hail storm, according to CTV.
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The four-year-old and his mother Brandy were both trapped in their seats, their vehicle destroyed.
Joel Woodward, an off-duty police officer, and his wife Leah were driving by and saw the accident.
After checking that the other driver was okay, Joel noticed Killian in the back of his mom's car, he told the outlet.
He was in a very awkward position. He was over on the left side of his body. I could see that his neck was apparently injured so I knew I needed to get in the vehicle to somehow help him out, he said.
"No mom should lose their child," said the Good Samaritan who probably saved Killian's life.
They told KBOI he was screaming, but that Joel had to smash open the back window to get in because the doors were locked.
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"I'm trying to stay calm but inside I'm panicking. I'm thinking I don't know what I'm doing, and it was the worst feeling I've ever had to not know how to help."
With some instructions from her husband, Leah Kaupanger-Woodward held Killian's neck still for more than 30 minutes.
"I'm trying to stay calm but inside I'm panicking. I'm thinking I don't know what I'm doing, and it was the worst feeling I've ever had to not know how to help," she said.
The boy is lucky that the two Good Samaritans came along he had been internally decapitated, his head barely attached to his spine.
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Less than one percent of people live through that kind of trauma, and those that do need a lot of surgery and a special brace.
But Killian is beating all expectations, according to KTVB. A neurosurgeon decided he didn't need surgery, and he was released from hospital just two weeks after the crash. Four of the six ligaments that link his spine to his skull were damaged.
"He's a miracle, he's literally just a miracle child," his mother told the outlet.
Kaupanger-Woodward told CTV she and Brandy have spoken every day since the accident, and that Killian is making a remarkable recovery.
"He's a miracle, he's literally just a miracle child."
"He is walking already by himself. Hes just in really good spirits. He doesnt talk about the accident, from what I understand. But hes walking. Its just amazing," she said.
The preschooler also suffered bleeding in his brain, a ruptured spleen, broken ribs and an arm, according to KTVB. Brandy, who ended up with several broken bones, is endlessly grateful for the woman's actions.
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"She saved my baby, she gave him back," she told KBOI.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for the two's medical expenses.
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"I dont remember everything from my youth, but I do remember all of the sexual advances from strangers: getting flashed, groped, spied on. Things that no person should experience, let alone a young girl or teenager.
Most of all, I remember the time a stranger pulled me off the sidewalk into the bushes. There was no doubt in my mind that he wanted to hurt me.
Ill never know what might have happened. What I do know is that I never told anyone about it."
Three hundred South African firefighters in Fort McMurray, Alta., have gone on strike over a pay dispute.
The crew arrived in Alberta just over a week ago to tackle an out-of-control wildfire that has been burning in the region for a month.
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Some of the 300 firefighters failed to arrive at work Wednesday.
Bitiro Moseki, one of the Fort McMurray firefighters, told CBC News he was disturbed by reports in the media that his team was being paid $15 to $21 per hour rather than the $15 per day they are actually being paid.
A group of South African firefighters have a break as they work to mop-up hot spots in an area close to Anzac, just outside of Fort McMurray. The firefighters are now on strike over a pay dispute. (Photo: Cole Burston/AFP/Getty)
But Moseki added: "We are not here for money, we are here to assist you."
The average salary for a wildland firefighter in Alberta is between $21 and $25 per hour.
The crew works for Working on Fire, a South African organization that provides job opportunities for young men and women from marginalized communities.
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They have been working 12-hour days, with 14 days of work and three days off.
The firefighters were told they will be paid an additional $35 a day when they return home, but Moseki worries that money is not guaranteed.
We feel very bad and we dont know what to do [about] the situation. What Im hoping to happen is for them to pay us, thats what Im hoping for, he told Global News.
"We are not here for the money, we are here to assist you."
The Alberta government says the workers are contracted through the Government of South Africa, who determines the rate of pay.
"Were paying that rate. Its our understanding these firefighters are being paid what they agreed to before they arrived but if there is a disagreement here, its between the firefighters and their employer and not with the Government of Alberta."
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Fort McMurray Wildfire (May 2016) See Gallery
An Alberta senior is fighting for her life after being hit by a semi-trailer truck in Grande Cache, Alta.
Late Tuesday afternoon, the 70-year-old was walking when the truck pulled out from a local business and hit her, according to RCMP.
She was dragged for 45 metres, suffering life-threatening injuries and losing a limb.
The woman remains on life support at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton.
The RCMP have not released her name.
Police are currently investigating and charges have yet to be laid.
Grande Cache is about a four-hour drive west of Edmonton.
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A Toronto politician has an idea to soothe the souls of Tragically Hip fans who couldn't get tickets to see the band performing this summer.
Coun. Josh Colle told The Toronto Star that a free concert at Toronto's Downsview Park would be a "fantastic opportunity" for Canadians to thank the band for their contributions to the city and the country.
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I know the whole nation feels an ownership to them, but with [frontman Gord Downie] being a Torontonian and their connection to the city, I think it would be appropriate to celebrate them in grand style here," he said.
"If I can upset a few scalpers, I'm OK with that, too."
After Downie revealed his brain cancer diagnosis in May and the band announced what is likely to be its final tour, ticket prices skyrocketed into the thousands of dollars. Bots and scalpers have snatched up so many of the tickets that Ontario's attorney general said she's prepared to investigate the issue.
Colle told AM640 he hopes Downsview, a federal facility that has hosted massive shows featuring AC/DC and The Rolling Stones, would offer up the venue considering "the significance of this band."
The councillor, a fan of the band since its early days, said he expects corporate donations would roll in once the proposal gained momentum.
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Another city wants a show too
"If I can upset a few scalpers, I'm OK with that, too," he said.
Colle isn't the only politician who wants fans to see the band for free. Mississauga City Councillor Nando Iannicca offered the band the city's Celebration Square, according to the Mississauga News.
If it works within their schedule and Gord can accommodate us, we will try and accommodate them for a free bash, he said.
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Admit you're trying to lose weight and suddenly everyone around you is a doctor.
Some will tell you to steer clear of sugar and salt while others blame carbs and fat for unwanted weight gain. But if you ask Dr. Patricia Lopez-Legarrea of the Autonomous University of Chile, she'll tell you late-night dinners are adding inches to your waistline.
To support her theory, Lopez-Legarrea looked at the eating habits of 5,500 Chileans and found that the average BMI for those who ate late was higher than those who stopped eating earlier in the day, The Daily Mail reports. The difference in BMI can be equated to an additional two or three pounds on a person.
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The debate over whether or not late-night eating causes weight gain has been a confusing one. Just last month researchers in London stated that late dinners posed no increased risk of obesity in children. However, the study's author, Gerda Pot, says the findings could be a result of a limited test group, United Press International reports.
And in 2014, researchers in California found that implementing a strict 12-hour fast every day, with no other dietary changes was sufficient to maintain body weight, the BBC reported.
One thing reseachers aren't arguing about, however, is the fact that larger waistlines pose very serious health risks. Researchers at the University of Oxford announced at the 2016 European Obesity Summit that bigger waistlines are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
According to the Harvard school of public health, large waists are also associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and death.
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If late-night eating is keeping you (and your weight) up, try moving your dinnertime up and decreasing the size of your late-night snacks. Eating a more filling breakfast and lunch can also curb late-night cravings.
Conservatives blocked an attempt to ensure the passage of a bill tabled by a dying Liberal member of Parliament even if he isn't well enough to ever again set foot in the House of Commons.
Hours later, Liberals responded with clever move on their colleague's behalf.
UPDATE: Belanger made it to the House of Commons Friday and his bill will move on.
C-210, a private member's bill from veteran politician Mauril Belanger seeking to make the English version of Canada's national anthem gender-neutral, is due for third reading and debate Friday.
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Belanger suffers from the incurable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and, according to The Hill Times, his condition has worsened enough that he may never return to the Commons.
The bill which passed in second reading by a vote of 219 to 79 will die if Belanger is not present for the last debate.
Ottawa-Vanier MP Mauril Belanger uses a tablet with text-to-speech program to defend his proposed changes to neutralize gender in the lyrics to "O Canada" in the House of Commons on May 6, 2016. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
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After question period on Thursday, chief government whip Andrew Leslie sought unanimous consent to put the bill under his name and move it forward in Belanger's stead, should it come to that.
That request was denied by Conservative MPs on the other side of the House. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May took to Twitter to call it a "shame."
What a shame! CPC blocks consent to allow Mauril Belanger's PMB on inclusive O Canada to proceed, even if he is too sick to be here.#cdnpoli Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) June 9, 2016
Liberal MP Sonia Sidhu jumped online to say that denying consent was "just sad."
.@Mauril_Belanger's bill deserves to move forward. Denying consent because he isn't in the chamber just so the bill dies is just sad. Sonia Sidhu MP (@SoniaLiberal) June 9, 2016
Leslie, however, seemed to suggest to reporters that he did not hold the decision against the Tories.
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"They have certain members, the Conservatives in their party, who have strongly held beliefs and that is their right to do so," he said.
Leslie said Liberals would do all they could to help Belanger get to the House in time, "subject to his medical safety."
"If the member is not there to move it, the bill dies," Leslie said.
But the whip added that if Belanger can't make it, there are other "techniques" he might try to move the third reading to next Wednesday.
"I won't go into details because there's not unanimous consent for that."
Late Thursday, the government gave notice of a motion to change C-210's title a debate that Belanger wouldn't need to attend and one that may give the government some needed time.
'It's about the bill itself'
Tory House Leader Andrew Scheer told reporters that members of his party "all love and support Mauril" as he battles his illness.
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"But it's not about Mauril, it's about the bill itself," Scheer said. "The vast majority of our caucus (is) opposed to the bill. They've heard from their constituents. I think the vast majority of Canadians feel they haven't even been consulted or even informed that this change to their national anthem is even happening."
Tory MP Andrew Scheer scrums with media in Ottawa on Wednesday, March 9, 2016. (Photo: Matthew Usherwood/CP)
Scheer said he told the Liberals long ago that his caucus would not help facilitate the passage of a "flawed" bill.
He said the government should first consult with Canadians before making changes to the anthem, and that all legislation should be judged on its merits.
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Bill would change two words
The bill seeks to replace the lyrics "all thy sons" with "all of us." The debate over C-210 grew highly emotional after Tories blocked a bid to speed up its passage last month.
A few Tory MPs have suggested that revising the anthem could be a slippery slope which may result in other symbols being changed.
During debate on the bill last month, Tory MP Larry Maguire suggested, for example, that botanists might one day take issue with the shape of the maple leaf on the flag.
Belanger and others have all pointed out that the original, gender-neutral wording of the anthem "thou dost in us command" was changed to "all thy sons" in 1913.
With a file from The Canadian Press
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If there's one piece of advice we'd like to share with you today, it's this: read product labels carefully. Because sometimes that cooking oil you have in the kitchen actually turns out to be hairspray...
Yup, 20-year-old student from London, Coral, was at an end of exams party when she spotted something rather odd in her friend's kitchen Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Olive Oil Sheen Spray, a popular brand of hair sheen used on African-Caribbean hair.
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In an interview with Buzzfeed, Coral said she was thrown off when she saw the spray because "no one with Afro-texture hair" lived in the house.
When she asked her friend why the hairspray was in the kitchen, he replied, "It's cooking spray."
"but it says olive oil" auntie yonce (@reauxbae) June 5, 2016
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When Coral, who was "shocked" by the whole thing, explained to her friend that, no, it was not cooking oil, but rather a sheen for black hair, he didn't fully understand. "But it's got oil on the front," he said.
Sure dear friend of Coral, it does have oil on the front, but as pointed out by Erin C.J. Robertson of okayafrica, does oil have the following ingredients in it?
"Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Isobutane, Isopropul Myristate, Olive Oil ( Olea Europaea) Lanolin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitamin E Extracts Of Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis), Horsetail (Equistiem Arvense Bettle Urica Dioca Chamomile Anthemis Nobilis), Dimethicone, Copolyol Fragrance, Benzylalcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl CinnamicAldehyde, Lilial Dlimonene, Linalool Lyral, Alpha-Isomethylionone."
We didn't think so. Sounds more like the chemicals hairspray contains to us.
And it appears that Coral's friend isn't the only one to have confused Olive Oil Sheen Spray for cooking oil. Since her friend Roisin tweeted out the text messages about the confusing incident (which has been retweeted over 9,000 time and has 6,000 likes), many have come forward to share similar experiences.
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@reauxbae THEYRE NOT EVEN THE ONLY ONES OMFG pic.twitter.com/86CrVfvtip mel (nsfr) (@QUEEREGG) June 5, 2016
@LethalHuxtable I saw this but it even says hair on the bottle lol pic.twitter.com/6ZIRrFDIam aquemini (@aquemini__) June 7, 2016
they've been using SHEEN SPRAY AS COOKING OIL pic.twitter.com/l0qwEghZCf r (@justintrilogys) June 6, 2016
Now please, everyone, live by this simple math equation: Cooking oil plus hairspray equals one big NO.
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Yes.
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Back in March, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau made an official state visit to Washington, D.C., and they didn't go empty-handed.
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And now, thanks to the updated conflict of interest and ethics commissioner's public registry, we've learned that Sophie received an equally noteworthy gift in return.
The American clothing brand boasts other celeb fans, such as Blake Lively, who was spotted wearing an Alicia Adams Alpaca Multi Band Throw Cape in 2014, and who also featured it in her now-defunct lifestyle site, Preserve.
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Thrilled to see Blake Lively in our Multi Band Throw Cape ... and to have it featured in the Preserve Gift Guide !!! Posted by alicia adams alpaca inc. on Sunday, December 7, 2014
Alpacas are animals that belong to the camel family, and their coats are made of fibre that is soft and has a luxurious feel when used in fabric it's been touted as comparable to cashmere.
Information about the cape surfaced on the public registry, which must be filled out by public officeholders and their family members who receive gifts worth at least $200, within 30 days. The registry also reveals details on other fashionable items gifted by Canadian designers and labels for Sophie to wear during her public appearances, as detailed by Justin Trudeau.
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Sophie Gregoire Trudeau poses with husband Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canadian artist, The Weeknd, at the Canada 2020 reception. Sophie wears an Ellie Mae "Yazmin" jacket.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Justin Trudeau and Deborah Gillis, President & CEO, Catalyst, at the Catalyst Awards Dinner on March 16, 2016 in New York City. Sophie wears a Pink Tartan tuxedo suit.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau wears Aldo Haollan pumps to greet students from D.C.'s Patterson Elementary School on March 9, 2016.
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While we don't have photographs of the alpaca cape Michelle gave to Sophie, we're betting it's pretty stellar, considering Obama's impeccable taste in style.
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OTTAWA Liberal and NDP MPs killed a bill Wednesday that sought to give Canadians who donate to registered charities the same generous tax credits as those who give to political parties receive.
Conservative MP Ted Falk's Bill C-239, an act to amend the Income Tax Act (charitable gifts), was voted down by a vote of 209 to 103.
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In a statement, Falk pointed the finger directly at the Liberals, saying the large number of government MPs who had voted against his bill ensured its demise.
Conservative MP Ted Falk rises in the House of Commons Wednesday April 20, 2016 in Ottawa. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/CP)
"Apparently many still believe that feeding politicians is more important than feeding the hungry," he wrote.
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"The long-standing belief of Liberals that they are entitled to their entitlements is apparently still alive and well," he added. "They have placed their own entitlement attitude in front of the best interests of the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the sick. For them to continue to support such an unfair system is self-serving and simply wrong."
Eight Liberal MPs, three New Democrats and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May did vote in favour of sending Falk's bill to committee for further study.
May tweeted that she was disappointed to see the bill defeated.
Disappointed to see that PMB defeated. It should have gone to committee to study. @althiaraj@MPTedFalk Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) June 8, 2016
The Liberal government and the NDP, however, argued that the measure would cost the treasury upwards of $1.7 billion dollars and end up helping primarily the wealthy.
In the Commons Tuesday, Francois-Philippe Champagne, the parliamentary secretary to the minister of finance, said the government recognized the "spirit and good intentions" of the bill but that it would not support the proposed legislation because it could end up increasing the cost of the charitable tax credit by nearly 68 per cent.
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The federal government already provides approximately $3 billion a year in assistance for charitable donations, Champagne said.
"Charitable donations are already very generous in Canada," he said.
NDP critic says bill would benefit the wealthy
Unlike the tax credit for political contributions, which is designed to give generous tax assistance for small contributions and levels off tax assistance as donation amounts rise, Champagne said, the charitable tax credit is far more generous for those who make large donations. "The higher the donation amount, the higher the tax credit," he said.
A $400 donation to a political party currently generates a 75 per cent federal tax credit, or $300 reduction. That same $400 donation to a charity generates a federal credit of $88 15 per cent for the first $200 and 29 per cent credit on the other $200.
NDP finance critic Guy Caron said Falk's bill would disproportionately benefit those with high incomes because they are in a "much better position" to donate.
"Donations would no longer be made solely to satisfy charitable impulses, but for tax planning purposes," he said in a speech Tuesday.
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"Apparently many still believe that feeding politicians is more important than feeding the hungry." Tory MP Ted Falk
Caron said he was concerned the wealthy could avoid paying taxes and even make a "net gain" by combining a new more generous federal tax credit with current provincial tax credits for charitable giving.
"People would come out on top because the amount of the tax credit would be higher than that of the charitable donation."
Conservative MPs argued the opposite.
John Nater, the MP for the Ontario riding of PerthWellington, suggested people don't donate because they can't afford it and they should be encouraged to give more.
In 2013, when the Conservative government introduced the first-time donor tax credit, Nater said, it saw an increase of almost 100,000 Canadians donating that year.
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Under Falk's bill, donating $200 to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Society would provide an average Canadian with a tax credit of about $150, rather than $30, he said.
"I believe that every member of the House would agree that we as the Canadian Parliament should reward those who donate to charitable causes."
Moreover, he suggested Canadians would be surprised to discover that the tax treatment of charitable donations is so different from political donations.
"It does not reflect our values as Canadians," he said.
Lessons from Fort McMurray
Alberta Yellowhead MP Jim Eglinski pointed to the flood of donations from Canadians to help those affected by the Fort McMurray fires. People had opened their wallets, donated money, food, rations, gas, he said.
"Canadians give. Maybe we can give back a little bit, and this is what the bill would do."
Despite the recent boost in Alberta, Eglinski said charitable donations had dropped by approximately 33 per cent over the past 25 years.
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"Charities are suffering, and they need that money to operate," he said.
Statistics Canada figures suggest the total value of donations has gone up but that the number of Canadian tax filers claiming a donation has dropped over the past two decades, from 29.5 per cent in 1990 to 21.4 per cent in 2014. The median donation in 2014 was $280.
Tory MP Jim Eglinski addresses the House of Commons, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 in Ottawa. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/CP)
In his speech Tuesday before the vote, Falk said he was thankful for the cross-party support and he hoped his bill could foster a culture of generosity from coast to coast.
"Every day, every night, right across Canada, tragedies happen. Folks lose their jobs, illness attacks, families are broken, and people's lives are shattered," he said.
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But the good news is that charities are there to provide food for the hungry, beds for the homeless, help for the hurting, support for the aging, and hope for the sick.
"Where would we all be without charities?" he asked.
Charities do more than crisis intervention, he added, saying they help advance scientific research, promote education and care for the environment.
"The aim of the bill is to strengthen charities and encourage Canadians to engage with and promote charities," he said.
"This is not a bill for rich people. It would hardly benefit rich people or those who are making big donations. It is a bill that, for the most part, would help the middle class. That is something the government has said it is all about, helping the middle class, and that is what this bill is about."
These NDP and Liberal MPs supported sending Ted Falk's bill to committee for study:
Hamilton Centre NDP MP David Christopherson
NanaimoLadysmith NDP MP Sheila Malcolmson
Burnaby South NDP MP Kennedy Stewart
BeachesEast York Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith
MississaugaErin Mills Liberal MP Iqra Khalid
Don Valley West Liberal MP Robert Oliphant
West Nova Liberal MP Colin Fraser
Central Nova Liberal MP Sean Fraser
South ShoreSt. Margaret's Liberal MP Bernadette Jordan
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Jamie Grill via Getty Images Portrait of senior patient
We know that Canada's population is aging. Among the many statistics that have been reported is how in 2015, the proportion of Canadian seniors surpassed that of youth under 15 for the first time. The gap will continue to widen over the next 20 years.
There has been much discussion about how to prepare for this bulge of aging baby boomers. Indeed, there has been no shortage of media and policy reports on this topic. These include aging strategies, dementia strategies, aging-at-home strategies; home care strategies, integrated care strategies, end-of-life strategies and more. While most of these are well thought out, they frequently overlook one very important implication: what kind of health workforce will be needed to deliver on these strategies?
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If we are serious about preparing for an aging population, we need to get the health workforce right and ensure the capacity of caregivers to deliver the care that is needed.
The health workforce is the "elephant in the room" at health policy tables -- a large, pervasive issue that unfortunately often goes unaddressed. The health workforce is a pillar of the health system and so like the foundation of our homes, it can sometimes go unnoticed. But if we plan on reforming services (i.e., renovating our home), we are going to have to attend to whether the health workforce foundation can support the changes. Failing to address foundational health workforce issues can leave otherwise thoughtful policy initiatives without a basis from which to succeed.
A common theme in recent policy initiatives is the promotion of aging at home to reduce the pressure on institutional long-term care. This also responds to a general preference in the aging population to stay at home as long as possible. While this is a laudable goal, shifting the delivery of care from institutions to the home has significant impacts on the health workforce in terms of who will provide this care, how they work and the number of workers needed to provide the care required.
The health workforce for both institutional long-term care and home care includes nurses but largely includes care workers that are known either as personal support workers or health care assistants or other similar titles. Informal or unpaid caregivers - spouses, children and friends - also play a significant role, filling the gaps left by the formal care system. The vast majority of caregivers (both paid and unpaid) for older adults are women, so gender issues are important considerations that need to be taken into account.
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Taking care to the home can increase the burden on informal caregivers, exacerbated for those in the "sandwich generation" who are supporting their own children while caring for aging parents. The social and economic implications of overburdened informal caregivers are rarely acknowledged in any tangible way and yet represent a very important element of health workforce planning for our aging population.
What of the formal health workforce? Do we have sufficient numbers and competently trained workers to meet the care needs in the community? The health needs of seniors are getting more complicated because people are living longer, resulting in higher rates of dementia and multiple chronic conditions. We need a workforce that can keep up with this.
Undertaking such thoughtful health workforce planning is complicated by the dearth of information about the health workforce, particularly when it comes to unregulated health workers who provide the bulk of care. Only two provinces - British Columbia and Nova Scotia - have registries for their unregulated health workers to track information on employment and training. Ontario's registry was shut down earlier this year due to concerns about data quality, and Alberta is planning to launch a registry this fall.
And for health professionals such as doctors who are not used to making house calls, it means an important culture change in practice habits as well as revised payment models to encourage these changes.
So, how can we get policymakers to recognize the elephant in the room and take health workforce considerations into account when developing and implementing policy changes?
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One solution is a health workforce impact assessment tool that can be applied to all new health policies. Such a tool could be structured around two guiding questions: (1) does the policy mention/address health workers, professionals, caregivers? and (2) are the health workforce implications of the policy highlighted, including recruitment, training, distributing, retaining, motivating and managing?
A useful precedent for such a tool comes from Australia, where a health workforce impact checklist was created to apply to all health policies as they are developed. A call for greater health workforce impact assessments was also a key element of the Global Human Resources for Health Strategy 2030, recently passed in the 69th World Health Assembly this past week.
If we really want to be prepared for the care needs of our aging population, we need to get better at addressing the health workforce foundation of our care system.
dblight via Getty Images
"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by," English writer Douglas Adams once said. On June 6 -- the deadline given to Parliament to create new legislation on assisted death -- there was a pretty big whoosh. Some say this was because the Canadian government's proposed legislation, Bill C-14, is not broad enough to comply with the Supreme Court's Carter decision. It seems to me, however, that the missed deadline is the result of a seemingly widespread indifference to the rule of law.
On a social policy issue as serious as giving criminal immunity to someone who intentionally causes the death of another, the appropriate law-making authority is Parliament, not the court. Consistent with other courts around the world, the Canadian Supreme Court in Carter acknowledged the law-making authority of Parliament on this controversial subject. Unlike these other courts, however, the Supreme Court found the prohibition on assisted death unconstitutional and created no end of mischief in doing so, proving the old legal maxim that "hard cases make bad law."
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The Supreme Court did not provide a definition of physician-assisted death or dying (PAD), causing much disagreement early on as to what termination of life acts were actually legalized in Carter. Should taking a lethal drug (a form of suicide) be treated differently from having a doctor administer the drug (a form of homicide)?
The court decided that the Criminal Code prohibition against aiding or abetting suicide was overbroad because safeguards could be put in place to protect vulnerable people from being induced to commit suicide at times of weakness. Yet, when it comes to euthanasia by lethal injection, it is the homicide section of the Code -- rather than the assisting suicide one -- that is relevant.
If the Carter judges had analyzed the homicide section of the Code, they might have upheld the ban on euthanasia by lethal injection. Indeed, four U.S. states that have legalized physician-assisted death restrict it to people who can administer their own life-ending medication.
The court declared of no force or effect the prohibition of PAD for a competent, consenting adult person who has a "grievous and irremediable medical condition" and is enduring intolerable suffering. However, the court properly acknowledged that the scope of its declaration responds "to the factual circumstances of the case" and that it made "no pronouncement on other situations where physician-assisted dying may be sought."
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Yet we continue to see ongoing disagreement as to the interpretation of Carter. "All in" proponents of assisted death want to include mature minors, incompetent or unconscious persons pursuant to advance directives, and persons with mental suffering - none of which was at issue in Carter. These proponents argue that anything less than "all-in" will be found unconstitutional, either by relying on the declaration outside Carter's factual context or by projecting possible future Charter arguments. This is advocacy, not legal interpretation.
The Supreme Court stated in the Carter case that "complex regulatory regimes are better created by Parliament than by the courts." The creation of such a regime is now in the democratically elected hands of Parliament and deference is owed. While Parliament has the option of crafting a response solely based on Carter, the constitutionality of any new Criminal Code amendments will depend on their compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Future evaluation may show that state-sanctioned lethal injection as a response to suffering is a mistake. Recent cases from European countries that permit euthanasia are providing evidence in that regard. In the meantime, Canada's Parliament is suggesting a limit similar to that imposed in four U.S. states: that criminal immunity only be granted to certain health-care practitioners who give medical aid in dying to adults whose deaths "have become reasonably foreseeable."
As stated by the Supreme Court in Carter, "The sanctity of life is one of our most fundamental societal values." In addition to respecting both the values of life and autonomy, the proposed limit provides room to encourage life-affirming responses to the wide range of circumstances that shape the individual experience of suffering. Although assisted death may now be a legal option for those who are dying, it must never be promoted as the solution. Everyone deserves equal protection and respect under the law and it is incumbent on us to continue in our efforts to maximize quality of life, participation and inclusion in our society.
Mary J. Shariff is a law professor at the University of Manitoba who teaches bioethics and law.
*Reprinted with the permission of the Winnipeg Free Press. An earlier version of this column appeared in the Free Press on June 8, 2016.
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Last federal budget, the government announced plans to create a counter terrorism office. This new initiative named as the Office of the Community Outreach and Counter-radicalization Co-ordinator would cost Canadian taxpayers $35 millions dollars. With an initial funding of $3 million in 2016-2017 and a $10 million a year in the subsequent years.
According to the government, the office is supposed to "provide leadership on Canada's response to radicalization to violence."
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So far, no details have been disclosed about this office but Public safety Minister Ralph Goodale recently reiterated his strong commitment to it. In an op-ed, he published on "How to Fix Canada National Security Framework," he stated:
"Thirdly, this summer we will launch a new national office and center of excellence for community outreach and engagement. Its purpose will be to develop and coordinate expertise in identifying those who could be vulnerable to the pressures and appeals of radicalization to violence, and to connect with them constructively in advance to head-off tragedies before they happen. As an open, pluralistic society, we need to get really good at this."
As it can be understood from Mr. Ralph Goodale words, one of the tasks of the office would be to develop expertise in identifying some sort of "indicators" about people who are at risk of radicalization to violence. Indicators are defined as cognitive and behavioural changes in individuals and draw from them patterns about radicalization. For instance, someone who withdrew from his/her family or change his/her in behaviour in school in certain specific ways, these are considered as "indicators."
Mr. Ralph Goodale doesn't use any word directly relating radicalization to Islam or Muslims in particular, but obviously it is everyone's mind that this office will be directed, if not entirely but in major part, for and about Muslims. And this is exactly why this approach won't be effective.
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The elephant in the room, that nobody wants to move or see, is undoubtedly the rampant Islamophobia in many media outlets and in mainstream culture. We can cite many examples on how policing and surveillance and intelligence in Canada (and other countries) are so far obsessively profiling Muslim youth and groups.
Since the attacks of 9/11, all the arrests made in Canada in dealing with national security matters have exclusively targeted Muslim men. Even the security certificates, a procedure that predated the 9/11 attacks, were since being used against Muslim men.
One shouldn't forget the words used by RCMP Ontario Division officials describing Abdullah Almalki, who was tortured and imprisoned in Syria, for allegations related to national security. Justice Frank Iacobucci brought to light the role Canadian officials played in his torture and jailing.
The following is from an RCMP memo, dated October 4, 2001:
"O Div. taskforce are presently finding it difficult to establish anything on him other than the fact that he is an Arab running around."
Today, we observe the emergence of a new sub-discipline of "radicalization studies," with the implicit objective to help governments in pre-emptively identify profiles and later apply them to individuals who are vulnerable to radicalization to violence.
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Even though many of these studies insist on being objective and solely motivated by academic purposes, they are increasingly becoming the "new science" that is providing "scientific and agnostic" platform to the surveillance and the profiling practices of law enforcement and intelligences securities agencies.
Years ago, generations of psychologists and medical doctors assisted CIA and other agencies in to develop both mental and physical torture techniques to obtain information from prisoners incarcerated in places like Guantanamo.
In the document "Radicalization: A guide for the perplexed" published by the RCMP in 2009, about the topics of radicalization, the RCMP were very cautious to mention that radicalization wouldn't necessarily lead to political violence and isn't linked to any religion as well as insisting that the indicators are "bias free" and more agnostic, it remains very disturbing to see that the guide focus in majority on Islam with pictures of Muslims terrorists making most of the pictures included in the guide.
Recently, an academic study by Jeffrey Monoghan and Adam Molnar, found out through access to information applications that the RCMP in 2013 used a power point presentation to "educate" their members about radicalization. In one of the slides, it is mentioned that:
"No identifiable profile but common indicators/ Believe in the single narrative/ A very social process for many/ Need a charismatic individual/ Gangs are for kids. Jihad is for Men"
Even if the first four bullets emphasize on the need of "objectivity" and "agnosticism," the fact that the word "Jihad" is thrown in the last point create this false impression that radicalization affects only Muslim men waging Jihad. Kids, however, who join gangs are just kids and somehow less "dangerous" or "threatening" to the society.
This last assertion is even contradicting many studies that established many parallels between gangs and violent ideological groups.
The ignorance towards Islam and the underlying Orientalist attitude in the media make people, law enforcement agents included, believe that Muslims are inherently violent or that their religion push them toward radicalization.
It is those false beliefs and erroneous assumptions that should be confronted with more education programs and financial support by the federal government.
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Robert Lang Photography via Getty Images The young hands of a daughter softly holding the older hands of a mother,a precious bonding moment on Mothers Day.
My mother had to starve herself to death.
Despite the groundwork laid out in the Supreme Court's Carter decision, my mother's suffering, like so many, came at an inconvenient time in our nation's legal landscape. Sadly, this inconvenience remains true even today.
Though assisted death is now officially legal in our fair country, we have yet to formalize a national framework and the debate over the specifics of the regulations seem to omit the most critical voice -- that of the individuals and families who have and continue to be subject to archaic mindsets that deny certain patients the right to end their own life, and control their own destiny.
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It is imperative we hear these voices -- and so here is mine.
On October 27th, 2015, my mother, Suzette Lewis, voluntarily died of dehydration.
She had suffered from primary progressive multiple sclerosis for nearly twenty years. Prior to her debilitating illness she was a stunning, lively, charismatic, proud and independent woman. One of the first female stockbrokers in Canada; an award-winning interior designer, successful single mother and hands down one of the best cooks and entertainers you had ever met -- she was a role model to Canadian women everywhere.
Unfortunately by sixty-five years young, she was bedridden and subject to excruciating physical and emotional pain. She faced a relentless and unendurable threat to her quality of life, dignity and integrity; hours on end lying in her own urine and feces, her bones piercing through her brittle skin, physical and emotional abuse at the hands of hired help -- the list goes on.
I did everything in my power to help her, and our system did as well, but sadly there are simply not enough resources to ensure those in my mother's position have adequate medical or social assistance. Death was not reasonably foreseeable, but the remainder of a lifetime subject to intolerable pain and suffering was without question.
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"No one should have to endure what we endured for the basic right to control their own body, yet, so many have."
As impeccably astute as she was, her physical deterioration left her a prisoner in her own body. She was unable to work or contribute to society in any meaningful way, her days consumed solely by basic survival. Her immense suffering manifested as physical pain, but also hopelessness, anxiety, loneliness and loss of meaning.
In short, it consumed her entire person. Continuing to live subject to an abhorrent quality of life was unbearable and thus she had an unequivocal and unwavering desire to die.
Wouldn't you?
My mother's conviction on the matter never waivered, but the atrocity of the unregulated "assisted death" options before her were unnerving. I spent many a day researching access to drugs that would offer her a peaceful release (and degrade my integrity). Meet-ups with petty drug dealers, flights to veterinarians in Mexico -- in the depths of despair I considered it all.
Considerations that took time and energy I could have otherwise spent at my mother's bedside -- supporting her through her pain in her most dire time of need. In the chasm that is her absence, this is perhaps what angers me most.
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But onwards I fought, and with the help of a compassionate doctor we decided on the only option that wouldn't subject us to a life in prison. Since suicide was a legal option, but assisted death was not, my mom's only permitted avenue to find solace was to starve and dehydrate herself until death. Over the next 14 days, I had to bear witness as my mother slowly wasted away. I had to hold her hand through the hunger pangs and water cravings so that she could finally achieve her wish -- freedom.
The immeasurable amount of pain one must be in to choose the strife of starvation over mere existence is a testament to how much people requesting assisted death need the peace inherent in the afterlife.
No one should have to endure what we endured for the basic right to control their own body, yet, so many have, and without a national framework upholding the Carter decision, will still have to. The disabled in particular.
My mother's death was detestable, but her quality of life more so. I do not wish for anyone to have to undergo what we did, but I have absolutely no regrets. If we were faced with the same legal landscape today (and under the proposed legislation, we would be) I would choose the same path and I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt my mother would as well.
I miss her every day, with every ounce of my being, but every ounce of my being is also proud to say that I did everything I could to help her find the respite she so certainly deserved. My greatest hope is that our nation will follow suit.
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Lucy Nicholson / Reuters U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders addresses supporters following the closing of the polls in the California presidential primary in Santa Monica, California, U.S., June 7, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
Months ago, Bernie Sanders had me at "Enough is enough!"
When he added, "We're going to tell a few billionaires that they can't have it all," I went gaga. "This campaign is not about me, it's not about just electing a president -- it's about a democratic revolution to transform this country." I was hooked.
I pledged allegiance to Bernie right then and there. I became a daily supporter on social media, wrote the song "Wave Of Democracy" and made a video of it, and asked my concert promoter to book me a show in Burlington, Vermont.
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As Bernie, the democratic socialist, racked up an impressive 45 per cent of pledged delegates prior to the June 7 last Super Tuesday of primaries, I tracked the campaign closely and often jumped for joy. Though trailing by a significant delegate count, he was defiant in the hopes of winning a majority of the remaining eight primaries, including a big win in California, his "big enchilada."
But now it's all in up in the air, it seems. Bernie lost California, and his supporters are shocked to disbelief that it wasn't even close.
The greatest grassroots revolution in recent U.S. history has sputtered. Hillary Clinton has been declared the Democrats' presumptive nominee -- and prematurely hailed as having won a historic milestone for women. This, the only presidential candidate to run with an FBI investigation into her national security breach email habit. The corporate media's drama queen rant, "When's Bernie gonna cave?" fouls the air.
What if Bernie seized a chance to go for a lasting legacy with an immediate and important role for him to play?
Bernie Sanders has repeatedly said his nomination bid will go to Philadelphia and into a contested convention. He's not changed his mind. Yet nobody can guess what game he'd play once there, unless in the meantime he changes direction.
What are Bernie's options?
Throw his support behind Hillary
Try to sway superdelegates to his side before the convention and, while there, pull an upset win
Leave the Democratic party and run as an independent
Supporting Hillary after months of casting her as the epitome of establishment Wall Street corruption is not very likely. The sizable Bernie-or-bust contingent won't follow.
And making a power play at the convention is extremely risky, unless it's for a strong hand in shaping the party platform and direction. (What makes deal-making with Hillary so fragile is that against Donald Trump she may falter and lose in November.) As for running as an independent, this too is not at all a sure thing, unless it's tied to something more enduring.
It's fun to imagine a Plan B (for Bernie).
What if Bernie seized a chance to go for a lasting legacy with an immediate and important role for him to play?
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What if Bernie sought to become a fair arbiter of U.S. elections? The Sanders Commission On Electoral Fairness could be appointed, and Bernie would become the trusted reformer of the entire primary and election process.
What if elections switched to a fast, efficient (paper trail backup) voting process that actually made it easy for new voters to engage?
What if this voting reform effort included new laws to repeal Citizens United and restrict campaign finance reform?
To Bernie: my thanks for a bold, principled and visionary campaign. It's meant the world to me. Your call to create a caring economy with glasnost and perestroika (openness and restructuring) is a progressive's dream.
Here's a thought, Bernie.
You could decide you're forming a new party: The Progressive Party, say, and that your long-term goal is to transform America with the social democratic policies you've outlined so well. And why not start that campaign now by running for president with this new party, knowing that you might lose the 2016 election but could establish your party as a solid contender in 2020?
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Millions of donations would carry you, millions of independents would cheer and vote for you. Progressives would run for Congress. The U.S. political culture would finally gain a progressive flag to wave -- for a long time into the future.
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It's that time of year when the whole world feels as if its gearing up for a week away somewhere hot and sunny - but if you haven't got the time or the budget, don't despair. A short-break somewhere different can be just as reinvigorating, and at this time of year there's a huge variety of trips on offer - from the simplicity of a shepherd's hut to the swankiest of the swank; a break by private jet.
UK
There's more to a short-break in the UK than a cottage in the Cotswolds or a stomp up Scafell Pike. Put an original spin on a trip to Edinburgh with a stay on a houseboat, permanently moored in the Lochrin Basin on the Union Canal. Twin urban pleasures - all of the main sights are on the doorstep - with watery pastimes - there are fishing rods on the boat, and a barbecue for grilling your catch. Three-night breaks from 703, sleeping four
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Foodies should head south to the sunkissed island of Jersey, where the island's rich produce and a clutch of super-talented chefs are putting the island on the gastro-map. The luxy Atlantic Hotel is offering a Michelin Experience Weekend; from 390pp for a three-night stay, including breakfast and dinner at a different Michelin-star restaurant each night.
If the new series of Top Gear has whetted your road-trip taste buds, head to Ireland for a road-trip in a classic car. McKinlay Kidd offers four-night breaks touring Athlone, Clare and Wicklow, from 695pp B&B, including the chance to get behind the wheel of an MGB roadster, Alfa Romeo Spider or a Mercedes 350SL.
If you're looking for a little peace and quiet, there are few more tranquil corners of England than the rolling hills of Shropshire. Pen-y-Dyffryn is a lovely country-house hotel, offering 15% discount on half-board stays (of two nights or more) until June 30th. There's also 10% off in-house spa treatments. Or have a romantic break a deux, staying in cosy 'Lola's Nest'; a restored shepherd's hut, close to the glorious beaches of the Norfolk coast. The hut boasts a well-equipped kitchen area, a barbecue for warmer nights and a log-burner if it gets a little chilly. Three-night breaks from 440, sleeping two.
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For a really memorable celebratory break - maybe an anniversary or a Big Zero birthday, round up a gang of friends and family and stay in the Marine Fort, a historic sea fortress in the middle of the Solent, accessible only by private speedboat. It's not cheap; 15,000 per 24 hours (sleeping up to 44) - but the good news is you can book one-night individual breaks too; from 400 per room, for a one-night break, including all meals and drinks.
Europe
Take advantage of British Airways' new flights to Palermo, which started from Heathrow in May. The Sicilian capital oozes crumbling Baroque charm, and is a foodies paradise. Upmarket operator Cox and Kings has three-night breaks at the Hotel Central Palace from 455pp, including flights, transfers and B&B accommodation.
Art-lovers should head to Madrid, where the Bosch Cententary Exhibition at the Prado is running until September 11, featuring over 60 iconic works. Kirker Holidays has a four-night break from 569pp, including flights, transfers, B&B accommodation and an 'Art Pass', including entrance to the Prado.
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If you're looking for an active break, walking specialist Inntravel has a new four-night break in the little-known region of Freiburg-Kaiserstuhl. The warmest and sunniest corner of Germany, it's also famous for its wines. From 450pp, including B&B accommodation, route notes and rail travel, but not flights.
Or head to Morocco's windswept coast to learn to windsurf in the picturesque town of Essaouira. The Healthy Holiday Company has a three-night 'Learn to Surf break' from 525pp, including B&B accommodation, flights, transfers and six hours of lessons. Or if that sounds a little too like hard work, the same company offers a four-night yoga break in tranquil Montenegro. Four nights at the Palazzo Radomiri, on the waterfront in the beautiful Bay of Kotor costs from 645pp including flights, transfers, B&B accommodation and yoga every morning.
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If actually all you want to do is sneak off for a sybaritic few days of snoozing in the sun, try the DDG retreat in Southern Spain. Book Casa Pino, which has its own private plunge pool, outdoor bath and private BBQ. Guests can also use the spa, and infinity pool; prices from 284 per night (room-only). Or for something more quirky, stay in a cave hotel in Basilicata, in Southern Italy. Sunvil has three-night breaks in the Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita hotel in Matera from 968pp, including flights, car hire and B&B accommodation.
If you want to whizz the kids away for a bargain break, try Efteling Theme Park in Holland. Book within two weeks of travelling and the price for a family of four is considerably less than an equivalent break at better-known theme parks; two-nights from 320 for a family of four, including self-catering accommodation and three days' park entry.
But if money really is no object, then there's only one way to short-break in style; by private jet. A three-night break to Jersey, including private jet flights, limousine transfers and a family suite at luxurious Longueville Manor costs from 2,580pp with Jetscapes, based on two adults and two children. The beauty of private jet travel is you can choose your airport and the time you fly (even if you can't afford to ever travel anywhere again...)
One of the things I've noticed when speaking to normal people, is that there are an awful lot of myths out there about the EU and what it does. I've had a London taxi driver tell me it's bad for UK jobs and a colleague tell me they "make all of our laws" and "Germany tells us what to do". The sheer amount of false knowledge the British people have been fed worries me. I am aware that the concept of "independence" and "taking back control" carries unavoidable positive connotations, and is particularly appealing to certain sections of society, who still feel the aftermaths of the great recession and feel like their social and economic opportunities have been severely limited.
However, the EU has done more to protect ordinary working people than most UK governments of the last thirty years. So I'm going to bust some of these common myths.
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1."The EU is not a democracy. It's just run by unelected bureaucrats who are not democratically accountable"
The EU is overwhelming democratically accountable, and when compared to our own political institutions actually has more democratically elected members than we do! The EU Parliament is made of 751 MEPs, 73 of which represent the UK who are elected once every five years. You then have the EU Commission, which has one commissioner for each member state, picked by the Prime Minister/President of each country. The only real difference is that it is the Commission that proposes laws to be debated on, not the parliament because there is no government with a set agenda or manifesto as there is here. But no legislation which the Commission proposes will become law without the backing of the EU Parliament.
It is always quite interesting to me that people talk about the UK Parliament as though it is a shining example of democracy. We have a House of Lords that is stuffed with 800 unelected members, most of whom have been chosen by subsequent governments or even worse, are residual hereditary peerage Lords who are there purely because of their bloodline. We also have a Head of State who again, is there because of the privilege of her heritage, and is in no way democratically accountable. We also severely limit the powers of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Parliaments, so that they cannot legislate on foreign policy, economic or monetary policy, immigration, employment legislation or constitutional matters to name a few. Many governments also enact laws that were not in their manifesto, such as this government's attempt to cut Working Tax Credits or their recent proposals to lift the cap on university tuition fees. This is not many people's idea of a democracy and is far in excess of the democratic deficit in the EU. But that doesn't mean I want to leave the UK.
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2."75% of our laws are made by The EU"
OK, this is just straight up false, fed to people from the UKIP propaganda machine. The EU passes a lot of laws, but a considerable amount of them have no effect or are simply not relevant to us. There are lots of regulations about tobacco farmers and olive growers for example, which would not apply to us. There are also lots of minor tiny regulations, which can be incredibly niche as well as many that, have either been replaced or repealed. It is estimated that the amount of EU law that affects us is anywhere between 15%-65%, but it isn't really fair to measure a tiny regulation with the same weight as a huge piece of legislation like The Trade Union Bill that could have a big effect on our lives. This would give a false picture of how much power The EU really has.
I can also tell you (as a former law student) that the EU has very strict areas that it is deemed to have competency in. In other words, the areas the EU can legislate in are clearly outlined. So, the EU can't just start proposing laws on our foreign policy, or education. But they can make laws about the internal trade market, or competition between businesses. There are also areas of "shared competence" where the EU works with the member state's national governments to create laws in certain areas like the environment, consumer protection or transport. The European Court of Justice also acts a check on balance on the EU when interpreting legislation, not allowing laws which are outside the EU's remit to have effect. So this concept that the EU tells us what to do all the time, about whatever it likes is just not true. It's own treaties and legal system does not allow it to do so.
3." The EU is great for the giant corporations, but has no impact on small businesses. They just over-regulate them"
I always enjoy the irony of right wingers like Iain Duncan Smith who consistently slashed the livelihoods of many poor working people, pretending to stand up for "the little people" when they make statements like this. The EU does a lot to ensure that the single market remains "competitive" and part of this is stopping large companies monopolising their market. This helps smaller businesses, giving them a chance to thrive and grow without being stamped out by bigger businesses clumping together and fixing prices, pushing the smaller guys out of the market.
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The reduction of economic trade barriers across the EU also makes imports and exports much cheaper, so that suppliers to small business can sell their goods and services to them at a much cheaper price AND businesses can then sell to us consumers at a cheaper price too. Free movement of people also gives small businesses more choice of employees, without the need to obtain work permits or visas (which all takes time and costs money). They have a wider source of talent to choose from, making for a more vibrant, dynamic economy. Much of the so-called "red tape" is about businesses maintaining quality standards, protecting the environment and being fair to their workers. It is also much more efficient to have the same regulations across the whole of the single market rather than 28 different ones, for example being able to register a trademark once, or filling one form in, or paying one single fee and it be valid across the whole single market. It actually saves small businesses money.
4."The EU is bad for poor, working British people"
This is the main stick used to beat The EU with, and is a brand of politics based on fear and pitting one vulnerable group of people against another. It's complicated to explain to people how sub-prime mortgages and a world wide banking crisis has reduced their employment opportunities. But it's easy to say immigrants are stealing your jobs. Researchers at Oxford University found that over a thirty-five year period, no association could be found between an increase in EU immigration and a drop in wages or increase in British unemployment. Detailed research from LSE found that a big fall in wages after 2008 was in correlation to the financial crisis and a slow economic recovery, not EU migration. From 2000-2011 a UCL study found that EU migrants have brought a net benefit of 20 billion pounds to the tax payer, which suggests that a "squeeze on housing, school places and The NHS" could be largely circumvented if governments chose to allocate taxpayers money properly and fund these services to adequate levels. The poor working class have a right to be angry about the financial situation, but not because of EU migrants.
The EU has also been a pioneer in worker's rights, like areas of equal pay, sex discrimination, maternity and paternity rights, proper protection for part-time workers, paid holidays, limits on working hours per week, and health and safety. It is easy for people to say we would have legislated for these things anyway, but I don't want working people to take these rights for granted. There is no guarantee that working people would have been given these dignities in the workplace.
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***
So there we have it. The EU is by no means perfect; all political intuitions require change and reform. But the fact is The EU has done far more good than bad, and is a democracy. The future of democracy and our sovereignty is that it is shared and that we work together in this increasingly globalised world. Don't fall for the brexit propaganda, in the long-term our future and success is in collaboration, not isolation.
This article first appeared on the political blog site Naked Politics
'Fire At Sea,' Winner of the Golden Bear at the 2016 Berlin Film Festival is a powerful and haunting portrait of the passage of migrants through Lampedusa - In 'Where To Invade Next' Michael Moore turns his sights outside of America to see how to make the country great again - Original, unique and mesmerising, 'Embrace of the Serpent' explores the bloody and obscene scourge of imperial colonialism in South America.
Director: Gianfranco Rosi. Documentary. English & Italian with English subtitles. France, Italy 2016 108 mins. Winner Golden Bear 2016 Berlin Film Festival (PG) *****
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In 20 years 400,000 migrants have landed on Lampedusa, an island half way between Libya and Sicily, the gateway to Europe and freedom on a route from Africa and the Middle East. Gianfranco Rosi's camera lays witness to this European refugee crisis through two locals, 12-year-old Samuele who loves to hunt, shoot his slingshot and mess around and Dr. Pietro Bartolo, still compassionate and caring after treating refugees for 25 years.
Rosi spent a year on Lampedusa to understand the impact of this refugee crisis, with his camera as witness, without voice over or commentary and it's heart breakingly effective. He accompanies the coast guard on rescue missions - heart rending images of corpses pulled on board and body bags zipped. A distress call - 250 on board, 34 bodies, 206 pulled from the sea. Another call, 130, maybe 150 on board, women and children and the boat's sinking. The brutal passage of the dispossessed even has its class system - first and second class may survive, but third class die. Severely dehydrated bodies, haunting images, a continuing story.
The on-going migrant crisis passes the locals by. Samuele tests his slingshot and wonders whether he'll ever get over being sea sick, Dr Bartolo scans a new arrival, a pregnant woman who she sees her twins for the first time, Samuele's grandmother prepares a meal of fish and the local radio station plays 'Fire At Sea', a request for the local fisherman. Life goes on.
Powerful and horrifying with images that remain. 'Fire At Sea', a European refugee crisis seen through Gianfranco Rosi's camera won the Golden Bear at this year's Berlin Film Festival. Perhaps there'll be some justice with the arrest of Mered Medhanie, 'The General' in Khartoum, accused of being partly responsible for the Lampedusa tragedy in October when 366 people died.
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Released 10th June
Director: Michael Moore. Documentary. English, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, Arabic, Finnish, Italian, French. USA 2015 120 mins. (15) ***
'Michael, we don't know what the f... we're doing. We haven't won a war since the Big One.'
Writer-director Michael Moore offers a witty, insightful and as expected, sharp glance at how to make America great again. How do others deal with the universal ills - obesity, bank fraud, corruption, racial tension, cops killing blacks, shootings on campus, drugs, the penal system, and immigration.
Look after the workers. 30 - 35 days paid holiday plus annual holidays and a long relaxing lunch is the Italian norm. Pity about corruption in high places, organised crime and the unions that suggest Italy's not exactly a bubbling Euro economy. No pizzas or burgers for gourmet, calorie conscious French school kids who love their cheese board but fast food,like American movies is on the French menu plus high unemployment and worker unrest. Norway doesn't go for the 42 year prison sentence with no chance of parole. They teach self-respect and respect for others with no sentence above 21 years even for murder. No homework and no private schools in Finland places them top of the eduction list. We can't hide from the past. Germany's open about the Holocaust but America's treatment of Native and Black Americans remains in the shadows. Portugal decriminalised drugs while the US continues its loosing battle. Should bank fraud mean a bail out and a slap on the wrist to those who've siphoned away a cash mountain? Iceland jails them. Perhaps with more women in charge things will change.
Ironically, most of these innovative ideas came from America. Interesting and entertaining, a fun look at what America can learn from the world.
Released 10th June
Director: Ciro Guerro. Jan Bijvoet, Brionne Davis, Nilbio Torres, Antonio Bolivar, Yauenku Miguee. Drama. Spanish, Portuguese, German, Catalan, Latin with English subtitles. Columbia, Venezuela, Argentina 2015 125 mins. (12A) ****
Original, unique and mesmerising and filmed in 7 weeks in the jungles of Vaupes with stunning black-and-white images, Ciro Guerra's third feature 'Embrace of the Serpent,' explores the ravages of colonialism in South America.
Inspired by the real life journals of the German explorer Theodor Koch-Gruenberg and the American botanist and psychedelic researcher, Richard Evan Schultes, Karamakate (Nilbio Torres), a mystical Cahimano shaman and the last survivor of his tribe leads two scientists through a disappearing world in search of the rare and sacred hallucinogenic Yakruna healing plant. Theirs is a journey through the Amazonian jungle, a vanished civilisation, no longer a land of memories and knowledge.
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In 1909 a seriously ill Theodor von Martins (Jan Bijvoet) and his local guide Manduca (Miguel Dionisio Ramos) meet Karamakate (Nilbio Torres) who agrees to lead them to the Yakruna plant which attaches itself to rubber trees. In a heart of darkness journey, the bloody and obscene scourge of imperial colonialism sees rubber barons profit above all else and fanatical western religious indoctrination eat into and destroy an indigenous culture at one with the environment.
40 years later Karamakate (Antonio Bolivar), the last survivor of his tribe, a man for whom the customs of his people are no longer a memory, retraces the search for the Yakruna plant with Richard Evan (Brionne Davis), an American botanist, whom he considers to be the same man and spirit as Theodor, the previous explorer revisiting over again.
Original, poetic, mesmeric and visually hypnotic 'Embrace of the Serpent screened in Directors' Fortnight at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and won the CIACE Art Cinema Award. Destroy the past, erase knowledge, forbid the use of 'pagan language.' What does civilised mean?
Released 10th June
Hello fellow toddlers of the world! It's your favourite travel blogger here to tell you about my recent trip to France.
My parents took my brother and me on a road trip to the Loire Valley for the half-term break. Long car rides can be boring, so I invented a game called, "Sing as loudly as you can until your brother starts crying" to amuse myself. Any song will do, but for the sake of irony, I recommend "Happy" by Pharrell. I played this game all the way from Calais to Chartres (pronounced: /shart/ as in what I did in my pants every time we had to wait in a long queue.)
The Loire Valley is known for its castles, so my mum paid 80 Euros in admission tickets to visit them. She said they were historical treasures. I don't know about all that, but I do know this pole outside of Chateau de Chambord was pretty freaking cool.
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Just a heads up if you ever go to Chateau de Chambord: prams are not allowed inside, so your mum may ask you to walk. My suggestion is to complain about being tired until she carries you up the twelve flights of stairs, but be sure to escape from her arms whenever you enter a room with antique ceramics on display because Louis the 14th would have wanted you to touch his plates.
Adults have a mysterious affinity for eating dinner in European town squares. Something about the quaint, picturesque buildings makes grown-ups want to sit on open patios with drinks and bread. But who has time for restaurants when European town squares also have fountains in which you are supposed to run?
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We spent our nights tent camping in the rain because my dad likes to tread dangerously close to divorce territory with his half-baked ideas. Tents are basically personal bounce castles. The point is to throw one's body around from wall to wall like a demon-possessed kangaroo auditioning for Australia's Olympic rhythmic gymnastics team. Only a thin veil of flimsy fabric separated me from my parents each night-they knew it, and I knew it-so I used this lack of bedtime enforcement to perfect my backflip whilst using the window cord as an apparatus ribbon. My Olympic dream seemed as close as my brother's head when I did a split leap over his pillow.
The other thing about camping is everyone wees in the bushes after dark. It is an unspoken rule, which requires discretion. Since rich French food didn't agree with mum's tummy, she tried to have a sneaky, quiet pee behind the tent but instead woke up the entire campsite when relaxing her bladder only to release a jailbreak of screaming farts into the silent sky. The next morning she avoided eye contact with other holiday makers. Don't worry, I made up for her lack of social skills by introducing myself as "butt crack" to everyone we saw.
We're home now and mum has put the tent up for sale on eBay. I guess that means we won't be going on holiday again any time soon.
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These days globalisation is largely treated as a dirty word. But arguments about Britain's role in the EU aside, what does a British company's role in the international market place actually mean and look like?
Well recently I got a good look at what it can look like. We hosted ambassadors and representatives from countries all around the world, members of the House of Lords and House of Commons, major trade associations, and David Lidington the Minister of State for Europe to an event in Parliament. The event was designed to showcase the international membership of our company and our global outlook.
At a time when the UK is debating whether or not to remain in the European Union, much of the discussion focusses on whether that would make Britain a more 'inward looking' place. If leaving is what the British people decide they want to do, I hope it remains the outward looking nation that attracted myself and my colleague Atif Kamran to start LEO here, I'm sure it will.
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The very reason Atif and I founded LEO in Britain was because of its internationalist brand. Given we do much of our work in Asia and Eastern Europe, the instant recognition and credibility conferred by the Union Jack and United Kingdom is vital to our business model.
We reached out across borders and invited dignitaries from over 20 embassies, as well as corresponding representatives for our company, to discuss and share ideas about British business abroad. As you can imagine the EU Referendum did colour much of the discussion, but it didn't bog us down, we were there to talk about how businesses work together over and above international trade agreements and national government structures.
Our business is about connecting SMEs at an international level, and it speaks volumes that ambassadors and Ministers were so keen to come along and discuss how this works in practice. Only four years ago LEO was a small Oxfordshire-based business; now it has tens of millions in turnover, with offices in Hong Kong, Slovenia and the Philippines - a fact not lost on the Europe Minister.
At the heart of our message to Ministers was the point that the technologies that businesses are increasingly using make much of the debates around trade deals and bilateral agreements seem outmoded and archaic. Our members were able to tell MPs, Peers and ambassadors about the latest financial technology our people use, including digital currencies like our own LEOcoin, and crowdfunding through platforms like our own LEOcrowd. Technologies that are designed to deliberately 'side step' governments, regulators, trade tariffs, and instead connect people directly. In that context, governments are probably better off just getting out the way.
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British soldiers who died freeing Europe, Bayeux War Cemetery, Normandy
Britain's most popular event for the centenary of the First World War in 2014, the planting of 888,246 ceramic poppies in the moat of the Tower of London, one for every British and Colonial military fatality, was a depressingly insular way of marking it.
After all that has been learned about the futile slaughter of that war, which left the shattered bones of men from so many countries jumbled together in the soil, why remember it by counting only your own dead?
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That was the mindset of Brexiteers who perplexingly see Britain's fate as divorced from Europe's, and who are dismissing warnings about the importance of the EU for peace as scaremongering.
Voting leave on June 23 would betray those 888,246 soldiers and the almost 400,000 who died in the Second World War fighting to liberate Europe.
Twenty miles of sea hasn't shielded Britain from conflagrations in the past. Why should it in the future?
The guns won't start blazing on June 24 if the likes of Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson end up dictating Britain's fate. But Europe will have become a less stable place overnight.
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It's obvious that other nations will want to follow suit. Germany will lose a counterweight and become even more dominant. They don't want to, but with the French economy so chronically weak, they inevitably will.
And this will all come at a time when nationalism is on the rise again across Europe. France might get a far-right president next spring, Austria missed having one by less than 31,000 votes last month, and asylum-seekers' hostels are being torched in Germany every week.
The Brexiteers argue that leaving will save hundreds of millions of pounds a week and protect Britain from the problems plaguing Europe such as the migrant influx and the euro debt crisis. But it will only end up weakening both Britain and the EU. Divisions and friction will grow in Europe and to deter copycats, the sullen 27-nation bloc on Britain's doorstep will do all it can to make life harder for the UK.
The jingoist mantra of the Brexit-backers is sickening. 'We're the greatest country on earth, we can renegotiate better terms.' Every country is a work in progress and Britain is no different with a lingering class divide and a political system that is badly in need of reform.
The downside for Britain is obvious - lost jobs, lost investment, a loss of power, a loss of workers' rights and those turds that followed swimmers around British shores in the 1970s, banished after the EU forced us to clean up to our act, might make a reappearance.
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I agree with Chancellor Angela Merkel that Britain earned itself a special role for standing up to Hitler and putting its survival at stake. It already has that special status, with opt-outs from welfare rights for migrant workers, from political union, from the EU's charter of fundamental rights, from EU policies on security and justice, from the Schengen agreement removing border controls, not to mention the euro. Britain has its cake and is eating it.
So what logical reason can there be to split off from one of the world's great economic blocs, to deny oneself a seat at the table?
The answer is that logic doesn't come into it. Populists like Farage and Johnson are appealing to people's gut instincts, to fear of immigrants and xenophobia, to a deep-seated desire to stick it to the Eurocrats.
Those who reduce the European Union to an export market or to a cabal of self-serving bureaucrats are forgetting their own history.
Oriented is a new film by Jake Witzenfeld which had its first London screening on June 3rd as part of Pride in London 2016. The screening was organized by Aritha Wickramasinghe, a lawyer at K&L Gates, formerly one of the organizers of the Clifford Chance Pride exhibitions (which I curate). The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring one of the film's stars Khader Abu Seif, along with the director, and film producer Hanan Kattan.
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The film is a fly on the wall documentary of three ordinary young gay men who live in the extra-ordinary world that is the bifurcated society of Tel-Aviv. Khader, Fadi Daeem and Naeem Jiryes are Palestinians living in Israel and often make love across the religious fault line. Fadi is the most outspoken Palestinian nationalist and is conflicted by his desire for a Jewish soldier (who we do not see). Their relationship causes him as much pain as pleasure, and one of their women friends tells him to enjoy life - that it is not an ideology, neither is the film, much to its credit. Witzenfeld, the director, is a straight white Jewish man and it is amazing the trust he has with these men whose lives are constantly at risk, from within their community and the falling bombs.
In one scene Khader and his Jewish boyfriend cower on the floor as bombs go off around them as they try to comfort their dog (a Dalmatian called Otis) who whines and cries in fear. The attack takes place during the 2014 Israel/Gaza conflict and is a horrible scene to watch. It is made all the more bizarre by its modernity - Khader is seen texting away on his phone as the room shakes. The whole of the movie could be one long selfie were it not for the stern editing of Witzenfeld who keeps these three life stories moving along at the pace of a blockbuster. Khader is from a 'prominent Muslim mafia family' and he breaks down crying when his friend Fadi is shown love and acceptance on screen by his (Fadi's) father. Khader longs for such acceptance but knows he will not get it nor would his family take to David his Jewish lover who is a promoter of LGBT clubs and events.
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Khader and Fadi are both out to their families while their friend Naeem is not. Over the months he finds an inner strength to tell his parents - by letter. We do not see them read it nor do we see Naeem with his family again. They obviously are not pleased, but we do hear they are at least not gunning for him, a real possibility in many places where homosexuality is seen as a sin against religion. On April 25 of this year two LGBT rights activists were murdered in Bangladesh, and a gay youth was stoned to death in Jamaica last March, and then there are the mad men called ISIS.
Many in the West are unaware of the problems for LGBT youth outside of the EU. America is still a hot bed of religious hatred for LGBT people and recent discriminatory laws have been passed under the guise of religious freedom. But even in the UK it is still difficult to be the only gay in the village or at least to feel that way if you are not brought up in London or another large metropolitan area. Even within the M25 if your parents are very religious and you live in a religious community, it might be very hard for you to come out to your family. Oriented shows the tensions between wanting to be true to yourself, and to also stay within the love of such a religious family.
These three best friends are not passive about their situation and form Qambuta a cultural resistance group that makes videos for Youtube about their situation. You can see these videos now but will have to wait until June 21 for the ITUNES launch. Oriented is another film with a small budget that tackles big questions and is not afraid to wear its heart on its sleeve. I found all three of the men to be fascinating and living rich, if not fully free lives, but then who amongst us can say more of our own?
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Immigration, immigration, immigration. That's what we hear; that's one of the main battlegrounds of the upcoming EU referendum. It's everywhere: "They're stealing our jobs! They're pilfering our benefits! They're destroying our national identity." Damn those immigrants. Nothing but trouble.
It's true, there is little denying how the 1992 Maastricht Treaty opened European boarders to free movement of people, sparking a growth in European immigrants coming into the UK. Of this there is no doubt. Certainly, as the son of a Romanian growing up in London, I rarely heard my mother's home language being spoken on the street. Now, as a parent taking my son to nursery in Turnpike Lane, with the wind in the right direction, I can pretty much make the whole journey hearing only Romanian. It is undeniable. Things are changing.
And let's not pretend there are no issues arising from such changes; it would be imprudent to do so. We can call on Joanne Harris's Chocolat Effect to recognise that when others come into a community with their new ways, they can begin to change the fabric of that society. And today, with other nationalities bringing their own cultures, languages and ways of doing things, there will undoubtedly be changes we see on the streets of our villages, towns and cities. And it does become a numbers game; the more immigrants that come, the more things can change; the more our perceived 'British values' will slowly transform in front of our very eyes - whether they be queuing habits, driving habits, social conduct habits; whether it be language barriers in the classroom, at the doctor's surgery, or in the supermarket. New norms of behaviour will have to be negotiated and new foods will appear on our high streets. Certainly things will change, if they haven't already; the introduction of 'polski sklep' into our vocabulary is evidence enough of that. It becomes less "when in Rome" and more "if you can't beat 'em..."
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The question, however, really, is how much any of this is a problem? Or to put it another way, what aspects of our society are we really trying to preserve?
After all, according to the latest figures from the Council of Europe, England and Wales have the highest prison population in Europe, matching squarely with the UK having some of the highest rates of car thefts, violent assaults, robberies and dog attacks in Western Europe. This surely shouldn't be preserved. Moreover, in terms of education, according to the PISA report 2016, the UK has literacy rates behind Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine and Hungry. And the most struggling group is the ethnic group described as white British. Again, something we really should seek to change. And in terms of health, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of The United Nations, Britain tops the list of most obese nations in the European Union. In short, the UK has many issues within its own culture that we should not be proud of - and for which the small proportion of immigrants coming into the country cannot possibly be blamed. Many of our problems are home-grown; they come from within. They are not coming in.
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So let's be honest about this: the real issue is not immigration. It might be a sideshow, but it certainly is not the main event. Immigration is not the root of all the ills in our society today. The real issue is that we, as a nation, seem to be refusing to face up to the fact that our own citizens are far more responsible for the erosion of what is good and great about Britain. And there is plenty that remains good and great about Britain; it is stable, it is wealthy, it has a history of freedom and democracy, and it is peaceful and tolerant. And we should be proud that people want to come and live here. And sad, perhaps even embarrassed, that those who already do, those who were born here, don't appreciate what we already have and how lucky we actually are.
As conflict rips apart the Arab region, women are often left paying the highest price: targeted by ISIS in Iraq, starved in Syria, assassinated in Libya, bereaved in Palestine and given as child brides in Yemen.
In parts of Syria and Iraq, women are sold into sexual slavery and are subjected to some of the worst forms of sexual violence including rape and forced marriage. In refugee communities, young girls are married off at a rapidly growing rate. The threat of trafficking is evident; more girls are missing years of education; and more women are losing their lives during childbirth due to inadequate healthcare.
It is simple common sense that those who suffer the most should have a say when the time comes for recovery. Yet despite a series of UN Security Council resolutions, women are still severely underrepresented in peacebuilding and rebuilding efforts. This is not merely a tragedy for women - it is a loss to the world, since mounting evidence suggests that peace negotiations involving women are more likely to succeed.
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Solutions begin and end with women. Everywhere in the Arab World women are the main caregivers; the first shield against radicalisation. As politicians and negotiators, we have seen them prove, time and time again, that they are more likely to compromise and reconcile in order to achieve peace.
Last year, Libyan women politicians and civil society activists from opposing factions and groups met in Geneva. For three days, I watched as they fought, exchanged accusations and disagreed about almost everything. By the fourth day, they had come up with a unified peace agenda and came out to present it in unity in a press conference at a time when it was almost impossible to get the male representatives of their groups in the same room.
Yemeni and Syrian women have demonstrated the same impressive ability of compromising for peace at similar conferences. Everywhere in the region, I see those women taking significant personal risks to reach out and build bridges when all other links are broken. Furthermore, according to a global study on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325, women's participation increases the probability of peace agreements lasting at least two years by 20 per cent; 15 years by 35 per cent[1].
The women of our region are more than a simple afterthought and they are definitely not the meek victims you see splayed over newspaper pages and TV screens; they are change agents. Talking about women's active participation and boosting their decision-making powers in conflict-ridden countries and at negotiation tables is not secondary, nor is it disconnected from reality. The reality is that investing in women is the right investment to make. At a time when other groups are choosing to target women as the catalysts for social change to radicalize the region, it is simply nonsensical not to do the same to stabilize it.
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Women are here to drive change and literally raise communities. They are here as breadwinners, workers and business pioneers. They are here as leaders of civil society, political parties and peace movements. They are here and they have a right to be heard; they have a right to lead the way.
Consent is everything. It really is that simple.
It's pretty ridiculous that here and now, a considerable way through 2016, we are still telling people not to have sex with anyone else against their will. It truly is baffling to read, see and hear what modern society's concept of rape really is.
If you aren't already familiar; on June 2nd Brock Turner, an American teen, was sentenced to six months in county jail for the sexual assault of an unconscious woman on Stanford University campus 17 months prior. Yes, she was unconscious. She wrote a powerful letter to Brock, detailing her feelings about the case and essentially, underlining how, because of his selfish actions, her life will likely never be the same again. And yet he is serving just half a year as it was thought a longer sentence would have had a 'severe impact on him'. Prosecutors had asked for Turner to be sentenced to six years in a state prison. The maximum for the three felony charges - assault with intent to commit rape of an intoxicated woman, sexually penetrating an intoxicated person with a foreign object, and sexually penetrating an unconscious person with a foreign object - was 14 years. Again, he is serving just six months in county jail. It is thought that Turner will appeal his conviction.
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His defence lawyers argued that his victim, now 23, was so intoxicated from alcohol that she wasn't to know whether he did or did not assault her. They argued that, as she can only remember events prior to and following the incident, there is no concrete evidence suggesting he did indeed attack her. I mean, other than the two teenage boys on bikes who caught Turner in the act, obviously. It is important that people everywhere know that, even despite the message this case brings, the right thing to do after witnessing or suffering a sexual assault, is to speak up.
Enough is enough. It is time we ended rape culture, once and for all. Rape cultures demonstrates the ways in which society blames victims of sexual assault and normalizes male sexual violence. It is frequently preached about via social media and when a case like this one comes to light, the amount of support from strangers is astonishing- yet we are still teaching our children not to be raped, instead of teaching them not to rape. Brock Turner's father claims his son's life is going to be ruined over "20 minutes of action". This is not a typo. This is a direct quote. It was argued whether or not prison was the appropriate consequence for his son, who he reported was "totally committed to educating other college age students about the dangers of alcohol consumption and sexual promiscuity". Yeah, so totally committed that he took advantage of an unconscious woman against her will.
Brock Turner's childhood friend also spoke up, claiming it wasn't fair to base the next decade of his life on the decision of a girl who remembers little other than the amount she had to drink. She argued 'political correctness', and remarked that "rape on campuses isn't always because people are rapists. This is completely different from a woman getting kidnapped and raped as she is walking to her car in a parking lot. That is a rapist. These are not rapists. These are idiot boys and girls having too much to drink and not being aware of their surroundings and having clouded judgement".
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Brock Turner was caught in the act. He was found behind a dumpster, physically abusing a half naked, unconscious woman. Police and medical staff made notes of the dirt, cuts, bruises and vaginal abrasions that were discovered covering the body of the woman. These are not idiot boys and girls. This is a victim and a rapist.
Let's get this straight. Rape is rape. Non consensual sex, under any circumstances, is not acceptable. Consent is the word 'yes'. It is verbal willingness. Anything else - silence, physical or verbal refusal, unconsciousness, anything. If your partner initially decides to engage in sexual activity, and then changes their mind, that is not consent. If there is any doubt in your mind that the human you are about to be intimate with might not reciprocate your feelings, you should not even question whether you should proceed. Brock Turner's friend's letter is the perfectly illustratration of the blatant problems society has with the way consent is spoken about and described, and the insidious influence of rape culture.
"Men destroy women's lives, as individuals and collectively, every time they perpetrate these kinds of attacks. And then they try to protect one another: 'He was a good guy,' 'He deserves compassion.' But at what point does compassion extend towards women who live in fear and trauma due to men like Brock who are, truly, everywhere? Who are everywhere because they are raised by and surrounded by men who consider sexual assault to constitute '20 minutes of action?' This is literally what rape culture is: the idea that sex is something for men, that men get from women, at any cost. Rape is sex, under patriarchy. And men's desire is always excusable, always acceptable, always a bigger priority than women's safety, well-being, and dignity."- Meghan Murphy
I stand with all victims of assault, regardless of the outcome their abusers did or did not face.
President Obama issued a video endorsement of Hillary Clinton; Joe Biden's video will presumably be up as soon as the vice president works out the kinks in his fog and laser machines. Bernie Sanders effectively ended his campaign as he began it: looking disheveled in Washington with no one really caring about his agenda. And a New York Times study finds there are more white voters than previously expected, which is a little superfluous for Donald Trump, as he already has his African-American. This is HUFFPOST HILL for Thursday, June 9th, 2016:
@RyanLizza: NEWS: GOP Senator Susan Collins tells me she is leaving open the possibility of supporting Hillary Clinton over Trump.
OBAMA ENDORSES HILLARY - [extremely bernie bro voice] yeah but hillary does well with african-americans [/extremely bernie bro voice]. Marina Fang and Paige Lavender: "President Barack Obama has endorsed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, signaling he will fight to ensure that she succeeds him in the White House. Obama made his endorsement via a video released Thursday'I dont think theres ever been someone so qualified to hold this office, he said, adding, 'I want those of you whove been with me from the beginning of this incredible journey to be the first to know that Im with her.' Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) met with Obama at the White House earlier in the day, and said afterward during a press conference that he would work to ensure presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump does not make it to the White House. Sanders did not endorse Clinton or say that he would withdraw from the race." [HuffPost]
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@frankthorp: MSNBC CONFIRMS: @SenWarren will endorse @HillaryClinton on @maddow TONIGHT in an exclusive interview. #NBC2016
SANDERS APPEAR TO ACCEPT INEVITABLE - During a meeting on the Hill with Harry Reid, Sanders was asked about President Obama's endorsement of Clinton, to which Sanders replied by hanging his head and saying nothing. It was a little upsetting. Daniel Marans: "Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said Thursday that he is committed to preventing Donald Trump from winning the presidency and plans to meet with presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton to discuss his role in the general election effort. Delivering brief remarks to the press after meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House, Sanders suggested he is ready to cooperate with the Democratic Party in a general election in which he is not the partys nominee, even as he declined to formally concede the race to Clinton. Sanders said he had called Clinton on Tuesday night to congratulate her on her election wins...Sanders declined to take questions after giving his short remarks. He then visited Capitol Hill, where he met with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)." [HuffPost]
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THERE ARE MORE WHITE PEOPLE THAN YOU THINK - Nate Cohn: "[A] growing body of evidence suggests that there is still a path, albeit a narrow one, for Mr. Trump to win without gains among nonwhite voters. New analysis by The Upshot shows that millions more white, older working-class voters went to the polls in 2012 than was found by exit polls on Election Day. This raises the prospect that Mr. Trump has a larger pool of potential voters than generally believed. The wider path may help explain why Mr. Trump is competitive in early general election surveys against Hillary Clinton. And it calls into question the prevailing demographic explanation of recent elections, which held that Barack Obama did very poorly among whites and won only because young and minority voters turned out in record numbers. This story line led Republicans to conclude that they had maximized their support from white voters and needed to reach out to Hispanics to win in 2016." [NYT]
DONALD TRUMP HAS WOMEN SUPPORTERS . . . REALLY - Daniel Lippman and Ben Schreckinger: "And at the far end of the spectrum of Trump support, there are the campaign volunteers and organizers who have been avid fans for decades and care little about the tycoons public statements about women. 'Hes a sharp-dressed man; hes successful; hes handsome,' said 41-year-old Tania Vojvodic, founder of Team Trump 2016, a grass-roots volunteer network that has coordinated with the campaign on phone-banking and door-knocking efforts around the country. In her teenage years in southeast Texas, Vojvodic hung a poster of the builder and pageant owner on a bedroom wall. 'He was the prime idea in front of us, in the limelight that young girls saw and said, Thats the kind of man I want to marry.' She came to view the businessman as 'a distant father figure' and role model, and decided that she should become 'Trump, in a womans body.' 'I love Mr. Trump,' she said. 'I love him deeply.'" [Politico]
HOW PAUL RYAN STOPPED BELIEVING IN THINGS - Matt Fuller: "Supporter-of-the-guy-who-says-racist-things is not a fantastic look for Ryan, whos presented himself as the serious, policy-driven adult in the GOP. But in conversations with members, aides and people close to Ryan, the speakers confidants insist hes played the Trump endorsement as best he could future of our republic be damned. Its important to understand that Trump was clearly not Ryans first choice, according to these sources. That point was probably clear enough when, after months of saying hed support the GOP nominee, Ryan went on CNN and said he wasnt ready to endorse Trump 'at this point.' According to those sources close to Ryan, a big part of the endorsement was the effect that the speaker not endorsing would have on Republicans down-the-ballot." [HuffPost]
SUPREME COURT DEALS BLOW TO PUERTO RICO - Cristian Farias: "In a case that is widely seen as critical for the political fate of 3.5 million Puerto Ricans, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday avoided grand pronouncements about Puerto Ricos constitutional status, but made it clear that the commonwealth ultimately answers to the U.S. Congress. The case, Puerto Rico v. Sanchez-Valle, has at once nothing and everything to do with politics. But Puerto Ricans both on the island and in the U.S. were watching it closely for clues as to what it might spell for the commonwealths status which is in flux more than ever, as a result of local instability and crippling debt. With a resounding voice, the Supreme Court ruled 6-2 that 'the oldest roots of Puerto Ricos power... lie in federal soil.' Which is an elegant way of saying that Puerto Rico is not a fully autonomous, self-governing body, but rather an amorphous no-mans-land largely dependent on the United States." [HuffPost]
DAVID VITTER NOT GOING OUT WITHOUT BEING A TOTAL PAIN - Jim Bunning would be proud. Katie Bo Williams: "A group of Democratic senators is pressing leadership to move forward with a confirmation vote on Acting Director Beth Cobert of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), despite a hold placed on her nomination to the permanent position by Sen. David Vitter (R-La.). 'It is unfortunate that one member of the Senate has continued to hold Ms. Coberts nomination for ideological reasons completely unrelated to her qualifications and performance,' four Senate Democrats wrote in a Thursday letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)... Vitter, who put a hold on her nomination in February, has said he will continue to block Coberts confirmation until he receives a response to a request for information sent that month. The Louisiana Republican is frustrated with an agency rule that allows members of Congress and Capitol Hill employees to purchase health coverage as a small business through an Affordable Care Act exchange the so-called Obamacare exemption." [The Hill]
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BECAUSE YOU'VE READ THIS FAR - Here's a tiptoeing pitbull.
TRUMP NEEDS SOMEBODY (ELSE) TO LOVE - Gil Kaufman: "After sweeping Tuesday's Republican primaries, Donald Trump was feeling pretty triumphant, so he blasted Queen's 1977 anthem 'We Are the Champions' when he walked onstage for a victory speech. The legendary English band's guitarist Brian May wasn't having it, though, issuing a strongly worded letter saying permission to use the song was 'neither sought nor given.' In a note posted on his personal website, May wrote, 'Ive had an avalanche of complaints some of which you can see in our LETTERS page about Donald Trump using our 'We Are The Champions' track as his 'theme' song on USA TV," May wrote on Wednesday." [Billboard]
COMFORT FOOD
- A great send up of TED Talks.
- How modern TV shows are made.
- Scrutinizing a scene from "Gone Girl" from the perspective of a speechwriter.
TWITTERAMA
@DavidCornDC: Ran into Karl Rove.
Me: "Got any white knights?"
Rove: "In northern Europe."
@aedwardslevy: I have no set-up for this joke, but the phrase "Bern's Chili Bowl" just sprang into my mind and now I want it to happen
@mivser: Can I stay for lunch?"
Bernie, cmon man. I got other stuff to do today
Ok, ok. I like the feel of the office. Just one more coffee?"
Who are you and why did you contact me?
I've been following your blog on Huffington Post since I joined the NYCTF. Your experienced, learned take on the mess of education in New York has been shared amongst many of the Fellows as we struggle to make sense of this place. I thought I was going into this program with a practical mindset: no, I'm not some savior who will drop in for two years, change children's lives merely by being in their presence, and then return to the private sector with a nice set of bullet-points on my resume. I'm in it for the long haul. I couldn't have prepared for how quickly the harsh realities set in.
Since I had a college degree, a clean criminal record, and was willing to teach Special Education, I was snapped up into the "elite" NYCTF program. Much of the recent cohorts of this elite corps have yet to pass all the required certification tests. Even with the safety nets around the tests and sharing test information, many of my fellow Fellows are unable to demonstrate proficiency in high school-level math and English, subjects that they have been hired to teach.
What did you expect to find?
I knew this would be hard work, but I thought the hard work would be teaching. I rarely teach. Early on I was told that I am not to co-teach with my co-teacher. They will do the real teaching, which means giving students worksheets they found on a Google search, worksheets that often contain factual errors. I am to take students with disabilities out of the main classroom and into an empty laboratory for "small-group instruction," even though the students are supposed to be in an integrated co-teaching environment. I expected to find a way to make a positive difference. So far I haven't.
Are students in your school provided with appropriate special education services?
No. We have a few kids receiving Special Education services they don't need. The school won't declassify them because they receive funds for these students without having to provide extra services. All IEPs must be written to show the services the student is already receiving, not the services they actually need. There are not enough staff to meet student needs. I attend IEP [Individualized Education Program, the document that certifies students for Special Education services and explains what the student's needs are] meetings. One student needs 15:1 services [a classroom where there are no more than 15 students, all of whom have IEPs]. The school will not provide these services, and I will be threatened and harassed if I say that the student needs them. I am there to fabricate IEPs and make the school look like it's in compliance. Instead of advancing social justice, I'm part of violating the rights of underserved children.
What is your experience with reporting what you've seen?
I was speaking with another teacher about the superintendent's upcoming visit. I asked about students set up on computer-only classes (it's cheaper than hiring enough teachers). I suggested that we should tell the superintendent what's going on, as it's illegal. "She knows," the other teacher said. "She doesn't care." The union has done nothing. They just send emails saying all the great things they're doing for their members. They are no help if you're not tenured. You can be fired at any time without tenure.
Do other Teaching Fellows have similar experiences?
We talk about the usual things: teaching to the test, unreasonable working hours and conditions, students who are so sadly used to low expectations that they are angered when you demand more from them, and openly corrupt administration. There are the older teachers who resent Fellows and think it's their job to harass us until we quit. Then there's looking inward and the growing recognition of the hubris of the Fellows and how we're being used as cannon-fodder to break down the union. They use us to plug up staffing leaks, knowing that most of us won't last 5 years. There are always new bodies to add. No tenure, no recourse against illegal activity.
What has been the impact on the Fellows?
A lot of us seem to have dropped our expectations to certain points: first, maybe this won't be our entire career. Then, maybe 5 years. 4. 3. The end of the program. The end of the year. The end of today. We're still so idealistic and want this to work, in spite of everything.
What does the future look like?
I want to teach. Oh, man, how much do I want to teach. Even if I transfer to a less-awful school, how much teaching will I actually do? According to an NPR report, I might expect to spend about 27% of my time actually teaching and another 27% in preparation for teaching. The majority of the rest of the time would likely be spent making IEPs that say things like an alternative-assessment ID kid [someone so intellectually disabled that they are exempt from taking the Regents exams] should be in ICT classes because that's where the money is and the school won't offer 15:1 services no matter how many kids need it. The only thing I'm teaching my students that will stick with most of them on some level is that I'm yet another figure in a system designed to prevent critical thinking in "certain populations."
Photos copyright AnnaWilding.net 2016
It's a welcome respite from Trump headlines. A gleeful President welcoming the Denver Broncos to the White House. The Denver Broncos, including Peyton Manning who was ideally positioned just behind Obama and thus appeared in most photographs, spent a day there with many team members meeting Wounded Warrior Vets.
Linebacker Von Miller couldn't wait to start posing for selfies and photos with the admiring jocular press. There is no doubt Miller's Christian Louboutin sneakers were enjoying being proudly displayed on his feet.
Von made a point of thanking me for having asked where his shoes were from. The sneakers were hard not to notice at the end of his tall, lanky, fit-as-a-fiddle six-foot-three-inch frame.
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This is probably the lightest correspondence from me, from the White House, this and the time Star Wars Troopers and R2D2 came to visit... but seriously, I have been away for three to four weeks and not much has changed.
Congress still hasn't confirmed Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, Congress is still underfunding Zika by several million according to the White House and CDC, and the Press Secretary is still lamenting Congress's complete failure to act in many areas.
Trump still continues to attempts to steal the headlines with some of the most inane comments ever.
One of the most competitive places on the planet is Silicon Valley. Almost every startup in the world fantasizes about turning their dreams into reality in this startup playground of opportunity. If you have been immersed in the startup world - it's probably no surprise to you that Scandinavia, Sweden in particular, is pumping out successful companies left and right.
After my recent trip to Silicon Valley and hours spent going between different startup events in Scandinavia, there were three companies in particular that really caught my eye:
Gobi: While Sweden garners quite a bit of attention for their startup achievements, that doesn't mean you should put their neighbor Norway on the backburner. Recently Gobi, one of Norway's hottest startup's took the leap to Silicon Valley battle ready to play hardball with Snapchat. If you're a Snapchat user, this particular startup will be right up your alley.
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Gobi is a mobile app similar to Snapchat that allows you to snap in groups, a functionality that has yet to exist within Snapchat. Users can easily upload spontaneous content such as photos and videos to share with groups they create or join. Like Snapchat, users can decide the duration of their content's availability, choose whom they wish to share it with and add cool features such as stickers and filters.
The app was developed by five students from the Norwegian Institute of Science & Technology after they created a Snapchat bot to enable group chat for their university which was repeatedly shut down by Snapchat after it reached 4,000 users in one day.
"What started out as something fun for our friends at the university turned into an app with users from around the world, and suddenly attracted the interest from big investors. We never planned for this, but as soon as we understood what was happening we dropped everything we had in our hands and moved to Silicon Valley" said Gobi CEO/Co-Founder Kristoffer Lande.
Gobi is backed by big names such as the world's third youngest billionare, Norwegian native Gustav Magnar Witz and Olympian gold medalist Petter Northug. Snapchat better have its game face ready, looks like Gobi is ready to conquer.
CELLINK: The world of 3D bioprinting is booming which calls for immense opportunity for those who come up with ways to enhance this industry. As I stumbled upon CELLINK, the first bioink company in the world for printing human organs and tissue, I knew I had come across a gem.
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"I started CELLINK because there were 3D bioprinter companies popping up everywhere selling bioprinters but no one was selling the ink. I saw there was a significantly unmet need on the market for standardized bioinks for printing of human organs and tissue" said CELLINK CEO/Co-Founder Erik Gatenholm.
CELLINK has the ability to be used on a vast range of 3D bioprinters. In just a short time span, CELLINK has won several awards in Scandinavia, the most recent being the winner of Nordic Startup Awards in Sweden. After capitalizing on their success in the Nordics, they knew it was time to establish themselves in no other than Silicon Valley. CELLINK's office in Palo Alto has opened several doors for new customers and has helped them make a name for themselves in the U.S. Market. Gatenholm believes although ordering and discussing the product can be done over the phone, proximity to their customers quickly became a top priority as they built their customer base in the US.
CELLINK also develops biomaterial solutions for researchers around the globe. Let's see what the world has in store for this exciting Swedish startup!
Lookback: Every app on the market wants to have the best user experience (UX) possible, but unless you have very specific feedback how are you supposed to know what to fix? Luckily, there is a tool on the market that may have just answered your prayers - Lookback.
Lookback is a UX research platform that helps you create better apps and websites. Two ex-Spotify engineers in Sweden teamed up in 2013 to develop a tool that allows you to collect and record user experiences without extra hardware solutions. Lookback has the ability to capture the screen, face, voice and all hand movements on the device. Once this data is collected it is automatically uploaded to your dashboard.
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When the majority of Lookback's users were US based, the next logical step for them was to move to Silicon Valley. "We knew we had to make the move, almost all of our users were in the bay area." said Lookback Chief Marketing Officer Mai-Li Hammargren. In 2015 the team relocated to the bay area and has since reaped the benefits.
At least since 1983 with the publication of A Nation at Risk, US education policy has been framed in response to the wrong crisis: International competition. It is time to assert what is needed for equitable democratic education.
American Education is in crisis. Shanghai is beating us. Singapore is beating us. South Korea is beating us. Even Estonia is beating us. Everyone is beating us. We are losing. Poor kids are losing a lot.
It's the civil rights issue of our time. We need higher standards, rewards and punishments, competition, and charter schools. Believe me.
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Donald Trump's words? No. This line of argument has been the bipartisan education crisis narrative for the last several decades. Listen to rationale and prescription has followed that crisis narrative.
The education crisis is the fault of teachers with low expectations who don't care and aren't so smart. It's the fault of complacent schools that won't change. Poverty is just an excuse. So, we need to disrupt the status quo and hold teachers' feet to the fire with test results. We need to take money from public schools to establish and fund separate schools with appointed instead of dysfunctional elected governing boards.
Wait what? I like my local school. That doesn't sound like my kid's teacher, but I guess it must be true of the other schools, and competition makes sense, right?
Crisis narratives have a well-worn and often tragic history as a strategy to gain public acquiescence to policies that would on their own terms find little acceptance. Some crises are manufactured, some are half-truths, while others arise independently and are then utilized to advance predetermined agendas.
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For example, the spread of Soviet control in Eastern Europe, the rise of Fidel Castro in Cuba and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, and the hyped threat of a Soviet attack on the United States drove decades of expensive and often wasteful build-up of the "military-industrial complex," as well as all variety of deadly and destabilizing US interventions around the world.
Similarly, the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center and the subsequent conjured threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction lent support to the disastrous efforts of Bush-era neoconservatives to project American power in the Middle East.
In each case, external threats were used to justify efforts to make profits for a few, increase surveillance of citizens, suppress dissent, exacerbate divisiveness, and distract citizens from unifying to promote equity.
Many people knew and reported that the Soviet and Iraqi threats were overblown. There was significant public resistance. But once the crisis narratives were established, the counter arguments failed to hold sway. In each case, resistance was strong, but insufficient to create significant policy changes, much less promote better alternatives.
Since Nikita Khrushchev and Saddam Hussein were, in fact, bad actors, the crisis narratives were hard to refute even when they were short on evidence. That ISIS is a real threat to human decency and peace today provides the grease for the slippery slide toward acceptance of authoritarianism and restrictions of fundamental rights.
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So, it is with education policy. There are real persistent problems in education. Today, failure narratives are the strategy-of-choice for groups who want to privatize education, undermine unions, disempower workers, and open profitable markets for educational technology, testing materials and publically funded, but privately managed charter schools that are unencumbered by government regulation. However, what is said is a smoke screen for what it intended.
"Let's open up schools as profit centers," "We don't trust communities to make democratic decisions about their schools," and "Let's get taxpayers to fund some charter schools for a few poor kids to get ahead," would have garnered little public support. Instead, the preferred narrative is that American public schools are failing (especially for the poor and students of color), as have past improvement efforts, so we must do something before it is too late. With the release of every new national and international assessment results, statistics are marshaled to support that argument. The unstated assumption is that our society has abandoned serious efforts to end poverty or segregation. Instead, the US has accepted the audacity of small hopes.
In response, critics of the privatization agenda have been justifiably quick to point out flaws, biases, and limitations in how data is often presented. That is a necessary lie-exposing response, but only one of the steps needed to promote equitable democratically-governed education.
As with the hyped Soviet and Iraqi threats, critics of the phony education crisis have also countered, with, "It's not as bad as they say." That line of argument always comes up short for two reasons. First, it permits those in power to frame the debate and put critics on defense. Second, there is a believable element in the narrative. Education in the US has, in fact persistently failed poor students.
Exposing lies provides the clarity and information that lay the foundation for action. The next step is resistance. Resistance is a strategy for protection, survival and to engage people in a unifying common struggle. Opting out of high-stakes over-testing, critiquing flawed standardized tests, fighting school closings and budget cuts, opposing pay for performance for teachers, opposing the disproportionate influence of wealthy donors on education policy, opposing charter school expansion, and resisting attacks on unions are all essential.
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However, a win for equity and democracy also requires a third step: Promote a new and different proactive agenda for education that resonates with the public more effectively than the current, "We are losing" narrative. (Donald Trump is only the extreme version of that continuum.)
There is no denying that education falls short. However, supporters of equity and democracy need to reframe what ails American education and offer unifying solutions that give people something new to fight for together.
1)The Fairness Crisis: The dominant and corrosive influences of race and class on achievement outcomes are escalating rather than receding, while inequity widens. Where people live determines how much funding their schools get. This is not fair.
The Solution: Free, high-quality, universal Pre-K through post-secondary education should be the new norm. That is what the country now needs for all citizens to be successful in life, work, and citizenship. Fairness dictates equitable funding by progressive income, capital gains, and corporate taxes, rather than inequitable local property taxes.
2)The Diversity Crisis: Integration has fallen off the national agenda. As a result, too few schools provide sufficient experiences for students to come to understand and embrace our common humanity and learn to work in diverse environments.
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The Solution: Learning in diverse, well-integrated schools and classrooms is vital for personal, social and workplace success. Government policies must promote neighborhood, school, and workplace integration.
3)The Learning Crisis: Too few students graduate with the confidence, broad knowledge, and critical thinking skills needed to participate fully in the critical issues of the time, thereby undermining democracy and social and economic justice. Learning has been narrowed by too much testing.
The Solution: Every child should be valued, known, and respected in a school where they learn not just a broad range of academic skills for college, career, and personal fulfillment, but also the empathy and social skills to be a responsible member of their community.
Funding programs that have the potential to mediate poverty and historic racial inequity are essential, as is promoting integrated schools. However, for too long both of those goals have been framed narrowly as helping "them." Since the larger inequities in the US have never been fully addressed, too many people have heard "helping them" and thought, "Not at my expense."
Exposing the lies and organized resistance are the essential steps to stop destructive policies. Winning policies that promote equity and democracy requires a next step: Frame new needs and new solutions that are explicitly multi-racial and unifying.
The crisis we face is in education is not about test scores. Rather, it is that we cannot achieve satisfactory results amidst the far broader crisis of growing inequality, eroding democracy, and escalating divisiveness.
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Widespread demands for an education system that is fair, diverse, and broad is one place to wage the struggle together.
Nude female twisting the skin on her abdomen wth her hands.
As a basic white nonbinary person -- someone who does not identify as a woman or a man, but basic nonetheless -- I notice all of these pumpkin spice lattes, and I can't help myself from thinking that the universe was out to Starbuck's when I came into existence. I've dubbed myself as nature's drunk thought of a biological female. I mean, seriously? I'm a gender nonconforming queer with endometriosis. Fuck you right back, Mother Nature.
Also, I'm a mind reader. So, I'll explain. Endometriosis is often a misunderstood and under diagnosed condition affecting the organs of the female reproductive system or pelvic region. It's often painful (read: debilitating). And of course, as a gynecological condition, it is highly gendered.
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"I'm a gender nonconforming queer with endometriosis. Fuck you right back, Mother Nature."
So, what happens if the person with endometriosis is not a cis-woman? After years of endless pain, tests, retests, invasive gynecological questions, narcotics, upsetting birth control effects (such as increases in bra size), and a "highly recommended" laparoscopy that left me with even more pain and discomfort, I'll tell you exactly what happens.
There is a population of trans and gender nonconforming (GNC) people who face endometriosis on a daily basis. Yet, our experiences with the condition go un-researched and undocumented every single day. Our erasure from the endometriosis community makes it damn near impossible to ask for proper medical treatment and support systems without constantly having to "come out," explain our gender identities, and justify our experiences with pelvic pain.
When I walk into a clinic called Downtown Women OB/GYN, I feel like a fraud, like I'm taking up too much space, or imposing myself on "authentic" womanhood. Still, I check that little box next to "female" with a displaced smile.
"When I walk into a clinic called Downtown Women OB/GYN, I feel like a fraud, like I'm taking up too much space, or imposing myself on 'authentic' womanhood."
During my diagnostic phase, I betrayed my gender identity out of fear. I was so afraid of being denied access to appropriate care or treatment. As a result, I ended up on a potent birth control that dramatically increased my bra size, and overall, left me with a body that's more disconnected than ever.
Recently, I was offered a hysterectomy because a doctor thought it would be an "easier solution to relieve pain." I don't want easy, and I'd like to maintain my fertility, thank you. Instead, let's consider a just solution that not only addresses pelvic pain, but alleviates social stigma for GNC individuals with endometriosis.
"I was offered a hysterectomy because a doctor thought it would be an 'easier solution to relieve pain.' I don't want easy, and I'd like to maintain my fertility, thank you. ."
It's problematic to attach gender to any disease (read: breast cancer, eating disorders, heart disease, etc.). Diseases aren't privy to the complexities of gender and race. It's our fault that we've subjugated medical conditions to the social constructions of oppression, power and control.
As a society, it's our responsibility to own up to our complicit behaviors. And yes, it's difficult to spark social change when this very debilitating condition affecting "women" is already marginalized. However, I want to believe that it's more difficult to let gender nonconforming people get further marginalized within this group, whether that marginalization is intentional or not. But by all means, you better get back to your pumpkin spice latte. I'd hate to keep you from that basic (read: something that everyone deserves access to) goodness.
ASHLEY R.T. YERGENS, from Faribault, Minnesota, debuted "Is this more ladylike?" at the Walker Art Center as a part of the 2014 Choreographers' Evening in November. Recently, Ashley showed "Crabs in a Bucket/Paige is not a Lesbian" at Dixon Place's 24th Annual HOT! Festival. Ashley's work is a byproduct of growing up on tater tots and WWE SmackDown, being queer in small town USA, and bonding with blue collars.
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Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. The National Cancer Institute has estimated that 1,685,210 people will be diagnosed with a form of cancer in 2016. With such shocking rates, most of us know or are someone who is affected by cancer. For this sad reason, some desperate scammers have taken up the tactic of pretending to be charitable organizations dedicated to putting an end to cancer.
Though there are many very good charitable organizations that use your donations to make a difference, these scammers are not a part of them. The Federal Trade Commission filed charges in 2015 against four cancer "charities" that had lied to donors. Instead of using donations to assist cancer patients, the heads of these "charities" bought themselves luxury vacations and paid family members' salaries.
The criminals were able to acquire nearly $200 million in donations thanks to aggressive telemarketing campaigns. It can be very difficult to identify a fake charity phone scam. Callers have fake identities and use spoofed caller ID to mask their phone number, and they don't only pretend to be calling on behalf of cancer charities. Other common forms of charity phone scams are fundraisers for local law enforcement and fire departments, as well as natural disaster relief funds.
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How to detect a charity phone scam
There are five ways in which you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of a charity phone scam:
1. Ask for more details
Ask the caller for more information such as their full name, the charity's address and how donated funds are allocated. Fake representatives may be unable to answer, get defensive or even hang up.
2. Verify the organization's legitimacy
Look up the organization online to verify both its existence and credentials. Legitimate local charities should be registered with your state, while national organizations can be verified through The Better Business Bureau Wise (BBB) Giving Alliance. If after researching a charity you'd like to make a donation you can call them back directly to do so.
3. Keep your information private
Never provide personal or financial information over the phone, particularly when asked for an up-front payment via wire transfer, pre-loaded debit card or similar. Most charities can now be donated to online via their website. It's better to donate in this way so that you have a receipt.
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4. Don't give in to emotions
If the caller is using guilt tactics and suggesting you donate a certain amount, just hang up. Legitimate charities won't do this and will be grateful for whatever amount you choose to donate.
5. Avoid unsolicited support
The best way to avoid a charity phone scam is to not give donations to unsolicited calls. Only make donations to charities that you've researched and contact them directly online or via phone if you'd like to make a donation.
How to report a suspected charity phone scam
The National Do Not Call List does not apply to phone calls from charities, so phone scammers take advantage of this. If you feel that you've been contacted by a charity phone scammer, report it immediately to the FTC.
new york march 28 donald...
Donald Trump has been called "the most pro-gay Republican nominee ever," but he hardly deserves that reputation.
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Not only would Trump radically reshape the judiciary, where many key LGBT issues are decided, but he has also vowed to sign anti-LGBT activists' top legislative priority, the misnamed First Amendment Defense Act, which would give legal approval to discrimination against LGBT people, and gave his blessing to Kentucky clerk Kim Davis' attempt to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
And that's not to mention the fact that his attacks on women, Latinos and immigrants are also attacks on many LGBT people.
Despite his "LGBT-friendly" reputation, Trump has cozied up to some of the country's most extreme Religious Right leaders.
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One of Trump's top advisers, Ben Carson, made waves during his unsuccessful presidential bid with his bizarre, ludicrous and offensive diatribes against gay rights.
Tomorrow, the business mogul is scheduled to speak at the Road to the Majority summit in Washington, D.C., an event sponsored by two anti-LGBT groups, the Faith and Freedom Coalition and Concerned Women for America.
The Faith and Freedom Coalition was founded by Ralph Reed, who got his start in politics when his mentor Pat Robertson recruited him to lead the Christian Coalition in the late 1980s. (Robertson, incidentally, is another anti-LGBT leader who has been courted by Trump.)
Reed started the FFC in 2009, a few years after he lost his own campaign to become the lieutenant governor of his native Georgia, in part thanks to reports that emerged during the election implicating him in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. It turned out that Reed had taken money from casino and lottery interests, including those with ties to Abramoff, to help his consulting firm's conservative Christian clients wage anti-gambling campaigns that just so happened to block the funders' potential competitors from entering the market.
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Despite the scandal, Reed eventually found a way to return to his old passion of opposing LGBT equality, demanding that the government withdraw an arts grant for repairing the Washington National Cathedral because the Episcopal Church performs weddings for same-sex couples and attacking the Employment Non-Discrimination Act as "a dagger aimed at the heart of religious freedom."
Concerned Women for America, for its part, is so hostile to LGBT rights that it even opposes the Violence Against Women Act because it includes protections for LGBT victims of abuse and attacked Obama for daring to criticize a Ugandan law that imprisons gay people with up to life terms.
Along with Trump, the upcoming conference will feature Religious Right activists like Jim Garlow, Tony Perkins, Matt Barber and Jason and David Benham, who have all derided gay rights as Satanic.
While Trump may focus his stump speeches on building a border wall and torturing prisoners of war, his promise to appoint far-right judges to the bench and his attempts to win the support of radical anti-LGBT activists should give no comfort to those who hope a President Trump might advance LGBT rights.
The symptoms of RSV in babies and children may look like the common cold, but there are a few additional things to watch out for, as well as ways to help prevent infection.
Muslim Woman pray and Beautiful background.
The following words were spoken over me when I first entered the world. "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (SAW) is His messenger."
Bulaong Malika Ramiz they named me. Malika means "queen" in Arabic.
My name has always been my most consistent connection with Islam. I never prayed five times a day or wore hijab, but being raised Muslim has always been a part of my identity that I've claimed, critiqued, honored, and appreciated. In my growth as a social justice educator, I've become more and more critical of organized religion--seeing the value in it while also seeing how dangerously indoctrinating it can be. As I continue to learn more about myself, my relationship with religion wavers.
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Born to a Catholic mother and a Muslim father, raised by my Muslim grandmother while attending Catholic school, I tried my best to both fit in and stand out during my formative years. I had confusing interactions and deeply transformative experiences.
I've fluctuated between feeling pride, frustration, fear, and joyous community around my Muslim identity. In elementary school I would lie and pretend I was Catholic like everyone else. I would sneak rosary beads under my uniform, tell stories about my baptism, pray the "Hail, Mary" and the "Our Father" right along with my classmates. I was already different enough because I was a Black/Puerto Rican girl in a predominately White school, with kids I perceived to be wealthier than I. But then, Ramadan would come around, and I saw the strength, commitment, and spiritual journey my family's community was undertaking, and I would feel overwhelmingly proud. I'd skip lunch, announce that I was fasting, pray during recess. I no longer needed to fit in.
And then, in seventh grade September 11th happened. I'd never heard the term "terrorist" and didn't know who Osama Bin Laden was. I can't even recall if I had knowledge of the Middle East, at least not with any real historical understanding. My grandmother and I went to the Mosque one day following the attacks. Typically, I would put my hijab on in the car, walk into the Mosque, and take if off once I got back in the car. But after September 11th happened, I started wearing my hijab all the way home, even if we made a few stops along the way. I was not afraid for people to see I was Muslim. I knew what I was hearing on TV and in school were lies, a narrow perspective, and not the whole truth. Those "terrorists" were not a reflection of my religion or my community.
So while I'm not currently a "practicing" Muslim in the traditional sense, I was raised Muslim and it's a deep part of my identity. It instilled in me a sense of community, peace, strength, and resilience. I claim Islam the same way I claim being a woman, being Black, and being a Latina.
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For those who wish to better understand the Muslim community, here's what I can offer.
Not All Muslims Are Terrorists and Not All Terrorists Are Muslim
As a Black Muslim, if I were to do something, my actions would be deemed representative of my whole community or communities, regardless of if I was acting in the name of that community or not.
But if my neighbor steals a loaf of bread, does that mean our entire neighborhood community is made up of thieves and we should all be condemned for the actions of one person?
You Cannot Tell Who Is Muslim and Who Is Not Simply by Appearance
Not all people who wear scarves or turbans on their head are Muslim. The Sikh community, which also wears turbans for religious reasons, has been targeted immensely with anti-Muslim violence. Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion, a monotheistic faith founded in the Punjab region of India about 500 years ago. Most of the world's 25 million Sikhs live in India, but more than 500,000 make the US their home. You can read more about them here, but the targeting of Sikhs is a direct result of generalizations, misinformation, and ignorance.
Muslims are diverse, complex, and individually very different just like Christians, Jews, and Atheists. Some celebrities who're Muslim include Dave Chappelle, Dr. Oz, Zayn Malik, and Iman. That's already a very diverse group of individuals. Islam is a religion that spans hundreds of nations and is claimed by billions of people. This idea that we can ban an entire religious group from a nation is not simply an idea. It's been done before with horrifying, disastrous results. We look back at those moments in history with shame and disgust.
The Entire Muslim Community Is Not Accountable for the Actions of Individual Muslims
Time and time again we see mass media and Internet trolls demanding that the entire Muslim community speak out against terrorist acts committed by other Muslims. Muslims don't have annual or bimonthly meetings. There is not a newsletter we all subscribe to. We don't even all speak the same language. If we are not going to hold all other religions to the same standard--that they should speak out when other members of their community commit acts of terrorism in movie theaters, churches, and schools--then we shouldn't expect that from anyone who identifies as Muslim.
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We are at a very interesting crossroads at this time in our nation. What was once a chuckle has turned into deep concern. We have racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic individuals running for the highest office of this nation.
I urge you to think about what it truly means to be in a community. And if you haven't read the Qur'an, understand much about Islam, or know a Muslim, I hope the next time you hear a racist, sexist, Islamophobic remark you think about me, my family, and this story. I'm a member of your community and so are billions of others just like me. Let's move forward from fear and discomfort to a place of courage--together.
Lovers hand
While it is unfortunate that transgender people are not playing the roles of transgender characters, the Danish Girl was an outstanding movie. I even watched it twice. The storyline is based on the 2000 novel of the same name by David Ebershoff and loosely inspired by the lives of Danish painters Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener.
But my post today is not a film review; instead, I want to provide a few friendly reminders and caution against equating this film as the template for what a transition is like.
As a transgender and queer person, here are the biggest myths that stood out to me as necessary to debunk:
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1) Transitions are all the same.
It is important to keep in mind that every transition is different and unique. Some transgender people affirm their gender through surgeries, others don't. Some transgender people pursue a medical transition, others don't. Why? First, not every body responds to medication the same way, just like not every cisgender woman reacts to contraception the same way. Second, people cannot just be reduced to their transgender identity; we may have diabetes or other health-related conditions that prevent us from taking medication or seeking surgery. Third, we could just simply not be interested, have diverse cultural backgrounds, and/or have varied understanding and interpretations of gender. Each person's experience with gender is personal and sacred and as diverse as the overall population.
2) Transgender people have the same struggles in accessing gender-affirming healthcare.
Although all of this current sensationalizing media around transgender people has brought good and bad visibility to the transgender justice movement, access to gender-affirming healthcare is less attainable for transgender people of color and immigrants due to the different oppressive forces trying to discriminate and "invisibilize" our existence.
3) Every transgender person seeks surgery.
While I understand the role surgery played in the film, it is important for people who are not transgender to know that such aspect of someone's transition is very private. Under no circumstances should anyone ask a transgender person about their genitals or if we have undergone surgery. We are more than the summation of our body parts and the grotesque and perverted misplaced interest by media and intrusive people to constantly ask and focus on our genitals is dehumanizing.
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More Radical Reads: 'Her Story' Told: New Webseries Brings Authentic Queer & Trans Love to the Forefront
4) There is one kind of transgender person.
We must also understand that there is a gender spectrum. Transgender is an umbrella term that encompasses any person of all sexualities that rejects the rigid notions of gender that are imposed on them by society. From the moment we are born, people aggressively try to rob us of our agency and self-determination and force us to adopt identities that we have yet to accept.
5) Once you affirm your gender you cannot change it.
Based on the film, I also feel the need to make it clear that transitions are not static or permanent. We are constantly evolving as people and our gender evolves with us as well. Therefore, we cannot assume someone's gender even if we know them for a long time.
6) Transgender people change their sexuality when they transition.
The film can also give the wrong impression that a gender transition has an impact on one's sexuality. This is false. This was the case in the film, but it is inaccurate to assume that such is the norm. Sexuality and gender are different things. There are transgender women that are attracted to cisgender women. Sexuality among transgender people is as complex and dynamic as with any cisgender person. That said, sexuality is fluid and cannot always be defined. It is up to individuals to soul search and self-identify, if desired, where their sexuality lies at any given moment.
7) How you feel is how you look. Transitions are and must be visible.
Indeed, some transitions are visible but other transitions are not visible, which leads to the distinction between gender identity and gender expression. Gender identity is how one self identifies and feels, whereas gender expression is how one presents to the world. This does not necessarily imply that some transgender people are in the closet, although in some cases that could be it, but this understanding sheds light on the reality of many gender nonconforming people.
More Radical Reads: Visibility and Vulnerability as a Trans Woman
8) You can only be either of the male or female sex.
Another unclear differentiation in the film is that of sex as a distinct classification outside of sexuality, gender identity and gender expression. Sex is not limited to male (XY chromosomes) and female (XX chromosomes), and we must reject the false and unscientific sex binary. As a matter of fact, tens of million of people fall under other biological sexes such as X, XXY, XYY, XXXY. Yes, indeed, it is conceivable for one's brain, body, and reproductive systems to all carry or indicate different sexes. To recapitulate, sexuality is who you are attracted to, gender is a function of culture and about self expression, and sex, while also a construct, is shaped by the number and visual appearance of chromosomes in the cell nuclei of an organism or species.
9) Gender is universal.
As previously mentioned, gender is a function of culture and therefore is neither transhistorical nor universal. In other words, because we live in a multi-cultural world, gender in its interpretations varies from nation to nation. This is important because it challenges the mostly western interpretations of transgender and cisgender, and it contextualizes the subject in a more nuance manner outside of U.S. and European shores. One can only hope that more films are created exploring the diversity of gender across cultures.
10) There is something wrong with transgender people.
Lastly, it is imperative to push back against the pathologizing of transgender beings. We are not sick. That established, we should also refrain from automatically diagnosing transgender people with gender dysphoria. Dysphoria as a condition is not only limited to transgender people. In a world where we are constantly fed unrealistic and damaging images of beauty, cisgender women and men can also suffer from dysphoria. In that vein, like cisgender people, not all transgender people live with dysphoria.
The lives of transgender people are intricate and nuanced. An understanding of us requires intentionality and a depth of knowledge on the multiple social constructs of sex, sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, and culture.
Originally published at thebodyisnotanapology.com.
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This post is part of HuffPost's Journey Beyond the Binary blog series, an editorial effort to bring diverse trans and gender non-conforming voices to the HuffPost Blog during and after Pride month. As the LGBTQIA community celebrates great strides forward this June, it's important to acknowledge the struggles still pertinent to trans and gender variant members of the community. Please email any pitches to beyondbinary@huffingtonpost.com
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 23: French President Francois Hollande leaves after a meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk at the Elysee Palace on November 23, 2015 in Paris, France. Francois Hollande said France would intensify its strikes against the Islamic State group in Syria, after he held talks in Paris today with British leader David Cameron. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)
French presidents serve five-year terms. Francois Hollande, the current president, took office in May 2012 and now has less than a year before facing re-election. That is, if he chooses to run again.
Opinion polls peg his popularity at below 15 percent, and there is a good chance that he and his Socialist Party will not make the second round run-off vote in the 2017 election. Odds favor a final contest between the former Union for a Popular Majority, now renamed Republicans (who are likely to nominate former Prime Minister and current Bordeaux major, Alain Juppe, or former president Nicholas Sarkozy) and the leader of the rightwing National Front, Marine Le Pen.
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I had the occasion to speak briefly with Hollande a few days after his presidency began. I opposed his new government's economic policies but was nonetheless impressed by his articulateness, his candor, and his sense of humor. He struck me -- to borrow a French word -- as genial. What went wrong?
In three words: ideology trumped economics. Hollande forgot that it is always easier to divide and distribute a growing pie than a shrinking one, and France, unfortunately, has been shrinking.
Hollande launched his presidency by proposing a 75 percent marginal tax rate on wealthy individuals and alienated both wealthy French citizens and many business leaders. One of France's leading actors, Gerard Depardieu, responded by moving his residence to Belgium and accepting Vladimir Putin's offer of Russian citizenship.
Hollande also pledged to reduce unemployment and committed not to run again unless employment rose. What happened? Unemployment remains at 10 percent (versus 5.1 percent in the UK and 4.3 percent in Germany), and youth unemployment remains a staggering 25 percent.
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Things did not have to be this way. A few months after Hollande took office, the Paris bureau chief of "The Economist," Sophie Pedder, published what could have been a roadmap for Hollande. Her book, written in French, was titled (in translation) "The French Denial: The Last Spoiled Children of Europe." The book was ignored and dismissed, largely because Pedder is English.
Ms. Pedder's suggestions included a non-ideological, highly practical set of recommendations based on the economic, fiscal, and demographic realities facing France. She explained that France's most cherished features -- early childhood programs, health care, clean nuclear power, inexpensive higher education, generous and early retirement benefits, a 35-hour workweek, efficient trains, and sizeable cultural investments -- have been funded largely through borrowing. France has a debt to GDP ratio above 96 percent, is deeply in debt, and has not had a balanced budget since 1974.
Ms. Pedder notes that French public sector spending is too large a portion of the country's gross domestic product, and there are too many costly administrative regions and departments. These regions and departments, plus a large centralized government, mean expensive and unsustainable government bloat. Her overall diagnosis: France needs "a new social model."
French labor-market rules are among the most byzantine in Europe. There is sustained high unemployment, as many businesses find it risky or expensive to hire new employees when firing them (if necessary) is so difficult. Young people often land contracts (many unpaid) to get some initial work experience, only to find that the contracts are not renewed. Then it's back to the dole. Ms. Pedder suggests that sustained high levels of unemployment really constitute "the first cause of social injustice."
The strikes and civil disturbances that have broken out in France recently are a reaction to the Hollande government's decision - largely through the efforts of its talented Prime Minister Manuel Valls and its Minister for the Economy, Industry and Digital Data, Emmanuel Macron - to expedite legislation to establish much-needed flexibility in the hiring and firing of workers. Some French unions are not happy.
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It is unfortunate that it took this long for the Socialist government to do the right thing. There has been too much talk and insufficient action. Ms. Pedder explains that Germany's then-Socialist Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, made similar changes between 2003 and 2005. More than 10 years ago, Germany was Europe's sick man. Today, Germany has Europe's strongest economy.
Schroeder's "Agenda 2010" cut taxes, reformed the unemployment system, and modernized labor laws. When he took office, Germany's unemployment rate was 11 percent. He observed in 2012 that pursuing Hollande's initial policies would mean "a real catastrophe" for Germany.
Schroeder lost his re-election bid, but he courageously set the stage for today's German prosperity. In a 2012 speech, he explained that his policies entailed not just "structural" reform but "cultural" reform as well. Likewise, Sweden's Social Democrats modernized that country's social insurance programs while preserving worker solidarity and high tax rates. Britain's Tony Blair kept many of Margaret Thatcher's reforms but forced the British Labour Party to abandon its looney left ideas of the 1970s. And Bill Clinton repositioned the Democratic Party in the center through balanced budgets, international trade agreements, and welfare reform. Clinton courted "business Democrats" and avoided McGovern-era liberalism.
Francois Hollande's presidency has lacked clear purpose. The president seems to vacillate between his economics ministers. His first economics minister, Arnaud Montebourg, antagonized the French business community and made public comments at odds with Hollande's policies. He became an outlier and was dismissed from office in August 2014. Montebourg's successor, Emmanuel Macron (a former Rothschild investment banker), dropped his Socialist party credentials in 2009. He, too, is pursuing a different outlier's strategy by not only championing overdue labor reforms (opposed by many Socialists) but also now hinting at launching his own political movement, announced with the rallying cry of "En Marche!"
This is now Francois Hollande's moment. He must level with the French people and his own party. He must explain that France has lived too many years on unsustainable, unaffordable promises.
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Hollande can put politics aside and do what is best for France. He can follow the lead of several successful center-left examples -- in Sweden, the UK, Germany, and the United States -- and do the right thing.
No French person enjoys being lectured to about France, especially by foreigners. In offering these reform suggestions, I request some modest forbearance before the eye-rolling and Gallic shrugs begin. I started learning French at age seven, and I have loved France for nearly 60 years. France has always been part of my personal and professional life. Today, I have a four-year-old son who has U.S. and French passports. France and the United States have a longstanding special relationship of at least 240 years. I want Alexandre's future to be a bright one -- in both of our great countries.
The goal for all working families remains a secure, sustainable job and a real improvement in our standard of living. Here's how we get there.
Number 1: Restore real bargaining rights.
CEOs today earn 300, 400 or even 1,000 times as much as frontline workers, most of whom haven't had a real wage increase for more than three decades. The 1 percent is doing better than ever, but working families really haven't recovered from the Great Recession. One major reason for this is the continued attack on public and private sector workers who want to stand together and create a better workplace for themselves and their co-workers.
Union members have a voice on the job. They have bargaining rights. However, fewer working people than ever have the chance to join a union because they face harassment by companies who use fear and intimidation to stop them.
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The National Labor Relations Act declares that collective bargaining is the policy of the United States.
On paper, maybe. In practice, not at all. Thousands of workers have been fired, and tens of thousands more intimidated by managers whose goal is to block workers' legal right to a union voice and bargaining rights.
But when working people can make a fair choice, when management agrees to remain neutral in organizing campaigns, when legislation like the Workplace Democracy Act, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Mark Pocan and supported by leading Democrats is in force, the promise of bargaining rights becomes a reality.
The Workplace Democracy Act would make majority signup, or card check, an option for workers to choose a union. The legislation also would prohibit companies from refusing to seriously bargain a first contract, with provisions for binding arbitration.
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CWA knows firsthand that when working people can choose union representation without a management attack campaign, they do so. At AT&T Mobility, where the company has agreed to remain neutral in union organizing, 55,000 workers - just about 100 percent of all eligible workers - have joined CWA. The first place that workers signed up at AT&T Mobility was in Jackson, Mississippi.
Number 2: Stop the economic handout to the 1 percent.
Big money in politics, pushed by 1 percent, is corrupting our democracy. We need real limits on political contributions and we need to expand small-dollar public financing for campaigns. I come from New York where there is a publicly financed six-for-one match for donations in New York City elections. It works. That's how candidates become more responsive to voters. That's how we get "money out, voters in."
Our economy is rigged against working people who play by the rules, and working people know it. Established companies are sold, jobs are slashed and sent offshore, communities face a tremendous loss of tax revenue yet the hedge fund managers and dealmakers just get richer.
Members of my union just ended a seven-week strike at Verizon. They were forced to strike because this $100 billion company kept insisting on cuts in jobs and compensation, all because the company valued Wall Street over the frontline technicians and customer service representatives who are the source of the company's productivity and profits. Because these workers have bargaining rights, we were able to secure good jobs and improve their standard of living.
We must enact policies that end taxpayer subsidization of runaway Wall Street greed and make Wall Street pay its fair share of taxes. We need to break up the big banks and enact a 21st Century Glass-Steagall to create a more robust banking system. We must close the carried interest loophole, which allows hedge fund managers to pay a lower tax rate than working people, and end the taxpayer subsidies for outrageous corporate executive pay by closing the performance pay loophole.
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We must join the rest of the advanced financial economies of the world by passing a robust Financial Transaction Tax that deters risky high speed trading and provides adequate revenues. Half steps are not enough. And we should establish public banking through the U.S. Postal Service.
Number 3: Adopt a new model for trade policy.
Working people have seen more than 20 years of trade deals bargained by and for multinational corporations. Despite countless promises, each successive deal was worse than the last, resulting in millions of lost jobs in the United States. The Trans-Pacific Partnership extends the worst components of deals like NAFTA.
Following the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the question of climate ambition turned into one of climate implementation. The Paris Agreement was a signal to the global community, setting off more actions and commitments in all sectors on climate. However, the looming question of how act on the decisions in the Paris Agreement remained.
The role of education was highlighted in the Paris Agreement for the first time, noting the importance of universities in enhancing public awareness, public participation, and knowledge sharing. In May, the University of Maryland (UMD) launched into climate action by co-hosting a multi-stakeholder summit, Climate Action 2016. In addition, UMD convened the Climate Action 2016 forum, which served as the public component to the summit to allow for academia as well as a diverse range of stakeholders to participate in the climate implementation agenda.
I'm fortunate to have witnessed environmental history in Paris at COP21; and being able to participate in the follow-up effort to address Post-Paris climate implementation in the Climate Action 2016 forum and summit. This past semester, much of my time was spent studying and working on climate implementation. Most importantly, I'm proud to have been able to represent and elevate the student/youth voice as part of a larger effort to mobilize multi-stakeholder climate action.
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Both the forum and summit closing plenary sessions were comprised of a mix of sectors, including government, business, nonprofit, and student/youth representatives that provided some of the most inspirational remarks of Climate Action 2016. I was honored to serve as the moderator in the closing plenary session of the Climate Action 2016 forum at the University of Maryland, and to elevate other student leaders to speak on climate leadership in a conversation with advocacy and elected leaders to share their unique perspectives and methods of action. It was a perfect way to end the day, one that highlighted the future of climate action.
From left to right: Keya Chatterjee, Executive Director of the U.S. Climate Action Network, and 61st Governor of the State of Maryland Martin O'Malley, myself, and graduate and undergraduate student leaders.
The Climate Action 2016 summit occurred at a time when the global community was discussing how to implement the Paris Agreement. It convened global luminaries to discuss and advance the climate implementation agenda, just two weeks after the official signing ceremony of the Paris Agreement and eight months after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals. Now the conversation is firmly focused on the means of implementation and actions to pivot communities towards a more sustainable future for all.
The summit served an important function in order to scale-up climate ambition to address global goals from a multi-stakeholder approach. Leveraging coalitions to deliver on climate commitments is vital heading into COP22 in Marrakesh, Morocco. COP21 served as a catapult; however at COP22, issues such as finance, technology and capacity-building will be grappled with, all the while taking into account other issues such as human rights and gender equality in the face of climate change.
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The Museum of Broken Relationships, a conceptual art museum exploring failed relationships and their ruins, opens June 4th. in Los Angeles.
Each of the nearly 100 exhibits is an artifact or relic of a broken relationship accompanied by a "story" written in first person by the person who donated the item. In addition to 6 exhibition rooms, there is a gift shop and a private "confessional" space where visitors can write and leave anonymous notes.
One of the exhibits is a bottle of wine. "The wine was to drink when we both left our spouses," the donor tells us. The wine bottle remains sadly unopened. Another is a family history book filled with tragic memories, retrieved from a rental house. The owners of the book remain unfound. A lovely wall display, "Set of Seven Bras", has the accompanying description "...no wonder we were hidden", probably referring to the extensive padding. Nearby is a blue chiffon top worn by a woman to a dinner at which her husband requested a divorce.
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The relics are frankly mesmerizing. The captivating objects and the stories behind them are heartbreaking, funny and absurd. Collectively they manage to put all romantic suffering into proper perspective. When love ends, the world seems to end too. We cling to the objects connecting us to the departed one, the flotsam and jetsam of love gone south. But in time the objects we clung to like holy relics shrink to mundane absurdity.
My personal favorites? A wedding dress crammed inside an old pickle jar. You can feel the impulse of the woman who created this object, pushing all the chaotic emotional fallout of a failed marriage into a small absurd container. Also high on my list are the false breasts which the donor had been required to wear during sex with her husband (before she left him!).
The ripped out phone is also excellent. "I fell in love with a junkie" the story begins. The phone was a gift ripped out of a payphone in Echo Park. The story is short and stark, hitting a chord with anyone who's ever fallen in love with an oh-so-wrong person.
Perhaps the saddest item on display is the Transplant Caregiver Manual which was given to the donor by her boyfriend as he waited for a double lung transplant. One can imagine her nervously studying this stark medical manual not knowing that just two weeks after the surgery was complete, he would abruptly leave her.
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The Museum of Broken Relationships has an interesting backstory. It grew from a traveling exhibition revolving around the concept of failed relationships and their ruins. Conceptualized in Croatia by an artist ex-couple, the Museum of Broken Relationships started in 2006 and became a permanent museum in Zagreb in 2010.
The Museum's West Coast outpost was founded by John B. Quinn, a prominent L.A. lawyer and co-owner of Q Sushi. He discovered the original site while on vacation with his family in Zagreb.
"The Museum is an opportunity for visitors from around the world to experience the emotions and memories embodied in objects and told through narratives contributed by others," said Quinn. He added, "I cannot imagine a more fitting city than ours, which, much like love itself, is filled with as many wild dreams as it is crushing defeats."
Director Alexis Hyde and Assistant Director Amanda Vandenberg have selected the current exhibit from the museum's ongoing call for objects, each accompanied by a brief description of a relationship gone south. This includes not only romantic relationships but relationships of all kinds, from family relationships to relationships with friends, homes, cities, workplaces, and more.
The Museum is open for donations, offering "a chance to overcome an emotional collapse through creation: by contributing to the permanent collection." "Have you ever had a broken heart?" the website asks. "If you've wished to unburden the emotional load by erasing everything that reminds you of that painful experience by throwing it all away - don't. Give it to us. Donate your object to the Museum and take part in the creation of collective emotional history."
Check out brokenships.la for instructions on how to contribute your own piece for exhibit. The pieces will be shown anonymously. Contributors are invited to write their story of any length in their own language. "Be frank, withdrawn, furious, imaginative, witty or sad," the website extols. And if the pieces are too big to send in a conventional way, the museum may make arrangements for a special pickup.
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The Museum of Broken Relationships is located at 6751 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of Highland in the old Frederick's of Hollywood building. It is open 7 days a week.
Megan Phillips grew up in Canada surrounded by beautiful things. Her European parents had an eclectic collection of art and antiques. One of Phillips' earliest memories is of sitting on her mother's lap while her mother showed her great works of art from one of the many art books in the house. Her parents gave Phillips etchings for her 21st birthday, so began her own art collection.
An injury aged 19 forced Phillips to abandon her career as a dancer with London's Royal Ballet so she trained as a child psychologist. Her father suggested Phillips also study for a degree in art history and restoration. "He told me it would be a great conversation starter. And he was right. I learned about architecture, history, religion and different cultures. It opened my eyes to the world. And then when I travelled to Paris to see the Mona Lisa, to Greece to see the Parthenon, what I'd been studying for years came to life."
Phillips moved to LA 15 years ago, had a thriving therapy practice in Beverly Hills working with terminally ill and depressed children and saved her money to buy art whenever she could. Then she met Richard Duardo, an artist known as the Warhol of the west, who established Modern Multiples that became one of the leading printing houses in LA. Duardo was the first person to print Banksy and Blek Le Rat in LA.
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Phillips helped Duardo curate exhibitions including the LACMA fine print fair, and would take friends and family to Duardo's studio to hear his amazing stories like how he had a big fight with Andy Warhol that made him decide to move from New York to LA. The people Phillips took to meet her mentor started buying art from him and she would receive a commission.
She was still a practicing child therapist but selling art soon took over. When Duardo died suddenly and unexpectedly in 2014 aged 62, artists whom Duardo had represented started calling Phillips to help them sell their work.
Now Phillips has a roster of twelve street and fine artists, some emerging and some firmly established like renowned graffiti artist Risk and Lincoln Townley. Her working relationship varies with each artist. For some Phillips is their manager, others their agent or she curates exhibitions of their work. Sometimes all three. Top artists often have multiple agents and managers so commissions have to be split.
Lincoln Townley's painting of Prince recently sold for $500,000. Risk's paintings sell for around $100,000, depending on size. Phillips says there's no jealousy when one of her artist's work sells for bigger bucks than another. "When I told Risk Lincoln's painting sold for five hundred thousand he smiled and said great, what are you going to sell my next one for?" said Phillips.
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Deciding what a painting will fetch is part of Phillips' job. "I suggest a price to the artist and they say yay or nay. Most of the time I'm right on the money. It depends how long they have been in the art business. Does everyone know their name? Will the art increase in value? When I started working with Duardo I bought a Banksy and a Blek Le Rat. Art I bought ten years ago is now worth a hundred times more than I paid for it."
Creating an eclectic art collection isn't just for the wealthy and privileged. Prints of originals are usually available for around $150.
While original art can be an excellent investment, Phillips says buyers should be inspired and moved by a piece before they purchase. "You have to love it passionately as you'll be living with it on your wall."
Phillips has just sold (for an undisclosed sum) the first photograph ever put on the market by Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Nick Ut who has worked for Associated Press for 50 years. Ut took the iconic photograph of the running girl burned by napalm in Vietnam. Photographs are highly collectible with a few fetching north of $6Million. Landscape photographer Peter Lik (not a client of Phillips) claims to have sold $440 million worth of prints.
Collaborations between Phillips' artists are proving popular with both the artists and collectors. "Two signatures can be better than one," she said. Phillips suggested a collaboration between Lincoln Townley and artist and musician Billy Morrison (Billy Idol's guitarist) for an exhibition Phillips is curating for Morrison.
Townley arrived in LA from London with a portrait of Morrison that Morrison hand embellished with gold paint in a back alley in Hollywood. Photographer Per Bernal (also repped by Phillips) captured the two with their collaboration and Morrison immediately posted the photo on his website.
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A collector in El Paso, Texas bought the one-off mixed media portrait within four minutes for $15,000, before the paint was even dry. It will be on display at an exhibition of mixed media by Billy Morrison, Mixed Messages, in aid of Rock Against Trafficking, that opens June 10 in LA.
By Kalee Fambrough
We arrived in Prague after a night train from Krakow and to our delight - it was snowing! We had gotten a glimpse of snow in Scotland while we were hiking but hadn't seen it stick or got to enjoy it really. As soon as we got off the train and started walking towards our hostel it was coming down! It started to stick and I think we all got super excited. Prague covered in a blanket of snow is absolutely gorgeous. I think it brings out its' charm and character.
*Something to note also, we didn't really use the metro or trams that run throughout Prague very often. We mostly walked everywhere and just took in the scenery. One day, however, we did take the tram but we just hopped on. There isn't an EXACT place to buy tickets so if you just need a short ride from one place to the next - I suggest doing what we did as well.*
1. Old Town Square
The picture above is the Old Town Square in Prague and it was, again, absolutely gorgeous with a blanket of snow on the rooftops. I couldn't imagine a more picturesque version of Prague. Where this picture was taken is inside the city hall building that is home to the Astronomical clock . For some reason, I didn't get a picture of the clock - not sure what happened there - but I highly suggest you go into this building for the views. You get to walk around the top of the entire building so you'll see Charles Bridge and the Castle that sits on top of the hill - everything.
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The entrance fee is around 70 kc (that's about $3) for students and 100 kc ($4) for general adults. I could have, honestly, stayed up there all day. Just bring me a cup of coffee and a good book and I'll just stare at those views. So do yourself a favor when you are in Prague and head to the top of city hall!
2. Trdelnik (Pastry)
Trdelnik is a pastry that is extremely popular among the streets of Prague. It's basically ALL sugar but it's actually pretty great. You can get them in a variety of different ways and for some reason I decided to get MORE sugar and add Nutella to the mix. I couldn't finish the whole thing because my teeth are super sensitive - but definitely, when in Prague, try a Trdelnik. There's no particular place to look for them because they are all over the streets and in most bakeries! Cost will vary depending on where you go but I paid around 40-50 kc (depending on your toppings) which is around $1.
3. Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is the main bridge that connects old town to new town (there are other bridges but this is the most famous). It has a grand entryway and it's full of artists selling their work and live musicians. It's really quite lovely and a great bridge to walk over.
4. John Lennon Wall
The John Lennon wall is located right across the Charles Bridge when you are heading to the castle. If you make the first immediate left and use Google Maps - it will take you directly there. It's colorful and cheerful so I definitely recommend visiting it. The best place to take your picture is in between his eyes! It's clearly the "go-to" tourist spot because I had about 20 people waiting to take their picture after me! Admission: Free! So just wonder on over and enjoy a little piece of history.
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5. 9 Thai Massage (yes, 9)
Prague was the halfway point for us on our ten day trip - so naturally our feet and back were hurting from backpacking. We started the trip on a 7-8 mile hike in the Highlands of Scotland and then moved to Krakow to see Auschwitz. By the time we got to Prague, we were tired...so my flatmate knew that Prague had really cheap thai massages and we took the day off one day and decided to leisurely explore and get a thai massage. It was the best thing I've ever done. It was literally only 9 and I felt like a new person afterwards. Like I could carry that backpack for 5 more countries if I wanted to. There are several places to chose from and most of them are still only 9 depending on what you are wanting done. We just got our backs done with clothes on and it was around 250 kc. I highly recommend doing this in Prague because firstly, it's an experience like no other and secondly, it will help your body rejuvenate for however long of a trip you are continuing to have.
6. View from the Castle
We visited the castle after we had our thai massage and once you are up at the top it has some of the best views. There is also a Starbucks at the top if you are tired and in need of a refreshment or the toilets. I always like to scare my mom by sending her pictures of my on ledges in every country I travel to (sorry mom). So, as you can see below, I took full opportunity to sit on the edge and get a snap of Me + Prague in the background. She definitely freaks out every time but we saw several people doing it so I would recommend it again and again. Great shot & perfect backdrop!
Also, we didn't go into the castle but we went into the church that's located behind it and it's gorgeous. It was free but here is more information about entrance to the castle and what that includes.
After my trip to Prague, I didn't want to leave. I knew Switzerland was next and I was excited for that - but Prague has this history and charm about it that makes you want to stay. If I could go back, I would spend about 3-4 days there doing all the things we weren't able to do due to our time constraint.
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Also, if you are in Prague and need a place to stay - I highly recommend Sophie's Hostel. It was actually really amazing and the bathrooms were unreal. I think it was the best shower we had the entire trip! Every morning there is a breakfast bar or cooked breakfast for you - whatever you prefer - it was around 100-200 kc and it was delicious. They also have fun events each night and a walking tour each morning at 10am if you are interested in that!
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By Evan Przesiecki
Moscow: The capital of the Motherland. It's the largest easternmost city on the European continent and is anything but modest about its historical or symbolical significance.
From marble statues in the metro to the high cosmopolitan restaurants, Moscow is constantly showing off its majesty. The Russian parliament sits in Moscow and the city also serves as the capital of the Eastern Orthodox religion in the country, dubbing the city "The Third Rome."
The city was destined to become a capital from the very first days it was ruled by its first Grand Prince, Daniel I. The ambitious, first ruling monarch of the-then small principality knew the potential of Moscow because of its key location at the crossroads of some of Russia's major rivers. The city's rivers were so important to its development that the city is named after its most prominent one: The Moskva. Under the devoted rule of the princes of Moscow, the principality grew into the political centre and religious capital of the country that it is today.
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The princes of Moscow were replaced when Ivan IV, more famously known as Ivan the Terrible, proclaimed himself Tsar of Russia. He commissioned the construction of the city's most famous church, St. Basil's Cathedral, after defeating the Mongols in a military victory at Kazan. In 1712, under the rule of Peter the Great, the city of St. Petersburg was built and renamed the capital of Russia until the Bolshevik Revolutions of 1917. Moscow became the capital of the Soviet Union from 1918 until its capitulation in 1991.
The history of Moscow lives through the diverse architecture, from the vibrantly painted churches decorated with golden domes to the distinguished stalinist high rises. When the picturesque but bitter winter ends and melts into spring, join the many Muscovites who will spend their days relaxing in the city's vast, green parks. In this lush, vibrant city, there's always something to excite a travellers' spirit for adventure.
Here's a list of our top 5 things to see in Moscow:
1) Red Square
All that is Moscow originates from Red Square. Arguably the most famous square in Europe, it is the symbolic jewel and spiritual centre of Moscow. The iconic St. Basil's Cathedral, the tall red walls of the Kremlin and the mausoleum of Lenin - where his body rests for the public to see - are all in sight. Every journey begins and ends here in Moscow.
2) GUM
The luxurious department store was open in 1892 as a shopping centre for Moscow's elitist population and was temporarily a government building under Stalin's rule. You'll need a hefty wallet to shop in the 200 posh stores, but walking through is free and a treat for curious eyes.
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3) The Kremlin
The fortified medieval complex and residence of President Vladimir Putin. At its centre are also four cathedrals that serve as the burial grounds for some of Russia's most prominent political figures, such as Ivan the Terrible.
4) VDNKh
This permanent exhibition and amusement park was built with the purpose of glorifying the communist ideology. Huge displays of Soviet architecture and monuments can be found in this city-within-a-city, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain - 16 gold statues, each representing a former Soviet republic.
5) Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
The cathedral is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world and suitably so due to the city's religious importance. Stalin ordered the church demolished when the Soviet government issued state atheism. It was rebuilt in 2000, nearly 70 years later.
Backstreets:
1) Tsaritsyno Park
In south Moscow and on the grounds of the former grand palace of Catherine the Great, the park starkly contrasts with the heavily urbanized city. There's so much greenery that you'll forget you're in a metropolis.
2) Aviapark
The new shopping mall, which is Europe's largest, isn't in the centre of Moscow. All the reason is that the owners simply had no space! The mall is off the beaten track and currently isn't too well-known of a tourist destination, but the place is just like the city it's in: big. There's a 5-story aquarium and even a skating rink at the food court.
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What to Eat:
Try this:
1) Kroshka-Kartoshka (Little Potato)
"Little" is deceiving. This fast food chain, located at kiosks across Moscow, provides the heartiest baked potato in the city. Customize your baked potato with ham and cheese, bacon or caviar. Try the olivie salad on top - Russia's traditional potato salad.
Eat here:
1) Stolovaya 57
A local favourite in GUM that shouldn't be missed for those obsessed with everything retro. This self-service Soviet style cafe offers traditional foods, such as dumplings. Prices for a three-course meal are far from outrageous - just like in the Soviet cafes and how students like it.
2) Cafe Pushkin
The antique restaurant located in a former baroque mansion is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your taste buds. Don't worry if your schedule is tight - you can dine here like a Russian aristocrat any time of day. It's open 24 hours!
Fun for Free
Enjoy a day out at Gorky Park across the bridge from the Kremlin. Thousands of locals flock here and you could have a picnic or go to one of its many outdoor cafes. There are student discounts at St. Basil's Cathedral that cut regular admission price by 2/3. Some attractions require an ISIC card for discounts, such as the Kremlin.
After Dark
1) Arbat Street
At night, this famous Russian street is overwhelmed by street artists, live music and elegant bars. Try the Bard Cafe - it's an old trolley bus that's been turned into a live music bar.
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2) The Ritz Carlton
This luxurious hotel offers the best views of Red Square and the Kremlin at night from its rooftop bar, the O2 Lounge. You don't need to be a guest to enjoy cocktails over the city skyline.
Getting There
Budget airline, Wizz Air, flies directly from most major European cities to Vnukovo International Airport. A direct train from the airport to Kievsky railway station in central Moscow costs 470 Rubles.
Transportation
One of the highlights of the Moscow experience is the metro and it's the most popular mode of public transportation in the city. Nearly a quarter of its 200 stations are cultural heritage sights. Trains come every couple of minutes until 1:00am and are even equipped with the convenience of Wifi. Trams and busses are also an option for shorter distances. Tickets can be purchased cheaply at all metro stations.
Those heading home after a late night can take a taxi, which is cheap for short distances.
Local Knowledge
Russians use the cyrillic alphabet and, despite the popularity of the city, very few Russians speak English as a second language. Learning the basics of Russian will be appreciated by locals.
Moscow's biggest holidays are New Year's and Victory Day, on May 9 (the celebration of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany). Expect major road closures in the days before and after these dates. Also expect the closure of major tourist sites, especially Red Square.
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On the eve of the final state primaries and caucuses for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, the Associated Press (AP), the supposedly objective source for nearly every major news outlet worldwide, decided to call the race for Hillary Clinton. Predictably, everyone in the media ran with the story because, well, what more reputable source of information is there than the AP?
What happened? Did Clinton somehow manage to reach the magic number of 2,383 pledged delegates required by the DNC's primary rules? Did Bernie Sanders drop out of the race? Did the AP have magical powers of preordination as to the outcome of the six states yet to vote the following day? The answer, of course, is none of the above.
The AP conducted a private survey of superdelegates as to which candidate they currently support, even though they do not vote until the Democratic convention on July 25th and are able to change their support at any time and for any reason until that vote occurs. Adding superdelegates to pledged delegate totals has been decried repeatedly by the Sanders campaign, outside observers, and even the DNC as misleading at best and a form of voter suppression at worst, but, apparently, all for naught. The practice has run rampant throughout the mainstream media this primary season suggesting they (and now the AP) could care less about appearing objective.
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Now, you may be asking yourself, "what does this have to do with Clinton losing votes in the general election?" Well, I'm glad you asked. According to the logic behind the AP's announcement Monday night, a survey of voter sentiment, even months before an actual vote, can be taken as reliable evidence of what will in fact occur on election day. Journalistic integrity? Who needs it when you have surveys, am I right? What a relief!
So, in that spirit, let me say this: In a recent Quinnipiac poll, 25 percent of Sanders supporters surveyed (12 million is a conservative estimate) said they would not support Hillary Clinton if she were to become the Democratic party nominee. That means, according to the AP's flawed logic, since Clinton has now "clinched" the nomination she has also lost over 3 million general election votes simultaneously. Could they change their minds come election day? They could, but they won't, because someone took a survey and surveys are gospel, just ask the AP.
new york march 28 donald...
You don't have to be a political scholar to know that presidential candidates don't come in pieces. Come this November, you won't get to cast your vote to elect only those portions of your chosen candidate that appeal to you most. You get them as a package, hairy warts and all.
That means that if you support Donald Trump, you support his racism.
I'd think that, of all people, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) would know that. Yet even as he criticized Trump's racist comments against Judge Gonzalo Curiel because of his heritage this past week, calling Trump's comments an example of "textbook racism," Ryan says he still supports Donald Trump.
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In my mind, that means that Paul Ryan supports Trump's racism.
Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte has said much the same thing as Ryan, that Trump's "comments are offensive and wrong." Newt Gingrich further said Trump's "description of the judge in terms of his parentage is completely unacceptable." Yet they and many other Trump supporters are not withdrawing their support.
Too many politicians are operating under the delusional belief that they can have their cake and eat it, too. By publicly condemning Trump's racism, they are attempting to make their support seem more palatable, more justifiable to the all-consuming public. They, after all, make themselves appear anti-racist by condemning Trump's remarks.
My worry is that many of Trump's supporters have fallen prey to the same delusions. The overarching logic seems to be that anything goes, that they can and will give a pass to anyone, so long as they're not a liberal democrat. This faulty logic is supported by the mistaken belief that a person can support a racist so long as they make themselves appear opposed to racism by distancing themselves publicly from the racist, all the while maintaining their support.
This logic flies in the face of how the real world works. It is a weak rationalization to say that a person can support a racist but not support their racism, especially when that racism has proven to be an integral part of who they are. It is also a dodge that diverts attention and responsibility. By supporting Trump despite his racism, Ryan and other supporters are enabling Trump to continue making those same discriminatory remarks--and, potentially, to make them a reality should he find himself in the White House.
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Ryan and other members of the GOP are dead wrong if they think they can use their support of Trump to rein him in when he goes, time and time again, off the deep end with his discriminatory remarks. Trump seems to pride himself on being "anti-establishment" and being a candidate who cannot be reined-in. And his followers love him for it.
All of this raises questions that are far-reaching and deeply disturbing. Why, for example, is flagrant racism acceptable to so many people so long as they share party affiliation, and doesn't that open a backdoor to supporting racism--even being racist--while clothing oneself as an anti-racist?
For too long we have given a pass to racists like Trump. It is self-affirming, comforting even, to believe that one can support a racist like Trump but not support his racism. It hurts to admit that you're supporting a racist, enabling him to potentially turn those racist values and beliefs into public policy. Better to say you support the man but not his beliefs. But are political campaigns not first and foremost about a candidate's values and beliefs?
It would be foolish to think that Trump's values and beliefs can be overlooked because values and beliefs give rise to concrete action. And we have already been given a horrific glimpse of what those actions might be. Trump has already proposed banning Muslims from entering the United States and he has condoned physical assault on Black Lives Matter protesters.
It would be a folly to think that Trump couldn't be cooking up more, and far worse, should he be elected president. It would be even more foolish to think that Trump can be reined-in when giving him the keys to the White House would set him loose upon the world.
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If you support Trump, you support his racism. And if he wins this election, you won't be able to claim ignorance or innocence.
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The food industry is in the midst of a revolution that's reshaping the way we grow food, develop recipes, choose ingredients and even decide what materials go into the packaging of our products. For today's consumer, transparency is the coin of the realm. That's the subject of the panel discussion I led at Sustainable Brands '16 San Diego this week. As a purpose-driven company, Campbell is helping to shape the future of food.
In a changing world, the companies that succeed in living their beliefs and performing at a higher level are companies that are driven by a singular purpose. But purpose goes well beyond words on paper. It's most effective when companies use these beliefs as a filter for decision making. At Campbell, we've already put our purpose into action in a number of ways:
Transparency: The people who eat our food have an increasing interest about how and where it's grown, why certain ingredients are used, and whether it comes from a sustainable source. Through our What's In My Food.com website, we provide a new level of transparency by sharing information on more than a dozen of our brands, including our iconic Campbell's condensed Tomato and Chicken Noodle soups, and we're adding more every day. The site shares information like the types of ingredients we use in our products, why we chose those ingredients and where they came from.
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Real ingredients: Consumers want foods that are more healthful, with minimal processing and fewer - or no - artificial ingredients. That's driven the creation of what we call our NO GO list: no artificial flavors or colors, no added preservatives, and no MSG in the development of any new product in our Americas division. We're also continuing to look for ways to reduce our use of high-fructose corn syrup.
This real-food design philosophy isn't new for us. It harkens back to our roots, and is based on principles that the inventor of condensed soup, Dr. John Dorrance, set more than 100 years ago:
Are we using high-quality ingredients that people recognize and that we would serve at our own tables?
Does our food look, taste and smell delicious?
Is it affordable and available to most people?
As we consider our purpose and these questions with every decision, we'll ensure the food we make is the food that consumers want: real food that tastes great, made with real ingredients that fit into their real lives.
Over time, we'll be challenging ourselves to make more meaningful changes in how we source the ingredients we use and how we develop new foods and drinks, all with the goal of meeting the increasing consumer appetite for good, healthful, affordable food, while living up to our purpose.
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Purpose in action: People know Campbell--they grew up eating the food we make. And, they hold us to a higher standard. We take that responsibility seriously. That's why, earlier this year, we became the first major food company to call for mandatory national labeling of products that may contain genetically modified organisms (GMO), and it's why we're also supporting federal standards for non-GMO claims made on food packaging. More than 9 out of 10 consumers want GMO labeling, and we believe the only way to meet that demand is for the federal government to provide clear direction, definitions and standards. It's one more decision driven by our purpose that honors our pledge to be open, honest and transparent, and to put consumers first.
As I've written about in an earlier article, a true purpose should lead a company both in what it stands for and what it stands against. For Campbell, it's defining the way we think, talk and act about our food. We've made tangible changes to reshape Campbell, and with our purpose as a filter for decision making we are looking forward to the future.
The Chinese renaissance is one of the world's most significant factors of change. Will the reemergence of an ancient non-Western civilization be a disruptive force, or, at the opposite of a scenario which could evolve into confrontation, can the Middle Country and the West design in a genuinely cooperative relationship a new international order?
A third trajectory is in fact more probable than these two distinct developments. An essentially peaceful co-existence characterized by a mix of disputes, tensions but also negotiated agreements and varying levels of understanding could be the backdrop of the Sino-Western relations.
Despite its low probability the extreme scenario of a Sino-Western confrontation should not be totally ignored by the analysts. The West as much as China albeit for different reasons could be at the origin of such a sad course of events.
In reaction to the ongoing redistribution of power the West's most conservative forces could push for the containment of China with the objective of preserving Western unilateral dominance on the global affairs. Such a posture caused by the fear of a loss in a zero-sum game representation of the world would create an unnecessary divided global village and dangerously increase the risk of escalation between what would become a U.S.-China strategic rivalry.
In the event of China's severe and long-lasting economic difficulties some in Beijing could make a use of the nationalistic card to maintain social stability and domestic cohesiveness. But, despite the challenges it faces, the Chinese economy is still growing at more than 6,5% a year, while mass entrepreneurship, an innovative spirit and the globalization of the Chinese companies indicate that the world's most populous nation has entered a transition from a quantitative growth to a more qualitative and sustainable development.
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Moreover, a more nationalistic tone in Beijing would not necessarily mean an aggressive China for history illustrates that neither militarism nor expansionism have been defining features of the Middle Country. In a Chinese context, nationalism could simply lead to a closing off behind new forms of Great Walls or Forbidden Cities.
If one takes long term history as a reference, China never really collapsed she merely closed herself off from her surroundings.
In another possible turn of events, it is China's resurging strength which could also be hypothetically at the source of Sino-Western antagonism. However, after what the country remembers as the 100 years of humiliation in the aftermath of the Opium Wars there is no alarming sign of a revengeful political narrative targeting the West or Japan across the Middle Country.
China did not attribute to others the responsibility for her painful marginalization following the Industrial Revolution, she identified her own internal weaknesses and reemerged not by putting the blame on external factors but by reforming herself.
In any discussion on the determinants of a logic of Sino-Western opposition, one has to take into consideration the fact that China keeps reaffirming her strategy of "peaceful rise". By doing so, Beijing recognizes the risks inherent to any significant rearrangement of power while it displays confidence in her capacity to wisely manage a process of change.
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The Middle Country aims to be relevant but not dominant, her quest for centrality should not be mistaken for a martial mobilization for global hegemony or even leadership.
If an antagonistic scenario is highly improbable does it mean that cooperation will define the future of the Sino-Western relations?
On a series of crises, the West and China have shown indeed that they can enter productive collaboration (UN peacekeeping missions, the fight against nuclear proliferation and the specific 2015 Plan of Action for Iran nuclear program, counter terrorism, the COP 21 agreement on climate change) but while the two sides know how to cooperate when they have identified a common threat they also differ on the interpretation of a number of security and political issues.
NATO and China evolve on separate courses, and even if exchanges are taking place between the two, a cooperative articulation between the Western military alliance and the People's Liberation Army won't materialize in the foreseeable future.
While China and Russia are rapidly enriching their strategic partnership, the West has imposed sanctions on Moscow following the Russian annexation of Crimea.
A trust deficit already affects Sino-Western interactions in the security domain (neither the U.S. nor the EU can sell weapons to China and the territorial claims in the South China Sea are a source of disagreement) but, in the cyberspace, it is a strategic mistrust which complicates the Sino-American relations.
Since 1949 the PRC's and the Western political systems operate on different understanding of legitimacy and while post Maoist China is evolving into a governance in which the rule of law is becoming increasingly central, one should not expect the two systems to coincide.
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Fundamentally, China behaves as a sovereign entity which has inherited the characteristics of a unique civilization. The present of the Chinese renaissance is not about an absolute rupture with the past but it is a balance between new forms of governance and ancient socio-political practices.
In a sense, one of the major real life counter-arguments to Francis Fukuyama's narrative on "the end of history" is the Chinese renaissance and its effects on the world system. Modernization, from a Chinese perspective, can not be synonymous with Westernization.
On the spectrum ranging from confrontation to cooperation, from the Huntingtonian "clash of civilizations" to "the end of history", the nuances and complexities of geopolitical co-existence will highly probably mark the Sino-Western relations.
The West and China won't agree on everything but they have enough in common to recognize that dialogue and negotiation are the instruments to reduce their divergence and enlarge their convergence.
In its strategic approach of China the West has to take into account the fact that through her long history the Middle Country has been through periods of openness to the world (the Tang and Song dynasties or the Ming dynasty of the Yongle Emperor) and periods of isolation.
The world benefits from an open China (the size of China's market, the Chinese creation of economic value across the continents, Sino-Western agreements to tackle threatening global issues), but for China periods of greatness were also periods of openness.
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For the West, but also for the Chinese forces of progress the real danger to avoid is a Chinese return to a solitary course since it would initiate an era of de-globalization but also abort the promises of the Chinese renaissance.
It is in this context that the Western political and economic leaders have to act as catalysts for China's opening up. There are evident interactions between "gaige" - reform - and "kaifang" - opening up -, the two main themes of Deng Xiaoping's policy but it is the level of opening up which determines the nature and intensity of the reforms.
With the New Silk Road strategy, an unprecedented outward looking vision in the Chinese historical context, President Xi Jinping undermined the conservative forces which would prosper in proportion with China's disconnection from the world, he elevated Deng's policy of opening up and took the Middle Country even further away from her tendency of complacent isolationism.
By suspecting the motives of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), one of the New Silk Road's international financial supporting mechanisms, the U.S. misses an opportunity to accompany China in her opening up. Although it has been more responsive to Xi Jinping's diplomatic initiative, the European Union could certainly be more pro-active in the creation of synergies along the Afro-Eurasian axis.
In the 50s of the 20th century Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai put forward the notion of peaceful coexistence. In the 21st century, co-existence between the West and China has not only to be peaceful but can also be mutually transformative.
The forms that a mutually transformative coexistence can take are many but the European Union is certainly positioned to be an effective catalyst of China's opening up to the world while China is potentially a powerful catalyst for more European cohesiveness.
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The digital revolution is impacting the dynamics of the Chinese society but digital China invites Europe to enter the digital age with a renewed ambition. The potential creation of value of the digital or the AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies is unlimited and, as such, stands as an invitation to leave behind zero-sum game approaches and to enter dynamic interdependence.
China is at the dawn of a Great Entrepreneurship Revolution. In 2015, around 8 private companies have been established every minute in the Middle Country - 12 000 new companies registered per day. The connection between Western and Chinese private entrepreneurs which has to be supported and encouraged guarantees the continuation of China's opening up and creates new global economic but also social values.
Western modernity has positively contributed to the transformation of China but a metamorphosed and global China can take the world at another level of prosperity and human development.
If the notion of a peaceful coexistence prevented us to fall into a logic of confrontation, the dynamic concept of a mutually transformative coexistence takes us even closer to a logic of cooperation.
Distrusted by most Americans and generating little enthusiasm even among supporters, Hillary Clinton has wrapped up the Democratic presidential nomination but fallen behind Donald Trump in some polls. Her antidote? A brutal attack on Trump for what she termed his rants, feuds, and lies.
It was an ironic tactic for someone whose dubious behavior stretches back decades to personal enrichment via cattle trades and obstruction of justice with subpoenaed evidence staging a mysterious disappearance. She's no softie in the political wars, once attacking her opponents for imagined conspiracies. And she has offered her own tall tales, such as landing under sniper fire in Bosnia.
Nevertheless, Clinton's biggest problem in this case is her foreign policy record. Most Americans don't want to intervene more overseas, but Clinton is not most Americans. She is the Democratic neoconservative, a veritable war queen, who backed every major conflict fought by the U.S. over the last quarter century. If someone's views on America's international role should not be taken seriously, it is Hillary Clinton. She routinely advocated sacrificing U.S. wealth and lives in conflicts of choice which actually harmed American security. Her needless foreign adventures routinely turned out badly, creating new crises and consequent demands for more U.S. intervention and war.
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Last week Clinton spoke in San Diego. Her basic message was that Donald Trump was "temperamentally unfit" for the presidency and that all he has offered is "a series of bizarre rants, personal feuds, and outright lies." Of course, he has provided more than a little evidence to back her charges. Trump's egoism and incivility promise an even more vicious politics. His ignorance and inconsistency make rational policy-making unlikely. His disdain for the Constitution would undermine the rule of law.
Yet the brunt of her talk was not about character--something which would prove embarrassing given her manifold lapses--but about policy. And criticizing Trumpisms is like shooting fish in a barrel. No one, other than Donald Trump, believes his thinking to be well-informed and systematic.
Nevertheless, common sense occasionally surfaces in the Trump world view. It never makes an appearance as Clinton backs Washington's attempted domination of the globe. Ultimately, she is most appalled that Trump appears to oppose the conventional wisdom that Washington is destined to micro-manage the globe, lecturing, hectoring, subsidizing, sanctioning, bombing, invading, and occupying other nations as it sees fit. Even worse, in her view, he actually believes that consequences, such as the catastrophe in Iraq, matter, a shocking challenge in America's accountability-free capital.
Her address--the fancy term used to describe politicians attempting to establish their gravitas--could have been given by any number of Democrats or Republicans, who differ little in their support for promiscuous intervention and permanent war. Her talk was filled with the usual meaningless blather and dangerous policy recommendations. Her dedication to a status quo which has failed so badly tells Americans all they need to know about how her likely (mal)performance as president.
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For instance, she began by posing "a choice between a fearful America that's less secure and less engaged with the world, and strong, confident America that leads to keep our country safe and our economy growing." She also criticized Trump's belief that the U.S. is "weak." Yet despite portraying herself as convinced that America was strong, her willingness to constantly meddle overseas betrays an extraordinary fear of the world, as if the U.S. was but a helpless Third World state, constantly at risk if it stopped deploying the military in every possible contingency.
Worse, promiscuous Clinton-backed military interventions, which go back to her husband's presidency, have left America poorer and less secure. In her speech she imagined Trump "leading us into war just because somebody got under his very thin skin." Sure, he could do that. But she apparently doesn't even require that much justification for going to war. She has backed U.S. involvement in virtually every unnecessary, foolish, expensive conflict.
She pushed her husband to remake the Balkans, tearing apart some nations and supporting other artificial states, all the while ignoring the criminality of America's allies, which joined Serbia in engaging in ethnic cleansing. The New York Times recently detailed how the gangster state of Kosovo has become "a font of Islamic extremism and a pipeline for jihadists."
She was a strong supporter of the Iraq invasion, George W. Bush's worst legacy for the U.S. and Middle East. One of America's worst foreign policy blunders, that conflict has proved to be the gift which keeps on giving: thousands of dead Americans, hundreds of thousands of dead Iraqis, sectarian war, widespread murder and "cleansing" of religious minorities, an aggressive Islamic State, and an empowered Iran. (Her presidential ambitions finally forced her to admit her aye vote was a mistake.)
She backed doubling and tripling down in Afghanistan, lengthening a foolish attempt at nation-building in Central Asia. She orchestrated the campaign in Libya, which resulted in a failed state, loose weapons, civil war, and a vacuum filled by ISIS. She accepted if not advocated ever widening "drone wars" in Pakistan and Yemen. Her early demand for Bashar al-Assad's ouster in Syria discouraged a compromise settlement and she now advocates that the U.S. get more involved militarily in Syria, a multi-sided civil war in which America has no vital interest and for which Washington has no answer. Virtually every war she supported created new problems which were used to justify new interventions.
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Yet she believes this list of mistakes entitles her to the presidency: "I'm proud to run on my record, because I think the choice before the American people in this election is clear." Yes, it is. Vote Hillary Clinton and we can be sure there will be more meddling, more intervention, more wars, more dead Americans, more wasted dollars, and more international chaos--requiring even more meddling, intervention, and wars. She praised her efforts on behalf of America's service personnel and veterans, but her policies would create many more war veterans requiring help.
Of course, she doesn't put it quite that way. First, she declared, "we need to be strong at home." Who doesn't believe that? She complained that Trump had no "clue about what to do," but her ideas almost invariably would harm the economy: more costly programs, uncontrolled spending, burdensome regulation, federal controls, corporate welfare. That's no improvement over Trump.
Second, she said "we need to stick with our allies," which make "us exceptional. And our allies deliver for us every day."
This is one of the silliest things she's ever said, quite an achievement. America is not exceptional because it has acquired dozens of whiny dependents which expect the U.S. to subsidize, coddle, reassure, and defend them. Actually, nations all over the world are begging Washington to do so. The post-Cold War expansion of NATO, rushed during her husband's presidency, treated the military alliance like an international gentleman's club. The latest applicant? Montenegro, with a couple thousand soldiers, has been invited to join NATO. No doubt it will "deliver" for America every day. At least requests for financial aid and other assistance.
Allies should make the U.S. stronger. America should not take on other nations' threats without commensurate benefit. The Europeans are not only wealthier and more populous than Russia, their only serious potential antagonist, but also America, which does most of the heavy lifting in defending the continent. In effect, Washington is subsidizing the Europeans' generous welfare states.
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South Korea has more than 40 times the GDP and twice the population of North Korea. Why does America still have nearly 30,000 troops stationed on the peninsula to defend the South? When will the Republic of Korea, which years ago became a serious industrial power, spend as large a share of its economy to defend against the existential threat next door as America does to protect its global network of wastrels?
She bizarrely calls these alliances a "source of strength." Rather, they are a source of conflict. Decades after they were created--in a different world at a different time--they threaten to draw the U.S. into fights which are not vital to Americans. Washington has no cause to risk war, and especially nuclear war, over the Baltic States, Japan's claims to the Senkaku Islands, or who controls the Korean peninsula. Far better for the prosperous and populous nations, which benefited from America's defense shield for decades and have far more at stake, take on those duties. Maybe, some day, a few of them might even help defend America.
Ironically, for someone so horrified at Trump's dismissal of America's costly alliances, she doesn't like the idea of these friendly states better arming themselves. Horrors: Trump suggested that South Korea and Japan consider getting nuclear weapons. It's admittedly a radical thought, but only because establishment hawks like Clinton cannot imagine a world different than one dominated and controlled by Washington.
Why should the U.S. be satisfied by an East Asia in which all of the "bad" actors, China, Russia, and North Korea, have nuclear weapons while none of Washington's democratic allies has a deterrent capability? Why should America remain entangled in the unstable region, ready to sacrifice Los Angeles and Seattle to protect Seoul and Tokyo? How to get Beijing to act against the North's nuclear program except to share the nightmare--after all, a nuclear Japan could deter not only Pyongyang but also the People's Republic of China. Surely it's worth a debate, which won't come from Clinton or the Neoconservatives who until now have dominated the Republican Party. Only Trump is advancing any new ideas.
Third, Clinton endorsed diplomacy and specifically the Iran nuclear accord. She's right, but that doesn't make her much better than Trump. Although he has been inconsistent on Iran, he appears to be more open to diplomacy elsewhere, especially in dealing with the PRC and Russia. And his overall policy, despite the bluster, appears to be more pacific than Clinton's, given her routine support for war over many years. For Clinton it's bomb first and then talk.
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Moreover, she turned her call for diplomacy into an effort to paint herself as more committed to Israel than Trump. That actually isn't easy given Trump's shameless speech to AIPAC earlier this year. On this issue, at least, there is little difference between the two, though in pre-pander mode he suggested the importance of "even-handedness" in dealing with the Palestinians, who have suffered under nearly a half century of occupation. Palestinian leadership has been awful, but the longer the occupation and the more expansive Israeli colonization of the West Bank, the less likely there will be peace. At least Trump's diplomatic commitment might reemerge, while Clinton appears to lack any such inclination.
Fourth, she advocated being "firm but wise with our rivals." Clinton rightly criticized Trump's sometimes bizarre praise of foreign dictators, but that doesn't make her views reasonable. Trump is awful on trade, but Clinton has moved his direction, denouncing the Trans-Pacific Partnership which was negotiated on her watch as Secretary of State. She supports confrontation with Russia over Ukraine even though the latter is not in NATO and is of far greater interest to the Europeans. (So much for not seeing "the complexity," as she accuses Trump.)
Fifth, she argued that "We need a real plan for confronting terrorists." Sure, but she failed to mention the most obvious point. Stop blowing up other nations. Stop bombing, invading, and occupying other nations. Stop killing foreign peoples and intervening in their conflicts. Stop creating enemies around the globe. Terrorism is evil and awful, but it almost always is a political act directed against outsiders, in this case, unfortunately, often Americans. Before whacking yet another hornet's nest, Washington should consider how Americans would react if another country did the same to the U.S.
Her specific proposals are pure conventional wisdom. More air attacks on the Islamic State, even though the U.S. has allowed everyone else in the region to largely avoid confronting a force which is a far greater threat to them. In fact, Saudi Arabia has essentially dropped its efforts against the Islamic State in favor of fomenting sectarian conflict in Yemen, making Washington complicit in war crimes (Riyadh one of the dubious "allies" Clinton enthusiastically supports).
She also wants Washington to end Syria's civil war. Sure, no problem. Also, "close Iraq's sectarian divide," which America created when it blew that country apart. How should the U.S. put Humpty Dumpty back together? Clinton doesn't say, even though she criticized Trump for failing to offer specifics as to how he would war against the Islamic State.
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Sixth, Clinton advocated that Americans "stay true to our values." It's almost comical coming from one of the Clintons, but ignores her personal flaws. Her criticisms of Trump struck home: his support for murdering terrorists' families, as well as "when he makes fun of disabled people, calls women pigs, proposes banning an entire religion from our country, or plays coy with white supremacists." His behavior too often has been grotesque. Yet her public values, which would control her actions as president, are worse: a belief in global social engineering, a willingness to go to war for minimal, even frivolous reasons, a commitment to power over liberty, a willingness to wreck entire nations while pursuing failed policies.
Seventh, she plays the temperament card as commander-in-chief: "Imagine if he had not just his Twitter account at his disposal when he's angry, but America's entire arsenal." Great line and fair point. Yet her supposedly cool-headed determination to get involved in multiple, needless wars is no better. Hillary Clinton is disposed to war. She fails to understand America's strategic interests and treats the military as just another policy tool: Clinton, too, is not qualified to be commander-in-chief.
Authored by Durwood Zaelke & Paul Bledsoe
Addressing Both Near-Term and Long-Term Climate Protection
Three years ago this month, President Obama began to redouble his already substantial efforts to address climate change. Since then he's emerged as perhaps the most consequential climate leader in the world. His actions hold critical lessons for other leaders around the world, not least his successor in the Oval Office.
The President started early that June during his first meeting with China's new leader, President Xi Jinping, in Sunnylands, California. During this historic meeting, President Obama and President Xi reached agreement on two issues: first, to work together to constrain North Korea, and second, to work together to phase down super climate pollutants called hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs.
Later that June, President Obama, with his sleeves rolled up, presented his Climate Action Plan in a speech at Georgetown University on a blisteringly hot day. The President's speech and formal plan were more than a beacon of hope; they were a roadmap for essential on-the-ground fast climate mitigation, starting at home in the US, but moving out quickly to encourage the global community to strengthen their climate ambition in the two and a half years leading up to the UN climate negotiations in Paris in December 2015.
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But even among climate experts, the underlying sophistication of Obama's Climate Action Plan was not fully appreciated. Most recognized that the President's strong mitigation measures at home would build the credibility he needed to assume a leadership role at the global level including in the UN climate negotiations. But the deeper architecture of his plan--which focused both on addressing long-term warming from carbon dioxide and near-term temperature mitigation by cutting powerful short-lived super greenhouse pollutants--was revolutionary, and even today is not fully grasped by most climate policy mavens.
The double-barreled approach specifically involves cutting both carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, and, for the first time, the package of short-lived super climate pollutants, HFCs, methane, tropospheric (lower level) ozone, and black carbon soot.
This was remarkably innovative, because it recognized that the super pollutants had the ability to cut the rate of warming in half through mid-century, and in the Arctic by two-thirds, and slow the self-amplifying feedback loops, where the initial warming feeds upon itself to cause further, perhaps even runaway, warming.
The loss of the reflective Arctic sea ice is a case in point. As white Arctic ice is replaced by darker water, less solar energy reflects back into space: since 1979 this shrinkage has added an extra 25 percent of warming to the effects of carbon dioxide emissions.
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Feedback mechanisms like these can cause irreversible and potentially catastrophic impacts. The President's plan recognizes that unless we can slow near-term warming quickly, we could lose the first major battle of climate change, and face a much worse problem in future.
At the international level, the President's plan also moved beyond the monopoly of the UN climate process to embrace a multi-venue approach. This included, for example, using the Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs, because the Montreal Protocol had already phased out nearly 100 similar chemicals, by nearly 100%, making this the world's more effective treaty. Phasing down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol would provide climate mitigation equivalent to 100 billion tons of carbon dioxide by 2050, and avoid up to 0.5C of warming by end of century.
The President's multi-venue approach also included using the International Civil Aviation Organization to reduce climate emissions from aviation, and leading the development of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, launched by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It also included using the Arctic Council to encourage cuts to black carbon soot, and the Global Methane Initiative to cut this super pollutant.
President Obama and his team at the State Department led by Secretary John Kerry and Climate Envoy Todd Stern made a singular effort to ensure the participation of China and India and other large developing countries in the UN climate negotiations, while also ensuring that the US had the flexibility to participate in the only way it could--without the help of the Congress.
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Today the President is using a full-court press to complete the HFC amendment before he leaves office in January, seven months away. There are several strategies he needs to expand to finish the Montreal Protocol HFC amendment: first, to ensure ample funding to finish the ongoing phase down of HCFC, along with the proposed phase down of the HFCs. This extra effort requires extra funding, and the President is already rounding up the donors. This also should include a "fast start" fund to cut HFCs immediately, without waiting for any "grace" period to expire. Speed matters, and funding early action will save money later. A ten million dollar fund would be a good start.
Second, the President needs to ensure that energy efficiency is given appropriate priority and incentives, as 80 to 90 percent of the climate footprint of running an air conditioner is from the fossil fuel that provides the electricity.
Finally, the President needs to ensure that the donors provide support for Rwanda, which is hosting the meeting in October where the delegates will reach their final decision. The 54 countries of Africa have made the HFC amendment a priority. This will be a unique climate victory for Africa, forever known as the Kigali Amendment, importantly the first major climate agreement to be concluded in the developing world which is already suffering most, and earliest, from near-term climate change impacts.
In the end, by avoiding up to 0.5C of warming by the end of the century, and even more with the anticipated energy efficiency savings, an HFC amendment is one of the most consequential actions that can be taken to implement the Paris Agreement, and a victory for the world.
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Other world leaders would do well to work with President Obama in his remaining months in office, and emulate his remarkably innovative near- and long-term climate protection approach. Such actions may do more to protect their citizens than any other policy measures they will take in office. And there is strong reason to believe that Obama's successor, at least should it be Hillary Clinton, will continue and even strengthen these essential approaches to protecting our climate, our country and our people.
Durwood Zaelke is the founder and President of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, and co-directs a related program at UC Santa Barbara.
Matrix background with the green symbols
So a video has recently gone viral. It's excellently produced and it contains arguments which, if I do say so myself, are great arguments that the original film The Matrix, produced and directed, by Lilly and Lana Wachowski, was in fact a metaphor for being transgender. Why would I add the self deprecating "if I do say so myself" onto someone else's video? Well, because, as it acknowledges with "special thanks" at the end, I made all the arguments it's making. In other words -- this viral video is based on my blog posts.
I appreciate The Film Runner for drawing attention to these themes, which will no doubt receive substantive discussion in the years to come. However, I'm troubled both by the fact that this video doesn't credit me as a writer, but only uses my arguments, and by the fact that my arguments are suddenly gaining traction now that both the Wachowski Sisters are transgender.
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Lana Wachowski was forced out of the closet during the production of the Matrix sequels. She chose to continue to direct under her male name despite rumors until 2012, when she came out as transgender.
I came out as transgender in 2013. The reason I wrote the Matrix essays I did was that my everyday life early in transition felt a lot like being Neo. My friends called me by my chosen name, banks call me Mr. Lockhart. All stuff that the video talks about. The thing was, it just clicked for me. It wasn't a stretch. When I went up for a legal name change and the transphobic Texas judge emphasized MISTER and SON while granting it, I just pictured her as Smith and me as Neo... and it helped. It helped because I knew Lana had faced something similar and coded it into her movies.
So, I'm really glad we're talking about how that movie about resisting authority and asserting your identity is about gender identity. What bothers me is that for most people to notice, BOTH directors had to be trans. I got skeptical responses to my arguments that the Matrix was a transition metaphor from 2013 until one day in 2016 when Lilly Wachowski came out and then everyone noticed. Lana was always there, folks -- and Lilly has said Lana tends to be the more creative/idea person. So a lot of us in the trans community have been reading this movie as trans solidarity for a long time. I'm troubled that apparently, if you think a man and a woman directed a movie, the ideas must come from the man -- only if both directors are female can a woman be the source of ideas. That's the implication of why this is only catching on now.
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Follow E.A. Lockhart on Twitter!
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PALO ALTO, CA - JUNE 01: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) speaks during a panel with Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders at Cubberley Community Center on June 1, 2016 in Palo Alto, California. With less than a week to go before the California presidential primary, Sanders is campaigning in northern California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
I voted for Bernie Sanders in the California primary not because I thought he would or could win the California primary, let alone the Democratic presidential nomination, but because he deserved support. He deserved it because he did what few politicians were willing to do
That is thunder against wealth and income inequality, corral Wall Street abuses, back a top dollar minimum wage, a massive job creation program, universal health care, and the end to mass incarceration. He injected a much needed gale of fresh air into American politics. But that's past. Hillary Clinton is the Democratic presidential nominee, and no amount of talk from Bernie about fighting on, trying to arm twist a few more super-delegates for support, or citing ridiculous, meaningless polls that show him beating Trump in a general election facedown are relevant to anything.
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The only thing relevant now is not simply beating Trump, but the Democrats taking back the senate to insure that Clinton has a fighting chance of getting her initiatives, legislation and judicial and administration appointments through, and to oust as many Republicans from state and local offices as possible. This is going to take votes, lots of votes, and lots of voters going to the polls to back Clinton and every Democrat who's in a tough race with a Republican in the swing states.
It's going to take Bernie saying to the roughly one out of five of his fervent backers who have railed against Clinton, and vowed that they wouldn't back her no matter what, you must. He doesn't have to try to put the fear of God in them with the nightmarish scene of a "President" Trump putting two or three more Clarence Thomas's on the Supreme Court, gutting everything from education to the Affordable Care Act, and holding an itchy finger on the nuclear trigger. He can talk about Hillary, or more importantly, why he agrees more with Hillary on the crucial issues than disagrees. That's not hard to do because it's true. Clinton will give a hard nod to the interests of minorities, gays and women. She will continue and expand Obama's policies that extend government programs and initiatives, hike spending on education, health care, and jobs and markedly increase taxes on corporations and the wealthy while enforcing, tightening regulations on the banks and Wall Street, and she has actually spelled out a progressive plan for real criminal justice system reform.
I had the luxury of giving Sanders a vote in California. It's a no-fly zone for GOP presidential candidates. No Republican presidential candidate has won the state since George Bush, Sr. in 1988. Jesus Christ could run on the GOP presidential ticket in California and probably lose. However, it's a far different story in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Colorado where either GOP governors or GOP controlled or heavily influenced legislatures are major political shot callers.
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Bush won the White House in 2000 by the much disputed 537 vote margin in Florida over Al Gore, and won it again in 2004 with the several thousand vote margin in Ohio over John Kerry. Both elections stand as the ultimate proof that an individual's vote really can count. This election is no different. The notion that Trump will implode, shoot himself in the foot, or turn off so many Republicans and independents that all Hillary has to do is concentrate her time and energy planning for her inaugural ball is not just nonsense, but dangerous.
Elections are almost always won by candidates with a solid and impassioned core of bloc voters. In Trump's case, white males, older voters, middle-income, college educated voters vote consistently and faithfully. They vote in a far greater percentage than Hispanics and blacks, and especially young voters. And many of them based on his showing in the primaries do back him. The big exception was 2008. Obama's run turned that year's campaign into a crusade to make racial history. That powered the massive sea change in traditional voting patterns. In 2012, it didn't hold up. Obama won the popular vote by just slightly more than 5 million votes over Romney. In 2014, it totally fell apart with the GOP's steady voting base again back at the polls and the party used it to seize the Senate.
There's no guarantee that the enthusiasm, passion, energy, and sense of making history that was there for Obama, or the enthusiasm that was there for Sanders, will be there for Clinton. The red flag on this are the negatives. Trump has them in spades, but so does Clinton. Trump and the GOP will pull out all stops to shove them down the voter's throats. It will take a united Democratic party, to overcome that assault. It won't be easy but given the colossal stakes, and the absolute importance of having a Clinton in the White House, Sanders must say and keep saying to his supporters, back Clinton.
By, Jorge Riopedre
Access to quality healthcare is a basic human necessity, and the challenge of providing it with finite resources is particularly daunting for communities faced with large immigrant and refugee populations. Last year, as a USA Fellow with Eisenhower Fellowships, I traveled to Germany and Mexico to study their healthcare systems. Both countries face difficulties, but Germany, in particular, is feeling the strain of caring for immigrants and refugees, with more than 1 million having arrived in that country in 2015.
Trying to arrange healthcare for these arrivals, not to mention housing and employment, is incredibly difficult and the tension sparked by integration efforts is a key factor in the rise of far right groups, with their influence metastasizing across Europe. While the United States is not faced with a tidal wave of new arrivals, there are more than 42 million immigrants in our country, and like those in Germany or elsewhere, they are in need of essential services.
Key among them is healthcare. The Affordable Care Act has provided some relief, yet the uninsured rate for the foreign born still hovers around 27 percent, with Hispanics faring the worst at over 30 percent.
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It is expedient to believe that this is a minor problem. It is not. By 2050, foreign born individuals will likely account for 20 percent of everyone who lives in the United States, and 82 percent of total population growth will be due to immigrants and their decedents. It is therefore absolutely crucial to the nation's future that these new Americans receive access to care.
Given the slow-changing nature of our hugely complex healthcare system, not to mention the political moment we live in, some of the progress will need to come via innovative solutions and community-level efforts.
Fortunately, some of this is already happening. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is currently testing the Accountable Health Community Model. It will have three program tracks, one of which especially caught my attention with regard to care for immigrants. This particular track focuses on what is known as "community navigation services" which ensure that a patient's needs are met after a medical referral. Based on direct experience at my clinic with the thousands of patients we help each year, navigation - the act of accompanying the patient to his/her appointments and acting as their advocate, then following up throughout their course of care - is a valuable tool to improve outcomes for patients. Navigators are particularly effective combating barriers like lack of insurance, limited English proficiency, poor health literacy and the unfortunate situations when immigrants are not treated with respect.
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Another tool with which to serve immigrants is a medical home, somewhere they can access primary care and seek help to prevent disease. In this capacity, community clinics play a large role. They already serve over 23 million people at more than 9,000 sites located throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories, and it is likely that their importance will increase. Because of the barriers I mentioned earlier, immigrants tend not to seek help until they experience an acute situation. It is therefore especially important that they access care at a facility that spends significant time with them, doing a thorough intake so that potential problems (like diabetes) can be prevented through screening and wellness services.
Home visits are also effective. They eliminate one of the most difficult obstacles for immigrants - transportation - and have the added benefits of allowing a home assessment and incorporating family members in the health education part of the visit. Last year, diabetic patients enrolled in my clinic's program saw their hemoglobin A1c levels - a key indicator of blood sugar levels over time - drop by more than two points on average. Each point dropped represents a 40 percent reduction in the risk of developing eye, nerve and kidney disease. This is great for the patient, but it's also important for all of us. Diabetes and many other chronic diseases are extremely expensive to treat and manage. To the extent that we are able to bring chronic illness under control - or even better, prevent them from happening in the first place - we will lower healthcare costs and make care more affordable for everyone.
Perhaps what is most needed, however, is a change of mindset. Too many pundits and politicians continue pushing us to think of immigrants as "takers." The opposite is true. In fact, immigrants are actually among the least likely to use healthcare, and are net contributors to the Medicare trust fund.
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The experiences of the immigrants I meet today resonate deeply with me. My parents fled calamity in their home country of Cuba in the early 1960s for the promise of America. They came with nothing. When I was born here in the U.S., they faced dire circumstances due to my health problems. But through the generosity (read: investment) of doctors and hospitals, I recovered my health and my parents averted financial catastrophe. The result was a stable family that prospered - our country's formula for success. My story is like those of countless people who started as immigrants and refugees and then became Americans. It's a reminder that when we care for immigrants, we care for ourselves and our future.
On June 23 British people will vote whether to stay in the European Union. The consequences of a decision to withdraw from the EU cannot be overstated.
There will be intended and unintended consequences that will shape the economic and political future of Europe. President Obama and the leaders of all major European countries (including Britain) are calling for British voters to vote to keep Britain in the EU. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warned that exit from the EU would have a negative impact not only on Britain but also on Europe as a whole. Most international corporations doing business in London oppose the idea of "Brexit" and warn, that the consequences will be a loss of jobs and a possibly extended period of financial uncertainty. Surprisingly, as the chorus of establishment leaders in the "remain" camp grows, the louder the polls are indicting the "exit" numbers are increasing.
There are many reasons why British people may be ignoring political and economic establishment's support for the EU. One major reason for voting for "exit" appears to be a rejection of the fundamental idea of the EU: "free movement." Free travel between EU members is the corner stone of the European Union. It means simply that no visa is needed to enter, live and work in any member country. Rejecting "free movement" is a way of taking back control of who enters the country and in effect preventing immigrants from coming into England to work. Another reason appears to be a belief that Britain somehow subordinates its own interest in co-operating within the framework of the EU. A third reason is the rejection(as we see in the shocking success of the Trump campaign) of the governmental establishment whether it be the press or elected officials.
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If the vote is for "exit" it is likely, that Scotland will seek independence from England. In 2014 Scottish independence was narrowly defeated. The movement for independence has already indicated that they want another vote if Britain leaves the EU. Scotland is likely to exit the British Empire and want to stay in the EU. It is very possible that companies that presently have major offices in England will move their offices to Scotland. Hence, Scotland stands to gain a great deal if Britain exits the EU.
While naturally American's attention has been on the remarkable election campaigns this vote is being watched carefully in capitals around the world. Britain is one of the most important members of the EU and one of America's most important allies. Should it leave the EU the ripples will be felt around the globe. If only because all major western leaders are calling for Britain to remain in the EU and a successful vote for exiting from the EU will underline just how little influence the western political establishments have over the British population. In an odd way the Trump campaign is a mirror of the same issues in Britain: immigration, belief that too much has been given away in trade negotiations, and a rise in rejection of political establishment.
In an era of unprecedented visibility, the transgender community is at a crossroads. Do we work transgender people into current systems such as education and the military or do we work to significantly transform these structures and society as a whole? While the majority of media attention has gone towards integrating trans people into the dominant culture, is this the right decision for the community? Many activists, scholars, and community members say no.
"Do we work transgender people into current systems such as education and the military or do we work to significantly transform these structures and society as a whole?"
I came out as transgender at the age of eight, to a rural community that was not ready to support me. During the next five years, I experienced constant harassment, isolation, and assault. You might think that as someone who has had this experience, I am excited to see hate crime legislation popping up all over the United States. On the contrary, it frightens me. Hate crime laws are framed as initiatives that will end attacks on transgender people, making them "equally" protected under the law. In reality, this legislation is another cisgender issue pushed by neoliberal politicians to further expand prisons and prevent real change.
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Hate crime legislation does nothing to protect trans people. Instead, it only increases sentencing for offenders. Is doubling a 7-year sentence going to deter crime? Statistically, the answer is no. Hate crime laws do not look at the roots of the problem, including systemic racism and transphobia. Individualizing the problem by sending one person to prison does very little for our community as a whole and does not work within a restorative justice framework.
"Individualizing the problem by sending one person to prison does very little for our community as a whole and does not work within a restorative justice framework."
People who have committed these acts can be educated along with the public on transgender issues, which will actually stop the violence. This is not to mention many people incorrectly think anti-transgender victimization has ended when hate crime legislation has passed -- and then proceed to ignore the perpetual violence we still face. Hate crime laws are just one of many examples of where "equality" fails to work for the trans community.
It is important to understand that equality and rights are not justice or liberation. Equality does not account for difference in culture, identity or ability. A popular graphic by Out Front Minnesota does a great job illustrating this fact.
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Imagine the crates are other people.
A state of equality still leaves the most marginalized groups as they are: oppressed. In 2011, I co-founded Trans Student Educational Resources, a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment. Recognizing this, we changed our name from "Equality" to "Educational" in 2014. Simply, trans equality in education is detrimental to the community.
We do not just want the same access to a clearly broken education system as our cisgender peers. We are committed to educating our communities and the public on transgender issues, which will significantly decrease victimization for all trans people.
"It is important to understand that equality and rights are not justice or liberation. Equality does not account for difference in culture, identity or ability."
With issues like test scores more accurately reflecting race and class than actual learning, we are devoted to fundamentally transforming this system as a whole and making it accessible for everyone, not only trans people. We hope that we can learn about our own histories and communities in the classroom, not just conservative interpretations of the United States. When trans students do have "equal access," people stop paying attention to the issue and assume it is done with. They will also stop donating to organizations. Additionally, equality laws are often not adhered to and can be used as an excuse to not make actual change.
"We do not just want the same access to a clearly broken education system as our cisgender peers."
While some individuals may get help from these pro-transgender laws, it is generally only the most privileged and wealthy of our community who are able to access legal resources to support them through this usage.
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Equality is something that only benefits the most privileged of the community. In the past year alone, over 1,000 people, mostly people of color, have been killed by police. While most police protect white cisgender citizens, they disproportionately target transgender people, particularly transgender people of color.
Arguing for "equality in law enforcement" is arguing for us to be supporting and funding our oppressors. Some organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign push for simple education measures and incorporating transgender people into the police force. This only increases funding and support for a police system that disproportionately incarcerates transgender people and people of color. In order to truly support all marginalized communities, we must act up against police brutality and militarization through funding and community action. This methodology gets cast aside as "idealistic," ignoring historic victories such as Compton's Cafeteria Riot and Stonewall itself.
"Arguing for 'equality in law enforcement' is arguing for us to be supporting and funding our oppressors. "
Likewise, the militarization of transgender people is a huge concern within our community. Between 2011 and 2013, 10% of all funding to transgender nonprofits in the United States went to military integration, when the community was facing some of its worst years in terms of murders. If this funding were redirected to community organizations, we would have not only been able to decrease victimization but create sustainable jobs for trans people. Arguing for "equal rights" in the military is asking for transgender people to be equally able to murder people in other countries. Trans activist Lily Zheng relates this to her own experience:
"As a trans woman of color, I find it particularly ironic that soon I will be able to serve the same country that brutalizes my black and brown sisters on the streets and in prisons by brutalizing black and brown people elsewhere. I find it more ironic that to the mainstream LGBT movement, this is a victory."
Military inclusion is not a win for the transgender community, it is a cisgender issue and a loss of our intersectional framework. Large, cisgender-run LGBT organizations attempt to operate under a "we're just like you" model to incorporate us into these industries, which is not only inaccurate, but also diminutive to trans culture. We are not "equal" to or "the same" as cisgender people. Like every marginalized community, we have unique needs and identities that equality measures do not take into consideration.
These are only a few of many examples of why pushing for equality is hurting the trans movement. "Equality" is not the end to our momentum. It is a sidetrack that distracts us from embracing our movement's roots and tackling the real issues. Equality will never account for critical self-determination and does not recognize our intersecting identities. We are a movement founded in a goal of collective liberation. Aiming for anything less is a limited idea of our future.
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LGBT flag on a restroom sign next to a bathroom door that is ajar. There is a lot of controversy over North Carolina's HB2 bill, the Carolina bathroom bill, and other legislation around the US against the LGBT community.
When I was growing up in Huntsville, Alabama (home of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center museum), we used to take car trips to my birth home of Kansas. Most of the time, we couldn't use the restrooms in the gas stations along the way. The signs were clear: "Whites only" or "No Colored." At that time, we were Negroes or colored.
So we carried toilet paper and went on the side of the road.
North Carolina's "bathroom bill" -- a.k.a. HB2 or "The Public Facilities Act" -- is both a portal back to my time as a young black girl in the '60s and a reminder of my current status as a lesbian of African descent who wears ties and is sometimes mistaken for a man.
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By the way, I don't carry my birth certificate with me when I use a public restroom. Do you?
Some folks think that if race isn't involved, discrimination is not about civil rights. But civil rights go way beyond race.
Brown v. Board of Education clearly established that "separate but equal is inherently unequal." It took decades for segregation to be dismantled in educational institutions, and it's an ongoing issue. I went to segregated schools for twelve years after Brown.
We've seen similar protracted struggles for gender equality, interracial marriage, and marriage equality for gay and lesbian people. And now comes the movement for transgender equality. It, too, is fundamentally about civil rights.
The federal judiciary, via Attorney General Loretta Lynch, sued North Carolina over its so-called "bathroom bill," which requires people to use bathrooms based on their biological sex as identified on their birth certificate. Lynch said the legislation would constitute a "pattern or practice" of discriminating against transgender individuals.
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She went on to say that the lawsuit is about a great deal more than just bathrooms:
This is about the dignity and respect we accord our fellow citizens and the laws that we, as a people and as a country, have enacted to protect them -- indeed, to protect all of us. And it's about the founding ideals that have led this country -- haltingly but inexorably -- in the direction of fairness, inclusion and equality for all Americans.
It's about recognizing our humanness and not otherness.
The best response I've heard yet is:
"I don't care which bathroom you use, just wash your hands."
Here's hoping that laws permitting discrimination in bathrooms and beyond be repealed, both as a matter of law and in people's hearts and minds.
Texas and France have a number of things in common. They're roughly the same size. They were both republics. They have delectable, widely loved cuisines. And, just last week, both were battered by torrential rains and flooding turbocharged by human-made global warming.
What's different between them? Plenty, to be sure, but given that the recent deluge is the topic du jour, what's most interesting are the diametrically opposite views French and Lone Star State officials hold about the climate change connection. For the French, it's "mais oui, bien sur!" But as far as the Texans are concerned, "it just ain't happenin'."
But before diving into that, let's survey the damage.
Paris, France, was particularly hard-hit. The Seine crested at 20 feet above its usual levels last Saturday, more than 19,000 metro area homes lost electric power, and 20,000 people in Nemours and other towns had to temporarily evacuate their homes. May was the country's rainiest month since 1886, according to Radio France International, and as of last Saturday, the flood-related death toll stood at four.
Paris, Texas, was largely spared. But in the southeastern section of the state, floods killed at least 17, and dozens more are missing. The Brazos River, which cuts diagonally across the state, reached a record flood level of 54 feet near Richmond, 30 miles southwest of Houston, and some 1,000 people had to be evacuated from their homes in Fort Bend County. Meanwhile, more than 130 roads were either flooded or closed, and the governor declared 46 counties disaster areas.
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Climate Change is Making Things Worse
Earlier this year, the National Academy of Sciences published a study that definitively verified that human-caused climate change is exacerbating heat waves, droughts and heavy precipitation, but Texas and France are already painfully aware of the consequences. The catastrophic flooding they just experienced is not the first time they have been slammed by punishing, climate change-related weather.
Texas is getting pummeled by a double-whammy: extreme precipitation and drought, depending on the Pacific Ocean's natural cycles that can either produce hot and dry (La Nina) or wet and cool (El Nino) conditions. Climate change intensifies the weather events they spawn.
Last year, for example, more than 35 trillion gallons of water fell on Texas in May, enough to flood the state's entire 268,820 square miles with 8 inches of water. A study published last October in the journal Geophysical Research Letters concluded that "anthropogenic [human-caused] global warming contributed to the physical processes that caused the persistent precipitation in May 2015."
Back in 2011, meanwhile, Texas suffered the costliest drought in its history. Texas A&M University calculated that farmers and ranchers lost $7.82 billion. The likely culprit? Climate change. A July 2012 study in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society compared the dry La Nina year of 2008 with La Nina years in the 1960s and determined that climate change has made extreme hot and dry conditions in Texas in La Nina years 20 times more likely today than 50 years ago.
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As for France, a deadly heat wave centered in that country in August 2003 killed more than 70,000 people across the continent. It was the hottest European summer on record since at least the year 1500 and apparently a harbinger of things to come. A December 2014 study in the journal Nature Climate Change concluded that Europe is now 10 times more likely to experience a similarly extreme heat wave than it was a decade ago because of human-made global warming.
France also will likely have to cope with more floods. A March 2014 study in Nature Climate Change projects that by mid-century the frequency of flooding across Europe could double and the annual average losses could jump fivefold. The study attributed two-thirds of those financial losses to development in flood-prone areas and the remaining third to climate change.
French Acceptance, Texas Denial
How did elected officials in France and Texas react to what amounts to just the latest in a steady parade of climate change-related, extreme weather disasters?
French President Francois Hollande unambiguously linked the rains and flooding to global warming. "When there are climatic phenomena of this seriousness," he said, "we must all be aware that we must act globally." Hollande's perspective is representative of the view held by virtually all elected officials in France, regardless of party affiliation.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, meanwhile, was forced to declare a state of disaster in four dozen Texas counties, or, as he put it, "literally from the Red River to the Rio Grande," but made no mention of the role climate change likely played.
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That's not a surprise: Abbott is a climate science denier. He maintains it is an open question whether human activity is influencing the climate. "We must be good guardians of our Earth," he told the San Antonio Express-News in 2014, "but we must base our decisions on peer-reviewed scientific inquiry, free from political demagogues using climate change as an excuse to remake the American economy."
Never mind that peer-reviewed science is unequivocal about the threat carbon emissions pose to the climate.
What about U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, who represents a Texas congressional district that includes San Antonio and Austin? Both cities just experienced intense rain and severe flooding and Smith is the chairman of the House Space, Science and Technology Committee. Surely the head of a science committee must be aware of the link between global warming and extreme weather.
Nope. Like Abbott, Smith is a confirmed climate science denier. Although he rejected that characterization during a meeting with constituents last November, claiming that he's merely a "semi-skeptic," he went on to dispute mainstream climate science.
"I think the human component may actually be a small fraction of the contributing forces on climate change," Smith told the gathering. He then erroneously claimed "natural causes" and changes in the tilt of the Earth's axis over time play a more significant role.
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Likewise, Smith dismisses the climate change-severe weather connection. "Administration officials and the national media regularly use the impacts from hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts and floods to justify the need for costly climate change regulations," he said in a December 2013 press release. "The fact is there is little evidence that climate change causes extreme weather events."
Smith not only subscribes to specious theories about climate change, he also harasses climate scientists in the federal government and at nonprofit organizations with whom he disagrees. Last fall, for example, he subpoenaed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for its internal emails and research data because he believes the agency's scientists are using "skewed" data. And just last month, he requested internal documents and emails from my organization, the Union of Concerned Scientists, because we have been openly encouraging state attorneys general to investigate ExxonMobil for failing to disclose to investors and the public what its scientists knew about climate change.
Vive la Difference?
What could explain this stark divide between French and Texan politicians? There may be a number of reasons, but an obvious one to consider is the role of undue corporate influence. In France, corporations are not allowed to donate money or provide services to political candidates or political parties. In Texas, it's a very different story.
Abbott, a former Texas attorney general, won the governorship in 2014. The $4.2 million he received in contributions from the oil and gas industry for his gubernatorial campaign was more than twice the amount he got from any other sector. Among his top benefactors were Nustar Energy ($90,000), Koch Industries ($57,500) and Valero Energy ($50,000). Other donors included ExxonMobil, which kicked in $15,000, and Chevron and ConocoPhillips, which each donated $12,500.
The oil and gas industry, meanwhile, has been Smith's leading patron during his nearly 30 years in office. Over the last decade, his biggest contributors from that sector include Koch Industries, which gave him $87,000, and Valero Energy, which gave him more than $100,000.
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So how well do French and Texan politicians reflect public opinion in their respective locales?
According to a November 2015 Pew Research Center survey, 56 percent of the French people consider climate change to be a "very serious problem" and 86 percent endorse an international agreement limiting carbon emissions. Presumably most French citizens supported President Hollande when he declared at the U.N. climate conference in Paris last December that the world "is entering the low-carbon era" and that "France will do everything it can not only to enforce the [international] agreement -- that is our responsibility -- but to accelerate the movement" to dramatically cut carbon emissions.
On the other hand, Abbott, Smith and the other climate science deniers in the Texas statehouse and congressional delegation are letting their constituents down. A September 2013 survey conducted by the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication found that 70 percent of Texans accept the fact that global warming is happening and more than 50 percent want local, state and federal officials to do more to address it.
So what is to be done?
There's an old Texas saying that points to the fact that special interest money rules today's politics -- at least in the United States. It goes like this: "You got to dance with them that brung you." Given the likelihood Texans are in for a lot more drought and flooding, it's about time they interrupted that two-step and cut in.
Muslim Woman pray and Beautiful background.
In late 2015, Imraan Siddiqi saw the expanding popularity of then-candidate for the Republican presidential nomination Donald Trump as a warning sign. He watched as the candidate's anti-Muslim rhetoric joined with American gun culture and racial discontent to make the already uncomfortable lives of American Muslims even more unbearable. Violence was increasing against Muslim communities nationwide.
Something had to be done.
Enter Hate Hurts, a project designed to track and bring attention to incidents of Islamophobic discrimination and violence across the Western world. Siddiqi created the project to deal with an increasingly tense historical moment for members of the worlds second largest religion who face bigotry and hatred for their beliefs.
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I spoke with Siddiqi and researcher Roqayah Chamseddine about the organization and Islamophobia in the US.
Siddiqi joined the Council on American Islamic Relations, or CAIR, in Arizona in 2011. He has served on the CAIR AZ Board of Directors ever since. In October 2015, he became CAIR AZ's Executive Director.
Siddiqi launched the Islamophobia tracking organization Hate Hurts in December, 2015, as a supplement to his work with CAIR AZ. The project launched with a simple blog post:
The purpose of this site is to provide a resource in highlighting the epidemic of hate taking place - Not only in the U.S. - but beyond. It is our hope by updating this resource in real-time, that the world can no longer ignore the targeting of these communities.
"This project couldn't be headed by anyone better than Imraan Siddiqi because he remains a tireless advocate for all marginalized peoples," Chamseddine said.
Siddiqi described the atmosphere in the US in 2016 for Muslims and their allies as tense. The recent mythologizing of dipping bullets in pig's blood by Trump is a prime example of the climate of fear, hatred, and intolerance that is becoming reality in America.
The story, which is commonly understood to be a chain email fairy tale, goes like this:
"They were having terrorism problems, just like we do," Trump said. "And [General John Pershing] caught 50 terrorists who did tremendous damage and killed many people. And he took the 50 terrorists, and he took 50 men and he dipped 50 bullets in pigs' blood -- you heard that, right? He took 50 bullets, and he dipped them in pigs' blood. And he had his men load his rifles, and he lined up the 50 people, and they shot 49 of those people. And the 50th person, he said: You go back to your people, and you tell them what happened. And for 25 years, there wasn't a problem. Okay? Twenty-five years, there wasn't a problem."
The story is probably not true, but that hasn't stopped Trump's supporters from using it as a rallying cry (if you don't believe, search twitter for "pig blood bullet" actually no don't) and a direct message to Muslims in the US. Hate Hurts recently investigated a "Muslim-free" Gun Store that sells gun oil dipped in pig fat alongside shooting targets featuring the faces of President Barack Obama and Democratic hopefuls Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton.
This is a prime example, Siddiqi explained, of what happens when a violent and bigoted ideology such as the Islamophobia Trump and his supporters adhere to meets "American gun culture."
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Hate Hurts combats this dangerous and harmful bigotry by humanizing the victims of Islamophobia. By tracking incidents of violence and discrimination, the organization hopes to put a face to the increasing incidents of hate crimes against Muslims in America. But that's not the only weapon to combat Islamophobia.
Another way to fight the relentless onslaught of negativity and soul-crushing news of Islamophobia in America is humor. Siddiqi excels at this, using his self-described sarcastic morbidity as a tool to poke fun at the very real bigots and racists who attack him regularly as well as the societal realities of the modern American opinion on Islam and Muslims.
An example of this is #WhereWereTheyRadicalized, a hashtag Siddiqi created in the wake of the San Bernardino shooting to point out that the vast majority of violence and terror in the US is done by white Christians- yet their churches, families, and communities are never subject to the scrutiny their Muslim counterparts are. #WhereWereTheyRadicalized pointed out this discrepancy in a wry way, making a serious point while also ridiculing the absurdity of such a double standard.
Since December, Hate Hurts has been accumulating an an exhaustive accounting of Islamophobic incidents in the US and worldwide. The site has become an essential resource for Muslim communities, journalists, and others throughout the West.
"It's a way to inform not only members of the Muslim community but other communities oftentimes affected by acts of prejudice and violence aimed at Muslims--one example would be the Sikh community, whose members are sometimes mistaken for Muslims due to their religious attire, language or even skin tone," Chamseddine explained.
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That sentiment is reflected in the project's mission statement:
Bigotry is real, whether it targets the Muslim community, Sikhs and South Asians, or individuals from Middle Eastern and North African descent. Our goal is to create a definitive online resource - updating you on this unprecedented wave of bigotry, and its jarring impact on our communities.... Our goal is to raise awareness, provide in depth commentary and new content that will be used as an educational resource all over the world.
If you have a story of discrimination or harassment to report, contact Hate Hurts on their Tips page.
by Christian Sarkar
Philip Kotler is the S.C. Johnson & Son Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in Chicago. His most recent work is "Democracy in Decline: Rebuilding its Future" (Sage 2016). His previous book is "Confronting Capitalism: Real Solutions for a Troubled Economic System."
The U.S. is passing through a very difficult and costly Presidential election cycle. How often do seventeen candidates join the race to become the Republican nominee for President? Trump is a salesman steeped in the real estate and the deal-making world. He insults his opponents and the intelligence of our citizens. He wants to build a great wall between the U.S. and Mexico, and he wants to ban Muslims from coming into the U.S. Is this what you mean with your book's title Democracy in Decline?
I would say that our Democracy was in decline long before Donald Trump but he is the most recent contributor to the embarrassingly low level of political discourse in this country. There was a time when most politicians debated issues rather than just engaged in sending insults. Hillary Clinton sticks to issues and so does Bernie Sanders. Two of the Republican aspirants, Jeff Bush and John Kasich, stuck to issues. But the deeper problems is that our democratic government is no longer working to improve the lives of our low income and middle class citizens. Recently John Stewart put it well in saying that one political party's job is "to freeze government."
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What is your main complaint about the shape of our democracy today?
In a working democracy, the citizens are supposed to be the ultimate force determining a nation's policies. But this is not happening today. Yes, American citizens get a chance to cast votes for the Presidential candidates and all the other state and city political candidates. The winning candidates ultimately pass all the legislation. But these candidates manage to get elected by raising enough money from large companies and the 1%. So they owe something back to their donors in deciding on national policies. Congress is therefore not run by the politicians but by their interests of their donors and lobbyists. Ultimately much of our policies are set by the wishes of Big Business and the very wealthy 1%.
So what can be done about this "corruption" of our democracy?
The first step is to end Citizens United, the infamous decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that made it possible for Big Business and rich donors to spend so much money influencing voters to vote for their candidates.
The second is to reign in the huge amount of lobbying spending and activity that influence so much of our legislative outcomes. The third is to limit political advertising 30 days as they do in Britain. The fourth is to prevent the efforts to make voter registration and voting hours difficult for a great many citizens. The voting day should be shifted to weekends or to online mailed in ballots.
I understand that you identify in 14 such abuses in your book?
Yes, another major abuse is gerrymandering where the leading party in a geographical area changes the shape of the Congressional districts to include more of the voters who favor the incumbent candidate. The result is that about 90 percent of the incumbents end up getting reelected and they become the most powerful members who run the key committees determining legislation.
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Another major problem is political gridlock where the Republican Party has openly said that they want President Obama to fail to accomplish any of his goals. This party is ready to use long filibusters or even threaten closing down the government to stop voting from taking place on proposed legislation. Even when Obama scores on a new piece of legislation, the Republican Party spends much of its time to weaken or rescind the new laws. They have tried to destroy the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) (called Obama Care), to weaken Roe vs. Wade, the decision allowing women to choose abortion, and other passed legislation.
Another major problem is that our system of caucuses and primaries tend to be manipulated by more extreme members of both parties leading to more extreme candidates. Then the electoral college system with its super delegates in both parties deserves to be questioned and reformed.
So what do you hope to accomplish? What do you want people who read "Democracy in Decline" to get out of it?
I hope for two things. First, that readers of Democracy in Decline will get a much better understanding of how our major political institutions work, including Congress, the Supreme Court, Presidential power and its limitations, States protecting their rights, and how foreign policy is developed. My point is that most people never took a civics course or read a deep treatment of how things actually done in our democracy.
Second, I hope that readers will get upset enough with the current weaknesses and abuses that they will talk to others, join activist groups, and think more deeply about which candidates to believe in and trust. Will these candidates really care about making life better for our citizens? Our country?
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Can readers trust that they are getting an unbiased view of how government operates and what major problems afflict our democracy?
No one book on the subject of democracy can be unbiased. All that we can ask is that the author reveal his biases. I made my biases transparent. I have always been a believer in efforts to improve the lives of people and I believe that liberal thinking will do a better job of improving people's lives than conservative or reactionary thinking.
That said, I sincerely want Republicans to read this book. Otherwise my book will only appeal to the converted. For each issue, I try to show the historical sources of the issues, the effects of the issue on the lives of people, and the alternatives that voters might face in voting or acting on the issue.
In my last chapter, I discuss 16 issues presently facing Congress and the American people and I spell out all the possible positions that could be taken by any voter on each issue. Any reader who proceeds to choose the alternative on each issue that he or she favors, would get a clear concept of where his or her political interests lie and why.
I find it interesting that you chose to write a book on our political system without having been trained in political science. How does a Ph.D. economist from M.I.T. and the "father of modern marketing" decide now to write a book on our political system?
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The answer is that there is a disturbing interaction between Capitalism, our economic system, and Democracy, our political system. I would say that the features and trends in our Capitalist system are doing great damage to our Democracy.
The major problem in our Capitalist system is the growing level of income inequality. There will always be some income inequality but it has moved to a level that is corrupting both Capitalism itself and our Democracy. Capitalism is doomed to grow at a much slower rate because most of the gains in income are going to the 1%. During the recovery from the 2008 recession, income of the top 1% increased by 31% but just 0.4% for 99% of Americans. A great number of workers earn less today in real terms than they earned in the 1970s. So Capitalism is dooming itself by not paying a higher wage to our workers and not raising higher taxes on the rich, many of whom even pay a lower income tax rate than their office and factory workers.
How does this harm our democracy?
The growing gap between the rich and the poor is putting major political power in the hands of the 1%. The 1% pays much less in taxes and they have the money to back the candidates that will enable them to continue to grow richer. They can get low income people to surprisingly vote against their own best interests and believe that an obsessively self-absorbed Presidential candidate who claims that he can create more jobs and build a wall on our border to keep out illegal Mexicans and keep out Muslims and promise that guns can be carried by students into schools to protect themselves is offering a better deal than the other candidate. Our Democracy is increasingly morphing into an Oligarchy, a government run by the few.
Our citizens must get engaged if they want to save our Democracy. We've created a website called www.democracyindecline.com that carries current articles on how we can improve our democracy. As you know, we've also created a website for the other half of the problem, namely our Capitalism, called www.fixcapitalism.com.
Our citizens must be well informed and actively involved if we are to improve our Democracy. There is no other way.
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Thanks, Phil.
What do you think? Join the debate. And please tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Christian Sarkar is an artist, activist, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of the $300 House Project and manages a marketing consultancy in his spare time. He is the co-author of Inclusivity: Will America Find Its Soul Again?
FIXCapitalism.com is dedicated to saving Capitalism from itself. Visit us at www.fixcapitalism.com to join the debate. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Critics beware. Donald Trump has uncovered a diabolical and dastardly plot against the United States. Mr. Trump loves Mexicans. He employs thousands of them in his casinos and hotels, in positions of authority at very high wages. And Mexicans love him. That said, as an astute student of history, Trump knows that Mexicans have never forgiven American Anglos for annexing Texas, defeating them in the Mexican War, and seizing millions of acres of land in the American Southwest. In launching his campaign, he reminded voters that Mexican authorities have been sending murderers and rapists (along with some nice people) across the border for decades. This spring, however, Mr. Trump got wind of a far more insidious and stealthy scheme (dubbed Montezuma's Revenge).
In the 1940s and 50's, Mexico began to plant sleeper cells in the United States. Immigrants were told to enter the country legally or illegally, get jobs, work hard, obey the law, lull the Anglos into a sense of complacency about their loyalty to the United States, have lots of kids, vote Democratic - and make sure that their children and grandchildren wormed their way into positions of power so that they could strike against the Great Satan when opportunities presented themselves.
Gonzalo Curiel is, of course, Trump's Exhibit A. The son of Salvador and Francisco Curiel, who emigrated from Mascota, Mexico, Gonzalo, the youngest of four children, was born in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1953. Educated at Indiana University and the Indiana University School of Law, Mr. Curiel served as an Assistant U.S. District Attorney in California and Chief of the Narcotics Bureau, where he burnished his credentials as an American patriot by prosecuting members of Mexican drug cartels. In 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, appointed him to the San Diego County Court. In 2012, following a voice vote in the U.S. Senate, Curiel became Judge of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District. Opportunity knocked for him when he was assigned a class action suit alleging that Trump University was a fraudulent endeavor. Although Curiel has postponed court proceedings until after the election, can there be any doubt that he aims to take down the only person capable of making America great again?
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Next week, Mr. Trump will reveal Exhibit B. He will announce that Alberto Gonzalez is also an agent of the Mexican government. Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1955, Alberto was the second of eight children of Maria Rodriguez and Pablo Gonzalez, a migrant worker. He served in the Air Force, received a BA from Rice University, a JD from Harvard, and eventually became a judge on the Texas Supreme Court. As Attorney General of the United States under President George W. Bush, Trump will remind his fellow Americans in a speech delivered from a teleprompter, Gonzalez supported "enhanced interrogation techniques" (aka torture), bringing condemnation of the United States - just as his handlers had planned.
During the Democratic Convention, Mr. Trump will deliver the knockout blow. In a speech delivered from a teleprompter, he will present DNA evidence of Mrs. Clinton's English descent. Foes of American independence, the Brits, who fought us in 1812 and burned Washington, D.C. to the ground, he will demonstrate, also want to prevent America from becoming great again. After all, some English politicians have threatened to bar Mr. Trump from visiting their country. Mr. Trump will demand that lying Hillary, a foreign agent, should be disqualified from running for president of the United States.
Perhaps, then, Americans will realize that Donald Trump is not prejudiced. He is, thank God (on whom he preys), addicted to the truth.
By Alix Farr
The true meaning of hip can be elusive. Maybe it's a barber shop doubling as an art gallery, which serves lattes on the side? Or maybe it's the coolest bar on the block which keeps adding crazy ingredients to cocktails (bacon Bloody Mary anyone?) Or is it the record store with thousands of vintage singles? Trip.com's compiled ratings from our Trendster Tribe to see what they thought about Europe, and here are the ten winning cities. Check them out, and then book your trendy European hotel here.
Photo: Berlin by: La Citta Vita flickr - Courtesy: Trip.com
Lots of Germany's big businesses left Berlin during the Cold War to escape the tensions and economic chaos brought about by the division of the city. After the Wall fell, they stayed away, leaving a vacuum of affordable urban space that young, artistic, self-starters flocked to, leaving a permanent impact. Now, Berlin is the hipster and startup hub of Europe. Its wild nightlife, and creative vibe touches everything from the fashion to the street art, and affordable foodie scene helped launch it to the top of our list. It's no longer a secret, however; with rents and prices on the rise, the time to visit is now.
Ikea aside, from fashion to music to food, this city is one of the first in Europe to get (or write) the memo about the latest trends. The island of
is hipster central, where you'll find stylish boutiques, trendy bars and restaurants, vintage stores, green spaces perfect for a gathering of bearded hipsters, and awesome hotels for those who want to spend a few days reveling in the energy.
Zurich is slowly making space among the banks and chocolate, at least in the the Zurich West ("Zuri-West") neighborhood. Here, recycled cargo containers house a fashionable bag company (
), an old railway viaduct was transformed into trendy shops and cafes, and artist studios, thumping clubs, and cultured theaters have taken over spaces once known for being more industrial not-so-chic.
If you have heard about Iceland's brutal winters, you may be surprised to know that Reykjavik's population is young and incredibly vibrant. But sun isn't necessary to enjoy the best of the city - including the hipster coffee and beer scene, the all-night-long-and-oops-it's-6am nightlife, and the brilliant and quirky art and design culture. Though maybe you'd still appreciate it all a little more in the summer.
This is the lux sort of hip: high-end food and cocktails, exciting nightlife, and elegant hotels.While it's easy to imagine that a city known for attracting the world's rich, famous, and fashionable in the mid-20th century would have fallen out of style by now, Mykonos has remained an ever-evolving trendy getaway for decades, just don't expect too much flannel and craft beer.
Going from industrial hub to one of Europe's hippest cities, Manchester has a flair for independent thinking. Indie music and art proliferate throughout the city, but there's also the Northern Quarter, known for its shabby-chic cafes, shopping, and underground nightlife -- a model hipster neighborhood if ever there was one.
Photo: Dublin by: Abdullah Bin Sahl flickr - Courtesy: Trip.com
What type of hip would you like with your rollie? Craft beer? Bars with board games? Designer cocktails? Innovative new restaurants? Cafes with artisanal coffee and comfy couches lined with the city's burgeoning techie class? You name it, Dublin has it. Just head to the (literally named this) "hipster triangle" just south of Temple Bar.
While many of Spain's other cities (see:
and
) became modern cool quite a while ago, but Seville long remained a holdout. But in recent years, the historic charm has merged with the trendy, creating a culture that manages to keep one foot in the past and the other in a hipper future. You can still spend the days taking in the architecture by horse-drawn carriage and the evenings enjoying impassioned flamenco shows, but now you can also sip coffee in experimental art cafes, watch theater productions in offbeat bookshops, add to your wardrobe in eccentric design shops, and retreat for some rest in airy, elegant boutique hotels.
Many post-Communist European cities have done well in the 21st century, emerging as some of the coolest spots on the continent and making traditional cultural centers like
and
seem like yesterday's news. Krakow is one of the leaders of this group, keeping just under-the-radar enough to remain hip (as opposed to, say, also-cool-but-we're-tired-of-hearing-about-it
). Some highlights include warehouses transformed into art galleries and museums, a lively nightlife scene (especially in Kazimierz, the Jewish quarter), bohemian cafes and new restaurants boasting fresh ingredients and modern menus.
A city that's home to a restaurant (
) ranked No. 1 in the world four times is certainly not the least obvious choice for a top hip European city, but Copenhagen isn't just one kind of cool. In addition to being on the cutting edge of fashion -- not only in food but also in design, art, and so much more -- the city has a youthful population keeping a rebellious and avant-garde culture alive. This sort of spirit is especially present in neighborhoods like Vesterbro, a former red-light/meatpacking district that's now knee-deep in vintage shops, stylish cafes, and colorful buildings and murals, plus a coffee shop decorated in retro motorcycle gear and a gym that doubles as an art gallery. How's that for hipster?
For GQ by Stephen J. Praetorius.
Matt Martin
As you walk out the door in the morning, you spritz yourself with a hit of cologne, thinking it'll serve as the perfect finishing touch for the day ahead. Easy enough. But by the time you make it to the office, you realize that the stuff as dissipated to the point that you can barely whiff it at all--a damn shame given the amount of cash you had to drop to buy the bottle. Well, good news! It doesn't have to be that way. Here, all the things you can do to add precious hours to the life of your favorite designer fragrance, and give yourself a solid shot at smelling fresh all day long. Or at least until you have time to reapply.
DO: Apply right after you shower.
If you think the best time to spray is at the last possible moment before leaving home--since, logic tells you, that'll give it less time to disappear before you see people--then think again. In truth, the perfect moment to apply is just as you're getting out from under the shower. It's at that point that your pores are at their most open, allowing cologne to seep into the skin and giving you a longer-lasting aroma.
DON'T: Keep the bottle in the bathroom.
Warm. Wet. Bright. Your bathroom may be a great place to get ready in the morning, but when it comes to protecting your valuable bottle of cologne, it's not exactly up to the task. Because, you see, heat, humidity, and light can actually speed the breakdown of your favorite scents. So instead, keep your cologne somewhere cool, dark, and dry, like on your nightstand or whatever.
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DO: Moisturize beforehand.
You know how, after long periods of drought, the ground has trouble retaining water, causing landslides, flooding, and the like? Think of applying fragrance to dry skin as kind of the same thing; unless your hide is properly moisturized, cologne won't absorb as efficiently, making it evaporate more quickly. And if you're trying to get your scent to stick around for the long haul, that's something you want to avoid.
DON'T: Spray directly onto your clothes.
Sure, there's something to be said for the "mist" method of cologne application. Especially for more potent colognes, it can be a nice way to make sure you don't overdo it. But if there's one thing you truly want to avoid, it's a direct hit to the shirt or jacket. Besides the fact that it can damage the garment (since many colognes are alcohol-based), your scent will also dissipate quickly and strongly due to airflow.
DO: Layer your fragrance.
There's a reason that most fragrances these days are made with corresponding soaps, aftershaves, body balms, and more. By using these complementary products, you remove competing scents from your aroma repertoire, which could otherwise detract from the bouquet of your cologne.
Emails from Hillary Clinton's home server contained information classified at levels higher than previously known, including a level meant to protect some of the most sensitive U.S. intelligence, according to a document obtained by NBC News.
In a letter to lawmakers, the intelligence community's internal watchdog says some of Clinton's emails contained information classified Top Secret/Special Access Program, a secrecy designation that includes some of the most closely held U.S. intelligence matters.
Two American intelligence officials tell NBC News these are not the same two emails from Clinton's server that have long been reported as containing information deemed Top Secret...
The new revelation underscores the extent to which the email classification issue could continue to dog Clinton, as State Department and intelligence officials review sensitive information within messages that were blacked out before being released to the public.
Clinton, who tops national primary polling as a Democratic presidential candidate, has repeatedly said that none of the information she sent or received while secretary of state was marked classified, and nothing has emerged to contradict that. But it's become clear that classified information bled into the emails, which were sent over unencrypted channels open to interception by foreign intelligence agencies...
The declarations cover "several dozen emails containing classified information determined by the IC element to be at the CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET and TOP SECRET/SAP information."
An intelligence official familiar with the matter told NBC News that the special access program in question was so sensitive that McCullough and some of his aides had to receive clearance to be read in on it before viewing the sworn declaration about the Clinton emails.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The names of CIA personnel could have been compromised not only by hackers who may have penetrated Hillary Clinton's private computer server or the State Department system, but also by the release itself of tens of thousands of her emails, security experts say.
Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, turned over to the State Department 55,000 emails from her private server that were sent or received when she was secretary of state. Some contained information that has since been deemed classified, and those were redacted for public release with notations for the reason of the censorship.
At least 47 of the emails contain the notation "B3 CIA PERS/ORG," which indicates the material referred to CIA personnel or matters related to the agency. And because both Clinton's server and the State Department systems were vulnerable to hacking, the perpetrators could have those original emails, and now the publicly released, redacted versions showing exactly which sections refer to CIA personnel.
"Start with the entirely plausible view that foreign intelligence services discovered and rifled Hillary Clinton's server," said Stewart Baker, a Washington lawyer who spent more than three years as an assistant secretary of the Homeland Security Department and is former legal counsel for the National Security Agency.
If so, those infiltrators would have copies of all her emails with the names not flagged as being linked to the agency.
In the process of publicly releasing the emails, however, classification experts seem to have inadvertently provided a key to anyone who has the originals. By redacting names associated with the CIA and using the "B3 CIA PERS/ORG" exemption as the reason, "Presto -- the CIA names just fall off the page," Baker said.
... The AP discovered last year that Clinton's private server was directly connected to the internet in ways that made it more vulnerable to hackers. A recent State Department inspector general's report indicated the server was temporarily unplugged by a Clinton aide at one point during attacks by hackers, but her campaign has said there's no evidence the server was hacked.
A March 2, 2009, email warned against State Department officials using Blackberries. Eric Boswell, assistant secretary of state, says the "vulnerabilities and risks associated with the use of Blackberries ... considerably outweigh their convenience."
...Nine days later, another email states that Clinton approached Boswell and says she "gets" the risk. The email also said: "Her attention was drawn to the sentence that indicates we (the diplomatic security office officials) have intelligence concerning this vulnerability during her recent trip to Asia."
Donald Trump and a chimp have at least one thing in common - feces. All the man-child can do is to throw feces at anyone who crosses him or to whom he takes a dislike. Expect Hillary to be the near sole target of Trump feces-flinging. With limited experience and unlimited braggadocio, feces are all the real Donald Trump has to offer; it has served him well.
The Republican presidential primaries showcased Donald Trump's chimpanzee-like behavior. Even while considering the similar hair styles and ignoring the Donald's notoriously small hands, the content and behavior of the man-child are very chimpanzee-like. Trump's campaign tactics, especially his over the top grandstanding and name calling, are very similar to a chimpanzee's screeching, drawing attention to his genitals and flinging fecal matter at all who draw his contempt and ire.
From his putdown of 'low energy' Bush, to 'who could vote for that face' Fiorina, to his denigration of McCain's military service, Donald Trump most certainly flings poo at all who dare challenge or offend him. Behaving like a chimp appears to bring great rewards in the reality media world. A weak and pampered mysophobe, Donald Trump is allowed to bully, threaten and hurl what is commonly referred to as fecal matter on those below him.
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For readers who may not know, a mysophobe is defined in Everyday Health as
"...The excessive fear of germs is a common anxiety disorder in America. The medical term for this phobia is mysophobia. Mysophobia may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and hypochondria..."
Trump will attempt to slander the much slandered Hillary Clinton in hope of covering her with enough of Donald's imaginary poo that supporters and voters will ignore his empty suit and loser ideas. Confronted by a tough woman with incredibly strong credentials, our chimpanzee behaving Donald has few other tools or accomplishments. His refusal to release tax returns is but another example of his dedication to covering up his exaggerations and inferiority with yet more lies and nonsense.
Republicans like House Speaker Paul Ryan are attempting to literally shine Trump's poo. When Donald Trump attacked a strong, proven judge for his ethnic heritage, Republicans were forced to admit that yes, Donald Trump's racism is poo-flinging done to distract from what appears to be proven scams perpetrated on people who could least afford it. Amazingly, moral-acrobat Republican senior leadership from Paul Ryan on down are forced to be shiners of Trump's poo which promises to become a full-time job. Perhaps shiny poo looks attractive to Trump's true believers.
The Republican Party is poised to make this chimpanzee behaving con man their party's official candidate for president. Conservatives appear unable to summon the moral fiber to just say no. They rationalize and pontificate that even if the poo flinging Trump does become president, they will be in control of the agenda going forward because after all Speaker Ryan has been assured by the flimflam man himself that the Ryan agenda is safe. Were similar promises also Trump's message to New Jersey and Atlantic City politicians and investors when he was building his casinos there?
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Remember that President Obama recognizes Donald Trump's special real estate skills which could serve well to close Guantanamo prison. "Trump knows a thing or two about running waterfront properties into the ground," President Obama joked.
We must recognize that the Republican Party is unable to redeem itself; perhaps, a natural consequence to their being unable to govern in Congress. During this presidential campaign, rational Americans need to continually point out the Donald's poo-flinging and reality-media-style grandstanding.
Early on the morning of May 13, 1857, the native regiment army in Lahore was summoned to the parade ground. They were positioned in a way that the European horse-artillery troop was behind them. The regiment was asked to step forward and ordered to submit their arms, which they did so in confused fashion.
A couple of days earlier, Indian sepoys at the Meerut cantonment had rebelled against the British officers, starting a year long struggle for freedom. On May 11, 1857, the rebel soldiers reached Delhi, where they urged Bahadur Shah Zafar, the puppet Mughal king, to become their leader.
It's hard to say if the soldiers in Lahore and Punjab had heard about the rebellion. The telegraph had been installed in Punjab and was being used by the colonial officers to convey the news. Chief Commissioner of Punjab John Lawrence, the most important colonial officer of the province, was in Rawalpindi on his way to the hill station Murree with his family, something that he did every summer to escape the heat of Punjab. Hearing about the mutiny in Meerut, he sent his family to Murree and stayed in Rawalpindi to monitor the progress.
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With the telegraph line between Lahore and Rawalpindi down on May 12, the colonial officers in Lahore were on their own.
Caught unawares, the British were particular concerned about Punjab, a state that they had acquired less than a decade ago after two bitter wars with the Sikhs. Punjabi nobility had lost their status with the arrival of the British, and hence were bitter towards them. After taking over Punjab in 1849, the British had disarmed the Punjabi soldiers and sent them back to agriculture. However, they were aware of the martial capabilities of Punjabis, and knew that if the fire of rebellion that was spreading throughout northern India spread to the Punjab, then it would be hard to quell.
Just as Delhi in North India was a symbolic city where rebels converged, it was Lahore in Punjab which was the symbol of a lost empire and lost status for aristocrat Punjabis. The colonial officers in Lahore understood the importance of maintaining their position in Lahore under all conditions. They also realised that with a strong presence in Punjab, the British could push back the rebels from Delhi and North India, which is exactly what happened.
"If Lahore is saved, the Empire is saved," said Robert Montgomery, the Judicial Commissioner of Punjab, while presiding over an emergency meeting attended by senior civil and military officers in the new Mian Mir Cantonment. Robert Montgomery had been informed by the Lahore station master, who had heard from a Sikh non-commissioned officer in the police corps, that the entire native regiment was planning to rebel against the British officers and take over Lahore Fort.
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Huddled together on May 12, the British officers could not decide if there was any truth behind this news. It was suggested that there was no such mutiny planned in Lahore and disarming the regiment would unnecessarily alert them. However, Robert Montgomery did not want to take any chances. Hence, on the morning of May 13, the entire native regiment in Lahore was disarmed.
This was a stroke of genius that saved the Empire. The rebellion never really gained momentum in Punjab. Similarly, native regiments all across the province were disarmed.
John Lawrence assigned the famous John Nicholson to sweep through Punjab with force and quell all rebellion in its infancy. Nicholson, who at that time was serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Bannu, had earned quite a reputation for himself. During his tenure as the Deputy Commissioner, he had brutally dealt with the hill tribes and cast fear among the locals. As he combed through Punjab, the legend of his martial prowess grew immensely.
In the meantime, John Lawrence raised a Punjabi regiment that comprised Sikhs, Muslims and Dogras to send to Delhi to capture the city back from the rebels. The Viceroy of India, Charles Canning, was holed up in Calcutta at this time and was cut off from the action. The telegram lines between North India and Calcutta were regularly cut off, making it difficult for the Europeans in the heart of the rebel territory to communicate with their viceroy.
Under these circumstances, John Lawrence took it upon himself to preserve the British Empire. He was the de-facto Commander-in-Chief in the eyes of most Britons in the north and west of India. Previously, he had also served as a Magistrate in Delhi and was therefore aware of the layout of the city, which would be crucial information in wresting back the city.
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Preparing a Punjabi regiment, John Lawrence assigned John Nicholson to march to Delhi and fight the rebels. Nicholson was already a legend by the time he reached Delhi. On September 14, he led one of the columns into Delhi. The city was eventually taken back and the rebellion was crushed, but John Nicholson died during the battle.
Without the help of the Punjab regiment, the British would have never been able to crush the rebellion. The war of 1857 made legends out of several British officials, three of which were Robert Montgomery, John Lawrence and John Nicholson. Nearly 160 years since the 1857 revolt, Punjab and Lahore honour neither the rebels nor the freedom fighters, but rather these three British heroes who were pivotal in curbing the rebellion.
At a little distance from the walled city of Lahore, whose walls were razed by the British after the Revolt of 1857, is a road named Montgomery Road, named in the honor of Robert Montgomery, the Punjabi hero of the Revolt, who also served as the Lieutant-Governor of Punjab between 1859 and 1865. A congested road, it is now the hub of auto spare parts in the province. The road then merges into a road called Nicholson Road, named after the legendary John Nicholson. The Nicholson road converges into McLeod Road, named after another British official from the same period, who was the Revenue Commissioner for Punjab. The McLeod touches the Mall Road, perhaps the most famous road constructed by the British in Lahore. On Mall Road is Bagh-e-Jinnah, once known as Lawrence Park, named after John Lawrence, the saviour of 1857 and the Viceroy of India between 1863 and 1869. Lawrence Park, however, remains the popular name.
Next to the Park is the Quaid-i-Azam Library, one of the largest public libraries in the country. Situated in a white colonnade colonial style building, the library was originally Lawrence Hall, built in 1866 to honor John Lawrence. It was used to hold important British functions and also served as a gymkhana. After the creation of Pakistan, both Lawrence Park and Lawrence Hall were renamed after the founder of the country. In pre-Partition Lahore, there used to be a statue of John Lawrence on Mall Road, with a pen in one hand and a sword on the other, with the following lines inscribed beneath it: "By which will ye be governed, by pen or by sword?" Deemed offensive to nationalist sensibilities, the statue was removed in the 1920s after much protest.
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The Pakistani state has a strange relationship with its colonial legacy. Because of its emphasis on the two-nation theory and its obsession with defining itself in opposition to the Hindus, the official narrative, as is found in school textbooks, is often lacking in providing a context to students about our colonial past.
Pre-Partition history is only presented in the context of Hindu-Muslim relations. It is therefore no surprise that the vast majority of students in the country believe that Pakistan achieved its freedom from the Hindus in 1947, and not the British. In the popular imagination, the colonial era is remembered fondly for the peace and economic stability that it brought to Punjab. The British succeeded the Sikh Empire, which is portrayed as a tyrannical rule for the Muslims.
To better understand the State's relationship with its colonial predecessor, consider the example of General Raheel Sharif - one of Pakistan's most popular army chiefs - commemorating 100 years of the Infantry division of Lahore, which was raised during the First World War, in March last year.
Recently, I was talking to a German friend living in Delhi, who said that he has come across many young Indians and Pakistanis who take a lot of pride in the fact that their ancestors took part in the Second World War. In contrast, my German friend admitted that he was embarrassed about his grandfather's role in the German army during the same war.
Pakistani society suffers a major identity crisis today. It used to see itself as a bastion of Islam in the Indian peninsula. However, that image suffered a major setback after the creation of Bangladesh.
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Even so, Muslim identity continues to play a major role. Today, this identity is once again under threat with the rise of Islamic extremism, which too constructs an Islamic identity. The religious minorities in the country have suffered deeply owing to the close links between religion and national identity. So have the smaller provinces such as Sindh and Baluchistan (small in terms of its numbers) that, parallel to a Pakistani/Muslim identity, also adhere to their regional identity. It is only Punjab that has completely adapted this Pakistani identity by shedding away its regional identity, which is seen diluted because of its association with the non-Muslim past.
Mother carrying daughter on shoulders in woods
This past May I celebrated my first Mother's Day. I got flowers, breakfast, the whole lot. No real break from parenting. Does that even exist?
Turns out parenting is hard work. Our recently-adopted 5-year-old kiddo came fully loaded with sassy comebacks, strong opinions about food, and a love of absurdist comedy.
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What do you call a grizzly bear in a tree? I don't know, what do you call a grizzly bear in a tree? A GRIZZLY BEAR!!!
Of course.
As we slip down the slide of life with our kiddo, my partner and I are grasping at anything to help control our descent: friends, family, community resources, blogs, books, Wikipedia, WebMD, Facebook groups, strangers in the street. (Hilarious aside: last week our kiddo was screaming so loudly in the car that a passing parent on the sidewalk yelled "Solidarity!" It was a moment.) Despite the plethora of parenting resources, I've struggled to find information or support for bisexual parents like myself.
Research shows that bisexual parents face particular challenges unique from those faced by gay, lesbian, and heterosexual parents, like erasure, invisibility, and discrimination. Yet when you Google "bisexual parents," the majority of links are resources for coming out as bisexual to your parents, not how to parent as a bisexual person. Similar searches reveal even less... parental results.
And, the data shows that lots of bisexual people are parents. According to the Williams Institute, 59 percent of bisexual women and 32 percent of bisexual men have had kids, compared to 31 percent of lesbians and 16 percent of gay men. Because bisexual people make up the largest portion of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community, this means more than two-thirds of LGB parents are bisexual.
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A 2014 survey by the Pew Research Center found that over 80 percent of bisexual people in committed relationships are in relationships with people of a different gender. (If you're wondering why, check out this terrific article on the math.) So, the growing number of resources for same-sex parents won't feel relevant for the majority of bisexual people. For example, bisexual parents in different-sex relationships may be able to more easily create legal ties to their children, but may struggle to find family or community who support bisexual people being parents, and thus feel isolated in their parenting. Bisexual parents may feel they have to hide their sexual orientation, leading to poorer health outcomes.
In fact, bisexual people need targeted resources to help overcome the many disparities facing them. Bisexual people are low-income: 29.4 percent of bisexual women and 25.9 percent of bisexual men live at or below the federal poverty line. Low income parents struggle to make ends meet for their children, to make sure there is healthy food on the table and a safe, warm place to sleep at night. A recent study found that bisexual women face disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal ideation. Bisexual people face pervasive discrimination at work. Bisexual people suffer staggeringly high rates of intimate partner violence. Many of these low-income bisexual people suffering from violence, discrimination, depression, and a lack of support are parents.
I wish fervently that what happened recently at the Cincinnati Zoo was the rare exception. Unfortunately, in my over 30 years of experience as a crisis consultant and university researcher, it's not.
As we know, a three-year old child somehow slipped behind a barrier and fell into a gorilla enclosure. In order to save the child from harm, the gorilla was shot. Howls of protest over whether the animal had to be killed and calls for the parents to be charged with child endangerment were immediate.
What rankled me most of all was that in defending their actions, the spokesman for the zoo said that they've never had such an incident in over 38 years. Somehow, we were supposed to be comforted by this statistic. This completely overlooks the fact that a crisis is the worst time to spout statistics. Despite one's good intentions and preparations, nothing prevented the unthinkable from occurring. Indeed, it just happened so it wasn't impossible!
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Sadly, what happened fits an all-too-general pattern that pertains to virtually all crises. First of all, somehow someone--in this case a young child--slips behind, breaks through, etc. a protective barrier. The longer that the barrier's worked, the greater the belief that it will work indefinitely and therefore that it doesn't need to be reviewed periodically and redesigned. This is especially the case since the barrier met "accepted standards."
Second, little if any thought and preplanning is given to the "blame game." In virtually all major crises, stakeholders of all kinds--the author included--come out the woodwork to assess and blame all of the parties involved. Thus, the Zoo blamed the parents and the parents blamed the Zoo. Animal rights groups blamed everyone, etc.
Third, it's painfully obvious that the spokespersons for the Zoo received little if any training in Crisis Communications. If they had, then they never would have said that "It's never happened before in 38 years," or "The current barriers were adequate." They would have said something like, "Please give us the time to examine the situation more carefully before we get back to you."
Fourth, on a regular basis, the Zoo should have been examining worst-case scenarios of all kinds. A fundamental part of worst-case scenarios is the total collapse of all of the assumptions that one has been making as to why there won't be a crisis: "The barriers are sufficient." "We don't need training in Crisis Communications." "The blame game won't happen, etc." Thinking the unthinkable should have been a normal part of the everyday culture.
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Does this mean that the Zoo should have anticipated and therefore planned for everything perfectly? Of course not! Perfection is not the standard in Crisis Management. It should have been doing what the best crisis-prepared organizations do. It should have been constantly expanding its thinking and thus preparations for all kinds of crises.
For instance, in the few hospitals where I've worked as a crisis consultant, realistic-looking dolls have been placed in maternity wards. The test is to see how far someone can get out of the ward holding the fake child in his or her hands. In some cases, they've gotten completely out of the hospital with no one questioning and thereby stopping them. Needless to say, the test is repeated again and again until procedures are tightened up such that one can't make it by the first nurse's station.
All zoos ought to be doing something similar. Why weren't dolls or dummies used to test how easily young children could slip through the barriers to animal enclosures? Why weren't tests conducted frequently and such that they were increasingly more difficult to pass?
Of all the spectacular sites on the South American continent, Peru is home to quite a few of them. Located in the heart of the Andes Mountains and with a long coastline on the Pacific Ocean, it should surprise no one that Peru is one of the most picturesque countries in the world. The entire country is gorgeous, and there are several sites in Peru that every world traveler should make it a point to visit.
Any trip to Peru must include a visit to Machu Picchu, which is one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Everyone has certainly seen pictures of the mountain that centuries ago acted as the estate of the Incan emperor Pachacuti, but seeing it in person will have your jaw on the ground in absolute astonishment. There's no substitute for being able to see Machu Picchu in person, as all the pictures in the world don't do it a justice. The ruins of the old Incan civilization are one of the most important historical and architectural sites in the world, and should be the top priority of anyone traveling to Peru.
Vinicunca Mountain truly shows off Peru's beauty. It's affectionately nicknamed Rainbow Mountain for its extraordinary color pattern. Rainbow Mountain is located in the Willkanuta mountain range, which is a branch of the Andes. Just getting there generally takes six days of travel through the Ausangate Trek. Obviously, getting that is quite the journey, but few who have made the trip regret doing so, as Rainbow Mountain is one of most unique geological features on the planet.
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Another Incan site in Peru that bears some resemblance to Machu Picchu is Choquequirao. The highlight of Choquequirao is the truncated hilltop known as Sunch'u Pata, which is where the Incan ruins sit. The ruins include terraces, palaces, and temples that are intricately laid out. Of course, getting there requires a two-day hike, but in the mountainous setting there are plenty of breath-taking views to enjoy along the way, making the journey part of the destination and well worth the effort.
All photos courtesy of Ayni Peru
One final place on the must-see list in Peru is Ausangate, a mountain in the same range as Rainbow Mountain. You won't find any rainbow rock formations in Ausangate, but you will be privy to views of snow-capped mountains that sit above the green countryside below. This part of Peru is filled with mountainous trails for hiking, including "the road of the Apu Ausangate," which is one of the best-known treks in the country, offering a tour of a region with great beauty and diverse geological features that you have to see to believe.
A black gun
Nearly one thousand women are murdered by their intimate partners with firearms each year in the United States. This national emergency, fortunately, does have a solution: many domestic violence fatalities could be prevented through commonsense gun laws. For example, requiring background checks has proven to reduce domestic violence gun murders by 46 percent. Unfortunately, many of our leading politicians are elevating the interests of the gun lobby over public safety.
Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) is the latest politician to play politics with the lives of domestic violence victims. On the heels of the National Rifle Association's endorsement of presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, Governor Christie again vetoed legislation (NJ, S-805) that would have put reasonable gun control measures in place for domestic abusers whom courts have deemed dangerous. He instead proposed to expedite abuse victims' access to firearms, a move destined to increase lethality to victims, abusers, and their children.
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Those of us who study the issue and work with abuse victims know how deadly the combination of domestic violence and access to firearms is. Domestic abusers are five times more likely to murder their intimate partners when they have access to guns. One well-known study found that more than two-thirds of domestic violence victims living in households with firearms were threatened or harmed with guns by their abusers. As the late Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), a strong advocate for anti-domestic violence efforts, stated, "The difference between a murdered wife and a battered wife is often the presence of a gun." Indeed, the majority of women murdered with guns in the United States are killed by intimate partners or family members, and guns are used in fatal domestic violence more than any other weapon. Homicide data show that between 2001 and 2012, more women in the United States were murdered with firearms by their intimate partners than the combined number of American troops killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Given the stark and brutal realities of intimate partner violence, particularly when guns are involved, politicians across the ideological spectrum should readily agree that people who violently attack or threaten family members should be subject to practical and measured restrictions on their access to firearms. The legislation that Governor Christie vetoed contains many reasonable ways to remove firearms from highly dangerous domestic violence situations and provide abuse survivors with needed safety information. For example, the New Jersey bill would require law enforcement authorities to consult a registry of domestic violence offenders before issuing gun permits, require individuals subject to restraining orders to surrender firearms not confiscated by police, create a question on restraining order petitions about the abuser's access to firearms, and inform victims of their ability to seek the revocation of an abuser's firearms permit before confiscated guns are returned. These types of practical and judicious steps have been proven to save lives.
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States should enact measures to address the loopholes that allow violent domestic abusers to acquire firearms even after they have been convicted of felony abuse, often to deadly effect. Currently, abusers can easily evade background checks and purchase firearms from any one of thousands of unlicensed dealers, including countless Internet retailers. Moreover, most states do not report convicted abusers to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Even though abuse victims are at the highest risk of lethality when they initially attempt to separate from their abusers, most states do not require firearm surrender when a temporary protection order is issued, leaving abuse victims extremely vulnerable.
SILVERMAN: Who is behind the Senate Conservative Fund? You know, they were just in the news in Colorado because they have committed to a candidate: Darryl Glenn, El Paso County Commissioner. And he is their selection. Do you know anything about Darryl Glenn? Or, do you just --.
McCONNELL: I don't. I don't. But I can tell you, in Indiana there was a primary the doctor told her that the federal government ever primary between a Senate Conservatives Fund nominee and Congressman Todd Young, the other candidate. And the candidate of the Senate Conservatives Fund tried to make me an issue in the Indiana Senate primary. He lost by 34 points. So, you know, I think any candidate who signs up with the Senate Conservatives Fund has to wonder whether that's a smart strategy.
SILVERMAN: Well, who is behind the SCF? It used to be Jim DeMint. Is he still the guy there?
McCONNELL: It was Senator DeMint originally. But it continues. I'm not sure who's running it now. But they have an outstanding record of defeat, and you've got to wonder whether any candidate who is running a smart campaign would want to sign up with those guys. It's sort of like a ticket on the Titanic.
Shelters or Permanent Housing?
As communities around the country build up their homeless services systems, a question frequently comes up. Should we build more shelters or permanent supportive housing units?
The answer is both.
Some community members believe that shelters are just not necessary if you have enough housing for everybody. The truth is the problem is not so simple.
Shelters are a part of the emergency response system in homeless services. When people find themselves without homes, they need a safe place to sleep that night and for, at least, a few weeks or months.
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It is impossible in most circumstances to assess a family's housing needs and rehouse that family in one day.
Trying to rush the process can result in serious mistakes being made, like providing a family with long-term support when it might very well manage with assistance over a few weeks only.
Taking the time to carefully evaluate the situation helps us avoid costly mistakes for the system and makes it so that we are not sending a disempowering message to parents by signaling that they need more help, and are therefore more vulnerable, than they really are.
The bias against shelters comes from the fact that many shelters do not offer adequate facilities or services.
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In fact, the mere word has negative connotations.
To many, "shelter" means overcrowded, hectic places where people are preyed upon and cannot maintain proper hygiene or get ahead due to a lack of services.
They conjure up images of people trapped in ever expanding cycles of homelessness.
Where it is true that many shelters function that way, some service providers are offering nice accommodations in small shelters that operate like households, with people coming and going as they need to in order to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Friendship Place happens to have such shelters in its Washington DC network. These programs are often centered on job placements and produce excellent outcomes, with residents having a job and a new place to live within a few months, on average.
The key is to give residents enough autonomy so they can accept jobs with non-traditional hours, which greatly increases their employment opportunities.
In traditional shelters, residents need to report back in the evening or risk losing their beds.
In our shelters, people may stay home during the day and catch up on some sleep as needed if they have worked during the evening or the night before, or simply relax, the way we all do at home if we have no pressing business to attend to.
Removing the pressure to pack up your belongings and be out by 7AM alleviates stress and allows the shelter to run like any other household.
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At the systemic level, we need to take these program models to scale and have them impact on large-scale shelters.
These programs will be located in clean environments that will offer enough privacy for people to rebuild their lives in good conditions. They will be population-specific and staff will be trained accordingly to support seniors, members of the LGBTQ community, or victims of domestic violence, as a few examples.
These shelters will also be service-enriched to empower people to rebuild their lives faster and more effectively.
The question is not a choice between shelters and permanent supportive housing.
We need to develop better sheltering programs while also building up our housing stock.*
So ending homelessness does start today...
Donald J. Trump is not a Bully!
"I approach Donald Trump as..and it's not just about being a rich kid or a thing like that. I approach Donald Trump as what you kind of see in him when you really watch him....There's a pretense. There's something creative about him in a sense of bullydom, but what he is, I believe...is a brat.
I want the Taj Mahal. I want the Taj Mahal. I want the Taj Mahal...Brat."
- Johnny Depp (1)
If you haven't checked out Johnny Depp's portrayal of Donald Trump on Funny or Die, do yourself a favor and give it a looksy. It's spot-on and hilarious. The quote above is from a Q&A at Arizona State University where Depp explains his approach to playing Trump.
Depp's take on Trump's true nature kind of blew my mind. My perception of Trump changed instantly. Yes, of course. Trump is not really a bully. Donald aspires to be a bully, but he's just a spoiled brat.
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Spoiled Brats Throw Tantrums
"I want a party with roomfuls of laughter
Ten thousand ton of ice cream
And if I don't get the things I am after
I'm going to SCREAM!!!!"
- Veruca Salt/Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
How does Trump "attack" someone? He gives them a dumb nickname. He lashes out on Twitter. He calls them a "sleaze" or "crooked" at a press conference. He makes senseless comments about the ethnicity or gender or intellect of those who don't see things his way. He threatens to sue them.
When spoiled brats don't get what they want, they scream, they pout, they threaten to hold their breath until they turn orange. Trump wants unquestioning adoration and loyalty, which he feels he has coming. If anyone says "Hey Baby Donald, maybe you should eat those gummy worms after dinner so you don't ruin your appetite?" Time for a Twitter Tantrum! #gummihater #snackblockingloser #MakeAmericaDeliciousAgain
Spoiled Brats Are Really Really Really Selfish
"I want the works
I want the whole works
Presents and prizes and sweets and surprises
Of all shapes and sizes, And now...
Don't care how, I want it NOW!
Don't care how, I want it NOW!"
- Veruca Salt/Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
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When a spoiled brat wants that cool new remote control Star Wars BB-8 Droid they just saw on YouTube, ya better get it for them and get it quick. They don't care if Toys 'R Us and Amazon are out of stock. They don't care how much it costs. They don't care how long and hard you have to work to get the money to pay for the gadget. Like Veruca said, "Don't care how, I want it NOW!" Their worldview extends only as far as their personal desires at that precise moment.
They have no empathy for others. And why should they? They face no consequences for bad behavior. The rod has been spared, the child has been spoiled.
Perhaps, lack of empathy is what I find most dangerous and disturbing about spoiled brats generally and Donald Trump specifically. When your only concern is what you want at a given moment, you grant yourself license to do or say anything to anyone without any regard for their wellbeing as long as it helps you get what you desire. The clinical term for this is sociopathy. It's an affliction of dictators and serial killers.
Trump University is a stark example. Donald Trump wanted money. If the mechanism for getting money was to take advantage of vulnerable people who were desperate to make their lives better, vulnerable people who looked up to you, who believed in you, well....screw 'em. They're sheep. They are objects. They are fish to be hooked. And as the great Kurt Cobain sang: "It's ok to eat fish. 'Cause they don't have any feelings."
For me a defining moment of how I view Donald Trump is last fall when he ridiculed a New York Times reporter named Serge Kovaleski. Mr. Kovaleski has a condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. It's congenital and characterized by severe joint contractures and muscle weakness. You have a limited range of motion in your arms and legs because an abnormal fibrosis causes your muscles to shorten. Your arms curve inward at the elbow.
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But, Serge persevered beyond his disability. He migrated from South Africa to the US. Graduated from William and Mary's with a degree in Philosophy. Hell, he even helped The New York Times win a Pulitzer Prize with his reporting on Eliot Spitzer.
Donald disagreed with Serge's interpretation of a story Serge himself wrote for the Washington Post about 9/11. So how did the Mighty Trump go after the Pulitzer Prize winning Serge?
He mocked his disability.
" 'Now the poor guy, you ought to see this guy', Mr. Trump said, before jerking his arms around and holding his right hand at an angle."
- Donald Trump (Campaign Rally, Myrtle Beach, S.C.) (2)
Wow. What the hell is wrong with this man? How can one have so little empathy or respect for another human being? It's beyond despicable. It's shameful. It's sad.
But, that's the nature of a spoiled brat I suppose. Other people aren't actually people, they are just objects that bring you toys when your little hands want to play and candy when your fat belly growls. And, if they don't bring you what you want? Tantrum Time! Attack their disability. Attack their appearance. Attack their ethnicity. Nothing is off limits.
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All apologies if I'm getting too heavy. And, I do want to clarify, that although I have been fairly harsh towards Donald Trump as a brat, I have nothing against the Bratz line of children's dolls. I think the Bratz toys and animated films are both elegant and sassy.
America: Land of the Free, Home of the Brats?
"I'm the most successful person ever to run for the presidency, by far. Nobody's ever been more successful than me. I'm the most successful person ever to run."
- Donald Trump (3)
Yes, of course you are Boo Boo. You are number one. What did that Thomas Jefferson nerd ever do anyway? Want a cookie?
America is too important, too powerful, too magnificent to be governed by a brat. George Washington was not a brat. He froze his butt off, crossing the Delaware on a frigid Christmas night in 1776 to launch a spectacular surprise attack against the Red Coats. Abraham Lincoln was not a brat. With almost super-human grace he endured scathing criticism and endless personal assault as he kept our country from breaking in two. FDR was not a brat. He transcended the potentially debilitating Polio he contracted at age 39. Although he could not stand without crude metal braces bound to his legs, he helped us stand against the infinite despondency of the great depression and the infinite barbarism of Hitler.
No, Donald J. Trump will not be The President of The United States of America. In a democracy you get the government you deserve. America deserves better than a spoiled brat.
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1 - Rolling Stone, "Johnny Depp: Donald Trump is a Brat" 3-14-16
2 - New York Times, "Donald Trump Says His Mocking of New York Times Reporter Was Misread" 11-27-15
GRUNDY CENTER, IA - DECEMBER 20: Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) speaks at a campaign event at Grundy Center High School December 20, 2007 in Grundy Center, Iowa. Clinton continued her campaigning in the state just weeks away from the January 3 Iowa Caucus. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
While the "Queen of Chaos" Hillary Clinton has been wrapping up the nomination for the Democratic Party this week, a detailed report was issued by the Open Society Foundation on the drug war in Mexico that casts further negative light on her tenure as Secretary of State.
Focusing on a nine-year period between 2006 and December 2015, the Open Society investigation determined that Mexican police and security forces routinely used torture methods to obtain confessions, and were connected to forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings which were rarely investigated let alone prosecuted.
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As Secretary of State, Clinton moved to aggressively expand the Obama administration's Plan Merida which has provided over $2.5 billion for the War on Drugs, in addition to around one billion dollars in arms that the United States sells to Mexico annually.
The State Department under Clinton's direction, as Jesse Franzblau reported in The Nation, worked to bolster Mexico's wiretap capabilities, provided communications systems and computers, and installed information sharing software, biometric databases, and radar systems. It also peddled Blackhawk helicopters, surveillance aircrafts, satellites, and all-terrain vehicles, and built joint-intelligence fusion centers for targeting high-value cartel leaders.
Raising serious questions of conflict of interest, several of the contractors profiting from U.S. security assistance including General Electric, Lockheed and United Technologies which owns Sikorsky contributed to the Clinton Foundation.
Other contractors infamous for their role in War on Terror like DynCorp and L-3 Communications (an outgrowth of Military Professional Resources Inc.) performed vital intelligence and police training functions under Clinton's oversight that contributed to the climate of violence. Videos even surfaced showing contractors employed by Risks Inc. training an elite police unit in torture techniques.
American weapons were at times used by the Mexican army to suppress peasant uprisings in Chiapas and Oaxaca provinces driven by rampant inequalities and to force the displacement of peasants to make way for megaprojects by multi-national mining corporations, as Peter Watt and Roberto Zepeda report in Drug War Mexico.
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Abel Barren, director of a human rights group in Mexico's Guerrero Province told journalist Dawn Paley that "the War on Drugs is no less than continuing to use military force to contain nonconformist, disruptive movements, groups in resistance, and collectives who raise their voices."
Drug supply rates were little affected overall by Plan Merida as the Coast Guard only had money to go after 39 percent of drug vessels and the cartels used underground tunnels and high-speed submarines("narco-subs") that traveled 80 to 90 percent below the sea's surface and could go 2,500 miles without refueling. They also concealed drugs in jalapeno peppers and fish imports, garnering over $3 billion in profits per year. When an electronic fence was built in Arizona along the border, the Sinaola cartel used catapults to launch drugs over the fence. Michael Braun, D.E.A. chief of operations, told a reporter: "We've got the best fence money can buy, and they counter us with a 2,500-year-old technology."
President Felipe Calderon's drug czar, Noe Ramirez meanwhile accepted $450,000 in bribes each month, while secretary of public security, Genaro Garcia Luna, acquired sudden personal wealth and threatened to kill journalists who exposed government corruption. Edgardo Buscaglia, of the UN anti-corruption task force, noted that of the 53,174 arrests made from 2006 to 2010, only 941 were associated with the Sinaloa drug cartel, whose leader Juaqin "El Chapo" Guzman had assisted Calderon's rise to power.
Journalist Anabel Hernandez wrote that what Mexico was experiencing was "not a war on drug traffickers but a war between drug traffickers, with the government taking sides for the Sinaloa Cartel."
From the 1970s onwards, the United States government has used narcotics control as a rationalization for supplying military equipment and police training to strategic allies which the U.S. public would normally repudiate because of their repressive character. It has at the same time covertly supported drug traffickers that keep the trade out of the hands of left-wing or guerrilla groups.
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Clinton and her associates repeated many of the familiar tropes about supporting good government and reforming police institutions as a precondition for drug war aid.
However, the Open Society Foundation report emphasizes the prevalence of militarized law enforcement in Mexico, which American initiatives under Clinton's leadership contributed significantly to.
Hillary Clinton is now the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president, having apparently convinced many people that she is a champion of progressive causes and standard-bearer of the women's liberation movement.
However, her enthusiastic championing of the drug war in Mexico is a black spot on her record. Along with her backing aggressive wars and coups, it should leave voters leery about her character and sickened by a two-party system that leaves someone like her as the only "liberal" hope.
Jeremy Kuzmarov is the author of a book on the War on Drugs, The Myth of the Addicted Army: Vietnam and the Modern War on Drugs (Massachusetts, 2009).
I realize Jesus said no one can predict the official end of days, but this week's news of protesters a rage over the shooting of a gorilla to protect a 3- year-old boy might officially signal his near return.
What else can explain people losing their minds over the death of an ape, instead of a collective sigh of relief that a toddler wasn't murdered by a 450-pound mammal in front of his parents and a few dozen field trippers? 2 Timothy describes end time people as "unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous and reckless." In other words, they might not only grieve and hold a candlelight vigil for a caged primate, they might even criticize the family for not keeping their son on a leash. One angered animal nut went so far as to say the life of an animal is synonymous to a child's. I think I hear an earthquake.
This is not a manifesto against animals. God made them. They are beautiful, regal creatures who should never be abused or needlessly harmed, except of course to be eaten-ideally after raised humanely. I personally enjoy my turkey burgers even more knowing they enjoyed free range goodness before biting the bullet.
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However, when people begin blanketing social media with the angriest of emojis after Cecil the lion gets shot, or a zoo animal gets taken down to save a human, we have a societal problem. In the hour it takes to write this, approximately 6,278 babies were aborted and sent to an early grave. Who's holding their vigils? It's hard for me to understand pouring emotion, time, energy or money into the plight of any animal or environmental cause, when 600,000 to 800,000 humans are being sold into sex trafficking each year, and Christians are literally being beheaded for their beliefs.
I love the Earth and all its furry creatures. Palm trees specifically, are a thing of magic, and the ocean makes my soul sing. God made plants and animals and called them good, and I believe pets are His way of making sure no one's alone in this world. Touching stuff. But when I attempt giving away my cat on Craigslist after he consistently confuses my carpet for a 1,000 square foot litter box, and receive near threatening emails warning that my "free to good home" post elicits the attention of abusers, it disgusts me.
The energy. The urgency. The passion, time and money people have for plights like proper pet re-homing, or their carbon footprint, is sickening when so many humans are suffering right in each of our backyards. I guarantee groups dedicated to helping hungry, abused or troubled people exist within a 10 mile radius of any home. People with eternally-bound souls are suffering. After every mouth is fed and child is cared for I'd love for not one cat to be abandoned, and not a single can falls into the non-recyclable bin. But until then let's prioritize.
I can't imagine Jesus coming to Earth and giving a rat's bohunkus about the gradual increase of our atmospheric pressure, or our individual fossil fuel consumption. Or a dead gorilla. Even Biblical references to nature, like the Matt. 10:31 sparrows are analogies for God's love for humans. When Jesus said if you love me, feed my sheep, he wasn't talking about the Awassi fait-tailed sheep down by the village- he was talking about people.
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On June 11, 2016, through my work with The Caliber Collection, I will fully finance a THIRD gun buyback and amnesty program. After two successful buybacks in Newark, NJ, this buyback will be in Detroit in partnership with Wayne County Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon at the Judge Greg Mathis Community Center. I am a 45 year old American, white, mom of two teenage sons. I live in an affluent Connecticut suburb. I am a lawyer turned jewelry designer. And prior to creating the Caliber Collection, I didn't know anything about the insidious problem of illegal gun violence in America.
Then I met Senator (then Mayor) Cory Booker.
In January 2012, frustrated with the high homicide rates in Newark, Cory asked me to collaborate on a jewelry collection using evidentiary weapons from the Ballistics lab in Newark. He wanted the money raised to go back the most profound purpose, "peace". To him, that meant funding gun buyback and amnesty programs. I was incredibly honored to work with him, but I didn't know anything about guns, gun violence, homicide rates, mass incarceration or how to make jewelry out of guns. After 10 months of embedding myself in the ballistics lab and an incredible amount of research and guidance from Cory and Police Director Samuel DeMaio, we launched. 16 days later, the world was stunned by the tragic massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. For a long time thereafter, we were the only hopeful story in a very painful 24 hour news cycle. I never wanted to be the "Livestrong" bracelet of gun violence. But the timing of the launch of Caliber and this unimaginable nightmare occurring less than an hour from my home made my deep dive into this work not only make sense but made me deeply committed to making an impact.
5 years later, I am as comfortable at gang task force meetings, maximum security correctional facilities, in ballistics labs and urban community centers receiving illicit and unwanted guns as I once was at fancy luncheons and thrice weekly yoga sessions.
On June 2nd my heart was full as our country turned orange for the 2nd annual Nation Gun Violence Awareness Day. It was astounding to see the industries and buildings and individuals all wrapped in this bright color, chosen because it signifies respect for life. I was overjoyed that so many were ready to say "ENOUGH" to gun violence. But on June 3rd, as the orange glow faded and the world returned to it's normal colors, I found myself worried that people would think "awareness" was enough.
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I work with cities with some of the highest homicide rates in the country. My work has made me aware that despite all the recent press about high profile school shootings they account for less than 2% of annual gun deaths. Aware that there is a cancer ripping through our inner cities and killing a disproportionate number of black men. Aware that roughly 50% of of American gun death victims are black men, yet African Americans account for only 6% of the American population. Aware that as my own sons shed their backpacks for swim trunks, Spring has a very different meaning for black mothers in the inner cities...because the carefree days that summer affords my children and their friends are an unimaginable luxury for these families. The summer months are the deadliest for gun violence in the inner city.
In a recent NY TIMES article about gun violence in Chicago, the logic of one Chicago mother, who watches another mother weep over her dead son in their South Side neighborhood, is this: She is glad her own son is in jail, because the alternative is unbearable. "He was bound to be shot this summer," she says. Is this the America that we want to live in? Don't we deserve to do better?
I've spent the last 5 1/2 years trying to understand the 'why' of gun violence through my work as a social entrepreneur funding gun buyback and amnesty programs in some the most dangerous cities in America. I have been educated by men and women who are leaders on the front lines in their communities.
I have learned about incredibly innovative and effective approaches to combating inner-city violence and strengthening community bonds and the relationship with law enforcement such as Cure Violence, Epidemiologist Gary Slutkin's approach which works to stop the spread of violence with the same methods and strategies applied to disease control - detecting and interrupting conflicts, identifying and treating the highest risk individuals, and changing social norms. This approach has resulted in reductions in violence of 40% to 70%.
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Another effective approach is David M. Kennedy's Operation Ceasefire and Connecticut-based Project Longevity's homicide reduction programs. These kind of programs bring gang members into "call in" meetings with community members they respect, social services representatives who can help them, and law enforcement officials who tell them that they don't want to make arrests -- they want the gang members to stay alive, and that they plan to aggressively target people who retaliate. I have been to a "call in" led by the former acting director of Project Longevity, the dynamic Charlie Grady. The 90 minutes for the 40 or so gang members assembled, all brought in unexpectedly from their probation officers, are like watching a terrified child in a man's body. If they don't accept the help they will end up in jail or probably dead. If they accept it, they first have to leave the only life they know in exchange for hard work and they must learn to trust people who they formerly considered the "enemy". Many do, some even become outreach officers, choosing a positive way forward over an early death in the streets. It is an astounding dance to watch.
I fund gun buyback programs in the toughest cities in America because the mayors and police directors and sheriffs I partner with want me to, NOT because I decided that it was what was best for their cities. On June 11th there will be 500 fewer illegal and unwanted guns on the streets of Detroit because its residents voluntarily decided to turn them in. I have no idea how many lives will be saved as a result. I am not counting past one. One is a very powerful number to me.
Next June we need to have more parents attending graduations instead of funerals. Next year we shouldn't worry that summer will bring bullets instead of barbecues. Next year I hope that we won't just wear orange but we will commit to making real change. Join me in change, find a way to help in your own community, in the communities that surround you, awareness is a great beginning but we have a very long way to go.
Deshauna Barber (C) of the District of Columbia celebrates with other contestants after being crowned Miss USA 2016 during the 2016 Miss USA pageant at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., June 5, 2016. REUTERS/Steve Marcus
On Sunday, June 5, 2016, a 26 year-old Army reservist who serves as a Logistics Commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit at Fort Meade was propelled into the national spotlight. First Lieutenant Deshauna Barber didn't pass the grueling Army Ranger course, she didn't outperform her male counterparts at an exercise designed to test women's grit and endurance, and neither was she promoted to a high ranking post. Instead, she donned a sparkling golden gown and made what might be one of the most compelling arguments for the full inclusion of women in combat that this country has heard yet. She was named Miss USA.
At first glance, First Lt. Barber may seem unique as a pageant contestant. But, she is not the first member of the U.S. Armed Forces to compete for a pageant crown. In 2008, Army National Guard combat medic and Afghanistan War veteran, Sargent Jill Stevens, represented Utah at the Miss America competition. During her reign, she was an eloquent spokeswoman for the strong parallels between the drive and competitiveness of pageant contestants and those who dedicate themselves to serving their country -- women like First Lt. Deshauna Barber.
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When asked if the full inclusion of women in the armed forces may be placing political correctness ahead of operational readiness, First Lt. Barber responded, "As a woman in the United States Army, I think it was an amazing job by our government to allow women to integrate into every branch of the military. We are just as tough as men. As a commander of my unit, I am powerful. I am dedicated and it is important that we recognize that gender does not limit us in the United States Army."
By taking the debate over the inclusion of women in combat to the realm of pop culture, First Lt. Barber has done her sisters-at-arms a valuable service. This is a discussion in which all of America should participate. Women's full integration into the armed forces is a reflection of the evolving nature of American values, just as the integration of African-Americans into the military resulted from a complicated social and historical process. Those who continue to oppose full equality within the United States military need to wake up to the reality that the new Miss USA represents.
Having First Lt. Barber and Sgt. Stevens as public figures is important for several reasons. First, they publicly highlight the diversity of the women who serve in our armed forces. From different religious, racial and professional backgrounds, these two women have shown that our servicewomen are talented, competitive and qualified in everything they do. Second, they help bring the reality of female soldiers into our homes. More than 4 million Americans watched Sunday's broadcast of Miss USA and millions from all over the world will see First Lt. Barber represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant later this year. Last year's Miss America competition was watched by 7 million people. By putting a glamorous face on the concept of modern servicewomen, they act as complex role models and demonstrate that women should not have to check their gender identity at the door when entering male-dominated institutions -- be it the tech industry or the military.
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Whether you're a conservative Republican, a progressive Democrat, an Independent, or a political atheist, if you're a woman, stand proud and salute your own strength and courage. As women - each of us - chipped away at this thick glass ceiling with every choice we made to stand up for ourselves and our beliefs, no matter how big or small. We did it! A woman is finally elected by a major political party as the nominee for President of the United States. Bravo!
Every time a woman applied for a job, accepted a job, applied for a college degree, graduated, held a paid job, volunteered in her community....every step, as Susan B. Anthony said, "is progress."
"The Women Who Have Something to Say"
My Aunt Miriam is smiling from above, while also wondering "what the hell took so long?!" as Miriam Michelson scholar Lori Harrison-Kahan of Boston College wrote me today. Miriam was "one of San Francisco's first female reporters," one of the foremost interviewers of Susan B. Anthony, and used her voice to catapult the California suffrage movement to passage.
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Covering the Women's Congress of 1895 in California, Aunt Miriam described it this way: "The favorites of the congress are...the women who have something to say, who are fearless and tactful in saying it, who have minds large enough to realize the prejudice and sentiment against them and to make allowances for them." Sound familiar?!
How We Got Here
It took 29 female presidential candidates (some running multiple times), 313 female members of Congress, thousands of female state and local officials and federal leaders, countless female candidates for local, state and national office and one female Speaker of the House, over 240 years of U.S. history to even nominate a woman for president.
In our economy, women still tend to be promoted on "performance" whereas men tend to be promoted on "potential." So, we had to prove "performance," and we did this via an abundance of data that women business leaders produce better financial results. We also increased the number of women business leaders seen and heard in the media, such as Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Xerox CEO Ursula Burns.
We've had to feel it through storytelling, which creates a safe space to experience a given cultural shift (as "All in the Family" did for civil rights and "Will and Grace" did for LGBT rights). Today, that is reflected in the increasing number of television/web shows and movies with female leads, especially those with women as political leaders, which helped us experience women in the Oval Office via fiction, from Geena Davis in "Madam President," to Tea Leoni in CBS' current series "Madam Secretary." Novels do this too, from Aunt Miriam's own The Smart Set in 1912 about a society ruled by women, to Madam President by former Bush Communications Director Nicole Wallace, a frequent (candid) commentator on MSNBC.
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And, like most political shifts, we've needed to analyze it. Formidable reporters tackled this, including Eleanor Clift's Madam President, Marianne Schnall's What Will It Take to Make A Woman President?, Anne Kornblut's, Notes from the Cracked Ceiling" (about Hillary's 2008 campaign), and the newly-released Broad Influence: How Women Are Changing the Way America Works, by Time magazine White House Correspondent Jay Newton-Small.
(Photo credit: Mary Bartels, quilty grandmothers choice, pinterest)
Every Woman in the U.S. Played a Role - Big and Small
All of us women who strive to make our lives, families, communities and businesses grow also helped us all become more comfortable with even thinking about women in "the" most powerful and symbolic role.
It took generations of daughters, mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts being strong in their own worlds - and voting. It took fathers wanting their daughters to have unlimited options. There's much more to do, but let's savor the moment.
Finally we reached the tipping point when enough people are comfortable enough with the idea of a woman in the Oval Office and as Commander in Chief. To achieve this moment, we needed a female candidate who is unquestionably qualified to be that chair (regardless of partisanship). A man with Hillary's resume, connections and reputation for competence and intellect would have been elected president long ago.
Better late than never. And, by the way, it's a testament to two important other lessons worth mentioning: It's never too late, and persistence with learning pays off.
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This is truly a historic moment - whether or not you like Hillary or vote for her. It's historic for women and for the country. We just took a giant leap towards tapping into the full potential of the American people and the American economy.
Hillary Clinton needs to win 613 of the remaining 775 pledged delegates to clinch the Democratic Party nomination for president.
With Clinton neck-and-neck with Senator Bernie Sanders in the opinion polls for Tuesday's California primary, where 475 pledged delegates are at stake, it's very unlikely she'll have the required 2,383 pledged delegates going into the Philadelphia convention next month.
That means Clinton will need the votes of super-delegates, those unelected, pre-selected, party insiders chosen specifically to prevent a grass-roots insurgent candidate like Sanders.
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Clinton leads Sanders in super-delegates who indicate how they intend to vote by a large margin. But unlike pledged delegates, bound by the will of the voters, the super-delegates can change their minds right up to the convention night when they must cast their ballot.
That is not what the Associated Press misleadingly reported on Tuesday however. It has prematurely declared Clinton the Democratic nominee, even though she's short of the required pledged delegates. AP and other corporate media are making a huge assumption that the super-delegates will stick with her until Philadelphia.
Sanders has several strong arguments to get them to change their minds. First, he does much better against Republican nominee Donald Trump than Clinton does in every poll. Second, Clinton could still be indicted by the Justice Department before the convention for her mishandling of classified information on her private email server.
Third, at this point in the 2008 Democratic race, Clinton also trailed Barack Obama by a large number of pledged delegates, yet she refused to leave the race. She even floated the possibility that Obama could be assassinated, invoking the June 1968 slaying of Robert F. Kennedy on the night he'd won the California primary. There's probably more chance of Clinton's indictment than there was of Obama's assassination.
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Fourth, Sanders has very little baggage. There are virtually no scandals in his past. There is little that Trump's opposition research can dig up on him compared to the library full of dirt they will get on Clinton.
Fifth, in a year of anti-Establishment fervor on both left and right it seems very risky for the Democrats to put up a quintessential Establishment figure like Clinton to face the populist Trump.
Given these facts, Sanders would be foolish not to lobby the super-delegates until that night in Philadelphia. And that's why he's staying in the race. Not because he's bitter. Not because he wants to damage Clinton.
But because he thinks he can still win.
You wouldn't know it from corporate media. It is smears Sanders with both news and opinion pieces that portray him as an angry, old egomaniac who stubbornly is staying in the race only because he wants to hurt Clinton out of vindictiveness, and thus help Trump. And it tries to portray all his supporters as angry and violent, ready to strike respectable people at anytime.
Even if he suffers a blowout in California, Sanders has several strong arguments with the super-delegates that Democrats would have a much better chance with him in November. But his biggest obstacle may be something even more important to the Democratic establishment than winning the White House: protecting their privilege.
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Sanders has stirred up masses of people who pose a threat to those privileges. His proposed policy changes could cut into their entrenched interest. Trump's rhetoric on the right has made similar appeals to suffering workers and formerly middle class Americans. But Trump is a demagogue exploiting that sentiment, while Sanders may genuinely try to make reforms that could challenge the moneyed elite.
Sanders is a greater threat to elite Democrat's class privilege than the billionaire Trump is. Trump is a better bet not to mess with the status quo and may even push for more government concessions to the rich.
Therefore it is unlikely, short of a Clinton indictment, that the super-delegates will listen to Sanders. And if she is indicted, there's Establishment talk of inserting Joe Biden or John Kerry as the last minute nominee.
First off - would like to congratulate both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump for successfully making the case neither one is qualified for the Office of President.
This election has tested the bounds of reason in some interesting ways.
How is it that on July 24, 2015 an Inspector General's Report of a random sample of Hillary Clinton's emails found 10% contained classified information (Link) and she could be a potential Presidential Nominee?
It is fair to ask how does even one piece of classified information got on a home-brew server?
Why has the FBI not released anything on this? Aren't they supposed to be investigating this?
I guess the FBI is still super busy trying to prosecute the knuckleheads that crashed our economy in 2008?
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Better yet, why do we even have an FBI if it will not take on high crimes?
If Hillary can get away with this now, is that opening the door for greater mayhem if she were to get to the White House?
Really, if the FBI can't stop her now, what could stop her from absolute power?
Aside from the email issue or the Clinton Campaign, something else has been sliding for a long time.
What does it mean to be a Democrat?
What does it mean to be "Blue"?
Are Democrats for Fracking or not?
Are Democrats for Single Payer Health Care or not?
Are Democrats for educating our kids through 16th grade without having them choose from
... risking their lives?
... or having a mountain of debt?
Are Democrats into sending our military into optional wars or not?
Are Democrats for taking care of our Seniors, Returning Vets, and those of us who are disadvantaged by handicap?
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Are Democrats the defenders of Main Street or Wall Street?
Will Democrats hold responsible those who send us to false wars or crash our economy based on greed?
Will Democrats protect us from trade agreements that wipe out entire sectors of our economy?
Are Democrats for transparency or obliqueness in government?
Are Democrats into equality for all?
Are Democrats against electing people who appointed Justices like Alito, Scalia, Thomas and Roberts on the SCOTUS? (The 'we gotta have a Democrat because of the SCOTUS' argument died when the Party put GOP Retread Arlen Specter up as a Democratic Candidate in 2010.)
I am trying to figure out what being 'Democrat' means...
If it means that I have to support someone who got us into Iraq to remain a Democrat
- that is too high of a price to pay.
My third party vote will count as a vote against The Great Battle of Ignorance Versus Corruption.
Deterioration continues in the financial condition of Northern Dynasty Minerals ("Northern Dynasty" or "NDM") - a small Canadian exploration company, and the only remaining investor in the once formidable Pebble Limited Partnership ("Pebble"). Recall that the three former major mining partners or investors - Mitsubishi Corporation, Anglo American, and Rio Tinto - each withdrew from the reckless project that, as proposed, would generate waste covering an area larger than Manhattan in the middle of the watershed that feeds "one of America's greatest national treasures."
According to Northern Dynasty's latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and financial disclosures, the continuing focus of its expenditures is on funding lawyers and lobbyists, including a promised "extraordinary bonus" of between $7.5 million and $12.5 million USD to its CEO Tom Collier:
As of March 31, 2016, NDM had working capital of approximately C$0.2 million, down from C$7.9 million in December.
As of March 31, 2016, NDM had C$4.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, down from C$7.5 million in December.
In the first three months of this year, NDM spent C$3,854,000 on lawyers (after an outlay of C$6,379,000 to lawyers in the last three months of 2015).
On May 26th, NDM announced that it will seek to raise up to $15 million between now and June 16th - to be spent, yet again, largely on lawyers and lobbyists. Indeed, NDM has allocated:
C$4.4 million to litigation, and
C$2.6 million to lobbying, "education," and "outreach."
Equally noteworthy are the multi-million dollar bonuses that are not included in the company's planned allotment of the C$15 million. First is a C$13.2 million "success-contingent deferred legal obligation in the event that the Company achieves a court win or an out-of-court settlement, which, in either case, prevents any pre-emptive regulatory action by the EPA under Section 404(c) of the CWA." In plain English, this is an additional $13 million bonus to NDM's lawyers if mining is permitted.
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Second is an "extraordinary bonus" (between $7.5 and $12.5 million USD) to Tom Collier, NDM's CEO and Senior Counselor to (and former D.C. partner at) the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson - one of NDM's outside law firms for hire, a prime recipient of significant legal fees so far. This bonus is also due if mining is approved - and apparently may be due to Collier even if he is terminated from the company with good cause.
While Northern Dynasty's lawyers appear to be doing just fine, the Pebble Mine project itself does not. Overwhelming opposition continues from Bristol Bay residents and a significant majority of other Alaskans, as well as from the Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Alaskan tribes, commercial and recreational fishermen, and a diverse coalition of other state, national, and international stakeholders, including NRDC and its 2.4 million members and activists.
A year ago, most people would never have believed the thin-skinned, narcissistic, bully Donald Trump would win the GOP nomination. Not only has the unthinkable happened, it has happened with inexplicably impassioned support from millions of Americans. It has come to pass despite Trump's juvenile temperament, his disregard for basic rules of decency and decorum, his intimidation tactics, his hostility towards the media, etc. And, not only has Trump been endorsed by the KKK and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but most recently, North Korean supreme leader, Kim Jong-Un as well.
Last week, he attacked a U.S. District Judge overseeing the fraud lawsuit against the defunct Trump University. Trump accused Judge Gonzalo Curiel of being prejudiced due to his Mexican heritage, even though he's an American born in the state of Indiana.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called it, "the most un-American thing from a politician since Joe McCarthy." In other words Trump is saying unequivocally that Judge Curiel is incapable of doing his job because he is Mexican. Last I checked that is pure, shameless racism, period. Bill Carrick, a veteran political strategist called Trump's response, "blatantly racist" and "blatantly stupid."
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Michael Finnegan of the Los Angeles Times wrote that in California, Trump "has shown no inclination to modulate his language the way nominees normally do as they turn to a wider general election. He instead emphasizes positions that are not only out of step with Democrats but also with many fellow Republicans in the state."
What is Trump thinking? Or is he thinking at all?
So, given all the continued "blatant stupidity," how can it be that his campaign still remains impervious to criticism and scrutiny amongst his followers? The nickname, "Teflon Don" has now become a colossal understatement. He's no longer the mouse that roared. He's The Kracken! How is it possible?
One of my theories is that Trump's smitten devotees have quickly absorbed and internalized his delusional promises of prosperity and power. His star-quality and billionaire status don't seem to have hurt him either. Wealthy Reality-TV personalities seem to carry a great deal of appeal these days. One look at our baffling fixation with the vacuous Kardashian family offers another unsettling glimpse.
Trump has successfully wooed the anxious and embittered hearts of many Americans by "hooking up" with them in a way that borders on romantic fantasy. Supporters identify with him so closely that anything he says is at once irresistible and, worse, truthful.
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But this is no teenage crush. Trump has been in bed with these lovers since last summer. The result? An epic wedding in November is now being planned.
I believe there is a much deeper meta-process going on here. The peculiar love-affair he has with his believers is not just a folie a deux (a folly of two). It's instead, a folie a Plusieurs (a folly of many).
Trump's relationship with is fans resembles Shared Psychotic Disorder, a rare condition that develops in individuals who are influenced by those with delusions similar to their own. Typically, the more dominant individual, known as "the inducer" gradually imposes his or her delusional system on the more passive one.
It is literally a madness shared by two.
Typically these bizarre alliances occur within couples and families. In rare instances, such relationships can expand to include larger groups as well.
The affiliated Shared Psychotic Disorder is a partnership of mutually distorted perception. Individuals remain locked in their preservation of the delusion unable to see outside of the perimeters of their own reality. In the case of Donald Trump, his bewitched groupies have been proselytized into believing--among other things--that their nominee's barefaced racism is in fact a revival of patriotism.
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Today, Trump's delusions are ubiquitous. They are no longer merely his own. They have colonized the collective psyche of his devotees and left them in a kind of stupor they can't seem to awaken from.
Here are a few questions for Trump's infatuated masses to consider:
If Donald Trump becomes our next president, will the infamous border wall he proposes to erect really be built? Will the Mexican government pay for the wall as Trump promises? Will he ever establish the Orwellian, "big-brother" database for all Muslims living in the United States? Will he really succeed in accomplishing a systematic deportation of undocumented illegals from of our country?
Truth or Delusion?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you may also be a disciple of the very same coalition of madness.
Travel Map Of Afghanistan Kabul Kandahar Lahore
The confirmed death of Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour following a US drone strike in Pakistan's south-western province Balochistan last month, has been widely interpreted as beneficial for peace in Afghanistan. However, this reading of the killing of the Taliban's leader is completely at odds with the only clear lesson learned of fifteen years of military engagement in Afghanistan: there never was and will never be a military solution to this conflict.
When confirming the death of Mullah Mansour, Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah portrayed him as a structural impediment to the peace process. Similarly, US Secretary of State John Kerry, explained the rationale for the attack in rather simple terms: "Peace is what we want [and] Mansour was a threat to that effort."
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Mythical milestones
President Obama, responsible for the authorization of the drone strike, called it an "important milestone" for peace building efforts in Afghanistan. Coming from Obama, this is both sad and ironic, as it means that all of Obama's self-proclaimed 'milestones' for Afghanistan, especially the death of Osama bin Laden in May 2011, have been achieved in neighboring Pakistan and by military force.
The road to peace in Afghanistan does not run through the US drone program. Killing insurgent leaders cannot be expected to produce a fertile breeding ground for peace talks. The assumption behind the US drone program is that you can somehow 'whack' all Taliban leaders until you find one that you can talk peace with. Such an assumption is naive on at least three accounts, detailed below.
Why 'whacking' with drones will not help
First, it is highly unpredictable what the next leader will do. In this particular case, it is unlikely that the Taliban's new leader, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada will change course, especially as the Taliban insurgent groups are currently waging a fairly successful war in several parts of Afghanistan, controlling towns and rural districts, and being able to strike with coordinated attacks in the heart of Kabul. Also, in the past few years, new Taliban commanders have generally been more radical than some of the older ones, providing no evidence to substantiate the wishful thinking that there will suddenly be a more 'dovish' leader, arising, as it were, from the smouldering remains of the car wreck or house hit by a drone strike.
Second, a peace deal may be reached with the Taliban leaders, but to be sustainable, they depend on effectively addressing some of the grass-roots demands and legitimate grievances of the Taliban's constituencies. That is exactly why a political process is so important, as it is the only way to effectively incorporate some of the legitimate parts of the Taliban's agenda into the regular political system of Afghanistan.
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Third, and perhaps even most important, the road to peace in Afghanistan does go through Islamabad. Killing Taliban leaders on their soil, especially if it is done against the will of Pakistan, will not help the, already highly challenging, efforts to get a peace process back on track in Afghanistan. Pakistan's Minister of Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has warned that the drone strike on Mullah Mansour would have "serious implications" for the country's bilateral relation with the US. This relationship had already suffered greatly in recent years, most importantly with the Raymond Davis incident and the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden. He reacted strongly to the killing of Mansour, claiming it was "illegal, unjustified, unacceptable, against Pakistan's independence and sovereignty, and completely against the UN Charter and international law."
It started with another sporadic trumpism directed at Mexicans and their descendants. Students at the now shuttered Trump University allege they were defrauded and brought suit. How can a judge with Mexican roots be impartial and deign to judge me after I promised to build a wall to stop the immigration of his countrymen, asked the presumptive candidate for the presidency. That judge hates me, whined the multimillionaire who aspires to be President.
In other words, another day in the theater of the absurd and hotbed of racism in this unprecedented electoral campaign. The Mexican-American judge at issue is Gonzalo Curiel. Like nearly 100% of all federal judges, he is a former prosecutor. A reputed and successful narcotics prosecutor in California, Curiel apparently received death threats from the Arrellano Felix Mexican cartel. If he could survive that, the can survive any idiotic trumpism hurled his way.
In this world of trumpisms it would have sufficed to question the integrity of a sitting judge whose roots come from Mexico. But trumpisms are never-ending. Now the candidate has added Muslims to the list of judges who should never deign to judge him.
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Garret Epps coined it best: "At its best the claim amounts to, Who are you - African-American, woman, Jews, 'Mexican' - to judge a real citizen, a white man?" And Hispanic National Bar Association President, Robert Maldonado, observed in a serious vein, that the attack on Judge Curiel is "an attack on all of the honorable diverse members of our judiciary who serve this country...[these] attempts to undermine the integrity of our federal judicial system are truly unprecedented and place undue stress on our democracy."
It would have sufficed to end this chapter of the latest racist trumpisms attributed to the Machiavellian aspirant right here. But a panderer, or should I say savior, had to arrive to offer support to the narcissist pretender.
And this time, ironically it was in the form of the former member of the Texas Supreme Court and former U.S. Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales. He wrote a column to justify the basis of the concerns of the real victim in this affair - the one of the name that is synonymous with tall building and casinos verging on bankruptcy.
According to the former member of the President Bush's Cabinet, yes, there is danger when persons with influence over millions of people seeking admission to another branch of government make baseless attacks on judicial independence. Judge Curiel's ethnicity - one that Gonzales admits sharing - standing alone, is insufficient to show bias, he added. But the candidate has an equal right, Gonzales intimates, to an impartial jurist, Gonzales decried.
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Just today, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, admitted that a charge that Judge Curiel cannot perform his duties because of his Mexican heritage, is "a textbook definition of racist comments."
And yet Alberto Gonzales concludes "if judges and the trials over which they preside are not perceived as being impartial, the public will quickly lose confidence in the rule of law upon which our nation is based."
Not even Gabriel Garcia Marquez, may he rest in peace, could invent such nonsense. The candidate who talks incessantly attacks the capacity of a sitting judge solely based on ethnicity and that doesn't threaten our national rule of law. But the same candidate with more resources and attorneys on retainer than 99% of the country cries wolf and says he's a victim, and that concern threatens our national jurisprudence, according to his Latino defender.
Cheryl Clarke's new poetry collection is By My Precise Haircut (The Word Works Press, 2016). By My Precise Haircut is the winner of the Hilary Tham Capital Competition, judged by Kimiko Hahn. Clarke is the author of Narratives: poems in the tradition of black women (1982), Living As A Lesbian (1986), Humid Pitch (1989), Experimental Love (1993), the critical study, After Mecca: Women Poets and the Black Arts Movement (Rutgers Press, 2005), and The Days of Good Looks: Prose and Poetry 1980-2005 (Carroll and Graf, 2006).
This interview is the second part of a wide-ranging conversation with Clarke. The first part is available here.
Julie R Enszer: One of the things that I think is underappreciated in your work is your attention to form. In By My Precise Haircut, your formal attentions operate in the formation of your lines and stanzas, but also in your general orientation to the world of poetry. Can you talk about form in your work?
Cheryl Clarke: I decided that I would make my pitch for "form" in Living as a Lesbian. That was the point at which I was working with form. Reeling from the influence of Brooks, Hayden, and the Harlem Renaissance poets, I dove into form. I am not so interested in it these days. But I think, as I have always thought, that it is a device to be used and is useful. As a poet, I sometimes need form to organize my impressions. Nothing like a little sonnet or villanelle or tanka or haiku or even ghazal. I will think a while before I go as far as a sestina or pantoum or epic again.
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JRE: Your villanelle, "what goes around comes around or the proof is in the pudding" (Living As a Lesbian) and the pantoum, "Committed Sex," (Experimental Love) and the sestina, "Ella Takes Up the Slack" (Humid Pitch) all demonstrate your proficiency with and mastery of form. They also show how these traditional poetic forms can bring meaning to lesbian and queer concerns.
CC: Yes. I would say more the latter than the former. What my poems demonstrate is the accessibility of forms. If I can write forms, nearly anyone can. "Proficiency" and "mastery" may be stretches of language and imagination for my renderings.
I look to Hughes, Brooks, Clifton, Whitman, Ginsburg, and even Hacker for tutelage. Yes, we do bend our forms to lesbian and queer concerns. As we should.
JRE: Another powerful aspect of your poetry that is underexamined . . .
CC: It isn't "underexamined", my poetry is not examined at all! I could use the feedback.
JRE: True, critical exegesis of your work is sorely lacking. (Are any scholars listening?) Your work counters some theorizing about poetry that emerges from the women's liberation movement and lesbian-feminism as primarily confessional. Do you think of your work as confessional? Or is it more documentary?
CC: A question about form (of sorts) again.
I am certain my poetry uses both filters--documentary (realism? autobiography?) and confessional (libidinal longings). But are they the only categories for me to lump my work into--"confessional" and/or "documentary." I suppose I would have to ask you what you mean by those two categories. Are they the only screens? I have been trained to be suspicious of categories and schools of writing. Yet, I relish notions that poets/poetry are confessional and/or documentary; or that my work fits into those boxes. I would say, over the course of my work as a poet, I have benefited from many screens of understanding to which might be added "confessional" and "documentary."
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JRE: Narratives, of course, is all dedicated to stories about black women, and Humid Pitch also takes on the long-form narrative in poetry. Tell me about occupying and inhabiting those spaces.
CC: Humid Pitch is a continuation of Narratives. Everyone loves a good story, so I am told. We all have those stories we want to tell, those we don't want to tell, those we lie about, and those which are totally fiction. In Narratives, I told stories I wanted to tell, stories to honor the black women's culture that influenced my development. Calvin Hernton wrote about Narratives a long time ago in a Parnassus review and offered that, while my poems were not "artful," they offered a unique insight into the tradition of poetry by black women--i.e., lesbianism. I'll take the criticism. He also wrote a very important article on black women writers entitled "Black Women Writers and the Sexual Mountain" after Langston Hughes' 1926 article, "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain." Hernton took to task black men for their sexist dismissal of black women writers, like Barbara Smith and Alice Walker. He portrayed black women writers as hard-working and undaunted. I happened to have been mentioned in one of his catalogues of writers dotting the scene of black feminist writing.
JRE: As you look over your oeuvre to date--Narratives (Kitchen Table Press, 1983), Living as a Lesbian (Firebrand Books, 1986 and Sinister Wisdom/A Midsummer Night's Press, 2014), Humid Pitch (Firebrand Books, 1989), Experimental Love (Firebrand Books, 1993), and now By My Precise Haircut--what do you see as key concerns and obsessions in your work?
CC: I have "key concerns," no "obsessions." Of course, "blackness," in all its indefinable-ness is key, because of my identification as a black woman, my 1960's "upbringing," and my practice of blackness as homage to the richness of black culture and critique of white privilege and supremacy. Also blackness as a politics of resistance. Lesbianism is important--almost as sacred as blackness. But because I chose lesbianism, it is a more privileged identity, though I know we are an embattled people, and, sometimes, I fear an endangered people, i.e., let's record our contemporary history, our leadership, and our organizing genius, in terms of our work in the gay and lesbian movement and in terms of our own separatist efforts. You, Julie, made me realize the use of lesbian separatism as a tool, a strategy--like with the all-lesbian Conditions Collective. Yes, we used lesbian separatism as a strategy to get our work done. And I did not think of it that way until your brilliant article on Conditions ["'Fighting to Create and Maintain Our Own Black Women's Culture': Conditions Magazine, 1977-1990," in American Periodicals.] So much for a digression. Just writing poetry is a "key concern." When will I write is a question. My key concerns include the quotidian life of my communities. They include my feminism and black feminism, which are two different devotions: the former is a racially and culturally integrated struggle with white feminists, and the latter is that continuous struggle to define one's blackness through feminism and one's feminism through blackness, which are necessary. I am concerned about continuing to be a good writer, a memorable writer, someone who had something important and substantial to say about the politics we are living and the lives we are leading here and now. In fact, I may be searching for a passion now.
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JRE: Literary citizenship has always figured large in your life as a writer. You led the editorial collective of Conditions. You have been active in a variety of organizations mentoring younger writers. You and your sister, novelist Breena Clarke, initiated the Hobart Festival of Women Writers. Can you talk about what literary citizenship means to you and how you practice it?
CC: "Literary citizenship." That terminology is interesting. I have been committed to "the literary" since my junior year in high school, meaning I have since then experienced literature as possibility, the possibility of radical consciousness. I have experienced literature as transformative. Witness the Black Arts Movement and the Women in Print Movement. "Literary citizenship"--I feel like having a button made up with that statement, because the literary has been so important to me in my life. Novels, especially, have been so important to me. "Literary Citizenship" means, I suppose, helping literature change the world for the better and heal the world and teach the world. When I was an editor for Conditions, it was my job to serve the audiences of women for whom relationships with women were "integral to their lives." Relationships with women are still integral to my life, and women writers are as well. So, it is out of that commitment to that community of writers and audiences that we created the Hobart Festival, though it was initially my sister, Breena Clarke's idea. She had attended the A Room of Her Own Foundation (AROHO) Retreats in New Mexico and thought we should try to have an event on the East Coast. My partner Barbara Balliet and I are longtime feminists and women's studies teachers and advocates. We bought one of the six bookstores in the Hobart Book Village in 2008, and by 2013, when we retired from Rutgers University, we felt a Women Writers Festival would be a hell of an idea to pull off. We also have a long-time programming background. We did a lot of programs together at Rutgers. We are also very committed to racial and cultural diversity. Breena and I put our writers networks together and were able to establish a sisterhood of writers willing to lend their good names to our first efforts in 2013. We are also committed to paying the writers we invite. "Literary citizenship" involves making literature reach outside the text to change perceptions of who writes and what they write and why and for whom. The women who have participated as Invited Writers have run the gamut in terms of genre. They are queer, straight, old, young, of color, white, national, local, Jewish. Just like the writers we invited to publish in Conditions. I take my tutelage from black feminism; 1980s lesbian feminist organizing; LGBT/Q education; and, thanks to you, Julie, for the recognition of it--the practice of lesbian separatist leadership. I say this last, because, in reading your article on Conditions, I realized that we deployed the strategy of lesbian separatism, i.e. the commitment to the "all-lesbian collective, enabled us to produce Conditions. The Festival is the "singular task." I guess we can call it "literary citizenship."
JRE: Yes, let's call it "literary citizenship" and celebrate your enormous contributions to our literary worlds. Stay tuned for Part III of this interview series.
Cheryl Clarke's new poetry collection is By My Precise Haircut (The Word Works Press, 2016). By My Precise Haircut is the winner of the Hilary Tham Capital Competition, judged by Kimiko Hahn. Clarke is the author of Narratives: poems in the tradition of black women (1982), Living As A Lesbian (1986), Humid Pitch (1989), Experimental Love (1993), the critical study, After Mecca: Women Poets and the Black Arts Movement (Rutgers Press, 2005), and The Days of Good Looks: Prose and Poetry 1980-2005 (Carroll and Graf, 2006).
Clarke has written many essays over the years relevant to the black queer community. "Lesbianism: an act of resistance," which first appeared in the iconic This Bridge Called My Back: Writings By Radical Women of Color (Anzaldua and Moraga, eds., 1982) and "The Failure to Transform: Homophobia in the Black Community," which was published in the equally iconic Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology (Smith, ed., 1984) continue to be favorites among readers. Clarke is a scholar of Audre Lorde and continues to write about Lorde's work. She retired from Rutgers University in July 2013 after forty-one years of teaching and administration. With Barbara J. Balliet, her partner of twenty-four years, she is the co-owner of Blenheim Hill Books in Hobart, NY, the Book Village of the Catskills. Clarke, Balliet, and Clarke's sister, Breena Clarke, organize the annual Book Village Festival of Women Writers in Hobart.
This interview with Cheryl Clarke is a wide-ranging conversation about all the impressive work over her writing career. It is divided into three parts.
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Part I
Julie R. Enszer: Cheryl, let's start with By My Precise Haircut. One of the things that strikes me about By My Precise Haircut is the way you write history. You gesture to big history, history that we find in history books, for example the march of black women in the poem "one million." You combine this "big history" with insights from lived experience; in "one million," you observe that at the march HIV and AIDS are not mentioned. How do you think about your relationship to history as a poet?
Cheryl Clarke: History is in my bones, since I became aware of black people as subjects of it. So, I think about it and I don't think about it. What compels me about history are its ironies--the same thing that compels me about literature--the ironies. How HIV/AIDS affects black women, whom the one million black women are having a march on behalf of, and no one talks about how the pandemic has ravaged poor black women and poor black families and communities, striking and infecting people all under fifty. But, as I think about it, maybe the Million Black Women March was "on behalf of" black men. With history the ironies occur; with literature you create them like I did with "one million." In the poem "Elegy on Twelve Years A Slave," I was struck by how the film, Twelve Years A Slave, captured the vulnerability and fragility of black people as did Northup's narrative. In the slave narrative, Northup describes Patsy's strength and pride in her work though she was so vulnerable to the cruel whims of both her slave owners, and how defeated she became after that ruthless beating administered by Solomon and, finally, the slave master; all so brutally captured on film. The film was very close to the narrative, which is why I say "text to sprocket." I suppose I was moved to write a poem about it because it starred two Africans--one West African and one East African, though by the time Northup was enslaved, there were not very many Africans being brought over because the African Slave trade was officially over in 1808. But as we know, a black person could be sold over and over and over again. So, another irony that two continental Africans were "playing" friends, so intimate (yet distant) that Patsy can ask Solomon to help her kill herself. Ironies not lost on the director and screenwriter, I'm sure.
JRE: Let's continue a little more with your sense of history and your sense of place. It has been a while since you lived in Washington, DC, but the city still has a hold on you. It fills the imaginary of your poetry. What makes the landscape of Washington so significant to you as opposed to the other spaces that now shape your daily life?
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CC: Washington, D.C. is more colorful, cultural, historical, and snobbish than any place I have ever lived since I left it in 1969. The towns I have lived in since pale beside D.C.--and that is fine. Its history as a stopping off place for black Southern migrants, as my mother's people were--from North Carolina--is also enchanting. I enjoyed its liminal Southern culture. The Howard Theater was another cultural/historical place in Washington, where I saw many cultural icons, e.g., Pearl Bailey's Revue, Miles Davis, Betty Carter, Nancy Wilson, Martha and the Vandellas, Isley Brothers, Jerry Butler, to name a few. I witnessed segregation falling by the wayside in the early '60's, but certainly remember its vestiges. I remember the picketing of Woolworth's. I remember bragging to my mother that I crossed the picket line at Woolworth's, and she said, "Don't ever cross a picket line when people are doing something for you." She was a staunch unionist. I, of course, remember the March on Washington, which I attended with my parents. Also, it is the blackest town I have ever lived in; the greater number of black people who give that town its cultural vitality. I went to college there--Howard--and that still fills my imaginary, which is not always a good place--my imaginary--because of how it often tends toward the nostalgic. I tried to avoid the nostalgic in the references to and poems about D.C. Readers will have to be the judge whether I am successful. I was not a gay person there socially until I was in my thirties. and attended the first Lesbian and Gay March on Washington. I attended many other gay rights marches in Washington. I saw the AIDS Quilt on the monument grounds, and that was such a magnificent and moving experience. A man sat with his legs drawn under him at the edge of one of the panels, sobbing. I had the same rush of emotion seeing Maya Lin's Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, family members and friends pointing out and invoking the names of lost loved ones. Jewelle Gomez and I even attended the 20th anniversary of the March on Washington in 1983--the one at which Audre Lorde was asked to speak at the last minute against the protests of Walter Fauntroy--one of D.C.'s black bourgeois homophobic preachers, who became the first Congressional Delegate to represent D.C. in 1971, succeeded by Eleanor Holmes Norton in 1990. I remember wearing a "Proud to be Gay" button at that March and going up to a vendor to buy a Coke. And the man who waited on me saw that button and said, in near disgust and surprise, "Gay." The other man said to him, "Just wait on her and shut up." Both were black. And I tell you it was hot as hell that day as only D.C. can be.
JRE: Yes, I know how hot D.C can be, having lived in College Park for years. But now, I'd like to talk for a moment about poetic process. Like many writers, you work diligently on your poems. Can you talk about the writing process behind one of the poems in the new collection?
CC: This is not my favorite question. I can easily be pretentious. "Oh, my process." Is it like my "precise haircut"? Probably. I have my hair cut once a month, very short with a slow fade on the sides. And leave it until it gets unruly. Then, I go and have it clipped and cut. So, what I am trying to make a conceit of is revision. I get an idea for a poem. I attempt writing it. (I lose far more ideas than I put down. This is disappointing.) Maybe look at and think about "Some Dead," one of the newer poems. I was moved to write it a year ago by a headline in the Sunday Times Magazine about one of the anniversaries of the Bosnian genocide: "Mass Graves Uncovered. The Dead Still Haunt the Living." I began to think of that Baby Suggs quip in Morrison's Beloved, "Not a house in the country ain't packed to its rafters with some dead negro's grief." Her emphasis on "some." The very inspecificity of "some" is countered by the totality of "every," creating a wonderful, though tragic paradox. Of course, I thought of the title of Lorde's 1986 book of poems, Our Dead Behind Us. The dead are always part of our past and they are always behind us pushing us forward, making us occupy the frontlines. This is the haunting. And so, I began to think of historical genocidal events--slavery, the Holocaust, corrective murders of gender nonconforming people, the rape of Muslim "matrons" by Islamophobic people the world over. These issues brought the poem together, if you think it is "together." You see where I am going. The "'some' dead" are very specific dead who were killed or have died for who they were then and who we are today.
JRE: Death is a fitting transition to love and sex: Your earlier works, Experimental Love and Living As a Lesbian taught me about sex and desire and eroticism. I remember reading them in the humid Detroit summers in my apartment in Palmer Park. Two poems in By My Precise Haircut intimate the centrality of love and sex to your work and both of them are near the end of the collection. Could you talk a little bit about "working my way" a gorgeous tribute to Billie Holiday and butch-femme lesbian sexuality.
CC: "working my way" is one of the older poems, going back to the late '90's. The homage to Billie Holiday came very late in its life--not that Lady Day was a lesbian, though I'm told she liked pretty women and was not unfamiliar with those whom she called, "lezzies." Originally, it was "working my way back to you" instead of "Billie Holiday." Then, one evening during some intense revising, the idea to supplant the second person with one of our great icons of woman-love and woman music. Billie Holiday is a muse for me. She became a great aesthetic teacher for me throughout the '70's, and she'd been dead since 1959 by then. Billie is always someone I can return to. To learn from. I am happy that you feel it is a "gorgeous tribute" to "butch-femme." We could use more tributes to butch-femme. More tributes to love between (among) women with its many roles. The poems, "Next (French film after the Euro)," "reprise (for Ginsburg)," "bald woman," "Wings," and "working my way" have rather explicit or direct references to sexuality (bodies and acts), yes. They don't all occur at the end. Two open the collection. Let's face it, I haven't been explicit since Experimental Love was published twenty-three years ago. Others are taking up that challenge now. And I'm always happy to help.
JRE: "working my way" ends with that killer couplet: "throat deep/right to my ears." I feel like we should all take a moment to self-pleasure.
CC: You sound like Donne. "Self murther." My friend, poet and serial fiction writer Esther Cohen gave the "right." Go on. Knock yourself out. Pleasure or 'murther' yourself.
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JRE: Then there is the concluding poem, "wings". It opens, "Sex waits in the wings, second, third, / or tenth after writing." Tell me about this poem, particularly its powerful concluding line, which ends the collection.
CC: This is a critique of or homage to the place I assign sex--direct unmitigated/unmediated pleasurable fucking with whomever and whatever and wherever--in my process and living. Sex waits--no matter who/what women and men fuck, do, or say. Sometimes it waits too long. Sometimes it waits past reclaiming, meaning we have to look for new expressions. I'm not on that 'new expressions' journey, Julie.
Physical sex would often be the last thing on my mind. But I hold onto desire always. And poetry helps and makes much desire possible where sex falls short.
And so we see here, in this poem, "wings," sex waits upon what other fascinations to which we give precedence and preference. And we (I) run from all that lip-smacking juicy-ness to some safer drier terrain. But then there is always the less troublesome terrain of self-pleasure. A fitting way to end the collection, right?
JRE: And a fitting way to end the first part of our interview. Stay tuned for Part II.
Apparently when a Jenner or Kardashian drops one of their selfies on Instagram, the goal is beyond simply collecting "likes," the ultimate achievement is comments like "flawless."
But really, whose beauty is so perfect that it may be called "flawless"? According to Nancy Jo Sales' latest research, teenagers across the country have invested in photo altering software to take their images to the "flawless" level. Yet flawless only exists in a doctored/altered image. With so many apps and venues for teenagers to share images and review each other, our girls are investing their time and emotional well-being on an endless quest for the perfect image.
Striving to be "flawless" is like striving to catch a jackalope. For those who haven't had the traveling pleasure of meeting a Western American local trying to mess with a tourist, a jackalope is a mythical cross between a jackrabbit and antelope. It must be a taxidermist's delight to take antelope antlers and attach them to unsuspecting rabbit heads. These hodgepodge creatures adorn restaurant and hotel lobby walls in cities like Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A witty bartender will lean in and explain to his/her customers that if they run into the forest naked and loudly sing the special mating call, they might be lucky enough to catch a jackalope with their own hands (and take the ultimate selfie!). Coming upon naked people singing in the woods must be what keeps local police forces entertained. In the end, the jackalope creature is a myth, just like the concept of the flawless image. We continue to strive for flawless beauty, yet no one has achieved it in real life.
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I try to embrace my flaws. I'm not perfect, but it makes me a more interesting and understanding human. I've taken unflattering pictures, and wait for it, I lived. I've gained weight and lost weight, and I also survived. I have regrets, and I have memories I wouldn't change. I'm not perfect, nor do I expect myself or anyone else to hold themselves to an impossible challenge.
Accepting my imperfections allows me to quell anxiety and feed my self-esteem. While it's okay to reflect and create self-improvement goals, it's okay to be flawed. In fact there is a new word rocking the Twittersphere #Flawsome (as in flawed and awesome). The most effective way to show our youth the power of their flaws is to show our flaws. Whatever bumps, blemishes, and mistakes in your past have made you a better person #FlawedAndOK #Flawsome
Here are some hypothetical #FlawedAndOK and #Flawsome examples:
I've had acne since I was seven years old, so baby soft skin will never be an option for me, but that doesn't mean I'm less valuable #FlawedAndOK I budget my money so I can save for college. I don't have a fancy purse, or trendy clothes, but I know my future career will make me fulfilled. #FlawedAndOK When I was young I was in a car accident that scarred my forehead. Covering it up doesn't help, so I decided to rock it like Harry Potter. #Flawsome I was able to get my kids to school on time, but I forgot to put on makeup and deodorant. I will live. #FlawedAndOk
This past Tuesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan made an appearance in a poor neighborhood in Washington DC to reiterate the Republicans' desire cut federal welfare programs, presented without irony as a proposal to "combat poverty."
It did not even occur to Speaker Ryan to invite the city's congressional representative, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, to the program. This is utterly true to form. For Republicans, Washington DC is not our national city, it is a notional one, a pretext and device to encode the politics of white grievance.
Republicans must resort to DC because they have little choice. The United States has thirty-one cities with a population over a half million living within city limits; of these, San Diego, Oklahoma City, and Fort Worth are the only ones with a Republican mayor in charge.
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Nevertheless, the large and diverse city is crucial to the modern Republican Party--not as a place to govern, but as an anvil to forge a political identity. The GOP invokes and relies upon "the city" to define and legislate "white" solutions to "non-white" urban problems. As Donald Trump's nomination reveals, it is the GOP's embrace of cultural grievance that lies at the heart of its governing logic and electoral success.
But, absent elected mayors, Republican efforts to instruct and punish the wayward city would be purely theoretical, were it not for several tactics. First and foremost, the party leverages political power from elsewhere to limit and shape urban policy, whether from the US Congress, the statehouse, or, as is the case in cities like Miami and Indianapolis, via annexation of surrounding suburbs to a city's formal jurisdiction.
Yet none of these maneuvers supply a unilateral power to dictate policy. For that, Republicans turn to Washington DC.
Guided by the Heritage Foundation, the party's powerful policy interlocutor, Republicans cite the Constitution in order to justify inserting themselves into District affairs. Yet, as I discuss in detail, history refutes this simplistic contention. There have been many permutations in District governance--including voting representation in Congress, which still exists for the portion of the District retroceded to Virginia in 1846, when slave owners feared the growing reach of abolitionism. In a distressing and uniquely America pattern, those precedents and practices established to indirectly protect or benefit slavery have not only survived, they remain comparatively more robust. If the geographic ancestors of those who remain inside the District cared less about human freedom, residents would enjoy more political power today.
Instead those 19th century forebears resolved to make the District a site to stage the black freedom movement--"an example for all the land," to quote the title of historian Kate Masur's book examining Washington during Civil War and Reconstruction. Her story concludes where the District's modern history begins: the return of white Southerners to national politics, and with them a return to the most retrograde forms of autocratic governance. For much of the next century, the more African-Americans laid claim to citizenship, the more segregationists seized upon DC as a theater to enact policies of punishment. As I recount in my book on this subject, the modern drug war is in part a monument to their efforts.
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In Senator Barry Goldwater's quest to convert white southerners from Democrats to Republicans, he seized upon the District of Columbia--both as a place to exercise congressional power, and as a rhetorical device, a geographic dog whistle, to usher segregationists into the Republican fold.
Like Democrats before him, he couched his preoccupation with the DC in terms of concern over crime. During his campaign for president in 1964, Goldwater assailed President Lyndon Johnson for neglecting crime in Washington, which was "a city embattled, plagued by lawlessness." In fact crime rates were low. Later in the decade, when street and violent crime rose, Richard Nixon walked briskly through the door Goldwater opened. Although DC police chief Jerry V. Wilson claimed that Washington had no need for "no-knock" authority in its law enforcement work, Nixon's White House insisted on it anyway; only weeks later, the same authority appeared in the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, the founding legislation of our modern drug war. Congressional lawmakers who were indifferent to the fate of civil liberties in the District found themselves ill-equipped to fend off similar incursions in drug control: "We had it in the District of Columbia crime bill," one congressman chided his colleagues; "we voted for it then."
This same pattern repeats itself to this day, even in spite of the Home Rule, which awarded DC a popularly elected mayor and city council in 1973. Congress retains the power to overturn a DC legislative act with two chambers, and, up until 1985, Congress needed only one chamber's approval in order to exercise a veto over criminal law.
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Republicans have used this power to abrogate popular sovereignty on medical marijuana, marijuana legalization, government funding for abortion, and needle exchanges. Recently, Congressional Republicans took exception to the "DC Budget Autonomy Act," a District bill that would allow the city to spend its own locally raised revenues in a manner that its government saw fit. Sovereignty for Washington DC, the embodiment of urban liberalism and black power, is not simply inconvenient for Republican policy; it is, in and of itself, abhorrent. In speaking on DC Budget Autonomy, Speaker Ryan shared his view that the DC city council needed "to be reined in." In the same news cycle, Ryan expressed his displeasure over Donald Trump's evident racism.
As Ryan and establishment figures within the Republican Party lament the rise of Trump's racist demagoguery, their own record of contempt for Washington DC demonstrates that they resent not so much the intent, as the discarding of its traditional script--the removal of any ambiguity or policy interface that renders their racism less overt. They dare not let it go. If Republicans cannot manage to function as emperors of DC, their impotence in obtaining power in other large and diverse cities might be seen for what it is: near universal rejection of their policies by the people for whom they are intended.
Next Tuesday DC voters will go to the polls in what deserves to regarded as our country's most important primary: the only primary of a city, and not just any city, but the one that is key to unmasking and confronting the politics of white backlash.
In recent times, the Democratic Party has failed to display any urgency regarding the fact that Washington DC remains trapped in the political architecture of racism. This too is emblematic--in this case, of the party's tendency to take an urban coalition for granted. A party leadership resigned to rhetoric instead of actual risks looks to placate the cause of justice rather than assume it mantle, and their complacency has supplied Republicans with important policy precedents on subjects ranging from education policy to reproductive rights. In this way, the Democrats' torpid commitment to DC is not just unimpressive, it is shortsighted; a self-imposed timidity that obscures a prevailing urban policy consensus.
Democrats should reinvigorate their commitment to political sovereignty and urban policy by placing DC's primary as first in the nation, instead of as neglected afterthought. After all, it is important to destroy the politics of cultural grievance, not just decipher it; it is important to fight, not just fundraise.
With the death last week of Boyce F. Martin Jr., the longtime judge, Louisville and our nation has lost one of its leading citizens, one of its kindest hearts, and one of its most consistently progressive judicial voices. His passing, the same week as Muhammad Ali's, is a sad reminder that key figures of the civil rights era who have shaped our community at almost every level are exiting the stage of life.
Judge Martin, whose rapid rise from attorney and prosecutor to local judge, then chief judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, and then in 1980, as U.S. Appeals Court judge, was a man of good sense, great humor and patience. But as his former clerk, David Schrodt, wrote last week, "Mostly what enters my mind when I think of Judge Martin are ideas. Great ideas. I think of mercy and freedom. I think of judiciousness, of judicial proceedings, and court decisions. I think of law and equity. Mostly, I think of virtue."
These are strong attributes, especially in this topsy-turvy election year of 2016. For above all other things, Boyce Martin was a man of virtue, whose approach to the law, which he had studied at the University of Virginia, always championed the less fortunate and the unempowered. In his Courier-Journal obituary, Kentucky's leading constitutional lawyer, Sheryl Snyder, said, "He is quite revered, and deservedly so."
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According to David Hawpe, the retired vice president and editor of The Courier-Journal, Martin's "leadership on the landmark Grutter v. Bollinger case was "a singular contribution to justice, affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court, holding that the University of Michigan law school could take into account an applicant's race when making admissions decisions." Equally notable was Martin's opinion in which he upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, the first major jurist in America to do so. How proud we in Louisville should be that judges from our city made rulings in cases involving the most important issues of the time, which also included the late Judge John G. Heyburn II's rulings on school desegregation and upholding the constitutionality of gay marriage.
Hawpe, who frequently spoke with Martin and wrote about him in his twice-weekly columns noted, "This was the case that conservatives desperately wanted to win, to strike a decisive blow against affirmative action. Happily, complaints from Judge Danny Boggs on the handling of the case by the Sixth Circuit appellate court came to naught." Boggs was the right-wing yang to Martin's liberal ying on the appeals court. But the two were never in perfect balance. Boggs' snide comments sometimes crossed the line, like the time he accused Martin and other liberals' efforts to delay executions and issue stays had the validity of "a hot dog label."
To be sure, Martin was an opponent of the death penalty, insofar as the Supreme Court was willing to prevent it. He was also defender of the high court's role in society. That was never more vividly expressed than his defense of the 2000 Bush v. Gore case. "Murky, transparent, illegitimate, right, wrong, whatever Bush v. Gore may be ... it is first and foremost a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, and we are bound to adhere to it."
In person, Boyce Martin was the personification of the qualities he exemplified on the bench. His merry smile, round face and twinkling eyes - Old King Cole come to life -- promised lively conversation, and plenty of humor. Yet he never joked about the law: It was to him as serious as the devotion he had to his country and his family. Two marriages to creative and independent women blessed him. His first wife, Mavin (Mimi) Brown was a civic leader in her own right, whose work in the early days of Actors Theatre of Louisville helped place it on the national show business map. After her death in 1997, he married museum executive Anne Ogden, whose work at the Speed Art Museum had help moved it toward its current position of strength. Each of the judge's four children, their spouses and children are accomplished.
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One of the things that few people remember is that early in his career, Judge Martin was part of a very unusual law firm that included, among others, now-Sen. Mitch McConnell. Another of the partners, attorney and civic leader John S. Greenebaum, offered this assessment: "Both of them had amazing intellectual power and impressively tuned and effective political instincts. There may have been a fork in the road somewhere. (As Yogi Berra stated once, 'if you come to a fork in the road, take it.') Boyce may have been guided by a higher sense of human spirituality, even though he never lost pragmatism. All this is well reflected in his legal writings and the emotionally affirmative conclusions to which they inevitably pointed." How true.
Hillary Clinton just made history.
At Hillary Clinton's victory event in Brooklyn, NY. (Holly Epstein Ojalvo for Kicker)
She's the first woman ever to be a major party's nominee for president of the United States.
For the first time in our history, a woman will be a major partys nominee for President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/4iLojpuPj8 Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 8, 2016
First (prematurely?) she was declared the presumptive nominee by the Associated Press, with 7 primaries still to go. Then last night, big wins in New Jersey and then California put her over the top pretty definitively.
Yet ... Bernie Sanders is still around.
Bernie Sanders' Eugene, Oregon campaign office. (Rick Obst/Flickr)
Last night, he announced boldly that he was taking the "fight" to DC and on to the Democratic convention in Philadelphia, declaring,
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"The struggle continues."
This, despite the fact that:
- He's behind in the overall popular vote by an estimated 3.68 million votes, perhaps closer to 3.9 million, 56% to 42%.*
- He's behind in number of contests won by 9, 32 to 23.
- He's behind in pledged delegates by 380, 2,184 to 1,804.
- He's behind in superdelegates** by 524, 571 to 47.
*Not counting caucuses or US territories.
***Superdelegates vote on July 25th, but they were surveyed about their preferences.
Green states = won by Sanders. Yellow states = won by Clinton. (Wikimedia Commons)
This all makes Clinton the clear presumptive Democratic nominee. Which she claimed last night in a speech in Brooklyn, New York, about making history.
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Hillary Clinton after her victory speech in Brooklyn last night. (Patrick deHahn for Kicker)
And today, despite vowing to fight on, he is laying off half his staff. So why isn't Bernie Sanders dropping out?
1. There's another primary.
Only one left: The District of Columbia. That primary is next Tuesday. Sanders wants to finish out the primary season.
BREAKING: Bernie Sanders says he will 'continue the fight' in the last primary of the Democratic campaign next week in Washington, D.C. The Associated Press (@AP) June 8, 2016
He's also meeting with President Obama on Thursday, before holding a rally in Washington.
Pres. Obama, Bernie Sanders to meet at the White House on Thursday at Sanders' request, press sec. says in statement pic.twitter.com/GONY3yCAjn ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) June 8, 2016
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Usually the presumptive nominee of a party is declared either when that candidate has no remaining opponents, like Donald Trump, or when all the primaries are over, as happened in the Democratic primary in 2008.
2. The battle continues over superdelegates
Bernie Sanders isn't finished with the supers.
Superdelegates, unlike bound (or pledged) delegates that reflect the popular vote, are unbound delegates who can vote for whomever they want at the Democratic National Convention this July. Though they usually announce their support beforehand.
Bernie Sanders wants to try to flip superdelegates who have asserted that they're backing Clinton. He hasn't had any luck so far.
Bernie is losing superdelegates, not gaining them. A trend that will continue. https://t.co/rK8eCQgUnP Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) June 8, 2016
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After tonight, Sanders can only win if superdelegates overrule popular will. https://t.co/9wH4aMJX1W pic.twitter.com/7mPmIYKw7c Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) June 7, 2016
3. He wants to keep the revolution going.
Sanders wants to keep fighting on.
After thanking everyone for being a part of the political revolution, he recognized the serious fight last night in Santa Monica, California:
"I am pretty good at arithmetic, and I know that the fight in front of us is a very, very steep fight, but we will continue to fight for every vote and every delegate we can get. ... Our fight is to transform our country and to understand that we are in this together. To understand that all of what we believe is what the majority of the American people believe. And to understand that the struggle continues."
4. He hopes to impact the Democratic party's platform at the convention and beyond.
Sanders knows he can't win, but is trying to extract as much as he can from the Dems; his position is stronger not dropping out yet Dan O'Sullivan (@Bro_Pair) June 8, 2016
It's bigger than the math of delegates, votes, and such for Sanders. He wants to make real, significant change.
Last night, a couple of hours after Clinton claimed victory, Sanders reframed his speech to plant the seeds for his vision of the Democratic party's future.
That vision, he proclaimed, means that "social justice, economic justice, racial justice and environmental justice must be the future of America."
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After the DC primary, that will likely take the form of Sanders taking action at the convention to push for a more progressive platform. And who knows where he'll go from there.
The next Clinton-Sanders battle? Over the Democratic Party convention platform. https://t.co/7JWbua8k2P by @PeterWSJ WSJ Think Tank (@WSJThinkTank) June 8, 2016
5. Ego?
Could some of the reason Sanders isn't ready to concede to Clinton be ... hubris?
So it comes to this. A man dragged down by his ego. What a classic tragedy. https://t.co/OVr9lnyZLJ Matthew S. Smith (@Matt_on_tech) June 8, 2016
His staunch supporters view Sanders as committed to a progressive mission and a moral imperative, and celebrate the fact that in this primary he's clearly achieved way more than most believed possible at the outset.
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Chin up @BernieSanders supporters. We are doing impossible things together. We too have won historically and we are just getting started! Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) June 8, 2016
Others say his staying in the race now reflects how hard it is to shut down a campaign.
If Bernie truly intended on contesting the convention, he would've kept attacking Hillary. He didn't. Just needs time to land the plane. Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) June 8, 2016
Likely at least partly due to, quite naturally, ego. After months of adulation from enormous crowds, it's got to be supremely difficult to simply walk away.
It's the cult of personality. He's addicted to the adulation. Bernie lives on the applause and chanting. https://t.co/JSOfPfkmse Ed Bowers (@oldbowers) June 8, 2016
One sign that Sanders' ego may be getting the best of him: In the wake of Clinton making history last night, he pretty much ignored that accomplishment--and didn't address the boos that erupted in the room when he mentioned her name.
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And with the math being so cut and dried, making a win virtually impossible, it frustrates many that Sanders insists on continuing.
Hillary Clinton celebrates with Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton, and son-in-law Mark Mezvinsky in Brooklyn. (Patrick deHahn for Kicker)
Hillary Clinton knows well what it's like to lose a hard-fought race and to hesitate to drop out. She said this in her speech last night:
"Now, I know it never feels good to put your heart into a cause or a candidate you believe in - and to come up short. I know that feeling well."
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Will Bernie Sanders eventually do the same? Or will fight to the very end?
Obama congratulated Hillary on becoming the presumptive nominee. Should Bernie drop out? #CAPrimary #PrimaryDay Kicker (@goKicker) June 8, 2016
As a passionate advocate for improving the lives of people with disabilities, I'm always eager to learn how different countries approach the obligation of inclusion. So, in late 2014, when I had the opportunity to travel to Serbia, I told my hosts that I wanted to know more about the programs available for Serbian children with disabilities.
That is I how I came to visit the Zvecanska Center for Protection of Infants, Children, and Youth in Belgrade. And that is what led to this week's release of a searing report by Human Rights Watch, entitled, "It Is My Dream to Leave This Place: Children with Disabilities in Serbian Institutions."
When I close my eyes, I still see the young boy, silent and alone, sitting in a custom-built plastic cage--a kind of homemade security embankment.
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I see the girl with Down syndrome who was separated from other children, with just a pink plastic drinking straw to play with, and the teenage boy with soiled diapers in an adult crib, who had no feet and no prosthetics.
I see children who appeared to have gone days without bathing or changing into clean clothes, much less had the opportunity to play outdoors or go to school.
And I remember the way their hands desperately gripped mine, and their eyes went wide with longing, only to lower in sadness when they realized I couldn't stay.
Most of all, I remember my shock upon learning that, while this institution was considered an orphanage, the majority of institutionalized children with disabilities in Serbia have at least one living parent. No child benefits from growing up in an institution. No child deserves to be shut away. And yet, this "orphanage" was full of children who had families of their own.
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The staffers tried to reassure me that everything was fine; after all, the children were getting food, care, and a bed in a place the aides felt was safe. But I was horrified by this unnecessary, unjustifiable, and unacceptable treatment of children who had no voice, no power, no leverage, and no means to advocate for themselves.
I contacted my colleagues on the Human Rights Watch Advisory Committee for Disability Rights, and urged them to investigate. Their report, released in Belgrade on June 8, recaps four weeks of rigorous field investigation. Researchers visited five social welfare homes and three small group homes, and conducted extensive interviews with staffers at the homes, Serbian government officials, advocates and activists, outreach workers, and nearly 50 young people with disabilities and their families.
Their findings acknowledge some government progress in protecting the rights of children with disabilities in Serbia. But the overwhelming picture they paint is of systematic marginalization.
As HRW describes, "According to government data, nearly 80 percent of children in institutions in Serbia in 2014 had disabilities, up from 62.5 percent in 2012." Once put into care, many children remain institutionalized the rest of their lives. Separated from their families and stranded with limited opportunities for human interaction, they are vulnerable to "stunted physical, emotional, and intellectual development"--further limiting their right to a decent, dignified human life.
In addition, as the report details, the children are often subject to neglect, abuse, isolation, overmedication, and lack of access to education and play--problems that stem in part from insufficient staff to provide attention beyond the most basic needs. When a society views a population as "less than," it inevitably gives them less. And people with disabilities are too often cast aside as least of all.
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Now is the time for Serbia--and the world--to end the institutionalization of children, and to ensure that children with disabilities enjoy their full and effective participation and inclusion in society.
First, we must recognize that institutionalizing children with disabilities condemns them to profound isolation, depriving them of the human contact, attention, and affection that every person needs to thrive. As J.K. Rowling--who founded Lumos, a charity dedicated to helping the 8 million institutionalized children worldwide regain their right to family life--has said, "That children need families, and not orphanages, is a very straightforward and intuitive notion. All the evidence shows that institutions damage children, sometimes irreparably."
Second, we must halt pressure on parents of children with disabilities to give up their sons and daughters, and commit to providing sound professional advice and emotional and medical support. Beginning in the delivery room, the attitude of healthcare workers can tip the balance between hope and despair. No one should have to endure what one anguished mother told the HRW team: that after she gave birth, "it was as if I or my child did not even exist. Some medical nurses would try to comfort me by saying: 'You will give birth to another child.'"
Third, we must acknowledge that lives won't change unless mindsets change as well. It isn't just about poverty: While the lack of resources clearly makes things harder, what causes families to institutionalize their sons and daughters is not simply being poor, but rather the stigma surrounding disability and the insufficient services and support that result.
Fourth, we must use every opportunity to spur governments to action, including, in Serbia's case, the prospect of joining the European Union. As HRW recommends, respect for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities should be included as "part of the accession requirements" for every EU candidate country.
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We arrived in Pokhara around 12:30pm after another long, stressful, anxiety filled, four and a half hour drive. The road from Chitwan to Pokhara was the same road we took from Kathmandu to Chitwan. And it wasn't any less intense this time around. But we did make it safely and that's all that matters. Phewwwww. Our lodging for the next four nights was called Hotel Middle Path, which was ranked number two on TripAdvisor out of eighty two options (now its number one). For $38 a night, we didn't really have too high of expectations, especially knowing Pokhara is a backpackers town. However, the first room we got was miserable. It smelled like the dirtiest Goodwill Store mixed with a retirement hotel, the carpet was stained, the bed sheets were dirty and it gave off this indescribable creepy vibe for some reason. So I kindly batted my eyelashes and politely asked for another room. They happily, with no hesitation, moved us to the fourth floor from the second floor. Much better. No mothball smells, no cigarette burns on the carpet and bed sheets looked like they were recently washed. When I apologized for being so high mantainence, the guy replied with "treat this like it's your home, whatever you need, just ask". I mean, these people are just the best.
After we all settled in, we went for a stroll around town and had lunch on the patio of The Olive Cafe, located on the main strip. It was lovely to sit outside, people watch, familiarize ourselves with our bearings, chat it up and brainstorm what we will do for the next three plus days.
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We ate, had cappuccino's, headed back to the hotel to change and then set out to visit the World Peace Pagoda, which is a Buddhist monument on a hilltop in Pumdi Bhumdi. It is situated at a height of around 3600 feet and was built by Morioka Sonin, a Nipponzan-Myohoji monk, with local supporters under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk and the founder of Nipponzan-Myohoji. The shrine was created as a symbol of peace, and offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range, the city of Pokhara and Phewa Lake. This ended up being over a three hour adventure. But we certainly enjoyed it every step of the way (literally, every single step). How could you not? It started with a ten minute walk through town to the main dock on Phewa Lake. We then took a twenty minute boat ride from one side of the water to the other side.
Then we walked up hundreds, most likely thousands of stone like stairs, for about an hour. Every next level you got to offered fantastic views. And the scenery surrounding the trail was very inviting as well. It was lush greenery that if it could talk would say "hold my hand and walk beside me". When you are sweating up a storm from a work out, it helps to have visuals to appreciate along the way. It's mental motivation. At least it is for me.
About half way up, we passed by a small village of homes...
Once we got to the top, there was a nice breeze that was much needed to cool us down. I was huffing and puffing so much I felt like the Big Bad Wolf from The Three Little Pigs. The World Peace Pagoda was lucky I didn't blow it down with my heavy breathing. I think the altitude mixed with the heat mixed with being slightly out of shape didn't help either (excuses, excuses). As I slowly caught my breath, I could feel my body, mind and soul transition into perfect harmony. It was so calming being up here. There was no noise and no commotion. Just peaceful vibes.
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And unfortunately, based on this sign, you had to keep your clothes on. What a huge disappointment that was.
The Peace Pagoda has four main Buddha statues, reflecting four prominent stages of Buddha's life - where he was born in Lumbini, Nepal where he became enlightened in Bothgaya, India, where he taught most of his life time in Sarnath, India and where he reached nirvana at Kushi Nagar, India.
As we were walking down the same path we walked up, we noticed young kids and parents, with paddles as well as women carrying up loads of what looked like grass on their back. I think this is their everyday commute. They paddle across the lake to the main city for school or work then hike up this steep mountain to get home. Wowzers, Their endurance level must be extremely high to do this every single day. Good for them. It's better than sitting in a car, smoking a cigarette, listening to trashy music, on a polluted freeway for hours at a time.
Oh, and I forgot to mention there is a typical restaurant at the bottom of the hike for anyone who wants to grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink before or after the climb. What's a typical restaurant you ask? Well, ask the owners who came up with the name...
That night, we walked to Cafe Concerto, a yummy restaurant owned and operated by Italians. It was rated number one on TripAdivosr so we obviously weren't the only tourists looking for an authentic pizza and pasta dinner. The place had a very charming ambience, great service and pretty delicious food. Six thumbs up from us. Our waiter was the most adorable, peppy guy I've ever met. I wanted to put him in my pocket for a rainy day.
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The next morning, Jennifer and Vinny wanted some chill time, and since I'm not that great at chilling, I walked around town by myself. Pokhara, although still smaller than your average metropolitan area, is the second largest city in Nepal. The main street is quite long but after ten minutes of window shopping, you realize it's all the same. There are restaurants, bars, paragliding companies, souvenir stores and for the first time in eight weeks, I saw tons of coffee shops that offered "coffee to go" as an option. Unless you randomly found a Starbucks in India, "coffee to go" wasn't ever possible. After doing research on this new found discovery, I quickly learned that coffee farms are everywhere throughout Pokhara so having locally grown organic coffee isn't a luxury, it's the norm. As I continued down the street for a little while longer, I started hearing music. American music. Blasting. About five hundred feet more, I noticed a radio station booth on the corner that was rocking out to Michael Jackson's Beat It. Oh man, I love that song. Everyone passing by was singing along, out loud, so of course, I joined in. Luckily I wasn't discovered by a recording company. And I saw a colorful local bus that caught my eye.
For the remainder of the day, we took in some of the local sights. First up was Devi's Falls, which was described to us as a cascading waterfall that flows through a tunnel from a lake and into a cave. Well, it wasn't exactly like that when we saw it. I believe it's because the summer months bring the most rain which in turn, intensifies the waterfall pressure so in March, there wasn't much rain yet. Regardless, it was still pretty. Just nothing to write home about. Plus, there were a few very random 3D clay displays of people without heads so we had a quick laugh and inserted our perfect faces into their perfect bodies.
Next up was the Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave, which was supposedly formed from Devi's Falls. After you pass by thirty or so shops, you are welcomed at the top by a beautiful spiral staircase that takes you down to the entrance of the cave. Although dark and dingy, the caves are beautiful from inside. It is a very sacred place for the Hindus because a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here, apparently in the condition it was originally discovered. Due to the lack of light, it was nearly impossible to capture it in a photo but I certainly tried. A for effort, right?
Third on our Pokhara scavenger hunt was Tashi Ling, the smaller of two Tibetan Refugee Camps in the area. There was a tiny museum that provided some history on how these Tibetan refugees arrived in Nepal and "how they struggled yet grew over the last 50 years". After the formation of communist regime in China, it immediately started taking interest to occupy the neighboring country, Tibet and eventually invaded the Eastern part in 1949, making the lives of innocent locals highly unbearable. So on March 10, 1959, when the Chinese people deliberately crushed their peaceful demonstrators in Lhasa, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and 80,000 Tibetans took refuge in India, Nepal and Bhutan. They traveled days and nights risking their lives while crossing the high Himalayan Ranges, mostly covered in snow, causing frostbite, injuries and untimely deaths. When the survivors settled in Pokhara, they had to quickly adapt to new food habits, new cultures, new languages and new climates. This lead to even more deaths. However, they remained optimistic that a better future was ahead and sustained livelihood with the help of NGO and INGO's in building small agribusiness and poultry. Some even worked as daily wage earners in the constructions of what now is known as the Siddharth Highway, which connects Pokhara to the Indian Border. Today, there are about 550 settlers of this camp, who have been there for over 50 ears as refugees, only with the hope of one day returning to their country, Tibet.
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On a more uplifting level, we were able to watch as women wove carpets and blankets, all by hand, with no big fancy machines or factories. Their intricate, stunning final products were then sold in a showroom nearby. Very impressive.
Last on our self-made makeshift city tour, we visited Tashi Palkhel, which is the larger of the two Tibetan Refugee Settlements in the Pokhara area. As we entered the grounds, we were immediately welcomed by prayer flags flapping in the gentle breeze and the colorful Jangchub Choeling Gompa in the middle of the village, which is home to nearly 200 monks. The atmosphere made you feel as though you were actually in Tibet (well, what I think Tibet would be like. I've never been so just using my imagination here. Work with me). We purposely saved this for last because from 3:30pm-5pm, the monks all gather for a prayer session that consists of rumbling, chanting, hmmmmming, singing, horn blowing, drum hitting, instrument clapping and then followed by silent meditation. We sat indian style, against the back wall and just observed for over an hour. It was so relaxing, so calming, so tranquil. We all were trying not to fall asleep. There were monks as old as what looked like seventy years old to as young as almost seven years old. They all had their heads shaved and were wearing the traditional "saffron robes".
That night, we walked to dinner at Moondance, which just like Cafe Concerto, had great food, great service and a great ambiance. Fun times all around.
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With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) less than two months away, the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) has remained virtually silent on its security plans. Even less is known about the inevitable surveillance and infiltration that has become commonplace with the National Special Security Event designation assigned to the DNC and political summits like it.
When Philadelphia hosted the Republican National Convention (RNC) in 2000, at least eleven Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) "troopers" were used to infiltrate political groups based on bogus claims that activists were planning violence and storing explosives in a warehouse filled with puppets, art and political messages. Absent any credible evidence, the city used so-called "intelligence" gathered by four troopers posing as union stagehands along with "Red Scare" propaganda to obtain a search warrant, arrest more than 70 people in the warehouse, and destroy all of the First Amendment material inside.
The charges were ultimately dismissed, but the city achieved its legally-questionable, short-term goal of disrupting the political organizing and stifling the message of the protesters.
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As the criminal cases made their way through the courts, defense attorneys began asking why state troopers were used to infiltrate political groups instead of local police.
A federal judge affirmed the plaintiffs' claims of rights violations in 1988 and issued a permanent injunction in the case. In addition to a settlement agreement reached by both sides, Mayor Wilson Goode issued a mayoral directive that--to this day--restricts the PPD from infiltrating nonviolent political groups without approval from the police commissioner, deputy commissioner, and the city's managing director. Records recently obtained by journalist Dustin Slaughter, confirmed that the PPD policy is still in effect and embodied in its Standards and Procedures manual for the department's Intelligence Unit.
David Kairys, lead attorney for the plaintiffs, told the Philadelphia Inquirer at the time that activists had helped establish "the best procedure in the United States" to protect against improper intelligence gathering. Indeed, the civil rights lawsuit filed by Kairys of the National Emergency Civil Liberties Committee, along with the local chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, and ACLU of PA, had far-reaching implications at a time of public outrage over domestic spying.
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More recently, Kairys said in an interview that no other city to his knowledge had since established a more stringent restriction on police infiltration. "There have been several cities which have established guidelines, but needing the approval of one of the highest public officials in the city, thereby making him or her responsible for the infiltration, is unprecedented."
In 2000, instead of getting the necessary approval when the RNC came to Philadelphia, the city avoided potential public scrutiny and relied on state troopers to infiltrate and gather intelligence that the city conveniently used to raid the warehouse.
No smoking gun was ever produced showing the city did a deliberate end-run around its policy on infiltration. But, it was difficult to deny with multiple command centers housing local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies (think communications hubs, much like today's fusion centers) established well in advance of the RNC 2000 protests.
Kairys, who is also a Temple Law School professor, is not so sure the PPD's hands are clean. "I believe the Philadelphia police violated more than the spirit of the policy," said Kairys. "What happened in 2000 was the city thought it could skirt the restrictions by having the state do the infiltrating," Kairys continued. "If it could be shown that the city knew in advance about the infiltration by state troopers, and the police were part of the security plans for the RNC, then that would also violate the letter of the policy."
Pennsylvania State Police: a propensity for politically-motivated spying
According to the Inquirer, Philadelphia plans to spend more than $5 million of its $43 million federal grant on reimbursement for the deployment of non-PPD law enforcement personnel. The Pennsylvania State Police is specifically named, however it's unclear what form of support its troopers will provide. If history is any guide, the PSP will be conducting heavy surveillance and infiltration in the lead-up to and during the DNC.
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Pennsylvania State troopers were not only used extensively to spy on protesters at the RNC 2000, they have continued their questionable intelligence-gathering efforts over the years.
Not only did the PSP monitor activists with impunity ahead of the 2009 G-20 summit in Pittsburgh, but it also used intelligence gathered by a private "security" contractor to harass and intimidate other activists. The PSP managed to side-step revelations that the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security (OHS) had hired the Philadelphia-based Institute of Terrorism Research and Response (ITRR) that same year to unlawfully spy on a diverse range of political groups (including those opposed to natural gas drilling, as well as antiwar and LGBTQ activists) posing no threat to the public.
A few months before the exposure in September 2010 of an email from then-OHS director James Powers detailing the spying, state troopers paid a visit to the mother of Alex Lotorto, a 23-year-old activist who had called a meeting of friends to plan a demonstration against President Obama, scheduled to come to Carnegie Mellon campus the next day.
What Lotorto didn't know at the time was that he was being monitored by ITRR and the details of his communications had been sent to a host of law enforcement operatives including the PSP. Instead of approaching Lotorto where he lived in Pittsburgh, state troopers went to his mother's home more than 300 miles away in what Lotorto called a blatant attempt to pressure him into abandoning his protest plans.
Three years after the OHS debacle and Powers' resignation, state police were again implicated in using information gathered by a private intelligence firm--this time, Global Security Corp--to harass political activists. Ignoring lessons from the prior abusive surveillance operation, state trooper Michael Hutson showed photographs of several protest groups at a September 2013 natural gas-industry conference in Philadelphia at a presentation labeled, "environmental extremism and acts of vandalism across Pennsylvania's booming Marcellus Shale natural-gas reserves." Hutson provided no evidence tying the groups to any criminal activity.
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The following year, Hutson paid visits to at least two activists opposed to natural-gas hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Hutson crossed state lines to question Jeremy Alderson, a 66-year-old activist and publisher of the newsletter No Frack Almanac, who lives outside of Ithaca, New York.
Wendy Lee, a 56-year-old philosophy professor at Bloomsburg University was the other activist. Both Alderson and Lee had been monitored taking photos of a gas compressor station in Lycoming County, however neither were trespassing and Lee, in particular, has posted thousands of online photos of wells, drilling rigs and compressor stations as part of her activism.
Trooper Hutson was part of the Marcellus Shale Operators' Crime Committee (MSOCC), an intelligence-sharing network that included all of the major drilling companies in the Marcellus Shale, FBI, OHS, as well as state and local law enforcement. Hutson told Lee that he was conducting an investigation, but would not disclose any details such as whether Lee was a target of or connected in any way to the investigation. Lee told the Pittsburgh City Paper that Hutson inquired about fellow activists in the anti-fracking movement, convinced that the industry was "using the state police to try to silence us."
Fusion centers: a collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement
Hubs of intelligence gathering and information-sharing called "fusion centers" started forming in American cities after 9/11. Fusion centers typically consist of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and often include personnel from the U.S. military, corporations, and private security firms like ITRR. Although fusion centers were originally established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve the sharing of counterterrorism intelligence, they have since been expanded in order to "gather, analyze, and share comprehensive crimes, hazards, and terrorism information," according to DHS.
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It seems clear from the participation of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia police as stakeholders in the city's fusion center that information sharing between the two agencies (among others) would be taken for granted. However, we can expect secrecy and obfuscation around such intelligence collaboration for the DNC 2016.
State police deny helping city avert local restrictions
In 2000, thirteen years before the DVIC opened its doors, the state and local police (along with the FBI, Secret Service, and other agencies) operated under the same roof near 20th & Oregon Streets in what was referred to by the Inquirer as a multi-agency "command center" in advance of the Republican convention.
When then-PSP Organized Crime Commander Lt. Col. George Bivens (recently demoted) was questioned during RNC-protest criminal cases about the use of undercover agents to assist the Philadelphia police, he denied any coordination. Furthermore, Bivens claimed that he and his undercover agents never kept written notes and only spoke with each other about the operations. Whether true or not, the lack of any documentation on undercover operations and communication between PSP and PPD allowed Philadelphia police to take advantage of widespread infiltration despite a policy restricting such activity in the city.
Pattern of abusive infiltration at political conventions
It's hard to believe that even after the spotlight was shined on Philadelphia and state police, and the damaging PR it caused both agencies--with critical editorials in the Inquirer and Daily News--they would try the same dubious tactics for the DNC 2016. But, unfortunately, history has shown a pattern of this kind of abusive infiltration at political conventions.
At every Republican convention since 2000, local and federal law enforcement have engaged in infiltration seemingly without cause. In 2004, the videographer collective I-Witness video captured footage of several undercover police sometimes engaging in violence and provocation at the RNC protests in New York City.
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In 2008, multiple federal agents and informants spied on activists and disrupted political organizing in advance of the RNC protests in St. Paul. FBI informant Andrew "Panda" Darst was among multiple infiltrators of the activist-led RNC "Welcoming Committee," and an FBI agent known as "Karen Sullivan" not only attended organizing meetings of the Twin Cities Anti-War Committee in the lead-up to the RNC, but then took a more active role in the group by "chairing meetings, handling bookkeeping, and communicating with dozens of other organizations," according to Democracy Now.
Notorious activist-turned-FBI informant Brandon Darby entrapped two young Texas activists who drove from Austin to protest at the RNC 2008. His influence over--and coercion of--Bradley Crowder and David McKay in making (but not using) Molotov cocktails resulted in terrorism charges and years in jail for both of them.
Despite the low turnout of protesters at the RNC 2012 in Tampa, the policing apparatus was nevertheless robust and the infiltration was especially invasive. Not only did Tampa police make "widespread use of undercover operatives to gather intelligence," according to Cleveland.com, but Major Marc Hamlin bragged at a "security" conference in Cleveland that the "organizational structure [of protesters] was extremely weak," allowing undercover officers to infiltrate and "take over" a protest group.
In preparation for the RNC 2016, Cleveland police held a training in April on integrating undercover operations with uniformed police, providing "cohesion" during a "violent protest" or "civil unrest."
Has Philadelphia learned from its past transgressions?
With the Philadelphia mayoral directive still in effect, the question remains whether political groups planning to protest at the DNC will be infiltrated. "I assume law enforcement will infiltrate since that is a tactic they like to use," said Kairys. "I would hope they don't infiltrate based solely on the political views of this group or that group," he continued. "If they do and the city is a part of it, especially if a police official is heading the intelligence operation like with the local fusion center, then it would violate people's rights under the mayoral directive."
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According to Kairys, the policy on infiltration and intelligence-gathering was put in place to make the police more accountable to the public and, in so doing, limit abuse. "And when infiltration does happen," he explained, "there would at least be some basis for it, otherwise high-level public officials will be risking some embarrassment." Furthermore, if it can be shown that Philadelphia police were somehow involved, the risk to the city could also include having to defend itself against civil lawsuits.
But the bigger take-away for Kairys is not to let infiltration interfere or slow down people's activism. He likened the type of infiltration that gave rise to the Pledge of Resistance lawsuit--in which police announced weeks in advance they would be infiltrating political groups--to the intimidation tactics of the federal government's counterintelligence program (COINTELPRO). In that era, the FBI tried to "enhance the paranoia" among political groups and "get the point across there is an FBI agent behind every mailbox" in an effort to deter dissent.
"It's really important for activists to be aware that infiltration is a possibility and to take precautions," warns Kairys, "but be clear about your goals and don't let police surveillance stop you from organizing."
Jack Russell Terrier pets
This spring has been challenging for Central Texas animals. After an unusually warm winter, the region has been plagued by a series of severe thunderstorms and floods, causing the displacement of large numbers of people and animals. As a result, animal shelters have seen high intake of both stray and surrendered pets.
At the Austin Animal Center, the open-admission shelter for Austin and the surrounding Travis County, this 'perfect storm' of factors has led to a particularly tough spring. In addition to our usual seasonal influx, many of the pets coming to us have injuries from storms and floods and need intensive medical care. We've had 1,200 pets in our care on any given day with 60 to 100 new animals arriving daily. And yet, even with these challenges, over the past three months, we've maintained a save rate above 96%.
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This mamma dog and her puppies are headed to a foster home, where they'll stay until the pups are old enough to be adopted.
If you're in a community that struggles during times of weather emergencies, natural disasters or season space crises, read on to learn how we've maintained such a high save rate of animals, even when things got hard. Whether you're an advocate, shelter staff member, volunteer or rescue group, you can use the lessons we've learned to save more animals in your town or city.
How We Save Lives In Difficult Times:
We ask for help. When flooding caused 50 of our dogs to be displaced from their kennels, we set up crates in our multi-purpose room and asked for temporary, emergency foster families to take a dog for one to two weeks. Within just an hour of posting our plea on social media, we had people lined up to assist. By the end of the day, all 50 of the dogs were out of the shelter and in loving foster homes, where they could crash on the couch instead of undergoing the stress of being confined to a kennel.
We make it easy to foster. Becoming a foster family with Austin Animal Center is no harder than adopting a pet. Fosters can usually take home an animal on the same day they sign up. Through temporary, emergency fostering, we've saved hundreds of lives of both dogs and cats. And by sending pets to foster, we learn things about them to help us find their perfect forever home more quickly.
This man came to the shelter and told us he wanted to foster the dog who needed him the most. We introduced him to scared, 10-year-old Zeke, who desperately needed some TLC. These two fell in love immediately and this will most likely be a 'foster fail,' meaning Zeke may have found his forever home!
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We make it easy to volunteer. After a particularly bad night of storms, a woman showed up before we opened and stopped a staff member in the parking lot, saying, "I heard you need help and I am here to do whatever you need." Even though she wasn't a current volunteer, we welcomed her in and showed her how to walk dogs who needed a kennel break. She got more than a dozen dogs out for bathroom breaks and ended up adopting a special needs cat that same day.
Volunteers assist in nearly every area of the shelter. These volunteers are helping to treat kittens with ringworm.
We serve pets and people in the community so they don't end up at the shelter. Our animal protection officers fill several important roles: Keeping our streets safe, rescuing animals who are sick or injured or are otherwise in danger, and helping people get services and support to keep pets in their home.
Animal protection officers provide fence-building assistance to owners to help keep pets safely and humanely confined and give families dog houses so every dog has adequate shelter. Working collaboratively with shelter outreach workers, they visit neighborhoods and connect residents to free or low cost spay and neuter and vaccine services. Our officers help give people what they need to keep pets at home with their families. And to help pets get back to their owners when they do get lost, we provide free microchips to any pet in Austin or Travis County. Then, if those animals are picked up by an officer at a later date, we scan for the microchip and bring the pet back home, keeping it from having to be impounded at the shelter.
One of our long-time animal protection officers put it this way: "In the old days, we used to have competitions among the officers to see who could bring the most stray dogs in. We'd search the streets for friendly dogs because they were easy impounds. Today, our mission is much different. It's to help people and provide resources to keep their pets out of the shelter."
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One of our officers rescued this baby owl when she got lost in a storm. The officer will take her to the Austin Wildlife Rescue where she'll be cared for until she's old enough to be released.
Busy is good! This is one of the best-kept secrets in animal shelters so we're trying to get the word out: During the busy spring and summer months, shelters have an amazing assortment of cats, dogs and other animals available for adoption. Want an adorable Yorkie? We've got it! A bouncy puppy? It's here! A Siamese cat. No problem! Not only is adopting from a busy shelter truly lifesaving, but our adopters are likely to be able to find pretty much any breed, size, age and type of animal they're looking for. We use this as a marketing opportunity, running weekly adoption specials and sharing the stories of the endless variety of pets in our shelter. In May, we adopted more than 600 pets to new families and in June, we're going for 800! We hold regular adoption events and at the end of every month we spread the good news about how many pets found homes.
You're sure to find a kitten just as cute as this one if you visit your local shelter during the busy spring and summer months!
We communicate honestly and ask the community to go the extra mile. Over the past few weeks, all our kennels have been full and we've had more than 1,200 animals in our care, about half of those in foster homes. When more storms hit, we knew we had very little space left so we decided to invite people to help us keep animals out of the shelter. When people came in with stray animals, we met with them, took a found report and a photo, scanned for a microchip and asked the finder if they could hold the pet for a couple of days to give the owner a chance to find it. We offered food, supplies and crates and in more than half the cases, the finders were happy to help hold animals to give owners a chance to find them. Sometimes people just couldn't hold on to the pet, and we took those animals in, but it helped reduce our overall intake and better serve the 50 or so animals each day who needed our help - those who were sick, injured or otherwise truly homeless.
We don't shy away from sharing the hard stuff along with all the happy news. This commitment to transparency has helped us earn people's trust and has led to many amazing acts of kindness. Just the other day, one person bought Kong toys and Nylabones for every single dog in our shelter. She brought them in a big cart and said she wanted to make sure the dogs weren't bored in their kennels during the rainy weather. Once in a while, people ask us, "Don't people ever get tired of helping you?" We've found the answer to be be a resounding, "No!" What we've learned is people want to be given the chance to contribute to the efforts that keep homeless animals alive. Whether they're advocates, volunteers or just animal lovers, people want to help!
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She bought toys for every single dog in the shelter! There were a lot of wagging tails that day and her story inspired others to give.
Our partners are at the heart of what we do. Our community partnerships are critical to maintaining No Kill in Austin. Our largest rescue partner, Austin Pets Alive!, takes nearly 4,000 of our most at-risk animals every year. This includes bottle baby kittens, puppies with Parvovirus, pets with special medical and behavioral needs and mothers with newborn babies. Austin Humane Society takes hundreds of animals from us each year and partners with us to spay and neuter thousands of community cats every year. Emancipet provided spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines to more than 20,000 Austin pets last year, helping us reduce the number of puppies and kittens being born in our community and reducing shelter intake. Beyond these three key partners, we work with more than 100 rescue groups who help us save everything from iguanas to opossums to goldfish to Labrador retrievers. To learn more about the partnerships that make Austin No Kill, check out this earlier post on the subject.
Rear view of female homosexual family walking in park
We talk about coming out as if it's something you only do once. In my experience it's an ongoing part of life. Sometimes it's easy, and other times it makes my stomach flutter.
I first came out as a lesbian 30 years ago when I was still in college. Initially I was very careful about whom I shared this tender information with. In 1985 being gay felt both like being part of a special club and living in a freak show. Over time, I widened the circle of people that I told. Sometimes I was praised for being courageous and other times I was treated with contempt or confusion. One of the more memorable responses to a coming out was when my sister-in-law's 60-year-old mother said, while we were cooking Thanksgiving dinner, "I've seen that on the Phil Donahue show, but never met one before."
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In 1991, my partner Rinda and I had a service of commitment in our Unitarian Universalist Church. Most of our family members came, and as far as I was concerned I was out to the world. It was a done deal.
Little did I know that becoming a parent would force me to be out in whole new way. It started at the birth in the hospital where I had to justify my relationship with my own child at every change of shift. Some nurses were tickled pink to be working with an 'alternative' family. But others were confused, offended, or outright hostile. Looking back, I wonder how well I explained the situation--sleep deprived as I was.
At restaurants, waitresses would casually ask, "Who's her mother?" Rinda and I would stare at each other, unprepared at first. Eventually we learned to say, "We both are. We're a couple."
"Who's her real mother?" often came next.
"We both are. But Rinda's her birth mom, if that's what you're really asking."
By the time we had two kids, with the same donor but two different birth moms, the story of our how our family came to be was often more than we wanted to convey to a casual inquiry before ordering drinks. And yet, we wanted our children to hear us talk easily about our family structure and learn how to explain it themselves. Their experience of having two moms was nearly invisible in popular culture. We wanted to make it a source of pride, and not shame.
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So I learned to say enough without saying too much. And I learned to uncover what I was really being asked. And I learned when to give a ten-second explanation and when to have a longer conversation. And I learned to let our children take the lead as they grew older. And I learned to say the word 'wife.'
I never expected to be a wife or have a wife, but now I am one and I have one. It's turned out to be the best thing ever, because that single word conveys so much, so clearly. Without any further explanation, total strangers understand my relationship to Rinda. "Girlfriend," "partner," "life mate" require more sentences to be certain that I'm being understood. But "wife" is completely clear.
The federal legal recognition that came last year brought more ease and clarity to my life than I had expected. After all, we'd been married in our hearts and souls since 1991. And our marriage was recognized in the state of California. What could a federal blessing of our marriage give us that we didn't already have?
It turns out, a lot. Now that we were 'out' to the federal government, when we got a mortgage we knew how to hold title. In the past we had long conversations with the title company; and all of us were just making a guess about the best way for us to hold title as a couple that was legally married in California, but not at the federal level.
We only have to fill out one joint federal tax return, which can be used for our state return. For many years our accountant did a joint federal tax return so he could do a joint state return, and then he did an individual return for each of us. We paid a lot of money for those extra returns.
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When I fill out our Federal Financial Aid forms for college, I don't have to leave out a parent. In the past I felt like I was holding back information, but there was no way to represent our reality because federal tax returns (the basis for the form) did not recognize both parents. I even called to make sure I was doing it right. The woman on the phone was kind, but told me that the financial aid form simply did not include a way to represent the reality of our family.
Changing laws is important to creating the just, multicultural society the U.S. Constitution promises. Changing hearts and minds is equally important in making that dream a reality. As we make these changes, our coming out stories change as well.
I'm part of a Facebook group for queer moms. Lately there has been a string of posts from women about their experiences with hospitals. The common theme is that they start out ready to fight to have "our family" recognized in Utah, or a in Catholic hospital. But instead they are met with respect, joy, and clarity about filling in birth certificates, NICU visitation privileges, or being called Mom. Those stories bring tears to my eyes. Wow! The pace of change of beautiful. And yet the moral arc of the universe doesn't easily bend toward justice. There are always steps backwards: see the new Jim Crow and North Carolina HB2. We can't let those who are afraid of widening the circle of love and justice decide the parameters of the conversation.
My favorite coming out moments are the ones that shine a light on my own prejudices. The times I was met with love and respect from the very people I had been taught would hate me filled my heart with grace. The military officer who told me that part of his duty was to stand with gay and lesbian service people who were being drummed out of the service because of their sexual orientation. My 80-year-old, devoutly Catholic aunt who told me that God loves everyone and doesn't make any mistakes. The grandmother at my children's elementary school, a Jehovah's Witness, who apologized with tears in her eyes that her grandson had teased my daughter about having two moms. Each of those encounters taught me to put away my assumptions and treat people as individuals.
The potential cost of coming out is rejection. But the cost of being hidden, of living in shame, is far greater. And the opportunities that coming out affords are enormous. Coming out as a lesbian has given me the courage to come out as an artist, a writer, a Black Lives Matter activist, and a person of faith. It's allowed me to be more of my authentic self in so many ways, and hopefully gives others the courage to do the same. And it's given people permission to tell me their stories of spiritual and personal growth, connecting us across differences, but reminding us of our shared humanity.
Los Angeles Travel Magazine is the realization of entrepreneur and luxury travel expert, Jennifer McLaughlin. With over ten years of experience, a celebrated passion for adventure and the finer things in life this is her second business venture in Southern California.
A native Bostonian, Jennifer completed her Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management and Travel & Tourism at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. She then relocated from Providence to Orange County in 2003 after graduation and has been a Southern California resident ever since. She has written for a variety of magazines and websites and has served as President of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, Orange County Chapter
Jennifer's commitment and motivation to explore the world showed at a very young age when she fell in love with the idea of living in a hotel while in the 7th grade. After nearly a decade of hospitality endeavors from her time as Director of Tourism for the Irvine Chamber Visitors Bureau to serving as Director of Marketing and PR for The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel, she found herself ready to take on a new challenge. This former Hospitality Exec is currently a go-to expert for luxury travel advice, beauty on the go tips, worldly fashion, dining, and celebrity travel. As a celebrity reporter, Jennifer has landed interviews with some of Hollywood's finest including Necar Zadegan, Morgan Stewart, Samantha Brown, Brandi Glanville and Moby, among others.
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How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
From a very young age I knew exactly what my passion was, travel. I started vocalizing it more and more around the 7th grade mark. It was during this period of my life that I started coming up with "deals" for my parents. "If I get all A's will you take me to Florida?" They agreed to the terms and it wasn't long before I was jumping off the school bus, report card in hand ready to start my well earned vacation planning.
When it was time to start planning for college I had already made up my mind that a degree in Travel & Tourism was the route I was headed. I loved everything about the industry which made it difficult to pick just one direction. I wanted to learn every aspect from working in a travel agency to becoming a tour guide in an exotic destination. Luckily, Johnson & Wales University provided all of these options and more. During my time at JWU I was able to complete intern and externship experiences which helped to narrow down the specific career destination I wanted to pursue. I tried it all, I interned as a tour guide in Brazil, at T.F. Green Airport, American Express Travel, Collette Vacations, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the Providence Convention & Visitors Bureau and tackled every aspect of hotel operations at a five star resort in Greece on a summer externship. I gained a vast amount of knowledge in that short time which provided the confidence I used to become a leader in my industry. Anyone can be a leader but it takes education, experience and an ever-evolving open mind to gain the respect from staff, peers and colleagues.
How has your previous employment experience aided your tenure at Los Angeles Travel Magazine?
Due to the excellent travel experiences I accomplished during my schooling, the beginning of my career was very smooth. I had immersed myself in extra courses and internships which helped me graduate in little over two and half years with a four year degree. Once I got out into the workforce I certainly had to put in the time and work my way up. Because I was a go-getter and hard worker the climbing process was much quicker than expected. I transitioned from a sales and catering position with Hilton Hotels to a catering sales manager position at the Anaheim Convention Center. It was this position where I really learned a lot about company politics, professionalism and client diversity. One day I would be planning events for 90,000 plus guests and then the next a high school reunion for only 100. I worked very closely with the Anaheim Convention & Visitors Bureau and found myself really enjoying my time with them. We would travel together for trade shows and it provided a great inside look at how a larger bureau operated. When a position opened up with the Irvine Chamber & Visitors Bureau I jumped at the chance and was chosen for the job. Between this position, my time in Anaheim and previous hotel background I have an experience level that has really helped me make knowledgeable decisions for the magazine. I understand each side of the business, not only what benefits the magazine but also how to provide successful opportunities for our clients and partners.
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What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Los Angeles Travel Magazine?
For me personally the highlights come from seeing our ideas translate into reality. There is so much time and effort that goes into one issue and to see it come to fruition is always exciting.
We recently received a certificate of recognition from the State of California for our efforts in increasing California tourism. It is amazing that we were recognized and can make an impact to such an important part of our economy. It goes to show you that anyone can make a difference. We love the state of California and couldn't think of a better place to call home.
The challenges have been mostly in establishing the best possible team. We strive to find passionate and creative individuals that can teach us how to be better. We always want to continue to develop ourselves and set new trends. Every business in the world can be better and we believe this is how our business will continue to grow and flourish organically.
The other challenge we run into is the stigma that "print is dead". We can honestly say, this is not the case. We have grown extremely fast in the last few years and the reason for the growth is because our readers love the visual aspects and it helps them dream about their next escape. There is something special when you can immerse yourself into a good book or magazine. It helps set the precedent that travel is right there within their reach, they just need to picture themselves there.
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry?
The travel industry is amazing, especially if you want to see the world. Most people work to travel so why not travel for work? It is the best of both worlds.
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My advice to women in general is to create a work space that allows you to have it all. While I don't have children yet, I can imagine the day when I get to take them to work with me. With the nature of my business that will include traveling the world with them, showing them different cultures, food, people and everything in between. That kind of experience for a young child is priceless, so don't assume because you have a family that a travel job is out of the question.
I also surround myself with a team who I feel are more like family. Surrounding yourself with the right people will only make your job and life more enjoyable so make good hiring choices and always trust your gut when interviewing, typically that women's intuition is steering you in the right direction.
What is the most important lesson you've learned in your career to date?
Always be the bigger person and be nice. It can be difficult at times but it takes a strong person to take the high road. Also, don't be afraid to admit when you are wrong. No one knows everything!
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
This has always been a challenge for me and it wasn't until recent that I came to realize I don't have to have the perfect work/life balance. The key is to maintain as much of a balance as possible but you cannot stress if that doesn't always work out. Don't be afraid to say no, I am a yes person and sometimes I take on way too much. (Ok, most of the time I take on way too much!) With that being said it's good to sit down and analyze the choices you are making so certain aspects of your life do not get neglected.
What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?
In the corporate world, the pay scale variations are always an issue. I have also witnessed a respect issue as well. Personally, I have been in situations where I am disrespected and ignored because I am female, while the men are treated like kings. This recently happened to me in Moscow and I was blown away that this would take place in such a business oriented city.
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How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?
I certainly look to mentors for my own personal and professional growth. It is a key ingredient to continue evolving and growing into a successful leader. With that being said I think it is extremely important to mentor others as well. I have been mentoring people in business for many years and it is very rewarding. If I can help someone else succeed just by sharing my experiences and knowledge then why not? Regardless of age we can all learn from each other and we each have different backgrounds that can attribute to one another's success.
Which other female leaders do you admire and why?
I have always looked up to Samantha Brown. She is the one person that really sparked my interest in taking my passion for travel and turning it into a career. Before her, I really didn't even know it was a possibility. When I saw her paving the way for women in travel I quickly took notice. The fact that she was originally a small town girl from New Hampshire resonated with me because so was I and I thought, "If she can make it, so can I." I will never forget watching her on the Travel Channel and tell my mother I was going to live in hotels for the rest of my life like Samantha Brown. I certainly wasn't far off!
Editor's Note
A HuffPost article that previously existed at this URL has been removed.
Summer's here--meaning it's time to cast away those crochet blankets, switch off that Netflix series, and seek out a sun-kissed adventure. Whether your idea of summer vacation includes lapping waves and a sugar-white beach or hiking boots and an alpine trail, here are five new travel books to inspire wanderlust in even the sleepiest homebody:
It's Only the Himalayas and Other Tales of Miscalculation from an Overconfident Backpacker
By S. Bedford (Brindle & Glass, 2016)
If you're skeptical of those aggrandizing blogs that portray travel as suspiciously perfect, then this hilarious memoir is a must-read. A neurotic and disenchanted Millennial, author Sue sets out on a year-long round-the-world trip with her frustratingly flawless mate Sara in hopes of "finding herself." Instead, she falls victim to a series of awkward, embarrassing and ridiculous mishaps that'll have you laughing out loud--so don't read this while the rest of the plane is asleep! An honest and heartwarming book.
Meet Me in Atlantis
By Mark Adams (Penguin Random House, 2016)
I'd normally steer clear of any book claiming Atlantis was more than fable--or at least use it to prop up the wobbly leg of my desk. However, best-selling author Adams makes a compelling case for the city's existence based on evidence hidden in Plato's writings. This thoughtful, educational and funny book chronicles his travels around the globe in search of the ancient metropolis and the quirky explorers sharing his quest--and may just make a believer out of even the most purse-lipped skeptics.
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The Road to Little Dribbling
By Bill Bryson (Doubleday, 2015)
You'd be hard-pressed to find a traveler who wouldn't love to sit next to Bill Bryson on a plane and listen to his British harrumphs (perhaps freckled with folksy Iowa-isms) as he inadvertently spills his tea during turbulence. Notes from a Small Island, his 1995 travelogue on Britain, is the most successful travel book ever written and so there was much anticipation for the sequel. Fortunately, Bryson seems just as charmingly bemused as ever--his observations and frustrations equally informative and tickling as he rediscovers his home turf.
Mother Tongue: My Family's Globe-Trotting Quest to Dream in Mandarin, Laugh in Arabic, and Sing in Spanish
By Christine Gilbert (Penguin Random House, 2016)
Like many North Americans who only speak English, Gilbert feels her monolingualism is impeding her and her family from becoming global citizens. With husband and toddler in tow she sets out for Beijing, Beirut and Puerto Vallarta in pursuit of polyglot status. But her quest is more difficult than she'd anticipated. Encumbered by China's suffocating pollution, Lebanon's political instability and the daily challenges of struggling to communicate, Mother Tongue is an enlightening look at cognitive and language development as well as a celebration of one family creating their own cultural roots.
Connecting over a damaged bicycle: Kevin Clarke as Oliver, Elissa Stebbins as Becky
Photos by Pak Han
Stereotypes take a thrashing in Penelope Skinner's The Village Bike, the sizzling British comedy-drama that opened a few days ago in Shotgun Players' Ashby Stage in Berkeley.
Skinner's stereotypes are sexual, presented with clarity and directness that some will find titillating despite the playwright's thoughtful intentions and the strong production by director Patrick Dooley and his cast. (Example: A chubby young man seated near me swayed and roared and punched the air almost every time sex was mentioned or simulated, which was often.)
That response is hardly surprising, given the situation that opens the play and many that follow: For starters, a married couple is in bed, lightly clothed; hubby John (Nick Medina) is focused intensely on a book about pregnancy; newly pregnant wife Becky (Elissa Stebbins) is focused intensely on John, making clear that her interests lie between sheets, not pages.
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John's remoteness stems from a conviction that sex during pregnancy could harm the baby; Becky's erotic desire and frustration stems from a hunger that playwright Skinner presumably finds within the normal range of female needs. The couple's love never comes into question: Both voice deep affection for each other, and the performers offer no reason to doubt those declarations.
Aside from their sexual issues, the pair appear to be happy. She's a teacher on summer vacation; John's occupation takes him on trips with some frequency. They have just moved into a pleasant rural home whose only notable drawback is leaky, noisy plumbing.
So what's Becky to do? One possibility lies in pornographic videos, which John had collected but she has come to relish. That fails to substitute for physical connections, and neither does masturbation, another issue that the play handles without fear or smirks.
Aside from celibacy, which Becky would find unthinkable, her solution obviously involves other men. Concerns about morality never enter the equation. The question that Skinner raises is whether a woman can have sex without emotional entanglement. And she leaves viewers to resolve that for themselves.
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Reversing stereotypical roles: Stebbins as Becky, Nick Medina as John
Becky insists, forcefully and repeatedly, that she all she wants is sex, but events leave her assertions open to argument. For the men who satisfy her needs, such uncertainties are unthinkable. They do what comes naturally, without second thoughts.
One partner she finds is a middle-aged, widowed plumber (David Sinaiko), who was hired to repair the pipes. He's an awkward, gently comic personality named Mike, and his occupation inspires lots of double entendres before connections turn physical.
Another is a local actor named Oliver (Kevin Clarke) who arrives in 17th century attire to deliver a used bicycle that he sold to Becky. He explains the costume as something demanded by a director who wants actors in rehearsal to live their roles at all times. And he displays a scrappy temper while describing a minor accident with the bike and his efforts to repair it.
Becky apparently couldn't have found a better answer to her emergency. Oliver is vigorous, upbeat, robust, sexually adventurous and seemingly tireless: That he is also married hardly matters. Wife Alice (Megan Trout) has departed for a month, leaving him unencumbered. When she returns, though, "The Village Bike" zooms off in directions that might leave heads spinning.
The play's only other character is family friend Jenny (El Beh), who understands Becky and John and offers some support to both while maintaining a discreet distance from their issues.
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The performances are consistently sharp, though Skinner's unnecessarily oddball characterization of John presents Medina with a difficult task in the context of an essentially realistic play. In addition to harboring absolutist beliefs about sex and pregnancy, John is an environmental crusader who has fits when he discovers a stash of plastic bags from the local supermarket, among other things.
Skinner has been quoted as saying, "I write parts for women in which women say something, because I think there's not enough of that at the moment." With "The Village Bike," she and her characters speak forcefully and surely provoke more discussion than most theater works. They also deliver a lively and engaging show that's well worth a thoughtful playgoer's time.
When I got a call asking me to be a poll worker for the June 7th Primary Election in California, I thought, what better way to serve Democracy! Of course! I'm a lawyer, I care passionately about the right to vote, and I get to take part in history being made while seeing my neighbors coming out to perform their civic duty. I'm in!
The night before election day, I got a message from a woman identifying herself as my fellow poll worker in shaky voice, and asking me to please call her up at 5 a.m. to wake her. As I live less than 5 minutes from the polling place at our local park, I was hesitant to wake up a full hour before our set up duties were to begin. I called the woman back, and explained as much. She said, "Well, how about 5:30? I can be a little late..." So I began June 7th with a call to Natalie, who sounded well awake and ready to go when I called her. I got dressed hurriedly and drove to the old gymnasium at Palisades Park.
There to greet me was the lovely young Parisa, who uses her Masters from Harvard working at the intersection of public policy and technology in a think tank. Soon after, Natalie arrived in an American flag shirt. I soon learned that she has grandchildren not much younger than Parisa.
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We got to know each other a bit as we panicked over the absence of the voting booths, ballots and other materials we were supposed to set up for the public.
Our "supervisor" did not show up until polls were set to open at 7 a.m. She was younger than any of us and had no experience. As voters stood in line outside the gym, we opened boxes in a panic trying our best to catch up with an hour lost.
Finally, we got our table organized and built the booths which are somewhat like an Ikea project, but our supervisor had not run ten test ballots though the ballot box as required so we could not begin to accept ballots. Angry voters complained that they had to vote before work. Parisa and I did our best to placate the voters while our supervisor became more frantic trying to set up the computerized ballot box which only she could, and cheerful Natalie stood by beaming in her American flag shirt.
The day started poorly and we were in for a bumpy ride. There has been some reporting on the chaos of this year's primary voting process, like this article in the LA Times, and I am here to tell you from a poll worker's perspective, it was crazy. If this is the best technology, strategic planning and operations we can muster for the most important foundation of democracy, our right to vote, it is no wonder that more bridges don't collapse daily.
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While I saw the best of American Democracy: neighbors cheerfully chatting with each other as they took ballots for different parties, young people celebrating their first vote with selfies, parents bringing awe-struck children into the booths with them to teach the importance of voting, I witnessed so much disfunction that my trust in our election process has been deflated. I will list the top problems I witnessed from my standpoint as a poll worker in my little town of Pacific Palisades, California on June 7, 2016.
1. New Voters were frequently not listed in the rolls. While there was supposed to be a "blue book" of recently registered voters, our supervisor did not have it, and her calls to her supervisor were not returned. Thus, we had to tell many a first time voter that they would have to fill out a Provisional Ballot - a more time intensive process involving filling out information on a pink envelope before completing the ballot - and then the ballot went to our supervisor to turn in separately, not into the ballot box. Not exactly a satisfying experience for these voters who often questioned whether their votes would be counted. While we assured them that provisional ballots are counted, we worried as well. One reason we worried is that the ballots were very confusing for even experienced voters - I had to try twice myself. Especially confusing for many voters was the listing of 34 candidates for Senate over two pages, causing some voters to vote for more than one senatorial candidate - one on each page- and invalidating their ballot. The ballot box spit these ballots back out as in error, but the provisional ballots had no such safety check. And a large percentage of the provisional ballots went to first time voters probably more prone to making mistakes.
2. There were 10 different ballots with differing opportunities to exercise the right to vote. Here is the official explanation of our primary system from The Secretary of State. Here is the official list of political parties that had ballots available. If you were registered as a Republican, you could only vote for the Republican presidential candidates. If you were a Democrat, you could only vote for the Democratic candidates. OK, that may make sense as this is the primary and we are choosing the party candidates, not the president, but I saw people who were registered as Nonpartisans get disenfranchised. If the rolls had a voter listed as NPP, No Party Preference, then they were to be offered a choice to vote NPP (These voters did NOT get to vote for president), OR cross-over and vote on a NPP Crossover to Democrat Ballot, or a NPP Crossover to American Independent Ballot, or NPP Crossover to Libertarian, or ballots just for Libertarian, American Independent or Green or Peace and Freedom Party. Many people complained that the party listed for them on the rolls was not their party. Then we had to give them a provisional ballot causing many to become upset that they were not getting to cast a regular ballot that would be counted immediately. If they were registered as Nonpartisan, some did not cross over and may have unintentionally prohibited themselves from voting for a presidential candidate. And some were registered as American Independent not knowing that this is a far right leaning party with a platform and candidates, not a statement of freedom from political party preference. Some of these voters were upset because they wanted to vote for Hillary or Bernie or Trump, none of whom were on their ballot.
3. Trust in conspiracy to fix the vote was high for many voters who left unsure that their vote would be counted. This could lead to decreased voting in the future. One woman was irate because she was not listed as a Republican and had always voted as a Republican. We had her fill out a provisional ballot so that she could vote for a Republican candidate and her registration would be checked later, but she became furious, demanding that a Republican poll worker handle her provisional ballot. Since we were forbidden by law from discussing candidates or political issues inside the polling station, we assured the irate Republican voter that we had no idea who was a fellow Republican and that the ballots were all handled by us in the same fashion. But I understood her paranoia as I would be upset if I were listed as a Republican for the first time when I have always voted as a Democrat. In fact, we did have some lifelong Democrats who were startled to see that their party was changed to Nonpartisan or Republican. It was a mess.
4. Many voters were fed up as their polling place had been changed, and even within the correct polling place, it was confusing to find the table with their neighborhood. Some not very long streets were broken down into two different polling places!
5. No official ever visited our polling place to make sure that things were running smoothly, and they were NOT. We had no ability to redress problems except through our own ingenuity. We wondered why there was nobody with experience on site to address problems as they occurred, and also wondered why the least qualified person of our group was selected as the "supervisor." She works in a surf shop, I am a lawyer, Parisa is a technology expert with a Harvard Masters, and Natalie had done this many times before and had the most patriotic T-shirt.
I took one short break the entire day between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. closing to rush over to the local high school to cast my vote. Two older workers were staffing that whole polling place, alone. I made a mistake on my ballot as I quickly rushed to get through it and got another try. Voting completed, I ran back to my polling station. Parisa informed me that my I VOTED sticker was upside down. I was just too exhausted to notice, and righted my sticker right away, but felt that the upside down version was probably more telling about the mixed up nature of the proceedings.
In 1901, Annie Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel and live to tell the tale. Sadly, no one was there to listen.
Why do I want you to know Annie Taylor's story? Because it's more than the account of a daredevil stunt. There is something quintessentially American about it, and also something disturbing in what it says about a longstanding attitude toward a large segment of the population that has never really gotten a fair shake -- older working-age women. Her story matters to me because Annie turned 63 the day she went over the falls.
Born in Auburn, NY -- not far from where I served as president of Wells College for 18 years, and also near Seneca Falls, birthplace of the women's suffrage movement -- Annie had been a schoolteacher but then fell on hard times after her husband died. She moved to Michigan, tried opening her own dance studio, taught music for a while, and even traveled to Texas and then Mexico looking for work. But hard times just got harder.
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In an admittedly desperate attempt to avoid living her last years in poverty, Annie latched onto the notion of being the first person to go over Niagara Falls and live. Sure it was a crazy idea, but daredevils were making money those days, and she decided to take a chance. She had a carpenter custom-design a reinforced, mattress-lined barrel for her, and on her 63rd birthday, Oct. 24, she climbed in, was sealed inside, and was launched over the falls.
She came out down below Horseshoe Falls bruised, battered, but alive. We can only assume that she was also buoyed by the thought of the accolades about to shower down on her. She had even hired a manager to handle the publicity.
But the accolades never came. In fact, not long after, her manager absconded with the famous barrel and began touring the country with a much younger woman he claimed was Annie. Annie kept on trying to make ends meet. She posed for photographs at a souvenir stand, tried her hand at the stock market, began a novel, and worked as a clairvoyant. Looking at her efforts, you really get the sense that she was keeping her dreams of success alive.
Why did Annie never receive acclaim? Joan Murray, who has written a narrative poem about Annie's exploit, may have put her finger on the problem: "She didn't look right. She didn't look like a hero.... She was your grandmother."
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I'd like to think that nowadays a grandmother would be as much lauded as, say, a younger woman -- or even a man -- for such an adventurous act. Perhaps she would. But in many important ways, older women still have the cards stacked against them and still fall prey to stereotyping that holds them back.
I see Annie as a hero. And I see heroism in the efforts of so many older women who are struggling to support themselves and their families. Their resilience, like Annie's, is an inspiration.
It wasn't easy for Annie, and it still isn't for many like her. For example, older unemployed women are having a particularly rough time getting back into the workforce. Before the Great Recession, unemployed women 50 and older accounted for only a quarter of the long-term unemployed -- those who have been out of work for six months or longer. Now, they account for fully half of the chronically unemployed.
The reasons aren't entirely clear. It may have to do with the fact that jobs traditionally held by women, like public school teaching, haven't bounced back as much as other forms of employment. Women also tend to shoulder most of a family's caregiving responsibilities, which gives some employers pause, unfair as that may be. Women who took time off earlier in their careers to raise children may also find themselves falling behind on the necessary sets of skills that today's technology-driven jobs demand. Unfortunately, too many employers don't give them the chance to learn those skills.
They should. Studies show that older workers -- both women and men -- are loyal, dedicated, take fewer sick days and time off work, and make fewer mistakes. They are genuine assets, and those who don't have needed skills are eager and willing to learn them. They're flocking to community colleges to take advantage of programs like AARP Foundation's own Back to Work 50+ program and our Women's Economic Stability Initiative, in which we're partnering with community colleges around the nation to offer older women practical advice on improving their jobseeking skills.
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Annie Taylor faced a form of discrimination that wasn't even recognized as discrimination in her day. I could just rail against the injustice as it was then and as it still is now. But I choose instead to focus on what Annie has taught me about resilience.
Installation view, George Condo, Entrance to the Void
Spruth Magers, Los Angeles, 2016
Photo courtesy of Joshua White
George Condo approaches painting like a great jazz musician reinterpreting popular melodies to express their own intense feelings. The distinctive visual tone of Condo's monumental paintings separate him from the artists he reinterprets - and for that matter, any other artist - in the same way that we can always recognize the distinctive sound of John Coltrane or Thelonious Monk or Miles Davis no matter what melody they happen to be improvising. This is a gift all great artists have: no matter what their subject or medium happens to be, in their hands it becomes a vehicle they drive with unmistakeable style, to take us on a thrilling ride with unexpected twists. Just as Shakespeare can transform well-known folktales or Coltrane can transform Broadway songs, Condo can transform iconic images from great masterpieces in his unmistakeable bizarre mental landscapes - that are really self-portraits. This is not a gift that can be taught or learned - because it comes from internal motivation - but it requires tremendous knowledge and skill to cultivate into great art.
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Condo is both a skilled painter and musician with tremendous knowledge of art history and musical theory. He broke into the East Village art scene in the early 1980s when he was a founding member of the band Hi Sheriffs of Blue. His zany mixmaster skill for hybridizing European Old Master paintings with funky, American pop culture imagery is so powerful that he became instrumental in the international revival of painting - along with Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring - from the 1980s onward, influencing artists of his own generation and later generations.
His current show at Spruth Magers is his first solo show in Los Angeles since 1999 when he showed at Patrick Painter Gallery. Condo has shown with Monika Spruth in Cologne since 1984, when he had a huge impact on German painters. Later, Monika Spruth joined forces with Philomene Magers, and together they continue to expand their gallery with more international branches to cultivate the careers of their artists, many of whom emerged through their representation in the 1980s to become art stars. This 30-year history of loyalty and dedication between a major gallery and major artists they have nurtured is unique in a fickle art world.
The Condo exhibition of twelve new multifaceted portrait paintings at the beautiful new Los Angeles branch of Spruth Magers is a tour de force. A star studded opening with a VIP party afterwards merged the worlds of pop celebs like Lady Gaga, Jessica Chastian, and Leonardo Dicaprio with art world stars like John Baldessari, Barbara Kruger, and Michael Govan in an eclectic mix we associate with Condo.
Self Portraits Facing Cancer 1, 2015
Photo courtesy of Spruth Magers
The new paintings made during the past two years have a more intensely personal emotional undercurrent because they were painted during a fight with throat cancer - which left him unable to speak for six weeks. Irrepressible Condo says this made him feel like a "cat with nine lives." The four multifaceted Self Portraits Facing Cancer, featuring a beautiful woman's face turning into a monkey, were painted when he did not know if his cancer was curable and evoke his "frenetic state dealing with the issue."
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Condo explains that all these paintings are "driven by musical influence." We see iconic images referencing Picasso, Goya and Monet in these Condo paintings, deconstructed in much the same way the late Coltrane plays Rogers and Hammerstein or Thelonious Monk plays Ellington. They deconstruct well known melodies by "taking and copying popular melodies and turning them inside out" in the same vein as Condo arranges fragments of faces and geometrical forms. This virtuosity cannot be reduced to mere appropriation or imitation because it is so inventive, and this sets Condo's paintings apart.
Despite all the art theory taught in art schools, the reconstructive aspect of the postmodern approach is usually ignored and an artificial historical timeline is emphasized over inventiveness - even though as Jean Francois Lyotard argues, "a work can become modern only if it is first postmodern." True invention requires the deeper understanding Condo has of the way images are constructed and can be deconstructed - by being torn apart into different parts - and then reconstructed without depending on pre-established rules, definitions and categories.
Installation view, George Condo, Diagonal Portraits
Spruth Magers, Los Angeles, 2016
Photo courtesy of Joshua White
In 2015, Condo departed from his usual pastels and charcoal and "found a way through music to get into these new paintings." Listening to late Coltrane while he painted, Condo realized that "he was obliterating his own music" and that he could also "obliterate my own fingers in painting." He loves the intensity of Coltrane "digging into his own song" because "the parts are moving off each other independently and solos are so violent." Condo began to think of this deconstructive approach "like me playing Monet in a painting" looking at Monet's water and "seeing reflections of something completely different than what was in the painting" - like an Aztec totem from a different period.
Of course, painting exists in space and music exists in time, but Condo multitasks to mesh the two together - mixing different periods of time simultaneously within a frozen moment. He says the mind is abstract, because many thoughts and perceptions can cross our mind simultaneously.
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Condo insists that "there is no real difference between abstract and figurative."
Looking closely at a small section in a traditional masterpiece, we can discover an exquisite abstraction; conversely, realism represents the artificial. Condo famously coined the phrase "Artificial Realism" because the notion of realism is so idealized it is an artifice. His paintings explode the historical separation between figuration and abstraction as yet another categorical artifice.
Impressions of Goya 3, 2016
Photo courtesy of Spruth Magers
In a series of three beautiful paintings, Impressions of Goya, referencing Goya's The Countess of Carpio, Marquesa de la Solana, the backgrounds are realistic, but the faces are abstract and her features are obliterated. Condo lived in Paris from 1985 to 1995 and worked at the Louvre with a certified copyist to learn Old Master techniques. He is so well versed in painting skills that he could paint these backgrounds in just a few hours. In the Diagonal Portrait series, he uses his signature hybridization technique in a tragicomic way to suggest the fragility of life.
Paradoxes replace shallow artifice throughout this exhibition aptly titled Entrance to the Void, because no matter what the subject is or what art history he references, we can feel the deeper emotions of the artist underneath filling the "void." If, as Walter Pater says, "all art constantly aspires towards the condition of music," then Condo uses a perfect vehicle for reconstructing deconstructions in his jazz-inspired mental landscapes. Just as a great jazz musician can turn a song which is not jazz into great jazz, Condo can turn a pop image which is not art into great art. Just as a great jazz musician can use a happy song as a vehicle to evoke their own sad emotions, Condo can use a masterpiece as a vehicle to evoke his own turbulent emotions. As Condo says, "I'm reconstructing what has been deconstructed like a cartoon character coming back to be the human character it once personified."
George Condo and Jessica Chastain at Sunset Towers afterparty, April 2016
Photo courtesy of Eric Minh Swenson
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These past few weeks, I had the privilege of exploring South America's west coast - from Lima's culinary masterpieces all the way down to the sublime terrain of Chilean Patagonia.
To stay in touch with my world back home, I filled social media outlets with images and clips of my highlight reel. I shared the glorious meals I devoured, the stunning landscapes I traversed, and the amusing idiosyncrasies that I encountered in unfamiliar territory. Clearly I was having the time of my life. To the outside world, I projected a facade of effortless hedonism.
The first statement is anything but a lie - I can't think of a more fulfilling way to have spent the last half of May, and wouldn't trade my varied experiences for anything. But were my adventures effortless? Not even close.
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Outside the scope of my Snapchat story was an entirely different narrative. For one thing, all those amazing meals hit my wallet with serious force. My trek of the Torres del Paine W-route was delayed by a full 24 hours after the airline carelessly left all of my gear back in Santiago - every backpacker's worst nightmare (the tearful reunion with my bag is pictured below). And as wild and beautiful as Chile's capital proved to be, my time there was graced by leering strangers, mocking konnichiwas, and even a mugging attempt.
And that's what amuses me most when perusing my Instagram feed, stuffed with the seemingly carefree conquests of my cultured friend list (my contributions included). Where are the long hours at the airport? The piercing moments of loneliness that occasionally settle on the brave solo traveler? The inevitable food poisoning that everyone faces at some point in their career abroad?
Realistically, no one wants to see delays, dejection, and diarrhea when scrolling down their phone screen. But what puzzles me is how little dialogue centers around those topics. Because in my opinion, discomfort is what truly sets an adventure apart from ordering Thai to be delivered to your apartment and binging a season of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. Those stressful, even nightmarish moments are what make us take steps forward as human beings.
To me, travel is the beads of sweat forming on your upper lip when trying to juggle removing your laptop, jacket, shoes, and liquids in the airport security line. Travel is the bruises blossoming on your hips from hiking all day with a thirty pound pack. Travel is that distinct feeling of melancholy that bleeds through your consciousness when thinking about just how far you are from everything you know and understand.
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Drive through any suburban neighborhood in the U.S. right now and you will see that more and more Americans are opting to use solar energy to power their homes. That's because solar power is the fastest growing provider of energy and is being recognized as the future of alternative energy.
Legend Solar
Many companies are seeking measures to decrease the country's dependence on fossil fuels and instead are pursuing innovative ways to create energy from renewable sources, such as solar energy. Since 2012, Legend Solar has become one of the fastest growing providers of solar power for businesses and homes in the Western United States. Although the company was started in Utah, they are now beginning to expand in Portland, Ore., Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
Legend Solar is quickly becoming a leading solar company and recently earned the "Residential National Rising Star" award from corporate partner, SunPower, one of the most prominent companies and manufacturers of sustainable energy. In 2015 Legend Solar reached an incredible milestone when they achieved a 400 percent growth, increasing revenue increase from $3.7 to $18.3 million year over year. An incredible achievement considering co-owners and co-founders of Legend Solar, Shaun Alldredge and Shane Perkins, began their company working out of their car.
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How Solar Systems Work
According to SunPower, a photovoltaic (PV) solar system is comprised of solar panels, racks for putting the panels on roofs, electrical wiring, and an inverter. During daylight hours, the solar panels generate electricity (DC) which is sent to an inverter. The inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity required for household use. The AC power is delivered directly to a home's main electrical service panel for use.
Energy Star Program and Tax Credit
The good news for some homeowners is that installing solar energy and installing solar panels on their homes is becoming increasingly more affordable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy run the Energy Star program, which encourages Americans to use solar power through tax credits.
If a homeowner installs Energy Star-approved solar-power systems, like the ones sold by Legend Solar, before the end of 2019, they can claim 30 percent of the cost as a tax credit for the year they are installed. This is can be a savings of up to $10,000 for some customers.
Legend Solar is helping their customers take advantage of the tax credit as well as providing them with competitive financing options, so that homeowners can use this tax credit and start using solar energy to power their home. Legend Solar also completes city permits and processes all the paperwork for their customers. They are committed to ensuring that their customers receive the best value for their installation by customizing the system to meet their individual needs. By educating their customers on potential savings and other renewable energy benefits, they are helping customers reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air.
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"One of the advantages that we provide is that we're a full-service solar company, so actually dealing with HOA approvals -- we do that for our customers," said Derrik Shakespear, CMO of Legend Solar, in a recent interview with the ABC affiliate in Utah. "Doing all the engineering on (the) roof -- we do that for our customer. We actually have a master electrician that's in-house. Our fulfillment team is all done by us rather than dealing with subcontractors."
Solar Business
Legend Solar has a unique business model that is contributing to the company becoming the fastest growing solar power provider in the Western United States. Their success is due to the high quality of the products they use and their customers actually owning their solar equipment instead of renting.
The demand for solar energy is also creating a demand for jobs within the solar power industry. Alldredge said that he and Perkins started out with just the two of them, "and now we've got over 100 [employees]. Every week we're employing new people. So it's actually a very big deal." The job satisfaction of their employees is very important to Alldredge and Perkins. They believe in creating an enjoyable work environment and are loyal to their employees through providing bonuses, incentives, and company retreats. Employee job satisfaction can be seen in Legend Solar's high retention and low turnover rates.
Giving Back to the Community
Creating a cleaner environment through solar energy is not the only way that Legend Solar gives back. Planting trees, donating to student fundraisers, scholarships, local athletes, and creating sponsorships with local communities are just some of the ways Legend Solar has committed to participated in giving back to the local communities that they are involved in.
Looking Ahead -- a "Bright" Future
Legend Solar is looking ahead and has just announced its newest office opening in the city of Portland, Ore. Portland is the perfect place to expand the solar market as it is a well-known metropolitan area that focuses on sustainability and environmental impact through public transportation, water power, and now, solar energy.
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Portland is often called the "Greenest City in America" because of its history of environmental initiatives, and the U.S. Department of Energy named it one of the 25 Solar America Cities for promoting the adoption of solar technology. "Portland is often associated with rainy winters, but with an average of 144 days a year of bright, sunny days, this city is an ideal location for Legend Solar," said Perkins, "We're excited to introduce residents to the legendary difference of Legend Solar power."
With the significant growth and expansion Legend Solar has experienced over the last few years, it is definitely a solar energy company on the rise.
Some statistics upset me and make me feel grateful at the same time. Consider these: In US, 17 percent of children are obese. In France, that number is about 3 percent.
The reason I'm grateful is that I'm raising my daughter in France, where I had moved before she was born. Now, four years down the motherhood road, I can see how much easier it is for me to teach her to eat well, to keep her fit and healthy. I don't have to struggle uphill against the culture -- here, the culture helps me.
Take what goes on in schools. First, there are no candy and soda vending machines in French schools. In fact, in 2005 France has banned all such sugar-dispensers from schools, and studies show that it is indeed making kids eat healthier. Second, schools offer children nutritious, tasty meals that could sometimes even be described as "gourmet". Every Monday my daughter's school displays a complete menu for the week. Here is one recent lunch my 4-year-old daughter ate: Appetizer: Endives with Mimolette cheese. Side dish: Cream of pumpkin and chestnuts. Main dish: Calamari in tartar sauce with parsleyed broccoli and semolina. Cheese plate (including Bleu). Dessert: Home-made pineapple cake. Fruits.
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In case you were wondering: She is not in a private school in some posh part of Paris. She goes to a public school in a small village, smack in the middle of nowhere.
It's hardly a surprise that French kids willingly munch on things like endives or tabbouleh or scallops. Studies show that children learn their eating habits by observing others, and other kids in particular. If they see their friends happily dining on carrots, they'll start liking carrots, too. If they see them eating one chicken nugget after another, they'll start to love chicken nuggets instead. What's more, simply expecting that children should eat adult foods makes them, well... eat adult foods. Studies show that children need to be exposed to a new food even ten times before they'll start liking it. Children's menu's are not a common thing in French restaurants. Kids are simply to eat what adults eat. And guess what? They do.
There are no soft drinks or juices for lunch, either. To drink, school kids get water. An average French child (ages six to eleven) gets two percent of daily calories from soft drinks - compared to a mind-boggling eleven percent in US. France not only has a tax on sugary drinks, but unlimited refills of sodas are banned in French restaurants, too.
Another thing that helps keep French kids away from unhealthy foods is the culture of snacking - or rather, the lack of it. Americans snack constantly - according to a recent survey 94 percent Americans snack every day. Among the French, 70 percent never snack between the three traditional meals of the day. In France snacking is simply not easy. Eating on the streets, while walking, eating on a bus or a metro - these are big no-no's. Try doing this and people will stare.
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In France kids eat four meals a day. If it's around noon, you can be certain most of the French people, children included, are eating lunch. If it's 4 pm, all kids are eating an afternoon meal called "gouter" (usually fruits, some yogurt, a pastry). But in between - nothing. If you are hungry, you have to wait for your next meal. My daughter doesn't see kids chomping on candy bars and downing giant soft drinks wherever she goes. She is not tempted, she doesn't throw tantrums that she "wants one too, now, mommy, now!" - and it makes my life easier.
Don't get me wrong - France is no paradise, and some things could certainly be better. High-school kids smuggle sweets into schools; many parents consider Nutella on baguette a proper "gouter"; the country is still very meathooked and schools serve a lot of beef and chicken, even rabbit. And the obesity rates have risen by 10 percent since 2006.
We now know how Donald Trump feels about and evaluates Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel. We should take a look at the caliber of some of the judges Trump says he would consider appointing to the United States Supreme Court.
No one other than Trump would ever consider several of these judges. William H Pryor Jr., who called the Roe V Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide the "worst abomination in the history of constitutional law...I will never forget January 22, 1973, the day seven members of our highest court ripped the Constitution and ripped the life out of millions of unborn children."
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Pryor, the first Appeals Court judge in April 2001 nominated by George W. Bush, had no judicial experience. Democrats and Republicans accused him of being corrupt and a racist. The Democratic Congress refused to approve him. He was again submitted in 2003, this time to the Republican controlled Congress. They refused to approve him. Bush, failing to get him through Congress, made him a recess appointment in 2006. His Senate vote was 53 for his nomination, 45 against.
The Attorney General of Alabama for eight years, Pryor, in 2002, argued to the Supreme Court in Hope v. Pelzer that the "hitching post" where a black prisoner, Larry Hope, was shackled to a horizontal bar, hands over his head, in the heat of an Alabama summer day, was proper punishment. Alabama, he admitted, was the only state that had a hitching post but he said that it is the State's right to determine how to treat its prisoners.
Hope had been frequently handcuffed to the post, once for seven hours, shirtless while the sun burned his skin. He was not given water and had no bathroom breaks. At one point, the guard taunted Hope about his thirst. Hope said, "The guard gave water to some dogs, then brought the water cooler closer to me, removed its top, and kicked the cooler over, filling the water on the ground." Pryor pointed out it was an inexpensive way to administer punishment. The Supreme Court said the use of the hitching post violated "the basic concept underlying the Eighth Amendment which is nothing less than the dignity of man." Justice John Paul Stevens, said it was cruel and unusual punishment, "antithetical to human dignity," to put Hope "for an extended period of time in a position that was painful and under the circumstances both degrading and dangerous."
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After the Supreme Court rejected Pryor's argument that the hitching post was "cost-effective, safe, and pain-free" he publicly criticized the court saying the ruling was "based on its own subjective view on appropriate methods of prison discipline."
Pryor, while Attorney General, refused to reopen the case of Anthony Ray Hinton, an Alabama man who spent nearly 30 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. Over the objection of Pryor, his conviction was vacated by the United States Supreme Court.
Hinton wanted a hearing after conviction, to let the court hear FBI and law enforcement experts, retained by defense counsel, whose testimony proved Hinton could not have fired the gun.
Pryor said, "If the State of Alabama has to spend even one additional day in Birmingham, Alabama, defending the state," prosecutors wrote in an emergency appellate paper seeking to stop the hearing, "the state will be unduly injured in the form of additional per diem expenses, transportation expenses, and loss of two assistant attorney generals for complete workday."
Pryor's concern for cost-effectiveness in the punishment area in Larry Hope's verdicts matched by his desire to save money in the Hinton case, surely must have impressed Trump's people who want to save money in jails and courts.
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The Supreme Court unanimously ordered Alabama to spend the money for the hearing.
Pryor opposed the granting of a hearing. He lost.
After the hearing Pryor said, "The experts did not prove Mr. Hinton's innocence, the State does not doubt his guilt." However, the Supreme Court did doubt his guilt.
Hinton was released on April 3, 2015; 13 years after Pryor first opposed Hinton's hearing attempts.
Pryor is an extremist on all matters before the courts, especially religion. He wrote an article entitled "The Religious Faith and Judicial Duty of an American Catholic Judge" describing how he could balance his religious beliefs with his judicial obligations. Pryor supported the efforts of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore to display a nearly three -- ton granite monument of the Ten Commandments in the rotunda of the state Judicial Building, a display ruled unconstitutional by a federal court. More than 40 Alabama clergy and other religious leaders, including Christian clergy, opposed Moore's monument as a violation of the separation of church and state. Speaking to a demonstration in support of Moore organized by the Christian Coalition, holding his three-year-old daughter, he told thousands, "God has chosen this time in this place so that we can save our country and save our courts for our children."
He said a legal right to engage in same-sex relations would "logically extend to activities like prostitution, adultery, necrophilia, bestiality, possession of child pornography and even incest and pedophilia.
Pryor was against the Voting Rights Act, EPA regulations, and federal efforts to protect wetlands. He opposed litigation aimed at tobacco companies, gun control, lead paint, and managed care industries saying the court should not take those suits but leave those matters to state legislators. "This form of litigation is madness," he said. "It is a threat to human liberty and needs to be stopped."
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Pryor publicly, before he was nominated by Bush to be Circuit Judge, said "Please God. No more Souters"; he called the court "nine octogenarians" who acted illegally. He told his Senate nominating committee the Supreme Court was acting illegally when it disagreed with the Hinton decisions.
The second worst constitutional decision, he told the Congress, was Miranda v. Arizona, a 1966 opinion that requires a defendant be told he has a constitutional right to silence and the right to a lawyer while he is in custody.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution captioned its Editorial on Pryor, on May 6, 2003, with the title: "Right Wing Zealot Unfit to Judge."
I cannot believe any other presidential nominee would consider nominating Pryor for the same Court that had John Marshall, Benjamin Cardoza and Oliver Wendell Holmes.
I thought the Dred Scott case, deciding that black people were not full persons, was the worst case ever decided. Circuit Court Judge Pryor disagrees, and he will, if he is a member of the Supreme Court of the United States, certainly uphold legal decisions determined to create the kind of country that Donald Trump seems to want.
Dear Bernie friends,
I watched Bernie's speech in Santa Monica and cried. The man is full of integrity and authenticity. I am sure your heart feels broken and maybe you express this disappointment through anger. Maybe the system is unjust... Maybe we are not ready for this shift... But I want you to know two things.
I was recently in Egypt and spoke with people who were at Tahrir Square every night for many weeks and they assured me that the revolution moved into full gear...the inner revolution... after that experience. People gathered together from all walks of life and saw that they were connected...they had power, they felt the same things and the moment was full of grace and potential. From their perspective, the revolution did not stop, it really began. I feel this is the case with Bernie. You and everyone who poured their love into this possibility...did not do it in vain.
With regard to Hillary... Many of you will call me naive, but what if we used this same quality of love and possibility and sent this towards Hillary. What if we just hoped that something which has started will continue. Hope that she will listen, that she might hear our sorrow, connect to her heart and respond. I know she has it in her because I have seen it...maybe, just maybe we give her a chance to shift.
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With Love,
Earlier this week, Hillary Clinton secured her position as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party for President of the United States. From now until November, our airways and social media feeds will be flooded with coverage as she battles Donald Trump for the White House.
For a year now, Donald Trump has positioned himself as the Republican front-runner, and has done so on a platform claiming he is a Christian. Yet throughout the primary season, he has made some of the most outlandish and offensive comments that are contrary to the life of Christ.
Trump's ideals and hateful rhetoric stand in direct opposition to that of the Jesus of the New Testament. As part of the Sermon on the Mount as depicted in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gives his listeners eight sayings, a series of blessings focused on those who, in that context, would not be considered powerful or worthy. These are exactly the demographics Trump seemingly finds deplorable.
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To show just how anti-Christian Donald Trump is, I present, in contrasting form, Jesus' Beatitudes and real quotes from Donald Trump.
Jesus: Blessed are the poor, for they will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Trump: "My entire life, I've watched politicians bragging about how poor they are, how they came from nothing, how poor their parents and grandparents were. And I said to myself, if they can stay so poor for so many generations, maybe this isn't the kind of person we want to be electing to higher office. How smart can they be? They're morons."
Jesus: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Trump: "I will build a great wall - and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me - and I'll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words."
Jesus: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Trump: "When people wrong you, go after those people, because it is a good feeling and because other people will see you doing it. I always get even."
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Jesus: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Trump: "My life has been about winning. My life has not been about losing."
Jesus: Blessed are the merciful, for they will find mercy.
Trump: "We should go for waterboarding and we should go tougher than waterboarding."
Jesus: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Trump: "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters."
Jesus: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Trump: "When you get these terrorists, you have to take out their families. They care about their lives, don't kid yourself. When they say they don't care about their lives, you have to take out their families"
I was only a block away when the call came out. Although I was working traffic duty at the time, life and death-type incidents required anyone and everyone within the vicinity to respond. A 12-year-old with a gun threatening his mother definitely fitted within that realm.
Upon my arrival, things were not as life threatening as they were originally portrayed. The gun was secured, the 12-year-old calmly sitting on the couch, and the mother very much alive. No life had been lost, but the situation still needed addressing.
The solution? Well, the suspect offered that up for me himself.
"Just take me to jail," he said. The calmness of his statement should have frightened me but having only just got out of the police academy I was still young and signs such as these I didn't recognize.
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As a cop who had too much paperwork and follow-up on my plate, the kid seemed to save me some time. A quick trip to the juvenile center and "my" problems were solved. It wasn't until years later after starting to understand depression that the situation involving "his" problems began to bother me.
Depression is there, even if we don't want to see it
I've had my share of dealing with depression, as have 14.8 million other Americans (approximately 6.7% of the population).
This number isn't the scary part. It is reported that 50% of Americans with major depression fail to seek treatment for mental illness. This tells me the percentage of people suffering from depression is probably higher, but not calculated in the overall numbers as it goes unreported.
Just because we may not see it (or recognize it) does not mean depression isn't there. According to an infographic put together by Healthline.com, the number of patients diagnosed with depression increases by approximately 20 percent each year. That's a staggering number.
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Depression is no longer taboo
Okay, so depression is still considered by some to be taboo, but we have made great strides over the last decade to break that. People seem to be more willing to openly discuss their own battles with depression, and those who already have a spotlight on them have helped.
Celebrities and other influencers have actually made it easier for us to discuss depression. I don't think any of us will forget about Robin Williams and his battle with depression. His suicide in 2014 kicked off a firestorm of discussion about myths and misconceptions that are normally tagged with depression.
It is this "commercialization" of depression that has made it easier to discuss it in society. Doctor Richard E. Toney, a psychotherapist from Texas, agrees.
"Since it has been more commercialized in the past 10 years, people are more comfortable with communicating about how they feel," says Toney. "Within American Society, there has been an increase in television shows, commercial and other social media platforms that discuss depression."
Depression in adults is a topic that while still taboo, has become easier to discuss over the last few years. But what about our kids?
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Time to pay attention to the next generation
While talking about depression is now acceptable, we always go down a slippery slope when talking about kids' depression. Especially other people's children. As a parent, our natural tendency is to protect our children, even to the point where we involuntarily excuse certain behaviors.
While talking about depression is more commonplace, we first need to get to the point where we recognize it exists in children, then acknowledge it when we see those signs.
According to Cole Rucker, CEO of teen depression rehab center Paradigm New York, he says signs are often there but we fail to acknowledge them. "Parents need to trust their instincts. If they feel there is a problem, then they need to address it." He adds that we often dismiss the early warning signs which can lead to the depression getting worse.
So what are the signs? While not an inclusive list, WebMD suggests the following:
Irritability or anger.
Continuous feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Social withdrawal.
Increased sensitivity to rejection.
Changes in appetite -- either increased or decreased.
Changes in sleep -- sleeplessness or excessive sleep.
Vocal outbursts or crying.
What can we do?
Unfortunately, I'm not a doctor. I can only tell you my experiences with depression and hopefully point you towards the fact that it's there. There are many online resources out there which may help, as well as actual real life doctors who you can consult with (yes, there is more to life than just the internet).
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The point is that you must do something. As parents, putting our heads in the sand is not a viable option. One of the best things to do, but often the toughest from a parenting standpoint, is to take your child in for an evaluation where a specialist can make an assessment. "An assessment will determine if it really is a depressive disorder or if another disorder better represents what is going on," says Stephen Hupp, PhD, professor of Clinical Child and School Psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Once you have a diagnosis, treatment is the obvious next step and starts within the child's home.
"Children need to learn coping mechanisms for the feelings and symptoms of depression," says Clinical Psychologist Dr. John Mayer. In his book Family Fit, he talks about how parents can create a lifestyle for their families that help them cope with emotions of all kinds, including depression.
With regard to my "suspect" from years ago, I have no idea how his story ended up. He would be about 30 years old now and I remember his face every time I see warning signs in other kids. I just wish I had known then what I know now.
___________________
Defeating the racist, misogynist, xenophobic Donald Trump will require a principled and united front between Hillary, Bernie and their supporters.
So yes, Bernie should come around to endorsing Hillary, campaign for her, and urge all of his supporters to vote for her to defeat Trump. And whether it takes a few days, a few weeks or longer for Bernie and Hillary and their surrogates to negotiate the terms of their united front, there's little doubt that Bernie will ultimately do so.
But whether Bernie can bring along enough of his supporters -- particularly independents, voters under 50, and new voters -- to show up at the polls and vote for Hillary will largely depend on Hillary and the Democratic establishment. It must be a two-way street.
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If they don't open up to Sanders and his supporters -- who will have approximately 45 percent of the pledged delegates -- they risk many of Sanders' supporters staying home or voting third party, which in an already unpredictable Presidential race between two unpopular candidates, makes the frightening prospect of Trump winning the White House more likely.
It won't be enough just to give Bernie a speaking slot, and then wham, bam, thank you m'am, expect most of his supporters to fall in line. Hillary and the Democratic establishment will need make some meaningful compromises to Sanders' constituency both on policy and democratic process.
If Hillary and the Democratic establishment disrespect Bernie and his followers and treat them as troublemakers who need to be handled, rather than equals who've earned a seat at the table, it will be self-defeating.
Were the U.S. a parliamentary democracy like much of Europe, most likely the Center-Left would be represented by at least two parties: a moderate, centrist, corporate-friendly party led by Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer and a populist, progressive, social democratic party led by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. (Likewise, the right would most likely be represented by at least two parties: a business-oriented, free-market, neoconservative party led by people like Paul Ryan and Jeb Bush and a nationalist, right-wing populist party led by Donald Trump.)
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In all likelihood, none of these parties would obtain a governing majority and would have to form a coalition with one or more other parties in order to govern, as is common in many European countries. Such a coalition would involve, among other things, dividing up ministries with the larger coalition party getting the majority but the smaller one getting a substantial number; and agreeing on a governing platform that included ideas from both coalition parties.
It doesn't quite work that way under the American two-party system, but something akin to that kind of coalition between the Clinton wing and the Sanders-Warren wing of the Democratic Party offers the best chance of defeating Trump and of bringing the progressive change the country so badly needs to address pressing problems like economic inequality, well paying jobs, the buying of elections by big money and the decline of the middle class.
What would that kind of united front look like?
First, as Elizabeth Warren has said, personnel is policy.
Hillary should agree to only appoint Supreme Court justices who will overturn Citizens United (and prior Supreme Court decisions allowing unlimited campaign spending as unrestricted "free speech"). That might mean asking President Obama to withdraw the nomination of Merrick Garland -- who could well uphold Citizens United on grounds of precedent -- rather than allow him to be confirmed in the lame duck Congressional session.
It would mean pledging not to appoint a Treasury Secretary or other high Treasury department officials who come through the revolving door from Wall Street.
It would mean promising Bernie Sanders an important Senate committee chairmanship of the Senate Banking Committee or Budget Committee.
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It would mean Debbie Wasserman Shultz resigning as DNC chair and withdrawing from presiding at the Democratic Convention. It's in Hillary's interest to keep Schultz as out-of-sight as possible at the Convention since her chairing the proceedings would almost certainly lead to a prime-time spectacle of booing and floor demonstrations from Sanders delegates which would not be in Hillary's interest.
And it would mean choosing a vice presidential running mate from the progressive wing of the Party like Sherrod Brown or, best of all, Elizabeth Warren. (I assume neither would accept if it were just a ceremonial post and they were not promised significant responsibilities, like a prominent role in financial policy.)
Second, it would mean democratizing the Democratic Party to open it up to new voters, younger voters, and independents. Super Delegates should be abolished for future conventions so the will of the primary voters controls, as it does in the Republican Party. As many Democratic primaries as possible should be open to independents, who represent over 40 percent of the electorate and whose votes Democrats need in order to win. And caucuses -- which exclude many working people and parents who don't have the time to attend -- should be discouraged and open primaries encouraged.
Third, the Democratic Platform should be a unity document which incorporates the best from Bernie and the best from Hillary, and Hillary should pledge to campaign and govern based on it, instead of ignore it as most candidates do with their Party's platform.
Platforms are usually insignificant documents that are filed away and never looked at again. But given the need to create a coalition between the centrist Clinton wing and the progressive Sanders/Warren wing of the Democratic Party, the Platform takes on added importance as a statement of the basic principles that unite the new Democratic coalition. It will require concessions from both the Sanders camp and the Clinton camp.
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The Platform should encompass the "vision thing" which Clinton is weak on and Sanders has in spades. Hillary's latest poll tested slogan "Stronger Together" is pure pabulum that could be the slogan of just about any candidate of any party and gives no vision for what she'd actually do for the country.
It's not realistic to expect Hillary to fully adopt Bernie's rhetoric. But a good starting point for a vision might be a "New New Deal" -- to return the Democrats to the Party of FDR that built a strong middle class through a social safety net and regulation of the excesses of big business and crony capitalism
Specific planks could include expanding social security benefits, a $15 minimum wage, massive infrastructure investment to create millions of well-paying jobs, paid family leave, equal pay for equal work, a carbon tax and a ban on fracking to combat climate change, overturning Citizens United and true public financing of elections, ending the revolving door, restoring voting rights, ending mass incarceration, and comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship.
There may need to be compromises on issues over which Bernie and Hillary have significant differences. On health care, the Platform should enshrine the principle health care as a human right for all Americans, but could acknowledge that there are differences on how to get there -- A compromise might include the right of middle aged Americans to buy into Medicare. On college education, the platform should enshrine the principle that everyone who wants to should have the financial ability to go to college, but could acknowledge differences between "debt-free college" and "free tuition at a public institution." The platform should support the need to break up Too-Big-To-Fail Banks, but might acknowledge this could be done either through existing Dodd-Frank authority or by passing a 21st Century Glass Steagal Act.
You get the idea.
The question is: Can Hillary acknowledge that the Democratic Party and the electorate is different from what it was in 1992. Today corporate neoliberalism does not represent an ideology either to win elections or to govern; and can Bernie make enough compromises to his strongly held principles to find common ground?
According to Nate Silver, in Democratic primaries and caucuses where independents could vote, Sanders beat Clinton by 31 percent among independents. According to the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, Sanders had a 31 point edge over Clinton among independents. This is the future of the Democratic Party.
Hillary and the Democratic establishment can treat Bernie and his supporters with barely concealed contempt, as naive youngsters and aging hippies who never grew up, like dandruff that must be dusted off their lapels. They can choose to hard line efforts by the Sanders forces to open up the Democratic Party. Or they can open up the Democratic Party to Sanders' more democratic procedures and more populist policies, which are so appealing to the general electorate in 2016.
Last month, the Free Papua Movement held a meeting in London, attended by a number of lawyers, parliamentarians, and activists. In the main, the meeting discussed the land of Papua, which the delegates believe has been occupied illegally by the Indonesian government since it took over from the Dutch in 1963.
However, this is not a new concern. The same contention has been voiced repeatedly by the Free Papua Movement. Moreover, it has become the subject of much debate by many parties. Some even believe that the issue of Papua is identical to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine. Recently, the Free Papua Movement's main figure, Benny Wenda, published an article questioning Indonesia's support of Palestine, but not West Papua. Nonetheless, by exploring the historical, social, economics, and political contexts of the Papuan issue, three main reasons can be identified as to why equating the issue of Papua with that of Palestine is absurd.
First, the recognition of Papua as part of Indonesia is not determined by illegal occupation or violence against civilians. The acknowledgement was achieved through the referendum Act of Free Choice, known as Penentuan Pendapat Rakyat (PEPERA). This process was accepted by the United Nations with Resolution 2504 in 1969, in which 82 member states agreed, 30 abstained and zero disagreed.
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History demonstrates that the tension that occurred at that time was actually between the Indonesian government and the Dutch colonialists, who were adamant to leave Papua. Jakarta even received support from the local populations of Papua, and it was reported that they cooperated to end Dutch occupation.
Second, since becoming part of Indonesia, every Papuan is afforded the same rights as any other citizen of the country. Every five years, Papuans democratically elect their leaders and heads of the regions. In fact, following the reform in 1998, Papua was granted a Special Autonomy status; whereby 70 percent of oil and gas royalties are directed towards the well-being of Papuan people. This fact highlights the difference between Papua and Palestine.
Third, unlike Israel's inhumane occupation of Palestine, whereby social institutions such as schools are frequently attacked, the government in Jakarta exerts efforts to develop human resources in Papua. Currently, the education in Papua, from elementary to high school, can be enjoyed for free. Through the Secondary Education Affirmation Program (ADEM), Indonesia offers scholarships to outstanding students in Papua to continue their studies in high-rank schools. Up to 2015, ADEM has sent 1047 students to various regions to attend better schools. Furthermore, scholarships are available for high school graduates to continue to university, known as ADIK. It is reported that 434 students received ADIK last year.
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Undeniably, these three reasons demonstrate that the political, social, and economic circumstances of Papuan issue cannot be equated with what is currently taking place between Israel and Palestine. However, it also cannot be denied that the development in Papua is facing challenges. Data from the UN reveals that the biggest obstacle faced by Papuans today is the lack of human resources. Gender inequality, especially the lack of women's rights to poverty and high dropout rates, remains an acute issue. In the health domain, maternal and infant mortality rates remain relatively high. Even the number of HIV-affected individuals in Papua is fifteen times higher than the national average. Unfortunately, these social predicaments are often untouched and covered by security issues. Instead of resolving the development and social issues, the government is divided between issues of security and violence.
Until today, at least three factors make Papua identical in terms of violence. First, the existence of movements that call constantly for Papua's independence; indeed, a reported 166 cases of violence have involved the Free Papua Movement. Second, the social conflicts related to mining activities in Freeport have exploited Papua's natural resources for many years. The continuously rampant shootings and violence are associated largely with illegal mining in Freeport's gold mining residues or tiling. The third reason is the violence linked with political tensions during elections. A study reveals that the level of violence as a result of elections in Papua is one of the highest in Indonesia. The democratic elections for the heads of regions have not been able to produce leaders with honesty and integrity. In recent years, eight regional heads have been suspected of corruption. This certainly causes a crisis of public confidence towards the government, which results in violence between candidates' supporters and oppositions.
With all of Papua's complex problems, it is important to understand the real conditions. What is needed now is for all parties to work together to develop Papua and to stop spreading provocations that could potentially ignite violence.
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Simultaneously, the Indonesian government must create a more holistic development approach that emphasises indigenous Papuans. There is a need to think about long-term efforts for the natural resources to be managed by local populations and be used for the prosperity of the people.
But there is no need for alarm, because since Papua returned to the bosom of Indonesia, Papuans have already gained their independence. This is significantly different from the situation in Palestine.
As they try to come to terms with the outrageous, bigoted, xenophobic, misogynistic, unconstitutional ravings of their presumptive presidential candidate, Republican Party leaders would do well to read the children's animal fable "The Scorpion and the Frog." (For those not familiar with the parable, the tale goes thusly: a scorpion implores a frog to carry it across a river. At first the frog rejects the idea, fearing it would be fatally stung. After the scorpion explains it wouldn't do such a thing as it would then drown, the frog agrees. Halfway across, the frog is indeed stung. Before it dies it asks the scorpion why would it doom both of them. Because, replies the scorpion, it is in its nature to sting, regardless of the consequences.)
Donald Trump's strained, symbiotic relationship with his current party's establishment--which hopes to control him--is the embodiment of the fable. Despite their often stated distaste for him, the party elite is willing to carry Trump on its back as they navigate the election waters. But, just as the scorpion stung the frog and drowned both of them because it was in its nature, there is little doubt Trump will continue to make flagrantly divisive statements that may well sink GOP efforts to appeal to a base broader than angry white men and women.
Trump has promised a major rip-roaring speech early next week to expose both Hillary and Bill Clinton's warts. For sure the speech will be colorful and entertaining. He is, after all, a master showman. But as two of the most heavily vetted public figures of the last quarter century, the Clintons have survived years of congressional and special prosecutor scrutiny. It would indeed be news if Trump revealed any new scandals beyond the rumor and innuendo that are his stock in trade.
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On the other hand, can a man currently defending himself in court for allegedly fraudulently bilking desperate, needy consumers into paying thousands of dollars to Trump University accuse the Clintons of engaging in get rich quick schemes? Bernie Sanders, a socialist, might legitimately question Hillary's fees for Wall Street speeches, but Trump is a capitalist. You would think he would applaud her ability to squeeze as much lucre from the fat cats.
Can a man who cheated on two wives chastise another for infidelity? Let's keep in mind two points: Hillary never committed adultery, and many of the holier-than-thou crowd who tried to remove Bill from office wound up admitting they strayed from their marriage vows.
Can a man who four times had to seek bankruptcy protection for his companies be expected to lecture on business acumen and vitality? Bill, after all, wiped out the deficit he inherited from his Republican predecessors and left a surplus. The stock market enjoyed boom times during his term of office, the budget was balanced, the economy was robust.
Can a man who lauded Putin and Kim Jong-Un, who suggested nuclear proliferation is acceptable, who would undermine longstanding bi-partisan international alliances, opine on foreign affairs? Beyond what is written for him, does he know the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims? Does he understand the complex world of Eastern Europe and its relationship with Russia, or the rising threat of nationalist parties throughout Europe? Does he have a plan for the Southern American hemisphere beyond building a wall?
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Can a man who makes racist statements, who claims not to know who David Duke is and who does not disavow the Ku Klux Klan, who evaluates women by their physical appearance, who makes fun of the handicapped, credibly claim to be a unifier?
Regrettably, to the rank and file Republican voters who chose him in the primaries, Trump's inadequate resume will make no difference. Nor will it make any difference to the Hillary haters.
"This is the most un-American thing from a politician since Joe McCarthy," Graham said of Trump's attack on Federal Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel. "If anybody was looking for an off-ramp, this is probably it. There'll come a time when the love of country will trump hatred of Hillary."
If Hillary had made comments as explosive as Trump's Republicans would be falling over each other as they rushed to microphones to declare her unfit for office. But, as Thomas L. Friedman pointed out in his Wednesday New York Times column, they have abandoned any principles they might have had:
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Controversy persists about twenty-eight pages of the 9-11 Commission's official report that remain classified.
Former U.S. Senator Bob Graham of Florida, former Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has suggested that the classified pages implicate some highly placed Saudi individuals, if not the ruling family itself, in the 9/11 attacks.
Former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman has argued that the report, even including the redacted pages, too easily dismisses Saudi Arabia's role in the 9-11 conspiracy.
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We are reminded that 15 of the 19 hijackers on 9/11 were Saudis. Concern grows about Saudi Arabia's regular executions by beheading, decadent princes, and the linkage of Saudi Arabia's ultra-conservative Wahhabi wing of Islam to repression of women and support for violent insurgencies.
The time has come for the US to recalibrate its relationship with Saudi Arabia. In any case, the classified pages of the 9-11 report must be publicly released, with names deleted if necessary. Americans deserve to know their contents, especially the families of those killed.
Also under consideration is the very role of the US in the Middle East. After 15 years of misguided military exploits, the failure of the Arab Spring uprisings, the violent disintegration of Syria and the continuing collapse of Libya, Americans are loathe to choose military action in response to tensions or issues there.
Still, efforts toward order in the Middle East are crucial. Disorder and chaos cause massive suffering, dislocations of large populations, and tempt more US interventions, as in Syria, Yemen, possibly even Libya.
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The US should lead with economic initiatives, support political negotiations on Syria and Yemen, and emphasize international law and institutions.
The US should use its influence to discourage Saudi interventions in Bahrain and Yemen. Emphasizing diplomatic solutions would set a helpful example in the region. The U.S. should enact and enforce export control laws to convince the Saudis that military adventurism will have costly consequences.
Releasing the classified 28 pages of the 9-11 report would also put on notice those in the Saudi government or religious establishment that their resources simply must not go to those who employ violence.
The example of the sanctions against Iran followed by diplomatic negotiations demonstrate non-military strategies available to US policy-makers. The nuclear agreement signed by Iran with the nations of the UN Security Council blocks Iranian nuclear development and paves the way to re-integrating Iran into regional and international systems.
Opportunities for trade between the US and Iran since easing the sanctions provide a foundation for improved political and cultural relations. The nuclear deal is being implemented despite opposition from hardliners in the US and Iran.
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As populations in the Middle East get younger and younger, the U.S. can serve as an attractive model influencing societies in the region toward more hopeful possibilities for the future.
Despite challenges in the region and the history of US miscalculations, there remain viable steps the US can take to recalibrate its relationship with Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East.
In Arab countries, you count the days in anticipation of Ramadan. In the United States, we also count the days as we wait for Ramadan. We close our eyes and day-dream about its spiritual details, which, in a way, we miss out on. We fantasize about listening to the morning call to prayer that signals the beginning of our fast -- we imagine it as if it were coming straight from the mosque's minaret. Our hearts beat as we imagine the maghreb (sunset) call to prayer.
Ramadan in the United States is not as dreary as some people may think. The Muslim diaspora here is large, and the ties between them grow stronger during Ramadan. Mosques and homes become decorated with religious symbols, such as lanterns and crescents.
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If you walk into Arab grocery stores, you would definitely get a taste of Ramadan. You'd run into people asking about the price of dates, or buying Vimto -- a Ramadan favorite -- or looking for a crescent-shaped ornament to place on their doors. At the end of the day, you'll have an iftar table, large or small, with a special Ramadan flair.
We eat katayef (a Ramadan pastry) like everyone else does, but the difference is that we bake it at home. We go through the hassle so that we'd be able to hold the piece of katayef in our hands, take in its scent, and say that we are truly observing Ramadan.
In the United States, unlike in Arab countries, Muslims exert extra effort to create a Ramadan atmosphere.
If you've lived in the United States your whole life, you wouldn't find it difficult to enjoy Ramadan. You would be able to get together with your family and relatives, and have an experience similar to that of any other Muslim in the Arab world.
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If you were a visitor to the United States, and your trip happened to coincide with Ramadan -- don't worry or despair. If you want to retain that spiritual experience this Ramadan, you should try to go to cities where there is an abundance of Arab restaurants, such as Chicago, and you'll find Ramadan in one of them. You will see other Muslims waiting for the call to prayer so that they could start eating. Everyone there will be fasting like you, and will say a prayer before they break their fast with a glass of water and dates. You won't feel like you're missing out just because you're in the United States.
You'll feel as if you're experiencing all the Ramadans of the world, combined in one Ramadan in America.
The night prayers during the last 10 days of Ramadan are particularly beautiful here. If you go to the mosque at midnight, you would find young and old worshippers, parents and students, united in worship until sunrise. Many Muslims here -- those who speak Arabic and those who don't -- make an effort to read the Quran in full throughout the month.
The diaspora here works really hard, and they work even harder during Ramadan. They organize events, group iftars and charity banquets at mosques and schools. They also organize Quran competitions, in which young and old Muslims from Turkey, Ethiopia, and Arab countries participate. We do all this with love, and we try to breathe that love into our children, so that Ramadan may become a shining light, even away from home.
The taraweeh prayers (special night prayers) make up a central part of Ramadan. Are taraweeh prayers different in the United States? I would say yes, but the difference is not necessarily for the worse. I have lived in Arab countries as well as in the United States, and I used to attend taraweeh prayers there -- and I miss the company at the mosque and the taraweeh sermon. But taraweeh prayers in the United States will also make you feel like you're observing Ramadan. You'll walk into the mosque and you'll find it beckoning you, as if saying: "I have Ramadan here, come!"
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You'll run into Palestinians, Syrians, and Indians, and you'll exchange smiles with a Sudanese or an Egyptian Muslim from across the room. You'll hear "Ramadan Mubarak" from a Pakistani Muslim. At that point, you'll feel as if you're experiencing all the Ramadans of the world, combined in one Ramadan in America.
Ramadan is part of our identity, wherever we are. We will keep observing Ramadan to show the whole world that it is is alive in our hearts.
On Friday, May 27th, 2016, California Assembly Bill 2539 was held in the suspense file and killed for the rest of the year. The bill would have awarded models workplace protections and health standards, granting them employee status, similar to actors who are employees of the brands they represent. As well, California modeling agencies would have been licensed as talent agencies. Although we fought hard to see this bill through, the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) and specific modeling agencies lobbied violently against it, which ultimately led to the bill's death. As an executive board member of Peaceful Hearts Foundation and Project HEAL SoCal Chapter, two organizations dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and eating disorders, I am passionate about pushing forth legislation which will protect vulnerable workers from being exploited in the fashion industry. Furthermore, as a survivor of a more than seventeen-year battle with eating disorders, trauma, other mental health issues, and as someone who experienced the darker side of the modeling industry, I want to clarify the arguments that have continuously come up over the past few months concerning the legislation.
Argument #1: Males and females should avoid getting into the business if they don't want to be exploited. Wrong. The issue here is that it is never okay for any worker in any industry to be exploited. Take, for example, the action that was brought against the exploitation of nail salon workers in New York City. It was definitely not acceptable to exploit a largely immigrant female work force, and it is certainly not acceptable to exploit a mostly young, vulnerable population in the modeling industry. How many stories do we have to hear about truly, criminal activity happening before any action is taken? Does the latest article about Bill Cosby ring a bell? Or what about BBC News - they recently reported on a modeling website's avoidance to notify users about rapists posting on the site. Telling the models to "go work somewhere else" or "grow a brain," just enables the perpetrators and further belittles largely adolescent models, who are already being exposed to a ton of abuse, both sexually and financially. So when the government and the public fails to stand up for the rights of those working in the modeling industry, they are essentially complicit in this abusive behavior.
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Argument #2: A bill like this would waste taxpayer's money. Think again.
First of all, the bill would help to create more positive images for society by implementing healthy standards for models - it's a win-win. The multi-billion-dollar advertising industry and the modeling agencies currently control how models are supposed to appear, which in turn, creates the beauty ideal for society. But since most agencies are only interested in exploiting models don't you think it's time we create a positive change in the system? In other words, the cost of the bill is trivial when the gain will be healthier images that our youth will see every day in advertisements. The latest statistics show just how large of an effect magazines have on American elementary school girls - 69% reported that the photos influenced their notion of the classic body shape, and 47% expressed that the images made them want to lose weight. Second, the approximate $532,000 cost of the bill is nothing when compared to the long-term costs of eating disorder treatment, let alone the effects and financial consequences of PTSD from sexual abuse and rape. Per person, eating disorder treatment ranges anywhere from $500 a day to $30,000 a month; on average, individuals need at least three to six months of treatment, yet most insurance companies will not cover these fees. Models are not afforded health insurance currently because they are not treated as employees, merely independent contractors. Wouldn't it be better if, as Californians, we came together and supported a legislation that would protect those who are mentally suffering, and saved billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars in the process? I want to clarify that not only would models be protected, but also the young people who aspire to look like models who, as we know, cannot naturally attain these weights and appearances in the first place. A report from the California Health Care Foundation shows that in 2012 -2013, public spending on mental health services totaled over $7.76 billion.
Argument #3: We shouldn't try to rescue everyone and control human behavior. We were never trying to control anyone. We were merely trying to regulate a severely unregulated industry; a multi-billion-dollar business that gets rich off of exploiting young talent. Models deserve to work in a safe and health environment where their rights are being exercised. It's not too much to ask for models to be paid on time, for agents to stop withholding pay for weight gain, or for agents to stop asking models to lose weight when models are already at a healthy weight or underweight. Also, by ensuring models are treated fairly and not abused, the images that our youth see would be healthier because models would not be required to starve themselves. Eating disorders are grave mental illnesses that have complex origins and require a diverse, dedicated support team to treat them. We were never trying to supervise anyone's lifestyle; let's get educated here - eating disorders are not lifestyle choices. I will state again that eating disorders are life-threatening, often fatal illnesses. Because the industry is an aggressive, highly uncontrolled business, we want to provide standards, support and protection for the vulnerable workers (who are often far away from home, and some, who are suffering from a serious psychological condition), which will in turn impact the images our youth are exposed to, and therefore, impact our youth.
Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks during her California primary night rally held in the Brooklyn borough of New York, U.S., June 7, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
by Emma Baccellieri
Goldman Sachs is one of the 10 top donors of hard money in the 2016 cycle.
Yes, we live in a gilded age of campaign finance, with billionaire donors forking over tens of millions of dollars to super PACs.
But hard money -- which is contributed directly to candidates' campaigns, political parties or regular PACs and, unlike outside money, is subject to limits -- still matters to those seeking office. Candidates need it for salaries, travel, rent, phone bills, producing ads, purchasing air time and other expenses that are hard to avoid, and many a campaign has foundered for lack of it (see, e.g., Rick Perry and Jeb Bush).
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"Those resources that go into this pool can be used much more effectively than any outside resources," said Michael Malbin, executive director of the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute.
And a list of top donors of hard money looks very different than the roster of top donors overall, which is skewed by the few who give big bucks to outside spending groups. For instance, the organization that has contributed the most in this election cycle is hedge fund firm Renaissance Technologies, profiled on OpenSecrets Blog earlier this week for the huge sums its top two executives have given to super PACs.
Most of the top hard money groups are companies with well-established lobbying records, and they give chiefly through their PACs rather than through individual employees. The PACs tend to contribute to congressional races all across the country, giving the maximum allowed amount of $10,000 ($5,000 per candidate, per election) to dozens of candidates. In many of these races -- most of them low profile on the national scale -- hard money from individual donors and PACs to the incumbents and challengers running far outweighs contributions to outside groups, Malbin noted.
Of the top 10 hard money organizations, nine lean Republican.
Leading the group is aerospace and military manufacturer Honeywell, which also held this spot in the 2014 election cycle. The company has long been involved in significant -- and expensive -- lobbying on a variety of issues, particularly defense and energy. Though it gives to both sides of the aisle, it typically leans right and 2016 has been no different. Of the $4.4 million in hard money that Honeywell and its employees have given this cycle, 67 percent has gone to Republicans. The majority of that has come from the company's PAC, rather than from individual employees (who can give just $2,700 per candidate, per election), and has been handed out to scores of Republican congressional candidates across the country -- many of whom have received the maximum allowed amount of $10,000 from the company. Honeywell's PAC has also given $75,000 to both the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, along with smaller sums to similar party groups.
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Behind Honeywell are communications giants AT&T and Comcast, both of which follow giving patterns that are somewhat similar to those of the aerospace company. Each organization's donations skew right, with 61 percent of AT&T's $3.7 million and 53 percent of Comcast's $3.5 million going to the GOP, and in both cases the company PAC is responsible for the lion's share of contributions. Both companies have given to scores of congressional candidates nationwide, often maxing out at $10,000 per recipient.
Healthcare group Blue Cross/Blue Shield takes the fourth spot, with 58 percent of its nearly $3.4 million going to Republican candidates and groups. Again, most of this money comes from the company's PAC.
The trend breaks with No. 5, Goldman Sachs. Almost $3.3 million in hard money has come from the investment bank, but most of that has been given by individual employees, making it the only one of the top 10 to pull most of its contributions from employees rather than a PAC. That's not to say Goldman's PAC has been inactive -- it has given just over $1 million -- but so far this election cycle, people on the bank's payroll have given nearly twice as much as the PAC. In total, 61 percent of the money coming from Goldman has gone to Republicans, and the PAC has contributed to dozens of congressional candidates.
A large share of the gifts from Goldman employees have gone to presidential candidates, with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) taking in the most with nearly $214,000. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) pulled in $204,000 from the company, while former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received $149,000 and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) got $66,000. Donald Trump, meanwhile, has been given just $751 from Goldman employees.
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After the success of the Paris Agreement, I can walk into any room shouting "2C!" and everyone knows that I am talking about climate change. We have a problem, there is a science-based target to aim for, and we are implementing the solutions to solve it.
If I walk into those same rooms and shout "food," people would just look around for lunch.
Yet as with climate change, food-related issues are entwined with every development challenge we face. Food insecurity, famine, hunger, nutrient deficiency, distribution and transport issues sit cheek-by-jowl with obesity, over-consumption, food loss and waste -- not to mention the rise of diabetes in adults and now in children. While a child dies from hunger every six seconds, the global weight-loss industry generates close to $200 billion in revenue every year.
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Our food system is broken. It contributes to climate change, water stress, desertification and ecosystem degradation. It's also a vast contributor to global emissions. According to the IPCC, agricultural land covers up to 50% of the earth's land surface and agriculture produces up to 12% of human-caused GHG emissions -- while total emissions from agriculture, forestry and land use add up to around 25% of all anthropogenic emissions. And the FAO stipulates that if the emissions from global food loss and waste alone were counted as a country, they would come in third behind China and the US.
If we don't change this, we have no prospect of achieving the SDGs or fulfilling the Paris Agreement. As the world population booms toward 9 billion in 2050, the stakes grow ever higher.
Many organizations and governments around the globe are tackling individual pieces of the problem, but no one has fully agreed on what the overall goals are. The result is good work done in isolation, but there's nothing connecting the dots.
This must change. We need a shared vision for our global food system.
A set of goals similar to the "2C" approach is our best way forward. A clear, science-based target for a sustainable and healthy food system would allow governments, business and civil society to align and focus their efforts.
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I am enormously encouraged by the trail that Dr. Gunhild Stordalen and the EAT Foundation are blazing as they work to define the problem and mobilize business, policy and science to provide solutions. Bringing together these stakeholder groups is the first step in laying the foundation that will build a global, sustainable and healthy food system. The work of the EAT Foundation on mobilizing the global science community is aiming to create the "2C" equivalent for the global food system.
Bringing the voice of business into this discussion is an essential part of moving forward, and WBCSD is excited by the possibilities of partnering with this innovative platform. When business has a well-defined goal, it catalyzes action.
In the last 18 months alone, business has mobilized unprecedented action around the clearly articulated 2C goal for limiting climate change.
For example, through the Low Carbon Technology Partnerships Initiative (LCTPi), more than 150 companies and 70 partners from around the world have come together to deliver solutions that will accelerate the transition to the low-carbon economy, with the potential to deliver 65% of the emissions reductions we need to remain under the 2C limit, while stimulating trillions of investment dollars and supporting 25-45 million jobs per year.
This model for action must be adapted to fix our global food system.
Just as business is now the best implementation partner for governments around the world as they strive to reach their commitments on the 2C goal, business will be the best implementation partner for initiating change toward a global sustainable and healthy food system on a massive scale.
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I look forward to this year's EAT Forum as the catalyzing force for mobilizing action. This is the start of an important journey that will directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, and to the wellbeing of everyone on earth.
We've seen what's possible when the world rallies behind a common goal.
It's time to set one for food.
I was walking back from my high school's audio-visual room with my English 9 students. We were all carrying our new class book, a memoir titled The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
Another teacher happened to be walking down the hall in the middle of our group, and saw the book that my students were holding in their hands. She approached me. "Hey," she said quietly, "do you warn students before they read that book?"
"Sorry, what?"
"I mean...that book's pretty serious," she said. "There are a lot of triggers in it."
"Right. Actually, I did warn them. I told them how intense it might be for some of them and that the book has some really gritty elements." I said I warned them in the same way that a movie has a rating. I let the students know that they were going to read the difficult journey of an American girl, and that she was going to experience some things that might disturb them.
The teacher and I quietly talked about the elements, but she wasn't satisfied. "I just don't know," she said. "That book's really dark." Her face was a combination of a wince and a frown. Clearly she didn't think that The Glass Castle was appropriate for high school students.
I almost asked if the book was too real for her, but I didn't want to fight over a book in front of my students, and so far we'd kept our voices down. We'd acted like professionals. So I kept walking.
Even though I was the teacher who acquired The Glass Castle for our English department, I wasn't offended. First, The Glass Castle isn't very dark. I know that it isn't too dark in the context of memoirs because I read contemporary memoirs regularly and I'm also the author of a dark, contemporary memoir (The End of Boys). Second, I've never argued much when I've encountered literary conservatives or would-be censors. So I didn't say anything. But then I thought about it for a couple of days and realized that this is an important fight - the fight against book censorship - and that I have to stand up and challenge this insidious point of view.
To fight any argument, we have to understand the positions our opponents hold. So - to summarize - these would-be book censors believe the following:
1.We need to protect young people.
2.Teenagers can't handle gritty material.
3.Teens won't understand what's going on if the material is too complex.
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On the issue of protecting teens by not allowing them to read certain books, isn't that one of the founding doctrines of the average 20th Century European fascist dictator? We need to protect the people by not allowing them to read dangerous ideas. If we do in fact allow people to read anything serious, there could be dangerous consequences.
Also, because I hang out with adults and teenagers on a daily basis, I know that the people-group I hear talk about horror movies most passionately and regularly is high school freshmen. The adults I know rarely watch horror movies, and my seniors rarely talk about them either. But 14 and 15-year-olds LOVE the horror genre. And if they're allowed to watch gratuitous and graphic violence on the screen, what are we protecting them from in books?
But it's not just about the horror genre. Books are often banned for teens because of vaguely "adult" subject matter. Book censors are attempting to protect teens from "inappropriate" and "controversial" material. As my favorite librarian, Julie Vignol of South Eugene High School, says, "If teens are going to be able to vote at 18, shouldn't they be reading the most controversial and interesting books as teenagers so they learn to think and discuss and debate and change minds? Isn't thinking a big part of becoming a responsible voter?"
If we censor and limit teens' reading material, don't we then stunt their intellectual development?
Also, can we actually protect teens from swearing, sexuality, bigotry, and violence? Aren't they getting regular doses of all of those while watching Netflix, television, movies, or Youtube? Don't professional athletes regularly use homosexual slurs? Isn't "Game Of Thrones" full of rape and incest? Aren't the hallways at the average U.S. high school populated by teens who sometimes use the F-word and/or disparaging terms for many people groups? I'm not saying that bigotry and violence and rape are good things. Clearly they're terrible. But they're also common occurrences in contemporary media and secondary schools. So is protection even possible?
Second, on the idea of teens not be able to handle gritty material...
One of the best young adult books of 2015, according to NPR, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Barnes & Noble is the novel Mosquitoland by David Arnold. The book is incredible and the main character, Mim, is a perfect narrator. Her voice is poignant and unforgettable. But responses to that book's Amazon reviews show that many people object to the book because:
A. It includes the F-word.
B. It questions whether many teens should be on psychotropic drugs.
C. It addresses sexual assault.
D. It demonstrates that some people use derogatory terms for homosexuals or developmentally disabled people.
So - basically - the book is "too gritty," which in reality means "too realistic." Teens reading the book will discover real-world issues, real-world language, and real-world situations. They will read those very real scenes and have to decide how they feel about them. In reading a real book, they will sometimes laugh, sometimes cry, and sometimes root for or against certain characters and events. In short, they will have normal responses to lifelike things. And what's wrong with that?
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Finally, let's talk about the most ridiculous argument for censorship: "Teens are not able to understand complex material."
Young adults are simply young adults. They are not feeble-minded or mentally-limited people. They are not weak and they don't struggle with cognitive issues. Most high school students aren't old enough to buy cigarettes or enlist in the Army, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be challenging their minds and expanding their worldviews with excellent literature of all types. In my experience as a high school teacher, I've found teens capable of incredibly insightful readings of novels and nonfiction. I've seen teens be creative, argumentative, philosophical, and opinionated. They often discover something in a text that I've never thought of. So why shouldn't we put excellent literature in their hands?
But I also have a personal argument against the ludicrous idea that teens can't handle complex material:
Last year, I pulled my thirteen-year-old daughter out of 8th grade and let her finish the year educating herself. At her middle school, she had been assigned half of one novel in two-and-a-half years - and I knew that she'd be better educated if she stayed home to read novels and poetry collections, study math, read a book on physics, watch Bill Nye science videos, examine history, and memorize Spanish verbs and nouns. Basically, I trusted her to challenge herself and examine complex material.
She was allowed to determine a lot of curriculum during those five months, and part of that curriculum was reading two of the most banned books of all time. She chose Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye and Alice Walker's The Color Purple. My daughter loves classics and she wanted the challenge of reading those two novels. They're both difficult books - both deemed inappropriate for teens - but my daughter worked through them and asked intelligent questions, wrote about complex themes, and examined the use of literary devices in the texts. Put simply, she read those novels well. So if an eighth-grader can read difficult, banned books and get a lot out of them, why do we keep those same books out of the hands of our average high school students? Why do we limit teens' lives and disparage their abilities as learners? Why do we think that a teen is less capable than the average adult?
When School Library Journal gave my first adult novel (Graphic The Valley) a starred review, it ended the review with this sentence: "Both adult and mature young adult readers and lovers of literary ecofiction will enjoy this fast-paced love story." Many adults online took offense when they read that review because my novel includes some sex, and young adult readers shouldn't be reading those scenes. First, the sex in my novel is both limited and not too graphic in nature. There's certainly nothing pornographic about it. And second, I'd guess that there might be a little bit of sex going on at the average U.S. high school as well.
Finally, by banning books, or by choosing not to teach classics with "gritty content" to teens, what are teachers and parents losing, or more accurately, what are the students and teens in our schools and households missing? If we keep the classics from young people, will they ever read them later on? Will the average adult in this country seek out banned books and sit down to read them from the ages of 21 to 24, the first four years of legal adulthood? Will the average adult self-educate and catch up on material missed in high school since adults chose to ban certain books?
Understandably, Bernie Sanders is now doing the same thing that Hillary Clinton did in 2008. Eight years ago, near the end of the 2008 campaign, Clinton gave what I called at the time "Hillary's Checkers Speech" (after Richard Nixon's 1952 effort to persuade Eisenhower to keep him on the GOP ticket). Rather than make a concession speech, despite Barack Obama's clear triumph in winning the votes needed to clinch the nomination, Clinton told supporters at Baruch College in New York City that she needed a few days to consider her options. Two days after that speech, she met with Obama. On June 7, she conceded and endorsed him.
That's what Sanders needs now. It isn't easy to concede defeat -- particularly after you've come so close to victory. Over the past year, Sanders has gone from being a little-known Senator from a small state to a powerful figure who has inspired millions of people. As many have observed, Sanders won the battle of ideas. The Democratic primary was fought on his issues. But he lost the nomination and now he has to figure out his next steps.
After meeting with President Obama today, Sanders said he would continue his White House bid through the convention but he also pledged to work with Clinton to unify the Democratic Party and defeat Donald Trump. "I look forward to meeting with (Clinton) in the near future to see how we can work together to defeat Donald Trump and to create a government which represents all of us and not just the 1%," Sanders said. It was clearly a signal that he's ready to endorse Clinton and mobilize his followers to endorse her.
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This gesture goes beyond what Hillary Clinton said at a similar point in the 2008 Democratic presidential contest. At her Baruch College speech eight years ago this week, Clinton addressed her supporters watching on television: "I want to hear from you. I hope you'll go to my Website at HillaryClinton.com and share your thoughts with me and help in any way that you can."
At the time, she refused to acknowledge that she'd lost the party's nomination and insisted that her next steps would be shaped, at least in part, by what her supporters -- whom she claimed were the 18 million people who voted for her in the primary whose voices should be heard -- wanted her to do. Clinton asked her followers to contact her directly by using her campaign website. In fact, Clinton's campaign chairman, Terry McAuliffe, introduced her as "the next president of the United States of America!"
During her speech, members of the audience chanted, "Denver, Denver," referring to the site of the Democratic convention that August.
It appeared to many observers that Clinton was trying to mobilize her supporters to put pressure on Obama to put her on the ticket as the Democrats' vice presidential candidate . Some pundits speculated that Clinton might be willing to settle for another deal with Obama -- helping her retire her campaign debt, appointing her to the Supreme Court, or helping her elbow Harry Reid out of the Senate Majority Leader's job -- and thus help unify the party and enlist Clinton's supporters in Obama's campaign.
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Her speech later that night was evidence that she was willing to play hardball. That speech was almost entirely about herself -- her commitment to public service, her stance on issues, her claim that she won more votes than Obama, and the implication that she represented a large segment of Democratic voters that Obama would need to win in November.
It isn't clear when Clinton and Obama discussed the idea of her becoming Secretary of State. But clearly that was the prize she won for eventually endorsing and campaigning hard for Obama.
Bernie Sanders doesn't want to be in the Clinton cabinet, but he does want influence over the platform, over the next head of Democratic National Committee, over rules changes for the next Democratic election season, over Clinton's policy priorities after she takes office (including the budget, since he will chair the Senate Budget Committee), and perhaps influence over some Cabinet appointments. All this is reasonable.
The important question now is how hard Sanders will work to persuade his followers to support, campaign for and vote for Clinton. And, after the election, what Sanders does to build on his momentum to mobilize his supporters around important issues to build the "grassroots political revolution" he says we'll need to change the country.
In the meantime, rather than attack Sanders for not ending his campaign and immediately embracing Clinton, let's recognize that he needs time to move to the next phase. In other words, we should let Bernie do what Hillary did eight years ago.
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Not too long ago, I announced a pretty significant career change. Yes, I'm returning to academia to teach at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. I don't think that I could have taught at an institution clinging to the past. Fortunately, that doesn't apply here. It's clear to me that ASU is one of an increasing number of colleges and universities that recognizes the importance of data, analytics, and data science.
Talking heads like me have been aware of this trend for a few years now. Still, it's interesting to hear and read students' perspectives on the matter. For instance, current UNC-Chapel Hill student Jeff Duresky wrote an interesting post on how some universities are moving from theory to practice. That is, his classes are moving beyond the hype of Big Data. Students are actually operationalizing new data sources in the classroom through sophisticated tools such as JMP. They are working on both real-world and fictional datasets. In some cases, they are acquiring valuable professional experience on corporate projects. In so doing, they are complementing their academic underpinnings and making themselves considerably more employable.
Why now?
It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to understand why progressive schools are formalizing data-oriented programs.
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Let's start with the premise that one of the primary purposes of college is to enable students to land well-paying and hopefully meaningful jobs. Along these lines, I'm hard-pressed to think of hotter areas these days than analytics and data science, but don't believe me. Management consulting firm McKinsey predicts a severe "shortage of talent necessary for organizations to take advantage of Big Data." By 2018, the United States alone could face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people with deep analytical skills...with the know-how to use the analysis of Big Data to make effective decisions."
Make no mistake: students who can make sense out of Big Data stand to do well. In the process, they can pay back their college loans relatively quickly. Don't get me wrong, though: college should be about more than just landing a lucrative job upon graduation. Still, this remains a critical point.
I am reminded here of something that happened to me a few months ago, I was signing books after giving a keynote in San Diego. An adjunct professor approached me and, as I was signing his copy of The Visual Organization, he asked me how he could get his smartphone-addicted and occasionally apathetic students more interested in data-related topics. I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind: Show them starting salary figures of analysts and other data types.
He smiled at my response and I have little doubt that he did just that.
Simon Says
Unlike a certain demagogue running for president, I am not certain of everything. I don't know all of the answers, nor can I predict the future. I can, however, say two things without fear of accurate contradiction. First, Big Data has arrived. Second, as I have said many times, all companies are tech companies. Some just haven't realized it yet.
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As I start my own academic career (again), I think about the lessons I have learned in industry as they relate to future college graduates. It is simply incumbent upon institutions of higher learning to not only prepare students for today's business environment, but for tomorrow's.
As a registered voter and lifelong Illinois resident, I am beyond embarrassed by what's happening - and not happening - in Springfield these days. Lawmakers have plunged our state to new, record lows. The most glaring symbol of Illinois' political dysfunction is the state's historic budget stalemate. As we head into a second year in a row without a state spending plan, the budget crisis is causing real pain for real people all across Illinois. But instead of finding solutions, politicians in Springfield seem more interested in waging political warfare. This hyper-partisan atmosphere is hurting our state and preventing progress on the things that all of us care about.
My biggest beef with the current political theater unfolding in Illinois is that politicians play the leading roles and voters have become "extras" standing off in the background. As opposed to a government "of the people, by the people and for the people," there's a concentration of clout in Springfield where a handful of political insiders hold disproportionate power. And the only way to transform this top-down culture is if we, the people, demand fundamental changes to the rules that govern political participation.
Now, the good news is structural reforms are almost within our reach. The Independent Map Amendment, which CHANGE Illinois supports, would take the responsibility of drawing state legislative boundaries away from politicians and give it to an independent redistricting commission. This citizen-led initiative has collected far more verified petition signatures than required to be placed on the November ballot. As President Obama stated in his February address to the Illinois legislature, "In America, politicians should not pick their voters; voters should pick their politicians."
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For far too long, Illinois' redistricting process has played out behind closed doors and away from the sunlight of public scrutiny. One political party gains control of the process, and then uses it to advance its partisan interest above nearly all other considerations. No matter which party is in charge, this rigged system stifles competition, protects incumbents, and decreases voters' ability to choose their representatives. Of the 177 total election races for the General Assembly this fall, only 41 percent will have more than one candidate on the ballot.
A fair and impartial redistricting process would empower all voters in Illinois of every race, religion, and ethnic background. Last month, CHANGE Illinois and Common Cause convened a forum at the National Museum of Mexican Art to examine modern redistricting reform measures and their related impact on minority voting protections. Kathay Feng, National Redistricting Director with Common Cause, delivered a presentation on the impact of California's Propositions 11 and 20, which transferred the redistricting process from the state's legislature to an independent citizens redistricting commission. Laura S. Washington, Chicago Sun-Times columnist and political analyst for ABC-7, moderated a panel discussion with local and national redistricting experts including:
Gregory T. Moore, Executive Director of the NAACP National Voter Fund
Jorge Sanchez, Senior Litigator, MALDEF, Midwest Regional Office
Lori E. Lightfoot, Partner with Mayer Brown
Ricardo Meza, Officer at Greensfelder, Former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Illinois
Executive Inspector General, and Former Midwest Regional Counsel for MALDEF
Ruth Greenwood, Senior Redistricting Counsel for the Campaign Legal Center
The forum provided a platform for passionate and intelligent debate about the intersecting issues of redistricting reform, racial equality, and political representation. While the entire program and a selection of resources can be found on our website, here are a few memorable and thought-provoking moments from the event:
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1) "The status quo is a disaster"
2) "It's about power"
3) "Power-hungry arrogance" Warning: this clip contains explicit language.
4) "I hope this thing passes"
5) "This is a very bold, very brave statement to make"
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Barring action by the courts, voters will be asked to weigh in on redistricting at the ballot box this fall. It's important that we continue to raise the bar on the public's understanding of redistricting: what it is, why it matters, and how all voters would fare under an independent citizens' panel.
This is a make-or-break moment for the people of Illinois and we simply can't afford politics as usual. To fix our broken system we have to expand the practice of democracy and give more power to voters. Come November, we could have the power to do just that.
I left America to move to Tel Aviv, Israel when I was twenty-four years old. I was a recent college graduate, without a clue of what I wanted to do with my life. I had just gotten out of a three-year relationship and the only thing I knew was that I longed for a change.
I didn't have a plan when I decided to move to Israel by myself. I've always been a big believer that you'll find your way in life once you reach your destination. I've also been told that I have "shiny object syndrome" and automatically do things without considering the consequences.
I spent four years total living in Israel. Most of my life took place in Tel Aviv, a miraculous city that taught me lessons about myself that I never would have learned elsewhere. The path I ended up taking allowed me to gain Israeli citizenship, earn my M.A., start my career and fall in love. I eventually returned to America - San Francisco - much stronger than I was before setting out for my big adventure.
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Here are four life lessons I learned while living in Israel:
#1. How To Adapt To New Environments
I knew about three people in Israel when I first arrived. Yet when I left, it felt like I was leaving behind the entire country. Moving across the world by myself taught me a very valuable life lesson - I can easily adapt to almost any environment.
When I first moved to Israel, I lived in a small dorm in Haifa with three other girls. I was the only American, another girl was from Argentina and the others were from Russia. Speaking English with everyone else was a challenge, but I quickly learned the importance of speaking slow and enunciating. I also found great benefits in Skyping with my family regularly. On top of overcoming the language barrier, I learned how to squeegee a shower and clean a toilet.
By the time I moved to Tel Aviv, I had mastered the art of communicating with people from different countries and I had acquired new cleaning skills. Most importantly, I learned how to throw myself into different social circles and make new friends. I also learned just how important friends are when you don't have your own family to spend time with.
When I moved to San Francisco, I wasn't worried that I didn't have a job lined up or a place to live. I wasn't concerned that I knew only one person in a city that I had never even visited before. Living in Israel provided me with the confidence and courage that I needed to make my next big, impulsive move. I knew how to put myself in uncomfortable situations, I learned how to live within small city spaces and I had gained career experience.
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#2. How To Speak My Mind
I remember one day I was in the grocery store in Tel Aviv. I had a few items in my cart and headed over to the checkout. When it was my turn to pay, however, the cashier decided to close the register. Confused, I asked her why she would close when I had already been in line waiting. She glanced down at her watch, looked back up at me and said, "I have a doctor's appointment now." I was shocked. I had about three items in my basket, I had spent almost ten minutes waiting in line to checkout and then, when it's finally my turn, the cashier decides to drop everything and walk away.
So what did I do? I slammed my groceries down on the counter, told the lady she had some real chutzpah and left the store.
This is just one of the many instances where I've been in a situation that required me to really tell someone how I felt. While I haven't had too many experiences with poor customer service in San Francisco, I'm still not afraid to speak my mind if someone is treating me unfairly. People spend too much time being afraid to call others out, but this only results in bad experiences and unnecessary treatment. Fortunately, living in Tel Aviv taught me to stand my ground.
#3. How To Strive For More
Spending four years in Israel helped me build myself. After earning my M.A. from Tel Aviv University, I had no idea what I wanted to pursue next. I ended up accepting a content marketing position with a tech startup based in Tel Aviv. My writing career flourished. I learned all about Israeli technology, I met incredible people at networking events and I was told that nothing in life could ever hold me back as long as I possessed the motivation to achieve more.
I experienced my first war in Israel in the summer of 2012. I was scared, yet I reassured myself that the country would be okay. I wanted to gain that sense of bravery that the Israelis were born with. I didn't want to think that it was time to go home. I started learning more about life, different cultures and how to succeed both professionally and personally. I never once felt defeated when I lived in Israel. Even when I moved back to the States, I carried my strong sense of accomplishment with me.
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#4. How To Live Life To The Fullest
Most importantly, living in Israel taught me how to make the most out of life. I remember my sister came to visit me from Dallas, Texas. We went out to a popular nightclub one summer evening. We were standing by a gate and all of a sudden we heard a loud "boom" and dust was blown into our faces. My sister jumped and grabbed my arm. While I was startled, I wasn't as scared as she was. It turned out the loud noise and smoke only came from a smoke machine.
It's instances like these, however, where I am reminded that you never know what will happen in life. I remember looking at my sister and thinking, "Now is the time we should just forget about everything and have fun." Experiencing travel, food, different cultures, meeting new people, etc. are all a part of living life to the max. In Israel, I really learned that I have to take advantage of all the beautiful aspects life has to offer.
The Start of a Journey
I can honestly say that I never would have been able to make the move to San Francisco if I hadn't already started my journey in Israel. I would have been too unsure and inexperienced otherwise.
Photo: Borgenmagazine
It is very ignorant for people to think that Nepal is poor considering the lifestyle of the majority of people. The Nation could definitely be considered poor if compared in terms of cars, houses and bank balance, but one of the most important aspect of Nepalese life is that majority of its people live a life of self-sustenance also promoted as Self-sustainable development by NGOs/INGOs.
Most of Nepalese citizens are engaged in farming occupation and each family sustains itself through its own endeavors in floriculture, horticulture or animal husbandry unlike industrialized nations where people must have jobs for sustenance.
Majority of Nepalese population, thus doesn't depend upon any kind of job for sustenance. Instead, entire family members are engaged in family trades. Rearing live stocks and farming are among many other ways people engage themselves in action. In most of the Terai, village cow-herd girls and boys rise up early in the morning, take their cows to the forests and spend all day playing in the rivers and ponds before heading back to their homes with their animals.
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Development of Nepal has nothing to do with the regional divisions. Drafting of the constitution was delayed by the subject of regional divisions. Although late, constitution has been drafted but not all parties are satisfied with it. We needn't quarrel in such matters. Since the nation has already been divided into various zones, we must work within this frame for the economic progress of the country. Jyoti K. Shrestha added and said, " Our country hasn't developed because of the lack of execution of the country's system and laws."
Our 44th president breaks the mold on foreign policy.
I read the speech President Obama gave in Hiroshima on May 27, and he made no apology. His visit was met with right-wing condemnations like this one from the Gateway Pundit: "The jackass apologized for American actions in World War II and ignored the evils of Imperial Japan." Actually, Obama was there not to re-litigate our dropping of the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945, but to mourn the dead (including Koreans and American prisoners killed by the blast) and call for eliminating nuclear weapons.
Those who accuse Obama of treason love to invoke their war-veteran fathers, so I will invoke mine. PFC Jack Rosendall was captured by Rommel's Afrika Korps at the Battle of Kasserine Pass in Tunisia in February 1943. He wrote in his diary on January 24, 1945, after the Germans ordered the American prisoners to evacuate ahead of the Russian army:
"Handed out prunes, raisins and chocolate to kids. - hour later were literally mobbed.... The German children are beautiful - the girls give us an old-fashioned curtsy upon receiving anything. Many of the tots have never tasted chocolate. - How can these cute children grow up to be such inhuman beasts?"
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On February 3, 1945, Jack played checkers in a farmhouse in Bahrenbruch while the hausfrau's 6-year-old daughter sat in his lap. The next morning she had a fever, so he made her beef broth with bouillon cubes from home.
Dad refused to buy anything labeled "Made in Japan" for our postwar household. But the only events from the war years that he spoke about were funny anecdotes. The questions I have for him now arose when I encountered his younger self in his diary after his death.
Someone by the name Freeinaz commented below the Gateway Pundit item, "27 Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded to U.S. Military personnel for the battle of Iwo Jima. That was 25% of ALL Medals of Honor awarded to Marines for all of WWII. And this sorry excuse for a President slapped them all in the face with his ignorance."
On the contrary, the president honored America's best traditions and values. The hibakusha, or atomic blast survivor, whom he embraced had spent years researching and looking for the families of the American prisoners who died there. Our nations are now allies. The war ended 71 years ago. How long must we act like sore winners? Seeking to prevent such tragedies from recurring is neither an apology to our former enemy nor a slap to veterans. Or does Memorial Day celebrate bellicosity?
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There is something oddly fragile in the super-patriot stance that allows no room for finding lessons in past conflicts, but instead demands only praise. Surely we have taken enough victory laps. Considering our investment in blood and treasure, we can afford a post mortem. It hardly projects strength to insist on being humored like a delusional patient, basking in canned applause while belittling those who work to address new threats.
President Obama had the wisdom and the guts to push successfully for the removal of chemical weapons from Syria; to reach a multilateral nuclear accord with Iran; to lead nearly two hundred nations in a climate change agreement; to re-establish relations with Cuba after 54 years of a failed policy; and to go to Hiroshima. He is a true statesman, prepared to use force if necessary but also committed to diplomacy, whose tools include things like cooperation and respect. As a hint of his global stature, rural Zimbabweans refer to American dollars, their preferred currency, as Obamas.
Had my father lived to meet my partner Patrick, who is from the Congo, I like to think he would have overcome his opposition to "race mixing" and embraced the man I love. I like to think Obama's act of healing in Hiroshima would have moved him as it did me. But when I left my father's house, I no longer required his approval. My generation, and the one that has followed, can uphold Obama's reshaping of American foreign policy for a new century, or let it be trashed by those locked in the bitterness of the past. My candidate is Hillary Clinton. She was Obama's Secretary of State.
It looks like NATO is aiming for yet another Guiness World Record (not "longest occupation of Afghanistan in modern history"; it already enjoys all the honors and privileges that come with this distinction). No, NATO will make history in a different, almost equally useless way:
The largest war game in eastern Europe since the end of the cold war has started in Poland, as Nato and partner countries seek to mount a display of strength as a response to concerns about Russia's assertiveness and actions. The 10-day military exercise, involving 31,000 troops and thousands of vehicles from 24 countries, has been welcomed among Nato's allies in the region, though defence experts warn that any mishap could prompt an offensive reaction from Moscow.
Now let's translate the newspeak: "NATO is holding massive 'defensive' military exercises on Russia's border. Even the slightest slip-up could provoke an 'offensive reaction' from those dastardly Russians. Why did Russia put its country so close to our military bases and peaceful international war games, anyway?"
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These military drills sound like a real hoot, but here's another fun exercise that everyone should try: Pull up a list of the world's largest "defense" spenders. On a piece of paper, make two columns and label them as such: "NATO/Freedom Lovers" and the other "Axis of Evil". Now place all the NATO countries and their yearly "defense" expenditures in the freedom-loving column, and Russia, Iran, China, North Korea, ISIS, Darth Vader, etc. in the second column (they're all allies, right? Right.). Now tally up the total military spending of each side. Observe.
Now add to your two columns: Number of foreign military bases and number of countries bombed/invaded/"liberated" in the last 25 years.
Now factor in that the Warsaw Pact does not exist anymore, and yet NATO is alive and well, and even continues to add new members -- Montenegro being the latest addition.
Now consider that it is very possible that Hillary Clinton will be our next president, which in terms of European security is the equivalent of throwing water on a grease fire. Things are going to get hot hot hot!
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Hey guys, we already did this "cold war" thing, and it sucked. Only Lockheed Martin won.
Historians will look back and wonder why so many people tolerated so much utter baloney for so long -- and at such a great cost, both in dollars and human lives.
Last year, I sang and danced in front of hundreds of my employees. And it was great fun!
Why would I do such a thing? For the past two years, first in India and then in the Philippines, several hundred Integreon employees have been participating in a talent show where they can show off their amazing skills -- everything from singing to gymnastics. It's really a fun event -- and it allows all of us to see a side of our coworkers we don't usually see, which I think is important for any company. In my previous company, I took my entire management team and we spent three months preparing and then executed a Bollywood dance in front of all of our staff at a company meeting. The following year was Irish dancing. And my feet still ache!
I chose to join in the talent show because I believe it's imperative to show that all employees, at all levels, bring unique skills and strengths to the table -- and respecting and celebrating those results nurtures a better, stronger workforce by giving a voice to those who don't usually have one. Think of it as "redefining" talent management.
Though talent management has been a buzzword in the boardroom for years now, in many organizations, it still has not progressed beyond the traditional notion of personnel administration. Yet actively managing talent as a strategic resource and asset of a company can enhance employees' creativity, execution and management skills.
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To keep talented, passionate employees, talent management must be about engaging employees and making them feel valued. But companies must realize that creating company culture is not just a matter for the human resources department. As simple as it sounds, company culture must come from the people who make up the company and live out that culture every day--the employees. And so employees must be made to feel comfortable expressing themselves--their interests and passions, as well as the ideas that can improve the company.
And as a CEO, I believe a company's leadership plays a vital role in setting the tone for company culture. A buttoned-up company president who shows little personality sends a tacit message to employees that they too should keep within a set of narrow boundaries for self-expression at all times. But a leader who is willing to have a little fun--yes, even embarrass himself or herself a little in front of a crowd of peers--is saying that it's ok to show your colleagues other sides of yourself; you have official permission to let your inner gifts shine and not be afraid to be yourself.
Making employees feel more comfortable is not only good for the employees; it's also good for business. There has been much study on the relationship between high employee engagement and profitability. To do that, a company needs to make sure its employees have a voice. And what better way to give them a voice than to let them sing?
That's what we strive to do with events like "Integreon's Got Talent." With offices and delivery centers spread around the globe, our employees come to us with a wide range of experiences and skill sets, interests and passions. Recognizing the individuals who make up our company--and the unique talents they bring to the table, or the stage--is key to our company culture and passion for excellence for our clients.
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Come on, they aren't tanks, they're armored rescue vehicles. And the, uh, grenade launchers would only be used to launch teargas canisters. When necessary. And the M-16s? Standard police issue.
What a journey these Los Angeles teenagers, and the civil rights group Fight for the Soul of the Cities, had, to get from there -- the ho-hum justification by (good Lord) the city's school district police force, for the accumulation of surplus Defense Department weaponry -- to here:
"Our recent meeting and dialogue has led me to review my actions as Board President during this difficult period. Upon reflection, I failed to understand the amount of pain and frustration our participation in the 1033 program could cause in the community and especially with our partners from the Dignity in Schools Campaign and the Fight for the Soul of the Cities..."
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These are the words of Los Angeles School Board President Steve Zimmer, speaking in genuine anguish as he acknowledges that militarizing school district police has, to put it mildly, a serious downside. He continues, in his letter last month to the Labor/Community Strategy Center, parent organization of Fight for the Soul of the Cities:
"I now understand that especially in the context of the many conflicts between law enforcement and communities of color across the nation, our participation in this program may have created perceptions about the role of our district and our school police that my silence exacerbated. . . . I now understand that even the possession of such weapons in the context of this moment damaged trust that we now must all work to rebuild. Please accept my apology..."
This is an extraordinary victory -- possibly the first of its kind in the nation.
It's a victory for civil rights. It's a victory for kids. But primarily, it's a victory for absolutely basic common sense. The Los Angeles School Police Department -- a police force whose sole responsibility is to maintain order in the public schools -- has returned all the weapons, including grenade launchers, a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (i.e., a tank) and 61 M-16 automatic rifles, which it had obtained under the controversial 1033 program, to the U.S. Department of Defense.
It provided proof that it did so. And it apologized -- to the children and teenagers in the Los Angeles Public Schools. The apology was an acknowledgement -- oh, so painfully rare in 21st century America -- that real order isn't a matter of armed domination. It was an acknowledgment that education requires trust and trust is annihilated by the appearance of a military dictatorship.
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The struggle with the School Board over this began in 2014, shortly after members of the civil rights group had gone to Ferguson, Mo., to show solidarity with the protests over the police shooting of Michael Brown.
"We come back from Ferguson and find out they have a tank, grenade launchers -- it was a declaration of war," Manuel Criollo, director of organizing at Fight for the Soul of the Cities, told me.
And thus began almost two years of sit-ins and protests. Hundreds of students participated. They refused to compromise or accept half-measures from the school board. "First they got rid of the grenade launchers," Criollo said. "In the winter of 2014, they got rid of the MRAP tank. By early 2015, they argued that the M-16 was a standard police weapon. They said, 'We no longer have military weapons' -- even though the M-16 is considered a cruel weapon by the Red Cross."
But the students didn't give up. When the School Board finally said it got rid of all its Defense Department armaments, they still weren't satisfied. They demanded proof, and an apology. At a board meeting last February, "the activists spoke over the Pledge of Allegiance and demanded to be heard before other business could proceed," according to the Los Angeles Times. The meeting was canceled.
And proof eventually came, and so did Steve Zimmer's remarkable acknowledgment that militarizing the school police force had been a mistake, wrecking that invisible and crucial quality called trust -- wrecking the school system's relationship with the communities it served.
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As I read his letter of apology, I honor its painful honesty -- "I failed to understand the amount of pain and frustration our participation in the 1033 program could cause in the community" -- but at the same time I feel a stunned despair that such a decision was made in the first place. Indeed, the more I think about it, the more it rips my heart to shreds. Yes, yes, I understand that maintaining order in a big-city school system is an enormously difficult, complex undertaking. But, to reach out for tanks and grenade launchers?
Apparently the only assistance coming from the national government is military. There is zero peace consciousness at this level, zero guidance except to prepare for war.
As Criollo pointed out, the Los Angeles Police Department (which is separate from the Los Angeles School Police Department) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department have thousands of M-16s and other equipment -- MRAPs, a helicopter -- from the 1033 Program.
"From our point of view, they're on tactical alert to go to war with their own people," he said. "We're living in a country that's not guaranteeing us a job, not investing in education. But trillions are invested in the military. This shows where their priority is. I think they've given up helping communities uplift out of poverty."
I don't think the nation has lost its way, but I think the government has.
- - -
Robert Koehler is an award-winning, Chicago-based journalist and nationally syndicated writer. Contact him at koehlercw@gmail.com or visit his website at commonwonders.com.
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Close-up of women holding hands
"I tried to push it out of my mind, but it was so heavy I didn't talk, I didn't eat, I didn't sleep, I didn't interact with anyone. After work, I would drive to a secluded place to scream. I didn't talk, I didn't eat, I didn't sleep, I didn't interact with anyone, and I became isolated from the ones I loved most."
- Excerpt from letter to the victim's attacker in the Stanford Rape Case
Dear Sister,
To our sister who survived the assault by the former Stanford University student, Brock Turner, I want you to know that we stand by you. You don't know us personally, but we are a part of the collective sisterhood standing with you today and every day moving forward.
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You are not alone.
As one of your sisters, I wept in pain reading your powerful testimony that has now been read by millions. I am here on behalf of other sisters to let you know that we are joining you. Today, we stand with you. Today, we stand with all of our sisters whom you gave a voice to with your testimony.
Your powerful testimony has touched the collective heart of our sisterhood. Our hearts honor the courage it took for you to write your words and read them out loud in court. I personally call upon our sisterhood to pray for strength in your ongoing healing process.
We also feel angry.
Why am I writing this? As a woman, I am sure I am not alone in feeling angry. We are angry at the trauma you have endured through the horrific assault and the process of the trial. We are angry at the criminal act committed by Brock Turner, who has been convicted of three felony charges. We are angry at the light sentencing by Judge Persky. Most of all, we are angry because these cases of sexual assault keep happening to our sisters.
We cannot abandon our suffering sisters any longer.
As a physician I hear stories nearly every day of women who are victims of sexual assault. Many of these women never reported the case or saw any form of justice if they did report the crime. In my early career as a neurologist, I met too many sisters who were suffering from long-term mental health ramifications of sexual assault. Symptoms ranged from anxiety and depression to non-epileptic seizures and personality disorders. These women would get labeled "crazy" and often are left feeling isolated. We cannot abandon our suffering sisters any longer.
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Your testimony gave a voice to the shocking number of women who are victims of sexual violence in the United States.
According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, almost 20 percent of women are raped during their lifetimes. This CDC survey performed in 2011 cannot account for the number of women who fail to report sexual abuse or sexual assault because they fear the consequences.
The National Women's Study highlights the staggering mental and emotional issues that women face long after the physical assault is over. Women who are victims of sexual assault are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Also, rape victims are more likely than non-victims to abuse alcohol and other drugs. In the rape treatment outcome research study, concerns are raised that a woman may present symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder to her physician. If the woman does not reveal a history of sexual assault, the PTSD may go unrecognized, under-treated, or misdiagnosed.
We are our sister's keeper.
I am writing this as a call to action to our sisterhood. We must first acknowledge our collective anger, outrage, and hurt. Next we must transform these emotions into action. What can we do when a sister whom we know has been assaulted?
Heather Ryan, a 14-year NCIS veteran, worked with hundreds of sexual assault victims during her career as a female agent. She now teaches assault prevention on university campuses around the country.
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"The reality is every survivor acts differently. There is no one right way to act. As a friend, sister, daughter, mother, your job is to support her through the feelings. Power has already been stripped from her. The last thing you want to do is add to her feelings of powerlessness. Just hold her hand through the ups and downs," advises Ryan.
Ryan also advises undergoing a sexual assault examination, even if the victim has showered. "It isn't abnormal for showering to be the first response after being assaulted. The need to wash off the violation can be overwhelming. If she does shower, it does not mean that she should not go to the hospital. She still needs to be tested for disease, checked for injury and there could still be evidence."
Will you join me in setting a healing intention for our sisterhood?
Let the Stanford Rape case be a catalyst for change. How will you join in supporting our sisters? Will you start by joining me in setting an intention or prayer for healing for our sisterhood?
Let us send an intention for the healing of our sister, who bravely shared her testimony.
Let us set the intention that her courageous testimony will empower other sisters who are victims to find a path healing.
Let us set an intention that we will stand together to prevent sexual assault cases.
Let us give intention that our sisters, who are victims, will have access to healing their physical and mental health issues that arise from their trauma.
Let us hold an intention that our sisters feel safe and secure.
Let us set an intention to hold the light of hope and love for all of our sisters.
We are our sister's keeper.
Romila "Dr. Romie" Mushtaq, MD, ABIHM is a traditionally trained neurologist with additional board certification in Integrative Medicine. Dr. Romie brings together Western Medicine and Eastern wisdom to optimize brain and mental health. As a professional speaker and expert media analyst, she empowers audiences to manage stress with her program Mindset Matters which is based in neuroscience, positive psychology, and mindfulness.
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I had the privilege of attending a wonderful interfaith conference in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo last week, with over 300 people from more than 50 countries around the world. It was an inspiring experience in a small new country, which is committed to religious tolerance and pluralism in a world that is torn by more and more religious intolerance and extremism. Indeed, combatting religious extremism was the main theme of the conference.
How did this come about?
A few years ago, I attended a small interreligious conference with about 30-40 people in Finland during which I met many fascinating new people from all over the world, and had a chance to enter into genuine dialogue with many of them, especially during the coffee breaks, the meals, and in the Finnish sauna in the evening! One of the people whom I was fortunate to meet at that time was Mr. Petrit Selimi, then the Deputy Foreign Minister of the new state of Kosovo.
Kosovo, a small state in the Balkans, used to be part of Serbia until a horrible war from 1997-1999 in which ethnic Albanian Muslim citizens were systematically murdered and more than 1 million became refugees. As a result of this attempt at ethnic cleansing, the Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic was later tried and convicted (posthumously) for war crimes by the International Court of the Hague. After the war ended in 1999, thanks to intensive American-led NATO bombing of Serbia, initiated by President Bill Clinton ( who is a national hero in Kosovo, with a statue of him on the main street of Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, where this conference was held), the country was ruled by a UN administration until it declared independence in 2008.
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One of the most remarkable things that I learned about this young country during my three days there last week was that seventy percent of the people of Kosovo are below the age of 30! You can feel the youthful vibrancy in the streets and the Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Selimi, who is in his mid-thirties, is representative of this youthful spirit. In a private conversation, he told me it was after the conference in Helsinki where we met 6 years ago, that he decided to initiate an annual interfaith conference in Kosovo (and he flattered me by telling me that I was one of his inspirations for this idea). He and his young Interfaith Kosovo Team started with 28 participants 5 years ago, and by this year, the conference grew to more than 350 people from all over the world, including and especially many from Kosovo itself.
Why did he establish this conference? In an interview in the beautiful conference booklet prepared by his team, he said:
We founded the 'Interfaith Kosovo' initiative with a dual aim: to promote and reinforce Kosovo's experience in conflict resolution and inter-communal reconciliation, as well as to engage in interfaith dialogue as a tool of public diplomacy, to show the unknown feature of Kosovo to the outside world, of a society with great diversity and historic tolerance among religions.
I was pleased to be part of this amazing experience, along with Noa Mazor, who is the incoming director of the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel (ICCI) , now a department of Rabbis for Human Rights, and David Goodman, who coordinates "Microphones for Peace", a joint project of ICCI and Central Jerusalem Radio. In addition to hearing some powerful speakers--including Dr. Ms. Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel laureate from Iran and Mrs. Tawakkol Karman, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Yemen (the first Yemini and the first Arab woman to have received the prize) -- I listened to many speakers at important panel discussions, and was a panelist for one of the forums of the conference which dealt with case studies of various countries. At this panel, I presented some of the best practices--as well as some of the challenges and obstacles to success--of my work with the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel-- during the past 25 years, and I was pleased to receive some valuable feedback to my presentation from people in the room from different parts of the world.
The overall theme of this year's conference was "The Role of Women in Promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Countering Violent Extremism". Indeed, violent extremism has become a pressing problem in many places in the world, not just in Israel and Palestine. It was interesting to learn--from women and from men-- about the many innovative projects and programs in many countries which are doing their best to combat violent extremism, including and especially in Kosovo. It is useful sometimes--at international conferences such as this one--to realize that you are not alone and that you work in common cause with people around the world.
We in Israel will continue to do our part in this vital work for peace, in concert with others who share our vision for a better future for humanity. As I told the participants in the panel discussion in which I spoke:
Peaceful Coexistence is our Goal. Dialogue, Education and Action are our methods.
OK. Tuesday's voting settled matters, whether Bernie likes it or not. Hillary Clinton has more than enough delegates to win the Democratic presidential nomination.
But aside from having to deal with the senator and his supporters, and fight the bitter battle against the awful Donald Trump, another key factor stands in her way: the possibility that the former Secretary of State may be indicted by the Justice Department, based on the FBI investigation of her private email server.
That investigation has been going on for nine months -- since last August.
Yet the last public word from FBI Director James Comey is that he won't be rushed into making a decision on whether to recommend Mrs. Clinton's indictment -- something that could well decide who will be our next president.
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"I don't tether to any particular external deadline," Comey told reporters a month ago, "so I do feel the pressure to do it well and promptly, but as between the two, I always choose 'well'."
With no decision a month later, and with Clinton not yet even interviewed by the FBI, that statement stands out as ridiculous. Hillary Clinton is now the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, and the favorite to become our next chief executive. It's already late in the political game.
It would be devastating enough for the tens of millions of Democratic voters if she were indicted between now and the party's convention beginning July 25. If that happens, their party would be under extreme pressure to choose another candidate. But at least Democrats would have the advantage of a national convention to decide what to do.
However, if she were indicted after her official nomination by the convention, matters would be infinitely worse. Democrats would find choosing another candidate much more complicated and a lot less democratic, and their chances of winning would be much reduced by a new candidate with drastically less time to organize and campaign.
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A third possibility would be worse not only for Democrats but for all Americans. If Mrs. Clinton were indicted after being elected, the whole country might be embroiled in one of the worst fights in American history, as to whether a president-elect or president should resign over the charges.
Besides which, if she wasn't already gone, she'd have to leave office if convicted, and quite possibly abandon the White House for the jailhouse. If you think American government and politics are a polarized mess now, imagine those last two scenarios!
Not to mention the fact that any of the above occurrences would greatly increase the catastrophic possibility of the election of Donald Trump, a lying, bullying swindler, totally unfit for office, who's correctly described by critics, as a bigot who doesn't understand world or domestic affairs and poses a serious threat to the First Amendment.
A vastly increased chance of Trump's election, and one or more of the other dire possibilities mentioned earlier, are on the table if the FBI's Comey and his boss, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, don't decide in the less than seven weeks before the Democratic convention in Philadelphia whether or not to indict Clinton. Lynch heads the Justice Department, which would have to bring any indictment.
Outside lawyers and scholars have offered opinions on all sides of the case, despite the fact that they don't know what evidence the FBI has found or will. The Libertarian Party's new vice presidential nominee, former Massachusetts governor William Weld, who once headed the Justice Department's criminal division, says prosecutors would have to prove criminal intent to charge Clinton, and "I don't see it."
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But former attorney general Michael Mukasey says it's "nearly impossible" to believe Clinton is not guilty "at least for mishandling classified information." However, law school professor Laurie Levenson says it's hard to find any other cases "where the unwise handling of classified information led to a federal indictment." Mukasey and others also argue that Clinton may be guilty of "gross negligence," which could land her in jail for ten years.
People joke about the 90s seem like they were only about 10 years ago. I get that. This summer marks the 20th anniversary of when I was lucky enough to attend the Institute on Political Journalism, an internship program through The Fund for American Studies that kicked off my career in journalism. For the record, I do not feel as old as I apparently am.
But I can't deny my age this week, because I'll be facing a few hundred college students who are embarking on summer internships in the nation's capital, and my goal is to help them be successful by telling them what strategies worked for me 20 years ago when I was a student in the same program. I'll also try to help them learn from my own mistakes.
In preparing my remarks, I started pondering all the things that are so very different now from 20 years ago. There's so much technology that was in its infancy, or didn't exist, back then that it's difficult to compare the overall life experience today's college students have to mine in the mid-90s.
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College students didn't have cell phones. We had a land line in the dorm room that we shared with our roommates, if anybody happened to be home to actually answer it. Since nobody brought an answering machine with them for the summer, we didn't have any form of voicemail. We called our parents once or twice a week, usually from the office where we were interning, because we were too busy to be bothered back at the dorm.
Not everybody had email, and nobody had a laptop. You were lucky if one person in your dorm room had brought their big computer tower and massive monitor, and was willing to share it with everybody else. And even if you did have a computer, you had to use something like AOL dial-up to get online, or go to the university computer lab. Businesses were still learning how to integrate email into everyday life, and most small businesses didn't see the purpose of spending money to give an intern email access. There was no Google. We still went to libraries for research.
We had fewer distractions because we didn't have smart phones, social media or Wi-Fi. And we got to know the rest of our classmates because we didn't have phones to bury our noses in whenever we sat waiting as a group. People talked to each other, however awkward it may seem now, in a culture where it's considered rude to interrupt a stranger tapping on their phone.
Even with all the changes that have occurred (I'm still waiting on a lot of things the Jetsons led me to believe we'd have by now), the basic principles and guidelines of how to be successful in business or politics still apply. Basic professional etiquette is the same, only a few things needed to be updated.
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1) Be on time. For everything. First impressions are important. You don't want to be remembered as the person who is never on time. It doesn't inspire confidence in your supervisors, colleagues, or classmates.
2) Always say thank you. You're going to meet a lot of politicians, journalists, important business leaders, and talking heads in a good internship program. Try to thank every person who gives a talk, and send a follow-up note to those you want to have really remember you. When your boss takes you out to lunch to talk about your goals, say thank you and send an email note.
3) Dress and behave the way a professional in that industry would - you're interning because that's what you want to be when you grow up, right? Nothing less than business casual is appropriate, if for no other reason than keeping your skirt at a reasonable length for the workplace. Model your wardrobe after professionals you admire, not reality TV stars. Just because you see some employees at your internship dressing like slobs doesn't mean you should dress down, too. Remember, they already have jobs there. You don't know what they looked like when they were hired.
4) Volunteer for every possible opportunity to learn more at your internship. Be the first to grab assignments, and ask for more work when your hands are free. Don't use your downtime to catch up on social media when you should be using it to climb the professional ladder. People will notice.
5) Maintain the professional image that you want to project all of the time, including when you go out socially after class or your internship. You never know who you'll run into after-hours, and they'll remember you for the wrong reasons if you're sloppy drunk and obnoxious at Happy Hour. There's plenty of time to embarrass yourself in the future, after you've gotten a job. Never have more than one drink at a business-related function.
6) Focus on the people who are talking to you. Whether they're professors, mentors, supervisors, colleagues, or classmates, practice staying focused on the conversation at hand, and making eye contact. The latest generation of graduates seems to really struggle with this, many having been raised in an environment where it's socially acceptable to look at your phone every two minutes no matter what you're doing, or with whom. Go ahead and turn off all those social media notifications on your phone so that you won't even be tempted to peek. Unless you're using the phone for work, you shouldn't even have it out and visible.
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7) Respect your elders and use proper titles unless otherwise instructed. Very few college students now grew up calling adults Mr. Jones or Mrs. Smith. We've changed into a first-name society. But business in major cities is a slightly different animal, and until you're given the green-light to call someone by their first name, stick with formality. You can never go wrong that way.
8) Use good table manners. No, I'm not being patronizing. I'm being real. College students - especially the gentlemen - seem to forget all they've been taught about proper table manners after a few years away at school. Time to dust them off and put them to good use, because people will notice if you have your elbows on the table inhaling your food like a prisoner. And no, it's not okay to hold your hand in front of your face while you talk with your mouth full of food. All of the contacts you'll be making through your internship are potential employers or mentors and you want them to feel confident you can handle yourself at a business lunch.
9) Don't put in writing anything that you don't want to have the whole world see. This was true before we had computers, and it's still true today. Now it's even more dangerous because social media is instantaneous. And screenshots are forever. Don't destroy your chances for a future career opportunity by making an inappropriate Facebook comment about the office or your colleagues.
10) Network like it's your job. Don't just make time to learn about the speakers who'll be at your classes, but also get to know your classmates, program directors, and internship supervisors. There's no telling where your roommates are going in the future, and having those relationships to fall back on is critically important. Your summer internship isn't just for getting a reference for future job applications, you should be using it to meet more people in your chosen career field - people you may be sending your resume to for review in a year or two. Believe it or not, people do refer job candidates all the time. Lots of jobs are never even advertised because they're filled by a quick email sent to a close circle of friends, soliciting resumes.
I'm a strong believer in internships, paid, unpaid, and those with an academic requirement. Not only do they help undergraduates and new graduates get experience in their chosen career field, they're also a fantastic opportunity to get a foot in the door when it's time to find a job.
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Since North Carolina's anti-transgender HB 2 law passed in March, arguments about where transgender people can use the bathroom have been at the forefront of national debate. Several other states have followed North Carolina's lead and are attempting to restrict access to bathrooms for transgender people, and North Carolina's law is now at the center of a legal battle between the state and federal government.
Access to public facilities like bathrooms is important for transgender people. But the fight for transgender rights does not begin and end at the bathroom door.
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Transgender people, especially transgender women of color, face pervasive discrimination throughout life, including by those sworn to protect us. As a new report by the Center for American Progress and the Movement Advancement Project reveals, the criminal justice system disproportionally harms and targets transgender people, tipping the scales against transgender people before, during, and after incarceration. Specifically, legal targeting and social stigma work together to funnel transgender people into the criminal justice system, and create huge obstacles when they try to get out of it.
For example, laws such as outdated HIV criminalization statutes or punitive bans on sex work disproportionally force transgender people into the criminal justice system. Such targeting of transgender people often result in heartbreaking consequences.
Take Bianca Feliciano, an 18-year-old transgender woman who was targeted in 2011 by Chicago police on suspicions she was engaging in prostitution. The police refused to accept her ID, which had her legal name and gender marker, and began to harass Bianca, threatening violence and telling her that she could be accused of fraud because she is a transgender woman. Or another transgender woman, Antonia, who was profiled in New York City. She was stopped, frisked, and arrested multiple times on suspicion of engaging in sex work. In one particular incident, while no evidence was found to suggest Antonia was engaging in prostitution, she was still arrested, taken to the detention center, strip searched, and laughed at by arresting officers.
This type of abuse does not end once in the system, where transgender people continue to face unacceptable rates of stigma and abuse. Transgender people frequently face bias in court and are assigned unsupportive public defenders, factors which lead to more extreme sentences and longer incarcerations. Transgender inmates in criminal justice facilities are often assigned to facilities that don't match their gender identity, forcing them into unsafe environments where they report shockingly high levels of harassment and sexual violence, both from fellow inmates and from facility staff. When transgender inmates seek a safer environment, they are often ignored or pushed into solitary confinement.
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Destiny, a 16-year-old transgender girl, reported being sexually assaulted in juvenile facilities. Her court appointed attorney told the judge, "I think this young man has a lot of things -- and I use the word man -- to think about" and continued to argue in favor of commitment in the facility where Destiny was clearly unsafe. Destiny's experience is a startling example of how an unsupportive counsel, an apathetic judge, and unsafe conditions can foster and exacerbate abuse within the criminal justice system.
Upon leaving criminal justice facilities, transgender people continue to face heightened obstacles to reentry. Restrictive parole and probation policies can make it harder for them to move past their record and having a criminal record can make it more difficult for transgender people to change their name or gender marker on official documents, which can intensify the discrimination they already face in employment and housing.
To be sure, these problems existed well before passage of North Carolina's HB 2. But anti-transgender bathroom bills will likely only increase harassment of transgender people by both law enforcement and a deputized public emboldened to play bathroom police.
Transgender people are under attack in many parts of this country, and the justice system too often fails many of our nation's most vulnerable. Discriminatory targeting and continued abuse by our criminal justice system remain an everyday reality for transgender people like Destiny, Antonia, and Bianca. As our nation's elected official discuss and debate reforming our broken criminal justice system, they should take note of the situation in North Carolina and seek to end state-sanctioned discrimination against transgender people, not foster it.
Sarah McBride is the Campaigns and Communications Manager for LGBT Progress at the Center for American Progress.
By Drake Baer
Hand-washing has a surprisingly ignoble history. The 19th-century Hungarian pathologist Ignaz Semmelweis was chastised and ignored when he told surgeons that they should wash their hands and instruments with a chlorine solution between examining corpses and delivering babies. (He eventually died in an insane asylum. Of infection.) Things are better now, but it's still hard to get people -- even doctors! -- to take hand-washing seriously; the CDC says that providers of health care clean their hands "less than half" of the times they that should, and an estimated 1 in 25 patients visiting a hospital will get some sort of health-care-related infection. Which is a way of preparing you for a brutal truth: Like love, poop, actually, is everywhere.
This was a finding I discovered while interviewing New York University pathologist Philip Tierno about the merits of toilet paper. (A breakthrough, he said, since there was "no standardization of hygiene" in the U.S. before TP.) But toilet paper is a manual technology; unlike the fancy bidets that are increasingly en vogue, toilet paper is a hands-on method for cleaning things up. While it's a way of cleaning, it is not necessarily clean, especially in the tragic cases when toilet paper breaks and, in the words of one poop scholar, "you're confronted with your own mortality ... right on your fingers." The comedian George Carlin, in his skewering of the American fear of germs, loudly declared that he only washes his hands in this case -- when there's shit on his hands.
Apparently many people share Carlin's view. Tierno says that in his 40 years of working at the New York University Langone Medical Center, he has taken sample cultures from myriad surfaces, from bar tops to forks to knives to glasses. And if you live in the country, you're not more safe from poop: There's 130 times more waste produced by animals than humans in the U.S., and research suggests it's especially present in dry, windy, farmland-filled states like Texas and Missouri. "You find feces everywhere," Tierno says. "It tells me people aren't washing their hands, and if they are, they're not doing it correctly. That's why, as a society, there's a lot of fecal contamination."
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Not that you should be extremely worried about all that poop, Tierno continued, probably sensing my fear. Because if there aren't any pathogens in a given feces, he says, "you can spoon-eat feces without any deleterious effect." While the world may be "covered in a fine patina of feces," as one Stanford microbiologist observed, you're mostly okay unless there are pathogens in there.
sad little girl sitting by herself on couch
This piece is reprinted with permission from Role/Reboot.
Anger is a recurring theme of the current presidential election. Every male presidential candidate has directly and overtly tapped into the very evident rage that the American public feels. They've thumped podiums, raised their voices, cursed, and shouted without being called divas, shrill, unhinged, ugly, or unlikeable. More power to them, literally. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has had a narrower path to tread. After decades in the public eye, Clinton knows that she has to carefully manage overt displays of anger, or, really, virtually any strong feeling at all.
Most girls and women understand the risks they take when they become angry. No matter how justified, appearing angry won't do her any favors and will actually undermine people's perception of her competence and likeability. Studies show that when men are angry, people tend to lose their own confidence and defer to men's opinions. When women are angry, the opposite happens. Studies also reveal that people will opt to work for angry-sounding aggressive men, but not with angry-sounding aggressive women. For Black girls and women stereotypes about anger, and their effects, are even more acute.
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The problem with studies that confirm what most women already know is that they inevitably contribute to women policing themselves even more, and to parents teaching girls that being nice is better all the way around. That's why seeing overtly and justifiably angry women who do not care that they may not be likeable to some people is so important.
According to the American Psychological Association, while both men and women feel anger, and shame related to anger, they show what they feel in different ways. For men, anger reinforces traditional gender expectations, for women it confounds them. That conflict by itself is a source of anxiety.
Girls are more likely to learn that their feelings of anger, no matter the reason they have them, are "wrong" and out of sync with their identities as girls. They are also more likely to intuit that to show anger puts their relationships at risk. Even worse, they associate anger with being unattractive in a social milieu where few things are portrayed as worse for a girl.
These messages start immediately. Ideas about anger in children are quickly infused with parental implicit biases and gender expectations. In one study, newborns were dressed in gender-neutral clothing and researchers misled adults about their sex. Parents were far more likely to describe the babies they thought were boys as upset or angry than the girls, who they categorized instead as nice and happy.
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In general, starting when they are toddlers, boys in the United States are given more leeway in terms of being "out of control." Parents and teachers expect girls to be able to control themselves more and hold them to higher standards, and so girls exhibit better self-regulation. Many parents not only think that boys can't control themselves, but they unconsciously expect boys to be angry and girls to be sociable. When kids don't adhere to these stereotypes, parents often respond, usually subconsciously, in ways that develop these traits accordingly. For girls, that means a whole lot of sublimation.
Anger is diverted in women, who, as girls, lose even the awareness of their own anger as anger. Girls are taught, through politeness norms that suppress disruptive behavior, to use indirect methods of dealing with rage. For example, it's "unladylike" to be loud, or "vulgar" to curse, yell, or seem unattractive. Adaptable girls find socially acceptable ways to internalize or channel their discomfort and ire, sometimes at great personal cost. Passive aggressive behavior, anxiety, and depression are common effects. Sarcasm, apathy, and meanness have all been linked to suppressed rage. Troublesome behaviors, such as lying, skipping school, bullying other people, even being socially awkward are often signs that a teenager is dealing with anger that they are unable to name as anger.
Many girls have no problem expressing themselves. However, many more girls are taught to ignore or reroute their anger, in the process, become disassociated from themselves.
Anger is so successfully sublimated that girls lose the ability to understand what it feels and looks like. Is her heart racing? Does she feel flushed or shaky? Does she clench her jaws at night? Is she breaking out in hives? Does she cry for no reason? Laugh inappropriately during difficult conversations? Fly off the handle over something that seems inconsequential? You can see where I'm going here...those crazy girl hormones, right? Better to just think of it as a phase.
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For too many women, however, the phase never ends. It's lives spent never expressing anger at all and believing that they don't have the right or ability to do so without great risk.
Interestingly, the reasons men and women tend to get angry differ. A 15-year study of girls and women found that there are three primary causes of anger that are not the same in men: feelings of powerlessness, injustice, and other people's irresponsibility.
By the time they are teenagers, many girls' feelings of anger have been shunted into contorted shapes that no longer fit the standard (read male) ways that we think of and understand anger.
When most people think about anger management they think in terms of what can be seen: frustrated, foot-stomping people, most frequently portrayed as men, throwing things, maybe screaming or punching something. In 2004, researchers looking into gender and anger concluded that women's complex management of anger "may not be accounted for by existing anger models." In other words, using a male standard for understanding the problem meant, for many girls and women, simply not understanding the problem. Bottling up anger is as harmful, if not more so, than anger exhibited in violent outbursts. "Anger management" should also mean considering what can't be seen, the kind of anger that women are more likely to experience. How we think of "anger management" should more broadly include teaching girls that it is OK to feel angry.
Few parents are considering these long-term effects when they unconsciously model or teach children lessons about politeness and how to be sociable. As they age, girls are effectively taught to put others needs first and are, indeed, rewarded for doing so, well into adulthood. The result, for many girls and women, long into old age, is a host of physical, psychological, and emotional damages. Anger impairs people's immune systems, contributes to high blood pressure, heart damage, migraines, skin ailments, and chronic fatigue. Unresolved anger contributes to stress, tension, anxiety, depression, and excessive nervousness. It is now estimated that 30% of all teen girls have anxiety disorders.
Between the ages of 12 and 15, the number of girls who have depression triples, a rate three times that of same-age boys. Feelings of powerlessness and anger are also integral to the development of eating disorders. Suicide rates for girls between 10 and 14, while low, have tripled over the past 15 years.
Before puberty, boys and girls typically experience depression at the same frequency. "Social pressures" appear to be greater for girls and we've all been schooled on the impact of "hormones and emotions." But girls aren't just depressed when they are teens. They grow up to be more depressed in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Depression is complicated--part genetic, part hormonal, part environmental, part economic. Women who make less than their male peers, for example, are four times more likely to suffer from anxiety and 2.5 times more likely to suffer from depression. Imagine what would happen if they could get angry instead?
Clinicians believe that a large component of depression is anger and a specific type of anger caused by a perceived or actual loss or rejection. There are many reasons why girls might feel rejected, powerless, and angry.
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First, they begin to see the effects of gender-based double standards that fly in the face of everything they've learned so far about their abilities, equality, and potential. Teenage girls feel the very real disparate impact of limitations on their physical freedom and behavior. Everyone seems to have policing opinions about their clothing and appearance, their movement and bodies.
Second, they become aware of physical vulnerability. Street and sexual harassment are common occurrences, including at school. They learn about sexual assault, if they have not already been assaulted (43% of assaults happen before the age of 18). They adapt to having to restrict themselves.
Third, they begin to encounter the cultural erasure of women, people who look like them and whom they are meant to emulate, as authoritative. The older girls get, the fewer women they see in positions of power and leadership. Boys and girls move from childhood realms where women are their primary caretakers, teachers, babysitters, neighborhood, and family adults to institutions where they are marginally represented as leaders. Role models are comparatively few and far between for girls who grow up gender code-switching in ways boys aren't expected or, for the most part, allowed to. At the same time, the opposite is happening to boys whose confidence during the same period grows.
Fourth, they are navigating the stressful tension between managing their own sexuality and the crush of women's pervasive sexual objectification. Adults around them often unhelpfully elide the two. School dress codes, for example, are the perfect example of how attempts to stop girls from "sexualizing themselves" handily do the trick for them.
While anger in girls and women is overwhelmingly portrayed as irrational, it is, in fact, completely rational. Girls learn to filter their existences through messages of powerlessness and cultural worthlessness. They might be more inclined to depression because coming to terms with your own cultural marginalization and irrelevance is depressing. Why isn't this making you angry?
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The response to the conviction of rapist Brock Turner has spread across the internet like wildfire, and I have to commend the media and blogosphere for their justifiable outrage on this miscarriage of justice.
I need to focus on a letter that was sent to the judge by one of Turner's friends, Leslie Rasmussen, on his behalf. There are two parts of it that every person should read, as they represent a larger indictment of American society than we realize.
First:
"I am not blaming her directly for this, because that isn't right. But where do we draw the line and stop worrying about being politically correct every second of the day and see that rape on campuses isn't always because people are rapists."
According to Rasmussen, "political correctness" is the perversion of honest language that causes people to believe that rape happens because of a rapist. Let that sink in for a second. According to this letter, when a person is raped, there is a victim, and there might be a rapist, but not always.
Thankfully, Rasmussen was kind enough to follow up this statement by explaining who the other half of a rape is when a "rapist" isn't part of the equation, which brings us to this excerpt:
"This is completely different from a woman getting kidnapped and raped as she is walking to her car in a parking lot. That is a rapist. These are not rapists. These are idiot boys and girls having too much to drink and not being aware of their surroundings and having clouded judgment."
Rasmussen didn't take the time to explain how, had an idiot boy had raped her, she would have forgiven him for his "clouded judgment", but we can assume from her words that she's well-versed in the difference between getting raped by a rapist, and getting clouded-judgment-assaulted.
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The undertones of this second excerpt are the most important, however, as they apply to so many issues in society that Americans talk about with little to no understanding of the facts.
Rasmussen believes that crimes are committed by "strangers" or "outsiders", as is evidenced by her assertion that a rape only occurs when a stranger abducts a woman in a public space. But the facts say otherwise. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), "82% of sexual assaults are perpetrated by a non-stranger" and "47% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance".
In Rasmussen's mind, the brute caricature of the savage, dark-skinned criminal lurking in the shadows is a rapist, and the wealthy, white, civilized socialite is the victim of society's attempt to be "politically correct" by making rape seem like an equal-opportunity crime. (For the record, white males are the assailants in 57% of rapes, compared to being 62% of the American demographic; hardly enough of a difference to merit much discussion.)
The image isn't limited to cases of sexual assault. Americans buy guns for self-defense under the guise that they will be safer from an intruder in their home. Yet data shows that a household with a gun is twelve times more likely to see a homicide or injury occur from that weapon than from an intruder, and members of the household are twice as likely to die from a homicide in the home than if there was no gun at all.
Kidnapping, a topic mentioned by Rasmussen in her letter, is also a problem that occurs primarily within families and communities. Less than 0.1% of kidnappings and abductions are perpetrated by a complete stranger, with family members and close friends accounting for 80% of abduction cases. This doesn't preclude the media from its Missing Pretty White Girl Syndrome, a fetish of journalism that only furthers the belief that the safest place for a vulnerable young woman is in her own community, which happens to be where over half of rape cases occur.
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What's driving the flawed belief system? Why do Americans, Leslie Rasmussen among them, excuse violent crime that occurs by family and neighbors and continue to fear the masked stranger hiding in the shadows?
It's not a stretch to speculate that a history of community segregation in the United States has cemented the belief that "strangers" are your enemy, and that what defines a stranger is their race, and what community that anchors them to. Many American cities still show the effects of segregation practices such as red-lining, and modern practices like gentrification and suburbanization are only giving wealthy whites more excuses to gate themselves off from the "Strangers" who want to kidnap and rape them.
Anecdotally, my own neighborhood (I'm looking at you, Baltimore) is up in arms about the recent murder of Kim Leto, a middle-aged white woman, by a black youth who was tried and convicted. Yet there is no conversation about the murder/suicide that took place in the parking lot of our local shopping center last year; those people are no less dead than Leto, but they weren't killed by an 'intruder', a 'stranger', an 'outsider'.
We excuse the members of our community - the people who look like us, think like us, live like us - because they're just like us, but "troubled". We indict the outsiders because they're nothing like us, so their drive to commit violent acts must come from innate evil, something that only an outsider could possess.
And our unwillingness to cross these community lines and make these outsiders our neighbors is what allows us to convince ourselves of the difference between a "drunk idiot with clouded judgement" and "a rapist", or in the mind of Leslie Rasmussen, the difference between a white athlete unaware of his surroundings and a dark shadow hiding in a parking lot.
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The crime is the same. The victim suffers the same - maybe more in cases where someone they knew violated their trust. But we either excuse the former or ignore them completely.
Anuja's Tips for Structuring to Maximize Impact
1. Create a Shared Value System.
Working with your board, you can start to determine your foundation's values by asking key questions: What problems energize you? Why is solving this problem so important? What values are most important to you and to your cause? What is your investment philosophy? Will you make single-year grants or longer term investments?
Holding a blue-sky session can get your board or family thinking about their shared values. I recently helped guide a foundation through this process and we were all excited to see the clear goals that came from the questions, eventually writing our mission statement and fleshing it out with statistics and research.
2. Engineer Your Mission Statement.
Once you have defined your value system, your mission statement will flow directly and naturally from those values. Powerful mission statements clearly define your niche, the population you want to impact, and how you are going to do it. One example of this could be: support programs that prepare low-income women in India to lead financially stable lives through entrepreneurship, business, and job skills training.
3. Determine Your Focus Areas of Giving.
Once you have defined your mission, it is critical to outline the areas you plan to support. If you are, for example, taking on women's empowerment, then you should ask: how can our philanthropy impact women. In this case, giving might focus on program areas such as entrepreneurship and business education, and job skills and training. Next comes the fun part--when you build an ecosystem of grantee projects that help you achieve impact in these areas.
Extra Tip: break down your total budget by program area. In this case, you might plan to spend 40% of your annual philanthropy on entrepreneurship & business education, 40% on job skills and training, and the remaining 20% on special projects. This formulation enables you to look strategically at the impact you are making later on and most importantly, it prevents you from wasting time and money on projects that are not related to your mission.
4. Map for Impact
If you want to see just how on--or off--course your foundation's giving is, map your grants against the program areas you just defined. Mapping can be a powerful exercise: when I did this with a high net-worth individual looking to focus philanthropy, we found that funding was scattered among organizations including many that had nothing to do with the mission. Why? Because this particular foundation was using an ad-hoc screening process that allowed ineligible organizations to slip in. We created a new Letter of Inquiry (LOI) template to formally screen applicants and made sure to include criteria to mark organizations that did not match program areas.
5. Create a Friends and Family Portfolio.
One of the biggest advantages of having your own foundation is that you can give as you please. To avoid feeling tied down by your program areas and mission, create a flexible portfolio--dedicated to friends, family, creative organizations, sponsorships, events, organizations you want to fund just because! You can make this 20-30% of your giving, targeting the remaining 70-80% to achieving your mission's impact.
Anuja's Giving Protocols to Maximize Impact
6. Make Reporting Meaningful & Strategic.
An important advantage to creating a smaller foundation is that you can streamline the reports you use. In bigger foundations and corporate teams, reports pull a lot of information and on a weekly or monthly basis. I recommend a quarterly or bi-annual report that is simple, so that positives, and negatives, jump right off the page. With my own clients, we often use a basic template with important questions to avoid getting lost in too much data.
7. Use Evaluation to Build Capacity.
Evaluating your grantees and their progress can be more than an exercise in evaluating your dollars' impact. It is also a time collect intel on how you can build the capacity of your grantees and to empower them. On reports, ask grantees meaningful questions about their circumstances such as what are your greatest challenges, what resources do you need to meet them, and how can we better support you. The data you gather can inform additional resources you may easily provide. This could mean a workshop with fundraising experts, information on succession planning, scholarships for leadership training, and resources on sustainability. Alternatively, you could provide funding to hire a consultant to provide strategic planning, marketing and communications support, and so on. Use evaluation to help your grantee grow in ways they are not otherwise able to. This what I find so rewarding about working in philanthropy, and what is at the heart of true charity.
8. Forge Strategic Partnerships.
Collaborating with other high net-worth individuals and philanthropists who share in your mission is an important strategy. Mobilize a community of like-minded funders by organizing roundtables and coalitions where VIPs weigh in on the impact of your work, discuss issues and research affecting the sector, agree on best practices, or even display grantee art work. These strategic partnerships enhance your personal brand and help build your grantees' individual profiles. As a bonus to your grantees, this networking and publicity opportunity can win them new funders!
9. Engage your Family.
Create volunteering options for your family and your board members to meet your grantees. You can develop a year-round blog or an online "volunteer diary" that captures these experiences. A short video showcasing the foundation's annual impact can engage those family members who might not be able to participate. It's always interesting and easy to watch something dynamic like a video versus reading multiple pages in print. Organize a family and board retreat to brainstorm and enhance the existing Foundation programs, processes. Make it a fun gathering!
For Teen Vogue, by Lily Puckett.
Photo: Courtesy of YouTube
Advocates are taking over the film's #LiveBoldly hashtag.
The film adaptation of Jojo Moyes's 2012 novel Me Before You, which hit theaters on June 3, is facing criticism over its portrayal of life with a disability. Spoilers ahead.
The film centers on a man named Will, who was recently paralyzed in his 20s, who chooses to end his life with assisted suicide after finding love. According to the film and book's plot, Will's decision to end his own life at 26 is entirely rooted in the fact that he can't stand to live as a paralyzed man. For what many perceived to be an exciting new movie featuring a suave, clever protagonist who happened to be in a wheelchair, this ableist twist is especially frustrating.
Not Dead Yet, a U.K. activist group for people with disabilities, which campaigns against assisted suicide, has been particularly vocal in its disdain. "The message of the film is that disability is tragedy and disabled people are better off dead," Ellen Clifford, a Not Dead Yet representative who is disabled, said in an interview with BuzzFeed. "It comes from a dominant narrative carried by society and the mainstream media that says it is a terrible thing to be disabled. The message is that you can't [live boldly] as a disabled person."
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Luckily, it's easy to prove that message totally wrong. In a total overhaul of the film's hashtags, #liveboldly and #mebeforeyou, Twitter users are pointing out all the things the movie gets incorrect about living with a disability, and shooting down the notion that a disability is a reason to want to end your life. As Twitter user Nathaniel Gale put it: "Contrary to the views of the non-disabled ppl who made this film we do #LiveBoldly by, y'know, living." See the full list of Tweets here.
The movie is fictional and represents one story (and not all people with disabilities), but clearly it shows that Hollywood needs to provide more representation for people who live with disabilities.
Co-authored by Dr. Takeshi Takama, founder of su-re.co and professor at Udayana University.
Our friendship was an improbable one. Hailing from the United States and Japan, we were steeped in our respective countries' questions of environmental science and public policy some 7,000 miles apart. One of us had been sporting suits and heels in Washington, while the other nested amongst New Zealand's otherworldly landscapes.
In 2002, we each navigated transitions to the hallowed halls of academe in the Oxford University Centre for the Environment: rather than responding to hair-on-fire White House deadlines, days were paced out by heady lectures and tea times. Instead of seeing issues from an antipodean vantage point perched on the Pacific rim, life on the Greenwich meridian meant we were in the belly of a former colonial beast.
While the original chronometer and conventions maintained by British mariners in the 19th century were long-ago outstripped by the realities of the 21st century, it did not change the fact that we were following in the footsteps of global thinkers, challenged to simultaneously learn and question the ways of the world. In the very home of British geography, it was easy to imagine the adventures of intrepid explorers, from tweed-clad climbers summiting snowy peaks, to well-funded seafarers informing early cartographers' sketches.
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We quickly learned "hic sunt dracones" - here be dragons! - was never actually written on maps, as we had hoped. It was, however, scrawled in 1510 on the now-famous Hunt-Lenox Globe. Nearby New College was founded in 1379, and the animal heads mounted on walls loomed simultaneously eerie and reminiscent of rich traditions established long before we found our way to the English grey and drizzle.
While those who came before us endeavored to make sense of the planet, efforts to understand bled quickly into conquering and taming. Diseases spread, and right-angled political boundaries were traced with scant respect for cultural and tribal realities.
Not unlike medieval monks, we discovered that while we might be in our new English world, we would never be of it. But that was okay. Wrestling with thorny challenges such as climate change, global health, and entrenched poverty requires fresh thinking from what international capitals' sage and silver-haired had been trying.
During our years on the Isis, as the Thames is called as it meanders through Oxfordshire, we tucked ourselves in libraries, we read, and we wrote. We debated big ideas over pints and port. While thankful for the opportunities to learn from those with far more experience than us, we also bristled at antiquated assumptions and hidebound tradition as we tackled our geography theses via evidence-based analyses driven by powerful geographic information systems.
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Almost 15 years later, we write from O'ahu and Bali, wildly different isles from where we met in England. Despite spanning the Pacific, we find ourselves sharing similar paces and routines. Be they the daily sunrises and sunsets on opposite sides of the equator and International Date Line, or the surf alerts, our worlds are intricately connected to the natural world dictating its lessons to us.
NASA reports that the world's sea level has risen an average of three inches since 1992, with the Pacific Islands most acutely at-risk. The seas cover almost three-quarters of the planet and produce more than half our oxygen. The world's population is forecast to surpass nine billion by 2050, increasing global demand for wholesome food, clean water, housing, education, health care, and energy, all challenges exacerbated by a changing climate. Alarmists point to the risks of increasing economic inequalities and political unrest. Those committed to living sustainably must ensure that the needs and interests of future generations are safeguarded.
On this World Oceans Day, our lives continue far from the bells of Carfax Tower, chiming the daily pulse of academic life. Hokule'a's journey reminds us that the British Crown's claims to knowledge were abundant, but no one holds a monopoly on exploration and ingenuity. Today we find ourselves inspired by very different discoveries: tropical blooms, inquisitive lizards, sun-weathered neighbors' stories, and then some. Rather than publishing in academic journals, our efforts are the applied.
Informed by our books and databases, in addition to the paces and rhythms of our local tides, regular visits from the box jellyfish and birds, and fueled by tropical fruit, our current offices look and feel different from those we knew in the past - and they must. We may feel far away, but together we note huge swells for O'ahu's Banzai Pipeline and Maui's Jaws at Pe'ahi, recognizing the work of climate change. With the strongest El Nino in at least twenty years, the Balinese are witnessing strangely dry easterly winds in the middle of their rainy season. These winds are stellar for wave riders at Uluwatu, Kuta Beach, and Canggu - but injurious to local farmers and their livelihoods.
In his sweeping Pacific, Simon Winchester illustrates this ecological mindfulness and local ingenuity via the Hawaiian ahu'ula, a ceremonial cloak made of thousands of o'o bird feathers. Requiring years of patient work to collect the colorful feathers so as to not harm the elegant local birds, the capes were worn by Hawaiian chiefs and presented to visiting seafarers.
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Society's folly has been in the arrogance of separating itself from the knowledge of the natural world. One need only look as far as Waimea Bay's ferocious waves for humbling reminders that we humans are tiny and eminently crushable. Living on the Ring of Fire offers frequent messages of vulnerability if we care to listen.
While the Hobbesians might assume the worst, we Lockeians have confidence in human ingenuity so long as we are willing to learn from our mistakes and assess lessons learned. Consider the Hawaiian notion of kuleana, the Jewish tikkun olam, Balinese tri hita karana, or the Japanese otagai sama. We take inspiration from universal ethics of responsibility, for acting kindly and mindfully to improve what we can in the world around us.
Scientists once thought the brain stopped developing after the first few years of life. But new research has shown that the brain can form new neural pathways and create neurons even in adulthood (Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis).
Exercise for 30 minutes per day or meditation stimulates the production of new synapses; eating foods rich in flavonoids (cocoa and blueberries) and antioxidants (green tea) also helps with brain growth. In addition to these, here are ten proven ways to promote neurogenesis and neuroplasticity in your brain:
1. Intermittent Fasting
Calorie-restriction/fasting increases synaptic plasticity, promotes neuron growth, decreases risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and improves cognitive function according to the Society for Neuroscience.
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During fasting, a metabolic shift lowers the body's leptin levels, a hormone produced by fat. As a result, the brain receives a chemical signal for neurons to produce more energy.
Popular methods include: fasting one day per week, for an entire 24-hour period; a 16-hour fast -- having your last meal at 8pm and breaking your fast at lunch (12pm) the next day; the "5-2" model -- five days of regular eating and two days (non-consecutive) of calorie-restricted eating in a week (between 400-600 calories).
2. Travel
Traveling promotes neurogenesis by exposing your brain to new, novel, and complex environments. Paul Nussbaum, a neuropsychologist from the University of Pittsburgh explains, "Those new and challenging situations cause the brain to sprout dendrites."
You don't need to travel across the world to reap these benefits either; taking a weekend road trip to a different city gives your brain the same stimulation.
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3. Use Mnemonic Devices
Memory training promotes connectivity in your brain's prefrontal parietal network and can slow memory loss with age. Mnemonic devices are a form of memory training that combines visualization, imagery, spatial navigation, and rhythm and melody.
A popular technique is known as the Method of Loci (MoL). Explained by Scientific American: It involves visualizing a familiar route -- through a building, your home, or your way to work -- and placing items to be remembered at attention-grabbing spots along the way. The more bizarre you make these images, the better you will recall them later. By simply retracing your steps, like a fishing line, you will "pull up" items to the surface. Along with objects, numbers, and names, this method has helped people with depression store happy memories that they can retrieve in times of stress.
Begin using mnemonic techniques and engage in memory training; start working on remembering names, scriptures, or poems. Here are some mnemonic techniques to get you started.
4. Learn an Instrument
Brain scans on musicians show heightened connectivity between brain regions. Neuroscientists explain that playing a musical instrument is an intense, multi-sensory experience. The association of motor actions with specific sounds and visual patterns leads to the formation of new neural networks.
If you've always wanted to learn an instrument, consider brain growth as a motivator to get you started.
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5. Non-Dominant Hand Exercises
Using your non-dominant hand to do simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, texting, or stirring your coffee/tea can help you form new neural pathways. These cognitive exercises, also known as "neurobics," strengthen connectivity between your brain cells. "It's like having more cell towers in your brain to send messages along. The more cell towers you have, the fewer missed calls," explains Dr. P. Murali Doraiswamy, chief of biological psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center.
Studies have also shown that non-dominant hand activities improves your emotional health and impulse control. Switch hands with simple tasks to give you brain a workout.
6. Read Fiction
A study conducted over 19 consecutive days by Emory University showed increased and ongoing connectivity in the brains of participants after they all read the same novel. Researcher Gregory Berns, noted, "Even though the participants were not actually reading the novel while they were in the scanner, they retained this heightened connectivity."
Enhanced brain activity was observed in the region that controls physical sensations and movement systems. Berns explains that reading a novel "can transport you into the body of the protagonist." This ability to shift into another mental state is a crucial skill for mastering the complex social relationships. Add some novels to your reading list for these extra brain benefits.
7. Expand your Vocabulary
Learning new words activates the brain's visual and auditory processes (seeing and hearing a word) and memory processing. A small vocabulary is linked with poor cognitive efficiency in children, while an expansive vocabulary is an indicator of student success.
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Learn one new word each day to expand your vocabulary and give your brain a workout. Use apps or online courses to make it fun.
8. Create Artwork
In a journal article titled, "How Art Changes Your Brain," participants in a 10-week art course (a two hour session, one day per week) showed enhanced connectivity of the brain at a resting state known as the "default mode network" (DMN). The DMN influences mental processes such as introspection, memory, and empathy. Engaging in art also strengthens the neural pathway that controls attention and focus.
Whether it's creating mosaics, jewelry, pottery, painting, or drawing, the combination of motor and cognitive processing will promote better brain connectivity. Join a local art class; just once a week will help your brain grow.
9. Hit the Dance Floor
Not many of us would think of dancing as a "decision-making process," but that's the reason why it's healthy for your brain. Especially free-style dancing and forms that don't retrace memorized paths. Researchers compared the effectiveness of cognitive activities in warding off Alzheimer's and dementia and found that dancing had the greatest effect (76% risk reduction); higher than doing crossword puzzles at least four days a week (47%) and reading (35%).
Dancing increases neural connectivity because it forces you to integrate several brain functions at once --kinesthetic, rational, musical, and emotional. If you're dancing with a partner, learning both "Lead" and "Follow" roles will increase your cognitive stimulation.
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10. Sleep
Studies from NYU showed that sleep helps learning retention with the growth of dendritic spines, the tiny protrusions that connect brain cells and facilitates the passage of information across synapses.
Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you're struggling to get a consistently good sleep, try creating a nightly ritual; going to bed at the same time; drinking some sleep-inducing tea; or making your room as dark as possible.
I am a non-binary person. My gender does not fall within the bounds of the male-female binary. I am also a first-generation Asian-American. I wrote this to add to the many stories out there of trans-embodiment. There aren't many non-binary people who are visible to the undiscerning, uncaring eye, but we exist. I exist. I have to tell myself every single day.
***
When I was 9 years old, the world seemed an endless but knowable place. Riding my bike on suburban streets and running as fast as possible was as real as it could get -- the wind flying through my hair, acceleration and momentum propelling me forward. I wore whatever clothing I wanted. I was a kid, free and boundless. My life was in motion and no one could stop me, boy or girl, man or woman.
But then, at age 12, the world began closing in on me. Middle school was a special hell for me, as puberty propelled me abruptly from child to adult. As my body started to develop, I began to feel a disconnect between who I thought I was, who I was supposed to be, and who society said I should become. I could not explain how I felt in words. A toxic combination of society's expectations and my immigrant parents' unemotional, stifling strictness for me as a girl growing into a woman caged me in my own mind. I felt guilty for no longer being the shining, perfect little girl I thought I was, since my appearance and preferences no longer matched what society deemed "female."
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I couldn't possibly talk about this guilt with my parents or my peers, so instead, I bottled these feelings up and turned on myself, leading a double life: happy on the outside, desolate on the inside. My own skin became a canvas for expressing what I could not say; self-imposed pain felt more real than the life that was happening to me.
"I bottled these feelings up and turned on myself, leading a double life."
My non-binariness, and the sense of isolation it led to, didn't only involve my gender. As a child of immigrants from Taiwan, I also always felt in-between or outside of the boundaries of racial "norms." The typical conversation on race in the United States often excludes discussion on racial identities other than white and black, or glosses over the nuances and specificities of being a first-generation person of color. Left out of the "spectrum" of visible races in America, I was siloed into various stereotypes: the smart Asian who goes to a prestigious university; the model minority who works hard and leads a productive, normative life. Ultimately, I was neither Asian nor White enough, and I remain on the outskirts of what is considered to be "acceptable" for an Asian-American.
For my first 24 years, I was invisible not only as an Asian person in America, but doubly as an Asian woman. Mitsuye Yamada, a Japanese-American feminist, activist, and academic, wrote about this double invisibility in an essay titled "Invisibility as an Unnatural Disaster": Asian women are taught from a young age that their existence does not matter as much as men; that they are born into a "ready-made world" in which to mold their existence; and that they are powerless over their own lives and cannot make a difference on anyone or anything.
Though Yamada assumed that she was free because she could choose to marry, to become a professor, and to have children, her reality was "double invisibility" as an apolitical middle-class woman and an apolitical Asian woman. Yamada's experience mirrors my own growing up as an Asian woman. The "model minority" myth functions only insofar as Asians remain quiet and invisible in society, and the additional layer of the passive woman stereotype compounded my feelings of being an outsider.
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And so, realizing that my gender identity was also somewhere in-between, or elsewhere, or completely invisible, was not an alien feeling. And navigating the terms for the myriad transgender identities out there became an exercise in reminding myself that I am enough just the way I am.
***
When I left for college, I was finally freed from familial obligations and crushing depression, but one mental prison morphed into another -- this time I sought not to cut my skin, but to shrink its entire existence. Restricting inevitably led to binging, but I never stopped feeling hollow. I had reduced my existence to a mere echo, as I became obsessed with controlling my food intake. As I did when I was in middle school, I kept quiet about my personal, shameful struggle.
Slowly, though, my life began to change. Years of therapy and dozens of self-help books had laid the foundation for a new self-awareness, and when I moved from California to New York for graduate school, my sense of self shifted. Right before I left, I got a pixie cut. For years my hair was longer than my torso -- a security blanket behind which my true self remained hidden. Cutting my hair in California was a catalyst to creating a new identity for myself when I moved to one of the cities of my dreams and took control of my professional career. I still identified as a woman, but something inside of me knew, vaguely, that I had to transform to become who I wanted to be. When I let go of my hair, I also let go of the passive Asian girl that had defined me for my entire life.
"Cutting my hair in California was a catalyst to creating a new identity."
I was 24, and ready to start the long process of carving out a space of my own for exploring who I am. My quarter-life milestone was marked not by crisis, but by realization -- by making real my voice, my life, my existence. I could finally concentrate on me. In the summer, I experimented with wearing men's clothing. I asked my barber to buzz the sides of my hair shorter and shorter. I let myself think about my own identity in relation to but not defined by my race, my family, or my gender. I reflected deeply on what I endured in the past -- depression, self-harm, disordered eating -- and how those experiences shape who I am today.
I found that my past mental struggles were both impediments and stepping stones to discovering myself. My transgender, non-binary gender identity is, in fact, not new. I am who I have always been -- my "trans-formation" is but an amalgamation and progression of who I was, am, and will be. Being a non-binary person does not mean that I do not exist. Rather, my existence calls into question the validity of the "norms" that govern the boundary that delineates men from women, that produces transgender subjects who must "pass" to be real, and that renders all other genders unintelligible.
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There are moments when I still do not feel real, when I'm trapped in my head, or a prisoner to my own rules again. But now, I speak and write my truth instead of staying silent. I advocate for my own bodily and mental well-being instead of conforming to oppressive standards I can never meet. I request that others call me by a name that I gave myself because hearing it makes me feel euphoria. I use gender-neutral pronouns because I do not want language to constrain my being. I have become more confident in myself and who I am becoming. My skin, my clothing, and my hair are my exterior self, representing a certain ambiguous gender to others, but they do not form the boundaries of who I am.
"Now, I speak and write my truth instead of staying silent."
The "trans" in transgender refers to transitioning and transformation, but perhaps it also means transcend: to move beyond such designations that constrain who I am. My life is in motion again and no one can stop me but myself -- I'm 25 and right on time.
This piece by A.L. Hu originally appeared on The Establishment, a new multimedia site funded and run by women.
Other recent stories include:
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"The government doesn't work for corporations, it works for the people" - and here's how to remind them of that
Imagine that you've decided to build your dream house. You hire me to be your contractor. Fast forward 6 months later and I have done zero work. In fact, I've barely started drawing up plans for you to approve. What would you do? Would you take me to court?
Well, that is exactly what people around the world are doing, but it's not just your money and time that are at risk - it is your future. Bubbling up all over the world are legal cases in which young and old are suing their governments for not acting, not even creating a plan, to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
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This Planet found a surprising number of these cases, and we included them in this short, inspiring video, Climate Warriors Winning in Court:
How far reaching and diverse are these cases? Are they taking place solely in the lower courts, or only in the developed world? By no means: these cases come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from legal discourse at The Hague, to civil suits in the mountains of Peru. One thing they share is the recognition that climate change is creating new dangers - a recognition that is getting harder to deny as ice melts, floodwaters rise and droughts spread across the land. In legal terms, recognizing these dangers creates an implicit promise that governments are obligated to act in order to safeguard the future. Let's take a deeper look into how these broken promises are being made right in court:
1. In the case of Urgenda vs the Netherlands, a Dutch court at The Hague explored the responsibility of the state in matters relating to climate change. The question of the state's responsibility was addressed, positing that the Netherlands would suffer water shortages and heat related deaths would increase exponentially should they continue to release CO2 at the current rate. The court decreed that steps be taken by the state to ensure that reductions in CO2 emissions of at least 25% are made, because anything less would be breaking the law.
Photo: http://www.urgenda.nl/en/climate-case/
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2. A 16-year-old in White Plains, NY speaks her mind about why climate change education is essential. She is part of a lawsuit leveled against the U.S. government, calling on them to rethink their position on CO2. She contends that continuing to release fossil fuels as we have been is putting the next generation, her generation, at risk and if the current leadership does nothing, it shows both a lack of responsibility and ageism toward the young.
Image: The Weather Channel
3. In Peru, the 'eternal ice' is melting. Huarez, a small village nestled in between the peaks of the Andes, is at risk of a huge flood wave wiping out those who live in this valley as the glaciers are being washed away by global warming and very little to nothing is being done to protect the people. In a strange twist, these threatened families in Peru are connecting with climate change activists in Germany to sue RWE, a German energy company. One of the aims of the Peruvians is to illustrate the global nature of climate change, holding a company based in one of the world's most industrialized and wealthiest nations responsible for effects that too often play out in the world's poorest countries. It is estimated that at least 5,000 people would be impacted by this tsunami and they are completely unprotected, so they are seeking part of the costs of building a dam to protect them when the floodwaters from the melting glaciers arrive, as they inevitably will.
Photo: pixabay.com
4. Students in St Louis decided to become the teachers and give their city council a 'climate change report card'. The city scored a D- on its Zero Emissions plan and a C on Carbon Removal. Their frank statements moved a council member Anne Mavity to say:
"We need to be pushed. We are trying to be very forward-thinking but we can do more. Help us do that."
5. Perhaps most effective of all is the Oregon-based group Our Children's Trust, which has partnered with a broad range of climate activism groups to bring lawsuits on behalf of young people in all 50 states. Their suits have been challenged by government and businesses, but they are winning the right to proceed, so far in Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington.
As you can see, something pretty special is brewing all around the world. If our children are to inherit this world, the contract between the government and the people - to build a livable world - should be fulfilled. At the very least, they should be able to go to court if it is not.
Will Walters (Photo: Vito Di Stefano)
'I just want my life back:' Will Walters, following five years trying to have his day in court.
Victor Hoff's article in the last issue of LGBT Weekly lays bare the legal acrobatics San Diego's city attorney has been performing for years as he continues trying to keep Will Walters' civil rights case against the city's Police Department from the discerning eyes and ears of a jury.
For Walters, the legal machinations of City Attorney Jan Goldsmith's office and those of his deputy, Bonnie Hsu, are reminiscent of what happened when, wearing more than enough clothing at the 2011 San Diego Pride festival in the form of a leather kilt and underwear to be called anything but nude, he asked the officers what part of his body was in fact nude.
From Hoff's piece in LGBT Weekly:
"At this point, Walters pressed the officers to tell him what he needed to cover up in order to be compliant. A back-and-forth ensued. 'I was begging him to tell me what needed to be covered up.' None of the police apparently could identify what, specifically, Walters needed to do so they suggested he go home and change. Within minutes, Will was handcuffed, placed in the back of a patrol car and spent the next 24 hours in jail."
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After Hoff's article published, City Attorney Goldsmith himself took to the comments section of the Web version of the article. In one of many tit-for-tat posts between the city attorney and the article's author, Goldsmith said Walters should have just thanked his office for not prosecuting his inexplicable nudity arrest.
Goldsmith's comments express his indignation about the fact that Will Walters had the audacity to sue the city for violating his 14th Amendment rights to equal enforcement of the law -- despite the San Diego Police Department's admission in a deposition that a different standard of enforcement is applied by the department at an event called Over The Line, which is famous for featuring scantily clad women.
"Rather than taking cheap shots at me in your article, a nice thanks to our office for doing our job right would have been rhe right thing to do," Goldsmith posted. The rest of the conversation is in the comments section below the article, here.
The city attorney's contemptuous attitude toward the LGBT community was reflected in his earlier comments also at LGBTweekly.com that essentially proclaimed, that because some of his best friends are gay, he couldn't possibly be accused of defending discriminatory enforcement of the law. Among many other reasons, Goldsmith's belief that having gay friends makes not to prosecuting a wrongfully arrested gay man somehow gives him permission to defend discriminatory enforcement of the law, are just two of the reasons I'm glad I agreed to provide media strategy for Will Walters' civil rights case.
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You can't help but wonder how San Diego's city attorney will reconcile his admission in his online rant against journalist Victor Hoff that police saw their arrest of Will Walters wrongly. One theory is that Goldsmith, who is serving his last few months in office, may be angling for a motion for outside counsel -- essentially a delay tactic that would cost San Diego taxpayers even more money than fighting for the supposed right of police to have one standard of nudity at straight events and another at gay events has already cost.
But rather than just creating enough conflict of interest to cause yet another pause in the plaintiff's' slow-moving sojourn in search of justice, could it be possible that Goldsmith's ploy -- if it is a ploy -- could backfire and make his fight in the "Gay Kilt Case" his lasting legacy? After all, the city attorney's most recent appeal for dismissal, which was denied, argued that naked, gay men would run wild at Pride if his office's appeal were not granted. Rest assured, herds of naked, gay men will not run wild through the the parks and streets of San Diego even though Goldsmith's and his deputy city attorney, Bonnie Hsu's appeal was denied.
With all of the San Diego city attorney's exotic legal maneuvering, it's easy to forget that Will Walters is suing the city for violating his 14th Amendment right to equal enforcement of the law, and that all he asked for originally and would have been happy to accept without suing anybody, was an apology.
The Great Barrier Reef, which last year narrowly avoided being put on the World Heritage endangered list, is experiencing its worst bleaching in recorded history. According to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, overall mortality of the reef is 22 percent, but along Lizard Island, off far north Queensland, it's 93 percent. Coral bleaching is also occurring along the Maldives, Thailand, and Christmas Island.
By year's end, what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has designated the third global coral bleaching in less than two decades, and the longest and most severe so far, will have killed 12,000 square kilometers of reefs and affected more than a third of the world's corals.
Satellite data produced for The Guardian by Mark Eakin, head of NOAA's Coral Reef Watch, reveals the increasingly widespread impact of ocean temperature increases on the Great Barrier Reef, where bleaching is predicted to become an annual event by 2020.
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"While there was a considerable amount of variability--from El Ninos and other things--there was an obvious upward trend in the data," Eakin said. "So you're looking at the background warming, which is having a major effect on the corals."
Although coral bleaching is thought to result largely from abnormally high sea temperatures that kill marine algae crucial for coral health, a study published Tuesday in Nature Communications and based on a three-year experiment on a coral reef in the Florida Keys nuances that understanding. Its authors say that widespread coral deaths observed in recent decades are being caused by a combination of multiple local stressors that become lethal in the presence of higher temperatures.
"This makes it clear there's no single force that's causing such widespread coral deaths," said study co-author Rebecca Vega Thurber of Oregon State University. "Loss of fish that help remove algae, or the addition of excess nutrients like those in fertilizers, can cause algal growth on reefs. This changes the normal microbiota of corals to become more pathogenic, and all of these problems reach critical levels as ocean temperatures warm."
United States and India Announce Climate and Energy Agreements
On Tuesday, following a meeting with President Obama partly focused on climate change and energy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country, the world's third-largest greenhouse gases producer, would ratify the Paris Agreement this year. The action is considered a key step in cementing the deal, which goes into effect 30 days after 55 nations representing 55 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions ratify it. To date, countries representing approximately 50 percent of global emissions have announced that they will submit legal documentation of their compliance with the deal, under which more than 190 nations agreed to keep global warming to within 2 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5 Celsius.
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"Both leaders feel as if the collaboration between the two leaders was an important element of actually getting Paris successfully negotiated last December," said Brian Deese, President Obama's top climate change advisor. "They will both clearly endorse the importance of promoting full implementation of the Paris agreement."
President Obama indicated that the speed with which the agreement could be brought into force would depend in part on securing "the climate financing that's necessary for India to be able to embark on a bold vision for solar energy and clean energy" laid out by Modi.
Among the other climate and energy agreements the countries announced was a joint effort to adopt, this year, an amendment to the Montreal Protocol on the use of hydrofluorocarbons (subscription). That amendment would increase financial support to the protocol's multilateral fund and contain an "aggressive phasedown schedule" for the potent greenhouse gas.
According to a White House fact sheet, other joint efforts include a $40 million program to provide capital for solar projects and a $20 million clean energy finance initiative.
India also agreed to a low greenhouse gas emissions development strategy.
Ontario Unveils Climate Plan with Carbon Market Funding
Yesterday, Ontario announced its climate change action plan for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050 and explained how that plan will work with its recently adopted carbon market, which it plans to link with that of California and Quebec in 2018.
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According to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the action plan helps define how market proceeds will be spent. "By law, proceeds must be invested in projects and programs that help reduce greenhouse gas pollution," said the ministry.
Most of the action plan's C$8.3 billion in planned spending on combatting climate change will come from the annual C$1.9 billion that the government expects to raise by auctioning greenhouse gas emissions credits.
Canada's four most populous provinces--representing 86 percent of Canadians--have, or are introducing carbon pricing, either through a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade program aimed at emissions reductions.
Chinese woman studying with laptop in cafe
"The Soviet Union I left behind was a dictatorship but the workplace was a democracy; America may be free but the workplace is a dictatorship" said Len Erlikh after I hired him at First Boston (now Credit Suisse First Boston) in 1986. Being of the Jewish faith, he had fled the U.S.S.R.'s religious persecution.
Erlikh's words have always stuck with me. It is true that in capitalism, the workplace is mostly autocratic. You do what you are told and don't have any say in the company's strategy and operations. The Soviet collectives allowed much greater worker participation -- and that is probably why they failed.
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Business leadership is not a popularity contest; the best companies are run by enlightened dictators.
CEOs must listen very carefully to their employees but they have to do what is best for the company, employees, and shareholders. They have to make tough decisions and take responsibility when things go wrong. They expect that once the decision is made, everyone will comply -- whether the decision was good or bad. The best leaders share the credit when they achieve success and take all the blame when things go wrong.
I know that dictatorship doesn't sound nice but it is what business leadership entails. People love to follow strong leaders. They want to be led by people with vision, conviction and good values. They may not agree with everything the leader decides, but as long as ethical lines are not being crossed, employees will follow directions, work hard, and be loyal.
Look at some of the most successful business leaders:
Walt Disney would ask employees for their ideas through surveys but would then dictate his requirements. When employees didn't perform, he would fire them immediately. He had a clear vision, was coherent and moral, and demanding. Disney did end up becoming excessively autocratic and losing touch with what made him successful. Yet he touched the hearts and minds of billions all over the world and created one of the greatest companies of its time.
Henry Ford was known as a tough leader who had a hand in every major decision. He was so demanding of his employees that he monitored their activities outside of work. He was, however, resolute in vision. Ford defied his investors when they demand he build a car for the wealthy and increased average wages to $5 a day while reducing the work day to eight hours. He ended up revolutionizing transportation and setting new standards for the workplace.
Steve Jobs ruled with an iron fist and demanded absolute secrecy and loyalty from his employees. He was egotistical and moody. Yet Jobs had a brilliant vision, unwavering determination, and uncanny understanding of what consumers wanted. He built the world's most valuable company and set new standards for technology design.
The greatest technology innovator of today, Elon Musk, is a highly imperfect human being who makes extreme demands and sets unrealistic public deadlines for his employees. Yet he is single-handedly changing several industries -- including space, energy, and transportation.
Autocratic leadership only works until it doesn't work, however. And then everything goes wrong; entire companies collapse. Autocratic CEOs often become the bottlenecks in decision making because everything has to be approved by them. And they cause employees to stop taking risks because they become fearful of making the wrong decision. These CEOs start believing their own press and lose touch with what made them successful. If you look at any list of defunct companies that were household names, you will find misguided autocrats at their helm.
There needs to be a balance between strong leadership, autonomy, and empowerment of employees. And leaders need to step aside when they have peaked as Cisco CEO John Chambers did last year. He too was an autocrat who said to the New York Times "I'm a command-and-control person. I like being able to say turn right, and we truly have 67,000 people turn right."
Chambers realized technology was making it possible for leaders like him to rule in a better way, with more collaboration and teamwork. He said in 2009, "If you had told me I'd be video blogging and blogging, I would have said, no way. And yet our 20-somethings in the company really pushed me to use that more."
The job of manager today is to lead, articulate goals, inspire, motivate, and enable. CEOs must facilitate rather than control as well as listen and communicate. With technology, they can get input from every part of the company and explain the unpopular decisions. Through email, internal social media, and idea exchanges, companies can have everyone participate in problem solving.
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Employee engagement can be done on small decisions as well as big ones. In February, IBM made a big decision, to revamp its global performance evaluation system, by crowdsourcing the solution. It explained the deficiencies of its old system to its 380,000 employees in 170 countries through its internal social media platform and asked them to suggest solutions. Based on the 2000 comments it received, IBM ended yearly reviews and replaced these with a system for shorter-term goals and quarterly feedback. This are the types of structural changes that are needed in today's era of exponential technologies -- in which a year is a lifetime and shifts in strategy are needed every few months.
Dr. Shay Hershkovitz is Wikistrat's Chief Strategy Officer and a political science professor.
In his monumental 1984 masterpiece Cities of Salt, Jordanian author Abdul Rahman Munif described the Gulf before the oil addiction hit - i.e., days of pride and independence that ended once the West pushed dependence on "black gold."
When the Saudi government approved the grandiose "Vision 2030" plan several days ago, I recalled Munif's romantic desire to resurrect those days. Perhaps King Salman did too.
Today, a full 90 percent of the Kingdom's budget is based on oil revenues. King Salman aims to reduce this dependency in part by diversifying income sources. However, the real driving force behind "Vision 2030" is the King's son: 30-year-old Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who sees himself as his father's successor, plans to fundamentally transform the conservative country into a regional if not global superpower.
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However, "Vision 2030" is not just the Prince's own private initiative. It is a necessary response to the challenges the Kingdom is facing.
Saudi Arabia is trying to navigate through the turbulent aftermath of the Arab Spring. Its primary concern is Iran, which already competes with Riyadh for regional dominance, mainly via proxy war. In Syria, the Saudis are concerned by the opposition's setbacks and Assad's hanging onto power. And despite tactical successes, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen is unable to establish dominance in the Shi'a-dominated, Iran-backed north and the radical Islamist-dominated south.
There is also ongoing tension with the U.S. - Riyadh's traditional ally - despite Washington's insistence otherwise. The Saudis perceive both the Iran nuclear deal and the U.S. reluctance to increase its involvement in Syria as betrayals. Most importantly, the oil trade - which for decades was the main glue holding relations together - faces fundamental change in light of Washington's desire for energy independence and the shale revolution. Indeed, Riyadh increasingly sees Washington as a rival rather than a partner.
The Saudis are also concerned by ISIS, which has already targeted the royal family and called upon supporters to free the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The organization has already succeeded in recruiting Saudi supporters, threatened to attack holy places and has especially targeted Saudi clerics. As a recent report by Wikistrat (a crowdsourced geopolitical consultancy) indicates, such terror activities (even if unsuccessful) have the potential to undermine the regime's image. Furthermore, attacks against the Kingdom's large Shi'a (and Iran-friendly) communities may ignite domestic protest, as they would present the regime as unable or unwilling to protect the minority.
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Saudi Arabia faces domestic problems as well. Increasing unemployment, especially among alienated and frustrated millennials, has become a real issue. A severe housing crisis continues, despite the government's (futile) attempts to find a solution. Low oil prices have eroded the Kingdom's foreign currency reserves, limiting its ability to maintain generous subsidies - and in turn increasing public discontent.
Above all stands the issue of succession. Mohammed bin Salman is the most prominent candidate, but many oppose his ascent - which may kick off a Saudi "Game of Thrones" upon the current King's death. The Prince understands that the traditional policy of isolation and the absolute reliance on oil revenues are outdated. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is already increasing regional involvement, forming an unofficial anti-Iran bloc with Egypt, Jordan, the UAE and Israel as a silent partner. There are no doubt disagreements within this front: For instance, the Saudis reject the hardline anti-Muslim Brotherhood approach of Egypt and the UAE. But overall, these partners do see eye-to-eye. Even the issue of Palestine is no longer a roadblock to working with Israel - so as long as relations remain covert.
"Vision 2030" also envisions Saudi Arabia becoming a leading global force in the defense and hi-tech industries. And through issuing Saudi "green card" work permits to Arab migrants, Riyadh dreams of being the Arab world's "American Dream". It may not be an overstatement to imagine a future in which top Muslim and Arab minds move to Saudi Arabia to be at the forefront of global innovation.
Domestically, the Prince wishes to shore up support among young Saudis. The plan emphasizes the important role of women in economic growth and the privatization of many state-owned companies - a move that hopes to combat widespread corruption.
If successfully executed, the plan could transform Saudi Arabia into an economic powerhouse. Riyadh already possesses huge currency reserves, and it already plays a major role in the global economy. If the royal succession proceeds smoothly and the Kingdom combats attempts to undermine its stability, we may also soon see it coming into a new role as a moderate alternative to radical Islam. Wikistrat has in fact foreseen several positive post-Syria conflict scenarios in which the Kingdom is a dominant regional player. For instance, it may turn to military interventionism on behalf of moderates. It may also become a regional or global arms supplier - or, alternately, a supplier focusing on specific defense or security technologies. And through its investment initiatives, the Kingdom may be able to use its economic and financial capabilities as soft power with regard to the region.
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We walked into our Tehran hotel last week and the pianist in the lobby startled us by playing The Star Spangled Banner. He did it again every time we returned from our outings in the city.
This was only the first of many surprises for our group of American visitors to Iran this May (2016). As a long-time Iran specialist and cultural consultant on this journey, I could see better than many first-time visitors evidence everywhere of the Iranian establishment advertising a stark public message of increased friendship toward the United States.
The terrible anti-American murals on the walls of Tehran have all been painted over with decorative motifs and positive images. One even features a full-length portrait of President Obama juxtaposed with a revered mythic Iranian hero. Here and there displays of international flags are starting to sprout American flags in their midst.
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As has long been the case, Iranians come up to Americans and tell them spontaneously: "We love the United States; we love Americans." This is disarming for many U.S. visitors not used to such overt expressions of friendship. If anything, however, the number of such incidents was more intense now, after the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA--the "Iran Deal"). One of our group exclaimed: "I feel like a movie star" as normal Iranian citizens asked to be photographed with her, asked for her autograph and invited her to their homes for tea or a meal. The invitations may be perfunctory, but the sentiment was both real and ubiquitous.
Iranians today have relatives all over the world, and many of them live in the United States. Sisters, brothers and cousins are studying in the United States or live there now. Their Iranian relatives visit often and return to Iran with wonderful memories. There is hardly an Iranian family today that does not have some strong personal tie to the United States, thus further cementing the bonds between our two nations.
It is not necessary for Iranians to travel to the United States any longer to be in touch with American culture. Iranians receive American television over satellite dishes in their homes. These dishes were once confiscated by conservative authorities, but it became clear that this exercise was useless. As soon as one dish was removed, a quick phone call brought another in its place. Some of the television programs our group saw in Iranian homes were shocking by American standards, and even more shocking against the stereotype of Iranian conservative values. Expletive-riddled American action films, swimsuit and sex scenes were all to be seen with no censorship. Our hotels didn't feature these sensationalistic films on their satellite-linked televisions, but the American channel CNN (as well as the BBC, and most European news channels) was available for the first time in many years.
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What one doesn't find on the satellite dish can be seen on the computer. Although the government has long tried to censor unapproved internet sites, these sites too are easily viewed. Any six year old knows how to bypass the censors with a few taps of the keyboard, sending connections into an anonymous cloud. Facebook, long censored by Iranian authorities, is one of the most popular sites.
Of course there are still a few dead-end detractors trying to sabotage improved U.S. Iranian relations. Although "Death to America" chants have ceased in public gatherings, there are still a few mosques where one can hear these old slogans being promulgated to inspire revolutionary fervor. In particular the officers of the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are anxious to see that free trade between the United States and Iran does not occur. They have a vested interest in sabotaging this trade, since they control virtually all imports and exports at present.
At one point on our group's trip to a major archaeological site we encountered a billboard with a long quote from Ayatollah Khomeini from the time of the 1978-79 Islamic Revolution that proclaimed that "The whole world should know that all of the problems of the Iranian nation and other nations are caused by the foreigners: by American. The Muslim nations hate the foreigners in general and America in particular."
Our group was so intrigued by this old sign, they wanted to photograph it. Immediately a military guard rushed over and said again and again: "This is not what we think! We tried to take this sign down, but our Revolutionary Guard commander wouldn't let us. We love Americans!"
In a word Obama foreign policy has been adequate. His victories have been equally matched by his failures. His policy has neither substantially forwarded American interests nor set them back. The fundamental fallacy at the core of Obama's strategy was the idea that America could significantly reduce its commitments in the Middle East such that it could refocus its resources to the Asia-Pacific region to confront the rise of an aggressive China. This is representative of a crucial misunderstanding of the dynamics of the Middle East.
In executing this vision Obama set out to achieve three disengagements in the Middle East: the end of the War in Iraq, the end of the War in Afghanistan, and a nuclear deal with Iran. By accomplishing these goals a naive Obama sought to stabilize and democratize an insurgent Iraq, pound the Taliban and al-Qaeda into submission, and pacify a vehement American enemy. Severe miscalculations on all three parts would doom this strategy to fail. Firstly, Obama's cessation of the Iraq War in 2011 ultimately precipitated the rise of the Islamic State. Indeed Obama's failure to negotiate with the uncooperative Maliki government to keep a small contingent of troops on Iraqi soil enabled an insurgent military force to take advantage of unassuaged sectarian tensions as fomented by Baghdad. The removal of American forces thus left Iraq an unstable state full of incendiary divisions.
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Iraq was primed for the instability that would emerge in the wake of the Arab Spring. The breakdown of order in neighboring Syria resulted in the emergence of a power vacuum that crossed the Syrian-Iraqi frontiers. Into this vacuum emerged a number of Islamist threats in the form of the Islamic State, the al-Nusra Front, the Khorosan Group, and others. One cannot fully blame the rise of these groups on Obama (indeed the instability of Iraq and Syria dates back to 2003), however it is clear that his idealistic compulsion to pull America out of this region enabled the evolution of a vacancy of power.
Fortunately, Obama's mistakes in Iraq were apparent by the time he was ready to remove troops from Afghanistan. Even then, however, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had to plead with Obama to leave additional troops in order to keep the Taliban at bay.
Overall Obama mishandled the Arab Spring on two fronts: Libya and Syria. At the outbreak of the civil war in Libya it can be argued that Obama and his allies made the right decision in militarily removing the Gaddhafi regime. Leaving Gaddhafi in power looked as if it would have resulted in a long protracted civil war wherein a falling despot could be rallied against to compel hordes of foreign fighters to travel to the country (as in Syria). Thus Obama was correct in intervening in Libya. However, as Obama admits, his administration and America's NATO allies failed to commit themselves to stabilizing the country after Gaddhafi's removal. Libya is now the second largest power vacuum in the Middle East harboring a strong branch of the Islamic State.
Obama's miscalculation in Syria, however, would have the most devastating consequences. Open American intervention in Syria looked as if it would come in September 2013. The civil war had already been raging for two years and thousands of fighters were rallying against Assad. Following revelations of the utilization of chemical weapons by a desperate Assad regime, Obama asked Congress for authorization to militarily intervene against Assad. This action set into motion a series of catastrophic events for American reputability on the international stage. First Russia seized the opportunity afforded by Obama's delay to forward a deal with its ally Pres. Assad. Russia thereafter successfully blocked American intervention against Assad on a number of occasions. Obama greatly faltered when he failed to hold Assad accountable for delays in the removal of chemical weapons. As a result Assad remained in power and the Syrian civil war raged on.
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Russia's successful intervention against American interests in Syria ultimately catalyzed the greatest catastrophe of Obama foreign policy, the Russian annexation of Crimea. It can be argued that Russia's actions against America in Syria emboldened Putin to take advantage of what was appearing to be an increasingly indecisive, ineffective, and weak president of the United States. As a result, Putin did not hesitate to take advantage of a democratic yearning for freedom in Ukraine (something he labeled a "coup d'etat"). Russia began to wreak havoc at will in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Russia robbed Ukraine of its territorial sovereignty and clearly waged war against the government in the east under the guise of "Pro-Russian rebels." At the same time Obama imposed one weak sanction after another and could not even bring himself to supply the Ukrainians with weaponry, instead choosing to send them "non-lethal" military supplies.
These events provided the green light for Putin to openly intervene in Syria in late 2015. With Iranian and now Russian support it is unlikely that Assad will be deposed anytime soon. Obama's weakness permitted a rogue player to enter into the already complex Syrian civil war making peace even more unattainable. These actions have, moreover, brought the world the closest it has been to world war in a long time with the downing of a Russian jet over Turkish airspace.
All of these occurrences have forced Obama to reassure America's allies of his resolve and support. A defining feature of the Obama administration has been the acquisition of new allies and the dismissal of old ones. Obama has done a great job of fostering new international relationships with nations that were not always strong American allies. Most importantly Obama has expanded ties with India, Vietnam, Cuba, and Iran. Unfortunately, in the process of developing these relationships Obama has often neglected those who have supported us in the past. Significantly Obama's unhindered motivation to strike a deal with Iran has alienated Israel and the powerful Sunni nations of the Gulf. Although a nuclear deal was necessary, Obama's previous foreign policy disasters likely inhibited him at the negotiation table which not only led to a bad deal, but also forced him to neglect some of his commitments to regional partners. As a result, Israel and the Gulf are increasingly taking matters into their own hands. Something that could prove volatile moving forward as Saudi Arabia pursues proxy wars with Iran in countries like Yemen and Syria.
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Hindustan Times via Getty Images AMRITSAR, INDIA - FEBRUARY 26: Punjab Police Narcotics Department officials carrying 50 Kgs of heroin recovered from three smugglers coming out from court on February 26, 2015 in Amritsar, India. The state police chief said that after controlling the local availability of drugs and neutralising internal distribution network, Punjab Police is now focusing on plugging supply lines from across the international border. (Photo by Sameer Sehgal/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
"The typical profile of the opioid dependent population is: male, young, Punjabi-speaking, from a lower-middle class background." -- Punjab Opioid Dependence Survey (PODS), 2016.
As the producers of 'Udta Punjab' take to court their battle with the Indian censors over the film's depiction of drug use in Punjab, a state that goes to poll next year, this would be a good time to recall a recent study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences that estimates the size of the state's opioid dependent population at over two lakh.
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Among the 89 cuts suggested by the censor board, one is ironically its review committee's objection to any reference to Punjab. Anurag Kashyap, producer of the film, has written scathing posts on social media and held press conferences to protest the cuts and even labelled the censor board chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, a dictator.
While Nihalani has accused, without being able to furnish any proof, Kashyap of accepting funds from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), that is contesting the 2016 elections in Punjab, the filmmaker has repeatedly insisted that his is not a political campaign, but a war against censorship.
But even as the censor board buries its head in sand and refuses to acknowledge a serious problem affecting thousands of youths in the state, several celebrities have spoken out in support of the film and the light it supposedly throws on the drug menace.
Nt a movie buff bt if #UdtaPunjab showing rightly whats happening in punjab what's wrong with it then ? We want our punjab drug free state Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh) June 7, 2016
An investigation by the Indian Express over eight months and after scanning of over 6000 FIRs made available under the Right to Information Act, has revealed that the state's big 'war on drugs' is actually a crackdown on mostly impoverished users. At least 2,555 out of the 6,028 arrests (42.4 per cent) were for possession.
It's important therefore that the data on drug use in the study reach the target audience. As Shahid Kapur, the lead actor of 'Udta Punjab', aptly said at yesterday's press conference, "the information must reach the youth."
A study commissioned by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) to estimate the numbers of opioid dependent individuals in Punjab have thrown up this alarming data.
Here are the key takeaways from the 'Punjab Opioid Dependence Survey (PODS)', a study conducted by the Society for Promotion of Youth & Masses (SPYM) and researchers from National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), along with AIIMS and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab.
The estimated size of opioid dependent population in Punjab is 2,32,856. The National Survey (conducted nationwide in 2001) estimated the entire country's opioid dependent population to be 5 lakhs.
Male youth in Punjab are disproportionately affected by opioid dependence.
Among 18-35 years old men in Punjab about 4 in 100 are opioid dependent and about 15 in 100 could be opioid users.
Opioid dependence is no longer concentrated only in urban areas. In all the surveyed districts, estimates of opioid dependent people run into thousands. In fact, across the state, about 55% of opioid dependent population belongs to rural areas.
Heroin is the most widely used opioid in Punjab among dependent individuals. This has serious implications for the HIV/AIDS programme of the state.
There is a huge illegal market of opioid drugs in Punjab.
Opioid dependent people are spending around 20 crore rupees per day on drugs.
As many as 80% of opioid dependent individuals have tried to give-up, only about 35% have received any help.
It will take about 10 years to provide a single episode of treatment to the entire opioid dependent population in the state.
The study was conducted at 10 districts of the state -- Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur and Tarn Taran -- between February and April 2015.
The entire issue has become a political slugfest ahead of the election next year, with AAP accusing the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) government of failing to control the state's drug problem. Nihalani is a self-confessed fan ('chamcha' is the word he used) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party, an ally of the SAD in the state.
Saptarshi Chakraborty
There are things that Kolkata doesn't prepare you for when you abandon the city. For example, momos can come with skin as thick as your towel, auto fares can't be below 10 rupees, 'tarka dal' exists only in a Bengali parallel universe and triangular parathas are comical, not essential.
The shock of these painful revelations, however, is mostly allayed for a new Kolkata migrant by the vague knowledge that, when your nightmares are full of vada pavs, you'll at least get a chicken roll to lull your tummy to sleep. Okay, that was slightly autobiographical. But excruciating research - if it's ever done - will show that a chicken roll is the best cure to homesickness for legions of Bengalis plagued by foods and rents no amount of Gelusil can help digest.
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To put things in context - the chicken roll is a bit of a Ron Weasley in our lives. Not fawned over as much as the puchka, not a stunner like biryani alu, but indispensable, warm, reassuring and entirely huggable. Dates, low budget Puja tours, stomach liners before drinking binges, boredom killer, depression killer, chicken meal under 40 rupees - the roll has been so many things in our lives. I would totally hug it if I could stop myself from gobbling it down first.
To put things in context - the chicken roll is a bit of a Ron Weasley in our lives.
But I found out, and later checked with many others of my tribe, it's easier to find a mosquito which won't bite than find a roll, which will not make you go, 'ish, jaataa' at the first bite. 'Ish', before the Bhansalification of Bengali, also meant disgust. For example, Baba Sehgal songs, Delhi's summer, that suspicious crimped hair in your samosa, your colleague's smelly feet -- all this can be satisfactorily demolished with a hissy, long, 'ish'. 'Jaataa' means terrible and is added in situations of deep, lasting disappointment.
Sometime in May, four years back, I stood at the window of my Bandra guesthouse staring at a canary yellow Jaguar parked across the lane. I have known that feeling before - when life seems as pointless as congealed Maggi. And I know its fix. "Bhaiya, yahan pe roll milta hai (do you get rolls here?)" I ask the guesthouse caretaker.
"Haan, kya chahiye, paneer roll? (yes, do you want a paneer roll)"
"Ema, na na (omg, no)," I shriek.
"Sirf ek chicken roll," I conclude, revelling in the heartbreaking humility and smallness of my demand.
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'Bhaiya' helpfully whips out a stack of shiny leaflets. "Bahut saare hai, dekh lo, kahaan se order karna hai (there are a bunch of them, see where you want to order from)," he says, mouthing the most reassuring words I have heard in my eight days in Mumbai.
The Bengali in me will die from a violently malfunctioning conscience if I order the 'supreme' variety - it costs Rs 265, an entire month's roll budget for us Bengalis.
Life's not so unfair, after all, I tell myself.
Roll place 1 has a chicken roll, a 'supreme' chicken roll and a 'special' roll. The Bengali in me will die from a violently malfunctioning conscience if I order the 'supreme' variety - it costs Rs 265, an entire month's roll budget for us Bengalis. Alleged roll place 2 also serves Lebanese wraps and falafel and hummus. The mother vociferously asks me to never trust multi-talented food places, the Jack of all trades, is never the master of one, she always warns. So out goes cosmopolitan roll joint from my list. Oh, roll place 3, looks promising. It has kebabs, butter chicken, Amritsari macchi and Mishti 'dhoi', but they are all distantly related isn't ? After all, chikken tikka is what should ideally go into a roll, should be an easy one to get. It's kind of reasonable too - at Rs 150, it's just slightly closer to Rs 40, than Rs 265 is.
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The roll is delivered wrapped in a shiny aluminium foil - ah, the joys of upper class chicken rolls - and comes with two tiny bags of chutneys. Mint and possibly, a lime pickle. After transporting the blasphemous accompaniments to where they belong - the dustbin - I start peeling the shiny wrap, a newspaper spread carefully on my skirt to catch the flakes of fried flour that's going to fall on it. I have un-knotted the ends - no flake. Wait, what is this exceptionally sophisticated roll? Filled with dread, I clumsily take the wrapper off.
Oh. My. God. What is this thing inside a rumali roti? Why are its ends bunched up like a paashbalish (a bolster)? And what is that greenish thing inside, have rolls started to grow veins too? Of course not. It is the godforsaken green mint chutney. A roti roll with a mint-coriander chutney. ISH.
Pratikshit, a lawyer friend, who has lived in several cities and is now braving Bangalore, has a thumb rule I didn't know of. He starts speaking to the order-taker in Bengali.
Pratikshit, a lawyer friend, who has lived in several cities and is now braving Bangalore, has a thumb rule I didn't know of. He starts speaking to the order-taker in Bengali. "If he gets it, I order. If he doesn't, I don't waste my time at all," he tells me. You may accuse him of being culturally blinkered, but what about the insensitivity shown while handing over the most un-roll-like 'roll' to a starving Bengali?
I eventually found a familiar roll place in Mumbai, just enough to not horrify me much. And I suspect I never moved from the house in four years, because of that shop across the road.
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Two months back, following the first few outings in Delhi, an old friend suggested we get rolls and beer. Oh this is Delhi, nobody complains about being unfed Bengalis here. They know their rolls. "Let's," I quip cheerily, following her to the far end of a market near her house in East of Kailash. I don't see too many roll-ey things on this shack. Maybe, he is saving them from Delhi's pollution somewhere. And then, he starts making rotis frantically, letting a yellow curry bubble and froth on the stove beside him. Deja vu. This roll disaster is a rite of passage for settling down in new cities, I tell myself.
After exploring more cosmopolitan parts of the city, I quietly find a house in its Bengali ghetto. Mostly, I am excited at the sight of chhobra (dried gourds used as really harsh, terrifying loofahs) and bori (dried little dumplings made from dal paste) in the shops nearby. And I am ready to murder if they get the roll wrong here. I choose a shop with my city's name in it. The roll arrives, the paratha is nice and flaky, it is healthier looking that its Mumbai cousins.... AND it has pieces of capsicum in it. Kolkata rolls don't do capsicum, thankyouverymuch. How dare they, I crib, picking the pieces of capsicum out with a fork.
That roll - crossbred with mint chutney, capsicum, rotis, fried onions and such atrocities - stands for every difficult choice we have had to make.
The roll, for the non-residential Bengali, is a unflinching reminder of the hardships of his/her life. That roll - crossbred with mint chutney, capsicum, rotis, fried onions and such atrocities - stands for every difficult choice we have had to make. *cue to play 'Yeh kya hua'*
Here we are, paying thrice the price of a Kolkata roll for one, pompous interloper. My father's heart patient friend used to have roti roll - yes, we have roti rolls only when we are sure that a real thing will kill us. Imagine paying 200 rupees for it. That's like saying one should be okay with Rajinikanth being replaced with Himesh Reshamiya in films. Capsicum, really?
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This complicated relationship with rolls, I have realised, mirrors my complicated relationship with my home, Kolkata. I can't have it, I can't let go either. So I trundle from chicken rolls with beetroot in them to chicken rolls served with mayo dips, chicken rolls with soggy parathas to chicken rolls that trouble my conscience, stomach and wallet.
Hindustan Times via Getty Images NEW DELHI, INDIA - MAY 30: Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi releases the Draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2016 on May 30, 2016 in New Delhi, India. The new bill aims to check human trafficking by unifying several existing laws, meting out tougher punishment for repeat offenders and ensuring the protection and rehabilitation of victims. (Photo by Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
NEW DELHI -- Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi on Thursday trained guns at her cabinet colleague Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and said the latter's ministry is frivolously granting permission to kill innocent animals.
On the reports of large number of deer being killed in Patna in Bihar, Gandhi told ANI that she does not understand this 'lust' to kill.
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"The Environment Ministry here is writing to every state asking them which animal they want to kill and they will grant permission. In Bengal they gave permission to kill elephants, in Himachal they gave permission to kill monkeys, in Goa they gave permission to kill peacocks," said Gandhi.
WATCH: Woman and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi slams Enviornment Ministryhttps://t.co/zaRbc8vzYz ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
"In Chandrapur where the condition is so adverse that they have already killed 53 wild boars and permission to kill 50 more has been given. Environment Ministries own wildlife department said that they don't want to kill animals and should not be pressurised for the same. I don't understand this lust for killing," she added.
Gandhi further castigated the killing of animals across the nation and said, that it is a matter of shame that none of the locals want to kill deer, so to complete the task the environment ministry had to hire shooters from a different state.
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"The shooters hail from a family which comes from Hyderabad and they roam around the nation and kill animals. Such incident has taken place first time in Bihar. Such a massacre has never taken place, where Deers which is a protected animal in huge numbers have been killed," said Gandhi.
"The point which should be noted is that no one from Bihar, no head of any village or any farmer asked for the killing. And it is a matter of shame that they had to get shooters from Hyderabad to kill animals," she added.
According to reports, the Union government recently declared monkeys as 'vermin and cleared the decks for their large-scale extermination in Shimla.
Meanwhile in Goa, a call was made to cull India's national bird peacock citing the reason that the bird is creating a problem for farmers and are destroying their cultivation in rural areas.
Similarly, in Maharashtra the local forest department culled a whooping 300 animals in the past few months after several farmers reported huge losses due to crop raids.
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Responding to Gandhi's allegations, Javadekar said, "When state governments write to us about farmers suffering due to crop damage by animals, then such permissions are given."
It is on the recommendation of state govts, also its an old law: Prakash Javadekar on Maneka Gandhi's allegations pic.twitter.com/nvLpWuDP0c ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
In June last year, Javadekar had said, "We had issued a circular in this regard earlier also. In areas where farmers are facing huge problems due to animals, there is a procedure to declare them as 'vermin' like blue bull and wild boar for a particular period of time."
(With inputs from ANI)
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ASSOCIATED PRESS Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures before addressing a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
From Abraham Lincoln to Walt Whitman, from poking fun at the divisive politics of the US and Indian political classes, which he defined as shared practices, to pointing out that the American obsession with intellectual property rights did not extend to the ancient Indian system of yoga, prime minister Narendra Modi was feted by the US House of Congress on June 8 with eight standing ovations and much self-deprecatory laughter.
Modi is the fifth Indian prime minister to address a joint session of US lawmakers (sixth if you include Nehru, who addressed the House and Senate separately in 1949), and from the packed audience it seemed as if they had momentarily put aside the intensely riveting politics around the California primary and the subsequently presumptive nomination of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic candidate, to come and hear Modi in Washington DC.
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By now, the man from Gujarat is clearly a pastmaster at the teleprompter. It is also totally irrelevant that he speaks in a Gujarat/Hindi accent. In fact, in this land of the free and the home of the brave, another American aphorism with which Modi brought the House down, the nondescript origins of Narendradas Damodardas Modi and his consequent rise and rise are treated with unusual interest. Especially when the opposition in India shows few signs of attempting to pick itself up and give Modi a good fight.
By now, the man from Gujarat is clearly a pastmaster at the teleprompter. It is also totally irrelevant that he speaks in a Gujarat/Hindi accent.
Here are the five takeaways from Modis speech:
1. The American treatment of prime minister Narendra Modi as a pariah because of his alleged role in the Gujarat riots of 2002 in which about a 1000 Muslims were killed, is a thing of the past. The Americans have decided that debates about tolerance and democracy and free speech and the right to eat any kind of meat must belong to the stratosphere inside India. The US is not going to lecture India anymore, and they are certainly not going to lecture Modi.
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The Americans are pragmatists and they need India for a variety of reasons. This includes the hope that India will join the so-called containment of an increasingly powerful China by an increasingly nervous US. They also want India to join the US effort to put Afghanistan back on its feet. Moreover, frustrated by the Pakistani establishments decision to undercut Americas initiatives against the Taliban, the US is coming round to agreeing with Indias description of Pakistan being the epicentre of terrorism around the world.
Weakened from its years of war in Afghanistan-Pakistan but unwilling to give up its role of being the worlds primary power, the US believes that India -- certainly the worlds largest and noisiest democracy -- is perhaps the only other country that can assist them in these theatres of action in Asia.
(Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) signs autographs after addressing a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 8, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
2. Prime Minister Modi is equally pragmatic. When the US reissued his visa to visit the US in 2014 as prime minister -- abandoning its own 2005 policy which cancelled his visa because of Modis alleged role in the Gujarat 2002 riots -- there were many Indians who suggested that the PM not go to the US because of the insults and humiliation the US had meted out to him. But Modi chose to ignore that advice and went ahead.
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He has since met Barack Obama seven times. He calls him by his first name, Barack, like the other leaders of nations considered allies as well as non-NATO allies.
Two years later, that pragmatic policy has paid off. In the midst of a global slowdown, US business may be finally turning to look at India. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced his decision to invest $3 billion more into India soon after he met Modi in Washington DC along with 22 other CEOs, as well as separately.
(Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledges applause as he arrives to address a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 8, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
3. Modi has made India a closer partner of America -- although even he stopped short of using the problematic word, ally -- than any other prime minister since independence. We will walk shoulder to shoulder together, Modi told US President Barack Obama when he met him on June 8, and his speech at the Congress was littered with words like connectivity, cooperation, shared practices, and of course, partnership. Here is a key line from his speech:
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A strong India-U.S. partnership can anchor peace, prosperity and stability from Asia to Africa and from Indian Ocean to the Pacific. It can also help ensure security of the sea lanes of commerce and freedom of navigation on seas.
So even though India is still not a US ally, unlike NATO allies such as the UK and Turkey, or non-NATO allies such as Australia and Japan, it looks like it is becoming Americas preferred partner in Asia.
(Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) delivers remarks to reporters after meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama (R) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. June 7, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)
4. The prime ministers trip to the US was certainly about saying farewell to Barack Obama, but equally to tell the bipartisan US Congress that he is willing to deal with whoever becomes the next president of the US, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. No wonder he was aiming to please the Congress, especially sections who wonder about his democratic credentials. Modis invocation that the Constitution is his only holy book, is aimed at reassuring this section of the US political class.
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But the fact is that Modis democratic grandstanding abroad doesnt cut much ice at home. In these very days, his own junior minister Sanjeev Balyan was making threatening speeches about the Muslim community in Bisara village in Dadri, saying they must be punished for eating beef. While Sadhvi Prachi, the female nun who promotes the RSS school, openly talked about not only making India a Congress-mukt Bharat (Congress-free India) but also a Muslim-mukt Bharat (Muslim-free India).
For Modi to become an effective statesman, he must pay the same attention to notions of equality and egalitarianism at home as well as abroad.
(U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd R) pauses for translation during remarks to reporters after meeting with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2nd L) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. June 7, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)
5. Modi, simply, cannot refrain from taking a dig at his political opponents inside India, even when he is abroad. In his speech at the US Congress, he joked that he is the target of partisan politics, especially in the Upper House of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, just like the bipartisan spirit that prevailed in the US Congress.
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While that evoked a mighty laugh from his American audience, the fact is that Modi was behaving as if Indian politics began with his tenure in May 2014. He invoked former BJP prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in his description of India-US ties as being those of natural allies -- as well as repeated references to Swami Vivekanandas speech in Chicago, an old RSS icon, and Bhimrao Ambedkars studies in Colombia University, a recent RSS icon -- but completely ignored the former Congress prime minister Manmohan Singhs contributions to both India and the bilateral relationship with the US.
(U.S. President Barack Obama (R) shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their remarks to reporters following a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. June 7, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)
Modi forgot that if it wasnt for Dr Singh, he wouldnt be standing here. That it was the good Doctor who bent backwards to applaud former US president George Bushs policies (going as far as to say, India loves you, President Bush) so that he would look kindly at India and lean on the rest of the world -- including China -- to give India a waiver at the IAEA in 2008 and sign the Indo-US nuclear deal.
If Dr Singh hadnt done what he did at the time, Modi wouldnt have been able to announce Indias willingness to buy six US nuclear power plants during his visit to the US.
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As the controversy surrounding Anurag Kashyaps upcoming film Udta Punjab rages on, the central government has distanced itself from the Pahlaj Nihalani-headed Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has recommended 89 cuts to the film in order to give it an 'A' certificate.
Responding to Nihalani's comment that he has "no objection" to being Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "chamcha", Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Modi didn't "need any sycophants".
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I think such comments need to be avoided," he told Indian Express at the 'Express Adda' in Mumbai. "Our pradhan mantri (PM) describes himself as pradhan sevak (prime servant) of the country, and I dont think the pradhan sevak needs any sycophants.
He added that the Indian government celebrates and supports creative freedom and has "no role in the CBFC.
Nihalani had said yesterday that he was proud to be the "chamcha" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Of course, I am a chamcha. I have no objection in being the chamcha of the prime minister... I have never met Modi and have never made attempts to meet him either, he told NDTV on being asking if his image as a 'Modi chamcha' was affecting his political independence as censor board chief. As one among the 125 crore Indian citizens, if I wont be the chamcha of Indian prime minister, should I be the Italian prime ministers chamcha?
Punjab is expected to have its next state assembly election early next year, where the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal government will be challenged by the Aam Aadmi Party. The drug abuse problem in Punjab is one of the biggest election issues this time.
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Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 08: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) (C) and Vice President Joe Biden (2nd L) in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol June 8, 2016 in Washington, DC. Modi met with President Barack Obama for bilateral meetings on Tuesday. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
NEW DELHI -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his speechwriters should be congratulated for a job well done, but the condition of civil liberties in India isn't quite as rosy as Modi made it out to be in his address to the U.S. House of Congress on Wednesday. From racist attacks against black people to religious tensions over cow meat in Bisada village, about 60 kms from the Capital, there is much to be troubled about at home.
While Modi was telling U.S. lawmakers that "India lives as one, India grows as one; India celebrates as one," Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Sadhvi Prachi was openly calling for India to get rid of its Muslims.
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While Modi speaks of his government's dedication to free speech, the Central Board of Film Certification has been chipping away at Udta Punjab, a movie about the raging drug problem in Punjab. The censor board's move is seen as political in nature, as it has ramifications in poll-bound Punjab, where the ruling coalition in which the BJP is a junior partner, is on the back-foot.
Despite his immense popularity among world leaders and Indians living abroad, and his great personal rapport with U.S. President Barack Obama, Modi knows that the international community is watching the steady trickle of reports about intolerance in India, where Muslims are beaten on the suspicion of carrying beef, and a lawmaker calls for an end to Islam.
This must have played on Modi's mind -- among the first things he did in his 45-minute speech was to reassure the Americans that every citizen of India enjoys the freedom to speak her mind and practice their religion without fear. Declaring the Constitution to be the "real holy book" for his government, Modi said, "And, in that holy book, freedom of faith, speech and franchise, and equality of all citizens, regardless of background, are enshrined as fundamental rights."
Irrespective of what he says on his trips overseas, Modi has failed to rein in leaders in the Bharatiya Janata Party and associated Hindutva organisations of the Sangh Parivar from asserting their Hindutva agenda and making minorities feel unsafe in their own country.
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From mounting campaigns such as Love Jihad and Gharwapsi to bullying Muslims over beef, the Hindutva brigade has had a busy two years under the Modi government. But what makes Modi's exhortations of civil liberties in the U.S. House of Congress seem insincere is that hate-mongering now seems like the norm rather than the exception.
Forget the past two years, let's just look at the events over the past two weeks.
Yogi Adityanath, a lawmaker from the BJP, has called for the arrest of Mohammad Ahklaq's family members because they allegedly ate cow meat. Akhlaq, a Muslim ironsmith from Bisada village in Uttar Pradesh, was lynched by a mob alleging he had slaughtered a cow on the night of September 28, last year.
Religious tensions are once again escalating in Bisada village, where Hindus and Muslims once lived together in harmony. Hindu villagers, mostly relatives of those accused in Akhlaq's murder, have called for the arrest of his family. Sanjeev Balyan, a minister in the Modi government, has ratcheted up the tensions saying an investigation must be done into who else ate the cow.
It is fairly evident now that communal tensions are being allowed to fester in Bisada village so that the BJP and the Samajwadi Party can reap the benefits of polarization in the Uttar Pradesh elections, next year.
The situation in Bisada village doesn't correspond to Modi's claim that "equal respect for all faiths" are anchored in India's streets, institutions, villages and cities.
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Early in his speech, Modi quoted Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who pioneered the abolition of slavery. Quoting from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, Modi said that the United States was "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
It is fairly hypocritical of Modi to quote Lincoln in the U.S. House of Congress, while he stays mum at home about the rising aggression against persons from nations in Africa, and all his government can say is that the spate of recent attacks are not racist in nature.
Just a day before Modi made his speech in the U.S. House of Congress, BJP and Congress Party leaders had expressed their displeasure at the presence of Nigerians in the state of Goa.
While Ravi Naik, former Chief Minister of Goa and Congress Party leader, said that he wanted "negroes" out of Goa, Kiran Kandolkar, a BJP lawmaker, said that Nigerians were not welcome.
"Goans do not want Nigerians, because they riot, have a rough attitude and bad behaviour," he said.
In another part of the country, two Muslims were arrested for allegedly sharing offensively photoshopped pictures of the Hindu goddess Kali on Facebook, following a complaint by religious fringe organizations in Bhopal.
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In yet another display of utter lawlessness in Bihar, a teenage boy was kidnapped in broad daylight. The whole incident, captured on a CCTV camera installed nearby shows how the incident unfolded on June 7.
The boy, who was riding with his friends on a bike, was intercepted by men in a white sedan. Two men stepped out of the sedan, beat up and bundled up the boy into their car and drove away while his friends were left dumbstruck.
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Watch the video here:
#WATCH: Student abducted in broad daylight in Patna (June 7: CCTV visuals)https://t.co/V2HU4y0GoN ANI (@ANI_news) June 9, 2016
This incident underlines Bihar reputation for high crime rate of . The chief minister of the state, NItish Kumar, has been fighting allegations from opposition parties that call the situation in Bihar 'the return of jungle raaj' . In April, a Bihar lawmaker's son, Rocky Yadav, gunned down a young boy in a road rage incident. In May, a journalist from a regional newspaper was hacked to death in the state.
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Sucheta Pal
The minute Sucheta Pal entered her first Zumba class, she knew her quest to find happiness was complete. It would give me the strength not just to battle my issues, but help me do what I was meant to do: connect with people and make them happy.
Today, Mumbai-based Pal is a popular face across Asia for her efforts to spread the popular dance fitness programme that originated from Colombia. However not many know that the ZES (Zumba Education Specialist) who started her career out an electronic engineer was actually fighting depression, induced by work stress.
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With its easy-to-follow dance steps that relieve the monotony of a gym workout and pulsating beats, Zumba has grown exponentially in the Indian fitness industry, (after a shaky start approximately 7 years ago). But for Pal, it is more than just an excellent workout. It set her on a path of re-discovery, gave her a successful career and saved her life.
Sucheta Pal with her students
I was an average 25-year-old living in Mumbai with a stressful 9 to 9 job nothing out of the ordinary, she tells HuffPost India. Except that I didnt realise how unhappy I was with the stress of the job that took a heavy toll on my health and well being.
Pals troubles began with a severe attack of Irritable Bowel Syndrome that would afflict her only at work. I couldnt sit in a meeting for five minutes or stand in an elevator with my colleagues. It was very embarrassing, she recalls. The disorder persisted and became severe to the point that it that greatly affected Pals confidence levels and, eventually, led to anxiety attacks.
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I wanted happiness. And my job was doing the opposite of that.
The only bright spot in Pals life was a Bollywood dancing class that she taught in her neighbourhood.That one hour was bliss. I was happy and suffered no ailments, she says. But as soon as she was back at work, her troubles came back with a vengeance.
Unable to cope, a depressed Pal consumed a bottle of sleeping pills. I woke up in the hospital the next day, and felt terrible physically and emotionally," she says, recalling those harrowing days. "But it also gave me clarity. I wanted happiness. And my job was doing the opposite of that.
Pal quit her job, and set out pursuing what she loved. The experience was gruelling. I went from earning Rs 30,000 to Rs 5,000 from three jobs, she says. Pal took classes at the Danceworx academy, transcribed cassettes and managed a small fashion house. Working for an NGO, shed also travel across the city to talk to school principals about the importance of speaking in and teaching English to students. It wasnt easy. Id eat vada pao for meals and travel as cheaply as possible. But it didnt matter. I was happier, at least.
Pal didn't tell her parents what she was doing. Dance wasnt considered a career, and they would have discouraged me. After all, I could barely afford the vada pao," she says."I discovered a new-found respect for struggling dancers who use the cheapest means to get to different parts of the city to teach and follow their passion.
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Even after these drastic changes, Pal still felt she hadnt recovered completely. Something was missing, but she couldnt put her finger on it. The only thing I knew for certain was that I was made to do bigger things, connect to people, do something that made them and me happy, she says.
Sucheta Pal with Zumba founder Beto Perez
In 2009, Pal and her husband shifted to the US where she discovered Zumba by chance and realised that she had finally found her calling. The format of the programme matched my principles. It was about inspiring people, about feeling happy, she says. Once she took to Zumba, Pal didn't look back. I was no longer depressed, there were no panic attacks, instead I started feeling confident (especially as I got fitter) and happy. Pal didnt stop at Zumba; she also took other dance workout certification courses, such as Masala Bhangra and Insanity.
If youre nice to people on your way up, you figure out how to network well, youre never alone.
Once she had her ZES certification, she began making plans to introduce the programme in India upon her return.
She was not prepared for the negativity she initially faced, but took it in her stride. Zumba had already entered India, and people didnt respond well to the fact that a certified ZES from outside was trying to take over the market, she says. I had no support and was alone. Initially, all I could do was let my work speak for itself even though the company had heavy expectations from me about being a leader and a businesswoman who would officially launch this brand in the country.
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Once again Pal was facing a struggle but she was not deterred. She knew she had been through far worse. It is not worth being a coward. If you have been given a life, go after it with purpose," she says, speaking about the can-do attitude that saw her through. "You are a cosmic blink in the universe, dont take yourself so seriously.
According to Pal, the fitness industry in India has a lot of potential but is still developing when it comes to professionalism and expertise. "A lot of instructors take classes without any proper know-how about fitness or nutrition, she says. This often leads to injury, boredom and many things, whereas an excellent instructor with a great regime can heal many health problems. Pal encourages her instructors to take as many fitness and nutrition courses as possible.
It is not worth being a coward. If you have been given a life, go after it with purpose.
Pal finally got her first break at a training session in Pune when a booked instructor from Romania failed to show up after she couldn't get her visa. I didnt have my shoes, because it was so last minute, but went and did the course barefoot anyway, she recalls, laughing. A lady asked for her money back because she was expecting to see a white face. Today she is a trainer with me. Pal loves the fact that it isnt lonely at the top when it comes to the Zumba community. If youre nice to people on your way up, you figure out how to network well, youre never alone. I have a huge support system today, she says.
Another important collateral benefit of the fitness programme according to Pal, is that it promotes empowerment. She cites an example: Two Gujarati ladies once came for training, and admitted that they had to fight with their husbands to give them the money [Rs 16,000]. When I spoke to them, their first reaction was that of surprise because they didnt expect me to be as ordinary as they were. Now, they are instructors earning their own money. Having observed their journey from start to finish gives me immense satisfaction.
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Today, Pal has trained 3,000 trainers, has countless classes and followers, and features in five television programmes. She is inducting 1,000 trainers this year into the Zumba fitness programme. In spite of her busy schedule, Pal claims to respond to every message or email within 24 hours. Its the value system the programme has imbibed in us. Its about the community and our students first, she says.
Pal has been witness to a trend, an ongoing one, that fills her with a sense of pride and satisfaction. There are corporate goers who have quit their full-time jobs to teach Zumba and other fitness programmes. They are earning five times the money they were, and are happy, she says. Dance has grown in this country, thanks to visionaries like Shiamak Davar, Ashley Lobo and Remo D'Souza. Television has glamourised it. We have paved the path for ourselves and our children to translate passion into a successful career that gives us bliss instead of just earning money.
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Hindustan Times via Getty Images NEW DELHI, INDIA NOVEMBER 29: Tarun Tejpal, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Tehelka magazine at 1D, Terminal Airport to take flight for Goa to appear before Goa Police on November 29, 2013 in New Delhi, India. Tejpal faces arrest after Goa police booked him on charges of rape and outraging the modesty of a woman colleague of Tehelka magazine. (Photo by Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
Thank you, Mid-Day newspaper, you did a great service today. You published a stupid piece of opinion by Malavika Sangghvi, asking us to sympathise with a rape accused named Tarun Jit Tejpal. Twitter and TV alike had forgotten Mr Tejpals action, which your newspaper describes as a grave error. But thanks to you, people have been reminded of it.
And people are asking: what happened to his trial? Tejpal was arrested on 30 November 2013, about 31 months ago. There was a huge media campaign to get him bail, which he did get about seven months after his arrest. We are in June 2016 and the trial is yet to begin.
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Dont you think its a travesty of justice that the trial hasnt even begun? That is the question we should be asking. That is what we should have a media campaign about. Justice. After all, if Mr Tejpal is innocent, he should also be after only one thing: justice. Once he manages to be declared innocent by the law, you can sympathise with him all you want.
Dont you think its a travesty of justice that the trial hasnt even begun? That is the question we should be asking.
So let us ask again: Where is the trial? Tejpal has hired a battery of the best lawyers in the country, and they have managed to delay the trial so much so that twenty-six months later the trial has not even begun! His lawyers come up with some excuse or the other to delay the trial, and the delay is granted.
The new anti-rape law says trial should be completed within two months of filing the chargesheet. The chargesheet was filed in February 2014.
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Malavika Sangghvi writes, the relentless media campaign that shredded the once darling of the intelligentsia could be regarded as excessive. But isnt her article also a part of the counter trial by media to exonerate and forgive him? Isnt she blatantly arguing for Tejpals rehabilitation rather than his trial? Does she have any respect for the law of the land?
That the trial hasnt even begun 26 months later shows how the rich and the powerful can game the system.
That the trial hasnt even begun 26 months later shows how the rich and the powerful can game the system. At this speed, the trial may not be over for another 20 years. And there is no outrage.
Twitter is outraging that liberals are trying to rehabilitate Tejpal. Sorry, Malavika Sangghvi does not represent liberals.
While we are outraging, we may want to consider that there is a BJP government at power now at the centre and also in Goa. When Tejpal was arrested, there was a Congress government in power in Delhi, many were seeing a political conspiracy. But if this case was politically coloured, as we were told, then why is the BJP, with governments at centre and state alike, not going after Tejpal?
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For Sangghvi, Tejpals grave error pricked the bubble of his public image and gave his detractors ammunition to demolish him, but was there really need for such a vociferous dragging through the coals?
For Sangghvi, Tejpals grave error pricked the bubble of his public image and gave his detractors ammunition to demolish him, but was there really need for such a vociferous dragging through the coals?
Can she for a moment think about the victim? The hounding she faces if she pursues the trial? The questions she has to answer if she does not pursue the trial? Can Malavika Sangghvi for a moment think about what it is like for a twentysomething to be sexually violated by her boss? For going through that, can Ms Sangghvi please employ superlatives such as dragging through the coals?
The United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative was launched at the ITU-UNECE Forum held in Rome recently. It is open to all UN agencies, municipalities, industry, and academia and will focus on the integration of ICTs in urban operations and build on existing international standards and key performance indicators (KPIs).
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) have launched a global initiative to advocate for public policy to use ICT in transitioning to smart sustainable cities.
ICTs have become central to innovation in almost every sphere of social and economic activity, making collaboration essential in maximizing the contribution of ICTs to sustainable development, said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao.
United Nations bodies, including UNIDO, ECLAC, FAO, UNFCCC, WMO, UN Women, UNEP, UNEP-FI, WHO, WTO, UNCCD, UNU-IAS, UNDESA and UNECE, have expressed their intention to join the advisory board of the U4SSC.
At the forum, ITU and UNECE presented a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) they have developed to measure the smartness and sustainability of cities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dubai, Singapore, Manizales, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Valencia, Rimini and other selected cities have already agreed to trial these KPIs.
"Smart sustainable cities benefit from improved energy efficiency, reduced environmental pollution, increased social inclusion, and offer businesses a better return on investment, and people a happier and healthier environment in which to live," said ITU Deputy Secretary-General Malcolm Johnson.
Following in the footsteps of Microsoft's Cliplets, Google has a new app that will create an auto-stabilized looping gif that is supposed to be more impressive than a simple still image - try telling that to an Ansel Adams fan.
The idea of trying to go beyond the still image but not all the way to a movie is not new. Microsoft Research produced Cliplets back in 2012, but so far they haven't really caught on as a mainstream medium. Google's new "Motion Stills" app hopes to change this by making the idea more widely available and perhaps even better.
The first strange thing is that it is only available as an iOS app - yes no Android. Part of the reason is that it uses Apple's Live Photos as input and at the moment there is no default equivalent on Android. A Live Photo records a short video before and after the moment the still image is taken. The problem with Live Photos is that sometimes they are just blurry messes, even though the still image is fine.
Google has taken some of the technology it uses to stabilize You Tube videos and have applied it to creating stabilized looping gifs.
It works by computing a virtual camera track through the video that stabilizes it. The video frames are then warped and rendered to represent what they would have looked like from the stabilized camera path. This creates a still background and a moving foreground - which is usually what you want. This is a big computation and it is obvious that a lot of work has had to be put into the implementation to allow it to run on a smartphone.
The second part of the trick is converting the stabilized video into a looping gif. The app scans the video, throwing away blurry frames, until it finds suitable start and end points where the frames are sufficiently close to avoid a jump when the video loops. Again this is a computationally intensive task.
What you are left with is, hopefully, a stabilized looping gif that repeats without too jarring a jump at the repeat.
The samples that Google has supplied certainly look fun. How it will work in real use is another matter. The really good news is that it makes it very easy to share animated gifs.
More Information
Motion Stills Create beautiful GIFs from Live Photos
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Dublin The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Aeromexico will host the 73rd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit. The event will attract the top leadership of the air transport industry to Cancun, Mexico from 4-6 June 2017.
Cancun is an excellent choice for the 73rd IATA AGM. Mexicos Quintana Roo state is world-renowned for its beautiful Caribbean beaches, rich history and culture. And aviation plays a critical role in connecting it to global tourism markets. Cancuns economic development is a testament to the transformative power of air transport, said Tony Tyler, IATAs Director General and CEO.
IATAs member airlines accepted Aeromexicos invitation to host the AGM in 2017 at the close of the 72nd AGM in Dublin, Ireland. Aeromexico has been a member of IATA since 1958. Andres Conesa, the airlines CEO, has served on the IATA Board of Governors since 2008, including as its Chairman for the 2015-2016 term.
Next years AGM will be the second time the AGM is held in Mexico, the first being in Mexico City in 1994.
I look forward to welcoming the aviation world to Mexico next year. Delegates will find a vibrant economy in which aviation plays a key role. The industrys footprint in Mexico includes some 156,000 jobs and $4 billion in economic activity. Ambitious infrastructure developments supported by a strategic location at the center of the Americas will ensure a growing role for Mexican aviation on the global stage, said Conesa.
The 72nd AGM and World Air Transport Summit in Dublin attracted nearly 1,000 aviation leaders from IATA member airlines, industry stakeholders, strategic partners and members of the media.
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
Telephone:
Dublin: +353 1 240 7938
Geneva: +41 22 770 2967
Email: The 72nd AGM and World Air Transport Summit in Dublin attracted nearly 1,000 aviation leaders from IATA member airlines, industry stakeholders, strategic partners and members of the media.Corporate CommunicationsTelephone:Dublin:Geneva:Email: corpcomms@iata.org
Notes for Editors:
What do Donald Trump and Elizabeth Warren have in common? That question was posed on this website back in March . With Warrens comments this week that she will soon endorse Hillary Clinton and may consider becoming her running mate if asked, we know two things she and Trump dont have in common.As to what they do have in common, US Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue said in March that they would both be bad for the economy, albeit for different reasons.About Warren, Donohue complained that her ideas to more tightly regulate financial industries could be devastating to the economy.In March, Insurance Business America reported that Warren was calling on the SEC to investigate insurance execs statements. More recently, her statements were more insurance industry friendly, as she demanded businesses such as Ube r and the gig economy got proper commercial coverage for their actions.Warren, an attorney and professor, won election to the US Senate from Massachusetts in 2012. She was instrumental in establishing the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and has served as a special advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury.She is known for being more progressive on many issues than Clinton, which may be why she is the only Democrat woman serving in the senate who has not yet endorsed Clinton.Warren this week told Reuters she had reservations about accepting the vice presidential slot, because she didnt think a two-woman ticket was necessarily the best way to beat Trump and also because she fears her more liberal views could be watered down if she were to serve under Clinton.Referred to by Reuters as a fiery critic of Wall Street, she is also known for her unbridled contempt for Trump.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced Tuesday the launch of its new Insure U website. The website, containing helpful information and resources, emphasizes the importance of retirement security to consumers regardless of their age or income.The new site has information helpful for those planning for their retirement, with content such as life and long-term care insurance considerations.We know that too many people are not preparing for retirement, but it is crucial at every life stage, and the earlier you start, the better you can plan for long-term security, said NAIC President and Missouri Insurance Director John M. Huff. For many, insurance is part of a comprehensive retirement plan. Thats why the NAIC is working to both protect and educate consumers, while stepping up efforts with the insurance industry to encourage innovation.The website launch is a part of the NAICs Retirement Security Initiative, which aims to educate consumers, protect them, and innovate the industry. The three-way approach allows insurance regulators to recognize practical regulatory or policy issues that are in need of evaluation, as well as draw attention to issues that could impede innovation, product delivery and compliance.Today I had the opportunity to discuss our initiative with the Insured Retirement Institutes Government, Legal and Regulatory Conference, and highlight the progress we are making, remarked Huff. It is critical that we build partnerships with industry, federal agencies and other stakeholders to help protect the future of Americans retirement security.
Melanie Rancourt's math class and Michelle Darling's academic success class banded together to spruce up the courtyard at Drury High School. PreviousNext
Students Spruce Up Long-Closed Drury High Courtyard
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Drury High School students will, for the first time in a long time, be able to use the school's courtyard thanks to a recent service learning project.
For at least the past 10 years, Drury students have looked longingly at the locked-up courtyard and dreamed of the convenient passage through the building and a little sunlight between classes.
However, thanks to Melanie Rancourt's math class and Michelle Darling's academic success class, students will be able to pass through.
"To be honest it looked like crap and we made it look like something," said student Emily Eichorn.
Rancourt said the recent "lip dub" video passed through the neglected courtyard, and many commented on how much it had deteriorated.
"The 2016 lip dub went through the courtyard and that was a couple of weeks before we had decided on the project," she said. "A couple of kids thought something should be done ... so we did it."
Rancourt passed this idea on to sophomore Amy Jennings, who needed an idea for a project for her DTV (Drury TV) class.
"I didn't know what my project was going to be so I came to Mrs. Rancourt for an opinion because I had nothing, so she gave me a good idea," Jennings said.
Jennings filmed the monthlong process that started in May for her DTV project.
Rancourt said the classes secured $300 from a Community Service Learning mini-grant and they went from there.
"We kind of just budgeted it, which worked being a math class," Rancourt said. "We figured out how much the materials were going to be and as a class we decided how much we could purchase."
The 15 students pulled weeds, planted flowers, laid stone for the walkway, and spread mulch to keep away the ever so annoying weeds the classes had spent weeks pulling up.
Principal Amy Meehan said there were more learning opportunities within the project and that students had to present the project to her, director of buildings and grounds Matt Neville, and Assistant Principal Tim Callahan.
"They were able to work on presentation skills, and we got to ask them questions," Meehan said.
Service Learning Coordinator Anne French said there have been attempts to clean up the courtyard in the past, but without constant maintenance it became overgrown.
Rancourt is confident the school can keep up the courtyard and use it for years to come. She said next year, they have their eyes set on a picnic table.
The School Committee disagrees with the state's assessment.
State: Pittsfield Suspension Rates High for African-American Boys
Superintendent Jason McCandless said the district will take the allegations 'very seriously.' PITTSFIELD, Mass. The schools are overly suspending African-American boys on IEPs, according to the state.
Superintendent Jason McCandless told the School Committee on Wednesday to expect a letter to arrive soon from Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell D. Chester informing the district of a disparity.
McCandless said about 8 percent of those fitting that demographic African-American boys with individualized educational plans have been suspended, which is too much according to the state.
"It's still above the threshold that DESE is holding right now for us to stay under," McCandless said.
The superintendent says what counts as a suspension is anything that removes the students from the classroom.
McCandless said there are tutoring programs and the student resource center where students are sent when they are disruptive, which continues to provide educational services but still counts as a suspension.
"We look at it as that we suspend very few students. We separate students from an academic program almost never. And almost never more than three days," McCandless said. "Certainly students on IEPs are severed from educational programs never. This would include students in the SRC, that are in our various tutoring program, etc."
The School Committee and the mayor took exception to the assertion that the district was doing something wrong.
"Everything being done in the School Department with these kids who are being suspended, regardless of color, is done for a reason," School Committee member Anthony Riello said.
Riello called the report "nonsense" and said he'd like to speak with representatives from DESE firsthand about it. Riello urged the committee and school staff not to have a "knee-jerk reaction" to the news.
"Every one suffers if there is a knee jerk reaction to this," Riello said.
Mayor Linda Tyer said the definition of suspension is too broad so that the report doesn't mean much.
"I think the limitations on the definition, because it is clear that we are providing continued academic support in the face of some behavioral issues, seems in some ways to put us at a disadvantage," Tyer said. "We are trying to do what works. I appreciate the honesty about the challenge but I also think we have something to be proud of."
While Chairwoman Katherine Yon says she would like to know what other districts are doing because Pittsfield is going out of its way to keep the students connected with educational programs by sending the students to alternative options.
"I think it is frustrating because we try so hard not to separate students from the education, trying everything we can to do that. So it is not a traditional suspension," Yon said. "I would like to know what other school districts are doing."
DESE does not provide any funding for the district, so there are no actual penalties other than making the information public. McCandless says the district is open and honest about the city's ups and downs, so a press release isn't a threat.
"The threat to us is a threat of conscience. This troubles us. So we will be keeping this in our minds and in our hearts as we press forward," McCandless said.
The superintendent said the administration is taking the letter "very seriously" but would also like to know if the state is willing to provide funding and guidance to change the trend.
"I really hope that as well as letting us know this is a challenge which we already know because we look at this data that we are hopeful that the state would be providing at a minimum some technical assistance to let us know how to better address this and what are some alternatives," McCandless said.
Despite agreeing with those who questioned the data, McCandless said there is certainly more that needs to be done in the district and that it requires the city to look within and fix problems.
Pittsfield is one of 32 districts statewide that will receive the letters.
"What this is moving us toward is that we really won't have suspensions unless there is an imminent danger or a threat of danger from a student," McCandless said.
On 3.2 percent of the school's population was given an in-school suspension and just 1.4 percent were given out-of-school suspensions. However, among students with disabilities, Pittsfield has dished out in-school suspensions to 15.4 percent and out-of-school suspensions to 8.3 percent.
The second highest percent in Pittsfield is among African-Americans with 5.4 percent receiving in-school suspensions and 2.6 percent receiving out-of-school suspensions. That is compared to white students being suspended at a rate of 2.8 and 1.6 percent, in-school and out-of-school suspensions, respectively.
The state has been moving away from suspensions altogether since 2014 when new discipline rules were adopted. In the 2014-2015 school year, suspensions statewide dropped by some 20 percent. The reform placed out-of-school suspension as a last resort and relegated to non-violent, non-drug-related and non-criminal offenses.
Despite the reduction and change in rules, the school year statewide continued to have a disparity in suspensions between white students and African-American students.
Prosecutor Richard Tarsa interviews a witness before 'Judge' Edmund St. John IV during Wednesday's mock trial at Hoosac Valley High School. The mock trial was the culmination of an after-school forensics program sponsored by the Adams Police Department. Officer Gregory Onorato was the defense attorney for Officer Travis Cunningham. Police Chief Tarsa walks the students through the court procedure. Onorato discusses case with defendant Officer Cunningham. Tarsa questions student 'Officer' Rosemary Ziarnik. Member of the forensics program watch the proceedings. Cunningham, the 'suspect' in cases of armed robbery and larceny, takes the stand. 'Officer' Emma Moser responds to questions about the robbery of a microscope she investigated. PreviousNext
Hoosac Valley Students Hold Mock Trial With Adams Police
CHESHIRE, Mass. Because of the fine policing of Hoosac Valley sixth-graders, a perpetrator was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in state prison.
The hammer of the law came down swiftly Wednesday afternoon when the honorable Edmund St. John IV heard the evidence gathered by the Hoosac Valley forensics after-school program and sent Adams Police Officer Travis Cunningham into confinement for armed robbery and larceny.
"Based on the evidence that I have heard today and the work done by the police officers on this case and the testimonies from witnesses, I find the defendant guilty," St. John said. "And may God have mercy on your soul."
After the ruling the volunteer judge, a School Committee member and attorney, ordered everyone to enjoy, even the guilty, a pizza party to celebrate the end of the forensic program hosted by the Adams Police Department.
Cunningham said the mock trial was designed as an end-of-the-year assessment to really test the 15 students' mettle.
"This is the culmination of everything they learned this year," Cunningham said. "It is putting all of the things they learned together to see how the whole things comes into fruition."
Officer Gregory Onorato, who acted as the defense attorney during the trial, said different officers have been going to Hoosac Valley weekly since January to teach the children many aspects of law enforcement such as lifting fingerprints, crime scene investigation, motor vehicle stops, and much more.
Officer Colby Clark said the students responded to two "crime scenes" in May and, using their newly acquired knowledge of law enforcement, gathered evidence to be used at the trial.
"We dispatched them to a call," Clark said. "They went and they wrote up a report, took statements, took pictures and we told them to prepare the report and get everything ready."
The first case brought before the judge by Police Chief Richard Tarsa, the prosecutor representing the commonwealth, was a case of armed robbery on May 25 at 2 p.m. in which the victim reported that an individual matching Cunningham's description hit her with a rolling pin and stole her purse.
"Officer" Rosemary Ziarnik, who was on the scene, was called to the witness stand to provide her testimony.
"There was a victim on the floor bleeding and there was a rolling pin on the floor in front of her with blood on it," Ziarnik said. "She got hit on the left temple and the left lower lip."
Cunningham said he was on the other side of campus that day meeting with Onorato. He said he did see that she was injured but had no part in it nor intervened because it was out of his jurisdiction.
The second case brought forth had to do with a stolen microscope.
"Officer" Emma Moser was brought to the witness stand and said she responded to Stephanie Somerville's classroom when she called to report the stolen microscope. She said Somerville left her classroom to go to the bathroom and when she returned the microscope was gone. Cunningham, who was the only person in the room with her, was also gone.
She said they checked for fingerprints and found ones that matched Cunningham's.
Cunningham said he only left the room to check on some commotion he heard down the hall.
Somerville was called to the stand and went through a photo array containing Justin Bieber's and Christopher Walken's photos, however she successfully recognized Cunningham's photo and pointed him out in the courtroom.
After leaving the stand after the verdict, Moser said being a cop is hard work.
"It was fun and I learned that it is not easy being a police officer," she said. "It is not easy at all."
Onorato said he hopes that the program was a good experience for those interested in a future in law or in law enforcement.
He added that the more exposure students have with police officers the better.
"It is important for them to feel comfortable talking to us because they are at the age when things start to happen in their lives," Onorato said. "I think it is important for kids to have a couple of officers they feel comfortable talking to."
Tarsa said this is the first year the department had run the program and because of its success, he hopes to expand on it next year.
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A Russian-speaking Skimer group forces ATMs to assist them in stealing users money. Discovered in 2009, Skimer was the first malicious program to target ATMs. Seven years later, cybercriminals are reusing the malware: but both the crooks and the program have evolved, and this time they pose an even more advanced threat to banks and their customers around the globe.
Imagine this situation: a bank discovers it has been attacked. But, strangely, no money has been stolen, and nothing seems to have been modified in the banks system. The criminals have just left. But could this be true?
It was a challenge to find the reason for such unusual criminal activity. But during an incident response investigation, Kaspersky Labs expert team cracked the criminal plot and discovered traces of an improved version of a Skimer malware on one of the banks ATMs. It was planted there and left inactivated until the cybercriminal sends it a control - a smart way of hiding their tracks.
The Skimer group starts its operations by getting access to the ATM system either through physical access, or via the banks internal network. Then, after successfully installing Backdoor.Win32.Skimer into the system, it infects the core of an ATM the executable responsible for the machines interactions with the banking infrastructure, cash processing and credit cards.
The criminals then have full control over the infected ATMs. But they tread carefully. And their actions are skillful. Instead of installing skimmer devices (a fraudulent lookalike card reader over the legitimate reader) to siphon card data, they turn the whole ATM into a skimmer. With the ATM successfully infected with Backdoor.Win32.Skimer, criminals can withdraw all the funds in the ATM or grab the data from cards used at the ATM: including the customers bank account number and PIN code.
A scary thing is that there is no way for common people to distinguish infected ATMs. They dont have any physical signs of being malicious, unlike in cases with a skimmer device when an advanced user can discover if its replacing a real card reader of a machine.
Sleeping Zombie
Direct money withdrawal from the money cassettes will be revealed immediately after the first encashment, while malware inside ATM can safely skim the data from cards for a very long time. Therefore Skimer guys do not start acting immediately they are very careful about hiding their tracks: their malware may operate on the infected ATM for several months without undertaking any activity.
In order to wake it up, criminals to insert a particular card, which has certain records on the magnetic strip. After reading the records, Skimer can either execute the hardcoded command, or request commands through a special menu activated by the card. The Skimers graphic interface appears on the display only after the card is ejected and if the criminal inserts the right session key from the pin pad into a special form in less than 60 seconds.
With the help of this menu, the criminal can activate 21 different commands, such as dispensing money (40 bills from the specified cassette), collecting details of inserted cards, self-deleting, updating (from the updated malware code embedded on the cards chip), etc. Also, when collecting card details, Skimer can save the file with dumps and PINs on the chip of the same card, or it can print the card details it has collected onto the ATMs receipts.
In the majority of cases, criminals choose to wait and collect the data of skimmed cards in order to create copies of these cards later. With these copies they go to a different, non-infected ATM and casually withdraw money from the customers accounts. This way, criminals can ensure that the infected ATMs will not be discovered any time soon. And their access to cash is simple, and worryingly easy to manage.
Veteran Thief
Skimer was distributed extensively between 2010 and 2013. Its appearance resulted in a drastic increase in the number of attacks against ATMs, with up to nine different malware families identified by Kaspersky Lab. This includes the Tyupkin family, discovered in March 2014, which became the most popular and widespread. However, it now looks as if Backdoor.Win32.Skimer is back in action. Kaspersky Lab now identifies 49 modifications of this malware, with 37 of these modifications targeting the ATMs by just one of the major manufacturers. The most recent version was discovered at the beginning of May 2016.
With the help of samples submitted to VirusTotal, we can see a very wide geographical distribution of potentially infected ATMs. The latest 20 samples of the Skimer family were uploaded from more than 10 locations around the globe: UAE, France, USA, Russia, Macao, China, Philippines, Spain, Germany, Georgia, Poland, Brazil, Czech Republic.
Technical Countermeasures
To prevent this threat, Kaspersky Lab recommends undertaking regular AV scans, accompanied by the use of whitelisting technologies, a good device management policy, full disk encryption, protecting ATMs BIOS with a password, allowing only HDD booting and isolating the ATM network from any other internal bank network.
There is one important additional countermeasure applicable in this particular case. Backdoor.Win32.Skimer checks the information (nine particular numbers) hardcoded on the cards magnetic strip in order to identify whether it should be activated. We have discovered the hardcoded numbers used by the malware, and we share them freely with banks. After the banks have those numbers they can proactively search for them inside their processing systems, detect potentially infected ATMs and money mules, or block any attempts by attackers to activate the malware, commented Sergey Golovanov, Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky Lab.
Kaspersky Lab products detect this threat as Backdoor.Win32.Skimer.
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IDC Asia/Pacific announced today that the Clark Green City (CGC) and Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) have been named finalists in IDCs Smart City Asia Pacific Awards (SCAPA) 2016. Philippines earned nominations in two out of the fourteen award categories.
Nominated in the Land Use and Environmental Management Category, CGCs initiative combined specific primary functions comprising of Educational area; Government; Central Business; Agro-forestry Research and Development; and Wellness and Recreation; and Eco-tourism to address climate change. Project initiatives included the establishment of open green spaces, plotting more pedestrian area and improving mass transport system.
On the other hand, the Project NOAH has been named a finalist in the Public Safety category. Intended as a disaster prevention and mitigation program, this initiative established an early warning system that provide communities with weather forecasting and automatic warning signals against any risk of impending floods at least six hours prior.
The SCAPA is IDC Asia/Pacifics way of recognizing the deserving countries and organizations that were assessed to have the best smart city projects in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APeJ) in its annual Smart City Development Index research.
"The smart city index was created to help city leaders understand the strategic impact and maturity of their smart city initiatives," states Gerald Wang, Head, IDC Government Insights Asia Pacific. "Last year, we tracked hundreds of smart city initiatives and an eventual 14 projects were named the best in the region in their operational functional domains.
The Smart City Development Index is an evolving benchmarking framework that helps smart city planners analyze the current state of their Smart City initiatives. In doing so, these executives can chart future development plans. Annually, IDC Government Insights methodically carries out a six phase benchmarking assessment to determine the top projects across 14 Smart City functional eServices such as Transportation; Public Works; Smart Buildings; Smart Grid; Smart Water; Administration; Economic Development; Land Use and Environmental Management; Permitting, Licensing, Inspection and Zoning; Public Safety; Education; Tourism, Arts, Libraries, Culture, Open Spaces; Connected Health; and Social Services. IDCs Smart City Development Index will take into consideration inputs from IDC Analysts across APeJ, public opinion through online voting and the assessment of an International Advisory Council.
On its 2nd year of implementation, IDC is once again opening its research to public opinion. This year, 50% of the criteria for judging for the winners will come from public votes while the other half will be based on internal assessment (25% from the IDC Research Team and 25% from the Advisory Council).
Last year, we had an exciting first year indexing myriad innovative Smart City projects. This led to several interactions with public sector organizations, city leaders and urban planners. We believe this has deepened our understanding of Asia Pacific Smart City programs- their challenges and the major Smart City solutions to digitally transform the domestic Smart City ecosystem so as to stimulate socioeconomic growth and long-term city sustainability," adds Wang.
Voting period will commence on 23 May and ends on 23 June 2016. To participate in the voting, you can click on the banner link below.
Find out if your city or organization has been nominated for any of the award categories and weigh in on whether it deserves the top spot. Make your vote count and stand a chance to win a camera drone as one of our 5 lucky voters selected through an electronic raffle draw.
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'Is Rishi Sunak Pakistani?': What Indians Googled after 'Desi' Man Took Over as UK PM
Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the
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According to the A.I. maverick and transhumanist Ben Goertzel, humans are the minimal general intelligence system on this planet at this timehumans are not the end of the line any more than amoebas are the end of the line.
Goertzel is the subject of Roy Cohens startling new film, Machine Of Human Dreams, premiering at the Sheffield Doc Fest this weekend. The documentary profiles Goertzel while telling the story of his ongoing attempts to refine OpenCog, his Artificial General Intelligence software that models the mind - and that he hopes will be used by robots that are as smart, creative and kind as any human.
The way that Goertzel explains it in Cohens documentary, creating walking, talking, smiling, gesturing, humanoid robots is straightforward enough. All you need to do is hook up them with OpenCog software and let them interact with the world.
The human brain builds itself from its vast amount of life experience. It is a constantly evolving hypograph of nodes and links. The robot brain will develop in the same way. One idea is to use toy robots.
Ben Goertzel
If you have a million people playing with robots that connect with OpenCogs mind in the mind cloud, then you have a million people who are teaching your AGI (robot) by interacting with it, he suggests.
There have been plenty of recent sci-fi movies that have dealt with A.I., everything from Ex-Machina to Her, from Robot & Frank to Interstellar. Weve all seen movies in which robots act as butlers or lovers or warriors or surrogate kids. Subject matter which used to be for the geeks is now resolutely mainstream. Google has invested heavily in A.I. buying British company DeepMind, Facebook has an A.I. department and Baidu is also spending heavily on A.I research.
Director Cohen studied neuroscience at Harvard University and then spent time as a research assistant at MIT. During his studies, he encountered for the first time people who were interested in questions of artificial intelligence not merely as science fiction but as their vocation. Goertzel, whom he met at a conference in New York, was intriguing: someone who didnt just spend his time in blue sky research but has been striving very hard to build the first thinking machine.
Cohen talks how Goertzels capacity to think and do and communicate at the same time.
Ben Goertzel demonstrating his work got the Government
One very dowbeat phrase, though, is repeated several times in Machine Of Human Dreams that you dont hear in the sci-fi movies. Goertzel talks constantly about resource restriction. Thats another way of saying that he is in a continual battle for funding. Cohens film stands both as a celebration of its subjects utopian vision - and as a cautionary tale about how difficult that vision is to realise.
In the film, Goertzel emerges as part visionary, part mountebank. He can always attract partners and excite investors but he struggles to hit deadlines. A company he set up in New York pissed away $20 million (as his former business partner puts it.) There is an excruciating scene in the documentary in which he and his colleagues demonstrate their A.I. child robots to their Chinese investors in Hong Kong. The robots let them down. Little bits of their bodywork fall off. They give answers that have nothing to do with the questions theyre being asked.
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The set backs dont shake Goertzels confidence in his vision. Nor do his partners lose faith in him. Robotics physicist and former NASA engineer Mark Tilden speaks of him with unreserved enthusiasm. Ben has one of the best models of mind that Ive ever met.
Goertzel has now seen Machine Of Human Dreams. His initial reaction wasnt enthusiastic. He was prettyfurious, Cohen acknowledges. Ben would have liked a film that was more technology focused.
Einstein robot
After reflecting further, Goertzel revised his view. He accepted that Cohen had needed to condense his story and that the filmmaker had been fair given the plethora of perspectives that the documentary includes.
I definitely recommend you to watch the film, Goertzel wrote on a recent blog post. I particularly like the parts of the movie covering my team's recent work in Hong Kong and Addis (Ababa) I think these are excitingly shot and directed, and they show aspects of our recent robotics tinkering that there's no other way to get a visual look at.
What the film doesnt reveal is just when Goertzels thinking machine will finally become a reality - or whether he will get there first. Goertzel is currently working for his former partner David Hanson as chief scientist at Hanson Robotics, the company which created the first expressive biped robot. Hanson is renowned for his marketing flair and business skills. He also patented Frubber, the spongy flesh rubber which can make robots look like Alicia Vikander in Ex-Machina.
I think that combination, David Hansons flair for what works and what sells and Bens truly brilliant mind, that may be the combination that makes the breakthrough, Cohen states.
When (and if) the breakthrough finally happens, one prediction can safely be made - the fast blurring lines between robots in sci-fi and those in real life will disappear altogether.
(Machine Of Human Dreams premieres at Sheffield Doc Fest this week, UK premiere Saturday, June 11th @14:45 and will be released in UK cinemas later in the year.)
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One of the more bizarre quirks of international fame is the discovery of your many historical doppelgangers.
We probably all have them, but celebrities are uniquely gifted with the entire internet at their disposal; with the world's collection of antique snaps ready to be sifted through in search of final proof that Nicolas Cage is an immortal vampire, or that Matthew McConaughey's past self was a Victorian doctor.
Sure, plenty of modern lookalikes exist too, with Leonardo DiCaprio boasting both a Swedish model and a Russian technician as doppelgangers; yet, Daniel Radcliffe has learned the hard way that, "there's a lot of people in the past who I look like, it turns out. I don't know what that means."
"What is it about me that I look like so many stern old ladies?" the actor told host Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, making an appearance to promote Now You See Me: The Second Act, as the pair looked through a collection of the internet's best lookalike photos of the pair.
Indeed, his favourite photograph is one he describes as, "me as an old lady as a young boy"; though the former Harry Potter was also seen to have a striking resemblance to a young soldier, and a woman he describes as quite, "suggestive and sexy".
The actor's been fairly busy of late, riding an NYC bus with his own corpse in order to promote Swiss Army Man and fielding questions on whether he'll see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
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The Human Subjects Research Committee at Stanford University in California had only one concern about Dr Philip Zimbardos now infamous prison experiment: was it a fire hazard?
College kids playing cops and robbers in a simulated prison in a university what could go wrong? Thats what the committee said, says Zimbardo. They came down and looked at the prison. There were no windows and only one entrance. They said if there was a fire it could be dangerous, and insisted that I get carbon-dioxide fire extinguishers. The guards ended up using them on the prisoners.
For just under a week during the summer of 1971, Zimbardo was chief superintendent of his very own prison in the basement of Stanfords psychology department. Offices were converted into cells, the corridor was turned into a yard and a janitors cupboard became the hole. Twenty-four students mostly white, middle-class and mentally sound had been selected to play the roles of prisoner and guard. Like the committee said: what could possibly go wrong?
Dr Philip Zimbardo: can his work teach us anything today?
A new drama film, The Stanford Prison Experiment, shows in claustrophobic detail how very wrong things went. Several of the nice, sane, well-educated kids who had been chosen at random to be guards soon began to derive pleasure from psychologically torturing the prisoners. Others simply stood by and did nothing while their colleagues sexually humiliated inmates, deprived them of sleep, forced them to defecate into buckets, and much more besides. The experiment, which was meant to last two weeks, had to be cut short after six days.
The seemingly obvious conclusion: put people in bad barrels and soon enough theyll become bad apples. Evil actions are caused by evil situations, and individuals to have little say.
After almost half a century, Zimbardos work continues to capture peoples imaginations. The idea that evil lurks within all of us and, like a seed beneath the soil, and needs only the right conditions to flourish is a compelling one. But has his work stood the test of time? And what can it teach us today?
In the 1960s and early 1970s, the ethics of clinical psychology were about as developed as law enforcement in the Wild West. But for Zimbardo, it was a wonderful era in which they were just beginning to have concerns about the limits to what you can do in an experiment.
And it was an era that allowed the prequel, of sorts, to Zimbardos prison study: Stanley Milgrams famous work on obedience to authority. He and I were high school classmates doing the same exact class when we were 17-year-old high school seniors, says Zimbardo. He was a little Jewish kid, smart. He was obsessed with this question: could the Holocaust happen again in America? Could his family end up in concentration camps?
Milgrams experiment, in which subjects obediently administered what they thought were deadly electric shocks to an unseen actor, caused them a level of mental anguish (when they eventually realised what theyd done) that would not be permitted today. Similarly, its hard to imagine the prison experiment, which scored its first of several nervous breakdowns within 36 hours, being cleared by a modern ethics committee.
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No such research can ever be done again, says Zimbardo. The human subjects committees have gone to the far extreme. You cannot do anything in research that causes undue stress to participants. It eliminates so many key questions on human nature.
While the stress caused to the prisoners was, in many cases, unbearable, the transformation undergone by those inflicting it the guards, the head of the parole board and even Zimbardo himself as prison superintendent was truly remarkable.
One hundred per cent of the participants, when asked, said they wanted to be a prisoner, says Zimbardo. In 1971 they hated guards and hated police. Students were rebelling against the Vietnam War. Most universities called the police on campus and they beat up students. Guards were pigs. Nobody wanted to be a guard, but in one day they became a guard. For me thats still fascinating.
Such, says Zimbardo, was the power of the situation. Its a claim that seems hard to refute. Even a hardened ex-convict, Carlo Prescott, who had recently emerged from 17 years hard time in San Quentin, became everything he hated when Zimbardo signed him up as head of the parole board.
Billy Crudup (centre) plays Philip Zimbardo in the new movie
In the study he said: I hate parole board officers, they humiliated me, says Zimbardo. [But] in that moment he became the composite of all those terrible parole board officers that turned him down. In some cases prisoners were literally crying. At the end, Carlo said: Im sick. I dont know what happened in there. I became my enemy.
Whether or not the Stanford Prison Experiment was ethically or even practically sound there is some evidence to suggest that those willing to sign up to such things have greater authoritarian tendencies than most it left Zimbardo with a deeply held conviction that systems and situations should be held to account when individuals turn bad.
Following this belief led Zimbardo from Stanford to Hollywood, via Baghdad. It was a long journey. Zimbardo published a few articles after the prison experiment, and then moved on to different things: initially studying shyness as a self-imposed psychological prism. It wasnt until the abuses carried out by American military personnel in Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq came to light in late 2003 and early 2004 that he felt the need to return to his earlier work in depth.
Former students started writing to me, saying the images were exactly from my study, says Zimbardo. They were putting bags over their heads; they were naked. So I made a statement: our soldiers are good apples, and somebody put them in a bad barrel. We have to know who are the bad barrel-makers, because thats the evil in the system.
Naked Iraqi detainees forced to form a human pyramid one of several distressing images to emerge from Abu Ghraib
Zimbardo ended up acting as an expert witness for the defence of Chip Frederick, one of the first soldiers to face trial for torture at the prison.
The military created a situation and then absolved themselves of any responsibility, says Zimbardo. Its not the grunts who should be punished. Its the entire chain of command which has to be called to question.
From that experience emerged a book The Lucifer Effect which looked back at the prison experiment in detail, and from that arose the film script, which is, says Zimbardo, 90 per cent accurate.
The Stanford Prison Experiment, directed by Kyle Alvarez, makes for hard viewing, partly because many of the scenes seem so reminiscent of the Abu Ghraib abuses. In this case, however, it was Zimbardo who was the bad barrel-maker. During his six days as prison superintendent, he becomes indifferent to human suffering; at other times, he seems to encourage it.
Which recent movies will become classics? Show all 21 1 /21 Which recent movies will become classics? Which recent movies will become classics? Birdman - Undoubtedly Alejandro G. Inarritus masterpiece will surely be remembered for years to come - fiercely original in its concept, brave in its single take(esque) format and the perfect satire of a very specific and bizarre era of cinema we find ourselves in. What perhaps was so astonishing about this Best Picture Oscar winner was that in spite of its experimental format and lofty intentions, it still also managed to be hugely entertaining, and is eminently rewatchable. - Christopher Hooton Fox Searchlight Pictures Which recent movies will become classics? There Will Be Blood - Potentially Inherent Vice feels like its been forgotten already, The Master was great but too weighty for some, but There Will Be Blood is the Paul Thomas Anderson film that comes up time and time again in pub film conversations, whether theyre between cinephiles or more casual fans. A blank yet brutal indictment of lucre, Daniel Day Lewis gave one of his best ever performances as oil man Daniel Plainview, and Jonny Greenwoods fearsome score is still being performed live several years after its release. But mainly, I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE! I DRINK IT UP! - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Avatar - Probably not Its undeniable that James Camerons gargantuan blockbuster Avatar will find its place in the cinematic history books. With a worldwide gross of over 2.7 billion, its currently the highest earning film of all time - even Star Wars' The Force Awakens return couldn't topple it. But will it actually be remembered fondly? Its ground-breaking special effects already betray the first signs of aging, and though its use of 3D was revolutionary at the time, its now so pedestrian as to be found in a Glee concert movie. What is there to revere then? The patronising narrative re-hash of the plot to Dances With Wolves? Or the bit where two cat-aliens had sex by plugging their hair braids into each other? - Clarisse Loughrey Which recent movies will become classics? Whiplash - Within its own genre at least Whiplash was perhaps the most buzzy, "have you seen it yet?" film of 2014, and winning major Oscars off a budget of $3.3 million was no mean feat. Damien Chazelle managed to make a film about drumming absolutely edge-of-your-seat stuff, and succeeded by not patronising his audience - trusting that even if they didnt understand the music theory detail, they would still be able to revel in it. Unfortunately, it might just be too small a film to be remembered as a classic, but will certainly be circling the top of best movies about music lists for some years to come. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Skyfall Depends whos Bond next Best Bond of all time? Skyfalls slick, true, but its status as an icon seems heavily premature. Were still clinging onto the Craig era, and its hard to argue that Skyfall doesnt do the same; trading its entire dramatic tension on the premise that weve long been deeply attached to this grizzled Bond and equally grizzled M. In Silvas personal vendetta, or in the neat metaphors of Skyfall Lodges crumbling exteriors and Bonds crumbling interiors of a post-Vesper Lynd world; its only once the franchise has moved on to new pastures that well truly start to see whether Skyfall can go the distance. Doesnt help that Spectre was a bit of a disappointment, though. -CL Which recent movies will become classics? Mad Max: Fury Road - A gutsy yes Yes, its a madly confident move to already claim Fury Roads going to a bonafide classic within its first year of release, but Fury Road is a mad movie. 36 years after its original incarnation, George Miller returned to the wasteland to conjure the greatest adrenaline hit of the cinematic decade. Breathlessly edited, hued with the colours of dust and dirt and rage; packed to the brim with practical stunt work unseen in the digital age. Plus, its a film that actively dismantles the patriarchy through a gun-slinging, metal-armed Charlize Theron. If its not remembered as one of the greatest blockbusters of its time, itll certainly be remembered as one of the gutsiest. - CL Which recent movies will become classics? The Great Beauty - No, but it damn well should be It won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2014, but this Paolo Sorrentino masterpiece is still unknown to most. It centres on a group of aging intellectuals partying on rooftops across Rome to Eurodance, and within this frame of superficiality it manages staggering profundity. The dialogue is rich, the cinematography sumptuous, and if Fellini is considered classic, this fellow Italians work certainly should be too. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Little Miss Sunshine - Within its own genre, yes The Sundance Effect has unfortunately developed a near plague of insufferable, self-conscious mawkishness over the years. Misfit boys finding new meaning to their existence in the arms of pink-haired manic pixie dream girls; sun-dappled bike rides as the latest band to feature a ukulele solo play softly in the distance. Some have indeed come off this false and cloying (Zach Braffs Garden State), others smarter and keener (last years Me and Earl and the Dying Girl); but as the fires of kook devour all in sight, there will always remain one film left standing in the ashes: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris Little Miss Sunshine. One scene that guarantees its elevation above the rabble sees teenager Dwayne (Paul Dano) realise hes colour-blind, and thus will never be able to achieve his dream of becoming a jet fighter. Danos meltdown here is so raw, and so positively tragic, that itll be a hard job to ever forget that epic f-bomb as the years pass. - CL Which recent movies will become classics? Lost in Translation - I'll still be watching it in my 80s at least Really a perfect movie. The casting couldn't have been better and Sofia Coppola conveys the choking feeling of an overly air-conditioned hotel room like no-one else. So many of the shots were beautiful in their simplicity. Bill Murray making a nice crisp, clean golf shot before walking off down the course. The flower arranging scene. Bill lightly grabbing Scarlett Johansson's foot and this subtly serving as the film's 'kiss'. It's the unconventional romance at the heart of the film that makes it so great, though, which is as much about companionship as physical and emotional love. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Crash - Hahahahahahahahaha Seriously, how did it win that Oscar? Even the director doesn't know. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Pans Labyrinth - Absolutely Guillermo del Toro dreams on celluloid; hes a weaver of fairy tales in an age where innocence is presumed dead. Its through innocence, through innocent eyes, that we witness the darkest excesses of human nature in a way that so exposes the incomprehensibility of evil committed in the pursuit of power. Through young Ophelias perspective we watch the horrors of Francos Spanish regime play out, the barbaric cruelty of her stepfather Captain Vidal; she fears not the horned faun who lives in the labyrinth when its so clear her own patriarchal figurehead is the true monster. And though its finale may be heart-breaking, del Toro still allows innocence a certain victory. Victory through Ophelias eyes, those pure and hungry enough to see beyond the borders of her bleak reality to find an escape from the seemingly unstoppable monstrosities of adulthood. - CL Warner Bros. Which recent movies will become classics? Im Still Here - When everyone realises its genius Initially admonished for being exploitative of Joaquin Phoenixs condition, it was astonishing that, when this Casey Affleck-directed mockumentary was revealed to be a hoax, most critics didnt give it a second review, and those who did still disliked it. In hindsight this was so much more than a prank. Phoenix stayed in character as a failed actor turned hip-hop artist for months on end. This dedication wasnt for nothing either (unlikely say, DiCaprio in The Revenant), Im Still Here is actually a very funny, moving and subtly satirical film, and definitely original. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Boyhood - I doubt it While it too was an unprecedented piece of cinema, Boyhood for me faded from the memory very quickly. Dismissing this film as essentially a puberty timelapse might be a little harsh, but the set-up did ultimately come off gimmicky and as a coming of age story it failed to resonate. Admirable, but not a classic - CH Universal Pictures Which recent movies will become classics? The Social Network - Yes I was less than thrilled at the prospect of a movie about Facebook, but then pleasantly surprised upon watching it. A holy production trinity of David Fincher (director), Aaron Sorkin (screenwriter) and Trent Reznor (score) told a story that changed all of our lives with such panache. Texting, the internet, social media etc are so prosaic that many authors and filmmakers disingenuously leave them out of their stories, but here they were central and yet still the film was engrossing, stylish and human. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Django Unchained - Hell yeah/hell maybe Swiping its titular characters name from a 1966 Spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Corbucci, Tarantino utilised his trademark flair for ultra-violence and nihilistic humour to create the perfect meeting point between revisionism and classicism. Django channeled brutality in the name of righteous fury, allowing the freedom fighting slaves of a pre-Civil War Deep South their own legendary cowboy of the John Wayne or Clint Eastwood type. - CL Which recent movies will become classics? The Tree of Life - A few people will kid themselves its classic Terrence Malicks experimental drama couldnt really have been more ambitious or tried to chip away at a bigger chunk of existence. As such, it was automatically lauded by many who didnt really know what to make of it, but looking back, was it worthy of the praise? The Brad-Pitt-is-a-family-man-in-the-50s plot strand was actually pretty unremarkable, and were it not for the brazenness of the extended shots of the universe being formed I doubt it would have made top ten lists the way it did. - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Her - Yes, as a historical document Films depicting the future remain fascinating decades later because they show, in retrospect, how we wanted the world to progress and what developments we simply couldnt have conceived. As such Her will definitely still be getting talked about in years to come, whether or not we do indeed end up falling in love with our computers. (Also see: Ex Machina) - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Any of the space movies? Maybe Interstellar We seem to get a big budget space movie annually these days, and while none of them really have the creativity of Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey, Interstellar stands a chance of staying atop VOD libraries. Gravity and The Martian, while technically brilliant, were pretty forgettable, and dont get me started on Sunshine. Interstellar was very impressive though, and if a Christopher Nolan films going to stand out Id rather it be this one than - CH Which recent movies will become classics? Inception - Please no Yes, its insanely watchable and the plot zips along nicely, but seriously, can we stop pretending people falling backwards off chairs and out of camp, alpine sub-dream worlds amounts to anything more than an overly convoluted, albeit pretty, action movie? - CH Which recent movies will become classics? The Wolf of Wall Street - Not compared to Scorseses earlier work If theres a burden of the artistic revolutionary, its that revolution is only ever momentary in its form; Martin Scorsese made his mark back in 1973 with Mean Streets, and its one thats been difficult to paint over in the 43 years which have since passed. The Wolf of Wall Street faults itself only in being pure Scorsese; its a film which trades purely in the breathless, macho style already so entrenched in cinematic culture. Essentially, Scorseses own genre-defining genius has doomed to obscurity any latter work which dares to fold into the directors own natural form of expression; its made derivative any work which doesnt actively rebel against what hes been most celebrated for. A tough reality, but a reality nonetheless. - CL Paramount Pictures Which recent movies will become classics? Nymphomaniac - Maybe if Part II hadnt happened Even the truest of arthouse directors are culpable for the whims of Hollywood franchises. Yes, with his dual Nymphomaniac films, Lars von Trier managed to ruin the potential classic of his career by needlessly stretching his narrative across two films; churning out the NC-17 answer to Peter Jacksons Hobbit trilogy in the process. Strip Nymphomaniac of the controversy and media hysteria surrounding its use of pornographic actors in its sex scenes; and theres a torn, throbbing soul at its centre. For all its salaciousness, von Triers exploration of the crippling effects of shame society burdens those, especially its women, who dare seek sexual pleasure is genuinely haunting. Thats in Part I, however; by the time Joes life story sees her grow from Stacy Martin into Charlotte Gainsbourg, von Triers epic dissolves into the bang of a drum in continuous, endless cycles. Shes horny and sad; we got it, Lars. - CL
We cannot physically abuse or torture them, says Zimbardo to his guards at the start of the film, echoing words spoken in 1971. We can create boredom. We can create a sense of frustration. We can create fear in them, to some degree. We can create a notion of the arbitrariness that governs their lives, which are totally controlled by us, by the system, by you, me In general, what all this should create in them is a sense of powerlessness. We have total power in the situation. They have none.
As well as following a somewhat maniacal Zimbardo (I think in the back of their minds, the writer and director had this mad scientist image, he says), the film examines the progress of two participants: the heroic, rebellious prisoner 8612 (played by Ezra Miller) and one of the most sadistic guards, nicknamed John Wayne.
The perverse realisation, delivered halfway through the film, is that the only thing differentiating the hero from the villain is the toss of a coin. The jackboot could just as easily be on the other foot. Can we really have so little agency?
Director Kyle Patrick Alvarez, left, and actor Billy Crudup (Getty)
We like to believe that we are masters of our fate, says Zimbardo. The key is that we are when we are in familiar situations. My experiment and the Milgram experiment put people in totally new situations where they didnt have any bearing. Theyre trying to figure out what do they do thats appropriate. In this case, you know people are looking at you, so you want to do the right thing in that situation. If youre a guard, the right thing is the kick prisoners asses.
I hope the film is an experience, says director Kyle Alvarez. I wanted to create a movie that leaves you a little breathless at the end and you feel you watched something harrowing but then you have a conversation. The number one primary goal is to leave you talking.
No doubt it will. The continued power of the Stanford Prison Experiment lies in its ability to force people to consider what sort of guard they would be, or what sort of prisoner. Would you rebel? Would you oppress? Or would you passively allow the oppression of others? Perhaps you already do.
We are all prisoners and guards in various ways in our lives, says Zimbardo. If were prisoners, we hope to do things that give us appropriate amounts of power; if were guards, to be sensitive to the misuse of our power. Thats really the message: to be aware of whatever power you have and to try to figure out how you can use this power to make the world better.
The Stanford Prison Experiment is in cinemas from Friday, on digital download from 13 June and on Blu-ray and DVD on 27 June
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Northside Festival just dropped Good English from its lineup after drummer Leslie Rasmussen expressed support for former Stanford student Brock Turner.
Due to recent information brought to our attention, Good English is no longer playing Northside Festival, organizers announced on Twitter.
Turner, 20, was given an unusually light sentence of six-months in jail when he was convicted last week of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman.
Rasmussen, a childhood friend of Turners, wrote Judge Aaron Persky a letter defending Turners character and blaming the charges on political correctness.
I dont think its fair to base the fate of the next ten plus years of his life on the decision of a girl who doesnt remember anything but the amount she drank to press charges against him. I am not blaming her directly for this, because that isnt right, Rasmussen wrote, according to New York Magazine. But where do we draw the line and stop worrying about being politically correct every second of the day and see that rape on campuses isnt always because people are rapists.
However, after Northside Festival cut Rasmussens band, she changed her tune, and claimed that her comments were misconstrued. You can read the statement in full at Brooklyn Vegan.
"I know that Brock Turner was tried and rightfully convicted of sexual assault," Rasmussen began. I realize that this crime caused enormous pain for the victim. I dont condone, support, or sympathize with the offense or the offender. I was asked by a court in California to provide a character statement as a standard and necessary part of the sentencing process. I believe that Brocks character was seriously affected by the alcohol he consumed, and I felt that the court needed to consider this issue during their sentencing deliberations."
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Bears Den are a live band in the truest sense, having built a career playing gigs anywhere and everywhere that would let them pitch camp. It is not, therefore, a surprise when the London-based duo effortlessly bridge the gap between audience and performer, but it is still refreshing at a time when basic human connection can feel depressingly elusive.
Andrew Davie and Kevin Jones are admittedly nervous; this is their first hometown performance with a new touring line-up since banjo player Joey Haynes left in February. They neednt be, as new songs from upcoming album Red Earth & Pouring Rain are met with cheers. The title track has welcome, synthy tinges of The War on Drugs while the oomph of soaring folk-rock stormer Dew on the Vine hears Davie muse on his untameable heart and sounds set to be a road trip playlist staple.
Better known songs from 2014s Islands inspire hymnal sing-a-longs; the sensitive, more serious moments lightened by endearingly awkward banter between Davie and Jones as they drily joke about everything from beards to the inherent pointlessness of encores when everyone knows bands just go and wait in the corridor. Off mic singing on Sophie shines the spotlight on richly atmospheric vocals that need not rely on technology to impress, while understated, Ivor Novello-nominated gem Above the Clouds of Pompeii is delivered with a beautiful vulnerability.
Restrained heartache can pack a powerful punch musically and lyrically but at times, the nagging feeling that Bears Den are slightly holding back from allowing themselves moments of unbridled passion frustrates. Fully letting go on stage takes balls, but this indisuptably talented band have no reason to feel self-conscious.
Lyrically, Bears Den are similar to Mumford & Sons in their poetic, often highbrow approach. Like their predecessors, however, there is something universally accessible and bonding in these sweeping, hope-fuelled anthems. Clearly, the band feel it too, as they jump down to play Bad Blood in the middle of the sweaty crowd before ending with a tender rendition of early EP favourite Agape. Everyone is equal here, and its life-affirming.
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Every year, the festival market gets yet more and more saturated. More exorbitant glamping festivals in barnyards, more new-age festivals with pedal-powered installations, more "bohemian" festivals with culturally dubious native American head-dresses.
For all of the above and more, Rinse | Born & Bred Festival is a breath of fresh of air. Co-hosted by Rinse FM and Found Series, the festival is in Haggerston Park in Hackney and pays homage to rave-inspired dance music, sound system culture and bass music of all varieties.
From grime to hip-hop, from house to drum n bass, jungle, garage, techno and much more, it remains firmly rooted in the sounds within and beyond the capital. Rather than trying to chaotically cover all bases, it keeps its remit firmly, tightly focused on London talent.
After being patted down a little too aggressively by a wall of overzealous security, things loosened up. Just like the surrounding area of East London, the crowd was mixed. While prepubescent tweenie bopper grime fans definitely dominated, a few scattered old hands whod witnessed the scene's beginnings remained dispersed in the crowd.
Despite being herded like cattle to get a drink at the bar (a feature of all London festivals) and feeling somewhat like you were trapped in an inner city playpen (another feature of London festivals), it was hard not to have fun. From Midlands MC Lady Leshurrs bold lyrics to the icons of Congo Natty and Iron Dreads jungle set, the day combined the new with the old.
(Chazino Suban / Rinse | Born & Bred Festival) (Chazino Suban / Born & Bred Festival)
As the headlines had made clear for weeks, there was, of course, no sign of Azealia Banks. The Harlem-born rapper, who had been scheduled to headline the event, was dramatically dropped out after her latest vitriolic Twitter tirade. In turn, the closest you got to Banks was South London Grime MC P Moneys Fuxx Azealia Banks t-shirt which, along with some of his lyrics, got some of the loudest cheers of the day.
Although some of the shrieks no doubt had something to do with the fact P Money had been pushed into the headline spot at the last moment, the slot was actually supposed to be filled by Grime godfather Wiley but, in typical Wiley fashion, this didnt quite materialise. While last year Wiley showed face for the last nine minutes of his hour-long slot, this year, he decided not to show up at all. But the crowd seemed too half cut to notice by this time and his little brother Cadell, P Money and DJ Slimzees set more than made up for it.
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A musical based on pharmaceutical CEO Martin Shkreli purchasing the one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album is currently in the works.
When Shkreli copped Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, a hoax surfaced claiming that the rappers, assisted by Bill Murray, would be permitted to execute a heist to steal back the album.
The hoax inspired Lauren Gundrum, Joel Esher and Jono Hustis to spinning the drama into a musical production aptly titled Martin Shkreli's Game: How Bill Murray joined the Wu-Tang Clan. Theyve created an IndieGogo page and are hoping to premiere the musical at this years Midtown International Theater Festival.
Martin Shkreli is a bad man, and he needs to get his. Bill Murray and Wu-Tang members RZA, GZA, and Ghostface Killah (and maybe even the Ghost of a certain deceased Wu-Tang member) are ready to give it to him, the producers wrote, but they need your help in order to do it.
The producers are currently auditioning all roles on Backstage.com, and you can watch the musical's trailer above.
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Following the bombshell that 2015 will be a Homeland-less year, details of the upcoming sixth season have manifested via Carrie Mathison herself, Claire Danes.
It's emerged that the next instalment of the US drama will focus on a female president-elect, continuing in the past few seasons' knack of echoing current affairs.
Regarding the real-life presidential race, in which Hilary Clinton is the official Democratic nomination, Danes described the character to EW as 'a composite of all of the different candidates' adding: "[She's] kind of - not rebellious necessarily - but shes challenging norms and is a little threatening for that reason.
The new season, set in New York, will pick up a matter of months after the climax of season five and will comprise the days between the election and the president's inauguration. There is currently no word on who will play the character but it'll no doubt provide an actor with one meaty role prime for awards success.
Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Show all 14 1 /14 Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Transparent Amazon Studios' first big win, Transparent is Jill Soloway's acclaimed series following a family who discover that their father Mort (Jeffrey Tambor) is transgender. With two Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning seasons available to watch, a third is on the way. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Bosch A police procedural series led by literary character Harry Bosch (created by Michael Connelly), this series stars Titus Welliver, Annie Wersching and The Wire alumni Jamie Hector and Lance Reddick. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Hand of God Taking part in Amazon's trial which saw two dramas debut on the service with the intention of allowing subscribers to reveal which they'd prefer to continue, Hand of God has impressively been renewed for a second season. The show follows Ron Perlman's corrupt judge, Pernell Harris, who believes God wants him to take the path of vigilante justice after suffering a breakdown. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Ripper Street It's not just Netflix that saves TV shows from suffering that untimely axe - Amazon Studios breathed new life into BBC series Ripepr Street when it failed to get renewed for a fourth series. Thanks to Amazon, fans can keep up with DIs Edmund Reid (Matthew Macfadyen) and Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn). Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching The Man in the High Castle With a ten-episode second season set to air this year, now's the time to catch up on the TV show set in an alternative history which saw a different outcome to WWII. Executive produced by Ridley Scott, the show stars Alexa Davalos and Rufus Sewell. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Mozart in the Jungle Mozart in the Jungle demanded your attention after beating out comedy heavyweights to win big at this year's Golden Globes ceremony. Gael Garcia Bernal stars in the lead role as a conductor named Rodrigo in a series based on oboist Blair Tindall's memoir. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Red Oaks This 80s-set comedy stars Craig Roberts as young tennis player David who works at the prestigious and exclusive Red Oaks Country Club during the summer between his sophomore and junior years of college. Dirty Dancing's Jennifer Grey and Richard Kind co-star. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Sneaky Pete Seth Gordon - director of Horrible Bosses and the upcoming Baywatch film - directed the pilot episode of this crime drama which has been given a full season order. Giovanni Ribisi stars as Marius, a former criminal who assumes the identity of his cellmate Pete when he finishes his prison sentence. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching One Mississippi Comedian Tig Notaro created this semi-autobiographical TV show which follows Notaro's return home after the death of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis. Juno's Diablo Cody co-writes while Louis CK executive produced the pilot. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Crisis in Six Scenes The octogenarian is making his TV writing debut in a project he'll star in alongside Miley Cyrus and Elaine May. The show will be a standalone season taking place in the 1960s during turbulent times in the U.S. when a middle-class suburban family is visited by a guest who turns their household upside down. Getty Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Z: The Beginning of Everything Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art Thou?) has created this adaptation that follows the life of Zelda Fitzgerald before she meets her future husband, novelist husband F. Scott. Christina Ricci, Gavin Stenhouse and David Strathairn star. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Untitled Amazon motoring show Former Top Gear trio Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have been snapped up by Amazon Prime for a new still untitled series in a three-year deal. A release date is yet to be announced. Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching The Last Tycoon An adaptation of unfinished F. Scott Fitzgerald novel The Love of the Last Tycoon has been passed from HBO to Amazon Studios with Matt Bomer and Lily Collins starring. Captain Phillips writer Billy Ray is on writing and directing duties for the series that follows an actor's rise to stardom in Hollywood. Getty Amazon Prime original TV shows you should be watching Jack Ryan Deadline confirmed that Carlton Cuse (Lost, Bates Motel) and Graham Roland are to work alongside Michael Bay to bring a new incarnation of CIA spy Jack Ryan - played by John Krasinski - to the small screen.
Alongside the news that Homeland's sixth season has been pushed back by four months, Showtime has renewed the series for a further two seasons meaning it'll be on-air until 2019 at least.
The series debuted in the States in 2011 (it originally aired in the UK the following February) earning rave reviews for its depiction of Claire Danes' CIA officer Carrie Mathison and Nicholas Brody (Damien Lewis), a U.S. marine she suspects is working for al-Quaeda.
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The way we watch television programmes is ever evolving, the era of tuning in and watching a series at the same time every week quickly vanishing. Instead, were increasingly likely to binge-watch shows using Netflix.
The Netflix phenomena has startled many people but also allowed analysts to gather huge amounts of data, due to the streaming services online nature.
While much of this is kept behind Netflixs closed doors, the company does occasionally release some of its insights to the world.
In a press statement, they detailed which of their shows subscribers are most likely to binge-watch (i.e. watch multiple episodes in a row of). Using a scale, they ranked which type of programme your most likely to savour (watch over long periods) or devour (watch back-to-back in brief period).
Turns out irreverent comedies such as Arrested Development, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and BoJack Horseman, are more likely to be watched over long periods of time. Thrillers, such as Breaking Bad, Dexter, and Sons of Anarchy, are more likely to be binged.
So, why cant we pull away from our TV screens when it comes to thrillers, horrors and sci-fi series? According to Netflix, it is because these shows assault your senses and leave you wanting to know what happens next.
More surprising is that political dramas, such as House of Cards, are apparently easier to pull away from due to their complex narrative that viewers indulge in rather than race through.
Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Show all 14 1 /14 Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 House of Cards - Season Four - 4 March Last time we were in Frank Underwoods White House things werent looking to great for the President, his first Lady having just walked out on him. What will happen next in the critically acclaimed show is anyones guess. Netflix Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Daredevil - Season Two - 18 March Back in Hells Kitchen things were seemingly getting better. Kingpin is in prison and the crime syndicates should have dispersed - for the meantime at least. Unfortunately for Matt Murdoch, theres a new anti-hero in town: The Punisher. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Flaked - 11 March According to Netflix, Flaked is set in the insular world of Venice, California. It follows the serio-comic story of a self-appointed 'guru' who falls for the object of his best friends fascination. Soon the tangled web of half-truths and semi-b******* that underpins his all-important image and sobriety begins to unravel. Arnett plays Chip, a man doing his honest best to stay one step ahead of his own lies. Netflix Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Season Two - 15 April Following the story of 29-year-old Kimmy Schmidt on her journey through New York, season two is set to start right where the last left us. The Tina Fey created sitcom has already been renewed for a third season, so you know this one has to be good. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 The Ranch - 1 April A comedy starring Ashton Kutcher. Based on a failed semi-pro footballer who returns home to a Colorado ranch. It also has some of the producers from Two and a Half Men behind it, which just happens to be one of the most successful shows of all time. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Marseille - 5 May Netflixs first French language original is a tale of power, corruption and redemption. Sounding like it could very well be the next Narcos. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Grace and Frankie - Season Two - 6 May The tale of a retired cosmetics mogul and a hippie art teacher living together was a hit across the world, especially in the US. Starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, the show has already been renewed for a third season. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Orange is the New Black - Season Four - 17 June Another Netflix powerhouse, Orange is the New Black will see us returning to Litchfield Penitentiary. Prepare for more Piper, Alex and Red come June. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Stranger Things - 15 July Eight-episode series starring Winona Ryder that follows a small community as they look for a young boy who has seemingly vanished. It all sounds quite scary. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 The Get Down - August 12th "Told through the lives and music of a ragtag crew of South Bronx teens, The Get Down is a mythic saga of the transformation of 1970s New York City. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, this is sure to be as stylish as anything hes done before. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 The Crown - Spring Starring Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, the period drama reveals the political rivalries and romance behind Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the 2nd half of the 20th century." Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Luke Cage - Fall 2016 First appearing alongside Jessica Jones in her Netflix series, Luke Cage will pic up the pieces, seeing Cage come to terms with his super-strength and impenetrable skin. It is unknown whether Kathryn. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Narcos - Season 2 - Fall 2016 Its back. The Netflix series hyped to match Breaking Bad was an astounding success around the world, apparently watched more than Game of Thrones. Well find out what happens to Pablo Escabar now he doesnt have the protection of all his men. Netflix Inc. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 A Series of Unfortunate Events - Fall 2016 Netflix is set to revisit the much-loved childrens novel, putting Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf in a show that looks so much creepier than the 2004 film. Not much else is known - i.e. casting - but Lemony Snicket is on board as executive producer, so get excited.
Historical dramas, such as Narcos and Peaky Blinder, are more likely to be binge watched, but only just, as we take care to appreciate the details of dramas set in bygone eras.
In a recent interview, Marco Polos award winning colourist Dado Valentic argued why todays TV might be about to kill the cinema.
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Today we bring you the first trailer for Stranger Things, a Netflix original from newcomer writer/director brothers Matt and Ross Duffer.
With its small town setting and vacant-looking local sheriffs only usually troubled with petty crimes, it all looks a bit Twin Peaks, but with the terror aspect ratcheted up some.
The official synopsis is as follows:
'Set in Hawkins Indiana in the 1980s, Stranger Things chronicles the search for a young boy who vanishes into thin air under highly suspicious circumstances. His mother (Winona Ryder) opens an investigation into the boy's disappearance with local authorities that unravels a series of mysteries involving top-secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one very strange little girl. A love letter to the ubiquitous cult classics of the 80s, Stranger Things is a coming of age story for three boys that draws this quaint community into a world where mysteries lurk beneath the surface.'
Winona Ryder stars as mother Joyce Byers, with support coming from Matthew Modine (who you may remember as the lead in Kubricks Full Metal Jacket), David Harbour, Charlie Heaton and Natalia Dyer.
Of the shows 80 setting, Matt Duffer commented: We have so much nostalgia and love for this era.
We really wanted to see something on television that was in the vein of the classic films we loved growing up: the Spielbergs, the John Carpenters, as well as the novels of Stephen King. And to us, what makes all of these stories so great to us - and so resonant -- is that they all explore that magical point where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.
When we were growing up, we were just regular kids, living in the suburbs of North Carolina, playing Dungeons and Dragons with our nerdy friends. But when we watched these films and read these books, we felt transported. Suddenly our lives had the potential for adventure - maybe tomorrow we would find a treasure map in the attic, maybe my brother would vanish into the TV screen. We really want to capture that feeling with Stranger Things.
We want to bring that feeling to people who grew up on those films - and we also want to bring it to a whole new generation.
All eight episodes of Stranger Things go live on Netflix worldwide on 15 July.
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Reality television shows based on surgical transformations, such as Extreme Makeover, were not the first public spectacles to offer women the ability to compete for the chance to be beautiful. In 1924, a competition ad in the New York Daily Mirror asked Who is the homeliest girl in New York? It promised the unfortunate winner that a plastic surgeon would make a beauty of her. Entrants were reassured that they would be spared embarrassment, as the papers art department would paint masks on their photographs when they were published.
Cosmetic surgery instinctively seems like a modern phenomenon. Yet it has a much longer and more complicated history than most people likely imagine. Its origins lie in part in the correction of syphilitic deformities and racialised ideas about healthy and acceptable facial features as much as any purely aesthetic ideas about symmetry, for instance.
In her study of how beauty is related to social discrimination and bias, sociologist Bonnie Berry estimates that 50 per cent of Americans are unhappy with their looks. Berry links this prevalence to mass media images. However, people were being driven to painful, surgical measures to correct their facial features and body parts long before the proliferation of such images, even prior to the use of anaesthesia and discovery of antiseptic principles.
Some of the first recorded surgeries took place in 16th-century Britain and Europe. Tudor barber-surgeons treated facial injuries, which as the medical historian Margaret Pelling has shown, was crucial in a culture where damaged or ugly faces were seen to reflect a disfigured inner self. But with the pain and risks to life inherent in any kind of surgery at this time, cosmetic procedures were usually confined to severe and stigmatised disfigurements, such as the loss of a nose through trauma or epidemic syphilis.
The first pedicle flap grafts to fashion new noses were performed in 16th-century Europe. A section of skin would be cut from the forehead, folded down and stitched, or it would be harvested from the patients arm; and a later representation of this procedure in Iconografia danatomia published in 1841 shows the patient with his raised arm still gruesomely attached to his face during the grafts healing period.
As socially crippling as facial disfigurements could be and as desperate as some individuals were to remedy them, purely cosmetic surgery did not become commonplace until operations were not excruciatingly painful and life threatening. In 1846, what is frequently described as the first painless operation was performed by American dentist William Morton, who gave ether to a patient. The ether was administered via inhalation through either a handkerchief or bellows. Both of these were imprecise methods of delivery that could cause an overdose and kill the patient.
The removal of the second major impediment to cosmetic surgery occurred in the 1860s. English doctor Joseph Listers model of aseptic, or sterile, surgery was taken up in France, Germany, Austria and Italy, reducing the chance of infection and death. By the 1880s, with the further refinement of anaesthesia, cosmetic surgery became a relatively safe and painless prospect for healthy people who felt unattractive. By 1901, the Derma Featural Company could advertise its treatments for humped, depressed, or ill-shaped noses, protruding ears, and wrinkles (the finger marks of Time) in the English magazine World of Dress.
Its methods were less pretty. A report from a 1908 court case involving the company shows that they continued to use skin harvested from and attached to the arm for rhinoplasties. Worse still, the report also refers to a non-surgical paraffin wax rhinoplasty, in which hot, liquid wax was injected into the nose and then moulded by the operator into the desired shape. (The wax could potentially migrate to other parts of the face and be disfiguring, or cause paraffinomas, or wax cancers.)
Advertisements for the likes of the Derma-Featural Company were actually quite rare in womens magazines around the turn of the 20th century. But there were frequently ads for bogus devices promising to deliver dramatic face and body changes that might reasonably be expected only from surgical intervention. Various models of chin and forehead straps, such as the patented Ganesh brand, were advertised as a means for removing double chins and wrinkles around the eyes.
Bust reducers and hip and stomach reducers, such as the JZ Hygienic Beauty Belt, also promised non-surgical ways to reshape the body.
The frequency of these ads in popular magazines suggests that use of these devices was socially acceptable. By comparison, coloured cosmetics such as rouge and kohl eyeliner were rarely advertised. The ads for powder and paint that do exist often emphasised the products natural look to avoid any negative association between cosmetics and artifice.
Or indeed disguise. The most common cosmetic operations requested before the 20th century aimed to correct features such as ears, noses, and breasts that were classified as ugly because they werent typical for white people. At this time, racial science was concerned with improving the white race. In the US, with its growing populations of Jewish and Irish immigrants and African Americans, pug noses, large noses and flat noses were signs of racial difference and therefore ugliness. There is also a theory that the primitive associations of non-white noses arose because the too-flat nose came to be associated with the inherited syphilitic nose.
Whichever, the American otolaryngologist John Orlando Roes discovery of a method for performing rhinoplasties inside the nose, without leaving a tell-tale external scar, was a crucial development in the 1880s. Patients wanted to be able to pass (in this case as white) and for their surgery to be undetectable. And its still the case today,
In 2015, 627,165 American women, or an astonishing one in 250, received breast implants. But whats different is that, in the early years of cosmetic surgery, breasts were never made larger. Breasts acted historically as a racial sign. Small, rounded ones were viewed as youthful and sexually controlled. Larger, pendulous ones were regarded as primitive and therefore as a deformity.
In the age of the flapper, in the early 20th century, breast reductions were common. It was not until the 1950s that small breasts were transformed into a medical problem and seen to make women unhappy. And this shifting view illustrates how beauty standards change across time and place. Beauty was once considered as God-given, natural or a sign of health or a persons good character. When it became understood as located outside of each person and as capable of being changed, more women, in particular, tried to improve their appearance through beauty products, and in time by the surgery to which they now increasingly turn.
As the historian Elizabeth Haiken points out in Venus Envy, 1921 not only marked the first meeting of an American association of plastic surgery specialists, but also the first Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. All of the finalists were white. The winner, 16-year-old Margaret Gorman, was short compared to todays towering models at five-feet-one-inch tall, and her breast measurement was smaller than that of her hips. Clearly, there has been a shift in ideas about race, health, femininity, and ageing and there is a close link between cosmetic surgery trends and those qualities we value as a culture.
Last year was celebrated by some within the field as the 100th anniversary of modern cosmetic surgery. New Zealander Dr Harold Gillies has been championed for inventing the pedicle flap graft during the First World War to reconstruct the faces of maimed soldiers. Such an inspiring story obscures the facts: that well-documented, primitive versions of this technique had been in use for centuries; that modern cosmetic surgery was really born in the late 19th century; and that it owes as much to syphilis and racism as to rebuilding the noses and jaws of war heroes.
The surgical fraternity and it is a brotherhood, as more than 90 per cent of cosmetic surgeons are male conveniently places itself in a history that begins with reconstructing the faces and work prospects of the war wounded. In reality, cosmetic surgeons are instruments of shifting whims about what is attractive. They have helped people to conceal or transform features that might make them stand out as once diseased; ethnically different; primitive; too feminine; or too masculine.
The sheer risks that people have been willing to run in order to pass as normal or even to turn the misfortune of ugliness, as the homeliest girl contest put it, into beauty, shows how strongly people internalise ideas about what beauty actually means.
This article was first published on The Conversation. Michelle Smith is a research fellow in English literature at Deakin University, Melbourne
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Amazon is competing with British supermarkets as it launches its own food delivery service in the UK in 69 central and east London postcodes
Amazon Fresh is available to Amazon Prime customers in areas including Camden, Hackney, Soho, Marylebone and Mayfair as the service makes its first steps outside the US.
Prime users are already paying a 79 annual subscription for the service which offers TV and music streaming and free deliveries on certain items.
They can now sign up to the AmazonFresh service for an additional 6.99 monthly fee with unlimited deliveries for orders of above 40.
Customers will be able to order from a catalogue of about 130,000 products. These include major brands names such as Coca-Cola, Kelloggs or Danone as well as products from independent local producers from locations such as London's landmark Borough Market.
Same-day delivery will be available, allowing shoppers to order at lunchtime for a delivery at 5pm the same evening.
Ajay Kavan, vice president of AmazonFresh, said the company is launching the offer in a limited area and will take its time to observe and improve the service.
"We will be very methodical and considered in how we roll this service out further in the UK," Kavan said.
The move comes after the online retailer signed a deal with British supermarket Morrisons in February this year.
It puts further pressure on Britain's big four supermarkets which are already facing a battle against the rise of German discounters Aldi and Lidl, which continue to win customers with their low prices and increased store numbers.
Sainsburys and its main competitors have simplified pricing, phasing out complex promotions and replacing them with lower prices on everyday products such as chicken, eggs and cheese.
The supermarket products that cost the same while shrinking in size Show all 5 1 /5 The supermarket products that cost the same while shrinking in size The supermarket products that cost the same while shrinking in size McVitie's Digestives biscuits In Tesco, these biscuits were sold for 1.59 before they shrank and increased to 1.69 after. They stayed at 1 in Asda. Which? The supermarket products that cost the same while shrinking in size Tropicana orange and raspberry juice Size before: 1 litre Size after: 850ml This juice cost 2.48 in Asda both before and after it shrank. Which? The supermarket products that cost the same while shrinking in size Sensodyne toothpaste In Tesco, this sold for 2.40 was 3.60 before it shrank, then 3.49. In Morrisons it was 4 before it shrank, and then 3.49 after, which is more per 100g. Which? The supermarket products that cost the same while shrinking in size Percol coffee Size before: 227g Size after: 200g This coffee was 3.90 in Sainsburys and Waitrose before it shrank, and 3.65 and 3.75 respectively after both of which are more per 100g. Which? The supermarket products that cost the same while shrinking in size Dettol bathroom wipes Size before: 36 Size after: 32 These were 2 in Tesco and Ocado before they shrank, then 2 in Tesco and 2.03 in Ocado afterwards. Which?
AmazonFresh could also pose a significant challenge to specialist delivery service Ocado.
Bryan Roberts, a retail expert from TCC Global said the news of AmazonFresh coming into the UK is the last thing the big four and Ocado wanted to hear.
"While there is no cast-iron guarantee of success... I'm tempted to believe that we'll look back on today as something of a disruptive game-changer up there with the entry of Aldi and Lidl," Roberts told the BBC.
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Goldman Sachs has taken back a job offer from a graduate after discovering she had worked in porn.
A woman using the name Shizuka Minamoto had an informal offer of work withdrawn after Goldman Sachs discovered that she had not been truthful about her past during the interview process.
Minamoto is reported to have starred in a porn film called Lost Virgin in 2011 and several other films during her first and second years of university.
Recommended Read more Porn performers on the prejudices that they face
She featured as a bathhouse attendant, a member of a group of three lesbians and a schoolgirl in a gym suit in three other films, according to the Tokyo Reporter.
Many of the DVDs reportedly noted Minamotos high intelligence, with one claiming on its cover that she has an IQ of 130.
Minamotos eyes have been censured on the promotional materials associated with the films on DMM.com and Amazon.co.jp to protect her identity after she started job hunting.
The code of ethics at Goldman Sachs Japan does not explicitly prohibit former porn stars from working at the firm.
But an offer of employment could be withdrawn if the candidate was not transparent about their past during the interview process.
Shizuka Minamoto was not available for comment. Goldman Sachs Japan declined to comment.
'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton Show all 12 1 /12 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton 'Empty Porn Sets' by Jo Broughton (c) Jo Broughton 2013
Matt Gingell, partner in the employment team at Gannons Solicitors, told the Independent that a company has flexibility on who it hires provided that it does not discriminate on grounds including religion, sex, race, age or disability.
"Supposing a company hired a female ex porn star and later retracted the offer but would not have done so had the new hire been a male ex porn star in similar circumstances? That would be discriminatory," Gingell said.
He added that a candidate could later be dismissed by an employer for dishonestly if they had lied about their past during an interview process.
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M&M chocolates could soon be banned from shops in Sweden, unless the manufacturer can find a solution to a long-running trademark disagreement.
The Mars company will face fines of up to 170,000 if it tries to sell the chocolate under the M&M brand name, following a court ruling in Stockholm last week.
The court judged Mars had breached a trademark belonging to another manufacturer, Mondelez International, for the familiar lower case m symbol.
The logo is used in conjunction with a chocolate-covered peanut sweet under the Marabou brand and manufactured by Mondelez.
If Mars does not appeal the ruling by 30 June, the company will be forced to withdraw M&Ms from Swedish confectioners and supermarkets or face punishment.
In 1989 an agreement reached between the two companies stated that Mars would not sell M&M's in Scandinavia, according to The Local.
The lower case 'm' symbol, seen here on a pack of Marabou chocolates, is under copyright (Twitter)
However the agreement expired in 1998 and Mars introduced M&Ms in Sweden in 2009.
In January 2010 Mars counter-sued to have Mondelezs M trademark declared invalid.
Celin Huseby, head of corporate affairs at Mondelez Nordics, told The Local: "Mondelez is obviously satisfied with the courts decision, as our trademarks are extremely valuable to us.
"This case is an important one as it highlight the importance of protecting and regulating trademarks."
The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars Show all 10 1 /10 The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest1_1.jpg The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest2.jpg The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest3_1.jpg The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest4.jpg The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest5.jpg The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest6.jpg The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest7.jpg The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest8.jpg The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest9.jpg The 10 Best luxury chocolate bars tenbest10.jpg
A Mars spokesman told The Independent: "Given the courts decision we will assess the next steps for our beloved brand in Sweden. We will of course comply with all local laws in this matter."
M&Ms were first made in 1941 and Mars maintains there should be little confusion between the chocolate and the Marabou Peanut brand, although Mondelez has repeatedly disagreed.
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Students from the wealthiest areas of the country are more than six times more likely to secure places at top UK universities than those from disadvantaged social backgrounds, new figures have revealed.
In a breakdown of data from 132 of the UKs largest universities, students of all ages living within the top 20 per cent most advantaged areas were 2.4 times more likely to enter higher education, and had greater chance of their applications being accepted.
Teenagers from the most advantaged backgrounds were around 14 times more likely to be offered a place at Oxford University in 2015, and 16 times more likely to secure a place at the University of Cambridge, which admitted only 65 18-year-olds from the UKs most disadvantaged areas in 2015.
The figures, released as part of a new equality report from UCAS admissions body, have furthered concerns from education experts about a persistent gap between rich and poor candidates, as well as the opportunities available to disadvantaged students.
Commenting on the new analysis, Sir Peter Lampl, Chairman of the Sutton Trust and of the Education Endowment Foundation, said: Its seriously concerning to see such a strong correlation between your background and your chance of getting an offer, particularly at our leading universities.
Todays figures tell us that we must not get complacent about inequalities of access. We need to see a renewed effort from universities, government and schools to improve outreach work, subject choices and attainment for those from less advantaged backgrounds.
UCAS analysts studied data from more than 13 million applications to create the first equality report of its kind, pre-empting David Camerons calls for greater transparency in the admissions process.
The report takes into account how likely UK students are to be offered a place and enter university in relation to their gender, ethnicity and social background.
Other findings showed that white students were underrepresented in just under half of all universities studied; however there was also a noticeable low entry rate from people of black ethnicity to higher tariff institutions.
The gap between the number of men and women entering higher education was said to have reached record levels, with women more likely to enter 90 per cent of the UKs largest universities over men.
Professor Les Ebdon, Director of Fair Access to Higher Education, said of the report: I do not accept that an applicant's ethnicity or where they come from should be a barrier to attending university.
He added: Publishing this data is a real step forward for widening access. It increases transparency, and helps universities to evaluate what they do so they can get to the heart of what has most impact.
The Prime Minister has set ambitious goals to increase the rates of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds entering higher education. This data will aid understanding of individual universities progress towards the Prime Ministers targets, and help us identify those with the furthest still to go.
In January, the Prime Minister accused top institutions including Oxford University of not doing enough to attract applicants across all social backgrounds and noted that Oxford accepted just 27 black British students in a single year.
Data released from UCAS details however that the number of 18 year old students of Black ethnicity being offered places at Oxford has risen each year since 2012, in contrast to all other ethnic groups.
The number of Asian applicants being awarded places fell by 1.8 per cent last year, while the number of offers made to mixed race students fell by 3.1 per cent overall. White British applicants had reduced offer rates of 0.2 per cent in the 2014-15 academic year.
Universities UK said they planned to take into account the problems in admissions equality as highlighted by the report.
Dame Julia Goodfellow, President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, said: Publishing more data will not necessarily solve some of the long-standing problems in access to and participation in higher education. It will, however, allow universities to identify issues and solutions specific to their own institutions. It will allow us also to look at the picture across the sector."
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Elizabeth Garrett Anderson was a pioneering feminist born in Whitechapel, London, in 1836. Today would have been her 180th birthday, and Google has marked the occasion with a Doodle on its homepage.
Here are four facts about her that you (probably) didn't know:
She was the first Englishwoman to qualify as a physician and surgeon in Britain
Garrett began her medical training by becoming a surgery nurse at Middlesex Hospital in 1860. Her success in this role led to her attending an outpatients clinic and then her first operation. After being denied the chance to enroll in the hospital's medical school she hired a private tutor to learn anatomy and physiology.
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Garrett was able to gain her qualifications as a surgeon via a loophole in admissions for the Society of Apothecaries. Its charter forbade excluding her on account of her sex, and Garrett eventually qualified to practice medicine in 1865. The society immediately amended its regulations to prevent other women from obtaining a medical licence.
She was the first dean of a British medical school
In 1874, Garrett co-founded the London School of Medicine - the only teaching hospital in Britain to offer places to women. She worked there for the rest of career, and was dean from 1883-1902. The school later became part of what is now the medical school at University College London.
She was first female doctor of medicine in France
On hearing that the dean of the faculty of medicine at the University of Sorbonne, Paris was in favour of admitting women as medical students, Garrett studied French so that she could apply for a medical degree, which she obtained in 1870 after some difficulty.
As Mayor of Aldeburgh, she was the first female magistrate in Britain
In 1871 Garrett married James George Skelton, and in 1907 they retired to Aldeburgh in Suffolk. She was was elected mayor of the coastal town in November 1908, a position previously held by her father. She died there in December 1917.
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The bespectacled image of King Bhumibol Adulyadej dominates public space in Thailand, from billboards on high-rises to portraits that flank leafy boulevards.
After seven decades on the throne, King Bhumibol is seen by many Thais as a pillar of stability, and accorded semi-divine status. But the kingdom marks his platinum jubilee on Thursday amid anxiety over his health and at a critical political juncture.
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Celebrations will include a morning religious ceremony presided over by 770 Buddhist monks, a figure seen as auspicious.
The festivities will serve as a reminder to Thais of their relationship to a king who is regarded as integral to Thailand's identity and a father-figure to the nation.
It may also jangle nerves about the succession, as most Thais have known no other monarch. The king received heart treatment on Tuesday and has been in hospital for more than a year.
Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, the king's 63-year-old son, is the heir apparent. He has not achieved the same level of devotion that his father enjoys.
The relationship between Thais and the king is deep, more than one can actually begin to explain, Colonel Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for the royalist junta, told Reuters.
He is a father to the land.
The monarchy has not always been held so highly in Thailand. In 1946, at the age of 18, King Bhumibol inherited a throne that had barely survived the upheaval of the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.
That marked what an official biography of the king described as a nadir for the monarchy.
Over the following decades, the king earned the adoration of millions through work in public health and rural development, and with the help of a formidable public relations machine that returned the monarchy to prominence in a country where politics, was, and still is, largely dominated by the military.
The military has staged 19 coups or attempted coups since the end of absolute monarchy, often evoking its loyalty to the crown and defence of the monarchy in explaining its actions.
Crowds gather whenever the king's convoy travels, and many people sport the colours of royal family members on their birthdays.
For some, the reverence reflects conformity in a country known for adherence to age old customs and its love of uniforms.
Others point to stringent royal insult laws that prevent criticism of the king, and which have been enforced with record jail terms under a junta that seized power in 2014.
For most, there is genuine affection.
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He travelled up and down the country and met the people and he heard and fixed our problems and that is why we love him, said Yaovapha Thaitae, a noodle vendor working near the Bangkok hospital where the king is being treated.
The king's jubilee comes amid a junta crackdown on dissent ahead of an August referendum on a constitution that critics say would extend the military's influence at the expense of populist political forces that emerged to challenge the establishment as Thailand's economy boomed in recent decades.
If voters reject the draft charter, a general election slated for 2017 could be delayed, likely prolonging tension between the military-dominated establishment and its rivals seeking a quick return to electoral politics.
Educational reforms under the junta have emphasised loyalty and love of the monarchy. King Bhumibol's image is at the centre of every classroom in schools where education is largely by rote learning.
The national anthem is played in public places every morning and evening and people are expected to stand at attention. Old footage of the king's visits to rural communities is shown when his anthem is played in cinemas before every movie.
Many national holidays revolve around the royals. The king's birthday is Father's Day and Queen Sirikit's is Mother's Day.
Holidays throughout the year praise Thailand's king, said Paul Chambers, director of research at the Institute of Southeast Asian Affairs in the city of Chiang Mai.
Education and state emblems, virtues, slogans, also place the king at the centre of the nation.
Such is the cult of personality surrounding the king that some analysts have made comparisons with North Korea.
The Thai king's image is ubiquitous, said Chambers. That is also true of leaders in Brunei and North Korea. Perhaps Thailand differs from those cases because the cult of personality leader in those countries rules directly.
Reuters
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Oscar Pistorius has given his first TV interview after being convicted for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013.
The former Paralympic and Olympic athlete, whose sentencing hearing for the murder conviction will begin on Monday, spoke to journalist Mark Williams-Thomas in a special hour-long programme for ITV due to broadcast on 24 June.
Although there are few details about what he said during the pre-recorded interview, the channel says Pistorius will discuss preparing to return to jail after his original conviction of culpable homicide was upgraded to second-degree murder by South Africas Supreme Court.
In a statement, ITV said: In the documentary, Pistorius gives his account of what happened the night he killed his girlfriend and is questioned about key details of the prosecution case which resulted in his conviction.
He also talks about his relationship with Reeva, the allegations of his previous abusive behaviour towards her and and his previous use of firearms."
The broadcaster said it had invited Ms Steenkamps family to take part in the programme but that they declined.
The interview was recorded at Pistoriuss uncles home, where the former athlete is currently being held under house arrest until he faces his fresh sentencing hearing on 13 June.
Oscar Pistorius found guilty of murder by court of appeal
The verdict from the five-day hearing is expected on 17 June and Pistorius is facing a minimum of 15 years in prison.
Pistorius shot the model through the bathroom door of his home in Pretoria in the early hours of the morning of 14 February in 2013.
He admitted he had shot her but denied it was murder, saying he had mistaken her for an intruder.
His original conviction for culpable homicide in 2014, on the grounds it could not be proven that he had intended to kill Ms Steenkamp, and his subsequent sentence of five years in prison drew outrage around the world.
In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence A mobile telephone, firearm and blood splatter in Pistorius's house In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence A gun in Pistorius's house where his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence A mobile telephone and blood splatter in Oscar Pistorius's house In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence The bathroom in Pistorius's house where his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence The bathroom in Pistorius's house where he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence The bathroom in Pistorius's house where his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence Oscar Pistorius covered in blood splatter after his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence Oscar Pistorius covered in blood splatter after his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence Oscar Pistorius covered in blood splatter after his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot In pictures: Oscar Pistorius trial evidence Trial evidence Oscar Pistorius's artificial legs covered in blood splatter after his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot
Fresh controversy was ignited in October 2015 when it was revealed Pistorius was due to be released after serving just 10 months of his five-year sentence before being released under house arrest to his uncles home once more.
His release coincided with South Africas Womens Month, highlighting the prevalence of violence against women and domestic abuse in the country.
But after his release, the South African Supreme Court upgraded Pistorius's conviction to murder because, given he knew someone was behind the door, he should have realised firing shots into the room was likely to kill whomever was inside.
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The idea of a boss walking in on an unsuspecting employee taking a nap is not one any worker is likely to relish.
It might be considered even less desirable if the boss in question is one of the most famous billionaire businessmen in the world.
Sir Richard Branson recently visited the Virgin Australia office in Sydney only to find one of his employees fast asleep on a sofa.
Documenting his recent trip on his blog, the entrepreneur wrote: There were certainly smiles, and laughter, all round at Virgin Australia. I popped into the office and airport to say hello and check in to see what the team are up to.
People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015.
This guy isnt up to much at all - I caught him sleeping on the job! Wow, did he get a shock when I woke him up. He must have thought he was dreaming because he went straight back to sleep.
For the potentially traumatised employee this, unfortunately, was not a dream.
However, apart from finding himself the focus of news coverage across the world, the unnamed employee neednt have worried - as Branson reassured readers he was simply enjoying some much needed rest while he was on standby.
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The parents of a British Muslim convert, believed to have travelled to Syria to join Isis, have been remanded in custody after being charged with terrorism offences.
Jack Letts, dubbed Jihadi Jack, was suspected of joining Isis after he left his home in Oxford and travelled to Syria last year aged 18.
Now 20, Letts was most recently reported to be going by the name Abu Mohammed, having married an Iraqi woman with whom he has a son, Muhammed.
The South East Counter Terrorism Unit (Sectu) confirmed earlier this month that it had charged John Letts, a leading organic farmer and baker, and Sally Lane with making money available for a terrorist purpose.
John Letts, 55, and Sally Lane, 54, of Chilswell Road, Oxford, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with funding terrorism by sending money to their son.
The pair were charged with three counts of arranging the availability of property or money to another person knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect it could be used for the purpose of terrorism.
In pictures: The rise of Isis Show all 74 1 /74 In pictures: The rise of Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters of the Islamic State wave the group's flag from a damaged display of a government fighter jet following the battle for the Tabqa air base, in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from Islamic State group sit on their tank during a parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from the Islamic State group pray at the Tabqa air base after capturing it from the Syrian government in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from extremist Islamic State group parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping A video uploaded to social networks shows men in underwear being marched barefoot along a desert road before being allegedly executed by Isis Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Haruna Yukawa after his capture by Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Khalinda Sharaf Ajour, a Yazidi, says two of her daughters were captured by Isis militants Washington Post In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Spokesperson for Isis Vice News via Youtube In pictures: The rise of Isis A pro-Isis leaflet A pro-Isis leaflet handed out on Oxford Street In London Ghaffar Hussain In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Isis Jihadists burn their passports In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A man collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A woman collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid Local civilians queue for aid administered by Isis. Since it declared a caliphate the group has increasingly been delivering services such as healthcare, and distributing aid and free fuel In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces detain men suspected of being militants of the Isis group in Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Mourners carry the coffin of a Shi'ite volunteer from the brigades of peace, who joined the Iraqi army and was killed during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Samarra, during his funeral in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Shiite Turkmen family fleeing the violence in the Iraqi city of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, arrives at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Arbil, in Iraq's Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi A photograph made from a video by the jihadist affiliated group Furqan Media via their twitter account allegedly showing Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi delivering a sermon during Friday prayers at a mosque in Mosul. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an Islamist caliphate in the territory under the group's control in Iraq and Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Smoke and debris go up in the air as Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul. Images posted online show that Islamic extremists have destroyed at least 10 ancient shrines and Shiite mosques in territory - the city of Mosul and the town of Tal Afar - they have seized in northern Iraq in recent weeks In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq A bulldozer destroys Sunni's Ahmed al-Rifai shrine and tomb in Mahlabiya district outside of Tal Afar In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces celebrate after clashes with followers of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi, in front of his home in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi at his home after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A vehicle burns in front of a home of a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman holds her exhausted son as over 1000 Iraqis who have fled fighting in and around the city of Mosul and Tal Afar wait at a Kurdish checkpoint in the hopes of entering a temporary displacement camp in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees Displaced Iraqi women hold pots as they queue to receive food during the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, at an encampment for displaced Iraqis who fled from Mosul and other towns, in the Khazer area outside Irbil, north Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A militant Islamist fighter waving a flag, cheers as he takes part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa. The fighters held the parade to celebrate their declaration of an Islamic "caliphate" after the group captured territory in neighbouring Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters travel in a vehicle as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade with a missile in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from an al-Qaida splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from the splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters hold a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A member loyal to the Isis waves an Isis flag in Raqqa In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi anti-government gunmen from Sunni tribes in the western Anbar province march during a protest in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. The United Nations warned that Iraq is at a "crossroads" and appealed for restraint, as a bloody four-day wave of violence killed 195 people. The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas of the Shiite-majority country more than four months ago, raising fears of a return to all-out sectarian conflict In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces hold up a flag of the Isis group they captured during an operation to regain control of Dallah Abbas north of Baqouba, the capital of Iraq's Diyala province, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Isis fighters parade in the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Volunteers, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against the predominantly Sunni militants from the radical Isis group, demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony after completing their field training in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Kurdish Peshmerga troops fire a cannon during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Jalawla, Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference Iraqi Prime Minister's security spokesman, Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference about the latest military development in Iraq, in the capital Baghdad. Iraqi forces pressed a campaign to retake militant-held Tikrit, clashing with jihadist-led Sunni militants nearby and pounding positions inside the city with air strikes in their biggest counter-offensive so far In pictures: The rise of Isis A police station building destroyed by Isis fighters An exterior view of a police station building destroyed by gunmen in Mosul city, northern Iraq. Iraq's new parliament is expected to convene to start the process of setting up a new government, despite deepening political rifts and an ongoing Islamist-led insurgency. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani issued a decree inviting the new House of Representatives to meet and form a new government In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Smoke billows from an area controlled by the Isis between the Iraqi towns of Naojul and Tuz Khurmatu, both located north of the capital Baghdad, as Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces take part in an operation to repel the Sunni militants In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An elderly Iraqi woman is helped into a temporary displacement camp for Iraqis caught-up in the fighting in and around the city of Mosul in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Christian woman fleeing the violence in the village of Qaraqush, about 30 kms east of the northern province of Nineveh, cries upon her arrival at a community center in the Kurdish city of Arbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman, who fled with her family from the northern city of Mosul, prays with a copy of the Quran AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq The body of an Isis militant killed during clashes with Iraqi security forces on the outskirts of the city of Samarra Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi civilians inspect the damage at a market after an air strike by the Iraqi army in central Mosul EPA In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Members of the Al-Abbas brigades, who volunteered to protect the Shiite Muslim holy sites in Karbala against Sunni militants fighting the Baghdad government, parade in the streets of the city AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Shia tribesmen gather in Baghdad to take up arms against Sunni insurgents marching on the capital. Thousands have volunteered to bolster defences AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A van carrying volunteers joining Iraqi security forces against Jihadist militants. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced the Iraqi government would arm and equip civilians who volunteered to fight AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters of the Isis group parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An Islamist fighter, identified as Abu Muthanna al-Yemeni from Britain (R), speaks in this still image taken undated video shot at an unknown location and uploaded to a social media website. Five Islamist fighters identified as Australian and British nationals have called on Muslims to join the wars in Syria and Iraq, in the new video released by the Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Al-Qaida inspired militants stand with captured Iraqi Army Humvee at a checkpoint belonging to Iraqi Army outside Beiji refinery some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad. The fighting at Beiji comes as Iraq has asked the U.S. for airstrikes targeting the militants from the Isis group. While U.S. President Barack Obama has not fully ruled out the possibility of launching airstrikes, such action is not imminent in part because intelligence agencies have been unable to identify clear targets on the ground, officials said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants attacked Iraq's main oil refinein Baiji as they pressed an offensive that has seen them capture swathes of territory, a manager and a refinery employee said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants from the Isis group parading with their weapons in the northern city of Baiji in the in Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A smoke rises after an attack by Isis militants on the country's largest oil refinery in Beiji, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad. Iraqi security forces battled insurgents targeting the country's main oil refinery and said they regained partial control of a city near the Syrian border, trying to blunt an offensive by Sunni militants who diplomats fear may have also seized some 100 foreign workers In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group stand next to captured vehicles left behind by Iraqi security forces at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province. For militant groups, the fight over public perception can be even more important than actual combat, turning military losses into propaganda victories and battlefield successes into powerful tools to build support for the cause In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An injured fighter (C) from the Isis group after a battle with Iraqi soldiers at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis aiming at advancing Iraqi troops at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group taking position at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group inspecting vehicles of the Iraqi army after they were seized at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq One Iraqi captive, a corporal, is reluctant to say the slogan, and has to be shouted at repeatedly before he obeys Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group force captured Iraqi security forces members to the transport In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group transporting dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members to an unknown location in the Salaheddin province ahead of executing them In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A major offensive spearheaded by Isis but also involving supporters of executed dictator Saddam Hussein has overrun all of one province and chunks of three others In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group executing dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants taking position at a Iraqi border post on the Syrian-Iraqi border between the Iraqi Nineveh province and the Syrian town of Al-Hasakah In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis rebels show their flag after seizing an army post AFP/Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants waving an Islamist flag after the seizure of an Iraqi army checkpoint in Salahuddin Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Demonstrators chant slogans as they carry al-Qaida flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul, 225 miles (360 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad. In the week since it captured Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, a Muslim extremist group has tried to win over residents and has stopped short of widely enforcing its strict brand of Islamic law, residents say. Churches remain unharmed and street cleaners are back at work
It is alleged the pair transferred 223 on 2 September 2015, 1,000 on 31 December 2015 and 500 on 4 January this year.
Lane is charged of two further counts of attempting to provide money or property knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect it could be used for the purpose of terrorism.
The court heard how she allegedly attempted to send two payments of 500 on 4 January 2016.
Both pleaded not guilty to the charges and have been kept in custody until their next appearance at the Old Bailey on 23 June.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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Detectives have said they are one important step closer to finding the killer of Melanie Hall after DNA evidence on an item found near her remains was discovered using new techniques.
Miss Hall, a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, was last seen at 1:10am on 9 June 1996, at the towns Cadillacs nightclub.
The 25-year-olds remains were found by a workman in a bag next to a slip-road at junction 14 of the M5, near Thornbury, South Gloucestershire on 5 October 2009.
Police officers at the scene on the M5 slip road at junction 14, north of Bristol, where the remains Melanie Hall were discovered in 2009 (PA)
The DNA evidence was revealed on the 20th anniversary of Miss Hall's disappearance with detectives saying it could assist the investigation significantly.
Superintendent Andy Bevan, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "For the first time I'm able to confirm publicly that we do have DNA evidence which was left on an item found at the scene where Melanie's remains were discovered.
"Through new techniques, we're in the process of developing a DNA profile. There's no doubt this brings us an important step closer to finding her killer."
Nine people have been arrested in connection with the case since the investigation began but no-one has been charged.
Cadillacs nightclub in Bath (PA)
Police do not have a prime suspect or any conclusive evidence Miss Halls death is linked to other murders or sexual offences.
Miss Halls clothing and belongings have never been found, including her pale silk dress, black suede mule shoes, a cream jacket and handbag.
Her parents, Steve and Pat Hall, said their lives have been totally altered by Miss Halls death. Mr Hall said his family felt a responsibility to find his daughters killer on her behalf and bring them to justice.
Missing clothes, handbag and shoes similar to the ones belonging to Melanie Hall (PA)
"What they don't appreciate is there's not just one victim in this situation, there are a number of victims, said Mr Hall.
"There's my wife and myself, my daughter, 97-year-old mother - my mother. Our lives have been totally altered and they can't be put back together completely.
"We would simply say, this is what someone has done to us, please see fit to let us know what happened to Melanie and who was responsible.
Steve (left) and Pat Hall, the parents of Melanie Hall (PA)
"It is the last act that we can carry out for her.
Crime stoppers is reinstating a reward of up to 10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder.
The Operation Denmark Incident Room can be called on 0117 952 9788, while Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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A man who must inform police 24 hours before he plans to have sex has said his life is like a "virtual prison".
Speaking outside York Magistrates Court after an adjourned hearing, he told reporters the requirement "puts an end to your life" and meant he had "no prospect" of a relationship.
The single man in his 40s, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was cleared of rape in a trial last year.
He is currently under a Sexual Risk Order (SRO), which obliges him to inform police 24 hours before he has sex with a new partner.
"It's so unjust, there is not a conviction to my name one allegation, acquitted and they can still shut you down," he said.
"They can create this virtual prison."
An SRO can be made for an individual who has not been convicted or cautioned for any offence, but who is thought to pose a risk of harm to the public.
The order lasts for two years and can prohibit the person under it from carrying out specific acts.
Should stalkers be on the sex offenders register? - London Live
The interim order, initially imposed in December 2015, states: "You must disclose the details of any female including her name, address and date of birth.
"You must do this at least 24 hours prior to any sexual activity taking place."
The man accused police of using "sour grapes" tactics.
"The police, if they lose in court, are using these Sexual Risk Orders as a tool, by stealth," he said. "The standards of proof are so much lower. You don't even have to break the law."
The man was in court after failing to give the police the access code to his phone another condition of his SRO.
He is not supposed to use any internet-enabled device that cannot be later checked by police, but said he decided not to give them the code as a point of principle.
According to the man, the terms of an SRO were supposed to be prohibitive, not obligatory.
He was arrested and held in police custody overnight.
When asked about the prospect of a relationship, he said the disclosure process would be "horrendous".
He gave the example of telling a potential new partner: "There's a nice French restaurant I'd like to take you to, but first the police are just going to come around for a little chat.
"Knock, knock, knock, this is the police, [Mr X] is subject to a Sexual Risk Order and is considered to be potentially dangerous [] Then they leave."
According to The Telegraph, the man is a father of two and works in IT.
He was cleared of rape last year during a retrial in which he admitted to previously having an interest in sado-masochistic sex and said he used to visit a fetish club with a different ex-partner.
In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris Show all 8 1 /8 In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris A protester (R) holds a sign reading 'Prostitutes with fists raised against the penalisation of clients!' during a demonstration by sex workers and supporters near the French National Assembly in Paris In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris A protester wears a hat rimmed with red roses during a demonstration by sex workers and supporters near the French National Assembly in Paris In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris Sex workers hold signs during a protest against new bill against prostitution and sex trafficking In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris Transgender sex workers protest against a parliamentary vote to enforce the penalisation of solicitation, near the Assemblee Nationale (French parliament) in Paris In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris A protester wears a mask during a demonstration by sex workers and supporters near the French National Assembly in Paris In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris Protesters wear masks during a demonstration by sex workers and supporters near the French National Assembly in Paris, as French lawmakers take part in a final debate on a bill that would make it illegal to pay for sex. French lawmakers were poised on April 6 to pass a controversial law that makes it illegal to pay for sex and imposes fines of up to 3,500 euros ($3,970) on prostitutes' clients In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris Protesters hold up their fists and chant slogans during a demonstration by sex workers and supporters near the French National Assembly in Paris In pictures: Sex workers protest in Paris Protesters hold a banner reading 'Don't liberate me, I'll take care of it myself!'
He had been accused of biting and scratching the complainant, although he insisted the scratching came during a massage, post-coitally, and that there was no biting.
"Thank god Fifty Shades of Grey came out when it did, it helped my barrister normalise that," he said.
The Independent has contacted North Yorkshire Police for comment.
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No charges will be brought over allegations of the rendition of two families to Libya 12 years ago.
There is "insufficient evidence" to press criminal charges as part of the investigation into how the Belhadj and Al Saadi families were handled, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
The CPS, working with the Metropolitan Police on the investigation known as Operation Lydd which was set up to consider complaints of ill treatment against detainees, looked at "a large number" or records, people and organisations including the security services and Government departments.
Recommended PM welcomes Libya rendition investigation
Abdel Hakim Belhaj and Sami al-Saadi, along with members of their families, were kidnapped and sent to face punishment in Libya in 2004.
Mr Belhadj and his wife, Fatima Boudchar accused former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and an ex-senior MI6 officer, Sir Mark Allen, of being responsible for their forced return to Colonel Gaddafi's Libya in March 2004 where they suffered ill-treatment.
Abdel Hakim Belhadj, one of the Libyans at the centre of the claims (Reuters)
Sue Hemming, head of the CPS's Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: "Following a thorough investigation, the CPS has decided that there is insufficient evidence to charge the suspect with any criminal offence.
"We made our decision based upon all the available admissible evidence and after weighing up all of the information we have been provided with."
Press Association
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Is there a European Union foreign and defence policy?
The Common foreign and security policy covers foreign affairs, defence and civilian crisis management. It is in the domain of the European Council, headed by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs who is supported by the European External Action Service. Member states have a veto on policy.
The European Defence Agency, based in Brussels, coordinates proposals, projects and operations. The member states themselves, however, are at present in charge of their overall defence policies and investment.
In the EUs own words it is a key player on issues ranging from Irans nuclear programme and stabilising Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa to fighting global warming. Its joint foreign and security policy, designed to resolve conflicts and foster international understanding, is based on diplomacy; trade, humanitarian aid, security and defence often play a complementary role.
Will Britain gain or lose in terms of defence and diplomatic reach by Brexit?
Soldiers from the The Royal Anglian Regiment parade through Watford (Getty)
The European Union wants to expand its foreign affairs and defence arms. It says: The sheer demographic and economic weight of the 28-nation bloc makes it a major power. It is the worlds biggest trader with the worlds second currency, the euro. The trend towards joint foreign policy decisions strengthens its arm.
To the Brexiteers this is another example of ever closer union, the project to create a European super state. They are particularly suspicious of the creation of European armed forces, maintaining that it will be incompetent and, at the same time, undermine Nato and alienate the US.
The Brexiteers also hold that the EU exaggerates its diplomatic capabilities. The final deal with Iran over its nuclear programme involved not the EU but the five permanent members of the US Security Council along with Germany.
The Remain campaign say that talks of a European armed force is alarmist and Britain has no intention of signing up to it. The UK, they say, has the opportunity to play a key role in shaping EU foreign and defence policy by staying inside. EU officials point out that it was Baroness Ashton, a Briton, who laid the initial groundwork for the initial Iran talks and a historic agreement between Serbia and Kosovo when she was the High Representative.
The EU will, in reality, move towards greater integration in foreign affairs and defence with or without the UK. As a senior German government official pointed out last week: The goal is a European defence union. That is not about competing with Nato, but we need a stronger Europe. If we wait for the Eurosceptics, then we will only go backwards.
What about the Special Relationship between Britain and the US?
Prime Minister David Cameron greets President Obama during a visit to Britain (Getty)
The Obama administration has been making in clear for some time that it wanted Britain to stay in the EU. The President intervened personally, coming to the UK midway through the referendum campaign to state that America wanted its friends and allies to stick together. His words were flattering, such as in stressing the need for British leadership within the EU, but also intimidating, pointing out that the UK would be in the back of the queue in getting trade deals with the US if it chooses to leave the EU.
Hillary Clinton is also a strong advocate of the UK staying in the EU, using her former advisor, Jake Sullivan, to say: Hillary Clinton believes that transatlantic cooperation is essential, and that cooperation is strongest when Europe is united. She has always valued a strong United Kingdom in a strong EU. And she values a strong British voice in the EU.
This was when Ms Clinton was seen as a certainty to beat Donald Trump to the White House without too much trouble. The latest poll figures show she is still ahead of the presumptive Republican candidate, but a Trump presidency is no longer beyond the realms of possibility. Mr Trump, who will be visiting Britain a day after the referendum, has declared: I think the migration has been a horrible thing for Europe. A lot of that was pushed by the EU. I would say that theyre better off without it, personally, but Im not making that as a recommendation: just my feeling.
Can Britain strike out alone?
The Brexiteers hold the view that Britain, with the worlds fifth largest economy, a member of the UN Security Council and the possessor of a nuclear arsenal, does not need the EU to be a player on the international stage.
Various options exist such as joining NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) if it agrees to take the UK as a member, strengthening trade and strategic relationships with rising powers and even becoming a Switzerland with nukes. There is also the prospect of greater involvement in the G8, G20 and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Firstly, however, the UK will have to negotiate its departure from the EU. A number of EU governments have warned that Britain will get nothing like an easy ride on this, not least because doing so would encourage exit movements in member states. The Brexiteers argue that the EU cannot afford to take a punitive stance because it needs to trade with Britain.
Joining NAFTA would place the UK strategically firmly in the mid-Atlantic, away from Europe, but this will also include a certain amount of loss of independence, and London will have relatively little leverage in terms of the joining rules.
A Switzerland with nukes option does not work because Britain, as we have seen in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Libya and elsewhere, wants to continue to flex its military muscle and not just be a financial centre. Forums such as G20, meanwhile, only allows limited avenues to project influence.
What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence.
Britain can focus on potentially lucrative markets like China and India. But the Chinese have made it clear that they want to deal with the UK as part of an EU block. India, because of historic ties, may be more accessible, but is unlikely to be easy. David Cameron has visited India three times since he became Prime Minister in 2010. Narendra Modis visit to Britain last November was the first by an Indian prime minister since 2006. Mr Modi made 28 other foreign trips before coming to Britain. He will be in Washington this week, visiting the White House for the second time in two years. It will be his seventh meeting with President Obama.
The EU referendum debate has so far been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So until 23 June we were running a series of question and answer features that explain the most important issues in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision.
What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?
Will we gain or lose rights by leaving the European Union?
What will happen to immigration if there's Brexit?
Will Brexit make the UK more or less safe?
Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?
Will leaving the EU save taxpayers money and mean more money for the NHS?
What will Brexit do to UK trade?
How Brexit will affect British tourism
What will Brexit mean for British tourists booking holidays in the EU?
Will Brexit help or damage the environment?
Will Brexit mean that Europeans have to leave the UK?
What will Brexit mean for British expats?
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A Conservative MP faces a potential investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner over his 2,000 a month payments from a think-tank based in the Saudi Arabian capital.
Rehman Chishti, who has represented the Gillingham and Rainham constituency since 2010, has been in an advisory role to the King Faisal Centre based in Riyadh since March this year.
Established in 1983 the organisation aims to promote the reputation of King Faisal, who was assassinated in 1975.
Knowledge dissemination is also one of the centres core aims and this can be seen through the varied lectures, workshops and exhibitions that are being held each year. Its main purpose is thus to constitute a focal point for cultural and intellectual enlightenment, the centres website adds.
According to the register of members financial interests Mr Rehman describes the job as involving providing advice to the centre on its work on international relations covering Europe and the Middle East. He adds that he spends 10 hours per month on the role and is paid 2,000 per month until further notice.
But, according to the Times, Mr Chishti, who served on the Joint Committee on Human Right between 2011 and 2014, made statements in the Commons advancing Saudi interests after registering the payment.
In a letter to Kathryn Hudson, the standards commissioner, Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake claimed a statement made by Mr Chishti was advocacy on behalf of the government in Riyadh.
Mr Brake wrote: In Mr Chishti oral question on 29 February 2016 regarding Saudi Arabia he appears to be advocating for the Saudi Arabian authorities, when he said: The international community had previously asked Arab countries to do more in the fight against Daesh [Isis]. Having just returned from leading a parliamentary delegation to Saudi Arabia, I understand that the Saudi authorities are prepared to send ground troops into Syria to defeat Daesh but require air cover for their international partners. Will the United Kingdom and other partners look at that request?
British Prime Minister Harold Wilson (left) shaking hands with King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, outside 10 Downing Street, London, May 23rd 1967 (Getty Images)
It is clear that, as he registered his role with the centre on the 24th February 2016, he knew at that point that he was going to receive payment from the centre. Is it a breach of the code for a member to advocate for a foreign government closely linked to an NGO in the knowledge that, in just a few days, they will be receiving payment from that NGO?
Mr Brake also questioned whether it was in the public interest for an MP to be receiving funding from an NGO that is closely linked to the Saudi government.
I am therefore asking that, in you role as Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and in accordance with your remit, you investigate whether Mr Chishti has breached the code of conduct for members of Parliament.
10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards office confirmed on Thursday they had recieved an allegation of a breach of the code of conduct by Mr Rehman. The Commissioner is in the process of deciding whether to begin an inquiry.
Responding to the allegation, Mr Chishti said: My role as an advisor to the King Faisal Center, which is an independent think tank based in Riyadh and not funded by the Saudi Government, commenced on the 1st March 2016 and as far as I am concerned is declared with the House of Commons in accordance with its rules.
Update 09/06/2016 14:00: The parliamentary commissioner for standards has decided not to take any further action. Rehman Chishti MP added: The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has today dismissed these baseless allegations by Lib Dem MP Tom Brake and confirmed that no inquiry will be held on this matter.
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What did we learn from that debate? Not a lot. But there was something of a shift in gear from the Remain side. Amber Rudd, the Governments representative, appeared determined all night to focus on Boris Johnson and his prospects of becoming Prime Minister, ending with the jibe: Hes the life and soul of the party but hes not the man you want driving you home at the end of the evening.
Mr Johnsons supporters will probably take it as a sign that Downing Street are rattled, and it could be argued that making the campaign about Boris, who despite his detractors remains one of the countrys most recognisable and liked politicians, is a risky approach.
Whats clear, is that the Tories have rarely looked so divided, and while Labour might want to shift the debate from personalities to policies, it could be the Blue on Blue action that dominates headlines right up until referendum day.
Ms Rudd accused Mr Johnson and the Vote Leave camp of making up statistics such as the 350m claim - a figure disputed by some experts who say it is closer to 150m - which is on the side of the campaigns battle bus.
She said: That bus is pure fantasy.
We're going to repaint that bus with a leprechaun on one end a big rainbow and pot of gold at the other.
Both Ms Rudd and Labours shadow business secretary Angela Eagle accused Mr Johnson of only being on the Leave campaign to further his ambition to replace David Cameron.
Ms Eagle said the only job Boris is interested in is David Camerons.
(L-R) Nicola Sturgeon, Angela Eagle, Amber Rudd, Julie Etchingham, Andrea Leadsom, Gisela Stuart and Boris Johnson did battle in the ITV Referendum Debate (Matt Frost/ITV via Getty Images)
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon criticised Mr Johnsons claim the UK could better spend the money it sends to Brussels on alleviating the problems within the NHS.
She said: "Its a bit rich to hear the man who once said people should be charged for using the NHS saying he is now the defender of it.
"I am staggered that Boris Johnson is now standing here still defending this 350m a week figure. Its a scandal that is still emblazoned across the campaign bus because it is an absolute whopper.
"The statistics authority says so, the House of Commons select committee says so, everybody knows so.
The contribution each of us makes to the EU every day is less than a pound, but what do we get for that money? We get freedom of travel, we get a single market of 500m people, the chance to cooperate to keep us safer. These are the gains of being in the EU.
But Brexiters hit back at the comments by the trio saying they were getting too personal in a bid to discredit Mr Johnson.
Former Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, told Politics Home the Remain camp were using scare stories.
He added: Then they laced that permanently with abuse. Personal abuse, mostly aimed at Boris, sometimes at the others, but mostly at Boris. Scripted, you could see their heads dip to read the scripted lines, and I thought that contrasted starkly with the team that Im proud of, the Vote Leave team.
What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Show all 5 1 /5 What's the European Parliament ever done for us? What's the European Parliament ever done for us? A cap on the amount of hours an employer can make you work The Working Time directive provides legal standards to ensure the health and safety of employees in Europe. Among the many rules are a working week of a maximum 48 hours, including overtime, a daily rest period of 11 hours in every 24, a break if a person works for six hours or more, and one day off in every seven. It also includes provisions for paid annual leave of at least four weeks every year Getty Images What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping the people of Britain to avoid smoking In 2014 MEPs passed the Tobacco Products Directive strengthening existing rules on the manufacture, production and presentation of tobacco products. This includes things like reduced branding, restrictions on products containing flavoured tobacco, health warnings on cigarette packets and provisions for e-cigarettes to ensure they are safe What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping you to make the right choices with your food Thanks to the European Parliament, UK consumers have access to more information than ever about their food and drink. This includes amount of fat, and how much of it is saturated, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and so on. It also includes portion sizes and guideline daily amount information so people can make informed choices about their diet. All facts must be clear and easy to understand What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Two year guarantees and 14-day returns policy for all products Consumers across the EU have access to a number of rights, from things which are potentially very useful, to things which used to be annoying. For example, shoppers in the UK receive a two-year guarantee on all products, and a 14-day period to change their minds and return a purchase, these things are useful www.PeopleImages.com-licence restrictions apply What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Keeping your air nice and fresh (and safe) Believe it or not, although the situation is improving, some areas of the UK have appalling air quality. A report by the Royal College of Physicians released on 23 February says 40,000 deaths are caused by outdoor air pollution in the UK every year. Air pollution is linked to a number of illnesses and conditions, from Asthma to diabetes and dementia. The report estimates the costs to British business and the health service add up to 20 billion every year
Meanwhile employment minister Priti Patel told The Telegraph: I thought it was totally unnecessary, absolutely unnecessary.
"I have the view that when you resort to personal insults you have lost the argument.
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Boris Johnson was assailed by a fellow Tory Cabinet Minister for putting his personal ambition to become Prime Minister ahead Britains national interest in the first real set piece televised debate of the European referendum campaign.
In fiery exchanges, the former London Mayor was accused by Energy Secretary Amber Rudd of misusing statistics and only being interested getting into Downing Street.
The only number Boris Johnson is interested in is Number 10, she claimed.
Ms Rudd also lambasted Mr Johnson for Vote Leaves claim that Britain gives the EU 350 million a week one of the Brexit campaigns key claims that appears on its campaign bus.
That bus is pure fantasy, she told him. We're going to repaint that bus with a leprechaun on one end a big rainbow and pot of gold at the other.
Mr Johnson and Vote Leave, she said, were guilty of perpetuating misinformation and a con.
Boris, I have to call you out again for misleading the public, she said at one point while concluding the debate by questioning his suitability for high office.
Boris is the life and soul of the party but not the man you want driving you home at the end of the evening, she said.
But Mr Johnson and fellow Tory Brexit supporter Andrea Leadsom hit back claiming that Britain would have 10 billion a year to spend on priorities like the NHS if the UK pulled out of the EU.
And they accused Ms Rudd and the SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon of miserable scaremongering in order to win the referendum.
This scaremongering has got to stop from the Remain side, said Ms Leadsom.
Former Major of London Boris Johnson argues for Britain to leave the EU during The ITV Referendum Debate (Matt Frost/ITV via Getty Images)
In a lively debate with three politicians representing each side of the of the European argument it quickly became apparent that the strategy of the Remain camp was to attack Mr Johnsons motives for campaigning to leave.
But the former Mayor remained calm despite the repeated attacks sticking to his message that the UK would be better off outside the European Union.
To the prophets of doom, I say they were wrong in the past and they are wrong today, he said.
Let us believe in ourselves, let's take back control, let's speak up for all the people around the EU who are looking to us to speak for democracy.
Ms Rudd joined forces with Labours shadow Business Secretary Angela Eagle and the SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to argue the care to remain.
Mr Johnson represented Vote Leave with fellow Tory minister Andrea Leadsom and Labour MP Gisela Stuart.
They faced questions from an ITV studio audience on the NHS, employment rights, trade and the costs of Britains membership of the EU.
Both sides accused each other of not answering key questions on Britains future both in and out of the European Union with some justification on both sides.
Mr Johnson failed to explain why he is on record calling for a reduction in employment rights but claimed that all employment rights would be protected if Britain left the EU.
The Remain side failed to answer which, if any, EU regulations and laws they were not in favour of.
Ms Sturgeon also refused to say whether she would call another independence referendum in Scotland if her country voted to stay in the EU and the rest of the country voted to leave.
I am not here to speculate about what happens in the case of a Brexit vote, she said.
The SNP leader was also attacked by Brexit campaigners for failing to respect the result of the first Scottish referendum.
One member of the audience said the whole debate on the European Union appeared to have descended into who could shout the loudest.
Both sides repeated accused each other of lying and misrepresenting the facts.
At one stage Ms Leadsom accused her boss at the Department of Energy Ms Rudd of making comments that were the lowest of the low.
What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence.
Ms Stuart - one of a handful of Labour MPs backing Brexit - said that voters should ask themselves one question: Would you join the European Union today?' The answer, in terms of control over money, borders, security, taxes and trade, would be No, she said.
She added that the European Union had changed from 1975 when she had enthusiastically backed Britains membership and she said there were as many risks involved in remaining as there were in leaving.
The EU just isn't working any more, she said. The noble idea dreamt up in the last century is turning into a nightmare.
Both sides will have been pleased by the passionate and fiery nature of all the debate. But whether it will have convinced voters on either sides to switch positions is much less certain.
The EU referendum debate has so far been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So until 23 June we were running a series of question and answer features that explain the most important issues in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision.
What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?
Will we gain or lose rights by leaving the European Union?
What will happen to immigration if there's Brexit?
Will Brexit make the UK more or less safe?
Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?
Will leaving the EU save taxpayers money and mean more money for the NHS?
What will Brexit do to UK trade?
How Brexit will affect British tourism
What will Brexit mean for British tourists booking holidays in the EU?
Will Brexit help or damage the environment?
Will Brexit mean that Europeans have to leave the UK?
What will Brexit mean for British expats?
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the
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Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are deliberately lying to voters and putting community cohesion at risk with their warnings over migration from Turkey, Labours Yvette Cooper has claimed.
Ms Cooper labelled the Brexit campaigners conduct utterly shameful, claiming that both men had stoked up concerns about the free movement of people from Turkey, despite knowing that it would not be joining the EU in the near future.
Speaking at a Labour In for Britain campaign event, the former party leadership contender said that Cyprus and Greece would veto Turkeys accession to the EU, adding that the country had not come close to meeting the criteria for joining.
Yvette Cooper speaks during a Labour party Vote Remain event at The Shard in London (PA)
[Michael Gove and Boris Johnson] know all of those things, theyre not stupid, she said. But they are deliberately manipulating the facts, they are deliberately telling lies, in Boris Johnsons case for his own personal interest, and it is shameful, utterly shameful. I dont know how they live with themselves.
Its Oxford Union style debating, thinking they can just pull anything out, or like a columnist just saying things for the sake of headlines, she added. Its so irresponsible for community cohesion as well as being irresponsible for this debate.
Vote Leave has warned repeatedly over the potential for 76 million Turkish citizens to gain the right to work in the UK if the country joins the EU. David Cameron has said in the past that he wants to see Turkey in the EU, but has insisted during the referendum campaign that there is no prospect of it happening for decades. Opposition from Greece and Cyprus, and Turkeys poor human rights record have all arisen as barriers to eventual accession.
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Appearing at the event at Londons Shard building alongside the capitals Labour mayor Sadiq Khan, the chair of the Labour EU campaign Alan Johnson and former deputy leader Harriet Harman, Ms Cooper called on voters to reject misinformation and lies from the Leave campaign.
Mr Johnson, meanwhile, rejected suggestions that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had harmed the Remain campaign by offering only lukewarm support for staying in the EU. While conceding that Mr Corbyn had been a staunch Eurosceptic in the past, he said that the leader had been on a journey and was now firmly in favour of staying in.
The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit Show all 7 1 /7 The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 22 May 2015 In his regular column in The Express Nigel Farage utilised the concerns over Putin and the EU to deliver a tongue in cheek conclusion. With friends like these, who needs enemies? PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 13 November 2015 UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Mike Hookem, was one of several political figures who took no time to harness the toxic atmosphere just moments after Paris attacks to push an agenda. Cameron says were safer in the EU. Well Im in the centre of the EU and it doesnt feel very safe. Getty Images The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 19 April 2016 In an article written for The Guardian, Michael Gove attempts to bolster his argument with a highly charged metaphor in which he likens UK remaining in the EU to a hostage situation. Were voting to be hostages locked in the back of the car and driven headlong towards deeper EU integration. Rex The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 26 April 2016 In a move that is hard to decipher, let alone understand, Mike Hookem stuck it to Obama re-tweeting a UKIP advertisement that utilises a quote from the film: Love Actually to dishonour the US stance on the EU. A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 10 May 2016 During a speech in London former work and pensions secretary Ian Duncan Smith said that EU migration would cause an increasing divide between people who benefit from immigration and people who couldnt not find work because of uncontrolled migration. The European Union is a force for social injustice which backs the haves rather than the have-nots. EPA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 15 May 2016 Cartoon character Boris Johnson made the news again over controversial comments that the EU had the same goal as Hitler in trying to create a political super state. Napoleon, Hitler, various people tried this out, and it ends tragically. The EU is an attempt to do this by different methods. PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 16 May 2016 During a tour of the womens clothing manufacturer David Nieper, Boris had ample time to cook up a new metaphor, arguably eclipsing Goves in which he compares the EU to badly designed undergarments. So I just say to all those who prophecy doom and gloom for the British Business, I say their pants are on fire. Lets say knickers to the pessimists, knickers to all those who talk Britain down. Getty Images
Hes not the only one whos changed his mind since 1975, he said, referring to the referendum on Britains membership of the European Economic Community, in which Mr Corbyn voted against membership. Theres a whole legion of people particularly on our side [who have changed their view since then] because Labour was split in 1975 and its united now, he said.
He dismissed concerns that Labours campaign had failed to reach its supporters, following a recent poll which suggested that little more than half of Labour voters know the party backs Remain. He said the party had been forced to fight to get airtime because of media interest in disunity within the Tory party.
I guarantee by the time we get to polling day there wont be many people, Labour supporters, who dont know where Labour stands on this, he said.
Mr Khan, who recently appeared alongside the Prime Minister to campaign for a Remain vote something Jeremy Corbyn has said he will not do declined to call for the Labour leader to follow his example, and insisted Mr Corbyn had been working his socks off to keep Britain in the EU.
The EU referendum debate has so far been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So until 23 June we were running a series of question and answer features that explain the most important issues in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision.
What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?
Will we gain or lose rights by leaving the European Union?
What will happen to immigration if there's Brexit?
Will Brexit make the UK more or less safe?
Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?
Will leaving the EU save taxpayers money and mean more money for the NHS?
What will Brexit do to UK trade?
How Brexit will affect British tourism
What will Brexit mean for British tourists booking holidays in the EU?
Will Brexit help or damage the environment?
Will Brexit mean that Europeans have to leave the UK?
What will Brexit mean for British expats?
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the
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Nicola Sturgeon and Angela Eagle joined forces to attack Boris Johnson's claim that Britain is sending 350m a week to the EU which would be better spent on "alleviating some of the problems in our NHS caused by uncontrolled immigration".
The Scottish First Minister and shadow Business Secretary were taking part in an ITV debate on Britain's continued membership of the European Union with the former Mayor of London and Brexit campaigner.
Mr Johnson claimed that the country should vote to leave on 23 June to regain control of the countries borders and stop sending money to Brussels.
But Ms Sturgeon countered the argument saying Mr Johnson had previously called for people "to be charged for using the NHS" and now he was "the defender of it".
She said: "I am staggered that Boris Johnson is now standing here still defending this 350m a week figure. Its a scandal that is still emblazoned across the campaign bus because it is an absolute whopper.
"The statistics authority says so, the House of Commons select committee says so, everybody knows so.
"The contribution each of us makes to the EU every day is less than a pound, but what do we get for that money? We get freedom of travel, we get a single market of 500 million people, the chance to cooperate to keep us safer. These are the gains of being in the EU".
Ms Eagle then joined in, pointing at Mr Johnson telling him to "get that lie off (his) bus".
The Labour MP said it is untrue that mass immigration from the EU was creating social problems such as the housing crisis.
She accused the former mayor of doing little to deal with the housing crisis in London during his tenure in charge of the city.
Earlier in the deabte, Ms Sturgeon made a direct appeal to the voters not to let Vote Leave make the campaign about immigration.
She said:If youre struggling to access housing and public services, blame the politicians not the immigrant.
The SNP leader said Britain could not afford to "pull up the drawbridge" and the Conservative Government's Austerity policies were to blame for low wages and declining living standards.
What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Show all 5 1 /5 What's the European Parliament ever done for us? What's the European Parliament ever done for us? A cap on the amount of hours an employer can make you work The Working Time directive provides legal standards to ensure the health and safety of employees in Europe. Among the many rules are a working week of a maximum 48 hours, including overtime, a daily rest period of 11 hours in every 24, a break if a person works for six hours or more, and one day off in every seven. It also includes provisions for paid annual leave of at least four weeks every year Getty Images What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping the people of Britain to avoid smoking In 2014 MEPs passed the Tobacco Products Directive strengthening existing rules on the manufacture, production and presentation of tobacco products. This includes things like reduced branding, restrictions on products containing flavoured tobacco, health warnings on cigarette packets and provisions for e-cigarettes to ensure they are safe What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping you to make the right choices with your food Thanks to the European Parliament, UK consumers have access to more information than ever about their food and drink. This includes amount of fat, and how much of it is saturated, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and so on. It also includes portion sizes and guideline daily amount information so people can make informed choices about their diet. All facts must be clear and easy to understand What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Two year guarantees and 14-day returns policy for all products Consumers across the EU have access to a number of rights, from things which are potentially very useful, to things which used to be annoying. For example, shoppers in the UK receive a two-year guarantee on all products, and a 14-day period to change their minds and return a purchase, these things are useful www.PeopleImages.com-licence restrictions apply What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Keeping your air nice and fresh (and safe) Believe it or not, although the situation is improving, some areas of the UK have appalling air quality. A report by the Royal College of Physicians released on 23 February says 40,000 deaths are caused by outdoor air pollution in the UK every year. Air pollution is linked to a number of illnesses and conditions, from Asthma to diabetes and dementia. The report estimates the costs to British business and the health service add up to 20 billion every year
Ms Eagle said Mr Johnson "didn't care" about jobs as the only job he was interested in was "his next one".
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Nicola Sturgeon has attacked Boris Johnsons record on the NHS saying she would not trust the former London Mayor with the countrys health service.
The Scottish First Minster and the Tory MP were taking part in an ITV debate over Britains membership of the European Union, with Ms Sturgeon championing the Remain camp and Mr Johnson calling for Brexit.
Responding to student Zahra Khans query as to whether the NHS would be better In or Out of the EU, Mr Johnson claimed leaving the EU would allow more money to be invested into the service.
The NHS is under huge pressure, said Mr Johnson. We could have a better system if we had more money and if we were able to recruit the people we want and if we were able to control our immigration, which currently we cannot do.
In response Ms Sturgeon said: The people I talk to in the NHS in Scotland they want to see more investment in the health service, they want to see lower waiting times and they know that one of the things thats made that more difficult are the austerity cuts that have been supported by Boris Johnson all the time the Tories have been in government.
The answer to the pressures on our NHS is not to blame immigrants, many of whom work in our NHS to invest more money in our National Health Service.
I wouldnt trust Boris Johnson with the health service as far as I could throw Boris Johnson. Boris Johnson is the guy who said that if people had to pay for the National Health Service they might value it more. Whatever else you do, do not trust a word Boris Johnson says about the NHS.
The Energy Secretary Amber Rudd for Remain said the UK would have a stronger NHS if we have money to spend on it by staying In. The EU makes this country "stronger and richer," she said. "That allows us to pay more money into the NHS.
What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence.
Mr Johnson dismissed these claims saying the EU is the "zone of lowest growth apart from Antarctica".
The Leave campaign has continuously put the NHS at the heart of their argument. They have pledged to redirect 5.2 billion of Britains annual spending on the EU to the NHS. They also say that migration from the EU has put increased pressure on the health service, lengthening queues at A&E and at the GP surgery.
Remain campaigners say that the likelihood of an economic shock for the UK in the event of Brexit would mean the Government would have less money to fund the service. They also point to the 130,000 non-British EU citizens who work in health and social care, whose visa status would be uncertain if the UK left the EU.
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So far this referendum campaign has been dominated by men: Men accusing other men of lying. Other men accusing men of distorting the facts. While men and women who make up the electorate scratch their head in bemusement.
But tonights ITV referendum debate promises to be different not least because of the six panellists five are women. So will our female politicians behave better? Will we get less bluster and more light? And how will Boris Johnson the only man on the panel behave?
EU referendum - key dates
Here we profile the debaters on both sides of the argument who will be going up against each other tonight.
REMAIN
Nicola Sturgeon
The Scottish First Minister and SNP leader will be heading up the debate for the Remain camp. During the General Election debates her performances were some of the most memorable and impressive. But she is a geographical marmite politician adored north of the border but, as the election showed, treated with suspicion bordering on dislike in some parts of middle England. Some people also cynically suggest that the ideal result for Sturgeon would be a remain vote in Scotland but with the UK as a whole voting to leave that would trigger another independence referendum.
Angela Eagle
Angela Eagle, Labours shadow First Secretary of State, surprised and delighted the partys MPs when she deputised for Jeremy Corbyn at PMQs. Taking on George Osborne she was widely praised for getting the better of the Chancellor mocking David Camerons renegotiation and even poking fun at her own leader. She is not to be underestimated.
Amber Rudd
The Energy Secretary is one of the Tories rising cabinet stars and the pro-European cause runs through her family. Her brother Roland is one of the main bankrollers of the remain campaign. Rudd is a smart choice as the Tory on the pro-EU side of the debate as she is likely to appeal not just to Conservative voters but also the moderate left as well.
21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Show all 21 1 /21 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Portugal drinks more wine than France Tindo - Fotolia 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Young Italians, by some distance, are the most likely to live at home with their parents 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Britain is on course to overtake Germany as Europes most populated country 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Greek workers work the longest hours in the EU 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Estonia has, per capita, more drug-related deaths than anyone else 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe The fastest download speeds are to be found in Romania 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Slovenia, Malta and Poland have the smallest gender pay gaps 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe France hates its leader more than other European countries 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Eastern and Western Europe are very divided on the issue of gay marriage 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Germany has the most millionaires 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Everyone likes Christmas, apart from France 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Germany accepts by far the most asylum applications 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe The UK and France have some of the most positive views of Muslim people 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Europe's largest Muslim population is in Germany 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Danes are the most trusting Europeans, and Cypriots the least 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Finland has the worst economy in the EU 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Italy has cut back its military spending more than any other major European Nato member 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Everyone is sad about the refugee crisis 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe People in Spain are also the most likely to live in flats (Brits are most likely to live in houses) 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Spain is the most likely to feel neighbourly 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Luxembourg is home to the highest proportion of foreign nationals
LEAVE
Boris Johnson
As the only male politician on the panel Johnson will have to tread carefully in this debate. His style of bombastic bluster could easily been seen as superficial and he needs to be careful how he attacks Rudd, Sturgeon and Eagle. He is also not a details politician and will need to have a convincing vision for how Britain could thrive outside the EU and not just his standard brand of blaze optimism.
Andrea Leadsom
Amber Rudds deputy in the Department of Energy is a details politician as co-founder the Eurosceptic Tory group Fresh Start knows more about the intricacies of EU law and regulations than most. Her job will be to provide ballast to Johnsons rhetoric. But she is on the right of the party and will need to ensure that her free market views dont end up alienating viewers on the left.
Gisela Stuart
As one of the few Labour MPs supporting Vote Leave Gisela Stuart has had a high profile referendum campaign. Well respected in Westminster she is never-the-less a contrary and independent minded politician who has irritated her colleagues with her anti-European stance. Interestingly she was born and brought up in Germany and helped the former French President Giscard d'Estaing draw up what later effectively became the Lisbon Treaty.
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Margaret Thatchers former defence secretary has suspended his Conservative party membership over the poisonous EU referendum campaign and placed blame on David Camerons tirade of fear.
Sir John Nott, who was Baroness Thatchers defence chief during the Falklands war, attacked the current Tory leader for alienating Conservatives and said he would not renew his membership until we have a change of leadership. Sir John served in government between 1979 and 1983.
In a letter to the MP of his former constituency the veteran Tory politician lashed out at the Prime Minister and George Osborne, the Chancellor, for their fairly frenetic campaign in favour of the EU.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Sir John added: I thought that when he [Mr Cameron] called the referendum, probably we were going to have a sensible, if not an intellectual, debate about the pros and cons of the EU.
And I do believe that if they had set off to set out what they saw of the advantages and the disadvantages on the other side, and it had been a balanced debate, then they would quite easily have come out with a Remain conclusion.
He added: They launched very early into this attack, this description of all the horrors that would happen if we exit. I just listened to this and thought, this is complete nonsense.
British Conservative Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, with Geoffrey Howe, Keith Joseph, John Nott, Norman Tebbit on the Conservative front bench in the House of Commons on 4 November 1981 (Getty ) (Getty)
The high-profile resignation comes as the chairman of JCB Lord Bramford wrote to his 6,500 UK employees to explain why he favours a vote to leave the EU. The billionaire businessman, who has donated millions of pounds to the Tory party in the past 15 years, told his staff leaving the bloc was of diminishing economic importance.
He also said that more than 53 per cent of all UK exports go to non-EU nations.
His letter states: I voted to stay in the Common Market in 1975. I did not vote for a political union, I did not expect us to hand over sovereignty to the EU.
What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence.
I certainly did not expect unaccountable leaders in Brussels to govern over us.
So do I wish to remain in an EU of diminishing economic importance as it moves towards ever closer union? Or do I want us to pull out of the EU, reclaim our sovereignty and regain control of how we trade with Europe and the world?
The EU referendum debate has so far been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So until 23 June we were running a series of question and answer features that explain the most important issues in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision.
What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?
Will we gain or lose rights by leaving the European Union?
What will happen to immigration if there's Brexit?
Will Brexit make the UK more or less safe?
Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?
Will leaving the EU save taxpayers money and mean more money for the NHS?
What will Brexit do to UK trade?
How Brexit will affect British tourism
What will Brexit mean for British tourists booking holidays in the EU?
Will Brexit help or damage the environment?
Will Brexit mean that Europeans have to leave the UK?
What will Brexit mean for British expats?
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Brexit campaigners are bracing themselves for another high profile defection after the Labour MP Khalid Mahmood revealed he is preparing to switch sides in the referendum campaign.
Mr Mahmood, a former board member of Vote Leave, is expected to follow the Tory MP Sarah Wollaston in confirming that he has changed their minds about Britains future in the EU.
Embarrassingly Mr Mahmood is expected to blame the "racist" undertones of the Brexit campaign for his decision saying Vote Leave has been "hijacked" by the issues of immigration and race.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph Mr Mahmood said he was "disappointed" by Boris Johnson's comments about Barack Obama's father being from Kenya and by the focus on Turkish accession.
He also expressed concerns about Nigel Farages comments about migrants coming to the UK.
Asked if he is preparing to change his mind Mr Mahmood said: "Yes, I could be yes."
"The issue for me is the economy, but the debate has been hijacked by people to do with immigration and racism, he said.
When Boris Johnson talks about where Obama's father comes from, what's that got to do with anyone? Why do we need to talk about who his parents are? That disappointed a lot of people.
"Then there was the advert about passports and the campaign saying Turkey could join the EU - that 76million people are coming to the UK and there have been a number of other things they used in a fairly racist context.
"I find that fairly offensive.
"My motivation originally was looking at the economy and the Commonwealth."
What to believe about the EU referendum
The Independent revealed earlier this year that Mr Mahmood had resigned from the Vote Leave board and did not plan to play an active role in the campaign.
He said at the time he was more concerned about campaigning on other issues.
The EU referendum debate has so far been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So until 23 June we were running a series of question and answer features that explain the most important issues in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision.
What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?
Will we gain or lose rights by leaving the European Union?
What will happen to immigration if there's Brexit?
Will Brexit make the UK more or less safe?
Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?
Will leaving the EU save taxpayers money and mean more money for the NHS?
What will Brexit do to UK trade?
How Brexit will affect British tourism
What will Brexit mean for British tourists booking holidays in the EU?
Will Brexit help or damage the environment?
Will Brexit mean that Europeans have to leave the UK?
What will Brexit mean for British expats?
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the
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Anyone who has yet to register to vote in this month's EU referendum can still do so but only until 11.59pm tonight.
Voting was due to have closed on Tuesday but thousands of people appeared to have been disenfranchised after the voter registration website crashed amid a last minute surge in demand.
Around 500,000 people registered to vote during the day, including more than 50,000 at the time the site crashed, around 10.15pm.
EU referendum - key dates
The late-evening surge came in the wake of David Cameron and Nigel Farage's televised debate on the 23 June referendum.
As a result the Government announced it would bring in emergency legislation to extend the registration deadline.
That infuriated one of the main Leave campaigns because they fear those people registering at the last minute are most likely to be young and planning to vote remain.
21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Show all 21 1 /21 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Portugal drinks more wine than France Tindo - Fotolia 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Young Italians, by some distance, are the most likely to live at home with their parents 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Britain is on course to overtake Germany as Europes most populated country 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Greek workers work the longest hours in the EU 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Estonia has, per capita, more drug-related deaths than anyone else 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe The fastest download speeds are to be found in Romania 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Slovenia, Malta and Poland have the smallest gender pay gaps 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe France hates its leader more than other European countries 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Eastern and Western Europe are very divided on the issue of gay marriage 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Germany has the most millionaires 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Everyone likes Christmas, apart from France 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Germany accepts by far the most asylum applications 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe The UK and France have some of the most positive views of Muslim people 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Europe's largest Muslim population is in Germany 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Danes are the most trusting Europeans, and Cypriots the least 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Finland has the worst economy in the EU 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Italy has cut back its military spending more than any other major European Nato member 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Everyone is sad about the refugee crisis 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe People in Spain are also the most likely to live in flats (Brits are most likely to live in houses) 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Spain is the most likely to feel neighbourly 21 maps and charts which will challenge perceptions of Europe Luxembourg is home to the highest proportion of foreign nationals
They are considering challenging the decision in the courts. But regardless, the registration period is still open: but only for a few more hours.
This really is the last chance for everyone to have their say.
A step-by-step guide on how to register, what to expect and how to vote in the EU referendum:
When is it?
Thursday 23 June 2016. Polling stations across the UK will be open from 7am to 10pm.
Am I eligible to vote?
You can vote in the referendum if youre registered and are 18 or over on the day of the vote (so you can vote if your 18th birthday is on the same day happy birthday!). Other requirements include:
A British citizen living in the UK, or
A Commonwealth citizen living in the UK who has leave to remain in the UK or who does not require leave to remain in the UK
A British citizen living overseas who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years
An Irish citizen living overseas who was born in Northern Ireland and who has been registered to vote in Northern Ireland in the last 15 years
If youre under 18 then you might be aware that the Conservatives blocked an amendment to allow 16 and 17 year-olds to vote in the referendum.
Okay, I've done all that. What will I be asked?
This question will appear on your ballot paper: Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?
Youll be given the option to put a cross next to Remain or Leave.
How do I register?
If you registered to vote in the May local and mayoral elections a few weeks ago then you will not need to re-register.
You have to register before 7 June to have your say in the referendum. You can do that here: gov.uk/register-to-vote
There is a caveat: If youve moved home in the last few weeks then you will need to re-register at your new property.
Still not convinced youre registered?
Every local authority holds the electoral register for their area. You can contact your local registration office and they will be able to let you know if you are registered.
To find the contact details of your local office, enter your postcode here on the Electoral Commissions website.
Where do I vote?
You can vote in the referendum in person at your local polling station which youll be able to find the location of on the Electoral Commissions website closer to voting day.
What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence.
Ill be at Glastonbury. What do I do?
Fear not. You will not be disenfranchised while singing to Adeles "Set Fire to the Rain" with a lighter in your hand at the Pyramid Stage. Instead of voting in person, on the day, you can register for either a postal vote or a proxy vote.
For a postal vote: you will need to download this form and send it to your local registration office (mentioned above). This will need to arrive at the office by 5pm on 8 June 2016. Your local council will then send you a ballot paper by post, which will need to arrive back at the office by 10pm on 23 June.
The second option a proxy vote means allowing somebody you trust to vote on your behalf. Check here for the correct form to fire off.
The EU referendum debate has so far been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So until 23 June we were running a series of question and answer features that explain the most important issues in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision.
What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?
Will we gain or lose rights by leaving the European Union?
What will happen to immigration if there's Brexit?
Will Brexit make the UK more or less safe?
Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?
Will leaving the EU save taxpayers money and mean more money for the NHS?
What will Brexit do to UK trade?
How Brexit will affect British tourism
What will Brexit mean for British tourists booking holidays in the EU?
Will Brexit help or damage the environment?
Will Brexit mean that Europeans have to leave the UK?
What will Brexit mean for British expats?
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the
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A Tory MP has defected from the Vote Leave campaign in favour of Remain in protest over claims made about the NHS.
Dr Sarah Wollaston, Commons Health Select Committee chairwoman, said the pro-Brexit claim that withdrawal from the EU would hand the NHS an extra 350 million a week was "untrue" .
And the Totnes MP said she was changing sides because she was not "comfortable" being part of a movement that used the wrong figures on its battle bus.
Dr Wollaston told the BBC: "For someone like me who has long campaigned for open and honest data in public life I could not have set foot on a battle bus that has at the heart of its campaign a figure that I know to be untrue.
"If you're in a position where you can't hand out a Vote Leave leaflet, you can't be campaigning for that organisation."
Dr Wollaston warned there would be a "Brexit penalty" on the NHS as withdrawal would damage the economy.
The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit Show all 7 1 /7 The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 22 May 2015 In his regular column in The Express Nigel Farage utilised the concerns over Putin and the EU to deliver a tongue in cheek conclusion. With friends like these, who needs enemies? PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 13 November 2015 UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Mike Hookem, was one of several political figures who took no time to harness the toxic atmosphere just moments after Paris attacks to push an agenda. Cameron says were safer in the EU. Well Im in the centre of the EU and it doesnt feel very safe. Getty Images The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 19 April 2016 In an article written for The Guardian, Michael Gove attempts to bolster his argument with a highly charged metaphor in which he likens UK remaining in the EU to a hostage situation. Were voting to be hostages locked in the back of the car and driven headlong towards deeper EU integration. Rex The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 26 April 2016 In a move that is hard to decipher, let alone understand, Mike Hookem stuck it to Obama re-tweeting a UKIP advertisement that utilises a quote from the film: Love Actually to dishonour the US stance on the EU. A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 10 May 2016 During a speech in London former work and pensions secretary Ian Duncan Smith said that EU migration would cause an increasing divide between people who benefit from immigration and people who couldnt not find work because of uncontrolled migration. The European Union is a force for social injustice which backs the haves rather than the have-nots. EPA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 15 May 2016 Cartoon character Boris Johnson made the news again over controversial comments that the EU had the same goal as Hitler in trying to create a political super state. Napoleon, Hitler, various people tried this out, and it ends tragically. The EU is an attempt to do this by different methods. PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 16 May 2016 During a tour of the womens clothing manufacturer David Nieper, Boris had ample time to cook up a new metaphor, arguably eclipsing Goves in which he compares the EU to badly designed undergarments. So I just say to all those who prophecy doom and gloom for the British Business, I say their pants are on fire. Lets say knickers to the pessimists, knickers to all those who talk Britain down. Getty Images
"The consensus now is there would be a huge economic shock if we voted to leave. Undoubtedly, the thing that's most going to influence the financial health of the NHS is the background economy. So I think there would be a Brexit penalty."
Dr Wollaston stood by her decision to switch sides, insisting: "Nobody wants politicians who make the wrong decision."
Additional reporting by PA
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Sir John Major and Tony Blair have warned that a vote to leave the EU would be a "historic mistake" which could break up the UK.
The former adversaries shared a platform at the Ulster University's Magee campus in Londonderry, and warned that Brexit could threaten Northern Ireland's hard-fought peace process.
Sir John said: "I believe it would be an historic mistake to do anything that has any risk of destabilising the complicated and multi-layered constitutional settlement that underpins stability in Northern Ireland."
David Cameron asked if he is 'finished as PM' after EU referendum
Both men played crucial roles in the Northern Ireland peace process, and Sir John warned that the wrong outcome on 23 June could "tear apart the UK".
Mr Blair hit out at the Leave campaign, claiming it puts an "ideological fixation" with Brexit ahead of the damage it would cause.
He said: "I say, don't take a punt on these people. Don't let them take risks with Northern Ireland's future. Don't let them undermine our United Kingdom.
"We understand that, although today Northern Ireland is more stable and more prosperous than ever, stability is poised on carefully-constructed foundations.
But the pro-Brexit Democratic Unionist Party deputy leader Nigel Dodds condemned the former prime minister's comments as "irresponsible nonsense".
He said: "Surely this is the most irresponsible talk that can be perpetuated in terms of Northern Ireland very dangerous, destabilising and it should not be happening," he added during the business statement in the Commons.
The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit Show all 7 1 /7 The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 22 May 2015 In his regular column in The Express Nigel Farage utilised the concerns over Putin and the EU to deliver a tongue in cheek conclusion. With friends like these, who needs enemies? PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 13 November 2015 UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Mike Hookem, was one of several political figures who took no time to harness the toxic atmosphere just moments after Paris attacks to push an agenda. Cameron says were safer in the EU. Well Im in the centre of the EU and it doesnt feel very safe. Getty Images The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 19 April 2016 In an article written for The Guardian, Michael Gove attempts to bolster his argument with a highly charged metaphor in which he likens UK remaining in the EU to a hostage situation. Were voting to be hostages locked in the back of the car and driven headlong towards deeper EU integration. Rex The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 26 April 2016 In a move that is hard to decipher, let alone understand, Mike Hookem stuck it to Obama re-tweeting a UKIP advertisement that utilises a quote from the film: Love Actually to dishonour the US stance on the EU. A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 10 May 2016 During a speech in London former work and pensions secretary Ian Duncan Smith said that EU migration would cause an increasing divide between people who benefit from immigration and people who couldnt not find work because of uncontrolled migration. The European Union is a force for social injustice which backs the haves rather than the have-nots. EPA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 15 May 2016 Cartoon character Boris Johnson made the news again over controversial comments that the EU had the same goal as Hitler in trying to create a political super state. Napoleon, Hitler, various people tried this out, and it ends tragically. The EU is an attempt to do this by different methods. PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 16 May 2016 During a tour of the womens clothing manufacturer David Nieper, Boris had ample time to cook up a new metaphor, arguably eclipsing Goves in which he compares the EU to badly designed undergarments. So I just say to all those who prophecy doom and gloom for the British Business, I say their pants are on fire. Lets say knickers to the pessimists, knickers to all those who talk Britain down. Getty Images
Elsewhere, former US president Bill Clinton, whose 1995 visit to Northern Ireland was seen as a crucial moment in the peace process, said he was worried about the potential impact of Brexit on the province.
Writing in the New Statesman magazine, Mr Clinton said: "I was honoured to support the peace process in Northern Ireland. It has benefited from the UK's membership in the European Union, and I worry that the future prosperity and peace of Northern Ireland could be jeopardised if Britain withdraws."
The former president, who worked with Sir John and Mr Blair on the peace process, added: "Transatlantic co-operation is essential, and that co-operation is strongest when Europe is united... I hope you will stay."
Both former prime ministers had integral roles in helping to end the sectarian violence which blighted Northern Ireland for decades.
In 1993, Sir John and Irish prime minister Albert Reynolds delivered the Downing Street Declaration which argued for self-determination on the basis of consent and paved the way for the IRA ceasefires the following year.
Sir John told the audience of teenage schoolchildren who had packed into Magee's Great Hall: "I carried this forward and Tony completed it."
Five years later, in 1998, the British and Irish governments concluded the historic Good Friday Agreement which cemented the stability and laid the foundations for the devolved power-sharing Stormont Executive.
Here are some of the claims made by the two camps:
Remain camp says:
The border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland would become the frontier between the EU and a non-EU country if the UK votes to leave. This could mean the return of border control points and customs checks. It could be easier for wanted suspected criminals to dodge justice.
Britain Stronger In Europe said of the 769 suspects surrendered by other EU countries to the UK under a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) between 2010 and 2015, some 129 16% were handed over by Ireland, second only to Spain. Without access to the EAW, the UK and Ireland would have to negotiate alternative extradition arrangements.
The peace process ending the Troubles took place within the context of both the UK and Ireland being EU members. The UK-Irish agreement that accompanied the 1998 Good Friday Agreement referred to the two states' wish "to develop still further the unique relationship between their peoples and the close co-operation between their countries as friendly neighbours and as partners in the European Union".
The EU has a dedicated funding programme to support the peace process, with funds going to both sides of the border. In 2014-2020, the programme is due to receive around 185m.
Sir John said: "I believe it would be an historic mistake to do anything that has any risk of destabilising the complicated and multi-layered constitutional settlement that underpins stability in Northern Ireland."
Leave camp says:
Former Major of London Boris Johnson argues for Britain to leave the EU during The ITV Referendum Debate (Matt Frost/ITV via Getty Images)
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The two sides in the EU referendum campaign face off in the biggest live TV debate so far, with three senior politicians representing each side. It's followed by a special EU referendum-themed Question Time with Nigel Farage. Here are the two sides in the debate:
REMAIN
Nicola Sturgeon
The Scottish First Minister and SNP leader will be heading up the debate for the Remain camp. During the General Election her debate performances were some of the most memorable and impressive. But she is a geographical marmite politician adored north of the border but, as the election showed, treated with suspicion bordering on dislike in some parts of middle England. Some people also cynically suggest that the ideal result for Sturgeon would be a remain vote in Scotland but with the UK as a whole voting to leave an outcome that would trigger another independence referendum.
Angela Eagle
Angela Eagle, Labours shadow First Secretary of State, surprised and delighted her partys MPs when she deputised for Jeremy Corbyn at Prime Ministers Questions. Taking on George Osborne she was widely praised for getting the better of the Chancellor mocking David Camerons renegotiation and even poking fun at her own leader. She is not to be underestimated.
Amber Rudd
The Energy Secretary is one of the Tories rising cabinet stars and the pro-European cause runs through her family. Her brother Roland is one of the main bankrollers of the remain campaign. Rudd is a smart choice as the Tory on the pro-EU side of the debate as she is likely to appeal not just to Conservative voters but also the moderate left as well.
LEAVE
Boris Johnson
As the only male politician on the panel Johnson will have to tread carefully in this debate. His style of bombastic bluster could easily been seen as superficial and he needs to be careful how he attacks Rudd, Sturgeon and Eagle. He is also not a details politician and will need to have a convincing vision for how Britain could thrive outside the EU and not just his standard brand of blase optimism.
Andrea Leadsom
Amber Rudds deputy in the Department of Energy is a details politician and as co-founder the Eurosceptic Tory group Fresh Start knows more about the intricacies of EU law and regulations than most. Her job will be to provide ballast to Johnsons rhetoric. But she is on the right of the party and will need to ensure that her free market views dont end up alienating viewers on the left.
Gisela Stuart
As one of the few Labour MPs supporting Vote Leave Gisela Stuart has had a high profile referendum campaign. Well respected in Westminster she is never-the-less a contrary and independent minded politician who has irritated her colleagues with her anti-European stance. Interestingly she was born and brought up in Germany and helped the former French President Giscard d'Estaing draw up what later effectively became the Lisbon Treaty.
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With the defection of Dr Sarah Wollaston, the Conservative MP for Totnes, a former GP and, as chair of the Health Select Committee, one of the most authoritative voices on the NHS, from the Leave side to the Remain side, the rival campaigns claims about the NHS have come back into the spotlight.
What does the Leave campaign say?
They have put the NHS at the heart of their argument. They have pledged to redirect 5.2 billion of Britains annual spending on the EU to the NHS. They also say that migration from the EU has put increased pressure on the health service, lengthening queues at A&E and at the GP surgery. They claim that Turkey and three other countries will soon join the EU, adding to the number of migrants.
Dr Sarah Wollaston is a former GP and chair of the Health Select Committee (Rex)
And the Remainers?
Remain campaigners in general have not focused on the NHS as much, but say that the likelihood of an economic shock for the UK in the event of Brexit would mean the Government would have less money to fund the service. They also point to the 130,000 non-British EU citizens who work in health and social care, whose visa status would be uncertain if the UK left the EU.
So who is telling the truth?
Lets look at the claims of the Leave side first. Their pledge last week to put 100m a week into the NHS - 5.2bn a year came after weeks in which they were suggesting they could give 350m a week to the NHS. Thats the full sum they claimed that Britain paid to the EU each week. In reality, after Britains rebate and EU funding to the UK is subtracted, we pay around 150m enough to cover the 100m a week promise.
Recommended Read more Brexit is the biggest debate in British politics for decades
However, thats not the whole picture. Most independent economists think that Brexit would lead to an economic shock for the country that would leave the Government between 20bn and 40bn a year worse off by 2020, according to the respected Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS). Thats between 380m and 770m a week more than wiping out any dividend we get from leaving the EU.
If these projections prove right, then yes theres nothing to stop a post-Brexit Government giving 100m more a week to the NHS but they would have to do so while very severely cutting other areas of Government expenditure be it education, defence, welfare or something else.
Dr Wollaston, who initially backed Leave, now says she anticipates an economic penalty from Brexit, not a dividend, from which the NHS would suffer like any publicly-funded service.
What about migration?
Its common sense that an increased population increases demands on the health service. Net migration from the EU was 184,000 last year and similarly high in recent years. More people in the country means more people who may need healthcare. In this sense, the Leave campaign has a point about the EU and the NHS.
But its more complicated than that.
First of all, we have a publicly-funded healthcare system. It is paid for by taxpayers. About 78 per cent of working age EU migrants in the UK are in work (a higher proportion than among UK nationals), so most are paying tax and contributing to the NHS in theory making IT better able to cope with the higher numbers. Migrants are also more likely to be young and fit so less likely to need the NHS.
Whats more, 130,000 EU citizens work in our health and care service. You often hear Remain campaigners say you are more likely to be cared for by a migrant than have to wait in an NHS queue behind one. Five per cent of the UK population are EU citizens from other countries (2014 figures), compared to 10 per cent of the NHS workforce so its true.
Migration has not been the biggest factor increasing pressure on the NHS in recent years its been an ageing population, with patients more likely to suffer long-term conditions like heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and dementia as they age.
As for the chances of Turkey and other countries joining the EU and adding five million to the population this is hotly disputed, with some EU states strongly opposed to Turkish accession, and a consensus required for it to happen.
What does the NHS say about Brexit?
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, has warned that the NHS could be hit by the effect of Brexit on the economy. It would be very dangerous if at precisely the moment the NHS is going to need extra funding actually the economy goes into a tailspin and that funding is not there, he said.
And what about NHS staff?
The main trade unions, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing, are not taking an official position, although the BMA produced a document for doctors on EU issues which listed many more pros than cons for the NHS, the profession and the nations health emanating from our EU membership. The Royal College of Physicians, the doctors professional body slightly different to a trade union has backed a Remain vote, as has the Royal College of Midwives.
What has the EU ever done for us? Show all 7 1 /7 What has the EU ever done for us? What has the EU ever done for us? 1. It gives you freedom to live, work and retire anywhere in Europe As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. Considered one of the so-called four pillars of the European Union, this freedom allows all EU citizens to live, work and travel in other member states. What has the EU ever done for us? 2. It sustains millions of jobs A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, released in October 2015, suggested 3.1 million British jobs were linked to the UKs exports to the EU. What has the EU ever done for us? 3. Your holiday is much easier - and safer Freedom to travel is one of the most exercised benefits of EU membership, with Britons having made 31 million visits to the EU in 2014 alone. But a lot of the benefits of being an EU citizen are either taken for granted or go unnoticed. What has the EU ever done for us? 4. It means you're less likely to get ripped off Consumer protection is a key benefit of the EUs single market, and ensures members of the British public receive equal consumer rights when shopping anywhere in Europe. What has the EU ever done for us? 5. It offers greater protection from terrorists, paedophiles, people traffickers and cyber-crime Another example of a lesser-known advantage of EU membership is the benefit of cross-country coordination and cooperation in the fight against crime. What has the EU ever done for us? 6. Our businesses depend on it According to 71% of all members of the Confederation of British Influence (CBI), and 67 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU has had an overall positive impact on their business. What has the EU ever done for us? 7. We have greater influence Robin Niblett, Director of think-tank Chatham House, stated in a report published last year: For a mid-sized country like the UK, which will never again be economically dominant either globally or regionally, and whose diplomatic and military resources are declining in relative terms, being a major player in a strong regional institution can offer a critical lever for international influence.
Whats the verdict?
So much of whats good or bad for the NHS comes back to money and funding it pays for the staff, the buildings, the medicine, the machines and everything else.
The health service is currently in a financial crisis, with nine in 10 hospitals overspending as a result of years of funding being squeezed.
This is a Government choice, but it is safe to assume that with diminished public funds as most independent economists, including the respected IFS say we would have in the event of Brexit the NHS would take another hit if we left the EU.
On migration, the argument is more balanced, but the weight of evidence seems to show the NHS has been a net beneficiary of EU migration. The situation after a Brexit vote would depend heavily upon the arrangements made for EU citizens already working in the UK. Vote Leave have said their citizenship would be respected, and have also hinted that more non-EU migrants could take the place of EU ones. But the idea that migrants are over-running the NHS and causing its problems is not supported by evidence.
The EU referendum debate has so far been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So until 23 June we were running a series of question and answer features that explain the most important issues in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision.
What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?
Will we gain or lose rights by leaving the European Union?
What will happen to immigration if there's Brexit?
Will Brexit make the UK more or less safe?
Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?
Will leaving the EU save taxpayers money and mean more money for the NHS?
What will Brexit do to UK trade?
How Brexit will affect British tourism
What will Brexit mean for British tourists booking holidays in the EU?
Will Brexit help or damage the environment?
Will Brexit mean that Europeans have to leave the UK?
What will Brexit mean for British expats?
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Friends and relatives of a man accused of being one of the worlds most wanted people smugglers are insisting police have arrested the wrong person.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) hailed the capture of a criminal mastermind responsible for hundreds of refugee deaths in the Mediterranean Sea earlier this week, saying he had been extradited to Italy to face trial.
But people watching footage of the handcuffed suspect being led off a plane claimed the man named by authorities as Medhanie Yehdego Mered, 35, is in fact Medhanie Tesfamariam Berhe, a 27-year-old Eritrean refugee who was arrested in Sudan late last month.
Five of Mr Berhes family members and friends told The Independent they recognised him on the news on Wednesday after weeks of desperate attempts to find out where he had been taken.
A relative in Khartoum, who did not want to be named, said: You can see by his hair, his appearance, by everything that he is someone different (to the smuggler).
For two weeks we didnt know where he was and then we saw the news on the televisionwe want help.
A man claiming to be Mr Berhes housemate said police raided their home in Khartoum and detained his friend without explanation a fortnight ago.
They took him without any warning, without saying anything we didnt know anything, Ermias said.
We didnt know where he was but then we saw on the internet he is in Italy.
He said he recognised his housemate, who is also known by his ancestral name of Kidane, immediately when he saw photos of the arrested suspect in news footage.
Hes not a smuggler, he doesnt even work, his family have to send him money, Ermias said.
A photo of Medhanie Tesfamariam Berhe, 27, supplied by his family (Supplied)
Hes a kind person, hes not a criminal. They have the wrong person - the smuggler is still out there.
When asked whether he or his friends had tried to tell police they were mistaken, he said officers ordered them to be silent after they raised objections during the raid.
He added: We were afraid, there are no human rights here.
A woman who said she was Mr Berhes sister told The Independent it was impossible for him to be the smuggler as he was still in Eritrea in 2013, when the accused was allegedly responsible for a boat sinking off the coast off Libya.
Hiwet, who is currently living in Norway, said: They say my brother is a murderer but he is innocent. They have the wrong person. I want to go to Italy, I want to know where he is.
Meron Estefanos, a Swedish-Eritrean journalist who has interviewed Mered about his smuggling, told The Independent that dozens of people started contacting her after she posted news of the arrest on Twitter.
His family members, childhood friends, classmates everybody who knew him was saying: This is the wrong person, she said.
He left Eritrea at the end of 2014 but this smuggler is accused of a crime in Libya in 2013 it just doesnt add up.
Eritrean asylum seekers arrive in southern Italy (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)
She believes Mr Berhe may have been "rounded up" with other Eritreans in Sudan, either accidentally because of their shared first name and nationality, or - as rumours in Khartoum have it - deliberately after authorities were bribed by the smuggler himself.
The NCAs announcement said a prolific people smuggler, known as The General because he styled himself on Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, had been arrested in Sudan following an international operation.
It said Mered, 35, was apprehended by the Sudanese National Police on 24 May after it tracked him down to the El Diem area of Khartoum, and arrived in Rome on Tuesday.
It was part of a joint operation by the UKs immigration crime taskforce and Italian authorities investigating a boat sinking that killed 359 migrants off the coast of Lampedusa in 2013.
Italian prosecutors say Mered was responsible for the disaster and is the mastermind behind a major criminal organisation responsible for smuggling thousands of migrants from the Middle East and Africa into Europe from Libya.
Telephone interceptions allegedly confirmed he was organising regular journeys across the Mediterranean and was directly coordinating other people smugglers responsible for land routes, with one recording showing him laughing about the deadly overloading of refugee boats.
Tom Dowdall, Deputy Director of the NCA, said Mered has an absolute disregard for human life.
Although he was operating thousands of miles away, his criminal activity was impacting the UK, he added.
Local fishermen and boat crewmen throw a wreath into the waters off Lampedusa harbour to honour those who lost their lives when a boat carrying migrants sank here (EPA)
Medhanie no doubt thought he was beyond the reach of European justice but we were able to support the Italians by tracking him down to Sudan.
He is charged with being chief and organiser of a transnational criminal conspiracy aimed at smuggling people from Africa to Europe, as well as inhuman treatment and risking the lives of migrants.
Mr Berhes brother, Fassahaye, was trying to get in touch with police and Italian prosecutors in Sicily.
He said his brother escaped Eritrea in 2014 and travelled to Sudan via Ethiopia, arriving last year, and had never been to Libya.
You can see by their faces that they dont even look similar, Fassahaye added. Its just a big mistake.
One of thousands of refugees who paid for Mereds services, and met the smuggler in 2011 and 2013, told the Wall Street Journal the man shown arriving in Italy was not the same person.
I am over 100 per cent sure its not the right guy, said the man, who has since been granted asylum in Sweden.
Major refugee routes run through Africa, with smugglers transporting migrants in desperate conditions through countries including Ethiopia, Sudan and Libya on lengthy journeys that not all survive.
Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.
Most are taken to the Libyan coast, where overloaded boats are launched towards Italy, often being left to drift in international waters until they are spotted by European patrol ships.
Eritreans make up a significant portion of the asylum seekers crossing the Mediterranean Sea, escaping a litany of human rights abuses documented in the authoritarian state, which has been accused of crimes against humanity by the UN.
More than 48,000 migrants picked up from smugglers' boats have been brought to Italy so far this year, almost all from African nations including Nigeria, Gambia and Somalia.
At least 2,800 lives have been lost in treacherous sea crossings that have made the route from Libya to Italy the most deadliest passage in the world.
Italian authorities said they would check its information as Mr Berhes family continued to appeal for his release on Thursday.
Francesco Lo Voi, the chief prosecutor in Palermo, Sicily, told the Associated Press: We are undertaking the necessary checks, but this seems unusual.
A spokesperson for the NCA said it was aware of the claims of mistaken identity.
This is a complex multi-partner operation and it is too soon to speculate about these claims, he added.
The NCA is confident in its intelligence gathering process.
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Former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner was sentenced to six months in prison last week for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman in 2015, and now hes had three months cut from his sentencing.
Under California Penal Code Section 4019, inmates only serve half of their sentences after receiving two days credit and two days for maintaining a clean record in custody, The Los Angeles Times reports.
Turner is also being held in his own room, separate from the rest of the general prison population who share rooms up to more than 20 people.
He's in protected custody because of his charge, his offense, Sergeant Joe Jephson of Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office told The Daily Mail. He's kept away from our general population inmates. There are other protected inmates that he is around but he's kept away from our general population inmates.
Since the 20-year-old was sentenced to six-months in prison, the ruling has received national outcry. The national average of people convicted of sexual assault spend at least 11 years in prison, according to the Department of Justice.
Turner repeatedly told his probation officer that the encounter was consensual, after he was convicted of three separate felony assault charges, The Mail reports. Now, Turners attorney has requested that he serve his sentence in his home state Ohio.
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Entry level smokers will have to wait three more years before they can lawfully purchase cigarettes from shops, as Californias new law raising the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 has taken effect - making it the second US state to do so.
Recommended Read more American initiative to stop people smoking coincided with obesity rise
Gov Jerry Brown signed bills that placed the new regulations on smoking age alongside other bills that enacted tougher restrictions on e-cigarettes and smoking at workplaces and schools.
State senator and author of the bill Ed Hernandez said the law is a victory for the legislature, whose efforts to regulate cigarettes are often quelled by the force of the tobacco industry.
California is sending a strong message that we will not tolerate Big Tobaccos deceptive marketing of this lethal product aimed at addicting our kids, said Mr Hernandez, chair of the Senate Health Committee, adding that the law will save lives.
This is a victory not only for Californians today, but for generations to come who will not have to experience first-hand the deadly impacts of tobacco.
Is smoking still defensible? Show all 4 1 /4 Is smoking still defensible? Is smoking still defensible? 619889.bin PA Is smoking still defensible? 619890.bin Getty Images Europe Is smoking still defensible? 619891.bin Getty Images Europe Is smoking still defensible? 619892.bin Getty Images
With the new regulations also come tighter restrictions on electronic cigarettes, putting them in the same category as cigarettes. Public health advocates had been wary of the creation of new addicts, as youthful smokers marked a significant portion of the e-cigarette market.
E-cigarette advocates, however, say that vapor products offer a safer, smoke free alternative to cigarettes, and the new regulations further stigmatise the method.
California took a step backwards today by reclassifying vapor products as tobacco, the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association told the Sacramento Bee. Stigmatizing vapor products, which contain no tobacco and treating them the same as combustible tobacco while actively seeking to economically penalize smokers attempting to switch is counterproductive to public health.
Critics also suggest that the tighter restrictions on smoking could create a black market of illegal cigarette sales.
California joins Hawaii as the second US state to raise the smoking age to 21. Other cities, including New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Kansas City, and Cleveland have all adopted regulations that prohibit the purchase of tobacco before 21.
According to a 2015 report published by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, some 50.4 per cent of Americans favoured raising the smoking age to 21.
A staggering 75 per cent of former smokers and 70 per cent of current smokers also agreed that the age should be raised from 18.
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Donald Trumps lawyer donated to Hillary Clintons campaign just one month after he was hired by the Republican for the Trump University debacle, amid Mr Trumps claims that the Mexican judge was biased against him.
Mr Trump said to Fox News Sean Hannity this week that it was disgusting that the law firm on the other side donated large sums to Ms Clintons team.
The law firm gave hundreds of thousands I think it was $900,000 or $700,000 in speaking fees to the Clintons, he said. Plus, they contributed tremendous amounts of money to the campaign.
Yet his own lawyer, Daniel Petrocelli, who is best known for winning $33.5 million in a wrongful death suit against O J Simpson, has donated to Ms Clinton and several other democrats over the last 15 years, as reported by Politico.
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Mr Petrocelli donated $2,700, the maximum allowed per election cycle, to Ms Clinton in January 2016, one month after Mr Trump hired him.
He told the Hollywood Reporter in April that Mr Trump didn't hire me for my political views. He hired me for my legal skills.
Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Show all 14 1 /14 Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Isis: "Some of the candidates, they went in and didnt know the air conditioner didnt work and sweated like dogs, and they didnt know the room was too big because they didnt have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?" Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On immigration: "I will build a great wall and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Free Trade: "Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people." PAUL J. RICHARDS | AFP | Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Mexicans: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists." Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On China: "I just sold an apartment for $15 million to somebody from China. Am I supposed to dislike them?... I love China. The biggest bank in the world is from China. You know where their United States headquarters is located? In this building, in Trump Tower." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On work: "If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable." AP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On success: "What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate." Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On life: "Everything in life is luck." AFP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On ambition: "You have to think anyway, so why not think big?" Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On his opponents: "Bush is totally in favour of Common Core. I don't see how he can possibly get the nomination. He's weak on immigration. He's in favour of Common Core. How the hell can you vote for this guy? You just can't do it." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Obamacare: "You have to be hit by a tractor, literally, a tractor, to use it, because the deductibles are so high. It's virtually useless. And remember the $5 billion web site?... I have so many web sites, I have them all over the place. I hire people, they do a web site. It costs me $3." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Barack Obama: "Obama is going to be out playing golf. He might be on one of my courses. I would invite him. I have the best courses in the world. I have one right next to the White House." PA Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On himself: "Love him or hate him, Trump is a man who is certain about what he wants and sets out to get it, no holds barred. Women find his power almost as much of a turn-on as his money." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On America: "The American Dream is dead. But if I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before and we will make America great again." GETTY
His law firm, OMelveny & Myers, has donated close to $20,000 to Ms Clintons campaign.
The discovery comes at the same time that Mr Trump has accused Gonzalo Curiel, the judge residing over the lawsuit against his now defunct Trump University, of being unfair towards him due to his nationality - Mr Trump has repeatedly called the judge a Mexican although he was born in Indiana.
Ive been treated very unfairly by the judge, Mr Trump told CNN last week. This judge is of Mexican heritage. Im building a wall. I think he should recuse himself.
Mr Trump tried to dampen the backlash - including house speaker Paul Ryans response that Mr Trumps comments were the textbook definition of racism - by saying that a Muslim judge might also treat him unfairly due to his call to ban Muslims from the US.
Judge Curiel ruled that Mr Trump would go to trial on 28 November, weeks after election day.
The ruling was arguably doing Mr Trump a favour as the plaintiffs lawyers had pushed for the trial to be held right after the Republican convention in July.
The judge is doing his job, said Mr Petrocelli outside the San Diego court house in May. Were not seeking to recuse the judge.
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After a long break from trading, famous investor George Soros is actively betting that the UK will remain in Europe - and if the UK does leave, he said it will result in a Europe-wide meltdown.
If Britain leaves, it could unleash a general exodus, and the disintegration of the European Union will become practically unavoidable, he said.
The 85-year-old billionaire and philanthropist said the recent surge of the British pound versus other currencies indicates that capital markets are generally betting that the UK will remain in Europe.
Im confident that as we get closer to the Brexit vote, the remain camp is getting stronger, Mr Soros said, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Markets are not always right, but in this case I agree with them.
From a dip in late February, GBP/USD has risen from $1.38 to around $1.45 today. The Remain camp still has the lead at 47.1% of the vote as of 3 June, as opposed to 43.8% who would vote to leave the union, according to a Bloomberg tracker.
Mr Soros, who is a Hungarian refugee, famously made a bet against Sterling currency in 1992, which led to $1 billion of profit.
How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Refugees protest as Hungarian riot police fires tear gas and water cannon on the Serbian side of the border, near Roszke How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border A refugee throws a bottle of water towards Hungarian riot police after they used water cannon to push back refugees at the Hungarian border with Serbia near the town of Horgos How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Refugees protest as Hungarian riot police fires tear gas and water cannon at the border crossing with Serbia in Roszke How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Hungarian armoured personnel carriers are deployed at the border crossing with Serbia in Roszke How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Hungarian riot policemen are deployed at the border crossing with Serbia in Roszke How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Hungarian police spray water cannon on migrants at the "Horgos 2" border crossing into Hungary, Serbia How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border A refugee reacts after Hungarian riot police use water cannon to push back refugees at the Hungarian border with Serbia near the town of Horgos How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border A refugee gestures as Hungarian riot police use water cannon to push back refugees at the Hungarian border with Serbia near the town of Horgos How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border A refugee throws a stone towards Hungarian riot police after they used water cannon and pepper spray to push back refugees at the Hungarian border with Serbia near the town of Horgos How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Refugees protest as Hungarian riot police fires tear gas and water cannon on the Serbian side of the border, near Roszke How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Migrants shout slogans as they stand in front of a barrier at the border with Hungary near the village of Horgos, Serbia How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Hungarian riot policemen run as they are deployed at the border crossing with Serbia in Roszke Reuters How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Hungarian riot policemen are deployed at the border crossing with Serbia in Roszke Reuters How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Refugees stand in front of a barrier at the border with Hungary near the village of Horgos, Serbia Reuters How Hungary welcomes its refugees - in pictures Serbia-Hungary border Refugees wait at the Horgos 2 border crossing EPA
In February this year, he called for surge funding from the EU - at least 40 billion euros a year for the next three years - to give refugees jobs, healthcare and education.
When should the EUs AAA credit be mobilised, if not at a moment when the EU is in mortal danger? he asked, referring to the EUs possibility of raising funds from capital markets.
The same month, he declared that Russian president Vladimir Putin is a bigger threat to Europe than Isis.
The most effective way Putins regime can avoid collapse is by causing the EU to collapse sooner, he wrote in the Guardian.
The hedge fund founder and owner of Soros Fund Management, which runs around $30 billion of assets, argued there is a strong probability that the European Union will crumble due to the migration crisis and the continuing economic and financial challenges in Greece.
Mr Soros has flocked to shares in gold mining companies, regarded alongside physical gold as a safe harbour investment during times of global turbulence.
He bought over 19 million shares of Barrick Gold Corp in the first three months of 2016. The companys share price has risen an incredible 162% year to date, while the price of physical gold is up just 19% in the same timeframe.
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Ohio has become the 25th US state to approve medical marijuana after a bill to legalize the drug was signed by governor John Kasich.
The bill landed on the governors desk in May after it was approved by lawmakers, according to Cincinnati.com.
The former presidential candidate will allow patients to ingest the drug - but not to smoke it - with a doctors referral from September.
Recommended Read more Ohio lawmakers approve medical marijuana use
Medical marijuana is used to treat epilepsy, chronic pain and the side effects of cancer treatment.
Mr Kasich had previously remained quiet on the subject of medical marijuana, only saying that he would follow doctors recommendations and that he wanted to treat children in pain.
Although the bill comes into effect in three months, it will take longer for rules to be set for marijuana growers and dispensaries.
In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-5.jpg EPA In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-9.jpg EPA In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-8.jpg AP In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-1.jpg AP In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-2.jpg AP In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-3.jpg AP In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-4.jpg AP In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-6.jpg Getty Images In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-7.jpg AP In pictures: Uruguay's Senate creates world's first national marketplace for legal marijuana Uruguay-10.jpg Reuters
From 6 September, patients will be able to purchase medical marijuana from other states where it is legal and bring it back to Ohio.
For the next eight months, the Department of Commerce will create rules for those who grow the drug. Cultivators must then start growing marijuana.
Doctors will also have to apply to the state medical board for a certificate to recommend the drug to patients.
Earlier this month, a Colorado school district allowed pupils to receive doses of medical marijuana on school grounds. Also in Colorado, lawmakers decided to use $1.5 worth of cannabis revenue tax to help the homeless.
Congress recently voted to allow doctors from the Veterans Health Administration to administer the drug to patients in states where it is legal.
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A massive sinkhole opened up on a main street in the Canadian capital of Ottawa causing a gas leak and evacuations of nearby businesses and office blocks.
The incident took place on the corner of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive next to a shopping mall and near several important government buildings.
City officials do yet know what caused the sinkhole and refuse to speculate where the nearby construction of the new light rail system.
Mayor Jim Watson told reporters: "It's premature at this point to make the connection to LRT, although that could very well be the possibility.
"If you look back in the last year, there was probably a major sinkhole in every city, at least once a week somewhere in North America or around the world that's on the nightly news, and we're one more."
Nobody was hurt or reported missing as a result of the sinkhole while many witnesses recall the strong smell of gas and the loss of calls.
Not looking good on Rideau/Sussex. Avoid the area completely. Hope everyone is ok. pic.twitter.com/j2uNS7J6a4 Jeff Elliott (@JeffyE1979) June 8, 2016
Witness Tom Herlihy was walking along Rideau street when he heard and smelt the gas leak: "A high-pressure natural gas line escaping is very distinct, it's a high-pressure whistle.
"You could smell it in the area immediately, and people were running away from it, you could tell something was amiss."
Sinkhole opens up on Rideau Street in Ottawa, Canada Show all 5 1 /5 Sinkhole opens up on Rideau Street in Ottawa, Canada Sinkhole opens up on Rideau Street in Ottawa, Canada No was hurt in the incident, city officials have said AP Sinkhole opens up on Rideau Street in Ottawa, Canada The incident took place at the corner of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive AP Sinkhole opens up on Rideau Street in Ottawa, Canada It is currently unclear how the sinkhole was created AP Sinkhole opens up on Rideau Street in Ottawa, Canada According to Ottawa City Councillor Mathieu Fleury, it will take days if not weeks for the street to be repaired AP Sinkhole opens up on Rideau Street in Ottawa, Canada All nearby businesses were evacuated AP
On getting a better look from an upper storey of a nearby hotel, Mr Herlihy told CBC: "I caught the hole expanding and the car falling in and the gas just roiling the water, causing the dirt underneath the street to erode and collapse. And it's really deep."
The city's emergency and protective services general manager, Anthony Di Monte, said that after the water main break and gas leak, both were shut off.
He added that emergency workers are stabilising the area while attempting to mitigate damage, but have yet to begin investigating the cause.
"We don't have the basic information to formulate a plan yet for the next few days," said Di Monte.
The sinkhole comes ahead of the "Three Amigos" summit in Ottawa between Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on 29 June.
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Elizabeth Warren is expected to endorse Hillary Clinton on the same day President Barack Obama announced his support for the presumptive Democratic nominee.
The news, first reported by The Boston Globe, comes amid rumors that the Clinton campaign is hoping to court the US senator from Massachusetts as her running mate. Warren made the announcement Thursday night on MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show.
"I have the highest regard for Senator Warren," Clinton recently told Politico. "I think she is an incredible public servant, eminently qualified for any role. I look forward to working with her on behalf of not only the campaign and her very effective critique of Trump, but also on the issues that she and I both care about.
Recommended Read more President Barack Obama endorses Hillary Clinton
The progressive senator has also shared snippets of a speech as she plans to attack the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump on Thursday. Shes expected to grill the reality television star and real-estate mogul on the pending lawsuits against the now defunct Trump University.
"Judge Gonazalo Curiel has survived far worse than Donald Trump, she said. He has survived actual assassination attempts. He'll have no problem surviving Trump's nasty temper tantrums.
Senator Warren will blame Mich McConnell and Paul Ryan for encouraging Trumps behavior thats led him to call the judge both a hater and a Mexican.
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President Barack Obama has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton as the democratic nominee.
On a video on Ms Clintons website, Mr Obama said, Im with her, reiterating her campaign slogan.
Look, I know how hard this job can be, he said. Thats why I know Hillary will be so good at it. In fact, I dont think theres ever been someone so qualified to hold this office."
Shes got the courage, the compassion and the heart to get the job done.
Ms Clinton made history this week when she won the majority of votes in the latest batch of state primaries and became the first woman to be on the top of the democratic party ticket.
Mr Obama and Ms Clinton were rivals in 2008, when they debated each other 20 times. She went on to become his Secretary of State.
Mr Obama's comments were released on Thursday, shortly after he met with her rival, Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, at the White House to discuss the issues facing America.
I had a great meeting with him this week and I thanked him for shining a spotlight on things like economic inequality, said the president.
Mr Sanders said he will continue to fight until the last democratic primary in Washington DC next week.
Mr Obama continued to praise Ms Clintons toughness and determination as they travelled across the world together and when they carried out a strategy to kill al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
"I have seen her judgement, I have seen her toughness, I have seen her commitment to our values up close. I've seen her determination to give every American a fair shot at opportunity, no matter how tough the fight was," he said.
I am fired up and I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary, he added.
They will campaign together for the first time in Green Bay, Wisconsin on 15 June, one day after the final democratic primary in Washington DC.
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The US government has warned its citizens both at home and abroad to be alert to an increased risk of terror attacks, as Isis and its followers seek to mark the Muslim holy month with violence.
The State Department alert cited an audio message by the Isis spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, which called on jihadists to get prepared, be ready to make it a month of calamity everywhere for nonbelieversespecially for the fighters and supporters of the caliphate in Europe and America.
In a report issued by the State Department-led Overseas Security Advisory Council, officials said the threat was made more credible by the fact that there were three deadly attacks after Adnani made a similar statement last year.
According to Islamic practice, sacrifice during Ramadan can be considered more valuable than that made at other times, so a call to martyrdom during the month may hold a special allure to some, the report said.
It urged American organisations overseas to remain aware of the persistent threat of attacks, both inspired and directed.
The terrorism risk at the moment is generally high, it warned.
At the weekend, the US embassy in South Africa issued a specific alert to American citizens, warning of a high threat of attacks against foreigners in popular shopping malls.
The British government followed this with its own warning, again specifically for South Africa, stating that: There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as shopping areas in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
It was not immediately clear what triggered the warnings. Security officials say there are no known militant groups operating in South Africa. It has only a small Muslim population.
Adnanis threat, released on 21 May, did not include any specific details of targets for attacks, but security forces around the world are taking seriously the risk that Isis supporters will lash out at random, seeing it as a call to arms.
In pictures: The rise of Isis Show all 74 1 /74 In pictures: The rise of Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters of the Islamic State wave the group's flag from a damaged display of a government fighter jet following the battle for the Tabqa air base, in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from Islamic State group sit on their tank during a parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from the Islamic State group pray at the Tabqa air base after capturing it from the Syrian government in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from extremist Islamic State group parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping A video uploaded to social networks shows men in underwear being marched barefoot along a desert road before being allegedly executed by Isis Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Haruna Yukawa after his capture by Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Khalinda Sharaf Ajour, a Yazidi, says two of her daughters were captured by Isis militants Washington Post In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Spokesperson for Isis Vice News via Youtube In pictures: The rise of Isis A pro-Isis leaflet A pro-Isis leaflet handed out on Oxford Street In London Ghaffar Hussain In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Isis Jihadists burn their passports In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A man collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A woman collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid Local civilians queue for aid administered by Isis. Since it declared a caliphate the group has increasingly been delivering services such as healthcare, and distributing aid and free fuel In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces detain men suspected of being militants of the Isis group in Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Mourners carry the coffin of a Shi'ite volunteer from the brigades of peace, who joined the Iraqi army and was killed during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Samarra, during his funeral in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Shiite Turkmen family fleeing the violence in the Iraqi city of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, arrives at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Arbil, in Iraq's Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi A photograph made from a video by the jihadist affiliated group Furqan Media via their twitter account allegedly showing Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi delivering a sermon during Friday prayers at a mosque in Mosul. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an Islamist caliphate in the territory under the group's control in Iraq and Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Smoke and debris go up in the air as Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul. Images posted online show that Islamic extremists have destroyed at least 10 ancient shrines and Shiite mosques in territory - the city of Mosul and the town of Tal Afar - they have seized in northern Iraq in recent weeks In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq A bulldozer destroys Sunni's Ahmed al-Rifai shrine and tomb in Mahlabiya district outside of Tal Afar In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces celebrate after clashes with followers of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi, in front of his home in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi at his home after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A vehicle burns in front of a home of a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman holds her exhausted son as over 1000 Iraqis who have fled fighting in and around the city of Mosul and Tal Afar wait at a Kurdish checkpoint in the hopes of entering a temporary displacement camp in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees Displaced Iraqi women hold pots as they queue to receive food during the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, at an encampment for displaced Iraqis who fled from Mosul and other towns, in the Khazer area outside Irbil, north Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A militant Islamist fighter waving a flag, cheers as he takes part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa. The fighters held the parade to celebrate their declaration of an Islamic "caliphate" after the group captured territory in neighbouring Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters travel in a vehicle as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade with a missile in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from an al-Qaida splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from the splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters hold a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A member loyal to the Isis waves an Isis flag in Raqqa In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi anti-government gunmen from Sunni tribes in the western Anbar province march during a protest in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. The United Nations warned that Iraq is at a "crossroads" and appealed for restraint, as a bloody four-day wave of violence killed 195 people. The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas of the Shiite-majority country more than four months ago, raising fears of a return to all-out sectarian conflict In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces hold up a flag of the Isis group they captured during an operation to regain control of Dallah Abbas north of Baqouba, the capital of Iraq's Diyala province, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Isis fighters parade in the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Volunteers, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against the predominantly Sunni militants from the radical Isis group, demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony after completing their field training in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Kurdish Peshmerga troops fire a cannon during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Jalawla, Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference Iraqi Prime Minister's security spokesman, Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference about the latest military development in Iraq, in the capital Baghdad. Iraqi forces pressed a campaign to retake militant-held Tikrit, clashing with jihadist-led Sunni militants nearby and pounding positions inside the city with air strikes in their biggest counter-offensive so far In pictures: The rise of Isis A police station building destroyed by Isis fighters An exterior view of a police station building destroyed by gunmen in Mosul city, northern Iraq. Iraq's new parliament is expected to convene to start the process of setting up a new government, despite deepening political rifts and an ongoing Islamist-led insurgency. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani issued a decree inviting the new House of Representatives to meet and form a new government In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Smoke billows from an area controlled by the Isis between the Iraqi towns of Naojul and Tuz Khurmatu, both located north of the capital Baghdad, as Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces take part in an operation to repel the Sunni militants In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An elderly Iraqi woman is helped into a temporary displacement camp for Iraqis caught-up in the fighting in and around the city of Mosul in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Christian woman fleeing the violence in the village of Qaraqush, about 30 kms east of the northern province of Nineveh, cries upon her arrival at a community center in the Kurdish city of Arbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman, who fled with her family from the northern city of Mosul, prays with a copy of the Quran AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq The body of an Isis militant killed during clashes with Iraqi security forces on the outskirts of the city of Samarra Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi civilians inspect the damage at a market after an air strike by the Iraqi army in central Mosul EPA In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Members of the Al-Abbas brigades, who volunteered to protect the Shiite Muslim holy sites in Karbala against Sunni militants fighting the Baghdad government, parade in the streets of the city AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Shia tribesmen gather in Baghdad to take up arms against Sunni insurgents marching on the capital. Thousands have volunteered to bolster defences AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A van carrying volunteers joining Iraqi security forces against Jihadist militants. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced the Iraqi government would arm and equip civilians who volunteered to fight AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters of the Isis group parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An Islamist fighter, identified as Abu Muthanna al-Yemeni from Britain (R), speaks in this still image taken undated video shot at an unknown location and uploaded to a social media website. Five Islamist fighters identified as Australian and British nationals have called on Muslims to join the wars in Syria and Iraq, in the new video released by the Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Al-Qaida inspired militants stand with captured Iraqi Army Humvee at a checkpoint belonging to Iraqi Army outside Beiji refinery some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad. The fighting at Beiji comes as Iraq has asked the U.S. for airstrikes targeting the militants from the Isis group. While U.S. President Barack Obama has not fully ruled out the possibility of launching airstrikes, such action is not imminent in part because intelligence agencies have been unable to identify clear targets on the ground, officials said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants attacked Iraq's main oil refinein Baiji as they pressed an offensive that has seen them capture swathes of territory, a manager and a refinery employee said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants from the Isis group parading with their weapons in the northern city of Baiji in the in Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A smoke rises after an attack by Isis militants on the country's largest oil refinery in Beiji, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad. Iraqi security forces battled insurgents targeting the country's main oil refinery and said they regained partial control of a city near the Syrian border, trying to blunt an offensive by Sunni militants who diplomats fear may have also seized some 100 foreign workers In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group stand next to captured vehicles left behind by Iraqi security forces at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province. For militant groups, the fight over public perception can be even more important than actual combat, turning military losses into propaganda victories and battlefield successes into powerful tools to build support for the cause In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An injured fighter (C) from the Isis group after a battle with Iraqi soldiers at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis aiming at advancing Iraqi troops at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group taking position at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group inspecting vehicles of the Iraqi army after they were seized at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq One Iraqi captive, a corporal, is reluctant to say the slogan, and has to be shouted at repeatedly before he obeys Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group force captured Iraqi security forces members to the transport In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group transporting dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members to an unknown location in the Salaheddin province ahead of executing them In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A major offensive spearheaded by Isis but also involving supporters of executed dictator Saddam Hussein has overrun all of one province and chunks of three others In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group executing dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants taking position at a Iraqi border post on the Syrian-Iraqi border between the Iraqi Nineveh province and the Syrian town of Al-Hasakah In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis rebels show their flag after seizing an army post AFP/Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants waving an Islamist flag after the seizure of an Iraqi army checkpoint in Salahuddin Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Demonstrators chant slogans as they carry al-Qaida flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul, 225 miles (360 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad. In the week since it captured Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, a Muslim extremist group has tried to win over residents and has stopped short of widely enforcing its strict brand of Islamic law, residents say. Churches remain unharmed and street cleaners are back at work
Police in the worlds most populous Muslim nation of Indonesia arrested three men suspected of links to Isis, saying they were planning to carry out a bombing.
"Their plan was to attack using a bomb during the holy month of Ramadan," police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar told reporters, adding that their target was the police.
"They had prepared a suicide bomb."
The men were arrested late on Wednesday in the country's second-largest city, Surabaya, with bomb-making material, guns and a suicide-bomb vest, police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said.
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Recommended Read more Girl died of nut allergy after boyfriend ate peanut butter sandwich
A visit to the beach turned deadly when a 55-year-old woman was stabbed by an umbrella caught by heavy winds.
The beach umbrella broke away from its anchor in the Virginia Beach sand on Wednesday, striking Lottie Michelle Belk, who died at the hospital, the Virginian-Pilot reports.
It was pretty windy down here, eyewitness Hugh Martin told local CBS affiliate WTVR. Saw the umbrella go up in the air, and literally hit the woman, knocking her to the side.
Ms Belk was at the beach celebrating her birthday and wedding anniversary, according to her eldest daughter, Ashley Denton. She is survived by her two daughters, stepdaughter, stepson, and her husband.
She was described to 911 dispatchers as being in cardiac arrest - which emergency responders said resulted from a life-threatening injury.
Ms Belk, who had worked in mental health professions for years, her daughter says, had just earned her masters degree in business.
Virginia Beach police reportedly dispatch homicide investigators to the scene, but found no evidence of foul play.
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A woman has admitted she used a babysitter scheme to sexually abuse a two-year-old girl, it has been reported.
53-year-old Rosa Linda Ganceres, plead guilty to charges of child sexual exploitation after admitting she placed adverts offering babysitting services in Texas along with her boyfriend. A mother answered the add and Ganceres was employed to look after her daughter. She then sexually assaulted the young girl and recorded the attack, KrisTV reports.
Her partner, Daniel Billman, is already serving 50 years in prison for sexual assault of a child. He is also a defendant in the case.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
Authorities say the assault was recorded on a mobile phone.
The couple could now face a 15 to 30 year prison sentence in relation to the charges.
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The body of an experienced mountain climber from Norwich has been found nearly a week since he went missing during a backpacking trip to Vietnam.
Aiden Webb was travelling with his girlfriend and had set off on his own to climb the Fansipan mountain, Vietnam's tallest peak in the north of the country.
The 22-year-old fell and hurt himself on Friday, said his girlfriend Bluebell Baughan, 24, who was in contact with him by phone from the nearby town of Sa Pa.
Recommended Read more British backpacker Aiden Webb missing in Vietnam for three days
His phone stopped working the next day, and his body was found on Thursday morning by rangers in the Hoang Lien National Park, according to the BBC.
Mr Webb told Ms Baughan he fell into a ravine, hurt his knee and cut his arm open on a rock, and had lost his way from the planned trail.
She raised the alarm at around 6am on Saturday and Mr Webb's father, Trevor, and his uncle, Michael, flew out on Sunday evening to help in the search.
Known to his friends as 'Hercules' due to his muscular physique, Mr Webb had planned to reach the 3,100m (10,312ft) summit more than twice the height of Ben Nevis in one day.
According to The Telegraph, the drama graduate had posted on Facebook days before he went missing about completing his first official free soloing rock climb.
His post said: Never had so much fun and never had my mind so clear and empty.
Definitely no 'El Capitan', but regardless. This is something I've felt I've needed to do in a long time.
Fansipan mountain in north Vietnam, where Aiden Webb is said to have been found (Getty Images)
(Apologies in advance to all family members who think I'm loco, and reckless I'm actually a very safe climber and know my limits).
Tributes have been paid to Mr Webb by friends on a 'Help us find Aiden in Vietnam' Facebook page set up by his family and by his former university, Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.
Laura Marsh, the manager of the branch of fashion store Superdry in Cambridge where Mr Webb worked, said he was "a great lad who everyone liked".
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
Trevor Webb said he had gained permission to use drones to scour the area in the search for his son. The equipment was due to arrive today.
Mr Webb and Ms Baughan, who met at Anglia Ruskin University, were halfway through their four-month long trip when he went missing.
Local media has reported that Mr Webb's body was found at around 2,800m above sea level.
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A Pakistani mother has been arrested on suspicion of burning her daughter alive for marrying a man without the consent of her family.
The body of Zeenat Rafiq showed signs of torture and she had been tied to a bed, doused with fuel and set alight, police in the city of Lahore said.
Her mother Parveen is believed to have invited her back from her in-laws a little more than a week after the couple had acquired their marriage licence before attacking her.
Family members are reported to have prevented neighbours from entering the property as Zeenat, 18, screamed for help before her mother ran out into the street shouting that she had been punished for bringing shame on her family.
Ms Rafiq and her husband, Hassan Khan, married a week ago through the courts after eloping. They went to live with his family.
"When she told her parents about us, they beat her so severely she was bleeding from her mouth and nose," Mr Khan told the BBC.
Anti-women laws that still exist in 2016
"Her family lured her back, promising reconciliation and a proper wedding reception. She was afraid, she said 'they are not going to spare me'. She didn't want to go but my family convinced her. How were we to know they would kill her like this?"
It is the third so-called "honour killing" case in a month in Pakistan, where attacks on women who go against conservative rules on love and marriage are common.
Last week a woman was burned to death for refusing a marriage proposal from a man twice her age.
The countries with anti-women laws Show all 5 1 /5 The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws
Maria Sadaqat, 19, was beaten, covered in petrol and set on fire by a group of men at her home.
She was taken to hospital in Islamabad with 85 per cent burns following the attack in nearby Murree, but later died of her injuries.
Last month a teenage girl was kidnapped, drugged, put in a van and set alight in an alleged attack by a tribal council in a Pakistani village after helping a friend elope.
At least 13 elders in the village near the north-western city Abbottabad were arrested over the death along with the girls mother, who is said to have agreed to the sentence.
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A Muslim waitress says she was verbally abused and physically attacked by two men who accused her of shaming Islam by serving alcohol during Ramadan.
The woman, who is in her 30s, said she was working in a bar in Nice, France, on the first day of the holy month of fasting when the attack happened.
I was all alone in the bar when two bystanders stormed in, the waitress, who did not want to be named, told French Newspaper LObs.
"They pointed to the bottles of alcohol behind the counter, and then one of them said in Arabic. 'You shame on serving alcohol during Ramadan. If I were God, I would have you hanged."
She said she stood up to the men, telling them: You are not God to judge me.
She said they responded by calling her a prostitute and a bitch, before leaving the bar.
Shortly after, she said one of the men returned and hit her, causing her to fall to the ground.
I was so scared," she said.
"I couldnt understand. Why have they insulted me? Why that slap? I felt belittled, humiliated, dirty. I do not want other women to be victims of such aggression.
It's not because I serve alcohol that I do not fulfill my duty. I do it because I'm a waitress. In Tunisia I was practicing the same profession and I never had any problems.
I did not think in France, a country of freedoms, I could be attacked for this. I fear they will come back, but I do not want this to impact my work, she told the paper.
In pictures: Ramadan around the world Show all 27 1 /27 In pictures: Ramadan around the world In pictures: Ramadan around the world In pictures: Ramadan around the world In pictures: Ramadan around the world Russia Russian Muslims pray outside the central mosque in Moscow, during celebrations of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Ramadan around the world Turkey Turkish Muslims offer Eid al Fitr prayers as they mark the first day of the Eid al-Fitr at Fatih Sultan Mosque in Istanbul Getty Images In pictures: Ramadan around the world Syria A Syrian Dervish dances as part of a traditional event organised by the Syrian Ministry of Tourism under the title 'Music and Dervishes' in the old city of Damascus EPA In pictures: Ramadan around the world Bosnia and Herzegovina A Bosnian Muslim man, wearing a traditional Bosnian outfit, fires a canon from a vantage point overlooking Sarajevo to mark the end of daily fasting on the final day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Ramadan around the world Pakistan A general view of an illuminated Mosque as Muslims pray during the 27th night of Ramadan, in Peshawar EPA In pictures: Ramadan around the world Pakistan Muslim women offer prayer of the Jumat-ul-wida, the last Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan at a mosque in Lahore AP In pictures: Ramadan around the world India Muslims offer prayers on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Dargah Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti Rex Features In pictures: Ramadan around the world Saudi Arabia The Prophet Mohammed Mosque in the holy city of Medina, during Ramadan EPA In pictures: Ramadan around the world Malaysia A Malaysian swings around fireworks to celebrate the last day of the Muslims' Holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Shah Alam, outside Kuala Lumpur In pictures: Ramadan around the world Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyz Muslims pray during the Eid al-Fitr Muslim celebration marking the end of Ramadan in Bishkek EPA In pictures: Ramadan around the world Ivory Coast People pray during the Laylat Al Qadr prayers on the 27th day of the Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan in the front of the Aghin mosque in Abidjan AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Ramadan around the world Syria Syrians shop for traditional sweets in Kafr Batna in the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta area, on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, ahead of Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Ramadan around the world Israel A Palestinian woman prays on the third Friday of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City REUTERS In pictures: Ramadan around the world Iran Iranian Shiite Muslims pray at the graves of soldiers who were killed during 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War, at the Behesht-e-Zahra cemetery, during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, just outside Tehran, Iran AP In pictures: Ramadan around the world Israel A Palestinian man pours water on Muslim worshippers' heads to cool off in the heat, as others pray outside the Dome of the Rock at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the last Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan EPA In pictures: Ramadan around the world Afghanistan Afghan women wait to receive food ration during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Herat EPA In pictures: Ramadan around the world Pakistan A Pakistani Muslim reads the holy Koran as he observes Itikaf at a Mosque, in Peshawar EPA In pictures: Ramadan around the world India Kashmiri Muslim women offer prayers as the head priest (not pictured) displays a holy relic believed to be hair from the beard of the Prophet Mohammed, during special prayers to observe the Martyr Day of Hazrat Ali, cousin of Prophet Mohammed, on the 21st day of Ramadan, at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir EPA In pictures: Ramadan around the world India Indian Muslims sit with bowls of porridge(Nombu kanji)as they prepare to break the fast with the Iftar meal during the Islamic month of Ramadan at The Wallajah Big Mosque in Chennai AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Ramadan around the world Lebanon Spectators watch fireworks as a giant Fanous, or Ramadan lantern, is switched on four days before the start of Ramadan month in front of Mohamed al-Amine Mosque in downtown Beirut EPA In pictures: Ramadan around the world Lebanon Lebanese children perform during activities celebrating the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in downtown Beirut AP In pictures: Ramadan around the world Palestine Palestinian men drink tea on the promenade of Gaza beach Getty In pictures: Ramadan around the world Indonesia Members of Nahdlatul Ulama, the biggest Muslim organisation in Indonesia, hold a mass prayer session to welcome in Ramadan in Jakarta AFP/Getty In pictures: Ramadan around the world Iraq Iraqis shop for food in a preparation for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Baghdad AP In pictures: Ramadan around the world Indonesia Foods is seen during 'Unggah-unggahan' ceremony to welcome in the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Pekuncen village Getty
Fortunately the incident was caught on camera. The manager, who is also not named in the report, said: Around 12:30, she called me in tears. I immediately went to the site. I alerted the police who arrived on the scene very quickly.
The whole scene was recorded by CCTV cameras, and I have passed it on to the authorities.
According to LObs the two men have been identified, but not yet arrested.
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The Norwegian parliament has agreed to bring the goal of becoming climate neutral forward from 2050 to 2030.
The parties have approved this ambitious goal as long as other countries make similarly major commitments in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, agreed on by 175 countries in December 2015.
5 things you should know about the Paris climate change talks
A proposal backed unanimously by the parliament's cross-party energy and environment committee said: "Climate neutrality shall be accelerated to 2030, as long as there is a global and ambitious climate agreement in place in which other developed countries undertake major commitments."
The Paris Agreement has set a target of limiting the warming of the planet to "well below" two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial revolution levels.
The committee's advisor added: "It's obviously a very ambitious goal, but all political parties represented on the committee agree on that."
The decision comes after a series of major commitments to the environment such as becoming the first country in the world to commit to zero deforestation.
The Scandinavian country also plans to ban the sale of all fossil-fuel cars in in the next decade.
The ban would be a strong statement as a large proportion of Norway's economy relies on its petroleum industry.
Paris climate talks in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 Paris climate talks in pictures Paris climate talks in pictures A man is covered with a multi-coloured banner with the message, "Climate" as environmentalists attend a demonstration near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) that meets in Le Bourget, December 12, 2015 Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures French President Francois Hollande (C) and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (R) applaud after a statement at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line today with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures US Secretary of State John Kerry (C) speaks with China's Special Representative on Climate Change Xie Zhenhua (R) and officials at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line today with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures Delegates and members of NGO's read and work on copies of 'The adoption of the Paris agreement' is pictured after the announcement of the final draft by French Foreign Affairs minister Laurent Fabius at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning Getty Paris climate talks in pictures UN climate chief Christiana Figueres (C) speaks with French President Francois Hollande (L), United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (2ndL) and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (R) after a statement at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line today with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning Getty Paris climate talks in pictures A Swiss Dominican priest poses with activists dressed as polar bears as activists gather for a demonstration to form a giant red line at the Avenue de la Grande armee boulevard in Paris on December 12, 2015, as a proposed 195-nation accord to curb emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreak havoc on Earth's climate system is to be presented at the United Nations conference on climate change COP21 in Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures Activists hold up a giant banner reading 'Climate justice' by association 'ourpowercampaign' during a demonstration near the Arc de Triomphe at the Avenue de la Grande armee boulevard in Paris on December 12, 2015, as a proposed 195-nation accord to curb emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreak havoc on Earth's climate system is to be presented at the United Nations conference on climate change COP21 in Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures Representatives of indigenous peoples demonstrate in Paris, France, as the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) continues at Le Bourget, December 12, 2015. Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures Environmentalists demonstrate near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, as the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) continues at Le Bourget, December 12, 2015. Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures Environmentalists demonstrate near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, as the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) continues at Le Bourget, December 12, 2015. Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures Activists form a giant red line during a demonstration on the Avenue de la Grande armee boulevard in Paris on December 12, 2015, as a proposed 195-nation accord to curb emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreak havoc on Earth's climate system is to be presented at the United Nations conference on climate change COP21 in Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images Paris climate talks in pictures The slogan "No Plan B" is projected on the Eiffel Tower as part of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) in Paris, France, December 11, 2015. Reuters
As a sign of its progress already toward to the 2030 target, around 24 per cent of the country's cars run on electricity with more than 99 per cent of Norway's electricity supply produced through hydropower.
Norway also aims to triple its capacity of wind power by 2020, with a new 2bn investment in the sector approved in 2013.
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A Belgian judge has ruled that two suspects in the 13 November Paris attacks can be extradited to France.
Belgian federal prosecutors said in a statement that the judge ruled European arrest warrants issued for Mohamed Abrini and Mohamed Bakkali by French judicial authorities are enforceable.
Bakkali, 29, is believed to have rented the Brussels apartment where suicide vests used in the attacks that killed 130 in Paris were assembled, and where fugitive suspect Salah Abdeslam hid out for a time before being captured by Belgian police.
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The part Abrini, 31, is suspected of having played in the Paris carnage has always been unclear. French authorities put out a bulletin for his arrest soon after the 13 November attacks, when it emerged he had driven to Paris from Brussels with Abdeslam that week.
The French renewed the arrest bulletin for Abrini the day of the Brussels bombings, but he has not been named as one of the members of any of the three known teams of attackers at France's national stadium, the Bataclan concert hall, or the cafes and bars.
Before Thursday's hearing in the pretrial chamber of the Brussels Tribunal, Belgian prosecutors said they do not anticipate turning over Abrini to the French any time soon. They are still investigating him over the 22 March suicide bombings at Brussels Airport. He has acknowledged being the "man in the hat" filmed by security cameras there in the company of the two bombers.
A total of 32 victims died in the blasts at the airport and in a separate suicide attack soon afterwards in the Brussels subway.
The Brussels judge on Thursday ordered Abrini held in detention for another month in connection with the Brussels attacks, as well as five other suspects. Four other people arrested in Belgium for suspected links to the Paris attackers were also ordered kept in custody for an additional month.
"No additional information will be given regarding further proceedings," Belgian federal prosecutors said in their statement.
The Islamic State extremist group has claimed responsibility for the Paris and Brussels attacks. British officials have said Abrini is believed to have travelled to England last summer and met with Islamic radicals there, but have offered no further details.
AP
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Russia will continue to expand its territories to the border with Poland or even Germany if it is not stopped in its current conflict with Ukraine, the captured pilot turned politician Nadia Savchenko has warned.
Speaking in her first foreign media interview since being freed from a Russian jail in a prisoner exchange, Ms Savchenko called on Western nations to do more to help Ukraine and show Russia they will stop its imprudence and appetite sooner or later.
Ms Savchenko, 35, was her countrys first female attack helicopter pilot and became a cause-celebre when she was captured by pro-Russian rebels in June 2014. She was elected a member of the Ukrainian parliament from her jail cell.
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She told The Telegraph she understood the West had to be very careful in how it approached Ukraine, adding nobody wants a Third World War.
It might be uncomfortable for Europe or even America for some time, she said. But they need to understand that if they dont stop Russia on the border of Ukraine, next time it will be on the border with Poland or the border with Germany.
Her comments came after officials from Ukraine and Georgia, which fought a war with Russia in 2008, urged Nato members to consider bringing them into the alliance.
Hanna Hopko, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Ukrainian Parliament said that NATO membership would bring security guarantees to her war-scarred country that has already lost more than 9,300 people in the conflict.
"I ask you to think carefully about the real strategy (of) how to protect Ukrainian society from Russian aggression," Hopko said.
In pictures: MH17 final report Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: MH17 final report In pictures: MH17 final report Getty Images In pictures: MH17 final report Getty Images In pictures: MH17 final report Almaz-Antei director Yan Novikov, center, looks at the screen during a news conference in Moscow. Almaz-Antei air defense consortium, the builder of Buk missiles, presented its vision of the MH-17 air crash based on a new modeling of the disaster they recently conducted AP In pictures: MH17 final report A graphic and a skin element of a passenger airplane which was used in a full-scale experiment by Almaz-Antey simulating shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in Ukraine is displayed during a Russian missile manufacturer Almaz-Antey news conference dedicated to the MH17 crash in Moscow EPA In pictures: MH17 final report Almaz-Antei director Yan Novikov, seated center, attends a news conference in Moscow AP In pictures: MH17 final report Projectiles with thecharacteristic "double tee" formation of components of the warhead of a Buk missile 9?38?1, are displayed during a news conference in Moscow AP In pictures: MH17 final report Almaz-Antei director Yan Novikov, attends a news conference in Moscow AP
Ms Savchenko also cited Nato support as one of the ways the West can help Ukraine using existing tools.
But unlike the mainstream leadership of her country, she said she was willing to open up talks with the leaders of the separatist movements in Donetsk and Luhansk.
I wont speak as a politician, I speak as a human being, she said. People want peace - but well never have peace unless we start talking about it. Before we Ukrainians start talking about what is happening in our occupied territories, we need to remove the neighbours. So let's get Russia out of the way first, and then we can talk.
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Video has emerged showing a white tiger pouncing on an unsupecting zoo visitor, only to crash into a glass barricade.
In the footage captured at an unnamed zoo, thought to be in Russia, the woman can be seen posing for the camera as the big cat slowly stalks behind her.
As the woman turns around the tiger launches itself at her, only to be stopped in its tracks by protective glass at the Russian zoo.
Where not to visit if you love animals Show all 9 1 /9 Where not to visit if you love animals Where not to visit if you love animals Monkey shows Chimpanzees are forced to perform demeaning tricks on leashes and are often subject to cruel training techniques. Animals who are confined to small, barren enclosures and forced to perform unsurprisingly show symptoms of stress and depression. Chimpanzees have been documented rocking back and forth, sucking their lips, salivating and swaying against enclosure perimeters in distress. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Marine parks Some parks confine orcas to concrete tanks and force them to perform meaningless tricks for food - many die in captivity. Orcas are highly intelligent and social mammals who may suffer immensely, both physically and mentally, when they're held in captivity. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Tiger shows Tigers are forced to live in an unnatural and barren environment and have to endure interactions with a constant stream of tourists. Since tigers never lose their wild instincts, across the world they are reportedly drugged, mutilated and restrained in order to make them safe for the public. However, every year, incidents of tiger maulings are reported at this type of tourist attraction. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Donkey rides Sunning on the beach is great for humans we can take a quick dip or catch a bite to eat when we get too hot or hungry. But it's pure hell for donkeys who are confined to the beach and forced to cart children around on the hot sand. Some donkey-ride operators at beach resorts in the UK even keep the animals chained together at all times. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Swimming with dolphins Some marine parks use bottlenose dolphins in performances and offer visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins. Unfortunately, people are often unaware that these animals are captured in the wild and torn from their families or traded between different parks around the world. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Canned hunting Lions are confined to fenced areas so that they can easily be cornered, with no chance of escape. Most of them will have been bred in captivity and then taken from their mothers to be hand-reared by the cub-petting industry. When they get too big, they may be drugged before they are released into a "hunting" enclosure. Because these animals are usually kept in fenced enclosures (ranging in size from just a few square yards to thousands of acres), they never stand a chance of surviving. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Running of the Bulls Every year, tourists travel to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls. The bulls who are forced to slip and slide down the town's narrow cobblestone streets are chased straight into the bullring. They are then taunted, stabbed repeatedly and finally killed by the matador in front of a jeering crowd. The majority of Spaniards reject bullfighting, but tourists are keeping the cruel industry on its last legs. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Horse-drawn carriages City streets are no place for horses. The animals toil in all weather extremes, suffering from respiratory distress from breathing in exhaust fumes as well as numerous hoof, leg and back problems from walking on pavement all day long. As easily spooked prey animals, horses subjected to the loud noises and unexpected sounds of city streets are likely to be involved in accidents, even deadly ones. Getty Where not to visit if you love animals Zoos The zoo community regards the animals it keeps as commodities, and animals are regularly bought, sold, borrowed and traded without any regard for established relationships. Zoos breed animals because the presence of babies draws visitors and boosts revenue, yet often, there's nowhere to put the offspring as they grow, and they are killed, as we saw with Marius the giraffe in Denmark. Some zoos have introduced evening events with loud music and alcohol which disrupt the incarcerated animals even further. EPA
It comes after a lion was filmed charging at a young boy in Japan's Chiba Zoological park.
After that incident, lion expert Adam M Roberts from Born Free USA told The Dodo: "Lions are natural wild predators and the child in this video, especially when turning his back to the massive feline, becomes prey in the animal's eyes.
"The firm glass wall held the lion inside his enclosure, surely frustrating his innate instincts.
Lion charges at boy through zoo glass
"But luckily for the family, if the barrier had not held the consequences could have been catastrophic."
Only a few days after the incident at Chiba, the Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation captured the moment a panther stalked an 'unsuspecting' man at their sanctuary.
Panther pounces on man at zoo
Although in this video there is no glass, the outcome is rather more friendly, with the man, the sanctuary's manager, eventually playing with the black cat as it affectionately licks his face.
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A woman pretended to be a victim of the Paris terror attacks in order to claim thousands in compensation.
The unnamed 25-year-old, from Yvelines in the Ile de France region of the French capital, faces five years in prison for fraud and a fine of 375,000 after telling investigators she had been injured in a suicide bombing at the Carillon bar.
She used fake photographs of burn victims as her evidence and told police she had had a miscarriage during the attack, in an attempt to get 20,000 in compensation despite not being pregnant at the time, according to Le Parisien.
Suspicions were raised immediately by the fact that terrorists had used machine guns at the Le Carillon bar but there had been no bombing there on November 13.
The woman came forward to police the day after the attacks, claiming her arms had been severely burned, although investigators noted she was not in shock and did not appear to act like a victim.
Officers found the images she provided were identical to photos of other burns victims on the internet, after which the woman was charged and taken into custody in January.
Victims of the Paris attacks Show all 33 1 /33 Victims of the Paris attacks Victims of the Paris attacks Nick Alexander Victims of the Paris attacks Mathias Dymarski and Maria Lausch Victims of the Paris attacks Anne Cornet Guyomard and Pierre Yves Guyomard Victims of the Paris attacks Guillaume Decherf Victims of the Paris attacks Ciprian Calciu Victims of the Paris attacks Nohemi Gonzalez Victims of the Paris attacks Elodie Breuil Victims of the Paris attacks Asta Diakite Victims of the Paris attacks Romain Didier Victims of the Paris attacks Victims of the Paris attacks Victims of the Paris attacks Halima Saadi Victims of the Paris attacks Ludovic Boumbas Victims of the Paris attacks Thomas Duperron Victims of the Paris attacks Germain Ferey Victims of the Paris attacks Marie Mosser Victims of the Paris attacks Fabrice Dubois Victims of the Paris attacks Thomas Ayad Victims of the Paris attacks Victims of the Paris attacks Djamila-Houd Victims of the Paris attacks Mathieu Hoche Victims of the Paris attacks Justine Moulin Victims of the Paris attacks Anne Guyomard Victims of the Paris attacks Anna Lieffrig-Petard Victims of the Paris attacks Victims of the Paris attacks Lacramioara Pop Victims of the Paris attacks Alberto Gonzalez Garrido Victims of the Paris attacks Mohamed Amine Ibnolmobarak Victims of the Paris attacks Cedric Mauduit Victims of the Paris attacks Matthieu Giroud Victims of the Paris attacks Michelli Gil Jaimez Victims of the Paris attacks Pierro Innocenti and Stephane Albertini Victims of the Paris attacks Nicolas Classeau
It also emerged that the doctor who had apparently signed the womans medical certificate was not registered as working at a Paris hospital on the evening of the attacks.
She is due to be sentenced on June 13 at Versailles criminal court.
Terrorists killed 130 people during a series of coordinated attacks on the French capital, with 15 shot dead at Le Carillon in the 10th arrondissement.
The attacks provoked an international outpouring of sympathy and nearby nations tightened up their security measures in response.
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A Muslim gay cleric who conducted same sex weddings in secret in Iran has been forced to leave the county after receiving death threats from fellow religious figures.
Homosexuality is banned in Iran and punishable by execution under the countrys strict Sharia law. Minors can receive 74 lashes for homosexual activity, while women can receive 50 lashes if convicted of lesbianism and face the death penalty after a fourth conviction.
In April 2014, Irans Supreme Leader described homosexuality as moral bankruptcy and libidinous behaviour, while in September of the same year, the Iranian Speaker of Parliament called homosexuality modern Western barbarism.
Taha attempted to keep his sexual orientation hidden (BBC/ YouTube)
With homosexuality taboo in Iran, Taha, the gay mullah, attempted to keep his sexual orientation hidden, but was exposed after he began conducting gay weddings.
Speaking to the BBC, Taha said: Yes, I conducted gay weddings. The last few months were very difficult. The authorities questioned me several times about my choice of friends.
They were saying I am a cleric and I shouldnt be meeting gay men. The other mullahs were suspicious about my sexual orientation and threatened me with death.
In Iran, mullahs wield huge power in the country and advise people on spiritual matters. These clerics are respected, but also feared for the power they hold.
LGBT+ rights around the globe Show all 9 1 /9 LGBT+ rights around the globe LGBT+ rights around the globe Russia Russias antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT propaganda allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists. AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Brunei Brunei recently introduced a law to make sodomy punishable by stoning to death. It was already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Mauritania Men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has reportedly not executed anyone for this crime since 1987 Alamy LGBT+ rights around the globe Sudan Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Saudi Arabia Homosexuality and gender realignment is illegal and punishable by death, imprisonment, whipping and chemical castration Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Yemen The official position within the country is that there are no gays. LGBT inviduals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Nigeria Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97% of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Somalia Homosexuality was established as a crime in 1888 and under new Somali Penal Code established in 1973 homosexual sex can be punishable by three years in prison. A person can be put to death for being a homosexual Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Iraq Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised, much of the population still suffer from intense discrimination. Additionally, in some of the country over-run by the extremist organisation Isis, LGBT individuals can face death by stoning Getty
Ramtin Zigorat, an Iranian gay refugee who fled from the country a year ago, said meeting Taha was extremely significant for him: Before this we knew mullahs as people who wanted to punish us. They prayed at our execution ceremonies, but now we know someone who prays at our wedding ceremonies.
However, another gay refugee, who left Iran a month ago and has not come out to his family, said trusting Taha was difficult following the treatment he had received from religious figures in Iran.
The man, who goes by the alias Farid, said: It is very difficult for me to trust him because he is a mullah. I grew up in an atmosphere where they were part of the fears and lies.
Taha is currently living in Istanbul, Turkey with plans to move on to Canada. Homosexual activity has been legal in Turkey since 1858, however same-sex unions and marriage are banned.
Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, told New York's Columbia University there were no homosexuals in Iran (Getty Images)
As of May 2016, 73 countries have laws criminalizing homosexuality. Five of these, Mauritania, Sudan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, are prepared to sentence gay people to death; just for the sexual orientation.
In 2011, Iran received immense backlash from human rights groups after executing three men for sodomy.
The case was deemed significant as the prosecution office admitted they were sentenced for lavat, the phrase used in Islamic law for sodomy. Usually courts label such acts as sexual assault and rape crimes that convey an element of coercion rather than consensual sex between two willing participants.
In 2008, Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, told New York's Columbia University there were no homosexuals in Iran.
Iran received widespread condemnation in 2005 for the execution of two teenagers Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni, who were publicly hanged from a crane in a square at the centre of the city of Mashad. Gay rights groups claimed that the pair were murdered by the state for consensual sex but the charges against them were actually described as lavat beh onf - sodomy by coercion - against a 13-year-old boy.
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Families fleeing Fallujah have told how they were forced to eat animal food to stave off starvation during a brutal siege of the Isis-held city.
A woman who managed to reach a refugee camp with her children said they moved from one home to another to avoid battles until they were caught in the crossfire.
We have witnessed tragedies that no one should ever witness, she said in an interview with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
Shia fighters hold an Isis flag in an operation east of Fallujah the terror group has lost ground in both Syria and Iraq (AFP/Getty Images) (AFP/Getty)
I was shot and Ive been unable to walk for three months. My children were shot as well and we were forced to leave our homes.
We used to eat animal food and we did not have any water.
Our homes were broken into, bombings and shellings on top of our headswe moved from one plane to another in Fallujah until we were trapped.
She and her children are now among more than 3,000 families living in displacement camps as fighting continues to rage between militants and Iraqi security forces and militias attempting to retake the city.
Routes out of Fallujah have been barred for civilians since December and Isis tightened its grip as the Iraqi government advance started last month.
Stories of extreme desperation have emerged, with rocketing food prices of more than $40 for a kilo of flour forcing people to search rubbish and eat rotten food.
A member of the Iraqi security forces fires artillery during clashes with Isis militants near Fallujah, Iraq, 29 May, 2016 (Reuters)
Since December, food has been in short supply, people are relying on expired rice and dried dates, and several starvation-related deaths have been reported, UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming said.
Save the Children said the price of a single can of infant milk had hit 35 at times during the siege and that potatoes and sugar cost between ten to fifteen times more than normal, forcing families to eat soup made from grass or a handful of seeds.
Some residents have reportedly killed themselves, while parents are said to have drowned their children in the river or abandoned them because they could not feed them.
Humanitarian agencies estimate that around 50,000 civilians remain trapped in a mounting human catastrophe in Fallujah, while those trying to flee risk being killed by Isis or alleged mistreatment by groups supporting the Iraqi security forces.
Hasna, a 50-year-old mother of seven children, said she saw 16 people shot dead as the group of refugees came under attack while fleeing.
Having seen a pregnant woman accidentally killed during battles inside the city, her family came under fire from what she described as armed opposition groups as they attempted to cross a river to safety.
Hospital sources said 18 bodies were recovered from the river over the weekend (AP)
As soon as we reached the river, the armed opposition groups started shooting at us, she said. Sixteen people from our group were killed and my daughter is in hospital now as her kidney was wounded during the chaos.
As soon as we started crossing, we got shot by Isis from behindthree men came out of nowhere and started shooting at us.
The NRC said it has received several allegations of armed groups shooting at civilians as they attempted to cross the Euphrates River, causing families to take tragic risks.
An unknown number of men, women and children have drowned, while witnesses said they saw three children put in an open fridge in an attempt to protect them in the water before it sank, killing them all.
Footage has also shown members of Shia militias fighting in support of the Iraqi government separating male refugees and mistreating them while holding them captive.
Around 21,000 people in 3,500 families had reached displacement camps in Amiriyat Al Fallujah over the past fortnight, pushing them almost up to full capacity as food, safe drinking water and other basic supplies run out.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is urging the Iraqi government to ensure that all people fleeing Fallujah are treated in strict accordance with human rights and international law.
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The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. 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There are extremely distressing, credible reports that some people who survive the terrifying experience of escaping from Isis, then face severe physical abuse once they reach the other side, Zeid Raad Al Hussein said.
Eyewitnesses have described how armed groups operating in support of the Iraqi security forces are intercepting people fleeing the conflict, separating the men and teenage boys from the women and children, and detaining the males for security screening, which in some cases degenerates into physical violations and other forms of abuse, apparently in order to elicit forced confessions.
There are even allegations that some individuals have been summarily executed by these armed groups.
Mr Hussein said that although there is a legitimate interest in vetting people fleeing Isis-controlled areas for security risk, people must be treated as civilians and in accordance with Iraqi law in the absence of clear and cogent evidence.
More than 22,000 civilians have been killed and 43,500 wounded in Iraq since Isis advance in early 2014.
The UN said the casualty estimates were considered an absolute minimum as they do not include Anbar Province, where Fallujah is located, or those dying from died from starvation and other secondary effects of the conflict.
Government forces entered southern Fallujah this week for the first time in more than two years as troops continued to fight house-to-house battles against Isis militants.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi promised a swift victory when he announced the start of the operation on 22 May but the complexity of the task quickly became apparent.
British air strikes are among those hitting the city as part of the US-led coalition as Isis continues to use the civilians trapped inside as human shields.
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The United Nations has removed a Saudi-led coalition from a children's rights blacklist after it faced bullying, threats and pressure from the countrys Muslim allies, it has been claimed.
The Gulf state group was placed on the United Nations list over its military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, after the UN report on children and armed conflict said the coalition was responsible for 60 per cent of all child deaths and injuries in the troubled country last year.
According to UN figures, more than 510 children were killed by the coalition and nearly 700 wounded. The group was also said to be responsible for half the attacks on schools and hospitals.
However, Saudi UN Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi claimed the figures were wildly exaggerated, and demanded they be corrected.
Saudi Arabias main complaint is that the Saudi-backed Yemeni government was not consulted about the report, and that the information used was not provided by them. But on Tuesday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said this was not the case and that the Saudis had been consulted.
UN sources said Ban Ki-moons office was barraged with calls from Gulf Arab foreign ministers and ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) following the blacklisting.
A diplomatic source, who wished to remain anonymous, said there were bullying, threats, pressure, adding it was real blackmail.
He also said there was a real risk of clerics in Riyadh meeting to issue a fatwa against the UN, declaring it anti-Muslim, which would mean no contacts of OIC members, no relations, contributions, support, to any U.N. projects, programs.
Mr Abdallah Al-Mouallimi responded to these allegations, saying we don't use threats or intimidation, adding Riyadh was very committed to the United Nations.
He also denied the threat of a possible fatwa, saying; That's ridiculous, that's outrageous.
Diplomatic sources said the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) would suffer if the blacklisting was upheld, as Saudi allegedly threatened to pull its funding.
The Gulf state is the fourth biggest contributor to UNRWA after the United States, European Union and Britain, having contributed nearly $100 million (69 million) in 2015.
Kuwait and United Arab Emirates fellow members of the coalition also provide significant funding to UNRWA, donating nearly $50 million (34.5 million) between them last year.
10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty
Ms Dujarric said Jordan, United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh had complained to Mr Bans office, while diplomats said Egypt, Kuwait and Qatar had also done so.
The Saudi-led coalition also includes Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal and Sudan.
Human rights groups reacted angrily to the news, accusing Mr Ban of giving in to pressure and suggesting the U-turn could harm his legacy as his time at the helm of the UN comes to an end.
Sajjad Mohamed Sajid, Oxfam's Country Director in Yemen, said: It appears that political power and diplomatic clout have been allowed to trump the UN's duty to expose those responsible for the killing and maiming of more than a thousand of Yemen's children.
The decision to retract its findings is a moral failure and goes against everything the UN is meant to stand for.
The killing of children in their homes, at schools and in hospitals should not be swept under the carpet. When the UN identifies crimes such as these it needs to act, regardless of who the perpetrators are.
Meanwhile, 20 human rights groups urged Mr Ban to put the military coalition back on the blacklist as the evidence against it is overwhelming.
The letter, signed by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Oxfam among others said: "If the Saudi-led Coalition wants to be removed from the list, it should stop killing and maiming children and bombing schools and hospitals in Yemen - the violations for which it was listed," the groups wrote.
The responsibility of the Saudi-led coalition for grave violations against children in many of these attacks is not in doubt," the rights groups wrote. "The evidence of grave violations against children in Yemen by the Saudi-led Coalition is overwhelming.
Reuters contributed to this report
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Students in China found to be cheating in college entrance exams has, for the first time, become a criminal offence, punishable by up to seven years in prison.
The countrys state press agency, Xinhua, confirmed the tough new crackdown this week as an estimated 9.4 million high school pupils prepare to sit the exam, known as the gaokao.
In Ruijin, east Chinas Jiangxi Province, the agency said test monitors were using instruments to scan students shoes before they entered the exam hall, while devices to block wireless signals were also put into action.
Police officers were also being deployed at test centres across the nation to look out for suspect behaviour.
The respected gaokao exam is a standard way to screen and select students for university-level education in the country. However, allegations of organised cheating between teachers and students has seen the reputation of the test take a battering, said the agency.
Xiong Bingqi, vice-president of the 21st Century Education Research Institute in Beijing, told the Global Times: Safeguarding fairness in the gaokao and education, in general, is the baseline for China to maintain social justice.
Institutions around the world have been clamping down in the fight against exam cheating in recent years, particularly in the Internet and digital age.
In the US this week, around 85 students are reportedly facing disciplinary action after a cheating scandal at Ohio State University. According to The Columbus Dispatch, an investigation by university officials found the veterinary students had figured out a way to share answers on online take-home tests.
And just last month, a group of prospective medical students made international news after a Thai university was forced to cancel a series of entrance exams when they were found to be cheating using super high-tech gadgets, including spy movie-style glasses embedded with cameras and smartwatches.
Indian authorities red-faced after exam cheating exposed
The university confirmed that the students had been blacklisted, with local media reporting how they were set to appear at a police inquiry.
Closer to home, in the UK, Britains universities were found to be in the midst of a plagiarism epidemic after an investigation by The Times newspaper in January revealed how almost 50,000 students were caught cheating in the last three years.
The University of Kent came out on top with the highest number of academic misconduct cases (1,947). A university spokesperson said it had robust systems in place to detect anyone who may be trying to cheat, adding the institution will not tolerate academic misconduct.
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Get your bearings
Built on a quarter-moon-like bend on the Garonne river in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France, Bordeaux is lyrically known as the Port de la Lune (port of the moon). The Garonne river runs north-south, and so does Bordeaux.
The main tourist office (bordeaux-tourism.co.uk) is at 12 Cours du XXX Juillet (closed Sunday). The tourist office offers a free Bordeaux app, which is very useful and can be downloaded from its website.
Touch down
Merignac airport is 12km west of Bordeaux. The navette shuttle bus (30direct.com) to Bordeaux St-Jean train station takes 30 minutes; a one-way ticket costs 7.20, a return ticket 12.30. Depending on traffic and the time of day, taxis average 25 to 30.
Eurostar travels from London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet and Ashford to Bordeaux St-Jean in six hours 47 minutes with a change in Lille or Paris (eurostar.com). When the new TGV (high-speed) train service between Paris and Bordeaux is inaugurated next year, the journey will be reduced by 90 minutes.
St-Jean train station is just south of the city centre, which is easily reached by tramway or bus (infotbc.com). Unlimited day passes cost 26, two-day passes 33, and three-day passes 40. Individual tickets cost 1.50 and can be purchased on trams and buses; these tickets allow for free transfers between buses and trams.
The city has a bike hire scheme, with bases at 166 stations. The first 30 minutes of any rental, which is paid for by credit or debit card, are free, and then cost 2 afterwards.
Take a view
The best view of Bordeaux is from the 8th floor Belvedere gallery at the brand-new Cite du Vin at 134-150 Quai de Bacalan (00 33 5 56 16 20 20; citeduvin.com; daily 9.30am-7.30pm, admission 20 for adults, and 8 for children), which proffers 360-degree views of the city. Below, some 20 themed audio-visual modules present the history, culture and making of wine according to various themes. The museum also includes three tasting laboratories that include specially designed multi-sensory spaces for a total immersion in wine; a dock from which to embark on visits to the wine chateaux up and down river; a special exhibition centre; and various restaurants.
Take a hike
Start at Place de la Bourse and its handsome 18th-century customs houses on the banks of the Garonne that are the traditional heart of the city. These horse-shoe-shaped buildings also house two interesting museums, the Musee National des Douanes (Costumes Museum) (musee-douanes.fr, open Tuesday to Sunday, tickets 3) and Bordeaux Patrimoine Mondial, which explains how the citys architectural heritage and urban landscape evolved and became a Unesco-listed world heritage site (open daily, free entry).
Afterwards, follow the riverfront north to the Cours du Chapeau Rouge, which runs west from the river, and continue until you arrive at the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux, one of the finest 18th-century theatres in the world (00 33 5 56 00 85 95; opera-bordeaux.com). Next, head south on rue Sainte Catherine, the pedestrianised high street, to rue du Loup. Turn west here to visit the gothic Cathedrale Saint Andre, where the 15th-century bell tower offers another superb view over the city.
Lunch on the run
Head for Le Flacon at 43 rue de Cheverus (00 33 9 81 86 43 43, dishes 6-18). It serves a good selection of wines by the glass and small dishes such as Reunion-style steamed pork-and-citrus dumplings and mini veal-shank hamburgers. Nearby, the Saint Pierre quarter has morphed into one of Bordeauxs best and busiest restaurant districts. Here, Belle Campagne at 15 rue des Bahutiers has a chalkboard menu of south-western French dishes made from local, seasonal and usually organic produce (belle-campagne.fr; starters 4-8; main courses 14-25).
Cultural afternoon
Two unmissable museums are the Musee des Beaux-Arts, 20 Cours dAlbret (musba-bordeaux.fr; closed Tuesday, 4, free admission the first Sunday of every month), the citys fine arts museum with a collection that includes works by Rubens, Chardin, Corot, Delacroix and Matisse, and Bordeaux-born artists Odilon Redon and Andre Lhote; and the Musee dAquitaine, 20 cours Pasteur (musee-aquitaine-bordeaux.fr, closed Monday, 4), which recounts the history of Bordeaux and the surrounding Aquitaine region. Both offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
A walk in the park
The tree-lined lawns of the Esplanade des Quinconces runs from the Garonne River to the Place des Quinconces, where the opulent 19th-century Monument aux Girondins is a riot of allegory referring to the Girondin faction during the French Revolution and the values of the French Republic.
For more fresh air, head north along the Cours de Verdun to the beautifully landscaped Jardin Public. The park includes a childrens playground and puppet theatre.
Dine with the locals
Chef Tanguy Laviales superb contemporary French restaurant Garopapilles at 62 rue de lAbbe de lEpee (garopapilles.com; prix-fixe dinner menu 69) is the most sought-after reservation in Bordeaux, so book well in advance. The menu changes regularly but runs to dishes such as pan-roasted scallops on a bed of shitake mushrooms in parsnip cream and veal filet with poached pears, cockles, and squids ink gnocchi.
If you cant get a table, Miles, at 33 rue du Cancera (restaurantmiles.com; average a la carte dinner for one without wine 35) is a great example of the young bistros that are making Bordeaux a seriously good food city. The quartet of chefs here hail from four different countries, which explains dishes like veal tartare with a seasame-seed-oil marinated egg yolk and and swordfish with Madras curry leaf gelee and coconut-coriander gremolata.
Icing on the cake
Half-day excursions to the wine towns, including Saint Emilion, and estates surrounding Bordeaux are detailed on the tourist offices website. Among the best is the English-speaking tour to the Margaux wine region with a personal guide-driver offered by Ophorus tours (orphorus.com); it includes a wine tasting at one of the cru bourgeois chateaux of the Margaux appellation (75 per person, available April to October).
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Q I travelled from Banjul to London Gatwick via Barcelona in 2009 with my two young sons. When we arrived at Gatwick to return to Gambia, our flight was initially delayed, then cancelled. We were told we would be put on the next flight the following morning. We got seats on a flight going to Barcelona. On arrival, we were passed around until I went to the Spanair desk to be met by a very rude woman who told me that we would have to buy new tickets. I did this because I did not know what else to do. I want to claim for the delays from Gatwick resulting in me having to buy three single tickets to get us from Spain to Banjul.
Donna Rodney
A Sorry it's too late. I infer that you were putting together two separate flights: one from Gatwick to Barcelona, and another (on Spanair) from Barcelona to Banjul. In that case, Spanair would probably be correct in insisting you bought another ticket (I can't ask, because the carrier has gone out of business).
You could have made a claim against the Gatwick-Barcelona airline for EC-stipulated compensation of 250 (195) per person, but that entitlement expired last year under the English statute of limitations.
All I can do is suggest that if you experience travel disruption in future, you act promptly to secure any compensation that is due to you.
Every day, our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles a reader's question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder
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Travel essentials
Why go now?
Shanghai is easy to reach and to find your way around, yet reveals many glimpses of life in the Peoples Republic. And from this summer, there are more flights than ever from the UK, with 24 departures a week from Heathrow and countless connections from other airports.
Shanghai is also an excellent stopover for anyone planning a trip to the Far East or Australia; you can now build in a visa-free stay of up to six days, thanks to the 144-hour transit option available for passengers travelling on to another country. This is an excellent way to avoid the high price of a regular tourist visa for China, currently over 150.
Touch down
British Airways flies 10 times a week from Heathrow to Shanghais Pudong airport (1), while China Eastern and Virgin Atlantic go daily. The journey takes about 11 hours. The airport is a modern, efficient gateway, and public transport on the 23-mile run from the airport to the city centre is good.
The world's fastest train, the Maglev, runs every 15-20 minutes from the airports station to Longyang Road station (2), which is still some distance from the city centre. The 267mph top speed is attained only by a few trains, in mid-morning and mid-afternoon at other times the maximum is 186mph. The one-way fare for the ride is 40 yuan (4.20), so long as you show a boarding pass for a recently arrived flight.
In terms of hassle, its actually a lot easier to travel the whole distance by Metro line 2, which also has a station at the airport and costs only 7.50 yuan. Even on the Metro you have to change at Longyang Road (2), though it is a cross-platform switch and much simpler than the complicated journey from the Maglev station to the Metro at this junction.
At the time of publication, 1 = 9.50 yuan and $1 US = 6.50 yuan. Yuan is also written CNY (the international code for Chinese yuan) or RMB, the abbreviation for renminbi peoples money.
Get your bearings
The Huangpu River a quarter-mile wide, yet a mere tributary of the Yangtse divides the city into Shanghai proper on the west bank and the Pudong district to the east. Most locations of tourist interest are on the western side beginning with The Bund (which rhymes with fund), the waterside boulevard with historic buildings on its western flank.
The main drag west from here, East Nanjing Road, leads to the top end of the vast Peoples Square. The continuation, West Nanjing Road, is lined with skyscrapers and shopping malls. To the south-west, the French Concession the district assigned in the 19th century to traders from France is the most chic and European area.
Even though the city is vast, the excellent transport network makes it readily accessible. The Metro system is as extensive and easy to use as the London Underground, though much cheaper: most city-centre journeys cost 4 yuan. The hub of the networks is Peoples Square station (3), where lines 1, 2 (for the airport) and 8 converge.
Taxi drivers are knowledgeable and honest, though it helps to have your destination written down in Chinese characters. A three-mile trip costs around 20 yuan.
One of the city's main arteries (Simon Calder)
Check in
Compared with other world cities, prices for hotels with heritage in Shanghai are low. The top choice place to stay, for style if not location, is the Moller Villa Hotel (4) a Norwegian-style fantasy in luxuriant grounds at 30 Shaanxi Road (00 86 21 6247 8881; mollervilla.com). A superior room costs 1,725 yuan (180) for a double, excluding breakfast
Right at the centre of Shanghai life is the Park Hotel (5) at 170 West Nanjing Road (00 86 21 6327 5225; parkhotelshanghai.cn). The first high-rise in Shanghai, it was designed by the Hungarian architect Ladislau Hudec who was a First World War prisoner in Siberia but escaped and made his way to China. Its four-star rating is ambitious, and the double-room rate of 1,396 yuan excluding breakfast is expensive, but lovers of Art Deco may think it well worthwhile.
A third historic property, right on The Bund, is the Fairmont Peace Hotel (6) arguably with the best address in town, at 20 Nanjing East Road (00 86 21 6138 6888; fairmont.com). Inside, many of the original 1920s features have been preserved from its days as the Cathay Hotel. Rooms booked independently tend to be expensive, but as part of a package you can get an excellent price. British Airways has a deal in July for 770, including non-stop outbound flights, two nights and a return flight via Hong Kong, based on two sharing (this flight arrangement also enables you to qualify for the visa-free stay). The rooms at the Peace Hotel do not offer space and luxury in abundance, but the sense of history is unbeatable.
Fairmont Peace Hotel (Simon Calder)
Day one
Take a hike
along the bend known as The Bund (and officially as Zhongshan Road), where the merchants of Europe left their mark early in the 20th century. Start at the Peace Hotel (6). Even if you are not a guest, you are welcome to visit the hotels small museum on the first floor (its difficult to find, so ask for help).
Picture this: The river view from Shanghai's historic bund (Simon Calder)
Follow the curve in the river south, past the 1922 former Chartered Bank now an upmarket complex known as Bund 18. Just past the corner of Jiujiang Road, the elegant Russo-Asiatic Bank was the first natural stone-built building in Shanghai. The Customs House (7) at number 13 still sets the time for the city, with what was the biggest bell in Asia when it opened in 1927.
The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank (8) at number 12 is the largest building on The Bund and was regarded, when it opened in 1923, as the most elegant structure between the Suez Canal and the Bering Strait. At the Waldorf Astoria (9) at number 2, walk in the century-old doors, glimpse the Long Bar (though you may find it gloomy and overpriced). Then walk right through the hotel, taking in the 1910 flourishes until you reach the opposite entrance on Sichuan Road.
Lunch on the run
Two blocks north along Sichuan Road, at the corner of Fuzhou Road, Shanghai Grandmother (10) is a Cantonese restaurant whose signature dish is braised pork belly with braised aubergine a lighter alternative. Prices are relatively high for Shanghai, but it is still difficult to spend more than around 40 yuan per person (less than a fiver).
Cultural afternoon
Follow Fuzhou Road a mile west (or grab a taxi) and you reach Peoples Square, whose prime sight is the Shanghai Museum (11) (00 86 21 6372 3500; shanghaimuseum.net). The 20-year-old modern structure is spectacular, with a circular gallery space atop a square base in tune with the ancient Chinese belief in a square earth and a round sky. Its slogan, Roam Through The World Of Art In Ancient China, sums up the experience. The collection exceeds one million objects, but fortunately only a small proportion are on display, with the bronze sculptures (ground floor), ceramics (second floor) and calligraphy (third floor) particularly impressive. It opens 9am-5pm (last admission 4pm), but there is a daily limit of 8,000 visitors. Admission is free.
An aperitif
Could the open-air Vue bar on level 33 of the Hyatt on The Bund (12) at 199 Huang Pu Road (00 86 21 6393 1234; shanghai.bund.hyatt.com) have the best view of any hostelry in the world? Even the approach, in a glass-sided lift, is breathtaking. Admission is 100 yuan, which includes a beer, glass of wine or soft drink. You may need to linger over it; the bar opens at 5.30pm, and although the optimum time to be here is sunset, it can be tricky to find a good table if you arrive too close to dusk.
Dine with the locals
Celebrating locals, out-of-town Chinese tourists and Western expatriates congregate at Lao Beijing (13) at 1 South Henan Road basically a vast Peking duck restaurant concealed inside what looks to be a forbidding Communist monolith. Duck is the speciality, served theatrically by extravagantly costumed waitresses.
For something more economical, the three blocks of South Yunnan Road (14) between Yanan and Huaihai Roads are lined with cheap and cheerful local eateries.
Day two
Sunday morning: Go to temple
The Jade Buddha Temple (15) is a long way north-west of the centre, but well worth the cab ride to the corner of Jiangning and Anyuan Roads and the 20 yuan admission fee (8am-4.30pm) to witness one of Shanghais few vibrant Buddhist places of worship. The visit begins with viewing the exquisitely carved Jade Buddha itself, but the more intriguing sights and smells occur at the back of the complex, in the Incense Burning Area. Ancestors and the recently departed are celebrated with clouds of incense and the ignition of paper lanterns.
Temple vision: the Jade Buddha (Simon Calder)
Out to brunch
From the temple, walk to Suzhou Creek (also known as Wusong River) and follow the waterway upstream to the M50 Art District (16) at 50 Moganshan Road. The paintings, sculptures and installations in this former textile mill and electrical works are as edgy as you will find anywhere in China. Furthermore there are some good places to eat, including the Bandu Cabin in Building 11, where good, strong coffee accompanies Chinese and Western treats (00 86 21 6276 8267).
A walk in the park
The freeways that carve up Shanghai are best appreciated from a taxi racing north to south down the North Chengdu and South Chongqing Roads to Fuxing Park (17), a swathe of green laid out in a French style apart from the incongruous giant statue of Marx and Engels (18). You may even catch some outdoor ballroom dancing.
Outdoor ballroom dancing in Fuxing Park (Simon Calder)
Just west is the former residence of Sun Yat-sen (19), the first president of republican China, and just south of that stands the handsome former villa of Zhou Enlai (20), first premier of Communist China. Both have opulent grounds, as well as exhibitions that are reverential in tone.
Window shopping
Wander east and you reach Xintiandi (21), where some of the elements of early 20th century Shanghai have been preserved and now form the premises of fashion designers.
To experience the retail frenzy in full flow, the Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market (22) on Middle Xizang Road is especially engrossing.
For many Chinese, Shanghai represents a window to the West most dramatically along East Nanjing Road, the busiest shopping street in China. If you have never ridden on a spiral escalator, take the opportunity at the New World Daimuru mall (23).
Icing on the cake
Sit back in amazement at the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, which performs most nights at 7.30pm at the theatre in the Shanghai Centre (24) on West Nanjing Road (shanghaicentre.com). You can buy tickets on the door for 120 yuan. Or try some cut-price karaoke, known in China as KTV. At a venue such as Haoledi (25) on Xizang Road, an hour and a few beers to lubricate the larynx costs around 200 yuan.
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Tony Blair is entitled to defend himself when he is accused of being a war criminal. He is entitled to point out that he was Prime Minister when Britain, a democracy, helped to fight actual war criminals in Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Iraq. So when his successor as Labour leader indulges in offensive name-calling, he is within his rights to say what he thinks.
Naturally, this has prompted yet another round of indignation that he should be trying to pre-empt the Chilcot report, something something spin, as if defending himself when insulted is going to soften up public opinion and make journalists report Chilcots findings in a way that is more favourable to him.
The facts are that he feels an obligation to take part in the national debate about Europe, and every time he does so he is asked about Iraq. Yesterday he was interviewed by John Micklethwait, editor-in-chief of Bloomberg News, and he was asked, on the 13th page of a 17-page transcript, about Jeremy Corbyn suggesting he might be tried for war crimes.
In the circumstances, I thought his response was mild:
Im accused of being a war criminal for removing Saddam Hussein, who by the way was a war criminal, and yet Jeremy is seen as a progressive icon as we stand by and watch the people of Syria barrel bombed, beaten, and starved into submission and do nothing.
It is worth remembering, and Ann Clwyd reminded us at Prime Ministers Questions yesterday, that Blair did not act alone on Iraq. The Cabinet and the House of Commons approved the decision to join the military action (and it was only under Blair that such things were put to a vote of MPs), and if Corbyn accuses people of being responsible for war crimes he is accusing eight members of his own shadow cabinet who voted for military action, and altogether about 50 of his MPs.
Perhaps he, and all those preparing to denounce Blair regardless of what Chilcot says, should prepare themselves by reminding themselves what actually happened in 2001-03, as opposed to the myth pickled in rage.
Steve Richards has just published a very good, short e-book, Blair & Iraq, which costs just 1.99 and explains how a cautious, big-tent politician found himself trapped into taking a big political risk and losing half his party.
Richards makes the important point that Blair did not lie about Saddams weapons of mass destruction. Would Blair lie overtly about WMD when he knew he would be found out once the conflict had ended?
I disagree with Richards about why Blair presented patchy intelligence as more certain than it was. He says that Blair wanted to expunge Labour's past image as weak on defence, to deny the Conservatives space on national security, to be a strong ally of the US and to retain the support of Rupert Murdoch. All those are true, but two other points are important. Because of Saddam's obstruction and past deceptions, most intelligence services were convinced Saddam was hiding something. That groupthink gripped all American and British officials and politicians. Blair himself had long believed that Saddam was a threat, and even before 9/11 advocated military action to force him to comply with UN disarmament resolutions.
Richards implies the WMD case was a contrivance, because it was the best way to persuade sceptical public opinion and lawyers to support what he wanted to do for other reasons. I think that is mistaken. The spies and politicians were certain Saddam had WMD, and that certainty was part of a larger conviction that he was a menace who had to be confronted, by force if necessary.
It is also worth listening to Professor Vernon Bogdanors lecture at Gresham College last month on the Iraq war. It is a clear, factual and traditional-history account of the period, with less of the political context that Richards brings. But it, too, is an important antidote to the version espoused by Corbyn, which starts from disagreeing with the invasion, assumes Blair deceived the nation and builds a vast conspiracy in hindsight from there.
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Once upon a time in America, the Republican Party was the most intellectually exciting and effective political organisation on the planet.
In fact, this happened not merely once upon a time, but repeatedly: at various stages since the 18th century revolution that threw off those dastardly Hanoverians and created the most enterprising and exciting country our planet has known. It was the Republican Party also known as the Grand Old Party, or GOP that was on the right side of history, that emancipated the enslaved and made friends of strangers, and forced back the boundaries of knowledge and human potential.
Opponents of todays Republican Party ought to be generous enough to grant the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan their due as men who defined their eras. Lincoln led America through the Civil War, preserving the union, abolishing slavery and, in the Gettysburg Address, putting political philosophy and rhetoric into a debt to him that will never be serviced.
Roosevelt took on robber barons, built massive infrastructure and advanced the cause of the poor and judiciary. Reagan, though he became ideologically wedded to the free market, was a pragmatist whose leadership during the Cold War was invaluable, and whose championing of liberty and migration has stood the test of time.
What chance, if any, that the party of today could achieve these sorts of victories? None whatsoever, alas, though alas is something of an understatement. Nobody who cherishes the American ideal, immortalised by Lincoln, of government of the people, by the people, for the people, could fail to be horrified by what has become of the GOP today. Moreover, the hope that Lincoln expressed at Gettysburg, that such government shall not perish from the earth, is precisely the outcome that would attend the election of a Republican leader today. Such a result would be bad for democracy, bad for the GOP, bad for America, and bad for the world.
People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Show all 8 1 /8 People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Miley Cyrus 'God he thinks he is the f***ing chosen one or some shit! Honestly f*** this sh*t I am moving if this is my president! I dont say things I dont mean!' Jemal Countess/Getty Images People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Whoopi Goldberg 'I dont think thats America. I dont want it to be America. Maybe its time for me to move you know' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Samuel L. Jackson 'If that mother**er becomes president, Im moving my black ass to South Africa' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Raven Symone 'My confession for this election is, if any Republican gets nominated, Im gonna move to Canada with my entire family. Is that bad? I already have my ticket. I literally bought my ticket, I swear' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Cher 'If he were to be elected, I'm moving to Jupiter' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Neve Campbell 'Im terrified. Its really scary. My biggest fear is that Trump will triumph. I cannot believe that he is still in the game ... [I'll] move back to Canada' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Jon Stewart 'I would consider getting in a rocket and going to another planet, because clearly this planets gone bonkers' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Randy Blythe 'He could just be a clown. If he is the president, though, I am leaving America 'till he's gone'
How did we get here? The causes of the Republican malaise are both long and short term. Americas two-party system, always needlessly restrictive, ought not to be long for this world. It used to encourage centrism in candidates, who know they have to court swing voters to get to the White House. And yet recently the Republicans leadership at national level has been captured by the Tea Party tendency.
This renegade movement spawned by a nasty, nationalist opposition the Barack Obamas pragmatic presidency demanded ideological purity from rising stars, forcing them to adopt ever more extreme and at times ludicrous positions from which they couldnt unwind. Sensible, smart politicians like Marco Rubio have been forced to say stupid things and then defend them, lest they seem ideologically impure.
Partly fuelled by the anger and energy of the Tea Party, together with mighty broadcasters like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, a right-wing and highly theocratic media has captured the party. Mainly this means Fox News, run by the supremely eminent Roger Ailes and, ultimately, Rupert Murdoch. This has created an echo chamber in which American conservatives can have their prejudices tickled, with limited original thinking or challenge to prevailing orthodoxies, long before modern social media compounded the problem.
And then there was The Donald. The most pungent Presidential campaign since Barry Goldwaters run in 1964 has shocked America and the world, forcing the complacent elites against which he has, without a hint of irony, railed to realise the frustration in their midst. He may yet enter the White House. While his campaign has been a phenomenal success, the manner in which senior Republican figures like John McCain and Paul Ryan have fallen into line, despite their obvious horror at everything Trump stands for, has been depressing.
In Britain, the divisions between our main political parties no longer make any sense, but the forces stopping the creation of a new party principally our disgracefully unjust electoral system have proved insurmountable. In America, such forces dont exist, at least not to the same degree. If Trump wins in November, all bets are off.
If he loses, which is still just about the more likely outcome, moderate Republicans who do exist will have to go all out for the capture of their party, or rather the recapture from the loons currently in charge. If they lose the inevitable, coming power struggle, the honourable course of action may be to admit they have lost, and start over.
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Anti-Semitism is all the rage these days. From the emergence of far-right parties across Europe to our very own Labour party, we are constantly warned that life as a Jew is becoming rather unpleasant.
Most recently, animosity towards the Jewish people has extended into the cyber sphere. An anti-Semitic app available to download on Google Chrome has made its way into the public sphere after Jonathan Weisman, deputy Washington editor for the New York Times, raised questions about why Twitter trolls were referring to him as (((Weisman))).
He had just tweeted about an article criticising GOP candidate Donald Trump titled This is how fascism comes to America.
The most influential people on social media in 2015 Show all 6 1 /6 The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie) Youtube The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Brandon Stanton The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Tess Holliday The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Lena Dunham The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Harry Styles The most influential people on social media in 2015 The most influential people on social media in 2015 Taylor Swift
It became clear that certain users had downloaded a Coincidence Detector which automatically surrounded Jewish names written on the internet in parentheses. Israel automatically reads as (((Our Greatest Ally))). Users of the app consequently used the symbol to denote a Jewish subject online.
Having been born into a Jewish family, Im not particularly surprised. To be honest, the most offensive element of the app is its shameful appropriation of that fantastic grammatical tool: the parenthesis.
By highlighting the presence of Jewish names, the app intends to make users aware of Jewish involvement in the media. According to its creators, the chosen people have secretly masterminded to take over the world. Given the apparent ignorance of the schmucks who created the Coincidence Detector, it wouldnt be surprising if their deeply-held fear was correct.
Perhaps Im being harsh. The algorithm used by the app was pretty clever. Anti-Semites who use the detectors use of parentheses are almost untraceable given that search engines tend to exclude punctuation from their search results.
Anyhow, Google decided that it no longer wanted to host the extension and promptly removed it from its store by appealing to hate speech. Given that Google is private company, it had every right to withdraw a component of its search engine that may affect the reputation of its business.
But was it necessary? The Twitterspheres reaction suggests not. Rather than needing to be shielded from anti-Semitic users, people actively chose to track them down and expose their prejudiced convictions.
Jewish users reacted with the best two-fingered response Twitter has ever seen. They promptly edited their usernames to include the symbol that was previously being used against them. Jonathan Wiseman became (((Jonathan Wiseman))) and Jewish journalists and writers followed suit. Soon our newsfeeds were plastered by comments from (((Jeffrey Goldberg))), (((Yair Rosenberg))), (((Greg Jenner)))) and (((Lior Zaltzman))).
Instead of appealing to hate speech, these people thought it more prudent to reclaim their Jewish identity from a few trolls who hoped to use it against them.
Despite receiving a five star rating on Googles store, only 2,473 people downloaded the app. And it showed. Their voices were soon drowned out by swathes of users undermining their anti-Semitic cause.
Crucially, the counter-movement demonstrated that Jewish users didnt need Google to protect them from the Coincidence Detector. They were perfectly capable of doing that themselves.
From their enslavement in Egypt to their genocide in Eastern Europe, the Jewish people have never had it easy. But, importantly, they still survived. We shouldnt be too surprised, therefore, that they managed to deal with a crudely devised anti-Semitic app. Coincidence? I think not.
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After repeated claims that Britains reloading of the Saudi Arabian Royal Air Forces bomb bays does not mean Britain is at war with Yemen where its ordnance are dropped the Government has finally conceded that it is.
In a tense exchange with parliamentarians in a debate on the British sale of arms to Saudi Arabia, Alan Duncan, the governments Special Envoy to Yemen, said: We are in conflict for a reason.
Duncans admission officially confirms of what every sensible person has known since March 2015, when Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemens civil war with an air campaign made possible by British planes and British bombs, and for which UK arms companies made 2.8bn in revenues in the first year alone.
To use the words of the UN envoy to Yemen, the humanitarian catastrophe precipitated by the Arab worlds richest country bombing its poorest has been almost total.
ISIL bomb attacks kill 45 army recruits in Yemen
Yemen is a country on the brink of famine, a nation where 80 per cent of its people need humanitarian assistance. Unknown thousands have died, mostly civilians and mostly by UK-equipped Saudi planes. Human development has been put back decades.
But while NGOs and MPs in several parliamentary committees have been sharp in their criticism of the Government for continuing to fuel this war, the Government does nothing, meekly claiming over and over again there is no evidence of Saudi war crimes in Yemen and that Britain regularly seeks assurances from Saudi Arabia that it is not committing those crimes.
In March, the UK director of Human Rights Watch told the arms export control committee that he has personally handed evidence to the Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, complete with GPS coordinates, of Saudi air strikes on civilian targets. This month Amnesty International sent photographs of British-made BL-755 cluster bombs partially exploded in recent months discovered in farmland near the village of al-Khadhra in northern Yemen.
In pictures: Protests around the world over Saudi executions Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: Protests around the world over Saudi executions In pictures: Protests around the world over Saudi executions Protests around the world over Saudi executions Iranian and Turkish demonstrators hold pictures of Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr as they protest outside the Saudi Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, In pictures: Protests around the world over Saudi executions Protests around the world over Saudi executions Kashmiri Shiite Muslims, carrying a placard with the portrait of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, shout slogans during a protest in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, In pictures: Protests around the world over Saudi executions Protests around the world at Saudi executions Indian police used tear smoke and rubber bullets to disperse Shiite Muslims who were protesting after Saudi Arabia announced the execution of Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr on Saturday along with 46 others, including three other Shiite dissidents and a number of al-Qaida militants. In pictures: Protests around the world over Saudi executions Protests around the world over Saudi executions Shane Enright, Global Trade Union Advisor for Amnesty International, addresses demonstrators as they protest outside the Saudi Embassy in London, following Saudi Arabia's execution of 47 prisoners in one day, including a top Shiite cleric In pictures: Protests around the world over Saudi executions Protests around the world over Saudi executions Iranian protestor burn pictures of a member of the Saudi royal family in front of the Saudi Arabia embassy in Tehran, Iran, 02 January 2016. Protesters have stormed the Saudi embassy building in the Iranian capital of Tehran early Sunday amid backlash over the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. Flammable substance was seen thrown at the building as protests gained steam over the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Reports states, protesters taking down a Saudi flag and burned the building. In pictures: Protests around the world over Saudi executions Protests around the world over Saudi executions Shiite Muslims hold placards with pictures of Saudi Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, whose execution in Saudi Arabia was announced Saturday, during a demonstration to condemn his execution, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016 in Peshawar, Pakistan In pictures: Protests around the world over Saudi executions Protests around the world over Saudi executions A Kashmir Shiite Muslim shouts slogan from Indian police vehicle after he was detained during a protest in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir,
In a letter sent to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon this week, Amnesty International accused the Government of wildly implausible claims to wriggle out of claiming responsible for UK-licenced cluster bombs killing Yemini civilians.
The Government is wriggling because, under Britains own arms export laws, it is illegal for it to sell arms to a state that is at a clear risk of committing international humanitarian crimes. Acknowledging the chorus of evidence of Saudi war crimes in Yemen would be tantamount to admitting Britains complicity in them.
The truth is that the arms trade of a handful of private arms companies with Saudi Arabia is simply off limits to our countrys democratic apparatus as well as its civil society.
This week, Saudi Arabia successfully strong-armed the UN to remove them from a child rights blacklist, which also contained all the other parties to Yemens civil war, reportedly threatening to pull its humanitarian aid to Yemen. (The Saudi Government claims that suggestion is wildly exaggerated.)
It is nothing short of obscene that Saudi Arabia could be using the human tragedy it has precipitated in Yemen as a bargaining chip to silence its critics.
No matter what the Government says, Saudi Arabia is not a reliable partner for the promotion of peace but an albatross around our necks making us complicit in the chaos and destruction is reaps across the Middle East.
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I am dismayed that the much repeated claim by the Brexit campaign that 350m per week is sent to Brussels, is allowed to continue.
It has been thoroughly debunked as inaccurate and misleading, and the head of the UK Statistics Authority has written to the campaign with that message, but they continue to use the figure, even though they know it is wrong.
Surely it is time that newspapers and other media stopped including it in headlines as a "disputed claim" and started calling it what it is a lie?
Not only that, but the link is then made to how the UK might better spend that money - for instance we could pay for a new NHS hospital every week. That again is a falsehood, as there is no prospect of "saving" 350m per week, as that is not how much we pay in.
The facts are clear, and the leaders of Brexit are clearly guilty of attempting to mislead (on other issues too). Sadly, I know that many people believe the lies they are being fed. I think we deserve better standards in this debate.
Andrew Fozard
Brighton
Farmers would benefit from Brexit
So far, the Remain campaign has been all about trying to worry people and has rightly earned the title, Project Fear. Part of that fear is not just empty claims but has actually been manufactured.
The BBC seems to be majoring on the concerns of small farmers who are wondering whether they will still get subsidies outside the EU.
They will inevitably gain from the huge savings which will be made by leaving. But the government's failure to reassure them is a heinous way of scaring them into voting Remain. Sickening!
June Warner
Kirk Deighton
Polling stations should stay open until pubs close
In all likelihood there will be a number of people who are delayed for whatever reason and miss the 10pm closure of the polling booths. Under the circumstances would it not be reasonable to extend the opening hours say until midnight when pubs have closed?
Ian Wingfield
Bamford
There's nothing wrong with being a "little Englander"
The charge of "little Englander" is designed to discomfort and embarrass the recipient (Prime Minister, ITV Tuesday, PMQs Wednesday). But it is a charge that I for one am always prepared to take head-on. I am neither a little nor a big Englander, merely an Englander who wishes to be able to continue living his life immersed in his own culture, with all its foibles and its faults as well as its joys, and not in a melting pot of other peoples cultures, no matter how beneficial that is perceived to be for his own culture.
Edward Thomas
Eastbourne
How will we cope with a small margin in the EU referendum?
The referendum majority is going to be very small, probably, if the polls are right, under 5 per cent either way. In fact it may be as little as one per cent or even less. It could actually be as low as one vote although that is, admittedly, unlikely. But, and these things are possible if not probable, it could even be a dead heat!
Just how large does the majority have to be before the result is considered decisive? Leaving or remaining on the basis of a very small majority will surely cause more problems than we have at present.
Given that the Tories are split approximately fifty-fifty, the civil war in the Tory Party will intensify. Both sides will resent being dragooned into a decision they have campaigned against. What will the government do then? Its legislative program will be compromised while the hostilities and the bitterness continue. It will certainly be the only issue defining the rest of this parliament. (However long that might be.)
If he loses, will David Cameron resign and call a general election? Or will he have another referendum in the hope of getting the right result a second time?
These are important questions and no one is talking about them. I fear that by ignoring them, the country is walking headlong and blindly into a disaster.
Chris Payne
Lipa City, The Philippines
Immigration can be good, but people must work
Some of the most successful people in our country are immigrants. They come here, work hard and make a success. My father was one such person. He never took a penny from the UK government, paid a lot of tax and died before he drew his pension. Another country paid for his education. But the EU is not about this.
The EU allows anyone who wishes to live anywhere in the EU. I emigrated 12 years ago to Slovenia. I sold my property in the UK and took all my money there, where I started a business, paid taxes and workers' wages. I paid builders to work on my property. When the recession killed my business, that country would not offer me a penny in help. Their advice to me was to go home. Which I did and resumed work in the UK. That made sense to them.
But the UK does not work like that. It is not free movement of labour at all, it is free movement of people. The UK is seen as a soft touch. Why are Albanians taking risks to come here? They could stay in France. Because once they are here, they can get lost. There is no requirement for identity papers to live here. The only solution is for us to leave whilst we have the chance to get out. It can only get worse as more countries join, not just Turkey, Serbia waiting in the wings etc.
All countries with jobless people desperate to find somewhere else for a better life. Yes immigration can be good, but people must come to work, there must be no soft touch, no sponging. Lets leave and make our own rules.
Diana Evans
Harrogate
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Just two weeks to go now, and still the voters implore: Only give us the facts. All we want is the facts. Seconds later, and the same voters demand: Will you kindly stop all the bickering. Shut up. Stop lying. Stop yelling. Behave nicely. A plague on the lot of you!
The impression has been created, and persists to this day, that the EU referendum campaign amounts to a shouting match that most voters are not listening to or if they are listening, will be turned off by the questionable statistics and intemperate tone.
Collectively, the pollsters maintain that, give or take a few fluctuations, opinion has hardly budged for weeks. How engaged is the Great British public? Not very, they say. A turn-out of 60 per cent would be at the upper edge. But Im not so sure.
Major and Blair on Brexit
Of course, London is not the UK, and it is self-evident that the Great British public is not as wrapped up in this referendum campaign as the Scots were two summers ago in theirs. There is a great deal of cynicism about politics and politicians out there, for which Iraq, the financial crisis, cheating MPs and Tony Blair all bear some blame.
But if there was a vast pall of apathy stultifying the land, it seems to me at least, to have evaporated. And the mood change could be felt well before the voter registration website crashed earlier this week.
Why have voters been complaining so furiously about the tone of the debate, if they have not been listening to any of it? Why do voters say advocates (on both sides) have been lying, if they havent choked on at least the occasional fact along the way? Why have civic organisations, on both sides, been holding public meetings if they expect no one to turn up? Church halls and community centres almost everywhere have been packed. In London, additional debates have been scheduled to meet unforeseen demand.
Radio phone-ins have no difficulty attracting callers with strong opinions. Yes, some of their opinions are about the absence of facts and about the shouting and the lies. But many are about the UK and Europe and the issues such as jobs, migration and the economy, too.
TV discussions and interviews I refuse to call serial interviews a debate have been distinguished by the sharpness of the questions, the no-holds-barred attitude on all sides, and the willingness of senior politicians, including the Prime Minister, to engage. Did you see him take the flak on waffle from a student? Or the way Nigel Farage was tackled on migration? Of course, direct TV debates with their risk and drama would be preferable. But the airing of controversy, and the attendant passions, have been refreshing.
The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit Show all 7 1 /7 The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 22 May 2015 In his regular column in The Express Nigel Farage utilised the concerns over Putin and the EU to deliver a tongue in cheek conclusion. With friends like these, who needs enemies? PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 13 November 2015 UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Mike Hookem, was one of several political figures who took no time to harness the toxic atmosphere just moments after Paris attacks to push an agenda. Cameron says were safer in the EU. Well Im in the centre of the EU and it doesnt feel very safe. Getty Images The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 19 April 2016 In an article written for The Guardian, Michael Gove attempts to bolster his argument with a highly charged metaphor in which he likens UK remaining in the EU to a hostage situation. Were voting to be hostages locked in the back of the car and driven headlong towards deeper EU integration. Rex The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 26 April 2016 In a move that is hard to decipher, let alone understand, Mike Hookem stuck it to Obama re-tweeting a UKIP advertisement that utilises a quote from the film: Love Actually to dishonour the US stance on the EU. A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 10 May 2016 During a speech in London former work and pensions secretary Ian Duncan Smith said that EU migration would cause an increasing divide between people who benefit from immigration and people who couldnt not find work because of uncontrolled migration. The European Union is a force for social injustice which backs the haves rather than the have-nots. EPA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 15 May 2016 Cartoon character Boris Johnson made the news again over controversial comments that the EU had the same goal as Hitler in trying to create a political super state. Napoleon, Hitler, various people tried this out, and it ends tragically. The EU is an attempt to do this by different methods. PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 16 May 2016 During a tour of the womens clothing manufacturer David Nieper, Boris had ample time to cook up a new metaphor, arguably eclipsing Goves in which he compares the EU to badly designed undergarments. So I just say to all those who prophecy doom and gloom for the British Business, I say their pants are on fire. Lets say knickers to the pessimists, knickers to all those who talk Britain down. Getty Images
And what of the daily objections to questioners diverting the in-out EU campaign to indulge their own preoccupations migration being the most conspicuous? But, a case can be made that migration belongs in there, because the EU referendum campaign is rightly, but perhaps unexpectedly prompting a debate about the very nature of the UK and its future. Migration not just EU migration has to be a part of that, and such a wide-ranging public debate on the subject has not really been had for almost half a century.
The breadth of the questions raised also reflects a profound public frustration. The political ferment now in evidence really belonged in the weeks before last years general election. That campaign, however, was so tightly managed, so carefully confined to a relatively few marginal constituencies and controllable TV events, that for many voters there was no meaningful national campaign at all. The referendum offers payback time.
But there is also the national angle. Because the EU referendum is truly national not counted or campaigned for by constituency and because views on Europe cross party lines, there is the possibility of a nationwide conversation, and a sense of national politics at work. When senior government ministers joust in public about the prospects for the City of London or manufacturing jobs, about desired levels and types of migration, or about the practical import of sovereignty in the 21st century we are watching the dissection of big questions that deserved open discussion long ago. Why were they kept largely out of sight? Because of party discipline and the consensus that prevailed at the top of the two main parties.
In a celebrated passage of his party conference speech only weeks after 9/11, Tony Blair spoke of a moment to seize, of the kaleidoscope shaken and its pieces in flux. Soon, he said, they will settle again, but before they do, let us reorder this world around us. By the time he left office, his ambitions on that score had reaped a humbling and very expensive harvest.
In national politics, however, almost a generation on, David Camerons ill-advised in-out EU referendum may suddenly have opened up just such a moment of reordering and reappraisal. It could bring a new relationship between the UK and Europe and the world. It could end up with a new alignment of British politics. Or not.
But it is wrong to complain that the politicians are not offering facts: there are no facts, only past record and future forecasts, and they are being thrown at us by the bucketful at almost every hour of every day. It is wrong, too, to complain about the aggressive tone. That is part and parcel of argument today. You dont have to shout at the TV any more, you can rail on social media, even as you might prefer the (sometimes) gentler mores of your village hall. Whether you choose to take part or stand by, the experience is worth savouring. This is more democracy than I can remember in Britain for decades.
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Mindless though the Israelis like to dub every Palestinian shooting, Wednesday nights killing of four Israelis in Tel Aviv was the most deliberate of recent attacks: surely an attempt to provoke the countrys new extreme right-wing Defence Minister to order the Israeli army into another bloody adventure against Palestinians.
Ever since Avigdor Lieberman was appointed to his new post by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the world and especially the Palestinians have waited to see if he would fulfil the bloodthirsty threats he made during Israels 2015 election. The killing of the Israelis, two women and two men, and the wounding of six others in the shopping and restaurant area around the Sarona complex now puts Lieberman to the test.
Israel ups security
Both Palestinian gunmen reportedly come from a village near the West Bank city of Hebron where many Israelis and Arabs both regard with horror the shameful relations between Jewish colonists and local Palestinians and they were apparently eating at one of the Tel Aviv restaurants when they began shooting. They were dressed in suits and ties. There was therefore no sudden, emotional attack as many recent stabbings and car-rammings in Jerusalem probably were.
Avigdor Liebermans threats have been variously quoted and misquoted by Arabs and Israelis although his most outrageous statement was published in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz in March last year. Speaking to a largely Israeli audience he talked of disloyal Arab citizens of Israel and said that those who are against us, theres nothing to be done we need to pick up an axe and chop off his head. Otherwise we wont survive here. This Isis-like threat disturbed even the normally complacent US state department and had it been uttered by a Palestinian leader about Israelis would have brought world condemnation upon the Palestinians.
As it was, Hamas praised the Tel Aviv killings, and fireworks were set off in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel revoked permits for 80,000 Palestinians to visit Israeli territory during the fasting month of Ramadan, a tactic which has in the past only increased hostility between Israelis and Palestinians. The two Palestinian gunmen in Tel Aviv, one of whom was wounded by Israeli security guards, were not Israeli Arab citizens and so presumably do not qualify for Avigdor Liebermans gruesome if melodramatic punishment of beheading.
But his other political promises, of a fourth Gaza war and a third Lebanon war there have in fact been five Israeli-Lebanese wars, but no matter still bode a very unhappy future for both Israel and its Arab neighbours. The old Israeli left-wing, symbolized by Uri Avneri who was himself a soldier in the 1948 Israeli war, has agreed with one very senior Israeli army officer: that the growing power of Israels right-wing politicians has more than a little in common with the last months of the German Weimar Republic. Avneri himself, who does not suggest that the Israeli leadership are Nazis, grew up under Weimar and the first years of Hitler and freely uses the word fascism about current Israeli politics.
The Palestinians, alas, care little for Jewish history. The more ferocious Israels threats, the more publicity their cause receives and the more frightened the world becomes.
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Ramadan days in Scotland are here once again: 30 days of fasting in what are the longest, and warmest, days of summer.
Many will know that Muslims refrain from eating anything during the day in Ramadan, but people are usually surprised to discover that Muslims also do not drink anything. In the Scottish Highlands, the summer days are very long and it never truly becomes dark. This means that the fast lasts for more than 19 hours a day.
Fasting begins at dawn and lasts until sunset. A long time without food and water. Or a lovely cup of tea.
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Ramadan is also a time when Muslims try to spend much more time in prayer, increase their reading of the Quran, perform as many good deeds as they possibly can and increase their giving to charity. We have to fit all these extra activities into our day while doing all the normal things like going to work, doing chores and looking after our children.
Its very easy to become dehydrated and to suffer the effects of going without sustenance headaches and tiredness are par for the course. In many ways, its a major ordeal. So what on earth do we Muslims actually do it for?
The main purpose of Ramadan is to bring us closer to God. But Ramadan is also a time of sharing and community. When we break our fast at sunset, we gather together with our families, friends and neighbours, sharing from plates of food with dishes from all around the world. Its like having a party every night of the week for 30 days. Then, at the very end, we have a huge celebration called Eid.
Obviously, the Muslim population in the Scottish Highlands is fairly small, with only a few hundred Muslims living in or near Inverness. At Eid, we all try to make our way to the mosque in Inverness to meet up with each other and throughout Ramadan, were happy to ask the (many) questions from our non-Muslim Scottish neighbours. Theyre certainly not shy about asking us about our faith and our practices, nor should they be. It presents a great opportunity to set straight some inaccuracies or prejudices that have reached them through the mainstream media throughout the year.
Travel By Numbers: Ramadan Show all 3 1 /3 Travel By Numbers: Ramadan Travel By Numbers: Ramadan 426843.bin Travel By Numbers: Ramadan 426845.bin EPA Travel By Numbers: Ramadan 426846.bin Reuters
When Ramadan is over, it feels like something is missing in our lives. It feels like saying goodbye to an old friend. We descend upon the mosque in our best clothes, hug and greet each other, and then head off to get-togethers with our families and friends. Gifts and stories are exchanged.
Then it will be time to say goodbye to Ramadan for another year and, despite the long Scottish days and the hunger and the thirst, we end up looking forward to it coming round again.
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We all know the problem. Any journalist or historian who has to recount atrocities is faced with the same dilemma. What do you do when an army, militia or cult is reported to have committed an outrageous crime against humanity and has really perpetrated many outrages in the past when you have no proof that this particular event actually occurred? Thus we read this week that 19 Yazidi girls [were] burned alive for refusing to have sex with their Isis captors.
The unhealthy sado-sexual content made this a foully titillating story. Before they wrote about it, journalists thus had a special obligation to ensure that it was true. But was it? Isis has itself boasted of the enslavement of Yazidi women in its magazine Dabiq. It has burned prisoners alive, filming their death agonies. Isis murderers have cut the heads off aid workers and foreign journalists, taping these very cruelties for the world to see. They have shot thousands of prisoners into mass graves. Just such a charnel house was discovered by Iraqi forces near Fallujah this week, containing around 400 bodies, most of them Iraqi soldiers shot at close range in the head but including civilians accused of espionage.
Inside Isis secret tunnels Show all 7 1 /7 Inside Isis secret tunnels Inside Isis secret tunnels Network of underground tunnels was discovered by Kurdish forces after they regained the town of Sinjar in Iraq Inside Isis secret tunnels A member of the Peshmerga forces inspects a tunnel used by Isis militants in the town of Sinjar, Iraq Reuters Inside Isis secret tunnels An entrance to the tunnel used by Islamic State militants is seen in the town of Sinjar, Iraq Inside Isis secret tunnels The secret tunnels allowed militants to freely move underground Inside Isis secret tunnels The tunnels appear to be wired with electricity Inside Isis secret tunnels Some of the tunnels are 30 feet deep Inside Isis secret tunnels Concerns remain that parts of the tunnels are rigged with explosives
However, there was a big problem with the terrible story of the Yazidi girls who were supposedly immolated in Mosul. The information originated not, as usual, from Isis itself, but from a Kurdish news agency which had every reason to spread propaganda about Isis terror.
Local correspondents in Kurdish Iraq had grave doubts about the story. There are no taboos in the Beirut press about showing photographs of dead babies, burning women or eviscerated children. But always a grim weathervane of the truth most Arab newspapers in Lebanon ignored a story to which they would normally have given lip-smacking prominence.
Now we all know the story of the crucified Belgian nuns whom German troops supposedly nailed to church doors in their advance towards France in 1914. The world was appalled at Prussian barbarity even though the reports turned out to be fiction. The problem was that German forces did indeed commit atrocities against Belgian civilians, putting women as well as men before their firing squads after German soldiers were shot by snipers in the area around Liege. There are real images in the archives of the pathetic corpses of these poor Belgians, women in white skirts lying among the dead. But such was the publics disgust at the discovery that the tale of the crucified nuns was fake that German atrocity stories came to be widely disbelieved.
In the case of the Armenian genocide, in which Turkish forces slaughtered one and a half million Armenian Christians in 1915 a war crime for which there are photographs and eyewitness testimony galore no-one doubted that these mass atrocities occurred. Allied governments expressed their horror, noting that German officers training the Ottoman army had been witness to what was to become the first industrial Holocaust of the 20th century.
Only decades later, when Ataturks new Turkey became a regional power, did Western governments start to cast doubt on these historically accurate accounts of Turkish Ottoman wickedness. Indeed, the British and US governments today have gone to almost eccentric lengths to deny that the greatest war crime of the First World War in which piles of Armenian babies were indeed burned alive actually took place. Just look at those tall stories about crucified nuns, their officials scoff. Wasnt that another fiction from the First World War?
Young Yazidi girl gives powerful speech at UN
And so we come to Auschwitz. Europeans and Americans were well aware of the Nazi persecution of Jews long before the outbreak of the Second World War. The Dachau concentration camp already existed. But when the first accounts of the German mass murder of Jews in the Soviet Union reached neutral Switzerland and wartime London, they were largely disregarded. Even the first detailed accounts of the mass gassing and burning of Jews at Auschwitz and other extermination camps in eastern Europe in 1942 became caught up in the long grass of previously discredited horror stories from 1914 Belgium. Hadnt we heard about these German atrocities before?
The Daily Telegraph published the first reports of Auschwitz only in a short story below the fold of the front page. Thus the first evidence of the Nazi Holocaust, the numerically greatest crime against humanity in modern history, was treated with doubt rather than credibility. It paid the wartime allies to keep things that way: they wanted to bomb German cities, not Nazi extermination camps.
But what would you expect of Allied governments which maintained for years after the war in the interest of humouring Uncle Joe Stalin and his successors that the Katyn forest massacre of the Polish officer corps in 1940 had been perpetrated by the Nazis rather than the Soviet NKVD. The list goes on and on. So do the fake atrocities. In 1982, for example, Israeli journalists claimed they had found evidence that Palestinian guerrillas in southern Lebanon had established a clinic in which civilians were killed so that their blood could be drained in order to supply blood transfusions for wounded Palestinian guerrillas.
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The story collapsed within days. But it still pops up from time to time among the myths of the 1975-90 Lebanon war, muddying the awful truths of real atrocities like the 1982 Sabra and Chatila massacre of up to 1,700 Palestinian civilians by Israels Lebanese allies. Each false atrocity bleeds into the body of evidence of other, real crimes, contaminating the truth for decades to come.
The crucified nuns cast doubt on the dead Belgian civilians of 1914 and, subsequently, on the first evidence of the Holocaust. The so-called Holocaust deniers now search for the slightest discrepancy in the evidence of Nazi crimes to cast doubt on the entire criminal nature of the Nazi regime. Thus we journos have to investigate each bestiality which comes our way, usually in the Middle East, with semantic scalpels. For if it turns out that those 19 Yazidi girls were never burned to death and we must sincerely hope they were not then the future deniers of Isis crimes will perpetuate the innocence of this vicious cult for another generation.
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If youre young and reading this, theres a one in two chance youll make the effort to vote in the upcoming EU referendum. If youre slightly older, those odds shoot up to 81 per cent. Youth participation in politics is in a dire state; 58 per cent of young people turned up to vote in the 2015 general election. A young person myself, this voter apathy among us is worrying, especially considering its our future on the ballot paper in the EU referendum.
Nicky Morgan said Brexit would be damaging to young peoples chances in life, and shes right. Whilst this is not another piece telling you what makes the EU so good for young people, it is important to note that the EU grants young people access to an array of jobs, education opportunities and lower prices. This is undoubtedly why in a recent poll by Opinum, 53 per cent of young people want to remain in the EU, whilst 29 per cent want to leave. Contrast this to the results of those over 55 years and it is clear what a big role young people have the potential to play in the referendum. Of the older generation in the poll, 30 per cent said they wanted to remain whilst 54 per cent said leave.
The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit Show all 7 1 /7 The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 22 May 2015 In his regular column in The Express Nigel Farage utilised the concerns over Putin and the EU to deliver a tongue in cheek conclusion. With friends like these, who needs enemies? PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 13 November 2015 UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Mike Hookem, was one of several political figures who took no time to harness the toxic atmosphere just moments after Paris attacks to push an agenda. Cameron says were safer in the EU. Well Im in the centre of the EU and it doesnt feel very safe. Getty Images The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 19 April 2016 In an article written for The Guardian, Michael Gove attempts to bolster his argument with a highly charged metaphor in which he likens UK remaining in the EU to a hostage situation. Were voting to be hostages locked in the back of the car and driven headlong towards deeper EU integration. Rex The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 26 April 2016 In a move that is hard to decipher, let alone understand, Mike Hookem stuck it to Obama re-tweeting a UKIP advertisement that utilises a quote from the film: Love Actually to dishonour the US stance on the EU. A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 10 May 2016 During a speech in London former work and pensions secretary Ian Duncan Smith said that EU migration would cause an increasing divide between people who benefit from immigration and people who couldnt not find work because of uncontrolled migration. The European Union is a force for social injustice which backs the haves rather than the have-nots. EPA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 15 May 2016 Cartoon character Boris Johnson made the news again over controversial comments that the EU had the same goal as Hitler in trying to create a political super state. Napoleon, Hitler, various people tried this out, and it ends tragically. The EU is an attempt to do this by different methods. PA The most scaremongering arguments for Brexit 16 May 2016 During a tour of the womens clothing manufacturer David Nieper, Boris had ample time to cook up a new metaphor, arguably eclipsing Goves in which he compares the EU to badly designed undergarments. So I just say to all those who prophecy doom and gloom for the British Business, I say their pants are on fire. Lets say knickers to the pessimists, knickers to all those who talk Britain down. Getty Images
Even more shocking is the likely participation rates in the referendum. 81 per cent of those 55 and over will turn up to vote, whilst a mere 52 per cent of young people say they will definitely turn up to vote. Both sides are pretty much neck and neck, with the Leave camp inches ahead of the Remain team in a recent poll. Looking at these numbers it is clear that young people will be the deciding factor in the referendum and have the ability to deliver a crushing blow to the outers. The Remain campaign obviously know this, otherwise they wouldnt have tried to court the youth vote with the, admittedly disastrous, #Votin video. Whilst it was quite patronising and made the political elite look even more out of touch, its message of getting out to vote for the sake of young peoples futures was clear and correct.
So why is it that young people tend to be so much more apathetic than their older counterparts? The more likely reason is that young people see the Commons as a congregation old bickering men. This is not relatable or appealing to young people, so they disregard the whole concept of politics. As a result, turnout in elections is low and politicians have less of an incentive to address young peoples issues in their campaigns. It becomes a vicious circle since young people see the politicians, who now clearly have little interest in young peoples problems, as even more out of touch and even less worth voting for.
Cameron on voter registration
With Britain on the verge of leaving the EU, and such a clear preference among young people to remain in the EU, it is vital for young people to emerge come polling day not only to protect our own futures, but to prove to the political elite that young people can have a significant impact on politics and are a force to be reckoned with in future elections. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so lets not allow it to slip though our fingers.
President Higgins said some nations are not living up to their aid and funding pledges for war-struck regions
President Michael D Higgins has hit out at the leaders of the UK, US, China, France and Russia for not attending a United Nations humanitarian summit.
In an address on the migrant and refugee crisis, Mr Higgins warned some countries are not living up to their pledges for aid and funding for war-ravaged regions such as Syria.
But he singled out the five countries who have permanent positions on the UN Security Council, for not attending a conference in Istanbul last month organised by secretary general Ban Ki-moon.
"When one considers the wider context of the stalled peace process in Syria, and the daunting challenges of resolving conflicts, restricting the flow of arms to war zones, and building peace in the long term, the absence of senior leaders from any of the permanent members of the Security Council was more than disappointing," he said.
President Higgins detailed some of the shocking numbers behind the global migrant and refugee crisis.
They include almost 60 million people displaced, the highest number since World War Two, with more than half from Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria, and an estimated 2,510 people who died trying to cross the Mediterranean.
But Mr Higgins said: " By focusing on aggregate figures, we run the risk of losing sight of the lived experience of those displaced.
"Indeed, those who seek to use the crisis to promote anti-immigrant sentiment and rhetoric often try to dehumanise the refugee and migrant populations by referring to them in absolute numbers, as movements or blocks, denying the individual dignity, the human rights, of each mother, father, brother, sister or child whose life has been devastated."
President Higgins used his speech at the Immigrant Council of Ireland's A Call to Unity conference to praise some of Ireland's contributions to aid programmes.
The state has taken in 273 people from refugee camps in Lebanon and another 247 are due to arrive by the end of September.
But he warned there is an onus on developed nations to do more.
"Human rights obligations of the nature and scale of those associated with the current refugee crisis cannot be delegated.
"The responsibility of the prosperous - especially those who have historically prospered through colonialism and domination - cannot be traded away," he said.
Mr Higgins added: "We are at a critical moment in our history. The refugee and migration crisis is great in scale and is likely to remain at the centre of the EU and international agenda for several decades to come.
"Let us be in no doubt - the consequences for Ireland and Europe if we were to seek to avoid our responsibility to respond would be catastrophic.
"The opportunity that we have to make a real difference to the future of our human family, to shape a future built on solidarity, compassion and common humanity is one that we cannot afford to refuse."
The UN called for the strict prohibition to be reversed
A woman who has won the support of the United Nations in the fight to relax Ireland's abortion laws has called on the Government to find the courage for the reform.
Amanda Mellet was found to have suffered discrimination and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment after being forced to go to the UK to terminate a pregnancy which was diagnosed as a fatal foetal abnormality.
The UN's Geneva-based Human Rights Committee said she was forced to choose between carrying her baby to term, knowing it would not survive, or travelling abroad for the procedure.
Ms Mellet said she had been vindicated in taking her case to the watchdog.
"It also serves to uphold the rights of many other women in Ireland who have faced and continue to face human rights violations under the current legal regime," she said.
The UN committee called for Ireland's strict abortion rules to be relaxed , including reforming the right to life of the unborn in the Constitution if necessary, to allow for laws which would give women the choice to voluntarily terminate a pregnancy safely.
It also said Ms Mellet should be compensated and receive the adequate psychological treatment she may need.
Ms Mellet was 21 weeks pregnant in November 2011 when medics told her the foetus would die in her womb or shortly after birth.
She travelled to the UK but had to return home 12 hours after the procedure as she could not afford to stay longer, despite still bleeding and being light-headed.
Three weeks after Ms Mellet had the termination, the ashes of the foetus were unexpectedly delivered to her by courier.
Ms Mellet said: " With today's decision in hand, I wish to finally leave behind these painful memories; and hearing the committee's findings today does help in my own healing, but my most sincere hope is that it may assist Ireland's Government in finding the courage to make the necessary changes in law.
"I hope the day will soon come when women in Ireland will be able to access the health services they need in our own country, where we can be with our loved ones, with our own medical team, and where we have our own familiar bed to go home and cry in.
"Subjecting women to so much additional pain and trauma simply must not continue."
Ireland's stringent rules on abortion are protected under the eighth amendment to the Constitution which gives the unborn as equal a right to life as a pregnant woman.
Last year new rules came into effect under the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 to allow for abortion when there is a real and substantial risk to a woman's life - including the threat of suicide.
But the ban remains on termination in cases of rape, incest, inevitable miscarriage and fatal foetal abnormality, and a prosecution for unlawfully procuring an abortion could lead to a 14-year prison sentence.
Ms Mellet called for abortion to be decriminalised and new laws introduced.
Ireland's Health Minister Simon Harris said Ms Mellet's experience was "deeply upsetting" and the UN report was being taken " seriously".
"I have met with families who have been through the trauma of knowing their baby will not survive and I have been very moved by hearing of their experiences. I want to see this issue addressed," the minister said.
But Mr Harris did not commit to reform and said a planned citizen's assembly on the contentious issue was the way to go.
The UN said Ms Mellet had gone through financial and emotional suffering.
"Many of the negative experiences she went through could have been avoided if (she) had not been prohibited from terminating her pregnancy in the familiar environment of her own country and under the care of health professionals whom she knew and trusted," it said.
Ms Mellet filed a complaint with the UN over her experiences and was supported by human rights organisations.
Campaigners for a more liberal abortion regime said the ruling is the first time an individual complaint has been supported and led to a finding that the current ban is a human rights violation.
Leah Hoctor, regional director for Europe at the Centre for Reproductive Rights, which filed the complaint for Ms Mellet, said a woman's health and well-being is put in jeopardy if she is denied the right to make decisions.
"The Irish Government must now comply with this ruling, redress the harm Ms Mellet suffered, and reform its laws to ensure other women do not continue to face similar violations," she said.
Gerry Edwards, of Termination for Medical Reasons, said: "We are very proud of Amanda, who has shown incredible bravery and selflessness in going public and taking her case to the UN Human Rights Committee to hold Ireland accountable for its punitive laws and ensure that women are no longer denied the ability to end their pregnancies in Ireland."
A prehistoric lump of bog butter thought to have been a gift to the gods which was found by turf cutters (Cavan County Museum/PA)
A prehistoric 10 kilo lump of bog butter thought to have been a gift to the gods has been found by turf cutters.
The creamy white dairy product, which smells like a strong cheese and is believed to be about 2,000 years old, was unearthed by Jack Conway, from Maghera, Co Cavan, while he worked on Emlagh bog in Co Meath last week.
The find, while not unusual, has been given to the National Museum where it will be preserved.
Andy Halpin, assistant keeper in the museum's Irish Antiquities Division, said the discovery was significant because it was found in the Drakerath area where 11 townlands and the boundaries of three ancient baronies met.
"These bogs in those times were inaccessible, mysterious places," he said.
"It is at the juncture of three separate kingdoms, and politically it was like a no-man's-land, that is where it all hangs together."
Bog butter was often buried to preserve it to be dug up at a later date. Other research has shed light on it being buried as an offering to the gods or spirits in the hope of renewed prosperity.
Mr Halpin said the Emlagh discovery, 12 feet below the surface, may never have been intended to be unearthed as there was no evidence of a cover on it.
Finds are common in Ireland and Scotland and the product, which appears as a waxy substance, was often put in a wooden casket or animal hide first.
Turf cutter Mr Conway reported the find to Cavan County Museum before it was handed over to the National Museum where it will be carbon dated.
Top chef Kevin Thornton revealed he had tasted bog butter but archaeology experts are reluctant describing it as crumbly and with an odorous and distinctive smell like strong cheese.
"Theoretically the stuff is still edible but we wouldn't say it's advisable," Mr Halpin said.
Former president Dr Mary McAleese has warned that a vote for Brexit in the UK could have serious consequences not only for the Irish economy, but also for the Irish living in Britain.
Speaking to the Irish Independent last night following a talk hosted by a number of Irish groups in Britain, Dr McAleese stressed the anti-immigration emphasis of the Leave campaign could, in the event of a Brexit, result in new immigration controls with implications for those Irish who recently emigrated to Britain.
"If there was a Brexit, new immigration controls would be regarded as a priority and if that were the case, I don't know what the situation of the Irish in Britain would be and nor does anybody at this moment. We cannot tell if their position would be safe," she said.
"Would the Common Travel Area agreement be reversed? That might be the case."
Dr McAleese, who has been living in London since last January as she lectures at the city's St Mary's College, also expressed alarm over the impact of Brexit on the Border between the North and the Republic.
She said that many of those in favour of Brexit - when confronted by concerns about the impact on the Border and the 400,000 jobs that are dependent on trade between Ireland and Britain - were not able to give "sustainable reassurances" on the likely fallout.
She said this was because they just didn't know what the consequences would be.
Referring to comments made by the British Ambassador to Ireland, Dominick Chilcott, Dr McAleese said a British exit from Europe could cause the relationship between Ireland and Britain to "drift". "I don't believe we can afford a drift in those relationships because they are at the best they have ever been, but like all relationships they need ongoing work."
She said the two countries' common membership of the EU had helped to build up trust in their relationship and had created the space for the peace process.
If Brexit does happen then Ireland would become the only land border between the UK and the EU and that would have implications for trade and tourism and "a huge impact" on those who live along the Border.
"The visibility of that Border would just send all the wrong messages in relation to where we are trying to go and what we are trying to achieve," she said.
Meanwhile, the North's six Catholic bishops also warned yesterday that any new Border controls would severely disrupt the lives of those living in the area.
They also cautioned against arguments which reduce the "wide-ranging benefits of EU membership to a single calculation of net economic gain or loss".
Skyscrapers in the Canary Wharf business, financial and shopping district, including HSBC Holdings Plc, center left, One Canada Square, center, and Citigroup Inc., are seen in this aerial photograph.
Dublin's commercial property sector could see an influx of technology firms from London if the UK votes to leave the European Union, but the predicted transfer of finance jobs is unlikely to take place, a new report has found.
Data from CBRE, which looks at the potential impact of a so called "Brexit" on the European commercial real estate market, shows that Dublin's tech industry could be one of the main beneficiaries if companies decide to shift operations to another EU country.
"London, with its Tech City and Silicon Roundabout is the tech start-up capital of Europe but it is not without competition.
"London does not just compete in aggregate size, however, but in the focus of jobs and companies on new applications based technologies, a beneficial mix of an entrepreneurial climate, and an established venture capital industry and an attractive environment for a very cosmopolitan workforce.
"The main competitors are not necessarily the biggest and the cities most often cited as competitors are Berlin, Dublin, Stockholm and Amsterdam," CBRE say.
With that in mind, the firm believe Dublin is in a position to capitalise on any sense that the companies may wish to move to within the EU.
The IDA has already made clear it is trying to tempt financial companies to relocate to Ireland in the event of a Brexit and CBRE believe the fintech sector in particular may see significant movement towards Dublin and other cities around the continent.
"To some extent this has developed because of the available pool of talent and finance that comes with being part of a bigger digital tech cluster, but proximity to one of the world's biggest financial services centres is also likely to play a part.
"However, the implication is that if London loses banking jobs to competing centres then fintech jobs could go too.
"Frankfurt is not a major digitaltechnology centre so if a Brexit is followed by a substantial re-location of financial services jobs to Paris it would also give a shot in the arm to the city's growing digital tech industries.
"Some of the second-tier financial centres such as Amsterdam or Dublin might be well placed to pick up these jobs," CBRE adds.
"While much of the hype around firms moving to Dublin after a Brexit has been focused on finance and the CIty of London, CBRE see little appetite among bankers to move to Ireland.
Frankfurt and Paris are the most mentioned likely destinations if international financial services jobs leave London. Milan and Madrid actually have more financial services jobs than Frankfurt but Frankfurt is seen as more internationally orientated.
"Lending and trading are more important in Frankfurt than in other European cities, London excepted. A number of UK-based banks have already said that they have contingency plans to re-locate some of their staff out of London in the event of a "leave" vote.
"HSBC have said that they have contingency plans to move 1,000 investment bankers to Paris.
"JPMorgan, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs have also talked about relocations but have been less specific about the location. Dublin and Amsterdam could come into the reckoning too," the report states.
IT is getting much more difficult to sell Irish loan portfolios to international investors as interest in the country wanes, according to one of the most important figures in the property industry.
Cushman & Wakefield head of European loan sales Federico Montero, said the market was "getting tougher and tougher" to sell Nama portfolios.
"Nama was very successful because, among other reasons, it was able to start selling in 2010 when it and the UK almost had the market to itself," he told an investor conference in London run by industry magazine 'Private Equity Real Estate'.
When asked if there was still an opportunity in Ireland, Mr Montero said it was "getting tougher and tougher" to sell loan portfolios.
"It is a bit like Spain: if you are investing now, the perception is you are late," he claimed.
Mr Montero is a key figure in the European loan market, and has orchestrated the sale of a number of Nama portfolios.
He is currently in charge of selling the Project Ruby and Emerald portfolios of Nama loans, which have a par or face value of 4.7bn. Given the quality of those portfolios, however, they are likely to sell for as little as 800m.
Overall, he has been involved in European loan sales with a nominal value of as much as 30bn.
His comments reflect a wider sense of little interest in the Irish market for now.
A poll carried out at the conference showed nearly 80pc of attendees - mostly senior figures in private equity - did not plan on investing in European loan books this year. That is a contrast to previous years.
They also contrast with suggestions that current Nama sales are thriving because of concerns around Brexit in the UK and investors' ability to take control of assets in the UK and Spain, where enforcement laws are much different to Ireland's.
It comes as Nama reported a profit for last year of 1.8bn - up from 458m the previous year.
Cash amounting to 9.1bn was generated during the year, overwhelmingly from asset disposals.
Publishing its annual report, the agency said the strong cash generation during the year allowed it to redeem 5.5bn of senior debt.
Total senior debt repaid now stands at 24.6bn.
Income for the year increased 127pc to 1.9bn, while the agency reported its first full-year impairment write-back, bolstering the books by 86m.
Chief executive Brendan McDonagh said the agency was on course to deliver a significant surplus for the taxpayer.
"This was an outstanding performance that delivered a very substantial profit," he said.
Chairman Frank Daly said Nama could deliver a surplus to the taxpayer of around 2.3bn.
"Nama's successful delivery of its mandate is good news for the taxpayer. We plan on being just as successful in delivering major development projects in the Docklands and thousands of homes for people who need them," he said.
Nama said it has funded the construction of 2,800 homes since 2014 and that a further 3,000 Nama-funded homes are under construction.
Planning permission has been obtained for an additional 5,100 units, the agency said.
Regarding Dublin's Docklands, construction has started on sites that will deliver 1.2m sq ft of commercial accommodation and 345 new homes, Nama said.
The Grianan Estate, one of Europe's largest organic farms, has been brought to the market today by international real estate advisors, Savills, with a guide price of 17m.
Savills has been retained to secure a buyer for The Grianan Estate (pictured), one of Europe's largest organic farms, in Co Donegal.
The almost one-of-a-kind property has gone on the market with a guide price of 17m.
Owned by the Donegal Investment Group, The Grianan Estate is situated at Speenoge, Burt, Co Donegal, about 20 minutes from the towns of Letterkenny and Derry.
The approximately. 2,400 acre property - which includes a 500 acre lake - consists mainly of land reclaimed from Lough Swilly. Savills say this makes it particularly fertile and suitable for all farming enterprises.
For the past 10 years, the farm has been producing over 3,000 tonnes of organic produce per year including milk, vegetables and cereals. A number of Irish household brands are said to source food from the farm.
Donegal Investment Group has a number of leases in operation across The Grianan Estate including to conventional producers of potatoes, wheat, oats and barley.
The Estate overlooks the shores of Lough Swilly.
According to Pat O'Hagan of Savills, who is handling the sale, the property has already generated significant interest from investors, active farmers and farming companies:
"For anyone with a vested interest in the Irish agri-food industry, the sale of The Grianan Estate will be significant news due to the sheer scale and quality of the offering," he said.
"There has already been a high-level of interest expressed from a whole host of potential buyers including investors, active farmers and farming companies.
"No other opportunity of this scale is likely to be presented again in the Irish farming property market in the near future and therefore we expect demand to be strong," Mr O'Hagan added.
BentleyForbes bought the Bank of America Tower in Atlanta in 2006, only to sell it at a loss years later.
BentleyForbes once owned such renowned properties as the Watergate office complex in Washington and Bank of America Plaza, Atlanta's tallest skyscraper. Now the company is on the verge of vanishing.
Frederick Wehba, who co-founded the Los Angeles-based real estate firm in 1993 and was chairman until 2012, said he will announce his official separation as an adviser and consultant this week. BentleyForbes now has just three employees and manages four properties, two of them small office buildings in Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio. It plans to sell the real estate within the next 12 months, then dissolve, Wehba said.
The rise and fall of BentleyForbes - named after the luxury car and business magazine - closely tracks last decade's commercial real estate boom and bust. Until the early 2000s, the closely held company owned modest single-tenant office, industrial and retail properties. Its ambitions grew, and the firm began scooping up landmark buildings at what turned out to be top-of-the-market prices -- then lost most of them in the crash. While property values have since rebounded past the last peak, the landlord has lingered as a shadow of its prior self. BentleyForbes' fortunes reflects the cycle of numerous property firms around the world and particularly in Ireland, where the market is only now improving after being decimated by the crash of the last near decade.
During the boom, "we were organizing to go public as a Reit," said Wehba, 69. That would have allowed BentleyForbes to refinance its loans and get tax benefits offered to real estate investment trusts. "We were going to go for $1bn (878m) cash, and we were going to pay down our debt."
Instead, the market collapsed. US commercial-property prices reached a peak in October 2007 before plummeting 40pc in just over two years, according to the Moody's/Real Capital Analytics index. Values have since rebounded almost 15pc past the prior record.
"The office-transaction environment in '05, '06 and '07 was red-hot, with significant financing available through many types of buyers, and all of that spurred a meteoric rise in asset values," said Michael Knott, director of US Reit research at Green Street Advisors in Newport Beach, California. "When the music finally stopped playing, there were several large and aggressive buyers who felt some pain from an environment that became much less hospitable."
The crash took down major real estate companies including Maguire Properties, and big landlords such as Harry Macklowe and Broadway Partners surrendered towers after missing debt payments. Maguire, after a name change, was taken over in 2013 by Brookfield Office Properties, while Macklowe recovered to co-develop New York's tallest residential tower, and Broadway's Scott Lawlor made a comeback buying apartment complexes in smaller towns. BentleyForbes, in contrast, never rebounded yet never quite went away.
The company's pain from the crash stretched from Chicago and Washington to Atlanta and Dallas. In Atlanta, it bought Bank of America Plaza in 2006 for $436m, then the city's biggest real estate deal ever. Less than six years later, the 55-storey tower sold at auction for just $235m after BentleyForbes missed mortgage payments.
The purchase was part of a series of expensive acquisitions. Also in 2006, BentleyForbes paid $470m for Prudential Plaza, a Chicago complex with 41-storey and 64-storey towers that occupies a full city block. Later in the year, the company bought the Four Seasons resort in Irving, Texas, for $210m, then spent $60m on upgrades.
The firm had planned even more purchases.
"We think we'll do $2bn next year, that's our goal," Wehba said in an October 2006 interview.
The cracks emerged as USF property prices plunged. One of the first BentleyForbes buildings to run into trouble was the Watergate complex in Washington DC, purchased in 2005 for $86.5m. The 11-storey complex - made famous by the political scandal that brought down President Richard M. Nixon -- was pulled from the market in May 2008 after failing to attract a high enough offer.
Still, just a few months later, BentleyForbes - managed at the time by David Cobb, president and chief executive officer, and Chief Operating Officer Bert Dezzutti, along with Wehba and his son, co-founder C. Frederick Wehba II -- announced an ambitious five-year growth program, with plans to expand its portfolio to $12bn by 2014 from $3bn at the time.
It wasn't meant to be. In March 2009, BentleyForbes put the Watergate back on the market, but turned it over to partner Capri Capital Partners the following year. By November 2009, BentleyForbes was behind on payments on the Texas Four Seasons, which eventually was sent to special servicing, then sold in 2014. Prudential Plaza faced a similar fate, with a loan on that property being transferred to a special servicer in October 2012. BentleyForbes still has a minority stake in the property.
The firm's chief partner for its boom-era purchases was Capri, which invested in the Watergate, the Four Seasons resort and office buildings in Dallas, and ended up suing BentleyForbes over some of the ventures.
BentleyForbes is down to overseeing just $200m in assets and employs only an asset manager and two assistants, after once having 102 workers. The elder Wehba, who plans to devote his time to the Wehba Foundation, a charity supporting Christian, educational and humanitarian initiatives, pegs total BentleyForbes losses at $170m.
The biggest mistake BentleyForbes made was expanding from small, single-occupant buildings to large, multitenant office properties, Wehba said.
"We ran a very stable portfolio of assets that returned at a predictable rate through the ups and downs of the market cycles," he said. Adding multitenant buildings "seemed like a logical path at the time, but it became too much to sustain in the face of the collapsing financial markets that derailed our IPO and our ability to operate assets in the recession that followed." (Bloomberg)
Ireland's 2bn a year beef trade with the UK could be at risk if Britain leaves the European Union and strikes a "backdoor" agreement with South American production powerhouses Brazil and Argentina.
Philip Carroll, chairman of Meat Industry Ireland (MII), cautioned that a UK vote to leave the EU would have a "significant" impact and result in "high levels of uncertainty" over the coming years.
The warning came as Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Joe Healy said stakes were highest for farming and the agri-food sector with a dependence on the UK market for 4.4bn worth of exports.
He also warned the shared land border would be an issue, while if the UK were to withdraw it could also potentially impact on the money from Brussels available for farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as the UK is a net contributor to the EU budget of 8bn.
"Should the UK vote to leave the EU, Irish agriculture would undoubtedly suffer negative consequences, both in the short-term and the longer term," he said.
Mr Healy urged Irish families with relatives in the UK to communicate their concerns and the risks over a Brexit.
The UK accounts for 40pc of Irish agri products exported, including 50pc of beef, 60pc of cheese, almost 100pc of mushrooms and 350m worth of pigmeat.
IFA chief economist Rowena Dwyer said a shared land border may also result in animal health issues as there may be increased risks due to different regulations in place in both jurisdictions.
On the beef front, Mr Carroll said there are concerns the UK would source produce elsewhere in the event that the UK does vote in favour of exiting on June 23 next.
"We've already seen in the first round at least the threat that was created by Mercosur," he said in relation to the moves towards a trade agreement between the EU and the South American trading bloc resulting in a flood of cheaper beef on EU shop shelves.
"But there is a backdoor opportunity now for a Mercosur type deal with the UK and that would be a serious threat."
The chief executive of the global Spanish Riu Hotels group has told the Irish Independent that the company will hunt for another property in Dublin if it fails to buy the Gresham Hotel.
Riu is one of the front-runners for the Gresham, which is expected to fetch as much as 85m. It's being sold by Nama.
In an exclusive interview with the Irish Independent, Luis Riu, inset, said that his group is "very excited" about the prospect of acquiring the Gresham, which would operate as a Riu Plaza property.
Riu Hotels, which is 49pc-owned by the global TUI travel group, is up against rival bidders such as US private equity groups Apollo and Cerberus to clinch the landmark Dublin hotel.
The big price tag on the property on Dublin's O'Connell Street is seen as too steep by some, but Mr Riu said that he still believes the property provides a "good opportunity".
"Dublin is in our strategic plans of growth, so if we finally are not able to purchase this hotel, we will keep looking for an opportunity to invest that is as good as this one," he said.
Mr Riu also said that Riu Hotels would eventually look to open a second property in Dublin in order to gain synergies.
* Read the Luis Riu interview in full
Zambeef's results comes after the company successfully appealed a multi-million euro tax assessment in Zambia
Zambeef, the Zambia-based agri firm co-founded by Limerick native Francis Grogan, has swung to an $8.96m (7.87m) profit after tax in the first six months of its financial year, new figures have shown.
Profit after tax at the company was up significantly year-on- year after the firm posted a net loss of $3.86m in the same period last year.
Despite the increase in profits, revenue fell from $102.14m to $98.82m year on year.
The firm also managed to reduce its administration expenses from $36.6m to $27.5m.
Zambeef chairman Dr Jacob Mwanza said the firm's positive results were down to its staff.
"Their efforts, driven by the board's clear strategic focus, will enable Zambeef to achieve its vision of becoming a major provider of cold chain food products to Zambia and the region.
"With the strong focus on the retailing operations, Zambeef is confident that this robust performance will continue, demonstrating the resilience of the group's business model," he said.
The Zambeef chairman said the board is confident of meeting its full-year expectations.
Earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) stood at $15.45m. The company's tax bill increased by $180,000 to $780,000.
During the period of the company improved efficiencies in the areas of production, processing and distribution
The firm, which is one of the largest agri businesses in Africa, generated turnover of $220m (191m) last year.
Zambeef's results comes after the company successfully appealed a multi-million euro tax assessment in Zambia. The agri firm had been caught up in a long-running dispute between itself and the Zambian tax authorities in relation to its subsidiary, Zamanita.
In 2012 the Zambia Revenue Authority hit Zamanita with a tax assessment of almost $10m.
Zambeef reached a final settlement with the authorities that resulted in a write back to the profit and loss account of $3.4m.
Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan said it was regrettable the two groups of shareholders had fallen out
THE High Court must reconsider a 26.2m valuation it placed on the buyout of a minority stake in a Monaghan-based mushroom business, the Court of Appeal ruled.
ELST, a company whose "driving force" was described by a judge as its manager and controller Ronnie Wilson, was ordered by the High Court just over a year ago to buy out the shareholding of Donegal Investment Group plc (DIG) without discount for 30.6m.
Less than two months later, that figure was revised to 26.2m by the court.
DIG had claimed it was excluded from the affairs of the company following acts of oppression by the majority shareholders and sought orders under company legislation directing ELST to buy out its minority 30pc shareholding or that the entire share capital be sold.
ELST is a holding company formed arising from a merger of Carbury Mushrooms and Monaghan Middlebrook Mushrooms.
DIG brought its proceedings against the majority holders: Danbywiske, Mr Wilson, the Wilson Limited Partnership One, Monaghan Mushrooms and ELST itself.
In a judgment last year, Mr Justice Brian McGovern said the respondents had conceded a sample act of oppression by not bringing the purchase by the company of a mushroom business in Canada to the board for approval.
He said however there was no evidence of dishonesty, fraud, divesting of assets or other serious misbehaviour by members of the Wilson family or other respondents which would entitle the court to treat this as such an unusual case meriting an order that a minority shareholder buy out the majority against their wishes.
He also said the buyout of the minority shares should not be in accordance with a 2004 shareholders agreement or under an initial public offering (IPO) of the shares on the stock market.
DIG appealed that decision on a number of grounds, principally that the High Court judge erred in law in the manner in which he reached his conclusion about the buyout and by failing to have regard to the shareholders agreement in rejecting the IPO option.
In her ruling on behalf of a three-judge Court of Appeal, Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan said the respondents must buy DIG's 30pc holding and sent the question of price back to the High Court.
Among the directions she gave to the High Court in reconsidering the matter, she said the price should be at full current market value of the shares without discounts for minority, cash flow or marketability.
Earnings before interest, taxes, and amortisation should be determined in the same manner as in 2014, she said.
Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan said it was regrettable the two groups of shareholders had fallen out.
She urged the parties "in their own interests to make a further attempt to resolve the single outstanding issue", that of price.
The failure by Thomond Park to repeat the revenue-generating success of the Bruce Springsteen concert contributed to operating profits at the stadium firm more than halving to 116,000 last year.
But revenues rose by 10pc from 2.13m to 2.35m as the full year income from the operation of the stadium bars was realised.
Operating profits at Thomond Park Stadium Company Ltd decreased by 60pc from 286,000 to 116,000 in the 12 months to the end of June last.
Stadium Manager John Cantwell said yesterday that "the lack of a concert type event has a significant impact on revenues/profits that cannot be readily replaced by other events".
The stadium is the home to Munster rugby and Mr Cantwell said that Thomond Park benefited from the staging of the Bruce Springsteen concert in the prior 2013/14 financial year.
Mr Cantwell also said profits were down due to the fact that the stadium hosted an European Champions Cup quarter final in 2013/14 whereas it was a PRO 12 semi-final in 2014/15 which would not have generated as high an income for the company.
Mr Cantwell said that he is expecting profits to reduce further this year as the stadium didn't host any additional matches such as the Pro12 semi-final or the Ireland v Barbarians match that were held in the prior year.
"We are happy with the performance of the company in 2014/15 as we attracted additional events to the stadium," he said.
"Within the year ending 30th June 2015, we hosted the Limerick 7s and the Ireland v Barbarians rugby match which both contributed to the cash-flow profit. We continue to work in a difficult economic climate and are looking at all options with a view to growing the company's profits."
The company during the year recorded a post tax loss of 1.25m. The 1.25m loss included non-cash depreciation costs of 1.37m.
On the cancellation of the planned Andy Lee world title defence bout at the stadium last year, Mr Cantwell said: "We worked extremely hard to secure this event and the cancellation was a major loss for Thomond Park and Limerick.
"We negotiated a compensatory venue fee and the promoters honoured this agreement. The financial impact was still significant in terms of revenues projected from food and beverage."
Over half of Irish businesses are stuck on sub-standard broadband services, new figures show.
The telecom regulator's latest statistics reveal that over 50pc of Irish companies have broadband services advertised at under 10Mbs, which does not allow them to perform many work tasks.
And the figures also show that long-suffering residential broadband customers are also having to make do with Internet packages that preclude them from accessing everyday online services. In all, almost a third of homes with broadband cannot get speeds of over 10Mbs, according to the regulator.
The new statistics may understate the broadband deficit around the country, as the advertised speeds it refers to often exceed actual speeds available. The reported speeds also relate to fixed speeds, which reduce significantly when wifi is used to access the broadband service.
Comreg's figures, included in its latest quarterly report, say that 83pc of Irish homes and businesses have access to some sort of Internet service. However, a huge chunk cannot get modern broadband speeds because of the lack of up-to-date offerings ion the market.
The new figures come after a recent report by the European Commission said that prices for fixed broadband in Ireland are almost double the EU average when measured as a proportion of income. In terms of cost, fixed broadband prices in Ireland went up, putting Ireland in 23rd place out of the 28, according to the Commission.
The digital skills of the population exhibit significant gaps, with only 44pc of the population having sufficient digital skills to operate effectively online, said the European Commission. This places [Ireland] 22nd out of 28 countries for this indicator. The EU average is 55pc.
However, Irish firms that do get access to high speed broadband are performing above EU standards.
The European Commission ranks Ireland first of 28 EU countries at incorporating technology at work, a jump from third place last year. Ireland scores especially well in eCommerce and online sales compared to EU rivals with the Commission finding that a third (32pc) of Irish small to medium sized businesses sell products or services online. This twice the average among European small businesses, which stands at just 16pc.
Similarly, Irish small and medium sized businesses record 19pc of turnover from eCommerce activities, compared to an average of 9pc of turnover across the rest of the EU.
And Ireland also tops the European tables when it comes to selling online across borders, with 16pc of small and medium sized firms trading on the internet with cross-border business partners. This compares to a European average of just 7.5pc.
The Minister for Communications, Denis Naughten, recently confirmed that the government does not expect to complete its state-subsidised rural broadband rollout until 2022.
Waterford Airport is still in line for millions of euro of taxpayers' money to extend its runway - despite having no scheduled air services any more.
Belgian airline VLM cancelled its Waterford-London Luton service this week, after pulling its route to Birmingham a couple of months ago.
It has left the airport management scrambling to find a replacement carrier for the airport, where Ryanair launched its first ever flight in 1985.
Minister of State John Halligan - the Independent TD who lent his support to the Government in return for a pledge of millions of euro in funding for the planned runway extension at Waterford Airport - has insisted the deal isn't in jeopardy. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr Halligan - who once sat on the airport board - said he's confident that another airline can be lured to Waterford, despite all previous carriers serving the airport having cancelled their routes.
The newly-appointed Transport Minister, Shane Ross, is due to visit the airport the week after next to assess the viability of the runway extension plan.
Mr Halligan said the total cost of the extension is likely to be between 20m and 25m. The hope is that jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, would then be able to use the airport, increasing its attractiveness.
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Currently, the runway can only handle smaller aircraft such as turboprops, which carry about 50 people.
But Hamish Davidson, the chief executive of VLM, told the Irish Independent that he does not believe there is sufficient demand in the area for services that would use larger aircraft.
"Waterford is close enough to Dublin and Cork, so the catchment area will always be sort of limited," he said. "We would not see a potential for 100-seater aircraft, but the 50-seater could serve nicely over summertime."
He said VLM cancelled its Waterford services because it's losing pilots to airlines operating jets.
The chief executive of Waterford Airport, Desmond O'Flynn, said in a statement that he's "very disappointed" at the loss of the VLM service. He was unavailable for further comment, however.
A third of investors in Martin Sorrell's WPP yesterday failed to back the advertising boss's 70m (89m) pay package, one of the biggest payouts in British corporate history.
Mr Sorrell, who built WPP from a two-man operation in a London office to one that now dominates the industry with around 194,000 staff in 112 countries, has said the scheme reflects his firm's rapid growth in recent years.
The 71-year-old Mr Sorrell has made headlines before for his large payouts and the bulk of the 2015 package for the chief executive came from a long-term scheme called Leap which has now been modified.
Excluding abstentions, 33.5pc of investors did not support the remuneration deal but the vote was not binding.
The company's remuneration policy will now face a binding vote by shareholders at next year's annual meeting and under the firm's new scheme Mr Sorrell's pay is set to fall next year.
Asset manager Hermes, a WPP shareholder, said before the vote that it would be unable to support the remuneration packages, in part because of "historic concerns about board composition and the remuneration committee's apparent lack of vigour and stress-testing".
In defence of the 2015 pay package, WPP noted that shares rose by 98pc between 2011 and 2015, while the FTSE 100 was up 5.8pc in the same period.
Workforce solutions firm Fleetmatics has announced the creation of up to 75 new jobs at its global headquarters in Tallaght, Dublin over the next two years.
The company is looking to boost its headcount in Ireland to in excess of 200 by adding 75 new research and development roles.
The Dublin-based firm, which floated on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012, has expanded from the 10 people it used to employ in 2004 to 1,200 people it currently employs worldwide.
Fleetmatics chief technology officer Peter Mitchell said the company is continuing to grow across all of its major international markets.
Here in Ireland we are spoiled with an incredible talent pool in research and development. And we attract them to Fleetmatics by offering engineers and product managers an opportunity to work on leading edge UX, SaaS, Mobile, IoT and Data Analytics projects - all of which help rapidly transform our customers businesses and truly make a difference," Mr Mitchell said.
The expansion plans also include the development of Fleetmatics new Network Operations Centre (NOC) in Tallaght, Dublin, a custom built facility housing the companys operations and application support engineers.
Dad of two Declan Barrett (45), from Ashbourne in Meath, is chief commercial officer and co-founder of UrbanVolt, an energy efficient lighting provider.
"Before starting UrbanVolt I had a facilities management business and installed LED (light-emitting diode) light solutions into properties for business clients.
LED lights are much more energy efficient than traditional light bulbs. They can reduce energy bills by as much as 80pc. Unfortunately, the technology and installation process is prohibitively expensive for many businesses.
I found that many companies were reluctant to spend the money to modernise their lighting systems, even though they understood they would make their money back - and more - in savings on their energy bills over time. Cash flow is king to most businesses so anything that interferes with that is not a priority!
I knew (chief executive) Kevin Maughan socially and had worked with (chief operations officer) Graham Deane before. There must be a way to independently fund the installation cost of LED lighting for businesses, we thought. The three of us started playing around with ideas and came up with a business plan. We decided to go into business together in November 2014.
We brought UrbanVolt to market the follow year. The idea is that we manufacture, install and maintain LED lighting solutions for businesses at no cost to them. In return we take an agreed percentage of the savings the client makes in energy costs over a five year period, after which time the lights belong to the client and they continue to enjoy savings for the lifetime of the fixtures. We don't see ourselves as "selling" anything per say - rather, our customers are our partners.
The energy savings to be made are dependent on a number of factors including the type of fitting and operating hours, but cash savings of up to 47pc are possible, and that's after the client also gets new lights and has the entire process project managed.
We manufacture the lights ourselves to make sure they are of the highest quality and commit to maintaining the lights for the duration of the five year agreement. If a light fails we replace it and if we don't do it within 30 days the client can stop paying. The lights also have a five year warranty from Munich Re.
We are financed by a large European renewable energy fund - I can't say too much yet but they are a fantastic backer. We have about 50 agreements in place with customers already. The first ten who signed up will collectively save almost 850,000 on energy costs across the five year agreement, as well as 18m kWh in energy.
This is the equivalent of the average energy usage of 3,400 Irish households. The savings for the businesses are huge - they might employ an extra sales person as a result, which allows them to grow revenue.
Our ideal customer is a heavy energy user - a hospital, a hotel, a 24 hour car park, for example. The car park should get a 50pc saving on their energy bill even after we take our cut. We can't take everybody on; an office which is only lit up five or six hours a day isn't right.
We plan to sign 200 agreements this year and hopefully 350 to 380 next year. Then the intention is to move into the UK, Europe and ultimately the US.
The biggest challenge has been getting people to understand our idea. Often they think there is a catch. But anyone who is at the forefront of change is going to experience that.
We won Service Startup of the year at the Bank of Ireland Startup Awards recently which was a fantastic endorsement for the company.
Rugby player Jamie Heaslip, who was an early investor, is also helping to put us on the map."
British prime minister David Cameron has relented in his crusade against encryption, with the the UK's House of Commons passing a watered-down bill that gives spy agencies the power to engage in bulk surveillance and computer hacking, but stops short of banning encryption.
The bill, which was introduced by the Conservative government in March after modifications to address concerns from tech companies and privacy advocates, passed by a vote of 444 to 69.
Most of the opposition Labour Party voted with the Conservative majority to advance the bill to the House of Lords, while the opposition Scottish National Party, citing concerns about privacy and civil rights, voted against it.
Many of the surveillance techniques - such as scooping up the metadata of communications and using malware to gain access to the computers and mobile phones of terrorism suspects - have already been in use by UK spy agencies. The new law now gives them explicit authority.
The legislation was sharply criticised by global technology companies when it was first proposed last year.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook warned of "dire consequences" if the bill passed with language weakening encryption.
And companies ranging from Facebook, Google and Microsoft to Twitter and Yahoo said that the law would undermine customers' faith in their products and brands.
Meanwhile, Vodafone said it was worried about the cost of modifying its systems to comply with the new law and that allowing the government to hack into its network might compromise its stability and integrity. But the version of the bill passed on Tuesday makes clear that companies aren't required to build backdoors to their encryption and will only be required to remove such code in response to a government request if doing so is technically feasible and not unduly expensive.
When Apple was battling with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation over breaking the encryption on the iPhone of the attacker in a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, the company said it would require a dedicated team of engineers working for at least a month to figure out how to crack it or modify the lock screen to allow unlimited attempts to open the device. If this UK bill becomes law, it would be up to a British judge to decide if that kind of effort met the "technical feasibility and reasonable cost" test.
The bill also makes clear that the government will likely reimburse communications companies, including mobile operators, for the cost of complying with the new legal obligations, such as the requirement to retain records of all the websites its customers visit for at least a year.
Civil rights and privacy advocates have also opposed the bill and the revisions the government made in the final version hasn't mollified them. "Minor botox has not fixed this bill," said Shami Chakrabarti, the director of the civil rights group Liberty, when the final version was introduced in March.
The House of Lords will now consider the proposed law, known as the Investigatory Powers Bill. The legislation, which some critics have branded a snooper's charter, will also be analysed by a panel of legal experts chaired by David Anderson, the UK's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation.
Anderson will issue a report on the bill - including an opinion on whether the bulk surveillance powers the government is asking for are justified - in time for the Lords final vote on the bill sometime in the fall. If it passes, the law will go into effect in January 2017.
The bill will be interpreted as a partial victory for Apple and other tech companies that objected to the perceived assault on encryption inherent in earlier versions of the parliamentary bill.
In an unprecedented move, Apple had submitted written evidence on the issue before the Investigatory Powers Bill scrutiny committee in the British House of Parliament. The tech giant claimed that cracking down on encryption would weaken the security of "hundreds of millions" of people who use Apple's iMessage and Facetime communications platforms.
"The creation of backdoors and intercept capabilities would weaken the protections built into Apple products and endanger all our customers," said Apple's submission at the time. "A key left under the doormat would not just be there for the good guys. The bad guys would find it too."
British Prime Minister David Cameron has publicly backed a tightening of laws against encryption, arguing that it is necessary to intercept and prevent terrorist attacks.
"Do we want to allow a means of communication between two people which even in extremis with a signed warrant from the home secretary personally that we cannot read?" he said in a parliamentary debate on the issue last year. "My answer to that question is no, we must not. The first duty of any government is to keep our country and our people safe."
But this approach has been decried by a number of senior tech industry executives as misguided, with encryption seen as a basic standard rather than an ultimate one.
"Some have asserted that, given the expertise of technology companies, they should be able to construct a system that keeps the data of nearly all users secure but still allows the data of very few users to be read covertly when a proper warrant is served," said Apple's submission to the UK parliamentary committee.
"But the government does not know in advance which individuals will become targets of investigation, so the encryption system necessarily would need to be compromised for everyone.
"The best minds in the world cannot rewrite the laws of mathematics. Any process that weakens the mathematical models that protect user data will by extension weaken the protection.
"And recent history is littered with cases of attackers successfully implementing exploits that nearly all experts either remained unaware of or viewed as merely theoretical."
Last November, Cook told the Irish Independent that Europe is "leading the world" on privacy and is the place he feels most "at home" on the issue. He said that many of Europe's instincts on privacy align more closely to his own than other jurisdictions.
"I think Europe is leading the world on that topic and it's great," he said. "I feel right at home when I come to Europe and talk about privacy." (Additional reporting Bloomberg)
Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox in Back To The Future
Google co-founder Larry Page has already moved on from self-driving cars - to flying cars. Page is secretly funding two flying car start ups that hope to make flying to work a reality, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.
Page has reportedly funnelled $100 million (69m) of his own money into one of the companies, called Zee.Aero, which filed patents for a small plane that could take off and land vertically.
The patent for the electric vehicle indicates that the company, which was established in 2010, is working on personal flying vehicle.
It is described as a "safe, quiet, easy to control, efficient and compact aircraft".
Expand Close The patent Zee.Aero filed for a small flying vehicle that takes off and lands vertically Credit: United States Patent Office / Facebook
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Whatsapp The patent Zee.Aero filed for a small flying vehicle that takes off and lands vertically Credit: United States Patent Office
Zee.Aero is highly secretive. Its website is sparse and its employees were given credit-card sized leaflets outlining how to deflect questions from journalists, according to Bloomberg.
"We're designing, building and testing better ways to get from A to B," says Zee.Aero on its website.
As well as investing in or, as Bloomberg speculates, owning Zee.Aero, Page has also put money into another flying car company called Kitty Hawk, which is rumoured to be working on a quadcopter that can transport people.
Chinese company unveils passenger drone prototype Chinese company unveils passenger drone prototype Play! 04:52
The boundaries standing in the way of flying cars are significant. There are technology, safety and regulatory difficulties that need to be resolved before we'll be able to fly to the office or the shops.
We are still struggling with these issues for non-passenger drones, which are increasingly causing air collisions. According to the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), there were 23 drone-related incidents at UK airports between November and April, including 12 near-misses.
We came one step closer to the reality yesterday when US state Nevada gave a Chinese company the go-ahead to trial an autonomous drone that can transport humans.
The Ehang 184 personal quadcopter is expected to take to Nevada's skies later this year. Ehang has raised $52 million to date, half the amount of cash that Page is reported to have pumped into Zee.Aero.
Other attempts to create a personal flying vehicle include Aeoromobil's flying car and the Terrafugia TF-X, which could be available for the public to buy within the decade.
Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Here are the main business stories from this morning's papers:
Irish Independent
* It is getting much more difficult to sell Irish loan portfolios to international investors as interest in the country wanes, according to one of the most important figures in the property industry.
Cushman & Wakefield head of European loan sales Federico Montero, said the market was "getting tougher and tougher" to sell Nama portfolios.
* Waterford Airport is still in line for millions of euro of taxpayers' money to extend its runway - despite having no scheduled air services any more.
Belgian airline VLM cancelled its Waterford-London Luton service this week, after pulling its route to Birmingham a couple of months ago.
* The High Court must reconsider a 26.2m valuation it placed on the buyout of a minority stake in a Monaghan-based mushroom business, the Court of Appeal ruled.
ELST, a company whose "driving force" was described by a judge as its manager and controller Ronnie Wilson, was ordered by the High Court just over a year ago to buy out the shareholding of Donegal Investment Group plc (DIG) without discount for 30.6m.
The Irish Times
* Minister for finance Michael Noonan has said some of the profits from the National Asset Management Agenct (Nama) could be used to solidify the State's rainy day fund from potential shocks.
According to a report in The Irish Times, the minister made the comments after the agency posted a net profit last year of 1.8bn.
* The Qatari royal family may be about to take a large stake in telecoms firm Eir as its investment fund eyes up the Irish firm.
According to a report in The Irish Times, the fund is looking to acquire a sizeable chunk in the firm ahead of its IPO, which is not expected for another two years.
* A merger with another bank mayt be the best solution for Permanent TSB, the minister for finance has been told.
According to a report in The Irish Times, a merger may drive the value of the bank and improve its long-term viability, the minister was told in official briefing notes.
Irish Examiner
* Finance minister Michael Nooan and Nama have both endorsed the selling-off process behind the loans attached to Project Eagle.
According to a report in the Irish Examiner, the minister said he had every confidence in the decisions taken by Nama.
* The State's investment in Irish banks has taken a significant hit in the opening half of the year as a challenging start to 2016 played havoc with bank shares.
According to a report in the Irish Examiner, the value of the State's investment fell by 3.3bn in the opening six months of the year.
* The failure by Thomond Park to repeat the revenue-generating success of the Bruce Springsteen concert contributed to operating profits at the stadium firm more than halving to 116,000 last year.
But revenues rose by 10pc from 2.13m to 2.35m as the full year income from the operation of the stadium bars was realised.
James Corden has revealed that he has plans to bring stars to the stage to sing karaoke at the Tony Awards on Sunday night as he is set to host the ceremony.
The British comedians first year of hosting The Late Late Show has come to an end after a star-studded season, listing Mariah Carey, George Clooney and Julia Roberts among his Carpool Karaoke guests.
"I thought, 'Why don't we have a big, sort of karaoke-type sing-along in the Beacon Theatre? Because there's all these incredibly talented people in there, he said during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
"So I might go out and give them some drinks and then see if I can get, like, Barbra Streisand to sing something," he said cheekily.
However, only guests attending the awards ceremony will get to see the performances as they would happen during commercial breaks.
"We'll have our own show that no one (at home) will see, he told Meyers.
The comedy host also revealed which Carpool Karaoke guest made him most nervous.
Corden admitted that his first carpool with Mariah Carey had his nerves shaken.
Im a huge fan of hers, the 37-year-old said.
All that would play in our house would be Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey. So my childhood was basically either watching Grease, or walking around singing like, Youve got me feeling emotions'
Twitter went into meltdown last night in response to a heated debate on Brendan OConnors Cutting Edge.
The host was joined by Al Porter, Niamh Horan and Dr Ciara Kelly to discuss the weeks most pressing events.
In a popular segment on the show, On the Slab, where the guests highlight an issue which has hit the headlines, Ms Horan placed Womens Safety in the wake of the Brock Turner sexual assault case in Stanford.
When discussing the case, Ms Horan said the young woman who was sexually assaulted got drunk to the point where she was unconscious.
Read More
Describing the story as obviously very emotional, Ms Horan went to say what she found very interesting about the discussion especially in our own context, in Ireland was the role of alcohol and the fact that the girl on the night was very, very drunk.
In Ireland, 80pc of rape and sexual assault cases, alcohol is a factor. Alcohol is a factor is on both sides.
Ms Horan was at pains to stress that the Stanford woman is the victim, there is no question about that. There is no question of blame and rape is rape.
She also said: "This is about facing facts and I dont think we can look at that fact without discussing alcohol. Colleges around Ireland are all focused on consent but I think we need to put an equal amount of energy into the amount of drink that is being taken by women.
She said: Youre putting yourself at risk if you dont have your wits about you and if you have taken a certain amount of drink and put yourself in harms way. We need to start addressing this issue. I dont think we should be afraid of it.
Fellow panelist Dr Ciara Kelly didnt agree with Ms Horans point and said she had a huge issue with it.
Allison OConnor tweeted that in the cases of rape, alcohol seems to make men less culpable and women more culpable. Instead of focusing on the women what they were drinking? how they were dressed? why dont we focus more on the men who are doing the raping? In the case of sex assault, is the victim on the stand as well? Its totally bogus.
Video of the Day
Its the only crime where we bring it back to the women all the time. If someone robbed your watch, they wouldnt say You got your watch robbed, but you had a few drinks on you
We need to lay the blame for rape at the feet of the rapists.
Ms Horan went on to defend her points: The campaigns in colleges are all around the consent of men. What I am saying is that we have forgotten the women. I remember when I was in college, the campaign was all around Rohypnol as being a date rape drug. We were all given lids for our drinks and to make sure that they didnt change colour.
"Eventually they discovered that it was alcohol that was causing blackouts but they skipped a massive piece of that puzzle which is drinking and the amount of drink consumed by woman and they went straight to men.
Read More
The woman is the victim here but far before that stage of the story, we need to talk about women taking personal responsibility.
Dr Ciara Kelly: Not before, Niamh, maybe down the line but not before. It is not about personal responsibility. Rapists rape. The person who is raped is the victim. Maybe down the line you would say, Look after yourself
However, Ms Horan countered with After the fact is not going to help a woman when her life is destroyed."
Dr Kelly said it was up to parents to educate their own children: "More important than telling my daughter to be careful, I have said to my 16-year-old son, Dont have sex with unconscious women. Have sex with girls who are awake! I think there is far too much emphasis put on womens behaviour and their responsibility."
The debate provoked a massive reaction on Twitter.
One user said: Being drunk and wearing a skirt isn't illegal. Rape however is illegal. Very clear responsibilities.
Another despaired: What I meant was... Seriously, saying anyone is being asked to be raped because they have had alcohol sends a v bad msg
Another wrote. Blood boiling after watching #CuttingEdge Once again #victimblaming comes to the fore.
Another wrote: Sorry, why is Niamh Horan going full Katie Hopkins on #CuttingEdge?
However, Ms Horans views also found some support on Twitter:
I once could not stand Niamh Horan but she's much more interesting than I thought, very good views. Al Porter honest as always
A very talented young woman who stole 132,000 from a sugar distribution firm has been spared jail a second time, despite an appeal by prosecutors.
Amy McAuley (26), with a last address at Ledwidge Hall, Slane, Co Meath, had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing 132,355 from Nordzucker Ireland Ltd, Arena House, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin, on three dates between July 23, 2013 and February 26, 2014.
She was given a wholly suspended two year sentence by Judge Patrick McCartan on November 30, 2015 on condition she stay out of trouble and make full restitution within 10 years.
The Court of Appeal found no error in McAuley's sentence today despite an appeal by prosecutors for a review of her sentence on grounds that it was unduly lenient.
Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Derek Cooney BL, submitted that the suspended sentence imposed on McAuley did not adequatly deal with the offence, the ingenuity involved and the fact that it was done to repay a 90,000 theft from a previous company for which there was no prosecution and which has been fully repaid.
Giving judgment, Mr Justice John Edwards said McAuley had obtained a short-term job with Nordzucker as a credit controller while another employee was on maternity leave.
She contacted emloyees at another firm to say bank account details for the purpose of processing invoices had been changed. Three transactions totalling 132,000 were made to the updated bank account details, Mr Justice Edwards said.
McAuley had asked her father to contact the CEO of Nordzucker to inform him of what she had done. The CEO in turn contacted the gardai, who arrested and detained her, during which she made full admissions, the judge said.
Mr Justice Edwards said the court was not satisfied that the circumstances of the case disclosed any error resulting in a clear divergence from the norm.
The offence certainly involved a significant breach of trust and although she had no recorded previous convictions it was not the only occasion she had misappropriated funds from an employer, the judge said.
She was relatively young at the time, had self-reported her crimes through her father, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, was remorseful, ashamed and had made partial restitution with a view to making full restitution later.
The Circuit Court judge had described her as a very talented young individual leaving aside her misjudgments and said he was impressed by testimonials on her behalf. The Court of Appeal heard that she was an accomplished musician.
Mr Justice Edwards, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, said the sentence was not unduly lenient and accordingly, the DPP's application for a review was refused.
The court nevertheless of its own motion modified provisions for the repayment of sums owed to the injured party so that 30 per cent of the monies owed should be paid within five years, a further 30 per cent within seven-and-a-half years and the balance on or before the 10-year-period originaly set by the Circuit Court.
A sum of 30,000 had been paid over in restitution, the court heard, with an outstanding balance of 102,000.
McAuley, who was represented by Kathleen Leader BL, was required to enter into a good behaviour bond for the suspended period and to agree to the repayment schedule. She aknowledged herself so bound.
Brian MacMahon was a young volunteer eager for action in 1916, but a bout of scarlet fever crushed any dreams he had of fighting for his country. Instead he spent Easter week in Hardwicke Street Hospital, where he listened to the battle rage right outside the window.
"Bullets smashed the windows of the ward and once into the wall a foot from my head," he wrote in his journal. "It was maddening to be there in bed listening to the firing."
His confinement was a blow for the boy who'd come from Coas, Co Monaghan to Dublin to study law in UCD and worked for Tom Clarke, running errands and drilling with the Rising leader at every opportunity. Clarke was so impressed, he handed the boy a gun to carry in the St Patrick's Day parade that March.
He would have been carrying another at Easter had illness not interrupted his dreams of glory.
As soon as he recovered, however, Brian threw himself into the cause and was active in the War of Independence, until a bomb attack in Dundalk left him severely injured.
"He was a semi-invalid for the rest of his life," says his son, Fr Hugh MacMahon, who only recently discovered the extent of his family's involvement in 1916 and the eventful years that followed.
Brian's brother Peadar fought in Stephen's Green before rejoining his own battalion in Jacob's biscuit factory. "Peadar was interned in Frongoch, and in 1920 he was arrested in an attempt to bring guns from Dublin to Cavan, and imprisoned in the Curragh, where he was elected prisoner commandant," says Hugh.
"He later became chief of staff of the defence forces and served as secretary at the Department of Defence from 1927 up to WWII."
And then there was Sorcha, the boys' sister, on the surface a genteel bookkeeper with a fiance in tow, but also a committed activist who routinely carried guns hidden in her bicycle basket and delivered messages from the GPO, ignoring the dangers she faced.
Records show she left the GPO for various locations over 50 times during Easter week, during which time she was a direct link between Tom Clarke and his wife Kathleen, Sorcha's best friend.
"Sorcha was a main mover in Cumann na mBan," says Hugh. "Late one night, she met Tom Clarke and his friend Sean McGarry, to receive a pistol Sean had for her. Sean started fooling around, pointing the gun at Clarke, who told him to stop messing with it. McGarry assured him it wasn't loaded and pulled the trigger. But it was and just as the gun went off, Clarke stepped to the side and received a bullet wound to the right arm.
"Had he stood still, it would likely have pierced his heart. As it was, he had to practise shooting with his left hand in the days leading up to the Rising. Sorcha postponed her wedding to Tom Rogers because she knew the Rising was planned; they married that November. With her new name, she dropped out of police files as she continued her undercover work delivering messages and guns."
It was a far cry from the elderly aunt who in later years would visit her brother Brian's family in Blackrock, Co Dublin from her home on the other side of the city in Howth. Hugh remembers her as "a formal presence" and "not a loquacious woman". It's only in recent years that he discovered a very different side to the father, aunt and uncle he thought he knew.
"After 50 years in the Orient, I came home from China and Korea three years ago and began to research my family's involvement in 1916," he says. "A cousin directed me to a journal my father had written; I could hardly believe it. There were 30 pages, stuff he'd never shared.
"He first met Rose while he was on the run in the home of his fellow officer Patrick Finegan, but after the explosion, he gave up on dreams of marriage because of the injuries he sustained.
"Years later, Rose's brothers gave her a little ribbing about whether she'd ever settle down and she said, 'The only man I'd marry is Brian MacMahon.' So they got them together again around 1930."
Brian and Rose went on to have five children, two of whom became nuns, and Hugh a Columban missionary priest.
Inspired by these stories, Hugh decided to put together a record for the family. The result is his book, 'A Fist to the Black-Blooded', a family motto that means 'resistance to the oppressor'.
"Who knows why the three siblings from Coas were prepared to risk their lives for the freedom of their country?" he says. "Some people simply live out the spirit on a wider canvas, and from what I knew of them growing up, they were most humble about it."
'A Fist to the Black-Blooded: The MacMahons of Coas', by Hugh MacMahon, is available from Easons of Monaghan Town
Members of the 'Riverdance' cast perform outside Dublin's Gaiety Theatre
Performers from 'Riverdance' yesterday treated passers-by to an impromptu performance outside Dublin's Gaiety Theatre.
The talented dancers delighted spectators as they announced details of a 24-hour danceathon in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation, which takes place at the Gaiety on July 21.
The 'Riverdance' performers will kick off 24 hours of continuous Irish dance on the plaza outside the Gaiety at noon on July 21.
Passers-by can donate to the hospice, join in the occasional ceili, and follow the event on social media #Riverdance #DanceAthon.
The launch came as cast members prepared for the summer season at the Gaiety from June 14 to September 4.
Denis Casey, the former group chief executive of Irish Life and Permanent (ILP), has been found guilty of a 7.2bn conspiracy to defraud.
Casey (56), who qualified as a barrister specialising in banking, finance and securities following his departure from the ILP Group, is the third former banker to be found guilty of conspiring to mislead investors, depositors and lenders about the true health of Anglo in 2008.
Last week, an 11-strong jury convicted Anglo's former head of capital markets, John Bowe (52), and the bank's then finance director, Willie McAteer (65), of conspiring to mislead the public about the true state of Anglo's balance sheet.
Last Friday, the jury returned a not guilty verdict for Peter Fitzpatrick (63), former finance director of ILP, following the longest-running criminal law trial in modern history.
The prosecution claimed that the four men were involved in setting up a circular scheme of multi-billion euro transactions where Anglo lent money to ILP and ILP sent the money back, via their assurance firm Irish Life Assurance, to Anglo.
The scheme was designed so that the deposits came from the assurance company and would be treated as customer deposits, which are considered a better measure of a bank's strength than inter-bank loans.
The 7.2bn deposit was later accounted for in Anglo's preliminary results on December 3, 2008, as part of Anglo's customer deposits figure.
The prosecution alleged that the entire objective of the scheme was to mislead anybody reading Anglo's accounts by artificially inflating the customer deposits number from 44bn to 51bn, a difference of 16pc.
However, lawyers for Bowe and McAteer (formerly of Anglo) had argued that their clients believed that the deposits were real deposits and were accounted for correctly on Anglo's balance sheet and so no fraud was carried out.
The jury heard evidence that the two ILP accused insisted that they wanted any deposits to Anglo from ILP to be secured against cash collateral from Anglo. The prosecution argued that there was no commercial substance to the transactions and their only purpose was to deceive.
"They take a vast amount of time and trouble and they amount to one large candy floss whose only conceivable purpose is to bolster up and artificially inflate the Anglo customer deposit," said prosecutor Paul O'Higgins SC.
Lawyers defending Casey and Mr Fitzpatrick argued that their clients had no control over how Anglo would account for the deposits, and had no intention to mislead the public.
The convicted men have been remanded on bail pending sentence until July 25th next.
The role of the Office of the Financial Regulator, formerly led by Patrick Neary, is expected to be raised at the sentence hearings.
This followed a key ruling on day 15 of the 89-day trial by judge Martin Nolan, who ruled that the regulator's involvement was "a matter of mitigation, not defence".
Judge Nolan also ruled that the actions of the regulator and the Central Bank did not constitute "entrapment" as that had to include an intention to prosecute.
Any future appeals are likely to centre on the mens rea (mental intent) of the offence of conspiracy to defraud and the level of dishonesty required to commit the offence.
Judge Nolan is "at large", or will have discretion, to decide upon what sentence to impose on the three men, as conspiracy to defraud is a common law offence that is not on the statute books.
The former Group Chief Executive of Irish Life and Permanent Group has been convicted of a 7.2bn conspiracy to defraud.
Denis Casey (56) and three other former banking executives had pleaded not guilty to conspiring to mislead investors, depositors and lenders about the true health of Anglo in 2008.
On the afternoon of day 89 of the trial, the jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court returned a verdict of guilty for Casey. The verdict came following over 61 hours deliberating over the course of 14 days and brings to an end the longest running criminal trial in the State's history.
Last Wednesday the jury convicted Anglo's former head of capital markets, John Bowe (52) and the bank's then finance director, Willie McAteer (65) of conspiring to mislead the public about the true state of Anglo's balance sheet. They have been remanded on bail pending sentence until July 25th next.
On Friday the jury returned a not guilty verdict for Peter Fitzpatrick (63) following nearly 47 hours deliberating. Mr Fitzpatrick held his head in his hands and wept after the verdict was read out before hugging his barrister, Brendan Grehan SC.
Mr Casey from Raheny, Dublin, Mr Fitzpatrick of Convent Lane, Portmarnock, Dublin and Bowe from Glasnevin, Dublin and McAteer of Greenrath, Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary had all pleaded not guilty to conspiring together and with others to defraud by setting up a 7.2bn circular transaction scheme between March 1st and September 30th, 2008 to bolster Anglo's balance sheet with the intention of misleading investors.
The prosecution case was that the four men were involved in a setting up a circular scheme of billion euro transactions where Anglo lent money to ILP and ILP sent the money back, via their assurance firm Irish Life Assurance, to Anglo.
The scheme was designed so that the deposits came from the assurance company and would be treated as customer deposits, which are considered a better measure of a bank's strength than inter-bank loans.
The 7.2bn deposit was later accounted for in Anglo's preliminary results on December 3rd 2008 as part of Anglo's customer deposits figure. The prosecution alleged that the only objective of the scheme was to mislead anybody reading Anglo's accounts by artificially inflating the customer deposits number from 44bn to 51bn, a difference of 16pc.
Lawyers for Bowe and McAteer had argued that their clients believed that the deposits were real deposits and were accounted for correctly on Anglo's balance sheet and so no fraud was carried out.
Lawyers defending Mr Casey and his then finance director argued that their clients had no control over how Anglo would account for the deposits and never had any intention to mislead the public.
A FORMER school caretaker has been found guilty of stealing fruit which was meant to be given to disadvantaged pupils as part of a healthy food initiative.
Thomas Byrne (55) of Howth Road, Raheny, Dublin had contested eight counts of theft of bags of bananas, apples oranges worth about 66 from Scoil Fhursa in Kilmore, in Dublin 5 between Feb. 24 and March 7 in 2014 when he was employed as a caretaker. However, he was found guilty today at Dublin District Court by Judge Ann Ryan.
Father-of-two Byrne, who is now doing a history and archaeology course in Trinity College, has no prior criminal convictions, the court heard. The judge adjourned sentencing for a report on his suitability for participating in a restorative justice programme.
School principal Martin Stynes told Judge Ryan that the HSE and Dublin City Council had run a healthy eating programme for schools. He said Scoil Fhursa is in an area designated as socially disadvantaged and the aim of the scheme was for the pupils to try different foods.
Mr Stynes said there were irregularities and the school noticed inconsistencies in the supply of fruits and the availability of it to the children. He asked the secretary to keep an eye on the records of what was supplied to the school, he said adding that the caretaker had responsibility for some of the fruit.
On Feb. 24, it was expected there would be 10 bags of oranges but only four were counted; on Feb. 26, there was supposed to be six bags of bananas but four were counted; on the following day it was expected that there would be six bags of apples among the delivery but there was none; on Feb. 28 the school expected that there would be two bags of apples in the consignment but no apples were present.
The court heard that on March 3, it was expected there would be 10 bags of oranges but there were two; the next day there were three bags of apples when there was supposed to be six.
On March 5 there were three bags of bananas when there should have been six and on March 7 it was expected there would be be two bags of apples but only one was counted. Mr Stynes said the teachers were asking why we have no bananas today or not enough oranges".
He claimed the defendant told him some days we get more, some days we get less you cannot depend on the delivery. Mr Stynes said given that this person was trusted in his area of work I took him at his word.
School secretary Catherine Fowler confirmed she counted the shortfall of fruit. John Mooney, the owner of Glanmore Foods, said the fruit was delivered to schools four days a week and free of charge. He confirmed the amount of food on the order for Scoil Fhursa.
Byrne's counsel told the court his client thought some of the fruit left in a basket outside his office was freely available and he did not see a problem taking it. The court prosecution followed his refusal to accept an adult caution offered the investigating gardai.
CCTV was shown of him bringing bags out to his car on a number of dates. Judge Ryan was satisfied that if anyone else had access to the fruit they would have been easy to see.
Disgraced former politician Ivor Callely has dodged another spell in jail after finally settling a long-running debt.
The former Fianna Fail minister has paid 1,755 he owed for more than three years to an accountancy firm.
But Judge Michael Coghlan said yesterday Callely led a "merry dance" over seven court appearances to resolve the debt.
He ordered him to pay an additional 1,750 in costs arising out the action which came close to putting Callely behind bars again. Finalising the case, the judge strenuously warned he would not wait another four years for him to pay the outstanding legal fees.
Callely (58), of St Lawrence's Road, Clontarf, Dublin, was jailed for five months in 2014 for using false invoices to claim expenses 4,207.45 between November 2007 and December 2009 while a member of the Seanad.
A bench warrant for his arrest was issued on May 17 by Dublin District Court in an unrelated case. These proceedings, which ended yesterday, resulted from his failure to comply with terms of a 2013 district court judgement compelling him to pay a 1,755 debt or face jail.
The former junior minister owed the money to Galway-based accountants Gallagher & Company.
Yesterday, barrister for Callely, Karl Moran, told the court that the "substantive debt" of 1,755 had been discharged by his client to the accountancy firm.
A costs figure of 1,750 was agreed. Mr Moran said there was "no reality" in his client being able to pay it within a week, as suggested by the solicitor for the accountancy firm. Judge Coghlan said Callely "does not get that latitude" and ordered he pay it within 30 days.
A 29-YEAR-OLD man charged with unlawful possession of a handgun in connection with last month's gang murder of Gareth Hutch in Dublin, has been further remanded in custody.
Father-of-one Gareth Hutch (35), a nephew of Gerry the Monk Hutch, was shot dead as he was getting into his car outside Avondale House flats,where he lived, on North Cumberland Street in inner city Dublin, on the morning of May 24.
He was the latest and seventh fatality in wave of killings in a feud between rival Kinahan and Hutch gangs.
Thomas Fox, who has an address at Rutland Court, in north inner city Dublin, is charged with unlawful possession of of a Makarov 9mm handgun at Avondale House on May 23, a day before the shooting.
The charge is contrary to section 27A of the Firearms Act which can carry a sentence of up to 14 years.
He had been initially refused bail by Dublin District Court last week and was remanded in custody. He faced his second hearing when he appeared before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court.
He was further remanded in custody to appear again on June 22.
Mary McDonnell (43) with an address at Avondale House, North Cumberland Street has also been charged and is accused of withholding information from gardai investigating Gareth Hutch's murder.
She is accused of failing without reasonable excuse to disclose information to the gardai, as soon as was practicable, information she knew or believed might be of material assistance in securing the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of any other person for a serious offence.
The charge is under Section 9 of the Offences Against the State Act and the offence is alleged to have happened at an address at Avondale House on May 24 last.
She faced her second hearing at Dublin District Court on Tuesday (June 7) when she was further remanded in custody to appear again next week. There was no bail application.
A MIDDLE-aged man publicly apologised to his sister-in-law after attempting to blackmail 10,000 from her with false claims her husband was having an affair with a pornographic model.
Pat ODwyer (52) had hatched the bizarre blackmail scheme in an apparent bid to save his own marriage.
He received a three year suspended prison sentence before Cork Circuit Criminal Court after a judge warned that his offences had "doubly-victimised" his innocent sister-in-law, Ria Burgoyne, and her devoted husband.
O'Dwyer received the three year suspended sentence for using an article (a sock) in an attempt to hide his fingerprints after planning to collect 10,000 in blackmail money from Mrs Burgoyne in an isolated Cork shed.
The father of two, from Wolfe Tone Place, Thurles, Co Tipperary, had also pleaded guilty to demanding money, namely 10,000, with menaces from his sister-in-law between October 20 and 23 last.
Sentencing on that more serious charge was adjourned by Judge Dave Riordan until October 26 to allow for further psychiatric evaluation of O'Dwyer.
Judge Riordan queried whether O'Dwyer had anything to say to his sister-in-law and her husband?
"I am sorry for what happened," O'Dwyer said.
Judge Riordan noted that Mr and Mrs Burgoyne had been "doubly-victimised" - firstly by the offence itself and secondly by details of it having been aired publicly.
He noted that O'Dwyer was described as having "narcissistic"
tendencies with one psychiatrist saying he needed further evaluation for possible chronic psychotic disorder.
The judge described the offence as being at the mid to upper range.
Judge Riordan was told by Det Sergeant Sean Leahy that ODwyer apparently blamed his sister-in-law for the recent failure of his own marriage.
He also hoped that if he managed to get 10,000 it might help him persuade his wife to give their marriage another chance.
Judge Riordan described the victim impact statement of Mrs Burgoyne as harrowing.
The court heard that ODwyer sent a package to the woman who was stunned, on opening it, to discover explicit photos of a pornographic actress.
Det Sergeant Leahy said the package, which was received by the victim on October 9 last at her place of work, also contained a detailed hand-written note.
That note falsely claimed the womans husband was having an affair with the model depicted in the photos and further claimed that some of her husbands underwear and semen samples were in the writers possession.
Immediately upon receipt of the shocking package, Mrs Burgoyne contacted the Gardai.
All the allegations in the letter were false and Mrs Burgoyne was advised to wait until the individual made contact again.
Suspicion fell on the defendant from a very early stage of the investigation.
Mrs Burgoyne received two further letters one of which detailed exactly how the 10,000 demanded in cash was to be handed over in return for the underwear and DNA samples.
Det Garda Leahy explained that a major garda intelligence operation was mounted which included placing lengthy surveillance on an old barn outside Whitegate.
Some time later, the defendant was viewed entering the barn and he was detained by officers hidden outside.
Gardai found him to be in possession of a balaclava and an old sock.
He was apparently using the latter as a make-shift glove so he wouldnt leave fingerprints at the scene.
Judge Riordan was told ODwyer co-operated fully with detectives, made detailed admissions and pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.
He is now deeply remorseful over what happened.
The bizarre extortion scheme was apparently partly aimed at trying to restore his own marriage while also targeting Mrs Burgoyne whose strong marriage he was very envious of.
The court was told that ODwyers entire motivation was to try and portray himself in a good light with his former partner.
Judge Riordan was told by defence counsel, Ray Boland BL, the defendant had a very confused outlook on matters and was very upset by his marital problems.
The court heard the defendant had also suffered a series of severe personal blows including the tragic loss of a baby boy, the deaths of his parents, severe business difficulties and then his own marriage problems.
Judge Riordan adjourned sentencing on the demanding money with menaces charge until October 26.
O'Dwyer was remanded on bail but was ordered not to come within 7km of Midleton in east Cork where Mr and Mrs Burgoyne live and work.
One of the victims betrayed by a trusted care worker who stole more than 11,000 (14,000) from vulnerable pensioners to fund a lavish lifestyle of holidays, spa treatments and fine dining says the thief should never be allowed near old people again.
Danielle McDermott (25), whose address cannot be given because of a verifiable paramilitary threat against her partner, abused her position to steal from two elderly and frail pensioners in Derry.
McDermott admitted the thefts which took place at the two women's homes over a period of nine months between August 2013 and May 2014.
One of her victims, Dinah Porter from Creggan, is a softly-spoken woman of 89 who lives with her husband David (90).
Following a bad fall in 2013, Mrs Porter was hospitalised for a lengthy period and needed after-care when she came home, which was how she met McDermott.
Rather than caring for her elderly patient, McDermott took every opportunity that presented itself to search the couple's bungalow and steal money from Mrs Porter's purse.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Mrs Porter said whatever sentence befalls McDermott, she only has herself to blame.
"I don't understand how anyone could steal from someone else. I couldn't do it because it is wrong but she was able to and I don't think it bothered her, Mrs Porter said. "She wasn't coming here very long when I started to feel uneasy about her.
"I wondered about her because she was always very interested in taking me shopping and she was only supposed to help me here in the house after I came back from the hospital. She was a lovely-looking girl and very interested in make-up and style but that's the way when you are young, but I wondered why she was always asking me about going shopping.
"I told her I didn't want to go to the shops with her because I was uneasy and my family could take me. Then we noticed my money was going missing.
"We searched everywhere but then my daughter Laura set a trap because we thought it was her but couldn't prove it.
"Laura put her mobile phone in my room where it couldn't be seen and sure enough we saw her bending down and taking the money from my purse.
"She used to bring me breakfast which she didn't need to do but she would tell me to come out to the kitchen and get it.
"We know now that was to get me out of the bedroom so she could be there on her own.
"It is a terrible thing that has happened. It has upset me and I will be glad when it is over. We didn't have a whole lot of money, just our pensions, but I don't drink or smoke so it was enough for us.
"I don't know what is going to happen to her now but she brought it on herself and has no one else to blame and she should never be allowed near old people again.
"She can't be trusted.
"I have other ones that come here now instead. They come in pairs now and I like them a lot. They couldn't do enough for me."
In addition to the theft of Mrs Porter's money, McDermott also admitted stealing from a 75-year-old woman suffering the onset of dementia.
This victim had her bank account reduced from 11,195 to just 474 between August 2013 and April 2014 when McDermott was her carer.
The woman's debit card was seized by the police and her bank statements showed a constant series of withdrawals from her account.
McDermott will be sentenced at Derry Court today.
A PUB found guilty of allowing drink be supplied to an under age girl has lost a Supreme Court appeal which centred on its claim the charge should have been dismissed because it had exercised "due diligence" in assessing whether she was old enough to be served alcohol.
Waxy O'Connors Ltd, trading as Waxy's Bar, Marlboro Street, Cork, was convicted in the District Court of allowing the 17-year-old to be supplied with beer in April 2006, contrary to the Intoxicating Liquor Acts 1988 and 2000. A second charge of permitting her to be in the bar was dismissed.
Waxy's claimed she had produced an age card with a fuzzy photo to try to gain entry and was refused by a doorman. He did allow her in but did so when she produced a passport and driver's licence, both of which, it turned out, did not belong to her.
A garda who came to the pub challenged the girl and after about ten minutes she owned up to not being the person on the identity documents.
After it was convicted, the pub was ordered to close for 11 days which, Waxy's said, would lead to the loss of around 14,000 in profits and additional wage costs of 2,980.
Waxy's took judicial review proceedings in the High Court which dismissed the challenge.
The judge said the production of a garda-approved age card, and not any other grounds for believing a person was of drinking age, was the only defence the pub could make to the charge.
Waxy's appealed that decision to the Supreme Court.
It argued the District Judge had erred in law because he should have construed the supplying of drink charge so as to allow for the defence of "due diligence" - as had been applied in relation to the dismissed charge of allowing her to be on the premises.
The DPP opposed the appeal.
In a judgment on behalf of a five-judge Supreme Court, Mr Justice John MacMenamin affirmed the High Court decision.
He said the defence case, in the District Court, hinged entirely on showing Waxy's used due diligence in preventing young people getting access to the pub.
However, there was no evidence in relation to the barman who served the drink having actually asked for an age card "or even having exercised any due diligence" in finding out her age, he said.
Waxy's, a member of the Vintner's Federation of Ireland (VFI), had asserted its concerns on behalf of the the organisation that other prosecutions might be brought which precluded the "due diligence" or "reasonable steps" defence, the judge said.
As a matter of law, Waxy's did not have standing in law to assert third party rights, but it was preferable for the court to deal with the case on its merits because it was one that had an importance beyond its own facts, he said.
Waxy's had argued that, in the absence of a due diligence defence, as contained in the 1988 Intoxicating Liquor Act, and amended by the Act of 2000, created an offence of strict liability which was constitutionally invalid.
Mr Justice MacMenamin said the 1988 Act enjoys a presumption of constitutionality and the onus was on the pub to establish otherwise.
The presumption had not been displaced, he said. It is not unconstitutional for the legislature, in an offence in this category, "to proportionately delimit the defence of reasonable care or due diligence to a specified minimum standard."
The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a case brought by convicted drug dealer John Gilligan and his family challenging proceeds of crime orders in relation to some of their assets.
The Gilligans claim they did not receive a proper trial when his assets were frozen by the State in 1996.
Subsequent court rulings based on that decision were flawed or invalid, they argued.
The property included an equestrian centre in Enfield, Co Meath, which Gilligan had bought and developed before he spent 17 years in prison for drug trafficking. Other property owned by his former wife Geraldine, daughter Tracy and son Darren, was also found to be the proceeds of crime.
The Gilligans claimed the properties were bought from legitimate earnings. They also included two houses in Lucan, Dublin, one belonging to Tracy, and another house in Blanchardstown, Dublin, belonging to Darren.
Yesterday, Ben O Floinn BL, for the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), rejected claims they did not get a proper hearing. The 1996 freezing orders, confirmed in a High Court decision in July 1997, were obtained in accordance with legal requirements, he said.
The Gilligans resiled from the opportunity to challenge those orders because they took the view that they would await the next stage provided for under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 which was an application by CAB to forfeit the property to the State, Mr O Floinn said.
Michael Bromley Martin QC, for the Gilligans, disagreed with this characterisation about their approach to the freezing orders.
They were assured by the authorities that the orders were of a temporary nature, he said.
He said at no time leading up to the final freezing orders had the family been represented.
Mr O Floinn said there was "something of a bifurcation in this case" in that, while Mr Gilligan had disclaimed an interest in most of the property and it was other members of the family who owned it, he directed a good deal of the subsequent litigation, even though "he was the person who has least in terms of property interest". The court reserved its decision.
The wife of convicted drug baron Michael Byrne, currently serving an 18-year sentence in Mountjoy Prison, has failed in a bid to recover her half share in a 53,000 BMW X5 she jointly owned with her husband.
Elaine Byrne claimed in the Circuit Civil Court today that she was entitled to a 50pc interest in the Beamer, maliciously burned out in a garda compound in May 2009.
Byrne, a mother of five whose address was given as that of her solicitors Fahy Bambury McGeever, North King Street, Dublin, told the court the vehicle had been seized as part of a criminal investigation by the Garda Drug Unit in January 2008.
Barrister Karl Finnegan, counsel for the Garda Commissioner, told Judge Karen Fergus the vehicle had been destroyed by fire 16 months later, after two unidentified men had broken into the compound and set it on fire. A number of other vehicles had been damaged.
He said Ms Byrne in the High Court had challenged a restraint order on the vehicle in which she had then claimed a 100 per cent interest. The late Mr Justice Feeney had decided, prior to the proceedings having been remitted to the Circuit Court, that Ms Byrne had a 50pc financial interest in the vehicle.
Byrne agreed with Mr Finnegan that the gardai had at all times been in lawful custody of the vehicle. Her husband had been the subject of a criminal investigation when an application had been brought to seize certain assets which had affected her by way of her interest in the BMW.
Mr Finnegan said that as it turned out the vehicle no longer became a source of interest in the criminal proceedings in being at the time against her husband. He said an accelerant had been used to destroy the BMW by those who had broken into the compound.
Ms Byrne said she had never been told what happened to her jeep. She had read in the Evening Herald about the fire in the garda compound.
Barrister Laurence Masterson, for Ms Byrne, told the court she was a completely innocent party. The jeep in which she had a 50 per cent interest had been seized under the Criminal Justice Act and a freezing order had been made in regard to it by Mr Justice Feeney in the High Court.
Mr Masterson said there was an onus on the Gardai to take all reasonable and adequate steps to protect her property.
Judge Fergus, dismissing Byrnes claim, said the gardai did not have the manpower to maintain a 24-hour physical surveillance on the vehicle. It had been held in the compound for over a year when intruders had broken in with the intention of committing a criminal act.
She felt the gardai, which had maintained cctv surveillance of the compound, had acted reasonably in the circumstances. She made no order for costs in the case.
Michael Byrne, now 42, of Old Tower, Clondalkin, Dublin, was found guilty by a jury at the Circuit Criminal Court in 2010 of possessing 32kg of heroin in his van at Palmerstown in January 2008.
Jailing him for 18 years Judge Frank ODonnell described him as a drug baron who was no small fry in the industry.
Students at Colaiste Ailigh in Co Donegal declared themselves "happy enough" with the Leaving Cert English Paper One.
And one student at the Irish language college in Letterkenny found himself arguing against a career he wants to pursue.
Sam MacGinty (18) is off to the prestigious University of Notre Dame in Indiana later this year to study aerospace engineering and computer science. He has an ambition to one day work for NASA.
Text 3 on yesterday's paper featured an edited speech by US President Barack Obama announcing $6bn worth of funding for NASA.
Sam opted to take Question B, writing a post for a blog opposing the amount of public money being spent on space exploration.
"There was a bit of a contradiction there," he laughed.
"But it is always easy to have arguments one way or another, so I went with that.
"Of course, there are loads of other causes which could benefit from $6bn, including education."
Meanwhile, fellow student Anna Ni Ghallachoir (18) said: "I thought the composition questions were quite nice and I wrote a piece on the importance of taking a gap year, which is what I am planning to do."
Marie Heaney and her brother-in-law Hugh Heaney, the brother of poet laureate Seamus Heaney, attend the unveiling of a bust in honour of her late husband Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The poet Seamus Heaney has been remembered with an "elegant" sculpture at Sandymount Green in Dublin.
At the unveiling, Lord Mayor Criona Ni Dhalaigh thanked the Arts Council for giving the bust on loan.
Marie Heaney, widow of the Nobel Prize-winner, his brothers Don and Hugh, and other family members attended the unveiling in Dublin.
The Heaney family lived for many years in Sandymount.
Poet Paul Durcan, also a local resident, and a long-time friend of Heaney, quoted lines from Heaney's and his own works in a warm tribute to the writer, who died in 2013.
Sheila Pratschke, Chair of the Arts Council, said it was fitting that Heaney be remembered with an "elegant and sensitive" sculpture by Carolyn Mulholland.
A Do Not Swim notice was issued at Velvet Strand Beach in Portmarnock.
A fifth Dublin beach has been closed by Fingal County Council because of sewage pollution during the hottest week of the year.
A Do Not Swim notice was issued at Velvet Strand Beach in Portmarnock which will be in place until Monday at the earliest.
A suspected overflow at the Portmarnock Strand Pumping Station has made the water unsuitable for swimming.
Velvet Strand had been under an advisory notice since Tuesday along with beaches in Claremont and Sutton, due to an overflow from another pump station.
Last week beaches in Rush, Balbriggan, Skerries and Loughshinny were closed as water quality deteriorated due to sewage pollution.
Garry OBrien from the Environment Department of Fingal County Council issued a warning to local councillors about the beach closures
This action is being taken to ensure we are not compromising the human health of bathers, he said.
Councillor JP Browne said it was "a real shame" and that Fingal County Council and Irish Water were working together to solve the problem.
"It's very disappointing and will have a huge affect on Fingal's tourism."
This year Portrane beach lost its Blue Flag, while Skerries lost its Blue Flag the year before.
Exploding fireworks caused panic amongst residents in the north-inner city this afternoon.
Locals in the Ballybough area reported a number of loud bangs, sparking fears of another gangland related incident in an area that has seen four murders in the last three months.
Gardai responded to the scene within a short period of time, but the incident has since been described as a 'false alarm' with no shots being fired.
Gardai say they have prevented five gangland assassinations since February and have vowed to track down those responsible for the recent feud-related murders.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan, who is currently in charge of the drugs and organised crime bureau, said there was no criminal gang which stood the test of time.
"Eventually, their members, both at high and low levels, are arrested and their empire falls apart," he said. "Criminal history over the past 20 years shows that gangs come and gangs go. They fall apart and their members are arrested."
Asked about the level of garda intelligence in relation to the Christy Kinahan crime cartel, which has been blamed for six of the seven gangland feud murders since September, he said the gardai had been investigating that gang since September 1986.
This investigation had resulted in the seizure of drug shipments with a value of millions of euro as well as the confiscation of properties running into millions of euros, along with the arrest and jailing of a number of prominent criminals, he said.
"We are constantly on alert to try to save lives," he said.
He was speaking as a female relative of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch is being provided with a private security escort to take her to and from work in the respected multi-national company where she is employed.
The woman, who is aged in her late 20s and has no involvement in crime, is the latest possible target in the deadly Hutch-Kinahan feud whose life is under threat because of who she is related to.
Sources said she is a "valued employee" of the financial company she works for, which has decided to provide her with a security detail.
"These people are effectively her bodyguards," a source said last night.
Also yesterday, two classes of 144 probationer gardai passed out from the Garda College in Templemore yesterday and were allocated to stations across the country.
Among the probationers was Ciaran McGowan, son of Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan and Chief Superintendent Jim McGowan, as well as five English-born recruits, two Polish and one each from the United States and Romania.
Meanwhile, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said that the crackdown on rural burglary gangs - Operation Thor - will get more cash as part of 55m in additional funding for the force.
He said: "What we are doing is putting in place the resources now to make sure that the success of Operation Thor - which we have seen over previous months...can be maintained throughout the year and that the levels of overtime necessary to respond to the murderous threat of organised crime across our country... can be maintained."
Doctors must warn patients with pacemakers that their devices may be disrupted by anti-theft systems used in shops, experts have said.
Many patients are unaware that electronic anti-theft systems, also known as electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, can pose a threat to people using cardiac devices, they said.
Prolonged exposure to the in-store devices can cause pacing therapy to drop beats and cause implantable defibrillators (ICDs) to deliver inappropriate shocks, experts told the Cardiostim EHRA Europace 2016 conference in Nice, France.
It is particularly important that patients do not sit or slouch in a chair or couch in store entry areas. Some of the devices are hidden under floors, in walls and in doors, while traditional pedestal systems in doorways are often covered by advertising sleeves.
A new study, presented by Professor Robert Stevenson, of Greatbatch Medical in Santa Clarita, California, examined pacemakers against an array of anti-theft devices.
Traditional pedestal systems interfered with cardiac device functioning, especially when the devices were in prolonged close proximity, they found.
In particular, they raised concerns about patients standing in close to EAS pedestals and toddlers with pacemakers crawling over sub-floor systems.
Professor Stevenson added: "Doctors must educate patients about the potential dangers of EAS systems as many have never been warned not to lean or linger in retail store entrances.
"It is particularly important that patients do not sit or slouch in a chair or couch in store entry areas. Electronic anti-theft systems are a part of everyday life, with more than 800,000 pedestals alone installed worldwide. Patients are safe if they walk at a constant pace through the system.
"EAS gates that are obscured with advertising or goods for sale, or hidden in the floor with couches or chairs adjacent, are a serious concern and EAS manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that retailers install them in such a way that they are visible and well marked."
Insurers have rubbished claims by barristers that their fees have fallen by up to 50pc since the recession - as the row deepened over soaring insurance premiums.
The chairman of the Bar Council, David Barniville SC, claimed in recent weeks that legal fees were not to blame for insurance costs.
But Insurance Ireland, which represents the majority of the country's insurance sector, hit back yesterday, questioning the accuracy of claims by the council chairman that barristers' fees had fallen by between 30pc and 50pc since 2008.
In a statement, its chief executive Kevin Thompson said: "Insurance Ireland members have not seen that reduction in their legal costs and the statistics don't back it up."
He also said the body stood over its assertion that the cost of claims, including legal fees, was leading to rising insurance premiums.
Mr Thompson said the increase in the cost and frequency of claims had been well established by the Central Bank, the National Competitiveness Council and the Personal Injuries' Board.
His comments came as Fianna Fail demanded the introduction of a national claims register to improve transparency by forcing companies to publish anonymised details of every pay-out they make.
But Mr Thompson's remarks ignited a furious row, with the Bar Council swiftly issuing a statement to the Irish Independent saying it stood over its figures.
It cited data from various State agencies, who are the largest users of barristers' services, for the period 2006 to 2013. The council said this data showed professional fees in respect of barristers saw average decreases of between 26pc and 50pc.
In the Dail last night, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said the economic recovery was partly to blame for the hike in premiums.
"Claims frequency has increased as a result of increased economic activity and increasing miles travelled per car. This is not being counter-balanced by a drop in the number of accidents," he said.
Mr Noonan said consumers were being "directly impacted" by the cost of using the legal system to settle disputes and compensation awards that result.
He indicated Fine Gael will not oppose a motion from Fianna Fail seeking a taskforce to investigate what is driving prices up.
Mr Noonan said he was open to the idea of a "broad taskforce" but wanted to wait for the outcome of a review of the market that is already under way within his department. It is considering issues such as a National Claims Register that would log all pay-outs whether made in or out of court.
"Accurate timing and accessible information on claims in particular would assist insurers, including new entrants in the Irish market," he said.
THE Government does not how it will respond to the United Nations condemnation of Irelands rules on abortion, a senior Minister has admitted.
Education Minister Richard Bruton, replying to Dail questions for the Government, said he cannot say what action the Government will take in response to the United Nations Human Rights Committees finding on Irelands abortion ban.
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The UN committee ruled that a woman carrying a foetus with a fatal abnormality was subjected to discrimination and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in the Republic.
Several Opposition TDs - including Independents Clare Daly, Joan Collins and Catherine Connolly called on the Government to outline what action would be taken.
But Mr Bruton said he did not see the report from the committee. I absolutely sympathise with and understand the concern of deputies for any woman with a fatal foetal abnormality, he said.
Mr Bruton said a constitutional amendment would be needed to effect any change.
The Education Minister said the Programme for Government contains a commitment to set up a citizens assembly within six months to consider all the issues involved. He said the TDs and Senators would have a final say over any recommendations which came from that process.
Independent TD Clare Daly said the UN committees finding was a groundbreaking international decision against this country. The Fingal Independent TD asked whether the Government would provide compensation for the woman involved.
New Galway West Independent TD Catherine Connolly said the United Nations had called on Ireland to change the law on pregnancies involving fatal foetal abnormalities. It is important the voices of women are heard in this chamber, she added.
Independents 4 Change TD Joan Collins said the 1983 Eight Amendment should be repealed quickly and the issue was not a job for a citizens convention.
The Independent Alliance has claimed credit for 31m in new funding for disability services.
The cash is part of the additional 500m to be spent on the health service in the coming months, announced by the government yesterday.
Disabilities minister Finian McGrath has said that the sum allocated to services in his area shows the influence of the Independent Alliance in government".
His colleague Transport Minister Shane Ross meanwhile, said relations between the Alliance and Fine Gael are very professional and cordial.
Asked if he believes the government is stable he replied: I think its now settled down and were doing a lot of very good work and were going to deliver on a lot of the things that we promised wed deliver on.
I dont think theres any danger in stability at the moment at all.
Other Independent Alliance TDs present for the announcement of the cash for disabilities were OPW minister Sean Canney and Kevin Boxer Moran.
Dublin Bay North TD Mr McGrath said the new cash will help the most needy in the disability sector.
He said that 28m will go to improving services including those for people in emergency cases.
When I talk about emergency cases Im talking about adults with intellectual disabilities in their 40s and 50s whose parents are dying or dead or in their 80s and 90s.
This is a huge issue So now what Im saying is the money now is going to be made available to provide these services.
He said the remaining 3m is going to new initiatives including support for 18-year-old school leavers with intellectual disabilities.
Mr McGrath said he had raised these issues during government formation talks
We were a strong advocate for people with disabilities and also other groups as well within the programme for government, he added.
Mr McGrath conceded that the proposals had not met resistance from Fine Gael.
In fairness they have accepted when we were doing the negotiations that we had to have actions that were implemented over 100 days.
He said Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Health Minister Simon Harris were very supportive.
MATTIE McGrath has said insurance companies are like terrorists that are marauding businesses and ordinary people with rising premiums.
The Independent TD made the remarks in a Dail debate on Fianna Fails motion calling for a task force to tackle spiralling motor insurance costs.
Mr Grath branded secret court settlements and resulting premium rises as naked hijacking.
If terrorists were doing it thered be an outcry and wed have the CAB after them, he added.
This is marauding businesses and ordinary people and theyre doing it with the full powers of the laws behind them because theres no laws.
He said there have only been feeble attempts to address the issue.
Mr McGrath told the Dail chamber that his own business has been the victim of out of secret court settlements over the years.
He claimed insurance companies are doing what they like, when they like and charge what they like.
He said the issue of secret out of court settlements must be addressed adding that he has faced rising premiums after such arrangements.
You know you make strenuous efforts many engagements and many days out at court and you think that theres a proper meaningful defence and the next thing you get a phone call oh they have it settled and you mightened even be told that it was settled.
It was settled on the steps of the court and the person paying the insurance whos an interested party might not even be notified.
"But youll know when you get your premium back because its fairly well hijacked and put up because of the claim, Mr McGrath said.
He said there needs to be a root and branch review of what motivates insurance companies.
Mr McGrath said insurance costs at his own business went up 40pc and that no business can plan for that.
He called for legislation that will put some bit of manners on the insurance companies.
The Dail this afternoon passed the Fianna Fail motion along with an amendment from Sinn Fein.
Fianna Fail Fiance spokesman Michael McGrath has welcomed the passing of the motion tackling soaring motor insurance premiums.
It calls for the re-establishment of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board on a time limited basis, greater disclosure around policy renewal notifications, action on the settlement of cases and dealing with false and exaggerated claims.
Following the success of this motion we will use every forum available in the Dail to press the various Government departments to take the action demanded by the Oireachtas, Michael McGrath said.
The onus is now on the Ministers for Finance and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to give effect to the will of the Dail on this issue and ensure that motorists get a well-deserved break from seemingly relentless increases in motor insurance premiums," he added.
SOCIAL Protection Minister Leo Varadkar has ruled out means testing child benefit.
Mr Varadkar today described the payment as "universal", adding "that's the way it's goingLeo to stay."
The Dublin West TD said the Government could potentially tax child benefit but that it is vehemently opposed to doing so.
"We don't think its a good idea...Child benefit is a universal benefit paid to all children," he told RTE's 'Today with Sean O'Rourke'.
Meanwhile, Mr Varadkar confirmed that plans to increase rent supplement by 15pc will come into force by July at latest.
The measure was strongly argued for by Fianna Fail during the Government formation talks.
Mr Varadkar warned, however, that the move will not lead to a increase in homes.
On the issue of pensions, Mr Varadkar said he would like to establish an auto-enrollment scheme which people could opt out of. He described the scheme as a "personal future fund" and said it is in operation in other EU countries such as the UK.
Meanwhile, the minister also said that he was not given a choice by Taoiseach Enda Kenny when appointed to the Department of Social Protection. The admission comes as Housing Minister Simon Coveney said he was given a choice of departments.
For three years, US couple Debbie and Michael Campbell have used Airbnb to rent over 100 properties. So what do they think of Ireland?
For the next few weeks, Americans Debbie and Michael Campbell will wander the streets of Dublin, exploring outdoor markets and pottering in thrift stores.
They've already learnt the tune to 'Ole, Ole, Ole', and plan to cheer on Ireland in the Euros with a pint in hand in a bustling bar before returning to their home and its rooftop terrace overlooking the city's spires.
"Our taxi driver was pretty keen we take in the Guinness Storehouse," says Debbie. "But that sounds a bit touristy to me." Despite the fact they've been travelling around the world for the last three years, the couple would never, ever class themselves as tourists.
The retirees, originally from Seattle, Washington, are serial Airbnb-ers, travellers hooked on the homeshare website's ethos that you shouldn't just visit a country, but live there.
Last year, 330,000 guests used Airbnb to visit Ireland and the number of hosts in the country has doubled since 2010. There are some 11,000 properties to pick from and 1,700 in the greater Dublin area alone.
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But the industry has also come in for criticism from irate hotel owners who say they are losing business as a result. Worse, many believe the proliferation in short-term lets has contributed to the ongoing rental crisis - landlords can sometimes make double or triple their return on a short-term lease to tourists rather than a long-term let.
In Berlin, the rental of whole apartments in city centres by Airbnb and its competitors has now been banned - with those who flout it facing hefty fines - in an attempt to protect affordable housing for city dwellers.
Michael and Debbie know a bit about the industry. They've been on the road for over 1,000 days and, armed with only two suitcases on wheels, they've since visited 49 countries and stayed in over 100 Airbnbs.
Not surprisingly, they won't hear a word said against the company.
"We wouldn't be doing what we're doing if it wasn't for Airbnb,"explains Michael (70), a retired event executive. "It wouldn't be sustainable in hotels, we wouldn't be able to afford it and it wouldn't be the same experience. The whole appeal of Airbnb is you live like a local."
And in Ireland, part of living like a local means struggling to find an affordable property in Dublin. In 90pc of their bookings, Michael and Debbie (60), prefer to rent out an entire property rather than stay with a host and spend no more than $90 (80) per night.
"There's plenty of properties to choose from but it was clear that prices were higher than our budget for an entire home," explains Debbie. "For that we were having to look further and further outside the city so we decided to make that compromise for our three night stay."
Expand Close The Parnell Street Airbnb where Michael and Debbie stayed in Dublin. Photo: Airbnb.ie / Facebook
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They settled on a pad on Parnell Street, (airbnb.ie/rooms/11647025; above) complete with roof terrace and a helpful host homeowner, Roberto, who's helped them get orientated and use his phone.
At 71, it's about 20 cheaper than nearby hotels, but pricier than comparable properties in other European cities. "Dublin is on the expensive side," says Michael. "But sometimes you spend a little more to be someplace special and Dublin is one of those places.
Like many Americans, the couple profess a special place in their hearts for Ireland, with Debbie laying claim to Irish roots that have been 'DNA test' confirmed. This is the second time they've visited the country on their Airbnb odyssey. One reason for their return trip is visa related. Ireland and the UK aren't in the Schengen Area, 26 EU countries that require American citizens to get a visa if they're staying longer than 90 days in 180.
Dipping in and out of the zone (such as with a repeat sojourn in Ireland) helps the Campbells avoid any "time consuming and costly" paperwork.
When it comes to picking a property, their strategy is simple - as close to the city centre as possible and within budget. "We've been in over 100. Not everyone gets an A+, but overall they've been wonderful and you feel you have a friend in the city before you even get there."
They previously stayed in an Airbnb in Temple Bar before moving on to the more subdued surrounds of a farmhouse in Wexford.
"I think maybe we didn't pay enough attention to the 'bar' bit when we saw Temple Bar," laughs Michael. "It waslively."
"I saw a lot of hen dos!" adds Debbie. "It's maybe an area aimed at people younger than ourselves.
"It was a bit like staying in New Orleans and spending three nights on Bourbon Street."
The property, though, was "lovely" and had an unusual perk: "The host owned a barbers where I got a free haircut," says Michael. "We're hoping to visit him again whilst we're here."
Expand Close 'Beautiful farmhouse in a rural setting close to Barntown and Wexford town.' Michael & Debbie's top Irish Airbnb. Photo: Airbnb.ie / Facebook
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Whatsapp 'Beautiful farmhouse in a rural setting close to Barntown and Wexford town.' Michael & Debbie's top Irish Airbnb. Photo: Airbnb.ie
In Wexford, they loved the tranquil feeling of their farmhouse (above), and now rank the property as one of their all-time favourite Airbnbs.
"An adorable woman from down the road brought us jam and scones and told us what was what," adds Michael, who also experienced his first "fantastic" hurling match in the county.
It's the people ultimately that the Campbells reckon make the Airbnb experience.
There's been plenty in the press about what level of tax homeowners should pay on their income from holiday rentals. But Michael and Debbie don't care.
"We've read about that and we're really not interested," says Michael. "Some places we go people pay tax, others they don't - it makes no difference to us as customers. That's for other people to sort out."
"One thing we do consider is we're visiting these cities and spending money in restaurants and stores because we've found accommodation on Airbnb," adds Debbie. "We wouldn't be there otherwise."
The self-styled 'Senior Nomads', who keep a blog at seniornomads.blogspot.com, are now writing a book about their Airbnb adventure. They have little rituals to set up home in each new spot like stocking up on OJ, coffee and Coke and watching the US news on their iPad every evening.
Through Skype, Facetime and Google Hangouts, they reckon they stay in touch with their four adult children and friends as much, if not more, than if they were in Seattle.
They never spend longer than two weeks in one place but it's not all frantic sightseeing and running for trains. Some days they'll spend a day reading, doing laundry, playing scrabble or making soup. "This isn't vacation travelling," explains Debbie, a former graphic designer. "We're not rushing around trying to cram in as much as we can. We're homebodies."
It seems an odd thing to say considering they sold their Seattle house two years ago to help fund their travels. "Our home is where we are," says Michael simply. They've no end date in sight. According to their sums, travelling around the world, living in other people's homes costs them about the same as it would to be "sitting on a porch in our rocking chairs" in the States.
To other would-be Airbnb-ers, their advice is "do it". "You don't have to take it to the full extreme but why not give it a go?" says Michael. "We've found it so enriching. Life is short and you only go round once."
Michael and Debbies top six airbnbs
WEXFORD, Ireland
Beautiful farmhouse in a rural setting close to Barntown and Wexford town.
Details: airbnb.ie/rooms/1545588
BILBOA, Spain
In the centre of the city and walking distance to the famous market and Guggenheim.
Details: airbnb.ie/rooms/3860584
JERUSALEM, Israel
Wonderful hosts and a great location in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City.
Details: airbnb.ie/rooms/1423284
SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE, Mexico
Three floors and a roof deck add up to a great place in the centre of town.
Details: airbnb.ie/rooms/6569224
HAVANA, Cuba
Warm hosts, beautiful rooms, great food and an oasis from the hustle of Havana.
Details: airbnb.ie/rooms/5704246
In January 2015, a Stanford University student called Brock Turner sexually assaulted an unconscious woman behind a bin. They were both at a party on campus. Turner could have faced up to 14 years in prison but instead he will serve a six-month jail sentence.
During Turner's sentencing, the woman read part of her victim impact statement. The statement, a powerful rebuttal of Turner's refusal to take any kind of responsibility for his actions and his decision to blame his violence on the university's drinking and hook-up culture, was initially released last Friday. It has gone viral.
Her statement is raw. It's heartbreaking. "For a while, I believed that that was all I was. I had to force myself to relearn my real name, my identity. To relearn that this is not all that I am," she wrote. "That I am not just a drunk victim at a frat party found behind a dumpster, while you are the All-American swimmer at a top university, innocent until proven guilty, with so much at stake. I am a human being who has been irreversibly hurt, who waited a year to figure out if I was worth something."
On the other side, Turner's dad said his son should not have to go to prison for "20 minutes of action".
Judge Aaron Persky said positive character references, including Turner's own father's reference, had been factored into his decision. Turner's age, his lack of a criminal history and the role that alcohol played in the assault were other mitigating factors. "A prison sentence would have a severe impact on him . . . I think he will not be a danger to others," Persky said.
I wasn't surprised by the six-month sentence. I wasn't surprised because this is more justice than most rapists get. Brock Turner's short sentence is infuriating but what makes it worse is that Persky wasn't being particularly lenient on him. Turner will be punished more than the vast majority of rapists.
If you were sexually assaulted, what would you do? Report it to the gardai? Take your attacker to court? Would you want to see him sent to jail? Well, be prepared for some shocking statistics. Our sad statistics about rape and domestic violence tell their own story.
The Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland (SAVI) report showed that only one in 10 victims of sexual crime in Ireland reports that crime. Of that one in 10, just 7pc secures a conviction. Ireland had the lowest rate of conviction for rape (1pc) among 21 European states.
Despite recent attention paid to the prevalence of sexual assault in our world, perpetrators of sexual violence are far less likely to go to jail than any other kind of criminal. This is what every rape victim is up against.
You wouldn't need to sift through much social media to find the rape-apologists and the perennial #NotAllMen brigade.
Last year, a survey of more than 1,000 men found that 41pc considered that a woman is partially or totally responsible for being raped if she is drunk or takes illegal drugs, that 37pc believe she bears some responsibility if she was flirting at the time and 26pc believed she held some responsibility if she was wearing a skimpy outfit.
There are too many Aaron Perskys out there in our world and there are too many Brock Turners who think they haven't done anything wrong.
There are too many men looking only for the preservation of the reputations of the right kind of men (here a blonde-haired, male athlete), who don't hear the victim asking for something as simple as justice.
This is what discourages women who have been raped from coming forward, allowing perpetrators to escape justice.
This is what often stops women who do report rape from being taken seriously.
This is what promotes feelings of guilt and shame among rape survivors.
And this is what is normalising rape culture among some men; it gives a rationale to the sick notion that women are somehow fair game in certain circumstances.
The woman in Stanford took a step that most people never do, she reported her assault and followed through.
We owed her more than allowing a life-shattering experience to be shoved aside and forgotten, like so many victims of rape are.
But unfortunately, even as an innocent victim seeking justice, the odds were always firmly stacked against her.
I write in the light of your news item (June 7) reporting Opposition TDs' criticism of Richard Bruton's plans to see rapid expansion of State-organised community national schools, and in response to Colette Browne's highly critical article in a similar vein.
Over three-and-a-half years ago, the Department of Education undertook a massive patronage survey in the greater Killarney area. As part of the consultation the Department stated that there was no need for an additional school in the area, and that one of the existing Catholic schools would have to be divested.
The overwhelming body of parents voted against this option. At the time a few people, like myself, argued that there were enough pupils to warrant a new school and that such a school should be established for those not wanting a Catholic education.
Some of us argued that a community national school could be provided alongside the town's VEC. We were clearly told that the numbers did not warrant an additional school - yet, in the intervening years, almost all existing schools have had permission to build many additional classrooms.
The Catholic patron and local boards of management have stepped in where Labour education ministers failed to act. As a Catholic I want to see the enhancement of Catholic education, but not to the detriment of choice for the minority of families who expressed a desire for alternative provision.
Under Richard Bruton, and freed from Labour's ideological and fruitless stranglehold on the education portfolio, it seems that at last the Government is facing up to its responsibilities.
How strange then that defeated Aodhan O Riordain now wants to take credit for "the progressive measures" that so spectacularly failed his former Labour ministerial colleagues.
Alan Whelan, Killarney, Co Kerry
Journalists getting it so wrong
May I express my dismay in reading the disingenuous journalism patently expressed in your 'comment' pages (June 7) by both Deirdre Conroy and Colette Browne.
Referring to the 'Eighth Amendment', Ms Conroy describes this constitutional legislation as "demanding more attention for the right to total autonomy over women's bodies".
It is clear that the amendment is intended to honour both the mothers and their viable infants ('to love both mother and child') - human rights all-round protected.
On the topic of children's admittance to schools, Ms Browne contends that "many parents opt to baptise their children, not because of any religious conviction, but because they don't want their children to suffer when the time comes to enrol them in schools".
It is not true, in my professional experience, that 'many' parents are so-minded.
Parents who seek baptism for their children do so to initiate them into the express love of God, as specifically affirmed by this Christian Sacrament - which the parents themselves mostly profess.
Fr Tom Stack, Milltown, Dublin
State has failed my daughter
I am writing to you to highlight the State's failure to provide for choice in primary education in North Dublin, following the Minister of Education & Skills' refusal to grant permission for the opening of a new multi-denominational Irish-medium primary school in Drumcondra.
The proposed school, under the patronage of An Foras Patrunachta, is one that would be open to all children, regardless of their level of ability or the language they speak at home. Parents of 733 children in the surrounding areas expressed a preference for this school during a recent consultation process - a record level of interest in a new gaelscoil - and a further 60 have sought to register since.
Yet the school to open in September 2016 is to teach through English, and will not cater for our children's developmental and educational needs. I understood that one of the main objectives of the process for the establishment of new schools was to increase the choice available for parents in terms of their children's education, and to provide for equality of access and esteem.
This decision surely does not achieve this. The Minister has instead left us without the choice of non-denominational Irish-medium education for our children.
I am Polish - living and working in Ireland and married to an Irishman. My three-year-old daughter is trilingual already, speaking Polish, English and Russian, and my husband and I want her to receive an education through Irish.
Why? The benefits of immersion education are proven beyond doubt: children develop better cognitive and communicative skills, increased tolerance and self-esteem, they have greater attainment - not only in Irish - but also in English and Maths, and children who attend Irish-medium schools report the highest levels of happiness in school (Growing Up in Ireland, ESRI).
Due to our strong beliefs in human rights values and the separation of the State from any church, my husband and I cannot send our daughter to a school with a religious ethos.
The proposed gaelscoil in Drumcondra was our only hope to have our daughter educated in a non-religious school through the State's first official language, in this Republic that is nominally secular.
Karolina Stefaczak, Glasnevin, Dublin
Some balance wouldn't go amiss
I note that Colette Browne's article on our school system is listed under the heading of 'opinion' (June 7).
In my view, it might have been better to file it under 'propaganda', given it's very black-and-white approach to the issue, with denominational schooling portrayed as bad and the alternatives as good. I realise that it must be frustrating for those on the liberal-left side of the debate that they are the only ones who seem to recognise just how discriminatory it all is - perpetuating inequality and forcibly segregating children from each other.
Particularly so when the Minister insists on allowing the vast majority of parents to continue receiving the denominational education for their children that they are entitled to under our Constitution, instead of being the good, politically correct little politician that they want him to be and dismantling it all in favour of a secular system the excludes the religious elements that makes their flesh crawl. As I said, frustrating.
But, even so, a modicum of balance wouldn't go amiss.
Stuff like this that is so nakedly partisan may make those who already agree with her cheer; however, it only makes me want to say 'well done' to the Minister for trying to do his best to meet the needs of the majority of children in this country, rather than acceding to the ideological agenda of a small handful of people.
Revd Patrick G Burke, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard attend the "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)
US actor Johnny Depp (L), accompanied by his fiancee US actress and model Amber Heard (R), arrive at Tokyo International Airport on January 26, 2015 for the Japan premiere of his latest movie "Mortdecai"
DEPP TROUBLE: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard arrive at the premiere of the film The Danish Girl at the Venice Film Festival in 2015 in happier times.
Amber Heard is "trying to put Johnny Depp on trial through the media", an insider in his camp has claimed.
The Magic Mike 2 star (30) filed for divorce from her husband of 15 months earlier this month and has alleged he abused her throughout their marriage. While Depp has denied the claims and remained silent on specific examples,
Now, sources close to the Pirates of the Caribbean star (xx) allege Heard is building her case in the court of public opinion, according to Us Weekly.
Heard is concerned that a police report would trigger an arrest and prosecution and doesnt want to bury Depp, TMZ reports.
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A statement from Ambers legal team said the actress would be filing a police report, but now the site reports that sources connected with Amber have said that the actress has had a change of heart.
Depps lawyer has denied the abuse allegations and said in court documents that Heard is attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse".
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Images of bruised face, which she allege were caused by Depp, have gone viral since they were first published in PEOPLE magazine. A supposed text conversation (which was later denied) between Heard and Depp's assistant Stephen Deuters, in which he apologised for his abuse, were also leaked.
On June 3, she filed a defamation lawsuit against comic Doug Stanhope, in response to a piece he wrote for The Wrap in which he accused her of blackmailing the supersta.
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Depp is reportedly "waiting for his day in court", the mag adds.
That day is soon - in fact, it's June 17 when a judge will assess the status of a temporary restraining order that was granted against Depp. He has been busy touring Europe with his band Hollywood Vampires.
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Most recently, it was reported that Heard was arrested for domestic violence in 2009 in an incident with ex-girlfriend Tasya van Ree. The photographer has come out in defence of her former partner, saying: "I recount hints of misogynistic attitudes toward us which later appeared to be homophobic when they found out we were domestic partners and not just 'friends'. Charges were quickly dropped and she was released moments later."
Depp's friend Benicio Del Toro dsecibed the Danish Girl actress as being "really twisted...but I dont know the specifics."
Laura Whitmore attends the House of Dior Boutique Launch Party in New Bond Street on June 8, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Gerrish/Getty Images for Dior)
Millie Mackintosh and Laura Whitmore pose for a photograph at the Investec Derby festival at Epsom Racecourse on June 6, 2015 in Epsom, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Model Vogue Williams on Ladies Day during the 2016 Investec Epsom Derby Festival at Epsom Racecourse, Epsom. Picture: John Walton/PA Wire
Millie Mackintosh attends the opening of the House Of Dior on New Bond Street on June 8, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Laura Whitmore & Professor Green are both seen here as they leave The 2016 Glamour Women Of The Year Awards. Picture: Splash News
Professor Green definitely has a type.
The rapper (32) who recently divorced from wife of two years Millie Mackintosh, was has reportedly been enjoying "secret dates" with Irish model Vogue Williams; - but another Irish lady has caught his eye - Laura Whitmore.
Green, real name Stephen Manderson, was spotted on a date with the former Fade Street star at a London pub where they were spotted looking cosy before heading back to his pad.
"They looked completely relaxed eating out in the sunshine," an insider told The Sun.
Expand Close Laura Whitmore & Professor Green are both seen here as they leave The 2016 Glamour Women Of The Year Awards. Picture: Splash News / Facebook
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Whatsapp Laura Whitmore & Professor Green are both seen here as they leave The 2016 Glamour Women Of The Year Awards. Picture: Splash News
"After lunch, the two of them walked back to his just down the road and went inside."
However, a spokesperson for Williams, who said her former marriage to Brian McFadden "overshadows" her career, refused to comment on the report.
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Green hasn't been wasting any time making the most of single life though as he was pictured partying with Laura Whitmore on Tuesday night as they left the Glamour Women of the Year Awards together.
Whitmore, who was recently linked to former Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden and Leonardo DiCaprio, is currently single since splitting with boyfriend of one year Rory Wililams.
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Green split with former Made in Chelsea star Millie in February and the pair were granted a quickie divorce just months later. Both she and the Bray native attended the House of Dior boutique launch on Wednesday night.
They're also good friends who mingle in the same 'it girl' London social circles including front row seats at London Fashion Week, mingling at Epsom Derby and vying for the largest Instagram following.
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Struggling to keep up? Welcome to our world.
Legendary former Irish scrum-half Peter Stringer and wife Debbie OLeary leave church after their wedding at Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion, at the Plaza de la Iglesia, in Marbella, Spain. Photo: Solarpix.com
Peter and his bride Debbie are jetting off to Barbados
Peter Stringer and Debbie O'Leary on their wedding and inset, Debbie in Dubai
Rugby star Peter Stringer and wife Debbie OLeary are celebrating their one year wedding anniversary on the sandy beaches of Dubai.
The former Ireland star wed the marketing professional in an intimate outdoor ceremony in Marbella last year.
The blonde beauty posted a lust-worthy snap to Instagram on Wednesday of the clear seas and blue skies of the United Arab Emirates.
Both husband and wife posted tributes on Instagram to commend the special day.
D U B A I // #travel #love snapchatmrsdebstringer A photo posted by Debbie Stringer (@debbieoleary) on Jun 8, 2016 at 12:44am PDT
This day last year. Happy Anniversary, wrote OLeary.
The couple, who have been together for seven years, have recently returned from a relaxing trip island hopping across Greece.
F R I D A Y // // It would be pretty nice if every Friday started like this A photo posted by Debbie Stringer (@debbieoleary) on May 13, 2016 at 3:26am PDT
Stringer renewed his contract earlier this year with Sale Sharks in the United Kingdom, where he and his sweetheart are based.
Nadia Forde, Donncha O'Callaghan and Paul O'Connell were among the famous faces to attend the couples Spain wedding.
Expand Close Legendary former Irish scrum-half Peter Stringer and wife Debbie OLeary leave church after their wedding at Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion, at the Plaza de la Iglesia, in Marbella, Spain. Photo: Solarpix.com / Facebook
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Whatsapp Legendary former Irish scrum-half Peter Stringer and wife Debbie OLeary leave church after their wedding at Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion, at the Plaza de la Iglesia, in Marbella, Spain. Photo: Solarpix.com
Forde (26) moved to Japan in April with her boyfriend Dominic Day, who is signed to Japanese rugby team Toyota Verblitz.
For Hollywood actresses, a place in the big leagues often comes at a cost. Become too famous and in-demand like Keira Knightley, and directors like John Carney denounce you as a 'supermodel' who hides who she is. Dare to be too pretty (like Alicia Vikander) or too enslaved to Hollywood's bodily ideal (like, well, everyone else), and your ornamental worth all but eclipses your professional endeavours.
Yet a 22-year-old from Carlow has managed to crack Hollywood's most enigmatic code. Save some hearty (albeit unintentional) plugging of a Dublin nail salon on Ellen DeGeneres' show, Saoirse Ronan has given the cosmetics contract gravy train a rather wide berth. No-one knows what her workout regime is like, or indeed her views of body image.
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Almost a decade on from her first Oscar nod (at 13, for 'Atonement'), Saoirse has also cleverly eschewed the other trappings of fame: impulsive tweeting, showmances, pap shots, red-carpet attention grabbing. Like Jodie Foster before her, she is no one's idea of a former child star. Effectively walking off the Oscars red carpet in February straight to the bright lights of Broadway (where she appeared in 'The Crucible'), Saoirse has managed that most impressive of high-wire feats: she is an actor's actor.
Little wonder, then, that 'Time' magazine has anointed her one of 10 'next generation leaders'. Unadorned, alert and directional on the magazine's cover, her words inside are even more hard-hitting: "It's important for me to play intelligent women, because I think in art, you have a responsibility to portray real life," she says.
"It's even more important now that there's such a massive shift towards feminism that men and women see strong, complex women onscreen. I'm not being bigheaded, but I'm not a dummy. So I don't want to play someone who is a dummy onscreen. It's just boring."
If we're talking co-ordinates, Saoirse Ronan is fast finding herself in the same galaxy as Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep and Julie Walters: women who have been lauded for their craft, and respected enough to let their talent be the most compelling thing about them. Suffice to say that it's a boon not handed out lightly to female actors. The best part of all? There has been relatively little effort on Saoirse's part to be taken seriously.
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Has it all been by accident or design? Perhaps a little of both. While Saoirse is primed to take a spot in the higher echelons of acting talent, she has lost little of her youthful vim. Spotted having a crafty drink during the Oscars, missing her cue at the Golden Globes the Saoirse Machine isn't so tightly controlled so as not to let her own playful personality peek through. Irish novelist Belinda McKeon interviewed Saoirse for the 'New York Times' in 2013, and spent a day carousing through Dublin with the young star.
"She was as grounded as it gets," recalls Belinda. She was so chatty - and her parents too... though what struck me about her was how deeply interested she was in things outside herself. Any journalist has a narcissist-radar. She was all about other people and other things, not herself.
"We went to Costume and Jenny Vanders and looked at clothes," she adds. "I remember she fell in love with a dress but it was e600 and she couldn't justify it.
"Later at dinner she and her mother talked about it, but the price was clearly not something they considered realistic. She's the real deal and she succeeds because she works damn hard and has a deep-down, truly-inhabited talent." In several ways, the child significantly explains the woman: born in New York but growing up in Carlow to Dubliners Paul and Monica, the youngster saw the thin end of the acting wedge at close range from an early age. In between acting jobs, Paul worked as a barman: Monica, as a nanny. She remains 'pals' with her parents, as she calls them, and while Paul is still her manager, her parents are no longer her constant chaperones.
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"Ma watched Dad lose out on parts or star in shows off-off-Broadway and make buttons. She watched these really talented people never get the shot they deserved. So they prepared me to be realistic," she told 'Time' magazine.
"And that's good, because the moment fame becomes a priority, you should give it up." Saoirse's early career landed her small roles in RTE series like 'The Clinic' and 'Proof', she found herself playing Briony Tallis opposite Keira Knightley in the big-screen adaptation of Ian McEwan's 'Atonement'.
The author himself was moved by the youngster's performance. "She gives us thought processes right on screen, even before she speaks, and conveys so much with her eyes," he enthused.
Her 'Grand Budapest Hotel' co-star Ralph Fiennes, incidentally, is equally effusive: "I think she's completely natural," he says.
"She just seems to have been gifted with something, where she seems to have none of the anxiety the rest of us have. She's very special."
A lofty demand for a pre-teen, yet Monica is credited for keeping the young actress grounded on those Hollywood sets.
"To have someone with you from 10 to 19 when you're on a set, who has perspective and is only there to look out for you, it really means that you have a more realistic way of looking at this entire world," she told 'New York' magazine last year.
And, after impressing in a varied platter of parts, from high-octane action ('Hanna') through to quirky indie ('The Grand Budapest Hotel'), others have lauded Saoirse's ability to delve deep inside roles.
Speaking about 'How I Live Now', she said: "I had done three films that were very ethereal, were quite supernatural ..."I became very worried that I was going to be pigeonholed.
"And even though being an ethereal character is better than the girl next door, to be honest, I wanted to play somebody who was a current teenage girl, who cursed, and was a bit of a bitch, and had bleached blond hair, and worried about sex, and all these things that I hadn't really dealt with as much." She found her role in 'Brooklyn'- whch echoed an experience similar to that of her own emigre parents - similarly demanding.
"I've never worked as hard as that, and I definitely needed a bit of emotional support because it's too close to home," she said.
Some might say that Saoirse's astute picking of roles is intrinsic to her ongoing appeal. Hard work, coupled with this chameleon-like quality and no shortage of intelligence, means that once Saoirse finishes her current run of 'The Crucible' on Broadway, there is little time for repose.
She stars alongside Helen McCrory and Aidan Turner in 'Loving Vincent', a film about the life of Vincent Van Gogh. Also on the slate is 'The Seagull', in which Saoirse plays an ingenue actress opposite Annette Bening's fading star. Indie-queen Greta Gerwig has also hand-picked Saoirse for her directorial debut 'Lady Bird'.
Another of Ian McEwan's novels, 'On Chesil Beach', is in pre-production, and it comes as no surprise to find Saoirse in the role of a nervous, complicated young woman on her wedding night.
A varied and hectic few months, ahead, certainly, but it's safe to assume that Saoirse has an eye on the long game. The smart money says that, like Jodie Foster before her, the Carlow actress could well make the improbable journey from child star to lauded Hollywood director. Recently, Saoirse interviewed Jodie for 'Interview' magazine, and has realised since that they share a commonality beyond their on-camera endeavours.
"I was talking to (Jodie) and we were both saying it was a huge, huge influence to have our mothers with us when we were young and mothers who came from more of an ethical standpoint than a business one," Saoirse is quoted as saying.
Now based in New York for work, Saoirse remains based in Ireland in between projects. And while red carpets, talk shows and vast sound stages become an even bigger part of her life, Carlow remains a huge part of what makes her an actors' actor.
"I'd grown up outside LA, so I wasn't exposed to the competitive side of that world, where you feel like you have to do a thousand and one things in order to keep up with everyone else," she says.
"I didn't have that pressure of feeling like I needed to be exposed more or do a big studio film in order to get more work. It was down to the type of work I wanted to do."
Iraqi security forces and civilians gather at the scene of a suicide car bomb attack in New Baghdad (AP)
Iraqi security forces and civilians gather at the scene of a deadly suicide car bomb attack in the New Baghdad neighbourhood of Baghdad (AP)
Two suicide attacks in and around the Iraqi capital have killed at least 31 people and wounded dozens, officials said.
The deadliest attack took place in a commercial area of a majority Shiite neighbourhood in Baghdad. At least 19 civilians were killed and 46 wounded, police said.
Another suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into an Iraqi army checkpoint north of Baghdad, killing at least 12 people, police said. Seven civilians and five troops were killed in the attack in the town of Taji, about 12 miles north of the capital, a police officer said. At least 32 people were wounded, he added.
Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures.
In an online statement, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack in the New Baghdad neighbourhood, saying it targeted Shiite militia members.
It later claimed responsibility for the Taji bombing in a second online statement, saying it was targeting the Iraqi army.
The authenticity of the statements could not be verified, but they were posted on a militant website commonly used by the extremists.
The Sunni militant group often targets Iraq's Shiite majority, security forces and government officials. Baghdad has seen near-daily attacks in recent weeks.
In a statement, the UN special envoy to Iraq, Jan Kubis, described the attacks as "cowardly acts," saying they are "not only aim at inflicting a heavy toll on the civilian population, but also seek to weaken the country's unity and destroy its social fabric."
"The Daesh terrorists should not be allowed to succeed," Mr Kubis added, using the Arabic language acronym for the Islamic State group.
The deadly attacks in the capital and beyond are seen by Iraqi officials as an attempt by the militants to distract the security forces' attention from the front lines. The attacks came a day after Iraqi special forces pushed into the IS-held city of Fallujah in a large-scale military operation launched last month.
Fallujah, which is about 40 miles west of Baghdad, is one of the last major IS strongholds in western Iraq. The extremist group still controls territory in the country's north and west, as well as Mosul, Iraq's second largest city.
A former Stanford University student who was convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a bin on campus lied about his substance abuse, court documents have shown.
In an emotive letter to a judge before being sentenced, Brock Turner portrayed himself as an innocent who had never partied much before his arrest for the sexual assault
However, texts and videos on his video tell a different story, according to latest reports obtained by the San Jose Mercury News from confidential court reports.
A video on his phone December 27 2014 roughly a month before the sexual assault depicting Turner smoking from a bong and drinking out of a bottle of liquor immediately after taking a bong hit, a sentencing memo states.
Police also found text messages with references to buying pot and acid that were sent during Turners senior year of high school.
Oh dude I did acid with last week, he wrote on July 25, 2014.
The month before, his sister had texted him: Did you rage last night?
His case has hit international headlines after the judge reduced Turner's potential 14-year sentence in state prison to six months in county jail because he had no history of convictions. The sentencing has been criticised as far too lenient.
Stanford University banned the former student permanently from their campus two weeks after the assault.
He must register as a sex offender and he lost his swimming scholarship to Stanford.
A letter from Turner's father to the judge has also been released to the media, in which he complains that his son's life had been ruined for '20 minutes of action'.
The 23-year-old victim's powerful victim impact statement was released by the Santa Clara County Government for publication.
The 7,000-word plus statement depicts how the shock she felt at finding out what happened to her after the attack, and how the attack has had a disastrous impact on her life since.
Her statement has been read millions of times since it was published on Buzzfeed and was also read live on CNN by anchor Ashleigh Banfield.
In letters of support, Turners loved ones and defenders insisted the rape was simply a drunken mistake.
There is no doubt Brock made a mistake that night he made a mistake in drinking excessively to the point where he could not fully appreciate that his female acquaintance was so intoxicated, retired federal prosecutor Margaret M. Quinn wrote to the judge.
I know Brock did not go to that party intending to hurt, or entice, or overpower anyone.
In a now-infamous letter, Turners father said his sons life should not be ruined over 20 minutes of action.
After Turners six months behind bars, he will be on probation for three years during which hell be banned from buying alcohol, and must submit to regular chemical tests.
The 37-year-old sisters were traveling on Hana Highway when their Ford Explorer crashed into a rock wall last week, plunging 200 feet
Alexandria Duval, previously Alison Dadow, had been accused of murdering her twin sister
A Maui judge is ordering the release of a woman accused in the death of her twin sister after finding there's no probable cause for a murder charge.
Court records show Judge Blaine Kobayashi ordered the release of Alexandria Duval during her preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Expand Close The 37-year-old sisters were traveling on Hana Highway when their Ford Explorer crashed into a rock wall last week, plunging 200 feet / Facebook
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Whatsapp The 37-year-old sisters were traveling on Hana Highway when their Ford Explorer crashed into a rock wall last week, plunging 200 feet
Prosecutors say Ms Duval, who changed her name from Alison Dadow, intentionally caused the death of her sister when she allegedly drove them off a cliff last week.
Anastasia Duval, whose previous name was Ann Dadow, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told police they heard them arguing before the crash and that the passenger was pulling the driver's hair.
Ms Duval's defense attorney, Todd Eddins, is now trying to bail her out.
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Mr Eddins says she's still in custody because of charges related to a previous arrest involving disorderly conduct.
The identical twin sisters always lived together, played together and worked together, operating what were once two of the hottest yoga studios in the Palm Beach, Florida, area.
They would finish each other's sentences, and while they had boyfriends, their relationship seemed to come first.
But after a reality TV project fell through, the two descended into a cross-country spiral of business failures, debts, arguments and drunken run-ins with the law that all came to a tragic end last week.
That was when their SUV plunged off a 200-foot cliff in Hawaii during what was described as a hair-pulling fight over the steering wheel.
Anastasia, 37, was killed, and Alexandria was arrested and jailed on second-degree murder charges, accused of deliberately causing her sister's death.
Mr Eddins says his client wants to travel to upstate New York in time for her sister's funeral.
Hassan Khan shows the picture of his wife Zeenat Rafiq on a mobile phone at his home in Lahore, Pakistan. Photo: AP
A woman in Pakistan is suspected of burning her 17-year-old daughter alive to punish her for marrying against the family's wishes.
Police said Zeenat Rafiq had been tied to a bed and drenched with kerosene before being set on fire.
Neighbours in the eastern city of Lahore came running when they heard the screams, but family members kept them from entering the house, said Nighat Bibi, who lives nearby.
Police eventually arrived and found the charred body near a staircase. They arrested the mother, Parveen, soon thereafter.
The victim's husband, Hassan Khan, told reporters the two had been "in love since our school days", but the family had rejected several marriage proposals, forcing them to elope last month. He showed an affidavit of consent signed by his wife before a magistrate. He also showed mobile phone photos of a smiling Zeenat wearing a red dress.
Sheikh Hammad, a local police official, said Parveen confessed to killing her daughter with the help of her son Ahmar. He quoted the woman as saying: "I don't have any regrets."
Another police officer, Ibadat Nisar, said the body showed signs of beating and strangulation.
Hundreds of women are killed every year in Pakistan - often by their own family members - for violating the country's conservative norms regarding love and marriage.
Sex outside of marriage is seen by conservative Pakistanis as a stain on the honour of the woman's entire family, one that can only be removed by killing her.
Last week a school teacher, Maria Bibi, was set on fire for refusing to marry a man twice her age.
A month earlier, police arrested 13 members of a local tribal council who allegedly strangled a girl and set her on fire for helping a friend elope. The charred body of 17-year-old Ambreen Riasat was found in a burned van.
Mr Khan, the husband of the woman killed in Lahore, said her mother and uncle had visited her three days ago to try to persuade her to return home and have a marriage ceremony with the family, so that she would not be branded as someone who had eloped.
He recalled his wife telling him: "Don't let me go, they will kill me."
Brock Turner was sentenced to six months in prison (Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office/AP)
A former Stanford University swimmer whose six-month sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman caused widespread outrage will leave prison three months early.
Online inmate records show 20-year-old Brock Turner is expected to be released from the Santa Clara County jail on September 2. He was sentenced on June 2.
County jail inmates serve 50% of their sentences if they keep a clean disciplinary record.
Turner of Dayton, Ohio, was convicted of attacking the woman he met at a fraternity party in January 2015 and was sentenced last week to six months in jail and three years' probation.
The sentence triggered criticism that a star athlete from a privileged background received special treatment. Prosecutors had asked for six years in prison.
Meanwhile, a high school guidance counsellor and a childhood friend of Turner apologised for writing letters of support ahead of his sentencing.
Oakwood High School counsellor Kelly Owens, of Dayton, told her school district that she should not have become involved in the case. She told the judge that Turner was "absolutely undeserving of the outcome" of the trial.
A post on a Facebook page appearing to belong to Turner's friend Leslie Rasmussen said she made a mistake and apologised for not acknowledging the severity of the crime.
Later it emerged vice president Joe Biden had written an open letter to the victim.
Mr Biden, who wrote the 1994 Violence Against Women Act and is involved in the White House's "It's On Us" campaign against campus sexual assault, sent the letter to BuzzFeed News on Thursday.
He wrote: "I do not know your name - but your words are forever seared on my soul."
He said her statement should be required reading, though they're "words that I wish with all of my heart you never had to write".
Islamic State militants are retreating from their main bastion in Libya, as militiamen allied to a UN-brokered government pushed into the central city of Sirte, officials said.
Some militants reportedly shaved off their beards to escape while the pro-government fighters, mostly from the western Libyan city of Misrata, pushed into the city centre in their tanks and pick-up trucks mounted with machine guns.
At a main roundabout, the militiamen dismantled the metal frame of what some Sirte residents had dubbed the "stage of horror" - a podium used by IS for public beheadings and extrajudicial killings during its reign of terror.
Videos circulated on social media show triumphant militiamen flashing victory signs and chanting "Allahu-Akbar" or "God is Great" as they drive around Sirte.
The capture of Sirte capped a month-long offensive by the Libyan militiamen to take the IS stronghold - it was the only major IS-held city outside Syria and Iraq, and was seen as a possible fallback option for the capital of its self-styled caliphate.
The IS extremists are currently struggling to fend off advances on a number of fronts, including in the Iraqi city of Fallujah and the northern Syrian provinces of Aleppo and Raqqa.
In Libya, militiamen from the western city of Misrata have been the main fighting force for the UN-brokered unity government that was installed in Tripoli earlier this year. For nearly four weeks, the militiamen have been advancing from the west and south against IS. The extremist group dispatched suicide bombers against the militiamen, who lost dozens of fighters last month.
On Wednesday, the militias pushed deeper into Sirte, which lies in the central part of Libya's Mediterranean coastline. On Thursday, they reached the city's key Zafarana roundabout, where they dismantled the stage where Human Rights Watch says IS killed at least 49 people.
Misrata-based media official Ahmed Hadiya said his forces found sinks full of shaved-off beards and long hair inside a Sirte school taken from IS, suggesting that the militants tried to get rid of their trademark looks before fleeing.
Left behind were also militant cell phones, IS paraphernalia and leaflets pledging allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to a Misrata who shared photos he took of the items with The Associated Press.
A militia commander, Ali bin Gharbiya, claimed in an audio message posted on Facebook that the victory against IS militants in Sirte was quick. "Except for a little bit of anti-aircraft fire, they immediately withdrew," he says.
The government forces next goal was the Ouagadougou gigantic convention centre, another city landmark, Mr Hadiya said.
The centre was the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's one-time favourite conference hall where he hosted lavish African and Arab summits. IS had turned it into its headquarters and held graduation ceremonies there for those who completed IS-organised courses.
"The Daesh are cornered inside and around the centre," Mr Hadiya said, using the Arabic language acronym for the Islamic State group. "Our forces are preparing... to seize the centre."
IS militants unexpectedly showed little resistance once the militiamen pushed into their bastion. This could signal either a tactical retreat or a reflection of the small size of IS fighters remaining inside the city - after Western officials have earlier estimated IS strength in Sirte to be over 5,000 men.
IS and other extremists have exploited the chaos that followed the 2011 overthrow of Gaddafi in a Nato-backed uprising, establishing strongholds just across the Mediterranean Sea from Europe. Libya meanwhile sunk deeper into turmoil, with the country's feuding factions splitting it into two parliaments and rival governments.
This year, Western nations have thrown their support behind the UN-backed government in hopes of ending the rivalry between authorities based in the capital, Tripoli, and in the country's far east.
According to Ziad Hadia, who represents Sirte in the parliament based in eastern Libya, more than 2,000 IS fighters are thought to remain in the city. Foreign fighters, mostly from Tunisia and sub-Saharan Africa, account for more than 85% of the fighters, he added.
The Western-backed unity government, in the absence of an organized and unified army, has depended on the Misrata militias, among the country's most powerful.
Meanwhile, another force that answers to army leader Khalifa Hifter, based in the country's east, has announced that it has deployed fighters south of Sirte. A third armed group, which has declared its loyalty to the UN-backed government, on Thursday took the town of Hawara, east of Sirte, from IS. The group has also taken other small towns located between Sirte and an oil-rich area in eastern Libya in recent weeks.
Hifter has also been battling Islamic militias in the eastern city of Benghazi and the former IS stronghold of Darna, where his forces have carried out airstrikes. On Thursday, four civilians were killed, including three children, when an air strike hit a storehouse in a crowded area of Darna, according to the city's lawmaker Hamid Al-Bandag.
Mr Hadiya said the assault on Sirte has cost the Misrata militiamen the lives of 130 fighters and that about 400 have been wounded. Among the fatalities were two former government ministers who took up arms to battle IS, Mohammed Sawalem and Abdel-Rahman al-Kissa.
Before he was killed in Sirte, al-Kissa said on his Facebook page that fighting IS was a "gift from God... this is a sacred war."
Some 375 migrants have been saved from ships in the Mediterranean off the coast of Libya last night, officials said.
Yesterday afternoon at 12.57pm, the Irish Navy ship LE Roisin followed a request from Italian authorities to rescue 139 migrants from a rubber dingy 29 nautical miles north east of the Libyan capital Tripoli.
Immediately afterwards, the vessel was re-tasked to transfer a further 236 migrants from an NGO ship, the Aquarius.
The Defence Forces said the migrants were provided with food, water and medical treatment once on board the vessel.
A spokesperson said the LE Roisin arrived at the Sicilian port of Catania at 10.30am today, where the migrants disembarked by 1pm.
They have since been transferred to the Italian authorities, while the LE Roisin makes its way to the port of Valletta for refuelling and supply ahead of further tasks.
The vessel left Haulbowline, Cork, on May 2, 2016, and has rescued 782 people to date.
The students are demanding that Prime Minister Peter O'Neill resign because of alleged corruption and mismanagement
The University of Papua New Guinea has banned student protesters from further demonstrations following a violent scuffle with police.
The move came as officials tried to piece together what happened during a clash that left scores of students wounded.
The university obtained an injunction from the National Court that restricts the students involved in Wednesday's confrontation from boycotting classes and barricading or locking classrooms in protest.
The court order was issued after police fired gunshots to quell a student protest in the South Pacific nation's capital, Port Moresby.
The students have been demanding for weeks that Prime Minister Peter O'Neill resign because of alleged corruption and mismanagement.
Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop said the situation in Port Moresby remained volatile, and that Australia had offered Papua New Guinea help to stem further unrest.
"We are calling for calm. Obviously, lawful and peaceful protests should be allowed," she told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio.
"The police response should at all times be proportionate."
The government denied initial reports students had been killed in the scuffle, but acknowledged several people had been injured.
The exact number of protesters who were hurt was unclear. Mr O'Neill said five people had been injured, the country's police commissioner said 23 were hurt, five critically, and Amnesty International said 38 people were injured, four critically.
Both sides blamed each other. Mr O'Neill said he was told a small group of students became violent, threw rocks at police and "provoked a response that came in the form of tear gas and warning shots".
He said an investigation was under way.
Protesters said they had done nothing to prompt aggression from police and accused the officers of firing directly at students.
"The shooting of students peacefully protesting is reminiscent of the worst excesses of repressive regimes in the region," said Rafendi Djamin of Amnesty International.
"Papua New Guinea's authorities must establish a prompt, impartial and independent investigation to determine who is responsible for the unnecessary and excessive use of force."
Staycey Yalo, a journalism student at the university, said she and the other protesters encountered a line of police officers blocking them when they tried to march to Parliament.
The police demanded they hand over the student president, and when the protesters said no, an argument broke out, she said.
"They threw tear gas and amidst the smoke, they started shooting directly at the students," she said. "That's when we all ran."
Police in vehicles began chasing after the protesters, with officers firing from their cars at fleeing students, Ms Yalo said.
Members of the American and French military have been advising forces fighting IS in northern Syria
US-backed fighters have closed all major roads leading to the northern Syrian town of Manbij, a stronghold of the Islamic State group, and surrounded it from three sides, officials and Syrian opposition activists said.
The town is one of the largest areas held by IS in the northern Aleppo province. Many of its residents fled in advance of the upcoming battle.
Manbij is a waypoint on an IS supply line between the Turkish border and the extremist group's de facto capital, Raqqa. If the US-backed Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) capture Manbij, it will be the extremists' biggest defeat in Syria since government forces captured the central historic town of Palmyra in March.
The US Central Command said the operation to free Manbij is part of the "moderate Syrian opposition" efforts to clear areas along the border with Turkey from IS. Members of the American and French military have been advising forces fighting IS in northern Syria.
A statement by the Military Council of the City of Manbij, which is part of the SDF, said that all roads from the east, north and south have been cut. The group said they are now close enough to target IS inside the town, but they are holding off storming Manbij to avoid civilian casualties.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said SDF fighters are about 800 metres from the last main road linking Manbij with the city of Aleppo, saying that the road is now closed by fire fights.
The observatory said that since the SDF offensive began on May 31, 132 IS fighters, 21 SDF fighters and 37 civilians have been killed.
Mustafa Bali, a Syrian journalist who visited the front lines in Manbij on Thursday, said that the extremists do not appear to be preparing to withdraw from Manbij as they had from other areas.
He added that on Wednesday black clouds covered the city as IS set tyres alight to apparently obscure visibility inside Manbij and prevent air strikes by the US-led coalition planes flying overhead.
"Daesh is preparing for a battle inside the city," Bali said, using an Arabic acronym to refer to IS.
SDF official Nasser Haj Mansour said on Wednesday that some 15,000 civilians had fled Manbij.
The US Central Command said that since the start of their offensive to liberate Manbij, SDF's Syrian Arab Coalition had freed 344 sq km from IS control. It said that the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve has conducted more than 105 strikes in support of the battle to liberate Manbij.
"The Syrian Arab Coalition is leading the operation and will be responsible for securing Manbij once it is freed," the statement said. It was an apparent attempt to calm Arab residents of Manbij, who fear that the Kurdish fighters, who are predominant in the SDF, will also enter the town.
The statement said coalition advisers are assisting the fighters in the battles "with command and control from nodes located behind the forward line of friendly forces."
It said the US-led coalition air power had destroyed 108 IS fighting position, 31 vehicles, 17 heavy weapons, two weapons caches and one vehicle borne improvised explosive device.
In France, an official confirmed that French special forces are offering training and giving advice to SDF fighters. The official with the French Defence Ministry said its forces are with SDF fighters who are fighting against IS.
In a round-table interview last week, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said French forces were participating. "We are helping with arms, we are helping with aerial support, we are helping with advice," he said.
The US also has around 300 Special Forces embedded with the SDF in northern Syria.
Also Thursday, the UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said that the Syrian government had granted approval for humanitarian aid to be delivered to 19 UN-designated "besieged areas" in Syria by the end of the month.
He cautioned that having these approvals granted would not automatically translate into actual aid deliveries. In the past, aid convoys have been stopped last minute or had some cargo taken off.
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By Ray Chandler, Special to Independent Mail
BASF plans to expand its operations in Oconee County.
The expansion will produce no immediate gains in jobs, but plant officials said the new investment will prepare the Seneca plant for further expansion of the operations that could mean new jobs in the future.
The Oconee County Council on Tuesday passed 5-0 a 20-year fee-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the company to facilitate the expansion.
The company plans to invest up to $60 million, and under the terms of the agreement $30 million must be invested within the first five years and then maintained for at least 10 years. In the remaining 25 years of the agreement, the company's investment must not be less than $25 million.
According to county projections, the net cost in revenue to the county over the 20-year term of the agreement will be about $2.1 million. The net local economic impact of the agreement, however, is projected to be a gain of about $25.2 million.
Will Teasdale, site manager of the Seneca BASF plant, said the Seneca plant was required to compete within the BASF company for expansion, with the chief competition being the company's main plant in Germany that employees 38,000 workers.
The Seneca plant employs about 475 workers.
The ability of the Seneca plant to compete for such an expansion positions the plant for a more important part in the conglomerate's overall operations, Teasdale said.
The Seneca plant produces specialty chemical catalysts and precious metal salts and solutions for other chemical processes. It also produces products for removing metals and other contaminants from drinking water.
"We may not find out exactly what they do there, but they invest a lot of money in Oconee County, and we're grateful for that," said County Council Chairman Paul Cain.
In other business Tuesday, the County Council also adopted the version of the proposed 2016-2017 county budget that will get its first public hearing on June 14. A second public hearing has been scheduled for June 21.
The proposed budget, the fourth version of a county budget that the council has considered since April, includes a 1.5 mill hike in the county's property tax rate to balance the proposed $44.3 million operations budget.
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By Ray Chandler, Special to Independent Mail
WALHALLA Wilson Burr, a candidate for the 10th Judicial Circuit Solicitor post, said Thursday he is calling for a state probe into a $1.26 million account held by the solicitor's office that Burr labeled "a slush fund," a characterization the current solicitor dismissed.
As far as he can determine, the account has not been audited, which is what he is calling on state officials to do, Burr said.
Current 10th Circuit Solicitor Chrissy Adams, who is not seeking re-election, said the account is used to pay for health benefits for solicitor's office retirees.
"Wilson Burr has no idea about the inner workings of the solicitor's office, and that is one of his problems," Adams said.
The account in question, according to documents made available Thursday by Burr, is with the Charles Schwab brokerage firm and managed by Wagner Wealth Management LLC, which has its main office is in Greenville.
As of April, the date of the statement in Burr's possession, the account contained $1,258,701.83.
Burr, who is competing for the Republican nomination to succeed Adams against Assistant Solicitor David Wagner and former Assistant Solicitor Rame Campbell, called a news conference Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Oconee County Courthouse.
Burr said he has filed a complaint with the South Carolina Office of Inspector General requesting an audit of the account.
He added that in an effort to determine the origin of the money in the account, he has also filed Freedom of Information Act requests with both Anderson County and Oconee County. He requested accounting, he said, of all money the counties paid to the 10th Circuit solicitor's office from sources such as the drug program, the bad check program, the pretrial intervention program and record expungement fees, among other sources.
Adams, contacted by phone, said the account in question held the solicitor's office's funds for the Retiree Health Reimbursement Arrangement, which pays for retirees's health benefits.
"This account existed before I took office," Adams said. "We're required to maintain it."
The fund contains state and county money and retirees' contributions, and deposits are made from it to retirees' accounts to cover health insurance costs, Adams said.
The solicitor said she had no objections to Burr's requested audit of the account.
"Nothing wrong is being done with the money," she said. "It's for the benefits of the retirees."
Adams said Wagner Wealth Management LLC was not connected to David Wagner.
Burr said he was not sure who had provided him with the statement for the account, but it had come into his possession late Wednesday.
He said he supposed the provider was reacting to claims his opponents, Wagner and Campbell, had made at a candidates forum Tuesday in Walhalla that the 10th Circuit solicitor's office was "hard up for money."
Burr said he would make the information he has on the account available to his opponents when they meet again Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at a forum in the event center of the Keowee Key community in Oconee County.
SHARE FRANCES PARRISH/INDEPENDENT MAIL Crescent High School Principal Devon Smith is retiring from his work in the field of education after 31 years.
By Frances Parrish of the Independent Mail
IVA Students have asked Crescent High School Principal Devon Smith to stay one more year hundreds of times. They just want him to hand them their diplomas. Not because he was soft, but because he was tough.
"I've been getting letters from students saying 'Because of what you said, I set a goal. By reaching that goal I have the opportunity to go to school.' Or 'Because you were firm and strict, I learned to follow the rules,"" Smith said. "Parents have come over to me after graduation and said, 'Thank you for taking care of my child.' Those are the sorts of things that stand out to me."
Retiring after 31 years of working in the field of education is a bittersweet moment for Smith. He's touched thousands of lives, and the students' successes have been the most important thing to him.
"It's that student who didn't have success at home, and I was able to help them see success," Smith said. "To see them get that diploma, those are some of the most important things."
Those who work with Smith know him as a disciplinarian who has high expectations for his students and teachers. His approach to discipline stresses consistency.
"A big mistake principals make is giving a break to the 'good kids,'" Smith said. "I've been in a school where kids got different punishments. I vowed that if I were in charge of discipline, it would not be like that."
When he started at Crescent, in Iva, 15 years ago he rewrote the handbook so students and teachers clearly understood the rules and the punishments for breaking those rules.
"Devon brought a good discipline structure and has run a well-managed high school," said newly hired District 3 Superintendent Kathy Hipp. "He's been a leader in increasing on-time graduation rates and academic success. He came in during a time when we had a lot of turnover in leadership at the school. He brought consistent leadership."
While he was strict in terms of punishment, he also understood students had bad days and that education is about learning, he said.
Smith's philosophy about education is: take care of children and treat them like your own, and they will be successful, said Brian Roach, a teacher at Crescent.
He pushed students to do their academic best and created a makeup work program to give students every chance to succeed. He also increased offerings for academic and elective classes. The school's graduation rate has increased to 89.3 percent in 2015 from 67.3 percent in 2008, according to the South Carolina Department of Education.
Smith created a faculty council as a way to keep teachers informed of any changes and to collaborate with new ideas for the school.
Smith hired Roach, a social studies teacher on the Crescent faculty council, right out of college. Roach thought he'd only stay a couple of years, but he stayed for 13 years because of Smith's leadership.
"My first year was rough, but he gave me encouragement and wisdom," Roach said. "He taught me to look at things like a student would. Flexibility is what he taught me. Don't think in terms of black and white. There's a lot of gray in what we do. He always believed if a kid has a little success, it would go a long way."
Smith always knew he was meant to be a teacher, he said. He tried to be a chemist and not follow in his mother's footsteps. It took six years for him to realize the classroom was where he needed to be.
Now he's got some decisions to make about what to do next. A few ideas are to work at a funeral home like his father after he retired from the ministry, or to work with a landscaper. He's even considered running for the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2018 to be an advocate for students and impoverished residents. He would also push for less emphasis on tests in school accountability plans.
"I still have much to do," he said. "I have wanted to be a public servant for quite some time."
Star-Iva Middle School Principal Barry Jacks will be the new principal at Crescent. He has been given the responsibility of taking the school to the next level with more online classroom resources.
"Barry brings new ideas," Hipp said. "We are looking at a new high school design with more blended learning opportunities."
Follow Frances Parrish on Twitter @frances_AIM
This train engine was built from recycled materials.
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By Salley Mcinerney
Cowpens or Cope-ins? Hearsayer Martha of lovely Lavonia (Ga.) has a similar story to the one recently told here concerning the curious matter of Possum Kingdom, a community near Anderson that is famous for the kind of directions folks get when they inquire as to where PK actually is. Folks down the road from PK will tell you it's "just up the road a ways" and folks just up the road will tell you it's "just down the road a ways." Geographically speaking, no one seems willing to claim the place. So here's what Hearsayer Mar had to say: "A lot of people will probably remember when a young woman from South Carolina won Miss America. The commentator asked her what town she was from and she said, ?Cope-ins.' She was from Cowpens, but I guess I wouldn't want to say Cowpens, either, would you?" Sorry, Mar, but Hearsay ain't willing to step into that one.
Neat "recycled" train engine needs a name! Hearsay was in Big "M" Ace Hardware in heavenly Hartwell (Ga.) the other day where she spied a small red train engine sitting at the front of the store. The engine is the work of Hearsayer Harlan of Hartwell, who announced he's an "avid recycler and retired builder. The engine is an old (riding) lawn mower. The red hood is an 80-gallon water tank. The front tire was recycled off an old Snapper lawn mower. The pipe for the smokestack came out of the old Springs (textile) plant." Now Mr. H has two passenger cars and a caboose he plans to put behind the pretty engine, then, he'll get down to business. "We're going to start a birthday business," said Mr. H, who can be reached at (706) 376-3583. "We'll attend social events with it ? Anderson or wherever ? riding children around in it." Hearsayer "Freight Train" Maxwell of Hartwell, who can whistle like a train, will be the conductor. But speaking of the train, it still needs a name! "We're inviting children (10 years old and under) to come in to Ace and name the engine," Mr. H said. A winner will be announced just before Thanksgiving and will get a $100 savings bond. Entry forms are at the hardware store, which is situated behind the Hartwell Post Office on Franklin Street. But wait! There's more! Anyone who brings a train-naming kid into Ace will get a $5 store coupon. So don't tarry; go name that train!
Is it concrete or could it be cement? Hearsayer Byron of hoppin' Honea Path tuned in with a note to Hearsay: "In your article of 10/5/10 you refer to the ?cement in Atlanta,' I'm sure you know the difference between cement and concrete. I see this error frequently. Have a fun-filled day." Well, Mr. B of HP, Hearsay's never really considered the difference between concrete and cement, but for all those concerned about matters of mortar, she has since learned that concrete contains cement plus sand and gravel. It is the cement that binds the sand and gravel together to form concrete. So there you go, Mr. B, have a fun-filled day and don't get stuck in any wet cement! (Or would that be concrete?)
LAUREN PETRACCA/The Greenville News Gov. Nikki Haley signs an abortion bill at Hidden Treasure Christian School in Taylors on Wednesday, June 8, 2016.
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By Amanda Coyne, The Greenville News
TAYLORS While surrounded by children, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley conducted a signing ceremony on Wednesday for a recently-passed law that bans abortions at 20 weeks.
Bill sponsor state Rep. Wendy Nanney call the new law just the first step in the effort to chip away and eventually overturn abortion rights in South Carolina.
"We are at 20 weeks and we're going to keep pushing," Nanney said at the ceremony held at Hidden Treasure Christian School, a religious school for children with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The law bans all abortions at 20 weeks or later and makes no exceptions for rape or incest. The only case in which an abortion can occur past 19 weeks in South Carolina is when the fetus will die or the health of the mother is threatened. Doctors who violate this law could face jail.
The law, called the S.C. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, is based on the claim that fetuses can feel pain as early as 20 weeks. That claim is a "complicated and controversial topic in science" that has yet to be definitively proven or disproven, according to FactCheck.org, a non-partisan research group run by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
Critics of the law have said that many abortions that take place after 19 weeks concern serious health risks for mothers and unborn children. The ban does not allow abortions in the case of non-lethal fetal abnormalities.
"A 20-week abortion ban would impact only a few South Carolina women, often women whose wanted pregnancies ... face serious complications," Planned Parenthood South Atlantic said in a statement. On average, fewer than 30 abortions past 20 weeks occur in South Carolina each year, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The South Carolina Democratic Party opposed the bill, but some Democrats voted for it, including Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk and Sen. Vincent Sheheen, both Kershaw County Democrats. The party took particular issue with the bill's authors not consulting gynecologists' and obstetricians' groups.
Anti-abortion advocates plan on continuing the push to limit access to the procedure in South Carolina, with the ultimate goal of overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that affirmed the legal right to abortion access in the U.S.
Kmori Watt (left) and her mother Kiara Watt of Anderson look toward bus driver Vince Malangy before the Electric City transit left the Walmart on Liberty Highway in Anderson.
SHARE Electric City Transit driver Vince Malangy talks with a passenger at the Walmart on Liberty Highway in Anderson during a break. Electric City Transit lets off passengers during a stop at the Walmart on Liberty Highway in Anderson during a break. The Electric City transit arrives at the Walmart on Liberty Highway in Anderson, dropping off and picking up passengers. Electric City Transit driver Vince Malangy for another bus to arrive behind his at the Walmart on Liberty Highway in Anderson. Related Coverage CAT cuts a possibility for Pendleton, says director
By Mike Eads of the Independent Mail
PENDLETON Next year's funding for the Clemson Area Transit service around Pendleton faces a $25,000 shortfall.
Town Administrator Steve Miller told the Pendleton Town Council Monday that he and CAT officials are looking for ways to maintain the town route, which costs $185,000 for the budget year that ends June 30.
Tri-County Technical College chipped in $10,000 for this year's CAT service around Pendleton, and the rest of the $185,000 came from Clemson University ($15,000), the Town of Pendleton ($30,000), Villages of Town Creek ($30,000) and CAT itself ($110,000).
Tri-County spokeswoman Rebecca Eidson said CAT didn't ask for money this year.
"We haven't received a funding request from CAT asking for support for the 2016-17 year (Fiscal Year 17)," Eidson stated in an email to the Independent Mail.
Dawn Properties, the new owners of Villages at Town Creek LLC in Pendleton, told the Pendleton council a few months ago that it won't pay more than $15,000 for CAT service in the new budget year, down from $30,000 for the current year.
CAT provides free service to users through a combination of state and federal grants and contributions from Seneca, Clemson and the other towns it serves. The Pendleton route includes the downtown area, the Tri-County Technical College campus and the Villages at Town Creek student apartments at Lebanon and Westinghouse roads.
Anderson County contracts with the city of Anderson's bus service, Electric City Transit, to run between the Anderson Walmart on Liberty Highway and Tri-County's Pendleton campus. Fares are 50 cents per trip for adults, 25 cents for seniors and school-aged children.
Approximately 2,800 riders on that particular Electric City route generated $785.90 in fares in May, according to Anderson city transit chief Keith Scott.
Fares or not, the CAT and Electric City buses get used. For example, CAT Director Al Babinicz told the Pendleton council in January that 58,875 of CAT users started or ended their trips in Pendleton a town of 2,900 people in 2015.
Eston Hall hopped on one day "maybe four or five years ago" and he's been a bus rider ever since. CAT and Electric City get him to and from Clark Automotive in Anderson.
"I can get to and from work for three weeks for $12," Hall said. "You can't even do that on a moped."
Drivers Aaron Glover and Vincent Malanga said people find the buses, sometimes by accident and other times by necessity, and they become regulars.
"We stay pretty busy, but it slows down in summer when the students are gone," said Glover, who has driven for CAT for 10 years. "The first of the month is usually the busiest day. People get their (Social Security) checks and do a lot of their shopping."
"We try to be as accommodating as we can," said Malanga, who got bored with retirement and started driving CAT and Electric City buses over four years ago. "Both companies (CAT and Electric City Transit) are very customer oriented."
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns said Wednesday that the county has no plans to end the deal with Electric City Transit for the Walmart to Tri-County route. The county has budgeted $110,000 for next year, minus a Tri-County contribution of $50,000 for that route and whatever bus fares are collected.
Where the remaining $25,000 is found in the upcoming CAT budget for Pendleton service remains to be seen. Anderson County, the city of Clemson, Pendleton, Clemson University and Tri-County Tech are all waiting to see how much money the Legislature approves for local government, higher education and other public services for the new budget year, which starts July 1.
Babinicz did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday about CAT funding.
Follow Michael Eads on Twitter @MikeEads_AIM
The city of Warwick approved a controversial ordinance Monday night clearing the way for the use of license plate readers in the city. The move comes a year after the city of Cranston made a similar move and is touted by officials as a way to improve safety by alerting police officers if a certain license plate is detected. Critics of the ordinance, including the Rhode Island chapter of the ACLU, expressed concern over the use of such cameras, expressing concerns over privacy, how data would be used and who they might target. Do you support the use of license plate recognition cameras in your community? Why or why not? Let us know in this week's poll question below.
You voted:
By: Pritesh Samuel
The female workforce in India remains much smaller compared to the opposite gender. Some estimates reveal that while 80 percent of men are in jobs or are looking for employment, only 32 percent of women remain in the workforce. Some of this can be attributed to cultural attitudes and social norms. Despite rapid economic growth, female workforce participation across all age groups, education levels, and in both urban and rural areas has not caught up. In addition, a recent survey by a hiring firm found there to be a significant gender pay gap in India as high as 27 percent. Men earned a median gross hourly salary of US $4 (Rs 288) while women earned US $3 (Rs 207) per hour, with the highest gap in manufacturing and lowest in Banking Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Transport, Logistics, and Communication.
Other statistics say that only 10 percent of the 60 million or so women have jobs in the organized sector with informal contracts and no social protection. Female workers in the unorganized sector such as casual workers, daily wage earners, or self-employed workers have little or no social benefits such as paid maternal leave. The government has attempted to make some changes, albeit without much success, in implementation. For instance, the government is planning to extend maternity leave to 26 weeks from the current 12 through an executive order under the Maternity Benefits Act of 1961. Several companies have also made amendments to their HR policies allowing women to extend their maternity leave to reduce attrition. Moreover, as per the Companies Act of 2013, listed companies must have at least one woman director on their boards. This was enacted to encourage gender diversity in boardrooms. However, in May, more than a thousand listed companies were fined for not appointing women directors on their boards. Several companies are yet to comply.
In fact, whenever the government makes regulatory changes, companies make knee-jerk decisions and hire to fill a requirement, rather than doing its due diligence on the type of employee they are hiring and if the skill set matches the job description. When the Companies Act was enacted, firms rushed to appoint women directors by taking shortcuts, including the promotion of family members, to meet the deadline. Companies should ideally look beyond their inner circle to find qualified individuals with fresh perspectives to fulfill the requirement.
Lagging Behind
According to the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), women constitute around 51 percent of entry-level hiring and are likely to get IT-BPM offers. Nevertheless, the majority of women in India are employed in the rural and agricultural sectors where wages currently favor men. Studies also suggest that if India increased its female labor force participation by 10 percent (68 million more women) by 2025, it could increase its GDP growth to 16 percent. It is estimated that 217 million women are missing from the workforce.
Compare this with even neighboring Bangladesh where the garment industry accounts for over 75 percent of national export earnings nearly 80 percent of the four million garment workers are women. Seeing this, women have delayed marriage and parents have resorted to investing in their daughters education. Such changes have reinforced strong growth record in the countrys garment sector.
While women-friendly industries such as financial services and aviation have made in-roads in hiring women, India needs to create rapid policies to encourage growth in other sectors. Recently, the labor and employment ministry made a proposal to amend laws in order to allow women to work night shifts in factories. However, this may not be enough. Analysts argue that very few sectors require night shift female workers. Socio-cultural norms also play a role with many women not wanting to work night shifts. The successes in finance and other industries only represent a few thousand compared with hundreds of millions. One option is to use quotas; India has successfully used quotas in local elections. Studies show that even when the quotas were removed, more women ran for office and won. Another industry where quotas have worked is in education. However, for such programs to work, quotas must be supported by effective job training and placement programs. This will incentivize organizations as well as companies to seek candidates based on their abilities.
RELATED: Human Resource Services from Dezan Shira & Associates
Start-Up Women
In a recent study by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), no more than 14 percent of business establishments are run by female entrepreneurs. Out of 58.5 million businesses in the country, only 8.05 million are managed by women employing around 13 million people. The businesses range from mom and pop stores to venture-funded start-ups. Further, India ranked 29th out of 31 countries in the 2015 Global Women Entrepreneurs Leader report by ACG Inc, just above Pakistan and Bangladesh and worse than Nigeria, Uganda, and Ghana. The results stated that in India and other such lower ranking countries, unequal inheritance rights for women and work restrictions limit their access to start-up capital and collateral. Indeed, most businesses run by women are self-financed at around 79 percent and only 4.4 percent have borrowed money from a financial institution or received help from the government. Data also suggests that female entrepreneurs are more likely to be found in the southern states compared to north India. Around 13.5 percent (1.08 million) of female-run establishments are based in Tamil Nadu, followed by Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Stand Up India scheme, under which banks will give loans of up to Rs 1 crore to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and female entrepreneurs. They will also be provided with a debit card and other support such as pre-loan and marketing training.
Hiring and Retaining Women
Firms should invest in finding the right candidate for the job. If companies offer flexible roles to women that return to work, it should be designed fairly. There have been instances where women have taken up positions at reduced pay but with long hours.
Advocating & Support Companies should provide women with an advocate whether male or female, but someone who is looking out for their careers and promoting them to roles they deserve.
Networking Companies should support and develop strong female networks. Studies suggest that women want to share experiences, solve problems, and look for role models in other women from whose successes they can learn.
People Process Companies must ensure that the people processes for assessments, promotions, and job placements are fair. Women may not be vocal or articulate their desire for job promotions, but expect their manager to take action, if they qualify for a potential advanced role. The outlook on promotions in a company should identify capable women candidates; not giving them unfair advantages but rather ensuring that they are not inadvertently overlooked.
Observations: With social and cultural norms are recognized as factors contributing to low female participation, it remains a daunting task to incorporate more women into the workforce. While the government has made some changes to regulations regarding women and wants to incentivize hiring more women, more needs to be done. However, companies can themselves make it a practice to hire more women. The results of doing this have shown great success rates with higher turnovers for companies that implement better gender diversity. In addition, while companies have shown encouraging signs for hiring women in the entry-level position (i.e. IT and ITeS sectors), they need to work harder in hiring and developing women for leadership roles.
About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email india@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight.
Managing Your Accounting and Bookkeeping in India
In this issue of India Briefing Magazine, we spotlight three issues that financial management teams for India should monitor. Firstly, we examine the new Indian Accounting Standards (Ind-AS) system, which is expected to be a boon for foreign companies in India. We then highlight common filing dates for most companies with operations in India, and lastly examine procedures and regulations for remitting profits from India.
Tax, Accounting, and Audit in India 2014-2015
Tax, Accounting, and Audit in India 2014-2015 offers a comprehensive overview of the major taxes foreign investors are likely to encounter when establishing or operating a business in India. This concise, detailed, yet pragmatic guide is ideal for CFOs, compliance officers and heads of accounting who need to be able to navigate the complex tax and accounting landscape in India in order to effectively manage and strategically plan their India-based operations.
An Introduction to Indias Audit Process
In this issue of India Briefing Magazine, we provide readers with an overview of Indias annual audit process and offer important tips for the smooth navigation of the countrys audit regulations and accounting standards. We begin by first explaining the two most common types of audit in India, statutory and internal audits, and then outline the standard steps and procedures an Indian auditor will follow in each.
The first look and theme music of the next Sivakarthikeyan starrer 'Remo' should have released today (June 9) as per the initial plan but last week it was postponed. Now the makers of 'Remo' have come with a good news in the form of release date of the said first look and theme music.
RD Raja who has produced the mega budget romantic entertainer under his 24AM Studios banner has confirmed that the First look and Theme music will be release on June 23.
Wait there is another good news from him. The single track written by Vignesh Sivan and composed by the film's music director Anirudh Ravichander starting as 'Senjittaley' will be released in SIIMA Awards function to be held in Singapore on July 1. The hashtag 'SingaporelaRemoSingle' has been trending in Twitter ever since the announcement was made.
'Remo' stars Sivakarthikeyan and Keerthy Suresh in lead roles. PC Sreeram has handled the cinematography.
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Infosys fell 3.4% to Rs.1197 after the opening bell on Thursday. Infosys chief operating officer (COO) UB Pravin Rao warned that the company would face volatility over the next few quarters, due to weaker spending from sectors such as energy and insurance, according to reports.UB Pravin Rao further said that the company was still on track to meet full-year constant currency revenue guidance of 11.5-13.5 per cent.Rao told investors that Infosys does not expect a recovery in spending from energy sector before 2017, says report.The scrip opened at Rs. 1228.9 and has touched a high and low of Rs. 1228.9 and Rs. 1192.5 respectively. The current market cap of the company is Rs. 284430.6 crore.The BSE group 'A' stock of face value Rs. 5 has touched a 52 week high of Rs. 1278 on 03-Jun-2016 and a 52 week low of Rs. 932.5 on 10-Jul-2015. Last one week high and low of the scrip stood at Rs. 1278 and Rs. 1236 respectively.The promoters holding in the company stood at 12.7 % while Institutions and Non-Institutions held 57.6 % and 29 % respectively.The stock is currently trading below its 50 DMA.
Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Infosys, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sankara Eye Hospitals to establish a sustainable eye care training academy and undertake research & training activities in various fields of eye care.As part of the MoU, Sankara Eye Hospital, a recognized center for training and capacity building of both medical and non-medical staff, will be provided with a grant of Rs.5 Crore. The grant was duly invested in the construction of the Sankara Academy of Vision Infosys Ophthalmic Training and Research Center, and will be utilized towards providing training & research activities through the Sankara Academy of Vision, a holistic training institution for modern eye-care and delivery systems.With the intent of generating qualified and competent human resource, technical and non-technical training will be facilitated to participants from various socio-economic strata. Medical courses and fellowships in ophthalmology, short-term training courses in surgical techniques, paramedical courses in vision care, and additional capacity building activities for staff of all Sankara Eye Care Institutions (SECI) hospitals are the educational activities that will be enabled through this endowment.Along with the benefits reaching out to meritorious students, the benefaction will also promote a job oriented and job guaranteed vocational training program for rural women. The Foundation and Sankara Eye Center is committed to gainfully employ about 130 rural girls from low socio-economic backgrounds as Vision Care Technicians at SECI hospitals near their respective villages. These employed women would thereafter help conduct eye camps in catchment areas of SECI Hospitals, thus reaching about 10,000 persons per annum.The MoU solidifies Infosys Foundations commitment to improve the standard of healthcare in India and capacitate the underprivileged to contribute to the betterment of the society.
Syndicate Bank ended at Rs. 66.7, up by Rs. 1.15 or 1.75% from its previous closing of Rs. 65.55 on the BSE.
Syndicate Bank is currently trading at Rs. 66.6, down by Rs. 0.1 or 0.15% from its previous closing of Rs. 66.7 on the BSE.
The scrip opened at Rs. 67.2 and has touched a high and low of Rs. 67.5 and Rs. 66.35 respectively. So far 690857(NSE+BSE) shares were traded on the counter. The current market cap of the company is Rs. 5325.99 crore.
The BSE group 'A' stock of face value Rs. 10 has touched a 52 week high of Rs. 109.9 on 11-Jun-2015 and a 52 week low of Rs. 49.4 on 17-Feb-2016. Last one week high and low of the scrip stood at Rs. 67.35 and Rs. 63.25 respectively.
The promoters holding in the company stood at 65.17 % while Institutions and Non-Institutions held 21.27 % and 13.56 % respectively.
The stock is currently trading below its 200 DMA.
June has been the designated month to celebrate excellence in and the impact of Black music since President Jimmy Carter created Black Music Month in 1979. This June, the Indianapolis Recorder will feature four African-Americans making an impact in the Indianapolis music world.
This week, the Indianapolis Recorder spoke with Doug Morris, one of the creators of Deckademics Indys first and only DJ school about the schools offerings and Indys vibrant (yes, really!) DJ scene.
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper: What kind of background leads someone to creating a DJ school?
Morris: There was a lot of culture in the neighborhood I grew up in. There were people on the block who taught African dance, hip-hop dance. My older brother was a DJ, so I was always at the house parties. He would want to go talk to a girl and would be like, Hey, you better figure this out, man, or youre gonna get booed. And he would just walk away, and Id be some 12-year-old kid cuing up the next record. It wasnt like I could scratch or do anything fancy (laughs). I also grew up in Grace Apostolic, at 22nd and College, and my mother was in the choir. They toured and cut albums. So music was all around me, part of who I was.
How did that background evolve into Deckademics?
There was a grant written about seven or eight years ago to teach kids hip-hop out of the MLK Center. So DJ Metrognome (Nick Saligoe) and I bought some really cheap equipment and we taught for free; it was just something to do for the community. But it was the basement of a community center. There was nowhere for it to go; there was no exposure. It was Metrognomes idea to pursue it as a business. We got serious about it about three years ago.
How has business been? Are classes really popular?
The school is doing really well. First off, were the first and only DJ school in Indianapolis, and in Indiana as far as I know. There wasnt even one in Chicago until recently. Were seeing a large range of people who are interested. Some people take the classes just as something to do after they get off work, but some are interested in pursuing a career, or they want to make some extra money on the weekends.
What do people learn at the most basic level?
Theres a system to it. Its not just playing records. Theres math involved, learning to count the music out, intros, outros thats mainly what the novice class is. We have other classes also, like our DJ Date Night classes where couples can learn how to DJ. We also have group classes where people come celebrate birthdays, anniversaries. They can bring the whole crew. Then we have our Weekend Warrior class; thats a four-hour crash course on a Saturday.
You mentioned you have a summer program. Tell me more about that.
This is our second summer running our DJ Summer Camp. Its for kids 914. The thing people dont think about is its not just about DJing; its about exposing kids to technology, giving kids something to do, piquing other interests.
We had quite a few people at the MLK Center who learned how to DJ and used it to pay their way through college, DJing parties instead of working in the cafeteria or wherever else. It should be looked at like a trade like barbering or auto mechanics. Its not just a cutesy thing.
Camp starts the second week of June. And we dont just stay in the classroom. We get outside the building, we explore Broad Ripple, tour the Vogue, hit the record store. Its really more of a technology and culture camp.
Overall, how is the scene in Indy?
Indianapolis has always had a rich DJ culture. To be from Indianapolis and call yourself a DJ, that holds a certain amount of weight. Indianapolis is kind of a technical city when it comes to DJing. People say Indianapolis is a slow city or its not popping, but when it comes to DJing, we have really great DJs in this city and have always had great DJs in this city.
For more information about Deckademics, visit deckademics.com.
Deckademics Courses
Novice: An Introduction to DJing
Amateur: Application of fundamentals
Intermediate: Studying the craft
Advanced: Practice makes perfect
Weekend Warrior Crash Course
The Professional DJ
The Art of Preparation
DJ Date Night
Private one-on-one lessons
Group events
The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper will honor 8 minority professionals who have exhibited excellence in the field of law during the annual Golden Laurel Professional Reception.
The recipients of the Golden Laurel distinction will be awarded on June 30 at the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council office, located at 2126 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46202. A networking reception begins at 5:30 PM; and the awards presentation will begin promptly at 6:00 PM.
This years event is presented in partnership with the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council and sponsored by the law offices of Lewis Wagner and Ice Miller.
Indiana has a rich history of pioneering minority attorneys. From the late Henry J. Richardson Jr., an attorney, civil rights leader and state representative, to the Hon. Tanya Walton Pratt, people of color who work in the law field have greatly impacted the fabric of this community, said Recorder president Shannon Williams. The Recorder is pleased to honor these individuals for their contributions.
Below are the 2016 Golden Laurel award recipients:
Kimberly S. Adams (Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman)
Natalie Chavis (Chavis & Chavis)
Stefanie Crawford (Lewis Wagner)
Lacy M. Johnson (Ice Miller)
Jimmie L. McMillian (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)
Hon. Tanya M. Walton Pratt (United States District Court)
Roberts & Bishop: Attorneys at Law
Takeena M. Thompson (Cohen & Malad LLP)
Admission to the Golden Laurel Professional Reception is free of charge, but RSVPs are strongly encouraged. Visit goldenlaurellaw.eventbrite.com to register. Contact Ebony Chappel for more information at (317) 762-7851 or via email at ebonyc@indianapolisrecorder.com.
After more than a year of court proceedings, the hit-and-run driver who struck 41-year-old Tanya Turman in March of 2015 will be sentenced June 9.
Turman died of her injuries 23 days after the collision, her mother, Pamela Grant, told the Recorder.
In the time since her daughters death, Grant has organized a group called Silent Angels to offer support to other hit-and-run victims and their families. Grant said the idea for the group started while she was still at her daughters hospital bedside.
When I was at the hospital with Tanya, I was just thinking, what can I do? After I spent time at the hospital and after I was on the news, people started recognizing me. I would walk down the hall of the hospital and people would just be so nice.
Grant said strangers gave her money and told her to get herself something to eat, and some even asked if they could pray with her.
I was thinking one day, everybodys been so good to me. What can I do to help other people? I just decided to form this support group, because I know how hard it was for me every day for 23 days being up there and seeing my daughter laying there.
Silent Angels started with Grant and one other woman but now includes a few families. The group has hosted a public prayer vigil, and a benefit dinner was held in April to raise funds and officially launch the organization.
Next on Grants list: Targeting Indianas laws.
The next thing Im trying to do is to get people to sign petitions to change the law for the hit-and-run victims, Grant said, citing what she considers lax punishment for people who flee the scene after hitting someone.
Innocent people are losing their lives, and then when they find the person who does it, theres really no punishment for it, she said. A lot of these people have been just getting probation or home detention, and thats what I was offered, too. But I was not going to accept that. Were talking about a persons life.
Grant said the man who hit her daughter turned himself in 11 days after the collision, when it was too late to do any drug or alcohol screening. The driver agreed to plead guilty, but Grant and her other daughter were not on board with the sentence suggested. Grant said they talked it over and ended up asking for one year of jail time and one year of probation, which the prosecutor accepted.
I just wanted something to be done. I knew it wasnt going to be a lot of time, but something is better than nothing, she said.
Grant said shes planning a meeting with representatives of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and the Marion County Prosecutors Office to learn more about Indianas current hit-and-run statutes and discuss possible changes.
Though Grant said the idea for Silent Angels came from her desire to help others, starting the group has been a big comfort to her, too.
Just being around other people in the same predicament that Im in, it helps a lot. I had support at the hospital, and I met a lot of people, but they were people who had gotten shot or stabbed. It was different, she said. I still think about my daughter a lot. Not a day goes by that I dont think about her. (It helps) just knowing that I can call somebody else if I need to talk to somebody.
Grant said the next Silent Angels gathering will be a meeting in July at a local library, but the specific details are still being worked out. For anyone who wants to reach out to the group for support, Grant said she can be reached on Facebook through her page or her daughters page, or people can email her at pjgrant8@yahoo.com.
Sofia Ashraf or the Burqa Rapper from Chennai lent her protest song to the people of Kodaikanal who had been fighting a case against Unilever for mercury poisoning of their water sources. She returns now with a song she wrote in 2008, rehashed for a petition filed in the US Federal Government to make DOW Chemicals answerable for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and the lac of compensation to the people of India who continue to suffer the effects of the gas leak.
BCCL
"I never thought of being an activist," says Ashraf in a telephonic interview from Chennai. "I had written the song as part of the Justice Rock concerts that I used to participate in every year. I used to work in an advertising agency at that time but I quit after a while and am now a content producer."
Youtube
"The song was originally written for Justice Rock in 2008 where I performed it with Ajay Maniraj. When I came to know of this petition I rehashed the song and made a new video for it to help gather the votes needed to get the petition into action," says Ashraf. "The rule for the petition is that once you have filed the petition, you need to get 1,00,000 signatures on the petition. If you do, the case is taken up by the White House."
At present, the petition needs 50,824 signatures by June 14, 2016 to get a response from the White House.
Youtube
"At present, there is an entire generation that does not know about the Bhopal Gas Tragedy which is the world's biggest industrial tragedy of its kind," she shares. "They know about Hiroshima, Nagasaki and even the Holocaust but the Bhopal Gas Tragedy has been pushed under the carpet over Rs 11 lakh pay packages offered to students in campus placements by DOW Chemicals." The Justice Rock is an annual series of performances that chooses an "un-sponsor", a corporation that has damaged the India and its people.
"After one of my performances at the Justice Rock, an elderly gentleman came up to me and congratulated me on the performances," she shares. "He then asked me what I do for a living and I said that I worked in advertising. He was instantly repulsed."
Ashraf quit her job a while after the incident because she did not agree with the direction the advertising business was taking in India and also because "it doesn't allow you to have a spine."
The Hindu
In the past, Ashraf has also worked on countering Islamophobia with her music. "I am glad that there is scope for a larger conversation taking place on the subject now and that there are more people talking on the subject."
She is currently working on "tonnes of stuff" which include largely post-modernist feminism, exploring new media and a follow-up on the Kodaikanal case. For now, she wants you all to sign the petition and make a real difference to the world. "This is one of my most important works so far and I really hope that we can make a difference."
You can sign the Petition here.
And watch the original video of the song from 2008 Justice Rock.
Here's her new video for the song against DOW Chemicals.
We could have been living in a very different present had it not been for a certain Russian sitting inside a nuclear torpedo equipped submarine aimed at the U.S Navy. A world ravaged by nuclear war with generations getting to experience its ripple effect, first-hand. He's the reason why you, I or anyone on this planet perhaps, is alive. Alive to tell the story of Vasili Arkhipov - the man who saved our planet.
National Geographic
1962 could have been mankind's last year.
Our history books didn't tell us much about the importance of '62, perhaps because it was mostly about the US of A and the Soviet Union. But the Cuban Missile Crisis could have ended up being the most crucial 13 days in the history of mankind. The Cuban Missile Crisis (12th-28th October 1962) was a confrontation between the Soviets and the Americans concerning the Soviet ballistic missile deployment in Cuba. The tension was so high that it was considered the closest the Cold War came to escalating into a nuclear war!
Cuba, during the Cold War, was going through a testing phase. Cuba had been under the influence of the USA but a certain Fidel Castro led the entire nation of Cuba against the authorities and established a communist government in favour of the Soviets. The relationship between Cuba and the US worsened after news broke that the States was backing an infiltration along with Cuban exiles in 1961. That very year, USSR leader Nikita Khrushchev agreed to secretly place nuclear-tipped missiles in Cuba, just to make sure the west didn't bother again.
wxxi.org
In October '62, a US spy plane spotted the missiles and the sites being built. Then U.S President John F. Kennedy, apparently under pressure from the opposition, especially because it was during the election time, decided to block off the island to prevent any future deliveries of weapons. He also demanded Nikita Khrushchev to remove the arms he had already put there. Tensions were rising, and the world was heading towards a devastating war.
While USSR missiles, all 42 of them, were pointing towards America, Kennedy himself had American allies equipped with nuclear warheads. Nuclear missiles in Turkey and Italy could hit Moscow in as less as 16 minutes. USSR wasn't planning on backing down here. They had their fair share of nukes that were not only directed towards most of the major American cities, but also had enough ammunition to destroy all of the U.S's allies. Imagine the ramifications, had it not been for a certain Vasili Arkhipov.
history.com
Where does Vasili Arkhipov come into the picture?
Born to a poor peasant family in the small town of Staraya near Moscow on the 30th of January 1926, Vasili got his first military role as a minesweeper in the Pacific Theater just when the second World War was coming to an end. He was 16 then. Graduating from Naval School back in 1947 he served on submarines in the Soviet Black Sea, Northern, and Baltic fleets. He was evidently great at what he did which is why, after his time on the K-19 submarine, he was made second-in-command on the B-59. It was one of the four attack submarines ordered to travel to Cuba on the 1st of October 1962. The sub had 22 torpedoes, one of which was a nuclear bomb capable of as much devastation as Hiroshima or Nagasaki. The captains of the submarine were given the permission to fire their nuclear torpedoes as they pleased as long as they had the consent of the political officer on board.
history.com
The decision that saved humanity.
United States didn't know about the crew of B-59, and they began their naval blockade on the 24th of October. They had even started firing warning shots to force the submarines to surface from the depths of the sea. On the other hand, the Soviets had no way of communicating with their submarines. Being deep under water, the radio transmissions had jammed. On the 27th of October, 1962, the U.S naval army spotted the B-59 and started firing warning shots, trying to force the Soviets out for identification. People inside the submarine at this point had no clue what was going on. They had been travelling for about a month now with little to no communication with the outside world. Tired and clueless, things became grim when the captain of the submarine, Valentin Savitsky thought that nuclear war had already broken out and wanted to fire his torpedo. At a high tension situation like this, the only person who had the power to veto the decision, apart from the sub captain and the political officer on board, was Vasili Arkhipov. And so he did.
2.bp.blogspot.com
Vasili's absence at that point of time would have made nuclear war a certainty as both the captain and the political officer wanted to fire the nuclear missile. Vasili fought against the decision. Trying to reason that since no word had been received from Moscow, taking such an extreme step could be catastrophic. He wanted to go up to the surface and contact Moscow to seek their advice. Many say a heated argument broke out, but they eventually agreed and the submarine surfaced. The Americans instructed the submarine to return to the Soviet Union. The Russians agreed. All the more because the submarine had already begun facing mechanical issues on board.
nnm.me
It was taken as an act of cowardice.
Their act was seen as an act of cowardice. Technically they had surrendered to the Americans, an act that was ridiculed. Legend has it that one admiral even told the submariners, "It would have been better if youd gone down with your ship. But to his wife, Olga, Vasili would always remain the hero he really was. She was quoted saying,
"The man who prevented a nuclear war was a Russian submariner. His name was Vasili Arkhipov. I was proud and I am proud of my husband, always."
guim.co.,uk
Even though some Russians might look at it as bowing down to the Americans, what Vasili did that fateful day could have changed the course of history completely. This was a true example of valour, where, by 'bowing down' at that point in time, Vasili saved the entire world.
Just like most of us, Actor Shahid Kapoor too is miffed with censor board's demands. According to Shahid, audience today deserves to watch content that's good, and they should be allowed to do so. Expressing his anguish at the on-going issue, Shahid Kapoor said:
Twitter
We live in the age of information and technology. Our generation and youth has the right to be informed. If they are not getting informed, then there is a problem. Youth has the right to know drugs are a menace. They have a right to know what can happen if they get into it whether it is the youth of Punjab, Maharashtra or whole of India.
According to Shahid, Udta Punjab is a film that wont harm or defame anyone or any place. Rather, the message delivered in the film should reach everyone. He added:
Twitter
We have to support the message delivered in the film. This film has become the face of a fight that has been going on for long. People should be given an opportunity to express. Lets stick to what our country stands for and what everybody is trying to fight for.
Shahid is happy with the support that Udta Punjab is receiving from the film fraternity and the audience. He tweeted:
Kunwar Damodar Singh Rathore, who was awarded Indira Priyadarshini Vriksh Mitra Award in 2000 for planting almost a crore saplings, breathed his last on Wednesday at the age of 91.
He was admitted to the district hospital of Pithoragarh on May 25 after he fell ill when he went to douse a forest fire at his village in Bhanora in Didihat tehsil.
google.com
In the last days of his life, Rathore faced severe breathing problems and had difficulty speaking, but until the end he did not part from his "friends" - the saplings - and carried many plants from his nursery to his hospital room. According to locals, three days before his death, the physically weak but determined green soldier marched on and distributed 4,000 saplings to schoolkids who paid him a visit at the hospital.
Rathore embarked on his singular mission to plant crores of trees in the 1960s. The tall man carrying a small, faded bag soon became a common sight for the villagers of Bhanora and neighbouring areas. The bag, which contained a small spade and some saplings, was inseparable from Rathore, gradually becoming a part of his identity.
In his lifetime, he managed to plant over 160 species in and around his village. Vast swathes of land in Bhanora, which now boast of a lush green cover, is his lasting legacy.
B D Kasniyal, senior journalist and long-time friend of Rathore, said, "His death is a great loss to the environment. He worked tirelessly for development of biodiversity and its preservation. He distributed lakhs of saplings every year and planted oak seeds on barren lands, which he nurtured for years to come."
ndtv
Rathore's work was not limited to his own village. He also formed the Himalayan Green Brigade, an organization which recruited volunteers to plant saplings in their respective areas, in Pithoragarh.
He also planted saplings in plains of Kashipur, Dehradun, and Haridwar. He experimented with various varieties, planting trees which not only provide fodder, but are also able to contain moisture and prevent landslides.
ndtv
On his deathbed, Rathore had just one worry, according to his family.
"What will happen to the saplings I have planted? Who will take care of them?" he said as the last breath left his body.
Months after two Muslim cattle traders, including a minor were beaten to death and then hanged from a tree in Jharkhand's Latehar, cow vigilantes have struck again.
AP/ Representative Image
This time in Palamu, where a group tried to free over a hundred cattle from Muslim traders.
The group intercepted 117 cattle which were allegedly being transported outside the state to slaughterhouses on the National Highway 75 and set them free Hindustan Times reported.
They also reportedly trashed the traders before taking the "freed" cattle to Satbarwa police station.
Slaughter of cow has been banned in Jharkhand since 2005.
AP/ Representative Image
However things things turned around hours later, when a group of 40-50 Muslims youth forcefully took the cattle back from the vigilantes who were taking them to the police station.
This led to the group blocking traffic at the national highway, until the police assured action.
Police also rejected reports that the traders were attacked by the group.
A daily wager in Rajasthan's Dungarpur sold one of his goats and mortgaged his wife's silver anklet to raise Rs 9,000 for building a toilet.
TOI
He learnt the importance of hygiene
After some social workers campaigning for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan reached out to Kantilal Roat's family on the importance of hygiene, and the risks of open defecation, he got down to building a toilet. The activists had also told Roat he would get Rs 12,000.
PTI
He received the first two instalments of Rs 4,000 each, but ran out of money while the construction was still under way. This is when he sold one of his seven goats and the anklet. "The goat fetched me Rs 5,000 while we got Rs 4,000 for the anklet, which my wife had received as a wedding gift from her parents," said Roat. His mother said she understood the hardships her two daughters-in-law faced while defecating in the open.
She added "Even if it meant mortgaging our hut, I would have willingly done so for their honour and dignity"
udaipurkiran
Dungarpur municipal corporation chairman K K Gupta felicitated the family for the feat, and released the last instalment of Rs 4,000. To Roat's surprise, he was also awarded Rs 4,000 to get the anklet back.
Read Also: PM Modi Touches Feet Of This 104-Year-Old Woman Who Sold Off Her Cattle To Build Toilets In Her Village
Divya (name changed) was six years old when she was forced into slavery. For her thirst for knowledge, she moved beyond her family with dreams to go to Bombay. However, life had other things planned for her.
She was sold to a Nepalese family for Rs 50,000. She was beaten and abused. At the age of eight, she danced in bars and wore clothes that children know nothing of. At the age of ten, she was sold to Kamathipura, a red light district in Mumbai. She served nearly 10 clients a day - till a messiah came her way and helped rescue her.
Humans of Bombay
A police raid later, Divya came out of the shadows of human trafficking and was brought to Devnath Home in Chembur. She was taught to read and write. She was counselled and after 7 years, she came to Purnata, an NGO working towards the saving and upliftment of girls and women trafficked and sexually exploited.
nelive
Divya found a job at a parlour, where she still works. With the money she saved and a loan from Purnata, Divya bought her own house.
Her story was picked up by Humans of Bombay who are campaigning for her cause on an official Purnata petition.
Ketto
Divya often goes back to Kamathipura to counsel other girls/women and persuade them to leave with her. Many have, many will. The hope's alive.
The social service branch of the Mumbai police exposed a prostitution racket that involves three TV actresses. It was after the social service branch officials laid a trap by sending decoy customers to a mall in Dindoshi where the gang's two leaders were likely to send three women. After a cop confirmed the news, a police team raided a building near Film City, where they arrested the two models and two more people.
Police claimed that the operatives of the racket used social media sites to share photos of models and actors with their prospective clients. They used to charge customers anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
File Photo
Inspector S Bidkar told media, "We rescued the women and arrested the pimps under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act."
Amit Jalal, who busted the sex racket told media:
"After getting the information that some girls were involved in sex racket , we laid a trap. We wanted to arrest main suppliers Saira and Asaraf alias Aman. When they came there, we arrested them along with the girls".
Among arrested include a Marathi actress, a model and an actress who worked in popular Crime show Savdhaan India. Most of their clients were from the corporate world.
(With agency inputs)
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Less than an year after para-commando Colonel Santosh Mahadik martyred in an ambush in Kupwara during a combing operation his wife, Swati is all set to follow his path.
The 32-year-old had pledged at her husbands funeral that all she wanted was to take forward her husbands work by joining the Army.
Swati, a mother of two appeared for the Services Selection Board (SSB) and has cleared the written examination and interview. If everything goes according to plan she will join the army next year. Read more here
Here are more stories that may pick your brains:
1.No More Handmade 'Kattas', Delhi's Thugs Are Using Laser Guided Weapons!
wired
It's been quite a while since criminals prowling the capital threw away their unreliable kattas (homemade firearms) and picked up Munger-made pistols. They have now gone up another notch, as Delhi policemen discovered a few days ago: two laser-guided foreign pistols were found on two of NCR's most-wanted gangsters.
This is the first instance of the city's underbelly using weapons fitted with laser sights for clinical precision. Read more here
2. Enslaved, Abused At Age 10, This Girl's Tale Of Survival Is All You Need To Read Today
Humans of Bombay
Divya (name changed) was six years old when she was forced into slavery. For her thirst for knowledge, she moved beyond her family with dreams to go to Bombay. However, life had other things planned for her.
She was sold to a Nepalese family for Rs 50,000. She was beaten and abused. At the age of eight, she danced in bars and wore clothes that children know nothing of. At the age of ten, she was sold to Kamathipura, a red light district in Mumbai. She served nearly 10 clients a day - till a messiah came her way and helped rescue her. What happened next? Read here
3. This 91 YO Planted A Crore Saplings Before Breathing His Last, A Sapling Still In His Hands
google.com
Kunwar Damodar Singh Rathore, who was awarded Indira Priyadarshini Vriksh Mitra Award in 2000 for planting almost a crore saplings, breathed his last on Wednesday at the age of 91.
He was admitted to the district hospital of Pithoragarh on May 25 after he fell ill when he went to douse a forest fire at his village in Bhanora in Didihat tehsil.
In the last days of his life, Rathore faced severe breathing problems and had difficulty speaking, but until the end he did not part from his "friends" - the saplings - and carried many plants from his nursery to his hospital room. Read more about his adventure and last days
4. World's Oldest Gymnast Skydives At 90 In Honour Of Queen Elizabeth's Birthday
TV Halle
Meet 90-year-old Johanna Quaas from Germany, the oldest active athlete in the world, according to the Guinness World Records Book, who has made a parachute jump in honour of the Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday.
Quaas received the tandem jump as a present for her 90th birthday and dedicated it to Queen who is also 90 years old. Watch the daring video here
5. Manipur Tribals Protesting In Delhi Were Brutally Beaten Up By Cops, Yet No One Seems To Care
They came to make their voice heard with the authorities, but they were not prepared for what awaited them.
Facebook
Activists from the people's' movement of Manipur, the Manipur Students Association Delhi (MSAD) who were protesting against three controversial bills by the state government had gone to Manipur house in Delhi on Tuesday.
Around thousand tribals had taken out a peaceful march against chief minister Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister who had come to get assent of the President for the Bills.
However the police blocked them and brutally beat them up, injuring at least nine people.
Find this gruesome? Read more details here and rise up against this!
Less than an year after para-commando Colonel Santosh Mahadik martyred in an ambush in Kupwara during a combing operation his wife, Swati is all set to follow his path.
Facebook
The 32-year-old had pledged at her husbands funeral that all she wanted was to take forward her husbands work by joining the Army.
Swati, a mother of two appeared for the Services Selection Board (SSB) and has cleared the written examination and interview. If everything goes according to plan she will join the army next year.
Bhaskar
Her husband Santosh Mahadik was commanding the counter-insurgency unit 41 Rashtriya Rifles when the team came under attack near the LOC.
TOI
He was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra, the second-highest peacetime gallantry award on Republic Day.
No photos, no colour, but for the visually challenged - a newspaper in Braille, the universal language of raised dots and dashes, literally means a new window to the world. Government and civil society initiatives have pushed out enough books in Braille, but to know about their city, nation and world the blind need TV/radio or a patient voice to explain the news to them.
India's first registered Braille newspaper in Hindi, the 'Reliance Drishti' is set to reach around 20,000 readers across 300 institutes - free of cost.
The Braille newspaper launch photograph appearing here is from the function organized by Reliance Foundation on March 19, 2012
Readers get the blend of news and features across current affairs, politics, social issues, business, science, technology, arts, culture and health. The paper was launched by Nita Ambani, the founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation at Mumbai's Kamla Mehta School.
Nita Ambani is firmly committed to giving the blind hope
She has even signed up as an organ donor to donate her eyes after her demise. Reliance Foundation has led Project Drishti the largest corneal grafting surgery project by a single corporate in India - and it has restored sight to over 14,500 Indians, free of cost, across 16 cities. It intends to take the initiative to Indias remotest corners.
Pioneering India's IB league
Nita has also worked as an educationist, and her first projects were establishing rural schools, before realising the need for world-class education in Mumbai. It was with this vision that she co-founded the Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) in 2003, one of the first schools to offer the International Baccalaureate program. She has added her passion to Reliance's corporate social initiatives, and Reliance Foundation today runs 13 schools teaching over 15,000 children every day. As you read this, she is hard at work setting up a school specially designed for India's special needs community.
The Reliance Foundation is India's biggest Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, but for Nita Ambani every charitable project and philanthropic endeavour across education, disaster relief and health care demand equal attention. Set up in 2010, the Foundation has touched the lives of 4 million+ people, across 5,500 rural and urban locations.
Maqboolpura, a village barely a couple of kilometers away from Amritsar, is wedded to sorrows inflicted on its people by the menace of drugs.
A small locality of about 25,000 residents, who settled here primarily as refugees immediately after the Partition, is known as the Village of Widows and Orphans owing to the deaths of more than 400 people, (most of them alleged addicts) since 1999.
webfactional
Whether it's Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Taran Taaran or towns and villages close to the India-Pakistan border, drugs have become a bane for these areas. Punjab is reportedly the transit route for international drug rackets to Indian cities and overseas.
Also Watch:
In an affidavit to the High Court in 2009, the Punjab government had admitted that at least one male member of two-third households of rural Punjab was addicted to drugs, and Maqboolpura is certainly among the worst villages affected.
The gory statistics
Till 2014, nearly 384 deaths were recorded in Maqboolpura since 1999. If various reports are to be believed, nearly 30 more people have died in the last three years, and most of them were drug addicts.
governancenow
I dont know whats wrong with the youngsters here...one after another, I lost my four sons. They take drugs all through the day...they ruined this house. I am left with only one son who is shadayi (a nympholept). I made my daughter-in-law marry my sons one after another following their deaths. And now, she is the one running the house by doing peoples household chores, said Harnaam Kaur (name changed) to The Pioneer.
The border is their bane
The residents of Maqboolpura came to this village after partition, but their misery didn't end there. Instead, the proximity to the border became a bane as frequent smuggling of drugs via the border ensured that the supply of drugs for the village youth is never interrupted. In fact, in all the bordering districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur are infested with drug menace with the majority of their youth getting addicted.
indianexpress
Maqboolpura is starved of resources
No, it's not. Moving around the village does give an impression that the state government has decided to do nothing for the area. Dingy houses, shanties, ghettos are what people get to see in Maqboolpura.
tribune
Despite being so close to Amritsar, the village doesn't have a semblance of development. The financial condition of the inhabitants isn't honky-dory either. Children in torn clothes running on the streets and youths loitering around corners waiting for dope are among common sights.
Heroin is seldom taken, Bhukki is their drug
Massive addiction to drugs has left the villagers without land. People have sold their lands and those who have it don't farm since it requires hard labour.
governancenow
Since rampant penury has made consumption of heroin unaffordable, the addicts here go for cheaper varieties like poppy husk, known locally as Bhukki, black balls of opium paste, gaanja (marijuana), synthetic drugs, cough syrups, painkillers, amphetamines, and sundry cocktails. If conjecture is anything to go by, these addicts don't even mind smoking powder made from lizard tails.
Cheap liquor is also available
For those who can't afford to have drugs, cheap liquor brewed locally is available in every nook and corner for a paltry Rs 10. A Gilassi, as they call it, is perfect for those who can't afford heroin, opium or any other drugs. The majority of the liquor is brewed in the village itself with the villagers running small units. This business is also quite prevalent across Punjab.
tribine
While the rest of the country is busy debating whether censoring Udta Punjab is an assault on the freedom of creative thinking and expression, Maqboolpura keeps descending into oblivion and if the state doesn't pay any heed, the Village of Widows and Orphans is bound to become the village of ghosts.
They came to make their voice heard with the authorities, but they were not prepared for what awaited them.
Facebook
Activists from the people's' movement of Manipur, the Manipur Students Association Delhi (MSAD) who were protesting against three controversial bills by the state government had gone to Manipur house in Delhi on Tuesday.
Facebook
Around thousand tribals had taken out a peaceful march against chief minister Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister who had come to get assent of the President for the Bills.
However the police blocked them and brutally beat them up, injuring at least nine people.
Around sixty of the protesters, some of them who were injured in the police lati charge were also arrested.
Despite the sheer brutality of the crackdown, there has hardly been any mainstream media coverage on it or the demand which they have been raising for sometime.
The MTFD has been having peaceful protests in Jantar Mantar everyday since 4th November 2015.
They are protesting against three bills
The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015
The bill aims to provide protection, maintenance of socio-economic and cultural balance of the Manipur People and for maintenance of peace and public order in the State of Manipur and regulation of entry into and exit from Manipur for Non Manipur persons and tenants in the interest of general and for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015
The bill aimed to regulate the sale of land to Non Manipur persons of the State so that the limited available land in the valley area are available to all the permanent residents of the State in the interest of the general public.
The Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015
The bill aimed to amend the Manipur Shops and Establishments Act, 1972 and provides for registration of shops/ establishments and regulation of employment and conditions of service of the employees employed in shops/ establishments.
These legislations were aimed to "protect" the indigenous populace from the "illegal" immigrants in the state, including those from neighbouring Myanmar.
However the bills were opposed by tribal groups of the state, particularly Nagas and Kukis who mainly inhabit the hill districts of Manipur.
Today's reminder that you are definitely living in the future - 3,000 engineers have an "uncertain future" after Holmes, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool at Wipro which can automate these projects.
The Prostitutes Of The Future Will Be Robots, According To This Study
According to the Mint, it will free up 3,000 engineers from "mundane" software maintenance jobs, and save save the company about $46.5 million.
Wipro also plans to sell this AI tool to clients, and earn between $60 million to $70 million.
The software goes live on the companys fixed-price projects. Hyper-automation is one of the six themes [CEO Abidali Neemuchwala] has outlined," a Wipro executive told Mint.
Another Wipro source told the media: "We will move out 1,300 engineers from on-site [fixed price contracts] and about 2,000 people from off-site this year. Holmes, stands for Heuristics And Ontology-based Learning Machines and Experiential Systems is faster and more efficient than humans - it's task list includes heling banks process loans more efficiently.
The year has seen another large scale robot invasion at the workplace - about 60,000 workers at a China factory of Foxconn , which produces Apple phones, have been replaced with robots , "The Foxconn factory in Kunshan has reduced its employee strength from 1,10,000 to 50,000, thanks to the introduction of robots . It has tasted success in reduction of labour costs," said a government official, adding that more firms were likely to follow suit.
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (Iupac) announced Wednesday the proposed names of the four elements that were discovered earlier this year.
From here on, elements 113, 115, 117 and 118 will most likely be remembered as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine and oganesson. These will replace their temporary nomenclature - ununtrium, (Uut or element 113), ununpentium (Uup, element 115), ununseptium (Uus, element 117), and ununoctium (Uuo, element 118).
AP
The superheavy, radioactive elements were given a spot on the table's 7th row, after elements 114 and 116 were added in 2011.
AP
The new elements were recognized by the Iupac in December last year. The naming rights were handed over to a team of scientists from the US, Russia and Japan.
Element names can be named after the name of places, mythology, name of scientists, or the characteristics of the elements itself.
Nihonium
Nihonium (symbol Nh) for element 113 is named after Japan as it was discovered there. Nihon is a way to say the country's name in Japanese. It is also the first element to be discovered in Asia.
Moscovium
With symbol Mc for element 115, moscovium is named for Moscow which is near the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research.
AP
Tennessine
Tennessine, with symbol Ts for element 117, is named after the US state of Tennessee where the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is situated. After californium, tennessine becomes the second elements to be named after one of the 50 US states.
Organesson
Symbolized with Og for element 118, the name pays tribute to the Russian physicist, Yuri Oganessian.
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The relevant deputy economy and development minister on Wednesday revealed a government plan to institute an electronic licensing system for most Greek businesses, which have operated for decades in one of the more bureaucracy-laden economies in Europe
A subsidiary of Greek natgas supplier DE.PA along with Italys Edison on Thursday signed a preliminary agreement with Houston-based Noble Energy for the construction of an undersea pipeline connecting a handful of east Mediterranean deposits with mainland Greece, via the island of Crete
Susan Rice Promises Israel 'Largest Military Aid Package in U.S. History'
The American national security adviser also lashes out at Israel's settlement activity, saying that the only road to 'sustainable security for Israel and to dignity and self-determination for the Palestinians is two states for two peoples.'
By Haaretz and JTA June 08, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Haaretz " - U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice promised Israel on Monday that the new military aid agreement between the two nations that is currently being negotiated will constitute the single largest military assistance package with any country in American history. Addressing the American Jewish Committee Global Forum in Washington, Rice said the new decade-long aid package, which is expected to provide Israel somewhere between $37.5 billion and $40 billion over the life of the pact, will constitute a significant increase in support, providing funding to update Israels aircraft fleet and strengthen missile defenses. Hinting at the polarized views on Israeli policy among the U.S. presidential candidates, Rice said that Israels security isnt a Democratic interest or a Republican interestits an enduring American interest. At the same time, Rice lashed out at Israel's settlement activity, saying that the only road to sustainable security for Israel and to dignity and self-determination for the Palestinians is two states for two peoples. Just as we oppose counterproductive Palestinian actions and strongly condemn incitement and violence, settlement activity corrodes the prospects for two states, she said. It moves Israel toward a one-state reality. However, she also cited the occasions when the Obama administration opposed bids by the Palestinians and others to impose a solution through the United Nations, and said that policy would hold. When the Palestinians tried to short circuit the path to statehood, President Obama said peace will not come through resolutions at the United Nations, she added. Rice also strongly condemned the wave of stabbing attacks that began in Israel in October and among whose victims were two Americans who were killed. When Hamas digs tunnels so they can kidnap and kill Israelis Israel is not alone, when one country is singled out time and time again on the floor of the United Nations Israel is not alone, when angry forces attack Israels right to exist Israel is not alone, Rice said. And when Palestinians are attacked by mobs shouting Death to Arabs, when Palestinians mosques and churches are vandalized, the Palestinian people are not alone. Earlier Monday, Rice told the Forward that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry attended a conference last week on Israeli-Palestinian peace called by the French government in order to moderate its message. Secretary Kerry participated because we are very much of the view that this very delicate issue has to be handled effectively and we cant see efforts that might, in fact, complicate the situation on the ground be allowed to generate distraction or worse, renewed or intensified frictions, Rice said. Israels government had strongly objected to the Paris conference. The conferences concluding statement last week was more moderate Israel expected, reportedly because of Kerrys intervention. See also - The U.S. provides Israel $10.2 million* in military aid each day, while it gives the Palestinians $0** in military aid . Total direct U.S. aid to Israel amounts to well over $140 billion in 2003 dollars. Israel receives about $3 billion in direct foreign assistance each year, which is roughly one-fifth of America's entire foreign aid budget. In per capita terms The image embedded in this article did not appear in the original publication.
Challenging Official Propaganda in Search of a Better and Kinder World
A young South Korean loses faith in the official dogmas that have been shaping his worldviews for most of his life
By Andre Vltchek Thus now I have come to recognize the recently implemented sanctions against North Korea as an injustice. - Mr. Kim Dol June 08, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - Above is a short excerpt from the letter that I received in May 2016, a letter from one of my readers, Mr. Kim Dol, a young South Korean professional based in Seoul. Mr. Kim Dol, it seems, has been lately suffering from a gradual but irreversible loss of faith in the official dogmas that have been shaping his worldviews for most of his life dogmas manufactured by his own country, South Korea (ROK), as well as those that have been imported from the West. He discovered countless contradictions between simple logic and what he was told, and expected to believe. He began questioning things, and searching for alternative sources. That is how he found me. Online, he began reading my essays, as well as the essays of other comrades. His letter arrived when I had been living for a month in Buenos Aires, Argentina, working on my new political novel while literally confronting the neo-liberal and neo-fascist government of the Argentinean President, Mauricio Macri. Argentinian people had been fooled and they were now quickly waking up to a social, economic and political nightmare. The US was going to build military bases in at least two territories of this proud and essentially socialist nation. Prices were going up, privatization was in full-swing, and social benefits melting away. Protests erupted all over the capital. The fight for Argentina was on! Simultaneously, in neighboring Brazil, a clique of cynical, corrupt, white and mostly evangelical members of the pro-Western elites managed to overthrow the socialist government of Dilma Rousseff. Mr. Kim Dols letter was timely. The Empire was on the offensive, destroying Latin America, while provoking Russia, China and the DPRK (North Korea). An enormous military conflict, even a Third World War, did not appear as some improbable and phantasmagoric scenario, anymore. Mr. Kim Dol solicited several questions. His letter and queries were simple, honest and essential. Obviously, they were addressing some of the philosophical and political concerns of South Korean people. I decided to reply, but on one condition: that this exchange would be in the form of an interview, and made public. He agreed. I asked whether hed mind using his real name? He responded, bravely, that hed have no problem with that whatsoever. Therefore, we were on! ***** I am dedicating this interview to those citizens of South Korea (ROK) who are, like Mr. Kim, brave enough to question and challenge the official propaganda, and who are searching together with us their comrades in Latin America, Russia, China, the DPRK, South Africa and elsewhere for a much better and kinder world, based on internationalism, solidarity, decency, humanism and equality. ***** An introduction by Mr. Kim Dol: I am a native South Korean in my early thirties. Having been raised in a middle class family, I now work as an office worker, as many ordinary Koreans of my generation do. Ive never been abroad I have hardly ever been outside the city of Seoul and it has only been several years since I started getting interested in affairs that happen outside my tiny sphere. Though both of my parents are of a progressive type, they rarely shared their political views with me in my youth, therefore I have been educated by the most typical ideology in South Korea from schools, society, and media: the superiority of capitalism (though we readily recognize its shortcomings), the terrible conditions of North Korea and other socialist countries, model cases of western countries, democracy, highly valued nationalism and patriotism, and so forth. At least in terms of ideology, I used to be the most typical person one would encounter in South Korea. But recently lots of happenings and trends have made me think about other possibilities: the S. Korean governments increasing rightward shift and pro-market policies has been enlarging the gap between the rich and the poor. The coarse lies of the ROKs central intelligence against North Korea, which used to serve as the most effective means of consolidating the conservative ruling partys power, are now being uncovered one after another. Although the current president of South Korea has been elected presumably in the most democratic way to be found among the chiefs of Northeast Asian countries no one was forced to vote for her ironically now it seems that she is the most unpopular leader. The ongoing low economic growth the world is facing has revealed capitalisms limits and its dangerous future. By contrast, Russia and China, which have been mentioned as representative failures of communism, are now emerging as new economic powers and challenging the USA and EU. I was confused by all these changing factors. And two different forces ISIS and North Korea have been seemingly incurring the worlds hatred over the past few years, which has brought a decisive change in my ideas. Both are hostile to the USA and western powers, but in quite different ways. While ISIS attacks civilians as a means of resistance against its state-scale enemies, North Korea does not need to harm innocent people in its struggle against its enemies. Arming itself with nuclear weapons seems to be the most effective means to defending its people from the USAs threats. (Just see what happened to the Iraqi people who had suffered from the USA invasion). Thanks to the nuclear weapons owned by N. Korea, not only its people but also the soldiers of the USA and its allies can avoid bleeding. It seems justifiable and appropriate to me. However, to my surprise, the global public, as well as all the mass media are siding with the USA. They overtly criticize North Korea arming itself with nuclear weapons. I dont know why. They seem to just assume that DPRK is wrong. Throughout all this, I have found myself no longer able to conform to mainstream media. What was extreme now seems normal, and what was normal now seems extreme. Out of this confusion, I tried to listen to the voices of North Korean people, on both elite and mass levels via a few available media channels, and read some materials and books written by socialists, communists, anti-capitalists, or anti-imperialists, which include some of your works. Among them I have found some common qualities all the authors share: universalism, internationalism, and egalitarianism. They are in striking contrast to the notion of nationalism, which is so highly valued in South Korea. Now I see why socialists prefer the words people and comrade, which are the most powerful words that break down the barriers between nations and classes. For three decades of my life, I have learned about the many cases of slaughters and brutality committed by communists and socialists. But it transpires that this ideology is founded on a powerfully peace-oriented spirit, at least theoretically I have not yet sufficiently studied how it has actually been put into practice. Rather, your books hold the western capitalist powers responsible for countless deaths and exploitation. At the moment I am neither a capitalist nor a socialist. Though the western outlook I used to trust in now disappoints me to a degree and the other ideology I used to despise now touches and impresses me to a degree, still my knowledge is too short to identify me as something. For now, I am just a seeker for reality. I might end up being a capitalist, a socialist, or something in-between. Since I have long learned the values of the western capitalist scheme, now I need the teachings of your side. Once I get fully informed of both value systems, perhaps I will be able to come to the right conclusion. I hope the rest of my life will not be spent in opposition to humanity because of my ignorance of reality. Please help me get closer to reality, or the truth, by answering my questions. ***** Kim Dol: Given the many phases you have written about, you seem to be a socialist or communist. Do you think violence and immorality are inherent in capitalism even if the most virtuous capitalists make up part of a society? Or are your works only accusing a misuse of capitalism? In other words, I am wondering whether capitalism should be discarded and replaced with something else or renovated and reformed into a better form. If you maintain the former, is it possible for it to happen in the current situation where only the few countries such as North Korea remain fully socialist? Andre Vltchek: I believe that the Western imperialist/capitalist global dictatorship/regime has to be immediately dismantled, or else our humanity will eventually and most likely very soon, cease to exist. The present form of capitalism (or call it neo-liberalism) is simply a grotesque, genocidal and gangrenous system. It is in direct contradiction to almost all the basic principles on which all the great civilizations of our planet had been based on. It is also a thoroughly nihilistic and depressing system. The present form of capitalism is directly connected, even derived from, Western colonialism, Christian fundamentalism and the unmatchable brutality of the European culture. It is thoroughly unrealistic to expect that capitalism could be reformed, considering that until this very moment, only one small ethnic group that is responsible for murdering hundreds of millions of human beings all over the world is still holding the global reins of power. I am an internationalist, in the Cuban, Latin American tradition. You can call me a Communist, but I am not subscribing to any particular branch of the left. My Communism or Socialism is about the perpetual struggle against colonialism, racism and imperialism a struggle for equality, justice and social rights. I believe that right now we have many socialist countries on this Planet (no matter how they are defined) including, of course, the most populous one China. Im not dogmatic in how the socialism should be structured, economically. There are many ways, depending on the culture of each particular country. Chinese socialism is different from Bolivian or Iranian socialism, and that is actually wonderful. Capitalism is an extremely outdated, barbaric and unsavory concept, and I believe that it should be scrambled eventually, but only after some prolonged and deep philosophical discussions take place discussions during which the people should be offered many alternatives and enlightened about the past (how capitalism has been destroying countless countries and human lives, for decades). KD: Many administrations that have been criticized as dictatorships by the Empire are really dictatorships at least from the perspective of the western concept of democracy, for example, Kim Jong Uns administration in North Korea. Furthermore, under those administrations, typically the media/press are not free to criticize them. To my knowledge, the public in a socialist country is usually less able to participate in politics and to express their views against their governments. Is this thought simply a misunderstanding caused by my brainwashing by the western imperialist ideas? Do you have another perspective on this? AV: The question is essential and complex, and the answer cannot be simple either. Essentially, almost all of us, including those in what you call the socialist countries, are, to at least some extent, under tremendous psychological pressure to accept Western slogans and definitions of democracy, freedom and openness. They have been literally bombarded, day and night, by open and concealed messages propagating this sort of system: through mass media, mass-produced films and pop music, and education (which could be better described as indoctrination). For decades and centuries, the West has been actually shamelessly utilizing a racist and exceptionalist reasoning: the only acceptable democratic forms of government are those invented and implemented in/by Europe, North America, etc. Why? To this, no answer is given, but it is understood that the reason is: because the West; its race and its culture (and therefore its political concepts) are simply superior, God-given and unquestionable. It is all based on fundamentalist faith, not on any serious analyses or comparisons. On closer examination, which is almost never conducted, such presumptions would, of course, immediately melt. Not only that, Western global rule has never been democratic, it has been clearly genocidal. But back to practical aspects of democracy For instance, present-day China is in many ways much more democratic than the West. But there, the number of political parties competing or not participating at the election booths does not determine the level of democracy. Let us remember that democracy means only rule of the people, translated from Greek (nowhere does it say multi-party system). In China, there is a thousand years old concept, The Heavenly Mandate. The government or the ruler has to answer to the people, and if it fails to represent them, can be removed. The Communist Party of China is well aware of it. It reacts to the needs and desires of the Chinese people much more readily than the Western governments do to their own voters. The current direction taken by President Xi and the leadership of the country is extremely good proof of it: Chinese people are demanding much more Chinese-style socialism, and they are getting it. There is a direct democracy at work there: it is unique, but it could be understood by outsiders/foreigners, if they decided to study it. The problem is that most of them dont. They repeat, like parrots, cliches invented by Western propagandists, without even doing their basic homework. But then they pass their indoctrination as a legitimate point of view, as their own opinion. That is very typical for the Westerners and citizens of the Western colonies and client states: the absolute acceptance of the doctrines and unmatchable arrogant self-righteousness. It is really equal to fundamentalism. In the West as well as in South Korea (or Japan), there is no serious and deep discussion about what precisely democracy is. Perception implanted and accepted by almost all citizens of the Empire is: democracy is us, dictatorship is them. There is no public philosophical discussion. As there are no reports ridiculing the Western democratic concept (basically a useless, even grotesque act of sticking a piece of paper into those big carton or metal boxes, voting for similar-thinking candidates already pre-selected by the regime) in the mainstream media. No serious comparison of us and them is performed. Let me give you a few simple examples to illustrate what I am saying: In Venezuela, during Hugo Chavez Frias, but even now, all major developments and changes (including constitutional ones) have to be approved by the people, through a plebiscite. During those referendums you can vote for the government, for the Process, and that means that your country will stay on the socialist course; or you were to vote in the US-backed opposition, and in that case Venezuela would make a sharp U-turn and go back to being a Western client state and capitalist economy. That is 1800 degrees turn! Where in the West would the citizens be allowed to make such decisions? In the West, you can choose only between capitalism and capitalism! After WWII, the Communist parties in France, Italy and elsewhere in Europe were heading for easy election victories, but the US and UK employed Nazi and fascist cadres to derail the votes. So much for their freedom and democracy! Look now at all those recent polls: most of the Westerners are against capitalism. But can they choose? Can they change the entire system? No! But in China or in Cuba people live with the system desired by the majority. And they are much better informed than people in the West. Just visit any major bookstore in Beijing: you will see tons of books on Marxism and Communism, but you will also see tons of books on business, Obamas biographies, Bill Gates biographies, Western bestsellers and even some iconic Western propaganda rubbish. Then go to the bookstores in New York City or Paris, and tell me how many books defending and glorifying Communism would you find in there. And then just draw some logical conclusions! Or visit 798 which is an enormous city of art galleries and theatres in Beijing. What do you see there? Some great art, yes. But also, plenty of it carries provocative political messages. Messages are critical of everything: from Western imperialism to the way China is governed. It is impressive, truly mind-blowing, how free Chinese art is, compared to that of the West or in Japan. In China, people are passionate about their country, they are discussing, arguing how to make it better, even greater than it already is. Last year I visited 300 art galleries in Paris and I did not find one, a single one that would carry political art. And that is in France, a country that is rapidly falling apart, where people are basically pissed off at their regime, frustrated day and night. Do you call it normal or free? I definitely feel much more free and alive in Beijing than in Paris. And I am not alone! But you would hardly read such thoughts in the British or French or South Korean newspapers. Now, let me return to your mentioning of the undemocratic nature of the DPRK or some of the other socialist countries. You should think why they are undemocratic. As a Korean, you perhaps know that after the Korean War, the DPRK was in much better shape, and was more open that the ROK. ROK was a brutal right-wing dictatorship, run by a pro-Western treasonous clique, and by the military and business interests. People were being hunted down, tortured, and disappeared. It was not unlike the situation in Pinochets Chile or Suhartos Indonesia. But the West unleashed the terror of an arms race, intimidation, sanctions and psychological warfare against the DPRK. At some point it pushed the country into the corner. And DPRK had to react, to close its ranks, to harden itself, simply in order to survive. And when it reacted, the West pointed its fingers, shouting: You see! It is acting undemocratically! In fact, the hatred of the West for North Korea has nothing to do with democracy. It goes back to the neo-colonial era. Both Cuba and North Korea heroically fought for the liberation of Africa; thats why the West hates and tries to destroy them. I wrote extensively on this (DPRK: Isolated, Demonized, and Dehumanized by the West). But that angle is never mentioned! The same happened to Cuba. There the West unleashed direct terror against the island, shooting down passenger airliners, bombing civilian airports, restaurants, hotels, staging assassinations, even trying to divert clouds to cause severe droughts. Cuba never reacted by full-force, but it reacted. The propaganda of the West went immediately into over-drive! You see, for the old and new Western colonialist powers, it is unacceptable, even undemocratic, to defend your own country! It is actually perversely logical: to the Westerners only the white, Caucasian, Christian, Western people really matter only their rights to rule are (sometimes) respected. All others have to accept their fate of subservience, of slavery! But no, this would never happen in Cuba or in the DPRK. People dont want to be slaves there. They would never accept Western terror as something normal. And they know that the only reason why they are in this special situation is because they are intimidated, attacked, even terrorized by the West for helping to liberate the world from slavery! They never attacked any foreign country. But if attacked, they will fight. That is how the majority of people feel in both countries. And therefore, their determination is democratic. KD: Your term the Empire is mentioned in a singular form although it consists of many countries. Is it because North America and Western Europe have a common interest and usually stand on the same side? Doesnt imperialism usually feature competitions among a number of empires? AV: Correct. The empires of Europe and later the United States of America used to compete for the loot and control of entire continents or particular countries. But after the WWII, there was consolidation, and now it is basically the Western world, a white race, or some sort of Christian fundamentalist realm (plus its lieutenants like Japan, South Korea and Israel) that forms one huge neo-colonialist Empire. I described it in detail in two of my recent books: Exposing Lies Of The Empire and Fighting Against Western Imperialism. KD: You and lots of other communists and socialists condemn the imperialist governments for having led many nations into ruins. However, Ive found that communists and socialists including you also frequently criticize feudalism, which is highly likely to have been predominant among those nations before they were colonized. Should I think that the evil feudalism has been replaced with the more evil colonialism and those nations have never been in bright conditions? AV: Very interesting, and again, an essential question. Many countries that were later colonized by the West went through some type of feudal period. And the West itself also lived, for centuries, under a feudalist system. If there were to be no brutal intervention from abroad (from the West), most nations of the world would be developing in their own, specific way, but most likely moving towards some modern and, Id dare to say, socialist state; definitely away from feudalism. After colonizing Asia, Africa, what is now Latin America and Oceania, the West began using and re-introducing some old, oppressive power structures in each and every occupied country or part of the world. Almost immediately, the local feudal lords, warlords and aristocrats were bribed, restored into control and armed with new privileges and powers, so they could terrorize and intimidate their own people on behalf of the occupying powers. So, in a way, the West restored or re-introduced feudalism in the countries from which it had already disappeared, or upheld it where it was still reigning. It was clearly a regressive process, but what else are colonialism and slavery if not extremely dark, primitive and backward concepts? A very good example is Indonesia, which, before the West-backed, extremely brutal and genocidal fascist coup of 1965, was moving towards electing its first Communist government (PKI). The country was ready to move to the Left, democratically. After the pro-Western murderous forces grabbed power, killing between 1 and 3 million people and turning Indonesia into an intellectual zombie land, feudalism was forcefully reintroduced, almost immediately. Actually, to be precise, at least in modern history, most countries that were experiencing what you described as bright conditions were destroyed and occupied by the West, exactly because they were so democratic, and cared for their own people. What we see as bright conditions something that is positive and beneficial for the local people the Empire considers as mortal danger to its dictatorial interests. The Empire does not care about people, especially for what Orwell used to call un-people the non-Westerners. Examples of horrors administered by the West are limitless: from Congo to Indonesia, Chile, Iraq, Iran and Libya. Do you really believe that such a system can be reformed? Or perhaps we should finally stop fooling ourselves, after almost a billion of lives had been lost, throughout the centuries and in all corners of the world? And instead start defending human beings, human lives! Andre Vltchek is a philosopher, novelist, filmmaker and investigative journalist. He covered wars and conflicts in dozens of countries. His latest books are: Exposing Lies Of The Empire and Fighting Against Western Imperialism .Discussion with Noam Chomsky: On Western Terrorism . Point of No Return is his critically acclaimed political novel. Oceania a book on Western imperialism in the South Pacific. His provocative book about Indonesia: Indonesia The Archipelago of Fear . Andre is making films for teleSUR and Press TV. After living for many years in Latin America and Oceania, Vltchek presently resides and works in East Asia and the Middle East. He can be reached through his website or his Twitter .
Rehearsing for World War III
Operation Anakonda 16 is a dangerous provocation
By Justin Raimondo June 08, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Antiwar " - As I write this, US troops are building a bridge across Polands Vistula river, and conducting a nighttime helicopter assault to secure the eastern part of the country against a Russian assault. Has World War III started? Well, not quite yet, although its not for want of trying. This is Operation Anakonda 16. Thirty-one thousand troops, 14,000 of them American, are conducting war games designed to secure an Allied victory in World War III. The exercises involve 100 aircraft, 12 vessels and 3,000 vehicles, and precede the upcoming NATO summit, which is expected to approve the stationing of yet more troops mostly Americans in eastern Europe. NATO claims this is all strictly defensive in nature, designed to deter Russian aggression but who is the real aggressor? It is the Western powers who, ever since the fall of the USSR, have pushed eastward relentlessly, expanding the defensive NATO alliance to include such useless nonentities as Albania and Montenegro, and even extending associate status to distant Georgia. Their policy has been to eliminate the buffer between NATO and Russia, absorbing previously neutral Ukraine into the Western orbit by means of a violent coup detat, and launching a propaganda war that targets Russian President Vladimir Putin as the second coming of Stalin. The Russian reaction has been to reverse Nikita Khrushchevs 1954 decision to hand Crimea to Ukraine, pull out of a treaty limiting the number of troops in Europe, launch a military build up on their borders, and upgrade their nuclear arsenal to parallel a similar effort by the US. With the collapse of international communism, the need for NATO was obviated, and yet like any and all government programs it not only persisted, it expanded. Complementing the idea of Greater Europe and the creation of the European Union, the NATO-crats enlarged the original defensive vision that was supposedly the rationale for the alliance and embarked on an ambitious program that involved the creation of a permanent military architecture which inevitably sought to absorb real estate in the east. Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the Baltic states all eventually joined NATOs ranks as Moscow looked on in alarm. As the war on terrorism commenced, NATO became the instrument of Western military operations in the Middle East, sending its tentacles into the former Soviet republics of Central Asia and insinuating itself into the Caucasus region. From a cold war policy of containment, US/NATO has since moved into regime change mode: the idea is to encircle Russia militarily, while using soft power to undermine pro-Russian regimes in Russias periphery and eventually achieve regime change in Russia itself. The Ukrainian operation was an example of the soft power approach: utilizing Western-funded civil society groups, they succeeded in evicting the democratically elected government from office and installing one handpicked in Washington. With the imposition of sanctions, and the continued encirclement of Russia, the idea is to squeeze the Russian bear until he either gives up or collapses. Which is why Anakonda an iteration of the giant snake that crushes its victims to death and then devours them is truly an evocative name. As is usual with the regime-changers in Washington, they approach their task with little or no understanding of their intended victim. In Iraq and Afghanistan, they thought they could destroy the regime, and then create a Middle Eastern version of Kansas. It didnt work out that way but our political class is incapable of learning the lessons of experience. In the case of Russia, they believe that a Russian collapse would have to mean the ascension to power of a figure much like the late Boris Yeltsin, who was too drunk to resist the incursions of Western power most of the time, and went along with the marginalization of his country without too many protests. However, the memory of the Yeltsin era is abhorred by the Russian people, who saw their country plundered by the oligarchs, and their standard of living fall into a veritable abyss, while Russia was pushed around on the international stage like a freshman pledge on fraternity row. What the NATO-crats want is a pro-Western figurehead in power in Russia, but what they dont get is that Putin is as pro-Western as they come in the current political milieu. His main opponent in the election that brought him to power was the virulently anti-Western Communist Party, which he handily defeated, with the even more anti-Western Russian nationalists coming in third. Initially, Putin sought to include Russia in Greater Europe, and he proposed an agreement with NATO to ensure that Europe would be a common space. Yet his initiatives to create an inclusive Europe were met with implacable hostility by the Western powers, who rejected the idea that Russia would be treated as an equal and insisted on the primacy of NATO and the EU. This set up the present standoff, in which the countries of the former Warsaw Pact were forced to choose between Brussels and Moscow. If and when the West succeeds in collapsing the Russian economy and taking down Putin, it wont be a Yeltsin-like figure who will inherit the ruins. What comes after Putin, in this context, is something much worse. And in that case, the prospect of war will loom large on the horizon. If Hillary Clinton gets into the White House, you can be sure the tensions with Russia will reach fever pitch. She has compared Putin to Hitler always the signal that we are about to embark on yet another crusade and her neoconservative supporters are eager to restart the cold war. The great danger is that a cold war may very well become a hot one and that raises the specter that we lived with for half a century, the very real possibility of a nuclear war. To compare Putin to Stalin, or Hitler, is absurd: Russia has come a long way since the days of the Gulag, when 60 million people were killed and imprisoned. If we want to push Russia back into the darkness, then the policy we are presently pursuing is the way to go: if, however, we want peace, then its high time to disband NATO which is outdated and expensive give up our dreams of regime change in Russia, and start cooperating with Moscow in solving our mutual problems. Justin Raimondo is the editorial director of Antiwar.com, and a senior fellow at the Randolph Bourne Institute. He is a contributing editor at The American Conservative, and writes a monthly column for Chronicles. He is the author of Reclaiming the American Right: The Lost Legacy of the Conservative Movement [Center for Libertarian Studies, 1993; Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 2000], and An Enemy of the State: The Life of Murray N. Rothbard [Prometheus Books, 2000].
NATO War Games Near Russia 'Pushing Humanity Towards World War III'
NATO has begun its Anaconda-16 war game, calling for the largest assembly of foreign forces in Poland since World War II.
By Sputnik June 08, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Sputnik " - On Monday, NATO launched its largest war game in decades, near the Russian border, as part of what analysts call the "summer of provocation," a bid to reignite the Cold War intended to force Moscow to starve its domestic economy to ramp up its military to meet a growing external threat.
The war game, titled Anaconda-16, will take place in Poland ahead of next months NATO summit in Warsaw, where officials are expected to approve permanent troops to be stationed in the country and throughout eastern Europe, to combat what they consistently refer to 'Russian aggression.'
The 10-day military exercise calls for the participation of some 31,000 NATO troops and thousands of military vehicles, in what will be the single largest movement of foreign forces inside of Poland since World War II, rehashing painful memories for many Russians.
In June 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to disarm the Russian aggression talking point disseminated by neoconservative Beltway think tanks, pointing to the absurdity of Russia instigating a war against NATO member states. "I think that only an insane person, and only in a dream, can imagine that Russia would suddenly attack NATO," said Putin, adding, "I think some countries are simply taking advantage of peoples fears with regard to Russia." Regardless of the motives, the escalation of a NATO military presence close to Russian borders has reached a fever pitch, with the US establishing a missile-defense system in Romania and undertaking the development of a separate missile shield in neighboring Poland. Beyond attempting to strangle Moscows nuclear deterrent, the Obama administration has also increased Pentagon spending in countries neighboring Russia by four-fold. The Obama administration is not alone in its efforts to increase a rhetoric of threat. In recent months Poland has called for an influx of US troops and military aid, citing concerns that Russia may seek to invade. Germany has agreed to dispatch troops into the country for the war game, marking the first time that German soldiers have entered Polish territory since the Nazis used it as a route to invade the Soviet Union. On Monday, Loud & Clears Brian Becker sat down with security analysts Daniel McAdams and John Wight to discuss the latest round of provocations on Russias border, and whether NATO war hawks seek more violence. What is the purpose of the Anaconda-16 War Game? "Well this is a series of so many NATO exercises on Russias borders during the summer, you can call it the summer of provocation," said McAdams. "This is the largest of the military exercises, and is the largest movement of foreign forces within Poland since World War II, so that is very significant and it is all being sold to everyone else as a protection against Russian aggression." "In reality, it is NATO troops that are outside of Russias borders and it is absolutely a provocation, another step in trying to poke Russia in the eye," explained the security analyst. Is Poland important to the United States strategically? "Poland is massively important because of the historical enmity between the Poles and Russia along with the location," explained John Wight. "Daniel is absolutely right in calling this the summer of provocation, what we are witnessing is the recrudescence of the policy of containment that was devised after the Second World War." "Containment, however, is a bit of a misnomer because it isnt a policy of containment, it is a policy of aggression designed to surround Russia politically, economically, and ultimately militarily, in order to keep Russias government paranoid and to apply pressure on Russia to cause it to implode internally," said Wight, explaining the existential threat that Moscow faces from US-led saber rattling. Is Russia a counter-hegemonic force against the United States? "I wouldnt say that Russia set out to be counter-hegemonic, but certain events have taken place," suggested McAdams. "You know the famous Putin speech where he essentially said Weve had it, weve had enough, and weve taken it for a number of years, and this was right before Russia accepted Syrias invitation to put down the jihadists." "I believe Russia has been pushed into this position, but if you talk about the early dates of the Obama administration, there was still this idea of resetting relations," said McAdams. "Instead, what happened in the Obama administration, and it happens in every administration, in which the neocons swoop in and take over foreign policy." "You have people like Victoria Nuland who served Dick Cheney prior to President Obama. What on earth were they thinking by allowing somebody like this to have control of power, somebody who is a member of the Kagan neocon crime family, as the wife to Robert Kagan. This is how the neocons do it and they swallowed the Obama administration like a cancer that keeps growing," stated the security analyst. "The neoconservatives now have control of Obamas Russian policy and I think they are pushing us towards World War III," asserted McAdams.
German Intelligence Service to Become Branch of U.S. CIA
By Eric Zuesse
(NOTE: The following news report was offered on the morning of June 7th as an exclusive, to the following newsmedia, all of whom ignored it; and so its now being distributed free-of-charge to all newsmedia, but the following were the newsmedia that had already declined it as an exclusive news report: The Daily Beast, Slate, The Intercept, Huffington Post, Salon, Common Dreams, Truthout, ProPublica, Harpers, Atlantic, Foreign Policy, National Journal, AP, Globe and Mail, National Post, Telegraph, Guardian, Financial Times, The Economist, Daily Mail, London Times, London Review of Books, New Statesman, The Spectator, Bloomberg, NYT, McClatchy, CBS, CNN, Politico, The Nation, The National Interest, The New Republic, Reason, Rolling Stone, Buzzfeed, Newsweek, Time, USN&WR, Consortium News Service.)
June 08, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - According to a news report in the June 7th German Economic News (Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten, or DWN), headlined Merkel entmachtet BND: USA kontrollieren Spionage in Deutschland or Merkel Ousts BND: US to Control German Espionage, a new law will soon be passed in the German parliament and be approved by Chancellor Angela Merkel, which will make Germanys version of the CIA, the Bundesnachrichtendienstes (BND), nothing more than a branch of the CIA, to such an extreme degree, that even U.S. corporate espionage against German companies will become part of that German operation. The independent capacities of the BND will become emasculated, no longer operational, under the new law.
In practice, this means that the US intelligence services [NSA] will be allowed to continue to listen in on every company and every individual in Germany.
(That includes the Chancellor herself, whose phone-conversations were previously embarrassingly revealed to have been listened-in upon by the NSA. Now itll be legal.)
This could be part of the Wests buildup toward a global war. According to a report issued on June 6th in German Economic News, the German government is preparing to go to war against Russia, and has in draft-form a Bundeswehr report declaring Russia to be an enemy nation. DWN said there: The Russian secret services have apparently thoroughly studied the paper. In advance of the papers publication, a harsh note of protest has been sent to Berlin: The head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, Alexei Puschkow, has posted this Twitter message: The decision of the German government declaring Russia to be an enemy shows Merkels subservience to the Obama administration.
Back on February 17th, DWN had reported that German Chancellor Merkel will develop a new military doctrine declaring, The annexation of Crimea by Russia is the basis for military action against Moscow. Apparently, that prior report will soon be fulfilled.
Taken all together, these news reports from DWN indicate a clear subordination of the German government to the U.S. government, in a period of preparation for a NATO war against Russia.
However, not mentioned at all in the DWN articles nor anywhere else in Western news media is a crucial fact, a fact that the head of Americas private CIA firm Stratfor acknowledged only when addressing a Russian-speaking audience, because it reveals the fraudulence of the Wests alleged justification for all of this economic and now also military action by the West against Russia: that (in English) the overthrow of Ukraines President in Russias neighboring nation of Ukraine during February 2014 was the most blatant coup in history. That coup, in turn, led to the separation from Ukraine of the two regions of Ukraine that had voted overwhelmingly for the President whom Obama had just overthrown. Extensive video documentation exists demonstrating that the overthrow was a coup, and even demonstrating that the Obama Administration had selected Ukraines post-coup leader 22 days prior to his being formally appointed by the Ukrainian parliament. Furthermore, the only detailed scholarly study of the evidence that has been performed came to the same conclusion that it was a U.S. coup. The last month before the coup was incredibly violent, with Obamas hired fascists attacking the governments securitly forces brutally: Here is some of the bloodshed from the prior month, on January 21st, then January 22nd, then January 25th. Moreover, immediately after the overthrow, when the EU sent its own investigator into Kiev to report back on how the overthrow had taken place, he too reported that it had been a coup. Subsequently revealed was that the Obama Administration had started preparing the coup inside the U.S. Embassy in Kiev by no later than 1 March 2013 almost a year prior to the coup. Also, the even earlier preparation for the coup, extending through decades, on the part of CIA-affiliated nonprofit or NGO organizations (funded by Western aristocrats and their corporations), laying the groundwork for this coup, has been brilliantly documented at some online sites. None of this information has been widely published its virtually not at all published in the West. Though the potential audience for it might be vast (especially since Western publics pay much of the tab for this operation and yet receive none of the benefits from the resultant looting of Ukraine, which goes all to aristocrats in the U.S. and allied aristocracies), the market in the West for reporting it, is virtually nil, because the market is the Wests news media, and theyve all (except for a few small ones like this) been taken over by the aristocracy, and serve the aristocracy not the public (their audiences, whom theyre in business to deceive). The aristocracys companies advertise in, and thereby fund, most of those news media, and the aristocracys governments fund the rest and the public pays for that, too, not just by being manipulated to vote for the aristocracys politicians, but by being taxed to pay what the NGOs and their aristocrats dont (so the public are buying the weapons etc.). Its a vast money-funnel from the many, to the few.
Though the transfer of Crimea from Ukraine to Russia is treated by Western news media as having been a conquest by Russia, and as being Russias seizure of Crimea, and Russias stealing Crimea, nothing of the sort is true (and Crimeans had good reason to be terrified of the Obama-coup regime that had just been installed, from which Russia saved Crimeans), but the lie needs to be promulgated in order for the aristocracys invasion of Russia to be able to organized and carried out.
Unfortunately, the reason why this U.S coup in Ukraine has still not been reported in the West, is that to make it public to Westerners would jeopardize not only the Western economic sanctions against Russia after Russia accepted the overwhelming decision by Crimeans to separate from the post-coup Ukrainian government, but would also jeopardize the preparations by all of NATO to go to war against Russia: both the sanctions and the invasion would have no basis and no support among Western publics. All of that (the sanctions, and now the pouring of troops and weapons onto and near Russias borders for a possible invasion of Russia) would no longer be at all palatable by Western publics, if this history that it all began by a violent U.S. coup in Ukraine were to become known before the U.S. and NATO invasion occurs. So it all remains, instead, suppressed in the democratic West.
So: please email this articles URL address(http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article44835.htm ), to friends, so as to spread to them the word, that NATO is preparing an invasion of Russia. Theres no way that the news media they see are likely to tell them (until its already too late).
US Terrorizes Europe for NATO Scam By Finian Cunningham
June 08, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Sputnik " - The US has succeeded at last with its audacious con-job. The lead NATO member has managed to orchestrate a huge turnaround for increased military spending among its European allies.
And at the heart of this scam is the hysterical anti-Russia propaganda campaign. Over the past two years there has been a quickening drumbeat out of Washington and certain European capitals, warning of Russian aggression and security threat. Bombastic accusations of Russias annexation of Crimea and destabilizing Ukraine with the skimpiest of evidence have all been thrown into a propaganda cauldron, stirred up and ladled out on the Western public by corporate and government-controlled news media. Its so corny, its unbelievable. But shamefully the Big Lie has worked its way into accepted policy. The upshot is the dramatic deterioration in relations between Moscow and the West and the inculcated notion that Russia is a menace to the security of Eastern Europe and the Baltic states. That, in turn, has driven calls mainly by the Americans for increased spending on NATO military forces. And that is the key to understanding this whole collective derangement. When the US-led military alliance holds its big summit in Warsaw next month, the 28-member states will be told that years of declining military expenditure have been reversed. Defence spending by Europes NATO states is set to rise for the first time in nearly a decade, reported the Financial Times. The newspaper quotes NATOs Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as saying: The forecast for 2016, based on figures from allied nations, indicates that 2016 will be the first year with increased defence spending among European allies for the first time in many, many years. That hike in military expenditure by European NATO members is reckoned to amount to an extra $100 billion annually. Some of the biggest NATO spenders in Europe are Britain, France and more recently Poland and the Baltic states. But the biggest turnaround is Germany. The country is to increase its military budget for the first time in 25 years. The years of decline are over, said German defence minister Ursula von der Leyen, with boastful delight. Currently, the average military spend among Europes NATO members is around 1.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At Washingtons urging, the alliance is targeting for a 2 per cent spend of GDP. That will result in manifold the $100 billion extra that has already manifested. And which country do you think will reap the financial rewards of this extravagance? Why the United States, of course. When NATO members splurge on warplanes, warships, tanks and missile systems, it will be American Pentagon corporations like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon that stand most to gain from the business bonanza. Poland, for example, wants the US-made Aegis missile system on its territory just like Romania recently installed at a cost of $800 million. Estonia wants US-made Patriot missiles on its territory, as well as Abrams tanks and more F-16 fighter jets. Washington does not give out these weapons systems for free. Its hard-nosed capitalist profit-making behind all the lofty American talk about defending allies. And no doubt European government ministers who facilitate the American deals will, nod and wink, get a plum job on retirement with a weapons company or at some lucrative pro-NATO think tank. This reversal in European military spending is great news for the US military-industrial complex and the American economy generally. As the Financial Times points out, since the end of the Cold War between the US and former Soviet Union, there has been a protracted decline in NATO budgets allocated by European states. Understandably too. If the threat of war wanes, then naturally governments will find more socially productive ways to invest money. However, from the US economys point of view dependent as it is on massive military subsidies from an annual defence budget of $600 billion the post-Cold War promise of peace was bad news. The fall-off in military spending by European NATO members dropped sharply following 2008, as countries grappled with the global financial crisis and economic austerity. It is no coincidence that since then Washington has been cajoling European states to make a U-turn in policy and to boost their expenditure on military hardware, which means mainly American military hardware. At the last NATO summit held two years ago in Wales at the end of 2014, US President Obama ratcheted up the rhetoric haranguing European allies to commit bigger financial outlays for the military alliance. Towards that goal, Obama found reinforcing voices among British leader David Cameron, new NATO secretary-general and former Norwegian premier Jens Stoltenberg, as well as Poland and the Baltic states. Together this US-led cabal within NATO have been the most vociferous in accusing Russia of aggression on Europes borders. And in a two-year period the malaise of budgetary decline has been turned around to one of robust increased spending. It is no surprise therefore that the anti-Russian scare tactic has been accompanied by an ever-increasing number and size of US-led war exercises held in Eastern European NATO countries. This month sees Operation Anaconda being held in Poland, which is reportedly one of the biggest NATO drills since the end of the Cold War, involving over 30,000 troops and hundreds of warplanes and warships. Russia has condemned reckless NATO saber-rattling and relentless military build-up on its borders. Moscow has repeatedly said that it is not a threat to its European neighbors. Last year, President Vladimir Putin told Italian media that only a mad person could imagine Russia attacking NATO. Despite the military posturing by the US and its NATO allies, it seems plausible that the alliance is not genuinely seeking an all-out confrontation. A recent study by the US-based Rand Corporation concluded that NATO forces wouldnt stand a chance against Russia if they came to blows in Eastern Europe. Seemingly aware of tensions getting out of control, the US publication Defense One, which is aligned with the Pentagon, made the notable call recently urging NATO to rediscover diplomacy in its relations with Russia. The timing is significant. For years, Washington has assiduously tried to reverse European military cuts. That has advantaged the US firstly from hawking business for its critically important military-industrial complex; secondly, by dragooning NATO members to cohere under an anti-Russian banner that gives Washington a badly needed renewed purpose to be in Europe. That had always been the underlying rationale of NATO, and with the receding of the Cold War the US was out on a limb. No more though. The anti-Russian propaganda alarming Europe of invasion and war appears to have worked suitably, as the FT report of boosted military spending across Europe indicates. However, the dilemma is that the hostile US rhetoric could get out of control, inciting a hot war. Hence, the betting is that more calls for diplomacy will now ensue from Washington in order to tamp down tensions with Russia. Having terrorized Europe into fearing Russian attack, Washington has managed to secure the funding of its military-industrial complex that its economy craves. That was the real and only objective. War might be averted, but the scam is nonetheless reprehensible, and the people of the US and Europe should not stand for it.
Federal Government in Geneva threatened to withdraw operating license of banks or telecom operators who violated its order to put on hold the current mass sack in the two sectors.
Speaking at the on-going 105th Session of the International Labour Congress (ILC), in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said the government would go a step further, on erring companies, if the banks and the telecommunication outfits continue with the mass sack of the workers.
It could be recalled that the banking sector has in recent time embarked on massive retrenchment as a response to the current economic hardship with Ecobank Nigeria, last week sack of over 1,040 of its employees, Diamond Bank sacked over 200 of its workforce, while FBN Holdings, the parent company of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, recently said it would prune the number of its employees by 1,000.
The minister, who addressed journalists immediately after his speech to the ILO National Assembly, said: We will go a step further if they continue. We know what to do. After all, the banks have the licenses giving by the government. We know what to do. They need to comply. They need to come to the negotiation table.
We did that in the oil industry and we succeeded. Even if you are going to lay off, there is a way to declare redundancy, there is a process. Section 20 of the Labour Act says it. You must call the unions and discuss with them. You dont just treat them as slaves in their own country and you want us to keep quiet.
We want them to maintain the status quo. As far as I am the minister of labour, I will protect the interest of workers; same to the telecommunication companies, they are also talking about compiling lists without discussing with anybody.
On the position of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) that the companies in the private sector has the sole power to hire and fire and that the power doesnt resides in the government, Senator Ngige said the organised private sector, represented by NECA is protecting its own members, and merely expressing their opinion.
The minister warned that as much as the employers have the right, but cannot be done at the detriment of the Nigerian workers and the law of the land.
He said: The organised private sector, NECA is protecting their own interest. They are a leg of the tripod, nothing stops them from having their own opinion. They are the section that protect private investors. They are employers body and the people I am talking to are also employers.
The banks boards, the banks chairmen, the banks managing directors, are the people I am talking to. I also talk to unions whenever the need be. In the same order, I also asked the unions not to picket the banks. They had mobilised to picket the banks. It is the job of the government to maintain a peaceful milieu on both sides and that is why I issued the directive.
From investigation and preliminary report available to us, the banks, the insurance companies, the financial institutions are all laying off. And in some cases, they do not allow their workers to unionize and that is wrong and against the ILO principle.
He emphasised that they have not entered into collective bargaining agreement (CBA) which is the first step to take to lay off workers.
Source: TheSun
Nigerias acting President, Yemi Osinbajo presided over the Federal Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.
SEE ALSO: Buhari Hands Over To Osinbajo As He Proceeds On Medical Leave
Following Muhammadu Buharis medical leave, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will act in his stead until he returns.
Here are a few photos from Wednesdays FEC session.
The Chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr. Danladi Yakubu Umar on Wednesday said that his advocacy for the return of Decree 2 to regulate the practice of journalism in the country was a joke.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Tribunal, Ibrahim Alhassan, urged members of the public to regard the statement as a joke made in good faith and not to obstruct the practice of journalism in the country.
The statement by the Chairman was made out of joke, not to intimidate any member of the Fourth Estate of the Realm in this country from observing their statutory functions as mandated by the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, as anchored in liberal democratic society like ours.
The Chairman only cracked the joke following his discovery that some media organisations had in their report claimed that his tribunal had adjourned the trial of the President of the Senate Bukola Saraki on false declaration of assets indefinitely.
Umar in his remarks said in the open court that the publication of adjournment sine die, meaning indefinite adjournment was not a true reflection of the decision of the tribunal when the adjournment issue was decided.
We wish to state that the CCT Chairman as a law-abiding citizen recognises the role assigned to media practitioners by law and would not do anything to hinder the media practitioners from doing their legitimate jobs
It is also on record that there has been no conflict between the media and the CCT on one side and Chairman on the other side with the media practitioners since they have been covering the high profile trial of the Senate President.
The Tribunal therefore appreciates the conducive working atmosphere of the media and the establishment and would not do anything that would hamper the smooth and cordial relationship between the two
The Chairman never threatened our distinguished Senator but only cautioned the people at the gallery to behave and to stop interjecting into the proceeding of the tribunal.
The Chairmans caution was informed by complaint from the Federal Government Lawyer, Mr Rotimi Jacob (SAN), that he was been shouted down by some people from the gallery prompting the chairman to caution that whoever exhibit unruly behaviours would be made to face contempt of the tribunal.
And as such the caution was not directed at the distinguished senators who were in the Tribunal with Senate President. It is not specifically directed at the distinguished Senators, as widely reported in the media, the statement read.
The Benue State Government has promised to help raise the triplets delivered to the family of Mr and Mrs Boniface Iorliam at the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area of the state.
The IDPs are those who left their home due to herdsmen attack on their village close to Nasarawa State.
Governor Samuel Ortom made the pledge while making a cash donation to the family with their new born babies at the residence of the Parish Priest of St. Francis Catholic Church Daudu, who took the family in from the harsh weather condition at the IDP Camp.
Ortom, who was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, called on the Federal Government to address the humanitarian crisis going on in the state.
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a list of 47 names of Nigerians for ambassadorial positions to the Senate.
The list contains only career diplomats, unlike in the past when politicians have been made ambassadors.
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, read the letter containing their names on the floor at plenary today.
However, he said that their Curricula Vitae were attached with the document.
Those nominated by the president will be screened by the Senate, after which those who scale through the screening process will be confirmed as ambassadors.
The Osun State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has threatened a showdown if the State Government implements a recent judgment of the State High Court affirming the right of female Muslim students to wear hijab on their school uniforms during the school hours.
The Rauf Aregbesola administration in 2013 introduced a reclassification and merger policy of public schools in the state, a move that resulted in a crisis at Baptist High School, Iwo, after female Muslim students wore Hijab on their school uniforms.
In the wake of the protests that greeted the reclassification and merger policy at the time, Gov. Aregbesola said his administration neither approved nor disapproved the use of hijab in any school, stressing that it was the courts position that the status quo ante be maintained until the case was determined.
Delivering judgment last Friday in the case instituted by the Osun State Muslim community against the State Government, Justice Jide Falola of Osun State High Court, ruled that female Muslim students in public schools in the state can wear hijab on their school uniforms during the school hours.
The Muslim community dragged the state government to court in defence of the right of female Muslim students in the state.
Reacting to the ruling in a Communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the State CAN Exco, the Heads of Blocks and Heads of Churches held in Osogbo, the state capital yesterday, the association warned that it would direct Christian students in public schools in the state to start wearing church garments to school once Muslim female students start using hijab in schools.
The CAN further said it could not agree with the judgment, expressing the belief that the ruling represents premeditated adjudication that runs against the printed grain of legal submissions made before the judge.
The Communique, which was signed by Osun State CAN Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, said the judgment would be appealed.
It said: Specifically, Justice Jide Falola deeply violated the principle of fair hearing when he refused and or failed to hear, let alone rule, one way or the other, on the application for a joinder in the case properly filed and brought to his attention in open court by the interested parties whose schools were taken over forcefully by the government and stood to be affected by the judgment he later proceeded to deliver.
The state government must be wary about giving effect to this judgment, which we suspect was masterminded by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in line with his Islamization Agenda.
Where the Osun State Government is inclined to implementing the judgment, Christian students in all public schools will have no choice but to start wearing Christian garments and vestments as part of their school uniform for the propagation of our own faith, CAN threatened.
Religious crisis is brewing in northern Nigeria as another Christian has been attacked by youth believed to be Muslims. This is coming less than two weeks after a septuagenarian was killed in Kano for alleged blasphemy.
Francis Emmanuel, on Wednesday narrowly escaped death as a gang of six youths, believed to be Muslims, armed with daggers stabbed him severally at a restaurant in Kakuri, Kaduna, accusing him of not fasting. He had since been rushed to St. Gerald Catholic Hospital. He sustained deep machete cuts on various parts of his body, especially around his left chin and back.
Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, on learning about the development rushed to the hospital and greeted the victim and promised he would get the culprits to face justice.
Muslims across the country began the annual Ramadan fast on Monday. Kaduna has been the scene of religious tension between Muslims and Christians. In February 2000, approximately 1,000 people were killed in a riot and several cars and houses were burnt. The city remains segregated to this day, with Muslims living mainly in the north and Christians in the south.
After the major chaos and disorderliness at the international wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport yesterday,
when the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his wife, Olori Wuraola departed Nigeria for the United States, we can authoritatively inform you that the royal couple arrived safely in America.
The Ooni was pictured above at JFK Airport in New York along with Olori Wuraola.
Information Nigeria gathers that Oba Ogunwusi will be in the US till the end of the month where he will attend several events starting from June 11th till June 29th.
Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos state, whose birthday wis on June 14th has appealed to well wishers not to waste money on newspaper adverts but they should rather channel the funds for such, to the Mobile Cancer center fund.
According to the governor come June 14th, he will be participating in a #GivingTuesday event, an initiative founded by the United Nations in 2012 as a global way of engendering and celebrating philanthropy pioneered by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP-Nigeria), a group in the forefront of the war against cancer.
Ambode on that day would raise more awareness towards the quest to raise funds for a Mobile Cancer Centre in Lagos.
During the #GivingTuesday event, Ill raise more awareness towards the quest to raise funds for a Mobile Cancer Centre in Lagos. Akinwunmi Ambode (@AkinwunmiAmbode) June 9, 2016
For the second year in a row, I have concluded plans to dedicate my Birthday on June 14, 2016, towards advancing the fight against cancer. Akinwunmi Ambode (@AkinwunmiAmbode) June 9, 2016
I appeal to my well wishers wishing to place congratulatory messages via newspaper adverts to instead channel same to the cause. Akinwunmi Ambode (@AkinwunmiAmbode) June 9, 2016
I appeal to well wishers not to place congratulatory messages via newspaper adverts, instead channel same to the Mobile Cancer center fund. Akinwunmi Ambode (@AkinwunmiAmbode) June 9, 2016
#GivingTuesday is observed worldwide, supported by business, political & social leaders who jointly champion fund-raising for development.
The Department of Security Service (DSS) has busted ISIS training cells in Kano.
The State Director of DSS, Abdullahi Bello Chiranchi said that the arrest was a significant breakthrough at frustrating the move by terrorists to make Kano an ISIS training ground.
According to Chiranci, five persons who were on their way to Libya and other Africa States were arrested.
He revealed that those arrested were indigenes of Kogi State moving to Libya, Morocco and other places that might have traces of ISIS fighters.
However, the DSS failed to offer details of those suspected ISIS on transit to Libya but said that their arrest is a significant one.
The Ministries of Niger Delta Affairs and Youths and Sports, in partnership with St. Georges UK, are sending 100 Niger Delta youths to European countries for a programme tagged `Train and Engage.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Usani Usani, made the disclosure during interview with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.
No fewer than 100 Niger Delta youths will be sent abroad for training as we have entered training agreements with various European institutions, including United Kingdom, for that purpose, Usani said.
The Minister added that the trainees would be readily absorbed and constructively engaged upon completion of their studies abroad.
Usani said that the local content office of the Africa House in UK had entered into collaboration with the ministry to train the youths on NV Q Model Design.
NV Q Model Design is to train the youths in oil and gas industry need basis and youths from the Niger Delta will be given that special training, he said.
The minister, therefore, called on the restive youths of the region to put an end to destruction of national assets and embrace peace, adding we can together achieve much in peace than in war.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arraigned Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi, former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State on charges of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretense.
Also charged with Adamu was his company, Solid Unit Nig. Ltd, before Justice Yakubu Dakawak of Plateau High Court 2 in Jos.
According to the prosecutor, Aliyu Bokani Usman, Adamu collected N23,431 from one Olajide Olaleye, for the supply of iron ore and zinc but disappeared thereafter.
He said that the action contravened section 8 (a) and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Law of 2006.
However, the defence counsel, Gyang Zio, prayed the court to grant the accused bail on personal recognition.
Justice Dakawak adjourned the case to Friday, June 10, for ruling on the bail application and ordered that Adamu is remanded in prison pending the determination of the application for bail.
In the afternoon of Tuesday, June 7, 2016, when encomium.ng paid a condolence visit to number 4, Olanrewaju Street, Chemist bus stop, Bariga, Lagos, in honour of adorable actress, Henrietta Kosoko, 52, who died in the morning of Monday, June 6, the atmosphere was sober.
The widower, veteran actor Prince Jide Kosoko, 62, was distraught. He was being consoled by actors and marketers, but he appeared lost.
Dressed in white kaftan and slippers, Kosoko was mumbling and talking, in apparent distress.
He told those present, Iyawo Keta; se awon aye oni maka fun mi? ( This is the third wife l have lost; wont people be counting, keeping records?
Kosoko made the statement around 2:20 pm as we settled among sympathizers under the canopy.
In October 1992 and November 1993, he lost two wives in about 13 months, and described the episodes in an interview with Encomium Weekly when he turned 60 in June 2014 as a very sad period.
And now in 2016, another wife, his most popular better half died from diabetes complications at home in Bariga. Already, many snide remarks have dominated the social media, but many are behind the star actor, labeling the death as a necessary occurrence.
Source: Encomium
A group within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Concerned Stakeholders, has advised Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State to focus on governance in the state rather than jumping at every opportunity to criticize the policies of the Federal Government.
The group, while reacting to Fayoses recent statement that his criticism of President Muhammadu Buharis handling of the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta region informed the governments decision to dialogue with militants, said the governor was only seeking political relevance.
It said that Fayose continued to comment on national issues while the self-inflicted crisis in his state, was begging for attention.
The group, in a statement signed by Prof. Tayo Akinyemi, on Wednesday, charged Gov. Fayose to be proactive in resolving the states inability to pay workers salaries, a development that has led to an indefinite strike by the workers.
It said, Fayose should adopt result-oriented negotiation skills and resolve his internal governance issues before considering what President Buhari has done right or wrong. Ekiti is only one of 36 states. If all the 36 states have to monitor the Presidents steps, there would be commotion in the country. The governor must concentrate on governance with best practices in his state.
President Buhari, according to our investigations, was pressurised by international organisations and well-meaning groups to adopt dialogue in handling the militancy in the Niger Delta, as it is done in the developed countries.
As a listening President, who is ready to try other democratic options, Buhari yielded to this piece of advice in line with international practice. Buharis decision, therefore, has nothing whatsoever to do with Fayoses statement.
Fayose has no relevance in national issues and will be best advised to look for another way to achieve his political aspirations.
Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has appealed to workers in the state to call off their indefinite strike in the interest of the people.
Mimiko made the plea on Thursday while addressing labour leaders at the entrance of the Government House in Akure, the state capital in southwest Nigeria.
He lamented that his inability to pay civil servants salaries was due to the present economic recession in Nigeria, which he said led to the drastic reduction of the monthly allocation of funds from the Federal Government. However, he promised to pay up the workers salary arrears once the funds are available.
He appealed to the workers to endure and promised that the state government would not retrench any worker.
Responding, the Ondo State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Bosede Daramola, lamented that workers could not afford to come to work and were also tired of staying at home.
She insisted that the struggle would continue until the state government pays heed to their request, as the civil servants can no longer bear the sufferings.
Compressed cannabis in vegetables and cocaine concealed inside shoe soles have been discovered by vigilant operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu.
The NDLEA, in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its spokesperson, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said two of the suspects were found in possession of substances that tested positive for cocaine while four others were caught with dried weeds of cannabis sativa.
In all, a total of 62.663kg of drugs comprising 60.55kg of cannabis and 2.113kg of cocaine were seized by NDLEA officials at the airport.
The anti-narcotics agency said among the suspects were three persons who were going to China, where the penalty for drug trafficking is death.
NDLEA commander at the Enugu airport, Adeofe Adeyemi, was quoted as saying the airport command is working assiduously to prevent all cases of illicit drug trafficking through the airport.
Giving details of the arrested drug traffickers, Mr. Adeyemi said, The command has arrested six suspected drug traffickers with 62.663kg of narcotic drugs. One of the suspects, Ibeh Kevin Nonso, 46 years old going to China swallowed 67 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.131kg while Izukanne Ikenna, 33 years old going to Hong Kong hid 982 grammes of cocaine inside the sole of his shoes. The only female, 27 year old Kenechukwu Ujunwa Uchenna was arrested on her way to Dubai with 11.7kg of cannabis in dried bitter leaf vegetables.
The suspects in their statements owned up to the crime, adding that they needed money to take care of basic needs like house rent, school fees and feeding.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II and his queen Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi are visiting the United States of America for a pan Yoruba event.
At the Murtala Muhammed Airport, the Oonis appearance caused some degree of rancor as several people desperately tried to take pictures of the Oba and his wife.
Despite a retinue of guards, throngs pressed on either side of people who couldnt resist trying to catch a glimpse of royalty!
A Pakistani woman was arrested Wednesday, June 8, after dousing her daughter with kerosene and burning her alive, allegedly because the girl had defied her family to marry a man she was in love with, against their wish.
Police official Sheikh Hammad said the killing took place in the eastern city of Lahore, the countrys cultural hub, and that the mother was arrested the same day.
The suspect, Parveen Rafiq confessed to tying up her 18-year-old daughter Zeenat Rafiq (pictured) to a cot after which, with the help of her son, Ahmar Rafiq, she poured the oil on the girl and set her ablaze, Hammad said.
Police Superintendent Ibadat Nisar said officers were looking for her brother who is on the run. Her mother was found in the house with the body.
Her mother has confessed to the crime but we find it hard that a 50-year-old woman committed this act all by herself with no help from the family members, he said.
Nearly 1,000 women are killed each year in so-called honor killings in Pakistan for allegedly violating conservative norms on love and marriage.
A schoolteacher, Maria Bibi, was assaulted and set on fire last week for refusing to marry a man twice her age. Before she died, she managed to give a statement to the police, testifying that five attackers had broken into her home, dragged her out to an open area, beat her and set her ablaze. The prime suspect in the case the father of the man she refused to marry and the other four are all in custody.
A month earlier, police arrested 13 members of a local tribal council who allegedly strangled a girl and set her on fire for helping a friend elope. The charred body of 17-year-old Ambreen Riasat was found in a burned van.
The victim Zeenat Rafiq, had gotten married last month before a court magistrate to a motorcycle mechanic, Hasan Khan and they went to live with his family.
Three days ago, he said, the girls mother and an uncle visited her to try to persuade her to return home and have the marriage ceremony repeated in a traditional family function, instead of being labelled her whole life as someone who had eloped.
Khan, her husband, told the local Geo News TV station that his bride had feared the worst. Dont let me go, they will kill me, Khan recounted his wife telling him.
Photo credit: BBC
Source: BBC
A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has called on the erstwhile national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and others, who have instituted court cases against the party, to withdraw same in the overall interest of the party.
Mr. Sheriff and the immediate past national secretary of the PDP, Prof. Wale Oladipo, are currently in court to challenge their removal from office at last months national convention in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Major stakeholders of the PDP, including the Governors Forum, National Assembly caucus and ex-governors among others, appointed a caretaker committee headed by former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
Messrs. Sheriff and Oladipo have declared the Makarfi-led caretaker committee as illegal, vowing to seek redress in court.
Reacting to the court case instituted by the duo especially, against the former ruling party, Mr. George pleaded with them to listen to his fatherly advice so that posterity would judge them well.
Speaking in an interview with journalists yesterday in Lagos, the PDP chieftain commended the Board of Trustees of the party for handing over the leadership of the party to the Makarfi-led caretaker committee.
He said, The PDP BoT handover of the partys structure to the Makarfi-led committee is the most sensible thing to do because the BoT is the custodian of the conscience of the party. If there is a crisis, it is the responsibility of the BoT to intervene, and we have done the best we can.
All we are looking for is the solution to move the party forward. I passionately appeal to Sheriff and others to withdraw their cases from the court if they are truly committed to the progress of the PDP. I am also appealing to the other two from the South-West, to remember that posterity would not judge them rightly if they fail to do what is right.
The British Government has refuted reports in some national dailies that President Muhammadu Buhari was in London at its instance to meet with his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who coincidentally was in the country some few days ago, to address the resurgence of militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
According to the reports, the choice of London was to keep the meeting away from the Nigerian press.
It also said former President Olusegun Obasanjo, representatives of the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers and some major stakeholders in the Niger Delta, are expected to be part of the crucial meeting.
But a statement by the Press Officer of the British High Commission in Abuja, Joe Abuku, denied the reports, describing it as incorrect.
The High Commission reiterated an earlier statement by the Nigerian Presidency that Buhari was in London to rest and seek medical attention for a persistent ear infection.
The statement reads:
Media reports suggesting that the British Government has set up a meeting with President Buhari, former President Jonathan and representatives of Niger Delta groups to discuss a solution to recent violence in the Niger Delta are incorrect.
We are aware that President Buhari is currently in London seeking medical attention. We are not aware of any meetings on the Niger Delta while he is there.
President Barack Obama has endorsed former Secretary of State and Democratic presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton for President.
SEE ALSO: Hillary Clinton Clinches Democratic Nomination
His endorsement came after meeting Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders who has been battling Mrs Clinton for the nomination.
Speaking in a video tweeted by Mrs Clinton, Mr Obama said she may be the most qualified person ever for the role of president.
With this endorsement, the two are set to start campaigning together to defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump in the general election.
Watch!
The federal government yesterday blamed public procurement process for delays in the release of N350 billion meant to stimulate the ailing economy to the path of recovery.
The federal government had announced in March that the money, which is intended to revive significant activities, would be injected into the economy.
But over two months after the announcement was made, nothing was heard of the N350 billion economy stimulant package until Wednesday when the Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udo Udoma, addressed State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting.
Flanked by his Information and Culture counterpart, Lai Mohammed, Udoma stressed the need to fast track the public procurement process so that the economy can pick up.
According to the minister, Nigerians will start to feel the impact of the 2016 Budget from the third quarter of this year.
He also disclosed that Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been urged to fast track the processes for the capital budgets to quickly reflate the economy.
He said: As for the N350 billion, the money is available but there is a process and this is part of the reasons we briefed council and there is need to fast track those processes so that very soon most of those monies will be released. We expect in the Ministry of Works, they should have quite substantial release in the next week or so.
Its easier for us for existing projects but new projects are a bit more difficult because of the public procurement. The public procurement you have to advertise and you have to wait for six weeks and so on. So new projects will take a bit longer.
But existing projects that have already gone through the public procurement process will be faster and I believe that you will soon start seeing the impact of those releases.
On whether no part of the N350 billion has been released, he said: I didnt say that but I said you will be seeing a lot more releases.
Pressed to disclose the level of release, Udoma said: we will be giving numbers from time to time. So Im sure within the week we should be able to give you numbers.
United States officials Thursday said there is no evidence that suggests Boko Haram has received significant operational support or financing from Islamic State (IS).
An official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in Washington, said more than a year after Boko Harams pledge of allegiance, it has no link with IS.
The official noted that after Boko Haram killed more than two dozen soldiers in Niger last week, it claimed the attack in the name of Islamic State-West Africa Province a title meant to tell the world that it was an arm of the Syria-based extremist group.
The official suggested that Boko Harams loyalty pledge had so far mostly been a branding exercise designed to boost its international jihadi credentials, attract recruits and appeal to the IS leadership for assistance.
He said the U.S view of Boko Haram, which came to global reckoning in 2014 for its abduction of 276 school girls from Chibok in Borno State, as a locally-focused, homegrown insurgency likely to keep the group more to the margins of the U.S. fight against IS in Africa.
The official said U.S militarys attention was largely centered on Libya, home to ISs strongest affiliate outside the Middle East and where the U.S carried out air strikes.
He stressed that no such direct U.S intervention is currently being contemplated against Boko Haram.
If there is no meaningful connection between ISIL and Boko Haram and we havent found one so far, then there are no grounds for U.S military involvement in West Africa other than assistance and training, he told Reuters.
Another official referred to it as an African fight and U.S could only assist.
The official said it is not American fight, rather, it is an African fight and we can assist them, but its their fight.
Meanwhile, Sen. Chris Murphy, a Foreign Relations Committee member, said whatever its cooperation with Islamic State, Boko Haram is so deadly that Nigeria and its neighbors need U.S. help to crush.
I think we have an interest in combating this group regardless of their connection to ISIL, Murphy said.
(Reuters/NAN)
A French waitress was allegedly assaulted by two Muslim men for serving alcohol during Ramadan, The Times report.The woman, a practicing Muslim of Tunisian origin, was working on the terrace of the Vitis Cafe in Nice when she was insulted by two passers-by on Wednesday . The men are said to have started to abuse her when they saw she was serving alcohol to customers.
She said one of the men screamed she was a whore and slapped her across the face, leaving her with a black eye after she was knocked to the ground.
The incident has been seized upon by the far-right as proof of the spread of radical Islam despite attempts to impose secular principles that underpin the French state.
Police said they had identified the men using CCTV but had yet to locate them.
The waitress, who did not give her name for fear of reprisals, said: One of them said to me in Arabic:
You should be ashamed of yourself for serving alcohol during Ramadan if I was God I would hang you.
She replied: Youre not God and you cannot judge me. The woman added she felt degraded, humiliated and sullied following the incident and noted she had previously served alcohol in Tunisia without any issue.
I didnt think that in France, the country of liberty, you could be attacked for that.
Source: Linda Ikejis blog
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to the two-week ceasefire declared by the Federal Government despite the continued attacks on oil installations by militants in the Niger Delta region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Ibrahim Attahiru, said this on Wednesday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of a meeting held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The GOC said the decision was part of the resolutions reached at the meeting of field commanders and principal staff officers, convened by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, in Abuja.
Mr. Attahiru, a major general, however, warned that military operations in the region would resume if the militants continued to disregard the ceasefire.
He said: The Chief of Army Staff called a meeting of all Principal Staff Officers and General Officers Commanding, as well as Directors in the Army Headquarters.
The meeting is essentially to brief us on the aftermath of the meeting in the Presidency and give further operational directives on the happenings in the Niger Delta.
The two-week ceasefire was such that all military operations in the region were supposed to stop to enable government to apply the non-kinetic means of reaching out to the militants.
Now, the militants have resorted to continue with the attacks on pipelines, we will tarry for a while and if this does not stop, we will decisively act wherever it is necessary.
Maj.-Gen. Attahiru said applying the rules of engagement in the militarys internal security operations was not an aberration but a means of preserving the unity and dignity of the nation.
The issue of applying the rules of engagement is to emphasise our adherence to the necessary procedures in internal security operations, he said.
The GOC further warned that the military would no longer tolerate further attacks on its units and formations in the Niger Delta or elsewhere in the country.
Recently there was an attack on Nigerian Army troops in the Niger Delta; that will no longer be tolerated.
Anywhere troops are attacked, formation commanders will apply the rules of engagement to the fullest, they will follow the attackers to wherever they came from, he warned.
Mr. Attahiru said the meeting also deliberated on other operational issues, particularly those relating to training in the Nigerian Army.
The meeting had in attendance all the GOCs, Unit Commanders from across the country as well as senior officers at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
(NAN)
U.S. plans to transfer the oversight of key technical internet functions to an international multi-stakeholder governance model have run into hurdles with two bills being introduced on Wednesday that would require the government to first take the approval of Congress for the transition.
A bill proposed in the Senate by Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, called the Protecting Internet Freedom Act, would prohibit any transfer of internet domain name system functions except if expressly allowed under a federal statute passed after the new legislation has been enacted.
[ Read 'em and weep: 5 ways your ISP is screwing you | Cut to the key news in technology trends and IT breakthroughs with the InfoWorld Daily newsletter, our summary of the top tech happenings. ]
The bill would also require that the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information provide to Congress written certification within 60 days of the enactment of the new internet freedom legislation that the U.S. has secured sole ownership of the .gov and .mil top-level domains and a contract for the exclusive control and use of the the domains in perpetuity.
A version of the bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Sean Duffy, a Republican from Wisconsin.
The administration of President Barack Obama is "months away from deciding whether the United States government will continue to provide oversight over core functions of the internet and protect it from authoritarian regimes that view the internet as a way to increase their influence and suppress freedom of speech," Cruz said in a statement.
The senator has been for long a critic of U.S. government policy about transfer of control of the internet to a global multistakeholder body. He put a hold last year on the Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters (DOTCOM) Act, legislation that would give Congress 30 days to review alternative governance models for the internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers before a transition occurs, as he wanted to include a provision requiring a Congress vote to approve the transition plan.
ICANN currently operates under contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce the internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, which include responsibility for the coordination of the DNS (Domain Name System) root, IP addressing, and other internet protocol resources.
The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency located in the Department of Commerce, said in March 2014 that it planned to let its contract with ICANN to operate key domain-name functions expire in September 2015, passing the oversight of the agency to a global governance model.
The Department of Commerce said in August last year that the transition was being delayed to September this year while the community formulated its plan, had it reviewed by the U.S. government and then put it into action if approved.
ICANN submitted in March to the U.S. its plan for ending U.S. oversight of the technical internet functions. The Department of Commerce told AFP on Thursday that the proposal had been endorsed as it meets criteria set by the U.S. administration. But there are still concerns in some quarters that after the transition to a global multi-stakeholder governance model, dictatorial regimes could meddle and try to censor the internet.
A number of conservative groups have backed the new draft legislation. Berin Szoka, president of policy think thank TechFreedom, for example, said that the U.S. administration hasn't been willing to negotiate to protect ICANN's multi-stakeholder model.
Congressional approval of the transition, besides ensuring more transparency and accountability mechanisms, would meet a legal requirement if a U.S. court were to rule that the IANA function constituted government property, Szoka added. The Constitution requires that Congress authorize disposition of government assets.
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Dorchester is a Boston neighborhood thats a study in contrasts. Its the home of several venerable local institutions, including Boston College High School, the Carney Hospital, the University of Massachusetts Boston and the Boston Globe. However, the crime rate is 30 percent higher than the national average. Kids often grow up to be cops like New York City Police Commissioner William Brattonor criminals like alleged thief Arthur Bucky Barrett, killed by crime boss James Whitey Bulger.
Since education is a proven way out of poverty, College Bound Dorchesterwas founded four years ago to serve as a national model for breaking the cycle of intergenerational urban deprivation. Its model is unusual. Targeting youth ages 17 to 27 in Bowdoin-Geneva, the worst section of Boston, CBD focuses on young people it calls core influencers," looking to engage the most "influential and disconnected young people in the community." The idea is that if you can turn these leaders aroundby getting them into community colleges where they can acquire associates degrees and earn a living wagethey can then become drivers of positive change. CBD calls this a "super-user strategy," and sees its goal as "shifting the system," and making college attendance the new norm.
This is a challenging mandate. CBD works low-income students deficient in basic academic skills. Half dropped out of high school, and nearly a third served time in a correctional facility.
So where does the money come from to make the CBD's work possible?To find out,Inside Philanthropy spoke withMichelle Caldeira, the senior vice president of College Bound Dorchester, and Simon Taylor, a board member who is also president of Comtrade Software.
The organizations budget is close to $7 million every year with about 60 percent of that from public sources from the state and city. The other 40 percent we have to raise via philanthropy, through private foundations and grant proposals, Caldeira said, laying out the basics.
CBD's biggest backers are based in Massachusetts, including the Boston Foundation, the Hyams Foundation, and the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation. Dozens of other foundations have also contributed. The grant amounts aren't huge. It's rare for CBD to get grants over $150,000 and most are far smaller than that. This is a reminder that while six- and seven-figure grants often receive the headlines, the majority of nonprofits raising money from foundations are more typically chasing grants of between $10,000 and $50,000.
Beyond government and foundation support, CBD has a keen eye on cultivating individual donors.
The annual gala is a huge part of our funding, Caldeira said. In May, 350 people gathered to honor James Rooney,the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, who has been a big friend of College Bound Dorchester with his dedication to create opportunities for youth.
CBD's matriculation event occurs non-traditionally in August, because it takes some students that long to know whether or not they are graduating. Its a really great, feel-good event. For many of our students, it is the first time they have put on a cap and gown. Many of them complete their high school credential with us because they have not graduated from high school. The students get to see the people who have invested in their journey.
And of course, its a perfect time to appeal for more funding. Events are great way to introduce people to an organization, but its really the one-on-one that causes people to make the investment, Caldeira said.
Fundraisers for direct service organizations often say that connecting donors to the beneficiaries of an organization's work can have a huge impact, and Taylor underscored this point: Every single person I brought into the organization, when they go into the schools to meet the students, and experience first-hand the impact organization has on the lives of people, that is really the biggest driver for having people connect with us.
Taylor's own involvement in College Bound Dorchester illustrates another important avenue of fundraising. The president of Comtrade Software, Taylor got involved because after living in Europe for years, he re-connected with a fellow alumnus from his high school, Mark Culliton, College Bound Dorchesters chief executive officer, who said, I am going to end urban poverty with my organization.
As bold as the claim appears in the beginning, when you actually drill down into what College Bound Dorchester is doing, I think it is a case study for a system that actually can end urban poverty, Taylor said, suggesting that CBD's model of focusing on "core influencers" had unique strengths. These are the people picking the fights, causing the problems, and really creating disturbances in society. Well, unfortunately, almost all the nonprofits in the world are designed to raise money for everybody else, thereby cherry picking the best and brightest in the community and putting them somewhere else. What that does systemically is that it starts to create a brain drain in these already hard-hit or depressed communities, so it furthers the problem. College Bound takes the entirely opposite approach.
Because CBD recognizes that these core influencers are also established leaders in their neighborhoods, it provides education, emotional and social support from mentors with similar backgrounds so that CBD students can attend college and get the skills they need to earn a living wage, without removing them from their communities.
When working this population, though, success is inherently more limitedand that impacts funding opportunities. We are serving a group of young people that is having the hardest time, young people who have exhausted all other options," Caldeira said. More than 600 students are now in College Bound classes. Over the past four years, more than 150 people have enrolled in college with a retention rate of 61 percent. One of our challenges in fundraising is that much of the philanthropic investment is going to the organizations that have 80, 90, 100 percent success rates, Caldeira said.
CBD may never reach those numbers, but keeps moving forward. Its expensive, incredibly expensive, but were trying to create change, so it is important to stay with them, even if they fall off.
Philanthropic software provider Blackbaud recently gave $1 million to the International African American Museum (IAAM), planned for construction at Charleston, South Carolina's Gadsden's Wharf.
Sounds simple enough, right?
But it's how the money will be used that caught our attention. The gift will fund the development of the museum's Digital Media Lab, through which visitors can trace their family roots, research their ancestry, and record family stories.
As previously noted, many big grantmakers, most notably Bloomberg Philanthropies (BP), have thrown big money behind things like mobile apps for the museum-going experience. Just a few months ago, for example, BP announced the launch of its ASK Brooklyn Museum app, which enhances access and engagement by enabling visitors to "interact with museum experts in real time."
Blackbaud's gift to the IAAM, while certainly interactive, is nonetheless different than your typical ask-an-expert app. It makes visitors direct participants in the museum-going experience by encouraging them to share their stories and experiences, a point that strongly resonated with Blackbaud CEO Mike Gianoni.
"We are incredibly moved to be a part of this endeavor and its a privilege for our company to help to bring a sense of connection and identity for those wishing to find answers and complete their own personal stories," he said.
To that end, the gift is reminiscent of a multi-year grant from the James Irvine Foundation's Exploring Engagement Fund, profiled here, to the San Francisco Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) to support a two-year storytelling project titled "Crossing Fences: Conversations and Stories with African-American Men Across the Generations," underscoring how museums can capitalize on the growing popularity of storytelling to engage new audiences.
And what about the company that Gianoni runs? Well, the Charleston-based Blackbaud will be familiar to many of our readers as a supplier of software and services specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. Its products focus on fundraising, website management, CRM, analytics, financial management, ticketing, and education administration.
Yet the company, as we've already seen, does its own share of philanthropy. Established in 1996, the Blackbaud Fund, which is held at the Coastal Community Foundation (CCF) in Charleston, SC, supports organizations that focus on the education of minority and disadvantaged.
In 2013 it launched Blackbaud Community Matters Grants, which awards grants in non-Charleston locations where the company has offices. Preference is given to grant requests that focus on general operations and capacity building or the education of disadvantaged populations.
For more information on Blackbaud's philanthropic efforts click here.
(And if their name rings a bell it's because we recently referenced a Blackbaud study, Diversity in Giving: The Changing Landscape of American Philanthropy, which among other things, looks at how organizations tend to be a bit myopic when engaging a predictable and stagnant set of donors.)
The total cost of opening the International African American Museum is estimated at $75 million; fundraising is currently at 67 percent of that goal.
The search for a missing person yesterday led to the discovery of a body at Century Street Self Storage in Colorado Springs, Colo. The male gunshot victim, who has been identified as 57-year-old Marcus Paul Anderson, is believed to have been living in the storage unit where he was found, according to a source. It's not yet known if Anderson was the tenant of record.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office issued a public call on Tuesday for help in finding Anderson, who was reported missing on May 29. At 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, local police joined the Sheriffs department at the storage facility at 3020 N. El Paso St. to look for Anderson.
When found, Andersons body had suffered obvious trauma and had been in the unit for a while, Sgt. Joel Kern of the Colorado Springs Police Department told a source. Police have ruled Andersons death as a homicide, but havent released any information about a possible suspect.
This is the second body Colorado Springs police have found in a storage unit in recent months, but investigators say the two cases arent related. The body of Julie Tureson was found inside a minivan parked at a Public Storage facility at 4403 E. Platte Ave. in Colorado Springs on April 22. Her ex-boyfriend, James Woo, was arrested the same day at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport while trying to board a flight to Hong Kong, according to a source. He faces first-degree murder charges.
Local residents claim the increasing homeless population in the largely industrial area has brought more crime in recent weeks. "I've had a couple of conversations with some of my suitemates here, who have actually been into the units," said Sandra Merritt. "They've seen the garbage thrown all over the floor and heard people having spastic attacks and that kind of thing."
Century Street Self Storage is east of the intersection of N. Nevada Avenue and E. Fillmore Street.
A joint venture between real estate developers Joel DeSpain and Robert Wheless has secured financing for the development of Mason Road Self Storage in Richmond, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Wheless-DeSpain Interests LLC intends to build an 87,875-square-foot facility on 3.75 acres. The asset will include one two-story building and two single-story buildings, along with 11 rental spaces for boat/RV storage and 10 slots for typical vehicles, according to a press release from HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP), the commercial real estate and capital-markets services provider that arranged the joint-venture equity. The project is expected to be complete in 2017.
The project site is adjacent to Cinco Ranch, an 8,100-acre master-planned development rated among the best-selling communities in Texas and the United States by real estate advisory firm RCLCO, formerly Robert Charles Lesser & Co. The self-storage facility will be built on the last of five original commercial tracts formed in 1984. The Cinco Ranch land sale has been recognized as the largest land sale in Houston history, the release stated.
The new state-of-the-art facility will be highly visible from the Westpark Tollway and will benefit from multiple ingress/egress access points, making it an ideal location for self storage, said Barbara Guffey, director of HFF. The lack of supply and pent-up demand within the self storage industry over the past decade has proven the asset class is a sound investment, with double-digit historic returns and strong underlying fundamentals.
The equity capital will come from a private real estate fund advised by Crow Holdings Capital Real Estate, a Dallas-based asset manager that recently entered the self-storage sector with an investment strategy to develop new facilities and acquire existing properties. The HFF team who arranged the equity on behalf of the developers included Guffey, managing director Richard Schontz and associate director Matthew Weckesser.
DeSpain and Wheless have more than 60 years of combined experience in commercial real estate and previously worked together to develop 10 Houston-area projects totaling more than $280 million, according to the release. Those projects include one industrial development, five multi-family joint ventures, three office buildings and one retail center.
HFF and its affiliate, HFF Securities LP, are owned by HFF Inc. The firm operates out of 23 offices nationwide and specializes in advisory services, commercial-loan servicing, debt and equity placement, and investment and loan sales.
Self Storage Association Asia (SSAA), a trade association dedicated to supporting self-storage operators and suppliers in emerging markets along the Pacific Rim, intends to help the industry grow on the continent by capitalizing on four key demand drivers: death, dislocation, divorce and population density, according to a press release. The rising trend of death, divorce and economic migrations coupled with increasing population density will contribute to the growth of self-storage for personal reasons in Asia, said SSAA Chair Helen Ng. This, coupled with the rise of e-commerce in Asia, will propel overall industry growth. The Self-Storage Association Asia will capitalize on these trends to grow the industry and expand our accreditation program in tandem to ensure the delivery of quality solutions to our consumers.
Market drivers have accelerated self-storage growth throughout Asia, with penetration rates of 25 percent in Hong Kong and 20 percent in Singapore doubling between 2014 and 2015, according to a survey of storage businesses conducted by global market-research firm Ipsos Business Consulting. Japan leads the region with 847 facilities, followed by Hong Kong with 445 and Singapore with 50, the release stated. Residential demand accounts for 74 percent of rentals in Japan and Hong Kong, and 63 percent in Singapore.
Among the four key market drivers recognized by SSAA, population density was identified as sparking the most self-storage demand in Asia last year, according to information published by CBRE Group Inc., a commercial real estate services and investment firm. Density helped trigger 2.3 million square feet of storage demand in Hong Kong and 918,000 square feet of demand in Singapore in 2015, the release stated.
Consumer demand drove an estimated total of 3.4 million square feet of rented storage last year in Hong Kong, while Singapore rented 1.6 million square feet, SSAA officials said in the release. A trend toward smaller apartments in those two markets, as well as in the affluent and suburban areas of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is creating a need for self-storage, according to Ng. Families have smaller living spaces and have even less room for their belongings, she said. Self-storage is an effective solution for these families until their circumstances change, such as when they upgrade to a larger apartment or when events, such as a death in the family, frees up more space.
A death in the family can trigger a need for self-storage if family members inherit items from the deceased and dont have room in their homes to store them, according to Ng. Furniture and collectibles can take up a lot of space, and yet be too valuable to be discarded, she said.
Of the four Ds, divorce can be the most traumatic and stressful. Couples going through a divorce would need a place to store their belongings quickly as they put their shared homes on the market, Ng added. Self-storage offers the flexibility of storing their belongings for as short a timeframe as two weeks to as long as they wish. With their belongings in a safe location, they can focus on planning the next phase of their lives.
Launched in 2014, SSAA supports members' interests to help grow the self-storage industry in Asia. Its annual tradeshow and conference event, Self Storage Expo Asia, was most recently held in Singapore, May 11-13.
The Strongsville, Ohio, City Council last month officially banned new self-storage facilities from being built in its industrial districts. The move is intended to preserve the remaining industrial-zoned land for uses that produce more tax income for the municipality, according to the source. Storage facilities currently operating in industrial districts will be allowed to stay.
"Self-storage doesn't provide a lot of income taxes to the city," Brent Painter, the citys economic development director, told the source. "And with such a low vacancy rate in industrial districtswe're at 98 percent fulland not much empty land left for development, we want to make sure we maximize the use of industrial land."
City officials have been tightening the business uses allowed in its industrial districts since February 2014 when the council banned fitness clubs and recreation centers from industrial zones. The city wants to preserve land for laboratories, manufacturing plants and offices that employ relatively high-paid workers, the source reported.
Strongsville will continue to allow self-storage to be developed in commercial-services zones. Other uses in such districts include cleaning businesses, commercial greenhouses, food preparation, hospitals, offices, repair shops, research labs, veterinary clinics and warehouses, according to the source.
Real estate investment firm World Class Capital Group LLC (WCCG) has acquired an aging retail center in Austin, Texas, known as Slackerville, and intends to replace it with a self-storage facility. Planning documents indicate the facility will be four stories, with one level below ground, according to the source. WCCG has asked to remove a heritage tree and up to eight protected trees on the property at 2209 S. First St.
The project will displace an eclectic mix of retailers including a record store and several boutique shops. Former owner Michael Poulson sold the property due in part to rising property taxes, he told the source. Taxes for the property this year are expected to be about $34,000, according to the Travis Central Appraisal District.
Theyve hit just about every commercial property hard, Poulson said. Theyve been jumping the values up higher and higher. Fifty percent was just too much.
The existing structure was built as a grocery store in 1946. Its property appraisal increased from $960,225 in 2014 to $1.5 million last year, but the aging building also required increasing repairs and maintenance, Poulson told the source. He had owned the property since 1979.
Most of the Slackerville tenants have indicated they will relocate. The structure is expected to be vacant by December, with construction likely to begin in February.
WCCG is a national real estate investment firm focused on acquiring, developing and managing real estate. Its portfolio includes investments in industrial, land, multi-family, office, retail and self-storage properties. The company is headquartered in Austin and has an office in New York City.
The companys storage-management platform is branded as Great Value Storage, a privately owned self-storage company that operates 61 self-storage facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.
Kathleen Kelleys rise in the male-dominated hedge fund community seemed as inexorable as it was unusual. After earning a masters degree in econometrics and quantitative economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1986, Kelley worked as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, then landed a job at renowned hedge fund firm Tudor Investment Corp. in 1990. We hired Kathleen as a young macro analyst and encouraged her to start trading, recalls firm founder Paul Tudor Jones II. As one of her early mentors, I saw in her the tenacity, focus and work ethic that define potential success in this industry. Kathleen took the opportunity and ran with it.
As the first and for years only female portfolio manager at Tudor, Kelley spent a decade as a macro trader, focusing on fixed income, foreign exchange and commodities. She says she was up in eight of her ten years and posted a gain of more than 50 percent in 1998. Given Pauls background and active interest in commodities, I always tell people I learned commodities sitting outside Pauls office, she says. She left Tudor in 2001 to work as a macro strategist at hedge fund firm Vantis Capital Management, then jumped to Mark Kingdons Kingdon Capital Management in 2005 to manage a macro portfolio with a commodities theme.
After six years Kelley resigned to spend time with her children, moving to London for a year. There she hatched a plan for a bold comeback, as founder and CIO of her own hedge fund firm. In 2012 she returned to New York and launched Queen Annes Gate Capital Management, a global macro firm with a commodities focus, named after the tony street just off Londons St. Jamess Park where she had lived. I knew I had to try, she explains. I had spent my whole career focused on macroeconomics and commodity markets, and I felt that there should be more women running their own firms.
By the time the firm opened, though, commodities prices were already past their peak. Two years later they started to plunge, taking Kelleys ambitions down with them. In late 2014 she shut down the fund, which had $115 million in assets at its peak. Kelley, now a senior commodities consultant at BlackRock in New York, blames the commodities slump and a challenging postcrisis capital-raising environment for her firms demise. The timing was not ideal, she acknowledges. If I were to do it over, I probably would have launched later, when I had a bigger AUM.
Every fund managers story is unique, but Kelleys tale mirrors a broader trend. Just before the 2008 global financial crisis, some determined women were beginning to enter the upper echelons of hedge fund management. But in the following years progress stalled. Although many women who launched funds before 2008 remain successful, their numbers have not increased significantly, and some, like Kelley, have seen their firms founder.
According to a March 2015 report by alternative-assets data provider Preqin, women hold only 10.3 percent of C-suite positions at single-manager hedge funds and 11.1 percent at funds of hedge funds.
A number of factors explain the low numbers, industry executives say. The financial crisis caused a shakeout in the hedge fund industry, and a stretch of mediocre performance in recent years has led many investors to cut back their hedge fund exposure the California Public Employees Retirement System and the New York City Employees Retirement System have decided to get out altogether or concentrate allocations among fewer firms. Those forces are making it harder for new managers to break into the business. And for most women its harder to get started or reach the top tier of the hedge fund industry than it is for their male counterparts in any climate. They are underrepresented in many of the key precursors to hedge fund success, such as MBA programs. They often lack the deep network of connections that can spell the difference between success and failure. Some studies have shown that women hedge fund managers have a harder time raising money than men do and need to perform better to survive.
Since the crisis its been very hard for newer firms, says Tracy McHale Stuart, CEO of Corbin Capital Partners, a $4.5 billion fund-of-hedge-funds firm in New York. The biggest issue is the supply recruiting women into the industry. We continue to see so few women.
Marcia Page, who will step down later this year as CEO of Minneapolis-based Varde Partners, believes its more difficult for new players, particularly women, to break into the business today than it was when she helped found the now-$10 billion distressed-debt firm in 1993. Its been so clear that since 2008 fundraising has been challenging even for the more established funds as due diligence has intensified, says Page, who will stay on at Varde as chair. New funds are at a disadvantage, as you literally have to knock off an incumbent manager to take their place. I would have expected the pipeline for women in finance to be significantly deeper than it was 30 years ago, but that isnt the case.
To be sure, there are female success stories out there. Last year star quantitative manager Leda Braga branched off from BlueCrest Capital Management and set up her own firm, Geneva-based Systematica Investments, to run her $10.2 billion BlueTrend managed-futures strategy. Last month Braga was No. 44 on the 2016 Rich List of Institutional Investors Alpha, with earnings of $60 million. It was the first time in 15 years that a woman had appeared on the magazines annual ranking of the 50 highest-earning hedge fund managers.
For most other women hedge fund managers, achievements have been much more modest, and they havent come easily.
Nili Gilbert and Valerie Malter got together in 2010 with Malters husband, Stuart Kaye, to launch Matarin Capital Management in Stamford, Connecticut. The team had plenty of Wall Street experience. Malter, who oversees the firms business operations, had logged 30 years at firms including J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Scudder Kemper Investments (now part of Deutsche Asset Management) and Invescos Chancellor Capital Management; her husband was a former principal and portfolio manager at Aronson+Johnson+Ortiz and head of research for quantitative strategies at Invesco. Gilbert was a former quantitative analyst at Invesco who had been recruited by Kaye in 2003 after earning an MBA from Columbia Business School. Gilbert and Kaye are responsible for the firms model development, portfolio construction and management.
The group had little in the way of backing and launched the firms first two funds in large part by raiding the individual retirement accounts of Malter and Kaye. The firms five principals, who include portfolio manager Ralph Coutant and client development director Marta Cotton, also used their own savings to build a reserve to last three years. We set aside enough capital to make sure we were able to operationally support the business, explains Malter. Most funds dont survive because they simply run out of money.
Matarin started with a long-only fund at a time when a number of hedge funds were adding such strategies to their lineups, then launched a market-neutral hedge fund strategy. In August 2012 the firm reached a milestone, winning its first allocation $5 million from an institutional investor. Five weeks later the team was preparing a newsletter to announce the win when it got a deflating call: The consultant involved in the deal had just been fired. The allocation fell through. We won and lost $5 million in five weeks, Malter says.
But the partners persevered and gradually started winning clients, including allocations from Rock Creek Group, a women-owned global investment firm in Washington, and Progress Investment Management Co., an $8 billion firm that invests with small, rising fund managers. They also got a $100,000 Bridge to Business grant from the Robert Toigo Foundation, an organization that promotes women and minorities in finance. After four years they had reached the $250 million mark. Today Matarin manages $712 million for 21 institutional clients.
For Nancy Davis the key to getting off the ground was a differentiated strategy. She has an impressive pedigree, having spent seven years at Goldman Sachs proprietary trading group a time-honored route to launching a hedge fund rising to head of derivatives and over-the-counter trading. She then managed a $500 million global macro derivatives portfolio at Highbridge Capital Management, a multistrategy hedge fund unit of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, before doing a short stint as a global derivatives macro strategist at AllianceBernstein.
Determined to become her own boss, Davis founded Quadratic Capital Management in 2013 to run an options-based discretionary macro fund, something that set the firm apart from competitors offering garden-variety long-short equity funds. In a competitive environment emerging managers need compelling attributes to even merit consideration by increasingly sophisticated allocators, she says. Equally important was a September 2014 deal she struck with Ramius, the investment management unit of Cowen Group, under which the firm provided a reported $100 million of seed money in return for a 40 percent stake and extended its own operational, risk management and regulatory platform to Quadratic. With a distinctive strategy and solid backing, Davis was able to attract investors, including a $50 million allocation last year from the Illinois Teachers Retirement System that may grow to $100 million.
Ramius gave the new fund institutional presence, which was a factor in choosing them as our first allocation to a women-owned fund under the emerging manager program, says Kirk Sims, who runs the Illinois funds emerging manager program. Quadratic was a good fit for the investment profile of our hedge fund portfolio.
Quadratic may be off to a strong start, with about $400 million in assets, but Davis is realistic about the long road ahead and the challenge of attracting more investors.
Hedge funds don't exist in a vacuum. They sit at the top of the asset management ladder the most competitive and lucrative perch in the industry. For women to play a bigger role, they need to make progress all the way up the ladder. As Matarins Cotton puts it, A bigger pipeline would make a difference.
Yet the pipeline feeding the industry seems no bigger today than it was a decade ago, and many of the forces that have traditionally knocked women off the ladder are operating just as strongly today.
In 2013, 56 percent of U.S. undergraduate students were female, according to the most recent statistics from the Department of Education. But women are far less prevalent in the MBA programs that feed a lot of talent into the investment management industry. Some 36 percent of new full-time students at 36 leading U.S. business schools last year were female, according to the Forte Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to promote womens access to business education.
A recent study by Catalyst, a New Yorkbased nonprofit focused on womens inclusion in the workplace, found that although more than half the employees of U.S. financial services firms are female, their representation in senior leadership positions remains low in every sector. Among funds, trusts and other investment vehicles, women make up 52 percent of all employees, a rate that drops to 44.7 percent for first-tier and midlevel managers, then falls to 27.4 percent at the executive and senior levels. In investment banking and securities dealing fields that produce many hedge fund managers women hold just 16.1 percent of executive and senior-level positions.
BlackRocks Kelley says she was keenly aware of her increasingly male surroundings as she rose in the hedge fund industry. Analyst classes are 50-50 male-female, she says, referring to the initial intake of new analysts, typically straight out of universities or business schools. But Kelley increasingly found herself the odd woman out as she progressed. Its hard to see where your career path is when you see rooms filled with men, she says.
Jane Buchan echoes that sentiment. As co-founder and CEO of Pacific Alternative Asset Management Co., Buchan is a model of female success in the business. Irvine, Californiabased PAAMCO manages more than $10 billion in assets, making it one of the largest female-owned fund-of-hedge-fund firms in the world. Yet she says the industry has an ingrained male culture that continues to make it difficult for women to break through. There really is more pronounced bias in alternatives than in other areas of investment management, she contends. This involves having a certain background, going to certain schools and specific jobs. So when somebody fits the mold, there is confirmation bias.
Then, of course, there is the loaded issue of parenting. Motherhood has long been viewed as a career impediment, particularly in high-pressure jobs like hedge fund management. Shelley Correll, a sociology professor at Stanford University and director of the schools Clayman Institute for Gender Research, says there is indeed a motherhood penalty, as its called in a 2007 paper she coauthored in the American Journal of Sociology, but she attributes it to a perceived incompatibility between family and workplace rather than to actual performance issues for working mothers. The paper was based on a study in which university students were asked to evaluate a variety of fictional job candidates with identical job qualifications but differing parental statuses. The evaluators consistently ranked mothers as less competent and less committed than women without children, or men. Fathers, by contrast, were ranked as the most competent, even ahead of men without children.
Paul Tudor Jones famously seemed to give voice to this perception bias at a panel discussion at the University of Virginia three years ago. You will never see as many great women investors or traders as men period, end of story, the celebrated hedge fund billionaire said. The reason, he explained, is not because they are incapable but because motherhood acts as a big killer to the intense job focus that macro trading requires. Jones apologized after reports of his comments produced an outcry of complaints. Kelley, who had the first two of her three children while working at Tudor, says the environment at the firm was very supportive. She has nothing but praise for the mentor who gave her her big career break. Paul is my hero, she says.
Bias in other parts of the industry holds women back, many executives say. The majority of allocators are men, points out Dawn Fitzpatrick, New Yorkbased global head and CIO of $5.6 billion hedge fund firm UBS OConnor. The academic data shows that people tend to want to work with people who look and act like them. We need to do a better job of educating people on the unconscious bias they have and the demonstrable benefits to bottom-line results of well-constructed team diversity.
One route around these roadblocks might be to create more opportunities for women whose careers have not taken the well-worn path of business school to portfolio analyst at an investment bank. Women like Leslie Biddle.
After graduating from Maines Colby College with a BA in economics in 1989, Biddle wanted to save the world, so she took a position with the U.S. Agency for International Development and worked on projects in the Middle East and Africa. She moved to Overseas Private Investment Corp., where she handled political risk insurance and trade financing, then parlayed that experience into a job at utility operator AES Corp., where she learned how to run financial models and develop power plants. In 2002 she took a job as an energy investment specialist at Goldman Sachs; she made managing director two years later and partner in 2006, her rapid ascent defying the direct and indirect biases often experienced by women, she says.
Biddle rose to global head of commodity sales and CFO of the firms investments in the metals and mining sector. She left Goldman in 2011 and took a year off before joining Serengeti Asset Management a $1.5 billion, New Yorkbased multistrategy hedge fund firm founded by a former Goldman colleague, Joseph LaNasa III as a partner in 2013.
Though Biddle has thrived, she worries about the paucity of women in senior roles in the industry. What happened between college and the C-suite? she says. The cultural biases dont funnel women to risk-taking roles that lead to leadership positions. But aspiring female financiers cant afford to get discouraged, she says, adding, Women have to move into more risk-taking roles to overcome the biases.
Any discussion of women in hedge funds has to touch on performance. One of the most widely cited statistics used to tout the ability of women managers and by implication to allege bias against them in the industry are the performance indexes published by Chicago-based Hedge Fund Research. The companys Women Index, which tracks 61 single-manager funds run or owned by women, has shown average annual returns of 2.1 percent since 2007, almost double the 1.1 percent returns posted by the HFRI Fund Weighted Composite Index, the firms broad industry benchmark. However, those numbers may not be everything they seem.
A 2015 study by professors Rajesh Aggarwal and Nicole Boyson of Northeastern Universitys DAmore McKim School of Business, based in Boston, debunked the received wisdom of the HFR numbers and came to some other intriguing conclusions. Their study, commissioned by PAAMCO CEO Buchan, looked at the performance of 9,520 hedge funds where the sex of the portfolio managers was known, over the period of 1994 to 2013. The sample was overwhelmingly male: Fully 95.4 percent of the funds had only male portfolio managers. Just 244 funds, or 2.6 percent of those surveyed, had women-only managers; the remainder were mixed.
By stripping out the survivorship bias inherent in a comparison of the HFR indexes, Aggarwal and Boyson found no significant difference in performance between the genders. But the professors also found that female-only funds were smaller than their male counterparts. Assets under management of extant funds with only female portfolio managers averaged $151 million, compared with $222 million for male-managed funds; women-run funds that failed had $95 million, on average, compared with $117 million for their male equivalents. And the performance of the surviving funds? Women-managed funds that survived generated average annual returns of nearly 7.5 percent, compared with 6.7 percent for funds run by men. Our results suggest that there are no inherent differences in skill between female and male managers, but that only the best performing female managers manage to survive, the professors wrote.
The small number and sizes of women-managed funds are striking considering the demonstrated ability of female managers, suggesting that the industry is ignoring a lot of potential, Aggarwal says. There is currently no evidence that the pipeline for female portfolio managers is increasing, he adds. Pension funds, endowments and institutional investors have a blind spot when it comes to female managers. They are simply overlooking talent.
Some institutions, however, have programs that seek to promote female managers. Illinois officials say the states public pension fund system has one of the most progressive emerging manager programs in the nation. James Clayborne Jr., majority leader of the state senate, has been a vocal advocate of the program. We make all the public pension funds accountable through an annual review process where they have to appear before the state senate and explain how much progress theyre making in their minority- and women-owned business agenda, the Democratic lawmaker says. We apply the Rooney rule in trying to reach out to all, he adds, referring to the National Football League policy requiring teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior operation positions. We dont need the managers to come from Harvard, Yale or Stanford, Clayborne says. They just need the ability to generate alpha.
Notwithstanding the political hype, actual progress has been slight. So far, the $44 billion Illinois Teachers Retirement System has made only one commitment under its emerging manager program, the allocation to Quadratic Capital. Program head Sims is blunt about the limitations of the initiative. The public pension funds are not seeders, he says. I advise women when theyre starting out to go to friends, family offices and funds of funds to build up before coming to us.
The New York State Common Retirement Fund began its emerging manager effort in 1994 and currently allocates $5.2 billion of its $184.5 billion in assets under the program. Overall, nearly $9.5 billion of the funds assets are managed by firms that are owned or run by women or minorities. That total includes an allocation of nearly $40 million to women-owned or women-managed hedge funds through Rock Creek Group.
The California State Teachers Retirement System would seem to be a natural candidate to seed female hedge fund managers. The fund oversees $186.6 billion in retirement assets for members whose ranks are 72 percent women. CalSTRS established an emerging manager program in 2004 that covers six asset classes: fixed income, global equity, private equity, real estate, absolute return and inflation-sensitive investments. In 2011, CalSTRSs board approved a five-year strategic plan, Diversity in the Management of Investments, aimed at increasing emerging manager participation across all asset classes.
CalSTRS walks the talk, says Geraldine Jimenez, a portfolio manager who oversees diversity matters for the fund. We are committed to our emerging manager initiative. Jimenez could not say whether CalSTRS has a woman hedge fund manager in its portfolio, however. Although the fund is committed to the principle of diversity, a 1996 amendment to the California constitution prohibits state entities from considering race, sex, ethnicity or national origin in public contracting.
Jimenez expresses concern about the general scarcity of women in asset management. What I am seeing is not good, she says. We see many women in MBA programs. As they go into asset management, they are selecting out at a young age. I see that as very troublesome.
Women-owned funds do not seem to fare any better gaining entry into foundation and endowment portfolios. Trusted Insight, a leading syndication platform for alternatives, published a September 2015 report that identified the top 30 female CIOs or directors in university foundations, which managed a collective $136 billion. With women running so many endowments, one might expect a greater tendency to allocate to female managers, but that apparently is not the case. Most endowments and foundations are quite agnostic in their search for investment managers who can add value to their portfolios, says Sandra Urie, who is due to step down as chairman and CEO of Boston-based consulting firm Cambridge Associates at the start of July. They seek talent, experience and expertise wherever it may reside, and while most do not explicitly focus on woman- and/or minority-owned firms, they also do not exclude them.
Hedge fund allocators say funds of funds and family offices offer the best bet for seeding rising women hedge fund managers. PAAMCOs Buchan agrees, adding, Women need to expand the geographic scope of where to look for capital and at sources that look at you as a human being.
Female managers cant expect any favors from female allocators, though. The first priority for women managers is delivering better-than-average returns, says Susan Webb, co-founder and CIO of Appomattox Advisory, a woman-owned New York fund-of-funds and advisory firm. You have to make money. They have to be able to execute the strategy. We are agnostic to whether a manager is male or female.
Women also can turn to specialty seeding firms to get a start, as Quadratic Capital did. Jason Lamin, a former consultant to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and founder of New York consulting firm Lenox Park, is a big proponent of seeding. The long capital-raising cycle is highly inefficient and distracts the portfolio manager from what she does best investing, he explains. Seeding provides institutional legitimacy and operational infrastructure to new firms, allowing managers to scale up quickly.
Yet seeding does not come without risks. Many managers balk at the equity stakes seeders demand, and the seed firms values may not always align with those of the founders. We opted to raise capital by ourselves instead of a seeder, as we wanted to maintain the core values we have as a team, says Matarin Capitals Gilbert. Concessions to seeders can make it harder for firms to raise additional capital later on, cautions UBS OConnors Fitzpatrick. Preferential liquidity combined with preferential fees to the seed investor can ultimately be deterrents to a broader successful capital raise, she says.
Some women hedge fund managers are drawing on their own experiences to try to pave the way for future generations.
Victoria Harts career journey began in 1996 with a BS in chemistry from Wellesley College. She used that degree to get hired as a chemicals and health care analyst at consulting firm Arthur D. Little, followed by various stints on Wall Street as an investment banking analyst or associate at the former Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; Deutsche Bank; Citigroup; and Merrill Lynch & Co., adding telecommunications, technology, media and consumer discretionary to her sector knowledge. Along the way she picked up an MBA from Columbia Business School.
In 2007, Hart joined East Side Capital, a New Yorkbased long-short hedge fund firm backed by George Soros. After four years she was ready to open her own shop, Pinnacle View Capital, in New York. I decided to launch my own hedge fund given the breadth of my involvement in the markets, as I have a wider lens and more tools to evaluate investments, Hart says. It was a good time, as I had 16 years of diverse experience yet was still young enough to have the stamina for the challenges of starting up a hedge fund.
With less than $150 million in assets under management at Pinnacle today, Hart knows full well the trials of capital raising as an emerging woman manager, but the operational burden of running her own shop took her by surprise. Its important to align yourself with the right service providers, as some can be more strategic as you grow, whereas the wrong ones will deplete your financial resources more quickly with little value add, she says.
Three years after Pinnacles launch and with no prominent seeder behind her, Hart realized how vital business networks are. In 2015, she founded Seven Degrees of Women in Finance, an invitation-only networking group for female fund managers. Today the group has almost 200 members.
To see more female launches requires more female portfolio managers to be currently managing portfolios at well-established, premier hedge funds, so that they have the right backing when they step out on their own, Hart contends. Until that happens, those who are fortunate to be part of the inner circle have an advantage.
Whether theyre first thinking of going into finance or ready to launch a hedge fund, women need well-developed career networks to have their best shot at success. These networks will need to provide a viable and equivalent substitute for what PAAMCOs Buchan describes as mens career advancement advantages: similar backgrounds, schools and jobs. Whereas men have traditionally recommended, promoted and aided their fellow managers careers, women, being late to the game, have not developed these informal but crucial conduits. Now some astute women in finance are working to build these missing links.
One such initiative is 100 Women in Hedge Funds. The nonprofit group was started in 2001 to provide a leg up to women in the industry. Today the organization boasts 15,000 members around the world and hosts a variety of educational, networking and fundraising events. In January 2015 the group launched its Next Gen agenda to inspire, mentor and provide support to young women looking to start careers in finance and investment. Our goal is to provide women across the board whether theyre in high school, college or entering the industry access to internships, mentoring and peer networking, says the groups chair, Sonia Gardner, who is co-founder and president of New Yorkbased, $11.6 billion global investment firm Avenue Capital Group.
Last year 100 Women in Hedge Funds held allocator symposiums bringing together institutional investors and female portfolio managers. The events, in San Francisco and New York, attracted nearly 100 allocators and 75 managers. The organizations London chapter is set to launch a European version this month. Compared with many other allocator gatherings, the events female-only focus and exclusive invitation list provide more opportunities for attendees to meet institutional investors.
Girls Who Invest is focusing its efforts on younger minds. Founder Seema Hingorani, formerly CIO of New York Citys five public pension funds, believes reaching out to women at the university or even high school level is the best way to develop a pipeline of talent for the industry. Our program is dedicated to exposing young women to asset management, she explains. But at the very least, we also want to prepare them to manage money for themselves and their family.
The group will hold its first training class, a four-week program for 30 college sophomores and juniors at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School (Hingoranis alma mater), this summer. The program will focus on core financial concepts and asset valuation, and teach students about the asset management ecosystem. After the program participants will be placed in internships at several large asset management and hedge fund firms. They wont be learning only from other women, Hingorani points out: There are a lot of enlightened men in our industry, and we need to partner with them to be successful in our mission.
Another initiative helping women build career networks is Women Moving Millions. Founder Jacki Zehner was the first female trader to make partner at Goldman Sachs, in 1996. She left Wall Street more than a decade ago, trading in power suits for rugged outdoor wear in Salt Lake City and embarking on a crusade to promote opportunities for women through her family foundation. Her latest effort has gathered more than 230 members, who have pledged close to $600 million to benefit organizations and initiatives for women and girls around the world. There is this saying that privilege is invisible to those that have it, Zehner says. I think the same is true for bias, including gender bias. You cannot look at the numbers and say it does not exist; it has to. Then the question becomes what to do about it.
Institutional investors and the consultants who support them clearly have a stake in changing the status quo for women. While performance must always be central to allocation decisions, we must consider adjusting some of the other inputs, like length of track record and minimum AUM requirements, if we want a different outcome, says Lenox Parks Lamin, who advised Texas Teachers on its 2013 initiative on emerging manager best practices. The organizations that have been successful in sourcing and allocating to smaller managers have been very intentional about reviewing their current effort and then adjusting their approaches accordingly. Unfortunately, there arent very many of them to speak of.
Aside from building womens networks and developing a pipeline of female talent into the asset management and hedge fund industries, structural changes will need to take place at the investor level. One example: relaxing standards to allow public pension funds to allocate to emerging fund managers with less than a three-year track record.
The current investment consulting business model also may need to change to allow deviation from the established, industrywide due diligence standards for allocation consideration, to allow gender diversity and inclusion to become part of both consulting and investor institutions cultures and systems. Once senior management sets the tone for inclusion, gender diversity stands a fighting chance.
It has to be a concerted effort, says Serengetis Biddle. Cultural biases do not end on their own.
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Catherine Keating is clearly proud of Commonfund. The fifth president and CEO of the $25 billion asset manager for nonprofits likes to boast that it preceded David Swensen, CIO of Yale Investment Management Co. since 1985, in building diversified endowment portfolios.
The Common Fund for Nonprofit Organizations was established in 1971 with a $2.8 million grant from the Ford Foundation, a major funder of higher education in the 1960s, to help universities and other not-for-profit institutions diversify portfolios that were then almost entirely invested in bonds. By the end of that year, 72 endowments had invested $63 million with the fund.
Keating joined Wilton, Connecticutbased Commonfund in 2015 after almost two decades with J.P. Morgan Asset Management, where she was most recently head of investment management for the Americas, and held a variety of other roles including CEO of the firms private bank. She believes her new employer was also first in the now crowded field of outsourced chief investment officers, or OCIOs. Thats how we were founded, Keating says, as the CIO office for the organization that either didnt have one or wanted more support for their office. Commonfund manages roughly half of its assets for OCIO clients and the rest in private funds for others.
Keating recently visited Institutional Investors New York office to chat with Senior Writer Frances Denmark about the challenges and the future of endowment investing.
How can nonprofits meet the 7 percent return target they require to fund their operations, given the low-interest-rate environment?
You have to look for portfolio accelerators in a decelerating world. We are suggesting that our clients invest in private capital at the top of their policy ranges right now to try to capture the potential premium associated with private investments. This is critical in a low-return environment.
Were also focused on optimizing active portfolio management, which is also risk management. As you get into the later years of a market cycle, there is more differentiation between companies. Higher-quality companies with higher-quality balance sheets and cash flows tend to do better. Youre seeing that already in the high-yield market, where there has been a bifurcation between the higher-quality high-yield companies and the lower-quality companies.
Where does Commonfund stand on the active-versus-passive debate?
Commonfund is a longtime believer in active management for our clients, not exclusively but generally. But before picking managers and stocks, you need to think about a couple of things. The first is, what is your time horizon? You have to have patience because no active manager outperforms every single year. If your time horizon is just a few years, it may be more appropriate to be passive.
The second is that costs matter; they eat into returns. So if you want to be in active management, you should try to minimize your costs. Where can you get economies of scale? Where can you negotiate with a manager? When we pool all of our clients assets together, we have far greater buying power than they have on their own.
The debate has also changed. It used to be a binary decision: passive or active. Rather than get caught up in the debate, today we would say that alpha and beta alpha being the skill and beta being the return that you just get from the markets are components of all investments, and we budget for both alpha and beta when constructing portfolios for our clients.
We believe that we have developed the tools rigorous factor and peer analysis to identify managers who truly deliver uncorrelated, skill-based, diversifying returns. We can source beta, or market returns, for almost nothing today in the passive space. These tools help us to optimize both portfolios and costs.
Where do you see attractive new investment opportunities for your clients?
We believe that the addition of two billion people into the middle class in emerging markets is the most important demographic trend of our lifetimes, with investment implications across portfolios, from the largest multinationals to local private companies. In emerging markets we are particularly attracted to private capital, where we see compelling entry points, low leverage and exposure to the market segments technology, retail, health care and services that we believe will benefit most from growing middle-class consumption.
How has your hedge fund portfolio evolved during the past few years?
We have been investing in hedge funds for more than three decades at Commonfund, and a lot has changed over the years. Hedge fund industry assets have grown to $3 trillion, and the industry has consolidated, so that 2 percent of funds now manage close to half the assets. Most significantly, alpha has diminished, from high single digits before the financial crisis to almost nothing since.
In the early years hedge funds were pioneers; in recent years many have become settlers. We believe there is a role for hedge funds in portfolios today, if they provide sources of returns that are uncorrelated to stocks and bonds. We think of these managers as the new pioneers that are pushing out the efficient frontier offering different sources of return for better portfolio diversification. Its a relatively small set of managers who tend to be capacity-constrained and often employ niche strategies. Pioneering is not for everyone, but we have long been pioneers at Commonfund. Pioneering may take us further away from industry benchmarks. We may even develop our own benchmark.
What is the most surprising question you hear from your members?
When I joined Commonfund last year, I went on a listening tour. And in every city I fielded a question about ESG [environmental, social and governance] factors, and more specifically about fossil fuels and their implications for portfolios. It was the first time I had ever fielded a question about fossil fuels, and it made me realize that there was something different about our clients and about 2015.
Our clients are different: They are nonprofit and public sector entities, some of the most sophisticated investors in the world with the longest time horizons. Last year was different too, with 175 countries reaching a climate accord in Paris. Our clients invest today in a world that aspires to be lower-carbon. But they worry that if they screen out certain sectors of the market or segments of the economy, they will have a smaller investment universe that reduces opportunity for returns and increases volatility. Until now, most investors addressing these issues have advocated either divestment from fossil fuels or engagement. Divestment is immediate and blunt, while engagement is long-term and diffuse. We wondered if there was a better solution. We concluded somewhat to our surprise that there is, and that one could construct a portfolio that could substantially reduce exposure to reserves and emissions by as much as 80, 90 percent without materially altering risk and return.
While we dont know the precise time horizon for the change to a lower-carbon economy, we think it will be measured in years as well as decades, and that some of the change has already begun. For example, last year was the first time gas replaced coal as the biggest producer of electricity in the U.S.
At the same time, the portfolio can include the kinds of positive investments in efficiency, technology, alternative energy and sustainability that will support a lower-carbon world over time. It has been a very interesting journey for us on the spectrum of fiduciary responsibility, and its one that we were led to by our clients.
In a move that surprised many in the corporate pension community, late last month the Supreme Court granted some retirees of Verizon Communications a petition for a writ of certiorari, which vacated a lower courts decision on a lawsuit alleging the telecommunications company violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in New Orleans, will now reconsider the case.
The background to Pundt v. Verizon Communications Inc. dates to the 2012 decision by the company to fully fund the pension plans of 41,000 retirees and purchase a group annuity from Prudential Insurance Co. of America. Under the deal, which transferred $7.5 billion in pension liabilities from Verizon to Prudential, the insurance company pays full pension benefits to Verizon retirees. The plaintiffs in the Pundt case are the 50,000 plan participants who remain in Verizons pension plan after the annuity deal. They argue that they should get standing, or the right to sue, over Verizons alleged mismanagement of the plan as a result of the annuity purchase, even though they cant prove actual or imminent harm because their benefits are not currently impaired. The Association of BellTel Retirees asked the Supreme Court for the writ because lower courts have made a series of conflicting decisions on ERISA cases, a situation that the association says undermines the original intent of ERISA to be a national standard of protection for pensions. The BellTel association represents more than 200,000 employees who once worked for companies that emerged from the breakup of AT&T in 1984.
Pension risk transfers allow corporations to move their defined benefit liabilities to an insurance company or pay employees a lump sum in lieu of a yearly check for life.
The next-step order is for the same three-judge panel at the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans to rethink what they did because we were pointing out their errors, says Curtis Kennedy, the Denver-based lawyer for the retirees, who says he has handled 70 pension cases related to former Bell System employees. Kennedy plans to ask the court to revisit the entire set of decisions that allowed the VerizonPrudential deal to proceed, including the initial annuity purchase. We will certainly vigorously defend the righteousness and the appropriateness of the case, he adds.
Its unfair for beneficiaries to have to wait until they experience harm in order to sue, he explains. By the time a plan is bankrupt, its too late, Kennedy says. We were the first to sue on behalf of retirees who got kicked out of ongoing, thriving pension plans and who lost all federal rights and ready access to courts.
The case is an important one, as a growing number of companies are looking to reduce the risks of their pension plans through deals like Verizons. More than 500 transactions, which include lump sums, were done between 2007 and 2013, including Verizons 2012 deal. That same year General Motors transferred $25.1 billion in liabilities when it bought a group annuity from Prudential, and Ford Motor Co. offered a lump sum to 90,000 former salaried employees, settling about $18 billion of its $49 billion in U.S. pension liabilities. Pension risk transfers have always been allowed under ERISA, but changes in regulations that included the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as well as increased longevity, have pushed companies to think seriously about their options to reduce their risks.
But Verizon retirees argue that annuities remove pensioners from oversight by federal law and the protection offered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., the agency created by ERISA to insure pensions. Instead, retirees with annuities are subject to state regulations on insurance companies. BellTel Retirees wants former employees to have a voice in the decision making and want options for them as well, including lump sum distributions. Jack Cohen, chairman of the BellTel Retirees group, says, Verizon retirees, and by extension millions of others whose pensions have been de-risked, cannot simply be dismissed.
Though Kennedy says he plans to ask the Fifth Circuit to look at the entire case from the beginning, the Supreme Courts decision is much more narrow. The court is asking the Fifth Circuit to reconsider the one issue of standing. Have the participants suffered sufficient concrete injury based on the de-risking transfer to be able to proceed in court? postulates Gregory Jacob, a partner with OMelveny & Myers in Washington. Jacob, an expert in ERISA law, represented Prudential when the BellTel Retirees filed for a temporary restraining order to stop the de-risking transfer from going through in 2012. But he wasnt involved in any subsequent cases.
The Supreme Courts remand relies on its 2015 decision in Spokeo Inc. v. Robins, which held that plaintiffs cannot attain standing without proof of concrete harm. The decision, though, left it to an appeals court to rule further. Jacob says the Fifth Circuit now has the opportunity to adjust its reasoning and language in the Verizon case to ensure it is consistent with Spokeo.
Jacob argues that the Supreme Courts decision will not change the underlying calculus of these deals. The advantage is that a company is shifting the risk to an insurance company that pension obligations will turn out to be more than they expected, he says. The disadvantage is that insurers charge a fee for that.
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In a tumultuous year, new analysts rise to the top as their firms compete for leading spots in the 51st annual ranking.
Freight forwarding remains one of Australia's largest and most critical sectors.With the technological advancements in logistics, it's less common today for freight to go missing. But when things do go awry, consequences can be far-reaching and incredibly costly.Forwarders can be held liable for third party losses, loss or damage of cargo, and breaches of regulations. Ultimately, losses can run so high that a forwarder, without adequate insurance, can be put out of business. Brokers, therefore, need to ensure their clients have sufficient cover in place so that in the event of such a loss scenario, theirs and their client's businesses will be protected.From the time initial advice is sought on freight forwarding liability insurance, brokers must facilitate a strong and transparent dialogue with clients about the true nature of their clients' businesses, according to George Midas, managing director of Midas Insurance Brokers, who's specialised in freight insurance for three decades. Sometimes, a 'freight forwarding' business encompasses aspects that extend well beyond the traditional responsibilities of a forwarder."It's our duty to know exactly what they're doing because they may have three arms in a business," Midas explains, identifying those arms as customs clearance, movement of goods, and logistics of goods. "We ask specific questions, with no ambiguity, to draw that information to understand the risk," Midas says. "If there is ambiguity in their reply, you ensure you get the question answered properly."For several years, Midas's brokerage has enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership with Zurich . "We're one of the largest marine underwriters globally," says Matthew O'Sullivan, Zurich's head of marine. "But in an area like freight forwarding, in Australia particularly, we exclusively deal with a specialist because we know that freight forwarding and customs broking is a very tricky area. If we don't get everything right, we can be up for some surprises that we really don't want to have."O'Sullivan agrees with Midas on the need for strong dialogue from the outset. "It's not a matter of taking the freight forwarder's policy off the shelf and the broker saying, 'Therefore you're covered'. If there's not that informed dialogue between the broker and the client, and the broker and the insurer, from the very beginning, that's really where the problems can arise."Exposures not dealt with in off-the-shelf policies can potentially place a freight forwarder in a disastrous situation, and those exposures can go undetected for many years. "That only gets tested when there's a loss," O'Sullivan says. "You can have a period of five years where the policy is loss-free, and everyone thinks 'this is going along swimmingly'. And then the big hit comes - 'by the way, you may have problems with the policy responding to this loss'."O'Sullivan says that, when organising freight forwarding insurance, Zurich will seek the terms and conditions of the agreement between the forwarder and the forwarder's customer to precisely ascertain the extent of the forwarder's liability. "They could be absorbing or accepting all liability for damage or delay, or they could have in their own contract terms some restrictions."O'Sullivan thinks many brokers, and even insurers, wouldn't seek the forwarder's terms. "They assume that there are standardised terms and conditions, and they just say, 'He's a freight forwarder, so therefore we're covering him for the liability he's exposed to - the movement of people's cargo'."It's not as simple as that because the liability is as varied as it can be in any legal jurisdiction. He could be absorbing a lot of liability; he could be absorbing storage, he could be doing the packing and unpacking, there could be transhipment, there could be a whole raft of exposures there."How effective a broker can be in a claim situation will be determined by the quality of the groundwork they've undertaken in the initial stages while arranging cover. "That is where we can clearly identify what risks and exposures are around certain commodities, certain types of businesses and destinations, from an exporting or importing point of view," O'Sullivan says."If you get that right, it's really then only the true fortuitous-type losses, the real unforeseen losses, that happen."And in those circumstances where a forwarder does report a potential loss, Midas says it's important for brokers to act quickly but calmly. "Whatever we do, we don't panic. Sometimes, it's nothing."Where it is something, Midas says brokers should immediately begin putting together the relevant documentation and communicating with the underwriter. "We don't sit on the claim form," Midas says.On dealing with the client, he says: "They don't want sympathy; they want empathy. You've got to be calm and collected and attentive to what you hear so that you understand what happened."From the insurer's perspective, O'Sullivan says the focus is on trying to ensure mitigation of the loss. And in some instances, fast work means the relevant goods can be recovered in mint condition."Our ultimate goal is to continue the business of the insured. We want to keep their business going. So if there's a way we can avoid a claim or limit the quantum of a claim. Thats better for everybody."Brokers' ongoing engagement with the forwarding industry is also paramount. Midas visits London regularly, in order to stay across key updates affecting the international industry. He also raises the importance of educational qualifications.On the compliance regulation front, a clear understanding of the behaviours and standards expected by the relevant local authorities is key for specialist freight insurance brokers. Discussing their own activities on this front, Midas says: "We have started as partners - Midas and Zurich - a dialogue with Australian Border Force to understand their policies. We are engaged, in other words."Midas and Zurich's partnership has, for years, been efficacious. "I would almost put my hand on my heart and say George would have a fundamental understanding of what our approach would be during a time of a claim," O'Sullivan says. "If a client rings him up and says, 'George, I've got a problem here', George is going to know straight away, 'Yes, that's fine. No problem. We'll take care of it', or very rarely, he might say, 'We're going to have a bit of an issue here.'"That would rarely happen because we have that relationship."
Its a challenge that continues to confront the global insurance industry.As the next generation of leaders enters the workforce, conversation continues as to how best to attract top talent. How does the industry put itself in the mix when young jobseekers make career decisions? And how does the industry hang onto high calibre new recruits?On 25 February, the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance ( ANZIIF ) launched its Careers in Insurance initiative, its own endeavour to try to ensure work in the industry is on the radars of young Australians.Careers in Insurance was developed in partnership with the National Insurance Brokers Association ( NIBA ) and the industry through ANZIIFs Corporate Supporter Program.The launch kicked off with ANZIIF unveiling a new website that helps young people to learn about the roles on offer in insurance and the diverse career paths that one may take.The website is just one component of Careers in Insurance but it serves an important function, says Meg Brideson, ANZIIFs general manager marketing and insights.When we engage with young people we want them to be able to explore the industry. The website supports that because you can discover the roles you could work in, use the personality function to find where youd fit, and find practical tips and advice on how to get into insurance.Importantly, the site is also designed to connect young people and the industry, whether it be for work experience, internships, graduate positions or simply entry level positions where no experience is necessary.Brideson says its all about engaging young jobseekers in a world where all things are possible. Go anywhere. Do anything. is our slogan for the program and perfectly captures what insurance offers those working in it, she says.Jobseekers can upload their CV directly to the website, which can then be sent to recruitment teams.This functionality was popular at the university careers fairs, as we have made it incredibly easy for them to access the opportunities that exist, Brideson says.A job board can link students and jobseekers with potential employees.Given the demographic we are targeting, we also have a full social media campaign designed to engage with young people in a way that is relevant, Brideson adds. We have also created school and university presentation guides so that anyone from the industry can get involved and talk about careers in insurance.The launch of this initiative follows research ANZIIF conducted in February with under 35s in the industry. In that research, 76.1% of respondents said that, before joining the industry, insurance either had no, or minimal, visibility, and 62.7% said they fell into insurance.But there is some good news, Brideson tells Insurance Business.Based on our initial research and working at our first careers fair, where we met hundreds of young people and graduates, we have not seen a negative attitude to working in insurance.What we have seen is incredible enthusiasm and amazement as they learn about how dynamic and important the industry is. The problem is not an attitude towards insurance but rather the industrys lack of visibility. When we speak with young people about the opportunities in the industry and the careers that are available, they immediately want to know what they need to do to become part of it.Brideson also raises some particularly interesting early findings to emerge from the research.While the data is still being analysed, there are really positive and healthy signs that young people are engaged with insurance and love working in this industry, she says.Of particular note is that 80% of under 35s believe they will still be working in insurance in five years time and 86.7% would recommend it as a great industry to join.A major corporate supporter of ANZIIFs Careers in Insurance is QBE I think its a great initiative, and weve very happy to support it, says Sally Kincaid, chief human resources officer for QBEs Australian and New Zealand operations.We have recently asked our employees what they love about their jobs and the variety and opportunities feature highly. However, for graduates or people looking from the outside in, its really up to us in the insurance sector to help people understand what those opportunities and benefits are, she says.From our experience, when you do articulate that well through your employment value proposition, you dont have a problem attracting young people to the insurance sector. We are always oversubscribed when were on campus for our graduate recruitment program.Kincaid says other industries are currently doing a better job of branding themselves and the opportunities theyre presenting therefore look more exciting than those available in insurance.Weve also seen an emphasis on social conscience coming through with the grads that we meet, she adds. Frankly, I think thats a real opportunity for insurance because the whole sector is based on being there for people in their moment of need I think weve got an opportunity to really play to that aspect of why insurance even exists.Kincaid also believes grads tend to opt for sectors already well advanced and mature in their thinking around how technology can drive innovation in those sectors.If you look at the kind of environments that they want to join, they want to join a disrupted, highly challenging environment and they dont see traditional insurance in that sort of light.In its own efforts to provide industry newcomers a positive introduction to insurance, QBE runs an 18-month graduate program that rotates participants through the business.Thats probably the real beauty of our program, in that grads get to experience a variety of business lines at QBE before they make a decision about where they would like to launch their career, Kincaid says.For example, a grad might move through claims and to sales and distribution, being supported by a manager and mentor who can help them make a decision on what role they may be best suited to after the rotation program.The QBE Graduate Program also offers participants six weeks of volunteering opportunities, and soft skills and personal development training. Additionally, there are ultimately potential opportunities for local QBE employees to work internationally within the business.When youre in your twenties, the opportunity to live and work overseas is often very attractive. By joining our grad program, thats certainly a possibility for our people in their career at QBE.And according to Kincaid, its not just about younger generations for QBE. Theres also a concerted eff ort to make sure the organisation represents the diversity in the wider community. Last year, the insurer was recognised at the Australian HR Awards not only as an Employer of Choice, but as winner of the Best Diversity and Inclusion Program Award.When you have a wider group of backgrounds and experience at the decision-making table, it brings a level of innovation and new thought processes that we think add a great deal to the environment of QBE, and also help create business solutions to meet customers needs.Brideson says ANZIIF will continue its involvement at various university open days and high school career nights.Based on the enthusiasm of young people to our presence at our rst careers fair, we need to get more involved in these, she says.Discussing ongoing industry support of Careers in Insurance, she says there are a number of ways people can get involved.The most obvious is to become a Corporate Supporter. To keep this program invigorated and to ensure the ongoing presence at universities and schools, the program needs to be funded, she says.We are also looking for volunteers who can engage with young people at universities and high schools, and we have had incredibly passionate, driven professionals already join us at our rst events.The industry can also support Careers in Insurance by getting engaged through social media share your photos and stories, share the website with family and friends to increase their exposure. All of this will help to make it a career option for your children and their friends.The Careers in Insurance website can be found at http://www.careersininsurance.com.au
Earlier this year, Australian manufacturer Patties Foods recalled 1kg packets of Nannas Mixed Berries following allegations that over three dozen people had fallen ill with hepatitis A after consuming the berries. In June, managing director and CEO of Patties Foods, Steven Chaur, said the company had been significantly impacted by the frozen berries recall and that it was expected 9% would be wiped from the companys net profit for 2015.According to the ACCC, there were 513 product recalls in Australia in 2014, compared to 359 recalls in 2010.Andrew Beare is liability underwriting manager for Australasia for HDI -Gerling, which provides contaminated product insurance to businesses in the food and beverage industries. Beare says upwards of $49bn worth of food fraud occurs globally each year. That involves contamination, extortion [and] anything to do with food not being what it should be, he adds.While organisations obviously incur high costs as a result of dealing with recall events, reputational damage can ultimately have an even greater impact. Reputational risk is one of the greatest risks to a business in the event of a recall, especially if its not handled professionally and honestly, says Beare. If the reputation is damaged to such an extent, a business may never recover.Former crisis management underwriter turned tech founder, Nga Nguyen, says many organisations tend to forget the soft costs (or indirect costs) of product recalls, including reputational damage. Typically, in a major recall, soft costs are disproportionately higher than hard costs, he says. Ive read studies that have shown that the hard costs represent less than 20% of the total costs. The actual rehabilitation, repairing the organisations brand equity, accounts for the majority of the total costs.And when significant reputational damage occurs, substantial profit losses can follow. Andrew Beare highlights other consequences that can flow from product recalls. There are significant recall expenses, which include recovery of affected product from retail outlets. You then have to dispose of it. Theres also the loss of other lines of business and products from the same manufacturer going by the same name. They can all be tarred with the same brush, he says.Nguyen mentions the risk of manufacturers losing major supply contracts with retailers. Particularly in Australia, if youre in the food and beverage space, retail is dominated by major players. If you lose a contract with one of the major retailers, youre in a lot of bother.He says companies make three common mistakes in handling product recalls. Number one would be lack of preparation. A big thing is failure to conduct mock recalls, says Nguyen. Number two would be allowing an incident to escalate into a crisis. That could mean allowing the investigations to be protracted. So, in other words, failure to take responsibility and act decisively on a known problem, and also failure to monitor the effectiveness of recalls that are in flight and adjust strategies as required.The third mistake Nguyen cites is a failure to conduct adequate supplier audits. Supply chains of today are highly distributed and extremely complicated, he says. A lot of manufacturers nowadays purchase components from offshore companies. He says that leads to a raft of issues around how to properly audit overseas suppliers and identifying the standards to which they should adhere.As to essentials for good product contamination and recall policies, Beare stresses that no two policies are identical, but identified some features he sees as important. Firstly, youve got to have a good broker. They need to know whats going on in the marketplace [and] whats available, he says.From a policy containment situation, direct access to a globally-experienced crisis management consultant is absolutely essential. He also mentions provision of pre-incident planning simulations. This is done usually through the crisis management consultant, he adds.Beare says there should also be product recall expense coverage, and product rehabilitation expenses to help reduce reputational damage. He also says its important that coverage extends to government-instigated recalls.Finally, he says good policies should include coverage for loss of profits from the recalled product, coverage for loss of profits due to decrease in the organisations overall turnover, and coverage for third party recall expenses.So what types of questions should brokers ask their clients to ensure they can organise appropriate coverage? For brokers with clients in the food and beverage industry, Beare says he considers a few particular questions to be very important. First and foremost, brokers need to understand and demonstrate to insurers that they know what their clients risk is because they have to tell us what its all about, he says. For example, does the applicant have a documented product recall plan? When was it written? When was it last reviewed? When has it been tested? And what was the outcome of the tests?Another one is how does the applicant manage his suppliers and vendors for quality control? What is the traceability of products? Are they barcoded?Next, Beare mentions the clients history. Has there been any previous need to recall any of their products, and what were the reasons for that? And what did they learn? What risk mitigation strategies are employed? Have these been tested?Beare adds its essential that clients buy the right limit of coverage. Theres plenty of capacity around in the marketplace, so they shouldnt hold back on buying the right limit because, if [they] buy the wrong limit, once the limits exhausted, everything else that has to be paid comes off their bottom line.Nguyens CrisisFlo, an Australian technology firm that specialises in crisis management systems, has just launched CrisisFlo Recall Manager, a web-based tool that provides workflow orchestration for a business product recall team with the aim of facilitating better communication, coordination and collaboration before, during and after a recall event. Nguyen says the intent is to resolve issues at incident level, preventing situations from escalating into crises.And while CrisisFlos technology should serve as an adjunct to good insurance, the company hopes its technology can contribute in some way to lowering the cost of product recall claims which, longer term, could result in an adjustment of premiums that makes the coverage more accessible to a wider range of suppliers and manufacturers.
A New Jersey appeals court upheld a decision by New Jersey regulators to approve a new alliance formed by the states largest health insurer.
The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance didnt break the rules when it approved Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shields OMNIA plan, which uses a tiered network and is touted as a money-saving way to cover health care, the appeals court said Tuesday.
This decision is another win for consumers seeking relief from skyrocketing medical bills, Horizon spokesman Kevin McArdle said. Health care costs are a problem for New Jersey employers and patients and while some are content to be part of the problem, Horizon is committed to being part of the solution.
Hospitals that werent part of OMNIAs top network argued the insurance department didnt ensure consumers would have access to the network. The appealing hospitals worried the alliance demotes them to Tier 2, and Tier 1 hospitals will likely get more patients because of lower costs.
The three-judge panel ruled regulators acted in accordance with the law and any changes would have to be addressed by state lawmakers.
Steven Goldman, an attorney for the Tier 2 hospitals, said they will weigh their legal options in the coming days.
While we are deeply disappointed in the outcome, our clients continue to believe that the Departments decision to approve the plan was arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable, and will have serious consequences for New Jersey patients and providers, Goldman said.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics New Jersey
Global disasters led to at least $7 billion in claims during May as insurers aid the recovery process following wildfires, floods, and storms, according to Impact Forecasting, Aon Benfields catastrophe model development team.
An historic wildfire caused catastrophic damage in the Canadian city of Fort McMurray throughout the month of May, becoming the costliest natural disaster in the countrys history with insured losses estimated to be in excess of C$4.0 billion (USD3.1 billion), said the latest edition of Impact Forecastings monthly Global Catastrophe Recap report.
The fire roared through more than 580,000 hectares (1.43 million acres) of land and destroyed at least 10 percent of Fort McMurray, including more than 2,400 homes and other structures, the report said, noting that insured losses included physical damage and business interruption.
The severity of the wildfire damage in Fort McMurray is an unfortunate reminder of how significant insurable losses can be from the peril, commented Adam Podlaha, global head of Impact Forecasting.
The situation in Canada has already allowed for a strong and cooperative response from both the government and the insurance industry as residents and business owners seek to assess the damage and begin the recovery process. Since this is just the sixth individual global wildfire to surpass the billion-dollar threshold for insurers, there is not a lot of precedent for a fire event of this magnitude, he added.
Storm Elvira
Meanwhile, convective storms and widespread flooding from a storm dubbed Elvira swept across parts of northern Europe between late May and early June, killing at least 17 people, the report said.
Most damage was seen in Germany, France, Austria, Poland and Belgium where floods hit many major metropolitan regions, including Paris, it noted.
Insurance industry associations in France (AFA) and Germany (GDV) preliminarily estimated combined minimum claims payouts to exceed 2.0 billion ($2.3 billion). Tentative overall economic damage was estimated to approach 4.0 billion ($4.6 billion).
Five outbreaks of severe convective storms hit the United States during May when tornadoes, straight-line winds, and large hail affected parts of the Plains, Midwest, and Mississippi Valley. Storm-related flooding also caused major damage in portions of Texas during the latter part of the month. Total aggregated insured losses were estimated to exceed $1.0 billion.
In Asia, Cyclone Roanu brought torrential rainfall to Sri Lanka, eastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China during May. Widespread flooding and landslides ensued and at least 105 people were killed in Sri Lanka alone. Nearly 125,000 homes and structures were damaged or destroyed across all five countries. The estimated cost of reconstruction was up to 250 billion Sri Lanka rupees ($1.7 billion), though insured losses were substantially less given low insurance penetration.
Natural hazard events to occur elsewhere during May include:
Five separate instances of flooding impacted China as aggregated economic losses topped $1.5 billion. Most of the damage was attributed to agricultural interests.
Other major flood and landslide events in May were reported in parts of Hispaniola, Kenya, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Ethiopia, India and Yemen.
Tropical Storm Bonnie brought heavy rainfall to portions of the Carolinas and Georgia in the United States at the end of May and into June. Total economic losses were expected to be minimal.
Earthquakes in Ecuador and China caused damages to thousands of homes and a winter weather outbreak in northern China caused damage to crops totaling $61 million.
Source: Aon Benfield
Related:
Topics Carriers Catastrophe Flood Wildfire China Aon
Commencing its board succession plans, London-based Miller Insurance Services LLP announced that Greg Collins will be appointed deputy chief executive officer, with an aim to name him CEO next year.
Miller also has appointed Ben Speers to the board as chief operating officer. Ken MacDonald was appointed to the board with continued responsibility for Millers Property & Casualty business unit and will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee. Jonathan Fussell was named partnership secretary.
All these changes, which are effective on July 1, are subject to regulatory approval.
Miller said it is the boards intention to appoint Greg Collins as chief executive officer in 2017. Concurrently, Nicholas Lyons will step down as non-executive chairman, with Graham Clarke assuming this role (subject to regulatory approval).
After over 16 years as CEO of Miller, I am delighted that we can commence our board succession plans with the appointment of these talented leaders who can help drive Miller forward into our next chapter, said Graham Clarke, chief executive.
Our successes over the last decade are reflective of the talent and professionalism of our people and as our business continues to grow, training and development has been vital to ensure that we continue to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients, Clarke added. I am excited to continue playing a significant role in the development of our business in my new capacity as chairman from next year.
Source: Miller Insurance Services
Topics Trends
Insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired KRW Insurance Agency Inc. located in Crystal Lake, Ill. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Established in the 1940s, KRW Insurance Agency (KRW) is a retail insurance broker providing commercial property/casualty, risk management, employee benefits and personal lines insurance and consulting services to clients throughout the United States. The firm specializes in insurance coverage for the construction and manufacturing industries.
Patrick Morehead, Alan LaSarre and their associates will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of Michael Pesch, head of Gallaghers Midwest region retail property/casualty brokerage operations.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is based in Itasca, Ill.
Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Illinois A.J. Gallagher
A federal appeals court has voided a $30 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan involving price-fixing allegations.
The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said that key details of the settlement were wrongly sealed and kept hidden from public view. The court says its sending the case back to U.S. District Court in Detroit for an open and vigorous examination of the settlements fairness.
The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News report Blue Cross says its reviewing the decision and hopes to eventually resolve the case.
The settlement had followed allegations Blue Cross pressured more than 60 hospitals into contracts that were preferential to Blue Cross and adverse to competitors. Blue Cross didnt admit any wrongdoing as part of the now-voided settlement.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Michigan
Kentucky regulators have cited a company owned by coal operator Jim Justice for conditions that they say contributed to a mudslide and flooding that damaged six homes in Pike County.
Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet spokesman John Mura told The Courier-Journal that regulators learned on June 3 about the damages and sent investigators to the Bent Mountain surface mining operation. The operation is part of Kentucky Fuel Corp., which is owned by Jim Justice, a billionaire coal producer running for governor as a Democrat in West Virginia.
Mura said violations on the citation issued Monday involve sediment control, off-permit disturbance, failure to notify, failure to pass water quality and a diversion ditch failure.
In a news release, Kentucky Fuel said its offering residents temporary housing, and providing large equipment and workers from nearby operations to help property owners with cleanup.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Homeowners Kentucky Mining
The State Compensation Insurance Fund is seeking to cut its workers compensation rates, per a recent filing with the California Department of Insurance.
The rate filing also includes an overall 9.5 percent rate reduction due to improvements in State Funds claims costs and goes into effect next year.
An important part of State Funds purpose is to provide fair pricing. We have filed a new pricing structure with the California Department of Insurance (CDI) that will further enhance our pricing accuracy and rate stability for our policyholders, said Gina Simons, communications director for State Fund.
State Fund said in a communication sent out to insurance brokers on Thursday that its evolving its pricing structure by introducing additional pricing ranges and risk characteristics that will further enhance pricing accuracy and make our rates more stable year over year.
Although the rate action will have an overall effect of a decrease, individual policyholders may see their rates increase or decrease depending on their individual loss experience, Simons said.
Once the filing is accepted by CDI, we anticipate it to be effective Sept. 1, 2016, Simons added.
Related:
Topics California Trends Workers' Compensation Pricing Trends
The ITR Global Transfer Pricing Forum will offer taxpayers and in-house counsel the opportunity to discuss the global take-up of BEPS guidelines from the US to Japan and countries in between.
The Forum will address issues from technology to dispute resolution and BEPS compliance. The focus will be on practical implications, unanswered questions and major concerns for tax departments.
For the first time, the panels will be moderated by TP Week and ITR journalists and run under Chatham House Rules to allow speakers and observers to debate openly. An overview of the conference and registration can be foundhere.
The keynote speech on June 29 will feature Christopher Wales, a former member of the UK Treasurys Council of Economic Advisers under Gordon Brown and Tony Blair. Wales also headed PwCs global tax and governance team from 2012 to 2016, a role in which he worked extensively with prime ministers and finance ministers,
Jan Loeprick, public sector specialist, global tax team, EFI, The World Bank Group, will address delegates at the opening of the conference on June 30.
Dispute resolution linked to BEPS
The ITR Global Transfer Pricing Forum is being held at Berlin's five-star Hotel Adlon Kempinski.
Among the many topical panels, the conference will offer insight on country-by-country reporting (CbCR), which is designed to give tax authorities more information about where multinationals are booking their profits.
The agenda for June 29 includes a BEPS compliance overview, a panel on dispute resolution, a CbCR discussion, and a panel on IP regimes focused on patent boxes. A drinks reception will follow.
June 30 offers a focus on the digital economy, a discussion about how to integrate technology with BEPS compliance, European transfer pricing issues including developments from the European parliament, and an update on regulations for intercompany financial transactions.
Nel terzo trimestre del 2016 il prodotto interno lordo, espresso in valori concatenati con anno di riferimento 2010, corretto per gli effetti di calendario e destagionalizzato, e aumentato dello 0,3% rispetto al trimestre precedente e dello 0,9% nei confronti del terzo trimestre del 2015. Lo sostiene lIstat.
La crescita congiunturale e la sintesi di un aumento del valore aggiunto nei comparti dellindustria e dei servizi e di una diminuzione nellagricoltura. Dal lato della domanda, vi e un contributo ampiamente positivo della componente nazionale (al lordo delle scorte), in parte compensato da un apporto negativo della componente estera netta.
Nello stesso periodo il Pil e aumentato in termini congiunturali dello 0,7% negli Stati Uniti, dello 0,5% nel Regno Unito e dello 0,2% in Francia. In termini tendenziali, si e registrato un aumento del 2,3% nel Regno Unito, dell1,5% negli Stati Uniti, dell1,1% in Francia. Nel complesso, il Pil dei paesi dellarea Euro e cresciuto dello 0,3% rispetto al trimestre precedente ed dell1,6% nel confronto con lo stesso trimestre del 2015.
I dati Istat sul Pil sono in linea con le stime del governo ha commentato il ministro dellEconomia, Pier Carlo Padoan, arrivando alla Camera per lincontro con il gruppo Pd sulla legge di Bilancio. ll titolare di via XX Settembre in un tweet, poco prima, aveva sottolineato come i dati Istat confermano che leconomia e sulla strada giusta e le stime di crescita sono affidabili. Ma occorre spingere per accelerare
Elor Azaria, soldato israeliano che nel marzo 2016 sparo ad Hebron a un assalitore palestinese gia ferito a terra dopo aver compiuto un attentato, e stato condannato a un anno e mezzo di carcere militare. La pena e stata stabilita dal Tribunale militare di Tel Aviv in base alla condanna delle settimane scorse per omicidio colposo. La pubblica accusa aveva chiesto tra 3 e cinque anni. La vicenda ha suscitato dibattito in Israele e le proteste della destra.
Laccusato ha affermato la giudice, col. Maya Heller ha colpito un terrorista senza alcuna giustificazione. Cio in contrasto con un valore supremo, quello della vita. Il soldato Azaria e inoltre andato contro la etica delle armi che e alla base dello spirito di Zahal, acronimo dellesercito israeliano.
I tre giudici gli hanno pero riconosciuto diverse attenuanti: fra queste, la situazione complessa in cui quel giorno si era venuto a trovare in seguito ad un attentato palestinese contro i commilitoni, nonche una certa disorganizzazione da parte dei suoi superiori diretti sul posto. Uno dei tre giudici, rimasto in minoranza, riteneva che Azaria avrebbe dovuto scontare una pena compresa fra 30 e 60 mesi. Gli altri due hanno preferito non calcare la mano. Ancora non e noto se la difesa intenda presentare ricorso. Intanto nel mondo politico si moltiplicano le reazioni.
Il ministro dellistruzione Naftali Bennet (dal partito nazionalista Focolare ebraico) ha affermato che Azaria non deve scontare nemmeno un giorno di carcere e va perdonato. Altri ministri e deputati nazionalisti hanno convenuto con lui affermando che Azaria merita la grazia. Fuori dal tribunale militare centinaia di sostenitori di Azaria hanno scandito slogan di condanna nei confronti dei giudici.
Investors looking to diversify their portfolios beyond their traditional U.S. equity and fixed-income securities holdings may wish to consider Australian bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs), to efficiently gain exposure to fixed-income securities of governments, government agencies, and the corporate debt of companies in Australia. The following high-yielding Australian bond ETFs warrant a closer look.
KEY TAKEAWAYS Investors who seek to add fixed-income exposure to their portfolios should contemplate Australian bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Two of today's marquis funds are the SPDR S&P/ASX Australian Bond ETF (BOND.AX), offered by State Street Global Advisors, and the iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (IAF), offered by BlackRock Inc.
Australian corporate bond ETFs have been on the climb in recent years, representing 17% of the overall Australian ETF market.
The SPDR S&P/ASX Australian Bond Fund
The SPDR S&P/ASX Australian Bond ETF (BOND.AX) was issued by State Street Global Advisors on July 26, 2012. The fund charges no annual expense ratio and is managed by State Street Global Advisors Australia Limited. The fund aims to provide returns corresponding to those of the S&P/ASX Australian Fixed Interest Index, which is the fund's benchmark index.
The fund boasts the following sector breakdown, in its exposure profile:
Commonwealth government bonds (54.14%)
Semi-government bonds (27.37%)
Supranational bonds (5.37%)
Government-related bonds: (4.78%)
Corporate-finance bonds (4.96%)
Corporate industry bonds (2.23%)
Other (0.78%)
Corporate utility bonds (0.38%)
As of April 19, 2020, the fund's YTD total return was 3.35%. The average maturity of its underlying investments is 6.95 years, and it currently has AU$45.82 million in assets under management.
The iShares Core Composite Bond ETF
The iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (IAF) was issued by BlackRock Inc. (BLK) on March 14, 2012. The fund seeks to track the performance of the Bloomberg AusBond Composite Index, which is the fund's underlying index.
To achieve its investment objective, this ETF primarily holds investment grade fixed-income securities issued by the Australian government, and by corporations domiciled in Australia. Investing in the fund requires an annual management fee of 0.15%.
As of November 11, 2019, the fund had 511 holdings and total net assets of AU$1.1 billion. The fund's YTD total return was 2.57%. The average maturity of its underlying investments is 7-to-10 years, with 28.52% of the fund committed to such investments. This is followed by bonds with a 3-5 year duration (16.98%), bonds with a 5-7 year duration (13.88%), and bonds with a 10-15 year duration (10.05%).
General Australian Bond ETF Growth
As a broad asset class, Australian corporate bond ETFs have experienced an undeniable surge over the past five years. During that time, these investments spiked 51% annually, on average, to reach total assets of approximately AU$13.3 billion, representing about 17% of the overall Australian ETF market. Many analysts expect this uptrend to continue.
Europe is home to some of the biggest and best-known companies in the world, including Nestle S.A. (NESN), Volkswagen A.G. (VOW3), and SAP S.E. (SAP). Investors looking for broad exposure to the European market may consider buying exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Europe-focused ETFs provide diverse exposure to companies in this market, helping to mitigate the risk often associated with investing in individual stocks.
Europes recovery from the economic shock triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has been uneven. Global energy and food prices have skyrocketed as a result of inflation, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and other geopolitical factors. Some analysts anticipate a recession in Europe along with an impending energy crisis as winter approaches. But the European Union's economy grew by a solid 4% in Q2 2022, allaying fears of an imminent recession.
Key Takeaways The European stock market has underperformed the U.S. equities market in the past year.
The Europe exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with the best one-year trailing total returns are TUR, EWU, and DBEU.
The top holdings of these ETFs are BIM Birlesik Magazalar A.S., AstraZeneca PLC, and Nestle S.A., respectively.
There are 37 Europe ETFs that trade in the U.S., excluding inverse and leveraged ETFs as well as ETFs with less than $50 million in assets under management (AUM). European equities, as measured by the MSCI Europe Index, have underperformed the U.S. stock market over the past 12 months, with a total return of -15.8% compared with the S&P 500s total return of -2.5%, as of Aug. 17, 2022. The best-performing Europe ETF, based on performance over the past year, is the iShares MSCI Turkey ETF (TUR).
We examine the three best Europe ETFs below, based on performance over the past year. All numbers below are as of Aug. 18, 2022. In order to focus on the funds' investment strategy, the top holdings listed for each ETF exclude cash holdings and holdings purchased with securities lending proceeds except under unusual cases, such as when the cash portion is exceptionally large.
Performance over one year: -1.5%
Expense ratio: 0.57%
Annual dividend yield: 3.45%
Three-month average daily volume: 197,617
AUM: $285.4 million
Inception date: March 26, 2008
Issuer: BlackRock Financial Management
TUR is designed to track the MSCI Turkey IMI 25/50 Index, a broad-based index composed of Turkish equities. The ETF provides broad exposure to companies based in Turkey. It is one of the only ETF options available for gaining exposure to this emerging market economy. Industrials, materials, and consumer staples are the sectors receiving the largest allocations within the fund. TUR follows a blended strategy of investing in a mix of growth and value stocks of primarily large cap companies.
The top three holdings of TUR are BIM Birlesik Magazalar A.S. (BIMAS.E: IST), an operator of food and basic consumer goods retail stores; Eregli Demir Ve Celik Fabrikalari T.A.S. (EREGL.E:IST), a manufacturer of iron and steel products; and Turk Hava Yollari A.O. (THYAO.E:IST), also known as Turkish Airlines, an international air carrier.
Performance over one year: -2.2%
Expense ratio: 0.50%
Annual dividend yield: 2.68%
Three-month average daily volume: 3,583,480
AUM: $3.5 billion
Inception date: March 12, 1996
Issuer: BlackRock Financial Management
EWU targets the MSCI United Kingdom Index, an index composed of large- and mid-cap companies based in the U.K. Many of the large-cap names in EWU's portfolio are found across a variety of Europe-focused ETFs, but EWU nonetheless provides strong targeted exposure to the U.K. equities market. Consumer staples, financials, and energy stocks make up the largest portions of the fund's portfolio.
The top holdings of EWU include AstraZeneca PLC (AZN:LON), the British-Swedish biopharmaceutical company; Shell PLC (SHEL:LON), an oil and gas company; and HSBC Holdings PLC (HSBA:LON), a bank and financial services holding company.
Performance over one year: -2.7%
Expense ratio: 0.45%
Annual dividend yield: 2.49%
Three-month average daily volume: 100,081
AUM: $514.9 million
Inception date: Oct. 1, 2013
Issuer: DWS
DBEU seeks to track the MSCI Europe U.S. Dollar Hedged Index. The benchmark is designed to provide a close approximation of returns that can be achieved by hedging the currency exposures of its parent index, the MSCI Europe Index, to the U.S. dollar. The ETF provides broad exposure to the European equity market but is hedged to the U.S. dollar. That means that returns will solely be based on the performance of the equities rather than equity performance plus currency fluctuations. The sectors receiving the largest allocations within the fund are healthcare, financials, and industrials. Great Britain, France, and Switzerland are the fund's largest geographical exposures. DBEU employs a blended strategy of investing in a mix of value and growth stocks of primarily large cap companies.
The top three holdings of DBEU are Nestle S.A. (NESN:SWX), a Switzerland-based multinational packaged food company; dividend right certificates of Roche Holding Ltd. (ROG:SWX), a Switzerland-based developer and manufacturer of pharmaceutical and diagnostics products; and ASML Holding NV (ASML:AMS), a Netherlands-based developer and producer of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
The comments, opinions, and analyses expressed herein are for informational purposes only and should not be considered individual investment advice or recommendations to invest in any security or adopt any investment strategy. While we believe the information provided herein is reliable, we do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. The views and strategies described in our content may not be suitable for all investors. Because market and economic conditions are subject to rapid change, all comments, opinions, and analyses contained within our content are rendered as of the date of the posting and may change without notice. The material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region, market, industry, investment, or strategy.
Fortune 500 Rank CEO Company Fortune 500 Rank in 2021 Karen Lynch CVS Health 4 Rosalind Brewer Walgreens Boots Alliance 18 Gail Boudreaux Anthem 20 Mary Barra General Motors 25 Carol Tome United Parcel Service 34 Jane Fraser Citigroup 44 Corie Barry Best Buy 68 Tricia Griffith Progressive 79 Thasunda Brown Duckett TIAA 90 Safra Catz Oracle 91
Source: Fortune
4. Mary Barra
CEO, General Motors (GM)
Ranking third, Barra is the first female CEO of General Motors and pretty much the first for a major automobile company in the United States. She slid into the drivers seat at GM in January 2014, taking over from Daniel Akerson, the man credited for turning the company profitable after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2011.
Barra is leading the charge for GM to transition to electric vehicles by 2035. She ranked fifth on Fortunes 2021 Most Powerful Women list and fourth on Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World 2021.
5. Carol Tome
CEO, United Parcel Service (UPS)
Tome came out of retirement to take the helm of UPS in June 2020. She retired as chief financial officer (CFO) of Home Depot in 2019. Tome is the first female CEO at UPS and the first UPS CEO who wasnt promoted from within.
During the first 100 days as CEO, she prioritized planning the logistics for the 2020 holiday season and ultimately the delivery of a COVID-19 vaccine. Throughout the pandemic, UPS has been an essential service. She is listed on Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World 2021 and Fortunes 2021 Most Powerful Women lists.
6. Jane Fraser
CEO, United Parcel Service (UPS)
Tome came out of retirement to take the helm of UPS in June 2020. She retired as chief financial officer (CFO) of Home Depot in 2019. Tome is the first female CEO at UPS and the first UPS CEO who wasnt promoted from within.
During the first 100 days as CEO, she prioritized planning the logistics for the 2020 holiday season and ultimately the delivery of a COVID-19 vaccine. Throughout the pandemic, UPS has been an essential service. She is listed on Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World 2021 and Fortunes 2021 Most Powerful Women lists.
7 . Corie Barry
CEO, Best Buy (BBY)
Barry was named CEO of Best Buy in 2019 at the age of 44. She was the youngest CEO of a Fortune 100 company at the time. Previously, Barry held positions including chief financial and strategic transformation officer and CFO. Barry joined Best Buy in 1999.
In terms of career advice, Barry says, Have those uncomfortable moments. Because my strong personal belief is it is those moments that cause you to grow the most yourself, but that also differentiate you the most in your career. Barry ranked 13th among Fortunes Most Powerful Women of 2021.
8 . Tricia Griffith
CEO, Progressive (PGR)
In 2016, Griffith was named CEO of Progressive, after prior roles as Personal Lines COO and chief human resources officer. Progressive, a property and casualty insurance firm, reported more than $47 billion in revenue in 2021.
Under Griffiths leadership, Progressive is a top-rated company in diversity and inclusion. More than 20% of management are minorities, 45% of management roles are held by women, and there is no gender pay gap. Griffith ranks 51st among Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in 2021 and 21st among Fortunes Most Powerful Women of 2021.
9. Thasunda Brown Duckett
CEO, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA)
Retirement and investment manager TIAA named Duckett its CEO in February 2021. TIAA has more than $1 trillion in assets under management. Like Brewer, she is among a handful of Black women CEOs to lead a Fortune 500 company.
Duckett succeeded Roger W. Ferguson Jr., who was one of only five Black CEOs in the Fortune 500 before retiring. Prior to TIAA, she was CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. Duckett is ranked 45th among Fortunes 2021 Most Powerful Women and 45th among Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in 2021.
9% The percentage of Fortune 500 company CEOs who were women as of May 2022.
10. Safra Catz
CEO, Oracle (ORCL)
Former Oracle CFO Catz was appointed as one of two company CEOs in 2014 after Lawrence Ellison stepped down from the position. Following the death of co-CEO Mark Hurd, Catz became the sole CEO in 2019.
Under her leadership, the tech giant has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, completing more than 130 acquisitions. She is listed on Fortunes Most Powerful Women 2021 list and two Forbes lists: 100 Most Powerful Women in 2021 and Americas Richest Self-Made Women.
Who is the most famous woman chief executive officer (CEO)? Karen Lynch, chief executive officer (CEO) of CVS Health, runs the fourth-largest Fortune 500 company, with more than $292 billion in revenue in 2021. Along with Lynch, Rosalind Brewer is at the helm of Walgreen Boots Alliance, the 18th-largest Fortune 500 company, and Mary Barra, who is CEO of General Motors.
How many CEOs are women? As of May 2022, 44 women were CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, or roughly 9% of the total. Two CEOs are Black women, one CEO is transgender, and one CEO sits within the top five largest companies overall. It marked a record year for women in the highest-ranking corporate role.
Which companies have women CEOs? As of May 2022, the largest Fortune 500 companies with women CEOs include CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, General Motors, Anthem, Citigroup, United Parcel Service, Best Buy, Progressive, TIAA, and Oracle.
George Soros, the maverick hedge fund manager. has generated significant annual returns, after management fees. His flagship Quantum Fund is revered by investors. Despite the animosity generated by his trading tactics and the controversy surrounding his investment philosophy, Soros has pent decades at the head of the class among the world's elite investors. In 1981, Institutional Investor magazine named him "the world's greatest money manager."
Investopedia / Lara Antal
Soros' Philosophy
George Soros is a short-term speculator. He makes massive, highly-leveraged bets on the direction of the financial markets. His famous hedge fund is known for its global macro strategy, a philosophy centered around making massive, one-way bets on the movements of currency rates, commodity prices, stocks, bonds, derivatives, and other assets based on macroeconomic analysis.
Simply put, Soros bets that the value of these investments will either rise or fall. Soros studies his targets, letting the movements of the various financial markets and their participants dictate his trades. He refers to the philosophy behind his trading strategy as reflexivity. The theory eschews traditional ideas of an equilibrium-based market environment where all information is known to all market participants and thereby factored into prices. Instead, Soros believes that market participants themselves directly influence market fundamentals and that their irrational behavior leads to booms and busts that present investment opportunities.
Housing prices provide an interesting example of his theory in action. When lenders make it easy to get loans, more people borrow money. With money in hand, these people buy homes, which results in a rise in demand for homes. Rising demand results in rising prices. Higher prices encourage lenders to lend more money. More money in the hands of borrowers results in rising demand for homes, and an upward spiraling cycle that results in housing prices that have been bid up way beyond where economic fundamentals would suggest is reasonable. The actions of the lenders and buyers have had a direct influence on the price of the commodity.
An investment based on the idea that the housing market will crash would reflect a classic Soros bet. Short-selling the shares of luxury home builders or shorting the shares of major housing lenders would be two potential investments seeking to profit when the housing boom goes bust.
Major Trades
Soros will always be remembered as "the man who broke the Bank of England." A well-known currency speculator, Soros does not limit his efforts to a particular geographic area, instead, he considered the entire world when seeking opportunities. In September of 1992, he borrowed billions of dollars worth of British pounds and converted them to German marks.
When the pound crashed, Soros repaid his lenders based on the new, lower value of the pound, pocketing in excess of $1 billion in the difference between the value of the pound and the value of the mark during a single day's trading. He made nearly $2 billion in total after unwinding his position.
He made a similar move with Asian currencies during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, participating in a speculative frenzy that resulted in the collapse of the baht (Thailand's currency). These trades were so effective because the national currencies the speculators bet against were pegged to other currencies, meaning that agreements were in place to "prop up" the currencies in order to make sure they traded in a specific ratio against the currency to which they were pegged.
When the speculators placed their bets, the currency issuers were forced to attempt to maintain the ratios by buying their currencies on the open market. When the governments ran out of money and were forced to abandon that effort, the currency values plummeted.
Governments lived in fear that Soros would take an interest in their currencies. When he did, other speculators joined the fray in what's been described as a pack of wolves descending on a herd of elk. The massive amounts of money the speculators could borrow and leverage made it impossible for smaller governments to withstand the assault.
Despite his masterful successes, not every bet George Soros made worked in his favor. In 1987, he predicted that the U.S. markets would continue to rise. His fund lost $300 million during the crash, although it still delivered low double-digit returns for the year.
He also took a $2 billion hit during the Russian debt crisis in 1998 and lost $700 million in 1999 during the tech bubble when he bet on a decline. Stung by the loss, he bought big in anticipation of a rise. He lost nearly $3 billion when the market finally crashed.
Conclusion
Trading like George Soros is not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet. The downside of betting big and winning big is betting big and losing big. If you can't afford to take the loss, you can't afford to bet like Soros. While most global macro hedge fund traders are relatively quiet types, avoiding the spotlight while they earn their fortunes, Soros has taken very public stances on a host of economic and political issues.
His public stance and spectacular success have put Soros largely in a class by himself. Over the course of more than three decades, he has made the right moves nearly every time, generating legions of fans among traders and investors, and legions of detractors among those on the losing end of his speculative activities.
Vancouver - June 9, 2016 (Investorideas.com Newswire) SilverCrest Metals Inc. (TSXV: $SIL.V) ("SilverCrest" or the "Company") is pleased to report on additional results from the ongoing underground channel sampling program and extension of its surface drilling program at its Las Chispas Project ("Las Chispas") located in Sonora, Mexico . Las Chispas is a historic silver-gold district with over six kilometres of existing underground workings, which apparently were not previously drilled before their acquisition by the Company. The project is in a prolific mining area which currently hosts two nearby precious metal operations. Only three veins (Las Chispas, William Tell and Babicanora) of the fourteen historically reported veins on the Las Chispas Property have been previously mined extensively during the early 1900's. SilverCrest's initial focus is on these three veins. For more information, please refer to our website at www.silvercrestmetals.com.
N. Eric Fier , CPG, P.Eng, President & CEO commented, "We are pleased with the results received to date from the underground rehabilitation program and early indications of mineralization in core from the surface drilling program at Las Chispas. On April 27, 2016 , the SilverCrest team safely ascended to the 400 level of the Las Chispas vein and started the first systematic channel sampling in over 90 years. We are sampling underground areas that are easily accessible in our efforts to confirm high grade continuity at Las Chispas, while targeting areas for potential resource estimation and future bulk sampling. Based on our initial success, we have elected to expand the surface drill program to further test extensions of mineralization. The Company is well financed with $5.6 million in the cash to cover all intended exploration expenditures in 2016."
Underground Rehabilitation Update
Since the Company's news release dated April 28, 2016 , the Company has systemically collected an additional 87 continuous channel samples at 2 to 3 metre intervals from the William Tell and Las Chispas veins. The most significant sample results averaged 0.8 metres of 2.61 grams per tonne ("gpt") gold and 203.7 gpt silver, or 399.5 gpt silver equivalent ("AgEq", based on 75:1 Au:Ag) (uncut, undiluted) over a 70 metre strike length on the northern extension of the William Tell vein (see attached Figure). The Company also expanded the William Tell vein from a strike length of 75 metres, as previously reported on April 28, 2016 , to 85 metres. The additional 10 metre length averaged 1.1 metres of 1.68 gpt gold and 197.7 gpt silver, or 324.1 gpt AgEq (uncut, undiluted). Further results are pending, and additional sampling is being completed in this area.
The Company also successfully gained access to the Las Chispas historic 400 level and collected its first continuous channel samples in this area. It appears that this area has not been systematically sampled for over 90 years. Results from 9 initial samples at this level averaged 1.2 metres of 1.1 gpt gold and 171.6 gpt silver, or 250.4 gpt AgEq (uncut, undiluted) over a 15 metre strike length. Further sampling is ongoing on this level for potential strike length additions.
The following table summarizes the most significant assays of the 87 sample results;
All assays were completed by ALS Chemex in Hermosillo, Mexico , and North Vancouver, BC.
To date, approximately three kilometres of underground workings have been accessed with an additional three kilometres to be explored over the next several months.
The underground sampled width of mineralization may not be indicative of the true width of mineralization. Sampling widths are constrained by access to open faces. Ongoing and planned drilling may suggest wider mineralized zones.
Drilling Update
The 3,000-metre surface drill program, previously announced on April 28, 2016 , has now been extended to 5,000 metres. To date, 15 holes have been completed for a total of approximately 3,700 metres. All holes have intersected quartz stockwork and veining which are strong indications that the core is mineralized. Upon receipt of core assays, the results will be compiled, integrated with all of the underground information and announced in a timely manner.
The Company is also awaiting a MIA (Environmental Impact Statement) for an underground drilling program of 2,000 metres as stated in an earlier news release. Subject to permitting, the underground drill program is expected to commence in the second half of 2016. The permit will include permission to mine a 100,000-tonne bulk sample for testing and processing off site.
The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is N. Eric Fier , CPG, P.Eng, and President and CEO for SilverCrest, who has reviewed and approved its contents.
ABOUT SILVERCREST METALS INC.
SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, BC , that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions and targeting production in Mexico's historic precious metal districts. The Company is led by a proven management team in all aspects of the precious metal mining sector, including the pioneering of a responsible "phased approach" business model taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and on budget construction, and production with subsequent increased value to shareholders.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: the strategic plans, timing and expectations for the Company's exploration, rehabilitation and drilling programs of the Las Chispas Project, including initial extraction program for bulk sample testing; information with respect to high grade areas and size of veins projected from underground sampling results; and the accessibility of future mining at the Las Chispas Project. Such forwardlooking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of expenditures related to rehabilitation and drilling programs; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
N. Eric Fier , CPG, P.Eng
President & CEO
SilverCrest Metals Inc.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE SilverCrest Metals Inc.
Contact:
SilverCrest Metals Inc.
Fred Cooper, Investor Relations
Telephone: +1 (604) 694-1730
Fax: +1 (604) 694-1761
Toll Free: 1-866-691-1730 (Canada & USA)
Email: info@silvercrestmetals.com
Website: www.silvercrestmetals.com
570 Granville Street, Suite 501, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P1
Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. More disclaimer info: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp. Disclosure: Investorideas.com is compensated by SilverCrest Metals Inc for annual news publishing effective January 2016.
Additional info regarding BC Residents and global Investors: Effective September 15 2008 - all BC investors should review all OTC and Pink sheet listed companies for adherence in new disclosure filings and filing appropriate documents with Sedar. Read for more info: http://www.bcsc.bc.ca/release.aspx?id=6894. Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country.
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BREA, Calif. - October 19, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces the US Bankruptcy Court approval on Oct. 13th, 2022 of its acquisition of electric vehicle company ELMS's (Electric Last Mile Solutions) assets in an all cash purchase.
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*May contain spoilers from season 6 of Game of Thrones*
Irish dolphin Fungie can now add another name to his list of famous friends.
Just a week after he showed off his acrobatic skills in the Irish sunshine, Fungie received a special visit from "Game of Thrones" actress Maisie Williams, a vocal advocate for the welfare of dolphins worldwide.
The 19-year-old actress, who found stardom in the role of Arya Stark in the hit HBO show, took to Dingle Harbour to share a morning swim with Irelands most famous dolphin and it looks like she certainly enjoyed her adventure in the Atlantic more than Aryas dunk in the water in last weeks episode.
Williams is a proud animal-rights activist and according to Tuairisc.ie, is currently working on a dolphin-related documentary, using her time in Dingle to shoot some footage with Irelands favorite sea mammal as he recovered from an injury sustained last week.
Shes very much into dolphins in the wild and is against captivity, Bridget Flannery of Dingle Dolphin Tours told Radio Kerry. She had a GoPro with her. Fungi was absolutely great.
Read more: Irish dolphin Fungie makes the most of the sunshine (VIDEO)
Although Fungie received a deep cut last week after being hit by a propeller, he is believed to be recovering well.
The young actress also seemed taken with the Kingdom, tweeting about the Gaeltacht area breaking my heart.
Dingle breaking my heart.
Kerry if I tried. Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) June 7, 2016
Co. Kerry has been awash with actors for the past few months with the influx of Star Wars stars enjoying the beauty of The Kingdom.
H/T: Tuairisc.ie
Swing the Teapot in New York serves up an authentic Irish breakfast that is unmatched stateside
The name Swing the Teapot recalls the old Irish custom of a communal cup of tea and to "swing the teapot" means to pass the teapot to the next person. Anyone who knows how dedicated the Irish are to their cuppa knows that failure to swing the teapot is a bad mark right away.
Read More: Nine top reasons why the Irish love their cup of tea
There are lots of different teas to swing at Swing the Teapot in Floral Park on the Queens/Long Island border.
Tea lovers, have you ever pined for as many flavors of tea as there are of coffee these days? Want to have the choice of 32 kinds of tea?
How about that authentic Irish breakfast atmosphere with a morning paper, a delicious cup of tea or coffee, and a window to gaze out on the world passing by?
I recently had some time to pass on a Saturday morning in Floral Park and I had heard rave reviews about Swing the Teapot owned by Cavan native Shane Moynagh and wife Ann, who were childhood sweethearts, falling in love when Ann visited Ireland every year on vacation. The couple also had a wonderful Irish bakery in Queens a few years back, which became a household word for Irish comfort food and fresh products.
Read More: The perfect way to start a day - a full Irish breakfast
It was time to pay a visit to 6 Verbena Avenue, off Tulip Avenue, and see what the fuss was about.
Swing the Teapot is located in a cozy little village street which features a couple of Irish bars and small local stores. It is right beside the LIRR if the hunger for a good breakfast becomes too much and you want to grab one right away.
Swing the Teapot is even an improvement on Shanes Bakery. The atmosphere is Irish without being overpowering. The menu featured the 32 different brands of tea, including my own favorite, the Irish Breakfast, though I was tempted to try the blackcurrant, raspberry, or ginger peach tea.
The menu itself is a calorie buster if you go for the full Irish, which, of course, I could not resist. You pay a little extra for the authentic Irish bacon, sausage, and black and white pudding but believe me, they're worth it in spades.
The restaurant was quite busy on the morning I was there, but the service was excellent and pleasant and the atmosphere couldn't have been more comfortable. They also serve lunch and dinner at weekends and have a live band on Friday and Saturday.
Read More: Is Irish black pudding the latest superfood?
But go for the breakfast first.
The real Irish soda bread, the real brown breadbaked on the premisesthe banana-nut pancakes, the ginger-peach tea, that I tried for the heck of it, were all wonderful. And Im determined to try at least ten of the hand-mixed teas I havent tasted yet.
So, take that, Starbucks.
As I said, the best Irish breakfast in America.
You'll find Swing the Teapot at 6 Verbena Ave. (off Tulip Ave.), Floral Park, NY 11001, (516) 488-2180. The restaurant is also on Facebook.
*Originally published in 2015
Throughout June, IrishCentral is celebrating Irish food! You can follow the whole story on social media by searching for #FoodMyMammyMade and #ICFood. You can keep up to date with all our Food and Drink stories here or never miss a recipe by checking out our dedicated topic page here.
Where do you get your favorite Irish breakfast when you're not in Ireland? Let us know in the comments!
Following an investigation by detectives of the Boston College tapes -- secret documents on the Northern Ireland Troubles -- prominent Belfast loyalist Winston Winkie Rea was charged on Monday with two counts of murdering Catholics dating back more than 20 years.
The 65-year-old, suffering ill-health and wheelchair-bound, appeared in Belfast Magistrates Court and was given bail after being charged with the murders of John Devine in 1989 and John OHara in 1991.
Rea faces a total of 12 charges including membership of the outlawed loyalist paramilitary group Red Hand Commando. He denies all of the charges against him. He is also accused of two attempted murders as well as weapons offenses.
An undertaking known as the Belfast Project was launched in 2001 and was designed to become an oral history of The Troubles. Former loyalist and republican paramilitaries gave a series of candid interviews that chronicled their involvement in the Troubles. The project was directed by writer and journalist Ed Moloney, with the interviews carried out by two researchers.
Recordings of the interviews were held in a library at Boston College and became known as the Boston Tapes.
The deal was that the former terrorists would tell their stories in secret, on the understanding that the recordings and transcripts would only be made public after their deaths.
In 2011, the Police Service of Northern Ireland began a legal bid to gain access to the interviews held by the college.
There was no mention of the Boston Tapes in Reas court hearing. But he was arrested last week by officers from the Legacy Investigation Branch of the PSNI. The branch re-examined the murders after they gained access to the tapes.
John Devine, 37, was shot dead in west Belfast on July 23, 1989. He was sitting in his living room in his home with his 13-year-old son when three men forced their way in and shot him.
John O'Hara, 41, was murdered on Dunluce Avenue in south Belfast on April17, 1991. He was working as a taxi driver and had gone to pick up a passenger when he was approached by two masked men who fired several shots at the car, fatally injuring him.
As Rea was wheeled into the dock by prison staff, his family and some victims relatives were said to be in the public gallery.
Questioned by a defense lawyer, an investigating detective confirmed Rea made no admissions throughout 32 police interviews.
Reas lawyer stressed that all the charges against his client date back to before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
Granting bail, District Judge Fiona Bagnall agreed to excuse Rea from attending the next hearing in eight weeks. He was ordered to surrender his passport and banned from any contact with prosecution witnesses.
Malachy McAllister, who recently won a year-long stay of a deportation order he received earlier this year, received a boost to his case after a Belfast loyalist was charged with the attempted murder of McAllister in October of 1998.
Winston 'Winkie' Rea appeared in Belfast Magistrates Court charged with 12 counts of terrorism related offenses dating back more than 20 years. He was given bail after being charged with the murders of John Devine in 1989 and John O'Hara in 1991.
He faces a total of 12 charges including membership of the Red Hand Commando and also the attempted murder of McAllister, who fled Belfast after the attack, first for Canada and then the U.S. He has lived in New Jersey for the past 20 years, and owns a successful masonry business. He also recently opened an Irish bar and restaurant in Manhattan.
McAllister has long complained that the state was intrinsically involved in the preparation, commission and execution of his attempted murder, and has issued civil proceedings against the chief constable and the MOD in respect of this, as well as having made a formal complaint to the office of the Police Ombudsman.
Speaking after the court appearance, McAllisters solicitor Niall Murphy said, That the facts will now be publicly examined in the criminal trial process 28 years is a further exoneration of the campaign that Malachy has pursued and is further testament to the fact that issues pertaining to his application to remain in the United States, are as live, relevant and politically sensitive today as they were 28 years ago.
One of McAllisters staunchest U.S. political defenders, Congressman Joe Crowley of New York, issued a statement in support of McAllister on Monday.
The attempted assassination of Malachy McAllister and his family was despicable and Im pleased to hear there has been an arrest in this case. While it is important to not predetermine the outcome of this arrest and any subsequent judicial action, it is obvious that what happened to Malachy was wrong, Crowley said.
As the de Silva report made clear, government authorities were involved in the attempt on Malachys life. As a victim of this crime and the associated collusion, he should be given asylum.
I will continue my efforts to ensure Malachys political asylum case is thoroughly re-reviewed in light of the new evidence raised and will fight tooth and nail for a permanent resolution that will keep Malachy in the U.S. with his family for good.
Bernie Sanders is like that unwelcome party goer who never takes the hint from the hosts that the party is over and he needs to go home.
Settling down among the beer bottles and overflowing ashtray, the Sanders character usually attempts a sing-song or calls for another drink to keep the party going.
That is Sanders today, Wednesday, June 8, after getting his clock cleaned in California, finishing 3.5 million votes behind Hillary Clinton and still insisting the party must go on.
He is fast changing from the eccentric but beloved older uncle into the Dick Dastardly of the Democrats, trying desperately to stay alive by hook or by crook, no matter what the numbers say.
One of our top comments of the day on https://t.co/eMyFEYiHno https://t.co/YxuAXu7htQ pic.twitter.com/3s7P2yQ2IW The New York Times (@nytimes) June 8, 2016
His wife Jane OMeara Sanders is said to be driving him on, as are some rabid supporters who view the end of the primary season as the coming of Armageddon.
Some of the followers are mighty nasty folks, too. The New York Times writer Amy Chozik tweeted how she received death threats from anonymous callers to her cell phone. Bernie refused to apologize for them.
Read more: Irish American wife Jane OMeara is Bernie Sanders' secret weapon
Bernie's failure to apologize for death threats against Roberta Lange and Amy Chozick is appalling #ImWithHer https://t.co/qAHZp9hvZI Perry Thompson (@PerryWT64) June 8, 2016
Thats not surprising. Sanders may have a warm and grandfatherly image, but the press find him bitter, bad-tempered, and always ready to take offense.
He appears to want to continue despite the fact that the Hillary horse has passed the winning line and been acclaimed as the winner.
But Sanders is reluctant to let go of the adoring crowds, the massive media attention, and the millions hanging on every word.
He is a Democrat for less than two years, yet he demands the party run to him given the fact that he leads in polls against Trump.
Why have primaries at all in that case, but just poll who is the most popular and elect him or her?
Sanders had no legislative record and has passed just one bill in over two decades in Congress. As president, he would use the bully pulpit but would lack any credibility to negotiate.
It is time he conceded the race, hard and all as that is, and get behind the Democratic Party candidate. If by some fluke Donald Trump got elected because of Sanders staying in the race, it will be a scarlet stain forever on his reputation.
He surely does not want that.
Read more: Im Irish and Im voting for Bernie Sanders not Hillary Clinton
Gardai have issued a warning to crime boss Christy Kinahan: You and your gang will be chased down and dismantled writes Jimmy Woulfe
Michael OSullivan, chief assistant commissioner, said nobody was above the law and Kinahan and his gang would be pursued no matter where they were.
He added: There is no criminal gang which has stood the test of time.
Speaking at Templemore College at a Garda passing out ceremony, he said gardai had been investigating the Kinahans since 1986 and had scored many successes.
The criminal fraternity tend to get arrested, come out, reoffend, get arrested, and go back again.
Any criminal plying their trade, whether a drug dealer or armed robbers, are a hindrance and danger to the public. There is nobody who is beyond the law. There is nobody who is invincible and cant be caught. And I think history has shown that.
Mr OSullivan, who heads the drugs and organised crime bureau, said: Eventually their members, both at a high level and in the middle management level, are arrested and their empires fall apart. Criminal history will show you that if you look back at the last 20 years, you will see gangs come and gangs go and we meticulously investigate them.
We will dismantle them. We take their organisations apart, arrest them, whether here or have them arrested in countries abroad, and eventually try to dissolve and dismantle their criminal organisation.
Seven people have been shot dead in a bloody feud between the Kinahan and Hutch gangs, however, Mr OSullivan said gardai have prevented five assassination attempts in recent months.
We are working at dismantling criminal groups, not just the group involved in this [Dublin] feud, as history will show there have been feuds throughout the years both in Dublin and in Limerick.
Many go on for a long time, and I think one message that has to go out is we dont give up; we will keep going, investigating for as long as it takes.
Of the 144 probationary gardai who left Templemore College yesterday to continue their training in stations around the country, 103 are male and 41 female.
This article first appeared in the Irish Examiner
Two men were rescued at sea this morning by Castletownbere's RNLI.
Castletownberes RNLI all weather lifeboat was launched early this morning to go to the assistance of a fishing vessel which was reported sinking eleven miles south west of Dursey Island on the Beara peninsula.
The naval vessel LE Orla and the Coastguards Rescue 115 helicopter were also tasked.
The lifeboat was on scene at 5:50am and found two fisherman in a liferaft.
The men, both in their 40s, were taken aboard the lifeboat and were reported to be safe and well.
The lifeboat is due to arrive back to Castletownbere at approximately 8:00am this morning.
Speaking following the call out, Paul Stevens, Castletownbere RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: "Fortunately the weather conditions were favourable early this morning and we were able to quickly transfer the two fishermen into the safety of the lifeboat. Both are safe and well.
"They did the right thing this morning and raised the alarm when they got into difficulty.
This mornings call out came as the RNLI prepared to launch its Respect the Water campaign today. The sea is wonderful but it is also powerful and unpredictable and people need to treat it with respect."
Respect the Water aims to highlight the risk of accidental drowning when people are near the coastline by encouraging safer behaviour both in and around the water.
The campaign is primarily aimed at males aged between 16 and 39 but the same advice is relevant for anyone visiting the coast.
Coastal fatality figures released by the RNLI show that an average of 23 people die through accidental drowning around the coast of the Republic of Ireland each year.
The charity is asking people to visit RNLI.org/RespectTheWater where they will find information on coastal hazards, how to keep themselves safe, and what to do should they someone else end up in trouble in the water. On social media search #RepectTheWater.
The two are seeking to win regulatory approval for the planned merger of their 3 Italia and Wind Telecomunicazioni businesses.
Assets such as redundant wireless frequencies and about 5,000 towers would allow the winning bidder to create a new mobile-phone carrier in Italy, and potentially ease regulatory concerns about consumer choice and prices.
The company, formerly Donegal Creameries, has placed the land for sale with estate agents Savills. One of the largest organic farms in Europe, Grianan Estate is is situated at Speenoge, Burt, Co Donegal 20 minutes from the larger towns of Letterkenny and Derry.
The property includes a 500-acre lake, and consists mainly of land reclaimed from Lough Swilly, fertile and suitable for all farming enterprises.
John Hobbs, senior lecturer at the Department of Management and Enterprise at CIT, said a new wave of internationalisation has begun which presents challenges as well as opportunities for smaller exporting firms.
National policies that encourage clustering would help smaller firms overcome these obstacles by enabling greater levels of research, Mr Hobbs said.
In Ireland, we consider ourselves an exporting nation. However, the majority of our exports are confined to either large indigenous companies, multinational corporations and the FDI sector.
Our smaller indigenous businesses are less inclined to export their products and services outside of Ireland, due to lack of resources, time and market intelligence.
"We need to ensure policies have a global dimension to support the innovative capacities and international growth trajectory of SMEs which can have a multiplicative impact on Irelands continued economic recovery.
An opportunity exists for national government in the context of the European Commissions Smart Specialisation Strategies to support national clustering policy similar to those being operating in Spain, Finland and Austria to support Irish SMEs to develop collaborative B2B [business to business] research and innovation connections both nationally and internationally, Mr Hobbs said.
Mr Hobbs was speaking after a recent EuroTech Connect event which saw delegations from Spain, Slovenia and the UK spend three days in Cork meeting with the regions information, communications and technology (ICT) firms.
The EuroTech Connect event was designed to foster greater ICT collaboration among a group of seven European clusters known as the Be Wiser Consortium.
The seven clusters are based in Ireland, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Slovenia and Cyprus. The Irish cluster is made up of CIT, Cork County Council and it@Cork.
Eoin Byrne of CITs Visualisation of Linkages in Networked Clusters (V-LINC) team said Cork was now establishing itself internationally.
The buy-in from ICT companies [during the three-day trade mission] in Cork was fantastic. From site visits to EMC, Tyxo, DePuy and Janssen to the attendance of firms at the networking breakfast in CIT, it showed the strength of the ICT cluster.
Cork is now making a name for itself across Europe as a vibrant and internationally focused cluster and its a testament to the ecosystem here that one of the Slovenian firms who attended the trade mission is actively pursuing setting up offices in Cork, Mr Byrne said.
The investment will take the form of a new capital scheme for tourism projects both new and existing that are located within each of the main destination brand regions.
Failte Ireland launched the initiative yesterday.
Applications for funding which will range from 200,000 to 5m, depending on the project will be open until August 12 and will be welcomed from the public, private, and voluntary sectors.
Last year saw nearly 8m overseas tourists visit Ireland; the first four months of this year has seen a 14% year-on-year rise in numbers.
The Government is targeting annual visitor numbers of around 10m by 2025.
In total, Failte Ireland has a funding pool of 125m. Later this year, it will launch further investment drives aimed at smaller projects.
The current drive will focus on bigger projects that can improve its big destination areas.
For example, while some areas within the Ancient East region are attracting nearly 25% of international tourist numbers, some are only landing 11% of the revenue generated by the tourists, as many only visit on daytrips before heading back to Dublin.
The idea for certain areas is to transform them from transit zones to tour zones.
Failte Ireland anticipates applications for funds coming from both existing attractions, with the money going to refurbishing and improving their offering, and projects aimed at the development of totally new ideas.
If we are to compete internationally as a compelling destination, we need to think big.
"Therefore, we wish to fund a number of big projects around the country which have the scale, the strength, and the appeal to attract many more overseas visitors to our shores, said Failte Ireland chief executive Shaun Quinn.
We are also anxious to fund attractions and projects across all our destination brands and, ideally, we will have a good level of applications from all parts of the country.
Speaking at yesterdays launch, Patrick ODonovan, the junior tourism minister, said: This capital investment will allow us to support high impact projects around the country and will underpin our overall strategy for sustained tourism growth.
The benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 Index is on track to record its biggest first-half under-performance against the Standard & Poors 500 Index since 2013.
The index is down 5.8% year-to-date, while the S&P 500 is up 3.3%.
Relative to expected earnings, European stocks are the cheapest compared with US peers since early 2015.
The Stoxx 600 currently trades at 15.1 times earnings expected in the next 12 months, while the S&P 500 trades at 16.9 times.
The discount is even bigger when looking at price-to-book ratios, with the Stoxx 600 trading at 1.7 times book value, well below 2.8 times for the S&P 500.
European stocks have also experienced higher relative volatility. While the US VIX trades at 14, Europes VStoxx trades at 23, a much higher gap than the 10-year average of 4.5.
Its in the investment flow data however that concerns about a so-called Brexit have been most visible.
Europe equity funds have seen $36bn in net outflows since the start of the year, reversing nearly a third of 2015s inflows, according to data from Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Funds have seen net outflows for 17 straight weeks.
Goldman Sachs strategists said this week that US investors have been among the biggest sellers of European stocks, as they are very sensitive to shifts in risk aversion.
Europes discount to the US is not justified by economic data from both regions, says Roland Kaloyan, head of European equity strategy at Societe Generale, who points out that European growth forecasts have been resilient while the US GDP outlook has been cut.
Mr Kaloyan argues that European stocks poor performance compared with the US is set to end.
For Barclays equity strategists including Dennis Jose, equity investors have already priced in a high probability of a vote to leave the EU on June 23.
Lenovo has inked a deal with Irish firm Movidius to provide cutting edge technology to a variety of new Lenovo products.
The deal means Lenovo will be able to source Movidius ultra-low-power chip, Myriad 2, which can be used for a range of tasks including head tracking, gesture recognition, and enabling virtual reality video.
Lenovos Shanghai research and technology group manager, Li Xiang, hailed the technology, which he said allows it build a whole new range of products.
Myriad 2 is unique in its ability to deliver the kind of vision compute performance we need for our next-generation VR products. We can build the products we want without compromising on cost, size, performance, or battery life, said Mr Xiang.
Movidius chief executive Remi El-Ouazzane said the companys much sought-after chips were enabling the next generation of products.
In selecting Myriad 2 for their VR products, Lenovo is building devices designed from the ground-up for VR. Were very much looking forward to these no-compromise devices that will push VR adoption into the mainstream.
The first Lenovo products featuring the Myriad 2 chip are expected this year.
Lenovo isnt the only major company looking to Movidius in recent times: It has also signed deals this year with Google, drone and camera manufacturer DJI, and US thermal imaging company FLIR Systems.
Chief technology officer David Moloney told the Irish Examiner earlier this year that it has a number of significant announcements still in the pipeline for 2016 and plans to double its workforce within 18 months.
The auction by Nama of a large bundle of distressed loans secured on properties in the North and Scotland which was completed in April 2014 raised 1.24bn (1.6bn).
It was thrust back into the spotlight last week following two arrests in Co Down amid an investigation by the UKs National Crime Agency.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is assisting the investigation amid allegations surrounding advisers to the purchasers of the Project Eagle loans.
Speaking in the Dail in July last year, Independent TD Mick Wallace said over 7m (8.9m) in fees had been moved to an Isle of Man bank account.
A BBC Spotlight programme reported on new revelations involving the controversy in February.
The Stormont finance committee has held hearings on the controversy. Parties to the deal have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Answering reporters questions at a Nama press conference yesterday, Mr Noonan said he did not have any input into commercial decisions taken by Nama but that he had every confidence in decisions taken by Nama.
The decisions made were a matter for the executive board of Nama and I have full confidence in the decisions they made, he said.
Nama chairman Frank Daly said there was competitive tension in the process conducted by Nama in selling the Project Eagle loans.
US equity fund Cerberus won the auction after investment giant Pimco had pulled out, or was excluded by Nama, from the process around the middle of March 2004.
Another New York-based-fund, Fortress, was the runner-up.
Asked about Namas confidence in the process given that Fortress had apparently first requested details of the Project Eagle sale in the middle of February 2014, Nama chief executive Brendan McDonagh said it was not the case that Fortress was a late entrant and that it had joined the process at the same as other bidders.
Mr Daly stressed it was Namas position there is an ongoing criminal investigation in the North by the National Crime Agency.
Reviewing progress by Nama on selling down assets, Nama said the agency can with confidence say it is on course to generate a surplus of 2.3bn over its lifetime.
Mr Noonan told reporters that any projected Nama surplus could in time be put aside into the so-called Rainy Day fund that was proposed in the Programme for Government.
Nama, which started off life with 30bn in senior debt, will have repaid all of that debt by 2018. Just two years from now, it will be zero, Mr Daly said.
He said he hoped Nama would be seen as having expedited the removal of liabilities hanging over the State. Since the bruising years of the financial crisis, the debate had moved on from ghost estates to ways that the agency could help provide housing.
He said its legacy would also be marked in facilitating the building of world-class offices in the Dublin docklands.
On contaminated lands in Poolbeg in Dublin, Mr Daly said he did not expect it to affect Dublin City Councils plans to build 3,000 homes in the area.
Nama said it is on course to help deliver 20,000 new homes across the country.
One would have thought that the Government would have learned from the Irish Water debacle.
After all, it lost the previous coalition its huge Dail majority, and virtually decimated Labour, their partners in government.
Obviously, it has still not learned the importance of proper preparation being necessary to prevent poor performance.
The Government had no sooner announced its plans to fast track the development of 3,000 homes in parts of the Poolbeg Peninsula area of Dublin, when up crop environmental reports regarding the former Irish Glass Bottle manufacturing site and extensive lands used for about 30 years as a key tip head for Dublin municipal waste.
These reports by the Irish Examiner seriously question the Governments ability to build homes on these lands anytime soon and could also have considerable cost implications, even if and when, the proposed houses are built.
What has not been taken on board is that environmental problems could occur in an area that was a former municipal dump.
The reports make clear that no one knows for sure what has been dumped there in the past.
Even the extent of the dumping across the peninsula remains unclear.
One must seriously wonder about the capabilities of some of the those who run Government and the expensive advisers who supposedly support them.
That they did not read several reports from 1997 and 2008, including one from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or that were not aware of the reports makes you wonder what is going on.
Surely, local authorities and relevant government departments must have been aware of the existence of these reports and their contents? Were they simply ignored like so many other expensive reports that were completed?
As we all know, housing is one of the biggest issues at the moment. Its a problem that is not going to go away anytime soon.
Sure, we built tens of thousands of houses during the Celtic Tiger years, but unfortunately very many of those were in the wrong places.
Ghost estates in some areas were a legacy of bad planning during the boom years. There is a massive shortage of homes in the urban areas where they are most needed.
That is understandable as our economy has been increasingly centralised and focused on Dublin and east Leinster, and some other urban pockets.
During the boom years, people were commuting up to 100 miles from their place of work.
The reasons were mainly because people had to live far away from their places of work and where they could afford to live.
Its no longer realistic to expect people to commute from tens of miles on a daily basis. Its too expensive, dangerous and a gross waste of potentially productive hours.
We should not, of course, forget the impact on family life, and on the possible effects on bringing up children.
As far as the attraction of foreign direct investment is involved, we have been fighting for, and securing large amounts of projects, for a very long time.
Two of the main attractions are those of a low 12.5% corporation tax rate and the availability of training and willing workers.
In the last few days, it was announced that 40% of IDA visits in the first three months of the year by potential investors were focused on Dublin. In 2015, 47% of all jobs created by IDA-sponsored companies were in the Dublin area.
It would be criminal, were we now to start losing out to other European locations because these potential new companies cannot attract the right employees because they can find nowhere to live at a price they can afford.
Local and central Government really needs to get up to speed on this one.
With any luck, the housing ministers initiative to ensure that more houses are built will deliver.
However, the key point is that getting it right from the planning stage and ensuring the most suitable sites for building homes is essential.
There can be no more room for bad and costly planning.
That includes building homes on flood plains and building homes, with great fanfare, on lands that may require costly remediation works, such as at Poolbeg.
Ignoring the reports will simply create other problems in the long term for the country.
The hotel, close to St Patricks Cathedral, is owned by Galway-based contractor the Rhatigan Group, which is looking to capitalise on strong profits generated in recent years.
The extension will allow the hotel generate tens of millions each year in extra accommodation revenues.
The planned development involves an eight storey over two storey basement extension that will increase the hotels room numbers to 255.
The ambitious plan also includes a spa and wellness treatment centre in the basement and a gym and a juice bar.
The planning application has just been lodged with Dublin City Council and also includes modifications to the function room.
The Rhatigan Groups plan to increase the hotels bed capacity by 40% represents quite a turnaround after it successfully fought off High Court moves by Goldman Sachs to place the premises into receivership.
The dispute over an 80m debt and the ownership of the Radisson Blu was settled last year.
Rhatigans decision to lodge this application coincides with Dublin City Council dealing with a flurry of hotel applications as investors seek to address the shortfall in what is a booming market in Dublin.
In a recent report, the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation reported a need for 30 additional hotels providing 5,000 extra rooms in Dublin by 2021.
She works locally in the offices of the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation, and has a good strong Bandon accent, but Anna was born in Belarus in June 1992, and she is a Chernobyl child.
She was born with a number of physical difficulties as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and the first three and a half years of her life were spent in a babies home in Belarus before Adi Roche stepped in and literally saved her life.
When Adi succeeded in bringing Anna to Ireland in 1996, so that her medical needs could be attended to, Anna became the first child from Belarus to be adopted in an Irish-Belarusian adoption agreement, which was signed in 1998, much to the delight of her adoptive parents Robert and Helen Gabriel.
Anna was born deaf, but through a miraculous device she calls a bone-conductor hearing aid, she now hears perfectly well.
As for talking, she told me over a coffee last Saturday, My only problem is that I talk too much, and maybe too fast.
Its trying to get a word in edgeways that is the problem now.
Anna was also born with deformed legs, but that doesnt stop her from getting around. She uses artificial legs (particularly well, Im told, when attending Nathan Carter concerts).
When I started out with artificial legs, I began with a walking frame, but I used to fall with it a lot, so I just said please get me crutches, and after that there was really no stopping me.
Last Saturday, before I met her, she had spent her morning learning to sail, at Kinsale.
I asked her about her job with ICBF, the non-profit organisation charged with providing cattle breeding information services to the Irish dairy and beef industries.
She has worked in the administration and finance department for the past two- and-a-half years.
Its a job I really enjoy, I met a lot of interesting people in farming, because of my work, she says.
And I ask about her grandfather, well-known vintage farm machinery enthusiast, Hughie ODonovan.
I had spotted the 93-year old listening with pride at Bandon Show to his grand-daughter as she spoke at the opening of the event.
Does she ever spend time helping Hughie when hes repairing an old rusty tractor?
Oh god no, my farming interests dont stretch as far as that, she said, with a laugh.
As we mark the 30th anniversary of the terrible Chernobyl disaster, Anna is a great example of the continuing work of organisations like Chernobyl Children International.
According to Arla, retailers in Germany are increasingly demanding dairy products from cows getting GM-free feed, and are willing to pay a price premium.
The company says this trend is likely to spread to other markets, and Arla wants to capture this opportunity immediately to add value to its farmers milk.
According to chairman, Ake Hantoft, Arla is well-prepared to meet the growing demand from trans-European retailers for GM-free feed.
We have the biggest organic milk pool in the world, for which the feed is by default GM-free. Our Swedish farmers have always used GM-free feed. This means that around 20% of Arlas milk pool already meets this market demand.
There is commercial potential in this that we can capture and build on immediately by attracting more farmers who are willing to convert to GM-free feed, says Hantoft.
He emphasised the decision is based on the commercial opportunity, and does not indicate that Arlas owners are taking a new stance on GM.
We welcome innovative solutions and new technology, which can improve farming and help feed the worlds growing population in a sustainable manner. We are not closing the door on GM, and we will continue to monitor the scientific research into the pros and cons of GM, he said.
Converting to GM-free feed will be a cost for the farmers. However, from the price premium that retailers and the consumers will be willing to pay, Arla will compensate the farmers as they convert. This model, driven by market demand, is also used for organic milk, for which the farmers are already compensated for the extra feed cost.
The market-driven compensation will also be paid to all our Swedish farmers, who already use GM-free feed. We do not know exactly from when, but we are working fast to unfold the details, said CEO Peder Tuborgh.
The practical challenges for the company and on-farm are still to be investigated.
Currently, the demand is coming from Germany, where we will immediately look into the practical issues such as logistics and separated processing. As the commercial opportunities arise in other markets, we will invite farmers to participate and gradually take on more farmers. But we still need to explore exactly how we can make this happen and how fast, said Tuborgh.
The genetically modified feeds currently used are in most cases limited to soy, which on Arla farms is between 0% and 10% of the total feed volume.
Arla says that milk from these farms is, per definition, GM-free as the GM cannot be traced to the milk.
The Ibec member says the June 23 vote is a threat to the 2bn of meat Ireland exports into Britain each year.
We remain hopeful the UK will remain in the EU, an MII spokesperson said.
The high rate of sexting here has been blamed on a lack of relevant and coherent education on the topic in the countrys schools.
Irish teenagers were found to be the fourth highest in the EU for sending explicit messages, images or video, according to Dr Sheri Bauman, an expert in peer victimisation and cyberbullying and a professor of counselling at the University of Arizona.
Dr Bauman, who will address the Anti-Bullying Research Centres conference later today, found sexting was more frequent among 14-17 year olds and that over 25% of students, from a survey of 300 post-primary Irish schools, acknowledged sending the graphic messages. The research found 4.4% of boys and 1.6% of girls aged 11-16 engaged in the behaviour.
And according to James OHiggins Norman, director of the Anti-Bullying Research Centre, his own organisations research has found that as many as 42% of teenagers will admit to having sent some form of sexual image by text.
One of the reasons why Irish youth score so high in terms of sexting is related to a lack of a coherent relationships and sexualities education (RSE) programme in schools, he said. It is estimated that up to 50% of schools in Ireland do not deliver appropriate RSE and when it is delivered it can be formal and focus too much on disease, crisis pregnancy and other negatives instead of emotions and other complexities related to sex.
A 2012 Department of Education survey of second-level schools found that nearly one-in-five stop teaching RSE between the time students sit the Junior Certificate and when they finish school. More than one-third of senior cycle students met by school inspectors in focus groups at over 60 schools in 2011 wanted a broader RSE programme provided.
Dr OHiggins Norman said young people dont really seem to connect with the possible negative effects of sending a sexual image by text.
Dr Bauman explained what those effects can be and the devastating long-term impact they can have.
Once they become available in the cyber universe they can be misappropriated, she told RTEs Sean ORourke programme. Someone can take them and forward them onto a very large number of viewers other than the intended recipient. They can be altered. In many cases both individuals, both the original person who sent it to perhaps an intimate partner and that person who forwards it on can be guilty of child pornography. So there are legal implications which could affect the rest of their lives if they were prosecuted.
However, the biggest impact which can occur is on the person whose image has been taken and sent on to others and who now has no control over it. They see Im flawed, Ive done something terrible, the universe is not accepting of this behaviour, Ive been labeled some very uncomplimentary terms. My future is hopeless because I have been told this is going to haunt me for the rest of my life.
That, she said, frightens people to such an extent that they think their life is over.
Dr Bauman also addressed how teenagers should be addressed by adults about sexting. She said there should be a frank discussion of sexuality in the context of relationships. She pointed out that it is normal to become curious and to experiment.
Dr OHiggins Norman said there is a lot of ignorance and silence about the issue of sexting and a lot of parents and teachers wring their hands, stand back from it and say I dont want to know about that.
Schools have to get involved. Under the National Action Plan on Bullying 2013, schools are obliged to participate and support parents in relation to anything which affects how a child is getting on in school.
Danny Dinan, aged 21, from London, was visiting Mallow, Co Cork, and staying at Forest View, Goulds Hill, in the town and carried out the attack on the student for no reason. Yesterday, Dinan was jailed for two years and ordered to stay out of Ireland for seven years following his release.
Garda Brian Callanan testified yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that Dinan carried out an unprovoked assault on the student at Summerhill, Mallow, days before his Leaving Cert.
The former Fianna Fail junior minister has paid 1,755 he owed for more than three years to an accountancy firm, but Judge Michael Coghlan said yesterday he led a merry dance over seven court appearances to resolve the debt.
He ordered him to pay an additional 1,750 in costs arising out the action which came close to seeing Callely being put behind bars again.
Finalising the case, the judge warned he would not wait another four years for Callely to pay the outstanding legal fees.
Callely, aged 58, of St Lawrences Rd, Clontarf, was jailed for five months in 2014 for using false invoices to claim expenses of 4,207.45 at Leinster House, Kildare St between November 2007 and December 2009, while he was a member of the Seanad.
A bench warrant for his arrest was issued on May 17 by Dublin District Court in an unrelated case. These proceedings, which ended yesterday, resulted from his failure to comply with terms of a 2013 district court judgment compelling him to pay a 1,755 debt or face jail.
Callely owed the money to Galway-based accountants Gallagher & Company. Mr Callely had been warned by the judge he was facing jail and had been also ordered to give a root and branch account of his finances.
Yesterday, Karl Moran, for Callely, told the court the substantive debt of 1,755 had been discharged by his client to the accountants.
Solicitor for Gallagher & Company, Mark Newman said it had been in part discharged but an outstanding 150 had not been paid.
Judge Coghlan asked both sides to address the issue of costs, with a
figure of 1,750 agreed by both parties. The
judge made an order that the costs be paid within 30 days.
Coolmine, established in 1973, urged the Government to develop an inter-agency approach to housing to deal with the problem.
Chairman Alan Connolly said while 85% of its clients remain drug-free two years on, not everyone did.
Many of those who relapse tend to be those who cannot find appropriate housing and end up either returning to a drug-addiction environment or to a difficult family situation or living rough, he said.
Mr Connolly urged housing minister Simon Coveney to take into consideration the needs of those who successfully tackle their addictions when addressing housing problems.
Speaking at the launch of Coolmines 2015 annual report, he called on the minister to strongly consider an interagency approach to ensure long-term sustainability.
Simon Coveney
Coolmine, one of the countrys longest running specialist drug centres, supported 1,350 people last year across its community, day, and residential programmes, compared to 1,250 in 2014.
Coolmines annual report shows:
81 women resided in Ashleigh House, the only mother and child facility in Ireland.
24 children accessed full-time child care services at Ashleigh House.
168 men resided in Coolmine Lodge.
54 people were supported in the drug-free day programme in the city centre.
49 people graduated from Coolmine.
The report said while heroin addiction was growing in Ireland, Coolmine continued to see the trend, and impact, of increased polydrug use, most notably involving benzodiazepines and alcohol, as well as mental health issues.
It said admissions to its residential services increased by 42% in 2015, due to increased capacity in its two existing residential services and new programmes, including the community alcohol treatment programme and the cannabis programme.
The alcohol programme in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, supported 51 individuals with primary problematic alcohol use during the year.
Amy Blake, acting chief executive, said that the cannabis/mental health programme supported clients to reduce or cease their problematic use, paralleled with increased focus on stabilising their mental health.
She said the team worked with 39 clients in three 12-week programmes from within existing resources in 2015.
We also noted that 50% of all admissions to our male residential facility came directly from the Irish Prison Service, said Ms Blake.
In addition, we have seen a consistent demand, with over 100 prisoners nationally seeking addiction treatment in Coolmine Lodge.
Coolmine initiated a parent under pressure programme for high-risk families in 2015.
Some 45 mothers staying at Ashleigh House engaged in it and beneficial results were observed.
The head of the Irish Naval Service also accepted one of Lord Mayor Cllr Chris OLearys six civic awards on behalf of the navy in recognition of its role in the Mediterranean humanitarian missions.
Mr OLeary said all six nominees had shown great leadership and are role models worthy of their awards. He said he was particularly pleased to honour three people who selflessly are on the frontline in fighting homelessness and poverty.
The awards mark the high calibre of those who play an important part of the civic life in the city, he said.
It is always difficult to choose one over another because of the quality of the contributions made by individuals and groups, and this years recipients maintain the standard of the awards at the highest level.
The comments came as he honoured the citys finest community volunteers and groups at the 12th annual Lord Mayors Civic and Community and Voluntary Awards ceremony in City Hall.
St Vincent de Paul campaigner Brendan Dempsey was honoured for his lifelong commitment to tackling poverty in the city, and for his work in recent years on the development of the Bia Food Initiative.
Cork Simon chief executive Dermot Kavanagh was honoured for his commitment to tackling homelessness and developing services for the homeless in Cork.
Caitriona Twomey, the driving force behind Cork Penny Dinners which is feeding more than 1,200 a week, was honoured for her work on behalf of the needy.
The other civic award winners included business leader and restaurateur Claire Nash, who runs Nash 19 on Princes St. She was recognised for her long-term contribution to developing and improving the citys business environment.
Flag Officer Commanding of the Naval Service, Commodore Hugh Tully, was presented with an award in recognition of the Cork-based Naval Services contribution to the humanitarian missions in the Med, which have saved the lives of almost 10,000 people.
Maurice Dineen was honoured with a civic award for his work in the Ballyphehane area. He founded Club Ceoil Ballyphehane about seven years ago; it now hosts 120 children at trad classes every summer. He founded a karate club last year, and also found time to study youth and community work at University College Cork.
Mr OLeary also presented community and voluntary awards to the Cork Deaf Folks Group, the Coal Quay Shawlies, to the Blarney Street and Surrounding Areas Community Association, to Shine a Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness Group, and to the Masquerade Ball Rainbow Club. The overall winner was Childline Cork.
The awards, presented by Cork City Council, are sponsored by the Evening Echo.
The latest addition to the 55-seat local authority is Aidan Lombard, who will be co-opted at the next council meeting to replace his brother, Tim Lombard, who has been elected to the Seanad.
Aidan Lombard convincingly won a Fine Gael selection convention contest held in Actons Hotel, Kinsale, on Tuesday night.
In the first round of voting he got 70 first preferences, which was just one short of the quota. In the next round he climbed well over the finishing line with 141 votes and was duly deemed elected by David Stanton, the junior justice minister, who chaired the meeting.
Three other siblings were co-opted to the local authority following the general election.
Kevin OKeeffe (FF), who was elected in the Cork East constituency, was replaced on the council by his sister, Deirdre OBrien. Kevin OKeeffe had in turn replaced his father and former TD, Ned OKeeffe, on the local authority.
Andrias Moynihan (FF) won a seat in Cork North West and was replaced on the county council by his younger sister, Gobnait Moynihan.
Similarly, Andrias Moynihan had followed his former TD father, Donal Moynihan, into the local authority.
Michael Collins (Ind) took a Dail seat in Cork South West, with his seat on the council going to his brother, Danny Collins, who runs a pub in Bantry.
In the case of Tim Lombard, he had been co-opted onto the council some years ago, when he replaced Simon Coveney.
One seat remains to be filled on the county council following the death of Mallow-based Dan Joe Fitzgerald (FF). A selection convention has still to be held by Fianna Fail, but rumours are already rife in County Hall that he will be replaced by a relative.
Aidan Lombard, 35, who has two children with his partner, Irene, is the owner of Excel Landscapes, a subcontractor to civil engineering companies that specialises in stonework and paving.
He said he hopes to use this expertise in the council to help prepare works which will be needed with the likelihood of increasingly volatile weather caused by global warming.
For the past 20 years Mr Lombard has been involved in Fine Gael; he was director of elections for his brothers council campaigns and helped canvass for Mr Coveney.
Mr Lombard said his priorities will be to get a western relief road in place to help ease gridlock in Carrigaline.
In Bandon he said he wants to ensure the flood relief and sewerage works are completed with minimum disruption to traders and local residents alike.
He said for Kinsale, the other big town in his municipal district, his priority will be make it even more attractive to tourists.
Thats the warning from the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO), the organisation representing commissioned officers in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, which says so far this year 48 applications are being processed for early retirement, on top of the current 90-plus officer vacancies.
Last year, 76 officers quit the Defence Forces early, many being tempted into higher-paying private sector jobs, and it looks as though even more will bail out this year.
Writing in RACOs magazine, Signal, its general secretary Commandant Earnan Naughton stated that a number of factors causing the exit havent been addressed by management, even though they were raised at RACOs conference last November.
He said management has, disappointingly, failed to engage or constructively respond to issues and concerns raised at the conference.
These include the need to address the ongoing retention of personnel, the pressing requirement to address family-friendly policies in an effort to support officers who are continuingly being relocated, and what RACO called the dysfunction of the Defence Forces conciliation and arbitration process.
Last November, RACO said officers are double or triple-jobbing and, as a result, only see their families at weekends.
The gaps place obvious capability sustainment concerns on those responsible and those who must carry additional work burdens, Comdt Naughton said.
The Naval Service is short of marine engineers and electrical engineers, the Air Corps is short pilots, and the Army lacks engineering and line officers. It can take up to five years to fully train specialist officers.
In the article, Comdt Naughton said Defence Forces management ordered an organisation climate survey to be carried out last year.
He said management had yet to engage with RACO on the findings of this survey which was completed last August.
This does little to give confidence to members that senior management are actually interested in addressing genuine service concerns of personnel, the officer wrote.
RACO believes the survey will shed light on why so many officers are leaving, and that it needs to be published so that a solution is found to keeping highly trained personnel.
Willie Byrd said his daughter, Tara, will suffer long-term consequences as a result of the incident, which took place when she was four and a half months pregnant.
Michael Lynch, 25, received the sentence on Tuesday having been convicted of assault causing harm to Ms Byrd on July 21, 2015, at 184 Old Youghal Rd, Cork, where they lived at the time.
Lynch had pleaded not guilty to the offence. In her testimony, Ms Byrd said she was in agony after the incident.
He said he was going to boil a kettle of water with sugar in it and pour the sugar water on me. He put the sugar in the kettle and boiled it. He said if I screamed he would hit me over the head with an iron bar, she told the court during the trial.
Yesterday Ms Byrds father Willie Byrd said that Lynch should have received the maximum sentence.
It was premeditated. He told her he was going to do it, he knew what he was doing, it was no accident, he told Neil Prendeville on Corks Red FM.
He said he thought the length of the sentence was amazing considering Lynch fought it all the way.
He should have gotten the maximum, the maximum is five years, thats what the judge could have given him if he wanted to. He didnt, I really dont know why, he said.
Mr Byrd said his daughter did not scream when it happened as she was in shock and fearful for the health of her baby.
She couldnt take painkillers, because of the baby. She couldnt take medication for the pain, he said.
Ms Byrd has since given birth to a baby boy.
Her father said that his daughter is very nervous, even going around our own house, that she doesnt wear skirts or dresses because of the scarring and that she cant go to the beach.
He added that she would love to take her son to the beach some day.
He said that he couldnt come to terms with what had happened, and Mr Prendeville asked him if he felt let down by the system.
Yes, Mr Byrd replied.
It was premeditated, the pictures show how severe it was. Its long term, its not just the scarring, its mentally, for everybody, he said.
He added that he looked into the reason why someone would mix sugar with boiling water before pouring it on their victim.
He said he learned that prisoners often do it as a punishment, and that adding sugar to boiling water gives it a higher boiling point and then the boiling sugar clings to the victims body.
Details of the new Taste Cork initiative which aims to promote food tourism and create a thriving food network in the region by linking and promoting producers, retailers, food service operators, and distributors were unveiled at County Hall yesterday.
The strategy is the result of one of the largest collaborations of its kind between the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in Cork, and the city and county councils.
It is hoped the five-year plan will enhance partnerships between key players in the regions food sector and help promote its food production ecosystem. Since 2014, Corks LEOs have sanctioned over 1m in funding to help some 50 start-ups and established food companies, and helped deliver mentoring and training.
More than 200 jobs have been created by clients of Cork LEOs who participated in the Food Academy programme . Under Taste Cork, the LEOs plan to provide a further 2m in funding to 100 more food businesses, continue the mentoring and training, and ramp up their involvement in the Food Academy.
In a joint statement, Tim Lucey, chief executive of Cork County Council, and Ann Doherty, chief executive of Cork City Council, said they were delighted to be involved in a joint approach to the strategy.
The food sectors significant contribution to the local economy means that the need for an integrated food strategy is vital to nurture and sustain the development of local SME food and drink businesses, they said.
Irelands agri-food sector is positioned at the forefront of the countrys economic growth so there has never been a better time to act and embrace our regions strengths.
Throughout Cork, a diverse selection of food training and food marketing initiatives are under way and now, through the Taste Cork brand, these programmes can enjoy better linkages and cross-promotion.
Taste Corks Rebecca OKeeffe said research shows almost 70% of consumers feel it is very important to buy local produce. An important part of the strategy is the formation of a comprehensive directory of food producers and related businesses which Taste Cork is developing and which will also be of interest to not only the population of Cork but also to the 2.3m visitors to the county each year.
At Ennis District Court, Patrick Matthews, aged 31, pleaded guilty to a total of 115 charges where 30 victims were ripped off of a total of 26,282.
The crime spree spanned from March 10, 2015, to February 20 this year.
The 25 DoneDeal victims were 6,850 out of pocket as a result of Matthews theft.
Matthews, a native of Miltown Malbay Co Clare, of Bishop Street, Cork City went on his crime spree to fund debts that arose from his chronic addiction to one-armed bandits.
Insp Tom Kennedy said that Matthews offences also involved stealing 18 cheques from a deaf man that he shared accommodation with and Matthews cashing 13 of the cheques totalling 7,252.
The inspector said the bank in question fully re-imbursed the deaf man.
Insp Kennedy said that Matthews cashed five further cheques from the deaf man at shops creating an additional loss to the shops concerned of 2,250.
Gardai only became aware of Matthews crime trail after a Co Tipperary woman, Helen McCormack made a complaint to gardai in Thurles after she paid over 75 to Matthews for a One Direction ticket that never materialised.
Det Garda Bambrick said at a result, gardai secured an order that allowed them inspect Matthews bank account and this identified a further 24 injured parties.
Det Bambrick said that the victims had all paid varying deposits for rentals for holiday homes that did not exist.
All of the injured parties had responded to donedeal.ie adverts for holiday homes across the country. The typical deposit amounts paid out ranged from 200 to 400.
Insp Kennedy said that Matthews also pleaded guilty to stealing three cheques from a Denis Moore who was Matthews brother-in-law at the time.
The inspector said that Matthews cashed the three cheques to a total of 1,650.
Insp Kennedy said that Matthews worked as a salesman for a Cork-based food firm and went around the country with a refrigerated van selling meat to households.
He said Matthews took the credit card details of two customers and made authorised transactions from their accounts totalling 6,370.
Judge Patrick Durcan
adjourn the case for three weeks to allow victims make victim impact statements at the next court date.
Michael OSullivan, chief assistant commissioner, said nobody was above the law and Kinahan and his gang would be pursued no matter where they were.
He added: There is no criminal gang which has stood the test of time.
Speaking at Templemore College at a Garda passing out ceremony,
he said gardai had been investigating the Kinahans since 1986 and had scored many successes.
The criminal fraternity tend to get arrested, come out, reoffend, get arrested, and go back again.
Any criminal plying their trade, whether a drug dealer or armed robbers, are a hindrance and danger to the public. There is nobody who is beyond the law. There is nobody who is invincible and cant be caught. And I think history has shown that.
Mr OSullivan, who heads the drugs and organised crime bureau, said: Eventually their members, both at a high level and in the middle management level, are arrested and their empires fall apart. Criminal history will show you that if you look back at the last 20 years, you will see gangs come and gangs go and we meticulously investigate them.
We will dismantle them. We take their organisations apart, arrest them, whether here or have them arrested in countries abroad, and eventually try to dissolve and dismantle their criminal organisation.
Seven people have been shot dead in a bloody feud between the Kinahan and Hutch gangs, however, Mr OSullivan said gardai have prevented five assassination attempts in recent months.
We are working at dismantling criminal groups, not just the group involved in this [Dublin] feud, as history will show there have been feuds throughout the years both in Dublin and in Limerick.
Many go on for a long time, and I think one message that has to go out is we dont give up; we will keep going, investigating for as long as it takes.
Of the 144 probationary gardai who left Templemore College yesterday to continue their training in stations around the country, 103 are male and 41 female.
There were tasty treats on offer at the launch, but the outgoing lord mayor, SF Cllr Chris OLeary, found it hard to stomach he was placed last in a list of six speakers, even behind a British food-marketing expert drafted in for the day to offer advice. He accused the county council, which hosted the event, of ignoring long-held protocols attached to the office of the lord mayor, which dictates the office holder should be the first speaker at any event within the citys administrative area, trumped only by the President of Ireland.
While the event was hosted in the county councils headquarters, County Hall, the building is within the city boundary.
Bijan Afshar, 23, was accused of the murder of his mother Lynn Cassidy, 50, at her home in Deepdales, Bray, Co Wicklow, on June 26 or 27, 2014. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and the jury of six men and six women delivered a unanimous verdict after less than one hour of deliberation at the Central Criminal Court.
Mr Afshar, who beat his mother to death when she told him she couldnt prevent the sale of the house he shared with his father, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) in Dundrum for inpatient care.
Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy ordered his committal on foot of a report by Dr Anthony Kearns, consultant forensic psychiatrist, based at the CMH in Dublin.
In his report, Dr Kearns assessed Mr Afshar as suffering from a state of mind that affected his thinking, observations, emotion, and judgment. He said Mr Afshar had autism, with features of such capacity that treatment was required to prevent further such occurrences.
Dr Kearns agreed with Michael OHiggins, defending, that Mr Afshar was vulnerable and his condition could deteriorate if he was not admitted for treatment.
The expert agreed programmes would benefit Mr Afshar up to the point where he could have some independent form of living. It was an attainable goal, said Dr Kearns .
If detained under the act, he will be reviewed by the Mental Health Board and considered in due course for discharge, the court heard.
Ms Justice Kennedy said she was satisfied Mr Afshar was suffering from a mental disorder under the definition of the 2006 Criminal Law Insanity) Act and was in need of inpatient care in the only designated centre, the CMH. She ordered his committal to the CMH for inpatient care and treatment until an order is made under Section 13 of the Act.
In his closing statements to the jury, Mr OHiggins said this was a very sad case, with a sad background narrative. He reminded the jury that two consultant psychiatrists had given their opinion that Mr Afshar was not in control of his actions and unable to refrain from killing his mother. He said this case was unusual in that both the prosecution and defence were in agreement and both were urging the same verdict.
Ms Justice Kennedy said there was no evidence that would refute the expert witnesses. She said that while the jury was free to return a verdict of guilty of murder or not guilty of murder, any finding other than not guilty by reason of insanity would be open to criticism.
When the jury delivered the verdict, she exempted them from jury service for 15 years.
However, both the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) and the Pro Life Campaign say that the rise in the number of women taking contraceptives does not account for the fall in the numbers travelling to the UK for an abortion.
The HSEs Primary Care Reimbursement Service makes payments to pharmacies for drugs issued to those on the GMS Scheme and the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS).
Its 2009 annual report shows it paid out for 135,084 prescriptions of the combination contraceptive of Levonorgestrel and Estrogen.
However, the 2014 report shows it was prescribed 271,943 times.
A HSE spokesperson said that within the DPS, the HSE incurs and reports only that expenditure over the monthly family threshold of 144.
The most recent figures on women with Irish addresses who had an abortion in the UK has shown a decline on previous years, a continuing trend that has seen the overall figure reduce 48% since 2001 to 3,451.
However, both the IFPA and the Pro-Life Campaign say the increase in the numbers taking oral contraception is not necessarily the driving force behind the decline in abortions.
Increased access to contraception, including the availability of emergency contraception in pharmacies, is likely to have contributed to the decrease in the number of women and girls in Ireland travelling to the UK for abortion services, Niall Behan, chief executive of the Irish Family Planning Association said.
However, the UK statistics do not capture the full picture. While it is impossible to quantify the extent of their use, the IFPA knows from its services that women who cannot travel for abortion services are increasingly accessing the abortion pill online.
Our experience echoes the findings of a major report published recently by the World Health Organisation and the Guttmacher Institute that data on abortion in Ireland is underestimated. This study also found that abortion rates in developed countries are at a historic low, largely due to increased use of contraception that has given women greater control over the timing and number of children they want.
Significantly, the study also found that restrictive laws rarely stop women from having abortions but, as the IFPA knows from our clients, such laws do harm womens health, Mr Behan said.
Cora Sherlock of the Pro Life Campaign said experiences in the UK suggest an increase in the use of contraceptives does not mean declining abortion rates, and that there is no hard evidence to show the availability of contraception has contributed to the decline of the numbers of Irish seeking an abortion in the UK.
Asked for the Pro Life Campaigns policy on the Morning After Pill, Ms Sherlock said the group seeks to protect human life at all stages as far as practicable, in keeping with the 8th Amendment.
Where it could be shown that a particular drug was acting as an abortifacient, we would have obvious concerns like everyone should. Drug companies dont market the Morning After Pill as having an abortifacient effect, but there has been an ongoing debate on this matter.
It is a healthy thing that this debate continue given the seriousness of the issue.
Educate Together, which runs 77 non-denominational schools, and campaign group Education Equality say there is no demand among parents for the community national schools model. They claim it reinforces differences between children by segregating them for religious instruction.
Mr Bruton is planning 400 new primary schools by 2030 through the creation of additional schools and the transfer of patronage of schools from the Catholic Church to other bodies which may be multi- or non-denominational.
He said the fastest form of divestment was for community national schools, run by the States Education and Training Boards, to take over patronage.
Children of all faiths and none are taught a joint ethics-based curriculum in some classes in these schools and are then split up for instruction in their own religion. Educate Together schools teach all children jointly and facilitate faith instruction organised by parents as an extra class at the end of the school day where requested.
Emer Nowlan, chief operating officer for Educate Together, said Mr Brutons preference does not match that of parents. The figures dont stack up, she said.
In the surveys that the Department carried out back in 2012/2013 after the Forum on Patronage, they surveyed about 50 areas and in 28 of those areas they established that there is a need for change, said Ms Nowlan.
In 25 of those 28 areas, Educate Together was selected as the most popular patron. Community national schools were on offer to parents in all of those areas and they did not choose them.
April Duff, the chairwoman of Education Equality, said she had very grave concerns about the community national school model because children were segregated along religious divides during school time.
Ms Duff told RTE she was also disappointed with Mr Brutons failure to commit to changing the law to stop faith-based schools using discriminatory enrolment policies against children of different or no faith. They are not religious institutions they are educational institutions, she said.
Mr Bruton said there were differing views as to whether that should be done or if it could be done within the Constitution.
Patrick Treacy of the Faith In Our Schools group said there had been gross exaggeration of the difficulties non-religious children faced getting into Catholic schools.
John Rogers, counsel for former Rehab chief executive Angela Kerins, said while his side believed those issues have already been addressed in judgments including of the Supreme Court halting an Oireachtas sub-committees inquiry into the shooting dead by gardai of John Carthy at Abbeylara in 2000, he could not object to PACs application.
In its 5-2 Abbeylara majority decision, the Supreme Court ruled the Oireachtas has no power to conduct an inquiry capable of leading to adverse findings of fact against citizens which would impugn their good names.
Mr Rogers made the remarks at a hearing to consider the wording of questions for determination by the High Court relating to PACs jurisdiction to question Ms Kerins about issues including payments to Rehab and herself.
Mr Justice Peter Kelly said PAC was effectively arguing for a root and branch examination of fundamental issues concerning its jurisdiction. Due to the importance of those issues, Judge Kelly is convening a three-judge or divisional High Court to decide them at a hearing opening on July 13.
The issues, concerning the nature and scope of PACs jurisdiction to question Ms Kerins and what rights apply to her during such questioning, will be decided prior to the full hearing of her action alleging PAC engaged in a witchhunt against her.
In her action, Ms Kerins is seeking orders and damages on foot of claims including PAC acted unlawfully and was guilty of misfeasance in public office, causing distress and injury to her health.
PAC denies her claims and maintains it was entitled to question her in circumstances where 81% of Rehabs income in Ireland was provided by the State.
Yesterday Judge Kelly heard further submissions by Paul Gallagher, for PAC, and Mr Rogers about the wording of the jurisdiction questions for determination. He will consider the submissions before finalising the wording.
The judge also informed the sides he is chairman of St Francis Hospice in Dublin, which receives HSE funding. His position is voluntary and he receives no monies or expenses for it, but he was raising the matter should the sides have any objection to his presiding over the divisional court, he said.
Mr Gallagher, Conor Power, for the State, and Mr Rogers indicated they did not anticipate objection from their clients.
Fianna Fail cathaoirleach Denis ODonovan and Fine Gaels Seanad leader Jerry Buttimer said politicians should not be blamed for the move, despite senators already receiving hundreds of thousands of euro in salaries since entering office.
Since the Seanad elections in late April, 49 senators have received almost 300,000 in income.
However, due in part to the lengthy delay in Taoiseach Enda Kenny appointing 11 members to the Upper House and the difficulties in forming a government after the February Dail vote, the Seanad convened yesterday for the first time in four months.
During its first meeting, the Seanad sat for just three hours with debate dominated by the appointment of Mr ODonovan as cathaoirleach after he was supported by Fine Gael.
It has adjourned until next Wednesday, when it is due to elect a Fine Gael senator as leas cathaoirleach before rising for another week.
Responding to criticism of the slow moves towards any significant discussion in the Upper House yesterday, Mr ODonovan said he and the Seanad are powerless to prevent the delays because they are required under existing standing orders.
Mr Buttimer repeated the position when asked by the Irish Examiner.
Meanwhile, yesterdays meeting was dominated by the election of Mr ODonovan after his nomination was supported by 44 votes for six.
The West Cork-based senator was widely expected to secure the role amid suggestions of a deal with Fine Gael to allow senator Paul Coghlan to become leas cathaoirleach in a separate vote next Wednesday.
While Sinn Feins Rose Conway Walsh also contested yesterdays vote, her nomination was defeated by 43 votes to eight.
Opening the first session of the new Seanad, the longest serving member of the Upper House, David Norris, noted with amusement the presence of a number of new senators including Dr James Reilly, Mr Buttimer, and Labours Aodhan O Riordain who campaigned vigorously against the Upper House in the 2013 referendum.
However, Mr Norris added, in the era of new politics: I still voted for them, when they sought in April to become senators. He also criticised the repulsive system that allows the Taoiseach to appoint 11 people to the Seanad.
A number of Independent senators, led by Michael McDowell and the presidents daughter Alice Mary Higgins, had earlier called for the recommendations of the Manning Report to be implemented as soon as possible.
The 2015 report has called for a majority of Seanad seats to be elected by popular vote and for Irish citizens living abroad to be eligible to vote.
WHEN it was announced that Michael Moore would present Where to Invade Next, his first film in six years at the Toronto Film Festival last September, speculation was rife regarding who the director would place in the firing line this time.
Moore, who laces serious subject with humour, put documentary filmmaking on the cinematic map after winning the Cannes Palme dOr for Farenheit 9/11, his critical look at the presidency of George W Bush and his war on terror, and he won the documentary Oscar for Bowling for Columbine, about the Columbine high school massacre. Few filmmakers have been as influential.
Many had believed that Where to Invade Next, which had been kept under a veil of secrecy, would focus on Americas continuous cycle of war around the world, especially since a kitschy picture of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff was paramount in the promotional materials.
Instead in Moores typical light-hearted yet scathing manner, he travels to other countries with better government policies (Italy, France, Finland, Slovenia, Germany, Portugal, Norway, Tunisia, and Iceland) and notes how America should adopt them. The film achieves that rare ability of being both provocative and entertaining at once.
TRAIN OF THOUGHT
The idea started when I was 19, Moore, who is now 61, recalls. I got a Eurail pass and a youth hostel card and went across Europe for two months with a friend. We just kept wondering how come we dont do this. I broke my toes in Sweden and it didnt cost me a thing. I couldnt believe it. So this idea has percolated for 30-plus years: What if we show fellow Americans that which we dont have and others do have? Maybe that would inspire them.
Not only focusing on health, the rotund director travels to Slovenia and meets an American student receiving a free university education. At the premiere he told the crowd he had application forms for anyone who wants to go to college for free in Slovenia. Any Americans here incurring any college debt pick up one of these!
In his six years away from movie-making following Capitalism: A Love Story, Moore says he left it to other people to rise up and get involved. He cites Occupy Wall Street as a way in which young Americans did. Then at the end of 2014 following the Ferguson unrest (the protests and riots that began the day after the fatal shooting of black teenager Michael Brown by white police officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014) he found it important to re-enlist.
I turned 60 years old and there is that cliche of your working life being over when youre 60, but I hope I have many more years to go, says Moore.
I think that my father [an automobile assembly line worker who inspired his debut film Roger & Me] also passed away in 2014 had a real impact on me in a way that I didnt think that it would. My two sisters and I were very close to him and I thought Id just be depressed for a year or more and the opposite actually happened.
After his death I felt more alive and wanting to live and wanting to do something and hed have wanted that Im sure. So I went the other way with it; it sort of gave me something and I just decided to start living differently. I had personal things change in my life [Moore divorced his wife of more than 20 years, Kathleen Glynn] and now Im just my own self, which is good. I really appreciate the people that Im around, people who are my friends, who I live and exist with in the world and in my life.
A scene from Where To Invade Next.
HAPPY MAN
Moore infused his new good mood into Where to Invade Next, with his regular crew members calling it Mikes happy movie.
That was the code for it, the no problems, all solutions movie and we made a conscious decision to do a couple of things here. One was that we would not shoot a single frame of this movie in the US of A and we would say more about who we are and in a hopefully more profound and devastating way by going elsewhere, so we could maybe examine what happened to our American soul.
At the Toronto premiere he knew critics would reject Italy as an example of superior welfare state. (He presents a couple, who receive an annual 30-days paid vacation) Are you kidding, that place is a f***ing mess?! he bellowed.
In many ways Moore included the economically strapped country to bring home his point that even they can be enlightened.
I went there to pick the flowers and not the weeds. Other people can pick the weeds, but I wanted to show my fellow Americans as well as other people around the world the contrast between the two and the way you operate as part of a crew in a sense.
He sniggers uncontrollably when he talks about the Germans and their enlightened social policies.
Look at the friggin Germans. I love the Germans so much and theyre so good.
Theyre so peaceful and happy. They went from being Nazis just 70 years ago and I said, We can do this. I mean, at least were not Nazis.
Half way into his travels sitting and talking and listening to these people Moore came to the conclusion that in countries where women have power things are better.
Its just so obvious and I think that if we can fix that, things would be better. I dont think just by electing an African-American president or a female president is going to fix that. I think theres much deeper work to be done. You know in the United States were so happy that we now have 20 women senators. Whoo hoo! Do you realise how ridiculous you are that youre happy about that when 52% of the population are women and have only 20% of the power?
In 100 years from now no one is going to think that people were living in a democracy when it was controlled by the minority gender.
GLASS HALF FULL
Moore nevertheless has hope for the future. Honestly Ive always been optimistic. Ive never been a cynic. Ive always believed that cynicism is just a different form of narcissism. And I do believe in the goodness of people and I do believe that most people have a conscience and they know right from wrong and they know what they should be doing. Theyre just afraid or theyre ignorant and once those things get fixed well stop living in fear.
I actually think things will happen because young people are going make it happen. There arent as many haters in the younger generation as the older generation and as the old generation dies off, the young people will come up. They know they got a raw deal and my generation gave it to them and its not right and we should probably do something about it.
Australian poet John Kinsella has most recently tested his poems awareness in a new collaboration with photographer and fellow West Cork blow-in John DAlton for their book, A Shared Wonder of Light.
A collection of poems and photographs from West Cork and Kerry, the book pays homage to the loughs, bays and passes of the region, and a shared passion for the landscape and its history imbues the work of both men. But the collaboration came about with an encounter at the school gates where DAlton and Kinsellas sons are classmates. Originally, they agreed to work on an exhibition but the project evolved into a book.
When I went looking for previous examples of this kind of collaboration they are hard to find, DAlton says. But the question weve been asked most is how come people dont put poetry and photographs together more often; poems show you things in a way thats similar to how a good photograph does.
They developed an informal pattern: the spark of inspiration for each page could start with either Kinsella or DAlton: sometimes, DAlton would send an image to Kinsella for him to respond to and sometimes Kinsella would send a poem, leading DAlton on a kind of treasure hunt around the rugged coastline in search of a corresponding image.
'A Shared Wonder of Light' - John D'Alton and John Kinsella
Schull launch Newman's West, Schull on
June 3rd at 7pm. pic.twitter.com/XRJdLslcC6 Sheila Whyte (@SheilaWhyteBook) May 27, 2016
Its easier for him to respond to the pictures than it is for me to respond to the poems, DAlton says. Last winter was a nightmare because it was so wet and I do most of my photography in the winter because the lights better; more cloud, more drama.
But Kinsella, who spends part of his year in Schull but teaches at Churchill College, Cambridge, and spends time in Australia, was challenged too, albeit in a different way. He considers himself a poet of place and of the environment, and as DAltons journey was in traipsing across the landscape in search of inspiration, Kinsellas was an inner one.
In essence, as a writer, I need to feel, smell, see, hear and experience a place before I can write it, he says. I am not interested in illustrating, any more than John is as a photographer, but in interacting with place and bringing often quite disparate and seemingly disconnected ideas and concepts to what is being seen and experienced.
DAlton, a former press photographer who packed it in and bought Newmans bar in Schull, was born and raised in Portarlington. Kinsella settled in Schull with his wife, novelist Tracy Ryan, and their son in 2013.
The shared wonder of light of the title comes from a line in one of Kinsellas poems that he wrote for DAltons daughter Grainne when she was ill, entitled Oilean Chleire Revenation Poem for Grainne. It is a poem that bridges distance with words to great effect.
Although the collaboration took place at times from opposite ends of the earth, and DAlton prefers to go on his photographic outings alone, the pair did end up working in unison together once.
I found it fascinating, and it will form the basis, for me, of future interaction with him, says DAlton. Both being on the scene at the same time brings an external element into the poem, if not the image.
One of the more unsettling aspects of separation or divorce is the impact they have on children; children are left confused, rejected and often have to choose allegiance between embittered parties. In 2014, there were over 2,600 divorces granted by the Circuit Court and High Court, with the number of separations undocumented.
Traditional modes of separation or divorce arguably offer little protection for the welfare of the child; separations are typically acrimonious by nature, and tend to lead to legal disputes, custody battles and apportioned blame, all while children look helplessly on.
With separations, both parents may vie for custody, to be sole or principal guardian of children who simply crave reassurance in a deeply unsettling time. Children may find themselves caught between homes, torn between parents and perhaps wondering if the separation is all their fault. In the throes of legal argument, sometimes the needs of children are simply lost.
One novel approach to separation and divorce has recently emerged from the US, which places the needs of the child explicitly at the forefront of dispute. So-called Birds Nest Custody offers a unique solution to both the custody of children and their preferred residence.
Under Birds Nest Custody, parents take turns occupying the family home while the children remain settled; for example, mom might stay in the house one week, then dad moves in for the following week, each taking turns to look after the welfare of the children. On the days or weeks not in the family home, parents may for example stay in a rented apartment or with relatives.
From the outset, this would appear highly disruptive and inconvenient for parents. But therein lies the point children remain in the family home and are not disrupted, with upheaval and upset kept to the minimum. They simply see mom and dad co-operating in taking turns to look after them.
The agreement, then, requires a degree of self-sacrifice on the part of parents, while it is ultimately the children who prosper.
Kate Banerjee who works with UK law firm Jones Myers explains the process: Birds Nest Custody is an arrangement between a couple where they attempt to minimise disruption to children in the event of divorce or separation. Both parents share the residence and also share responsibilities with regards to the children.
The advantage of this type of arrangement is that the children get to stay in the family home they remain settled, theyve got their own bedrooms, their pets, their friends, and their school is nearby. So, when children think their world is going to fall apart when Mom and Dad announce theyre going to separate, things are kept as calm and as normal as possible and in the routine the children are used to. In 2003 in a landmark case in Canada, Greenough v Greenough, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice mandated Birds Nest Custody for a couple, even though it hadnt been asked for by either party. The judge had become concerned at the effect the protracted divorce and custody battle was having on the couples children and issued what he termed a Birds Nest order. UK courts have not mandated Birds Nest Custody as yet, though it does come up during mediation.
Although Kate Banerjee is unaware of any Irish cases, it is perhaps only a matter of time for the arrangement to be implemented here. The positive thing about Birds Nest Custody leaving the US aside is that it is not mandated by court. Therefore, from the outset, it requires full co-operation between couples and is entered into willingly by both parties. If couples are co-operating, though, why should they require legal assistance?
People can work things out for themselves and dont need to go near lawyers, but I think the right kind of lawyer who is supportive and understanding can help couples think through the pros and cons of such an arrangement and maybe lay down some ground rules.
These can be practical details such as maintenance of the home, who picks the children up, doctors appointments, if new partners are allowed to stay in the house, etc. Its helpful to think through some of these issues either with a lawyer or a mediator, so that if things crop up there are rules in place. Obviously, Birds Nest Custody is not without its difficulties, and will not suit many couples. So-called high-conflict couples would perhaps be advised not to enter such an agreement, since it would in all probability prove unworkable.
Divorce and separation are generally not amicable affairs and hold at least a degree of animosity, so that sharing a home with an ex-partner may be untenable. For many, the arrangement would appear fraught with difficulties, with only the most compromising of couples being able to make it a success: The difficulties involved with Birds Nest Custody are having to be like-minded about a way forward, having to deal with the practicalities of maybe sharing a bedroom with an ex-partner and being in a financial position to be able to facilitate such an arrangement. It cant be a situation where an agreement is made and then you never talk again, because if youre in this type of relationship you have to be able to communicate.
The advantage of Birds Nest Custody is that youre working together for a cause youre trying to keep the children in the house and are united in trying to achieve that. The biggest factor has to be the children the impact of the divorce or separation is lessened, the childrens practical situation remains the same and they see their parents communicating. Given the many difficulties involved, what advice would Kate give to couples considering the arrangement?
I would think long and hard about it, think of all the ramifications. Id speak to either a mediator or a lawyer, just to make sure that youre protected and that there arent any reasons why you would be disadvantaged by the scenario. Every case is different, so its important to tease out the pros and cons. These arrangements are typically driven by the desire to meet the childrens needs, but sometimes parents are naive about the long-term implications.
This type of arrangement simply cannot happen if parents dont communicate well or there is any prospect of raised voices or unpleasantness in front of the children. All that does is prolong any disharmony, and of course the children are in the middle of it all.
While perhaps not suited to many couples, Birds Nest Custody does offer a viable alternative to parents who are going through divorce or separation. With all the turmoil and emotional anguish involved in breakups, Birds Nest Custody addresses one often overlooked concern the welfare of children.
It helps children navigate through a very difficult and emotional time in their lives. For too many children, the effects of divorce or separation can be devastating Birds Nest Custody minimises these effects and helps maintain a degree of normality, even if parents are being torn apart:
All the cases of Birds Nest custody I know of have been successful; when it works, it works really well because both parties are very open and willing to co-operate. With these arrangements, children see their parents communicate and co-operate which is very important.
Any child in the middle of a divorce situation, if you ask them what their number one wish would be, its that Mom and Dad get back together. Thats probably not going to happen, but what Birds Nest Custody does is show a united front, and I think thats hugely comforting for children.
Just offered by Lisney is 15,000 sq ft of adaptable-use classrooms at the former St Patricks Hospital/Marymount hospice complex on Corks Wellington Road: its just a kilometre from the city centre and is near St Lukes Cross, in an area with many thousands of students, in a variety of schools and colleges.
Located in the vicinity are Scoil Mhuire, in a just-reworked series of 19th buildings on Wellington Road, CBC, Bruce and Hewitt grind schools, as well as a national school St Patricks on Gardiners Hill, and several private language schools.
The space now offered to let at 10 per sq ft, or c 150,000 pa on flexible terms, is owned by Griffith College, who acquired the former St Patricks hospital/Marymount complex on five acres in 2013.
It included some 70,000 sq ft of buildings and was bought for c2m, after St Patricks Marymount relocated to a purpose built 55m facility at Curraheen.
Griffith, who last week announced profits of 2.5m for 2015, has over 7,000 student in Ireland, from 77 different nationalities and was founded in the 1970s in Dublin, moving to Cork and Limerick a decade ago.
In Cork, Griffith took over Skerries College on Patricks Hill, and later moved to Sullivans Quay. At the time of purchasing St Patricks on five acres, it said it was to accommodate growth of up to 1,000 students in Cork.
Part of the former medical use buildings (some dating back 140 years) were adapted two years ago for temporary use by St Angelas girls school, as it embarked on a major rebuild of its steep, hillside set building on Patricks Hill.
The imaginatively-recreated and enlarged St Angelas has recently been nominated both for RIAI and RIBA awards, for the design by ODonnell + Tuomey Architects.
Also up for the coveted RIBA award is Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown (DLR) Lexicon Library, designed by Cork architects Carr Cotter & Naessens.
Now, agent Mark Kennedy of Lisney is offering 15,000 sq ft at Wellington Road in what he describes as a landmark building, part of the existing Griffin College facility which is currently surplus to their requirements.
Zoned for education use, it is three storeys over basement in a period building in excellent condition. It is laid out primarily for educational purposes with classrooms, offices, science labs and home economics room in its accommodation.
Its offered at c 10 psf on a new lease, with an option to sub-divide.
Details: Lisney 021-4275079
EARLIER this week, the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton announced that he is starting a new process aimed at delivering on the Programme for Government commitment of reaching 400 non- and multi-denominational schools by 2030.
This is welcome news. In my work with Equate, a children and family rights organisation which advocates for a substantial change in how primary and secondary school education is delivered in Ireland, I speak to parents every day who are crying out for a change in how our state-funded schools are run.
In Ireland we have, by international standards, an unusual schooling system. Around 95% of our primary schools are faith schools, with 90% under the patronage of the Catholic Church.
These schools are legally entitled to refuse to admit children from different faiths or none. Even where such children are admitted, there is overwhelming evidence that arrangements for opting out of religion lessons are often ineffective or are absent, even though they are required by both the Irish Constitution and international law.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child recently found that Irelands international human rights obligations require the Government to take concrete actions to provide opt-outs for children during religion classes; to end the religious discrimination in school admissions; and to provide more non and multi-denominational schools. Similar recommendations were made by the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in 2012.
A recent poll by Behaviour and Attitudes found that 84% of respondents believed the school system needs to be reformed so that no child is discriminated against because of their religion, while 46% would not choose Christian schools if given a choice locally.
One-in-five said that they knew someone who had had their child baptised for the sole reason of securing admission to a school. It is clear that the minister needs to move quickly to change a school system that is failing tens of thousands of parents around the country who are demanding change.
In line with calls from Equate, Minister Bruton has asked his department to develop a road-map and set annual targets for each of the next five years for the number of multi-denominational schools to be established, both for new schools and via transfer.
Richard Bruton
The minister is clearly committed to prioristising equality in education and we commend him for his willingness to re-energise the whole area of divestment and school patronage, which has become stalled in recent years.
His intervention is timely and much needed.
In Equate, we believe that any new school divestment system that the minister puts in place must ensure that new non and multi-denominational schools are genuinely that non or multi-denominational.
It would not be acceptable if one religion was given preference over any other under this model or if children of no religion were marginalised in their classroom.
It will be important that the department brings greater clarity to any proposal for joint patronage of schools.
At second level schools with joint patronage arrangements have struggled to ensure the maintenance of a multi-denominational school culture.
We can learn from this and ensure that all non and multi-denominational schools that come about as a result of the ministers roadmap are, from the outset, fully inclusive.
In addition to providing more non and multi-denominational schools, any reform of our school admission policies needs to remove religious discrimination and we hope that Minister Bruton is brave enough to start this process.
The State is currently sanctioning discrimination in our schools by keeping section 7.3 (c) of the Equal Status Act in our laws which allows state-funded schools to refuse admission on the grounds of religion.
This cant continue.
Even one child being refused a place in their state-funded local school because of their familys religion or non-religion is not acceptable in a modern pluralist democracy.
The people of Ireland do not want this discriminatory admission system anymore.
Our research shows that 77% of people nationwide do not think a school should have the right to refuse admission to a child who has a different religion to that of the schools patron.
Together we can work to ensure that our education system is made fit for purpose in the 21st century, reflecting the diversity of our families, our communities and our society.
Any change to our state primary schools must reflect the different needs of the communities that our schools now serve.
We look forward to working with Minister Bruton to ensure that over the coming years the changes introduced to schools delivers a fairer and inclusive system that values all children in this state equally, regardless of their religion, identity or beliefs.
Michael Barron is executive director of Equate
Many patients are unaware that electronic anti-theft systems, also known as electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, can pose a threat to people using cardiac devices, they said.
Prolonged exposure to the in-store devices can cause pacing therapy to drop beats and cause implantable defibrillators (ICDs) to deliver inappropriate shocks, experts told the Cardiostim EHRA Europace 2016 conference in Nice, France.
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll came after several days in which Mr Trump faced sharp criticism over his insistence that a federal judge who was born in Indiana to Mexican parents was biased in a case involving the billionaire.
But the fallout from Mr Trumps comments appeared to have done little to help Ms Clinton build her lead over the presumptive Republican nominee.
The online survey showed that 44.3% of likely voters said they would vote for Ms Clinton, compared with 34.7% who would support Mr Trump. A further 20.9% said they would not vote for either candidate. .
The poll was conducted from Friday to Tuesday, shortly after Mr Trumps first comments about US district judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is overseeing fraud lawsuits against Trump University, the businessmans defunct real estate school.
Mr Trump has suggested Judge Curiels heritage is influencing his opinion about the case because of Mr Trumps campaign rhetoric about illegal immigration.
Other events, including news that Ms Clinton had secured enough delegates and superdelegates to become the first female presidential candidate of a major US political party, occurred towards the end of the poll.
The poll included 1,261 respondents and had a credibility interval of 3.2 percentage points. For most of the year, Ms Clinton has maintained an edge over Mr Trump.
That edge briefly disappeared in May after Mr Trumps remaining rivals dropped out and party leaders started to line up behind his campaign.
Mr Trumps level of support has since eroded as he sparred with leadership and was dogged with questions about Trump University.
Somali-born Muslim Muhiddin Mire, 30, attacked 56-year-old musician Lyle Zimmerman with a rusty knife and threatened four other travellers as he ran amok through the ticket hall at Leytonstone Underground station in east London.
The whole incident was caught on shocking CCTV and mobile phone footage taken by a passer-by who bravely carried on filming even as Mire lunged at him with the blade.
One onlooker shouted out You aint no Muslim, bruv after Mire claimed he was doing it for my Syrian brothers as police took him down with Tasers.
The court heard that minicab driver Mire had a history of mental illness and his psychosis involved the belief that he was being persecuted for his religion and stalked by MI5 and MI6.
He had images of Fusilier Rigby and British IS executioner Jihadi John on his Samsung phone, along with material linked to IS.
Mire stared ahead as a Old Bailey jury found him guilty of attempted murder after just over a day of deliberations. He had already admitted four counts of attempted wounding and an alternative count of wounding with intent to cause Mr Zimmerman grievous bodily harm.
Afterwards, Judge Nicholas Hilliard highlighted the public spiritedness of people on the day of the attack, saying It would have been very easy to continue ones journey on, but that did not happen.
Mire, of Sansom Road, Leytonstone, was remanded into custody at Broadmoor secure mental hospital ahead of his sentencing at the Old Bailey on July 27.
On December 5, 2015, Mr Zimmerman
was targeted by Mire as they travelled on the same train.
Mire followed him and produced a black-handled knife with a serrated edge.
As Mr Zimmerman approached the barriers, Mire grabbed him from behind and swung him around and on to the floor. Mire then kicked him repeatedly around the head and body.
As Mr Zimmerman lay defenceless on the ground, Mire crouched down and began to saw at his neck with the serrated blade in front of shocked passengers.
The single man, in his 40s, admitted to previously having an interest in sado-masochistic sex and used to visit a Fifty Shades Of Grey-style fetish club with an ex-partner.
He also said he used to go on Tinder and played around.
But the man, a father, denied having any criminal convictions, not even a parking ticket, when he spoke to reporters following an adjourned hearing at York Magistrates Court.
He accused North Yorkshire Police of sour grapes in applying for a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) after he was acquitted of rape. He was cleared at a retrial, having spent 14 months on remand.
The terms of the order has a list of conditions attached.
Among them is the requirement for him to inform police 24 hours before he has sex with a new partner.
The effect has been to devastate his personal life, he said, and contravened his human rights.
It puts an end to your life.
I had more freedom in prison. The severity of the restrictions exceed what convicted criminals would get on a Sexual Offence Prevention Order.
He said there was no prospect of a relationship at the moment.
He said: Can you imagine, 24 hours before sex? Come on.
He gave the example of chatting to a woman and saying: Theres a nice French restaurant Id like to take you to, but first the police are just going to come around for a little chat.
The man, who cannot be identified by the media, said the SRO was made after he was cleared of raping a woman different from the one with whom he visited the fetish club.
He said the jury at the retrial took an hour and six minutes to unanimously clear him.
He had been accused of biting and scratching the complainant, but he said the scratching came during a massage, post-coitally, and there was no biting.
His history of S&M sex was brought up at the trial, including evidence from a doctor with whom he had discussed his past.
He claimed the doctor misunderstood what he was discussing, saying she was confused about what was just fantasy.
Police thought what he told the doctor was a confession. Thank God 50 Shades of Grey came out when it did, it helped my barrister normalise that, he said.
North Yorkshire Police declined to comment.
A four-minute excerpt of the cartoon was shown in the Old Bailey trial of Ben Butler.
The 36-year-old is accused of smashing Ellies head in a violent rage while home with her and another child in October 2013.
About 10,000 guests will gather on The Mall in London on Sunday in celebration of the monarchs milestone anniversary.
Pimms created the wobbly tribute which took more than 200 man-hours to make as the drinks brand prepares for its role as the official tipple of the ticketed celebration, The Patrons Lunch.
Force strong in auction
ENGLAND:
A collection of Star Wars toys, described as the best ever to come up for public auction, could fetch over 600,000 when it goes on sale.
The private assortment from Europe is said to contain some of the Holy Grail pieces for fans of the famous film franchise.
Vectis Auctions, in Thornaby, Stockton, said the star piece is a prototype rocket-firing Boba Fett, which has an estimate of 19,000-25,500.
Balloon blow-up
SCOTLAND:
A lifeboat crew was called out to a report of an aircraft ditching only to find it was sparked by a balloon shaped as a giraffe.
South Queensferry lifeboat was sent out after a member of the public called in to report a possible aircraft ditching in the Firth of Forth.
The team reached the object and found it was a giraffe-shaped helium balloon. A Coastguard spokesman said the call at 9.50am was made in good faith.
Rangers go airborne
USA:
A Denver teenager who visited a national park in Rwanda last summer has built a drone to make the rangers job easier.
Rangers protecting the lions, elephants, and leopards at Rwandas Akagera National Park often patrol on foot, and venture only with difficulty into its swamps to keep an eye on rare birds.
Max Alger-Meyer, working with fellow Denver high school student Nathan Lepore, applied lessons of frugality and ingenuity learned in east Africa.
They made the drone themselves because it was cheaper than buying one. As they designed it, they also thought carefully about how rangers would be able to improvise parts if anything went wrong.
Sleepover stealing
USA:
A man suspected of stealing sweets, energy drinks, and razors from a Massachusetts pharmacy did not have to break in.
Police said the man simply slept in the Stoughton CVS store, then slipped out unnoticed the next morning after it reopened.
After reviewing surveillance video, police determined that he entered the store at about 11.30pm on Sunday. The store closes at midnight.
When an employee opened the store at 7am on Monday, the man, who was still inside, fled.
It was not until Monday afternoon that store employees noticed that items were missing and called police, who reviewed surveillance video and determined the sequence of events.
Its in the name
ROMANIA:
In a Romanian town, Vasile Cepoi defeated Vasile Cepoi and Vasile Cepoi in a mayoral election. The middle name made all the difference.
The victor said: I added my middle name, and ran as Vasile Lica Cepoi. Anyhow, residents knew about the confusion before the vote. He was also the incumbent, who secured his fourth term as mayor of Draguseni.
He said the coincidence of three candidates having the same name was an attempt by political parties to confuse residents in the north-eastern town of 2,500 people. Both names are common in Romania: Cepoi means big onions.
The mayor won 1,200 votes, Vasile Cepoi won 100 votes and Vasile Cepoi trailed with 10.
The three are not related.
Reindeer alert
FINLAND:
In efforts to cut road kill, Finnish reindeer herders have painted Rudolphs antlers in fluores-cent colours, hung reflectors round their necks, and even used movable traffic signs.
Theyve not been successful, so theyre turning to drivers with a reindeer warning app hoping it will reduce the annual 4,000 reindeer road deaths.
In a pilot project, drivers of heavy transport vehicles are being given 1,000 free apps that warn of nearby reindeer and allow them to register their own sightings with a tap on the screen.
If successful, the app will be available for download on all phones later this year.
Monkeying around
KENYA:
A nationwide blackout was caused by a monkey tripping a transformer at a hydropower plant, leading to the loss of more than 180 megawatts from the grid, according to power producer Kenya Electricity Generating Company
A monkey climbed on the roof of Gitaru Power Station and dropped onto a transformer, tripping it. This caused other machines at the power station to trip on overload resulting in a loss of more than 180 MW from this plant which triggered a national power blackout, the company said.
The Freedom Party is claiming numerous irregularities in the May 22 election, particularly for the absentee vote count, said Constitutional Court spokesman Christian Neuwirth.
Freedom Party candidate Norbert Hoffer was leading after polls closed. But final results after a count of absentee ballots put former Green party politician Alexander Van der Bellen ahead with only 30,000 votes.
Medhane Yehdego Mered, 35, was flown to Italy during the night after his arrest in Khartoum, Sudan, on May 24, Italian and British officials said.
It is the first time a suspected kingpin has been tracked down in Africa, where many of the smuggling networks are based, and brought to face justice in Italy since Europes immigration crisis started almost three years ago.
Mered is accused of being the advocate and boss of one of the most important criminal groups operating in central Africa and Libya that smuggles people first across the Sahara desert and then the Mediterranean Sea, the court led by prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi said in a statement.
Mered is suspected of working with an Ethiopian, Ghermay Ermias, who is still at large.
Between them, they are accused of raking in huge sums by bringing migrants from Libya to Italy across the Mediterranean on overcrowded and often unseaworthy boats, the prosecutor added.
Britains National Crime Agency said it had helped Italian investigators track Mered to Sudan and held him responsible for the deaths of 359 migrants when a vessel sank off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa in 2013.
A statement said he was known as The General because he had styled himself on the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Sicilian prosecutor Calogero Ferrara told Reuters last year that the two controlled an operation that was much larger, more complex and more structured than originally imagined.
Ferrara said they were opportunistic, purchasing kidnapped migrants from other criminals in Africa.
By his calculations, each boat trip of 600 people made the smugglers between $800,000 and $1m before costs.
The smuggling networks have mostly eluded international law enforcement agencies because they are based on anonymous cells spread across many countries.
Italy has been on the frontline of the immigration crisis. About 170,000 migrants reached Italy by sea in 2014 and 153,800 in 2015, according to the International Organisation for Migration.
So far this year, just more than 40,000 migrants have arrived.
More than 8,000 people are also believed to have died in the Mediterranean since the start of 2014, some off the Italian coast and others seeking to reach Greece.
Medecins san Frontieres estimated that 900 died last week alone.
Burma Civil Society Groups Demand National Land Restitution Policy for Displaced Communities
Civil society organizations call on Burmas government to institute a national land restitution policy for communities displaced by conflict.
RANGOON Several of Burmas civil society organizations (CSOs) and ethnic community leaders have called for the government to develop a national land restitution policy for communities displaced by conflict.
Their concerns were expressed at a public forum on Wednesday following a two-day workshop organized by The Border Consortium (TBC) and the Transnational Institute (TNI). CSOs and community leaders aimed to establish a national platform for displaced communities to be able to claim land and property rights, review international standards and increase joint advocacy.
Representatives came up with nine key principles and recommendations, emphasizing that all land-related policies, regulations and procedures must be in line with customary land use practices and tenure systems in ethnic areas. They also stressed that displaced communities and local people should be informed and involved in all levels of the decision-making process in relation to return and resettlement.
Displaced communities are entitled to restore their housing, land and property rights in their place of origin, their statement said.
Representatives highlighted that IDPs and refugees have the right to return voluntarily, in safety and with dignity, adding that national reconciliation and the peace process are key to their sustainable return and resettlement.
Naw Blooming Night Zan, finance manager of the Karen Refugee Committee (KRC) said that security concerns remain the most critical consideration for IDPs and refugees, adding that military bases should be removed and landmines should be demarcated and immediately cleared in and around origin villages.
Whenever we talk to [refugees and IDPs] about returning home, they ask me: Are there military troops? Are there any landmines? said Naw Blooming Night Zan.
She told the Irrawaddy that there is a need for advocacy work in order to prompt the government to take steps toward implementing national land restitution policies.
Saw Alex from the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) told The Irrawaddy that these principles and recommendations are fundamental to initiating action.
The government has to have a broad platform for all concerned parties, which means involving local people, refugees, IDPs, CSOs, community organizations, international society, all armed groups and the government army, he explained.
He added that any future policies should be able to be systematically implemented nationwide for the benefit of all displaced communities.
Naw Blooming Night Zan made the point that returning voluntarily with dignity also applies to those who dont want to return to the country.
When we talk about returning and resettlement, some refugees who are probably not willing to return to Burma should also be accounted for, she said. We cant force them to go back.
Sai Nor Hseng of the Shan Youth Network said at the forum that land rights are very important to IDPs and refugees because they left their landwhich used to be their lifedue to armed conflict.
Where is their place when they come back, and do they have the right to claim their original land? he asked. What if there is no place to live or no farm to work when they return?
Although the representatives demanded a return of all arbitrarily confiscated land to the original land owners, they said that there needed to be an explicit definition of original land owner which retained respect for customary land use practices and tenure systems in ethnic areas.
A 2015 research report called The Meaning Of Land In Myanmar by the TNI stated that there is no internationally recognized human right to land, unlike water or food.
While a right to property was established in Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it was not codified in the subsequent legally binding international conventions, the research said.
The report highlighted that the connection between land and human rights is a tangible part of the everyday experience of many small-scale farmers and other food producers around the world, citing the unique customary land use practices of Burmese farmers.
According to TBC, there are roughly 120,000 Burmese refugees in nine official camps on the Thai-Burma border, some of who have resided there for over two decades. The UNs refugee agency, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated in a report last year that there were about 500,000 conflict-affected IDPs in Burma, but accurate figures are difficult to assess due to limited access in the concerned areas.
Burma Flooding Hits Sagaing, Affecting Thousands of Homes
In a region struck by deadly deluges last year, a local community worker suspects gold-mining operations to exacerbate flood risks.
RANGOON After heavy rains fell Wednesday night, severe flooding struck at least four sections of downtown Kawlin, Sagaing Division.
Thet Lwin Htay, vice chairman of the local Free Funeral Service Association (FFSA), said water levels reached 6-7 feet high in Kyawzayya, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myauk Inn and Zae Yone Tiek wards of Kawlin. He estimated 5,000 households were affected. Some houses were completely submerged, and roads have been rendered unusable.
He said this is the first flood of the year.
In July 2015, flooding hit in Kawlin twice, reportedly killing around 20 people and affecting almost 49,000 people out of a population of 145,000.
Currently, FFSA is distributing rice to the affected quarters residents and rescuing the children and elderly who are unable to swim. As of Thursday morning, there were no fatalities due to the flood, and the Sagaing Division Chief Minister is expected to visit Kawlin to oversee relief efforts.
Thet Lwin Htay speculated the flooding was due to overflowing water reservoirs, which are located on the outskirts of the town. In that area, more than 100 gold mining companies have created man-made lakes to store water for the gold-dust filtering process.
The sudden, heavy rainfall unexpectedly broke the reservoirs embankments, causing the water to flood into the downtown area, the FFSA vice chairman said.
The companies that built these reservoirs were not available for immediate comment.
A government-run paper issued an emergency statement saying some schools and police stations faced flooding, and local authorities and civil society organizations were working together to prevent injuries and deaths.
Burma Ne Wins Grandson Invites Social Media Smackdown With Lipton Comment
After Aye Ne Win, grandson of the former dictator, calls out Suu Kyi for serving Lipton tea to Singapores PM, Facebook users give him a piece of their mind.
RANGOON Comments on Facebook posted by the grandson of former dictator Ne Win about serving Lipton Tea at a state dinner for the visiting Singaporean Prime Minister have caused a ruckus on social media in Burma.
The dispute started with a menu from a banquet in Naypyidaw on Tuesday hosted by the Burmese President Htin Kyaw and the first lady for Lee Hsien Loong, who is now in Burma for a state visit.
A picture of the menu showing Lipton Tea with Lime Slice as dessert went viral on Facebook, and the ex-dictators grandson jumped in on the same day on his own Facebook feed, calling Aung San Suu Kyi Old Gal and saying she should definitely not be listened to, at least when it comes to tea.
OMG. Who serves Lipton Tea for a state dinner? Such a disgrace. It should be Twinnings Earl Grey or Fortnum and Masons Queen Anne Tea or even our own traditional Shan Tea. I expect the Old Girl to have more refined taste than that, said the post.
Dont give me the crappie excuse that we should save money when you can get Twinnings at a local City Mart for $13 per 20 teabags, the post added.
Aye Ne Win described the dinner as having been hosted by the Old Gal herself, quoting a report from Channel News Asia, but the menu said the dinner was, in fact, organized by the Burmese president and his wife.
The comments provoked a backlash on social media, with many Burmeseproud of Lee Hsien Loongs recent offer to have Suu Kyi take a more active leadership on behalf of Asean when it comes to international affairsseeing them as an insult to Burmas state counselor-cum-foreign minister.
Aye Ne Win is just an [expletive], wrote Facebook user Hlwan Moe.
But many others took a more serious turn, calling his post full of jealousy and snobbery.
Show some manners, you [expletive] pervert. Your [expletive] grandpa Ne Win already turned this country into a failed state that is looked down upon by other countries, and look now, you shamelessly say such garbage You are such a [expletive] pathetic cheapskate, wrote Ralph Aung Myo.
Aye Ne Win was released from prison under a presidential pardon in November 2013 after spending 11 years in jail. He was charged with high treason at the age of 26, convicted with his family of plotting to overthrow the former military regime.
Since his release, he has been a prolific user of social media and has been spotted at many public events, including commemorations for fallen soldiers of the Burma Army. He has spoken with numerous local and international media outlets, discussing a range of topics including his political and religious views, the continued role of the military in Burmas political life and his business dealings.
Burma Parliament Suspends Rangoon Wharf Project
Citing river congestion and the vulnerability of a prized pagoda, lawmakers have voted to suspend a wharf project approved by the previous government.
RANGOON Burmas Lower House of Parliament on Wednesday decided to halt a 20-acre wharf project in Rangoons central port area, located between Bo Aung Kyaw jetty and the Botahtaung Pagoda along the Rangoon River.
The project, which was approved by the previous government, is being undertaken by the Kaung Myanmar Aung shipping companya subsidiary of the KMA Group headed by Burmese tycoon Khin Maung Aye, who is known to have close ties to former military-backed President Thein Sein. The land that was being used for KMAs wharf project is currently owned by the Myanmar Port Authority (MPA) under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
During Wednesdays parliamentary session, five lawmakers supported a proposal submitted last week by member Tin Maung Win of Rangoons Seikkan Township, which stated that construction connected to the wharf would create river dunes and cause congestion for cargo ships on the Rangoon River. It added that construction of the project would impair the strength of the pagoda, which is one of Rangoons most sacred Buddhist sites, and that noises and vibrations from the project site would distract prayers at the pagoda.
Lawmaker Sein Mya Aye from Dala Township said that the project areas proximity to the pagoda would endanger it, citing a consultancy reportCode of Practice For Container Depotsissued by the Hong Kong Container Depot and Repair Association, which suggested that container depots and wharves should be constructed away from conservation areas and religious sites.
If the container depot and wharf project damages the strength of the [Botahtaung] pagoda, the public is going to hold the government responsible, Sein Mya Aye said.
Lawmaker Saw Naing of South Okkala Township said that the construction of a new wharf in the area would narrow the passage for cargo ships, mentioning that all ports in Rangoon were river ports except Thilawa, a seaport.
Currently, there are 25 wharves along the port, Saw Naing said. If all 25 wharves could be made to work at full capacity, there would be no need for a new wharf.
Saw Naing also cited the contribution made by container depots and wharves to heavy traffic on Strand Road, which runs east-west along the river in downtown Yangon and features a regular passage of container trucks.
Another lawmaker, Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo of Hlaing Township, highlighted that the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) had previously failed to report projects with adverse socio-economic and environmental impacts to Parliament via the government.
We observed that the MIC never submitted such project proposals to the Parliament, Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo said. He cited the proposed US$70 million 250-bed Parkway private hospital, which was halted by Parliament last month due to a claimed lack of transparency.
If this keeps happening, he saidprojects being approved by the MIC but then halted by Parliament in the midst of controversythe interests of the country could be damaged, with a loss of investor trust and the need to compensate contractors.
Minister of Transportation and Communication Thant Zin Maung supported the parliamentary proposal against the wharf project, saying it was too risky. He mentioned that the project was approved by the MIC before the previous government transferred power to the National League for Democracy (NLD) at the end of March. The MIC has since been reconstituted.
The project area is critical for [the passage of] cargo ships and it could create congestion with ships berthing at the terminals, the minister said.
The only advantage is extra income for the country but from a technical or religious perspective, there are many disadvantages. Though we should welcome private investment, we should not take big risks, the minister concluded his remarks.
Lower House Speaker Win Myint decided to order a halt to the project, after lawmakers voted in favor of a suspension.
According to a report by the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar, the project would be implemented according to the Build, Operate and Transfer modela template used for several of Burmas larger infrastructure and energy projects in recent years. On completion, the wharf would be able to accommodate two 15,000-ton vessels.
Rangoon has six major port facilities Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa (MITT), Myanmar Integrated Port Limited (MIPL), Asia World Port Terminal, Myanmar Industrial Port, Bo Aung Kyaw and Sule Wharf, both private and government-owned.
According to KMAs website, the firm was Burmas first private shipping company operating between Rangoon, Malaysia, Singapore and the Indian ports of Chennai, Kolkata and Nhavasheva, close to Mumbai. KMA vessels currently ship out of the Asia World Port Terminal in Ahlone Township. Conglomerate Khin Maung Ayes business empire extends across sectors and includes Golden Myanmar Airways, Parami General Hospital and CB Bank.
Burma Seven Shan Men Go Missing in Northern Shan State
The disappearance of seven Shan men follows a spate of unexplained killings in an area of continued conflict between Shan and Palaung armed groups.
Seven ethnic Shan men went missing on Sunday en route from Namkham Township to Lashio, the administrative capital of northern Shan State, according to a local police officer and a member of a Shan political party.
The disappearance follows the killing of three ethnic Palaung (known also as Taang) the previous week in Namkham Township, which borders China. Local Palaung have since blamed the Restoration of Council of Shan State (RCSS), the ethnic Shan group whose armed wing, the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S), has been fighting since December with the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the armed wing of the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF).
If unresolved, the disappearance is likely to exacerbate tensions between Shan and Palaung communities in northern Shan State, which have been stoked in recent months by a conflict that has seen several thousand displaced, and resulted in a number of unexplained murders.
The police officer in Namkham, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Irrawaddy over the phone that the families of the missing men had come to the police station to open a missing persons case.
A police investigation is now underway, the police officer said, although they had not found anything yet.
They disappeared soon after leaving Namkham town, around Hpa Lane village, their families told me. It was on the highway to Lashio, said the police officer.
On June 7 the families of the missing men visited the local branch office of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), currently the most prominent ethnic Shan party in the state. Sai Yee Puu of the SNLD said the families had requested help from the party.
We asked [the families] how the men had disappeared. They told us that they were traveling by car to an area further south, near Lashio, where they intended to farm watermelons, Sai Yee Puu said.
Sai Yee Puu said that his party had already approached the Taang National Party (TNP), which represents the ethnic Palaung and occupies several parliamentary seats in northern Shan State, to solve the problem through negotiation.
No one knows who did it, but they disappeared in a Palaung area. Therefore, we asked for help from the Palaung political party, Sai Yee Puu added.
The driver of the car, from Mamgyi village, was among the seven who disappeared; the other six men were from Shan villages near the border town of Muse, according to Sai Yee Puu.
All were young men, but the SNLD in Namkham did not know their exact ages or their names.
Burma Western Union Launches Outbound Transfers
Privates banks in Burma will allow outbound money transfers through global transfer companies, offering a secure channel to send remittances abroad.
RANGOON Private banks in Burma will allow outbound money transfers through Western Union and MoneyGram starting this month, banking industry officials said.
Earlier this week, US-based Western Union introduced international money transfers from Burma in partnership with nine banks: Kanbawza, Ayeyarwaddy, Myanma Apex, United Amara, Yoma, Co-operative (CB), Myanmar Oriental, World Treasure and First Private Bank.
Patricia Riingen, senior vice president of Western Union in Southeast Asia, said nine banks with almost 800 branches around the country will provide the foreign transfer service in Burma.
Starting this week, remittances sent from Burma will also be allowed at up to US$3,000 per person through Western Union.
Western Union, one of the worlds leading global money transfer services, has more than 500,000 branches in over 200 countries. Western Unions inbound transfer service to Burma began in 2013.
Zaw Lin Htut, chief executive officer of the Myanmar Payment Union (MPU) said he welcomed the new launch because many expatriates living in Burma as well as Burmese citizens living abroad would be happy that remittances would be easier to send.
In the past, students parents couldnt remit money to their children through legal channels and instead found informal channels, Zaw Lin Htut said, adding, Through informal channels, if senders faced mistatement or problems, they couldnt claim their money back. Now it is legal and easy to transfer money. This is good news.
MoneyGram, another money transfer service, will also allow remittances from Burma through their partner banks this month, said Soe Thein, executive director of the Asian Green Development Bank, adding that the remittance maximum would be similar to the one set by Western Union.
MoneyGrams international money transfer service opened in Burma in 2013 in partnership with three banks: Asia Green Development Bank, Myanmar Citizens Bank and the Tun Foundation Bank.
Business Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation Looks to Join YSX in August
The Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation is expected to join the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX) in August, the firms vice chairman says.
RANGOON The Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (MAPCO) is expected to join the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX) in August, the firms vice chairman told The Irrawaddy.
Formed in 2012 to spur public savings and to encourage broader investment in agriculture and adjacent industries in Burma, MAPCO is the countrys largest rice exporter. It will be selling shares with a floor price of 10,000 kyats (US$8.44) to 1,440 existing shareholders between June 10 and early July, said MAPCO vice chairman Ye Min Aung.
Were prioritizing existing shareholders before joining the YSX. If the existing shareholders dont buy these shares, well sell them to the public, he said, clarifying that even if existing shareholders already own a share, they are still able to buy another.
Wed like to wait until foreign companies can buy shares on the YSX, when [the trading environment] will hopefully be better than it has been recently. Thats why were expecting to join the YSX in August or, at the latest, in September, Ye Min Aung added.
The stock exchange officially opened in December, though it initially only traded internally through dry-run testing. It is hoped to be a boon to Burmas financial field.
MAPCO, along with five other firmsFirst Myanmar Investment (FMI), Myanmar Citizens Bank, Myanmar Thilawa SEZ Holdings Public Limited (MTSH), First Private Bank and Great Hor Khamwas due to be listed on the YSX in March, but FMI was the only one of these firms that was ready for shares trading. MTSH has since been listed.
Thet Htun Oo, senior manager of the YSX, said that MAPCO wanted to increase its capital before joining the stock exchange, which is why it has experienced delays.
They [MAPCO] have not recently applied to join the YSX because they are looking to increase their capital by selling shares in the rice industry first, Thet Htun Oo said.
He added that the stock market appears to be cooling down in some respects as people are trying to become more familiar with the market situation before trading shares.
Even FMIs share trading price has gone down from 26,000 kyats [$21.95] when it was first listed to 25,500 kyats [$21.52] today, Thet Htun Oo said.
FMI is led by business tycoon Serge Pun, whose Burmese conglomerate ranges from real estate to health care to aviation and banking.
MTSHs share trading price, however, is at a steady 57,000 kyats ($48.11). The firm was formed by nine Burmese companies that own 41 percent of a special economic zone (SEZ) southeast of Rangoon, with the Burmese government owning 10 percent and a consortium of Japanese firms owning the remaining 49 percent.
Thet Htun Oo said that currently the total stock trading amount for the YSX has reached some 49 billion kyats ($41.35 million) and is only expected to increase.
Because there are many other companies, such as Myanmar Citizen Bank, that will be listed on the YSX this year, the total trading amount will continue to grow, Thet Htun Oo said.
Business New Commission Formed to Investigate Alleged Gems Association Embezzlement
A new investigation commission will look into ongoing embezzlement claims after $100 million allegedly went missing from the Myanmar Gems Traders Associations coffers.
A new investigation commission will be formed to look into the Myanmar Gems Traders Associations financial scandal, involving allegations of more than US$100 million that went missing from their bank account, according to the organizations chairman.
At a press conference at the associations headquarters on Wednesday, chairman Yone Mu told reporters that the decision to form a new commission to further investigate the unexplained loss was made during a meeting of the gems traders on Tuesday. A previous review was conducted and finalized this week by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation but complainants still want to know who is to blame.
Actions will be taken against anyone who misappropriated funds, said Yone Mu.
The new commission will consist of experts, complainants and defendants of the alleged embezzlement, according to the Myanmar Gems Traders Association.
Aung Gyi, chairman of the Sagaing Division Gems Traders Association, said the probe would mainly look into the supposed misappropriation of $10 million transferred from the Myanmar Jade and Gems Emporium Central Committee to the Myanmar Gems Traders Association.
The central committee consists of the Myanmar Gems Traders Association chairman, ten vice-chairpersons and secretaries. It is impossible that they dont know where the money has gone. If they know, they should tell, said Aung Gyi, adding, We want a new transparent chairman who is dedicated to serving the interests of the association.
However, Yone Mu said he does not know anything about the alleged transaction because the former Ministry of Mines had managed the expenditures of the central committee, adding that he would not take responsibility for the as yet unexplained loss.
The funds of the Gems Emporium Central Committee and the Myanmar Gems Traders associations are different. There is no connection and I have no idea [about the missing money], said Yone Mu. It has been said that former President U Thein Sein took $7 million and U Soe Thein took $5 million. We dont know; it has nothing to do with us. It was all managed by the central committee,
Vice chairman of the Myanmar Gems Traders Association Myint Han told reporters that since 2006 there has been a 1 percent annual tax levied on gems traders who sell their products at the emporium. He said he has told the central committee that association members deserve to know where their money was allocated.
Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Activists Urge Government to Enact Gender Quotas
Womens rights activists urge legislators to enact a gender quota system to increase womens representation in political leadership.
NAYPYIDAW Womens rights activists urged legislators to enact a gender quota system to increase womens representation in political leadership at a panel discussion in Naypyidaw on Saturday.
The Womens Empowerment Leads to True Transformation workshop was organized by the Womens Organizations Network (WON) and the Gender Equality Network (GEN), and attended by about 300 participants including legislators and activists.
Gender equality activists said that political parties should initiate progress by instituting internal quota systems, and then introducing quotas to political leadership once in office.
The panel discussion focused on gender quotas, which we need laws and policy for, said Nang Phyu Phyu Lin, steering committee member of the GEN. For this, we rely on the legislators.
She said the groups shared research findings on the advantages and disadvantages of gender quotas at the introductory meeting between new government representatives, lawmakers and womens rights groups.
Despite Aung San Suu Kyis prominent leadership role as State Counselor, foreign affairs minister and chairwoman of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, women hold drastically less than 30 percent of the positions in the legislative and executive sectorsthe goal outlined in the 1995 Beijing Platform of Action, to which Burma was party along with numerous other countries.
After Novembers general election, women parliamentarians hold 13 percent of elected seats in the Union Parliament. When included with the military appointees to Parliament, that number drops to about 10 percentdouble what it was in the last session of Parliament after the 2012 by-election. Burmas cabinet currently contains only one woman: Suu Kyi herself.
Rights activists said that gender quotas would be an immediate response to overcoming the injustice of the former system. Quotas would play a key role in improving womens opportunities for political leadership, said Nang Phyu Phyu Lin.
The quota system that we have been asking for is temporary. We will not accept the argument that quotas may bring unqualified women into leadership roles. Nobody was born with these skills; we have to be empowered and learn them through experience, she added.
Campaigns to set a minimum quota for womens representation at 30 percent have been active, predominantly with previously exiled womens rights groups such as Womens League of Burma (WLB). Gender rights activists have increasingly raised the issue within Burma since the shift to a quasi-civilian government in 2011 and throughout the democratic transition.
Last year, lawmaker Khin Saw Wai from the Arakan National Party (ANP) raised the issue in Parliament, but to no avail. In Burma, some lawmakers still view gender equality as a taboo subject.
Shwe Shwe Sein Latt, NLD lawmaker and renowned womens rights advocate said gender inclusion in every sector, from grassroots to Parliament, is a delicate matter that requires a careful approach.
Awareness about gender equality needs to be introduced to the new parliamentarians, as we [rights advocates] did in the past with lawmakers from the first-term parliament, she said. We need to build greater awareness by sharing with the new lawmakers.
She echoed the importance of political parties initiating the quota system internally as a first step.
Burma Govt Invites UWSA, MNDAA to the Peace Table
The United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have agreed to talk to the Burma governments peace negotiators.
RANGOON The United Wa State Army (UWSA), Burmas largest and most powerful ethnic armed group, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have agreed to talk to the Burma governments peace negotiators.
By the end of the week, the two groups will meet with a preparation subcommittee for what is being billed as the 21st Century Panglong Conference, Hla Maung Shwe, secretary of the governments peace negotiation team, told The Irrawaddy.
Dr. Tin Myo Win himself sent a letter [of invitation to the UWSA and MNDAA], Hla Maung Shwe said, referring to the Burma governments chief peace negotiator.
They received the letter and welcomed it. They want to meet. We have not yet decided on a time or venue because were still considering weather conditions and transportation. But it is very likely that the meeting will take place within a couple of days, Hla Maung Shwe said.
The governments peace negotiation team will supposedly invite the UWSA and MNDAA to the conference at the meeting and discuss their demands, according to Hla Maung Shwe.
First, well meet with them. Then, well explain to them [our goals]. Our committee is responsible for making sure they attend the conference. We will know [the final outcome] after our discussions. I think they may be interested in the new landscape under the current government, Hla Maung Shwe said.
The UWSA and MNDAA did not sign the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) with former President Thein Seins government last October. The UWSA has said before that it did not need to sign the NCA because the truce it signed with the military regime 26 years ago has not collapsed.
Military analysts believe that the UWSA, estimated to have over 30,000 troops, might once again push for autonomy, taking advantage of the governments invitation for ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the MNDAA signed a preliminary truce with Thein Seins government on Sept. 7, 2011, and the two sides have, in the past, held peace talks at the national level. The MNDAA split from the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) on June 30, 1989, and it was one of the first groups to sign a ceasefire with the Burma Army. The military regime designated Shan States Mongla region as the MNDAAs base (Special Region 4), delegating to the armed group a degree of control over some areas in eastern Shan State.
The conference subcommittee also met the United Nationalities Federal Councils (UNFC) Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN), comprised of 13 members drawn from various non-state ethnic armed groups who opted out of signing the NCA, last week.
Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
Thursday, June 9th, 2016 (3:13 pm) - Score 636
The Broadband East Riding project in Yorkshire (England), which is being conducted with support from BT, will need another 10 million of funding if it is to reach the goal of making a superfast broadband (24Mbps+) network available to 95% of local premises.
The original Broadband Delivery UK supported contract, which was worth around 14 million (4m from BT) and signed all the way back in September 2013, aimed to extend Openreachs (BT) 24Mbps+ capable FTTC/P network to an additional 42,734 homes and businesses in the region by December 2015.
A second 5.4m extension contract was also signed last June (here), which saw BT commit 400K to the scheme and BDUK doing the rest. The second contract aimed to push the related service out to cover another 4,500 premises, but a new report suggests that even with this support the local area may only achieve 90% coverage and that to hit 95% theyd need to find another 10m.
As it stands only a little over 70% coverage has so far been achieved in the East Riding area.
Andy Elliott, East Riding Councils ICT Boss, said (Hull Daily Mail): The remaining 5 per cent are in the really rural areas, which are also the most expensive in terms of providing the necessary infrastructure. There is an estimated shortfall of about 10m at the moment, which is needed to reach that 95 per cent target. Meeting that shortfall depends on the future commercial plans of BT but we are also lobbying MPs and ministers, as well as having discussions with Chris Townsend, the chief executive of BDUK, over the issue.
At this point its worth remembering that the Governments 95% coverage target is a national one, which means that some areas may complete with a lower coverage figure than 95% and others will finish with more.
On top of the current work many parts of East Riding, such as around Hull, are also being catered for by KCOMs commercial roll-out of FTTC/P fibre broadband services. However both that and the BT / BDUK project will still leave some rural areas uncovered, which are very expensive to tackle; its hard to see these being tackled by BT on a purely commercial basis.
We suspect that the forthcoming 10Mbps Universal Service Obligation (USO) and related technologies may ultimately be required to improve connectivity for most of those in the final 5-10% of East Riding, although key issues of cost and connection technology have yet to be resolved. A few may be left with no option but to take a subsidised Satellite service.
Google launched on Tuesday, June 7, a free iOS app called Motion Stills. The application can convert iPhone's Live Photos into animated GIFs and be used to create looping video-photo hybrid images.
The new app released by Google can make Live Photos better and easier to share. With the help of Google Motion Stills users can transform moving pictures into movies or GIFs that they can use to impress others.
According to CNET, the Motion Stills app can also stabilize the camera movement of a Live Photo. With Google's app users can achieve less visible shakiness and a steadier shot. The app works without the need for internet once downloaded. The only thing needed is access to iPhone's photos.
The app can do much more than just stabilizing camera shake. It can also stabilize the background separately. This is made by processing the video frames in order to isolate the background from the foreground.
This feature is useful when creating a GIF that loops forever. With is option, Motion Stills can turn Live Photos into cinemagraph-like moving images.
In order to use Google's Motion Stills, users have to first use the native camera app and create a Live Photo. Then, they can use the Motion Stills app to convert the photo into a video clip or a steady GIF that can be shared via Slack, social media, text message and more.
According to MacWorld, one of the advantages of this app is that it allows users to share the Live Photo image as a GIF or MOV video clip to social networks or cloud storage. Once the standard iOS share sheet is launched, users can use AirDrop to post it to iMessage, Facebook, iCloud Photo Sharing or to send it to another device.
By stitching together video clips, the app also allows users to create short movies. In order to do this, they can just swipe right on an image and add it to a small film strip shown at the bottom of the screen. Once enough clips were collected, the cinematic feature is activated by pressing the "Play" button.
Google Nexus, which was first made available in 2010, is a line of electronic devices that run on the Android operating system. Google partners up with a number of tech manufactures to provide this good, including Huawei, LG, Motorola, HTC and Asus.
T3 notes that, previously, the Nexus lines have been made available near the end of the year, so there is definitely time for Google to release the Nexus 7. Last year, however, the gadgets came in earlier than expected as the Huawei Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X were released in September.
It could be that Google is waiting for Apple to announce the release of the new iPhone 7 in order to stir up the competition. Also, because Android devices are normally released at the same time, and the Android N has been confirmed to make the market this fall, a September release for the Nexus 7 seems likely as well.
Those in the running to partner up with Google are HTC, who made the very first Nexus device, and Huawei, because of a remark previously made by one of their executives. HTC reportedly has two Nexus phones in development, while HTC is ready to follow up the release of the 2015 Nexus 6P.
As for the specs of the Nexus 7, it can be expected that Google will stick with their two-phone strategy, which was introduced last year - one which will be mid-range and a premium unit. They are expected to be 5 inches and 5.5 inches respectively, fitted with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM.
All of these details are informed theories, as Google has not given much about the upcoming Nexus 7. In fact, tech enthusiasts were disappointed when Google did not provide an update on the same during the I/O Conference. Instead, according to Christian Times, Google touched on several of its software projects such as Android Instant Apps, Project Tango, Project Soli, Google Assistant and Google Home.
Getty Images announced Tuesday, June 7, the creation of a new Virtual Reality Group aiming to grow the current stock of 12,000 360-degree still images amassed over the last four years.
This year, many new VR devices arrived on the market, including HTC Vive, Facebook's Oculus Rift and the forthcoming Sony PlayStation VR. However, these devices need a powerful computer and they also cost hundreds of dollars.
According to USA Today, the 21-year-old photo agency is planning to bank on the current emerging trend that makes immersive virtual reality (VR) to surpass static photographs as the dominant way users prefer to experience remote worlds. Getty CEO Dawn Airey declared in a statement that the VR technology and the business models addressing its use are still in their infancy, but it is expected that VR will become "a leading tool for visual storytelling."
Getty Images is planning to considerably boost it number of 360-degree images at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The photo agency is issuing 360-degree cameras to all Getty photographers traveling this summer to the Rio Olympics.
These devices are able to capture images in every direction. Consumers using high-end VR devices or just smartphones are then able to look around an environment in the same way as if they were standing in that same spot.
Getty also announced that it will provide VR videos to its clients through a new service called Getty Images Assignments. The company is adapting to the idea that the virtual reality trend via headsets like the HTV Vive, Oculus Rift or Samsung Gear VR is the future of media.
According to Engadget, Getty Images has announced at Google I/O event last month an agreement with Google to supply hi-res VR photos for Google Expeditions. The photo agency also partnered last year with Oculus Rift on a 360-degree app that would make VR images available to owners of Oculus Rift.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FDA) is warning pilots that secret military testing could leave the global-positioning signals (GPS) "unreliable or unavailable" for several days in June, across much of the West Coast. The alert was issues on Saturday, June 4.
The testing based in Southern California already began on Tuesday, June 7. The FAA warned that the tests could affect flight controls for a specific kind of business jet. However, according to experts, the testing shouldn't affect commercial airliners.
According to USA Today, John Cox, a former airline pilot and currently president of consulting firm Safety Operating Systems, said that usually in this kind of situations there "are safeguards in place." He added that air-traffic controllers and pilots will pay attention to any flight abnormalities on planes within the warning area. But in case that any pilot hears by radio about strange GPS signals in a given area, they could just navigate around the problem or adjust altitude in the same way they proceed in case of bad weather, Cox said.
The testing is taking place at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division based in China Lake, California. According to FAA, the testing could affect aircraft within hundreds of miles of the base in case that they flight at least 50 feet off the ground to as high as 40,000 feet above sea level.
The affected area is the shape of an upside-down layer cake. The area is stretching across much of Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Arizona and is has the largest layer 40,000 feet high, spanning Nevada and California.
The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division base said in a statement that the FAA flight advisory was issued in support of routine test, development, evaluation and research "efforts conducted at China Lake." China Lake, which encompasses 1.1 million acres, tests avionics and weapons for tactical aircraft.
According to Digital Trends, FAA did not specify the nature of the tests, since it is a secret military testing. However, based on FAA's statement, tech experts believe that this is some type of test of a jamming device. Some kind of interference is affecting the capability of aircraft to connect to GPS satellites in the area during the testing periods.
GPU vendor Nvidia has announced a support program to help startup companies that are applying deep learning technologies.
The Nvidia Inception Program offers a range of resources to participating startups.
Benefits include early access to the latest GPU hardware and supporting software; Nvidia's deep learning experts and engineering teams; the company's customer, partner and supplier networks; and technical training via the Nvidia Deep Learning Institute.
Qualified companies may be eligible for funding through Nvidia's GPU Ventures Program, which is aimed at "young ambitious companies founding their businesses around Nvidia technologies" in areas such as "video and image enhancement, scientific discovery, financial analysis, visualisation, high performance computing, automotive, cloud computing, [and] mobile applications".
Investments would normally be between US$500,000 and US$5 million.
"Startups worldwide are taking advantage of deep learning for its superhuman speed and accuracy in applications like radiology, fraud detection and self-driving cars," said Nvidia senior director of industry business development Kimberly Powell.
"We're committed to helping the world's most innovative companies break new ground with AI and revolutionise every industry."
Nvidia announced its DGX-1 deep learning supercomputer at the GPU Technology Conference in April, and introduced it to the local market at an event in Sydney this week.
Business applications vendor Infor has expanded the role of ASEAN regional vice-president Helen Masters to include the South Asia region.
"Helen has steered ASEAN to become a high-growth business over the past three years, consistently providing strong leadership and excellent results," said executive vice-president of worldwide manufacturing and distribution, John Flavin.
"I am confident she will nurture the continued growth of the Pacific region and be an invaluable addition to the team."
Masters' new title is vice-president and managing director, South Asia and Pacific.
She has been in charge of the ASEAN business since joining the company in 2013.
Masters previously led Cisco's emerging and transformational alliances group.
Earlier, she held various senior positions at SAP, Business Objects, and Computer Associates, among others.
Masters holds a BA in economics from Macquarie University.
"My depth of experience in Australia and New Zealand dates back many years and I am thrilled to join a fantastic and high-performing team, while striving to continue the tradition of strong female leadership in the industry," she said.
Huawei Australia and the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) have selected 10 students to be hosted in China as part of Huaweis Seeds for the Future initiative, their most heavily invested Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity.
The selected students from RMIT University (RMIT) in Victoria, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), University of South Australia (UniSA) and Curtin University will join senior ICT lecturers on a two-week, hands-on learning experience in Shenzhen, China, in July.
Huawei collaborated with the ATN to select the top performing students to provide them the opportunity to experience life at the Huawei campus with around 60,000 employees based in Shenzhen, as well as to visit Huaweis Research and Development labs, its Exhibition and Logistics Centres, and gain valuable work experience in a global business environment.
Jeremy Mitchell, director of corporate and public affairs at Huawei, said the Seeds for the Future initiative helps develop talent in Australia and encourages participation in the international ICT community.
We are delighted to see this years female participation at 50%. We believe that empowering women in the tech sector has a positive effect on our industry, boosts our economy and ensures Australia maintains a global competitive workforce in the future. We will continue to build our program to ensure Australias best ICT students get this important global experience.
ATN executive director, Renee Hindmarsh said: Huaweis Seeds for the Future program is a fantastic opportunity for ATN students to interact with state-of-the art technology, get first-hand experience and learn vital multicultural business skills within the global ICT secto.
We are excited for our students who will get the chance to network with true industry leaders and other like-minded individuals, and come back with new skills to thrive and excel in their future careers.
The students selected to participate in Huaweis 2016 Seeds for the Future delegation include:
Jack Byrant, RMIT Victoria
Pauline Jungco, RMIT Victoria
Grant Kennedy, UniSA South Australia
Sarah Rich, UniSA South Australia
Jordan Anslow, QUT Queensland
Aakanksha Bose, QUT- Queensland
James Fenton, UTS New South Wales
Bronwyn Mercer, UTS New South Wales
Matthew Biletic, Curtin University Western Australia
Ozlem Erkilic, Curtin University Western Australia
Apples iOS enjoys the least "fragmentation" of any operating system: 84% are on iOS 9.x, 11% on iOS 8.x and 5% on earlier versions. Much of the latter two are due to hardware limitations, being pre-iPhone 4S.
Apple push iOS updates via teh Internet (called over the air OTA - these are usually sent via Wi-Fi/Ethernet as mobile data is too expensive and normally blocked for large updates like this) whether you want them or not because it makes sense to them it fixes bugs, patches security holes, and occasionally adds new functionality. It is relatively easy for Apple to do this as it makes all the devices, there are not too many variations, and you must log into its ecosystem to gain full functionality so it knows where you are.
There have been nine versions of iOS 9 and there will be more before version 10 is released later this year. There were 11 versions of iOS 8 since the iPhone 6 was released in September 2014.
Apple users seem content to consent to this process including the download of thousands of megabytes at their cost over the average life of an iOS iPhone, iPad, and iPod.
But some Apple users are up in arms and decrying this OTA tactic as highly inconvenient and costly an iPhone 6 user has typically paid for over 2GB of downloads as they are pushed to the device and apparently you cant easily stop that. Others simply dont have spare storage space for the downloads. Some say older phones run too slow etc. If you need more information simply search "How to stop iOS update".
And those same Apple users are up in arms because the update goes against all logic you get a nag screen after it has downloaded a hundred megabytes or more. Then you only have two options install now or remind me later there is no cancellation option.
If you chose the remind option, you are nagged twice a day from thereon in. A mate of mine does not want to upgrade yes, he is probably bonkers but every time he has done so he has either had worse performance or battery life and if it aint broke he wont fix it. As is his right.
The problem is that there is no kill switch for updates rather you need to go into settings and find things.
Open the Settings app and go to General
Choose Storage & iCloud Usage
Go to Manage Storage
Locate the iOS software update that is nagging and tap on it
Tap on Delete Update and confirm that you want to delete the update
Disconnect from Wi-Fi to avoid the software update downloading itself again
If you connect to Wi-Fi again for any reasonable length of time the iOS update will download again and so it begins. Be aware there have been many reports of issues caused where earlier updates have been skipped iOS updates are meant to be installed in order.
If you are really determined you can block the Apple update site on your router appldnld.apple.com and mesu.apple.com need to be blocked but remember that public or work networks, or even charging via a computer may expose the device to the internet and its game on again, and again ...
Comment
Some may say that Apple has become Microsoft, but sorry, it was the other way around.
Ironically Microsoft have followed this process with Windows 10 and the microsloths are up in arms too yet Apple seems to get away with this behaviour. At least Microsoft has the options to turn off auto-updating.
That Apple downloads and uses bandwidth repeatedly without permission is appalling, especially given bandwidth speeds and data limits that many have. No, it is not good enough to assume that if you own an Apple device you consent to this.
Apple needs to default to NOT automatically downloading anything, and NOT automatically installing anything. Ideally a single, small, few kilobyte notification that there is an update is all you should get.
Then there is the conspiracy theory that updates are designed to encourage you to get a new phone as your perfectly good older one becomes so bogged down supporting the new operating system version that you need new, faster hardware.
If any reader has a foolproof way to stop both the download and nag screens apart from swapping to Windows or Android please let me know so I can pass it along.
Lenovo's new Phab2 Pro, developed with Google, brings augmented reality to smartphone screens without the need for a headset.
The device, which has a 6.4-inch screen, pushes smartphone functionality to new heights. The giant display presents a wealth of information that changes how people interact with the physical world around them.
The smartphone, based on Google's Project Tango computer vision technology, will ship worldwide in August and become available in September for US $499, Lenovo announced Thursday. It's loaded with cutting-edge sensors, cameras, and a Snapdragon 652 processor from Qualcomm.
The device can be used to measure distances, recognize items, map locations, and provide real-time indoor navigation.
By integrating Tango in Phab2 Pro, Lenovo "can provide enhancements to everyday user experiences that will be so valuable that it's almost second nature," Jeff Meredith, vice president and general manager of Android and Chrome Computing at Lenovo, said in an interview.
Google said Phab2 Pro is the first Project Tango device, and many more will come.
"With a Tango-enabled phone, you also have a toybox, a solar system, and a pet shop in your pocket. You can play with a huge set of dominoes, explore the planets, defend yourself from invading aliens, or feed your virtual dog all through your phone," Google said.
One goal with Phab2 Pro is to enhance indoor navigation, where GPS typically does not work well. In a museum, the smartphone could guide a user to a specific painting and display information about the artist and the work.
The smartphone could also guide a person to a specific booth in a convention center, something conventional navigation systems can't do.
Gaming will reach new heights on the Tango smartphone, Meredith said. Users can play augmented reality games by superimposing graphics on real-world backgrounds. Imagine playing a shooter game with the world around you as the background.
Someone remodeling their kitchen could superimpose pictures of furniture and cabinets, in different colors, onto an image of the actual room. The Phab2 Pro previews what the new kitchen would look like.
Lenovo is partnering with home improvement retailers Lowe's and Wayfair. With Wayfair's app, for instance, you could use the Phab2 Pro to preview new furniture for your living room.
The augmented reality is made possible by a unique set of hardware and sensors in the smartphone. The handset establishes location and contextual awareness by understanding the device's position, plus motion, images, and location, Meredith said.
That input is delivered to special software tied to Project Tango installed in the handset, which runs the Android 6.0 OS.
The back of the smartphone has a motion-tracking sensor, a fish-eye camera, a depth sensor, and a regular RGB camera, which can provide a broad 150-degree view. The smartphone also has a 5-megapixel front camera.
The smartphone was announced earlier this year at CES by Lenovo and Google, but specifications weren't finalized at the time. The companies started collaborating on Project Tango in mid-2015, and they plan to bring computer vision to devices like virtual reality headsets, Meredith said.
Lenovo is encouraging the development of apps for Project Tango devices. There are seven to eight apps written that it helped fund as part of the Project Tango App Incubator program, but more should follow. More than 100 Tango apps are also available on the Tango website, a Google representative said.
For example, Project Tango devices could guide a user to the right platform in a subway station using contextual and positional awareness, Meredith said.
Google has suggested Project Tango could be used in stores -- devices could guide users through aisles to specific products, and then to cashiers by mapping check out signs.
Google has said Project Tango devices will also be able to map out entire homes and offices.
The Phab2 Pro will be improved over time. Object measurements aren't accurate to the millimeter today, but that should get better, Meredith said.
The smartphone's screen displays images at a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution. The handset weighs 259 grams and measures 10.7-millimeters at its thickest point. It has dual nano-SIM slots, 64GB of storage, 4GB of memory, and a micro-SD slot for up to 128GB of extra storage. The handset has a 4050 milliamp-hour battery that can provide 18 hours of talk time and 13 days of standby time.
Lenovo also announced the Phab2 Plus, which has a 6.4-inch full high-definition screen. It runs on a MediaTek quad-core processor, has 32GB of storage, and 3GB of RAM. It has a micro-SD slot for up to 128GB of external storage, and it offers 23 hours of talk time and 17 hours of standby time. It weighs 218 grams and is 9.6 millimeters thick. It has a 13-megapixel rear camera and 8-megapixel front camera. It will ship in September starting at $299.
Lenovo also announced the $199 Phab2, which has a 6.4-inch screen and 16GB of storage. It will ship in September.
Underwater exploration has never been a cheap endeavor. Aside from a submarine or an underwater rover, your options for unlocking the secrets of the deep are rather limited.
Two companies are working to change that by creating compact, affordable underwater robots.
The first is O-Robotix, the maker of Seadrone, which takes concepts from aerial drones and modifies them for use under water. The 10.5-by-12 inch Seadrone is compact enough to carry in your hand and has a gimbal-mounted HD camera that streams live video directly to a tablet. You can control the drone via the tablet interface or a joystick.
By design, Seadrone caters more to industrial customers. It's been used by acquafarmers and by oil and gas companies for inspecting underwater infrastructure. A collection of sensors measure pressure, temperature, water current and voltage. An auto depth and heading system, along with a 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), make it easier to steer, allowing users to focus on other tasks.
It comes in three models depending on the number of thrusters, which affects speed and maneuverability:
Explorer: 3 Thrusters, $2,299 Inspector: 5 Thrusters, $3,299 Developer: 6 Thrusters, $3,899
The second company hoping to make a splash underwater is OpenROV. Unlike Seadrone, its v2.8 robot is geared more towards enthusiasts. It's priced at $899 and comes as a DIY kit. It doesn't have all the sensors that the Seadrone has, but the v2.8 can be modified because the company has made the design open source. Like Seadrone, the v2.8 can be operated with a joystick.
OpenROV expects to release its next underwater drone, Trident, in November. It will cost around $1,500 and come ready-assembled. The Trident will be faster than its predecessor, but also more maneuverable in tight spaces.
The drones are available for purchase online.
U.S. plans to transfer the oversight of key technical Internet functions to an international multi-stakeholder governance model have run into hurdles with two bills being introduced on Wednesday that would require the government to first take the approval of Congress for the transition.
A bill proposed in the Senate by Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, called the Protecting Internet Freedom Act, would prohibit any transfer of Internet domain name system functions except if expressly allowed under a federal statute passed after the new legislation has been enacted.
The bill would also require that the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information provide to Congress written certification within 60 days of the enactment of the new Internet freedom legislation that the U.S. has secured sole ownership of the .gov and .mil top-level domains and a contract for the exclusive control and use of the the domains in perpetuity.
A version of the bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Sean Duffy, a Republican from Wisconsin.
The administration of President Barack Obama is "months away from deciding whether the United States government will continue to provide oversight over core functions of the Internet and protect it from authoritarian regimes that view the Internet as a way to increase their influence and suppress freedom of speech," Cruz said in a statement.
The senator has been for long a critic of U.S. government policy about transfer of control of the Internet to a global multistakeholder body. He put a hold last year on the Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters (DOTCOM) Act, legislation that would give Congress 30 days to review alternative governance models for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers before a transition occurs, as he wanted to include a provision requiring a Congress vote to approve the transition plan.
ICANN currently operates under contract with the U.S. Department of Commerce the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, which include responsibility for the coordination of the DNS (Domain Name System) root, IP addressing, and other Internet protocol resources.
The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency located in the Department of Commerce, said in March 2014 that it planned to let its contract with ICANN to operate key domain-name functions expire in September 2015, passing the oversight of the agency to a global governance model.
The Department of Commerce said in August last year that the transition was being delayed to September this year while the community formulated its plan, had it reviewed by the U.S. government and then put it into action if approved.
ICANN submitted in March to the U.S. its plan for ending U.S. oversight of the technical Internet functions. The Department of Commerce told AFP on Thursday that the proposal had been endorsed as it meets criteria set by the US administration. But there are still concerns in some quarters that after the transition to a global multi-stakeholder governance model, dictatorial regimes could meddle and try to censor the Internet.
A number of conservative groups have backed the new draft legislation. Berin Szoka, president of policy think thank TechFreedom, for example, said that the U.S. administration hasn't been willing to negotiate to protect ICANNs multistakeholder model.
Congressional approval of the transition, besides ensuring more transparency and accountability mechanisms, would meet a legal requirement if a U.S. court were to rule that the IANA function constituted government property, Szoka added. The Constitution requires that Congress authorize disposition of government assets.
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Businesses which put forward project ideas for official recognition will be in with a chance of winning a Mayor's Dragon Award 2000.
The awards - in their 13th year - are presented by the Corporation of London and supported by Business in the Community.
Library bond unanimously approved Voters waited in line for 45 minutes Tuesday to participate in an eight-minute meeting that resulted in the unanimous approval of a $600,000 bond to help renovate the North Road...
Ferryboat business told to halt operations The ferryboat company operating from the municipally owned docks at East Ferry is illegally using that space, according to correspondence mailed to business owner Bill Munger. Town Administrator Jamie Hainsworth...
A DOGGONE NEW BUSINESS A former business that used to clean peoples clothes is reopening as a groomer to tidy up the fur of those peoples four-legged companions. The defunct laundromat at the McQuades...
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Brookfield-based Ridgestone Bank, a top Small Business Administration lender, is being acquired by a Chicago bank for about $105 million.
The deal between Byline Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Byline Bank, and Ridgestone Financial Services Inc. is expected to close late this year, the companies announced Thursday.
The acquisition of Ridgestone by Byline Bank will give Byline a Wisconsin presence for the first time, along with access to Ridgestone's strong SBA lending operation. Ridgestone has had an Illinois branch in Schaumburg for about 10 years. Byline has 65 branches in the Chicago metro area.
"We believe this transaction brings significant and specialized lending expertise to our banking platform," Alberto Paracchini, chief executive of Byline, said in a statement. "It's a great opportunity to add an excellent team with a proven track record to our organization."
Bruce Lammers, CEO of Ridgestone, said, "We look forward to combining resources with Byline Bank, which will allow us to further grow our government guaranteed lending business and provide additional products and services to our business customers."
In the transaction, which still needs regulatory approval, Ridgestone shareholders may elect to receive either shares of common stock of Byline or cash, provided that 65% of the total cost will be paid in shares of Byline and 35% in cash.
With assets of $433 million, Ridgestone is about one-sixth the size of its acquirer, which has $2.6 billion. However, Ridgestone has been profitable and Byline lost money last year and in the first quarter of this year, according to regulatory records.
In 2015, Ridgestone had net income of $11.5 million. Byline posted a loss of almost $12.4 million last year and lost another $814,000 in the first quarter of 2016, data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. shows.
Byline was known for years as North Community Bank until a name change in 2015.
In 2006, Lammers led investors in buying the Brookfield bank for $14million and quickly established the Schaumburg branch.
Lammers, a Wisconsin native who formerly was chief operating officer of the now-defunct Amcore Bank, of Rockford, Ill., put together a staff of lenders in Schaumburg who he knew from his Illinois experience.
Lammers was a "white knight" whose investor group bought Ridgestone and took it private on friendly terms after a disgruntled shareholder mounted a hostile takeover of then-publicly traded Ridgestone. Under Lammers, the assets of Ridgestone have quadrupled.
In addition to its two full-service branches in Brookfield and Schaumburg, Ridgestone has lenders in Madison, northeast and north-central Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Tennessee, southern California and Ohio.
Ridgestone said in March that it was the No. 1 SBA bank lender by dollar volume in Wisconsin and Illinois, while third in Indiana and sixth in the United States overall.
Ridgestone said that for fiscal year 2015, it approved $96 million in SBA loans to businesses in Wisconsin and $474.3 million in SBA loans nationwide.
The SBA's main lending program helps new and existing small companies by guaranteeing loans made by banks and other lenders. The SBA backing reduces the risk for the lender.
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The Northwestern Mutual Foundation announced Thursday it is awarding nearly $1 million in grants to community development organizations across Milwaukee.
The foundation grants will affect nearly 70,000 people living in the Amani, Metcalfe Park and Muskego Way neighborhoods. The foundation is investing in nonprofit organizations that focus on safe neighborhoods, healthy and thriving youth, strong families and quality education.
"The residents in these three areas are serving as change-makers in their communities by advocating for safer and stronger neighborhoods, an initiative we have supported for many years," Eric Christophersen, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, said in a news release. "By working together we can see the positive change in our communities that has a ripple effect on our whole city."
Grant recipients will include: ACTS Housing; Corporation Artists Working in Education; Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee; Youth & Family Centers Dominican Center for Women Feeding America; Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center; Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee; Journey House; Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Legal Aid; Society of Milwaukee; Milwaukee Christian Center; Milwaukee Repertory Theater; Pathfinders; Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation; Safe & Sound; Sixteenth Street Community Health Center; The Parenting Network; United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee; Community Collaborations (in partnership with Zilber Family Foundation and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation); Community Connections; and Small Grants Neighborhood Leadership Institute.
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Saying it makes good business sense, the UW Credit Union plans to increase its minimum hourly wage to $15 by September 2017.
The Madison-based financial institution one of Wisconsin's largest said Thursday that it will boost its minimum wage from the current $12.60 to $13.80 this September, then hit $15 an hour a year later.
Paul Kundert, president and chief executive of UW Credit Union, said his institution, which has 505 employees, gets high customer satisfaction ratings and believes taking care of workers will help keep it that way.
"I wanted to make sure, as the CEO here, that this is good business thinking," Kundert said of raising the minimum to $15. "We're very committed to increasing members' satisfaction even beyond the high numbers we're at, and the people who our members interact with has everything to do with those satisfaction ratings."
The higher minimum wage is expected to affect about 25% of UW Credit Union's workforce.
"I really don't think people can put the focus on the customer the member when their own needs aren't being met fully. I just think that's a key to continuing to grow member satisfaction," Kundert said.
Kundert said he also expects the higher wage to reduce turnover and generate more job applicants.
The UW Credit Union's wage-raising commitment comes amid a push by labor advocates nationally for a $15 minimum wage. This week, Washington, D.C., approved a $15-an-hour citywide minimum wage by 2020.
Opponents contend higher minimum wages could reduce jobs.
The UW Credit Union's pay already far exceeds the current Wisconsin minimum wage, which is $7.25. Going from the current $12.60 at the credit union to $15 represents a 19% increase.
"I think sometimes markets don't work as efficiently as they could, and I think in some ways wages haven't kept up with expectations and productivity with a lot of employees," Kundert said.
Credit unions are like banks in many ways, but they are financial cooperatives owned by their members instead of stockholders. The UW Credit Union, with assets of $2.1 billion and about 212,000 members, is Wisconsin's fourth-largest credit union. It had net income last year of $30.9 million.
Kundert said the commitment to a $15 minimum hourly wage came about as the credit union's board considered its growth and ways to reinvest.
"In terms of where we go from here and how to reinvest in the organization, we were noting how much increase in productivity we've had from employees in the last five years," Kundert said. "Our assets have grown over 60%, and we've only added about 30% to our employee base."
He said as the credit union started crunching numbers to see how much it would increase costs to boost its hourly wage, it found it would be "very affordable." He said the move is projected to add only 0.6% to UW Credit Union's operating budget.
Kundert acknowledged that getting to $15 isn't an enormous leap for UW Credit Union because in 2009 the institution established what it called a "foundational wage" a commitment to provide all employees a good living wage even when the prevailing market conditions would allow for less.
The $15 minimum wage will apply to full-time and part-time workers. Of the 505 employees at the UW Credit Union, 426 are full time and 79 are part time.
Kundert said the UW Credit Union also is looking into whether more of its workforce could be moved to full time from part time.
"What I've asked the operations team is to go back and look at the mix and identify, are there opportunities where we are employing a part-time person in a segment of the day and another part-time person in another segment of the day, and could that really be a full-time job," Kundert said.
"It's not to say we can eliminate or would want to eliminate all part-time jobs. We're just saying we're going to look at the operations and make sure were not using part time where a full-time job is possible."
The UW Credit Union has 23 branches, with locations in the Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Stevens Point, Oshkosh and Whitewater areas.
Fresh off his new album W, Milwaukee rapper Wave Chapelle will open for Azizi Gibson at the Miramar Theatre Friday. Credit: Bill Schulz
For the rest of the month, Local Beat will feature reviews of Milwaukee albums, starting this week with the latest from Yo Gotti-signed rapper Wave Chapelle, Violent Femmes' Summerfest opener Midwest Death Rattle and more.
Anna Nuzzo, "Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet" (annanuzzo.com)
It's possible some people may not embrace the idea of the "Lord's Prayer" and "Hail Mary" re-imagined as adult contemporary pop songs, but there's no denying Kenosha-based Nuzzo's devotion or the beauty of her voice.
Faux Fiction, "Staring at the Sun" (fauxfictionband.com)
Gabby Kartz's voice is nothing short of glorious, particularly when she triumphantly wails about embracing a fulfilling life on album closer "Good Things."
Her presence alone makes Faux Fiction, delivering its full-length debut with "Sun," one local band to watch closely. Add the cinematic shoegaze drive led by guitarist Jason Kartz, and you have one of the best local albums so far this year.
Release show: 9 p.m. June 17, Riverwest Public House Cooperative, 815 E. Locust St. $5.
Midwest Death Rattle, "Post-Apocalypso" (midwest deathrattle.com)
Reminiscent of the nervous but exhilarating eccentricity of Modest Mouse, Midwest Death Rattle rips through psychedelic, wavy guitars, Tex-Mex flair and raucous group vocals on "Ay Dios Mio," and packs a punch with bass-bumping garage rocker "Suddenly, More Karate," before pulling the rug out from the listener with a mid-song sonic switcheroo.
Next gig: 9 p.m. Saturday, Frank's Power Plant, 2800 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. $5.
RedBelt, "Beautiful Surround" (redbeltmusic.com)
Right out of the gate with its first album, RedBelt masters meat-and-potatoes power pop, and then at the end, hints at what could come with the ambitious, surging jangle rock on album closer "Hard Light."
Wave Chapelle, "W" (wavechapelle.com)
With track titles like "Let's Win," "Overtime" and "Home Team" and loads of metaphors in the lyrics Wave Chapelle takes the sports-theme on "W" a bit too far. But repetition aside, Chapelle also illustrates why Yo Gotti offered him a record deal, via his charismatic, natural flow. And the trap-influenced production suggests Chapelle is finding his voice, a big leap from 2014's promising but sonically scattered "Only the Beginning."
Next gig:9 p.m. Friday, Miramar Theatre, 2844 N. Oakland Ave. $10 to $15.
Beaded and bone jewelry from Kenya is only a room's length away from terracotta pots made in Bangladesh and dresses (with pockets!) made by women in India and Nepal.
Traditional Rwandan baskets hang from the walls in blues, greens and, perhaps surprisingly, hot pink.
Four Corners of the World, 5708 W. Vliet St., is, indeed, an entire world within Washington Heights, but it feels as though it's the personal curation of your most modern, cultured friend foreign but familiar.
The sense is intentional, said owner Clara Tracey, who describes the store as "fresh, clean, modern and fair trade."
"One of the things I pride myself on is that people don't say it feels like a fair-trade store, which I know sounds bad," she said. "But I want it to feel hip and cool and it sounds so not hip and cool when I call it hip and cool but I mean, people are often surprised when they walk in the door."
The Rwandan baskets are currently Tracey's favorite pieces. She likes the mix of the traditional style with the modern pink touch.
Who: Tracey took over ownership of Four Corners of the World about a year ago after serving as its manager for two years. But retail was not an obvious path for her.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in music specializing in violin. After college she played in string quartets on cruise ships.
When her neighbor Michael Howden opened Four Corners of the World in 2008, she agreed to run the register. Although she had no retail background, she agreed with the fair-trade mission: be respectful to the earth and to other people.
How it started:Four Corners of the World was established under the Southeastern Wisconsin Initiative for Fair Trade, a board committed to the ideals of fair trade: reasonable wages for workers, sustainable practices, quality products and environmentally-conscious production. Inspired by local activists who were interested in anti-sweatshop clothing, Four Corners of the World opened its doors to serve all interested in fair trade.
In February, the store moved from its original location at 5401 W. Vliet St. to be closer to other area shops.
What it sells:Four Corners of the World offers primarily home decor items ranging from large wooden bowls from the Philippines ($48) to natural soap from India ($7) to knitted dolls from Bangladesh ($14).
Recently, a selection of women's clothing and fine jewelry was added to the already impressive collection of earrings, necklaces, rings and more.
Shoppers also can find fun and unusual gift items such as stationery made from elephant waste from Sri Lanka ($11) or a brass heart wine stopper from South Africa ($10).
How to navigate the store: The layout is set up by room. Start in the immediate right corner of the room for living items and work your way counterclockwise to move through the different categories of decor.
What you may not know:Many of the organizations Tracey works with, all of which are certified by the World Trade Organization or the Fair Trade Federation, are owned by women. She said this helps empower female artisans and creates a further depth of style in the products.
The fair trade message applies to Milwaukee's borders, too. Four Corners of the World carries a few U.S.-made items from local social enterprise groups, like soaps from Milwaukee's Gifts for the Journey, a Catholic ministry that aids women, children and men in impoverished areas.
Visit:Four Corners of the World is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Identity theft is bad enough when the perpetrators are Russian hackers, but imagine how you'd feel if your own federal government colleague started racking up credit card bills in your name.
Federal prosecutors say a Sussex man who had gone AWOL from his human resources job with the U.S. Forest Service office in Milwaukee used his access to other employees' data to obtain Meijer and Sears credit cards in the names of nearly two dozen people. At least 16 were fellow Forest Service employees and some were Michigan residents.
The story was first reported by Upper Peninsula Breaking News, an online service.
According to federal court records, Michael K. Hanan, 34, got the cards from February to May, some even after his remote network access had been terminated. He did have a government-issued laptop computer, however, and agents assumed that he was able to use a password to log in and get records stored on a hard drive.
After agents noticed that many cards reported by the victims were associated with Hanan's phone number, they reviewed security video from some of the stores in Wisconsin and Illinois where the cards were used and saw Hanan.
He was arrested in May in Sussex and was later indicted on six counts related to the thefts, and he faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on all counts. The indictment lists only five victims and a total theft of almost $7,000.
Prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of the funds and Hanan's 2013 Ford F-150 XL Super Crew pickup truck.
Although initially released on bond, Hanan was later ordered detained after the government claimed that he had tampered with an electronic monitoring bracelet, had called credit companies to try to get listed as a second user on some cards and had been gambling.
Court records indicate that at the time of his arrest, Hanan had been switching license plates on his truck, had no valid driver's license, was facing foreclosure on his home and had a pending worthless check case in Waukesha.
He was fired from the Forest Service, where he had worked for 15 years.
The case was investigated by the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and first reported by an employee victim who had free credit monitoring as a result of the 2015 data breach at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management that put 18 million government employees' personal information at risk.
The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, headquartered in City Hall, is one of the countrys most powerful civilian boards supervising public safety operations. Credit: Mike De Sisti
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Two new candidates for the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, one of the country's most powerful civilian boards supervising public safety operations, will take questions from the public at a community forum Thursday.
Though such forums have been held in the past, this opportunity for nominees to meet with residents comes after years of criticism over the lack of transparency in the selection of candidates.
Mayor Tom Barrett nominated Angela McKenzie, an administrative law judge for the State of Wisconsin, to fill a vacancy on the commission and entrepreneur Nelson Soler to replace former member Sarah Morgan.
The nominees will likely appear before the Common Council's Public Safety Committee in late June and before the full council in early July.
If the council votes to confirm the nominees, Soler and McKenzie will work with the six other appointees currently sitting on the board to recruit police officers and firefighters, establish overall policies, investigate citizens' grievances and enact disciplinary measures.
As an entrepreneur who has founded multiple businesses, Soler says he brings diversity and experience to the board, which consists mostly of members with a legal background. He is excited about efforts to improve the commission.
"It is very important when dealing with the complex issues we have in Milwaukee to have a proactive outreach with the community. Before, it was more reactive."
In recent years, the Fire and Police Commission has come under public criticism for its handling of high-profile discipline cases involving police officer misconduct.
Past nominations to the commissions also have been fraught with criticism from aldermen and members of the public about a lack of transparency. The council rejected and delayed nominations out of frustration with the absence of discussion on how to fill vacancies.
In 2013, the council initially rejected nominee Ann Wilson's candidacy to make a statement to Mayor Barrett about the need for a more collaborative nominee selection process. Last year, the commission delayed voting on nominee Rev. Fred Crouther because he had not completed a background check and did not have experience in a police or firefighting career.
The forum will be a chance for residents to informally vet and question the nominees in light of any problems the community may have.
"I hope that people will learn about myself and voice their concerns," Soler said.
Among those attending the forum will be representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, which sent a letter on May 19 to Barrett outlining qualifications they hope to see in the nominees. Although the ACLU has a policy barring any opposition or endorsement of nominees, representatives will assess whether Soler and McKenzie have the skills and experience suggested in the letter.
"The committee really has an opportunity to improve police-community relations and public safety," said Wisconsin ACLU Executive Director Christopher Ahmuty.
He said Milwaukee police's technologies and the willingness to challenge the police and fire departments are some of the issues he will pay close attention to in assessing the nominees because the committee needs improvement in these areas.
The forum will be held at 6 p.m. at 1310 S. Cesar Chavez Drive.
Janet Fazen, a co-owner of VaporLicious in West Allis, holds one her few remaining vials of CBD oil after police seized the rest of her stock. The oil is said to have medicinal benefits from also contains a small amount of THC. Credit: Sam Caravana
Janet Fazen and her family run a vape shop in West Allis, but a recent visit by police has left them feeling like dope dealers.
Officers seized their entire inventory of CBD liquid, which is said to come from industrial hemp plants. "The original vape additive. Add to your favorite liquid or vape alone," the package says.
Customers who buy it have told Fazen that it gives some relief from pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety and other maladies. There is a trace of THC, the ingredient that gives weed its buzz, but not enough to make anyone high, she said. Minors are not allowed in the store without a parent.
"They (police) should return the product. And I should be able to freely sell," she said. "It kind of puts me on edge. I'm trying to have a little business here. They took mine, but it's all over the nation."
West Allis police say the CBD, or cannabidiol, is contraband and they're not giving it back. Deputy Chief Bob Fletcher said two officers went to the store, VaporLicious, 8822 W. Lincoln Ave., on May 20 and purchased one bottle of CBD Drip. When they tested it, they found evidence of THC, though Fletcher admits the screening does not indicate what level.
"The field tests that are used are an all-or-nothing thing. It's not like on a scale. It's either going to show, yes, it's there, or it isn't there," Fletcher said.
The Fazens Janet, her husband John and their son Charlie were not cited or charged with a crime. Fletcher said they were cooperative with the officers, who seized a dozen bottles of CBD Drip with a retail value of a couple hundred dollars.
"They didn't believe what they were selling was a controlled substance. I think they really thought it was legal. So the officers didn't make any arrests or anything like that," he said.
Officers went to the store to investigate a report of CBD being sold there. West Allis police have been in touch with the Milwaukee County district attorney's office for direction on how to handle other similar cases, Fletcher said.
Most of what VaporLicious sells are e-cigarette devices and the juice that goes with them. They added the CBD in three strengths a year ago, with prices ranging from about $15 to $50 a bottle. They were assured by the distributor, CBD Drip in Newport Beach, Calif., that the product is legal to sell.
That company's website lists 20 other stores in the Milwaukee area and throughout Wisconsin where you can buy it. The company did not return my call or respond to my email.
CBD oil made news in Wisconsin when parents of children with seizure disorders pushed to legalize it here. A law was passed in 2014, named for Lydia Schaeffer of Burlington, who died at age 7 before she could benefit from CBD's medicinal effects. But amendments to the law have made it largely useless.
Sally Schaeffer, Lydia's mother, said she is not sure what exactly the CBD Drip is or does, though it's not being promoted for children with seizures. The fine print on the package says it's "not validated by the FDA" and "not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease." Buyers are urged to consult a doctor before use.
Project CBD, a California-based nonprofit that promotes research into the medical use of CBD and other components of the marijuana plant, cautions that CBD products derived from industrial hemp are inferior to CBD-rich products from whole plant cannabis.
"Industrial hemp typically contains far less cannabidiol than CBD-rich cannabis strains, so a huge amount of industrial hemp is required to extract a small amount of CBD," the organization's website says, adding that this raises the risk of contaminants.
Because it's against federal law to use hemp leaves and flowers to make drug products, hemp oil entrepreneurs claim that using the hemp stalk instead and then importing their products into the U.S. allows them to sidestep this prohibition. It's a gray area under the law, Project CBD says.
Janet Fazen, who says she has a clean criminal record, told me she favors legalization of marijuana, medically and recreationally, in Wisconsin and nationwide, and that day appears to be coming sooner in some states and later in others.
"I lost a daughter when she was 17 to cancer. I lost my mother, my father. I recently lost my brother-in-law, all to cancer," she said. "It's not like this stuff is going to cure anything necessarily. But if it can help make their life a little bit better, then it should move forward."
Call Jim Stingl at (414) 224-2017 or email at jstingl@jrn.com. Connect with my public page at Facebook.com/Journalist.Jim.Stingl
Hillary Clinton gestures to her supporters at the conclusion of a primary night campaign event at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York on Tuesday. Credit: European Press Agency
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The five days in 2008 between the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary were Hillary Clinton's crucible. They showed what she's made of and that she should never be underestimated.
After Barack Obama's overwhelming victory in Iowa, the polls all suggested he was about to deliver the second shot of a one-two punch that would have crippled Clinton's campaign.
If he had, the once-inevitable front-runner would have lost her chance to fight Obama to a virtual draw in the Democratic contests over the next five months. In turn, Obama might never have seen her as a natural and unifying pick for secretary of state.
Clinton's comeback was powered by characteristic moves, and then a big surprise.
Reflecting what some praise as her persistence and others see less charitably as doggedness, she loaded her schedule with town halls that wouldn't end until she had answered every voter's question.
And the day before the primary, she choked up when a friendly questioner asked her about the grueling nature of campaigning: "How do you do it?"
Her show of emotion shocked those who thought everything about her was bottled up. It reassured many in New Hampshire who refused to see her as an automaton. She delivered a classic Clinton message in the process: "Some people think elections are a game, lots of who's up or who's down. It's about our country. It's about our kids' futures. And it's really about all of us together."
She won New Hampshire, and the rest is history a complicated, often painful history that involved losing to Obama, serving in his cabinet, facing a surprisingly strong challenge from Bernie Sanders and, finally, securing the Democratic presidential nomination that had eluded her.
On Tuesday, she returned to the message of that vulnerable moment in New Hampshire for the template of her critique of Donald Trump. "Bridges are better than walls," she said. "We believe that we are stronger together."
The Hillary Clinton who prevails and wins loyalists, I'd argue, brings together two aspects of the Methodist tradition in which she was raised and, by extension, two sides of the American character.
She embodies the tensions and, sometimes, contradictions of what the theologian Michael Novak once described as the "communitarian individual." Her individualistic side sees salvation as depending on determination, grit and a dedication to work, and more work. Her communal side (she wrote a book, after all, called "It Takes a Village") runs through all her policy proposals, the values she lifts up ("all of us together" in 2008, "stronger together" now) and her attitude toward her friends. Those two instincts keep her going.
None of this explains away Clinton's flaws or blind spots or the mistakes she has made. We'll hear plenty about those. But these are her standards, and they are the reason why, beyond his assorted electoral weaknesses, Trump is the opponent she would have prayed to face.
The upright Midwestern Methodist who insists that life is about more than deals, who thrives on meticulous preparation, who is better with individual voters than with big crowds, and who always had to get there the hard way believes it from the bottom of her heart when she says that Trump is "temperamentally unfit to be president." When she takes him on, there will be no authenticity problem.
E.J. Dionne Jr. is a columnist for The Washington Post. Email ejdionne@washpost.com. Twitter: @EJDionne
Diane Hendricks, the states richest woman, did not pay personal state income taxes for four of five years. Credit: Mike De Sisti
By of the
Beloit billionaire Diane Hendricks, the richest woman in Wisconsin and a vice chair of the Trump Victory fundraising committee, didn't pay a dime in state income tax from 2012 through 2014, records obtained by the Journal Sentinel show.
Hendricks, 69, has a net worth of nearly $5 billion, according to an estimate by Forbes Magazine, which this month named her "America's Richest Self-Made Woman" edging out Oprah Winfrey, who the magazine said had a net worth of $3.1 billion. Judy Faulkner, founder and CEO at Epic Systems Corp., a Verona health care software company, came in third with an estimated net worth of $2.4 billion.
Hendricks, co-founder and owner of ABC Supply Co. the nation's largest supplier of roofing also owed no state taxes in 2010, meaning she paid no Wisconsin income taxes in four out of five years. The company, which she founded with her husband, Ken, in 1982, posts annual sales of about $6 billion. Ken Hendricks died in 2007.
State records show Hendricks, who is now chairman of ABC Supply, paid $290,415 in Wisconsin income taxes in 2011. In addition, Scott Bianchini, ABC Supply tax director, said Hendricks paid $7.6 million in state income taxes for last year.
There is no public record of that 2015 payment since Hendricks received an extension to file the return. "You'll be able to verify that next year," Bianchini said.
Trump Victory team
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus in May named Hendricks to the leadership team for Trump Victory, a committee that will raise funds for Donald Trump's presidential campaign, the RNC and 11 state GOP committees.
She has been a major ally and contributor to Gov. Scott Walker, pouring $5 million into a super PAC that was formed to support the Republican governor's failed presidential bid. She also gave $500,000 to Walker's 2012 recall campaign.
Hendricks garnered unwanted attention in 2012 when she was caught on a videotape showing her talking with Walker about using a "divide and conquer" strategy toward unions.
Hendricks' string of goose eggs on her tax returns could throw her into the spotlight again.
"It's an exhibit that works in this era of bumper sticker slogans," said Mordecai Lee, a former Democratic state legislator who now teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "Democrats will say this is another reason why people should not vote for Trump."
Trump fights taxes
It may not have much impact, however, with Trump supporters or people who are right of center, Lee said.
Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has repeatedly refused to release his federal income tax returns and has said, "I fight like hell to pay as little as possible" in taxes. He went at least two years without paying taxes in the late 1970s, according to a story in The Washington Post that quoted filings Trump made with New Jersey casino regulators.
Officials for the RNC did not return calls or emails seeking comment for this story Wednesday.
Bianchini said Hendricks was "unavailable for comment on this article" because she's on a family vacation.
During a brief interview at a Special Olympics event at the Waukesha County Courthouse Walker Thursday morning repeatedly declined to comment about Hendricks taxes. "That's more of an issue on the federal level" because of state income taxes are based on federal tax returns, Walker said.
The governor said his goal is to lower taxes for the middle class. Asked what message a billionaire not paying state income taxes sends to the middle class, Walker said: "It's not because of things that we've done."
When a reporter commented that Walker would not touch the issue with a 10-foot pole, the governor replied, "You got it."
Though Hendricks had a string of zeros on her Wisconsin income tax returns, records show ABC Supply paid more than $2.2 million in Wisconsin income taxes from 2011 through 2014. The company also paid state income taxes in other states where it does business, Bianchini said.
In addition, Bianchini said that from 2011 to 2014, ABC Supply paid "hundreds of millions of dollars" in various taxes, including sales taxes, federal taxes and state income taxes throughout the country.
Hendricks personally paid more than $100 million in various state and federal taxes last year, Bianchini said, noting the $7.6 million to Wisconsin is included in the tabulation.
Accountants said it is not unusual for a wealthy person to end the year with zero tax liability and then have a tax bill the following year.
"Business could ebb and flow so quickly," said Christa Baldridge, a shareholder in the Milwaukee office of Schenck SC, a Wisconsin-based accounting firm. "Just because you're worth $5 billion doesn't mean you made $5 billion."
Still, "it is unusual to go zero, zero, zero and then owe $7.6 million," said Joel Joyce, a partner at Reilly, Penner & Benton LLP, the oldest CPA firm in Wisconsin.
A number of reasons
There are several reasons a wealthy individual could have no tax liability, including investment losses, various deductions or credits or tax losses that carry forward that is, the ability to use losses from a previous year against income earned in a later year, Joyce and Baldridge said.
The state Department of Revenue does not release details about an individual's tax return. It only releases the net tax paid by an individual or company, making it impossible to determine what deductions or credits a person used when figuring out their taxes.
Bianchini declined to say why Hendricks had owed no taxes for three straight years but paid $7.6 million last year.
"Diane's tax return like anybody else's is a personal document," Bianchini said. "We would prefer to keep it that way."
Democratic presidential candidate former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton greets supporters during a primary night event in Brooklyn, New York. Hillary Clinton surpassed the number of delegates needed to become the Democratic nominee over rival Bernie Sanders with a win in the New Jersey presidential primary. Credit: Justin Sullivan
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By ,
New York For two weeks in February, Hillary Clinton's campaign appeared on the brink of falling into an all-too-familiar pattern.
Her razor-thin win in Iowa and crushing defeat in New Hampshire to Bernie Sanders sparked questions about her weaknesses as a candidate and second-guessing about her operation. A flood of "helpers" the derisive term some aides use to describe the legion of Clinton friends and allies outside the campaign wanted to offer advice. Press reports began popping up about an internal shakeup.
"We were worried," recalled Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Clinton backer. "We thought this will be really a test, can she withstand everyone talking in her ear?"
It was a test that Clinton would pass.
Within weeks, she started opening a delegate lead that would never close. Her campaign team remained intact, displaying discipline that surprised veterans of the Clintons' past political operations. After victories in March 15 primaries, aides celebrated at the campaign's Brooklyn headquarters with a boozy, late-night dance party, confident that Clinton had put the nominating fight out of reach for Sanders.
For Clinton, those were the moments when she finally shed the ghosts of her failed first White House run in 2008, a cursed campaign that repeatedly buckled and ultimately collapsed under pressure.
"We just stuck together," said Robby Mook, Clinton's campaign manager and a target of early shakeup rumors. "That was a really galvanizing and important moment for the campaign."
In many ways, Clinton's 2016 success was a redemption story, the tale of how a flawed candidate overcame some of her failings. But the campaign also underscored that Clinton can't help being her own worst enemy.
The question now is which Clinton the rehabilitated policy wonk or the reflexively defensive politician will win out as she faces perhaps her most unpredictable challenge: Donald Trump.
Nearly two years before announcing her candidacy, Clinton commissioned an extensive evaluation from a team of Democratic consultants. They made the following recommendations: Clinton would have to run a more disciplined, frugal operation, she would need to focus far more on winning delegates and she would have to overcome questions about her authenticity.
On two of those three fronts, Clinton found a winning formula in her primary campaign against Sanders.
Gone were the old Clinton hands, with their warring fiefdoms. Mook, a young operative known for inspiring fierce loyalty among his staff, prided himself on thriftiness.
Aides say Clinton was fixated on the campaign's delegate operation, desperate to avoid one of the most glaring mistakes from 2008. While Clinton captured more votes than Barack Obama in that race, his operation mastered the complex delegate allocation process that ultimately gave him the edge.
So Clinton hired the man who built the system that defeated her, delegate guru Jeff Berman.
Last summer, Berman began locking down crucial superdelegates for Clinton.
By November, Clinton had public support from nearly half the superdelegates, according to an Associated Press count. That gave her 15% of overall delegates that she would need to win the nomination before voting even started.
Even with her campaign on more solid footing, nothing prepared Clinton for the challenge that she would face from Sanders, a rumpled 74-year-old senator from Vermont.
Sanders returned to his home state on Wednesday following losses Tuesday in California, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. Having won in North Dakota and Montana, Sanders vowed to fight on for a political revolution but showed signs that he would bow to the inevitable and bring his insurgent effort to a close.
As Sanders' remarkable White House bid runs out of next stops, the only question is when. Just as important for him is how to keep his campaign alive in some form, by converting his newfound political currency into policies to change the Democratic Party, the Senate or even the country itself, on issues including income inequality and campaign finance reform.
To that end, Sanders was to travel to Washington on Thursday to meet with President Barack Obama and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and speak at a rally. Obama is expected to endorse Clinton as soon as Thursday after his meeting with Sanders, and Reid is prepared to discuss with Sanders how the self-described democratic socialist might advance his goals back in the Senate.
Right at the start of his campaign, Sanders had begun drawing massive crowds around the country and announcing eye-popping fundraising totals. His supporters appeared to be drawn as much to his populist economic message as his raw authenticity, which stood in sharp contrast to Clinton's carefully scripted style.
Meanwhile, revelations about the private server that she used at the State Department saddled Clinton with new questions about her trustworthiness even before she officially launched her campaign. Her sudden pivot on issues such as trade seemed to underscore that she was willing to shift positions to match the political moment.
And perhaps her biggest problem: Some voters simply didn't like her.
In an effort to solve the likability issue, Clinton's campaign tried to put her in situations where she would play to her strengths, maximizing one-on-one interactions in smaller settings and policy-heavy roundtables. And unlike in 2008, when she all-but-ignored her gender, Clinton owned her historic status.
Karen Finney, a campaign spokeswoman, said Clinton "had a real vision about how she wanted to do the campaign and what works best for her."
At times, that meant walking away from her husband Bill Clinton's legacy as president, including the 1994 crime bill that is blamed for mass incarcerations, particularly among minorities.
Hillary Clinton went on to draw massive support from black primary voters.
Clinton's aides say she is eager for a bruising, no-holds-barred battle against Trump and a Republican Party that has targeted her for decades.
It's a fight that she has been girding for since her days in Arkansas and the Clintons' early years in Washington. While Clinton may struggle with the softer side of politics, she is at her best when pitted against a partisan opponent, particularly one she deems a policy lightweight.
But at least for a few moments Tuesday, Clinton stopped to relish in her milestone moment as the first woman to ever lead a major U.S. political party. "She told me to never back down from a bully," Clinton said during an emotional remembrance of her mother.
Then, seamlessly slipping back into the political fight to come, Clinton added: "Which it turns out was pretty good advice."
Indeed, in an interview Wednesday, Clinton went on the offensive by accusing Trump of behaving like a "demagogue" and by likening his attacks on judges, the media, his opponents and their families to dark moments in world history.
"It's classic behavior by a demagogue," she said. "We've seen it many, many places and times in the world, and that's why I think it's so dangerous. ... I don't know if this is just, you know, political gamesmanship that he thinks plays to the lowest common denominator, but whatever the reason for it is, it's wrong and it should not be tolerated by anybody."
To see video
For video related to this story, go to jsonline.com/video/world
Wisconsin's No. 2 Democratic official is picking a fight with the world's largest newsgathering organization.
Peddling a conspiracy theory, state Rep. David Bowen vice chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party accused The Associated Press on his Facebook page of leaning on superdelegates to get them to back former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the race to be the Democratic Party nominee.
Bowen is a superdelegate supporting Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is challenging Clinton. On Monday night, before Tuesday's primary vote in six states, AP ran a story saying Clinton had locked up enough delegates and superdelegates to secure the Democratic nomination.
'Just confirmed AP was calling around to superdelegates all over the country to pressure them to endorse Hillary,' Bowen said in his post. 'When enough of them gave in, they called it.
'Hillary could have at least denounced it so the 400 superdelegates who came out to support you before anyone else even voted doesn't matter more than the votes of all the people.'
Doug Glass, regional news editor for the AP, said his staff has been in regular contact with superdelegates to see who was supporting which Democratic candidate.
'There was never, ever pressure for people to commit to Candidate X or Y,' said Glass, who oversees news in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. 'That kind of reporting is not done by AP.'
Bowen, a Milwaukee Democrat, took down the post on Tuesday.
But he then replaced it with something equally harsh and accusatory.
'If I was a Republican that ran The Associated Press I'd put out that premature Nomination Announcement to get Democrats fighting each other & discouraged from voting too. Well played ... (Disclaimer: it's not Hillary's fault),' Bowen wrote.
Several people responded by accusing the high-ranking Democratic official of using his post to spread bogus information.
Even former Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate weighed in, saying the AP was simply reporting the news with its Clinton story. 'Unfortunate timing but they reported the news,' Tate wrote.
Bowen countered by saying his post was 'pro-Hillary,' adding, 'It's not her fault. It's the AP's.'
Reached Wednesday, Bowen said he wasn't suggesting that AP reporters were pressuring superdelegates in putting together their tally of Clinton delegates even though his first Facebook post said exactly that.
Bowen said he took down the post because he didn't want to see Democrats fighting with Democrats over the nomination process.
But he said he was still upset that the AP was contacting superdelegates to put together a story before the polls closed in California and other states on Tuesday. He said the move 'lacked journalistic integrity' and that he saw no advantage to doing that story.
'It didn't sit well with me,' Bowen said.
His remarks represented a harsher version of Sanders' criticism of the AP.
'They started hounding superdelegates,' Sanders told NBC's Lester Holt in an interview on Tuesday. 'The night before the largest primary, biggest primary in the whole process.'
He added, 'I was really disappointed in what the AP did.'
But AP Executive Editor Kathleen Carroll said it was doing what it is supposed to do.
'By Monday evening, 571 superdelegates had told us unequivocally that they intend to vote for Clinton at the convention,' Carroll said in a statement. 'Adding that number to the delegates awarded to Clinton in primary and caucus voting to date gave her the number needed to be the presumptive nominee.'
'That is news,' she continued, 'and reporting the news is what we do.'
Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 224-2135 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice.
No verdict reached after first few hours of deliberations in Darrell Brooks trial
Jurors began deliberating in the trial of Darrell Brooks Jr., accused in the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade attack that killed six and injured dozens more.
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Maan News Agency |
BETHLEHEM (Maan) At least four Israelis were killed and 10 injured in a shooting at the Sarona Market in Tel Aviv around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday night, according to Israeli emergency Services Magen David Adom (MDA).
Israeli police spokeswoman Luba al-Samri said in a statement that the shooters, whose names have yet to be confirmed, were two Palestinians from the same family from the town of Yatta, south of the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank.
Multiple gunshots were heard at the open-air shopping center in the heart of Tel Aviv, adjacent to Israeli army and Ministry of Defense headquarters on Wednesday evening. According to al-Samri, shots were fired both inside and outside of the Sarona Market.
According to Haaretz, two armed men disguised as Orthodox Jews opened fire at passersby near the Benedict restaurant and then at the nearby Haarbaa Street.
Haaretz also reported that at least six of the wounded had been evacuated to Tel Avivs Ichilov Hospital and that another was taken to Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer. At least three were in moderate condition after they underwent surgery and two in light condition. The injured at Sheba was reportedly in moderate condition.
Al-Samri said that both suspected shooters were in custody and being treated at Ichilov hospital one in critical condition and one in mild condition.
In the same statement, al-Samri refuted claims of a third suspected assailant, but said investigations were still ongoing.
In her initial statement regarding the shooting, al-Samri reported that one alleged assailant had been neutralized and was reportedly lying on the sidewalk on Haarbaa Street, which has been completely closed.
Al-Samri added that the shooting was a suspected terrorist attack, but that investigations were still ongoing.
According to Haaretz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who returned to Israel on Wednesday from Moscow, convened a security briefing in Tel Aviv, and announced a meeting scheduled for Thursday, which will be attended by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, and Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich.
More than 200 Palestinians and nearly 30 Israelis have been killed since a wave of unrest began in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory in October. The surge of violence has been largely characterized by small-scale Palestinian attacks on Israeli military targets and settlers.
According to Al-Samri, Israeli Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan was holding an emergency meeting regarding the shootings on Wednesday night.
Via
Related video added by Juan Cole:
CBC: Tel Aviv shooting attack
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |
The Syrian Arab Army is advancing toward al-Raqqa city, the capital of the phony ISIS caliphate, with Russian air support. US Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Christopher Garver confirmed on Wednesday that the US has seen the movement of the troops of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to the south and west of Raqqa, and they are heading in that direction.
Also on Wednesday, the Syrian air force destroyed equipment, fortifications and fighters of Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) in Resafa, 40 miles southwest of al-Raqqa city.
That is also area that the Syrian army is now entering. It is five kilometers from Resafas main intersection. The Financial Times speculates that the regime of al-Assad may hope that by taking al-Raqqa away from so-called caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (Ibrahim al-Samarrai), it will then be able to make the claim that only it can deal effectively with Daesh, gaining support in the international community that is otherwise horrified by al-Assads crimes against humanity.
If the US-backed YPG or Self Defense Forces, a unit of Syrias leftist Kurds, reaches al-Raqqa at the same time as the Syrian Arab Army, there could be a clash between the two over al-Raqqa. The Syrian Army deeply dislikes the YPG and has vowed to put them down.
Related video:
R&U Video: SAA operations in Raqqa | June 7th 2016
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 9, 2016) - Silver Bear Resources Inc. ("Silver Bear" or the "Company") (TSX:SBR) is pleased to announce the results of a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") feasibility study (the "Study") for the Vertikalny Central deposit of its Mangazeisky Silver Project (the "Project") in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia. NI 43-101 Technical Report in respect of the Study and the Project will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this release.
Graham Hill, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "I am very proud to announce the Study confirms that the exploitation of the Vertikalny Central deposit at our Mangazeisky silver project remains very robust even under the current silver price and economic conditions. The positive Study results validate our objective of fast-tracking the development process, and increase our confidence in assertively moving forward with the first phase of mining. I firmly believe that our team has designed a mine plan that optimises profitability and that the processing technology will maximise recovery and minimize technical risks at the lowest cost. I am also extremely proud of our construction and operational team at site and in Yakutsk for the tremendous accomplishments in mobilizing around 7,500 tons of equipment and construction materials to site along this year's winter road, thus enabling us to proceed with construction plans this year."
"Our recent Mineral Resource update at Mangazeisky North deposit (press release April 13, 2016) supports our medium term objective of increasing mine life and further improving project economic performance by establishing a multi-pit single plant mining operation on the Mangazeisky property. Our near term objective is to plan the work that would be necessary to bring Mangazeisky North into production. In addition, we will continue to look at the development of Vertikalny to exploit the deeper level resources."
"Last year we successfully drilled 6,656 metres of core in addition to approximately 13,000 cubic metres of trenching. The data is being compiled from this work that should allow us to update our resource statement and provide further positive information on future developments in the second half of 2016."
Feasibility Study Highlights
The pre-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate is US$79.7 million, the pre-tax IRR is 43.6%, and the payback period is 2.1 years.
With the Far East Tax Incentives, the post-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate is US$70.7 million, the IRR is 40.2%, and the payback period is 2.2 years.
Assumptions include a variable silver price of US$16.00/oz, US$17.25/oz, and US$18.00/oz during the first year of production, second year of production, and the remaining project life, respectively, with a life of mine ("LOM") weighted average silver price of US$17.74/oz; exchange rate applied is RUB66.00/USD.
Initial capital costs of US$48.6 million.
Total Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 801,000 tonnes at a diluted average grade of 772 g/t Ag for 19.9 million troy ounces of silver.
Total Vertikalny Central Indicated Mineral Resources of 23.4 million troy ounces of silver at an average grade of 909 g/t Ag, in addition to Inferred Mineral Resources of 13.4 million ounces of silver at an average grade of 615 g/t Ag.
Processing an average of 110,000 tonnes of ore per annum.
Production of 16,787,000 ounces of silver over a 7.3-year LOM
Average metallurgical recovery of 84.4% silver.
Project Execution
The Company intends to take advantage of the favourable outcome of the feasibility study, and the positive outlook on the silver price, by implementing an aggressive fast-track execution plan to complete construction by the end of 2016, with steady state production starting in Q1 2017. In anticipation of this, and in compliance with the Russian regulatory approval process, a licensed Russian design institute (EMC Mining LLC ("EMC") in St Petersburg) was commissioned in 2015 to complete the detailed design of the processing facility and associated mine site infrastructure. The Company procured all major equipment for delivery during the 2015/2016 winter road season and began construction. The Company has proceeded with construction in advance of regulatory approval for the project and expects that all of the permits needed for construction and operation will be in place prior to the start of production.
More favourable weather between March and November will facilitate the completion of the construction of major infrastructure with specific focus on completing the buildings to provide shelter during mechanical and electrical installation and the start of commissioning planned for Q4 2016.
The detailed Study results can be found in Appendix A.
Qualified Persons
Study consultants were led by Tetra Tech (UK) and comprised an independent, multidisciplinary team including SRK Consulting (UK) Limited ("SRK") and Environmental Resource Management Consultants Inc. ("ERM").
Each of the Qualified Persons noted below is independent within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the information in this release relevant to the portion of the Study for which they are responsible. Each has verified the underlying data relevant to the portions of the Study for which they are responsible.
Tetra Tech (UK) Arunasalam Vathavooran, PhD, CEng, MIMMM
Damian Hicks, MIEAust CPEng
Guy Roemer, PE
Jacques du Toit, CEng, PrEng, MScEng, PMP
Laszlo Bodi, MSc, CEng, PEng
Robert Davies, BSc (Hons), CGeol, EurGeol, FGS
Sabry Abdel Hafez, PhD, PEng
Saunjay Duggal, MSc, PEng SRK Consulting (UK) Limited Houcyne El Idrysy, PhD, CGeol, FGS
Krysztof Czajewski, BSc, PEng
Max Brown, BSc, MSc, CEng, MIMMM
Michael Beare, BEng, CEng, MIMMM
Sergey Sabanov, BSc, MSc, PhD, CEng, MIMMM Environmental Resource Management Consultants Inc. Derek Chubb, PEng
Filing of Technical Report - Mangazeisky North Mineral Resource Update
The Company is also pleased to announce that on May 30th, 2016 it filed the NI 43-101 Technical Report ("Technical Report") for the Mineral Resource estimate update of its Mangazeisky North deposit, located within its wholly-owned Mangazeisky Project. Tetra Tech (UK) prepared the Technical Report and it supports the Company's announcement of April 13, 2016.
To view and download the Technical Report, please visit www.sedar.com under the Company's profile. The report will also be available on the Company's website at www.silverbearresources.com.
About Silver Bear
Silver Bear (TSX:SBR) is focused on the development of its wholly-owned Mangazeisky Silver Project, covering a licence area of approximately 570 km2 that includes the high-grade Vertikalny deposit, located 400 km north of Yakutsk in the Republic of Sakha within the Russian Federation. The Company was granted a 20-year mining licence for the Vertikalny deposit in September 2013 and completed a Feasibility Study in Q2 2016. Other information relating to Silver Bear is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com as well as on the Company's website at www.silverbearresources.com.
Cautionary Notes
This release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Wherever possible, words such as "intends", "expects", "scheduled", "estimates", "anticipates", "believes" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements.
All of the results of Study of constitute forward-looking statements and information, including estimates of internal rates of return, net present value, future production, proposed mining plans and methods, mine life estimates, cash flow forecasts, metal recoveries, and estimates of capital and operating costs. Furthermore, with respect to this specific forward-looking information concerning the development of the Mangazeisky Project, the company has based its assumptions and analysis on certain factors that are inherently uncertain. Uncertainties include among others: (i) weather conditions; (ii) unforeseen changes in geological characteristics; (iii) metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization; (iv) the ability to develop adequate processing and other infrastructure; (v) the price of silver; (vi) the availability of equipment and facilities necessary to complete development; (vii) the cost of consumables and mining and processing equipment; (viii) unforeseen technological and engineering problems; (ix) accidents or acts of sabotage or terrorism; (x) currency fluctuations; (xi) changes in laws or regulations; (xii) the availability and productivity of skilled labour; (xiii) the regulation of the mining industry by various governmental agencies; and (xiv) political factors.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this release reflect management's current beliefs based upon information currently available to management and based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Silver Bear cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements or information. A number of factors could cause events and achievements to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to risk factors identified by Silver Bear in its continuous disclosure filings filed from time to time on SEDAR in addition to those stated above. These factors should be considered carefully and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve significant known and unknown risks, assumptions and uncertainties that may cause Silver Bear's actual results, events, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Silver Bear has attempted to identify important risks and factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors and risks that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements and information are made as of the date of this release, and Silver Bear assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, unless otherwise required by law.
This release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation (including estimated future production from the Mangazeisky Project, the anticipated tonnages and grades that will be mined and the estimated level of recovery that will be realized), which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on: (i) fluctuations in the silver price; (ii) results of drilling, (iii) metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licenses. Mineral Reserves are also disclosed in this release. Mineral Reserves are those portions of Mineral Resources that have demonstrated economic viability after taking into account all mining factors. Mineral Reserves may, in the future, cease to be a Mineral Reserve if economic viability can no longer be demonstrated because of, among other things, adverse changes in commodity prices, changes in law or regulation or changes to mine plans.
Appendix A Project Performance Summary Item Units Value Silver Price (LOM Weighted Average) US$/troy oz 17.74 Exchange Rate RUB/$ 66.00 Net Revenue Quantity of Ore (LOM) kt 801.01 Silver Head Grade g/t 772 Recovered Silver koz (troy) 16,787 Unit Operating Costs $/t processed 154.38 Key Financial Results Pre-tax Results Pre-tax Net Cash Flow US$ million 107.7 Pre-tax NPV at a 5% Discount Rate US$ million 79.7 Pre-tax IRR % 43.6 Pre-tax Payback Years 2.1 Without the Far East Tax Incentives Post-tax Net Cash Flow US$ million 65.9 Post-tax NPV at a 5% Discount Rate US$ million 45.5 Post-tax IRR % 28.3 Post-tax Payback Years 2.6 With the Far East Tax Incentives Post-tax Net Cash Flow US$ million 96.2 Post-tax NPV at a 5% Discount Rate US$ million 70.7 Post-tax IRR % 40.2 Post-tax Payback Years 2.2 Production Cost Cash Cost US$/troy oz Ag recovered 7.97 Capital Cost (excluding contingency) US$/troy oz Ag recovered 3.35 Total Cost US$/troy oz Ag recovered 11.32
Note: The Far East Tax Incentives (Russian Federal Law No.267-FZ) allows the use of a reduced tax rate for profit tax purposes-zero rate for federal tax and a reduced rate for regional tax based on a prescribed time frame.
Cash costs include all on-site operating costs (mining, processing, and general & administrative) and off-site costs (refining costs, silver transportation, and insurance). Capital costs include all the initial sustaining capital requirements.
Geology & Mineral Resource
The Vertikalny Central deposit is a steeply dipping structurally controlled epithermal vein system that cross cuts the sedimentary host rocks. The mineralisation is expressed as breccias comprising siderite-sphalerite-galena and silver sulphosalts. Mineralisation is usually associated with the presence of vertical dykes of intermediate to basic composition.
At Vertikalny Central a total of 237 holes have been drilled and 42 trenches excavated over a strike length of 2 km since 2007. In total, 34,384 m have been drilled, and trench excavations extend to 1,689 m.
Mineral Resources for a series of satellite deposits included in the Mangazeisky property are summarised in Table 1 below. The satellite deposits include Vertikalny Northwest located 1 km to the north of Vertikalny Central, Nizhny Endybal situated approximately 2.5 km east of Vertikalny Central, and the Mangazeisky North deposits located 7 km to the north of Vertikalny Central.
Table 1 provides a summary of all of the Current Mineral Resources within the Mangazeisky property. The Indicated Mineral Resource at Vertikalny Central are inclusive of the stated Mineral Reserves.
Table 1 Total Resources for the Mangazeisky Property
Deposit Resource Cut-off Grade Ag (g/t) Indicated Resource Inferred Resource Tonnes (t) Grade Ag (g/t) Contained Metal Ag
(Troy oz) Tonnes (t) Grade Ag (g/t) Contained Metal Ag
(Troy oz) Vertikalny Central 335 800,000 909 23,400,000 680,000 615 13,400,000 Vertikalny Northwest 335 310,000 458 4,600,000 Nizhny Endybal 150 710,000 316 7,200,000 Mangazeisky North 150 304,000 626 6,100,000 98,000 671 2,100,000 Mangazeisky South 150 60,000 246 500,000 Total - 1,104,000 831 29,500,000 1,858,000 466 27,800,000
Notes: The effective date of the Vertikalny Central and Northwest Resource is 10th of February 2015. The effective date of the original Nizhny Endybal Resource estimate was 11th of September 2012, this resource was re-stated with a higher cut-off grade on the 10th of June 2015. The effective date of the Mangazeisky South Resource is 10th of June 2015. The effective date of the Mangazeisky North Resource is 31st March 2016.
Mineral Resource estimation parameters:
Resource estimates were completed in Geovia Surpac version 6.7, using 3D block models.
Silver grades were estimated using ordinary kriging.
Density was estimated using inverse distance weighting. The density at Nizhny Endybal, Vertikalny Northwest, and Mangazeisky South was assigned based upon arithmetic mean sample results for relevant domains.
Grade interpolations were constrained within appropriate wireframe modesl representing minereaization and lithologies.
Overall silver recoveries of 90% were assumed at Vertikalny Central and Northwest, and 80% recoveries were assumed at satellite deposits.
Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves to not have demonstrated economic viability. There are no known legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources.
Mineral Reserve
Mining will comprise two sequential phases: open pit and underground. The open pit (the first four years of production) will consist of a conventional drill, blast, load, and haul operation, using the current fleet on site, supplemented with leased equipment. Capital for the open pit will only be spent on trucks, lighting units, pumps, site office facility, and light vehicles.
As Vertikalny is a steeply dipping ore body in the range of 60 to 90, for underground mining the shrinkage stoping method using a modern, trackless style operation with electrical powered jumbos will be employed. Mining will advance from the bottom upwards in horizontal slices, with a portion of the broken ore left in place from which miners can work. Three areas were identified for the mine design: the North, Central, and South zones. The North and Central zones will be accessed by ramp and the South Zone by adit.
In accordance with Russian standard practice the open pit design includes 30% dilution and 95% mining recovery. Given the selectivity of the underground mining method and equipment, the dilution was limited to 15 cm on each of the hanging wall and footwall (30 cm total) and integrated into the stope optimisation process. It is assumed that 95% of the diluted material, including pillar material, will be recovered. The open pit and underground cut-off grades are 250 g/t and 405 g/t, respectively. The Mineral Reserve statement is as of September 30, 2015 and is shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Total Reserves for Vertikalny Central Deposit
Quantity Ag Grade Ag Metal Content Category (kt) (g/t) (koz) Proven - Open Pit - - - Proven - Underground - - - Probable - Open Pit 413 875 11,625 Probable - Underground 388 663 8,261 Total Mineral Reserves 801 772 19,886
Processing
The feasibility study process plant design is based on 110,000 t/a capacity, with a LOM average silver grade of 772 g/t, and is expected to provide an average silver recovery from oxide ore of 85.0%. The average silver recovery of the primary (unoxidized) ore (a small portion of the plant feed scheduled at the end of mine life) is expected to be 69.6%.
The process flowsheet consists of a standard crushing and grinding circuit, followed by gravity concentration and cyanide tank leach of the gravity tails. The gravity concentrates will be processed by intensive cyanidation. The leached slurry from the tank leach and intensive cyanidation will go through a simple counter current decantation washing system and the pregnant solution will be processed by direct electrowinning to recover silver metal in powder form with a purity exceeding 99.9% Ag.
Tailings
The tailings management facility ("TMF") will consist of a dry stack facility, contained within a fully-lined pad, surrounded by a series of containment bunds. A clarification pond to store all process affected fluids before retreatment is included in the design. The TMF will be constructed 0.2 km northeast of the plant site, and will cover an area of 7.69 ha. Approximately 0.8 Mt of tailings material will require storage over the 7.3-year LOM.
Capital and Operating Costs
The total estimated initial capital cost for the design, construction, installation, and commissioning of all facilities and equipment is $48.6 million (Table 3).
Table 3 Capital Cost Summary
Initial Sustaining Total Area ($) ($) ($) Mining 2,200,117 4,681,011 6,881,128 Processing 12,841,010 700,000 13,541,010 Infrastructure 4,425,111 - 4,425,111 Utilities 1,774,145 - 1,774,145 TMF 1,311,541 1,325,776 2,637,317 Site Facilities 4,918,917 - 4,918,917 Off-site Facilities 101.454 - 101,454 Project Indirects 9,288,107 70,867 9,358,974 EPCM 3,167,264 20,248 3,187,512 Owner's Cost 2,579,552 100,000 2,679,552 Allowances (including contingency) 5,965,010 831,232 6,796,242 Total 48,572,228 7,729,134 56,301,362
The LOM operating cost estimate for the Project consists of mining, processing, and G&A costs (which includes TMF and site water management costs) and is estimated at $154.38/t processed (Table 4).
Table 4 LOM Averaged Operating Cost Summary
Unit Cost Area ($/t processed) Mining 61.83 Processing 51.96 G&A 40.58 Total 154.38
Tetra Tech investigated the sensitivity of NPV and IRR to the key project variables of silver price, exchange rate, capital costs and operating costs.
Sensitivities
The Project's pre-tax NPV, calculated at a 5% discount rate, is most sensitive to silver price followed by exchange rate, on-site operating costs, and capital costs, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Pre-tax NPV Sensitivity Analysis: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Figure1-SBR.pdf
The Project's pre-tax IRR is most sensitive to silver price followed by exchange rate, capital costs, and on-site operating costs (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Pre-tax IRR Sensitivity Analysis: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/SBR-Figure2.pdf
Approval Process
The Company plans to complete the Russian design documentation required for the State review by the end of Q2 2016. Following regulatory review and approval of the project, which the Company estimates could be granted in Q3 2016, the Company will be in a position to apply for a Permit for Construction, followed by the balance of construction and operating permits shortly thereafter.
The Company acknowledges that there is a risk associated with undertaking construction in advance of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals. It is possible that the regulatory approvals process may result in production delays and /or mandated design changes that may lead to modification of constructed site components.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / TheNewswire / June 9, 2016 / MGX Minerals Inc. ("MGX" or the "Company") (CSE: XMG / FKT: 1MG) is pleased to announce that field crews and operators have completed the previously announced 100-tonne bulk sample (see press release dated May 16, 2016) at the Company's flagship Driftwood Creek magnesium project ("Driftwood").
On the morning of June 8, 24 vertical holes with alternating depth of 30 and 40 feet were loaded to 7 feet from the drill hole collars with AMEX explosives. The charges were set at the approximate center of the East Zone at Driftwood. Detonation was by time delay fuse and occurred at 11:45pm (MST) resulting in a successful and complete blast.
"We are excited to have entered the bulk sample phase at Driftwood Creek," stated MGX President and CEO Mr. Jared Lazerson. "The potential to prove up the certainty component of the upcoming maiden National Instrument (N.I.) 43-101 resource estimate is significant. As well, many of the mine operating costs, such as the amount of explosives required on a per tonne basis, are now being defined."
Mucking and loading of material has commenced in preparation for assay, advanced metallurgy, and kiln testing. Kiln testing will produce representative multi-tonne samples for distribution to prospective customers in Canada, the United States and Europe.
Since acquiring the project in July 2014, MGX has completed two diamond drill programs, property wide sampling and re-analysis of historic drill core. Magnesite mineralization has been traced over a strike length of 2,000 meters and up to 300 meters wide, reaching a true depth of 110 meters. The deposit remains open in both directions and at depth. Mineralization occurs in two discrete zones that are believed to have been enriched during a period of metamorphic recrystallization. MGX was issued a 20-year Mining Lease by the Ministry of Energy and Mines of the Province of British Columbia in January 2016 (see press release dated January 11, 2016).
MGX acquired Driftwood in 2014 and subsequently completed eight diamond drill holes on the East zone. Drill results included 49 meters of 43.04% magnesium oxide (MgO) in drill hole 2014-2 and 47.6 meters of 41.43% MgO in drill hole 2014-5 (see press release dated December 11, 2014). In 2015 the Company re-assayed historic drill core from previous Optionee Tusk Exploration. Results included 130 meters of 42.46% MgO in drill hole 2008-2 (see press release dated May 7, 2015). MGX also conducted a phase two drill program over the Western Zone in 2015. Drill highlights included 64 meters of 40.71% MgO in drill hole 2015-3 and 98 meters of 44.28% MgO in drill hole 2015-4 (see press release dated October 5, 2015).
Historic exploration at Driftwood dates back to the 1970's when Kaiser Resources conducted exploration and mined an 8,000 metric tonne test quarry in 1978 (Morris, 1978). In 1987 Canadian Occidental acquired Driftwood and drilled four NQ-sized diamond drill holes and as well as collecting 68 core samples weighing five kilograms each.
Figure 1. Driftwood East Zone Blast Preparation
Click Image To View Full Size
Figure 2. Driftwood East Zone Bulk Sample Pit
Click Image To View Full Size
Driftwood Creek Magnesium
MGX Minerals has the right to acquire a 100% interest in the Driftwood Creek magnesium project. The Company has completed a Phase I and Phase II drill program at Driftwood Creek and has now conducting a 100-tonne bulk sample program. MGX received a 20-year Mining Lease for Driftwood Creek in January (see press release dated January 11, 2016).
Qualified Person
This press release was prepared under the supervision and review of Andris Kikauka, P. Geo. and Vice President of Exploration for MGX Minerals. Mr. Kikauka is a non-independent Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument (N.I.) 43-101 Standards.
About MGX Minerals
MGX Minerals (CSE: XMG) is a diversified Canadian mining company engaged in the acquisition and development of industrial mineral deposits in western Canada that offer near-term production potential, minimal barriers to entry and low initial capital expenditures. The Company operates lithium, magnesium and silicon projects throughout British Columbia and Alberta. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.mgxminerals.com.
Contact Information
Jared Lazerson
President and CEO
Tel: 604.681.7735
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Former US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) [official website] operative Sabrina de Sousa will be extradited to Italy to serve a four-year prison sentence following a ruling by Portugals Constitutional Court [official website] on Wednesday. De Sousa filed an appeal [JURIST report] in April, a last attempt to prevent her extradition to Italy to serve a sentence for her involvement in a US extraordinary renditions program. De Sousa was arrested [JURIST report] in a Portuguese airport after she had been convicted in absentia by an Italian court for her part in the 2003 kidnapping and rendition of Egyptian terror suspect Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr. The Portugal Supreme Court [official website] rejected her appeal of an extradition order, leaving De Sousa no choice but to argue that her extradition order is unconstitutional. De Sousa was one of 26 Americans convicted in the kidnapping.
Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, was seized on the streets of Milan in 2003 by CIA agents with the help of Italian operatives, then allegedly transferred to Egypt and tortured by Egypts State Security Intelligence before being released [JURIST reports] in February 2007. In September 2009 the US Department of Justice [official website] filed a motion to dismiss [JURIST report] a lawsuit brought by De Sousa seeking diplomatic immunity against the Italian charges. De Sousa was one of many operatives whose sentences were increased [JURIST report] from five to seven years in 2010 by an Italian intermediate appellate court and upheld by the Italian Court of Cassation in 2012. In February the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) [official website] condemned [JURIST report] Italy for its role in the rendition program.
The US Supreme Court [official website] ruled [opinion, PDF] 6-2 Thursday in Puerto Rico v. Sanchez Valle [SCOTUSblog materials] that the double jeopardy clause [Cornell LII backgrounder] bars Puerto Rico and the US from successively prosecuting a single person for the same conduct under equivalent criminal laws. In an opinion by Justice Elena Kagan, the Supreme Court held that, for the purposes of double jeopardy, Puerto Rico is not a separate sovereign:
To determine whether two prosecuting authorities are different sovereigns for double jeopardy purposes, this Court asks a narrow, historically focused question. The inquiry does not turn, as the term sovereignty sometimes suggests, on the degree to which the second entity is autonomous from the first or sets its own political course. Rather, the issue is only whether the prosecutorial powers of the two jurisdictions have independent originsor, said conversely, whether those powers derive from the same ultimate source. In this case, we must decide if, under that test, Puerto Rico and the United States may successively prosecute a single defendant for the same criminal conduct. We hold they may not, because the oldest roots of Puerto Ricos power to prosecute lie in federal soil.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg filed a concurring opinion, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas. Thomas also filed a separate concurrence. Justice Stephen Breyer filed a dissenting opinion, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Two men, Luis Sanchez Valle and Jaime Gomez Vasquez, were charged with violating a local Puerto Rican law criminalizing the sale of firearms without a license. Prior to trial, both men were independently charged under similar federal laws. Both men were found guilty on the federal charges and sought dismissal of the local charges, arguing double jeopardy. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments [JURIST report] in the case in January.
The US Supreme Court [official website] ruled [opinion, PDF] 5-3 Thursday in Williams v. Pennsylvania [SCOTUSblog materials] that Pennsylvanias Chief Justice should have recused himself from a death penalty case in which he formerly served as prosecutor. Terrance Williams was convicted of first degree murder in Philadelphia and sentenced to death. Ronald Castillo was the district attorney in Philadelphia during the trial and was subsequently elected to serve on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court [official website]. Williams then appealed his death sentence to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, arguing misconduct on the part of the Philadelphia prosecutors office when Castillo was serving as the district attorney. Castillo did not recuse himself from the case on appeal, claiming that he was not improperly biased. The Pennsylvania court unanimously denied Williams appeal, then denied his motion for reconsideration after Castillo retired from the bench. In an opinion by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the Supreme Court vacated the Pennsylvania Supreme Courts judgment:
Where a judge has had an earlier significant, personal involvement as a prosecutor in a critical decision in the defendants case, the risk of actual bias in the judicial proceeding rises to an unconstitutional level. Due process entitles Terrance Williams to a proceeding in which he may present his case with assurance that no member of the court is predisposed to find against him.
Chief Justice John Roberts filed a dissenting opinion, joined by Justice Samuel Alito. Justice Clarence Thomas also filed a dissenting opinion.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments [JURIST report] in the case in February. Certiorari was granted [JURIST report] in October.
Crimes against humanity [press release], including enslavement, imprisonment, torture, rape and murder have been widespread in Eritrea, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea [official website] said in a report [text, PDF] Wednesday. The commission has been collecting testimony of these harsh conditions since 2014. According to the report, these conditions have yet to improve. Mike Smith, chair of the commission, said:
Eritrea is an authoritarian State. There is no independent judiciary, no national assembly and there are no other democratic institutions in Eritrea. This has created a governance and rule of law vacuum, resulting in a climate of impunity for crimes against humanity to be perpetrated over a quarter of a century.
The commission suggested that these crimes against humanity should be dealt with by the International Criminal Court, alleging that state officials, the ruling party and commanding officers bear the responsibility of these conditions.
Eritrea has faced much criticism from the international community for continued abuses of human rights. In 2013 the UN called for an end to human rights abuses in Eritrea and appealed to the international community to increase scrutiny [JURIST reports] of the nation. The UN also pleaded for aid [JURIST report] for Eritrean refugees, as denial of asylum would most likely condemn them to death, based on the countrys shoot to kill order [report, PDF] for anyone attempting to leave the country illegally. In late 2013 a report from Dutch and Swedish researchers discovered that officers of the Eritrean military were kidnapping children [JURIST report] and smuggling them into Sudan. In March 2015 another UN commission released a report [JURIST report] that found that the various human rights abuses found in Eritrea included torture, a large number of detentions, and paltry wages insufficient for an adequate standard of living.
Back in the 1980s when Nissan started to assemble the Bluebird (a worthy Ford Sierra fighter) model in the UK, there was much head scratching over the true status of the car. It was seen quite widely as a Japanese brand seeking to move more aggressively into Europe and circumvent the national restrictions applying to Japanese imports at the time (now long gone, but there was, for example, a gentlemens agreement between SMMT and JAMA to keep Japanese fully built-up car imports at 10% of UK car market; that was a relatively liberal arrangement compared with some other countries unilaterally imposing share limits such as 1%).
Nissan, naturally, sought to highlight the UK content of the UK-made vehicles and the jobs and economic activity that would be generated here and, eventually, in Europe more widely. Simply assembling a vehicle with all the plant and site overheads accounts for quite a bit when you look at the ex-works or transfer price of a vehicle and break down what comes from where; assembly can account for as much as 20% of the total. But obviously, assembly in a country only gets you so far. And there are, quite rightly, rules of origin that apply to products being circulated freely in a customs union to prevent common external tariff barriers being unfairly sidestepped through the assembly of kits and very little local parts sourcing.
Nissan clearly set up car manufacturing in the UK as a gateway to many more sales in Europe (look at Nissans UK operation now; 80% of output exported, mainly to other European countries). I recall then PSA chief Jacques Calvet pointing accusingly at the UK as a Japanese aircraft carrier threatening European companies and jobs. There was certainly some hostility around, protectionist sentiment not far beneath the surface. Anyway, Nissan worked very hard indeed to raise UK and European content and get over the percentage content line at which the cars would be considered European and therefore eligible for tariff-free export to other countries in the EU (or EEC, back then). Some key suppliers in Japan would move to Europe eventually, but Nissan Sunderland would also be sourcing from European-based suppliers from the outset, wherever it could. A look at the current Nissan Qashqais supplier list shows how European and diverse it is: Magna, Ficosa, Faurecia, Mahle. ElringKlinger, Edscha and Plastic Omnium as well as Calsonic Kansei, BorgWarner and TRW. Its a wide range reflecting the nature of the European supplier industry base.
I was reminded of the European supplier industry landscape and the science of automotive local content measurement this week at the SMMTs Open Forum conference in Birmingham, where the state and progress of the UK supply chain was very much on the agenda. GKN CEO Nigel Stein, representing the Automotive Council, said the UK average content for a UK-built car stands at 41% (up from 36% in 2011 I wonder how much of that rise reflects more JLR volume in the mix) and that the UK auto sector should be aiming in the medium-term for 60% to get closer to where Germany is with its local sourcing. Brave words, to say the least.
The UKs supply chain is undoubtedly doing very well, but needs to be viewed in context. Europes automotive supplier centre of gravity is firmly situated on the continent. And OEMs manufacturing in the UK dont exist in a bubble; they are part of a European automotive landscape and there are plenty of components being shipped from the continent to vehicle assembly plants in the UK. Those entrenched supply routes are there for a range of competitive and cost reasons and dont change easily. OEM situations differ. Jaguar Land Rover is UK-based, has a relatively high UK local content and has an engine plant here. However, Vauxhalls Ellesmere Port plant that makes the Astra (lead plant) has relatively low UK local content (around 25% I was told last year). And thats not really too surprising when you think about it. Vauxhall is part of the European operating division of a big US-based global OEM, General Motors. The car is also made at Gliwice, in Poland and GM in Europe (think Opel/Vauxhall Vauxhall is just the UK component), of course, has a pan-European supply network. Any raising of UK content at Ellesmere Port would have to make competitive sense for GM at a European level; there would have to be good reasons to source more locally, if indeed, that was even possible (for a whole range of components, there is no option but to source from plants or suppliers in other countries). Engines a major value item are shipped in from Opel plants on the continent and those plants represent a huge investment by the OEM.
In short, there are some areas where more UK localised content cannot realistically happen. When engineering and manufacturing capability migrates over a timescale of decades, for whatever reasons, its a huge task to get just some of that back. I like what the Automotive Council is doing, but their focus on what can be done for the UK in new and emerging automotive technologies in areas like alternative powertrain and connectivity is surely the right one. The example of the UK-made Astra is a stark one in terms of what can realistically be done with the industry as it is; if the UK can get to 60% average content on cars I will eat my hat (thats not to say I dont understand the need to set ambitious targets). In an alternative dimension there might still be an indigenous volume maker in Britain that would support a much larger, deeper and diverse UK-based supply chain, but we know what happened there and its history.
Another thought is on measurement of local content going further down the supply chain. The measurements are currently conducted to the source of Tier 1 level parts. The absolute origin of all content can only be determined by knowing who supplies at Tier 2 and Tier 3 to the modules that the systems integrator Tier 1s ship to the OEMs. Is it difficult to measure? Its certainly another level of effort, but the point was well made at the Open Forum that if we want to properly inform policy and strategy, accurate measurement and understanding of the whole picture would be very helpful.
It was good to see more discussion of the UK supply chain at Birmingham this week. Kudos to the SMMT for making that happen and effectively working with Automechanika to get an event that created the right conditions for that. Even greater transparency on the state of the UK supply chain, where the gaps are and where the realistic opportunities are should be a goal now. Will it happen?
See also: Automotive Council aims for 60% UK content on cars
UK supply chain Fast facts
A car fitted with an autonomous emergency brake system (AEB) can scan the road ahead and apply the brakes independently of the driver to avoid a collision. Given this critical piece of car safety technology, a voluntary pact was recently agreed between 20 OEMs to make AEB standard on all vehicles sold in the US by 2022. In the light of this, UK-based Thatcham Research is calling on European automakers to follow the example set in the US.
Could you tell us more about the standards devised by Thatcham for test procedures and equipment as car manufacturers introduce AEB systems into their products?
As a key member of the European vehicle safety organisation, Euro NCAP, Thatcham Research devised the AEB testing protocol which is used both by Euro NCAP and the British insurance industry to evaluate the effectiveness of individual AEB systems.
All of the Thatcham designed test procedures are based on real world accident scenarios and represent the most severe or frequent of crash types. The vehicle to vehicle testing protocol, for example, consists of a series of repeatable tests using robot control systems to ensure consistency.
The approach speed of the vehicle for each test is increased incrementally as it is driven towards a specially developed test target. The car scores maximum points for full avoidance and then when the maximum avoidance point has been reached, further points are awarded proportionally for the degree to which an impact is mitigated.
Thatcham also developed the testing protocol for AEB pedestrian systems, the evaluation of which were introduced to the overall Euro NCAP test procedure and ratings from earlier this year (2016).
This test uses a similar principle but employs a specially developed pedestrian target and a much wider range of testing scenarios to evaluate system performance across a variety of potential collision circumstances.
We recently learned of a voluntary pact among 20 automakers to make AEB standard on all vehicles sold in the US. What needs to happen in Europe? i.e. should it be driven voluntarily or is legislation needed?
Vehicle manufacturers have made great strides in driving innovation and the development of safety features over the past few years. In 2016, 45 percent of new cars launched have AEB as standard. But this isnt really good enough.
Legislation will take time, and in the meantime many thousands of crashes and associated injuries, cost and inconvenience could have been avoided. We strongly believe that European and UK car makers should be taking a lead on this, matching what has been agreed in the US and demonstrating a commitment to keeping their own customers safe by fitting AEB as standard on all new cars by 2022.
The reality is that today you can buy a Honda Jazz with AEB fitted as standard, so there is no excuse for it not to be on all new cars in the UK.
It is clearly in everyones interests that AEB fitment spreads. So how can Thatcham and insurers help to make standard fitment of AEB a reality in Europe?
Insurers are already recognising the fitment of AEB through the insurance group rating system. Vehicles with standard fit AEB are benefitting by up to 5 groups. This can have a significant effect on insurance premiums with savings up to 10 percent on average, often more.
Secondly, the Euro NCAP safety ratings are a really effective way to drive fitment. Thatcham Research undertakes the tests in the UK for Euro NCAP. Significantly, a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating can only be achieved if AEB is now standard fit. So through this rating system we are seeing a significant increase in AEB fitted as standard.
Thirdly on behalf of our member insurers, Thatcham Research liaises extensively with vehicle manufacturers to encourage the fitment of such systems, as well as using the media to provide consumers with the knowledge that will enable them to conduct sensible conversations on safety when purchasing a new car and to drive safety through demand.
What is your consumer research telling you about consumers expectation of certain safety features?
In a recent survey we carried out with Direct Line Group of over 2,000 adult motorists, 70 percent of respondents said that safety was an important factor when it comes to selecting a new car, whilst an even more unequivocal 82 percent felt they should not have to pay any extra for safety and therefore that these systems should be fitted as standard.
We know that the value and convenience motorists place on technology is all important, and there is a clear balance to be struck between the benefit provided by any safety system and the level to which it impinges on other aspects of driving through alerts, warnings and other actions. Motorists want to be kept safe but do not want safety systems to become such a distraction in themselves that they end up getting turned off. This is why AEB is so beneficial a technology that is on by default and as far as the driver is concerned only becomes apparent when it is most needed in an emergency situation.
Does more need to be done to educate the motorist about AEB, in particular?
Yes. Worryingly in the same survey we discovered that less than half (48 percent) of drivers had the safety features on their new vehicle explained to them by their dealer during the purchase process. There is also a bewildering range of safety technology now available, with each different system potentially going by a different brand name and purportedly bringing a different kind and level of benefit.
The remainder of this interview is available on just-autos Global light vehicle electronic braking market forecasts to 2030
About Thatcham Research
Thatcham Research is the motor insurers automotive research centre. Established by the motor insurance industry in 1969, the centres main aim is to contain or reduce the cost of motor insurance claims whilst maintaining safety standards.
Today, Thatcham Research still occupies its unique position as the UKs only not for profit insurer funded research centre. Whilst the original aims remain intact, the centre now enjoys a much wider remit at the forefront of the latest vehicle technology research, spanning safety, security and repair.
Whilst the majority of Thatchams work is funded by a levy on their 30 plus member insurers, the centre also generates its own revenue providing a unique range of products and services primarily to the motor repair industry, contributing to an annual turnover of around 15 million.
Based just outside Newbury in Berkshire, Thatcham Research has grown from small beginnings to an organisation now boasting over 180 staff, a state of the art vehicle research workshop, a Euro NCAP approved Crash Laboratory and two fully equipped automotive academies.
A founder member of the international Research Council for Automobile Repairs (RCAR), Thatcham Research have also been a member of the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) since 2004.
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OMAHA -- The emerald ash borer, believed to be the most destructive insect to afflict trees in North America, has been found for the first time in Nebraska.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirmed Wednesday that the invasive beetle is in Pulaski Park in South Omaha.
The infestation is probably in its early stages, because foresters and arborists have been searching for signs of the beetle for several years and havent found any, said Graham Herbst, the eastern Nebraska community forester for the Nebraska Forest Service.
How established the beetle is matters, because that will determine how quickly the infestation marches through metro Omaha.
The beetle can kill all untreated ash trees, young or old, healthy or weak which would be devastating, because ash are among the regions most plentiful, sturdy native trees.
We have suspected for a while that its in the area, Herbst said. Its one of those things: We really wanted to find it and really didnt want to find it at the same time. Whats to come is not pleasant.
Foresters estimate that about 14 percent of trees in Omaha are ash. In some neighborhoods, such as Regency in west-central Omaha, they are the dominant shade tree.
Throughout Regency, you have a canopy of ash trees, said Gene Pace, vice president of the Regency Homes Association. In the summer you drive though there, and its all shaded by ash trees.
He has been watching the ash borer spread across the country toward Omaha and his neighborhood. He has researched plans to treat his own three ash trees and hopes that the neighborhood will invest to treat the trees in common spaces.
Nebraska, which has an estimated 44 million ash trees, is the 27th state to confirm the presence of the emerald ash borer, the State Department of Agriculture said.
Eventually, the infestation here is expected to cost state and local governments, homeowners and businesses nearly $1 billion to cut down and replace. ash trees. Add in the expense of treating trees, and the pest will cost even more.
Communities around Omaha are weighing their options. In some, like Papillion, ash trees make up 25 percent of the canopy. Council Bluffs already has begun treating many of the ash trees that it wants to preserve and has removed the most sickly ash trees on public property, Parks Director Larry Foster said.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture issued a quarantine for all of Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Washington and Dodge Counties. The quarantine prohibits ash tree nursery stock from leaving the area, and it covers green ash lumber and any parts of ash trees, living or dead. It also prohibits moving any firewood, wood chips or mulch, of any hardwood species, out of the area.
In the 14 years since the first North American discovery of the borer, in Michigan and Ontario, the beetles have killed hundreds of millions of trees, mostly in the eastern United States. The rapid advance of the insect across the country is blamed on the transport of infected firewood and nursery stock.
If theres any good news for those in Omaha, its that the ash borer has been the subject of furious research. Homeowners today have better treatment choices than they did in the first wave.
Treatment options involve injections, drenches and sprays, said Mark Harrell, forest health program leader for the Nebraska Forest Service. Treatment is best done in mid-May to early June, he said, which means the window is nearly closed for this year.
But its not necessarily a death sentence for a tree not treated this year, Harrell and Herbst said.
The emerald ash borer is limited in how far it can fly, so the beetles in Pulaski Park arent expected to cause widespread harm immediately. At best, the beetles there will be able to fly only a few miles. Most will stay in the vicinity of the park at 40th Avenue and H Street.
It probably hasnt spread very much because theres so much material for it to feed on right where it is, Herbst said.
On the other hand, foresters dont know whether Pulaski is at the heart of the infestation or on the edge. So its not possible yet to define the boundaries of the beetles reach.
Though no other findings have been confirmed, the beetle could be in other areas of metro Omaha or elsewhere in Nebraska.
Herbst said local and state foresters teamed up last year to search logical areas of metro Omaha and found none. Logical areas are along interstates and highly-trafficked tourist sites such as the Henry Doorly Zoo, he said, areas that receive lots of travelers and recreation vehicles hauling firewood.
In Omaha, evidence of the beetle was found, ironically, during a press conference to announce the citys plans to battle the insect:
On Friday, a city Parks Department crew cut down a diseased-looking ash tree in Pulaski Park to provide the public with an example of the type of trees that it will remove under its beefed-up response plan.
A worker peeled back the bark of the tree, standard procedure when cutting down an ash, Parks Director Brook Bench said. When the wood was laid bare, arborists on hand realized that the moment of reckoning had arrived, said Herbst, who was there.
There were some expletives and some gasps, he said.
The trees trunk bore the tell-tale squiggles of the larvae of an emerald ash borer.
Confirmation of the emerald ash borer continues a string of disappointing news for Nebraskas trees.
Pine wilt already has wiped out most of Nebraskas Scotch pines. The Missouri River flood of 2011 killed many of the trees in the river valley along the states eastern border. And drought has thinned the already thin canopy in the heart of the state.
If Nebraska is to continue to have a vibrant stock of trees, it will need to undertake an effort equal to the threats the trees are facing, said Eric Berg, community forestry and sustainable landscape program leader for the Nebraska Forest Service.
This includes planting a greater diversity of trees than has typically been the case, he said.
Complicating the matter is climate change, he said. Nebraskas climate is shifting rapidly, and its not clear what type of tree will survive and thrive.
The average temperature is rising, the growing season is lengthening, and Nebraska is expected to become more vulnerable to extreme drought and extreme precipitation, research has shown. Although the increasing warmth would seem to make the state more hospitable to southern trees, thats not a given, Berg said, because Nebraska remains prone to deep freezes in winter that would kill them off. Further muddying the issue is the widening variety of pests and disease moving into the area with climate change.
So while Nebraska is experimenting by planting trees from the Southern Plains, its also looking at those that thrive in northern states and from other areas of the globe, particularly China, that have a similar climate, Berg said.
We dont have a good solid answer for that, so the answer is going to be, lets plant a lot of different types of trees, he said.
World-Herald staff writer Christopher Burbach contributed to this report, which includes material from the World-Herald News Service.
Take a drive across Nebraska and you will see farm equipment almost everywhere: tractors, combines, center pivots and more. You name it, chances are Nebraska producers use it. Year-round, our farmers and ranchers rely on a wide variety of agricultural machinery to do their job of feeding the world.
Many of these producers store fuel in above-ground tanks on their property. Often, this is because they live miles from the towns where they can refuel.
While most fuel storage tanks are located miles from major waterways, Washington wants to regulate them anyway.
Despite the EPAs limited understanding of production agriculture, the agency believes these fuel tanks threaten water quality. Under a regulation intended for major oil refineries, known as the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule, the EPA wants to restrict the amount of fuel our ag producers can store on their land. This rule would force families to make costly upgrades to fuel storage tanks. It would also impose heavy fines if these tanks go over the on-farm fuel limit exemption mandated by the federal government.
As a cattle rancher, I understand the negative impact this mandate would have on our agriculture community. As your U.S. senator, I am doing something about it.
Last Congress, I successfully brokered a bipartisan provision in the 2014 Water Resources Reform Development Act, which was signed into law. My provision protected Nebraskas ag community from the SPCC rule by implementing a 6,000-gallon exemption for on-farm fuel storage. It also required the EPA to conduct a study to examine and determine the exemption threshold for on-farm fuel storage. The study was released last year and it quickly became clear that the results were based on flawed data.
EPA regulators claim we need this rule to protect water quality, but the facts tell a different story. In its study, the EPA failed to show that on-farm fuel storage poses a significant risk to water quality. The report cited seven examples of significant fuel spills, yet none of them occurred on a farm or ranch. Even more misleading, they pointed to one spill in particular that leaked 3,000 gallons of fuel. The only problem is, the liquid was jet fuel, something I have yet to find on farms in Nebraska.
Nebraskas ag community remains under threat by this burdensome rule and for no reason. Thats why, last month, I introduced a bill that will address this issue head on.
My legislation, known as the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship or FUELS Act, would provide relief for Nebraska families with on-farm fuel storage tanks. This bill completely exempts farms and ranches with 10,000 gallons or less of on-farm fuel storage. This exemption would also apply to farms with larger storage capacities of up to 42,000 gallons and no history of fuel spills. Finally, regardless of capacity, the exemption applies to livestock operations with animal feed ingredient storage tanks.
Both the Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Cattlemen strongly support this legislation. I was glad to work with them to help ensure producers are not harmed by this unnecessary federal red tape.
We all want clean water and to maintain a healthy environment. But Nebraskans know how to protect our resources better than bureaucrats. Through commonsense legislation like the FUELS Act, we can provide regulatory relief.
Deb Fischer is Nebraskas senior representative in the U.S. Senate.
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Israeli police officers examine the scene of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire in central Tel Aviv Wednesday night, killing three people and wounding at least five others, Israel police said. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli police officers stand guard at the scene of a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire in central Tel Aviv Wednesday night, killing three people and wounding at least five others, Israel police said. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
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Sometimes when Im working at the hospital overnight, I go for walks. Every now and then, things calm down in the operating room, and you can get some time to relax. Life moves at such a break-neck pace, especially within the world of hospitals, that taking a moment to reflect, is beneficial.
Walking around a hospital at night is very different than during the day. During the day, it feels like a corporation with suited men and women roaming from meeting to meeting, it feels like train station, where buses and cars move in and out of lots. It sometimes feels like a factory where patients come for the acute care that only a hospital can provide.
But at night?
At night, hospitals take on a whole different feel. When I walk around, there are few people moving about, but each one is moving with a purpose.
A resident physician on no sleep fumbling with notebooks filled with endless pages of diagnoses and treatments for the 20 patients on their service.
A man pushing his IV pole down the hall, convincing himself that just one more step will help him get better and out of here.
A nurse, having just come to work at midnight, eating lunch and discussing with her colleagues what its like to live a life directly inverted from the lives of other people.
Im listening more carefully at night as I stroll through the darkened halls. The walls echo a variety of emotions, each distinct with vigor and substance.
I just dont want to watch him suffer, a middle-aged man says to his mom, just outside of his dads room.
It has feet! says the man looking at his newborn daughters body just after his wifes delivery.
There is art on the walls.
Lining up the walls of a hospital near you is artwork from distinguished artists around the world. I read the descriptions, the artists names and feel a sense of gloom. I dont usually notice the art because the truth is, no matter how hard you try to make the hospital a more pleasant place, it most often will remain cold.
It is filled with caregivers, whose sole purpose in their professional live, is to take care of the sick. And with all that love and devotion, their empathy can only extend to the hand of those reaching. Sometimes, you can reach their hearts, and when you do, you know it.
One night, things were just going terribly. People were coming into the hospital with stab wounds, fatal car accidents; you name it. I didnt have much time for anything.
Just as I was about to catch a break and put my head down, I got a text message from an old friend. I hadnt seen him since my training years in Texas, but his brother was at my hospital. His wife had experienced a stroke and needed immediate attention.
It was very late at night and coincidentally I was there the same night. I went down to the lower level of the hospital where very few people would be at that time of night. And there he was. His brother was sitting alone, in a waiting room, while is beloved was having her brain scanned.
And at that moment, two people who have never met each other, linked by a mutual friend, were able to sit down and talk. We talked about sports, about raising our kids, and the frailty of life. We ate Oreos, I wished him and his wife well, and went on my way.
Walking back to my room at the hospital, I stopped to look and observe some more paintings.
Ahmed, is that you? What the hell are you doing?
A fellow anesthesiologist and buddy of mine, Justin, also working overnight, saw me stone-eyed, gazing at the wall-art, and almost didnt recognize me. I told him what I had been thinking, and he said he could relate. He pulled out his phone and shared something with me called, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. In it was the definition of the word, sonder:
the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own populated with their own ambitions friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness-an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that youll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.
Glancing over at family members laying on uncomfortable couches, half-covered by thin blankets, trying to get a wink of sleep as their loved ones yearn to heal in a seemingly cold place, you get the sense that they are homeless for the night.
And at that moment, I am just an extra, sipping coffee in the background, a lighted window at dusk.
Ahmed Zaafran is an anesthesiologist who blogs at DrBeen.
On February 9, during the stock markets early-2016 slump, shares of Amazon.com (symbol AMZN (opens in new tab)) closed at $482.07. The next day Kiplingers recommended Amazon in Best FANG Stocks to Buy Before They Rebound. In just four months since the stock hit bottom, Amazon shares have surged 51%, to $726.64, giving the Internet retailing giant a market capitalization of $343 billion, or 55% more than the market cap of Wal-Mart Stores (WMT (opens in new tab)), the worlds largest brick-and-mortar chain, even though Wal-Marts sales are more than four times greater than Amazons.
Then again, you shouldnt beat yourself up for passing on the February fire sale. After all, Amazon, a company that has lost money in two of the past four calendar years, is an enigma for investors. Although Amazon continues to grow rapidlyanalysts expect revenues to expand at a 20% annual clip through 2018does a company that has so much trouble keeping its bottom line in the black really deserve to trade at 110 times estimated year-ahead earnings?
Even in good years, Amazon isnt particularly profitable. In 2015 the companys operating margin (operating income dividend by revenue) was just 2.1%and that paltry figure marked a five-year high. To some extent, low profit margins are inherent when running a retail business that competes aggressively on price. But Amazons margins also reflect its big-picture strategy of making enormous investments in order to quickly claim territory in the rapidly expanding landscapes of e-commerce and cloud computing. In 2014, for example, Amazon lost $0.52 a share as it made big expenditures on media content, new warehouses and Fire TV, Amazons box-top streaming device. That year the company also cut prices for its cloud-computing customers to win market share.
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And yet, however much Amazons results may infuriate investors, its growth prospects never fail to dazzle. Plenty of growth potential certainly remains for the core retail business, where Amazon continues to win business away from traditional retailers. For example, Amazon Prime membershipa linchpin for future growth because Prime members spend much more than other customersexpanded by 51% in 2015 from the previous year. But the juiciest growth potential lies at Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud-computing business. You can get starry-eyed thinking about AWSs growth prospects, says Justin White, manager of T. Rowe Price New America Growth, which at last report had 9% of its assets in Amazon shares.
Amazon is the undisputed market leader in cloud computing, in which sellers provide infrastructure or computing platforms as a service to customers, and customers access their data, storage and servers over the Internet. White says it can be difficult to get a grasp on exactly how large the market is or exactly how fast its growing, because many companies claim to offer cloud-computing services but instead really sell software or other ancillary products.
But AWSs results tell a clear story: Business is booming. The units first-quarter operating earnings of $604 million were more than three times greater than profits in the same period a year earlier. Moreover, AWSs first-quarter operating profit margin of 23.5% provided a welcome lift to Amazons overall margin.
It could be that AWS is the profit machine that will finally propel the company to consistent earnings growth. There are also reasons to believe the core retail business is turning a corner on profitability, as investments in logistics and infrastructure start to pay off. Amazon has been investing in new fulfillment centersso far in 2016 it has announced plans for 10 new centers in the U.S.which reduces shipping costs. In March, Amazon inaugurated its own air fleet, with a deal to lease 20 Boeing 767s, a move that should further reduce shipping costs as the company is able to rely less on outside carriers such as United Parcel Service. And almost 50% of units sold on the Amazon marketplace now come from third parties, which should provide a boost as such sales are typically more profitable than in-house sales, says Victor Anthony, an analyst with Axiom Capital Management, an investment-banking firm based in New York City. Putting all those and other positive factors together, Anthony believes the core retail business could achieve double-digit-percentage profit margins within the next two years.
However, even if profits march steadily upward from now on, valuing the company on a price-earnings basis still looks Pollyannaish. Analysts on average expect earnings per share to grow by a sturdy 56% per year through 2018. But even comparing Amazons current stock price against estimated 2018 earnings of $16.66 per share yields a P/E ratio of 44. And of course, estimating earnings several years in advance is especially tricky for a company with a bottom line as hard to predict as Amazons.
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Chief executive officer Jeff Bezos has said that instead of profits he prefers to focus on free cash flow, a measure of how much cash the business generates after accounting for capital expenditures, because thats something that investors can spend. So, perhaps investors trying to value the company should do the same. R. J. Hottovy, an analyst with Morningstar, uses a projection of Amazons future free cash flow to arrive at a current fair value estimate of $800 per share. Hottovys price tag rests on the assumption that companywide operating margins could expand to 7.6% over the next five yearsa more conservative, but possibly more realistic assessment than Anthonys outlookfactoring in cost savings at the retail business and continued growth at AWS.
On Hottovys estimate Amazon is about 10% undervalued. Buying the stock at todays price thus provides some margin of safety. But that margin could prove too thin if profits were to take a sudden nosedive, which might happen if Amazon were to turn on the spending spigot again. If that were to occur, frustrated investors could punish the stock.
On the other hand, in a few years $800 may look like a bargain. White believes the stock could reach $2,000 in the next four to five years as AWS grows to be even more valuable than the core retail business. That said, he doesnt think the road to $2,000 will necessarily be a smooth one. This is the type of stock that you buy and dont think about, White says. Own it for the next 10 to 20 years.
Bezos would agree. As he put it in a now-famous 1997 letter to shareholders, Its all about the long term.
A reduction in bullish positioning by speculators in gold futures may well set the stage for a new leg higher, says Triland Metals. Gold continues to prosper on the Western worlds ultra-loose monetary policy, giving it (the) most prominent start since 1979, Triland says in a research note late Wednesday. Prior to Fridays NFP (weak U.S. nonfarm payrolls) print, gold had been under pressure in the short term, forcing a number of weak longs to exit their holdings, but with them now out of the picture, this could pave the way for a new bull run. Futures speculators had been paring long positions on ideas the Federal Reserve might hike interest rates this summer, but those ideas were dashed on Friday when the U.S. Labor Department reported only 38,000 new jobs last month, with gold since surging higher.
By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com
Stronger Dollar, Profit-Taking Nudge Most Precious Metals Lower
A stronger U.S. dollar and profit-taking have prompted most of the precious metals to ease in early-Thursday activity, says a trader. A day after the precious complex rose sharply, spot gold was down $3.60 to $1,258.65 an ounce just before 8 a.m. EDT, although spot silver was 3.2 cents higher at $17.025. Platinum eased $11.80 to $993.70, and palladium was down $3.30 to $556.20. All of this occurred as the greenback moved higher against the euro, the trader says. Members of the precious metals market are feeling the pressure of the stronger dollar and some profit-taking, the trader says, pointing out that platinum is softer despite supply concerns in South Africa that might otherwise be supportive, including with violence from an apparent union turf war that has halted output at Northam Platinums Zondereinde mine.
By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com
MKS: Gold Could Run Into Profit-Taking But Buying Occurring On Dips
MKS Precious Metals (Australia) sees potential for gold to run into some profit-taking pressure after the gains of the last week but also says buying is emerging on pullbacks. Spot gold finished trading Wednesday around $1,262.25, a gain of $51.70, or 4.3%, since last Thursday, with the biggest up days coming last Friday after a weak U.S. jobs report and then on Wednesday. Activity was quiet overnight in Asia-Pacific trade, with China and Hong Kong observing a holiday, MKS says. Dips continue to be well supported with little support for the ailing USD (U.S. dollar); however, the speed of the recent move higher is likely to see profit-taking emerge, while resting bids and ETF (exchange-traded-fund) interest
restrict any major washout, MKS says. Resistance on the topside sits towards $1,280, while interest towards $1,255-$1,250 should support the metal.
By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com
BNP Paribas: Bank Of Japan Action Now More Likely In July
BNP Paribas has pushed back its outlook for the Bank of Japan to loosen monetary policy again in July rather than June. Our economists have revised their expectations for the Bank of Japan and now see less than a 50% chance of BOJ easing at its meeting next week, while there is a slightly better-than-even chance of additional easing in July, BNP Paribas says. Our economists note that while the yen continues to face upward pressure, conditions have not worsened enough to justify another dose of unconventional policy in June but that the BOJ may ease in July, particularly if the U.S. data flow remains weak and risk sentiment turns sour.
By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com
Arla Shephard / special to the Kitsap Sun A traditional Mayan dance is performed and taught at a Mayan cultural celebration in April at the North Mason Timberland Library. This weekend, Belfair will be home to the 11th annual National Maya Conference, with workshops, traditional Guatemalan meals and celebrations planned at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and Belfair Elementary.
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Many area Guatemalans share heritage.
By Arla Shephard Special To The Kitsap Sun
BELFAIR ? Two years ago Belfair resident Mateo Santiago had no idea what the National Maya Conference was, and what it could mean for his people.
Next weekend, thanks to the efforts of Santiago and many of Mason County's other Guatemalan immigrants, Belfair will become the center of Mayan culture from across the United States.
The 11th annual National Maya Conference ? sponsored by the Mayan advocacy group Pastoral Maya USA and held every year in different communities across the United States ? will take place at various locations around Belfair all weekend, with cultural celebrations and educational conferences planned and open to all members of the public.
"Everyone who wants to come is welcome," Santiago said. "We want people to come and be a part of our culture."
Santiago, like many of Mason County's Guatemalan immigrants, is Mayan, an ethnic group that encompasses the descendants of the ancient Mayan civilization, all of whom share a similar cultural and linguistic heritage.
In Guatemala, more than 40 percent of the population is Mayan, and there are 23 officially recognized Mayan dialects that are spoken, according to the CIA World Factbook.
In 2010, there were an estimated 1.1 million people of Guatemalan origin living in the United States, according to a 2012 Pew Research Center report.
Santiago estimates that there are anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 Guatemala immigrants living in Mason County, with as many as 2,000 in North Mason.
Most of the immigrants come from the Guatemalan city of San Pedro Soloma, which has a population of about 50,000 people, Santiago said.
Although he knew that there were many Guatemalan immigrants living in Belfair and the United States, Santiago had no idea that there was an organized group that brought these people together, until he attended the 2011 National Maya Conference in Portland, Ore.
A counselor from the North Mason School District had brought Santiago and a small group of other Guatemalans to the conference.
"It was such a great experience to see all of my people gathering, especially young people speaking in one of our native languages," Santiago said. "It was very interesting. One topic I really enjoyed was education, as well as keeping our culture alive no matter what."
Santiago and a group of friends attended the 2012 National Maya Conference in Alamosa, Colo., and after that began serious talks to bring the conference to Belfair.
Santiago expects that Mayans from as far as Colorado, Tennessee and Arizona will attend the conference in Belfair.
The conference officially kicks off with a bonfire celebration at around 3 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church on Sand Hill Road in Belfair. A group of Guatemalans will recite prayers in the way that their Mayan ancestors used to pray, Santiago said.
The celebration will tie into the anniversary of the founding of San Pedro Soloma, and there will be dancing, marimba playing and the crowning of a princess, Santiago added.
Starting at around 7 a.m., Saturday, breakfast will be served at Belfair Elementary, preceding a day of workshops and talks about issues that affect Guatemalans today.
Education topics will vary from how to keep kids in school to paying for higher education, said Santiago, who himself is studying at Olympic College in Bremerton to become an interpreter.
"One of the problems we have here in our community is the kids don't want to go to college," he said. "Parents don't know how to get scholarships, and they don't know that there is money out there. People are scared. They think, ?I can't pay $50,000-$60,000 for college.' In the country where we are from, education is not as important as it is here. We want to keep our lives simple, I guess."
Immigration issues and legal rights will also be discussed, Santiago added.
Many immigrants, fearful of deportation, may choose not to call the police when they are victims of a crime, he said.
"They think that they might end up in jail or end up back home," he said. "They're not always aware that the police will not always ask about your paperwork."
Lunch will be provided at the conference, Santiago said.
The workshops will finish around 4 p.m., and at about 6 p.m., many of the Guatemalans will attend mass at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
From 9 p.m. to midnight, live marimba music and a dance will take place back at Belfair Elementary.
"Everyone is welcome to come and learn to dance," Santiago said.
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If you go
WHAT: 11th annual National Maya Conference
WHERE: Belfair Elementary, Prince of Peace Catholic Church
WHEN: Bonfire kickoff is at 3 p.m. Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1171 NE Sand Hill Road.
Workshops will run most of the day Saturday at Belfair Elementary School, 22900 Highway 3. Breakfast begins about 7 a.m.
SHARE An Armin Jahr Elementary School student places an item on a food donation cart. Armin Jahr Elementary School para-educator Joyce Johnson organizes the food donations left during lunch Wednesday. Some food that students don't eat is being collected and distributed to area food banks. Armin Jahr Elementary School students line up for pizza during lunch Wednesday. Students during lunch donate their unused food for charity. Armin Jahr Elementary School food donation cart during lunch Wednesday.
By Christian Vosler, christian.vosler@kitsapsun.com
BREMERTON Instead of throwing away unused cartons of milk or uneaten bread or fruit, students in the Bremerton School District donate unwanted food to help families in need.
The program, the result of a partnership among the district, the state and the Environmental Protection Agency, aims to reduce the impact of food waste on the environment while helping to feed the hungry in Bremerton.
Schools recently began collecting certain unopened, undamaged food items from federally subsidized school lunches. The food is stored in a freezer until it is picked up by the Salvation Army and Bremerton Food Line to be donated to local food banks.
"It just feels so much better to not throw food away and give it to people who will eat it and need it," district child nutrition services supervisor Lynn Johnson said.
Johnson said the district is collecting between 150 and 175 pounds of food per school per week. The district estimates that the program could potentially collect up to 32,000 pounds of food per year.
Johnson said the program also will save the district money on trash pick up, since less food waste will be sent to the landfill.
In 2010, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act changed school lunch regulations. As a result, Johnson said, kids are exposed to more fruits and vegetables, which they don't always eat. Some of the donated food might include bananas, unsliced apples and packaged carrots. Packaged food like bread rolls, yogurt, cheese sticks, milk and cereal may be donated as long as it is undamaged.
Johnson held a walk-through Wednesday to showcase the food share at Armin Jahr Elementary School.
Students ate lunch as usual. Before throwing away any uneaten food, they were given the option to place it in a separate bin. Student volunteers then move the food into freezers until it can be distributed by the Salvation Army and Bremerton Food Line.
Some students said they were surprised when the program started but warmed up to it quickly.
"It was exciting. If you don't want to eat (a certain food) because you were full, you just can put it somewhere so that you can send it to people who need it," one Armin Jahr third-grader said.
"Instead of just like wasting it," her friend added.
Bremerton's food share is the pilot program for the state, as well as one of the first districts on the West Coast to implement this type of food-waste reduction program, according to EPA senior sustainability adviser Viccy Salazar.
"Not only are we teaching children not to waste food," she said, "but also helping them ... figure out how to not waste food and to actually have a part in the solution."
The school district is working alongside the state and EPA to create a model variance and a "set of tools" that can be applied statewide next year, Salazar said.
Johnson was approached last year by the EPA and asked to be a part of a program that would keep food out of the landfill and help provide for people in need. When she first approached the Kitsap Public Health District with the idea, she was turned down. After more than a year of applying for special variances to the existing school food permits, the program was approved.
"Navigating the legal maze was difficult, Lynn never gave up," EPA associate director of environmental review and assessment Linda Anderson-Carnahan said.
Johnson is hoping to establish some sort of recognition for students who volunteer to help with the program, in addition to involving some science classes with the sustainability part of the program. She said she wants to get students excited about saving food.
Because the program was instituted at the district level, Salazar said, it should stand the test of time, unlike other programs that might come and go with changes to the school board or PTAs.
SHARE New Gig Harbor Library branch manager Karen Brooks is happy with the staff and programs at the library, including the creativity used to build a book display called readbooks by library page Karen Ford that takes its cue from the Redbox video kiosks.
By CHARLEE GLOCK-JACKSONFOR GIG HARBOR LIFEThe Gig Harbor library has had more than its share of changes over the past nine months, but Karen Brooks hopes to change that.In April, Brooks, who celebrated her 36th birthday on May 5, took the reins as branch manager of the Gig Harbor library, replacing Tracy Thompson, who held the position for six months after Joy Kim was transferred.Kim had served as branch manager for two years.The Gig Harbor branch managers keep getting promoted, Brooks said.Tracy got moved into administration to be in charge of collections and Joy is now head of partnership and outreach.As far she is concerned, Brooks intends to stay at the Gig Harbor branch for a long time, she said.Ive already done administration and now Im looking forward to doing what I enjoy most helping people.This is a service profession and I like being face to face with people, whether its helping them put together a resume or helping them find their next book to read.Brooks reads just about anything, she said. But Id have to say that my favorite is science fiction and fantasy.Shes especially fond of books by Spider Robinson, Robert Henlein and Mercedes Lackey. Mercedes is a fantasy writer and Ive liked her work ever since I discovered her when I was in high school.Which is also when Brooks decided she wanted to be a librarian.After earning a bachelors degree in linguistics from the University of Arizona in Tucson,Brooks got her masters in library and information sciences at the University of Pittsburg and then spent more than a decade at Pittsburgs Carnegie Library.At Carnegie Library she worked her way up from clerk to coordinator of teen services and then manager of the Lawrenceville branch. In 2008 she was named a Mover and Shaker by Library Journal.In addition to the people shes already met, one of things Brooks likes best about Gig Harbor is that its a community of readers. Its a huge branch, compared to the Summit branch where I worked previously in the Pierce County system.And Gig Harbor is a tight-knit community that has a really unique personality and you get the feeling that the people here really love their library.She has no plans to change any of the programs or the staff. They have such a strong knowledge and connection to the community, she said. Ill be taking my cues from them.She calls herself an equal opportunity reader.Ill read just about anything, any way its presented, she said. I love actual books, but I also love non-fiction on audio books.And I love my Kindle and I check out a lot of e-books. Were getting a bigger budget for e-books so there will be more and more choices.At home, Brooks has a huge personal collection of books. Books have been my friends and constant companions all my life. I think books are like old friends so I could never abandon them.When shes not working or reading, Brooks loves to spend time with her two cats, named Puck and Ollie, after literary characters. Puck, of course is named for a character in A Midsummer Nights Dream and Ollie is named for Oliver Twist. Hes always asking for more, she said with a laugh.She also enjoys hiking and already has explored several new places including Kopachuck Park, Point Defiance and the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge near Olympia.The staff here has given me a list of good places to go hiking, she said. But its sure different from Pennsylvania.Most of my Pennsylvania hikes were more like nature trails. Youd probably call them easy hikes.But an easy hike here has a lot more up than back there.
The Northwind in April at the Bremerton Marina.
By Josh Farley of the Kitsap Sun
BREMERTON The Northwind, a historic 86-year-old yacht that once allegedly ferried the likes of Winston Churchill, Jackie Kennedy and Princess Elizabeth, likely left Bremerton's marina for good Wednesday morning.
The aging 130-foot vessel, which appeared to be listing and taking on water in April, was towed by tug to a dry dock in Ballard, where it will undergo repairs to make it seaworthy again, according to Christian Lee Lint, a captain and owner of several historic vessels in Bremerton Marina.
Hansen Yachts appears to have negotiated a sale of the vessel from an estate in Florida to a new owner. The details have not been finalized, according to broker Steve Hansen. The sale price was not disclosed; the vessel had been advertised for $750,000.
"There are very, very few fantail motor yachts around any more," Hansen said. "This is one of the most spectacular."
Featured prominently on the Bremerton Marina breakwater and sometimes open for tours in recent years, the vessel's history was displayed in photos and stories in a prominent living room that included a fireplace on board. Built in 1930, the motor yacht sailed the Great Lakes and eastern seaboard until the beginning of World War II, when it was sent to Great Britain. Prime Minister Churchill is rumored to have retreated on board; the British later sent it around the world on a goodwill mission that might have secretly been intelligence gathering. In 1951, a stop in Malta included a visit from then Princess Elizabeth, the future queen.
Ten years later, the government of Greece hosted Jackie Kennedy aboard, its histories aboard say.
At some point, the vessel headed back to the Pacific coast. It is owned by a Florida woman who passed away, and the estate has been managing it and seeking a buyer.
When the boat appeared to be sinking in April, marina staff informed the Coast Guard, which hired a marine salvage company to inspect and stabilize it. But they couldn't keep the Northwind from taking on water. The Coast Guard removed 2,000 gallons of fuel.
Lint was dismayed at the work by the contractor. He said the dry dock in Ballard will be able to fully repair any leak, though the contractor was unsuccessful in doing so.
"They repaired every hole that wasn't leaking," he said.
The Coast Guard did not return calls for comment Wednesday.
The vessel left Bremerton early Wednesday under the power of the Ruby VIII tug boat operated by Campbell Maritime Inc., Lint said.
If the sale proceeds, Lint will drive the vessel himself to Mexico for additional work on behalf of the undisclosed new owner, he said. It's possible it could return to Bremerton briefly before making the journey, but Hansen doubts it.
"I think it will be going south as soon as repairs are done," he said.
Photo by Arla Shephard Bull From left, North Mason High School senior Trevor Handyside, 18, junior Austin McFar, 16, teacher Gavin Forseth, senior Jeremiah Lambert and Allyn resident Phil Wolff stand with a boat that the boat building class made at North Mason High School. Wolff made a donation in memory of his son, Garret Wolff, to the boat-building class, which Forseth teaches.
SHARE Photos by Arla Shephard Bull For the past two trimesters, students in Gavin Forseth's fifth-period boat-building classes have been creating wooden and metal boats like this one. Forseth expects the class to grow.
By Arla Shephard Bull, Mason County Life
June 4 marks the four-year anniversary of the death of Phil Wolff's son, Garrett, and the Allyn resident will remember his son by making a donation to the North Mason School District.
Wolff made a $1,700 donation at the end of last month to the school district's new boat building class at North Mason High School and for the trails at the Mary E. Theler Community Center, but the North Mason school board must approve or reject the donation at its regular June 16 meeting.
Wolff's intention is to remember his son, who committed suicide, and to raise awareness for suicide prevention contrary to popular belief, suicide rates peak in the spring and summer months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and research dating back to the 1970s.
"I belong to a parents of suicides group and anecdotally, you see there's this huge spike between May and July, around the end of the school year," he said. "It's counterintuitive. You're out of school and you don't have to deal with social pressures and the weather is getting better, but that's just not a factor."
Studies dating back to the late 1800s find that suicides peak in the spring and are lowest in winter, according to a 2014 article in "Live Science."
In 1995, a study published in the journal "Social Science & Medicine" looked at monthly suicide rates in 28 countries and found that in 25 in the Northern Hemisphere, suicides were most common in May and dipped in February.
Similar findings were reported in the Southern Hemisphere, such as in South Africa, where suicides peak in September and October, springtime in the southern hemisphere, according to a 1997 study in the journal "Psychiatry Research."
Wolff decided to remember his son by giving back this year, and his interest in the boat building class peaked when he read an article about it.
"Garrett, my other son, Hans, and I, we built a wooden kayak in 2002," he said. "That process was cool. It reminded me of building model airplanes with my dad. I just think it's so cool to be able to create something and we're losing that skill, we're not doing that much anymore in society."
West Sound Technical School in Bremerton also helped Wolff's son Hans cope with his brother's death.
"When Garrett died, that school was great for Hans," Wolff recalled. "His instructor took him under his wing. So it's cool to see that here, right at North Mason High School."
Garrett Wolff also enjoyed the Theler trails, and Phil Wolff has felt an affinity for trails throughout his 20-year career with the Department of Natural Resources.
"I care about trails," he said, explaining his donation. "Trails connect communities, they bring you closer to nature and they provide fitness. When you're on a trail, you've arrived at your destination, once you're there, you're there. The Theler trails, it's a great draw for the community. It's great for tourism."
Wolff won't be at the June 16 meeting when the school board takes up his donation offer because he'll be on a week-long trip with the Salaam Cultural Museum to the Greece-Macedonia border volunteering with a medical and humanitarian effort to help Syrian refugees.
Since 2012, the Salaam Cultural Museum has been sending teams overseas in order to provide medical aid to Syrian refugees and others affected by the Syrian refugee crisis. The group's mission is to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict and natural disaster in the Middle East and North Africa.
"There are people that are stuck in grief. It happens. It's a psychological condition," he said. "That's what's sad. I've been fortunate and I've been successful in my life. I'm lucky to be alive, we all are. I feel like it's time to start giving back."
For more information on the Salaam Cultural Museum, visit salaamculturalmuseum.wordpress.com.
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By Ed Friedrich of the Kitsap Sun
SEATTLE Wireless service won't be available on state ferries beyond June.
Provider Boingo Wireless provided it month-to-month after its contract expired in November so the state could find a replacement. No viable proposals were submitted, Washington State Ferries spokesman Ian Sterling said.
Boingo offers Wi-Fi at more than 1 million hot spots worldwide, including airports, hotels, subways, cafes, malls, stadiums and convention centers. Ferries on the Kingston-Edmonds and Bainbridge Island-Seattle routes got it in November 2006. Bremerton-Seattle, stalled by challenges of placing an antenna on shore within sight of Rich Passage, wasn't added until December 2007.
The service costs $9.95 per month.
"Maybe 10 years ago this would have been a really good deal, but these days most people have a wireless device or smartphone in their hand so they wouldn't have to pay to get wireless," Sterling said. "That's probably why only 2 percent of passengers use it."
Wi-Fi over the water is complicated and expensive, and the network Boingo took over on the ferries needed an upgrade.
"We enjoyed our relationship with Washington State Ferries very much, and we wish we could've continued with them," Boingo spokeswoman Lauren de la Fuente said in an interview from the company's Los Angeles headquarters. "Unfortunately, it was cost-prohibitive, and we just couldn't participate in the RFP process. But we wish them and all the commuters the best in their future connectivity."
Washington State Ferries continues to search for viable options to improve connectivity aboard its vessels, Sterling said. Until then, passengers are advised to use mobile data where available.
Evan Bullen, of Bremerton, said he's been using a Verizon hot spot on his phone the past few years, and he has found it to be faster than Boingo.
"I won't miss it," he said. "It was cheap, but if it didn't work, it did me no good."
Matt Kenneway, of Bainbridge, said he's been a Boingo user for a couple of years but said that the bandwidth was limited during commuter hours and that he found it quicker to just leverage a hot spot from his phone.
Some riders have suggested the state should provide the service. That would require a big investment that's not authorized in the budget.
"We're better off keeping the boats on the water and maintained," Sterling said. "Yes, there are other ways to do (Wi-Fi), but all of them cost money. Ferries isn't in the Wi-Fi business, it's in the move people business."
Stuff reports:
A fraudsters victim who fought back has won a landmark battle to name and shame the man who scammed him and dozens of others.
Nearly two and a half years ago, Steve Taylor contracted Grant Norman King to build a sleepout for his elderly father behind the family home in West Auckland.
Taylor paid three-quarters of the price $23,500 as a deposit. The sleepout was never built and the money was not returned.
In a bid to get even, Taylor brought civil proceedings against King but when the cost of continuing the case became prohibitive, he took a different tack, setting up the website grantnormanking.com with the intention of warning others who might be drawn in.
Within months other victims were clamouring to tell their stories and it was not long before Taylor built a comprehensive timeline of Kings offending.
King then tried to turn the legal tables on Taylor by using the Harassment Act to sue Taylor and demand the website be taken down.
Taylor was forced into Auckland District Court to defend himself.
However, that was Kings mistake. What he did was open up the opportunity for every other victim to tell their story, which was the very thing he was advocating against, Taylor said.
Affidavits in support of Taylors cause flooded in and he said it was surreal to be standing in court with the public gallery full of people backing him.
In court Judge David Wilson sided with Taylor and said the website, with all its explosive accusations, could remain online. It would be inappropriate if a man in Mr Kings position could close down postings of essentially factual material on the basis that it interferes with his commercial plans and deprives him of customers, the judge said.
I blogged in May 2014 on a fraudster who was trying to get a website about him removed under the Harrassment Act.
An update on him in the Herald:
Three times bankrupt, Grant Norman King stood in the dock in Waitakere District Court where he was sentenced to 262 hours of community work. It was July 30, 2012, and he had admitted charges of violating the terms of that bankruptcy after ripping off a west Auckland man over a $23,500 sleep out that was never built. .. The convictions were added to the 60-year-olds 40 previous convictions, many of which were for similarly fraudulent behaviour. Judge Glubb said the fact the offending took place before and after sentencing on other matters showed particular audacity on Kings part. You were given 262 hours community work at that time and you brazenly re-engaged in the management of another business and further offended in the same way, albeit it escalated. King was jailed for 18 months despite arguing for home detention.
Sadly I dont think we have seen the last of him.
King made headlines in 2012 when the Herald revealed he took $23,500, a 75-per-cent deposit for a sleep out, from Steve Taylor. The work was never done. Since then, Mr Taylor had set up a blog designed to warn others of the fraudsters activity.
The blog is at http://www.grantnormanking.com/
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Server Kathy Akinbosoye, left, and corporate trainer Elise Krause talk at the new First Watch: The Daytime Cafe on Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Bearden. The First Watch team has "localized" their franchise with elements like a hand-painted mural of Bearden Hill created by Curtis Glover. (PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL)
SHARE Lemon ricotta pancakes are one of the menu items available at the new First Watch: The Daytime Cafe pictured Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Bearden. (PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL) The new First Watch: The Daytime Cafe is pictured Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Bearden. The First Watch team has "localized" their franchise with elements like a hand-painted mural of Bearden Hill and other decor and menu selections. (PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL) The Healthy Turkey Omelet, the Works omelet, and Brioche French Toast, front to back, are among the menu items available at the new First Watch: The Daytime Cafe pictured Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Bearden. (PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL) The Trifecta with a Belgian waffle is among the menu items available at the new First Watch: The Daytime Cafe pictured Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Bearden. (PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL) Related Photos First Watch: The Daytime Cafe set to open in Bearden
By John Shearer of the Knoxville News Sentinel
Having grown up in West Knoxville and attended nearby West High School, Nadim Jubran is returning to his roots as a partner in First Watch: The Daytime Cafe, opening Monday on Bearden Hill.
He hopes diners experience a return to Bearden's agrarian roots of the 1800s when walking into the restaurant made to look like the interior of an old farmhouse with, of course, plenty of hip urban and modern amenities.
"The new look is urban farm," Jubran said Thursday during a sneak preview. "It is a rustic, urban, high-energy vibe, but with a flair of revitalized woods and reused hardwoods."
The restaurant, which will offer breakfast, brunch and lunch, will use this same theme with its food by having dishes featuring cage-free eggs, a variety of vegetables and other items grown or produced the older and natural way.
The eatery will offer cutting-edge dishes, too.
"It is made to order, everything from sockeye salmon, to quinoa bowls, to avocado toast, to pancakes, to sandwiches, soups, and salads," he said.
Other menu items include French toast, biscuits, steel-cut oatmeal, waffles, eggs Benedict, omelets, bacon, frittatas and juices from its fresh juice bar, among other foods and drinks.
Manager Joseph Kooi said freshness is the restaurant's overriding appeal.
"We don't use any heat lamps or fryers," he said. "It is all fresh and ready to eat right now."
Jubran, the son of Denark Construction CEO Raja Jubran, said the average dish and meal should be about $10 per person.
This is actually the second First Watch to open in Knoxville. Jubran and some partners, including COO James Geib, formed Capstone Concepts LLC in 2012 before opening a First Watch in Turkey Creek by Publix in 2013. However, it has a different look from the Bearden restaurant, he said.
The first restaurant in the chain was started in 1983 in Pacific Grove, Calif. It was located by a Naval base and was called First Watch a nautical term that means the first shift of the day to fit in with the community and the eatery's theme of serving food early in the day.
Jubran said Bearden has a lot of good local restaurants, but claims his restaurant is the only one of its type and concept west of Northshore Drive.
Designed by Design Innovation Architects and constructed by Denark Construction, the building features tables made by Smoky Mountain Vintage Lumber using reclaimed oak wood from old East Tennessee barns.
It also has a large mural done by local artist Curtis Glover that shows a more rural Bearden Hill, but depicts the current oldest and newest buildings the Knollwood mansion and First Watch.
Jubran spent some time helping draw up the restaurant in his mind, too, and believes he and his partners could not have found a better location.
"We like being on the hill," he said. "We get to see beautiful mountains in the background."
The restaurant is planning to have a special opening for friends and family and other invited guests this Saturday and Sunday, with donations being collected for Lakeshore Park.
Starting Monday, it will be open to the general public from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.
It seats 120 on the interior and 28 on its patio.
Jubran said the restaurant, which is employing approximately 28 people and intends to have three managers, is also offering promotions for Father's Day on June 19, including select coffee packet giveaways.
A late 19th century photograph of Hodges Ferry. (SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL)
By Elaine Marranzano, Special to the News Sentinel
Editor's note: Freelance writer Elaine Marranzano is writing The Old Home Place, a monthly series of stories about purchasing a historic home in Southeast Knoxville and restoring it. This is Part Two of her series. Click here to read the first installment.
Surprise! The Old Home Place is an antebellum plantation house.
Ironic, isn't it, that a history buff like me would end up buying one of the oldest houses in Knoxville? All I knew is that I wanted an old house. We didn't learn until after we purchased the property that our house is part of the Riverdale Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, one of the earliest settlements in Knoxville.
Once part of North Carolina, East Tennessee land, early in our country's history, was sold cheap or given as bounty to soldiers to encourage enlistment and westward expansion. Across the Smokies and down the Shenandoah Valley came the likes of John Sevier, James White and Samuel Bowman. Bowman made his way from Virginia to settle on the fertile banks of the French Broad River, home of the Cherokee. His son, Samuel Bowman, Jr., born in Virginia in 1783, built our house around 1836.
Our house retains its original layout three square rooms (16' x 16') on the first floor, separated by a "great hall," 25 feet wide, topped by the same layout on the second floor. The large kitchen is in the back. We have seven fireplaces (only two work); originally there were eight. Everything in this house is big: the ceilings are 10 feet, the doorways are 9 feet (including the transoms), and the original, handmade windows with wavy glass are over 6 feet tall. Connecting the floors are two winding, suspended staircases (wood species as yet unidentified) which were built to impress. As well they should. The house originally was the centerpiece of a 1,200-acre plantation (now only 11.5).
Bowman Jr. began acquiring land in 1809 when Gov. Willie Blount granted him "126 acres on the French Broad River for the amount of $126.75 with interest due," according to North Carolina and Tennessee Early Land Records 1753-1931. Bowman added to his landholdings after enlisting in the War of 1812, as I found in "History of Tennessee, Knox County." At its highest, the bounty for enlisting was $124 and 320 acres of land. This was a princely sum probably the highest bounty ever paid by an army in the world, according to the National Archives Military Records War of 1812.
Originally we were told that Samuel Bowman Jr. was a doctor, so initially we called one room "the doctor's office." It has a private entrance with a well-worn threshold and a built-in floor-to-ceiling cabinet, with locking drawers, a place for files and small cubbyholes (perfect fit for wine bottles). More recently than Samuel's day, someone painted the plaster walls turquoise and the ceiling purple. It is not, I think, historically accurate and hurts my eyes to look at it, so we'll change that. While this room may have served as a doctor's office at one time because Bowman Jr.'s grandson was a doctor, more than likely this room was originally the plantation's office because we have learned that Bowman was not a doctor, but a farmer and a slaveholder. According to the 1860 U.S. census Bowman owned 43 slaves, the youngest was one-year-old. I cried when I read that. History is not always pretty.
The fertile fields of the Bowman plantation and others along the French Broad River contributed mightily to East Tennessee's position as the second richest grain producer in the whole Confederacy. Virginia was the first. Samuel and his wife Elizabeth raised three children here, near his father who owned thousands of acres (and slaves) on the other side of the river. A ferry operated by Bowmans and later by Knox County connected the two riverbanks until the mid-1960s.
In 1862, Samuel and his oldest son James Wiley operated a sawmill and gristmill here, according to U.S. IRS Tax Assessment Lists of 1862. Twelve years later in 1874, when he was 89, Samuel died. The records say he died at home, so presumably in this house. He left everything to James who continued to live here and raise eight children. Samuel and Elizabeth are buried just down the road at Forest Grove Baptist Church. Their slaves are also buried there in unmarked graves.
Around 1888 Robert Love McBee bought the Bowman plantation. He is the link to its more modern history. Widowed with no children, McBee died in 1907 and left his property to his sister's son, Charles Bright Calloway Hodges, with the provision that Charles and his wife Florence name their firstborn after him. They did. Her name was Bobbie.
The first visitors to our new home were Charles' grandchildren, Joann, Glenn and Connie. All of them still live on the original plantation property which was long ago subdivided. The grandson of a later owner, Billy Monday, is our closest neighbor. Their childhood memories of this house are many and vivid: sliding down the curving staircases, "bowling" in the great hall, playing in the attic above the kitchen. In a cool corner behind a staircase, Billy showed me the very spot his grandfather used to stash his chewing tobacco, which he says he "got into," much to his regret.
The more I learn about our house, the more I can visualize those who came before and the lives they lived here. I feel not like an owner, but a custodian of the past and a purveyor of the future.
Mountain View Youth Development Center (HAYES HICKMAN/NEWS SENTINEL)
By News Sentinel Staff
The Tennessee Department of Children's Services is investigating a report of a rape at Mountain View Youth Development Center in Jefferson County, a spokesman said.
DCS spokesman Rob Johnson said the department received a report of one inmate being raped by another. Johnson said no adults were involved in the incident that was reported, but he would not say when the incident was reported, what the circumstances were, or whether the child reported to be a rape victim required medical attention.
The state-run center houses 46 juvenile male felony offenders.
Last month, the center's security manager, Lt. Andrew Summers, was fired for "using excessive force," state authorities said. In April, superintendent Tommy Francis was fired after being on the job for about 90 days and accused of using a racial epithet against an inmate.
Six Mountain View staffers were injured in an incident the day after a new management team arrived following Francis' firing. Other problems have included a former nurse being sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to having sex with an inmate and a former guard being indicted on charges of statutory rape, sexual battery and official misconduct.
More details as they develop online and in Friday's News Sentinel.
SHARE Donald E. Taylor
By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel
A Knox County grand jury will soon hear the case of a father who crashed his van allegedly while drunk behind the wheel, killing one daughter and seriously injuring another.
Donald E. Taylor, 40, was scheduled to appear Wednesday in Knox County General Sessions Court for a preliminary hearing on charges that include aggravated assault and driving under the influence but instead waived his right to the proceeding. The waiver means the case will now go before a grand jury.
Taylor crashed his 1998 Chevrolet van into a utility pole on Millertown Pike on May 2. His youngest daughter, Alleah, 4, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. His elder daughter, Natilie, 8, was seriously injured.
Authorities said Taylor admitted drinking a six-pack of beer before getting behind the wheel of the van. The van veered off the road and struck a mailbox attached to a steel pole, according to the Knoxville Police Department. The van then sideswiped a wooden utility pole, causing a chain reaction in which the mailbox pole was forced into the passenger side of the van, striking Alleah in the head.
Natilie, who was sitting in a lawn chair between the driver's and passenger's seats, was thrown into the dashboard, according to police. Taylor was uninjured. He remains under $62,000 bond. He has no prior criminal record in Knox County, according to the Justice Information Management System.
SHARE Ronald G. Grizzle (LOUDON COUNTY JAIL)
By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel
LOUDON A man accused of the Christmas Eve killing of a friend had a first-degree murder charge bound over to the Loudon County grand jury following a preliminary hearing Wednesday.
Four days after Cory M. Brown's shooting death, suspect Ronald Gregory Grizzle shocked jailers at the Loudon County Detention Center by suddenly somersaulting inside his cell, landing on the back of his head and neck, and paralyzing himself.
Grizzle, 49, came to court in a wheelchair during the hearing before Loudon County General Sessions Judge Henry Sledge Jr., 9th Judicial District Attorney General Russell Johnson said.
Grizzle was returned to a Tennessee Department of Correction special-needs center in Nashville after the hearing, the prosecutor said.
Johnson said "numerous family members and friends" of the victim were in court for the hearing, and they wore T-shirts with Brown's photo.
Brown had lived for several months in a camper beside the Clinchview Drive home that Grizzle shared with his father, Ronald W. Grizzle. The home is near the Loudon-Roane county line. The father said his son has a mental disorder and had stopped taking his medication.
Brown was shot one time in the face with a handgun while both men were outside the Grizzles' home. Authorities said Grizzle admitted to the shooting.
The incident that led to Grizzle's paralysis was captured on the Loudon County jail's video camera system. Grizzle had been in an isolation cell and was being regularly monitored.
After noticing blood on Grizzle's wrist, a jailer asked for another officer and summoned a nurse.
"Without any warning, he does a forward flip and lets his head hit the concrete," Loudon County Sheriff's Office Lt. Patrick Upton said shortly afterward.
Authorities have called the incident highly unusual.
"The entire incident, as bizarre as it sounds, was self-induced," Johnson said.
Shuyan Guan
SHARE Aihua Li Mingmei Zhang
By News Sentinel Staff
Three Sevier County women have been arrested and charged for not being licensed to perform massages in Tennessee.
According to the Sevier County Sheriff's Office, the three women 55-year-old Shuyan Guan, 56-year-old Mingmei Zhang and 58-year-old Aihua LI were arrested Wednesday after an undercover operation at the Chinese Pressure Massage, located in Sevierville, Tenn.
Officers from the Sevier County Street Crimes Unit, Knox County Sheriff's Office Vice Unit and U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security conducted the operation and discovered that the women employed there were not licensed to perform massages in the state of Tennessee. Guan, Zhang and Li were each charged with impersonating a licensed professional and were taken to Sevier County Jail.
The operation was part of a larger effort to combat human trafficking by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Richard Alan DeShone Jr.
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By News Sentinel Staff
A Townsend man has been arrested and charged with illegally killing a black bear.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Officer Landon Reeves and Townsend Police Chief Ronnie Suttles on Monday went to the Boat Gunnel Road home of Richard Deshone Jr. after getting a tip that there was an illegally killed bear at the residence.
Reeves said the two recovered a bear carcass and seized "multiple other items" as evidence.
"This is an ongoing investigation, and additional individuals are being sought for questioning," Reeves said.
DeShone, 30, is charged with illegal taking of big game in closed season; illegal possession of big game; and illegal taking of wildlife, in conjunction with the alleged killing.
Because he was previously convicted of a drug felony, DeShone also was charged with illegal possession of a weapon by a felon.
DeShone was booked Monday at the Blount County Justice Center and released Tuesday.
Reeves said TWRA doesn't have a record of DeShone or anyone at his residence filing a bear complaint and urged people in Blount County to call TWRA at 423-587-7037 or 1-800-831-1174 if they experience problems with bears.
"Typically, human-bear conflicts can be easily resolved," Reeves said.
For tips on bear control, visit http://twraonline.org/tnbear/Home.html.
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. (CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL)
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By News Sentinel Staff
Area blogger Brian Hornback has purchased several domains that Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett might use should he choose to run for office again.
Burchett, who said that Hornback personally dislikes him, said he is unconcerned that some website domain names using his name were purchased.
"It's been reported that (Hornback has) done that," Burchett said about the domains, "and I have no reason to doubt that. As a Christian, all I can do is pray for somebody like that."
Hornback, who has been critical of the mayor on this blog, said it's nothing personal.
"It's primarily to make the point that if someone can't manage domains, and then they become a viable candidate, then it begs the question can they manage anything?" Hornback asked. "I've asked questions in the past while he's been mayor ... I can't speak to how he feels."
Burchett has not announced plans to run for office after his second term as mayor ends he still has two years left on his term but some politicos locally believe he may have his sights set on another office in coming years.
Hornback is a conservative blogger, has been active in the local Republican party and is a former one-term Knox County Board of Education member.
Burchett is a two-term mayor and former Tennessee state senator who enjoys heavy political popularity. He was unopposed in his most recent mayoral campaign.
Hornback said Burchett can contact him personally if he wants any of the domains. They include timburchett.com, electburchett.com, timburchett.info and timburchett.org were purchased by Hornback, according to Knoxviews.com.
"Who knows where I'll be in two years and what I'll be doing?" Burchett said when asked whether he's planning to seek the domains. "All that does is get me more publicity."
Then he questioned Hornback's motives.
"You have to wonder about someone who waits around for someone whose web address expires so you can buy it and snatch it up," Burchet said, dismissing the action. "I don't have enough time in my day."
Hornback said the domains cost $12 each.
"If Mayor Burchett would like to call me, I'd be happy to sit down and discuss it with him," Hornback said.
He compared his buying the domains to a Jeb Bush domain, jebbush.com, that was purchased during the GOP presidential primary. Bush used jeb2016.com for his election website.
"They're just parked," Hornback said of the Burchett-related domains. "There's been a lot of domain parking going on ... it's nothing new, nothing relevant."
Knoxville is getting ready to seek bids for redevelopment of the old state Supreme Court Building downtown. Plans call for a mixed-use development. (NEWS SENTINEL ARCHIVE)
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By Megan Boehnke of the Knoxville News Sentinel
KNOXVILLE City leaders have solicited proposals for a mixed-use development on the site of the former State Supreme Court site on Locust Street, seven months after purchasing the Art Deco-style building for $2.47 million.
City officials will give priority to plans that encourage urban density and retail storefronts. Proposals should also achieve, at minimum, basic LEED certification, which recognizes design, construction and operation of an environmentally-friendly building.
"There's a lot of room for creativity," said Dawn Michelle Foster, the city's redevelopment director. "We'd value proposals that include architecturally significant buildings. Internal structured parking would be appropriate. All designs and functions that contribute to the culture and environment of downtown will be welcomed, as well as components that promote energy efficiency and walkability."
The city will hold a pre-proposal meeting with prospective developers on Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. at the site. Proposals are due Oct. 10.
Knoxville City Council members in August agreed to the purchase, just before a decade-long option to buy the building ended. They took ownership of the property in November.
The property, which extends across an entire city block between Locust and Henley streets, has been vacant since the Tennessee Supreme Court moved to the post office building on Main Street in 2003.
In that time, the city has twice attempted to find a developer for the site, but failed. Since purchasing the building itself, the city has received "a lot of calls" about the forthcoming request for proposals, from both local and out-of-town developers, said Bill Lyons, deputy to Mayor Madeline Rogero, last month.
There's a good chance that any developer interested in the site would also ask the city for a tax incentive package, which would complicate the selection process, Lyons said.
If a developer's proposal is contingent on either a payment-in-lieu of taxes deal or a tax-increment finance deal, known as a PILOT and TIF, respectively, then the city would have to take applications for the tax deal to the city council for approval.
Previous plans for that site included a 2008 proposal for a boutique hotel, condos and office tower called Metropolitan Plaza. In 2013, the city issued an RFP while it still had an option to purchase the building from the state.
That call for projects drew five proposals, but the winning plan a mixed-use project with a hotel, apartments and restaurant with a pedestrian bridge to the Convention Center fell through.
At the time, Lyons told the News Sentinel that a request for a 25-year TIF deal reportedly valued at up to $12 million was an issue.
Whoever does take on the site will have to make a decision on an asbestos-containing office building on the site. Council members last year OK'd a $750,000 to raze the building, but the city has decided to leave the option to bidders on the project, Lyons said.
Meanwhile, the Public Building Authority has been managing the parking lot on the site.
More details as they develop online and in Friday's News Sentinel.
SHARE Homeowner Terry Gilbert, left, stands on the front porch of her Woodland community home in Oak Ridge, used Wednesday as the backdrop for a grand announcement. In middle is Ralph Perrey, executive director of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, and Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch. (BOB FOWLER/NEWS SENTINEL) Ralph Perrey, middle, executive director of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, talks with Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson, left, and Mayor Warren Gooch following Wednesday's presentation of a THDA grant of $500,000 for housing renovations in Oak Ridge. (BOB FOWLER/NEWS SENTINEL) Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch points to an audience member during Wednesday's announcement of a $500,000 grant for housing rehabilitation. With him is Ralph Perrey, executive director of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. (BOB FOWLER/NEWS SENTINEL)
By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel
OAK RIDGE The city of Oak Ridge's efforts to upgrade some of its legacy houses which are about one-third of its residential units received another hefty infusion of funding Wednesday, courtesy of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.
With a recently built home in the city's older Woodland community as a backdrop, THDA Executive Director Ralph Perrey announced the $500,000 grant.
Mayor Warren Gooch said the grant "signals the next phase to promote housing upgrades" in the Manhattan District Overlay zone of the city, which contains about 5,000 residences. "I appreciate THDA's recognition that Oak Ridge is a community worthy of this significant investment," Gooch said.
Legacy homes were built during World War II when Oak Ridge was a secret city involved in building the first atomic bomb and during the early 1950s, when Oak Ridge nuclear weapons production was ramped up during the Cold War.
The THDA grant money will be used to help renovate 63 owner-occupied, single family homes and also provide energy efficient weatherization. Potential upgrades include updated electrical wiring, installation of wall insulation, and replacing older widows with double-paned windows.
"With some homes built as temporary structures, they are still used today, but unable to accommodate modern electrical loads," City Manager Mark Watson said. He said the grant funding "will allow us to demonstrate that these homes are capable of being renovated and rejuvenated."
Wednesday's grant announcement comes after the city received the biggest grant in its history a $2.9 million award from TVA that will be used for many of the same purposes. With that award, some 229 of the city's legacy homes will be eligible for free weatherization upgrades that TVA forecasts will lead to at least a 25 percent reduction in energy bills.
Watson said the city can use the THDA grant in combination with the TVA award in certain instances. The city also intends to use part of a $200,000 Community Development Block Grant as part of its "arsenal of tools' in its increased focus on improving older homes, he said.
The second public meeting about the TVA grant guidelines is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church, 1051 Oak Ridge. The application process for qualified, low-income residents will be explained. More information is available at www.MakeOREE.com or by calling 865-375-4656.
SHARE The Beta-2E facility is located in the foreground of this undated view of the main production complex at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant. Building 9215 is to the left of Beta-2E. The government's revised strategy for the Uranium Processing Facility at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant depends not only on construction of a cluster of new facilities to process bomb-grade uranium but also leans heavily on extending the life of some existing production buildings - notably 9215 and Beta-2E. (Y-12/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL)
By Frank Munger of the Knoxville News Sentinel
OAK RIDGE The future of the uranium mission at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant depends partly on extending the life of two production facilities Beta-2E and Building 9215 that are already 46 and 59 years old respectively.
The strategy will require innovative ways to rebuild electrical systems and other parts of the plant's aged infrastructure, as well as a pervasive focus on worker safety and a steady stream of federal funding for the next 20 years.
Details of the plan are contained in a government report on Y-12's "Life Extension Program," which was obtained by the News Sentinel under a Freedom of Information Act request.
"The enriched uranium processing facilities at Y-12 have reached or exceeded their design life," the January report stated.
The plant's primary capabilities for working with bomb-grade uranium are housed in the notoriously deteriorated 9212 complex, parts of which date back to the World War II Manhattan Project. The work in 9212 will be replaced with newly constructed facilities in the "near future" by 2025 or relocated to existing facilities, according to the report.
Getting out of 9212 and removing its inventory of highly enriched uranium is a top priority because of safety concerns. Much of the work will be transferred to a newly constructed Uranium Processing Facility, which is under development with a cost estimate of $6.5 billion.
But the key to success may be extending operations at Beta-2E, where warhead parts are assembled and taken apart and evaluated for quality, and 9215, where uranium is machined into warhead components.
In addition to their existing missions, Beta-2E and 9215 are expected to absorb new roles and new technologies to carry out some of the uranium work previously done in Building 9212.
Breathing new life into two old buildings for highly sensitive work on nuclear weapons became a priority a couple of years ago when plans for the Uranium Processing Facility fell apart.
The original goal was to consolidate virtually all of Y-12's work with enriched uranium at a single new facility, but UPF's price tag soared beyond the estimated cost range of $4.2 billion to $6.5 billion and forced a re-evaluation.
A review team headed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory Director Thom Mason recommended a scaled-down project, with smaller facilities done in phases. In order to stay within the cost cap, the review team also recommended the extended use of existing facilities to do work that would have been included in the UPF.
While there are significant costs associated with the revamping of Beta-2E and 9215 for future uranium operations, those costs apparently will not be counted as part of the UPF price tag.
"Since Buildings 9204-2E and 9215 have been maintained and funded as limited-life facilities, additional resources are necessary to augment the maintenance base as well as plan and execute the identified replacements and refurbishments," the report stated.
The "notional" cost for extending the life of the old buildings is about $20 million to $25 million a year for the next 20 years, according to a chart in the report, but the National Nuclear Security Administration has not revealed an official cost estimate and did not respond to questions.
Even with efforts to modernize the two production buildings, they eventually will have to be replaced. The tentative plan is to construct a new facility near the UPF in the late 2030s to replace Building 9215. A replacement for Beta-2E would probably come a decade or so later.
Because of the complexity of the life-extension projects, the National Nuclear Security Administration's Production Office and the Y-12 contractor Consolidated Nuclear Security sought the advice of nuclear experts from around the country and beyond.
Y-12 hosted at least two workshops to gather input on how to address risks at aged nuclear facilities. According to the report, there were representatives from the commercial nuclear industry and other sites in the U.S. nuclear weapons complex, as well as the nuclear navy and the United Kingdom's Atomic Weapons Establishment.
The Oak Ridge plant houses the nation's primary stockpile of bomb-grade uranium, and the biggest concern with fissionable material is the threat of a nuclear criticality accident.
"As long as there is an enriched uranium mission, Y-12 will continue to process enriched uranium in quantities capable of reaching critical mass," the report stated.
The report discusses some of the strategies for fire protection and ventilation at the uranium facilities, as well as minimizing the impact of natural disasters and addressing other safety issues.
The plan is to have periodic shutdowns of some production equipment at Beta-2E and 9215 in order to focus on upgrades and repairs. Work on electrical systems is already under way.
Critics have raised concerns about the seismic stability of Y-12's older buildings, and the report notes that recently issued hazard maps by the U.S. Geological Survey show an increased potential for ground motion in East Tennessee. The report also indicates Building 9215 would not likely meet natural phenomena criteria even with upgrades.
Y-12 is dealing with many of the concerns by minimizing the amount of uranium housed in the buildings, removing as much of the "material at risk" as possible.
According to the report, the plan is to use a "just-in-time" strategy at Beta-2E and Building 9215, which would limit the uranium to quantities being processed at any one time.
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By News Sentinel Staff
CLINTON The Democrat seeking to challenge state Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, in the 33rd District race has suspended his campaign, citing a family illness, and a Clinton resident is mounting a write-in campaign in his stead.
Michael McKamey, also of Clinton and son of longtime Anderson County Commissioner Robert McKamey, announced the campaign suspension this week and voiced support for write-in candidate Herman Collins.
"I deeply regret that I am unable to continue as a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives," McKamey said in a news release, "but family does come first."
Collins is the first vice chair of the Anderson County Democratic Party and has filed paperwork with the Anderson County Election Commission as a write-in candidate, according to the news release.
The primary elections are Aug. 4, and the general election is Nov. 8.
The 33rd District includes most of Anderson County. Ragan is unopposed in the Republican primary.
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The man accused of killing one person and injuring 11 others in an Oak Ridge driving incident last year is employing a deplorable delaying tactic in his fight against a slew of charges.
Lee Cromwell, a 65-year-old Oak Ridge resident, filed an $8 million lien against the property of the judge presiding over his case, Anderson County Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge. Cromwell has also filed property liens against other Anderson County officials, including District Attorney General Dave Clark, Assistant District Attorney General Victoria Bannach, Circuit Court Clerk William Jones and Oak Ridge Police Chief James T. Akagi.
Cromwell is charged with criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide, reckless homicide, 12 counts of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and driving on a suspended license. He is accused of driving backward at high speed through the Midtown Community Center after the city's July 4 fireworks display, slamming into other vehicles, knocking people down and crushing James Robinson of Knoxville, who suffered fatal injuries while pushing his older daughter to safety.
As a result of the lien, Elledge has recused himself from the trial and is asking the state's Administrative Office of the Courts to appoint a special judge for future proceedings.
The tactic of filing fraudulent liens is often used by "sovereign citizens," a bizarre anti-government movement. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, sovereign citizens believe when the United States went off the gold standard in 1933, the federal government was secretly replaced by a new government based on the law of the sea. They believe they can obey or disobey laws at will and do not have to pay taxes. Other beliefs and practices spiral deeper into delusion.
When they cross paths with the criminal justice system, sovereign citizens fight back with paperwork. In addition to filing fraudulent liens, many sovereign citizen criminal defendants submit multiple motions full of gibberish. Even the slightest legal encounter can trigger a response. Cromwell was charged with speeding in Oak Ridge in May 2014 and sent a $1 bill to City Court as payment, along with a notarized letter in which he "denied the corporate existence" of the U.S., of Tennessee, "and all agencies of Anderson County." Cromwell in his filings identifies himself as "Lee-Harold: Family of Cromwell," a construction commonly used by sovereign citizens.
Cromwell remains free on $100,000 bond, but he could face new charges resulting from filing the liens. Clark, the district attorney general, said a criminal investigation has been launched.
Filing liens is easy in Tennessee they can be filed online at a cost of only $15 per debtor, plus a fee based on the amount of the lien. Purposely filing a lien that has no reasonable or legal basis, however, is a Class E felony punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.
Manipulating the laws governing commercial transactions and clogging the courts with indecipherable paperwork in defense of a political and legal fantasy world are as destructive they are ridiculous. Thankfully, the real justice system offers a rational remedy.
South Korea CIA accused of invasion of privacy
Rejection letter from the public Korean prosecutor's office regarding a South Korean citizen's privacy violation.
A South Korean citizen contacted the Knoxville Daily Sun asking that we reprint his letter concerning his invasion of privacy by the South Korea Central Intelligence Agency:
It is very glad to write a letter from South Korea to your press regarding my urgent and serious problem with South Korean Central Intelligence Agency under South Korean government.
Since December in 2013, the South Korean Central Intelligence Agency under South Korean government has installed CCTV surveillance camera in my apartment including my bedroom, living room, and bathroom. And it conducted illegally a surveillance of my movement at home by violating my privacy with more than 100,000 Korean people together for two years (2013-2016).
Some of policemen stop by my apartment by my request to remove the illegal CCTV surveillance camera several times. But, they didn't make an effort to remove the CCTV camera and ignored my accusation on illegal South Korean Central Intelligence Agency CCTV installation. This is the main reason why I'm writing a letter of my serious problem to your press.
I sincerely would request your assistance to solve South Korean Central Intelligence Agency violation of my privacy by publishing this breaking news in your press. Enclosed is the proof of a rejection letter from the public Korean prosecutor's office regarding this privacy violation.
Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated in regard of this privacy violation matter.
Best regards,
Peter Nam Published June 9, 2016
Fair Trade Commission (FTC) Secretary General Shin Young-son speaks during a press briefing at the FTC building in Sejong, Thursday. The anti-trust agency decided to raise the asset ceiling for its antitrust watch list from 5 trillion won to 10 trillion, reducing the number of conglomerates subject to various regulations from 65 to 28. / Yonhap
Kakao, Celltrion among 37 firms to be taken off watchlist
By Lee Hyo-sik
Kakao, Celltrion and 35 other companies with assets valued below 10 trillion won ($8.7 billion) will be delisted from the government's antitrust watchlist, as part of the Park Geun-hye administration's efforts to promote corporate investment and hiring.
The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said Thursday that it will raise the ceiling for companies to be designated as conglomerates in order to reduce the number of businesses subject to antitrust and other regulations. Currently, those with over 5 trillion won in assets are subject to a complex web of restrictions, which critics say discourages many mid-sized firms from growing and honing their global competitiveness.
The FTC will hike the ceiling to 10 trillion won effective September, decreasing the number of businesses on its antitrust watchlist from the current 65 to 28.
In addition to 25 private enterprises holding less than 10 trillion won in assets, Korea Electric Power Corp., Korea Gas Corp. and 10 other state-run firms will no longer be subject to fair trade rules.
"The regulation is designed to prevent large business groups from exerting excessive market power," an FTC official said. "So we decided to keep conglomerates with tens of trillions of won in assets on our watchlist, while taking those with below 10 trillion won off the list. We expect the change will prompt many mid-sized groups to bolster their size and become more globally competitive."
Under the country's Fair Trade Act, businesses designated as conglomerates are subject to five antitrust restrictions. For instance, their affiliates are restricted from acquiring stakes in other group units. Inter-subsidiary dealings and loan guarantees are also heavily regulated.
Conglomerates are also subject to a total of 38 different laws, including the Minor Enterprise Basic Law and the Broadcasting Act.
"But we will continue to forbid owners of the businesses that will be taken off the watchlist from realizing excessive personal gains through corporate dealings," the official said. "They will also be obliged to strictly abide by disclosure rules. We will conduct a regulatory review every three years and make necessary changes in line with changing the business environment."
The 5 trillion won ceiling was introduced in 2008. In 1987, when the government first introduced the designation, companies with total assets worth more than 400 billion won were subject to the regulations.
Since 2008, the combined value of assets held by 65 conglomerates has soared by 101.3 percent. Samsung Group tops the list with its 59 affiliates holding combined assets worth 348.2 trillion won, followed by Hyundai Motor Group with 209.7 trillion won.
The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) welcomed the FTC's latest decision, saying that it will help create a "sound" corporate ecosystem.
"We welcome the FTC's move to ease regulations imposed on large business groups," an FKI official said. "We believe that the rules ought to be abolished but still the change is a step in the right direction. We will encourage large businesses benefiting from eased rules to expand investments and hire more workers."
However, the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business (K-Biz) protested the move, saying that the ceiling should be kept at 5 trillion won.
"It is feared that large companies, which will be removed from the antitrust watchlist, could infringe upon the areas of small businesses," a K-Biz official said.
"The FTC should monitor them closely to prevent conglomerates from exerting excessive market power and hurting small businesses and the self-employed."
By Nam Hyun-woo
The government's initiative to set up an 11 trillion won fund to help the restructuring of ailing shippers and shipbuilders is facing criticism that it is evading responsibility, while its efficiency is also being questioned.
With the plan, the Bank of Korea (BOK) will mostly contribute to the fund by lending some 10 trillion won to the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) and the IBK will put money into the fund managed by the Korea Asset Management Corp. The fund will then purchase the Contingent Convertible Bonds of two state-run banks, Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank), which will lead in the restructuring of those debt-riddled companies.
The government said this is a way to "hedge risks," but the BOK labor union on Wednesday claimed that it is a way to evade responsibility, while the public will have to shoulder the burden.
The union said in a statement that it is inappropriate to involve the IBK in the plan to assist the conglomerate, given that the bank is set up to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
According to the Industrial Bank of Korea Act Article 1, the IBK is set up to "contribute to the establishment of an efficient credit system for small and medium proprietors." Citing this article, the labor union claimed "the bank that is set up to support SMEs will be pouring money into KDB and the Eximbank, which are established to help conglomerates, such as Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering and Hanjin Shipping."
Also, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund's (KODIT) involvement stirs controversy.
According to Wednesday's plan, KODIT will be the guarantor for the BOK's 10 trillion won loan. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Yim Jong-yong said, "that's why KODIT exists," but Article 1 of the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund Act also stipulates that its role is "extending credit guarantees for the liabilities of promising SMEs which lack tangible collateral."
As KODIT would guarantee an enormous amount of loans, doubts are mounting whether it could be capable of guaranteeing loans to SMEs, which is the initial purpose of the institution, whose total capital amounts to some 8 trillion won.
Earlier in May, KODIT decided not to support Hanjin Shipping, as its previous support was unsuccessful and it was criticized that it poured money into conglomerates instead of SMEs.
Criticisms are swirling that the IBK and KODIT will end up shouldering the potential losses and the government is being accused of evading its responsibility after it pumped tax payers' money into those ailing companies and then issued notes to cover the failure.
A day earlier, former KDB Financial Group Chairman Hong Ky-ttack said in an interview with a local newspaper that the government decided to support the ailing companies and the KDB had no option but to follow the order. But FSC Chairman Yim said Hong's claim is not true and the administration has closely coordinated with KDB.
Meanwhile, experts said the government's plan needs to be supplemented. Oh Jung-gun, a senior fellow at Korea Economic Research Institute, said: "The direction itself seems right but the plan should be executed by experts from the private sector, as was done with General Motors when they were in receivership."
The executive floor lounge at Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong in central Seoul / Courtesy of HanaTour
By Kim Rahn
Mid-priced hotels are mushrooming in downtown Seoul, backed by a surging number of Chinese tourists.
They are especially clustering around Myeong-dong, the top shopping district in Seoul among foreign tourists. Unlike global hotel chains that have usually focused on luxury hotels, local operators are leading the "business hotel war" in the tourist destination.
HanaTour's Tmark Grand Hotel
HanaTour, the nation's largest tour agency, opened Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong on June 1.
This is the agency's third hotel, following Center Mark Hotel in Insa-dong and Tmark Hotel Myeongdong in Chungmuro.
The 20-story building has 576 rooms including 30 suites. Each is equipped with a 43-inch LED TV, bathtub, goose down and all-cotton bedding, and high-speed free Internet.
Guests at L7 Hotel Myeongdong can take a ride on a rickshaw to major tourist destinations in Seoul.
/ Courtesy of Lotte Hotel
The hotel has a pool, which is rare in a business hotel, as well as a fitness center, a banquet room with a capacity of 250 people, meeting rooms, business center and executive floor. Guests on the executive floor can enjoy express check-in/out and Happy Hour services in the executive lounge.
For dining, Tmark Grand Hotel Myeongdong has a buffet restaurant, Tour de Gourmet; a Korean eatery, the Youlam the Grill; and coffeehouse, Tour de Cafe.
Guests can walk to major tourist attractions in Seoul, including Myeong-dong, Namdaemun and Mount Nam. The hotel is also located near a subway station.
"This hotel can cater to both leisure and business travelers," a hotel official said. "We'll seek a synergy effect with HanaTour's travel, duty free and culture businesses."
HanaTour operates Tmark properties overseas as well, including in Sapporo, Japan, and Zhangjiajie, China.
For more information about the new hotel, visit www.tmarkgrandhotel.com
Lotte's properties
Lotte Hotel opened Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong in January.
This is the seventh property of Lotte City Hotel, the operator's business hotel brand, in Korea.
The hotel has 430 rooms in a 27-story building. A deluxe family twin room, having a double bed and a single bed, is ideal for a family. Every room is equipped with smart TV through which guests can control lighting and temperature and request room cleaning or morning call services.
A superior twin room at Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong / Courtesy of Lotte Hotel
The hotel is within walking distance of major tourist attractions including Myeong-dong, Insa-dong, Samcheong-dong and Dongdaemun, and it takes less than 30 minutes from the hotel to other famous destinations such as Yeouido, Gangnam and Hongdae via subway. It is also one hour away from Incheon International Airport, and 40 minutes from Gimpo International Airport.
The buffet restaurant, C'cafe, is located on the 27th floor, overlooking Myeong-dong and Cheonggye Stream.
For more information, visit www.lottehotel.com/city/myeongdong.
Lotte also opened the L7 Hotel Myeongdong, the operator's first boutique hotel, in January.
Renowned artists including designer Jung Koho and media artist Todd Holoubeck took part in the hotel brand development to create a modern, trendy and unique atmosphere.
Staffers at the hotel wear jeans, shirts and slip-ons, and the hotel adopted yellow as its signature color to represent freedom and vitality.
The L7 has 245 rooms in a 21-story building. Some of the standard-type rooms have a Korean-style floor with a bed, while superior rooms offer views of Myeong-dong and Mount Nam. The walls of Locomix Suites are decorated with graphic images by designer group Momot, while Loasis Suites have colorful furniture and a terrace.
The hotel has a rooftop bar on the 21st floor; a lounge and bar for coffee or drinks; and a European restaurant.
It offers special services at Travel Concierge and Style Concierge. The Travel Concierge offers a rickshaw ride to City Hall, Cheonggye Stream, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insa-dong along three routes. The Style Concierge presents a package of makeup, hair styling and photographs, and a program to get vocal and dance training, makeup and photo book making with staffers from SMTOWN STUDIO.
For more information, visit www.lottehotel.com/l7/myeongdong.
Dahmsojung is one of the hanok stay venues at Bukchon Hanok Village in central Seoul.
/ Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
By Kim Se-jeong
Serenity is a scarce commodity in contemporary urban life. People are always surrounded by people, buildings and cars; and there's no time or the energy to think about life.
That's where temple stay programs in Seoul come in. They can bring back the peace, self-reflection and a good-night sleep that people need.
Serenity is only one of many things that temple stay programs can offer. Most of the temples are historic, offering an opportunity to have a glimpse of the history of Korea and Buddhism here. Rare experiences of full bowing, meditation, tea ceremonies and meditating with prayer with beads further enrich your stay.
The temple cuisine is comprised of vegetable. It may be challenging but is still worth trying because it is part of healing. The same goes for sleeping. It's not a quality mattress, but it's still an experience.
Eight temples in Seoul offer the temple stay: Bongeun, Hwagye, Gwanmun, Gilsang, Jingwan, Geumseon, Myogak and Jogye.
Participants at a temple stay meditate at Geumseon Temple in Seoul.
/ Courtesy of Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism
Bonbeun Temple in southern Seoul is one of the most popular temple stay venues. The temple has more than A 1,000 years history and is famous for many historic characters engraved on the building and woodblock carvings of the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra). It is also renowned for a lantern festival on Buddha's birthday.
Jingwan Temple, founded in 1011 on Mount Bukhan in northwestern Seoul, is known for "suryukje," a Buddhist ceremony which "provides food and Buddha's teachings to spirits and starved demons that wander the land and sea."
The temple is on the outskirts of the city, and people can enjoy good hiking to the fascinating mountaintop view before and after the program.
A foreigner, who identified herself as Klaudia from Poland, stayed at Hwagye Temple in April. She wrote on templestay.com: "If you are looking for a way to learn more about Buddhist and Korean culture, want to relax in a peaceful place, think more about yourself a temple stay is for you!"
Recommending the program to everyone coming to Korea, she said, "The location is perfect, even though it is in the city, the surrounding makes you feel that you are far away from the busy city life. Beautiful mountains and forest will help you relax and get more energy for new challenges."
Visit www.visitseoul.net for reservations and more information on other temple stay programs.
Hanok stay
A hanok stay is similar to a temple stay but has contemporary service and a free schedule.
Hanok is the traditional wooden structure once so common for homes. It suffered demolitions with the rise of apartments. But, its fate has changed recently as people began to realize their values. With the regeneration efforts by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, hanok districts in the capital, for example Bukchon Hanok Village, were reborn as new tourist attractions.
Bukchon village has the traditional cultural center guiding tourists to various arts and craft activities, lecture series by traditional artists and tours of the village.
Hanoks in the village are under private ownership, so visitors can experience hanok only through staying in hanok house-turned-guesthouses.
The Kimchi Guesthouse is a famous option. In the traditional structure, guests have rooms with a central floor heating and a small thin mattress. But the house offers a modern-style bathroom and other conveniences.
Doo Guesthouse is another favored one. It has the charm of tradition but is also outfitted with air-conditioning and a Wi-Fi service. Both Kimchi and Doo guesthouses were reviewed on tripadvisor.com.
For more information on hanok stay and reservations, visit www.visitseoul.net.
By Janet Shin
Saju, or the Four Pillars of Destiny, is considered an archetypal way of fortunetelling in East Asia. Before we look into saju study, we need to understand other ways of reading one's fortune, which are known as the five Oriental teachings.
1. Myeong () is the study of our innate destiny, given from birth, which cannot be altered. It is regarded as an order from Heaven and humans must submit to its will as our lives should be harmonized with the cosmic order of nature. Saju is one of the major studies of Myeong.
2. Bok () has its origin in Zhou Yi, or I Ching, the Classic of Changes. It is known as an ancient text of divination. As the character Yi () implies, the changes of the Sun and the Moon, or lizard, whose colors and shapes are changing subject to time and situation, represent prognostication grounded in cleromancy. We can still find many people practicing it using yarrow sticks in some Asian countries nowadays. If you have visited shamans, you might have noticed them using coins or grains of rice to predict the future.
3. Sang () (face and palm readings, feng shui, names) uses observations of one's face, body, attitude, way of speaking, even the palm and foot lines to understand one's fate. It also scrutinizes the energy of the Earth, its shape, location and atmosphere by perceiving air currents to predict the destiny of its inhabitants. It is based on the premise that humans are closely influenced by the surrounding geographical environment.
4. Eui () literally means medicine. You may find it difficult to grasp how and why ancient people associated divination with medicine. It has its grounds in the assertion that humans are a microcosm. As they tried to seek the truth of life by studying the universe, the Sun, the Moon, the stars and the change of time and seasons of the Earth, they studied the human body and the interactive functions of its organs to diagnose various transitions of physical and mental health. It is the basis of the meridian system of the human body along with herbal medicine.
5. Seon () is the practice of inuring our minds and bodies by a regimen, meditation and training.
Owing to the success of feng shui in many Western countries, it is known as a representative keyword for all Oriental teachings as a whole. Strictly speaking, feng shui, saju, face reading and other types of fortunetelling have distinctive features among themselves. It is obvious that people hold Myeong highest among the five teachings, as they appreciate that humans were meant to live conforming to an inborn destiny.
People's anxiety about the future is part of our intrinsic fear. On the one hand, they developed civilization by using fire, inventing tools, creating symbols and so on; on the other hand, they practiced divination. Accordingly, ways of fortunetelling, whatever types they are, have existed in most societies, whether they are East or West, past or present. In ancient times, shamans carried out astronomical observations and delivered divine readings to relay the gods' messages. The Chinese character , signifying shaman, portrays the image of a person connecting Heaven and Earth. The other character , meaning divination has stalks (implements of divination) on top of ..
They have been practiced in numerous ways in Korean history. Their academic scheme started in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) although fortunetelling in general was officially prohibited as the era was influenced by neo-Confucianism, which did not formally embrace divination. While Zhou Yi, one of the most influential classics in Chinese history, is widely regarded as a prognostication manual,' most prominent divination scholars read it as a book of studying reasons, teaching the ways of Heaven and human affairs. So divination practices have rather been disparaged as just a technique rather than an academic study. It is said that the purpose of studying Zhou Yi is to surmount human fallibility, not to predict an individual's fate. Xunzi (a Chinese realist Confucian philosopher, B.C 310 B.C 235) wrote that "those who know Yi well do not try divination."
In the Joseon era they were studied at Gwansang-gam. Gwansang literally means the observation of shapes and gam is the government office where scholars studied astronomy, geography and almanacs. It was a research institute of meteorology and astronomy.
Although there was a restriction in the development of divination, it was still necessary to watch the celestial bodies and forecast the weather to the royal court so that they could be prepared for either drought or flood, and if necessary they could hold a ritual for rain.
They also selected auspicious sites or days and times for national fortune, such as setting up the capital or the marriage of a crown prince. Meanwhile, it is said that fortunetelling was prevalent among ordinary people, although their theoretical systems were not as academic as those used by the royal family and nobles.
Are you interested in learning more about the ancient Chinese teachings, the "Four Pillars of Destiny" and oriental ways of fortune-telling or fortune-tellers? Janet teaches Saju for the public at the Seoul National University of Education. For further information, visit Janet's website at www.sajufortuneteller.modoo.at or her blog,
http://blog.naver.com/janet_shin. You can also contact her at 010-5414-7461 or email janetshin@hotmail.com. The writer is the author of "Life's Secrets."
President Park Geun-hye's new chief secretary for political affairs on Thursday vowed to "spare no efforts" to enhance communication with the ruling and opposition parties in order to step up Park's efforts to forge more cooperative ties with the opposition-led National Assembly.
"I, as the senior presidential secretary for political affairs, will leave my mind wide open and will spare no efforts to frequently meet with and listen to ruling and opposition parties," Kim Jae-won told reporters at Chunchugwan, the press center of the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae.
"In sync with the president's state management principles, I will do my utmost to serve the people and the nation," he added.
Kim, a former two-term lawmaker of the ruling Saenuri Party, was appointed as Park's top political advisor on Wednesday in a reshuffle of her senior secretaries and vice-ministerial officials. The shakeup came amid lingering calls for a personnel change in the wake of the ruling party's defeat in the April 13 parliamentary polls.
Kim is at the core of the Saenuri members loyal to Park, called the "pro-Park" faction. Since Park's presidential primary race in 2007, Kim has served as her campaign chief, spokesman and key political aide.
The presidential office is pinning hopes on Kim's ample experience in negotiating with the opposition camp to push for a set of the government's reform initiatives aimed at creating jobs and reinvigorating the economy.
In the new 300-seat Assembly, the ruling party no longer maintains a majority. It holds 122 seats while the largest opposition Minjoo Party of Korea and minority People's Party have 123 seats and 38 seats, respectively.
Meanwhile, Park is expected to deliver what will be her fifth speech as president at the Assembly to mark the launch of the new parliament on Monday.
Her schedule for the speech has yet to be finalized, but a Cheong Wa Dae official told Yonhap News Agency that it is "customary" for the president to deliver a speech to celebrate the opening of a new legislature.
"Chances are high that she will make a speech at the Assembly given that it has been customary (to do so)," the official said, declining to be named. (Yonhap)
By Kim Bo-eun
A major sanitary pad maker's plan to raise the prices of its products has triggered controversy among consumers, lawmakers, local governments and manufacturers.
Consumers say that the price of sanitary napkins, a necessity for women, is expensive enough, and the price hike is adding a financial burden to the underprivileged.
Yuhan-Kimberly, which has a 50 percent share of the domestic sanitary pad market, recently announced that it would raise the price of its products by 8 to 20 percent from June.
Following the announcement, posts have appeared on social media about the circumstances of adolescents from low-income households who cannot afford the products.
"My teacher said she found out one of her students was absent for a week because she had no choice but to stay home during her period as she couldn't buy sanitary pads," a Twitter user posted.
Another post said, "I had a friend who grew up in a poor family without a mom. Feeling uncomfortable to ask her father to give her money to buy the pads, she used a shoe insole as a substitute."
Others said students got free pads provided by the school infirmary or had to use toilet paper as a substitute.
These posts stirred up a dispute over the price of sanitary pads, which the government exempted from value-added tax in 2004 to keep down the costs of daily necessities.
Still, the prices have kept rising every two to three years.
The average amount spent on sanitary pads ranges from 5,000 won ($4.32) to 10,000 won a month depending on the product and quantity.
Rep. Sul Hun of the Minjoo Party of Korea earlier this month proposed a revision to the school health regulation, requiring schools to stock up on the products and make them available for their students.
"It is regrettable that young students have to go through such inconvenience and embarrassment. These adolescents have been excluded from receiving the basic help they need," Sul said.
Municipalities joined in the controversy. Jeonju City in South Jeolla Province said they would provide three months' supply to each underprivileged adolescent beginning September. Seongam City in Gyeonggi Province and other local offices also have similar plans.
The Korea National Council of Consumer Organizations demanded Yuhan-Kimberly to call off its price hike.
"While consumer prices rose 10.6 percent for the last four years, the price of sanitary pads jumped 25.6 percent," the group said in a statement. The company raised prices despite the decline in prices of raw materials such as pulp, it said.
In reaction, Yuhan-Kimberly said last week it would introduce cheaper products in the second half of the year.
It also set the price of new products at 7.5 percent higher than that of existing ones, a retreat from the initial plan.
The company said special materials used in the new product were the reason behind the rise.
By Kim Bo-eun
Civic groups supporting former sex slaves of the Japanese military have established a foundation, countering the government's move to create its own with funds from Japan following a controversial verbal agreement reached between Korea and Japan last December.
Named the Foundation for Justice and Memory, the organization is aimed at "restoring the women's honor and making a peaceful world for future generations," officials of the foundation said Thursday.
Set up with private donations, the foundation was planned following Dec. 28 when the two governments agreed to put the issue to rest, with Japan pledging to provide 1 billion yen to set up a foundation for the remaining survivors.
Victims and advocacy groups have opposed this, as they do not accept the bilateral deal as it was made without prior consultation with the survivors and the Japanese government did not take legal responsibility for its atrocities.
"It is regrettable that the Korean government did not publicize the deal clearly," said Ji Eun-hee, chairwoman of the foundation, at a press conference in Seoul. "We are setting up this foundation to address the issue righteously."
She said the victims have already been receiving financial support from the Korean government, saying the 1 billion yen was not the answer they were looking for.
The foundation will make education material to distribute to schools and education facilities so that people can learn the history of the women deceived and forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military before and during World War II.
Chinese fishing boats work in South Korean waters off Yeonpyeong Island near the inter-Korean border in the West Sea, Thursday. According to maritime police, 133 Chinese boats were seen as of 7 a.m. Political parties are demanding the military dispatch Navy ships carrying marines to the sea to stop illegal fishing. / Yonhap
By Jun Ji-hye
Political parties are mounting calls for the military to dispatch Navy ships carrying marines to the West Sea to stop illegal fishing by Chinese boats in South Korean waters.
The calls reflect public concern about the growing influx of Chinese fishing boats into South Korean waters, especially near the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the inter-Korean maritime border in the West Sea.
Frustrated by the authorities' failure to chase away the increasing number of Chinese boats, South Korean fishermen recently caught two of them themselves.
Rep. Woo Sang-ho, floor leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, said that the Navy and the Marine Corps should act to stop the boats from violating South Korean waters.
"The government should mobilize the military as the maritime police have limited vessels and personnel to deal with all situations, while there are hundreds of Chinese fishing boats" he said during a party meeting, Wednesday.
Woo said that the Navy and the Marine Corps should establish countermeasures to resolve the matter and protect South Korean territory.
"The problem will not be resolved unless the military, which has enough equipment and personnel, intervenes," he said.
Rep. Kim Gwang-lim, chief policy maker of the ruling Saenuri Party, said Tuesday that the government should provide more vessels for the maritime police as well as making diplomatic efforts to root out illegal fishing by Chinese fishermen.
Doubt rises over how to select representative food
By Kim Se-jeong
Jeonju in South Jeolla Province has claimed ownership of bibimbap, a mixed bowl of rice with vegetables. Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, took dakgalbi, chicken with spicy sauce and vegetables, and Uijeongbu in Gyeonggi Province claimed budae jjigae, a stew of ham, vegetables and noodles originally made with foreign items discarded by U.S. Army bases.
Now, Seoul wants its own to attract more tourists to the city.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Thursday, it formed a 12-person committee to select a list of iconic Seoul dishes and had its first meeting early this month. The committee members include a famous food columnist, a Chinese diplomat, chefs, journalists and food historians.
The city says the initiative is important to make Seoul more attractive to tourists, especially from China. City data showed 57.5 percent of tourists who came to Seoul last year chose food as a reason for visiting. A separate survey showed 47.3 percent of visitors to Seoul looked forward to its cuisine the most.
The problem is no one knows what dishes represent the capital.
"I don't know what represents Seoul when it comes to food," one blogger said.
As the capital of the Joseon Kingdom for more than six centuries, Seoul was a place where people converged from all parts of the country, bringing their own cuisines with them. The Cultural Institute of Traditional Food also said on its website that Seoul has no culinary specialty of its own.
"How many dishes can represent Seoul?" said Kim Min-ji, a chef at Min's Kitchen, a Korean restaurant in southern Seoul. "It's hard to find dishes that originated in Seoul. And people will look at them, when selected, suspiciously."
A city official said, "We are aware of this challenge, and that's why we have all these experts on the committee." He added that the committee will first define Seoul's delicacies and look into all options, including street food such as tteokbokki, rice cakes in a spicy sauce.
The initiative is also receiving criticism for being too oriented to Chinese tourists, as a Chinese diplomat was included on the committee.
"If the list targets only a certain group of people, the food won't really represent the city," another Internet user wrote, reflecting a popular sentiment.
But the city official said they would select dishes that could represent Seoul for anyone who visits the city, not just for Chinese tourists.
Some also criticized that a top-down approach may be inappropriate for selecting a representative food.
"This is so artificial and will push people to choose certain things," one blogger wrote. "There's no such thing as Seoul food. That's how it is. The government should stop making things up."
Some added their own ideas. One suggested, "What about making categorizations? For example, a list of the 10 most spicy dishes, medium-spicy dishes and most-favored dishes by international travelers?" Another suggested, "What's special about Seoul is districts having their own famous foods. This can help tour operators make tour packages out of this."
By Yi Whan-woo
Rep. Kim Su-min
Rep. Kim Su-min of the minority opposition People's Party currently the youngest National Assembly member is being investigated on suspicion of receiving kickbacks from her campaign promoters during the general election campaign in April.
According to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office, investigators raided six offices belonging to a campaign materials supplier and a TV marketing company that worked for Kim, Thursday.
The 29-year-old lawmaker is suspected of having accepted 238 million won ($206,000) in kickbacks from her campaign promoters, including the two companies, using the money to fund her campaign.
The two companies allegedly signed a bogus contract with a design company owned by Kim to provide the money, according to the prosecution.
Kim is also facing suspicions that she provided some of the money to other party members.
She denied the allegations.
"Those who mar the party's reputation will be held accountable," she told reporters.
Kim secured an Assembly seat through the proportional representation system after the April polls.
Earlier, the National Election Commission (NEC) asked the prosecution to investigate the case.
The election watchdog also asked the prosecution to probe the party's former secretary-general Park Sun-sook, who led the party's campaign and is suspected of falsifying a report to the NEC on campaign expenditure.
People's Party co-leader Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo said he is watching the case closely, without commenting further.
The party's floor leader Rep. Park Jie-won expressed support for Kim, saying "I believe she is innocent."
The People's Party has 38 lawmakers, including 13 proportional representatives who secured parliamentary seats in proportion to the overall number of votes the party received in the April election.
Kim was given the seventh slot among the party's candidates for non-electoral lawmakers.
Ahn recruited her as part of a strategy to nurture young legislators.
Kim's father, Kim Hyun-bae, was a former lawmaker as well. He served as a member of the New Korea Party, a precursor of the ruling Saenuri Party.
Police officers enter Seoul Metro's headquarters in southern Seoul, Thursday, to search offices as part of their investigation into alleged management corruption and unfair contracts between the subway operator and its subcontractors. / Yonhap
By Lee Kyung-min
Police raided the headquarters of Seoul Metro and its subcontractors, Thursday, over suspected management corruption and unfair contracts between them, which are believed to be some of the reasons behind the death of a maintenance worker, surnamed Kim, on a station platform late last month.
Some 100 officers from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) raided 10 locations, including the headquarters of Seoul Metro in southern Seoul, the operator of subway lines 1 to 4, the office of Eunseong PSD that hired the worker, and screen door maintenance firm Yujin Metro which had a worker die in a similar accident last year.
They also raided Guui and Gangnam stations, where the two workers died while on duty.
Officers seized accounting books, work logs and other documents related to contracts between Seoul Metro and its subcontractors. Seoul Metro operates under the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Executives of the companies were banned from overseas travel.
Police suspect structural problems behind irregularities surrounding the companies and Seoul Metro's lax supervision.
They already uncovered evidence that retired Seoul Metro officials founded and worked at Eunseong PSD and that Seoul Metro had Eunseong PSD carry out maintenance work on subway screen doors by giving favorable conditions to the company. It is alleged that the subway operator offered higher-than-usual payments to the firm, resulting in tens of billions of won in losses to the publicly funded operator.
"We'll examine whether the contracts favorable to the subcontractor were against the law; whether Seoul Metro's payments to Eunseong PSD were transparent; and whether there were irregularities in safety supervision," an officer from the SMPA said. "We'll take stern legal action against those found responsible."
Police said they expect a similar situation with Yujin Metro. They said that retired Seoul Metro officials dominate the subcontractors while being incapable of carrying out repair work. This structure has pushed the companies to hire small numbers of non-regular mechanics like Kim who are paid less, according to police.
Having such a small staff has forced the workers to violate safety guidelines which mandate that they have to work in teams of two to look out for each other and spot oncoming trains. Kim, who was fixing a malfunctioning screen door on the platform of Guui Station, was working alone when he was hit by an arriving train.
Seoul Metro is also suspected of neglecting warnings of possible accidents.
In December, the Board of Audit and Inspection told Seoul Metro to strengthen its supervision of subcontractors as there were possibilities of accidents during screen door maintenance. It said the screen door management was not linked to the general train control tower.
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon officially apologized for the accident and vowed to eradicate corruption in public transit by setting up measures to tackle such "customary practices."
Chung Sye-kyun, center, new National Assembly speaker, poses with new vice speakers Rep. Shim Jae-cheol of the ruling Saenuri Party, left, and Rep. Park Joo-sun of the minor opposition People's Party after they were endorsed at a National Assembly session, Thursday. Chung gave up his parliamentary seat and left the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea to serve the post for two years under parliamentary rules. / Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun
By Kim Hyo-jin
Rep. Chung Sye-kyun, a six-term lawmaker of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK), was chosen as speaker of the 20th National Assembly, Thursday.
Rival parties also endorsed Rep. Shim Jae-cheol of the ruling Saenuri Party and Rep. Park Joo-sun of the minor opposition People's Party as the vice speakers.
A total of 274 of 287 participating lawmakers voted for Chung during a plenary session. He will lead the legislature for two years of the four-year Assembly term.
This is the first time in 14 years that an opposition lawmaker was named Assembly speaker since Park Gwan-yong of the then opposition Grand National Party (the precursor to the Saenuri Party) in 2002.
The approval came a day after the rival parties reached an agreement on which of them would fill the speaker post and the heads of 18 Assembly committees.
The agreement was accelerated after the ruling Saenuri Party dropped its bid for the speaker post, breaking a week-long deadlock in parliamentary negotiations caused by the tug-of-war between the ruling and main opposition parties.
Following the deal, the MPK held an in-house election and named Chung as its single candidate for the post, Thursday. The parties approved the appointment during the plenary session later.
The lawmaker emerged as an influential bigwig in the party following the general election last month, where he beat ruling party candidate Oh Se-hoon, a former Seoul mayor who had been cited as a potential presidential candidate of the ruling party.
He gained overwhelming support from the MPK mainstream lawmakers who follow the legacy of the late President Roh Moo-hyun, according to party officials.
"The 20th National Assembly should be different from the previous ones and I'm determined to play my part," Chung said after being elected. "I will bring back public trust to the National Assembly while working to promote the spirit of the Constitution and make the Assembly prepared for the future."
Political watchers view the speaker's role as critical in the new National Assembly where opposition party lawmakers outnumber their ruling party counterparts.
The speaker is expected to become an effective balancer as there are growing concerns that clashes in legislative procedures will be fiercer between the ruling party and a government that is entering into a lame duck phase, and the opposition which gained more power in the general election.
Born in Jinan, North Jeolla Province, Chung secured the seat for his hometown in the 15th to 18th terms of the National Assembly, and won the seat in Jongno for two consecutive terms in the 19th and 20th elections. The lawmaker chaired the opposition party three times, and has been viewed as a rational leader among fellow lawmakers.
By Doug Bandow
Yet again Donald Trump has proved that he was not the most militaristic Republican running for President. Virtually alone he criticized the debacle in Iraq. Now, he declared, "I would speak to" North Korea's Kim Jong-un, "I would have no problem."
Most of Trump's erstwhile Republican opponents were more likely to propose bombing than talking with the North. Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign was quick to attack Trump as well.
The presumed GOP presidential nominee also reemphasized his plan to pressure China to take a tougher stand toward Pyongyang. That's a dead end without addressing the reasons why Beijing supports its small, troublesome neighbor. However, engaging the so-called Democratic People's Republic of Korea might help.
Whether Trump meant a summit, phone conversation, or diplomatic discussion is unclear. A face-to-face meeting probably would be unwise absent concrete accomplishments. Such a meeting would be better offered as inducement for the North taking serious steps to deescalate tensions on the Peninsula. In contrast, Washington should propose diplomatic talks, whether or not ultimately capped by a presidential conversation.
After all, other approaches are a nonstarter or have failed. Military strikes likely would trigger serious retaliation and possibly full-scale war. Sanctions have inflicted pain but not changed Pyongyang's policy and aren't likely to do so without greater Chinese support. Finally, talks based on denuclearization, and especially tied to North Korean disarmament, have grown steadily less likely.
The DPRK is a nuclear state. Possession of a nuclear capability offers substantial benefits: defending against America and the latter's propensity to impose regime change, gaining the prestige and attention that comes with nukes, enjoying the possibility of extorting benefits from its neighbors, and rewarding the military in domestic politics. In contrast, joining the international system and spurring economic growth risks stirring political instability, a fearsome prospect for those in power.
This doesn't mean there is nothing that could be achieved diplomatically. First, even paranoids have enemies. North Korea feels under siege, distrusting China as well as the U.S. and the latter's allies. Diminishing its sense of threat would at least create a possibility that Pyongyang would respond favorably to American initiatives.
Second, while the DPRK almost certainly would not voluntarily dismantle its existing nuclear arsenal, it might be willing to accept restrictions on future developments and proliferation. No one outside of Pyongyang wants to accept the North as a nuclear power, but better for Washington to limit the danger than piously reject the reality of North Korea's bomb.
Third, enlisting China's aid, meaning a willingness to cut energy and food assistance, thereby potentially threatening the survival of the North Korean state, requires convincing Beijing that the U.S. is not the principle cause of Pyongyang's belligerency. That is unlikely without a significant American initiative to engage the DPRK.
Fourth, America could use a window, however small, into the Hermit Kingdom. Negotiations would offer a peak. Low level diplomatic relations would create an opportunity for more regular dialog. An offer of a summit outside of the North in Beijing, perhaps could subtly ratchet up pressure on Pyongyang.
Fifth, the DPRK desires direct talks with America. One reason may be enhanced prestige. But equally important may be the desire to balance against China, an overbearing neighbor for which the North has no great love. Washington should encourage more distance between the two nominal allies.
Of course, any talks should be conducted with realistic expectations. Pyongyang is hardly a model negotiating partner. North Korea has become ever more insistent on winning acceptance of its nuclear status, but that doesn't preclude a more limited agreement at least moderating Pyongyang's threats.
No surprise, Trump's proposal to talk is controversial. The Bush administration's Michael Green called a Kim-Trump meeting "a very bad idea." Green complained that Kim won't negotiate away his nukes, but that actually is a reason to establish bilateral contact.
Green also worried that addressing the North would reduce the confidence of South Korea and Japan in America's nuclear umbrella. However, the prospect of America's allies going nuclear might encourage Pyongyang to deal and China to take a harder line toward the North. Further, Green complained that a "summit would cause despair for millions of suffering North Koreans," but ever-tightening sanctions impose far greater hardship on average folks than on Kim and his cronies.
Despite a policy agenda highlighted by foolish and unrealistic proposals (starting trade wars and building walls, for instance), on Korea Donald Trump is more creative than the pros. Offering to talk with North Korea's Kim Jong-un could help break today's stalemate.
Doug Bandow is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan. He is the author of Foreign Follies: America's New Global Empire.
North Korea plans to convene a major parliamentary meeting in late June, the North's state media said Thursday, amid the possibility that the country's leader Kim Jong-un could take another new title to reaffirm his power.
The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) has decided to hold the fourth session of the 13th assembly on June 29, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The SPA, the legislative body of the reclusive country, is the highest organ of state power under the North's constitution, but it actually rubber-stamps decisions by more powerful organizations such as the National Defense Commission (NDC) and the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).
The move is widely seen as a follow-up to the WPK's congress held in early May, a venue aimed at helping reaffirm the leader's unfettered rule.
At the congress, North Korea's leader Kim was elected as chairman of the WPK while making it clear that he will "permanently" defend the pursuit of his signature policy of developing nuclear weapons and boosting the country's moribund economy.
North Korea watchers speculated that at the upcoming parliamentary meeting, the North leader's title of the first chairman of the NDC could be changed in an effort to lend further support to his one-man leadership.
Every April, the SPA holds a plenary session, attended by hundreds of deputies, to finalize the country's budget spending and overhaul Cabinet organs. But this year, the North's parliament held a smaller meeting led by its presidium on March 31 ahead of the ruling party congress. (Yonhap)
Uganda has told North Korea that it won't renew its military contracts with the communist nation, a government source said Thursday, carrying out its pledge to sever their military ties.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni made the pledge during a summit meeting with South Korean President Park Geun-hye last month in what was seen as a diplomatic victory for Seoul.
South Korea hopes that deepening the North's isolation from the international community will force the regime in Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
"The two countries' contracts on security, military and police cooperation expire at the end of this month," the source said on the condition of anonymity. "My understanding is that the Ugandan government has informed the North that it doesn't plan to renew them."
North Korea and Uganda have had active military exchanges since they signed a military cooperation agreement in 1987, shortly after Museveni took power.
By Yi Whan-woo
A North Korean defector recently completed his mandatory military service in South Korea, according to Korea Hana Foundation, a state-funded organization helping defectors, Thursday.
Kim Ji-hwan, 22, was discharged on Feb. 23 after serving two years as an Air Force sergeant in the 8th Fighter Wing in Wonju, Gangwon Province.
Kim is the first North Korean defector to have completed military service here, according to the Military Manpower Administration (MMA).
All able-bodied South Korean men aged between 19 and 37 are subject to compulsory military duty. But those who escaped from North Korea can legally refuse the draft under the Conscription Law, the MMA said.
Despite this, Kim applied for service in the Air Force. There are no other North Korean defectors serving in the military.
Kim fled to South Korea with his family in 2005.
He declined to speak to the media about his military life for security reasons.
Instead, he was quoted by a foundation official. "I just fulfilled my basic duty as a South Korean man," he was quoted as saying. "I don't want to brag about my military life."
He served as an aircraft mechanic after graduating from a vocational high school, whose graduates are given permission to join the Air Force as conscripted soldiers or non-commissioned officers.
Kim was born in Onsong, North Hamgyong Province, which borders China. He is an only child.
He and his parents escaped to China when he was five years old and lived there for years until they were repatriated to North Korea in 2004. They were detained in prison before they defected to South Korea. They have been living in Gangwon Province since then.
Kim said his most challenging moment as a soldier was when North Korea made military provocations, according to the foundation.
"All personnel at my unit had to remain alert day and night to maintain a readiness posture against any possible attacks. We were sleepless and restless and I really hated North Korea for giving us such pain," he was quoted as saying.
He plans to become a professional aircraft mechanic in the future, according to the foundation.
"I've dreamed of fixing planes since I was little," he was quoted as saying.
"I'll also make lots of money to make my parents happy. They lived a tough life so far and they deserve to spend the rest of their lives in comfort."
As a teenager, he made the news for saving a drowning elementary school student.
The Air Force requires the longest terms of service for conscripted soldiers, who have to serve two full years. Conscripts serve 21 months in both the Army and Marine Corps and 23 months in the Navy.
By Lee Han-soo
Wherever you go in South Korea -- by subway, bullet train or even to remote islands -- high-speed Internet is ubiquitous, like air. The average connection speed is the world's fastest at 26.7 megabits per second, at which a full-length Hollywood film can be downloaded in just minutes.
But things are starkly different on the other side of the inter-Korean border. The speed in North Korea is just one-13th of its southern rival, a speed at which downloading a movie would take nearly half a day.
So with such poor speed, why do North Koreans use smartphones? Is it just a show of privilege given to those with proven loyalty to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un? And what does Kim do with his smartphone?
Of course, it is unknown if Kim's Internet connection is as slow as that allowed to his people. Experts do not rule out the possibility that Kim and his confidants may have a fast, unfettered high-speed Internet connection.
"What they (North Korea's smartphone users) can do may be surfing text-based websites or sending/receiving emails," an Internet expert said. "Downloading films or watching TV, as most South Koreans do with their smartphones, is absolutely impossible."
France will give $340,000 in humanitarian aid to help impoverished North Koreans this year. /Yonhap
By Lee Jin-a
France this year will give $340,000 to help North Koreans suffering from malnutrition, U.S.-based media said Thursday.
According to Voice of America (VOA), the French government will provide $170,000 each to Premiere Urgence Internationale (PUI) and Triangle Generation Humanitaire (TGH), both non-government organizations.
PUI is a non-profit international organization that produces goats' milk, yogurt and bread at four collective farms in South Hwanghae Province, North Korea. PUI distributes food to the people and teaches them agricultural technology.
TGH, a French-based organization, will implement a project to improve the nutritional status of North Korean children aged under five.
Female workers in isolated areas need special protection
Koreans have been appalled by a gang rape of a female teacher in her 20s on Heuksan Island off Sinan County, South Jeolla Province, after the case was made public last week. The predators included the parents of the teacher's students, triggering public uproar about the blatant disregard for teachers and women.
The authorities need to ensure that the men in this case are duly punished and that the victim is given proper physical and emotional care before resuming her duties.
The rape case is a shocking reminder of the unsettling work conditions women are exposed to in remote areas such as Sinan County.
What is also shocking is the reaction from some of island's residents, who seemed to be siding with the predators and blaming the victim for getting drunk in media interviews.
It is high time that proper protection measures are implemented to allow women to work in a safe environment. In particular, it is important to protect them from sexual crimes.
The Ministry of Education announced some measures for protecting women teachers in isolated areas. They include installing security systems such as surveillance cameras and emergency alarms. It is hard to believe that there were no surveillance cameras within a radius of one kilometer of the crime scene in the county. But increasing the number of surveillance cameras is not a long-term response to protecting women from sexual and other crimes.
It is likely that many women teachers face similar conditions in rural areas. As of 2015, 46 percent of the teachers in public schools in remote areas are women. The Ministry of Education should seriously consider not sending women to isolated areas that are unequipped with the most basic facilities such as a police station. Sinan is the only town in the South Jeolla Province that does not have its own police station.
The bravery of the victim is noteworthy for publicizing the incident. In Korea, many women choose to remain silent about being sexually abused for fear of disadvantages in their personal lives and at work. A recent survey by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea found that 40.2 percent of victims of sexual abuse said that they would not bring it to light. Women must speak up about sexual abuses.
The victim has also renewed attention to a problem that not only teachers but women in many professions face. Women nurses, police and military officers, among others, also work in remote areas without proper protection.
It is also necessary to provide proper sex education for uncivilized people such as those who sided with the predators in the Sinan case. Some residents said that it was something that could only "happen among young people." This kind of barbaric mindset is not limited to the elderly living in isolated regions.
Lee In, honorary professor at KAIST
By Yoon Sung-won
Lee In, 67, an honorary professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has been named as the head of a national research center in Ethiopia, according to KAIST, Thursday.
He will be inaugurated as the head of Addis Ababa Institute of Technology (AAiT) in Ethiopia in August this year. His term will expire on July 31, 2018 but it can be extended for up to five years, the Korean science institute said.
KAIST said Lee's appointment is being made as the Ethiopian government is eager to promote science and technology.
"Under the goal of fostering AAiT as a university specialized in science and technology, the Ethiopian government last year requested Korea to recommend a qualified figure for the position," KAIST said in a statement. "Ethiopia recognizes that the country's future depends on the advancement of science and technology."
AAiT is an affiliated research center of Ethiopia's state-run Addis Ababa University and specializes in engineering education and research. More than 5,500 undergraduates and 4,500 graduate students attend the university.
KAIST said African students have shown more interest in Korea's engineering technologies and have sought opportunities to learn in Korea. It said 32 students from Africa registered for master's and doctoral degrees at KAIST in 2014, alongside five undergraduate students.
Lee received his bachelor's and master's degrees in aviation engineering at Seoul National University in 1972 and 1979, respectively. In 1986, he was awarded his doctoral degree from the aerospace engineering department of Stanford University in the United States.
Lee started his career as a researcher at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Ames Research Center in California, and later taught at KAIST. He also headed the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences and KAIST's satellite research center.
Recognized for his contribution to the advancement of science and technology, he has been awarded prizes not only from Korea but also China and the United States.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Kwon Oh-hyun, left, delivers a letter of apology to Song Chang-ho, right, a representative of the Family Compensation Committee, over workplace-related diseases. The committee has separated from the local civic group Banolim. Samsung had agreed with the two parties to resolve the long-running issue in January this year. / Korea Time file
By Kim Yoo-chul
An independent inspector program on Samsung's key chip plants will be operational from June, at the earliest, said a program manager, Thursday.
"Key details about the operations of the ombudsman committee will be determined next month. The team will be operational from June," Lee Cheol-soo, head of the committee and a Seoul National University professor, said.
The committee will comprise between 60 and 70 officials including two senior members.
The move comes as Samsung Electronics' reaction to growing calls by civic groups, including Banolim, for the need to strengthen safety measures for company workers.
Lee has appointed Lim Hyun-sul, medical college professor at Seoul's Dongguk University and Kim Hyun-wook, a medical college professor at Catholic University in Seoul as his top aides. Both of them accepted the offer.
Lee said the committee will have two departments and five sub-committees. The first department, led by Lim, carries out the overall diagnosis. The second department, led by Kim, conducts research related to chemicals and examines system improvements.
"Leading experts in the field of industrial safety and health have been appointed after consulting a wide variety of experts, including relevant academics and institutions," said Lee.
Samsung Electronics earlier said it will allow the committee to have full authority to check its key memory chip plants, after the global memory chip leader agreed with the civic group Banolim and another group representing the families of sick company workers to settle long-running disputes.
They have claimed that their exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation resulted in cancer and other incurable diseases.
Samsung Electronics said the company will implement recommendations from the ombudsman team, which will inspect its key chip facilities over the next three years.
All sides agreed on the head of the team.
The committee head, Lee, said the committee's key role is to conduct a diagnosis of Samsung's chip plants and devise a report on the results.
"Some minor details such as the location of the committee and a schedule to supervise factories will be set via communications with Samsung," Lee said, adding that the committee will submit its improvement plans, if necessary. "We plan to focus on scientific diagnosis and objective evaluation in order to execute the agreement based on the launch of the committee."
According to the tri-lateral agreement, the committee has the right to ask Samsung Electronics to provide files and documents with it, while the independent body also could conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews to former and current Samsung workers according to situations.
The committee will announce its analysis three months after the completion of its supervision, said Lee.
Because Samsung Electronics' chip plants are subject to supervision due to the establishment of the committee, the company had previously refused to launch the team.
On the business front, Samsung's key businesses are being challenged amid slowing smartphone sales and ongoing leadership transition led by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong.
"No memory chip manufacturers let independent teams check their key details. Samsung's decision to do so is because of its stern will to resolve long-running disputes over plants with a social consensus," said an official.
The launch of the committee is third in a series of compensation packages issued by Samsung Electronics to sickened former workers after the company announced a 100 billion won fund for preventive measures paid to more than 100 who voluntarily requested monetary compensation from Samsung.
BTS's popularity continues to blaze through China.
Tickets for China's '2016 BTS LIVE The Most Beautiful Moment in Life on Stage: Epilogue Asia Tour' concert sold out within 10 seconds of going on sale on June 2nd.
The boys will visit Nanjing on July 2nd and Beijing on July 23rd. A total of 15,000 seats between the two cities have been claimed by dedicated A.R.M.Y's! According to a staff member, concert tickets in Macau and Taipei, Taiwan sold out within 5 seconds.
BTS kicked off their 7-country Asia tour on May 7th in Korea and plan to wrap up on August 14th.
We wish BTS a successful tour!
Exactly a year after the successful Live Fantasia Utopia concert, boy group VIXX returns to Singapore shores with even more surprises under their sleeves. On the evening of May 29, fans were full of worry and concern for VIXX members' health as they put on their show at the MegaBox Convention Center. This comes after news broke out regarding members Leo and Ravi fainting during a concert in Mexico just a week before their Singapore stop. Fan projects such as handmade placards bearing the message "Please Be Healthy" ( ) were one of the many ways fans showed their love and support for their idols.
Nevertheless, Starlights' worries and fears were unfounded. VIXX turned up in full force and were as energetic as ever, executing their well-known choreography with power and precision. The concert kicked off with explosive high-energy tracks 'Chained Up', 'VOODOO DOLL' and 'Beautiful Killer'.
During the introduction segment, VIXX talked about their latest 'Zelos' album. Using the 'God of Jealousy' concept, they each revealed what they are jealous of. Hongbin envies the fact that Ravi's rapper role allows him to have extra bit of sleep time as he supposedly does not need as much preparation time as the vocalists. On the other hand, Leo complained about his thin hair and how he is jealous of Hongbin and Ken who always have perfect hairstyles. Cheesy Hyuk earned brownie points when he said that he is "jealous of Starlights as (they) can be near other Starlights".
Although the sixtet is well-known for dark concepts and kickass dance moves, they also proved to be multi-talented and can excel in any given concept. Belting out heart-tugging ballads, they impressed the audience with powerhouse vocals. As VIXX's vocalists hit the high notes, the concert atmosphere became exponentially hyped.
Ardent fans were seen passionately waving blue and white light-sticks along to songs, from start to end of the concert. Picking up on the high and excited mood of their Starlight fans, VIXX doubled up and showed their all in their performances. Although the turnout was naturally dominated by female fans, there was an impressive number of male fans who cheered and passionately sang along. VIXX certainly have the ability to attract both males and females alike!
Taking a break from performing, VIXX took some time to pick out fan questions from a board full of post-its. While the members individually picked a post-it of their choice, Ken filled up the wait time by showing off his hidden talent which is producing a series of sound effects. First up, the ever-so-mysterious member Leo picked a post-it with a sexy dance challenge. Instead of doing it himself, he insisted that leader N complete the challenge. Booty shakes and body waves, it was a feast for the eyes as N grooved in his tightly-fitted pants. Unlike Starlights, Hongbin responded by covering his eyes and complaining "argh my eyes... I'm not okay", teasing his group's leader. To the question "What do you like most about Singapore", Ken answered "My starlight babies! Wait wait...", and digged around in his coat before producing a finger heart to the delight of fans. The cheesy yet romantic member also transformed into Captain Ken SiJin and re-enacted a scene from the popular drama 'Descendents of the Sun'. Hyuk tried his best to impersonate a duck character from Pokemon but gave up and suggested that Ravi show the polished version.
After the talking segment, the group resumed their top-notch performances. Changing into white suits, they turned into suave and charming gentlemen and performed several hit songs including 'Error', 'Secret Night' and 'On and On'. During 'Love Letter', Starlights worked together as one and made a confession to VIXX through their handheld banner project which says "Thank you for meeting us again". After the song ended, VIXX members were evidently touched by the hard work and requested for fans to show the banner once again. N also mentioned that he always feel good when he sees banners being held up during their performances. During the encore stage, the boys were seen dancing with the fan-made banners.
29 May has certainly been etched in Starlights' hearts and minds as a happy date. Who knows, this could turn into a yearly affair where VIXX and Starlights unite on the island of Singapore!
Watch VIXX performances below:
Special thanks to Three Angles Group for inviting KpopStarz.com to cover VIXX Live Show In Singapore.
Writer: Syafiqah Shah | Photo Credits: Ong Melin and Syafiqah Shah | Video Credits: Ong Melin
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This article appears in the June 10, 2016 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.
NEW PARTY IN GERMANY
The AfD Party:
Old Wine In New Bottles?
PART THREE
by Helga Zepp-LaRouche, chair of the German party
Civil Rights Movement Solidarity BuSo
[PDF version of this article]
June 3There is no doubt about it: The majority of the population in Germany feels abandoned, and has the overwhelming impression that the political ruling class is motivated by anything but the pursuit of the general welfare. The decisions of the heartless bureaucrats in Brussels are certainly not transparent. But what people do see is that that the living standards of many have been sinking for about a quarter of a century; that medical care is getting worse; and that if you are among the unfortunate victims of Hartz 4, or are a member of some other such socially powerless group, often you cannot even afford the bare necessities, much less participate in the cultural life of society.
For years on end, there was allegedly no money for the poor or for affordable housing. But then, suddenly, billions of Euros, in the three digits, were made available to rescue the banks and speculators, and sums in the double-digit billions were suddenly found in a coat pocket for the refugees. A pretty large coat pocket, people grumble, among themselves. And then there is increasing anxiety over the growing threatsthe growing danger of war, the danger of terrorism, lack of understanding of the cultures of immigrants, fear of poverty in old agethe list of problems seen as existential keeps getting longer.
That general feeling of getting a raw deal, all sorts of resentments, and the outrage of angry citizens are precisely what the Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party, the various Pegida offshoots, and the New Right feed upon. This is not just a spontaneous reflex; behind it lies a specific method. Peter Sloterdijk, with whom the AfDs party philosopher Marc Jongen collaborated for years as an assistant at the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design, has even written a world history of rage.
Wikimedia Deutschland
Rage as Driver of History?
In a 2006 book, published in English translation in 2010, titled Rage and Time, Sloterdijk presents the thesis that rage is one of the driving forces of history. He constructs a theory of history according to whichstarting with Greek mythology and the first lines of Homers Iliadrage is a god-like capability, something like a divinely ordained eruption of power, which is manifested in the form of thymos, and is later presented by Plato as one of the three pillars of the human psyche, between reason and passion. Sloterdijk then traces his perspective on history from ancient Greece to the vengeful God of the Judaic world, to the teachings of the Church fathers of the Middle Ages, up to the communist world bank of rage. The ultimate demand of his book is for the release of thymotic energy, as if the world hadnt had to endure an overdose of it with the radicalized extremist movements of the Twentieth Century and experienced the historical consequences such negative energy can cause
If Sloterdijks bestial image of man were correct, then a human being would be nothing more than an aggressive watchdog that becomes the more effective, the more it is incited and provoked. If rage and resentment were a principal driving force in the history of mankind, then in all likelihood, we would have bashed each other to death in a very early era, possibly in the era of hunting and gathering, when we ate rabbits and berries, and rage over a missed meal would have been vented on our neighbors. Mankind would never have risen mentally above the infantile state in which a spoiled brat kicks his younger brother in the shins to get the toy blocks.
If Friedrich Schiller assumed that Kant must have had a very unhappy childhood to come up with such unfree thoughts as the Categorical Imperative, how absolutely miserable and terrible must the childhood of this misanthrope Sloterdijk have been! Of course, for Sloterdijk, who believes man is only the king of the domesticated animals, everything that differentiates mankind from the other forms of life is closed off and unreachablehis creativity, his humanity, his receptivity to beauty, his ability to produce great creations of Classical art, his unlimited talent for discovering ever deeper the laws of the physical universe.
No, Sloterdijks world is no less ugly than the radical biological determinism of a Bjorn Hocke: In 2010, Sloterdijk spoke of the fertility in misery of the Arabs, who used their reproduction rate as a demographic weapon against Europe.
Sloterdijks longstanding assistant Marc Jongenthe current speaker of the AfD in Baden Wurttemberg and a member of the AfDs national program committeehas adopted several of his ideas, among them his ideology of the history-making function of rage. He says the German population is suffering from a thymotic deficit, and touts the AfD as the only party which not only addresses the rage and anger in the population, but knows how to spur it on. He calls that raising the thymos tensionin other words, riling up the rage in the population. Only in this way, Jongen explains, can we bring people to oppose the threat of mass migration. No wonder that the star of the Pegida demonstration praises Jongen as the great hope of the movement.
Inciting enraged citizens in this wayinflaming themis playing with fire. It is the method of demagogues who take up real grievances, only to respond with plausible but catchword-likeand therefore falsearguments. Take an example from Jongen: Of the hundreds of millions of needy people in the world, we can only bring a very small, nearly infinitesimal percent to Europe. The idea that we in Europe could be responsible for justice in the world as a whole, is an expression of gigantic hubris. The implication of this statement is that because it is a nearly infinitesimal percentage, it makes no significant difference whether we refuse these people (otherwise described as a mass immigration) entrance into Europe, never mind what happens to them.
Or Else, the Paradigm of Love
The crux of the matter is this: That this kind of thinking implies that the neoliberal financial dogma which the AfD fully supportsas they recently demonstrated with their trading in goldis a permanent feature of the world. But in reality, this trans-Atlantic financial system is on the verge of disintegration, and can only be superseded by a complete reorganization of the system, the introduction of a global Glass-Steagall system of banking separation, and the reconstruction of the world economy through the expansion of the New Silk Road. The AfD has no competence in any of these matters. Jongen criticizes the clear lack of thymotic virtues, once called the manly virtues, especially in the approach to all things military. These, he says, are at best tolerated as a necessary evil. Jongen concludes: I have the feeling that our political elite has since 1968 forgotten the very elementary lessons of foreign policy and geopolitics.
The elementary lessons of geopolitics are currently being carried out in NATO exercises in Poland, the Baltics states, and Romania, and by U.S. forces in the South China Sea. It is that geostrategy, a remnant from the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, which brought us two World Wars, and has now brought us to the edge of obliterating humanity in a thirdthis time a global and thermonuclear world warwhich represents the greatest obstacle to the continued existence of the human race.
The only way to overcome all of these existential threatsthreats that the AfD wants to exploit for its own endslies in overcoming geopolitics and geopolitical strategy once and for all, and establishing a totally new paradigm organized around the common aims of mankind. If we are not able to reach the higher level of reason, the level on which the common interests of a universal humanity are achieved, we will not fare any better than the dinosaurs, whose bodies were impressive, but whose brains were relatively tiny. In any case, the solution to these problems does not lie on the level of poor watchdogs and poor Sloterdijks.
painting by Jean Duplessis-Bertaux in 1793
Friedrich Schillers answer to the Jacobin terror of the French Revolution, an example of a rebellion of enraged citizens par excellenceabout which he said that a great historical moment had found a little peoplewas his Letters on the Aesthetical Education of Man. In them he stressed that from then on, improvements in the political realm could only be achieved through the ennoblement of the individualand that meant, above all, educating the emotions up to the level of reason. Gotthold Lessing argued, in a wonderful analysis of the artistic method, with reference to the famous sculpture of Laocoon and His Sons, that the artist can not present pure emotionin this case, agonywithout aesthetic ennoblement, if he is to meet the requirements of Classical art. Rage and anger, as well as hate and envy, belong to the lowest level of human emotions.
If we are to overcome the enormous challenges with which we are confronted today, we can only do so with love,love for mankind, and love for our own humanity.
This article has been translated from German.
This article appears in the June 10, 2016 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.
INTERVIEW
Iran at the Crossroads of
the Eurasian Land-Bridge
[PDF version of this article]
May 27With the recent historic visit to Tehran of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, for the first time in nearly 40 years, Iran has the opportunity to resume its historic role as a crossroads for trade and cultural collaboration between East and West, across the vast Eurasian landmass. EIRs Copenhagen Bureau Chief Tom Gillesberg had the opportunity on March 15 to discuss Irans potential role in this Eurasian vision with H.E. Mr. Morteza Moradian, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Copenhagen, Denmark.
courtesy of Embassy of Iran, Copenhagen
Ambassador Moradian emphasized the historic role of Iran and also the common vision of Eurasian development, which was a vital element in the talks during Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to Iran in January 2016. Both Iran and China have high ambitions regarding transportation issues, the Ambassador emphasized. I think that there is extreme potential for economic development, arising from the idea raised by the Chinese President. Iran is situated at a very important juncture from a transportation point of view. This has nothing to do with the issues of today or yesterday, but it is an historical issue. Iran, and the region around it, is located along a very, very important corridor.
If we look at the most important corridors in the world, there are three. We can see that the North-South corridor, and the East-West corridors, all pass through Iran. The important thing is that transportation corridors necessarily lead to the growth of economic development, and also, when economic development takes place, what follows is peace and stability. Our country, and all of the countries of Western Asia, are trying to find and develop these transportation routes. In this regard, the idea raised by China can have important consequences for the region. Just to sum it up, this idea of reviving the old Silk Road would have a very positive influence on development.
The Ambassador emphasized Irans multi-modal transportation system:
Iran enjoys a very good position in regard to all forms of transportationair, sea, and land. Iran has always followed up on the issue of reviving the old Silk Road, with China. We now see that the Chinese idea and the Iranian idea are now meeting at some point. I think that within the framework of two very important agreements, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and also the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), we can have very, very good cooperation.
Russia, China, and Iran
Iran has developed strong ties to both China and Russia, and the relations among the three can be a driver for economic integration and growth, the Ambassador emphasized.
I think the conditions are now conducive for good cooperation and development. During the years of the sanctions, we had extensive relations with China. There is now about $50 billion of trade between Iran and China. This has fluctuated in some years, but it is between $50 billion and $52 billion. China is the biggest importer of Iranian oil. We also had extensive relations with Russia during the years of the sanctions. Its natural, now that the sanctions have been removed, that the relationship between these three nations would develop further. The important point that I would like to make is that the three countries have common interests, and common threats facing them. We are neighbors with the Russians. We have common interests with Russia regarding the Caspian Sea, transportation, energy, the environment, and peace in the world. So we have quite a number of areas where our interests coincide. Other areas where we have common interests are drug trafficking and other forms of smuggling, and combating extremism and terrorism. We also have quite a number of common interests with China. They include energy, reviving the Silk Road, combating terrorism, the transportation corridors, and, also, in the framework of the SCOquite a number of areas where we have common interests. China needs 9 million barrels of oil on a daily basis. As I said, our trade relations amount to about $52 billion. Iran enjoys some very important advantages. First of all, it has enormous amounts of energy resources. Its coastline, along the Persian Gulf, runs 3,000 kilometers. We are neighbors with 15 countries in the region. I think that cooperation between these three powers, namely Russia, China, and Iran, can ultimately lead to stability and peace in the region. So the four areasthe combination of economics, trade, energy, and transitthese are areas that can lead to the goals that I mentioned. The revival of the old Silk Road, at this juncture of time, would be very meaningful. During the recent visit to Iran by the Chinese President, the two sides agreed to increase the volume of trade between the two countries, in the next ten years, to $600 billion. Also, in the recent visit to Iran by President Putin, there was agreement on Russian investment in Iran. It has to be said that our trade relations, economic relations, with Russia are not as great as they should be. But among the topics discussed when President Putin visited Iran, was making sure that the volume of economic cooperation increases between Iran and Russia.
Ambassador Moradian noted that the arrival of the first freight train in Tehran from China, in February, further underscored the potential arising from Iran-China collaboration on the Silk Road program.:
President Rouhani has very clear views on the Silk Road. In fact, President Rouhani is a specialist in transportation routes and communication. He believes that the basis for development lies in the development of transportation infrastructure. He and the Chinese President have talked over the revival of the Silk Road on a number of occasions.
The Ambassador sharply criticized the efforts of Washington to bypass Iran in any Eurasian development plans:
There was a discussion . . . being propagated during the past few yearsthe idea of the new Silk Road, or the American Silk Road, so to speak. Basically, they wanted to bypass Iran, and divert the route. No one can fight against economic and geographical realities on the ground. The route through Iran is the shortest route, and the cost-effective route, and, therefore, nobody can go against that. And because the Chinese ideas were more realistic, Iran and China were able to come to some sort of understanding on the development and revival of the Silk Road. We witnessed good investment by the Chinese in this regard, in the recent years. China has invested heavily in Pakistan, in the Gwadar port.
Transport Corridors to Defeat War
The Ambassador next turned to the immediate prospects of building the East-West and North-South transport corridors, linking Iran to Central Asia, and creating the opportunity to bring stability back to Afghanistan after more than 30 years of continual war.
Sharif in Afghanistan, is an important connection. The Khaf-Herat section has been completed, but the Herat-Mazar-i-Sharif section is still to be constructed. I think this is an important route that we believe, in my opinion, China would be advised to invest in. If this route between Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif were to be completed, then from there, there are two routesone leading to Uzbekistan and the other leading to Tajikistan, and that can be an important connection. At the moment, China is making good investments in both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, to establish the links. In fact, the link connecting China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran is one of the most important links of the Silk Road. And there is a missing link between Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif, as I said, and I hope that the countries concerned, especially China, can help establish that link. Over the past two years, the corridor between Kazakstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran has borne fruit, and is now connected. In fact, the train that arrived in Teheran actually came through this route, and this corridor has extreme potential. I hear that quite a number of countries in the region are interested in joining this corridor. We have another corridor linking Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Oman, which is called the fourth corridor. And this has also come into operation over the past year-and-a-half. We also have other corridors, which I call subsidiary corridors. All of these subsidiary corridors can actually enhance and complement the main East-West Silk Road. One very important corridor that you are aware of, is the North-South corridor, and a section along this corridor is now under constructionthe connection between the city of Rasht, and Astara on the Caspian coast. In fact, we have reached agreement with Azerbaijan on the connection between the two cities of Rasht in Iran, and Astara in Azerbaijan. This corridor also needs some investment, and we hope that countries like China can help us in developing this.
The Ambassador noted that 17 agreements were signed during the visit of President Xi Jinping to Iran in January.
The areas included energy, financial investment, communication, science, the environment, and know-how. Specifically, on the core of the Silk Road, the two countries agreed to play a leading, and a key role, in the development and operation of this link. They agreed to have cooperation on infrastructure, both railroad and road. For example, electrification of the railroad link between Teheran and Mashhad, is part of this connection of the Silk Road that was agreed to. The other important thing is cooperation on the Port of Chabahar in Iran. The two sides agreed to cooperate in this, and the Chinese agreed to invest in Chabahar. Regarding industry and other production areas, they agreed that China would cooperate and invest in twenty areas. Regarding tourism and cultural cooperation, the two sides also agreed to develop cooperation in this regard, within the framework of the Silk Road. I think you can see that within the framework of the Silk Road, there are quite important agreements between the two countries.
Nuclear Energy Is Vital
Another vital area in which cooperation among Iran, Russia, and China is increasing, is energy, the Ambassador noted. He emphasized the role that Russia played in the completion of Irans nuclear power plant at Bushehr:
Because of the reneging of the Western governments, the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant was left unfinished, and after the Russians agreed to pick up the pieces, we reached an agreement, and were able to develop, and make this very important plant operational. The cooperation between Iran and Russia on peaceful nuclear energy has been very constructive. All of Irans atomic activities have been under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As we have had no deviation from our peaceful nuclear program, after ten or twelve years, the Western countries, the P5+1, finally came to the conclusion that Irans nuclear program has always been peaceful. I believe that they knew this at the beginning, as well. This was just a political game. We have also had a sort of constructive cooperation with China over the past two decades on peaceful nuclear energy. During the recent visit to Iran by the Chinese President, an agreement was also signed in this regard. In the implementation of the P5+1 agreement, China, Iran, and America are also the three countries forming the committee for the implementation of the agreement. It was agreed during the recent visit that China will reconfigure the Arak heavy water plant. The Chinese and the Iranians have also agreed to cooperate on the building of small-scale nuclear power plants. This, I think, is very important for Iran, in terms of producing electricity, and the Chinese welcome this. We have also signed a number of agreements with China on the construction of a number of nuclear power plants in the past. Iran, because of the large extent of the country, has always welcomed cooperation in the development of peaceful nuclear energy for the production of electricity, and other things. In fact, based on the cooperation agreement between Iran and the P5+1, there will be agreements with a number of the members of the P5+1 regarding the nuclear issue.
Expanding Rail Grid
The Ambassador turned next to Irans internal transport infrastructure needs and progress.
Iran has made endeavors, extensive efforts, to actually complete what I call the subsidiary corridors. Right now in Iran, we have 10,000 kilometers of operational railroad lines. For our present government, the further development of railroad links is very important. We have plans to build another 10,000 kilometers in the future. It is my view that in the next couple of years, we will see a revolution in transportation. There are some missing links, which we think should be completed as soon as possible. We have the link to the Chabahar Port. If this port is developed to utilize its full capacity, then this will serve as an important link in the North-South corridor. In the Persian Gulf we also have an island called Qeshm, which has great potential. In fact, because Qeshm itself also has gas, and has a strategic location in the Persian Gulf, it can play an important role in the North-South corridor. We are seeing that various countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are interested in entering into these areas.
The Ambassador added that progress is also significant on the East-West corridor, where some very important developments have taken place.
We have had good negotiations with the Turkish side. One of the most important links in the East-West corridor is the link between the cities of Sarakhs and Sero. Sero is located on the border with Turkey, and the Turks and the Iranians are now in very extensive negotiations to develop this route. The other route is the railway link between Iran and Iraq, and this is also being built on an extensive level. As I said, the subsidiary corridorsthe one connecting Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran; and the one connecting Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Omanare now operational, and we are also planning on developing and making other subsidiary routes operational.
The Water Crisis
Turning next to one of the great challenges facing Iran, Ambassador Moradian acknowledged that Iran is faced with a shortage of water. Work is underway to tackle this crucial problem, he said.
We have quite a number of projects for water desalination on the Persian Gulf. In fact, one of the main reasons that we wanted nuclear power plants on the Persian Gulf was to use that energy to desalinate water. Currently, a number of Iranian companies are engaged in this. One of the very big projects has come on stream during the past couple of years. Regarding the desalination plants, there is good cooperation between Iran and foreign countries. I think that this is another area where Danish companies can enter into the competition. President Rouhani made a trip to the city of Yazd, in the center of Iran, and he said there, that transfer of water from the Persian Gulf to the center of Iran, to the city of Yazd, is one of the important projects that the government has in mind. Regarding nuclear fuel, the framework of the P5+1 agreement with Iran envisages extensive cooperation between Iran and these countries on nuclear fuel. Iran is now one of the countries that have the legal right to enrich uranium, and this has been recognized. So, based on the capacities that Iran has, we can exchange nuclear fuel. Within this framework, we have exchanged quite a lot of fuel with the Russians, and we have cooperation plans with China on the heavy water plant in Arak.
SCO and the War on Terrorism
No discussion about the Greater Middle East and Persian Gulf can ignore the threat posed by terrorism and the flow of illegal drugs across borders, to markets in Europe and beyond. Ambassador Moradian was blunt:
PRESS RELEASE
British Media Weigh in To Protect Saudi Terror Role, While German Press Finally Break the Story
June 8, 2016 (EIRNS)The British have now directly weighed in to save their Saudi assets in the ongoing battle in the United States (now extended into Germany) to expose the direct Anglo-Saudi hand behind 9/11 and all the other jihadist terror attacks over the past decades. A June 6 Daily Telegraph article by Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, former advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff, argues that if JASTA (Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism) passes, British intelligence and the British government could be sued for past support for terrorists in Londonistan. The article is bluntly headlined Why a US law to let 9/11 families sue Saudi Arabia is a threat to Britain and its intelligence agencies.
While the JASTA bill is not explicitly aimed against Britain, which enjoys close intelligence cooperation with the US, Under the bill, US citizens might sue the British government claiming negligent lack of effort to tackle Islamic radicalism in earlier decades. Some in the US already accuse Britain of tolerating radical preachers in Londonistan during the nineties, an approach they say spawned terrorism.
The British intervention comes as the expose of the Saudi role in terror, and the fight to release the suppressed 28 pages of the 2003 Congressional Inquiry which deals with funding of the 9/11 attack, continues to expand. A blockbuster special report on the cover-up of the role of Saudi officials in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States was aired June 1 on German WDR-TV, on the widely watched investigative news program Monitor. It featured an exclusive interview with former Sen. Bob Graham, who has been waging the fight in the U.S. to obtain declassification of the 28-pages. Graham co-chaired that inquiry, in his capacity as chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
The authors point out that the cover-up of the Saudi role and the insistence on the sole responsibility of the al-Qaeda terrorist network are what led to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, quoting former President Bush. And even more importantly, they underscore the dangers for today of covering up the Saudi activities, since the Saudis continue financing terror groups and recruiting young people to the jihad, to this day.
Interviewer Georg Restle said he had asked the Saudi embassies in both Washington and Berlin to comment, but received no answer. For the German government, he added at the end of the segment, the disclosure of the 28 pages could have unpleasant consequences. Saudi Arabia, after all, is one of Germanys most important allies in the region. Foreign Minister Steinmeier, in his latest visit to Riyadh, repeatedly stressed the good relations. And its always about weapons deals. In the past years alone, the German government authorized exports amounting to some 2 billion. But the Foreign Ministry did not wish to comment on declassification of the 28 pages either, saying it was solely a matter for the U.S. government.
PRESS RELEASE
French Senate Votes Gradual Relief of Sanctions vs. Russia; Follows French National Assemblys Vote in April
June 8, 2016 (EIRNS)The French Senate today voted up a resolution to gradually lift the EU-imposed sanctions against Russia implemented after the Wests "color revolution" in Ukraine in 2014. The resolution calls for a "gradual relief" of the sanctions on Russian trade imposed by the West, RT reported today.
RT reported, "The vast majority302 senatorsvoted for the move, with only 16 being against the lifting of anti-Russia sanctions. In all, 335 politicians were present at the meeting in the Luxembourg Palace."
In late April, 55 Members of the French National Assembly voted up a similar resolution submitted by 85 French MPs. The Assemblys resolution was stronger, calling on the government not to extend at all the EU-imposed sanctions on Russia.
The motions demonstrate an increasing revolt against the EU, based on sanity, but under EU rules the resolutions are non-binding, because the embargo is renewed in Brussels; to lift the sanctions requires unanimity of the 28 Member States, Le Figaro reported. Another reason to abolish the EU.
PRESS RELEASE
Spiegel in Last-Minute Warning: NATO Exercises Going Too Far
June 8, 2016 (EIRNS)In what is clearly an "alert" in Germany that the current NATO maneuvers threaten actual war, Der Spiegel today published an article warning that the "Anaconda" maneuvers in Poland unnecessarily "play out the scenario of a real war," and mean that "the Alliance is going too far."
Spiegel wishes to put the blame for this on Poland, which it says is irritating other Alliance members by demanding actions
"too clearly aimed at Moscow. For the alliance this is inconvenient: while Brussels has stressed that it intends to somehow restore the dialogue with Moscow, in Poland there is a war being played,"
the magazine says, while strongly implying that some NATO members are participating in "Anaconda" only due to Polish demands. The article is called "Military Maneuvers in Poland: In the Stranglehold of Anaconda."
And Spiegel also writes that the upcoming NATO Warsaw summit in July may be "politically poisoned," again it says, by Poland. "Warsaw is acting intentionally provocatively. Thus, it invited Georgia and Ukraine to take part in the Anaconda-16 exercise. Both would like to be part of NATO, but the alliance has rejected this idea for years. But for the Poles, it doesnt matter. [And] Warsaw has declared the NATO-Russia Founding Act, the basic agreement with Moscow, obsolete."
But Poland has been urged on with this war provocation for months by British Prime Minister David Cameron and Obama Defense Secretary Ashton Carter. U.S. senior NATO officers have pushed the solidarity of all NATO members with Poland and the Baltic nations against "Russian agression," and have demanded support from non-members Sweden and Finland as well. This is an Obama provocation, employing Polands extreme right-wing government.
Spiegel is obviously reflecting, as its name implies, the fears of German military and elected officials that they may now find themselves near the start of World War III, and that the German government is doing nothing to oppose this.
PRESS RELEASE
San Francisco Seminar with LaRouches Poses Alternatives: Join the Silk Road, or Nuclear War
June 8, 2016 (EIRNS)The Schiller Institutes Strategic Seminar in San Francisco today, drew 70 guests and experts to discuss the urgent topic "Will the U.S. Join the New Silk Road? Global Scientific Development or Nuclear War." That question is to join the One Belt, One Road world infrastructure plan put forward by China, or stick with the collapsing Western economies, whose bankruptcy is fueling the danger of a global nuclear war.
The high-level speakers included Lyndon LaRouche, renowned strategic and economic thinker; Helga Zepp-LaRouche, also known as "the Silk Road Lady" for her worldwide campaign to create the "New Silk Road" policy now put forward by China, and to have it adopted worldwide as the alternative to war; U.S. Sen. Mike Gravel (1969-1981), who read the classified "Pentagon Papers" into the Congressional proceedings in 1971; Hon. Sergey Petrov, Consul General of the Russian Consulate in San Francisco; Dr. Howard Chang, internationally renowned expert on water sedimentation, and Kesha Rogers, twice the Democratic Party candidate in Houstons 12th C.D.the home of NASA. The Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Philippino communities were represented in the audience.
Helga LaRouche presented the audience with the fact of NATOs deployment on Russsias border, with the Aegis system in Romania, and a USS Ross in the Black Sea, leaving the Russians in a position where NATO missiles could reach Moscow in five minutesnecessitating a "Launch on Warning" policy. Unlike the 1980s, when thousands demonstrated against the nuclear missiles in Europe and Russia ready to "launch on warning," today the neo-cons in the Obama administration have recreated this danger without protest in the West. There is also the danger of confrontation with China in the South China Sea.
In this climate, Chinas President Xi made a decision in 2013 to end geopolitics, and re-establish the New Silk Road, building water, power, and transportation infrastructure around the world. Zepp-LaRouche pointed to Chinas 20,000 km of fast trains built through 2015, whereas there are no fast trains in the U.S. She concluded, "Connect with China in self-interest, or face nuclear war."
Mrs. LaRouche addressed the problem of Obama remaining President, by pointing to the urgently needed release of the classified "28 pages" of the Congressional 9/11 report, and Obamas refusal to release the pages, which are known to contain evidence of Saudi funding and sponsorship of the 9/11 terror attack, which could blow open U.S. politics, and make it possible to elect a qualified candidate, in the mold of FDR or President Kennedy. Questions from the audience followed.
After Helga LaRouche, San Francisco Russian Consul Sergey Petrov offered, "For a big country like the U.S., it is useful to look at the world." To a question from Sen. Mike Gravel, on whether he shared Helga LaRouches assessment, he replied, "I share the understanding, that we are very close to a major conflict. And I add that there is no possibility of a limited nuclear war. If that starts, it will be end of the world."
Mr. Petrov described the USSRs dissolution into the Commonwealth of Independent States, with serious economic problems, and the steps in the long process of building the Eurasian Economic Union. The EAEU is now looking to conclude agreements with Mercosur, the SCO, and the EU on economic and humanitarian cooperation. The next step is to connect to North America. On that day, Mr. Petrov said, "I will feel I was a good diplomat."
The way to the springis blocked. At least thats the case for the Palestinians of Nabi Saleh, a small village northwest of Ramallah. The expansion-minded residents of a nearby Jewish settlement, with the aid of the Israeli army that occupies the West Bank, have taken over the towns water source, which Palestinian farmers depended on to irrigate their fields.
Ben Ehrenreich, an award-winning writer based in Los Angeles, discovered as much when he moved to the West Bank, which Israel captured from Jordan in a war with its Arab neighbors in 1967. Ehrenreich, who lived in that troubled land intermittently between 2011 and 2014 (in part, reporting for Harpers and the New York Times Magazine), demonstrates that Nabi Saleh is no anomaly. The Way to the Spring: Life and Death in Palestine emerges as a sobering, iconoclastic collection of stories about resistance, and about people who resist, marred slightly by the authors unwillingness to subject Palestinian militant activity, which has often included terrorism, to moral scrutiny.
The spring is the face of the occupation, Bassem Tamimi of Nabi Saleh tells the author. Every Friday, the villagers, joined by international and Israeli solidarity activists, march toward it in a regularized act of protest. And every Friday Israeli soldiers beat them back with tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber-coated bullets, observes the author. Afterward, groups of male youths situated some distance away hurl stones at the soldiers, who are generally beyond their reach.
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Whether Ehrenreich accompanies Tamimi, an advocate of unarmed resistance who has come to the attention of the international media, or others additional members of Nabi Salehs Tamimi clan, the beleaguered residents of what he memorably terms Planet Hebron or Palestinians in other areas he witnesses the disturbing institutionalized discrimination and casual violence of an occupation now nearly half a century old. Those eager to dismiss Ehrenreichs shocking anecdotes as selective would do well to take heed of the facts and figures that the author, like others before him, painstakingly cites to support his arguments.
He explains that while Israel blockades (and sometimes bombs) one Palestinian territory, the Gaza Strip, it occupies the other, the West Bank, and employs two separate legal systems to govern its inhabitants. Israeli Jews who, in violation of international law, expropriate Palestinian land and build settlements in which Palestinians are (with rare exceptions) denied the right to reside, remain under the jurisdiction of Israeli civil courts, but Palestinians (excluding those of East Jerusalem) are subject to military rule. Acts of resistance real or imagined, peaceful or violent, directed at this state of affairs are almost inevitably punished. Ehrenreich notes that in 2010, the last year for which records were made public, 99.74 percent of Palestinians tried in the military court system were convicted. While languishing in that system, one might experience the highly euphemistic moderate physical pressure that Israeli law authorizes the Shin Bet (Shabak) security agency to mete out.
With time, the Jewish settlements have grown. (The roads connecting them to each other and to Israel proper from which Palestinians are barred have also multiplied.) As Ehrenreich notes, West Bank settlers now number more than 350,000, having tripled since the beginning of the peace process in 1993. (If one includes Israeli Jews who have moved into pre-existing and newly created neighborhoods in Occupied East Jerusalem, as Israeli watchdog BTselem does, the figure rises to more than half a million.) To make matters worse, Israel controls the water supply in the West Bank, diverting more of it to the settlers than the far more numerous Palestinian population. And all the while, the Jewish state refuses to grant building permits to Palestinians who live in or want to move to Area C, which takes up a whopping 61% of the West Bank and is directly under Israeli administration (meaning that the Palestinian Authority is clearly misnamed it exercises no authority there).
There are a few problems with The Way to the Spring. All the resistance Ehrenreich documents in Nabi Saleh, Hebron and elsewhere is either nonviolent or potentially violent but in reality ineffectual (as with the youths throwing stones at heavily armed and armored soldiers). He acknowledges that Palestinians have resorted to violence and sometimes killed Israeli civilians, but he doesnt linger on this issue or reveal his thoughts on the matter, despite the generally reflective nature of his writing. Where does Ehrenreich draw the line between armed resistance and terrorism?
Also, Ehrenreich seemingly adopts the reductive position that only Palestinians who resist the occupation deserve respect and sympathy. Toward Palestinians who shun resistance, either because they consider it futile or want to avoid arguably noble but perennially dangerous pursuits, he has nothing but scorn. This accounts for his fulminations against Rawabi, a pre-planned Palestinian city in the West Bank. There is much to criticize: The Palestinian Authority, which spearheaded the project, is corrupt and oppressive, the city caters to the middle and upper classes, and Israeli contracting firms benefit from its construction. Still, his description of Rawabi as an extrusion in stone and glass . . . inhabitable scat deposited by capital on its way to a goal that excluded nearly everyone is overly indignant and comically fustian.
These concerns aside, Ehrenreich deserves kudos for digging beneath the unsightly outer manifestations of the occupation to reveal its even uglier innards.
Parts of the separation wall near Bethelehem in the West Bank. (Abed Al Hashlamoun / EPA )
Consider the notorious separation barrier. Israels stated reason for building the wall, up to eight feet high in places, was to prevent West Bank Palestinians from carrying out terror attacks including suicide bombings within Israel during the Second Intifada (2000-05). That was conceptually sound. Yet instead of building it along the Green Line, the territorys boundary, Israel constructed the barrier within the West Bank, strengthening its grip on the larger Jewish settlement blocs (which now lie on the Israeli side of the wall) and confiscating more Palestinian land, dividing villages in the process.
That wall is only a recent example of Israels continuous efforts to cement its control over the territory in question. [W]hen the Israelis occupied the West Bank in 1967, Ehrenreich writes, they began to selectively apply certain Jordanian laws based in the Ottoman Land Code of 1858, which ruled that any acreage left uncultivated for three consecutive yearswould revert to the state, which could transfer the land to private owners. Meaning settlers. For decades, Israel has utilized such mechanisms to expand Jewish settlements while limiting Palestinian building density to specific areas.
And so it goes. As a result, the generally bleak outlook pervading The Way to the Spring must count as its finest feature. This will strike some readers as counter-intuitive; after all, a book on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is supposed to show us how tantalizingly close we are to resolving it, no? Yet the principled and blunt Ehrenreich wont oblige. The only thing hes optimistic about is continued Palestinian resistance, of the sort the villagers of Nabi Saleh and elsewhere undertake.
Otherwise, the way he assesses the import of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus statement in 2014 that there cannot be a situation, under any agreement, in which we relinquish security control of the territory west of the River Jordan captures the thrust of this book, and the mood among many Palestinians. All of the West Bank, of course, lies west of the Jordan River. In other words, Ehrenreich writes, the Palestinians would get no state. Ever. The occupation would not end.
Al-Shawaf is a writer and book critic in Beirut.
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The Way to the Spring: Life and Death in Palestine
Ben Ehrenreich
Penguin Press: 448 pp., $28
Summer is easy in Puerto Rico, the All Star Island. Living a five star vacation for the whole family in Puerto Rico is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
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The public already holds drug manufacturers in low esteem and now theyve got more fuel for their opinion. Federal Judge Beth Labson Freeman of San Jose last week found that Merck & Co. lied to a business partner and to the court itself. Freeman threw out a patent infringement judgment Merck had won against Gilead Sciences, and overturned a $200-million jury award.
This was a big deal, involving one of the most profitable drugs on the market today Foster City, Calif.-based Gileads blockbuster Sovaldi treatment for the hepatitis C virus and the worlds fourth-largest drug company Merck.
Mercks misconduct includes...misusing Pharmassets confidential information..., and lying under oath at deposition and trial. Federal Judge Beth Labson Freeman
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Its also an enormous black eye for Merck, whose activities the judge said consisted of systematic and outrageous deception in conjunction with unethical business practices and litigation misconduct.
But the case does more than raise questions about the integrity of a huge corporation. Its a window into the extent to which the nations overworked patent inspectors can be misled by applicants backed by big corporate war chests in pursuit of billions of dollars in potential profits.
Legal experts have wrestled with that issue for years. Catching fraud or other forms of cheating in the patent process is unlikely given the practical limits of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, T. Leigh Anenson and Gideon Mark of the University of Maryland wrote in a 2013 law review article.
Often, courts have punished applicants who obtain patents through cheating by leaving the patents in place, but making them unenforceable by the wrongdoer.
Thats what Judge Freeman did she barred Merck from collecting a dime from Gilead for the two patents it supposedly infringed. People have referred to unenforceability as the atomic bomb of patent lit, says patent expert Jacob Sherkow of New York Law School.
Merck itself alluded to the value of a strong patent system in announcing its court victory in March, when it spoke sanctimoniously about how the jury verdict upholds patent protections that are essential to the development of new medical treatments. A spokesman for the company reiterated the point last week in commenting on Judge Freemans ruling. But Merck insisted that the hepatitis C drugs at the heart of the case required many years of research and significant investment by Merck and its partners.
Freemans ruling has given Gilead the upper hand, for now, in trying to settle the dispute with Merck, which plans to appeal.
The evidence examined by Freeman strongly suggests that Merck flagrantly manipulated the patent process to gain unfair advantage.
Sovaldi and its related Gilead product, Harvoni, have been huge moneymakers for Gilead, bringing the company more than $20 billion in sales since the first drug was introduced in 2013. Theres no mystery why, since the drugs almost invariably cure hepatitis C with minimal side effects a big improvement over previous treatments. The drugs are so effective that Gileads stratospheric pricing for them has become Exhibit A in the national controversy over the cost of drugs.
The case began in 2013, when Merck claimed that its patents covered Sovaldi and demanded royalties and license fees from Gilead. Gilead refused, and sued to declare Mercks patents invalid. The trial jury rebuffed that argument and ordered Gilead to pay Merck $200 million, plus future royalties far less than the $2 billion that Merck had sought.
That would have been the single largest patent damages award in U.S. history, Sherkow says. Across the biotech industry, opinion was that Gilead got off easy.
But Gilead really drew blood when it accused Merck of coming to the patent battle with unclean hands.
Its claims stemmed from Mercks interactions with Pharmasset, the New Jersey biotech firm that had invented Sovaldi and was acquired by Gilead in 2011 for $11 billion. Gileads story left Judge Freeman appalled.
She described the companys behavior as systematic and outrageous deception in conjunction with unethical business practices and litigation misconduct. That conduct included lying to Pharmasset, misusing Pharmassets confidential information, breaching confidentiality and firewall agreements, and lying under oath at deposition and trial.
Much of the judges ire was directed at retired Merck patent attorney Phillippe Durette, who was working on patents for antiviral drugs during a period when Merck was trying to reach its own deal with Pharmasset.
Merck signed a nondisclosure agreement, or NDA, with Pharmasset, pledging not to use the latters secret information for any purpose other than to decide whether to pursue the relationship. Pharmasset turned over information including the structure of a key formulation to a single Merck scientist who was to be firewalled that is, he couldnt discuss it with anyone in Mercks own drug development loop.
That worked until a March 2004 conference call between Merck and Pharmasset officials aimed at advancing a possible deal. Pharmasset was willing to reveal details of its formulas on the call, because it was led to believe everyone on the call would be subject to the confidentiality agreement. But the participants included Durette, who wasnt firewalled and was in a position to turn what he heard into a potential goldmine for Merck.
According to Freeman, thats what happened. Durette, who she said shouldnt have been allowed on the call in the first place, should immediately have been excluded from Mercks existing hepatitis C drug development program. Instead, he rewrote Mercks earlier patent claims so that they would apply to Pharmassets upcoming release of its hepatitis-C drug. In 2011, Merck even threatened Pharmasset with a patent lawsuit over the drug.
What irked the judge even more, she ruled, is that Durette lied. In a deposition, he repeatedly denied having been on the call. He recanted at trial only after he was confronted with notes taken by a Pharmasset employee during the call, proving that he had participated. At that point, he pleaded a faulty memory.
Freeman didnt buy it. It is overwhelmingly clear..., she ruled, that Dr. Durette sought at every turn to create the false impression that Mercks conduct was aboveboard. She blamed Merck, which she said sponsored and encouraged his conduct, then sought to minimize its importance by attributing the fiasco to the failed memory of a retired employee.
Adding to the temerity of the big drugmaker, it originally sued Gilead for $2 billion before having to settle for $200 million. Now, pending appeal, it wont get even that much for its patent claims, and its reputation for integrity will carry a value of less than zero.
Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.
Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
UPDATES:
4:03 p.m., June 9: This article was updated with additional details.
According to iTunes, I have listened to the Hamilton original Broadway cast recording something like 40 times since I bought it in March, after Lin-Manuel Miranda and Co. accepted the Grammy for musical theater album. And I have cried every single time. Every. Single. Time.
If you were to ask my friends to describe me, few of them would say, Oh, that dude sheds tears at everything. No one has ever accused me of being prone to fits of emotions. Not that Im a Vulcan, I can just hold it together unless its the end of Glory, The Iron Giant or the Thanksgiving episode of The West Wing.
So I find myself wondering why this show affects me so a show that, mind you, Ive never seen in person, given that I live in Los Angeles and Hamilton is where Hamilton is. And at this point its probably better I dont see Hamilton, lest the players become distracted by the idiot snurfling in the mezzanine. Because these tears arent solemn, roll-a-single-drop-for-the-fallen tears. They are, oh-God-I-think-Im-going-to-crash-my-car-because-everythings-blurry-and-theres-snot-everywhere tears. Ugly crying, every time, during my commute.
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As a kid who was born in the same place and, loosely, the same time as hip-hop itself, seeing the form with its roots in slavery, its lifeblood the songs of caged birds deployed to such knowing and devastating effect is a thing to see. Rap is the voice of youthful, untempered passion and so the young revolutionaries of Mirandas tale Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de Lafayette, John Laurens and Hercules Mulligan deliver their treatises in flow after flow of Fleet Street verse. As those men get older, their predisposition to rap fades save Hamilton, who can summon that young-mans vigor when provoked, like an old dog who will still rear up when poked.
If it werent enough that Miranda wrote enough rhymes to fill a phone book, he gives each of those men their own styles. Hamilton is the ahead-of-his-time genius who drops couplets and quatrains like Eminem or Rakim. Lafayette is all speed and brio, like Twista or Yelawolf. Laurens is a straight-down-the-middle Ad Rock, nimble and able. And Mulligan is what itd sound like if Busta Rhymes were possessed by the Big Bad Wolf.
And when Miranda isnt using his protean brain like the hammer of the gods, forging rhyme schemes that cut like folded steel on tracks like My Shot, Guns and Ships and the Cabinet Battle songs, hes wielding that hammer like a glassblower, tapping out intricate, crystalline gems of songs like Satisfied, Wait for It and Burn.
All in service of a story that I shouldnt care about because America has, until now, not decided that I should. The story of Alexander Hamilton was never distilled for me the way Miranda does it. If any of my teachers had thought to unfurl Hamiltons life as the tragedy of a brilliant orphan who uses the written word, a prodigious gift for finance and what mustve been an uncomfortably large set of personal flaws to rise from obscurity to the pinnacle of American society, then I wouldve cared. But they didnt, so neither did I.
And yet, that doesnt really explain it. All of those reasons, while valid, dont explain why this Broadway musical a form that I appreciate but had never truly responded to strikes a chord within me that I cant quite silence. At least before I start weeping.
No. Its that Hamilton is about a kid from the Caribbean who comes to New York City to find his future. My father was a kid from the Caribbean who came to New York to find his future. He was born in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and he came to New York with nothing but a talent for mathematics a language without barriers which he channeled into accounting, and a hunger to forge his path in the world.
I, on the other hand, hail from the Bronx, not far from the Washington Heights neighborhood where Miranda was born to Puerto Rican parents. Both the playwright and I are a generation removed from the islands of our fathers. Where my dads way out was numbers, mine was, and remains, the written word. I am keenly aware of the fact that, were you to consult the actuarial tables for black men born in 1971 in the Bronx, I have likely exceeded my life expectancy. I should be dead, or in jail, but Im not. Instead, I write for television and comic books and, yes, for the Los Angeles Times.
Hamilton follows a man who fused the literary and the financial and it is the first time I have seen myself, and my father before me, in a work of art.
Immigrants, we get the job done.
Sniff.
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Is Hamilton the top Broadway musical of all time? Not necessarily, this expert says
Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler and She Loves Me lyricist, sails back into the Tony spotlight at 92
marc.bernardin@latimes.com
@marcbernardin
Broadway has been good to Pulitzer Prize-winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick. His elegant home on New Yorks Upper West Side has a gorgeous view of Central Park. In his living room, with its colorful paintings by his wife, Margery Gray Harnick, he is in great spirits talking about the honors coming his way and his plans for the future.
On his 92nd birthday in April, Harnick was in Austin, Texas, for the premiere of Lady Bird: First Lady of the Land, the opera he wrote with composer Henry Mollicone. He couldnt linger, however, because he had to get back home for a Broadway street naming in his honor and to acknowledge all the congratulations for his upcoming Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theater.
With composer Jerry Bock, who died in 2010, Harnick turned out musical scores for Broadway shows that included Pulitzer winner Fiorello! in 1959, The Apple Tree in 1966 and The Rothschilds in 1970. Their two best known shows, She Loves Me in 1963 and Fiddler on the Roof in 1964, are among the four contenders this year for the musical revival Tony Award. We talked with Harnick about his shows including She Loves Me, which alone received eight nominations.
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How do you feel about this incredible year youre having in the theater?
At 92, Im immensely gratified to have these two shows running and in such beautiful productions. The only sad part is that Jerry Bock isnt around to enjoy it with me.
Fiddler on the Roof is always playing somewhere a local high school, a theater in Japan. Now its having its fifth Broadway revival. Did you ever expect its worldwide success and longevity?
No. We hoped it would run a year or two. Although we worked hard to bring out universal values, we also worried that it could be limited to Jewish audiences. That it ran on Broadway for eight years was far beyond anything we ever expected.
She Loves Me is among the most-honored musicals this season. Do you have any idea why the show wasnt a big hit the first time around?
That was a mystery and a heartbreaking one. When the show opened on Broadway in 1963, it got pretty good reviews, but it closed after less than nine months and lost its entire investment. We had many postmortems, and none of us could figure out what was wrong. The big change came when Scott Ellis, who directed the current Broadway revival for the Roundabout Theatre Co., directed it for them in 1993. The reviews were love letters, and the following year, we had 60 productions. It became a show that was regularly produced.
Sheldon Harnick is surrounded by, from left, Fiddler on the Roof cast member Ben Rappaport and She Loves Me cast members Laura Benanti and Jane Krakowski, along with Harnicks wife, Margery Gray Harnick, at an event celebrating the lyricist last month. (Cindy Ord / Getty Images for Ride of Fame )
You planned to be a violinist and studied music at Northwestern University. How did you wind up a lyricist?
Everything changed when my friend Charlotte Rae loaned me her record of the musical Finians Rainbow. Yip Harburg was an influence even before I met him. I loved his lyrics. Later on, when I would listen to Steve Sondheims work, it made me work as hard as I could on my own. I found in Steves work such immaculate craftsmanship.
Which other theatrical artists have caught your attention?
Andrew Lloyd Webber was influential in the kind of pop operas he was writing; when I started, musicals were scenes and songs, and nobody was writing musicals where everything was set to music. Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flahertys Ragtime was a wonderful show. Lin-Manuel Miranda is an actor, book writer, lyricist and composer, and I really admire what he did with Hamilton. I once wrote a rap lyric to introduce him, which he told me he framed and hung over his piano.
How do you define the job of a theater lyricist?
A theater lyricist is a playwright who writes short plays in verse that have to be set to music. The important thing is that no matter how clever you are or how complicated the song is, you have to write something that is immediately comprehensible to an audience. They have to hear it and understand it as it is sung. You also have to write for character and for situation. Characters cant sound like when they speak, theyre one person, and when they sing, theyre somebody else.
Where do the lyrics come from? In Fiddler on the Roof, for instance, what inspired Sunrise, Sunset?
Sunrise, Sunset was written to music Jerry Bock sent me. The Russian melody, which rose and fell, rose and fell, suggested the phrase sunrise, sunset to me. Do You Love Me began with my hearing a rehearsal scene between Tevye and Golde where he asked, Do you love me? and she answered with, Do I what? I thought those could be the first lines of a very amusing song.
Are there certain things you usually look for in choosing shows to work on?
The story has to interest me as a story. I have to feel something for the characters and feel I can express what theyre going through. Ive turned down shows where I enjoyed reading the book but felt I couldnt write for those characters. They were strangers to me.
What are you thinking about doing next?
We had a short run last fall of a Rothschilds spinoff called Rothschild & Sons, and the producer is trying to get an extended run off-Broadway. I think it would be fun to do an operetta, and theres a French play Id love to adapt. Ive also revised two of my musicals that have never been done in New York, including Dragons, which is based on a Russian play, and on which I did everything book, lyrics and music.
Do you know the secret of your longevity?
No, but Im grateful for it. My sister is 94, and aside from her needing to use a walker, her mind is just as active as its always been. She lives in a residential home, and shes in charge of the limerick contests.
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Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster.
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For the Record
9:10 p.m.: A photo caption was corrected to say Ben Rappaport is a cast member of Fiddler on the Roof, not She Loves Me.
This article originally published at 3 a.m.
The all-nighter may be a collegiate rite of passage fueled by vending machine snacks and stale coffee, but this weekend six professional playwrights will willingly set aside their sensible adult schedules to stay up all night and write, write, write.
These writers, along with six directors and 24 actors, will work around the clock with the Cornerstone Theater Company in L.A. to create and develop six original, short plays in just 24 hours. The Saturday staging of these plays at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica serves as Cornerstones largest fundraising event of the year.
Creating and producing six plays in 24 hours is a gimmick, but one that has proven remarkably successful. Conceived as a one-off event in New York in the mid-1990s, the concept has grown into a company. In collaboration with partnering theaters, the organization now produces star-studded 24 Hour Plays worldwide.
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The night before a performance, the actors arrive with a prop of their choosing to present to the group. The writers use the actors props as inspiration for the 10-minute plays they then write overnight. The directors and actors get the scripts the next morning, rehearse all day and present the plays exactly 24 hours after the process began.
Mark Armstrong, executive director of the 24 Hour Company, says the concept is more than shtick. Come for the stunt, stay for the artistic depth, he says. In addition to it being this sort of crazy, high-wire act, the level of artistic depth that people are capable of is whats really extraordinary.
Armstrong met playwright Michael John Garces, Cornerstone Theaters artistic director, when they participated in a 2003 production of The 24 Hour Plays.
Garces was one of the first legit off-Broadway directors to sign on to do The 24 Hour Plays in the early days, Armstrong says. From the moment I came onboard here, I wanted to do a show with Michael and with Cornerstone.
Cornerstones production will be unusual because the company is unusual. Were a community-engaged theater company, Garces says. We work with both professional actors and non-professionals. [That combination] will make this production a very particular Cornerstone 24 Hour Play experience.
Garces, who has participated in 24 Hour Plays as a writer and a director, says even though the entire production is an extraordinary feat, the writers have the toughest job.
Youre just staring at the eternal night, he says. You have to create something from scratch on this really tight deadline, and youre not going to sleep until you do.
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The 24-Hour Plays
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Moss Theater at the Herb Alpert Educational Village at New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica
Tickets: $150
Info: (213) 613-1700, www.cornerstonetheater.org
Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster.
Playwright Rajiv Joseph defies categorization. His most famous work, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, is an absurd anthropomorphic romp that blurs the line between animals and humans, humor and pathos, life and death.
Josephs Gruesome Playground Injuries, now at the Hudson in Los Angeles, is a two-person play that is, on the surface at least, more dramatically straightforward than Tiger. In the most elementary terms, it is an examination of the 30-year friendship between a young man and woman, from childhood onward no more, no less.
This summation, however, fails to convey the emotional heft of Josephs funny and beautifully executed piece, a tour de force for director John Hindman and two splendid young performers.
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The play is composed of non-chronological scenes. Dustin Renos crucial rear projections mingle elegiac videos of idealized youth with banners tipping us off to the ages of the characters, starting at 8.
Sara Rae Foster plays Kayleen, an emotionally frozen young woman wounded by pathologically cruel parents. Jeff Ward is Doug, a young man from a solid family prone to bone-headed pranks that indeed leave him gruesomely injured.
The two come together intermittently over the years Kayleens persistent rejection of Dougs cautious overtures keeps romance at bay yet they share the most profound bond of their lives.
Its a simple enough premise. The brilliance lies in Josephs fascinating dialogue between Doug and Kayleen as they progress from quirky youth to catastrophic adulthood. Its not so much what is said as what is left unspoken. We are privy to only scant flashes of Kayleens horrible home life, but its enough to chill, and the gifted Foster conveys every beat of Kayleens emotional agony. As the rollicking, accident prone Doug, Ward delivers a hilarious and poignant performance, a phenomenal turn that bodes well for his career.
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Gruesome Playground Injuries, the Hudson Theatres, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Ends June 26. $25. (323) 960-7773. www.plays411.com/playground. Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster.
Downton Abbey and The Good Wife have racked up 47 Emmy acting nominations over the course of their runs, and you can bet your Yorkshire pudding that voters are going to send these two departing shows out with a warm embrace. Anything else would be a slap in the face, something we know Good Wife fans do not appreciate one bit.
Heres an early look at the drama series acting races ...
LEAD ACTOR
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Rami Malek, Mr. Robot
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards
Paul Giamatti, Billions
Matthew Rhys, The Americans
Kyle Chandler, Bloodline
Analysis: Mad Mens Jon Hamm finally won this Emmy last year. Will it now be Spaceys turn? Perhaps. But voters have an array of actors from new shows this year, including some Giamatti (Billions), Aaron Paul (The Path) and Bobby Cannavale (Vinyl) who have won Emmys for past work. And then theres Malek, so good as the lonely, delusional cyber-vigilante in Mr. Robot, easily the years best new drama.
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All of these actors have solid shots at earning a nod, as does Liev Schreiber, nominated last year for Ray Donovan. But I think that voters will smile on Chandler, rewarded last year for Bloodline and owning a much more interesting character arc in the shows second season. And Im hoping that Television Academy members finally recognize Rhys turn as the psychologically scarred Soviet spy in The Americans. The FX series remains essential viewing in its fourth season.
LEAD ACTRESS
Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder
Robin Wright, House of Cards
Claire Danes, Homeland
Taraji P. Henson, Empire
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Caitriona Balfe, Outlander
Analysis: Margulies won this Emmy in 2014, but wasnt nominated last year. The 10-time nominee should return for a victory lap, even if The Good Wifes farewell season was uneven at best. Empire quickly (and not surprisingly) went off the rails, but Henson probably makes it back in on the sheer force of her personality. For the final spot, Im subbing one cult favorite (Balfe) in for another (Tatiana Maslany, nominated last year for Orphan Black), though it could easily go the other way. Or, if voters really decide to nerd-out, theres Krysten Ritter from Marvels Jessica Jones.
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey
Christian Slater, Mr. Robot
Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul
Alan Cumming, The Good Wife
Michael Kelly, House of Cards
Analysis: Its not unthinkable that all six 2015 nominees Dinklage, Carter, Banks, Cumming, Kelly and Bloodlines Ben Mendelsohn return, though that kind of rubber-stamping hasnt happened in 35 years. Best bets to break through: Slater playing Mr. Robots mysterious title character or Tobias Menzies, playing dual and very different characters on Outlander. Slater has the name and resume, but Menzies the more challenging role(s).
The longest resume of all though belongs to 80-year-old Alan Alda, who has four wins out of 21 nominations in Emmy acting categories. Louis C.K. cast him against type in Horace and Pete, having Alda play a foul-mouthed horror of a human being. Alda exerts a hateful force in his scenes that is, at times, startling. He deserves a nomination.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey
Rhea Seehorn, Better Call Saul
Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
Analysis: This category is crazy crowded, so much so that I cant even see the crumpet contingent managing to put Downtons Maggie Smith back among the nominees. But I do think Clarke will return for the first time since Thrones third season on the strength of her epic fire goddess scene in the shows Book of the Stranger episode.
With perennials Aduba, Baranski, Froggatt and Headey almost assured spots, theres precious little room for worthy candidates like Miranda Otto (boy, did I hate her this year in Homeland), Regina King (The Leftovers), Constance Zimmer (UnReal), Maggie Siff (Billions), Linda Cardellini (Bloodline) and Edie Falco (Horace and Pete). Who would object if any of these women earn nominations? No one!
But Im going to stump for Seehorn, who stole Sauls second season as the smart, staunch, mostly incorruptible attorney trying to shepherd Odenkirks Jimmy McGill from turning into Saul Goodman. We know shes not going to succeed, but Seehorn is so persuasive that we can almost believe otherwise.
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For Krysten Ritter, playing Jessica Jones is all in the back story and the stunts
glenn.whipp@latimes.com
When Krysten Ritter signed on as the titular character in Netflixs noir drama Marvels Jessica Jones, she was drawn to the idea of the series as a psychological character study. Crashing into street signs would come later.
Unlike most Marvel screen properties, the drama relies almost entirely on practical effects. I had a lot of fun doing the stunts, Ritter said recently in a chat with The Envelope. But the wire work took a little getting used to. My first time, I swung into a street sign, the actress admits.
The 13-episode first season of the drama about a troubled superhero-turned-private detective was an instant critical favorite upon its release last fall. It has been renewed for a second season though it will be awhile before those episodes hit the streaming service. Production has been held off to make time for The Defenders, the Avengers"-esque miniseries that brings together the Marvel-Netflix heroes Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist.
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So is it sort of surreal to be a Marvel hero?
The whole thing is just more than I could have ever imagined. Getting this part completely changed my life. It changed where I live and it changed the amount of promotion, the shooting. Its changed everything.
Watch Krysten Ritter talk about her role as the trash-talking, tough-as-nails heroine at the center of Netflixs Jessica Jones.
It must have been a lot to get into Jessica that we dont see on screen, to create that back story for her, and to live in those emotions?
Thats the exciting part for an actor. So getting a character with this incredibly rich back story everything she does is informed by this back story is really exciting, because I always knew where I was coming from. But it definitely takes a toll because Im more bubbly and alive and zestful and I like to have a good time. So after a while, youre like, Oh my God, Im getting really depressed. And I just had to move across the country, so Im in an apartment that doesnt have my furniture. Im not around my friends. I spent a lot of time walking around doing the scenes by myself in my apartment. All of that helped me find Jessicas loneliness.
Did you do a lot of talking with series creator Melissa Rosenberg about who she was?
Melissa and I have had a very open dialogue from the beginning. We also have a great director, S.J. Clarkson, who I always felt like was in it with me. She was the constant. I do have a lot of scenes where Im all by myself, and so I would turn to her afterward and she would be the person I connected with.
Were you surprised that Melissa killed off Kilgrave?
Around Episode 12, before I got the finale, I was like, shes got to, shes got to kill him. After Hope died, everything kind of shifted. For me, playing her, at the moment when Jessica kills him, shes very conflicted because he was her purpose. Its a little bit of a Stockholm syndrome thing. Shes almost become codependent on that relationship, but hes just been so awful, and Jessica needs to kill him to get to that next step. I dont know where she goes next emotionally, but I know in the moment when we were playing that scene, it was very difficult for me.
So it was definitely draining and difficult, but it was really important to me to give this -- her PTSD and then this back story -- a lot of integrity. Krysten Ritter
How was it playing those scenes in general when youre held captive?
Exhausting. You do those scenes and even when youre just there listening, you want to make sure youre very alive. The way PTSD works is you are reliving that moment, so I was doing that as much as I could. So it was definitely draining and difficult, but it was really important to me to give this her PTSD and then this back story a lot of integrity.
This is all leading up to The Defenders. How do you think thats going to play out for you? Are you ready to be part of a mishmash of characters?
Im really looking forward to it. I think Marvel is proving just over and over again that the quality is so high. I mean, I dont know how Jessica fits into that world. I think we kind of all feel that way. Like, how do we all get together? How does that work? But Im excited to see what they come up with.
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yvonne.villareal@latimes.com
@yvillareally
Yes, Randy Newman, from the South Bay to the Valley, from the Westside to the Eastside, everybody loves Los Angeles these days. Television, especially. In this recurring feature, L.A. Stories, we look at what TV is saying about the City of Angels in 2016.
Screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski werent lacking characters to include in their sprawling limited series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Consider, with Simpson, his defense team, prosecutors Marcia Clark and Chris Darden, Judge Lance Ito and, yes, even socialite Faye Resnick, the woman who gave us the Brentwood hello, there was a surplus of stories to tell.
But, in that narrative thicket, the writers wanted to make sure one character didnt get lost.
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This is such an L.A. story, Alexander says. It was very important to give Los Angeles a prominent role.
The People v. O.J. hops from Brentwood and Beverly Hills to the Valley and downtown, using the citys demarcation to define its characters and the trouble they have understanding one another.
Most of the infamous sites involved in the 1994 double murder have been razed, closed or changed. Simpsons Tudor mansion was bulldozed long ago. Nicole Simpsons South Bundy Drive condo was sold and extensively remodeled, making it unrecognizable. Mezzaluna, the Brentwood restaurant where Nicole dined on the last night of her life and where Ron Goldman worked as a waiter, closed in 1997.
But there were still plenty of spots and props that helped the O.J. team tell the story. Here are a few.
Mr. Chow, 344 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills
We first meet John Travoltas canny defense attorney Robert Shapiro in this elegant Beverly Hills institution, a place where power players come to be seen as much as to eat its Chinese cuisine.
We originally set this in Spago, but the old Spago is no longer there, Alexander says. Mr. Chow is and looks exactly the same. And the people there still float above their worlds, perfect for introducing Shapiro.
Ocean and Colorado avenues, Santa Monica. In the opening episode, we see Americas most famous houseguest, Kato Kaelin, jogging along this pristine stretch of coastline near the Santa Monica Pier. The scene exists for no other reason, the writers say, than to showcase the allure of Los Angeles.
Its this beautiful stretch of grass right along a street with the ocean behind it, Alexander says. Its fantastic. It says L.A. in a way no other image can.
And everyone in that scene is just ridiculously good-looking, Karaszewski adds. Its all about the aspirational allure of the city.
Robert Kardashians home, 16254 Mandalay Drive, Encino
The massive Valley property, described as garish and a Tehran bordello by The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson author Jeffrey Toobin, still looks exactly like it did in 1994 when Kardashian leased it and, shortly afterward, let Simpson stay there to keep out of the media spotlight.
Even the kitchen is stuck in time, Karaszewski says, and thats the room that always spells trouble on a period shoot.
Marcia Clarks home, 3314 Club Drive, Cheviot Hills
This modest ranch house stood in for Clarks Valley location, its ordinariness providing a stark contrast to the swanky homes of defense attorneys Shapiro and Johnnie Cochran.
We wanted to show the resources the defense team had, Karaszewski says. So any time you had a set associated with the defense, it was soft lighting and carpeting and with the prosecution, its fluorescents and linoleum. One look at Marcias house and you see it needs a paint job, which she probably cant afford.
Second Baptist Church, 2412 Griffith Ave., Los Angeles
The miniseries used Cochrans church, found on the National Register of Historic Places, for a scene in which the attorney asks his pastor, the Rev. William Epps, for prayer support before the trial. Epps played himself.
He and Larry King are the only two people who played themselves, Alexander notes.
O.J. Simpson statue, Flavor Flavs possession, location unknown
The miniseries ends with Simpson (Cuba Gooding Jr.) standing in his backyard, gazing up at a life-size statue made in his likeness, realizing, perhaps for the first time, that he is no longer that man.
The producers went on a desperate hunt for the real statue before the shoot, but couldnt find it. Then they came across a tweet from musician Flavor Flav, a member of Public Enemy, saying he had it. Too late, though. They used a duplicate.
But it could not have found a more perfect home, Alexander says.
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Robert Kardashian: Keeping up with the man who stood by O.J. Simpson
Sterling K. Brown reflects on playing O.J. prosecutor Chris Darden on TV and a slave in the Father Comes Home play
Prison officials post photo of a smiling O.J. Simpson
The People v. OJ Simpson: Cuba Gooding Jr. says theres so much that trial shed a light on
glenn.whipp@latimes.com
@glennwhipp
Martin Scorsese had no idea who Ray Romano was when the Everybody Loves Raymond Emmy winner sent over an audition tape for HBOs Vinyl. Scorsese (who executive produces the series with Mick Jagger) just liked what he saw and tapped Romano to play hapless but ambitious record executive Zak Yankovich. And Romano has delivered; he may not have the flashiest role on the show, but his has the most heart. Back in his home state of New York recently, the comedian/writer/producer/dramatic actor who is now known to Scorsese sat down with The Envelope to talk about the series set in the 1970s music scene.
I think Denis Leary, who stars in FXs Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll, is a little jealous of you. He told me, Romanos doing a drama with Scorsese and Jagger and Im doing a comedy.
Ive talked to him a bunch. On email hes mentioned that. His show is the reason they changed the name of our show to Vinyl. It was going to be Rock & Roll, but that feels too generic. Vinyl, theres a coolness and subtlety to it. But I love doing comedy too doing a great comedy is just as rewarding.
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So are you a big classic rock fan?
My favorite group in the 1970s was Chicago. [Vinyl costar Bobby] Cannavale gave me a hard time about it. But music was a big part of my life when I was growing up I fell in love, I got kicked out of school, I got depressed, I got drunk and the music that played through it is a memory that brings up all these things. Its like time travel.
I fell in love, I got kicked out of school, I got depressed, I got drunk and the music that played through it is a memory that brings up all these things. Ray Romano
I imagine for a guy who grew up Italian that working with Scorsese is a dream come true.
The whole thing is surreal. I talked on the phone with Mick Jagger well, his producing partner was on it too, its not like he called me up personally and its like, what world is that? But yeah, you score a lot of Italian points.
The irony is that you dont get to play Italian with Scorsese: Youre playing Jewish.
Im as neurotic as any Jewish person. I talk like an Italian, but its very similar. One tick away. I made up a back story for [Yankovich] after talking with [former show runner] Terry Winter. He said he has immigrant parents and theyre very strict, and he grew up in Queens. So I just ran with that and I pictured his father working in a textile factory and his son falls in love with the streets and music and probably disappointed him. Thats my go-to for a lot of characters, needing your fathers validation.
Does that come from a real place for you?
My joke I always say is if my father hugged me once I would be an accountant right now, because I wouldnt have to do any of this, I wouldnt have to get attention. My father was very undemonstrative. It kind of shapes your psyche and when you get older you realize maybe thats what was missing. Every back story I write its always trying to please the father. I gotta find something new.
Youve had an interesting trajectory since Raymond ended, with Men of a Certain Age and then your recurring role on Parenthood. How planned is all of this, to veer more dramatically?
Its not like someone is seeing these little dramatic steps. Im not complaining. When Raymond was done, Im not going to stop working. Im not retiring. I have to keep moving; otherwise, I catch up with myself and I dont want that up here [taps forehead]. I didnt want to do a sitcom, I could safely say that. I have nothing against my legacy but I did it for nine years.
I have to keep moving; otherwise, I catch up with myself and I dont want that up here [taps forehead]. Ray Romano
You dont want to catch up with yourself in your own head?
Im in therapy my whole life. I got issues just like everybody. My family is the most important thing to me. But I am a better father and a better husband when I am happy, and work makes me happy. It also makes me miserable. Writing every new Men of a Certain Age script was so hard, but it was the good kind of hard. Being that busy and creatively stressed, I get lost in it and Im not in my own head. I keep moving or I catch up with myself and then I remember, Oh, yeah, you need an Ativan.
calendar@latimes.com
Diana Gabaldon, author of the popular time-traveling book series Outlander, has been racking up her credits on the popular Starz drama that is based on her novels.
Gabaldon is a consultant on the drama about a WWII combat nurse (Caitriona Balfe) who travels from 1945 to 1743, where she falls for and marries Scotsman Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). But shes also made a cameo appearance in Season 1 of the series. And coming up this season is an episode she wrote.
She penned Episode 211, Vengeance Is Mine, which airs June 18.
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Heughan and Balfe said they were thrilled when they heard she would be writing a script for Season 2.
Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe talk about having novelist Diana Gabaldon on set and writing a script.
When we all did the read-through, we were delighted, said Heughan during his visit with Balfe to The Envelopes video studio. It read really well, theres a great pace to it. Its coming up soon.
Gabaldon was simultaneously writing a new installment to the book series while writing the episode. A process that the actors found fascinating.
To be playing Jamie while shes writing Jamie is kind of a weird thing, Heughan said.
It was funny, Balfe interjected. You could see her. Its almost like she goes off into this imaginary world where shes sort of talking to herself and seeing it play out .. then you see her go back to the writing. Its amazing to watch somebody go through that process.
VIDEO: Exclusive interviews with TV stars from your favorite shows
Heughan also noted that he recently heard from Gabaldon.
Shes just read the first episode of next season, Heughan said. And shes really happy and excited.
Way to tease, Sam!
But for more on our conversation with the Outlander stars, check out the full video below.
Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe talk about their Starz show Outlander.
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Set in a gloomy North London council house in 1977, The Conjuring 2 is a work of British kitchen-sink realism in the guise of a supernatural thriller: Call it Ken Loachs Poltergeist, or perhaps The Exorcist as imagined by a young Mike Leigh. The actual director is James Wan, who has followed up his superb The Conjuring (2013) with another virtuosic exercise in mobile camerawork and moldering production design, tethered to a story that handles its characters and their working-class milieu with an unexpectedly grounded, sensitive touch. Generous with jolts but devoid of gratuitous bloodshed, these are the rare horror movies that seem more interested in how people live than how they die.
The sequel picks up several years after the events of The Conjuring, which introduced us to Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), a real-life married couple who devoted their lives to investigating the paranormal, most famously the Amityville Horror in 1976. Chillingly re-enacted here in a prologue worthy of In Cold Blood, that notorious case took a terrible toll on the Warrens, and has left Lorraine especially reluctant to leave their New England home to chase yet another haunting. History and Hollywood, alas, have left them little choice.
Loosely based on a series of wall-rattling, furniture-throwing and thoroughly hair-raising events that gripped the London borough of Enfield in the late 70s, The Conjuring 2 takes its time flying the Warrens across the Atlantic. (A bit too much time, given the films generous 134-minute length.) The Enfield demon likes to get to know its victims: first Janet Hodgson (Madison Wolfe), an impressionable 13-year-old whom we first see fiddling with a homemade spirit board, and then her three siblings, and eventually their single mother, Peggy (the excellent Frances OConnor), whos already at her wits end trying to keep food on the table.
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The terrors that befall this struggling family are nothing you havent seen before: chairs that rock of their own accord, a TV that suddenly switches channels (never more scarily than when it lands on Margaret Thatcher), guttural voices and possessed toys and doors that go bump in the night. But Wan has a gift for investing even the creakiest cliches with shivery elan. He has always been a versatile connoisseur of genre thrills (his credits include Furious 7, the original Saw and the two Insidious movies), but there is something about the Warrens case files that pushes his filmmaking into the realm of the rhapsodic.
Evincing a patience and mastery of mise-en-scene increasingly rare in mainstream horror cinema, Wan isnt above resorting to a good, cheap shock, and he has one bogeywoman up his sleeve so frighteningly effective lets just call her, literally, the nun from hell that even the movie cant stifle a nervous giggle. But Wans real talent is for modulation, for elongated sequences that build and build with breathless intensity. Working with the cinematographer Don Burgess, he sends the camera hurtling in and out of rooms, up and down hallways, and at one point right through the floor so that it comes out on the other side, pressed up against the ceiling: The freer the sense of movement, the more harrowing the sense of no escape.
Theres real feeling beneath all that technique. What keeps The Conjuring 2 from coming across as just another retread is its sympathetic understanding of how trapped the Hodgsons are not just by the ghoulish entity that has taken over their flat (or perhaps it never went away), but also by the more mundane forces of poverty, isolation and despair. Things arent magically solved once the Warrens finally show up; on the contrary, their arrival prompts a dangerous shift in the demons strategy. But one of their most telling and applicable insights is that evil feeds and thrives on everyday human anxiety.
Pointedly, it also thrives on the efforts of a professional skeptic (Franka Potente, too long absent from the big screen) who is determined to expose the Hodgsons ordeal as a massive hoax. The Warrens, for their part, are somewhat straitjacketed by the rigor of their methods. (Ed died in 2006; Lorraine, now retired, served as a consultant on both Conjuring films.) As representatives of the Catholic Church, they must find decisive proof of paranormal activity before taking action, and Wan (one of four credited screenwriters) has diabolical fun poring over the evidence, assembling the Warrens case and then dismantling it all over again.
Much like its predecessor, then, The Conjuring 2 is a faith-based freakout at heart: It ruthlessly exploits the spectacle of demonic possession, treats disbelief as a dangerous enemy, and finds a vital antidote in the warm embrace of a loving, God-fearing family. Depending on their persuasion, some audiences may find this an off-puttingly conservative stance, which is why the focus on the Warrens is such a masterstroke: It would take a more agnostic critic than this one not to be disarmed by their evangelical-Nick-and-Nora routine.
Its hard to resist Wilsons goofily square charm (look out for the worlds most incongruous Elvis impersonation), let alone the extraordinary commingling of fear, kindness and conviction in Farmigas otherworldly gaze. Wan is shrewd enough to recognize that the appeal of his characters goes beyond their specific ideology. In horror movies, as in matters of the soul, a little decency goes a long way.
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The Conjuring 2
MPAA rating: R for terror and horror violence
Running time: 2 hours, 14 minutes
Playing: In wide release
justin.chang@latimes.com
Dont make the mistake I almost did. Dont neglect seeing Rebecca Millers deft Maggies Plan.
An unclassifiable blend of screwball comedy and relationship drama, Maggies Plan slipped through the cracks of my Los Angeles viewing life, and I only caught up with it on a vacation trip to Paris because (full disclosure) it was playing near my hotel.
Maggie, skillfully played by Greta Gerwig, plans to find a sperm donor and have a baby without the mess of a relationship. But then she falls in love with John (Ethan Hawke, at his best), a whiz at ficto-anthropology (dont ask). Only John is married to fellow academic Georgette, an icy Dane (Julianne Moore at her funniest). And that is the merest beginning. If youre tired of movie business as usual, this should make you happy.
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Maggies Plan. MPAA rating: R, for language and brief sexuality. Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes. In limited release.
Michael Grandages Genius dramatizes a few chapters from the life and career of Maxwell Perkins, the editor who discovered F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Thomas Wolfe, among others, and helped shape their raw manuscripts into leather-bound milestones of American literature. Not that Perkins played by Colin Firth as a quiet, self-effacing figure with a sharp eye for error and exaggeration would have allowed such an assessment to stand uncorrected. My only job is to put good books in the hands of readers, he reassures a nervous new talent. The book belongs to you.
Perkins refusal of the spotlight and his deep respect for the authors he nurtured may explain why Grandages film, though often as stiff and musty as a poorly preserved first edition, manages to elicit a measure of goodwill. There may be something inherently, perversely un-cinematic about the sight of Firth hunched over a desk with a red pen in hand, but you neednt be a grateful author (or a journalist on deadline) to find something heroic in the attempt. If Genius is a failure and by the generally unilluminating standards of most mainstream movies about the creative process, Im not entirely sure that it is it succeeds in being a noble, even charming one.
Every screen adaptation of a book represents an edit of its source material. In this case, the screenwriter John Logan (whose credits include Hugo and the two most recent James Bond movies) has sifted through A. Scott Bergs superbly detailed 1978 biography, Max Perkins: Editor of Genius, in search of the most accessible and dramatic elements at hand. Like so many simplified Hollywood treatments of an artists inner life, Genius describes a tricky intellectual process in easy emotional terms, translating a complex personal and professional bond into a sweetly sentimental literary bromance. Its not quite The Kings Speech, though The Windbags Book might have made a superior title.
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The windbag in question is Thomas Wolfe, by all accounts the most difficult and irrepressible talent in Perkins stable and also the most outlandishly theatrical, to judge by Jude Laws puckish performance in the role. Bursting into the Manhattan offices of Charles Scribners Sons on a rainy day in 1929, the still-unpublished author bemoans the inevitable rejection of his enormous manuscript, unaware that Perkins, against the better judgment of many, has already decided to accept it.
If the task of cutting 60,000 words from Look Homeward, Angel sounds daunting, its a mere shave compared with the challenge presented by Wolfes semi-autobiographical magnum opus, Of Time and the River, the first draft of which arrives at Perkins office in several overflowing crates. In all, the two men will spend four years attacking this unwieldy text, to which Wolfe, a compulsive maximalist, cannot stop adding even as Perkins keeps subtracting. Their combative yet affectionate process is nicely distilled into a talky extended sequence that reveals how the merciless precision of an editors scalpel can cut through layers of elephantine prose. Its a digression, Perkins notes of one gusty passage that should instead register with the agility and impact of a lightning bolt.
For its part, Genius, despite an appreciably swift 104-minute running time, doesnt exactly crackle with electricity. This is due to no lack of effort from Law, delivering his foaming-at-the-mouth pronouncements and wild gesticulations from beneath a bedraggled mop of hair. On the evidence of this and Road to Perdition, nothing brings out this actors inner flamboyance quite like the Great Depression. At one point, Wolfe mimics an octopus, attempting to illustrate the hydra-like nature of the writers imagination, but instead coming off like Ursulas understudy in the next touring production of The Little Mermaid.
Its an unfortunate sign that Grandage, one of the foremost theater directors working today, has not exactly shaken off his stage roots with this first effort behind the camera. While there are grace notes in Firths diffident, dignified performance, supplying a welcome contrast to Laws histrionics, the two mens complex internal dynamic Perkins yearning for the son he never had, Wolfe desperate for fatherly approval feels more constructed, more written, than fully inhabited.
Its typical of the stiff, hermetic feel that clings to the production in almost every particular, from the oppressively gray, almost monochrome cast of the cinematographer Ben Davis images to the wearying monotony of the music that plays beneath almost every scene.
A work of minimal literary insight, Genius does afford a few playful, pageant-like glimpses into the elite cultural circles of the era, offering a glummer take on the milieu that Woody Allen celebrates in Midnight in Paris. At one point, Wolfe takes Perkins out for a night of drunken tomfoolery, trying to infuse their bond and the film with some Jazz Age spontaneity. The fun also rises when Dominic West turns up as Hemingway, catching up with Perkins on a fishing trip. And Guy Pearce strikes just the right note of ravaged dignity as a past-his-prime Fitzgerald, watching helplessly as his beloved Zelda (Vanessa Kirby) succumbs to madness.
Its not the only respect in which Grandage and Logan pay wanly sympathetic tribute to the women suffering on the sidelines. The demands of editing Wolfe take an inevitable toll on Perkins relationships with his wife, Louise (Laura Linney), and their five daughters, who are besotted with Tom during his regular visits to their Connecticut home. Suffering even more is Wolfes tempestuous affair with the costume designer Aline Bernstein (Nicole Kidman), who makes no secret of her jealousy of Perkins or her suspicion, eventually proved right, that Wolfes loyalty to his new best friend will prove both conditional and temporary.
Kidman has already played a romantic partner to both Law (Cold Mountain) and Firth (The Railway Man), which further mires the film in a zone of prestige-picture blandness, despite the blistering ferocity that the actress brings to the proceedings. Shes a memorable presence, even if she isnt playing a character so much as an unsubtle dramatic device, the cruel teller of inconvenient truths. There are things to appreciate about Genius and its belief in the necessity of good editing, but when Kidman utters a line like Human beings arent fiction!, you may feel like pulling out a red pen of your own.
Genius
MPAA rating: PG-13 for some thematic elements and suggestive content
Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
Playing: In limited release
justin.chang@latimes.com
At its most elemental, Zhang Yangs humbly beautiful road movie Paths of the Soul about a band of devout Tibetan villagers making the thousand-mile pilgrimage to Lhasa goes in one direction, like many well-told narratives. And yet, like a lot of better-told stories, that literal/figurative route percolates with questions about the many directions life takes.
After the most casual of conversations on a yak-grazing hillside, farmer Nyima (Nyima Zadui) and his uncle (Yang Pei) agree its time to make the Buddhist pilgrimage to the holy capital. For the uncle, whose brother died never having made the journey, it would be his first time leaving the village. With that news, theyre joined by an assortment of family and friends, male and female, with varying reasons for completing this cherished spiritual trek: to heal the soul, honor those whove died, and in the case of a local butcher, atone for his animal-killing sins. One participant is pregnant. Another is near death. The youngest is an eager little girl.
The beating heart of this months-long walk across some of the worlds highest lands is the kowtow ritual, which requires prostrating every few steps in a stride, kneel and touch-the-forehead-to-the-ground motion that looks both surfing-fluid and calisthenically rigorous. Crafted hand planks and thick aprons of animal hide help protect their bodies, even if passing trucks and cars feel like a persistent danger. The inevitable head bumps are even compared and joked about during breaks for tea or sleeping.
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Whats astonishing about the methodical pace of this journey paused by tented sleep at night, daytime respites, visits with passing strangers and the imminent birth (which requires a brief return to a hospital) is the common joy that settles over everyone. You easily feel a part of this tired, determined bunch, and every time Zhang returns to that clapping/chanting/bowing procession, framed against another jaw-dropping, high-altitude vista, the passage feels fresh again.
Using non-professional actors, whom he filmed over a year, Zhang wisely lets the whole journey breathe naturally rather than ask too much of his subjects in establishing a narrative. He doesnt rush to individuate too many of his travelers. We hear a few repeated names and recognize key figures. But the primary feeling is of an interconnected band, never more so than when their tractor becomes incapacitated and they themselves must pull the trailer holding their provisions. (Uphill, they smile and sing; downhill, they laugh, trying to control the momentum.) The movies physicality is never pushed to suggest suffering. Its like a constant meditation, something to absorb and exhale.
What these pilgrims do for 1,200 kilometers, through mud, water, even a perilous rock slide, through a gray, neon-lit city and past picturesque fields of snow, green and rocky earth breathtakingly captured by cinematographer Guo Daming, seems impossibly hard yet tantalizingly peaceful: the seven-month climb thats also a walk and a prayer. As if connected by an invisible string gently tugged by a high, calm, beckoning force, these dedicated worshipers may occasionally look like specks against an immense landscape. But their sense of community, of duty born simply, fills Zhangs images and makes Paths of the Soul like a beautiful stream of human serenity. If youve ever felt lost and been mysteriously relieved by a friendly voice saying, This way, whatever your faith or spirituality, this patient, majestic movie is for you.
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Paths of the Soul
In Tibetan with English subtitles
Not rated
Running time: 1 hour, 58 minutes
Playing: Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica
The first glimpse of the title character in the history-probing drama Viktoria finds her in utero, a fetus suspended in a warm red glow. Its 1980, and the infant girl will be hailed as Socialist Bulgarias Baby of the Decade upon her birth, her puzzling lack of a bellybutton interpreted by the ruling partys leader as a sign of a more efficient future.
Such inventively surreal virtues mark Maya Vitkovas ambitious debut feature as the arrival of a bracing cinematic talent. Examining the final years of Eastern Europes communist bloc through one familys story, she fuses artfully composed visuals and stinging black comedy around a lead performance, by Irmena Chichikova, of stunningly unapologetic gloom.
Disappointingly, the writer-director doesnt sustain the satiric pulse. Veering into conventional, sentimental territory, the narrative loses its bite and its way in the second half of its considerable running time. Yet, while the intended dramatic payoff proves a letdown, it doesnt undo the allegorical power of the movies searing depiction of groupthink and its fallout.
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Viktoria opens with the conception, in a cramped Sofia apartment, of the soon-to-be-celebrated baby. Pregnancy is a source of bitter dismay for Boryana (Chichikova). A librarian who rips images of Western culture from magazines, saving them like amulets that might guide her across the border, she has insisted on forestalling parenthood until she and her cheerfully placid doctor husband, Ivan (Dimo Dimov), have escaped Bulgaria. But leaving is a matter of less urgency for him than fathering a child, and he gets his way despite Boryanas best efforts at inducing a miscarriage.
Nine years later, shes barely coexisting with Ivan and their daughter (Daria Vitkova, perfectly petulant), a spoiled pet of the countrys leader, Todor Zhivkov (a real-life politician played by Georgi Spasov with just the right touch of farce). The head of state regularly invites Viktoria for lunch, showcases her talentless performances at official events, and has installed a hotline in her bedroom so that they can chat whenever the spirit moves either of them. Cruel and self-centered, the girl would be a nightmare for most anyone. For Boryana, shes also the living embodiment of her failure to flee an oppressive society.
Boryanas misery has a wild, parodic punch, especially in moments when maternal tenderness, or at least its pretense, is the customary default mode. Her every morose glare and gum-chewing eye-roll is an indictment. High on her list of guilty parties is her heartless apparatchik mother (Mariana Krumova), whom Boryana rightly dismisses as a party member, not a mom.
With terrific precision and mordancy, Vitkova filters recent political history through female experience. News footage sets the stage as the film jumps through the years, ending in the mid-90s, when the role of Viktoria is handled, nearly wordlessly, by Kalina Vitkova (like the younger actress, shes a niece of the director). Chichikovas caustic gaze, in combination with the directors discerning one, lays bare the ways that motherhood becomes a function of the state. In a sequence with all the absurdist incisiveness of Amy Schumers best skits, a committee of male party officials compares the newborn, navel-less Viktoria and her nursery mate, a boy born with a club foot, to determine whos a more worthy national symbol.
The filmmakers deliriously dark humor fades as the saga proceeds, her control giving way to a form of self-indulgence. However undeniable the elegance of Krum Rodriguezs cinematography, the films final 45 minutes feel stuck in poetic imagery. The movie goes soft, asking us to care about characters who have until now been emblematic and brilliantly so.
Only Boryana, an unforgettable figure of 20th century Europe, is emotionally involving. Bringing a rare mastery to the strongest parts of Viktoria, Vitkova tells a womans story in a way thats never before been seen.
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Viktoria
In Bulgarian with English subtitles
No rating
Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Playing: Laemmles Royal, Beverly Hills
The fourth season of FXs The Americans was hellbent on apocalyptic destruction. The characters spent an episode pondering the aftermath of nuclear escalation with the airing of the 1983 TV movie The Day After. They smuggled experimental bio-weapons out of the country, occasionally with disastrous results. Facades began to crack under the growing threat of global warfare.
But what if the most destructive force on The Americans wasnt nukes? What if it were love?
Metaphors a tricky thing in our process, particularly when youre dealing with spying and relationships and biological weapons and feelings, says Joel Fields, co-show runner of The Americans, who, alongside creator Joe Weisberg chatted with us ahead of Wednesdays season finale. We try to identify them and then set them aside.
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But whether theyre actively incorporating those metaphors or not, the creators contend that the series, set at the height of the Cold War, is less about international espionage and more about a marriage.
The series is centered on Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys), a pair of Russian spies who conduct their spy-work while posing as a prototypical American family, replete with two children and an FBI agent living next door. The Americans has continued to examine Philip and Elizabeths relationship, which is tested by forces both typical and atypical to matrimony.
For instance, Philips marriage to another woman.
We knew this was a love affair that was going to run for a long time, Weisberg says of the relationship between Clark (one of Philips aliases) and Martha (Alison Wright), an FBI secretary who, slowly, comes to realize she is married to a spy. But what exists between Martha and Philip by the time he, in a risky move, admits his ulterior motives to her is more real than anyone could have originally imagined.
Therapists are aware that transference works both ways, so they know how to manage that, Fields explains of Philips genuine love of Martha. Youd hope that spies who are running relationships might be able to do the same, but at some point real emotion cant help but take hold.
Thats not to say that Philip feels as deeply for Martha as he does Elizabeth but, when Martha is extradited to Russia for her own safety, Philip feels genuinely bereft, which befuddles his wife.
But Elizabeth suffered a loss of her own after unintentionally bonding with, and then being forced to cut ties from, a Mary Kay saleswoman in order to gain access to information about U.S. bio-weaponry held by her husband.
Heres Elizabeth, who has seemed so impenetrable, but who we know through her relationship with her family has a real soul there, forging this unexpected connection and allowing an opportunity to see how trying this job can be on even the toughest of soldiers, Fields says.
Theres something very beautiful about it, very hopeful, Weisberg adds. But just like the Martha relationship we know its doomed. We hope that its not, but we know better. Thats the tragedy of it.
Yet perhaps there is still time to avoid the unavoidable. With a recent order from the network for a fifth and sixth (and final) season, Weisberg and Fields have the luxury of a precise timeline with which to plot their endgame and to deliver their characters to the fates theyve been rocketing toward since the pilot.
Philip has been transforming since the beginning, Weisberg says.
Elizabeth is on the path of transformation, Fields adds, its just much slower and in a radically different way. Thats the great challenge of marriage: Its two different individuals on two different paths choosing to take them together.
Fields argues that may just be what love is, quoting Leonard Cohens Anthem.
There is a crack in everything. Thats how the light gets in.
For nearly a decade, Korean flavors have dominated restaurant menus in Los Angeles. Just thank Roy Choi and his Kogi Korean BBQ food truck. You can easily find chicken wings covered in gochujang (fermented chile paste), bulgogi in your tacos and kimchi on anything from burgers to pizza to mac n cheese. The spicy fermented cabbage has gone from an essential Korean BBQ banchan, or appetizer, to a condiment you can find on most grocery store shelves and on menus everywhere.
And there may be no more addictive kimchi dish in town right now than the deviled Jidori eggs at Faith & Flower downtown. Theres nothing quite like taking a classic American dish (deviled eggs may have actually originated in Italy, but they have been popular in America since post- World War II) and giving it a lashing of kimchi juice and gochujang. The familiar, pale yellow deviled egg filing is a vibrant orange, with just enough heat. Faith & Flower actually makes its own kimchi for the eggs, which are topped with more kimchi before serving. Because in life, you can never have enough spicy fermented cabbage or deviled eggs.
FAITH & FLOWERS DEVILED JIDORI EGGS
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1 hour, 45 minutes, plus chilling and marinating time. Makes 24 deviled eggs
KIMCHI
1 head napa cabbage
2 tablespoons salt
1/4 cup gochujang paste
1/4 cup Korean chile flakes (gochugaru)
3 1/2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup rice vinegar
4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
1/3 cup very thinly sliced onion
1/3 cup julienned daikon radish
3 green onions, cut into 3-inch sections
1. Remove the outer leaves of the napa cabbage and cut the cabbage into quarters lengthwise. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly between the leaves and dry the cabbage well.
2. Salt the cabbage, being sure to spread the salt evenly between the leaves. Place the salted cabbage in a plastic or non-reactive colander or strainer and place the colander over a bowl to collect any liquid. Set the cabbage aside for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine the gochujang paste, chile flakes, water, vinegar, chopped garlic and grated ginger in a food processor, and pulse the ingredients to form a coarse paste.
4. Rinse the salted cabbage under cold running water, making sure to rinse the salt out from between each leaf. Dry the cabbage completely on clean towels. Cut each quarter crosswise into 2-inch to 3-inch strips, discarding the core. Place the cabbage in a glass or other non-reactive bowl and toss with the onion, radish and green onion.
5. Add the paste to the bowl, massaging it into the cabbage leaves and vegetables. Place the mixture into a deep non-reactive container (such as an 8-cup measuring cup), and weight the mixture down. Refrigerate 1 to 2 days before using to give the flavors time to ripen. This makes a scant quart of kimchi, which will keep for up to a week, refrigerated.
AIOLI
2 egg yolks
4 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups grapeseed oil
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided, or to taste
6 to 7 cloves garlic, finely minced
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, vinegar, water and 1/8 teaspoon salt until the yolks are velvety and a pale yellow. Very slowly, drizzle in the oil, whisking all the time, to emulsify and form a mayonnaise. Once all of the oil is added, stir in the garlic. Taste, and season with an additional 1/8 teaspoon salt, or as desired. This makes a generous 1 1/2 cups aioli.
DEVILED EGGS
1 dozen eggs
2 tablespoons salt, plus more to taste
3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, to taste
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups aioli
2 tablespoons gochujang paste
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
2 tablespoons juice from kimchi
Pepper
Chopped kimchi, for garnish
Toasted black sesame seeds, for garnish
Slivered green onion or chive strands, for garnish
1. Boil the eggs: Bring a large pot of water, along with the 2 tablespoons salt and the vinegar, to a boil over high heat. Carefully add the eggs. Cook the eggs for exactly 14 minutes, then drain and place the eggs in ice to cool immediately.
2. Once the eggs have cooled, carefully peel them. Using a length of thread or unflavored floss, halve the eggs lengthwise. Remove the cooked yolks (the yolks should be just cooked, with a bit of translucence at the center), and set aside. Clean the egg whites and refrigerate, covered, in a single layer.
3. In a food processor, combine the egg yolks, 1 1/4 cups aioli, gochujang paste, sesame oil and kimchi juice. Pulse until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Adjust the consistency as desired with additional aioli. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired with additional salt and pepper. This makes about 2 to 2 1/2 cups filling. Place the mixture in a piping bag.
4. Pipe the mixture into each of the egg white halves. Garnish the deviled eggs with a little chopped kimchi, a sprinkling of sesame seeds and slivered green onion. Serve immediately.
Note: Adapted from a recipe by chef Michael Hung, formerly of Faith & Flower. Although many recipes, such as the aioli, call for raw egg yolks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that diners -- especially children, seniors, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems -- avoid eating them.
Early on in Season 2 of the FX crime anthology series, Fargo, Patrick Wilsons Minnesota State Trooper, Lou Solverson, shows up at a blood-spattered waffle house, there to investigate a strange triple homicide. Wilson doesnt have much dialogue some light chit-chat and a few thoughtful Minnesotan yah, yahs but he manages to sell his character with sharp-eyed studiousness and an aura of no-nonsense professionalism. Soon well discover that the hero of Fargo is a quiet man with some big concerns: a sick wife, a young daughter and a murderous tug of war between a rural crime family and a Kansas City-based syndicate. (Hes also playing the younger version of Keith Carradines character from Season 1.)
Throughout his 21-year career, Wilson, whose first success was in such Broadway musicals as The Full Monty and Oklahoma!, has starred in supernatural horror flicks (The Conjuring series, Insidious) and done his requisite share of unclothed love scenes (Zipper, Stretch). But with his square-jawed handsomeness and restrained reaction shots (Wilson has perfected the half-raised eyebrow), it turns out that a do-right protector like Lou might be the role he was born to play. Here, he spoke with The Envelope recently in Los Angeles.
How did Lous maroon State Trooper outfit and wide-brimmed Trooper hat inform your performance?
When you put the belt on and put your gun in, there was a real weight to it. I loved it. But I have two kids in elementary school, and, as a parent, I felt like, This is probably why some people like uniforms. Its just one less thing. Theres a real stability about going into work every single day and knowing exactly what I was going to wear. The days that Lou was at home and in jeans, I was like, [mournful voice] Wheres my burgundy puffy jacket?
Jean Smart got to smoke a pipe. Part of Angus Sampsons wardrobe was a filthy cast. Whats it like playing the normal one in a show overflowing with colorful psychos?
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The way I saw it was like when the pitcher gets on the mound in the bottom of the ninth. Your strength becomes your stillness. [laughs] I like playing bad guys and wacky guys. But Ive never played someone as steadfast and solid as Lou. I aspire to be Lou. I dont know if its just a male thing, but hes just not going to back down from anybody.
Describe filming in Calgary during the winter?
Ill say one thing: Cold really helps you understand dialect. You speak in a way thats a lot tighter. You dont want to open your mouth too much because its freezing.
What was your reaction when you read the script in which your character is saved by a flying saucer?
I laughed. It got to the point that when the scripts would come out, I couldnt wait to open them on my iPad. Id scroll through them. I remember thinking WHAT? Then I thought, Perfect. Lets go with it.
Fargo is a pretty naturalistic show. Whats your response when fans say, What was that?
I say, Its a UFO. [laughs] Why not? I think Lou would have the same answer. He didnt spend a lot of time talking about it. He said, I know what I saw, and thats it.
You like listening to music before a scene. What was on Lous playlist?
It was pretty mellow. I listened to country all across the map. George Jones. Theres just a feeling that I get from country music. I wanted to keep Lou strong, focused. Hes got so much going on in his head.
Series creator Noah Hawley likes to introduce a new cast every year. Could Lou come back?
Trust me. I think I made some joke to [Noah], like, Just make sure that I say a line like, Oh, the massacre at Sioux Falls, that was nothing compared to the murder in Topeka in 83, just to tee me up for another season. [laughs]
calendar@latimes.com
Stephanie Edwards, best known for her decades-long co-hosting stint on KTLA-TVs broadcast of the Tournament of Roses Parade, is being honored by the TV Academy with the Los Angeles Area Governors Award.
The announcement was made Thursday as Edwards was appearing during a live broadcast of The KTLA Morning News.
Stephanie is a gem, said station President Don Corsini. She is beloved for her sharp wit, charm and genuine professionalism We believe she epitomizes the criteria for the Governors Award, not only for her prolific body of work but, as the academy rightly calls it -- her positive impact on Los Angeles.
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Edwards is being honored for outstanding achievement in television over a period of years. The Los Angeles Governors Award is given by the Los Angeles Area Governors Award Committee and the Television Academy.
She will be presented the honor at the Los Angeles Area Emmys on July 23 at the Wolf Theatre in the recently opened Saban Media Center; the centerpiece of the Television Academys re-imagined North Hollywood campus.
Among Edwards accomplishments are hosting stints on several local shows, including AM Los Angeles and Everyday.
She began her tenure on the award-winning Tournament of Roses telecast in 1982 with co-host Bob Eubanks. She retired from television in January after hosting her final parade broadcast.
greg.braxton@latimes.com
A U.S.-backed commission that helps provide justice for victims of human rights abuses in the Americas is in danger of collapse because of a severe cash crunch.
Advocates say some donor governments may be happy to see the Washington-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights falter because it has harshly criticized them.
Hearings and fact-finding trips have been canceled for the rest of the year and nearly half the 78 staff members will be laid off this summer if the commission cant make up an immediate $1-million shortfall, officials said.
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As a result, pending investigations -- including those looking into allegations of rapes of indigenous women by the military in Central America and the disappearance and suspected murder of college students in Mexico -- could collapse.
Created in 1959, the seven-member panel has investigated thousands of complaints of torture, executions and other abuses of labor leaders, gay activists, environmentalists, journalists and others, especially under authoritarian regimes in Central and South America.
The commission is an autonomous arm of the Organization of American States, which is asking its 35 member nations, including the United States, for help. The OAS promotes democracy, development, human rights and security from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego.
Several member nations normally provide half the commissions $10-million annual budget, with the rest coming from a few of the nations that hold observer status at the OAS, or from other sources.
But several member states have been slow to pay, or have reduced their donations. The problem worsened recently when observer nations Norway and Sweden, which are overwhelmed with refugees from Syria and elsewhere, cut all their contributions.
The commissions fate is expected to be debated next week during the OAS General Assembly meeting in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Having to ask [governments] for money is not the best way to ensure our autonomy and independence, said James Cavallaro, a U.S. member of the commission and professor of law at Stanford University.
He noted that Latin American and Caribbean countries last year donated $13.7 million to the International Criminal Court, where the region has no cases pending. The tribunal, based in The Hague, is the jurisdiction for prosecution of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
See the most-read stories this hour >>
But they gave only $200,000 to the human rights commission, which is examining hundreds of complaints against governments in the Americas, including those in Honduras, Guatemala and Venezuela.
We are constantly subject to the political will of governments, and that political will comes and goes, Cavallaro said in a telephone interview from Santiago, Chile, where the commission was holding its final hearings of the year.
The situation is dire and is now affecting some of the most important functions and organs of the OAS, a U.S. representative to the group, Genevieve Libonati, told its permanent council on May 25. She urged other nations to contribute, saying the United States alone should not foot the bill.
Together with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, another OAS body based in San Jose, Costa Rica, the commission is the last hope for people to challenge governments. Unlike the court, the commission can take both political and legal stands.
In the commissions best known case of late, a team of appointed experts conducted what is widely considered the only credible investigation of the 2014 disappearance and likely massacre of 43 college students in Mexico.
Their report contradicted the Mexican governments version by suggesting greater police involvement and shoddy investigations by authorities. The case remains unresolved, and the commission wants to continue its inquiry.
A landmark commission case in Costa Rica in 2004 protected journalists from criminal prosecution based on what they write.
The court sometimes orders countries to protect people facing danger, though it doesnt always succeed.
In March, a Honduran environmentalist and indigenous-rights activist, Bertha Caceres, was shot to death in her home despite a 7-year-old protection order issued by the commission.
Thousands of people have been able to turn to the commission, said Gaston Chillier, executive director of the Argentine Center for Legal and Social Studies, which fights for human rights. This crisis will leave society in the Americas more vulnerable to state abuses.
Chillier recalled in a telephone interview from Buenos Aires how the commissions work gave Argentines courage to come forward and denounce widespread kidnappings and executions by government forces in the so-called Dirty War from 1976 to 1983.
We look to the commission as the model for regional human rights systems, James Goldston, executive director of the New York-based Open Society Justice Initiative, which works on legal reforms worldwide. It is a vital ingredient for the protection of human rights and the rule of law throughout the Americas.
The commission normally employs 32 lawyers. Currently, 21 lawyers and assistants are handling 6,188 petitions and cases. If layoffs occur, only seven lawyers will handle the entire caseload, according to a spokeswoman, Maria Isabel Rivero.
About 25 intellectuals, writers and free-speech groups from across North and South America, under the auspices of PEN International, issued a public letter Thursday, saying they were dismayed by the crisis and the devastating impact it would have on human rights.
They called for urgent funding from member states and other potential donors. Signatories included Nobel literature laureate Mario Vargas Llosa of Peru, Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood and Mexicos grande dame of letters, Elena Poniatowska.
Amnesty International and dozens of grass-roots organizations also circulated a petition urging creation of a permanent fund for the commission so financing cant be held hostage to politics.
The health of the commission has to be a priority for member states, said Amnestys advocacy director for the Americas, Marselha Goncalves Margerin. For years, the commission has been the last resort for those who have suffered egregious human rights abuses.
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An oil field near USC that neighbors have long accused of causing health problems ranging from nosebleeds to serious respiratory illness must remain closed permanently or comply with stringent regulations, Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer told The Times on Wednesday.
The two-acre field, operated by Allenco Energy Inc. on land leased from Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese, cannot reopen unless the company installs a health and safety monitoring system designed to be more protective of public health and more responsive to complaints from local residents than existing regulations require.
Allenco has agreed to pay $1.25 million in civil penalties, at least half of which will be used to fund investigations of polluting oil fields elsewhere, according to the permanent injunction granted by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Samantha P. Jessner.
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Failure to comply with the order could result in contempt of court charges against Allenco, with penalties that could include fines and jail time, Feuer said.
The imposition of these new, tougher rules in the community surrounding Allenco is without precedent, and residents there deserve nothing less, Feuer said. This thing is a big deal, and one of the achievements Im most proud of.
The new restrictions would, for example, put in place an independent expert with the authority to immediately shut down the facility if there are releases of methane, hydrogen sulfide or nonmethane hydrocarbons that exceed safe levels. Multiple releases of air contaminants, even at or below standard state or federal standards, can trigger a shutdown, and nominal chemical releases may trigger an investigation.
Residents of the University Park neighborhood recently asked Pope Francis to intervene with the Los Angeles Archdiocese, which owns the land, to prevent the oil operation from reopening.
We are definitely reveling in the moment, said Nancy Ibrahim, executive director at Esperanza Community Housing Corp., one of the groups that has tried to raise attention about health risks near the oil field. It is profound that a community of low-income renters has been able to achieve this kind of resolution.
The company voluntarily halted operation at the site in 2013 at the request of U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), pending completion of investigations by agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the state Division of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources.
After operations were suspended, formal complaints of respiratory problems and nosebleeds all but disappeared.
Feuer filed a lawsuit in 2014 to stop Allenco from reopening after his investigation found that the company willfully disregarded violation notices issued by oversight agencies and that regulators did not move forcefully to enforce their numerous and repeated citations.
The complaint names Allenco owner Peter Allen and Timothy James Parker, vice president of operations, as defendants. The company on Wednesday refused to comment on the court order.
As a result of lax practices, Allenco exposed neighbors to noxious fumes and odors which have resulted in adverse health effects on community members in the form of severe headaches, nausea, nosebleeds, chronic fatigue and respiratory ailments including asthma, Feuers complaint said. No community should have to live this way, with windows shut, children kept indoors to protect their health, and neighbors seeking relief from intolerable conditions.
The Allenco site was donated to the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles in the 1950s by descendants of Edward L. Doheny, one of Los Angeles early oil barons.
Twenty-one wells at the site had been idled in the 1990s because of low oil prices and calcification, U.S. Energy Department records show.
Allenco bought the oil production facility in 2009, and used hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid to unplug some of the wells. Within a year production jumped more than 400%, from 4,178 barrels to 21,239 barrels in 2010, the complaint said.
Around the same time, neighbors began smelling a chemical odor in the streets and in their homes, and reported that they and their children were having headaches, recurring nosebleeds and bouts of dizziness.
The neighbors said they had traced the odors to property shielded by 12-foot-high, ivy-covered walls, shaded by oak trees and fringed with manicured lawns. Behind the walls, the site bristles with pipes, tanks, gauges and subsurface pumps.
Odors from Allencos field had prompted at least 260 complaints to air regulators between 2010 and 2013 up from just eight complaints from University Park in 2008-09.
The complaints, reported by The Times in 2013, led to city, state and federal investigations, including an onsite inspection that sickened U.S. EPA officials and resulted in Allenco spending more than $1 million in cash penalties and on improvements needed to fix leaks, improve equipment and comply with state and federal laws.
Air regulators in 2015 issued a permit allowing Allenco to restart operations, which it hoped to resume sometime this year.
The court-ordered hazard monitoring system will remain in place for at least four years from the date Allenco reopens, if it ever does, Feuer said.
Neighbors will be able to report observations and complaints about the oil field and keep track of whats happening there on a website tied to the system.
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Oregon was the first state to allow patients with terminal illnesses to request medications that would end their lives.
Though other states have since adopted similar laws, Oregon remains the best guide for what to expect in California when physician-assisted death becomes legal in the state Thursday.
Here are some statistics about who has taken advantage of Oregons aid-in-dying law since it took effect in 1998:
991 people
The number of people whove died from taking lethal medications in Oregon between 1998 and 2015, the latest year for which data is available. Almost every year, more people die this way. In 1998, 24 people died from taking lethal medications, compared with 218 last year.
554 people
The number of people who got a prescription for a lethal medication from a doctor but never took it. Officials said many died from their underlying illness or a complication of that illness. Supporters of physician-aided death say that giving patients the option to end their suffering, even if they never use it, provides comfort and relief.
92%
Of those choosing to take a lethal medication, the percentage who said one of the reasons was losing autonomy. That was the reason most often given, followed by 90% who said they were worried about not being able to engage in activities that made life enjoyable and 79% concerned about loss of dignity.
77%
The percentage of those choosing aid-in-dying who had cancer the most common illness among these patients. Other illnesses included HIV/AIDS, heart disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, and chronic lower respiratory disease.
71%
The percentage of people who died after taking lethal medications in Oregon who had at least some college education. Those who opted for physician-aided death tended to be more educated than the general population.
46 days
The median time between a patients first request for a lethal medication and his or her death.
6 people
The number who regained consciousness after ingesting such a medication.
1 person
The number of African Americans who have died from taking lethal medications in Oregon. In nearly 20 years, 97% -- or 953 people -- of those who died this way were white.
soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com
Twitter: @skarlamangla
Destin Thompson has attended five high schools in two states.
Many Los Angeles Unified School District high school students graduate Thursday, but Thompson was one of hundreds of students from more than two dozen alternative high schools who moved their tassels across their mortarboards Wednesday. The ceremony at East Los Angeles College included most of the districts educational options program schools, which serve students who need to recover credits, learn on flexible schedules or havent graduated on time.
Most of Wednesdays graduates took untraditional paths to the finish line. Thompson and his mother moved to where she could find work, but keeping up with the different demands of all those schools proved difficult. Thompson started high school in Compton; then he and his mom lived in Nevada until she lost her job.
Afterward, in 2015, they moved to L.A. and found Patton High School, an alternative school that allowed Thompson to make up the credits that he was missing and take the classes he needed to graduate on time.
Thompsons story was familiar to many of the graduates Jaileene Flores, who rocked a mustache-adorned bow tie and a Ravenclaw-inspired cap, went to three high schools in Texas and L.A. before graduating from Youth Opportunities Unlimited Alternative High School in South L.A.
https://twitter.com/Sonali_Kohli/status/740580902158274562
Its hard to track credits, make sure they transfer and keep up with different classes when youre moving that much, students said. The alternative and continuation schools are more likely to accept credits from other states, and allow students to take more classes in one semester.
Its a struggle Walter Webb and Chandra McPherson know they sat in the crowd Wednesday watching their son Christopher Webb graduate from Henry David Thoreau Continuation High School in Woodland Hills.
Christopher, 17, has attended three high schools in three different states Illinois, North Carolina and California, including Thoreau. He was home-schooled for two years while his parents were in custody negotiations. Halfway through this school year, while he lived with his father in North Carolina, Christopher realized he would not be able to graduate on time, McPherson said.
At some point youve just got to say, Ive just got to get it done. Chandra McPherson, mother of graduate Christopher Webb, 17
So he moved to L.A., where his mom lives, and enrolled in Thoreau. He finished 12 classes in eight weeks so he could graduate on Wednesday.
He just whipped through them, McPherson said, and worked from 8 a.m. until midnight many days. He was not playing.
McPherson knows her son did not spend as much time with the materials as students at traditional schools do, and he might have a lower-quality high school education because of it. But shes OK with the decision to graduate on time, because hes going on to a two-year college with plans to transfer to a four-year college.
At some point youve just got to say, Ive just got to get it done, McPherson said.
https://twitter.com/Sonali_Kohli/status/740586272847056896
Like many other high school (and college) graduates, the continuation school seniors got creative with their caps.
https://twitter.com/Sonali_Kohli/status/740581359328985088
https://twitter.com/Sonali_Kohli/status/740582648830132224
https://twitter.com/Sonali_Kohli/status/740584941960859648
https://twitter.com/Sonali_Kohli/status/740573129043382272
During the ceremony, L.A. Unified school board member Ref Rodriguez reminded the students of the message some projected from their caps.
When you're the first, Rodriguez told the graduates, You open the door and it never closes behind you."
Police have arrested three more people in connection with last weeks violent demonstrations after a Donald Trump rally in San Jose. A fourth person is being sought.
Two San Jose teens, 16 and 17, were booked on a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon. They were not identified because they are minors. A third teen, age 16, of Milpitas, a city north of San Jose, was booked on a misdemeanor count of battery, according to a police statement.
Police released photos of a fourth person they are searching for and asked the publics help in identifying him.
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SJPD asking for public's assistance locating suspect responsible for assault at Trump rally. Call 408-277-4161 pic.twitter.com/p5UHhiVD3k San Jose Police Dept (@SanJosePD) June 8, 2016
The arrests come a day after San Jose police identified three men already in custody in connection with the June 3 protests. The three were each booked on a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon. A fourth man was booked on a misdemeanor count of refusal to disperse, authorities said.
Police did not release details about what weapons the suspects were alleged to have used in the attacks.
The rally was one of several held in California before Tuesdays primary election. Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, has typically drawn large crowds that often turn boisterous.
Dozens were arrested during demonstrations in Costa Mesa and Anaheim. Protesters in the Bay Area city of Burlingame temporarily blocked the real estate developer from entering a hotel for a speech. But the rally in San Jose appeared to be more intense.
A dozen or more people were punched, at least one person was pelted with an egg and Trump hats grabbed from supporters were set on fire. Some protesters banged on the cars of Trump supporters and chased after those on foot as they left the rally.
San Jose police said they identified the three teenagers through video footage that showed them separately attacking Trump supporters, some of whom were chased and tackled.
Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.
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For more Southern California news, follow @latvives.
The woman in the sexual assault case involving Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner was not given dignity in the process, California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris said.
Harris, speaking to reporters Wednesday, said she was concerned the victims voice was not heard in a trial that ended with what many consider a light sentence for Turner.
Harris questioned the six-month sentence, though she said she has not read the full transcript in the case.
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As you know, I have personally prosecuted rape cases, and sexual assault and child molestation cases, and when someone is facing 14 years exposure, there has got to be extraordinary mitigation facts to reduce down to six months. And I dont know if the facts actually met that kind of mitigation, Harris told reporters.
Turner blamed a party culture and risk-taking behavior for his actions.
In a letter he penned to Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky, Turner wrote that he was shattered by the party culture and risk-taking behavior that I briefly experienced in my four months at school.
Turner said he came from a small town in Ohio and never experienced partying that involved alcohol. But when he started attending Stanford, Turner wrote, he began drinking to relieve the stress of school and competitive swimming.
The swim team set no limits on partying or drinking, and I saw the guys take full advantage of these circumstances, while I was shown to do the same, he wrote. I witnessed countless times the guys that I looked up to go to parties, meet girls and take the girl that they had just met back with them.
Describing himself as an inexperienced drinker and party-goer, Turner said he looked up to members of his swim team. On Jan. 17, 2015, the night of the sexual assault, Turner said he drank five beers, two swigs of Fireball whiskey and bounced from one party to another.
I want to demolish the assumption that drinking and partying are what make up a college lifestyle, he wrote. I made a mistake, I drank too much and my decisions hurt someone. But I never meant to intentionally hurt [the victim]. My poor decision making and excessive drinking hurt someone that night, and I wish I could just take it all back.
Turner vowed to change peoples attitudes towards the culture surrounded by binge drinking and sexual promiscuity that protrudes through what people think is at the core of being a college student.
See the most-read stories this hour >>
A jury convicted Turner in March of sexually assaulting the woman; he was facing a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
At the time, prosecutors asked Persky to sentence him to six years in prison for the three felony counts for which he was found guilty: assault with the intent to commit rape of an unconscious person, sexual penetration of an unconscious person and sexual penetration of an intoxicated person.
When Persky instead sentenced Turner last week to six months in county jail and three years probation, the decision sparked outrage. Critics argued the sentence was too lenient and launched a campaign to recall Persky from the bench.
Legal experts have said the six-month sentence was unusually light but within the judges powers.
It is very unusual to have six months and probation in a case like this. The assault with intent to commit rape usually carries a prison sentence, said Dmitry Gorin, a former L.A. County sex crimes prosecutor. His background and no [criminal] record were a major factor. I cannot think of a similar local case where a defendant convicted by a jury of such a violent crime avoided prison.
Those convictions alone should send him to prison, said Steve Cooley, Los Angeles Countys former district attorney. Its an extraordinary sentence. Hell spend just 90 days in the county jail after being convicted on three sexual assault charges.
Turners victim read a 12-page letter in open court, calling the more lenient sentence a soft timeout, a mockery of the seriousness of the assaults. She said Turner had failed to show responsibility.
She wrote:
Unfortunately, after reading the defendants statement, I am severely disappointed and feel that he has failed to exhibit sincere remorse or responsibility for his conduct. I fully respected his right to a trial, but even after twelve jurors unanimously convicted him guilty of three felonies, all he has admitted to doing is ingesting alcohol. Someone who cannot take full accountability for his actions does not deserve a mitigating sentence. It is deeply offensive that he would try and dilute rape with a suggestion of promiscuity. By definition rape is the absence of promiscuity, rape is the absence of consent, and it perturbs me deeply that he cant even see that distinction.
Some Stanford University students are planning a protest over the sentencing at graduation ceremonies on Saturday.
For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
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UPDATES:
10:38 a.m. This article was updated with background about the six-month sentence and reaction to it.
8:54 a.m.: This article was updated with news of a protest planned for Saturday.
This article was originally published at 7:03 a.m.
Brock Turner, a former Stanford University swimmer, could be released as early as September after serving only three months of his six-month jail sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster near campus.
Turner, 20, was booked into custody on June 2 and is scheduled to be released Sept. 2, according to Santa Clara County Sheriffs Department inmate records.
Inmates in Santa Clara County serve only 50% of their sentences under California Penal Code Section 4019(a)(6). For every two days served, they receive two days credit and another two days for maintaining good conduct and a clean record in custody. The result is that inmates serve half of their sentence, according to a California Courts felony sentencing report.
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Sheriffs spokesman James Jensen said the court sets Turners release date. Deputies, he said, are then responsible for making sure the inmate is safe and protected.
Turner was convicted in March of three felony counts: assault with the intent to commit rape of an unconscious person, sexual penetration of an unconscious person and sexual penetration of an intoxicated person.
He was facing a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, but prosecutors asked Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky to sentence him to six years.
Persky instead sentenced Turner last week to six months in county jail and three years probation.
The jail sentence has sparked outrage from critics who say Persky was too lenient on Turner. Others have launched a campaign to recall the judge from the bench.
Turner is housed in protective custody in the sheriffs department main jail, Jensen said. He is one of 90 inmates in protective custody in that unit.
There are 3,600 inmates in custody in the sheriffs departments jails, and 1,100 of those are in protective custody, Jensen said. Inmates deemed to be high risk are placed in the unit, including those who have been sentenced in sexual assault and sex crime cases, former gang members and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
In protective custody, Turner must wear a brown shirt and pants and is allowed supervised visits. He is allowed to roam the units open, common space for seven to 10 hours per week and is monitored by cameras. Inmates in protective custody are assigned to one- or two-person cells.
Jailers conduct periodic welfare checks on the inmates.
So far, it appears that Turner hasnt been involved in any major jail disputes, according to Jensen.
For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
MORE ON STANFORD RAPE CASE
Victim in Stanford sexual assault was not given dignity, attorney general says
I made a mistake: Two women apologize for letters supporting Stanford rapist Brock Turner
ormer Stanford swimmer blames party culture and risk-taking behavior for sex assault
A federal appeals court ruling that gave gun control advocates a major victory Thursday underscored Californias rising importance as a center of legal and political battles over guns.
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decided in a 7-4 ruling that California counties may restrict permits for carrying concealed firearms in public. That decision overturned a 2014 ruling that prompted some California counties to relax their rules.
It should not be minimized how big a victory this was for gun control advocates, said UCLA law professor Adam Winkler. Not only does it affirm the constitutionality of restrictive conceal-carry laws in Californias major cities, it also makes it less likely the Supreme Court will step in.
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The ruling came at a time when lawmakers in Sacramento have been considering a flurry of gun bills and as California voters prepare to consider a likely November ballot measure on gun control.
California has really been pursuing a gun control agenda more vigorously than any other state in the nation, Winkler said.
Gun owners said they might appeal Thursdays decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, an uncertain prospect given there is now no need for the high court to resolve differences among the federal appeals court circuits. Winkler said Thursdays ruling brought the 9th Circuit in agreement with other circuits that have ruled on the issue.
The gun lobby also pledged to challenge Californias ban on openly carrying guns in public.
Thursdays decision said the 2nd Amendment does not give people the right to carry a concealed gun.
The 2nd Amendment may or may not protect to some degree a right of a member of the general public to carry a firearm in public, wrote Judge William A. Fletcher, a Clinton appointee. If there is such a right, it is only a right to carry a firearm openly.
California law allows county law enforcement agencies to set rules that limit permits for concealed guns. Some rural counties have relaxed rules and make permits easily available. Most urban counties have strict rules.
The ruling, which affects nine states, gives them wide latitude to impose all sorts of restrictions on carrying concealed weapons. California law says applicants for permits must show good cause for needing the weapons, but counties define good cause differently.
Because the 2nd Amendment does not protect in any degree the right to carry concealed firearms in public, Fletcher wrote for the majority, any prohibition or restriction a state may choose to impose on concealed carry including a requirement of good cause, however defined is necessarily allowed by the Amendment.
Gun owners challenged the law after being denied permits to carry concealed guns in San Diego County. Although trained in gun use and cleared in background checks, the applicants could not cite compelling reasons for why they needed to carry concealed firearms in public.
A three-judge 9th Circuit panel decided 2 to 1 two years ago that counties had to relax their rules for permits.
The decision was based on a 2012 state law that took away the right of people to carry unloaded guns openly in public and tote ammunition separately. The panel majority said the state could not prohibit carrying guns both openly and concealed.
San Diego County declined to appeal the ruling, but Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris challenged it on behalf of the state.
Thursdays decision failed to reach any conclusions on whether Californias law banning the open carrying of guns was constitutional. The court said that issue was not before it.
The dissenting judges argued that Californias rules on carrying guns in public were too restrictive.
Judge Consuelo M. Callahan, a Reagan appointee, said the rules in some counties on concealed guns, coupled with Californias prohibition on open carrying, amounted to a total ban on the right of an ordinary citizen to carry a firearm in public for self-defense.
While states may choose between different manners of bearing arms for self-defense, the right must be accommodated, she wrote.
Chuck Michel, the lawyer for the gun owners in the case, said his clients were disappointed but not surprised given the political inclinations of the judges on this panel.
He said gun owners will now mount a constitutional challenge of the states ban on openly carrying guns.
Thursdays decision avoided answering the critical legal question of whether, if concealed carry is prohibited, some form of open carry of firearms must be allowed, Michel said. California law bans open carry, so the constitutionality of that ban will now have to be tested.
Gun owners have been divided over whether to challenge the ban on openly carrying firearms in public. Some have worried that people would be frightened of seeing others with guns in department stores and might become more inclined to support gun control.
UCLAs Winkler said courts also might be reluctant to allow people to openly carry guns in public.
I generally think that judges are like the rest of us and many of us dont want to see people carrying guns into the Starbucks when we are getting our morning latte, he said.
Michel initially said the gun owners were likely to appeal Thursdays decision to the Supreme Court, but later said such a move was a mere possibility.
The Supreme Court has been reluctant to take gun control cases in recent years. The death of Justice Antonin Scalia, who favored gun rights, also has left the court deadlocked 4-4 in some cases. Legal analysts said the court was unlikely to take on such a major case without nine justices.
The California Rifle & Pistol Assn. said Thursdays decision showed the 9th Circuit was out of touch with most Americans.
This decision will leave good people defenseless, as it completely ignores the fact that law-abiding Californians who reside in counties with hostile sheriffs will now have no means to carry a firearm outside the home for personal protection, the group said.
Elizabeth Avore, legal director of Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun control advocacy group, called the ruling a major victory for public safety.
The decision is well within the legal mainstream, aligning the 9th Circuit with courts that have upheld nearly identical laws in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, Avore said. It is just the latest judicial recognition that common-sense gun laws do not violate the 2nd Amendment.
After the 2014 decision, Ventura and Orange County changed their policies to make it easier for gun owners to obtain concealed carry permits. Ventura County does not plan to change its policies now, a spokesperson said Thursday.
Orange County reverted to its more restrictive practices when the 9th Circuit decided to review the 2014 decision.
Orange County Sheriff Lt. Mark Stichter said Thursdays court decision might spur some people to drop their applications for concealed carry now that they will have to state specific reasons for their needs.
Most counties, including Los Angeles, did not change their rules because the ruling was quickly appealed.
We did not relax our standards, because we wanted to wait for a final decision in that case. Said Sgt Royce Haislip with Kern County Sheriffs Department.
In a news conference Thursday afternoon, Sheriff Ed Prieto said he felt vindicated after the ruling.
In Yolo County, I think this is an effective policy and it seems to have been working effectively for years, he said. He later questioned why people would want to carry a weapon.
How many times have you been attacked? How many friends do you have who have been attacked? Im not talking about the exception, he said. I have five daughters and I can say I would not honestly give a weapon to any one of my daughters.
maura.dolan@latimes.com | Twitter: @mauradolan
brittny.mejia@latimes.com | Twitter: @brittny_mejia
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UPDATES:
3:12 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional reaction.
11:58 a.m.: This article was updated with reaction and additional details.
10:21 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details from the decision.
This article was originally published at 10:01 a.m.
A political newcomer running for a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors staged an election-night surprise, inching past several better-known and better-funded opponents and possibly securing a spot in the Nov. 8 runoff, according to initial results.
Darrell Park, a Democrat running to replace retiring Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, placed second behind Antonovichs chief of staff, Kathryn Barger. Park, waging his first race for elected office, outperformed more seasoned politicians, including Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander.
Park, who runs a start-up and advises green energy companies, raised about $200,000, much less than the Republicans in the race.
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In this cynical time in our politics, everyone thinks its only big money that matters, and its not true, he said.
Whether Parks lead will hold is unclear. More than 570,000 provisional and late vote-by-mail ballots remained to be counted Wednesday countywide. Park finished just 417 votes ahead of the third-place finisher, Republican state Sen. Bob Huff. Barger, like Antonovich, is a Republican.
In the race for the seat being vacated by Supervisor Don Knabe, U.S. Rep. Janice Hahn (D-San Pedro), a former Los Angeles city councilwoman and the daughter of a popular former longtime supervisor, failed to secure the majority needed to win outright and is headed for a potentially bruising runoff with a Republican opponent, Steve Napolitano.
Bill Carrick, campaign manager for Barger, said the uncertainty leaves her campaign a little bit in limbo as they wait to see who she will be facing off against.
I didnt really have a clue about who would be contenders for the second place in the runoff, and here we are the next day and I still dont have a clue, he said.
Barger had been widely expected to land a runoff spot in the race for the 5th District, which stretches from the San Fernando Valley north to Palmdale and east to San Dimas. She had the support both of her boss and of powerful labor groups, including the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.
Many had expected Englander to secure the second spot in the runoff. Though he raised more than $1 million and is well-known locally, he came in fifth, behind Huff and Glendale City Councilman Ara Najarian.
He punched below his weight, and Im not sure why, Jaime Regalado, professor emeritus of political science at Cal State L.A., said of Englanders weak showing.
Early in the race, several rival candidates had joined forces to file a successful lawsuit over Englanders proposed ballot designation as Councilmember/Police Officer.
They argued that the title would mislead voters into thinking Englander was a full-time cop, when he is a volunteer reserve officer.
Carrick said that might have hurt Englanders campaign, as might the fact that most of the district lies outside the city of Los Angeles, where he is better known. The district encompasses the Antelope Valley and parts of the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.
Unofficial precinct-level results analyzed by The Times showed that Englanders support was concentrated in portions of the district that are part of the city of L.A., particularly in the northern San Fernando Valley. Huff garnered strong support in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, and Park was strong in Pasadena, South Pasadena and surrounding communities. Najarian dominated his home turf in Glendale.
Barger had broad support across much of the district, but dominated the Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita, on the north side of the district, while the southern portion of the district was fragmented among candidates.
Park said he thought the fact that he was a Democrat and endorsed by the county Democratic Party gave him a boost in the district, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans, 41% to 30%.
If Park does land in the runoff, the configuration could represent a quandary for groups such as the labor federation. They typically support Democratic candidates but have so far backed Barger, a moderate Republican whom many of them have dealt with during her years working for the county.
Labor federation leader Rusty Hicks said Wednesday it was too early to tell whether a Park-Barger runoff would cause the federation to change course.
Hicks also signaled that the labor organization will continue pushing for Hahn in the race for Knabes seat, which encompasses Long Beach and other South Bay cities as well as parts of the southeastern county.
Janice brings a fighting spirit for working people, which she certainly had at the City Council, Hicks said. And shes going to bring that same tenacious fighting spirit to the Board of Supervisors.
Hahn and Napolitano appeared to be gearing up for a bitter fight in the runoff.
In the final weeks of the campaign, Napolitano sent out mailers attacking Hahn for taking campaign contributions from oil companies and criticizing self-serving career politicians.
He also sought to appeal to voters concerned that Hahns election would endanger the countys history of fiscal responsibility by creating a four-fifths supermajority of liberal, labor-backed supervisors on the board.
Napolitano said he was pleased that his campaign had forced Hahn into a runoff despite her greater name recognition and spending and conventional wisdom saying she would win outright. Id call that an upset, he said.
Hahn said she had always assumed that the three-way race would end with a November runoff. She added that Napolitano had put about $800,000 of his own money into his campaign and had the backing of Knabe, who has represented the district for 20 years.
Hahn campaign consultant Dave Jacobson said his client stayed positive throughout the race, even as Napolitano carried out a last-minute smear campaign against her.
Asked if Hahn is prepared to go negative herself, the political consultant said, Were not going to take anything off the table.
Congresswoman Janice Hahn is fully prepared to take off the gloves and engage in full-on combat against a Donald Trump-style negative smear campaign, should Steve Napolitano throw one our way, Jacobson said.
Napolitano disputed the Hahn camps characterization of his campaign.
We ran an aggressive but honest campaign, he said. It wasnt a smear campaign. It wasnt a negative campaign. If there was anything negative about it, it was her record that was negative.
Regalado said he still expects Hahn to ultimately carry the election, especially with the expected high Democratic turnout in November.
Hahn would have to have about five major scandals in a row to not win that seat, he said.
See the most-read stories this hour >>
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Times staff writer Ben Welsh contributed to this report.
abby.sewell@latimes.com
Twitter: @sewella
david.zahniser@latimes.com
Twitter: @davidzahniser
Environmental and community activists are petitioning Los Angeles to require an oil company to enclose a South L.A. drilling site in a building to protect neighbors, arguing that it has menaced nearby residents with loud noises, foul smells and glaring lights.
The petition, submitted Thursday by the environmental law firm Earthjustice on behalf of the South L.A. nonprofit Redeemer Community Partnership, calls on the city to hold a public hearing and ultimately to impose the new requirements on the Jefferson Boulevard site, which sits next to apartments in a densely populated neighborhood west of USC.
Activists have frequently singled out the Jefferson site as a purported example of L.A. failing to properly protect residents from oil and gas production, particularly in predominantly black and Latino neighborhoods in southern stretches of the city. It is located closer to homes and other sensitive sites than any other L.A. drilling facility, according to a report by the nonprofit Community Health Councils.
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Now, environmental and community groups are calling for the city to use its nuisance abatement process used in the past to crack down on motels or liquor stores that fueled crime or blight to tighten restrictions on the South L.A. drilling site.
They point out that when drilling first was approved at the facility decades ago, the city declared it must be strictly controlled to eliminate any possible odor, noise, vibrations, hazards and other annoyances for neighbors. If needed, the city said it could impose more rules to protect residents.
Were really not asking for a lot here, said Richard Parks, president of Redeemer Community Partnership, pointing out that L.A. has required other drilling sites to be enclosed. What were asking for is the enforcement of the promise that the city made that oil operations would not impact our community.
The company running the site, Freeport-McMoRan, did not respond to requests for comment Thursday. It has disputed claims that the Jefferson site is a nuisance. Last year, in a letter to city officials reacting to the environmental groups, it argued that past problems at the drilling site have been promptly addressed and have not been severe enough to threaten neighborhood health or safety and trigger city action.
In the past, the firm also has stressed that it had not had any recent violations from the state Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources nor any noise violations since the company acquired the facility.
Accusations that the drilling site has created a nuisance are simply unsubstantiated, company officials wrote to the city last year, stating that the Jefferson facility had been operating in line with regulatory requirements.
Petroleum industry groups also have been dubious of activists pushing for new city restrictions at the Jefferson site, arguing that facilities like it already face rigorous regulations spanning from the local to the federal level.
This is just another legal maneuver by groups who want to stop all energy production, which would only make our state more reliant on imported oil produced with little or no environmental protection, California Independent Petroleum Assn. President Rock Zierman said in reaction to the petition.
Environmental and community activists, however, point to a long list of complaints raised by neighbors. In the past two years, the Jefferson site had two violations for excessive emissions from a unit that treats water, according to South Coast Air Quality Management District records. In one of those cases, complaints from neighbors triggered a visit from an inspector, who detected a smell like diesel exhaust.
What we believe weve done here is put forward the evidence that shows that the facility is operating in a way that disturbs the community, Earthjustice staff attorney Angela Johnson Meszaros said.
See the most-read stories this hour
Neighbors took such complaints to the city roughly a year and a half ago, when the company sought permission to drill and redrill wells at the Jefferson site. Parks complained that after the company withdrew those plans, the city failed to follow up on residents concerns about existing drilling.
Now the city will have no excuse for ignoring these complaints, Parks said.
City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who represents the area around the Jefferson drill site, said in a brief statement that he expected the city to conduct a timely hearing into clear and persistent nuisances documented by residents. The city Planning Department, to which the petition was addressed, said Thursday that it was reviewing the petition with city lawyers.
City rules allow planning officials to impose new requirements if a business or property owner jeopardizes public health or safety, has fueled crime or other disturbances, or otherwise creates a public nuisance. If problems persist, the city can revoke past approvals from the planning department.
The fresh push for action at the Jefferson site came as City Atty. Mike Feuer announced that another South Los Angeles drilling site could resume operations only if the company, Allenco Energy Inc., installs a monitoring system to protect local residents who had complained of nosebleeds and other health problems before the facility was shuttered. That system must remain in place for four years after the site is revived, according to the court decision.
emily.alpert@latimes.com
Follow @LATimesEmily for news from Los Angeles City Hall
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My God: New claims about O.J. Simpson and bloody glove trouble former district attorney
Los Angeles Countys former district attorney said he was troubled to learn new details about an infamous bloody glove that played a key role in the murder trial of O.J. Simpson.
A pair of bloody gloves was key evidence in the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. One was found outside Brown Simpsons town house the scene of the killings. The other was found at Simpsons home. DNA results showed genetic material consistent with both victims and Simpson.
But during the trial, the gloves fit Simpson awkwardly, leading to Johnnie Cochrans oft-quoted refrain: If it doesnt fit, you must acquit.
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Full Coverage: The O.J. Simpson case
On Oct. 3, 1995, a jury declared Simpson not guilty.
Speaking Thursday on Good Morning America, the district attorney at the time, Gil Garcetti, said he learned new details about the glove from an ESPN documentary about the case.
What we didnt know until I saw it on this film was that O.J. Simpson was taking arthritic medication for his hands and he was told if you stop taking this arthritic medication, your hands will swell. Your joints will stiffen. My God, Garcetti told GMA.
Did it tick me off and I would use a different word? Yes, it did, Garcetti added. But I cant say its really crossing the line.
The Simpson case has been back in the news recently because of several factors.
Los Angeles police are investigating and testing a knife that was reportedly recovered on property once owned by former football star O. J. Simpson.
A knife reportedly found Simpsons former home made headlines earlier this year, but the LAPD determined it was not connected to the 1994 slayings.
The Los Angeles Police Department performed a variety of forensic tests on the rusty 5-inch fixed-blade knife and compared it with the wounds inflicted on Brown Simpson and Goldman before ruling it out as the murder weapon, two sources familiar with the investigation said.
That is not the knife, an LAPD source familiar with the investigation said. There is no evidence related to the crime. The source said there was no blood on it.
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Two women who penned letters defending former Stanford University swimmer Brock Turner in court have rescinded their support, saying they didnt realize the severity of his actions.
Kelly Owens, a high school guidance counselor in Ohio, and Leslie Rasmussen, a friend of Turners, issued apologies Wednesday for making statements that they said have caused outrage.
Rasmussen, a member of the band Good English, said she was one of at least 39 people who submitted character statements to Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky in support of Turner, who was convicted in March of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster on campus.
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I had no right to make any assumptions about the situation, she wrote on Facebook. Most importantly, I did not acknowledge strongly enough the severity of Brocks crime and the suffering and pain that his victim endured, and for that lack of acknowledgement, I am deeply sorry.
In her letter, Rasmussen said Turner was not a monster, writing that there is absolutely no way Brock went out that night with rape on his mind.
Rasmussen said she understood the outrage over her statement and Turners sentencing.
I can only say that I am committed to learning from this mistake, she said. I am 20 years old, and it has never been more clear to me that I still have much to learn.
In her letter to Persky, Owens described Turner as truly an exceptional person/student, who was never boastful or arrogant, but rather a favorite among his teachers and peers.
Owens, who works at Oakwood High School in Ohio, said the verdict broke her heart, saying that Turner was absolutely undeserving of the outcome.
But on Wednesday, Owens submitted an apology to her school district.
See the most-read stories this hour >>
Her statement, published in the Dayton Daily News, reads:
In the statement I submitted to the judge during the criminal proceedings and before sentencing referencing Brocks character, I made a mistake. Of course he should be held accountable. I pray for the victim, her family and all those affected by this horrible event. I am truly sorry for the additional pain my statement has caused. I tell my students they have to be accountable, and Brock is no exception.
Turners case has drawn outrage after he was sentenced to six months in jail.
He was facing a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, and at the time, prosecutors asked Persky to sentence him to six years in prison.
He was found guilty of three felony counts: assault with the intent to commit rape of an unconscious person, sexual penetration of an unconscious person and sexual penetration of an intoxicated person.
Persky instead sentenced Turner last week to six months in county jail and three years probation.
Critics say the sentence was too lenient and have launched a campaign to recall Persky from the bench.
In an emotional a 12-page letter, Turner victims called the lenient sentence a soft timeout, a mockery of the seriousness of the assaults.
Turner wrote Persky after his conviction, and blamed the party culture and risk-taking behavior for actions.
Turner vowed to change peoples attitudes towards the culture surrounded by binge drinking and sexual promiscuity that protrudes through what people think is at the core of being a college student.
But Turners victim said that his statement showed that he was not remorseful and has failed to take responsibility.
She wrote:
See one thing we have in common is that we were both unable to get up in the morning. I am no stranger to suffering. You made me a victim. In newspapers my name was unconscious intoxicated woman, ten syllables, and nothing more than that. For a while, I believed that that was all I was. I had to force myself to relearn my real name, my identity. To relearn that this is not all that I am. That I am not just a drunk victim at a frat party found behind a dumpster, while you are the All-American swimmer at a top university, innocent until proven guilty, with so much at stake. I am a human being who has been irreversibly hurt, who waited a year to figure out if I was worth something.
For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
MORE ON STANFORD RAPE CASE
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UCLA is creating a task force to examine the universitys response to last weeks deadly shooting on campus.
Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck, who is already conducting a security analysis, is assembling a task force to ensure that we act upon lessons learned last week, UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block said in a statement.
The task force will look at several issues, including how students and faculty received emergency notifications and complaints about classroom security and door locks. Students said they couldnt close classroom doors during the campus lockdown.
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UCLA has devoted considerable attention to crisis and disaster preparedness in recent years, including conducting active shooter drills, Block said. As a result, we were able to respond to last weeks events effectively. We now must carefully study our actions and reactions to determine what more we can do to protect our community from violence.
UCLA student leaders will hold a news conference Friday to discuss efforts to end campus violence as well as provide more details about the task force.
Authorities said Mainak Sarkar, a former doctoral student, stormed into Engineering Building 4 last Wednesday, entered a small fourth-floor office and fatally shot William Klug, a highly regarded professor. Sarkar, 38, then turned the gun on himself.
The shooting triggered a campus-wide lockdown as thousands of UCLA students raced for cover and holed up in classrooms, barricading doors with desks, projectors and anything else.
Detectives have been working to retrace Sarkars movements before the shooting.
Sarkar left a note at the shooting, asking investigators to check on his cat at his home in St. Paul, Minn., nearly 2,000 miles away.
When investigators went to his home, they found a kill list with three names. Klug, a second UCLA professor and Sarkars estranged wife, Ashley Hasti, were named.
See the most-read stories this hour >>
The list led investigators to her body.
They believe Sarkar shot and killed Hasti in her home in Minnesota before driving to Los Angeles in his gray 2003 Nissan Sentra. The abandoned Nissan was found Friday in a Culver City neighborhood.
The second UCLA professor was not harmed.
In recent months, Sarkar had lashed out on his blog at the professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Police said there was little merit to a claim that the 39-year-old father of two had stolen Sarkars computer code and given it to someone else.
UCLA has established a fund for Klugs wife and children.
For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
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A 50-year-old man was found guilty Wednesday of the murders of two women in Santa Monica more than a decade ago, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney.
Edric Dashell Gross, whom police said is a transient known to frequent Santa Monica, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders.
According to prosecutors and Santa Monica police investigators, Jacqueline Lea Osvak, 42, a transient, was sexually assaulted and strangled in April 2001. Her body was discovered by construction workers in an abandoned home in 1500 block of 7th Street that was slated for demolition.
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More than a year later, in October 2002, people walking through Palisades Park found the body of Dana Victoria Caper, 41, along the bluffs below. Police said Caper was also a transient and lived along the bluffs. Investigators said that like Osvak, Caper had been sexually assaulted and strangled.
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Both cases went cold and were turned over to the Santa Monica Police Departments cold case unit. Through DNA processing and new leads, investigators identified Gross in September 2007 as the suspect in both slayings. He was arrested in August 2012.
Gross was tried for the murders last year, but that ended in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Prosecutors tried the case a second time this year.
Sentencing for Gross is scheduled for June 24. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to prosecutors.
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ruben.vives@latimes.com
For more Southern California news, follow @latvives
Leonard Hill, a producer of made-for-TV movies turned developer who gave new life to old buildings in downtown L.A.s Arts District and then produced a romantic comedy about the area has died.
Hill, who also donated $1.9 million for a new downtown park, died Tuesday at his home in Hancock Park, said his wife, Dr. Patricia Gordon. The cause was not disclosed. He was 68.
For the record: This obituary incorrectly states that along with partner Yuval Bar-Zemer, Leonard Hill co-founded Linear City Development, which has developed four major residential projects. It was an earlier partnership, Linear City LLC, with a third member, Paul Solomon, that developed the Biscuit Company and Toy Factory lofts.
With partner Yuval Bar-Zemer, Hill co-founded a company called Linear City Development that developed the Biscuit Company Lofts and the Toy Factory Lofts in the Arts District, and transformed a former Metropolitan Water District headquarters into the Elysian, a startling glass rampart of 96 lofts on the eastern edge of Echo Park.
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He felt passionately about his gift earlier this year to the Mayors Fund for Los Angeles for construction of a 1.4-acre arts plaza beneath the new Sixth Street Bridge, said Rick Jacobs, executive vice mayor. The gift includes funds for a stage and performing arts series.
He loved Los Angeles and he was all about restoring it, said Hills stepdaughter, Allie Weinstein. He found so much beauty in things that were old.
Born and raised in L.A., Hill could not stand the strip malls and the shoddy construction that proliferated across the basin in his youth, his wife said.
He rebelled against the faceless character of many buildings constructed in those boom years of sprawl, and the way they took no care in slapping up a building, she said. He wanted a different path for the city.
Leonard Franklin Hill was born Oct. 11, 1947, in Westwood to Herbert Hill, a businessman, and Edith Hill, a social worker. He went to Emerson Middle School, University High School, Yale and Stanford, where he earned a masters degree.
His wife said that other than what she called his homesick years at college, he had never been away from his beloved city.
He became a TV writer, writing scripts for shows that included Adam 12, then was an executive at NBC and vice president of movies at ABC. He produced dozens of TV movies, four miniseries and three dramatic series, and founded Allied Communication Inc., a distribution company.
But in 2001, after TV movies faded in popularity, he launched something new.
Though he had joined the Los Angeles Conservancy in 1986, and became a board member in 1993, he had little experience in construction or real estate development. Yet he started with a project that even experts would consider challenging: He invested in a seven-story bankrupt factory in the Arts District, which, at the time, was flanked with tent encampments and hosted a lively open-air prostitution market.
He was soon joined by Bar-Zemer, an Israeli immigrant and builder with ample experience in adaptive reuse projects. But even for him, it was uncharted ground, said Bar-Zemer.
The pair were taking a tremendous gamble, said Carl Muhlstein, a real estate broker familiar with the area.
Bar-Zemer described a few hairy moments. At one point, an easement problem prompted city officials to suggest they shave back the buildings footprint not what developers looking to convert a historic factory want to hear.
Despite difficulties, the Toy Factory Lofts were completed in 2004, and the Biscuit Company Lofts followed a couple years later.
He was not afraid of anything, Bar-Zemer said.
He credited Hill with teaching him what it means to see projects in terms of a legacy, he said.
Hill would tell him, here is an abandoned part of the city. We have an opportunity to do something about it. Its a serious responsibility, and it has to be done right and it has to last, Bar-Zemer recalled.
Up till then, Bar-Zemer had been a more workaday developer, moving pragmatically from project to project. Hill urged his partner to ponder the long-term effect on neighborhoods of his buildings, and what he called the archeology of each structure.
Bar-Zemer emerged from their collaboration with a new sense that what we create will have a lasting impact on its environment, he said.
Mayors aide Jacobs credited Hill and Bar-Zemer with reimagining that part of downtown and helping create the commercial momentum that continues there today.
Hill and Bar-Zemer went on to complete a project called 7+Bridge in 2011, home to lofts and the Bestia restaurant, and finished the Elysian in 2014.
Broker Muhlstein called the Elysian outstanding. The William Pereira-designed structure had been so down on its luck that it had been rendered almost invisible, Muhlstein said. It became as conspicuous as a beacon.
Hill never quite left movies behind: He and Bar-Zemer made documentaries for each of their historic reuse projects.
Hill also produced a movie called Dorfman in Love in 2011 about living in downtown lofts. Many sequences were filmed in his restored buildings.
Besides reuse work, Hill served on the board of the California Film Commission, Common Cause, and the Caucus of Producers, Writers and Directors, and established the Leonard Hill Foundation.
Bar-Zemer called him a brilliant guy. He said Hill was a fast thinker with political sophistication and negotiating flare who knew how to pick people and then trusted them without reserve.
At his Hancock Park home, Hill was the kind of person who read the newspaper from cover to cover before anything got done, said his wife. It was a second marriage; they wed in 2011.
The planned park he funded at the Sixth Street bridge will be named for him, Jacobs said.
Besides his wife, he is survived by brothers Andrew Hill and Rick Hill.
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Claiming they have been relegated to second-class status, some American Samoans are asking the Supreme Court to correct a historic wrong and overturn a century-old law that denies them the right to be U.S. citizens at birth.
Unlike children born in all the states and the other U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, the newborns of American Samoans do not become automatic U.S. citizens.
They are instead deemed as nationals who owe their allegiance to the United States, but lack the rights as citizens to vote, to serve as officers in the military or hold top government posts.
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The Carson-based Samoan Federation of America is asking the justices to take up its claim that the Constitutions 14th Amendment promises citizenship to all persons born on U.S. soil.
Were proud of the United States, and we want to be recognized as part of it, said federation President Loa Pele Faletogo, 71, a military veteran living in Carson. I see young men and women who go to war to fight for the United States. They are willing to die for a country that is not fully theirs and for a nation that doesnt fully accept them as citizens.
California is home to about 61,000 American Samoans, according to the 2010 census. Thats more than the 55,000 who live on the South Pacific islands.
But both the U.S. and American Samoan governments are urging the high court to reject the appeal. The U.S. solicitor general says the matter should be left to Congress.
The American Samoan government has historically opposed birthright citizenship, fearing it might adversely affect its national culture.
The justices considered the appeal Thursday during their private conference and could act as soon as Monday.
Former U.S. Solicitor Gen. Ted Olson filed the appeal on behalf of the five Samoan plaintiffs and the Samoan Federation, asking the justices to revisit the so-called insular cases of the early 1900s. Those controversial decisions said the people of the newly acquired American territories are entitled to only some of the constitutional rights of Americans.
Justice Henry Billings Brown, the author of the 1896 Plessy vs. Ferguson decision that upheld racial segregation, wrote in 1901 that extending full rights to the people in lands inhabited by alien races might threaten the development of the American empire.
Last year, Judge Janice Rogers Brown of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit acknowledged the 1901 opinion and others like it may be politically incorrect and reflect outdated views of race and imperialism. Nonetheless, she spoke for the three-judge panel that rejected the Samoans suit and said it was up to Congress, not the courts, to change their status.
Olsons appeal points to the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War. Its opening clause says: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States.
The amendment was intended to overturn the Supreme Courts Dred Scott decision, which denied rights and citizenship for African Americans. Sen. Lyman Trumbull of Illinois, a sponsor of the amendment, said its promise of citizenship at birth extended to persons everywhere, whether in the states, or in the Territories, or in the District of Columbia.
Olson cites this history to argue the Constitution includes an unequivocal promise of birthright citizenship, yet Congress has singled out persons born in American Samoa and branded them with an inferior, subordinate status that deprives them of the full rights many of them have fought to defend.
In 1900, after the its victory over Spain in the Spanish-American War and its seizure of the Philippines, the United States also took possession of part of the Samoa islands, which became American Samoa.
Congress decided its people shall be nationals, but not citizens, of the United States at birth. Today Samoans who move to the mainland can become citizens, but only by going through the lengthy naturalization process.
The appeal in Tuana vs. United States is backed by several groups of legal scholars who say the court should use the case to clarify the constitutional standards for citizenship.
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FOR THE RECORD
7:43 a.m., June 15: This article misspelled a name in a case citation. It is Tuaua vs. United States, not Tuana vs. United States.
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Lingering confusion over the subject arose during the Republican primaries this year, when Donald Trump questioned whether Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was eligible to run for president as a natural-born citizen because he was born in Canada. Most legal scholars sided with Cruz because Congress had extended citizenship at birth to children who were born abroad to American parents.
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david.savage@latimes.com
On Twitter: DavidGSavage
UPDATES:
2:20 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional background.
It was first published at 9:01 a.m.
The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that judges must step aside from ruling in a case if they had once played a key role in the prosecution.
The 5-3 decision sided with a death row inmate in Pennsylvania whose sentence was upheld by the state supreme court led by Chief Justice Ronald Castille, who decades earlier had approved seeking the death penalty in the same case.
Justice Anthony Kennedy cited the maxim that no man can be a judge in his own case. This rule requires a judge or justice to step aside from ruling in any case where he or she had a significant, personal involvement in the prosecution, he said.
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The Constitutions guarantee of due process of law would have little substance if it did not disqualify a former prosecutor from sitting in judgment of a prosecution in which he or she had made a critical decision, Kennedy said in Williams vs. Pennsylvania.
The high courts decision is the second in recent years to strengthen the requirement that judges step aside from deciding cases in which their impartiality might be in doubt.
Kennedy also spoke for the court in 2009 in requiring an elected West Virginia Supreme Court justice to withdraw from ruling on a civil case involving a wealthy coal baron who had contributed several million dollars to support the judges campaign.
In the Pennsylvania case, the justices said the convicted murderer, Terrance Williams, deserves a new hearing before the state high court, without Castille.
In 1986, as a district attorney in Philadelphia, Castille authorized seeking the death penalty against Williams.
Two years ago, Castille refused to step aside when the state court considered an appeal from Williams. And he wrote a separate opinion to denounce the obstructionist anti-death penalty agenda of the public defenders representing Williams.
Shortly afterward, he retired from the state supreme court.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. dissented Thursday and said Kennedys majority opinion rests on a proverb rather than precedent.
He said the issues raised in the latest appeal from Williams were quite different from deciding whether to seek the death sentence in the first place.
I would accordingly hold that the Due Process Clause did not require Chief Justice Castilles recusal, he said in a dissent joined by Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Justice Clarence Thomas also dissented.
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On Twitter: DavidGSavage
This month, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in the first landmark abortion case in decades, Whole Womans Health vs. Hellerstedt. The ruling could have an immediate effect not only in Texas, but in more than half a dozen other states that have recently passed laws restricting access to abortion clinics.
In 2013, Texas passed a law that included two key provisions requiring abortion clinics to upgrade into ambulatory surgical centers and abortion doctors to have hospital admitting privileges. Its that law that abortion provider Whole Womans Health sued to block. (It operates three clinics and a surgical center in Texas.)
Its not clear what the impact of the courts decision in the Texas case will be nationwide: 22 other states require abortion clinics to meet standards similar to ambulatory surgical centers; four require admitting privileges, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit that supports abortion rights. If the high court sides with Texas, or sends the case back to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, similar laws stayed by the courts could be enforced in Kansas, Michigan and Wisconsin.
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A look at some notable numbers related to the case:
19: Total number of abortion clinics in Texas
Before the law passed, Texas had 41 abortion providers. Now they have 19. The courts have exempted two border clinics from some of the requirements, one in El Paso and another in McAllen. The exemptions were granted because of the distance women would have to travel to the nearest clinic. The closest clinic to the Whole Womans Health facility in McAllen is 250 miles north in San Antonio.
If the law is allowed to take full effect, 10 clinics would close, including the McAllen clinic, officials said this week. The remaining nine clinics would all be in major cities Austin, Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth and San Antonio far from women on the border and in rural West Texas.
85 miles: The average distance Texas women now travel one-way to reach a clinic
Texas women have been traveling farther for abortions, some to clinics in Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas.
The national average is 30 miles one-way, and women whose local clinics stayed open traveled less than that, an average of 22 miles, according to a recent study by the Texas Policy Evaluation Project.
If the high court upholds the Texas law, women will end up spending more to travel farther, according to Nancy Northup, president and chief executive of the Center for Reproductive Rights.
The few remaining providers will not be able to meet the demand for abortion services, Northup said during a briefing Tuesday.
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3 weeks: The average wait for an appointment at Whole Womans Health in Fort Worth
After the Texas law passed, the number of clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area which serve women from as far away as West Texas and Oklahoma - dropped from 10 to four, and wait times increased.
We have a patient who jumped into her RV and drove all the way to San Antonio because the wait was too long in the Dallas area, said Amy Hagstrom Miller, president and chief executive of Whole Womans Health and lead plaintiff in the case.
Another woman drove from Fort Worth to Austin in an RV with her husband and children, Miller said, because it was the only way they could afford lodging and transportation.
One of the clinics that closed after the law passed was in Lubbock, about 350 miles west of Dallas. An unemployed, uninsured single mother of three from Lubbock called the Whole Womans Health clinic in Fort Worth half a dozen times during her pregnancy trying to raise enough money to pay for her travel and the procedure. Texas bans abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy.
By the time she was able to have an ultrasound, she was too far along to have an abortion in the state of Texas, Miller said.
The Texas laws restrictions had applied to medication as well as surgical abortions, which aggravated wait times. Women who chose abortion-inducing medication were required to wait, then return four times, seeing the same doctor each time, based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations guidelines.
The proportion of women choosing the medication, mifepristone, dropped from between 40% and 50% to about 2% after the law passed, Miller said.
In March, the FDA changed its guidelines, allowing women to receive the drug further into pregnancy and in fewer visits. Now the number of women choosing medication is back to what it was before the law passed, Miller said.
18 months to four years: The time it takes to build an ambulatory surgical center
There are no plans to build new abortion clinics that meet the Texas laws ambulatory surgical center requirements, said Stephanie Toti, senior attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, who argued the case before the Supreme Court on behalf of Texas abortion providers.
If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Whole Womans Health, it and other providers could reopen some of the 22 clinics that closed after the Texas law passed, Toti said. But its unclear how many or how long it would take.
Clinics that remained open after the law passed but stopped providing abortion services would still have to reapply for two-year abortion clinic licenses and be inspected, which can take up to a year, she said.
We cant reopen clinics overnight, Miller said, noting that providers have had to sell buildings, give up leases, lay off staff and allow doctors to take other jobs.
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Hundreds of people evacuated their homes as a wildfire raged near the Arizona town where a 2013 blaze killed 19 members of an elite firefighting crew.
Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Dolores Garcia said 250 to 300 people have left their homes in the community of Yarnell.
The fire has burned nearly a square mile but incident commander RobRoy Williams said its growth slowed overnight. He said light winds Thursday morning were blowing the fire away from Yarnell and that the weather forecast is favorable for several days.
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Approximately 200 firefighters and other personnel are assigned to the fire, which is 10% contained, officials said.
Williams said the origin of the fire is under investigation, but that a human cause is suspected.
There have been no reports of injuries, the Yavapai County Sheriffs Office said.
The blaze was burning south and east of the site of the Yarnell Hill Fire in which members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots died when they got trapped by the flames nearly three years ago the deadliest U.S. tragedy for wildland firefighters in several decades.
That lightning-caused wildfire destroyed nearly 130 homes in the area.
On Wednesday, some Yarnell homeowners said they saw smoke and received a voluntary evacuation notice on their cellphones.
Its horrific, Jerry Florman told the Arizona Republic over the telephone as she left town around 6:30 p.m. local time Im halfway down the mountain with the dog. Im guessing there will be plenty of people saying, Im not going to go back. Its so hard.
Florman and her husband, Kurt, lost their home in the fire three years ago and later purchased another home nearby.
The newspaper said the Flormans hoped that this fire would be extinguished quickly and be nowhere as devastating.
A Red Cross shelter for evacuees was set up at Yavapai College in nearby Prescott.
Highway 89 through Yarnell was shut down as U.S. Forest Service crews did back-burns and dug trenches while air tankers dropped slurry loads before nightfall.
Authorities said the fire appeared to be moving up mountain slopes to the northeast of Yarnell and away from the town, but that its western flank still was threatened.
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Thursday marks an historic day for Californians. For the first time, terminally ill patients in this state will be allowed to turn to their physicians for guidance and help on how to end their lives on their own terms. While many dying patients will not opt to take advantage of their rights under the End of Life Option Act, others facing a fatal prognosis from a brutal disease or condition will undoubtedly be comforted by the new law.
But for some physicians, this is an occasion for trepidation, because helping people die even when they are terminally ill is in stark contradiction to the ancient Hippocratic Oath that still guides the profession. Neither will I administer a poison to anybody when asked to do so, nor will I suggest such a course, says the original Greek text.
For the record: This piece incorrectly states that UCLA is covering the cost of the medication. It should say that UC Care, the University of California health plan, will cover the cost.
But attitudes about medical care have changed a great deal over the last seven centuries, including about how to provide end-of-life care. These days, many doctors believe that giving dying patients some control over how and when they die and in how much pain or discomfort may at times be more compassionate than merely keeping them alive as long as possible in any condition whatsoever.
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To be clear, Californias new law, modeled on Oregons 20-year-old Death With Dignity Act, will not force doctors, pharmacists or anyone else to help a person end his or her life. Nor does it permit institutional or legal punishment against those who opt out. Thats as it should be.
But if Oregons experience is any guide, some doctors who object to the law will change their minds once it goes from an abstract concept to a real life. Its harder to be resolute, advocates say, when a person youve treated for decades, and know to be facing a terrible end, pleads for a lethal prescription.
California, the largest state to adopt such a law, is the fifth to do so. Similar laws are under consideration in more than 20 other states.
In any case, the objection by some doctors (how many exactly is not clear) doesnt appear to be a major bump in the roll out of the new law this week. Some of the states largest health facilities Kaiser Permamente, Sutter Health, UCLA are not only complying voluntarily, but will cover the cost of the the medication. (Individual physicians can still opt out). Thats no small thing, because the most popular medication used for physician-assisted death in states where it is allowed is Seconal, and the company that makes it, Valeant Pharmacueticals, hiked the cost of the lethal dose from $200 to $3,000 last year, just after California passed the law.
The state medical boards website, with links to application and compliance forms, was set to go live hours before the new law kicked in Thursday. And the state Department of Public Health has been answering final questions for doctors, such as what they should report as the cause of death (answer: the underlying illness, not suicide). California, the largest state to adopt such a law, is the fifth to do so. Similar laws are under consideration in more than 20 other states.
Even the California Medical Assn., which opposed earlier versions of this law (and was neutral on the final version), has issued a voluminous and unbiased fact sheet to help guide doctors through this major transition.
The law includes substantial built-in safeguards to abuse, starting with the requirement that a patient be diagnosed by a doctor as having just six months to live, that they are mentally competent and that they are able to self-administer the medication. A second doctor must agree. No fewer than five forms must be filled out at various stages of the process, by doctors, pharmacists and the patient. After they receive the medication, patients must fill out another form within 48 hours prior to the self-administration of the drug. The option has been used sparingly in Oregon fewer than 1,000 people in two decades.
Many more have requested the prescription, but not used it, suggesting perhaps that simply having the means to end the pain and suffering is comfort itself.
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Millions of Californians walked into a polling place Tuesday and some of them came out pretty annoyed. The vote-counting machines were broken. Their polling sites opened late or had been moved. They werent on the voter rolls. Complaints accumulated throughout the day: in polling stations, on Twitter, on Facebook and around the proverbial water cooler. Because of the veritable smorgasbord of issues encountered across the state, lots of voters ended up having to cast provisional ballots. And some of them shuddered, certain that writing their vote on that little pink envelope was akin to putting a letter in a bottle, casting it into the sea and trusting it would reach someone -- anyone -- who could carry it to its intended recipient. For those who raced out of the office or got up early to vote, the uncertainty about whether those votes would be properly tallied was frustrating.
Each person walking around California with a smartphone carries a ridiculous amount of computing power on their person. They have the ability to play games with strangers on another continent, comment on the baby photos of someone they havent seen in 10 years or take slow-motion videos. We are living in a time of rapid technological innovation, so we expect things to work. Imagine walking into a polling station and realizing that they dont have your name on an official list printed in an official binder -- even though you registered -- because another piece of paper was misplaced somewhere along the way from the county registrars office. So now youve got to write your vote on this piece of paper that wont be counted by a human until after the initial results are announced.
Imagine youre a Bernie Sanders supporter who walked in already annoyed by the Associated Press early call that Hillary Clinton had wrapped up the Democratic nomination for president. We could have predicted that people would be angry. In this case, they have the right to be. Voting is a participative experience, and because of preventable issues Tuesday, many Californians felt that they were unable to fully participate.
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Voting is a participative experience, and because of preventable issues Tuesday, many Californians felt that they were unable to fully participate.
Dan Schnur, the director of USCs Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, believes the challenges to Californias electoral system are significant. You have a historic increase in number of newly registered voters, antiquated voting machines, complicated rules for no party preference voters, and youve got a recipe for all sorts of problems, Schnur says.
Its difficult to compare the volume of complaints year over year, as the rise of communication technologies and social media has given a greater voice to Californians. In past years, individual gripes have simply had less reach. Complaints lodged over social media are harder to verify and to collect than those sent directly to election officials.
California Secretary of State Alex Padilla has made a few necessary improvements since taking office in 2015, after a sleepy decade for electoral reform here. Voter registration is at a record high in the state, and he has led initiatives that help nonnative English speakers and younger people access the system in higher numbers. At a conference in February, Padilla acknowledged that the state government still faced major obstacles in electoral administration. Some California counties have old voting systems and then others have old, old voting systems, he said.
When it comes to smooth voting systems, L.A. is leading the state, but the state is lagging the country, Schnur said. Yes, California -- the state that birthed the self-driving car and the polygraph machine and the space shuttle Endeavor -- is having a really hard time tracking the little pieces of paper they send in the mail from one location to another. Thats making its systems glitchy when volunteers at the polls try to figure out who you are and what kind of ballot you should receive. Perhaps in addition to creating apps to make our lives more comfortable, Silicon Valley could donate a bit of its attention to revamping Californias voting system.
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When Californians endorsed open party primaries in 2010, it was with the promise that getting rid of the old closed system would spark competitive legislative races. It wasnt hard to resist such an assertion, since by then the states primary elections had become little more than an anointment of party hacks who too often represented extreme ends of political ideology (think socialist Bernie Sanders and theocratic Ted Cruz).
Well, competition we got, if not exactly in the way it was expected. Instead of a system in which ideas and debate were the main currency, in many cases actual currency remains king, and the competition has taken the form of proxy battles between wealthy special interests. In a number of tight races this week, those interests were oil and business groups on one side supporting business-friendly Democrats against environmental interests and labor unions on another, pushing progressive, climate change-concerned candidates.
A record amount of money was spent in this years primary races, $29 million in direct campaign donations and independent expenditures. And more records will probably be broken in the lead-up to November. One of the biggest spenders was the oil industry, which dropped millions into legislative races. Chevron alone reported contributing more than $407,000 directly to individual candidate and $5.38 million to committees, including the Coalition to Restore Californias Middle Class, including energy companies who produce gas, oil, jobs and pay taxes -- which is wholly supported by the oil industry.
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The investment seemed to have paid off. The candidates on whom the oil industry concentrated its largesse did well enough in the primary to secure spots in the November runoff: Assemblywomen Cheryl Brown (D-Bernardino), who is facing a tough challenge by a candidate backed by environmental and labor interests; Nora Campos (D-San Jose), who is termed out of the Assembly and hoping to knock off incumbent Sen. Jim Beall (D-San Jose); and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, the mayor of Winters, who is vying for an open Assembly seat in a Northern California district.
To a lesser extent, three other Assembly candidates benefited from oil cash: Raul Bocanegra, who is trying to regain the San Fernando Valley seat he lost two years ago to Patty Lopez (D-San Fernando); Blanca Rubio, a Baldwin Park school board member trying to win an open seat in the San Gabriel Valley; and Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), a co-chair of the Assemblys moderate Democrat caucus who is running for reelection.
Another promise of the open primary experiment was the emergence of more moderate candidates. We got that, too, as evidenced by the growth in the ranks and power of the moderate Democratic caucus in recent years. Last year the mod Dem block flexed that power by scuttling a key provision to cut petroleum use in the climate change bill, SB 350.
Is this a better system than the closed primary of the past? That depends on whom you ask. But its safe to say that the open primary system delivered on its promise to seriously shake up Californias elections.
(On a related note, Assemblyman Adam Gray [D-Merced] is evidently a fan of open primaries. On Thursday he proposed a constitutional amendment that would mandate open primaries in presidential elections, too. Its probably a nonstarter, since federal elections are different animals than state, but who knows?)
Follow me on Twitter @marielgarzaLAT
It is a wondrous thing to watch the mental and moral gymnastics Republican politicians and political surrogates put themselves through to defend Donald Trump. This week, theyve had to work especially hard for their 30 pieces of silver to justify Trumps bigoted remarks about a Mexican judge.
The target of Trumps latest self-serving rant is U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is overseeing a class-action lawsuit brought by hundreds of people who claim they were bamboozled by the billionaires bogus Trump University. Trump alleges that Curiel is treating him unfairly the big baby is always whimpering about being treated unfairly by someone because the judge is a Mexican.
Actually, Curiel is an Indiana-born American, but his parents are from Mexico and Trump told the Wall Street Journal that amounts to an absolute conflict. Why? Because Trump wants to build a wall along the Mexican border and, because Curiel might not approve of that, he is bound to be biased in his rulings. At least that is Trumps skewed reasoning, based on no evidence.
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1 / 51 la-1491523602-y7ephyarj1-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 51 la-1491368625-0bgh58ihw8-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los angeles Times) 6 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 51 Trump inspires millions to take to the streets -- to oppose him. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 51 Cartoon caption contest winner at the DENT conference in Sun Valley, Idaho: Jon Duval, executive director of the Ketchum Community Development Corporation. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 51 Old radicals and big media descend on Selma (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 51 Horsey imagined the creation of the Ann Coulter phenomenon in this cartoon from 2007. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 51 This David Horsey drawing is a reconfiguration of a cartoon he first published in 2006. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 51 Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers, should give Cliven Bundy a call. After Sterling loses his NBA franchise and the deadbeat Nevada rancher loses his cattle, the two old racists will both need a buddy. Maybe they can team up together and open an all-white rodeo. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 51 Besides sending a chill up the spine of the international community, Vladimir Putin has accomplished one other thing by seizing Crimea and threatening the rest of Ukraine: Putin has brought back the bear. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 51 The right-wing insurrection at the Bundy ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., has taken another weird turn with new revelations about the family history of Cliven Bundy. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 51 David Horsey / Los Angeles Times (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times)
Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, who tried to minimize the impact of his endorsement of Trump for the GOP presidential nomination by publishing it in his hometown newspaper in Wisconsin, was at least direct in his characterization of Trumps comments. He called the candidates words a textbook definition of a racist comment. Other Republicans were less forthright.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell went before reporters to tell Trump he should quit attacking the various people you competed with and various minority groups and get on message. His concern, apparently, was less what Trump said than it was his lack of campaign discipline. Utah GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch showed little concern about Trumps bigoted assertion that a Latino judges ethnicity should be disqualifying. Hatch told the media that, because poor little Donald is new to politics, they should be nice to him. Trumps prized lap dog, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, defended his new master. Ive known him for 14 years, Christie said. And Donald Trump is not a racist.
The most brazen defense was put up by two of Trumps shills on CNN Tuesday night. The first zinger came from Kayleigh McEnany, one of the gaggle of vacuous young women who are vying to establish themselves in the lucrative business of conservative punditry. McEnany, a constant guest on CNN, is notorious for her inability to veer from Trump-friendly talking points. She outdid herself this time when she tried to change the subject from Trumps remarks to the terribly unfair way the man has been treated by the media. Incredibly, it took other panelists several seconds too long to point out that Trumps successful campaign has been built almost entirely on unlimited free media attention and a long string of softball interviews.
McEnanys inanity was exceeded only by CNNs favored Trump surrogate, Jeffrey Lord. The veteran political operative who was an aide to Ronald Reagan and Jack Kemp is usually much more nuanced in his Trump pumping. But this time his spin veered into the surreal. Trumps comments werent racist, he argued, Trump was calling attention to racism. Lord went on to accuse Ryan and McConnell of playing the race card by critiquing Trump.
Wow. Thats what you call bold. And loyal. And twisted.
The most venal thing about what Trump said actually goes beyond racism. It is that he is intentionally stirring up ethnic animosity in order to deflect scrutiny of the abundant evidence that he and his trained sharks bilked hundreds of people out of the many thousands of dollars they paid for worthless courses at his university. And, in so doing, Trump is defaming Curiel, a respected jurist and former prosecutor whom the last Republican governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, calls a hero in the fight against Mexican drug cartels.
If the Republican politicians who are defending Trump had not lost their sense of decency, they would be ashamed of themselves. CNNs Trumpistas McEnany and Lord are, obviously, incapable of shame. They are what they are, professional spinmeisters angling for a better TV gig or a job in the Trump White House. Too bad Trump University is defunct. McEnany and Lord could have been professors.
David.Horsey@latimes.com
Follow me at @davidhorsey on Twitter
President Obama dispensed with his long-held pledge of neutrality in the Democratic presidential race Thursday, backing Hillary Clinton as the most qualified candidate to succeed him in the nations highest office.
I know how hard this job can be. Thats why I know Hillary will be so good at it, he said in a video message released by Clintons campaign. I am with her. I am fired up. And I cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary.
The endorsement, quickly followed by the announcement that Obama will join Clinton on the campaign trail in Wisconsin next week, accelerated what had been expected to be a careful, deliberate effort to bring the occasionally bitter Democratic primary to an amicable conclusion.
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It came only moments after the president had granted a courtesy call in the Oval Office to Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator and fiery progressive running against Clinton who has yet to formally suspend his campaign. And hours later, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, a favorite of the partys liberal wing, also moved to endorse Clinton.
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When the day started, Sanders appeared to be holding on to his chance to leverage his unexpected success in the nomination fight he earned more than 12 million votes and won more than 20 states and territories for concessions from Democratic leaders on the party platform, changes to future nominating rules and even party leadership roles.
But in a series of meetings, first with Obama and then on Capitol Hill, Sanders offered no clarity about his plans to drop out or to back Clinton, and said nothing about what he might ask of Democrats in return.
Reading a statement to reporters outside the West Wing after his meeting with Obama, but before the endorsement was announced, Sanders said only that he would continue to campaign in the District of Columbia ahead of the final primary contest here Tuesday.
But in a nod to Democrats desire to see the party focus on the general election fight, Sanders also attacked Donald Trump. He said it was unbelievable to him that Republicans would nominate a figure who makes bigotry and discrimination the cornerstone of his campaign.
Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that Donald Trump does not become president, he said.
After meeting with Sanders, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) deflected questions about whether Sanders campaign was coming to an end.
Im not pushing him to do anything if he needs a little time to decide what he wants to do, he said. I dont think Bernie Sanders is holding out for anything. I think he is somebody who is interested in changing the direction of the country. Hes done that with this historic election.
Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, Reids likely successor as the Democrats leader in the Senate, likewise, praised Sanders contributions and put a positive spin on the road ahead.
Hes not bitter; hes not angry, Schumer said. Were going to have a great and constructive relationship.
As for Obama, he had already congratulated Clinton for securing the nomination this week. But he went further in the video message, saying she had the courage, the compassion and the heart to get the job done.
Noting their history as rivals in a presidential primary, he said her decision to serve as his secretary of State was a testament to her character.
I have seen her judgment, Ive seen her toughness, Ive seen her commitment to our values up close, he said.
It meant the world to her to have Obamas support, Clinton said in an interview with Reuters.
It is absolutely a joy and an honor that President Obama and I, over the years, have gone from fierce competitors to true friends, she said.
Even as Obama remained publicly neutral through the primary campaign, he at times weighed in on the race in ways that appeared to favor her. The White House and members of Clintons campaign many themselves former administration officials were in regular contact throughout the race, and with Sanders to a lesser extent.
The conversation Thursday between Obama and Sanders was their third in a week. Aides said Sanders would not have been surprised to learn of the release of the endorsement video, which was recorded Tuesday as votes were still being cast California and five other states.
The White House declined to detail their conversation beyond describing it as friendly and focused on the future.
The president is deeply respectful of Sen. Sanders and the campaign that he has run over the last year or so, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said. They had a serious conversation about the stakes of the upcoming general election and about the future of the Democratic Party.
Sanders went ahead with a scheduled rally in Washington on Thursday night. Elsewhere in Washington, Warren, an ideological ally, was ramping up her own presence as a political player. Already one of the most effective anti-Trump voices in the party, she was set to join Vice President Joe Biden at an event where she intended to make a blistering critique of the presumptive GOP nominee.
Donald Trump is a loud, nasty, thin-skinned fraud who has never risked anything for anyone and serves nobody but himself. And that is just one of the many reasons why he will never be president of the United States, she was to say, according to prepared remarks released by her Senate office.
Warrens allies had already let it be known not only that she intended to endorse Clinton, but also that she was also intrigued by the idea of serving as her vice president.
Reid has made no secret of advocating for Warren as a potential Clinton running mate. But at the same time, Democrats are interested in helping Sanders continue the movement he has launched, if he wants their input.
An obvious landing spot for him would be back in Congress, where Sanders could play a more influential leadership role than he did before his presidential run. One opening could emerge at the helm of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which would provide a substantial venue to develop his proposals for free college, among others.
That could be an even more powerful perch than a Cabinet position, following the model of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, who wielded influence when he held the committees gavel.
But those conversations appear to be driven more by Sanders than perhaps anyone else. Notably absent from his agenda Thursday was a visit to the other key Democratic leader, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco.
Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.
Twitter: @mikememoli
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UPDATES:
3:24 p.m.: This story was updated throughout with new details and comments.
11:29 a.m.: This article was updated with Obamas announcement.
10:19 a.m.: This article was updated with Bernie Sanders comments after meeting with President Obama and additional details.
This article was originally published at 8:37 a.m.
In these final days of Bernie Sanders bid for the presidency, the defiant insurgent has been at his least predictable, shifting continuously from plotting to overturn the will of voters in a convention showdown to assuring he would be a forceful voice for Democratic unity.
These two sides of the Sanders conscience are familiar, at least to obsessive watchers of cable news. They have manifested themselves day after day in the comments of the two top strategists guiding the Sanders effort. The men often come across as out of sync.
Now, Sanders is looking to both of them for advice as he plans what to do next. In a campaign famously light on insider political consultants, Sanders relies heavily on the pair: the chairman channeling his revolutionary rage and a seasoned Democratic strategist reflecting the Sanders who is a longtime player of the inside game.
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Right up until Sanders disappointing defeat in California, the two operatives were sending mixed messages.
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Campaign chairman Jeff Weaver, a former Marine reservist who joined the Sanders revolution after meeting him at a 1980s dairy festival in Vermont, vowed that regardless of what happened in California, Sanders would keep fighting for the nomination until the roll was called at the Democratic convention in July. Tad Devine, who was a top advisor in the presidential campaigns of Al Gore and John F. Kerry, said big wins this week were essential for a path forward to exist.
We articulate things differently, Weaver said in a separate interview. We are obviously different human beings, but my experience is we are on the same page.
Others in the campaign strain to explain why there is no tension between the men. They say the contradictions embody how conflicted Sanders himself is over where to take his movement.
We are all haunted by the ghost of Ralph Nader, as is Bernie, said Ben Tulchin, the campaigns pollster. He has no desire to see a right-wing Republican get elected. I dont think any of us would be here if he was running as a third-party candidate. The point is to have a debate within the Democratic Party.
Sanders and his advisors complain that the points they scored in that debate are not registering with the Clinton campaign and the party establishment. They resent the long-running pressure that has been put on Sanders to step aside, starting back in March, when most states had not yet voted. Even if a Sanders win was unlikely, they say, his staying in the race drew masses of voters who otherwise would not have been engaged and Clinton needs all of them in November.
On Thursday, Sanders will meet in Washington with President Obama and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, both of whom are eager to see Sanders step out of the race, perhaps even at the rally the Vermonter has planned in the city Thursday night.
Yet the campaign is hardly feeling a welcome embrace from the party. Just a few weeks ago at a joint presentation to state party chairs by top officials from the Sanders and Clinton campaigns, one of the chairs attending accused Sanders backers of turning Nevadas nominating convention into Lord of the Flies.
To Sanders team, it was yet another sign of disrespect, and one more reason not to bow out. The demands the campaign has begun to make of the party that are getting the most attention involve sweeping policy changes in the platform, such as calls for a universal healthcare system and tuition-free public college. But it is Clintons willingness to bend on party rules and appointments, issues that may seem small ball to the average voter, that may matter more to the Sanders team.
Sanders campaign officials are demanding changes to the nominating process that would ease the headwinds against organic movements like theirs. They find it bewildering that the partys rules committee can be headed by two of the most unrelenting critics of Sanders, former Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts and Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, and they want a change.
Weaver is the public face of this resentment with the party. He is a regular presence on CNN and MSNBC, where his skillful, unrelenting attacks of rivals can come across as off-script in a campaign that bills itself as above all that.
When MSNBCs Chris Matthews was badgering Weaver a few days ago about Sanders refusal to release more of his tax returns, Weaver accused Matthews and his wife of hiding their own taxes from the public when she ran for Congress. I dont know if you are the one in a position to be talking about tax returns, Weaver said.
Matthews recoiled. Devine did not go there when he was grilled by the MSNBC host on the same subject.
Asked whether hes ever been advised by the boss to tone it down, Weaver was surprised by the question. Bernie Sanders is a hands-on guy, he said. He reads all these transcripts. If I was ahead of the candidate, I would have heard about it.
Weaver has spent so much time with Sanders that he is practically a family member. Sanders hired him as a driver after the two met in the 1980s. Weaver calculated at one point that he has spent the equivalent of an entire years worth of hours shuttling Sanders around. It gives you a special relationship with someone when you spend that amount of time with them, he said. Weaver eventually worked his way up to become chief of staff in Sanders Senate office, before leaving politics for a spell to run a comic book store. He came back to run the presidential campaign.
Democrats alarmed by the prospect of Sanders extending his fight with Clinton until the convention see Devine as their best hope of talking the candidate out of it. The master image-maker has been crucial to the campaigns success, harnessing the momentum Sanders built at his rallies into a focused messaging campaign that resonated far beyond anybodys expectations.
One Democratic strategist who has worked with both men and is not currently affiliated with a presidential campaign called Devine the voice of reason in the camp about the best path forward.
Though others say it is not up to Weaver or Devine to persuade Sanders. That, they say, should be Hillary Clintons job.
The Clinton campaign should be asking, How do we get these people with us? said Los Angeles City Councilman Gil Cedillo, a Sanders backer. It is incumbent on her campaign to address the concerns being raised. If she wants to be the leader of the whole friggin world, she better be able to figure out this piece. She is going to be facing much bigger problems than pulling this party together.
Halper reported from Washington and Lee from Los Angeles.
Twitter: @evanhalper, @kurtisalee
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Obama: I am worried about the Republican Party
Asked during a taping of The Tonight Show whether he thought Republicans were happy with their presidential nominee, President Obama had a quick answer.
We are, he said to immediate laughter.
I dont know how theyre feeling.
But while Obama and fellow Democrats are feeling more confident about the general-election matchup shaping up between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, Obama said that what is good politics for Democrats in the short term isnt necessarily good for the country.
I am worried about the Republican Party, he told host Jimmy Fallon in the interview, which will air in full Thursday.
Democracy works; this country works when you have two parties that are serious and trying to solve problems.
Obama said the public should want a Republican nominee to be somebody who could do the job if they win implying he does not think Trump could. And Obama said he views Trumps rise as an outgrowth of the GOPs tactics during his presidency.
I havent been enjoying over the last seven years, watching some of the things that have happened in the Republican Party, he said. Whats happened in that party, culminating in this current nomination, I think is not actually good for the country as a whole. Its not something Democrats should wish for.
In the interview, Obama also discussed the Democratic race, praising Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton while expressing confidence the party will unite for the general election.
My hope is, is that over the next couple of weeks, were able to pull things together, he said.
Voter voices: The primary has been over for some time
Akida Kissane-Long,58, supports HRC. 'I need to know that who we elect has the resume & experience to win in Nov.' pic.twitter.com/Sx9KX6ic2s Kurtis Lee (@kurtisalee) June 7, 2016
At the Inglewood Community Church, nestled next to a smog check and auto repair center, several dozen voters came to cast ballots on Tuesday morning.
Akida Kissane-Long, 58, who is the principal at Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary, said that her vote for Hillary Clinton centered on the candidate she believed could beat presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump this fall.
The primary has been over for some time, Kissane-Long said. Hillary is the nominee, now lets beat Trump. ... I need to know that who we elect has the resume and experience to win in November.
Kissane-Long, who said she is a staunch liberal, said that for the party to unite, Bernie Sanders must exit the race. She suggested that Clinton might consider him as her running mate.
Why not? Hes passionate and loved by the most progressives, said Kissane-Long.
Kissane-Long said that for Clinton to win the support of some of Sanders younger, more liberal, backers she must become more passionate when talking about issues like education and criminal justice reform.
People have to really believe her and she has trouble with that, because of the issues with her emails and whatnot, Kissane-Long said. In the end though, I think people will look at her experience in government and just really feel secure in voting for her.
Matthew Minor, 30, another HRC supporter. 'I'm confident HRC will be be able to uphold the president's legacy.' pic.twitter.com/PPGp6rbIm0 Kurtis Lee (@kurtisalee) June 7, 2016
Matthew Minor, 30, a human resources recruiter from Inglewood, said that Clinton is best fit to continue the legacy of President Obama. White House aides have said Obama could endorse Clinton as early as Wednesday.
[Obama] beat her last time and now its her time, Minor said. For me its about comfort and confidence. Im confident Hillary will be able to uphold the presidents legacy.
Minor was not deterred by polling in California that showed Clintons lead evaporating.
Even if she doesnt win here, its not a big deal. She has the delegates and now all Democrats should support her.
Adilene Gloria, 26, backs Sanders. 'It's a trust thing for me, I can trust that what Bernie says is genuine.' pic.twitter.com/JbhmTUNo2y Kurtis Lee (@kurtisalee) June 7, 2016
But some like Adilene Gloria, 26, who does administrative work in Inglewood, do not agree.
Its a trust thing for me, I can trust that what Bernie says is genuine, she said.
Noting Clintons reluctance to provide transcripts of speeches shes given to Wall Street firms, Gloria added, Its hard to trust someone who wont even release transcripts from speeches she gives.
Gloria said may consider writing in Sanders name in the general election if hes not the nominee, but that she would also consider Clinton.
Theres a long ways until the November election, but I need to feel some trust with her. Im not feeling that now, she said.
Al Myers, a Bernie Sanders supporter, on a HRC/Trump Nov. contest. 'I will not vote for the lesser of two evils.' pic.twitter.com/ye99bmT5A3 Kurtis Lee (@kurtisalee) June 7, 2016
Al Myers, 59, has voted in every election for past two decades but may consider sitting this one out.
I will not vote for the lesser of two evils, I dont care for Clinton or Trump, said Myers, who voted for Sanders on Tuesday.
Myers said his disdain for Clinton goes back decades to when former President Bill Clinton signed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act in 1994.
They hurt black people, Myers said of the Clintons support for the federal law.
Myers said he believed Clinton was just another politician.
Sure, shes backed off her support of that bill, but shell say anything to get elected. Im not down with that shes just too political, another politician, he said.
Cue the Carly Simon song: Anticipation ... is making me late ... is keeping me waiting.
Yes, were waiting on the statewide primarys ballots to be counted.
Good morning, Im Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers, and weve said it before, but its worth repeating one more time: Election day is now more like election week. Or longer.
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Californians mostly vote by mail these days, and that means final returns come in long after election night. While were slowly getting a sense of how many ballots are left to count, we still dont have a full picture.
Los Angeles County Registrar-County Clerk Dean Logan reported on Wednesday that he had more than 570,000 ballots that still needed to be processed and that about 40% of them were provisional ballots those that are cast by voters whose identity and registration still need to be verified.
In all, almost 6 million ballots have been counted across California. Which brings us to the outcome of races big and small across the Golden State.
HOW SHE WON CALIFORNIA
Hillary Clintons victory in California over Sen. Bernie Sanders, currently about a 13% point win, may be chalked up to what you could call a dash of both work and worry.
As Seema Mehta reports, Democratic campaign pros say Clinton worked hard to venture into new parts of the state and made it clear voters should be worried about a Donald Trump presidency.
It was an especially tough loss for Sanders. But what about those huge rallies the senator held across the state?
You can have a lot of excitement and a compelling message and inspire people, but if they dont show up to vote, it doesnt matter, said Democratic strategist Rose Kapoczynski.
Meantime, Cathleen Decker writes that the past week has seen Clinton and Trump swap places in the media narrative about momentum and chaos.
As always, the daily ebb and flow of the presidential race can be found on our Trail Guide news feed. And check out our interactive Electoral College map for the road ahead come Nov. 8.
REPUBLICANS FOR LORETTA SANCHEZ
The good news for Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez is that she survived Tuesdays primary election and will face-off with Democratic rival Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris in November.
The bad news: Harris dominated the primary with more than 2 million votes to Sanchezs 943,000 as of Wednesday night. Now, with five months to go before the general election, the veteran congresswoman needs to figure out a way to overcome that deficit.
Phil Willon reports that some California Republicans, now facing their first GOP-free Senate race, are eyeing Sanchez for support. On Wednesday, a new Republican political action committee was formed to help Sanchez. Their plans include spending as much as $10 million on an independent effort in the fall campaign.
TOP-TWO PRIMARY: WHERE THE UNUSUAL IS BECOMING COMMONPLACE
Tuesday marked the third time that voters have been given a ballot with legislative and congressional candidates and told to pick whomever they choose, regardless of party.
The top-two primary system has significantly changed the electoral map in California, but some political insiders worry its not all been so great for candidates or voters. My reporting found that while same-party runoffs in November have been a constant part of the new primary rules, the real challenge has been for incumbents.
And yes, says one prominent researcher, it may actually be favoring more moderate candidates. Sometimes.
TODAYS ESSENTIALS
President Obama appeared on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday and said he was worried about the Republican Party.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker put a little distance between himself and the presumptive GOP nominee on Wednesday.
Nearly 90% of local tax increases in California passed Tuesday, highlighting a busy local ballot that also saw San Diego increase its minimum wage and San Francisco add greater oversight to police shootings.
Gov. Jerry Brown allowed what could be the 19th statewide proposition to make the Nov. 8 ballot on Wednesday: a legislative advisory question asking voters whether they would like to see Citizens United overturned, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that opened the door on big campaign spending.
The son of Dolores Huerta, a co-founder of the United Farm Workers, remains locked in a tight congressional race in the Central Valley.
George Skelton writes that the California voters who did not vote for Trump in Californias primary are real party loyalists and patriots.
LOGISTICS
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Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.
Although Californias top-of-the-ticket races were said to be decided before voters even walked into the polls Tuesday, the show had to go on for the many legislative races at stake.
Voters sorted through an array of candidates, in some cases choosing from half a dozen or more, to set the stage for matchups in November.
With 26 seats up for grabs this election cycle, interest groups stepped up spending in hopes of influencing the competitive landscape.
Outside groups including oil companies, education advocates, unions and business groups have spent nearly $29 million, a record for the June primary that far outstripped the $16.7 million in spending two years ago.
Overall, one thing became strikingly clear: Early indications of depressed GOP votes in the presidential primary did not bode well for the fortunes of some Republicans in these races.
Republicans shut out of 14 contests
Thanks to Californias top-two primary system, voters will be left to choose between two Democrats in closely watched contests with vulnerable incumbents and open seats in safe Democratic districts.
One race that might have been particularly influenced by low Republican turnout was Assembly District 43, where five Democrats battled for votes. Democrats Ardy Kassakhian and Laura Friedman were able to advance past Republican Mark MacCarley, who trailed Kassakhian by eight percentage points.
Weak showings from GOP candidates
Republican incumbents in Southern California were looking especially vulnerable after Tuesdays returns rolled in.
Preliminary results showed Assemblyman David Hadley (R-Manhattan Beach) considered one of the most at-risk trailing Democratic challenger Al Muratsuchi, who he beat in 2014 by just 700 votes.
Clearly, the large turnout yesterday was a reflection of the high level of interest in the presidential election and, in particular, the polarizing effect of Donald Trump, said Muratsuchi, who has tried to tie his opponent to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.
In nearby Orange County, Sharon Quirk-Silva, another Democratic challenger who formerly represented the Assembly district, beat Assemblywoman Young Kim (R-Fullerton) by six percentage points in preliminary results.
And in the Inland Empires Assembly District 40, Republican incumbent Marc Steinorth of Rancho Cucamonga was ahead of first-time candidate Abigail Medina, a Democrat, by just 300 votes.
There was more than $250,000 in independent expenditures spent on his campaign by pro-business groups.
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Big bets from deep pockets pay off
In a handful of races, heavy spending helped shape the races this fall. Among them is the contest to replace Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), a key figure in the progressive, pro-environment wing of the state Democratic caucus. More than $1 million was spent on various Democrats vying for a spot in Senate District 27. But almost half of that was spent in the last two weeks of the campaign by a union-backed committee supporting Henry Stern, a senior policy advisor to Pavley. He ultimately beat out well-funded fellow Democrat Janice Kamenir-Reznik for a spot in the top-two primary against the sole Republican, Steve Fazio.
In Northern Californias Assembly District 4, interest groups spent more than $2.7 million in outside spending, most of it by business groups, education advocates and oil companies, to support Democrat Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and to oppose Dan Wolk, another Democrat. Aguiar-Curry narrowly edged Wolk out of the second spot and will face Republican Charlie Schaupp in the fall for this safe Democratic seat.
A few upsets
A few days ago, Assemblywoman Ling Ling Changs (R-Diamond Bar) main opponent for state Senate District 29 appeared to be Democrat Sukhee Kang, a former mayor of Irvine who had the backing of the California Democratic Party and a host of state lawmakers. But in a surprise upset, veterans advocate Josh Newman, who reported spending less than a quarter of what Kang did, pulled ahead of Kang and appears headed to the runoff. It remains to be seen whether Democratic allies will line up behind Newman in an attempt to recapture this Senate seat.
And in the race between incumbent Assemblywoman Patty Lopez (D-San Fernando) and Democrat Raul Bocanegra, who previously held her seat, Lopez was trailing her challenger by nearly 20 points. Lopez has complained that she has suffered from lack of support from her fellow caucus members.
Expensive intraparty fights
Among the many races where Democrats will square off against fellow party members, a few are likely to attract even higher levels of outside spending.
They include the race for Assembly District 27, where education and business groups supporting Madison Nguyen were responsible for most of the races $2.7 million in independent expenditures. She faces fellow Democrat Ash Kalra, who beat out Republican Van Le to advance to November.
Oil companies and progressive and labor groups lined up on separate sides in the race between business-aligned Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino) and her challenger, attorney Eloise Reyes. In what has become one of the most expensive state races of the year, the campaign between Brown and Reyes could be a referendum on what kind of Democrat will best serve the Inland Empire.
Look out for big spending, too, in the Bay Area Assembly race between Mae Torlakson and Tim Grayson, which could evolve into a proxy fight between the California Teachers Assn. and education advocacy groups.
The fight for a supermajority
As the Republican Party continues to fade in the state and with interest groups seeking to influence what kind of Democrats are elected instead, money that might otherwise go toward helping Democrats further establish their dominance could get tied up this election season.
That could affect Democrats hopes of targeting vulnerable Assembly Republicans such as Hadley and Kim, but also their hope of maintaining a seat such as Senate District 27, where former Assemblyman Anthony Portantino beat out a crowded field of Democrats and will face Republican Mike Antonovich, a well-known L.A. County supervisor, in the fall.
Times staff writer Chris Megerian contributed to this report.
For more on California politics, follow @cmaiduc.
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Updates on California politics
Top-two primary yields surprises, relief for California candidates and incumbents
Democratic Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez survived Tuesdays U.S. Senate primary election, but finished so far behind front-runner Kamala Harris that her chances of a surprise victory in November may depend on a disparate patchwork of California voters, including a bevy of Republicans.
Almost on cue the day after the election, a Sacramento-based GOP political consultant announced plans for a super PAC-funded Sanchez for California Project to increase her support among California Republicans. But even a million-dollar campaign to lure them in, if it ever materializes, may not be nearly enough in a state where Democrats hold a 3.14-million-person edge in voter registration.
Out of a field of 34 Senate candidates, Harris won 40.4% of the vote Tuesday compared with Sanchezs 18.6%. The Democratic state attorney general bested Sanchez in all but five of Californias 58 counties and almost beat the congresswoman in her home county, according to preliminary election returns.
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See where they won: full results from the California primary >>
I think that Harris performance was dominant, said Democratic political consultant Katie Merrill. Sanchez has a lot of work ahead of her. But to the Harris folks, I would say never say never. Its a very different electorate in the general election than in the primary election.
California also has never seen a statewide general election between two Democrats. In congressional and legislative races, when two Democrats or two Republicans have faced off in a general elections, the gap between the candidates has tended to tighten up after the primary, Merrill said.
She added that Latino voters may turn out en masse in November to oppose presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his fiery anti-immigrant rhetoric. That would appear to help Sanchez, since Latinos are her biggest base of support.
Harris on Wednesday dismissed any notion of vulnerability among Latinos or other voters, saying evidence of her widespread political strength was easy to see in Tuesdays election returns.
People of every demographic, every geographic location in our state all came together. It was not North versus South; it was not the coast versus inland. All Californians spoke. And we unified them, Harris told reporters after hobnobbing with diners at Oaklands Home of Chicken and Waffles. That thats how were going to go into November.
Election 2016 | California politics news feed | Sign up for the newsletter
Harris trounced Sanchez in Los Angeles County and in the Bay Area, where she served as San Franciscos district attorney before being elected as attorney general in 2010. Along with her own county, Sanchez topped Harris in Fresno, Madera, Kings and Imperial counties.
Harris has been endorsed by the California Democratic Party and Gov. Jerry Brown, and her widespread support among Democrats in the state was obvious and devastating to Sanchez, said Harris political consultant Sean Clegg.
She has a crater in the Democratic base, Clegg said of the congresswoman.
The Sanchez campaign acknowledged there were significant challenges ahead but said Harris would be mistaken if she expects the campaign to be a cakewalk. Sanchezs campaign consultant, Bill Carrick, said approximately 6 million Californians voted on Tuesday. In the 2012 November election, more than 12 million people cast ballots.
You know who people are going to be chasing? The group of people who didnt vote yesterday, Carrick said Wednesday. The electorate in the general election is more Latino, more Asian, and it will tilt toward Southern California.
Carrick said the Sanchez campaign is trying to build a coalition that will cross party lines, cross regional lines -- every kind of line you can imagine. But he brushed aside speculation that the Democratic congresswomans viability in November rests solely in winning over Republicans.
Republican consultant Mike Madrid said that along with the need for a strong Latino voter turnout, Sanchez must capture significant Republican support to have any sort of chance. It can be done, he said, because Sanchezs expertise on national defense issues, reputation as a fiscal moderate and openness to at least considering new reservoirs in California will appeal to GOP voters.
Not to mention that the choice for Republicans is limited with no GOP Senate candidate on the November ballot. Republican voters only options will be to cast a ballot for Harris or Sanchez, or not to vote, he noted.
Campaigns are about contrast. All she has to prove is that Kamala is more of a hippy-dippy liberal than she is, Madrid said. Its not hard to prove.
Times staff writer Nina Agrawal in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
phil.willon@latimes.com
Twitter: @philwillon
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Updates on California politics
For voters who spent decades even lifetimes trying to understand the rules for elections in California, the last four years of a new system have been a jarring jumble of candidates and choices.
The seismic shock responsible: an overhaul of the rules for congressional and legislative primaries. That change, promised as a way to reform state politics, tore down election rules that had been built by political parties to give a leg up to their preferred candidates.
Whats left is a system thats far from settled, for either voters or candidates.
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It has no doubt upped the uncertainty factor, said Dave Gilliard, a Republican political consultant who managed several legislative races across California on Tuesdays ballot.
As many as two dozen races for the Legislature or Congress will pit same-party candidates against each other on Nov. 8, according to early returns from Tuesday. In most of those contests, it was outside money and the number of candidates on the primary ballot not political strategy that shaped the outcome.
Urged along by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, voters approved a top-two primary system in 2010. In many ways, the change was liberating: Voters of all persuasions choose from a single list of candidates, no matter the party. The two who receive the most votes, even if they are from the same party, move on to the general election in November.
Schwarzenegger boasted at the time that the new system would change the political landscape in California, finally giving the voters the power to hold politicians truly accountable.
Testing any new level of accountability is difficult. Easier, though, is assessing its effect on campaigns.
We, as campaign operatives, have no control of our campaigns anymore, said Katie Merrill, a Democratic campaign strategist.
Merrill said that long before candidates decide to run, the first thing they must now do is decide whether the new rules help or hurt them. The former system gave political parties and their powerful backers organized labor, conservative activists and beyond the upper hand.
In some cases, the top-two system has changed things. Now candidates, especially Democrats, often tout their centrist credentials.
Full results from the California primary
Many of these candidates may not have chosen to run in a closed primary, Merrill said. Primary elections historically have brought out the most liberal or conservative voters in the two major parties and often had a small enough turnout that a few of those die-hard voters could swing the result.
The new system has been especially tough on incumbents in the Legislature. In the five elections preceding the new system, only 8% of Assembly members and 2% of state senators faced a challenge from inside their political party. Since 2010, those numbers have skyrocketed.
In the state Senate, 28% of incumbents have faced same-party challenges. In the Assembly, the figure is 21%. In the congressional races, 12% have been same-party contests since 2010.
In one example, 40-year Democratic Rep. Pete Stark of Fremont was the first to be toppled by a younger challenger from within his party.
The system has encouraged more candidates to run, said Eric McGhee, a research fellow at the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California.
McGhee has spent several years attempting to measure the effect of not only the top-two primary, but also the states creation of an independent citizen commission to draw political boundaries.
Even when accounting for other factors, he said there is something to the argument that the top-two primary, by widening the net of potential candidates and voters, has led to at least incrementally more moderate lawmakers.
Democrats, who are Californias overwhelmingly dominant political party, have seen the most change in which candidates choose to run.
In a closed Democratic primary of days past, said Merrill, you would not have positioned yourself as a moderate and expected to win.
Although fewer Republicans have moved toward the ideological center, they too know winning one of only two spots on a general-election ballot often means broadening their sights beyond the party faithful.
But that doesnt mean a broad appeal to middle-of-the-road voters, but instead to just a few who can push a candidate into the November runoff, Gilliard said.
We had to decide which non-Republicans we could really communicate with, he said of the races on Tuesdays ballot. We have to go in and pick out just a handful of voters that we think are persuadable.
That costs money, one of the other noticeable changes since legislative and congressional primaries were opened up to all stripes of voters. In particular, its driven a tremendous amount of money into political action committees that are unaffiliated with candidates.
In the Tuesdays primary, about $25 million was spent by outside groups to influence the outcome in races for the Legislature.
Over the next few days, the number of same-party races on the November ballot could grow. Potentially millions of votes are still to be counted, and several legislative races ended on Tuesday with a few hundred votes or fewer separating the second- and third-place finishers.
I think there is more uncertainty, said Merrill of elections under the top-two rules. And I think thats why a lot of us continue to hold our breath on election night.
john.myers@latimes.com
Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast
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Updates on California politics
Gov. Jerry Brown said Wednesday that he will allow an advisory measure to be put on the November state ballot without his signature to let voters weigh in on the role of undisclosed donors in politics.
The measure asks voters whether Congress should amend the U.S. Constitution to overturn the controversial 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, which helped clear limits on independent expenditures in political campaigns.
Brown referred to a message he wrote in 2014 when he took an identical action, even though that advisory measure never made the ballot because of a court challenge.
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To be clear, this bill and the advisory vote it requires has no legal effect whatsoever, Brown wrote in a message.
He noted that the only way to overturn a Supreme Court decision is by Congress convening a convention to amend the Constitution, and he said the Legislature already passed a resolution asking federal officials to take that action.
Brown said he is sympathetic to those who have concerns about the court decision that opened the door to unlimited spending by corporations and unions in political campaigns.
Because much of that spending is done by nonprofit organizations, IRS rules do not require donor identities to be disclosed.
I, too, believe that Citizens United was wrongly decided and grossly underestimated the corrupting influence of unchecked money on our democratic institutions, Brown wrote. But we should not make it a habit to clutter our ballots with nonbinding measures as citizens rightfully assume that their votes are meant to have legal effect.
He warned that allowing the advisory measure without his signature is meant to signal that I am not inclined to repeat this practice of seeking advisory opinions from the voters.
The new bill is authored by Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), who noted Wednesday that since the Citizens United ruling was issued, spending by super PACs funded by organizations without contribution limits has reached $1 billion.
People across the political spectrum are fed up with unregulated, unaccountable spending in campaigns, Allen said in a statement. They deserve to have their voices heard on what has become a destructive force in politics and our system of governance.
patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com
Follow @mcgreevy99 on Twitter
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Updates from Sacramento
More than 1 million Californians voted to anoint a bigoted, bullying, insufferable ignoramus as their candidate for president of the United States.
Might as well insert uncivil and childish, too. No, scratch that. Most of us teach our children better manners.
Let the record also show that most Republican leaders in California either have been standing with Donald Trump or hiding under a table, unlike some national GOP honchos.
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Apparently its party first, country second.
But its misguided party loyalty to be a lemming that follows a Pied Piper over the cliff.
Right wing or left wing, anyone who routinely, unapologetically insults and disrespects those who disagree with him who acts like a cross between a Mussolini and mob boss is a long-range disaster for the party and potentially the country.
Anyone but Hillary Clinton is not a valid excuse.
This is June, not November. There were four other Republicans on the GOP ballot Tuesday. Yes, theyd dropped out of the race. But voting for one would have sent a message that as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday Its time for him to act like a serious candidate for president.
As of Wednesday, roughly 1.2 million Californians had voted for Trump 75% of Republicans whose ballots had been counted. That number, Im figuring, will grow by maybe half a million.
Young people dont embrace the values espoused by leaders of the Republican Party. David Townsend, adviser to Democratic moderates
Yes, I get it. Many Trump voters hate government, hate politicians and hate trade deals that cost Americans jobs. They hate illegal immigration. Some of that is legitimate. But some people just hate folks who are different.
Millennials are more accepting, says political consultant David Townsend, who advises Democratic moderates. Young people dont embrace the values espoused by leaders of the Republican Party.
Thats why more and more first-time California voters are registering as Democrats or independents and fewer as Republicans. Its an old story.
But why should even a Republican vote for a presidential wannabe as ill-mannered as Trump?
I dont think its predominantly racism, says veteran GOP consultant Rob Stutzman, who tried unsuccessfully to lead a Stop Trump movement. But I think its a much larger element than anyone wants to admit.
A lot of people are going to vote for the party nominee, no matter what, Stutzman continues. They vote for their team color. Its all about stop Hillary. And people really arent that dialed into what hes said.
OK, they can dial in here. This is a summary of infamous Trump verbiage:
The latest offense is close to the last straw for many: His assertion that a U.S.-born judge of Mexican descent cannot be fair in a lawsuit brought by people who contend Trump University was a scam. The judge is a Mexican with a conflict of interest, Trump says, because the candidate vows to build a border wall.
The textbook definition of a racist comment, said House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.).
Lets not forget that Trump launched his campaign by calling Mexicans who came here illegally rapists, drug dealers and violent criminals.
One of my favorites: Trumps belittling the five-year Vietnam prisoner of war experience of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the 2008 GOP presidential nominee. The POW was not a war hero, Trump said. I like people who werent captured, OK?
My co-favorite: Trump publicly making fun of a New York Times reporter who has a disability. The candidate unconscionably acted out some twisting and twitching gyrations.
Combine the reporter mocking and the McCain insult and its especially troubling that former Senate Republican Leader Bob Dole, the partys 1996 presidential nominee, has endorsed Trump. Dole was a World War II hero severely wounded in Italy and was left with a lifelong disability.
Trump shows no respect for the 1st Amendments guarantee of a free press, cynically castigating reporters because he knows its a crowd-pleaser. Sleaze and loser are among his favorite tags.
But he slurs everyone: Lyin Ted, Little Marco, Crooked Hillary. Women are bimbos and fat pigs. Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly has blood coming out of her wherever. Carly Fiorina: Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that?
Then theres Trumps religious test that is unprecedented in America. He called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the country. Not just suspected terrorists.
And the rough stuff, repeatedly condoning violence against protesters. Id like to punch him in the face, he said of one in Las Vegas.
OK, thats all anyone should really have to know about Donald Trump. Hes temperamentally unfit to lead the free world. And that doesnt even include his suggestion that more nations should arm themselves with nukes.
Ours is a delicate democracy with equal branches of government. To achieve anything meaningful, a leader must function in a give-and-take relationship, respecting all views.
Who knows? Maybe Trump will listen to impatient party leaders and drop the tough guy act. Perhaps Tuesday nights victory speech civil, scripted, read from a teleprompter was not an aberration. Could it have introduced a new Trump?
Doubt it. You think Im going to change? Im not changing, he told reporters last week.
When all the ballots are counted, its a good bet therell be twice as many registered Republicans in California who did not vote for Trump as did.
Those were the real party loyalists and patriots.
george.skelton@latimes.com
Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter
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Deep in the solidified lava beneath Iceland, scientists have managed an unprecedented feat: Theyve taken carbon dioxide released by a power plant and turned it into rock at a rate much faster than laboratory tests predicted.
The findings, described in the journal Science, demonstrate a powerful method of carbon storage that could reduce some of the human-caused greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change.
These are really exciting results, said Roger Aines, a geochemist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory who was not involved in the study. Nobody had ever actually done a large-scale experiment like theyve done, under the conditions that they did it.
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The pilot program, performed at Reykjavik Energys geothermal power plant under a European-U.S. program called CarbFix, was able to turn more than 95% of carbon dioxide injected into the earth into chalky rock within just two years.
We were surprised, said study co-author Martin Stute, a hydrologist at Columbia University in New York. We didnt expect this. We thought this would be a project that would go on for decades. Maybe 20 years from now, wed have an answer to the question. But that it happened so fast, and in such a brief period of time, that just blew us away.
When fossil fuels like coal or gas are burned, the carbon stored within them is released into the air in the form of carbon dioxide. This greenhouse gas traps heat in the atmosphere, triggering a spike in global temperatures that threatens polar ice reserves and contributes to rising sea levels. It also increases the acidity of the ocean, hastening the decline of corals and other marine life.
Researchers have tried for years to figure out how to get that carbon back into the ground. Carbon dioxide can be pulled out of emissions and injected underground into briny waters or emptied oil and gas reservoirs, but theres a risk that the gas eventually would seep back into the air or that the injection process itself might crack open a reservoir and allow its contents to escape.
Researchers have been looking to get that carbon back into the ground in solid form something that natures been doing for a while, although on a far longer timescale. For humans trying to quickly undo the damage of greenhouse gas emissions, thats easier said than done. Sandstone does not react much with carbon dioxide. Some lab tests showed that basaltic rock, laid down by volcanic activity, might be more effective but on a scale of centuries, if not longer.
An opportunity for a field test arose when the president of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, met researchers at Columbia and expressed his interest in cutting back the countrys carbon dioxide emissions.
This is really the start of this, at the highest level, which is sort of unusual for research projects, Stute said.
Together with Reykjavik Energy, the research team designed an experiment around the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant. In March 2012, they injected 175 tons of pure carbon dioxide into an injection well. A few months later, they followed with 73 tons of a mix of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. (The team wanted to see whether the process worked even if there were other gases present; if it did, it would save the time and money of having to separate the carbon dioxide out.)
The researchers separate the carbon dioxide from the steam produced by the plant and send it to an injection well. The carbon dioxide gets pumped down a pipe thats actually inside another pipe filled with water from a nearby lake. Hundreds of feet below the ground, the carbon dioxide is released into the water, where the pressure is so high that it quickly dissolves, instead of bubbling up and out.
That mix of water and dissolved carbon dioxide, which becomes very acidic, gets sent deeper into a layer of basaltic rock, where it starts leaching out minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron. The components in the mixture eventually recombine and begin to mineralize into carbonate rocks.
The basaltic rock is key, the scientists said: Sandstone would not react with carbon dioxide this way. So is the presence of water; if the mix had been pure gas instead of gas dissolved in water, its unlikely the basalt would have helped form carbonate rocks at least, not with such speed.
The scientists also injected chemical tracers into the mix, including a type of carbon dioxide made with the heavier, rarer isotope known as carbon-14. They also injected other trace gases such as sulfur hexafluoride, which is inert and does not react much with its surroundings.
When the researchers checked the water at monitoring wells later in the experiment, they found that the trace gases were still there (a sign that the water had gotten through) but that the proportion of carbon-14 molecules had significantly declined. As the water had continued to flow through the basaltic layers, the carbon dioxide had been left behind, in the rock.
While much of this happened underground, the researchers also saw fine crystals of carbonate sticking to the surface of the pump and pipes at the monitoring well.
They look like salt from a salt shaker ... on the surface of this gray or black basaltic rock, Stute said.
Based on other laboratory results, the scientists had expected the process to take centuries, if not longer. But the field test showed that this process, under the right conditions, happens at remarkable speed.
There are some limitations to this method. It requires basaltic rock, which, while it can be found in abundance in places like the United States Pacific Northwest region, cant be found everywhere on land. Under the ocean, theres plenty but then theres the question of whether salty water will be as effective as the freshwater used in this study.
Storage is an issue. Pulling carbon dioxide out of emissions, let alone the atmosphere, is also a difficult challenge, the researchers pointed out.
Still, Aines said, These results are so encouraging that its worth figuring out some of the places where that could be done, and trying that out on a larger and longer scale.
In the meantime, at the Icelandic power plant, operators are reportedly looking to scale this process up.
amina.khan@latimes.com
Follow @aminawrite on Twitter for more science news and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.
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The controversial End of Life Option Act will go into effect on Thursday, ending the wait for many terminally ill Californians who are seeking to take their mortality into their own hands.
However, one Burbank resident sees that day as the start of a new countdown how fast a dying patient can get their aid-in-dying medication.
Matt Fairchild has been waiting for Thursday to arrive because now he can see if the legislation he has been advocating for will work as intended or require modifications. Though hes not going to request the medication at this point, hes glad that others will be able to do so if they wish.
NEWSLETTER: Stay up to date with whats going on in the 818 >>
The process to obtain the life-ending drug is no simple task. Multiple written and verbal requests need to be made and can take weeks or months to gain approval. Several physicians must be consulted to ensure that no other medical treatment can be done for the patient. Additionally, ill patients must have the mental capacity to administer the drug themselves.
A sick person thats dying could bring it up with their doctor. But after that, its them and their caregiver and their doctors job to move [the request] forward and check all the boxes that need to be checked so you can secure that medication, Fairchild said.
You cant get down about it because youd be down all the time. You just kind of accept it, go forward and do what you need to do to try and enjoy what time you have. Cancer patient Matt Fairchild
You would want to do it, hypothetically, the day you go into hospice. You would want that medication on your shelf because youve stopped treating your cancer, which means at any point your cancer can take hold of you and start to do things that are unpleasant, he added.
Fairchild, 46, a Navy and Army veteran, was diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer in August 2012. For the last two years, he has been living with stage IV of the disease and his situation has not gotten better.
Since April, Fairchild has learned that he has cancer near his tailbone, and two tumors in the back of his brain are continuing to grow.
As he described his worsening symptoms and the technical aspects of his condition, Fairchild remained calm and collected.
Things arent going to get better, he said. I imagine things will get worse. I would say they would get worse before they get better, but its not like theres any indication that theyll get better. You cant get down about it because youd be down all the time. You just kind of accept it, go forward and do what you need to do to try and enjoy what time you have.
Though Thursday signifies the first day terminally ill patients can request the aid-in-dying drug, Fairchild said there is still a long battle ahead of him, so he will try every treatment that is available to him and live as long as he can.
But when the day comes when no medication or treatment will help him, Fairchild said he will start the paperwork to obtain the drug.
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Anthony Clark Carpio, anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com
Twitter: @acocarpio
A few more Burbank residents and community members weighed in on Hollywood Burbank Airports proposed 14-gate replacement terminal as the public comment period for an environmental impact report winds down.
The deadline to submit concerns and questions is June 13 via mail, email or through oral communication on a 3,700-page draft of the environmental impact report that goes over the possible impacts of building a new 355,000-square-foot terminal in the northeast quadrant of the airfield, typically referred to as the B-6 parcel.
NEWSLETTER: Stay up to date with whats going on in the 818 >>
The report also looked at the effects of three other options building a 355,000-square-foot terminal in the southwest area of the property, constructing a 232,000-square-foot terminal at that same location or keeping the existing terminal as is.
For years, the airport has been looking to replace the current 232,000-square-foot terminal because it does not meet current Federal Aviation Administration standards or meet seismic-safety regulations.
Six people provided feedback about the document during the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority meeting Monday, telling commissioners what they liked or had concerns about with the project.
Resident James Berner, who is a member of the Burbank Transportation Commission, said he supports the proposed terminal in the northeast quadrant of the airfield, claiming that the new facility will attract businesses to the city.
To have an airport in our city with very easy access to different locations across the West and across the country is a big win for our city, he said.
As a frequent user of Hollywood Burbank Airport, Berner said that he has had to sit on the ground as he waited for his flight and is in full support for a new terminal that can accommodate waiting passengers more comfortably.
Authority President Frank Quintero concurred with Berner, because he said he too had sit on the floor of the airports terminal as he waited for his flight.
During a recent trip to Colombia, Quintero said that every airport he traveled through in the South American country was much better than Hollywood Burbank Airport.
Its a physical fact, he said. The access, the comfort level, the modern amenities I think [building a new terminal] is the right thing.
Residents Frank Macchia and David Spell both had concerns about possible toxic material becoming airborne should the airport decide to build the replacement terminal in the southwest quadrant of the airfield.
I have a 14-year-old son, and Im concerned about his health and safety, Macchia said. Since Lockheed was here many years ago, theres a lot of questions about what happened over the years at Lockheed and in the area.
Though airport officials are proposing to build a larger facility at the B-6 parcel, they have continued to tell the public that the proposed replacement terminal will only have 14 gates, which is the same number of gates at the existing terminal.
Were certainly going to have a more safer and more efficient airport, Quintero said. Thats all were looking for. Were not looking for a Taj Mahal.
Airport officials may be pushing to build the proposed replacement terminal on the B-6 lot, but opting to do so would trigger a ballot measure called Measure B, in which Burbank residents would need to approve the proposal to build on that part of the northeast quadrant.
Airport officials have been pushing to approve the draft impact report so they can submit their plans to the city and get the ballot measure on the Nov. 8 ballot this year.
A passing ballot measure would not only allow the airport to build on that land. Airport officials have said that the authority would adopt super-majority voting, two out of three from each set of commissioners who represent Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena on major decisions, such as increasing the number of terminal gates, acquiring land, expanding the terminal or approving contracts or leases over 35 years.
Should the measure fail, airport officials said they are ready to move forward with building a new terminal on the southwest quadrant, which they say does not need voter approval because the property belongs to the airport.
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Anthony Clark Carpio, anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com
Twitter: @acocarpio
A recent opinion piece in the Washington Post presents an argument for the religious right to steer clear of presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
To Michael Gerson, the choice to support Trump represents a long-term temptation for conservative Christians.
The emperor, or king, or president offers to further the mission of the church, he writes. The church, in turn, provides legitimacy to power.
Gerson writes that it is unexpected for evangelicals to endorse a political figure who has engaged in creepy sex talk on the radio, boasted about his extramarital affairs, made a fortune from gambling and bragged about his endowment on national television.
Gerson said given that the GOP frontrunner has fed ethnic tension for political gain, as well as advocated for war crimes and religious discrimination, evangelical Christians risk their reputation and public character.
In legitimizing the presumptive Republican nominee, evangelicals are not merely accepting who he is; they are changing who they are, Gerson said.
Q: Do Christian conservatives, and conservative voters of any religious group, risk anything by supporting Donald Trumps bid for the presidency? Should religious voters cast their ballots based more on their moral convictions or their political pragmatism?
Religious voters, of any path, risk being true to their moral conscience when they enter into relationships with political pragmatists.
The problem is that the political world in its quest for legitimacy has courted and seduced the religious with false promises of trust and respect. This is best illustrated in the cliche politics makes strange bedfellows. The strange bedfellows concept both smacks of a promiscuous sexual relationship, definitely not one of a morally sound nature, and a homosexual sleeping arrangement, once again not of traditional religious approval.
In other words, when religious people slumber with political pragmatists, they will awaken to skulk in shame as hypocrites to their own values.
Rabbi Mark Sobel
Temple Beth Emet
Burbank
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I believe it is important for Christian conservatives who publicly support Trump to state their reasons for doing so, even if the explanation is that they are voting for him as the lesser of two evils.
MORE: Read previous In Theory discussions>>
Apart from some form of caveat, unqualified support for Trump would naturally appear to be an endorsement of his outrageous public behavior and past moral indiscretions. This is the risk in publicly backing a candidate for office on the part of any church or public Christian figure.
We tie our reputations and credibility, and those of Christ, with the politician by supporting them. Their failures or foolishness become ours, too, in the public perception.
Its my understanding that Billy Graham later regretted endorsing Richard Nixon for office. In January, 2011, Rev. Graham told Christianity Today that he wished he hadnt been so political during parts of his career.
Regarding convictions versus pragmatism, convictions are pragmatic by nature. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom says the book of Proverbs, and wisdom is real life and practical. Convictions guide our daily behavior, otherwise they wouldnt really be convictions, would they? To value pragmatism over our moral convictions is to say that our convictions dont really work in real life. If we claim the Bible and the Christian faith as our convictions then we should vote for the idea or candidate that most closely follows them.
This years presidential choice will be a difficult one for many believers, as both prominent candidates seem to be deeply flawed. But lets look at one positive result of this dilemma: It should make us long for the return of Jesus Christ the King of Kings even more. And thats a good thing.
Jon Barta
Burbank
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Religious voters should always vote their morals over political pragmatism, and that goes for all religious voters, not only the evangelical conservatives.
I have said as much from the pulpit, without, of course, endangering our tax-exempt status. But my point is, if you are a believer, a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, whatever, how can you not bring your faith to bear on all things, including those for whom you vote?
True, sometimes in the presidential race we hear that we dont have much of a choice not only in 2016, but in past elections as well.
Still, the authentic believer has to consider prayerfully his or her vote. Maybe in some years the choice is the lesser of two evils, but believers, in my opinion, should take their responsibility as voters seriously.
I believe we have been given this wonderful country of America as a gift from God (Whats America, the Beautiful say? America, America, God shed his grace on thee), and it is our responsibility to keep and improve this gift in every way we can. And sometimes our responsibility is not to vote the way we always have.
Rev. Skip Lindeman
La Canada Congregational Church
La Canada
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Voting is our only chance to choose representatives of our interests in government. I believe that voters seek as best they can to balance their beliefs and convictions with political practicalities as they see them and vote accordingly. Puzzling to me in this election are the votes for a candidate whose principles contradict the voters actual interests, illustrated by working- and middle-class support of Trump, who has amply demonstrated his disinterest in and lack of suitability for pragmatic governing to boot.
I am not clear though on how a vote for Trump by a religious person can be said to pose a risk, which to me implies a level of uncertainty. His attributes, experience and beliefs are on full view and have been his entire life. Trump has hidden nothing (other than his tax returns) and if the man has any religion other than self-promotion and trying to make money, I am missing it.
It is also a sure thing, not a risk, that voting for this Republican presidential candidate, certainly here in California and in many other states as well, will be a wasted vote. Conservative Christians may want to take a serious look in the fall at an unobservant Jew whose moral and political principles have rarely wavered or, the more likely option, a trailblazing, Christian woman who has proven herself to be, if not perfect, at least clearly competent.
Roberta Medford
Atheist
Montrose
--
There are risks to voting for any candidate. Election-year rhetoric is often deceptive, and even when it is not, events can force the most sincere president to violate campaign promises.
But conservative Christians have been living and voting in a secular world for a long time. They understand quite well that politics is a messy business that sometimes forces them to find the best compromise between their religious ideals and the available candidates. This appears to be one of those times.
In my view the author, Michael Gerson, it is more than a little condescending when he implies that Christians dont understand the choice before them and that their souls will be in peril if they make a pragmatic choice about who will best represent their interests and the needs of the nation.
Before going further, I should say that the LDS church remains strictly neutral in partisan elections and hasnt addressed this particular issue, so these thoughts are mine alone. (The church did, however, issue a statement in support of religious pluralism the day after Donald Trump proposed a temporary ban on Muslim immigration.)
Gerson looks to immigration and other issues for evidence that Donald Trump lacks certain fundamental virtues and therefore doesnt deserve the Christian rights support. But he fails to assess whether or not other candidates policy positions offer a better option for Christians.
I dont know how Gerson defines evangelical Christians, but he gives them an especially tough time. He says they know nothing of politics, have no theological framework for political involvement and have stopped serving their faith. I think his assessment is wrong. But even if he were right, his approach is odd given that he apparently wants to bring them around to his point of view.
My guess is that the political outlooks of evangelicals and other conservative Christian voters are more complex and less monolithic than the author thinks. A Barna Group survey of registered evangelical voters found that 67 percent viewed Trump unfavorably, compared with an 81 percent negative rating for Hillary Clinton. Indeed, some Christian leaders, including evangelicals, have called on their communities to reject Trump.
This suggests that conservative Christians are doing what their faith requires: they are looking closely at both candidates and will carefully assess who is best qualified to lead our nation.
Michael White
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
La Crescenta
Police officers who thought they were shutting down a marijuana dispensary last week in Costa Mesa were in fact raiding a Native American church that uses cannabis and other controlled substances in its spiritual ceremonies, according to a lawyer representing the organizations founders.
Attorney Matthew Pappas said the Oklevueha Native American Church was in the process of opening a branch in Costa Mesa when police stormed the Harbor Boulevard location.
Costa Mesa has banned marijuana sellers in the city, but Pappas contends that Oklevuehas more than 200 chapters across the country are shielded by federal religious freedom laws.
These are churches, not marijuana dispensaries, said Pappas, who compared parishioners use of cannabis, peyote and natural herbs to sacramental wine.
But Costa Mesa police officials said this week that they saw nothing during their raid to support the idea that the strip-mall storefront they searched was a church.
There was no indication that it was acting as anything other than a marijuana dispensary, Costa Mesa police Sgt. Pat Wessel said.
Local authorities recently have been on the lookout for dispensaries, based on residents complaints that some are still operating in Costa Mesa despite a 2005 city ban.
After surveillance, city officials said, police determined that a dispensary named Releaf Wellness was operating out of a unit in the 2000 block of Harbor Boulevard.
Around 3:30 p.m. Jan. 27, police and code enforcement officers served a search warrant, Wessel said.
Inside, officers said they found two large safes containing various marijuana products and $6,000 cash, according to city spokesman Tony Dodero.
Police believe the location had been a dispensary long enough to become well-established. Even while officers were inside, several customers came to the door, Dodero said.
During the raid, police said, five people were arrested on suspicion of distributing marijuana. Pappas said none of them was affiliated with the church.
According to Dodero, police found paperwork showing the arrestees were employees at the dispensary.
Its unclear whether the Orange County district attorneys office will file charges against those arrested. Prosecutors sent the case of at least one of the suspects back to police for further investigation.
Its not clear when the location came under the auspices of Oklevueha. Police said they learned of the churchs existence after the raid.
Pappas chalked up the raid to a misunderstanding. The church often establishes branches where dispensaries or other marijuana-related businesses had been located to benefit from understanding landlords, Pappas said. That transition is underway at the Harbor Boulevard site, he said, but he was unable to provide an exact date for the shift.
Pappas said Oklevueha has been misconstrued and persecuted across the country since its 1997 founding in Utah.
The church doesnt require members to have Native American heritage, he said, and doesnt allow controlled substances to be distributed outside the congregation.
In November, Pappas filed a lawsuit on behalf of the church in U.S. District Court in Northern California alleging that sheriffs deputies in Sonoma County stormed a church location and destroyed sacramental cannabis plants, violating members religious rights.
Despite the raid in Costa Mesa, Pappas said the church plans to remain in the city.
Were not taking offense at it, Pappas said. Its a misunderstanding. So lets move forward and work positively. There will be a branch in Costa Mesa.
In step with surrounding communities that are grappling with how to regulate short-term rental operators, Newport Beach city leaders are seeking input from people who live or own homes next to vacation rentals.
City staff plans a series of community meetings and discussions, and at one meeting Wednesday night, about 100 residents of Balboa Island, Corona del Mar and the Balboa Peninsula shared their thoughts and grievances about Newports short-term rental market.
Chris Nielson, who has rented a Newport Beach home with his family for a week each year for the past three decades, flew in from his home in Salt Lake City to attend the meeting. This year, Nielson said, he decided to buy the Balboa Peninsula rental property as an investment and operate it as a short-term rental in compliance with city rules.
But as short-term rental websites such as Airbnb, TurnKey and Vacation Rentals by Owner continue to swell in popularity, hes concerned he might be at a financial disadvantage.
The changing market has enabled virtually any property to become a vacation rental, with or without city approval. The sites also have made it more difficult for cities like Newport to regulate the business and keep track of who should be paying taxes. The city imposes transient occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, charging 10% of the price of each rental, like it would for hotel guests.
How the city enforces its laws will have a significant effect on owners who for years have played by the rules and paid taxes, Nielson said.
I cant have someone not remitting a 10% tax competing against me, he said.
Short-term rentals arent a new phenomenon in Newport Beach. Since before the 1950s, weekly vacation rentals have thrived in the city, bringing in a variety of tourists and revenue.
In the early days, vacationers often would look to rental companies and real estate agents to help them find a property. The city was able to more easily regulate the rentals and ensure that the property owners had an active business license, were in an area where rentals were permitted and were paying taxes to the city, according to city staff.
In 1992, the city adopted short-term lodging regulations that required property owners to have a city-issued permit before they could list a property to rent for less than 30 days.
Though short-term lodgings were previously permitted throughout the city, current law prohibits someone from obtaining a permit to rent out a property in an area zoned only for single-family homes. However, 211 properties were allowed to keep their permits when the new regulation was passed in 2004, according to city Development Director Kim Brandt.
Currently, there are 1,068 active permits, the majority of them in Corona del Mar, the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island.
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FOR THE RECORD
March 25, 2:56 p.m.: A previous version of this post incorrectly gave the number of active short-term lodging permits in Newport Beach as 91. There are 1,068 as of January.
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Now, with online vendors dominating the market in many communities, short-term rentals are popping up in neighborhoods where they arent allowed. Owners of unpermitted properties often arent aware that they need to pay taxes to the city, Brandt said.
We havent figured out how to completely regulate the Internet business quite yet, Brandt said. Its very important to have parity among everyone in the tourism industry to make sure one business isnt getting more of a benefit than another.
Like Newport, other cities across Orange County say they have been struggling with quality-of-life issues related to short-term rentals, including trash, excessive partying and parking headaches. Laguna Beach has placed a moratorium on new short-term rental permits, while Huntington Beach has chosen to ban them completely.
Several residents of Balboa Island, where short-term rentals are permitted in many areas, complained Wednesday about loud parties that stretch into the early morning and small rentals where dozens of people congregate. They create parking problems and other nuisances on the otherwise quiet island, residents said.
Corona del Mar and Balboa Peninsula residents shared similar stories of being awakened by raucous parties at unregulated rentals listed by online vendors.
Some residents asked the city to consider hiring more staff to enforce short-term rental rules. The city hired a seasonal employee last year to help identify unpermitted short-term rentals throughout Newport. At the time, more than 250 noncompliant listings were identified from short-term rental sites, and the city collected about $218,700 in fees and occupancy taxes as a result, according to a staff presentation.
The city also launched an interactive map on its website where residents can search for listings to find out whether their neighbors are operating short-term rentals without the required permit. If such as property is found, a resident can contact the city for a response.
During a January study session, the City Council indicated its support for staff to look into expanding guidelines and rules for short-term rentals, consider a code amendment regarding homesharing when guests rent a portion of a property while the owner is at the home and possibly enter agreements with online operators in which they would remit occupancy taxes. The council also asked staff to seek input from residents affected by the businesses.
The council is expected to take up the issue again by summer.
A Newport Coast man who co-owns a contracting business was one of five defendants arraigned Tuesday on charges that they made off with more than $635,000 by shorting their employees wages, dodging taxes and underpaying insurance, according to the Orange County district attorneys office.
Babak Brian Abghari, 36, helps run PCN3, a general contracting company that mainly takes on public works projects, prosecutors said in a news release.
Abghari and his co-defendants are accused of paying their workers less than the wages required on taxpayer-funded projects, starting in 2000.
Prosecutors allege they accomplished that by shorting employees hours on their payroll or requiring workers to hand back cash after being paid.
The defendants are accused of pocketing the excess wages.
Abghari and PCN3s other owner, Homayoun Harry Abghari, 57, of Huntington Beach, also are accused of filing false tax returns that understated their employees pay and the number of hours they worked. Prosecutors say they also discouraged employees who were hurt on the job from filing workers compensation claims.
Abghari and his four co-defendants Homayoun Abghari, Julio Roberto Alvarado, 47, of San Pedro, Cody Lawson, 34, of Long Beach and Phyllis Martinez, 51, of Anaheim are each charged with eight felony counts of taking and receiving a portion of a workers wage on a public work, 56 felony counts of recording a false or forged instrument, six felony counts of making a false statement to discourage an injured worker from claiming benefits and seven felony counts of willful failure to pay taxes, with a possible sentencing enhancement for property loss over $200,000.
Babak and Homayoun Abghari face three additional felony charges of misrepresenting facts to a workers compensation insurance company.
If convicted, all five could face a maximum sentence of 49 years and six months in state prison, prosecutors said.
All have pleaded not guilty, according to court records.
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jeremiah.dobruck2@latimes.com
Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck
A team from Newport Harbor High School will represent California in a national competition in Dallas, where 350 students will test their skills in cooking or restaurant management.
The 2016 National ProStart Cup, presented by the National Restaurant Assn. Educational Foundation, will run April 29 through May 1.
Newport Harbors three-member restaurant management team consists of Ali Millar, Natalia Tortorello and Rocio Antonio, all students in the schools Culinary Arts Academy. They qualified for the national contest after taking first place in the 14th annual California ProStart Cups management competition March 12 and 13 in Sacramento.
More than 20 schools participated in the California tournament, which, like the national event, features competitions in restaurant management and culinary arts.
The Newport Harbor High School all-girl team impressed the California competition judges with their poise, concept and entrepreneurial spirit, said Alycia Harshfield, executive director of the California Restaurant Assn. Educational Foundation.
1 / 5 Student chefs, from left, Rocio Antonio, Natalia Tortorello, and Ali Millar show their management competition trophy in their Newport Harbor culinary class on Friday. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot) 2 / 5 Student chef and team leader Natalia Tortorello cooks seared ahi in her Newport Harbor culinary class on Friday. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot) 3 / 5 Student chef Natalia Tortorello, center, puts a headband on fellow chef Ali Millar as Rocio Antonio looks on in their Newport Harbor culinary class on Thursday. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot) 4 / 5 Student chef Rocio Antonio begins to bake in the over in her Newport Harbor culinary class on Friday. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot) 5 / 5 Student chefs Rocio Antonio, Natalia Tortorello, and Ali Millar, left to right, prepare a cooking table in their Newport Harbor culinary class on Friday. (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)
Student teams spent months developing ideas for restaurant businesses before the California management contest.
The Newport Harbor team started cooking up concepts in November for its hypothetical restaurant, called Tidal.
It was a lot of time with us just sitting at a table, grooming over every aspect of the restaurant, said Natalia, a senior. We had to know our marketing tactics, floor plan, interior design and menu items. We even know every herb that would go into our food.
At the Sacramento competition, the aspiring restaurateurs presented their business proposal to judges who are corporate executives and master chefs.
We wanted our concept to be different, so we chose to do fine dining, where wed have a combination of steak and seafood, said Rocio, a senior.
Newport Harbor bested teams from the Orange County School of the Arts, which took second place, and San Diego High School, which placed third.
We were surprised we won, but also really happy, Rocio said.
The team drew inspiration from upscale locations such as The Winery Restaurant and even some concepts the members saw on Pinterest.
The Newport Harbor girls are now fine-tuning their proposal for the national competition.
Were taking any feedback we can get right now by going to local restaurants and asking their owners or their chefs for advice, said Ali, a junior.
A Northern California-based developer looking to build 56 homes on the site of a storage facility in Costa Mesa hosted a community meeting about the proposal Thursday.
Concord-based DeNova Homes is in escrow to purchase Baker Storage, 929 Baker St., and is working with City Hall on plans to build single-family houses on the 4.7-acre site.
The parcel, adjacent to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District headquarters in the Mesa del Mar neighborhood, has been used commercially since the 1960s but has been zoned for medium-density residential for at least a decade.
In a meeting at the storage facility attended by about 40 residents from Mesa del Mar, DeNova officials and their consultant, Peter Naghavi, a retired Costa Mesa economic development director, answered questions about the project.
They said the two-story homes, whose starting prices are expected to be in the $800,000s, will contain up to four bedrooms and range from 1,975 to 2,400 square feet. Three architectural styles are proposed: modern Spanish, plantation and modern farmhouse.
Its going to be a beautiful project, Naghavi said.
Naghavi, a Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce board member and former traffic engineer, said the development is projected to cause less traffic than the storage facility would. As a general rule, he said, commercial uses cause more car trips than residential properties.
Some residents were skeptical about that and expressed concern about the new tracts residents parking on their streets, like some in the Sommerset condominium community across Baker have.
Naghavi said the tract will meet city parking standards, with each home having room for four vehicles: two in the garage, two in the driveway. It also will have five to 13 guest spaces, depending on the final layout plan, which is scheduled to go before the city Planning Commission on July 25.
The development is proposed to include a small park with a tot lot.
Though some residents expressed frustration about new development in Costa Mesa, Naghavi said houses replacing Baker Storage is all but inevitable, especially since the land has been zoned that way for some time.
He noted that DeNova had 25 competitors for the property.
Baker Storage opened in 1987 and is co-owned by the Holmes and Sorenson families. The Sorensons live on and manage the facility, which contains about 600 storage units and 133 parking stalls for recreational vehicles and boats.
Before Baker Storage opened, the site had light industrial uses dating to the 1960s.
In an effort to improve water quality and spread the word to boat owners that they cant dump sewage into Newport Harbor, local officials are considering an ordinance change that could give authorities more leeway in how they monitor and board boats in Newport Beach.
City harbor commissioners have indicated their support over the past several months for changing the citys municipal code to allow the Orange County Sheriffs Department Harbor Patrol, which enforces laws in the harbor, to board without permission any vessel it suspects is discharging contents of the sewage holding tank into the water.
Harbor Patrol deputies would then drop a dye tablet into the boats toilet to help detect when the holding tank is leaking or being emptied into the harbor.
Currently, the Harbor Patrol does not have authority under the city ordinance to board a vessel to inspect the holding tank or drop a dye tablet without permission from the owner.
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Our intention here is to create the legal basis for the exercise of discretion by law enforcement and code enforcement to board and drop a dye tab when they feel it is appropriate, Commissioner Doug West said.
The commission discussed the potential ordinance change during its meeting Wednesday but decided to delay a vote until it has specific language to review.
Commissioners West, Bill Kenney and Chairman Dave Girling will act as an ad hoc committee to work with city staff and the city attorney in the coming weeks to craft the change.
The proposal is expected to go to the entire Harbor Commission for a formal vote in July.
If approved, the ordinance would go to the City Council for consideration, possibly by late summer.
Kenney said the current law is problematic because it enables people who dont have working tanks to skirt the no-discharge rule.
Dye tablets, which are placed in the vessels toilet and then flushed into the holding tank, are used to determine if the tank is functioning properly or leaking into the harbor. They also help deter boaters from intentionally discharging their tanks into the harbor because the dye is immediately visible in the water.
Those who know the law and are probably violating the law just simply say, You cant come aboard, Kenney said.
Those who know the law and are probably violating the law just simply say, You cant come aboard. Bill Kenney, Newport Beach Harbor Commission
It is against federal and state law to discharge untreated sewage within three miles of shore or to dump treated or untreated sewage in a designated no-discharge zone. Boaters who illegally discharge sewage can be fined up to $2,000, according to California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
Newport Beach isnt the only city with a public harbor where dye tablets are used to deter boaters from discharging waste.
In 1988, Avalon on Catalina Island implemented a dye tablet program for all recreational boats that enter its harbor. The citys harbor patrol boards and drops a tablet. If a boat discharges its tank into the harbor, the vessel is immediately removed and the owner is fined and prohibited from re-entering for one year.
Newport Beachs ordinance likely would be similar to Avalons, commissioners indicated.
My experience is it keeps the honest people honest, West said. Anything we can do to create a deterrent effect is good.
Community members have urged commissioners to use caution when drafting the ordinance to ensure theyre not giving the Harbor Patrol the authority to board vessels without probable cause.
Commissioner Joe Stapleton echoed those concerns and said he would be more comfortable if the commission could review the exact wording of the ordinance.
We have to be very careful about how we write this, he said.
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Hannah Fry, hannah.fry@latimes.com
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
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Newport Beach annexed West Santa Ana Heights from the county in 2008. During those lengthy negotiations, I chaired the Santa Ana Heights Redevelopment Agency Project Advisory Committee.
One thing the committee fought hard to preserve in the annexation agreement was the dog kennel zoning on Riverside Drive.
Its been years since I visited the area, but recently Stasha the Wonder Dog and I decided to check out the new home of the Newport Beach Animal Shelter located there.
Readers may remember that in November the city terminated its agreement with the Orange County Humane Society amid allegations by city staff of unsanitary and inhumane conditions at the Huntington Beach shelter.
Newports city shelter is now housed at the Home Free Animal Rescue and Sanctuary at 20302 Riverside Drive.
Whats nice about Riverside Drive is that the kennels including the shelter are actually at residential homes.
Home Free Animal Rescue and Sanctuary opened in 2010. Its the brain child of Kathy Leonard.
An estate attorney for more than 20 years, Leonard followed her passion for rescuing dogs and bought the property when the original owner, whod operated a kennel there since the 1950s, died.
The day Stasha and I visited, Valerie Schomburg, Newports animal control supervisor, was on site and explained how the two different entities co-exist.
Leonards nonprofit agency rescues only dogs and is a no-kill shelter.
The city animals are housed there too Leonards staff cares for them and the city takes in cats, dogs, birds, etc.
Schomburg says the city tries to reunite animals with owners, while others hope for adoption.
A small percentage are euthanized in situations where animal control has taken in an animal that has either bitten someone, is deemed dangerous or is too ill to survive.
Leonard tells me they are always looking for volunteers to socialize dogs by taking them for walks and to help post on social media the animals in need of adoption.
Home Free Animal Rescue and Sanctuary has a website, https://www.homefreerescue.org/ and Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/homefreeanimalsanctuary/
Schomburg says those interested in the citys dogs and cats can visit the animal control page of the NBPD site, https://www.nbpd.org/community/animal_control/our_animal_shelter.asp
Both organizations have information on how to adopt animals on their sites. Each has a slightly different procedure.
I was impressed with the cleanliness and the spirit of the citys new animal shelter. Its a perfect fit with Leonards rescue organization.
After talking with Schomburg and Leonard it became clear that the concept of keeping animals locally within the community is the best approach.
Newport got it right here; it baffles me why Costa Mesa hasnt followed suit. Maybe these two cities should just buy a facility on Riverside Drive and pool their efforts.
How we treat our animals says a lot about who we are and our city leadership.
It was obvious to me that Leonard and Schomburg love what they do.
Our goal is to save lives, says Leonard.
Walking around and visiting with the animals tugs at your heart. I rescued Stasha at the Pet Expo at the OC Fairgrounds four years ago.
April 22 through 24 Leonards organization will participate in the 2016 Americas Family Pet Expo at the OC Fair and Event Center.
Last year, 45,000 folks attended the event, and more than 600 dogs, cats and even a few guinea pigs were adopted, says Jennifer Becker, who does public relations for the expo.
Becker estimates more than 9,500 pets have been adopted through this event in conjunction with their Southern California animal rescue partner organizations.
Since Americas Family Pet Expo started more than 25 years ago, the mission of the World Pet Assn. has been to educate consumers about responsible pet care and ownership, says Doug Poindexter, president the World Pet Assn.
I adore this event. I find pet products there I dont find anywhere else, and there are so many species to learn about.
Back again this year are fan favorites like the diving Splash Dogs, the Weiner dog races, dog stunt show and police and protection dog demos.
New for 2016 are mini farm animals and the Camp Rusk Foundation for Retired Horses.
But if you are considering adopting a rescue there are key factors to consider, according to Stashas trainer, Vladae the Russian Dog Wizard.
He advises clients to make their adoption decisions based on the familys lifestyle, not how cute or cuddly a particular rescue may look.
Many rescue animals come with behavioral issues that can be trained away, he says, but adoption is a lifetime emotional and financial commitment folks need to be ready to make.
The last thing you want to do is have to return the animal to the shelter because you didnt think this through.
BARBARA VENEZIA lives in Newport Beach. She can be reached at bvontv1@gmail.com. Listen to her weekly radio segment on Sunday Brunch with Tom and Lynn from 11 a.m. to noon on KOCI/101.5 FM.
Re. Commentary: Voter approval should be required when city takes on debt, (June 4): Newport Beach Councilman Scott Peotter has again written about his ideas for the citys debt. Oh, where to begin. First of all, general obligation debt already requires a vote of two-thirds of the people under the state constitution and our city charter because it involves an increase in property taxes to pay the debt. I worked with [Proposition 13 co-authors] Howard Jarvis and Paul Gann, and I strongly supported, and still support, this requirement. In fact, I have sponsored a ballot measure for the November election that requires a super-majority vote of the City Council before a tax can even be placed on the ballot.
Certificates of Participation do not include the power to tax. No taxes were raised to finance City Hall; it was done from the citys existing cash flow. Certificates of Participation have been widely used for nearly 40 years in California, and they are convoluted only in the mind of Peotter.
Peotters proposed debt limit would already be exceeded without any new debt, so all borrowing would need a vote. In addition to potentially sending financing for police cars, copy machines and office leases to the voters, the measure would have other unintended, negative consequences.
Through the sound financial planning of the prior council, no borrowing was required for Marina or Sunset Ridge parks, and none is expected for any of our upcoming capital improvements. However, as we begin to formulate a plan for the $60 million needed for seawall replacements, debt may be part of that solution. Residents of Balboa Island, the Peninsula and other low-lying communities should think long and hard about the ramifications of making the public improvements necessary to protect your homes and families subject to a public vote by those living miles away with no direct benefit.
Peotters prohibition against non-callable debt, which has been thoroughly and repeatedly debunked, will only have one outcome: higher debt service costs to Newport Beach taxpayers. All long-term municipal debt includes some components that are not callable in response to market demands. Certain structures, such as premium bonds, that reduce the total outstanding debt, and public-private partnerships that use taxable debt, could be prohibited altogether. These are all tools that need to be available to the city for flexibility and sound decision-making.
Our independent financial advisers, in March 2015, provided us with the precise analysis of the cost of Mr. Peotters ideas with regard to the City Hall debt. At that time, Fieldman Rolapp determined that Peotters provisions would have increased debt service by $719,000 annually. That would be a minimum of $7.19 million to the first call date and if his gamble goes wrong, would have cost the taxpayers a whopping $21 million more in debt service. It is a gamble we did not take and should not have taken.
This is only the latest in a series of irresponsible proposals from Peotter, including taking funds designed to reduce our pension liability and speculating in the stock market, selling the revenue-producing old City Hall site, operating the sewer enterprise at a structural deficit and cutting the business-license fee by an amount equal to the operational costs of approximately 20 police officers.
Many of Peotters misguided ideas were recently rejected by the city Finance Committee on a unanimous vote, including one by Peotters own appointee.
Finally, Peotter again offers his cartoonish attack on the Civic Center. To his credit, he has been clear on what he would have done differently. He would not have expanded the library, so there would be no connection between City Hall and the library. He would not have built the parking structure. This would have eliminated the civic green and nearly all of the park and replaced them with an asphalt parking lot.
To meet his cost targets, we would not have excavated $8 million in dirt so the City Hall would be a tilt up, Costco-style building on a hill, three stories higher than the existing building and blocking water views from MacArthur and the Harbor View neighborhood. We would have no community center and no emergency center.
This is Peotters vision for our city. Is it yours?
Keith Curry
City Councilman
Newport Beach
A group of sweaty Burbank police officers, cadets and Explorers ran up to the Glendale border Wednesday afternoon carrying a lit torch.
The team of eight had just jogged more than 4 miles in 80-plus-degree heat as part of the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, an annual event held to raise awareness about the summer games slated to kick off this weekend in Long Beach.
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At the intersection of Alameda Avenue and Glenoaks Boulevard, the Burbank team passed the torch dubbed the Flame of Hope to a group of Glendale officers waiting to start their 5.5-mile leg of the relay.
Michael Leon carries the torch during the Burbank leg of the annual Special Olympics torch run on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. (Roger Wilson / Staff Photographer)
Its just such a worthy cause, such a worthy opportunity to spread the word, said Glendale police officer and first-time runner Mike Wenz.
The two agencies were among the couple hundred that participated in the annual event, and for parts of the trek through the two cities, local Special Olympics athletes joined police.
Among the runners was Burbank Police Lt. JJ Puglisi, who has participated in the torch run several times.
They give everything theyve got to compete, he said of the Special Olympics athletes. Its the least we can do to come out and support them.
He was joined by an officer, a recruit, two cadets, an Explorer, a jailer and a family member from Burbank.
Im glad to see we had a good showing of cadets and Explorers, he said. Thats the next generation Im glad theyre on board with the community service mindset.
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Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com
Twitter: @atchek
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A man in his 30s was killed early Friday morning in a seven-car crash on the Golden State (5) Freeway near Western Avenue in Glendale, officials said.
One vehicle tumbled down an embankment during the pile-up, which left all northbound lanes of the freeway closed for four hours until 9:30 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol and Glendale fire officials.
Glendale paramedics transported five people to the hospital, and one man was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was outside of his vehicle when he was struck, though further details on the circumstances of the crash were not available.
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Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com
Twitter: @atchek
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Water-conservation standards could be lowered to a level in place before state mandates went into effect if the City Council directs the change sometime in July.
Residents have done their part in cutting back on watering lawns and conserving water following strict mandates set by Californias Water Control Board, said Steve Zurn, general manager of Glendale Water & Power.
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He told members of the Glendale Water & Power Commission on Monday that because homeowners have conserved so much in the past year, the city could ease up on watering restrictions, even during the hot summer months.
Theres no question that water usage is going to be less than it was three years ago or even two years ago, Zurn said. Peoples habits change and, in the water business, they change permanently.
Last year, the state mandated Glendale cut back on its water consumption by 20%, and the community typically achieved a roughly 25% reduction. In recent months, the required reduction was scaled back to 18%.
That figure could drop even lower based on an influx in the water supply to the Metropolitan Water District, from which Glendale buys a third of its water supply, Zurn said.
For nearly two years, the city has been in phase three of its water-conservation plan, which restricts lawn watering to two days a week.
Zurn said given the boost in water supply, he thinks reverting to phase two which allows watering three days a week is doable because people are now accustomed to using less water.
Then there are the homeowners who swapped their lawns for drought-tolerant landscaping, which is a permanent removal of water usage from the local total.
Michael De Ghetto, assistant general manager of the utility, said it may be possible to even recommend council members drop to phase-one restrictions, which is voluntary conservation and would allow residents to water their lawns any day they like.
However, Zurn later clarified in a phone interview that he envisions some sort of restriction on days of the week to remain.
Mayor Paula Devine said shes thankful for the commitment by residents to scale back on water consumption, and she thinks they deserve a break from the restrictions.
Theyre not going to take this as an order to go ahead and use as much water as they want, she said in a phone interview. They are going to continue the habits that they formed.
Zurn said he will also recommend to council members that the drought rate be revoked. The rate was implemented last year and is an added 75 cents per hundred cubic feet of water or 748 gallons and adds to about $14 to a typical single-family customers utility bill each month.
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Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com
Twitter: @ArinMikailian
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The Glendale Unified School Board recently received a petition asking it to authorize the establishment of a charter school within its boundaries. The proposal is for a new K-8 dual-language-immersion program at a site yet to be determined, but likely somewhere south of the Ventura (134) Freeway.
A charter school, for those who dont know, is a publicly funded school operated independently of its host district and free of many of the state regulations governing school districts. Among other loosened constraints, charter schools allow students living outside the host district to enroll without the inter-district permits required for transfers between districts.
The development committee of the International Studies Language Academy, known as ISLA, filed the petition, with approximately 300 signatures attached in support, many of them belonging to parents of students currently attending Glendale schools. As required by law, the Board of Education will conduct a public hearing on the matter on Tuesday and must render a decision at its meeting on Dec. 15 whether to grant or deny the petition.
While the School Board has been counseled to stay closed-lipped about the petitions merits until all the evidence is in and a full analysis of the nearly 250-page petition is completed the district is soliciting public opinion through a survey available on its website, www.gusd.net. I reviewed the petition and completed the survey, and Im hoping my comments here will encourage more readers to weigh in, either in writing or at Tuesdays meeting.
For my part, I am encouraging the board to deny the petition, though I agree with the desirability of expanding the districts dual-language-immersion offerings for middle and high school students. I believe the proposed charter school will be counterproductive for both the petitioning families and the students of the district. More to the point, I have concerns about the schools short- and long-term viability as well as its governance plan.
Ill start with the statement of need in the petitions introduction. ISLAs development team was formed due to the growing success and popularity for elementary two-way dual-language-immersion programs in Glendale, the increases in the waiting lists for the immersion programs in Glendale, particularly in Spanish, and the scarcity of immersion middle school option[s] for continuing French, Italian and German immersion students in Glendale.
In other words, unlike the more common examples of charter schools designed to encourage educational innovation in low-performing schools or districts, this charter is designed to replicate and expand on Glendales success. Its more about wants than needs, and what parent doesnt want more for Californias children?
But I suspect that in a district like ours, where there are so many excellent, existing school options, fewer parents than petitioners anticipate will be ready to switch to a school without an established track record.
I could be wrong on that point, as several Foreign Language Academy of Glendale, known as FLAG, parents have already announced theyre ready to jump ship as soon as they get the chance to enroll in ISLA, despite the petitioners claim that Success for ISLA is directly linked to success at GUSDs Franklin Magnet School and other nearby immersion schools.
But even if ISLA reached its target of 438 students in the first year, I have doubts about its interpretation of enrollment projections and its ability to reach a student population of 1,056 by the fifth year. And I can only imagine the turmoil that would be involved if it were to reach that number. From my years on the school board when the FLAG programs were established, Im familiar with the administrative and financial stresses and strains that can occur where four languages are taught to four groups of students in one school.
As much as Ive appreciated the growth and spirit of Franklin Magnet School, which started with three languages and, amid considerable hand-wringing and the near cancellation of the German program, added French in 2012, I have since then expressed my belief that we were short-sighted to place so many languages in one elementary school. I would not recommend such an arrangement today.
Maybe such a start-up school would work in Miami, Fla., home of the model school on which ISLAs middle school plan is based; I dont know Miami. But I see it struggling to survive in Glendale. I also lack confidence in the future of a school supported, in large part, by organizations and interests so far from home.
The ISLA team is a parent-led group working with educators, outside consultants and in collaboration with the International Studies Charter School in Miami, Fla. What is evident through the petition and supporting documents is that the outside consultants include a Las Vegas company that will provide back office services and investors from the Turner-Agassi Fund, established, according to its website, to provide investors seeking both financial and societal returns access to the growth of Americas most innovative educational organizations.
I guess what concerns me most is the notion of public schools developed and governed as private rather than public investments. That issue, however, does not fall within the criteria the board may consider in its decision unless, perhaps, the collective opinion of our community could reasonably affect ISLAs chance of success.
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JOYLENE WAGNER is a past member of Glendale Unified School Board. Email her at jkate4400@aol.com.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valleys Clubhouse Theatre acting program was recognized as the top arts program at a national conference last month.
The local club, which serves Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and surrounding areas, was given the Honor Award for Program Excellence in the Arts as well as $5,000 from sponsor MetLife, at the 110th annual Boys & Girls Club of America conference, held in New Orleans from May 11 to 13.
Each year, about 350 children participate in the Clubhouse Theatre, which offers 18-week musical theater productions, year-round acting classes and summer acting camps.
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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley was recognized last year for its Twilight Education Program, which helps adults from low-income neighborhoods learn English and other skills, and its Education and Career Development program.
Sightings of several large sharks prompted lifeguards at Sunset Beach to engage in a sort of dance with the marine mammals by repeatedly closing and opening the beach this week.
The water was declared safe and open to people at 11 a.m. Tuesday, following a closure Monday at about 3:40 p.m.
The beach was also closed Sunday afternoon through Monday morning while officials looked for the three 10-to-12-foot great white sharks.
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Were doing kind of like a musical chair dance, said Huntington Beach marine safety Lt. Claude Panis. Right now, were in the clear.
He said the beach is closed any time a shark longer than 10 feet is spotted.
No one was injured and the sharks showed no signs of aggressive behavior.
The closures came about a week after a 52-year-old woman was attacked by a shark while swimming off Newport Beach.
A helicopter crew from the Orange County Sheriffs Department spotted the sharks about 2 p.m. Sunday near Anderson Street in Huntington Beach, Panis said.
Sunset Beach, which is in Huntington Beach, and the adjoining Surfside Beach in Seal Beach were closed to swimmers and surfers Sunday through 10:30 a.m. Monday.
Its a precaution due to the size of the sharks and potential for aggressive behavior, said Michael Diller, a lifeguard and beach supervisor in Seal Beach.
Matt Hamilton is a writer with the Los Angeles Times. Times Community News staff writer Bryce Alderton also contributed to this report.
Supporters of Andrew Blumenfeld were out in full force last week. While two of his opponents for the 43rd District state Assembly seat, Laura Friedman and Ardy Kassakhian (or their PACs) focused on massive dueling-attack mailers, the grassroots Blumenfeld campaign focused on door-to-door canvassing.
There are two other candidates in the race Rajiv Dalal from La Canada and Dennis Bullock from Burbank. Dalal is endorsed by the American Federation of Musicians, Local 47. My dad was a member of that union, so the endorsement is pretty cool.
The Monday morning deadline for this column means that by the time you read this, the results will be in.
Whatever the results, at least Blumenfeld, an LCHS grad, ran his campaign La Canada style, focusing on policy and supported by local volunteers.
This is a strange election cycle. Emotions are strong. Voter turnout is high. Theres a ton of money being dumped into all the campaigns. With five candidates, the 43rd should go into a runoff.
Our sister paper, the Glendale News-Press, has looked at the large donations to the two Glendale candidates Laura Friedman and Ardy Kassakhian.
Kassakhian has raised the most money with a war chest of roughly $685,000 to Friedmans $665,000.
About $120,000 contributed to Friedmans campaign in recent months have come from cities such as San Francisco and Palo Alto.
The paper reported Kassakhian has received $420,000 in independent expenditures, primarily from the California Assn. of Realtors and the California Apartment Assn.
Clearly, La Canada is not the target market for the California Apartment Assn., but when Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti endorsed Kassakhian, folks began to wonder.
The elephant in the room is funding, specifically public versus charter schools.
The charter-versus-public-school debate plagues this race because the California Teachers Assn. and United Teachers Los Angeles have endorsed Kassakhian and the California Charter Schools Assn. (CCSA) has supported Friedman.
The power players are out. But the underdogs have a chance.
This year, with two candidates running negative campaigns, complete with attack mailers and bloated campaign budgets, and with smaller operations by Dalal, Bullock and Andrew Blumenfeld, one thing is certain, it will be interesting.
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ANITA SUSAN BRENNER is a longtime La Canada Flintridge resident and an attorney with Law Offices of Torres and Brenner in Pasadena. Contact her at anitasusan.brenner@yahoo.com. Follow her on Instagram @realanitabrenner, Facebook and on Twitter @anitabrenner.
Curious about the vociferous elephant seals I heard bellowing last fall as I drove Highway 1, I returned in May to Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve near San Simeon with my husband, Paul. I was lured by the promise of a peak molt season at one of Californias largest coastal rookeries. What molt? he asked, perplexed. Soon, he would hear more than he wanted about the annual shedding of skin and hair these massive pinnipeds undergo onshore. We came for the elephant seals molt season lasts until August but stayed for the historic light station and spectacular views along the northern San Luis Obispo County coast. The tab: $179 a night for an oceanfront room at Best Western Plus Cavalier in San Simeon, taxes and fees excluded; $120 for meals, and $70 for admission fees.
The bed
Seven miles south of Piedras Blancas is the Best Western Plus Cavalier Oceanfront Resort [9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon; (805) 927-4688, www.cavalierresort.com). From our balcony we saw leaping dolphins and a whale swimming just offshore, appearing as we unpacked as though on cue. Hardier travelers were bundled up to watch the sunset at the resorts cliff-side fire pits, but we chose the view from the cozy chairs next to our in-room fireplace.
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The meal
Hands down: the locally recommended Sebastians [442 San Simeon Road, San Simeon; (805) 927-3307]. We ordered a tri-tip sandwich and the (loaded) bacon avocado cheeseburger. My Texas-born husband gobbled the Hearst Ranch free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished beef and insisted on returning the next day for pulled pork and fresh fish tacos.
The find
The tour at the Piedras Blancas Light Station near San Simeon [(805) 927-7361, www.piedrasblancas.org) covers it all history, landscape and wildlife. There are colorful stories about this old tower on the rugged windy point with its piedras blancas, or white rocks, offshore, bedeviled by earthquakes, water shortages and a controversy over a confusing light pattern. And we got a first sighting of the areas marquee stars: the northern elephant seals (so-called because of the mature males large nose) piled by the hundreds on the beaches below. The tan and silvery lumps look like driftwood, yet if you watch carefully, youll see small, endearing movements: a flipper tossing sand over a hot, heavy body. The scratching of an irritating bit of skin that wont slough off. Or a massive yawn. Later, at an official vista point, a blue-jacketed volunteer with Friends of the Elephant Seal explained that the ragged-looking creatures were conserving their energy. No meals until they return to sea, said Tom, pointing out the silvery seals that had finished their molt and would swim away soon.
Lesson learned
The area has treasures galore beyond famed Hearst Castle [750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon; (800) 444-4445, www.hearstcastle.org). Then again, on a weekday spring afternoon, there was no waiting. On a whim, we joined a tour of the upper rooms. From the newspaper magnates richly appointed bedroom, we got a final, far-away glimpse of our light station shrouded in the mist. Perfect.
travel@latimes.com
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China could end up erecting a Great Wall of self-isolation if it doesnt back off its island-building and claims to a huge swath of the South China Sea, Defense Secretary Ash Carter warned last week in Singapore. While Chinas moves have caused concern in Washington as well as numerous countries in Southeast Asia, no nation in the region has been as active in challenging China as the Philippines.
In the coming weeks, an international tribunal in the Netherlands is expected to rule in a case brought by Manila in 2013 against Beijing over its claims and activities in the region. Julian Ku, a professor of constitutional law at Hofstra University, has called the forthcoming ruling one of the most anticipated international judicial decisions in recent history.
Heres a look at the case and some of the issues at stake.
What the Philippines wants from the tribunal
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The Philippines has asked the tribunal to rule on the validity of Chinas claim to territory that falls within what China calls the nine-dash line, a U-shaped area of demarcation dipping far off the mainlands southern coast, sweeping east of Vietnam, down near Malaysia and Brunei, and then looping back up west of the main Philippine islands. The loop encompasses the Paracel and Spratley islands and Scarborough Shoal.
Though China has never explicitly defined what privileges it believes it has within the nine-dash line, it has asserted historic rights in the area.
The Philippines worries that such a claim could eventually lead China to assert full sovereignty and control over all the land, water, seabed and other atolls and shoals within its boundaries.
A less expansive interpretation might regard the nine-dash line as a box in which China has sovereignty over certain islets and jurisdiction of their corresponding maritime zones, Marina Tsirbas, a policy expert at the Australian National University, wrote recently in the Diplomat. This is the difference between claiming that the South China Sea is an internal Chinese lake or saying that China has some outlying islands off its coast which generate maritime zones, Tsirbas said. In the latter case, the waters between the Chinese mainland and the islands are international for the purposes of military and civilian naval traffic.
Why the Philippines took this step
The Philippines said it filed the claim in 2013 to protect its national territory and maritime domain, describing the dispute as a matter of our patrimony, territory, national interest and national honor. It said that China has been damaging the marine environment by destroying coral reefs, engaging in destructive fishing practices and harvesting endangered species.
China has engaged in massive land reclamation efforts in the region, expanding rocky outcroppings into landing strips and other facilities that could have military uses. Manila asserts that Chinas moves cannot lawfully change the original nature and character of these features. These small features, the Philippines contends, are not entitled to any exclusion zones extending beyond 12 miles that would limit fishing and other activities by other countries. (The U.S. Navy shares this position and recently sailed ships through the region to emphasize the point.)
In a Q&A outlining its rationale for bringing the case, the Philippines Foreign Ministry said it had exhausted all possible initiatives. It urged China to participate in the tribunals proceedings, saying: China is a good friend. Arbitration is a peaceful and amicable process to settle a dispute between and among friends.
The U.S. has backed Manilas pursuit of the case.
What China says
China and the Philippines, unlike the United States, have both ratified the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Nevertheless, China has said repeatedly that it believes it is within its rights to reject the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and has no plans to abide by its decision; it has repeatedly called on Manila to resolve the dispute through direct negotiations.
China said Wednesday that, contrary to Manilas claims, the two countries have never engaged in any negotiation on the dispute now before the tribunal. It accused Manila of a deliberate act of bad faith and said the Philippines had reneged on pledges to resolve matters through bilateral talks. It claims that 40 nations support its position.
The Philippines brought the case under outgoing President Benigno Aquino III. Incoming leader Rodrigo Duterte has indicated he may be open to direct talks with Beijing.
If China is going to ignore the ruling, is this all pointless?
Although China has turned its back on the tribunal, refusing to participate in any of the proceedings, the ruling could have significant consequences for regional and international relations. It could further ratchet up tensions, or cool things down.
If Manila prevails, that could encourage other nations to pursue similar cases or use the ruling as a basis to more strongly challenge Chinese behavior around islets and in waters that are in dispute.
A more mixed ruling might undercut faith in international dispute resolution mechanisms such as the tribunal and the agreements that underpin them. That could lead to moves by regional players or the United States to step up freedom of navigation exercises and other activities such as fishing or drilling for oil in the region.
Some analysts say China could change its tune if the tribunal rules strongly against it.
Experience has shown that Chinas foreign policies and legal positions are not written in stone. An increasingly vigorous effort by those nations that have their own maritime disputes with China to promote their settlement through diplomacy that includes resort[ing] to international legal institutions may ultimately prove effective, New York University law professor Jerome A. Cohen, an expert on law in East Asia, said in April during a lecture at Taiwans Soochow University.
If all affected nations in the East China Sea and the South China Sea bombard the headquarters in Beijing by taking their international law disputes with China to international legal institutions rather than relying exclusively on endless, fruitless, and unequal bilateral negotiations or American military gestures there is hope for a turnabout.
Nine months after announcing that China would help build a high-speed rail line from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the private U.S. company behind the plan said late Wednesday that the deal was off.
XpressWest said the decision to terminate the relationship with China Railway International was based primarily upon difficulties associated with timely performance and CRIs challenges in obtaining required authority to proceed with required development activities.
XpressWest indicated that its biggest challenge was a federal government requirement that high-speed trains must be manufactured in the United States to secure regulatory approvals.
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As everyone knows, there are no high-speed trains manufactured in the United States, the company said in a statement. This inflexible requirement has been a fundamental barrier to financing high-speed rail in our country. For the past 10 years, we have patiently waited for policymakers to recognize high-speed rail in the United States is a new enterprise and that allowing trains from countries with decades of safe high-speed rail experience is needed to connect the Southwest region and start this new industry.
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The news broke in China on Thursday, a public holiday, and China Railway International representatives were not immediately available for comment.
China launched its domestic high-speed rail service in 2007 and has the worlds most extensive network of such trains, covering more than 12,000 miles. In 2011, two trains collided near the city of Wenzhou, killing 40 people, raising doubts about the quality and safety of Chinas trains and operating system, though there has not been a crash since then.
The country is now trying to export its rail technology, vying for contracts in Mexico, Southeast Asia and elsewhere. The L.A.-to Vegas route would have been Chinas first such contract in the United States.
Chinas high-speed rail lines are owned and operated by the China Railway Corp., a state-run entity formerly called the Railway Ministry.
The XpressWest-China venture was announced suddenly in September just days ahead of President Xi Jinpings visit to the United States. But details were scant.
XpressWest, formerly called DesertXpress, said it had formed a joint venture with China Railway International USA, a consortium led by China Railway. China Railway International stated that it would provide initial capital of $100 million.
Yang Zhongmin, chairman of China Railway International, said in September that the deal would be a landmark in overseas investment for the Chinese railway sector and serve as a model of international cooperation.
A Los Angeles-to-Las Vegas bullet train has long been discussed. XpressWest had been talking about a 185-mile route that would run adjacent to heavily traveled Interstate 15 from Las Vegas to Victorville, 85 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
But in wake of the September announcement, Chinese officials described the project as a 230-mile route with an additional stop in Palmdale and eventual service throughout the Los Angeles area using some of the same track that would be used by the publicly backed California high-speed rail project.
The team at XpressWest is optimistic CRI and its affiliates will one day succeed in establishing a viable presence in the United States rail market; however, our ambitions outpace CRIs ability to move the project forward timely and efficiently, XpressWest said Wednesday after terminating the deal. XpressWest is undeterred by this development and remains dedicated to completing its high-speed passenger rail project.
XpressWest would now aggressively pursue other available development partnerships and options expected to result in a more efficient and cost-effective project implementation experience, Chief Executive Tony Marnell said.
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A ridership study is underway and should be finished in August, the company said.
Federal railroad records indicate that XpressWest had secured approvals and permits from a number of federal agencies for the 185-mile route. Additional permits, approvals and environmental analysis would be needed if the 230-mile proposal were to move forward.
XpressWest said it is awaiting the completion of the final environmental work required for the development of the line connecting the project to Los Angeles through Victorville and Palmdale, with approvals expected no later than September. Once that is finished, the company said, it would renew its request to the federal government for support.
We are hopeful policymakers in Washington, D.C., will allow the Federal Railroad Administration to adopt a more flexible and realistic approach to support high speed rail, the company said. The real question is: do those in Washington, D.C., have the courage and vision to proceed or is our leadership going to force projects throughout the United States to seek financial support for infrastructure in our country from foreign governments?
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U.S.-backed fighters on Thursday closed all major roads leading to the northern Syrian town of Manbij, a stronghold of the Islamic State group, and surrounded it from three sides, officials and Syrian opposition activists said.
The upcoming battle against the extremists for the town has forced many residents to flee; Manbij is one of the largest areas Islamic State holds in the northern province of Aleppo. It is a key waypoint on an Islamic State supply line between the Turkish border and the extremist groups de facto capital, Raqqa. If the U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces capture Manbij, it will be the extremists biggest defeat in Syria since government forces captured the central historic town of Palmyra in March.
The U.S. Central Command said the operation to free Manbij is part of the moderate Syrian opposition efforts to clear areas along the border with Turkey from Islamic State control. Members of the American and French military have been advising forces fighting Islamic State in northern Syria.
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A statement by the Military Council of the City of Manbij, which is part of the Syria Democratic Forces, said Thursday that all roads from the east, north and south have been cut. The group said its forces are now close enough to target Islamic State positions inside the town, but that they are holding off storming Manbij to avoid civilian casualties.
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The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Syria Democratic Forces fighters are about 875 yards from the last main road linking Manbij with the city of Aleppo, saying that the road is now closed by fire fights.
The rights group said that since of Syria Democratic Forces offensive began on May 31, 132 Islamic State fighters, 21 Syria Democratic Forces fighters and 37 civilians have been killed.
Mustafa Bali, a Syrian journalist who visited the front lines in Manbij on Thursday, told the Associated Press that the extremists dont appear to be preparing to withdraw from Manbij as they did from other areas. He added that black clouds of smoke covered Manbij on Wednesday, as extremists set tires on fire to apparently obscure visibility inside the town and prevent airstrikes from U.S.-led coalition planes flying overhead.
Daesh is preparing for a battle inside the city, Bali said using an Arabic acronym to refer to Islamic State.
Syria Democratic Forces official Nasser Haj Mansour said Wednesday that approximately 15,000 civilians had fled Manbij.
The U.S. Central Command said that since the start of the offensive to liberate Manbij, the Syria Democratic Forces Syrian Arab Coalition has freed a total of 132 square miles from Islamic State control. It said that the Combined Joint Task Forces Operation Inherent Resolve has conducted more than 105 strikes in support of the battle to liberate Manbij.
The Syrian Arab Coalition is leading the operation and will be responsible for securing Manbij once it is freed, the statement said. It was an apparent attempt to calm Arab residents of Manbij, who fear Kurdish fighters who are predominant in the SDF will also enter the town.
The statement said coalition advisers are assisting the fighters in the battles with command and control from nodes located behind the forward line of friendly forces.
It said the U.S.-led coalition airpower had destroyed 108 IS fighting position, 31 vehicles, 17 heavy weapons, two weapons caches and one vehicle borne improvised explosive device.
In France, an official confirmed that French special forces are offering training and giving advice to SDF fighters. The official with the French Defense Ministry said Thursday the forces are with SDF fighters who are fighting against IS.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record. He did not provide other details.
In a round-table interview last week, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said French forces were participating. We are helping with arms, we are helping with aerial support, we are helping with advice, he said.
The U.S. also has around 300 Special Forces embedded with the SDF in northern Syria.
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Israel on Thursday imposed a series of sweeping restrictions on Palestinian movement and deployed hundreds of additional troops to the West Bank in response to a Tel Aviv attack that killed four Israelis.
The shooting, carried out by two West Bank Palestinians, targeted a crowded tourist and restaurant district in the heart of Tel Aviv and was among the deadliest and most brazen attacks in a nine-month wave of violence. The area is located across the street from the Israeli militarys headquarters.
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to meet with his Security Cabinet to discuss further responses, the Israeli military announced that it was deploying two additional battalions to the West Bank in accordance with situation assessments. The deployment, involving hundreds of troops, includes soldiers from infantry and special forces units.
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Among the participants in the Security Cabinet meeting was Israels new defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of an ultra-nationalist party known for his hard-line views toward the Palestinians. Before the meeting, Lieberman visited the site of the shooting and had a cup of coffee in a local cafe.
I do not intend to speak and detail the steps we intend to take, but I am sure that I have no intention to stop at words, he said.
Earlier Thursday, defense officials suspended tens of thousands of special permits given to Palestinians to visit Israel during the current Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
COGAT, an Israeli defense body, said 83,000 permits for Palestinians in the West Bank to visit relatives in Israel had been frozen. Special Ramadan permits were also suspended for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to visit relatives in Israel, travel abroad and attend prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, COGAT said.
Israel considers the Ramadan permits a goodwill gesture toward Palestinians.
In addition, the military said it had frozen Israeli work permits for 204 of the attackers relatives, and was preventing Palestinians from leaving and entering the West Bank village of Yatta, the attackers home village. COGAT said entering or leaving will only be permitted for humanitarian and medical cases.
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The military was also making preparations to demolish the family home of one of the attackers. Israel often responds to attacks by demolishing the homes of the assailants or those of their relatives a tactic that is criticized by the Palestinians and human rights groups as collective punishment.
In Tel Aviv, extra police units were mobilized, mainly around the citys central bus station and train stations, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
The Sarona compound, the scene of Wednesdays shooting, quickly reopened.
In the attack, two Palestinians dressed in black suits opened fire at the Max Brenner restaurant in Sarona, killing four Israelis and wounding nine others. Sarona, home to dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants, is one of Tel Avivs most popular destinations and is often crowded with visitors and soldiers in uniform taking a break from their duties at the nearby military headquarters.
Police identified the victims as Michael Feige, 58, a sociologist and anthropologist at Ben-Gurion University, and Ido Ben Arieh, 42, a veteran of an elite army unit who was an executive at the Coca-Cola Cos Israel branch, his wife, who was injured in the attack, told Israeli media. Two other victims were identified as Ilana Naveh, 39, and Mila Misheiv, 32.
Police said the two gunmen, in their 20s, were members of the same family from the Palestinian village of Yatta, near the West Bank city of Hebron, which has been a flashpoint for violence in recent months. One gunman was injured and was being treated in an Israeli hospital. The other was apprehended by security.
Israeli security officials said the weapons were crudely improvised, indicating that a militant organization was not involved. They said initial assessments indicated that the attackers did not have special Ramadan permits allowing them to enter Israel, but that they had sneaked into Israel illegally to carry out the assault.
Ahmad Mussa Mahmara, the father of one of the attackers, said his son has two uncles serving life sentences in Israeli prison.
We didnt expect this. My son is young and has been in Jordan for the past four years, and just came here for the past five months. He does not have any political affiliation, Mahmara said.
The military interrogated Mahmara on Wednesday night at his home, where his son was staying. Soldiers took measurements of the home in preparation for demolishing it, the military said.
Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, welcomed the attack but did not claim responsibility. Hamas official Mushir Masri called the shootings a heroic operation, and the group later issued an official statement promising the Zionists more surprises during Ramadan.
Islamic Jihad, another militant group, called the shooting a natural response to Israels brutal actions against Palestinians, but it also did not claim responsibility for the attack.
Over the last eight months Palestinians have carried out dozens of attacks on civilians and security forces, mostly stabbings, shootings and car-ramming assaults that have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans. About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most identified as attackers by Israel. The assaults were once near-daily incidents but they have become less frequent in recent weeks.
Most of the attacks have been in East Jerusalem or the West Bank, territories Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war and which the Palestinians want for their future state.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned Wednesdays attack.
Murder and terror are completely without justification and cannot be used as an instrument of political disagreement, Steinmeier said.
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Both candidates ran similar campaigns, promising to wage war on crime and protect one of Latin Americas strongest economies. But in the end Peruvians chose an avuncular technocrat known as PPK for their new president rather than take a chance on a candidate with a toxic last name.
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a 77-year-old former finance minister with Oxford and Princeton degrees, on Thursday was finally declared the winner of Perus closely disputed presidential contest, squeaking out the narrowest of victories over Keiko Fujimori, 41-year-old daughter of disgraced former President Alberto Fujimori.
With 100% of ballots counted, Kuczynski garnered 50.12% of the vote versus Fujimoris 49.88%. His victory margin was only 41,000 votes out of 17 million cast.
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Its a remarkable comeback from the first round of presidential voting in April: In a seven-way contest, he won just 20% of the vote while Fujimori captured 40%.
Thank you, Peru, Kuczynski told a gathering at his campaign headquarters shortly after the election commissions announcement. Lets not confuse dialogue with weakness. We will be decisive, but we will work for all Peruvians because many feel the train has passed over them and we want everyone to be on board.
Balloting was held Sunday and the nation had been on edge awaiting the final results. On Thursday the election commission received the remaining votes from remote mountain areas, enabling it to declare Kuczynski the official winner.
NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj
Despite her first-round victory, Fujimori could not overcome voters wariness about the influence of her imprisoned father and the perceived risk of a return to his authoritarianism and human rights crimes. Her repeated promises not to repeat his mistakes or pardon him didnt sway enough voters, analysts said.
Kuczynski had not made any public statements leading up to the commissions announcement. Pedro Spadaro, a congressman from Fujimoris Fuerza Popular party, called a news conference Thursday to say that certain irregularities in voting locations and monitoring had been reported and should be reviewed.
Fujimori lost the presidency similarly in 2011 to Ollanta Humala, losing a runoff after outdistancing him and other candidates in the first round.
Fujimoris father served as president from 1990 to 2000 but was forced to resign after bribery and arms trafficking scandals that brought down his spymaster Vladimiro Montesinos. Alberto Fujimori was later tried and convicted on corruption and human rights charges and is serving a 25-year prison sentence.
Supporters of Peruvian presidential candidate Pablo Pedro Kuczynsky, who is known as PPK, gather outside the offices of the electoral commission. (Rodrigo Abd / Associated Press )
Especially damaging to Fujimori was a scandal in the campaigns final weeks over the reputed connection of her close aide Joaquin Ramirez to a money-laundering scheme. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration issued a statement last month saying she was not being investigated, but a steady drumbeat of news reports probably cost her votes.
In addition, Kuczynski benefited from a key endorsement in the campaigns final days from the third-place candidate in the voting in April, Veronika Mendoza, a charismatic, young socialist congresswoman who has galvanized opposition against big mining projects.
In addition to touting his economics background, Kuczynski promised to fight corruption and violent crime by reforming the judiciary and to remake the nations police force in a bid to tamp down violent crime. Police salaries will be increased as will the Interior Ministrys budget, he said.
In the end, voters seemed to see him as the safer choice, a brilliant candidate with a long public record, said Shane Hunt, economics professor emeritus at Boston University and a longtime Peru analyst.
In addition to his stints as finance minister and World Bank economist, Kuczynski also was Cabinet chief during the Alejandro Toledo administration (2001-06) and energy and mining minister under President Fernando Belaunde Terry (1980-85). He also has worked for several Wall Street firms.
For strengths, I would emphasize his wealth of policy experience and a very good mind, Hunt said. Put those two qualities together and you get a leader who can create a vision for a country and translate that vision into a set of policies.
If Kuczynski has a weakness, Hunt said, it could be his cerebral approach -- but that too is an asset.
Some policy challenges, like the problem of crime and citizen security, require passion as well as analysis, Hunt said. If you battle crime within the law, you have to do it with passion so as to move people. Its not clear that PPK will be effective in meeting such a challenge, for reasons of personality and because his political party is relatively weak.
Hunt referred to the fact that PPKs party, Peruvians for Change, won just 22 seats in the 130-seat Congress in the April elections. To push his legislative agenda, he must make deals with the majority party, Fuerza Popular, led by his election opponent Fujimori.
Kuczynskis status as a dual U.S.-Peru national was also a concern for many Peruvians before he renounced U.S. citizenship last year. He is married to an American and his two children live in the United States.
His record of having served on the boards of several multinational mining companies also raised fears of favoritism toward big business interests among Peruvians who feel ambivalent about big mining projects. Mining has helped fuel Perus remarkable economic growth over the last decade.
Among the initiatives he is expected to present to Congress is a 13% increase to the minimum wage. He also said he would push market-friendly measures, including a decrease in the sales tax and easing of red tape for small businesses. Also on his agenda is a legislative measure to guarantee women equal pay.
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Women in Peru work day after day to pull their families out of poverty, and it is very important to underscore that, said Kuczynskis vice presidential running mate, Mercedes Araoz, during the campaign. Equal opportunity means equal salaries for equal work.
Few underestimate the obstacles PPK may face in dealing with the Fujimorista-dominated Congress, which faces its own possible leadership struggle between Fujimori and her brother Kenji Fujimori, who won the most votes of any congressional candidate in April.
Moreover, congresswoman Mendoza, the socialist who critically endorsed PPK in the campaigns final days, emphasized in an interview that her 22-member legislative delegation will remain an opposition bloc. She said she extracted no concessions and made no deals with Kuczynski as conditions of her support.
It had nothing to do with me or PPK, Mendoza said. It had to do with defending democracy. We couldnt have Fujimorismo back to govern us.
Special correspondents Kraul and Leon reported from Bogota, Colombia, and Lima respectively.
UPDATES:
2:51 p.m.: This article was updated to report that Kuczynski was officially declared the winner of Perus presidential election.
This article originally published at 12:15 p.m.
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U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., is among the high-ranking Democrats pushing to have immigration reform made an official part of the party's platform.
The Arizona Democrat, who has supported Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., this presidential election season, recently testified at the Democratic Party platform where he urged party leaders to "take the moral high ground" on the issue.
"The Republican nominee has made race as his byline in terms of generating fear and with that fear converting that into support for his candidacy," Grijalva said in a reference to presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Dems Urged to Lock up Latino Support
In also imploring party leaders to tackle the issue of deportation of veterans, Grijalva added, Dems "have the opportunity to take the moral high ground on immigration reform by insisting this is the priority for this party, by adding specificity to the platform and not generalities and by doing so, consolidate the future strength of this party going forward."
Platform agendas have taken on more significance this election season based on the strong primary challenge Sanders has mounted to presumptive party nominee Hillary Clinton.
The platform is now widely viewed as being instrumental in bringing the party back together. The platform drafting committee is comprised of 15 members and Sanders was recently allowed to select five members after complaining that the process was rigged.
U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., a longtime immigration advocate, was one of the six committee members chosen by Clinton.
Earlier this month, those testifying at the Democratic Party platform forum addressed such concerns as immigration reform, the state of African Americans, guns, anti-Muslim sentiment, the criminal justice system, Native Americans, hunger and poverty.
The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for July 25 to 28 in Philadelphia, where the party platform is slated to be officially discussed and approved.
Grijalva Lays Out What His Biggest Concerns
When it comes to immigration, Grijalva argues some of the most significant concerns should include addressing the criminalization of immigrants and ending automatic deportation and detention, stressing family unity and dealing with the deportation of legal residents who are military veterans and obliterating a requirement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement detain at least 34,000 individuals daily in private detention facilities.
Now considered the face of the Republican Party, Trump has vowed to deport millions of immigrants if elected and is also pushing to have a wall built along the Mexican border to further keep immigrants out.
It's likely a delicate time for officials to consider leaving either major political national committees, but if an opportunity arises -- go for it.
DNC's First Latino National Director to Exit
At the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Raul Alvillar, their first Latino national political director, will leave his position just ahead of next month's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
According to Recode, Alvillar is the latest Washington, D.C. operative to leave the U.S. capital for a gig at Silicon Valley. Alvillar is reportedly in talks with a number of tech companies who have been seeking someone for a government relations job.
He's taken on the national political director position since March 2014. Alvillar previously served as the White House's interim liaison to the LGBT community, an associate director of the Office of Public Engagement in the Office of the Vice President, congressional relations officer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations and worked for President Barack Obama's campaign as the western political director.
Latino Figures Entering and Exiting the National Committees
Alvillar's planned exit comes after the Republican National Committee (RNC) saw a couple shakeups in their Latino media department. RNC Hispanic Media Director Ruth Guerra will be embarking on a new role with the conservative group American Action Network. On June 1, the RNC announced Helen Aguirre Ferre as its new Director of Hispanic Communications
"Helen will be an integral part of our Party's ongoing commitment to build relationships and communicate our message directly with Hispanic voters. Her wealth of experience is complemented by a keen strategic vision, top-notch communication skills, and outstanding leadership qualities, and she is going to be a tremendous asset to the RNC as we seek to stop Hillary Clinton and elect a Republican president," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus in his announcement.
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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.
On June 7, a group of female friends got together and decided to make an event out of their support for presidential candidate Donald Trump. What makes this newsworthy? The fact that these women were all Latinas.
The group, Latinas for Trump, co-founded by Denise Galvez and Ileana Garcia, held their "coming out" party at a bar in Miami, Florida called the American Social on Tuesday.
Over 30 women met to have food and drinks and to share in their admiration for the political candidate, while wearing red t-shirts with "Latinas for Trump" on them.
The group, who claim that their support for Trump isn't about him but his "breaking up of the establishment," now has over 250 members but they weren't always confident about their choice.
At a recent event, I was talking with other women about politics. We were almost ashamed to admit we were all leaning toward Trump," said Galvez.
Showing support for a candidate who has publicly spoken out negatively against Latinos, women and immigrants doesn't come easy and comes with plenty of backlash.
When you tell people you voted for Trump its like, oh my god, which side of my head are you going to cut off first? Garcia said. I like everything he represents, and I shouldnt have to apologize for liking him.
Since his initial controversial comments when announcing his bid for the presidency, Trump has remained unpopular among Latinos. 62 percent currently favor Clinton over him.
A former Stanford University swimmer, recently convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman he encountered early last year, laments to the court how much his life has changed since the rape in a letter he penned prior to the verdict.
Brock Turner was sentenced to six months in county jail and three years' probation stemming from the January 2015 attack. He will also be required to register as a sex offender onc ehe is released.
"I've lost two jobs solely based on the reporting of my case," wrote Turner. "I wish I never was good at swimming or had the opportunity to attend Stanford, so maybe the newspapers wouldn't want to write stories about me."
Turner Blames Party Culture
The 20-year-old Turner goes on to at least partly blame Stanford's "party culture" for his fate, adding, "I've been shattered by the party culture and risk taking behavior that I briefly experienced in my four months at school."
His letter comes several days after the woman Turner attacked, only identified as Emily Doe, shared her letter to the court.
"You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice," she wrote, addressing Turner.
In directly addressing Turner, the woman added, "You cannot give me back the life I had before that night either. While you worry about your shattered reputation, I refrigerated spoons every night so when I woke up, any my eyes were puffy from crying, I would hold the spoons to my eyes to lessen the swelling so that I could see."
Judge in Case Facing Recall Effort
Meanwhile, the judge in the case has now also come under heavy criticism over the light sentence he imposed on Turner. Though Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky was reelected to the bench unopposed on June 7, Stanford law professor Michele Dauber vowed he won't serve out his new six-year term.
"His victory will be short-lived," she said. "I am 100 percent confident we will recall him. His decision hit every woman in the state of California in the gut."
Already, more than 300,000 people have signed a Change.org online petition calling for the judge's ouster. Dauber has also launched a recall website that collected more than $8,000 in donations for that very purpose in less than eight hours. She added a hand-written petition drive will soon commence committed to collecting 70,000 signatures needed to put Persky's recall on the ballot.
"His ruling was dangerous and wrongheaded," Dauber said. "We need to replace him with someone who understands violence against women."
Turner was found guilty in March and was only taken into custody after two graduate students on bicycles rode up as the assault was taking place and tackled him as he tried to run off.
During trial, Turner claimed that the victim consented to sex. He could have faced as much as a decade behind bars.
A 17-year-old boy is accused of three separate armed robberies in Allentown, two of which involved taxi drivers.
Tyivon "Rell" Wright, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the robberies from last Thursday, Monday and Tuesday.
Wright was charged as an adult with three counts each of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sent to Lehigh County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.
Allentown police said Wright was helped in the Monday robbery by Isaiah Acevedo, 17, also of Brooklyn. Acevedo is also charged as an adult with single counts of robbery and conspiracy, and was sent to jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
On Thursday, Allentown police were called a half-hour after midnight to North Seventh and Tilghman streets for a reported armed robbery.
The victim told police four males, whom he knew from his neighborhood, stole $150 while one pointed a handgun and another pointed a revolver at him.
The victim identified Wright, whom he knew as Rell, as the robber holding the revolver, police said. Wright reportedly told the victim, "Just give it up. Don't do nothing stupid and I won't hurt you."
Monday afternoon, Wright and Acevedo allegedly robbed a taxi driver in the 400 block of Green Street.
Wright did the same thing on Tuesday night, this time he and an unidentified partner stole $280 cash and an iPhone 6 from a taxi a driver in the 800 block of North Sixth Street, according to police.
In an interview with investigators, Wright said the "revolver" in the first robbery was a BB gun, but admitted having a revolver for the taxi driver robberies.
Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Six years after funds were set aside for Paxinosa Elementary School renovations, shovels hit the ground Thursday to start work there.
Most of the $17 million in work at the Easton school will be inside the building, so for the ceremonial groundbreaking a pile of dirt was placed near the school's side entrance.
Some 700 Paxinosa students, all of them wearing yellow plastic construction hats, watched about a dozen fourth-graders dip their shovels and fling the earth.
The school was built in 1925 and last renovated in 1979. It needs significant electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation upgrades. The school has no air conditioning but will get it under the plan.
The project might not need a traditional groundbreaking, but Superintendent John Reinhart said it's fueled by groundbreaking ideas, such as the belief that everyone in this nation deserves an education that allows each child to grow to his or her full potential.
And the school will receive a groundbreaking new health clinic due to a partnership with Easton Hospital, officials said. The clinic will provide much-needed services to students, their families and neighbors.
"In spite of the fact that we're not going to have bulldozers here digging big holes, we're going to be doing some groundbreaking things here," Reinhart told the children. "That's why today you have that special yellow hat. That's why we have all these shovels."
Funds were set aside in a bond issue for the project in 2010, but they went unspent due to a fiscal crisis the administration blamed on a poorly negotiated teachers contract.
Work will continue at Paxinosa throughout the 2016-17 school year. Paxinosa's students will move to the Easton Area Middle School building for one year to expedite construction and have the school ready for their return in 2017-18.
A $22.4 million price tag that includes engineering and financing costs was trimmed down to $17 million.
"This is a wonderful project not only for the Easton Area School District, but for the City of Easton and the residents of the West Ward," said school board president Frank Pintabone.
He said plans will now get underway for renovations at Cheston Elementary School on the city's South Side.
Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Zach Eflin
Lehigh Valley IronPigs pitchers Zach Eflin, left, and Mark Appel, right, talk in the clubhouse during the annual media day April 4, 2016, prior to the start of the season at Coca-Cola Park. (Matt Smith | lehighvalleylive.com contributor)
Zach Eflin got scratched from a scheduled start last month, but it didn't have anything to do with the Phillies. Instead it was a rainstorm that hit Allentown after he warmed up, and Lehigh Valley IronPigs manager Dave Brundage didn't want to risk injury by throwing him again after an 81-minute delay.
Eflin was scratched from his start again Wednesday in Gwinnett. This one may have to do with the big league club.
Phillies starter Vince Velasquez left Wednesday afternoon's game after just two pitches with what the team called "right biceps soreness." The extent of the injury is not yet known, but the signs point toward Eflin being a top candidate to replace him in the rotation if he is to miss time.
Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan told Calkins Media's Kevin Cooney that there was no injury to Eflin.
Joe Jordan just said in text Zach Eflin was scratched because "we wanted to kick him back a few days. No injury- just tweeked his schedule." Kevin Cooney (@KevinCooney) June 8, 2016
In 10 starts with the IronPigs this season, Eflin is 5-1 with a 3.14 ERA, striking out 51 while issuing only eight walks. His best start came on April 17 when he spun a two-hit gem over eight shutout innings.
Eflin had posted a 2.05 ERA over his first eight starts, but has allowed 10 earned runs in 10.1 innings over his last two starts. The 22-year-old righty is currently the third-youngest pitcher in the International League.
Acquired in the Jimmy Rollins trade, Eflin would have to be added to the Phillies' 40-man roster if he is the pick to fill in for Velasquez.
Severino Gonzalez was listed as Wednesday's spot starter for the IronPigs, who return home Friday for a 10-game homestand.
Greg Joyce may be reached at gjoyce@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @GJoyce9.
Upper Macungie Township police reported a rash of thefts, including a sedan made by a Swedish carmaker, Apple iPad and a bronze grave marker.
Upper Macungie Township police said they were investigating a number of thefts reported in June 2016. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)
Police reported the theft of a silver 2007 Volvo S40 that was parked unlocked in the driveway of a home in the 300 block of Sawgrass Drive in the township. The 46-year-old female owner said it was taken between about 8 p.m. Tuesday and 6:45 a.m. Wednesday.
The iPad was reported about 4:30 p.m. Monday to have been stolen from an 18-year-old man's Hyundai Sante Fe parked in the 1200 block of Highland Drive, in the township's Orefield section, according to police.
A 70-year-old man from Lower Macungie Township reported the theft of what police labeled a "bronze tombstone" at 9:45 a.m. June 1. It had gone missing from the gravesite of a relative in the area of Trexler and Schaefer Run roads in Breinigsville, Upper Macungie, according to police.
Other crimes reported recently by Upper Macungie police include claims of fraud filed about noon May 31 by a 45-year-old man from Freehold, New Jersey. Someone had listed property owned by the victim in the 200 block of Milkweed Drive for sale on craigslist.com without authorization.
And a 77-year-old man reported Wednesday money had been taken from his car parked in the 100 block of Robert Drive in the township.
Police said they were continuing to investigate the incidents, which they did not indicate were believed to be related.
Investigators asked anyone with information to call the department at 484-661-5911.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Lower Nazareth proposed warehouse by F. Greek DevelopmentJPG
A rendering is displayed at a conditional use hearing Wednesday night for a proposed 300,000-square-foot warehouse east of Route 33 in Lower Nazareth Township. (John Best | lehighvalleylive.com contributor)
(John Best | lehighvalleylive.com contributor)
A handful of angry residents got up and walked out of a Wednesday night meeting as Lower Nazareth Township supervisors gave the go ahead to a proposed 300,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility.
Township supervisors voted to approve the conditional use for the project on 28 acres just east of Route 33, between Hecktown and Newburg roads. FGC Hecktown LLC, an affiliate of F. Greek Development, is the developer.
Many of the residents who attended the Wednesday night meeting also opposed approval of the IDI warehouse that was debated over nine months in 10 hearings and often drew a crowd of 75 to 100 opponents.
The Greek and IDI developments are planned on adjoining property and is near the border with Palmer Township. Many of the opponents live on neighboring Val Vista Drive in Palmer.
About 30 people attended previous conditional use hearings on the Greek development and about eight people walked out Wednesday as supervisors unanimously approved the conditional use.
"You totally disregarded the citizens of this township and Palmer," Palmer Township resident Ginger Buchser said as she walked out.
Supervisors' Chairman James Pennington said after the meeting that he is sympathetic with the project's opponents but the township must adhere to its zoning laws.
The Greek development is proposed in the light industrial zoning district and is permitted by conditional use. Some of those conditions include not negatively impacting the character of the existing neighborhood and not having a significant negative impact on traffic.
Opponents have expressed in the past that the developments will, in fact, negatively impact the neighborhood and add traffic congestion.
Township solicitor Gary Asteak stated in a written opinion that, in accordance with the township's comprehensive plan, the purpose of the light industrial campus zoning district is to provide sufficient space, in appropriate locations, to meet current and future anticipated regional needs for large-site industrial and commercial development.
Asteak's opinion conceded that the new development would add a relatively high volume of car and truck traffic. However, the close proximity to Route 33, which connects with Interstates 78 and 80, suggests the development is in an appropriate location.
"You have to try to accommodate all types of zoning," Pennington said. "We try to put them (warehouses) in the appropriate areas. Putting them next to a major highway is appropriate."
The Greek development must still receive final land development approval before it may proceed with construction. Greek representatives said potential tenants for the facility have yet to be determined.
John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Irish Water insists that a recent problem at its Clonaslee plant which caused a big disruption to local supply was caused by a 'minor fault' and resulted in no risk to health.
The State-owned company said the water supply for part of the Tullamore Public Water Supply Scheme and the Clonaslee Public Water Supply Scheme is treated at the Clonaslee Water Treatment plant.
A minor fault occurred at this plant on Tuesday, May 17 which resulted in an increase in chlorine dosing of the drinking water produced for a limited period of time. This fault was quickly identified and rectified by Irish Water, it said.
The company did not flag any safety concerns at the time.
The HSE was contacted by Irish Water through its agents, Offaly County Council and Laois County Council and following the advice of the HSE flushing of the water mains was carried out.
This resulted in some disruptions to the water supply to customers on Friday 20, Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 in Clonaslee Village and surrounding areas. Approximately 346 properties are connected to the Clonaslee Water Supply.
It should be noted that there was absolutely no health risk to the water supply in the area and that the water supply was fit for consumption at all times. The alternative water supply was available to customers who may not have wished to consume the public water supply while the flushing of the system was being carried out, said the company.
To advise customers of the work being carried out, Irish Water said it placed a notice of these disruptions on its website and all customers who contacted their call centre were provided with all relevant information.
Irish Water apologises to customers for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience while we worked to fully restore supply to all customers, it said.
There were several complaints on social media about the problem. Some were not happy that the internet warnings were given, while others said there is an ongoing issue with the quality of the water.
Laois County Council said private wells were not affected and a boil notice was of no help to householders.
Last year Irish Water confirmed it was responsible for a major fish kill in the River Clodiagh near Clonaslee.
The forthcoming merger of Kilcullen and Narraghmore Parish with Kildare Credit Union Limited in June will create a combined credit union of around 13,400 members.
None of the three credit unions are big. At September 30 last, Kildare the largest of the unions had a membership 8,316, Kilcullen had 3,407 and Narraghmore 1,772.
There has been discussion in the credit union movement that the Central Bank was interested in getting credit unions enlarged to the extent that their assets would be around 100m. In this Kildare merger, there are good arguments for a credit union like Narraghmore to merge. The new union will have around 60m in assets.
Certainly there has been a lot of pressure on credit union volunteers and staff since the 2012 Act. Effectively the Central Bank/Regulator of Credit Unions has imposed extra costs on them.
Some regulation is welcome and has led to much greater efforts to reduce bad debts, following the international financial crash of 2008. The key reasons given are to make the credit unions more efficient and protect the savings of members. Nobody can argue with this. But when you drill down into the details, the next step for the credit union movement is not as clear.
There is a fear among some that legally imposed costs could be raised so high it will put viable credit unions out of business and leave the small loan market open to less friendly providers.
Other indications are that wage cost are rising, if narrowly. There will be little savings in levies. These will not be much cheaper for a merged group because they are calculated on a pro rata base and do not get lower per members due to the size of the credit union.
One of the bigger costs for the smaller credit unions has been the legal requirement to hire internal auditors for checking the books of credit unions. Up to the 2012 Act, this work was done by volunteers, in the form of the supervisor boards. Many of these did superb jobs over the years and kept careful eye on board and staff spending. The new Act has, effectively, created the need to bring in accountants to do that work. That is one of the items which has increased costs and pushed smaller credit unions towards mergers.
In a 2014 merger, the ESB credit union with 295m in assets, took over Pearse CU with 4.2m and St Laurence OToole with 1.9m. When Naas took on Maynooth, something which the latter did not take to very well, it had 85.2m. Maynooth had 13.3m.
The Kildare merger will lead to a group of around 60m.
In its message to members Kildare chairman, John Rochford, said it was approached by the ReBo the credit union restructuring board to consider the merger (or transfer of engagements as it is known). He said it will provide enhanced services and improved financial options to the combined membership.
The credit union told the Leader there was no pressure from Rebo.
The move provides a framework for the three unions to benefit from a combined administrative structure, instead of each having to replicate the many administration requirements required under current financial regulation.
It was agreed by the Board of Directors and, it appears, there was no special general meeting or agreed proposal at an agm, by which the members as a whole could make a decision.
Asked if members given an opportunity to vote on the move at a special general meeting and, if not, why not, Kildare CU said: The Board operates to manage the best interests of the credit union to ensure that a strong credit union service is provided for members well into the future. The transfers of engagements were passed by Board resolutions on the May 23 in accordance with section 129 of the Credit Union Act 1997 as amended, as it was considered expedient to do so, given the financial position of Kilcullen Credit Union Limited and the requirement of SPS support from the Irish League of Credit Union. The Board, acting within their remit with the consent of the Central Bank made this decision with the interest of members at heart.
Kilcullen needs the SPS support not because it had losses in core business, it had to write off 695,333 to a property revaluation of its office.
Anyone who has issues with the move must make representations in relation to the Registrar of Credit Unions within 21 days from May 24 2016, effectively two weeks from today.
Kildare also said that the merger also secures the jobs of Kildare, Kilcullen and Narraghmore Parish Credit Union staff.
It confirmed there will be no wage cuts either and it is fully committed to maintaining the branch offices in Kilcullen and Narraghmore and to growing membership in these areas. When Maynooth transferred to Naas job losses did occur.
The plan is for the merger to result in a stronger, vibrant Credit Union with increased membership.
Kildare CU said that the due diligence reports or the merger were completed in April 2016 at a cost of 27,600 including VAT.
Asked what savings have been projected for the merged group over the next five years, it said there will be cost efficiencies derived from the combined entity as triplication of costs in the three credit unions will be avoided, for example, internal audit services, compliance, risk management, external audit. Cost efficiencies can be also be achieved in the areas of printing, stationery, postage, marketing costs etc.
Services available to members will include electronic funds transfers, online banking services, unique IBAN numbers for all members and laser and debit card payments. Some of these are currently not available in Kilcullen and Narraghmore.
Progress Banking, the IT system currently in use in Kildare, will be used by the new group.
Asked about a strategy for the new merged entity to bridge the gap between loans and shares, Kildare CU said: A new strategic plan covering the first four years of the merged entity has been prepared. Some of the strategies are targeted marketing, competitive positioning of loan rates and products and allowing longer term loans.
This will be a key issue for all credit unions. Up to this they could rely reasonable return from their investments or money which has not been loaned out. But that is now dropping and loans, though increasing, are low. People are, understandably, saving more.
In Kilcullen there were around 21% of assets are on loan. In Narraghmore it was a low, 13%. In the lead credit union it was 21.8% at the end of last March.
Credit unions may start looking, as other banks are doing, at either declining new savings above a certain level or charging for them.
Sounds odd. But it could be the only solution in a world of surplus cash.
While members will seek services like cards and current accounts, will they be prepared to pay for them? Will the credit union movement be able to charge low enough to compete against the international corporates and pay for costly integrated banking systems?
These will be crucial the questions for members, the Central Bank and the Oireachtas.
Hopefully they will be asked and answered in the best interest of the members, particularly the less well off members of society for whom the credit unions were set up in the first instance in the late 1950s.
In some ways the credit union movement has been particularly successful over the past eight years. It has reduced bad debt substantially. In any other business, that major cost reduction would be a cause for celebration.
Craggy Island may have had its own Chinese colony but Newbridge has attracted it's own contingent of newcomers from the Far East.
Although the Fr Ted sitcom may have poked fun at the idea of Ireland being racist, Nick Ren Boa Qiang describes Irish people as very welcoming and friendly.
Sixteen years ago, Nick left his home in the Ji Lin Yan Bian province near the North Korean border for the plains of Kildare.
It cost about 8,000 to 10,000 through an agency to secure a job and travel here at that time. Over 30 to 40 people came over to work at the Lidl warehouse in Newbridge, he says.
More Chinese workers have arrived over the years and Newbridge now has a growing Chinese population.
Sitting in the cosy setting of the Keadeen Hotel as the rain starts to fall, the damp weather does little to phase this 38-year-old man. His beaming smile, good humour and can do attitude is reflected in his work ethic.
Sitting beside his friend and former boss, Cllr Paddy Kennedy, the local politician recalls how he first met Nick when he and three of his countrymen came to work with him at his leaflet distribution business.
After an initial four-year stint at Lidl, Nick also spent time working with Liam Johnson on the buildings, block laying and snagging.
I loved that. Liam Johnson was very good to me. I would have loved to continue working there, he said.
Alas, the boom ground to a halt hitting the trade hard and building work got scarce.
That didn't stop Nick, he is now working three days a week with Comerfords bakery and has set up a painting and decorating business for his remaining time. Paddy also points out he will be taking over his leaflet business.
I qualified as a teacher in China but back then I would only have got the equivalent of 200 a month, Nick says.
He recalls coming to Newbridge all those years ago.
It was a big difference. I was living in Ballymany and I got lost all the time because all the houses looked the same and it was raining all the time.
Another problem was understanding signs. He recalls how he had to ask which was the ladies and which was the gents notices on toilets.
He points out things have also changed in China with both wages and the cost of living increasing five fold.
Two years ago Nick got married to his wife, Fu Hong Yan and with the help of Cllr Kennedy, she now has a visa. He points out that this type of visa does not entitle the qualified hairdresser to work and she will have to apply for an upgrade. Paddy explains the visa process is quite complicated.
According to the latest census in 2011 there were 5,431 Chinese people living in Ireland but the precise figure for Kildare was not detailed. There were 34,764 non nationals living in the county, although it is unclear how many came from China.
Nick says most of the people who came to Newbridge stayed but one or two returned to China. Others have gone on to settle here and raise families.
Everybody knows Nick in Newbridge. He helps out with the St Patrick's Day parade every year organising the floats at Tesco, says Paddy.
Cllr Kennedy was involved with the Chinese Irish Cultural Academy (CICA) for 10 years and apart from liaising with the Chinese community he has been pushing for increased links between the two countries. CICA also opened an orphanage in Chengdu, which was hit by an earthquake in 2008.
On Monday May 16, Paddy signed an economic, social and business link memorandum of understanding on behalf of Kildare County Council with officials from the Guangdong province.
This agreement is a positive start. We will form a committee together for the next four years with at least two members from each MD that will look at all the possibilities, he added.
He points out the delegation were very interested in Irish IT, food, agriculture and companies like Kerry Group.
He emphasises strong local links already exist with Michael Murphy importing quality goods from the Guangdong province and Kildare Village targeting a huge number of Chinese tourists.
Chinese people are very honourable and protocol is very important for them. The previous ambassador told me that two years ago he was going to visit the Mayor of New York. The Mayors staff told him the red flowers in his residence were red, but in China red flowers are used for funerals so he had all the flowers sprayed with white paint. The ambassador was very impressed, he recalls.
Between the years of 1947 and 1957 the Bureau of Military History collected almost 1,800 witness statements, 334 contemporary documents photogrpahs and voice recordings from people who had been
involved in the 1916 rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War.
The idea was to record the history of that time for the purpose of future historians.
For 45 years the history was locked away in the Department of the Taoiseach and finally opened in March 2003.
There are a number of Kildare related witness statements, and one of the most prominent of which is that of Tom Harris, a man who would go on to be a Fianna Fail TD for Kildare from 1931 to 1957.
He is also one of the few Kildare men to be in the GPO, having gone in with what are generally known as the Maynooth Contingent.
His statement starts with a history of his own engagement with the Gaelic League, the Aeriocht and eventually the IRB, from about 1911 onwards. He also describes attempts, some more successful than others, at getting groups of Volunteers organised. He credits a man called Sean OConnor, originally from Limerick, but living in Celbridge, with spurring his interest.
By 1915, Volunteer strength in the county was concentrated in Prosperous, Newbridge, Brownstown and Athgarvan, as well as, obviously, in Maynooth.
On spy Wednesday of 1916, a young fellow named Sweeney came out from Naas with a dispatch to tell me to go to Newbridge that Lieutenant OKelly wanted to see me there.
I was in Newbridge at about 12 or 1 oclock. That was the first time I met Tom Byrne. Tom had fought with the Boers in the South African War. They informed me that the rising would take place anytime within the next week and that arms were on their way from Germany. They said the arms would be landed in the south off the Kerry coast and that the rising would take place in Dublin first.
Byrne had been sent down from Dublin to us because he had a good knowledge of the use of explosives. His task was to blow up the railway lines and cut off communications with the Curragh. We were to mobilise around Bodenstown and to cut the railway there and then to go into Dublin and join up with the insurgents there. We got nothing in the way of arms from Dublin that week. Byrne brought explosives with him. I was to be ready when called on and have the Prosperous men available too.
But on Easter Sunday, things started to go wrong:I went out of way house before dinner, which was about 1 oclock, and, on returning I was told that Byrne had called to the house and that he had left word, that I was to be in Bodenstown that evening at 6 oclock, accompanied by all the men.
OKelly arrived, and he was very excited and said something went wrong. He said he had got the Sunday paper where MacNeill had issued the countermanding order. He did not attach any importance to MacNeills order because he said that he was not a member of the IRB."
He added that the Kildare dispatch went to Moran of Ballysax in the Brownstown Company and that Moran had no authority to act as he did - that he should have come to him. It appears that Moran had a motor bicycle and went around to the others to tell them the mobilisation was off.
OKelly was not pleased with this action. Moran had no authority to act thus and he said he would shoot him if he got him.
In any event, the trio arrived in Bodenstown that evening. We had a chat there about what was the best thing to do. This was about 4 oclock and Morans prior activities had ensured that we would not have anyone there. The three of us proceeded to Naas.
The problem then was where to get a phone to Dublin or a car to get up there. Dick Stokes came along on a motorcycle; he recognised Byrne and OKelly, stopped, and said he had a dispatch from Pearse that it was at 12 oclock the next day the rising was to take place.
We had something to eat and Stokes started back for Dublin and our object then was to cover the whole area to tell them all to be ready next day at 12 oclock in Bodenstown. Byrne took Athgarvan, Newbridge and Ballysax area. OKelly and myself did Naas, Prosperous and Rathangan, arranging that we would all meet in Newbridge that night. At this time we were not thinking of Maynooth.
We did our tour and saw our men in the different places but most of them had some excuse that they would not be able to turn up.
We told them the plain truth, that the fight was starting in Dublin and that we were joining in it. We told them as much as we knew ourselves. We called at Kennys, Rathangan, Kit Kenny was there.
We had tea there. We did all this on bicycles.
Later they found themselves in the Prince of Wales Hotel (now Judge Roy Beans) where they had tea.
Byrne arrived; he had been out in Athgarvan where he had met them all. He thought they would all
co-operate. We remained talking and went to bed in the hotel.
Next morning OKelly sent me down to Jack Fitzgerald who had not got word, to tell him to be ready to come with us and that we would be going in about a half hour to Bodenstown. When I got there, his sister told me he was in bed.He came down to me and told me to tell OKelly that he wouldnt turn out until the bungle of yesterday was set right. OKelly sent me back to get his revolver and to tell him that the first duty of a soldier was obedience. Jack said it was not his gun.
We started out on three bicycles and called at the Dominican College where we got gelignite. It had been brought down from Dublin and placed in the laboratory of the College. Father McCluskey was sympathetic and was probably in the know of what was going to happen.
The three of us started for Bodenstown a Captain, Lieutenant and a Private. On arriving there was no one else there. Nobody turned up to meet them in Bodenstown so they dumped their explosives and started for Maynooth.
One of the bicycles got punctured around Straffan.
Having fixed the puncture and made it to Maynooth, they met up with the Maynooth contingent.
Jack Maguire was sent across to Dunboyne to contact Boylan and the Volunteers there and inform them that we would join up with them at Leixlip. Donal Buckley had a service rifle and the remainder had shotguns and ammunition. After a period of delay we fell in and marched to the College.
We had about 14 or 15 men. The Rector gave us Unconditional Absolution and advice and his blessing. He informed us he was not in favour of our enterprise, but once we had started we had his blessing.
That night they marched into the city centre via Leixlip, Blanchardstown and Glasnevin having waded thought he Tolka at 2am.
The next morning we took our guns and marched into the GPO. We did not meet anyone except a few
Volunteer outposts around Blacquiere Bridge which passed us through. We got into the Post Office. Every place was quiet at that period. Numbers of people were on the street looking around, We had tea and eggs, and cigars, I thought we should have a rest.
Connolly paraded us and said, it matter a damn if we were wiped out now as we had justified ourselves. I thought this was a bit rugged.
We were issued with two canister bombs each and instructed how to strike a match and light the fuse and then fire them. We went down Liffey Street out on the Quays and across the Halfpenny Bridge. The toll man demanded a halfpenny. We got into the Exchange Hotel in Parliament Street by the back door, one of our fellows using a pick-axe on it.
After a few hours and some heavy fighting there they returned to the GPO having lost one man, Walsh. Harris recalls seeing Connolly lying on a stretcher. He himself was shot in the foot. I think some fellow let off a shot and I got the most of it and that put me out of action.
That was the end of his involvment. He was taken on a stretcher to a stable in Moore Lane where he stayed until the ceasefire. Then he was moved to Frongoch.
The national policy to increase forestry around the country is unfairly targeting Leitrim according to the IFA.
Farmers and land owners expressed their strong views about forestry and its affects on rural life at a large IFA meeting in Drumshanbo last Thursday.
The meeting organised by the IFA and attended by local TDs Martin Kenny, Eamon Scanlon and Marc MacSharry and other public representatives in the Lough Allen Hotel, Drumshanbo heard a heated discussion and very strong views against the increase of forestry in the county.
Adrian Leddy, IFA Regional Development Officer, said farmers aired their very strong views on companies with foreign investment buying up and planning land throughout Leitrim.
He said young farmers cannot compete for land against these large companies, which will decrease farming in Leitrim into the future. Members agreed we need to do something about forestry.
But can anything be done? According to the IFA, yes it can.
Mr Leddy said the local TDs promised to help secure a meeting between local IFA representatives and the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed and Minister of State with Reasonability for Forestry, Andrew Doyle.
The IFA will request that controls be placed on foreign investors buying land in Leitrim, that they will not benefit from the same grants and tax concessions as farmers.
Adrian Leddy told the Leitrim Observer that there was also strong criticism against Irish financial institutions who are providing funding for people to plant their land, but there is no credit extended to young farmers looking to buy land and increase their farms.
Mr Leddy confirmed there is a national policy to increase forestry in Ireland, and it is felt that Leitrim is being unfairly targeted as part of that policy.
The Government has committed to increasing annual planting to 10,000 hectares.
The IFA says it is dedicated to maintaining farming in Leitrim. The meeting in Drumshanbo which almost 200 farmers attended (on a good evening) also discussed the need for increased funding from disadvantaged grant schemes and for suckler cows.
Along with the need for more finance to sustain farming in Leitrim , farmers outlined the need for more user friendly paperwork, as the newer schemes are harder to understand and apply for.
Adrian Leddy said they hope to meet with the ministers shortly and expect to hold a follow-up meeting in Leitrim to discuss the outcome of that meeting and their future plans for rural farming.
This week in Parliament we debated the Investigatory Powers Bill or, as some would have it, the Snoopers Charter take 2. It was two days of my life that I will never have back and, after fifteen years as an MP, it was two of the most depressing days I have known. Being an MP is a great job and when parliament works as it is supposed to it can be exhilarating. When it fails to do what it is elected to do, namely to hold the government of the day to account, then it is hell. The debate on this bill took us to a new circle of hell that even Dante could not have imagined.
The Bill is rotten to its core and I wish we could have blocked it as we did in Coalition when faced with the Communications Data Bill. Dealing with Tories in government was difficult. Dealing with Tories in government and Labour in opposition is impossible.
We had two days to debate hundreds of amendments in the House of Commons. The government alone brought forward one hundred and four amendments on the first day and a further twenty on the second. After all the amendments the provisions on bulk data collection and the retention of internet connection records are not even half-baked. They are raw.
You would have thought that this would be grist to the mill of any decent opposition. You would be right in that. Unfortunately we dont have a decent opposition, we have the Labour Party. There was not a single amendment in the whole two day debate on which Labour considered worthy of voting. For two days they were absent from the voting lobbies. We did get a little excited on day two when we heard through the usual channels that they were going to vote on something. We need not have got our hopes up it turned out that something was a third reading of the bill (ie on the bill as a whole) and the vote they cast was to support it.
For our part, despite our overarching opposition to the Bill we had tabled a raft of amendments in an attempt to make the Bill a little less awful. The SNP took the same approach. I will not bore you with them all but give you a flavour below.
First, I proposed and pushed to a vote, an amendment which would have deleted provisions in the Bill for the introduction of the collection and storage of Internet Connection Records (ICRs). Now, Im not yet 100% clear what an internet connection record is. Nobody is even the Home Secretary. I surmise that it will probably be your web history. This will then be stored for 12 months just in case you ever come under suspicion. Meanwhile, that information can be hacked and stolen revealing an enormous amount of detail about your life, activity and even your state of mind. I knew that when I pushed the amendment it would not pass. Andy Burnham the shadow Home Secretary had already said that whilst he accepted that ICRs were incredibly intrusive and might not even be helpful in solving crime he supported their collection in principle (God alone knows what the principle was but by this time I had given up on trying to understand the Labour Partys position).
I also proposed dozens of amendments (yes dozens) that would remove the Secretary of State from the warrant authorisation process. It is ludicrous that a Home or Foreign Secretary whose to do lists everyday must be enormous is forced to take time out of their day to sign warrants that really should be in the hands of judges.
David Anderson QC, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism legislation, when he looked at the issue, also expressed shock at the amount of time secretaries of state dedicate each day to signing warrants. I am not for one moment suggesting that any Minister, past or present, would rush these decisions or approach them as a box-ticking exercise, I am sure they apply themselves diligently to the task. My argument is that they should not have to. Decisions such as this should be taken by judges in the vast majority of cases, as they are in most other western democracies, not by political figures.
I am sad to say that we send the Bill to the House of Lords in a very poor state. I know that my colleagues there will work tirelessly to amend and improve the Bill and I can only hope that Labour Lords are less authoritarian than their colleagues in the Commons. If we cant kill the bill in Parliament then there is no doubt it will be shredded by the Courts when it becomes an Act but between now and then we will do everything we can to narrow the bulk powers, strengthen judicial involvement and increase oversight and transparency.
* Alistair Carmichael is the MP for Orkney and Shetland and Liberal Democrat Chief Whip.
To be honest, I hadnt really given a lot of thought to the EU referendum until after the Scottish elections had passed. Being an expat or migrant, if you want to put it another way in a country outside of the EU, it seemed, from a distance at least, that while the rest of the UK would support remaining, England might have a temporary moment of madness during the campaign but would come to its senses in time for the actual vote.
But it was a Facebook post from Scottish Lib Dem stalwart Sheila Richie which really jolted me. She described herself as being scared about the potential outcome in a way which she didnt feel scared about the Scottish independence referendum. I know what she means.
I have a daughter. Im scared what a vote to pull out of the EU means for her and for her ability to find jobs or higher education in a country which suits her. If she returned to the UK, she wouldnt automatically have the right to go and work in France, Spain, Germany or wherever (and yes, I know that the UK could stay in the EEA and have the same right of movement as we currently do, but the main aim of most of the Brexiters seems to be to stop immigration so realistically thats not going to happen.) It would also mean her opportunities for spending time on programmes such as ERASMUS, or even having the opportunity to study for her degree in an EU country, would be at best made difficult by visa regulations, and at worst virtually impossible.
Im scared because of the potential effect to the UK economy. The EU has the worlds largest economy, equating to 24% of the worlds GDP in 2015 according to the ONS. We currently have unfettered access to this what would happen if we dont? In 2014, 44% of our exports cars, whisky, and the like go to the EU. Indeed, one of the key reasons Nissan chose to locate in the North East of England is that there was access to the EU market. If countries put duties in place on this (and they could be different from country to country, requiring different accounting points) would it not make export, and therefore the trade of goods more difficult?
Im scared because leaving the EU means regressing not just 43 years to when we joined in 1973, but over 100 years, to a Europe where barriers to movement of people and goods were common, and where right-wing ideologues ruled the roost. Our ancestors fought to stop right-wing, racist ideas taking root in the UK, yet we have seen supposedly mainstream politicians make comments which could easily have been said by Enoch Powell and can generously be described as borderline racist.
Im scared because this isnt the future our young people want. People of my age and younger have grown up with the EU. We know and see its potential; we understand the benefits of being able to work, study or travel abroad without hindrance, whether it is setting up a small business in France, studying at the University of Maastricht, or spending two weeks in Marbella. Many of us have friends and partners who are from other EU countries or further afield. We dont want to be restricted in the scope of our ambition because of the fears and prejudices of our elders.
To the people who want to vote to leave I ask you this. Are you making this decision based on information, or just your own knowledge? Have you thought about the consequences of your vote, not just on you or your own prejudices, but on your children or grandchildren have you even talked to them about it to get their views? Have you considered the fact that the very thing you claim to want to protect the United Kingdom could actually face a bigger threat to its unity if England drags the others out with it? Martyn Lewis, while remaining balanced, pointed out that A vote for Brexit is unquestionably economically riskier than a vote to remain. Are you prepared to take that risk?
* Keith Legg is a former councillor and activist in Fife, who moved with his family to teach in an international school in Cairo in August. The views above are written in a personal capacity.
Liberal Democrats campaigning hard to keep the United Kingdom in the European Union can perhaps take heart from the fact that the European Liberal family, as represented by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE Party), continues to attract new member parties, showing that European and Liberal Democrat messages still resonate on the Continent.
At the ALDE Council meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, the other day, hosted by the citys Liberal Mayor,Remigijus Simasius, no fewer than four newbies were welcomed into the fold: three as full members and one as an associate member (a stepping stone to full membership).
Significantly, two of these are centrist parties from two of Europes larger states, Poland and Spain, where previously we had no national member party. Nowoczesna from Poland was only founded in May last year, by economist Ryszard Petru, yet it won 28 seats in the Sejm (Parliament) with 7.6% of the vote. Since then the party has provided a strong and principled voice in opposition to the increasingly intolerant ruling Law and Justice government.
In Spain, Ciudadanos, led by dashing young Albert Rivera, was one of two parties that made a spectacular breakthrough in last Decembers general election that broke the decades-long dominance by the Socialists and the conservative Peoples Party. On that occasion, Cuidadanos won 40 out of 350 seats and they are hoping to do even better in the snap general election called for 26 June. Interestingly, in Catalonias regional parliament, Cuidadanos is the main alternative to the Catalan nationalist Convergencia, who are also members of ALDE, but they are happy to sit together within the European liberal family.
ALDE embraces parties from across the European continent, not just the EU28 and the third new full member, Civic Position, founded in March last year, hails from Ukraine. It is headed by that countrys former defence Minister, Anatoliy Hrytsenko and has the distinction from most other political parties in Ukraine of not being beholden to any oligarch.
The new affiliate member is Nasa Stranka from Bosnia and Herzogovina, led by Predrag Kojovic, who is determined to spread its social-liberal message across the countrys sectarian divides in the run-up to the 2018 general election. This now means that ALDE has in its fold 59 parties from 38 European countries. Incidentally, all the delegates present at Vilnius cheered on our somewhat depleted British Liberal Democrat contingent in our fight to remain in the EU.
* Jonathan Fryer is Chair of the Federal International Relations Committee.
The Conservative government (which includes the REMAIN and LEAVE camps) together with the British media have created a lot of fog, untruths and statistics (read lies) about the EU and Britains membership. It does not seem meaningful to discuss IF we dont do this we can do that, when there are countless probabilities of an IF outcome, especially outcomes that occur in the future.
My message to the Chinese community in Britain to support the REMAIN campaign is, firstly, to consider the historical context and the pursuit of peace, and secondly, the origins of the Chinese community in Britain and the values we bring to British society.
Britain after the Battle of Waterloo of 1815 and during the Victorian era played a diminishing role in the European theatre in pursuit of the expansion of the British Empire and colonies in other parts of the globe. The consequence of this diminishing engagement led to imbalances within the opposing forces (countries) of Continental Europe, accumulating in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, followed by WW1 and WW2, spanning 8 decades and affected every country in Europe, with tens of millions of deaths and hundreds of millions displaced. Britain did not have a choice on not getting involved in these wars. The reality was Britain could not survive alone within a hostile Continental Europe (while this could be possible in the days of Elizabeth I, it was no longer an option with modern warfare).
Since the end of WW2, Europe has enjoyed the longest period of peace for over 200 years, and this has been achieved by having institutions like the European Union, without which peace could not be imagined possible. Britain needs to be at the negotiating table to have a voice and an ear in order to shape and influence future events, and to stop history repeating itself with wars and destruction, and endless human suffering. If you want peace for yourself and your children, and your childrens children, then vote REMAIN.
The main reason the Chinese community found themselves here in Britain was to seek a better way of life from their place of origin. So we were migrants seeking political stability and economic security, just like the migrants today from the Middle East. The Chinese community have worked hard and made themselves prosper and brought prosperity to the wider British society. There is no reason to doubt the new migrants of today would not do the same. Just like our fore-parents have done with their migration to places like Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, they have created prosperity in those places that made them what they are today. We should welcome the challenges the migrants present us and find beneficial ways to resolve them, and bring about greater prosperity to Britain. Clearly if you want prosperity, vote REMAIN.
Finally, I would like to point out that there seems to be an over emphasise of the word CONTROL, like immigration control, budget control, border control etc, that feels like taking the country back a few generations if not centuries. Backward looking and regressive policies only make us slaves of conditions our fore-parents had fought hard to abolish. Dont fall for the fear trap and believe the government can control any of these things. When did the government ever control anything anyway? Forward looking and progressive policies like dialogue, engagement and cooperation are the solutions to the complex world that we live in.
To sum up, the message to the Chinese community is that if you want peace, prosperity and progress, vote REMAIN. It would be insane to consider the alternative of war and destruction, economic stagnation and a return to the Middle Ages.
* Tatyan Cheung is a councillor on Costwold District Council and executive member of Chinese Liberal Democrats
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LIMERICK City West councillor Joe Leddin has called on Irish Cement management to arrange a public meeting over its plans for Mungret.
As part of a 10m plan, the company is seeking to switch from burning fossil fuels to used tyres and other combustible materials.
Some 76 people have objected to the council on the plan, with many asking Irish Cement to also arrange a meeting to address their concerns.
Cllr Leddin says people in the entire City West ward are genuinely concerned at the impact of Irish Cement securing permission for the change in process.
I have also met with senior management in Irish Cement and while I acknowledge the commitment and contribution that this company has shown over many years I believe there is an onus on the company to facilitate a public information meeting, he said.
Last summer, white dust was sent through the Raheen-Dooradoyle-Mungret area coating cars in estates.
Cllr Leddin said following this, residents are rightly anxious to find out more information on what exactly the potential health implications are should another such incident occur if tyres are being burnt.
As a local councillor I have campaigned with others for the redevelopment of the former Mungret college lands to accommodate new schools and a playground for the benefit of the surrounding community. However this positive work and investment by the council and Department of Education is now overshadowed pending a decision and clarification on this planning application, he concluded.
Limerick City and County Council will decide whether Irish Cement can develop in Mungret later this month.
The company will then seek a licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to switch from burning fossil fuels to burning used tyres.
Hopes have been expressed among residents and some politicians that the EPA will hold an oral hearing before deciding whether or not to grant a licence.
A MEMBER of the Travelling community was fined 500 after he was convicted of breaching the terms of an exclusion order.
Francis Casey, aged 24, who is originally from Clonlong, Southill was banned from entering the halting site after Limerick City and County Council was granted a court order on July 7, 2015.
Limerick District Court was told the married father-of-two was found at the halting site after gardai were alerted to an incident in the early hours of December 3, last.
Garda Paul Guilfoyle said Casey was intoxicated on the night and that he was verbally abusive towards gardai and that he attempted to flee following their arrival.
Judge Mary Larkin noted the defendant has a previous conviction for breaching the exclusion order and, referring to the application for same, she commented that it had been granted for good reason.
The local authority sought the exclusion order after a company contracted to carry out maintenance at Clonlong Halting Site refused to enter the property because of repeated anti-social behaviour by Casey.
An official with the council said some of the companys employees had been assaulted and threatened by Casey and that one had been stabbed with a screwdriver.
A number of residents made complaints about Caseys behaviour but none were willing to make formal statements or come to court out of fear.
Solicitor Darach McCarthy said his clients wife and children have relocated out of the halting site since.
He added that Casey, who suffers from addiction issues, has taken steps in the right direction since last summer.
Casey, who is currently awaiting sentence at the circuit court for serious assault charges, was disqualified from driving for ten years after he admitted driving at in the city centre March 10, 2015 while doubly disqualified.
Judge Mary Larkin imposed fines totalling 500 and requested that a community service report be prepared.
If suitable, she indicated she will consider a penalty of 200 hours in lieu of a four month prison sentence.
JOHN Collison will jet into Monaco this week to find out if he and his brother Patrick have won a world entrepreneur award, beating off competition from 50 other countries in the process.
The Limerick duo, whose online payments company Stripe is worth an estimated $5 billion, are in the running for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year award, having won its Irish equivalent last year.
A total of 55 winners are competing for the prize, with the successful entrepreneur to be announced at a ceremony in Monaco this Saturday night. The Collisons Patrick, 27 and John, 25 will, at the very least, be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining 627 previous finalists for the award since 2001.
John said the brothers were humbled by the opportunity to represent Ireland and the rest of the Stripe team at the awards.
Supporting and advancing entrepreneurship is at the very heart of what we do at Stripe, and we look forward to celebrating the great accomplishments of the other country winners, he explained.
The brothers are comfortably Irelands most famous young entrepreneurs, with their joined wealth surpassing that of JP McManus for the second consecutive year in 2016, according to the recent Sunday Times Rich List.
The former Castletroy College students, who dropped out of college and now reside in San Francisco, were described by the guide as the youngest and fastest billionaires in Irish history.
The wealth of the brothers is soaring as their online and mobile payments company Stripe, founded just six years ago, powers upwards, it said.
With Visa investing in July, Stripes value grew to 3.5bn and the guide values the brothers stake at 1.15bn (1.474bn). Stripe, the online and mobile payments company, is used by Apple, Twitter, Facebook, and Chinese online company Alipay.
Less than two weeks before President Barack Obamas historic trip to Cuba, the White House contacted the company and asked if it would be willing to launch its new product, Atlas, in Cuba. Patrick was part of President Obamas delegation when it subsequently made a historic trip to the island in March.
Stripe boasts nearly 500 staff in offices worldwide, with 30 in Dublin and plans to further develop a global hub. Speaking to the Irish Times recently, Patrick explained that the duos interest in computer programming abilities was piqued by a book he bought in Easons in Limerick. John explained that the first lines of code for what would become Stripe were written in October 2009
We worked on it through the semester. It started off with Stripe being this fun little side thing when we werent working in class and probably by the end of the year class was this fun little side thing when we werent working on Stripe.
Patrick said the prospect of representing Ireland at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year awards was surreal and highly unexpected and that the brothers had grown up watching and reading about others who won the Irish award.
A SPEECH by Barack Obama on space exploration, and an extract from a book on Shakespeares universal appeal were just two of the subjects which Limerick students tackled this Wednesday, the first day of the State exams.
Some 2,600 Limerick students are sitting the Leaving Certificate while 2,739 are facing the Junior Certificate examinations over the coming two weeks.
In Colaiste Iosaef in Kilmallock, 65 Leaving Cert students and 80 Junior Certificate students took their seats in the exam hall for the 9.30am starting time when English Paper I was handed out.
Three hours later, Ciaran OConnor, 18, emerged from the hall.
It wasnt too bad. We had about seven choices for the essays including speeches and short stories, the Kilmallock man explained.
Ciaran opted to do a short story on a car journey around Kerry.
In the comprehensions a speech came up by Barack Obama and there was another one on Shakespeare. I did the one on Barack Obama. It was handy enough. It was about the space program they have going in NASA.
Ciaran, who hopes to study Financial Mathematics in the University of Limerick, wasnt feeling too nervous despite the pressure.
Its just another day really but there will be a few candles lit, he smiled.
Fellow student Michelle OConnor, 18, was quietly satisfied with English Paper I.
In the essays, Michelle opted for a short story on mistaken identity while in the comprehension, she, like Ciaran, she went for the Barack Obama speech.
Michelle, who hopes to study primary teaching at Mary Immaculate College, is that bit more apprehensive about Paper 2 as it is more study-focused.
I was a bit nervous this morning but Paper 1 isnt too bad because there isnt too much you can study for - you have to kind of just wing it.
School principal, Sean Twomey, who met with students as they exited the exam halls, said that overall the feedback was positive.
The Leaving Cert students are just coming out now, I had a quick word with some of them. The first section looked a bit tricky to me but the essays were quite nice. I think the vast majority would have chosen the Barack Obama speech as he is hot in the news at the moment.
In Dromcolloghers Hazelwood College, 100 students sat the Leaving Cert English Paper 1 this Wednesday morning, while 80 sat the Junior Cert.
Among those doing the Leaving was Eimear OBrien from Broadford who seemed reasonably happy with the paper as she emerged from the exam. It was alright. The question Bs were tough enough but other than that it was okay, said Eimear of the Higher Level paper.
She was happy that there was a good choice of essays: they were basic enough which was good.
Alex Culhane from Kileedy also sat the Higher Level paper. It was a weird enough paper. Some of it was a bit confusing but we got through it okay, he said. Two speeches came up so I was prepared enough for that.
Overall, Alex said he wasnt particularly nervous on the morning of the exam, but admits to having experienced a few butterflies beforehand.
Evan Murphy completed the Ordinary Level paper in just over two hours, ten minutes. It wasnt too bad, was the verdict of the Dromcollogher student.
Like Alex, he did not suffer from too many nerves on the morning of the exam, but admitted he was not looking forward to the biology paper which is coming up next Tuesday. By contrast, he was confident about the music exam his last on June 23. With almost half the marks accounted for in the practical, the accomplished bodhran player was hopeful that the written part of the exam would go well.
Meanwhile in the city, enthusiastic Junior Cert student, Mary-Kate Carolan, of Laurel Hill Colaiste FCJ, said that she was really happy with paper one.
Her favourite part of the paper was the media studies question, which allowed students to give their views about current affairs and stories covered by the media.
The opinion piece that we had to do was on a news story that we saw in the media over the last 12 months, and what different forms of media do for you to understand it. And I wrote about the Paris attacks on November 13, about my different experiences with it and how I used different forms of media to connect with it.
Deputy principal, Norma Lenihan said that there was a positive atmosphere around the school after the first exam.
This is when the six years of hard work really starts to pay off for them. They have got a good bit of confidence now. They have had pres, they have done trial runs on everything, and they have an awful lot of the exams done already with various subjects. They have their orals, their practicals and all of that completed.
Across the road at St Clements College, Leaving Cert students Colin Blaney and Shaun Taylor said it was great ice-breaker.
Junior Cert student, Gabriel ODwyer said he and his classmates are all getting on grand and that they were happy with the paper.
Deputy principal, Pat Talty said that the students seem well-prepared for the exams, ending on June 23.
They all look composed and ready for it today. And now that they are finished their first exam, from past experience, they know the seating arrangements, they know the supervisor, the know the setting, and the first one is always the most difficult.
Royal Mail retires only ship that goes to St. Helena: Linns Buzz
Jun 8, 2016, 9 AM
A Royal Mail ship is retiring this week after 26 years' worth of trips to the remote island of St. Helena.
By Colin Sallee
1. RMS St. Helena bids farewell
The 105-meter-long RMS St. Helena, which Royal Mail built just under 30 years ago, has made its last voyage.
Rob Powell of OnTheThames.net is reporting that the passenger and cargo ship that was the only means of accessing the remote island of St. Helena, in the South Atlantic, has been making a few farewell stops this week before its retirement.
St. Helena is a remote island about 1,200 miles off the western coast of Africa. The islands first airport is on the way, which is behind the decision to retire RMS St. Helena.
Get the full story here.
2. APS has a new president
The American Philatelic Society has named its new leader, Michael Baadke reports.
Mick Zais of Columbia, S.C., has been elected president of the American Philatelic Society. Zais won 2,016 votes (51.7 percent) and Nilsestuen received 1,882 votes (48.2 percent).
New board members and officers were also elected.
3. Local post stamps
Local stamps are a fascinating part of the stamp marketplace.
Henry Gitner and Rick Miller highlight some things to consider when collecting local stamps.
Most local post stamps are far more valuable used, especially on cover, than they are in unused condition. This is because after the companies were forced out of business, they often sold remaining stamp stocks to dealers as remainders.
Read about a local post stamp the pair is particularly fond of.
4. Connect with Linns Stamp News:
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5. Hot topics
Check out three more interesting articles recently posted on Linns.com:
Shirley Temple stamp gets a Scott catalog number
Letter from sailor killed at Pearl Harbor sells for $1,750
World Stamp Show-NY 2016 comes to a close: Editors Insights
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The electric Ehang 184 passenger drone can stay aloft for more than 20 minutes, the company says.
Buckle up, because an autonomous car-sized drone from the Chinese company Ehang is cleared to begin testing in Nevada.
The electric Ehang 184 passenger drone first debuted earlier this year at CES and has the capacity to stay aloft for more than 20 minutes.
RELATED: 10 Wild Ways To Travel In The Future
The Ehang 184 is designed to carry a 220-pound load, fly under 650 feet in the air, and cruise for 23 minutes at an average speed of 62 mph, according to the specs. Electric charging takes two to four hours. The four-rotor drone also uses an app for takeoff and landing. I picture it being sort of like a pedicab that gets airborne.
Recently the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems announced an agreement with EHang to collaborate on flight testing, training, and development at the state's FAA unmanned aircraft systems test site. The goal is for Ehang's drone to ultimately get regulatory approval. The people involved called the agreement "historic," but "futuristic" sounds more accurate to me.
"I personally look forward to the day when drone taxis are part of Nevada's transportation system," Tom Wilczek, an aerospace and defense industry specialist for the Governor's Office of Economic Development, said in a press release.
RELATED: Personal 'Volocopter' Could Transform Air Travel
A specific timeline for testing is still in the works but Ehang expects to begin later this year, theLas Vegas Review-Journal reported. If everything works out, it will be a first for the state and the country. Not that getting regulatory approval will be easy. Plus, there are other challenges like the drone's limited 23-minute cruise time and its lack of manual flight controls should anything go awry. Hrm.
Having driven across Nevada once during a cross-country road trip, I'd gladly hand over the controls to a super-safe drone for that same stretch, though. The road was so straight and the surroundings so sparse that I lost perspective and felt like the car could have been going 100 mph or 10. It all felt like a strange dream.
Here's hoping the Nevada testing involves automatic avoidance capabilities for the Ehang 184. There's weirder stuff in the skies out there.
RELATED: Crazy Car-Sized Drone Flies a Person Autonomously
This article was originally posted on Discovery News.
Four new elements have four new names: nihonium, moscovium, tennessine and oganesson.
These names correspond to elements 113, 115, 117 and 118, which scientists announced they had found in January, but had not yet named.
The new names were announced Wednesday (June 8) by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the organization that standardizes chemical element names. But don't buy a new periodic table just yet; there will be a five-month window for public comments on the names, after which they will be finalized.
The endings of each of the proposed names (such as ium) reflect the element's place in the periodic table. The rest of the name is specific to each element's discovery, according to a statement that IUPAC issued in recommending the new names. The proposed names came from the labs that collaborated on the discovery of each element, according to the recommendation. [Elementary, My Dear: 8 Elements You've Never Heard Of]
It is a pleasure to see that specific places and names (country, state, city and scientist) related to the new elements is recognized in these four names," said Jan Reedijk, who authored the recommendation, in a comment to the IUPAC.
Nihonium (symbol Nh, element number 113) was discovered at the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science in Japan. "Nihon" is one way to say "Japan" in Japanese.
Moscovium (Mc, 115) is named after Moscow, which is just south of where the experiments discovering it were conducted at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, in Russia.
Tennessine (Ts, 117) is in recognition of research contributions from the state of Tennessee. This includes work from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee.
Oganesson (Og, 118) is named after experimental physicist Yuri Oganessian for a lifetime of work in the field, including research done at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. If the name is accepted, it will be one of the few elements named after a living person. Seaborgium, element 106, was named for Glenn T. Seaborg, according to the New York Times. And elements 99 and 100 were named after the physicists Albert Einstein and Enrico Fermi while both men were still alive, according to the LA Times. But because of the Cold War, the discoveries of those elements, along with their names, were classified at the time. Both scientists had died by the time the information was declassified, according to the Times.
Although there may not be any major disputes over whether the names properly give credit or recognition where it is due, the public response window will be valuable, given that these names are meant to be used around the world, in many languages, said Cleveland Evans, a professor of psychology who studies names and naming at Bellevue University in Nebraska and chairs the Name of the Year committee for the American Name Society.
"There's a slight chance that one of these names will resemble something that turns out to be very humorous or bad in another language, which would be a good thing to know beforehand," Evans told Live Science. [In Photos: Notorious Retired Hurricane Names]
He noted that naming things after living people is sometimes frowned upon.
"Although these choices may perhaps be viewed by some as slightly self-indulgent, the names are completely in accordance with IUPAC rules," Reedijk said in his comment. IUPAC rules allow naming elements after living people.
"I'm quite pleased by them," Geoff Rayner-Canham, a chemist at the Grenfell Campus of Memorial University in Canada, told Live Science in an email. "They have been agreed upon by all the possible claimants, unlike the controversies with alternative names for the same elements in earlier cases." Rayner-Canham has written about the history of science and element-naming controversies (opens in new tab).
Original article on Live Science.
The right lung is shorter than the left lung to make room for the liver. The left lung is narrower than the right to make room for the heart.
A simple breath test can detect changes in people who have undergone surgery for lung cancer, a new study reports.
Researchers found that three chemical markers known as carbonyl compounds, which are gases released when people exhale, were reduced in patients with lung cancer after they had an operation to remove their tumors, compared with before their operations. The findings were published online today (June 9) in the journal The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
This study demonstrated that levels of certain chemical markers associated with a tumor went down in people after they had surgery for lung cancer, said Dr. Victor van Berkel, a thoracic surgeon at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky, who was a co-author of the study. [5 Amazing Technologies That Are Revolutionizing Biotech]
Researchers don't yet know why the compounds detected in the breath samples were reduced. It could be because the tumor that was removed made the compounds, or because the inflammatory process in the body associated with the tumor made them, van Berkel told Live Science.
But the findings suggest that scientists may be able to use these markers in the future as a screening method when they monitor patients after surgery for lung cancer, he said.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the U.S., van Berkel said.
"More people die from lung cancer each year than from breast, prostate and colon cancers combined," he said. If cancer returns in a patient who had surgery, it is helpful to identify this right away, when treatment can be most effective, he explained.
The current screening test used for lung cancer is a chest computed tomography (CT) scan, which involves being exposed to a small amount of radiation. The CT scan can show whether a person has any nodules present on his or her lungs. But if the scan reveals nodules, then follow up invasive testing, such as a biopsy procedure, is needed to figure out whether the nodules are benign or malignant, van Berkel said.
Breath analysis
Unlike a CT scan, taking the breath test used in this new study required each person to give one big exhalation into a balloon-like bag, which collected a 1-liter (34 ounces) sample of air. The bag was connected to a pump that passed the breath over a computer chip that trapped certain chemicals that were present in the air. [Top 10 Cancer-Fighting Foods]
The computer chip was then sent to a lab where the chemicals from the breath were analyzed and quantified. The breath test is not FDA-approved. But someday, it could be a less expensive way to screen for lung cancer compared with a CT scan, and it could be done in a doctor's office, van Berkel told Live Science. The estimated cost of breath test is between $20 and $30 per test, he said.
The breath analysis test was patented in 2010, said van Berkel, who is one of the patent owners.
In this new study, the researchers asked 31 people with lung cancer to take the breath test before and after they had surgery to remove their lung tumors. The researchers compared these patients' results to those of 187 healthy people who were also given the breath test, but who did not have lung cancer.
The breath analysis showed that after the surgery, the average levels for three out of four tumor markers in people who had lung cancer were reduced, and these levels were near the average of those seen in people without lung disease.
Future studies of the device will look at whether it can detect a recurrence of lung cancer that is, whether the breath test can quickly catch when levels of these tumor markers go back up in people, signaling that the cancer has returned, van Berkel said.
Lung cancer screening
To obtain FDA approval for the test as screening tool for lung cancer, a very large multicenter trial of approximately 7,000 people needs to be done, to show that the breath test is as good a method of identifying lung cancer as CT scans are, van Berkel said. He and his colleagues are in the process of arranging such a clinical trial, which means the breath test is optimistically at least five years away from being used in doctors' offices, he said.
If this technology does get introduced to the market, people with positive breath tests for lung cancer would still need to undergo a CT scan, van Berkel said.
This study brings doctors one step closer to a better test that could help refine lung cancer screening, said Dr. Inga Lennes, director of the pulmonary nodule clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in Boston, who was not involved in the research.
The problem with existing lung-screening methods, such as CT scans, is that up to 30 percent of people who get the tests are found to have lung nodules, but only a small percentage of those nodules turn out to be cancerous, Lennes said.
The results from this new study still constitute an early finding, and much more work needs to be done before the breath analysis test could be useful in everyday medical practice, Lennes told Live Science. That work includes gaining a better understanding of how the test performs in different circumstances, to determine its best use in different populations, she explained. For example, doctors need to evaluate it as a general screening tool to initially diagnose lung cancer, or as a way to monitor people in both the short and long term after surgery for lung cancer.
The public wants researchers to develop cancer screening methods that are noninvasive and don't involve unnecessary procedures, needles or surgeries, Lennes said.
"Anything that moves us forward to finding lung cancer earlier is a step forward for the whole field," Lennes said.
Originally published on Live Science.
Cystic Fibrosis patients in Ireland have expressed dismay after a revolutionary new drug was rejected on cost effectiveness grounds.
Orkambi, which greatly improves quality of life for CF patients, would cost the HSE 392 million over five years, according to the negative assessment by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
According to Longford woman Jillian McNulty it would cost hundreds of thousands of euro more per year to treat CF patients in hospital than it would to fund the drug.
Basically they have put a price tag on our lives, she told the Longford Leader.
600 people who have CF in Ireland qualify for Orkambi and that is a large percentage of the CF population.
At the moment in Ireland there are a number of much needed treatment drugs for varying types of illnesses being held up by the NCPE because of the cost burden.
But for Jillian and for the many people that she knows who have been left devastated by this latest blow, Orkambi could mean the difference between life and death.
As a result of clinical trials, Jillian had access to Orkambi for the last two years, however she has a five week supply left and does not know what will happen after that.
If the HSE was looking at the bigger picture on this, they would realise that patients like me who are going to benefit from Orkambi are going to cost the HSE a hell of a lot less than the actual cost of Orkambi, she added.
It is just so disappointing that this has happened.
While admitting that she had not been speaking to the Minister for Health Simon Harris or Finian McGrath about the matter since the news broke on Wednesday, Ms McNulty said that she remained hopeful of meeting them in the coming days to highlight the importance for CF patients of providing funding for Orkambi.
There is room for negotiations and that is probably the best option for us at the moment, continued Ms McNulty who recently spent six weeks in hospital after she became ill.
It is not a flat out no, but things wont change overnight and the problem is that people who have CF do not have that time.
Discussions will have to take place with the drugs company to see if they can reduce the costs - that would be a start, but for me personally Orkambi has transformed my life.
If I hadnt Orkambi when I became seriously ill a couple of months ago, I probably wouldnt have made it, so that should be enough for the HSE and NCPE to realise how important and necessary this drug really is.
This Saturday, June 11, a Big Blue Celebration will take over Cassidy's Olde Village Inn, Drumlish, as local teacher James Cawley hosts his second annual AMC Awarness fundraiser.
We want to try and encourage people to wear blue on the night, James explained, adding that The Afters will be providing music on the night.
James was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congentia (AMC) which affects his upper and lower limbs and spinal cord. Confined to a wheelchair, James was told he would never write with a pen but has continued to defy all the odds and power through with his mission to take the dis out of disABILITY.
Having joined the Arthrogryposis Association of Ireland at the age of 18, James quickly assumed the role of Secretary and last year set up a social media campaign, asking people to post pictures of them wearing blue on June 30. The campaign had a domino effect, and quickly went national, then international.
This year, on the AMC Awareness Ireland Facebook page, James has already started his countdown to Saturdays fundraiser and International AMC Day on June 30, posting photographs of himself promoting his abilities.
Therell be photos of me drinking a cup of coffee or having a pint. It shows that even though you have a disability you can do the normal things in life, he explained.
There will be plenty of extraordinary photos too, such as the one posted last week which sees the Geography and Business Studies teacher posing with Una Healy, or perhaps some in the future of his shark-diving antics in South Africa during a recent trip.
Two weeks ago I went to South Africa, I got to go to schools and tell my story, he revealed.
As well as shark-diving, which he described as an amazing experience, James also got to the top of Table Mountain.
I also met the Minister for Sport and the Spokesperson for Home Affairs, James smiled.
Whats more, the Maynooth Access Programme Ambassador (who added that hes currently on the hunt for a job), also presented at an IATSE (Irish Association of Teachers in Special Education) conference in Dublin recently.
As part of his ability awareness campaign, James is encouraging everyone to get involved by posting photos of themselves decked out in blue on June 30. He is also looking for groups to help with his own thirty-day countdown by posing for a photograph with him for the Facebook page. Those interested can get in touch by emailing jamesjnr@live.com.
The Big Blue Celebration on Saturday is open to everyone and is guaranteed to be a memorable night.
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Columnists Press Releases
According to Iranian media, Abu Mehdi Muhandis briefed Grand Ayatollah Bashir Hussain Najafi and the head of his office in the holy city of Najaf yesterday on ongoing Fallujah operations. Muhandis is the commander of the Iranian-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, a US designated global terrorist and a deputy to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani. Najafi was born to a prominent clerical family in British India and is one of the five Grand Ayatollahs in Iraq.
The senior cleric praised the ongoing successes of Iraqi forces against the Islamic State and proclaimed, all of Iraq must be cleansed from DAISH (pejorative for Islamic State) terrorists. He also stressed the necessity of protecting public and private property during the Fallujah operation and said, Members of the security forces and popular mobilization are the pride of the clergy.
Najafi then announced: Iraqi holy warriors and fighters must have serious will to liberate the remaining areas under the occupation of terrorism and not to give an opportunity for the invasion of this countrys soil.
The head of the senior clerics office and his son, Hojjat al Eslam Sheikh Ali Najafi, also called for the protection of civilians in Fallujah so they are free the clutches of terrorism with the least harm. He likewise praised members of popular mobilization who with faith and courage have once again demonstrated to the world and proved that they stand against the enemies with strength and treat innocent humans with kindness and gentleness.
The militias backed by Tehran have often acted outside the law in Iraq as they battle Islamic State militants. The UN human rights chief warned this week that there were extremely distressing, credible reports that Iraqis fleeing Fallujah are facing physical abuse and even summary executions as they escape Fallujah. According to The New York Times, on the other hand, for the most part, civilians who have fled the areas around Fallujah have said they had tired of the grim life under the Islamic State and had been treated well by the militias and Iraqi soldiers.
Amir Toumaj is a independent analyst and contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.
Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The Islamic State is losing ground around its stronghold in Sirte, Libya. Forces aligned with the UN-backed interim Libyan government claim to have captured key points near the city in the last three weeks. And the so-called caliphates fighters have been forced to defend their positions against a multi-pronged assault.
The offensive is led by Al Bunyan Al Marsoos (Solid Structure) operations room, which draws fighters from militias based in Misrata and is allied with Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA).
A spokesman for Al Bunyan Al Marsoos, Mohamed al Gasri, told the press earlier today that the operations men had entered Sirte and they could capture the city within days. We think that Sirte will be liberated within days, not weeks, Gasri claimed, according to Reuters. The Daesh (Islamic State) snipers are a concern to us because they shoot from long distances and that has hindered us in the battle inside the city.
However, the situation inside Sirte itself is murky.
Al Bunyan Al Marsoos has provided regular updates on the fighting via social media, producing infographics and maps that highlight its advances. Some of these can be seen below.
The Islamic State has sought to counter these claims, releasing videos from some of the locations that Al Bunyan Al Marsoos says it has overrun.
For instance, on June 4, Al Bunyan Al Marsoos said its men had captured the Qardabiyyah Airport south of Sirte. Amaq News Agency, a propaganda arm of the Islamic State, quickly produced a video purportedly showing the same airport free of any rival forces. Similarly, Al Bunyan Al Marsoos posted an infographic highlighting its gains at a location known as the Saadi Brigade headquarters. In short order, Amaq released another clip claiming the area was still supposedly under the Islamic States control.
Al Bunyan Al Marsoos has continued to produce photos and videos from the seized areas in the days since.
The Long War Journal cannot independently verify all of Al Bunyan Al Marsoos reported gains, but the anti-Islamic State operations room clearly has seized the initiative. And the Islamic State does not even attempt to deny all of its enemies successes.
In a telling move, Abu Bakr al Baghdadis loyalists have been forced to dispatch a large number of suicide bombers in an effort to stymie its adversaries advances.
According to Amaq, the Islamic State launched 10 martyrdom operations in Libya in May. Nine of the 10 were executed in and around Sirte. Interestingly, Amaq claimed only one suicide attack in Libya during the first four months of 2016. The Long War Journal assesses that the group is using its martyrs now because suicide bombings are one of the jihadists most effective tactics and its main base of operations could be lost. The Islamic States Libyan branch would not have launched nine martyrdom operations in May if its hold on the area was secure.
Amaq does not mention Al Bunyan Al Marsoos in its propaganda. Instead, the Islamic States mouthpiece claims the caliphates martyrs and other fighters have attacked Fajr Libya, an Islamist coalition that has strong roots in Misrata. This may be because Fajr Libyas men have joined Al Bunyan Al Marsoos ranks.
In an update on June 8, Al Bunyan Al Marsoos reiterated its claim of control over the Qardabiyyah Airport, adding that its men had entered the city of Sirte itself and made significant advance[s]at all axises.
If the military operations room continues to advance in Sirte, then it will be a major blow to the Islamic States aggressive expansion plans. The group pushed into Sirte in early 2015 and effectively controlled the city by June 2015. In the year since, the Islamic State has repeatedly showcased Sirte as one of its main bases outside of Iraq and Syria. Some have even speculated that the organization could move its leadership there.
Sirte is so important to the Islamic State that the groups spokesman, Abu Muhammad al Adnani, mentioned it alongside Raqqa, Syria and Mosul, Iraq in a speech last month. Raqqa and Mosul are the de facto capitals of the caliphate and, as such, the most important cities under the jihadists control.
In his speech, titled That They Live By Proof, Adnani implicitly conceded that the Islamic State could lose one or all three of these cities. Adnani argued that neither the loss of individual leaders, nor the loss of a city or the loss of land, would mean that the Islamic State has been defeated as long as the jihadist retained the will to fight.
Al Bunyan Al Marsoos is not the only enemy the Islamic State faces in Sirte.
On May 31, Reuters reported that Libyas Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) had taken control of Nawfiliyah and Bin Jawad. Both of the towns are less than 100 miles from Sirte.
Within the past year, the Islamic States Libyan arm promoted its control over these two locations, which are strategically situated along the Mediterranean coast.
In January, the jihadists announced their presence in Bin Jawad as part of an offensive named after their former emir for Libya. The group subsequently released videos and images advertising their complete control over the town. But on June 4, Al Wasat tweeted pictures from Bin Jawad, demonstrating that life was returning to the town after the Islamic State had been ejected.
The Islamic State paraded a convoy through Nawfiliyah and claimed control of the town in Feb. 2015. But the group hasnt held any parades in Sirte or the neighboring towns in recent weeks.
Infographics (with maps) and other images released by Al Bunyan Al Marsoos
After capturing Qardabiyyah Airport, which is south of Sirte, Al Bunyan Al Marsoos pushed its way into the city:
A map of the offensive that was tweeted on June 8:
A map showing important locations inside Sirte, including Ibn Sina Hospital, which was terrorized by the Islamic States men in 2015:
An Islamic State VBIED that was disabled after being ambushed:
Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.
Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
By HAMZA HENDAWI
Associated Press
CAIRO (AP) An EgyptAir aircraft that made an emergency landing on Wednesday in Uzbekistan following a bomb threat has resumed its flight to Beijing, Egyptian officials said, the latest in a series of deadly or damaging air travel incidents involving Egypt.
The officials said no bomb was found after the Airbus A-330-220 and its passengers were searched by explosives experts and the plane took off for the Chinese capital four hours after it landed in the town of Urgench, about 840 kilometers (600 miles) west of the Uzbek capital, Tashkent.
According to the officials, an anonymous caller telephoned security agents at the Cairo airport to say a bomb was on board EgyptAir Flight 955 which had 135 passengers and crew on board. The agents immediately contacted the aircraft and ordered it to land at the nearest airport, they said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
In Russia, the news agency RIA Novosti quoted an unnamed official with Uzbekistan Airways as saying the airport in Urgench has been closed following the EgyptAir planes emergency landing. Later, Russias Interfax news agency quoted Uzbekistan Airways as saying the plane was searched, no explosive devices were found and the aircraft was cleared to go.
The incident came nearly three weeks after an EgyptAir flight crashed in the Mediterranean Sea as it was approaching the Egyptian coast while en route to Cairo from Paris. All 66 people on board were killed and the search for the planes flight and data recorders the so called black boxes is still underway.
Egyptian officials say the Paris-Cairo plane was most likely downed by an act of terror.
Last October, a Russian airliner crashed in Egypts Sinai Peninsula shortly after taking off from the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, killing all 224 people on board. A local affiliate of the extremist Islamic State group claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft just hours after the crash. In November, Russia said an explosive device brought down the aircraft.
The Russian airliners crash has decimated Egypts already battered tourism industry. While the cause of the May 19 EgyptAir crash in the Mediterranean remains unknown, it has associated Egypt with another air disaster that further dented the once lucrative industry.
The two disasters have unsettled authorities at the Cairo airport, where false alarms or bomb threats have caused lengthy delays to flights and at least one cancellation this week.
Security has also been considerably tightened at Egypts 20-plus airports since the Russian disaster, with passengers now subjected to roughly the same security measures in force at major international airports.
Associated Press writer Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow contributed to this report.
This story has been corrected to show that the number of the flight is EgyptAir 955, not 995.
By Katie Lannan
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
BOSTON Though a vote was planned for Wednesday on University of Massachusetts tuition and fees for the 2016-2017 school year, UMass President Marty Meehan recommended instead that action on tuition wait until July.
Administrators and trustees want to wait until the state budget process reaches its conclusion, university officials said in a statement to the News Service.
"Our goal is to keep a potential increase as low as it can possibly be, and we believe our interests, and our students interests, are best served by deferring action at this time," Meehan said in the statement. "We want to keep tuition in check, while still protecting quality, our upward momentum, diversity and all of the things that are essential to a great public research university and the states social and economic future."
The House and Senate differed in their fiscal 2017 appropriations for UMass, with the House appropriating $508 million and the Senate allocating $521 million. The UMass appropriation in the fiscal 2016 state budget was $500.7 million.
Protesters from UMass Lowell and UMass Boston marched Wednesday morning outside a downtown building where UMass officials were scheduled to meet, calling for officials to refuse increases in student costs and faculty reductions.
After two consecutive years of freezing tuition and fee rates, trustees last year approved a 5 percent hike. Meehan recently said he expects to see a "reasonable" rate increase.
Luton is a large town, borough and unitary authority area of Bedfordshire. Luton and its near neighbours, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area with a population of about 258,000. Luton is home to Championship team Luton Town Football Club, London Luton Airport and The University of Bedfordshire. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter. For all the latest news from Luton sign up to our newsletter here.
At The Reverie Saigon, Good Things Come In Threes
Dubbed Haute Ho Chi Minh, the hotels first-ever package marries a three-hour shopping experience in one of Asias most dynamic cities with three spa treatments in a venue hailed by CNN this month as one of the worlds best new spas, and provides three nights accommodation in one of only 60 hotels in the world that received a shout-out by Conde Nast Traveler USA on its 2016 Hot List.The hotels astonishing new spa anchors the piece de resistance of Haute Ho Chi Minh. The 1,200-square-metre (12,900 square feet) sanctuary, with 10 treatment rooms, strikes a poised balance between the extravagant and the understated. A majestic reception area of white marble features a mosaic-lined stairway leading to the contemporary treatment rooms above with their slated walnut exteriors and leather-clad interiors.In separate facilities, women can linger in the Himalayan pink salt sauna or the color therapy steam room, while men will find an invigorating ice fountain for use in conjunction with the sauna. The comprehensive spa menu features a harmonious blend of both Eastern and Western therapies.Over the course of their stay, guests can indulge in three treatments from a selection of five massages selected for their rejuvenating qualities. The three signature treatments distinct to the hotel include: a combination of Vietnamese cupping and massage techniques that releases tension and boosts circulation. a particularly therapeutic treatment that combines gentle Thai-style stretching with deep massage, followed by a Thai foot massage. a combination of gentle Swedish and deep-tissue techniques applied with a choice of signature essential oil blends, as well as jade stones - known to boost immunity and energy levels, to calm both body and mind.And utilizing organic spa products from some of the most recognised brands abroad, the tailored selection of body treatments for the package also includes: a Tibetan-style massage whereby a blend of five essential oils by ila is applied with cupping and kneading techniques to balance the five sensory organs, along with the use of hot stones and herbal poultices to harmonise from head to toe. a treatment which incorporates seaweed-based product by Voya as well as the application of natural seaweed alongside warm stones to draw out tension and deeply relax.To complement, a seasoned guide from Trails of Indochina will escort guests on a personalized shopping excursion through a city thats gaining a reputation for its original clothing designs, contemporary artwork and innovative crafts. The city is also renown for antiques that date back to the French colonial era, and period pieces that go back to the 1960s and 1970s - when Vietnam was at the center of the worlds attention.The package also comes with access to The Reverie Lounge, where afternoon tea is served daily and cocktails and canapes are offered every evening as the sun sets over Vietnams most happening city. Coming and going, Haute guests are provided with round-trip airport transfers in one of the hotels luxury house cars, which include a Mercedes S-class as well as the latest BMW 7 series. Those who really want to turn heads as they roll into town can opt to upgrade to one of the hotels Maybachs or Bentleys, or its singular Rolls-Royce limited edition Phantom Dragon.The Reverie Saigon celebrated a grand opening last September as one of the most anticipated hotel debuts of the year. It was the only property in Vietnam to achieve a coveted spot on Conde Nast Traveler USAs Hot List, and just one of seven chosen in Asia.The Haute Ho Chi Minh package is bookable as of 1 June, with rates starting from USD 1,656, inclusive of tax and service charge. (Available for single or double occupancy.)For more information or to book, please visit: www.thereveriesaigon.com To enquire about package rates and availability for The Reverie Saigons designer suites, please email reservations@thereveriesaigon.com The Reverie Saigon is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World
BURMA: An Enchanted Spirit
"I aspired to convey the soul of the beautiful Burmese people, their mystical culture and mysterious customs, in the most artistic way possible," says Heath. The book notably includes a hand written endorsement by renowned 1991 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi (aka "The Lady"). Her handwritten endorsement of David's project asserts, "Truly an enchanting book - the pictures reflect the beauty and diversity of Burma faithfully."In search of a meaningful way to give back to a country that inspired his recent book,(a culmination of five years of work, eight trips to Burma, 38 flights, 10 visas, and six prescriptions of anti-malarial medication), adventure travel photographer David Heath partnered with the Suu Foundation and the Arts Mandalay Foundation to build theThe first privately-funded school in Mandalay, the cultural capital of Myanmar, the project aims to preserve the traditional Myanmar performing arts while creating jobs and providing alternative education opportunities for low-income families.From the moment I first set foot in this magical land, I fell under its spell. I'm honored to have the opportunity to contribute to a community to which I feel very personally, artistically, and spiritually connected, said Heath. My goal for this project is to be able to provide this school and its teachers with the tools they need to develop a new generation of performers who are invested in advancing the country's future.Advised by the Minhar Theater and utilizing local master teachers, the school curriculum will include dance, music, classical theater, and historical performing arts. The school provides an opportunity for talented individuals to receive an academic high school education while playing a part in preserving the cultural identity of the area.Using local Mandalay builders and resources, the funds raised will be directed toward the land lease, structure, supplies and staffing. Inwa Performing Arts High School will host 30 students and aims to be open on June 1, 2016. For more information on David's work, please visit. For more information on how you can contribute to this project in Mandalay, please visitBuy book on Amazon.com:
European Destinations Top AAA's 2016 Summer Travel List
Americans are also flocking to warm-weather destinations in the U.S., Mexico and Caribbean, and increasingly traveling to Canada to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.The top international summer destinations, based on AAA bookings for travel June 1 through August 15, are:1. Rome, Italy (4)2. London, England (3)3. Cancun, Mexico (1)4. Vancouver, Canada (8)5. Paris, France (7)6. Dublin, Ireland (6)7. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (2)8. Montego Bay, Jamaica (5)9. Calgary, Canada10. Amsterdam, Netherlands*Number in parentheses indicates summer 2015 ranking position.Europe remains very popular with American travelers despite recent terrorism concerns, said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of travel and publishing. A strong dollar, discounted pricing and a continued sense of resilience are motivating millions of Americans to venture across the pond for their summer vacations this year.On May 31, the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Europe, citing the risk of potential terror attacks. Travel alerts are issued for short-term events that travelers should be aware of when planning to visit a country. This differs from a travel warning in which the State Department urges travelers to consider very carefully whether to visit a country or region at all.AAA urges travelers to exercise vigilance when traveling and be aware of their immediate surroundings. Determining when and where to travel is very personal, continued Sutherland. The strong interest in Europe and even Paris shows that many Americans are undeterred by recent global events.Domestically, the great American road trip is back, with nearly 56 percent of Americans planning a drive vacation this summer, according to a recent AAA survey. The lowest summertime gas prices in 11 years are prompting Americans to drive in record numbers. More than half of U.S. adults say low gas prices are prompting them to hit the roads this year.AAA's top domestic summer travel destinations include:1. Orlando, Fla. (1)2. Seattle, Wash.3. Los Angeles/Anaheim, Calif. (7)4. Honolulu, Hawaii (4)5. Las Vegas, Nev.6. Anchorage, Alaska7. New York, N.Y.8. Maui, Hawaii9. San Francisco, Calif.10. Denver, Colo.*Number in parentheses indicates summer 2015 ranking positionOrlando consistently holds the top spot on AAA's list of most-popular U.S. travel destinations, while southern California has climbed in the rankings, said Sutherland. Several newcomers to the list indicate that Americans are looking forward to venturing out this summer and exploring diverse destinations from coast to coast.Before setting out on a summer vacation, download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find the lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, request AAA roadside assistance and more. For in-person travel planning, seek the expert advice of a trusted travel advisor, who can provide personalized service and first-hand destination knowledge to create a memorable vacation. For more information and to begin planning a trip, visitAs North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 56 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at
explora Valle Sagrado Opening July 1st in Peru
With the opening of explora Valle Sagrado approaching on July 1, 2016, travelers can look forward to the fruits of expertise that distinguish explora from other accommodations in the valley, and that have made the company the expert at exploring South America for over 20 years.Since securing explora Valle Sagrado at 9,500 feet in the Andean Highlands, the company has devoted much time to discovering new routes that enable travelers to do what explora does best: explore. Indeed, explora has always envisioned the totality of a journey as the sum of its experiences. At heart, explora understands the difference between a traveler and a tourist. As elsewhere, it has taken numerous measures to ensure that travelers can enjoy the Sacred Valley encountering nature, appreciating colors, sensing aromas, and discovering local color inspired by the legacy of the most important pre-Columbian civilization the explora way.Every Exploration Its Own ExperienceGuides trained at explora's School of Guides lead every exploration from explora Valle Sagrado. Each knows the importance of leaving space for the authentic and unexpected, such as interacting with local people so travelers can truly experience and understand life in the Sacred Valley. Traditional towns, barely touched by the force of globalization; ancient ruins impeccably conserved over the passage of time; emerald lagoons at the foothills of snowy peaks; immense fluvial valleys that open between mountains. These are just some of what travelers will visit.There are 27 explorations to experience from explora Valle Sagrado on foot, van or bicycle, with three levels of difficulty, as well as three geographical differentiations: valley, plateau, and mountain peaks. Explorations take place in all areas, as the talent at explora Valle Sagrado has developed the greatest possible number of paths, schedules, and alternative routes to enable the discovery of must-see sites, as well as what lies beyond what is known.Every afternoon, guides meet with travelers at the hotel bar to plot out the next day's explorations. All explora guides are fluent in Spanish and English, highly knowledgeable about the area, and certified as Wilderness First Responders, the better to aid people, if necessary, in remote areas. Explorations are kept small in the Sacred Valley, with no more than eight travelers per group.In the Urumbamba River valley, guides will lead travelers to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and other archeological sites. In the Huaypo lagoon plateau, they will move along local routes, passing between lagoons, farming communities and cornfields. They will also discover the peaks of the mountain range, an area still largely untouched by tourism. Other explorations include the city of Cusco and the not-to-be-miss sanctuary of Machu Pichu.explora Valle Sagrado will offer three exploration programs including Pisac (3 nights) starting at $2,160/double in mid season; Vilcabamba (4 nights) starting at $2,628/double in mid season; and Moray (5 nights) starting at $3,020 in mid season. These rates are valid from July 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016, and include 10% service.For more information or to make reservations, please contact explora toll free at (866) 750-6699, email reserve@explora.com, or visit the website at
*UPDATE: The webinar has now taken place. View a replay here or below*
Join me for our next webinar, PTAB Trials by the Numbers.
The webinar takes place on Tuesday June 14 at 11am (New York), 8am (West Coast), 4pm (London).
Presenters:
Justin Oliver and Jonathan Berschadsky partners at Fitzpatrick Cella Harper & Scinto,
Moderator:
Michael Loney Americas editor at Managing IP
The webinar will feature a statistical analysis of inter partes review (IPR) and covered business method (CBM) trials at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. The analysis will avoid pitfalls that obscure the true picture of PTAB proceedings and will address how the statistics should shape your PTAB trial strategies.
This webinar will cover topics including:
A dive into PTAB statistics
Overall success rates, on a claim by claim basis
Comparisons of success rates for statutory grounds
Trends in institution rates
Comparisons to district court success rates
Differences in technology areas
The likely reasons behind the numbers
A glimpse into the future
As with all our webinars, there will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions of the panellists.
The webinar is free to attend: just register here and join us on Tuesday.
Riyadh: Gulfar Mohammed Ali, the Malayali NRI businessman who was jailed in Oman for allegedly bribing the authorities of a government-owned oil company, was released as part of a general amnesty during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
In 2014, a court in Oman had awarded Mohammed Ali 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of 27 crore rupees for bribing a government official to win the contract of the oil production company Petroleum Development Oman. Five officials of the company, including its Vice-President, were also found guilty in the case.
Meanwhile in Saudi, around 600 prisoners that included both foreign nationals and citizens were released from jail as part of the general amnesty pronounced by King Salman. The authorities are studying the case files of many more prisoners to decide if they can avail of the royal pardon.
Mosul: The terror outfit Islamic States' desperate commanders has dropped their own men into vats of acid on suspicion of acting as informants. The 'witch-hunt' in the Islamic state was ensued after a drone annihilated senior commander Abu-Hayjaaal-Tunsi.
An Iraqi Intelligence officer said that the terror outfit had killed dozens of fighters on charges giving information to the Iraqi forces or putting GPS, in order for the drone to attack a specific area.
Meanwhile more fighters were also making a break for freedom as the terror outfit turned on itself. Last month the Jihadist also murdered some fighters accused of spying for the government by dissolving them in acid.
Islamabad: At least 13 people were arrested by the Pakistan Police in connection with the murder of a 16-year old who was allegedly killed for helping one of her friend to elope. The girl's mother was also arrested for agreeing the honour killing.
A girl named Ambreen Riasat was drugged and put in the van and burnt to death in a village near the north western city Abbottabad. The traditional Jigra assembly of elders ordered to kill the girl as a punishment for helping a couple to leave the village to marry.
The jigra took her to an abandoned place outside the village and made her unconscious by injecting drugs, tied her in a van and set ablaze. According to a report, nearly 1,100 women were killed in Pakistan last year for dishonouring their families. The incident was even condemned by the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
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A new exhibition showcases the women using Instagram to share life-changing stories
Could your Instagram feed be a game-changer? They say a picture can paint a thousand words. And never more so than one that's been whizzed through an Earlybird filter and shared on Instagram. From 8th June, Instagram is hosting a pop-up photography and video exhibition in London, #MyStoryUK (opens in new tab), showcasing the most inspiring women storytellers who are sharing powerful images every day.
From illustrators and activists, to mothers and entrepreneurs, Marie Claire meets the British women pushing creative boundaries, launching businesses and changing other womens lives at the tap of an Instagram post.
@dinatokio (opens in new tab) runs a Hijab focused fashion account, using Instagram to raise the profile of British Muslim fashion and giving a voice to the fashion savvy Muslim community
For a British Muslim woman, connecting to a vast network of similar women around the world has been priceless for the growth of my fashion business. I love style and I got sick of this stereotype that hijab wearing women have to look boring and dull. Giving other women style inspiration means Ive had comments from all over the world. I had one from a Jewish woman who said "I also have to cover my hair so thanks for giving me tips on cool, funky ways to wear my scarf." I hear from 16-year-old girls who are struggling with their image and identity, and want ideas on how to wear the hijab without losing their coolness. I wish I had that inspiration as a teen. Instagram gets my message out there instantly and breaks down global and language barriers. I use Instagram explore to discover other fashion bloggers, like the Indonesian designer @Dianpelangi (opens in new tab) whose profile is crazy colourful. Apart from selfies, my husband takes all my pictures on a Canon Powershot G7x. But dont dare call him an Instagram husband. He would hate that!
@dinatokio (opens in new tab) is restyling the hijab for women all over the world
@laurenlaverne (opens in new tab) is a broadcaster and journalist, host of BBC 6 Music and Late Night Womans Hour and co-founder of The Pool. She is the ambassador for Instagram's #MyStoryUK campaign.
I am fascinated by communication and the way women share their lives and opinions, especially in carefully curated and beautiful Instagram feeds. I think society has a tendency to be dismissive of selfie culture as simply narcissism but of course there is more to it, and the breadth of people using visual communication to tell their stories is mind-blowing. You have artists like Gill Button @buttonfruit (opens in new tab) who paints these amazing portraits and has exclusively used Instagram to sell her work. Or Jaz OHara @theworldwidetribe (opens in new tab) who uses the platform to tell her personal story and document her work with refugees. I also love accounts like Zoe @dresslikeamum (opens in new tab) who is totally smashing the stereotypes of yummy mummy culture. I find Instagram a really open, affirming, creative place to be, and I love seeing shared experiences from individual, unique perspectives. Like my view of Glastonbury from the BBC2 broadcasting platform which was a very different view to that of the crowd or the bands backstage.
@laurenlaverne (opens in new tab) is host and ambassador for Instagram's #MyStoryUK campaign
@vivigomez12 (opens in new tab) is smashing gender stereotypes and connecting women around the world with her Instagram feed focusing on female skateboarders
Initially I started documenting things on Instagram just to share snapshots of my life around London. When I started skating in August last year, I thought it would be great to show other girls that there was this huge community out there. For me, female skaters are always seen as different. We are questioned about the reasons we skate in a way that men never would be. I am hoping to encourage other girls to go out and give it a go. I have spoken to girl skaters from as far away as the US and Canada using the hashtags #ladieswhoshred and #girlshred. When girls find us and discover we skate in London they come out to skate with us and it is amazing. Instagram works as a portal to real life relationships so it really unites people. In this shot Im not doing any tricks, just pushing along and I think its a powerful message that will encourage girls to give it a go if they can visualise themselves doing it.
Skateboarder @vivigomez12 (opens in new tab) inspires girls and women the world over to get on a board.
Check out more stories at the exhibition, which runs on 9th and 10th June at the Unit Gallery, Central London, and join in on Instagram #MyStoryUK
A U.S. Navy rear admiral will plead guilty on Thursday to lying to federal investigators, making him the highest-ranking officer to be convicted in the expanding "Fat Leonard" bribery case, the Washington Post reported, citing his attorney.
Robert Gilbeau, a special assistant to the chief of the Navy Supply Corps, was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in San Diego late Thursday afternoon, the Post reported, citing court records.
This would bring to 14 the number of people charged in the Singapore-based case, including former Glenn Defense Marine Asia Chief Executive Officer Leonard Francis, a Malaysian businessman known as "Fat Leonard." He pleaded guilty last year to bribery charges. Nine of the 13 previously charged have pleaded guilty.
Gilbeau will plead guilty to one count of making a false statement to investigators, his defense attorney, David Benowitz, told the newspaper.
Three current and former U.S. Navy officers were charged with participating in the scheme on May 27, the U.S. Justice Department said.
(Reporting by Eric Walsh; Editing by David Alexander and Jeffrey Benkoe)
Japan has lodged a protest with the Chinese ambassador in Tokyo, after a Chinese ship sailed close to contested islands in the East China Sea.
Chinese navy has made an unprecedented entry into waters around the disputed Senkaku Islands, called Diaoyu in China.
Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki responded swiftly, summoning the Chinese ambassador to Tokyo Cheng Yonghua to register a formal protest.
Japan's top government spokesman expressed "serious concern" about the entry of a Chinese naval ship, saying it would escalate tension unilaterally.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told his government to closely coordinate with the United States and other countries to deal with the incident.
It emerged that three Russian naval vessels also sailed through the contiguous zone around the islands on Wednesday evening. Japanese officials say they are investigating whether there is any connection.
"Around 00:50am (local time), a Chinese naval vessel entered our nation's contiguous waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
A Chinese Defence Ministry statement said: "Chinese naval ships sailing through waters our country has jurisdiction over is reasonable and legal.
In 2012, relations between Japan and China deteriorated after Japan bought the islands from a private owner. The islands are important because they are close to key shipping lanes, offer rich fishing grounds and lie near potential oil and gas reserves.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans is set to host the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the largest gathering of Port and maritime professionals in the Western Hemisphere.
The conference, scheduled for Oct. 23-26 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, will include technical and policy committee meetings, business sessions and social networking for port professionals and marine transportation leaders throughout the four-day event.
This year marks the seventh time New Orleans has played host to AAPAs Annual Conference, said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. We are honored to host this prestigious event and know attendees will enjoy New Orleans hospitality and the unparalleled networking and business programs that AAPA events provide.
"AAPA and our member ports are excited to be returning to New Orleans for our annual convention, said AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle. The Crescent City is an ideal location to bring together ports from throughout the hemisphere to collaborate on key industry issues and strengthen trading relationships. We greatly appreciate the hospitality of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans and Gary LaGrange in hosting this international event."
For information on the conference, to learn about sponsorship opportunities or to register, please click here.
Founded in 1912, the AAPA is a trade association that represents more than 130 public port authorities in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. Association members include more than 300 sustaining and associate members firms and individuals with an interest in the seaports of the Western Hemisphere.
AAPA is dedicated to serving deep draft public ports by enhancing port management professionalism, and advocating issues critical to public seaports.
The Port of New Orleans is located in the center of one of the worlds busiest port complexes Louisianas Lower Mississippi River. Connected to major inland markets and Canada via 14,500 miles of inland waterways, six Class 1 railroads and the nations interstate highway system, the Port is the ideal gateway for containers and breakbulk cargo, along with passenger cruises. Port facilities include 20 million square feet of cargo handling area, more than 3.1 million square feet of covered storage area and 1.7 million square feet of cruise and parking facilities. The Port of New Orleans has reached new highs in container volumes and cruise passengers in recent years, while completing state-of-the-art infrastructure projects throughout the Port.
We expect all attendees to enjoy the unique events and programs the convention has to offer and to take time to explore New Orleans, LaGrange said. We look forward to seeing friends and connecting with new ones, while sharing our experiences and plans for tomorrow.
New Zealand based fishing company Talleys Group Ltd. has been fined $73,520 and ordered to pay $21,000 in reparations to the family of a crewman killed in an on-board accident in July 2014.
The 24-year-old crewman Leighton Muir was decapitated when a broken rope snapped back while hauling in a net full of tuna aboard the Capt. M.J. Souza on July 22, 2014, when the vessel was fishing in the Kiribati Exclusive Economic Zone.
Talleys pleaded guilty to a charge laid by Maritime NZ of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employees while at work, and was sentenced June 9, 2016 in Nelson District Court.
The court was told that a 50mm safety rope connected to the purse seine net had previously snapped three weeks before Muirs death but had not been replaced, despite a replacement rope being available onboard. Instead, a knot had been tied in the rope and it continued to be used. The cause of the breakage was not investigated by the company.
Muir died when the rope broke again, after it was put under increased strain by the failure of a strop on the net. The failure of the strop is believed to have been the result of a poor splice.
At the time of the incident, Muir was working inside the snapback zone, an area of high-risk in the event of a rope breaking. The danger of standing in the snapback zone was highlighted in the vessels hazards register.
This horrific incident shows the dangers involved in deep sea fishing, but also highlights what should be done to manage the risks inherent in the industry, said Harry Hawthorn, Maritime NZ General Manager, Maritime Compliance.
In this case, the rope had already broken once, but the reasons for that had not been considered. The rope had been repaired, not replaced, and it broke again. The dangers of the snapback zone had been identified but crew were still required to work in that area, Hawthorn continued.
This is a tragic case which will live with the family of Leighton Muir forever.
K Line Ship Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd has selected ClassNK Consulting Services machinery condition monitoring and automatic diagnostic system ClassNK CMAXS LC-A for use on one of its container vessels, marking the first commercial application of the software.
K Line Ship Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd selected ClassNK CMAXS LC-A after a successful trial installation in 2014 delivered proven fuel and lubricating oil savings of 200 tons/year. The trial was carried out as part of a joint research project in collaboration with ClassNK and Diesel United Ltd.
ClassNK CMAXS LC-A uses innovative diagnosis algorithms to analyze multiple sensor data in the engine room and detect any early signs of machinery damage. The solution automatically shows the condition of a wide variety of machinery in real-time, provides the relevant instructions and procedure manuals, and proposes the optimum setting value for main engine optimum operation based on the result of the automatic condition diagnosis - all without the need for remote shoreside support.
ClassNK CMAXS LC-As main engine optimum setting value function supports ship operators and ship management companies in reducing fuel and lubricating oil costs while its troubleshooting function supports crew in preventing second damage and streamlining necessary repair and maintenance work.
Information such as sensor data and condition monitoring results obtained from ClassNK CMAXS LC-As onboard system are sent to and stored on the cloud database managed by Ship Data Center Co. Ltd., a subsidiary company of ClassNK, and shared between the vessel and shipping company.
Through the provision of ClassNK CMAXS LC-A, ClassNK Consulting Services continues to support safe operations and reduce the lifecycle cost of machinery.
ClassNK Consulting Service Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary company of ClassNK.
Royal Caribbean International's Harmony of the Seas, featuring Wartsila engines, propulsion equipment, exhaust scrubber systems, Wartsila NACOS Platinum navigation and dynamic positioning systems, as well as Wartsila CCTV systems and various electrical & automation solutions, is now in commercial operation.
The 'Harmony of the Seas' has also been included in a service agreement between Wartsila and Royal Caribbean covering technical management and monitoring under Wartsila Genius services. The ship was delivered from the yard on May 12. With a length of 362 meters the ship, which was built at the STX France shipyard in the French port of Saint-Nazaire, is the world's largest cruise vessel. .
Wartsila has also provided the engines and thrusters to the vessel's sister ships, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas, thus emphasising the trust and cooperation that exists between Wartsila and Royal Caribbean International.
The Harmony of the Seas is powered by four 12-cylinder Wartsila 46F engines and two 16-cylinder Wartsila 46F engines, featuring best-in-class fuel economy, and outstanding power-to-weight and power-to-space ratios. For effective manoeuvring, the ship has four Wartsila CT3500 transverse thrusters.
The two Wartsila hybrid scrubber systems represent the world's biggest marine exhaust scrubber installation so far. They feature the latest in exhaust cleaning technology thus minimizing sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions and allowing the vessel to comply with emission control regulations around the world. Wartsila hybrid scrubber system solutions have the flexibility to operate in both open and closed loop using seawater to remove SOx from the exhaust.
The Wartsila NACOS Platinum navigation and dynamic positioning systems are a popular choice of cruise ship operators and feature highly advanced integrated navigation technology. Other electrical & automation solutions have been provided by Wartsila Funa for this vessel, including a house light dimming system for all public venues, a dimming system for the suites, and a low resolution LED wall for the theatre.
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ReCAPP) May 2016 report says that only eight incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia for the month, down 65 percent from May last year.
Between January and May 2016, a total of 38 incidents were reported in Asia, and this accounts for a 56% decrease in overall number of incidents compared to January-May 2015 when 87 incidents were reported.
The number of incidents reported during January-May 2016 is the lowest among the five-year reporting period of January-May of 2012-2016.
Of the eight incidents reported in May 2016, one was Category 1 incident involving the hijacking of product tanker Hai Soon 12 off Pulau Belitung, Indonesia on 7 May 16.
However, the incident was foiled by the Indonesian authorities who intercepted and boarded the tanker, rescued the crew, apprehended the perpetrators and recovered the full cargo.
There was a Category 2 incident occurred at Samarinda Anchorage, Indonesia involving four perpetrators armed with knives who boarded a bulk carrier, tied up the crew and fled with ship stores. The other six incidents were Category 4 incidents of petty theft in nature, mostly occurred at ports and anchorages.
In comparison, there has been a decrease in the number of incidents across all categories during January-May 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. A 50% decrease in both the Category 1 and Category 2 incidents were observed during January-May 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.
Of the eight incidents reported in May 2016, four incidents occurred on board ships while anchored in Indonesia (Jakarta Tanker Anchorage, Balikpapan Inner Anchorage and Samarinda Anchorage), one in Vietnam (Vung Tau Anchorage), and one in India (Kandla Port).
The other two incidents occurred on board ships while underway in the South China Sea approaches towards Pulau Subi Besar and Java Sea, Indonesia.
Liberia has become the first flag state to participate in the Green Award program, under which eligible shipowners will be offered significant annual tonnage tax discounts.
Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, This initiative provides further confirmation of the pioneering role adopted by Liberia in all areas of global shipping, and underlines its commitment to environmental compliance by striving to ensure that Liberia remains the greenest fleet afloat.
Green Award is a global, independent, not-for-profit quality assurance organisation which certifies ship managers and vessels that go beyond industry standards in terms of safety, quality and environmental performance. The scheme brings together ship managers who are willing to improve the safety and environmental performance of their vessels, and ports or private companies in the maritime sector which are willing to support vessels that go beyond international conventions and legislation in terms of ship lay-out and equipment, quality of operations and management.
Green Award-certified ships will be recognised and rewarded by the Liberian Registry for their efforts to minimise emissions and risks of incidents and accidents, while ensuring the best care for people and the environment. The Registry will offer a 3% tonnage tax discount annually to all Liberian-flag vessels that are certified. The discount will apply continually as long as the vessel remains in the Green Award program.
An official ceremony marking the Liberian Registry / Green Award initiative took place on 8 June, 2016, at the Posidonia event in Athens, Greece, during which the Liberian Registrys CEO, Scott Bergeron, and Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Registrys Piraeus Office, Dr. Michalis Pantazopoulos, accepted a Green Award commemoration to seal the co-operative agreement.
Scott Bergeron said, The Liberian Registry is committed to helping ship owners and operators improve their green credentials and meet other corporate social responsibilities, and we believe that the Green Award scheme will help achieve those objectives.
Green Award Chairman Captain Dimitrios Mattheou and Executive Director Jan Fransen welcomed the Liberian Registry to the network of Green Award members. Mr Mattheou said, Recognition by the Liberian Flag Administration of the Green Award certificate as a reliable quality mark is of great significance to us. Green Award certificate holders and Green Award ships will be motivated to improve their performance still further, resulting in improved safety, higher quality and greater environmental awareness.
ABS, a leading provider of classification services to the global marine and offshore industries, has completed a project with a group of leading Greek shipowners to support preparations for implementing the European Unions Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) regulation for CO2 emissions.
The result of this initiative is a clear interpretation of the regulation that allows companies to understand how they will be affected and what steps have to be taken to achieve and demonstrate compliance.
The EU MRV Regulation establishes a regional regime that requires owners to put in place systems and practices that provide clear and precise evidence of compliance, says Dr. Kirsi Tikka, ABS Executive Vice President, Global Marine. Leveraging its knowledge and experience, ABS has worked with these proactive owners to help them understand the requirements and to find solutions that minimize interruptions to their ability to trade.
The European Unions Regulation 2015/757, which applies to ships above 5000GT calling at EU ports, requires that owners establish and maintain accurate processes for all aspects of the regulation to provide evidence of compliance. It is widely seen as the forerunner to a global system of CO2 emissions reporting that will be established under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization.
ABS joined tanker owners Maran, Thenamaris, Minerva, Euronav and Tsakos in 2014 to begin preparing an MRV plan, the results of which were shared with INTERTANKO. As the project developed, the group was joined by CMM and bulk carrier operator Golden Union.
Testing took place over six months on a fleet of 15 vessels, including Aframax tankers (including ice class), Suezmax tankers, MR product/chemical tankers, an LR2 Product Carrier, a dual-fuel LNG Carrier, a steam-powered LNG carrier and Capesize bulk carriers.
At the end of the data-gathering phase, ABS reviewed emission reports, assessing the reliability, credibility and accuracy of the monitoring systems and the resulting reported emissions data and information.
A summary of findings identified where existing fuel measurement systems, data flow and reporting needed to be aligned with MRV requirements.
Although ship emissions monitoring does not begin until January 1, 2018, Monitoring Plans must be submitted to the accredited Verifiers no later than the end of August of 2017. Owners need to have the appropriate IT infrastructure and support in place to meet the requirements and make sure ship and shoreside staff are properly trained.
Planning and executing solutions in the near term will reduce the work required to demonstrate MRV compliance, and give shipowners confidence to prepare and submit accurate annual MRV reports.
Consolidation of shipping lines, realignment of carriers alliances, environmental improvements in the shipping industry and achieving supply chain efficiencies were all among topics addressed during the U.S.-China Bilateral Maritime Consultations held in Los Angeles last week.
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Mario Cordero co-headed the U.S. delegation to the meeting with Deputy Maritime Administrator Michael Rodriguez. The consultations are organized by the Maritime Administration and the Chinese Ministry of Transportation and take place on a regular basis. This years session was held June 1-2.
China is both a leading provider of manufactured goods, and a vast consumer of commodities from origins all around the world. It is not only a nation that depends on international ocean transportation to serve its import and export economies, but it is a nation with a leading shipping industry, Cordero said. The opportunity for U.S. Government agencies involved in the maritime realm to engage their counterparts from China allows not only for an exchange of information, but the chance to gain a perspective on the commercial and regulatory priorities of a major provider of transportation services that many American shippers purchase.
During the two-day session, Cordero led discussions on a number of key topics where the FMC has jurisdiction or particular competence. Two developing matters related to China and shipping were the merger of China Ocean Shipping Company and China Shipping Container Lines; and, the significant change in shipping company alliances that is taking place as a result of other merger and acquisition activity in the broader container shipping industry. Cordero also addressed ways in which the FMC is working to reduce port congestion by discussing the Supply Chain Innovation Teams Initiative launched earlier this year and being headed by Commissioner Rebecca Dye; and, he provided a briefing on how two different port alliance agreements filed at the Commission by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and Seattle-Tacoma seek to improve efficiencies in those respective regions. The parties also discussed items related to controlled carriers and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) bond recognition. Finally, Cordero reported to the Chinese delegation about changes to service contract filings the Federal Maritime Commission is considering implementing.
Dependable and efficient ocean transportation between the United States and China is essential to the economic wellbeing of both nations and their citizens. These consultations make certain that officials in regulatory, promotional, and enforcement agencies in Beijing and Washington understand clearly pending policy developments and the commercial issues that might be driving such initiatives, said Cordero. These interactions are always valuable, but given what is happening in the shipping industry this year, I welcomed the opportunity to clearly express the Commissions commitment to a competitive ocean shipping marketplace.
Running concurrently to the U.S.-China Bilateral Maritime Consultations was the U.S.-China Transportation Forum, a ministerial level exchange where a much wider variety of matters related to transportation are addressed. Cordero also participated in segments of the Transportation Forum related to ports and maritime transportation.
I commend the Maritime Administration for their dedicated efforts in organizing this latest round of consultations, Cordero said. Deputy Administrator Rodriguez represented the agency thoroughly and expertly.
On 29 May at the presentation ceremony for the International Maritime Awards, held at the two-day Shiptek 2016 conference in Dubai, Damen Shipyards Sharjah (DSSh) received the prize for Best New Building Yard. The trophy was accepted at the ceremony by DSSh managing director Lars Seistrup.
DSSh is a joint venture between the Damen Shipyards Group and Albwardy Investment, bringing Damen quality and skills to the UAE. The new yard has the facilities to repair and construct all type of vessels, and has recently delivered tugs, workboats, support vessels, dredgers, landing craft, floating docks, barges and pontoons, to operators in and around the Arabian Gulf. The yard in the Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah, was officially opened in January 2014 and meets the highest standards of modern ship construction and repair. Among the many facilities it features are an undercover, new build hall, a 5,200 tonne ship lift and eight dry docks, each 125 metres in length.
What makes us unique in Hamriyah is that we took the opportunity to build the perfect yard and offer services that are quick, efficient and safe, all in one place, said Lars Seistrup. We are proud to say that we can offer our clients the highest quality and still maintain reasonable prices. It is wonderful to receive this award, which shows that our suppliers and clients value the quality of the vessels that we build and the services that we provide. I would also like to congratulate everyone in our new building department for their hard work and enthusiasm.
The St. Lawrence Seaway opened two weeks earlier this shipping season and U.S. ports took advantage of the warm weather to move cargo for their customers.
Betty Sutton, Administrator of the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation said, During the first nine weeks of the 2016 navigation season, ships arrived from 30 countries and delivered high value cargo that supported a wide range of manufacturing. Our longshoremen worked diligently to offload cargo ships delivering transformers bound for electric power companies, tanks for beer brewing companies, windmills for power generation, dockside cranes for offloading ships, and kaolin for the manufacturing of paper. With the 58th navigation season well underway we are excited about the strong mix of cargoes that have moved through the U.S. Seaway locks.
The array of salties at our Clure Terminal this spring reflects the versatility and vitality of the Great Lakes-Seaway System, said Vanta Coda, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Weve already handled heavy-lift oil and gas refinery equipment for a project in Montana; a load of kaolin clay from Brazil to supply Minnesota paper mills; and a shipment of 62-meter (203-foot) wind turbine blades for a wind energy project in Iowa. Two additional ships are en route with tower sections and nacelles and hubs for that same project. Making these vital connections to the heartland of North America is precisely why we market our services as Duluth Cargo Connect.
During the month of May the Port of Oswego received three shipments of aluminum totaling 9,079 metric tons, which was delivered to us on the Alouette Spirit and Evans Spirit, said Zelko Kirincich, executive director and CEO of the Port. The Evans Spirit is a shallow draft vessel with two cargo holds that have a pass-pass loading and discharge arrangement. This is the first time the Evans Spirit has been to the Port of Oswego with its new loading and discharge system. We have a year-to-date total of 19,507 metric tons of aluminum; which an increase of 86 percent over this time last year. In addition to the aluminum shipments we have received 8,802 metric tons of potash from Thunder Bay and 11,400 metric tons of corn from Hamilton. We are excited to have had a very busy start to the shipping season and are looking forward to an even busier year ahead with both inbound and outbound cargo.
May was a busy month at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor with 15 international ships, said Port Director Rick Heimann. Shipments included European beer fermentation tanks as well as organic corn and soybeans to be used for specialty animal feeds in U.S. farms. Since 2014, the port has handled over 80 beer tanks for craft breweries around the Midwest with most of those going to Lagunitas Brewing Co. in Chicago.
Steel has arrived at a steady pace for regional manufacturers, matching last years strong volumes said Paul Vornholt, port director of the Port of Milwaukee. The first part of the 2016 shipping season has also brought steady saltie traffic to the largest grain silos at the Port.
The Port of Cleveland is currently lagging slightly behind 2015 tonnage numbers at the start of our season for our traditional non-containerized steel business line, stated David Gutheil, vice president maritime and logistics. We are optimistic that our numbers will increase moving into the summer months and that the growth we have experienced since 2009 will continue. The Cleveland-Europe Express continues to attract new customers, as evidenced by our recent partnership announcement with Lubrizol for export container business to Europe. We also moved our first cargo to the country of Georgia, a 100-ton transformer from Siemens Energy in Mt. Vernon, OH. In order to keep with our growing demand for cargo, the Port and our terminal operators continue to invest in infrastructure and equipment. The Port commissioned two new Liebherr 280 mobile harbor cranes in May, which will significantly increase the speed and efficiency of our operation. Our new 21,000 square foot warehouse will be ready for use in late June, and will enable us to provide transloading services and additional storage capacity. We are also pleased that Federal Marine Terminals has ordered a 2016 Kobelco Hydraulic Crawler Crane with 275-ton capacity. The new crane is expected to arrive at the Port in September and will enhance their ability to handle large and complex project cargoes.
The St. Lawrence Seaway reported that year-to-date cargo shipments for the period March 21 to May 31 were 6.5 million metric tons, down 4.15 percent over the same period in 2015. The dry bulk category was up nearly 5 percent with salt, potash and gypsum in the positive column at 25, 35, and 108 percent respectively. Iron ore was down 9 percent; coal was down almost 1 percent. While steel products were down 23 percent, other general cargo was up 113 percent.
Another day, another round of sensational headlines about Brexit. The Leave campaign is in uproar over the government's decision to extend the voter registration deadline from Tuesday night to midnight on Thursday, accusing them of trying to "skew" the outcome. New Bank of England data revealed investors pulled 65 billion from UK assets in March and April, the biggest outflows since the financial crisis. George Osborne didn't utter a peep about April's huge industrial production growth, earning accusations that he's ducking data that don't fit the Remain campaign's narrative. And of course, the warnings of economic and stock market calamity in the UK and Continental Europe if voters choose Brexit on June 23 keep flooding in. No doubt, if Leave wins, there will be question marks-it is unrealistic to think otherwise. Yet the sheer flood of warnings and competing opinions-omnipresent for the better part of a year now-has done investors a favor: It has let markets price in much of the uncertainty, helping reduce the potential for a surprise if Leave wins.
Markets' efficiency with matters like this is self-evident if you see it in action, so here are some charts.
Exhibit 1: MSCI UK Versus MSCI World Ex. Europe
Source: FactSet, as of 6/8/2016. MSCI UK and MSCI World Ex. Europe Indexes with net dividends, 12/31/2014 - 6/7/2016. Indexed to 1 on 12/31/2014. Note that this is excluding Europe and not excluding the eurozone or EU, which are both different.[i]
Exhibit 2: Corporate Debt Spreads
Source: FactSet, as of 6/8/2016. BofA Merrill Lynch Sterling Corporate & Collateralized All Stocks UK Issuers (7-10 Y) Effective Yield minus UK Benchmark Bond 10-year yield and BofA Merrill Lunch US Corporate (7-10 Y) (AAA) Effective Yield minus US Treasury Constant Maturity 10-year yield, 12/31/2014 - 6/7/2016.
Exhibit 3: The Pound
Source: FactSet, as of 6/8/2016. Bank of England Sterling Effective Exchange Rate Index, 12/31/2014 - 6/7/2016.
In all three cases, much of the volatility occurred before February 20, the day UK Prime Minister David Cameron scheduled the referendum. Markets paid close attention to Cameron's negotiations with EU leaders in the preceding months. They saw the occasionally narrow polls and rising tide of Brexit warnings. During that period, the UK underperformed the non-European world[ii], UK firms' funding costs jumped and Sterling weakened. Since then, however, despite the increasingly heated campaign, markets have settled. UK stocks are choppy but roughly even with the non-European developed world. UK corporate debt spreads have narrowed considerably, even though they're elevated relative to the US. The pound has seesawed but is more or less where it was when Cameron made his announcement. None of this means there won't be any volatility should Leave win, but taken together, these charts strongly suggest markets have dealt with much of the uncertainty. Surprises move markets, and with folks reading so much into recent polls, a vote for Brexit wouldn't qualify as a surprise.
Markets hate uncertainty above all else, so resolving the stay-or-go question should bring relief. If Remain wins, then the status quo persists. Britain has done pretty darned well since joining the European Economic Community in the mid-1970s. If Leave wins, there will be some issues to work through, but those issues will take time, and markets will deal with them much as they've dealt with this referendum-pricing in worst-case-scenario warning after worst-case-scenario warning well before anything actually happens, then sighing with relief if the outcome is less disastrous than advertised. A lengthy, public, contentious EU exit negotiation process might weigh on sentiment, but it shouldn't cause a bear market-see the eurozone's slow-moving efforts to reinvent itself after the debt crisis for proof. Existential questions seem vast, but they become part of the long-term backdrop. Investors see life going on in the meantime, and markets get on with it.
Some post-Brexit questions are already starting to come into focus. For instance, Cameron and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have warned a Leave vote could trigger another Scottish independence referendum, particularly if a majority of Scots vote Remain. Northern Ireland would also have some decisions to make, as its economy is increasingly intertwined with its southern neighbor. The potential return of border controls between the North and the Republic would be critical. So would trade. The UK would have ample time to renegotiate trade relationships, but as World Trade Organization chief Roberto Azevedo has pointed out, the UK lacks the institutional capacity to start this right away. The EU has negotiated all Britain's trade deals for decades, and finding and hiring qualified trade reps will take time. It's doable, but a process.
None of these issues will be resolved overnight. All will probably create winners and losers. Some might bring profound societal change. But for markets, the question isn't whether things go well or poorly. Rather, it's whether there is a sudden, negative shock. Considering the amount of publicity and scrutiny over these and many other questions-and how long they'll take-it's highly unlikely a huge negative would strike without warning. Instead, we'll probably get leaks, rumors, speeches, summit meetings, more leaks, more rumblings, more summit meetings and, eventually, compromises. Who knows what those compromises will entail! But leaders in the UK and Europe must answer to voters, giving everyone involved a huge incentive to avoid snap decisions and sudden changes. Love or loathe the results, the process is a blessing for markets.
Should Leave win, expect a media circus, and remember: Anyone claiming to know precisely what will happen is speculating. No one can know today whether the UK will break up if it Brexits. Or which countries it will trade freely with. Or what its relationship with the EU will be. Or whether Cameron will remain Prime Minister. Or who will replace him if he doesn't. Pundits have spilled countless pixels on these topics, and they will spill many more-but they are all just guessing. There are dozens of possibilities, but markets move on probabilities. It will take time for those probabilities to form, which is all the more reason to avoid hasty portfolio moves. Investors will have time to assess the situation.
If Remain wins, the preceding four paragraphs will be moot. But in the meantime, the next two weeks could be rough. Expect more odd leaks like the one stealing headlines on Monday, when unnamed MPs told the BBC they'd do their best to override a Leave vote in Parliament, driving fears of a "Constitutional crisis." Expect more campaigning masquerading as analysis, like the essay from pro-Brexit Justice Secretary Michael Gove claiming negotiations over an EU exit would start years after the vote, despite Cameron's claims otherwise, and the UK would continue enjoying all the EU has to offer in the interim. Not to pick on the Right Honourable Gentleman, but for investors, it's crucial to see politicking for what it is. That's how you keep a level head when campaigns get crazy. Case in point: One could rationally interpret Gove's missive as evidence Brexit would be far less disruptive than many fear-or as evidence it would be even longer and messier than people think. It cuts both ways. We're inclined to chalk it up as an attempt to win over fence-sitters who don't want to give up the benefits of EU membership.[iii] That's an issue for voters to deal with, not investors.
We don't write any of this to influence voters-we're neutral. Bias toward either side is blinding. Our aim here is simply to help investors cut through the noise and sensationalism and understand what will matter for markets, so they can avoid costly errors. By all means, have strong opinions about the societal implications of staying in or leaving the EU. But firewall the investing portion of your brain from those opinions and emotions.
[i] We excluded Europe to remove skew from related worries over how Brexit would impact the other 27 EU nations, as well as the union's future. Unfortunately, this series unnecessarily removes Switzerland (which isn't in the EU), but MSCI doesn't make a World Ex. EU index. Rock, hard place.
Natural Gas Fails to Overcome Key Technical Level Despite Surge Higher
Although there is growing evidence to suggest that natural gas prices have broken out to the upside, recent price action over the last few sessions indicates that the rally has stalled and that key resistance remains in the way of a further climb. While fundamentals have not greatly changed over the last few weeks, natural gas prices have experienced a near 25.00% rally in just over two weeks. One of the key contributors remains higher average temperatures across the United States and predictions about the La Nina cycle will impact weather conditions going forward. However, should prices remain high, the falling rig count could conceivably reverse, bringing more supply to market and driving natural gas in storage even higher from current levels, adding to downside price pressures and causing natural gas to pullback from the current trend higher.
Considering its plentiful nature combined with cheap prices, natural gas has been a no brainer for utilities looking to fulfill seasonal power consumption needs. Now that winter is behind, the summer air conditioning season will be a major driver of buying pressure demand over the coming weeks, especially should average temperatures continue to rise across the lower 48 states. While one year performance of natural gas can be viewed as weak at best, returning -17.98% during the last 52-weeks, the energy product has endured a long running bear market. The most recent gains in prices are increasingly more convincing that a reversal may be in order. With El Nino this last year projected to give way to La Nina in the coming months, expectations are for a very cold winter that will help alleviate bloated stockpiles, helping reduced the inventory imbalance which remains at record highs.After hitting a seven-month high earlier in the week, natural gas prices have retreated modestly from recent gains in a sign that inventories and supply might continue to overwhelm demand despite seasonal factors contributing to increased power generation requirements. According to last weeks data from the Energy Information Administration, supplies remain above levels reported last year with production still outstripping demand. One of the reasons that the reversal in prices may not last is the properties of supply and demand that drive decision-making at energy producers. Should prices continue to rise over the near-term, producers that abandoned production over the last few years might be readily induced to restart production, adding back to the inventory glut that sent prices downward. Evidence of this comes from Baker Hughes which reported an additional 2 rigs being added for the week ending May 27th.With much more of available output operating on flexible terms and lower costs, restarting production is a much more reasonable for companies than in past years when equipment mobility and turnaround was a lengthier process. This factor may be a key offset to increased demand that is anticipated from utilities as they attempt to satisfy season energy demand what fluctuates wildly. Nevertheless, demand is climbing which might see prices spend more time trending sideways over the medium-term. Figures from the Department of Energy show that average power burn in 2016 has climbed 8.60% over levels reported during the same period in 2015. Even though the summer months are typically when the highest power burn levels are realized, should weather conditions match predictions, gas prices might have some further room to move higher over the longer-term despite potential medium-term pressure lower.
Increased power generation demand may be a variable behind the stunning rally in natural gas prices, however, the commodity has been unable to overcome key resistance that has long stood in the way at $2.480 per MMBtu. Although prices managed to briefly move above the level, it has stood firmly in the way of further progress. The current rally happened with such ferocity that natural gas rose above both the 50 and 200-day moving averages to the upside, with the 50-day approaching an upside crossover that would serve as an additional bullish signal. However, at the same time, the relative strength index is trending near overbought conditions, indicating a near-term technical correction before a resumption of the uptrend if it is set to remain intact. Based on the Fibonacci levels from the March lows to the most recent highs, a correction between $1.945-2.152 would be in-line with a traditional momentum pullback.
Going Forward
Should the predictions about the La Nina weather pattern come to fruition, gas prices could rise further on the more extreme weather conditions that are expected to prevail. Aside from increased power generation to satisfy air conditioning demand, winter heating needs would also be anticipated to rise. However, rising prices might bring a recovery in production which has fallen as companies taken output offline, stymieing further upside appreciation. Instead, after a brief technical pullback, natural gas might find itself trending sideways over the medium-term as flexible production is brought back online to take advantage of the spectacular rise in prices. With this type of move helping to rebalance the supply-demand equilibrium, the recent surge higher in prices might be quickly deflated, causing prices to retreat short-term while staying steadier over the medium-term.
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What started out as a single-base operation with a helicopter that could only fit one pilot, one paramedic and one patient has expanded over the years into three bases and three helicopters that can fit double number of the people. And this year, Virginias first air ambulance program is turning 35.
Its a very different world from what we started back in the day, said Nicholas Mattheisen, business development manager for Carilion Clinics Life-Guard program.
Dr. Carol Gilbert, former medical director, said the small helicopters were one of the programs major challenges when Life-Guard first began.
I truly think that the patients we were transporting needed two [people], she said. Two people is extremely helpful for critically ill patients.
Now, each helicopter flies with a registered nurse and a paramedic.
But the small helicopters were not the only challenge that Life-Guard 10, as it was then called, faced. When Gilbert was hired as medical director in 1984, three years after the programs launch, the hospital was still trying to manage its own aircraft, as well as the flight crew and medical aspects of the program. Gilbert said this was hard for a health care organization to do.
Four or five years after that we went over to a program that was able to manage the aviation aspect of things, she said. Med-Trans Corp. now handles aviation services.
In May 2005, Carilion opened a second base in Radford, Carilion Life-Guard 11, which primarily serves Southwest Virginia and West Virginia. In the spring of 2012, a third base opened at Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington.
Director Susan Smith estimates that when Life-Guard was launched, it flew between 200 and 300 patients a year. But with the opening of bases and the addition of helicopters, it has been able to increase that number to about 1,500.
Over the past 35 years, Life-Guard has rescued about 25,000 critically ill or injured patients.
Gilbert was medical director of the program for about 24 years. She said the most rewarding part of her job was seeing patients lives saved.
But both she and Mattheisen agree that the crew is Life-Guards backbone.
They really, really wanted to save a life, Gilbert said. There were none of them for whom it was, I have to come here at 8 in the morning and stay until 5 and then I leave. It was, I want to do this.
Life-Guard started out with five paramedics, four pilots and a mechanic. Now, it employs 12 pilots, four mechanics, 17 flight nurses and 19 paramedics.
One of Gilberts most memorable experiences was seeing a medic stay by the side of a patient they were unable to save.
One of our medics, the whole time, kept talking to her and talking to her, even as she was losing consciousness, and reassuring her that we were there for her and we were going to help her, Gilbert said. The thing that struck me about the medic that was involved, was even when things were down, he was still all about the patient.
On Saturday, Carilion is hosting a Life-Guard 35th anniversary expo at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. There will be activities for children and adults, as well as several food trucks. Current Life-Guard crew members will be at the event in their flight suits, so visitors can recognize and talk to them about their experiences.
The expo will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. An emergency medical simulation will take place at 1 p.m.
Were trying really hard to make this as interactive an experience as we can, Mattheisen said.
All past and present crew members were asked to attend so they could be honored for their service. A private ceremony for them will be held before the event.
We wouldnt have been here for 35 years if it hadnt been for their contribution and service, Mattheisen said.
A Danville man who pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the Oct. 8, 2015 robbery at Dodges Store on Virginia Avenue in Bassett was sentenced Wednesday in Henry County Circuit Court to a total of five years behind bars.
Judge David V. Williams sentenced Darrell Antre Thomas, 19, to 10 years in prison on the two counts of armed robbery. He'll only serve one of those, with the balanced suspended on indefinite probation. Thomas also received three years in prison for use of a firearm in committing a felony, the mandatory minimum sentence.
Thomas pleaded guilty to the charges Feb. 11 in Henry County Circuit Court and a presentence report was ordered.
Before Thomas was sentenced Wednesday, his lawyer said Thomas is a good son, brother and grandson, according to family members; that in the incident in which he was charged, Thomas made a horrible decision, consumed alcohol, was influenced by others, did not initiate the offense but participated, but that he later gave a full statement to officers admitting his guilt. He described Thomas as bright, and asked for mercy and justice.
Henry County Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Dawn Futrell described the robbery as a horrible situation for the two store employees who were robbed at gunpoint and a customer in the store.
Their lives were turned upside down, Futrell said.
The two store employees will have memories of the horrible situation for the rest of their lives, Futrell said.
Before being sentenced, Thomas said he wanted to apologize to the store employees, the customer and the court, and he asked for forgiveness.
Thomas testified against co-defendant Timmothy Jimmy Anderson of Danville, at a preliminary hearing in December in Henry County General District Court.
Tuesday in Henry County Circuit Court, Anderson entered an Alford plea to two counts of robbery. In an Alford plea, a defendant maintains his innocence but admits the prosecution likely could prove the charge. Judge Williams scheduled sentencing for Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. The commonwealths attorneys office nolle prossed (discontinued prosecution of) a charge of use of a firearm in committing felony (robbery).
When it comes to preventing the spread of the Zika virus, knowledge is power, according to Sharon Ortiz-Garcia, District Epidemiologist for the Virginia Department of Healths West Piedmont Health District.
According to the most recent data, Ortiz-Garcia said, the Virginia Department of Health had reported 20 cases of Zika in Virginia. Two of these were in the southwest region of the state; two were in the northwest region; 11 were in the northern region; one was in the eastern region; and the remaining four were in the central region.
All of these cases were travel-related, she said, but because mosquitoes are the main cause of transmission of the disease, its still important to take precautions against mosquitoes locally.
According to previous Bulletin reports, in early 2016, there was a steep rise in incidents of Zika in Brazil and other equatorial countries in Central and South America. Women of child-bearing age are at particular risk, because the virus has been linked to microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with unusually small heads and, in many cases, smaller brains that sometimes are not fully developed.
The West Piedmont Health District, which includes Henry County, Martinsville, Patrick County and Franklin County, is putting forth a considerable effort to educate the populace regarding the virus, Ortiz-Garcia said.
Were focusing on educational efforts emphasizing a lot of personal responsibility for mosquito control and prevention, she said. We as citizens need to do our part.
The particular mosquito that transmits Zika is the Asian tiger mosquito, she said, which can be identified by its white-and-black banded legs. Mosquito season in our area begins in May and lasts through October, and preventing mosquitoes from breeding is the best way to prevent the spread of Zika.
Mosquito larvae breed in standing water, Ortiz-Garcia said, so the health department advocates tip and toss if an area resident has any containers on their property that can hold water, tip them over and toss out the water.
These containers can include bird baths, buckets, plant pots, drain pipes and tires, among plenty of others.
To prevent mosquito bites while outside, Ortiz-Garcia said, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
Additionally, she said, use insect repellents recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. These include repellents made with catnip oil; oil of citronella; DEET; oil of lemon eucalyptus and other ingredients.
Since February, Ortiz-Garcia said, the health department has worked to spread information about Zika through press, social media, area organizations and non-profits. West Piedmont Health District Director Dr. Jody Hershey has been sending letters to area physicians to keep them abreast of the most updated information on Zika, she added, with a particular emphasis on family physicians and OB/GYNs.
The state provided us with 164 Zika virus kits to target OB/GYN offices and offices that provide womens health services, Ortiz-Garcia said. Basically, these kits provide information on how to protect yourself from mosquitoes and how to do mosquito control. It also comes with repellent and it has condoms. Theres the issue of the possibility that this virus could be transmitted sexually. The target audience is going to be women within child-bearing age and thinking about becoming pregnant soon, or thinking about traveling to a Zika-infected area.
For any woman of child bearing age were not recommending travel to Zika-infected areas if theyre planning on getting pregnant, she added. There are still cases out there where sexual transmission has been noted but we need to keep in mind that the primary transmission method is through a mosquito bite. Thats the main risk.
Two men convicted of second-degree murder will serve less than 30 years behind bars for the crime, a Henry County judge ruled Wednesday. In Henry County Circuit Court, Judge David V. Williams sentenced Avery and Dwayne Lampkins for their roles in the shooting death of Curtis Daniel Duke Pritchett Sr., an incident that happened March 15, 2015.
Overall, the two cousins were sentenced to more than 40 years each on multiple charges, but will spend less than half of that in prison. Avery Lampkins was convicted of second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a non-violent felon and the use of a firearm in committing second-degree murder. Williams gave the 29-year-old resident of Eden, North Carolina 40 years in prison for the murder charge, but suspended all but 17 years. For the firearm possession charge, Avery Lampkins received five years in prison, but will only serve two, which is the mandatory minimum sentence, with the rest also suspended. Finally, on the charge of using a firearm in the commission of second-degree murder, Avery received a three year sentence. All total, that means Avery Lampkins will serve 22 years in prison for the crime.
Martinsville resident Dwayne Lamonte Lampkins received the same sentence, with a few changes. Just like Avery, he was given 40 years for the murder, but will only serve 17. He also received a three year sentence for using a firearm in the commission of a murder. Unlike Avery, who was charged and convicted as a nonviolent felon, Dwayne was classified as a violent felon, meaning that he has to serve all five years of the sentence for possession of a firearm by a violent felon. As the crime violated his parole, he also must serve two years of the remaining three years and eight months still on an earlier prison conviction. That means Dwayne Lampkins was sentenced to a total of 27 years behind bars, not counting what was suspended.
Avery Lampkins mother, his sister, his grandfather and one of the three women who are the mothers of his five children all testified as character witnesses for him. Between them, they described him as kind, good, laid-back, a good father, loving, a father figure for his sister when they were growing up, the backbone of the family, financially supportive, someone who did not have it in him to take anothers life, and a good grandson who could have been a better grandson if he had had a level field.
Avery Lampkins lawyer, John Swezey, said that the other two mothers of Averys children also were in court and could provide similar testimony, and that several other family members were in court to support him.
Swezey argued that the shooting happened in the Axton area, and there were several versions of what happened by the parties present. He said testimony at the trial showed that Avery Lampkins tried to be a peacemaker at least once during the incidents that led up the shooting.
Swezey described Avery Lampkins as a person of redeemable qualities.
Henry County Commonwealths Attorney Andrew Nester said Avery Lampkins got a huge break in Martinsville Circuit Court in sentencing on some drug charges in 2008 and should have learned a lesson. Nester also said, among other things, that Avery Lampkins should not have had a firearm in his possession on March 15, 2015, and that according to trial testimony, Pritchett, who was unarmed, was shot in the back while trying to escape and that Avery Lampkins and Dwayne Lampkins were shooting when Pritchett was fleeing.
Duke Pritchett is not coming back, Nester said.
Before he was sentenced, Avery Lampkins said, I did not take a life. He apologized to the victims family, his own family and his children, and the court.
Harold E. Chip Slate II, Dwayne Lampkins lawyer, called Kimberly Martin, Dwayne Lampkins girlfriend, as a character witness for him. She described him as a loving and good person, who loves the four children of his own and her child. She said he is helpful to others.
Slate argued that the shooting stemmed from an argument. He also said Dwayne Lampkins is a good person and a doting father.
Henry County Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Wayne Withers argued that Dwayne Lampkins was the ring leader during the incidents leading up the shooting, and that both Lampkins men were shooting as Pritchett was trying to escape. I dont think Mr. Lampkins deserves a whole lot of mercy in this case, Withers said, referring to Dwayne Lampkins.
Withers said when Pritchett was bleeding to death, he was asked, Who did this to you? and he answered, Weed. Some trial witnesses said Weed was Dwayne Lampkins nickname.
Withers also bemoaned that Pritchett was killed over $1,500.
Withers said that Dwayne Lampkins criminal record is five pages long starting when he was 18 years old. Withers said Dwayne Lampkins now is in his 30s.
Withers also pointed out that Pritchett had served in the Marines.
According to a previous Bulletin report, Pritchett was 55 and of 588 Tommy Carter Road, Axton.
Dwayne Lampkins did not make a statement before being sentenced.
A key witness for the prosecution during the trial, which was in late March, was Laurie Berger. She testified that on March 15, 2015, Dwayne and Avery Lampkins and a male whose name she didnt know came looking for Pritchett at a mobile home at 250 Price-Hairston Lane. She said when Pritchett arrived, the two defendants got in a heated argument with Pritchett about where the money was and Pritchett said at one point, I didnt take your money. She said Dwayne Lampkins had a gun but wasnt pointing it at anyone and told Pritchett to come outside and take your medicine. Im not going to kill you. A bit later, she heard a shot outside, and Pritchett came inside and said a bullet had gone by his leg.
After leaving the premises for a time, later on March 15 Dwayne and Avery Lampkins and a man named Kevin came back to the mobile home, Berger said. They were trying to get Pritchett to give them the money and there was an argument over $2,000, she added.
A bit later, when the Lampkins men and two other men were outside the mobile home and Pritchett was inside, Berger said, she heard Avery Lampkins holler, Hes coming out the back.
I heard Dwayne say, Oh, no, he aint, Berger said, adding that Avery and Dwayne Lampkins each was holding a gun and went into the backyard. Berger said she heard one shot when Avery had gotten around the mobile home heading for the backyard and a barrage of shots when Dwayne went around the mobile home heading for the backyard. She said she did not actually see the shooting.
Berger testified that she has been convicted of more than 10 felonies and has been convicted of offenses involving lying, cheating or stealing. She admitted that much of what she told a 911 dispatcher when Berger reported the shooting was a lie and that she gave false statements to police the first two times before giving officers a truthful statement. She said she lied at first because she was afraid for her life.
In finding the Lampkins men guilty of the charges in early April, Judge Williams wrote that he found Berger to be a credible and believable notwithstanding her criminal record and lack of initial honesty.
TODAYS WORD is wail (weyl). Example: The women of Kota, an Indian tribe, on the day of mourning, drop everything and sit down when the bell rings for mourning. They cover their heads and wail and sob for two days with just a few intervals in-between. The men of the bereaved household take care of the household chores, feeding the guests, and also join in the wailing from time to time. Is it Best to Express not Suppress Grief? by Jijai P. Sharma, Ph.D.
WEDNESDAYS WORD was kiosk (kee-osk). Definition: a small store in a building or on the street where things (such as newspapers or candy) are sold; a small structure that provides information and services on a computer screen; an open summerhouse or pavilion. Example: Several Virginia State Park rangers who are experienced in carpentry, are traveling throughout state parks, upgrading or building kiosks.
There was a scare at the Critter Farm this past weekend. The Critter Farm is located near Fairy Stone State Park and is the project of the Strollers brother, who spends many hours with the goats, chickens, guineas, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, geese and more. It is therapy for him, as he contracted cancer several years ago, and now is in remission.
Whenever one of the critters goes missing, it is a heartbreak for all of the family who gather at the homeplace every Sunday to eat and socialize. According to the Strollers brother, on Friday morning he noticed that three white ducks were gone. The grown ducks are among fivethree white and two brown that only leave the barnyard to go to the nearby branch to paddle around, then return. Since several ducks were slaughtered by what appeared to be a coyote, the ducks will return to the lot where they are secured for the night. On Friday, the brown ducks were found wandering around but no white ones. A search ensued on Friday and Saturday but not a trace could be found that a coyote or fox had attacked the ducks. There were no feathers or any sign at the barn that the ducks had been attacked.
On Sunday, we began to speculate that perhaps they had been stolen. If so, how and when, during the night or day, and why only the white ones?
Much to our surprise, when the Strollers brother went to the barn to feed on Monday morning, there they were,all three of them. Where they had been still is a mystery. By the way, thanks to a nice couple who live in Henry County and donated some leftover food, lots of it, for the critters. He couldnt feed all the critters if it wasnt for the donations of leftovers from various sources. You should see the goats eat lollipops that apparently were left over from Halloween.
The Love and Hope Ministry at 1844 Virginia Ave., (Holiday Shopping Center), will hold a free hot dog meal, with baked beans, desserts and more, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sunday. The meal is open to anyone.
The Hospital Auxiliary, a non-profit, all-volunteer auxiliary located at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville, received a letter of thanks from The Doorways of Richmond for their donation of $500. The Doorways is the only hospitality facility in the country that operates strictly on donations. It is a facility similar to The Ronald McDonald House. The cost to stay per night is $50, but they suggest a donation of at least $15 from those who cant afford any more. No guest is ever turned away.
The Auxiliary requested their donation be used for Martinsville-Henry County residents. The Auxiliary owns and operates the gift shop located in the main lobby at the hospital. Nancy Craig, vice-president and auxiliary public relations for the auxiliary, said they appreciate any and all support from the community. All proceeds from the gift shop or fundraisers go to patient care. The auxiliary provides blankets and stuffed animals to children released from ambulatory services. They help patients who are not able to meet their immediate discharge needs.
They also award $5,000 scholarships to three PHCC nursing students each fall and spring, and help community members with mammograms and infant layettes.
Read this funny story from a Kansas State Highway Patrol officer:
I made a traffic stop on an elderly lady the other day for speeding on U.S. 166 Eastbound at Mile Marker 73 just East of Sedan, Kansas.
I asked for her drivers license, registration, and proof of insurance. The lady took out the required information and handed it to me. In with the cards I was somewhat surprised (due to her advanced age) to see she had a conceal carry permit. I looked at her and ask if she had a weapon in her possession at this time.
She responded that she indeed had a .45 automatic in her glove box.
Something-body language, or the way she said it-made me want to ask if she had any other firearms. She did admit to also having a 9mm Glock in her center console. Now I had to ask one more time if that was all.
She responded once again that she did have just one more, a .38 special in her purse. I then asked her what she was so afraid of.
She looked me right in the eye and said, Not a thing!
This year marks twenty-five years since Congress identified I-73 in its 1991 transportation bill. During this time, the cost of building the nearly 70 miles from Roanoke to the North Carolina line has significantly risen to an estimated $4 billion. Only about 0.5 percent has been allocated. Those meager allocations, in the form of earmarks, came from federal transportation bills in 1998 ($10 million) and 2005 ($9.8 million). Earmarks, the only federal funding source for I-73, are now taboo in Congress.
Theres no money for I-73. Since 2005, three federal transportation related bills, totaling over $471 billion, have provided no additional money for I-73. Theres also no I-73 money at the state level. In the recently released draft Six-Year Improvement Program, theres no I-73 funding projected through 2022. Talk about going nowhere, VDOT still needs $53.5 million just to complete the preliminary engineering phases in Roanoke County and a 3.6 mile section near Martinsville.
There have been several failed attempts in the Virginia General Assembly to fund I-73. In 2012, HB 575, which would have created a fund for I-73, died in committee. In 2014, HB 213, which would have dedicated 50 percent of the Salem Highway District funds for I-73, was tabled. Also in 2014, HB2 was passed and signed into law to ensure the best use of limited transportation funds. I-73 did not make the list. I-73 took another hit in 2014 when it was removed from Public-Private Partnership consideration.
During the recent session of the Virginia General Assembly, four I-73 related resolutions, bills and amendments either were left in committee or continued to the 2017 Session. Senator Stanleys attempt at transferring U.S. 58 funding to I-73 (SB197) was significantly altered. His original bill called for U.S. 58 funding to switch to I-73 in 2020 or when the U.S. 58 corridor has been completed. However, the amended bill removed the 2020 provision. Currently, $40 million is allocated annually to the Route 58 project. Based on current U.S. 58 debt, the provisions of this bill, if passed, will not go into effect until 2046 30 years from now! After several failed attempts, the Senate finally passed SB197 on its last day but a House subcommittee voted to continue it to the 2017 Session. Even if it passes next year, there would be no I-73 money for possibly 30 years and only $40 million a year. So, maybe 130 years from now you will have an I-73 to drive on.
In Virginia, there is an effort to follow South Carolina in attempts to make I-73 a toll road. However, a 2015 I-73 study shows that citizens will be reluctant to pay tolls. Just think, if it is that hard to get people to pay a toll to get to Myrtle Beach a huge tourist destination how would a toll road work in southwest Virginia?
Senator Stanley and I-73 were given a lifeboat with holes, when in 2014 the General Assembly did establish a joint committee to study the construction of I-73 and in 2015 authorized Virginia to enter a compact with other I-73 states to develop the I-73 corridor, including the use of tolls.
Which gets us to this point, local Martinsville and Henry County leaders have finally realized that I-73 is not going to be built. Using the remaining I-73 allocations for access management and safety enhancements along U.S. 220 is the sensible, feasible thing to do. After 25 years, residents who have had to live with the possibility of this pavement driving them out of their homes and off their land deserve to have peace of mind. They shouldnt have this hanging over them for another 25 years. VDOT and the Commonwealth Transportation Board need to make this official and abandon the I-73 project in Virginia. Put a fork in I-73. Its done!
Mark E. Barker is the SW Virginia Vice-President of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League. He has been involved in I-73 for nearly 25 years. In the early 90s, he served as the secretary for Mountain Heritage Alliance which was successful in keeping a proposed re-routed, four-laned U.S. 58 from bisecting the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area.
In this article Benjamin Curry goes to the roots of the revolutionary history of the Iraqi people which is far from the barbarism which it is often labelled with by the bourgeois media today.
Since the 2003 invasions of Iraq and the liquidation of the Baathist state, US and British imperialism have opened a Pandoras Box in Iraq. Estimates suggest more than a million people were killed in the invasion and subsequent occupation, which have achieved nothing. Even from the cynical point of view of the furtherance of US imperialist interests, they now find themselves weakened and not strengthened. Far from bringing democracy and freedom, they have brought misery, barbarism and sectarianism. In the name of fighting terror the short-sighted strategists of imperialism threw the door wide-open to the Jihadist cutthroats they claimed to be fighting, including the Frankensteins monster of the Islamic State, which captured Iraqs second city of Mosul in 2014 without the least resistance.
This atrocious exhibition of sectarian mayhem is from start to finish the creation of foreign imperialism. The point must be underlined and underlined again that the genuine traditions of the Iraqi working class and peasantry are progressive, secular and communistic in nature. Nothing better demonstrates this fact than the history of the revolution of 1958-59. For a time in the late 50s and early 60s Iraq became the key theatre of struggle in one of the most significant dramas in modern history.
Whilst the revolution ultimately went down to defeat and paved the way for the vicious dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and the Baath Party, culpability for this defeat, as we shall see, lies squarely at the door of the Stalinist leaders of the Communist Party and owes nothing to any lack of conscious understanding or fighting spirit on the part of the workers and oppressed masses of Iraq. The consequences of that defeat, that continue to be felt down to the present day, sharply illustrate Rosa Luxemburgs words: that the choice before humanity today is one of socialism or barbarism.
The Development of Capitalism and the British Conquest of Iraq
The lines recognised today as the borders of modern Iraq are remarkable for their geometric regularity extending for hundreds of miles without deviation. These borders bare testament to the wholly artificial creation of modern Iraq as a nation state 100 years ago. In 1914 Britain and France plunged headlong into war against their rising rival, Germany. Before the war was concluded - which was principally fought for the defence of their colonial possessions - the two old powers had eyed the prospect of acquiring new territories from the remnants of the decaying Ottoman Empire. In 1916 the British and French drew up the notorious Sykes-Picot agreement to partition the Arab peoples into new states that would become the spheres of influence of one or other of the imperialist partners. France would take much of what is now Lebanon and Syria, and the British would take Jordan, Palestine and the three Ottoman wilayat (governorates) of Mosul, Basrah and Baghdad what we know today as Iraq.
Prior to their direct occupation, the British capitalist class had already developed deep interests in Iraq. Until the industrial revolution in Europe, Iraq had suffered a long period of decline stretching back centuries, from the fall of the Abbasid Empire. Patriarchal, tribal relations had grown in strength as the radiating power of the urban centres weakened.
The growth of European capitalism, however, threw this process into reverse. The Ottoman Empire, resting on pre-capitalist methods of production, was forced to modernise and centralise its state apparatus so as to compete with its more advanced European neighbours.
Moreover, European trade had the effect of reviving urban centres, not only as military-bureaucratic centres, but also as commercial hubs. The advent of steam navigation along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the laying of telegraph and railway lines tremendously boosted commerce and particularly trade with the British. With the growth of the modern state the old patriarchal tribal relations lost much of their relevance, whilst the penetration of capitalist relations pitched tribesmen against one another with opposing class interests. The late arrival of capitalism in Iraq and the deforming influence of foreign powers however, meant that this process of change was not a simple one capable of leading to the formation of a modern, industrialised and democratic nation-state but one which combined new forms with the conservation and strengthening of pre-capitalist forms. The pressure of the advanced capitalist countries like Britain generated not only strong centralising tendencies but also powerful centrifugal forces in the Ottoman Empire. In the early days of the expansion of its power across the region Britain rested first on the Mamluk dynasty in Iraq and then leant once more on the Sultan to crush the Mamluks in 1831, holding the Empire together.
In the cities the old artisanal methods of production were destroyed by cheap British goods. The famed spinners of Mosul, after which muslin cloth takes its name, were driven under by cheap imports from Lancashires mills. The British also brought wholly new methods of trade and transportation. The region had enjoyed a vibrant commerce according to the old methods of migratory caravans, tribal exchange and sailing stretches of river. However, with the arrival of joint-stock companies, steam navigation, and the erection of new borders dividing old trade routes after the British conquest, the old mercantile tribes and classes either integrated themselves as intermediaries of British trade, went under or else eked out a miserable existence.
With the way cleared, Iraqi capitalism was from the start based on British capital. Of the highest valued members of the Baghdad Chamber of Commerce in 1938 more than half were British, British-American or British-French companies. Only one Arab Muslim concern existed among the list, and almost all Iraqi-owned companies were British dependent mercantile companies of one type or other(1). However, the foreign capital invested in Iraq bore no proportion to the super-profits that were extracted. From 1950-1958 for instance, Imperial Chemical Industries made a total profit of over 1,500,000 dinars on a capital investment of just 3,000 dinars(2). Such figures bear out the parasitic character of Iraqi capitalism from its very inception.
In the countryside the penetration of the world market switched the axis of Iraqi agriculture from subsistence farming to production for the world market. Hungry bellies at home were placed in direct competition with food speculators abroad, causing prices of foodstuffs to skyrocket. The profit motive spurred the land hunger of the landlords and forced the process of disintegrating the communal tribal landholdings. Whilst this process began under Ottoman rule, it was consummated under the British occupation. Through the land laws imposed by the British in the 20s, agricultural lands which were nominally the domain of this or that tribe were converted into the direct private property of the sheikh (or agha in Kurdish regions) as head of the tribe. Vast tracts were concentrated in the hands of the sheikhs who more often than not converted their tribesmen into little more than serfs. As old sheikhly titles were dusted off or discovered, all manner of half-forgotten rights and duties were revived as the new landlord caste extracted every kind of tithe and corvee labour owed to them by the peasants.
Thus the British, at a time when old tribal relations were disintegrating, tremendously revived them on a semi-feudal basis. It was on this foundation, on the most backward and antiquated elements in Iraqi society, that British imperialism based its support. The colonial regime was erected on classical lines of divide and rule: not only between Kurd and Arab, Shia and Sunni, tribe versus tribe, but also playing off the monarchy and regular army with the sheikhs and their armed retainers.
Iraqi agriculture in particular came to suffer from both the worst elements of capitalism and feudalism. Land ownership became tremendously concentrated in the hands of a few, 49 families owning 16.8% of the land in 1958. The landlord class for their part had no interest in the application of science and machinery to agriculture they could enrich themselves far more easily by means of land grabbing and squeezing the peasantry. On the other hand where capitalist methods did make themselves felt it was in the blind anarchy of individual competition. The uneven application of water pumps to irrigation by enterprising capitalists-turned-landlords led to droughts in some areas and flooding in others. Meanwhile British management of river flow concerned itself with navigation for the purpose of commerce first and irrigation second: thus leading to the destruction of arable land, the ruining of harvests, the silting-up of irrigation canals and the salination of previously fertile soils (3).
We can see then how capitalism developed in Iraq in an extremely uneven and unbalanced manner. Antiquated technology persisted alongside the most modern machinery; peasants suffered under the yoke of feudal relations whilst a modern proletariat was being forged in the cities; and the most advanced ideas developed alongside time honoured prejudices. Such a combination made for the most acute social conflict as capitalist exploitation was compounded by tribal-feudal privileges, by national oppression and by the police methods of the British-backed Hashemite dynasty.
Perhaps few things better demonstrate the brutality and the unbalanced nature of Iraqi capitalism than the manner in which the RAF and British mechanised infantry were used to suppress poorly armed, tribal peoples in the Revolution of 1920. What began as the first urban revolt against the newly established British mandate with its centre in Baghdad, sweeping all classes and all sects into its maelstrom, became converted into an armed tribal uprising in the countryside. The working class was as yet too numerically small to lead the revolt and the urban bourgeoisie were both too weak and too interlaced with imperialism to represent an effective opposition. Leadership thus fell to the old caste of sheikhs and sayyeds. The events of 1920 were at the same time the first national, anti-imperialist uprising in Iraq's history and a last show of vigour by the dying tribal order.
Inevitably, with such a disconnected, tribal character, the revolution went down to defeat. The British put down the revolt with extreme brutality that bears comparison with the White Terrors unleashed in Eastern Europe. As a matter of cost saving, the British developed what they termed aerial policing to deal with rebellious populations; that is, indiscriminate bombardment of villages and towns to establish order. Whole villages were razed to the ground in order to quell uprisings. In one instance British commanders gave orders to raze every single town and village along 100km of a tributary of the Euphrates (4). In the annals of British imperialist atrocities those carried out in Iraq, of whom Winston Churchill was the main architect, deserve to be remembered for their particular barbarity.
Despite the defeat of the 1920 revolution in its attempt to oust the British, its psychological impact was particularly significant. It laid down a tradition of revolutionary struggle cutting across sectarian lines and left a deep impression on a generation of youth. The founder of the first Marxist study circle in Iraq, al-Rahhal; and Yussuf Salman Yussuf (Fahd) who lead the Communist Party from modest beginnings to its emergence as a serious force in the 40s; both attested to the tremendous impression the Revolution left on their youthful minds. It is to the particular conditions that prevailed at the inception of Iraqs Communist Party, the traditional party of the Iraqi working class, that we now turn our attention.
The Beginnings of the Communist Party of Iraq
Youssif "Fahd" Salman Youssif - Photo: Public DomainThe history of the development of the Iraqi Communist Party (ICP) is intimately tied with the growth and development of the Iraqi working class. We have seen how the penetration of the world market, the growth of capitalist relations and the intervention of British imperialism had drastic and contradictory effects on the fabric of Iraqi society. The most important result of this process was the burgeoning growth of the working class. Huge numbers of peasants streamed into the urban centres in their attempts to escape the dislocation, poverty and distress that prevailed in rural areas.
In the 36 year period from 1922 to 1958 the population of Mosul increased 2.5 times over, whilst the population of Basrah tripled. In the same period the population of Baghdad quadrupled from 200,000 to 800,000. The oil boom in particular served to significantly increase the size and weight of the industrial working class. In 1926 there were only 13,140 workers occupied in industries employing more than 100 people. By 1954 that had increased to over 65,000, with another 80,000 workers employed in light industries (5). By the 1940s and 50s, the period in which the ICP became a mass party in Iraq, the working class was emerging as the decisive factor in all major social and political movements.
These formative years of the Iraqi working class and of the Iraqi Communist Party were also dark days of bureaucratic counter-revolution and Stalinist terror in the country of the October Revolution, a fact that would leave a deep imprint on the young party. In 1927, when the first Communist study circles were being formed in Iraq, Stalinist gangsters were engaged in hounding Trotskys followers in Russia. The same process of degeneration which had begun in the Russian Communist Party spread throughout the Communist International, which was in the early stages of being converted from a lever for world proletarian revolution into its greatest obstacle.
In a cruelly ironic twist, the perceived connection that the Comintern retained with the dazzling achievements of the October Revolution allowed it to not only hold but strengthen its influence among the most advanced layers of workers and peasants; particularly in the colonial and semi-colonial world. This was the case also in Iraq where from the late 20's and into the early 30's communist study circles began emerging that would lay the groundwork for the formation of a Communist Party.
The Stalinist bureaucracy, driven by their own short-term interests, conducted a bewildering series of shifts to the left and to the right in this period. To crush Trotsky and the Russian Left Opposition - which represented the genuinely proletarian and revolutionary heart of the Bolshevik Party - the bureaucracy first leant sharply to the right, allying itself with the rising class of wealthy peasants. When the kulaks began to flex their muscles and to challenge the power of the state bureaucracy however, the Stalinists were thrown into alarm and made an insane gyration to the left. The kulaks were suddenly subject to the policy of forced collectivisation and the Soviet Union was plunged into famine.
Internationally these twists and turns were accompanied by similar gyrations in the policy of the Communist International, which reacted empirically to world events rather than anticipating them. In 1935, the year that the Iraqi Communist Party was formed, the Comintern began another sharp turn to the right; having burnt their fingers in Germany with an ultra-left policy that split the workers' movement just at the point at which workers unity was most desperately needed in the face of an ascendant Nazi Party.
The new policy dictated that Communist Parties around the world must form the broadest possible coalitions against fascism through the formation of popular fronts, which should also include those progressive elements of the national bourgeoisie. In practice this meant restraining the proletariat in one country after another from going beyond the limits of bourgeois democracy so as not to scare the liberal bourgeoisie. Arming the various national Communist Parties with a correct theoretical outlook however had very little to do with this policy; rather the Stalinists were less concerned with the progress of the world revolution and more concerned with ingratiating themselves with the British and French governments so as to quietly secure their own borders.
The new policy fundamentally rested on the myth that in the period of capitalism's imperialist decay there as yet existed a progressive wing of the bourgeoisie. In reality this was a theoretical aberration that had little to do with Marxism but which would have the most devastating practical consequences. In Iraq this policy necessarily meant imposing a dogmatic caricature of Marxism upon the young Communist movement, whereby history is mechanically divided into stages. As the advanced capitalist countries went through a period of democratic revolutions which cemented the rule of the bourgeoisie before conditions could mature for socialism; accordingly so must Iraq. Whilst it is indisputable that the tasks of the Iraqi revolution were primarily bourgeois in nature (the creation of a democratic republic; national liberation; rights for national minorities; land reform, etc.), the Iraqi bourgeois and petty bourgeois, being themselves wedded through a thousand strings to imperialism and precapitalist modes of production, were incapable of playing a progressive role in this struggle.
On the one hand the Iraqi national bourgeoisie were wholly dependent on their position with respect to foreign mainly British and later American capital. The imperialist powers for their part, as we have seen, had not only accustomed themselves to the existence of semi-feudal relics in Iraq but thoroughly depended on their perpetuation. Furthermore, unlike in England in 1642 or France in 1789, the pre-revolutionary working class in Iraq emerged as a powerful independent factor in events with a clear consciousness of its own interests. The Iraqi national bourgeoisie had good reason to fear this new factor and as such could be guaranteed to play only a counter-revolutionary role in events. The insistence of the Stalinists then that the ICP must channel the working class into supporting the progressive bourgeoisie in reality meant subordinating the working class to a chimera. Such a policy could only, and indeed would, spell disaster for the Communist movement.
At this point an important distinction must be made between the rank and file cadres of the ICP and its Stalinist leadership. As we shall see, the ranks of the ICP constituted the bravest and most self-sacrificing elements of Iraqi society and the true flower of the Iraqi working class. It is also important to distinguish between the ICPs leadership influenced by the ideas of Stalinism emanating from Moscow and the Stalinist bureaucracy itself in the Kremlin. Whereas the latter could deal in the fortunes of the ICP like so much small change from a position of perfect safety; there is no doubt that the former deeply and sincerely held their communist convictions and in many instances would make the ultimate sacrifice for their errors in the tragedy that unfolded.
Whilst the Iraqi Communist Party had numerous connections with the Stalinist Comintern, even from its earliest days, it is hard to know the degree to which this or that mistake in those days was attributable to naivety or to cynical manipulation by the Stalinists. Whilst the young party made many mistakes what stands out, in spite of this, is how the party for the most part had an instinctively correct grasp of the tasks that it faced. In the party paper, The Peoples Struggle, we read the following, fundamentally correct, demands in 1935:
The expulsion of the imperialists; the granting of freedom to the people, of complete independence to the Kurds, and of their cultural rights... to all of Iraqs minorities;
The distribution of land to the peasantry;
The abolition of all debts and land-mortgages...;
The seizure of all properties belonging to the imperialists the banks, the oilfields, and the railway works among others and the expropriation of the vast agricultural estates;
The concentration of power in the hands of the workers and peasants; and
The launching without delay of the social revolution in all other areas of life and the liberation of the people from manifold subjections.(7)
On this basis of linking the "bourgeois" tasks of the revolution (land reform, national rights, the struggle against imperialism etc.) to the task of expropriating the imperialist ruling class and bringing the working class to power the success of the Iraqi revolution could have been assured. Whilst the formula of the "concentration of power in the hands of the workers and peasants" failed to recognise the leading role of the working class in particular, it nevertheless represented a far superior programme to those issued under the clearer influence of Moscow at a later date.
Hardly had the ICP been formed however than Iraq was plunged into a crisis, which would put to the test the policy of supporting the "progressive" bourgeoisie; whilst at the same time bringing to the fore the subjective role of players within the state, and particularly of certain echelons of the officer corp. The combined and uneven character of capitalist development in Iraq not only had a distorting effect on the economic base of society but also upon the state apparatus itself, which now intervened in a peculiar role.
The State and the Crisis of 1936-1941
Nuri Al-Said - Photo: Public DomainFrom the occupation of Iraq following the First World War until their departure in 1932, the British succeeded in enmeshing themselves in a series of contradictions in their attempts to build a reliable state apparatus. Whilst trained Iraqi forces were needed to uphold private property, the social basis of capitalism and landlordism, embodied in the newly propertied landlord-sheikhs, mallaks and the monarchy, represented only the thinnest social stratum. Furthermore, the ignorant and narrow-minded ruling elite had neither the experience nor the inclination to involve themselves in state-building. The few reliable pairs of hands that the British could find, such as Nuri al-Said who occupied the position of Prime Minister eight times from the 30s until the revolution of 1958, were little more than undisguised, self-serving cynics who earned the deserved odium of the majority of the population.
It wasn't uncommon therefore for individuals from other class backgrounds, particularly from modest middle class families, to ascend the ranks of the officer corp. With the crisis in society reaching agonising proportions with distress on the land, backwardness in all quarters and the nation humiliated before British imperialism the younger officers tended to view the ruling class and its representatives at the head of the state who had adapted to this situation, with well deserved contempt. This state of affairs, which prevailed across the dependent colonial and semi-colonial nations and particularly in the newly partitioned Arab nations, lead to increasing restiveness within the armies, which became hotbeds of conspiracies and plots.
In an attempt to forestall any threat from this quarter, and to limit the power of the monarch, the British undertook a policy of hobbling the standing army from the earliest period of their mandate. Against the central apparatus of the state the British played off the sheikh's bands of personally loyal retainers, granting self-governance to these gangs and creating a scourge for the peasantry. Following the British departure from Iraq however, the king cut out his own course and launched a policy of conscription and expansion of the army, which now stepped forward with its own opinions on how to extract Iraq from its backwardness.
General Bakr Sidqi - Photo: Public DomainOn 29th October 1936 Iraq was plunged into a period of disequilibrium when armed regiments loyal to the nationalist officer, General Bakr Sidqi, entered Baghdad. Presented with a fait acompli, the king, who had nationalist inclinations of his own, accepted Sidqis dismissal of the old government. Meanwhile, sensing the anti-British mood that surrounded the coup, the closest collaborator of British imperialism, Nuri al-Said, fled the scene.
Despite the fact that Bakr Sidqi had few liberal, democratic or anti-imperialist credentials indeed Sidqi had been well favoured by the British for his role in butchering restive Shia tribesmen the liberal bourgeoisie around al-Ahali newspaper immediately pinned their colours to Sidqis mast and were rewarded with a clutch of ministries in the new government. The ICP, in line with its "stageist" approach of subordinating its struggle to the methods of the liberal bourgeoisie, also gave its full support to Sidqi as a supposed representative of the "progressive bourgeoisie".
The policy of the ICP from 1936-41 anticipated in a farcical manner the tragic policy that Communist Parties across the region would conduct in the 1950's. Unlike the Nasserist coup of 1952 in Egypt and the revolutionary events that accompanied the coup in Iraq in July 1958, the 1936 events were met with little popular enthusiasm. The support that the ICP rendered Sidqi was duly rewarded when the general launched a blistering ideological attack on the Communist Party. By early 1937 the liberal opposition - having served their purpose of providing Sidqi with a democratic, reforming mask - were also cast aside.(8)
With tumult and disarray within the state, the working class now took its signal to push itself through the cracks that were opening up within the ruling class. In late March 1937 a wave of strike action swept Iraq, the first of its kind. From the ports to the railway workshops to the oil industry; the Iraqi working class gave its first indication of the beginning of an awakening, and it moved not under the leadership of any other class but under its own impulses and direction principally that of the Communist Party.
The end for Sidqi came on 11 August 1937 when he fell under the bullets of an assassin. This did not settle the crisis in the regime however. On 4th April 1938 King Ghazi who had been a thorn in the side of the British due to his sympathetic attitude towards the nationalist officers and his agitation for unification with Kuwait died in mysterious circumstances, most likely at the hands of the British. He was succeeded by his son, Faisal II, who would reign as King of Iraq until the 1958 revolution. Being still a boy his uncle, Abdul Ilah, a faithful ally of the British took the reigns as regent and soon Nuri al-Said himself was returned to power with the assistance of a further coup. British interests seemed firmly back in the saddle but the nationalist officers, who remained in their positions, had other ideas.
In 1941 a group of four nationalist officers availed themselves of the discontent with the rule of Nuri and the regent, and the conditions of the World War, to depose the pair. Whereas Nasser would, after his 1952 coup in Egypt, use the classical Bonapartist method of resting upon the mass movement to cut a semi-independent course, Iraq's officers could rest on no such movement and so instead looked towards Hitler and German imperialism as an alternative point of support. The regime however was doomed to a short lived existence. The British undertook to reoccupy Iraq, depose the nationalist officers and reinstate Nuri and the regent, ushering a new period of occupation that would last until well into the 1940's.
Iraq was once more under the jackboot of British imperialism. The army was again reduced and conscription brought to an end as the British reasserted their control. The contradictions that riddled the Iraqi state were far from diminished however. The monarchy emerged from the crisis more undermined than ever and a dangerous precedent had been set for a new generation of officers to intervene in the national political scene.
More importantly however, the period beginning in the early 40's saw class antagonisms in Iraq heated to boiling point and all of this would reflect itself in continuing discontent in the ranks of the armed forces. The exploitation of the countrys newfound oil wealth propelled an economic boom in the 40's which enriched a thin stratum of the population whilst the general conditions for the majority continued to decline. The main effect of the oil boom for ordinary people was the influx of huge amounts of money into circulation and the resultant inflation of prices.
With no Chinese wall isolating the army from the rest of society, the moods of the different classes inevitably found their reflection with splits in the armed bodies of the state as well as the penetration of revolutionary parties into the ranks. The results of galloping inflation on the lives of soldiers and their families were only compounded by the British policy of reigning in the state, the net result being the creation of a parlous state of affairs that produced an ideal ground for the spread of revolutionary and conspiratorial ideas.
In the cities the migration of peasants continued to swell the ranks of the reserve army of labour, whose pressure combined with inflation to bear down on wages. Ironically the source of Iraqs huge natural wealth became the fount of further impoverishment and oppression for the masses. Economic distress was coupled with humiliation by the British dictatorship. With few moments of reprieve during the course of the democratic British occupation, the period was one of repression and clandestinity for worker and peasant activists.
The Wathbah and its results
The simmering discontent within society inevitably began to express itself with the growth of strikes, protests and political agitation of all hues picking up from the mid-40s. For a brief period of months the British experimented with the legalisation of trade unions and workers' organisations. However, this only led to the working class immediately going on the offensive with huge strikes in Basrah's port and the railway workshops in the environs of Baghdad. Far from taming or channelling the mood of discontent building up in the depths of society, legality only served to reveal the full extent of Communist influence in fierce outbursts; with the Schalchiyyah railway workshops of Baghdad now emerging as a major center of Iraqi communism - similar to the role the Putilov works in Petersburg played for Russian revolutionaries 30 years before.
In panic the imperialists quickly clamped down and once more illegalised the unions. Communists were swept up in a wave of repression, hundreds of political prisoners being left to languish in Kut jail including the party's general secretary, Fahd. The British imperialists and their Iraqi agents could see the storm clouds coalescing on the horizon and set upon reaffirming the 1930 Anglo-Iraq Treaty, which granted the British unlimited rights to intervene in Iraqs affairs as a bulwark against revolution. To ease the way for the treaty the hated British stooge, Nuri al-Said, stepped aside as prime minister and gave way to Salih Jabr in early 1947; the two travelling to England to begin negotiations in December of that year. The masses were not about to be deceived by a slight shuffling at the top of the pack however, and the negotiations served to blow sparks onto the bone-dry tinderbox of Iraqi society.
Unwitting of the scale of the events they were about to usher in, the bourgeois nationalist Independence Party took the initiative in calling the first demonstrations. On 5th January 1948 they called for student protests against the secret negotiations. Intending to march from Baghdad Law School to the royal palace, the students were met by mounted police and live ammunition. Many were injured. On the 6th January a new demonstration was called, this time in protest at the police repressions and drawing in students from all the opposition parties, including other bourgeois nationalist parties and the ICPs student wing. (10)
It was clear that the embers of protest, now lit, were waiting for the next gust to burst into flames. On 16th January the humiliating results of the treaty were made public and events began moving at lightning speed. Under the initiative of a Communist-organised front of opposition parties, a three day student strike and continuous demonstrations took place. The mobilisations peaked with a huge march on 20th January. Now the working class threw its tremendous social weight onto the scales. Students were accompanied by railway workers, the proletarian hard core of the ICP, and thousands of impoverished mud hut dwellers from the periphery of the city. Police fired once more with live rounds into the crowd. Students fell dead; more still were murdered at the hospital where they attempted to accompany their fallen comrades to the morgue.
Suddenly anger turned to rage before evening the streets were streaming with vast numbers of Baghdadi workers and youth, and at the head of every throng were Communists. The ruling class immediately took fright and on 21st January the kings regent renounced the treaty in order to diffuse the movement. The bourgeois nationalists, up to this point actively involved in the demonstrations, similarly took fright when presented face to face with the stirring masses. The Independence Party, whose actions had ironically initiated the events, declared that their aims were met with the repudiation of the treaty by the regent and called for protests to end. The left nationalists of the National Democratic Party (the successor to al-Ahali) continued to verbally call for the resignation of the government of Salih Jabr but in practice they too urged for calm and a cessation of protests.
The Iraqi national bourgeois were weak and dependent upon British imperialism from their very inception and it ought to come as no surprise that in the decisive moments they acted with utter cowardice and fled the field. They entered the streets in the early days of the Wathbah with the intention not of overthrowing the government but of frightening the regime and imperialism with the prospect of unrest so as to receive concessionary crumbs from their table. However, at the first show of strength by the working class, and when confronted with the tasks of a genuine social revolution they immediately pulled back and cowered behind the monarchy and imperialism.
The movement shrugged off the flight of its fair-weather friends and continued to gather momentum. The only ones willing to fight through to the end were the workers lead by the Communists, and behind them all classes of the urban and rural poor, and the lower layers of the middle classes. These forces, in themselves, were more than sufficient to bring down the regime and establish a revolutionary government. This lesson was now being learnt by thousands of individuals, not through books but through the school of revolution itself.
Within the ranks of the Communist Party the most farsighted cadres were rapidly drawing the conclusion that the task of leading the Iraqi revolution fell to the working class alone, and that this meant the seizure of power by the Communist Party, not only without the assistance of but directly against the bourgeois nationalist parties. On 1st February 1948, days after the peak of the movement, an internal ICP circular entitled The Essence of Our Movement for Independence denounced the politically and economically weak national bourgeoisie who were disposed to come to terms with the imperialists at the expense of the masses out of fear of the growing over of the democratic into the socialist revolution (11).
These remarks precisely expressed the actual situation of the Iraqi revolution. Had these correct theses been taken to their logical conclusion the ICP would have been politically equipped for the historic tasks now upon the party. However, the Menshevik-Stalinist position of the leadership of the ICP continued to prevail. As the principal tasks of the revolution were bourgeois-democratic (repudiation of the imperialist treaty, democratic elections, land reform and so on) the ICP leadership persisted in the false conclusion that the leading role in the revolution must therefore be taken up by the national bourgeoisie, and that the ICP ought therefore to seek out an alliance with the bourgeois nationalist parties at any cost.
On 23rd January huge demonstrations were convoked by the Communist Party. New, more radical slogans began to be heard that went far beyond scrapping the Treaty and the miserably low horizons of the bourgeois democrats: For a peoples revolution!, Long live the unity of the workers and students! and Long Live the Republic!(12) The Communist leaders however repudiated these slogans as the work of provocateurs and limited their demands in an attempt to bring the bourgeois democrats back on board. They were not fighting for Communism, the dictatorship of the proletariat, or even a Republic, they insisted; they only wanted the repudiation of the treaty, a free, democratic environment and the formation of a democratic government of all the patriotic parties; including the very same parties that had withdrawn from the struggle and opposed it in the preceding days!
The problem was that despite all the moderation of the Communist leaders, the national bourgeois could see the force that stood behind them: the workers and poor. Any revolution which achieved genuine democracy could do so only by the revolutionary action of this class and, just as the aforementioned internal ICP circular explained, it could not be assured that these classes would not go on to expropriate the bourgeoisie themselves. On 26th January, upon the return of Nuri al-Said and Salih Jabr from England, the people again surged onto the street. That night protesters were met with machine gun fire as the government resolved on ending the unrest. The ICP called for demonstrations across Baghdad the morning after and were met by huge, seething crowds. Two crowds coalesced on opposite sides of the Tigris: on the West huge numbers of students and railway workers; on the East thousands of poor mud hut dwellers. The police set up sniper nests and brought in armoured units to keep the two demonstrations from merging and becoming an uncontrollable mass. Whilst the throngs in the West were hemmed into a city square, the crowds in the East made a tremendous surge across the Mamum bridge in an attempt to link up with their comrades on the other side of the river. The police mercilessly opened fire across the bridge and dozens began to fall. Shortly after the demonstrators in the West broke out the police cordon and were met by the same armoured units that had massacred the people minutes earlier. Again they opened fire and dozens more fell. 300-400 people fell dead that day on Mamum bridge. (13)
Facing the magnitude of their crimes and the furious, mourning crowd, the police took flight in panic. Salih Jabr, sensing mortal danger, fled for his life to England. The regime now stood in mid-air and power lay in the street. All it would have taken would have been for the conscious and organised revolutionary masses to declare themselves as the power and the regime would have been powerless to resist. However the ICP completely rejected the perspective of taking power alone. Had the party put forward a clear and decisive plan for taking power it would rapidly gain the necessary support to organise a successful insurrection. Powerless to repress the movement further, the regime was now prepared to make any concession necessary simply to retain power. The regent now brought in Muhammed al-Sadr to form a government, a leader of the 1920 revolution and a perceived reformer, with the hope of deceiving the masses and calming them down.
Whilst the leaders of the ICP remained incarcerated in Kut prison, the party began rapidly expanding its activities in the wake of the revolutionary upturn. The student movement continued to simmer; strikes broke out among the most important layers of workers in the railways, ports and oil pumps (14); in the provinces agrarian revolt broke out here and there; and everywhere streams of workers joined the Communist Party's organisations.
However, as must occur if the class struggle is not fought to a decisive victory, the momentum of the revolutionary movement ebbed and the ruling class - having waited in the aisles - now impatiently sought their revenge. After just six months, the government of al-Sadr was dismissed and Nuri al-Said was brought back to the premiership to complete the job of crushing the embers of revolution. As the Arab-Israel war broke out the militarisation of Iraq gave ample scope for the ruling class to begin clamping down on its domestic enemies.
In this job the Stalinist bureaucracy now gave tremendous assistance to the triumphant reaction: despite the historical anti-Semitism of Stalin and the ruling clique in Moscow, the Soviets now gave criminal support to the partition of Palestine in an attempt to wheedle their way into the diplomatic good books of the newborn state of Israel. The ICP were given orders to adopt the same party line. This meant that, the last shred of sympathy that the non-Communist masses had for the ICP evaporated. This served to divide and diffuse the revolutionary movement sufficiently that the counter-revolution could turn the situation to their bloody advantage.
Everywhere communists were rounded up; police spies broke up every Communist organisation of significance; in Kut prison communists were quietly murdered; and Fahd and two of his comrades were retried and sentenced to death. This time the sentences were carried out and the bodies of the condemned men were strung up publically in the city squares of Baghdad as a direct message to the poor and working classes.
At first glance the defeat of the revolution opened up the most pessimistic perspective. All of the democratic gains of the revolution were undone and once again the counter-revolution had established itself firmly in power. Furthermore the Communist Party was in disarray, dispersed and crumbling; its historic leaders were either dead, in exile or in prison. However, as the saying goes, history wastes nothing. The Wathbah or The Leap as it came to be known, represented a decisive turning point in Iraqs history. Although the Hashemite monarchy survived the revolutionary shock of 1948, the last drop of moral authority had completely evaporated from the regime and whilst the ICP was initially shattered by the triumphant counter-revolution, the bonds between the masses and the Communist Party as their organised expression were now sealed in blood.
The Communist Partys punishment
Youssif Salman Youssif - Comrade Fahd - Photo: Public DomainAll of the efforts of the regime to exorcise the spectre of communism from Iraq were doomed to failure from the beginning, irrespective of how many cells were broken up or how many cadres were arrested or murdered. The fact is that it was Iraqi conditions that fed the growth of the Communist Party. This was fully revealed in each upturn in the class struggle and each revolutionary explosion that developed in the period of the 50's, each of which tended to begin where the Wathbah left off. The first of these explosions came in 1952 with the Intifadah, during which the Communist Party once more shrugged aside all other parties and emerged clearly as the leader of the poor, the working class and the youth.
However, in the early 50's a new "leftist" tone emerged in the propaganda of the party. As is so often the case, ultra-leftism was the punishment that the ICP had to suffer for its earlier opportunist mistakes and in the early 1950's an amateurish left emerged in the leadership of the party lead by the new general secretary, Hamid Uthman. Turning away from the old policy of compromise with the national bourgeoisie, which had brought disaster on the head of the party, the leadership of the ICP looked around for an alternative and like many Communist Parties during this period found an apparently more "radical" alternative in Maoist China.
In point of fact however, Mao's China represented no real alternative to the line dictated by Moscow. On the one hand Mao too had held to the Stalinist "stageist" approach and believed that China would have to pass through 100 years of capitalist development before the socialist transformation of Chinese society could seriously be placed on the agenda. It was only unconsciously, as it were, that the Maoists came to expropriate capitalism after the flight of the Kuomintang and with them the majority of the national bourgeoisie to Taiwan.
Nevertheless, the apparently uncompromising attitude of the Red Army who had expropriated the ruling class in a "People's Revolution" looked like a plausible alternative to a Communist Party reeling from a defeat that had been compounded by its earlier opportunism. In the conditions in Iraq however, with its increasingly combative working class and labour movement, a turn to a peasant "people's war" and direct, immediate confrontation with the state could only spell disaster for the party.
When the party leadership ordered party cadres to enter the streets in opposition to the Baghdad Pact of 1955 and to engage in continuous running battles in the street, without a concomitant mass movement, the results were predictably disastrous for the party.(16) Had an opposition to the Stalinist-Menshevik line of collaboration with the national bourgeoisie existed in the early 50s that based itself on a return to the traditions of genuine Marxism, as represented by the ideas of Lenin and Trotsky, it may well have been possible to politically rearm the party in this period. As it was, the disaster created by the ultra-lefts only served to swing the party once more into the arms of Stalinist opportunism. (17)
The Shifting Balance of Power in the Middle East
One of the most important outcomes of the Second World War was the emergence of a new balance of forces on a world scale. The old powers of Britain and France were now in sharp decline, with the United States filling the vacuum as the dominant imperialist power on a world scale. With the emergence of Israel in the region, all these fluctuations had the most destabilising impact on social and political relations throughout the Middle East. At the same time Stalinism emerged immensely strengthened and appeared as a serious alternative to imperialist subjugation.
In 1952 the crisis in Egypt, one of the most industrialised and populous countries of the region, found its expression in the Free Officers' coup against the British-backed Farouk monarchy. The populist, nationalist rhetoric of the coup struck a deep chord and unleashed a mass wave of enthusiasm. With the mass movement on the street pushing the Free Officers to the left it was the leftward-moving and self-proclaimed Pan-Arabist, Gamal Abdul Nasser, who came to the fore with his ideas of Arab unity and an increasingly brazen defiance of British imperialism.
Increasingly the Nasser regime turned in the direction of the Soviet Union for political and military support and, basing himself on the popular mood of the mass of workers and poor, nationalised much of the property of the imperialist powers. In Syria too the regime began facing in the direction of the USSR and by the 1960s even went as far as completely expropriating the ruling class and creating the first planned economy in the Middle East, albeit on a bureaucratic and Stalinist basis.
In 1956 things reached crisis point when Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal. The British and French, imagining that they could strike a quick blow against Nasser and remove a thorn in their side, quickly occupied the Suez Canal Zone but were forced into a hasty retreat by the Americans. The British were completely humiliated but so too were all the powers of the Baghdad Pact, which constituted the Anglo-American "sphere of influence", with Iraq at its centre. Nasser however emerged tremendously strengthened. When a union with Syria was declared in early 1958, and the United Arab Republic (UAR) was formed, the move was met with huge popular enthusiasm across the Arab world as the beginning of a much yearned for socialist unification of the Arab peoples.
The reality, of course, was more complicated. Whilst resting on the mass movement to deliver blows against the imperialists, Nasser never completely broke with capitalism. Meanwhile his regime operated along classical Bonapartist lines, with Communists and trade unionists frequently subject to brutal police repression. The unification with Syria meanwhile was seen on the Egyptian side as a means to expand the market for Egyptian goods; and on the Syrian side as a chance to liquidate all political opposition within the country, and particularly the mass Syrian Communist Party. (18)
Nevertheless these tumultuous events throughout the region had a tremendous effect within Iraq and added to the explosive cocktail that was developing. This was also the case within the army. Since 1952 cells of Free Officers, directly modelled on those in Egypt, began to take form, beginning among the most proletarian section of the military, the engineering divisions. The events in 1956 tremendously quickened the spread of conspiratorial cells within the middle layers of the officer corp and by 1958 the conspirators were waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
The July Revolution
Abdul Salam Aref - Photo: Public DomainOn the morning of 14th July 1958, after a tense and sleepless night, Colonel Abdul Salam Aref led a division of troops on a march towards Baghdad. His orders were to march onward to the Jordanian border, a maneuver that would necessarily involve passing through the capital. Upon arriving in Baghdad a little after 4am however, the units swiftly moved into action and occupied the key tactical positions in the city including the radio exchange, key ministries and the royal palace. In the confusion that reigned, the royal family was mowed down by the machine gun fire of a nationalist officer only vaguely aware of the nature of the unfolding events. Nuri al-Said briefly fled but was later found and killed. The radio now announced to the world what had happened: Iraq was officially a Republic, it had been liberated from imperialism by the revolutionary officers and the people were called upon to support the armed forces!
The response of the people was overwhelming and quickly caused jitters among the instigators of the coup. By mid-morning hundreds of thousands of workers, peasants, slum dwellers, housewives, students, government clerks and rank and file soldiers flooded the streets. What had begun was no mere repeat of 1941 this was the start of a genuine revolution. If, as Trotsky explained, a revolution can be defined as one of those exceptional periods in human history when the mass of ordinary people begin to take their destiny into their own hands, then this was the start of a revolutionary process that would extend and continue to unfold over several years. First in numbers, energy and standing among the organised forces that mingled with the crowds was the ICP. Workers, peasants, women, students and young people flooded into its organisations.
In the early days of the July regime, the mass outbreak of euphoria that accompanied the fall of the hated monarchy masked the heterogeneity of the officers that had now been thrust to a position of power. The weakness and internal division of the new regime however soon came to the fore and centered on a conflict between the two key conspirators of the 14th July overthrow; Brigadier Abdul Karim Qaseem, now at the head of the government and the armed forces; and his second-in-command, Colonel Aref.
To the extent that any ideology can be said to have given a semblance of unity to the Free Officer movement in Iraq prior to the July Revolution it was fundamentally the same ideology that motivated the officers involved in the 1952 coup in Egypt and the initiators of the 1941 coup in Iraq; namely nationalism and in particular the outlook of Pan-Arabism. It is worth now making a brief detour to consider the nature of "Pan-Arabism" as an ideology and the role that it played in the revolutionary period that opened up from July 1958.
Pan-Arabism, the Communist Party and Dual Power
Like any nationalism, Pan-Arabism was by its very nature capable of encompassing not only divergent but outright antagonistic social forces. The first "Pan-Arab" ideas to emerge under the Ottoman Empire were of a distinctly reactionary character. They were the reserve of semi-feudal, semi-tribal elements and asserted the autonomy of the relatively more backward Arab regions from the Turkish metropolis with its liberal ideas. The leaders of the "Arab Revolt" against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, which included the future king of Iraq, Faisal I, were of this character, and proved to be little more than pawns in the calculations of British imperialism.
However with the growth of capitalism across the post-partition Arab nations in the 20's, 30's and 40's, Pan-Arab nationalism took on a changed class content. The old social classes continued to clothe themselves in the garb of Pan-Arabism: we see for instance the attempts of King Ghazi to "unify" Iraq and Kuwait in the 1930's; the "union" between the Jordanian and Iraqi monarchies in 1958, prior to the July Revolution; and the anti-Zionist demagoguery of the semi-feudal classes across the entire region. This became increasingly difficult to take seriously as the masses saw past the facade to the imperialist masters pulling the strings in the background.
The new social classes instead began to give "Pan-Arab" ideas their own content. For certain layers of the poorest and most oppressed classes of the Arab countries, Pan-Arabism meant taking a stand against imperialist partition. The unification of the Arab nations represented an initial step towards genuine socialist internationalism for the working masses and it is for this reason that Abdul Gammal Nasser was so well loved among the Egyptian poor. In the first hand bills produced by the Iraqi Communist Party we also see a strong strand of Pan-Arabism and there is no reason to assume that these expressed anything other than the genuine feelings, unguided and as yet immature, of Iraq's first communists.
The loose idealist notion of a singular Arab people rising above class distinctions however tended to fit in best with the interests and outlook of the urban petty bourgeoisie. The Free Officers, drawn as they were for the most part from the Sunni Arab layers of the middle class, took a natural affinity to these ideas; as did the Ba'ath Party, which drew its first cadres from the students and middle class intelligentsia. Caught between the struggle of the bourgeoisie and international imperialism on the one hand and the proletariat on the other, the appeal to a super-historical "Arab spirit" and the utopian idea of unifying the whole "Arab people" in the interests of all (i.e. in the interests of the petty bourgeoisie) resonated powerfully.
When tested in power however, the idea of Pan-Arab unity on the basis of capitalism proved to be a utopia and the Free Officer regime proved weak and riven with tensions. On the one hand the urban petty bourgeoisie as a class is unable to play an independent class role and must eventually find itself being dragged in the trail of the capitalist class or else must look towards the working class. In conditions of intense class struggle such as those unleashed post-July 1958, the possibility of any middle course was even further reduced. Furthermore, on the basis of imperialism we see how the national capitalist classes of each nation (and their bosses, the major imperialist powers) have antagonistic interests that rule out their union.
When we add to this the intense personal rivalries that existed among the Free Officers, with many officers feeling that they had been cheated of positions of power by Qaseem and Aref who had thrust themselves to the forefront as the events of the July Revolution unfolded, a crisis and a split became inevitable. It was under these circumstances that Aref, the junior of the two leading Free Officers, began touring the country, powerfully agitating for immediate union with the UAR in speeches that took on a fiery, quasi-socialist character that reflected and resonated with the genuine sympathies of the masses:
"Henceforth there shall be no feudalism, no rich and no poor, no disparities and no classes. You are all God's creatures!" ... "This republic is your republic, a popular, patriotic, socialist republic... Rejoice, therefore O peasant, rejoice O worker, rejoice O son of the country!"(19)
Qaseem meanwhile increasingly became the focus of the "Iraqist" wing within the regime and began posing as a moderate defender of private property. Viewing with increasing anxiety the rising challenge posed by Aref, Qaseem began looking around for other social forces on which to rest, and in typical Bonapartist fashion was inclined to rest on the support of the ICP to bring to heel the nationalist officers around Aref.
The Communist Party for its part had reason to hold the pan-Arab "socialism" of Aref, and the Ba'ath Party which swung behind him, in deep suspicion. The example of Syrias unification with Egypt had shown how socialist and pan-Arab rhetoric could be used as a cover for the brutal repression of Communists and Aref's language by no means precluded his becoming an unwitting tool of the counter-revolution. However, this by no means implied that Qaseem was any less reactionary.
Shaken by the threat posed by Aref, Qaseem gave his support to the arming of ICP members into Peoples Resistance units and gave license to an open demonstration of force by the Communist Party. The ICP took the opportunity and on 6th August 1958 500,000 people flooded the streets of Baghdad behind the banner of the ICP.
Qaseem, politically moderate and known for his personal modesty, might have seemed an unlikely candidate for a political strongman in whose hands all the power of state would now concentrate itself. Aref meanwhile was a pious yet fiery and passionate individual with genuine sympathy for the poor - perhaps an unlikely figure behind whom the forces of counter-revolution might attempt to unify. And yet events were taking on a logic that was beyond the control of either man and gave the clash between the two a far deeper significance.
For the ruling class the most important task was now one of crushing the revolutionary movement and in particular of breaking the ICP. The tendency of Qaseem to seek protection from his rivals in support from the ICP was thus completely intolerable. The ruling class was inclined to throw its lot in with any party or group of officers which now came into opposition to his rule - including the socialist Aref and, of course, the Baath Party.
Towards the end of 1958 and the beginning of 1959 the Communist Party and its affiliated organisations underwent an explosive growth. Communist led trade unions, womens organisations, student unions, Peace Partisan committees, peasant committees and Communist militia units now drew around them hundreds of thousands of supporters. A situation of dual power where the old state persists through inertia alongside the growth of a new power, in this case around the working class and the Communist Party now became an established fact. Batatu relates how in late 1958 an ambassador of the UAR complained he could not travel more than 3 km in Baghdad without being stopped nine times by patrolling units of the Peoples Resistance(20). In workplaces and government ministries too, Committees for the Defence of the Republic were springing up and establishing de facto workers control(21).
Rather than use the splits now developing in the state and their burgeoning influence among the poor and working classes to prepare the seizure of power, the ICP continued along the path that flowed logically from its stageist theoretical outlook. On the understanding that the initial tasks of the July Revolution were national democratic in character, and the false conclusion that it must therefore be lead by the national bourgeoisie, the ICP declared Qaseem to be the representative of the progressive wing of the bourgeois and raised the slogan of full support for the "sole leader" Qaseem. Meanwhile Aref was denounced as a dangerous ultra-leftist whose position threatened to split the "progressive" forces in Iraq(22).
In reality however, there was no progressive bourgeoisie in Iraq for Qaseem to rest on. Qaseem's power represented a careful balancing act between the classes. Such a tightrope act was only made possible on account of the temporary stalemate that the revolution had established.
On the one hand the forces of counter-revolution now arraying behind the nationalist officers (the sheikhs, landlords, merchants and capitalists) were unable to deal a decisive blow against the revolution on account of the overwhelming strength of the ICP. On the other hand the working class and poor peasants were unable to seize power as they were being held back from the task by their leadership.
By temporarily leaning on the ICP, Qaseem easily dealt heavy blows against Aref and the nationalist officers. In November Aref was arrested and in December an attempted nationalist coup unraveled. In March 1959 a more serious attempt to seize power was carried out by officers in Mosul. The lines of division brought out in sharp relief how the nationalist officers had fallen to the position of an open tool of counter-revolution. All the forces interested in the defeat of the revolution gathered behind the coup: local merchants, landlords and sheikhs found themselves on the same side as the middle class officers; the Ba'ath Party found an ally in the Muslim Brotherhood; and internationally Anglo-American imperialism and the UAR both pinned their hopes on the conspirators. On the other side of the barricades stood the workers, peasants, rank and file soldiers, and the Communist Party.
Once more, the plot was smashed by the revolutionary mass of peasants, workers and urban poor. Having got wind of the plot, the Communist Party organised a mass demonstration of 200,000 Peace Partisans through the city in the days prior to the coup. As the plot began to unfold it found itself checked at every turn by the bitter resistance of the masses. Ultimately the coup collapsed amid a violent scramble between revolution and counter-revolution.
In his classic, "The Old Social Classes of Iraq", Batatu describes the scenes thus: "no matter how one apportions the responsibility [for the violence], one cannot help feeling [...] that at the root of much of the aggressiveness in the days of March at Mosul was a common fear to which all the sides of the conflict seem to have succumbed: the fear that failure at that crucial historical point might well entail destruction at the hands of their adversaries." That is to say, despite the ICP's attempts to smooth over the contradictions between the possessing classes and the working classes, each were now locked in a mortal struggle and civil war loomed. Mosul gave a foretaste of the orgy of violence that the ruling class would unleash were they to gain the upper hand.
May Day 1959 - The High Tide of the Revolution
1958 revolution in Iraq - Photo: Public domainWith the counter-revolution now badly beaten, the initiative lay wholly with the ICP with May Day 1959 marking the high point of their power. One million people (out of a total population of just 5 million) now marched behind the banner of the Communist Party. Alongside a huge presence from the People's Resistance militia, the Peace Partisans and numerous Communist-led mass organisations, the demonstration also revealed the extent of the party's infiltration into the army. No fewer than 15 blocs on the demonstration were made of delegations from the army, the air force and even the police. In the air force support for the Communists ran particularly high, with almost every pilot being either an ICP member or else a sympathiser. Even by comparison with other revolutions in history, the degree of ICP penetration into the state ran exceptionally deep.
On few occasions have revolutionary parties succeeded in not only winning a large part of the ranks of the armed forces but of also capturing significant officer positions. Communist sympathisers now occupied commanding positions in the 1st Division, the 2nd Division, the 20th Brigade of the 3rd Division, the 6th Armoured Brigade and four tank regiments, among others and the total number of senior Communist officers now outnumbered the number of officers aligned to the Free Officer movement at its decisive moment in July 1958(23). With such crushing strength not only could a transfer of power been effected, but the overwhelming balance of forces in favour of the revolution meant that it could have been achieved in a relatively peaceful manner.
The conquest of power was far from the horizons of the ICP leaders however who limited themselves to petitioning Qaseem for ministerial portfolios in the government. Qaseem though refused and the ICP was now faced with a stark choice. Despite trying to dodge the question of power, it now posed itself point blank: either the party must acquiesce to Qaseem's refusal or else it must seize power on its own initiative. The whole past policy of the ICP now stood as an obstacle to bold action: if it chose to seize power into its own hands now it would have to contend with the illusions that the party itself had sown in Qaseem among the masses.
Such a sharp turn would doubtless have involved risks, but with a bold agitation in favour of an Iraqi October, the huge reserves of support that the ICP enjoyed would surely have guaranteed its victory. A Socialist Workers' and Peasants' Republic of Iraq based upon collective ownership of the land and the big businesses would have shone like a beacon across the Middle East and the world. The Soviet bureaucracy however saw such an outcome as a nightmare scenario, and in the debate that took place it was the Moscow bureaucracy which swung the decision.
Arguing from the point of view of their own narrow geopolitical interests, the Stalinists were more concerned with preserving friendly relations with other regimes in the region which they understood would be implacably hostile to a Socialist Republic of Iraq. The USSR made explicit that in the case of such a seizure of power there would be no attempt to come to the assistance of the Iraqi Communists by Russian forces. All history has shown however and particularly the history of the Arab world that a revolution in Iraq would not remain confined within the limits of that country but would have found points of support across the entire region. The Arab Spring of 2011 showed how revolutions have no respect for national boundaries much less artificially imposed colonial boundaries and in practice tend to spread like wildfire.
The Reaction and the Ba'ath Party
Aref and Qasim - Photo: Public DomainIndecision and weakness at key historical junctures almost invariably bears a heavy cost for any revolutionary party. Having let slip a key opportunity to seize power, each new event now rebounded against the ICP. In July 1959, on the event of the anniversary of the July Revolution a deadly clash occurred between Kurds and Turkmen in the city of Kirkuk. Blame was cast on the ICP in psychological preparation for an onslaught against the party. After a period of hesitation the party eventually condemned the violence but then went one further and subjected itself to public humiliation.
In the name of conducting an "orderly retreat" the party now publicly recanted its previously stringent demand for a role in the government. Qaseem, moving with the prevailing wind, took the opportunity to lean from the left foot to the right in order to deal blows against the party. Communists occupying senior civil service or military positions were removed and an edict was issued ordering the disarmament of the People's Resistance. To prove its loyalty to the government the party now took a disastrous step that would leave it completely defenceless in the face of reaction: it declared that it was freezing activity within the army. Such displays of weakness did little to change Qaseem's course however.
After a botched attempt by the Ba'ath party to assassinate Qaseem on 7th October 1959 the fortunes of the ICP received a temporary fillip. Such tactics of individual terror illustrated that the forces of reaction as yet had no serious social base and would take some time yet to become consolidated. Rather it was from the state itself that the most significant blows continued to be struck against the ICP. Starting with the removal of the ICP's license whilst Qaseem was still coalescing in his hospital bed, the government began fixing elections against the Communists in the unions and the mass organisations, and shut down the most implacably pro-Communist organisations. The landlords and capitalists, interpreting the passivity of the ICP as a sign of weakness, were now emboldened to go on to the offensive.
In Mosul, with the ICP now only semi-legal, the fundamentalist Islamic Party was given legal license and a "Black Terror" was unleashed against the workers a tradition that reactionary forces have revived today. Fatwahs were issued by the clergy and material rewards of 10 dinars per head were offered by local merchants to encourage the murder of communist activists(25). Nationalists and lumpen gangsters threw themselves into the orgy of violence that left hundreds of communists dead and thousands wounded. Across the country Baath party thugs and organised criminal elements backed by local elites took on with gusto the role of auxiliaries in assisting the disarmament of the ICP and the Peoples Resistance.
It is important to note that until the 1960's some months after the point of inflection of the revolution the membership of the main party of reaction, the Ba'ath party, was extremely low numbering little more than a few hundred members in the whole country. This fact is indicative of a historical law that operates in the upward curve of all revolutions: that in the first instance the petty bourgeoisie tends to look towards the working class and its organisations, in this case the ICP, to solve its problems.
The element of time, however, does not favour revolutions, which are tremendous devourers of human energy, and the longer the impasse persisted the more the conjuncture of forces tended to favour the counter-revolution until such point as a tipping point was reached. The failure of the ICP to capitalise on a historic opportunity to seize power frustrated the unstable middle classes. Several years of chaos and heavy sacrifices had not led to any tangible concessions for the middle classes who yearned for stability and a resolution. Having seen the vacillation of the ICP, they were no longer impressed by it and looked elsewhere for a strong leadership. A section of these layers now shifted its hopes towards the Ba'ath party, which through its bold policy of street confrontations appeared to represent a far more action-inclined and decisive political alternative.
By late 1962 Qaseem's balancing act had unravelled to the favour of the counter-revolution. Under the cover of a Ba'ath organised student strike beginning at the end of that year, a coup was launched on 8th February 1963. Key ICP strongholds were targeted in the attack, including the grounding of the Communist-majority air fleet. Taken by surprise Qaseem held a council with his key supporters in the military at which the Communists urged him to arm the masses now streaming into the streets from the working class districts. Qaseem refused however and the ICP was at last forced to look upon his role with sober senses. The party dropped any reference to Qaseem from its proclamations and appealed to the masses to come to arms, but it was too late.(26)
The masses were now disarmed and completely miseducated and continued raising the old ICP slogan of full support for "the sole leader Qaseem," whilst Qaseem himself directly impeded the arming of the people. Only here and there were communists able to acquire weapons by storming police stations. In the words of the party's First Secretary, ar-Radi, the party had become "like the revolver of one of the comrades, which, being unoiled and uncleaned, had rested and no longer fired."(27)
In acts of tragically doomed bravery, the masses threw themselves unarmed at tanks and machine guns and were mown down. After begging Aref, his former comrade, to spare his life Qaseem surrendered on 9th February and was quickly dispatched by firing squad. The fighting however raged on through to the 10th in Baghdad, with the hardcore of the Communist Party putting up a fierce resistance to the very end. It wasn't until the 12th that the rebels were able to extend their control to Basrah.
The ICP had pulled back from the opportunity to seize power in part to avoid civil war but this was precisely what was now upon the party. In the months following the Ba'athist coup a one sided civil war was unleashed against communists, the working class and the revolutionary peasantry. To the same degree that the pendulum had swung in favour of the revolution, it now swung sharply towards counter-revolution in a bloodletting that left the post-Wathbah repression in the shade. According to the King of Jordan (himself a CIA agent) arrests were conducted on the basis of pre-prepared lists supplied by US intelligence agencies. To the thousands killed in the coup itself was now added the wholesale torture and massacre of thousands more.
The Unfinished Revolution
The defeat of the Revolution of 1958-63 represents one of the most tragic episodes of 20th Century history. Properly speaking it is impossible to speak of the July Revolution as the "Iraqi" Revolution. Rather it formed one link in the chain that was the huge revolutionary wave of the Colonial Revolution, which involved hundreds of millions of people in its tremendous sweep.
The stakes could not have been higher. A victory for the Iraqi working class would have struck a catastrophic blow against imperialism that would have provided a launch pad for ejecting imperialism from the entire region. Victory over capitalism and feudalism in Iraq would have sounded the death knell for the reactionary regimes across the Middle East. Defeat however has reaped a bitter harvest for the people of the entire region that continues to be felt to this day. Imperialist meddling, war, poverty, sectarian violence and national oppression, all of which should have been buried long ago, have taken on horrific proportions.
The sole responsibility for this defeat lies at the feet of the Stalinist bureaucracy in Moscow whose spineless betrayal stood in sharp relief to the bravery and heroism of Iraqs workers and poor. The theoretical cloak for this betrayal was provided by the Stalinist theory of revolution by stages, which insists on tying the workers' movement to the "progressive" wing of the bourgeoisie. However, the Iraqi bourgeoisie was reactionary from its very inception and at every key juncture, as we have seen, played the most deplorable role.
In casting around for a representative of the non-existent progressive bourgeois the ICP settled on the person of Qaseem. The reforms carried out by his government (arming the Peoples Resistance, breaking up the biggest estates, investment in social programs, etc.) seemed to justify this approach. In reality however, these concessions were wrung under the pressure of the revolutionary masses who at any moment threatened to completely overwhelm the regime.
Qaseems policy was not based upon any progressive bourgeois class, which was implacably counter-revolutionary, but on a balancing act between the classes - what Marxists refer to as Bonapartism. By leaning first on the workers and peasants and then the capitalists and landlords Qaseem was able to deal blows against threats to his power proceeding from both directions. Ultimately however his power rested on the social base of rotten Iraqi capitalism.
Under rapidly alternating conditions of revolution and counter-revolution such a balancing act is like walking a tightrope whilst being buffeted in all directions by fierce winds. The consolidation of a democratic regime was ultimately impossible without a genuinely revolutionary class definitely seizing power and dealing a decisive blow against the counter-revolution. Only the seizure of power by the working class, at the head of the mass of poor peasants, the urban poor and the lower layers of the middle class, could have laid the basis for such an outcome.
With the ICP paralysed by its own Stalinist outlook, the only other possible outcome was the victory of the counter-revolution. This now played itself out over the course of years, leading to the destruction of the Communist Party and the consolidation of the brutal Saddam Hussein dictatorship. The collapse of Stalinism has created an effective vacuum at the head of the working class. This is true not only in Iraq but across the entire Arab world, which was once home to some of the worlds most powerful Communist movements. Such a vacuum must be filled and, as we can see today, the danger exists that all manner of accidental elements such as the religious clerics may succeed for a time in filling this gap.
Seemingly the task is now one of beginning from scratch. As we have said once before, however: history wastes nothing. The 1958 revolution laid down a revolutionary, secular and communistic tradition that remains within living memory. If the modern Iraqi working class can rediscover those traditions on a higher level today, freed from the distortions of Stalinism, then no force on Earth will be able stop it. Today the working class of Iraq stands infinitely stronger than it did in the 50's and 60's. In 1957 the urban population represented 38.9% of the population, whereas today that figure stands at 69.5% - a figure which does not give a full picture of the increased specific weight of the proletariat as a class within Iraqi society.
Under the contradictions of capitalism building up on a world scale today, and the particularly acute expression that these find in Iraq, a new generation is growing up. For this generation power cuts, crumbling infrastructure, collapsing services, joblessness, poverty and terrorism are daily plagues. The ruling class meanwhile has long ceased to take society forward. They are synonymous with greed, privatisation, corruption, sectarianism, incompetence and parasitism. The conditions in Iraq today cry out for the socialist reorganisation of society. The contradictions will permit no other solution. Sooner or later the young generation will be forced to take the revolutionary road once again. If a genuine Communist Party basing itself on the real traditions of Bolshevism can be built in time, its victory shall be guaranteed. In the words of Marx commenting on France's June Insurrection of 1848:
Proletarian revolutions [...] criticise themselves constantly; constantly interrupt themselves in their own course; come back to what seems to have been accomplished, in order to start over anew; scorn with cruel thoroughness the half measures, weaknesses and paltriness of their first attempts; seem to throw down their adversary only in order to enable him to draw fresh strength from the earth, and again, to rise up against them in more gigantic stature; constantly recoil in fear before the undefined monster magnitude of their own objectsuntil finally that situation is created which renders all retreat impossible, and the conditions themselves cry out:
'Hic Rhodus, hic salta!' (Here is the rose, dance here!) (28)
1Batatu H The Old Social Classes and the Revolutionary Movements of Iraq p244, tables 9-3 and 9-4.
2ibid p267
3ibid p175
4Peter Lieb, 2012, Suppressing insurgencies in comparison: the Germans in the Ukraine, 1918, and the British in Mesopotamia, 1920, Small Wars and Insurgencies 23:4-5, pp637-647
5Batatu H p35
7ibid p437
7ibid p437
8ibid p443
9ibid p30
10ibid p548
11ibid p562
12ibid p553
13ibid p555
14ibid p559
15ibid p669
16ibid 688
17ibid p709
19Batatu H p833
20ibid p857
21ibid p892
22ibid p834
23Alexander A, "Political opportunities and collective action in the Iraqi revolution 1958-59", International Journal of Contemporary Iraqi Studies V2 No.2, p256
24Batatu H p927
25ibid p951
26ibid p979
27ibid p980
28Marx, The Eighteenth Bumaire of Louis Bonaparte
Earns TJX Cos
FILE - In this file photo made Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, people walk past a TJ Maxx store in Boston. AP Photo/Lisa Poole, file)
(Lisa Poole)
Just two women were among the highest paid 100 executives in Massachusetts in 2015, according to research by the Boston Business Journal.
Former TJX CEO Carol Meyrowitz, who stepped down in January, earned $18 million, making fourth place on the list, the Journal reported. And Radius Health Chief Medical Officer Lorraine Fitzpatrick placed 62nd, with earnings of $6.1 million.
Four women made the list last year. As the Journal noted, women are underrepresented at the top of Massachusetts companies in general; a study by the Boston Club, a women's corporate leadership organization, found that 12 percent of executives in the state's top 100 companies were women.
'While I'm certainly not happy to hear this, I'm not particularly surprised,' Boston Club Executive Director Constance Armstrong told the Journal.
A Boston Globe report on the state's corporate diversity last December found that 80 percent of board directors were white men. State Sen. Karen Spilka described diversity at the top of Massachusetts' largest companies as "abysmally low."
STOCKBRIDGE - Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality Group (MSHG), announces the creation of new strategic management role to help guide growth and engagement in the communities in which the hotel owner and manager operates.
Brian Butterworth, who has led the sales efforts for the company for nearly 14 years, will step into the newly created role of Senior Director of Business Development, Community and Industry Affairs, effective immediately.
"As Main Street Hospitality grows it is critical that we nurture and leverage our commitment to being invested in our communities and leaders in the travel and tourism industry," said Eustis. "These two key aspects of our identity set us apart and continue a long tradition of engagement in the communities in which we live and work," she added.
Eustis cited these key factors as the reason for the creation of the new position. With nearly 14 years leading the sales team for MSHG, Butterworth has developed a broad network in the tourism and hospitality industries at the local, state, national and international level, as well as with government and non-profit organizations. "Once the need for this highly strategic new role was identified, it was clear that Brian was the perfect fit for the position, bringing experience, contacts and knowledge to embrace the goals and responsibilities required," said Eustis.
Butterworth's key areas of responsibility will be overseeing all aspects of community and legislative engagement, developing new projects and markets, and generating sales leads and business opportunities for all properties. He reports directly to the CEO and will work closely with the leadership team. In his new role, he will continue to lead MSHG's alliances with industry organizations that include the National Tour Association, New England Inns & Resorts, the Massachusetts Lodging Association, the New England Society of Association Executives, and Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, among others.
As part of his community affairs role, Butterworth will also develop and lead MSHG's charitable giving strategy, developing annual plans and partnerships.
"We are truly thrilled to have Brian serve this critical role as we expand into other markets and develop new successful ventures," said Eustis.
Brian Butterworth joined the company in 2003, bringing a solid background in hospitality operations and finance. Prior experience included his role as an innkeeper for Baron Management to successfully transition distressed New England properties. In addition to numerous memberships and board positions with leading industry associations, he was a recipient of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism's Larry D. Meehan Award for excellence in leadership. A graduate of SUNY at Syracuse University, he resides in West Stockbridge, MA, with his wife.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway plays a dynamic yet vulnerable business executive in the 2015 film, "The Intern,'' which also starred Robert De Niro. It received mixed reviews from critics but was popular with audiences.
(AP photo)
One of my hobbies is to watch a movie, then check out the reviews to see how wrong the experts are.
It's not that I see that many movies; I rarely visit the theater, and my tastes run to the older, TCM-type stuff on TV. Many of today's blockbusters are action-packed, and my preference is dialogue-packed, with subtlety and nuance rather than blown-up buildings and alien invasions.
My brother-in-law has done film reviews. I am happy to report he is a normal person, but I'm not sure he has much company within his genre.
This came to mind after I watched "The Intern," a 2015 flick starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. Like most modern comedies, it comes attached with a message, this one being that an older man can actually function and thrive in the modern, younger techno workplace, even one supervised by a dynamic, gung-ho female.
Hathaway is one of my favorites because she strikes me as very strong yet very feminine, and able to advance each trait without forfeiting the other. De Niro is making a smooth transition to movies than reflect his age (72), and as someone only a decade or so behind him, I root for guys like that.
The movie entertained me without making me tense. It made me feel some really good people of each gender and all ages still lurk in this cutthroat, selfish world. Predictably, most reviewers panned it, though De Niro's performance was spared.
The critiques zoomed in on the plot's deviation from the modern description of relationships, where the woman is up against all sorts of unfair odds (though in this film, Hathaway's character actually is, and she wins), and the male of the species is providing little more than being in the way.
This is true in many aspects of real life, but not all. The aging male in me admits to enjoying a movie that didn't lean on this 21st Century Hollywood cliche.
One review even questioned what the reviewer considered a sneaky inclusion of "conservative values" into the movie. Apparently, treating men as real human people, and more than just a pack of sexually depraved dumbbells, qualifies as conservative values nowadays.
My favorite line in my post-film "review of reviews" came from Wikipedia, of all places. "The film was well-liked by audiences,'' it said, with favorable polling numbers to back up the claim.
Ah - well-liked by audiences, disdained by critics. As my English teacher would say, ain't that always so true?
Movie reviewers are plagued by the same tendency that narrows the view of political pundits and sportswriters. They spend too much time with their own kind, or at least it seems that way because their view of a what people like is often at odds with what people actually like.
This was the undoing of Bosley Crowther, one of the most famous reviewers of all. A New York Times film critic for 27 years, Crowther was the definitive word of film review for most of that time until 1967, when he torched "Bonnie and Clyde'' - a wildly popular film whose themes differed greatly from the movies Crowther lavished with praise in the 1940s and 1950s.
Sounding like an angry parent lecturing America for liking the film, Crowther panned it repeatedly, sometimes inserting criticism in reviews of other movies. America essentially told the old man he was out of touch, and Crowther was done.
Reviewers are especially out of touch when it comes to films for children. They analyze script direction and character depth as if it were a salad with several ingredients they would like removed.
Kids want to see something that's fun. They don't expect "Alvin and the Chipmunks" to be Hamlet, and neither do many of their parents, who will be willing to give any film a top rating if the actors keep their clothes on.
Critics tend to see movies through an adult lens and often, an all too calculating and cynical lens that dismisses the preferences of viewers under 15 and over 55. This does not mean every movie should get a free pass. It does mean the critics should put themselves in the place of the viewer, whose judgments are based on much different emotions than theirs.
"The Intern" made me think about the disconnected worlds of reviewers and the general public because I didn't expect to like it, yet found myself watching it comfortably and wondering where it was headed.
It had a happy ending, and I think in this stressful world, just about all films should have happy endings. It didn't have a man in an insect suit climbing a building, and that was refreshing because it's hard to find such a flick these days.
The dialogue was mature and intelligent. The characters were moving and credible, whether they fit the modern movie model or not. Not a drop of blood was shed, and the F-bomb was used only once and there reason to use it.
A little color in the cast wouldn't have hurt; that showed up in almost every review. Still, while, "The Intern" wasn't a film classic, it was very enjoyable.
It did not surprise me that the critics did not enjoy it. My suggestion is for all of them to take a night off, get away from their jobs and relax.
They should take in a movie and simply enjoy it, the way their public does. For some, it might be the first time.
LONGMEADOW The lights shut off, and all eyes in the room looked intently to the screen, on which five films premiered.
"It's just so cool to see the complete piece, to see it all come together," Laura Giuggio said after the screening. "When they watch their movies, they get so excited."
Last week's event at the Center Elementary School capped off a project in Giuggio's fifth grade technology integration classes, for which students write, direct, act in and edit short films based on their school curriculum. About 50 parents gathered in the school's community room at 9 a.m. for premieres of films made by students in Jamie Quinn's fifth grade class.
Students began work on their films about the American Colonial era in the classroom about 12 weeks ago, when they started learning about the time period and writing journals about historical event in the first person as someone from the past. Four weeks into the unit, they were ready to start pre-production, Giuggio said.
After writing their own screenplays, they memorized their lines and filmed their scenes in the Center School's green screen studio. Next, they imported images to create a background for their scenes, edited the films and added credits.
In films about subject matter ranging from Pocahontas to Colonial era trading, actors in the films appeared in scenes taking place on ships, in churches and a variety of landscapes.
"I'm so proud of you," Giuggio said from the podium, after the screening.
Students, some dressed in suits for the occasion, collected "Academy Awards" presented by Quinn with varying degrees of swagger. After accepting the replica Oscar statues for their film "A Day's Trade," Mikey Fitz, Ryan Clark, Grace Mirhej and Paul Barrett dramatically bowed for parents snapping photos.
Longmeadow Superintendent Marie Doyle, who attended, praised the event, saying that it will likely be one of the highlights of students' time at the Center School.
"I think this type of project has a lasting impact," Doyle said. "They'll never forget this."
Giuggio has used the fifth graders' curriculum to choose a topic for the films for the past three years, she said. Integrating her technology course with the children's social studies curriculum has the benefit of teaching them about things like camera work and editing, while cementing the information they learn in the classroom.
"I feel like they're going to remember every single thing about Colonial times that were presented today," Giuggio said. "They were so involved, that there's no way they are going to forget."
BOSTON - Standing in front of dozens of seized firearms, top federal and local law enforcement officials said after a number of Thursday morning raids they've taken members of violent gangs operating in the Boston metropolitan area off the streets.
Daniel Kumor, the special agent in charge of the Boston office of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), said the 14-month investigation initially focused on the 18th Street Gang before expanding to include others like the East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Street Gang.
The 18th Street gang, a rival of the MS-13, whose members were also hauled in by federal officials, operates in the U.S. and Central America.
"We have you in our sights and you are next," Kumor said during a press conference at the federal Moakley Courthouse, directing his remarks to gang members who are still out there.
He was joined by U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans.
Ortiz noted that law enforcement officials landed devastating blows to the leadership and members of MS-13 and the Columbia Point Dawgs in the last year.
But she acknowledged that it can seem like playing a "game of whack-a-mole," taking gangs out and others taking their places. But law enforcement officials realize the power of a united front, she added.
"As challenging as it is in many ways our collaboration is stronger than ever before," Ortiz said.
They plan to continue to use wiretaps to take out gangs. Social media has also been a great provider of evidence against gang members, she said.
While the serial numbers for some guns have been obliterated, officials said they are primarily coming from outside of Massachusetts, and primarily from the southern U.S., including Virginia, Georgia and Florida.
Massachusetts State Police Col. Richard McKeon said he hopes the cache of weapons they've seized will help solve several murders through ballistics.
SPRINGFIELD - Adams terrorism suspect Alexander Ciccolo made his first appearance in U.S. District Court in nearly a year on Thursday, only to hear the government is still sitting on its decision as to whether or not to bring terror-related charges against him.
"I need to understand why it's really in the interest of justice to continue this case," U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine Robertson asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Shukla. "It seems like a sufficient amount of time for the government to make a decision on whether this case is going to change. I'll hear you on why this case should just drag on like this."
Shukla asked the judge to answer at sidebar, so her explanation was not offered in open court.
Defense attorney David P. Hoose told the magistrate judge he felt his hands were tied.
"It's frustrating to me that it's taking this long and it's frustrating to Mr. Ciccolo as well," Hoose said. "But really, we don't have much of a choice in the matter."
Ciccolo, 24 -- who has spent nearly a year of pretrial time in federal prison -- was brought to court Thursday from the Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island.
He was charged with illegal possession of weapons last year, after he collected a duffel bag full of guns from a government informant on July 4, 2015. Court records filed in connection with the case state Ciccolo told the witness he was hatching a plan to carry out terror attacks on public places including a police station and at a college using explosives and guns.
After his arrest, Ciccolo told an FBI agent in a video interview that he was on the side of ISIS.
"They're freeing people from oppression. Wherever they go, they're changing things," Ciccolo is heard saying in the nine-minute clip. "The people you see being executed, they're criminals. They're the lowest of the low."
Ciccolo also was charged with assaulting a nurse during a standard intake at Franklin County House of Corrections. He stabbed her in the head with a pen in an unprovoked attack, according to investigators. Ciccolo later apologized through his lawyer.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to both allegations.
Ciccolo does not face any terror-related charges currently, despite the government recovering Molotov cocktails and other incendiary devices at his apartment, court records state.
In a pretrial conference in February, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin O'Regan told Robertson prosecutors were "much closer" to a decision on additional charges and suggested Justice Dept. officials in Washington D.C. were holding up the case.
"Because of the nature of these charges, these discussions are longer and involve a lot more people," he told Robertson.
Hoose said Thursday that he recognized the government has "a pretty strong case" thus far, and if Ciccolo chose to take it to trial or enter a plea, he would "lose all control."
"I wouldn't want Mr. Ciccolo sitting in a federal prison for a couple of years and they say: 'You're up for release, but they are going to charge you (again) now,'" Hoose said.
Thursday's session ended with the scheduling of yet another pretrial hearing, for July 13, without any promises from the government.
Screen Shot 2016-06-09 at 12.02.56 PM.png
With an eye toward inclusivity, the Worcester Art Museum has made its single-stall restrooms gender neutral.
(Courtesy Worcester Art Museum)
WORCESTER -- With an eye toward inclusivity, the Worcester Art Museum has made its single-stall restrooms gender neutral.
Signs that read "All gender restroom, please knock" were placed outside the institution's two private restrooms on Monday, according to Adam Rozan, Worcester Art Museum's director of audience engagement.
"The little things are so significant," Rozan said of the signs when reached by phone Thursday. "I think that in this case, updating those signs to the bathrooms is really important."
Multi-stall restrooms will remain gender-specific, mostly for architectural reasons, he said.
The nation's clash over the rights of transgender people has escalated sharply over the past two months, spurred by North Carolina's passage of a law that prohibits people from using restrooms that do not correspond with the gender listed on their birth certificates.
The Obama Administration issued a directive in May that ordered U.S. public schools to allow transgender students to use the bathrooms that match their gender identity.
Rozan said national discussions didn't play into Worcester Art Museum's decision, and that the signs have been in the works for a while now.
"It's all about our commitment of accessibility and really being guest-focused," he said.
Worcester Art Museum blogged about the signs here.
SPRINGFIELD It took only a couple of hours for a jury to deliver a verdict in the civil trial of Gregory C. Neffinger, a former West Springfield mayor accused of wrongfully terminating Christopher Keefe, a former principal assessor who sued the town after he was fired in February 2012.
A Hampden Superior Court jury on Wednesday determined that Neffinger did not terminate Keefe in violation of public policy, and denied Keefe's request for financial damages.
The lawsuit claimed Neffinger fired Keefe for refusing to circumvent Department of Revenue guidelines pertaining to the taxation of nonprofit organizations, which are not considered tax-exempt charities just because they are nonprofits.
Neffinger testified during the four-day trial that he only asked Keefe to check if nonprofit social clubs were eligible for some form of tax relief. Four clubs in West Springfield were issued property tax bills for the first time in history, and Keefe was the person who issued the bills.
Keefe said he was following DOR rules, but Neffinger said he believed the principal assessor had more discretionary powers to grant tax relief.
Neffinger said he fired Keefe, an at-will employee who served at the mayor's pleasure, because he found him to be evasive, unfriendly and unwilling to work with him. Neffinger took office in January 2012 and fired Keefe the following month.
Keefe's replacement, Lauren Elliott, who is now an assessor in Connecticut, testified that DOR guidelines are not binding, but rather just general rules for assessors who have discretion to offer tax relief. Elliott offered abatements to three of the four clubs in West Springfield that were seeking tax relief, basing the reductions on the percentage of charitable uses for the properties in question.
The jury twelve members and two alternates did not find a "preponderance of evidence" to find Neffinger responsible for causing financial harm to Keefe, who was unemployed for about six months and now earns around $84,000 annually. He earned around $71,000 as a West Springfield employee.
Testimony in the case showed that Keefe and Neffinger's brief professional relationship was strained. Neffinger acknowledged yelling at Keefe while discussing the status of possible abatements for the clubs, but they agreed about few other details of the contentious meeting. Keefe was fired the next day.
Neffinger did not return a message from The Republican. He and the town were represented by attorney Patricia M. Rapinchuk.
Keefe was represented by attorney Tani E. Sapirstein, who declined to comment on the jury's verdict.
SPRINGFIELD -- Timothy Barr, 24, has pleaded guilty in a June 2013 Holyoke home invasion.
Barr, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced Monday by Hampden Superior Court Judge John Agostini to three years in state prison followed by three years of probation.
Barr, represented by attorney Joe Smith III, has credit for 1,028 days in jail awaiting trial that will be applied to his sentence.
He pleaded guilty to four counts of home invasion, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of intimidation of a witness and a count of larceny from a building in the case prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ingrid E. Frau.
Timothy O. Barr
According to police, two men entered the 1037 Dwight St. apartment with firearms when a woman, her daughter and grandchildren were home. One pointed a gun at the women and children while the other went through the apartment and took money.
Barr was arrested in August 2013 in Allentown.
Another man had been a co-defendant in the case. Norwood Thomas, 32, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was acquitted by a Hampden Superior Court jury in January 2015 of four counts of home invasion and seven other charges.
Legislation Improves the Affordable Care Act and Restores a Pipeline of Medical Professionals to Critical Access Hospitals
Following his groundbreaking Rural Health Summit, Senator Jon Tester today introduced legislation that will improve the Affordable Care Act and bring more medical professionals to rural Montana communities.
Testers bill, the Restoring Rural Residencies Act, will allow Medicare to reimburse residency programs for the time residents spend at Critical Access Hospitals. Currently, regulations implementing the Affordable Care Act restrict Medicare from covering the costs of training resident physicians at a Critical Access Hospital, and has restricted efforts to expand the training medical professionals in rural communities.
"Folks in rural communities deserve access to quality health care," Tester said. "Critical Access Hospitals are often the only place families can turn to for care in remote parts of our state. If we want more doctors to practice in rural areas, we need to train them in rural areas and this bill will get more doctors practicing in rural hospitals across Montana."
Last week, Tester hosted the first ever Rural Health Summit http://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4582 and heard directly from health care providers, policy makers, and health care officials about the challenges of recruiting and retaining medical professionals in rural communities.
Testers bill will increase the number of doctors training in rural settings, and encourage more medical professionals to practice in rural communities.
Critical Access Hospitals are hospitals with fewer than 25 inpatient beds and are located in rural areas of the country. There are 46 Critical Access Hospitals across Montana.
Tester is also sponsoring the PARTS Act http://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3759 , which will allow rural hospitals to provide outpatient treatment to Medicare patients without requiring the presence of an attending physician, and the Critical Access Hospitals Relief Act https://www.scribd.com/doc/253992689/Tester-s-bipartisan-Critical-Access-Hospital-Relief-Act , which removes the requirement that Critical Access Hospitals discharge or transfer patients in less than 96 hours.
Testers bill is supported by doctors, hospital professionals, and the WWAMI regional education program, which educates and trains the majority of Montanas medical students:
"The Montana WWAMI program as an important part of the physician workforce pipeline in Montana looks forward to having access to rural rotations available in Montana during residency training. The Restoring Rural Residencies Act is key to allowing our small rural critical access hospitals in Montana to help train the next generation of Montana rural physician. This Act will be important to help solve the rural physician workforce problems in Montana and throughout the US," said Dr. Jay Erickson, Assistant Dean of the Montana WWAMI Clinical Office.
"Current policy is very unfair to rural America and this legislation will help us deal with our severe physician shortage in Montanas rural communities," said Dr. Nicholas Wolter, CEO, Billings Clinic.
"This is a public health issue," said Dick Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Hospital Association. "Our doctors are aging right along with their neighbors, and rural Montana will continue to bear the brunt of current and future medical workforce shortages. This bill will not only save lives by expanding rural health opportunities to highly trained professionals, it will improve health care quality and access throughout the region."
"This important legislation addresses unintended consequences of the ACA. NRHA whole-heartedly supports and applauds the efforts of Senator Tester in fighting to improve access to physician care in rural America. Growing rural physician residency programs is the proven way to alleviate healthcare workforce shortages and bring needed care to underserved rural communities," said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association.
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UM Family Medicine Residency Program Announces New Class of
Residents http://www.matr.net/article-70860.html
University of Montana Family Medicine Residency Program Interviews Record
Number of Applicants http://www.matr.net/article-69251.html
Calling all makers and innovators. Do you have what it takes to be the next Americas Greatest Maker?
Now Casting: Designers, Engineers, Inventors and Makers! Calling all Designers, Engineers, Inventors and Makers! Intel, legendary Executive Producer Mark Burnett, MGM Television and Turner Broadcasting are looking for the most innovative makers to join Season 2 of Americas Greatest Makers. Do you have an amazing idea for the next big smart connected device? Apply now for the chance to make your dream a reality using Intels latest technology including the Intel Curie Module and upcoming advanced developer platforms that can connect to a broad array of input and output devices (including cameras and displays). Winner walks away with $1 million dollars! What will YOU make?
https://venertainment.com/America-s-Greatest-Makers/
Google Fiber is experimenting with the technology in Kansas City and plans to have a test wireless network up and running by years end. Its trying to solve whats called "the last mile problem" that requires laying fiber-optic cables.
Google parent Alphabet is focusing on new cheaper wireless technology to beam ultra high-speed Internet into peoples homes, executive chairman Eric Schmidt told shareholders during the companys annual meeting on Wednesday.
"To give you an idea of how serious this is," Schmidt said he had a "lengthy" meeting with Alphabet CEO Larry Page and Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat to discuss the technology on Tuesday.
Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY
Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/06/08/google-gets-serious-beaming-wireless-broadband-into-homes/85627086/
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
ELIZABETH GLASER PEDIATRIC AIDS FOUNDATION
Job title : Administration Officer
Location : Kinshasa, DRC
Primary manager : HR and Administration Manager
Direct report to this position : Office attendant
"Sometimes in life there is that moment when it's possible to make a change for the better. This is one of those moments."
-Elizabeth Glaser
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a global leader in the fight against pediatric HIV and AIDS, working in 15 countries and at over 7,000 sites around the world to prevent the transmission of HIV to children, and to help those already infected. Today, because of the highly successful work of the Foundation and its partners, pediatric AIDS has been virtually eliminated in the United States. With a growing global staff of over 1,000nine of 10 who work in the fieldthe Foundations global mission is to implement HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs; further advance innovative research; and to execute strategic and targeted global advocacy activities to bring dramatic change to the lives of millions of women, children, and families worldwide
Job Summary
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF DRC) intends to recruit an Administration Officer for its head office in Kinshasa. The Administration Officer will be providingadministrative operational support-to the DRC program and report- to the HR&Admin Manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1.1. Mail & invoice Administration
In charge of the mailing function,receive and distribute mail accordingly. -
Ensure proper handling of invoices and liaise with finance for payment to vendors -thisincludes receiving of invoices, ensuring they are stamped and recorded inthe mail register prior to sending them to finance/P & L for payment.
Ensure payments for utilities, medical fees, communication, rent, office security etc. are processed-on time;
Assist various departments to send out parcels and documents and follow up on receiving the same from different couriers recommended by the office.
1.2. Official documents and registration
Assist in drafting correspondence to various administrative and public services authorities.
Maintain & update the tracker of all official registration documents and ensure their renewal
Carry out other -administrativeduties as assigned by the HR and Admin Manager.
1.3. Office maintenance
Assists to oversee the use and maintenance of the office equipment/space including the photocopier, Air Conditioners, painting etc
Assist the HR and Admin manager in ensuring that the building is clean and organized at all times
1.4. Stores
Maintain the office supplystore and ensure that all materials in the stores are well sorted out and arranged at all times.
Conduct the quarterly inventory in collaboration with the procurement and logistic department in order to comply -with our internal operations policies.
Ensure that up to date records are maintained for all supplies purchased and distributedto staff.
1.5. Visa application et travel facilities
Assist Visiting Foundation staff in obtaining DRC visas by following up on invitation letters and all other regulatory requirements.
Liaise with hotels and guest house for reservation (conference and living rooms)
Maintain an ongoing relationshipwith transportation, especially Airlines for facilitating air tickets for local and international travels.
1.6. Other duties
Provide administrative support to other departments in the operations as requested.
Required Qualifications
University Degree in Social Sciences or related discipline.
3 years experience minimum experience in an administration position dealing with protocol logistics
Previous experience in working with international NGOs is an added advantage.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong focus and problem solving coupled with flexibility.
Must have interpersonal skills to interact with various departments and with outside reporting jurisdictions
Excellent computer skills; advanced knowledge of general office applications (i.e., Excel, Word, Outlook); working knowledge of advanced office applications (i.e., Access, PowerPoint)
Good understanding of the DRC immigration procedures and regulations
Ability to work under pressure and meet continual deadlines
Fluent verbal and written communication skills.in both French and English
How to apply
Please send your C.V and cover letter in English explaining how you meet each of the responsibilities above to DRC.recruitment@pedaids.org no later than June 20, 2016. Please write Administration Officer in the subject of the mail.
Only candidates meeting the listed requirements will be considered. No phone calls or paper applications will be accepted.
Notes: This is a local recruitment open to Congolese citizens only. If a candidate living outside Kinshasa is selected, the Foundation is not liable to pay a relocation package to the candidate.
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
by Verena Thompson , Columnist, June 7, 2016
Were seeing unprecedented changes in the world of travel and tourism, from the emergence of the sharing economy to the rise of the millennial traveler. But how can marketers capitalize on these trends to obtain a real edge in a fast-changing market?
To answer that question, we discussed the latest developments in the travel industry with vacationers, business travelers, industry experts, and working professionals throughout the United States and Latin America. Those conversations led to six key insights that, when thoughtfully applied, should help you create and maintain a lasting impression among travelers of all agesand prepare for the trends yet to come.
1. Were Living in the Age of the Road Warrior. Todays travelers are open, spontaneous, and fearlessstretching their money, planning as they go, and getting the most out of every moment. For these road warriors, technology plays an essential role in solving problems and amplifying experiences. So how can you get them in your camp? By embracing flexibility and celebrating consumer choice.
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2. Its Not a Vacation. Its Personal Development Time. Vacations arent just vacations anymore. Theyre opportunities for enrichment. Todays travelers want fresh educational experiences to prepare them for life in an increasingly interconnected society. Heres one way to approach it: think of social media as the new souvenir. What can travelers share on their social networks to help drive more business for your brand?
3. Live Like a Local. Tourist is a four-letter word. Todays travelers dont want a fabricated experience pre-packaged for non-natives. Theyre looking for a true sense of day-to-day life in a distant land.Your job, then, is to help them do less sightseeing and more connecting. Focus on forging one-on-one interactions between travelers and locals.
4. Share and Share Alike. The peer-to-peer marketplace isnt your enemy. In fact, services like Airbnb can be wellsprings of inspirationand opportunities for innovation. The simple fact is that the sharing economy is here to stay, so dont fight it. Instead, find ways to accommodate and capitalize on this new era of co-ownership and exchange.
5. Experience Is King. The days of one-upmanship are gone. Todays voyagers want to create unique travel experiences that cant be duplicated. They discover and express their individuality at every point along their journey. When selling to these travelers, think of it this way: its not about products. Its about purpose. What kind of experience does your brand offer? Can you feel it, tell a story about it, or capture it in a picture?
6. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize. From Nest to Netflix, were accustomed to hyper-personalized digital experiences at home, at work, and even on vacation. Todays big data tools make it easier than ever for your brand to offer the kinds of tailor-made experiences that consumers have come to expect. It goes without saying, of course, that big data wont do you any good if youre not using it. So how can you make the most of the information you already have?
by John Motavalli , Columnist, June 8, 2016
When does a media property cease being informative and relevant? When it becomes an amalgam of clever native advertising and calculated content designed to keep young nonreaders reading.
We talked recently with a couple of gentlemen who once figured prominently at the New York Times but whose positions were eliminated. They weren't really bitter; mildly ironic would be the best way of describing their demeanor as they told in vivid detail of a tense newsroom, with every employee wary of that tap on the shoulder that signals instant redundancy.
We reminded them of an old saying in the cable industry don't take anything away from the viewer which stood the industry in good stead as it grew. For decades, cable just kept adding to its value proposition, and its penetration rates kept improving. That motto is being breached every day in mainstream media now, but particularly in print, where the infamous Chinese torture, the death of a thousand cuts, is being systematically applied.
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One has only to look at the Times to see this as rigorously relevant. Section after section, from Automobiles to the Home section, have been dropped or cut back. The Real Estate section is a shadow of its former self, even in a robust market. You could shave with the Times Magazine, as a publisher friend used to quip, referring to its razor-sharp thinness. And the main news section, once fat with department store and auto ads, languishes. Meanwhile, Dean Baquet, the top editor, plans a round of new buyouts, and the newsroom lives in fear.
Who Cares?
You could ask, Who cares? The Times does matter, though. And this downward spiral is set amidst an array of programmatic and native advertising innovations at the Times (and other media) guaranteed to make it bland and indistinguishable from other media working the same avenues.
Case in point: the Times use of mobile-targeted Flex Frames, in collaboration with DoubleClick, for native advertising they call Mobile Moments. We can imagine the meetings going on at the Times as they ponder clever slideshows distributed by Taboola and Revcontent that attract huge audiences, while their own sad stories about Kosovo Muslims go unread. How to get anybody younger than 80 to read the Times? What about native advertising disguised as content? Ah hah!
Mobile Moments is a typical construct of the scary ad environment for newspapers today. Since no young mobile user is going to plow through endless black-and-white columns of type, much less ever visit the Times home page, a solution like this is inevitable.
Launched last year, it is a suite of daypart-themed natively styled ads that the editorial department worked on. (This in itself is interesting in that in the old days, marketing and editorial were kept strictly separate.) It looks just like content but, as DoubleClick puts it, the goal was to extend innovative storytelling and beautiful user experiences to ads across all of their content platforms. Flex Frames was a hit with users and advertisers alike: CTRs were up 4-5X compared to regular 300x250 in-line units, and advertisers jumped at the chance to take advantage of new in-line video inventory.
The Times worked with DoubleClick to target Mobile Moments more selectively. More than 200 publishers are working with DoubleClick on similar efforts worldwide.
Michael Zimbalist, SVP of advertising products and research and development at the Times, put it this way in a 2015 piece at NiemanLab.org: Today, we offer advertisers the ability to tell stories with the same depth and breadth of our news report.
Put another way, how about ad stories that are indistinguishable from the news report? Advertisers always wanted seamless advertorials, and now they've got it.
Why am I cynical about such things? A few years ago, I taught a journalism course at a major New York area university. I was shocked to enter the expansive library to find virtually no books of any kind, just terminals. I asked my class, about 25 grad students, if any of them subscribed to a daily newspaper. No hands went up, despite the fact that three of them worked at dailies.
This was revelatory. I realized then that no amount of clever native advertising, or ads disguised as nice slide shows, were going to alter this landscape. Young people are not going to acquire a newspaper habit, online or in print. They get their news now from mobile-based social media. To the extent that they are aware of entities such as the Times at all, its from whatever sponsored content from the paper ends up on Snapchat or Facebook.
20 Stars Who Have Lost Their Looks Wins
You can call this sad, but it's inevitable. By aping ad/content platforms like Revcontent or Taboola, the Times just hastens its decline because it will never lower itself to create 22 Stars Likely To Die In 2016 and thats what people are reading today. At a recent dinner party in Westport, Conn., where The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit lived, the question was put: How many of you read those naughty slideshows like 20 Stars Who Have Lost Their Looks? Everybody, all upscale yup types, admitted they did. And they remembered the highlights, unlike that 5,000-word story on the conflicts of the Bosnian Serbs.
The more entities like the Times try to emulate the zip of social media, the more irrelevant they become. It's like going to war with a Lamborghini against a tank. We think that solutions like Mobile Moments attract more traffic than much of the rest of the mobile-formatted paper, and that will encourage more solutions like it, which will render the Times even less like the newspaper it once was.
Once you dumb down something to the point of absurdity, what's left? After a while, not only does nobody click on Ethnic Strife Mars The Calm In Tirana, Albania, they will have never heard of Albania in the first place. This could explain why Donald Trump is surging, but that's another story.
by Richard Whitman , Columnist, June 8, 2016
The feisty, fiery and ever-insightful Cindy Gallop delivered the keynote speech at the Mumbrella360 Conference in Sydney Tuesday and as she always does, she minced no words when it came to the topic of advertising's white boy bro culture.
She told the audience that if they endeavor to embrace diversity, they will set themselves up to make "a god damn shit ton of money," but added, "if you start any business today with an all-white male leadership team you will never own the future."
As you may know, Gallop has a long history in advertising having founded the U.S. office of Bartle Bogle Hegarty. After that, she went on to found IfWeRanTheWorld and MakeLoveNotPorn, two entities that touch on today's treatment of women and the perception versus reality of sex. She;s been a strong advocate of women in the workplace having spoken on the topic at many industry events including the 3 Percent Conference.
Making the point that diversity is an important element of the creative process, Gallop said, Working with women and people of color is uncomfortable because we are other. But out of that will come extraordinary insights and perspectives. The new creativity is female informed, it allows the fact that new forms of creative product produces new insights.
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Driving the point home further, she went on to add, If women do not see the industry showcasing people like them, we do not feel welcome, we do not feel valued and wonder whether its even worth trying. We have to change the numbers fast. Tokenism is useless, because the alien organism has to adapt to the culture around it."
And on the notion of safety in numbers as it relates to a minority group's voice within an organization, Gallop said, Two women is not enough. The optimum number of women on a board, leadership team, etc, is three or more. When you have three women and people of color they feel more able to say how they feel because they feel like they are being supported. If you work as quickly as possible to get to a gender equal environment, you instantly manage out negative dynamics. You instantly manage out sexual harassment.
Gallop also thinks the actual work product of ad agencies would vastly improve if the creative approach was fueled by a more diverse group of people. In fact, she believes that men are actually done a disservice by the fact that much of advertising is run by men, saying, Im tired of seeing young male morons in beer ads, and men portrayed as hapless fathers. Thats what happens when our industry defaults to stereotypes. Men: youre not being done justice by advertising.
It's not clear whether or not Neil French was hiding in the back waiting to pounce but maybe he's keeping his pro-bro trap shut after having a bit of a Facebook blowout with Gallop over an incident Gallop experienced at Cannes when she said a man became abusive towards her.
If some in the audience might not have clearly understood what Gallop was advocating, she broke it down into terms everyone -- maybe even Neil -- can understand saying, Women make shit happen, women get shit done. Want to do less work and make more money? Thats the answer. Theres a huge amount of money to be made out of taking women seriously.
Neil?
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 9, 2016
Meet Benjamin, an artificial intelligence algorithm that created its first screenplay with help from technologist Ross Goodman and filmmaker Oscar Sharp. The feature film called Sunspring is set in a post-apocalyptic world. The AI has been generating other ideas since.
Along with the screenplay came stage directions designed for Sci-Fi London, an annual film festival that includes the 48-Hour Film Challenge, where contestants are given a set of prompts -- props and lines -- that must appear in a movie (you can watch it here). The AI also wrote the lyrics and the music sound track.
In addition to writing screenplays, AI has become the backbone for search query results and now Web site design, Wix, the DIY Web site building service, launched an "artificial design intelligence" (ADI) service to automate the process of building Web sites, adding to its list of drag-and-drop development tools.
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During the next few months, the company plans to gradually introduce the Wix ADI free feature into its subscription plan.
The process requires the individual building the Web site to answer a few questions and provide the platform with cues as to the type of company and category, such as consumer product goods or clothing store.
The platform reaches out onto the Web into public information and pulls in data to determine the best layout and features. It also pulls in relevant photos and determines the types of keywords to describe the services, along with layouts based on the business type and location.
The technology consolidates a decade of user data with the real-time learnings from more than 86 million customers.
Raymond James Analyst Aaron Kessler called the artificial design Web site builder a "revolutionary" product in Web site design space, in a research note published Thursday.
The platform supports 15 languages in 191 countries. More than half of Wix stores are international and represented 190% of revenue in 2015, Kessler wrote.
Kessler also notes that the company's last Super Bowl campaign reached 500 million impressions, and noted search queries for Wix are growing faster than any of its competitors.
Chinese investors already made waves this year when it was announced that mobile marketer Opera Mediaworks was going to be purchased for $1.2 billion by a Chinese conglomerate. Chinese mobile ad firm Mobvista purchased NativeX for $25 million a few months ago, as well.
Smaato CEO and co-founder Ragnar Kruse said in a statement that Smaato will allow Spearhead to expand more quickly outside of China, while the acquisition will allow Smaato access to the Chinese market.
Smaato already reaches 1 billion unique mobile users a month outside of China, and will be well positioned to access some of Chinas 1.3 billion mobile users. The move will also help bring Spearheads mobile ad capabilities up to steam.
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The company will still have a lot of agency under the umbrella of a foreign company and will be able to make their own acquisitions in the future.
One of Smaatos main VC investors passed away last year, causing a major source of funding to dry up. Smaato searched for new investors or buyers for a while, then found a willing one in Spearhead.
The purchase is still subject to regulatory approvals. However, it does highlight an interesting trend this year of major acquisitions coming from China.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, June 9, 2016
GoDaddy is well known for its extravagant use of TV media buys, having bought time in every Super Bowl every year of its existence, except last year. And tellingly, that may have something to do with Eric Fischer joining as director of global brand media a couple of years ago. While Fischer did not explicitly make a connection between GoDaddy bowing out of the last Super Bowl, he did make a case for utilizing TV with much more of a scientific precision than most marketers have utilized it to date.
Speaking during the opening keynote at MediaPosts TV Insider Summit on Amelia Island, FL, Fischer called on the marketing community to throw away preconceived notions about using television -- especially old school metrics like GRPs and CPMs.
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I dont care about the CPM, if Im not reaching the right people, he said, making a case for some much more refined metrics tied explicitly to the ROI a brand can generate by leveraging TV ad buys scientifically.
Instead of utilizing historical media inputs to evaluate TV, he recommended that brands begin utilizing business outcomes.
In the case of GoDaddy, the outcome it benchmarks its TV performance on is acquisitions or new consumers buying GoDaddys Web domain registration services.
He said GoDaddy goes a step further than a simple CPA -- or cost per acquisition-- model and actually calculates the incremental acquisitions generated by TV, or customers it would not have gotten if it had not used TV advertising. And even more precisely, the marginal incremental gains it has realized from new customers are from TV advertising.
While that seems like a much higher order than TV advertising is accustomed to, Fischer said its feasible, but through utilizing models estimating the contribution that media buys make to generate those returns.
We need to think about contribution, he said -- as opposed to things like attribution -- in other words, the direct, explicit impact of buying media on a companys business goals.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, June 9, 2016
Manjiry Tamhane has been appointed Worldwide CEO at WPP marketing consultancy Gain Theory, which the holding company established in early 2015.
She succeeds Jason Harrison, whose new mission, disclosed earlier this week, is to run a new media agency dedicated to Minneapolis-based Target.
WPP won the Target business earlier this year.
Tamhane previously served as Gain Theorys Worldwide Chief Operating Officer and CEO of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Earlier, she was in marketing posts at two UK luxury retailers: Penhaligons and Debenhams.
In her new position, Tamhane will be responsible for all Gain Theory regions, setting the vision and strategy and leading global client relationships. The firm says it added more than 15 brands to its client roster in its first year of operation.
The consultancys remit is to help clients make business decisions based on data, analytics, technology solutions and consumer insight capabilities. The firm has a staff of 200 operating of hubs in New York, London and Bangalore.
Tamhane reports to Harvey Goldhersz, Chief Data Officer and CEO GroupM Analytics.
Children and adolescents with major depression do not benefit from most antidepressant medications, and some of these drugs may do more harm than good. This is the conclusion of a new study published in The Lancet.
Share on Pinterest For children and adolescents with major depression, researchers suggest the harms may outweigh the risks when it comes to antidepressant use.
Major depression, or major depressive disorder, is estimated to affect around 2.8 percent of children aged 6-12 years and 5.6 percent of adolescents aged 12-18 years in the United States, according to the study authors.
The condition is normally diagnosed if a child or adolescent experiences depressive symptoms for more than 2 weeks.
These symptoms include mood swings, irritability, changes in eating habits, frequent sadness and crying, low self-esteem, and thoughts of death or suicide.
For children and adolescents with major depression, most clinical guidelines recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological therapies as the first-line treatment.
However, lead study author Dr. Andrea Cipriani, of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and colleagues note that an increasing number of youngsters with major depression are being prescribed antidepressants.
They point to a study published earlier this year that found between 2005-2012, the proportion of children and adolescents (aged 0-19 years) in the U.S. that were taking antidepressants rose from 1.3 percent to 1.6 percent.
Such an increase has occurred despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning against antidepressant use for children and adolescents in 2004, after studies found increased suicide risk among young users of the drugs.
Consequently, the question of whether to use antidepressant drugs for the treatment of major depressive disorder in young people and, if so, which antidepressant would be preferred, remains controversial, say the authors.
Thailand has received validation from WHO for having eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, becoming the first country in Asia and the Pacific region and also the first with a large HIV epidemic to ensure an AIDS-free generation. The Minister of Health of Thailand was presented with the certificate of validation during a ceremony which took place in New York on the eve of the United Nations General-Assembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS.
"This is a remarkable achievement for a country where thousands of people live with HIV. Thailand's unwavering commitment to core public health principles has made elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis a reality, a critical step for rolling back the HIV epidemic. Thailand has demonstrated to the world that HIV can be defeated," Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, said presenting the certificate of validation to Thailand in New York.
"Thailand has turned around its epidemic and transformed the lives of thousands of women and children affected by HIV," said UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe. "Thailand's progress shows how much can be achieved when science and medicine are underpinned by sustained political commitment."
"By investing in strong maternal and child health care and national AIDS prevention measures, Thailand has demonstrated there are ways to protect children from the global AIDS pandemic response," said Karin Hulshof, Regional Director, UNICEF East Asia-Pacific Region. "Thailand's achievement inspires its neighbours to greater action. There are still 21,000 infants who are born with HIV each year in the Asia-Pacific region, and more than 200,000 children who are growing up with HIV."
Untreated, women living with HIV have a 15-45% chance of transmitting the virus to their children during pregnancy, labour, delivery or breastfeeding. However, that risk drops to just over 1% if antiretroviral medicines are given to both mothers and children throughout the stages when infection can occur.
According to Thailand's Ministry of Public Health 98% of all pregnant women living with HIV have access to antiretroviral therapy and the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV has been reduced to less than 2%. In 2000, an estimated 1000 children became infected with HIV. In 2015, the number of children who became infected with HIV through mother to child transmission was reduced to 85, a decline of more than 90%, a significant achievement in a country where an estimated 450 000 people were living with HIV in 2014.
At the same time, sustained efforts and success in preventing new HIV infections have helped reduce HIV among women of childbearing age. According to Thailand's health authorities, between 2000 and 2014, the annual number of women newly infected with HIV fell from 15 000 to 1 900 - a 87% reduction. Thailand's Universal Health Coverage framework ensured essential health services were available to both rich and poor. The country's commitment to equitable access has ensured that both Thai citizens and migrants are covered for HIV treatment.
Thailand's commitment to the UNAIDS-led 'Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV Infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive', combined with the Government's decision to provide all pregnant women - including documented and undocumented migrant workers - free antenatal care, delivery and services for HIV and syphilis pushed treatment coverage rates up, culminating in validation of elimination of mother-to-child transmission.
Thailand's pioneering success and leadership demonstrates how countries can make real change when good policy is followed up with high-level commitment. WHO, UNAIDS and UNICEF will continue to work with other countries in the region, along with partners to replicate Thailand's success.
WHO validation process
In 2014, WHO and key partners published the guidance on global processes and criteria for the validation of the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, which outlines the validation process and the different indicators countries need to meet.
As treatment for prevention of mother-to-child-transmission is not 100% effective, elimination of transmission is defined as a reduction of transmission to such a low level that it no longer constitutes a public health problem.
An international expert mission convened by WHO visited Thailand in April 2016 to validate the progress toward the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. The members visited health centres, laboratories, and government offices, and interviewed health officials and other key actors. The mission included experts from Australia, Cambodia, China, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, United States and representatives from WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS.
A single entry of the plague bacterium into Europe was responsible for the Black Plague of the mid-14th century. This same strain sparked recurrent outbreaks on the continent over the following four centuries before spreading to China, where it triggered the third plague pandemic in the late 19th century. The wave of plague that traveled to Asia later became the source population for modern-day epidemics around the globe. The bacterium's routes over time were revealed by genome analyses published in Cell Host & Microbe.
"Our study is the first to provide genetic support for plague's travel from Europe into Asia after the Black Death, and it establishes a link between the Black Death in the mid-14th century and modern plague," says first author Maria Spyrou of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History.
The plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, is one of the deadliest pathogens in human history, sparking three major pandemics: the Plague of Justinian, which struck the Roman Empire during the 6th and 8th centuries; the second plague pandemic, which first erupted in Europe in the mid-14th-century Black Death and continued to strike the continent in recurrent outbreaks until the mid-18th century; and the third plague pandemic, which emerged in China during the late 19th century.
Evidence based on ancient DNA samples and historical climate patterns has suggested that the recurrent outbreaks of the second pandemic were caused by multiple reintroductions of Yersinia pestis into Europe, most likely from Asia. Moreover, some scientists have recently suggested that the plague bacterium migrated from Europe to Asia after the Black Death, later giving rise to the third pandemic. But until now, genomic evidence to support this model was missing.
To shed light on the origin and path of the second pandemic, Spyrou and co-senior study authors Alexander Herbig, Kirsten Bos, and Johannes Krause of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History collected samples from plague-infected individuals buried in mass grave sites in Barcelona, Spain, and Ellwangen, Germany, as well as a single grave in Bolgar City, Russia.
"The mass burials where our samples come from often represent events where hundreds of people died of plague during a single outbreak," Herbig says. "This gives us an impression about how significant the impact of this disease was during medieval times."
The Bolgar City site was dated to the second half of the 14th century using coin artifacts known to have been minted after 1362. Radiocarbon dates from bone fragments and tooth roots were estimated at 1300-1420 for Barcelona, 1298-1388 for Bolgar City, and 1486-1627 for Ellwangen.
After analyzing DNA extracts from the teeth of 178 individuals, the researchers identified Y. pestis DNA in extracts from 32 individuals. Three individuals from Barcelona, Bolgar City, and Ellwangen had sufficient Y. pestis DNA for genome-level analysis. The researchers sequenced the genomes of these three ancient Y. pestis strains and compared them to 148 previously sequenced ancient and modern strains to reconstruct the Y. pestis phylogenetic tree.
The phylogenetic analysis revealed no differences between their Black Death strain from Barcelona and previously genotyped strains from mid-14th-century London. The simultaneous presence of the same strain in both southern and northern Europe suggests that Y. pestis entered the continent in a single wave rather than through multiple pulses during the Black Death.
These Black Death strains from London and Barcelona gave rise to a branch containing the Ellwangen strain and previously sequenced 18th-century strains from the Great Plague of Marseille in France. Moreover, all three newly reconstructed genomes and previously sequenced genomes from the second plague grouped together in the same branch on the phylogenetic tree. Taken together, these findings suggest that a single Y. pestis lineage was responsible for the Black Death and subsequent second pandemic outbreaks throughout Europe.
Meanwhile, the Bolgar City strain shared similarities with the Black Death London strain as well as all modern strains. This finding supports the idea that one Y. pestis lineage traveled from Europe to Asia after the Black Death, later sparking the third pandemic and modern-day epidemics worldwide.
"Our most significant finding revealed a link between the Black Death and modern plague," Krause says. "Though several plague lineages exist in China today, only the lineage that caused the Black Death several centuries earlier left Southeast Asia in the late 19th century pandemic and rapidly achieved a near worldwide distribution."
In future studies, the researchers plan to gain additional insights into the entry and end points of the Black Death in Europe. They hope to expand their sample range and explore these regions further to better understand the route traveled by the disease, the evolutionary changes it acquired at different stages, and the toll it had on the human population.
"We hope that our findings will highlight the importance for more extensive sampling and sequencing of both ancient and modern plague isolates around the world, and open up new research themes regarding the role played by Europe and West Asia in plague's evolution and ecology," Bos says.
The authors acknowledge the following sources of funding: the European Research Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Maison des Sciences de l'Homme d'Aquitaine, the French Research National Agency, the Russian Government Program of Competitive Growth of Kazan Federal University, and the Regional Foundation of Revival of Historical and Cultural Monuments of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Hand-held, wireless retinal scanner harnesses new photonics technology to enable early diagnosis of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
A European group of scientists are working on the development of a breakthrough, compact, cost-effective retinal scanner that will play a key role in targeting the early diagnosis of retinal diseases that are worldwide leading causes of blindness. Funded by the Photonics PPP platform, OCTChip is set to revolutionise diagnosis of retinal diseases and prevent millions of cases of blindness.
Diabetic Retinopathy accounts for the leading cause of blindness, with 200 million cases worldwide, and 60 million affected Europeans. With an ageing population, higher life expectancies and rising levels of diabetes, the number of cases preventable blindness are increasing.
The retina, with a thickness of 0.25mm and composed of over 10 layers, is very difficult to access at the back of the eye with any other technology than OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), the established method of diagnosis in eye-related diseases.
However, as Professor Wolfgang Drexler, Professor of Medical Physics and Head of Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at the Medical University of Vienna, who heads the OCTChip project, observes:
"State-of-the-art OCT technology has its limitations: it is bulky, the size of a desk top and quite expensive, costing anything in the region of 100, 000 per unit. It can detect abnormalities but at the present moment, compact, cost effective versions that can be used outside of hospitals and in private practice in a hand held mode do not exist."
"The core component of our OCTChip project targets the size of a 1 cent coin. It will reduce costs and is maintenance free. Hence retinal diseases like Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma as well as other retina diseases that are worldwide leading causes for blindness might be diagnosed via screening with this cost-effective compact point-of-care version of OCT."
"OCTChip fosters wide spread use to visualise and quantify the retina in more definition, so we can diagnose diseases better, quicker, and cheaper." Professor Drexler said.
The long term potential for OCTChip is exciting: hand-held, wireless and robust, it will work via Bluetooth, on a mobile phone or a tablet, enabling improving healthcare in remote Third World areas. As a miniaturized imaging technique, the implications mean it could probably be used as a battery operated capsule for gastrointestinal diagnosis in the future.
It is believed that the OCTChip scanner can be made so user friendly that self-diagnosis will be possible. "Perhaps in the future this will be available in supermarkets, for self-diagnosis" said Professor Drexler.
The OCTChip team hopes to have refined their first prototype by end of 2017 and targets for mass commercialisation to begin around 2020.
A new study reports on the results of a randomized clinical trial that looked at whether the antidepressant citalopram would enhance complicated grief treatment psychotherapy, and if citalopram would be efficacious without it in an article published online by JAMA Psychiatry.
Complicated grief occurs in about 7 percent of bereaved individuals and it is characterized by persistent maladaptive thoughts, dysfunctional behaviors and poorly regulated emotions that interfere with the ability to adapt to loss. Co-occurring depressive symptoms are common but complicated grief is clearly differentiated from major depression.
M. Katherine Shear, M.D., of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, and coauthors included in their trial 395 bereaved adults who met the criteria for complicated grief from academic medical centers in Boston, New York, Pittsburgh and San Diego.
They were divided into groups prescribed citalopram (n=101), placebo (n=99), complicated grief treatment with citalopram (n=99) or complicated grief treatment with placebo (n=96). The majority of study participants were women (78%) and they were white (82%).
The authors report that psychotherapy with complicated grief treatment appears to be efficacious and that the addition of citalopram did not significantly improve outcome. However, co-occurring depressive symptoms decreased more when citalopram was added to complicated grief treatment psychotherapy.
"In summary, CG [complicated grief] is a serious, prevalent, and frequently chronic and debilitating condition that needs to be recognized and treated. Complicated grief treatment [CGT] is the first-line treatment. Our results support the use of antidepressants in conjunction with CGT for relief of co-occurring depressive symptoms. When CGT is unavailable, CGT-informed supportive clinical management with or without antidepressants may be a helpful approach," the study concludes.
New research, by the Universities of Glasgow and Manchester, has revealed an 'Achilles heel' of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) and found drugs to successfully target this weakness and eradicate the disease in mice.
The study, which is published in Nature, analysed both CML and normal blood stem cells and found two proteins that were key to the survival of CML stem cells. The group, which has been working on this research for more than six years, then developed a drug combination to simultaneously target these critical proteins and kill the cancer stem cells, while largely sparing normal cells.
The interdisciplinary research team, led by Professor Tessa Holyoake from the University of Glasgow and Professor Tony Whetton from The University of Manchester, used a range of techniques to show that these two proteins (p53 and c-Myc) act as 'gateway controllers' in CML.
Guided by the concept of precision medicine (the right drug, at the right time, for the right effect in the patient), the team designed a new treatment to exploit this critical weakness in the cancer. Using CML cells transplanted into mice, the authors demonstrated that drugs targeting these two proteins killed the cells that cause the leukaemia, effectively eradicating the disease.
The results have potential implications for other cancers including acute myeloid leukaemia and brain tumours. The researchers are now keen to build on their work by beginning human trials in patients with drug-resistant CML.
Professor Holyoake, who led the team from the Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, said: "We are certainly excited by the results shown in the study. The research - a fantastic example of precision medicine in action - is at an early stage, but the data we collected has revealed two weaknesses in CML and a potential drug approach to eradicating these key stem cells.
"We also could not have achieved such an excellent result without all the generous stem cell donations from both CML patients and other members of the public, so it is important to say thank you to them."
The team used a range of techniques in their research including proteomics (the large scale study of quantities, structures and functions of proteins).
Professor Whetton said: "We have found a way to kill leukaemia stem cells which could lead to cure of chronic myeloid leukaemia instead of managing the disease. We are really excited that our new proteomics approaches helped to achieve this.
"There are so many other diseases where we can use the same proteomics approach to find precision medicine solutions for patients. We have the largest clinical proteomics centre in Europe in Manchester so we really look forward to contributing to this work."
Current therapy for CML is with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) which effectively hold back the disease, but do not cure it. If the therapy is stopped, the leukaemia relapses in the majority of patients, requiring CML patients to remain on treatment for their lifetime. These drugs, as well as being costly to administer, can cause a number of side effects including diabetes and vascular problems. It is the dual issues of cost and toxicity in current CML treatment that has driven this particular piece of research.
The research was funded by Bloodwise, Cancer Research UK, The Howat Foundation, Roche, Constellation Pharmaceuticals, the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office, Friends of Paul O'Gorman, and the British Society for Haematology start-up fund.
Scientists from the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University Medical Center have shown that a narrow wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) light safely killed drug-resistant MRSA bacteria in mice, demonstrating a potentially safe and cost-effective way to reduce surgical site infections, a major public health concern.
A paper just published by PLOS ONE describes how the Columbia team found that a particular wavelength of UV light known as "far-UVC" (in this instance, 207 nanometers) is not only as effective as conventional germicidal UV light in killing MRSA, as shown in their previously published study, but also shows for the first time that, unlike conventional germicidal UV, far-UVC does not cause biological damage to exposed skin.
"Our new findings show that far-UVC light has enormous potential for combating the deadly and costly scourge of drug-resistant surgical site infections," said David J. Brenner, PhD, Higgins Professor of Radiation Biophysics, director of the Center for Radiological Research, and the senior author of the paper.
"We've known for a long time that UV light has the potential to reduce surgical site infections, because UV can efficiently kill all bacteria, including drug-resistant bacteria and even so-called 'superbugs.' Unfortunately, it's not possible to use conventional germicidal UV light when people are around because it's a health hazard to patients and medical personnel. What we showed in our earlier work is that far-UVC light is as effective at killing MRSA as conventional germicidal UV light - and now with this new research, we have demonstrated that far-UVC kills bacteria but without risk of skin damage," Dr. Brenner said.
Surgical site infections (SSI) continue to be a critical health care issue in the US and worldwide. Patients who develop SSI have a mortality rate twice that of non-infected patients, and estimated annual healthcare costs in the U.S. due to SSI range from $3 to $10 billion.
The new idea behind Columbia's use of far-UVC light is that that, unlike conventional germicidal UV, far-UVC cannot penetrate through the outer, dead layer of skin to reach live skin cells, nor can it penetrate the outer layer of the eye. However, because bacteria and viruses are physically very small, far-UVC light can penetrate and kill them. Columbia's latest research was conducted on the skin hairless mice, which responds similarly to human skin when exposed to UV light.
"Our findings offer a potential practical pathway towards significantly reducing surgical site infection rates without risk to the health and safety of patients and medical personnel," added Dr. Brenner. "One of our next steps is to explore direct studies in surgical settings, in larger animals and humans. From there we can investigate other new applications of these exciting findings, like killing airborne bacteria and viruses such as TB and influenza."
The Shostack Foundation and USHIO Inc. of Tokyo, Japan provided funding for this research. USHIO has license and research agreements with Columbia University.
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The researchers tracked the brain activity of the participants in the study while they were cooperating with a partner. The researchers used a technique called 'hyperscanning' - in which the activity of two people's brains are simultaneously measured as they interact. The results showed that different parts of the brain of men and women activated when working together on a simple task.The study involved 222 participants, who were assigned a partner. The pairs consisted of two males, two females or a male and a female. The partners sat opposite each other, each in front of a computer, but could not speak to one another.The participants were instructed to press a button when a circle on the computer screen changed color. But the button should be pressed simultaneously with their partner. After each try, the pair were told who had pressed the button sooner and how much sooner. They had 40 tries to get their timing as close as possible.Dr Reiss said, "We developed this test because it was simple, and you could easily record responses. You have to start somewhere. It isn't modeled after any particular real-world cooperative task."The results showed that male-male pairs performed better than female-female pairs at timing their button pushes more closely. The scans showed that the brain activity in both same-sex pairs was highly synchronized during the activity.Dr Baker said, "Within same-sex pairs, increased coherence was correlated with better performance on the cooperation task. However, the location of coherence differed between male-male and female-female pairs."The mixed-gender pairs did as well as male-male pairs though their brain scans did not show coherence.The brain of men and women showed different patterns of activity during the task. However, more research may need to understand how gender-related differences in the brain inform cooperation strategy.Dr Baker said, 'There are people with disorders like autism who have problems with social cognition. We're absolutely hoping to learn enough information so that we might be able to design more effective therapies for them."Source: Medindia
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More than 80 percent of the anti-retroviral drugs for treating HIV/AIDS are supplied by the Indian pharmaceutical industry and they have helped save millions of lives, Health Minister J.P. Nadda told the meeting.To "ensure access to affordable medicines and commodity security," he said, "India is committed to maintain the TRIPS flexibilities."TRIPS is an international agreement under the World Trade Organization that generally prevents manufacturing generic versions of medicines that are under patent. However, the so-called flexibilities allowed under TRIP allow countries to allow the making of cheap generic copies of medicines under some circumstances by issuing what are called compulsory licenses.The enforcement measures for intellectual property rights should be interpreted in "a manner supportive of the right of member states to protect public health and, in particular, to promote access to medicines for all." the declaration said.The declaration also backed South-South cooperation in combating AIDS and set the goal of eradicating the disease by 2030.Pharmaceutical multinationals have been pressuring India against granting compulsory licenses for generic medicines. International humanitarian organizations like Doctors Without Borders or Medecins Sans Frontieres have waged a counter campaign for India to continue allowing Indian pharmaceutical companies to make the cheaper copies of drugs.Nadda said that India, "which faced the spectre of disastrous" AIDS epidemic 15 years ago has beaten it back successfully. AIDS deaths have been reduced by nearly 55 percent since 2007 and new HIV infections have come down by 66 percent since 2000, he added. About 1 million people affected by AIDS are currently on anti-retroviral therapy, he said."These remarkable successes would not have been possible without access to affordable medicines," he said.Empowerment of communities and close collaboration with civil society groups by the government and funding them have helped deliver key life saving services to those affected affected, he said.India's National AIDS Control Organization estimated that there were 2.1 million people living with AIDS in 2015 and there were 86,000 new infections that year.Source: IANS
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Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told delegates that 'AIDS is far from over', and that the world had an opportunity over the next five years to 'radically change the trajectory of the epidemic'.Ban appealed for treatment and services 'without discrimination' to all people living with HIV. He singled out 'young people, migrants, women and girls, sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender people and prisoners'.The political declaration builds on a previous UN AIDS plan approved five years ago by placing more emphasis on those most vulnerable to HIV infection.It sets out three targets to be reached by 2020: reducing new HIV infections, reducing mortality rates and eliminating HIV-related discrimination.Russia late Tuesday, June 7, 2016, demanded changes to the new focus by adding references to national legislation in provisions that mention gay men, drug users and prisoners, diplomats and civil society groups said.The amendments were rejected over fears that these would allow Russia, Iran and other countries that criminalize homosexuality to deny anti-retroviral treatment and other services to gay men.Russia has also balked at harm-reduction treatment such as syringe and needle programs, even though the majority of HIV infections in that country are linked to drug injections.Russian senior health official Dilyara Ravilova-Borovik told the gathering that while more must be done to end HIV/AIDS, governments have a 'sovereign right' to decide on their public health strategy.The three-day meeting opened with a call to action from Nelson Mandela's grandson, Ndaba, whose father Makgatho died of AIDS in 2005. Makgatho was the late South African president's last surviving son.Ndaba Mandela urged the leaders of 35 countries that deny entry visas to people living with HIV - including Russia and Singapore - to 'end travel restrictions now'. "Bigotry and fear do nothing but spread the virus," he said.In the lead-up to the conference, Russia, 51 Muslim countries, Cameroon and Tanzania blocked 22 LGBT groups from receiving accreditation to the conference.After the United States and the European Union protested the exclusion, 16 groups were included in delegations from other governments and non-governmental groups.Source: AFP
A body massage involves working and applying pressure on the muscles of the body, on the skin surface. It may be a manual massage or done with machines.
Usually, body massage is a structured and systematic procedure of applying tension, motion or vibration, with or without the application of heat.
Various body parts used to apply pressure to massage are:
Hands
Fingers
Elbows
Knees
Forearm
Feet
Machines that are used to apply massage in various parts of the body include:
Vibration machines
Heat emitting machines
Rollers made of bamboo or rosewood
Massage chairs
A professional massage involves the patient to lie down on a specialized massage table. Specialized massages such as aquatic massage are performed with the persons submerged in warm water or with water coming in as a strong jet.
There are different kinds of massages that are used by professionals, health workers and amateurs. The massage is named according to the procedure it is performed.
Active Release Technique: Deep tissues are manipulated with pressure using fingers. The technique of active release massage follows a specific pattern as prescribed for the patient. ART is used as a treatment for various conditions like pains caused by overuse of muscles. When muscles are subjected to tear, pull or undergo injury, they produce a tough and dense scar tissue at the site. The tissue does not allow the other muscles to move freely, which results in the muscles becoming shorter and weaker.
The massage specialists learn over 500 types of moves and they are able to identify and correct the specific problems that may be individually unique.
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Acupressure: Originally from China, acupressure technique of massage enables the massage provider to identify specific points that are related to the patients pain and fatigue. Physical pressure is applied on the acupressure points with hand, elbow, palm, wrist, knees or using machines. Acupressure technique of body massage is believed to restore the balance of energies throughout the body.
Anma Massage: Anma massage, originated from Japan, involves vigorous manipulation of the muscles like kneading, tapping, rubbing and shaking.
Ayurvedic Massage: Also known as Abhayangam in Sanskrit, Ayurvedic massage is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. The massage technique is aimed at stimulating the lymphatic system to produce lymphocytes and improve immunity. It also helps in detoxification of the body. Ayurvedic massage relieves general body fatigue and pain, maintains young looking skin and improves longevity.
Balinese Massage: This type of massage adopts gentle skin folding, kneading, stroking and other techniques and helps the patient feel calm and relaxed during and after the therapy. It improves the flow of blood, oxygen and energy throughout the body. Applying Balinese hot stones is an option.
Craniosacral Therapy: The technique involves applying gentle strokes and touches to the skull, face, spine and pelvis. This regulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Reflexology: Reflexology is a special type of massage, used as a procedure in alternative medicine. The technique includes application of pressure to the feet and hands with specific movements and pressure using the therapists thumb and fingers on the feet and hands of the patient. Oil or creams are not used in this technique. It is based on the idea that specific areas of the foot and palm are connected to specific organs of the body. The pressure applied in these areas stimulates effective functioning of those organs.
Stone Massage: Using stones that may be cold or hot to apply pressure and heat to the body. The stones may be heated with water, oil and are usually Basalt stones or lava rocks that are smooth and polished.
Shiatsu: Application of pressure using the fingers and palm, stretches and other simple massage techniques constitute the Shiatsu massage.
Lymphatic Drainage: This is a type of gentle massage that facilitates the natural production and drainage of the lymph. A specific amount of pressure is applied in rhythmic circular movements to stimulate and propel the lymph flow in the right direction.
Swedish Massage: This technique involves five styles of strokes, namely sliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, fiction and vibration or shaking. It helps in alleviating pain and joint stiffness.
Thai Massage: It involves deep, full body massage that progresses from feet towards upper body and concentrates on stroking the energy lines of the body. It is effective in managing musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, improves flexibility and movement of joints and improves blood flow in the body.
Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger points of the body for relieving specific pain is identified and manual pressure, vibration, injection or other treatment is applied to the part.
The technique or procedure of body massage depends on the type of the massage and the purpose for which it is given. Each procedure concentrates on the trigger points or pressure points to be activated to treat the ailment for which the massage is given. Reflexology uses the hand, thumb and finger to stimulate the specific areas of feet that are connected by nerves to the other parts of the body, while Shiatsu massage identifies the precise pressure points of the body to which rhythmic pressure is applied to relieve pain or stress.
The most common massage type is a combination of shiatsu, reflexology and acupressure and is done in the following manner.
Place the patient in a comfortable room, preferably in a private room. Let the room be warm and lit up with aromatic candles. Light soothing music helps in relaxing the mind.
Use a massage oil, cream or lotion. If using oil heat it to a slightly warm temperature.
Use plenty of towels. Ideally, the client must be wearing minimum clothes to leave skin exposed as much as possible and to allow free movement of hands for the massage strokes.
Start with the feet. Use both hands to hold one foot and stroke the soles with the thumb. Use deep pressure on the arch, heel and the ball of the foot. Grab each toe at a time and give a gentle pull to relieve any tension.
Give long relaxing strokes on the back of the lower leg and calf muscles. Work your way up to the upper thigh. Some people use kneading movement to work out the calf and thigh muscles as they remove any knots inside the muscles. Once the massage is done on one leg, move to the other.
Back massage must be done by moving from lower to upper back. Place the palm of each hand on both sides of the spine. Press on the lower back and work your way upwards towards the shoulder. Once the hands reach the shoulder, hold the shoulders, give a little pressure and start again from the lower back.
Use both thumbs on both sides close the backbone and rub your way up to the nape of the neck. Use the thumb and fingers to press against the muscles on both sides of the spine and rub your way upwards.
When the clients lie down with elbows bent, you can massage the shoulder blade muscles. Gently remove the knots by rubbing repeatedly on and around the problem area.
Shoulder massage must be done by kneading the thumbs deep into the shoulder muscles. Use thumb to press against the nape of the neck and shoulders to release any knots.
Hold the hand of the client with one hand to lift the entire hand off the massage table/bed. Use your other hand to perform a deep massage stroke along the back of the forearm, moving towards the triceps, coming over the shoulder and coming back to the wrist along the upper side of the arm.
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Use fingers and thumbs to knead the lower and upper arms. Massage the palm with thumbs in circular motions and gently pull each finger to release any tightness.
Ask the client to lie down in a supine position to work on the head and face. Massage the scalp with fingers and thumbs and move to massage the folds and lobes of the ears. Swipe the fingertips along the shape of the cheekbones and back to the ear.
Lift the head using your hands and stroke along the back of the head at the base of the skull.
Gently press your thumbs at the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows and move in circular motions towards the temples on either side.
Treats Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by generalized muscle pain, joint pain and muscle fatigue. When the symptoms occur in combination with anxiety or depression and decreased pain tolerance, it is termed as fibromyalgia syndrome. A therapeutic massage for fibromyalgia requires the manipulation of the soft muscles and releasing the muscle spasms, muscle knots and tender points. The strokes in the massage gently work on the stretching, softening, lengthening and realigning the connective tissue to ease the muscle movements and alleviate the pain.
The massage techniques used for the treatment of fibromyalgia include Swedish massage, Trigger point therapy, Hot-stone massage, Passive stretching and Myofascial release therapy.
Reduces Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress
Body massage helps in reduction of psychological symptoms like depression, stress and anxiety. When body is stressed, it releases hormones called cortisol that can cause elevation in blood pressure and suppress the immune system. Various research papers have proven that body massage lowers the cortisol levels by 50 percent. Further, massage strokes also help in the release of hormones such as dopamine and serotonin that help in reducing depression and anxiety.
Massage techniques commonly used to treat anxiety and depression include Ayurvedic massage, Deep tissue massage, Balinese massage and Foot Reflexology.
Improves Blood Flow
The manipulation of the soft tissues and the chemicals and hormones relaxed during massage also improve the blood flow in the body. The pressure applied to the soft tissues and the muscles in the body helps push the blood further and improve the flow reducing the workload of the heart. A massage stroke is always given in the direction of the heart, making it easier for the blood to flow to the heart and then to the lungs for getting oxygenated.
Leg massage is known to varicose veins, while deep tissue massage helps in reducing the cellular debris and toxins in the body, increasing the bloods capacity to carry more oxygen to the tissues. Swedish massage and lymphatic drainage massage are effective in improving the blood flow in the body.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Long-term studies have revealed that some types of massage help relieve stress and consequently lower blood pressure levels. Massage therapy is most effective when used along with other treatments for lowering blood pressure. Regular sessions of full body massage help in reducing anxiety, depression and even hostility. Massage also decreases the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Deep tissue massages and massage techniques that apply significant pressure on the muscles do not seem to work on lowering blood pressure. Rather, Ayurvedic massage, Reflexology and Thai-massage seem to work on lowering blood pressure levels.
Young Looking Skin
Face massage is a natural way to keep your face away from wrinkles. A deep massage helps in the production of collagen and increases the elasticity of the skin, consequently reducing sagging and wrinkles. The improved blood circulation due to the massage and stimulation of the muscles helps in optimizing the blood supply. This in turn helps in healing acne, pimples and other blemishes. The relaxing massage and the collagen formed improve the tone, texture and appearance of the skin. The moisturizer used for massage helps in keeping the skin hydrated, giving it an overall shiny and vibrant appearance.
Massage techniques to give an young looking skin usually adopt slow and gentle stroking techniques rather than the deep or kneading ones.
Research has proved that massage therapy and treatment work can dramatically help in the management of many types of medical and non-medical conditions, sometimes as a part of the treatment for the specific disorder.
Some of the conditions where massage has been found to help are as follows.
Low back pain
Certain types of Cancer like Breast cancer and Prostate cancer
As a part of obesity and weight management
Pain relief in post-bypass surgery of heart
Scoliosis
Reducing ill-effects of chemotherapy like nausea
Depression and Anxiety
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tennis elbow
Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia and Chronic fatigue syndrome
Sciatica
Frozen shoulder
Sleeping disorders, Insomnia
Health tips
For the client:
Drink enough water for an hour before the massage session to help remove the toxins easily.
Tell your massage therapist about your problem areas and other significant ailments.
If required, do not feel shy to remove your clothing, more exposed the skin is, the easier are the massage strokes.
Do not encourage any thoughts in your mind. Do not plan your day during the massage session.
Breathe deeply when the stroke is painful.
Drink more water after the massage.
For the Massage therapist:
In a series of tweets on her personal page,[1] Egyptian journalist Bothaina Kamel, who tried unsuccessfully to compete in Egypt's 2011 presidential elections, condemned last night's terror attack in Tel Aviv (June 8, 2016), in which two Palestinian gunmen opened fire on Israelis at a restaurant, killing four. Kamel called their action a crime and said there was nothing heroic about it. In her first tweet, she wrote: "What's heroic about entering a restaurant and shooting people who are dining there [?]"
The tweet sparked furious reactions from others on Twitter, who replied that Israel's actions against the Palestinians - "occupying the land," "expelling" people, and "besieging and starving men, women, children and the elderly and committing cold-blooded murder every day using every kind of weapon" - are also crimes. Kamel replied that Israel's actions are indeed "great crimes," but added: "Responding to one crime with another does not mean that the [one who responded] did not perpetrate a crime." In another tweet, she wrote: "Sadly, the weapons mafia is leading the world, and mankind is paying the price. There is no choice but to end this cycle of evil."
Endnote:
[1] Twitter.com/bothainakamel1, June 9, 2016.
In a June 8, 2016 shooting attack in Tel Aviv, four Israeli civilians were killed and 6 were wounded. Up until the following afternoon, the Palestinian Authority (PA) did not issue any statement condemning the attack, which was perpetrated by two cousins from the town of Yatta near Hebron, Ahmad Moussa Makhamra and Khaled Muhammad Moussa Makhamra.
On the contrary, Fatah's Recruitment and Organization Commission issued an official statement justifying the attack, calling it a natural reaction to Israel's actions and policy. A former minister in the Palestinian Authority (PA) said the attack was a reaction to the Israeli President's recent visit to Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Only at 14:00 on June 9 did the Palestinian news agency WAFA publish a condemnation by the Palestinian presidency, which stated that the presidency opposed violence against civilians from any side.
Palestinian opposition factions (such as Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front) welcomed the attack and called its perpetrators "heroes" and "a source of pride."
In several West Banks cities, as well as on social media, there were expressions of joy over the shooting, with many linking it to the month of Ramadan that began two days ago and is known as the month of jihad and victories.
The following is a sampling of the Palestinian reactions to the shooting:
Fatah: The Operation Was A Natural Reaction To Israel's Actions
In a statement it issued in response to the shooting, Fatah's Recruitment and Organization Commission said: "The operation in Tel Aviv was a natural and spontaneous reaction by single individuals to the option of force that Israel has chosen and to the increase in human rights violations [committed] against the Palestinian people by Israel everywhere."[1]
Statement by Fatah's Recruitment and Organization Commission
The head of the commission's information bureau, Mounir Al-Jaghoub, said: "Israel must fully comprehend the implications of [what it is doing, namely] its ongoing promotion of the option of violence; the policy of demolishing homes and of expelling the [Arab] residents of East Jerusalem; the daily invasions by the settler hordes, reinforced by [army] forces, into the Al-Aqsa mosque; and the cold-blooded murder of Palestinians at the checkpoints in the territories that were occupied in 1967... The attack in Tel Aviv came after the voice of all Israelis drowned out the voices of those calling for peace [i.e., the supporters of the French initiative], and after there was no realization of any approach ensuring the Palestinians' rights. The Israeli occupation has a clear policy of employing excessive military force that does not distinguish between men, women and children, and of perpetrating crimes that have become [part of] the daily lives of the Palestinians who facing the Israeli war machine..."[2]
Hassan 'Asfour, a former PA minister, wrote that the attack was the response of the Palestinian youth to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin's June 6 visit to Jewish settlements near Ramallah and to the claim that the intifada has ended: "The operation in Tel Aviv came in response to the claim that 'the Awakening of Rage' [i.e., the current intifada] has ended, and to the fact that the [Zionist] entity state does as it pleases without paying any price. More importantly, it is a message that the occupying state and its apparatuses must pay for every crime. The operation in Tel Aviv, carried out by men from [the town of] Yatta [near] Hebron, is a visit [they paid] as a practical response to [President] Rivlin's visit [to the West Bank]. It is as though the Palestinian youth wants to say: one visit in response to another."[3]
Palestinian Presidency: We Oppose Violence Against Civilians From Any Side
Only at 14:00 on the next day did the Palestinian news agency WAFA publish an announcement by the Palestinian presidency, which stated that the presidency "had repeatedly stressed its opposition to actions against civilians from any side, no matter the justification."[4] The statement added that "to achieve peace, everyone must to stop all acts that will increase hatred, tension and resorting to violence."[5]
Hamas, Islamic Jihad, PFLP Welcome That Attack, Call It Heroic
Isma'il Haniya, deputy head of Hama's political bureau, welcomed the attack and praised its perpetrators. He tweeted a photo of one of the terrorists (see below), remarking: "This is one of the heroes that carried out the operation in Tel Aviv. A thousand [wishes of] mercy and light upon your good souls."[6]
Haniya's tweet
Hamas spokesman Husam Badran promised "further surprises" in the course of Ramadan: "This operation was the first glad tiding of Ramadan for our people and for the courageous resistance, and the first surprise of those that await the Zionist enemy this Ramadan. The heroic action [carried out] near the Israeli defense ministry [compound] was a severe blow to the prestige of the Israeli defense system.[7] Mushir al-Masri, a Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member from Hamas, said: "We welcome the operation in Tel Aviv that brought about the death of four Zionists. It is a natural reaction to Israel's crimes in the West Bank and Gaza, and was meant to signal that the Al-Quds Intifada continues."[8] Daoud Shihab, a senior official in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, clarified: "The people will continue the intifada and defend its right to end the occupation and restore all the Palestinian lands."[9]
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) likewise issued a statement praising the attack: "The quality operation in Tel Aviv and the heroes that carried it out are a source of pride for our people and a quality turning-point in the intifada. [The operation] was a natural reaction to the field executions that the Zionist entity perpetrates against our people... The timing of this operation in the heart of the Zionist entity and close to the Zionist war ministry is a message of defiance directed at the Zionist war minister, Lieberman. It stresses that the resistance option is the best and most effective way to obtain our right by force, and it is also a message of rejecting all the dubious diplomatic initiatives [a reference to the French initiative]."[10]
Expressions Of Joy Among Palestinians
In addition to the statements welcoming the attack, in several parts of the West Bank there were public expressions of joy over it. For example, in the Deheishe refugee camp several dozen young men held a spontaneous victory march,[11] and in Tulkarm residents handed out sweets in celebration of the attack.[12]
Handing out sweets in Tulkarm in celebration of the attack (Facebook.com/QudsN, June 9, 2016)
The family of the two cousins who carried out the attack posted an announcement on Facebook expressing pride in their action. It stated: "Important announcement by the family of the two mujahideen, Khaled and Muhammad Makhamra from the city of Yatta: We are proud of what the mujahideen did... This effort is for the sake of our people and Al-Aqsa and the banner of 'there is no god but Allah'..."[13]
The family's Facebook announcement
Reactions On Social Media: The Tel Aviv Attack Was A Ramadan Operation
Posts on social media stressed the link between the attack and the month of Ramadan, which is known as the month of victories and of jihad. Many of the messages were posted under a special "Ramadan Operation" hashtag that was launched in celebration of the attack. The following are some examples:
An image captioned "The Ramadan Operation" shows a Ramadan pastry with a bullet inside (Facebook.com/Qii.media, June 9, 2016)
"Have a nice iftar" (iftar is the evening meal at the end of each day of the Ramadan fast) (Facebook.com/Palestinian.2na, June 6, 2016)
"May Allah accept your pious deed; #The Ramadan Operation" (Facebook.com/palinfo, June 9, 2016)
"The Ramadan operation killed four Zionists and wounded eight others" (Facebook.com/150484421711559, June 9, 2016)
"We broke our fast with this operation; may Allah accept your fast" (Facebook.com/ramallhacity?fref, June 9, 2016)
Endnotes:
HARBOR BEACH Its a reoccurring problem that has cycled around each year, but the city of Harbor Beach might finally have a solution to take care of its so-called squawking problem.
If you happen to travel the path near Lincoln Park, you may wonder what nine life-like creatures are near the lake. Dont be alarmed, theyre protecting the area.
We have a real issue with geese that are raising chaos, City Director Ron Wruble told the Tribune. The city did an experiment last year and (the experiment) told us that geese are natural enemies of swans.
Some of the issues geese have raised include the aggressive behavior they can display toward walkers, runners and bikers as they travel the bike path, as well as the presents the geese tend to leave everywhere.
Heres the scoop on the poop: Wruble said prior to the decoys, city workers would spray the bike path down, clearing all geese droppings, but by the next day, the area would be covered again.
Last year, the city placed decoy swans along the bike trail, north of the pier, in Lincoln Park to help deter the geese, and it worked.
The city recycled the idea this year, adding more decoys to the mix, Wruble said. Workers placed eight decoy swans and one coyote along the north side of the pier last Friday.
So far, it seems to be working, but the issue with that is they must be going somewhere else, Wruble explained.
Four additional swan decoys are on the way, he said, and they will sit on the south side of the pier to help keep the entire stretch of the bike path clear of feces.
Were hoping the decoys deter the geese from the area, Wruble said.
Its legal to hunt geese in Michigan. However, the hunting season stretches from Sept. 1 into early February in various locations throughout the state, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the U.S. an "indispensable partner" in the spread of shared democratic values and hailed the closer security and military ties between the two nations -- up to a point.
"Ties of commerce and investment are flourishing. We trade with the U.S. more than any other nation," Modi said in an address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber that was interrupted frequently by applause and standing ovations.
On military cooperation, Modi said, "India exercises more with the U.S. than we do with any other partner," and he noted that military sales had "moved from almost zero to $10 billion in less than a decade."
Modi made no mention of the recent flap between U.S. Navy Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar over just how far India was willing to go in exerting a naval presence in the region.
Harris had expressed the hope that in the "not too distant future," U.S. and Indian warships would conduct joint patrols and become "a common and welcome sight" throughout the Asia-Pacific region
Parrikar said that Harris was getting ahead of himself.
"As of now, India has never participated in joint patrolling but we do participate in joint exercises. So the question of joint patrolling at this stage does not arise," Parrikar told reporters.
While avoiding the joint patrols dispute, Modi noted, "There will be times when we will have different perspectives." However, "Our relationship is primed for a momentous future" now that the two nations have "overcome the hesitations of history," he said.
Modi's address to Congress capped a stunning turnaround in relations between the two countries that reached their nadir three years ago when an Indian diplomat was arrested by New York City police on charges of visa fraud, and abusing and failing to pay a servant.
Modi, a Hindu nationalist, had been denied a U.S. visa himself in 2005 on allegations that he had tacitly supported extremists during Hindu-Muslim riots in his home state of Gujurat in 2002.
"The restraints of the past are behind us and the foundations for the future are firmly in place," Modi told Congress.
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has embraced closer military ties to India as a counterweight to China in the region.
On his visit to India in April, Carter said that a "strategic handshake" had been extended by the U.S. to India that was meant to put aside decades of tepid military relations with India tracing back to New Delhi's leadership of the "Non-Aligned Movement" under India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Carter sought to expand opportunities for American defense firms in India and also said the U.S. was willing to share technology with India on the new launching and landing systems being installed on the latest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.
"We are working with the Indian Navy on technology for their next generation of aircraft carrier," the secretary said. "India would like to migrate on flat deck design" in construction of its next carrier, he said, and the systems being installed on the Ford have "some advantages in terms of weight of the aircraft and others."
Carter added, "We are more than willing to share it with India."
--Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Iraqi counterterrorism forces entered Fallujah on Wednesday as the U.S. military expressed concern about the safety of civilians fleeing the siege of the city about 40 miles west of Baghdad.
"There is great concern about the state of civilians inside Fallujah" and those who have managed to escape only to be treated as possible sympathizers of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, said Army Col. Chris Garver, the new spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in Baghdad.
Garver said the U.S. military was aware of reports by the United Nations and humanitarian groups that civilians from mostly-Sunni Fallujah were being abused and in some cases executed by the Shia Popular Mobilization Units that joined with the Iraqi Security Forces in the campaign to retake Fallujah.
However, Garver said it was up to the government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to deal with the allegations of Law of Armed Conflict violations. The best way to ease the plight of Fallujah civilians was to inflict a quick and decisive on the ISIS militants defending the city, Garver said.
"It's really an issue between the Iraqis and the humanitarian organizations providing support" for the fleeing Fallujah civilians who were being housed in makeshift tent camps where food and water reportedly was running short, Garver said in his first briefing to the Pentagon since replacing Army Col. Steve Warren as the task force's main spokesman.
The already overcrowded tent camps have been stretched thin by the arrival in the last 10 days of an additional 10,000 civilians fleeing Fallujah, according to the UN and the International Organization for Migration.
In addition to the advance into Fallujah, Garver said that the U.S.-backed mixed force of Kurds, Arabs and Christians under the umbrella of the Syrian Democratic Forces was making progress in the effort to retake the northeastern Syrian city of Manbij, one of the last remaining ISIS infiltration routes for foreign fighters.
"I can say that the matter of liberating Manbij is settled," Sharfan Darwish, a member of the Manbij Military Council supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces, told Reuters. "When the time comes, we will enter it, of course."
Garver said that more than 3,000 Syrian Democratic Forces were advancing on Manbij on multiple fronts but were being "met by heavy resistance from Daesh," an Arabic acronym for ISIS. He said at least 12 of the fighters had been killed and more than 100 wounded in the advance on Manbij that has been supported by more than 100 U.S. airstrikes.
In another sign of the complexity of Syria's five-year-old civil war, Turkey again raised concerns about the presence of fighters from the Kurdish YPG (Popular Protection Units) with the Syrian Democratic Forces.
The YPG is the military wing of the Syrian-Kurdish Democratic Union Party, which Turkey claims is a front for the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party). Both Turkey and the U.S. have labeled the PKK a terrorist organization.
Turkey warned the YPG against crossing west of the Euphrates, but Garver, in praising the growing capabilities of the Syrian Democratic Forces, noted that the forces had thrown up a makeshift bridge over the river to speed the advance on Manbij.
Garver acknowledged the presence of YPG fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces in the Manbij operation but said they were only in a supporting role.
Last month, Turkey protested to the U.S. when American Special Forces advisers moving with the YPG near the front lines in Syria were photographed wearing the arm patches of the YPG. Army Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force, immediately banned the wearing of YPG insignia by U.S. troops.
In Fallujah, "fighting in the approaches to the city has been significant, especially in the south," Garver said. ISIS fighters were in what Garver described as "complex defensive positions" with coordinated fields of fire, and were using minefields and an extensive tunnel system under the city to hold off the Iraqi advance.
"We don't know if their intent is to fight to the last man or abandon" the city, Garver said. The U.S. had no solid estimates on the number of ISIS fighters in Fallujah or the number of civilians, though Iraqi officials believe there are about 50,000 still in Fallujah, once a city of about 300,000 residents, he said.
Garver said the U.S. has conducted 67 airstrikes in and around Fallujah in the last three weeks in support of the campaign to retake the city, including seven in the last 48 hours. He acknowledged concerns about the slowness of the Fallujah operation but "this is going to happen at the Iraqi pace." He also noted, "It's hot here in June, as you know, and that all makes it harder to fight."
On Wednesday morning, the Iraqi counterterrorism forces, which have spearheaded Iraqi security forces successes in Ramadi, Hit, Tikrit and other cities, moved from the southern edges of Fallujah into the Shuhada neighborhood of the city, about a mile from the city center, Maj Gen Hadi Zayid Kassar, deputy commander of the counter-terrorism forces in Fallujah, told The Associated Press.
"We expect to face more resistance, especially because we are the only forces entering the city," said Gen. Haider Fadel, another counter-terrorism leader. Prime Minister Abadi has told the U.S. that the Shia Popular Mobilization Units backed by Iran will be kept out of the mostly-Sunni city to avoid the potential for a bloodbath.
While expressing concern for the civilians, Garver said it was necessary for the Iraqi forces to screen those fleeing the city for possible ISIS sympathizers or fighters who might be among them.
"You would completely expect the Iraqi government to take those procedures to screen them," Garver said. "If there are fighters there, they're weeding them out and sending them to detention. It's completely understandable."
As a distraction from its recent string battlefield losses, ISIS could be expected to take advantage of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan to carry out more suicide bombing attacks in Baghdad, Garver said.
"We expect Daesh to do more terrorist attacks to distract from the fact that they keep losing territory," he said.
--Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Despite Flipping in Surf 4 Times in a Year, Marines Say New ACV Is the Future of Amphibious Warfare
Some Marine veterans familiar with the vehicle and its operations have worried about the reliability of the ACV.
All was quiet aboard California Marine and Navy bases Thursday as a new law raising the age to purchase cigarettes from 18 to 21 took effect. But unlike the first law to raise the smoking age to 21, which took effect in Hawaii at the start of the year, this law explicitly exempts active-duty members of the military from having to comply.
This is a significant loophole. California is home to more than 42,000 active-duty Marine Corps personnel, most of whom are based at Camp Pendleton near San Diego. The Corps also maintains multiple smaller bases in the state: Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and the Marines Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport.
California also houses the Navys largest West Coast base, Naval Base San Diego, where more than 20,000 active-duty troops live and work.
While the Marine Corps and the Navy prepared troops for the new law in Hawaii with all-service bulletins threatening penalties for violators, the military response this time around was minimal.
"I have not heard any comments from Marines on the installations with concerns," Carl Redding, a spokesman for Marine Corps Installations West, told Military.com.
Redding said there were no near-term plans to push out information informing troops of the legal exemption or to promote military smoking cessation plans in light of the new law.
Helen Haase, a public affairs officer for Navy Region Southwest, which includes Naval Base San Diego, said the base had no plans to act regarding the new law either.
A source in the California state Senate told Military.com that the smoking age exemption for active-duty troops was added by members with military constituencies who raised the popular argument that troops old enough to go to war should have the freedom to smoke if they chose.
It's an argument that carries particular weight in the military, where a 2011 Defense Department survey found that nearly one in four troops smoke. The Marine Corps reported the highest rate of cigarette smoking, with smokers making up nearly one-third of the force.
Notably, the California law would leave military base commanders with the option to enforce the 21-and-over tobacco purchase policy aboard their installations, if they chose to do so.
To date, no base has taken this step. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
Nearly a half century after the USS Liberty -- a lightly armed American spy ship -- was almost sunk by Israeli air and sea forces during the Six Day War, survivors say the U.S. still prefers to avoid dealing with what happened and identifying who attacked the ship.
Strafed by machine-gun fire, hit by napalm and torpedoed over the course of the 75-minute attack, the Liberty has one of the most highly decorated crews in American naval history.
Out of that single action came one Medal of Honor, two Navy Crosses, a dozen Silver Stars, 20 Bronze Stars for valor, nine Navy Commendation Medals, more than 200 Purple Hearts and a Presidential Unit Citation.
But even when the ship is remembered, as it was last month with a rededication of carillon bells at Naval Station Norfolk's chapel, an important part of Liberty's story is avoided: It was attacked by Israel.
"It's probably political," said Terry McFarland, a Liberty survivor who organized a memorial service held Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery.
"But we still try to make Americans aware of what happened," he added, "for the memory of our shipmates and and to get a complete and full investigation of all the facts" about the attack.
Transcripts of radio communications between Israeli pilots and their controllers indicate the attackers identified the ship as American yet continued the assault. But U.S. and Israeli officials still claim it was a case of mistaken identity.
Members of the Liberty Veterans Association organize a service annually at Arlington, where six of their dead are buried in a group grave and others, including ship's skipper Capt. William McGonagle, are interred in separate plots.
The U.S. Navy routinely provides a bugler to play Taps for the occasion. Survivors say the sea service offers little else.
Citing the military's failure to identify Israel as the attacker on dozens of awards citations and the Arlington group headstone, to claiming the incident was an "accident" -- an excuse that even the State Department has never officially accepted, Liberty survivors they feel like they've been slighted for almost five decades.
"They don't want to talk about it, they don't want to listen to us, they don't want to do anything," Joseph Meadors, a signalman aboard Liberty during the attack, told Military.com. "They don't want to acknowledge our existence."
The story of the Norfolk chapel Carillon bells in the Navy news publication "The Flagship" is only the latest example of that unwillingness to confront history, they say.
Josie Toth Linen, whose brother Stephen was killed in action on Liberty, called the omission of Israel in the account of the incident "typical." She said, "We've been treated this way since 1967."
Base spokeswoman Kelly Wirfel concedes the omission was deliberate, but said that's because who attacked Liberty was not germane to the story.
"From my point of view, as the base public affairs officer, and the person who edited the story, the purpose of the ceremony was to rededicate the bells. It has nothing to do with the controversy We wrote the story, someone on my staff, and I'm very proud of the job that [she] did with the story."
Retired Lt. Cmdr. Jim Smith, a Liberty survivor who spoke at the service, doesn't recall either of the other speakers -- Command Chaplain Diane Lantz and NSN Commander Capt. Doug Beaver -- mentioning Israel.
"I don't believe that the plaque even says that," Smith said, referring to the dedication tablet placed in the chapel.
In weeks leading up to the event, he said he spoke to Lantz and asked her if she was meeting any resistance to dedicating the Carillon to the Liberty.
"I told her there are people out there who don't want us broadcasting that it was Israelis who attacked the ship," he said. But she assured him she was not hearing any opposition, he said.
Neither Lantz nor Beaver responded to Military.com's request for comment.
From the start, the attack on Liberty was a political controversy, with a succession of presidents, lawmakers and military leaders showing little or no willingness to fully investigate it. The few lawmakers who pressed for an investigation of the incident have often been dismissed as conspiracy theorists and even anti-Semites.
Just days after the attack, even before a brief Naval Court of Inquiry finished a limited investigation into the case, the Navy was calling it an accident in official telegrams sent to the families of the dead.
The Court limited its inquiry into whether Liberty was where she was supposed to be and how the crew responded to the crisis, though Adm. John S. McCain, commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, concluded the attack was accidental.
The Medal of Honor awarded to Liberty's skipper, Capt. William McGonagle, was presented in a private ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard by Navy Secretary Paul Ignatius -- not at the White House by President Johnson. (At the time of the presentation, wrote James Scott, author of "The Attack on The Liberty," Johnson was in the East Room overseeing the graduation of the Capitol Page School.)
In addition, McGonagle's Medal of Honor citation did not identify Israel as the aggressor -- an omission repeated on all but one of the many award citations (and that, Meadors believes, likely got through by mistake). The attacker was also omitted on a group headstone at Arlington National Cemetery where six of the sailors are buried.
Instead, the citations and the headstone said only that the attack and the deaths occurred "in the Eastern Mediterranean." It was only after sustained pressure from survivors and supporters that the stone was changed to include "Killed USS Liberty." But it doesn't mention Israel.
And while a Pentagon wall display does reference the incident, it suggests Israel mistakenly attacked the ship -- despite the radio chatter that indicated otherwise. For example, the display marking events in military intelligence history references the Liberty using a reproduced headline from The New York Times of June 9, 1967 -- before the court of inquiry had even convened -- declaring "Israel, in error, attacks Navy ship."
Meanwhile, the Navy denies that it dropped Liberty as the planned name of the second Littoral Combat Ship to avoid the controversy. But as previously reported by Military.com, the name appeared high on a list of recommended names to the Navy secretary and the official Naval Vessels Register identified LCS-2 as Liberty before it was changed.
Philip Giraldi, a former CIA case officer and Army intelligence officer who now writes for The American Conservative and other publications, was at the Arlington ceremony on Wednesday, where he met with survivors and their families.
"This was a deliberate attack" by Israel, he said. "But our country has done everything it could to make it appear it was an accident."
McLaren said he's already looking ahead to next year's anniversary of the attack -- the 50th -- when survivors, family and supporters plan to rally at Norfolk, which was Liberty's home port.
"The [Liberty Veterans] Association will continue to talk about the Liberty in the coming years, until none of us are around anymore," he said, "and then hopefully our families will continue on."
-- Bryant Jordan can be reached at Bryant.jordan@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BryantJordan.
Got trench foot?
The Marine Corps is counting on honest feedback from troops who will wear and test four different tropical combat boot prototypes this summer at the Marines' Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan.
Officials with Marine Corps Systems Command told Military.com that about 400 Marines from the Hawaii-based 3rd Marine Regiment would test out the boots during a two-to-three week period of jungle combat training that will start within the next two months.
The Marines published a call for sources to design the tropical combat boot last December, in response to an earlier directive from the commandant, Gen. Robert Neller.
"The commandant was interested in pursuing the opportunity to provide Marines with boots that would be lightweight, fast-drying, and appropriate for a tropical environment," said Lt. Col. Rob Bailey, product manager for infantry combat equipment for the command. "We also know that the Army has a similar interest in coordinating and collaborating."
Marine Corps Systems Command hosted an industry day in January to solicit manufacturers who might be capable of building an acceptable boot. In May, the Marine Corps awarded contracts to four manufacturers -- Original Footwear, Bates Footwear, Belleville Boot Company, and Rocky Boots -- to create boots acceptable for the wear test.
Each company is contributing 100 pairs of boots that will all go through the same rigorous wear in the jungle and back in garrison during the training period.
"We're looking at mud retention on the soles of the boots: do they feel soles will be self cleaning, do they have adequate traction and mobility in tropical environment. Did it have ankle support and foot support, was it sufficiently fast drying, was it durable, did it hold up under weather conditions," Bailey said. "We'll also have open ended questions."
He added that the weight of the boot will also be a key factor.
According to earlier contracting documents, the boots must weigh less than 2.3 pounds per pair, and ideally less than 1.7 pounds. They have to stand six to nine inches high and maintain ankle stability, and come in either "coyote" or "olive mojave" colors.
The sources-sought solicitation encouraged manufacturers to use synthetic leathers and fabrics that would dry quickly, and materials that would wear well over time. Following the jungle testing, Marines will take written surveys to evaluate the quality of their boots and how well they held up to mud and moisture. The boots will then be sent back to SYCOM, where officials will observe them for wear and tear and durability.
That feedback will then be used to create a list of specifications for the creation of a boot that any Marine might someday be able to buy from the base exchange, Bailey said. When the specifications are finally released, he said, any manufacturer will be able to compete for the contract, not just the four that participated in the initial wear test.
Currently, Bailey said, the tropical combat boot is being designed as a commercially available piece of gear that Marines may purchase, rather than an issued uniform item. Regardless, he said, officials will have to obtain clearance from the Marine Corps uniform board for Marines to wear the boots with their utility uniforms. He expects that application process to happen in the first half of next year.
Despite all the steps that need to take place, Bailey said he expected the process of creating the end product to move fairly quickly.
"On a notional timeline, we feel like we'll be complete with the specification in the first quarter of 2017 and have boots available any time after the second quarter," he said.
While Marines don't operate in the jungle as frequently as they once did, this gear, he said, will help ensure they are best prepared when they do.
"I think the commandant's intent was just to ensure we're providing options to Marines in every environment they could be operating in worldwide," Bailey said.
--Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
The Defense Department on Thursday confirmed the reassignment of a top official who was arrested in a parking dispute involving a neighbor's nanny.
Bryan Whitman, the Pentagon's top strategic communications officer, was put on administrative leave over the incident, in which he was arrested on charges of stealing the license plates of a Capitol Hill neighbor's nanny and leaving a threatening note.
Whitman is apparently back working at Pentagon, but he has been stripped of a security clearance and reassigned to another area.
"Bryan Whitman has been detailed to perform duties for the Department of Defense outside the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs," Gordon Trowbridge, deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, said in an email to Military.com.
Trowbridge didn't specify where exactly Whitman was assigned or elaborate on the case, which has stunned Pentagon officials and observers alike.
As principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, Whitman was one of the highest-ranking civilians at the Pentagon.
The 58-year-old Army veteran worked in public affairs at the Defense Department for more than 30 years and has often presided at Pentagon press briefings and appeared on television. He was a familiar face during briefings with military generals on the U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A lengthy story in The Washington Post portrayed Whitman as having appointed himself the stealthy parking enforcer of his neighborhood east of the Capitol under Washington's Visitor Parking Pass program.
Whitman allegedly thought the neighbor's nanny was abusing the visitor's parking pass and in April left an anonymous note on the windshield: "I know you are misusing this visitor pass to park here daily. If you do not stop I will report it, have your car towed and the resident who provided this to you will have his privileges taken away."
When the nanny continued to park in the area, Whitman allegedly stole the license plates. Then he did it again. The nanny's employers then bought a digital video camera and caught Whitman when he did it a third time, the newspaper reported. When police served a search warrant on Whitman on May 2, he allegedly handed over the stolen plates.
The charges will be dismissed if Whitman pays restitution, completes about a week of community service and keeps his record clean.
-- Richard Sisk contributed to this report.
-- Brendan McGarry can be reached at brendan.mcgarry@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Brendan_McGarry.
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter proposed sweeping changes Thursday to long-standing personnel practices for uniformed and civilian personnel system, including reform of the "up-or-out" promotion standards for officers.
Most of the proposals would require approval from Congress, which is even more gridlocked than usual in an election year. Even so, Carter said "we're pleased with the positive support we've seen" from the Capitol Hill leadership for his so-called Force Of The Future initiative aimed at modernizing the Pentagon's bureaucracy.
The secretary also said he was seeking to make the proposed changes permanent to avoid temporary pilot programs in an effort to give personnel more stability in planning their careers.
He summed up one of the major changes that does not need congressional approval this way -- "no more paper forms" for recruiting and enlisting
"Enlistment alone requires processing 70 to 80 million pieces of paper every year," Carter said. "That's slow, expensive, and inefficient. So over the next five years, we're going to move to an all-digital system."
In a lengthy address in the Pentagon's courtyard, the secretary said he needed help from Congress to revise the 1980 Defense Officer Personnel Management Act to implement many of the changes he was proposing.
"Many of you are familiar with 'up-or-out,' the term for our current system," Carter told the audience that included at least two service secretaries and two members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "This system serves us well, but that doesn't mean it can't be improved."
He said, "'up-or-out' isn't broken -- in fact, it's an essential and highly successful system -- but it's also not perfect. Most of the time, and for most of our people, it works well. The problem, however, is that DoD can't take a one-size-fits-all approach."
The current promotion system for officers "can lead to a particular assignment going to the most senior person on the list, even if someone else a bit lower down would be more effective in the job," Carter said.
"It also means that high-performing officers who get selected for promotion a year or two ahead of theirs peers often have to wait in line behind everyone else more senior -- sometimes for a year or more -- which prevents putting their talent to use as soon as it may be needed. It's counter-productive," he said.
Carter said he was seeking from Congress a relaxation of the strict timelines that dictate how long an officer can stay in one rank before promotion to the next to avoid penalizing officers who decide to pursue graduate degrees or take "non-traditional" career paths. He recommended allowing the services to defer promotion boards for such officers.
Carter cited the example of Army Lt. Joseph Riley to bolster his argument for more flexibility in the "up-or-out" system.
Riley was a Rhodes Scholar and the nation's top ROTC cadet in 2013, but "because he spent two years at Oxford instead of holding the typical military jobs expected of the Army's junior officers, the system almost didn't promote him, and in fact was on track to separate him from the military entirely" until the Army intervened on his behalf, Carter said.
"We can't have a system that inadvertently almost kicks out a Rhodes Scholar just because the calendar tells us to," he said. "A Ph.D., a Masters, or another experience or form of advanced training doesn't make for a diverted warrior -- it makes for a smarter warrior."
Carter sought to portray many of the proposed changes as coming from the services themselves, rather than the Pentagon's bureaucracy, to give them a better chance in Congress.
He said Lt. Riley was on the way out of the service before Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley intervened. He credited Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Nicholson for another proposal that would allow the services to adjust the "so-called lineal numbers of officers" to balance merit against seniority.
Right now, the existing legislation "limits how many personnel are allowed for each rank, so officers selected for promotion have to wait for an opening in the rank above them before they can actually get promoted," Carter said.
"So that's why we're seeking to change DOPMA to let the services adjust lineal numbers based on superior performance. It's a key part of good talent management," he said.
A third change Carter was seeking involved what the Pentagon calls "lateral entry" -- the term for how the military now inducts doctors, lawyers and chaplains at ranks commensurate with their skills and experience.
Carter said he wants the ability to bring in civilians with top skills in such fields as cyber, science and other technical areas at officers' ranks without going through the usual training.
"So in those situations, when perhaps a network defense or encryption expert from a tech company feels a call to serve, and is willing to contribute to our mission as a reservist or on active-duty, we need a way to harness their expertise and put it to use," Carter said. "We may not be able to offer as much money as the private-sector, but we can offer one of the noblest of missions."
On the civilian side, Carter said he was seeking authority from Congress to hire directly out of college, "and make no mistake -- this is going to be huge. I can't emphasize that enough."
Currently, when a Pentagon recruiter meets a student well-suited for a particular job, the student is referred to the USAJOBS website, Carter said. That can lead to 90 days of paperwork, not counting a possible security clearance, he said. To speed the process, Carter said he wanted the authority to make a tentative job offer to a recruit immediately.
Carter was also calling on Congress to approve six weeks of paid maternity and paternity leave for civilian personnel. "Parental leave is fully paid for military personnel, and the same should be true for their civilian colleagues," he said.
In a background briefing after Carter spoke, a senior Defense Department official said that negotiations were already underway with Congress on the proposals. Without identifying them, the official said that "senior members are supportive."
The official said that Carter's address was "probably the end of the road for legislative proposals" coming out of the Pentagon this year," though he wouldn't rule out that the secretary might come up with more personnel ideas that don't require congressional approval.
--Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
A reported Tricare scheme in which users DNA was collected in exchange for gift cards and used to order expensive, unneeded lab tests could be the latest example of Tricare fraud -- and a lesson in why beneficiaries should not give out their ID card or Social Security numbers in exchange for payment.
A salesman working with a Texas-based laboratory that conducts genetic and drug screening enticed service members to be screened for a variety of illnesses and drugs by setting up makeshift clinics at strip malls near Fort Hood, Texas, CBS News reported this week.
According to that story, the scheme produced more than $5 million in reimbursements last year for unneeded tests through Origen Laboratories. Tricare beneficiaries who signed up for the program were given $50 Walmart gift cards in exchange for their DNA, urine and a photocopy of their military ID card, the story says.
Cases of suspected Tricare fraud are investigated by the Department of Justice. Defense Department officials said they could not comment on the report.
"The Defense Department cannot discuss potential or ongoing investigations, or whether or not a specific individual or entity is the subject of an investigation," said Air Force Maj. Benjamin Sakrisson, a DoD spokesman.
Officials with Cockerell Dermatopathology, which operated Origen Laboratories, said they are refunding the money made through the tests in question.
"When Origen became aware that certain individuals were operating outside of the organizations strict compliance requirements regarding the manner in which laboratory services are marketed, we took immediate action, including terminating individuals and relationships with those that acted in violation of the laboratory's compliance policies," they wrote in a statement on their website. "We are also voluntarily refunding monies resulting from these activities. In no case did Origen or Cockerell profit from these activities as suggested by the CBS story."
According to DoD policy, DoD ID cards can be photocopied only to obtain entitled military benefits or for federal use, the instruction says. Acceptable uses include copying it for "medical care processing, check cashing, voting, tax matters or administering other military-related benefits to eligible beneficiaries."
But even though the reported plot was for a medical purpose, Tricare officials said that beneficiaries should never give out their personal health information or DoD ID card in exchange for any kind of reimbursement, even if it is advertised as being for medical reasons.
Fraud investigations are not uncommon within Tricare, documents posted by the agency show. In 2015, for example, Tricare judgments and settlements resulted in $61.2 million in repayments.
Additionally, Tricare last year closed a loophole in its compounded medication pharmacy policy that allowed for some physicians to prescribe medication in exchange for kickbacks. As part of that change, the DoD recouped more than $240 million while the Justice Department still has more than 100 investigations under way, Tricare officials said.
-- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com.
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The Biggby Coffee located at 3354 Washtenaw Ave. is closed.
(Matt Durr | The Ann Arbor News)
ANN ARBOR, MI - Michigan-based coffee chain Biggby lost another Ann Arbor location recently as the cafe at 3354 Washtenaw Ave., closed its doors. A company spokesperson confirmed the coffee shop is permanently closed through an email sent to The Ann Arbor News.
The Washtenaw Avenue location is the third Biggby Coffee to close in Ann Arbor in the last year. Last July, the cafe at 539 E. Liberty St. closed after the space was listed on the market for several weeks by the building owner.
In February, the Biggby Coffee located at 709 Packard St. closed after being open for 17 months. No reasoning for any of the closures was given by the company other than to confirm the cafes no longer are in business.
The spokesperson said the company was not at liberty to discuss the decisions made by the owner/operators to close the locations.
The 1,840-square-foot space on Washtenaw closed in May. It is available to lease, according to signage in front of the cafe. Brown paper has been taped to the inside of the windows and some of the signage around the store has been removed.
A handful of other Biggby Coffee cafes remain open in Washtenaw County, including a couple in the city of Ann Arbor. In 2013, the company announced plans to open more than 100 new stores in the Metro Detroit region over a two-year period.
Matt Durr is a business reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Email him at mattdurr@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.
CANTON, MI -- Construction crews began interior demolition work in early June to prepare for the arrival of Busch's Fresh Food Market in Canton, said John Hunter, director of marketing for Busch's Inc.
The work is a much-needed jolt to the project after it was stalled for nearly two years. Busch's Inc. originally hoped to have the location open in late 2013.
Hunter said the project was delayed because other Busch's stores needed upgrades.
"From the time we were hoping to open, up through now, we remodeled four stores," Hunter said. "There were some things that needed upgrades, so we wanted to reinvest in our current stores."
Hunter said the company hopes to open the Canton location later this year, but "nothing is set in stone."
Crews inside the former Farmer Jack super market, located at 225 S. Canton Center Road, are currently cutting interior concrete for drainage and electrical usage. Crews also took a bit of time tearing down a mezzanine inside the building.
Workers using heavy machinery and earth-moving equipment were seen clearing out steel and concrete debris on Wednesday, June 8.
Now that the other stores are up to date, Hunter said the Canton Busch's is now a priority project. A press release from 2012 predicted the Canton location would employ 100 full and part time workers.
"We're extremely excited to open (the Canton location), we just had to be strategic about how and where we spent our money," Hunter said.
Ben Solis is an intern with MLive & The Ann Arbor News. Email him at bsolis@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter @bensolis1.
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Southbound U.S. 23 near Washtenaw Avenue is closed as of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9 because of a crash involving a semi-truck.
(Ben Solis | The Ann Arbor News)
ANN ARBOR, MI -- All lanes of southbound U.S. 23 near Washtenaw Avenue are blocked Thursday because of a crash involving a semi.
The Michigan Department of Transportation reported the closure just after 12:15 p.m. June 9.
A semi-truck's cargo load was rolled over on the side of the expressway.
Michigan State Police and Pittsfield Township Fire responded to the scene.
Reporter Ben Solis contributed information to this report.
Lindsay Knake is a cops and courts reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Follow her on twitter or contact her at 989-372-2498 or lknake@mlive.com.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- A rollover involving a semitrailer blocked traffic on southbound U.S. 23 near Washtenaw Avenue on Thursday, June 9.
Pittsfield Township Fire Chief Sean Gleason said there were no injuries and traffic was rolling smoothly as of 2:40 p.m. Thursday. Joyce Williams, public affairs manager of Huron Valley Ambulance, said no one was transported from the scene.
The Michigan Department of Transportation reported the crash shortly after noon. MDOT funneled traffic past the scene for nearly an hour.
The truck was hauling two cargo trailers behind it, Gleason said. The second, empty trailer flipped over as the truck approached the Washtenaw Avenue exit on southbound U.S. 23.
Michigan State Police responded to the scene shortly after noon and called for Pittsfield fire to assess a coolant leak from the vehicle.
Gleason confirmed that spill has been contained and cleaned up.
Ben Solis is an intern with MLive & The Ann Arbor News. Email him at bsolis@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter @bensolis1.
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The Myanmar Investment Commission, a government-run body responsible for approving major local and foreign investments, has been re-formed with 11 members, the Presidents Office said yesterday.
The new commission will be chaired by Planning and Finance Minister U Kyaw Win. Commerce Minister U Than Myint has been named vice president and U Aung Naing Oo, MIC secretary under the former government, will keep the same position on the new committee.
Other members include Attorney General U Tun Tun Oo, as well as permanent secretaries from the commerce, planning and finance, and natural resources and environmental conservation ministries.
A retired director of the General Administration Department will also sit on the board, along with two representatives from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration and one from the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry the sole private sector representative.
Investors have been growing anxious to see a new review committee formed, after the previous body was dissolved at the end of the former governments term in late March.
The MIC usually meets several times a month to consider and approve a small number of investments, but has been out of action for more than 10 weeks.
Since the last meeting in March, when an unusually large number of projects were approved, foreign and local companies have submitted around 100 proposals for appraisal.
Most are for garment manufacturing and fishery products manufacturing, according to Chinese news agency Xinhua.
Policies and rules on investment applications and approvals will be unchanged under the new government, secretary U Aung Naing Oo told The Myanmar Times last week. He could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Under the draft Myanmar Investment Law a merger of the Foreign Investment Law and the Myanmar Citizens Investment Law the MIC may become independent. For now, it answers directly to the Presidents Office.
In addition to paving the way for MIC independence, the Myanmar Investment Law is expected to ease some restrictions on business and support an increase in foreign investment.
Approved investment for the 2015-16 fiscal year hit US$9.4 billion the highest figure since 2010. Around $4 billion of this was approved in the final month.
Western Union has launched outbound money transfer services this week almost four years after it first entered the country.
The global payment services firm will now allow people in Myanmar to transfer up to US$3000 a day to more than 500,000 locations around the world, through its nine local agent banks.
Customers can transfer money without opening a bank account, regional senior vice president Patricia Riingen told media on June 7.
The company works with Kanbawza Bank, CB Bank, AYA Bank, Yoma Bank, Myanmar Apex Bank, First Private Bank, Global Treasure Bank and Myanmar Oriental Bank, she said.
Through these banks, customers can quickly transfer money to over 200 countries, to send to family members, for scholarships, health, travel or sending presents.
Until this week, Western Union only offered inbound services, allowing overseas workers to send remittances back to Myanmar.
While convenient, Western Union services are more expensive than the hundi system, an informal exchange where an agent in one country asks their counterpart in another to pay the beneficiary, often on the same day.
The hundi system is quick, cheap, secure, unregulated and widely used by migrant workers.
Translation by Khine Thazin Han
The share price of Myanmar Thilawa SEZ, one of two companies listed on the Yangon Stock Exchange, may be held back due to its shareholder structure, according to a recent research paper.
MTSH became the second firm to list on the Yangon Stock Exchange last month, pricing its shares at K40,000. The stock closed at K57,000 yesterday, having hit a high of K70,000 on May 24.
Within 12 months of the listing date the share price ought to reach K82,000, said the papers author, research analyst Michael Ong, head of research for KBZ Stirling Coleman Securities.
We like the fundamentals of this company, he said, in an interview with The Myanmar Times. Its a very attractive business.
MTSH was set up to invest in the Thilawa special economic zone Myanmars first SEZ and draws a significant chunk of its revenue from subsidiaries that sell industrial, residential and commercial land in the SEZ to other companies.
The subsidiaries receive up-front payment from companies buying an initial 50-year lease, Mr Ong said. Meanwhile, MTSH has little in the way of capital expenditure because much of the surrounding infrastructure that helps make Thilawa attractive including a power plant, port and roads is being built by other entities, he added.
Where else can you find a business like this, said Mr Ong. Its [a] fantastic cash flow.
MTSH became profitable in 2015-16 with net income after tax of K16.2 billion, according to the firms recent disclosure documents.
The short-term concern is its fragmented share holder structure, Mr Ong said. There are nine principal shareholders, each holding around 5 percent of MTSH, who may want to realise value at some point and sell, he said. The risk is that there is an oversupply of stock, which puts a limit on the share price.
Mr Ong thinks MTSH shares should trade at a premium to his K82,000 estimate once this anticipated oversupply of shares takes place.
Financial industry figures have warned, however, that Myanmars new stock market need local institutional accounts that can provide more sophisticated analysis and trade in larger amounts. While the market remains dominated by retail accounts it risks being subject to speculation and volatility, they said.
First Myanmar Investment was the first firm to list on the stock market, and enjoyed a brief jump in share price before a steady decline. Mr Ongs estimate for that stock is K42,000, but FMI shares closed at K26,000 yesterday the same level at which the firm listed in March.
Still, the outlook for Thilawa is good, said Mr Ong. Demand for plots of land in the first of the industrial zones has been strong, with 76pc of the land that will be leased out already sold as of December 31, the firm said.
The companys subsidiary Myanmar Japan Thilawa Development, of which it owns 41pc, sold an estimated 143.5 hectares of land at an average price of around US$60 per square metre, and that price is expected to rise further, said Mr Ong. With Zone A filling up fast, attention will soon turn to Zone B, he added.
MTSH and its partners the Japanese and Myanmar governments and a Japanese private sector consortium signed an agreement in February to develop a second Thilawa industrial park. This Zone B project will be 500 to 700 hectares, and begin toward to the end of this year, according to MTSH.
We understand that MTSH will be involved in the development of all future industrial parks in the Thilawa SEZ, said Mr Ong in a research report published in May. He expects the development of Zone B to last until 2022.
Assuming a similar cost and pricing structure to the Zone A project, revenue from land sales from the second industrial park alone would provide an estimated $464 million or K533 billion between the 2018 and 2022 financial years, according to Mr Ongs analysis.
Even after Zone A and Zone B are complete, this leaves over 1000 hectares of Thilawa land for development. The total land in Thilawa SEZ is enough to provide MTSH with a sustainable income for the next 16 years, Mr Ong said.
Journalism has consequences, prize-winning author Nyo Tun Lu told fellow scribes. You could start out writing for a newspaper and end up like Ernest Hemingway.
The author, who has just been awarded the Mekong River Literary Award, was speaking of his own 30-year career. At first, you deal with raw material. Later, you find time to write it down.
Nyo Tun Lun started as a business journalist, working in the early 1990s for such magazines as Dana, Myanma Dana and Living Colour, with colleagues who included Sue Hnget, Nay Win Myint and Mg Ko Ko (Amarapura), writers who cut their teeth on business reporting.
Now a Mandalay publisher, Nyo Htun Luu once said the best way to deal with a 24/7 news cycle was to read more books. Another way, now, would be to learn the ways of social media such as Facebook or Twitter.
The newspaper I was working for in 2012 had made plans to cover the by-election. I sent reporters out to the polling stations. I went there too, but at 11am I went to the teashop, where I saw the news being broadcast on Skynet. I was shocked. At that time, Facebook was not well known. I had to rewrite my front-page lead.
Another example was the coverage of the Singu earthquake. Reuters reporters took their laptops with them.
On the subject of literature, Nyo Tun Lu said the key to spreading better knowledge of Myanmar literature throughout the world was translation. Weakness in translation tends to keep Myanmar literature within its own borders, even for the 2002 book Sanagu Home by the famous author Saya Paragu. I remembered his comment on my book, and his suggestion to get out from the bamboo grove and shoot for the moon, he said.
He spoke of the need in the best Myanmar literature to use beautiful descriptive prose, to hold up a mirror to the politics of the day, to view customs and culture with a critical eye, and to present well-depicted characters, rich in Myanmar vocabulary.
That why young people must read. I cant say what benefits will come from reading, but the time will come when you suddenly see the point of the writing. Your reading will support your new writing. When your mindset is settled, you can write. Im eager to see how many good new writers emerge over the next decade.
Talking to journalists over tea, the author spoke of the current weakness of the market for literature, the absence of Myanmar literature on the international level and the struggles he had faced in publishing his books.
His two-language Oke-Sar-Sont Nat (Treasure-Trove Guardian Spirit) and other stories depict the value of Myanmar culture and have helped him win the Mekong River Literature award, said fellow writer Soe Bar Daing.
The seventh conference will be held starting tomorrow through June 11, when the prizes will be awarded to Nyo Tun Lu and writer Tin Maung Shwe, who won for the Long Story award.
Tired of superheroes and blockbusters? If you prefer an interesting, thoughtful and well-made film, or you just feel like watching a great foreign- language movie, wend your way to the Institut Francais de Birmanie (IFB) next Monday for their Latina Cine-Club. It starts at 7pm.
Every Monday since last October, French and sometimes Spanish films have been shown at the club, in partnership with the Spanish embassy. We want to offer a new kind of cinema to the Myanmar audience. We have a program of different kind of movies: classical, documentary, animated, comedy, drama, etc., said Anais Rober, the IFB cultural officer who organises the club.
Films are screened in original language with English subtitles and the entrance is free for all. Last Monday, they screened Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg), which won the Palme dOr at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival. Regularly, we have an audience of 15 to 30 people, she said.
I think showing great foreign-language films is important because you cant see films like these anywhere else in town. This is a good alternative way to discover a new cinema, said Ms Rober.
We would like to invite everyone to join the Latina Cine-Club. Theres no need to speak French, but it can be a good start to discover the language. French cinema is also an excellent way to learn more about French culture, she said.
This month, the program will focus on music in honour of International Music Day, June 21. Coming attractions include Attila Marcel by Sylvain Chomet (on June 13), Chante ton Bac dabord by David Andre (June 20) and Habana Blues by Benito Zambrano (June 27).
This is the third time Ive come since I joined last month. I like coming to IFB even if they dont have a cine-club. The environment is cool, so now I have a new reason to come, said club-goer Kaung Latt.
I like to watch foreign-language films, because the way they use language is interesting. I like the way French people greet each other, he said.
The British Council marks the 70th anniversary of its arrival in Myanmar this month, with an exhibition at the British Council library on Kanna (Strand) Road from June 7 until June 30.
Life Stories celebrates the lives of some of the inspirational people the British Council has met over the last seven decades in the country.
The exhibition features photographs, correspondence and personal accounts from twelve remarkable individuals, including democracy activists, authors, parliamentarians, artists, civil society leaders, students and educators many of which have never been published before.
Following the elections and the formation of a new government, now is an opportune moment to reflect on a country in the midst of enormous change, re-emerging onto the international stage, said Kevin Mackenzie, country director of British Council Burma.
We are proud of our history here and humbled by the experiences of the Burmese people during an extraordinary seven decades. So when it came to deciding how to mark the anniversary, rather than telling our own story we decided to tell theirs, he added.
Among the stories featured in the exhibition are accounts from award-winning author Tin Tin Win; Aung Myo Min, executive director of Equality Myanmar and the first openly gay man in the democratic movement; and Min Ko Naing, democracy activist and former political prisoner.
The exhibition is accompanied by a book and a website showcasing the full interviews as well as previously unpublished archive material and a specially commissioned historical essay on the period from 1946 to the present day.
The British Council is the UKs international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
Life Stories will be on display until June 30 at the British Council Library, 78 Kanna Road, Yangon. Entry is free (photo id required).
I learn this the hard way. The most accurate GPS location is on The Penthouse Facebook page, which marks a spot at the corner of Peoples Park, where Dhammazedi Road and Bagayar Road meet.
Youll know you found the place when you see its signature, silhouetted-skyline logo hanging over the sidewalk outside. The security guards can direct you the elevator, which youll ride to the top.
When the doors open, youll see white benches arranged in squares dotting a wide outdoor patio, ideal for the crowd of smokers that inevitably congregates on rooftops in Yangon. Half the restaurant is covered, with the bar and seating predominantly inside the confines of a glass roof. For a Tuesday night, the place is busy but not too busy. French and Myanmar and British and Americans, by population in that order, slurp cocktails and are chic. I am ashamed of my flip-flops.
At the edge and corner of the rooftop is an up-close-and-personal vista of Shwedagon, less than a kilometre away across the dark green landscape of Peoples Park. More open than Vista Bar and more eloquent than Alfa Hotels Sapphire Lounge, Penthouse has the best rooftop bar view Ive seen in Yangon. Its going to be a hugely popular selfie backdrop when word spreads.
I deny the urge, however, and focus on the task at hand: ordering dinner. Im still peeved about the incorrect Google Maps address, but I have a server to myself, and am essentially waited on hand and foot, which helps. The menu arrives immediately, and my server returns as soon as I raise my eyes, eager to take my order. As usual in Myanmar, it can be a little unnerving to be watched so closely, but Im used to it.
After an extensive evaluation of the menu which is extensive, at four pages of wines, a page of cocktails and beers, a page of bar snacks that included bruschetta (K9000), beef skewers (K12,000) and burgers (K15,000), and a page of steaks and entrees I settle on a Manhattan (K7000), first. It takes a couple minutes for the barkeep to double-check the recipe card, but it arrives well-prepared, though perhaps made with Jack Daniels instead of a traditional rye. Small mistake, but notable.
At this point a Myanmar Pop Star arrives and sits with a group of friends, just next to the Penthouse owners, the French duo Raouf Baccouche and Amine Zlaoui they also started The Lab wine and tapas bar. She, along with everyone else on the patio, looks flawless. The airy, oonce, oonce, oonce of French house music pulses from the speakers and my heart-rate elevates. The flip-flops feel like a flimsy, bad decision.
Food distracts me from the realisation that this place is too cool. I order a chicken picatta (K17,000) for what is probably my first time ever in Myanmar, as well as a chorizo tortilla (K7000) from the bar snacks menu, described as a thick Spanish tortilla wrapped with potatoes and chorizo.
If youre here to mingle and dont want to spend a fortune on food, its worth noting that a Tuborg or Yoma beer will only set you back K2500 this is Carlsberg turf, it seems and fries only K2000.
My picatta arrives, on a bed of lemon caper sauce with some sage tagliatelli (which I understand to mean noodles) on the side. It is light, subtle and filling, exactly what I hoped and much better than I expected.
The chorizo tortilla is more like a quiche than I thought it would be given the description, but, nevertheless, delicious and hearty. A good if not very traditional bar snack.
As dinner draws to a close, a floor manager comes over and engages me. She speaks good English, and seems curious about the guy in flip-flops taking pictures of his meal. She tells me Penthouse stays open late, until 2am or 3am depending on the crowd, and that its been busy since they opened a few weeks ago.
The check arrives, and I note there is no tax sticker on the receipt. Then I walk toward the lift, a route which takes me right past a certain Myanmar Pop Star. Waiting for it to arrive, I look around one last time: green plants encircle white benches, and did she just catch my eye?
I look down, at my flip-flops, and catch the elevator down to Yangons soggy streets.
Rakhine State immigration officials have launched a pilot project to verify the citizenship of residents in three Muslim-majority townships.
The project, which began on June 7, is largely carrying on with the citizenship verification project the last government had launched to address the large stateless community.
Immigration officials are counting residents who had been handed light-blue green cards last year, and is providing the cards to those who qualify but lack them. The project is promising later scrutiny to determine citizenship eligibility, according to the process described by government officials.
Only the individuals who accept the light-blue cards are to then go through the township, state and Union-level verification processes, according to U Myint Kyaing, permanent secretary of the Immigration and Population Department.
He added that the program, which will adhere to the 1982 citizenship law, is part of the governments 100-day plan.
If we are unable to finish within 100 days, then we will consider a six-month plan. It is a pilot project and it is being done in Kyaukphyu, Myebon and Ponnagyun townships of Rakhine State, he told The Myanmar Times yesterday.
He said the government would extend the process to other townships if the pilot is successful.
The cards being given out during the simultaneous census do not include race or religion in a bid to avoid controversial terminology and inflaming sectarian conflict. The cards include an identification number, the name of the holder, the name of the holders father, and the holders gender, date of birth and marital status.
But the intention of avoiding conflict by skipping over race has already backfired. Radio Free Asia reported that a village in Ponnagyun refused the cards and would not provide information to immigration officials, citing the inability to self-identify as Rohingya.
The Myanmar Times could not independently confirm the report as most calls to state immigration officers went unanswered yesterday. Those who did pick up confirmed the census project but declined to comment.
The chair of the Arakan National Party, U Aye Maung, said he and the other party members are not paying close attention to the process, but he also declined to comment. In a proposal to parliament last month, ANP member Daw Khin Saw Wai urged the government to address what she referred to as a problem of increasing numbers of illegal immigrants in the state.
U Maung Maung Ohn, former Rakhine State chief minister and now Union Solidarity and Development Party state parliamentarian, said the government needs to convince the Muslim community that accepting and cooperating with the governments plan will benefit them.
When I was chief minister, I faced huge pressure and difficulty executing orders from above. [Rakhine and Muslim] communities have been too dogmatic to build trust, he said.
In order for the citizenship project to succeed, he said, the government must convince the Muslim community that they will get full citizenship rights once they are verified.
The previous government revoked all temporary identity cards known as white cards held by stateless Muslims and other ethnic groups in 2015. Acting on a ruling by the Constitutional Tribunal, parliament also disenfranchised all potential white-card voters, who had previously been allowed to cast ballots in 2010 and in the 2012 by-elections.
More than 300,000 Muslims in Rakhine State out of an estimated 800,000 white-card holders across the country surrendered their documents by the April 1, 2015, deadline. In return they were given receipts which they were supposed to exchange for the green cards valid for two years. Few appear to have done so.
White cards were first issued in the early 1990s as a result of the 1982 Citizenship Law introduced by General Ne Wins military regime. The law established three categories of citizenship that excluded most self-identifying Rohingya and barred them from obtaining national registration cards.
Under the previous government, the citizenship verification process was meant to be a three-step process, moving from township to state to Union-level committees. The township scrutiny committee is composed of general administrative officers, township immigration officials and township law officials, as well as one Muslim and two Rakhine representatives.
If the township scrutiny committee approves the candidate, forms are sent to the state immigration and population department. If the state officials pass the request, the Union ministry can determine whether or not to grant national registration cards (NRCs).
However, U Maung Maung Ohn said up to 1000 individuals from Myebon township who were granted NRCs during his tenure as chief minister faced difficulties travelling and living wherever they wanted, further fuelling mistrust of the citizenship system.
They were afraid and they could not settle in other places, he said.
He added that he believes it would be easier for the self-identifying Rohingya to gain citizenship if they relinquish claims to the term. Under the previous government the community was officially called Bengali.
To be practical, it [citizenship] is not possible if they continue to insist and demand the name and rights as an ethnic group, U Maung Maung Ohn said. Rohingya is not among the 135 recognised ethnic group labels.
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said last month that the terms Rohingya and Bengali both have political connotations and can incite problems, and so should best be avoided as the government continues finding a solution that would benefit both communities in Rakhine State.
Yesterday, the Tatmadaw newspaper Myawady published an article that described the Muslim community as settling in Rakhine State under British colonial rule. It suggested that Bengalis who invaded from Bangladesh should not be granted citizenship, while those who have lived for generations in Rakhine State should not be recognised as ethnic Rohingya either.
The article also said the citizenship process should proceed under the provisions of the 1982 Citizenship Law.
A raid on a large Bangkok brothel notorious for its soapy massages has found underage sex workers from Myanmar and logbooks detailing big kickbacks to corrupt cops and officials, investigators said yesterday.
More than 100 officers from Thailands Interior Ministry raided Nataree Massage, which is in downtown Bangkok and popular with locals and foreigners.
During the evening raid on June 7 they found documents detailing alleged payments worth thousands of dollars to police and city officials.
The raid also uncovered multiple sex workers under the age of 18 inside the brothel, most of them Myanmar citizens a stark reminder of how impoverished teenage migrants continue to be lured into Thailands sex trade.
Ronnarong said around 90 percent of the 121 women found working in the brothel at the time of the raid were from Myanmar, primarily ethnic minority women from the two countrys border regions.
Three held documents proving they are under the age of 18, Ronnarong Thipsiri, director of the Territorial Defence Office, which was involved in the raid, told AFP, adding that investigators believed at least 12 others were suspected of being underage.
Prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand but is ubiquitous across the country.
Despite its reputation as a global sex tourism destination, the vast majority of sex work caters to locals.
Activists have long advocated for the trade to be legalised to better protect the many women, men and transgender people who sell sex commercially.
But it is a cause few politicians have been willing to embrace in a country that remains socially conservative when it comes to sex.
Because of their criminalised status, brothel owners and sex workers often have to offer protection payments to police or criminal gangs to ward off arrest or closure.
The account book with the hush money is very clear in detailing which agencies and persons received the money. Most are police and police agencies, Mr Ronnarong told AFP.
We did not inform police ahead of the raid because we had information that they were benefiting from this operation, Mr Ronnarong added.
A photograph of one log-book page, taken by local reporters who joined the raid, showed more than US$10,000 worth of payments made to multiple police officers and law enforcement agencies over a 20-day period in March this year.
Mr Ronnarong, who said the photo was legitimate, added that one section of the brothels account book showed 19 million baht ($539,000) in takings, though he did not say over what period of time the money had been made.
The head of Bangkoks police force, Lieutenant General Sanit Mahathavorn, told reporters yesterday he had appointed a task force to investigate the hush-money payment allegations.
The Kachin National Organisation has urged Pakistan to stop selling fighter jets to the military, which it said could use the aircraft in fighting against ethnic armed groups.
The KNO released a statement yesterday asking Pakistan to support the Kachin peoples call for peace and ethnic rights, and to promote the provision of urgent assistance to those in need of humanitarian support.
U Duwa Bawmwang Laraw, president of the group which is affiliated with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), told The Myanmar Times yesterday that the government of Pakistan should take a proactive role in pressuring the Myanmar government to cease further military action that he alleged would inevitably result in widespread human rights abuses in the country.
The military is using fighter jets during the fighting. We are worried that the military uses jets from Pakistan in fighting against ethnic armed groups. They always do, U Duwa Bawmwang Laraw said.
The statement accused the military of the indiscriminate use of ground offensives and air strikes for the elimination of ethnic groups and civilians living in conflict areas.
The military should know that a lot of civilians fear air attacks because many have occurred near villages. The new government should reconsider buying fighter jets, and it needs to know where the military uses them, he said.
Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited Pakistan and Serbia last year. The military had placed an order for 24 jets in 2015 and paid for 16 of them after the visit. The Pakistani media reported that Myanmar was the first international buyer of the aircraft, which are worth US$35 million each.
Russia plans to deliver three fighter jets worth about US$15 million each to Myanmar by the end of 2016, according to various Russian news publications.
The Ministry of Defence has been allotted K2.88 trillion, or just over 13.5 percent of the budget, for the 2016-17 financial year. The share was only incrementally up from the previous year when it was allocated K2.75 trillion or 13.2pc of the budget. The budget for the current financial year was approved by the previous government in January.
A colonel in the Tatmadaws Public Relations and Psychological Warfare department declined to comment on the KNO statement.
The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission has urged its Thai counterpart to help four Myanmar migrant workers accused of murder. They have asked that the Thai human rights body try to protect the accused from being tortured by Thai police.
The four were arrested for the murder of an 18-year-old Thai student on September 28, 2015, in Ya Hnaung, southern Thailand.
Myanmar rights commission deputy chair U Sit Myaing told The Myanmar Times on June 7 that they had asked the Thai commission to help the four migrants following reports casting doubt on the Thai polices handling of witnesses, and of a CCTV recording said to prove that the four Myanmar suspects were at work when the murder occurred.
We asked the Thai commission to request the police to investigate the case fairly and in accordance with Thai law. We asked that the accused be allowed to meet their parents and Myanmar officials to ensure that their rights were respected. We hope that such requests to the police and the courts coming from the Thai commission will have some effect, said U Sit Myaing.
The June 2 letter asked the Thai commission to request that Thai police do not torture the Myanmar suspects and allow them access to medical care.
I want to urge the Thai government to give the Myanmar migrants safety and justice, and to treat them in accordance with their laws, said U Sit Myaing.
U Htoo Chit, director of a Thailand-based educational and development foundation that renders assistance to Myanmar citizens in Thailand, issued a press release on May 30 about the case, highlighting the parallels with the treatment of Ko Zaw Linn and Ko Wai Phyo, who were convicted in Thailand in December of the murder of David Miller and the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge. The two defendants testified in court that they had been beaten and abused by police.
U Htoo Chit has also called on the Myanmars Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Labour to assist the four suspects, whom he says have no connection with the killing. He added that the mens employer and 45 other witnesses are prepared to speak in their defence in court.
For the first time, civil society organisations yesterday addressed land restitution for IDPs and refugees on a national level, rather than on a per-state basis.
At the public forum, groups working with conflict-affected communities from all over the country pressed the government to start a discussion about refugee return and demanded the inclusion of all stakeholders in the decision-making process.
The dialogue followed a two-day workshop organised by the Border Consortium and the Transnational Institute aimed at establishing a national platform for communities displaced by armed conflict.
Representatives yesterday emphasised the need for a well-thought-out plan for people displaced by conflict who wish to return home.
If return is forced or not done carefully, [the returnees] will become internally displaced persons again, said Naw Blooming Night Zan, a member of the Karen Refugee Committee.
Refugees remain concerned over security because most areas that the displaced fled from have become heavy militarised and are infested with landmines, according to the civil society groups. The CSOs urged the removal of mines and military bases.
Military presence is often associated with human rights abuses, as human rights groups allege the armed groups and the Tatmadaw have been involved in rape, forced labour and civilian portering, as well as other abuses.
There are questions from refugees when we talk about going home: Is the military there, or are there landmines? said Naw Blooming Night Zan.
Many people who fled their homes have lost their land and dont have much chance of getting it back after plots were confiscated for investment projects and military bases, said Sai Nor Hseng, a member of the Shan Youth Network. He added that no more permits should be granted for development projects as it threatens national reconciliation.
Land is very important for the people. It is their life. People abandoned their land because of conflict. When they go back, there is no home, no village, he said.
Even though Myanmar has a Land Use Policy, only a small section is devoted to the rights of refugees and it does not adequately protect them, according to the groups.
In their statement, the 25 CSOs also recommended the return of all arbitrarily confiscated land to refugees. They also emphasised the need to respect customary land use and tenure systems in ethnic areas.
The Karen National Union presented its extensive land policy in May and work is being done to draft similar policies in other ethnic areas.
Van Biak had only been away from her family in Leilet, Chin State, for two weeks, but her mother was in tears as they embraced on the veranda.
Van Biak and her older sister Van Hnem left to find work as maids in Singapore with few job opportunities in their remote village in Chin State, one of the poorest regions of Myanmar where 73 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.
Van Biak and Van Hnem were aware of the risks. Another maid from Leilet has been working in Saudi Arabia for six years without pay or hope of return and this was no isolated case.
A number of high-profile cases of worker abuse prompted the government in September 2014 to put a temporary ban on women going abroad to find work as maids.
But with few economic opportunities at home, the number of women leaving to get jobs abroad as domestic workers has not abated and more do so illegally, prompting calls for the current government to lift the ban.
Im ready to work hard and face difficulties abroad in order to help my family, said Van Biak, who, at 15, was too young to get a passport and so returned home.
Van Hnem, who is 18, made it to Singapore with six other girls from Leilet, lured by the chance to make up to US$370 a month compared to Myanmars minimum wage of about $67.
I am so scared they will be used as slave labour, said her mother, a fear echoed by all parents whose daughters are now working abroad illegally.
The ban has not only failed to stop women from Myanmar going abroad to work it has led to a black market that puts the women at greater risk of exploitation and slavery, according to the Singaporean Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), set up to protect migrant workers rights.
Since the ban was implemented, the fee paid by workers to secure a job abroad has increased in order to facilitate the bribes required to circumvent the ban. Workers do not start to see any money themselves until this debt is paid off.
Moreover, since these workers often leave their country as a tourist, they are not protected by labour or migration laws.
Jolovan Wham, executive director of HOME, said the number of Myanmar maids in Singapore grew 50pc between 2013 and 2015 with over 30,000 there now, which was evidence that the ban was not effective.
Unfortunately, a lot of Singaporean employers request Myanmar maids because they are more affordable and generally more compliant, Mr Wham told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Sian Men Mawi legally worked as a maid in Singapore befo re moving to China, lured by the promise of a lucrative employment contract. She arrived in Guangzhou on a tourist visa.
Sian Men, 26, said she was enslaved by her agent who locked a number of Myanmar girls in separate houses and rotated them through different jobs, holding their wages and never letting them pay off their debts.
We didnt know the agent would exploit another human being like that, Sian Men said from her mothers home in the Chin village Zawgnte.
Sian Men managed to escape and returned to Myanmar by bus, evading the police who manned checkpoints along the route.
We get into difficulty because of the agents but we cant do anything about it because we dont have legal passports or work permits. We have to do what the agency says, she said.
The Thomson Reuters Foundation managed to get hold of Melody, Sian Mens agent in Guangzhou, who admitted to enforcing a six-month debt bondage period but denied exploiting her employees.
If their employer is unhappy then I have to replace them [before they pay off their bondage debts], she said repeatedly, without giving her full name.
The Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation (MOEAF) said it has become harder for the authorities to police the movement of domestic workers across Myanmars borders because large employment agencies have been replaced by individual traffickers, often from within the victims social circles.
It is particularly difficult to track the trafficking of girls from Chin and Kayin states because their church is often involved, said U Win Tun, vice chair of the MOEAF.
There were 130 official cases of trafficking in Myanmar last year, with a total of 641 victims. Chin State was the only region of Myanmar not to have recorded any official cases.
The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Police Division does not have a branch in Chin State. The Thomson Reuters Foundation contacted the nearest office on Kalay, Sagaing Region, but they were unable to comment on the presence of trafficking in their neighbouring state.
In 2015, the MOEAF signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 12 employment agencies in Hong Kong who agreed to treat Myanmar staff according to the federations employment standards, and it wants to see similar deals in other countries.
These agreements would make it less dangerous for girls because we can ensure their labour rights are protected in their host countries, hold information about who is abroad and offer assistance to anyone that gets into trouble, said U Win Tun.
But the last government didnt want to know anything about them.
The MOEAF have met with members of the new government twice since it took over in April. The Department for Labour declined to comment to the Thomson Reuters Foundation but a parliamentary committee is now considering whether to lift the ban.
We are just waiting for permission from the new government. We are ready to sign MoUs with countries we know will offer good salaries and working conditions including Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and Japan, said U Win Tun.
But until they do, campaigners fears thousands of women in Chin State and across Myanmar will continue to seek employment as domestic workers through illegal channels, putting themselves at risk of slavery, trafficking and exploitation.
When I am the right age, I will go again, said Van Biak.
Thomson Reuters Foundation
A leading nationalist cleric has resigned from the Committee for the Protection of Nationality and Religion, known by its Myanmar-language acronym Ma Ba Tha, which he helped to found. U Parmaukkha, also known as Magwe Sayadaw, resigned after unexpectedly not attending a conference on June 4-5 marking the organisations third anniversary.
Speaking to The Myanmar Times, Magwe Sayadaw said he would continue to be active in causes related to the organisation in the future.
He attributed his resignation to the involvement of Ma Ba Tha in partisan campaigning during the lead-up to last Novembers election, when the organisation supported the then-ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party.
I intend to remain active in nationalist causes, but I was not comfortable with their centralised decision-making process, he said, confirming that he was about to make his resignation official.
Ma Ba Tha spokesperson U Dhamma Piya said, U Parmaukkha said he was resigning because he thought Ma Ba Tha should be impartial. He was expressing his personal opinion, to which we have no objection.
U Parmaukkha has previously spoken in support of a Daw Aung San Suu Kyi presidency, and even suggested that amending the constitutional clause that bars her would be justifiable considering her popular backing.
Apparently anticipating criticism from his former Ma Ba Tha colleagues, U Parmaukkha said, I dont care if they call me a fair-weather friend. For the past three years, I have uttered no criticism of any political party. I have focused solely on questions of nationalism and doing the right thing.
All I want from the National League for Democracy is that it implements the rule of law.
U Parmaukkha was prominent in clerical campaigns, such as the one that resulted in the cancellation of a major construction development overlooking Shwedagon Pagoda, and the so-called white card campaign over minority voting rights.
Ma Ba Thas two deputy chairs, U Nyannisara, chancellor of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, and U Seindatara, the presiding monk at Sangharama monastery in Magwe, also resigned in the organisations first year.
The owners of a hospital accused of providing unlicensed treatment at a private clinic and distributing pornography has been cleared. Judge U Sein Kyi announced on June 7 that Daw Nan Hla Sein and U Tin Maung from Royal Rose Hospital, also known as Taw Win Hnin Si Hospital, had no case to answer.
Police had charged Daw Nan Hla Sein and her husband U Tin Maung in January last year with running an illegal clinic on the third floor of the hospital. Two Chinese citizens were also arrested and charged with providing unlicensed medical treatment and distributing pornographic pamphlets and pornographic advertising.
In June last year, the police issued warrants against them for non-appearance in court, but U Tin Maung was excluded from the list of absconders and acquitted of the charges.
The verdict came after the judge at Mandalay Regions Chan Aye Tharzan Township Court had heard from prosecution and defence attorneys.
After questioning witnesses from both sides, we found that the Royal Rose Hospital has no connection with the Health New clinic that operated on its third floor, said U Sein Kyi in his judgement.
The posters displayed at Health New clinic were not intended to be sexually explicit, but were intended to be health education posters. According to the evidence, we found that the Royal Rose had rented out its third floor to the Chinese nationals. The court therefore discharges the accused on the grounds of a mistaken court case.
The two Chinese absconders are still wanted by police, the judge said.
It is unclear whether the hospital will reopen after it was closed by the Myanmar Medical Council during the lawsuit.
Translation by Zar Zar Soe
Parliament has suspended the construction of a jetty near Botahtaung Pagoda in Yangon, which had already been approved by the Myanmar Investment Commission.
Representatives in the Pyithu Hluttaw approved the suspension yesterday, after Seikkan township MP U Tin Maung Win had proposed postponement of the project on June 3. While the project had been approved by the MIC, it had never asked for the parliamentary approval needed for such projects, said MP U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo.
Minister for Transportation and Communication U Thant Zin Maung said the construction project poses risks for its surroundings that outweigh the benefits the jetty would offer.
We think the ground under Botahtaung Pagoda is unstable. That makes for a very dangerous situation. We would be blamed if it causes damage to the structure of the pagoda after 10 or 15 years. We should not take the risk, the minister said.
MPs also raised concerns about congestion problems on the Yangon River and disturbances for people visiting the pagoda due to noise from the harbour.
U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo said it was also possible that the project would form more sandbanks and that the consequences for nearby residents had not been taken into account.
Minister U Thant Zin Maung said that only two companies had competed for the tender, which was eventually won by Kaung Myanmar Aung company.
The government would have received K298.89 million for land-use fees and more than K7 million in monthly fees for the project.
Translation by San Layy
Here it comes. The full strength of the monsoon will be visited on Yangon and other parts of the country starting this week, with thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for the period June 8 to 13.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology announced a strong monsoon in Ayeyarwady, Bago, Tanintharyi and Yangon regions and Kayin, Mon and Rakhine states, said U Kyaw Lwin Oo, director of the DHM.
More than 3 inches [5cm] of rain is expected every day in those parts, accompanied by thunder, he said.
Total rainfall in coastal areas could reach from 10-12 inches, with 8-10 inches coming to Upper Myanmar and 2-3 inches in Central Myanmar. Winds could reach speeds of 25-30 miles (40-48 kilometres) per hour in coastal areas, he said.
The southwest monsoon reached the southern tip of the country on May 20, ascending to the delta area on May 23 and to Central Myanmar on June 1, according to DMH.
The department expects the monsoon to reach Upper Myanmar during the period June 6 to 10, bringing thunder with it.
U Kyaw Lin Oo said that rate of advance and those dates were consistent with weather records going back to 1981.
June rainfall will be heavier than average in Upper and Lower Myanmar except for Bago and Yangon regions, where it will be lower than average. Average rainfall for June is 15-21 inches for Upper and Lower Myanmar, 5-6 inches for Central Myanmar and 18-21 inches for Bago and Yangon regions.
The averages for coastal Mon and Rakhine states and Tanintharyi Region are 39 inches, 42 inches and 33 inches respectively.
Kachin and Kayah states and Mon and Tanintharyi regions can expect 20 to 25 days of heavy rain in June, six to 12 days in lower Sagaing, Mandalay and Magwe regions, and 13 to 19 days elsewhere.
The AIDS epidemic has defined the global health agenda for an entire generation. The first AIDS-related deaths were diagnosed 35 years ago and HIV rapidly became a global crisis. The epidemic threatened all countries and had the power to destabilise the most vulnerable. By 2000, AIDS had wiped out decades of development gains.
Today, many nations have taken great steps in getting ahead of the virus. Myanmar, for example, has reduced the number of new HIV infections from 37,461 a year in 2000 to 11,762 a year in 2015. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among people living with HIV also increased from 30 percent in 2013 to 47.4pc in 2015. As a result, the estimated AIDS-related deaths in all age groups fell by 25pc from 2013 to 2015. Myanmar has made remarkable improvements to its ART care and support program, enabling people living with HIV who are accessing treatment to live long and healthy lives and contribute to their communities and families.
Worldwide, there are now more than 17 million people living with HIV accessing antiretroviral medicines.
But as world leaders grapple with a growing number of global concerns and threats, including massive displacement, climate change and an uncertain economic outlook, it would be a misstep to let up on the response to HIV. Here are three reasons why AIDS deserves continued attention:
1. To restore dignity, health and hope to the people left behind in the AIDS response;
2. To build robust and resilient societies ready to face future health crises;
3. To serve as a beacon for what can be achieved through international solidarity and political will.
Our generation has been presented with an opportunity that must not be thrown away. We have the technology, medicines and tools to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, avoiding more than 17 million new HIV infections and saving almost 11 million lives.
But it wont happen without sustained commitment, vision and leadership. There are major gaps in the AIDS response and many barriers still stop people accessing quality healthcare services.
Still around half of the 37 million people living with HIV do not know they have the virus. AIDS-related illnesses are the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age globally and the primary cause of death among adolescents in Africa. Stigma and discrimination too often stop people accessing healthcare, including HIV prevention and treatment services that reduce new infections and save lives. In some regions of the world, the numbers of HIV infections are actually increasing.
This week, leaders are gathering at the United Nations in New York to agree to a new political declaration on ending AIDS. A key element will be creating the conditions necessary to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment target by 2020. This calls for 90pc of people living with HIV to know their status, 90pc of people who know their HIV positive status to access antiretroviral treatment and 90pc of people on treatment to have suppressed viral loads.
Meeting this treatment target will set the world on course to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. But bold leadership and stronger investment are required. By 2020, combined domestic and international resources will need to increase by about one-third to peak at an estimated US$26.2 billion to reach this target and realise the vision of ending AIDS. A lack of investment now will result in the epidemic being prolonged indefinitely.
Myanmar is sharing responsibility for its AIDS response, increasing HIV treatment and care spending to 51pc ($43.2 million) of all HIV expenditures in Myanmar in 2015.
Ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 is a central part of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the development agenda that world leaders signed up to last September. In New York this week, global leaders must underpin this generations commitment to ending AIDS and deliver on their pledge to ensure healthy lives for all.
AIDS is not over yet, but it can be.
Michel Sidibe is the UNAIDS executive director.
It is a strangely difficult task for any head of any government to gain respect, no matter whether they achieve high office by the ballot box or the barrel of a gun.
Being a competent manager of the nations affairs does not always impart respect, whereas a single rash act can suck every vestige of respect from a leader who has otherwise done well.
Just consider Tony Blair, the longest-serving and most legislatively productive prime minister the British Labour Party has ever had.
Today, Toxic Tony gets no respect because of his calamitous decision to support the ill-fated American invasion of Iraq in 2003.
He was caricatured as a poodle of US President George W Bush, a man who also gets no respect, despite winning the White House twice.
Conversely, Bushs predecessor, the philandering Bill Clinton, is widely respected as a leader who presided over a golden decade that restored Americas economic well-being.
Its perplexing. Just consider how Malaysias Mahathir Mohamad and Vietnams Vo Van Kiet elicit respect, whereas Benigno Aquino of the Philippines and Indonesias Susilo Bambang Yudhyono do not.
Currently, its clear that Aquinos successor, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, and US presidential nominee Donald Trump are not statesmen and are unlikely to ever gain respect.
It does not matter whether, however improbably, they manage to see out their terms of office and deal with occasional crises, pass bills and kiss babies; respect theyll never get.
In that same, rather unsavoury, category one might also have put forward the name of Thailands Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, and few people, even in the Thai establishment, would have disagreed.
At least not until last week, when, out of the blue, Prayut was revealed as the keynote speaker for the prestigious 15th Asia Security Summit in Singapore.
Better known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, it is hosted annually by the International Institute of Strategic Studies and brings together more headline names than most other regional summits.
At last weeks event, the defence ministers of India, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, France, Canada, the US and the UK participated, as did military chiefs from China, Malaysia, Russia and Vietnam.
And into this high-falutin cauldron stepped Prayut, who, while often categorised in the Thai media as oratorically challenged, was introduced at the Singapore event as a straight-talking statesman.
Yes, you heard right: statesman. It may have been over the top, but it drew a round of applause and remember, it was at a forum in Singapore graced by a throng of heavyweight global leaders.
The Singaporeans are smart. They do not host keynote speakers for their major international events if they think the guy might be deposed any day soon.
No, forget what other people may think; theyve sussed out that Prayut is going to be around for some time and theyd better get on-side and learn how to deal with him.
Prayut deftly handled this moment in the sunshine and gained that elusive quality of respect simply by speaking candidly to a somewhat cynical audience full of vastly more experienced peers.
Actually, it might be said that he gained much-sought-after respect, not only for what he said and the way he said it but also for what he did not say.
Unlike other tough-guy leaders who have come to the fore recently, such as the aforementioned Duterte and Trump, Prayut kept it cool and steered clear of inflammatory language.
The contrast with Duterte, for example, was most pronounced, especially after the incoming Philippine leader said last week that many journalists are corrupt and hence deserve to die.
Regarding the murder of a Davao-based radio broadcaster who was a strong critic of Duterte, the president-elect said, I dont want to demean his memory, but he was a rotten son of a bitch. He deserved it.
Earlier, Duterte had said he bemoaned the rape and murder of an Australian missionary, partly because she was so beautiful and hed not had a chance to enjoy sex with her first. What a waste, he lamented.
Trump has made similar obnoxious comments about women, as well as Muslims and other minorities; last week, he insulted an American-born judge, calling him a Mexican simply because he had a Spanish name.
As the Washington-based analyst Chris Nelson said on June 7, Trump has a lifetime record of rhetorical eruptions of sexism, racism, misogyny and xenophobia, often expressed in anti-democratic authoritarian terms.
Prayut, despite occasional slips, does not. And he grasped the opportunity of his keynote address to give a sober account of why hed needed to mount a military coup and take over the running of Thailand.
Indeed, he was almost contrite in carefully explaining why hed had no choice, given the myriad complex challenges Thailand was facing at the time.
Aside from social and economic concerns, and civil unrest in the south, Prayut said Thailands key problem recently has been political conflict and unprecedented divisiveness in the country.
That had required a military intervention to end hostilities,restore peace, and rebuild a stronger and sustainable democracy. The intervention, he assured his august audience, was only for a while.
Well, it has now entered its third year, and Prayut himself said earlier this month that he intends to stay on until the country achieves peace and its problems are solved. That could take a very long time.
Still, despite the candour, his address went over well, and even US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter, whose country has been critical of the Thai coup, said it had been a thoughtful speech.
It certainly gained Prayut a surprising amount of respect, which is exactly what Thailand needs right now.
[June 09, 2016] Callaway Cars Using IoT 'Connected Car' Technology for Accelerated Product Development, Enhanced Driving Experience
WALTHAM, Mass. and OLD LYME, Conn., June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Callaway Cars is piloting Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities to gather and to analyze Callaway Corvette Z06 SC757 performance data during on-road testing. Callaway can then apply its real-world driving insights from the IoT readings to advance product development. Callaway Cars is working with product development firm Boston Engineering to design and to implement the ThingWorx IoT platform. Sensors in the Callaway Corvette Z06 collect performance data including speed, engine RPM, air intake temperature, and air outlet temperature. The car data is then transmitted to the ThingWorx cloud over a secure wireless connection where Callaway engineers can examine the readings. Callaway also plans to evaluate dealer and customer interest in accessing their Callaway car performance information via IoT. "Our engineers approach vehicle systems and components without compromise, and we've been able to develop products that produce stunning power," said Reeves Callaway, founder of Callaway Cars. "Working with IoT technology to capture and analyze data quickly can give us another highly effective method to evaluate our products' performance." The company's GenThree Supercharger enables the Callaway Corvette Z06 to run 0-to-60 mph in only 2.8 seconds and to cover a quarter mile in 10.5 seconds at 131 mph. And it produces 757 bhp @ 6,500 rpm and 777 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm (SAE). Plus, Callaway's three-element TripleCooled intercooler system eliminates the power-robbing heat soak phenomenon inherent in other superchargers for consistent performance on the roa or at the track.
All Callaway Corvettes are prepared to Callaway engineering specifications by expert craftsmen in Callaway's Connecticut and California factories. Callaway Corvettes are sold by select Chevrolet dealerships and maintained by all GM service centers. "Callaway Cars exemplifies how an innovative manufacturer can use IoT to enhance R&D and to introduce new products for added business value," said Bob Treiber, president and co-founder of Boston Engineering. "We provide powerful IoT capabilities by combining best-in-class technology from partners PTC and ThingWorx with two decades of product engineering consulting experience."
Callaway Corvette Z06 equipped with IoT is on display as part of Boston Engineering's IoT activities at LiveWorx. Callaway Corvette Multimedia
To learn more, watch videos of the Callaway Corvette Z06 equipped with IoT, and visit the Callaway Corvette photo gallery. About Callaway Cars Inc.
Headquartered in Old Lyme, Connecticut, Callaway Cars is a global leader in the manufacturing of specialty vehicles and performance products. Led by Reeves Callaway, Callaway Cars has achieved significant success in performance engineering for street and motorsport applications. Technological sophistication, design artistry and craftsmanship are hallmarks of the company's vehicles and products. Other companies under Callaway ownership include Callaway Carbon, which produces high value composite parts for aerospace and defense, Callaway Engineering, which delivers a full range of contract engineering and manufacturing services and Callaway Competition, which has one of the most successful GT3 race teams in FIA history. Callaway Competition develops, campaigns and supports Corvette racecars for national and international series around the world. Authorized by GM, Callaway Competition GmbH is the exclusive constructor of the Corvette C7 for GT3 competition outside of North America. For more information, visit callawaycars.com or call (860) 434 9002. About Boston Engineering
Boston Engineering provides product design and engineering consulting across the entire product development process from concept through commercialization. Certified for ISO 9001 and ISO 13485, our industry expertise includes consumer products, defense & security, medical devices, robotics, and industrial & commercial products. We are also the Northeast's largest PTC software reseller. Boston Engineering is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. with an additional office at UMass Dartmouth's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Learn more at www.boston-engineering.com. 2016 Boston Engineering Corporation. All rights reserved. Boston Engineering is a trademark of Boston Engineering Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. 2016 Callaway Cars Incorporated. All rights reserved. Callaway, GenThree and TripleCooled are trademarks of Callaway Cars Incorporated. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160609/377468
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160309/342580LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/callaway-cars-using-iot-connected-car-technology-for-accelerated-product-development-enhanced-driving-experience-300282336.html SOURCE Boston Engineering
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[June 09, 2016] Wisconsin County Uses Motorola Solutions Software to Easily Map 9-1-1 Caller Location, Saving Precious Seconds in Emergencies
With 79 percent more states and territories adopting a plan for next-generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) since 2014, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, officials realized it was time to upgrade their analog 9-1-1 communications to a proven call-taking solution built for the future. Leaders of the county of 400,000 people just northwest of Milwaukee chose Emergency CallWorks CallStation, a browser-based platform from Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI (News - Alert)), which combines call taking, incident management and mapping systems into a single platform. CallStation also gets Waukesha County ready for NG9-1-1, which will allow citizens to send more digital information such as texts and pictures through the 9-1-1 network and, eventually, directly to first responders. As the State of Wisconsin continues toward adoption of a formal NG9-1-1- plan, Waukesha County is already seeing benefits from key features of CallStation such as the interactive map that allows users to quickly determine the caller's location before answering. As a community with a high volume of commercial transportation and automobile traffic, a significant accident could generate multiple calls from mobile phones and landlines for the same incident. In this instance, CallStation allows dispatchers to prioritize calls and dedicate resources to potentially unrelated 9-1-1 calls. Previously, call takers would have had to answer the call in the order it was received.
"Public safety dispatchers are often the first point of contact when citizens have an emergency, so immediately knowing where the call is coming from can save time and potentially save lives," said Gary Bell, director, Waukesha County Communications. "CallStation features such as the interactive map allow users to quickly provide details from the 9-1-1 caller to public safety personnel en route to an incident or accident." Another time-saving feature of CallStation is the ability for one-touch transfer of calls. In the past when a caller reached Waukesha's public safety answering point (PSAP) but needed to be transferred to another department or neighboring PSAP, multiple steps were needed depending on the type of call received. In 2015 Waukesha transferred approximately 23,000 of the more than 328,000 calls received by the seven PSAPs. The ability to transfer those callers with a single click saves call takers precious seconds they can allocate to emergency situations.
"Emergency CallWorks CallStation helps police, fire and other first responders better manage critical incidents by allowing more information to flow from the public to emergency personnel," said Tom Guthrie, vice president, Motorola (News - Alert) Solutions Smart Public Safety Solutions. "Waukesha County recognized the advantage of implementing software that supports older analog systems and facilitates a smooth migration to NG9-1-1 without incurring a major expense." Waukesha County 9-1-1 staff attended the Emergency CallWorks Online University before implementing the new software to help ease the transition. Classes provided an in-depth discussion and use of CallStation, which enabled call takers, on their schedule, to become familiar with the new system and reduce the time spent with a live trainer from a traditional daylong session to just two hours. Visit Motorola Solutions at Booth 201 and learn more about Emergency CallWorks at the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Conference June 12-15 in Indianapolis. About Motorola Solutions Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) creates innovative, mission-critical communication solutions and services that help public safety and commercial customers build safer cities and thriving communities. For ongoing news, visit http://newsroom.motorolasolutions.com or subscribe to a news feed. MOTOROLA, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2016 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160609005198/en/
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Summary: Employees across the age spectrum are GenMobile, an ageless demographic best described by an affinity for mobile devices rather than birth year. Mobile-optimized workplaces offer significant benefits to companies regardless of size, industry or region. New research defines and quantifies the business performance advantages of providing mobile-optimized workplaces.
Everyone knows expectations for on-demand information have forever changed the way we approach life and work. Emails and IMs no longer pile up because people answer them on the go. Productivity bottlenecks are relieved because work teams receive timely inputs. And so on.
Whats less well established is the extent of mobilitys benefits. At Aruba (a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company), were often asked questions seeking to quantify these improvements: How much more productive is my workforce? Whats the impact of mobility on hiring and retention? Are mobility benefits distributed equally across workers of all ages?
Now, we have answers. In partnership with the respected Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), we recently conducted a global workforce mobility study. It provided actionable insights into the benefits of investing in mobile-optimization technologies that improve employee engagement and drive business outcomes.
GenMobile is an Ageless Demographic
First, our study debunked the common misconception that Millennials benefit the most by being mobility-enabled. Its simply not true.
Instead, the research shows workers across the age spectrum from 18-65 have exceptionally similar perspectives around the importance of mobility and mobile-optimized workplaces.
Among the findings: 100% of employees own a smartphone, use an employer-issued smartphone or both.
In other words, all of your employees are now GenMobile, which is an ageless demographic best described by an affinity for mobile devices rather than birth year.
For decision-makers considering which technologies impact their business, the implications of this GenMobile finding cant be overstated. Make no mistake: every one of your employees is mobility-enabled, whether youre taking advantage of this capability or not.
Clearly, our findings indicate that optimizing workplace mobility is now a strategic imperative for corporate success.
Mobile-optimized Goes Beyond Wi-Fi
Next, its critical to understand that optimizing workplace mobility goes beyond providing a high-performance Wi-Fi. Its about taking the tools that empower the creative and collaborative spirit found everywhere on university campuses, which is a fundamental requirement for any enterprise to be innovative, and making them widely available at your organization.
For example, our study showed leading-edge mobilizers are twice as good at delivering work flexibility and collaboration tools, such as Skype for Business, which allow for seamlessly turning a hallway conversation into a productive group activity.
Also, mobility leaders are three times better at supporting anywhere, anytime workspace designs, like hot desking. Such workspaces provide employees with options to interact with whoever is appropriate on a given day or for a given project.
Plus, mobile-optimized companies demonstrate other competitive advantages, some of which include:
1.5 times better at work/life balance.
2.5 times better at fostering innovation and creativity.
More than twice as good at getting the most from their employees.
Recovering 320 Hours, Per Person, Annually
So what does our survey say about the productivity gains companies can expect from a robust mobile environment? Quite a lot.
At mobility-optimized companies, projects that typically take an individual eight hours to complete are done in about seven. Thats a net gain of approximately an hour per person, or 16%, regardless of organization size, type or region.
To put this in perspective, 16% of productivity regained per eight-hour workday adds up to about 320 hours per year, taking standard holidays into consideration. Thats like realizing over eight extra weeks of output, per employee.
At scale, this benefit is tremendous. For a global organization with 10,000 employees, thats 3.2 million hours of productivity recovered annually, or 80,000 weeks.
Effects on Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
Beyond productivity, when we speak to employers we commonly hear about the importance of attracting and retaining the right talent to drive innovation. In primary markets, competition is particularly fierce. Some businesses tell us they chronically struggle to compete for the best employees.
Insights from our study show why. Overall, companies at the mobility forefront are three times better at attracting workers. They also enjoy higher retention rates, reporting 21% greater employee loyalty.
From an employee perspective, a quarter of all workers (25%) say robust mobility is the primary factor for accepting a job.
This means engaging the best talent requires optimizing mobility. Equally, limiting mobility means youre constraining or even alienating the workers youve already hired.
The Bottom Line
Despite the emphasis on creating mobile-first workplaces, our research suggests only about 11 percent of all companies are mobile-optimized. Further, a whopping 50% of organizations were rated as mobility laggards.
For mobility leaders, this means ongoing investments are needed to stay ahead of the pack. Adopting new innovations and maximizing existing systems are equally important.
All other companies stand to gain considerable advantage by changing course. With careful and strategic mobility-enhancing investments, you can improve your position relative to others in your market. And, the sooner you get started, the more quickly youll win.
About the Author
Ammar Enaya, Regional Director, HPE Aruba, Middle East & Turkey
Edited by Peter Bernstein
This article originally appeared in the June 2016 issue of AVN magazine. Click here to see a digital edition of the magazine.
This time around, Bruce Beckham is ready to go all in.
The performer, who initially joined the industry nine years ago, rejoined adult in late March, shooting for a number of companies already, including Titan, Falcon, Channel 1 Releasing and Hot House.
When I was in the industry before, it was different, Beckham told AVN. I didnt really invest in my career, or do many appearances.
At the time, Beckham said, he was under contract with Michael Lucas, and the world of porn was completely different.
You didnt have that immediate interaction with fans, he said. There wasnt social media the way there is now. Before it was up to the studios to promote the films and the performers. Now, the onus is on the models to self promote through Twitter, Instagram and the like. Its a whole different game than it was nine years ago.
Beckham said he initially got into the industry when he was working in Los Angeles as a bartender, but had a few friends who were in the industry.
I had always been curious about doing porn, so I thought I would give it a shot, he said.
The brunette with almost icy blue eyes was in the industry for about four months, shooting a few scenes here and there, when Lucas wanted to put him under contract. But, Beckham said, shooting adult was more of a hobby for him, and his bartending jobs eventually took priority.
At the time, I said I would do porn until it wasnt fun anymore, he said. It got to be a little too much with the bartending and filming, so I left.
This time around, however, he wants to make more of a name and make a real career in the industry.
Im in better shape than I have been in my whole life, he said. Id like to work as much as I can for as long as I can. I can really dedicate myself this time around and I plan on making the most of it.
Making the most of it, he said, includes shooting for a number of companies, but not being tied to just one. But already, some companies are excited to see him back.
His first movie/scene to be released will be with TitanMen, said Keith Webb of Titan Media. And weve already shot him for three additional movies, shooting him soon for a fourth movie, and have him booked for movies five and six! He is going to be a BIG star and we want to make sure hes featured in as many TitanMen films as possible.
Webb and Beckham said the first movie featuring the performer is Blueprint, which will debut in June. Beckham plays an architect in the movie, which also stars TitanMen exclusives Eric Nero and Matthew Bosch, as well as Dirk Caber, Adam Ramzi and Max Sargent. Webb said Beckham will also be in an August release with TitanMan Exclusive (TME) Jesse Jackman, a September release with TME Matthew Bosch, an October release with TME Eddy Ceetee, a November release with TME Lorenzo Flexx and a December release with TME David Anthony.
Were keeping him busy and pairing him with all our exclusive performers, Web said. Only the very best for Bruce!
Hes everything we look for in a TitanMan, Webb continued. Handsome, smart, mature, masculine, stunning physique, big dick, and he can deliver dialogue on par with most Hollywood actors. I think the first time around, he was young and not quite sure what he wanted. This time around hes much more mature, much more centered and much more in charge of what he wants to do with his career. He is one of the most grounded, thoughtful and genuine performers Ive worked with over the past 20 years. Hes special.
For more information on Beckham, visit his website BruceBeckhamXXX.com, or follow him on Instagram at BruceAintLoose or Twitter @BruceBeckhamXXX.
Electoral victory would elude the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the third time in a row if the party does not take steps to seek spiritual intervention for its presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, says highly respected seer and Christian leader, Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi of the Glorious Wave Ministry.
If Nana wants to win the election, he knows what to do. If he doesn't do it, President Mahama will once again snatch victory from him Spiritually, if you look at it, Nana Addo has won the election but how to make that manifest in the physical realm is another issue, Prophet Kobi told Roman Fada, host of Atinka FM mid-morning show, 'Edwumaa oo'.
Emmanuel Badu Kobi is one of the few contemporary prophets whose reputation and credibility is still intact and whose prophecies and predictions have happened with precision.
He advised the NPP, as a party, to avoid excessive talking about unnecessary things and rather move to do the appropriate things that would result in electoral victory for the party.
Prophet Kobi spoke to the radio station to respond to an online news report which said he had predicted a one touch victory for President Mahama.
I never said President Mahama would win the election. What I said was that I had a vision that there was an attempt to rig the election in favour of one of the candidates, and this could lead to violence and confusion. The issue of President Mahama winning one touch never came up at all
Based on this revelation from God, I asked my congregation during the all-night service on June 3 to pray hard to prevent this impending calamity and bloodshed. I never declared that President Mahama would win one touch, the prophet told Roman Fada.
The Christian leader expressed regret that some members of the NPP, after reading the false news report, started insulting him publicly without bothering to crosscheck its veracity.
Prophet Badu Kobi, aside his revered prophetic ministry, is also remembered by many as the pastor who gave out some 110 different cars as gifts to members of his church at Sakumono, a suburb of Accra.
By Halifax Ansah-Addo
Bola Ray with Kwame Adinkra
09.06.2016 LISTEN
Celebrated broadcaster Kwame Adinkra has joined leading Ghanaian media group EIB Network.
A deal has been agreed for Adinkra, who until recently was host of the morning show on Atinka FM, owned by the Tobinco Group of companies, to start a new radio journey.
Adinkra is heading to EIBs latest addition to its group Abusua FM, as Morning Show host.
Abusua FM is operating on the frequency 96.5 in the Ashanti Region, and started test transmission on June 1, ahead of full roll-out.
Adinkra and a team of experienced heads are being recruited to lead EIBs official entry into the mass market in the Ashanti Region. EIB also operates Ultimate 106.9 FM in Kumasi.
EIB is also set to roll out two more radio stations; Super FM (Tamale) and Cool FM (Cape Coast) in addition to existing properties.
The media group also owns Starr FM, LIVE FM, GH One TV, Kasapa FM (all in Accra), Empire FM (Takoradi), and Agoo FM (Nkawkaw) as well as the Daily Heritage Newspaper.
Adinkras decision to leave Accra a little over a year after joining Atinka FM was predicted. Before moving to Accra, he enjoyed an unmatched popularity in the Ashanti Region as the most listened to morning radio host on Angel FM. For years, he became Kumasis biggest name in radio and helped built a following that propelled him to the top of morning radio in the Northern sector.
The Abusua FM move is one that is set to reintroduce him to a territory he knows all too well, and also offer the EIB Network-owned station a good head start.
Previously, he worked for Otec FM, Fox FM and Kapital Radio.
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Khartoum (AFP) - As the small fishing boat is tossed around by a stormy Mediterranean, fear grips the African migrants crammed inside when they realise their flimsy vessel has begun to sink.
The scene is all too real for the thousands attempting the treacherous sea voyage to Europe each year in search of a better life.
It has been recreated in "Boat of Death", a play performed by Sudanese artists to highlight the perils of the wave of migrant sea crossings.
"The main theme of the play is to deliver a message to the youth, to stop illegal migration and human trafficking," director Maher Saad told AFP after a performance at the Ethiopian embassy in Khartoum last weekend.
Dozens of spectators, including many Ethiopians, attended the show.
"I believe that theatre can deliver such a message because it has a direct and immediate impact," Saad said.
The play comes as the UN's refugee agency UNHCR accused Sudan, a key transit route for migrants, of forcibly deporting more than 400 Eritreans last month.
Many of those sent back were allegedly arrested as they tried to enter Libya from Sudan, which the European Union is working with in a bid to manage the flow of people hoping to cross the Mediterranean.
Human Rights Watch also criticised Khartoum, saying that those sent back to Eritrea were likely to face abuse from authorities there.
The United Nations says that around 5,000 Eritreans risk their lives each month to flee their country.
"Many of those travelling through Libya or perishing along the way have transited through Sudan," said Dalia El-Roubi, a spokeswoman for the International Organization for Migration, which funded "Boat of Death".
The 45-minute play, already performed three times in Khartoum, is expected to be staged in other cities as well.
- Sophisticated smuggling network -
"Boat of Death", with its haunting background score, ends in tragedy when migrants perish after their boat sinks.
Before setting sail, the characters negotiate with a smuggler, who subjects them to abuse and beats them.
"I wrote this play so that we reflect on these tragedies," said its author Rabia Youssef. "We have tried to keep the play simple, so that it can be performed on a small stage."
Roubi said people smugglers were to blame for tragedies such as that depicted during the performance.
"A sophisticated network of smugglers and traffickers enable movement of people from and through Sudan towards other countries," she said.
As Europe struggles with its worst migration crisis since World War II, UNHCR said last month that some 204,000 migrants and refugees had crossed the Mediterranean to Europe since January.
More than 2,500 people have died in 2016 while making the journey -- the vast majority of them between Libya and Italy.
Last week, hundreds of African migrants went missing after their boat sank off the Greek island of Crete.
And Italian police said on Wednesday that an Eritrean suspected of controlling a trafficking network that shipped thousands of people to Europe had been extradited to Italy from Sudan.
"Irregular migration and smuggling in migrants are by definition a hidden phenomenon, but the figures of arrivals on the European shores are telling," Roubi said.
- Global effort needed -
Sudan last month hosted a meeting of top European migration and law enforcement experts as it attempts to crack down on trafficking.
"Countries in the Horn of Africa region are source, transit and destination countries for migrants and refugees, and some are all three," a British Home Office official said at the end of the talks.
"We recognised that no one country can tackle these issues alone. We are inter-dependent."
In "Boat of Death", five Sudanese actors -- two women and three men -- are shown as African migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean.
They carry drums symbolising their African roots, and each has a unique motivation for the trip.
One young man raised funds by selling one of his kidneys, while one woman works as a waitress where she faces sexual abuse.
"The character I play is talking about the suffering of a woman who tries to migrate in order to give her family a better life," said actor Sana Saeed.
Although the subject matter is harrowing, Saeed said she was hopeful that the play could persuade young people considering the perilous crossing to Europe to think again.
"After the show some people told me that they could connect with the woman's suffering," she said.
A Former Chairman of the Confiscated Vehicles Allocation Committee, and a one-time activist of the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC, Carl Wilson, has told Citi News his decision to lead a new political movement to bring Ghana the development it desires, is not borne out of hatred for the NDC or its candidate, President John Dramani Mahama.
Mr. Wilson told Richard Sky, Host of Citi FM's Eyewitness News on Wednesday that, he only seeks to galvanize the youth and other right thinking Ghanaians to rally behind a non-partisan or independent Presidential Candidate to lead the country after the 2016 elections.
Mr. Wilson said he is against the system of governance where political parties put forward a candidate and therefore feel the need to control him when he becomes the President, even to the extent that the constitutional mandate given to him serves no purpose because of party interest and influence.
According to him, no President serving the country on the ticket of a political party as can ever take the country to its right destination because whoever it is, there will always be that political party influence.
He said it was time Ghanaians changed their mind-sets about voting for political party candidates if they desire to see real development.
Against this backdrop, he said President Mahama could not be blamed for the failures of his administration since the system almost makes it impossible for him to be efficient.
I am not against Mahama; you can blame Mahama and the NDC all you want, or even Kufuor, the NPP or Akufo-Addo. But all that you have to do is to look at the reason why after every election cycle people cry out for change. I am not inventing anything. I am just taking what is there, analysing it and finding solutions. People are craving for change. The NPP's mantra is 'arise for change'. That was also the NDC's mantra before 2008. Is it not the same thing? Why do we have to be running in circle instead of finding the solution to what is ailing us as a country and as a people?.
I am against the system
I am only against the system of governance that we impose on the presidents that we elect. If you take an angel who hasn't been corrupted before in his life and put that person in the seat of the presidency in 2016; in 2017, you will start crying for change and corruption. It is not the person; it is the system that he is running. So condemn Mahama for all you want; it's the system he has inherited. How can he fix things if the system is not giving him a free hand to fix it? I am not holding up for Mahama but I am pointing out things that are defective.
A 'political party's President' can't change Ghana
Mr. Wilson buttressed his point with the example of how the late President Mills, supposedly ordered the non-payment of the controversial Ghc51 million judgement debt to Alfred Woyome, yet the money was paid by the then Attorney General.
That incident he said was an example of political party influence that makes a President almost powerless.
So put Mahama in that seat; how do you blame him if that money was paid, he asked.
We can't have a political party sending a President in that seat and expect Ghana to work; it won't work. What we have to do is to separate the presidency from the party. You have parties elect sending their reps to parliament regardless of whoever has majority in parliament; it doesn't matter. But the one sitting on top in the executive chair should not have any link with any of the parties in Parliament. He will then have a free hand to operate. He will then have the power that the constitution grants him to run this country for it to work.
We wilI push for an Independent Presidential candidate
According to him, one of the key aims of his movement which he calls, Yellow Movement, is to canvass for nationwide support against the country's current political system in a bid to unseat his former party the NDC while preventing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from tasting political power in this year's election.
We are calling for a yellow revolution that is bringing the youth together for a change. The youth will be rallied behind an independent candidate to become President of this country in 2016.I am for Ghana and for what is right for this country. I am not against Mahama. I am calling for the system to change to change.
He insisted that what the country needs now is a president who will be independent of any political party control, saying until a President is separated from political party influence, the country will never move forward.
An independent candidate can win and be effective
On the chances of an independent candidate and his effectiveness should he be elected, Mr Wilson said chances that an independent candidate would be more effective are higher since he would have the total freedom to work without political party control.
There is ample guarantee because an independent candidate will have a free hand to appoint who he wants to run the government. If you misbehave and you don't perform you are fired. If decisions have to be taken in the interest of Ghana, he won't think about how that's going to affect the political party first. He will first think about what will work for Ghana and not for any particular individual or party.
Parliament under an Independent President will be more effective
He further argued that, Parliament would have a way to work together because none of them have the executive. They will be forced to listen to each other and work together because they need the President and the President needs them. There will be a seamless working relationship between the executive and Parliament. Can the NPP today work with the executive; no. If the NPP has good ideas that will work to solve our economic problem, can they take it to the President? No they won't. So whatever is happening in Parliament is working against the interest of Ghana and that is what we have to seek to change.
By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AfanyiDadzie
Mr. Carl Wilson, a one-time National Democratic Congress (NDC) activist, who was appointed by the late President Atta Mills specifically to be in charge of confiscated vehicles at the Ports, has told Citi News that his upcoming political movement will be putting forward an Independent Presidential Candidate for the upcoming elections in November.
In his view, the country has not witnessed the desired development as a result of the political party influence that does not give a President the free hands to perform efficiently for the larger national interest.
Mr. Wilson was widely criticized during his days as the Chairman of the Confiscated Vehicles Allocation Committee, leading to his dismissal.
He was widely accused of selling off seized cars cheaply to his cronies. Mr. Wilson, who was viewed as the then President Mills' 'darling boy' was also accused of other reckless behaviour. He has however denied all the allegations.
Mr. Wilson, who had been silent since his dismissal in March 2010, has suddenly popped up with the idea to galvanize the youth to change Ghana, because in his view, the current system is not progressive.
I am not against Mahama, I am against the system
Speaking on Citi FM's Point Blank segment on Eyewitness News today, [Wednesday], Mr. Wilson said, President Mahama cannot be blamed for the challenges facing the country since the system does not allow him to operate as he should.
I am not against Mahama; you can blame Mahama and the NDC all you want, or even Kufuor, the NPP or Akufo-Addo. But all that you have to do is to look at the reason why after every election cycle people cry out for change. I am not inventing anything. I am just taking what is there, analysing it and finding solutions. People are craving for change. The NPP's mantra is 'arise for change'. That was also the NDC's mantra before 2008. Is it not the same thing? Why do we have to be running in circle instead of finding the solution to what is ailing us as a country and as a people?
I am only against the system of governance that we impose on the presidents that we elect. If you take an angel who hasn't been corrupted before in his life and put that person in the seat of the presidency in 2016; in 2017, you will start crying for change and corruption. It is not the person; it is the system that he is running. So condemn Mahama for all you want; it's the system he has inherited. How can he fix things if the system is not giving him a free hand to fix it? I am not holding up for Mahama but I am pointing out things that are defective.
A 'political party's President' can't change Ghana
Mr. Wilson buttressed his point with the example of how the late President Mills, supposedly ordered the non-payment of the controversial Ghc51 million judgement debt to Alfred Woyome, yet the money was paid by the then Attorney
So put Mahama in that seat; how do you blame him if that money was paid, he asked. We can't have a political party sending a President in that seat and expect Ghana to work; it won't work. What we have to do is to separate the presidency from the party. You have parties elect sending their reps to parliament regardless of whoever has majority in parliament; it doesn't matter. But the one sitting on top in the executive chair should not have any link with any of the parties in Parliament. He will then have a free hand to operate. He will then have the power that the constitution grants him to run this country for it to work.
We wilI push for an Independent Presidential candidate
According to him, one of the key aims of his movement which he calls, Yellow Movement, is to canvass for nationwide support against the country's current political system in a bid to unseat his former party the NDC while preventing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from tasting political power in this year's election.
We are calling for a yellow revolution that is bringing the youth together for a change. The youth will be rallied behind an independent candidate to become President of this country in 2016.I am for Ghana and for what is right for this country. I am not against Mahama. I am calling for the system to change to change.
He insisted that what the country needs now is a president who will be independent of any political party control, saying until a President is separated from political party influence, the country will never move forward.
An independent candidate can win and be effective
Mr. Wilson said the chances that an independent candidate would be more effective are higher since he would have the total freedom to work without political party control.
There is ample guarantee because an independent candidate will have a free hand to appoint who he wants to run the government. If you misbehave and you don't perform you are fired. If decisions have to be taken in the interest of Ghana, he won't think about how that's going to affect the political party first. He will first think about what will work for Ghana and not for any particular individual or party.
He added that, Parliament would have a way to work together because none of them have the executive. They will be forced to listen to each other and work together because they need the President and the President needs them. There will be a seamless working relationship between the executive and Parliament. Can the NPP today work with the executive; no. If the NPP has good ideas that will work to solve our economic problem, can they take it to the President? No they won't. So whatever is happening in Parliament is working against the interest of Ghana and that is what we have to seek to change.
I wasnt guilty; NDC elements plotted my dismissal
Commenting on his dismissal as the then Chairman of the Confiscated Vehicles Committee, Mr. Carl Wilson said he was hounded out by some elements in the NDC who did not like him, and that the then President, Atta Mills, did not sanction the dismissal.
He blamed this on what he calls a system that makes political parties powerful than even the President, to the point that his decisions are disregarded.
According to him, an investigation into the allegations of wrongdoing against him, established that he did no wrong.
If you have a whole system calling for the removal of somebody who they perceive to be corrupt; somebody who even refused a lot of gesture of bribes to the point where President Mills called me to ask if I had refused a bribe of $80,000 and I said yes. And you had some people within the party system going to him to remove me. He was asked them for evidence on many occasions. And it had to take two very senior officers of the ruling party to go and organise people to lock up the offices of a sitting government. The two senior party people were Yaw Boateng Gyan, the then National NDC Organizer, and the then party Chairman, Dr. Kwabena Adjei. The President had his own investigations conducted and in three investigations I came out clean as my then boss told me. I didn't even know I was being investigated.
By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AfanyiDadzie
File Photo
09.06.2016 LISTEN
Accra, June 7, GNA - Madam Beatrice Zalia Ali, Director for Supplies and Logistics Division of Ghana Education Service (GES), reiterated that MOE/GES acknowledges Establishment Supplies as a very important tool for effective teaching and learning. She said both the Ministry and the Service regard TLMs as central to education management, and so are concerned about the availability of these essential school logistics in the Schools at the start of each academic year in September, to improve efficient education delivery in our Public Basic Schools.
According to Madam Zalia Ali, despite some initial challenges in the supply of logistics to schools, schools now have enough exercise books and chalk to support teaching and learning.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Madam Ali disclosed that as part of efforts to ensure increased availability of TLMs to teachers, the GES has supplied 50,000 boxes of white chalk to each of the 10 Regional Educational Directorates for distribution to districts that might need chalk before the academic year elapses.
This allocation, she said, is to augment the overall Regional supply of chalk for supply to schools in the districts that might require additional chalk. Diligent monitoring would be made to districts to ascertain those in need.
She added that the Ministry of Education at the beginning of the 2015/2016 academic year, through the GES, supplied over 1,258,413 boxes of chalk to basic schools across the country for distribution to schools.
The Supplies and Logistics Divisional Director further informed that a total of 15,000,000 exercise books of various types, including 2,000,000 graph and technical drawing books have been distributed to schools as at the beginning of the 2015/2016 academic year, adding, We have told all directors of education and heads of schools to inform the Headquarters of any deficits for additional supplies to be made.
The provision of teaching and learning materials is central to GES Management in its quest to live up to its mandate of giving quality education to our pupils and students. In as much as we appreciate stakeholders support in providing educational logistics, we are appealing to our directors and heads of schools to use appropriate channels of communication for soliciting further assistance for their schools and institutions, she entreated.
SALT LAKE CITY, UtahJust about everyone in the right-wing/censorship world has crowed about Utah Gov. Gary Herbert in April signing the "porn is a public health crisis" resolution promulgated by state Sen. Todd Weilerbut others outside of Utah are less than thrilled by the move, not the least of whom is Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt.
The day after the resolution was signed, Flynt declared that he would send copies of Hustler to each of Utah's 104 legislators, not to mention Gov. Herbert himself, to show them that porn was "no danger to the public, only to the repressed," according to The Daily Mail (U.K.), and now he's done itgarnering the predictable response.
"I'm not sure what it's designed to accomplish, other than it probably helps my efforts more than it hurts them," Weiler told The Salt-Lake Tribune. "I do think it will rile up some of my colleagues, and not in the way Larry Flynt is hoping."
Although it's rarely mentioned, Flynt also continues to send Hustler to each member of the U.S. Congress, the President and Vice President, and all members of the Supreme Court, in order to remind them, he's said, that the 1969 report by President Lyndon Johnson's Commission on Obscenity and Pornographya report that was publicly denigrated by Johnson's successor Richard Nixonfound no evidence that explicit materials cause criminal behavior.
"This report has been gathering dust for over 40 years, and Utah is only dragging out this issue now to satisfy religious zealots," Flynt remarked.
Utah Rep. Kay Christofferson claims to have put the package in the trash unopened, saying, "I think it's a pretty ineffective method of convincing us that we made the wrong choice on our vote. If anything, it makes me realize how desperate they are in trying to protect their turf."
On the other hand, Rep. Jake Anderegg was upset that LFP's fulfillment company had sent the magazine, in its opaque envelope, to his home "where our families and kids can see it," though Evan Roosevelt, spokesman for the Flynt Management Group, responded that, "Our intention was not to send it to anybody's home, but rather to send it to their office.
"Utah, in our eyes and Larry's eyes, is only dragging this out to satisfy religious zealots in the state," Roosevelt added, "so we wanted to remind everyone that this is not a crisis, but a political opportunity for legislators."
In other Utah porn news, former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Salt Lake City resident Chris Sevier has filed a lawsuit challenging a state ordinance that allows internet service providers to charge extra for installing porn filters on users' internet feeds, on First and Fourteenth Amendment grounds.
"It punishes people of faith that don't want to be exposed to this content by making them have to go out to have the filter have to be installed," Sevier said, arguing in his lawsuit that such filters should come pre-installed as suggested by the 2002 U.S. Supreme Court case, Ashcroft v. American Civil Liberties Union.
The somewhat disjointed suit papers, which can be read here, are a hoot, especially the part that accuses, in all caps, "PAT TRUMAN AND DAWN HAWKINS AT THE NCOSE ARE SEETHING FRAUDS WHO ENGAGE IN MISDIRECTION TO INCREASE DONATIONS BY FLOATING SHAME SOLUTIONS TO PORNOGRAPHY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING AT THE EXPENSE OF CONSTITUTIONAL ONES DUE TO AN EGOISM THAT MAKES THEIR ORGANIZATION A THREAT TO THE PUBLIC'S HEALTH."
What can we say but, "Good luck, Chris!"
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
09.06.2016 LISTEN
Not only is corruption a complex problem in Liberia and under President Ellen Johnson-Sirleafs regime, it has gravely damaged the institutional and social fabrics of the Liberian society, both in the short and long terms. After a decade of catalepsy on the impact and evil of corruption, the good news is President Sirleaf and her administration have gained relative consciousness about the need to fight corruption by setting up a Presidential Taskforce headed by a brilliant lawyer, Attorney Fonati Koffa, to investigate as well as subject anyone found guilty of corruption to the laws of Liberia through the court system.
No matter how one may think about Attorney Koffa and his simple past of misjudgment in the West, he has proven to be a serious guy for this job. In addition, he is legally astute in terms of academic credentials. Besides, the forcefulness, bravery and no-nonsense attitude he displayed in recent weeks to get to the bottom of the Sable Minings corruption scandal, irrespective of who is implicated, erased parts of my previous doubts about his moral ability to do an effective job. This is why Liberians need to give the taskforce some space. In the same vein, President Sirleaf herself needs to be acknowledged for finally having the guts to actually do something about corruption in Liberia, even though it took a shame from a Global Witness Report to get there.
Despite the real efforts made in recent weeks in the fight against corruption in Liberia, we will make little or no progress if the process turns out to be a mockery or smokescreen, or a mere witch-hunt against few Liberian political opponents (like Counsellor Varney Sherman and House Speaker Alex Tyler) that the President just does not like or wants to use as scapegoats, as some are already alleging.
Reason being to understand and fight corruption as well as know those who have looted our countrys wealth require more than just setting up a presidential taskforce that is headed by the presidents former private legal counsel and cabinet minister who reports to and is loyal to the president. This is not enough. It requires being fair, transparent, honest and ensuring that the law is applied no matter who the accused or culprits are.
Apart from the fact that there are several mechanisms that helped to spread corruption and made it a normal practice and way of life in our country, there are also several persons that have engaged in corrupt acts in Liberia since President Sirleaf and the Unity Partys government assumed state power in 2006. This is why when the Special Presidential Taskforce setup to investigate and fight corruption in the wake of the Global Witness Report issued its latest list of Persons of Interest in Liberias corruption fight, we were a bit baffled. While releasing such a list clearly proves some points that the taskforce means business, it also clearly manifests that we are probably headed for a joke because the people and entities mentioned on that list appear to be small fishes in the ocean of looters.
There is a saying amongst the Grebo people in south-eastern Liberia, that: When you want to show your prowess as a serious hunter, you dont go hunting for rats behind the house; you go hunting for elephants in the jungle. So, this goes to say that the list of persons and entities of interest in the so-called ongoing corruption fight by the presidential taskforce seems to be a hunt for rats behind the house, because it appears that we, as a nation, are only interested in going after corruption cases that are monetarily insignificant while leaving out those who actually dismantled our nations resources and assets. Having said that, few questions come to mind, and they are as follow:
1. Why is the Presidential Taskforce to fight corruption in Liberia neglecting the GAC audit reports that unearthed and discovered stolen money of about US$1.5 Billion?
2. Is the taskforce going to act on the findings of the Dunn Commission Report regarding the Email Scandal, the RIA Financial Scandal and the Tape Recordings, the Justice Minister's Investigative Committee on the Zakhem Contract, the Western Cluster Scandal, the Nagbalee Warner's Commissions findings on the Carbon Harvesting, and the Dorbor Jallah's Commission on Private Use Permit Report?
3. Will the taskforce act on the Tiawon Gongloe's Commission Report, the H. Boima Fahnbulleh's Commission Report, the November 7 Elections Violence Committee Report, the Moore Stephenson Audit Report on Contracts and Concessions, the Liberian Honorary Consul Scandal, and the Togba Nah Tipotehs Rice Commission Report?
4. Will the taskforce act on the Ministry of Public Works scandal of $7 million worth of contracts issued in small lots that bypassed the Public Procurement Laws of Liberia (PPCC) on April 18, 2007, and on April 20, 2007 as well as related scandals in later years in which certificates of completion were issued and contracts were awarded under dubious conditions?
5. Will the taskforce investigate the nearly US$ 4 million dollars bribe paid to the entire Liberian legislature over an 18 months period or the US31,000 checks issued to each lawmaker for passing the last oil block lease, a sample check of which is below that was allegedly made payable to Honorable Sando D. Johnson of Bomi County? Both the Senate and House of Representatives combined have 102 lawmakers, so $31,000 X 102 lawmakers amounts to almost US$4 million.
6. Will the taskforce investigate the alleged US$120 million collected and spent in a mere two years period by the then Chairman of National Oil Company of Liberia, Mr. Robert A. Sirleaf, prior to his resignation?
7. Will the taskforce investigate the alleged US$$10.5 million of the Liberian people money that came from U.S. oil giant Chevron that was allegedly ordered to be given to Robert A. Sirleafs nonprofit instead of the Ministry of Finance or the Central Bank of Liberia in addition to other social support that allegedly went to the finance ministry in the tune of US$78 million?
8. Will the taskforce also investigate a US$500,000 scandal, as reported in the Dunn Commission Report, which is said to have involved one Ms. Jenny Johnson-Bernard and a wire transfer information said to have been found on a laptop belonging to the same Ms. Johnson-Bernard?
9. Will the taskforce investigate the Japanese funds that disappeared at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all other corruption acts at various autonomous agencies, including the National Port Authority, the Forestry Development Authority and more?
10. Will the taskforce investigate the alleged abuse of the royalties from the Liberia Maritime Registry, part of which are allegedly spent largely on global lobbying and unwarranted global public relations stunts?
11. Will the taskforce investigate the central banks fiasco loan scheme and the fall-out of financial disclosure after the former executive governor left office?
If all of these things and many more will be part of the scope and mission of the taskforce, then we can take in a breath of fresh air that they, somehow, mean business. If the taskforce will pay deaf ears and close its eyes to these treacherous abuse of public trust and the theft of public properties but instead go after the noise, then we can certainly say that the current corruption fight is just another level of trick from the playbook of her majesty, the Iron Lady.
Let us repeat again through this medium, our president needs to gain the trust and confidence of the Liberian people that entrusted her with their leadership, economy and national security, precious gifts which widespread and organized corruption have ruined over the past decade. The starting point to truly stop corruption therefore should be ensuring that no one is exempt from the fight on corruption. And if President Sirleaf is really serious as she pretends to show then we must address all corruption allegations dating back to 2006 when she assumed office as president of Liberia.
Moreover, the president can inspire additional confidence in the Liberian people when she makes the taskforce independent of the Executive Branch of governmentIt has to be independent, neutral and must have real prosecutorial powers and authority. That means attorney Fonati Koffa must resign as Minister of State without Portfolio in the Office of the President and assume a full and independent chairmanship role of an Independent Inter-departmental National Taskforce on Corruption that will comprise the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the General Auditing Commission (GAC), the Liberian Bar Association (LBA), a coalition of women groups, the Liberia National Student Union (LINSU), the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), the Muslim Council of Liberia (MCL), the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and more, if needed. In addition, Interpol should be invited as a consulting observer to the process.
The taskforce must also request that all officials of government (elected and appointed), from 2006 to present, must declare their assets before and after they entered or left government, it doesnt matter whether they are currently serving in government or not. This process should include where and how they got those wealth and assets and the periods. Also, a global mechanism must be put in place to globally track the assets and resources, including properties, of all those who have served in the Liberian government dating back to 1990. Until these things are done, we are heading for just another scam that will die in a few month.
Nigeria, under President Buhari, is doing this, so why cant we do the same too? It wouldnt be a bad idea and I know President Buhari would be glad if we copy his strategies in fighting corruption. The last time I had contacts with him he did not say there is a patent or copyright ban on his strategies to destroy corruption. All it requires is seriousness, honesty and leadership which are not for salethey are free virtues that all people, including President Sirleaf, have access to.
Finally, it is time we, as Liberians, not just the president, put the fight against and on corruption in the forefront of our daily lives. We will perish and lose full control of our souls and land if we dont, and the signs are already on the wall. This is why we must support Chairman Fonati Koffa and his team as they take on this brave and risky task in our nations history. The best support we can provide to the task force is to morally empower them, check them, praise them when they are on-track and scorn them when they deviate.
We must make our voices heard by calling for an all-inclusive investigation into allegations of corruptions and economic crimes and money laundering in Liberia, not just the Sable Mining scandal. By doing these things, we will put accountability at the heart of our values and prosperity as Liberians, something that the presidents global public relations skydiving and award collection scheme wont do. Long live Liberia, long live President Sirleaf; with faith in God and concern for our people and love for our country, the struggle continues!
About the Author:
Jones Nhinson Williams, a Catholic educated philosopher and an American trained public policy professional, initially studied for the Catholic priesthood. He has since 2003, devoted his life, work and passion to issues of corruption, poverty, refugee flow and forced migration, the environment, job creation and governance, and the rule of law in Africa. He can be reached at [email protected] .
Nana Akufo-Addo - NPP Presidential Candidate
09.06.2016 LISTEN
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Folks, we have been brazen enough to say that no matter what the NPPs good agenda may be for Ghana, its fixation on violence as a means to win political power overshadows everything else. It is not a figment of our imagination but a true assessment of how the NPP is doing its politics, which is nothing but a real display of intolerance, intemperance, and quirkiness. It is frightening. The undeniable truth is that political power won through violence is ceded through violence. It is just like those living with the sword dying by the sword. In a democracy, anything of the sort is anathema, which is difficult for the NPP people to accept as they continue to flex muscles, even without any provocation or justification.
Place their latest threats of electoral violence against anything else coming from the other political camps and you will see why it will be difficult for Akufo-Addo to be welcomed by the voters on the basis of violence. Why does the NPP think that it has more stake in Ghanas well-being than the other political camps do? Some clear evidence lends credence to our concerns.
The NPPs Ashanti regional Chairman (Boasiako) is threatening to lead the NPP machinery to crush the NDCs polling agents; and the foul-mouthed Kennedy Agyapong is saying that the NPP will lynch members of the security services (particularly soldiers) deployed at the polling stations. All in the attempt to make the NPP win the elections at all costs. An all-die-be-die agenda to be perpetrated as such!!
What will it mean to our democracy if the NPP crushes the NDC polling agents monitoring happenings? Or if the NPP mobilizes disgruntled retired or dismissed personnel of the security services to lynch serving officers deployed to oversee the smooth conduct of the elections? And what is it that empowers the NPP to go that distance while creating the impression that the legitimate state security apparatus will be so emaciated as not to function in the interest of the entire country? Will a victorious Akufo-Addo then put more premium on those hoodlums paving the way for him to be in power through violence? What, then, becomes of the legitimate national security apparatus?
The conclusion isnt difficult to draw. By going this way, all that the NPP is telling Ghanaians and the whole world is that their might is right and should be accepted as such. Unfortunately, it wont be so. That is the likely source of tension and a possible cause of unrest in the country. I am confident that the governmentwhich is mandated by the Constitution to use all resources available to it to ensure national security, stability, and cohesionwill live up to expectation and not allow itself to be disabled by a desperate opposition seeking political power. When it comes to crunch, right will definitely overcome might!!
Meantime, the NPP persists in its scare-mongering campaign. While all that verbal sludge from it is passing under the bridge, its flagbearer has remained silent. He did so in the past when Kennedy Agyapong instigated the Asantes to kill the ewes and Gas and when Osafo-Marfo made his outrageous comments favouring the Akan majoritys hegemonistic tendencies. He has been in the forefront of the NPPs campaign to submerge the minority ethnic groups, as we can tell from his tour of the Volta Region and why his running mate would attempt swallowing his own vomit to seek support from the Ewes in the Volta Region who had been made Guinea pigs in the NPPs experiment of denigration regarding the NPPs version of a flawed voters register. Are these Ewes no more Togolese to be chased out on Election Day? Too bad for Ghana!!
The NPP under Akufo-Addo is pursuing an agenda that wont benefit Ghana. Is it because Akufo-Addo is part of the plot to visit mayhem on Ghana and Ghanaians at Election 2016 to achieve his childhood ambition of becoming Ghanas president at all costs? Or because he endorses that kind of slimy politics? He has already succeeded in tearing apart his own party, having had those with dissenting views either gagged or viciously scapegoated. Anything different to come from him? Yet, he needs to change his public image; not so?
What he is leading the NPP to do is limited and restricted to a campaign of pessimism and nay-saying to anything coming from the Mahama-led administration. We have already examined some of those issues and concluded that the NPP is still its own enemy, which Election 2016 will confirm. No matter how much suffering Ghanaians feel they are subjected to, they will still be more wont to cherish peace and stability than going for the ghoulishness of the Akufo-Addo-led NPP. We know where we stand and will emerge at the end of Election 2016 to have the last laugh.
Within this context, let us be bold to say that no matter what Akufo-Addo and his NPP have to project themselves as the solvers of Ghanas problems, the very foundation on which they stand belies it all. They may be blinded by what they see not to know that appearances are deceptive at this point. Only after the fact will they be wise; that is if they can reconcile what happened at Elections 2008 and 2012 with the ghastliness awaiting them at Election 2016.
In a simple sense, should they be threatening hell and brimstone if they are already persuaded that Ghanaians are so fed up with the Mahama-led administration as to vote it down? Should they be threatening mayhem as such? Or should they be setting up the Chair of the EC and the EC, generally, as an impediment to confront with so much vigour, violence and determination when there is no need for anything of the sort?
The simple truth is that if Akufo-Addo and his supporters are persuaded by their own assessment of the political situation that they stand far tall above the incumbent, should they be flexing muscles at all to the ext5ent as to make violence their main political tool? Shouldnt they be resting assured of their own deductions to cut their steps properly, even if doing so will be giving them the chance to erase the negative impression of their flagbearer and his all-die-be-die mantra as a blot? There is a lot wrong here.
Folks, we are raising these issues to prove that the NPPs approach toward Election 2016 is a death-trap for it. And it will surely lead to another disaster. We have said it, even to a fault, that although Ghanaians arent happy with the prevailing living conditions, they wont just throw away the baby (President Mahama) with the dirty bath water. They know and cherish the peace and stability that has existed in the country thus far and will do all they can to secure life and limb.
That is why all the rhetoric wrapped around violence coming from the NPP camp is counter-productive. I wonder why it is difficult for Akufo-Addo and his flock to see what we have seen so they can polish their tactics/strategies to do better. Of course, we dont even expect them to do so because once they have positioned themselves to see their own kind of reality, nothing will influence them to do other=wise. Unfortunately for them, their reality isnt the reality that the voters see.
But they wont accept that fact and will continue to set parameters that dont fit into the political dispensation. Only after the ballots have been cast and counted and the results collected and collated will they know that they have been on a wild goose chase all along. I know that they will still see the wild goose ahead of them to chase, which will explain their outright rejection of the outcome on the basis of trumped-up allegations of collusion between the EC and the incumbent to deny them victory. They have already begun singing that tune, which is ridiculous at this point that nothing concrete has emerged to seal anybodys electoral fate but their own. They have already miscalculated, sowing the wind but being afraid of reaping the whirlwind. Such people!!
Rather disturbingly, none of those personalities claiming to be peace-loving or institutions shouting their credentials as peacemakers have reacted to the threats of violence from the NPP camp. The so-called Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, the Ghana Peace Council, the whatever else have not reacted in any way to prove to Ghanaians that they are indeed committed to peace or securing national integrity. They are nauseatingly silent. Their silence raises eyebrows and confirms suspicions that they are in bed with the NPP. But being in bed with the NPP to propagate and prosecute violence wont secure their own safety because violence knows no bounds once unleashed. History is replete with records to scare them!!
My assessment of issues so far, folks. There is a lot more to do to prove to Akufo-Addo and his cabal that winning Election 2016 demands more than what they have put in place. They are vociferous because to them, noise does it all. To the incumbent and well-informed observers, other factors determine it all. Let the NPP people keep scaring the electorate with their rhetoric of violence. On the day of reckoning, the chips will fall in place for us all to know what is what.
As they harp on violence, they undermine themselves and cast a huge shadow on their agenda for national development. We will leave them to stew in that political foolery, even as we alert them to the fact that the existing security apparatus of Ghana cant be bent by anybody anyhow to satisfy parochial political interests. So also will it not be possible to replace it with anything carved out of parochial political interests. Confronting it the way the NPP seeks to do will have dire consequences.
Interestingly, those leading the move to undermine it may not survive to tell their stories. Is anybody in the NPP really listening? Retired Captain Koda and Budu Koomson, the two main security props of Akufo-Addo, must be seeking to revise their notes; and we expect them to know how to lead the parade of the NPPs Concert Party. We know where we stand. If they dont, we care less.
I shall return
File Photo
09.06.2016 LISTEN
For the greater majority of us who started voting since 1992, the dawn of every election year presents an all too familiar character of political violence.
Violence characterized or fueled by selectiveness, nepotism, cronism, tribalism and clientilism.
This deepens the acrimonious relationship that already exist between different political parties and redefines our sense of belonging.
The trend seems no different this year. The dream for a violence free election must not just be a talk shop, but a deliberate action supported by well meaning patriotic citizens of Ghana .
The attitude of prayers to curb violence fits well into the mind of the idealist. But for the realist It is too simplistic to choose the path of religion to profer intersessary prayers as a solution to emerging political violence; as the irony is that, some of those who participate in these prayers themselves
Flag RED on the security dial.
So what is this ? Hypocrisy, Absurdity or Deception?
But this is the price we stand to pay if we relapse into political violence or civil unrest :
1. Loss of identity /respect - we will eventually become refugees and be viewed with disdain in the sub region.
2. The working / non working class will all attain a status of unemployment. Poverty and starvation will increase thus leading to food insecurity.
3. Total collapse of private and public institutions/organization. Non existence of social amenities, and rule of law will be lost thus leading to insecurity .
4. All will be vulnerable to psychological and physical abuse especially , women , children and the aged. Abuse such as rape, beatings, repossession of one's property and living with years of trauma.
5. There will be the emergence and institutionalisation of insurgents or militia groups from different ethnic and political backgrounds which will breed insecurity .
6. Our importance will be of no value to investors, donors and the rest of the world.
Let's consolidate our history as the beacon of Africa's democracy and not join the list countries with the history of political violence.
The road to political victory is not political violence .
Owusu -Sekyere K Jnr,
Security Analyst.
Email: [email protected]
09.06.2016 LISTEN
We shouted our spleens out at our mother. Why was she bent on disgracing us? No amount of persuasion would dissuade her to reconsider our plea. It was an Easter Monday, the entire church congregation was meeting up for a picnic thingy. The twins and I thought it'd be the usual fried, crunchy and salivating foods but certainly not t (semi-pounded plantain) accompanied by avocado and evenly tossed groundnut from a hot saucepan.
We obliged at a Hobson's choice. However, we kept our distance from her at the picnic grounds and interestingly she was the least tickled. At lunch time, the food we had earlier spoke spitefully about became the ish. Scores of people took turns to be served till mummy's yummy t could not serve all, some left very disappointed.
Sometimes, the surest way to excel in a chosen endeavor is to leave the crowd and stand out. We are in an era where everyone wants to fit in even when they are made to stand out. Fitting in pays ordinarily but standing out pays extraordinarily. The only worst part about standing out is loneliness. Most times, loneliness is not the absence of people, it is the absence of innovation. I realized that whilst we chastised our mother for standing out, she was more confident about its returns.
The myriad of problems in our Republic is not beyond salvaging. We have chosen to approach them the same way our predecessors handled them. I have always been confident about the future of Ghana, the zealousness to change the patterns has become our bane. I understand very well the price a person must pay to stand out- ostracism. The Ghanaian system only encourages conventional thinking, the reason for the high turn out of educated illiterates, the reason why educated folks are more frustrated than illiterates, the reason everyone looks up to the government.
Unless a man chooses the unconventional path, his life would be no different from that of his predecessors. I hope someone takes a cue from Mummy's Yummy Meal.
Pollster Ben Ephson has cautioned members of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be mindful of their utterances.
He said the NPP must realise they risk losing votes of floating voters if they continue with their threats and incitements.
Ephson, who doubles as the managing editor of the Daily Dispatch, was commenting on NPPs campaign manager, Peter Mac Manus vow to declare the 2016 election results if they feel strongly the polls have been rigged in favor of the ruling party.
Speaking on Radio Gold, Ephson said: Somebody should tell the NPP that they are not the only group of people who can insult or talk recklessly. Nobody is the repository of confusion and so they should be mindful.
He added: They must be reminded that floating voters are more sensible than [you] think. Anybody can decide to go ahead with threats and on November 7, people will use their AK 48 (their thumbs) to take a decision.
Mr. Mac Manu told an NPP gathering in the Western region that the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition could go ahead and declare the election irrespective of the consequences.
The IGP cannot stop us. Whether you are Electoral Commission, whether you are a police or security officer, whether you are a polling agent, whether you are a chief, you cannot stop NPP from declaring results in November elections, he ranted.
His threat has triggered widespread condemnation by a section of Ghanaians including the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) and Civil Society groups. However, Manu whose comments received spontaneous applause from his party foot soldiers has since backtracked.
He told a number of stations he meant his party will collate its own results.
But Mr Ephson has described that as disingenuous. He argues that Mr Manu should rather be seen to be apologising instead of avoiding his own statement already in the public domain.
The Pollster explained that tabulation of results and declaration are not the same. More so, he expected Mac Manu to know better because the latter has gone through the political mill.
Since Mac Manu is not an ordinary serial caller, I expected the former NPP Chairman to apologize for his reckless and incendiary statement because no political party can be bigger than the country called Ghana. [And] no individual, no political party has the copyright to create confusion, he noted.
With six months to elections, you need to appeal to floating voters, who are at least 30% of the voters. These are the ones you must capture. If I am a floating voter, will you vote for a party who will say they will cause bloodshed? So in all these when they are speaking and they are high on adrenaline to their cherish supporters, they must bear in mind that their targets should be the floating voters and not those who will vote for them anyway. So that come November 8, people dont call for ambulances to the hospital, Mr Ephson stressed.
The pollster dismissed suggestions that Nana Akufo-Addo, the NPP flagbearer will condemn Mac Manu for his gaffe, judging by his track record.
I will be surprised if he condemned it. Did he condemn the Regional Chairman of his stronghold [Ashanti] who slapped his Member of Parliament? Has he condemned persons who have insinuated violence? I dont think he will do it. I dont think so. There had been other reckless statements which he should have condemned and he has not done it. .And he has not done it.
File Photo
09.06.2016 LISTEN
As we inch towards Election 2016, political galamseyers (apologies to Atuguba JSC) have started heightening the atmosphere with their misguided and unguarded utterances. Some have even vowed to usurp the powers and responsibilities of constitutionally mandated bodies to satisfy their political interest.
Over the past one or two months, the political ambience has been poisoned with all kinds of utterances which do not augur well for peace and stability. Some galamsyers with loose tongues have whipped up tribal and religious sentiments in their vain attempts to either capture or retain political power. Some have promised an Armageddon on the election day (I am not even sure whether it is November 7 or December 7). Only time will tell.
The National Peace Council, Christian Council of Ghana, Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, Pentecostal and Charismatic Council among others watch on while these incendiary utterances inundate our airwaves on daily basis. These same institutions which have gone comatose now will wake up with some weeks to the general elections to disturb our tympanic membranes with messages of peace and how we should pray for peaceful general elections.
Recent happenings in our political or national discourse leave much to worry. There is no modicum of decorum on the various platforms on which such discourse take place. Casting of innuendoes, insinuations and direct insults has taken centre stage in our political discourse; be it in the traditional or mainstream mediaprint and electronic or in the social media much to the neglect of the issues that should rather be engaging our attention.
This unfortunate development has gained notoriety in the mainstream media since the regulators of the media, the National Media Commission (NMC), is a toothless bull dog that only barks but seldom bites. The various social media platforms are equally awash with what can be regarded as the facsimile of what transpires in the mainstream media.
This development is particularly worrying considering the gross display of lack of respect for the elderly all in the name of partisan politics and democracy. Political talk shows have turned into free-for-all insult competitions. In their over exuberant bid to catch the eyes of their political godfathers and godmothers, the youth, particularly, have thrown the sound moral teachings they receive at home to the dogs and resorted to all forms of vulgar language in the name of democracy. To where are we heading as a nation and as a generation?
This cancer cuts across all political divides. It is now normal to hear people--members of opposition parties particularly--perspicuously insulting the President of the Republic of Ghana in the same way members of the party in power dont miss the opportunity to describe members and leaders of opposition parties in unprintable words. Even if one would not ordinarily respect the president as an individual, the office he occupies should be respected. Unfortunately, our media, both print and electronic, give audience and hype to such insults. In most cases, such unprintable words become news headlines.
Some unfortunately use such insults as jingles which serve as curtain-raisers during political talk shows. How pathetic!!! In effect, the media is encouraging the use of such vulgar and incendiary language that has the tendency of plunging this nation into turmoil. Worse still, the media reads unpalatable text messages sent in by listeners and viewers. What would happen if messages deemed distasteful are not read? But the continuous reading of such messages gives listeners and viewers the impetus to keep sending in such messages.
What these political actors seem to be oblivious of is that such derogatory statements repel rather than attract undecided electorates. I get exasperated anytime I read or hear insults in national discourse irrespective of the part of the divide from which it comes. Are there not leaders in these political parties to call their members to order? Better still, why shield the same members who seek to bring into opprobrium the very party they vehemently support?
It is high time the media blacklisted political parties and their representatives for using insulting language to serve as deterrent to others. Unfortunately, a high percentage of our media is owned by politicians. These politicians when blacklisted by other media houses would still use their own media to unleash such derogatory statements.
This is when the regulator, the National Media Commission, has to crack the whip. Deviant media houses must be made to face the music without fear or favour. If this trend goes on unchecked, we risk destabilizing the relative peace and security we have been enjoying for this while. Political leaders and parties must be bold to distance themselves from utterances that seek to undermine our very existence.
Charles Lwanga Siewobr
A known National Democratic Congress (NDC) loyalist, whose name became synonymous with confiscation of vehicles under dubious circumstances during the reign of President John Evans Atta Mills, has challenged Ghanaians to vote massively against President John Mahama and his NDC government.
According to him, the president has failed woefully.
Carl Wilson, who was the former chairman of the Confiscated Vehicles Committee (CVC) but had to be sacked by President Mills over allegations of abuse of office and corruption, lambasted President Mahama for failing the youth in particular, saying he (president) cannot go to them (youth) to canvass for votes.
He told Rainbow Radio in Accra yesterday that the NDC government was overseeing corruption, mismanagement, incompetence, insincerity and so President Mahama did not deserve to be re-elected in November.
'Ghana Move'
Mr Carl Wilson, who appears to have deserted the NDC and formed a political movement called 'Ghana Move,' claimed he rallied the youth to vote for President Mahama in 2012 but could not go back to the same group of people to campaign for Mr Mahama this year because he had failed.
Can he confidently go back to the youth and rally their support? If he can confidently do that, then he will be the next president of Ghana. But the system is bad. The youth are disappointed. I am not the one saying it, he said, adding, If things are working just as the NDC claims, then why are the youth complaining? he queried.
Carl Wilson, a former NDC aspirant at Weija, said Ghana is no longer working under President Mahama and called on the youth in particular to vote massively against the NDC government.
The youth on the streets today are hopeless. So we have to do something to lay the foundation for Ghana to move again. And for Ghana to move again, we have to find a way to separate the presidency from the dictates of any political party, Carl observed.
Fake Social Democrats
He said the NDC touts itself as a social democratic government but has failed to implement pro-poor policies, saying that the NDC should be a party with policies that can address the plight of the people, especially the young ones. However, this government has failed to do so.
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Mr Carl Wilson said Ghana at the moment needs a president who will be independent of any political party control, and called on the youth to come together to support what he called a viable independent candidate with policies that can transform the economy and for that matter their lives. He stressed that the NDC had failed as a social democratic party.
He accused the Mahama-led government of running a 'tax government' and noted that that had led to the collapse of many businesses and killed the dreams and hopes of young people.
Confiscated Vehicles Puzzle
Asked about his role at the CVC, Carl Wilson claimed he was sacked because of his fight against corruption in the NDC government under the late President Mills.
He said, however, that his removal from office had afforded him the opportunity to find solutions to the current rot in government, and the solution is: the youth of Ghana have to rise.
Singing the national youth anthem, he said the time had come for young people to rise and rise forcefully because we do not need a strong political party like the NDC and NPP.
He said the time had come for Ghanaians to reject political parties like the NDC and the NPP and push for an independent presidency.
He added that the current situation had compelled President Mahama to take decisions in the interest of his party and not those of the voters who elected him into office.
The future of this country is in the hands of the youth who form 70 percent of the voter population; and that tells me that the future of this country is in the hands of the youth, Carl Wilson underscored.
Mr Wilson also granted an interview to Metro TV on Tuesday and said Ghana's political system does not have checks and balances, noting that that had adversely affected the fight against corruption.
It has created the absence of checks and balances in the system; that is making it difficult for whoever cheats as president to rule with the powers granted to him by the Constitution.
So as I said, it is not per se the one running but it is the system that we inherited which is the problem and which is ineffective. That is the system that I will urge the youth of this country to come together and say 'enough is enough' and then we find a solution to elect an open president as the president of this country.
By William Yaw Owusu
Mogadishu (AFP) - Ethiopia has said that its soldiers deployed in Somalia killed 101 Shabaab fighters who on Thursday attacked an army base used by the African Union force fighting the Al-Qaeda linked group.
The Shabaab movement earlier announced a major assault on the base in Halgan in the central Hiran region of the arid Horn of Africa nation, via its Telegram messaging platform.
Ethiopian government spokesman Getachew Reda dismissed a claim by the Shabaab that they had killed dozens of soldiers, while losing just 16 of their own fighters.
"There was an attempt by al-Shabaab to attack our forces in central Somalia but... our forces killed 101 militants and destroyed heavy weaponry," Getachew said.
"We are still assessing how many people got hurt on our side but their claim that they have killed 43 Ethiopian soldiers is an absolute lie. This is a figment of their imagination," he added.
"The Mujahideen fighters stormed the base and massacred many of the Ethiopians," the Shabaab claimed on Telegram, putting the death toll among the troops at 60.
Casualty figures from this type of attack are impossible to verify independently. The Shabaab generally exaggerates, while the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) usually gives no details of losses among its ranks.
- 'Huge blast' -
On its Twitter account, AMISOM -- comprising troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda -- confirmed "an attempted Shabaab attack" but gave no figures.
"The enemy was successfully repulsed," AMISOM said, claiming also to be "in pursuit" of the attackers.
Residents in the area close to Halgan said the attack began when a vehicle driven by a suicide bomber exploded at the entrance to the base, after which jihadist gunmen fought their way in.
"There was a huge blast and then heavy exchange of gunfire started," said Osman Adan, a resident living nearby.
Shooting had died down by mid-morning Thursday and local authorities confirmed the clashes.
"There was a major attack this morning at Halgan. Violent elements tried to break into the the base of the Somalian army and of AMISOM, but they were driven back and their bodies are everywhere," senior official Guhad Abdi Warsame said.
"They lost and now we have complete control of the zone, the situation is normal," he added.
The Shabaab launched a similar "swarming" style attack a year ago and have since overrun forward operating bases manned by Burundian troops in Lego in June, Ugandan troops in Janale in September and Kenyan troops in El Adde in January.
While the countries contributing soldiers to the peacekeeping effort refuse to confirm casualty numbers, it is believed that scores of AMISOM soldiers were killed in each attack.
In the El Adde attack alone more than 140 Kenyan soldiers are believed to have been killed, although the Kenyan government has refused to confirm any numbers.
This is the first such raid on an Ethiopian outpost in Somalia.
The Shabaab was forced out of the capital Mogadishu five years ago but continues to carry out regular attacks on military, government and civilian targets in its battle to overthrow the internationally-backed administration.
The group typically intensifies attacks during Ramadan, but this year is considered critical, with the Shabaab eager to disrupt an expected change of government leadership due in the coming months.
28 people have been arrested by police for dealing in fake Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority [DVLA] certificates and stickers, in an operation mounted around DVLA offices in Accra and Tema.
The 28 persons arrested consist of seven females and 21 males whose ages range from 21 to 31 years.
Items ranging from printers, photocopy machines, trimming machines, computers, DVLA road worthiness certificates and stickers, mobile phones and other office equipment were confiscated by the Police.
A statement signed by the Director Public Affairs of the Police Service, DSP Cephas Arthur, said the suspects are believed to be behind the recent increase in forged DVLA road worthiness stickers.
Preliminary investigation points to the fact that, these illegal DVLA road-worthiness certificate dealers seem to have laid hands on the soft copy of the Authority's sticker, which they are using to print their fake ones, making them look true-to-type. the statement said.
The suspects have since been granted bail, pending further investigations.
The Police Service has also cautioned the public to desist from dealing with unauthorized people for certification.
Find below the full statement from the police
The Police has arrested 28 fake Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority [DVLA] Certificate and Sticker dealers in an operation mounted in Accra and Tema around the Authority's premises.
Among the 28 are seven females and 21 males, whose ages range from 21 to 31 years. Items ranging from printers, photocopy machines, trimming machines, computers, DVLA roadworthiness certificates and stickers, mobile phones and other office equipment were retrieved by the Police.
The suspects, who operate from containers, are suspected to be behind the recent proliferation of seeming genuine DVLA roadworthiness stickers in use of late.
It was observed that, lately many of the vehicle whose roadworthiness certificate are due for renewal do not go to the designated outlets to renew them, yet they are spotted operating with the said document. Investigations revealed that these stickers are procured from other sources apart from the approved ones.
Preliminary investigation points to the fact that, these illegal DVLA roadworthiness certificate dealers seem to have laid hands on the soft copy of the Authority's sticker, which they are using to print their fake ones, making them look true-to-type.
The suspects have been cautioned and granted bail, pending further investigation, and necessary action. It must be noted that the activities of these criminals are causing the State to lose revenue, and also resulting in fatalities of our roads as some defective vehicles are unduly cleared.
The public, especially motorists, are advised to go to only DVLA Private Test garages for the testing of their vehicles and certification. Meanwhile all fake dealers should be uncovered and reported to the nearest Police Station for the necessary action.
By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Lagos (AFP) - A landmark floating school that provided classes to children on a lagoon in Nigeria's biggest city, Lagos, has collapsed during heavy rains, its headteacher said on Thursday.
"The structure collapsed at around 10:00 am (0900 GMT) on Tuesday following a rainstorm," the school's director, Noah Shemede, told AFP.
Shemede and the Amsterdam-based architects NLE said there were no casualties and that the floating school in the Makoko area of the city had been empty since March this year.
The headteacher said 58 students who were using the facility as an annexe had been relocated to the main school nearby because of concerns from parents about the effects of annual rains.
Architect Kunle Adeyemi said the building was a prototype which had been used "intensively" over the last three years and a new building would be constructed to replace it.
"We are glad there were no casualties in what seemed like an abrupt collapse," he said in a statement.
"The prototype had served its purpose in time and we look forward to the reconstruction of the improved version amongst other greater developments of the community," he said in a statement.
Makoko has been dubbed the "Venice of Africa" but comparisons between the slum dwellings on stilts in the water and the historic Italian city end there.
The award-winning school, a three-storey triangular A-frame which floated on 250 empty plastic barrels fixed under a wooden base, was the tallest structure in Makoko and had become a landmark.
It provided 200 square metres (2,370 square feet) of floor space and was also used for social events in the desperately poor and neglected fishing community.
Shemede said the debris from Tuesday's storms was being cleared but complained of a lack of government assistance for people living on the water.
"The project is a private initiative for the Makoko waterfront community. The main school was built in 2007/2008 while the collapsed structure was built as an extension in 2012," he said.
"The entire school has a student population of 259. We want (the state) government to assist our community through the provision of social amenities."
Building collapses are common in Nigeria during the rainy season, which in Lagos normally starts in March or April, often because of shoddy building practices and sub-standard materials.
In March, at least 34 people were killed when a building under construction came down in the upmarket Lagos suburb of Lekki.
CYBERSPACEWhether it's Facebook or Craigslist or some other online site, the number of scammers claiming to be able to help young women make their fortunes by creating adult content is ever with us, as the two most recent examples indicate.
Up in Seattle, TheStranger.com reports on one "Deja Stwalley," an alleged woman who sends out "friend" requests to women she finds on Facebook, and after they respond, she hits them with the claim that she's "a recruiter for indie porn studios" and that they can make anywhere from $450 per hour to as much as $3,000 per sceneand all they have to do is meet up with Stwalley's ex-boyfriend, photographer Matt Hickey, and audition.
"basically I try to help girls get into the porn industry without getting screwed over," Stwalley wrote. "there are scammers out there, but that's why I DO this. lol"
One of the women Stwalley "helped" was 20-year-old Liz Shearer, who was working as a nanny before being made aware of Stwalley's "service."
"I decided it was an opportunity I would be interested in," Shearer told The Stranger's Sydney Brownstone. "And I asked her how I would go about getting an audition."
Stwalley was only too happy to set it up with Matt, but that she would also have to have sex with him "to prove to production companies that having sex with someone I didn't know was something that I could handle."
Shearer "auditioned" with Hickey in Bellingham, Wash., and again later in a Seattle hotel room, but no jobs ever came of it. Shearer filed a report with the Bellingham Police Department last month, though the officer who took her statement told her that it would be difficult to prosecute what happened as a sexual assault, though there's no doubt that that's what it was. The police later told Brownstone that detectives were working on Shearer's case.
Another of Stwalley's victims, Allysia Bishop, shared her story with Seattle's feminist Facebook group, and it caught the attention of a woman known as "Maisie," who herself contacted Stwalley, posing as a potential porn actress. At that time, Stwalley claimed that among the "indie porn studios" she represented was BurningAngeland when Brownstone contacted BurningAngel owner Joanna Angel to check out Stwalley's story, Angel responded that she'd never heard of Stwalley, and that, "For the record, we do not use any 'scouts.' We have a model application on the website, occasionally we get referrals from friends of models we work with, or we deal with licensed talent agents. We do not hire/associate with any scouts anywhere."
Maisie did quite a bit of investigation into "Stwalley" and found that, among other things, the talent agency listed on the model release Stwalley was usingWest Coast Talent, Inc. of Las Vegasdidn't exist, and its "headquarters" was a "decrepit former hotel"; that Stwalley's and Hickey's email addresses shared the same IP address; that Stwalley and Hickey had both sent emails to prospective porn stars from the e-dress [email protected]; and that the real Deja Stwalley, who now goes by Deja Cook, had no connection with the Facebook page that bore her name, and that she went to high school with Hickey and remembered that "He had a weirdo crush on me."
When Brownstone tried to contact Hickey for a comment, he told her his attorney had advised him not to speak on the subject, adding in an email, "I agree it's weird and also ridiculous, but I'm sorry to say that at this point I can't talk about anything specific, though I may in the future."
The full "Deja Stwalley" story is a great read, and it can be found here.
A bit farther south, four San Diego women, known for legal purposes as "Jane Does 1-4," have filed a lawsuit against the website GirlsDoPorn.com, the site's owner, Michael Pratt; the actor who did scenes with them, Andre Garcia; and their videographer, Matthew Wolfe; as well as nine related businesses.
Why? According to Courthouse News reporter Don DeBenedictis, the women, who answered ads on Craigslist, "were cajoled into appearing in pornography by men who promised that the videos would never be posted on online or distributed in the United States," but that the videos were posted online anyway on GirlsDoPorn.com, "where they were seen by the women's friends and family," and that "the men leaked their true names and contact information, including email and social media addresses, to another Internet site, and strangers then harassed them as whores and sluts."
"The defendants assure them that they will not post the video online, they will not distribute the video in the United States, and they will keep each woman anonymous," one paragraph of the complaint states. "The defendants represent that the videos will be on DVDs overseas and for private use."
According to the women's accounts, agents for Pratt coerced the women into signing model releases which they weren't given time to read, were essentially held prisoner in hotel rooms where they were "forced to film and have sex for many hours," sometimes when cameras weren't even running, and that one of them, Jane Doe #4, was promised $2,000 in cash for her performance, but when she got the money, she found that the middle of the stack of $20 bills was all $1 bills, leaving her with only $400 total for the shoot.
The women are suing for $500,000 each plus punitive damages. Their claims include "intentional and negligent misrepresentation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, misappropriation of name and likeness, and breach of contract."
The Does' story can be found here.
When informed of the above scams, Chanel Preston, president of the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC), stated that any performers or potential performers who are concerned that someone is trying to trick them into performing for free with the promise of more work later, or is in some other way not making a legitimate offer, should contact APAC to ascertain whether the person or company making the offer is bona fide, and also to request advice as to how to spot scammers trolling social media and elsewhere.
"We are currently working on a way for performers or interested performers to gain better information about people they are talking to," Preston said, adding that she will be bringing up the topic at the next APAC Board meeting.
"Performers should be aware that sex is the job, not the audition," noted APAC Secretary Ela Darling. "This is horrible and grotesque manipulation and abuse. I'm disgusted by this."
Mogadishu (AFP) - Fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab group killed at least 10 people, including soldiers and civilians, during an attack on the strategic Somali town of Afgoye on Tuesday, local police said.
"We don't have the exact number of casualties so far but we have seen the dead bodies of more than 10 people, including civilians, who were killed in the attack," Abdukadir Ahmed, local police official said by phone, adding that the attackers also suffered casualties
09.06.2016 LISTEN
Adentan (GAR), June 9, GNA - Chief Superintendent Martin Ayiih, the Adentan Divisional Police Commander, has expressed the need for all communities within the municipality to join meaningful social media platforms to discuss and highlight their security concerns.
He said it is the responsibility of the Police to patrol the communities but as a result of the limited capacity of the Service, 'we would urge all communities to form watch groups on social media platforms like 'whatsapp' and 'facebook''.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency after a tour of some housing estates around Oyibi, Chief Superintendent Ayiih said by participating in the social media platform, members of the community and the police would be kept abreast of current security developments in the area.
He urged the public to keep an eye on their properties as the incidence of robbery keeps mounting.
Chief Superintendent Ayiih said a cursory look at the various robbery details suggests that the robbers must have had prior knowledge of what was available in the victim's house, hence the need for vigilance by all in the community.
He said 'much as we need to be careful of the people we talk to concerning our possessions, we might also need police protection when conveying large sums of money'.
Chief Superintendent Ayiih said though it is the role of the Roads and Highways Authority to create and maintain roads within communities, members of the communities should ensure that their roads are well kept for effective police patrol.
The patrol, which is a routine of the Divisional Command, is being undertaken in all the four districts of the command and these are: Ayi Mensah, Oyibi, Adenta and Lakeside.
GNA
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has strongly defended its investments in the last few years.
The Chief Executive Officer of GNPC Alex Mould has described such investments as strategic and forward looking.
Mr. Mould insists that GNPC is an industry enabler and gas aggregator in Ghana, hence the need for the corporation to invest into the power sector with a plan to use gas which GNPC will produce, to power electricity generating plants in the country.
Some lawmakers have accused the corporation of veering off its core mandate by undertaking projects that have nothing to do with oil and gas. The minority lawmakers have threatened to block the passage of GNPCs 2016 programme of activities over what they term questionable investments.
The US$550 million Quantum Power Re-gasification project and the US$ 100 million Karpower guarantees signed by GNPC have heavily been criticized.
However, speaking at this weeks African Oil and Power Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa the GNPC boss launched a spirited defense insisting GNPC, like any other state oil company must actively support the energy value chain, and that this support must be done in addition to playing a lead role in the exploration and production of hydro carbons.
In a developing country context, the national oil company must be the pivot for energy industry development. The national oil company must lead with investments in strategic energy infrastructure, Mould stated.
He said GNPC is enabling investments across the energy value chain to support the development of a vibrant energy sector in Ghana. Using the success stories of Angolas national oil companies, the GNPC Chief Executive said: Sonangol and Sonatrach have made significant progress in this regard. In Angola, Sonangol has championed the Angolanization policy, in place since 2002, and is leading ever greater involvement of Angolans in the oil and gas sector.
Having gained the momentum with the Angolan example, Mr. Alex Mould told his audience: In Ghana, GNPC is leading similar efforts. GNPC is positioning itself as an enabler of strategic investments in Ghanas energy sector. This is in line with our mandate to: undertake the exploration, development, production and disposal of petroleum, as well as our role as the national Gas Sector Aggregator.
Explaining why GNPC was involved in the US$ 550 million Quantum Project, Mr. Mould said the Corporation had to go into that project in order to provide another source of gas for Ghanaians, since the expected gas from Sankofa Gye Nyame will not be enough for the country. GNPC is therefore working with a private sponsor to build a Liquefied Natural Gas import terminal. The terminal, with a capacity of 500mmscf/d will receive, store, re-gasify Liquefied Natural Gas and discharge the gas through pipelines to power energy generating plants in the Tema enclave.
This is a strategic investment to improve Ghanas energy security, he stated. Mr. Mould went further to rationalize the decision of his corporation being a guarantor for the Electricity Company of Ghana, leading to the development of the Karpower barge.
In confirmation of the prudence in that decision, he indicated that GNPC is working on another guarantee to enable the second KarPower barge to be delivered for Ghana. He said: Consistent with our gas aggregator role, GNPC provided financial guarantee to enable the deployment of a 450MW power barge in Ghana.
Half of this capacity has already been added to the national grid, which has helped alleviate the power shortage in the country. The second half is expected to be deployed this year.
Unfazed by the criticisms that the corporation is venturing into the power sector instead of staying within the petroleum industry, Mr. Mould announced a new investment that the corporation will be undertaking in the power sector. He hinted: GNPC is also considering the feasibility of rehabilitating an existing barge owned by the Corporation, to generate up to 125MW in the first phase. If feasible, planned expansion may increase the capacity to about 400MW.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Tanzania handed President John Magufuli a cheque of surplus money from its budget of the elections of November 2015, worth over 5 million dollars.
Mr President, we were very stingy yet very diligent in our duties. So this surplus shouldn't mean that our work was compromised anyhow, the TEC Chairman said.
NEC becomes the second public institution to hand over 'saved money' since the President Magufuli introduced cost cutting measures.
The National Assembly also handed over 6 billion shillings approximately 3 million dollars.
President Magufuli commended the NEC for saving such amount and handing it over to the government to cater for other activities of national importance.
This reflects how NEC is very honest. A sum of 270bn/- was allocated for last October's polls. They spent 261.6bn/-. You would have even said that no amount has remained and no one would have discovered or doubted it, said President Magufuli.
By: CCTV
Paul-Miki Akpablie
09.06.2016 LISTEN
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will present a Queens Young Leaders Award to an exceptional young person from Ghana at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London on Thursday 23rd June.
As the Commonwealth celebrates The Queens 90th birthday, this years Award winner, 23-year-old Paul-Miki Akpablie has been recognised by The Queen for taking the lead in transforming the lives of others and making a lasting difference in his community. As a Queens Young Leader, he will be representing Ghana as he joins winners from 45 different Commonwealth countries in London for five days of high-level engagements, all designed to help them further their life-changing work.
Before receiving their Queens Young Leaders Award at Buckingham Palace, the winners will visit 10 Downing Street and the UK headquarters of global social networking company Twitter, and meet with senior executives at the BBC World Service. They will also meet the Commonwealth Secretary General, take part in workshops at the University of Cambridge, have meetings with UK business leaders, and visit projects that are changing the lives of vulnerable people in the UK.
Selected from a competitive process where thousands of young people from all over the Commonwealth applied to be a Queens Young Leader, Paul-Miki Akpablie has been recognised for his social enterprise business that provides the opportunity for Ghanaians and other young Africans to empower themselves through business and reliable energy.
This years Award winners are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of issues including education, climate change, gender, mental health and improving the lives of people with disabilities.
The application process to become a 2017 Queens Young Leader opens at 8:00pm BST on Friday 24th June 2016. The programme is looking for people aged between 18 and 29 who are dedicated to creating positive changes to the lives of people in Ghana.
Details about how to apply to become a Queens Young Leader, together with information about the 2016 Award winners and Highly Commended runners up, is available at www.queensyoungleaders.com .
Rome (AFP) - Italian prosecutors are investigating whether the wrong man was extradited to Italy on charges of running a migrant trafficking network after reports suggested it may be a case of mistaken identity.
Eritrean Medhanie Yehdego Mered, 35, dubbed "the general" and described as "cynical and unscrupulous", is accused of shipping thousands of people to Europe and sending some to a watery grave.
Italian police announced Wednesday that Mered, arrested in Sudan with the help of Britain's National Crime Agency, had been extradited to Italy, releasing video images and photographs of him being brought off a plane in Rome.
But Palermo prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi was forced to admit Thursday his team was "carrying out the necessary checks" after the BBC spoke to friends and family of the arrested man who said the authorities got the wrong man.
AFP also interviewed people in Sudan who said the detainee was not Medhanie Yehdego Mered.
"The identification of the suspect, his arrest, his handing over and his extradition to Italy were communicated to us in an official manner by the NCA and the Sudanese authorities through Interpol," Italian media quoted Lo Voi as saying.
An NCA spokeswoman said: "We're aware of the media reports. It's a bit too soon to speculate at the moment."
The detainee is due to go before a preliminary judge on Friday, the Corriere della Sera daily said.
Friends of the arrested man told AFP his name was Mered Tesfamariam, and he was a 27-year-old migrant.
"I know this man since he arrived in Sudan in 2014, his name is Mered Tesfamariam. The person who has been taken to Rome is not the general. The man taken to Rome doesn't even speak Arabic," Eritrean Tasfie Haggose, 38, said in Khartoum.
- Secret mover -
"The general is well known among Eritreans, especially among those who have tried to cross the Mediterranean," he said.
"The general moves secretly. He does not deal directly with people who want to migrate. He deals through mediators or brokers."
Fellow Eritrean Barhi Kobron, 28, said he too knew the detainee.
"This man used to move freely among people, which is not how the general behaves. The general has no house in Khartoum. He moves between Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, and between Khartoum and eastern Sudan."
And the Corriere della Sera spoke to an Eritrean in Palermo who said he had grown up with Mered Tesfamariam who was like "a brother" to him.
"What happened is wrong. My sister was with him in Khartoum and told me he was taken by the Sudanese police while he was at a coffee bar," the man identified only as Fishaye said.
The suspect Medhanie Yehdego Mered, on a wanted list since 2015 for people smuggling, is accused of packing migrants onto a boat that sank in 2013 off the island of Lampedusa, claiming at least 360 lives in one of the worst disasters in the Mediterranean.
Referred to in wiretapped conversations between his alleged subordinate traffickers as "the general", Mered is accused of organising the smuggling of up to 8,000 people a year on migrant boats.
Italy, Sudan and Britain had hailed his capture as a significant blow to the people smuggling business as Europe moves to stem the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean.
According to the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR), over 48,500 people have arrived in Italy by boat so far this year.
More than 10,000 people have died crossing the Mediterranean to Europe since 2014.
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LOS ANGELESBrazzers on Thursday announced Nikki Benz has become the first brand ambassador since the company's inception in 2004.
Brazzers has increased its monthly production of adult content with Benz, the 2016 AVN Hall of Fame inductee who is the company's exclusive contract star. She will also be the host of Brazzers new official safe-for-work publishing platform, TRENDZZ.
Likening the Toronto native to "icons of sexuality and pornography like Pamela Anderson and Jenna Jameson," the company said Benz brings a modern perspective to the industry as she shares behind-the-scenes scoops on and off set, unique experiences from around the world, and candid commentary on popular trends.
Mario Nardstein, product director for Brazzers, explained the decision to bring Benz into the Brazzers family.
Nikkis hard work and dedication to her craft in this ever-changing industry resonates with the steadfast dedication Brazzers has maintained to its clients, performers, fans, and partners," Nardstein said. "Shes the perfect fit. Fans can expect to be seeing a lot more of Nikki Benz, and no, she wont (always) be naked.
Benz remarked, "Having been chosen as the Brazzers Brand Ambassador, exclusive contract star, and the host of TRENDZZ is a tremendous honor. I've never witnessed anything like this in the adult industryespecially on such a grand scale. I'm the face of the most reputable and most popular brand in porn. Thank you Brazzers and thank you to my Benz Mafia for all of your loyalty and support."
current-affairs-trends Read and watch: Speech of PM Modi in US Congress Below is the text of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the US Congress on June 8.
business 'Grossly exaggerating to say Rajan exit will spark outflows' In the media channels special series aLondon Eye, Mukherjee has been speaking to Foreign Institutional Investor heads like Russell Napier of ERIC and Caeser Massry of Goldman Sachs. Here are some insights.
you are here:
BARCELONA, SpainBijoux Indiscrets, which is set to celebrate 10 years in business, is in the market of erotica and sensual products. From the time it was founded in 2006 in Barcelona, the brand has achieved position as a European and worldwide referent in the sector; and it's currently present in more than 22 countries all over the world.
Bijoux Indiscrets features a wide range of sensual accessories, erotic cosmetics, and intimate toys designed for women by women, with the purpose of stimulating the senses and awakening imagination. A sophisticated, high quality and affordable offer to spark the passion and live unforgettable moments of pleasure.
To mark the occasion, co-founder and designer Elsa Viegas sent the following letter to customers, supporters and more:
First of all, Id like to introduce myself. My name is Elsa Viegas and Im a designer. Curious by nature, Im also a tad restless, observant, a little on the geeky side, proud mother to an English bullterrier named Missy and co-founder of Bijoux Indiscrets.
Second, I wanted to let you know that Were turning 10!!!!!!! And what a 10 years its been10 years of just about everything! 10 years in which weve experienced a start-up adventure, an entrepreneurship adventure and, above all, a pleasure adventure. And when I say we its because I have shared each and every moment with Marta Aguiar, a true profesional and someone who I have the pleasure of calling my associate, soul sister, partner in crime (for better or for worse) and, most of all, my friendthe type whos with you til the very end, no matter what life throws at you!
Theyve beenthey are10 years of history and of stories. Theres been plenty of laughter along the way, but lots of sweat and tears too. Tears from laughing so much to the point that you dont know if youre laughing or crying; tears cried in anguish and helplessness on learning that the world is incapable of changing as quickly as we would like If the adventure came to an end tomorrow Id remember each and every one of you guysevery single person that Ive met along the wayAnd yes, Id remember YOU too, [who] is fully committed to believing that having a full and free sex life can alter the way in which we see the world.
Weve learned a lot over the last 10 years but theres always going be things we have doubts about. On the suspicion that we dont always prioritize our feelings, pleasure or connecting with our bodies, we decided to carry out a study (the first of its kind to be conducted in Spain) where we revealed the prejudices and taboos that condition our sexual behavior.
Are we really so conditioned as to how we should act (even in our intimate lives) that we have forgotten to feel? Well, the answer is yes.
After carrying out an in-depth study, in which we surveyed 1,500 people and conducted over 300 hours of research, we gained a great deal of answers from Fiction vs. Reality in sex. We discovered that we fictionalize our pleasure, either because we are influenced by pornography, Hollywood romanticism or by social myths and taboos.
In order to present the results of the study, the Library of Real Orgasms was bornthe worlds only library to contain 100 percent real orgasms that give a voice to true female pleasure. The aim is to build bridges for dialogue, generate debate and, above all, to reclaim pleasure as a fundamental right for women to enjoy TOO. In the midst of the 21st century, this study showed that sexual freedom and the right to enjoy sex is almost exclusively reserved for men. I invite you to find out more: OrgasmSoundLibrary.com.
10 years later, as I look back on everything weve been through and everything we have fought for, I feel privileged to form part of Bijoux Indiscrets and to be able to devote myself to my greatest passion every single day. I am grateful that I have been surrounded by such fantastic people, such as those who form the Bijoux Indiscrets team, and by extraordinary professionals who, like me, dedicate their lives to their passion. And that is how the 10 years 10 stories section of our blog is born, where we are going to hear from 10 amazing women sexologists, sex bloggers, writers and tireless warriorswho have accepted the Bijoux Indiscrets challenge: to share their talent with us, and with you, in 10 articles dedicated to pleasure.
Weve arrived and were here to stay, and thats exactly why were counting on you to be part of our adventures.
Thanks so much for believing in us, Elsa Viegas
For more information, visit BijouxIndiscrets.com.
June 09, 2016
Libya - How Moscow Can Influence A Unity Deal
by Richard Galustian
Russias growing influence in Libya is reflecting their ever evolving new Middle East and North African policy.
While Libya has been divided between two parliaments and governments since 2014, Russias influence has grown with East Libya.
A review of the United Nations resolution on Libyas arms embargo is likely to be voted upon early next week. However this will only be achieved if Russian concerns can be overcome.
Despite the international efforts a paradox remains. A partial lifting of the UN's arms embargo to one side will greatly increase the danger of swelling the intensity of the civil war and of risking some of those arms reaching the Islamic State in Libya.
The Russians do not understand the West's approach to extremists. Russia's logic is sound as shown in Syria. If it looks like a duck and walks and quacks like a duck; it probably is a duck, to paraphrase Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavarov comment on terrorists.
In Libya the two divided factions, the democratically elected eastern government and parliament, the House of Representatives (HoR), and the 'Libya Dawn' coalition of Islamist militias who created Tripoli's National Salvation Government (NSG), are now challenged by a third 'virtual' faction, the Government of National Accord (GNA) which was selected by the UN as a nine men, now reduced to seven, Presidency Council (PC), which in effect constitutes a GNA quorum.
Let me be clear: The international community supports a non-existent GNA headed by a Western patsy designated prime minister and six other men. To boot, this fledgling Western selected so called government still faces huge unpopularity from the masses who resent Western interference in its internal affairs.
The GNA, having no military forces of their own, have agreed with Dawn Militias that they be re-badged 'the Presidential Guard' and that they be the recipients of new weapons permitted by the UN if the resolution is accepted by the Security Council.
Interestingly Russia's UN Ambassador Churkin said "the highest priority" in Libya should be to encourage the HoR Parliament in the East approval of the new GNA government. A new twist. If anyone can persuade the East and the HoR to 'bless' the GNA, it will be the Russians that will be the broker.
Lets note that the cards are now in East Libya's favor. They receive weapons through Egypt; they control their oil; they made their own currency, courtesy of Russia.
The fact is IS is not a priority for Libyan adversaries and it is not as huge a threat as some would have us believe. Despite what is tantamount to propaganda by a compliant almost government manipulated Western media, there is a relatively small number of IS present in the country of hundreds not thousands.
If the West let arms like heavy artillery and most importantly ammunition to go to 'the Dawn' militias, a sizeable proportion will undoubtedly end up in IS hands and the probable result will be that both will end up fighting Khalifa Hafter's Libyan Army of East Libya.
The Russians won't allow anything that doesn't protect the East Libyans. This Kremlin perspective is a reality Western nations don't seem to grasp. Equally the Russians still don't understand the West's unrealistic expectation to tag whos who in Libyas (and Syria's) terrorist spectrum. Neither do I.
Moscow knows Khalifa Haftar well as the Libyan General has made frequent trips to Russia. The Kremlin sees Western behavior towards Haftar as mistaken. There is a disregard by the West for the actual players on the ground like Hafter, like the tribes, yet utmost consideration is given to 'the Dawn' Islamists and Muslim Brotherhood militias which seems illogical and inconceivable.
Then there is UN Special Envoy to Libya, Martin Kobler. The other day he said "Libya is a country awash with weapons; 20 million pieces of weaponry in a land of six million inhabitants." Kobler then childishly added, that "these weapons do not fall from the sky" adding "These arms fuel the conflict and shipments must end". Yet he was in Vienna last month when it was agreed to do just that; to deliver more weapons.
Is he schizophrenic?
Koblers mixed messages are making the Russians even more assertive. Actually one cannot help noting an unexpected consequence has been that both (East & West) NOC's and both CBL's are talking to one another. The international community and it's mostly incompetent bureaucrats and diplomats would have you believe any such positive movements between Libyans is their doing; that's nonsense.
Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft has presented this week to other Security Council members a British-drafted new Libya resolution and has stated he hopes for a vote as early as Monday.
Now we must wait for Russia's stance on the proposed resolution as it becomes a more strident player in the entire MENA region. Maybe the road to unity for Libya will end up going through Moscow.
Posted by b on June 9, 2016 at 7:08 UTC | Permalink
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When I first entered high school four years ago, I thought I would drop out. I thought high school would be like it is in the movies: everyone fooling around, learning things that you would never need in life, hanging out with friends and going to class when you wanted, IF you wanted.
High school was not what I thought it would be. My first two years were not my best, due to my actions of ditching, drinking, not caring for me or my peers education.
We were on a road to dropping out.
Midway into my sophomore year, I woke up and realized that to get where I wanted to be I needed to be present and trying to succeed in class.
Slowly, what I began to understand is that we all need to be presentnot just physically, but also mentally in a classroom. Why? A classroom is where we are all connected and can make a better future for us and our family. We help each other out, we have our amazing teachers to help us in any situation we have.
Coming to Central High is a blessing. It gives us a second opportunity for our education, and our teachers here are our family. They care for us not just in education but outside of school as well.
I also began to understand that we all need to be present in life. We need to be willing to go into tough situations where we do not know everything, and be willing to accept the challenge to fight through and be OK with being uncomfortable.
You do not have to be perfect in life to succeed. A close friend, a brother figure once said, Success isnt measured by the position that one has reached in life, but by the obstacles they have overcome while trying to succeed.
I owe the biggest thank you and appreciation to some key adults who helped me realize I needed my education: Saul Gonzalez, Veronica Diaz and Dori Ann Prado as well my mother, all of whom help me change and grow. They never gave up on me.
Im thankful for my teachers Mr. Lines & Ms. Charlebois for teaching me about Economics and Civics. I thought these subjects would not be a part of my life. Im glad I got my education from them because now I know how to fill in my taxes and make a resume, and I know about politics and my rights as a citizen. I learned to speak my mind and make my ideas count by giving sound reasons for my thoughts, by defending my position and standing up for what I believe.
Having skills like this has prepared me for college as well as for life and for my future. I am the first one in my family to graduate from high school. I will be the first one in my family to go to college. And I will be the first one to GRADUATE from college!
High school was not what I thought it would be. High school is where I woke up and realized I need my education.
So to all my fellow class members, remember education is the key to everything and may God be with you through the years no matter where life takes you.
WE DID IT, SI SE PUEDE!
Jerry Juarez, Class of 2016, delivered the commencement speech at Central High Schools June 2 graduation ceremony. This piece is a slightly edited version of his speech.
LOS ANGELES, CA Naughty America releases My Girl Loves Anal 5 this week, with Jennifer White getting her backdoor rammed by two guys. White lets Danny Mountain and Karlo Karrera explore her every hole in a scene that includes a DP.
White is maintaining a 9.4 member rating on the Naughty America site. In her 12th scene for the company, she and her husband go to a sexpert to help them spice up their sex life and end up in a very professional threesome.
I absolutely love shooting for Naughty America, White said. I cant believe its been 12 scenes already. Looking at them now brings back so many great memories. And theres no reason to stop now!
White also has a new scene on the Naughty America site; a Double Derriere Daydream, with Adriana Chechik and Chad White. Fans can find all 12 scenes, plus two archived live shows, on NAs site.
For more on Jennifer visit her new website at www.XJenniferWhiteX.com.
BOSTON, Mass.For over 17 years, director Angie Rowntree has been defying mainstream porn traditions with Sssh.com, a popular site featuring porn for women. Now, as she embraces virtual reality (VR), a technology many industry insiders hope will revolutionize the adult industry, Rowntree is again rejecting the typical path, eschewing the first-person point of view currently ubiquitous in VR porn in favor of an approach known as dynamic storytelling.
While the VR environment does pair well with the first-person perspective (POV), its also limited in a lot of ways, Rowntree said. Once you free the viewers perspective from being locked into what the protagonist is doing, so to speak, it enables the viewer to more completely explore and experience the full environment. It takes the viewer from being a passive observer to allowing them to actually experience the movie more fully.
In the dynamic storytelling model, the viewer is immersed in the story, but not necessarily an interactive part of it, Rowntree explained. As the viewer, youre present in the movie and immersed in the environment, but you dont control or change the course of the story. If the performers walk up a hillside, you get to follow them up, and look at the grass beneath your feet and the sky above you. You also get to see whats behind you. Theres an amazing freedom of movement.
Rowntree said she was sold on the dynamic storytelling approach after experiencing a VR film called The Bombing of London at the Virtual Reality Showcase held during the recent National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas.
The Bombing of London VR experience left a lasting impression and really emphasized the advantages of taking a more story-focused approach to VR, Rowntree said. At one point in the movie, I was a passenger on a subway train, just watching the people around me, when there was the sudden sound of an explosion behind me. I was truly startled, and my heart was pounding like it never has in watching a traditional film.
Rowntree said the film also made her realize, We were going to need not only a whole new approach to the visual aspect when shooting 360 VR movies, but we needed to approach audio completely differently as well. When youre in the VR environment and someone runs by you, the sound of their feet hitting the pavement gets louder as they get closer, and quieter again as they pull away. Way more than in a traditional two-dimensional presentation, you really have to factor in the relationship between distance and sound in order to get the audio right.
Rowntree said shooting a movie using the dynamic storytelling model requires a very different set of skills on the part of both the director and the performers, as you really have to think of it as acting and directing theater, not a movie.
Were still experimenting, familiarizing ourselves with the technology, and getting used to a whole new way of shooting, one which requires planning out scenes in a very different way, Rowntree said. The next challenge is coming up with new and different ways to take advantage of the interactive possibilities offered by VR, to make the viewer an even bigger part of the story as it unfolds.
Sssh wrapped shooting of its first VR movie in April for release in July, with more VR creations already in production. The movies title is Empowering Ava: A Virtual Reality Experience.
Weve chosen a genre for the next movie which lends itself beautifully to the VR environment, and weve come up with some very fun and creative ways to engage the viewer in the story, Rowntree said. From a directors perspective, its really inspiring to shoot VR content, because it forces you to adopt a new mindset and try things which would never occur to you when shooting for a flat, two-dimensional presentation.
Investors have sold billions of Europe and UK equity funds so far this year in response to market volatility in both regions ahead of Britains EU membership vote.
In April 2016, more than 2 billion outflows were recorded in the Europe ex-UK large-cap equity sector, its largest monthly outflows in five years, according to data from Morningstar Direct.
From January to April 2016, that sector recorded 2.1 billion outflows. The UK mid-cap equity fund sector also saw 206 million outflows from January to April 2016 while UK small-cap equity records 185 million outflows at the same period of time.
While demands for Europe and UK equity funds have declined, holdings of British assets by financial institutions also fell sharply in March and April, according to an investigation into figures published by the Bank of England.
It is reported that around 65 billion of assets in British currency was pulled sold off banks books in March and April, the largest monthly fall since January 2009, monthly register of banking statistics by Bank of England reveals.
Chancellor George Osborne responded to the figure, suggesting a correlation of massive money outflows to a potential Brexit. He said: Financial markets are telling us what all the evidence shows: that Britain will be permanent poorer if we vote to leave the EU and the single market.
Edward Smith, asset allocation strategist at Rathbones agrees, saying that his analysis suggests that there is a very high correlation between economic uncertainty and risk premiums on UK assets, particularly mid-cap and small-cap equities.
Mid-cap and Small-cap Buying Opportunities
The latest opinion polls regarding EU referendum show that the Remain and Brexit campaign are too close to call but the bookies have preferential odds for Britain voting yes to stay in the EU. Investors might be sceptical about investing in the UK market, but Smith suggests that this might be an opportunity to buy mid-cap and small-cap assets at a discount.
There is clearly a big valuation discount already being priced into the FTSE 250 and also the FTSE Small Cap Index and that could well present quite a substantial opportunity if we vote to remain, says Smith.
For investors who worry about taking singular stock bets in the market, investing in funds allows them to be diversified over a broader range of assets; avoiding putting all your eggs in one basket. According to Morningstar data, we find one mid-cap and one small cap fund which are highly rated by Morningstar analysts and deliver long-term outperformance. However they also recorded outflows in the past months.
The Silver Rated mid-cap equity fund Franklin UK Mid Cap has comfortably outperformed the benchmark and the UK Mid-Cap Equity Morningstar Category average over the fund manager, Paul Spencers tenure, says Morningstar analyst Samuel Meakin. He retains confidence in Spencers ability to get his long-term calls on companies right. Spencers long-term approach, pragmatism, and strong stock-picking skills combine to make this fund one of the more attractive mid-cap UK equity funds. The fund generated 13.5% return in 2015 and it has 11.3% five years annualised return.
Despite of its long-term outperformance and a Silver Rating, the fund has recorded 43 million outflows from January to April this year.
A Bronze Rated small-cap equity fund Liontrust UK Smaller Companies also has a long and impressive track record in generating positive returns. Meakin believes that this fund is an attractive offering for investors seeking exposure to UK small-cap companies. The fund is managed by highly experienced managers Anthony Cross and Julian Fosh, with Cross in particular bringing a wealth of experience investing in UK small-cap companies.
The fund gains 23.5% in 2015 and it has 17.1% five years annualised return. However, the fund has seen outflows since December last year, data from Morningstar Direct shows. In April 2016, the fund recorded 9 million outflows.
In April this year, the World Bank released its 2016 edition of World Development Indicators, and for the first time, it stopped classifying countries as "developing" and "developed." According to the organization, the distinction was no longer relevant, as it aims to use a set of sustainable development goals that can be applied to all countries.
The investment world, for the most part, continues to view developed and developing or emerging markets as two separate allocations within a diversified portfolio. And the question "what is an emerging market" comes up when MSCI makes its annual announcement regarding market or country changes to its developed-markets and emerging-markets indexes.
This year, MSCI will make its announcement on June 14. If a change is to be made, it is typically implemented within a year. MSCI works with the investment community on these decisions and conducts a consultation period of at least one year with industry participants. Changes under consideration for the 2016 announcement include Pakistan, from frontier market to emerging market, China A-Shares from stand-alone to emerging, and Peru from emerging to frontier. There are no emerging-market countries under review for potential reclassification to developed-market status.
When MSCI decides to move a country in or out of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, funds that track this index have to implement these changes when the index does. Active managers, on the other hand, can make changes at their discretion. The addition of countries with small capital markets has little impact on both passively managed and actively managed funds. For example, if Pakistan were to be added to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, it will account for less than 1%. But the addition or deletion of a large market can have a significant impact on the portfolios of both actively managed and passively managed funds.
Will China A-Shares Be Included in Emerging Markets?
China A-Shares is a large market. It includes companies listed in China either on the Shanghai or Shenzhen stock exchanges. Historically, foreigners had very limited access to these shares. During the past few years, Chinese regulators have been carefully opening up its markets, in part to draw global investors into its capital markets. At current prices, the inclusion of China A-Shares would account for about 20% of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, for a total China allocation of 40%, including the existing overseas China listings. If China A-Shares were to be added, MSCI would cap their weighting to 1% within the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and scale up this allocation over time.
The inclusion of China A-Shares was under consideration last year, and leading up to the June 2015 announcement, the CSI 300 Index, the China A-Share benchmark, returned more than 130%. Most of this rally was attributed to local Chinese investors who piled into the market to try to get ahead of anticipated large foreign fund flows should MSCI decide to include China A-Shares into its MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
This year, local Chinese markets are in a completely different mood. Year to date, the CSI 300 is down about 15%, and from the peak one year ago, the market is down 40%. That said, the CSI 300 is still about 50% higher than it was two years ago. It looks like Chinese investors have low expectations that MSCI will announce the inclusion of China A-Shares next week.
In fact, MSCI has said that its announcement regarding the inclusion of China A-Shares into its MSCI Emerging Markets Index could occur outside of its annual Market Classification Review cycle. This is because MSCI is waiting for more clarity from the Chinese government on rules regarding foreign investor accessibility and capital mobility. The index provider said when China brings its rules regarding these issues in line with MSCI's criteria, it will announce the timeline for China A-Share inclusion into its emerging-markets index.
If Not Now, When?
Even if MSCI does not decide to include China A-Shares into the MSCI Emerging Markets Index now, it will likely do so in the not-too-distant future. Vanguard has already begun to include China A-Shares in its US-listed index fund and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) as of late last year.
Both MSCI and Vanguard said that the weighting of China A-Shares will be capped at a low allocation, but that this will gradually rise. Investors in emerging-markets index funds should consider if they want to hold a fund whose already large China allocation at around 25% is likely to grow in the coming years.
On June 9, Vodafone (VOD) agreed to merge its New Zealand operation with Sky Network Television, the leading pay-TV provider in the country. While Sky is technically acquiring Vodafone New Zealand, as it is acquiring all of Vodafone New Zealand's stock for 1.7 billion, Vodafone will end up owning 51% of the combined company.
This price is also about a 20% premium to our fair value estimate for Sky. While we think the price is a bit high, valuing Sky at eight times 2017 estimated EBITDA at a time of declining revenue, we like the combination from a strategic viewpoint, and for now we retain our fair value estimate and narrow moat rating for Vodafone. Approval will require a positive vote from 75% of Sky's shareholders.
This transaction continues Vodafone's movement into converged services. While New Zealand is a small market, the combined company will be able to offer the best video content over all kinds of devices. In addition, the weakness of satellite delivery for TV is mitigated by the New Zealand government building and owning a fibre broadband network, which allows content to be sent both directions at a fair price, as it is not an incumbent telecom operator setting a wholesale price favourable to incumbents.
We have previously discussed the importance of convergence in Europe and, increasingly, in Latin America; now we see it moving into other geographies. We like Vodafone's strategy of transitioning from a wireless-only provider to offering a fully converged product. That said, we are also aware of Vodafone's history of overpaying for acquisitions. Vodafones Past Acquisitions The purchase of Kabel Deutschland and Ono, the largest cable television providers in Germany and Spain, respectively, were designed to help the firm grow again. As convergence among fixed-line telecom, broadband, television, and to a lesser extent wireless telephony increases, Vodafone is heightening its exposure outside wireless. While we think the firm overpaid for both acquisitions, the deals make a lot of strategic sense, as they will allow Vodafone to carry its own backhaul traffic, avoiding Deutsche Telekom's and Telefonica's fees. It also continues Vodafone's expansion into adding fixed-line, broadband, and pay television capabilities to its wireless service. Such acquisitions picked up in 2012 with the purchase of Cable & Wireless Worldwide in the United Kingdom, TelstraClear in New Zealand, and also pending Neotel by its Vodacom subsidiary. However, the first two transactions, in particular, were made at low multiples, unlike Kabel Deutschland and Ono. We are somewhat concerned that the firm is going on another buying spree where its record of such purchases is poor. That said, we think its existing assets and announced rollout of fibre in some countries should provide it with the networks it needs to compete in an increasingly converged telecom world. With Vodafone's Project Spring nearing completion, we anticipate long-term improvements to the firm's moat and margins and believe the worst of the short-term hit is nearing its end.
One industry veteran cautions the government to consider the wide-reaching ramifications of attempting to temper rising prices, amid growing calls for it to do so.Complex markets, like the Canadian areal estate market, are difficult to intervene and tinker with, Chris Whyte, Home Trust s newly appointed COO, told MortgageBrokerNews.ca. "I would be a bit concerned about how effective any attempt to curb the market could be.Ive yet to see any market [outside Canada] that has intervened in a way that has satisfied all parties.Whytes comment was in response to BMO Economist Sal Guatieris suggestion that investment speculators along with foreign investors are a major driving force behind inflated home prices in Toronto and Vancouver.And that the government should step in to manage that influence.The sooner that governments can provide a clearer picture of how much speculative investment is driving these price moves and take meaningful action to curb the excesses, the better the chance of avoiding a messy outcome, Guatieri said in a recent research note.Whyte, however, notes speculative investment is a natural result of solid housing markets.Just logically, any market thats rising quickly attracts investors. If youre seeing a market where things are increasing 5-10-15-20%, people want to participate in that, he said. I think the issue around the market in Canada is more complex than people want to give credit to.Is investment part of it? Sure.He also noted that recent government intervention may have had little impact on the overall housing industry.I think there are some things you can do around the edges; CMHC has done that, the government has done that, Whyte said. Whether or not those are ultimately effective, Im not sure. Some say they didnt intervene enough.I think more intrusive interventions [could have a negative impact].
Mortgage Rates Even Closer to All-Time Lows
Mortgage rates moved slightly lower today, bringing them to levels seen only one other time in the past 3 years. Even then, that "other time" was only for a few fleeting hours on February 11th. This time around, we've been holding near these 3-year lows in much more stable fashion. If rates are able to move any lower from here, that will put them in line with all-time lows. That would connote an average conventional 30yr fixed rate of 3.375%, which isn't too far away considering more than a few lenders are quoting 3.5% on top tier scenarios today. 3.625% remains slightly more prevalent.
Loan Originator Perspective
"Overnight we saw the benchmark 10 year break below a key level of resistance at 1.70, but it has run into another brick wall at 1.66. I advised locking yesterday, and with the improved rate sheets this morning, I think locking continues to make sense. " -Victor Burek, Churchill Mortgage
"Pricing has improved well enough today to warrant strong lock considerations. Depending on your timetable to close I favor floating as I feel this rally still has some legs. " -Constantine Floropoulos, VP, The Federal Savings Bank
"Treasury yields finally broke their long established floor of 1.70% today (1.67% at press time), which is a very positive sign for rates. My pricing improved slightly over yesterday's, and the trend is now our friend. Loans nearing closing may well want to lock, but if you're 30 days or more from closing will likely benefit by floating, provided you have some risk tolerance. It will be interesting to see where we go from here, that's for sure." -Ted Rood, Senior Originator
"Several factors seem to be pushing worldwide investors into Bond investments subsequently pushing yields lower. With US bond rates continuing to be attractive relative to the rest of the world we have built in demand that could stay with us for some time. That being said, yields need to push convincingly lower from here to break through a level of support that has been stubborn. Floating is probably safe right now but with a wary eye on the trigger to lock in if things change quickly. Protecting the gains we have now by locking your rate is never a bad move, however." -Hugh W. Page, Mortgage Banker, Seacoast Bank
"This has gotten interesting (and a bit technical). 10 year treasuries have decided to revisit the 1.6's today. This is important because these are the lowest levels seen in years. With the exception of a short period of time in 2012 it the lowest in modern history. Exciting right? Not really. We were here in 2013, 2015, and this is our second visit this year. 1.6 should get frequent flyer miles. What IS exciting is if we break below 1.6 because that could result in new all-time low mortgage rates. Its been a tough nut to crack but lets not give up hope. Despite that hope I think this is a good level to lock at. If we dont break lower then congrats, youve locked in one of the lowest rates in history. Recent history suggests that failing to break 1.6 could result in a nasty short term adjustment for rates, see Jan 2015 and Feb 2015 as examples." -Jason B. Anker, Vice President- Loan Officer at Salem Five
"Rates are currently struggling to break a long term technical level we've seen numerous times in the past 5 years. We approached this level and rejected it in late 2011, we were able to actually break through it in mid to late 2012 for all time lows in rates, but we held those levels for the last half of that year and when we moved above the technical levels we are testing now, we moved above it quickly. We have since tested these levels in April of 2013, January of 2015 and from February of this year through today. We have not convincingly broke the level of resistance we are currently fighting and knowing whether we can break through it with conviction or if we will bounce of it in the wrong direction for rates is anyone's guess. I'd take the cautionary approach here and lock any and all loans closing within 30 days. Especially if they have been in process for a week or two and seen substantial improvements from the day they applied. Things could get better, but history also shows they could get worse quickly." -Steve Chizmadia, Mortgage Advisor, Finance of America Mortgage, LLC.
" I've been advising locking all week for shorter duration (30 days or less). We've had nice gains in price and rate plus next week is the FOMC meeting. We tend to see some bond selling in the couple of days leading up to the announcement. Better to have locked when you should have floated, than floated when you should have locked. With that said, all of my 30+ day closings are floating right now." - Matt Hodges, Charlottesville Sales Manager, Presidential Mortgage Group
Today's Best-Execution Rates
30YR FIXED - 3.625%
FHA/VA - 3.25%-3.5%
15 YEAR FIXED - 3.00%
5 YEAR ARMS - 2.75 - 3.25% depending on the lender
Ongoing Lock/Float Considerations
Markets are primarily concerned with the timing of the Fed's second rate hike (after they first hiked in December 2015)
What do Donald Trump and Elizabeth Warren have in common? That question was posed on this website back in March . With Warrens comments this week that she will soon endorse Hillary Clinton and may consider becoming her running mate if asked, we know two things she and Trump dont have in common.As to what they do have in common, US Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue said in March that they would both be bad for the economy, albeit for different reasons.About Warren, Donohue complained that her ideas to more tightly regulate financial industries could be devastating to the economy.In April, Mortgage Professional America reported that Warren was calling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to exercise more oversight towards non-bank mortgage servicers. Her calls for such oversight go back several years, in fact.Warren, an attorney and professor, won election to the US Senate from Massachusetts in 2012. She was instrumental in establishing the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and has served as a special advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury.She is known for being more progressive on many issues than Clinton, which may be why she is the only Democrat woman serving in the senate who has not yet endorsed Clinton.Warren this week told Reuters she had reservations about accepting the vice presidential slot, because she didnt think a two-woman ticket was necessarily the best way to beat Trump and also because she fears her more liberal views could be watered down if she were to serve under Clinton.Referred to by Reuters as a fiery critic of Wall Street, she is also known for her unbridled contempt for Trump.
You cant pick up a magazine or turn on the news anymore without learning how many people are turning 65 every day (9000ish). While that is certainly an important demographic (reverse mortgages, anyone?), it may not be the most important segment of the population for a mortgage originator.
If Adam Stein, founder and CEO of LoanTek, was going to ask how many people are turning a given age, he would be asking about 28-year-olds (11,000ish).
He said millennials achieve financial independence much later than past generations, typically at around 28.
If their economic viability begins at 28, their housing decisions come later, marriage decisions come later, they have children later. That is beginning now, as the generation is coming into its economic purchasing power. They are going to be a force, he said.
While millennials might be a market force, he said they are also very focused on doing business digitally and are quick to turn their backs on companies that offer anything less than an easy and seamless experience.
This is the first generation to grow up with an iPhone or a mobile device, and they dont want a mortgage website to be any harder to navigate than any other application they use on their phone, he said.
Stein said not only wants to be able to learn all about your company and your products from a mobile-friendly website, but they also expect you and your company to be involved in the community in a positive way.
He said the millennial generation is poised to become a huge market, but only for people who understand how to tap it.
It is starting now, and it is a sizable economic wave that I dont think you want to miss, he said.
LoanTek provides mortgage pricing engines that can be configured for direct to consumer use.
He said one of the keys to marketing to millennials is social engagement across platforms. You can write one piece of content and have it in four places, and you need to do that to get in front of millennials.
WASHINGTON For four decades the U.S. government has stored vast seas of crude oil in underground caverns along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast, providing a backstop in the event the worlds oil supply is disrupted.
But as those facilities age and the need for such a large reserve seemingly wanes, the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve faces a significant reduction in size, a potential shift in purpose and hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs and upgrades to its storage and transportation systems.
The sale of more than 160 million barrels of oil close to a quarter of the entire reserve has been authorized by Congress.
As that oil is sold off over the next nine years, the money generated by those sales will fund everything from deficit reduction to highway construction to maintenance of the reserve, which is nearing the end of its intended life.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy is wrapping up a yearlong review of the program to determine not only if the reserve is too large but also whether it should remain in its current locations. The review also will examine whether the nations energy security would be better served by storing gasoline and other refined products rather than crude oil.
Significant quantities of the reserve have been sold before to ease potential shortages and moderate prices most recently when civil war broke out in Libya in 2011. But energy analysts said these latest moves represent a significant shift in U.S. energy policy.
Changing mindset
Kevin Book, managing director of the Washington-based consulting firm ClearView Energy Partners, said the combination of the Obama administrations advocacy of more gasoline reserves and Republicans desire to generate revenue through oil sales represents a major shift from the governments historical push to grow the nations oil stockpile.
Theyre selling a fifth of the nations oil security, and only a small part of that is going to preserve the asset, he said.
Created in 1975 following the Arab oil embargo, the national petroleum reserve holds close to 700 million barrels of oil enough to maintain U.S. consumption for five months. Thats more than double the supplies available in 2005, when then-President George W. Bush ordered the Strategic Petroleum Reserve increased to 1 billion barrels.
But since then, the U.S. shale boom has increased domestic oil production 60 percent to 8.8 million barrels a day. That has reduced the need for oil from abroad to feed the countrys demand of 19.4 million barrels a day.
Simultaneously, the system of old salt caverns, pipelines and pumps that make up what government officials refer to as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is falling into disrepair. That came into clear view this year when a water pipe used to move oil around the storage caverns at the Big Hill reserve in East Texas one of only four storage sites nationwide burst. The facility was flooded and shut down for weeks, as contractors made emergency repairs.
A report from the Energy Department last year described a long backlog of maintenance work at the four reserve sites as well as an out-of-date design of pipelines and shipping terminals that could not effectively get oil to market in the event of an emergency. Officials blamed the problem on a shale boom that led the flows of many pipelines to be reversed to get domestic oil and not imported oil to refineries.
The agency put a price tag of up to $2 billion on upgrades, which included plans for the construction of a docking facility on the Gulf Coast to get the oil to market via tanker instead of pipelines. Congress tentatively set aside funding for the overhaul in a budget bill late last year on the condition it be paid for by the sale of oil from the reserve.
Bipartisan sticking point
That and other projects funded by oil reserve sales, which would be worth $8 billion at todays prices, have received bipartisan support. The oil sales are scheduled to begin next year and run through 2025. But the prospect of selling government crude in the midst of an oil bust that has slashed prices to half their 2014 level has rankled lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats.
If they started selling it now, our slow growth in the price of oil could end and prices would go back down, said Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston. Lets wait a couple years and try to make more money on it.
How big should the reserve be, then? The International Energy Agency, the international group representing oil-importing countries including the United States, advises member states to maintain a three-month supply.
The Energy Department is studying the question of size. Its recommendations, which would need congressional approval to take effect, are expected to be released this summer.
But the Obama administration has signaled some of its intent. After a test sale of 5 million barrels in 2014, the Energy Department used the proceeds to establish three gasoline storage facilities in the Northeast, after Hurricane Sandy disrupted that regions fuel supply in 2012.
Still, at a Senate hearing in October, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said the need for a petroleum reserve remained critical.
Im not going to talk about a specific size, he said. The real issue is a major disruption that leads to a substantial price incursion that affects all of us.
Since its creation four decades ago, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has been used only three times. In addition to the sale after civil war broke out in Libya, the government released oil to the market in 1991 after Iraq invaded Kuwait and again in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina shut down Gulf production, pipelines and refineries.
Expensive insurance policy
Considering its cost of more than $180 million a year, critics have wondered why the government maintains the reserve.
Fred Beach, assistant director for energy policy at the University of Texas Energy Institute, said commercial oil storage has grown to the point where it is nearly the same size as the governments stockpile, with far easier and quicker access. But, he said, he does not expect the reserve to be decommissioned any time soon.
Its an insurance policy. Its a safety blanket, he said. How do you argue against a what-if ?
As the Ramage brothers, Kyle and Khory, were planning their Ironhorse Permian Basin rail facility, they put together a business plan to serve the thriving Permian Basin oil fields.
It was 2014 and as they crafted their business plan for the facility, located in Artesia, New Mexico, they envisioned a one-stop shop where operators could obtain frac sand, fresh water and pipe.
Weve adjusted our business plan a couple of times, Khory told the Reporter-Telegram by phone as the company celebrated setting the North American record for longest frac sand unit train. Their facility recently hosted a unit train with 151 railcars consisting of 17,470 tons of frac sand.
He attributed that record to the Permian Basins continued activity -- due to its infrastructure, good economics and stacked plays -- despite the downturn.
But the Ramages no longer plan to build storage silos for frac sand and chemicals and yards for pipe.
We looked at a silo system but that stalled because customers are taking sand from rail cars to trucks, he said.
The focus for now is on building track, he said.
Since Ironhorse began construction on the rail terminal in 2014, 40,000 feet of track has been constructed and is in use. Ramage said construction is not yet complete.
By the end of the year we should add 5,000 to 10,000 more feet of rail, he said. We want to be ready to serve our customers in a larger capacity.
Despite the downturn in activity amid oil prices that have fallen to 13-year lows before beginning to recover, Ramage said there has been fracturing activity in the Permian Basin and those jobs are getting much larger with more sand being required for each stage.
Were fortunate to be in the Permian Basin and able to grow our business even amid this slowdown, he said.
He said he worked in the Williston Basin for six or seven years before returning to Texas and noted North Dakota has a rig count of 22.
Look at the Permian Basin, with 45 percent of all the rigs in the U.S. Thats pretty amazing, he said.
Were cautiously optimistic about oil prices; hopefully well see some stabilization. People are a little gun-shy but I think they look to the end of this year or into next year to spend capital and put rigs on the ground, he said.
As activity recovers, storage facilities will be needed when it makes economic sense for us and potential tenants, he said.
The brothers are building a double-loop system that will eventually provide rail cars with access to storage silos.
Since the first cars arrived at Ironhorse Permian Basin in August 2014, the Ramages have expanded the facilitys footprint from 360 acres to 522 acres by acquiring land adjacent to the original site. As with the original 360 acres, the additional land comes with senior water rights, allowing the facility to sell fresh water to oil companies.
We base our water price on the price of oil, Ramage said. At the end of April, oil was at $45 and change so we sold water for 45 cents a barrel. We figure wed help our customers be more efficient getting costs down for materials.
While the downturn may have prompted adjustments to the companys business plan, Ramage said they had learned the lessons of the 2008-2009 oil price downturn. And there were signs in 2014, as the facility was being built, that things may go haywire, he said.
We werent building this for now. We were building it for the future, Ramage said.
CONROE, Texas (AP) A Houston man convicted of drunken driving nine times since 1980 has been sentenced to life in prison.
The Montgomery County judge who sentenced Donald Middleton on Tuesday said the 56-year-old man is a habitual offender.
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) A Texas man is the first person to get a hand transplant in North Carolina.
Rene Chavez of Laredo, Texas, met with reporters at Duke University Hospital on Wednesday.
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Sacramento, CA Legislation limiting the age to light up and an assisted suicide law both go into effect today, Thursday, in California.
As previously reported in May, Governor Jerry Browns signature set the legal age to buy tobacco for smoking, dipping, chewing and vaping from 18 to 21. California follows Hawaii as the second state to raise the legal age to 21. The law exempts Military personnel. To fend off a possible push by tobacco companies to snuff out the bill, Democratic lawmakers stalled the bill for nearly two months to just before the deadline for the governors signature.
Another bill taking effect is the Right to Die bill. As reported here, it allows the terminally ill to legally choose to end their lives. The legislation faced some concern from the states large Latino and African-American communities over health care costs, worrying that poor people with serious illnesses could be pressured to take lethal drugs as a cheaper option to long-term care.
California joins Washington, Vermont, Montana and Oregon in legalizing assisted suicide.
Sacramento, CA The historical surge in Californias voter registration did not translate into more citizens casting their ballots.
The voter turnout in the states primary was about average as Wednesday figures showed only one in four eligible Californians and one in three registered voters turned in ballots. A far cry from what election officials had hoped for with the last-minute surge in registration and immense interest in the competitive presidential contest. Even with millions of votes left to be counted, the number is not expected to reach the record participation set in 2008, according to election officials.
Additionally, the states 4.9 million registered Republican voters may play a key role in Californias November elections as the GOP was shut out of at least eleven races including the open U.S. Senate seat. The two top spots were claimed by Democrats Attorney General Kamala Harris, who had an impressive victory in Tuesdays primary, and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, from Orange County to battle it out in the fall. Several Republican Assembly members will also face tough Democratic opponents in November and it remains to be seen whether Donald Trumps candidacy will energize GOP voters to head to the polls or stay home in November.
For the local results go to our elections page here.
On the verge of endorsing Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama will pay tribute to Bernie Sanders' historic candidacy for presidency with an Oval Office meeting aimed at unifying the Democratic Party for a general election brawl with Donald Trump.
Obama to meet with Bernie Sanders
Obama expect to endorse Hillary Clinton
Sanders, the runner-up for the Democratic nomination, was heading Thursday to the White House under intense pressure to drop out and clear the way for Clinton. Though he showed signs he understood the end was near - he was laying off about half his team - he vowed to keep fighting for his movement, which Democratic leaders hope will evolve into a new base of support for Clinton.
Obama, who was expected to formally endorse Clinton following his midday meeting with Sanders, has sought to give the Vermont senator the courtesy of exiting the race on his own terms. On "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Wednesday night, he praised the Sanders campaign.
"It was a healthy thing for the Democratic Party to have a contested primary. I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas," Obama said during a taped appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". "And he pushed the party and challenged them. I thought it made Hillary a better candidate."
Obama planned to use the meeting, requested by Sanders, to discuss how to build on the enthusiasm Sanders brought to the primary and advance issues like income inequality and campaign finance reform that Sanders championed, the White House said. That's a diplomatic way of saying it's time for Sanders to pass the baton to Clinton, who declared victory over Sanders on Tuesday.
Now head to head in the presidential race, Clinton and Trump have one thing in common: Both are working to woo Sanders supporters once his campaign fully sputters. Trump has said he welcomes Sanders' voters "with open arms" while Clinton vowed to reach out proactively to voters who backed her opponent in the Democratic primary.
"He has said that he's certainly going to do everything he can to defeat Trump," Clinton said of Sanders in an Associated Press interview. "I'm very much looking forward to working with him to do that."
Trump, despite a string of victories this week that reaffirmed his place as the GOP nominee, was still working to convince wary Republicans that he's presidential material. Looking ahead to an upcoming speech attacking Clinton and her husband, Trump tried to turn the page following a dust-up over his comments about a Hispanic judge's ethnicity
That controversy and others before it have led prominent Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, to open chastise their party's nominee. Yet Trump's dominance in the GOP race was hard to overstate: He now has 1,542 delegates, including 1,447 required by party rules to vote for him at the convention. It takes just 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination.
For Sanders, any rationale for staying in the race grew murkier as even some of his staunchest supporters started looking to Clinton. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the one Senate Democrat to endorse Sanders, said Clinton was the nominee and offered his congratulations. And Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Sanders backer from Arizona, suggested the time to rally behind Clinton would come next week when the primary season concludes with the final contest in the District of Columbia.
"Bernie's going to do the right thing," Grijalva said Wednesday on the sidelines of discussions about the official Democratic Party platform.
Sanders, who also planned to meet Thursday with Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, promised to continue his campaign through Tuesday's contest. But about half his campaign staff was being laid off, two people familiar with the plans said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the layoffs.
The task of persuading Sanders' supporters to fall in line falls largely to Obama, still one of the Democratic Party's most popular figures. Obama's aides have said he's itching to get off the sidelines and take on Trump, but the key question was whether voters who helped elected him twice would follow his lead now that he's not on the ballot.
There was little reason for overconfidence among Democrats, who've never seen that powerful coalition of minorities, young people and women reliably show up for candidates not named Obama.
"It's going to be hard to get African-American turnout as high as Obama got it, and to get youth turnout as high as Obama got it," said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster. "We have to work really hard."
With the final major primary night wrapped up, Hillary Clinton and the Democrats hit the ground running to get the party unified for the general election.
However, opponent Sen. Bernie Sanders is not yet backing down, and at least one major Democratic leader is telling party members to back off.
Democrats scramble for unity
Donald Trump seeks to reassure Republican leaders
Women see Clinton victory as inspiring
Biden: It's up to Sanders to end his campaign
As calls mount for Sanders to end his campaign, one major party member is telling everyone to leave the candidate alone: Vice President Joe Biden.
"Oh, let him make that decision. Give him time," Biden told reporters as he left the U.S. House chamber after an address by visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Biden is also arranging phone calls with both Sanders and Clinton to discuss the race before making a public endorsement.
Other Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida and Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said Sanders needs to step down and let the party unite.
For his part, President Obama is holding off on an official endorsement for Hillary Clinton, hoping to give Sanders the space to exit the race on his own terms.
Sanders has said he will continue on to the last primary, which is the District of Columbia next Tuesday. The White House is hoping they can make their endorsement in the next week. The president wants to begin campaigning hard.
President Obama: Youth ambassador
President Obama will meet Thursday with Sanders. The Democrats hope to utilize Obama as an ambassador of sorts to young voters who overwhelmingly backed Sanders during the primaries.
Obama taped an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" Wednesday as part of that effort.
Clinton hits Trump hard in interviews
Hillary Clinton spent Wednesday conducting interviews with major media outlets in which she hit Republican candidate Donald Trump, accusing him of behaving like a demagogue.
"I don't know if this is just, you know, political gamesmanship that he thinks plays to the lowest common denominator, but whatever the reason for it is, it's wrong and it should not be tolerated by anybody," she told the Associated Press.
Clinton also expressed surprise at Trump's descent into "conspiracy theories" in recent years, including his efforts to prove President Obama was not born in the United States. Clinton told the AP that she had found him entertaining when she and her husband attended Trump's third wedding in 2005, but was not personally close to him.
Clinton's remarks downplay statements Trump made Tuesday night, where he promised a major speech next week, possibly Monday, that would reveal shocking information about the Clintons.
"The Clintons have turned the politics of personal enrichment into an art form for themselves," Trump said Tuesday as he won the final five GOP primary elections. "They've made hundreds of millions of dollars selling access, selling favors, selling government contracts, and I mean hundreds of millions of dollars."
It's believed Trump will use the speech to revisit numerous rumors and stories about the Clintons that have come out over the years. Trump has met with Ed Klein, who has authored several books about the couple.
Trump seeks to calm Republican concerns
Donald Trump's delegate count is now doubly assured after across the board wins in Tuesday's primaries where he was the only active major candidate.He has 1,542 delegates. It takes 1,237 to win the Republican nomination for president.
Meanwhile Trump is working to smooth over concerns with party leaders after comments he made against the judge that is presiding over the Trump University case.
Supporters in Congress say House Speaker Paul Ryan, who said Trump's remarks against Judge Curiel were the "textbook definition of a racist comment," opened a meeting with lawmakers Wednesday by telling them he still feels comfortable supporting Trump's candidacy. However, he would continue to criticize Trump when needed.
Clinton supporters see victory as historic for women
Clinton declared herself the Democratic Party's nominee on Tuesday. But the title is more significant -- barring any unforeseen circumstances, Clinton will be the first woman to be a major party's nominee for president.
The Clinton campaign boosted that message with a video highlighting the women's suffrage movement and the push for women in politics Tuesday night.
The message hit home for many women across the country.
"It hit in the heart and soul," said Cheryl Massaro.
Massaro who works with young girls and boys daily as the Flagler County Youth Center director said she couldn't be more proud to be a woman.
"Today marks an unbelievable, how do I put it, promise that our female children can do anything, they can now be the president of the United States. You couldn't tell your daughters that years ago," said Massaro.
"I didn't think I was going to see a female president in my lifetime," said Massaro.
While the election is still months away, Massaro said this is a victory despite the outcome.
"It doesn't matter who I vote for. I'm just proud to be a part of that movement, to see the glass ceiling has certainly been shattered," said Massaro.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Deputies arrested a former Walt Disney World cast member Tuesday, accused of using her job at the Magic Kingdom to steal more than $100,000.
Katie Miller is accused of staling thousands of dollars from Walt Disney World
Miller is accused of using cast member IDs to make fraudulent refunds
Disney says she stole more than $112,000 over 22 months
Deputies say Katie Miller, 29, was a teller at Columbia Harbor House restaurant in Magic Kingdom.
Disney says Miller was caught making fraudulent refunds at the restaurant back in March.They say she would process the refunds using the IDs of cast members not logged off registers, along with her override privileges.
Investigators say Miller admitted to stealing up to $6,000 a month starting in May of 2013 a 22-month span.
In total they say she took some $112,707, deputies say.
Investigators say Miller told them she started stealing after her car was repossessed and it became an addiction.
Disney fired her in March and chose to prosecute her.
Interim Marion County Sheriff Emery Gainey is meeting with community groups like the NAACP to try to ease their concerns about the department.
Marion County interim sheriff meeting with community groups
Sheriff Emery Gainey says he's rearranged and gotten rid of some dept. leadership
Has also met with elected officials
Almost three weeks ago, the governor appointed Gainey as sheriff after former Sheriff Chris Blair was indicted and arrested for perjury and official misconduct.
Since then, Gainey has rearranged and gotten rid of some of the leadership and says the 500 plus other deputies are performing the duties that they're sworn to uphold.
"Should we find there's others that aren't holding high standards under my watch, we will address those as we move forward as well, says Gainey.
Gainey says he has met with almost all elected officials and will have longer meetings with community groups to flesh out issues.
Through Sunday, people will be able to see a replica of Washington D.C.s Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Longwood. A handful of people got a sneak peak at the traveling wall on Wednesday afternoon.
Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Longwood through Sunday
Memorial is three-fifths the size of the monument in Washington, D.C.
Memorial is at Reiter Park near South Seminole Hospital
For Jennifer Decker, it was hard to contain her emotions and tears.
Its hard, its hard to stop crying knowing that people gave up their lives for this, said Decker, whose father fought in Vietnam.
It hurt walking up to this because its not only my father, there are 50,000 people up on there.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is three-fifths the size of the monument in Washington D.C., and it travels throughout the country. The wall is owned and operated by veterans in Brevard County, but it hasnt been on display in Seminole County in several years.
As volunteers worked at putting the finishing touches on the temporary memorial Wednesday, people like Decker couldnt resist checking out something they normally wouldnt be able to see in Longwood.
Unless we go to Washington, and I dont plan on doing that. Well never see anything like this again, said Decker.
Deckers father escaped Vietnam with his life, only to die a few years later. He did live long enough to share with his daughter some survival stories from the battlefield.
He would tell me how he had to hide in the woods, trees and bungalows for days just to stay alive, said Decker.
And Decker says her father also taught her a lesson shell never forget.
I didnt get much time with him, but the influence he did put in my head was to be strong, be a warrior and to never give up. And when I see something like this, this is the reason why I never give up on anything I try to do in life, said Decker.
There will be an official opening ceremony for The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall at 9 a.m. Thursday morning. Its on display through a closing ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday at Reiter Park in Longwood, located just behind South Seminole Hospital, off State Road 434.
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President Barack Obama has formally endorsed Hillary Clinton for president.
"I want you to be the first to know that I'm with her," he says in a video posted online Thursday by the Clinton campaign. Obama called on Democrats to unify behind the former secretary of state.
Clinton and Obama will campaign together in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on June 15.
Obama met with Clinton's rival, Bernie Sanders, at the White House earlier Thursday, where they had a "wide-ranging discussion" about a range of issues, including income inequality and problems that working families face.
A spokesman for Sanders said that Sanders requested the meeting.
Afterward Sanders reiterated the issues that he has campaigned to change -- college debt, crumbling infrastructure, inadequate social security and health care and the wealthy's influence on politics.
Sanders promised to continue his campaign run at least through next week's primary in the District of Columbia.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said Sanders is invited to join a Democratic caucus meeting next week.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Democratic primary delegate count in 3 graphics
The delegate count
Delegates by state
Delegates allocated over time
Two people were injured Thursday morning in a crash that shutdown State Road 429 in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 8:15 a.m. on SR 429 northbound near Plant Street and involved a flat bed truck and an SUV.
Joshua Frye, 36, of Sanford was driving a Ford flatbed truck in the right lane and crossed into the left lane. The left side of the truck collided with the right side of an SUV driven by Tammy Keen, 48, of Port Charlotte, according to FHP.
Both vehicles traveled into the center grass median. The truck came to stop in the southbound lanes of SR 429, troopers said.
Fyrie was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. The other driver, Keen, was transported to ORMC with serious injuries.
A medical helicopter was called to the scene of the crash.
"AirCare has arrived at ORMC and the patient is stable and alert," Trooper S. Montiero, Community Safety officer, explained to News 13.
Both the northbound and southbound lanes were closed as investigators worked to clear the crash.
All lanes of SR 429 have since reopened, according to authorities.
An Osceola County jury could not reach a unanimous decision in the trial of Victoria Rios the Osceola County woman charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 22-year-old Poinciana man.
The trial has officially been declared a mistrial.
Rios and three others are accused of killing Eric Roopnarine almost three years ago.
Deliberations began about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and continued this morning. Investigators said Rios lured Roopnarine into answering his door. He was then jumped by Rios' accomplices.
Kissimmee Police detectives said Konrad Schafer, who was 15 at the time, and David Damus rushed into Roopnarine's home to rob him after Rios lured Roopnarine to the door with the alleged promise of prostitution services.
Juan Sebastian Muriel is said to have been the getaway driver. Muriel accepted a plea deal in 2014 and agreed to testify against his three co-defendants for a lesser sentence of 10 years behind bars and five years of probation.
Damus and Schafer have already been sentenced to life in prison.
Rios is the last person in the case to stand trial.
Court will reconvene July 5 to set a new trial date.
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The parent company of the 30-floor San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk hotel wants to buy the 0.8-acre property it occupies downtown, which it has leased from the city since opening in 1978, according to a city official.
The property, which the 512-room Marriott has been leasing for about $140,000 a year, is next to the River Walk and across the street from the Convention Center. The city is expecting to get something close to the propertys latest appraisal of $5 million through the sale, said Ramiro Gonzales, who is redevelopment officer for the downtown area in the citys Center City Development & Operations Department.
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Scotia
A beloved community ice cream shop and restaurant, destroyed by an April fire, will not be rebuilt, Scotia Fire Chief Ken Almy said Wednesday.
Dairy Circus was gutted by an accidental fire on April 18 that began in the second-floor attic used for storage, fire officials said at the time.
Almy said the owners told the village that they decided not to rebuild the restaurant. Owner Doreen Clemons did not respond to telephone requests for comment on Wednesday.
The decision came despite community donation efforts.
Two GoFundMe crowdfunding pages raised a combined $9,605 since the fire. The First National Bank of Scotia also collected money for the co-owners, but the bank declined to specify how much was donated when reached Wednesday, citing client privacy.
No reported injuries were reported from the fire, which took about 90 minutes and about two dozen firefighters to contain, Almy said after the blaze. The building's age made the fire's spread around the building easier.
Kastberg called the building "an institution" in the village in an interview following the fire. The 2012 independent film "The Place Beyond The Pines" featured the shop in a scene with actress Eva Mendes.
A robber at a San Leandro bank who allegedly stabbed a 12-year-old boy in the back with a pair of scissors was charged with attempted murder Wednesday, officials said.
Iyona Dzshae Hammond, 32, of Oakland, was additionally charged with corporal injury to a child and two counts of second degree robbery, according to a complaint from the Alameda County District Attorneys Office. Hammond also goes by the name Jaime Smith, officials said.
The unprovoked attack occurred around 11:30 a.m. at the Wells Fargo bank at 1298 E. 14th St., said Lt. Robert McManus, a San Leandro police spokesman. The boy, who was not identified, was out of surgery Tuesday and later released from the hospital, McManus said.
The pre-teen was sitting in a waiting-room chair when he suddenly felt a sharp pain that he described as like being punched in the back, McManus said. The sensation was actually Hammond stabbing him at least three times, including in the upper back near his neck, police said.
Hammond robbed two customers of their bank cards and an undisclosed amount of money after she stabbed the boy, police stated. McManus said the child did not know the woman and did nothing to trigger the attack.
The robbed customers were not with the boy. The child was waiting for his grandmother while she was handling business in a back office of the bank, police said. About 25 people were in the bank at the time.
Hammond fled from the Wells Fargo branch but authorities said she was quickly arrested outside the bank at East 14th Street and Estudillo Avenue. She was found with her hands covered in blood, still holding the scissors, police said.
Hammond had been convicted in January 2005 on felony assault with a deadly weapon, authorities said.
Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: JennaJourno
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Despite its name, Puerto Ricans in Paris is less a fish-out-of-water comedy than a mild buddy-cop trifle: good-natured and sometimes charming, but not enough for its thin premise to approach the magnifique.
It stars and is produced by Luis Guzman, who is always a pleasure to see, so theres that. Guzmans character, Luis, works on an NYPD unit dedicated to rooting out high-end knockoff merchandise with partner Eddie (Edgar Garcia). Garcia and Guzman were in Puerto Ricans director and co-writer Ian Edelmans HBO series How to Make It in America.
Eddie is married to Luis sister (Rosie Perez) and is a forgetful, if well-meaning, husband and father. Luis fancies himself a playboy and by some trick of casting is dating Vanessa (Rosario Dawson). Yes, Luis Guzmans character is dating Rosario Dawsons, and shes totally into it, even though he has commitment issues and a wandering eye.
The detectives are loaned out to help a fashion company in Paris recover the stolen prototype of its next-season handbag. Because, you know, police departments do that all the time, apparently. The theft of the bag could somehow spell the end of its beloved designer, Colette (Alice Taglioni) if our intrepid heroes cant solve the case in time.
Despite the ticking clock, the investigation and movie stroll lugubriously along until the person you pretty much knew from the start was the culprit is caught.
Rather than the wan crime plot, its the partners relationship, their adjustment to Paris and Paris adjustment to them that are meant to be the main concerns. Unfortunately, the film simply lacks the energy to make any of those wheels turn sufficiently.
Puerto Ricans in Paris * Quick take: Not a trip worth taking See More Collapse
In a continuation of the beer-commercial casting that pairs a reticent Guzman with an eager Dawson, Garcia turns out to be the toast of the haute couture world. Those leggy Parisian supermodels cant get enough of Eddie, who seems a nice enough fellow but is hardly personality plus and only slightly less bowling-ball-shaped than Luis.
The script passes up chances to explore potential culture clashes. Everyone is nice, no ones in danger, the answers are all in front of us. Guzman and Garcia get the occasional comic bit, but nothing to guffaw about. The pacing could stand some tightening. Theres little distinctive in the filmmaking or character interactions.
Despite its baseline-appealing leads, Puerto Ricans in Paris is too low-key to be a memorable trip.
Running time: 81 minutes
Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne have threatened retirement many times, but this time they apparently mean it. Five years after re-forming, the doomy metal band pledges that its Nov. 12 show in the AT&T Center will be its last San Antonio concert.
And its last American concert, if the schedule holds and no more dates are added.
Collegedale Commissioner Ethan White, candidate for state representative of District 29, releases his opportunity agenda for his campaign. Commissioner White said he believes that education, job creation and fiber optics expansion are just a few of the most important issues in Hamilton County.
All children learn differently and education cannot be one-size-fits-all, said Commissioner White, The people best equipped to make a decision about a childs education are a childs parents. I will work to empower parents by giving them more choices regarding their childs education whether that be public, private or at home.
Concerning job creation, Commissioner White said, There is too much red tape involved in occupational licensing. We need to unleash the potential of our best and brightest by lessening and reforming occupational licensing requirements.
Commissioner White also addressed fiber optics expansion saying, We need to remove restrictions that prohibit the free market from working. We are holding people back, especially our kids that need Internet for educational purposes, by not allowing them access to the best Internet speeds possible.
Tennessee is a great conservative state but there is work to be done. Too often we find a 21st century economy held back by 20th century regulations. I want to empower individuals, get government out of the way, and make sure Tennesseans get a better shot at the American dream. We cant have legislation that is aimed at the short term and politically driven. Im focused on the future and am ready to serve the people of Hamilton County, said Commissioner White.
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Where: 1810 Blanco Road, 210-320-1018, beatstreetcoffeeco.co
On the menu: Breakfast: $2.75-$3.75; pastries, $1.50-$2.50; lunch, $5.25-$6.75.
Fast facts: The name is the same but the lovable coffee shop that formerly operated in the Monte Vista neighborhood has reopened under new ownership in Beacon Hill. The interior is cozy, but theres extra seating on the back patio. Unlike the previous version of Beat Street, which tried to combine a coffee shop with an upscale restaurant and a bar, this incarnation focuses on coffee, pastries and a handful of food items.
Impressions: New owner Chase Shipley keeps the focus on doing only a few things and doing them well. During lunch, a candied jalapenos and peach jam cream cheese brought together the seemingly disparate items of Mexican chorizo and sliced peaches in a panino. All the lunch sandwiches are served with chips and a terrific, housemade habanero aioli. Despite the name, it has only a bit of a kick.
etijerina@express-news.net
Twitter: @etij
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Lake Travis reopened Friday and many Texas party goers, no doubt, doubled their fun on double-decker barges this weekend and will continue to do so throughout the summer.
Rather than being cooped up in a party hall or backyard, people are hosting barge bashes, basking in the sun and dipping into the replenished Lake Travis, Kelsea Gauspohl of VIP Marina told mySA.com on Tuesday.
RELATED: The rich kids of Instagram take Spring Break 2016
"People that get on a barge can be themselves, because they're not stuck in a room," she said. "Our captains and crews some of the best in Lake Travis, they make it fun [...] they play music, go down the slides and dance with you."
Gausphol said business has experienced an uptick in rentals throughout the past few weeks as a rainy May has provided for more favorable boating experiences.
RELATED: San Antonio's posh New Year's Eve parties seen on Instagram
"We have seen an increase in customers, water is higher than it has been in 5 years," Gauspohl said. "More people are putting their boats on the water."
Two barges, Stars and Stripes and Island Time, can be rented from VIP Marina seven days a week with rates dependent on party size and duration. Some can last up to eight hours. On weekends, rentals for each barge cost more than $1,000.
RELATED: Central Texas storms open flood gates, opportunities for drone footage of 'hazardous conditions'
Each barge is equipped with fundamentals for fun: a slide launching revelers from the top deck into the water, Bluetooth radios, a swim platform, grills, plenty of dancing room, seating and captain and crew who cook for guests, Gauspohl said.
VIP Marina added that, with the exception of kegs, customers can stock the barges with alcohol. However, the business offers keg rentals for $160.
But, revelers had to put their plans on hold while the lake remained closed.
Clara Tuma of the Lower Colorado River Authority told mySA.com Lake Travis had been closed until before Friday due to the danger submerged objects may pose to visitors and the impact of boat wakes to surrounding property. .
Click through the gallery above to for your invite to Lake Travis' popular party barge bashes.
mmendoza@mysa.com
Twitter: @MaddySkye
Democratic Party rules stipulate all its elected House members and Senators are superdelegates, entitled to a vote at the Democratic National Convention regardless of which candidate won their home-state primary elections.
After the polls closed in six states on Tuesday, Hillary Clinton clinched the nomination in part because of her support among superdelegates.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and his supporters have long argued the superdelegate system is undemocratic.
Connecticut Democrats narrowly favored Clinton in the April 26 primary so the states pro-Hillary congressional delegation is on terra firma.
Anyone have any misgivings?
Our whole system is structured to blend popular will with non-popular control mechanisms, said U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn. So Im in a comfortable position. I have no qualms.
But U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., is not entirely comfortable.
I think we should take another look, Murphy said. Im not sure I understand the utility of superdelegates. If the point was to have bunch of high-level elected officials be able to correct a decision by the broader electorate, thats a terrible reason to have superdelegates.
A corporate black eye
How did a good Connecticut corporate citizen like United Technologies Corp become a poster child for heartless job-exporting corporate America? Shipping 2,000 or more jobs to Mexico from Indiana will do it.
Bernie Sanders credited the company with destroying the middle class in America, in a speech before the Indiana primary last month.
Donald Trump boasted if he were in office, those jobs would still be in Indiana.
Does UTC deserve the black eye?
UTCs unionized workforce in Connecticut at Pratt & Whitney and United Technologies Aerospace Systems numbers about 4,200.
In 1979, when International Association of Machinists State Council President John Harrity started at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, there were 12,500 at that plant alone.
Since then, the union and the state have waged bitter battles with UTC to preserve jobs. Harrity said the company regularly threatened to leave. But for now UTC is committed to making Connecticut work as a place to engineer and produce new products.
Now, its jobs for mass-produced products get shipped out, but ones that involve a lot of engineering think Pratt & Whitneys F-35 jet engines stay here, Harrity said.
At end of day, its a corporate entity, he said. A corporation like UTC generally does not work in a moral or immoral way. Their values have to do with money.
A spokesman for UTC declined comment.
Farm-to-media
Sarah Ferris is a long way from milking cows and stacking hay at her familys 80-acre Ferris Acres Farm and Creamery in Newtown. But her upbringing on one of Fairfield Countys few remaining farms continues to pay dividends even in wonky Washington where she works as health-policy writer for The Hill, a respected Capitol Hill publication.
Her deep-dive work on knotty subjects such as Obamacare, Zika-virus funding and Big Pharma seems a world away from the creamery on Route 302 that serves delicious ice cream treats. But at age 24, no one has had to walk her through the intricacies of the farm bill. She knows Washington is the right place.
Her parents, Terry and Charles Ferris IV, never pressured me to stay on the farm, which has been in the family since the Civil War era. I always knew I was going to leave. But I still dont think of myself as a city person.
The farm background is not the only thing that sets her apart. After the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting, she started getting phone calls from news organizations about Newtown and her acquaintance with shooter Adam Lanza, a one-time school mate. She was seeing the tragedy through the dueling lenses of journalist and town resident in mourning.
Prior to The Hill, she probed the depths of the gun-violence debate in America on a fellowship at the Cronkite journalism school at Arizona State University.
Part of the work involved comparing and contrasting the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown to the Tucson mass shooting of 2011, where then-Rep. Gabby Giffords was gravely wounded.
You could see people visibly relax when I told them Im from Newtown, Ferris said of her interviews with survivors and family members. It made me a better journalist.
dan@hearstdc.com; Twitter @danfreedman
The McKamey Animal Center along with The Humane Educational Society and the SPCA of Bradley County are combining efforts to prepare for a deluge of animals that normally arrive on their door steps the week of July 4.
The agencies are hosting a pre-emptive Adopt--A-Thon called MAC & cHESe Fest on Saturday, June 25, at two locations in Chattanooga-the McKamey Animal Center at 4500 North Access Road and the Humane Educational Society at 212 N. Highland Park Ave.
The SPCA of Bradley County will be also be featuring their animals at the 4500 North Access Road location.
The goal for the day is to adopt over 200 animals. Currently these three shelters combined have over 900 animals in their care on a daily basis.The event kicks off on Saturday, June 25 at 10 a.m. and runs 10 hours straight, until 8 p.m. Both locations will be hosting a wide variety of activities. The Humane Educational Society will be hosting food and beverages, a kids crafts table, face painting, and carnival games all day to go along with reduced adoption fees for cats and dogs. Their "Happy Meower" from 4-6 p.m. offers additional discounts on cat adoption fees at only $10 a cat. To break up the heat of the hot afternoon, the HES staff and volunteers will be cooling off at 2 p.m. with a Cat vs. Dog water balloon fight.At McKamey Animal Center there will be live bands all day starting at noon, featuring American Idol Casey Thrasher as their headliner. There will be food and beverages, free canine water park for kids and pets, a "Butts for Mutts" Smoked Boston Butts sale, micro-chipping for $15, a free Ice Cream Social for pets and people between 3-4 p.m., as well as door prizes and face painting for kids. All adoption fees will be reduced. Between 5-7 p.m. visitors can take part in the MAC & cHESe Competition, featuring local cooks vying for the title of Best Macaroni and Cheese in Chattanooga.According to HES Executive Director Bob Citrullo, this event is more than just adopting animals, "This event demonstrates how a unified front for the animals by three shelters joining together can have a larger impact on this topic."
"It is estimated that well over 10,000 animals from this area alone are taken to shelters and rescue groups each year", said McKamey Animal Center's Executive Director Jamie McAloon. "We want to put a spotlight on the plight of homeless animals and pet overpopulation and to find homes for these animals."
For more information, email volunteercoordinator@mckameyanimalcenter.org or check the website at www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.
Nancy Burton of Lookout Mountain and Doug Grammer of Rock Spring have been selected to attend the RNC Convention in Cleveland, Oh. this summer.
Nancy Burton serves as the Walker County GOP secretary and assistant secretary to the Fourteenth Congressional District Republican Party. Ms. Burton said "I'm thankful for the support. I love talking with political people who are so engaged in the process and I can hardly wait for July." Ms. Burton was elected as an alternate delegate at the 14th Congressional District Convention in April.
Mr. Grammer holds the position of fundraising chairman for the 14th Congressional District GOP and served as co-chairman of the Credentials Committee at the Georgia GOP Convention. This will be the second time Mr. Grammer will serve as an alternate delegate at a National Convention.
Mr. Grammer attended the RNC convention in NY in 2004. "It's an honor to go." Mr. Grammer added. "We cannot let Hillary Clinton become president." Mr. Grammer was selected yesterday by the state GOP Executive Committee after another alternate could not go due to health issues.
The RNC Convention will be July 18-22, where Republicans are expected to nominate Donald Trump and find out who the vice presidential pick will be. Other business to be conducted will include looking at the National Rules and the GOP Platform. Delegates and alternates are selected through a series of conventions at the county, congressional district, and state level. Any vacancies that occur can be filled by the Georgia GOP Executive Committee.
MON/13 Ribbon Cutting for Northside Neighborhood House
10 a.m.
Northside Neighborhood House: 9358 Dayton Pike, Ste. 112
TUES/14 Chamber Ambassador Luncheon
11:30 a.m. 1 p.m.
The Car Barn: 6721 Heritage Business Ct.
$15 in advance; $20 at the door. For more information or to register, call 423.763.4372.
TUES/14 How to acquire profitable work: Dominating your niche
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
INCubator Boardroom: 100 Cherokee Blvd.
Presenter: Tyler Group Management Consultants, Nashville, TN
Register today by contacting 423-763-4338 or mnoel@chattanoogachamber. com .
WED/15 Ooltewah/Collegedale Chamber Council Meeting
9:15 - 10:30 a.m.
Collegedale City Hall: 4910 Swinyar Dr.
Free.
WED/15 Hixson Chamber Council Meeting
11: 45 a.m. 1 p.m.
North River Civic Center: 1009 Executive Dr.
$10.
THURS/16 North Hamilton County Chamber Council Meeting
11:45 a.m. 1 p.m.
Budweiser: 200 Shearer St.
$10.
THURS/16 Find Your Funding
1:30 3 p.m.
TN Small Business Development Center: 100 Cherokee Blvd.
Speakers: Lynn Chesnutt, SBDC Small Business Advisor and Jacqueline Merritt, SBA Nashville District Office
Registration Required.
Free.
THURS/16 Ribbon Cutting for Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove
4:30 p.m.
Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar: 9650 Leyland Dr.
THURS/16 Business After Hours (Location TBA)
5 7 p.m.
1601 Gulf St.
Business After Hours brings an average of more than 75 area business people together for networking and refreshments. Business After Hours in June sponsored by Ignite Payments and hosted by The Mill.
FRI/17 East Brainerd Chamber Council Coffee
8:30 9:30 a.m.
Chattanooga Courtyard Marriott I-75: 2210 Bams Dr.
Free.
FRI/17 Ribbon Cutting for The Chef and His Wife
10:30 a.m.
The Chef and His Wife: 6849 Prestige Place
FRI/17 LCAA Lunch and Learn Series
11:30 am 1 p.m.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library, Room 435
Featuring Donna Van Nattens Body Language Basics: Positive & Negative Hand and Face Gestures
Contact 423-763-4353 for more information. $10 LCAA members; $15 non-members
The Tennessee Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Foundation announces its annual meeting, #BloodStrong, to be held at The Chattanoogan Hotel.The annual meeting will take place on Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12 and features many educational sessions on topics related to living day to day with a bleeding disorder. Alan Kohrt, MD, FAAP, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga and chief medical officer at Childrens Hospital at Erlanger, will attend on Saturday morning to welcome the bleeding disorders community to Chattanooga.The final night event for the participants will be dinner aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat, where our families can continue to mingle with new and old friends.One of the highlights of this years meeting is keynote speaker, Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan White. Mr. White had hemophilia and contracted AIDS from a tainted blood product. Since his diagnosis, Ms. White-Ginder became a spokesperson and an advocate on AIDS related issues. The keynote address is The Legacy of Ryan White.
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Bexar County District Attorney Nicholas Nico LaHood on Wednesday touted higher conviction rates for crimes against children as among the highlights from his first year as Bexar County's top prosecutor.
Children do not choose their parents, theyre stuck with them, LaHood told the audience at the first State of the District Attorney luncheon, before releasing statistics that showed a gradual increase in conviction rates for felony trials involving crimes against children, from 2014 to today.
At the event, organized by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the downtown Embassy Suites hotel, LaHood discussed the status of programs and initiatives he has implemented since he took office Jan. 1, 2015, after defeating Susan Reed.
LaHood has particularly championed initiatives that target crimes against children.
In 2014, the DAs Office had 47 felony trials and a 54 percent conviction rate, compared to 2015, with 87 felony trials and a 70 percent conviction rate. LaHood said so far for 2016, there have been 35 felony trials with a 70 percent conviction rate.
The cases are not falling through the cracks, LaHood said.
He said previously there wasnt a connection between the criminal courts and the Child Protective Services courts.
Since then, we have taken steps to ensure we do not miss any cases, he said.
LaHood, a Democrat, defeated Susan Reed, a Republican, in November 2014 to become the county's top prosecutor. Reed was district attorney for 16 years and also served as a judge for 12 years.
Reed said Wednesday her staff was very sensitive with child abuse cases and that they did their very best to fight it.
Its absolutely easy to pick your cases to take to trial and made decisions on others, said Reed, adding that the bottom line is to be right and have a just cause in these cases.
I hope they can get every child abuser out there, she said. If they are guilty, I hope they get convicted and are brought to justice.
LaHood also highlighted gradual increases in jury trial convictions. In 2014, there were 102 felony trials that had a 52 percent conviction rate and 102 misdemeanor trials with a 52 percent conviction rate, compared with 2015 and 165 felony trials with a 57 percent conviction rate; and 165 misdemeanor trials with a 55 percent conviction rate.
For 2016, there have been 70 felony trials with a 77 percent conviction rate and 49 misdemeanor trials with a 63 percent conviction rate, he said.
ezavala@express-news.net
Twitter: @elizabeth2863
Aerial shots of Lake Travis show the waters of Central Texas' hot spot will be high for the high time of summer fun when it reopens for recreational purposes on Friday.
The Lower Colorado River Authority shared a one-year transformation photo of Austin's Lake Travis on Wednesday.
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A San Antonio Marine Corps veteran spending Wednesday afternoon with his family on the Medina River made the heroic, fateful decision to sacrifice his own life while rescuing two teens caught in the undertow, according to authorities.
Master Sgt. Rodney Buentello was visiting Bandera City Park when an unidentified teen girl tried crossing the dam, a violation of city ordinance, the Bandera Marshal's Office said in a statement. A male teenager followed her in an attempt to save her, but was also swept away, prompting Buentello to jump into action.
READ MORE FROM BUENTELLO'S WIDOW ON EXPRESSNEWS.COM
"(He) went into the water and managed to save both of the teenagers, but he was dragged under and drowned before rescuers could reach him," the statement said. "Greater love hath no man, than to lay down his life for another."
Buentello, a 1992 John Jay High School graduate, served one tour in Afghanistan and three tours in Iraq. He was a recipient of The Purple Heart award on two occasions, according to friends who launched a GoFundMe account to alleviate costs for his family through the sudden loss.
RELATED: Man swept away in flash flood in East Bexar County, rescued by authorities who heard him scream
The 42-year-old veteran leaves behind a wife and three children, according to the GoFundMe post.
Medina River remains 100 percent full as of Thursday. Bandera explicitly deems the area near the dam "hazardous" in the city ordinance and "closed to all swimming, wading or boating." Violators in disregard of the ordinance and posted signage in the area are fined $25 to $200, according to Sec. 1.09.043.
RELATED: Central Texas storms open flood gates, opportunities for drone footage of 'hazardous conditions'
The Bandera Marshal's Office said in a statement that the reporting officer has been instructed to charge the teen for her violation.
A memorial in Buentello's honor at the site of his final display of heroism is being "discussed" by the City of Bandera, according to the Bandera Marshal's Office.
A vigil will be held at John Jay High School on Thursday night at 8 p.m.
mmendoza@mysa.com
Twitter: @MaddySkye
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A man accused of sexually assaulting two children in a West Side park after he had been teaching them self-defense was arrested Wednesday.
David Isaiah Soto, 20, faces two charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and may have been turning himself in at the Bexar County Central Magistrates Office when San Antonio Police officers took him into custody.
I didnt do it, Soto said as he was escorted to a police car. He shrugged when reporters asked him who assaulted the children.
SAPD spokesman Sgt. Jesse Salame said Soto had been teaching several boys self defense at Vidaurri Park, 1201 Merida St., for some time.
Two of the boys, 11 and 12 years old, told police that Soto was teaching them in April when he lured them to the back of the park and forced them to perform oral sex on him, Salame said.
He threatened them that he would hurt them or their family if they told anybody, Salame said. They were petrified, obviously terrified. They didnt make an outcry until about a month later.
After confiding in a relative, family members reached out to another person who contacted police about the incident.
Police are encouraging anyone who encountered Soto as he was teaching others self defense to come forward.
We want anybody thats had any kind of contact with him to contact us, because we want to make sure there arent any other victims, Salame said.
Soto was in the process of being arrested at the Magistrates Office on Wednesday night.
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SAN ANTONIO The second suspect in a robbery attempt on the East Side last week that resulted in the death of a 5-year-old girl who was sleeping was arrested on Thursday morning.
Abdi Abdi, 18, faces a charge of capital murder for his alleged role in the death of Ana Garza, who was shot in the head while she slept in the front bedroom of her home in the 800 block of Pecan Valley on June 1.
San Antonio Police Department spokesman Jesse Salame said Abdi was among four men who backed into the driveway of the home last week and lured a man, later identified as Carlos Aguilar, outside by telling him that they hit his car.
The four suspects, all armed with guns, approached Aguilar and tried to rob him as he went out to inspect the damage, police said.
Aguilar tried to run away from the men and get back into his house when they opened fire.
Salame said Aguilar was hit several times, and one bullet went into Garzas bedroom and hit her in the head.
RELATED: 5-year-old girl dies a week after being shot while sleeping on East Side
Both victims were taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.
At this point, investigators have not determined why the suspects chose to rob Aguilar, and believe the incident may have been random.
As far as we can tell, there is no indication that they knew this guy. Why they picked him, if there was a particular reason, I dont know, Salame said.
Garza died on Wednesday after a week on life support. Aguilar is expected to survive his injuries, police said.
RELATED: Two caught, two sought in Wednesday night shootings
The suspects took off in their vehicle after the shooting, but were later spotted and chased down by patrol officers.
The first suspect in the case, Murjan Issack Abdi, 20, was arrested a near the 400 block of Briarglen shortly after the incident. Authorities believe the two are cousins.
He was booked into the Bexar County Jail on a charge of aggravated robbery, which has since been upgraded to capital murder.
Salame said investigators are still searching for two other suspects in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 210-225-STOP.
This is senseless, Salame said. Its incomprehensible, and were really glad to take this guy into custody.
mdwilson@express-news.net
Twitter: @MDWilsonSA
The Holston Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church met from
Sunday
through
Wednesday
in Lake Junaluska, N.C., and announced new ministerial appointments for the 2016-17 year.
Among the churches in the Chattanooga District getting new senior or associate pastors are Brainerd, Burks, Hixson, Red Bank and Signal Crest United Methodist churches, among others.
The new appointments, which are for senior pastors or the smaller churches only pastor unless noted, include: Justin Keating, Brainerd UMC (associate); Mary Cline, Brooks Memorial; W. Anthony Collins, Burks; T. Drew McCallie, Hixson (associate); Sharon Bowers, pastor at Stanley and Mount Moriah Parish director; Donald H. Smith, Red Bank; Jacqueline Davis-Gines, St. John (youth pastor); Gary Ihfe, St. Mark; and Rowland S. Buck, Signal Crest. Anthony Collins, Burks; T. Drew McCallie, Hixson (associate); Sharon Bowers, pastor at Stanley and Mount Moriah Parish director; Donald H. Smith, Red Bank; Jacqueline Davis-Gines, St. John (youth pastor); Gary Ihfe, St. Mark; and Rowland S. Buck, Signal Crest.
Others include Carl Marshall, Washington Hills; Mike King, Rising Fawn; H. Wayne Cook, Wildwood-Sand Mountain; and Cecil J. Baxter, Pleasant Grove in the Sequatchie Cluster.
A number of new appointments were also made for the Cleveland District. Among those at churches close to Chattanooga include: L. David Whaley, Benton, Kenneth L. Scoggins, Chilcutt-Chestuee; Ramon D. Torres III, Wesley Memorial-Valley Head; Chris Rouse, Wesley Memorial (associate); Thomas M. Reed, Copperhill First; David G. Anderson, Daisy-Sale Creek; and Dale S. Wyrick, Spring City-Reeds Chapel, among others.
In the United Methodist Church, appointments are made by the conference bishop with guidance and consultation from district superintendents.
Joseph Henry Kurz, an engineer and family man who taught his children the importance of Christian faith, died May 19 at 93.
Raised the oldest of four sons in Sinaloa, Mexico, in the 1920s and 30s, Kurz later told his children stories about its rough and tumble atmosphere.
It was literally like the wild west, his daughter Consuelo Prieto said. In the village where they lived, everyone rode on horseback, carried a gun he witnessed gunfights and people getting killed.
His father, an engineer from New York who fell in love and married while working in Mexico, raised his sons speaking Spanish only, sending Kurz to high school at an Arkansas boarding school so that he could learn to speak English.
Graduating in 1942, Kurz joined the Coast Guard, serving on the USS TLS 202, a tank landing ship that saw action in the Pacific Theater.
After his discharge in 1946, Kurz enrolled at the Colorado School of Mines to study geological engineering, graduating in 1952.
More Information Joseph Henry Kurz Born: Dec. 15, 1922, Sinaloa, Mexico Died: May 19, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Wife Jacqueline Hugo Kurz; parents John Bernard and Josefina Osuna Maldonado Kurz Survived by: Daughters Consuelo Prieto and son-in-law Edward, Jacqueline Kurz, Sandra Kurz, Josie Austin and son-in-law Bob; sons John Kurz, and James Kurz and daughter-in-law Anna; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren. Services: Graveside service at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mission Burial Park North, 20900 I-10 West. See More Collapse
He was visiting a friend in San Antonio when he met his future wife at a church social.
Marrying in 1952, the couple lived in Arizona, where Kurz worked, moving to San Antonio in 1955 so his wife could once again be close to her family.
As an engineer with the city, Kurz, among other projects, worked on a drainage project for the Interstate-10 corridor, later as a consultant with Armando A. Aranda & Joe Kurz, Inc.
Devout Catholics, Kurz and his wife raised their six children on the South Side, attending St. James Catholic Church.
It was a given with us, Prieto said. On Saturday you go to confession, Sundays to service.
Kurz also belonged to the churchs mens group, among other activities.
Spending as much time with his children as possible, Kurz would come home from work and play tag, chasing them around the yard, sometimes telling them stories at twilight.
On Saturdays, he took his family to ride the ponies at Brackenridge Park, his daughter Jacqueline Jackie Kurz said. Sometimes wed just go for a drive to Boerne, get a hamburger and ice cream.
It was around the mid-1970s that his wife started listening to a radio program put on by a nondenominational church, and eventually began attending services there.
When Kurz found out, he was adamant that the family go to Mass before services at the new church, refusing to join them after the Catholic service.
After some years curiosity got to him, Prieto said. He started going, and teaching Sunday school. He loved those kids.
mheidbrink@express-news.net
Hillary Clinton made history Tuesday, becoming the first woman in U.S. history to clinch the presidential nomination of a major party.
Her victory, albeit unofficial until the Democratic National Convention, is convincing in pledged delegates, in super delegates, in the number of states she has won, including the big ones, and in the popular vote.
She will be the Democratic presidential nominee in the general election.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who had vowed to fight on until every delegate is counted at the convention in Philadelphia in July, didnt immediately acknowledge this. There is also a primary in the District of Columbia next week.
However, his vow Thursday to work with Clinton to defeat Donald Trump, the certain GOP nominee, was a welcome sign that Sanders is coming around to the need for unity. The vow came after a meeting with President Barack Obama.
But in his speech Tuesday evening, Sanders ignored the history made by the Clinton victory, though he said even then that it was important to stop Trump.
Yes, thats what should animate Sanders from here on in. His comments Thursday are a sign that he would not be, as feared, the sore loser who would not energize his many supporters to coalesce around the partys nominee.
He must now follow through on that, putting actions behind his words. A formal concession would be helpful.
On Tuesday, Clinton gave a hearty shoutout to Sanders for inspiring a real debate about party direction. She made a pitch for his supporters and for Republicans disgusted with their certain nominee.
Sanders desire to prolong the race likely involved a concern that a formal concession would diminish his ability to influence the party platform at the Democratic convention.
But Sanders has already changed the party, and for that he deserves much thanks. His eschewing of super PACs alone showed a way for candidates to divorce themselves from special interests. He has tilted Clinton leftward and energized a youthful base that too often sits out elections.
It is important that Sanders supporters vote in November. Ultimately, its up to Clinton to make the case that they should vote for her. But Sanders can be a genuine help in this regard.
Helping is where his energy must now be directed.
After months of turmoil, there are positive changes afoot in the Edgewood Independent School District.
The situation in this troubled school district plummeted to such a degree that the Texas Education Agency had to step in. Taking control of a school district from an elected board is an extreme measure, but the breakdown in local governance in Edgewood left Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath few options.
Its time to cast politics aside. The district must redirect its energies to getting back on track and refocusing on education. Immeasurable time and energy has been spent to fix problems caused by the adults instead of spending valuable resources on the needs of the students.
The appointment of Sylvester Perez as the districts interim superintendent was a smart move. Perez, who retired as superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District last summer, knows and understands the needs of this community. Perez has a mammoth job ahead. But given his track record, we are optimistic he will waste no time in tackling problems and setting a new course.
The newly appointed school board will play a big role, too. We urge community support for the five-member board named by the TEA to replace the elected members. The districts direction rests in the hands of appointed board members Stella Camacho, Frank Espinosa, Amanda L. Gonzalez, Richard Santoya and Roy Richard Soto Sr.
The next few months will define Edgewoods future. How long the state education agency remains in control of the district depends on several factors. Perez will remain as interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is named. The appointed board can remain in place for as long as three years.
Having a district under TEA control can work both ways when it comes to attracting superintendent candidates. It could turn some applicants away, but we hope it will draw candidates looking to lead a district that has been handed a much-needed lifeline.
Does anyone out there have contact information for Noah? Im fixin to build me an ark, and I could sure use those blueprints.
Francoise Wilson, Kerrville
Flag quid pro quo
Re: Anti-Trump protesters prove their nemesis point, Ruben Navarrette, June 3:
I am very angry after watching these protests against Donald Trump, especially when I see them waving the Mexican flag. I suspect these anarchists are being financed by the rent-a-crowd, leftist, progressive anti-Trump liberals.
I wonder what would happen in Mexico if protesters waved the American flag. They would either be shot or put in prison.
As for me, give California back to Mexico. For once, I agree with Ruben Navarrette when he said these protesters are helping Trump.
Ronnie Jones
Protect vulnerable
Re: Hundreds pray for slain child; Iris grandmother leads vigil, Metro, Tuesday:
Have you ever seen a sweeter face than little Iris Rodriguezs? What a pitiful shame.
It sounds to me we need to double the number of policemen walking the beat and patrolling our streets on the West Side. These incidents have been regular occurrences since I was a child, especially in the evenings when people have been drinking and, consequently, getting into fights.
It is way past time to invest in our most vulnerable citizens. It is not fair that a 7-year-old cannot safely walk down her street without the possibility of getting shot and killed.
Kay Mijangos
Low bar for a reason
Re: Minimum requirements everywhere! Josh Brodesky, Other Views, June 3:
It appears that Josh Brodesky is still on a rant about the recent Texas Supreme Court decision on school funding. He really seems hung up on the wording used by the court. Whenever a metric is applied, there must be a minimum standard to judge the metric. What part of that dont you understand, Josh?
No matter what the standard, there always will be (and must be) a minimum. And I would disagree with Josh on minimum standards being everywhere; he should be thankful the Express-News does not have minimum requirements for hiring journalists.
Don Ripley, Floresville
Ali and Islam
Just a note to you guys who will doubtless be fawning over the late and great Muhammad Ali.
If I recall correctly, his excuse for refusing to be inducted into the armed forces during the Vietnam War was that his religion (Islam) forbade war. Hah, given events in the Middle East over the last several years, that excuse turned out to be a crock, didnt it?
Perhaps you can forgive me my pique at old Muhammad, though. You see, I was one of those dummies who did go to Vietnam.
Robert E. Blake
Hillary Clinton made history Tuesday, becoming the first woman in U.S. history to clinch the presidential nomination of a major party.
Her victory, albeit unofficial until the Democratic National Convention, is convincing in pledged delegates, in super delegates, in the number of states she has won, including the big ones, and in the popular vote. She will be the Democratic presidential nominee in the general election.
Everyone is acknowledging this. Except Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who vowed to fight on until every delegate is counted at the convention in Philadelphia in July. There is also a primary in the District of Columbia next week.
In what should have been a concession speech Tuesday evening, Sanders ignored the history made by the Clinton victory. However, he did say that it was important to stop Donald Trump, the certain GOP nominee.
We suggest that the best way to do that is to unite the party early behind the certain Democratic nominee. That would have been the gracious thing.
But it was not what Sanders did Tuesday, even as he was preparing to let go of much of his campaign staff.
Clinton, on the other hand, gave a hearty shoutout to Sanders for inspiring a real debate about party direction. She made a pitch for his supporters and for Republicans disgusted with their certain nominee.
In the days ahead, we hope Sanders will come around. He will have a meeting with President Barack Obama today. We urge the president to ask the candidate to put country first. That means showing the support for the partys nominee that he would be due if he had won.
Perhaps Sanders believes a concession will diminish his ability to influence the party platform at the Democratic convention.
But Sanders has already changed the party and with his eschewing of super PACs showed a way for candidates to divorce themselves from special interests. He has tilted Clinton leftward and energized a youthful base that too often sits out elections.
It is important that Sanders supporters vote in November. Ultimately, its up to Clinton to make the case that they should vote for her. Sanders can be a help or a hindrance. Helping is where his energy must now be directed.
And that, painful as it is, involves conceding just as Clinton did in 2008 when Obamas lead in delegates was narrower than hers is over Sanders.
Eric Risberg/Associated Press
Gov. Jerry Brown cleared the way Wednesday for Californians to vote in November on whether to urge their congressional representatives to approve a constitutional amendment repealing the U.S. Supreme Courts Citizens United decision, which allowed corporations to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns.
The state Supreme Court blocked a similar ballot measure in 2014, saying it wasnt clear whether state law allowed advisory measures on the ballot, but ruled this January that voters could consider the proposal if the Legislature approved it again. Lawmakers, voting mostly along party lines, then passed SB254 by Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, and Brown, who could have signed or vetoed the measure, said Wednesday he had allowed it to proceed toward the ballot without his signature.
Rock City is continuing its partnership with Wings to Soar in an ongoing peregrine falcon restoration project. Two brother peregrines arrived at Rock City on May 27, and were placed in a hack box to prepare for release into the wild at sunrise on Monday. These brother birds, being from the same clutch, are from a breeder in Hastings, Mn. and are 43 days old.
We are so excited to be partnering once again with Wings to Soar for this years peregrine falcon release from Rock Citys Lovers Leap area, said Jeff Raabe, director of operations for See Rock City, Inc. There is much hope that through our ongoing program this beautiful raptor species will once again be repopulated in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area after years of extinction here.
Wings to Soar has led the falcon program at Rock City since 2006, when the first peregrines Garnet and Frieda were released (named after Rock Citys founders). Since then, eight other peregrines have flown from the hacking site, most of the names chosen by Rock Citys Facebook followers: Rocky, Ted, Zenith, Chatty, Lookout, Fourscore, Orville and Wilbur.
Once again, Rock City has encouraged its social media followers to help name these two birds, and the names chosen this week are: Lewis and Clark. Live from the hack box, viewers can also see the birds anytime on the webcam feed here:www.seerockcity.com/falcons!
John and Dale Stokes with Wings to Soar also host Rock City Raptors Birds of Prey Shows every Friday through Sunday during the summer through Labor Day and daily the week of July Fourth. Find out more at www.seerockcity.com/birds.
Posted on 06/09/2016, 9:00 am, by Farmscape.Ca
The Chair of Manitoba Pork says World Pork Expo offers representatives of the provinces pork industry an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern with their U.S. counterparts and to learn more about the latest available technology.
The 28 annual edition of World Pork Expo, the worlds largest pork specific trade show and conference, is under way this week in Des Moines, Iowa.
George Matheson, the chair of Manitoba Pork, says delegations representing the Manitoba pork industry have been taking part in World Pork Expo for the past 10 years and that participation allows representatives the chance to meet with producers generally and specifically Iowa Board Members to discuss the latest issues within the pork industry and to look at the latest pork production equipment.
Because were both exporting nations when it comes to pork, the Trans-Pacific Partnership is of great interest to us and we would like both of our respective countries to sign on and ratify the agreement as quickly as possible to make sure that were all on the same level playing field when it comes to international trade. Foreign animal disease is always an issue and how we can keep our countries biosecure. Also for us, were interested in constructing more feeder barns in Manitoba so looking at the latest in construction equipment and methods for putting up substantial but inexpensive barns is of great interest to us and its the best show in the world when it comes to pork equipment. ~ George Matheson Manitoba Pork
Matheson says the veil of secrecy, if there ever was one, has been lifted and relations among Canadian and U.S. pork producers are very good.
He says attending World Pork Expo and the Pork Congresses in January in both Minnesota and Iowa have allowed the development of face to face relations and what weve discovered is were an integrated industry with similar problems and challenges and producers on the two sides of the border are working at this together.
Residents at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence, Collegedale, embraced animal therapy with Tara Hill, who invited the memory care residents to Hidden Hills Farm and Saddle Club in Ooltewah.
As part of the Meaningful Day program, the memory care residents have the opportunity to meet furry, feathered and four-legged friends through group trips, and local volunteers and friends, bringing animal guests to the community, exchanging cuddles with everyone.
Ms. Hill, owner of Hidden Hills Farm and Saddle Club, introduced residents to a variety of animals, including Arlee, an Arabian horse, Bandette, a Jersey cow, a rooster and a three-day-old kitten.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Want to learn how you can use mobile commerce in your retail environment? Then attend the free webinar Mobile Commerce: The Opportunity and the Reality on Thursday, June 16 at 12 p.m. Eastern. Conexxus, along with representatives from the W. Capra Consulting Group will present this webinar.
Within this webinar, Doug Rodewald, partner at W. Capra, and Ed Collupy, executive consultant at W. Capra, will provide real life perspective, experiences, best practices and recommendations for designing and implementing a mobile commerce program. The focus of the webinar will be on areas that are often a secondary consideration in implementations, such as data security, including Personal Identifying Information (PII), fraud management, operating model transformation and data translation considerations.
Rodewald has spent his career working with clients spanning QSR, convenience and fuel retail, grocery and other retail verticals to identify, design and implement solutions to improve their businesses. Currently Rodewald is focused on establishing W. Capra as the leader in retail technology and payments consulting and has positioned the company as one of the leading U.S. EMV and digital commerce consultancies.
Collopy has more than 30 years of retail systems experience in the convenience store and grocery retail channels. He is working with clients and the team at W. Capra on retail technology projects providing services and solutions to emerging businesses and retailers. Prior to this, Collopy directed, managed and supported all of The Pantry, Inc. store systems and technology efforts. He is also an active member and on the board of Conexxus.
Register to attend now.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.
TPP/TTIP/TISA
Vietnams National Assembly could ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership either in July or October with an eye toward systematically and occasionally slowly moving toward implementation, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius said Wednesday [Politics]. The process of implementing a plan to comply with the TPPs labor obligations will take place in partnership with us, with other TPP members and with the private sector, the ambassador added, because the private sector has lots to gain from full implementation of all of the TPP commitments, and particularly the labor commitments.' Im told that nobody does slow like a Vietnamese bureaucrat. And the talk of labor commitments looks like its for domestic consumption.
Is it technically possible to conclude TTIP in 2016? [BorderLex]. Lets hope Betteridges Law applies. The US administration and key EU leaders are seeking to finalise negotiations of towards the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership by the end of 2016. The main reason is the political calendar in the US, with the outgoing Obama administration wanting to wrap up at a time when nobody knows what kind of trade policy the US will adopt next year. But is it at all technically possible to conclude talks in 2016? A close look at the state of play of TTIP negotiations indicates its not the case unless both sides significantly reduce the scope of the deal.
2016
Lambert here: Access journalism comes from the Republican as well as the Democrat establishment, that is, from the political class taken as a whole. Theres an awful lot of noise right now, and very little signal. Hence this section will have few links, and more commentary, than usual.
Our Famously Free Press
Did the media overstep by crowning Clinton the nominee? [Margaret Sullivan, WaPo]. Lambert here: I liked Sullivans work, mostly, at the Times. Here, however, Sullivan in essence urges that AP called the race for Clinton on election eve as the result of institutional imperatives, so Move along people, move along, theres no story here. Further, she urges that not making the call would have been suppressing the story, a la the Times suppressing James Risens story on Bushs warrantless surveillance until after Bush was safely elected. I dont buy it. First, solidly reported or not, theres no real story, let alone a scoop; that superdelegates overwhelmingly supported Clinton has been widely known for a year, and that a projected combination of pledged and unpledged delegates would probably clinch the election for Clinton has also been a widely known scenario. (The nomination, of course, is actually clinched when delegates actually vote, a process that the Democrat establishment oddly, or not, seems ready to dispense with). Second, executives and editors control the calendar, and in a routinized process like a delegate survey, setting the start point for the data gathering determines the end point for publication. Are we really to believe that the editor who assigned the story didnt know the work product would be delivered on election eve? Or that an executive somehow missed the implications? Third, the margin was one. Yes, one. Finally, Sullivan sets up a straw man. Nobody is saying suppress the story. What I am saying is assign the story so that its not published on election eve! 38 countries ban pre-election polling for some number of days, including Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Mexico, Norway, Poland and Venezuela. In France, election polls are banned on polling day and the day before. The United States should follow these civilized countries and do the same.
Voting
Why California looked close for Bernie Sanders, but wasnt [McClatchy]. The polls showed a dead heat between Sanders and Clinton; the results were Clinton by >10%. The article gives some explanations. Lambert here: Of course, I support the world standard for voting: Hand-Marked, Hand-Counted Paper Ballots, Publicly Tabulated. That said, on the basis of very fragmentary information, my model of the Democrat primary voting process is state and local apparatchiks working toward the Fuhrer*; what could be called (hat tip Shystee) an emergent conspiracy, emerging organically as the party decided, and not centrally controlled, as by a Bond villain or villainess. Sanders having been successfully other-ed as a non-Democrat, Democrat officialdom felt licensed to throw every small institutional obstacle in his way, opportunisticaly. From memory: Purging voter rolls of likely Sanders supporters, ballot gaming large and small, shrinking the number of polling places, long lines, no parking, deceptive signage, and so forth. As we know from Republican-run elections (Florida 2000; Ohio 2004) these small obstacles add up; election fraud the old-fashioned way. Thats not to say that Sanders would have won; it is to say that our election apparatus is irremediably corrupt and should be brought up to world standards by removing it entirely from partisan control and installing national technical means of verification, as the arms race negotiators would call it: Hand-marked paper ballots, hand-counted, in public. When we bring some Canadians down here to show us how to do Medicare for All, they could show us how to do this, too. NOTE * Godwins Law eruption in 10, 9, 8 counting, 7.
The Trail
The five days in 2008 that propelled Clinton to today [E.J. Dionne, WaPo]. Im actually sympathetic to this story, but consider this passage: The Hillary Clinton who prevails and wins loyalists, Id argue, brings together two aspects of the Methodist tradition in which she was raised and, by extension, two sides of the American character. She embodies the tensions and, sometimes, contradictions of what the theologian Michael Novak once described as the communitarian individual. Her individualistic side sees salvation as depending on determination, grit and a dedication to work, and more work. Her communal side (she wrote a book, after all, called It Takes a Village) runs through all her policy proposals, the values she lifts up (all of us together in 2008, stronger together now) and her attitude toward her friends. Those two instincts keep her going. So naturally I searched on famous Methodists in fiction and came up with Sinclair Lewiss Elmer Gantry: During his career, Gantry contributes to the downfall, physical injury, and even death of key people around him, including a sincere minister, Frank Shallard, who is plagued by doubt. Especially ironic are the way he champions love, an emotion he seems incapable of, in his sermons, preaches against ambition, when he himself is so patently ambitious, and organizes crusades against (mainly sexual) immorality, while he has difficulty resisting temptation in this direction himself (and indeed, normally gives in to temptation). Replace financial corruption with sexual temptation in the above passage, and youve got a useful corrective to Dionnes hagiography, with Clinton as the Methodist protagonist, not Gantry. At Burlington Airport, Vermonters Welcome Sanders Home [Seven Days]. After landing at Burlington International Airport that evening, he bypassed a horde of reporters gathered outside the Heritage Aviation terminal and focused his attention instead on a group of supporters standing across the street. He shook hands and posed for photos, then declared, Alright, go home. Its cold!' (And hes right. Its freezing up here, Im guessing as a result of the Canadian oil sands Ft McMurray fires.) There Are More White Voters Than People Think. Thats Good News for Trump [Nate Cohn, New York Times]. I wonder if Cohn identifies as white, or Jewish, and if the latter, whether he voted for the first Jewish Presidential candidate, or whether Cohns an antisemite? (New readers, should I have issued an irony alert here?) Donald Trump gave the speech Republicans desperately needed. It might have come too late [WaPo]. With video, very much worth listening to; Id be interested to hear what readers think.
Clinton Email Hairball
These are the long-form sources Ive found most useful on Clintons email. Since it looks like that simmering scandal is about to have the lid blown off, one way or another, readers can familiarize themselves with the issues using them: 1. Do I Really Need to Worry About Hillarys Emails? Yes. She Will Be Indicted. (Full Form) [Informed Vote]. A former policy debater takes up every possible argument from both sides with evidence. Impressive. 2. The Clinton Email Scandal Timeline [Thompson Timeline]. This is not simply a graphical timeline, but a ginormous aggregation of links and quotes that you can navigate chronologically. 3. Hillary Clintons Emails Now Might Finally Take Her Down [LawNewz]. Shorter, but from the heart of the establishment. I would bet that every worker bee in Washington that has read this agrees with it. The implication is that if Clinton is elected, she will be impeached. And rightly.
Stats Watch
Jobless Claims, week of June 4, 2016: The labor market is suddenly looking much better than it did as jobless claims data show across-the-board improvement. Initial claims fell 4,000 in the June 4 week to what is a very impressive and very low 264,000 level [Econoday]. And the four-week rolling averages improved [Econintersect].
Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index, week of June 5, 2016: Unchanged [Econoday]. This is the second straight solid showing for this reading which did dip at mid-May. Strength in consumer confidence measures reflects optimism in the jobs outlook.
Wholesale Trade, April 2016: Wholesales inventories rose a very sharp 0.6 percent in April in a result that will lift early estimates for second-quarter GDP. And the build (risking a double negative) is not unwanted as sales in the wholesale sector rose a very strong 1.0 percent. The mix actually points to a leaner level of inventories with the stock-to-sales ratio down to 1.35 from 1.36 [Econoday]. This report, like jobless claims earlier today, is a surprise on the upside, contrasting with what has been a recent downside run of economic data.
ETFs: Fixed-income ETFs as a group have attracted roughly $8 out of every $10 headed into ETFs in 2016, raking in some $38 billion in fresh net assets so far this year. The rising popularity of bond ETFs has been largely linked to growing investor demand for ways to capture yield and to manage portfolio risk in the face of increased equity market volatility [ETF.com].
Shipping: Panama Canal Authority: 17 days until world trade upgrades [Splash247]. [T]alk of a rival Central American waterway has gone quiet. Beijing telecoms tycoon Wang Jings plans to build a canal through Nicaragua have cooled. Panama sends a team to Nicaragua regularly to check out what is happening on the ground. It seems Wangs own financial problems, combined with fierce environmental opposition to the construction, have at least delayed any canal.
The Bezzle: A mixed set of rules internationally and low fines in some countries mean that bribery often pays off for companies even when they get caught, inter-governmental think-tank, the OECD, said on Thursday [Futures]. Using cash-flow simulations, the OECD calculated that 23 countries maximum fines were not high enough to offset the financial return on investments in which bribery is involved. However, higher fines alone would not be enough to deter bribery because regulations are often poorly enforced. The three countries with the most punitive fines, which were not identified in the report, had not successfully prosecuted any company for bribery.
The Bezzle: Why I have finally taken off the Apple Watch for the last time [Guardian]. smartwatches are a solution in search of a problem. A technology created, not to serve consumer demand, but to serve the need of device manufacturers to fill the revenue hole created by declining smartphone growth. You dont need one, and neither do I. It just took me nine months of wearing it to realise.
The Bezzle: YCombinator, probably the most famous tech-company accelerator, is starting a pilot program to test the idea of universal basic income [Bloomberg]. Because with BIG, everybody could afford to buy an Apple Watch! (Again, YCombinator is Patient Zero for Bezzle Buzzwords like innovation, disruption, startup, founder, and so on. Be sure to count the spoons when these guys leave the house.)
Political Risk: [San Franciscos] municipal officials are drafting an economic resiliency plan one of the first of its kind in the U.S to ensure the city of 865,000 can better withstand a financial earthquake akin to the one that roiled global markets in 2008 and left some U.S. cities on the verge of economic ruin [Bloomberg]. Readers, can anybody send a link to the San Francisco plan?
Political Risk: Its clear that homeownership rates have declined for everyone during the past 10 years, not just for millennials [Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta]. Im filing this interesting link under politcal risk since speculating freely perhaps people are reluctant to get involved with the financial system, given that its rife with fraudsters and thieves. In fact, its hard to think of a society-wide system these days that people would willingly enter, at least without credentialed protection in the form of a lawyer or an accountant; this would certainly include the health care system, but also the law enforcement system, and large swaths of the educational system, at all levels.
United Technologies Chief Executive Gregory Hayes estimated that 44% of the companys 1,600 suppliersincluding the 500 to 600 who supply parts and materials for the engines themselveswerent meeting the companys on-time delivery and quality control targets. Forty-four percent is the challenge, Mr. Hayes said [Wall Street Journal, Pratt Struggles With Supply Chain for Jet Engine]. As an air traveler, Mr. Hayess timing problems dont affect me, but his quality control issues very well might. At some point, theres going to be a Constellation moment, when the MBAs end up shaving just a wee bit too much quality off the requirements, the specifications, the inspections, and the parts themselves.
Starbucks has more customer money on cards than many banks have in deposits [MarketWatch]. The easy joke being that Starbucks coffee is to coffee as GM cars are to cars.
Market Income In 2013 For Households In The Top 1 Percent Was 188 Percent Higher Than It Was In 1979 [Econintersect].
Todays Fear & Greed Index: 78, Extreme Greed (previous close: 80, Extreme Greed) [CNN]. One week ago: 79 (Extreme Greed). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Jun 9 at 12:54pm. Oh noes! Down a point!
The Unsettlement
Movement Nuit Debout: Is it just about Frances labor reforms? [Defend Democracy Press].
Guillotine Watch
Welcome to Larry Pages Secret Flying-Car Factories [Bloomberg]. [B]etter materials, autonomous navigation systems, and other technical advances have convinced a growing body of smart, wealthy, and apparently serious people that within the next few years well have a self-flying car that takes off and lands verticallyor at least a small, electric, mostly autonomous commuter plane. Squillionaires with bright ideas Philip K. Dicks wonderful Game Players of Titan has flying cars as part of daily life in a future world, but that world is depopulated.
Class Warfare
The Economist Magazine, Marxism and the Conventional Wisdom [Philip Pilkington, Econintersect].
But this latest survey is evidence that good old-fashioned jobs retain their allure. Not everybody wants to be independent, and the U.S. labor market is not being transformed wholesale overnight [Bloomberg]. Then again, with the job market now sputtering, independence could be back in fashion soon enough. Maybe, some day, regulating the economy by throwing people out of work will be seen for the barbaric relic it is.
Selfishness Is Learned [Nautil.us]. The researchers worked under the assumption that snap judgments reveal our intuitive impulses. Our intuition, apparently, is to cooperate with others. Selfish behavior comes from thinking too much, not too little.
News of the Wired
LISA Pathfinder Reports Record-Breaking Gravitational Wave Results [Scientific American]. Surfs up!
* * *
Readers, feel free to contact me with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, and (c) to find out how to send me images of plants (600px minimum, please). Vegetables are fine! Fungi are deemed to be honorary plants! See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. And heres todays plant (ChiGal):
I couldnt grow pansies this year, but love those rich colors
Readers, Im running out of plants! Whether your intentions are artistic and/or documentary and/or amusing, you know what to do. Ive liked the creativity of plant videos, fungi, stumps, triptyches, and so on, but if your tomatoes are doing well, send them along too!
* * *
Tallest tree in the tropics discovered in Malaysia TreeHugger (resilc)
The most mysterious star in the Galaxy Kickstarter. EM: On of the more interesting Kickstarter campaigns.
Gene Drives That Tinker with Evolution Are an Unknown Risk, Researchers Say MIT Technology Review (David L)
Changing Direction, Big Food Decides to Label Products Containing GMOs Food Tank
Tesla Knows When a Crash Is Your Fault, and Other Carmakers Soon Will, Too MIT Technology Review (David L)
China?
Refugee Crisis
Brexit?
A more accurate version of the Vote Leave poster would run: Lets abolish farm subsidies, raise taxes and use all the money we save by leaving the EU so we can spend an extra 350 million a week on the NHS. Wordy, but, for a lot of left-leaning Britons, an attractive plan. Throw in the promise of cheaper food if we drop tariffs on agricultural imports from Africa, Australasia and the Americas, as Michael Gove wants to do, and it gets even better. Just not for farmers. The spectre haunting the British farmyard is that the EU debate will turn public attention to whats happening down on the farm, whatever the referendum result. There is, after all, another possible version of Vote Leaves poster: Lets give our NHS the 75 million our farmers take every week.
FRANCES PLAN FOR A BLOODY BREXIT Politco. A scorched earth policy will increase the cost to everyone, not just the UK.
Grexit?
Court cases could face 10-year wait due to lawyers strike ekathimerini. FWIW, I recall reading in 2015 that the courts are so backlogged that 6 year delays are routine.
Ukraine/Russia
Ukraines Out of Control Arms Bazaar in Europes Backyard Daily Beast (resilc)
Syraquistan
Imperial Collapse Watch
Clinton E-mail Hairball
Voters Will Be Left Hanging by State Departments Clinton Email Slow-Walk TruthOut
2016
California Ballot Status California Secretary of State (Dan K), Circulate this link widely:
Under the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002, every voter who casts a provisional ballot is entitled to find out from his/her county elections official if the ballot was counted and if not, the reason why it was not counted. Under California Elections Code sections 3017 (PDF) and 3019.5 (PDF), a voter who casts a vote-by-mail ballot can find out if the ballot arrived at his/her county elections office, if the ballot was counted, and, if not, the reason why it was not counted. Each county elections official allows voters to check the status of his/her vote-by-mail and provisional ballot either through the county website, by telephone, or both. To find out if your vote-by-mail ballot was received by your county elections official or if your provisional ballot was counted, please click on the appropriate link below or call the phone number listed for the county elections office. For further information about the elections services provided in your county, visit our County Elections offices page.
California Primary: Millions Of Vote-By-Mail Ballots Are Still Uncounted, Will Alter The Final Count Inquisitur (Dan K). Assuming they are counted. Per above, demand an accounting!
Fake ballots with Sanders name scratched out distributed in Hudson County News 12 New Jersey (martha r). Lambert : THIS is the explanation for why Sanders does well in caucus states. Elections without Democrats controlling the balloting are, in fact, more democratic.
Analyst: Surge in Younger Voters Failed to Materialize in California Primary KQED
Anthem for Bummed Youth Thomas Frank, Baffler (Phil U)
The Struggle Continues: Sanders Refuses to Bend the Knee to Establishment Common Dreams (martha r)
Bernie Sanders Supporters Attack Reporters Online After Hillary Clinton Declared Nominee Huffington Post. Steve C: More Bernie Bro disinformation. Its a tsunami today and everywhere.
Biden: Democrats should be a little graceful in waiting for Sanders to drop out Business Insider (David L)
Obama hopes Democrats pull together BBC
Robert Reichs Open Letter to Bernie Sanders Is Going Viral USUncut (martha r)
Sanders surrogate: This is bigger than the math The Hill (martha r)
Get Out Now, Bernie New Republic. Resilc: You cannot have a revolution unless you blow shit up. Shit being the DNC and Clintoon crips in control of GOP lite favor of the Democrats currently.
How Bernie Changed the Game American Conservative (resilc)
Hillarys Support Falls American Mirror (Jim Haygood)
Clintons Comeback That Wasnt American Conservative (resilc)
Democrats Are Now the Aggressive War Party Consortiumnews (Chuck L)
Clinton Tells WSJ She Plans to Take Aim at Trumps Economic Agenda, Calling His Ideas Misguided Wall Street Journal. As Lambert pointed out, foreign policy heavyweights werent impressed by her speech, and more to the point, Im not sure it moved voters. Plus shes exposing her strategy early. This gives Trump time to course correct if he really wants to win, which is something I regard as in doubt.
Elizabeth Warren To Endorse Hillary Clinton: Report Huffington Post
Elizabeth Warren Rips Into Paul Ryans Anti-Poverty Plan Mother Jones. Resilc: Running hard for VP.
Is Trump Being Racist About Judge Curiel? Benjamin Studebaker. Jeff W:
Even though the topic is Trump and Judge Curiel, the post is really about how the idea that someones identity (racial, sex, etc.) takes precedence in determining their views or actions has become normalizedso Trumps view of Judge Curiel is no different than the Clinton camps view of Berniebros disliking Clinton because of misogynyand that idea is itself racist or sexist. Its basically a critique of identity politics.
Cult Deprogrammer: Heres How to Stage an Intervention for Your Trump-Supporting Friend Alternet. Wowsers. Totally dismisses the idea that there could be a rational basis for supporting Trump. And looks like more than a bit of projection. The sycophancy in Clintons team (per e-mails) is awfully cultish and there are also some signs among her diehard loyalists.
Elected Officials Are Leaving the Republican Party Over Trump Pacific Standard (Chuck L)
Trumps Actual Racism and How Its Thrived Bill Moyers
Donald Trump prepares charge sheet against Hillary Clinton POLITICO
Pfizer CEO Cant Distinguish Between the Policies of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Intercept
The Dalton City Council voted Monday to change the speed limit for the entire length of College Drive to 30 mph and that change will go into effect on Friday. Dalton Public Works will be changing speed limit signs to reflect the new speed limit that day. The Dalton Police Department will also be posting the traffic units electronic message board in the area to notify motorists of the change.
Before Mondays vote, the area of College Drive near the Dalton State College campus was a 30 mph zone but the area on either end of the road was a 40 mph zone.
The entire length of College Drive from Walnut Avenue to Tibbs Road is now a 30 mph zone.
LIFE project NanoMONITOR kicks off (Nanowerk News) The newly started European Commission LIFE project NanoMONITOR addresses the challenges of supporting the risk assessment of nanomaterials under REACH by development of a real-time information and monitoring system. At the projects kickoff meeting held on the 19th January 2016 in Valencia (Spain) participants discussed how this goal could be achieved.
Despite the growing number of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) already available on the market and in contract to their benefits the use, production, and disposal of ENMs raises concerns about their environmental impact.
Within this context, the overall aim of LIFE NanoMONITOR is to improve the use of environmental monitoring data to support the implementation of REACH regulation and promote the protection of human health and the environment when dealing with ENMs. Within the EU REACH Regulation, a chemical safety assessment report, including risk characterisation ratio (RCR), must be provided for any registered ENMs.
(click on image to enlarge)
In order to address these objectives, the project partners have developed a rigorous methodology encompassing the following aims:
Develop a novel software application to support the acquisition, management and processing of data on the concentration of ENMs. Develop an on-line environmental monitoring database (EMD) to support the sharing of information. Design and develop a proven monitoring station prototype for continuous monitoring of particles below 100 nm in air (PM0.1). Design and develop standardized sampling and data analysis procedures to ensure the quality, comparability and reliability of the monitoring data used for risk assessment. Support the calculation of the predicted environmental concentration (PEC) of ENMs in the context of REACH.
Throughout the projects kick off meeting, participants discussed the status of the research area, project goals, and expectations of the different stakeholders with respect to the project outcome.
Carlos Fito, Head of Safety Division of Instituto Tecnologico del Embalaje, Transporte y Logistica - ITENE and Coordinator of the project, explains the expected impact from NanoMONITOR:
The challenge is to conduct frontline research to solve a number of important but still open research questions while at the same time designing a real-time information and monitoring system to support the risk assessment of nanomaterials while promoting the protection of human health and the environment thus contributing to the support the monitoring of REACH compliance and its impact on risk mitigation and prevention.
Translating materials with math (Nanowerk News) Mathematics has been very successful throughout history in translating complex scientific concepts. Einstein's famous equation E=mc 2 , for example, describes how mass and energy are interchangeable. But as scientific fields become increasingly complex and specialized, the "language" of mathematics needs to keep pace to develop the mathematical vocabulary necessary to describe both the knowledge and cumulative experience gained by scientists working in the physical world.
Fig. 1: Mathematics may help relate the structure/composition and properties/functions of materials and suggest novel strategies for their synthesis. (Image: Motoko Kotani & Susumu Ikeda)
Materials science is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field of science that involves the discovery and design of new materials. The field involves understanding the properties and functions of materials at the atomic/molecular scale as well as the macroscopic scale.
Motoko Kotani and Susumu Ikeda from the Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Japan, have published a vision article in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials ("Materials inspired by Mathematics") that emphasizes the need for strong collaboration between materials scientists and mathematicians to break down the barriers of specialized scientific language and create a comprehensive and common understanding of this highly specialized and subdivided field (Fig. 1).
Fig. 2: Examples showing the power of geometry: relations between continuous and discrete elements in materials, and extraction of discrete geometrical elements. (Image: Motoko Kotani & Susumu Ikeda)
One potential area for fruitful collaboration, for example, is using discrete geometric analysis (graph theory combined with differential geometry) in the study of nanoporous materials, the researchers explain (Fig. 2).
Graphs are mathematical structures made up of nodes connected by lines and are used to describe relationships between objects. Nanoporous materials are being used, for example, as membranes to improve energy-storage in capacitors by removing molecules from around ions as they pass through the extremely tiny pores of these materials.
The ability to analyze the three-dimensional structure of these pores is important for understanding their physical and chemical properties. Discrete geometric analysis (or graphs taking geometric features into account) could be a powerful tool to investigate the transport of materials through these tiny structures.
Laura Layden/Staff Eric Berglund, president of the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance, left, speaks to a member of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce at a Wake Up Naples breakfast Wednesday.
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By Laura Layden of the Naples Daily News
The Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance has ramped up its efforts to recruit businesses to the region.
The alliance, a private-public partnership created in 2013, is fully staffed and moving on an aggressive marketing agenda that will include 15 outreach events this year, said Eric Berglund, the group's president.
Speaking at a Wake Up Naples breakfast Wednesday sponsored by the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce at the Hilton Naples, he shared that the alliance's outreach this year has included:
Sponsoring a "Wake Up with Southwest Florida" breakfast at the annual Site Selectors Guild Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, putting it in front of 42 of the top site selectors in the Southeastern U.S.
Becoming a national sponsor for the Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute, whose members close more than $200 billion in commercial real estate deals per year. The sponsorship came with five national full-page print ads.
This year the alliance also plans to visit five markets to "knock on the doors" of businesses that might have an interest in relocating or expanding to Southwest Florida, Berglund said.
The group expects to announce a project soon that came from its outreach efforts last year.
The alliance is funded by local businesses and governments. It has 42 private investors who have committed $265,000 per year to help support its efforts.
The group focuses on the five-county region made up of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties. The alliance shares leads and doesn't play favorites or get involved in day-to-day business expansion and relocation efforts, leaving that to organizations like the Naples chamber and local economic development offices, Berglund said.
"I don't want to get involved in stealing local companies," he said. "That's not my cup of tea."
Berglund has been on the job since March of last year, moving to Southwest Florida from Colorado. He told the chamber group that he loves that he doesn't "have to shovel sunshine."
While sunshine is part of the alliance's sales pitch to site consultants, business executives and consulates, it goes much deeper than that highlighting the region's other strengths from its workforce to its access to capital. The marketing slogan for its regional pitch is "The Perfect Climate For Beaches or Boardrooms."
"Our biggest and greatest thing we have is our website. ... That's available 24/7," Berglund said.
The most popular part of its website, found at swfleda.com, is its property locator, a searchable database with available sites and office space in the region that taps into LoopNet's commercial real estate marketplace.
More than 11,000 users visited the alliance's website last year, and more than 82 percent of them were on it for the first time, Berglund said. "Almost all of this is coming from referral," he said.
The group launched a social media campaign about a year ago that includes Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. As a result of the campaign, Oasis Senior Solutions moved its corporate headquarters from Maryland to Bonita Springs, bringing with it 10 jobs paying an average of $68,200, Berglund said.
Last year the group hired DCI, a place marketing firm based in New York City, to determine its image from site location consultants, companies in targeted industries, and large employers and business leaders in Southwest Florida. The results will be used to craft brand messaging.
The DCI survey showed an increasing awareness of Florida thanks to Gov. Rick Scott's focus on jobs over the past five years, Berglund said.
"People are paying attention," he said. "Prior to that Florida was not on the map."
The study found site selectors and corporate executives were far less familiar with Southwest Florida's business climate, with Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa identified as the most explored locations. While many of the survey's respondents said they had visited the region, it was primarily for fun and relaxation.
DCI's survey identified some of the reasons companies have decided not to come to Florida including concerns about the business climate, logistics and transportation infrastructure, and proximity to suppliers and customers. The risk of hurricanes and better incentives elsewhere also kept some projects out of the state.
"Our competition is fierce," Berglund said, adding that Texas is just one of the big states that's throwing money around to attract businesses.
Executives who are already doing business in Southwest Florida have a positive attitude about the region and the state's business climate, with 75 percent of them reporting a "high likelihood" of considering the area for future projects in DCI's survey.
There are opportunities for the alliance to address misperceptions such as the threat of hurricanes, which aren't as common as some outsiders might think, and talent shortages, which are being addressed, Berglund said.
The alliance will produce four videos that will showcase local businesses working in the region's targeted industries, which it will use to supplement its recruiting efforts. The first features NewsBank, a Naples-based company that has news databases offering archives from newspapers and other sources.
After his talk Berglund fielded a few questions from the audience, who raised concerns about everything from a lack of speedy Internet access to a shortage of affordable housing. The question about affordable housing is one of the most frequent ones Berglund gets, with rents and housing prices on the rise, especially in the Naples area.
Solutions for more affordable housing have to come from the public policymakers, Berglund said, but the alliance is involving itself in that conversation because it is so critical.
Michael Dalby, president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber, said the chamber couldn't have a better partner than the alliance in dealing with tough regional issues. He also reassured the crowd that economic development remains a top priority for the chamber.
"Don't ever think we're not doing economic development," he said. "We're doing it every day."
Rick Aab, CEO of United Sources Sought, Inc., showcases his company's hygiene kit during the Bonita Springs Estero Economic Development Councils quarterly open meeting at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Patrick Riley/Staff
SHARE Rick Aab, CEO of United Sources Sought, Inc., showcases his company's hygiene kit during the Bonita Springs Estero Economic Development Councils quarterly open meeting at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Patrick Riley/Staff
By Patrick Riley of the Naples Daily News
The one item American soldiers abroad long for the most according to Rick Aab, CEO of United Sources Sought Inc. is baby wipes.
"They really don't care about the care packages of candies and cookies and that," Aab told a group during the Bonita Springs Estero Economic Development Council's quarterly open meeting Wednesday.
"What they request is these moist towels."
Aab's startup has partnered with Bonita Springs-based Shaw Development to produce a waterproof, sandproof and iceproof kit for soldiers.
The kits have odorless, biodegradable hygiene towels inside.
United Sources Sought will open its 3,000-square-foot headquarters on Bernwood Drive down the road from Shaw Development in Bonita Springs by Sept. 1.
With soldiers spending long stretches of time in harsh, inhospitable environments, personal hygiene can become a problem, Aab said.
"The maximum deployment for our military people is 10 days in the field," Aab said. "Can you imagine going 10 days in the field in a place like Afghanistan where you don't have access to water?"
The kit fits on a belt and in a tactical vest, and it can be stuffed into soldiers' pockets or clipped onto a belt loop.
"Inside of it are moist towelettes for cleaning," Aab said. "You can wipe your face, you can wipe your body parts. ... You can take your shoes off and your socks think about this and wipe that off."
Also in the kit is a powder ball with "extremely absorbent clay" that soldiers can use to dry off their feet, Aab said.
Patents for the product are still pending, but United Sources Sought already has a contract with the Department of Defense, said Denise Russell, company president.
Eventually the business plans to expand and sell the kit to firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders.
The past 18 months, the startup began its work in New York before conducting a national search for companies that could help with the development and design process, Aab said.
They found their partner in Bonita Springs Shaw Development, which specializes in the design, development and manufacturing of custom fluid management solutions for heavy duty vehicles.
Shaw Development produces the parts for the kit, and United Sources Sought assembles the product, Aab said.
"They have worked in the military environment for decades," he said. "So they're already approved."
Initially, United Sources Sought is looking to hire five to 10 employees, but that number could climb to as high as 20 to 30 "within the first six months," Russell said.
The plan is to hire veterans and disabled workers and start manufacturing the kits in July, she said.
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By June Fletcher of the Naples Daily News
As storm season ramps up, it's good to remember: One big blow can change a city forever.
That's what happened in 2005 in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina, a Category 5 storm, devastated much of the city and set in motion a rethinking of what it could and should be.
At the National Association of Real Estate Editors convention in New Orleans this week, planners and journalists who lived through that time spoke about how the city had changed and what lessons could be learned by other places vulnerable to hurricanes.
"Initially there were a lot of questions about whether the city was even worth saving," said Stephanie Riegel, whose home was flooded under 8 feet of water.
Now editor of the Baton Rouge Business Report, Riegel said that at the time, some also suggested that the city shrink its footprint, "but that was politically and racially unpopular."
By 2006 "a decision was made to reclaim the city," she said.
In the aftermath of the storm, public and private money as well as an army of volunteers and a cadre of builders flowed into the city, Riegel said.
"There was so much drive and desire to rebuild," she said.
But much of the effort went into rebuilding hotels and commercial space, as well as richer uptown neighborhoods.
As investors bought and refurbished some of the beautiful older homes and built new mansions where the original houses were destroyed, the character changed, Riegel said.
"Neighborhoods became parodies of themselves," she said.
Meanwhile, some poorer neighborhoods have not been rebuilt.
"They may never come back," she said.
But in other ways, New Orleans has been reinvigorated, said Tim Boone, business writer at The Advocate in Baton Rouge.
While some residents left the city permanently after the storm, their place was taken by new residents particularly immigrants from Latin America and Asia.
That's brought a new dimension to the traditional French and Creole cooking that the city long has been famous for, and it added more restaurants to attract tourists and boost the economy.
As the economy has strengthened, real estate prices are up 46 percent from before the storm, said Katherine Sayre, lead business reporter for NOLA.com and the Times-Picayune.
Second-home buyers are driving the trend and are pushing people in the workforce looking for affordable homes farther into the suburbs.
"Everyone is talking about home prices," she said.
But as the city has come back, residents are becoming better prepared for future storms, said Erika Morphy, a New Orleans-based real estate writer for GlobeSt.com.
When storms were predicted before, people would go to a bar to drink and wouldn't even take in their patio furniture, which could become weaponized in high winds.
"Now they take it very seriously," she said.
Public officials are doing a better job, too, rethinking how to evacuate the city more quickly and efficiently to save lives.
They're also working to redirect water in canals so that they drain more effectively while also serving as an aesthetic water feature for neighborhoods and parks, said New Orleans architect David Waggonner, adding that there is potential to provide 26 miles of new waterfront.
"We need to develop canals as real estate assets," he said.
Meanwhile, blighted and abandoned areas of the city could and should be used as water storage areas so less water would need to be pumped out after a major storm, Waggonner said.
While it's unrealistic to expect the city to return to its earliest state of development, when meandering streams drained the Delta basin, the storm highlighted the need to reduce hardscape and other infrastructure, and to establish more natural flows through the urban landscape, he said.
Waggonner said that in low-lying areas like New Orleans, it's especially important to pay attention to water flows as climate change causes sea levels to rise.
"We need to make New Orleans a water city again," he said.
Teacher Mabel Pea leads the parade of fifth graders as they make a victory lap around TBE. Tuesday marked the last day of school for Collier County students, including Tommie Barfield Elementary, Marco Island Charter Middle School, and Marco Island Academy on Marco Island. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
SHARE Tuesday marked the last day of school for Collier County students, including Tommie Barfield Elementary, Marco Island Charter Middle School, and Marco Island Academy on Marco Island. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent Students "clap out" the departing fifth graders at TBE. Tuesday marked the last day of school for Collier County students, including Tommie Barfield Elementary, Marco Island Charter Middle School, and Marco Island Academy on Marco Island. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent A sign at MICMS offers a sendoff to departing eighth graders. Tuesday marked the last day of school for Collier County students, including Tommie Barfield Elementary, Marco Island Charter Middle School, and Marco Island Academy on Marco Island. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent Fifth graders made a final "victory lap" around TBE before leaving. Tuesday marked the last day of school for Collier County students, including Tommie Barfield Elementary, Marco Island Charter Middle School, and Marco Island Academy on Marco Island. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
By Lance Shearer, Eagle Correspondent
The classic chant of students on the last day of school begins, "no more pencils, no more books "
But the "teachers' dirty looks" with which it continues hardly seemed to fit Tuesday on Marco Island, as schoolchildren all over the island and throughout Collier County streamed out schoolhouse doors on the last day of classes for the 2015-2016 school year. The looks from teachers to their departing students were fond, and in some cases through eyes damp with a few tears. Teaching is known as a "helping profession" for a reason, and seeing their students head out into the world, either for keeps after graduation, or just for the summer, is an emotional moment.
At Tommie Barfield Elementary, teacher Mabel Pena had a Kleenex in one hand as she led the procession of fifth graders on a victory lap through the halls and around the school just before they departed for the last time. With her other hand, she high-fived a succession of the younger students and proud parents who had come to see their fifth grade students go through the school's traditional "clap out" ceremony.
Fifth grade teacher Marissa Brinson hugged students at the end of the parade, and the end of their elementary school career, before they headed out to waiting school buses in the bus loop, walked home through the school's residential neighborhood, or were whisked away by their parents. Principal Karey Stewart, completing her first year at Tommie Barfield, got some hugs of her own, including from parents of fifth graders.
The next stop for many of those fifth graders, come Aug. 15, when classes resume with the new school year, will be Marco Island Charter Middle School, right next door, and their students finished their last school day on Tuesday just after the elementary schoolkids at TBE. Like students across the county, Marco students had only a half day of school for the last day. Early dismissal, along with allowing the teachers to get their classrooms ready for custodians over the summer, also reflected the reality that there was probably not going to much additional knowledge crammed into the children's heads on that final day.
At MICMS, students listened to principal George Abounader give his last daily message over the public address system, and then poured out through the doors.
"During the summer, when the schools are closed, there's still a lot of work to be done, yet without students, the hallways are empty," said Abounader. "Schools are built for kids. Without them, it's pretty lonely around here."
Here also, hugs were exchanged, particularly among the girls, seeing off classmates for the summer and possibly beyond. Students were due back on campus that evening, for the eighth graduation ceremony and awards presentation, followed by an eighth grade dance. Some eighth grade "graduates," now rising freshmen, will go to Lely High School, some to private schools, and some will stay on the island to attend Marco's newest and other charter school, Marco Island Academy.
The senior class of Marco Island Academy, or MIA, had already finished their secondary education, holding their commencement exercises on Friday, June 3, at the Family Church. Underclassmen, like the younger students who will be moving into their school, had early dismissal on Tuesday, their last day of the school year.
"We're incredibly proud of our school and our students," said MIA principal Melissa Scott. Not only has MIA attained and maintained the "A" ranking that school founder Jane Watt had always said they deserved, making a clean sweep of Marco Island public and charter schools carrying "straight A's," MIA was named to a prestigious list of the most challenging high schools in the country by The Washington Post. "We were recognized as being in the top two percent of America's high schools," said Scott. "We are ranked number 225, out of 22,000 schools."
MIA will be represented in the Ivy League this fall, with senior Kasey Bersh slated to attend Princeton. With a graduation rate of 97.3 percent (compared to a district average of 84.3 percent and a statewide figure of 77.8 percent) MIA will be sending students to challenging institutions of higher education from University of Florida and Florida State University to Colorado State and Michigan State.
Altogether, Collier County Public Schools has 56 schools, 45,000 students, 3,200 teachers, and 2,700 graduates this year. Volunteers numbering 5,500 contributed 429,000 hours to the school system, and the schools served over five million meals.
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By Citizen Contributor,T.R. Kerth
Well, it was just a matter of time, wasnt it? After all, weve been brewing babies at the bottom of test tubes for decades now, so we shouldnt be surprised that somebody finally got around to manufacturing man-made burgers.
The technical term for making test-tube meat in a lab is cultured beef. I guess the only other way to culture beef is to bring cows to the opera, and although you can lead a horse to water, towing an Angus to Aida is another thing altogether.
Anyway, the first faux-flesh patty sizzled on the grill just a few weeks ago though it didnt get rave reviews when it was stuffed into a bun and munched down.
It took almost a million dollars to create the first virtual Whopper, but scientists feel that in a decades time, we should be able to pick them up at the meat market for a lot less. And in time, they should get tastier, too.
Cultured beef begins with stem cells taken from a real, card-carrying cow, which are then grown in a dish and flooded with chemical nutrients. The burgeoning bovine blob is attached to some collagen, then stretched between Velcro points, causing the cells to start organizing into thin strips of muscle. The strips are then exercised with electricity to bulk them up which I guess you could call a high-tech form of pumping ions. Finally, a few thousand strands of lab meat are ground up and mixed with a couple hundred strands of test-tube fat, then pressed into a patty.
Is your mouth watering as much as mine is?
Of course, man-made meat doesnt come without a few wrinkles to iron out. After all, religious groups are already gabbling over whether a bogus burger can be called kosher. Or whether an ersatz slider can be considered a living soul, since it began with a stem cell taken from something that has a face and a family.
And then there are other problems to consider. Once we are cranking out steaks and roasts in the lab, what will we do with all those living livestock herds that we used to slaughter to satisfy our craving for cutlets?
Of course, hordes of hard-hearted pragmatists will insist that once our livestock become pointless, we will have to slaughter them anyway. They will point to the high cost of feeding a cow or a sheep or a pig that has no chance of ever ending up on a plate next to a baked potato.
Some monsters will go so far as to suggest that we discontinue breeding and allow entire races of domesticated critters to lapse into extinction, since they no longer serve any purpose to us. Dodos are defunct, and nobody misses them; why should it be any different with pointless poultry?
Fortunately, those cruel, heartless voices will be stilled by the animal rights activists who will insist that barnyard beasts have a right to live, despite their uselessness. After all, pigs are people too.
In time, Im sure all these issues will be settled, and well be able to have our cow and eat it too, without any blood being shed. We will be able to liberate all those luckless livestock who committed no crime but still had their freedom surrendered. It will be the ultimate Emancipation Proclamation when we shatter the barn-door locks and hinges, sunder the pens and sties, and scatter the herds to the hills.
Imagine how wonderful our world will be when we return Holsteins and Guernseys back to the wild. Im sure they will settle into the forest peacefully among the whitetail deer without turf wars flaring up. The beasts will reach some kind of accord without clashing antlers and horns. Theyll settle their differences without forming gangs like Hells Ruminants, or Cloven-Hoof Disciples. They will graze peacefully as brothers at last.
How beatific it will be when pigs prowl the parkways, when lambs loiter on lawns.
How calming to see chickens roosting free on suburban rooftops, or nesting behind the hose reel by the garage door.
Plant-lovers will rejoice, too. Veggie-rights activists will breathe a sigh of relief when they can fill their plates with test-tube meat, rather than watching the needless slaughter of millions of carrots, peas and beans being ground up into veggie burgers. The sap-bath can end once and for all.
Still, when all meat is manufactured and all barnyard beasts are freed, I suppose there is nothing we can do about the one downside of it all the loss of a musical masterpiece.
Because who would ever teach his child to sing Old MacDonald Had a Farm knowing that he would have to answer the inevitable questions What was a farm, Daddy? And what did they do with all the animals that lived there?
What parent could bear to listen to their heart-rending sobs in the night if we told them the truth about where we got our meat in the world before test-tube beef?
And how long will it take the children of our idyllic future to learn to read if they have panic attacks every time they see the vowels E-I-E-I-O?
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The author splits his time between Naples and Chicago. Not every day, though. Contact him at trkerth@yahoo.com. Why wait a whole week for your next visit to Planet Kerth? Get T.R.s new book, Revenge of the Sardines, available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other fine online book distributors. His column will appear every Friday.
SHARE Chip Gilkes, senior real estate manager for 7-Eleven, seated from left, talks about future development next to, Greg Webb, development project manager for 7-Eleven, Sue Hoy, field consultant for 7-Eleven, Deborah Brown, asset protection for 7-Eleven, during a meeting Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at River Park Community Center in Naples, Fla. The residents assembled to discuss the city-approved construction of a future 7-Eleven in River Park. The project has been met with controversy as representatives from the convenient store franchise fielded questions. (Corey Perrine/Staff) Resident Ida Lawson explains her concerns during a meeting Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at River Park Community Center in Naples, Fla. The residents assembled to discuss the city-approved construction of a future 7-Eleven in River Park. The project has been met with controversy as representatives from the convenient store franchise fielded questions. (Corey Perrine/Staff) Chip Gilkes, senior real estate manager for 7-Eleven, listens to questions during a meeting Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at River Park Community Center in Naples, Fla. The residents assembled to discuss the city-approved construction of a future 7-Eleven in River Park. The project has been met with controversy as representatives from the convenient store franchise fielded questions. (Corey Perrine/Staff) Related Coverage River Park: Suit: Naples violated residents' civil rights with 7-Eleven OK Related Photos 7-Eleven Meeting at River Park Community Center
By Joseph Cranney of the Naples Daily News
River Park residents who oppose a plan to build a 7-Eleven in their Naples neighborhood want the city to accept a traffic alternative that the residents say will increase safety.
City Councilman Doug Finlay said he'll ask the council next week to agree to study the alternative if City Manager Bill Moss says the plan is feasible.
"There's a strong possibility I will be bringing this up," said Finlay, who attended a River Park community meeting Wednesday.
Vice-Mayor Linda Penniman helped organize Wednesday's meeting among residents and four representatives from 7-Eleven, but she didn't commit to endorsing the residents' alternative. She said the city has time to work out the issue because construction on the project at the intersection of Goodlette-Frank Road and Fifth Avenue North won't break ground until next year at the earliest.
"There are probably multiple tools available to us," Penniman said. "I think it's important for everybody to understand that this is just the beginning."
Penniman said she encouraged a neighborhood representative to ask Moss to meet with 7-Eleven engineers to discuss a change of plans.
"Coming up with instant solutions, they don't work," she said.
During Wednesday's hourlong meeting at the River Park Community Center, 7-Eleven executives listened to concerns from an impassioned group of about two dozen residents who filled a small classroom. The increase in traffic caused by the proposed convenience store will cause a safety hazard for children and other pedestrians who often walk or ride bikes on Fifth Avenue North, residents said.
The site now features a strip mall with two businesses. The proposed convenience store would replace that building. To replace the parking lot exit on Fifth Avenue North, residents said, 7-Eleven should install another exit on the south side of the lot that abuts the city property where the Naples police and other departments house their administration.
"If you can open up a way for you to enter and exit off Goodlette, you actually have an agreement with this neighborhood," Antonio Dumornay, who lives at the Gordon River Apartments, told 7-Eleven. "So if you want to be here, take that into consideration."
After the meeting, Collier County Commissioner Penny Taylor, whose district includes the city, and 7-Eleven representatives visited the site where the city would have to build a driveway connecting the 7-Eleven parking lot to Fourth Avenue North.
"For this to work, the city is going to have to make some concessions," said Chip Gilkes, senior real estate representative for 7-Eleven. "It's about the city making a decision to do something."
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Mayor Bill Barnett said it would have to be "looked into further."
"The first thing to decide on that piece of property what is it ever going to be used for and how much is it going to cost?"
Residents criticized Barnett for casting the deciding vote to approve the project on May 18, despite nine residents opposing the project during public comment.
Residents doubled down on their concerns Wednesday. With only one way in and out on Fifth Avenue North, traffic from the 7-Eleven could block off the neighborhood, they said. One resident said most of the neighborhood won't shop at 7-Eleven because they can't afford its products.
And there was the issue of whether the 7-Eleven is a "steppingstone" for a neighborhood-wide redevelopment that would push many of the low-income residents out.
The mostly-black neighborhood has a median income of about $22,600, according to census estimates.
"The general feeling is, the 7-Eleven could be the steppingstone to gentrifying that neighborhood," longtime neighborhood activist Willie Anthony said.
But the ultimate concern was safety.
"My fear is something is going to happen with that 7-Eleven it's going to hurt somebody going down Goodlette Road," said Tonge Lawson, who lives on 13th Street North. "Why can't we alleviate all of that now? Because it's not going to do a service to our community."
By Michael Braun and Ben Brasch, The News-Press
A search for a missing 9-year-old San Carlos Park girl continued Wednesday at multiple locations in Florida.
Jorge Guerrero, a person of interest in the disappearance of Diana Alvarez, was charged in federal court Monday for possession of child pornography. The criminal complaint offered details about a cellphone Guerrero used that was traced to the vicinity of Diana's San Carlos Park home the night she disappeared.
Guerrero is being held in the Lee County Sheriff's Office jail without bond.
With the arrest of Guerrero and discovery of his travels through searches of his cellphone, law enforcement agencies have fanned out across the state searching along the route he took, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
"It stands to reason, and it has been stated in earlier updates, that we have had investigative teams deployed in the field since the beginning of this case," Sgt. Matt McDaniel, public information office for the sheriff's office, said in a news release. "These teams have been out there running the investigative leads down to conclusion."
McDaniel also said investigators will go where leads taken them. He said anywhere Guerrero traveled after Diana was reported missing is of interest to the investigators.
"If that means we need to go to Okeechobee, Glades, Osceola, Orange or any other county or even if it leads out of state, we will investigate tips or clues no matter the direction it takes us," he said.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is assisting in the search, said spokeswoman Carrie Horstman.
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She said their units are searching the Grape Hammock area, which is just off where SR 60 crosses the Kissimmee River.
The charges against Guerrero include allegations that a phone that had been in Guerrero's possession contained multiple images of child pornography. The photographs show intimate parts of a young girl's body, but authorities said in the complaint that the child has not been identified and that some of the images were taken in December 2015.
A federal criminal complaint filed in relation to the charges against Guerrero showed that the phone with the photographs had been thrown away, Guerrero said. It eventually turned up in another man's possession.
Authorities tracked the phone using the assigned phone number and traced it from Orlando to Fort Myers the night before Diana disappeared and placed it in the area of her home between midnight and 3 a.m. May 29, the morning she disappeared, the complaint said.
Records confirm there was communication from the cellphone used by Guerrero to a cellphone in the home used by those who lived there, including Diana, the complaint said. "It appeared the content of the message was deleted from the cellular telephone."
After leaving Lee County early on May 29, the phone was traced to Okeechobee, Yee-Haw Junction, back to Okeechobee and then back to Orlando, according to the complaint.
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Gerald Reiss, Naples
Back Carter, Lucarelli
I recently attended a gathering of citizens and got to know Stephanie Lucarelli and Erick Carter, candidates for the Collier School Board.
I found them to be bright, informed and open-minded individuals. Both have been heavily involved in various aspects of the school system and have been active parents.
They recognize the roles for parents and School Board members, but also realize the proper limits for those roles. It is not for board members to substitute their personal theories, ideologies and biases for those of trained and experienced educators. Rather, it is to set overall policy, establish priorities, hire the best and evaluate their performance.
Every candidate, administrator, teacher, student and citizen to whom I have spoken agrees that the proliferation of testing has been an anathema to the educational system. We look for a simple number to judge the schools, teachers, administrators and school systems. I wish it were that easy.
Tests cannot measure many subjective areas of learning, and yet we seek that magic measure. Unfortunately, some of these same people carefully cherry-pick numbers to prove their favorite point and denigrate those on the front line or those who dare to support the educational system we have.
It seems fashionable to be angry, manipulate the facts and attempt to gain power where they can micromanage and undermine the efforts of educated, trained and earnest educators.
Stephanie Lucarelli and Erick Carter are not in that category. Carefully consider their positions, their calm demeanor and openness to views of all citizens. You will be impressed and they deserve your support.
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Alina Valdes, Pembroke Pines
Disrespect
As a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in District 25 and, more importantly, as a Latina, I find Donald J. Trump's statements about Latinos and women extremely offensive.
We are a diverse group of people who come from many different countries but the vitriol and contempt the presumptive Republican nominee for president has chosen to use goes beyond reason and common sense.
I give credit to the two Republican Cuban representatives from South Florida who have stated they could not vote for Trump for president. However, the third, Mario Diaz-Balart, who currently represents District 25, has given his support for the current presumptive nominee in spite of his hateful and hurtful words. Diaz-Balart is no different than the man he is supporting in spite of the insults Trump has generally placed on a large proportion of this district, which comprises 60 to 70 percent Latinos.
Diaz-Balart has no consideration for the constituents that make up the majority of District 25 and I believe it is time for him to go home and retire from politics. Maybe then he will learn a valuable life's lesson he should have been taught a long time ago ... generalizations about a group of people should not be condoned and should definitely be exposed as the lies they are.
By association, Diaz-Balart is just as guilty of those words as if he had spoken them himself. Is this the type of individual you would want representing you in Congress?
DeAngelis Diamond celebrates their twenty year anniversary this month.Twenty years ago co-founders, John DeAngelis and David Diamond, based the companys mission on seven core values: Faith in God, Honor to Build, Lasting Relationships, Excellence and Quality, Leadership, Healthy Environment and Culture and Integrity. David Diamond quotes, We never take for granted the opportunity each day brings to have a positive influence on everyone we meet and affect a positive change in the world. During our first 20 years we have accomplished so many great things, we are humbled and honored by the faith being put in us by our clients to construct their dreams.
What started out as a small construction management firm grew rapidly into a well-known and respected leader in the construction industry with a highly diverse project portfolio. In 1996, DeAngelis Diamond (DD) completed their first project, the Naples Dodge Car Dealership, a 36,000 sq.ft., $3.2 million project. Today, DeAngelis Diamond has completed 2 billion dollars worth of construction projects throughout Florida and is a top ranked company in the Southeastern United States. DeAngelis Diamonds revenue in 2014 was 137 million dollars and in 2015, 225 million dollars. In 2016, the projected revenue is 300 million dollars.
Headquartered in Naples DeAngelis Diamond has opened four additional offices in Fort Myers, Sarasota, Birmingham, AL and Nashville, TN. Throughout the company, DeAngelis Diamond employs 195 team members. David Diamond and John DeAngelis believe the team members are the industrys most talented people who have helped mold the collaborative, innovative, family oriented, and faith filled culture of the company.
DeAngelis Diamond believes that it is imperative to help improve the world around them through their own time and resources. It is essential that, in doing so, they remain consistent with the companys core values. Those values come to life as each team member takes time to provide a helping hand to those in need. Giving back is so significant to DeAngelis Diamond that each team member is provided two paid days a year to volunteer and support a charity of their choice. DeAngelis Diamond makes it a top priority to support those in need. DD believes that volunteering brings the team members as well as our community together. Over the past 12 months, DeAngelis Diamond employees have volunteered over 20,415 hours in Southwest Florida and the company supports over 350 charities worldwide. Their company motto for service is, To give is greater than to get.
DeAngelis Diamond has received numerous awards including Builder of the Year Awards, Best Places to Work, Sand Dollar, Summit, and Pinnacle Awards as well as annually being ranked on ENRs Top 400 Contractors List.
Throughout the company, DeAngelis Diamond places an emphasis on the safety of their jobsites. DD instills the value that everyone should return home safely at the end of the day. No Deadline, project or workplace activity is worth the risk of injury. The goal on every project is zero incidents.
John DeAngelis says, We are humbled and honored by the faith our clients place in us to build their dreams, and it is truly an honor to build with you all. Rest assured we will be as committed to our values as ever as we look forward to what God has in store for DeAngelis Diamond over the next 20 years.
Non-profit organizations in Collier County are encouraged to mark their calendars for the seventh annual Thinking Outside the Box Lucky 7 seminar.
The free seminar is being presented by Sue Huff of E. Sue Huff & Associates and will be held on Friday, August 19 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Naples Daily News Community Room located at 1100 Immokalee Road in Naples.
The seminar theme this year will be Dont Leave it to Luck. There will be five speakers featured and all will be presenting topics that discuss not leaving marketing or their organizations growth to luck.
Registration will open July 15. For more information about becoming a sponsor of this event, email Sue@ESueHuff.com.
Tammy Garrett: Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalist Meet Tammy Garrett and her cause, Rapahope Children's Retreat Foundation. Tammy is one of four finalists chosen for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian award for her dedication to helping children.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has reached an agreement with First-Citizens Bank & Trust Co. in Raleigh, N.C., to settle alleged fair lending violations.
HUD filed its initial complaint in 2011 after reviewing 2010 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. HUD claims that the bank denied mortgages to African-American and Hispanic mortgage applicants at a disproportionately higher rate than white applicants.
The loans were originally denied by the automated underwriting system and then subsequently denied manually.
HUD argues that its analysis demonstrates "that preferential treatment of white applicants was not sufficiently justified by the identified factors," according to the agreement.
A spokeswoman for First Citizens said that the bank cooperated with HUD's investigation.
"The agreement does not admit any liability and the positive efforts the bank has made in the past and continues to make to providing homeownership opportunities in underserved communities," she said.
As part of the settlement, all First Citizens employees and agents involved substantially in the manual underwriting of mortgages must attend four hours of fair lending training within three months of the agreements and annually thereafter. The training, which can occur via webinar, must be conducted by a HUD-approved independent third party.
First Citizens is also expected to develop and document more standardized, specific and objective guidelines for the manual secondary review process of retail channel residential loan applications that were initially denied by the automated system to prevent against discriminatory judgments.
Additionally, HUD required First Citizens to hire three mortgage banker market specialists to deliver a "special purpose credit product" to metropolitan areas in South Carolina, including Charleston, Columbia and Greenville. The bank must either make at least 50 of these special purpose credit loans or receive at least 125 completed applications for the product in the identified regions, per the agreement.
The special purpose credit product was an existing portfolio loan, previously only offered in North Carolina, designed to help with community lending efforts, the bank's spokeswoman said.
Through the agreement, First Citizens said it will make at least $140,000 available to nonprofit organizations in South Carolina that provide credit and housing counseling, financial literacy training, and related programs to first-time homebuyers. First Citizens further agreed to spend $20,000 during the three-year term of the agreement on affirmative marketing, advertising and outreach to residents in majority-minority communities in South Carolina.
People Are Leaving Chicago In Droves, But They're Leaving NY In Bigger Droves
By Mae Rice in News on Jun 8, 2016 8:32PM
Photo via Roman Boed on Flickr
It's pretty well established that people love to leave the Chicago area. Millionaires are leaving. Non-millionaires are leaving, too, because they can't afford rent. Houston's coming for our title as the U.S.'s third-largest city. People want to get out of Chicago so bad, they routinely leave for Champaign-Urbana. We get it. Sigh.
Or do we? There's a spark of hope on the horizon, sort of. When Americans are making long-distance moves, Chicago isn't the city they're most likely to be leaving, according to a new study of the 50 biggest American cities from Realtor.com. That would be New York! Chicago is only second-most-likely to be left behind.
Here are the Realtor.com rankings, based on Census Bureau migration data from 2009-2013, as well as data from Moving.com and Realtor.com:
Such an honor, to only be second-most abandoned. Seriously, thoughaccording to Realtor.com's chief economist, Jonathan Smokes, there's reason to be excited. Overall, "Chicago is not losing populations and households anymore," he told Chicagoist. Though we're losing residents domestically, our metropolitan areaa sprawling entity that includes portions of Indiana and Wisconsinmore than make up for it by attracting people immigrating other countries.
For a look at where people leave Chicago for, check out Realtor.com's map of the most common long-distance moves in America:
As you can see, Chicagoans tend to leave for Atlanta, Phoenix,and Los Angeles. People are clearly trying to escape Chicago winters as well as Illinois's non-existent state budget and Chicago's hordes of rats! (Weather aside, factors in long-distance moves also include better job opportunities and more affordable housing, the study reports.)
Bomb Exploded In Bathroom Of Evanston Target Wednesday
By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 9, 2016 5:20PM
Target (Photo by Mike Mozart via the Creative Commons on Flickr)
A small bomb exploded Wednesday in the women's bathroom of a Target Store in Evanston.
The bathroom explosion comes at a time when the company is being criticized by conservative Christians for its transgender-friendly bathroom-usage policy, but police said in a statement that there's no indication that the explosion was related to store policies. Target issued a statement April 19 that transgender visitors can use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m., causing minor damage and no injuries. According to a statement from police, the explosion appears to have been caused by a plastic bottle that was found leftover in the stall. Police said "no threats or other suspicious activity" have been associated with the store before or after the explosion. Police took a 44-year-old woman into custody as a person of interest in the investigation, but no charges have been filed.
We have reached out to Evanston police and Target for comment and will update as new information becomes available.
[H/T WGN]
Update: Evanston Police Department announced Saturday charges against West Humboldt Park woman Heidi E. Schmidt, 44. Police recovered items from the scene commonly mixed to produce a high. No evidence was found to support a hate-crime motive against Target's bathroom policy.
Chicago! You Ready To Get Your First Taste Of The New Belgium Fat Tire & Friends CollaBEERation Series?
By Sponsor in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 9, 2016 5:00AM
This Saturday, June 11th, from 6-10pm, New Belgium Chicago is celebrating all things collaboration at Galerie F for the Art Bike Program. The event features Sick Fisher with an after-party at Emporium Arcade Bar. Tickets are still available HERE.
For the 25th Anniversary of their flagship Fat Tire Amber Ale, theyve invited a few of their brewing friends to help them celebrate the beer that helped change American craft forever with a special variety 12-pack, with 5 variations of the amber ale, including:
Allagash Brewing Company (Portland, ME) - Fat Funk Ale features a De Dolle house Belgian yeast strain,which adds pear, banana and spice to Fat Tires malty goodness. Expect notes of stone fruit, sweet tart and peppercorn.
- Fat Funk Ale features a De Dolle house Belgian yeast strain,which adds pear, banana and spice to Fat Tires malty goodness. Expect notes of stone fruit, sweet tart and peppercorn. Avery Brewing (Boulder, Colo.) - Fat Wild Ale focuses on a fruit-forward hop bill featuring Huell Melons and a dose of brett evoking notes of apricot and pineapple.
- Fat Wild Ale focuses on a fruit-forward hop bill featuring Huell Melons and a dose of brett evoking notes of apricot and pineapple. Firestone Walker (Paso Robles, CA) - Fat Hoppy Ale focuses on what Firestone Walker does best - big beautiful hop forward ales. Fat Hoppy has a light malty sweetness initially, with a subtle bitterness in the middle that lingers ever-so-slightly.
- Fat Hoppy Ale focuses on what Firestone Walker does best - big beautiful hop forward ales. Fat Hoppy has a light malty sweetness initially, with a subtle bitterness in the middle that lingers ever-so-slightly. Hopworks Urban Brewery (Portland, OR) - Fat Sour Apple Ale starts out with a snap of tartness, courtesy of Lactobacillus and apple juice, then gets balanced with Fat Tire-inspired malty sweetness and slight herbal bitterness.
- Fat Sour Apple Ale starts out with a snap of tartness, courtesy of Lactobacillus and apple juice, then gets balanced with Fat Tire-inspired malty sweetness and slight herbal bitterness. Rhinegeist Brewery (Cincinnati, OH) - Fat Pale Ale focuses on two components: Rhinegeist Brewers malt interpretation of Fat Tire married with the fruity, wild, almost wine like character of Fiction. Together they offer up a slightly bready, biscuity and slightly toast malt backbone combined with fruity Southern Hemisphere hops and abundant fruity esters from the strain of Belgian yeast that Rhinegeist used.
Not only is New Belgium unveiling their new beers, but they're also introducing the Chicago muralist and painter, Sick Fisher. Fisher has partnered with the brewery to create the one-of-a-kind 2016 Detroit Bike New Belgium Cruiser Art Bike & the Tour de Fat mural. Come out, enjoy some beers, win cool stuff, watch the short documentary on Fisher's relationship with Chicago, and view some of his beautiful work.
Tickets are $15, which gets you beer samples, a raffle ticket, and a gift from New Belgium. Proceeds go to support Active transportation Alliance.
The raffle offers a chance to win a brand new 2016 Brewing Detroit Bike Cruiser, a Sick Fisher painting, and a gift card from Galerie F! The raffle winners will be announced at 10:30pm at Emporium in Logan Square.
Additional raffle tickets will be available at Galerie F and at the Emporium Arcade Bar after-party.
Grab your tickets today!
*Must be 21 to participate
This post is brought to you by New Belgium.
Did You Leave Chicago For New York? Tell Us Why
By Mae Rice in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 9, 2016 2:27PM
Photo via Marty Gabel on Flickr
Chicago's population isn't actually shrinking, but if you live here, you know a personor, more likely, 20 peoplewho have left. People are always leaving Chicago for greener pastures, and New York is the most threateningly green pasture of them all: a city that's bigger than Chicago, with arguably better public transit and also Hamilton.
New York isn't the city Chicagoans leave for most oftenthat would be Champaign-Urbanabut still, it's the third-most common destination for Chicagoans abandoning ship. More than 6,000 people left Chicago for New York from 2009 to 2013, according to census data, and we want to know why. We know on a general level (jobs, money, Hamilton, people not realizing Big Star has breakfast tacos now), but we want specifics.
So: If you've left Chicago for New York, we want you to email us at tips@chicagoist.com. Use the subject line "Chicago vs. New York," and tell us the following:
* Your name and age
* When you moved to New York
* What prompted you to move to New York
* What's better about New York
* What you miss about Chicago
* Whether you regret the move
We'll publish the most scintillating responses in a postand we have no doubt you guys are going to scintillate our faces off. The last time we asked for reader input, you did NOT let us down.
(As delivered)
Thank you so much. Thank you Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
It is great to be back here in The Hague and to meet with you and to discuss how we prepare for the NATO Summit in Warsaw in July.
And The Netherlands is really a committed NATO Ally.
You contribute in so many different ways to our collective defence here in Europe, but also to projecting stability to our neighbourhood. Because if our neighbourhood is stable, we are more secure.
And I thank you for your many contributions to so many different parts of the efforts of the NATO Alliance.
We discussed the preparations for the NATO Summit in Warsaw in July. And that will be a landmark Summit because NATO has to respond to a more challenging security environment, both with a more assertive Russia in the east but also with all the turmoil and instability in the south.
And I welcome the strong determination in the Alliance to adapt our collective defence and deterrence posture to a more demanding security environment in Europe.
We are going to increase our forward presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. We have agreed that the forward presence will be an multinational presence.
And I also welcome that we have been able to increase our readiness of our forces. We have established a new High Readiness Joint Task Force and as I said the Netherlands is really contributing to this enhanced readiness of our NATO forces.
We are also addressing the challenges we see to the south. And we have to further develop the way we are projecting stability to our neighbourhood when we meet at the Summit in Warsaw. This is about enabling local forces to fight terrorism themselves, to stabilise their own countries, and we can help them, train them, build local capacity so that they are able to stabilise their own countries.
I think its also important that NATO has been able to be part of the international efforts to cut the lines of illegal migration over the Aegean Sea. And again, the Netherlands is contributing, you have a ship in the Aegean and we have seen a significant reduction in the numbers of crossings partly because of the NATO presence but also of course because of the agreement with the European Union and Turkey.
So I welcome this broadening international effort to cope with the migrant and refugee crisis and the Netherlands being part of that.
We are also stepping up our cooperation with the European Union and we have seen that we have been able to make progress in the last months. We have reached an agreement on an arrangement on cyber with the EU and we were also able to agree on how to share information, NATO and the EU, connected to our activities in the Aegean Sea. And this has created a new momentum and I look forward to the Summit because the aim is to be able to lift the EU-NATO cooperation to a new level at the Summit.
A precondition for us being able to respond to a more demanding security environment both with enhanced collective defence and increased capabilities to project stability to our neighbourhood is that we have to invest more in our defence.
And I commend you for your efforts in increasing the Dutch defence spending. This is important because its part of a broader NATO effort to make god on the pledge we made two years ago in Wales. And now it is important that we deliver. And I welcome your efforts. And we all know that this is a first step towards increased investments in our collective defence and our shared security. And Im looking forward to working together with you on this and other issues as we approach the Warsaw Summit.
Thank you.
MODERATOR: Thank you. First question for Het Nieuwsblad.
Q: Mr. Stoltenberg you mentioned it that other landmark summit in Wales where the member states pledged to bring back their defence budgets towards the 2 % NATO norm. So in that respect if you look at the defence spendings in the Netherlands the budget stuck at 1.13 %, do you think the Netherlands is doing enough?
JENS STOLTENBERG (NATO Secretary General): It is important to remember what we decided in Wales at our summit in 2014. We decided to do actually three things. The first step was to stop the cuts. The second step was to have a real increase in defence spending and the third step was to aim at 2 % within a decade. So no one expects all NATO allies to reach 2 % this year or next year. What we expect is that NATO allies are able to stop the cuts and then gradually increase defence spending in real terms and then aim at 2 %. And the Netherlands has been able to stop the cuts, the Netherlands has been able to start with a real increase in defence spending and then we all know that we have a long way to go to reach the 2 % and I expect that the Netherlands will continue to increase and also increase as percentage of GDP. But I think that where we now are in 2016, which is the second year after we made the pledge, to see that the Netherlands but also several other NATO allies have been able to stop the cuts and then start to increase is at least a good beginning but then I expect even more in the years to come.
MODERATOR: Second question, NOS.
Q: Yeah Mr. Jens Stoltenberg and maybe Mr. Mark Rutte you can comment as well. As you know next year we have elections in Holland, still lots of parties hesitate to invest on a bigger scale in our defence. What do you think of that? And for you Mark Rutte this government increased spending on defence, do you think future governments should continue?
JENS STOLTENBERG: So first of all I understand that its hard in a way to increase defence spending because all politicians and most people I meet they would prefer to spend money on health, on education, on infrastructure and many other areas. But we need to invest in our defence because defence is a pre-condition for the safety, the security and it is the only way to secure peace. We need strong defence not because we want to fight a war but we need strong defence because we want to prevent the war. So we are investing in our defence not to provoke a conflict but to prevent a conflict. And then I would also like to underline that what we have seen is that after the end of the Cold War there was a decline in defence spending over a long period of time, over many years. And I have to admit that when I was Minister of Finance in Norway I was actually responsible for cutting defence spending and that was in the 1990s. But then tensions went down and I think its possible to decrease defence spending when tensions are going down as long as youre able to increase defence spending when tensions are going up. And tensions are going up, we are living in a more dangerous world, we see a more assertive Russia to the east and we see all the turmoil and the violence to the south. So then as Prime Minister I also started to increase defence spending, so the thing is that its okay to reduce when tensions are going down as long as were able to increase defence spending when tensions are going up and thats what I expect NATO allies to do.
MARK RUTTE (Netherlands Prime Minister): Yes and on, I completely agree. Since 2015 spending on defence has been increased again, I do believe that over the next years we need to find room to go further. I of course cannot go into the details of the budget for 2017, thats still being debated in cabinet but as you know and we also pledged it in parliament, if you want to take a multi-year approach which over the years will increase defence spending further based on the [inaudible] of a Member of Parliament. Then secondly it is not just a question of money, I do believe that theres a dual track approach, one more money yes absolutely but secondly also making sure that the money is spent as efficiently as we can. And in that sense smart cooperation is key, also here the Wales Summit was crucial. And then we discussed of course pooling resources, how we can modernize our defence capabilities and therefore be better equipped also in the light of todays but also tomorrows threats.
MODERATOR: Final question, BNR
Q: Mr. Stoltenberg, the RAND Corporation and former Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer tell us its not easy to defend NATO territory at the moment when Russia tries to intervene, within 60 hours the Russians can be in the cities of Poland and the three Baltic states. First question, do you agree? Second question, is NATO ready to station permanently heavy weaponry in those countries?
JENS STOLTENBERG: NATO is able and ready to defend all allies against any threats and thats also the reason why we are now adapting our military posture. We have already implemented the biggest reinforcement to our collective defence since the end of the Cold War as a response to a more assertive Russia and the turmoil we see in the south with ISIL, Iraq, Syria, North Africa. And I think it is important to remember that what we have done now is a series of different decisions and we have implemented those decisions. One thing is to increase the readiness of our forces; we have tripled the size of the NATO Response Force. Then as part of that we have established a new very high readiness joint task force, Netherlands is part of that. We have established eight small headquarters in the eastern allied countries, they are important for planning, they are important for creating the, a good relationship between national forces and multi-national NATO forces and they will also play a key role when it comes to reinforcements, if needed. Then we will decide to increase our presence in the eastern part of the alliance. Our military planners have put forward a proposal with several battalions in different eastern allied countries and I expect the summit to make decisions on exactly how were going to follow up that recommendation.
Q: Will the Netherlands be prepared to contribute to that force actually?
MARK RUTTE: Well we are currently discussing how we can best contribute to all the new initiatives. I have no announcements to make now but we will over the coming weeks take decisions on that.
MODERATOR: Okay thank you. Thank you for being here and have a great afternoon.
Students with verifiable prescription will gain instant doctor approval
Big Pharma hopes vending machines will convince more people to take their meds
Americans are now so over-drugged that picking up their drugs is just too much work
(NaturalNews) Accessing pharmaceutical drugs at Arizona State University (ASU) will soon be as quick and easy as getting a candy bar, with an "ATM-like" drug vending machine slated for installation at the school's Health Services Building in the coming weeks.Reports indicate that the 1,500-pound machine, manufactured by Minnesota-based InstyMeds, will dispense all sorts of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications in lieu of the campus pharmacy, which was officially closed.Instead of having to drive to local pharmacies to pick up their meds, students with special, doctor-issued vouchers and corresponding identification codes will be able to push a few buttons and have their drugs dispensed immediately from a giant box, similar to how DVD movies are obtained from Redbox machines.According to reports, the machine will be wired over a secure connection that will allow doctors to communicate with it. Students with verifiable prescriptions will be able to gain instant doctor approval for their meds, which have to be picked up within 24 hours of verification."This is a great solution for students who want to access their medications right after their appointment," stated Christiana Moore, a health services spokeswoman, to 12 News-TV in Phoenix, as relayed byThough some 100,000 people die every year from prescription drugs , according to data compiled by the Institute of Medicine (IoM), a big concern within the drug industry is that not enough patients are regularly taking their meds.One of the reasons, the industry claims, is that it's just too inconvenient for some patients to have to drive down the street to one of the dozens of pharmacy chain locations littering the retail corridors to pick up their meds. Vending machines make this apparently tasking duty that much easier.The InstyMeds company actually uses this as a selling point, pointing to its machines as an easier alternative to, as 12 News-TV puts it, "the inconvenience of going to the pharmacy every month.""InstyMeds dramatically improves prescription fill rates and reduces the downstream costs associated with patient noncompliance," explains the company in a drier and more corporate tone.If having to pick up one's meds from the local pharmacy every month is now too "inconvenient," what does this say about the true health of our nation? Are Americans now so over-drugged that even the act of accessing them is too much work?So while it is still unnecessarily difficult or even illegal for many Americans to access life-giving medicines like raw milk and medical cannabis, it will soon be easier than ever for America's pharmaceutical junkies to get their next toxic fix.Because the machines also dispense OTC drugs like pain pills and acid blockers, there is also the potential for abuse by welfare recipients as well. Onecommenter who claims to work with an InstyMeds machine , presumably at Florida State University (FSU) where the only other InstyMeds currently in use is located, says:"It is ... abused by those of Medicaid (welfare) as they use it to get medications that are easily available over the counter, like Tylenol, at considerable expense to the tax paying public, who pays the bills."
(NaturalNews) Genetically modified crops are beginning to lose their appeal in Latin America because of the unstoppable spread of herbicide-resistant superweeds, according to one expert, former DuPont agronomist Alberto Bianchi.Soybeans are one of the most prolific and prominent crops throughout Latin America, and this is especially true in Brazil and Argentina, according to. But the crop could fail to generate billions of dollars in annual income and might even cease to be competitive and attractive to farmers throughout the region if there are new herbicides to combat the glyphosate-resistant superweeds.That warning comes from Bianchi, who is now a private consultant in Argentina who no longer works for DuPont. Bianchi says that soy has passed out of the "extreme simplicity for weed control" stage and into a much more complex stage because of the "repeated use of pretty much the same product," which is glyphosate (used most commonly in commercial crops to control broadleaf weeds).Bianchi says he believes that, especially over the past five years, "there has been a violent spread of a great many species of [resistant superweeds], often types that plague large expanses of Argentina."Prior to the introduction of RR soybeans -- that is, Roundup Ready soybeans, compliments of agri-giant Monsanto -- and until about four years ago, Bianchi says, "one or two types of superweed were identified that were known" for being difficult to get rid of, and which "attracted the attention of the whole world." However, "[n]ow there is another group of threats," he says, which are appearing in different regions of Argentina where soybeans are cultivated, from the border with Bolivia in the north to the south of the Buenos Aires province.He says the emergence of these new superweeds , which are "very strong and resistant to glyphosate application," is being seen in all regions, albeit with variations in type. That is "a serious problem," Bianchi said, noting "without euphemisms" that the situation today is "worse than before" the world was introduced to GMO soybeans resistant to glyphosate; the elimination of superweeds is becoming far more complex.This is mostly because, today, "the superweeds are stronger than before," he says, adding that some "are already resistant to herbicides that were used before." That limits the range of possible products to use now.Bianchi says the other part of the problem lies in the fact that "the chemical industry, the generator of all of these technologies, has not launched a new herbicide with a new mode of action for almost 30 years." As a result, "today we have to fight pests worse than 15 or 20 years ago, but with fewer weapons than we had before." That problem not only affects soybean crops, he said, but also "other crops as well."That said, "soybean is a major crop that occupies more than 20 million acres and draws attention from all over the world," Bianchi noted.The United States is experiencing its own glyphosate-related superweed problem. In 2012,reported that weed resistance had spread to more than 12 million acres of American farmland, mostly in the southeast, along with the corn- and soybean-growing areas of the Midwest."Many of the worst weeds, some of which grow more than six feet and can sharply reduce crop yields, have become resistant to the popular glyphosate-based weed-killer Roundup, as well as other common herbicides,"said.It wasn't as if the problem was not foreseen.Former FDA Food Advisory Committee member Marion Nestle, writing inMay 2012, stated that she was on the panel when it approved production of genetically modified foods in 1990."At the time, critics repeatedly warned that widespread planting of GM crops modified to resist Monsanto's weed-killer, Roundup, were highly likely to select for 'superweeds' that could withstand treatment with Roundup," Nestle wrote.The critics were right.
Who sets the standard?
E.U. has the strictest pesticide standards anywhere
Fixing America's corroding infrastructure
Alternative water sources
(NaturalNews) Although the U.S. is regarded as a developed nation, its infrastructure often does not provide Americans with safe drinking water . In wake of the Flint, Michigan incident, where state and federal regulators permitted the public to drink water contaminated with lead , it would be wise for the U.S. to take note of the water drinking standards of the European Union (E.U.).Most Americans are unaware of how big a problem contaminated water in the U.S. has become. The water crisis isn't limited to Flint, Michigan. More than 156,000 water systems provide tap water to around 320 million Americans through a network of corroding pipes spanning 700,000 miles. The pipes have alloys, which contaminate the water with lead over time.Most of the pipes and mains in the U.S. are over one hundred years old. Experts agree that the aging U.S. water infrastructure is a problem that needs immediate action. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issued a report about America's infrastructure in 2013, which concluded that much of the drinking water infrastructure is approaching the ends of its useful lifespan. "In this country, 44% of America's water infrastructure will be considered poor, very poor, or life elapsed," said Susan Story, President and CEO of American Water Works (AWK).Water drinking standards are different across the globe. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the drinking water standards. Current standards encompass inorganic (IOCs), volatile organic (VOCs), semi-volatile organic (SOCs), disinfection byproducts, microbials, and radiological contaminants, according to the National Drinking Water Cleaning House. Not all countries abide by U.S. drinking standards, however. A review of members of the E.U. reveals that some countries monitor far more contaminants than the U.S. does.The Drinking Water Directive sets the standards for drinking water in the E.U. Approximately 48 microbiological, chemical and indicator parameters have to be constantly monitored and tested. When the Drinking Water Directive is applied at the national level, member states of the E.U. can add more requirements, such as regulating an additional substance pertinent to an area, or setting even higher standards. However, member states are not permitted to set lower standards.The E.U. has the strictest pesticide standards in the world. Instead of attempting to regulate every single type of pesticide and its stringent, the E.U. has a maximum limit of 0.1 ug/L for every pesticide and metabolite. Pesticide concentrations cannot surpass 0.5 ug/L. If the U.S. were to adopt the drinking standards of the E.U., many water suppliers would have to purchase carbon or membrane technology, which would significantly raise the price of water production.The regulation of organic compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen, otherwise known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is more complex in the E.U too. Like pesticides, contaminate concentrations cannot exceed certain standards.Germany has set the standard for endocrine altering chemicals like polybrominated biphenyls and terphenyls. The country is at the forefront of research into endocrine disruptors , and recognizes the chemicals in their drinking laws. They have set standards for polychlorinated and polybrominated biphenyls (PCBs and PBBs ), which have been used to poison people in places like Michigan. As Germany continues to investigate endocrine disrupting chemicals, additional standards will likely be created for brominated compounds and other classes of Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SOCs).The Drinking Water Directive also demands a flow of data to consumerssomething the EPA failed to do after they flooded the Animas River with 3 million gallons of toxic sludge early last year. Furthermore, in the E.U., drinking water quality must be reported to the European Commission every three years. The Commission compares the quality of the water reported to the standards set by the Drinking Water Directive. They then produce a synthesis report, which outlines the quality of the drinking water and how it can be improved.The U.S. falls short of the drinking standards set by the E.U. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), 40 out of 50 state water managers fear that they will have a water supply problem within the next ten years. These concerns have only intensified in light of recent events in Flint, Michigan.In other words, America's infrastructure needs fixing but it won't be cheap. The American Water Works Association estimates it will cost over $1 trillion to replace all the pipes in U.S. over the next decade.America's water crisis isn't limited to just a corroding infrastructure either. Most water in the United States comes from groundwater and surface water. The demand for groundwater has increased along with the growth of the population over the last few decades. Consequently, many communities are exhausting groundwater just to fulfill their daily needs. As a corollary, groundwater depletion has become a major problem for these residential colonies.In F.Y. 2016, the EPA announced that it needed $2.3 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), a federal-state program to help ensure clean drinking water. Since state and federal agencies have failed to secure safe drinking water in the past, why trust them now? More to the point, what sources can be trusted?To decrease the reliance on groundwater, many people across the globe are using rainwater harvesting systems. Until recently, rainwater was primarily used as a source of drinking water in rural regions. The foremost benefit of rainwater is that it is devoid of both natural and man-made contaminants. In addition, rainwater is easy to maintain, lowers water bills, works for irrigation, minimizes soil erosion, and can be used for purposes other than drinking. Although rainwater collection and filtration systems are expensive in the short-term, they help reduce high water bills in the long-term.Because of strict standards, members of the E.U. reap the benefits of high-quality water. By contrast, the infrastructure of the United States is corroding, and state regulators consistently fail to ensure clean water for its citizens. As a result, it's time that Americans seek alternative sources of water and hold the EPA accountable for its shortcomings . In short: think before you drink.
'It is our 100 percent belief that Jeff did not commit suicide'
'Where would the world of autism be without Jeff Bradstreet?'
(NaturalNews) Nearly one year has passed since Dr. Jeffrey Bradstreet, a renowned physician known for his skepticism of immunizations (particularly the MMR vaccine) and his progressive autism research was found dead, floating in a North Carolina river with a single gunshot wound Leading up to his death, Bradstreet was working with a highly controversial molecule that occurs naturally within the human body and is believed to be capable of treating and reversing autism.Researchers claim that GcMAF (Globulin component Macrophage Activating Factor) , which becomes the GC protein after combining with vitamin D in the body, is effective for treating HIV, diabetes and diseases of the liver and kidneys. More importantly, GcMAF experts predict that the natural molecule has the potential to be a Due to the controversial nature of Bradstreet's research, as well as the fact that his office was raided by officials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the days leading up his death, the physician's family hired a private investigator in hopes of finding the truth about Bradstreet's untimely demise.Finally, new details regarding Bradstreet's death have been revealed through a recent interview conducted by the producer of the documentary. Polly Tommey sat down with Bradstreet's baby brother Thom and his lovely wife Candice at the AutismOne conference held towards the end of last month at the Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois.Thom said that while the family knew in their hearts that Bradstreet was murdered, it wasn't until they had the opportunity to review the case forensically that they realized the evidence supports their theory that his death was in no possible way a suicide, as has been reported by police and the mainstream media "People who knew him knew he would never take his own life," said Thom, adding that information uncovered by a forensic scientist hired by the family validates that conjecture. After meeting with the medical examiner and reviewing case files and photographs, the private forensic scientist ruled that Bradstreet's death was absolutely not a suicide."It is our 100 percent belief that Jeff did not commit suicide. Not only because of who Jeff was as a person, but because we looked at the science of it; we looked at the medical proof and it's just not possible that Jeff took his own life," commented Thom."Unfortunately, there's an ongoing investigation so there's not a lot we can share about the specifics. But the way the bullet entered into the body, it's almost impossible for an individual to do that and it was far enough away that it left no tattooing, no significant burn marks or anything like that."Bradstreet's younger brother noted that while it would be easy to say the murder was a conspiracy due to his controversial (and highly effective) work, they can't yet say for sure, adding that they must know for sure before reaching any conclusions regarding the perpetrator(s)' identity.The family said that while they are still overcome with immense sadness, they know that Bradstreet is in heaven because he was a "great man of faith" who loved God."The sadness is to know that there's all these parents out here, existing patients of Jeff or recently diagnosed, where do they go? Where would the world of autism be without Jeff Bradstreet ? [Without] his 20 years of knowledge and input and experience, where would we be?" asked Thom.The Bradstreets asked the public for patience while they attempt to uncover who may have been behind their loved one's death."Have patience. Be in prayer. Stay actively involved in the world of autism," said Thom, adding that supporting projects likeis a great way to continue Bradstreet's legacy.(Photo credit: AutismOne/Facebook)
More vaccination, more infant death
What is causing these deaths?
(NaturalNews) Wealthy countries that require the highest number of vaccines for children under the age of 1 also have the highest rates of death in that age group, according to a study conducted by an independent computer scientist and a researcher from the Think Twice Global Vaccine Institute, and published in the journalin 2011.The study stemmed from the recognition that while the U.S. vaccine schedule calls for more vaccine doses than any other country, the United States still ranks 34th among nations in terms of infant mortality.For the purposes of the study, the researchers defined a "vaccine dose" as "an exact amount of medicine or drug to be administered." Thus, triple vaccines such as DTaP or MMR are each considered to be three vaccine doses, since three drugs are being given at the same time.The U.S. vaccine schedule calls for 26 vaccine doses before age 1.The researchers collected infant mortality rates (IMRs) for the top 34 countries in the world. Four of the countries Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino had so few infant deaths (fewer than five) that their IMRs were considered statistically unreliable, so these countries were excluded from the analysis.For the remaining 30 countries, a higher number of required vaccine doses was associated with a higher IMR refuting the argument that a higher number of vaccinations improves overall infant health.In fact, most of the vaccines recommended for children under age 1 are not intended to prevent diseases that are dangerous in that age group. Instead, U.S. vaccine policy emphasizes vaccinating children at as young an age as possible, including against diseases that are only dangerous later in life.The countries were then divided into five different groups, depending on how many vaccine doses they require for children under age 1: 1214 doses, 1517 doses, 1820 doses, 2123 doses and 2426 doses. The researchers found that countries in the 1214 dose group had significantly better (lower) IMRs than countries in the 2123 or 2426 groups.The researchers noted that many factors contribute to IMR, which is considered one of a country's most important public health indicators. Poor countries tend to have high IMRs because of the absence or poor distribution of basic health services and infrastructure, including sanitation. Infectious diseases tend to be more common in these countries, largely because of that same poor health infrastructure and poor nutrition.In wealthier countries, however such as those examined in the current study the factors contributing to IMRs may be less clear. For example, the United States saw an increase in premature births between 1990 and 2006, but this increase is not sufficient to explain the country's unusually high IMR for a wealthy nation."It appears that at a certain stage in nations' movement up the socio-economic scaleafter the basic necessities for infant survival (proper nutrition, sanitation, clean water, and access to health care) have been meta counter-intuitive relationship occurs between the number of vaccines given to infants and infant mortality rates : nations with higher (worse) infant mortality rates give their infants, on average, more vaccine doses," the researchers wrote."This ... elicits an important inquiry: are some infant deaths associated with over-vaccination?"The researchers note that even in poorer countries, high levels of vaccination do not seem associated with a good IMR. For example, Gambia requires 22 vaccine doses before age 1, and has a vaccine compliance rate of 9197 percent, but still has an IMR of 68.8. Mongolia also requires 22 doses , with a compliance rate of 9598 percent, but still has an IMR of 39.9."These examples appear to confirm that IMRs will remain high in nations that cannot provide clean water, proper nutrition, improved sanitation, and better access to health care," the researchers noted.
A photo captured by Tim Samuel literally gives us a picture of what it's like to be trapped inside a jellyfish's body. And somehow, it seems to look like either instant regret or joy.
The Australian photographer was snorkeling with his friend, videographer Franny Plumridge, in Byron Bay, a protected marine park, when he came across the surprising scene.
"There were no other fish in sight," he told CNN by phone. "I just stumbled upon it."
According to CNN, Samuel followed the jellyfish for almost 30 minutes, before he was able to take photos of the unusual sight. Based on his observation, he swore the fish was alive and was actually trying to control the movement of the jelly fish.
In an interview with CNET, he said: "It seemed completely trapped in there, like it had somehow managed to swim inside and then was unable to back itself out."
"The fish was able to propel the jellyfish forward and controlled its movement to an extent. The jellyfish threw it off-balance though, and they would wobble around, and sometimes get stuck doing circles."
While he swore he badly wanted to free the poor fish, Samuel said he just went on and let nature decide for itself.
He posted some of the shots on various social media platforms, and it immediately went viral.
T R A P P E D - Woke up this morning to my phone going crazy due to one my photos being reposted by @discoverocean. Here's another photo from that day. I found this fish trapped inside a Jellyfish while freediving in Byron Bay. He was trapped in there but controlled where the Jellyfish was moving. Prints are available through my website - link in bio A photo posted by Tim Samuel (@timsamuelphotography) on Jun 3, 2016 at 4:34pm PDT
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, a fish biologist at the Centre for Marine Science at the University of Queensland told Australian Geographic that the fish looks like it could be a juvenile trevally.
"It's difficult to tell whether disaster has just struck, or whether the fish is happy to be in there," said Tibbetts.
"Although by the photographer's description of the fish swimming, my guess is that it is probably quite happy to be protected in there," he added.
Juvenile trevally usually intentionally seek protection among jellyfish, as it provides them with protection from predation from other fish.
The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully tested a technology for detecting gravitational pull during a true freefall of two cubed objects encased in a metal casing. This probe will lead to the development of a space-based observatory to hunt gravitational waves from the planet, scientists said.
ESA's Laser Interferometre Space Antenna (Lisa) Pathfinder held two small cubes independent from each other, during the experiment, the cubes only relied on gravity. This set-up now holds the record for a true freefall. According to the scientists involved with the mission, it had 'exceeded expectations' and paved the way for ESA to develop their future plans in searching for gravitational waves.
"Only by reducing and eliminating all other sources of disturbance we could observe the most perfect free fall ever created," said Professor Karsten Danzmann, director at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics, in a statement published by Daily Mail. "With LISA Pathfinder we have created the quietest place known to humankind," Danzmann added.
From the result of the experiments, scientists are hopeful that they will be able to build a space-based gravitational wave observatory, which is expected to obtain more data as compared to Earth-borne equipment. According to the same report, this breakthrough finding will help the future of astronomy by allowing scientists to detect even the weakest signals in space such as black holes and dark matter.
Because gravitational waves are invisible, they are a bit difficult to detect. These are ripples in space-time as suggested by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity, according to a report by Space.com. But according to experts, the ripples or gravitational waves can be detected using precise equipment just like the proposed space-based observatory.
ESA plans to launch the new observatory in 2034 using the freefalling technology recently showcased by LISA and the two cubes who successfully completed freefalling relying on gravity alone.
You might want to stay out of the beach for now.
A tiny marine pest identified as the sea lice has recently been found in Gulf Coast beaches, mainly along the Florida panhandle.
According to ABC 7, the tiny pests have already been confirmed in Florida's South Walton and Santa Rosa Beaches.
The Florida Department of Public Health said the sea lice--also known as "sunbather's eruption"--have been a problem for those residing near Florida's southern Atlantic coastline as early as eleven years ago. But the lack of research about this resulted in zero improvement since the day it was first identified in the area.
Accounts from the department stated that sea lice are small parasites found in warm waters. They are jellyfish larvae that sting like adult jellyfish. Both belong to Cnidarians, a group of marine animals that contain stinging structures, according to marine biologists at the University of Miami.
The parasite, which is as small as a ground pepper, is visible to the naked eye, but is almost impossible to see when in water. Because of their size, they often get trapped in swimmers' bathing suits. Its fabric can act like a net that captures the organisms.
A person who gets in contact with the sea lice will develop rashes. Some cases, according to CNN, can have severe flu-like symptoms that can last for weeks. For mild cases, rashes can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-itch lotions.
Scott Jackson, the Sea Grant extension agent for Bay County, said in an interview with News Herald that no one really knows how long the sea lice will stay in the waters or whether they will spread east to Bay County.
"It depends on environmental conditions," he said.
Classical art market growing
The Grand View sale of old Chinese artworks made 667 million yuan, exceeding the modern art total for the first time since the sale's launch. Lin Qi reports.
On May 15, the Grand View night sale of Chinese paintings and calligraphy, staged twice a year by Beijing-based China Guardian Auctions, saw a packed salesroom. So those who arrived late had to stand in the back. When the first part of the sales event - comprising modern works - ended, many walked out of the room, leaving dozens of empty seats.
But that meant the most exciting part of the auction was just about to get started.
The second section, comprising classical works, typically referring to pieces produced during and before the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), generated three big transactions that night.
Jushi Tie, a letter by Song Dynasty (960-1279) politician Zeng Gong, grossed 207 million yuan ($31 million); a calligraphy album in caoshu (a running script) by Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) calligrapher Song Ke sold for 92 million yuan and an album of calligraphed Buddhist sutras, poems and paintings by Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and later scholars fetched 57.5 million yuan.
In the classical art section - where 15 of the total of 45 pieces remained unsold - the total takings were 667 million yuan, exceeding the modern art takings for the first time since the Grand View sale was launched in 2011.
The results of the Grand View sale reinforce the impression that the market for classical Chinese art, which has been stable over the past decade, is growing.
The classical Chinese art market is becoming bigger slowly even as other categories, including contemporary art and modern Chinese paintings and ceramics that used to produce record prices in the boom years around 2008, have continued to slide.
This is because of sluggishness in the Chinese art market since 2014 as the country's economy cools, driving away buyers looking for quick profits.
Jushi Tie was sold to Chinese media mogul Wang Zhongjun and the buyer of Song Ke's album is Zhang Xiaojun from Shanxi province. Both are avid collectors of contemporary art, and hence their successful bids were seen as surprising.
But Beijing-based art market expert Ji Tao said in a recent blog that collectors are diversifying their purchases, and the successful bids by Wang and Zhang indicate that due to a shortage of quality contemporary works, they are now looking at other genres such as classical pieces that are rarely seen on the market yet boast a sound provenance and are cataloged in important inventories compiled by academic authorities.
The sale also showed a steady market for Chinese calligraphy works, especially those from the Tang, Song and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties.
Ren Wen from the Beijing-based Art Market Monitor of Artron says few works of these three periods exist and even fewer come on sale as most of them are in either public museums or the hands of top private collectors who are not very likely to sell.
So, when a piece like this appears in sales rooms, it inevitably sparks a bidding war, pushing up the price.
Market watchers also say that the sale of Jushi Tie could be considered a one-off and one should not expect the classical Chinese art market to erupt based on this one transaction.
Classical Chinese art is often referred to as a category with rather high entry barriers. In this genre, buyers need to be knowledgeable about Chinese history and its cultural traditions, which helps them cultivate a discerning taste.
They also need to invest a lot of time researching the subject so that they are less likely to be cheated.
Zhu Shaoliang, a collector of Chinese paintings, says that the classical artwork market is meant to be a niche one.
"The majority of its top pieces are already in art galleries and museums, while the modern Chinese painting market still has a quality supply of works."
He also says modern ink art attracts a bigger group of potential buyers because it deals with more everyday subjects and is thus easier for people to appreciate.
Typically, a robust art market also relies on potential buyers being educated about the subject to better recognize the value of China's artistic legacy, and not be focused on just one or two iconic works.
A good example of the obsession with iconic pieces was seen when the Palace Museum held the Precious Collection of the Stone Moat exhibition last year.
At that time, visitors endured hours of waiting just to see the Qingming Shanghe Tu, a 12th-century painting known as one of the top treasures collected by the museum.
But after the work was replaced with other equally important but lesser-known works at the exhibition, the number of visitors to the exhibition dropped noticeably.
Explaining the decline in the visitor numbers, Yu Hui, a researcher with the Palace Museum, says the Qingming Shanghe Tu attracts a lot of viewers because it is an iconic work, but the other works, largely literati paintings, require an understanding of Chinese art history.
To counter this phenomenon, he suggests that more study material on classical Chinese paintings and calligraphy be included in school texts so that the younger generation get a complete picture of how Chinese ink art has evolved.
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Inorganic Chemistry Division has recently released the list of provisional names for the four newest elements in the periodic table.
The Provisional Recommendation for the names and symbols of the recently discovered four superheavy elements 113, 115, 117, and 118 are not yet official and still on a five month probation period, in which it will be under public review.
Elements 113, 115 and 117 were named to honor Japan, Moscow and Tennessee respectively, while element 118 will be named after a Russian Scientists.
"The IUPAC Inorganic Chemistry Division has reviewed and considered these proposals and recommends these for acceptance. A five-month public review is now set, expiring 8 November 2016, prior to the formal approval by the IUPAC Council," the council wrote on their site.
The proposed name for element 113 is Nihonium with the symbol Nh. "Nihon" is one of the two ways to say Japan in Japanese, which translates as "the Land of the Rising Sun". The name was proposed by the discoverers at RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science in Japan.
On the other hand, elements 115, 117 and 118 were discovered by a Russian-American team at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, according to CNN.
Elements 115 and 117 were named Moscovium with symbol Mc and Tennessine with symbol Ts respectively. These were done to honor Moscow and Tennessee where the two super heavy elements were synthesized.
Meanwhile, element 118 was proposed to be named Oganesson with symbol Og, after Yuri Oganessian, in recognition for his pioneering contribution in the field of superheavy element research.
All the four recently discovered superheavy elements synthetically created in laboratories and cannot be found in nature. These elements were discovered using the "hot fusion" approach, which involves heavy ion reactions of an intense, high-energy calcium beam on rare actinide targets including berkelium and californium at the Dubna Gas-Filled Recoil Separator.
Whistleblowers at one of the worlds largest food distribution companies are speaking out about a food handling practice they describe as unsanitary and unsafe.
Insiders at Sysco Corporation in the central Canadian province of Saskatchewan came forward to the Investigative Unit earlier this spring to voice their concerns about observing frozen hamburger patties, chicken, pork, and other perishable food items sitting out unrefrigerated at the companys facility in Saskatoon.
Theyre just doing a lot of wrong things, one worker told NBC Bay Area. The person asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, but says that on numerous occasions, he observed food sitting unrefrigerated potentially for hours at the companys overnight loading station called a cross dock.
The cross dock center distributes food to thousands throughout the province and supplies restaurant chains including KFC, Burger King and Dairy Queen. The cross dock is supposed to be used as a pit stop to transfer food between refrigerated trailers.
Instead, workers say these images show raw food sitting on pallets after they were unloaded from one truck. The workers claim the products likely sat on the cross dock for hours until the next truck driver came in and loaded the food to take it to its final destination. The workers say the images show food sitting in temperatures as high as 64 degrees. Thats 24 degrees above Canadian health standards (4C/39.2F) for these types of products. They say its unknown exactly how many hours elapsed but they witnessed the food sitting out for at least one hour on multiple nights over several years. Workers believe scheduling gaps for overnight delivery drivers make it likely the food sat out much longer.
This type of cross dock should only be used for general freight. Not for food handling. . pallets of dry goods or equipment, machinery, things like that, another source told NBC Bay Area, claiming he also observed unsafe food handling practices.
I would not take my groceries home and let them sit on the kitchen floor for 4 hours, [or] my milk, my eggs and everything else. Thats what people are eating and they have no clue, the source said.
They live a country away, but said they needed to speak out, after management showed an NBC Bay Area report about Sysco in California, at an employee meeting in Saskatchewan to discuss food safety.
For them to show us that video [with] whats happening at Saskatoon is probably pretty silly because everyone knows whats going on in Saskatoon, and were doing wrong. They just think that were just going to turn a blind eye, and its not right, a source said.
Sysco Corporation denies the company allows food to sit out for long periods of time at its cross dock facility.
In a statement, the company said that all food is off-loaded to pre-cooled trailers in accordance with food safety regulations. The company said, Sysco conducts similar cross docking operations in other locations in the U.S. and Canada in a manner consistent with our food safety policies and procedures.
But days after NBC Bay Area began investigating, the company brought refrigerated trailers into the facility and hired additional personnel to ensure that food is immediately refrigerated. Sysco said that was to improve its process, but that did not mean it was committing any food safety violations.
Canadian health inspectors agree. They did not validate the whistleblower concerns. They said they conducted a surprise visit to the Saskatoon cross dock and did not observe any violations nor did they see any food sitting out on the cross dock. However, according to the inspection report, inspectors visited during the afternoon, not overnight, when insiders said the food sat out unrefrigerated. Sysco said it has spoken with regulators and invited them to observe Syscos overnight procedures.
Representatives from KFC, Burger King and Dairy Queen say food safety is a high priority and they are investigating the claims.
After the changes whistleblowers say the food no longer sits out on the cross dock, a change they hope remains permanent.
If you have a tip for the Investigative Unit, call 888-996-TIPS or email Vicky@nbcbayarea.com or TheUnit@nbcbayarea.com.
Follow Vicky Nguyen on Twitter at twitter.com/@vickydnguyen and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vickynguyentv
After garnering nearly 1 million signatures, several advocacy groups will submit petitions on Friday calling for the ousting of the Santa Clara judge who ruled in the Stanford sexual assault case.
The petitions will be submitted 12 p.m. Friday at the California Commission on Judicial Performance office in San Francisco. A rally will be held outside on Golden Gate Avenue, according to activist groups.
Santa Clara Federal Judge Aaron Persky has been the subject of national scrutiny following the six-month jail sentence he handed down to Brock Turner, a former Stanford swimmer who was seen and later convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman behind a dumpster at a university frat party. Many have also accused Persky, who is a former Stanford athlete himself, of showing bias in favor of Turner.
The embattled judge slid into a new six-year term on Tuesday. Voters didn't get a chance to remove him from his post through the ballot, as he ran unopposed.
Stanford law professor Michele Landis Dauber, along with organizers from advocacy groups UltraViolet, Daily Kos and MoveOn, are slated to speak at the rally.
"With one-in-four women sexually assaulted in college, we need judges who work to protect survivors, not their rapists," said Nita Chaudhary, co-founder of UltraViolet, announcing the rally. "The California Commission on Judicial Performance must move swiftly to remove Judge Persky from the bench and send a clear signal that rape apologists will never be tolerated as part of the criminal justice system."
All told, UltraViolets petition collected about 824,000 signatures since it launched earlier this week, while petitions from MoveOn and Daily Kos culled 167,000 combined. There have been a slew of other petitions calling for Perskys removal.
The 6-month sentence, which a parole board recommended, roiled victims' rights groups and ushered the case to the forefront of a growing conversation about sexual assaults on college campuses. A searing, 12-page account of the attack that the victim wrote has been shared thousands of times on social media.
"My damage was internal, unseen, I carry it with me," wrote the victim. "You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today."
The letter, which has been haralded for its bravery, will also be read aloud next week during a meeting of U.S. House of Representatives.
Since the sentencing hearing last month, a high school guidance counselor apologized for writing a letter supporting the assailant, and Vice President Joe Biden penned an open letter praising the victim for her courage.
"You were failed by a culture on our college campuses where one in five women is sexually assaultedyear after year after year, Biden wrote. A culture that promotes passivity. That encourages young men and women on campuses to simply turn a blind eye."
Turner, who is likely to serve three-months of his sentence, is appealing his conviction. He will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Flash
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei [Photo / Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
China on Wednesday again urged the Philippines to stop its arbitral proceedings and return to the right track of settling relevant disputes in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation with China.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the comment at a routine press briefing.
The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a statement saying that disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea should be settled through bilateral negotiation.
Hong said that by unilaterally initiating the arbitration in 2013, the Philippines had turned its back on the possibility of solving the issue through negotiation, leading to a dramatic deterioration of relations between China and the Philippines.
China and the Philippines have reached consensus on settling maritime disputes through bilateral negotiation in a number of bilateral documents, but the two countries have never engaged in any negotiation on the subject-matters of the arbitration, said Hong.
By unilaterally initiating the arbitration, the Philippines has violated its agreement with China as well as its own solemn commitment in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), he said.
This is an abuse of the dispute settlement procedures of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and is against international law, including UNCLOS, he added.
The door of China-Philippines bilateral negotiation is always open, he said. "China will remain committed to settling through negotiation the relevant disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law."
"China urges the Philippines to immediately cease its wrongful conduct of pushing forward the arbitral proceedings, and return to the right path of settling the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation with China," Hong said.
In a victory for gun control advocates, a federal appeals court said Thursday people do not have a right to carry concealed weapons in public under the 2nd Amendment.
An 11-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said law enforcement officials can require applicants for a concealed weapons permit to show they are in immediate danger or have another good reason for a permit beyond self-defense.
The decision overturned a 2014 ruling by a smaller 9th Circuit panel and came in a lawsuit over the denial of concealed weapons permits by a sheriff in San Diego County.
The appeals court said it followed the U.S. Supreme Court's method of looking to history to resolve gun rights issues, NBC News reported.
California generally prohibits people from carrying handguns in public without such a permit. State law requires applicants to show good moral character, have good cause and take a training course.
In San Diego County, the sheriff required applicants to show supporting documents such as restraining orders against possible attackers to show good cause for a permit. The requirement prompted a lawsuit by residents who were denied a permit.
During oral arguments before the 11-judge 9th Circuit panel, Paul Clement, an attorney for the residents, argued that the self-defense standard should be sufficient and asking for more violates the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.
California Solicitor General Edward DuMont countered that there was a long and rich tradition of restricting concealed weapons in cities and towns. California officials sought to intervene in the case after the San Diego sheriff declined to appeal.
California officials said loosening concealed weapons permitting standards and allowing more people to carry guns threatens law enforcement officials and endangers the public.
Clement countered that there was no evidence that crime went up in counties such as Fresno and Sacramento that had more permissive "good cause" standards.
Vice President Joe Biden says he is furious about the sexual assault at Stanford that's sparked national outrage after the assailant got a six-month sentence, and calls the woman who wrote about her trauma a warrior "with a solid steel spine."
"I do not know your name but your words are forever seared on my soul. Words that should be required reading for men and women of all ages," Biden says in his letter, sent to BuzzFeed on Thursday and confirmed with the vice president's office by NBC News.
Brock Turner, a 20-year-old ex-Stanford swimmer was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault of a Stanford graduate student. His six-month sentence in county jail and probation has outraged many who claim it is too lenient for the crime; documents indicate he will be released sooner.
The woman wrote a 12-page letter explaining what happened to her and how it affected her. She read it in court and it was shared by the Santa Clara County District Attorney, though the woman's name hasn't been released to maintain her privacy.
In his letter in response to hers, titled "An Open Letter to a Courageous Young Woman," Biden says he is "filled with furious anger both that this happened to you and that our culture is still so broken that you were ever put in the position of defending your own worth.
Biden authored the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, which created a "rape shield law" that prevents victims' past sexual conduct from being used against them in a rape trial, and has been a key figure in the White House's recent It's on Us Campaign to preventing sexual assault on college campuses.
Saying one in five women is sexually assaulted on college campuses, Biden writes that statements like the survivor's are critical in encouraging people to intervene.
"If everyone who shared your letter on social media, or who had a private conversation in their own homes with their daughters and sons, draws upon the passion, the outrage, and the commitment they feel right now the next time there is a choice between intervening and walking away then I believe you will have helped to change the world for the better."
The woman's letter has been shared over 13 million times on BuzzFeed's website alone.
Biden also commends the two bystanders who came to the woman's rescue and those who have voiced their support for the survivor: "I join your global chorus of supporters, because we can never say enough to survivors: I believe you. It is not your fault."
Read Biden's full letter on BuzzFeed.
A high school guidance counselor and a childhood friend of a former Stanford University swimmer convicted of sexual assault have apologized for writing letters of support ahead of his sentencing.
Oakwood High School counselor Kelly Owens of Dayton, Ohio, told her school district Wednesday that she shouldn't have gotten involved in the case. She told the judge that 20-year-old Brock Turner was "absolutely undeserving of the outcome'' of the trial.
The judge sentenced Turner to six months in jail last week for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman, outraging critics who argue the penalty is too light.
A posting Wednesday on a Facebook page that appears to be that of Turner's friend Leslie Rasmussen says she made a mistake and apologizes for not acknowledging the severity of the crime.
The San Jose Police Department has identified several suspects responsible for assault involved in the June 2 Trump rally in front of the Convention Center.
During the rally, a police officer was assaulted, a woman was egged, a supporter was attacked and several others in attendance left with cuts and bruises.[[382418171, C]]
San Jose Police Department has identified and arrested four suspects.
Ahmed Abdirahman, 19, Robert Trillo, 18, and Antonio Fernandez, 19, were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. Michael Kitaigorodsky, 19, was arrested after refusing to disperse, police said.
But the suspects dont stop there.
Thursday, SJPD released photos of two new suspects they have yet to ID, responsible for assault.
One suspect is a male, wearing a black tank top with his hair tied into a pony tail. The second suspect is a female wearing a white shirt stating, Trump DIE.
The female suspect was caught on camera walking down San Carlos Street and burning the American flag.
No one from the police department was available for comment, but they did imply there will be more arrests.
San Jose Police Department
Supporters of Hillary Clinton's historic run for the White House were ecstatic Wednesday, a day after the Democratic candidate secured enough delegates to land the party's nomination.
The history part is indisputable, regardless of party preference: She would become the first woman presidential nominee of a major political party in the U.S.
Monica Fitzgerald, for one, is elated. The Walnut Creek resident is a Clinton delegate and a history professor at Saint Mary's College in Moraga.
"I am over the moon," Fitzgerald said Wednesday. "I cant think about it too much because I will start crying."
Fitzgerald said she plans on watching history all the way through by attending the Democratic convention in Philadelphia next month. The landmark victory could be a teaching moment for her students, too, she said.
"It's shifted the way I would teach a womens history class now," Fitzgerald said. "You know, again womens history itself, it started out just excavating, finding women to be able to say look there are women who did things in history."
Not all women voters are celebrating, though. Jenny Burford, of Walnut Creek, said no matter Clinton's gender, she's not a fan.
"I wish we had a good Republican," she said. "Female. That would be great."
Other nations such as Germany, Norway and England have elevated women to the highest office, and though the U.S. may be a late-comer in that department, Fitzgerald said that shouldn't diminish the meaning of Clinton's milestone.
"I think we need to celebrate that as a nation, regardless," she said. "Even if you are not going to vote for her, recognize what this means for America."
Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's primary, Mike Honda and Ro Khanna will be facing off in November for the 17th District congressional seat, and right now it looks to be a virtual tie.
As polling station workers continued to count late mail-in ballots Wednesday, results showed both candidates receiving 38 percent of the vote to represent the district that covers much of Silicon Valley, including parts of Santa Clara and Alameda counties.
Khanna, the challenger, said Tuesday's vote was a triumph for his campaign.
"This is an astounding upset and an amazing victory for the people of the 17th District," he said in a statement.
Both candidates say they represent the middle class. Honda, the incumbent, was in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday and released a statement.
"With individuals ready to trample on the middle class bankrolling my opponent's campaign, we know that this is going to be one of the closest congressional races in the country," Honda said.
Khanna says he's a truer reflection of the middle class. "My parents were immigrants," he said.
Khanna added that Honda is out of touch with the Bay Area, not holding enough town hall meetings.
But the Honda campaign disputes that, saying the congressman's telephone town halls reach out to a lot of people. And on weekends, he is here, out in the community.
Public anger continues to mount around the case of Brock Turner, the ex-Stanford swimmer convicted of sexual assault but given what some call a light sentence of six months in jail.
The public fallout has created a series of petitions demanding more direct action against Judge Aaron Persky.
The group Ultraviolet has generated more than 700,000 signatures in a petition aimed at the California Commission on Judicial Performance, demanding Persky be removed.
The demands for action are coming from different directions, all stemming from the pain of an anonymous victim.
On Wednesday, the Santa Clara District Attorney's office is no longer commenting, but as NBC Bay Area reported Tuesday, one of the last things prosecutor Alaleh Kianerci did was share a text message from the victim herself:
I don't need labels or categories to prove I'm worthy of respect to prove I should be listened to. I came out simply as a woman wanting to be heard. Yes, there's plenty more I'd like to tell you about me ... For now ... I'm every woman.
"I remain anonymous ... yes to protect my identity But it is also a statement that 'all these people are fighting for someone they don't know.'"
And her words are pushing things forward.
The six-month jail sentence Persky handed to Turner is generating numerous efforts to remove him from the bench.
Multiple petitions opposing Brock's sentencing are circulating online, including a Change.org petition that has also received more than 700,000 signatures. A White House petition to impeach Persky for bias shown in Brock Turner sentencing has received 41,810 of the 58,190 signatures required on Thursday.
Critics cite the description by students of Turner's actions when they saw him on an unconcious woman in January 2015.
A Stanford law professor who started an online recall petition has launched a new petition to meet guidelines for an official recall effort.
"I just simply think that he applied the law incorrectly and came to the wrong decision and that his decision is dangerous and that it makes women at colleges less safe."
Legal analyst Steven Clark advises public caution.
"What you don't want to have happen is a judge more concerned about public opinion," Clark said.
Persky declined requests for an interview.
The attorney for Turner has filed an intention to appeal.[[290569551, C]]
San Francisco Supervisor Eric Mark is calling for more attention to the dangers of swimming at Ocean Beach and is working with agencies to quell those concerns.
Mar believes there needs to be more visibility around the area when it comes to the dangers of swimming at Ocean Beach.
"I think a lot of the issues are people think this is a swimming beach and it's not," Mar said.
The United States Coast Guard on Wednesday held a rescue demonstration while Mar met with firefighters and Ocean Beach patrol to discuss the dangers of swimming at the beach.
The concerns have been around for many years, but even more so after two teens drowned in the ocean in April.
"When somebody even wades out with their ankles, there's a danger of being pulled in by what's called rip currents," Mar said.
There are warning signs about the rip currents around the beach, but Mar would like to see more signage closer to the water. He would also like to see an overall increase in awareness.
"They say I'm just going to wade in ankle-deep water," San Francisco Fire Lt. Jonathan Baxter said. "Well that ankle-deep water can have four to five waves coming in crashing upon them."
Baxter agrees with Mar as far as increasing awareness near the water and he said his department passes out fliers at Ocean Beach to get the word out.
"We have had our fire apparatus, our fire rescue engines and units come out here, park their vehicle and walk along the beach with fliers in hand," Baxter said.
Mar hopes to make some of the changes in the coming months and also plans to meet with the agencies again toward the end of the summer.
A San Francisco Police Commission meeting Wednesday was cut short after the public comment session got out of hand and the president was forced to adjourn.
The meeting was held to discuss a proposed new policy in the Police Department that would for the first time provide clear rules for officers on when to use of force and what level of force to use.
It began with a statement from police Capt. Jack Hart.
"The San Francisco Police Department's highest priority is safeguarding the sanctity of all human life," he said.
When the public comment session began, emotions got the best of some people.
"Cops should never shoot at someone running away regardless of their crime," one man says.
"What kind of consequences will you have if you fail to use minimal force? asked another man.
Then the comments quickly turned into insults.
"They just want your two minutes so they can keep going with what they wanted in the first place," a woman shouted to the audience.
Yet another man said: "I don't know how you sleep. You all have blood on your hands."
When it appeared the outbursts were elevating, commission president Suzy Loftus opted for a recess.
After the brief intermission, the meeting resumed, but it didn't last much longer as infuriated residents continued to lash out.
May Wang came to talk about the new police policy. She was never heard.
"There are some people in this room who are not here for reasonable discussion; they just want to take over," she said
Acting Chief Toney Chaplin said he talked to a few people from the community, and they're upset that they never got a chance to communicate what their issues were.
The police commission has two more public meetings on use of force planned.
If you live in San Francisco, you may argue your neighborhood is the center of the city. Youd likely be wrong.
We just wanted to know where it was, said Rachel Gordon, spokesperson for San Francisco Public Works.
Gordon says city surveyors set out last week to find the exact geographic center of the city. No one knew in the department and no one could find any recent data that one had been established. Surveyors mapped the boundaries of the citys main land mass, leaving out outlying areas like Treasure Island and the Farallon Islands. They used specialized geopositioning equipment that used 11 different U.S and Russian satellites to zero in on one spot. The location? On the sidewalk along the 700 block of Corbett Street near Twin Peaks.
It's not a lot of resources to use, Gordon said. We do have a surveying team and we had the equipment here they just had to do the magic work on the computers to come up with the number.
Most people in the area had no idea, as the tiny two-inch medallion marking the Center of the City was bolted into the ground just last week.
No way! said Dominick Albano when we pointed it out to him. No, this is my running route I've been running this for 20 plus years!"
The city will place a bigger plaque or monument at the site in the future.
Some neighbors are now bragging to their friends about living close to the young landmark.
They know where to go find me, just look in the center area, one man said smiling.
Some now argue, it's the center of the universe.
Usually, except for when the Warriors are playing then Oakland is the center of
the universe, Albano said.
Gordon said the surveyors simply wanted to find the location. It won't necessarily be used for anything, but it could help for mapping and street planning.
Flash
One year on from its launch, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voiced sharply divided verdicts on the progress of the multi-billion euro investment plan of the European Union (EU), or the so-called Juncker plan.
In Wednesday's debate with EU Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen on the Investment Plan for Europe, the two biggest political groups in the parliament, EPP and S&D, broadly welcomed the work of the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI). Their MEPs gave the green light to the European Commission's planning proposal to extend the lifetime of the plan.
Katainen said that the Juncker Plan had helped to remove barriers to investment and highlighted its benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Over 185 agreements between the EFSI and banks would provide finance for over 150,000 SMEs, he said, adding that the Commission planned to present proposals later this year to extend the three-year term of the EFSI and to expand investment into third countries.
The aim of the investment plan, over its three year duration, is to activate at least 315 billion euros (358 billion U.S. dollars) public and private investment, from which 240 billion euros are for infrastructure projects and 75 billion euros are to invest in SMEs.
"In one year, EFSI has already mobilized 100 billion euros in 26 member states, exceeding expectations for SMEs as it mobilized 49 billion euros out of the 75 billion euros assigned to them. Looking at such a positive performance, we believe that EFSI should continue beyond the three years originally planned," stated Jose Manuel Fernandes, EPP Group Spokesperson.
Othmar Karas, the EPP Group's Rapporteur on the economic orientation of the Juncker investment fund, called for an extension of the fund to Africa.
"The start of the European Strategic Investment Fund was a success. Yes to prolonging the fund now. Yes to extending the fund to strategic investment on the African continent as well. Yes to new instruments which allow for risky investments that cannot be financed otherwise. The fund should not be just another cash distribution bag, but offer leverage for projects which would not fly otherwise," he stressed.
The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) called on the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to take more risks in order to boost the investment in Europe.
"Some major results have been achieved but we can and should do more," S&D group leader Gianni Pittella said.
"The financing has to be additional not a substitute. The EIB have to take higher risks and finance projects that would not have been financed without the investment plan," he added.
"We must ensure that the extension of the investment plan announced by the Commission will be serious and effective response to the economic and social crisis which is affecting Europe right now," he stressed.
However, MEPs from smaller groups were skeptical about its achievements to date.
European Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) have urged the investment plan to focus on the most innovative projects, stressing that investments alone are not enough to improve Europe's economy.
"We have to make sure that EFSI only funds truly innovative projects that would not have been funded anyway via other financial tools such as the Connected European Facility or Horizon 2020. The Commission needs to speed up and improve the quality of the projects to make the Juncker Plan a success," ALDE Vice-President Pavel Telicka said.
Sander Loones from the European Conservatives and Reformists group (ECR) suggested it was too early to assess the success of the EFSI and warned against "rushing in" with plans to extend investment into third countries.
European United Left, Nordic Green Left group (GUE/NGL) labeled the Juncker Plan as unfair and biased in favor of richer member states during their reaction to the midterm review.
Miguel Viegas said the ambitions were unrealistic and the plan had allowed large companies to dominate.
"There was no geographic coverage or criteria as to where these investments would go: just large companies dominating the private sector. Private management is being brought in over public services at the cost of development and focusing on profits for large multinationals over everything," said the Portuguese MEP.
"What we are seeing is that much of the money went to the wealthier and more developed regions of Europe. We are seeing fictitious results being broadcast and this public program of investment trampled upon in so many member states," he said.
Echoing those sentiments, Greek MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament Dimitrios Papadimoulis said Katainen should take responsibility for the "unbalanced nature of the investments."
"The Juncker plan has to be focused on creating greater investment throughout Europe but particularly where there is the greatest poverty, the greatest unemployment and the greatest lack of investment," he stressed.
"We need to adapt this investment, apply it to the poorest regions, support the poorest and the SMEs," he said.
Philippe Lamberts, co-president of the Greens (Greens/EFA), called for more money for the plan and said it should focus on countries which lack investment and have most potential for renewable energy projects.
UKIP leader Nigel Farage from Europe for Freedom and Direct Democracy ((EFDD) called EU's investment plan a "pie in the sky."
"I think these grand projects that in many ways, are sowing the seeds of the end of this political project," he said.
Steeve Briois, MEP from Europe of Nations and Freedom Group (ENF), which is skeptical of European integration, described the EFSI as a "total failure."
He criticized that the plan had focused financing on large, urban areas which had aggravated regional disparities.
The investment plan aiming to bring investments back in line with historical trends was initiated by Juncker in November 2014. The plan was approved in June 2015 and the EFSI was launched immediately after.
The main feature is to use a fraction of the EU budget as a guarantee for EIB projects that would be riskier and more innovative than the usual ones. The European Commission predicted that these projects would generate a total of 315 billion euros of investment in three years through leverage and co-financing.
The Virginia man who said he joined ISIS and then defected because he realized he made a "bad decision" appeared Thursday in federal district court in Alexandria, Virginia.
Mohamad Jamal Khweis, 26, of Fairfax County, was informed by federal Judge John Anderson that he faces as much as 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and supervision for the rest of his life if he is convicted. He was charged with providing material support to ISIS.
Khweis did not enter a plea and did not speak at the hearing, which marked his first appearance in a U.S. courtroom since he was returned from custody in Iraq on Wednesday.
He wore a wore a T-shirt, pants and flip-flops. His once-long hair and beard had been shaved. He waved in the courtroom to her mother, father and brother.
Khweis surrendered to Kurdish forces in Iraq in March. He is the first known alleged American ISIS fighter to surrender on the battlefield, NBC News reported.
The American-born son of Palestinian immigrants told investigators he started researching ISIS, aka ISIL, before he left the U.S. in Dec. 2015. His journey began when he left BaltimoreWashington International Airport for London and made his way to Turkey, then Syria and then Iraq, where he said he trained with ISIS fighters.
"During the interview, the defendant stated he 'gave himself' to ISIL and that they controlled him. The defendant stated he was aware that ISIL wants to attack and destroy the United States," according to an affidavit from an FBI agent, viewed by NBC News.
Khweis' lawyer, John Zwerling, said Thursday that the FBI's account of events is "totally without value."
"Everything is not as it appears in a government pleading," he said. "We will have our opportunity to explain the other side at the appropriate time."
Khweis said on Kurdish television in March that he freely joined ISIS but became disenchanted with the people running the training camps.
He told FBI agents that he had agreed to wear a suicide bomb but that he thought it was a test from recruiters and that he told them that because he thought it was what they wanted to hear.
Khweis said in the TV interview that he met a woman with connections to ISIS in Turkey a few months before he left the U.S. She took him across the border into Syria to find ISIS fighters, he said. Then he was sent to the Iraqi city of Mosul and moved into a house with dozens of other foreign fighters.
My message to the American people is the life in Mosul is really, really bad, he said on TV. The people controlling Mosul dont represent the religion.
I didn't really support their ideology, and at that point, that's when I decided I needed to escape, he said in the TV interview.
He sought out Kurds to help him get back to the Turkish border, he said on TV. He was captured by Kurdish Peshmerga military forces on March 14 as he tried to enter the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, NBC News reported.
Khweis told the TV station that signing up with ISIS had been a "bad decision."
"I don't see them as good Muslims," he said. "I wanted to go back to America."
Khweis' father, who lives in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County, confronted reporters in March, when his son first was accused.
"He's my son, he's a good person, he's a good son," the father said, arguing with members of the media and eventually turning a garden hose on them.
Khweis was held without bond and is due in court June 14.
President Barack Obama talked about his hope that Democrats will come together over the next couple of weeks to unify the party, during his first appearance as president on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Thursday.
During the interview, which was taped on Wednesday, Obama said that sometimes "what happens during primaries is you get a little ouchy" as he spoke about the state of the election.
"It was a healthy thing for the Democratic party to have a contested primary," Obama said a day after Hillary Clinton became the first woman to become the presumptive nominee of a major political party.
Host Jimmy Fallon and Mark Ruffalo take turns drawing questions from the best friends box and guessing each others answers.
"I thought that Bernie Sanders brought enormous energy and new ideas and he pushed the party and challenged them," Obama said. "I thought it made Hillary a better candidate. I think she is whip smart. She is tough. And she deeply cares about working people and putting kids through school and making sure we're growing our economy."
Obama, who has endorsed Clinton, met with Sanders at the White House on Thursday.
Asked whether he thought Sanders would endorse Clinton, Obama said he was sure the former secretary of state and the Vermont senator are "going to have a conversation."
He told Fallon that his main role as president "is to remind the American people that this is a serious job. This is not reality TV."
Asked whether he thought Republicans were happy with selecting Donald Trump, Obama replied, "We are."
Obama took some time to write thank you notes, a reoccuring performance that Fallon usually does.
"Thank you to my 2008 slogan, 'Yes We Can' or, as I like to call you, 'Yes We Did'."
Picking up the pen to write a second note, "Thank you Questlove's hairstylist for helping me bring back the Obama 'fro after I leave the White House."
Looking back at his two terms, Obama wrote, "Thank you congress for spending eight years for wishing you could replace me with a Republican or, to put it another way, how do you like me now?"
Madonna also appeared on Thursday night's broadcast, performing "Borderline."
"Where else besides 'The Tonight Show' and New York City can you have the President and the Queen on one show?" Jimmy Fallon had teased in a statement.
The Queen of Pop published a photo on Instagram of the president and first lady donning T-shirts emblazoned with her face. She captioned the post: "Aww...You guys are so sweet. See you soon xoxo!" [[382239081, C]]
Fallon has interviewed Obama before, hosting the president during a special "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" broadcast from the campus of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The "Preezy of the United Steezy" slow-jammed the news with Fallon and The Roots in the skit. [[382240251, C]]
Obama is no stranger to late-night television, having appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "The Late Show With David Letterman," "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" in his seven years in office.
The commander-in-chief also appeared six times on "The Tonight Show" when Jay Leno hosted the NBC show. His appearance on March 19, 2009, marked the first time a sitting president appeared on a late-night talk show.
In the days leading up to the California primary, polls showed Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in a dead heat in that state.
Take, for instance, the most recent NBC News-Wall Street Journal-Marist poll, which found likely Democratic primary voters slightly preferred Clinton over Bernie Sanders 49 to 47 percent. When they polled all Democratic voters, the results flipped with Sanders over Clinton 48 to 47 percent.
Then the election happened, and Clinton won by a landslide 13 points.
Thats the problem with putting too much faith in polls.
Melinda Jackson, a political science professor at San Jose State University, says voter sentiment in California is not the same thing as voter behavior.
The trick is always trying to figure out who is going to turn out on Election Day, she said.
Sanders really having a lot of support from younger voters and new voters, who dont always reliably show up on Election Day, it just makes it really difficult to predict, Jackson added.
Hoover Institution research fellow Bill Whalen agrees.
The key word, he says, is turnout.
For Sanders to have carried California, he would have had to do best with voters under age 30, Whalen said.
And June the 7th is a very tough time to get college-aged kids to vote!
Meanwhile, Clintons crushing victory in California has set history into motion.
She collected more than 300 delegates in this state, padding her total lead over Sanders to a virtually indestructible 900.
After expanding lead testing across all Chicago Public Schools, the district has announced that a dozen schools have tested positive for elevated levels of lead so far.
Last month, the district revealed that Tanner Elementary School turned off a number of its water fountains after they had lead levels exceeding EPA standards. On Wednesday, 11 more schools were said to have similar results.
Given heightened awareness nationally about lead exposure for children and to provide parents with timely information, Chicago Public Schools is taking proactive steps to ensure that our childrens drinking water is safe across all schools by testing every school in the district," CPS said in a statement.
As of Tuesday, 15,853 samples of potable water sources were sent in for testing by the district. By Wednesday, 3,044 samples from 58 schools were returned, with 70 results showing "actionable levels of lead," officials said. Of the schools to receive testing results, 12, including Tanner Elementary, had one or multiple fixtures show elevated results.
"Families at these schools have been notified, and in most cases each school had one or two fixtures that showed results above the action level," the district said. "These fixtures were turned off."
Among the latest schools to test positive for elevated levels was Reilly Elementary School, which is being re-tested because of "possible extenuating circumstances that could have compromised the testing accuracy," officials said. CPS noted that out of an abundance of caution, potable water fixtures at the school have been taken offline until the new test results come back.
Last month, district officials revealed they would test every single school for lead, prompting concerns from many parents.
"Were going to test every single water outlet in the district and were going to do it on an expedited basis and make any adjustments we might occur," said CPS CEO Forrest Claypool.
A total of 250 schools were being tested, particularly schools that have been in place before 1986 that could have lead piping, officials said.
Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health Dr. Julie Morita said the move was "out of an abundance of caution."
We are not Flint, Michigan, and what CPS and the Department of Water Management we have been doing is out of an abundance of caution," she said. "We know the vast majority of children who are lead poisoned in the city of Chicago are lead poisoned as a result of lead-based paint."
If parents are concerned, they can contact their health care provider, Morita added.
Claypool said the lead testing was not linked to complaints but was rather sparked by the Flint, Michigan water crisis, which focused on the dangers of lead pipes.
The mayor's office echoed Claypoool's sentiment at the time.
While CPS has no indication that there is any lead present in school water, CPS has launched a pilot program to develop a standard approach for testing across the district, a city statement released in April said.
The list of schools and impacted fixtures includes:
Beidler (1 sink)
Brentano (1 drinking fountain and 1 sink for handwashing in kitchen)
Budlong (1 sink)
Esmond (1 drinking fountain)
Fernwood (2 drinking fountains)
Harvard (1 drinking fountain)
LaSalle II (1 sink)
Locke J (1 sink)
Peirce (1 drinking fountain)
Perez (1 drinking fountain)
Reilly (being retested)
Tanner (4 drinking fountains)
Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger delivered a stark warning about the negative effects of a prolonged budget impasse during a Thursday press conference at Chicagos Thompson Center.
Munger warned about the $23 billion in spending for things like schools, health and human services and higher education that would stop if legislation isnt passed in Springfield.
The facts are that our social service network is being torn apart, that our most vulnerable residents are losing critical services, that our colleges and universities, many of them, are on the verge of collapse, and that businesses and organizations throughout our state are being forced into mass layoffs that leave families with no way to meet their financial obligations, Munger said Thursday. "All of this is happening because leadership in Springfield has refused to pass a budget and that's unconscionable."
Munger detailed budget bills passed by the legislature and signed by the governor that will not roll over into fiscal year 2017.
The spending includes $13.7 billion for K-12 education and teacher pension payments. The comptroller warned that schools may not open if a K-12 funding solution isn't reached in Springfield.
An estimated $600 million in funding for colleges, universities and Monetary Award Program would also stop. The impasse has already caused huge problems for state universities and community colleges, namely with the funding of scholarships and grants.
The funding also includes $3.1 billion for local governments, 911 call centers, domestic violence shelters and $5.4 billion in federal spending for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, HIV prevention and home-delivered meals for seniors.
Munger noted that businesses that have provided goods and services to the state during FY16 would continue to go unpaid in FY17 if legislation isnt passed in Springfield. During her speech, she claimed that $899 million was being held until a budget is passed, because the state can't legally pay contractors.
The comptroller warned that contracted organizations and businesses that provided services to the state in the past year might be forced to take their cases to court to receive payment without a budget.
Vendors would typically seek payment by presenting their cases before the Court of Claims, but the court isnt an option without an appropriation. This means the state could potentially face a litany of lawsuits.
A group of Illinois-based human and social service agencies and companies already filed a lawsuit against Rauner and members of his administration in May seeking payment for over $100 million. An early-childhood-education nonprofit led by the governors wife, Diana Rauner, joined the lawsuit later in the month.
Given the state's dire financial outlook, Munger claimed "a stopgap would be better than nothing," but called the plans insufficient.
"It would help us pay the vendors who have been waiting all year for payment and that includes a lot of our social services," Munger said. "It helps get us through the next few months, it does not provide a plan for spending. it is not a long-term solution."
Munger instead pushed for a full, balanced budget Thursday.
Illinois has been without a budget since July of last year. The General Assembly adjourned last Tuesday without passing a plan. The budget standoff has been typified by a battle between Gov. Bruce Rauner and Illinois Democrats over his pro-business Turnaround Agenda.
Two people have been arrested in the Indianapolis murder of the daughter of Chicago community activist Andrew Holmes, according to Holmes.
Tamara Sword, a 32-year-old mother of five, was at a Phillips 66 gas station near Lafayette Square mall at about 2:30 a.m. when gunfire erupted around her, striking her in the chest, Holmes said in August 2015. More than 45 shell casings were found on the scene.
Holmes said earlier this week, Indianapolis Police told him they secured two arrest warrants in his daughter's death. On Wednesday, police said two people were taken into custody.
The suspects were identified as Michael Edwards, 33, and Kenneth Jones, 28, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Police said they believe a disturbance at a nightclub spilled out, and ended in gunfire.
Edwards and Jones were arrested on warrants for murder and attempted murder, police said. During the course of the arrest, detectives served a search warrant in the 5000 block of Clarkson Drive where several weapons and a small amount of narcotics were seized, according to police.
Police said back in August they were called to the scene at the gas station in the 3800 block of Lafayette Road for a report of shots fired. When they arrived, they found a large group of people congregated outside the gas station. When they saw the police, many of them fled.
Shell casings were found in the gas station parking lot as well as at a building a few doors down and a nearby Taco Bell parking lot, according to Officer Rafael Diaz.
"From what we can tell there was some type of disturbance that occurred involving a large amount of gunfire," Diaz said.
Police said a man, believed to be an adult, was found underneath a vehicle in the parking lot and pronounced dead on the scene. A woman was found inside the same vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds, Diaz said. She was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Police identified the woman in the car as Sword and the man found underneath it as Joshua Riggins, 28.
Holmes is a well-known anti-violence activist in Chicago. He has often served as the spokesperson for families who have lost a member to gun violence.
"I cried all the way here," Holmes said. "That's my daughter. I work in the city with the crime up there, but when it hits home, it hits home."
Sword was a manager at a KFC in Indianapolis, where she lived with her five children, Holmes said.
Parents, students, and teachers are playing the waiting game, as the state budget crisis may severely cut summer school programs that should be scheduled for just a few weeks away.
Many of the students attending summer school at Chicago Public Schools must do so in order to be promoted to the next grade level. But this year, the budget crisis both state- and city-wide has programs up in the air, with no certainty yet how, or even if, the district will make it happen.
Chicago Public Schools can't yet say if there will be a summer school program. In the past, thousands of students have participated. But for this summer, the current website doesn't list any dates or details.
CPS is facing a budget crisis with no answer yet from Springfield on funding Chicago schools. Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Jesse Sharkey notes that there may not be enough money after CPS makes its pension payment of more than 630 million dollars.
"They're gonna have a cash crunch after they make the pension payment on June 30," Sharkey said. "I think they're planning on opening summer school, but I just don't think they have the financing for it yet."
While the city looks to state lawmakers, the new head of the Principals Association Troy LaRaviere blames irresponsible spending.
"We have almost 40 percent more schools and only two percent more students," LaRaviere said. "Who does that? Who spends money that recklessly?"
A CPS spokesperson told NBC 5 that last summer's program cost $16 million. The majority of the money focused on those who attended summer bridge who failed to meet the promotion criteria. In all, more than 17 thousand students participated in the various programs.
As for this year, CPS says "this isn't a typical year and it's a challenge to finalize in the absence of any state funding."
"They don't have funding for it," Sharkey added. "And I think there's been a failure to grapple with the political reality facing the schools."
CPS said the district hopes to have an answer in the coming days. The last regular day of school is June 20th.
Leaders from the Chicago Teachers Union and the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association blasted Chicago Public Schools plan to expand the privatization of building engineer work during a news conference in front of CPS Headquarters on Wednesday.
The district is expanding a pilot program that would replace school engineers and custodians with private contractors.
CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey warned against the expanded deal with Aramark and SodexoMAGIC, who were awarded more than $300 million in CPS contracts two years ago to manage engineer work at 33 schools.
Critics have questioned SodexoMAGICs $250,000 in donations to Mayor Rahm Emanuels 2015 mayoral campaign. This came after the company was awarded their $80 million contract with CPS in 2014.
The air is saturated with corruption and pay to play, said Troy LaRaviere, who was recently elected president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association.
LaRaviere, who was removed from his post as Blaine Elementarys principal and reassigned without a school after facing charges from the district, called the contracts a massive problem.
The principal has claimed that his opposition to the contracts led to the districts discipline against him.
Sharkey claimed to have received countless compaints about poorly-maintained facilities.
"We've seen hundreds of complaints, Sharkey added. "The bathrooms at many of our schools are atrocious.
Nevertheless, CPS issued a statement Wednesday, defending the expansion of the program based on its success.
"CPS is expanding the successful Integrated Facilities Management pilot to help determine if a District-wide transition to this approach would improve facility services and allow our principals to focus more of their time on students and instruction, without increasing costs, CPS spokesman Michael Gassman said in a statement. We recognize there is a need to improve facility services, and initial results from the IFM pilot project suggest it is a more effective way to maintain our schools.
Current CPS engineers will not be impacted by the expanded pilot, and IFM vendors are required by CPS to employ union-represented engineers and custodians, he added.
But the workers won't receive the same salary and benefits as those tied to labor contracts with CPS for more than 100 years.
President of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 143 Bill Iacullo claimed the privatization contracts are ruining our schools during Mondays press conference.
They can do whatever they want, Iacullo said. Thats atrocious.
Meanwhile, the mayor stayed out of the debate.
The mayor does not get involved in contracting decisions and anyone suggesting otherwise either doesnt know what theyre talking about or isnt telling the truth, Emanuel spokesman Adam Collins said.
The Illinois attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Jimmy Johns, claiming the company has highly restrictive non-compete agreements for employees.
Upon hire, the popular chain requires workers and delivery drivers to sign an agreement that bars them from working at another sandwich shop while they are employed at Jimmy Johns and for two full years after ending employment, the Chicago Tribune reports.
"By locking low-wage workers into their jobs and prohibiting them from seeking better paying jobs elsewhere, the companies have no reason to increase their wages or benefits," Attorney General Lisa Madigan said in a statement to the Tribune.
In the lawsuit, Madigan demands all noncompete agreements put in place by Jimmy Johns to be voided.
The Champaign-based company, which has nearly 300 locations across Illinois, said it stopped using these agreements more than a year ago, according to the Tribune.
Madigan, on the other hand, said the changes have not been communicated to their employees.
A request for comment to Jimmy Johns was not immediately returned.
Shane Stokowski died trying to help the man who ended up killing him.
Seeing an inebriated patron leave a West Town bar, Stokowski, 33, pleaded with the stranger who got behind the wheel: You dont want to do this.
But Timothy McShane ignored Stokowskis cries and hit the gas pedal, as Stokowski clung to the SUV in a desperate attempt to stop the intoxicated motorist.
Stokowski died when he crashed onto the pavement and was run over on March 22, 2014, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.
On Wednesday, Cook County Judge Lawrence Flood sentenced McShane to 16 years in prison, calling the rash actions that led to Stokowskis death outrageous and extreme.
Minutes before in court, McShane, who had previous DUI arrests and has been enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous since the fatal incident, wept as he apologized to Stokowskis family.
Turning to face Stokowskis loved ones, McShane cried, Im terribly, terribly sorry that Shane isnt in your life, and I wish I could take it back.McShane, 44, said he thinks about what he had done every day and has seen the pain in the eyes of the Stokowskis every time they have come to court.
Shane Stokowskis mother, father and siblings werent impressed.
He murdered my son with his vehicle, Chris Stokowski said after court, wearing a T-shirt bearing a picture of her late son and his fiancee, Erin Harvill.
I didnt think anything of his apology. Weve been coming up here for two years and theres been no indication of remorse, no eye contact, nothing. . . . Too little too late.
Shane Stokowskis family described him as an upstanding, outgoing, funny and caring man who tried to cheer up those who were feeling down.
The graphic artist was to get married in October 2014. So the family went from planning a wedding to a funeral, Chris Stokowski told the judge.
She said as soon as she and her husband had learned that their eldest son was severely injured, they jumped into their car and drove toward Chicago from their home in Peoria. During the drive, the emergency room doctor called and asked them to pull over.
I immediately got out my car and fell to my knees, Chris Stokowski said, recalling how she received the devastating news.
Shane Stokowskis fiancees parents also were in court on Wednesday.
Harvill, who now lives in California, had asked the Stokowskis if her remains could be placed in the casket she chose for Shane Stokowski when she died.
I assured her that her life would go on. Shane would want that for her, Chris Stokowski said, her voice shaking with emotion.
I can never escape the memory of losing my brother, Patrick Stokowski said. . . . There are times when a moment reminds me of a time in the past when I was with Shane and I am happy, but that moment usually fades to sorrow.The family said their loss has left them with such a profound sadness it has been hard to cope.
Assistant States Attorney Martin Moore said Shane Stokowski wasnt the kind of person to sit back and watch a wrong be committed.
On the other hand, McShane was the type to ignore the warning signs that started since he received court supervision for a DUI in 1993, Moore said.
McShane was arrested for two more in DUIs in the suburbs in 2004 and 2006 but the charges were reduced.
Violating the law meant nothing to McShane, Moore said. And when Shane Stokowski came before him in the form of his final warning, McShane, who was driving his girlfriends Nissan Murano on a suspended license, was again dismissive, Moore said.
Shane Stokowski told McShanes buddies that he was in no shape to drive. Even McShane knew that and went back inside the Aberdeen Tap, 458 N. Aberdeen, Moore said.
But McShane again left the bar from the back door and went to his girlfriends SUV.
McShanes attorney, Thomas Brandstrader, told Flood that McShane has changed since he was charged in the deadly DUI.
While out on bond, McShane has been sober, started working at the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls and has strengthened the relationship he has with his 10-year-old son, the defense attorney said.
The person sitting here today is not the person who was sitting at the Aberdeen Tap, Brandstrader said.
In asking the judge for leniency for his reckless homicide and aggravated DUI convictions, McShanes mother said her son suffered from ADD as a child and comes from a long line of alcoholics.
Timothy McShanes son also had ADD and he does his best to help because he knows what the experience is like, Pat McShane said.
Pat McShane said her son has often expressed remorse and sadness. She added that she hopes the Stokowskis will find peace, understanding and forgiveness in their hearts.
Flood noted that it took a tragedy for Timothy McShane to finally take responsibility.
It took our sons death for him to go AA, to go live in a halfway house, to get his life back in order Chris Stokowski told reporters later. Its too little too late for us.
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A suspected ringleader of one of the biggest human trafficking organizations was arrested in a joint Sudanese-Italian-British security operation, said a joint statement by Sudanese Interior Ministry and Italian and British Embassies in Khartoum Wednesday.
"Medhanie Yehdego Mered, Eritrean, 35, who had been on a wanted list since 2015 for international people smuggling, was arrested in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on May 24 and flown to Italy late Monday," the statement said.
Mered's organization was accused of involvement in organizing trips for migrants toward the coast of Sicily, it said.
The statement said Mered was responsible for packing migrants onto a boat that sank in 2013 off the Italian island of Lampedusa, claiming at least 360 lives.
Sudan has recently been witnessing increasing organized groups active in human trafficking and illegal immigration.
In October 2014, Sudan hosted an international conference on combating human trafficking and illegal immigration with participation of African and European countries.
Khartoum says it is maintaining a high-level coordination with Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia from Africa besides Italy, Spain, France and Britain to face the phenomenon.
Sudan is considered one of the crosspoints for human trafficking and illegal immigration.
Earlier, European countries have vowed to support Sudan to combat human trafficking after Khartoum asked for logistical air and sea supports to pursue the multi-national human smugglers.
Rep. Aaron Schock returned to the House floor Wednesday for the first time since resigning from Congress over a year ago, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Shock was in attendance Wednesday to hear India Prime Minister Narenda Modi address a joint session of Congress.
Yes, here for my friend Narenda Modi, Schock told the Sun-Times.
The former congressman, who was particularly involved in India issues during his time in the House, shook Modis hand as he entered the chamber.
Schock announced his resignation from the House in March of last year following questions surrounding misuse of funds in his campaign and congressional spending accounts, including reports that he redecorated his office with lavish decor inspired by "Downton Abbey."
A Springfield grand jury has been hearing testimony related to spending from Schocks office allowance and political funds for the past year.
S&P Global Ratings lowered Illinois credit rating Thursday, one day after Moodys Investors Service downgraded the state's credit to two steps above the "junk" level.
S&P downgraded the rating on Illinois' general obligation bonds from A- to BBB+. The agency also lowered the rating on Illinois appropriation debt from BBB+ to BBB-. Additionally, the states moral obligation debt was downgraded from BBB- to BB+, which is only a single step above a junk rating.
S&P credit analyst John Sugden said the decision was related to the states inability to develop a cohesive plan to address liabilities.
"The downgrade reflects the state's weakened financial management and fiscal position and our view that Illinois' continued delay in developing a long-term plan to address its liabilities is placing increased pressure on the rating," Sugden said in a statement. "In our view, the duration of this mismanagement has undermined Illinois' credit profile and impeded its ability to address its long-term liabilities.
In the report, the agency details the long-term financial challenges facing the state, including a $4 to $5 billion budget gap, a $9 to $10 billion bill backlog and an unfunded pension liability that has ballooned from $111 million from $85.6 million in 2010.
S&P gave a negative outlook for ratings and warned that prolonged political gridlock in Springfield could result in reduced financial flexibility and continued deficit spending.
The ratings agency claimed to be concerned with Illinois bipartisan divide and inability to compromise on a budget solution and expressed little faith in the legislature passing a fiscal year 2017 budget before the July 1 deadline.
The increasing political polarization between branches of state government has muted the state's ability in a practical sense to effect the changes necessary to stabilize its fiscal situation, the report reads. It is evident that there is a growing understanding in Springfield that any fiscal solution will likely require a combination of revenue and expenditure adjustment; however, the lack of consensus on how to achieve that fiscal balance concerns us.
According to the report, S&P would consider updating their outlook if the state is able to compromise on a revenue and spending package that makes significant and long-lasting improvements the states structural budget alignment.
On Wednesday, Moodys downgraded Illinois credit rating. Gov. Bruce Rauners office issued a statement on the downgrade Thursday, placing blame on Democrats.
When the General Assembly adjourned without passing a balanced budget, the Administration warned the super majority in the legislature there would be consequences, Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said. This report underscores the need for real structural changes to repair the years of unbalanced budgets and deficit spending by the majority party on Illinois finances.
Every rank-and-file Democrat who blindly followed the Speaker down this path is directly responsible for the downgrade, the statement added.
House Speaker Mike Madigan responded Thursday, blaming the governor for the downgrade.
"It's an outrage that we have gone nearly a year without a state budget," Madigan said in a statement. "This downgrade is directly attributable to Governor Rauner's reckless decision to hold the state houstage for more than a year and to create the crisis he desired.
The governor's own proposed budgets are billions of dollars out of balance, and, for almost a month, a bipartisan plan to provide emergency funding for human services providers and our most vulnerable has languished on Governor Rauner's desk."
The state's budget impasse dates back to July of last year. It has largely hinged on a battle between Rauner and Illinois democrats over the governor's pro-business Turnaround Agenda. Last week, the General Assembly adjourned their spring legislative session without passing a new budget.
Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger delivered a stark warning about the negative effects of a prolonged budget impasse Thursday, warning about the $23 billion in spending for things like schools, health and human services and higher education that would stop if legislation isnt passed in Springfield.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the Northwest Side shooting that left a 6-year-old girl in critical condition on Monday night.
Police said the male juvenile was identified as the person who drove up and shot the young girl in the back as she played outside in the 2100 block of N Bingham.
The suspect is charged with one felony count of aggravated battery and discharge of a firearm, according to a release from the Chicago Police Department. Authorities said he was taken into custody Tuesday.
The young girl was outside at a party in the Logan Square neighborhood when witnesses said they heard anywhere from eight to 10 shots ring out.
A car pulled up and someone inside started shooting at the group, according to witnesses. The girl was the only one hit by gunfire, police said.
Family members rushed the girl to Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, where she was treated before being transported to Cook Countys Stroger Hospital. Her name has not been released.
"It really hurts because there are so many innocent people that are just [enjoying the] nice, beautiful weather," said one witness, who wished to remain anonymous. "Thats not fair. Thats not fair for the kids. Thats not fair for our neighborhood."
Authorities said Tuesday that Chicago police have responded to four calls at the home since last month. The calls range from shots fired to noise disturbances.
"The house is always reported at the CAPS meetings," said neighbor Joe Kopera. "They're always asking about it because it's been a continuous problem for years."
Bullet holes were seen in the front window of the home Tuesday. A man who lived inside declined to comment, but told NBC 5 the bullet holes were from a different shooting. He insisted the home is "not a gang house" like others are making it out to be.
In a statement, Ald. Joe Moreno said he has been working with police to address issues at the home "prior to this tragic incident."
Community members say regardless of the circumstances, someone must be held acccountable for the shoting.
"This baby is laying here in pain overnight, inumaginable pain," said activist Andrew Holmes. "I can't imagine the pain. Let's gives these individuals pain, let's bring them to justice."
A Brooklyn, Connecticut man has been charged with sexually assaulting a teen who worked for him at riding stables in Killingly several years ago.
Police arrested Michael F. Sobieniak, 41, of Brooklyn, after investigating allegations that he sexually assaulted a teen who worked for him at Valley View Riding Stables, at 91 Lake Road in Killingly.
The victim, who is now 22, told police she started taking riding lessons at the stable when she was 13 years-old, She then started working for Sobieniak to pay for riding time and their relationship became sexual, she told police.
She went on to say they had intercourse from when she was living and working at the stables from the time she was 13 to the time she was 15, according to police.
Detectives investigated and have charged Sobieniak with three counts of second-degree sexual assault, three counts of illegal sexual contact with a minor and risk of injury.
He was held on $100,000 bond and brought to Danielson Superior Court to be arraigned today.
It's not clear if he has an attorney.
During a promotion ceremony Wednesday morning for Antonio Almodovar, the New Haven Fire Department union president, Frank Ricci, interrupted interim Fire Chief Ralph Black.
By what authority is he getting promoted today? Ricci said.
"I think that this is a position we are going to promote him because he finished number one and the list was approved," Black replied.
Ricci maintains Black violated the proper procedure to promote someone because there was no motion to approve the chiefs recommendation at the meeting. The city charter requires the board to vote on a promotion.
The chief unilaterally violated that process and then today he doubled down on it by looking right at the cameras and lying, Ricci told NBC Connecticut. Hes a stranger to the truth and he is unfit for his position.
New Havens Chief Administrative Officer Michael Carter is defending interim Chief Black.
According to my knowledge, he said. The list was accepted and it was unanimous.
Almodovar is the right choice to become the new director of training, Ricci said.
Im not going to have one of my members who scored number one and earned the promotion be demoted because he was not promoted legitimately, Ricci said during the promotion ceremony.
After Ricci finally left the room, the interim chief addressed what had just occurred.
I apologize for what just transpired, Black told the crowd, its his right to say what he wants, but I dont believe this is the forum for that and I stick by that.
For the world, the photograph of a Syrian 3-year-old in a red T-shirt and black sneakers, his lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach, was a horrific symbol of the desperation of hundreds of thousands of refugees.
For Mary Poole, a young mother haunted by "those little shoes ... the little face," it was an inspiration.
She and members of her book club asked: Why not bring a small number of Syrian families to Missoula?
She knows now that this was a "romantic" notion. "It wasn't even a grain of sand in my brain that people wouldn't want to help starving, drowning families. I didn't do this to be controversial. I didn't do this to stir the pot."
But it did. And what started as a disagreement over whether to welcome dozens of refugees to this peaceful corner of western Montana soon erupted into something much larger, encompassing wildly divergent views of Islam, big government and whether Americans should "take care of our own" before worrying about newcomers.
Neighboring counties and in some cases, neighbors locked horns.
Demonstrators took to the streets: "No Jobs, No Housing, No Free Anything," proclaimed some opponents' signs. Some warned that Islamic State terrorists could infiltrate their communities; others suspected that the federal government, long accused of tyranny in its dealings with the West, was at it again.
The refugees' supporters did not back off. "Rise Above Fear, Refugees Welcome" they declared.
Missoula's mayor, John Engen, was among them. "I think that the war on terror has produced an internal war on compassion," he says. "We have been programmed to be very afraid since 9/11 and to think of people who aren't white Anglo-Saxon Americans as 'other' and we should be afraid of people who are 'other.'"
This did not occur in a vacuum. What's happened here reflects what's happening across the nation in an election year dominated by inflammatory rhetoric over immigration, including calls for building a border wall, the mass deportation of immigrants living in the country illegally, and temporarily banning Muslims from entering the U.S.
And more generally, Montanans are like other Americans who ask: How are we to live together, as one nation, when we are so estranged?
At a time when the public is polarized over issues ranging from gay marriage to guns, the Rev. Joseph Carver, pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish, sees this as just another "incarnation of the larger divide in the country." His congregation, which gathers in a towering 124-year-old brick structure with frescoes, ornate scroll work, is overwhelmingly in favor of refugees.
Carver, like others here, believes the spark that ignited this conflict is fear. "Refugees," he declares, "are seen as a threat to our way of life."
Montana is a place of great beauty, with its snow-capped mountains, Ponderosa pines, bighorn sheep, bison and elk. Fly fishermen reel in trout from shimmering streams. College kids can be spotted kayaking on the Clark Fork River on cool spring nights. And a bookstore owner can point to the park down the street where a moose is known to frequent.
It is not, however, a diverse place. Though the sparsely populated state is home to seven Indian reservations, nearly nine of 10 residents are white, according to Census figures. Only about 2 percent are foreign-born. Since 2012, the state has welcomed just 13 refugees from Cuba and Iraq, according to officials.
But Missoula, site of a World War II detention center for Japanese-Americans, Italian merchant seamen and others, has a recent history of embracing refugees. The International Rescue Committee resettled the Hmong in the late 1970s and through the 1980s; some remain as farmers. Later, another agency brought Ukrainians and Belarusians here.
With its coffee houses, murals and bike trails, Missoula has a laid-back feel. It is home to the University of Montana, as well as a peace center named for Jeannette Rankin, a pacifist who was the first woman member of Congress and the only vote against declaring war on Japan after the Pearl Harbor attack. The center's philosophy is captured on a wall lined with bumper stickers "Peace is Patriotic," ''Books Not Bombs" and "Practice Nonviolence" and a stenciled message on a front window: "Refugees Welcome."
When Poole, a jewelry maker, and others formed a group called Soft Landing, they quickly expanded their plan to include not just Syrians but all refugees and turned to the International Rescue Committee to lead the resettlement. Their efforts were endorsed by the mayor, most council members and the three Democratic county commissioners, who sent letters to federal officials.
But Missoula is an island of progressive blue surrounded by a sea of conservative red, and often diverges politically from other communities in Montana.
Just to the south, in rural and Republican Ravalli County, a county commissioners' hearing over the issue was moved to a middle school gym to accommodate the hundreds who showed up for what turned into a raucous meeting. Several pro-refugee speakers were jeered .The commissioners formalized their opposition in their own letter to federal officials and Flathead County, nearly 130 miles north of Missoula, did the same weeks later.
In testimony and letters in Ravalli County, those saying "no" outlined their objections. They argued that Muslims or others from the Middle East could create the kind of chaos seen in Europe, impose an enormous tax burden and wouldn't be able to assimilate because they don't share American values. Many said their biggest fear was the U.S. government couldn't conduct adequate screening. Some spoke of apocalyptic visions of terrorists posing as refugees making their way to the quiet countryside.
"There's no 800 number you can call into Morocco or Libya or any one of those places ... and say, 'Can you check the identity of this person?' Without the ability to properly vet them, it's literally putting Americans' lives at risk," says Eli Anselmi, who felt compelled to write a letter even though he lives three hours away in Bozeman.
The risk may be minimal, he says, but the potential harm is great. "Let's say that you have a bowl of M&Ms ... and there are two that have cyanide. Will you eat from that bowl?"
Ray Hawk, a Ravalli County commissioner, has similar worries. "These are folks that have declared war on the United States," he says. "Their war is terrorism and that's the way they're going to do it. And I don't feel that we need to give them that chance. Now, if the government gets a handle on this thing and has a way to vet these people, I'm all for them. I love to see anybody come into America and succeed."
Supporters of the refugees weighed in with reminders of America's tradition of providing sanctuary to those who've fled war and oppression; some cited their own family history. They spoke of empathy, pointed to a lengthy screening process and noted the other refugees who resettled here successfully in recent decades.
Shawn Wathen, a bookstore owner in Ravalli County, was appalled his 18-year-old son was booed when he testified in support of the refugees and then later cursed by some opponents. Wathen wrote the commissioners, accusing them of "xenophobic grandstanding." One replied that he was "ignorant."
Wathen, who has called the sprawling Bitterroot Valley home for 20 years, sees the rejection of refugees as a blend of misinformation, economic anxiety and fear of the unknown.
"It surpasses any notion of reason ... that kind of idea that they are not us, and therefore they pose a threat," he says. "There's just that sense the horde is out there and if we don't circle the wagons ... we're going to be overrun and poor white America is going to suffer."
America has a long history of wariness of refugees.
Last November, shortly after the Paris terrorist attacks, a Gallup poll found that Americans, by 60 to 37 percent, opposed taking in refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war. In 1978, there was a 57 to 32 percent opposition to accepting Indochinese boat people, and in 1946, after World War II, the public was against welcoming displaced people from Europe, including Jews, by 72 to 16 percent.
Generally, Americans tend to favor refugees with whom they share some connection political, religious or personal and the public has little interaction with Muslims, says David Haines, a professor emeritus at George Mason University who has written extensively about refugees.
He says the public doesn't understand the rigorous vetting process. "The risks from refugees are really low because it's an extremely well-screened population," he says. "But it's hard for people to settle down on this issue, especially in a highly politicized context."
In Missoula, academics and religious leaders have expressed alarm about the harsh tone of the presidential campaign, especially comments aimed at Muslims by Donald Trump. In April, they sponsored "Celebrate Islam Week" at the university in hopes of countering the trend.
Among the participants was Samir Bitar, an Arabic studies professor who arrived at the University of Montana in the 1970s as a 16-year-old freshman, raised a family and has spent most of his adult life here.
Bitar has lectured for decades across the state without controversy until this year, when about a dozen people in the nearby town of Darby objected to his planned talk at the library. The reason: They didn't want a Muslim in their town, according to the librarian. The library board voted. Bitar spoke and received a warm reception.
But the tone and atmosphere are decidedly different now, he says.
"This is the first time I actually look behind me as I walk. I've been here 42 years," he says. "It's like every part of my identity is coming under attack, including my American identity."
Recently, two students accepted Bitar's challenge to walk around wearing Muslim head gear to see how people would react. One young man donned a kufi, or skull cap, and classmates wouldn't sit next to him, Bitar says. While working at a deli, the student was rebuffed by a customer's wife who said: "'We're not going to have a Muslim help us.'"
Bitar, who is Palestinian, finds it all disheartening. People now are "motivated by pure emotion and not really thinking in logical terms," he says. "Fear turns into hatred."
Jameel Chaudhry, the campus architect, a native of Kenya and another member of the small Muslim community, says he, too, senses a new hostility.
"All of a sudden WE are the problem," he says. "We've never had this before, and I've been here 20 years. We didn't have this even after 9/11."
Chaudhry attributes this attitude to Trump, accusing the presumptive Republican nominee of stoking fears for political gain.
"He's become the champion of the anti-Muslim, anti-refugee movement," he says. While that group talks of being tired of political correctness, Chaudhry sees something else: "They don't want the other races coming in here."
But those who've publicly spoken out against refugees bristle at suggestions they're racist. They say they're trying to protect their communities.
"It doesn't make any difference if they're Muslims, Russians, whatever. You have to know who they are, what they've been doing in the past," says Jim Buterbaugh, a construction worker who organized three opposition rallies, including one at the state Capitol. "Are you going to go downtown and take five people off the streets and move them into your house without knowing who they are? Nobody in their right mind would do that."
He and others are upset they have no vote on this issue. State and local governments legally don't have authority to bar refugees, though they can refuse to directly provide local services, according to Haines. Last fall, more than half the nation's governors declared their opposition to accepting Syrian refugees, saying a pause was needed until security concerns are addressed.
That sense of being shut out of decision-making reflects a wider distrust of the government in parts of the West, where federal policies involving land, water and endangered species often clash with energy, timber and grazing interests. Though the refugee debate is different, it exposes the same raw nerves among opponents, who also question the economic and social impact.
In a letter to her commissioners, Ravalli County resident Birte Nellessen said, "to fool ourselves that we are helping 'poor folks driven out of their homeland by war' is ridiculous. They openly and blazingly state that they are coming to destroy us and our culture. ... Why we would spend any of our hard earned money on people like that?"
Nellessen, who moved to the U.S. from Germany 20 years ago, says officials should instead support local folks in need and that a smarter course would be to send supplies or money to help refugees rebuild in their homeland.
"I mean, what's a Syrian or Kenyan going to do in winter in Montana? Seriously."
The answer is coming. The International Rescue Committee has met with Missoula's mayor, police chief and others to prepare for the refugees about 100 will come over a year's time. The agency plans to reopen a resettlement office here this fall, after a 25-year absence. Those most likely to be relocated include Congolese, Afghans and Syrians who will have no family ties, so they'll have to live within a 50-mile radius of the office.
Mary Poole is looking forward to their arrival.
About 750 people have signed up to help refugees make the transition, she says. One former Missoula resident now living in Mongolia wants to get involved when she returns.
Poole is already thinking ahead, too, about how this could change the life of her 17-month-old son, Jack.
She envisions a day, she says, when he "will be able to sit in a school next to someone of a different color, of a different language, of a different culture and be able to learn that he lives in a global world. ... I don't think we can be insulated anymore."
Poole knows resistance remains, and still meets with those who don't want refugees here. She says she's even made friends with some vocal opponents, recently inviting them to her house for a barbecue.
"We're asking for compassion," she says, "and must be able to give that ourselves."
And there's always a chance to win some over.
"They are us,' she says of the opponents. "They are part of our community, and in order for this to be as successful as it possibly can be, it's about being in it together."
Plano-based Shoe Repair Butler is poised to expand its business nationwide with the help of Americas largest retailer and the countrys fighting men and women.
Shoe Repair Butler, which provides mail-in and drop-off shoe and accessories repair services, has signed a master lease agreement with Wal-Mart. The agreement will provide the company with an opportunity to open a franchise in any Wal-Mart store that has the space available.
Its insane, Shoe Repair Butler's Michael Reynolds said. "Im trying to pinch myself. Its all happening."
Shoe Repair Butler was founded by Manny McCarroll, a military veteran and master shoemaker who both served his country overseas and provided shoe repair butler services for the United Nations and its 4,500 diplomats representing governments all over the world.
Youre taking something which has been destroyed and youre making it new again, McCarroll said.
The same could perhaps be said about his companys other mission: to employ and empower military veterans.
McCarroll and Reynolds who both have extensive military service under their belts will celebrate the grand opening of the pilot Shoe Repair Butler in a McKinney Wal-Mrt at 6 p.m. Thursday. The event is also an open invitation to veterans from North Texas to come learn about the business, and eventually train to become Master Cobblers.
If you can operate an AR-15, you can operate these machines, McCarroll said.
McCarroll told NBC DFW he currently employs about 10 people. In the near future, to accommodate the business growth in association with the Wal-Mart locations, McCarroll expects to employ about 100 people. And depending on how many Shoe Repair Butlers open nationwide, McCarroll said he could easily need many more cobblers than that.
We want to offer veterans jobs, he said. Thats what they deserve. We want to be the company that really changes some lives.
Reynolds shares the same motivation.
[Veterans] had a purpose. They had a meaning. And now they dont have one because the job for their function within the military doesnt correlate or transfer over into the civilian world, he said. You cant explain the feeling you get helping other people, and especially veterans who gave everything, sacrificed everything, so we could be here doing this today.
Both men smile wide when talk turns to training veterans how to become cobblers. Part of the Shoe Repair Butler business plan is to open an accredited shoe repair school in a partnership with a local college. The exact details of the plan, McCarroll said, are in the working stages.
McCarroll is adamant that the reason the shoe repair industry in the United States is a shell of what it was in the early 20th Century, with only a few thousand repair shops now as opposed to more than 100,000 in the 1930s, is because there is no formal education in the trade.
As for the work, McCarroll said he believes repairing soles can be good for the soul.
At least for me, shoe repair, actually doing this work, is therapy, he said. Every day were accomplishing things. A lot of the shoes have a story behind them, sentimental value behind it, so youre doing something for people. And when you get home at the end of the day, you know you did a good job.
Authorities said one man was killed and another man was injured in a crash that shut down Interstate 35E in Dallas Thursday morning. [[382333611,C]]
Dallas County Sheriff's deputies said a man driving a Jeep hit a wall on northbound I-35E, overcorrected and crashed near West Northwest Highway at about 4 a.m.
The driver and a man in the back seat were ejected from the vehicle, according to authorities. Neither man was wearing a seat belt.
Authorities said the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The other man was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Sheriff's deputies said a female passenger fled the scene after the crash, but returned shortly after deputies arrived. She was wearing a seat belt and sustained minor injuries.
Northbound I-35E was shut down until nearly 6:30 a.m.
Check back and refresh this page for the latest update. As this story is developing, elements may change.
A dangerous new synthetic drug could be making its way to North Texas.
The synthetic opioid is called U-47700, and it can be purchased online and is relatively cheap. It has a potency 7.5 times higher than morphine.
Lab tests recently received by Keller police confirmed the drug was found inside a home in the 1300 block of Briar Ridge Drive in March.
Steven King, 45, was arrested in March, and arrested again on new charges in June. He remains jailed on $525,000 bond.
Two people who used the drug at Kings home in March were admitted to the ICU after overdosing, according to police. Both recovered.
During an investigation that ensued, police seized 94 hits of LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy, bath salts, marijuana, DMT, Oxycodone, Xanax and nearly 100 grams of U-47700.
Several states are now taking action to ban U-47700, and law enforcement in Kansas is even seeking an emergency ban.
Gary Dodd, BSN, CARN, with Grapevine Valley Hope, a treatment services center, said other drugs have a potency higher than U-47700, but with any new drug, users don't understand how it may affect them or how much to take.
"The first problem is that you don't know how it's going to affect you. You don't know the relative strength of it compared to what you're used to doing, which is going to lead to respiratory depressant overdose death," Dodd said. "The other problem is the physical dependency issue."
An alert from Parkland Hospital in March said the drug has been around since 70s, but is just now gaining popularity.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration told The Associated Press the agency is studying the opioid, but hasn't yet moved to control it. U-47700 comes in various forms and can be injected, snorted or taken orally.
Flash
Wildlife in South Sudan has come increasingly under threat from poaching due to high appetite for bush meat and the effects of more than two years of civil conflict, a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) official said on Wednesday.
UNEP Country Manager, Arshad Khan, told journalists on Wednesday in Juba that the country's elephant, tiang, antelope, white ear-kob and mangala gazelle species are diminishing due to poaching.
The civil war has threatened to push some of the country's wildlife into extinction, with poaching of elephants on the rise, Khan told journalists.
According to some estimates, the population of elephants that used to be 100,000 in the 1970s has plummeted to only 5,000.
Tiang and antelope are also animals that have suffered from poaching in the country, Khan revealed.
"Another factor that poses threat to wildlife is bush meat since it is cheaper than beef and chicken as a result wild animals such as white ear-kob, mangala gazelle, tiang are hunted in large numbers in South Sudan," Khan said.
Authorities at Juba airport on May 25 seized 10 kilograms of penguin meat and 30 kilograms of elephant tusks, and arrested suspects who attempted to smuggle them out of the country.
"There is a great need to halt illegal wildlife trade in this country by creating public awareness and supporting local communities living around wildlife conservation sites," he added.
If developed, the wildlife and tourism sector could contribute 10 to 15 percent of Gross Domestic Product to South Sudan, according to UNEP.
Khan said UNEP has plans to start construction of wildlife migratory routes in the country. "South Sudan is fortunate to be considered home to the biggest antelope migration in the world," he said.
Wildlife expert and South Sudan's former Director General of Ministry of Wildlife Conservation, Philip Chol Majak, told Xinhua in an interview that illicit arms in the hands of the civil population and weak legal framework had exposed animals to poachers hunting for bush meat and elephant tusks.
"We have a lot of species elephants, rhinos, gazelles, antelopes, buffaloes, white eared-kob and hippos in big numbers which are being poached. The rhinos are almost getting extinct and buffaloes have migrated to other countries due to poaching," Majak said.
He said there is need to renovate and demarcate Boma, Nimule and other national parks, but the shortage of funds has delayed research and data collection on animals.
"We have not carried out any tangible research to ascertain the number of animals in our game parks. We were supposed to get data and use it afterwards for conservation," he disclosed.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a new federal lawsuit that will go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Paxton announced that Texas and 20 other states will file a lawsuit against the State of Delaware before the high court, as the Constitution allows the states to do.
The issue is over the Disposition Act of 1974. Paxton says that law allows unused official checks, like money orders or traveler's checks, to be claimed by the state in which they were purchased.
However, General Paxton said at a press conference on the steps of the court that Delaware began demanding banking institutions incorporated in its state to send that money to Delaware and not where the checks were purchased.
"They've had our money over the last several years, they've kept our money," Paxton told reporters. "Delaware has the money. The business itself doesn't have the money, they were ordered by Delaware to send the money to Delaware. So, we're just trying to get what is owed to us."
According to the lawsuit, being led by the Arkansas AG's office, the 21 states that have filed sued are owed roughly $150 million and if all 49 states claimed the money more than $400 million would be owed. Texas could be owed $10 million.
In a news release, the AG's office specifically refers to the company MoneyGram violating the federal law along with the State of Delaware.
It is not unusual for states to sue each other. In 2015, Nebraska and Oklahoma sued the State of Colorado over its marijuana law.
Paxton has filed several high-profile lawsuits against the federal government since taking office, including one last month over the new transgender bathroom guidelines mandated by President Obama.
Paxton didn't speak to that lawsuit, other than saying he feels they have a solid case before the Supreme Court when asked about it.
Paxton also declined to say whether then Attorney General, now Governor, Greg Abbott should have pursued a lawsuit against Donald Trump's Trump University.
Members of the Texas Public Utility Commission Thursday pushed for faster reform for the state website thats supposed to be a reliable place to shop for electricity, powertochoose.org.
PUC Chairman Donna Nelson announced a special June 21 meeting of stakeholders in her office to move the project faster.
"I was a little concerned about the project dragging out because of the effects it has on the Power to Choose website," Nelson said.
Consumer advocate Carol Biedrzycki with Texas Ratepayers Organization to Save Energy (Texas ROSE) said she has been invited to the special meeting.
Consumers are very confused because they cant compare the pricing of plans because of the way the pricing is done, Biedrzycki said.
For instance, some one-cent per kilowatt offers claim to be fixed price, but Biedrzycki said they exclude delivery charges and other fees that normally make the price much higher.
Someone, as far as Im concerned, has been asleep at the switch at the PUC because those plans should never be posted as fixed price plans in the first place, Biedrzycki said.
Nelson said providers have been asked before not to post deceptive offers and she repeated the request Thursday.
Once again, I want to caution the reps about putting out offers that are way below cost or that are impossible to meet, Nelson said.
As work continues on possible new rules for what is offered on the website, Commissioner Kenneth Anderson from Dallas said providers skirting existing rules could face sanctions.
I think we generally agree that theres got to be some changes, and particularly around these deceptive plans, Anderson said. There are plans out there that on their face are not realistic. Thats where I think possible enforcement action could come into play.
Around 50 providers offer electric service in North Texas to customers who are not serviced by co-ops or city owned utilities. Those providers offer hundreds of different plans on the state site.
Some companies have asked the PUC to close the site and let companies sell their own plans away from the confusion of so many competitors. A PUC filing from TXU Energy says the federal government does not provide government run sites to sell plane tickets or banking products and the Texas deregulated electric market has matured enough that consumers should be able to make retail power choices on their own.
All three commissioners Thursday said consumer response so far says to keep the state site, but fix it.
They still seem to want Power to Choose. Theyd like a neutral site, Anderson said.
Consumers can file comments at the email address: PTC45730@puc.texas.gov
A Tarrant County grand jury declined to indict Ed McIver Jr. Wednesday in connection with the shooting of Fort Worth police officer Matthew Pearce, but the district attorney immediately refiled the same charges.
McIver Jr. was arrested and charged with attempted capital murder and possession of a controlled substance following a shootout with police that left his father dead and a Fort Worth police officer critically wounded in March of this year.
McIver's attorney, Brian Walker, said it was unfair for prosecutors to essentially ignore the grand jury's decision.
"I've been an attorney for over 12 years and I've never dealt with this happening," he said. "I think they know in their heart of hearts that Ed McIver Junior did not fire a weapon at all."
A Fort Worth police spokesman said the department disagreed with the grand jury's decision and supported District Attorney Sharen Wilson's decision to refile the case.
"To say the officers of the Fort Worth Police Department are disappointed in the grand jury's decision is an understatement," Sgt. Marc Povero said. "We believe the acts of Mr. McIver should be heard in a public forum before a jury of his peers."
A spokeswoman for the district attorney, Samantha Jordan, said prosecutors believe McIver's case should go to trial.
"We believe strongly this case should be prosecuted, and will present the case to the next grand jury," Jordan said. "It is not acceptable to fire on police officers acting in the line of duty."
McIver Jr. was with his father, 43-year-old Ed McIver Sr., on March 15 as he tried to elude a fugitive task force. The elder McIver was wanted on two aggravated assault charges and for jumping bail. Officers attempted a traffic stop to take him into custody, but he refused to surrender and led police on a short chase that ended with he and his son on foot and engaged in a gun battle with police that left him dead and Pearce critically wounded.
McIver Jr. was captured in a wooded area hours later, armed with a rifle.
Officials have not said who shot officer Pearce, and Walker said there's no evidence that McIver Jr. fired a single shot.
McIver Jr. remained in custody Wednesday and was still being held on $2 million bond.
NBC 5's Scott Gordon and Don Peritz contributed to this report.
Police say a South Texas man has been charged with molesting two boys at a park after promising to teach them self-defense methods.
David Isaiah Soto of San Antonio was being held Thursday on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.
San Antonio police on Wednesday arrested the 20-year-old Soto, who's denied the allegations in the case involving boys ages 11 and 12. Bexar County magistrate records didn't immediately list a bond amount.
Sgt. Jesse Salame says the boys told investigators that Soto in April began teaching them self-defense techniques at a park, then forced them to perform sex acts on him. Salame says the suspect threatened to hurt the children or their families if they reported the abuse.
One boy told a relative, who contacted police.
The man accused of terrorizing a San Diego neighborhood in 2015, bringing air traffic to a halt and shooting at police officers with a high-powered rifle, spurring a lengthy standoff, is competent to stand trial, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Suspect Titus Nathan Colbert, 34, underwent two mental evaluations over a period of several months before the judge issued the ruling.
Colbert's attorney pleaded not guilty on his behalf at an earlier arraignment in November. Colbert has been held in jail without bail since his arraignment, based on his bizarre behavior and attitude at his arraignment, where he interrupted court proceedings by yelling at the judge that he stands for a "new world order."
Colbert, a documented gang member from San Diegos Skyline area who had most recently been living in Las Vegas, faces multiple felony charges including three counts of attempted murder. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 105 years in prison.
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, officers with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) were called to 2445 Brant Street in the Bankers Hill community to investigate a report of domestic violence involving Colbert.
That disturbance call escalated into a SWAT standoff between law enforcement and Colbert, who was armed with a long-range assault rifle. Holed up inside an apartment unit, Colbert began spraying bullets, narrowly missing SDPD officers.
At a previous arraignment, Deputy District Attorney Michael Runyon said Colbert fired shots at three officers during the standoff, hence the three counts of attempted murder.
The SDPD said Friday that one of those officers, identified by the department as Officer Carlos Estrada, a four-year veteran, returned fire. A second officer who also exchanged gunfire with Colbert was identified by the SDPD as Matthew C. Hone, an eight-year vet of the department.
Throughout the standoff, Colbert also allegedly fired random shots into the approach path used by pilots landing aircraft at San Diegos Lindbergh Field, which is less than two miles from Brant Street.
The threat to public safety was so great that police shut down traffic in the area, blocking off multiple streets, and ordered residents to shelter in place. At the same time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for arrivals into Lindbergh Field, which ultimately caused 140 flights to be impacted or delayed.
At around 2:40 p.m., more than five hours into the dangerous standoff, Colbert was taken into police custody. Although the community was badly shaken, no one was hurt in the ordeal.
On Thursday, SDPD officers continued their investigation at the apartment in Bankers Hill where broken glass and shell casings where left behind.
Runyon said 17 shell casings had been recovered by SDPD investigators at the scene of the Bankers Hill shooting, though he did not know exactly how many total rounds were fired during the standoff, as the investigation is ongoing. Runyon said the suspect was in possession of three firearms.
Colbert is no stranger to the criminal justice system. Court documents obtained by NBC 7 Investigates show he is a documented gang member with an extensive criminal history dating back to his teenage years. His record includes arrests in San Diego, as well as arrests in San Bernardino, Calif., and Arizona.
Most recently, Colbert was charged with five felonies, including selling the party drug Ecstasy to an undercover officer in a drug deal outside a Black Angus restaurant on Friars Road. Colbert was also implicated in another drug deal at the drive-thru of an In-N-Out restaurant in Mission Valley.
In 2012, Colbert pleaded guilty to selling narcotics and served one year behind bars.
An NBC 7 source in the legal community says Colbert is the brother of convicted killer Tecumseh Colbert, a man currently on death row for two 2004 murders.
Runyon said he had no comment on Colbert's courtroom outburst. NBC 7 did not speak with with Colbert's court-appointed attorney following the quick court hearing.
There is more trouble at Serra High School in Tierrasanta.
Police for the San Diego Unified School District are now investigating a possible hate crime, after two racial slurs using the N word were found on campus.
One was allegedly directed at an African American teacher, who does not wish to be identified. The other, at the schools African American principal, Vincent Mays.
The discovery comes at a time of turmoil for the school.
A group of teachers say Mays is a bully and has a phony doctorate from a University that does not exist.
Before school Monday morning, a group of teachers handed out flyers calling for Mays to be removed.
I felt they had gone too far, said the teacher who believes she was targeted because she supported the principal.
She said there may be valid concerns, but they should be handled through the proper channels.
Don't do in your classroom, during instructional time. Don't do it to parents, as they're coming into school, and just handle it in a better way that doesn't affect kids or the learning environment.
She also said there may be some underlying racism involved.
Maybe somewhere deep rooted, it may be in there, but they just don't want a person of color in a position of authority.
She says the school needs to heal.
Ralf Ubel, one of the teachers who filed the complaints says: From the beginning the issues with Mr. Mays were about his leadership, his treatment of female staff members, and his personal academic record. Every claim we brought forward was supported by data, survey results, witness reports, and careful research.
Speaking about the graffiti on campus, Ubel says: "These are reprehensible, despicable and cowardly acts, and hopefully we can find the responsible party.
The school district says the vandalism has been reported to school police as well as San Diego City Police and the District Attorneys office.
The District is asking anyone with any information to call Crimestoppers.
Detectives are seeking the public's help to find four people accused of being part of a "sophisticated" ring responsible for possibly hundreds of home burglaries across Southern California.
At a news conference Thursday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said 10 culprits were arrested and four were being sought in connection with the crimes, which included homes along the 210 Freeway in the San Gabriel Valley and in the San Fernando Valley.
Detectives said the burglary "crew" moved about incognito, traveling to target locations in expensive luxury vehicles and rental cars. The burglars allegedly knocked on the front door of a home to determine if residents were inside. If no one answered, the delinquents broke in through a rear door or window and ransacked the home, stealing cash, jewelry, weapons and other valuables, the sheriff's department said.
Stolen gold and jewelry were sold all over Los Angeles County at scrap-purchasing businesses and pawned at local pawn shops.
Detectives believe the group is responsible for dozens, and possibly hundreds, of home burglaries in several cities, including La Canada, Rosemead, Temple City and El Monte.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the LA County Sheriff's Department at 323-810-1973 or 213-229-1700.
Nine months after announcing that China would help build a high-speed rail line from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the private U.S. company behind the plan says the deal is off and that it will seek a partner elsewhere.
Las Vegas-based XpressWest said in a statement that the decision to terminate the relationship with China Railway International was based "primarily upon difficulties associated with timely performance and CRIs challenges in obtaining required authority to proceed with required development activities.
The company indicated its "biggest challenge was a federal government requirement that high-speed trains must be manufactured in the United States to secure regulatory approvals.
"As everyone knows, there are no high-speed trains manufactured in the United States, the statement said. "This inflexible requirement has been a
fundamental barrier to financing high-speed rail in our country. For the past
10 years, we have patiently waited for policymakers to recognize high-speed
rail in the United States is a new enterprise and that allowing trains from
countries with decades of safe high-speed rail experience is needed to connect
the Southwest region and start this new industry."
XpressWest said it is optimistic that CRI and its affiliates will one-day succeed in establishing a viable presence in the United States rail market but that, in the meantime, it is undeterred by the obstacles "and remains dedicated to completing its high-speed passenger rail project.''
"XpressWest will now aggressively pursue other available development partnerships and options expected to result in a more efficient and cost-
effective project implementation experience, said XpressWest CEO Tony Marnell.
The deal with the Chinese provided for CRI to assist develop, finance, build and potentially operate the XpressWest rail project connecting Las Vegas to Los Angeles, with stations in Las Vegas, Victorville and Palmdale, and service throughout Los Angeles.
China launched its own domestic high-speed rail service in 2007 and has the worlds most extensive network of such trains, covering more than 12,000
miles, according to the Los Angeles Times. It is now trying to export its rail
technology, vying for contracts in Mexico, Southeast Asia and elsewhere, according to the newspaper. The L.A.-Vegas route would have been Chinas first such contract in the United States.
The all-clear was given Thursday after a suspicious package promoted the evacuation of a Los Angeles Police Department station in the Glassell Park area, officials said.
A bomb squad cleared the scene at San Fernando Road and Fierro Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The LAPD's Northeast Division station at 3352 North San Fernando Road was evacuated during the investigation.
It was not immediately disclosed what the package was.
No further details were immediately available.
Authorities are seeking additional victims of a teacher's assistant at a downtown Los Angeles Unified School District high school arrested on suspicion of inappropriately touching students.
Pil Mendez, 34, a teacher assistant at Miguel Contreras Learning Complex, was arrested Wednesday on one count of sexual battery and three counts of annoying or molesting a child under 18, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
In November 2015, a female student reported that Mendez inappropriately touched her and made sexual comments to her on multiple occasions. During the investigation, additional students said that Mendez had also inappropriately touched them and made inappropriate sexual comments to them, police said.
Mendez was immediately removed from his position when the initial accusations were made, according to a statement by LAUSD Superintendent Michelle King.
"I strongly believe that adults must be responsible for protecting children. As Superintendent, and as a mother, I take this responsibility very seriously," King said. "Every day, our employees work hard to provide a safe environment for our students. We will continue to make student safety the District's highest priority."
King added that L.A. Unified was working with LAPD during the investigation.
Mendez is being held on $50,000 bail.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Juvenile Division - Sexually Exploited Child Unit at 213-486-0580 during business hours and 877-527-3247 during non-business hours.
Flash
Chinese authorities are strongly urging the U.S. to refrain from flying reconnaissance aircraft over Chinese waters.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei made the remarks in response to a recent U.S. claim on China's interception of an American aircraft over the East China Sea, "The root cause of the issue is the frequent close reconnaissance over Chinese waters and in China's airspace by U.S. military aircraft. That has seriously threatened the Chinese maritime and airspace security. China has the right to take defensive measures. This is also the source of the related issue. We demand that the United States stop its close reconnaissance activities and prevent this kind of incident from happening again."
In a statement, the U.S. Pacific Command described the interception by a Chinese J-10 fighter jet against an American reconnaissance plane over East China Sea as "unsafe."
It said the plane flew in the international airspace, but didn't make clear whether it entered China's air defense identification zone over the sea area.
Hong noted that China's air fleet has always acted in a professional and responsible way and in line with the law.
China has repeatedly urged the US to stop its long-term close-in reconnaissance off Chinese coasts.
In a similar case last month, two Chinese warplanes intercepted a US EP-3 aircraft over the South China Sea.
Actors and members of the media gathered Wednesday for a "Walking Dead" Boot Camp in Universal Studios Hollywood.
The event, hosted by "The Walking Dead" Executive Producer and Director Greg Nicotero, promoted Universal Studios Hollywood's new upcoming daytime attraction "The Walking Dead," inspired by AMC's popular television show.
The event began with a demonstration by cast on "The Walking Dead," followed by a Q&A with Nicotero and Universal Studios Hollywood's Creative Director, John Murdy.
The event concluded with media members testing out their own Walker impersonations. Participants practiced how to walk, move, and stalk like a real Walker, in addition to learning proper body posture.
The permanent daytime attraction "The Walking Dead" will be opening on July 4.
A woman accused of stabbing her husband in the chest before barricading herself in their home until SWAT teams negotiated her surrender faces domestic violence related charges, prosecutors said.
Doris Anna Eng, 58, of Pomona, also faces special allegations that she used a deadly weapon in an afternoon knife attack on her husband in the driveway of their home on May 31, according to a Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office news release.
The suspect was also charged with an allegation of personally inflicting great bodily injury.
She is accused of stabbing her husband in the chest, prosecutors said. He was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition, police said. His condition was not known on Wednesday.
A family member called 911 for help. When authorities arrived at the location, Eng reportedly barricaded herself in the home for five hours before surrendering to police, prosecutors said.
A Broward Sheriff's Office sergeant is facing more than two dozen charges of child pornography and illicit sexual conduct after he engaged in sexually explicit exchanges with an underage girl through the internet and social media, authorities said Thursday.
Sgt. Kreg Costa, 43, was arrested on 29 charges including possessing or viewing a depiction of child sexual conduct, sexual assault, lewd or lascivious conduct, using a computer to lure a child and using or allowing a child to engage in sex, BSO officials said.
Costa was being held without bond Thursday, jail records showed. His attorneys, Jamie Benjamin and Daniel Aaronson, released a statement after Costa's arrest.
"Every citizen accused is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, even if that person is a law enforcement officer. We will diligently investigate and defend these serious charges," the statement read. "Based on our investigation we believe he will be fully exonerated of all charges."
BSO Sheriff Scott Israel discussed the arrest at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
"These charges are deeply disturbing, these allegations if true are reprehensible and actually disgusting," Israel said.
Officials said Costa was suspended with pay and relieved of his badge, BSO ID card and firearm in April. He was arrested Thursday morning when he arrived at the public safety building for a training class, and has been suspended without pay.
Costa, who has been with the BSO since 1999, was arrested following a two-month investigation by the BSO's public corruption unit, officials said.
The investigation began after staff at the Weston district, where Costa worked as a road patrol supervisor, noticed he was staying in his office during his night shift with the lights off and his uniform belt and gun belt removed, officials said.
When detectives looked at a computer usage report of Costa's work-issued laptop from January through March, they found he was viewing hardcore pornography including incest-related and bondage websites while he was at work, officials said.
Detectives monitored Costa's internet activity and found he was engaging in sexually explicit exchanges with a 16-year-old California girl through email, Twitter and videos, officials said.
Costa instructed the teen to record herself while engaging in sex acts with herself, officials said. The teen told investigators she told Costa she was 15 years old when she first started communicating with him.
An arrest affidavit said Costa is the former president of Sawgrass Youth Sports, a football and cheerleading program in Sunrise.
The current president, Brandon Schoppert, released a statement saying Costa has had no affiliation or contact with the organization since he resigned in October 2015.
"While presently there is NO evidence to suggest ANY crimes were committed against our members, we are still taking a proactive approach and response to this matter," Schoppert's statement read. "First, we have notified all our parents of the arrest and the allegations made therein. Second, we have been in contact with the Broward Sheriff's Office and have offered our complete willingness to assist their investigation in any way necessary. Finally, we are prepared to provide assistance and counseling to any of our members adversely affected by this matter."
Investigators said they believe there may be more victims and are asking anyone with more information to call 954-321-1100.
A southwest Florida man was charged after authorities say he called 911 because his girlfriend wouldn't buy him vodka.
Jack Means is facing a misdemeanor charge of misusing 911 in an incident that happened Monday night, Collier County Sheriff's Office officials told NBC 2. It's unknown if he's hired an attorney.
Authorities say Means called to report that his neighbors were fighting and yelling.
"Uh sorry. It's not what I'd call a true emergency, but it's the same b-s," he told the dispatcher in the 911 call.
But when two deputies responded, there was no fight or yelling. But the deputies found Means, who was drunk and said he was angry because his girlfriend wouldn't buy him alcohol, the report said.
Authorities say a 9-foot alligator found near a lake with a body in its mouth had human remains in its stomach.
Lakeland police spokesman Gary Gross said Wednesday that the remains found inside the alligator during a necropsy matched the body found in its mouth Tuesday.
Gross says detectives still don't know if the unidentified man drowned or was killed by the gator. His body was decomposed, indicating he had been in the water a couple of days or longer. Police say determining the cause of death has been difficult.
Gross says detectives are gathering clothing and other items at Lake Hunter, hoping they will help determine the man's identity.
What to Know After over four decades of public service in both Miami-Dade County and in Tallahassee, Gwen Margolis is calling it a career.
The 81 year old Margolis announced that she will not continue her run for re-election to the Florida Senate and will give up her seat.
After over four decades of public service in both Miami-Dade County and in Tallahassee, Gwen Margolis is calling it a career.
The 81 year old Margolis announced that she will not continue her run for re-election to the Florida Senate and will give up her seat, which includes Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and much of the coastline in the county, when her term ends this November.
I look back at 40 years of public service with great humility and joy as I reflect on all the work we accomplished to empower peoples lives," Margolis said in a statement. "It has been a remarkable journey and one that has allowed me to see how our county, state and nation evolved on so many issues.
Margolis started her career in politics as a member of the Florida House of Representatives starting in 1974. The Democrat would move to the Florida Senate, spending the next 12 years in that chamber and becoming the first woman to serve as Senate President in 1990.
After an unsuccessful run for the U.S. House in 1992, Margolis joined the Miami-Dade County Commission the following year, serving six years as chair of that group. In 2002, she was elected back into the Senate, where she would serve another six years before losing her bid to become County Property Appraiser in 2008. Margolis would be elected back to the Senate in 2010.
Recently, Margolis drew criticism for comments made about her opponents in this year's election. The Miami Herald reported that, at a recent meeting of the Sunny Isles Beach Democratic Club, Margolis referred to her opponents as three Haitians, some teacher and some lawyer.
Several of those opponents, as well as the executive director of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, called for her to apologize. Margolis did not apologize, instead announcing her retirement.
An international student from Sweden was shot during an armed robbery in Wynwood, Miami Police said.
The Miami Ad School student was leaving the Wynwood Diner on Northwest 2nd Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday when he was approached by two men who demanded his belongings at gunpoint, according to police.
He gave them his wallet and cellphone but said one of them shot him anyway, police said. The suspects all fled the scene.
The student, identified by his brother as 28-year-old Frank Hammar, was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical but stable condition with two gunshot wounds.
"The one guy said to blast him and then they shot him with two bullets," explained Peter Hammar, brother. "To try and kill him for nothing basically, it seems like such a horrible deed and we're very saddened by it."
Peter said his brother was having dinner with their parents who were visiting from Sweden and they parted company so Frank Hammar could head back to school. He was set to graduate on Friday.
School officials released a statement Thursday saying Hammar is expected to be released from the hospital in a week.
"We send best wishes and healing thoughts his way and look forward to seeing his smiling face back at the school soon," the statement read. "This tragedy has not slowed him down and he is determined to attend graduation and continue on to New York to fulfill his career dreams. We can't wait to watch him grow and inspire the next generation of students over the coming years."
Hammar is expected to make a full recovery. A GoFundMe page has been setup to help with his expenses.
"We're just so lucky that he's still with us and we just want to focus on the positive and things could have been so much worse," Peter expressed.
If you know anything about this case, you're urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
Gay, transgender and other groups blocked from participating in a high-level U.N. meeting on AIDS represent the populations most affected by the disease and should take center-stage at the event, advocates said Tuesday.
Nearly two dozen civil society organizations from five continents that provide services for LGBT communities, intravenous drug users and others have been denied access to the three-day General Assembly meeting starting Wednesday at the request of Russia, Cameroon, Tanzania and 51 Muslim countries.
Under U.N. rules, any of the 193 member countries can veto the participation of any non-governmental organization without providing a reason.
So those excluded decided to hold their own event outside the U.N., hosted by the Ford Foundation.
Frustrated speakers at "The Impact of Civil Society Exclusion on Ending the AIDS Epidemic by 2030" forum noted it was civil society organizations like theirs that brought awareness to the issue of HIV and AIDS in the first place, paving the way for later meetings like this week' U.N. session.
"It is outrageous that we still have to fight for a place at the table," said Vitaly Djuma, executive director of the Tallinn, Estonia-based Eurasian Coalition on Male Health, one of the excluded organizations. The group works to prevent HIV and provide treatment, care and support for gay men and transgender people.
The high-level U.N. meeting on ending AIDS hopes to speed up the global response to HIV and AIDS over the next five years to better enable the elimination of the disease by 2030, one of the U.N.'s major goals. Participants will include governments, civil society organizations and communities of people living with or affected by HIV.
The meeting "can help close the gap between needs and services and advance our efforts to leave no one behind," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement in advance of the meeting. Ban has long been out front on issues involving lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people,
In a letter to assembly President Mogens Lykketoft last month responding to the blacklisting of 11 organizations, U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said the groups appeared to have been chosen for their involvement with gay and transgender issues.
The letter asked that all groups that requested participation be allowed to attend and noted that transgender people are 49 times more likely to be living with HIV than the general population. Their exclusion from the meeting, she said, would only slow progress in combatting HIV/AIDS.
But the assembly's decision was not reversed.
In an unscheduled appearance at the Ford Foundation forum near U.N. headquarters, Lykketoft told participants that despite their exclusion, he considers their work an important part of the battle against AIDS.
"I feel very sorry that ... some countries within the General Assembly that do not realize the necessity the obvious logical necessity of integrating all parts of the affected populations."
Lykketoft said his office was able to negotiate reducing a lengthier list of 39 blocked organizations down to 22.
Mandeep Dhaliwal, team leader of the U.N. Development Program's HIV, Health and Development Practice, said she worked for an NGO before joining the U.N. and argued it is time to re-examine the rule that allows any U.N. member to veto a non-governmental organization's participation. These organizations could play an important role in the U.N.'s efforts to bring about an end to the AIDS virus, she said.
"The rules need to change," she said.
About 200 people attended the forum.
Thousands of civilians fled a northern Syrian town Wednesday in anticipation of a final push by U.S.-backed forces to liberate it from Islamic State rule, as airstrikes pounded rebel-held districts in Aleppo, killing 15 civilians and damaging three hospitals, opposition activists and a U.N. agency said.
The Syrian Democratic Forces have all but encircled Manbij, a key waypoint on an ISIS supply line between the Turkish border and the extremist group's de facto capital, Raqqa, according to an SDF adviser.
Nasser Haj Mansour said the ISIS group was allowing families to flee the town to nearby Jarablus and al-Bab. Some civilians fled to liberated villages and to the advancing forces, the adviser told the AP by messaging service from his position near the front line. He estimated some 15,000 civilians had fled.
The SDF have retaken some 70 villages and farms from ISIS militants in their campaign, which is now entering its tenth day, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Kurdish-led force, which also includes Arab fighters, has advanced under the cover of U.S.-led airstrikes, and the U.S. has embedded 300 Special Forces troops with it, though Washington says they are there in an advisory capacity.
Haj Mansour said ISIS militants were fighting to keep every village. "This is not something we have seen before. They are not leaving any positions," he said. The Observatory, which relies on a network of local activists, said 82 fighters and 25 civilians were killed in the first week of fighting.
The campaign for Manbij has proven politically fraught for the predominantly Kurdish SDF, which is viewed with suspicion by Turkey over its links to Kurdish rebels, and Syrian opposition factions, which suspect it has colluded with the Syrian government. The SDF has said Manbij natives would fight the final campaign for the predominantly Arab town in an apparent bid to allay such fears.
The UN's children's agency UNICEF meanwhile said a hospital it supported along with two others in rebel-held parts of Aleppo came under attack Wednesday, as fighting in Syria's largest city intensified once again.
"The Al Hakim hospital, a UNICEF supported facility, is one of the few that still provide pediatric services" in the eastern parts of the divided city, said Peter Salama, the agency's regional director. "Everyone must question their humanity when babies have to be taken out of incubators because of attacks on hospitals," he added.
The Independent Doctors Association, which describes itself as a cross-border Syrian humanitarian organization providing health care to Aleppo, said on its Twitter account that an airstrike hit the children's hospital, which it runs, destroying one floor.
U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner condemned the hospital attacks in comments to reporters Wednesday. "The fact that the regime is once again targeting medical facilities is unconscionable and should be strongly condemned," he said.
Just seven hospitals are functional in the city's rebel-held quarters, serving 350,000 residents, according to Physicians for Human Rights. The group quoted Al Hakim's director as saying staff had feared the hospital would eventually be struck.
"Today is that day," said the director, who would not reveal his real name out of safety concerns. "The nurses were running to the basement carrying the babies."
Over the past two days, government forces have pounded rebel-held eastern parts of the city with airstrikes while rebels are shelling western, government-held districts.
Activists said one of Wednesday's strikes hit near the Bayan hospital in the rebel-held Shaar neighborhood.
Videos uploaded on the internet by activists show massive destruction, fires and thick black smoke billowing from buildings. Wounded people are seen being loaded into ambulances. A body covered in thick gray dust is lying face down on a street littered with debris. The videos appeared authentic and correspond to AP reporting.
The Observatory said 10 civilians were killed in the strike, including children. It said the airstrike hit a motorcycle repair shop in a square near the hospital. Five other civilians were killed in strikes that hit nearby districts. The Local Coordination Committees, an activist-run network, and volunteer first responders also said the airstrikes resulted in multiple casualties.
Hospitals and medical facilities have been regularly targeted in Syria's civil war, now in its sixth year. Since the start of the conflict in 2011, nearly 740 doctors and staff have been killed in more than 360 attacks on hospitals in Syria, according to Physicians for Human Rights.
Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym, MSF, says 23 MSF-supported medical staff were killed and 58 wounded in aerial bombing and shelling attacks on 63 MSF-supported and run health structures in 2015. It says 12 facilities were completely destroyed.
On April 27, an airstrike widely believed to have been carried out by the Syrian government destroyed the al-Quds hospital in Aleppo, killing a pediatrician and dozens of colleagues, patients and other civilians.
Aleppo, once Syria's thriving commercial center, has been divided and subject to a war of attrition between government and opposition forces since the summer of 2012.
North of Aleppo, rebels broke an Islamic State siege on their stronghold of Marea, reopening the road linking the town to the Turkish border, activists said. The Observatory said IS withdrew from several villages near Marea, redeploying fighters to Manbij.
Associated Press writer Matt Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
All four characters are somehow displaced at the start of Conor McPhersons eerie and effective Shining City, now reappearing in New Yorkafter a gangbusters Broadway run a decade agoas the inaugural production in the Irish Repertory Theatres renovated Chelsea home.
Middle-aged businessman John (Matthew Broderick) is avoiding his house, because there he sees the ghost of his dead wife. For much of the 90-minute play, he discusses the problem with Ian (Billy Carter), a therapist hesitatingly setting up a practice in a rough part of Dublin.
Ians estranged fiancee (Lisa Dwan) is residing, uncomfortably, with Ians brother. Finally, theres a mangy young dad (James Russell), who ought to be staying with his cousin, but theres been a misunderstanding about money, so hes homeless and picking up cash any way he can.
Shining City is distinctly Irish, in its preoccupation with death and Catholic guilt, as well as its lyrical ruminations on sex, liquor and fidelity. There is little action to speak of in McPhersons 2004 story, directed here by company co-founder Ciaran OReilly, yet the sense of isolation and rootlessness it conveys is profound.
Broderick, as John, employs a thick brogue. John had grown distant from his loving wife Mari, and was cheating on herin spirit, if not in bodyaround the time she was killed in whats characterized during therapy as a grotesque car accident.
Broderick is noticeably easeful on this small stage, coming off at times as affable and engaging, or shambling and shuffling.
I enjoyed the contemplative performance by Carter (The Weir), whose obligations include the precise movement of furniture in and out of the temporary office, suggesting the passage of time. In his workplace, Ian can explore elements of his personality he was unable to as a young man aspiring to the priesthood.
As Neasa, Dwan, of the Beckett Trilogy, has one scene, and its powerful. Neasa has done everything correctly to nurture a new family, including making financial contributions to Ians academic work, but shes left with little to show for her patience and commitments.
Shining City had its Broadway run in 2006, shortly after a West End debut. With a cast led by Brian F. OByrne and Oliver Platt, it was among the most impactful plays of that season. This production distinguishes itself with perhaps an added emphasis on the guilt experienced by both leads.
We believe dearly that John and Ian are uncertain men following uncertain paths. And by play's end, we recognize that it doesnt matter if youre the patient or the therapistanyone can be haunted by the past.
Shining City, through July 3 at the Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 W. 22nd St. Tickets: $50-$70. Call 212-727-2737 or visit irishrep.org.
Follow Robert Kahn on Twitter@RobertKahn
What to Know John Giuca was convicted of killing an NJ college student in 2003, then dumping his body near Giuca's home in Brooklyn.
A key witness in the case admitted lying in the case at a hearing in November.
After Giuca's conviction was upheld Thursday, Brooklyn DA Ken Thompson said it proved the man got a fair trial.
A judge has upheld the murder conviction of New York City's so-called "grid kid slayer," months after a key witness in the man's trial admitted to lying on the stand about the decade-old killing of a New Jersey college student.
A murder conviction for John Giuca, who was found guilty of killing Mark Fisher after a night of drinking in 2003 and later dumping his body near Giuca's Brooklyn home, was upheld by judge Danny Chun Thursday after months of hearings over alleged prosecutorial misconduct in the case.
Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson said Thursday's ruling proved Giuca received a fair trial, and that defense attorneys' allegations that prosecutors misled the jury in the 2005 proceedings and withheld damaging information about a key witness were false.
"The bottom line is that Giuca murdered Mark Fisher and is now rightfully in prison for committing that horrendous crime," he said.
The judge's decision comes months after that key witness, John Avitto, testified that he had made up a story about hearing Giuca admit involvement in Fisher's death while the two were at Rikers Island.
During the November hearing, Avillo described himself as a bipolar career criminal and said he lied to stay out of jail.
Last year, Giuca told the I-Team he never talked with Avitto about the Fisher case. He has always maintained his innocence in the slaying, telling the I-Team "I never thought I would be doing 25 to life for having a party but that's what happened."
Brooklyn prosecutors, however, have painted him as a wannabe gang thug who gave a friend a gun and told him to shoot Fisher.
New evidence has surfaced showing Paterson, New Jersey, city workers are doing jobs at a site tied to the mayors family, in some cases apparently on taxpayers' dime.
Two months ago, the I-Team released exclusive video showing Paterson workers doing private jobs at Mayor Jose "Joey" Torres' home while, in several cases, their time sheets showed they were on the clock for the city.
The I-Team has obtained additional records that show workers were also on the clock while doing a pet project for the mayor at a different site a warehouse where his nephew planned to open a beer business.
On numerous days last year, videos show Torres visiting the construction site while city Department of Public Works employees labored there. In some cases, the workers were in uniform. In some cases, they arrived in city vehicles.
The videos were shot by a private eye hired by a developer who had a permit dispute with the city.
Neither Torres nor the workers returned repeated calls for comment.
On surveillance video reviewed by the I-Team, DPW carpenter Jorge Makdissi is seen several times at the warehouse, carrying tools, loading in boards and doing other work. Records obtained by the I-Team show Makdissi billed overtime to the city during some of the hours he is captured on video working at this private project.
On Monday, March 16, 2015, tapes show Makdissi started work at the East 15th Street warehouse around 4 p.m. Makdissis time sheets for that day show he billed taxpayers six hours of overtime starting at 4 p.m.
While Makdissi did not return the I-Team's calls for this story, he has denied wrongdoing in the past. He said he worked for the mayor for cash and never billed the city for work.
Paterson DPW supervisor Joseph Mania is also seen on the video working on a door after 4 p.m. March 16, while city records show he billed taxpayers overtime from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. that same day. He did not return calls for comment.
A third worker, Tim Hanlon, was also there that day.
Hes seen on the tape at 5:46 p.m. Records show he billed taxpayers six hours of overtime from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. that day.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, Hanlon is seen at the site just before noon holding a bottle. That same Saturday, records show Hanlon billed taxpayers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The I-Team met with Hanlon in March. At that time, he told the I-Team he never billed taxpayers overtime for side projects. Asked about his work at the warehouse, he said he did the work for free as a chance to spend time with the citys mayor and share some beers with colleagues. He has not returned calls from the I-Team in recent days.
The tapes show Torres at the site repeatedly arriving in his city-issued suburban. At times he is seen walking around the site with various workers. Once, he is seen delivering what appears to be beer to workers at the site.
After the I-Teams initial report in March, the New Jersey Attorney Generals office announced it would investigate. At the time, Torres denied that he had ever asked city workers to do personal jobs for him while they were on the clock.
In a Paterson Press newspaper report about the I-Teams story, Torres told the newspaper that in one case, one or two city employees worked at his property to build four bookshelves in his daughters bedroom in the past year. He said the job was done on the employees own time, and that he paid for the supplies and gave the employees $50 for the work.
Former FBI official J.J. Klaver said the behavior documented on tape and in city records appears to be improper.
If youre the mayor of a city and youre using public employees for your personal benefit, or to benefit your friends, your neighbors, your business associates, that could potentially be charged as a federal crime, Klaver said.
Questions about the employees seen at the mayors home come amid a budget crisis in Paterson. At recent City Council meetings, angry residents have complained about rising taxes and failing city services. The City Council finally passed a budget this spring after an earlier budget rejection forced employees to stay home for a day without pay, and closed Patersons libraries, senior services and after-school recreation programs.
Three Ohio residents have been charged with assaulting a central New York prison guard who was burned by an exploding package left at his mailbox, police said Wednesday.
Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol said the May 29 attack was intended to stop the 53-year-old victim from reporting an elder care scam against his mother in Ohio. Maciol said it wasn't related to Alan Dobransky's work as a state corrections officer at the Marcy Correctional Facility.
The sheriff said Dobransky suspected one of the accused, 58-year-old Cindy Shields of Conneaut, Ohio, stole money from his mother when she was the elderly woman's caretaker for four years.
Also charged were 58-year-old Keith Seppi and his wife, 63-year-old Donna Seppi, also Conneaut residents. Police said Keith Seppi is Shields' brother-in-law. The three were arrested Tuesday at their homes in Ohio and charged with first-degree assault.
All three are in Oneida County Sheriff's Office custody. It couldn't be determined if they have lawyers to comment for them.
Dobransky remains hospitalized in critical condition with burns over 50 percent of his body.
A man who says he was wrongly convicted in the 1994 rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Putnam County was released on bail Friday.
Andrew Krivak's release comes more than a year after the conviction against him was vacated following newly discovered evidence in the killing of Josette Wright. He has maintained his innocence in the child's murder and said an officer coerced him into signing a false statement written by the Putnam County Sheriffs Department.
According to The Exoneration Project, a group that investigates and appeals wrongful convictions, the agreement to release Krivak was reached Wednesday. In addition to evidence pointing a serial convicted pedophile, Howard Gombert, as the sole perpetrator of Wright's murder, more evidence emerged to cast doubt on Krivak's alleged confession.
Putnam County Sheriff's Department officer Daniel Stephens allegedly used the same coercion tactics on Krivak that he had used on Jeffrey Deskovic, another teen exonerated in the 1990 rape and murder of a teenage classmate. Krivak later began a client under Deskovic's Foundation for Justice to help the wrongfully convicted, according to The Exoneration Project.
The evidence that pointed to Gombert as the real killer also helped acquitted Krivak's friend, Anthony DiPippo, in the case.
"We call on the DA to examine the facts and circumstances of this case. Apparently his office is the only one that believes there is evidence worthy of moving forward," Kravik's lawyer said Friday.
DiPippo was found guilty of murdering and raping the 12-year-old girl in two separate trials, and higher courts overturned the convictions each time. He has maintained his innocence in the child's murder.
Wright's family was in court, clearly upset, when DiPippo was released on bail in 2016. They believed DiPippo is guilty and DiPippo said he understood the family's feelings.
"It was a tragic thing," he said four years ago. "I couldn't imagine how bad it was for them all these years. I pray for them and hope they find some semblance of peace."
Wright disappeared in early October 1994, and her remains were discovered in woods in Patterson more than 13 months later, The Journal News reports. DiPippo and his friend Krivak were charged in the case in July 1996.
Krivak was tried separately in 1997 and he has served 24 years of his 25-year to life sentence.
A small liberal arts college on Long Island that was on the brink of closing down is close to a deal to keep its doors open.
Dowling College is negotiating with Global University Systems, an organization based in London, to keep the Oakdale school open since Monday, the school announced Wednesday, confirming what a source told NBC 4 New York earlier.
"Negotiations between the College and Global University Systems may allow Dowling to continue on the path of stabilizing the College and providing quality educational opportunities to our students," a statement from Dowling College said.
The school was initially set to close on Friday after 48 years as an independent institution, but the closure was later put off to this week.
A message to its website earlier Wednesday that said it was negotiating "around the clock" with the organization, which it says has a "proven ability to turn around the fortunes of colleges buffeted by economic challenges."
In announcing it was staving off closure, Dowling said "We look forward to remaining an important part of the Long Island higher education community; and, we recognize the importance of Dowling College to the local economic communities that we serve, especially the many small local businesses that benefit from a financially strengthened and sustainable Dowling College."
Sources have said that the school's $54 million in debt were an issue in the negotiations and must be restructured.
Dowling College President Albert Inserra noted that Dowling is one of many small liberal arts colleges in the country fighting to survive. Enrollment has plummeted 62 percent since 2005. Tuition has nearly doubled, but it hasn't stabilized the college's finances.
"Everybody is trying to do the right thing," Inserra told reporters at the nearly desolate campus, where school is out for the summer. "This is a complicated deal that requires very sophisticated analysis."
The school had 1,652 undergraduate students registered this past year and expected about 1,000 students to return for the fall session before it announced plans to close. Since the announcement, hundreds of students visited the campus to obtain transcripts and begin making arrangements to transfer.
There was no immediate response Thursday from an email inquiry to Global University Systems for comment.
Founded in 1968 by the philanthropist Robert Dowling, the college had two campuses on eastern Long Island. Its main home was in Oakdale on property once owned by the Vanderbilt family. It had schools of arts and sciences, aviation, education and business.
Dowling is not alone among small private colleges struggling with financial trouble. Last month, Burlington College in Vermont, formerly led by the wife of Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, said it will close after taking on heavy debt.
The best seats at "Hamilton" just got a whole lot more expensive.
Producers are raising the price for 200 or so center orchestra premium seats to Lin-Manuel Miranda's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical from $475 to $849 the New York Times reports.
The move will make "Hamilton" the most expensive ticket in Broadway-history, previously held by "The Book of Mormon" (at $477).
Prices for the rest of the seats at the Richard Rodgers Theatre are also increasing. The 1,075 or so remaining spots, which were priced from $139 to $177, will now go for between $179 and $199.
No one will be allowed to buy more than six tickets at a time when the next block of tickets are made available.
The price change and new ticketing policy is in an effort to prevent ticket scalping -- often driven by online bots -- which resellers use to purchase tickets in bulk and resell for a higher price. The profit is therefore not shared by the show's producers, cast, or creative team.
"What has certainly been frustrating to me, as a business owner, is to see that my product is being resold at many times its face value and my team isnt sharing in those profits," "Hamilton" lead producer Jeffrey Seller told the Times. "Its not fair."
The bots trend, which is a civil violation in New York, led Miranda to pen a Times op-ed earlier this week calling for legislative action. The Broadway League, working in tandem with the show, is urging state lawmakers to criminalize the use of bots.
A Times analysis suggests resellers make $60 million per year on Hamilton tickets.
Seller said he got to $849 by taking the average price of tickets on the secondary market. "If Im at $849, I think we may succeed in taking the motivation out of the scalpers to buy those tickets," he said.
But it's all not bad news. Producers are also making 25 more seats available in the show's popular $10 "Ham4Ham" lottery. There will now be 46 seats total (or 19,000 seats per year) in the online and in-person lottery -- which typically sees more than 10,000 entries on digital days.
"In some ways, were taking from the rich to give to the poor," Seller told the Times. "Because theres no question those premiums are subsidizing those $10 tickets."
In addition to raising costs, "Hamilton" producers are taking other measure to restrict secondary sales, including canceling previous bulk purchases suspected to be purchased by bots. Ticketmaster has also added steps to its online purchasing process in an effort to reduce automated purchases.
Tickets for "Hamilton" are currently sold out through January 2017. A new batch for the following four months were just made available to some American Express cardholders, and will be open to the public after Sunday's Tony Awards, for which "Hamilton" is nominated for 16 awards.
A man struck up a conversation with another man at a Manhattan restaurant before slashing him, police said.
The 54-year-old victim was talking with the suspect at the 67 Restaurant on Audubon Avenue in Washington Heights when he pulled out a knife.
The suspect slashed the man in his left arm and then ran out of the restaurant, police said.
The victim was taken to New YorkPresbyterian Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition and eventually released.
The NYPD asks anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.
A former director of an educational program for underprivileged children in New Jersey admitted stealing more than $250,000 from the group for personal expenses, including a Maserati.
Robert Mays, 38, the former executive director of Jersey City Child Development Centers, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court Tuesday to one count of wire fraud. He headed up the program from Sept. 2013 to May 2014.
According to court documents, Mays stole a quarter of a million dollars by unilaterally increasing his annual salary from $96,500 to $155,000 after working for the JCCDC for two months. He also admitted falsifying board of director's minutes to give the impression JCCDC authorized the salary increase.
In addition, Mays admitted he took funds from a JCCDC bank account to pay for a fur coat worth thousands of dollars as well as a 2007 Maserati Quattroporte, according to court documents.
Mays faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He's scheduled to be sentenced in September.
Staten Island will get $3.6 million to help battle the heroin epidemic that's claimed the lives of 51 people in the borough so far this year, city officials said.
The city budget for the new fiscal year is proposing $22 million go to the five borough district attorneys, and Staten Island would share in $3.6 million of that, according to the mayor's office.
The money is expected to go toward enhanced staffing in the narcotics and investigations bureaus and an incarceration-alternative drug treatment program.
Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon has been pressing the mayor and City Council for new funding for a program that would send addicts to treatment, the I-Team reported last month. He requested roughly $1 million.
With a budget increase of nearly three times what he asked, McMahon said the investment gives his office the tools and resources in "the fight of our generation with the heroin scourge crippling Staten Island."
The money will also help secure resources to reduce gun-related and other violent crimes, and enhance the domestic violence unit.
McMahon told the I-Team last month that overdose deaths from heroin and other opiates are on track to increase by 50 percent this year on Staten Island, and there weren't enough resources to combat the frightening trend.
"It's an emergency," he said at the time. "We need help now."
A tree-climbing, 200-pound bear with a taste for suburban amenities in La Canada visited a YMCA, took a dip in at least two backyard pools, and kept concerned neighbors and authorities waiting while she snoozed on a tree branch, before finally scampering down and disappearing back into the wilderness Wednesday evening as personnel with bean bag rounds and tranquilizer darts held their fire.
It turned out the 3-year-old female black bear is a repeat offender. The red tag on her right ear had been affixed two weeks ago after she staged another tree sit-in in Pasadena, being brought down in that case with a tranquilizer dart, according to California Fish and Wildlife officials.
The bear had been transported to Mt. Lukens -- elevation 5,066 feet -- in the San Gabriel mountains, said Fish and Wildlife Lt. Marty Wall, but made her way into a La Canada residential neighborhood Wednesday morning.
Sheriff's deputies responded to a reported 10 a.m. sighting of the bear in the back of a home in the 4600 block of Palm Drive, which required crossing busy Foothill Boulevard to reach the destination. The bear, dripping with pool water, walked onto another property in the community about 15 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported several 911 calls about the bear. Department of Fish and Wildlife officers tracked her to the 1700 block of Lila Lane, where she waded into the shallow end of another pool. She traveled alone.
Authorities learned from their first encounter with her that she had not given birth to any cubs.
At one point, she headed up the driveway of the YMCA on Foothill Boulevard, startling a class for seniors who could see her through their window. Then she headed back north into residential neighborhoods with deputies in pursuit.
In all, the bear covered at least two miles traveling through La Canada Flintridge.
It appeared the bear was headed to an undeveloped canyon and ravine area which leads back into the Angeles Forest. Wall surmised it was likely the route she had taken into La Canada. But then she stopped on Jarvis Avenue, a cul-de-sac, and climbed one of its trees, just a hundred yards from the canyon.
Given the closeness, Wall decided it would be best not to try to take down the bear with a tranquilizer dart, as done in Pasadena, but instead to wait her out. Deputies armed with less lethal bean-bag shotguns kept watch for her descent, prepared to urge her away from the neighborhood and into the canyon, rather than into the neighborhood.
Tranquilizing has its own risks, with the drug requiring as much as 15 minutes to take effect, according to Fish and Wildlife's Andrew Hughan.
"Tranquilizing doesn't work like in the movies," Hughan said. "Then, you have a frightened, scared animal with teeth and claws."
Neighbors gathered to watch their ursine visitor, most approving of the "wait it out" plan, and expressing hope she would take the nearby shortcut back to return to the wilderness.
"I certainly hope they don't hurt the bear," resident Megan Browne said. "We're in her neighborhood. We can wait."
Treed bears often wait until the sun begins to set. On Jarvis Avenue, it was just before 5:30 p.m. when the napping bear began stirring, moving halfway down the tree, pausing, and then coming the rest of the way down around 6 p.m.
She looked at the Fish and Wildlife Lt. and the deputies, then headed toward the canyon and disappeared into its foliage, Wall said.
Sightings are not unusual in foothill communities along the 210 Freeway adjacent to Southern California mountain ranges, especially on trash days when easy snacks are readily available in unsecured trash bins.
"The 210 is pretty much bear central," Hughan said. "We want that bear to go back into open space or habitat."
He said the helicopters overhead likely scared the bear and delayed her quitting the tree.
There are signs that California's black bear population is on the rise in recent years, including sightings in areas where they were not reported 50 years ago, such as the Central Coast and Southern California mountain ranges, according to the department. Between 25,000 and 35,000 black bears roam 52,000 square miles in California.
The Los Angeles Police Department on Wednesday unveiled 100 BMW electric cars that it has added to its fleet.
"You might think that we're here at BMW of Beverly Hills but we're actually in a police parking lot," Mayor Eric Garcetti said during the show and tell in downtown Los Angeles.
Garcetti added that the green vehicles will improve LA's air quality and allow the department to save money on maintenance and fuel.
But you won't be seeing these black and white vehicles responding to emergencies or getting into a pursuit anytime soon.
The BMW i3s will serve as the department's "non-emergency fleet vehicles," according to a BMW news release. Officers will solely use the vehicles as transportation and for community outreach events.
Police Chief Charlie Beck said he hopes to continue working with car manufactures like BMW and Tesla to resolve some minor issues in order to eventually see an electric patrol vehicle.
"They will be absolutely the patrol cars of the future," Beck said.
The BMW i3 police car is electrified by a lithium-ion battery and can last for 80-100 miles of emission-free driving, according to the German luxury car company. It has also been rated as the most fuel efficient EPA-certified vehicle by the U.S. Department of Energy.
This is the largest electric vehicle fleet and charging installation to ever serve a police department, according to a Greenlots press release.
BMW i3s bearing the LAPD insignia first hit the streets this spring as part of a field trial. The department tested the BMW model alongside other electric vehicles and announced the BMW partnership on Wednesday.
The order of electric vehicles aligns with Garcetti's Sustainable City pLAn released in April 2015. One of the plan's goals is that more than half of all new city vehicles in Los Angeles be fully electric. The LAPD alone plans to acquire 500 electric vehicles by 2021.
The BMW i3 starts at a suggested retailer's price of $42,400 and the range-extender model starts at $46,250.
Bernie Sanders was greeted with a hero's welcome when he stepped off the campaign trail to spend a night home in Vermont Wednesday.
A throng of passionate Sanders' constituents was waiting to greet the presidential candidate after his charter jet touched down at the Burlington Airport shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday.
"Thank you all," Sanders shouted to the crowd, who chanted "Bernie, Bernie!" and "Feel the Bern!" in return.
Many of the supporters snapped selfies and hugged Sanders. The candidate even posed for a photo with a young boy dressed as the senator, with a white wig and glasses.
"We're all so proud of everything Bernie has done," said Emilie Krasnow, a Sanders supporter who waited to welcome him home.
Sanders won two states Tuesday, but lost four. Critical California was in the loss column, despite Sanders' more than two weeks of tireless campaigning there.
Now badly trailing the Democrats' presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton by all key measures, many wonder what's next for Sanders.
Necn wanted to ask him that question, but he rode past reporters, focusing instead on loyal backers like Vivian Jordan.
"It was just very exciting to be that close to him," Jordan said, after receiving a hug from Sanders.
Before leaving California, Sanders said he will fight for votes next week in Washington, D.C.'s primary, then keep pressing his economic justice platform until the party's convention next month.
Jordan said she is not sold on Hillary Clinton but will consider her, if Sanders gives his full support.
"I am going to take Bernie's lead on that," the Shelburne voter told necn. "I trust him."
Sanders' time in Burlington will be short. He's leaving Thursday for Washington D.C. and a meeting at the White House with President Obama. The two are expected to talk about what to do to strengthen the Democratic party before the general election in November.
A South Jersey Wawa became the scene of a bloody love triangle Sunday.
The wild scene played out inside and outside the Wawa store along the 800 block of N Black Horse Pike in Runnemede, Camden County around 10:30 a.m.
Runnemede Police said it all began when a woman from Voorhees tried to track down her estranged husband who is now dating a woman from New York before he headed down to Georgia.
The unidentified wife used a tracking app to track the man to the Wawa store where she spotted the other woman -- identified as Shenandoah Goldsby of Far Rockaway, Queens -- in her husband's car at the gas pumps, according to investigators.
The wife, Sayidah Davis, approached the car and allegedly punched Goldsby in the head.
"Miss Goldsby then exits the vehicle with a knife, allegedly stabbing Miss Davis several times in the side and arm," said Runnemede Police Chief Paul Bailey.
An unidentified gas station attendant saw the fight and tried to break it up getting stabbed in the arms in the process.
Davis' husband, John Davis, was using the restroom at the time.
Police say the fight spread into the store as Davis tried to get away from Goldsby.
Both the wife and the Wawa worker were rushed to Kennedy Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police expect to charge both women with assault and other charges.
The store was closed because of the bloody mess left inside, according to police.
A Northeast Philadelphia man is facing aggravated assault and drunken-driving charges in connection with a hit-and-run last month that left a SEPTA police officer badly injured.
Police said on Thursday that Jeffrey Soder, 34, of Kraydor Street near Ditman in Holmesburg, was driving a Saturn sedan under the influence about 3 p.m. May 22 when he struck SEPTA Office Gary Miller as Miller jogged at Rowland Avenue and Chippendale Street in Mayfair.
Miller, 44, hit the car's windshield and then landed in the street. He was critically injured and has undergone a number of surgeries since the incident.
Police said Accident Investigation Division officers identified Soder as the driver after some digging and arrested Soder on Wednesday. Soder faces charges including aggravated assault, DUI, leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, driving without a license and related offenses.
Richmond police said they have arrested a man they say stole a WWI-era cannon outside the Veteran's Memorial Hall.
Lt. Felix Tan said officers took Dezi Adsuara, 44, of Vallejo into custody on Tuesday night, after detectives said they had "compelling evidence" against him. They had been looking for him since the cannon was stolen on May 11, a story first reported by NBC Bay Area.
Adsuara also goes by Roland Joseph Garcia, police said.
The cannon was returned a day after NBC Bay Area aired the story of the stolen cannon by a man who bought the ancient piece and called police to say he saw the story on the news, and realized he had unwittingly bought the stolen merchandise.
Surveillance video at the scene of the crime shows two people in a truck pulling into the lot, cutting the cannon's chain and towing the one-ton brass and iron weapon away. The theft took place in under a minute. Police said that only one suspect sold the cannon, and if he talks, police may get the identity of the second.
Anyone with information should call Richmond Police Property Crimes Detective T. Kaiser at (510) 672-0764.
Darrell Issa, the Republican U.S. Representative of Californias 49th congressional district has held his seat for the last 13 years.
But a new contender is toughening up the competition after results from Tuesdays primary.
Congressman Issa won by just 6,200 votes against Attorney Doug Applegate, a Democratic candidate who is a retired Marine Colonel and Iraq veteran.
NBC 7 caught up with Attorney Doug Applegate Wednesday morning in Oceanside, where he met and had coffee with two dozen people at a neighborhood clubhouse.
Applegate said he did not expect these results from the primary.
I didnt see any Democratic challenger to a sitting Congressman ever doing that well, he said.
The next step for his campaign is to start adding more donors.
In talking with donors, I was told: if you come within 20 points in the primary, call me back,'" Applegate told NBC 7. And actually I said, Democrats dont perform that well in primaries. You are setting a bar that I will never be able to call you back. Thats not fair.
Applegate said he has only raised $100,000 for his campaign and his goal is to raise double that amount by the end of this month.
I didnt appreciate how difficult it was as a challenger. I was a little naive and said it cant be that much different than being in the Marine Corp or being a trial attorney. It is. Its a lot different, he said.
He said he expects this to be tough battle but believes that in this election cycle, its not about the money.
The 49th Congressional District runs along the coast line from Dana Point to La Jolla Shores to inland areas, reaching Fallbrook, Vista and Escondido.
A pregnant woman hit by a DUI driver has lost her unborn child in utero and is fighting for her life after a serious crash over the weekend in what a Deputy District Attorney called a tragic case.
Wednesday, Jose Uriostegui, 33, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence causing great bodily injury, felony hit and run with injury and driving without a license at his arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty.
Uriostegui was driving his Ford F150 eastbound on Highway 78 at Broadway early Sunday morning when he ran a red light and crashed into a grey Nissan Altima heading northbound on Broadway, Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Teresa Pham said. Escondido is located approximately 33 miles northeast of Downtown San Diego.
Uriostegui tried to flee the scene of the crash on foot and was detained by the Good Samaritans, who held him until police arrived, Escondido Police said.
The crash left the driver of the Altima, 27-year-old Lucrecia Vasquez, who was six months pregnant, fighting for her life. As of noon Wednesday, hospital officials said she remained in critical condition but suffered serious internal bleeding. Vasquez's passenger suffered several broken ribs.
A close friend told NBC 7 San Diego Thursday Vasquez is coming in and out on consciousness slowly.
In court Wednesday, Pham said the child Vasquez was carrying did not make it. She said they cannot file additional charges for that.
"Given the facts of the law and the status of the law there is no law we can charge in regard to vehicular manslaughter that does not relate to an unborn child," Pham said.
Chris Saunders, Public Relations Manager for Palomar Health, said the family has set up a GoFundMe account for the funeral costs for the child and any additional healthcare costs for Vasquez. To donate, click here.
There is an immigration hold on Uriostegui, one of the reasons Pham argued he is a flight risk. The defense attorney and judge agreed to set bail at $1 million; the judge said the defendant poses a danger to the public and is a flight risk.
The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have additional information to call officer Mike Nelson at (760) 839-4407.
A pregnant woman was on the wrong side of a hit-and-run accident caused by an alleged drunk driver on Sunday, June 5. The pregnant victim was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and lost her unborn child. NBC 7s Matt Rascon has the details.
The race for San Diego City Attorney will be heading for a November runoff with two candidates in the race after the results from Tuesdays primary.
Deputy District Attorney Robert Hickey, the only Republican in the race won 30 percent of the votes in San Diego. Deputy City Attorney Mara Elliott, who was the only woman in the running, took home 24 percent.
But now, voters will have to scratch beyond the surface to figure out who is the best person for the job.
"You could put together a pretty strong argument that who the city attorney is in a big city like this has more impact on somebody's day-to-day life than who the president is," said Anthony Solare, a former Deputy City Attorney from 1990 to 1994.
Solare said the City Attorney's role is one that impacts a lot of people and often involves handling taxpayers' money.
"And that, quite frankly, in the long run can be as important as anything because quite frequently, those issues can involve, literally, millions of dollars, he said.
Candidate Robert Hickey says he will focus his efforts as City Attorney on underserved neighborhoods in San Diego.
"Ive led lawyers in the gang unit, and the narcotics unit, and I led 300 lawyers as President of the Deputy DAs Association," he said.
Meanwhile, Mara Elliot argued that her municipal experience and knowledge of local laws gives her the edge in this race.
"I want to bring our deputies into neighborhoods so we can better understand whats affecting people on a day-to-day basis and be responsive to that," she said.
A rear admiral in the U.S. Navy plead guilty to one felony charge in connection with a multi-million dollar Navy bribery scheme that has led to the arrest or imprisonment of more than a dozen U.S. Navy officers and Pentagon employees.
Rear Admiral Robert J. Gilbeau appeared in court Thursday in the downtown San Diego federal courthouse and entered a change of plea to one count of providing false statements to federal investigators.
He is out on a $75,000 bond.
Gilbeau is the highest-ranking U.S. Navy officer to be charged in this case so far. He is also believed to be the first active-duty Naval flag officer to ever be charged in a federal criminal court, according to a press release by the U.S. Attorney's office in San Diego.
He will have to surrender his passport, dispose of all of his firearms and will face travel restrictions.
Gilbeau's defense attorney David Benowitz gave NBC 7 San Diego the following statement regarding his client.
"Rear Admiral Robert Gilbeau has completed multiple combat deployments afloat and ashore during his distinguished 37-year Naval career. Among his many decorations, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart during the 2007 Iraq surge. However, Rear Admiral Gilbeau did in fact make a false statement during the course of an important investigation. In this unfortunate situation, he accepts responsibility for the decisions he made and for his conduct."
He previously told the Associated Press he would "fight hard" to ensure his client a decorated Naval officer does not spend any time behind bars.
NBC 7 has been following this investigation since September 2013.
A Malaysian contractor known as "Fat Leonard" Francis developed relationships with Navy higher-ups in order to gain access to warship itineraries. Francis ran Glenn Defense Marine Asia Ltd., or GDMA, out of Singapore and used his influence to overbill the U.S. Navy by more than $20 million for ship husbanding services in various Pacific ports.
Since Francis pleaded guilty to bribery charges in January 2015, federal officials have charged 14 people in the case. Allegations include accepting gifts ranging from cash, luxury travel, high-tech gadgets, dinners and prostitutes in exchange for emailing confidential ship movements or government investigation documents to Francis.
According to his plea agreement, Gilbeau admitted to lying when investigators asked him if he had ever received any gifts from Francis. He also pled guilty to destroying documents and computer files after learning that Francis and other Navy officials had been arrested in connection with the fraud and bribary charges in September 2013.
Ten have pleaded guilty, including Rear Admiral Robert J. Gilbeau, Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Edmond A. Aruffo, U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Dusek, U.S. Navy Captain (Select) Michael Misiewicz, Lieutenant Commander Todd Malaki, NCIS Special Agent John Beliveau, Commander Jose Luis Sanchez and U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Dan Layug.
Still awaiting trial are former Department of Defense civilian employee Paul Simpkins, retired U.S. Navy Captain Michael Brooks, Lieutenant Commander Gentry Debord and Commander Bobby Pitts.
Brooks served as the U.S. Naval Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines from June 2006 to July 2008.
Three rear admirals in the U.S. Navy were reprimanded for wrongdoing in the Navy bribery scandal but will not face charges.
Commander of Carrier Strike Group 7 on USS Ronald Reagan Rear Admiral Michael Miller received a letter of censure along with Rear Admiral Terry Kraft, who was commanding officer on the same ship, and Rear Admiral David Pimpo, who once served as supply officer of the aircraft carrier.
A letter of this nature is viewed as a career-ending development for the officers.
U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy says only a select number of people have the honor of holding the rank of an Admiral but emphasized that those individuals are not above the law.
Admiral Gilbeau lied to federal agents investigating corruption and fraud, and then tried to cover up his deception by destroying documents and files," she said. "Whether the evidence leads us to a civilian, to an enlisted service member or to an admiral, as this investigation expands we will continue to hold responsible all those who lied or who corruptly betrayed their public duties for personal gain.
In his 37-year career with the U.S. Navy, Gilbeau has been awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service in Iraq in 2007.
The Associated Press reports that his most recent post was as a special assistant to the commander of the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command.
He was reportedly moved to the position after the Navy learned he was being investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Pletcher told NBC 7 that it is up to the U.S. Navy whether or now Gilbeau will lose his job.
But he says their investigation for this case is far from over.
"We are continuing a pace with our investigation. We are building momentum and we are going to continue to follow the facts and the law wherever it leads us," Pletcher said.
Gilbeau is scheduled to be sentenced on August 26.
He could face a maximum of five years in prison.
A major airline is adding nonstop flights between San Diego and Frankfurt, Germany, making it one of the only nonstop flights available between San Diego and Europe next year for that airline.
The San Diego International Airport and Condor airlines will offer weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The flights use Boeing 767-300ER aircraft and offer Business Class, Premium Class and Economy Class.
Condors new direct flight will now link San Diego to one of Europes most important economic and cultural hubs, Mark Cafferty, president and CEO of San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, said in a news release.
In addition, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority reported that travelers can access convenient one-stop destinations in Europe such as Paris, Vienna, Prague, Venice, Berlin, Rome, Zagreb and more.
There will be about 14,000 new seats to San Diego available through Condor airlines, which is the most popular leisure airline in Germany, according to Joe Terzi, the President and CEO of San Diego Tourism Authority.
The service will debut through Condor airlines in May 2017.
Condor officials say theyre adding the direct flights to offer more opportunities for European tourists to travel to San Diego as well.
A woman who was reported missing from her home Wednesday morning was found 24 hours later in a canyon, according to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).
Police say Jan Mattei, 73, walked away from her home on Caminito Estrellado around 10 a.m. while her caregiver was vacuuming upstairs.
Mattei suffers from dementia and has a history of wandering away from the caregiver. She has done this five times before.
Searchers told NBC 7, Mattei has hidden from them in the past but this is the first time she was missing for so long.
SDPD set up a command post at St. Therese Church/Academy at College and Warning Wednesday night while officers actively searched for Mattei.
Police say search dogs were out earlier on Wednesday day Matteis scent went cold.
On Thursday, police said she was found in a canyon off Easton Court which is about a mile away from her home.
SDPD says the canyon was too steep so they used a helicopter to airlift Mattei out. She appeared to be uninjured but was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated.
San Diego Police, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue helped in the search.
Watch the story here.
San Diego police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and San Diego County Sheriffs Department Search and Rescue are coordinating the search in the Del Cerro and San Carlos area. NBC 7s Dave Summers reports.
Officers responding to a call in Southern California showed up at the wrong house and shot and killed a family dog in what police are calling a tragic accident.
"He used to lay out here under this tree, so we buried him right here," said Hesperia resident Debra Blackmore, through tears.
The family's Husky-Lab mix, Buddy, was shot Monday while police responded to a domestic disturbance reported by a neighbor. Deputies were called to the 7300 block of Redwood Avenue around 12:30 p.m.
Investigators said there was confusion over which was the right home and deputies were cautious in their approach.
"It being a fenced yard, thinking there might be dogs there, they rattled the fence," said Lt. Brad Toms of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
Toms said deputies came across two small dogs, but as they got closer to the home, they could hear a bigger dog approaching.
"When the larger dog came out, he was aggressive and barked at the deputies continuing toward them," Toms explained.
In a portion of audio recording released by investigators, a dog can be heard barking loudly before a single gunshot rings out.
"It's totally wrong. It was not necessary," Blackmore sobbed.
Police sympathized with family and expressed remorse over Buddy's death.
"We all understand what it's like to lose a family pet," Toms said. "It's a tragic event for the family. I know the deputies are upset about it."
Members of the Blackmore family, however, said no one is more upset than they are.
"They just seem to think that, 'Oh well, sorry.' That needs to stop. They need to do their job better," said an emotional Debra Blackmore.
Investigators said the deputies involved will not face discipline and are back on patrol.
"As far as I'm concerned, my kid could have come through on a bicycle and got shot," Dwayne Blackmore said.
Hesperia police Captain Greg Wielenga has reached out to the Blackmore family to offer assistance.
After the shooting, deputies responded to the correct home and arrested 42-year-old Stephanie Roper on suspicion of grand theft auto and narcotics violations. Information on an attorney for Roper was not immediately available.
Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders will hold a rally this afternoon in Southeast D.C., hours after meeting with the president and days before the final Democratic primary.
Sanders is scheduled to speak in Lot 3 of RFK Stadium, near the Stadium-Armory Metro station, at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to RSVP online.
"With the D.C. primary coming up on June 14, Bernie will be holding a conversation about the issues that matter to him: making college tuition-free, getting big money out of politics, combating climate change and much more," a statement from the Vermont senator's campaign said.
A huge crowd of people lined up to attend the rally, with some people arriving near dawn. The crowd was upbeat.
Sanders met with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office Thursday morning. Obama was expected to talk about ways Sanders can keep up the fight for his policy agenda, but not his bid for the presidency. The White House said Sanders requested the meeting.
Sanders faces questions about whether he will back Clinton and when he may end his bid for president. He lost four of six contests in primary elections Tuesday, and Hillary Clinton is now the Democrats' presumptive nominee.
But Sanders has vowed to campaign through Tuesday's final primary in D.C. and pursue a contested Democratic convention in Philadelphia.
Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton shortly after the meeting with Sanders. His endorsement added to a growing chorus of Democratic leaders pushing Sanders to step aside so the party can focus on taking on Republican Donald Trump.
Ever the everyman, Sanders stopped for coffee and a scone at a Peet's coffee shop across from the White House before he arrived at the White House.
District of Columbia officials are proposing additional training requirements for licensed security guards in the city, in part to help them respond to active-shooter situations.
Mayor Muriel Bowser said Thursday that the new regulations were prompted in part by two cases in which men died in the custody of security guards.
Two special police officers at MedStar Washington Hospital Center have pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of a patient last year.
An idictment says James McBride had a "fatal encounter" with 30-year-old Clifton Montgomery and 43-year Charles Brown after he left the hospital without a formal discharge on Sept. 29.
McBride died two days later from blunt force injuries to the neck, including damage to his spinal cord, the medical examiner's office said.
Also last year, Alonzo Smith,a special education teacher, died after being taken into custody by security guards at an apartment building.
Bowser and Police Chief Cathy Lanier say the city's 17,000 security guards play a crucial role in public safety and the new training will allow them to do their jobs better.
Maryland officials say dozens of mentally ill people charged with crimes are stuck in jail, because Maryland's health department doesn't have beds or staff to treat new patients.
Maryland's health secretary says all of the state's in-patient facilities are full. Van Mitchell wrote to a Prince George's County judge in April that "our system has been consistently over census for the past year.''
Union officials are blaming the shortages on a cost-saving policy of pushing care for the mentally ill into the private sector, The Baltimore Sun reports.
This week, a Baltimore lawyer went to court to block the health department from turning away would-be patients. Last week, 85 people referred by courts or jails were on waiting lists for five state mental health facilities.
What to Know Schmuhl testified that he did not remember attacking his wife's former boss, only waking up in the hospital afterward.
Schmuhl listed over a dozen medications he was taking at the time of the attack and said he suffered from severe back pain.
Prosecutors pointed out a host of inconsistencies in Schmuhl's claims about his pain to suggest he exaggerated his ailments.
A judge ruled Wednesday the defense can use a so-called "unconscious" defense in the trial of a former military lawyer charged in the near fatal attack of a Virginia couple.
But because of limits on psychiatric testimony, it will be difficult to prove that case.
The judge also ruled Andrew Schmuhl's defense can't try to argue that he was suffering from medication-induced delirium when he tased, stabbed and shot A law firm partner and his wife.
According to the prosecution, Schmuhl and his wife planned the attack after she was fired from victim Leo Fisher's law firm.
Tuesday Schmuhl took the witness stand to say he was in a mental fog from the many medications he took at the time and doesn't remember anything about the attack or the planning.
Schmuhl and his wife, Alecia, were both charged with two counts of abduction and two counts of malicious wounding in the attack of Fisher and his wife, Sue Duncan, in their McLean home Nov. 9, 2014.
Closing arguments in Andrew Schmuhl's trial are expected Monday.
Alecia Schmuhl faces trial in the fall.
A Fairfax County father is upset after his 6-year-old son was able to wander more than a mile away from his elementary school this week before someone spotted the child and called 911.
The boy is a kindergartner at London Towne Elementary School in Centreville, Virginia.
Rich Probst said his son, Christian, told him he got permission to use the bathroom at school on Tuesday and when he returned to class the other children and his teacher were gone. They had apparently left for recess.
The little boy then went out the school's back door and started walking down Stone Road. A good Samaritan eventually spotted him and called 911.
Police picked up the child and took him home about the time the school realized he was missing.
"Worst case - we wouldn't have Christian here today," Probst told News4.
Probst called Child Protective Services and school administrators and said he was upset the school didn't immediately notify other parents about the incident.
A letter was sent to parents on Thursday afternoon stating the school has revised its recess supervision policy since the incident.
London Towne Elementary School Principal Sigrid Ryberg wrote the following in the letter to parents:
"As you may know, one of our students walked away from the school grounds Tuesday as the student's class was transitioning from the classroom to recess. The student's teacher notified my office after taking attendance and realized one student was missing. As staff was looking for the child and preparing to call police, the police contacted the school stating they found the student. The student had been taken home by police and, fortunately, the student was unharmed. This incident is currently under investigation. I also want to assure you that we have revised our recess supervision protocols and procedures to ensure that all students are safe and accounted for during outdoor activities. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all students. The Fairfax County Police Department and the FCPS Office of Safety and Security are our partners in helping us protect your children. Please remind your son or daughter not to leave school grounds during the school day and the potential risks and dangers associated with doing so."
A Montgomery County high school graduation ceremony was filled with emotion Wednesday night as a 17-year-old boy who died in a crash earlier this year was honored.
Seventeen-year-old Thomas De Macedo was supposed to walk across the stage and receive his diploma from Walt Whitman High School, but his life was cut short in a crash on River Road near Pyle Road on Feb. 27.
His parents, 52-year-old Michael Buarque De Macedo and 53-year-old Alessandra M. Buarque De Macedo, also died in the crash.
Helena Buarque De Macedo, Thomas' sister, survived. Helena is a sophomore at Walt Whitman High School.
Parents and students applauded Helena as she accepted her brother's honorary diploma during the ceremony.
"Tommy's the kind of kid who's larger-than-life," sophomore Ray Crist told News4 after the crash. "He got into Georgia Tech. He was really excited to go there next year."
On Tuesday, residents pushed for changes to the area where the deadly crash happened.
Two men were arrested and more than 900 bags of heroin seized in a major drug bust in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Tuesday.
Ivan Carmona, 27, of 246 Mill St., 2nd floor, Springfield, and Christian Rivera, 20, of 163 Johnson St., Springfield, are both facing charges for trafficking in heroin and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Springfield Police narcotics officers and the Street Crimes Unit conducted a drug raid at Carmona's apartment at 5 p.m. on Tuesday following a lengthy investigation.
They recovered 935 bags of heroin stamped "Panther," a large bag of cocaine, and $1,178 in cash.
A Connecticut court has overturned the conviction of a man serving life in prison for the 1996 rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl whose body was never found.
The state Appellate Court on Monday ordered a new trial for George Leniart, saying the trial judge improperly excluded key evidence including a videotaped interview of a prosecution witness and expert testimony on the reliability of jailhouse informants.
Police said Leniart sexually assaulted and killed April Dawn Pennington, of Montville, in May 1996. Authorities said the girl snuck out of her house to meet with another teenager, Patrick "PJ" Allain and Leniart, who was 30 at the time.
They drove to a secluded area in Ledyard to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana when Leniart grew paranoid.
"He said he needed a body. He said he was in a cult and wanted a body for the altar," Allain testifed, according to the Norwich Bulletin. "I know if I didn't cooperate he was going to hurt me and hurt April.
Pennington's body was never found after that night.
Leniart was arrested in 2008 while serving a prison sentence for raping a 13-year-old girl. Authorities said he told other inmates he reaped and killed Pennington.
Gov. Paul LePage is doubling down on his comments that asylum seekers are to blame for an increase in infectious diseases in Maine.
In the past, LePage has suggested asylum seekers bring diseases such as HIV, AIDS, and the "Ziki fly" (a reference to the Zika virus) to the state. Public health officials, such as the executive director of the Maine Public Health Association, have stated that there is no data to support LePages claims on this issue.
At a town hall meeting in Augusta Wednesday night, an audience member asked the Governor if he would apologize to asylum seekers for associating them with an increase in disease.
LePage said he had statistics that would prove his point.
"The fact of the matter is you can get the data on severe diseases such as tuberculosis, Hepatitis C and B, HIV, those are on the increase in the state, and Ill tell you there are certain areas in the state there is an increase on," LePage said. "Because of HIPAA laws, I cant tell you who they are. So the fact is there is an increase in disease, we have it by data we dont have it by name."
Necn made multiple requests to Samantha Edwards, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine CDC, as well as Adrienne Bennett, spokesperson for Governor LePage, and did not receive a response.
The most recent information available from the Maine CDC is from 2009-2013, and it shows an overall increase in Hep. C, an overall decrease in Hep. B, a decrease in HIV, and a slight increase in tuberculosis over the five-year period.
The CDC report does not disclose names or countries of origin for those cases.
"I think these remarks are very troubling because they do not appear to based on any facts or data," said Sue Roche, executive director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project. Her organization helps asylum seekers with various legal processes.
"We work with hundreds of asylum seekers and were not aware of medical issues in the community, so this really has the danger of brining a perception thats not deserved," Roche said.
Some immigrants see the comments are dangerous.
"Its frightening," said Alain Nahimana, coordinator for the Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition, who came to Maine as an asylum seeker.
"For me, its a continuation of the wrong perceptions and wrong statements about asylum seekers," he said.
Others say LePage is not focusing on the right issues surrounding public health.
"If the governor is truly concerned about the spread of infectious diseases in Maine, he should ensure that our states public health system is fully staffed and increase access to affordable health care," said Robyn Merrill, executive director of the Maine Equal Justice Partners.
"Instead, he has made it harder for people, newcomers and old-time Mainers alike, to access the health care services they need to stay healthy," she said.
An Ayer, Massachusetts, man who struck and killed a brother and sister in a hit-and-run in Worcester last year has been sentenced to up to 11 years in prison.
The Telegram & Gazette reports that 31-year-old Daniel Depew was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges including drunken driving and manslaughter by motor vehicle.
Prosecutors say Depew was drunk when he struck 46-year-old George Burdick and 48-year-old Gina Burdick shortly before 7 p.m. on Sept. 26. The siblings were unloading groceries outside George Burdick's home at the time.
Gina Burdick was dragged more than 100 yards under the car and died shortly after the crash. George Burdick died at the hospital three days later.
Depew apologized in court.
Police in Pelham, New Hampshire, have arrested a man they say crashed his SUV while under the influence and lied to police, saying a thief stole the vehicle.
The crash happened at the intersection of Dutton Road and South Shore Drive around 7:45 p.m.
A caller told police the SUV rolled over and the driver crawled out.
As police investigated they got a call from Brian Gervais, 31, who had the vehicle registered under his name.
Pelham Police
He told police someone stole his SUV and that he chased the suspect in the woods. He claimed the thief punched him in the face and fled.
Police met with Gervais and questioned him about the alleged theft, determining that his story was inconsistent.
Police determined he was driving the SUV and was also under the influence of alcohol.
He was arrested for DUI and false reports to law enforcement and was released to a sober adult on $2,000 personal recognizance bail.
He is scheduled to be arraigned on June 27.
It was not immediately known if he has an attorney.
Police are investigating a threat against Prince Technical High School in Hartford posts on the After School app.
The school was placed in lockdown this morning and state police, a SWAT team and K9 unit swarmed the school after reports of a student with a gun came in around 8:50 a.m.
Part of the first post read, The Juniors Lunch Wave Third Group Boutta Get Shot Up.
A post seven minutes later mentioned a student had a gun in a bookbag because of something that was done to the person a few months earlier.
As authorities searched the school, parents who fear for the safety of their children, have been waiting outside and are now being allowed through the front gates.
Yamileth Lisboa, of Hartford, is one of them.
She said, 'Mommy, Im going to die. I love you so much, Lisboa said of the message she received from her daughter.
State police originally said someone was detained, but later said students were questioned, but no one was detained.
Police are investigating and trying to identify whoever is responsible for the post.
Prosecutors have dropped a rape charge against a former Bowdoin College student accused of sexually assaulting a fellow student last year at the Maine college.
The Portland Press Herald reports 22-year-old Logan Taylor has pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct through an Alford plea agreement.
An Alford plea means he didn't admit guilt but acknowledged that the evidence against him would likely lead to a conviction.
The agreement was finalized April 7. Taylor was sentenced to five days in the Cumberland County Jail.
Taylor was accused of raping the 20-year-old woman on May 24, 2015 in his dorm room after they ate pizza and drank shots of liquor.
Court records don't explain why authorities dropped the felony charge. Messages for Taylor's attorney and Cumberland County prosecutors weren't returned Wednesday.
A man who was shot in New Britain, Connecticut, a couple weeks arranged his own shooting in exchange for money, according to police.
The investigation started when police received a report just after 10:30 p.m. on May 31 that a man has been shot in the chest on Farmington Avenue.
When officers arrived, they found a 23-year-old man on the front steps with a gunshot wound to the upper chest.
He originally told police he didnt know who shot him, but police now say thats not the case, and that the victim was involved in the shooting.
He was a willing participant in his own assault and arranged to be shot for money, police said. How much money was involved is not clear.
Juan Ortiz, 48, New Britain, was arrested in connection with the shooting and was held on a $350,000 bond. He will be arraigned in court today.
The victim, who was rushed to a trauma hospital, is expected to make a full recovery.
Police said more arrests are coming.
Christians should learn from history
John Myhill explains that Christians should pay attention to history and stand up for what they believe.
It is meet to scrutinise the inquisitive when you are weary. Samuel Becket.
This line captures my recent experience of Christians: they are tired, and so, when you ask the simplest question, or make what you feel is a really helpful and positive suggestion; they respond with the full investigative power of McCarthy, expending their last reserves of energy on matters of no importance.
But you are inquisitive, and I am not weary.
Remember the Euro-election; and then remember all the previous elections that really moved you emotionally.
Remember the renewal of Trident and then remember the history of nuclear weapons right back to Hiroshima.
Remember the steady privatisation of the NHS and then remember its history back to the post war Labour government.
Remember whatever you were trying to forget in church, and trace that back to its origins in the past.
Now you are ready to read Ezekiel chapter 20.
Ezekiel explains to the Elders that God has nothing new to say to them. All they have to do is to look back at their own history, and remember when they ceased from seeking God, and instead made idols for themselves to worship - they were struck with calamity.
This is the often repeated call to repentance, made frequently by the prophets, and later by Jesus and Peter and Paul. Just remember your history and you will see what God is saying. In other words, you already have the information, the Light within, the experience, all you have to do is to avoid past mistakes. But do we learn?
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby launched a week of prayer for Evangelism, in which he said that people must not leave Christian Evangelism to the professionals. He said "It is the job of clergy to train their congregations in how to share their faith with others."
Early Quakers were opposed to Evangelism as they saw it as mistaken, and yet they regularly preached in public places and were thrown into prison for it. Their message was that everyone had that of God within them, and needed no conversion. They only needed to turn to the Light within, and allow it to lead them to the way the truth and the life.
Early Quakers "let their lives speak". It was not what they said that mattered: indeed, they were strong critics of the misleading nature of words. What mattered was the action of speaking, as this answered that of God in others, and was validated by their imprisonment. So when someone speaks in Meeting, it is the act of speaking that is significant, rather than the detail of what is said. As in ordinary conversation, if you remain silent, the other person may feel you are not listening; so in a totally silent meeting it may seem that you are speaking to yourself.
Roger Scruton, in his book Our Church (Atlantic books 2012), says that the de-Christianisation of Europe runs at the same time as the loss of sovereignty (to unelected judges, bureaucrats and European ministers) by our parliament.
The test of orthodoxy is no longer belief in transubstantiation (as it was in the seventeenth century) but rather homosexual rights (e.g. bishop of Hereford fined 47,000 for failing to employ a homosexual man to work with young people.)
Europes foreign minister (unelected) refuses to recognise the persecution of Christians worldwide, but will stand up for other minorities.
The centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising as well as the Battle of the Somme and the Armenian Genocide of 1915, remembered by the Armenian Orthodox. Our Lutheran members will make sure that the Reformation of 1517 is well commemorated.
Men who applied for conscientious objector status in WW1 had to prove their sincerity of conscience through written statements and verbal arguments at tribunals. Although there is no longer conscription in this country, there is a continued need to make our conscience heard as the state takes our financial involvement in war and preparation for war for granted.
If you would like to fill out this form , detailing in full your own statement of conscience, we will include it in a volume of personal testimony in support of the Taxes For Peace Bill 2016, demonstrating why the right on conscientious objection needs to be extended to our current taxes.
One of my past jobs involved recruiting and training volunteers, and I was struck then by how much some people wanted role and position rather than the work itself. Often the best volunteers just got on and did things, and organisations developed around their example, whilst voluntary organisations so often end up employing people to do the work, so that volunteers become the fund raisers or employers of a new bunch of professionals.
Is the internet taking up more of your time, even your prayer time? The history of the internet is of geometric growth. Does the huge increase in instant information prevent us from seeing what is really happening around us? Divine guidance may be telling you to take it easy relaxing with the quill pen! Remember Ezekiel and pay attention to history.
Community radio station granted FM licence
KENNET Radio has been granted a licence to broadcast on an FM frequency.
The community radio station has been broadcasting via the Internet since it was founded in 2013. Ofcom has now allowed it to make the jump to mainstream radio.
The chairman of Kennet Radio, Julian Swift Hook, said: Its fantastic news, I cant tell you how excited I am. We have been working towards this day for the last three years or more. Its just amazing that that we have finally got there.
He thanked volunteers for their support and local companies and organisations, including Greenham Coomon Trust, who had made donations and sponsorship.
Mr Swift Hook said that the jump to FM would make it easier for people to listen to Kennet Radio; using a radio rather than having to switch on a computer or login to an app, although the online services will continue to operate.
He said the switch to FM would provide a greater opportunity for local people to get involved and make programmes about local issues and things they are passionate about.
Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis, focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to a particular geographical community or a community of interest.
Mr Swift Hook said that he hoped Kennet Radio would go live on FM before the end of the year.
For more on Kennet Radio and to volunteer visit www.kennetradio.com
Community radio services must satisfy certain characteristics of service and Ofcom said that Kennet Radio had demonstrated its ability to maintain the service.
It has existing assets with some secured funding and in-kind support for the pre-launch period and year one, and the group has gained useful experience of broadcasting in the area.
Ofcom received 26 applications from across the south east in June last year. Kennet Radio was among five community radio stations in the region to be granted a licence.
The world finally knows what The Donald thinks of Jesus 09 June, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |
WASHINGTON (Christian Examiner) Veteran journalist Cal Thomas has asked presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for a detailed answer on who the New York billionaire thinks Jesus is, and the answer is likely to leave Christians with even more questions about the candidate's faith.
At the conclusion of a wide-ranging interview on Social Security, education and military-foreign policy, Thomas spoke of how difficult the job of the presidency is. He said presidents in the past have all "called upon God at some point," reminding Trump that Abraham Lincoln spoke of spending time on his knees in prayer.
He then said to Trump, "You have said that you are a Christian."
Trump interrupted Thomas, reminding him of his high level of support among evangelicals.
Jesus to me is somebody I can think about for security and confidence. Somebody I can revere in terms of bravery and in terms of courage and, because I consider the Christian religion so important, somebody I can totally rely on in my own mind.
"Yes, I know that," Thomas said. "You have said you never felt the need to ask for God's forgiveness, and yet repentance for one's sins is a precondition to salvation. I ask you the question Jesus asked of Peter: Who do you say He is?"
Trump didn't answer with a traditional Christian response, such as: He is the virgin born Son of God, the King of Kings, or the risen Savior. Instead he addressed Thomas's comment about forgiveness.
"I will be asking for forgiveness, but hopefully I won't have to be asking for much forgiveness. As you know, I am Presbyterian and Protestant," Trump said.
"I've had great relationships and developed even greater relationships with ministers. We have tremendous support from the clergy. I think I will be doing very well during the election with evangelicals and with Christians. In the Middle East and this is prior to the migration you had almost no chance of coming into the United States. Christians from Syria, of which there were many, many of their heads ... chopped off. If you were a Muslim from Syria, it was one of the easiest places to come in (to the U.S.). I thought that was deplorable. I'm going to treat my religion, which is Christian, with great respect and care."
That answer wasn't good enough for Thomas. He pressed again, "Who do you say Jesus is?"
Finally, Trump answered.
"Jesus to me is somebody I can think about for security and confidence. Somebody I can revere in terms of bravery and in terms of courage and because I consider the Christian religion so important somebody I can totally rely on in my own mind," he said.
That type of answer won't fly with conservative evangelicals who are planning to meet with the candidate and quiz him on his religious beliefs in New York June 21.
"Our goal is to be able to have a conversation that could lead to a better understanding of what Donald Trump has to offer to the country," Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, said earlier in May.
Three prominent Southern Baptists will be at the meeting, including Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd and megachurch pastors Jack Graham and Ed Young. Noticeably absent (so far) will be Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.
Trump has called Moore a "nasty guy" for claiming that the candidate is practicing gutter politics and fomenting division.
Moore has since said Trump is a sinner who needs to appeal to Jesus Christ for salvation from his sins, the same as every other Christian.
"My primary prayer for Donald Trump is that he would first all repent of sin and come to faith in Jesus Christ," Moore said in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).
"That's my prayer for any lost person. And then that he would be somebody who would act in terms of principles of justice, which would mean a change, not only in terms of the way in which he's changing the moral character of people, including the people that are supporting him and getting on the bandwagon, having had to excuse the things that they've never had to excuse before, and then in terms of being a ruler in a limited sense within the American constitutional framework who understands principles of justice," Moore said.
Georgia Right to Life PAC Endorses Castle for President
NORCROSS, Ga., June 9, 2016 /
"America is in political and moral freefall," said
Castle, a Memphis, Tennessee, attorney, has clearly stated his support for ending abortion, which has claimed the lives of more than 57 million innocent children since 1973.
"Some candidates support unlimited abortion, while others play word games to sound pro-life," Wilson said. "It's time to elect someone who will protect all innocent children."
Wilson noted there is an extensive effort underway to get Castle on the Georgia ballot by June 30. She urged pro-life supporters to visit the Constitution Party of Georgia website, or call (404) 994.3586, to volunteer as a petitioner.
"Supporting a third party candidate is not a wasted vote," Wilson said. "Abraham Lincoln was a third party candidate and Alaska U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski won her re-election as a write in candidate in 2012."
Castle, a Vietnam War veteran who served with the U.S. Marine Corps, started his own law firm in Memphis in 1984. Since then, he has opened firms in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri.
Concerning abortion, Castle believes the right to life comes from God and it is the role of the government to protect that right, not take it away.
"Our culture has been flooded with slick propaganda designed to cover up the truth about abortion," Wilson said. "Darrell Castle sees through that smokescreen."
Castle's website states: "It is the nature of the State to seek dominance over the population. Freedom will not ultimately remain intact if we leave it unattended. America needs forward thinking leadersleaders who do not apologize to the politically correct demands of the thought police. Self-hatred and appeasement only foster more disrespect. We must find a way to chart our course in the world as a free and independent people."
Castle has also indicated his support for ending the Federal Reserve, the Environmental Protection Agency, and taking the U.S. out of the United Nations.
promotes respect and effective legal protection for all innocent life from earliest biological beginning through natural death. GRTL is one of a number of organizations that have adopted Personhood as the most effective pro-life strategy for the twenty-first century.
Share Tweet Contact: Gen Wilson, Georgia Right to Life PAC , 770-339-6880NORCROSS, Ga., June 9, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- Georgia Right to Life (GRTL) PAC today announced its endorsement of Constitution Party candidate Darrell Castle for President."America is in political and moral freefall," said GRTL PAC Director Gen Wilson. "We need someone who understands our founding principles and truly respects the immeasurable value of human life. Darrell Castle is that person."Castle, a Memphis, Tennessee, attorney, has clearly stated his support for ending abortion, which has claimed the lives of more than 57 million innocent children since 1973."Some candidates support unlimited abortion, while others play word games to sound pro-life," Wilson said. "It's time to elect someone who will protect all innocent children."Wilson noted there is an extensive effort underway to get Castle on the Georgia ballot by June 30. She urged pro-life supporters to visit the Constitution Party of Georgia website, or call (404) 994.3586, to volunteer as a petitioner."Supporting a third party candidate is not a wasted vote," Wilson said. "Abraham Lincoln was a third party candidate and Alaska U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski won her re-election as a write in candidate in 2012."Castle, a Vietnam War veteran who served with the U.S. Marine Corps, started his own law firm in Memphis in 1984. Since then, he has opened firms in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri; and St. Louis, Missouri.Concerning abortion, Castle believes the right to life comes from God and it is the role of the government to protect that right, not take it away."Our culture has been flooded with slick propaganda designed to cover up the truth about abortion," Wilson said. "Darrell Castle sees through that smokescreen."Castle's website states: "It is the nature of the State to seek dominance over the population. Freedom will not ultimately remain intact if we leave it unattended. America needs forward thinking leadersleaders who do not apologize to the politically correct demands of the thought police. Self-hatred and appeasement only foster more disrespect. We must find a way to chart our course in the world as a free and independent people."Castle has also indicated his support for ending the Federal Reserve, the Environmental Protection Agency, and taking the U.S. out of the United Nations. Georgia Right to Life promotes respect and effective legal protection for all innocent life from earliest biological beginning through natural death. GRTL is one of a number of organizations that have adopted Personhood as the most effective pro-life strategy for the twenty-first century.
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Researchers at Okayama University conduct the first community-based study on the effects of self-administered aromatherapy foot massage on stress and anxiety symptoms. The results suggest aromatherapy massages might provide an inexpensive, simple way of managing anxiety.
A. Systolic blood pressure for early intervention and latter intervention groups at baseline, 4-week follow-up, and 8-week follow up. Intervention effect adjusted for individual participants and period effect was significant.
B. Diastolic blood pressure for early intervention and latter intervention groups at baseline, 4-week follow-up, and 8-week follow-up. Intervention effect adjusted for individual participants and period effect was significant.
C. State anxiety score for early intervention and latter intervention groups at baseline, 4-week follow-up, and 8-week follow-up. Intervention effect adjusted for individual participants and period effect was significant.
D. Score of mental health related quality of life for early intervention and latter intervention groups at baseline, 4-week follow-up, and 8-week follow-up. Intervention effect adjusted for individual participants and period effect had borderline significance.
The continuing popularity of complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy and massage, has prompted scientists to investigate the effects of such therapies on the body in more detail. Complementary therapies are said to reduce the symptoms associated with stress and anxiety, and therefore may reduce the chances of severe illness, such as hypertension and heart disease. The precise effects on the body following such therapies is unclear, however.
Previous studies have focused on the effects of massage and aromatherapy treatments on blood pressure and mental state in hospitalized patients in Japan, but none have been conducted on individuals living in the community. Now, Eri Eguchi and co-workers at Okayama University, together with researchers across Japan, have conducted the first study into the effect of aromatherapy-based foot massage on blood pressure, anxiety and health-related quality of life in people living in the community.
57 participants took part in the study; 52 women and 5 men. Baseline blood pressure and heart rate values were taken at the start and end of the four-week trial period, as well as at a follow-up session 8 weeks later. Participants also completed questionnaires on anxiety status and health-related quality of life at each stage of the trial. The participants were divided into two groups, and one group were taught to perform a 45-minute aromatherapy-based foot massage on themselves three times a week for four weeks.
The results suggest that aroma foot massage decreased the participants average blood pressure readings, and state of anxiety, and tended to increased mental health-related quality of life score. However the effect of massages was not significant with changes in other factors such as physical health-related quality of life scores and heart rate.
In their paper published in March 2016 in PLOS One, Eguchis team are cautiously optimistic about the potential for self-administered massage to reduce anxiety in the population:
[although] it was difficult to differentiate the effects of the aromatherapy from the effects of the massage therapy... [the combination] may be an effective way to increase mental health and improve blood pressure.
Background
Aromatherapy and massage
Aromatherapy has long been used to relieve stress and anxiety in populations across the globe. Different aroma essential oils are said to have different properties, and are used to induce relaxation and promote well-being. Trials have indicated that certain essential oils, when inhaled, can reduce blood pressure levels and alleviate depression by stimulating the olfactory system.
Massage (in its many forms) also has a long history in therapeutic medicine, and the practice of manipulating key pressure points in the body to induce relaxation has been shown to improve mental and physical health. However, detailed scientific studies of the effects of aromatherapy foot massage an increasingly popular treatment in Japan on blood pressure and perceived quality of life are limited.
Significance and further work
While the trial carried out by Eguchi and her team is limited in some respects, their results provide an initial starting point from which to extend studies into the benefits of aroma foot massage for the general population. Their findings that massage, or the aromatherapy, or a combination of both, reduce blood pressure readings (at least in the short term) warrants further investigation.
Eguchi and her team acknowledge that their decision to advertise for participants may have encouraged more health-conscious and pro-active people to apply. They also received far more applications from women than men, although their age-range (from 27 to 72) was diverse. Further work is needed to determine the effect of aroma foot massage on specific age and sex categories, for example, before such interventions are encouraged in the wider population.
The importance of the body's immune system in protecting against the creation of cancerous tumors has been known for a long time. But despite the existence of a competent immune system, some individuals develop tumors, in part because tumors have ways to evade destructive immunity or induce immune-suppression.
A major goal of cancer immunotherapy is to generate, induce or augment an anti-tumor immune response. In recent years, studies found that even after a tumor is formed the immune system is able to destroy it.
Dr. Pinchas Tsukerman studied the interaction between cancer cells and the key cells of the immune system that perform surveillance and elimination of tumor cells, called Natural Killer (NK) cells. On the basis of this research, he developed novel products that can boost the immune activity to eliminate cancer growths.
Dr. Tsukerman conducted the research as a PhD student at the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, at the Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC). IMRIC is a research institute within the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
His discovery, which earned him the prestigious Kaye Innovation Award, was made at the laboratory of Prof. Ofer Mandelboim (a 2015 Kaye award winner -- see http://new. huji. ac. il/ en/ article/ 26933) in collaboration with the laboratory of Prof. Stipan Jonjic from the University of Rijeka in Croatia.
NK cell activity is controlled by a balance of signals delivered by inhibitory and activating NK cell receptors. There are several activating NK cell receptors that recognize various ligands (surface molecules expressed by damaged or transformed cells), including tumor specific ligands.
"Our products are blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target and block one of the inhibitory receptors as well as the ligand of the inhibitory receptor. Each of these mAbs is able to induce potent immune responses," Tsukerman said.
Additionally, these mAbs can act synergistically with existing immunotherapies, such as anti-PD1, anti-PD1L and anti-CTLA4.
"We thus have high hopes for using these novel anti-tumor mAbs to better treat cancer in the future," said Tsukerman.
The Hebrew University, through its technology transfer company, Yissum, holds patent applications protecting the new method, and it is now in the process of signing an agreement with a company for further development and commercialization.
Tsukerman's innovation was one of five which earned the Kaye Innovation Award during the 79th annual meeting of the Hebrew University Board of Governors.
Tsukerman was previously awarded the Rector's Award for excellent students in his first year at Hebrew University, and the Bester Award and the IMRIC award for excellence in cancer research.
The environment the unborn child is exposed to inside the womb can have a major effect on her or his development and future health. Maternal stress during pregnancy can be transmitted biologically to the unborn child. A team of researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Sonja Entringer from the Institute of Medical Psychology at Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, is starting a new study about the potential effects of stress during pregnancy on newborn cell biology, with a focus on cellular aging. A European Research Council grant of 1.48 million will provide the support necessary to develop and expand this research group over the next five years.
Stress experienced by a mother during pregnancy can impact her unborn child's development and can have a lasting impact on physiological mechanisms. This, in turn, can have major and long-lasting implications for future health and developing age-related diseases. Aging-related disorders occur, by definition, with advancing age, and result from accumulation over the life course of the detrimental effects of adverse exposures. Prof. Entriger and her research team are pursuing a different perspective: "Changes in the processes associated with cellular aging, as well as the mechanisms that control them, may have their origins in the womb," explains Prof. Entringer. "Conditions within the womb, which are affected by a plethora of different factors -- including stress -- could thus have a substantial impact on the unborn child's development," says the specialist in psychobiology.
For a number of years, Prof. Entringer's work has been focusing on the links between stress-related processes and a person's risk of developing different diseases. In this context, telomere biology and cellular aging have been a mechanism of particular interest. A new study, which will follow 350 mother and child pairs from early pregnancy through birth and over the child's first year of life, will focus on psychological and physiological factors, as well as data on the mother's day-to-day behavior during pregnancy, which will be recorded using a smartphone app. Prof. Entringer summarizes as follows: "We need a better understanding of the molecular biology and epigenetic pathways that connect maternal stress exposure with an increased risk of disease in the next generation. A better understanding of these mechanisms could open up new perspectives, which, in turn, could increase the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and the development of preventative and interventional measures. Such measures could then be used early on in the child's prenatal development, well before the appearance of symptoms of disease."
Prof. Claudio Luchinat THOUGHT LEADERS SERIES ...insight from the worlds leading experts
Professor Claudio Luchinat, University of Florence and co-founder of the Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), speaks to News-Medical about his research in NMR-based metabolomics.
Please can you give me a brief overview of your research interests?
We started from theoretical inorganic to bioinorganic chemistry, so looking at metals in proteins, enzymes and so on. About 30% of all the proteins that we have are metalloproteins, so its a huge contribution that inorganic chemistry is providing for life.
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We started looking at the structures of metalloproteins. We have experience with metals, so we are one of a handful of centers where this is done and, over decades, we have developed experience in metal ions in biological systems.
From that, we moved on to investigating more complex systems; intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) on one side and protein protein interactions, up to the cellular level, on the other side. Since the NMR technique is very versatile, we decided about ten years ago, to move on to metabolomics as well.
This field has been growing worldwide, so we have made a lot of progress. Besides the fact that we enjoy doing this work, I think we also have dreams, because we see that there is an enormous potential for metabolomics and this potential is, according to us, largely unexplored.
What can be done to improve the study of metabolomics? How will this affect the applications of this field?
There is a lot to discover with relatively little effort, but we have to broaden the investigation to increase the number of subjects and the number of samples by orders of magnitude, otherwise we will not get anywhere.
If you do that, then the prices will go down further. Already now, it is not so expensive to run a single NMR experiment, so you can even dream of doing that on a population basis.
If that is successful, then you may start thinking of a fingerprint for each individual and, if you start at an early age, when people are usually healthy, then you can follow people over years and maybe detect when a disease is emerging.
We have examples where you can actually detect a disease early, where early detection is essential to save people. This is largely unexplored and not even so well understood by many people. You can do metabolomics in different ways; you can use NMR or mass spectrometry.
What are the major differences between mass spectrometry and NMR with metabolomics study? What advantages does NMR provide?
Mass spec is more powerful in the sense of the number of metabolites you can detect, because its more sensitive. However, quantitation is a little more cumbersome because you need to standardize the measurements and you need to have labeled reference compounds to run together with your compounds.
With NMR, on the other hand, you just take any sample, there is little preparation; buffering, filtering, centrifugation and then you get a fingerprint, which is absolutely reproducible, within around 1%.
Its better than any analytical technique and its cheap because you can take a single spectrum and that spectrum is the fingerprint of the individual at the time you took it. At the time, the individual may or may not have developed various diseases.
If you have a database which is large enough, you can compare different fingerprints of different diseases and tell a person You are okay, but you are moving towards this or that disease. Go and get a more specific test or check.
Why would you choose one system over another?
If you look at the literature, something like more than 80% of metabolomics papers are by mass spec and less than 20% are by NMR. Theres nothing wrong with that; mass spec is more sensitive and you see more metabolites, but the quantitation is much more difficult.
Its much less high throughput and less automated than NMR. In my view, mass spec is therefore kind of a second line. You do wide screening by NMR to get information and then you say: This is interesting. Lets see. Ive identified these three or four metabolites that are altered by this disease.
Then you want to see more and so turn to mass spec and ask a specific question. I want to see other metabolites in this pathway, some of which may be present in a very tiny amount. Then you can use mass spec, because its targeted analysis and you can actually aim at identifying more metabolites because that would reinforce your theory or hypothesis and so on.
NMR is for research and for learning more about the biology, as well as for diagnosis. Its a single spectrum on a sample that has been collected properly once. You just need to centrifuge, add buffer and go.
Its the simplest thing you can do and its faster. Despite the cost of the instrument, the cost for a single analysis, if you spread it over the lifetime of the instrument and the cost of the technician and so on, then it costs significantly less than mass spec.
NMR has the advantages of high throughput, the simplicity of handling the sample and the fact that one spectrum is enough. On the other hand, with mass spec, sometimes you need to spike with the same compound, containing a heavier isotope, in order to have the peak of the same compound but isotope-labeled next to the real peak, in order to quantify by comparing the intensities, because you need an internal comparison.
You cannot compare a spectrum taken yesterday from a spectrum taken today. Its a kind of drawback, but, depending on what you need to do, it may be better, although its not a universal screening method, I think.
Maybe some colleagues in mass spec will say: No, you are wrong, we are actually doing better. However, my feeling and the feeling of the people who are doing both, is this: metabolomics by mass spec is something different. For instance, if you look at tissues, the amounts are not so large and you need to identify as many as possible. You need to have a working hypothesis too because if you want to look at hydrophobic compounds, you need to do the experiment differently than if you wanted to look at hydrophilic compounds.
So, there are several mas spec experiments and even several different machines. Some mass spec machines are better for one thing and some are better for another. With NMR, on the other hand, there is one instrument and it does everything. Of course, it does it with less sensitivity, but also with great reproducibility and ease of use.
Recently you founded Giotto Biotech, can you give me a brief overview of how it was set up? What your motivations were and what Giotto Biotech aims to achieve?
The potential of NMR for metabolomics is something that is really exciting. There are five hundred million people in Europe, which means five hundred million spectra per year,or maybe every two years. Its many orders of magnitude greater than what you can do now, but its doable and if you do it, then it means a revolution in the health system.
The CERM/CIRMMP institution provided the initial means to start producing proteins. Giotto Biotech was aimed at producing proteins for research and we happened to know many colleagues in the world that do more or less what we do, we knew our customers already.
We started selling proteins, as well as selling the expertise for labeling proteins for NMR. Thats something that not many companies in the world do. If someone is not themselves an expert of proteins, but wants to do NMR on a protein, they need to buy a protein that will be labeled with stable isotopes in order for it to be studied by NMR.
We also sell services and this is the connection with metabolomics. People can come to Giotto Biotech if they want to run experiments and use the instruments.
Giotto Biotech often tests metabolites in urine, can you give a brief overview of the challenges and advantages of urine analysis using NMR?
One of the other big challenges is being able to collect urine at home and still get a reproducible analysis, with regards to how the samples are prepared and sent to a specialized center to have the samples handled in exactly the same way, which is difficult.
However, if that can be achieved, then you would open up population-wide screening, which is very cheap, mainly in savings to sample collection, imagine having people walking into the hospital and getting blood drained; its much easier if you can collect urine.
Many people are skeptical about urine because, being a waste product, urine is very variable, with the concentration of metabolites going up and down. However, this is also its richness, because if you can understand why this is going up and down, you can achieve a very accurate fingerprint of what is going on in the body.
Also, urine is amazingly stable. We published our first paper on the topic with Manfred Spraul and other colleagues of Bruker in 2006. Here, with our post-doc students, we got about thirty people to bring a urine sample every morning for around two months.
We collected an average of forty samples per person over a limited period and we ran the spectra, without even caring about identifying all the metabolites at that time; we were just using the spectra as fingerprints.
A spectrum is a fingerprint; its a collection of signals and it is very clear that each individual has his or her own fingerprint, despite the fact that there is huge variability from one day to the next. The variation occurs because, of course, you see different signals depending on what you eat, another signal when you chew gum, and another when you take paracetamol, for example.
Although there is a lot of variability, underneath there is a kind of stable ground, which is really individual. What is amazing is that we have repeated this with some of the same individuals over the years and we can still recognize each one with 97% accuracy, after ten years. Urine is as good as blood in terms of stability, although on the surface it seems much more variable.
It is variable to some extent, but there is still a lot which is really pertinent to a single individual. What is nice about it being so stable, is that although it doesnt tell you much about whats going on because it is insensitive to unimportant things like getting a cold, for example, if you get something serious, then it shows up.
We have cases where we find we cannot recognize the individual anymore and then we discover that they had a strong bacterial infection, they took a lot of antibiotics, killed all their intestinal flora and, of course, the profile was changed.
However, after two months they are back to where they were and again we recognize them with 97% accuracy. Its the best that you can hope for, because it is insensitive to tiny things, but sensitive to important things, which has implications for diagnosis of disease.
Can you give me some examples of clinical applications of this research?
I can give you a couple of enlightening examples. After surgery for breast cancer, many women fortunately recover, but some relapse. They may develop metastasis or another tumor and so on. In one study that we performed with an oncologist, we took blood samples from women who had breast cancer before surgery, so before their tumor was removed.
These women were followed for nine years. We found that, just by looking at a single fingerprint of blood, we could predict which women would have metastasis and which ones would not, with an accuracy of about 85%. That is truly amazing.
This is very important because if you were able to predict the risk that metastasis would develop, you could decide on the most appropriate therapy. You could decide whether hormone therapy or radiotherapy is needed or whether heavy chemotherapy is needed. There is nothing magical about it; its simply that people are individual and have their own fingerprint.
Youre not detecting metabolites that come from the tumor, which is sometimes only 3 mm in size and a tiny thing. How can you possibly detect signs of this tumor in the blood? Its not the tumor, its the reaction of the individuals immune response to the presence of this hostile object that is amplifying the signal. What I think youre actually detecting is the response of the individual to the tiny tumor.
The response may be different whether this tumor is already spreading or not, so its there, even if you are unable to detect metastasis because the tumors are too small. I think this is truly amazing and this is just one example.
The main problem with urine is that signals are never in the same place because urine is a complex fluid and at variance with blood, its not regulated by any homeostasis or self-regulation of the body because urine is waste, so the body doesnt care.
Urine is always different and the composition is, by and large, the same. It is estimated that there are about two thousand metabolites in urine, some of which are abundant. Using NMR, you can identify maybe a 100 or 150 metabolites. Using mass spec, you can do even more, but its more cumbersome.
Because the signals are never in the same place, its very difficult to recognize each of them automatically. You have to look at the spectra one by one and ask in this case, maybe this signal comes from this metabolite, or does it come from another one? It is this difficulty in interpreting the spectra that is really preventing urine being used as one of the main bodily fluids.
What is being done to improve this analysis?
As a chemist, I thought that if signals move, there must be a reason and that the reason is a chemical reason. Signals move because, depending on the composition of urine, there are interactions among metabolites that make them appear in slightly different places in the spectra.
Therefore, we started modeling these interactions among all possible metabolites. Not two thousand, but maybe one hundred. We started seeing patterns and found that we could predict where that metabolite will be in that particular sample
This opens the way for really automated assignment. Its something that we have discussed a lot with Bruker over the last year and, finally, we made a small agreement with Giotto. We have a post-doc in Giotto who is actually dedicated to this and Im really confident that, within less than a year, we will have a very powerful way to interpret urine.
One of the benefits of this is that it is absolutely non-invasive, you produce urine anyway as compared with blood, which you need to draw from a person.
If you were to follow a healthy person and you saw a change, would you be able to tell what the change is and what the possible disease is?
This is exactly the dream we have. For the moment, we have a fingerprint of breast cancer and if I get a sample, I can predict whether a woman will have a relapse or not, with 85% probability.
From that exact same fingerprint, with the same spectra from the same sample, I can predict another disease, provided that I have done the same work for that disease. Another example that is very meaningful concerns a form of heart failure called idiopathic heart failure, which does not arise as a consequence of something that you had such as a previous infarction, coronary artery disease or high blood pressure for decades.
Idiopathic heart failure is a kind of heart failure that you are somehow born with. Its like a defect of the heart. The heart doesnt work exactly as it should, but you are actually compensating for that. Interestingly, the Italian word for heart failure is uncompensated heart, which gives the idea that you may have this disease for decades without really knowing because you are compensating, for instance, by accelerating the heartbeat.
Although this may not be the case and you are actually just born with a faster heartbeat, it may also be that youre actually compensating for a defect and if you dont detect it early enough, at some point youll develop heart failure. By the time you get the symptoms such as panting after climbing stairs, then it may be too late. And there is no cure for heart failure.
However, if you detect it very early on, you can intervene with pills that lower the heartbeat and lower the blood pressure. You can keep the heart under control in such a way that its not fatigued and then the person can have a normal lifespan. However, if you detect it when it has already advanced, there is no cure and it declines until you die from it.
It would obviously be very interesting to get a fingerprint of heart failure, so we looked for that. We looked at people who had heart failure of different degrees. According to the New York Heart Association, there are four classes, ranging from very mild to very severe.
We also collected controls; people who maybe had other kinds of cardiovascular problems, but not heart failure. We could detect a big difference between controls and people with heart failure, but what was very surprising, was that usually when you see a fingerprint of a disease, the fingerprint becomes more and more evident with the progression of the disease.
This was not the case for heart failure. We had a fingerprint of heart failure that was equally strong for people with mild heart failure and for people with severe heart failure. There was no progressive increase in the fingerprint, so we started wondering if what we were seeing was not the fingerprint of the disease, but a fingerprint of what was there before the disease, maybe something that was there since childhood that the person was not aware of.
What youre detecting is the fingerprint of the organism thats trying to compensate for this defect. That fingerprint is the same. Since we already had a collection of about a thousand blood samples from other totally unrelated studies, we looked at them and we found something like twenty individuals who had, according to our fingerprint, the fingerprint of heart failure.
Of course, these twenty people were difficult to reach because they were part of other studies and they were not followed any longer, but our colleagues in the hospital managed to get hold of eleven out of these twenty people.
Those eleven were asked if they would like to take a free check of their heart using echocardiography, which is the main way to detect heart failure. They took an echocardiography and six of the eleven people had an echocardiography that was typical of heart failure and echocardiography is a real diagnostic measure.
Its a small number and not something you can call statistically significant, but six out of eleven is a large proportion. Twenty out of a thousand is about right, which means if you take a thousand people in the street, there is a chance of establishing that about twenty of them have heart failure they are unaware of.
This applies to metabolomics in general; we do not aim at finding a way of detecting disease that is better than anything that it is around, because there are many specific tests. We have the fingerprint of severe heart disease, but there are very specific tests for severe heart disease, so why should we have another one?
Also, if a doctor suspects heart failure and sends you for an echocardiography, you find out anyway, so why do you need another way? The answer is because this is a single spectrum. With the single spectrum, we now have the fingerprint of relapse of breast cancer, of heart failure (a very early one) and in principle of many other severe diseases.
Suppose you had carried this out on a much larger, population-wide scale and you had a fingerprint, not of three, four, five or six diseases, but of many diseases. Of course, you would start with the most common, but you could go down and down to less common diseases. Then, with a single spectrum, you can compare a fingerprint of heart failure with one of no heart failure; you can compare a fingerprint of breast cancer with one of no breast cancer. However, if you compare with a fingerprint of something and you say well, this could be this, then you can direct a person to a specific test. Its therefore a kind of pre-screening that is very cheap. It only involves one screen and yet its good for all diseases.
Out of the diseases that we have examined, I think in five out of six cases, we have a good fingerprint. Its remarkable.
This depends on our database, it grows the more cases you examine, the better the database is and the more predictive the single spectrum would be that you took in the next one, two or three years. Its something that will feed itself.
Is that something that, in the future, with this database, you could then start to screen newborns or children?
Yes, starting from newborns and I think Bruker has good experience with newborns. Manfred Spraul has published very good data on newborns, so starting from newborns and then moving on to children and adolescents is possible.
How could this affect the global population? What effect would screening everyone have on the global healthcare system?
Its universal, because its one spectrum. In principle, you can refer this person to many different tests, specifically. Its something that we should not talk so much about to agencies that fund research; we should talk to the health system, because a huge amount of money is spent every year on health in Europe and in any developed country, as well as in the US now.
ObamaCare is increasing the expenditure, which, personally, I think is good. Its a huge amount of money, its orders of magnitude more than what you spend on research. So, if you dedicate 0.1% of this budget to specific research on metabolomics, you could save lots of money in the future, because anytime you can prevent a disease rather than cure a disease, its a big saving.
In Italy, the health system is organized on a regional basis. Each region has its own organization, which is good and bad in the sense that its less efficient, but its closer to the cities, so you can actually try to adapt the health system to monitor the diseases that are more prevalent in the region and so on.
The region of Tuscany is doing reasonably well, its one of the best in Italy. So, I tried to talk to them and said lets do a pilot study in Tuscany, a million or two million people is doable, even just with our instruments here.
They said it would be nice, but that they dont have money. I know they dont have it. They never have enough money, but if you think of the future, it would be a tiny increase in the budget for something that can potentially provide a big saving ten years from now.
How much would it take for you to be able to test all the people in Tuscany?
There are about four million people. With one instrument, you can run at most a hundred thousand spectra per year. So, you would need twenty instruments to screen everyone every two years. But its doable, twenty instruments is twenty million euros.
You would also need technicians to run the instruments full time, 24 hours a day, but its not a big investment if you think about it. If you do it for five, ten years, for four million people every two years, its nothing compared to what the region of Tuscany spends on health.
Politicians have to justify what they do: Okay, I spent 0.1% more this year and I have to justify it. I dont have enough budget and maybe some people will not get adequate care because Im spending money on a project that may be good in ten years.
Its very difficult to make long term plans under the present organization in western democracy, where politicians are judged every other day for their immediate success or failure, rather than just at the end of their mandate. Anyway, our western democracy is still the best we can do!
Which particular NMR machine do you use at Giotto Biotech for metabolomics in solution and why? What other equipment do you use?
We use the standard 600 MHz for IVD by NMR and we make sure that we keep absolutely in line with Brukers recommendations because we believe that if were not standardized with a particular instrument in the first place, we can never achieve what we would like to achieve in terms of screening broad numbers of people and so on. I think thats an absolute must.
Bruker recommends a 600, a choice dictated by a good balance between price and performance. Its good for routine work in metabolomics. Of course, occasionally we also use higher field instruments.
If we detect particular signals that were not able to actually identify and say what chemical it is, then we can move to higher fields and do more experiments, but 99% of the work for metabolomics is done on the standard 600 MHz.
We use a five millimeter probe; the one that is recommended for metabolomics and is completely standardized. We also have an automated sample changer, the sample jet, which maintains the samples at 4C. Then, they are preheated when they are inserted so that you dont waste time trying to equilibrate the same temperature of the sample inside. This is amazing, because in the previous setting, most of the time was spent waiting for samples to reach the right temperature.
Temperature control is very important. You need to be sure that samples are all taken at exactly the same temperature, by which I mean to the plus or minus 0.1 degrees. To achieve that, you need to keep the sample there for minutes and its sometimes more than the time you need to take the spectra. Since they are biological samples, its better to keep them cold and then preheat them just before running, while the previous one is running. Its kind of obvious, but its a great improvement.
How has your NMR technique been influenced by the standardized techniques from Bruker?
As an NMR spectroscopist, many of my colleagues and I like to develop our own sequences and we like to improve things here and there. We made the decision that we should not do that, we should perform metabolomics as it is recommended by Bruker.
Although you think that you could do a little better, which is always possible, if you and others in the many labs across the world started doing that, then everybody would be doing something different, it would be the end of metabolomics really.
You need to make sure that everybody runs the spectra in exactly the same way. Is that best or close to the best? Well, even if it is not the best, who cares? Its being done in the same way and what is really crucial for metabolomics is standardization.
I think we are already advanced in standardizing the NMR procedures, thanks to Brukers work over the last ten years or so. On the other hand, standardization of samples is very difficult. If you take blood, you need to make sure that wherever its taken in the world its treated in the same way, using the same technique.
Obtaining serum in the same way is not so difficult because that is a standardized procedure already, but some people let it stay at room temperature for ten minutes, some half an hour and some for an hour or two, and this changes a lot.
Potentially, it can change the sample more than the effect of a disease does. For example, we were involved in a study about colorectal cancer, investigating whether a treatment may be better or worse. The patients were all terminally ill with metastatic cancer, based at three different hospitals in a northern European country.
Each hospital provided a group of controls and a group of patients. We took the spectra and performed normal statistical analysis to see whether there were patterns. We found three different groups. However, the three different groups were the three hospitals rather than the different groups being the patients and controls. The largest difference among the samples was the origin.
We found that there were signals reflecting that the samples were not prepared in exactly the same way. Once we identified those signals, we got rid of them. It took a lot of statistical analysis, but then the difference between healthy people and diseased people came up.
How would you like to see metabolomics research standardized in the future? What is currently being done to standardize the field?
You need to have samples which are handled in exactly the same way, otherwise, you see more difference in the way they are handled than what you are looking for. Thats one of the reasons why some people think that metabolomics is not progressing so much, which is true, but there are better and very simple ways to do that. You just need to follow a standard operating procedure.
Actually, Paola Turano from our lab was involved in a European project about the standardization of samples for all omics including genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. In the end, we are providing standard operating procedures that are actually being incorporated in the recommendations of the European label of the CEN, which is this standardization office in Berlin.
They will probably become standard within a year, which I think is great because at least you dont have to explain why people should do things in a certain way. If we have these recommendations written, then people should follow them, so that things are made easier.
What advances have you made to the metabolomics field in recent years?
The innovation in metabolomics should be in the analysis of the data and its a lot of bioinformatics and statistics. We have developed our own one program for statistical analysis, which is great.
It was published in the PNAS a few years ago and is about clustering data when you know nothing about the data, referred to as unsupervised. You dont know anything; you have a bunch of data on, for example, the three hospitals I mentioned; you do an unsupervised analysis and find three hospitals, but no difference between patients and controls.
This is totally unsupervised and it tells you whether there are elements that can group different spectra together and differentiate them from another group. This is called clusterization, cluster analysis.
There are many programs that do that, but for metabolomics, none of them works very well, while this one works beautifully. We are trying to push for that tool, and I think it should be incorporated into Brukers platform as an option for users.
What advances to the Bruker technology have there been in recent years? How has this affected the results?
There have been technological advances, probably not striking advances, but as I said before, in this particular field, what is important is not achieving great novelty; its important that the instrument is behaving in a predictable way. Predictable means reproducible to better than 1% intensity of signals and Bruker has made progress in the last few years in making these instruments absolutely reliable.
One choice that Bruker made two or three years ago or so, was to not use the CryoProbe for metabolomics. We had been using the 600 MHz spectrometer with the CryoProbe. At some point, Manfred said Bruker had decided that as a company policy, the 600 MHz spectrometer for metabolomics should not have the Cryo.
The advantage of removing the Cryo is that it was introducing a little bit of variability of the intensity of the signals and by removing it, the reproducibility becomes even better than before, although it was already very good. The disadvantage is that you lose sensitivity, so its a trade-off.
However, there is another element, which is that the instrument becomes cheaper and if you want to spread metabolomics, you need to offer something that is not terribly expensive. You suffer from losing sensitivity a little bit, although you could perhaps increase the number of scans and the time it takes to do an analysis. However, you gain improved flexibility and a cheaper instrument. I think, in the end, it was the right choice by Bruker.
Do you think that the technological advances for metabolomics would be in smaller systems or better probes?
Better probes, always. The progress with the probes and even with the CryoProbe has been very significant. One of the reasons why I think Bruker has made a good choice in removing the CryoProbe, is its cost and the fact that the probe that we have now which is not as sensitive as the Cryo, is actually already much more sensitive than the equivalent probe of ten years ago. If the probe technology improves, even without Cryo, you can get a good sensitivity. That is important.
Why would you prefer to see advances in the probes rather than smaller systems?
There is an intrinsic limit to the ability to detect a large number of metabolites and an NMR spectrum is very crowded. You have many different signals from many different metabolites that are overlapping with one another.
So, even if the sensitivity is higher, you dont have the resolution and even if you go to 1 or 1.2 gigahertz, you will probably never have enough resolution to resolve all the things, its an intrinsic limitation.
Its not a matter of if there is enough of a signal in a reasonable amount, to detect it. Sometimes, you cannot detect it because its underneath the signals of other metabolites that are much more abundant.
Actually, this is one of the reasons why we like to speak about fingerprints rather than panels of metabolites that you can identify each time. Of course, you can identify metabolites and quantify them, yes. However, if from an NMR spectrum, you quantify fifty metabolites or a hundred metabolites, which is a very good number, there is more in the spectrum than you are able to detect and quantify exactly, but its there underneath.
So, if you use the spectrum as such, in the fingerprint, there is also some small contribution from metabolites that you have not identified that you will never be able to quantify, even though they are there.
Therefore, when it comes to distinguishing a group of people from another group of people and saying: This group has a disease and this one has not, and I can tell you from the fingerprint, the fingerprint is more accurate than any panel of metabolites that you can extract from the fingerprint and quantify, because you are never extracting 100% of the information.
You may extract 80% or 85%, but the other 15% is hidden and if you dont do fingerprinting, youll throw it away. Comparing fingerprints is the easiest thing. Again, if you think about diagnosis, its not about learning more about the biochemistry of the disease but, if you aim at diagnosis, rather than saying: I want to find a marker, or maybe two markers, three markers, a panel of markers, ten markers, well a fingerprint is all markers, all at once, so why discard it?
Keep the fingerprint and use it as a marker. Not all people who do metabolomics by NMR may agree with what Ive said, but many do. I think its one of the ways in which metabolomics by NMR can actually become a routine way to screen a population, because its just a fingerprint. If the samples are prepared correctly and if the spectra are taken correctly, then fingerprints are comparable and you learn from that.
Where can readers find more information?
https://www.cerm.unifi.it/about-us/people/claudio-luchinat
About Prof. Claudio Luchinat
Claudio Luchinat is professor of General and Inorganic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" of the University of Florence and is associated to the Center Magnetic Resonance (CERM) of which he is co-founder. He is also Co-founder, Director and President of the Inter-University Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metallo Proteins (CIRMMP), Co-founder and President of the Board Directors of the non-profit Foundation Fiorgen and Co-founder and member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the spinoff Giotto Biotech srl.
Among other offices, Claudio Luchinat is a member of the Supervisory Board of the Paramagnetic NMR Facility of the Leiden University, of the Scientific Committee of the French High Field NMR Research Infrastructure (EN-RMN-THC), of the External Advisory Board of the SEA DRUG Biomolecular NMR Facility of the University of Patras and an associate member of ICCOM-CNR.
His research interests include: bioinorganic chemistry, structural biology, development of structural methods based on NMR in solution and solid state, metalloproteins and metalloenzymes, theory of electron and nuclear relaxation, NMR of paramagnetic species, relaxometry, contrast agents, NMR-based analytical methods.
Since 2008, his research has been increasingly addressed to metabolomics, seeking to get the metabolic profiles of biological fluids such as urine and blood using NMR spectroscopy; define procedures for the preparation of the samples and for the acquisition of NMR spectra; develop statistical methods for data analysis; and correlate the metabolic profiles with pathophysiological characteristics of the subjects studied. Claudio Luchinat has become one of the international reference points for metabolomics, and is invited to give plenary lectures on the subject at conferences both in the specific field and of other fields.
He is the author of over 560 publications, in English, on internationally renowned scientific journals, his h-index is 71, and his works have been cited more than 20,000 times (google scholar). He has been invited to give seminars in numerous prestigious universities and research institutes around the world, and plenary lectures at international seminars, symposia and conferences.
Coordinator or principal investigator of major European research projects has also been the organizer of numerous international scientific conferences.
Publication: researchers at the Universite libre de Bruxelles, ULB develop new techniques to assess the fate of stem cells in vivo.
Stem cells ensure the development of tissues, their daily maintenance and their repair following injuries. One of the key questions in the field of stem cell biology is to define the different cell lineages in which stem cells can differentiate into. Stem cells can be multipotent, meaning they present the ability to give rise to more than one lineage, or unipotent, meaning they can only differentiate into one cell lineage. Lineage tracing experiments are routinely used in the fields of developmental and stem cell biology to assess the fate of stem cells in vivo. However, no rigorous method has yet been established to interpret with great precision and statistical confidence the issue of multipotency versus unipotency in lineage tracing experiments.
In a study that makes the cover of the current issue of Genes & Development, researchers from the ULB Cancer Research Center, U-CRC, led by Cedric Blanpain, MD/PhD, WELBIO investigator and Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Universite libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, developed new methods to assess with great precision the multipotent or unipotent fate of mammary gland and prostate stem cells.
Aline Wuidart and colleagues developed two novel methods to determine whether stem cells in the mammary gland and in the prostate are multipotent or unipotent during development and adult maintenance. In collaboration with physicists of the University of Cambridge, they developed a novel bio-statistical framework to define multipotency with high confidence in multicolor lineage tracing experiments. They developed another method called lineage tracing at saturation to assess the fate of all stem cells in a given tissue and the flux of cells between different lineages. "It was really important to sort out the issue of multipotency of mammary and prostate stem cells in a definitive manner. These novel and powerful tools combining multicolor lineage tracing, bio-statistical analysis and lineage tracing at saturation will allow to interpret the lineage experiments with much greater confidence", comments Aline Wuidart, the first author of this study.
These new findings unambiguously demonstrate that, while the prostate develops from multipotent stem cells, only unipotent stem cells mediate mammary gland development and adult tissue remodeling. "These methods offer a rigorous framework to assess the lineage relationship and stem cell fate in different organs and tissues. These techniques will become the new standard to decipher the lineage relationship in many other organs or tissues during development, tissue repair and tumor initiation." comments Cedric Blanpain, the senior author of the Genes & Development paper.
Smoking bans are not only shrinking tobacco firms market at home but limiting their ability to invest in markets abroad, according to new research.
More than 170 countries have now introduced various bans on smoking in public places and buildings, which has naturally led to a decline in smoking in those countries.
It was thought when the bans were introduced that tobacco companies would instead target those countries without bans, usually those in the developing world, but research by Nigel Driffield, of Warwick Business School, Jo Crotty, of Aberystwyth University, and Chris Jones, of Aston Business School, has found this has not happened.
In a study of 141 companies across 20 countries over a 10-year period they found smoking bans in the country where the firm was based reduced the likelihood of them investing abroad.
Professor Driffield said:
Not only did bans affect the tobacco firms cash flow, and therefore reduce their funds for international expansion, there is also evidence that they are sensitive to home public opinion when investing abroad. It seems that tobacco companies are sensitive to their public profiles and, as they seek new working relationships with governments and battle over issues such as plain packaging and intellectual property, do not want to be seen to be exploiting the poorest countries, who are often the ones without smoking bans. Smoking bans often reflect a negative political mood within their home country towards tobacco and so investing in poorer countries to make up for dwindling sales at home may seem exploitative and would be bad for their PR.
In their paper Regulation as Country-Specific (Dis-)Advantage: Smoking Bans and the Location of Foreign Direct Investment in the Tobacco Industry, published in the British Journal of Management, the researchers found that of the 141 firms 53 engaged in foreign direct investment (FDI) and 26 invested in countries without a smoking ban.
They found firms from countries without a smoking ban were 7.6 per cent more likely to carry out FDI and they were more than 50 per cent more likely to invest in other nations with a ban.
The research revealed that those firms based in countries without smoking bans, therefore, had an advantage, not only in their home market, but also abroad as they invested more heavily in FDI.
We saw signs of this in our study, added Professor Driffield. This raises the prospect of the sector being dominated by a few countries who dont have bans or public opprobrium towards smoking.
China, for example, has a smoking ban but it has numerous exemptions, including restaurants, bars, hotels and airports. Historically, it has seen growth in domestic sales of more than four per cent a year, along with increased internationalisation of its tobacco industry, particularly in Asia and Africa.
Equally, tobacco companies from EU countries with only limited bans, or where bans have less impact due to weather, such as France and Italy, continue to see their tobacco firms invest abroad.
The World Health Organisation estimates more than six million people die every year from smoking related illnesses. These figures are falling in the developed world, but continue to rise in developing countries. The study highlights the role that smoking bans in developed countries can play in seeking to reduce these figures.
Professor Driffield added:
Physician-assisted death was supported by a majority of California and Hawaii residents, regardless of their ethnicity, who responded to an online survey, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
The study also found that older people were more likely than younger people to believe it is OK to allow physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients who request them, and that the most religious or spiritual people were the least supportive of this idea. But even among those who declared that religion or spirituality was very important to them, a majority still supported the practice.
The study will be published online June 9 in the Journal of Palliative Medicine to coincide with the date that California's End of Life Option Act takes effect. The act was signed into law Oct. 9, 2015. Physician-assisted death is illegal in Hawaii.
"It is remarkable that in both states, even participants who were deeply spiritual (52 percent) were still in support of physician-assisted death," said the study. "Both genders and all racial/ethnic groups in both states were equally in support of PAD."
'Surprisingly positive'
"The response was surprisingly positive across all ethnic groups," said VJ Periyakoil, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine, who is the lead and senior author of the study. Those taking the survey marked their ethnicities as African American, Latino, white, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander or Asian.
"I was surprised that people who were deeply spiritual were still positive overall," she added.
To conduct the study, researchers developed an online survey that asked participants to respond, true or false, to whether they believed it is acceptable to allow a physician to prescribe medication, at the request of a terminally-ill patient, in order to end that person's life.
"We wanted a broad question that didn't specify what kind of medication, that didn't say oral pills or self-administered, none of that," Periyakoil said. Participants were also asked: "How important is your faith/religion/spirituality to you? (Unimportant, somewhat important, important and very important.)"
Participants responded to the online survey, which was housed and stored on a secure Stanford server. Data was collected from July through October 2015.
Among the 1,095 responses from California and 819 from Hawaii, the majority -- both in California (72.5 percent) and Hawaii (76.5 percent) -- were supportive of PAD.
"Older participants were more supportive of PAD compared with their younger counterparts in both states," the study said. "Persons who reported that spirituality was less important to them were more likely to support PAD in both states."
For those who said religion/faith/spirituality was very important to them, about 52 percent were in favor of PAD, the study found.
"The act of deliberately hastening death is not supported by most religions. ... Thus it is not surprising that in our study participants who reported faith to be most important to them were least in support of PAD," the study said.
Need for cultural sensitivity
Periyakoil, an expert on end-of-life care and director of the Stanford Palliative Care Education and Training Program, stressed that it's important for physicians in California to prepare for the new law. In addition to training in end-of-life conversations and being aware of cultural differences, physicians need to be honest with their patients, Periyakoil said.
"Just be upfront," she said. "Tell patients, 'Listen, this is a very hard topic for all of us.'"
In particular, primary care physicians will inevitably be faced with questions from patients, she said.
"It takes a tremendous amount of courage on the patient's part to ask these questions," Periyakoil said. "How the doctor responds initially to the patient's question is very important and will set the tone for the rest of the interaction about this sensitive issue."
The study provides evidence that patients of various ethnicities and religious backgrounds will be seeking information from their physicians on the issue, many of them at what may be the most vulnerable time in their lives, she said.
"We stress that requests from diverse patients have to be approached with great cultural sensitivity," the researchers wrote in the study.
The study asserted that because of the number of complex provisions in the law -- such as the requirement that medication must be self-administered by a mentally competent patient -- it will actually affect only a tiny fraction of seriously ill patients.
This has been borne out in Oregon, which in 1997 became the first state to pass an assisted-suicide law.
"Only a small sliver of the population will be eligible for the End-of-Life Option Act, and of those eligible, only a portion are likely to utilize this option, and no one ethically opposed would likely do so," the study said. "For example, of the 34,160 Oregonians who died in 2014, only 155 received a lethal prescription and 105 utilized it."
Although long-debated in California, the issue of physician-assisted death gained momentum after Brittany Maynard, a 29-year-old Californian who was terminally ill, decided to move to Oregon in 2014 to end her life rather than suffer the pain and debilitation caused by brain cancer.
"As California is a highly populous majority-minority state, we are soon going to learn how diverse racial and ethnic groups respond to legalizing physician-assisted death," Periyakoil said. "In order to alleviate suffering for all seriously ill patients, it is extremely important that we also provide excellent palliative care early in the illness process."
Source: Stanford University Medical Center
With Vodafone Global IoT SIM, Ekso Bionics Manages Device Diagnostics and Data to Help Improve the Mobility of Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Vodafone will be connecting the worlds first and only exoskeleton that is FDA cleared for use with both stroke patients and spinal cord injuries the Ekso GT from Ekso Bionics. Vodafones network and global Internet of Things (IoT) SIM will ensure reliable communications for diagnostics and improved access to patient data, helping to improve the user experience with the suit.
Robotic exoskeletons are ready to wear, battery-powered robots that are strapped over the users clothing, enabling individuals to achieve mobility, strength, or endurance not otherwise possible.
The Ekso GT can provide adaptive amounts of power to either side of the patients body, helping to improve results for patients. The suit allows physical therapists to mobilise patients earlier, more frequently and with a greater number of high intensity steps, all of which will aid recovery.
Vodafone Groups Head of IoT for the Americas Andrew Morawski said:
The Internet of Things is enabling all types of medical devices to be connected anywhere in the world, which is directly affecting the care that patients are receiving. The focus that Ekso Bionics has on helping stroke and spinal cord injury patients to increase mobility is making a significant impact on the quality of life for its users. We are in business to help people achieve the remarkable, and we can do this most effectively with best in class partners. We chose Vodafone to provide a single global solution that ensures seamless connectivity, no matter where a rehabilitation hospital is located, said Thomas Looby, Ekso Bionics chief executive officer. With Vodafone IoT technology, we can monitor how our exoskeletons are performing in real time, providing therapists with data on how the patients rehabilitation is progressing.
Ekso Bionics has been able to simplify its manufacturing process by using the same Vodafone SIM for all suits globally as well as having a single worldwide partner delivering a managed service. Ekso Bionics Ekso GT is currently available in the United States, Mexico, Canada, South Africa, and in most European countries. The Ekso GT is offered in more than 150 leading rehabilitation institutions around the world and has helped enable its users to take more than 50 million steps not otherwise possible.
Last week, even as Prime Minister Modi embarked on his Five Nation Tour, I suggested that consolidation of a few doables would be the criteria to judge the trips success. Mr Modi appears to have delivered in full.On his fourth visit to the US and seventh meeting with President Barack Obama, all in two years his, transformative achievements have converted the Indo-US Strategic Partnership to what seems to be the take off stage.Is it the full Monty this time, finally 25 years after the Kicklighter Proposals were put to the Narasimha Rao Government?Even before attempting to justify the presumption of a full Monty it is tempting to take the US-India-Pakistan equation as first context.It was hyphenation of the India-Pakistan linkage in all strategic affairs which held back the realization of the true potential of the US-India partnership.The relationship was described by Prime Minister Vajpayee as one between 'natural partners" on the basis of convergence of interests and democratic values.Two things held this back and kept it pegged to only dialogue and just potential.First was the inability of the US to transfer its focus from its Euro-centricity to the Asia Pacific where the next great game had already begun.Much as it tried, the post-Cold War search for a new world order refused to move it away from the Middle East, from energy and from the emerging ideology of radicalism.9/11 saw the further application of the pull towards Afghanistan and then Iraq.In all these years of US efforts in Af-Pak and Iraq, China quietly developed its comprehensive power.The second was the US dependence on Pakistan for the stabilization of Afghanistan; hence the hyphenation despite Indias clear breakout from the mold of sub-regionalism.Afghanistan continues to be restless, Iraq and Syria are yet unstable, the ISIS is still a threat to reckon with; yet the US has decided that it has to move beyond and clearly the destiny lies in the Indo-Pacific, a term it has deliberately chosen to foist, for good reason. TThe Iran Nuclear Deal was driven by this strategy too and it took some convincing for the US to itself feel the necessity of bringing Iran out of isolation.Back to the Modi US visit. Many feel that Barack Obama as a lame duck President would be unable to take transformative decisions.One thing seems removed from consideration; the potential of the Democrats returning to the Presidency with a possible election of Hillary Clinton; something analysts, lawmakers and even the President would believe.It would be the first instance of a third term for one of the two parties in the US, since the end of the Second World War.That somewhat removes the cliched label from the Obama Presidency enabling the President to take his decisions. Clearly, it was an advantage for India to reap benefits.A natural corollary to Prime Minister Modi too, being looked upon as a transformative leader, and to the personal bond that has developed in six previous meetings.Such visits and discussions must also be viewed in the context of the events that precede them.The killing of Mulla Mansoor, Pakistans protests on violation of its sovereignty, the US Congress strictures on the F-16 deal, the India-Afghanistan-Iran Trilateral on Chahbahar and other cooperation, have all influenced the atmospherics of the Modi-Obama summit.While speculation is still rife in the US about Prime Minister Modis visit to Iran and the Chahbahar deal (whether it fits in with the leeway given to Iran under the Iran Nuclear Deal of Jul 2015) there can be no doubt that Indias diplomatic establishment would have done its homework.The Prime Ministers visit no doubt would have been used to explain the dynamics and how Chabahar fits into the future of the stabilization of Afghanistan; one of US aims too.Three things signify the full Monty. The first is the break out of the shackles of technology denial and discrimination exercised under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).In its inception MTCR was formulated as an India specific technology denial regime to thwart India from attaining cryo-technology from erstwhile USSR.Over the years India developed its own such engines. George Bush broke all protocols to sign the India US Nuclear Deal which commenced the process of treating India as an equal and a responsible player.Obama has put his stamp on facilitating the entry of India into MTCR thus opening up the potential for provision of spin off technologies and trade in missile and advance aviation technology.The entry into MTCR comes full circle from the events of 1971 when Richard Nixon sent the Seventh Fleet into Bay of Bengal.It set the path for a patchy relationship which saw the formation of the NSG and the MTCR, to deny India its technological ambitions after the Pokharan test of 1974.Entry into the 48 member NSG now appears to have the support of almost all members and is fully backed by the US thus isolating China which opposes it.There is speculation that Indias entry may as yet not materialize. Will the US go the full distance to accept and support Chinas entry into MTCR for which it applied some years ago as a quid pro quo for Chinas acceptance of Indias entry into NSG? That remains the moot point.The second is LEMOA or Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement.This is another agreement the text of which has been agreed upon and will be inked in due course. The transformational element of this perhaps surpasses MTCR.It will open Indian maritime and aviation facilities for refueling and other logistics support to the US Armed Forces.The ambit would functionally include the Indian Navys use of US ports such as Djibouti, Diego Garcia, Guam and Subic Bay as part of port calls, training and disaster management.The implications go well beyond the functional aspects with Indias almost complete turnaround from a policy of isolationism in this field. If that is not transformational nothing else is.There are other specifics which shore up the value of the visit. Indias support for the Paris Climate Agreement, clean energy, climate change and energy security through use of nuclear energy, are all valuable contributors towards the strategic partnership.The third area which signifies the transformational nature of changes underway needs a little more explanation. This relates to the South China Sea (SCS) about which Joint Statements of the past have been bolder with direct reference.This time the Joint Statement is conspicuous in the absence of mention of SCS although there is mention of the guidelines and road map on maritime security.Much against what many may assess as compromise on strategic boldness I perceive this as strategic prudence. The US has displayed maturity in not insisting on the inclusion of SCS thus acknowledging Indias strategic sensitivities in its region.It is in US interest to maintain the strategic balance in Asia and respect the interests of its strategic partners. This it has amply displayed by ensuring that in its projection it is willing to be reasonable and that its partnerships are not alliances aimed at third nations.It is not necessary for partner nations which have their mutual interests well chalked out, to place in the public domain specific aims of the partnerships which will have ramifications on third parties or third party concerns.Finally, the US appears to realize that it cannot expect a full cooling down of the Middle East, dilution of problems of Europe in relation to Ukraine or stabilization of Afghanistan before the efforts towards rebalancing can commence in earnest.The Modi visit may well be the virtual culmination point of the decision making process which finally cements the US resolve to change tack and earnestly focus on the Indo Pacific as the priority of its concerns.The Indian Prime Minister must be credited for having pulled out all the stops in finally converting a hesitating, nervous and tentative relationship into a truly strategic partnership the full Monty so to say.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) court in Ahmedabad, which had on June 2 convicted 24 accused in the Gulbarg society massacre case, is expected to pronounce the quantum of sentence today.
On June 2, 24 people were convicted while 36 others were acquitted in the 2002 Gulbarg Society massacre case. Although no one has been convicted under the charges of conspiracy (IPC Section 120 B) but out of 24 convicts, 11 have been found guilty of murder (Section 302) and 13 have been convicted for lesser offences.
The court of Justice PB Desai was to initially announce the sentencing on June 6 but the hearing was adjourned after Defence advocates sought more time to argue.
Prosecution lawyers had argued that the massacre is a case of mass murder and exemplary punishment should be meted out. They had demanded life imprisonment and fine for the convicts.
"All murders were committed in broad daylight and in cold blooded manner. The only fault attributed to victims is that they belonged to the minority community. There were 19 houses in Gulbarg and almost all houses lost a member or more. Of the recovered bodies, 20 were women and six children. Of those who went missing, there were 14 women and eight children," Special Public Prosecutor RC Kodekar had argued.
He had added that the magnitude and gravity of crime was extremely heinous. "Many of victims were roasted alive and without provocation, many including women and children were killed and burnt," he told the court.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Atul Vaidya is among those convicted for the massacre in which former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri and 68 other persons were killed.
Out of the 66 people initially accused in the case, six died during the long drawn trial.
The court let off 36 of the 66 accused in the case for lack of evidence. Bharatiya Janata Party corporator Bipin Patel and police inspector KG Erda are among those acquitted.
Patel is a sitting corporator from Asarva seat. He was also corporator in 2002 when the massacre took place and won the election for fourth consecutive term in 2015.
New Delhi: India has stepped up efforts to sell an advanced cruise missile system to Vietnam and has at least 15 more markets in its sights, a push experts say reflects concerns in New Delhi about China's growing military assertiveness.
Selling the supersonic BrahMos missile, made by an Indo-Russian joint venture, would mark a shift for the world's biggest arms importer, as India seeks to send weapons the other way in order to shore up partners' defences and boost revenues.
The Narendra Modi government has ordered BrahMos Aerospace, which produces the missiles, to accelerate sales to a list of five countries topped by Vietnam, according to a government note.
The others are Indonesia, South Africa, Chile and Brazil.
The Philippines is at the top of a second list of 11 nations including Malaysia, Thailand and United Arab Emirates, countries which had "expressed interest but need further discussions and analysis", the undated note added. A source familiar with the matter said the note was issued earlier in 2016.
India had been sitting on a 2011 request from Hanoi for the BrahMos for fear of angering China, which sees the weapon, reputed to be the world's fastest cruise missile with a top speed of up to three times the speed of sound, as destabilising.
Indonesia and the Philippines had also asked for the BrahMos, which has a range of 290 km and can be fired from land, sea and submarine. An air-launched version is under testing.
Wary Eye On China
Unlike Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia, India is not a party to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a vital global trade route which China claims most of.
India has an unsettled land border with China and in recent years has grown concerned over its powerful neighbour's expanding maritime presence in the Indian Ocean.
It has railed against China's military assistance to arch-rival Pakistan and privately fumed over Chinese submarines docking in Sri Lanka, just off the toe of India.
"Policymakers in Delhi were long constrained by the belief that advanced defence cooperation with Washington or Hanoi could provoke aggressive and undesirable responses from Beijing," said Jeff M Smith, Director of Asian Security Programs at the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington.
"Prime Minister Modi and his team of advisers have essentially turned that thinking on its head, concluding that stronger defence relationships with the US, Japan, and Vietnam actually put India on stronger footing in its dealings with China."
India's export push comes as it emerges from decades of isolation over its nuclear arms programme.
It is poised to join the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) after talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington this week. BrahMos' range means it falls short of the 300 km limit set by the voluntary organisation.
India's accession to the MTCR may also strengthen its case for joining another non-proliferation body, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a move China has effectively blocked. Both groups would give India greater access to research and technology.
BrahMos Aerospace, co-owned by the Indian and Russian governments, said discussions were underway with several countries on missile exports, but it was too early to be more specific.
"Talks are going on, there will be a deal," said spokesman Praveen Pathak.
India is still a marginal player in global arms exports. The unit cost of the missile, fitted on Indian naval ships, is estimated at around $3 million.
Getting Closer To Vietnam
India has been steadily building military ties with Vietnam and is supplying offshore patrol boats under a $100 million credit line, its biggest overseas military aid.
This week Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar held talks with his Vietnamese counterpart General Ngo Xuan Lich in Hanoi and both sides agreed to exchange information on commercial shipping as well as expand hydrographic cooperation, the Indian defence ministry said in a statement on Monday.
A source at the Defence Ministry said India was hoping to conclude negotiations on the supply of BrahMos to Vietnam by the end of 2016.
The Indian government is also considering a proposal to offer Vietnam a battleship armed with the BrahMos missiles instead of just the missile battery, the source said.
"A frigate integrated with the BrahMos can play a decisive role, it can be a real deterrent in the South China Sea," the source said, adding that India would have to expand the line of credit to cover the cost of the ship.
Indian warships are armed with configurations of eight or 16 BrahMos missiles each, while sets of two or four would go on smaller vessels.
A Russian official said exports of BrahMos to third countries was part of the founding agreement of the India-Russia joint venture. Only now India had armed its own military with the BrahMos was there capacity to consider exporting, he added.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) court in Ahmedabad, which had on June 2 convicted 24 accused in the Gulbarg society massacre case, is expected to pronounce the quantum of sentence today.
On June 2, 24 people were convicted while 36 others were acquitted in the 2002 Gulbarg Society massacre case. Although no one has been convicted under the charges of conspiracy (IPC Section 120 B) but out of 24 convicts, 11 have been found guilty of murder (Section 302) and 13 have been convicted for lesser offences.
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Mumbai: It is not every day that one gets to ride an Army tank and experience a soldier's life, but school children from Mumbai did just that in Jammu and Kashmir, courtesy the Indian Army which gave them the opportunity through 'Know Your Army' initiative.
Lt Gen R R Nimbhorkar, AVSM, SM, VSM General Officer Commanding of the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, said the unique programme, which comprised 138 students, four principals and 19 teachers from nine Mumbai schools, enabled students to experience life in the Army.
A tour of the border areas was organised for students and teachers from various schools of Mumbai recently.
They visited Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts as part of a week-long tour of the northern state during which they participated in a number of cultural exchange programmes with local schools and interacted with Army personnel.
The students were exposed to a large spectrum of activities under the theme 'Know Your Army', Gen Nimbhorkar, General Officer Commanding, 16 Corps of Indian Army, said.
The tour started with an experience of a tank ride that brought in a real sense of adventure and thrill for the students.
They were also shown a wide range of weaponry used by the Indian Army. The children also witnessed some real action through a variety of demo drills.
Army soldiers displayed their agility and skill by demonstrating drills that they regularly practice in counter insurgency and counter operations roles, including slithering, casualty evacuation, house clearance and rush drill.
The experience showed the young minds how Indian Army soldiers braved tough conditions every day in their endeavour to keep peace in the region, Gen Nimbhorkar said.
They also had a chance to interact with local students studying in Army Goodwill Public School, Rajouri, which is managed by the Army. Local students interacted heartily with their counterparts from Mumbai and participated in cultural programmes, debate and quiz competitions, he said.
Karnataka DSP Anupama Shenoy, who had quit the police force, has returned to Bellary after a week. Her whereabouts were unknown after she took to social media to come down heavily on State Labour Minister PT Parameshwar Naik asking him to resign.
Shenoy through a Facebook post had threatened to release a CD relating to the Labour Minister if he does not resign immediately. Unfazed by the treats, Naik had said that he is not worried and has nothing to hide.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was irked by the controversy. DGP Omprakash had instructed the Bellary SP to talk to Shenoy and convince her to take back her resignation.
Earlier, Anupama was allegedly transferred twice because she did not answer a phone call of the Labour Minister. Shenoy in her resignation letter mentioned that she was quitting due to personal reasons.
It is suspected that Anupama resigned as she was upset over a protest by a liquor shop owners against the detention of three persons who wanted to construct an extension to the building housing their liquor shop.
Mumbai: Actor Ajaz Khan, who has been reportedly booked by police here for sending lewd messages to a model, has pleaded innocence in the case.
An FIR for outraging a womans modesty was reportedly registered against the former Bigg Boss 7 contestant.
Model Aishwarya Choubey had reportedly approached Versova police on Monday and submitted her complaint on Tuesday, following which an FIR was registered against the actor.
In the complaint Choubey accused Ajaz of sending her improper messages and photograph.
I am really saddened. I am being made into a punching bag. I met this girl at a party through an actor-friend Javed Rizvi (who was in the film Lakeer Ka Fakeer with me). Thats it," Ajaz said.
"I have nothing more to do with her. If this is the way one gets repaid for being kind to a stranger then I would advise all actors to not even say hello to newcomers out of kindness," he added.
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced that he will release uncensored copies of 'Udta Punjab' in Majitha, Punjab on June 17.
The Abhishek Chaubey directorial is set in Punjab and deals with the issue of drug abuse in the state. The makers of the film are said to have been asked by the Revising Committee of the Censor Board to remove all references to Punjab and to make 89 cuts.
The Congress leader said, "Majitha town, like Mexico, is the epicentre of drugs trade in Punjab. It was decided to release the movie there."
Amarinder said he has written to movie's producers, urging them to provide copies of the uncensored movie on compact discs so that he can release it simultaneously with its worldwide premiere.
"The purpose of releasing the movie in Majitha is to tell the (ruling) Akalis and the BJP that no matter to what extent they try to go to gag the truth, I will expose it at any cost," Amarinder said in a statement here.
"Not only do we want to highlight the harsh reality of Punjab, but also assert the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by our Constitution, which is being infringed upon by the BJP at the behest of the Akalis, using the censor board," the Congress leader said in the letter to the producers.
Amarinder also clarified to the movie's producers that all the legal onus of releasing the uncensored CDs of the movie will be on him only.
"I guarantee you that I will take the entire responsibility of the legal implications, if any, for releasing the uncensored CDs as we want the truth to be told, no matter at what price," he said.
He said Majitha town in Amritsar district had become synonymous with 'chitta' (synthetic drug, in common parlance) that has affected an entire generation in Punjab.
The Congress leader clarified that in order to ensure that the commercial interests of the producers are not hurt, the movie will be shown only on the day of the release at Majitha, as a protest and defiance against what he called was the "dictatorial attitude" of the CBFC, and also in border areas as people there rarely get a chance to watch the movies in theatres.
(With inputs from IANS)
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the movie 'Udta Punjab' claiming the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party government has nothing to do with the censoring of the film.
"I don't know about the issue. Whether it is getting censored or banned is not the concern of the Punjab government," Badal said.
Badals party SAD had earlier raised objection against the movie and the portrayal of drug menace in the state.
The Censor Board has ordered multiple cuts in the movie - even as the Censor Board has given the film an A Certificate. The board has asked for the deletion of the signboard of Punjab at the beginning of the film. It has asked for the removal of all visuals and dialogue references to Punjab, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Taran Taran, Jashanpur, Ambesar and Moga.
According to the Censor Board, the words 'election', 'MP' and 'MLA' should also be removed along with the close-up shots of drugs being injected. The board also want the dog in the film to be renamed.
The Abhishek Chaubey-directorial is set in Punjab and deals with the issue of drug abuse in the state.
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court is hearing the writ petition filed by filmmakers who claim that no valid reasons have been given for the cuts. They have also claimed that the portrayal of Punjab in the film doesn't affect the state's sovereignty.
The BJP has dismissed allegations of Centres role in the Censor Board's decision. "I completely reject it (charge) that the government has any role or intervened to stop its release. I don't think there is any drug problem in the state. The Akali Dal-BJP government in the state are doing an excellent work," senior party leader and Union Minister of State Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.
The raging controversy over 'Udta Punjab' took a dramatic turn on Wednesday when Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani suggested that Anurag Kashyap may have made the movie after taking money from the Aam Aadmi Party, sparking a stinging reaction from Bollywood and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.
Two ministers of the Narendra Modi government are at loggerheads over the proposal to sanction the killing of animals belonging to the endangered species.
Union Women and Child Welfare Minister Maneka Gandhi has hit out at Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar accusing him of giving sanction to state governments to kill animals including blue bull (Nilgai) and wild boar.
"The Environment Minister is writing to every state to kill whichever animal people want. In Bengal he gave permission to kill elephants, in Himachal he gave permission to kill monkeys, in Goa it were the peacocks. The Chandrapur massacre involves killing of 53 wild boars and the permission for killing 50 more has been granted. His own wildlife department has said that they don't want to kill. I don't know what is with the brutal killing of so many animals," Maneka, an animal rights activists too, said.
Maneka's objection comes after the Environment Ministry allowed the culling of Nilgai, wild boars, elephants, peacock and monkeys in different states. The demand to kill these animals was accepted on account of the damage they cause to crops, property and life.
The Ministry's memorandum passed in December 2015 states that wild animals which destroy crops should be treated as vermin.
The Ministrys move has drawn flak from animal rights groups. "The human-animal conflict is rising. We are encroaching into the animal land. Instead of ordering the animals to be killed, animal land should not be encroached upon and if not possible, should relocate them. Killing animals is not a solution," Peta official Nikunj Sharma said.
However, Javadekar said that man-animal conflict was on the rise and farmers were finding it tough to protect their crops and property. "According to law if farmers are suffering and their crop is being damaged and state government sends a letter to centre on the issue, then a decision is taken within the ambit of law. The action is taken in the legal framework in a scientific manner," Javadekar said.
This is not the first time that Maneka has taken on leaders from her own party. Earlier, too, she had exerted pressure on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership to sack the party MLA who was allegedly involved in the attack on Uttarakhand Police Horse Shaktimaan. The horses hind leg broke during a protest by the BJP in Dehradun and it died after a few days.
Kuala Lumpur: While being online, one cannot simply hide behind the digital screens, reveals a new study, adding that an individual's browsing behaviour can help identify the person.
The findings showed that an individual's browsing behaviour can provide a unique digital signature, which can help identify the person.
"Our research suggests a person's personality traits can be deduced by their general internet usage. The study differs from other studies that have only looked at the use of social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter," said led author Ikusan R. Adeyemi, Researcher at the Universiti Teknologi in Malaysia.
In addition, an individual's level of consciousness could be distinguished within a 30-minute session of online browsing.
Previous research linking personality traits to computer usage has typically focused on social media.
Extroverts tend to use these platforms to enlarge their boundary of friends and influence, while introverts spend more time on social media to compensate for a probable lack of physical interaction.
However, a person's general online browsing behaviour can also reflect their choice, preference and reflexes, which is largely controlled by their unique psychological characteristics.
The study, published on Frontiers in ICT, recruited volunteers from the Universiti Teknologi and monitored their internet usage, which included factors such as the duration of the internet session, number of websites browsed and total number of requests made.
In addition, the volunteers completed a test to reveal their personality characteristics over five categories: openness to new experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.
The analysis of this data, which can have many implications, revealed strong links between a person's personality and browsing behaviour.
800 million of my countrymen may exercise the freedom of franchise once every five years. But, all the 1.25 billion of our citizens have freedom from fear, which they exercise every moment of their lives [name]Narendra Modi[/name]
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday defended India's human rights record, saying for his government, the Constitution is the "real holy book" that provides freedom of faith and speech to all citizens regardless of their background."India lives as one; India grows as one and India celebrates as one," Modi said in his address to a joint meeting of the US Congress at the invitation of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Paul Ryan."For my government, the Constitution is its real holy book. And, in that holy book, freedom of faith, speech and franchise, and equality of all citizens, regardless of background, are enshrined as fundamental rights," Modi said in his 45-minute long speech which was also attended by US Vice President Joe Biden.His remarks came against the backdrop of the Congress- mandated US Commission for International Religious Freedom's annual report that claimed religious freedom in India was on a "negative trajectory" in 2015 as religious tolerance "deteriorated" and religious freedom violations "increased".Delivering his remarks in English, Modi said India and the US may have been shaped by differing histories, cultures, and faiths. "Yet, our belief in democracy for our nations and liberty for our countrymen is common. The idea that all citizens are created equal may be a central pillar of the American constitution," he said."But, our founding fathers too shared the same belief and sought individual liberty for every citizen of India. There were many who doubted India when, as a newly independent nation, we reposed our faith in democracy. Indeed, wagers were made on our failure. But, the people of India did not waver," Modi said."Our founders created a modern nation with freedom, democracy, and equality as the essence of its soul. And, in doing so, they ensured that we continued to celebrate our age old diversity," he said."Today, across its streets and institutions; in its villages and cities; anchored in equal respect for all faiths; and in the melody of hundreds of its languages and dialects. India lives as one; India grows as one; India celebrates as one," the Prime Minister said.Modi said India applauds, the great sacrifices of the men and women from 'The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave' in service of mankind."India knows what this means because our soldiers too have fallen in distant battlefields for the same ideals. That is why the threads of freedom and liberty form a strong bond between our two democracies," he added.
Mexico City: After the United States and Switzerland, India on Thursday received crucial support of Mexico in its bid to become member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced his country's support to India's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Mexico supports positively and constructively India's membership of the NSG," the Mexican President said at a joint media interaction with Modi.
Modi thanked Mexico for its support and called the country an important partner for India's energy security. "We are looking to move beyond buyer-seller relationship and into a long-term partnership. We have agreed to develop a roadmap of concrete outcomes to upgrade our ties to a Strategic Partnership," the PM said during the last leg of his five-nation tour.
In their talks, Modi and Nieto explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas including in trade and investment, information technology, climate change and energy.
Mexico is a key member of the NSG and its support to India's bid for entry into NSG is seen as important.
Support of Mexico and Switzerland is seen as important in the wake of China opposing India's NSG membership arguing that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The issue had figured prominently during talks between Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington on Tuesday.
The US and many other NSG member countries have supported India's inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record. The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid.
India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on May 12.
The NSG looks after critical issues relating to the nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Its membership will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.
The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed India's case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
(With PTI inputs)
Sanders has said that he's certainly going to do everything he can to defeat Trump. I'm very much looking forward to working with him to do that [name]Clinton[/name]
Under mounting pressure from Democratic leaders to abandon his presidential campaign, Bernie Sanders returned home to Vermont on Wednesday following dispiriting losses to Hillary Clinton. He vowed to fight on for a political revolution but showed signs he would bow to the inevitable and bring his insurgent effort to a close.For Sanders, as his remarkable White House bid runs out of next stops, the only question is when. Just as important for Sanders is how to keep his campaign alive in some form, by converting his newfound political currency into policies to change the Democratic Party, the Senate or even the country itself, on issues including income inequality and campaign finance reform.To that end the senator was to travel to Washington on Thursday to meet with President Barack Obama and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and speak at a rally. Obama is expected to endorse Clinton as soon as Thursday after his meeting with Sanders, and Reid is prepared to discuss with Sanders how the self-described democratic socialist might advance his goals back in the Senate.Neither Clinton nor Republican Donald Trump had public events on Wednesday, both preparing for the next big hurdle between themselves and the White House a five-month head-to-head race to November.Clinton told The Associated Press in an interview, "I think it's time that we move forward and unite the party and determine how we are going to defeat Donald Trump, which is our highest and most pressing challenge right now."Ahead of Thursday's meetings, Sanders' Democratic colleagues were growing increasingly outspoken in nudging him to wind down his campaign and throw his support behind Clinton. However, most stopped short of calling on him to drop out right away."Let him make that decision. Give him time," Vice President Joe Biden said when asked if it was time for Sanders to halt his effort. Biden was arranging calls with both Sanders and Clinton to discuss the race before making a public endorsement of his own.Sanders promised to continue his campaign to the last primary contest, in the District of Columbia next Tuesday. But about half his campaign staff is being laid off, two people familiar with the plans said on Wednesday. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the layoffs.Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said it was time for the party to unite, "the sooner the better," and Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida said Sanders should "stand down."Even Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the one Senate Democrat to endorse Sanders, said in an interview Wednesday, "We have a nominee, that nominee is Hillary Clinton, congratulations to her for winning the Democratic primary."Of Sanders, he said, "I think he's laying the groundwork to make sure that we have a unified party at the convention and go into the November battle shoulder to shoulder."Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, a liberal hero, also will formally endorse Clinton in coming days, according to two officials who demanded anonymity to speak ahead of a public announcement.Sanders declined to talk to reporters in Vermont. His campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, declined to identify Clinton as the presumptive nominee, saying it was "a term of art that the media uses."Some Democrats were disappointed that Sanders hadn't acknowledged Clinton's "milestone," as she described it, in becoming the first woman to be the presumptive presidential nominee of a major party. In his speech following Tuesday's primaries in California and New Jersey, which Clinton won easily, Sanders merely mentioned that they had shared a "very gracious call."The task of persuading Sanders' supporters to fall in line falls in part to Obama, still one of its most popular figures.Though the White House has signaled for days that a presidential endorsement is imminent, Obama has sought to give Sanders the space to exit the race on his own terms. He has promised to campaign full-throttle for the Democratic nominee.One big campaign question is whether the voters who helped elect Obama young people, minorities and women can be counted on to show up for someone else. To that end, aides said Obama planned to place a particular emphasis on young voters who have formed the core of Sanders' support.That effort started on Wednesday, when Obama taped an appearance with "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," and said he hoped Democrats start unifying.On Tuesday, Sanders ended his final California rally with three simple words "The struggle continues" but his brief address in a Santa Monica airport hangar felt at times like a valedictory as he thanked supporters for "being part of the political revolution."As the Democratic race was wrapping up, Republicans were unraveling anew. Despite handily winning GOP contests in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota and Montana on Tuesday, Trump was in damage control mode over his ethnicity-based attacks on a Hispanic judge that had party leaders in fits. After one senator rescinded his endorsement and House Speaker Paul Ryan called the comments "racist," Trump sought to calm worries with a rare, scripted speech in which he insisted to voters he "will never, ever let you down."Despite Ryan's concerns about Trump's remarks, the speaker reaffirmed his support in a closed-door meeting with fellow GOP lawmakers on Wednesday.
The Bedford County Sheriffs Office is looking for a man deputies say was involved in a scam in Bedford County.
According to a news release sent out Tuesday, the suspect offered to purchase pet services advertised by the victim. A MoneyGram was sent to the victim in the amount of $1,740. She was advised to keep $350 for herself and then wire the rest of the money to another account.
The routing number was for the Wal-Mart in Forest. The money was picked up using a fake New York drivers license. According to the release, the bank advised the victim the original MoneyGram was not valid.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Investigator R. Scott Arney with the Bedford County Sheriffs Office at (540) 586-4800 ext. 4063 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900.
Tobi Walsh
APPOMATTOX A former consignment shop owner charged in multiple burglaries in multiple jurisdictions was sentenced Thursday to four years in prison in the Appomattox County cases.
Katie Hyatt, 39, of Concord, also was sentenced by Appomattox County Circuit Court Judge Donald Blessing to five years of probation, 20 years of good behavior, and to pay $1,100 in restitution to two Appomattox County victims.
Combined with previous sentences in Bedford and Campbell counties and Lynchburg, she has been ordered to pay more than $137,000 total to her victims.
Two years of her four-year sentence from Appomattox County will be served concurrently with sentences from the three other jurisdictions.
She faced a total of 15 felony breaking and entering charges, 13 felony grand larcenies, and 16 felony charges of receiving stolen goods in Albemarle, Bedford and Campbell counties and Lynchburg, Appomattox County Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Leslie Fleet said.
She received five years of probation in Bedford County, just more than seven months in Albemarle County, 10 years in Campbell County and a seven years in Lynchburg, for a total of 17 years and seven months in those jurisdictions.
This has been a very sad case. Appomattox is a safe county to live in, Fleet said.
Authorities have said Hyatt burglarized homes and sold some of the stolen goods in her now-closed shop, The Burnt Orange on Fort Avenue.
When Hyatt broke into one victims house on Police Tower Road in Appomattox, she stole 40 years worth of gold safety medals for driving a Lynchburg city bus, Fleet said.
The victims daughter, who lives next door, confronted Hyatt at the house. She gave the daughter a fake name and organization.
She knew she was not supposed to be there; she was caught red-handed, Fleet said.
Since the burglary, the homeowner has been sitting in an armchair with a loaded pistol by his side whenever he is home alone, he said.
He felt safe enough to leave his home unlocked, Fleet said about the homeowners habits prior to the burglary.
Hyatts attorney, J. Lloyd Snook, asked Blessing to consider a sentence independent of the sentences in other jurisdictions.
I am so remorseful and with regret. I am very sorry, Hyatt said before Blessing handed down the sentence.
Who is Cassie Lang - the comic history of the new Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania teen hero
Cassie Lang is the daughter of Ant-Man - but she's got a superhero legacy all her own as both Stature and Stinger
Dubai in the Caribbean
On Monday the TT International Financial Centre at Tower D, Portof- Spain, held as news briefing to announce its first-ever hosting of an international conference on June 15 at the Hilton Trinidad to seek to woo 25 handpicked North American firms keen on BPO. Present were IFC chairman, Richard Young, and CEO, Varun Maharaj.
An IFC statement said the forum will also include near-sourcing, the flip-side of outsourcing, where multinationals try to set up some of their processes close to home, such as a car-maker setting up in Mexico geographically close to the US market rather than say in China.
International firms including Sutherland, EXLS, Qualfon, Infosys and Genpact will learn first-hand of TTs competitive advantages, said Maharaj. Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley and AT&T are also confirmed guests, he said. They will meet local leaders in the finance, manufacturing and telecom sectors, plus Government officials.Young was keen about BPO as a form of economic diversification. Saying the financial services sector is TTs second largest sector after the energy sector, he pointed out that Scotia and Republic Banks have already shown the way forward by successfully operating offices of 500 people and 400 people respectively to do business process outsourcing in TT for the Caribbean region. Maharaj said that just one MOU with a major BPO player is anticipating the creation of 100 high-value jobs in TT.
Young said BPO can provide high-skilled jobs to TTs wellqualified graduates, and provide earnings from multinational companies whose payments will also help TT directly earn foreign exchange. We have highskilled people, really talented, effused Young, a retired head of Scotiabank TT. He revealed that at present in TT are some 4,000 students studying for ACCA qualifications, who will be ideal candidates for jobs in the BPO sector. Maharaj said TT overall has 70,000 persons now enrolled in tertiary education, who will eventually be seeking jobs. He also noted that BPO is expected to bring higher-end jobs, in areas such as finance, accounting and data analytics. We are hoping through our initiative that we can in fact create at least 3,000 highpaying jobs in the next five years, said Maharaj.
Young added that such a batch of jobs could earn TT some $1.5 billion in foreign exchange.
Asked of any need for State incentives to lure foreign BPO firms to set up in TT, Maharaj said the Freezone (Amendment) Bill 2013 gave significant incentives including an exemption from corporation tax.
Young shared his own experience with Scotias BPO. Tax was not a major player. It really was about the infrastructure in TT, the talent-pool and the proximity.
A lot of outsourcing is done in India but you could imagine the time-zone. We are in Americas time-zone and that is also a positive. Young expounded on the ideals of a BPO zone.
The idea is that when you bring a lot of people together to do processing or transactions, they develop a certain amount of expertise in doing it, such as if you are reconciling accounts, because this is about finance and accounting. You become really good at it. You develop centres of excellence. Thats what its all about. So we have these people doing this kind of stuff, using the technology (at RBC). We have the time zone, the economy and the stability of the country, all of that AT Kearney would have looked at. Young said BPO firms setting up in TT would face cheaper labour costs, paying for each worker about Canadian $25,000 per month in TT, compared to Canadian $40,000 in Canada.
Regarding labour stability, Young said BPO firms will not be interacting with the TT economy, but operating in isolation in an offshore free-zone environment.
Newsday asked how the BPO initiative fits in to the IFCs other roles? Young replied, Fundamentally the IFCs mandate is really about creating a financial centre here in POS - to attract people offering financial services such as banks - and then it was all about creating a capital market environment where people will come here and raise capital, not necessarily from the Caribbean source. You can think about it as a Dubai. He said the IFC has spent some time to pull together all relevant legislation and policy, for review by the Government. If you study the Dubai Model, they are kind of separate to the Dubai Economy.
We now have all of that drafted and have to revisit it with the current administration to confirm that this is the way to go. Maharaj added that a suite of laws is expected to create a special economic zone to attract BPO firms by improving their ease of doing business in TT, using a model similar to the Dubai Model, if not exactly the same.
Maharaj added that the IFCs role is largely to hold hands with foreign firms setting up in TT to ensure operations start on time. He said BPO practices are expected to converge in time and will be offered to foreign firms setting up in the IFC.
Young said the IFC is crafting a whole environment facilitative of BPO, including getting the local workforce ready for employment in a service-oriented industry, including him recently meeting the On the Job Training (OJT) head.
For whom the bell tolls?
Last Sunday, the union, which represents workers at the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) claimed that as many as 600 jobs could be lost if the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) allows CWC and its new owner Liberty Global to operate in this jurisdiction and has renewed calls for the authority to re-think its decision.
The union said it hopes to forestall the possibility of another Arcelor Mittal. The steel giant pulled out of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) earlier this year causing the loss of several hundred jobs, with many employees, some with as much as 30 years service going away without retrenchment benefits or pensions.
But does the union protest too much? Is local job loss the natural corollary of these acquisitions? According to Liberty Global when it announced the closure of the CWC deal, when combined Liberty Globals Latin American entity LiLAC and CWC will have a customer base of 10,049,200, reach into broadband, telephony and mobile markets across 20 countries and have 10,900 employees.
The comment threads below several online versions of the story are instructive, as many readers seem to think foreign intervention in the market may actually improve service, while union protection has only enabled low worker productivity and poor work ethic. However, Joseph Remy, the unions president, laid down solid figures to support his claim.
Speaking with Business Day, Remy said industry union leaders from across the region met for a conference last month in TT.
All the experiences shared were against the backdrop that there would have been heavy job losses. This was strictly a case of what was already experienced. Over the last eight to nine months, in Jamaica, 200 jobs have been lost with the Cable and Wireless merger. In the Bahamas, the company there had a staffing level of around 2,600. Right now, the latest reports suggest that employment is hovering around 600. That would have been almost 2,000 jobs. In St Lucia, in Belize, in many countries where Cable and Wireless has a footprint, there have been job losses. He pointed out that Antiguas Industrial Court has ruled against CWC, preventing the company from retrenching workers there. The CWU president said retrenchments would be carried out on the basis that mergers would make workers redundant. Given the weakness of this countrys Severance Act in protecting workers after they have been let go, Remy wants to see the TATT put appropriate provisions in place before CWC/Liberty begins operating in this market, since it would be more difficult to regulate them afterwards based on current provisions in the Telecommunications Act.
Perhaps the unions apprehension is justified. On June 6, the Seychelles News Agency reported that the government there fears the Seychelles market will be deemed low priority following the US$7.4 billion sale of CWC. Seychelles Minister of Finance, Trade and Blue Economy, Jean Paul Adams said, The government feels that local customers should be protected and that is why we have set out conditions, although the acquisition is fait accompli. The story continued: Specifically, the Seychelles government is asking Liberty Global to maintain investment levels in infrastructure at C&W Seychelles, with Adam stressing the commercial and national strategic importance of such an investment, to ensure consumers are provided with affordable and accessible telecommunications and Internet options. The minister added that because Seychelles is a small market with few telecoms companies it was important that the acquisition does not destabilise the market.
The government has also asked Liberty Global to settle appropriate compensation and benefits to all C&W Seychelles staff members in accordance with the law.
Furthermore, the government has requested that Liberty Global make 30 percent of C&W Seychelles available for local investors through the local stock exchange. Adam said this would allow continued local participation in a strategic sector and ensure that profits are not solely repatriated overseas.
The report ended saying that Liberty Global was being given a deadline of June 15 to respond to the governments offer.
Disquiet over the deal, therefore, is not just a regional phenomenon. The region has been formulating its own response.
Last week, Caricoms Competition Commission announced it was launching its own investigation into the purchase after monitoring the situation since early last year. It expects to complete its report in the next 120 days.
Business Day approached TATT for a response on how it intends to treat with the CWC/Liberty Global issue and whether it too, plans to ask for similar concessions and worker protection from the foreign entity. Sherry McMillan, TATTs executive officer, Communication and Information services said, All of the matters are receiving the attention of the authority and it was not in a position to respond at this time.